Istanbul (AFP) - Thousands rallied in Istanbul in support of women's rights on Friday after a controversial sex bill affecting underage girls was thrown out by a parliamentary committee this week. At least two thousand people gathered in Turkey's biggest city on the international day for stopping violence against women, AFP correspondents at the scene reported. "We are resisting" and "with resistance we are winning," the crowd chanted, holding placards denouncing "the male-dominated state". A Turkish group against femicide posted on its website that from 2012 to the present, 1,160 women had been killed in Turkey including 223 so far this year. Earlier this week, the government withdrew a bill from parliament that would have allowed the release from jail of men convicted of sexually assaulting underage girls if they marry their victims. Critics had said the bill would legitimise the rape of minors, while the proposals united a usually fractured opposition against it. Umran Ozdemir at the protest in Istanbul said that women joined together against the bill and forced the government to "take a step back". Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag and other government officials had rejected critics' claims that it would have legalised child rape. They insisted it was aimed at helping thousands of families where the father had been jailed for sexual assault after his underage partner became pregnant. During the protest in Istanbul's famous Istiklal Avenue, women also used the Turkish hashtag #herHALdedireniyoruz on Twitter and on placards, meaning "we resist in every situation". But it is also a play on the Turkish word "OHAL", which refers to a phrase that means state of emergency. It is a reference to the emergency imposed since the July 15 failed coup and extended last month, which activists claim has gone beyond its remit of dealing with the fallout of the coup bid and is penalising government opponents. - By Cristiano Bellavitis, Ph.D. An important referendum will take place in Italy on Dec. 4. Italian citizens will vote on a proposal for constitutional reform. The main changes are a limitation to the Senate's powers, a downsize of the number of senators from 315 to 100, a reorganization of the state's powers and the abolition of the provinces' institutional economic savings. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is promoting these reforms. Unfortunately, this referendum has become a political show more than an opportunity for change and improvement. The current government is in favor of a YES (accept the proposed changes) while the opposition, led by the 5 Star movement, supports a NO (keep things as they are). Therefore, if YES wins, the current political majority will be reinforced. If NO prevails, the opposition will start calling for new elections. And here the problems start. Despite the outcome of the referendum, not much will change in the economy. However, stock markets will probably react to a NO outcome. If NO wins, it will be interpreted as an additional anti-establishment and anti-euro choice, a risk that Italy will leave the European Union within a few years and the EU will collapse farther along the line. Consequences Numerous news outlets argue that a NO could break the EU. For example, CNBC contends that the referendum is a bigger risk than a Donald Trump election. The Forbes article continues: "If the 'no' vote wins, Renzi has promised to resign. This would throw Italy into a political crisis. Then there would be a real potential to elect parties that would call for a vote on whether to stay in the European Union. And at this point, it is not clear what the Italians would decide to do. A 'no' vote would be the death knell of the Euro." Again, there is little discussion on the economic consequences of the referendum and more on market sentiment and potential reactions. A NO vote is the most likely outcome. Bloomberg claims that the "referendum is heading for defeat in Italy." Story continues (Source: Wikiwan. Translation: SI=YES, Indecisi=Undecided) Asset classes If NO wins, markets will react negatively. A few international asset classes will be affected: Bonds: Negative for Italian bonds. Italian bonds will be sold as an obvious consequence of the referendum. Other EU countries such as Portugal, Greece and Spain might also be under fire. It might be positive for "safer" bonds such as the German. Equities: Negative. Especially European stocks. Financials will be in trouble. Banks in Italy will see large declines. Weak banks such MontePaschi or Deutsche will experience double-digit losses. Other markets such as Spain, Greece and Portugal will be affected. U.S. markets probably will not see large declines but might not be immune. Currencies: Negative for the euro, positive for the Japanese yen, Swiss franc and U.S. dollar. The currency of the EU will be under pressure while "safe" currencies such as the yen, the franc and the dollar might go up. Gold: Positive. The perceived safety of gold, as well as its protection against inflation, will attract investors. Market turmoil will also make future rate hikes less likely. A few suggestions An investor might go long the asset classes that are likely to appreciate in case of a NO in the referendum. As mentioned above good bets might be the franc or the yen. In addition, a conservative investor might want to purchase insurance, through PUT options, for example. Currently, assets are not priced for the worst. This approach is in line with what happened with Brexit or Trump. Considering that it looks likely that this will happen, I have the feeling that markets are not paying enough attention. Finally, if NO will prevail, equities will be sold off and might offer interesting entry points. There are numerous high quality stocks that can be considered at discounted prices. Italian and German corporations are generally oriented toward exports and will benefit from a weak currency, and won't be affected very much by European problems. Small and Medium Cap firms might experience price declines in the range of 20% within a week post referendum. Based on our previous research we like the following companies: In the U.K.: easyJet (ESYJY), Pets at Home (PETS.L). In Italy: Exor (EXO.MI), Ferrari (RACE), Salvatore Ferragamo (SFER.MI), Brunello Cucinelli (BC.MI), Technogym (TGYM.MI), Brembo (BRE.MI). In Germany: Hugo Boss (XTER:BOSS), Bertrandt (XTER:BDT), Siemens (XTER:SIE). These are just a few high-quality companies to keep on the watch list. The Italian referendum might be a negative surprise. Currently, markets don't seem to pay much attention, as happened with Brexit. If the proposed changes are rejected by the Italian people, it is probable that markets will go into negative territory and offer interesting opportunities, especially in European equities. Disclosure: We are long easyJet, Pets at Home, Hugo Boss and Bertrandt and might initiate positions in the other stocks mentioned in the article. Start a free seven-day trial of Premium Membership to GuruFocus. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Ouagadougou (AFP) - Ivory Coast on Friday extradited three soldiers arrested on suspicion of being at the centre of the 2015 coup attempt in Burkina Faso back to their homeland, the Burkinabe interior minister said. The three were former members of the presidential guard of ex-leader Blaise Compaore who was forced to step down from power in 2014 following a popular revolt. "Those arrested are what we call the 'hard core' of the attempted putsch," the minister Simon Compaore -- no relation to the ex-president -- told journalists. He said the arrests would help speed up the investigation into the failed coup as well as another thwarted coup plot this October. He also thanked the Ivorian authorities even as relations between the neighbouring west African countries have been strained as former president Compaore has been living in exile in Abidjan since his ouster. On September 16 last year, soldiers of the elite presidential guard stormed a cabinet meeting and took hostage the government and the country's transition president Michel Kafando and proclaimed a coup d'etat. But loyalist members of the army put an end to the putsch a week later. The minister said the three soldiers arrested for allegedly taking part in the coup were Roger Koussoube, Mohamed Zerbo and Wekouri Kosse. The former deputy chief of the presidential guard Moussa Nebie, known as "Rambo", and two other Burkinabe nationals who had sought refuge in Ivory Coast were sent back to Ouagadougou in February. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 25, 2016 / Jaguar Financial Corporation (JFC.V) (the "Company") has agreed with its CEO Vic Alboini to terminate the Company's severance obligation of $593,374 and the CEO's $200,000 annual salary which would have resulted in a salary payment of $800,000 over an estimated four year period. In return for a relinquishment of approximately $1,393,374 in severance and salary, the Company has made a payment of $450,000 to the CEO's management services company or 32.3% of the $1,393,374 that would otherwise have been payable. Mr. Alboini, who is the largest shareholder of the Company, continues as CEO of Jaguar, without any salary. 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. About Jaguar Financial Corporation Jaguar is a Canadian merchant bank that generally invests in undervalued, overlooked and underappreciated public companies where Jaguar determines that one or more changes could be made to create shareholder value. For additional information on this press release, please contact: Vic Alboini, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Jaguar Financial Corporation 416-483-3760 SOURCE: Jaguar Financial Corporation LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's biggest carmarker Jaguar Land Rover said it wants to build electric cars in Britain in what would be a further boost to the UK automotive sector after the Brexit vote. The Indian-owned carmaker built just under a third of Britain's 1.6 million cars last year and showcased its first electric car earlier this month, which will be built in Austria. But Chief Executive Ralf Speth suggested that the Indian-owned automaker, which operates three car plants in central and northern England, could bring further production to Britain. "We want to build our EVs (electric vehicles) in the West Midlands, in the home of our design and engineering," Speth told an industry meeting on Thursday evening according to a spokeswoman. Speth told Reuters in September it made sense to build electric batteries and cars in its home market if the conditions, including pilot testing and support from science, were right. Britain announced an extra 390 million pounds ($485 million) of funding to support autonomous and green technologies earlier this week, following on from a raft of proposals designed to promote the country as a hub for innovation over recent years. Jaguar Land Rover said it would not comment on when electric cars would be built in Britain or on potential job creation. Any new production would be seen as a further boost to the automotive sector after Japanese carmaker Nissan said it would build two new models at the country's biggest car plant following a promise of government support. After Nissan sought a promise of compensation in the event of Brexit-imposed costs to its car production, Speth told Reuters that his firm wanted "fair treatment" and a "level playing field" from the government. Jaguar Land Rover wants half its cars to be available in an electric version by the end of the decade, after showcasing its first electric car at the Los Angeles Auto Show earlier this month. (Reporting by Costas Pitas; editing by Stephen Addison) (Adds details, background, quotes) LONDON, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Britain's biggest carmarker Jaguar Land Rover said it wants to build electric cars in Britain in what would be a further boost to the UK automotive sector after the Brexit vote. The Indian-owned carmaker built just under a third of Britain's 1.6 million cars last year and showcased its first electric car earlier this month, which will be built in Austria. But Chief Executive Ralf Speth suggested that the Indian-owned automaker, which operates three car plants in central and northern England, could bring further production to Britain. "We want to build our EVs (electric vehicles) in the West Midlands, in the home of our design and engineering," Speth told an industry meeting on Thursday evening according to a spokeswoman. Speth told Reuters in September it made sense to build electric batteries and cars in its home market if the conditions, including pilot testing and support from science, were right. Britain announced an extra 390 million pounds ($485 million) of funding to support autonomous and green technologies earlier this week, following on from a raft of proposals designed to promote the country as a hub for innovation over recent years. Jaguar Land Rover said it would not comment on when electric cars would be built in Britain or on potential job creation. Any new production would be seen as a further boost to the automotive sector after Japanese carmaker Nissan said it would build two new models at the country's biggest car plant following a promise of government support. After Nissan sought a promise of compensation in the event of Brexit-imposed costs to its car production, Speth told Reuters that his firm wanted "fair treatment" and a "level playing field" from the government. Jaguar Land Rover wants half its cars to be available in an electric version by the end of the decade, after showcasing its first electric car at the Los Angeles Auto Show earlier this month. (Reporting by Costas Pitas; editing by Stephen Addison) Japan's Defense Minister Tomomi Inada said Friday that the country is considering introducing a U.S. anti-ballistic missile shield that could help strengthen the country's defense capabilities. Japan, which faces a growing threat from North Korea, currently has a two-layer ballistic missile defense system. We are investigating future systems for intercepting missiles, Inada told reporters in Tokyo. The government does not have a concrete plan to introduce the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in the country, but the government and military officials are considering what can be done, Inada said. Local newspaper Yomiuri reported Thursday that the government will set up a panel to consider the issue of introducing THAAD, a move that would cost hundreds of billions of yen. Inada will reportedly visit Guam next month to inspect the technology at a U.S. base. Japan's current two-layer ballistic missile defense system includes ship-based SM-3 interceptors that target missiles in space and land-based PAC-3 batteries that aim to intercept them as they near the ground. THAAD, which is manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corp., is capable of intercepting missiles in or outside the Earths atmosphere. Amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and North Korea over the latters nuclear capabilities, the U.S. and South Korea agreed to install THAAD in the Korean Peninsula. China has condemned South Koreas move to introduce THAAD. The deployment doesnt help achieve the objective of denuclearization in the peninsula, doesnt benefit maintaining peace and stability in the peninsula, Chinas foreign ministry said in a statement in July. Its going toward the opposite direction of solving the problem via dialogue and negotiation. Previously, Russia had expressed concern over the missile systems deployment, saying in April, that the installation will create a threat to its security. Related Articles By Kentaro Hamada TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan plans to build the world's fastest-known supercomputer in a bid to arm the country's manufacturers with a platform for research that could help them develop and improve driverless cars, robotics and medical diagnostics. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will spend 19.5 billion yen ($173 million) on the previously unreported project, a budget breakdown shows, as part of a government policy to get back Japan's mojo in the world of technology. The country has lost its edge in many electronic fields amid intensifying competition from South Korea and China, home to the world's current best-performing machine. In a move that is expected to vault Japan to the top of the supercomputing heap, its engineers will be tasked with building a machine that can make 130 quadrillion calculations per second - or 130 petaflops in scientific parlance - as early as next year, sources involved in the project told Reuters. At that speed, Japan's computer would be ahead of China's Sunway Taihulight that is capable of 93 petaflops. "As far as we know, there is nothing out there that is as fast," said Satoshi Sekiguchi, a director general at Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, where the computer will be built. The push to return to the vanguard comes at a time of growing nostalgia for the heyday of Japan's technological prowess, which has dwindled since China overtook it as the world's second-biggest economy. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called for companies, bureaucrats and the political class to work more closely together so Japan can win in robotics, batteries, renewable energy and other new and growing markets. DEEP LEARNING In the area of supercomputing, Japan's aim is to use ultra-fast calculations to accelerate advances in artificial intelligence (AI), such as "deep learning" technology that works off algorithms which mimic the human brain's neural pathways, to help computers perform new tasks and analyze scores of data. Story continues Recent achievements in this area have come from Google's DeepMind AI program, AlphaGo, which in March beat South Korean professional Lee Seedol in the ancient board game of Go. Applications include helping companies improve driverless vehicles by allowing them to analyze huge troves of visual traffic data, or it could help factories improve automation. China uses the Sunway Taihulight for weather forecasting, pharmaceutical research, industrial design, among other things. Japan's new supercomputer could help tap medical records to develop new services and applications, Sekiguchi said. The supercomputer will be made available for a fee to Japan's corporations, who now outsource data crunching to foreign firms such as Google and Microsoft, Sekiguchi and others involved in the project said. The new computer has been dubbed ABCI, an acronym for AI Bridging Cloud Infrastructure. Bidding for the project has begun and will close on Dec. 8. Fujitsu Ltd, the builder of the fastest Japanese supercomputer to date - the Oakforest-PACS, capable of 13.6 petaflops, declined to say if it would bid for the project. The company has, however, said it is keen to be involved in supercomputer development. (Writing by Tim Kelly, Edited by Malcolm Foster and Himani Sarkar) - By Tuomo Saarnio Net-Nets from Japan are not a new discovery. When Western markets, and especially U.S. markets, have risen continually in recent years, the number of net-net stocks has decreased steadily. So the devotees of this investing strategy have had to turn their attention elsewhere. When you are looking for investing abroad probably first you ask, is the market or company safe? Can you trust the numbers and accounting? Are company management and owners honest and sincere? In this case Japan - although business and other culture is different - is quite a close to Western standards. Already James Montier mentioned in his great book, "Value Investing: Tools and Techniques for Intelligent Investing" from 2009, that over half of globally found net-nets were in Japan. This clearly suggest that Japanese stocks are one of the best sources of bottom-up value ideas available. Montier also published a study of net-nets on a global basis. Testing the strategy from 1985-2007, buying an equally weighted global basket of net-nets would have generated a return of over 35% per year versus overall market return of 17%. Maybe best time to invest in Japan was during 2011 or early 2012 after the earthquake disaster. At the time already cheap the Japanese market got even cheaper. There were lot of net-nets, and the quality was much better than perhaps anywhere else. Japanese stocks were a once-in-a-lifetime bargain just like many U.S. stocks after the financial crisis in early 2009. Are Japanese net-nets actual anymore? If you do a screen for net-nets globally today, the Japanese stock market still boasts the greatest number of net-nets, followed by Hong Kong. As a whole Japan's market is still very cheap. And what is the most interesting thing is you are able to find cheap and quality together. Story continues Japan markets and economy overall Japan is the world's third-largest single economy and the Tokyo Stock Exchange is the fourth-largest stock exchange in the world. However, after the economic bubble and the Tokyo Stock Exchange crash in 1990-92, growth in Japan throughout the following two decades was slower than growth in other major developed economies - the "lost decade" has followed another. Japan has pumped vast amounts of money into its struggling economy in recent years to try to spur growth and combat falling prices. But the efforts are failing to produce their desired results. Japan is a country where democracy prevails and where the rule of law is in place. The country's business culture is admittedly different and in many ways unpleasant. It's difficult to find particularly shareholder-friendly management. They have business relationships based more on tradition than profit. Companies are not so efficient. Japanese companies were not always run for profits only. And Japanese stocks deserve to trade at lower price-book (P/B) and many other ratios than rest of the world. However, in recent times they are working to make a change. The government is pressuring companies to manifest at least a 5%, and maybe an 8%, return on equity and doing something with the surplus cash. After that also many companies are actually setting return on equity targets. So, the business situation in Japan - over the last two decades - has been much worse than it ever was in the U.S. (except the Great Depression) or many other Western countries. It's difficult to find developed markets that experienced a long-term slowdown as bad as Japan has experienced these last 20 years. Because of that many investors feel over inaccessible hard to make money there and completely avoid Japanese market. It's worth noting that an intelligent investor has always been contrary to popular investing opinion. As Sir John Templeton once said, "Successful investing is not an easy job. It requires an open mind, continuous study and critical judgment." Some hurdles to invest in Japan There are some challenges to invest in Japan - a t least if you are not Japanese or live there and speak the language. One of the biggest reasons foreign investors avoid Japan is the seemingly insurmountable language barrier. There's a lack of English language financial information. Not very many Japanese companies report in English - at least not to the same extent as in Japanese. This is especially true for small Japanese companies where the best opportunities are. If you're intent on doing in-depth research on interesting small or microcap stocks, you're faced trying to navigate a mountain of Japanese language financial reports. You will get the financials, but that's all. Maybe you can turn the language barrier to your advantage. Without qualitative analysis you have to rely 100 % on hard numbers data. You are not so biased to your own analysis. In short, not relying upon qualitative analysis and strictly using quantitative analysis will take a significant amount of emotions out of the playing field. Then you should find the right broker to invest in Japan. The right choice will depend on where you live. You have to survey the situation in your home country. I have used Interactive Brokers. International trades are cheap, and they offer a good platform to work. I can highly recommend it. I have heard that other possibilities could be Fidelity, PennTrade or Schwab. But everyone should check out their domestic options. Then there's a minimum lot size. Many Japanese stocks have had minimum lots of 1,000 shares. It can be a big problem for small investors. Japanese stocks often have share prices exceeding 1,000 yen ($8.85), meaning the least you can spend is 1 million yen or almost 8,000 euros or $9,000. That's far too large for many small investors - especially if you are considering purchasing a wide basket of Japanese net-nets. The good news is that many companies are moving to reduce minimum lots to 100 shares and doing stock splits. It is very welcome and shareholder-friendly move. Obviously there is also currency risk. You will need to convert your home currency - such as dollars, euros or what ever is your home currency - into Japanese yen to buy these stocks. Almost all of these stocks are only available for purchase in Japan using Japanese yen. Someone may want to hedge currency, but personally I don't have a view one way or another on currencies. I invest for several different foreign markets, and changes in the value of currencies offset each other over the long term. I do not want to speculate on currencies. Last minor point is Japan's stock market trading hours which are different from U.S. or European trading hours. If you want to use real-time international quotes of Tokyo's equity market to make an exact limit order to trade during the trading hours of the local Japan equity market you have to make a little shift of your day and night in your local time zone. Special features of Japanese net-nets Because of the different business and investing culture of Japan there are some special features investing in Japanese net-nets. Many net-nets in Japan are high quality, their earnings quality is pretty good, and balance sheets are strong without interest bearing debt. Because many Japanese net-nets are profitable they also seem to pay appropriate dividends. Also current asset composition is often very favorable, a lot of cash plus short-term investments and accounts receivables combined with little inventory. Having much cash you're going to eliminate all risks of insolvency. After all the positive things there is also the other side of the coin. It's typical for Japanese net-nets to take a long time to get to appropriate valuation levels. Some of those companies deserve to remain net-nets forever. You can find lot of companies without growth or business dynamic. Japanese net-nets are extremely unlikely to be made profitable investments through activism. Forget about shareholder activism in Japan. You can encounter also corporate governance issues like poison pill or not so shareholder-friendly dominant shareholder. So what is the secret of successful investing in Japanese net-nets? You should consider following points: 1. Market cap From Japan you can find big companies trading below net current asset value. Try to avoid them. Back tests of net-net strategies around the world generally show that smaller net-nets outperform larger ones. Same apply in Japan. Ideal range in size of a market cap could be from 30 million euros to about 150 million euros. 2. Growth Japanese companies usually have much lower sales growth than U.S. companies generally. It is usually better to buy a growing company because profitable growth is the best catalyst you can get. Look at =stable and strong profit margins. They tell you something about a company's pricing power. 3. Earnings and profitability Several years of positive net income and profitability provide a reliable business base. Yes, from Japan you can find this kind of net-net. Secondly, try to get net-nets with relatively stable cash flow and in areas of business that are inherently stable. Then look at increasing earnings, current assets and dividends. Share buybacks are very positive signs. Honestly, it's uncommon to get all these merits at once. You have to always compare quality and price. 4. Valuation We are looking for companies trading below their net current asset value. To buy stocks trading at two-thirds of NCAV can give us an appropriate margin of safety. Always just better if you can find stocks priced under their net-net working capital. Because many Japanese net-nets are profitable you can also value them earnings based. Use EV/EBIT before price-earnings (P/E) because many Japanese companies have large amounts of surplus cash on their balance sheets. Enterprise value adjusts it better. You should have a good chance to find many companies under 5.0 EV/EBIT valuation. Look at high earnings yield, high dividend yields and increasing retained earnings in cash. Still many companies have too much cash and their capital allocation is not the most efficient, but enough cash is good cushion against the downturn. 5. Debt From Japan you can find many net-nets without debt. So eliminating firms with a debt-equity ratio of over 25% should not be overwhelming but instead very wise and safe. 6. Selling If you purchase a wide basket of Japanese net-nets and keep them a couple of years you can be pretty sure that you will experience several takeovers. Of course it is not your own decision, but it can be very lucrative in a short time period. There is no single right answer when you should sell your net-net. I have always advised investors to be patient and not to sell too early. It's always advisable to re-evaluate your holdings after the rise of the share price. Regarding Japanese net-nets my best advice is sell once the stock has reached its NCAV. When you get the price catalyst take advantage of it. In Japan valuation levels are much lower and nothing unusual is that after the rise of the price it will stay less than book value or even remain at the NCAV level. Proposals for net-net investing In this market situation Japan is still great place to look at net-nets. Because of large selection and the exceptional combination of good quality and cheapness it could be the best country for your net-net discovery. Following some net-net candidates (these analyses were made Nov. 9): OTEC Corp. (TSE:1736) OTEC is an electrical engineering company. The company designs, constructs, and maintains automatic air-conditioning control systems in office buildings. Market cap: 4.69 billion yen. Price: 911 yen (net cash -684, net-net working capital -195, net current asset 1323). Price/NCAV: 68%. Growing revenue, earnings and dividends. Debt to equity: 0.14 (has been higher!) EV/EBIT: 0.2. Traiding lot: 100. Website: http://www.o-tec.co.jp/. Charle (TSE:9885) Charle Co. Ltd. sells cosmetics, clothing and mainly the ladies' innerwear. Market cap: 8.78 billion yen. Price: 458 yen (NC 552, NNWC 660, NCAV 789). Price/NCAV: 58%. No growth in revenue, stable earnings and dividends. Debt to equity: No debt. EV/EBIT: -3.5. Traiding lot: 100. Website: http://www.charle.co.jp/. Original Engineering Consultants (TSE:4642) Original Engineering Consultants Co. Ltd. is engaged in advanced design-assistance and data-processing technologies. Market cap: 2.52 billion yen. Price: 377 yen (NC 474, NNWC 529, NCAV 574). Price/NCAV: 65%. Growing revenue, earnings and dividends. Debt to equity: 0.01. EV/EBIT: -3.6. Traiding lot: 100. Website: http://www.oec-solution.co.jp/ (also in English). Tiemco Ltd. (TSE:7501) Tiemco plans, develops, imports, exports, manufactures and sells fishing tackle and outdoor products. Market cap: 1.22 billion yen. Price: 492 yen (NC 455, NNWC 771, NCAV 1339). Price/NCAV: 36%. Slow growth, some (temporary?) earnings problems and stable dividends. Debt to equity: No debt. EV/EBIT: 0.6. Traiding lot: 100. Website: http://www.tiemco.co.jp/ (also in English). Yotai Refractories Co. Ltd. (TSE:5357) Yotai Refractories manufactures and sells fire bricks, monolithic refractories and ceramics in Japan. The company is also engaged in the engineering and construction of various furnaces. Market cap: 6.82 billion yen. Price: 310 yen (NC -110, NNWC -12, NCAV 541). Price/NCAV: 57%. No growth in revenue, very stable earnings and dividends. Debt to equity: No debt. EV/EBIT: 2.4. Traiding lot: 1,000. Website: http://www.yotai.co.jp/ (also in English). Daiken Co. Ltd. (TSE:5900) Daiken manufactures and sells metal and material parts for building construction and exterior products. Market cap: 3.58 billion yen. Price: 609 yen (NC 200, NNWC 512, NCAV 1027). Price/NCAV: 59%. Slow growth, stable earnings and dividends. Debt to equity: 0.02. EV/EBIT: 0.1. Traiding lot: 100. Website: http://www.daiken.ne.jp/ (also shortly in English). Nansin Co. Ltd. (TSE:7399) Nansin along with its subsidiaries manufactures and sells casters and related products. Its products include logistic equipment, caster screws and wheels. Market cap: 3.21 billion yen. Price: 419 yen (NC -87, NNWC 45, NCAV 550). Price/NCAV: 76%. Slow growth, stable earnings and dividends. Debt to equity: 0.05. EV/EBIT: 0.8. Traiding lot: 1,000. Website: http://www.nansin.co.jp/. Taiyo Kisokogyo Co. Ltd. (TSE:1758) Taiyo Kisokogyo is engaged in civil engineering work, stonecutter construction, pavement construction and steel structures construction. Market cap: 2.42 billion yen. Price: 689 yen (NC 309, NNWC 637, NCAV 978). Price/NCAV: 70%. No growth in revenue, stable earnings and dividends. Also stock buybacks. Debt to equity: -0.5. EV/EBIT: 0.11. Traiding lot: 1,000. Website: http://www.taiyoukiso.co.jp/. Terasaki Electric Co. Ltd. (TSE:6637) Terasaki Electric is engaged in the manufacturing and sale of marine and industrial systems as well as circuit breakers. Market cap: 9.77 billion yen. Price: 750 yen (NC -562, NNWC -283, NCAV 1013). Price/NCAV: 74%. Growing revenue, earnings and dividends. Debt to equity: 0.18. EV/EBIT: 1.6. Traiding lot: 100. Website: http://www.terasaki.co.jp/ (also in English). Kawaden Corp. (TSE:6648) Kawaden designs, manufactures and markets industrial power control equipment. Its products include switchboards, load centers, distribution panels, control panels and monitoring systems. Market cap: 6.55 billion yen. Price: 2,045 yen (NC 600, NNWC 846, NCAV 2374). Price/NCAV: 86%. Growing revenue, earnings and dividends. Company's ROE is 15 %. Debt to equity: 0.08. EV/EBIT: 0.1. Traiding lot: 100. Website: http://www.kawaden.co.jp/. Nadex Co. Ltd. (TSE:7435) Nadex is engaged in manufacturing, sale and marketing of bonding material and installation work. Market cap: 4.58 billion yen. Price: 492 yen (NC -833, NNWC -680, NCAV 695). Price/NCAV: 70%. Growing revenue, stable earnings and dividends. Debt to equity: 0.08. EV/EBIT: 1.7. Traiding lot: 100. Website: http://www.nadex.co.jp/ (also in English). Toba Inc. (TSE:7472) Toba imports, exports and sells control machinery, industrial robots, measuring and instrumentation devices, electronic machinery and chemicals, among others. Market cap: 8.83 billion yen. Price: 2,048 yen (NC 447, NNWC 458, NCAV 2468). Price/NCAV: 82%. Growing revenue, earnings and dividends. Also stock buybacks. Debt to equity: No debt. EV/EBIT: 1.1. Traiding lot: 100. Website: http://www.toba.co.jp/ (also shortly in English). Yonkyu Co. Ltd. (TSE:9955) Yonkyu is engaged in the selling of fresh fish, bait and feed sales, production and sale of fry for aquaculture. Market cap: 12.91 billion yen. Price: 1,120 yen (NC 574, NNWC 670, NCAV 1427). Price/NCAV: 78%. Slow growth, stable earnings and growing dividends. Debt to Equity: 0.08 . EV/EBIT: 1.3. Traiding lot: 100. Website: http://www.yonkyu.co.jp/ (also shortly in English). Disclosure: The author has a position in Original Engineering Consultants. Start a free seven-day trial of Premium Membership to GuruFocus. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Former Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein has raised nearly $5 million to fund efforts to push for a recount in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. This has led to speculation over what Stein hopes to gain from a potential recount or if she is being used by billionaire investor George Soros or Bill and Hillary Clinton. Stacy on the Right Show Host Stacy Washington weighed in on the potential factors driving the push for a recount. I saw something interesting this morning on The Hill by writer Mary Chastain and she talked about the big deal with Donald Trump saying that he wouldnt go forward with prosecution on Hillary emails, Hillary Clintons email scandal, Washington told the FOX Business Networks Charles Payne. Washington suggests that Trumps forgiveness of Hillary Clinton shifts her out of the spotlight she desires. I thought it was interesting, she [Mary Chastain] points out that the thing that the Clintons crave the most is power and to continue to have influence in Washington, D.C. And by forgiving her he would take away that spotlight. Washington explained that this has led to the speculation that Steins push for a recount is actually part of a plot by the Clintons to contest the election results without having their names associated with it. This connects to Jill Stein in that Ive seen a lot of discussion online about people really suspecting what you just said, that this is really a ploy by the Clintons to get the recount done without having their name attached to it. According to Washington, the election results should be put to rest so America could look to the future. I find it hard to believe that Jill Stein would be used in that way. But I think its unfortunate because its time to move on, were in the transition and President-elect Donald Trump will be seated and inaugurated in January of 2017 and thats what we need to be looking towards. Related Articles Dylann Roofs competency evaluation has been completed, and on Friday, a judge ruled he is competent to stand trial, according to court documents obtained by CNN. U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel said that Roof is competent, but failed to disclose his reasons for this decision. Gergel wrote that revealing his reasoning could jeopardize Roofs right to select a fair and impartial jury and to a fair trial. Roof, 22, has been accused of fatally shooting nine people in June 2015, when he allegedly opened fire on a bible study group at a Charleston, South Carolina, church. He allegedly sat alongside his victims for about one hour inside the Emanuel AME Church before opening fire on the parishioners, according to authorities. Earlier this month, Gergel postponed the jury selection for Roofs death penalty trial, saying Roof need a competency evaluation. An issue has arisen concerning the Defendants competency to stand trial, Gergel wrote in a court order filed on Nov. 8. Federal law requires the Court to order a competency evaluation of Defendant and to conduct a hearing on the matter. 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. Roofs competency hearing was scheduled for Nov. 16, but the hearing took place from Nov. 21-22. and the ruling was signed on Nov. 25. included the live testimony of and four other witnesses and the testimony by sworn affidavits of three additional persons, Gergel wrote. Roof, an alleged white supremacist, has been charged with 33 federal counts, including several hate crimes, and awaits his November trial. He has pleaded not guilty. Previously, he agreed to plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence instead of the death penalty, but prosecutors denied the request. His lawyers challenged the death penalty, calling it unconstitutional, but a judge denied the challenge, according to court records. Gergel said jury selection is set to begin on Nov. 25. NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenyan ride-hailing app Little, which is backed by telecoms operator Safaricom, is considering expansion into Nigeria or Uganda in the first quarter of 2017, the chief executive of its parent firm said. Little was launched by Safaricom and Nairobi software firm Craft Silicon in July to compete with Uber. "We plan to go by the first quarter of next year. Most probably it will be either Nigeria or Uganda. We are thinking of one of the two countries," Kamal Budhabhatti, chief executive of Craft Silicon, told Reuters. He said the service was growing, with customers booking more rides, but that the service was still not making money. He did not provide numbers. The Business Daily newspaper reported on Friday that Little had cuts its prices to the lowest in the country. (Reporting by Duncan Miriri; editing by Jason Neely) Eleven members of the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, have been arrested near Lebanons border with Syria, the Lebanese army said Friday. The terrorist group has claimed several blasts in the country in the past two years, killing several people. The ISIS fighters were arrested following an operation by the army near the countrys border town of Arsal, the army said. An ISIS center was targeted in the operation and Ahmad Youssef Amoun the local commander of the extremist group, was captured and seriously injured, the Associated Press reported, citing the army. No security personnel were injured in the operation, the army said. Amoun, who was taken to a hospital in Beirut for emergency treatment, had carried out several blasts that rocked Lebanon recently, according to the army. He was reportedly involved in making car bombs that were used in attacks across the country, including the southern suburbs of Beirut. The army said that the commander was also behind attacks on army posts during conflict in the region in August 2014 when ISIS and al Qaedas Syrian affiliate Al Nusra Front occupied Arsal for a brief period. Last December, 16 Lebanese hostages held by Al Nusra were released following lengthy negotiations. However, ISIS is yet to release nine of 25 Lebanese hostages held during the Arsal fight in 2014. Related Articles Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f296868%2flindslohan LONDON American actress and apparent British politics enthusiast Lindsay Lohan was a vocal supporter of the Remain camp during the UK's EU referendum in June. She made her views known in a series of tweets that have since been deleted, but not before her opining captured the attention and the ire of the English village of Kettering. SEE ALSO: What is going on with Lindsay Lohan's bizarre accent? She mentioned the town specifically by name in a tweet: Um, sorry, but #LINDSAY how could you not know of Kettering, home to world's most unimaginative breakfast cereal? But that's neither here nor there. Calling the tweet "fierce and offensive," the Northamptonshire town's MP Philip Hollobone, a Leave campaigner, invited the Parent Trap starlet to turn on the town's Christmas lights to "redeem" her reputation. In response, Lohan tweeted this: @MPChrisGrayling and #philiphollobone Direct message me about your offer. Would be happy to light the Christmas tree in #Kettering Lindsay Lohan (@lindsaylohan) June 30, 2016 However, the BBC reports that a spokesman for Kettering Borough Council said the authority had attempted to reach the actress' management to verify her attendance, but never received confirmation. He went on to say, "They have not requested any detailed information about tonight's event so we have naturally come to the conclusion that she will not be coming." Lohan took to Twitter to squash any remaining hopes that she might swing by in this video featuring the Snapchat flower crown filter, because why not: Story continues Kettering wish I could be with you today sending all my . Happy holidays!! pic.twitter.com/a383OipE22 Lindsay Lohan (@lindsaylohan) November 24, 2016 In the clip, Lohan apologizes for not being able to make it, saying her busy schedule wouldn't allow her to attend. MP Hollobone has expressed disappointment. The BBC quotes him as saying, "I think that when you're an international celebrity who says you're going to do something then people expect you to do it. "I think most of us thought that she wouldn't actually come but I think there was a little bit of all of us that hoped she would." No amount of Snapchat filters can make this better, Lindsay. BONUS: Mean Girls Pop Quiz Serial killer Stephen Port will spend the rest of his life behind bars. The London citizen was convicted Wednesday of murdering four men he met through gay dating sites, multiple reports stated Friday. The 41-year-old chef had a sex fetish for boyish-looking men, the Guardian reported. He would drug them and have sex with their unconscious bodies. Among his victims were Jack Taylor, 25; Anthony Walgate, 23; Gabriel Kovari, 22; and Daniel Whitworth, 21. The murders happened between June 2014 and September 2015, the BBC reported Friday. The killer was also found guilty of sexually assault seven other victims who survived, CNN added. Port met his victims on gay dating sites like Grindr. He would then take the men back to his apartment in east London for sex. Their bodies were found less than a mile from his home. The judge, Justice Peter Openshaw, condemned Port's monstrous murders. I accept his intention was only to cause really serious harm rather than cause death but he must have known and foreseen there was a high risk of death, the more so after the death of Anthony Walgate, the first victim, he said. The murders were committed as part of a persistent course of conduct of the defendant surreptitiously drugging these young men so that he could penetrate them while they were unconscious, Openshaw continued. A significant degree of planning went into obtaining the drugs in advance and in luring the victims to his flat. The judge said the life sentence was justified: Having killed them by administering an overdose, he dragged them out into the street in one case, or took them to the churchyard in the other cases, and abandoned their bodies in a manner which robbed them of their dignity, and thereby greatly increased the distress of their loving families. Serial Killer Stephen Port Photo: Metropolitan Police Follow me on Twitter @mariamzzarella Related Articles Caracas (AFP) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday railed against a US court ruling that convicted two of his nephews for drug trafficking, calling it an "imperialist attack." The socialist leader also defended First Lady Cilia Flores as a "revolutionary" in his first public reaction to the guilty verdict handed down by a New York jury a week ago against two of her brothers' sons. The pair -- Efrain Antonio Campo Flores, 30, and Francisco Flores de Freitas, 31 -- were convicted of plotting to smuggle 800 kilos (1,760 pounds) of cocaine into the United States. But the Venezuelan government, which has testy relations with the United States, says they were framed. "Do you think this was a coincidence?" Maduro asked supporters at a rally in Caracas. "Do you think it was a coincidence that the imperialists fabricated a case whose sole objective was to attack the first lady, the first combattant, the president's wife?" His remarks drew cheers from the crowd, which included Flores, a former attorney general and speaker of the National Assembly. Maduro is fending off opposition attempts to force him from power over an economic crisis that has triggered food shortages, looting and riots. The leftist leader -- the political heir to the late Hugo Chavez -- calls the crisis a capitalist conspiracy backed by the United States. His nephews were arrested in Haiti in November and flown to New York by US Drug Enforcement Administration agents. Their lawyers argued the pair were not crafty enough to carry out the scheme and merely fell into a trap set by the DEA, in a covert operation in which $20 million was offered for the drugs. Prosecutors argued the men believed they were above the law as Maduro's relatives. Sentencing is set for March 7. The pair face 10 years to life in prison. Blantyre (Malawi) (AFP) - Malawi will hold public consultations to assess whether to reform colonial-era laws that ban homosexuality, the government said Friday. The southern African nation was the focus of controversy in 2010 when it jailed a gay couple for gross indecency after they held the country's first same-sex public "wedding". Then president Bingu wa Mutharika said the pair had committed a crime against Malawi's culture, religion and laws but later pardoned them on "humanitarian grounds" after a meeting with UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon. Legislation outlawing sodomy was suspended two years ago to await a government review in a country where many traditional Christian communities view homosexuality as sinful. President Peter Mutharika's government will hold "public enquiries... in order to seek the views of Malawians on the issue," Janet Banda, solicitor general and secretary for justice, said in a statement. The outcome of the consultation "should inform the government's position," she said. "The issue of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights is still an outstanding issue for Malawi, both at the local and international (level)." Malawi relies on international aid money, and its anti-gay laws have strained ties with donors. The country's small gay community keeps a low profile due to fears over anti-gay public sentiment and the law. The government has in the past urged homosexuals to come out to help the fight against AIDS, with nine percent of the adult population infected with HIV -- one of the highest rates in the world. Many African countries, with the exception of South Africa, have laws that ban or repress homosexuality. * Asset monetisation exercise long overdue: Group CEO * Q1 profit rises 37 pct on motors unit strength (Adds CEO comments on IPOs) By Liz Lee KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Malaysian conglomerate Sime Darby Berhad could list its plantation business - the world's largest palm oil planter by land size - as it looks to monetise assets, its chief executive said on Friday. The company said earlier this month it had explored potential asset listings and asset monetisation and that execution would depend on timing. Sime Darby's top shareholder, government-backed fund management company Permodalan Nasional Bhd, said on Thursday it was considering spin-offs or demergers of its strategic investments, local newspaper The Edge reported. "It is timely to get this moving, long overdue. We should have done this years ago," group CEO Mohd Bakke Salleh said on the firm's asset monetisation plans, in a press briefing following its first-quarter results. Asked which business Sime Darby wanted to list first, Bakke said: "immediately, the natural choice is the plantations business." "Maybe at a later stage, the property division," he said. Sime Darby has put its plans to list its motors division in the backburner as business sentiment for the automotive sector is bleak, Bakke said. Earlier on Friday, the conglomerate posted a 37 percent rise in first-quarter net profit as higher sales of vehicles at home and in Singapore boosted its motors unit and helped offset sluggishness in its plantation business. Sime Darby posted a profit of 443 million ringgit ($99.33 million) for the quarter ended Sept. 30, compared to 323 million ringgit in the year-ago quarter. The motors business saw a 53 percent jump in profit before interest and tax to 130 million ringgit. The plantation division's profit before interest and tax fell 9.6 percent to 273 million ringgit, mainly due to lower production from the El Nino weather pattern and lower sales volume. The company's revenue for the quarter was flat at 10.1 billion ringgit compared with 10.2 billion ringgit in the year-ago period. The conglomerate also set a net earnings target of 2.2 billion ringgit and a return on average shareholders' equity target of 6.4 percent for the financial year ending June 30, 2017. ($1 = 4.4600 ringgit) (Reporting by Liz Lee; Writing by A. Ananthalakshmi; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) Critics of the Ferdinand Marcos regime staged a naked protest Friday, while others marched through the streets with a mock coffin to denounce the late dictator's burial at the Philippines' cemetery for heroes. Some 3,000 protesters marched on a central Manila park to demand that President Rodrigo Duterte and the Supreme Court remove the body from the cemetery, a week after the long-dead former president's interment. Marcos died in exile in Hawaii in 1989, three years after a bloodless "People Power" revolution ended a 20-year rule historians say was marked by massive corruption and the imprisonment, torture and murder of thousands of critics. "His burial there violates not only the rights of the victims but also the entire idea of justice itself," Ephraim Cortez said as he and a dozen fellow lawyers joined the protest, wearing Marcos masks daubed with red swastikas. Many of the protesters were students who walked out of their classrooms at universities around Manila and took to the streets despite rains brought on by Tropical Storm Tokage that was scything through the centre of the country. Some carried mock coffins, including one that portrayed Marcos as Dracula. In one novel protest action, at least 20 masked male members of a school fraternity removed their clothes and streaked past classrooms at Manila's state-run University of the Philippines. About a thousand spectators cheered and raised posters that read "Marcos No Hero", "Never Forget" and "Remove Marcos from the LNMB", the Filipino acronym for the cemetery. The Marcos family had put the patriarch's corpse on public display at his ancestral home in the northern Philippines for more than a decade, demanding that the government fulfil his dying wish to be interred at the heroes' cemetery. The election this year of Duterte, the family's political ally, finally made that possible, with the Supreme Court upholding his decision on grounds Marcos deserved to be buried there as a former president and ex-soldier. Duterte said Friday he disagreed with the protesters but upheld their right to free expression, ordering police to allow protest actions even without government permits. Nairobi (AFP) - An Irish father and daughter team taking part in a cross-Africa rally escaped unhurt after crashlanding their 1930s biplane on the way to Kenya's capital, where participants staged an airshow Sunday, organisers said. "Team Eagle in a Boeing Stearman have suffered total engine failure and made a forced landing. We are happy to say and terribly relieved that both crew are uninjured, but the aircraft is irreparably damaged," the Vintage Air Rally said on its Facebook page of the incident which took place on Saturday. About a dozen planes from the 1920s and 1930s are taking part in the 13,000-kilometre (8,000-mile) journey from the Greek island of Crete to Cape Town -- an extraordinary bid in aircraft with no autopilot, automation or protection from the elements. The teams became the first group of aircraft to land at Egypt's Giza pyramids in 80 years and were detained for two days in rough conditions in Ethiopia after a mix-up with their flight permits. However they finally made it to Kenya where they flew their vintage planes on Sunday above Nairobi's famed National Park, where lions, zebra and giraffe roam in the shadow of the city. The adventure-filled rally has also seen maverick 72-year-old British pilot Maurice Kirk go missing twice. After being released from Ethiopia he landed up in conflict-torn South Sudan instead of Kenya. "Locals found him and called a Brit in Juba they recently worked for. He contacted the British embassy in Juba," organisers said on their Facebook page Saturday. Donald Trump Betsy Devos President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday tapped Michigan billionaire and charter school advocate Betsy DeVos as his choice for education secretary, a move that has prompted a flurry of praise and backlash from either political side throughout the week. DeVos, a fierce proponent of school vouchers allowing students to use public funds to attend private schools, heads up the nonprofit American Federation for Children and is a former chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party. She has been active in politics for almost 40 years, since she began volunteering for President Gerald Ford in 1976, and has since served on the Republican National Committee, the Alliance for School Choice, and the Foundation for Excellence in Education. Trump, who supports vouchers and charter schools, called DeVos a "brilliant and passionate education advocate." DeVos is still a relatively unknown name at the national level, but she has become a prominent and polarizing figure in Michigan, where she fought for years against charter school regulation. She helped pass the state's charter school law in 1993, and she later funded a ballot initiative in 2000 that would have enshrined a right to vouchers in the state's constitution. Her advocacy has made her appointment a lightning rod for Democrats, while Republicans who opposed Trump's candidacy, such as former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, have heaped praise on the move. The Michigan Democratic Party released a statement calling DeVos a "dangerous and ill-advised pick" and an "anti-public education activist," accusing her of attacking the state's public school system and its teachers for the sake of profits of investors in charter schools. Story continues "Here is someone, in Betsy DeVos, who has made it her life's work to channel her family's massive wealth toward destroying Michigan's public education system," the party said in a statement. I am honored to work with the President-elect on his vision to make American education great again. The status quo in ed is not acceptable. Betsy DeVos (@BetsyDeVos) November 23, 2016 The Michigan chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union called her school-vouchers advocacy "misguided" and urged the Senate to consider her record before confirming her. "She has ardently supported the unlimited, unregulated growth of charter schools in Michigan, elevating for-profit schools with no consideration of the severe harm done to traditional public schools," wrote the chapter's executive director, Kary Moss. Teachers unions across the country, too, have been highly critical of DeVos, arguing that despite her years advocating charter schools and vouchers, she lacks firsthand experience working in or with public schools and sends her own children to private schools. The head of the American Federation of Teachers, the country's largest teachers' union, decried DeVos in a statement on Wednesday, calling her "the most ideological, anti-public education nominee" since the creation of the Department of Education. "In nominating DeVos, Trump makes it loud and clear that his education policy will focus on privatizing, defunding and destroying public education in America," president Randi Weingarten wrote. The National Education Association, too, blasted DeVos for lobbying for school vouchers and pushing for private-school funding at taxpayers' expense. "She has consistently pushed a corporate agenda to privatize, de-professionalize and impose cookie-cutter solutions to public education," president Lily Eskelsen Garcia said in a statement. DeVos has, however, won the praise of her fellow school-choice advocates, such as Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, who called her an "excellent choice," and Republican Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, who hailed her selection as a victory for "educational freedom." DeVos "has made a career out of standing up to powerful and connected special interests on behalf of poor kids who are too often forgotten by Washington," Sasse, a critic of Trump along the campaign trail, wrote in a statement on Facebook. The president of the National Charter Schools Institute had kind words for her as well, calling her a "bold pick." "She has been an outspoken advocate for years for school choice and charter schools and challenging the status quo," James Goenner told The Wall Street Journal. But DeVos has also attracted criticism from some conservatives because of her association with organizations that have supported the Common Core education standards. The website Breitbart, which was fervently supportive of Trump's candidacy, blared in a headline: "Donald Trump Announces Pro-Common Core Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary." DeVos has since disavowed the standards in a statement and on social media. "I am not a supporter period," she tweeted on Wednesday. NOW WATCH: 'HOLD UP!': Watch Obama defend a Trump protester and scold the crowd at a Clinton rally More From Business Insider Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f296793%2ftescolead LONDON Exasperated with the monotony of Black Friday? Feeling the urge to take the piss out of the consumerist tradition? A fan of cryptography and code breaking? Meet your new hero, Facebook user Dan Parker. SEE ALSO: This man's flirty exchange with a customer service rep escalated hilariously On Facebook, Dan sends Tesco an ambiguous question. Image: facebook No doubt intrigued, Tesco's customer care guy Lloyd informs Dan that Tesco is fresh out of Enigma machines. Yes, believe it or not, the supermarket giant doesn't stock the spook hardware used by British codebreakers during World War Two. Think Benedict Cumberbatch in 'The 'Imitation Game' and you're there. But, like any good sales representative, Lloyd offers Dan an alternative. Image: facebook Dan, presumably aware from the outset that Tesco does not carry Enigma machines, reveals his true purpose for commenting. Image: facebook Image: facebook / dan parker Oh dear he has a point. Lloyd agrees. Image: facebook We can only assume that this glorious exchange is now taking place via private Facebook messaging. We also have to assume that Dan has stumbled upon a top-secret Tesco cryptograph cleverly (or so they thought) hidden in plain sight, and Loyd is now assessing the security risk that Dan presents. Everyone, pray for Dan. BONUS: How Do We Stop Black Friday? Soon after 26/11 terror attacks, a two-member committee headed by RD Pradhan, former union cabinet secretary, and Vappala Balachandran, former special secretary, was constituted by Maharastra government to find out the short comings of the Mumbai Police during the attacks. By Avinaw Rajvansh : Eight years ago on this date our collective conscience got a jolt when terror struck maximum city. It is not as if it was the first time for Mumbai - but it was by far the deadliest. It was not a hit and run explosive routine. The bustling metro was brought to a standstill by half a dozen Pakistan based terrorists. The nation watched with disbelief and shock as groups of terrorists went on a shooting spree across the city before being cornered in two city hotels. One was caught alive and that was the luckiest part of it. However the luck came at the cost of the life of a brave constable - Tukaram Omble. Without his supreme sacrifice nobody would have had any clue as to the source of the vicious attacks. advertisement Soon after 26/11 terror attacks, a two-member committee headed by RD Pradhan, former union cabinet secretary, and Vappala Balachandran, former special secretary, was constituted by Maharastra government to find out the short comings of the Mumbai Police during the attacks. The committee which submitted its report after few months to the government highlighted glaring loopholes in the security cover and also recommended steps to tackle them. Also See: 26/11 Mumbai attack: Never seen photos of NSG operation While steps have been taken on the fronts like installing CCTVs at the various places and creation of combat force on the lines of NSG for quick response but coastal security remains an area of concern. Given India's vast coastline, possibility of infiltration are ever present. Even more important is intelligence and information sharing and coordination between the various agencies involved - like police, coast guard, navy etc. A dedicated force would have been ideal but a lack of manpower and budget constraints remains a constant hurdle. The prank of two school children could well have played out very differently if a real infiltration occurred. However, in our limited scope we shall be looking at the various key recommendations made by the committee regarding coastal security and there status as on date. Also Read: 8 years since 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, only 102 families compensated Recommendations of the committee Creation of Specialised Combat Force on the line of the National Security Guard (NSG) to respond to such terror strikes STATUS: 'Force One', an elite commando force was set up on the lines of National Security Guards (NSG). In September 2016 Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis<> inaugurated the building of Maharashtra's anti-terror unit 'Force One' which houses a training centre and hostel for the state commandos.Built at a budget of Rs 85 crore by Maharashtra Police Welfare and Housing Corporation, the structure has a specialised training institute for commandos besides a hostel facility for 140 personnel, and a 100 metre long firing range. More Sophisticated weapons and bulletproof jackets for the Mumbai police force. STATUS: Police now have modern equipments Existing Quick Response Team (QRT) should be replaced by small well equipped force of commandos which will be at disposal of Mumbai police commissioner to be deployed at a short notice. STATUS : Quick Response Teams (QRT) are set at region level. advertisement Emphasis was on strengthening the coastal security with creation of new coastal police stations and purchasing speed boats and amphibian vehicles for patrolling STATUS: Government has undertaken to set up 12 coastal police stations, but till date only two are operational -- one in the island city and the other in the western suburbs. However, both lack infrastructure. while the establishment of police chowkies mostly remained on paper while the development of a jetty has been caught in government procedures. Of the 30-plus speed boats, some are either anchored at the bay and or can otherwise not be used by security personnel to conduct vigils, for want of adequate fuel. Installation of CCTV cameras across the city at vital spots. STATUS: A total of 4,717 cameras have been installed at 1,510 spots. These include fixed box cameras, pan/tilt/zoom cameras, thermal cameras and five mobile video surveillance vans, and the feed from all the cameras will be beamed to the Mumbai Police control room and the Mumbai Traffic Police control room. --- ENDS --- At least 17 hidden graves were uncovered in Guerrero state, an isolated mountainous area in Mexico, CNN reported Friday. The location is infamous for drug-related violence. Officials are still searching the area to see if they can expose more clandestine graves. Authorities uncovered 32 bodies, 31 men and 1 woman, and nine severed heads Thursday. The victims have not yet been been identified. Police made the discovery after they were given a tip about kidnappings. They also found a cooler with human body parts, abandoned vehicles and ammunition clips. The discoveries are terrible, a security spokesperson said, according to the BBC. NBC News wrote that drug cartels are likely responsible for the violence. They have been involved in a wave turf battles, kidnappings and blackmail and its common for drug gangs to behead their victims. Faced with public disturbance generated by organized crime and armed civilian groups, we are responding with immediate action to protect citizens who are alien to the confrontations between criminal groups actions, Guerrero Gov. Hector Astudillo said in a press release Thursday. Guerrero is the most violent state in Mexico. It is also a prominent opium manufacturer. There were more than 1,800 reported homicides between January and October 2016, the BBC added. The large cartels have become small criminal gangs, and they share one characteristic: the extreme and irrational use of violence, Robert Alvarez, Guerrero Coordinating Group spokesman, told MVS Radio this week. Here, there is a phenomenon. Its unclear how long the remains were buried. They were taken to the state capital of Chilpancingo to be identified. No arrests have been made. Mexico Graves Photo: Getty Images Follow me on Twitter @mariamzzarella Related Articles MFS Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock I (MGTIX) a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) invests the majority of the fund's net assets in stocks. Stocks include common stocks and other securities that represent an ownership interest (or right to acquire an ownership interest) in a company or other issuer. This Large Growth fund, as of the last filing, allocates their fund in three major groups; Large Growth, Large Value and Foreign Stock. Further, as of the last filing, ALPHABET INC, ACCENTURE PLC and VISA INC were the top holdings for MGTIX. The MFS Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock I fund, managed by MFS, carries an expense ratio of 0.5%. MGTIX has a history of positive total returns for over 10 years. Specifically, the funds returns over the 1, 3, 5 year benchmarks; 1 year 2.54%, 3 year 7.5% and 5 year 11.9%. To see how this fund performed compared in its category and other #1 and #2 Ranked Mutual Funds, please click here. MGTIXs performance, as of the last filing, when compared to funds in its category was in the top 32% in 1 year, top 25% over the past 3 years, and in the 42% over the past 5 years. Want key mutual fund info delivered straight to your inbox? Zacks free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing mutual funds, each week. Get it free >> View All Zacks #1 Ranked Mutual Funds 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 Get Your Free (MGTIX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Five years of research and work went into the making of Disney Animation Studio's Moana - which earned $10 million on Thursday and is projected to earn $85 million to $91 million during its five-day holiday opening. Set in the islands of the Pacific, the musical film follows Moana (voiced by newcomer Auli'i Cravalho), a determined 16-year-old growing into the role of leader of her village. In doing so, she learns that her people had been navigators and aims to find out why this has stopped. In animated movie production, the filmmakers create storyboards and edit the storyboards before beginning the more costly animation process. As a result, the story often can change along the way. The film's veteran directing team of John Musker and Ron Clements - who helmed Disney's Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and more recently The Princess and the Frog - described to The Hollywood Reporter how they came up with the film's idea, and how the story evolved during the five-year process. Read more: 'Moana': Film Review Where did you get the idea for Moana? Musker: Five years ago I started reading Polynesian mythology and discovered a rich source of storytelling, particularly in Maui, the demigod. He was a shape-shifter, a trickster, and had superpowers and a magical hook. All of this lent itself to an animated treatment. Ron started reading about it as well, and we put together a simple story and pitched it to John Lasseter. He loved the world and was intrigued by Maui. He's a fanatic about research, this led to three weeks in the islands, including Fiji, Samoa and Tahiti. The word boondoggle was passed around. Clements: There were maybe a couple mai tais (laughter) but we didn't want to do the tourist things. The schedule was packed. We visited linguists, archeologists and navigators. Musker: We learned how important navigation was, and we knew there was a 1,000-year gap when navigation stopped. That's where we set the story. Story continues Clements: We saw it as a kind of True Grit, with a determined young girl who teamed with a down-on-his-luck trickster. It became an adventure, a hero story, with a female character. How did this story evolve during production? Musker: In the original version of the story, Moana was the only girl in a family of a lot of boys, and gender played into the story. But that all changed. It was decided gender shouldn't be her problem; it should be realizing her own self. Also in an early version, her father was the one who wanted to see voyaging resume. She did too, but it seemed that undercut her a little bit. We wanted her to be the dominant voice for making voyaging resume. So we changed it so that the father was opposed to voyaging because of his own past when things went bad. How did Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) evolve? Clements: It took a while to get the right handle on Maui. We read many of the myths and how he is portrayed through the South Pacific. We liked the idea he was the bigger than life. In some of the myths he portrayed as a straighter character, like superman, and in others he's more of a trickster - that's the aspect that we emphasized. We wanted him to be very flawed, but very likeable. That's not always easy to do. When we pick up his story, he's not at the height of his success. There were some versions where he had been stranded on this island for one thousand years and had kind of given up. But in the final version, he wanted to get off the island, and was a more active and engaged character. We also had version in which Moana was the world's biggest Maui fan. As the story evolved, Maui is involved in a transgression so he is not looked on favorably. That helped us quite a bit in the story. What does Moana have in common with your other Disney heroines, for instance Aladdin's Jasmine? Clements: They are both very smart and have a fearless quality. But I think Moana even compared with Jasmine pushed back more the limitations that have been imposed on her. We throw a lot of obstacles at this character. And part of her character is that she will not give up, no matter what. Musker: In a physical bout, I think she could take Jasmine. (laughter) Nov 25 (Reuters) - Credit ratings firm Moody's Investors Service kept South Africa's sovereign rating unchanged at Baa2 on Friday, two levels above subinvestment grade, with a negative outlook. Africa's most industrialised country, which is expected to see economic growth of around 0.5 percent half a percent this year, has been trying to avert a sovereign rating downgrade to junk status that would raise borrowing costs and deter investment. "The negative outlook on South Africa's Baa2 government bond rating reflects risks related to the implementation of structural reforms aimed at restoring confidence and encouraging investment, upon which Moody's bases its expectations for a gradual growth recovery and debt stabilization in coming years," Moody's said in its statement. "The negative outlook also recognizes the downside risks associated with political uncertainty and low business confidence as well as the challenging external environment characterized by low growth, investment and trade," the agency said. "South Africa's rating would likely be downgraded in the absence of fundamental structural reforms supporting higher and sustainable medium term growth. Continued accumulation of public debt and contingent liabilities in terms of GDP would also put downward pressure on ratings. Finally, political infighting impeding the government's ability to implement key structural reforms and contributing to protracted low business confidence would also be negative." (Reporting by Leslie Adler) Photo credit: Getty Images From ELLE DECOR President Obama awarded 21 recipients with the 2016 Presidential Medal of Freedom Tuesday, one of which was none other than the lauded postmodern architect Frank Gehry. You probably already know that Frank Gehry is celebrated for his architectural wonders such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and the titanium Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, but what else do you know about the Canadian-born designer? And why did he receive the medal? Let's start with the premise of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This award is meant to honor exceptional people in the United States who have had a profound impact on culture, and it's considered the nation's highest civilian honor. "Everyone on this stage has touched me in a powerful personal way," President Obama said at the ceremony's end, reports The New York Times. "These are folks who have helped make me who I am and think about my presidency." Gehry has undoubtedly had an impact on culture and architecture (oft interrelated) in America - along with the rest of the world. Born in Toronto, Gehry now resides in Los Angeles and has been responsible for buildings such as the Loyola Law School in downtown Los Angeles (which he has considered one of his favorites), the Winton House in Minnesota and New York By Gehry, one of the tallest residential towers in the world. Currently, he's working on a nonprofit campus for children in the low-income Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts. Photo credit: Getty Images New York by Gehry at 8 Spruce Street in Manhattan, formerly known as Beekman Tower. Gehry was one of the earlier adopters of computer-aided design, according to Fast Co Design. He is known for architecture that could otherwise not be engineered with traditional analog methods, in which, say, a drawing is used to represent a design. The architect first made a name for himself when he moved to California after dropping out of the Harvard Graduate School of Design, and created "Easy Edges," a furniture line made of layers of corrugated cardboard that sold from 1969 to 1973. Using the money earned from the furniture, he gave his family home in Santa Monica a complete avant-garde renovation, which caught the eye of the design world. Story continues Photo credit: Getty Images Frank Gehry and his son, Alejandro, stand outside of Gehry's self-designed Santa Monica home in 1980. After designing homes in Southern California through the 1980s, he started focusing on the buildings that would eventually bring him to even greater fame. In the process, he became known for using unconventional materials such as corrugated metal for a rough aesthetic that's consistent throughout his work. Scroll on to see some of his most notable buildings. Photo credit: Getty Images The Walt Disney Concert Hall at 111 South Grand Avenue in Los Angeles. Photo credit: Getty Images The Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany. Photo credit: Getty Images The "El Peix" fish sculpture, which was designed by Gehry for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. Photo credit: Getty Images The Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis. Photo credit: Getty Images Gehry's Dancing House in Prague, Czech Republic. Photo credit: Getty Images The Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, Spain. You Might Also Like Myanmar is engaged in "ethnic cleansing" of Rohingya Muslims, a UN official has said, as reports emerged Friday of troops shooting at villagers as they tried to flee. Thousands of desperate Rohingya have flooded over the border into Bangladesh in the last few days, bringing with them horrifying stories of gang rape, torture and the systematic killing of their stateless ethnic group. The violence has forced up to 30,000 Rohingya to abandon their homes in Myanmar, desperate to leave after soldiers poured into the strip of land in western Rakhine state where they live. Dhaka says thousands more are massed on the border, but has refused urgent international appeals to let them in, instead calling on Myanmar to do more to stop people fleeing. "It's very difficult for the Bangladeshi government to say the border is open because this would further encourage the government of Myanmar to continue the atrocities and push them out until they have achieved their ultimate goal of ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority in Myanmar," John McKissick, head of the United Nations refugee agency in the Bangladeshi border town of Cox's Bazar, said. Farmer Din Mohammad, 50, was among the thousands who evaded the border patrols, arriving in Bangladesh after he said the army attacked his village last week. "The soldiers grabbed my long beard and torched it with a cigarette lighter. They said I sported the beard to flaunt my religiosity," the father of seven said. Mohammad had injuries all over his body where he said soldiers had beaten him with a steel rod. His beard also looked burned, an AFP reporter said. - Indiscriminate firing - The troops had set fire to his home and thrown two of his brothers-in-law into the burning building, accusing them of being members of a rebel group, Mohammad said. He said he didn't know did if they survived. A Rohingya man, who asked not to be named, told AFP in Myanmar's Rakhine state that troops had stormed a neighbouring village early Friday morning and fired indiscriminately on residents as they tried to escape. Story continues At least three men died and four were injured, including an eight-year-old girl who was hit in the leg by a bullet, he said. The government denied that the village had been attacked. "There was no attack or fighting while they were investigating," it said in a statement. - Genocide - Bangladeshi border guards said they have pushed back over 1,000 Rohingya this week, including 100 on Thursday night, as they attempted to cross the Naf river that forms the border between Rakhine State and southern Bangladesh. As the allegations of indiscriminate killing and rape by Myanmar's military have continued to mount, thousands of Muslims across Asia took to the streets Friday. More than 5,000 Bangladeshi Muslims demonstrated in the capital Dhaka, despite an earlier pledge by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan that any Rohingya entering the country would be treated humanely. Amnesty International has described the actions of the Myanmar army as "collective punishment" against the Rohingya population for attacks on police posts last month. "Instead of investigating and arresting specific suspects, the army carried out operations amounting to collective punishment," said the group's South Asia director Champa Patel. Myanmar's new civilian government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, has rejected the allegations. It has also severely restricted entry to Rakhine state making it independent verification difficult. Rights workers say hundreds of fleeing families have set up makeshift camps on the Myanmar side of the border as they wait for the chance to cross, with little access to food. Meanwhile, border guards on the Bangladesh side say that the flow of people attempting to cross had dropped since the beginning of the week, though it was not clear what had caused the decline. The London-based International State Crime Initiative (ISCI) has described the situation in Rakhine state as the early stages of genocide. "These events mark a disturbing but entirely predictable pattern in the genocidal process," Alicia de la Cour Venning, a lawyer and researcher with the group said. Another ISCI researcher, lawyer Thomas MacManus, likened the behaviour of the Suu Kyi government to "the military dictatorship-era tactics of blanket denial". "Only enormous pressure on the Myanmar government will succeed in halting the devastation. The Rohingya are staring death in the face," he said. By PTI: From Youssra El-Sharakawy Cairo, Nov 25 (PTI) Eight soldiers have been killed in a car bomb attack by "armed terrorists" targeting a checkpoint in Egypts restive North Sinai province, the army said. "A group of armed terrorists attacked the army checkpoint yesterday using a 4x4 vehicle with high explosive materials," military spokesperson Brigadier General Mohamed Samir said in a statement. advertisement "Eight soldiers were killed during the attack. The army exchanged fire with the terrorists killing three of them and injuring others. The armed forces are currently continuing searching area for terrorists," Samir said. Egypts North Sinai has witnessed many violent attacks by militants in the last few years and since the January 2011 revolution that toppled the ex-president Hosni Mubarak. The attacks targeting police and military increased after the ouster of Islamist ex-president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 by military following massive protests against his rule. Over 700 security personnel have been reported killed since then. The military has launched security campaigns in the area, arrested suspects and demolished houses that belong to terrorists, including those facilitating tunnels leading to the Gaza Strip. PTI YES AJR --- ENDS --- Photo credit: undefined From Delish Post-election, tensions have been running high. Hundreds of hate crimes have been committed while peaceful protests are still running across the country. In this time of confusion and sheer turmoil it's heart-warming to see a sweet and generous sentiment make headlines, like the huge tip one woman recently left for an immigrant restaurant server. But it's not just the 400-percent tip that will have you in tears. It's the note the customer left behind with it. According to the Denver Post, 24-year-old Osamah Ajour is a waiter at Denver's Damascus Restaurant. After giving the bill to one of his customers, which came to just $23.61, Ajour was shocked to come back to a $100 tip and a small message scrawled on the top: "You belong here. I am glad you are here." Photo credit: Facebook "I couldn't believe it when I looked at it. We only talked for about two minutes and she left me this," he told the Post, explaining that he and the unidentified customer had discussed the election results after she learned he was an immigrant from Palestine and living with an uncles who has been a resident in the Denver area for over 30 years. The customer immediately asked how Ajour felt about Donald Trump winning and what that meant for his future. "I answered that I was hanging in there," Ajour explained to the newspaper. "I said this country is way better than what happened Tuesday. She was just very nice, she was interested in how I was feeling." Since posting an image of the thoughtful note on Facebook, comments have been flooding in to support Ajour, with similar sentiments like "You belong here! We all belong here!" and "We are the land of the free. We are a melting pot. One person cannot change that," and "Be you and be strong!" Follow Delish on Instagram. You Might Also Like The Mars Society is conducting the ambitious two-phase Mars 160 Twin Desert-Arctic Analogue mission to 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 eighth dispatch from the mission: If we find life on Mars, it will either be microbial or fossilized and living under extreme conditions. The huge diversity of microbes on Earth and their long evolutionary history make them excellent candidates for Earthly models of Martian life. For this reason, many studies of microbial life on Mars analogue sites here on Earth are focused on the extremophiles or those microbes that live in areas where conditions are extreme, in terms of temperature or chemical composition. Mars 160 is a twin desert study in a Mars analogue setting with the goal of characterizing life in extreme environments, advancing the understanding of the limits and constraints on life and defining protocols for future successful planetary scientific exploration. On our mission, field science team members carry out field and lab work as part of a multidisciplinary crew at an analogue planetary habitat, while simulating a crew on Mars. [See more Mars 160 photos here, and get daily images by the Mars 160 crew] This week I'd like to introduce you to our crew science team and talk about the science return as well as mention the science operations for the Mars 160 mission. Shannon Rupert, our principal investigator. The Mars Society Ecologist Shannon Rupert, our Mars 160 principal investigator, coordinates the science program for the whole expedition. For her, there are two main goals for the mission. The first is to look for life in extreme environments by examining patterns of biodiversity and distribution of organisms within geologic microhabitats here on Earth that we suspect have analogues on Mars. Story continues Shannon told me, "Since we do not know if there was let alone if there still is life on Mars, our work centers on having value as Earth-based biological research, while when done in sim can also be used to determine field protocols and exploration strategies that are applicable for future planetary science missions. The lichen work we are doing for this mission is an excellent example of this, and has the added benefit of demonstrating our approach to the microbial work we are doing in a way that people can visualize and more easily understand." The second goal is to engage a team of Earth-based experts in collaboration with the (analogue) Mars-based crew, because, while there are a limited number of scientists who will be the actual astronauts on a Mars mission, there are many scientists on Earth who could contribute to the success of the science. Shannon suggests that current thinking is that astronauts on a human mission to Mars or another planet will be science generalists, and an integrated part of science operations will be for these generalists to work in tandem with the scientists in the field and also fully participate in the collaboration done with science backrooms on Earth. On this mission, Dr. Jon Clarke is our geologist and EVA (extravehicular activity) coordinator. He says that past environments on Earth and Mars are often different to those of the present day. Geology provides the historical perspective of changing environments over time and the context to the samples with data on soil texture, pH, salinity, geomorphic position, aspects and rock type. Without such detailed information, we will not understand many of the factors that potentially control biodiversity and distribution, both past and present. Geological data is a component to every aspect of what we will do on Mars choosing landing sites, planning safe traverses, managing environmental hazards and locating potential resources and also provides the basic context and many of the tools required in the search for Martian life. [The Search for Life on Mars (A Photo Timeline)] Jon Clarke in the field. The Mars Society Until physical samples from Mars can be returned to Earth, in-situ spectral analysis is the main way that scientists can examine the chemical composition of Martian rocks. Understanding what the spectroscopic signatures of Martian rocks can tell us relies on recognizing similar signatures from analogous rocks on Earth that have well-established chemical compositions and formational histories. The spectral properties of rock samples collected during both halves of Mars 160 will be analysed at the University of Arkansas under the supervision of Paul Knightly, who will join our crew in the second phase of the mission. The purpose of analyzing these samples is to better understand the connection between surface features on Mars and their analogues on Earth. Paul Knightly's own research will focus on data-logging equipment to monitor how the ground surface changes over three months.studying the patterned ground and other permafrost features near the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS) in the Canadian Arctic, where the second half of the Mars 160 project will take place next summer. In terms of biology, Anushree Srivastava, our biologist, has great responsibility on our team. As a "Mars-based" astronaut-scientist, she is working astrobiological projects that include the biodiversity of hardy lichens, the physical ecology and abundance of hypoliths, investigations of the patterns of halophilic (salt-loving) microbial diversity in the soil and the sampling of ancient evaporites of Mars analogues. Anushree says, "We are exploring the parameters that affect the survival of organisms in the Mars-like conditions." In particular, the halophile research is the principal focus of the Mars 160 science mission. The search for microbial life on Mars is invigorated by the fact that different robotic missions to Mars corroborate the assumption that Mars was warmer and wetter in its distant past and in turn, conducive to life. Scientists have detected chloride salts or evaporate deposits on the surface of Mars using data from a variety of NASA spacecraft the Opportunity rover, the Mars Odyssey and Mars Global Surveyor orbiters and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. These data provide strong evidence of the presence of brines on ancient Mars when conditions were optimal for life. [Ancient Mars Could Have Supported Life (Video)] Anushree is hopeful and says "since ancient Mars had an atmosphere that was more suitable for life, any microbes living in the brine might be trapped inside the fluid inclusions of evaporate deposits, potentially halite and gypsum, when the atmosphere deteriorated and salty water crystallized via evaporation. Thus, any endeavor of detection of life in the similar microhabitats of terrestrial ancient evaporates can tell us heaps about the possibility of finding salt-loving life on Mars!" Anushree is also involved in cross-training our crewmembers who perform field work during EVAs and laboratory work. Anu sampling lichens. The Mars Society A key challenge for all our work is the fact that the science work in the field is completed in simulation. Along with the maximum science return, the goal of Mars 160 is to identify and verify the most effective operational methods to use in order to improve scientific exploration and study of a planetary surface. The end result will be to codify processes best suited to the search for life both from a scientific perspective and with collaboration between Earth-based scientists and astronauts on Mars. Here at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah, field and lab work is done in collaboration with a remote science team via asynchronous communication. A team located offsite is part of the simulation and identifies challenges and documents not only the science but also what is effective in terms of methodologies for future planetary exploration. The role of Earth-based experts is to support our Mars-based crew. No other mission here at MDRS has ever had access to such a team of experts from institutions all over the world in Canada, Spain, the U.K. and Australia, for example. Our "Earth-based" experts include Dr. Chris McKay and Dr. Kathy Bywaters of NASA's Ames Research Center in California and Paul Sokoloff from the Canadian Museum of Nature. Paul Knightly, ready for the Arctic. The Mars Society Geologist Paul Knightly says astronauts on Mars will ultimately make decisions on what data or samples they collect, and that is a huge responsibility to carry. Data and samples returned from a mission to Mars will be studied for decades after the mission has ended by scientists on Earth, so it is essential that the data collection objectives prior to and during the mission are made clear. Teams on Earth must also retain enough flexibility to refine objectives when taking into consideration new information gathered by astronauts in order maximize the science return of the mission. For instance, our lichen specialist, Paul Sokoloff, gives regular advice with regard to modifying lichen protocols, according to changing circumstances. One of the aims of our mission is to address the challenges of a cross-trained crew and their ability to perform the necessary science field and lab work without being experts in that field. Shannon Rupert runs an integrated mission and believes in the power of science generalists. A generalist scientist is someone who can stand in for the expert. Anastasiya and Anushree by the lab door. The Mars Society Anastasiya Stepanova has been cross-trained to work with hypolith sampling, and she will work with Anushree in the new laboratory. She says that in future Mars colonization efforts, astronauts will need multiple skills. Anastasiya has a background in journalism and is studying engineering. She has never encountered field work before and says it's a great test to see how fast you can catch on to what needs to be done. Together the hypoliths science team members (including me) lay down quadrats, collect data and process samples back in the laboratory for macroscopic measurements, characterizing physical ecology, accounting for the soil, the extent of colonization and percent abundance in particular, desert experimental sites. DNA analysis will follow. We will use the MinION instrument to identify species, telling us about the nature of the organisms themselves and what makes them adapt to their environment. Yusuke Murakami, a geophysicist with the 50th Japanese Antarctic Expedition (2008-10), has been crossed-trained in lichens. This means he is able to scout, sample and use the tools needed from the Geophysical Survey to understand the three-dimensional context of the landscape. In terms of navigation, he takes care of safety so that Anushree is able to focus on her research. Yusuke is also trained in the protocols of laboratory work. He says, "We can't be everything by ourselves. We need three Anushrees for biology. At the same time, each person who comes to the role brings another perspective, whether they are engineer or architect or artist. There is a joy of sharing the knowledge that is productive and benefits everyone." Shannon Rupert says that this mission is the first time she has seen the generalist and the scientist do the same job in the same site. For her, it's textbook EVA. [Gallery: The Most Memorable Spacewalks in History] Yusuke Murakami sampling lichens. The Mars Society Next year, our team will spend a further 80 days in the Arctic at Flashline Mars in the Canadian summer. Though the Utah desert and the Arctic are two different extreme environments, the science objectives will be the same as here. Both are Martian analogues, so we will learn about the comparative relevance of Martian astrobiological exploration from a biological point of view and a geological point of view. At the same time, what we have learned from this phase of the mission we can apply to the next. As for me: I'm the field artist for this expedition, and I'm testing out the relevance of geological field drawing in the spacesuit in a series of experiments that focus on how we gather data during the science EVAs. I'm thinking about the tools, techniques and strategies we use to understand the geology and the biology, as part of the science operations EVA project. Even by the end of our first phase of this mission, I will have spent more time drawing in a spacesuit on a science field trip than anyone, alive or dead something my mother could never have predicted. More later on this enticing topic. Annalea drawing hypolith colonizations in the lab. The Mars Society On to Mars! Annalea Beattie 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 was recently elected a director of the National Space Society of Australia. Annalea is a member of The Mars Society's Mars 160 Twin Desert-Arctic Analogue 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. Editor's Recommendations Neil Prakash, an Australian recruiter for the Islamic State group (also called ISIS), was arrested somewhere in the Middle East after surviving drone attacks by the FBI, the New York Times reported Thursday. The 25-year-old, who was linked to militant plots in Australia and had appeared in several ISIS propaganda videos, was believed killed in a U.S. airstrike in Iraq in April. According to the Times, which cited an unnamed senior American military official, Prakash was wounded in an airstrike earlier this year but survived. Another senior U.S. military official reportedly said the former Melbourne resident was arrested some time in the last few weeks by an unidentified Middle Eastern government. Prakash, who converted to Islam from Buddhism and took the name Abu Khaled al-Cambodi, left Australia in 2013 and has been recruiting fighters for ISIS since then. In May, Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne released a joint statement with Att. Gen. George Brandis, saying they had received reports from the U.S. government that Prakash had been killed. The Australian Government has been advised by the United States Government that Australian citizen and member of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, another acronym for ISIS), Neil Christopher Prakash, was killed by a US airstrike in Mosul, Iraq, on 29 April 2016, the statement said. Neil Prakash was a prominent ISIL member and a senior terrorist recruiter and attack facilitator. Prakash has been linked to several Australia-based attack plans and calls for lone-wolf attacks against the United States. He has appeared in ISIL propaganda videos and magazines and has actively recruited Australian men, women and children, and encouraged acts of terrorism. He is considered to be Australias most prominent ISIL recruiter, the statement read. In 2015, authorities alleged Prakash was communicating with a group of Melbourne men plotting an Anzac Day terrorist attack. Since then, Prakash has been wanted by Australian Federal Police for his alleged involvement in inciting a plot to behead a Victorian police officer on Anzac Day 2015. He was also intercepted talking to a 16-year-old boy from Auburn, in western Sydney. The teenage boy was arrested on Anzac Day this year after he allegedly met an undercover officer who he thought could sell him a gun. Story continues Last year, Prakash became the third ISIS fighter from Australia to be included in the United Nations sanctions list after Khaled Sharrouf and Mohamed Elomar. The U.N. sanctions list is aimed at blocking funds and support for terrorists, who can use the money to buy weapons or help new recruits reach Syria or Iraq. Related Articles New York City Police Officer Andrew Dossi had a lot to be thankful for on Thursday after he proposed to his girlfriend at the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. Dossi, 32, got down on one knee nearly two years after being shot in the line of duty, choosing to pop the question during Thursdays 90th annual parade with his 10-year-old daughter by his side and fellow officers looking on, according to the New York Daily News. She said yes!!! shared the NYPD on their official Twitter account, captioning a shot of the sweet moment. Officer Dossi proposed to his girlfriend alongside the NYPD Band at todays Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. Congrats! Dossi was shot by an armed robber in the left arm and lower back on Jan. 5, 2015, reported the Daily News. The Army reservist, who served two tours of duty in Iraq, was hospitalized for 11 days. Hes currently assigned to the NYPDs Intelligence division. RELATED VIDEO: Brad Paisley Helps with a Fan Proposal The familys very happy for the both of them, Dossis sister, Tennille, told the Daily News. Andrew has had an amazing recovery in the past two years, and this is a really happy time for him and her, and we wish everybody the best. The happy couple celebrated Thursday night, with Tennille keeping it all in perspective: He worked extremely hard to get where he is today. By Nia Williams (Reuters) - Oil prices were little changed on Thursday ahead of next week's meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to discuss implementation of its proposed cap on production. Brent crude futures settled up 5 cents at $49.00 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was up 2 cents at $47.98 at 1928 GMT. Traders said market activity was low because of the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday and there was a reluctance to take on big price bets amid uncertainty about the planned OPEC-led production cut. OPEC is due to meet on Nov. 30 to coordinate the cut agreed in Algiers in September, potentially with the cooperation of Russia, which is not a member of the group. Russia could revise down its 2017 oil production plans if a global output freeze comes into force, effectively cutting output by 200,000-300,000 barrels per day (bpd), Energy Minister Alexander Novak said. OPEC will probably propose that other producers cut production by 880,000 bpd for six months starting from Jan. 1, Azerbaijan Energy Minister Natig Aliyev was reported as saying in Azeri newspaper Respublika. But an OPEC source told Reuters that OPEC has yet to make a final proposal to non-OPEC countries on joint production cuts, which will be discussed on Nov. 28 in Vienna. Novak also disputed the 880,000 bpd figure and said that OPEC had earlier proposed that non-OPEC countries cut output by 500,000 bpd. Meanwhile, Algerian Energy Minister Noureddine Bouterfa will meet his Iranian counterpart Bijan Zanganeh in Tehran on Saturday in an effort to ensure that OPEC's third-largest producer is on board, a source told Reuters. "Despite 13 countries participating, an Iranian rejection to chip in would be more than enough to kill the deal," Tamas Varga, at oil brokerage PVM Oil, said in a note. Most analysts believe that some form of cut will be agreed, but it is uncertain whether it will be enough to prop up a market that has been dogged by a supply overhang for more than two years, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Story continues "We expect OPEC will reach an agreement at next week's biannual meeting in Vienna ... If OPEC does successfully reach an agreement, prices are likely to test the year high in Brent of $53 per barrel," ANZ bank said in a note to clients. The head of the IEA Fatih Birol told Reuters that even if production is cut, higher prices could prompt U.S. shale oil drillers to massively increase their own output. (Additional reporting by Ahmad Ghaddar in London and Henning Gloystein in Singapore; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle and Marguerita Choy) MONTPELLIER, France (Reuters) - A 47-year-old former soldier was arrested on Friday on suspicion of killing a woman in a retirement home in southern France where about 60 Roman Catholic missionaries live, a source close to the investigation said. The man, who was arrested near his house, is a former employee of the retirement home, the source said. French police launched a manhunt on Thursday after finding the woman dead in the home near the town of Montpellier. France has been under a state of emergency since a wave of Islamist attacks last year, but police ruled out any terrorism link in the death of the woman. "At this stage we can't say exactly what the perpetrator's motive was, but what we can say is that there is no link, none at all, with Islamist terrorism," Montpellier prosecutor Christophe Barret told reporters. Security forces were called to the home in Montferrier-sur-Lez, about 10 km (6 miles) north of Montpellier, late on Thursday, after a woman who had been bound and gagged freed herself and escaped. On entering the building, police found the body of a 54-year-old linen maid who had been stabbed several times, Barret said. He said investigators had found a car near the scene of the crime that contained a replica firearm and other materials that enabled them to identify a suspect. Retired missionaries with past service in Africa and several nuns live in the home. (Reporting by Jean-Paul Pelissier, Chine Labbe, Gerard Bon and Emmanuel Jarry; writing by John Irish and Bate Felix; Editing by Richard Balmforth) By Humeyra Pamuk and Orhan Coskun ISTANBUL/ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan discussed an attack on Turkish troops in Syria with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Friday as Turkish-backed rebels pressed an offensive to take the Syrian city of al-Bab from Islamic State. The Turkish military has said Thursday's air strike, which killed three of its soldiers, was thought to have been carried out by the Syrian air force. It would be the first time Turkish soldiers have died at the hands of Syrian government forces. Russia is Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's main military backer, while Turkey backs the rebels fighting to oust him. Erdogan told Putin that Turkey respected Syria's territorial integrity and that its military incursion, launched in August to repel Islamic State from the border, showed its determination to fight militant groups, sources in the Turkish presidency said. The Kremlin said the discussion on Syria was constructive and that both sides agreed to continue active dialogue to coordinate efforts against international terrorism. The Turkish sources said both leaders also agreed to try to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo, where a government siege of the rebel-held east, aggravated by renewed, frequent air strikes on hospitals in the past week, have left residents desperately short of medicines, food and fuel. Rebels in east Aleppo have agreed to a U.N. plan for aid delivery and medical evacuations, but the United Nations is awaiting a green light from Russia and the Syrian government, the U.N. said on Thursday. RISK OF ESCALATION The killing of the Turkish soldiers on Thursday - the first anniversary of Turkey's downing of a Russian jet over Syria - raised fears of an escalation in an already complex battlefield. Ankara and Moscow only restored ties, which had been damaged by the jet incident, in August. They continue to pursue conflicting goals in Syria, although Turkey has of late been less openly critical of Assad than in the past. The advance by largely Turkmen and Arab rebels backed by Turkey toward al-Bab, the last urban stronghold of Islamic State in the northern Aleppo countryside, potentially pits them against both Kurdish fighters and Syrian government forces. Another Turkish soldier was killed and five wounded in clashes with Islamic State on Friday, the military said. The latest casualties bring the number of Turkish soldiers killed in Syria to 17 since Ankara launched an incursion three months ago to try to push Islamic State and Kurdish fighters from Syrian territory along its border. The Turkish military also said four Syrian rebels had been killed and 25 wounded in clashes in the 24 hours to Friday morning. Turkish fighter jets were continuing to strike Islamic State targets near al-Bab, it said. Al-Bab is of particular strategic importance to Turkey because Kurdish-dominated militias have also been pursuing a campaign to seize it. Ankara is determined to prevent Kurdish forces from joining up cantons they control along the Turkish border, for fear it will stoke Kurdish separatism at home. Turkey is backing the Syrian rebels with troops, tanks and artillery, as well as reconnaissance flights along the border. Washington has said the U.S.-led coalition, of which NATO member Turkey is a part, is not providing support for the operation. (Additional reporting by Tulay Karadeniz in Ankara and Vladimir Soldatkin in Moscow; Writing by Nick Tattersall; editing by Mark Heinrich) Arrival is an apt title for a film that has journeyed long and far to get to the big screen. Screenwriter Eric Heisserer spent years wrestling to turn a brainy, emotional science fiction story, Ted Chiang's "Story of Your Life" (from the 2002 book Stories of Your Life and Others), into a cinematic thriller. He spent more years unsuccessfully pitching it to producers and studio executives who dismissed it as impossible to adapt for the big screen. The film, which opened Nov. 11, stars Amy Adams as a mother and world-class linguist. A representative (Forest Whitaker) from the military recruits her and a mathematician (Jeremy Renner) to try to communicate with aliens whose ships hovering around Earth are making everyone nervous. Denis Villeneuve (Sicario, Incendies) directs. Chiang's story is about free will and destiny, language, intuition, motherhood and loss. Heisserer, 46, first encountered it in 2006. "I was gutted and uplifted at the same time," he says. "And my mind was swirling with science concepts, Fermat's principle of least time, the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis." That was before Heisserer became a horror specialist (A Nightmare on Elm Street reboot, The Thing prequel, this year's Lights Out). He had sold a spec script, and producers wanted to know what they could option for him to adapt. "But when I talked about this story, I got a lot of blank looks," he says. "It's a female lead. It's a non-franchise science fiction film with cerebral concepts. By the time I get to linguistic relativity, their eyes are glassing over. They're like, 'Give me that bottled water back, get out.' " In 2010, he found fans in Dan Levine and Dan Cohen at 21 Laps, Shawn Levy's production company. They liked his script for the Hurricane Katrina drama Hours and got behind the sci-fi passion project. They pitched it to the major studios, which all passed - there was no star attached, no director and no script. Heisserer decided to write the script on spec ("My reps were furious"), which meant getting permission from Chiang to turn his intimate, intellectual work into a save-the-planet movie. "That was a nerve-racking pitch for me," admits Heisserer. "And I've had some terrible ones. I've had ones where a studio exec would go into his private bathroom to take a leak and tell me, 'Keep pitching, I can hear you.' But I was more nervous here, pitching over a speakerphone to a man whose work I really idolized, trying desperately to let him know that I was going to be as respectful as possible but had to make some pretty major changes to make it a movie." Read more: 'Arrival' Production Designer Reveals How to Create an Entirely New Type of Flying Saucer The film adds a race-against-time element that isn't in the original story, but Heisserer labored to keep the devastating emotion. Meanwhile, 21 Laps courted Villeneuve, who liked Heisserer's script and agreed to meet over coffee. "We talked about philosophy and science and religion. He said, 'This is lovely, Eric, let's do it again next week.' The producers called and said, 'Did you seal the deal?' And I said, 'We're going to have coffee again next week.' " The two met six or seven times before Villeneuve signed on. The cast coalesced around Adams, whom Heisserer always had in mind for the lead. Paramount came in later. Heisserer was able to stay involved and baby-sit the story, whose transformation he'd so carefully nurtured. "In my previous experiences, I would sit down with a director once, and that would be the only meeting. That's akin to them saying, 'OK, I'm going to take your child and drive off in a car, and it's the last time you'll see them,' " jokes Heisserer. When Villeneuve called him after agreeing to direct, he said, "All right, Eric, now we are married." This story first appeared in a November stand-alone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. Abhishek Bachchan, when asked to say who he loved more, daughter Aaradhya or wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, had a cute answer up his sleeve. By India Today Web Desk: Abhishek Bachchan treated his fans and followers to a question and answer session on Twitter yesterday. Among the many things asked to the actor, there was a question on who he loved more: daughter Aaradhya or wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. ALSO READ: Amitabh's Teacher's Day letter to Aaradhya and Navya is a must-read PHOTOS: Aaradhya Bachchan meeting Azad Rao Khan is aww-dorable advertisement Abhishek told the person that he loves both of them equally. "I love both equally. You can't choose between your wife and your daughter. So I love both equally," said the Yuva actor. One person also asked the actor if his daughter would contribute in Bollywood to continue the "Bachchan trend". He replied via a video message: "I would like my daughter to do whatever she chooses to do and whatever she loves to do. As a kid, I was told to do what made me happy and I want her to do what makes her happy. Whatever it is I will be happy." Another user asked the Housefull 3 star about how difficult it was to perform when the world's benchmark for comparison is his father and megastar Amitabh Bachchan. "I think it is very important to have high standards... So I think it's not difficult, but a matter of great pride and huge inspiration for me," replied the 40-year-old. Would he like to work in a Tamil film, asked a fan. "I have been ready for 16 years ... I am just waiting for the opportunity," he said. Abhishek was also asked if there were any plans for a sequel to the 2007 film Guru. "A sequel to Guru ... Although I'd love to work on the character again. I'd love to work with Mani Ratnam and Aishwarya, R Madhavan, Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan and entire team. But I dont think there would be a sequel," he said. Abhishek also shared that he would love to work with actor Saif Ali Khan. "I think Saif and I would make a very cool buddy kind of a film," he added. ALSO WATCH: Aaradhya slept off before wishing me, says grandpa Amitabh on his birthday --- ENDS --- * Palm oil could breach 3,300 rgt/T on weaker ringgit - Mistry * But recovering output seen dragging on prices by mid-2017 By Emily Chow NUSA DUA, Indonesia, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Palm oil prices could rise 10 percent from current levels by the first quarter of 2017, before declining again as stockpiles recover, leading industry analyst Dorab Mistry said on Friday. Benchmark palm oil prices have surged about 20 percent so far this year, lifted by a weaker ringgit and strong markets for rival edible oils. They hit a four-year high of 3,098 ringgit ($694.62) on Thursday, tracking soyoil higher. "From now until end-March 2017, crude palm oil (CPO) prices should trade in a range from 3,000-3,300 ringgit. The weakness of the ringgit makes it probable that we shall exceed 3,300 ringgit at some stage," Mistry, director of Indian consumer goods company Godrej International, said at a palm oil conference in Bali. Markets are also being supported by bullish movements in agricultural commodities, potential price support measures by the Malaysian government ahead of an election year and higher U.S. biodiesel mandates, Mistry said. However, he added that a recovery in production from last year's crop-damaging El Nino weather event would push down prices to 2,400 ringgit by June 2017. Refined, bleached and deodorized (RBD) palm olein prices (POL-MYRBD-M1) could reach $750 a tonne on a free-on-board basis (FOB) by the first quarter of 2017, and dip to $650 FOB by June, from a front month price of $722.50 at present. Mistry maintained his forecast for global palm oil output to recover to nearly 6.5 million tonnes in the 2016/17 oil year. He pegged Malaysia's production at 19.5 million tonnes for the 2017 calendar year, up from 17.3-17.4 million tonnes this year. Indonesian output is seen rising to 33-33.5 million tonnes next year from 29 million tonnes in 2016. Indonesia and Malaysia, which contribute to over 80 percent of global palm oil, churned out 32 million tonnes and 19.96 million tonnes of CPO respectively in 2015. "It must be remembered production recovery has commenced in Indonesia already. Malaysian production can be expected to recover from next month," said Mistry, forecasting year-on-year growth for Malaysia's December palm oil production. Prices of lauric oil, edible oils with high levels of lauric acid, are also set to decline from Q2 2017, he said, as supplies of crude palm kernel oil rise in line with a recovery in CPO output, he said. ($1 = 4.4600 ringgit) (Reporting by Emily Chow; Writing by Fergus Jensen; Editing by Joseph Radford) * Sees palm demand from biodiesel sector at 10.6 mln T by 2020 * Indonesia pushing to boost biodiesel usage * Govt targets 90-pct increase in unblended biodiesel consumption * Should support palm oil prices (Adds biodiesel consumption targets) By Emily Chow NUSA DUA, Indonesia, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Indonesian demand for crude palm oil (CPO) for use in biodiesel will grow nearly 70 percent by 2020, a government agency said on Friday, as the price gap with conventional diesel narrows and more subsidies for blending become available. Indonesia, the world's top producer of palm oil, is pushing to increase usage of biodiesel to cut its oil import bill and curb greenhouse gas emissions. Its so-called B20 programme requires a minimum 20 percent blend of bio content in diesel fuel this year, up from 15 percent in 2015. The biodiesel sector's appetite for palm oil will increase to 10.6 million tonnes by the start of the next decade from 6.3 million tonnes forecast for this year, said Bayu Krisnamurthi, chief executive of the Indonesia Estate Crop Fund. "Looking forward, we calculated that by 2020, 26 percent of palm oil will go to biodiesel, so biodiesel becomes the new demand for the palm oil industry," Krisnamurthi said at a palm conference in Bali on Friday. The fund is a government agency in charge of collecting palm oil levies to finance biodiesel subsidies in the country. "The gap is getting thinner," said Krisnamurthi, referring to the spread between prices for biodiesel and conventional diesel coming down by around 30 percent this year as oil prices strengthened. The palm industry hopes the drive towards biodiesel will provide underlying support for prices for the edible oil , which hit a four-year high on Thursday amid a forecast decline in Indonesia's palm oil output. Meanwhile, the country is targeting a 90 percent increase in unblended biodiesel consumption in 2017 to 5.5 million kilolitres from an estimated 2.9 million kilolitres this year, an energy ministry official said. Story continues The 2017 target is "with the assumption that there is an expansion of subsidies", Dadan Kusdiana, secretary of the renewable energy directorate, told reporters on Friday. Indonesia started collecting a levy on its palm oil exports in July 2015 - $50 per tonne for crude palm oil and $30 for processed palm oil products - and uses part of that to help fund biodiesel subsidies. Levies collected by the Indonesia Estate Crop Fund would also need to increase to pay for additional biodiesel subsidies, Kusdiana said, adding that his office had proposed an incremental increase. The fund is targetting a 14 percent increase in levies collected in 2017. Below is a table of forecast demand for CPO from Indonesia's biodiesel industry over the next four years, based on data from the Indonesia Estate Crop Fund. 2016 6.3 million tonnes 2017 6.5 million tonnes 2018 6.7 million tonnes 2019 7 million tonnes 2020 10.6 million tonnes ($1 = 13,570 rupiah) (Reporting by Emily Chow in NUSA DUA and Wilda Asmarini in JAKARTA; Writing by Fergus Jensen; Editing by Joseph Radford) PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / November 25, 2016 / The end of the year can be hectic, stressful, but fun as well. Families and friends get together to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. Employers host office parties to end the year. You or your friends may host holiday parties. But along with the partying, there is potential danger of serious injury, says Philadelphia slip and fall attorney Rand Spear. As the end of year approaches, the weather can be very unpredictable. It may rain or it may snow, then later melt. Darkness comes early and at night temperatures drop and ice can form. If you're walking to or from a party, the outside surface may not be properly cared for, pavement or stairs could be uneven or cracked, and the lighting could be poor. A slip and fall onto pavement or cement can cause severe injuries whose impact could last a lifetime. A slip and fall could happen inside a home or apartment too. A floor may be wet, rugs or carpets could be loose, and stairs could be uneven. In these situations there could be any number of parties who may be responsible for your injury and potentially liable for compensating you for your injuries. It could be the host who's the homeowner, the owner of the apartment building you're visiting, or the company hired by the apartment building owner to maintain the safety of the sidewalk and common areas. If you find yourself in this situation, get medical help. You won't want to spend the evening in the emergency department at the local hospital, but if you don't feel right and fear you've been injured, get help. Get yourself checked out so if you are injured you can get prompt treatment to help you recover. Not getting help could worsen the injury and prolong the problem. Make sure that either you or someone else takes photos of the area where you fell. Try to show in the photo what the problem may have been and the location. While you're being examined if you've suffered any bruises or cuts or worse, take photos of them as well. The next step is to contact a lawyer for slip and fall accidents. Story continues If you're the one hosting the party, control how much alcohol gets served. Don't be afraid to cut people off. Not only are they a danger if they drive home, they may lose their balance and fall on your property. Make sure you don't drink too much so if an emergency situation arises you'll be level headed about it. Make sure outside surfaces are clear and well lit. Look at your floors to see if there are any dangerous conditions that could trip someone up or cause them to fall. If you or a loved one has been injured because of a slip and fall in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, contact Philadelphia slip and fall attorney Rand Spear at 888-373-4LAW today so you can set up a free consultation to discuss the accident, how the law may apply in your situation, and what you should do next to protect your rights to compensation for your injuries. Press Contact: Rand Spear 888-373-4LAW Source: http://randspear.com/2016/11/22/parties-ruin-holidays-says-philadelphia-slip-fall-attorney/ SOURCE: Rand Spear via Submit Press Release 123 From Country Living Update, 11/29/2016: Last week, Patagonia announced that it would be donating all of its Black Friday sales to charity, specifically to environmental organizations. According to Huffington Post, the company's sales on Black Friday reached $10 million-and Patagonia intends to make good on its promise. In a blog post on its site, Patagonia announced that its 2016 Black Friday sales were record-breaking, and that customers were calling the effort a "fundraiser for the earth." "The enormous love our customers showed to the planet on Black Friday enables us to give every penny to hundreds of grassroots environmental organizations working around the world," said the release."Many of these environmental groups are underfunded and under the radar, and they are overwhelmed with your commitment. On behalf of these activists and every Patagonia employee, we extend a heartfelt thank you to our customers, friends and community worldwide who showed up to #loveourplanet." Original, 11/23/2016: When Black Friday shopping rolls around each holiday season, it can be easy to get disillusioned about crowds fighting for all that stuff. There's always Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday after Black Friday dedicated to charity. But now, CNN Money reports that outdoor-wear chain Patagonia will let you shop and give at the same time this year. The company announced Monday it will donate all of its Black Friday sales, which could exceed $2 million, to grassroots environmental groups that aim to protect natural resources. The donations will come from all sales, both online and in person. The company already donates 1% of its everyday sales to these charities, but this is the first year they're donating all the sales from a single day. The proceeds will go to a network of nearly 800 different charities. "We definitely came up with the idea after the election," Lisa Pike Sheehy, vice president of environmental activism at Patagonia, told CNN. "This is a difficult and divisive time for our country. I believe the environment is something we can all come together on. ... Environmental values are something we all embrace." Story continues In a company blog post, Patagonia notes that the charities they support are usually small, underfunded, and don't get a lot of attention. They will also feature information on their website about how to get actively involved in these charities, way beyond Black Friday. You Might Also Like A family of Osprey are seen outside the NASA Kennedy Space Center Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) in Cape Canaveral, Florida on Thursday May 13, 2010. REUTERS/Bill Ingalls/NASA/Handout Y Scientists have taken to Twitter to talk about all the important work NASA's earth science program does, using the hashtag #ThanksNASA. 40 yrs ago I was first exposed to - digital! - #Landsat data; it helped us estimate suspended #sediment in estuaries - amazing! #ThanksNASA Elisabeth Kosters (@EC_Kosters) November 24, 2016 The researchers who started and spread the hashtag have not called out any political figures or made any explicit political statements around it. But context is important. On Wednesday, Bob Walker, a top adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, told The Guardian that the new presidential administration would cut earth science research at NASA. He suggested that the agency would lose the more than 40% of its funding dedicated to understanding our own planet, and be instructed to instead turn its attention toward exploration and deep space research. Why? Walker suggested that it has to do with NASA's focus on what he called "politically correct environmental monitoring." NASA's earth science program is an indispensable source of data for researchers who study our planet's melting ice sheets and changing climate. Story continues The results of that research could present a challenge for the president-elect, whose past statements run counter to the scientific consensus that the planet's climate is warming as a result of human activities. Trump has also suggested that he would remove scientists who study the climate from federal agencies, and selected Myron Ebell, a man who has called climate scientists "global warming alarmists," to lead the transition at the Environmental Protection Agency. NASA earth science data is used not only to look at climate change, but also to help predict hurricanes, track erosion, and study other subjects that require an eye on our planet from space. Here are some of the tweets from scientists and others using the #ThanksNASA hashtag: If you think this Grace gravity map is politicised, you've a warped view of the world. #thanksNASA https://t.co/GxclrEGaOI pic.twitter.com/NzQnr6RqjY Roland Pease (@PeaseRoland) November 24, 2016 #ThanksNASA for building the satellites for NOAA that deliver weather data worldwide for so many useful and sometimes lifesaving forecasts https://t.co/M9FBCTYqdu Climate Ack!-tivist (@ddhelfrich) November 24, 2016 #ThanksNASA for surveying the health of a changing planet with #IceBridge mission https://t.co/vmvZIJTaSE Laurie Juranek (@laurie_juranek) November 24, 2016 #ThanksNASA for showing us the ozone hole B4 it became a crisis...and BTW for helping launch my career at GSFC. Steven Sherwood (@StevenSherwood4) November 25, 2016 #ThanksNASA for teaching me how the Earth breathes (net primary productivity) https://t.co/8SeDNHuoHc John Taylor (@CoppiceJT) November 24, 2016 Historic low sea ice extent in #Antarctica. Couldn't have written it without the unique data #ThanksNASA https://t.co/TTXHcScWGo Mark Brandon (@icey_mark) November 24, 2016 #thanksNASA for the satellite monitoring of clouds, ozone, temperature, energy fluxes, rain etc. pic.twitter.com/6fIfXzy5W6 Gavin Schmidt (@ClimateOfGavin) November 24, 2016 Are you a scientist who relies on NASA earth science data for your work? Email me at rletzter@businessinsider.com, tweet me at @RafiLetzter, or shoot me a DM and we can set up a time to chat. NOW WATCH: NASAs Chief Scientist explains how the first humans on Mars will breathe More From Business Insider (Reuters) - Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has leapt to the defence of club mate Wayne Rooney, saying the Manchester United captain is a "perfect" player who does not get enough respect in England. Rooney has been under the spotlight since apologising after being pictured last week socialising late at night while he was on international duty as England captain. "I think when you're a person like that, when you're famous like that, people are interested, they want to know everything. I don't know what has happened," Ibrahimovic told British media. "I didn't even ask him because it's not important for me and I'm 100 per cent sure the media doesn't know what really happened. I think we should appreciate him for the player he is, what he did. "I don't see many players from England who have had the same career as him. I feel a little bit sorry of the situation because we should show more respect for him." Rooney put in an inspired performance in Thursday's 4-0 Europa League victory over Feyenoord, scoring United's first-half opener from an Ibrahimovic through ball to become the club's all-time leading scorer in Europe with 39. The goal also put him just one behind Bobby Charlton's overall club record of 249. "As a person he's fantastic, I have the luck to get to know the person. As a player, there are no words to not say about him -- he's the perfect player," Ibrahimovic added. "Everybody knows what he can do, what he did, what he has done. I'm happy for him to break the record and I will help him to go one more -- then I see it as the real record." United, who are sixth in the Premier League with 19 points from their opening 12 games, host 17th-placed West Ham United on Sunday. (Reporting by Shravanth Vijayakumar in Bengaluru, editing by Nick Mulvenney) Bravo Its safe to say Olivia Flowers has been killing it on the Halloween front this year. Over the weekend, the Southern Charm cast member went out with Kathryn Dennis and Taylor Ann Green, and the gals looked stunning in their edgy, Goth-inspired costumes, which, for Olivia, included a black corset, skirt, knee-high boots, and dark lipstick. Olivia decided to take things in a more colorful direction for the October 31 holiday, emulating the late Olivia Newton-Johns aerobics style for her 1981 hit Lead Bank Manager Pankaj Saxena said that RBI was not sending enough small notes. Demand has been placed for the new Rs. 500 notes but so far it has not been accepted by the RBI. By Siraj Qureshi: The cash crunch that has engulfed the entire country appears to have hit the small towns the worst, as was evident on Friday, when 410 bank branches out of a total of 485 branches in Agra reported zero cash availability, turning away their customers as well as domestic and foreign tourists. ATMs NOT FUNCTIONAL Talking to India Today, a senior bank officer said on the condition of anonymity that by 11:30 am, 410 bank branches in the city were reporting no cash and had placed notices outside their entrances to inform the customers. The few branches that did have cash, were disbursing maximum of 2000 to the customers as they too had limited cash available. advertisement He said that there were only about 11 percent ATMs that were functional in the district and those had long queues in front of them. He said that it was only possible to withdraw Rs. 2000 from these ATMs and these notes were still facing difficulty in getting accepted for small purchases due to less availability of small notes. Lead Bank Manager Pankaj Saxena said that RBI was not sending enough small notes. Demand has been placed for the new Rs. 500 notes but so far it has not been accepted by the RBI. An administrative official told India Today that the district magistrate Agra Gaurav Dayal has also written to the RBI informing them of the cash crisis. UNRULY CROWD According to the available information, the Grameen Bank of Aryavart has 50 branches in Agra and every branch was facing daily tussles between customers and bank staff, so the bank's officers association has decided to shut down the bank branches till the cash availability is not regularized. Association General Secretary Ashok Sharma said that every branch was being provided just about Rs. 1.6 lakhs daily, which was insufficient considering the large number of customers flocking to the banks. He said that the bank was able to provide cash to just 15-16 customers every day while the crowds were of more than 800-1000 people, who were getting violent and this was endangering the safety of the bank staff, so the bank branches will remain closed till the cash availability is not sure. BUSINESS ACTIVITIES COME TO GRINDING HALT Agra City REDICO chairman K C Jain told India Today that all construction projects in Agra are currently on hold so the laborers are facing difficulties because of that, however, the people will get enormous benefits from this scheme of the Prime Minister in the future. Vyapar Mandal Chairman T N Agarwal said that the demonetization has placed business activities on hold in Agra and small shopkeepers and laborers were the worst affected from it. Bhartiya Muslim Vikas Parishad chairman Sami Aghai said that the cottage industry of Fatehpur Sikri has been demolished by the demonetization. Dozens of families that work in the various cottage industries in the town are now sitting at home without work. The units making grinding stones for flour mills are standing idle since 8th November, while these units sent these grinding stones to as far as Maharashtra and Gujarat, utilizing raw stone that was imported from Rajasthan daily. advertisement Ishwar Chand and Mohan Lal, both bulk traders of grinding stones said that all old payments were stuck since 8th November, while new buyers were also not coming as they did not have the new currency. As a result, ready stocks worth lakhs of rupees were lying in the godowns, with no buyers. ALSO READ: Demonetisation: Dalits hit in Agra, struggle to feed families All demonetisation petitions to be heard by Supreme Court on December 2 --- ENDS --- Friday, November 25, 2016 We have a shortened trading session this Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Markets will close at 1pm ET today, presumably so investors can have plenty of time to go shopping for Black Friday. The retail shoppers traditional sales day to put their ledgers in the black for the first time of the year has had muted influence in recent years, with the onset of eCommerce companies like Amazon AMZN peeling off a significant amount of big-box retail foot traffic. Even still, were expecting strong Black Friday numbers from companies like Target TGT and Macys M. Even high-end retailers like Tiffany TIF get into the act with limited discounts this time of year. Inventories are reportedly down this year compared to last, meaning retailers will have less stock to work off and therefore can plump their profits more easily. And following the Trump Rally (or Trump Rotation, as Zacks analyst Dave Bartosiak calls it), with index futures up again ahead of todays opening bell, market participants may indeed believe in Santa Claus, or at least a Santa Claus Rally. U.S. Trade Deficit numbers were released this morning, and a bit higher than expected at $62 billion. $56 billion was the last read, and $62B represents a number in the top half of all trade deficit reads this year (June was highest, at $64B). Again, inventories were down 0.4% on both retail and wholesale sides. Consistent working-down of existing stockpiles; these are good things for growth looking forward. Well see if this type of sentiment carries forth to next weeks OPEC meeting, which begins Monday and wraps on Wednesday. Inventory stockpiles have been keeping oil prices low for the past six quarters or more, and OPEC policies especially in the face of increased fracking in the U.S. and Iran bringing its oil supply online have had much to do with this. WTI and Brent oil prices had been inching up in recent weeks, anticipating a positive outcome from next weeks meeting. But both oil indices are down ahead of the bell today. Mark Vickery Senior Editor Click here to follow this author>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AMAZON.COM INC (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report TARGET CORP (TGT): Free Stock Analysis Report TIFFANY & CO (TIF): Free Stock Analysis Report MACYS INC (M): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research 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 Nov 25 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories from selected Canadian newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. THE GLOBE AND MAIL ** The Chinese government has agreed to work with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to combat the flow of illicit fentanyl into Canada, tacitly acknowledging the deadly impact of the Asian country's sprawling chemicals industry on this nation's overdose epidemic. https://tgam.ca/2fM1P0d ** As opposition begins to mount against Toronto Mayor John Tory's new plan to impose tolls on the city's two biggest expressways, he challenged his critics to explain where they would find the billions needed for transit and other infrastructure. https://tgam.ca/2fM2LBX ** Canadian timber producers are bracing for another costly trade war with the United States after Ottawa warned that a U.S. lobby group will fire the first shot Friday - with hefty American duties on softwood lumber from Canada expected to follow in spring 2017. https://tgam.ca/2fM41Vj NATIONAL POST ** The Liberal government has brought in an unprecedented gag order that prevents 235 Canadian military personnel and federal workers from ever talking about the program, now underway, to replace the country's fighter jets. http://natpo.st/2fLZkLo ** The Alberta government will pay three coal-fired electric generating companies C$1.36 billion ($1.01 billion) for the province's decision to close their plants early, while also potentially avoiding a lawsuit with other power companies in the province. http://bit.ly/2fM0lTA ** There is zero chance Savanna Energy Services Corp's shareholders will accept a hostile takeover bid from a competing oilfield services company, analysts say, though the bid could affect Savanna's attempt to restructure its debts. http://bit.ly/2fM0k2a ($1 = 1.3485 Canadian dollars) (Compiled by Vishal Sridhar) Nov 25 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories in the Financial Times. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. Headlines * UK workers face worst decade for pay in 70 years. http://on.ft.com/2gr4EVt * Iceland v Iceland: country takes legal action against grocer. http://on.ft.com/2gra3Me * Netanyahu blames 'arsonist terrorism' for wildfires across Israel. http://on.ft.com/2gra96y Overview * Britain's wage growth prospects look "dreadful", The Institute for Fiscal Studies said on Thursday, after official economic forecasts showed workers were unlikely to recoup losses suffered after the financial crisis within the next five years. * Iceland said on Thursday it had taken legal action against Iceland Foods Ltd over the British supermarket chain's trademark registration for the word "Iceland". * Following a wave of wildfires across Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters that, "Every fire that was caused by arson, or incitement to arson, is terrorism by all accounts. And we will treat it as such". (Compiled by Parikshit Mishra in Bengaluru) Photo credit: undefined From Town & Country By this point, if you're still blissfully unaware of Prince Harry's new girlfriend, American actress Megan Markle, you must be living under a rock. Not only has Kensington Palace issued an official statement on the matter, but Harry is reportedly hiring private security to protect Markle from harassment by the press. Fortunately, the Suits actress is using her newfound international fame to highlight causes that are important to her. In a new personal essay, which she penned for Elle UK, Markle writes about her struggle to balance a career with her philanthropic passions. "I'm sitting in my trailer with my mom in Toronto, Canada, where we're shooting the sixth season of US TV drama, Suits. This in itself is a novelty: my mom is sitting in my trailer, on a show in which I am a lead character, and that has a viewership of more than 1.7 million," she begins. "We never would have dreamed that this would be my reality. Our reality." She then dives into the difficulty of reconciling her celebrity with her charity work. "Just a year ago, I was in a van heading back from Gihembe refugee camp in Rwanda. I was there as an advocate for UN Women; I had a week of meetings with female parliamentarians in the city's capital, Kigali, celebrating the fact that 64% of the Rwandan government are women the first in the world where women hold a majority," she writes. "Driving back on the dusty roads that day, I received an email from my managers asking whether I'd attend the Baftas. I had never been and had always romanticized it. A high-end jewelry company was going to fly me in, dress me in the fanciest of gowns, and I would travel straight from Kigali to Heathrow, London, to the make-up chair and on to the red carpet." It was too jarring a juxtaposition for Markle. "My brain, heart and spirit couldn't shift gears that quickly," she said. "And in that moment, my gut said no because while my two worlds can coexist, I've learned that being able to keep a foot in both is a delicate balance. No, they are not mutually exclusive but guiding my heart through the swinging pendulum from Hollywood fantasy to third-world reality is challenging in its own way." Story continues And while she doesn't explicitly mention Prince Harry in the piece, she does use a pretty pointed princess metaphor to describe the responsibility she feels to do good in this world with the opportunities she has been given. "With fame comes opportunity, but it also includes responsibility to advocate and share, to focus less on glass slippers and more on pushing through glass ceilings. And, if I'm lucky enough, to inspire." Read the whole essay over on Elle UK. [contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="Related%20Stories" customtitles="Prince%20Harry%20is%20Hiring%20Security%20for%20Meghan%20Markle%7CWhy%20Are%20Americans%20Fascinated%20By%20the%20Royal%20Family?%7C%20Prince%20Harry%20and%20Meghan%20Markle%20Are%20Dating" customimages="||" content="article.8673|gallery.2990|article.8581"] You Might Also Like Credit: Ray Tamarra/GC Images How do you spend Thanksgiving when you're Prince Harry's girlfriend? Just like everyone else--making a delicious turkey. Meghan Markle took to Instagram today to share a throwback snap of her holiday cooking adventures from a past year, and it seems like the Suits star is quite the turkey whisperer. In the photo, the 35-year-old poses next to a perfectly roasted bird as she smiles for the camera. We'd also like to note that her stylish-yet-classic outfit and perfect low ponytail are giving us serious Kate Middleton vibes. "Oh, that time I roasted a pretty perfect Thanksgiving turkey! The question is, can I do it again? :see_no_evil: The pressure is on! #thanksgiving #letthebriningbegin #turkey," she captioned the festive 'gram. Oh, that time I roasted a pretty perfect Thanksgiving turkey! The question is, can I do it again? The pressure is on! #thanksgiving #letthebriningbegin #turkey A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on Nov 23, 2016 at 8:17am PST VIDEO: 11 Reasons Why Meghan Markle Would Make a Great Royal 5203294810001 Prince Harry is currently on an official two-week tour of the Caribbean, where he was awkwardly invited by the Prime Minister of Antigua encouraged to spend his honeymoon on the island. The royal artfully changed the subject, and rightfully so--news of the pair's relationship only broke a few weeks ago and they are definitely not engaged. RELATED: Prince Harry Receives an Invitation to Honeymoon in Antigua with His "New Princess" That being said, we have high hopes for this good-looking couple. JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Standard & Poor's Global Ratings on Friday cut South African power utility Eskom's credit rating a further notch into subinvestment, raising concerns the country's sovereign rating would also be dragged into junk status. S&P's, which has South Africa's debt on the lowest investment level with a negative outlook, cut Eskom's long-term corporate credit rating to BB from BB+, two steps below the investment threshold. Eskom's 2026 bond weakened on the news, with the yield adding 2.5 basis points by close of trade. The ratings firm flagged financial pressures faced by Eskom due to the uncertain tariff path resulting from the utility's ongoing court case against the national energy regulator as a reason for the downgrade. In August a South African court struck down some of the tariff increases granted to Eskom in 2016. S&P's is due to publish its decision on South Africa's sovereign rating next Friday on Dec. 2. Some analysts say the move to cut the utility's rating could be a precursor to a downgrade of the sovereign. "Seems like a major move ahead of next week. Maybe it increases the chances of a downgrade end next week given the interdependence of parastatal ratings with the sovereign," said London-based Africa analyst at Nomura Peter Attard Montalto. Eskom said it was disappointed by the decision by S&P's, but was confident that its balance sheet put it good stead. "This one notch ratings downgrade will not have a material impact on Eskoms funding plans for the financial year ending 31 March 201," the utility said in a statement. Eskom, South Africa's sole power supplier, is keen to build new nuclear stations to generate an additional 9.6 gigawatts of nuclear power, but has faced mounting opposition to the plan, with critics saying that it would be unaffordable at an estimated price of up to 1 trillion rand ($71 billion). Ratings agency Fitch on Friday affirmed South Africa's investment-grade credit rating at one notch above 'junk' on Friday but changed its outlook to negative from stable, warning that political risks could hurt growth. ($1 = 14.1126 rand) (Reporting by Mfuneko Toyana; Editing by James Macharia) (Corrects total cost of project to C$5.9 billion from C$3.9 billion) TORONTO, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Quebec's public pension fund said on Friday the cost of building a planned new light railway in Montreal had risen by C$400 million ($296 million) to C$5.9 billion to cover three additional stations. The Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec said it would increase its investment by C$100 million to C$3.1 billion, while Montreal's mayor said the city will invest C$100 million. The Quebec government has also committed to a yet-to-be-decided investment in the project and the parties are in talks with the federal government over the remaining funding required. ($1 = 1.3502 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Matt Scuffham; Editing by Bernadette Baum) * Caisse yet to secure agreements over government funding * Total cost of project rises to C$5.9 billion * Cost is C$400 million higher than previously thought (Adds comment from Caisse CEO) By Matt Scuffham TORONTO, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Quebec's public pension fund said on Friday that its plan to build the world's third-largest light rail system in Montreal would cost C$400 million ($296 million) more than expected and it had yet to secure the required funding from the federal government. The Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, Canada's second- biggest public pension fund, said on Friday that the cost of building the railroad had risen to C$5.9 billion ($4.37 billion) to cover three additional stations. It is planning to build a 67 km (42 miles) rail network that will link downtown Montreal with several suburbs and the city's airport. The Caisse said it would increase its investment by C$100 million to C$3.1 billion, while Montreal's mayor said the city will invest C$100 million. Talks with the federal and provincial governments over the remaining funding are continuing. Quebec's transport minister confirmed on Friday the province planned to provide a yet-to-be-decided level of investment in the project and said talks with the federal government over the remaining investment were "going well." The fund plans to provide more than half the money with the rest coming from provincial and federal governments. "There's a very important appetite to participate in the financing of this project. That being said, there's still work to be done with the governments of Quebec and Canada to finalize the details," said Caisse Chief Executive Michael Sabia. Canada is planning to boost spending on infrastructure projects by an extra C$81 billion in the next 12 years in a bid to revitalize its economy and the Caisse project could be one of the first to include investment from a new infrastructure bank being set up by the country's Liberal government. Story continues However, the project is different from many partnerships between public and private investors because the Caisse is taking on all of the construction and operational risk and will own and operate the rail system once it is built. The Caisse aims to get the first trains up and running by 2020 and, to do that, Sabia said the Caisse must secure government funding in the next 4 1/2 months in order to start the work next spring. "We will need a final decision around the first or second quarter so, calm down, it's not a crisis we're talking about here," Sabia told reporters. ($1 = 1.35 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Matt Scuffham; Editing by Dan Grebler and Bill Trott) Two years ago, a day after the 75th birthday of the Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav held a grand celebration for his father to mark the event. Mulayam laid the foundation stone for the Agra-Lucknow expressway that very day, and as he took the dais to make a speech, he said: "Jab hum mukhyamantri thhe, tab shilanyas ke samay hi udghatan ki tareekh bhi tay ho jati thi (when I was chief minister, we would decide the inauguration date at the time of laying the foundation)." He then called upon Chakresh Jain, the director of one of the companies constructing the expressway, asking when the project would be complete. When Jain said it would take two years, Mulayam replied, "I am cutting two months. You have to complete this expressway in 22 months." Construction began in earnest in January the following year. 23 months later, on the eve of his 77th birthday, he got his wish: amidst a ceremony that included Sukhoi and Mirage fighter jets performing test landings, Mulayam inaugurated the 302-kilometre-long Agra-Lucknow expressway. Incidentally, it was Mulayam who, as defence minister in the H.D. Deve Gowda government, had cleared the Sukhoi deal. advertisement The expressway is expected to bring cheer to many. Noida-based Nishant Arora, 35, could not meet his parents this Diwali in Lucknow because he could not get a confirmed railway ticket, and did not want to hazard the 10-hour journey by road. Before the Agra-Lucknow expressway, only part of his journey-from Noida to Agra via the 165-km-long Yamuna expressway-would have taken him on a high-speed highway. Now, the state government claims the travel time from Agra to Lucknow has been reduced to just three-and-a-half hours, reducing Nishant's journey to under six hours. In the run-up to the 2017 assembly election, Akhilesh hopes to showcase the expressway as one of the highlights of his administration. It will help him counter the BJP's claim of being the development-oriented party. "If you double the speed, you'll triple the economy," he said at the inauguration of this project. The event also served to allay fears about the leadership crisis within the SP. To back up that message, Mulayam even revoked the suspension of his cousin Ram Gopal Yadav, three days before the inauguration. As Professor Lav Kush Misra, dean of Management College, Agra University, says, "All [of Mulayam's] family members were present. This gives a positive message to the Yadav votebank. It also makes clear that Akhilesh Yadav, with his development agenda, will be the face of the SP in the coming assembly election." However, it was not an entirely smooth ride. Initially, the expressway was to be constructed under the public-private partnership model, but no companies showed interest in it. After the parliamentary elections in 2014, the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) was given the task, with a senior IAS officer, Navneet Sehgal, as CEO. The expressway was divided into five sectors-Agra to Firozabad, Firozabad to Etawah, Etawah to Kannauj, Kannauj to Unnao and Unnao to Lucknow. Four different companies were then engaged to construct these sectors. The attempt bore fruit, according to a senior official of the UPEIDA. "Involving different companies bred competition, which was good for us," he says. Another hurdle was land acquisition. Says Sehgal, "Instead of acquiring land, we decided to purchase it. To make the deal more [appealing], owners were offered four times the circle rates in rural areas and double in urban areas." Hari Ram, president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lucknow region), agrees: "During the land acquisition process, no major protests from the farmers were reported. It indicates that the process was farmer-friendly." In cases where purchase was not possible, the acquisition process laid down in the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, was followed. To ensure that financial red tape did not delay the project, UPEIDA transferred the land budgets to the district magistrates of the relevant districts. This bore fruit: UPEIDA completed a total of 28,235 registries between June 2014 and January 2015, having purchased more than 3,200 hectares of land. The project also broke new ground: it is the first in the country that can serve as an emergency air strip. This was on full display on November 21, when six Indian Air Force fighter jets landed on the expressway. advertisement However, not everyone is happy. Says Bahujan Samaj Party national president Mayawati: "Instead of focusing on administration, the chief minister is in hurry to inaugurate incomplete projects." The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) questioned the route. "It is not a coincidence that the Agra-Lucknow expressway passes through the stronghold of the Mulayam Singh Yadav family," says state BJP spokesperson Dr Chandramohan. However, Sehgal says the "Agra-Lucknow expressway passes through the shortest distance between Agra and Lucknow". That said, Nishant will have to wait a bit longer. The expressway will be opened to the public only in late December, after a security audit by state and central agencies. --- ENDS --- advertisement Vatican City (AFP) - A papal commission on the role of female deacons met for the first time Friday in a move reformers hope could open the door to women eventually entering the Catholic clergy. As things stand only men can serve as priests or as deacons. The latter are church officers who are authorised to give sermons and preside over baptisms, marriages and funerals but not to hear confessions or give communion, tasks which remain the preserve of ordained priests. The new commission, which includes six women among its 13 members, has been instructed to examine whether women regularly acted as deacons in the early Christian church. Advocates of women playing a greater role in Church governance say they did, so there should therefore be no barrier to them doing so now. Conservatives however are wary of conceding a point they see as potentially opening the way to women being ordained as priests. The panel appointed by Pope Francis in August is seen as balanced between the conservative and feminist-influenced wings of the Church. It is not expected to reach any quick conclusions with the two-day session that began Friday expected to be the first of several in an open-ended review process. Being a deacon was long seen as a step towards becoming a priest but the reforming Vatican II council of 1962-65 opened up such posts to married men with no intention of becoming ordained. According to the latest available figures, the Church had 415,000 priests worldwide and 44,500 deacons in 2014. Francis agreed to the review of the deacon question in response to a request from members of female religious orders, whose numbers far outweigh those of monks and priests combined. He has however ruled out women being ordained, in line with long-established Church doctrine. That was restated by Pope John Paul II in 1994 when the Polish pope argued that the Church had no authority to change its stance in light of Jesus having chosen only men to serve as his apostles. By Crispian Balmer and Giselda Vagnoni ROME (Reuters) - Prime Minister Matteo Renzi should not leave Italy in the lurch if he loses a forthcoming referendum but should remain in charge to help overcome the fallout, Industry Minister Carlo Calenda said on Friday. Renzi says he will quit if voters reject his constitutional reform package at the Dec. 4 ballot, and financial markets are jittery over the prospect of political instability as opinion polls point to probable defeat for the government. In a interview with Reuters, Calenda said he remained optimistic that the 'Yes' camp would prevail, arguing that Italians would ultimately back the plans to curb the role of the upper house Senate and reduce the powers of the regions. But he said Renzi should back away from his threat to resign regardless. "My personal opinion is that Renzi should stay," he said, speaking in his 1930s-era office on Rome's upmarket Via Veneto, with huge designs by Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci covering the walls. Some opposition parties want immediate national elections a year ahead of schedule if Renzi loses the referendum. But most politicians say the electoral law will first have to be rewritten because it only covers the lower house of parliament. Drafting a new law is likely to take several months, during which time Italy will need a new government if, as he has repeatedly promised, Renzi walks away from power. One option would be for the president to appoint a non-political cabinet headed by technocrats, as happened in 2011 when former EU Commissioner Mario Monti took charge at the height of a financial crisis. But Calenda, who is himself a technocrat and not a member of the ruling Democratic Party (PD), said Italy's many problems demanded a political response. "My personal opinion is that this is not the time for a technical government," said Calenda, a close Renzi ally who has a life-sized cardboard cutout of British World War Two leader Winston Churchill alongside his desk. The first problem that is likely to explode in the wake of a 'No' vote will center on Italy's third largest bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena , with the troubled lender set to launch a 5 billion euro ($5.3 billion) cash call on Dec. 7 or 8. Worried about rising political risks, investors are waiting on the outcome of the referendum before deciding whether to pump funds into Monte dei Paschi. If they stay on the sidelines, the state will have to jump in to prevent the bank from collapsing. Calenda declined to talk about the crisis-battered banking sector, but said Italy needed strong government. "What needs to be considered, and in this respect the President of the Republic will play a key role, is what is good for the country in the given context," said Calenda. President Sergio Mattarella is Italy's supreme political arbiter. If Renzi hands in his resignation, the head of state could reject it and ask him to return to parliament and seek a new mandate - one that specifically included electoral reform. Renzi could refuse, but he might face pressure to reconsider if the country faced a full-blown banking crisis. Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan, who is widely seen as a possible replacement for Renzi at the head of a technocrat government, added his voice on Friday to those who thought the prime minister should stay in office regardless of the vote. "What the country needs is a political government that can continue to make reforms, which is this government," he told Sky TG24 TV. (Reporting by Crispian Balmer; editing by Mark Heinrich) When Republicans swept Democrats out of the House majority in 2010, one of their first acts in power was to ban earmarksthe pet projects prized by lawmakers that had become synonymous with pork-barrel spending and corruption. Earmarks have become a symbol of a Congress that has broken faith with the people. This earmark ban shows the American people we are listening and we are dead serious about ending business as usual in Washington, John Boehner, then two months away from becoming House speaker, declared triumphantly when his party approved the proposal two weeks after the 2010 midterm elections. Now, with the GOP poised to rule over both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, one of the first changes House Republicans are considering is to bring them back. The current speaker, Paul Ryan, has said the party will spend the next few months debating the return of what supporters euphemistically call congressionally directed spending. Earmarks could come back in 2017 on a limited basis, potentially with reforms to how they are approved. Or the blanket prohibition could remain in place. As Boehner himself indicated, the original ban was seen as no more than a symbolic one. Earmarks accounted for a tiny fraction of the federal budget, but denunciations by Senator John McCain of projects like the Bridge to Nowhere in Alaska had exposed the unsavory back-room deals that led to the last-minute approval of questionable projects without public debate. Recommended: Donald Trump's Case for 'Honest Graft' Yet in the last six years, party leaders and rank-and-file lawmakers alike have discovered that earmarks were far more significant to the functioning of government than the sum of their cost to taxpayers would indicate. Their elimination furthered the devolution of power from Congress to the executive brancha source of particular frustration for congressional Republicans who had long railed against the presidents use of executive actions on policies the legislature had declined to approve. And more consequentially, the ban contributed to gridlock in Washington by robbing party leaders of their ability to sweeten legislation for recalcitrant members. Where in the past they could offer earmarks to buy votes, now they were empty-handed. Stymied by constant revolts from Tea Party conservatives, even Boehner acknowledged he had been left with little leverage. With the grease gone, the train got stuck. Story continues There always will be earmarks. Its just that the administration runs the earmarks today. A group of Republicans has pushed for the return of earmarks at the beginning of each session of Congress since the ban took effect, but the effort never gained traction in large part because Boehner stood in the way. As long as Im speaker, there will be no earmarks, he said in 2014. When Boehner resigned the next year, his staff created a gauzy, documentary video hailing the ban as central to his legacy and highlighting his record of never seeking an earmark during his quarter-century in the House. Its been one of the best decisions Ive ever made, he said in the video. Boehners exit revived the push to end the ban. House Republicans were set to vote on a proposal to restart the practice last week in an internal party meeting. But Ryan intervened, warning of the potential political fallout of a secret vote to bring back earmarks so soon after Donald Trump won the White House on a drain the swamp message. A Republican inside the room said that based on the comments from members, the amendment approving earmarks would likely have passed had the speaker not stepped in. Yet even though Ryan halted the vote, he brings a much more open mind to the issue than did Boehner. In a carefully worded statement to reporters the next day, he acknowledgedwithout ever uttering the word earmarkthat the total ban could be lifted sometime in 2017. Our members are worried that we have seen a dilution of the separation of powers, Ryan said. Our members are worried that the executive branch, unelected bureaucrats, have been given far too much power and that weve seen violence done to the separation of powers. He continued: So restoring the power of the purse truly to the legislative branch, so that elected officials can hold the unelected branch of government more accountable, is the genesis of that concern. We decided yesterday that were going to spend a good amount of time deliberating how best to do that. So were going to be spending the first quarter of 2017 figuring out just how we can make sure we can restore the power of the purse to the legislative branch to hold the unelected branch accountable. When we say drain the swamp, that means stop giving all this power to unelected people to micromanage our society, our economy, and our lives, and restore the Constitution. Thats what this debate is about. What Ryan doesnt mention is that restoring earmarks could make his job easier, and Trumps, too. The speaker has put an emphasis on returning to regular order in the House by passing individual appropriations bills to fund the government rather than packaging them all together in one giant omnibus that conservatives hate. But just like Boehner before him, Ryan has struggled to realize that goal, and one reason is that appropriations bills are exactly the vehicles in which legislative leaders once routinely doled out earmarks as carrots to secure the votes for passage. Recommended: Trump Wouldn't Have Much Room for Error in a Future Campaign Trump, of course, has proposed broad ethics reforms to restrict lobbying and enact term limits. Neither of those ideas has much chance of winning approval from the men and women who would be most negatively affected by them. Members of Congress frequently become lobbyists after they leave office, and previous attempts to impose term limits have gone nowhere on Capitol Hill. Another priority of the president-elects, however, is a major infrastructure bill. Like appropriations measures, legislation to authorize the construction of roads and bridges has been ripe for earmarking in the past, and there is often no surer way to get fiscal hawks to support deficit-busting spending than to make sure there are goodies in it for them. Outside groups have quickly denounced the push to revive earmarks, seeing it as evidence that Republicans are reverting to old ways and getting too comfortable with their power in Congress. According to FreedomWorks, the GOP-led House and Senate in 2005 approved a total of 14,000 earmarks totaling $27 billion. The American people made it crystal clear last week that it is time to drain the swamp in Washingtonthat includes keeping in place the ban on congressional earmarks, said Jim DeMint, president of the conservative Heritage Foundation and a former South Carolina senator. Legislative earmarking was a lynchpin of Washingtons crony systema favorite of the politically and financially well-connected, it wasted huge amounts of money. Citizens Against Government Waste, the nonpartisan group that highlights egregious spending in an annual pig book, fired off a letter to lawmakers expressing its vehement opposition to the resurrection of earmarks. Legislative earmarking was a lynchpin of Washingtons crony systema favorite of the politically and financially well-connected, it wasted huge amounts of money. Support for earmarks among Republicans tends to cleave more along generational than ideological lines. Veteran lawmakers who served in Congress during their heyday are more likely to back their return than more junior members who campaigned on getting rid of them. One of the Republicans behind the latest push to revive the practice is Representative Tom Rooney of Florida, who won his first election two years before the ban took effect. He has argued that earmarks are essential for certain areas often neglected by congressional check-writers, like specific projects for the Army Corps of Engineers. Voters want to see tangible results out of Washington, and securing federal dollars for local projects, Rooney said, is a basic responsibility of a representative in Congress. If you need this inlet dredged, or this water project or whatever done, then your member of Congress will go and get your tax dollars back for you in your district, Rooney said. Thats governing. Thats solving problems. Recommended: The U.S. Media Is Completely Unprepared to Cover a Trump Presidency Rooney also said it was misleading for earmark critics to suggest that eliminating them was a way to reduce spending, however modestly. Its being disingenuous just to get votes for an election, because that money is still being spent, he said. Its just up to the Army Corps how they spend it. And thats not what people send us to Washington to do. For more conservative Republicans like Representatives Louie Gohmert of Texas and Steve King of Iowa, the earmark question is a simple one: Who gets to decide how federal money is spent? Congress under Article 1 is supposed to have line items in our appropriations where we say, This is what the money goes for, said Gohmert, who complained that when he supported the ban in 2010, it was only supposed to be a temporary moratorium. I cant think of a worse time in the history of the United States for the U.S. Congress to give up its authority to do specific legislating than under Barack Obama. Added King: There always will be earmarks. Its just that the administration runs the earmarks today. Whether Gohmert and King will be as concerned about giving up spending authority to a Republican ally like Trump is another question. But they both pointed out that one of the big critiques about earmarks in the past was the process by which they were enacted. The Appropriations committees in the House and Senate would often insert them into bills only in the final conference report that emerged from bicameral negotiations, and not when the bills were initially debated in each chamber. Because the conference reports are not amended before a vote, the public would only find out about the most questionable or downright indefensible expendituresmoney for tattoo-removal programs or a teapot museum, for exampleafter they were signed into law, thereby making it easier to get those projects included in the first place. An obvious compromise for Republicans would be to limit earmarks to certain agencies, like the Army Corps of Engineers, and to ensure that they are subject to a certain amount of public debate and not air-dropped into legislation as a fait accompli. Ryans move to put off a vote may ensure that any change to the policy is more transparent and potentially bipartisan, since it would require a separate vote of the full House to change the rules that lawmakers approve at the beginning of each Congress in January. Republicans would, undoubtedly, love to have Democrats provide political cover by joining them in lifting the earmark ban. If it was up to Harry Reid, they would do so gladly. The retiring Senate minority leader has long predicted that earmarks would eventually return, and he turned gleeful at a press conference last week when a reporter asked him about the GOPs deliberations. I am one of the kings of earmarks, Reid proclaimed. It seemed like a moment of liberating candor from a politician on his way off the public stageexcept Reid has been saying it for years. Its the way we get things done around here. Its the way its been done for centuries, he insisted. Ive never apologized to anybody. I go home and I boast about earmarks, and thats what everyone should do. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. When Candice Fleszar was documenting contractions and medications during the birth of her daughter, she wasn't thinking about her medical bills. Still, her attention to detail ended up saving her some money anyway. "Look at the itemized bill. It might surprise you," says the 46-year-old mother of four from Lowell, Michigan. On it, she found a charge for saline which was ordered but never delivered in time for the birth. Fleszar contacted the billing department, provided her documentation and the charge was removed. [Read: 8 Ways to Get Help Paying (or Cutting) Medical Bills and Drug Costs.] However, not every billing dispute gets resolved so smoothly. Michelle Riddle, owner of Complete Dignity Healthcare Advocacy in Gilbert, Arizona, works regularly with clients on claims issues. She had one client who went in for surgery and ended up not needing a particular procedure. "They had the products [for the procedure] in the operating room in case they needed them, and the patient was charged for the products," Riddle says. When the hospital refused to amend the bill, Riddle had to take her client's case to court to get the charges removed. To avoid overpaying for your medical care, follow these six steps. Step 1: Gather service information upfront. Erin Durkin, director of financial planning for EP Wealth Advisors, says one key to avoiding medical bill discrepancies and surprises is to understand upfront the expected costs. It's something she wishes she had done when she needed a brace after surgery. "They charged me $400 for that brace," Durkin says. "I looked up the cost online and saw that this specific brace retailed for $60." If she had researched in advance, she may have been able to provide her own brace at a lower cost, but since it was furnished through her health care provider, she was stuck with the $400 charge. Fleszar also learned the hard way the importance of asking extra questions upfront. When her daughter was referred to a specialist in the same office as her pediatrician, she assumed all providers at that location worked within the same network. Instead, the specialist was out-of-network and charged significantly more. "It was a ridiculous amount," Fleszar says. "We raised a stink about it but ended up paying it." Story continues Step 2: Document your care. Keeping careful records of your own is essential to backing up claims of overcharging. Riddle says facilities will automatically bill based upon a doctor's orders. "If your order [for medication] says morning, noon and night, you're going to be charged for morning, noon and night," Riddle says. That's even if you end up declining the medicine at some point. Oftentimes, the only way to dispute a charge in this case is if you have kept your own documentation of what medicines you received and when. [Read: How to Negotiate Your Medical Bills.] Step 3: Request an itemized bill. Most medical providers send out what Riddle calls a "bottom line invoice" which only has the total amount due. Instead of simply paying that, consumers should request an itemized bill to compare to their records. Several procedures could be completed within a single visit and those will each be coded separately. If anything is unclear, contact the provider's office for more information. "A legitimate office will not hesitate to explain their charges and answer a patient's questions," says Frank Scafidi, director of public affairs for the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Step 4: Compare your bill to your chart and insurance explanation of benefits. The next step is to compare your bill to your explanation of benefits from your insurance company or your medical chart. Explanations of benefits are sent automatically by insurers, but there may be a charge for requesting a chart. Once received, people should confirm the bill's services match what is on the chart. Consumers should also watch for any instances of double-billing on explanations of benefits, which may occur when a physician gets paid by a hospital but also bills a patient directly. Riddle recalls one instance in which she got a surgeon's bill reduced from $13,000 to $95 because the hospital had already paid him. [See: 10 Medical Services Medicare Doesn't Cover.] Step 5: Notify the biller of discrepancies. Any errors or overcharges should be first brought to the attention of the health care provider's billing department. The office may then audit the bill, and you should be prepared to provide documentation or evidence supporting your claim. "In my experience, there's going to be a little pushback," Riddle says. She's found some health care providers seem to stall on making corrections. "It's almost like [they think], if we can drag it out long enough maybe the patient will give up and pay." Step 6: Get help if needed. If the company declines to correct the bill, patients may need to find an ally. First, contact the insurance company to see if they can offer assistance. Other options may include filing a complaint with a state medical board or hiring an attorney. "We have to be our own advocates, and that's not easy with our busy lives," Fleszar says. Another possibility is hiring a patient advocate who works with billing disputes. "When you have an advocate on your side, you have someone who knows the laws and your rights," Riddle says. For those who take the time to dispute a medical charge, the reward can be significant savings on medical costs. From the December 2016 issue Mario Fasanetto goes shrieking through the forests of the Eifel Mountains in a Lamborghini Aventador SV, a car that seemingly came about when Clark Kent and the devil had a baby. The Lambos body is slashed with cuts and gouged with holes and tattooed with black blades that order the wind to either go through it or around it. The four pipes under the rear origami bumper gush blue flameflame!a good six inches when the whip comes down on the 6.5-liter, 8500-rpm V-12. This is the car that appears when you call for an Uber in Mordor. Today is one of those special days when being a car-magazine editor is exactly what everyone thinks its like all the time. Were behind Fasanetto, Lamborghinis chief test driver, trying to keep up, two ham-handed journalists foolishly given our own 740-hp SVs. One is virtually identical to Fasanettos stock all-wheel-drive SV, and the other is a prototype with some experimental new gear. All three cars are giant roaring pancakes of fury, ready to rapidly convert a mistake into a long, smeary sculpture of bent and blackened guardrail dusted by shattered carbon fiber. It starts to rain. In the briefly innocent interlude between the wars, some long-ago lumberjacks cut a deep trench through the leafy blanket of beech and oak and perfumed pines here in northwest Germany and along came the Nurburgring. The workers got the privilege of naming some of the corners, such as Fuchsrohre, which honors a fox that refused to be dislodged during the construction, and Galgenkopf, the former site of a gallows where the ancient Earls of Nurburg held public hangings. Say what you will about the Brickyard and its century of history, there are no monuments at Indy to stuff that happened in the 17th century as there is at Schwedenkreuz, where a cross marks the spot where Swedish soldiers assassinated a local mayor in 1638. Jackie Stewart gave the Nurburgring a permanent christening when he called the Nordschleife the Green Hell. He wasnt trying to be glib; blood paints the road from one end to the other. Today the vast facility, dark and moody under a threatening sky, is nearly empty except for the three of us and some participants in a one-day track experience, called Lamborghini Accademia, hosted by Lambos Squadra Corse motorsports department. Story continues Weve been summoned to sample a prototype Aventador SV with four-wheel steering that acts upon revised suspension geometry. Lamborghini has been camped out here for some time already, based out of a cozy chalet in the village of Nurburg near the famous Pistenklause restaurant, where racing greats have autographed the walls and ceiling. As you may have guessed already, this isnt anything like the slow-mo Bugatti Chiron development drive; at one point your author saw 186 mph. The work of development engineers isnt always tedious. Sometimes, it involves beating Aventadors on the Nurburgring. Good work, if you can find it. Besides the rear steering, the experimental Aventador also has a new giant 10.1-inch touchscreen with the usual grab bag of functionality found in todays units, from web radio to Apple CarPlay. Its all beautifully presented via a high-res, multicolor interface, but if youre thinking that such features seem as superfluous in a Lamborghini as they seem necessary in a Toyota Camry, youre not alone. Are Aventador owners really clamoring for Spotify to relieve the monotony of their daily commute? Probably not, but Lamborghini figures that a car with a base price nipping at half a million dollars ought to at least offer the same equipment as cars costing one-twenty-fifth as much. Lamborghini has already announced rear steering on the special-edition $2 million Centenario, of which 40 will be built. But the brand seems eager to filter the technology down, especially to the Aventador, a car that weighs 3900 pounds in its lightest SV form and feels as big as a Fountain Powerboat. In back, the usual toe-control links are replaced by two individual motorized control units from Germanys ZF that can rapidly swing the barrel-like 355-section Pirellis through a six-degree sweep. It is indeed rear steering, but as with most such setups, perhaps its more appropriate to think of it as dynamic toe adjustment. Lamborghini also installed a new aluminum hub carrier in back that changes the rear geometry, building in more camber change and reducing caster. The changes promise to make the prototype rear axle one lively place indeed. Lamborghini not only rented the 12.9-mile Nordschleife, it also took over the much newer, 3.2-mile Grand Prix circuit, famous for its giant Mercedes-Benz star looming over the stadium area and its history of curb-jumping DTM slugfests. We start here, lifting those scissor doors that are still crazy and cramming into the SVs unforgiving seat shells, our helmeted heads rammed into the low ceiling. To start an Aventador, you flip up a red button cover that looks as if it came out of a Minuteman silo and then put fire to the V-12. Its been a long time since a V-12 dominated any serious form of racing. Formula 1 bid adieu in 1996. Peugeot put the last V-12 on the Le Mans podium in 2009; now that the top class is hybrids, were unlikely to ever see another. Thus, theres a lot of romantic history balled up in the sound of the Aventadors perfect dozen. Let your imagination go and a wailing Matra MS11 explodes from the Monte Carlo tunnel, or a Ferrari 330 P4 rips the night at Daytona, or Jaguars purple-and-white Silk Cut XJR-12 thunders down the Mulsanne with Porsche 962s giving futile chase. Until very recently, Lamborghinis raced hardly at all and never successfully, so its somewhat ironic that its Aventador is one of the few cars today that preserves the faith. We blast out, passing under the unblinking monocle of that looming Mercedes star. On the GP circuits tight corners, the differences in the prototype would be apparent even to someone who drives mining trucks for a living. With the rear wheels brought to life, the wide SV turns more eagerly and is easier to adjust midcorner, letting you trace a very fine scalpel line. The massive sled of a car shrinks around you. The regular SV is no airport bus, but it wears more like a nicely tailored jacket and slacks compared with the prototype, which is a wetsuit. Throttle, brake, turn, throttle, brake, turn; the writhing GP circuit is a workout, but the prototypes slithery tush means it wants to dive-bomb the apex cones. For anyone who knows Lamborghini, who knows what a dry-lake-bed rod the Diablo drove like, the bull has come a long way. As with most four-wheel-steering systems, the Lambos rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the fronts at low speed, creating a virtual shorter wheelbase, says vehicle dynamics engineer Giuseppe Di Rosa, for a reduced turn radius and more agility in tight corners. At higher speeds, meaning above 60 mph, the wheels go in phase with the fronts, creating, in effect, a longer wheelbase for stability. After a few sessions on the GP circuit, we leap out, singing the praises of the prototype to our beaming hosts. The murky skies descend a bit. After lunch we take a ride around the GP circuit with a blond, falcon-eyed Dutch racer named Jeroen Mul in a Huracan Super Trofeo from the companys one-make series, nearly losing our gnocchi to the belt-straining brakes. After that, Lamborghini deems us all ready for the big show, for the Grune Holle. So along with the Accademia students, we troop over to the incomparable Nordschleife, a zillion-dollar conga line of Aventadors and Huracans rendered in all the blazing colors of the Skittle-verse. The first lap through the forest takes time as we warm up the tires and the nerves and avoid passing the jittery school groups. In places, the track is desert dry; in others, its damp. Such is the Ring with its varying patchwork of weather. We stop in the pits and I wave off an inquiring Fasanetto, who has been showing us the line and wants to see if we wish to swap cars. Nope, not yet. The prototype SV does all the Nurburgring things, going terrifyingly light at the Flugplatz, crashing into the lumpy Caracciola-Karussell, and attacking the curbing in the highly technical section from Wippermann down to the Schwalbenschwanz, the Swallows Tail. At 8000 revs, ears are flattened and eyes see stars. And those flames! On the straight, gearchanges banging in one after the other, the SV simply flies, the speedo creeping just past 300 km/h (186 mph) as the gentlest of kinks at Tiergarten comes up so fast that it feels like . . . likewait, somethings wrong. The newfound slash that the prototype displays on the tight GP circuit emerges as a nervous hyperactivity on the faster Nordschleife. We swap cars, then swap again, confirming impressions. Yes, the regular SV is more secure, more planted, less work, less white-knuckled at the triple-digit Tiergarten and elsewhere. Feeling more confident, we drive harder in the regular SV. Upon retiring to the pits, we deliver our observations and the engineers nod; apparently this is not news and theres still work to do. Enlivening the rear with steering and new geometry comes with trade-offs, and, as with everything in automotive engineering, the art is in finding the best compromise. Lamborghini is coy on when well see rear steering in something besides the Centenario, allowing only that its been working on it for two years. Thats a lot of laps at the Ring, and there are more to come. If theyre looking for volunteers, were in, even if it takes another 10 years. Explained: Rear Steering and Virtual Wheelbase Specifications > VEHICLE TYPE: mid-engine, all-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: $500,000 ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 48-valve V-12, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection Displacement: 397 cu in, 6498 cc Power: 740 hp @ 8400 rpm Torque: 509 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automated manual DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 106.3 in Length: 190.4 in Width: 79.9 in Height: 44.7 in Passenger volume: 50 cu ft Trunk volume: 5 cu ft Curb weight: 3900 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST): Zero to 60 mph: 2.7 sec Zero to 100 mph: 5.9 sec Standing -mile: 10.5 sec Top speed: 217 mph FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST): EPA combined/city/hwy: 13/11/18 mpg Rite Aid Corporation RAD remains confident of sustaining its growth momentum with its focus on cost management and strengthening of its portfolio of health and wellness services. Also, the company has been undertaking a number of strategies to drive growth and enhance customer experience to gain market share. Lets delve deeper to know more about the stock. Growth Strategies Rite Aid remains positioned to gain from its merger with leading U.S. drugstore retailer, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. WBA, which is anticipated to close by the end of Jan 2017. The drugstore behemoth thus formed will have a superior network that will cater to more health and wellness solutions both in stores and online. Also, it will help Walgreens to bring cost synergies in prices of branded and generic drugs. Rite Aid will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Walgreens following the closure of the deal. Additionally, the company is focusing on remodeling its wellness stores, featuring a new Vision Center, Diabetic Diagnostic Center, Mens Grooming, among others, to increase its market share. These newly renovated stores will tempt customers to spend more time on selecting their personal care products, thereby contributing to increased sales. Moreover, the company has started accepting payments via digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and other tap and pay credit and debit cards. These endeavors are likely to provide customers a more convenient and better shopping experience. Further, the third largest retail drugstore in the U.S. has been utilizing additional resources such as the introduction of HealthSpot telehealth booths at its Ohio pharmacies, addition of RediClinics to its stores, its Wellness+ with Plenti program, as well as the Flu Immunization program to stimulate customer demand. Also, it intends to offer cost-friendly health plans and solutions for employers, drive growth and bolster its shareholder value. We believe these programs to boost the companys long-term profitability. Hurdles However, Rite Aid faces challenges related to pharmacy reimbursement rate that put pressure on its top line in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. These hurdles are anticipated to linger throughout fiscal 2017, thus raising concerns over the companys near-term performance. Also, the companys generic drug sales have been adversely affected by Wal-Mart Stores Inc.s WMT strategy of entering the retail generic drug market. Story continues RITE AID CORP Price and Consensus RITE AID CORP Price and Consensus | RITE AID CORP Quote Nonetheless, estimates have been largely stable ahead of the company's third-quarter earnings release. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter fiscal 2017 is pegged at 5 cents. Zacks Rank Rite Aid currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked stock in the broader retail sector is Ross Stores, Inc. ROST, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 11.4%. It has gained nearly 29% year to date. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> 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 WAL-MART STORES (WMT): Free Stock Analysis Report ROSS STORES (ROST): Free Stock Analysis Report RITE AID CORP (RAD): Free Stock Analysis Report WALGREENS BAI (WBA): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research (Photo: ROB KARDASHIAN/INSTAGRAM) Rob Kardashian just celebrated his daughter Dreams first Thanksgiving, and hes already excited for his Santa babys first Christmas. The new dad shared an adorable video of his two-week-old on Instagram Friday, modeling his festive Arthur George baby socks. @dream loves her new @arthurgeorge87 SANTA BABY kids socks!! Kardashian, 29, captioned the clip. Cant wait for her first Christmas. Laying in a red container decorated with Saint Nicks belt, Dream was dressed in an all white ensemble accessorized with a color coordinated pompom headband. The same video was shared on the newborns Instagram account with the caption, I love my new @ArthurGeorge87 socks from daddy!!! Kardashian and fiancee Blac Chyna welcomed their first child together on Nov. 10 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The new addition joins big brother King Cairo, Chynas 4-year-old son with ex Tyga. @dream loves her new @arthurgeorge87 SANTA BABY kids socks!! From ShopArthurGeorge.com Can't wait for her first Christmas #LittleAG A video posted by ROBERT KARDASHIAN (@robkardashian) on Nov 25, 2016 at 9:15am PST Rob is getting used to taking care of his daughter. He was a little nervous at first because she is so tiny, a source previously told PEOPLE . He seems very eager to learn how to care for her. He is changing diapers and very hands on. Adding, He keeps saying that Dream is the most beautiful baby he has ever seen. Kardashian and Chyna will be sharing the events surrounding baby Dreams arrival in E!s hour-long Rob & Chyna Baby Special, airing Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. ET. For more Keeping Up With the Kardashians videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia will decide next week whether to impose a quarantine on pig farms in the southern region of Krasnodar, a measure that could ultimately affect some grain exports, due to outbreaks of highly contagious African Swine Fever (ASF), the head of Russia's food safety watchdog said on Friday. Russia, the world's second-largest wheat exporter, is considering the quarantine due to 10 incidents this month of ASF in the region, which is one of its key areas for grain exports via the Black Sea. "We will take the decision next week based on the development which we have," the safety watchdog head, Sergei Dankvert said in an interview with Rossiya 24 state TV. Dankvert said the quarantine would affect grain exports because some grain is coming from villages and farms where ASF had been detected. "We are bearing responsibility before our partners in other countries," he said, adding that the quarantine would be an unwelcome development for the region. The watchdog, or Rosselkhoznadzor, said on Thursday there was no immediate need to impose any significant restrictions, including export restrictions. Rosselkhoznadzor's spokesman Aleksey Alekseenko confirmed to Reuters on Friday that the watchdog has not changed its mind. The Agriculture Ministry declined to comment. Dankvert was not immediately available for further comment. However, some industry experts said they did not expect any restrictions to be significant. "According to the current rules, a quarantine imposes a special regime within 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) around a farm hurt by ASF, so it would be enough to avoid taking grain from these (damaged) areas," the head of IKAR agriculture consultancy said. "Let's hope that the influence on the grain market, if any, will be very insignificant," Dmitry Rylko added. (Reporting by Polina Devitt; editing by Andrey Ostroukh, Greg Mahlich) The AIIMS facility at Bhatinda, the foundation stone for which was laid by PM Modi, will be constructed with an outlay of Rs 925 crore and is expected to be completed by June 2020. By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday thanked PM Modi for laying the foundation-stone of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Bhatinda. Terming the AIIMS a big gift to Punjab from the Centre, Sukhbir accused the previous Congress governments of having ignored the state. "Can you show me one project in Punjab granted by the Congress? Whenever we go, the BJP government accepts our each and every demand", Sukhbir said. PM Modi addressing s rally in Bhatinda. advertisement SAD-BJP COMBINE WILL WIN AGAIN The deputy chief minister also took a dig at the Aam Aadmi Party, saying it would not win even a single seat in next year's assembly polls. "There will be the SAD-BJP government for the third time. CM Badal has changed the face of Punjab", he added. Also read | AAP slams Sukhbir Singh Badal over ISI attack theory on Punjab's political leaders The 750-bedded AIIMS facility will be set up with an outlay of Rs 925 crore and 177 acres of land on the Bathinda-Dabwali road has been allotted by the state government for the purpose. The construction of the institute is expected to be completed by June 2020, officials said. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal greeting PM Modi on his arrival. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal greeting PM Modi on his arrival. WHO ALL WERE PRESENT Elaborate security arrangements were made in the wake of Modi's visit to Bathinda. On the occasion, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Union Health Minister J P Nadda, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Union Minister and Punjab BJP Chief Vijay Sampla among others were also present. Also read | Sukhbir Badal demands more BSF troops along Punjab border Also read | AIIMS to conduct residential quarters' survey from August 16 --- ENDS --- MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia still plans to attend lower-tier talks on Nov. 28 in Vienna ahead of an OPEC ministerial meeting on Nov. 30, a Russian source familiar with the matter told Reuters. The OPEC meeting on Nov. 30 is expected to cement a deal to curb oil production inside the group. The deal is aimed at stabilising global oil prices. A Russian energy ministry spokeswoman declined to comment. The talks on Monday are between OPEC and non-OPEC producers to discuss limiting output. Top OPEC oil exporter Saudi Arabia has told the producer group it will not attend the talks, saying it wants to focus on having consensus within the organization first. (Reporting by Katya Golubkova; Editing by Christian Lowe) The Russian streaming service Zvooq is suing the local Internet giant Yandex for $29 million for alleged breach of contract. Victor Frumkin, Zvooq co-founder and CFO, tells Billboard that Yandex was in breach of a Non-Disclosure Agreement stipulating "no poaching" of Zvooq employees by Yandex. According to Frumkin, Yandex originally was among companies that considered investment in Zvooq, one of the most promising players in Russian streaming segment, or, possibly, the acquisition of the company. "We had bids in hand from international as well as local strategic buyers, until Yandex staged actions which were clearly in breach of our agreement with them, and counter to civilized corporate morals and ethics," Frumkin says. What enraged Zvooq was that amidst negotiations between the two companies, Yandex hired Zvooq's marketing director Varvara Semenikhina in an identical position for its streaming service, Yandex.Music. Zvooq claims that Yandex was never serious about a possible investment and was only looking to poach a key employee to develop its competing service. Zvooq estimates losses from the failed deal and the poaching at $29 million. The Internet giant, however, shrugs off the accusations from Zvooq. "We have been notified about the lawsuit and we are very surprised," a spokesperson for Yandex tells Billboard. "Yandex did not violate any agreements with Zvooq or poached its employees." "All statements from Zvooq are based on populist rhetoric and are not true," she goes on to say. "We will answer all legal claims in court as we are confident about our stand." The court case is to be heard in Limassol, Cyprus, where Zvooq's head company is registered, and the date is yet to be determined. Launched in 2009, Zvooq is part of Dream Industries. It is believed to be Russia's fourth largest music streaming service, behind Yandex.Music, Google Play and Apple Music. (As Google and Apple don't disclose their user numbers, it is only possible to roughly estimate the size of their user bases.) In 2014, Zvooq raised $20 million in investment from the Finnish private equity fund Essedel Capital and the Russian electronic retailer Ulmart, which owns a 40 percent stake in Zvooq. Earlier this year, a consortium led by Ulmart provided another $5 million investment. MOSCOW, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Russian gas producer Novatek is negotiating borrowing more than 1 billion euros ($1.06 billion) for its Yamal project from European and Japanese lenders, Novatek's chief executive said in an interview with The Nikkei. Leonid Mikhelson, the head of Russia's second-largest gas producer, said the Yamal liquefied natural gas project was in talks over loans with Japan Bank for International Cooperation and European financial institutions. JBIC's Chief Executive Officer Tadashi Maeda said earlier this week that his bank would sign a contract with Novatek in December to provide it with a 200 million euro loan to Yamal LNG. ($1 = 0.9435 euros) (Writing by Andrey Ostroukh; Editing by Alexander Winning) By Kathryn Doyle (Reuters Health) Many patients who have their appendix removed can safely go home from the hospital the same day, according to a new study. The results are not surprising and rather reaffirm the practice that patients may be discharged on the same day as the surgery if the treating team feels it is appropriate, said senior author Dr. Armen Aboulian of Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center in California. The decision for a patient to be discharged is based on numerous things and many teams, including the operating surgeon, the anesthesiologist, the recovery room team and any other consultants that may have been involved, Aboulian said. It is a complex decision but with this study, we showed that if patients are discharged without spending the night, they do well and do not end up returning to the emergency room at higher rates. The researchers studied more than 12,000 patients from Kaiser Permanente medical centers in Southern California with acute appendicitis who underwent laparoscopic sometimes called keyhole surgery - appendix removal between 2010 and 2014. Roughly half of the patients were discharged from the hospital on the same day and half were hospitalized overnight. About 2 percent of those discharged on the same day were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days, compared to 3 percent of the overnight group. Complications like wound infection and postoperative visits to the emergency treatment or diagnostic imaging studies were equally common in both groups. Wound infection happened in 2.2 percent of the group that went home and 2.7 percent of the hospitalized group, for example. Imaging was done on 11 percent of the group that went home and 12.3 percent of those who stayed overnight. The patients who stayed overnight after their surgery were a bit older, on average, and slightly more likely to have diabetes or high blood pressure, the authors note. The biggest difference between groups was in hospital costs. Those discharged on the same day had an average cost of $1,994 compared to $2,343 for overnight stays, as reported in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. According to recent published studies, usual hospital stays after laparoscopic appendectomy can be more than two or three days, and same-day discharge may not be widely accepted yet, said Dr. Jae Gil Lee of Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, who was not part of the new study. Countries where medical fees are not so high as the U.S. may feel less pressure to reduce hospital stays, Lee told Reuters Health by email. Currently in the Southern California Kaiser Permanente Medical System, approximately 60 percent of patients with non-perforated appendicitis leave the hospital on the same day as the surgery, Aboulian told Reuters Health by email. However, this is not the traditional approach and even through the time period of our study, there has been an annual increase in the tendency to discharge on the day of the surgery. These changes are part of the art of medicine and continued education that is engrained in the American medical system, he said. Its hard to say if and why earlier hospital discharge leads to better outcomes, other than reduced healthcare expenses, he said. For example, getting a good night sleep in your own bed without the disturbance of the IV beeping or the 5 AM vitals check is difficult to obtain as a measurable metric, Aboulian said. However, previous studies have shown that an earlier discharge does correlate to a faster recovery and an earlier return to normal activities such as work. Surgeons may offer same-day hospital discharge, but patients and family should not request it, he said. Patients usually are willing to stay (longer) at hospital, wanting to feel less pain and to be controlled during the hospitalization, Lee said. Older people and people with many additional medical conditions are most often hospitalized for longer periods, Lee added. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2fSFD7J Journal of the American College of Surgeons, online November 16, 2016. After it was revealed early this month that Samsung patented a technology for a foldable smartphone, new information has surfaced to prove that the South Korean brand is working on bendable and foldable devices. This week, Samsung Display was granted a patent for a flexible OLED display, which is believed to be the technology that Samsung is going to use for its smartphones in the near future. On Thursday, PhoneArena learned about U.S. Patent No. 9,504,145, which is entitled Flexible display device. The patent reportedly details how Samsung plans to come up with a quality display for bendable smartphones that do not shatter upon impact. The display is made flexible through a design that makes use of a dielectric elastomer film, which is sandwiched between two electrode layers. A voltage is applied to both electrode layers, so that they easily bend without applied pressure. When it comes to the materials that Samsung is using for the flexible display panel, the patent indicated that the flexible substrate that will be used is going to be made of plastic. The material should be durable and have excellent heat resistance. Thus, Samsung is using any of the following: polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polycarbonate (PC), polyarylate (PAR), polyether imide (PEI), polyether sulfone (PES), and/or polyimide (PI). In the description of the patent, Samsung indicated that the invention was made because flexible display device is drawing attention lately. Defining what flexible display device means, the tech giant stated that it pertains to a display device that can be bent to form a curved surface or rolled for portability and easy storage solutions. Furthermore, the flexibility of the device itself can guarantee easy transport by the user. According to Patently Mobile, Samsung already has a huge pool of patents for a flexible display technology. So far, the company is likely to be developing smartphones that can easily bend without breaking. Unfortunately, it remains to be seen whether or not this type of technology would reach its fruition next year. Related Articles The OPEC meeting on November 30 could result in a cut of nearly 2% to the world's daily output if Saudi Arabia gets its way. The Saudis are pushing a cut to daily production to a ceiling of 32.5 million barrels a day for the cartel and cuts of around 500,000 barrels a day from other producing nations. The cuts would not include any reductions from Iran, Iraq, and Nigeria, and under a one of the proposals would allow these OPEC members to increase production. Saudi Arabia, the cartel's largest producer, would take the brunt of the cuts. Any of these proposals will be a hard sell, both to other OPEC members and to other producers, especially Russia, where production has topped 11 million barrels a day in recent months. According to The Wall Street Journal, Russia's oil minister has said that his country would effectively freeze, but not cut production, by not adding a planned 200,00 to 300,000 barrels a day of new production. ALSO READ: 11 Stores Open on Thanksgiving Non-OPEC producers like Brazil and Mexico have also demurred. Brazil's state-controlled oil company, Petrobras, is publicly traded and that limits its ability to turn off the spigots. Mexico's new drive to privatize some production would be stalled if the country were to impose limits on production. There are at least two big problems facing the Saudis. First, storage tanks are full or filling in many importing nations and this has led to oil being stored on tankers that have nowhere to go. Second, there are still more than 5,000 drilled but uncompleted (DUCs) in the U.S. that could be brought into service relatively quickly to make up any shortfall in OPEC supply. Because these wells can break-even at around $45 a barrel and make a profit at around $50, U.S. producers are likely to welcome a production cut by competitors now that they can export crude again. ALSO READ: Cities With the Highest Poverty Rates Then, of course, there are the politics. Saudi Arabia wants to maintain its dominance in OPEC and especially among the Persian Gulf countries. Iran and Iraq would like to chip away at the dominance. Neither country has so far indicated any willingness to do anything other than produce as much oil as it can. John Kemp at Reuters sums it up neatly: Story continues In theory, the negotiations turn on mundane issues including claims for exemptions and the use of members' own production data versus estimates from "secondary sources" to establish baselines from which to cut. In reality, the negotiations are about the profound issue of sharing out oil revenues and diplomatic, military and economic power, which is what makes progress so difficult. ALSO READ: The Safest Cities in America WTI crude for January delivery traded down more than 1% early Friday morning at $47.42. Brent crude also traded down by more than 1% at $48.40. Related Articles By Rania El Gamal, Dmitry Zhdannikov and Alex Lawler DUBAI/LONDON (Reuters) - Top OPEC oil exporter Saudi Arabia has told the producer group it will not attend talks on Monday with non-OPEC producers to discuss limiting supply, OPEC sources said, as it wants to focus on having consensus within the organization first. The Nov. 28 meeting in Vienna was planned to discuss the contribution that producers outside OPEC will make to a proposed supply-limiting agreement. OPEC oil ministers meet on Wednesday in an effort to finalize their deal. "There is an official letter from (Saudi Arabia) saying (it is) not attending the meeting because the ministers should agree to the cut and then present the agreement to non-OPEC countries," an OPEC source said. "This will be more effective." The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is trying to cement a preliminary September agreement in Algeria that would reduce its production to between 32.5 million and 33 million barrels per day, its first supply curb since 2008. OPEC aims to remove a supply glut and prop up oil prices, which at below $48 a barrel are less than half their level of mid-2014. Oil prices extended an earlier decline on Friday after news of the Saudi no-show. The organization also wants non-OPEC producers such as Russia to curb output. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak on Thursday said OPEC had proposed that non-OPEC cut oil production by 500,000 bpd. Monday's talks will be converted into another OPEC-only meeting, OPEC sources said, to try to resolve the group's internal differences before the ministerial gathering on Wednesday. A similar OPEC and non-OPEC meeting in October resulted in no specific pledges from outside producers to cut output, with attendees citing the lack of an internal OPEC agreement. Saudi Arabia had asked that this earlier meeting be called off, but was convinced by other members to attend in order not to embarrass the group, a source said. Story continues NO CONSENSUS YET Despite extensive diplomacy, the OPEC side of the deal still faces setbacks from Iraq's call for it to be exempt and from Iran, which wants to increase supply because its output has been hit by sanctions. A meeting of OPEC experts this week made some progress in how to implement the cut, but Iran and Iraq raised conditions for participating, according to sources. "We have to solve our problems as OPEC first. We have not achieved an agreement within OPEC," a Gulf source familiar with Saudi oil thinking said on Friday. "Before we meet with non-OPEC and ask them to participate in any action, we have to have an agreement that is credible with clear numbers and a system that the market believes." OPEC last persuaded non-OPEC nations to make joint cuts at the start of the millennium. Nonetheless, OPEC believes rival producers need to help in the current effort. Its Economic Commission Board, comprised of the national representatives of the 14 member countries who report to their respective oil ministers, concluded a two-day meeting at the group's Vienna headquarters on Thursday. "We concluded that non-OPEC should participate in the cut as OPEC alone can't get balance back to the market," said a source familiar with the matter, who declined to be identified as the talks were private. Ahead of next Wednesday's OPEC meeting, ministers are still trying to find agreement. Algerian Energy Minister Nouredine Bouterfa said he would visit Tehran on Saturday and meet his Iraqi counterpart in Vienna on Monday for more talks. "We have held lengthy discussions with our counterparts about practical questions and we remain optimistic that the Vienna meeting will consolidate the historic agreement obtained in Algiers," Bouterfa told state news agency APS, referring to the talks in September that yielded a preliminary deal. (Additional reporting by Hamid Ould Ahmed and Reporting by Katya Golubkova; Editing by Dale Hudson and David Evans) DUBAI (Reuters) - OPEC needs to solve its own problems first and agree an oil production-limiting deal before it meets non-OPEC producers to clinch a wider agreement, a Gulf OPEC source familiar with Saudi oil policy told Reuters on Friday. "We have to solve our problems as OPEC first. We have not achieved an agreement within OPEC," the source said. "Before we meet with non-OPEC and ask them to participate in any action, we have to have an agreement that is credible with clear numbers and a system that the market believes," he added. (Reporting by Rania El Gamal; Editing by Dale Hudson) In his speech, Modi talked about Army's surgical strike against Pakistan, the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, and black money. Modi talked about Army's surgical strike against Pakistan, the Indua Waters Treaty with Pakistan, and black money. By India Today Web Desk: PM Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Punjab's Bathinda today after laying the foundation stone of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the poll-bound state. The 750-bed hospital and institute will be built at a cost of Rs 925 crore and will be spread over 200 acres. The AIIMS project will cater to south-west Punjab, comprising the districts of Bathinda, Mansa and Sangrur where cancer and other diseases are widely prevalent. advertisement Bathinda is the Lok Sabha constituency of Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal. In his speech, Modi talked about Army's surgical strike against Pakistan, the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, and black money. Highlights of his speech: ON PAKISTAN Pakistan is not far from here. Look at the valour of our army jawans when they conducted surgical strike, it created havoc across border. Jab hamare bahadur jawano ne surgical strike kiya seema paar hadkamp mach gaya ab bhi unka mamla thikane nahi laga hai. Want to speak to people of Pakistan once again. They must talk to their rulers; must decide if they want to fight against India then let's wage a fight against corruption, against black money, poverty. When school in Peshawar was attacked every Indian was sad. People of Pakistan should tell their rulers to fight corruption, fake notes. ON BLACK MONEY Your mobile phone can be turned into your bank and wallet. Todays technology can help you use it for purchasing things, making payments. Black money and corruption have looted the middle class and deprived poor of their rights. I want to give poor their rights. Fake currency had ruined the youth of our country. And to save the youth, it is important to curb the circulation of fake currency. I am doing everything possible to ensure the middle class is not exploited and the poor get their due. I fall short of words in conveying my thanks to people as they stood with me even when they had to face hardships. My farmers have the right over the water that flows through Indus, will strive to get that water back. The fields of our farmers must have adequate water. Water that belongs to India cannot be allowed to go to Pakistan. Jo paani mere kisan bhaiyo ka hai vo Pakistan se behkar samudra me jaata hai. Vo paani apne kisano ke liye lane ka prayas karunga. I have nothing to do with elections. I only want the welfare of my farmers. Social infrastructure is essential for the development of every nation; We need top quality schools and hospitals. Whatever decisions we take when we are in power, we fulfil it during that period itself. AIIMS here will benefit the local areas and this Government does not only stop at laying foundation stones, we complete all projects. advertisement Watch Video --- ENDS --- By Rania El Gamal, Dmitry Zhdannikov and Alex Lawler DUBAI/LONDON (Reuters) - Top OPEC oil exporter Saudi Arabia has told the producer group it will not attend talks on Monday with non-OPEC producers to discuss limiting supply, OPEC sources said, as it wants to focus on having consensus within the organisation first. The Nov. 28 meeting in Vienna was planned to discuss the contribution that producers outside OPEC will make to a proposed supply-limiting agreement. OPEC oil ministers meet on Wednesday in an effort to finalise their deal. "There is an official letter from (Saudi Arabia) saying (it is) not attending the meeting because the ministers should agree to the cut and then present the agreement to non-OPEC countries," an OPEC source said. "This will be more effective." The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is trying to cement a preliminary September agreement in Algeria that would reduce its production to between 32.5 million and 33 million barrels per day, its first supply curb since 2008. OPEC aims to remove a supply glut and prop up oil prices, which at below $48 a barrel are less than half their level of mid-2014. Oil prices extended an earlier decline on Friday after news of the Saudi no-show. The organisation also wants non-OPEC producers such as Russia to curb output. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak on Thursday said OPEC had proposed that non-OPEC cut oil production by 500,000 bpd. Monday's talks will be converted into another OPEC-only meeting, OPEC sources said, to try to resolve the group's internal differences before the ministerial gathering on Wednesday. A similar OPEC and non-OPEC meeting in October resulted in no specific pledges from outside producers to cut output, with attendees citing the lack of an internal OPEC agreement. Saudi Arabia had asked that this earlier meeting be called off, but was convinced by other members to attend in order not to embarrass the group, a source said. Story continues NO CONSENSUS YET Despite extensive diplomacy, the OPEC side of the deal still faces setbacks from Iraq's call for it to be exempt and from Iran, which wants to increase supply because its output has been hit by sanctions. A meeting of OPEC experts this week made some progress in how to implement the cut, but Iran and Iraq raised conditions for participating, according to sources. "We have to solve our problems as OPEC first. We have not achieved an agreement within OPEC," a Gulf source familiar with Saudi oil thinking said on Friday. "Before we meet with non-OPEC and ask them to participate in any action, we have to have an agreement that is credible with clear numbers and a system that the market believes." OPEC last persuaded non-OPEC nations to make joint cuts at the start of the millennium. Nonetheless, OPEC believes rival producers need to help in the current effort. Its Economic Commission Board, comprised of the national representatives of the 14 member countries who report to their respective oil ministers, concluded a two-day meeting at the group's Vienna headquarters on Thursday. "We concluded that non-OPEC should participate in the cut as OPEC alone can't get balance back to the market," said a source familiar with the matter, who declined to be identified as the talks were private. Ahead of next Wednesday's OPEC meeting, ministers are still trying to find agreement. Algerian Energy Minister Nouredine Bouterfa said he would visit Tehran on Saturday and meet his Iraqi counterpart in Vienna on Monday for more talks. "We have held lengthy discussions with our counterparts about practical questions and we remain optimistic that the Vienna meeting will consolidate the historic agreement obtained in Algiers," Bouterfa told state news agency APS, referring to the talks in September that yielded a preliminary deal. (Additional reporting by Hamid Ould Ahmed and Reporting by Katya Golubkova; Editing by Dale Hudson and David Evans) Scarlett Johansson has one of the most easily recognizable voices in Hollywood, and shes once again setting it to music. The 32-year-old actress lends her voice to the upcoming animated feature Sing, in which she plays a porcupine named Ash. Although the movie doesnt hit theaters until Dec. 21, fans can hear Johansson rock out to a song from the soundtrack called Set It All Free, which was released Friday. The spirited anthem is about letting loose and being able to do anything. Set It All Free is the second track released from the movie soundtrack, following after Stevie Wonder and Ariana Grandes collaboration, Faith. Johansson is no stranger to the music world. On top of being the vocals behind the Academy Award nominated song Before My Time from the film Chasing Ice, shes part of a band called Sugar for Sugar. The girl group, made up of Johansson, Julia Haltigan, Holly Miranda and Kendra Morris, covered New Orders Bizarre Love Triangle as part of a charity album to raise money for AmfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research. Sing, whose voice cast also includes Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, John C. Reilly and Tori Kelly, opens in theaters Dec. 21. The possibility of an alien life form with a silicon-based biochemistry is occasionally invoked by science-fiction writers and exobiologists as an alternative to the carbon-based organisms we are familiar with. However, in real life, silicon-based, or even organosilicon-based biology has never been discovered. "No living organism is known to put silicon-carbon bonds together, even though silicon is so abundant, all around us, in rocks and all over the beach," Jennifer Kan, a postdoctoral scholar at the California Institute of Technology, said in a statement released Thursday. Kan and her colleagues have now shown, in a study published Friday in the journal Science, that nature can adapt to incorporate silicon into carbon-based molecules if nudged in the right direction. Using a protein engineering method called "directed evolution," the researchers tweaked a naturally-occurring enzyme to catalyze bond formation between silicon and carbon. The enzyme cytochrome c was extracted from Rhodothermus marinus, which is an extremophile bacterium that lives in hot springs in Iceland. After introducing a few mutations in the active region of the enzyme, the researchers were able to manufacture a protein that could create the bonds they were looking for. "This study shows how quickly nature can adapt to new challenges," study co-author Frances Arnold, also from Caltech, said in the statement. "The DNA-encoded catalytic machinery of the cell can rapidly learn to promote new chemical reactions when we provide new reagents and the appropriate incentive in the form of artificial selection. Nature could have done this herself if she cared to." In addition to proving that silicon-based life forms can, in theory, exist, the research also has several practical applications. Given that the enzyme can forge silicon-carbon bonds 15 times more efficiently than the best catalyst invented by chemists, and is also comparatively easier to modify, it can eventually serve as an alternative to the current techniques used to manufacture organosilicon materials widely used in semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. Story continues "This is something that people talk about, dream about, wonder about," Annaliese Franz from the University of California, Davis, who was not involved in the research, told New Scientist. "Any pharmaceutical chemist could read this on Thursday and on Friday decide they want to take this as a building block that they could potentially use." Related Articles LONDON (Reuters) - The Scottish government on Friday published legal arguments it will use to try to persuade Britain's highest court that the devolved Scottish parliament must give its approval before Prime Minister Theresa May can trigger the Brexit process. A High Court ruled earlier this month that the government must seek the approval of the British parliament before starting the legal process of leaving the European Union. The British government is appealing that judgment in the Supreme Court. The nationalist Scottish government is joining the legal case, due to be heard in early December, and on Friday set out its argument in full. It raises the threat of a delay to Brexit and an even greater constitutional puzzle - if it wins its case and if, as expected, the Scottish parliament subsequently votes against May's plan to start EU divorce proceedings by the end of March. A majority of Scots voted to stay in the EU, in contrast to England and Wales where most voted to leave. The overall result of the June referendum was 52-48 percent in favor of leaving. Scotland's 58-page legal document argued that any vote in the British parliament would alter the current devolution arrangements for Scotland and would therefore require a separate vote in its own devolved parliament. "A bill brought before the UK Parliament to withdraw the UK from the EU would engage the constitutional convention in terms of which that Parliament does not normally legislate with regard to devolved matters without the consent of the Scottish Parliament," the document said. A vote in the Scottish parliament would probably not be binding on May's government, but ignoring it would break with precedent and could pose a serious constitutional and political problem for the British leader. (Reporting by William James; editing by Andrew Roche) By Khettiya Jittapong BANGKOK, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Semperit Holding AG said a legal dispute with its partner Sri Trang Agro-Industry Pcl in top rubber producer Thailand had dented operations at the Austrian firm's glove unit and hurt its expansion plans in the Asian country. Since 2014, Semperit has filed three cases against Sri Trang in the Swiss International Court of Arbitration, saying the Thai firm had breached their joint venture (JV) agreement. It initially claimed 35 million euros ($37.08 million) in damages but later raised the amount to 82 million euros, according to a Sri Trang statement earlier this year. At the time, Sri Trang had said it was not obligated to pay the damages because the company and other subsidiaries had not breached any provisions of the JV agreement. Semperit and Thai natural rubber producer Sri Trang have a joint venture company Siam Sempermed Corp. The legal dispute has hurt the day-to-day operations at Semperit's glove unit, competitive pricing, raw material prices and delivery plans, Chief Executive Officer Thomas Fahnemann told Reuters in Bangkok on Friday. It is unknown when the arbitration proceedings will be concluded, Fahnemann added. Sri Trang declined to comment. Semperit's CEO said the company would like to make an investment in Thailand but "unfortunately the legal dispute with the Thai joint venture partner makes it difficult for us to take another big step in Thailand". The Austrian company, which has two production sites in Thailand, is now focusing on expanding elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Fahnemann said. The company's unit, Sempermed, is increasing output capacity at Kamunting in Malaysia, he said. After a 150-million euro acquisition of Latexx Partners in Malaysia in 2012, Sempermed already has six glove producing factories in Malaysia and a seventh plant has been constructed with the first few production lines operational, he said. The new plant, which will be fully operational in 2017-18, is Semperit's largest ever investment valued at more than 50 million euros. Its production capacity is expected to double to about 12 billion units of gloves per year, which is as many as the first six plants produce together, he said. Story continues Semperit is also looking for an opportunity to boost its presence in Asia where glove consumption per capita is low. The group has spent more than 70 million euros in Asia in the past five years, excluding those spent via joint ventures. Some 75 percent of the amount was spent in Malaysia, 20 percent in China and the rest in India, Thailand and Singapore. More than 10 percent of Semperit's annual sales come from Asia, with majority of it coming from Europe, he said. ($1 = 35.6800 baht) ($1 = 0.9438 euros) (Reporting by Khettiya Jittapong; Editing by Himani Sarkar) Hitting a 137,597-unit peak level seen a decade ago now unlikely. Total vehicle sales in Singapore will begin a period of decline from 2017 to 2020 on the cyclical nature of the market, which is driven by age limits on vehicles and the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system, said BMI Research. "We forecast total vehicle sales in Singapore to begin a period of decline in 2017, as a cyclical downswing and a shift towards the used car market take over," it said. The vehicle market in Singapore follows a cycle which is driven by the age limits placed on vehicles and the COE system. According to BMI, the 48.2% growth in total vehicle sales forecast for 2016 is largely due to the de-registration of those COEs reaching the end of validity, followed by the purchase of new vehicles and COEs. Thereafter, the research house sees the slowing of replacement sales and the threat of a slowdown in nearby China will prevent total vehicle sales from reaching their peak levels of 137,597 units achieved in 2006 over the remainder of our forecast period to 2020. "The government's drive to reduce congestion and carbon emissions will also dampen vehicle sales. The government is geared towards a car-light nation and is investing heavily in public transport, such as rail," it said. Here's more from BMI: In terms of segmentation, the revision of the COE system in 2014 has helped mass market brands claw back market share, which they had lost to their premium segment counterparts. The revision consisted of an additional horsepower criterion for the lower priced Category A COEs, which resulted in most luxury brands being excluded from the category. This has helped increase the demand for volume brands in the Singapore automotive market. We expect these dynamics to remain over the course of 2016, as the quota of COEs continues to expand due to the rising number of cars nearing their 10-year validity period, which will in turn keep demand for volume brands strong. Story continues We have revised down our forecast for passenger vehicle sales to growth of 50.0% in 2016. This is still a rapid increase but data for the year-to-date suggests it has not been as robust as we had first expected. Passenger vehicle sales are experiencing strong growth due to vehicle replacement as older cars that are reaching their 10-year COE validity period are scrapped, their COEs de-registered and new ones bought. We forecast the replacement process to peak in 2016 with passenger vehicle sales growing to 92,268 units by year-end before beginning a period of decline in 2017 that will last for the rest of our five year forecast period to 2020. In contrast, we have revised up our forecast for commercial vehicles to grow 17.0% in 2016, before the cycle of decline also impacts this segment from 2017 onwards. The Early Turnover Scheme, which enables owners of diesel-powered goods vehicles to de-register their existing vehicle early to replace with a new one, has been successful in driving sales in the segment. Sales for the first 10 months of 2016 were already higher than the whole of 2015. The prevalence of e-commerce in Singapore's economy will also provide support to the commercial vehicle market through the light commercial vehicle segment, which is seeing a spike in demand for delivery vehicles. More From Singapore Business Review Oslo (AFP) - Norway's supreme court on Friday rejected a final appeal by fugitive whistleblower Edward Snowden to secure assurances he would not be extradicted to the US should he travel to Norway to collect an award. Just as was the case in an original lawsuit and the subsequent appeal to a lower court in Oslo, the supreme court said it could not evaluate an extradition request preemptively. Former US National Security Agency (NSA) contractor, Snowden, who lives in exile in Russia, faces charges of espionage and theft of state secrets in his homeland that could land him up to 30 years in jail. It's a further blow for the 33-year-old US citizen and his supporters at the Norwegian branch of the PEN Club who hoped he would be able to pick up the Ossietzky prize, which celebrates "outstanding efforts for freedom of expression." Norway was one of the countries where Snowden sought asylum after fleeing the United States in 2013, but Oslo's response was that asylum seekers had to be physically present in the country to apply. Considered a whistleblower by some and a traitor by others, Snowden won a similar Norwegian award in 2015, but was likewise unable to collect it. Snowden has also been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, which is also awarded in Norway, for the last three years, although without winning it. Katie Prices parenting skills have been questioned because her three year old still wears a nappy [Photo: Getty[ Any parent whos been through the potty training development phase will testify that it can sometimes drive you, well, potty. While some children are able to sail through accident-free before theyve blown out the candles on their second birthday cake, for others it can take a little longer. And thats totally ok. But beware the potty pressure. One woman whos recently found herself on the receiving end of the still-in-nappies judgement brigade is Katie Price. After sharing an image to Instagram of her three-year-old son, Jett, wearing a nappy, she received a barrage of comments from users questioning why he wasnt yet potty trained. A bit too old to be wearing nappies isnt he? wrote one user. Jett is three isnt he? He should not still be in nappies, questioned another. But other fans were quick to leap to the 38-year-old mum-of-fives defence saying that children develop at different times and it isnt a competition. What the hell is wrong with people so what he if he wears a nappy, get a life, wrote one user. I work with children and many of them are still in them some all day some just at night, added another. Every child is different I have twin boys and I wont be rushing them when the time comes they will do things in their own time not by being pushed by their parent! Pull ups go up to the age of 7 for a reason. Could be any number of reasons. All kids develop at different stages. Dont be so quick to judge. Mums are supposed to support other mums, not be giving out hate! another angry fan commented. 2 horses to ride then inside to join the kids by the fire ???? A photo posted by Katie Price (@officialkatieprice) on Nov 23, 2016 at 10:35am PST Other parents of three-year-olds offered up their own experiences of getting their children out of nappies. My daughter is three next month and wears pull ups to bed or if shes poorly, wrote one mum. Theres no need to rush these things. Kids grow up too fast these days. They all get there eventually. Story continues According to the NHS website the time at which a child is ready to potty train has nothing to do with parenting skill, but in fact depends on when the child is physically able to control their bladder and bowels. Children are able to control their bladder and bowels when theyre physically ready and when they want to be dry and clean, it says. Every child is different, so its best not to compare your child with others. So enough with the potty pressure people. Did you feel the pressure to potty train before a certain age? Let us know @YahooStyleUK Holly Willoughbys One-Year-Old Son Is Already Potty Trained Can a person show too much boob with a breastfeeding photo? By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 25 (PTI) Government today said there have been a series of cross border terror attacks from Pakistan controlled territories across the LoC recently which has created an environment not conducive for holding a meaningful dialogue. Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh while replying to a written question in the Rajya Sabha also said that Pathankot Air Base terror attack mounted from Pakistan and the subsequent intensification of anti-India cross-border terrorism including Poonch and Uri strikes have "eroded" the necessary environment free from terror and violence. advertisement He was asked whether it is a fact that Indias relationship with its immediate neighbours in the recent past is not so smooth and if so, the reasons thereof and the steps proposed to be taken to improve it? While he termed the ties with Afghanistan, Bhutan, the Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka as smooth, in case of Nepal, Singh described the ties as "unique and special". He also said India attaches importance to developing good relations with China and both sides, during their meetings in past, have agreed to make efforts for further strengthening of Closer Developmental Partnership on the basis of mutual sensitivity to each others concerns, interests and aspirations. On Pakistan, he said, "Yes. India intends to have normal and peaceful relations with all its neighbouring countries including Pakistan. However, Pakistan has supported armed insurgency and terrorism in the State of J&K. Cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan endangers security and stability not only of India but of the entire region. "Pakistan covets territory of J&K which is an integral part of India. Recently there have been a series of cross border terrorism attacks from Pakistan controlled territories across the Line of Control which has created an environment not conducive for holding a meaningful dialogue." He further added that as a result of Pakistans assurances to take steps for expediting Mumbai terrorist attack trial undergoing in Pakistan, the two sides agreed on Composite Bilateral Dialogue (CBD) to resolve all outstanding issues as well as humanitarian issues. "Pathankot Air Base terrorist attack mounted from Pakistan and the subsequent intensification of anti-India cross border terrorism including Poonch terrorism attack on 11 September 2016 and Uri terrorism attack on 18 September 2016, have eroded the necessary environment free from terror and violence," Singh asserted. India is non-committal about holding bilateral talks with Pakistan Prime Ministers foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz, who will be travelling to Amritsar next week to attend the Heart of Asia Conference. PTI PYK ASK ASK --- ENDS --- The rate of decay of radioactive material on Earth may be affected by neutrinos emitted by the sun, according to a study published in the November edition of the journal Solar Physics. The controversial findings suggest that radioactive decay rates long considered physical constants may be more variable than previously thought. Solar neutrinos are produced by nuclear reactions in the central core of the sun. It is estimated that up to 100 billion solar neutrinos nearly massless particles that travel almost at the speed of light pass through the tip of your finger every second. For this particular study, researchers measured decay rates of silicon-32 and chlorine-36 at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) in New York. Doing so revealed on unexplained fluctuations in the decay rates ones that the researchers said were caused by the rotation of Sun's radiative zone, which is the region between the core and the convective zone, and of the solar core. Analysis of 5 years of measurements by the Super-Kamiokande observatory in Japan also revealed similar patterns in the decay and neutrino data. "I speculate that neutrinos interact with the W-boson that is believed to mediate beta decay," lead author Peter Sturrock from Stanford University told Physics World. "But I am hoping that some theoretical physicists will take up this problem." W-bosons, along with Z-bosons, are elementary particles that carry the weak nuclear force one of the four known fundamental forces of nature. However, given the fact the neutrinos barely interact with normal matter, not everyone is convinced these ghostly particles can affect the decay of radioactive isotopes. Hamish Robertson, director of the Center for Experimental Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics at the University of Washington, Seattle, told Physics World that evidence for solar neutrinos affecting beta-decay is "not persuasive." "Evidence that fits the hypothesis has been brought forward, while other evidence that does not fit (for example, long-term studies of the beta decay of tritium), is ignored," Robertson said. "Fitting the fluctuations to one natural phenomenon after another will eventually lead you to reach a spectacular conclusion." Related Articles SPOILER WARNING: For those who havent watched Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, plot details will be revealed below. Although Sookie St. James left the Dragonfly Inn in the hands of co-founder Lorelai Gilmore, fans will be pleased to learn that the pair remain best friends in the Gilmore Girls revival! Since the beloved Dragonfly Inn chef, who was known for whipping up a variety of tasty recipes and concoctions in her kitchen, left her post at the Stars Hollow hotel to work at Blue Hill farm with Dan Barber, Lorelai (Lauren Graham) became a just a little chipped when she had to learn how to run things without her BFF. But when Sookie (Melissa McCarthy) makes her return in the last episode of the four-part revival, the missing piece of the puzzle is put in its proper place. As she enters the Inns kitchen just a day before her and Luke Danes (Scott Patterson) tie the knot, Lorelai finds Sookie decorating numerous cakes for her wedding, including a milestone cake that includes the Gilmore ladies Stars Hollow house, their Jeep and a frosting statue of the pair. Despite Lorelai being excited to reconnect with her business partner and friend, Michel (Yanic Truedsdale) isnt so thrilled to see the chef reappear after her 2-year sabbatical. He claims that Lorelai has turned into a sighing, moping broken shell of a person who refuses to let anyone park in your space even though it is right next to the back door and other peoples arent, and adds, Im not done. And when you left on your amazing journey upstate, you took your fat free magic granola with you. Although the Sookie has enjoyed her time away from Stars Hollow, she reveals that she misses her position as head chef at the Inn a role that Lorelai has been unable to fill since her co-founders departure. I miss it. I mean, I love what Im doing, you know its fascinating. Did you know that I can tell the alkaline levels of soil just by tasting it? Sookie tells Lorelai. I mean, there are moments where Im looking around and just watching a bunch of people eat dirt and I think, Jonestown definitely started like this. Story continues Lorelai responds, Well, if they start passing around Kool-Aid, you can always come back. Despite her irreplaceable absence, the two gal pals still maintain a strong, inseparable friendship. Still best friends? Sookie asks. Lorelai assures her: Still best friends. Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life is now streaming on Netflix. JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South African President Jacob Zuma will be questioned next week by the African National Congress' (ANC) integrity commission following persistent allegations of corruption and poor election results, the party said on Friday. Zuma's appearance before the panel could deepen divides within the ANC as it gears up for a national conference next year when the 74-year-old leader is expected to stand down as party leader. Several senior members of the ANC have called for Zuma to resign in recent months after scandals rattled markets in Africa's most industrialized economy and cost the party votes. A constitutionally mandated anti-graft watchdog this month called for a judge to investigate allegations Zuma provided special favors for wealthy friends and allowed them to choose ministerial appointments. Zuma denies any wrongdoing. The president's office said in a statement that Zuma had received legal advice to challenge the watchdog's report in court and would do so at a later date. In the report, the Public Protector watchdog also called for a judicial inquiry to be set up to probe the allegations against him. Zuma told parliament on Wednesday the watchdog had no right to call for a judicial inquiry, describing its report as unfair. The report, released on Nov. 2, focused on allegations that businessman brothers Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Gupta had influenced the appointment of ministers. The Guptas have denied any wrongdoing. Zuma's meeting with the ANC commission is expected to be held on Dec. 3 behind closed doors. Members of the ANC have been removed from their posts as a result of the commission's recommendation. "He will be having a meeting with the IC," ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe told Reuters, referring to the commission. He did not say what would be discussed at the meeting. The Mail & Guardian newspaper reported on Friday that the commission, headed by anti-apartheid stalwart Andrew Mlangeni, would question Zuma over a slew of corruption scandals and the party's worst local election results in August. In March, the Constitutional Court ordered Zuma to repay some of $16 million of state funds inappropriately spent on enhancing his country home. He has since paid back more than $500,000 as required by the court. The ANC formed the commission in 2013 to help protect its image and take "urgent action" to deal with members of the party who face allegations of improper conduct. (Reporting by Joe Brock and Mfuneko Toyana; Editing by James Macharia and Hugh Lawson) CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) - Accused white supremacist Dylann Roof is mentally competent to stand trial for the shooting deaths of nine black parishioners at a South Carolina church last year, a federal judge ruled on Friday. Roof's competency was the subject of a 16-hour hearing held behind closed doors on Monday and Tuesday. Earlier this month, defense attorneys had raised concerns for the first time about whether Roof was able to understand the nature of the proceedings against him and to assist in his defense. U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel said in an order on Friday that he had carefully considered the testimony of a renowned psychiatrist who evaluated Roof, 22, as well as arguments from lawyers. The judge kept under seal his detailed findings about Roof's competency, saying that making them public would jeopardize the defendant's right to a fair trial. Jury selection now will resume on Monday. Roof faces 33 counts of hate crimes, obstruction of religion and firearms charges in the massacre at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina in June 2015. (Reporting by Harriet McLeod; Writing by Colleen Jenkins; Editing by Bernadette Baum) For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS. Madrid (AFP) - Spanish police have announced an international arrest warrant against a powerful Ukrainian oligarch, identified by media Friday as controversial gas magnate Dmytro Firtash. Judicial authorities in Barcelona ordered "three European arrest warrants issued against Ukrainian citizens considered the leaders" of a criminal organisation involved in money laundering, police said in a statement late Thursday. "Among them was a major businessman in the gas sector in Ukraine," the statement said. Approached by AFP, a police spokeswoman refused to identify the oligarch. But Spanish media named him as Firtash, one of Ukraine's richest men, who made a fortune importing gas to Ukraine from Russia and Central Asia via his group Rosukrenergo in collaboration with Russian gas giant Gazprom. ABC said Firtash was accused of "close links with organised crime and having laundered 10 million euros ($10.6 million) in Spain that came from suspected criminal activities". Firtash was arrested in 2014 in Austria before being released on bail set at 125 million euros. Austrian authorities refused a request for his extradition in April last year to the United States, where he was accused of corruption and membership of a criminal organisation. He was suspected of bribing civil servants in India in 2006 in order to secure titanium mining licences. Spanish police, announcing the arrest warrant, also said five suspected members of the same network had been arrested Thursday in Barcelona and in the southern resort of Marbella. A police spokeswoman told AFP they were all Spanish nationals, describing them as "second-tier collaborators" in the enterprise -- three lawyers and two bank employees who allegedly facilitated the money laundering. In an initial operation against the network in July, 12 people were arrested including Stepan Chernovetsky, son of colourful former Kiev mayor Leonid Chernovetsky, who founded major bank Pravex. Police said the network had laundered illicit gains from companies based mainly in Cyprus and the Virgin Islands. "The capital had been invested in the hotel business and in real estate worth 10 million euros," the statement said. A Sri Lankan court Friday sentenced 18 men to death for murdering a US tea company executive, the largest group to be condemned in a single trial. High Court Judge M.D.S. Abeyratne found the men -- members of a criminal gang -- guilty of hacking Nihal Perera to death three years ago on the outskirts of Colombo. Perera, a Sri Lankan national, was the superintendent of the Noori Estate tea plantation managed by Texas-based firm, Walters Bay. His killing triggered a public outcry about police collusion with criminal gangs led by members of former president Mahinda Rajapakse's party. Court officials said Friday's verdict was a legal record with the largest number of defendants sentenced to death in a single trial. "Their victim had been hacked to death because he stood up to the criminal activities of the gang and the court found 18 suspects guilty while three other accused were acquitted," a court official at Avissawella, about 60 kilometres (37.5 miles) east of Colombo said by telephone. "Among the men condemned today is a politician (from Rajapakse's party) who headed a local government council in the area," the official added. Sri Lankan courts regularly hand down death sentences for rape, murder and drug-related crimes, but these are routinely commuted to life in prison because of an unofficial moratorium on capital punishment. All the new Starbucks holiday menu items are making us hungry Its that jolly time of the year when you eat turkey, see family, and dream of the Starbucks holiday menu. We couldnt help but get excited when we saw the red snowflake-drenched holiday cup from the Starbucks camp, but now we need some grub to go along with it. Well, worry on more. That red cup is about to have some company. There are some yummy new sandwiches coming up at your nearest Starbucks, like the All the Trimmings Breakfast Sandwich that includes maple-glazed ham, apple sausage, apple-sage stuffing, and a maple glaze, all shoved between a gloriously buttery bun. Dont get too excited, though, because this one is only available in Florida, Seattle, and parts of California. The other brand new sammie is the Carved Ham, Egg, and Swiss Breakfast Sandwich, which comes on a croissant, and you should have no trouble finding that around the country. If youre looking for something more familiar, you can also get your paws on a traditional Holiday Turkey and Stuffing Panini. Celebrating #EarlyThanksgiving with a #TurkeyStuffingPanini... and an ever-growing list of things to be thankful for. A photo posted by Starbucks Coffee (@starbucks) on Nov 21, 2016 at 10:22am PST Now for the sweets. Expect to munch on some snowman cookies, holiday ugly sweater cookies, and the kitschy cake pops, of course. If you havent tried the cranberry bliss bar yet, put that on the top of your priority list, because it goes smashingly well with any of the Starbucks holiday-themed lattes. Story continues "Ohh, man: you look like I feel." -#SnowmanCakePop "..." -#PeppermintBrownieCakePop Regram: @simplycutesy A photo posted by Starbucks Coffee (@starbucks) on Nov 20, 2016 at 12:47pm PST Better hurry up, because you dont want to wait for ages in line only to find out your favorite Starbucks holiday snacks have already been gobbled up. The post All the new Starbucks holiday menu items are making us hungry appeared first on HelloGiggles. (Reuters) - Stoke City manager Mark Hughes is facing the prospect of losing on-loan Wilfried Bony in January after it emerged the striker has a release clause in his Manchester City contract which allows him to be sold to clubs in China. The 27-year-old Bony has struggled since joining Stoke from Manchester City in August, scoring just twice in 10 appearances. "There is some truth to that (the clause), but I'm not too sure that will affect anything here in January," Hughes told reporters on Friday. "Wilf is more focused on focusing his career in the Premier League, and unless he comes in and says he has had an offer from China then we anticipate him being here." Right back Glen Johnson has recovered from thigh injury in time for Sunday's Premier League clash against Watford but defender Phil Bardsley will join versatile centre back Geoff Cameron on the sidelines. "Geoff Cameron is still unavailable. We are finding it difficult to progress the injury as quickly as we would like," Hughes said. "Phil Bardsley will be out for a number of weeks - he has a bit of ligament damage... his injury has coincided with the return of Glen Johnson, who is fit and well." Joe Allen, who will miss Sunday's clash at Watford through suspension, has been in fine form, scoring four goals in 11 league starts this season. "Joe has made a real impact for Wales and for ourselves... He understood he needed to leave Liverpool and has come here and prospered," Hughes added. Stoke are 13th in the table with 13 points, five behind eighth-placed Watford after 12 games. (Reporting by Shravanth Vijayakumar in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond) The Visakhapatnam police arrested ten persons involved in the management of ATMs across the city. The gang stole the new currency and exchanged them for old notes. By Ashish Pandey: Another racket involving the exchange of old currency notes with the new ones has been busted- this time in Visakhapatnam. The Andhra Pradesh police arrested ten employees of a private company. The arrested persons are the employees of Security Management Services (SSMS) and were responsible for loading cash into the ATMs of various banks in the city of Visakhapatnam. advertisement According to the Visakhapatnam police, the accused stole the new currency, particularly the new Rs 2000 notes, from the ATMs and exchanged them for the old notes. The accused used to get a commission to exchange the old notes. A similar gang was busted in Vijaywada on Thursday. ALSO READ | Andhra Pradesh: Rs 500, Rs 1,000 notes amounting to Rs 24 lakh seized in Eluru This gang have stolen a total of Rs 74 lakhs of new currency since the announcement of demonetisation by the Modi government and have exchanged Rs 39 lakhs until now. The seized notes HOW THE GANG WAS BUSTED The gang has been siphoning money for around three years. They exchanged Rs 25 lakh old currency with Rs 20 lakh new currency, and kept Rs 5 lakh as commission. One of the gang members was detained by neighbouring Rajahmundry railway police when he was found moving suspiciously with Rs 15 lakh cash in new Rs 2000 currency. The IT department was informed, and the person was identified as a native of Visakhapatnam. The local police then came in the loop and finally the gang of ten was busted. The arrested men include L. Manoj Kumar, manager of SSMS, and loaders, security guard and drivers. Also read: Angry Mamata hits out at PM Modi, says poor are not sleeping peacefully Rs 2,000 won't be withdrawn, printing on it not wrong: Social media rumours busted 'Bold' demonetising alone won't stop corruption, says Chinese media --- ENDS --- Shares of Strayer Education Inc. STRA reached a new 52-week high of $74.21 on Nov 23. The stock pulled back to end the trading session at $73.38. This post-secondary education provider, with a market cap of around $824.8 million, has seen its shares rise roughly 22% so far this year. STRAYER EDUC Price and Consensus STRAYER EDUC Price and Consensus | STRAYER EDUC Quote Whats Driving the Stock? The U.S. presidential election had a positive impact on the school industry. Shares of for-profit education companies like Strayer Education, K12 Inc. LRN, Graham Holdings Co. GHC, DeVry Education Group Inc. DV, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. UTI and American Public Education, Inc. APEI have rallied since the victory of Donald Trump. Trump has assured his support for schools, confirming federal funding for schools or online companies like K12. He has also promised more relaxed laws for such companies. Under Obama administration, the Education Department had strongly regulated for-profit schools and issued measures to receive federal funding. On Sep 6, ITT Technical Institute ceased operations and shut down campuses after being imposed several financial restrictions by the department. Coming back to Strayer Education, this for-profit school provides post-secondary education services for working adults. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields like business administration, accounting, information technology, and health services administration. The company offers weekend, evening and online courses which are well suited for the work-day schedules of adults. With improving market conditions, there is a growing demand for career-oriented programs, which groom students into a skilled workforce. These programs also help students opt for the career of their choice. If we look at the companys recently released third-quarter numbers, Strayer Educations adjusted earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 19%. Total enrollment increased year over year, driven by a consistent improvement in student enrollment and retention. Moreover, the recent acquisition of New York Code and Design Academy is encouraging given the high demand for web and applications software development professionals. Strayer Education carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> 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 AMER PUB EDUCAT (APEI): Free Stock Analysis Report STRAYER EDUC (STRA): Free Stock Analysis Report DEVRY EDUCATION (DV): Free Stock Analysis Report UNIVL TECH INST (UTI): Free Stock Analysis Report K12 INC (LRN): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Just a few minutes before Thanksgiving Day ended, Chyler Leigh took to Instagram to share how grateful she is to have her Supergirl co-star Melissa Benoist in her life. I am SO #thankful for this beautiful woman, Leigh wrote on the social networking site, alongside a photo of her with Benoist on the set of the CW series. She is my inspiration, my friend, my #soulsister @melissabenoist You are truly wonderful and I love you with all my #HappyThanksgiving. Leigh and Benoist who play sisters Alex and Kara Danvers on the show have grown extremely close with one another since filming for the series started, and their friendship has been of great help in establishing the relationship of their characters onscreen. I love Melissa with all of my heart, Leigh told Emertainment Monthly at San Diego Comic-Con in July. Even in scenes where our characters are fighting a little bit, its hard. It really is hard because I do feel legitimately like shes a sister. Benoist apparently feels the same way for Leigh. Shes so easy to hang out with and we just click really well, the Glee alum told Teen Vogue last year of her relationship with her TV sister. Shes my favorite person to do scenes with. Im not ashamed to say that, and Im sorry to everyone else. [Laughs] I love working with Chyler and it really is this unbreakable bond already. We have to be that way in order for anyone to feel [our] scenes. Even Kevin Smith couldnt help but notice Leigh and Benoists closeness off-camera when he went to Vancouver last month to direct Season 2, episode 9 of Supergirl. Me-Me and Chy-Chy brought the major feels when we were rolling but between takes theyre both legit funny, he wrote on Instagram three weeks ago. Its cool watching them go from goofing around before Action is called to delivering dire dialogue about impending universal doom. Nice, nice kids. An all-new episode of Supergirl airs on Monday, Nov. 28 at 8 p.m. EST on the CW. Check out the synopsis for Season 2, episode 8, titled Medusa, below: Story continues Eliza (Helen Slater) comes to town to celebrate Thanksgiving with her daughters. Alex decides its time to come out to her mother; Kara is shocked when Eliza suggests Mon-El (Chris Wood) has feelings for her, and Winn and James consider telling Kara the truth about the Guardian. Meanwhile, CADMUS unleashes a virus that instantly kills any alien in the vicinity so Kara enlists an unexpected ally Lena Luthor (Katie McGrath). Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) and Cisco Ramon (Carlos Valdes) seek Karas help with an alien invasion on their Earth. Melissa Benoist as Supergirl, Chyler Leigh as Alex Photo: The CW Related Articles His injuries would not force him to quit, instead it would act as a motivation. 25 Nov Malay actor Syamsul Yusof said that he would continue performing his own stunt in movies even after he recently broke his shoulder while acting out an action scene from his upcoming film "Makrifat Cinta." Speaking to Kosmo! He said "To be honest, I previously did many action sequences but never got myself badly injured, but this time the unexpected happened." "As an artist, I think that scenes like this should not break our acting spirit or develop a sense of fear in us as it might affect our acting performance," added Syamsul. Meanwhile, when asked on why the film crew did not use proper paddings and mattress to absorb the shock of the fall , the "KL Gangster 2" actor explained that it would distraught the camera angle and the overall quality of the stunt. In fact, he also decided on it on his own as it will reduce the cost of the movie as the cost for stunt double and CGI effects can be cut down. The "Desolasi" actor also claimed that his injury did not halt the filming process of the movie, as co-incidentally the scene after that needed him to wear an arm sling. "Makrifat Cinta" is a romantic film that is directed by Kamal G that co-stars Nabila Huda, Adi Putra and Puteri Balqis. (Photo Source: Syamsul Yusof Instagram) By Tom Perry BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian government forces are trying to split opposition-held eastern Aleppo in two in a fierce ground and air assault that is taking a heavy toll on besieged civilians and rebel fighters who are battling hard to stop them, a rebel commander said. Abu Abdelrahman Nour, Aleppo commander of the Jabha Shamiya, one of the biggest groups fighting against President Bashar al-Assad in northern Syria, called for more help from countries such as France and Turkey, saying it would be a "catastrophe" if the government forces managed to bisect eastern Aleppo. Aleppo, Syria's biggest city before the start of a civil war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people, is already divided into the government-held west and rebel-held east, where U.N. officials say at least 250,000 people are under siege. Dividing eastern Aleppo would expose rebel fighters to attack on new fronts and could hasten what would be a major victory for Assad in the rebels' most important urban stronghold after five years of fighting. In the latest fighting, the pro-government forces, identified by the rebels mainly as Shi'ite militias, have sought to advance into an area of northeastern Aleppo, Nour said. Heavy bombardment of civilian areas has also resumed. "The regime is using heavy, systematic bombardment in the areas where it is trying to advance. This is causing many injuries in the ranks of the revolutionaries," he said late on Wednesday via Skype from Aleppo. "For roughly five days the intensity of the attack and clashes in the northeast area has increased, and this threatens the entire eastern region." The aim is "to besiege Aleppo twice, and split it into two areas, and this will be a catastrophe if it happens", Nour said, explaining that the pro-government forces would then able to open new fronts in the battle for Aleppo. This would further stretch the outgunned rebel fighters after what Nour called "one of the hardest periods" Aleppo had faced. Parts of the city have been largely reduced to rubble and residents are short of food, medicine and fuel. Nour said flour was being mixed with other foods such as rice and cracked wheat to eke out remaining supplies. Despite this, Nour said rebel morale was high. "God willing it will not be easy for the regime. We have excellent capabilities and are defending well," he said. "TOTAL WAR" The government, backed by Russian air power and Shi'ite militias from Iran, Iraq and Lebanon, has tightened its grip on eastern Aleppo this year, gradually encircling it before launching the new assault in September. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based organization that reports on the war, says pro-Assad forces are making "clear advances" in eastern Aleppo, including the belt of territory that could split the rebel-held east in two. Asked about the government's strategy, a Syrian military source said "the army had a number of plans for the eastern districts". The source said "the matter will be settled sooner or later, and it won't be later". Western states have condemned the Russian-backed campaign that has killed hundreds of people since September. Hospitals and other civilian infrastructure have been hit, and all of east Aleppo's hospitals were declared out of action last week. France accused the Syrian government and its allies on Wednesday of using political uncertainty in the United States to launch "total war" against rebel-held areas. Syrian rebels in besieged east Aleppo have agreed to a U.N. plan for aid delivery and medical evacuations, but the United Nations is awaiting a green light from Russia and the Syrian government, humanitarian adviser Jan Egeland said. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has suggested he may overhaul U.S. policy in Syria, questioning the policy of supporting moderate rebels fighting Assad and suggesting he may cooperate with Russia in the fight against Islamic State. The Jabha Shamiya, which is known in English as the Levant Front, has received support from states that oppose Assad, such as Turkey. But the backing has fallen short of what the rebels say they need to fight the better armed government side. "We were frankly counting on the friendly states -- Turkey, France, others -- to offer us assistance much greater than this, on the military or humanitarian level," Nour said. Nour said assaults on the southern periphery of the rebel-held areas of Aleppo had died down, but "on the northeastern front, the regime attempts are of increasing ferocity". (Editing by Timothy Heritage) By Promit Mukherjee MUMBAI (Reuters) - Tata Steel said it removed Cyrus Mistry as chairman at a special board meeting on Friday, the third Tata group company to depose him since his ouster as head of the conglomerate's holding company. Mistry was ousted as chairman of holding company Tata Sons in a boardroom coup in October after the company criticised his performance. Since then both Mistry and Tata Sons have been involved in a war of words blaming each party for problems in the $100-billion salt-to-software Tata conglomerate. The Tata Steel board, in a statement, also said on Friday that it would hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on Dec. 21 to remove Mistry and independent director Nusli Wadia as directors on the board. Mistry was removed earlier this month as chairman of Tata Global Beverages, which co-owns and runs Starbucks stores across India, and as chairman of Tata Consultancy Services, India's biggest software company and a cash cow of the group. A source close to Mistry said in a statement that removing him as chairman of Tata Steel was a "new low" in the corporate governance standards of the Tata group and said representatives of Tata Sons were behind the decision. O P Bhatt, independent director on the board of Tata Steel and former head of State Bank of India, has been elected as chairman of the board of Tata Steel until the outcome of the EGM, the company said. "The board appointed the independent director as the chairman keeping in mind principles of good corporate governance," it said. Tata Consultancy Services, as well as Tata Motors, which owns the Jaguar Land Rover brand, and Indian Hotels Co Ltd, which runs the Taj group of hotels, have also called for EGMs in December to remove Mistry as directors of their companies. Tata Sons had criticised Mistry's performance and accused him of being responsible for rising expenses and impairment provisions and falling dividends. Mistry sought to defend his record at Tata Sons in a statement on Nov. 15 and said allegations that he oversaw rising expenses and impairment provisions were "another brazen attempt to mislead the public and shareholders." (Reporting by Promit Mukherjee; Editing by Susan Fenton) It simply would not be a holiday without countless photos of Taylor Swift and her squad. But the star and her crew took Thanksgiving to a new level with their own rendition of the #mannequinchallenge. On Thursday, Swift, 26, was joined by her brother Austin, Broadway star Todrick Hall, and her model pal Martha Hunt, among others. And things were just beachy for Swift and Co., as they frolicked on the sand in sweater-weather style. Swift shared several posts on Instagram to share her thanks and joy for the people by her side. And to top off another over-the-top holiday celebration, Swift and her friends shared a video of their take on the latest viral trend, the mannequin challenge. In the video, Swift holds a portable speaker, controlling the music Black Beatles by Rae Sremmurd. Meanwhile, her little brother looks off into the distance, and Hall and Hunt are caught mid-selfie. Just as the beat drops, each member of the group emerges from their freeze-frame poses and gets down to the new hit. Swift spent Turkey Day with friends and family, as Hall shared a photo of the group at a large round table with the caption, Happy Thanksgiving. Among the additions to their squad at the dinner include Swifts parents, Andrea and Scott. RELATED VIDEO: Taylor Swift And Her Girl Squad Rock Halloween! One night before the beachside breakdancing, Swift supported Hall by attending his show Kinky Boots in New York City. Okay. Went to see @todrick in Kinky Boots tonight and you just need to go see it. Not trying to be bossy. But you need to, Swift captioned one photo of Hall carrying her in his Lola costume. BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's parliament will hold an extraordinary meeting next week, the head of the National Legislative Assembly said on Friday, fuelling speculation that it could herald an invitation for Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to ascend the throne. The throne has remained empty since the death of widely loved King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Oct. 13. The monarch was regarded as a pillar of stability during decades of political upheaval and rapid development in the Southeast Asian nation, which has been run by a military junta since a coup in 2014. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters on Friday that he has asked parliament to convene a special meeting on Tuesday. Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, head of the National Legislative Assembly, told Reuters that "no details have been given on what the special meeting will handle". "I have to wait for the government to communicate this with the National Legislative Assembly," Pornpetch said. He has told lawmakers not to leave the country next week. Reuters reported last month that preparations are being made for Prince Vajiralongkorn, the late king's designated heir, to ascend the throne on Dec. 1. A formal coronation, however, can only take place following King Bhumibol's cremation next year. "There is a possibility that the ascension will be announced on Tuesday. This is because on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2 there is a ceremony marking 50 days since the king's death and that would clash. So the ascension could happen earlier," Kan Yuenyong, executive director of the Siam Intelligence Unit think-tank, told Reuters. According to the constitution, parliament must invite the heir to the throne to become king. In the interim, Prem Tinsulanonda, the 96-year-old former chief of the king's privy council, has been serving as regent. (Reporting by Amy Sawitta Lefevre, Panarat Thepgumpanat and Pracha Hariraksapitak; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) By PTI: New York/Melbourne, Nov 25 (PTI) Neil Prakash, Australias most senior ISIS recruiter has been arrested in the Middle East, a media report said today, months after the US and Australia said he was killed in an American air strike in Iraq this year. The New York Times reported that Prakash had been arrested in an unnamed Middle Eastern country. advertisement The 25-year-old, who has gone by the name Abu Khaled al- Cambodi since joining ISIS in 2013, was thought to have been killed in an American air strike in Iraq in July. Prakash, who was of Fijian and Cambodian descent, has been a prominent member of Islamic State in Iraq, and has sought to recruit Australians to carry out attacks. Quoting a senior American official, the Times said that US forces targeted Prakash earlier this year. Though he was wounded, he survived. "In the last few weeks, however, a Middle Eastern government arrested Mr. Prakash," another senior American military official was quoted as saying. Prakash handed himself to Turkish authorities several weeks ago, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said. Australias justice minister, Michael Keenan, declined to comment on the new report on Prakash, but conceded that the governments ability to confirm reports of deaths in Syria or Iraq was limited. "As a matter of longstanding practice, the Australian government does not comment on matters of intelligence or law enforcement operations," Keenan said. "The government reported Prakashs death in May on the basis of advice from the US government that he had been killed in an airstrike." He said, "There have been people who have been reported dead and are later found to be alive." Prakash entered strife-torn Syria in 2013 and has been the public face of a number of Islamic States propaganda videos. He grew up in Melbourne and converted to Islam in 2012. He attended the now-closed al-Furqan Islamic Centre. In August 2015 the Australian federal police issued a first instance warrant for Prakashs arrest, which is still valid. Prakash was believed to have had links to numerous plots in Australia, including a knife attack by an 18-year-old against two policemen in Melbourne and foiled plans to attack police both last year and this year on Anzac Day, Australias memorial day for fallen soldiers. According to media reports, Prakash converted from Buddhism to Islam in 2012 after a visit to Cambodia, when he was repulsed by what he viewed as Buddhisms commercialism and idolatry. He attended meetings at Al-Furqan bookstore and prayer centre in Melbourne before becoming a jihadist. PTI AKJ AKJ --- ENDS --- advertisement Katrina is currently in Maldives for a photo shoot with Harpers Bazaar Bride India and this pic of the Baar Baar Dekho star from the scenic country has made us all the more excited for the complete photo series. The 33-year-old actress today took to Facebook to post a sultry click of herself on the beach and captioned it as Maldives . Harpers Bazaar Bride India shoot. 3 planes and a 12 hour journey later.we have reached. Recommended Read: Lets party! Ranveer and Katrina have a gala time at Global Citizen Festival! The snap shows a fresh Katrina posing in a stylish white bodysuit. And while the journey as the beautiful actress says seems exhausting, Kat appears to be as radiant as ever! Earlier in the day, Manish Malhotra also shared a pic with Katrina and captioned it as #ShootTime #maldives #beautiful #KatrinaKaif .#MyFirstTime in #maldives #Exciting #SeaPlane #Journey #Experiences #SliceOfLife. On the work front, she will be next seen in Anurag Basus Jagga Jasoos alongside Ranbir Kapoor. Friday, November 25 2016 Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Pfizer (PFE), Microsoft (MSFT) and Priceline (PCLN). Pfizers shares have been showing some weakness recently. Pfizers third quarter results missed expectations for both sales and earnings. But the analyst emphasizes that Pfizer is strengthening its product portfolio as well as pipeline through acquisitions and licensing deals. The Sep 2016 acquisition of Medivation has strengthened Pfizers cancer franchise. Meanwhile, new products like Ibrance should do well and drive revenues. However, headwinds remain in the form of genericization, pricing pressure and rising competition, which will continue to hamper top-line growth. (You can read the full research report on Pfizer here.) Microsofts shares have gained more than 8% this year. Microsoft reported impressive first-quarter 2017 results driven by strong cloud growth. The analyst likes its continuing enterprise strength, benefits from the Office 365 subscription model, strong growth prospects of Azure and promising new products. Additionally, the expansion of Microsoft HoloLens in 6 new markets will improve the company's position in the augmented and virtual reality space. Further, the anticipated completion of the LinkedIn acquisition will boost Microsoft's presence in the social media market. However, execution and foreign exchange risks remain despite its cloud focus. (You can read the full research report on Microsoft here.) Priceline shares have surged, increasing by more than 19% year-to-date. Priceline reported strong third quarter results. Both agency and merchant businesses showed strong momentum. The analyst likes Pricelines strong position in international markets, good execution, prudent marketing strategy and strong financial position. The secular growth trend in the online travel booking market and growth opportunities in the domestic market are other positives. At the same time, weaker ADRs, macro headwinds, increasing advertising spend and occupancy tax-related litigation remain overhangs. (You can read the full research report on Priceline here.) Story continues Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include General Electric (GE), Expedia (EXPE) and United Continental (UAL). Today's Long-Term Buys & Sells Today you can gain access to the best long-term trades unearthed by Zacks Research. These moves have double and triple-digit profit potential and are rarely available to the public. Starting now, you can look inside our stocks under $10, home run and value stock portfolios, plus more. Want a peek at this private information? Click here >> Mark Vickery Senior Editor Note: If you want an email notification each time Zacks Director of Research Sheraz Mian publishes a new article, please click here>>> Today's Must Read Pfizer (PFE) New Drugs to Drive Sales; Generic Headwinds Stay Microsoft (MSFT) Expands Office 365 to 10 New Markets Priceline (PCLN) Reports Solid Q3 Results, Tops Estimates Featured Reports Sempra Energy's (SRE) Q3 Earnings Top Estimates, Up Y/Y The Zacks analyst thinks that Sempra Energy's robust capital expenditure plans and steady focus on adding renewable assets to its portfolio will drive its growth in the future. Expedia's (EXPE) Q3 Earnings Match Estimates, Revenues Beat The covering analyst believes Expedia's Q3 revenues were boosted by market share gain in the managed corporate travel space. However, increased investments and competition remain headwinds. L Brands (LB) Q3 Earnings Beat, Provides Bleak Earnings View The Zacks analyst thinks despite better-than-expected bottom line results, short term challenges, including expected softness at Victoria's Secret brand compelled management to provide a bleak view. Campbell (CPB) Tops Q1 Earnings The Zacks analyst believes solid Q1 earnings were backed by cost savings efforts. Campbell retained its outlook but a weak show by Campbell Fresh hurt organic sales. O'Reilly (ORLY) Misses Q3 Earnings, Announces Acquisition O'Reilly entered into an agreement to buy the assets of Bond Auto Parts, which is expected to be a good fit, per the covering analyst. United Continental (UAL) to Launch Basic Economy Fares. The company aims to keep pace with low-cost carriers through the new offering. Though positive on its expansion efforts, the Zacks analyst believes that recent labor deals will hurt earnings. Dominion(D) Tops on Q3 Earnings & Revenues; Keeps View The Zacks analyst believes Dominion's ongoing investment in regulated assets and clean energy will drive its performance in the long run. New Upgrades Discover Financial's (DFS) Growth Prospects Look Encouraging The Zacks analyst thinks strength in credit card business will continue to aid Discover Financial's profits. Also, it should gain from favorable trends in the U.S. consumer finance industry. Becton, Dickinson (BDX) Poised on Collaboration With JDRF The covering analyst is bullish on the two year funding commitment from JDRF, a global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. This would fortify BD's position in the insulin infusion market. Constellation Brands (STZ) Looks Attractive on Growth Plans The Zacks analyst thinks Constellation Brands' solid portfolio of brands, along with its focus on brand building and business expansion, give it a competitive edge and bolsters its market position. New Downgrades General Electric (GE) Faces Sustained Macroeconomic Woes General Electric lowered its guidance due to a highly volatile environment and sluggish growth across the globe. Significant order backlog and foreign currency volatility remain additional headwinds. Lower Revenue and Competition Woes Hurt Cerner (CERN) The covering analyst believes that a highly competitive market for HCIT and growing proportion of low-margin services will affect performance. Also expected lower hardware revenue in 2016 is a concern. Toyota's (TM) $3.4B Settlement to Weigh on Financials Toyota agreed to settle a US truck lawsuit by paying $3.4 billion, which will weigh on its financials. A string of product recalls and declining sales outside Japan are other concerns per the Zacks analyst. 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 UNITED CONT HLD (UAL): Free Stock Analysis Report PFIZER INC (PFE): Free Stock Analysis Report PRICELINE.COM (PCLN): Free Stock Analysis Report MICROSOFT CORP (MSFT): Free Stock Analysis Report GENL ELECTRIC (GE): Free Stock Analysis Report EXPEDIA INC (EXPE): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research * Basel regulators to meet in Chile next week * Europe say rules unfair to banks in their region * Trump's plans for deregulation prompt calls for delay By Huw Jones and Maya Nikolaeva LONDON/PARIS Nov 25 (Reuters) - When financial watchdogs gather in Chile next week to finalise global rules on bank capital, transatlantic tensions will overshadow the technical discussions. Seven years after world leaders agreed in Pittsburgh to toughen and coordinate their banking rulebooks, the global consensus is starting to fray just as regulators try to put in place the last pieces of regulation aimed at averting a repeat of the 2007-2008 financial crisis. European politicians, as well as banks, have been noisy in opposing the regulation under discussion - known in the industry as Basel IV - saying it would put their lenders at a disadvantage. U.S. policymakers say the Basel Committee regulators who drew up the rules should stand firm. But such disagreements are now overshadowed by the apparent opposition of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to vast swathes of the post-crisis regulation. Trump has said he would revoke the Dodd Frank rules agreed by U.S. lawmakers in 2010, whose 22,000 pages encompass significant parts of the globally agreed regulatory agenda. Trump says the rules have failed to increase jobs and growth. His stance prompted Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Union's financial services chief, to say this week that Europe expects its international partners to stick to globally-agreed standards. The changing dynamics threaten to drive a chasm between regulatory stances in Europe and the United States, at time when U.S. megabanks are stealing a march on their European rivals. "In a world of globally linked and integrated markets, a 'chacun pour soi' approach is the worst possible policy response from the most powerful country in the Western world with the biggest financial markets," said David Wright, a former top European Commission official who worked on the EU's regulatory response to the 2007-09 financial crisis, and now with Flint Global advisors. Story continues Some European lawmakers have jumped on Trump's stated intentions as a lever to weaken the capital rules that will be discussed next week, with some suggesting there should be a delay on bringing in the regulation until U.S. policy is clearer. EU plans put out this week, to force U.S. and other foreign banks on its turf to potentially hold more capital, will raise regulatory tensions further. "The proposals challenge the increasingly fragile state of international regulatory coordination," said David Strachan, a partner at Deloitte's regulatory strategy arm. REGULATORS AT ODDS The rules under discussion in Chile include greater use of a standard model for how banks calculate the risk attached to assets such as mortgages and large corporate loans. Currently banks in Europe tend to use their own internal models, based on how similar assets have performed historically. In the likes of France and Germany, where default rates have been historically low, banks say they will face a sharp hike in capital requirements if the new rules come in, especially for speciality lending such as shipping and project finance. "Capital requirements... could double or even more," potentially hurting French and German banks, said Vincent Grataloup, Risk Management Consultant at Boston Consulting Group. France's biggest bank, BNP Paribas, has said any increase in dividend payout over 2017-2020 "depends a lot on regulation". EU policymakers worry that the new Basel rules could crimp lending to an already struggling economy. Under pressure from Europe and Japan, Basel regulators are expected to dilute parts of these rules this week, aiming to obtain full endorsement from their oversight body in January. No timeline has been set for their introduction. Top banks - who spent years lobbying against post-crisis regulation - would be wary of a wholesale repeal of Dodd Frank given that some alternatives being touted are far blunter. A bank's main bulwark against collapse is its capital buffers, whose size is linked to the risk from loans and trades on its books. Jose Maria Roldan, chairman of the Spanish Banking Association and a former Basel Committee member, said that if the United States ditched this "risk sensitive" approach and made the leverage ratio the main benchmark of resilience, as has been suggested, it would disrupt global regulatory consensus far more than revoking U.S.-inspired elements of Dodd Frank. The leverage ratio is a measure of capital that does not take into account the riskiness of assets and is seen as a "backstop" to the risk-sensitive approach. "If you went further in the direction of the leverage ratio, it would be very difficult. If the United States said you must have a leverage ratio of 10 percent, that can't fly in Europe," Roldan said. Europe wants to maintain this risk-sensitive approach - one reason why it has threatened a boycott, leaving regulators stuck in political crosshairs. "If today politicians want to take over this work in place of experts, it is quite possible. Would this be beneficial for Europe and the rest of the world? This is not for me to judge. My job ... is to get to a conclusion," Stefan Ingves, chairman of the Basel Committee told Revue Banque this week. (Editing by Ruth Pitchford) London (AFP) - Britain's anti-EU party UKIP will announce a new leader Monday to succeed Nigel Farage and seek to unite a party beset by infighting and division despite its Brexit victory. Since his resignation following the EU referendum in June, Farage has ridden the wave of his campaign's success to the United States where he emerged as a keen ally of President-elect Donald Trump. But his UK Independence Party has been reeling from internal crises, including high-profile resignations, claims of misappropriated EU funds and a fight between two of its European Parliament lawmakers. Three candidates are now competing for the leadership -- former deputy leader Paul Nuttall, former deputy chairman Suzanne Evans and party activist John Rees-Evans -- with the winner to be announced on November 28 after a vote by party members. Ballots for the contest close on Friday. Nuttall, an MEP and firm favourite for the job, has pledged to "unite the party" if elected, demanding an end to "infighting and squabbling". Evans, a former BBC radio reporter deemed his closest challenger, says the party must broaden its appeal to include women and minorities, in order to win seats in parliament. Meanwhile the candidacy of businessman Rees-Evans, a former soldier, has been largely overshadowed by his calls to bring back the death penalty for paedophiles. The leadership vote follows the resignation in October of Farage's successor Diane James after only 18 days in the job and her subsequent departure from the party on November 21. She said her relationship with the party had become "increasingly difficult" and she had "no support within the executive". The favourite to replace her, Steven Woolfe, quit in October following an altercation with a fellow MEP at the European Parliament that left him hospitalised -- a further embarrassment for UKIP. - UKIP 'ungovernable'? - "I have come to the conclusion that UKIP is ungovernable without Nigel Farage leading it and the referendum cause to unite it," Woolfe said in a statement published online. Story continues Farage stepped into the breach as interim leader after James's resignation but ruled out returning longer-term, having achieved his life mission when Britain voted to leave the EU on June 23. Despite holding no public office, the beer-drinking "man of the people" -- as he is often described -- became the first British politician to meet Trump following the Republican's election win, after joining him on the campaign trail. Trump even recommended his anti-establishment ally as US ambassador, in a tweet that ruffled feathers in Downing Street, with British Prime Minister Theresa retorting that there was "no vacancy". Swapping his usual pint of ale for champagne at a party at London's plush Ritz hotel this week, Farage revelled in the suggestion, holding up a tray of Ferrero Rocher chocolates in reference to the ambassador's reception in an often parodied television advert. In a speech to guests posted on YouTube he said 2016 had been "the year of the big political revolution". "When people look back in 100 years, 200 years, 2016 will stand out as one of those great historic years," he added. Farage's exuberance cannot mask the turmoil engulfing his party, however. Adding to the leadership fiasco, UKIP was accused this month of using EU funds to finance its Brexit campaign, in breach of party funding rules. Britain's Electoral Commission has also said it will investigate possible breaches of UK election law. The right-wing party has failed to capitalise on the success of the Brexit campaign, suffering a huge loss in financial support since the referendum, with chief donor Arron Banks voicing doubts about its future. Donations totalled A42,943 ($53,432, 50,446 euros) between July 1 and September 30, a fall of 97 percent from A1,252,891 ($1,558,247, 1,471,672 euros) in the previous three months, quarterly Electoral Commission figures show. UKIP emerged from the fringes of British politics after playing a key role in the push for a referendum on EU membership. Advocating an anti-immigration agenda, the party scored the third-highest number of votes in the 2015 general election, taking 12.7 percent of the vote. However, the party won only one constituency, making Douglas Carswell UKIP's only MP. Whoever wins the leadership, getting more seats in parliament will be a key goal, along with seeking a swift exit from the EU. "We're seeing hundreds of MPs trying to overturn the (referendum) verdict," said Evans, announcing her candidature. "I want to say to them 'don't you dare'. I will be there breathing down their neck." Michael Flynn Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn installed a secret internet connection into his office at the Pentagon even though it was "forbidden," according to a profile in The New Yorker by Dana Priest. The network connection was among other rules the former chief of the Defense Intelligence Agency broke because he found them to be "stupid," including sometimes sneaking out of a CIA station in Iraq without authorization and sharing classified information with NATO allies without approval, according to The New Yorker. While Flynn who was recently tapped to be President-elect Donald Trump's national security adviser apparently had his own private connection, the New Yorker profile doesn't provide a clear picture as to why. It's likely his Pentagon office already had an authorized, unclassified connection to the internet called NIPRNet, which is separate from classified networks such as SIPRNet and JWICS, a former DIA analyst told Business Insider. All of those networks are monitored in some way. A separate, unknown network would not have had the same or possibly any level of monitoring. If it were implemented in secret, it would also not have the same protections from hackers that a known connection would have. It's also possible that Flynn's Pentagon office was known as a SCIF, or sensitive compartmented information facility a secure facility in which intelligence can be discussed without fear of it being compromised. Network connections in SCIFs are closely controlled, and outside electronics such as mobile phones are not allowed inside. "If his office was an SCIF, then that would be really bad," the DIA analyst said. "But there are so many unknowns." Whether or not his office was an SCIF, the possibility of an external internet connection installed in violation of facility rules drew parallels to former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who was often criticized by the general on the campaign trail for using a private email server while she was secretary of state. Story continues "So there seems to be a standard for the Clintons that's not the same standard for the rest of America," Flynn told The Heritage Foundation. Spokespersons for DIA and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A Trump campaign spokesperson also did not respond. NOW WATCH: JACK DANIELS MASTER DISTILLER: This is the real difference between scotch, whiskey, and bourbon More From Business Insider BEIJING (Reuters) - A Donald Trump presidency does not mean the United States will withdraw from the South China Sea, but rather will continue pursuing "regional hegemony", Chinese academics who drafted a report for an influential government think tank said on Friday. Ensuring "absolute control" over the South China Sea was the crux of U.S. military strategy in the Asia-Pacific, according to what the authors said was Chinas first ever public report on the U.S. military presence in the region, released on Friday in Beijing. "There will be no overturning change to U.S. policy in the South China Sea," said Wu Shicun, head of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, an influential Hainan-based think tank that wrote the report. Trump rarely mentioned the South China Sea on the campaign trail, but concentrated on the economic relationship with Beijing, threatening to label China a currency manipulator and impose import tariffs on Chinese imports. U.S. commitments to its allies would not change, nor would its stance on protecting freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, said Wu. As such, tensions between China and the United States in the South China Sea would likely grow in lock-step with China's military growth, he added. China claims most of the energy-rich waters through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. Neighbors Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims. Recent U.S. efforts to counter what it sees as China limiting freedom of navigation in the South China Sea have drawn Beijing's ire and stoked fears of military conflict. A patrol by U.S. warships in October was dubbed "illegal" and "provocative" by the Chinese Defence Ministry. "From the U.S. perspective, China's large-scale construction activities in the South China Sea confirmed U.S. suspicion that China intended to implement an anti-access/area-denial strategy," the report said. There would be "more continuity than change" in Trump's military policy in the Asia-Pacific, said Zhu Feng, director of the South China Sea Center at Nanjing University, at the report launch. Trump may not use the term "rebalancing" to the region, but he would likely retain most of policies, he added. Both academics agreed that there was a high possibility of increased U.S. military spending in the Asia-Pacific under Trump. A Trump administration would "not be an exception" to other Republican-led governments that increase military spending when they take office, said Zhu Feng. The build-up of military might in the region has led to worries of a rising risk of accidental collisions that could spark conflict. Zhu said that the decision to release a public report now was not China "preparing for war" but rather to avoid an "arms race" between China and the United States. (Reporting by Christian Shepherd; Editing by Nick Macfie) By PTI: Anandpur Sahib, Nov 25 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today asked the people to take a pledge for overcoming all shortcomings whether social or religious and follow the path shown by the Sikh Gurus. Addressing the gathering here during a state-level function to commemorate 350th birth anniversary of the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, he said that the life and philosophy of Guru Gobind Singh could act as a catalyst to unite the country. advertisement He said that the maladies like casteism and social inequality could be overcome easily by following on the footsteps of great Sikh Gurus. Badal said that they were fortunate to commemorate this momentous event during their lifetime, which was a humble effort to further strengthen the ethos of peace, communal harmony, brotherhood and amity across the length and breadth of the country. The Chief Minister said that Guru Gobind Singh made unparalleled contribution for upholding the age old traditions of secularism besides safeguarding the human rights and ensuring religious freedom thereby sacrificing everything including even his own family. He said the fact that the foundation of Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar was laid down by the Muslim saint Sai Mian Mir to foster the concept of secularism and its four entrances symbolised the oneness of mankind. He said that the Punjabis in general and Sikhs in particular have inherited a glorious legacy of sacrifice and valour from the great Sikh Gurus, who taught them to fight against tyranny, oppression and injustice. Badal said that the 350th Parkash Utsav of the tenth Master of Divine Light, was being observed with great religious enthusiasm, devotion and dedication all over the world. "We are overwhelmed with the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this function at the birth place of Khalsa Panth," added Badal. The Chief Minister said that Guru Gobind Singh gave message to humanity against forcible religious conversions by urging his father Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib to sacrifice at the altar of righteousness and justice. He said that to fight against this oppression zealously, the tenth Sikh Guru created Khalsa panth to empower the poor and underprivileged people to fight against injustice and tyranny unleashed by the mighty Mughals. Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said the Guru Sahiban have bestowed a great legacy to the entire humanity and the preservation of which is an article of faith with the SAD-BJP combine government in the state. He said that the state government has constructed memorials belonging to all the religions in the state to guide the young generation about the rich and glorious culture as well as historical heritage of the state. advertisement Terming the inauguration of 2nd phase of Virasat-E-Khalsa as a historic occasion, he also said only those communities leave their footprints on the sands of time which remember their martyrs and historical roots. In his address, Union Minister of state and Punjab BJP Chief Vijay Sampla said that Modis visit about 17 years after Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2016 reflects the special affection of Prime Minister with the state. PTI VJ SUA --- ENDS --- The United States policy in the South China Sea is unlikely to change under Donald Trumps presidency and Washington will continue to follow regional hegemony, according to academics who drafted a report for the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, a Chinese think tank. The report, released Friday in Beijing, said that there will be no shift in U.S. position regarding freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and making sure absolute control over the disputed waters was the core of U.S. military strategy in the Asia-Pacific, the report said. There is likely to be more continuity than change in Trumps military policy in the Asia-Pacific, Zhu Feng, director of the South China Sea Center at Nanjing University, said at the report launch, according to Reuters. Wu Shicun, head of the institute, noted that strain in relations between Beijing and Washington is likely to be aggravated in lockstep with Chinas military growth. With the implementation of its rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific strategy, the US has deployed advanced reconnaissance aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, electronic surveillance ships, nuclear submarines, orbit reconnaissance satellites, etc. China has become the No 1 target for the US' close reconnaissance in terms of frequency, scope and means, the report said. Trump has not spoken much on his policy on the South China Sea, from where about $5 trillion worth of maritime trade sails through every year. Instead, he has threatened to label China as a country that manipulates currency. From the U.S. perspective, China's large-scale construction activities in the South China Sea confirmed U.S. suspicion that China intended to implement an anti-access/area-denial strategy, a predetermined premise for the Obama administration to propose and push forward the strategy of rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific. The US has made the South China Sea an important vehicle for it to implement its rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific, according to the report. Story continues Both Zhu and Wu were of the opinion that the U.S. is likely to increase military expenditure in the Asia-Pacific under the 70-year-old real estate tycoon. Zhu explained that the decision to bring out a public report now was not to show that China is preparing for war but to stop an arms race between the two powers. Chinas neighbors Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have also laid claims to the disputed territory. Related Articles Washington (AFP) - Donald Trump's White House triumph this month caught the business world by surprise but also breathed life into a little-understood US industry: private prisons and migrant detention centers. Following the Republican's election, shares in two of the sector's major players, CoreCivic (formerly known as Corrections Corporation of America) and the GEO Group have skyrocketed 43 percent and 21 percent, respectively, after having languished in recent months. In August, the US Justice Department left them reeling after announcing it would phase out the use of private prisons, even though there were only about a dozen privately run correctional facilities at the federal level. During her presidential campaign, Democrat Hillary Clinton seemed set to continue this policy, saying in particular that "you have a profit motivation to fill prison cells with young Americans." Private prisons currently house just a fraction, or about 0.5 percent, of the total US inmate population of 2.2 million. But Trump's November 8 victory upended the outlook and investor sentiment as well. The billionaire clinched the White House with an aggressive law and order message, promising at one point to deport all 11 million of the country's undocumented immigrants -- a move that could swell the population of migrant detainees. In the United States, migrant detention centers are overwhelmingly managed by private companies, CoreCivic and the GEO Group in particular, under the oversight of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. As a result, Trump's vow to deport or incarcerate two to three million undocumented immigrants right after taking office in January could be a boon to the sector. "It will lead to a huge increase in the number of immigrant detentions," said Bethany Carson of the GrassRoots Leadership, an activist group that opposes mass incarceration. She said immigrants targeted for deportation would have to be detained "because there's no way to just deport people who have been living in this country without going through some kind of legal proceedings." Story continues Various estimates say about 400,000 migrants are currently detained every year in the United States -- a taxpayer expense but a revenue stream for private industry. One adult bed in a detention facility runs to $123 dollars a day while family units cost $342, according to official numbers. According to the market research firm IBISWorld, the business of holding people awaiting deportation accounts for 21 percent of the private detention industry, estimated at $5.3 billion in the United States. - Happy days for the industry - "This number is anticipated to grow in the next five years as major industry operators Corrections Corporation of America and the GEO Group expand the capacity for housing illegal immigrants," IBISWorld said in a report published shortly before election day. In comments to AFP, both companies avoided showing any exuberance but defended the services they render to the government. "We look forward to continuing our longstanding partnership with the federal government in providing high quality and cost effective correctional, detainment and rehabilitative services," GEO Group vice president Pablo Paez said in an email. Whatever posture the incoming Trump administration ultimately adopts, the industry has happy days ahead. Since 2009, Congress has required the federal government to keep at least 34,000 beds in detention centers filled to promote efforts to fight illegal immigration, a measure that has benefited the private detention industry. Pointing to a lack of government oversight of conditions in migrant detention facilities, the American Civil Liberties Union recently called on ICE, the immigration enforcement agency, to "end its dependence" on the private sector. Trump, however, has shown little sign of sharing this view. "With prisons, I think we can do a lot of privatization and private prisons. It seems to work a lot better," he said in March. For investors looking to avoid underperformance, iShares MSCI Turkey ETF TUR is probably on radar now. The fund just touched a 52-week low and TUR is down nearly 30.3% from its 52-week high price of $46.42/share. But is more pain in store for this ETF? Lets take a quick look at the fund and the near-term outlook on it to get a better idea on where it might be headed: TUR in Focus TUR is the sole ETF tracking Turkey and holds 70 stocks in its basket. The fund is highly concentrated in the financial sector accounting for 44.3% of the allocation, while industrials and consumer staples round off the top three. The fund charges investors 62 basis points a year in fees and its top holdings are Turkiye Garanti Bankasi A, Akbank A and Bim Birlesik Magazalar A (see all European Equity ETFs here). Why the Move? Turkey has been an area to watch lately as the European Parliament voted by 471 to 37 to temporarily halt talks on Turkeys bid to join the EU. The overwhelming votes to freeze talks were largely due to the Turkish government's stand on democratic rights and freedom, especially the failed coup in July to oust Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. More Pain Ahead? Currently, TUR has a Zacks ETF Rank of 5 or Strong Sell rating with a High risk outlook, suggesting its continued underperformance in the coming months. While the countrys central bank has implemented a rate hike to curb the fall of local currency lira, there is still some downside risk. Investors should therefore exercise caution and wait until the sector bottoms out before jumping into this ETF. 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 ISHRS-MSCI TURK (TUR): ETF Research Reports To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research 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 LONDON, Nov 25 (Reuters) - The Turkish government's crackdown on supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the alleged mastermind of a failed July 15 coup, will continue "for some time", deputy prime minister Numan Kurtulmus told Reuters on Friday. More than 125,000 civil servants, academics, judges, police and others have been suspended or dismissed after the coup, which Ankara blamed on followers of Gulen, a U.S.-based Muslim cleric. Gulen has denied the accusation and condemned the coup. The purges along with questions over rule of law in Turkey are seen as threats to the country's already slowing economy and foreign investment flows. But asked if he saw risks to the economy from the crackdown, Kurtulmus said: "No". "It will continue - it's a kind of fight. This organisation has been active for the last 40 years and they have infiltrated themselves into state organisations, so it will take some time," he said. Asked if he thought the purge was nearing its end, he said: "The fight will continue for some time,", without giving a time frame. The crackdown and President Tayyip Erdogan's drive for a stronger presidency have raised fears of a lurch towards authoritarianism, souring relations with the European Union. European Union lawmakers have voted for a temporary halt to EU membership talks with Turkey because of Ankara's "disproportionate" reaction to July's failed coup.. Kurtulmus noted that Europe had failed to fulfil its side of a deal which had envisaged visa-free travel for Turkish citizens if Ankara acted to keep migrants away from Europe. The deal has helped slow the flood of refugees making their way to Europe from Syria and Iraq via Turkey. "If the EU does not accept visa liberalisation then we will unfortunately stop the agreement on the migration issue," he said. "The (EU parliament's) decision does not necessarily mean Turkey will break the tie with the EU. We hope the talks will continue but from now on we will have our own agenda." (Reporting by Claire Milhench and Sujata Rao) By Ceyda Caglayan ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish budget carrier Pegasus Airlines may postpone delivery of three new Boeing aircraft next year, lease some of its current fleet and sell older planes to cut costs after a difficult year for tourism, its chief executive said. Pegasus (PGSUS.IS), which competes with national carrier Turkish Airlines (THYAO.IS), has increased passenger numbers more slowly than planned this year as series of bombings, a failed coup in July and tension with Russia deterred tourists. A weak lira currency has driven up fuel costs and other expenses. "We were going to take delivery of five planes ordered from Boeing next year. Two of them will come but three of them we may take later," Mehmet Nane told Reuters in an interview late on Thursday. Pegasus initially expected passenger growth of 13-15 percent this year, then cut that target in August to 5-7 percent. Now, Nane said: "Current developments show we will do better than our revisions." He did not elaborate. The airline has been cutting costs by closing some less popular routes, he said. It is also leasing out two of its aircraft, complete with crew, maintenance and insurance - known in the airline industry as "wet lease". "If our planes are empty, why not?" Nane said when asked if more lease deals were possible. Pegasus has a fleet of 77 aircraft, which is set to rise to 82 by year-end, not including next year's Boeing deliveries. Pegasus plans to sell off older, less fuel-efficient planes as new ones arrive, Nane said. He does not expect the fleet to shrink overall. TOURISM SLUMP The number of tourists visiting Turkey slumped 32 percent to 20.3 million people in the first nine months of the year. Relations with Russia, traditionally a major source of tourism, soured after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane over Syria last year. Rival Turkish Airlines has also been hurt, postponing delivery of a total 39 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing due to arrive between 2018 and 2022. Story continues Ankara has worked to restore relations with Russia and Nane said he was optimistic that 2017 would be a better year. Pegasus was waiting for regulatory approval for 40 new routes and could open them as soon as it gets permission, he said. "The majority of routes will be international. The new flights will be not just from Istanbul but Ankara, Izmir and Antalya too," he said. (Reporting by Ceyda Caglayan; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by David Dolan/Ruth Pitchford) ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish warplanes carried out air strikes on the Syrian city of al-Bab held by Islamic State on Friday, the military said in a statement, after four Turkish soldiers were killed in the area over the past two days. The air strikes shortly before 8 a.m. (0500 GMT) destroyed buildings believed to be used by the radical jihadist group, the military said in a statement. The strikes were part of Turkey's "Euphrates Shield" operation, launched in August to try to push Islamic State and Kurdish militia fighters from the border. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Thursday that Turkey would retaliate after three of its soldiers were killed in what the military said was a suspected Syrian air strike. Another soldier was later killed in clashes with Islamic State, the military said earlier on Friday. (Reporting by Orhan Coskun; Writing by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Nick Tattersall) For 11 months ending on Oct. 5, Twitter Inc stock (ticker: TWTR) inspired all the excitement of a sponsored content tweet for laxatives. It dipped a total of $1.26, or slightly less than a penny per 140 characters. Then came news that could well have been named for Twitter's system crash mascot, the "fail whale." In one short week, Twitter stock sank by close to 30 percent; it has not recovered since. It trades at about $18.20 per share, which is about 30 percent lower than this time last year. The struggle comes, by the way, from a company that actually beat expectations in its most recent earnings report. It generated $616 million in revenue and earnings per share of 13 cents; analysts had expected $605.8 million and an EPS of 9 cents. [See: 7 of the Best Stocks to Buy for 2017.] But you'd never know it. That's because Twitter is still reeling from depressing developments, including a 9 percent cut in its workforce and fruitless efforts to find a high-tech suitor much the way LinkedIn Corp. ( LNKD) did when it leaped into the rescuing arms of Microsoft Corp. ( MSFT). The House Bill Gates Built paid $26.2 billion for the networking site in June. To millions of social media mavens, this may make no sense whatsoever. Doesn't everyone use Twitter? To be sure, it has a user base of 317 million active users a month, a healthy gain from 307 million posted a year ago. Still no matter its millions of minions, Twitter has thus far failed to monetize those numbers in a way that's impressed Wall Street. Observers call it a textbook example of fumbling the ad revenue ball. "Twitter's biggest limitation is the quality of data it gives to advertisers," says Steve Andriole, professor of business, accountancy and information systems at the Villanova School of Business in the Philadelphia area. "Twitter should have acquired a social media listening company [that reviews site content] and an analytics company to increase the value of the data it collects -- which would enable higher advertising revenues." Story continues "Twitter's greatest strength has been its limitation," says Cecilia Lynch, CEO and chief strategist at Focused Momentum, a strategy development company. "It is not a full social media company; it is a social media capability. It should leverage its tremendous brand equity and global user base to build out more robust media capabilities and stay true to its self-curated, user-driven news and content." To be sure, such a tactic could turn Twitter's woes around; one-third of a billion users is nothing to sneeze at. Yet its nagging inability to profitably ride the social media tsunami -- one it helped whip up, no less -- has left analysts largely taking a wait-and-see approach. In fact, if analyst ratings were a seesaw, Twitter would have a pivot point four times the size of its seats -- literally. A whopping 16 firms call Twitter a "hold," with four labeling it a "strong buy" and three a "sell." Perhaps tipping things in the "saw" direction (as in cutting losses), two more analysts call Twitter an "underperform." Ultimately, that underperform label may translate to overtaxed. Twitter co-founder and CEO Jack Dorsey hasn't exactly made fans out of investment types, in large part because of his split leadership role. [See: 7 Ways to Avoid Financial Stress Over the Holidays.] You see, Dorsey is also the founder-CEO of Square ( SQ), a company that helped pioneer mobile payments via smartphone and tablet. He's also on the board at the Walt Disney Co. ( DIS), which probably leaves him just enough time to gulp his breakfast smoothie via power-wash hose. Yet Dorsey's perch at the top may actually serve as a positive, at least compared to what preceded his decision to return as permanent CEO in October 2015. "On the inside is a workforce that has already withstood a revolving door at the top: five different chiefs over 10 years," says Liz Sara, adjunct professor of marketing and chair of the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship advisory board at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business. And when executive turnover spins that fast, "It's no wonder there isn't the clear, consistent vision for growth that we've witnessed at the other tech giants." Sara says. "Now that same workforce is withstanding the pressure of working for a company on the auction block -- and wondering whether they'll still have a job when it's all over." That said, the proverbial auction block might as well be a cinder block, as no one's showing to bid up the action. "I think it would be wise for Twitter to make sure its independent strategy is clear, realistic and measurable," says Rob Berick, senior vice president and managing director of Falls Communications, a Cleveland firm that specializes in corporate communications, branding and investor relations. He adds: "From the outside looking in, it strikes me as a takeover candidate that's seemingly been the bridesmaid for too long." [Read: Why Financial Advisors Are Missing the Boat.] For those counting, that's exactly 118 characters. Never has a Twitter-length merger requiem sounded, if you will, so bittertweet. A former longtime staff writer, editor and columnist at the Chicago Tribune, Lou Carlozo writes about investment for U.S. News & World Report, and personal finance for Money Under 30 and GOBankingRates. He is based in Chicago. Connect with him at linkedin.com/in/loucarlozo. ATHENS (Reuters) - Two migrants were killed and two others were injured in a fire at a migrant camp on the Greek island of Lesbos late on Thursday, prompting clashes between other migrants and the police, authorities said on Friday. The fire broke out at 2020 GMT after a gas canister used for cooking exploded in a tent in the camp of Moria. A woman, 66, and a 6-year-old child were killed, police said, and another woman, 25, and a 4-year-old child were seriously injured and transferred to Athens. After the fire, dozens of frustrated migrants fought briefly with police. Many people evacuated the center and camped under trees. "We are not animals, we are human beings," a migrant told reporters. "You people say United Nations, United Nations has human rights but we don't see any human rights here. We don't see any freedom, we don't see any democracy here." Video footage showed tents in flames and migrants searching through debris. Dozens of tents were burned and container cabins with medical supplies, clothes and documents were damaged, a police official said. Police and the fire brigade were investigating the incident. The fire was contained early in the morning. More than 6,000 migrants and refugees are stranded on Lesbos, an island close to the western coast of Turkey. Their total is twice the capacity of the government-run camp of Moria and a center administered by the municipality. Tensions have boiled over at overcrowded camps in the Greece, which is struggling to emerge from a debt crisis, as the slow processing of asylum requests adds to frustration over living conditions. Migration Minister Yannis Mouzalas told parliament the government would start transferring migrants to the mainland soon to reduce overcrowding at island camps and urged residents to cooperate with the state and help to ease tensions. 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 Lesbos, and sent back if their asylum applications are not accepted. Referring to the incident and the management of the migrant crisis, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said the government "was fighting a battle in adverse conditions". "I'm shocked by the tragic event in Moria," he said in a statement. "The Greek government will further intensify efforts for safety and a better quality of life in reception centers." (Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou and Renee Maltezou; Additional reporting by Theodora Arvanitidou; Editing by Tom Heneghan) After Mona Lisa's boyfriend, Manu Punjabi's fiancee has now opened up on his bond with BB10 contestant Mona Lisa. By India Today Web Desk: Bigg Boss 10 contestant Manu Punjabi is quite popular with the ladies. Be it Dear Zindagi actress Alia Bhatt or Bhojpuri actress and fellow Bigg Boss Season 10 contestant Mona Lisa. Also read:BB10: Mona Lisa's boyfriend has THIS to say about her bond with Manu Punjabi But one person isn't too happy with Mona Lisa and Manu's bond. advertisement Yep, you guessed it right. We are talking about Manu's fiancee from Jaipur, Priya Saini. Priya doesn't like Mona one bit, and she made that extremely clear in one of her recent interviews. "I hate Mona Lisa; she is a despo. Woh jab dekho Manu ke aas paas ghumti rehti hai (She is always around Manu). She has been nominated so many times in the show. She would not have been able to survive the show, had it not been for Manu. She knows that the day Manu and Manveer abandon her; it would be very difficult for her to stay in the house. That's the reason she keeps hanging out with both of them and tries to get intimate with Manu by hugging and kissing him," Priya told The Times of India. Wow, now that is one strong opinion. Mona Lisa, the ball is in your court. Bigg Boss 10 airs every Mon-Fri at 10:30 pm, and every Sat-Sun at 9 pm. --- ENDS --- Tygas legal woes are far from over. As he celebrated his 27th birthday, he got slapped with a brand new lawsuit. According to TMZ, Tyga was celebrating his birthday in the Penthouse nightclub in WeHo when a guy personally delivered his legal documents. The delivery was met with disapproval since the process server was forcibly removed from the vicinity. Theres no saying what the lawsuit was for: his expensive cars, extravagant jewelry or maybe even a home. Over the past few years, he spoiled his girlfriend with a $320,000 white Ferrari for her 18th birthday and a $200,000 black Mercedes Maybach for her 19th birthday. On different occasions, he gifted her with a snakeskin Gucci handbag and a diamond promise ring. This is probably why celebrity jeweller Jason Arasheben earlier dragged Tyga to court last month. Tyga was assessed if he had enough money to justify the purchase of a fancy chain and timepiece worth $200,000. Tyga was reportedly accommodating during the hearing and told Arashebens lawyer Boris Treyzon about his income and what he owns. But when the lawyer started asking about the lavish gifts Tyga gave Jenner, the rapper started feeling extremely ill, lost memory and became confused, telling the lawyer he just couldn't go on. ET has even reported that Tyga owes Arasheben an excess of $270,000 in unpaid jewelry. Another one of Arashebens attorneys, Danny Abir, earlier said that they want both Tyga and Jenner to go under oath and discuss their lavish lifestyles. Our client, Jason of Beverly Hills, has a judgment against [Tyga]. Until he pays off this judgment, unless he has other means of paying off this obligation and does, his sources of income used to buy these extravagant gifts or to support such a lifestyle should be used to satisfy his obligation, Abir explained. That potentially includes the gifts themselves. Tyga Photo: Getty Images Related Articles WASHINGTON/OTTAWA (Reuters) - A group representing the U.S. lumber industry and some of its workers on Friday called on authorities to impose duties on Canadian softwood lumber, reigniting a long-standing trade dispute between the two nations. U.S. producers complain Canadian lumber is subsidized, and have in the past launched trade challenges that resulted in the United States imposing billions of dollars in tariffs. In a widely expected move, a group that includes the U.S. Lumber Coalition petitioned the U.S. Commerce Department and the U.S. International Trade Commission to impose duties to "offset the harm caused to U.S. mills, workers and communities by Canadian softwood lumber production subsidies." The most recent round of arguments ended with a 2006 deal that expired in October 2015. Both sides agreed to take no action for a year after that but talks on a new agreement stalled, opening the way for the group to act. The prospects for more negotiations once Donald Trump becomes president are unclear at best. Trump has vowed to tear up or renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, calling it a disaster for the United States. The Canadian government, which rejects the notion of unfair subsidies, said it would defend the interests of workers and producers. "The U.S. industry is not where we need them to be. At the same time, the protectionist climate in the U.S. does complicate any trade negotiation, including this one," said Alex Lawrence, spokesman for Canadian Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland. Exports of softwood lumber to the United States totaled C$5.9 billion ($4.4 billion) in 2015, up from C$5.5 billion in 2014, according to Statistics Canada data. Canada has in the past won softwood challenges against the United States at the World Trade Organisation and under NAFTA, only for Washington to launch new legal challenges each time. The group that filed the petition said low-priced Canadian exports resulted in U.S. mill closures and job losses. Chicago Mercantile Exchange lumber futures rose by their daily price limit of $10 per thousand board feet (tbf) to $334.40, roughly a 1-1/2 month high. Shares in Canadian lumber firms such as Canfor Corp , West Fraser Timber Co and Interfor Corp dipped on the news, dropping by up to 1 percent. The Lumber Trade Council in the province of British Columbia said U.S. producers could not meet domestic demand. "(The petition) will only serve to limit access to Canadian lumber products, driving up prices for U.S. consumers," it said in a statement. (Reporting by Roberta Rampton in West Palm Beach, Florida; David Ljunggren in Ottawa and Michael Hirtzer in Chicago; Writing by Susan Heavey and David Ljunggren; Editing by Andrew Hay and Lisa Shumaker) By Susan Heavey WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Wisconsin's election commission said on Friday it had received petitions for a recount of votes in the presidential election from the Green Party campaign and another candidate and was planning to start the process. The Commission is preparing to move forward with a statewide recount of votes for President of the United States, as requested by these candidates, Commission Administrator Michael Haas said in a statement on the agency's website. The move follows comments by Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein earlier on Friday that her push for election recounts in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania was aimed at assessing the integrity of the U.S. voting system, not at undermining Republican Donald Trump's White House victory. While Stein's effort this week may have spurred hope among disappointed supporters of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, the chances of such recounts - if they take place - overturning the overall result from the Nov. 8 election are extremely slim, given Trump's margins of victory in the three states. Since launching the recount campaign on Wednesday, Stein has raised more than $5 million. The Green Party said it wants to raise $7 million for the recounts, including the cost of legal fees. The Green Party has said that despite the millions it has raised to fund the recounts, it could not guarantee any would occur and that if its requests were denied or there were surplus funds, it would use the money to push for voting system reforms. Stein, who won just 1 percent of the national vote herself, told CNN that while there was no evidence of tampering or other voting errors in the election, only a full review in those states would give Americans confidence in the results. "This was a hack-riddled election," she said, pointing to hacking before the vote of political organizations and individual email accounts, as well as recent media reports citing concerns by computer security experts. Story continues The deadline to request the Wisconsin recount was Friday afternoon, while for Pennsylvania the deadline is Monday and for Michigan Wednesday. Wisconsin's Haas said that with a federal deadline of Dec. 13 to complete the recounts, county boards of canvassers might have to work evenings and weekends. The other petitioner for a recount in the state was third-party candidate Rocky Roque De La Fuente, the commission statement said. Although Trump won narrowly in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, the margins make it highly unlikely that any recounts would end up giving Clinton a win in all three states, which would be needed for the overall presidential election result to change. Trump beat Clinton in Pennsylvania by 70,010 votes, in Michigan by 10,704 votes and in Wisconsin by 27,257 votes. The presidential race is decided by the Electoral College, or a tally of wins from the state-by-state contests, rather than by the popular national vote. The Electoral College results are expected to be finalized when electors meet on Dec. 19. Trump surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed to win, although once the final tallies of votes are in, Clinton will have won the national popular vote by more than 2 million votes. Asked if she was trying to upset Trump, Stein told CNN "Absolutely not," adding that she also did not back Clinton. A representative for Trump's transition team on Thursday had no comment on Stein's effort. In a Twitter post on Thursday, senior Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway cited a New York Times article and mocked Clinton supporters who "can't accept the election results." Clinton has not commented on Stein's effort, and a representative for her did not reply to a request for comment. (Additional reporting by Gina Cherelus, Brendan O'Brien and Frank McGurty in New York and Eric Walsh in Washington; Editing by Frances Kerry and Jonathan Oatis) By Elias Biryabarema KAMPALA (Reuters) - Uganda's cocoa production is likely to increase by 15 percent over the next three years, boosted by additional maturing trees in the country's western region, a leading industry executive said on Friday. Uganda is best known as a coffee producer, ranking as Africa's biggest exporter, but it is keen to boost output from other cash crops such as cocoa to boost foreign exchange income. Cocoa output experienced a steady climb from 5,000 tonnes in 2004 to 26,000 tonnes in 2013, according to figures from Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). Philip Betts, managing director of leading exporter, Esco Uganda Ltd, said output had levelled off in recent years because of aging trees in the main growing area of Bundibugyo district, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. "Production will pick up in other districts," Betts said, saying newly planted trees would come to maturity in the next three years or so to hike output to about 30,000 tonnes, a 15 percent rise from the current level of about 26,000 tonnes. "There will be an increase but not a big sharp increase because we're fighting a decline in Bundibugyo," he said. Cocoa growing has fluctuated in Uganda since it was introduced nearly 100 years ago. Output peaked in the 1960s, but neglect and lack of finance hampered the sector in the 1970s and 1980s. Most cocoa is now grown by smallholders. Ugandan farming, including cocoa growing, has struggled to attract large-scale farmers because much of the arable land has been divided into small plots as families expand and smaller units are handed down, often leading to ownership disputes. (Editing by Edmund Blair and David Evans) Geneva (AFP) - A former first lady of Peru who is facing money-laundering charges will receive immunity through her new posting with a United Nations agency in Geneva, the UN said Friday. "Privileges and immunities (are) extended to staff of all UN agencies, and staff members of specialised agencies in the exercise of their functions," UN spokeswoman Alessandra Vellucci said in a statement. She was reacting to questions about the Rome-based UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)'s appointment of Nadine Heredia to head its liaison office in Geneva, where the UN has its European headquarters. The appointment sparked outrage in Peru, where Heredia is accused along with her husband, former president Ollanta Humala, of laundering $1.5 million allegedly given to fund his 2006 and 2011 presidential campaigns. Peru's foreign ministry said Tuesday it had complained to the FAO's representative in Peru "against a decision that could be interpreted as interference in a judicial investigation in Peru". Heredia had been forbidden to leave Peru while the courts investigated, but a judge recently lifted the travel ban against her. Humala, who left office in July after his term ended, was ordered not to leave the country as of last week. Prosecutors believe the laundered funds came from the government of Venezuela's then-president Hugo Chavez and two large construction firms in Brazil. If found guilty, the couple could face between eight and 10 years prison. Vellucci, who refused to comment on FAO's choice of staff, explained that immunity and privileges are granted to officials of specialised agencies in Geneva under a special agreement between the UN and Switzerland. Swiss foreign ministry spokesman Pierre-Alain Eltschinger told AFP that such immunity shields high-level UN officials from arrest, detention and any criminal, civil or administrative prosecution. If authorities wish to bring charges against such a person, they must first go through diplomatic channels to request that their employer lift their immunity, he said in an email. "If Switzerland were to receive a request for mutual judicial assistance from Peru, or a request for an arrest to be carried out with the aim of extradition, the foreign ministry would ask the UN to lift the immunity of the person in question," he explained. buchanan1857 * Editors Note: The author will discuss his latest book, Worst. President. Ever., at the National Constitution Center on Monday, November 28 at 12 p.m. Learn more and reserve tickets. Going around the country promoting my book, Worst. President. Ever. an irreverent biography of James Buchanan the past several weeks, I noticed that from truck stops to university halls, bookstores to national monuments, presidential libraries to convenience stores, people just seemed exhausted by the 2016 election. From ground level I drove more than 4,000 miles in about five weeks and spoke either on the radio or in person at about three dozen places from Minnesota and South Dakota to Georgia and South Carolina the overall populace seemed to me to be anxious, no matter what stripe of partisan they were. They all seemed to want to unload those anxieties to a guy who wrote a book named Worst. President. Ever. as if I were a TV-type psychologist, not a journalist and historian, as if I had a magic-bullet answer to their presidential concerns. To ease their minds, I would try to direct them backward to the 1856 election, the one that gave us my pick for Worst President, my friend Mr. Buchanan. It was a curious time in American party politics. In the beginning of 1853, there was a Whig Party incumbent in office, the lame duck Millard Fillmore. Fillmore, who ascended to the presidency on the death of Zachary Taylor, had not been re-nominated by his party, which chose to go with what got them into the White House, a general (only William Henry Harrison and Taylor, two war heroes, had been elected as Whigs). Unfortunately, Winfield Scott, at 6-foot-5, the tallest man ever to run for president, got clobbered by a guy who served under him in the Mexican War, Franklin Pierce. Within months, the Whigs were gone from the national scene. In the previous months, their two long-time hod-carriers, Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, had died and there was little back bench to take their place after the slaughter of the 1852 presidential race. Story continues Out of their ashes, two parties emerged. Many urban areas had seen an influx of German and Irish immigrants, eager to work and make it in the New World. Alarmed by this influx of Catholics taking our jobs, a nascent anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic movement took root. It was formally called The American Party, but most people, including most of its members, called it the Know-Nothing Party. Even the most fervent 2016-election-worrier gets a laugh at an election where one party actually called itself the Know-Nothings, as I try to compare them to the Hogans Heroes TV character Sgt. Schultz, who always said, I know nothing, when asked about what was going on at his German POW camp. That was the case with these 1856 Know-Nothings, who were not supposed to reveal what happened at the partys secret meetings. Not so secretly, the party had a tough time finding a candidate to take them up on the top spot until they found the most teed-off politician in the country. Millard Fillmore was hardly overjoyed at being passed over by the Whigs for the feeble candidate Scott and badly wanted back in the White Hose, so badly that even though he had hardly made any anti-immigrant or anti-Catholic statements, he was willing to buy in with the Know-Nothings. Meanwhile, other ex-Whigs, and even a few Democrats, were tired of the Souths dependence on slavery and thought they could make a party out of those who wanted to stop its potential spread to the newer territories to the West. Wanting to co-opt a little posterity, they called themselves Republicans, the second part of the Democrat-Republican Party of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, the part dropped by the contemporary Democratic Party. William Seward, a New York formerly-Whig U.S. Senator, seemed like the obvious choice for a candidate. But Seward looked around, saw that the new party was not going to get on many Southern-state ballots, and decided to sit this one out. Like the Know-Nothings, the Republicans were looking for some patriotic fervor, so they both had their nominating conventions in Philadelphia, both buildings but a few blocks walk to Independence Hall. In Musical Fund Hall, a rather-small-for-a-convention building still standing at 8th and Locust Streets and now a nine-unit condominium, the Republicans nominated not a politician, but, like in 2016, a celebrity with an odd background. John Fremont was an illegitimate son of a Southern mother and a French-Canadian father. He became an adventurer as a young man, with his friend Kit Carson taking five excursions through the new Western American lands, mapping the paths through the mountains to the sea. Fremont wrote some pretty dry journals of his explorations, but fortunately he had married one of the belles of Washington, Jesse Benton, the daughter of the longest-standing Democratic U.S. Senator, Thomas Benton of Missouri. Jessie, the Kris Kardashian to Fremonts Bruce Jenner, gussied up the journals and spread them around D.C. In no time, Fremont was a hero, and soon after got that Republican nomination. Fremont sometimes liked sporting his French-Canadian heritage, at times dropping the T at the end of his last name and inserting an accent over the E. The Democrats, dissatisfied with the ineffectual, if incredibly handsome, Franklin Pierce, took 17 ballots in Cincinnati the first convention that far west and came around to the candidate who had been sitting around waiting it out for decades, Hillary er, I mean, James Buchanan. Buchanan had been a Pennsylvania legislator, a member of both houses of the U.S. Congress, Minister to Russia, Minister to Great Britain and Secretary of State. Presidents Polk and Tyler had offered him a Supreme Court seat, but he just always wanted to be president. At the long-toothed age of 65, Buchanan finally had his wish. His long experience had made him a lot of friends, but an old-timers view of government. He had known every president since James Madison and still wore the collars that Madisonians had. He was, though, the life of the party, so to speak, and always gave the best fetes wherever he lived. He never married, but was a marvelous dancer the Czars wifes favorite waltz partner and storyteller, a cigar almost always in one hand and a glass of Madeira in the other. Buchanan ran away with the election, but not after it had a few more bizarre elements. None of the candidates gave even one stump speech, supported at huge rallies by what even then were called surrogates. Buchanans brothers wifes brother was the Jay-Z of his age, Stephen Foster, he of Sewanee River and My Old Kentucky Home. Not that Foster ever saw the Sewanee or had a home-coming in Louisville he was from that old Southern city of Pittsburgh, but saw a gold-mine in Southern-leaning lyrics. He was happy to lend his tunes to his in-law for his campaign, and wrote among the first presidential campaign songs. Unfortunately, the copyright laws were a bit thin in the 1850s, so the Fremont folks saw the light and wrote lyrics to Fosters melodies, perhaps trying to make it seem like even Buchanans in-law didnt support him. On the other hand, Sen. Benton kept true to his Democratic Party, not even supporting his favorite daughters husband. Maybe this would be equivalent, say, to Ivanka Trump campaigning for her friend Chelseas mother, Hillary. The Know-Nothings? Well, they won Maryland, the one state founded by, well, the Catholics they despised. All of this laid the ground work for the Civil War, but that was still a few years off. Buchanan came to a Washington starved for happiness. From Jackson on down, each president before him had a family death sometimes his own either while in office, just before or just after. Buchanans inaugural ball was perhaps the greatest American party of the 19th century. Six thousand people showed up in a vast tent that nearly filled a park near the White House. There was a 100-piece orchestra and food and decorations that did not stint. Buchanan was said to have given $3,000 for the liquor stash, equivalent to nearly a million dollars in todays money. Despite the crazy campaign, Buchanan rode the early wave with vast supplies of good will. Two days later, however, the Supreme Court decision Buchanan did so much to influence came out the Dred Scott case. It was the first move in his slide toward Worst. President. Ever, but, then, that is another story. Robert Strauss is a journalist, educator, historian and author. He will discuss his latest book, Worst. President. Ever., at the National Constitution Center on Monday, November 28 at 12 p.m. Learn more and reserve tickets. Recent Stories on Constitution Daily Podcast: The state of campus free speech Passenger pigeons, eels were on the Founding Fathers Thanksgiving menu What really happened at the first Thanksgiving? Washington (AFP) - Former Green Party candidate Jill Stein submitted papers Friday to request a vote recount in Wisconsin, one of three battleground states won by Donald Trump and where she intends to challenge the results. The Wisconsin Elections Commission said it is "preparing to move forward with a statewide recount of votes for President of the United States" as requested by Stein and separately by a fringe candidate. The commission said the deadline for completing a recount is December 13, so its clerk will have to work quickly. It said it is still calculating the fee it will charge Stein's party for the arduous work of staging a recount. Stein says she also plans to challenge the presidential election results in Pennsylvania and Michigan, where Trump won. Her campaign has cited unspecified "anomalies" as grounds to mount a challenge in all three Rust Belt states. Stein says she has raised more than $4.8 million of her $7 million goal. The deadlines for filing in Pennsylvania and Michigan are Monday and Wednesday of next week. "These recounts are part of an election integrity movement to attempt to shine a light on just how untrustworthy the US election system is," Stein's fundraising website added. The move comes amid stepped-up calls from some of Trump's left-wing opponents to challenge the results of the November 8 election, which followed a bitter campaign that included persistent charges of Russian hacking and allegations by Trump of fraud. "After a divisive and painful presidential race, reported hacks into voter and party databases and individual email accounts are causing many Americans to wonder if our election results are reliable," Stein said on her website. "These concerns need to be investigated before the 2016 presidential election is certified. We deserve elections we can trust." Although experts say there is virtually no chance of overturning the result, the demands could reignite debate over the legitimacy of Trump's election, already fueled by Democrat Hillary Clinton's lead in the popular vote, which now stands at two million. Clinton lost by a margin of around 27,000 votes in Wisconsin and 60,000 votes in Pennsylvania, while unofficial results released by Michigan's secretary of state's office put Trump ahead by a mere 10,704 votes. By India Today Web Desk: Bigg Boss 10 contestant Om Swami is again in trouble with the Indian court. According to recent media reports, a non-bailable warrant has been issued against the man for repeatedly failing to appear for his hearing with regard to a theft case, that was lodged by his brother. Also read:BB10 contestant Om Swami in legal soup; to be eliminated from the show? advertisement The warrant has been issued against the godman by Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Satish Kumar Arora. Om Swami has been directed to appear in the court on December 3. "Despite repeated calls, the accused has failed to turn up. Perusal of the file reflects that vide order dated October 14, 2016, as the accused remained absent, NBWs were directed to be issued against the accused for November 8, 2016," The Times of India quoted the CMM as saying. The warrant was issued after Om Swami failed to appear before the court on November 21. "On an application for restoration of surety preferred by Mukesh Jain for the accused, NBWs were stayed vide proceedings dated November 2, with directions to the accused to appear on November 8 again, but he was absent and his surety with counsel appeared and preferred an application seeking exemption from personal appearance which was allowed with cost and with directions to the accused to positively remain present for this day." "In view of the above and seeing the conduct of the accused, his bail bond and surety bond are forfeited and NBWs are directed to be hereby issued against him with notice to his surety through DCP Crime for December 3," the court said. Om Swami aka Vinodanand Jha was accused of stealing 11 bicycles, expensive spare parts, and sale deed of a house from his brother, Pramod Jha's bicycle shop, in 2008. (With inputs from PTI) --- ENDS --- Usain Bolt rapped against James Corden and it was completely epic Late-night TV is the top-notch time slot for entertaining us. Everything from carpool karaoke with the likes of Gwen Stefani and Lady Gaga singing in the front seat of a moving vehicle to Usain Bolt rapping against James Corden on the rap battle of the century are part of our nightly indulgences! TVs beloved musical host, Corden went against the worlds fastest man Bolt in a head-to-head, old school battle. With Corden laying down lines likeAfter all those races you won in Brazil, youre about to lose to a man standing still, it was hard not to root for him! But then, when Bolt came right back with a sucker punch line like, I run my race in 10 seconds you last that long in bed, we couldnt decide who should win! Theres just too much comedy gold in this one battle, it will be hard to top. If youve never seen The Late Late Show With James Corden, check out Cordens battle with Usain in the video below. Youre welcome. Between the ripping off a career people only care about every four years from Corden, to Bolts I cant believe you entered this battle to be a winner, you only can outrun me if someone yells dinner comeback was gold (as in, like the gold medals he wore around his neck!) It's battle of the century Tune in tonight #DropTheMic@latelateshow to see me destroy #JamesCordenpic.twitter.com/NpjNASvh9D Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) November 23, 2016 Its clear they both brought their A-games and they both obviously crushed it. Rapping against the worlds fastest man is no easy feat but Corden rose to the challenge fearlessly. However it was Bolts final game-ender that did it, saying Story continues I have nine gold medals, last time I checked I have one for every time that you had sex. Talk about a serious #micdrop not to be outdone! The post Usain Bolt rapped against James Corden and it was completely epic appeared first on HelloGiggles. Director Bob Zemeckis is well-known for conjured places long gone. He rebuilt the World Trade Center for The Walk and crafted a Zelig-like series of impossible historical encounters for Forrest Gump. Hes back at it in Allied, the upcoming Paramount release starring Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard, which depicts several vintage locales across Europe and Africa often invented whole-cloth out of digital. Bob wanted a believable snapshot of what things looked like during World War II, says visual effects supervisor Kevin Baillie of Atomic Fiction, who has worked with Zemeckis for a decade. Some things obviously had to be stylized. For example, during the London Blitz, nobody kept lights on in their houses, so all our night exterior shots had to be played under moonlight. There was no reference footage because film was really slow back then, and making something stylized feel authentic was a huge challenge. Adding to those constraints was the fact that Allied was shot mostly indoors, on stages in the U.K. Traditionally, shooting against bluescreen requires actors and directors to rely heavily on concept art and rough pre-visualization to understand the context of a scene. But VFX artisans like Baillie, who came of age in the digital era, are exploring a broader tool kit that includes virtual reality gear. I think its a natural evolution for directors to view virtual images of a scene while they are on set, Baillie says. And VR tools will become increasingly important for actors as sets get sparser and sparser. It will allow actors to experience what its like to walk around inside a scene rather than simply see it printed on a page. Baillie is primed to push the digital envelope further. He co-founded Atomic Fiction after stints at the now-shuttered shops The Orphanage and ImageMovers Digital. Over five years, Atomic Fiction amassed a 200-person crew at three locations and worked on major franchises. Despite his technical savvy, Baillie believes the best effects continue a through-line that began with classic techniques. In Allied, he updated rear-projection methods from vintage noir films. Story continues In scenes where the actors were driving cars, we built a 100-foot-long U-shaped wall of LED panels that wrapped around the car. On those screens, we played back footage filmed on location or digitally generated. That gave our visual-effects team useful reflections on the car, and it gave the actors something to act against. This kind of thinking is likely one of the reasons that Baillie was invited this year to join the Visual Effects Branch of the Motion Picture Academy. Hell be one of the digital natives who are increasingly making their mark on how the craft evolves. Related stories 'Jungle Book,' 'Rogue One,' 'Doctor Strange' Lead Visual Effects Oscar Race Diversification Helps Keep Weta Workshop on Top of Its Game Box Office: 'Moana' Gobbles Up $9.9 Million to Win Thanksgiving Day SundarPichai2016 When the world shifted from desktop to smartphones, one thing didn't change: the existence of a screen on both devices. The screen shrunk, but it remained the medium through which we interact with computers. For Google, that meant its core online advertising business visible search ads on a webpage remained intact and lucrative. Today, Google may be at the beginning of a new shift one toward artificially intelligent virtual assistants, in which we use our voice to interact with technology instead of our eyes. The problem with voice assistants is they don't have a screen on which to display ads. And analysts have noticed. On the last earnings call for Alphabet, Google's parent company, analysts repeatedly asked Google CEO Sundar Pichai whether voice searches would be harder for the company to monetize with ads. Pichai didn't have a specific answer, although he reassured investors that he believed the new medium would expand Google's business. Virtual assistants, which are basically voice-activated mini computers, are becoming increasingly intelligent and accessible. A spokesperson for Google told Business Insider "mobile voice searches have tripled in the past two years," between 2014 and 2015. Amazon's Alexa, Apple's Siri, Microsoft's Cortana, and Google's Assistant are competing to become the most intelligent digital helpers in the virtual assistant race. The hardware surrounding this technology is expanding, too Amazon and Google have each released a mini Wi-Fi speaker for the home. You can tell the Amazon Echo or Google Home to play music, look up recipe ideas, find local restaurants, and do a variety of other tasks. The side effect of all of this is that in the short term, the available real estate for ads will shrink. You could insert sponsored suggestions into a voice assistant's answers, but it would never offer as many ads as a Google search results page. It's a side effect that analysts want to know more about. Story continues Brian Nowak, Morgan Stanley's internet analyst, asked Pichai on the earnings call to talk about what the company might need to put in place to "monetize search in a voice world as well as you do in a phone or desktop world." Pichai responded without directly answering the question, saying "we are in very early days," that one team "talked about" ways to integrate third parties, and that he thinks "we will evolve it a lot in the coming years." Peter Stabler, a senior research analyst at Wells Fargo, asked Pichai if voice queries are "much more skewed to less commercial activity"? Pichai said that instead of replacing search on desktop and mobile, voice search provides an additional way for people to interact with Google. "The sum total of all of this: It expanded the pie," he said. Google Home While voice search might indeed expand the pie, history shows that legacy media businesses are often vulnerable to new media tech. The newspaper business has struggled to adapt to the internet. Many newspapers have closed, and entirely new digital news organizations have flourished in a business once dominated by paper products. Similarly, the television business is fighting fiercely against video-on-demand over the internet. From that perspective, screen-based search starts to look like a legacy media business, and voice-based search like a vast, open arena with no dominant players. That is exactly the kind of market that new tech startups seek to disrupt. Google, of course, has a track record of solving complex problems and monetizing products. Four years ago, there were worries it might stumble on the transition from desktop search to mobile search. In 2012, the company actually warned that mobile was hurting revenue growth. Since then, Google has gone from strength to strength, and it remains the dominant search engine on mobile screens. Google is no doubt thinking about these issues already and developing plans to enhance its dominance. But until those plans are unveiled, these are the three questions analysts would really like Pichai to answer: How big a slice of consumers' internet time will voice search take? Will that slice be big enough to significantly reduce the number of searches done on mobile and desktop screens? How easy is it to generate revenue from voice assistants? Disclosure: This author used to be a Google employee and currently owns Alphabet stock. NOW WATCH: Heres what happens when you block someone on your iPhone More From Business Insider Is there reason to doubt climate change because some of the nation's hottest days happened in 1898, as President-elect Donald Trump told the New York Times in an interview yesterday? In an exchange with Times publisher Arthur Sulzberger Jr. and staff about climate change on Tuesday (Nov. 22), Trump said, "I have an open mind to it," but later added, "You know the hottest day ever was in 1890-something, 98. You know, you can make lots of cases for different views." However, it's misleading to single out a weather event such as a particularly hot day in 1898 as evidence for or against climate change, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Ocean Service (NOS). [The Reality of Climate Change: 10 Myths Busted] "Weather is what you see outside on any particular day," the NOS reports. "So, for example, it may be 75 degrees and sunny or it could be 20 degrees with heavy snow." In contrast, climate is an average of weather over time. "For example, you can expect snow in the Northeast in January, or for it to be hot and humid in the Southeast in July," the NOS said. Extreme values, such as record rainfall or record high and low temperatures, are known as climate records because they stand out in a long period of time, the agency added. In 1898, both Oregon and Maryland reached their highest temperatures on record: 119 degrees Fahrenheit (66 degrees Celsius) in Oregon and 109 F (60.5 C) in Maryland, according to The Weather Channel. But these record-hot temperatures are simply climate records in two states, not evidence for widespread climate change, according to experts. Rather, looking at the climate for an extended period of time gives researchers a better idea about the direction the climate is heading. For instance, 2016 is expected to be the hottest year on record by a significant margin, with world temperatures an average of 2.2 F (1.2 C) above preindustrial levels, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said, as reported by Climate Central. Story continues Moreover, 2011 to 2015 is the hottest five-year period on record, according to a separate WMO report released this month, according to Climate Central. When 2016 officially becomes the hottest year on record, 16 of the 17 hottest years will have happened since 2000, with the El Nino year of 1998 being the only exception, Climate Central reported. Ninety-seven percent of climate scientists agree that this rapid warming is not due to natural causes, but due primarily to the result of human activity, according to NASA. These increasing temperatures are "consistent with our expectations for the response of the climate system to increases in greenhouse gases," Jennifer Francis, a research professor in the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers University in New Jersey, told Live Science last week. During the interview with Trump, Sulzberger also conflated a single weather event Hurricane Sandy, which slammed the Caribbean and the East Coast of the United States in 2012 with climate change, saying, "Well, since we're living on an island, sir, I want to thank you for having an open mind. We saw what these storms are now doing, right? Weve seen it personally. Straight up." However, there is debate about whether Hurricane Sandy was a consequence of climate change. In general, scientists are hesitant to say that climate change caused the 2012 hurricane, but some say that climate change contributed to it, Live Science reported in 2012. For instance, warm oceans and moist air give strength to existing hurricanes, Kevin Trenberth, a distinguished senior scientist in the Climate Analysis Section at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, told Live Science. Moreover, it's possible that future flood-causing surges from hurricanes and other storms will be more severe as climate change causes sea levels to rise, according to study published in October in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations By Suzanne Barlyn NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wells Fargo & Co (WFC.N) has asked a U.S. court to order dozens of customers who are suing the bank over the opening of unauthorized accounts to resolve their disputes in private arbitrations instead of court, according to legal documents. The motion, filed in the U.S. District Court in Utah on Wednesday, is in response to the first class action lawsuit filed against Wells since it agreed to pay $185 million in penalties and $5 million to customers for opening up to 2 million deposit and credit-card accounts in their names without their permission. The scandal has shaken Wells, the third-largest U.S. bank by assets. Its former Chief Executive Officer John Stumpf stepped down amid the furor, it has been put under tougher regulatory scrutiny and its reputation has been damaged as it faces multiple probes. The move to enforce the mandatory arbitration clauses comes as Wells Fargo has launched an advertising campaign to win back customer loyalty in the wake of the scandal. "We are saddened that despite Wells Fargo's commercials and promises to make things right, Wells Fargo is choosing to harm their customers once more," said Zane Christensen, the plaintiffs' lawyer in Sandy, Utah, in a statement. A spokesman for Wells Fargo declined to comment on the filing. In a written response to questions from U.S. lawmakers, published last week, the bank said it would stand by its arbitration policy but was offering free mediation services to affected customers. Mandatory arbitration rules inserted into account-opening agreements prohibit customers from joining class actions or suing Wells Fargo. Instead, the agreements require individual, closed-door arbitration. Mandating arbitration when signing up for financial products has become standard practice after a 2011 U.S. Supreme Court decision validated the practice. But customer advocates say it improperly denies customers the legal protections of court proceedings, such as the right to appeal, and helps to conceal corporate misconduct from the public and regulators because documents and hearings are not made public. Story continues Customers trying to recover small sums of money are also unlikely to find lawyers to represent them in arbitration, critics say, and the cases do not set a legal precedent to help other affected individuals. Last year, a court dismissed an earlier lawsuit against Wells Fargo, saying that customers had signed arbitration clauses when opening their accounts. The bank has come under fire over its mandatory arbitration clauses from Democratic lawmakers in Congress, including Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. (Editing by Carmel Crimmins and Marguerita Choy) The third largest U.S. bank by assets, Wells Fargo & Company WFC, filed a motion in the U.S. District Court in Utah to instruct customers who have sued the bank for fraud, breach of contract and invasion of privacy, to settle their disputes in private arbitrations rather than in court. This motion follows the lawsuit that emerged in association with the scandal, and sought class-action status on behalf of thousands of customers in Sep 2016. Notably, the lawsuit followed the banks $190-million settlement to resolve regulators claims of illegally opening millions of unauthorized accounts. However, spokesman for Wells Fargo refrained to comment on the filing. The monetary fine by the regulators, including Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), will have no material impact on Wells Fargos financials. However, the company continues to come under fire from several quarters, which tarnishes its reputation. Following Wells Fargos advertising campaign to win back customers faith after the scandal, the bank has come up with the move of enforcing the mandatory arbitration clauses. Though the bank would stick to its arbitration policy, it is ready to offer mediation services to the affected clients. As per mandatory arbitration rules which are laid down in account-opening agreements, do not permit customers in joining class actions or suing Wells Fargo. Notably, inserting mandating arbitration in financial products agreements was legalized by the Supreme Court in 2011. However, customers are not in the favor of arbitration rules as it deprives them from legal protection and the right to appeal. Conclusion After the disclosure of malpractices related to opening of around two million bank and credit card accounts without customers consent, Wells Fargo has been facing issues with clients as they are reluctant to conduct business with the lender. The allegation led to many setbacks, including the banks shattered image, numerous lawsuits, triggered federal and state investigations, congressional hearings and the banks former CEO John Stumpf losing his job. (Read: Will Tim Sloan be the Turnaround CEO for Wells Fargo?) Story continues Further, in Oct 2016, the state of Illinois suspended $30 billion in investment activity with Wells Fargo for predatory and illegal banking practices. (Read More: Wells Fargo Loses Illinois State Business in Latest Setback) However, the bank undertook many steps to restore its reputation post exposure of the scam. It initiated an internal probe and hired a consultant to review its sales practices. Moreover, management proposed to eliminate sales goals for its retail banking business earlier than planned. While the current crisis at Wells Fargo will take some time to alleviate, we believe that continued growth in loans and deposits, and expansion moves should support its growth profile, going forward. Wells Fargo currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Stocks to Consider The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation BK, with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), has been witnessing upward estimate revisions for the last 60 days. So far this year, the companys share price has been up more than 18.8%. Comerica Incorporated CMA has been witnessing upward estimate revisions for the last 60 days. Further, the stock has surged over 50% so far this year. It currently holds a Zacks Rank #2. Fifth Third Bancorp FITB has been witnessing upward estimate revisions for the last 60 days. Also, the companys shares have risen nearly 34.5% so far, this year. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> 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 COMERICA INC (CMA): Free Stock Analysis Report FIFTH THIRD BK (FITB): Free Stock Analysis Report BANK OF NY MELL (BK): Free Stock Analysis Report WELLS FARGO-NEW (WFC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research A senior Income Tax official told Mail Today that a number of raids on businessmen and jewellers were carried out on the basis of credible information received directly from the PMO. Big Bazaar has announced that starting from November 24, all its stores, including FBB, will allow customers to withdraw up toRs2,000 using their debit or credit cards. This facility will be available in all the 258 outlets across 115 cities. By SPS Pannu: The government is moving on a war footing to prevent black money coming back into the banking system with a lot of information flowing directly from the PMO to the Income Tax Department. Other agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau and police are pitching in as part of the stepped up coordinated strategy to check the menace. advertisement A senior Income Tax official told Mail Today that a number of raids on businessmen and jewellers were carried out on the basis of credible information received directly from the PMO. He said there has been an unprecedented flow of information that appears to be coming into the PMO which is then being passed on directly to the Income Tax Department. The official said the success of the demonetisation drive will be determined by the amount of black money that can be prevented from making its way back into the banking system. Also Read: Besides economy, PM Modi's demonetisation disrupts status quo of polity, society "The current expectations are that Rs4 lakh crore of the old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes will end up being destroyed but the exact figure will emerge only after December 30 when the deadline for depositing these notes is over,'' he explained. The officer explained that the increased coordination amongst agencies has expedited action in various seizures as each respective agency gets to look at the case and decide if any action is required in its domain. TERROR FINANCE For instance the terror finance angle is of importance to the IB, any foreign exchange that surfaces has to be examined by the Enforcement Directorate for violation under FEMA. According to Finance Ministry sources, the decision to use the stringent provisions of the Benami Property Transaction Act to deal with cases of misuse of bank accounts belonging to other people for laundering black money was also cleared at the level of the Prime Minister. Also Read: Manmohan-Modi faceoff: One argument at a time BENAMI PROPERTY ACT The Act which came into force from November 1 this year covers both movable and immovable property and provides for immediate confiscation of the amount in the bank deposit along with a 25 per cent penalty. The penalty includes a jail term ranging from one to seven years. The Act empowers the taxman to confiscate and prosecute both the depositor and the person whose illegal money has parked in the account. Senior officials heading field formations of the Income Tax Department admit that initially they were not thinking beyond the Income Tax Act to deal with these cases and the invoking the Benami Transactions Act to deal with these cases has come as a surprise. "But this will definitely prove to be more effective,'' a senior officer said. advertisement The Income Tax act also has a provision to charge those who allow black money hoarders to misuse their accounts for "abetment" in tax evasion which when read with the IPC provision also carries a maximum punishment of seven years. However, it does not carry the confiscation clause and allows for various appeal processes which lead to lengthy litigation that tends to delay the entire exercise of bringing the culprits to book. --- ENDS --- This is despite the firm's denial of takeover talks. Takeover discussions involving an investor consortium comprising entities with significant links to GLP were reported by Bloomberg. While GLP has since clarified that it was not in talks with these investors at that time, UOBKayHian would not dismiss either a privatisation bid or a scheme of arrangement (a la ARA Asset Management) especially since GICs recent S$3.7b purchase of a European portfolio. According to the research house, GLPs CEO Ming Z Mei has repeatedly expressed his interest in Europe, with the company looking at acquisition opportunities there. GICs acquisition (possibly 2016s largest deal in Europe, according to GIC) could have resulted in GLP being a leading warehouse player in Europe. UOBKayHian thinks that substantial shareholder GIC (37% stake in GLP) decided to forge ahead with the Europe acquisition without GLP, hints at other corporate actions supplanting further geographic diversification. The research house also do not rule out the possibility of a privatisation bid via scheme of arrangement that would allow GIC to retain its 37% stake, and also potentially grant GLP greater access to the China market through its consortium partners. "This was a key reason for GLP divesting 30.2% of its China assets to Hopu Investment and other investors in 2014. We reckon the scalability of the fund management business could prove compelling to potential investors even after factoring in a takeover premium," it said. It is estimated that the above mentioned asset monetization could add US$28. 7b fee-generating AUM. "Using the EV/AUM methodology, we value GLPs scaled-up AUM of US$68.4b at S$4.25. This suggests an attractive 43% discount even after pricing in a takeover premium of 20% to the last traded price (similar to Keppel Lands Jan 15 privatisation bid, and more recently ARA Asset Management)," it said. More From Singapore Business Review Telecommunications and data service firm Windstream Holdings, Inc. WIN is planning to discontinue the DSL (digital subscriber line) service it offers to small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) and residential customers in CLEC (competitive local exchange carrier) territories across 25 states. These states are Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. Currently, 300 customers avails the service. Outdated network equipment is the main reason for the service discontinuation. Moreover, the vendors that originally manufactured the equipment are no longer supporting the equipment. Further, replacement of the equipment will lead to high expenses. All residential and SMB customers have been informed about the discontinuation through mail. Windstream will also take responsibility for any inconvenience caused by the service termination. Windstream plans to put an end to the service in three steps based on customer location and specific state level notification requirements. Depending on market conditions, Windstream will begin a two-month discontinuation process in December which will continue till Feb 2017. Also, this is not the first time Windstream has sought permission to discontinue a legacy service in its CLEC markets over the past year. In Apr 2016, Windstream requested for U.S. telecom regulator FCCs (Federal Communications Commission) permission for the discontinuation of its VoiceEclipse VoIP service. In Jun 2016, the company submitted a filing to end a number of operator-assisted services across its ILEC and CLEC territories in 18 states. Recent Events Recently, Windstream launched next-generation television service Kinetic in 13 North Carolina communities, which are Albemarle, Badin, China Grove, Concord, Harrisburg, Hemby Bridge, Indian Trail, Kannapolis, Matthews, Mooresville, Mt. Pleasant, New London and Oakboro. The company offers 100% fiber-backed network to more than 50,000 residents in the regions. Story continues In Nov 2016, Windstream announced a merger with rival EarthLink Holdings Corp. ELNK for a total value of $1.1 billion to expand the formers on-net fiber footprint.Shareholders of Windstream will control 51% of the combined company while the remaining portion will be owned by EarthLink shareholders. However, taking the present competitive scenario into consideration, we believe the combined entity will enjoy benefits of increased scale which will help it brave competition from the likes of CenturyLink Inc. CTL and AT&T Inc. T. Moreover, the merged entity is expected to save around $125 million in operating and capital expenses annually. WINDSTREAM HLDG Price WINDSTREAM HLDG Price | WINDSTREAM HLDG Quote Windstream currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> 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 EARTHLINK HLDGS (ELNK): Free Stock Analysis Report AT&T INC (T): Free Stock Analysis Report CENTURYLINK INC (CTL): Free Stock Analysis Report WINDSTREAM HLDG (WIN): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS. A California woman shared on Facebook early this morning how she saw missing mom Sherri Papini on a roadside and called police before she was rescued at 4:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving. On a Facebook page created to help find the 34-year-old mother of two, who mysteriously vanished while jogging three weeks ago, Alison Sutton wrote: I couldnt stop in time to help you this morning but I did pull over and report to police that I saw you by the road and was certain you needed help. I am thankful that someone else was able to pull over safely to help you and that you are safe. God bless you and your family. Rod Rodriguez III, Sherris father-in-law responded: Thank you very much for alerting the police. We greatly appreciate your assistance. I dont know that my call helped her, Sutton wrote back, but I am very thankful she is safe and back with her family. This is truly a Thanksgiving to remember. Papini was found bound on the side of the road in a tiny town near Sacramento at 4:30 a.m. Thursday about 150 miles from her home. PEOPLE has not been able to reach Sutton or Rodriguez for comment. A message left for the Shasta County Sheriffs Office was not returned. Now police are hunting for two women in an SUV, who authorities say are armed and dangerous, after Papini indicated they played a role in her kidnapping, police say. I am ecstatic to report that Sherri Papini has been located and has been reunited with her husband and her family on this day of Thanksgiving, Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko said Thursday. A passing motorist discovered Papini bound on the side of a rural road near the tiny town of Yolo, about 25 miles northeast of Sacramento and a two hour drive from the place she vanished, Bosenko said. She was bound with restraints but was able to summon help by a passing motorist who then notified law enforcement. This was near County Road 17 near I-5, he said. Papini, described by her husband Keith as a supermom, disappeared on Nov. 2 while jogging in a park in her tiny hometown of Mountain Gate. Authorities and her family said they immediately feared foul play because she failed to pick up her young daughter and son from daycare. (Updates with parade's conclusion, police comment) By Daniel Trotta NEW YORK, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Macy's 90th Thanksgiving Day Parade went off without incident in New York on Thursday amid heightened security, police said, after Islamic State militants abroad encouraged their followers to attack the popular holiday event. New York police used sand-filled trucks, radiation detectors, bomb-sniffing dogs and heavily armed officers to defend the 2.5-mile (4-km) parade route in Manhattan. Some 3.5 million people were estimated to attend the annual parade, a nationally televised ritual that initiates the holiday shopping season with giant balloons shaped like cartoon characters. A New York Police Department spokesman said there were no reports of arrests, injuries or disturbances. The 82 sand trucks from the Sanitation Department were used to counter a threat by Islamic State, which has called the parade an "excellent target." The militant group has encouraged readers of its online magazine, Rumiyah, to use motor vehicles to kill and injure people, similar to the way a Tunisian-born assailant killed more than 80 people at a Bastille Day celebration in Nice, France. The sand trucks weigh 16 tons, and twice that when filled with sand, making them difficult to move even if rammed by large vehicles. Islamic State, which controls swaths of Iraq and Syria and seeks to inspire attacks by others abroad, claimed responsibility for the July 14 attack in Nice. "We are aware of some of the reports that have been out there, but I want to assure all New Yorkers there's no credible and specific information of any specific threat directed toward this parade," New York Mayor Bill de Blasio told a news conference on Wednesday. Police have also used the sand trucks to protect nearby Trump Tower, the home and headquarters of President-elect Donald Trump. The parade, which began at 9 a.m., ran down Sixth Avenue, one block from Fifth Avenue where Trump Tower is located, and ended at the Macy's department store on 34th Street. Story continues De Blasio estimated 250,000 people came out on Wednesday to watch the giant balloons being inflated. This year, police banned vehicle traffic from crossing the parade route, unlike in past years when a few cross streets were open. (Reporting by Daniel Trotta in New York; Additional reporting by Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; Editing by Grant McCool and Peter Cooney) By Melanie Burton MELBOURNE, Nov 25 (Reuters) - A plan by Zambia to put a duty on copper concentrates imports could put a kink in the global supply chain for the metal, industry sources said, by forcing neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to send surplus mine output elsewhere. The 7.5 percent duty announced earlier this month and due to come into force at the start of 2017, is likely to disrupt supply of refined metal in the early part of the year, just as the global market moves away from surplus, helping to support prices. Zambia, Africa's second-largest copper producer, will produce about 425,000 tonnes of copper metal this year, according to consultancy GFMS, accounting for about 2 percent of global output. The country's smelters, including those run by privately held Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) and India's Vedanta Resources, currently source some 500,000 tonnes of concentrate from the DRC, according to consultants Wood Mackenzie. This is made up of 400,000 tonnes from ERG's Frontier mine and around 100,000 tonnes from La Sino-Congolaise Des Mines S.A. (Sicomines), a joint venture between DRC's Gecamines, China Railway Construction Corp. and Sinohydro Corp. "It will not be viable for smelters to buy concentrates from the DRC," said an industry source working in Zambia. "This change will upset the supply chain for the first six months of 2017." Miners in the DRC would be forced to look for other ways to process their concentrate, such as sending it some 3,000 km (1,860 miles) overland to Durban in South Africa for shipping to China, a two-month trip, three industry sources said. This would take the supplies out of circulation for several months and delay production of up to 150,000 tonnes of copper metal. SMELTERS UNDER STRESS Smelters in Zambia, where capacity far outstrips current mine supply, are already struggling with low feed stocks after miners including Glencore closed copper shafts as prices fell to six-year lows. Story continues The duty could mean they have even less concentrate to process, at least in the short term, raising costs per unit. "People are well aware that Zambian smelters are under considerable stress to which this will add significantly," said a source familiar with the matter. The sources said the most affected smelters would be ERG's Chambishi Smelter and Vedanta's Konkola Copper Mine which source a significant part of their concentrate needs from DRC. Officials at ERG did not reply to an emailed request for comment. Konkola declined to comment. The new duty was likely aimed at boosting Zambian refined metal production from local concentrate supplies, but the move could backfire and instead benefit smelters in other countries such as China and India, Wood Mackenzie said. Companies with local mines including First Quantum Minerals and Barrick Gold could increase output, traders said. Officials from both companies did not respond to requests for comment. The Zambian government was also coming under sustained lobbying from smelters to reverse its proposal, industry sources said. "Some are already threatening to close down," said a Swiss trader active in the region. "I believe that the duty is not a definitive decision". (Reporting by Melanie Burton. Additional reporting by Nicole Mordant in Vancouver and David Stanway in Shanghai; Editing by Richard Pullin) By PTI: Vijayawada, Nov 24 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today unveiled a roadmap for building a six- lane expressway of 598.83 kms, connecting the states new capital Amaravati with Anantapuramu district, at a cost of Rs 27,600 crore. Addressing a video conference with Collectors of five districts and other top officials, the Chief Minister said 26,793 acres of land has to be acquired for the project. Of this, 9,324 hectares was forest land that has to be de-notified. advertisement "You have to complete the land acquisition process in six months. Where the cost of land is high, go for land pooling to reduce the costs," he told the Collectors. The project will cost a staggering Rs 27,600 crore, the Chief Minister said, adding that a railway line would also be built parallel to the expressway. Close to a year after Union Minister for Highways Nitin Gadkari promised to fund the expressway, the state government is yet to prepare a detailed project report. The proposed expressway would traverse through Guntur, Prakasam, Kurnool, Kadapa and Anantapuramu districts with interlinking roads to Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. A separate road each to Kadapa and Kurnool would cut the expressway. "This will be a unique straight road with no twists or turns. It will have many bridges and tunnels along the way for a seamless flow of traffic. Presently, it will be a six-lane road but in future, it could be expanded to eight lanes, so keep adequate land in reserve," Chandrababu said. The expressway would change the face of the backward regions in the state, he said, adding that industrial townships could be developed along the road in places where water and mineral resources were available. A high-level committee would be constituted to monitor the project and he himself would review it every week as it was the third important project for him after Amaravati and Polavaram, the Chief Minister said. Special Chief Secretary (Transport, Roads and Buildings) B Sam Bob and other officials attended the meeting. PTI DBV GK SAI BAS --- ENDS --- HTC's president of global sales spoke with investors last month and said that he's happy with the current selling condition of the HTC Vive. When HTC first opened pre-orders for its Vive VR headset back in March, 15,000 units were already reserved in the first 10 minutes. It eventually went on sale in April and has already sold more than 140,000 units worldwide as of late. The sales figure for the HTC Vive was provided by the Taiwanese companys president of global sales Chia-Lin Chang. The executive first revealed the figure to investors in a conference call back in Oct. 25, with the transcript of the call just being released this Thursday, according to Phone Arena. Last month, a rumor was going around that HTC was only able to sell 140,000 Vive headsets. During Changs conference call with investors, he addressed the rumor by saying that sales are actually "much higher" than that. However, Chang declined to provide investors with a specific number. This of course will make investors a bit suspicious on how much profit HTC is actually making with each Vive units sold. The full transcript is available to read on Seeking Alpha. HTCs phone division has also been struggling for the past couple of years now, and most of its revenues are hinging on the sales of the Vive, which HTC claims to be selling at a profit for $800. HTC has already been able to cut its losses from the third quarter of 2016, but its phone division is still keeping the company down, according to Android Headlines. This is why HTC is now moving away from phones and focusing more on VR in 2017. Not providing a specific number of Vive units sold could potentially be problematic for developers as well. Right now, developers are trying to decide on which VR headset they want to be tied down with. If HTC clearly shows everyone that its Vive headset is selling as good as or even better than its rivals, developers would be more inclined to make games for the Vive. The HTC Vive is probably one of the best VR headsets available now, but its future is uncertain. With rivals selling their VR headsets for a cheaper price, it might not matter how advanced the HTC Vive is for mainstream consumers. Related Articles Samsung is reportedly in the process of reaching a deal with other suppliers of fingerprint scanner modules for its new budget-friendly smartphone. Samsung is said to be in the process of securing a deal with fingerprint scanner makers for its budget-friendly smartphone, but the South Korea tech giant is not considering major players Sweden-based FPC and U.S.-based Synaptics. Samsung is reportedly looking to make partnerships with smaller fingerprint scanner vendors in its homeland. According to The Investor, Samsung Electronics is in talks with two fingerprint module producers in South Korea as it prepares the mass production of its budget smartphone, the Galaxy On. Despite being an entry-level handset, Samsung wants the Galaxy On to have a fingerprint scanner perhaps to help the device perform well in the market. Insider information revealed that one of the prospective suppliers has actually been trying to supply its fingerprint modules to Samsung for a while now. On the contrary, the other supplier just joined the fingerprint scanner market because it previously focused on producing camera modules until recently. Though the deal has yet to be set in stone, people with knowledge on the matter already know that the two suppliers will be tasked to provide the South Korea tech giant with up to 2 million modules for the companys entry-level smartphone. Though Samsung has yet to confirm the existence of the deal, PhoneArena already believes that there is actually a good reason why Samsung should source its scanners from other suppliers. The news site stated that this will help the company implement the fingerprint scanner across its entire catalog of smartphones. Having local module manufacturers on its side would mean reduced cost of securing fingerprint readers for its affordable smartphones. Thus, in no time, the fingerprint-scanning feature would not be limited to its high-end handsets only. On top of bringing the fingerprint scanner to its budget devices, the deal also signals Samsung's desire to diversify its suppliers. Should the deal push through, Samsung could produce more handsets with fingerprint-scanning functionality because it can manufacture modules in-house and get other supplies from big names in the global market and even from local suppliers. Story continues The news about Samsung sourcing fingerprint modules from local vendors comes weeks after reports about the South Korean brands attempts at manufacturing its own fingerprint scanners surfaced. Word has it that Samsungs System LSI division was already working on the companys own fingerprint scanner chips since 2015, but the tech giant wouldnt be able to commercialize them until 2017, as per SamMobile. Related Articles By PTI: Karachi, Nov 25 (PTI) China would deploy its naval ships along with Pakistan Navy to safeguard the strategic Gwadar port and trade routes under the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a navy official here has said, shedding light on a plan likely to alarm India. China and Pakistan are currently building the nearly 3,000-km-long economic corridor linking Pakistans Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea with Xinjiang to improve connectivity between the two countries. The move would open up a new and cheaper cargo route for transporting oil to China as well as export of Chinese goods to the Middle East and Africa. advertisement A Pakistan Navy official said the role of maritime forces has increased since the country has made the Gwadar port operational and speeded up economic activities under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). "China would also deploy its naval ships in coordination with Pakistan Navy to safeguard the port and trade under the CPEC," the unnamed official was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune. In the past, China has shied away from saying that it plans to deploy its naval ships in Gwadar, a move which could raise alarm in the US and India. Experts feel that CPEC and the Gwadar port would enhance the military capabilities of both China and Pakistan, and make it possible for the Chinese Navy to easily access the Arabian Sea. Having a naval base in Gwadar could allow Chinese vessels to use the port for repair and maintenance of their fleet in the Indian Ocean region. Such a foothold would be the first overseas location offering support to the Chinese navy for future missions. Pakistani defence officials are keen for the Chinese navy to build up its presence in the Indian Ocean and the Arabia sea, mainly to counterbalance Indias formidable naval force. The Pakistani official also said that the Navy is considering buying super-fast ships from China and Turkey for its special squadron to be deployed at the Gwadar port for the security purpose. "A squadron may have four to six warships," he said on the sidelines of the on-going defence exhibition, IDEAS 2016, at the Karachi Expo Centre. The ships would be bought soon keeping in view their immediate need in the fleet, he said, adding that two defence ships have already been deployed at Gwadar. Another official of the naval force added that Pakistan has kicked off the process of establishing the largest shipyard of the region in Gwadar. A similar ship-building project is being deliberated at Port Qasim in Karachi. The two advanced shipyards would design and develop ships and other security equipment for Pakistan Navy. "The existing shipyard, the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, lacks capacity to meet new requirements of the force. Its (PNSC) performance, however, would improve in competition with the two under consideration," he said. PTI AKJ ASK ASK --- ENDS --- advertisement By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 25 (PTI) Pilot error was the reason behind the carsh of two of the four India-made Dhruv helicopters supplied to Ecuador, while the cause of the other two cannot be attributed to manufacturing defects, the government said today. The reason of crashes of other two Dhruv helicopters was indicated to be "human error" and "non-maintenance" by the Ecuadorean authorities. advertisement In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said the Dhruvs exported to Ecuador have sustained a series of crashes. Out of seven Dhruv helicopters supplied to Ecuador, four have crashed during the period October 2009 to January 2015. Dhruv helicopters were operating normally until January 2015, he said, adding post crashes in January 2015, Ecuador has suspended operation of these choppers. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), on its own, deputed its experts to Ecuador in each case of accident. The Ecuador government constituted Court of Inquiry (CoI) in each case and being the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), HAL also participated in the CoI. "The Court of Inquiry reports which have been released by Ecuador government have concluded the cause of first two accidents as Pilot Error," he said. Reports of two other Courts of Inquiry have not been released by the Ecuador government, citing confidentiality. However, from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) records analysed by HAL as part of Court of Inquiry proceedings, the following causes of accidents have emerged -- probable cause is PAO-?Pilot Associated Oscillation (human error) and in fourth case "failure of tail drive shaft attributed to maintenance lapse by Ecuadorian team". Ecuador government has not formally communicated to HAL or its local representative in this regard. The Minister said in order to increase the export potential in global market, HAL has approached European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for certification of ALH Dhruv helicopter. Long Term Onsite Maintenance Support for 3-5 years will be proposed in future contracts, he said. PTI SAP SMJ --- ENDS --- By Suhani Singh: Director: Gauri Shinde Cast: Alia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan, Yashaswini Dayama, Kunal Kapoor, Ali Zafar, Angad Bedi, Ira Dubey Rating: (2/5) Towards the end of Dear Zindagi, Shah Rukh Khan's shrink Dr Jehangir "Jug" Khan tells Alia Bhatt's conflicted young woman Kaira that "Genius is knowing when to stop". The statement comes at one of the film's most poignant sequences and also ends up revealing the flaw in Gauri Shinde's verbose script. Dear Zindagi has its heart in the right place but its approach is meandering and sluggish. Relying far too much on the two leads and fragmented introspective moments, Dear Zindagi doesn't have the emotional clarity and punch. advertisement DEAR ZINDAGI REVIEW: SRK and Alia are to watch out for ALSO READ: Dear Zindagi is Shah Rukh's natural evolution, not a change of track Kaira is a talented cinematographer who is fiercely independent, professionally driven and confused when it comes to love. When both her personal, work and love life slides simultaneously, she needs someone to fix her. On surface it may never seem as detrimental as it's made out to be but credit to Alia who never trivialises her character's motivations. In the picturesque Goa, Kaira finds her knight in jeans-khakhi pants in Jug who offers her words of wisdom to decode the complexities of life. Kaira isn't depressed. We are told she has trouble sleeping, especially after she is rejected in love, and now her mood is testy. Deepika Padukone has already spoken about her mental health battles; with Dear Zindagi Gauri Shinde goes a step farther by normalising the process of seeking treatment for mental health. The sessions between the patient and the psychologist start with initial reluctance and humour and gradually blossom into candid conversations and emotional confessions on the couch. Another highlight of the film is that how it never lionises its female protagonist but celebrates her despite her many flaws - from cheating on her boyfriend to losing her cool and being rude. Alia Bhatt is in full command here, as she sinks deep into the frustrations of her character. When she is with Khan she is effortlessly natural, but it is in moments of sheer isolation that she most impresses be it dancing on her own or just talking to herself. Giving her good support as the friend indeed is Yashashwini Dayama's Jackie who gets some of funniest bits of Shinde's script. There is a feminist perspective too as Dear Zindagi looks at Kaira striving to make it in a man's field (She is a camerawoman), having numerous relationships and the pains of being a single woman in the city. But Shinde is also guilty of over-explaining Kaira's woes, leaving little to audience's own emotional abilities and imagination. There is a blow-up scene which will remind audiences of one in another Alia-starrer drama. That Shinde makes Kaira further elaborate on the trauma later makes it dramatically less potent and more protracted. The songs don't enhance the narrative with Ali Zafar's presence really adding little of merit to the proceedings and Angad Bedi left with little to do. The family arc falls short on conviction. At times, when a telling statement is made, in some cases announced, efforts are made to lighten it with phrases like "deep thought". advertisement The memorable moments here are between Bhatt and Khan albeit most of them are already seen in the many teasers. Khan with specks of white hair in his beard and understated approach here will remind viewers of the good old days of Chak De India! and Swades respectively. But the lifeline of Dear Zindagi is its heroine who at 23 is at the top of her game. With Udta Punjab and now this, it is fair to say that a new drama queen has arrived in Bollywood. ALSO WATCH: SRK-Alia speak on relationships, love and more --- ENDS --- Putting all break-up rumours at bay, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone attended Mukesh and Nita Ambani's party, hand in hand, to celebrate the wedding of their niece Isheta on Thursday. By India Today Web Desk: Whoa! Putting a rest to all break-up rumours, lovebirds Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone were clicked coming together in a car to Mukesh and Nita Ambani's party on November 25. That's not all. The walked out of the car hand in hand and wait, is that an engagement ring on Deepika Padukone's finger? Earlier, in an India Today Exclusive, Ranveer Singh had hinted that the couple had broken up. During Befikre's trailer launch in Paris, when Ranveer was asked if he is committed, Ranveer said, "Well, my outlook on romantic relationships has evolved - let's just put it that way." advertisement INDIA TODAY EXCLUSIVE: Deepika-Ranveer have broken up. We tell you why Now, Ranveer has always had plans to get hitched. Speaking on his plans of marriage, Ranveer said, "I think about these things (getting married)... you know you think about the future, it's only natural, you think about things like being a family man, and stuff like what do the next five years hold for me, these thoughts... I mean I'm 31 now, it's only natural that these thoughts are occurring to me!" However, Deepika had earlier clarified in an interview that she is neither engaged nor is she "planning to get married any time soon." Even, recently while launching the song Khulke Dhulke from his upcoming film Befikre, Ranveer told reporters present at the event, "My wedding would be like a non-stop party. I just want people to have a blast. I would like to have my wedding on an island, if I can afford it by then. I would like to have trance party where everybody is tripping out." Now putting all break-up rumours at bay, Ranveer and Deepika walked in like a pucca couple to Mukesh and Nita Ambani's party to celebrate upcoming the wedding of their niece Isheta on Thursday. They even posed for the cameras together. Have a look. (All photos by Yogen Shah) WATCH: Ranveer has elaborate plans for marriage proposal --- ENDS --- Full body scanners have been installed at Delhi's IGI airport on a trial basis as a part of the effort to upgrade security. By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: Passengers flying out of the Capital's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) will soon have to pass through full body scanner, one of which has been installed on month and half trial basis.This is part of pending efforts to upgrade security at the airport that records upto 60,000 out-bound travellers a day. CISF has written to BCAS that 50 of its personnel, who have been trained by German manufacturers are now ready to operate the body scanners and will begin trial as soon as they get its nod, which sources say, is likely anytime soon. advertisement The machine, which produces an X-ray image of a person, is a standard security device in many airports worldwide. But unlike US and Europe where the body scanner is penetrative, officials say this body scanner is only reflective. Going through the scanner is only voluntary, and CISF says some may be uncomfortable with the full body image it produces but says they are up for the challenge. The machine scans a person in few seconds when he or she stands in stationary position at the designated spot inside a box, which is connected to a monitor, and analysed by a trained CISF personnel. In case, there is some suspicion about a flier, he or she will be made to undergo full body frisking, also called pat down search, by a CISF official, else they can just walk out of the scanning box to catch their flight, a source said. During trials, passengers will be requested to pass through the scanner. The exercise will become mandatory, probably by this year end. People with prosthetics will be asked to undergo the gruelling procedure where they will have to remove the artificial extension for security checks. Many including paraplegic sportspersons have in past blamed CISF person for insensitivity asking it to be removed. The new device can reveal plastic and liquid explosives, composite weapons, plastic and metal guns, narcotics, ceramic and metal knives, box cutters, precious metals and recording devices. All these features are subject to the trial after which a final call will be taken by a three to four member committee about its installation at airports. The machine can handle around 250-300 fliers in an hour. CISF has written to BCAS that 50 of its personnel, who have been trained by German manufacturers are now ready to operate the body scanners and will begin trial as soon as they get its nod, which sources say, is likely anytime soon. The machine, which produces an X-ray image of a person, is a standard security device in many airports worldwide. But unlike US and Europe where the body scanner is penetrative, officials say this body scanner is only reflective. Going through the scanner is only voluntary, and CISF says some may be uncomfortable with the full body image it produces but says they are up for the challenge. advertisement The machine scans a person in few seconds when he or she stands in stationary position at the designated spot inside a box, which is connected to a monitor, and analysed by a trained CISF personnel. In case, there is some suspicion about a flier, he or she will be made to undergo full body frisking, also called pat down search, by a CISF official, else they can just walk out of the scanning box to catch their flight, a source said. During trials, passengers will be requested to pass through the scanner. The exercise will become mandatory, probably by this year end. People with prosthetics will be asked to undergo the gruelling procedure where they will have to remove the artificial extension for security checks. Many including paraplegic sportspersons have in past blamed CISF person for insensitivity asking it to be removed. The new device can reveal plastic and liquid explosives, composite weapons, plastic and metal guns, narcotics, ceramic and metal knives, box cutters, precious metals and recording devices. advertisement All these features are subject to the trial after which a final call will be taken by a three to four member committee about its installation at airports. The machine can handle around 250-300 fliers in an hour. --- ENDS --- In the last 15 days, the government has made various flip-flops, revisions, modifications and relaxations on demonetisation. People outside banks to exchange old currency notes. By India Today Web Desk: Starting today, the old Rs 1000 notes are dead as the government has stopped the exchange of these notes over the counter at banks. However, Rs 500 notes get a lifeline till December 15. As per the Finance Ministry's new directive, Rs 1,000 notes would no longer be allowed to be used for the list of exemptions the government had announced. These notes can, however, be deposited in bank accounts. advertisement "There will be no exchange of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes after midnight of November 24," the government said. But it has extended the use of old 500 notes at petrol pumps, government hospitals and some other public utilities till December 15. ALSO READ | How architect of economic reforms Manmohan Singh trashed Narendra Modi's demonetisation drive The RBI said the facility to exchange old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes will continue to be available at its counters, but not at those of commercial banks. "The Reserve Bank of India advises members of public that exchange of banknotes in Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denominations whose legal tender status has been withdrawn will continue to be available at the counters of the Reserve Bank up to the current limits per person as hitherto," the RBI said. ALSO READ | Modi must apologise for black money remark: Opposition leaders In the last 15 days, the government has modified, revised and relaxed many demonetisation provisions. Here's a quick status check: Daily exchange for old notes Rs 2,000:Originally, the government had permitted the exchange of denotified Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes up to a limit of Rs 4,000, which was increased to Rs 4,500 five days later, only to be slashed to Rs 2,000 on November 17. ATM withdrawal limit per day Rs 2,500. Weekly withdrawal for farmers Rs 25,000 Weekly withdrawal for general public Rs 24,500. Petrol pumps are dispensing Rs 2000 per person in cash against swiping of debit cards LATEST PROVISIONS: There will be no over the counter exchange of old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. The government has extended the suspension of fee collection at all toll plazas on National Highways till December 2 and allowed the payment of toll fees in old Rs 500 currency note from December 3 to 15. The government has decided to allow farmers to purchase seeds with old Rs 500 notes. Payments towards pre-paid mobile top-up to a limit of Rs 500 per top-up. Public sector banks remove service charge for debit card transactions. Mobile wallets have been allowed to accept maximum of Rs 20,000 till December 30 from Rs 10,000 earlier. Yes Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, and Axis Bank have decided to waive off the charge that merchants had to pay to banks for every day transaction. advertisement ALSO READ | Demonetisation will destroy black money stashed over 70 years, Centre tells Supreme Court OTHER MEASURES: Weekly cash withdrawal for current/overdraft/cash credit accounts Rs 50,000 for overdraft limit. Families will now be able to withdraw Rs 2.5 lakh for weddings. RBI has already decided to provide additional 60 days' time for repayment of dues. The government demonetised Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes on November 8 but provided a number of exemptions where they could be used till November 24. Where you can still use your old Rs 500 notes - Purchase from consumer cooperative stores limited to Rs 5,000 at a time. - Payment of current and arrear dues to utilities limited to only water and electricity. This facility will continue to be available only for individuals and households. - The toll free arrangement at the toll plazas extended up to December 2. But after that payments can made through old Rs 500 notes till December 15. advertisement - Payments towards pre-paid mobile to a limit of Rs 500 per top-up. - Foreigners will be permitted to exchange foreign currency up to Rs 5,000 per week. Necessary entry to this effect will be made in their passports. Following is a list of dozen-odd areas where the concession to use Rs 500 notes for emergency cash needs has been extended till December 15: - For payments in government hospitals for medical treatment. - For use in all pharmacies for buying medicines with doctor's prescription. - At railway ticketing counters, bus ticket counters of government or public sector undertakings and airline counters at airports for purchase of tickets - For purchases at government-run milk booths. - For purchase of petrol, diesel and gas at stations of state-run oil companies. - For payments at crematoria and burial grounds. - For use at international airports for arriving and departing passengers up to Rs 5,000. - For purchase of LPG gas cylinders. - For payments towards on-board catering during travel by rail. - For purchase of tickets for suburban and metro rail travel. - For purchase of entry tickets monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. advertisement - For payments towards fees, charges, taxes or penalties, payable to central or state governments including municipal and local bodies. - For payments towards court fees. - For payments towards purchase of seeds from designated state-run outlets, but only Rs 500 notes. --- ENDS --- The man from Madhya Pradesh had entered Parliament on the reference of BJP MP from Bulandshahr, Bhola Singh. By India Today Web Desk: A man tried to jump off the Lok Sabha visitors' gallery into the House today allegedly over the government's move to ban old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. The man, identified as Rakesh Singh Baghel, had entered Parliament on the reference of BJP MP from Bulandshahr, Bhola Singh, news agency ANI said. Baghel tried to jump into the House around 11.20 am after Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned it till noon. advertisement He has been taken away by security personnel for questioning. The Speaker, meanwhile, has sought the opinion of the House on the matter. Baghel hails from Shivpuri district in Madhya Pradesh, Mahajan told the House. Police said they are investigating the matter. Also Read: Modi must apologise for black money remark: Opposition leaders Parliament: Opposition adamant, says Modi must speak. He takes a jibe outside, says they were unprepared Modi hits back at note ban critics: They accuse us of being unprepared, we gave them no time to prepare --- ENDS --- "Let us see what can be done. This is a serious matter," Chief Justice of India TS Thakur said. By India Today Web Desk: The Supreme Court will hear all the petitions related to demonetisation, including the transfer petition filed by the government, on December 2. Chief Justice TS Thakur has once again called it a "serious matter". "Let us see what can be done. This is a serious matter," the Chief Justice said after Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi informed the apex court that he has placed the Centre's affidavit on record in connection with the issue. advertisement Senior Supreme Court lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing for one of the petitioners, told the bench headed by the Chief Justice that people were starving in the streets as there was no cash at all in the banks or the ATMs. Lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma, another petitioner, said only the common people are suffering due to demonetisation, and not the political leaders. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court had refused to stay proceedings on pleas against demonetisation pending in various high courts and subordinate courts and issued notices on the Centre's plea for transfer of these cases to the apex court or any high court. The notices were issued to 10 persons on the Centre's plea for the transfer of these pending petitions on the ground that the proceedings in different courts were creating difficulties. These 10 petitioners had approached the High Courts of Delhi, Bombay, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Calcutta and Rajasthan to challenge the Centre's November 8 demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. In one instance, a person moved a civil court in Mumbai. While issuing the notices, the bench of Chief Justice TS Thakur, Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice L Nageswara Rao declined to stay for now the proceedings on these pleas. DEMONETISATION TO CHECK BLACK MONEY: CENTRE On Thursday, the government defended its demonetisation decision by telling the Supreme Court that the move was aimed to unearth the parallel black economy which was adversely affecting the legitimate government revenues and to reduce the ratio of cash transactions. Telling the court that illegal parallel economy "corrodes and eats into the vitals of the country's economy", the government, in its affidavit before the top court, said the black economy constituted 23.2 per cent of the GDP which had an adverse bearing on the poor and middle class. It said that its decision would create more jobs as banks with large cash - on accounts of large deposits - would be able to extend more loans to enterprises. It made its defence in its affidavit filed in response to batch of petitions questioning the demonetisation decision and pointing to the difficulties being faced by the people belonging to different strata including poor, middle class people, small businessmen and street vendors. advertisement Modi hits back at note ban critics: They accuse us of being unprepared, we gave them no time to prepare --- ENDS --- Arun Mondal, a poor labourer and a helpless father of the bride began a hunger-strike outside a bank in Baharampur after it refused him the Rs 74,000 he had sought from his own account. By Indrajit Kundu: Failing to withdraw money for his daughter's wedding due to demonetization, a 35-year old man staged a hunger strike outside a bank in West Bengal's Murshidabad district today. Arun Mondal (35), a poor labourer and a helpless father of the bride began a hunger-strike outside a bank in Baharampur after it refused him the Rs 74,000 he had sought from his own account. advertisement "I have been coming to the bank for the last 15 days, today anyhow I need the money as in the evening is my daughters wedding. If I don't get the money then the wedding won't take place. Until I get the money I am not going to move from this place, I will protest in-front of the bank," rued Mondal. Mondal had been trying to withdraw money from his account at the local Bangiya Bikash Grameen bank for the past 15 days for his daughter's marriage with no success. Following the central government's guidelines, Mondal had applied to withdraw the money but the bank refused him his money stating that they had insufficient cash. "Due to lack of funds we are unable to provide much money to the public. We are providing less money to the public so that everyone gets the money," said the bank's manager Probir Roy. On Friday Modal went to the bank demanding his money but was again turned back. With barely few hours to go for his daughter's wedding on Friday evening Mondal sat on a hunger-strike outside the bank. After nearly seven hours of agitation outside the bank, its regional manager assured Mondal that he would be given an enhanced amount for the purpose when the bank re-opens on Monday. The bank authorities also requested him to conduct the wedding with whatever cash he had with him for the time being. Following the assurance, Modal finally withdrew his hunger strike. Last week the Reserve Bank of India had announced that banks could disburse a maximum of Rs 2.5 lacs to account holders specifically for weddings. The central bank had laid down guidelines for families with weddings in order to apply for enhanced limit for bank withdrawals. --- ENDS --- However the washer-men community is not happy with this development as the demolition drive is restricting access to their drying area. The developers here will be demolishing the tenements in the next three months and the construction is expected to be completed in two and half years. Photo: @storyroadsj By Vidya : The iconic dhobi ghat at Mahalaxmi is set to get a facelift with the slums surrounding it getting ready for demolition. However the washer-men community is not happy with this development as the demolition drive is restricting access to their drying area. Kaushik More of Omkar Realtors and Developers which is developing the 12 acre land around ghat said,"We have consent of over half the families staying here to go in for reconstruction. About the drying area we are in conversation with the dhobis. We will give them space to put up their machines." advertisement But the washer-men say that no kind of machinery can replace their work of putting the clothes out to dry in the sun. "There is already a court case going on the issue... We need open air for the clothes to dry," says Anil Kanojia, a washer-man here. "The space inside the dhobi ghat is not enough that is why many of us have to dry our cloths outside, moreover who will maintain the drying machines? We will not be able to afford it," he added. Also read: Modi's Smart Cities plan squeezes out slum dwellers, allege activists Also read: Mumbai: Fire breaks out in furniture market in Oshiwara Meanwhile the developers here will be demolishing the tenements in the next three months and the construction is expected to be completed in two and half years. "Until then all families have shifted, we will be paying the rent of their place till their tenements are constructed." says Kaushik More. --- ENDS --- Padgaonkar began his career as a journalist in 1968 as The Times of India's Paris correspondent. He became the newspaper's editor in 1988, a post he held for six years. By India Today Web Desk: Veteran journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, a well-known author and former editor of The Times Of India, passed away this morning at a private hospital in Pune. He was 72. He was admitted to the Ruby Hospital on November 18 following a massive heart attack. Later, he suffered multiple organ failure and was on dialysis after his kidneys stopped functioning. advertisement Born in Pune and educated at St Vincent High School and Fergusson College, he went to France and studied for a doctorate at the University of Paris-Sorbonne. In 1978, he served with the UNESCO at Bangkok and later in Paris in different capacities with its Information Section. Padgaonkar began his career as a journalist in 1968 as The Times of India's Paris correspondent. He became the newspaper's editor in 1988, a post he held for six years. Padgaonkar was part of a three-member team of interlocutors appointed by the UPA government in 2010 to hold talks with all sections of people in Jammu and Kashmir. TRIBUTES Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called him an honest peace broker. "Dileep Padgaonkar won many friends & admirers during his many visits to J&K as an interlocutor. He was a patient listener & an honest broker," he tweeted. "So sorry to hear about the death of Dileep Padgaonkar earlier today. I have fond memories of my many interactions with him. RIP Dileep Sb," the National Conference leader said in another tweet. Paying his respects, India Today TV's Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai tweeted: "My first editor Dileep Padgaonkar, a man of culture and intellect, someone who encouraged young talent, has passed away. RIP." My first editor Dileep Padgaonkar, a man of culture and intellect, someone who encouraged young talent, has passed away. RIP; Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) November 25, 2016 Senior journalist Siddharth Varadarajan said, "Just heard that my friend and former editor, Dileep Padgaonkar, passed away in Pune. Terrible loss, feel gutted." --- ENDS --- Disha Patani is presently shooting with Jackie Chan in Jodhpur for her international debut Kung Fu Yoga. By India Today Web Desk: Disha Patani, last seen in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story is presently shooting with Oscar-winning international superstar Jackie Chan for her international debut Kung Fu Yoga. The actor recently shot at Jodhpur's Mehrangadh fort and palace and the sequence she shot for was none other a song with her partner being...you guessed it, Jackie Chan! Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, Disha said, "The Chinese loved the costumes and danced a lot. You will see the crew doing thumkas in the bloopers at the end of the film." advertisement ALSO READ: After 56 years and 200 films, it's 'Oscar winner' Jackie Chan ALSO READ: When Kung fu master Bruce Lee fought with Jackie Chan ALSO READ: Is Disha Patani having a cold war with Amyra Dastur? SEE PIC: Tiger-Disha's dinner date puts to rest all breakup rumours WATCH: Guess who is in awe of Bollywood? It's Jackie Chan Apart from four Chinese actors, including Jackie and yoga instructor Miya, Kung Fu Yoga also stars Indian actors like Sonu Sood and Amyra Dastur. Sonu Sood-starrer Chinese film Xuanzang was recently selected as China's official entry for the 89th Academy Awards' Best Foreign Language Film award. Disha Patani revealed to the newspaper that when there would be no active shooting, the actor would busy herself with teaching Hrithik Roshan's dance steps from Bang Bang's Tu Meri to Jackie Chan. "Jackie's mesmerised by India. He bought a CD and played the songs all the time while shooting in China," Disha was quoted as saying. Jackie Chan recently won an honorary Oscar for his "extraordinary achievements" in film after acting for 56 years in almost 200 films. The Befikra girl will be seen doing some major stunts in Kung Fu Yoga. She is reportedly performing martial arts and gymnastics in the film. "It was a dream come true to shoot with Jackie. I hope filmmakers also see me as a girl who can punch as well as she can dance, after this film!" Disha signed off. --- ENDS --- The police and the civic bodies have been given four weeks to respond and the matter has been listed for January 11, next year. By Mail Today Bureau: Civic agencies may face contempt of court for failing to clean Dwarka despite specific directions from the Delhi High Court in this regard. A bench of justices Badar Durrez Ahmed and Jayant Nath asked the Delhi Police, South Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Development Authority on Thursday to file a response describing the work done by each of them and why no contempt proceedings should be initiated against them. advertisement "We are giving you a long rope, so either save yourself or hang yourself," said the judges. The police and the civic bodies have been given four weeks to respond and the matter has been listed for January 11, next year. To save themselves from the court's wrath, the counsels for DDA and South MCD urged the court to wait for some time before passing such order as it may demoralise the officials concerned. The bench, however, refused to pay heed to their pleas and said the officials would be energised into action by the order. Justice Ahmed also said he was demoralised after seeing the photographs of lack of cleanliness shown by petitioner and Dwarka resident Ebbani Aggarwal, as pigs were seen roaming around in the waste littered at some places. The court said that it felt sorry for poor stray cattle which eats polythene bags to get to the food inside. "Our order of today is absolutely right," the court said. At the start of the hearing, DDA told the court it was facing a serious cash crunch post demonetisation of `500 and `1,000 notes and was unable to pay its daily wage labourers. Also read: Millennium City goes digital: Gurugram civic agencies to accept property tax, bills via e-wallets --- ENDS --- Tannishtha Chatterjee, recently in the news for walking out of Comedy Nights Bachao, will tell what's on a woman's mind in Facial, Pedicures and Mind Masala. PARLOUR GAME Tannishtha Chatterjee, recently in the news for walking out of Comedy Nights Bachao, will tell what's on a woman's mind in Facial, Pedicures and Mind Masala. The play premieres in Mumbai. MUM'S THE WORD With Shivaay promotions done, Kajol is all set to return to work. Hubby Ajay Devgn has acquired the rights to Ship of Theseus director Anand Gandhi's Gujarati play, in which she plays a mother. advertisement KHANS ON A MANE COURSE Bollywood's biggest Khan aka Salman, and its finest export to Hollywood, aka Irrfan, will be working together for Lions of the Sea, an international drama based on true events. PLAY TIME Santosh Sivan is back in the director's seat. His latest is Boichek, a drama based on the German play Woyzeck, starring Rajpal Yadav. BOLLYWOOD TOEHOLD National Award-winning Marathi actress Anjali Patil is hopeful that Aanand L. Rai's Nimmo will be her big Bollywood break. PRISON BREAK Sanjay Dutt's wait for a film is finally over. Art director-turned-filmmaker Omung Kumar has come to the rescue of the actor who hasn't had a gig since he got out of jail in February. --- ENDS --- When Shah Rukh Khan arrived on the sets of Dear Zindagi, one of the first things he said was "Arre yaar, kitni auratein hain set pe (there are so many women on the set). It is so lovely to see". That's because her second film, like her first, English Vinglish, is centred around a woman, albeit a younger one (Alia Bhatt as Kaira), Shinde had a crew with a woman editor, women costume designers and five female assistant directors. "For me, it is about the people I connect with," says Shinde. "The men on my team are great and I love them, but women are just more reliable, trustworthy and great multitaskers." TREAT HER LIKE A LADY advertisement Shinde has one basic criterion when she sets out to make a film on a woman. She doesn't want her protagonist to be anything like the women she has grown up seeing in Hindi films. "Look at the way the men have stalked women to woo them. Pulling their skirts, touching them without their permission... it is disgraceful," she says. These viewing experiences also made Shinde conscious of the men women seek in their lives. "Every girl doesn't want to see some kind of Adonis or Superman," she says. In Kaira's life, the words of wisdom come from an older man (Shah Rukh Khan). "It is lovely to see that an actor on top of his game is okay with letting a woman have a longer play," says Shinde about Shah Rukh, whose production house Red Chillies has produced the film. Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Director, Nil Battey Sannata The female gaze, as opposed to the predominant male gaze in Bollywood, has resulted in varied portraits of women. Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari's Nil Battey Sannata shows the perseverance of a single mother (Swara Bhaskar) as she copes with a stubborn daughter. In Ruchika Oberoi's Island City, a triptych on loneliness, the second and best part sees a mother-wife (Amruta Subhash) drawn towards the male protagonist of a Hindi TV serial as her own gruff husband lies in coma. In Anu Menon's Waiting, Kalki Koechlin's Tara "is strong, feisty, brave but also flawed". Leena Yadav's Parched has three strong, working women in rural India standing up for themselves in a regressive patriarchal environment. Female characters on the big screen need to reflect the many women of India, says Tiwari. "I can never do something that is surreal," says Tiwari, 37, who worked at advertising agency Leo & Burnett for 14 years. The filmmaker's personal experience and family values, consciously or subconsciously, always seep into cinema. "A lot of my childhood experiences with my mother came out in Swara's character" says Tiwari, whose next is Bareilly Ki Barfi, a romantic comedy featuring Rajkummar Rao, Ayushmann Khurrana and Kriti Sanon. advertisement Women audiences, now more than ever, need characters they can relate to. Sultan's Aarfa, who sacrifices her own lifelong dream of Olympic gold for her family's sake, is no longer an inspiring role model. Instead you root for Rani, the jilted lover from Queen, who realises her identity doesn't have to be defined by a man, and blissful domesticity is not the end goal. They may be fallible but they are willing to learn from their mistakes. In Dear Zindagi, which releases on November 25, Shinde is eager to explore the "inner journey and detail of our emotions" in Kaira, a woman grappling with personal-professional issues. "Young women today are so sure of themselves," says Shinde. "They know what they want. It is not just about finding a man and getting married. They are trying to find things they love and follow it passionately." But this quest for perfection has its own perils. "You don't have to have this bravado all the time," says Shinde. "It is lovely to be confused and confident at the same time." BE COMPLEX, BE REAL This is a far cry from the heroines exposed, at times literally, on the big screen. Alankrita Shrivastava, director of Lipstick under My Burkha, which is earning acclaim at the international film festivals and is set to release in the first half next year, wants to bend the gender stereotypes. "Either the heroine is a victim, a vamp or a super martyr. Women are often appendages to men and don't really have a mind of their own," says 36-year-old Shrivastava, whose first film Turning 30!!! (2011) was about the trials and tribulations of an urban young woman. "There's no real, ordinary woman who is both good and bad. The sort who laughs, cries, makes mistakes and do things others think she shouldn't do. The real texture of woman is really missing in cinema." advertisement Alankrita Shrivastava, Director, Lipstick Under My Burkha Shrivastava's second film follows the lives of four women in Bhopal and looks at their desires, often a taboo topic in Hindi cinema. They include Usha (Ratna Pathak Shah), a widow-neighbourhood matriarch in her 50s, who "is suddenly awakened to many things she wants which she thought were not for her anymore". For Shrivastava, these are attempts to present the complexity of being a woman in an India trying to strike a balance between traditional values and modernity. "I wanted to explore this feeling of not feeling free and not being able to express themselves fully," she says. advertisement Not that men haven't succeeded in presenting nuanced portraits of women (see box: Men Also Know What Women Want). The last five years have seen films in which male directors have gone to show women's aspirations, anxieties, sense of adventure and indomitable spirit. The success of films such as Kahaani (Sujoy Ghosh), Queen (Vikas Bahl), NH10 (Navdeep Singh), Piku (Shoojit Sircar), Neerja (Ram Madhvani) and Phobia (Pawan Kripalani) show that audiences are not averse to watching women lead the fray. Only one of these-Piku by Juhi Chaturvedi-was written entirely by a woman. But these films are few and far between. "It is a great start but it just 0.01 per cent," says Shrivastava. "The very fact that you have to say it is a woman-oriented film and you are always made to feel so defensive about it." Shrivastava is proud of the tag of a woman filmmaker. "I can't dissociate from being a female filmmaker as that is intrinsically me," she says. "I'm more interested in telling women's stories from a female perspective." Her upbringing and education have a lot to do with this choice. A student of Welham Girls' School in Dehradun and later at Lady Shri Ram College and Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi, Shrivastava grew up in a household which never differentiated between the sexes. Her mother worked for the United Nations; her father was in the IAS. Konkona Sensharma, Actor-Director, A Death in the Gunj London-based writer-filmmaker Anu Menon, however, sees the label as "a double-edged sword". She acknowledges that because there aren't enough women directors, it brings greater responsibility. "I am okay with the label and whatever else it takes to make sure there are more films made by women," she says. But it comes with a caveat. "Clubbing us all together in a homogenous group does a huge disservice to our individual styles and strengths," she says. "Not all female filmmakers have the same take on the world just as Anurag Kashyap and Sanjay Leela Bhansali don't." MAKING SENSE OF MEN Being a woman filmmaker engenders its own stereotypes. "Oh that we make 'sensitive' films as if that's a bad thing!" says Menon. For Shinde, it is in the nature of the questions asked: "How is it to be a female filmmaker? Why is there a female protagonist?" The most obvious one women filmmakers often face is they can tell only their gender's story well. Konkona Sensharma's directorial debut A Death in the Gunj is fine proof that a woman's perspective enables audiences to see men in a different light. Set in the 1970s in the hill station McCluskieganj, the film's emotional spine is the shy, withdrawn and vulnerable Shutu (Vikrant Massey). "He is at an in-between age-not an adult and not a young person either," says Sensharma, 37. "I just feel strongly for people we overlook." Releasing next year, the drama is adapted from a short story written by her father Mukul Sharma. Sensharma's leading man is a far cry from the macho Bollywood hero. "Gender is so prescribed to us," says Sensharma. "But it's very fluid. We cannot limit or define it." To bring about real change in the way women are depicted in Hindi cinema, there simply need to be more of them on a set. That's not restricted to directors, assistant directors, editors and costume designers. "When women operate the camera, I'm really hopeful that something changes in how women are looked at," says Shrivastava. Shinde, whose film follows a female cinematographer, agrees and hopes that after watching Dear Zindagi more women "will be inspired to be a cinematographer". Or in some cases be a director. As Tiwari says, "When I'm back from the shoot, the respect in my children's eyes for me has grown. I find it liberating." Follow the writer on Twitter @suhani84 --- ENDS --- By PTI: London, Nov 24 (PTI) Harish Manwani (62), chairman of Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), is in the reckoning to take on the chairmanship of Tata group where a battle rages between ousted chairman Cyrus Mistry and Tata Sons, the holding company of the Mumbai-based over USD 100-billion conglomerate. According to British channel Sky News, Manwani, the former chief operating officer of the Dove-to-Marmite consumer goods giant, is being lined up as a possible successor to Cyrus Mistry, who was ousted last month. The emergence of a potential new chairman so soon after Mistrys exit - which sent shockwaves through the Indian corporate establishment - could ease concerns about the management of the group, which also has major interests in power, chemicals and consumer goods, the channel reported. In a sudden and dramatic turn of events last month, Mistry was unceremoniously removed as the chairman of Tata Sons and replaced by his predecessor Ratan Tata in the interim, triggering a confrontation between the single-largest shareholder and the Tatas. Returning to Tata Sons after the abrupt removal of Mistry, Tata has moved quickly to consolidate his grip over the USD 103-billion salt-to-software group by seeking to remove the ousted chairman from boards of group firms. advertisement TCS has called an EGM on December 13, Indian Hotels has convened it on December 20 and Tata Chemicals on December 23 to seek Mistrys ouster. Even after being removed as chairman of Tata Sons -- the holding company of the Tata Group -- Mistry continues to head the groups several listed firms, including Tata Motors, Tata Power, Tata Steel and Tata Chemicals. PTI MSS ARD --- ENDS --- After this incident, the balloon festival is expected to draw even less crowds than before. Two out of ten balloons that took flight from Fatehabad Road early morning, had to make an emergency landing in nearby villages. By Siraj Qureshi: The second hot air balloon festival in Agra started on an inauspicious note, when two out of ten balloons that took flight from Fatehabad Road early morning, had to make an emergency landing in nearby villages, resulting in three passengers, including two state tourism officials and one media person suffering light injuries. According to Aamir Qureshi, a tour guide who had flown in one of the balloons with some tourists, the balloons took off at about 6:30 am from the PAC grounds on Fatehabad Road. There were 15 balloons that were to take flight, but only 10 had risen high enough when suddenly strong gusts of wind threatened to blow them off course, causing the balloons to make emergency landings. advertisement WHAT HAPPENED Balloon No. 14, which was carrying the regional tourism officer Dinesh Singh, Jt. Director tourism Avinash Chandra Mishra and media person Brajesh Singh landed with a harsh bump in village Kuakhera near the Taj Mahal. Having landed on an uneven ground, the balloon rolled and the basket underneath the balloon jumped a few times on the land before coming to rest, causing injuries to the passengers who were pulled out of the balloon's wreckage by the rescue team that arrived soon afterwards. Brajesh Singh suffered injuries in his head, neck and shoulder were injured and his camera broke. He was given immediate medical assistance, while the two tourism officials refused any medical assistance and left the spot immediately to avoid highlighting the crash too much. The crash of these balloons has cast a shadow on this event which was hoped to bring in a lot of tourists to Agra, but has been reduced to an event confined to just the high-level officials of the state and district. After this incident, the balloon festival is expected to draw even less crowds than before. Also Read: Fly high: Places in India for an unforgettable hot air balloon ride --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: Kattappanayile Hrithik Roshan is a Malayalam comedy film directed by Nadirshah. The film, which opened to decent response from the audience, has got the much-needed attention from Hrithik Roshan himself. ALSO READ: It's official! Dileep and Kavya Madhavan are married now ALSO READ: Kamaal R Khan insults Kamal Haasan, calls him 'chai cum paani' advertisement When asked about his first reaction, Hrithik Roshan was quoted by DNA as saying, "I am honoured." Speaking about the film, Hrithik said, "I wasn't aware of this movie till a lot of people on my Twitter timeline started talking about it. I am curious and intrigued. I am being told that it's done well, so would like to congratulate the makers." Starring Vishnu Unnikrishnan in the lead, the film tells the story of a middle-class boy Kichu, who aspires to become an actor like Hrithik Roshan. Kichu's father Surendran, who is known as the Hrithik Roshan of Kattappana in their village, attempts to make his son fulfil his dreams. Interestingly, the makers of the film are planning to screen the film for Hrithik Roshan in Mumbai. Meanwhile, Hrithik Roshan is awaiting the release of his upcoming movie Kaabil, which also stars Yami Gautam in the lead. Directed by Sanjay Gupta, the film will hit the screens next year. --- ENDS --- A confidential letter written by the Income Tax department to the Mumbai Police Commissioner reveals that there were numerous suspicious transactions taking place within Mumbai, and that the cops were aware of these. By Saurabh Vaktania: The income tax department has written a confidential and a high priority letter to the Mumbai Police Commissioner about suspicious transactions and the movement of both old and new currency within the city. The income tax department came down heavily on the Mumbai police, and said that the police should inform them about any suspicious transaction. The secret letter, a copy of which is available with India Today, states that after the ban on the old Rs 500 and 1000 notes, there were repeated media reports about the strong possibility of increased suspicious transactions and movement of both old and new currency within Mumbai. advertisement ALSO READ | Demonetisation will destroy black money stashed over 70 years, Centre tells Supreme Court 'MUMBAI POLICE AWARE OF ILLEGAL TRANSACTIONS' The letter reveals that many such transactions have taken place within the city after the demonetisation scheme was announced. It further suggests that the Mumbai Police was aware of these illegal transactions taking place in the city, but did not infor the income tax department. Written by a senior income tax officer, the letter asks the Mumbai Police to give the complete details of any such suspicious transaction to the income tax department, so that appropriate action can be taken. The income tax department has given the information of nodal officer, and asked the Mumbai Police Commissioner to immediately give the details of nodal officer from their side as well. Also Read: Demonetisation: Rs 1000 notes can't be used now, Rs 500 will live on till Dec 15 Man tries to jump over Lok Sabha visitors gallery to protest demonetisation Parliament: Opposition adamant, says Modi must speak. He takes a jibe outside, says they were unprepared Modi hits back at note ban critics: They accuse us of being unprepared, we gave them no time to prepare --- ENDS --- By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) India and Portugal today explored ways to deepen bilateral ties in a range of areas including trade and investment. Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar and Portugals Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Teresa Ribeiro held extensive talks during which both sides agreed to further expand ties, particularly in the trade sector. advertisement The relations between India and Portugal have seen steady rise over the past few years. The bilateral trade has been growing steadily. The volume of annual bilateral trade in 2014-15 was USD 692.19 million. PTI MPB ZMN --- ENDS --- By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 25 (PTI) The government will soon make injectable contraceptives available to the public by introducing it in medical colleges and district hospitals, the Lok Sabha was informed today. "Yes. The government proposes to make injectable contraceptives available to the public. "It has been decided to introduce it in a phased manner starting from medical colleges, district hospitals followed by sub district hospitals, Community Health Centres and subsequently to Primary Health Centres," Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said in a written reply. advertisement She said that the current budgetary allocation to ensure sustained attention to quality of contraceptive care is Rs 77665.45 lakhs. Replying to another question, she said that new interventions have been made by the government in family planning. The current basket of choice has been expanded to include the new contraceptives like injectable contraceptive, centchroman and progesterone Only Pills (POP). She said that the packaging for condoms, OCPs and ECPs has now been improved and redesigned so as to influence the demand for these commodities. Other interventions include developing a 360 degree media campaign to generate contraceptive demand while the sterilization compensation scheme has been enhanced in 11 high focus states. She said that the scheme for home delivery of contraceptives by ASHAs workers at doorstep of beneficiaries has been expanded to the entire country. PTI TDS AMS --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: A few years ago, Iulia Vantur was like any other foreigner in India, but over the last two years, the Romanian beauty has become a household name, courtesy Salman Khan. Rumoured to be Salman's lady love, Iulia has become a favourite with the fans as well as the paparazzi. From parties to film screenings to airport spottings, Iulia's every appearance with Salman has been delicately recorded. Her every Instagram post has been properly scrutinised for any hints on her rumoured relationship with Bollywood's most eligible bachelor. advertisement ALSO READ: Didn't marry, didn't part ways with anyone, says Iulia on Salman ALSO READ: Is this the reason for Salman Khan's break-up with Iulia Vantur? But things soon didn't stay rosy for a very long time. Amidst reports of growing differences and break-up with Salman, Iulia made a hurried exit from India due to the expiry of her visa. But after a short stint in Romania, Iulia is back in town. Vantur herself gave away her hush-hush return when she posted a photo on Instagram that had a Mumbai auto rickshaw in the background. My angel #alwayswithme #blessed #signs #believe #faith #goodenergy #angel #capuccino #haveapeacefulevening # A photo posted by Iulia Vantur Official Account (@vanturiulia) on Nov 22, 2016 at 6:47am PST Later she was also spotted at a parlour in Pali Naka in Mumbai. Soon enough, reports started doing the rounds that Iulia was one of the guests at Helen's 78th birthday bash which was recently held in a five-star hotel in Mumbai. And her spotting has led to speculation that Salman and Iulia might be reconsidering a patch up. However, the two have never publicly denied or accepted their relationship status. But it seems with Iulia's re-entry into Salman's life, sparks are soon going to fly again. Here's a low-down on Iulia-Salman relationship: Jab They Met Salman met Iulia in Dublin back in 2010 during the shooting of Bodyguard. Salman soon returned to India, but stayed in touch with Iulia. She was spotted a few times with Salman, but it was during the shooting of a song for his 2014 film Jai Ho that he once again met Iulia in Romania. Iulia's big Bollywood entry Soon enough the Romanian beauty landed in Mumbai, and also landed her first Bollywood project, courtesy Salman. She did a special number in Salman's brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri's 2014 film O Teri. Buzz has it that she was staying at Salman's Panvel farmhouse during her initial years in Mumbai. Romance with Khan-daan From his Khandaan to his close buddies, Iulia became a part of his close-knit group in no time. So much so that she was also seen at Salman's younger sister Arpita's wedding in November 2014. advertisement Link-up rumours And that is when the rumours about Salman dating Iulia started doing the rounds. Buzz has it that Salman introduced Iulia to people at his girlfriend at Arpita's wedding. However, the rumoured lovebirds remained tight-lipped about their relationship status. But their closeness sparked rumours of them being much more than just good friends. If this wasn't enough, the rumours of a secret engagement between Salman and Iulia started doing the rounds last year. And everyone was glad to see Bollywood's most eligible bachelor settling down. But Arpita Khan soon rubbished the rumours about her brother's engagement to Iulia. Public appearances of the rumoured lovebirds But it was their sudden public appearances that grabbed eyeballs. Salman arrived with Iulia at close friend Preity Zinta's reception. If reports are to be believed, Bajrangi Bhaijaan actor made sure to introduce Iulia to his friends including Shah Rukh Khan and Abhishek Bachchan. They were yet again spotted at Sultan screening as well as the film's success bash. In fact, she accompanied Salman during the shooting for Sultan as well as Tubelight. And this gave way to the rumours about Salman-Iulia wedding. But Salman doesn't seem too excited to drop the tag anytime soon. In fact, he was miffed that speculation about his marriage only gave hope to the woman and puts pressure on him. advertisement Relationship takes a U-Turn But Iulia took everyone by surprise when she clarified on social media that she hasn't friendzoned Salman and hinting that they are more than just friends. However, soon things took an ugly turn when Iulia returned to Romania due to visa issues. Rumours have it that Iulia wasn't pleased with Salman due to his lack of commitment.However, in an interview to a Romanian magazine, she clarified that she did not marry or part ways with anyone in India. But with this new twist in the tale, it seems all is going to be well in their paradise. --- ENDS --- By PTI: Srinagar, Nov 25 (PTI) An army jawan and two militants were killed in an encounter in north Kashmirs Bandipora district today. The encounter broke out between security forces and militants in Naidkhai area of Bandipora after security forces launched a search operation following specific intelligence inputs, an army official said. He said two militants were killed in the encounter, while an army jawan also lost his life. advertisement The identity and group affiliation of the slain militants is being ascertained, he said. Meanwhile, the official said, another encounter broke out between militants and security forces in Sopore area of Baramulla district. A search operation was launched in Tujjar village of Sopore after specific intelligence inputs about the presence of militants in the area, the official said. He said as the forces were conducting the search operation, the militants fired upon them, triggering an encounter. Further details of the operation are awaited, the official said. PTI SSB MIJ DV --- ENDS --- In the latest health update on Jayalalithaa, doctors said the CM was breathing 90 per cent on her own, using a speaker to speak temporarily and when she wants. By Pramod Madhav: Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa is breathing 90 per cent on her own and using a speaker temporarily to speak, Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Prathap Reddy told journalists on Friday. "All her organs which had severe problems have been solved," he said, adding that the tracheostomy tube was still in her throat, and that she was breathing 90% on her own now. advertisement "With tracheostomy, she can't speak. She is speaking with the help of a speaker which is only temporary," he said. When asked if the tracheostomy will lead to speech complications, Reddy said Jaya will be able to "speak well soon". Reddy also revealed that Jaya was moved to "a different ward where she could feel a normal presence" in the 6th or 7th week itself, as doctors treating her "gained confidence that she has recovered well". Read: As Jayalalithaa remains in hospital, storm brews in Tamil Nadu's political cup Jayalalithaa was hospitalised on September 22 for fever and dehydration. Within the first few days doctors maintained that the CM was recovering well and was under observation, and that she would be discharged soon. Varying reports claimed, however, that Jaya was critical and put on ventilator. Mixed news reports and social media rumours of Jaya's death brought emotions to the streets of Tamil Nadu as emotional supporters held pujas, hawans and rallies for her health. Read: How Chennai came to a standstill when CM Jayalalithaa was admitted in hospital Seeing the situation, Opposition leader Karunanidhi demanded a proper health report from the government, but all official communication continued to stress that Jaya's condition was stable and heading to full recovery. Read: Honorable dehydration? Apollo hospital's health update on Jayalalithaa becomes a joke Eventually, doctors revealed she was suffering from a lung infection and was on respiratory support. Jayalalithaa's first statement since the hospitalisation came last week, where she said, "I have taken a rebirth with the prayers of party cadres and people. What can harm me when I have your love. I am waiting to completely recover and resume my work for people." Jayalalithaa also appealed to the people of Tamil Nadu to "vote for AIADMK in Aravarakurichi, Thiruparankundram, Pondicherry and Tanjore," before going on to quote lyrics from an MGR era song. The same week doctors said Jaya's discharge "depends upon her" as "there is no fixed date," a stance they have continued since. advertisement Read: Jayalalithaa thanks voters for AIADMK's big win in by-polls on 3 seats in Tamil Nadu "Not even the Health Minister or Health Secretary can decide on her discharge from hitherto hospital... the decision is only in Jayalalithaa's hands," said Reddy while talking to journalists today. Until she returns to work, her finance minister O Panneerselvam will continue to supervise her eight ministries and chair cabinet meetings. Also read: Jayalalithaa has recovered completely, mental functions fine: Apollo hospital Jayalalithaa's thumb impression on election documents raises questions Celebrities visit Hospital to enquire about Jaya's health Tamil Nadu elections make Jayalalithaa and BJP happy --- ENDS --- Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had in Parliament yesterday said demonetisation would bring the GDP down by about 2 percentage points. By Anindya Banerjee: Jayant Sinha may have long bid adieu to the Finance Ministry, but if it's about defending the government on economic issues like demonetisation, he never shies away from putting his best foot forward. He questioned Manmohan Singh's assessment of demonetisation, a day after the former Prime Minister termed the decision "organised loot, legalised plunder". Sinha, who is currently the MoS for Civil Aviation, was earlier the Minister of State for Finance. advertisement MANMOHAN SINGH'S ASSESSMENT INCORRECT Speaking to India Today, Jayant Sinha said, "Manmohan Singh's assessment is not accurate. He should know that whenever you put the economy on a high-growth trajectory, there will be a compounding effect in the long run. And initially, there will be mild disruptions. There was disruption even in 1991", Sinha was referring to the era when the economy was unshackled under the leadership of the then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh himself. Also read | Demonetisation organised loot, legalised plunder; will lower GDP by 2 per cent: Manmohan Singh "Yes, there are people who are facing problems. But cash flow into the system has been increased", the former economist said. Manmohan Singh yesterday in Parliament attacked the government's decision sharply. He said, "In my opinion, the way the scheme has been implemented will hurt agricultural growth in our country, will hurt small industry, will hurt all those people who are working in informal sectors of the economy. And my own feeling is that the national income, that is the GDP, can decline by about 2 percentage points as a result of what has been done." CASE OF SEIZURE OF Rs 3.5 CRORE ON FLIGHT UNDER PROBE When asked about the amount of Rs 3.5 crore in old currency notes that was seized yesterday from a chartered flight after landing at Dimapur airport from Hisar, Sinha said, "I know that the case is under criminal investigation. But one may rest assured that we are keeping a tab on all chartered flights that are flying across India". Also read | Very hopeful of getting GST Bill passed in this session, says Jayant Sinha --- ENDS --- Two militants and one Indian Army trooper were killed in a fierce battle between security forces and militants in Manzpora area on Bandipora district. Another encounter is underway in Sopore town of Baramulla. By Ashraf Wani: One Army jawan and two unidentified militants were killed today morning in a gunfight between security forces and militants in Kashmir's Bandipora district. The encounter began today morning in the Manzpora area of Nahidkhai village in Bandipora when the forces forces launched a search operation in the area. The security forces have made several recoveries from the killed militants. advertisement The recoveries suggest that the killed militants might be Pakistanis, and belong to the banned Lashkar-e-Toiba. ENCOUNTER UNDERWAY IN SOPORE Another encounter in North Kashmir's Sopore town is underway. One newly recruited militant has surrendered in Tujar village in Sopore. The newly-recruited militant, Abdul Majeed, surrendered when the security forces cordoned the house in the village in which he was hiding. The encounter in Tujar village of Sopore, Baramulla district started when the security forces cordoned the area late Thursday evening. After the tip-off about the presence of militants in the area, the security forces from Army, police and CRPF reached the spot, triggering a gunfight. Also Read: 3 soldiers killed in Jammu and Kashmir, body of one soldier mutilated, Indian Army vows revenge One BSF head constable dead after Pak violates ceasefire in Rajouri Pakistan summons Indian official to protest 'ceasefire violations' --- ENDS --- Lalu said that the country was witnessing a complete chaos post demonetisation and this reminded him of famous 'uncle Podger'. In the story, uncle Podger's character had a habit of beginning work on a high but messing it up later. By Rohit Kumar Singh: Continuing with his tirade against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation, RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Friday compared PM Modi with uncle Podger, a character from Jerome Klapka Jerome's story, 'Three Men In A Boat', which he says he read during his school days. In the story, uncle Podger's character had a habit of beginning work on a high but messing it up later. advertisement Drawing similarities between PM Modi and uncle Podger, Lalu tweeted, the PM, like uncle Podger started demonetisation on a positive note but ended up messing it. Modi Ji, like Uncle Podger, over promises but under delivers. First promises to deliver everything on his own and then creates a mess 4 all Lalu Prasad Yadav (@laluprasadrjd) November 25, 2016 Lalu said that the country was witnessing a complete chaos post demonetisation and this reminded him of famous 'uncle Podger'. "Like uncle Podger, PM Modi boasts that he does not need anyone but soon employs everyone, creates a mess and blames others for it," he tweeted. Yesterday, Lalu had attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation terming his decision to scrap Rs. 500, 1000 rupee notes as "Tughlaqi" diktat. Also read: PM's demonetisation move a 'Tughlaki' diktat, only inconveniencing innocents, says Lalu Yadav Also read: Lalu Yadav says atmosphere in the country has become explosive post demonetisation "Like uncle Podger, PM Modi is troubling everyone from Reserve Bank of India, Finance Ministry, people of the country, farmers and his party men with his demonetisation decision," tweeted Lalu. --- ENDS --- The Appeal of Donald Trump Casting aspersions on the suitability of Donald Trump as president of the United States amounts to disrespecting the American people's verdict (The Great Disruptor). When it came to his nationalistic X-factor, the voters brushed aside all his shortcomings. Anu Anand, Mumbai Trump's election would be helpful for India only if he got tough with Pakistan for sponsoring cross-border terrorism. The US should have declared Pakistan a terrorist state long ago, when it traced and killed Osama bin Laden. Will Trump do it now? A. Srikantaiah, Bengaluru advertisement Perhaps Hillary Clinton lost because the United States is still not ready for a woman president. In not connecting with the white population, she made a grave mistake. She underestimated the anger of middle America and the distrust of the government, especially among the white working class. K. S. Jayatheertha, Bengaluru Trump's victory is a sign of how the RIG (Refugee crisis, Immigration, Globalisation) factor created an undercurrent that everybody, save Trump, missed. His victory will undoubtedly give the white supremacists carte blanche to indulge in hate crimes against immigrants and minority groups. Akshay Viswanathan, Thiruvananthapuram Trump's election spells trouble for the entire world community, including us. While it is true that ISIS and Al Qaeda pose a genuine threat to peace, it is no justification for terming an entire community barbaric, as Trump did in his references to Muslims. Ambar Mallick, Kolkata The acute difference in the personas of Trump and Narendra Modi does not obscure the parallels in their rise to the top in their respective countries (Dark Days in America). Trump triumphed on the strength of the US white underclass, which feels threatened by their country's liberal pluralism and job losses to outsourcing. Modi benefitted as the Indian majority's perception of being discounted by votebank politics provided the nucleus of a polarisation. Bishan Sahai, via e-mail Clean Sweep It took three Parliament sessions for the GST Bill to become an Act. But it is shocking that a lone PM decided on demonetisation (Swachh Bharat). And what is the guarantee that he didn't tip off his inner circle well in advance, before announcing the move? No PM should be allowed to take such a big decision without the approval of Parliament. K.V. Satyamurty, Mumbai Prime Minister Modi's 'surgical strike' on black money caught everyone, particularly the Opposition, by surprise. It is amazing how concern for the common man and the inconvenience caused to him has suddenly become a huge issue for the Opposition. Where was this concern all these years? M.R.G. Murthy, Mysuru Whose black money are we talking about? Has anyone seen a minister, MP, MLA or tycoon standing in the queues to exchange currency notes? Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai advertisement It's practically impossible to get so many new notes printed and put into circulation so soon. In the short term, there will be a huge bulge of several lakhs of crores in the cash balances of banks, which they cannot effectively employ. Does the RBI have instruments of this volume in which the banks can make short-term investments? There will also be a short-term lack of purchasing power with the public, and sales will fall. Take the chain backwards to manufacturing-the GDP will fall as well. All the rosy predictions of growth will fail-my guess is by 0.2 to 0.5 per cent. D.M. Mohunta, via e-mail While Modi continues his harangue, some BJP members are behaving like Nero, playing the fiddle while Rome burns. The gulf between precept and practice has never been so glaring. N. Narasimhan, Bengaluru After rambling on non-specifically about the Modi government being non-specific about its policies, Ashok V. Desai, out of nowhere, comes out with a shocker (This Purification Will be Painful). Where is the question of people losing faith in other government papers such as bonds? The 500/ 1,000 rupee notes state that the RBI promises to give the holder 500/ 1,000 rupees in return thereof. Where has this promise been breached? To make people wary of holding cash and indeed dealing in cash, is the declared intention. Where is the breach of promise? Why this traitorous question about the government's sovereign promise? To throw Desai's question back at him, he should have thought twice before raising such doubts about government bonds/ government paper. Uday Bodas, Kolkata advertisement What Mistry Missed I remember the Tata Steel advertisment that said, 'We also make steel' (Unfinished Business). Obviously, steel-making and profits were and are secondary to the core values of the Tatas. It's sad that Cyrus Mistry didn't see this, or chose to ignore it. His sacking was imminent. Avinash Godboley, Dewas Ready, Aim, Fire Munger and adjoining areas in Bihar are infamous for the manufacture of illegal weapons (Smoking Barrels). These arms are sold to criminals. The police are in the know but do nothing because of a possible nexus. The problem can be curbed if the Centre and state governments as well as the politicians show will. Lt Col (retd) Ranjit Sinha, Kolkata Waiting to Inhale It is not as if the causes of air pollution in Delhi are not known (Down to the Last Gasp). But this year, too, pollution levels in Delhi surged to alarming highs immediately after Diwali, making the city's air unbreathable and leaving many with impaired respiratory systems. And the response from the authorities has followed a familiar pattern-the usual hand-wringing, the standard appeals to avoid firecrackers, and the ritual bans on loud firecrackers at night, which, again, was observed more in the breach, as citizens continued to suffer. Firecrackers cannot be completely banned, but their usage can certainly be curbed. Above all, political will is needed to tackle pollution and the polluters. For pollution is not a one-ministry problem; there has to be a concerted effort to curb it. Otherwise, we will keep going round and round the mulberry bush even as the air gets more and more toxic. J. AKSHAY, via e-mail advertisement --- ENDS --- The ministry's reluctance in granting affiliations seems all the more curious since most of the institutes in question have been certified after final inspections by the Quality Council of India Looming clouds of despair are driving 30-year-old Rahul Bhoyal, promoter of the privately run Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Maharashtra's Tumsar village, into deep depression. Not far away, Pankaj Bhende, who runs a similar establishment in Nagpur's Thadipauni village, is equally in a bind. Like hundreds of other first-time entrepreneurs who had sought to take advantage of a January 2016 Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship scheme to set up 7,000 private ITIs, their livelihoods, too, are in peril. Both Bhende and Bhoyal pooled in their moderate family savings with substantial loans in 2015-2016 to set up small units to train local youth as skilled tradesmen. Like many others, they too were inspired by Narendra Modi's message before and after becoming prime minister: "India needs ITIs more than IITs." It had all seemed perfectly in sync-with India attracting the highest FDI in the world after Modi assumed power, it would need a huge skilled workforce to run the industry that was expected to boom on the investments. advertisement But now, more than 1,500 individuals from mostly middle-class families and with limited means, like Bhoyal and Bhende, who invested their life's savings and more to set up institutes, are being denied the governmental affiliation mandatory to start operations. This is after the skill development ministry introduced a new condition for affiliation in July, seven months after scores of promoters had set up shop as per the original criteria notified in January. They were directed to submit a building completion certificate for their premises from the relevant local authority. Now, not one of them has hope of getting the affiliation in the ongoing academic year. Without any student fees coming in, the entrepreneurs face the despairing prospect of spending at least Rs 1 lakh a month on maintenance of their premises and paying staff. Bhoyal, a graduate and a farmer, sold his farm to raise Rs 20 lakh. He borrowed another Rs 45 lakh and set up Sai Industrial Training Institute, a private ITI with the capacity to train 84 students in mechanical trade. Not permitted to admit his first batch this year, he is now desperately trying to find the means to pay the monthly rent of Rs 45,000 for the premises. Bhende is relatively fortunate. He opened his private ITI in partnership with the owner of the premises and doesn't have to worry about rent. But he needs money to pay salaries and maintain equipment until the long-awaited affiliation arrives. There are others like Kaluram Labhana, a small businessman from Peeth village in Rajasthan's Dungarpur district, who sold his three acres and took a fat loan to put together Rs 90 lakh, and constructed a building to set up the Gurukrupa Industrial Training Institute. J.P. Singh, a representative of a Delhi-based gurdwara trust, awaits affiliation despite fulfilling all other prerequisites mandated by the ministry. Singh says many of the promoters are so desperate they could end up "committing suicide". Stories of kickbacks sought by middlemen to fix things in the ministry are only making things worse. advertisement The ministry's reluctance in granting affiliations seems all the more curious since most of the institutes in question have been certified after final inspections by the Quality Council of India, an autonomous body. This, as per the ministry's guidelines. Ashish Sharma, director general of training in the skill development and entrepreneurship ministry, differs. "We have cleared over 1,800 applications, which comes to almost all the cases sent by the Quality Council of India," he says. "This is the highest ever in one year. But those who don't fulfil the criteria will have to do so before getting clearance." Despite the ministry's position on the matter, problems persist. About the building completion certificate mandated since July, the promoters say district collectors have no system in place to check building construction plans and certify completion. And in the cities, most town planners require intimation of building plans prior to construction. The matter has taken a legal turn too. A petition in the Delhi High Court by Dipak Kumar, joint promoter of Samrat Ashok ITI in Sakra in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district, and his partner Manoj Kushwaha drew a favourable ruling on September 9. Taking a dim view of the ministry's decision to change the qualifying criteria midstream after promoters had invested lakhs, the court ordered that Kumar's institute be granted affiliation forthwith. After the verdict, the ministry was compelled to extend affiliation to some 600 private ITIs. This, however, wasn't given to the over 1,500 other ITIs-bureaucratic apathy rooted in the new building completion certificate criteria came in the way. advertisement Despite the relief granted by the court, the promoters continue to be at the receiving end of red tape. The mandatory process of accepting student admission lists for the institutes was inexplicably closed on October 9, just 24 hours after the 600 ITIs were given affiliation. In effect, both, the 600 with affiliation and the over 1,500 without, are now in the same boat. "This isn't 'Skill India', it's more like 'Kill India,'" says Kumar. He has "full faith in Modiji's intentions", but laments that "the bureaucracy is taking him for a ride". Follow the writer on Twitter @UdayMahurkar --- ENDS --- By PTI: Anandpur Sahib (Pb), Nov 25 (PTI) In this holy town, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today advocated the need for imbibing the teachings of the 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh who preached unity, peace and harmony. Modi paid obeisance at Gurdawara Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib as part of 350th Parkash Utsav of tenth Guru Gobind Singh here. advertisement Sporting the traditional kesri headgear, Modi emphasized the need for inspiring coming generations to learn messages and sacrifices of the great Guru Gobind Singh. Modi began his address in chaste Punjabi by welcoming the gathering on this occasion with the holy chant of "Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh." He concluded his speech with the same chant. He said the Centre has decided to celebrate the 350th Parkash Utsav of Guru Gobind Singh throughout the country in order to spread his message nook and corner. "In coming days, there shall be a huge gathering at Patna Sahib (one of the revered seats of Sikh religion) to mark 350th Parkash Utsav. For this purpose, the government has also decided to make rail service arrangement for those who wish to go to Patna Sahib," he said. He talked about the sacrifices and messages of Guru Gobind Singh, saying that the tenth Guru was committed for the unity of all. He said the Guru launched protest against inequality, discrimination in the society. "On one side there was cruelty, crime, atrocities in the society on Guru Gobinds path. But Guru Gobind Singh chose the path of bravery. He tried to imbibe bravery among people. He gave the message of fighting against cruelty with bravery," said Modi. "We should follow this Gurus mantra and also new generation should be inspired to take lessons from his messages," he said. "There is no dearth of those who believe in division but the power of those who believe in unity is much more," he said. Recalling his old days when he stayed in Punjab as BJPs in-charge of party affairs in the state, Modi said, "It is my fortune that I got an opportunity to work in Punjab for several years and because of it, I used to get opportunity on regular basis to pay obeisance at Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur." He added, "It was also my fortune that when the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee came here, I also got an opportunity to be part of the gathering here. After becoming Prime Minister, today I got an opportunity to pay obeisance at the sacred land for the first time." advertisement This is the land where for 28 years, Guru Gobind Singh tried to raise a society by virtue of his sacrifice, bravery and austerity," the Prime Minister said. "I always say that I have blood relation with this holy land. It is because I was born in Gujarat, worked here (Punjab) and one of the Panj Pyaras (five beloved ones) of Guru Gobind Singh belonged to Gujarat. "Therefore, unity among people of the country was the priorty of Guru Gobind Singh. Panj Pyaras (the chosen five devotees of the Sikh God) were also from all directions of the country and one of them was from Gujarat. Therefore I feel that I have blood relation with this land," he said. On this occasion, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal honoured him by presenting robe of honour, replica of the Golden Temple and a sword. PTI SUN CHS VJ AKA AKK --- ENDS --- The fire broke out around 1 pm in one of the retail furniture shops in the market that deals in both old and new furniture, and rapidly spread to other shops standing cheek by jowl. By Indo-Asian News Service: A massive fire raged through a roadside furniture market at Oshiwara in Mumbai suburb on Friday, the BMC Disaster Control said. The fire broke out around 1 pm in one of the retail furniture shops in the market that deals in both old and new furniture, and rapidly spread to other shops standing cheek by jowl. The fire brigade deployed 16 fire tenders, water tankers and ambulances to combat the blaze in the north-west suburb as it quickly blazed through dry wooden goods. advertisement Efforts were on to contain the conflagration and prevent it from spreading to a huge slum pocket situated in the vicinity. There were no reports of any casualties so far, the Disaster Control official said. --- ENDS --- By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 25 (PTI) The government today defended its move to return to the Supreme Court collegium names of 43 candidates for appointment as judges in high courts, saying the decision was based on adverse intelligence reports and serious nature of complaints against them. "The major reasons for referring back 43 recomendees to the Supreme Court collegium on the appointment of judges are views of consultee judges, views of constitutional authorities, adverse Intelligence Bureau inputs, serious nature of complaints received against recommendees," Minister of State for Law P P Chaudhary told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply. advertisement Out of the 43 names returned to it by the government for reconsideration, the Supreme Court collegium has "reiterated" its recommendation for 37, deferred three proposals while three other names are still with it. On November 18, the Supreme Court had informed the government that it had reiterated every one of the 43 names that was sent back by the government to the collegium 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 had said. But Chaudhary told the upper house that the collegium has reiterated its recommendation for 37 candidates only. He had made a similar statement in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. In response to another question on vacancies in the Supreme Court, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a written reply that the government has not received any proposal from the apex court collegium to fill up the existing seven vacancies. The Centre had on November 15 told the apex 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. PTI NAB PMS --- ENDS --- The Opposition created a ruckus in the Rajya Sabha today, demanding an apology from Prime Minister Modi for his black money remark made earlier today. By India Today Web Desk: As soon as Rajya Sabha met today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already decided its mood by his accusation, made earlier today, that the Opposition is pained by the demonetisation move because it favours black money. "There is little criticism against the move. But those who are criticising it are saying that the government was not prepared to implement the decision. But that is not the real reason behind their criticism. They are hurt because the government didn't give them enough time to prepare for it," Modi said at an event at the Parliament House Annexe. advertisement The Opposition, which had already been protesting the presence of the Prime Minister in Parliament to debate demonetisation, was furious and demanded an apology. ALSO READ | Parliament: Opposition adamant, says Modi must speak. He takes a jibe outside, says they were unprepared ALSO READ | Modi hits back at note ban critics: They accuse us of being unprepared, we gave them no time to prepare HERE IS WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY: Congress Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad How can the PM allege that Opposition parties are in favour of black money? This is wrong and an insult to the entire Opposition. He must apologise. Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati If the Prime Minister is honest and had no political motive behind his statement, then what problem does he have to say the same in Parliament? He must clarify who has the black money. Janata Dal (United) MP Sharad Yadav The Prime Minister has made serious allegations against the Opposition when he said that the Opposition parties are favouring black money. He must apologise. Also Read: Demonetisation hit: Parliament ATM declined money to this BJP MP Demonetisation standoff: Parliament sees no work for 7th straight day Two who made Modi smile amid note ban crossfire: Naresh Agrawal, Mayawati --- ENDS --- By PTI: From Shirish B Pradhan Kathmandu, Nov 24 (PTI) Nepal Rastra Bank today banned the use of Indias new currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 denomination, terming them "unauthorised and illegal". These two currency notes were issued by the Reserve Bank of India recently after old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination notes were withdrawn. advertisement Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has called the new currency notes "unauthorised and illegal". NRB spokesperson Narayan Poudel said these new currency notes are not yet legal in Nepal, according to Onlinekhabar.com. Poudel said these notes will be legal in Nepal only when India issues a FEMA notification as per the Foreign Exchange Management Act. India is likely to issue a FEMA notification, allowing people in Nepal and India to possess certain amount of Indian currency. Earlier, a ban was in effect in Nepal till last year against the use of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations notes. Authorities had lifted this ban after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nepal. Nepal last year allowed people to carry Indian Rupees of higher denominations upto Indian Rs 25,000. The Reserve Bank of India had formed a task force to ease currency exchange facility in Nepal for non-Indians who possess the now-defunct notes of 500 and 1,000 denominations. PTI SBP ZH --- ENDS --- RBI in its defence said that the printing defect was due to demonetisation rush and that there is nothing to panic. RBI in its defence said that the printing defect was due to rush and that there is nothing to panic. By Virendrasingh Ghunawat: In what could be a major embarrassment for the government, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today admitted that there is a defect in the new Rs 500 notes. The submission from the central bank came after two variants of the new Rs 500 note surfaced and went viral on social media. "Two notes, totally different design. Is government giving fake currency?", tweeted Aabshar who goes by the handle, @Scepticindian. advertisement With just two weeks into circulation, the two variants of the Rs 500 note may encourage counterfeits, checking which was one of the main intents behind the government's move to ban old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. Two notes, totally different design. Is government giving fake currency? ?? pic.twitter.com/xz32A6Mv5w Aabshar (@Scepticindian) November 21, 2016 @twinitisha proof chahiye? Ye le. Will block you if you rant any further in my mention @inquestioner pic.twitter.com/YDxtDkEYCt Aabshar (@Scepticindian) November 21, 2016 The RBI, in its defence, said the printing defect was due to the rush in the wake of demonetisation, and that there is nothing to panic. RBI spokesperson said, "It's not a variant. Such a printing deficiency can happen once in a million. It is a valid legal tender and can be freely used in transactions. But if someone does not want to use it and return it to RBI, that too can be done and we will give them full value." Meanwhile, RBI has said exchange of banned notes will continue to be available at the counters of the central bank upto current limits per person as hitherto. However, such exchange facility is no longer available at other banks' counters. Watch Video --- ENDS --- By PTI: Toronto, Nov 25 (PTI) Worried about how to protect personal information in your laptop? Researchers have came up with a new software to safeguard data even when the computer is in sleep mode. The software - Hypnoguard - was developed to protect "data-in-sleep" by researchers from Concordia University in Canada. When installed, the system encrypts the computers random-access memory (RAM) before it enters sleep mode, and then decrypts the data upon waking with hardware-backed uncircumventible user re-authentication. advertisement Researchers designed the system by integrating password-based authentication with widely available hardware security features in modern consumer-grade computers. "Protecting data is especially difficult when a computer goes to sleep, which happens when a laptops lid is closed, or after a certain period of user inactivity," said Lianying Zhao from Concordia University. He said that if a computer in this mode falls into the wrong hands, a malicious person can extract the data found in the machines RAM in a number of technical ways. "The entire process is transparent to the user, who simply enters a regular unlock password when the computer wakes up," said Mohammad Mannan, associate professor at the Concordia University. "There is almost no impact on usability. For an average computer with eight gigabytes of memory, the process only takes about a second," he said. "Professionals for whom security is paramount - people like government agents, journalists and businessmen - should benefit the most in terms of protecting secrets in RAM," said researchers. "If their computer is lost or stolen, or if they are forced to reveal their password, Hypnotised will provide that extra layer of protection," they added. PTI NKS SAR SAR --- ENDS --- By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government for alleged medical negligence by a hospital in Chennai in wrongly diagnosing a woman as pregnant. The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of a November 23 media report about the incident wherein the 28-year-old woman was first wrongly diagnosed as pregnant by Kasturi Bai Government General Maternity Hospital, and after eight months was diagnosed to have a tumour instead. advertisement "Taking a serious view of the reported incident, the Commission has issued notices to the Secretary (Health Department), Government of Tamil Nadu and Director, Kasturi Bai Government General Maternity Hospital, Chennai calling for reports within two weeks," it said in a statement. As per the media report, the woman, a resident of Kannagi Nagar, had gone to the hospital for pregnancy check-up in April. She was diagnosed as "pregnant" by the hospital authorities. "The woman was informed that her tentative delivery would be after eight months and the expected date of delivery would be November 8. She was put under necessary medication for the development of a healthy child," the NHRC said quoting from the report. "As she did not develop any delivery pain even after the due date, she went to the hospital and a scanning was done. She was informed that she was not pregnant and there was a small tumour," it said. The Commission termed the episode a "classic case of medical negligence" and "failed to understand how the doctors were unable to notice even the physical growth of the baby for eight months, let alone decide from the physical appearance of the woman." "The above facts show a total callous attitude in the diagnosis of the woman, who was not only given a positive report for the pregnancy, but was also made to consume a number of medicines during the period of eight months," the NHRC said. The rights body also observed that women were still deprived of the right to get genuine treatment at state-run hospitals. Correct diagnosis is the human right of a patient. The doctors and other staff involved in the treatment of the woman in question appear to be "negligent", thus had violated human rights of the woman and caused "unimaginable" mental agony to her, the Commission added. PTI KND SRY MVV --- ENDS --- By PTI: Pune, Nov 25 (PTI) Noted journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, who was a part of the three-member interlocutors group for Jammu and Kashmir in 2008, passed away here today after brief illness. 72-year-old Padgaonkar, a former editor of The Times of India, was unwell for past several weeks and died at a hospital in Pune, family sources said. He passed away at a private hospital here where he was brought in a critical condition last week. advertisement "Padgaonkar was brought to Ruby Hall Clinic here from Prayag Hospital in a critical condition on November 18. When he was brought here, he was on ventilator support and there was multi-organ failure. From the day of admission, he was on dialysis and ventilator support," Sanjay Pathare, Director, medical services, Ruby Hall Clinic said. Pathare said a team of doctors tried to revive Padgaonkar, but he breathed his last today. Born in Pune in 1944, Padgaonkar did his schooling from St Vincents High School and later graduated from Fergusson College in political science. He began his career in journalism at an early age and joined the Times of India as its Paris correspondent after receiving a doctorate in Humanities in 1968. He served the paper in various capacities before he was appointed its editor in 1988, a post he held for six years. In between, from 1978 to 1986, he also worked with UNESCO in Bangkok and Paris. Padgaonkar was appointed as one of the members of the three-member interlocutors group on Jammu and Kashmir, set up by the government after continuous unrest in the Valley in 2008. The veteran journalist had once said that he held the second most important job in the country after the Prime Minister. Founder editor of the online news website The Wire Sidharth Vardarajan said it was a "terrible loss". "Just heard that my friend and former editor, Dileep Padgaonkar, passed away in Pune. Terrible loss, feel gutted," he said on Twitter. Senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai said Padgaonkar was "a man of culture and intellect". "My first editor Dileep Padgaonkar, a man of culture and intellect, someone who encouraged young talent, has passed away," he tweeted. Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted, "Very saddened by passing away of dear friend, veteran journalist Dileep Padgaonkar. Condolences to the family." PTI SPK VT GK SRY --- ENDS --- By PTI: Islamabad, Nov 24 (PTI) Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today hailed outgoing army chief General Raheel Sharif who is retiring on November 29 after a three-year tenure. Sharif hosted a dinner for the retiring army chief where senior officials from armed forces and civilian institutions and politician attended. "We have gathered here today to honour and thank General Raheel Sharif for his many years of dedicated, meritorious and exemplary service to Pakistan and its Armed Forces," Sharif said. PTI SH KUN --- ENDS --- advertisement By PTI: Jammu, Nov 24 (PTI) Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and opposition National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullahtoday claimed that the PDP-BJP government in the state was rendered "defunct" and its writ was being questioned on a daily basis by quarters it had tried to first appease and then, suppress. "Such is the writ of the government in the Valley that business establishments, transport, schools and every other sphere of activity is running as per the weekly protest schedules and calendars," he told an NC rally at Kishtwar. advertisement Abdullah said Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti should not "misinterpret" the signs of normalcy and activities in the Valley as restoration of normalcy as all such activities were being carried out "in accordance with the weekly schedules being issued by Hurriyat leaders". "Mehbooba Mufti should see the writing on the wall and understand that the mass discontent is not only due to the complete refusal of the government to acknowledge the Kashmir issue, but also because of the PDPs betrayal to those who had voted for and supported it during the 2014 election," he said, while referring to the "anti-BJP" plank of the PDP during electioneering and its subsequent "U-turns" in the run-up to forging an alliance with the saffron party. Abdullah alleged that the PDP had instilled a "sense of fear" among the voters regarding the "looming threat and danger" of the BJP making inroads into Kashmir, but ironically, "changed its colours with the sole aim of attaining political power at the cost of its ideology and promises". He claimed that "political opportunism" and "breach of the peoples trust" would have serious implications for the PDP. In this backdrop, strengthening of the NC "at the grassroots" assumed an "added significance" to meet the challenges faced by the state, said Abdullah. The veteran leader claimed that the NC was "not guided blindly with the sole aim of attaining power". Its unflinching political philosophy was to safeguard the honour and dignity of the people and uphold the unity and integrity of the state with opportunities of progress for all, irrespective of caste, creed, colour or regional affiliation, he added. Abdullah reiterated the significance of dialogue between New Delhi and all the stakeholders in Kashmir and externally, with Pakistan, adding that sooner or later, the Centre will have to talk to Islamabad for lasting peace in the region. He said the solution to the Kashmir problem lied in a "sustained dialogue" and not in the "military might" or "aggression" on the LoC and International Border. The former chief minister said dissent and discontent in the Valley could not be silenced by "canons on the border or pellet guns in Kashmir", but New Delhi must show "compassion" and try to win the hearts and minds of the people, especially the disillusioned youth. advertisement "Any rigid stance in dealing with the volatile, complex political situation in Kashmir will prove to be counter-productive and have adverse ramifications for the entire region," he cautioned. PTI TSS AB RC --- ENDS --- The Prime Minister later participated in a public function to mark the celebration of the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh. Sporting a saffron headgear, Modi was presented a 'siropa' or robe of honour by the Sikh priests at the historic gurdwara. By Indo-Asian News Service: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today offered prayers at Gurdwara Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur, Punjab. Sporting a saffron headgear, Modi was presented a 'siropa' or robe of honour by the Sikh priests at the historic gurdwara, the second holiest of Sikh shrines after Amritsar's Golden Temple. The 10th Sikh master, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa Panth (religion of the pure) at Takht Keshgarh Sahib, 85 km from Chandigarh, in present day Ropar district of Punjab on April 13, 1699. advertisement The Prime Minister later participated in a public function to mark the celebration of the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh. --- ENDS --- Narendra Modi will address the three-day annual DGP conference in Hyderabad on Saturday. By Ashish Pandey: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Hyderabad today evening and will address the annual Director General of Police (DGP) conference on Saturday. The three-day long annual DGP conference is scheduled to take place at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, located at Shivaramapalli in Cyberabad, Hyderabad. Police chiefs from all Indian states and Union territories as well as the heads of para-military forces and intelligence agencies will be present at the conference. advertisement The theme of this year's conference is cross-border terrorism, radicalisation and left-wing extremism. Subjects like cyber crime and police reforms will also be discussed. ALSO READ | Modi hits back at note ban critics: They accuse us of being unprepared, we gave them no time to prepare MODI TO STAY AT RAJASTHAN BHAVAN, WILL TAKE PART IN YOGA SESSION TOMORROW The conference, organised by the Intelligence Bureau, will be formally inaugurated by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. It will witness the presence of National Secuirity Advisor Ajit Doval, and Minister of State Kiren Rijiju and Hansraj Gangaram Ahir. Prime Minister Modi will arrive in Hyderabad at 7 pm today and will stay at Rajasthan Bhavan of the National Police Academy. He will address the conference tomorrow and leaving in the evening. According to sources, Modi will also take part in a yoga session on Saturday morning and will adress the GDP conference after that. The media is kept away from the function, while the security in and around the academy has been tightened. Also Read: India Today Impact: Centre asks Delhi Police to act against cash mafia --- ENDS --- He advised people to let their mobile phones "Serve as a bank and a wallet" in order to end corruption and black money. The prime minister was in Bhatinda, a Shrimoni Akali Dal (SAD) bastion to lay the foundation stone for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences AIIMS. By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: As the logjam in Parliament continued on Friday over absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he addressed the issue of demonetisation in Bhatinda, recommending to citizens facing harrowing time to switch to mobile phone banking. He advised people to let their mobile phones "Serve as a bank and a wallet" in order to end corruption and black money. advertisement "The number of mobiles in our country is four times the number of households. People should use their mobiles to make payments. You should download mobile apps provided by banks on your mobiles. Thus there will be no need for currency in your pocket," he said. He urged political leaders, teachers, and young people to give training to people on using mobile banking. "I am doing everything possible to ensure that the middle class is not exploited and the poor get their due. I have come to stop the looting of the lower middle class, the poor and the farmers." Lauding Modi's move against black money, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said that the drive would eradicate black money from India. "By this step, Modi has helped the common man and farmers," he said. The prime minister was in Bhatinda, a Shrimoni Akali Dal (SAD) bastion to lay the foundation stone for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences AIIMS. --- ENDS --- By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani will visit India on December 3 and hold discussions with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of common interest. With Qatar being the largest supplier of LNG to India, the two leaders are also likely to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in the strategic areas of energy. advertisement Announcing the visit, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Sheikh Abdullah, also the countrys interior minister, is coming to India at the invitation of Modi and the two leaders will hold discussions "on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of common interest". This is the first visit of Sheikh Abdullah to India and the third high-level bilateral engagement between the two countries in the past two years, which underlines Indias growing ties with Qatar. The visit of Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to India in March 2015 was followed by visit of Prime Minister Modi to Qatar this June. "Our close and friendly relations with Qatar are based on mutually beneficial commercial exchanges and extensive people- to-people contacts. "Qatar is not only an important trading partner for us in the Gulf region but is also the largest supplier of LNG to us, accounting for 66 per cent of our total imports in 2015-16," Swarup said. He further said Indians form the largest expatriate community in Qatar and their positive contribution in the progress and development of their host country is well recognised. There are over 630,000 Indian nationals working in Qatar. PTI PYK ZMN --- ENDS --- By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) A group of Resident doctors at Safdarjung Hospital continued their strike for the second day demanding enhancement of on-duty security for the doctors on the hospital premises. The doctors went on strike yesterday evening after a junior resident doctor was allegedly manhandled by the attendants of a patient at the emergency ward. advertisement An FIR under sections 186 (Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions) and 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) of IPC has also been filed at the Safdarjung Enclave police station against the attendants of the patient for assaulting a doctor and hospital guard. "A patient was admitted in the emergency ward. He died last evening following which the relatives of the deceased lost their temper and assaulted the doctor on duty. "However, the family alleged in the afternoon, they requested the doctor to put the patient on saline drip since the patients condition was worsening. But the doctor declined and went for lunch. In the evening when the patient died, they blamed the doctor for not treating him properly. The deceaseds family was also beaten up by the hospital guards. Investigation is underway," said a senior police official. The Medical Superintendent of Safdarjung hospital, Dr A K Rai today held a meeting with the Health Ministry officials, following which the administration has decided to appoint marshals. "The matter was discussed at a high level meeting and it has been decided that we will appoint marshals. Also, a review of the entire security arrangement will be done," Dr Rai said. He however clarified that there was no negligence on the part of the hospital staff in the treatment of the patient. "The patient had died of Intra-cranial Hemorrhage due to irregular treatment of hypertension. He was properly attended by the doctors on duty," Dr Rai said. Also, a first-year PG student was allegedly manhandled by the attendants of a patient at the emergency ward of the hospital yesterday. "Last Friday a female resident doctor was allegedly manhandled while on duty by the attendants of a patient in the paediatric ward. Such instances of violence against doctors are not stopping. We do not have any security," said a junior resident doctor. With the residents doctors on strike, the services was managed by the faculty. PTI PLB SLB TIR --- ENDS --- The incident occurred at the Safdarjung Hospital here when a female doctor was allegedly manhandled, exposing once again the vulnerability of the medical professionals who are trying their best to serve. By Mail Today: It had happened earlier and it happened again: a doctor at a leading government hospital was attacked on Wednesday by the relatives of a patient, forcing the resident doctors to go on a day-long strike. The incident occurred at the Safdarjung Hospital here when a female doctor was allegedly manhandled, exposing once again the vulnerability of the medical professionals who are trying their best to serve. Little surprise then that the doctors demanded enhanced security on the hospital premises and struck work. An FIR has been registered at the Safdarjung Enclave police station. advertisement WHAT HAPPENED The doctor, a first-year PG student, was allegedly attacked when the attendants of a patient in the emergency ward wanted the baby to be examined out of turn. While there are about 250 security guards for the hospital premises, in the evening there were just about 50 on duty across the precinct, said a doctor requesting anonymity. He alleged that the security guards are mostly missing in the night. Following the incident, the doctors at the hospital went on a strike. "We won't call off the protest unless a written assurance is given by the Delhi and the Central governments that there will be proper security at the hospitals," a senior doctor told MAIL TODAY. This was not an isolated incident: in the last six months at least 25 cases were reported when the doctors were thrashed by the irate relatives of the patients, a senior doctor at the Safdarjung Hospital said. Last Friday, another a female resident doctor was allegedly manhandled by the attendants of a patient in the paediatric ward. "Such instances of violence against doctors are not stopping. We do not have any security," a protesting junior resident doctor said. Also Read: Doctor attacked by patients kin, in ICU KNOW ABOUT SAFDARJUNG HOSPITAL Safdarjung Hospital caters to at least 8,000 patients in the outpatient department and 2,000 patients in the emergency section every day. Not surprisingly, patients at the hospital were caught unaware due to sudden strike call by the resident doctors. The hospital operations were then managed by the faculty/head of respective medical departments. Similar incidents of doctors being manhandled had been reported from the other government hospitals. In the recent past, doctors at the Deen Dayal Upadhaya Hospital, Ambedkar Hospital and RML Hospital protested against such rising incidents of violence. Federation of Resident Doctors Association president Dr Pankaj Solanki said: "We have written to the Union health minister seeking quick action for the safety of doctors at government hospitals." Also Read: AIIMS, Safdarjung hospital in a tug of war over 'super speciality block' --- ENDS --- As payday approaches, employees fear whether the employers are prepared to pay the salaries on time, if the banks are prepared for heavy cash withdrawals, and whether the government and the RBI are prepared to face backlash if things do not go well. As payday approaches, employees fear whether employers and the banks are prepared enough for cash withdrawals By India Today Web Desk: Another five days and the payday is here. Right from the time when prime minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, people have been queuing up in front of banks and ATMs to withdraw at least the daily limit of Rs 2,000/Rs 2,500 to meet daily expenses. advertisement There have been reports from various parts of India about serious cash crunch banks are facing. For instance, when Tinu Cherian Abraham, a PR professional based out of Bangalore, set out to see how many ATMs in the city had cash, he found majority of the ATMs were not functioning, and those functioning dispensed only Rs 2,000 notes. Guess it is only safe to say that there is a cash crush the banks are facing. As the payday approaches, the following questions are bothering millions of Indians. 1) Are the companies prepared to pay the employees? 2) Are the banks prepared to face heavy cash withdrawals? 3) Has the Reserve Bank of India ensured enough supply of the new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes? 4) Is PM Modi and his government prepared to face the backlash if things don't go smoothly? (Least of the worry for people, though.) The RBI said that it has ensured ATMs with enough cash deposits and that they have recalibrated the softwares. However, the long queues in front of ATMs and banks even on the 17th day since demonetisation was announced, say otherwise. Meanwhile, Thomas Issac, Kerala State finance minister, sent a letter to Union finance minister Arun Jaitley seeking "relaxation of the money withdrawal limit of Rs 24,000 per person per week, so that government and state PSU employees and full-time, part-time and contingent workers could withdraw in cash an amount equal to their salaries from the banks and treasuries during the first 10 days of the month," says a Times of Indiareport. WHO WILL BE HIT THE MOST? ALMOST EVERYONE. The beginning of a month is the time when there are a lot of expenses, including rent payments. Pensioners prefer to collect a major share of their pension in cash. The banks and post offices are expected to see heavy rush on the payday. CORPORATES Assuming they have enough balance to pay off the salaries via online bank transfers, employees of MNCs, big corporates won't be affected in getting the salary. advertisement SMALL-BUSINESS OWNERS Small-business owners who pay their employees in cash every month will face problems. If the bosses, companies fail to ensure payments, employees of such firms, life of people from the lower middle class will be tough in the coming month. DAILY WAGE LABOURERS The one section of people terribly affected by the note ban are daily wage labourers. Many reports say that the employers pay these poor, often uneducated people in the demonetised notes. Majority of these labourers, having no bank accounts, have been hit the most because they cannot even get their salary paid in scrapped notes exchanged. WHO WILL BE BENEFITED? Black money hoarders. One prominent way black money hoarders have been turning their unaccounted stash of currency to white money was by paying off advance salaries to their employees, all in the demonetised notes. These folks won't be affected by the salary day. In fact, they would have probably done what has to be already. HEAVY BACKLASH The chances of the Narendra Modi government facing heavy backlash from the people if the payday rush and cash crunch are not dealt with effectively are very high. advertisement Opposition party leaders are possibly waiting for December 1 to wage attacks on the government. Main issue, however, is that it would cost the ruling party many votes from the lower income classes. Another five days to payday, let us wait and see how it will be managed. --- ENDS --- Ranbir Kapoor is playing Sanjay Dutt in a biopic to be directed by Rajkumar Hirani. Here are ten pivotal events from the Munnabhai actor's life that should be a part of the film. By Devarsi Ghosh: Ranbir Kapoor is stepping into the shoes of Sanjay Dutt and playing the Munnabhai actor in a biopic to be directed by none other than Rajkumar Hirani. The film which is slated for a Christmas 2017 release will reportedly revolve around the rise and fall, the imprisonment and multiple controversies of Sanjay Dutt's life. Good-hearted Munnabhai on screen and a Khalnayak off screen, Sanju baba has had an eventful life. From his drug phase to his three marriages to his affairs to getting jailed, Sanjay Dutt has lived at least three lifetimes till date. advertisement Sonam as Madhuri, Anushka as Rhea in Ranbir's film on life of Sanjay Dutt? ALSO READ: Anushka to play journo to Ranbir's Sanjay in biopic by Rajkumar Hirani ALSO READ: Sanjay's biopic finally has a release date ALSO WATCH: Ranbir to play Sanjay in biopic by Rajkumar Hirani Now, Ranbir Kapoor has been roped in to essay the mercurial star. With a director like Rajkumar Hirani on board, it would need hard work to make a bad film. But will the Sanjay Dutt biopic stay true to the man Sanjay really was? Here are ten things from Sanjay Dutt's life that the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer biopic should definitely have: The Drug days Sanjay Dutt became addicted to drugs when he was in school. Being the son of two superstars took a toll on Sanjay's mental health. On top of that, his mother Nargis's death (in 1981) right before his Bollywood debut disturbed him too much. Sanjay had to go the US for treatment before he could return to resume acting. Today's Tina Ambani was then Sanju's Tina The woman we all know today as Tina Ambani was then Tina Munim, Sanjay Dutt's co-star in his Bollywood debut film Rocky. Tina fell in love with Sanjay and the actor reportedly gave up major film offers just to be with her man. However, Sanjay's alcoholism drove away Tina and she chose to settle down with business tycoon Mukesh Ambani. Marriage with Richa Sharma Sanjay met Richa when he was undergoing rehabilitation to cure his drug abuse problem in the US. The two got married in 1987 and soon, they had a baby Trishala. Richa was soon diagnosed with brain tumour and she went back to the US to live with her parents. Meanwhile, Sanjay lost Trishala to a bitter custody battle between him and his in-laws. Affair with the Dhak Dhak girl Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt had a much talked about affair. Their relationship lasted till the 1993 Bombay blasts case in which Sanjay was one of the accused. Sonam Kapoor will reportedly essay a character based on Madhuri in the Sanjay Dutt biopic. Black Friday The 1993 Bombay blasts was one of the worst terrorist attacks India had ever seen. Around 257 people were killed and several others were injured. Property worth crores were damaged. The incident brought to the forefront Bollywood's illicit relationship with the underworld. Sanjay was found with an AK-56 rifle that had come to India as part of a smuggled consignment before the blasts happened. Sanjay was subsequently arrested. However, even though Sanjay admitted to the crime, he later took back his statement. advertisement Jail Time - 1 Sanjay Dutt's bail was cancelled in 1994 and the actor spent 16 months behind the bars. However, he got out in 1995. Second marriage: Rhea Pillai Sanjay Dutt maried socialite Rhea Pillai in 1998. Rhea stood like a rock beside Sanjay during his toughest days, right from the time he got accused in the 1993 blasts' case. However, the marriage hit rock bottom when Sanjay got involved with his Kaante co-star Nadia Durrani. Sanjay and Rhea split in 2005. Sunil Dutt's death Perhaps Sanjay Dutt's best and constant companion, his father Sunil Dutt breathed his last in 2005. Tragedy continues: Jail Time - 2 The TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities) court summoned Sanjay Dutt and dropped all terrorism charges from his name. However, Sanjay was found guilty for illegally possessing an AK-56 rifle and a 9 mm pistol. Sanjay got six years jail time for this. advertisement That said, Sanjay was behind bars for exactly 18 days in 2007 after which the Supreme Court granted him bail. Sanjay went behind bars time and again, getting out for brief periods thanks to paroles, till he finally walked out of jail on February 25, 2016 this year. Dirty Politics When Sanjay Dutt quit Indian National Congress - a party his father Sunil Dutt was a part of and sister Namrata a face of - and supported Amar Singh's Samajwadi Party, everybody was stunned. Welcome Manyata Sanjay Dutt made headlines when he married Manyata in 2008. The marriage was not accepted or acknowledged by his family members, especially sisters Namrata and Priya. However, the siblings reconciled in 2010 and became a happy family once again. --- ENDS --- By PTI: Panaji, Nov 25 (PTI) Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM), led by rebel RSS leader Subhash Velingkar, and Shiv Sena today formally sealed their alliance to take on the ruling BJP in upcoming Legislative Assembly elections in the state. This is the first time that Uddhav Thackeray-led party is fighting Goa polls in an alliance with local party. Sena, a key constituent of NDA, is the oldest ally of BJP and also a junior partner in Centre and Maharashtra governments. advertisement The announcement for the tie-up was made by Sena MP Sanjay Raut and GSM president Anand Shirodkar. "Five seats would be contested by Shiv Sena, where we will whole-heartedly support them. The alliance is formed as both the political parties are like-minded and have welfare of Goa at their heart," Shirodkar told reporters today. Sena would field its candidates on Pernem, Thivim, Saligao, Cuncolim and Vasco constituencies, all represented by BJP legislators, out of total 40 seats. Goa will go to polls next year. Shirodkar said the GSM-Shiv Sena combine is still open for alliance with Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP). "We are still waiting to know the mind of MGP. GSMs core committee has given a deadline till November 30 for MGP members to decide and revert," he said. GSM is yet to decide on number of seats it will contest in its maiden election. Meanwhile, GSM announced its alliance with newly-formed Praja Party, though contours like seat-sharing are yet to be worked out. Velingkar had floated GSM after the BJP refused to heed the demand of Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) to withdraw grants to English medium schools in Goa. BBSM has been demanding that local language should be made as the Medium of Instruction (MoI) in elementary education across Goa. Sena had given its in-principle approval to forge a pre- poll alliance with GSM after party president Uddhav and Velingkar held a meeting at a five-star resort near here last month. PTI RPS NSK SUA BAS --- ENDS --- Two policemen have been killed after terrorists attacked a police party in Kulgam. By Shuja-ul-Haq , Ashraf Wani: Two policemen have been killed after terrorists attacked a police party in Kulgam. Militants fired in the main market and fled. More details awaited. Police has cordoned off the area. A senior police officer said that the attackers fired at a police patrol, killing Head Constable Tanvir Ahmad and Constable Jalal-ud-Din. The injured constable was identified as Shams-ud-Din, who was rushed to a hospital. --- ENDS --- advertisement By Rohit Parihar: It was an informal meeting over lunch, the first ever hosted for media during Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje's current tenure. The venue was 8, Civil Lines, bungalow which Raje abandoned for number 13 that was allotted to her as former chief minister, where she had spent last five years and made changes to suit her royal taste. So journalists got a chance after three years, to get an inside look into what was once seat of power in Rajasthan. THE PLEASANTRIES advertisement As usual, whenever rarely she plays host, she extended courtesy and exhibited enough warmth for an informal gathering where she said that she likes meeting media persons without their usual burden of carrying a notebook. She visited every table, spent a few minutes on each to say hello to everyone and exchange pleasantries. Also Read: From The Magazine: Enemy at the gates WHY NOW Raje, in her second tenure, is seen as more inaccessible than her previous one between 2003 and 2008, including to those whom she was previously easily available, and that is true for media persons also. Of course, sometimes, she does call them and give interviews too, often on occasions decided by her. One of it was on December 13 when she finished one year in office. So, one can conclude that one reason for yesterday's lunch could have been her three year anniversary in office. She announced another amend to her generally keeping distance from media policy by offering to watch movie together. Well, in her first tenure, she would invite media persons along with MLAs at the end of most sessions of the assembly to watch a movie together with dinner often served during interval or at the end, depending upon which show it was. This time, she invited only MLAs. And media persons were shunned even on Roza Iftaar. Of course, we don't know who all have been advising her to ignore personal interaction with media or was it her own decision but given her excellent communication skills and capability to strike instant rapport even with adversaries, this informal lunch with media persons was long over due. Also Read: Jaipur becoming hub of performing arts: Raje CONGRESS JOINS THE CLUB Sachin Pilot, PCC president had invited select media persons over high tea around the lunch time, for Diwali Milan early this month. His predecessors never did it though they would often organise Eid Milans. Ashok Gehlot, former Congress chief minister has been seen hosting New Year lunches after he left office. advertisement RAJE'S LUNCH MENU Raje's lunch was simple and, only vegetarian dishes were served. Liquor and non vegetarian dishes are mostly kept off menus in official functions as local media makes a big issue out of any violation of this practice. There were very few officials, mostly from her personal staff and hardly any politician. Ashok Parnami, president of the state BJP was the only prominent one who had interacted with media persons before Raje arrived and sincerely noted down their feedback on demonetisation. A few took selfies with her, some others got photographed. As expected, it all ended well with Raje leaving smiling and reiterating more informal meetings including over movies and a promise to also meet to give interviews and take questions. --- ENDS --- Russian President Vladimir Putin tells 9-year-old kid that Russia's border doesn't end anywhere. Is he hinting at something? By India Today Web Desk: Russian President Vladimir Putin is undoubtedly one of the most powerful leaders in the world. While interacting with a 9-year-old kid during a televised awards function for geography students, Putin asked the little geographer, "Where does the Russian border end?" When the boy replied, "at the Bering Strait," Putin held him close and said "Russia's border doesn't end anywhere". advertisement Watch the video here: He immediately clarified he was just joking. The ceremony was staged by the Russian Geographical Society. During the function organised by the Russian Geographical Society, Putin asked another kid, this one just 5 years old, to name the country whose capital is Ouagadougou. The boy said, "Burkina Faso," the correct answer but Putin tested him again asking what Russia's old name was. Seeing the boy struggling to answer, Putin said, "Upper Volta, good lad!" Before the disintegration, Soviet Union used to be referred to as "Upper Vola with rockets". The West and Russia's neighbours have not taken Putin's "joke" lightly, reports say. Is the man really planning expanding Russia? Only time will tell. --- ENDS --- The Opposition leaders - protesting against demonetisation scheme - are filing notices in the both houses seeking debate on this issue. By Supriya Bhardwaj: The Opposition parties, while stalling the Parliament on demonetisation issue, are gearing up to open another front against the NDA government. The issue of surgical strikes and escalation of tension between India and Pakistan will be raised by the Opposition to the hilt after November 28, in both houses of the Parliament. Interestingly, the Opposition leaders - protesting against demonetisation scheme - are filing notices in the both houses seeking debate on this issue. advertisement A meeting of various Opposition parties is already scheduled for November 26. According to the carefully drafted strategy, charted out by the leaders of united Opposition front, the leaders will demand a discussion on the issue of deteriorating India-Pakistan relations, surgical strikes, OROP and welfare of armed forces. According to sources deputy Leader of Opposition Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma has already filed a notice seeking short duration discussion whereas Samajwadi Party MP Naresh Agarwal has given notice under Rule 267 asking adjournment of all other business and a detailed discussion on the surgical strikes and India's foreign policy towards Pakistan. Those in the know of the things state that on this front too the Opposition will strike at Central Government in a united fashion inside as well as outside the Parliament. Also Read: Demonetisation: Rs 1000 notes can't be used now, Rs 500 will live on till Dec 15 Manmohan-Modi faceoff: One argument at a time --- ENDS --- By PTI: Patna, Nov 25 (PTI) Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports about the death of a pregnant woman in a government hospital in Gaya after being allegedly refused dialysis for paying in old Rs 500 notes, Bihar Human Rights Commission (BHRC) today directed the district magistrate and the hospital to submit a detailed report within a fortnight. "The news if true reflects a shocking neglect on the part of functionaries at the government-run premier hospital at Gaya. Issue notices to the district magistrate, Gaya, and superintendent of ANMMCH to file a report to the Commission within a fortnight," BHRC member Neelmani said in his order. advertisement BHRC took suo motu cognisance of media reports that the woman, wife of a daily wage earner had "renal shutdown" and died on Wednesday evening at the Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital (ANMMCH), Gaya, as its dialysis centre refused to accept old Rs 500 notes, it said. Neelmani said while scrapping high-value currency notes on November 8, the Centre had clearly said the defunct notes would continue to be accepted by government hospitals till November 24 but the patient, Manju Devi, died on November 23 evening. The patient had gone to the government hospital for treatment but the hospital had outsourced the work of dialysis to a private company, he said and asked "Why would a patient suffer for the internal arrangement of a hospital?" The commission posted the matter for hearing on December 20. PTI AR KK SUA --- ENDS --- Italian chefs have been roped in to present food from Amatrice, Italy, to rebuild the earthquake-hit town. Attend the The First Worldwide Week of Italian Cuisine in Delhi and Kolkata for a good cause. Picture for representational purpose. Picture courtesy: Instagram/elle_kitchen By Ursila Ali: In 2012, when Italy was rocked by two massive Earthquakes, Modena, the gastronomic capital of the country, saw an unlikely hero. Massimo Bottura, a culinary genius and owner of the three-Michelin-star restaurant, Osteria Francescana gave the world Risotto Cacio E Pepe--a dish made from Parmigiano Reggiano, which saved over 3 lakh wheels of Parmesan cheese that had been crushed in the quake. Soon, the dish was being replicated on the menus of the county's finest restaurants, increasing the demand for the cheese. Bottura's humble invention saved the town's economy. advertisement This year, the tremor prone country, was rocked by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake, causing the death of almost 250 people and widespread destruction of property, with villages almost "wiped out" according to reports. One of the worst hit town, and also the epicentre of the quake was Amatrice, was a small town in the central province of Rieti. Any epicurean will tell you that the Amatriciana from Amatrice, the renowned pasta dish made with cured pork cheek, tomatoes and pecorino cheese, is the crown jewel of the Italian cuisine. Also read: Kolkata, here's your chance to eat Italian food like George Clooney and Sachin Tendulkar Chef Viviana Varese, of Michelin-starrer Alice Ristorante is one of the most famous female chefs in Italy, and is known for her expertise in contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. For her latest visit to India, the chef is on a mission, one that follows Bottura's footsteps, to save the region of Amatrice from a harsh winter that awaits the devastated town. Roped in by the Italian government, Varese will be displaying her excellent culinary skills to an eager crowd of Indian gastronomes, but more importantly, she will be promoting the Amatriciana sauce, in an effort to promote its use and increase its sale. The proceeds from the sale will go into rebuilding Amatrice. If you weren't lucky enough to taste the chef's creations at the the Embassy of Italy on November 23rd, fret not. The First Worldwide Week of Italian Cuisine is on till the 27th of this month. But, there really isn't a reason for you to not celebrate Italian cooking every day. Here is where you can catch the celebrations: Delhi: All Cafe Diva restaurants, Artusi, Ottimo and Italian Cultural Centre Kolkata: Hyatt Regency, The Oberoi Grand, The Park, ITC Sonar Bangla, Taj Bengal --- ENDS --- The Islamic preacher and televangelist issued an open letter, titled 'Facing The Foregone Conclusion', in which he has alleged that the ban on his organisation has been timed with demonetisation to escape resistance. By Vidya , Sahil Joshi: Facing The Foregone Conclusion: The second letter to India I was right after all. IRF and I were set up for a ban. Despite some saying that I played the 'Muslim card', it is now proven that the decision to ban IRF was taken months ago and it was a communal decision. Before investigations were done, even before reports submitted, the ban was already decided. IRF was to be banned. Whether it was owing to my religion or some other reason does not matter. What now matters is that my work of 25 years - completely lawful work - has been banned. And that is the most unfortunate thing for this country. advertisement This must be the most unique ban to be applied in the history of India, because not a single time was I questioned or given a chance to explain. Not a single chance. No notice, no summons, no calls and no contact ever made with me to get my side of the story. I kept offering my help in investigation but it wasn't taken. The entire investigation was completed without any agency asking me a single question about my so called 'wrongdoings'. But then why would they? My participation in the investigation process would have cleared up the air and exonerated me, which wasn't acceptable to the government. Now that they've banned me without asking me a single question, I have no choice left but to answer them only through the legal system and not personally. Their agenda is open and clear: implicate me by hook or by crook, which I will fight. From the government's point of view, the timing itself could not have been better. The decision to ban IRF was taken in the middle of the demonetization fiasco, as the country reeled under the self-imposed cash crunch. I won't be surprised if this ban was meant to distract media from what was going on in the country. For the public that is starved for cash, for trade and basic amenities, one cannot expect much of resistance. Flawless timing really. The ban notification alleges that I have incited violence through some of my statements. I would at this juncture like to re-emphasize that I have at all points only advocated peace and condemned violence in any form. In fact I am one of the few persons who ever publicly spoke against state sponsored violence and terrorism. These facts have never been given their due after having been explained on several occasions. All the questions and allegations have been answered and explained a dozen times in the last few years. To people and to the media. Why? Because most have not bothered to look through the entire portion of the Q&A. They've watched a smaller, doctored clip and based their opinions on it. Common people aside, I expected professional investigators from government agencies to do a thorough job. Had they done so, this issue would have been a no brainer, a non-issue. But I guess, that was not the plan. The plan was to ban, not investigate. advertisement Which is perhaps why the draconian law of UAPA was exercised on very select organisations such as Islamic Research Foundation. The name of the religion has been made synonymous with violence while condoning the reckless behavior of some majority leaders. The law does not seem to apply to the likes of Rajeshwar Singh, Yogi Adityanath and Sadhvi Prachi who continue to make inflammatory speeches aimed at inciting communal hatred for mere political mileage. Rajeshwar Singh of Dharm Jaagran Manch recently made a televised statement that 31st December 2021 will be the last day for Islam and Christianity in India and that he and his associates have taken an oath to end Islam and Christianity from India before 31st December 2021. Don't such statements and many more by fanatics like Sadhvi Prachi and Yogi Adityanath require them to be arrested and tried under UAPA? Leave aside legal action, the government has neither condemned their actions nor reprimanded them. Is this draconian law mainly meant for Muslims? Muslims who've been practicing and propagating their religion peacefully and well within the constitutional framework? Does the UAPA now exist mainly to silence minority groups? advertisement I urge my Muslim brothers and sisters in India to rely on Allah alone, unafraid of this vicious campaign against them. Allah says, 'And if you are patient and fear Allah, their plot will not harm you at all.' (Al-Qur'an 3:120) Like the demonetization fiasco, the Modi government's IRF ban and its modus operandi has been distraught with senseless decisions and knee jerk actions. After having said that the Islamic International School will not be affected, the government goes ahead and freezes the School's bank account. How will a school survive without its day-to-day expenses being met? We're talking about the future of hundreds of school children here. I know, and more than 100 million of my followers across the world know, that I've propagated peace and compassion and justice. I'm very sure I haven't broken any law, and with this ban, I'm even surer that things have happened with a deeper, sinister agenda. The system and agencies have been used to suit a pre-meditated result set by the government of India, a government that took an oath to uphold the Indian Constitution, the same Constitution that allows me the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate my religion. Let us not be gullible to think this was just an attack on me. It is an attack on whom I represent, the Indian Muslims. It is an attack on peace, democracy and justice. advertisement By the grace of the Almighty, my work is now spread across the world and a ban in India, however agonizing, will not ruin everything. I had mentioned in my first letter that God willing many Muslim countries will roll the red carpet for this humble servant of Allah. I have received from several Muslim countries a response better than what I had expected. I will continue my work and rebuild. But India is my home, my roots, and I will fight this ban come what may. God-willing, I will pursue all legal options to repeal this ban. Because Islam has taught me not to let an injustice go by. I will fight, be sure of that. To my fellow Indians, I have only one thing to say. The country's democratic fabric is under attack. People's lives are being played with. Governments are misusing their authority on people they're supposed to protect. This needs to change. It needs to change for the future of every one of us. I have faith in the judiciary and I still believe that truth will prevail and the Modi government will fail in its plans. But whatever the outcome, I strongly believe that the best efforts to quash my work will only help it rise higher and stronger. Even though the Modi government is misusing the law to scare Indian Muslims, these actions, God-willing, will make me strive harder to spread the message of the religion of peace till my last breath. For Allah says, "Truth has (now) arrived, and Falsehood perished: for Falsehood is (by its nature) bound to perish." (Al-Qur'an 17:81) Beshak. Without doubt. Sincerely yours, Dr Zakir Naik Servant of Allah Also Read: Zakir Naik's open letter: IRF ban a communal decision, law doesn't apply to Yogi Adityanath, Sadhvi Prachi Book Zakir Naik under anti-terror law: Solicitor General advises government Zakir Naik's TV speeches banned in Bangladesh Now dubbed a threat, Zakir Naik was once provided security by Mumbai Police Mumbai Police to visit Kerala to seek custody of Zakir Naik's aides IRF says Mumbai police report on Zakir Naik made under media pressure Zakir Naik to India Today: I back Modi's quest to improve relations between Hindus, Muslims WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- Neither a red diaper nor a blue-collar baby, I came circuitously to be one of In These Times original staff writers, covering labor. I grew up on a farm in western Illinois, where my youthful models of alternatives to capitalism owed less to Marxwhom I didnt seriously study until graduate schooland more to the collective work of putting up hay with neighboring farmers and the cooperative traditions of the farm supply company my father managed. My first, minor experience of working-class struggle came in high school, on the grueling job of pulling tassels off seed corn. I led a walkout of fellow workers who shared my resistance to slogging through a muddy field rather than waiting for the ground to dry. We won nothing, but we felt good. As an early 60s student radical I did win some victories in the modest realm of campus politicsand also a week-long expulsion for publishing an alternative newspaper. That led to my first full-time job after college, working for Newsweek in Los Angeles. I had the good fortune to cover the beginnings of the United Farm Workers organizing drive under Cesar Chavez, and learned important lessons about solidarity, persistence and the flaws of even labor movement saints. A few years later, I entered graduate school in anthropology at the University of Chicago. Inspired by Marx to see work as central to the creation of human culture, I did fieldwork for my dissertation not in the usual exotic locales but in eastern Ohio, among the young workers engaged in high-profile conflicts with General Motors at a new factory in Lordstown. Contrary to popular belief, workers there were even more interested in control over their work than in increasing their pay. In These Times founding editor Jim Weinstein, whom I had known through the New American Movement, invited me to join the magazines staff in order to offer strong labor coverage, as most past socialist publications had done, but at a time when mainstream journalism was beginning to ignore unions. Weinstein saw workers as having clear reason to challenge capitalist priorities and the power to do so, if organized, by virtue of their numbers and their vital role in the economy. David Moberg has covered the labor movement for In These Times from its debute issue in 1976. Yet by the late 1970s, the argument that unionsor even the working classformed the core of the socialist Left faced increasing skepticism from leftists who saw civil rights, womens rights or Third World guerrillas as the heart of the movement. And many unions were slow to embrace the new movements. Most had grown complacent and less radical, partly as a result of their own successes, partly because many white unionists were slow to accept people of color as their equals and comrades. That is not to say people of color were absent from the labor struggles of the 1960s and 1970s: In industries where the pay was low and the unions were fewsuch as the public sector, healthcare, hospitality and farm workAfrican Americans, women and Latinos played key roles in organizing, if not always as elected leaders. Meanwhile, different factions of the Left had different priorities for labor. The splintered Socialist Party remnants emphasized influence on union officials, for example, while heirs of Trotskyism and anarcho-syndicalism disdained union officers and championed rank-and-file direct action. CHAMPAIGN -- Whats in your firewood? Tree-killing insects or diseases may be hiding in or on firewood that may be transported hundreds of miles to campsites or fireplaces. The spread of invasive pests often has serious economic consequences, according to Kelly Estes, coordinator of the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS), at the Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute. In a 2011 study published in the PLOS ONE scientific journal, researchers projected that wood-boring insects are anticipated to cause nearly $1.7 billion in local government expenditures in the U.S. and $830 million in lost residential property values over a 10-year time span. Hunters and campers bringing firewood long distances from home to wooded areas or homeowners stacking untreated wood in their yards could be spreading invasive insects. The problem is that insects are hidden in firewood, and you may be moving these pests to new areas without knowing it, Estes said. This can lead to the potential destruction and death of trees in natural and urban areas, a decline in the diversity and quality of natural forests, and even a decline in property values. One noteworthy invasive pest associated with the movement of firewood is the emerald ash borer (EAB). The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has lifted restrictions on the movement of firewood and other materials from ash trees, partly because the EAB is now so prevalent in the state. However, it is still illegal to move these materials across state lines. Although IDOA no longer regulates hardwood firewood, invasive pests such as the European Gypsy Moth, an oak defoliator, and Thousand Cankers Disease of walnuts, transmitted by the Walnut Twig Beetle, are regulated and/or under state and federal quarantines. Check with IDOA if you have any questions about the movement of plant or plant materials. Estes suggests that hunters and campers gather firewood at the campsite, if permitted, or buy it in the local area. Bundled, heat-treated firewood sold at gas stations and stores has been heated to a temperature that kills insect invaders. Look for the USDA APHIS treatment seal that indicates the bundle has been properly treated. The Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign comprises the Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois State Archaeological Survey, Illinois State Geological Survey, Illinois State Water Survey, and Illinois Sustainable Technology Center. PRI provides objective natural and cultural resource expertise, data, research, service, and solutions for decision making, the stewardship of Illinois resources, and the public good. For more information, visit www.prairie.illinois.edu (TCO-PSFR-GS6-86367) Vacancy No. EAPRO/TCO-VA-2016/73 Job Level : GS-6 Duty Station: Thailand Country Office, Bangkok Position No. : 86367 Application Close: 11 December 2016 Contract Type : Fixed-Term Purpose of the Position Under the supervision of Fundraising Specialist, the incumbent will assist in developing the donor retention strategic plan and implementing donor-centric communication programmes. With a focus on telephone marketing and new media, the objective is to better engage donors so they continue making regular donations, stay committed, make a larger gift, renew their regular donations, convert to become regular giving donors and build loyalty. The incumbent will manage the day-to-day operation both in-house and outsourced contractors to ensure optimum delivery of services. Major Responsibilities 1. Support in the development and execution of the private sector fundraising strategic plan Assist in developing donor retention and loyalty strategic plan and implementing donor-centric communication programmes with a focus on using telephone marketing and new media as a means to better engage with donors so that they continue making regular giving donation, staying committed, making a larger gift, renewing their regular giving donations, converting to become a regular giving donor and are saved from becoming an unintentional lapse donor created by dishonored payments due to change in the account details, expired credit card, lost/stolen/frozen cards and/or insufficient funds through a proactive follow-up system and increase of rebilling attempts, and managing and monitoring the performance of both in-house and outsourced contractors to ensure a delivery of excellent services in the area of data collection, gift processing, credit card/direct debit bank submission/collection and call center services. Provide overall administrative support to the team, including arranging meetings and drafting related minutes, maintaining the filing system, etc. 2. Support the monitoring of programme results and report on progress Provide support on the evaluation of the performance of each activity, including analysis of income, expenditure and return on investment (ROI) and progress against budgets. 3. Support in Knowledge Management and capacity building Research, analyze, verify and synthesize information on best practices and lessons learnt to support knowledge development and capacity building in the area of work Support capacity development activities through training and product knowledge briefing to improve performance of in-house and outsourced teams. President Erdogan was reacting to a non-binding vote by the European Parliament to freeze talks on EU membership for Turkey, BBC reports. The MEPs were alarmed by Erdogans disproportionate response to a failed coup attempt in July. Attempts to get visa-free travel for Turks stalled as the country refused to change its anti-terror laws and many in Europe have criticised Turkeys tough response to the failed coup. The migrant numbers reaching the Greek islands have dropped since an EU-Turkey deal in March to curb the influx. President Erdogan accused the EU of breaking its promises. As part of the March deal, Turkey was promised aid, visa-free travel for its nationals and accelerated membership talks. Listen to me: these border gates will be opened if you go any further, he warned the EU on Friday. A spokeswoman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Ulrike Demmer, said the deal was in the interest of all parties and that threats on either side are not helpful. Turkey currently hosts almost three million migrants, mostly from Syria. Last year more than one million fled to Europe, mainly via Turkey. Under the March 2016 agreement, migrants arriving in Greece are now sent back to Turkey if they do not apply for asylum or their claim is rejected. For each Syrian migrant returned to Turkey, the EU is to take in another Syrian who has made a legitimate request. On 3-5 October 2017 Kyiv is going to host the Space and Future Forum to network international experts and youth, many of whom will also participate at the first CosmoHack in the world. Joinfo provides media coverage of the Forum, and some of its topics were already discussed ... News Story not available This story has been published on: 2022-11-02. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. This story is no longer available on our site. Suggestions that President-elect Donald Trump put his business holdings in a "blind trust" to avoid potential conflicts of interest are unrealistic and unfair. Such a trust would not eliminate the virtual certainty that actions Trump takes as president will affect his personal wealth, for good or ill. The step is not required by law. And presidents who have chosen to use this device held very different assets than Trump's. He can keep his holdings and adopt a reasonable system to avoid conflicts and reassure the American people that the Trump administration is acting ethically. To establish a blind trust of the sort used by his predecessors, Trump would not merely have to liquidate a securities portfolio and permit an independent trustee to manage those assets. He would have to sell off business holdings that he has built and managed most of his life, and with which he is personally identified in a way that few other business magnates are. These businesses also provide employment for many thousands of people, including his children. All of it would have to go. This liquidation would by definition take place in the context of a "buyer's market," and so Trump would also be required to accept a vast personal loss in financial worth. Those suggesting the blind trust model must understand that their proposal is a poison pill Trump will not swallow. Moreover, requiring Trump to liquidate his holdings would discourage other entrepreneurs from seeking the presidency, leaving the field clear for professional politicians and investors. Given that the American people have made clear their disgust with Washington's elite, creating a disincentive for businesspeople to seek the presidency is not in the public interest. Trump has suggested that he will let his adult children run the family businesses during his presidency, and there is nothing in the Constitution that prevents this arrangement. The emoluments clause, often invoked as the reason Trump must sell his businesses, is no bar. This constitutional provision prevents the president (and any other federal officer) from accepting gifts or compensation from foreign states. It does not limit Trump's ability to benefit from dealings with non-state foreign entities. Whether a "state-controlled" entity falls within the emoluments clause prohibitions has traditionally been addressed on a case-by-case basis, depending principally on how independently such an entity operates from an actual government. Indeed, it is doubtful that Congress could constitutionally limit the president's personal investments or business activities consistent with separation of powers principles. There are, however, other measures that the president-elect can take to avoid conflicts. He can establish a firewall between himself and his adult children with respect to family business affairs. They would agree to give him no information about their business dealings, and he would pledge not to discuss those dealings with them. In addition, his children could promise to refer any potential transactions involving foreign corporations or other entities to the White House counsel's office or the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel to analyze whether it would raise concerns under the emoluments clause. If the answer is yes, then they will avoid that transaction. The president himself would not be informed of the request or determination. Finally, to the extent he wishes to seek advice about public policy from his children - which he appears to have done frequently before his election - the president can consult the White House counsel's office about whether discussing a particular issue with them would create potential conflicts of interest. Most government issues do not have a direct impact on the hospitality industry and simply taking action that is good for the economy as a whole would not give rise to a conflict. It is clear that Trump cannot satisfy all of his critics, but these measures are both reasonable and workable. They would - or should - reassure most Americans that his administration is acting with probity. Soon after the election of Barack Obama in 2008, Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would do everything in his power to make the Obama administration fail. Recently, after Donald Trump won the election, President Obama said he would do everything in his power to help the incoming administration succeed. With the fall harvest done and his John Deere combine back in the barn south of Minden, Joel Grams planned to head to his local Nebraska Farm Bureau office Wednesday afternoon to talk about health insurance. His current health insurance provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, announced earlier this year it would not sell individual health plans on the Affordable Care Act exchange for Nebraska next year. So he has to find a new option. The president-elect (Donald Trump), I dont know what hell do so were going to have to figure out something now and possibly change later if they repeal or replace (the Affordable Care Act), said Grams. Grams, like many self-employed farmers, relies on individual plans for insurance and has been watching prices climb. Nearly 40 percent of farm and ranch families bought insurance on marketplaces, created by a key provision of the Affordable Care Act, compared to 8 percent nationally, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture research. They will be watching closely as the Republican-controlled Congress and Trump make good on campaign promises to repeal or reform the 6-year-old "Obamacare." Jordan Dux, the Nebraska Farm Bureaus national affairs director, said the focus needs to be on bringing costs down. Any option we can find to bring down costs and make health care affordable, if I can use that word, is something were going to be pushing for extremely hard over the next several months, Dux said. This is an opportunity for us to be very loud in our thoughts on the topic. The big question is: How will that happen? Sen. Ben Sasse, a Nebraska Republican, said Wednesday in an emailed statement "Obamacare" needs to go. "Nebraska's farmers and ranchers know you can't fix central planning's failures with more central planning. We need to completely repeal Obamacare and start over with real solutions that put patients and families ahead of bureaucrats. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan has released a 37-page plan that appears to be one of the most detailed and unified road maps for how Republicans would like to proceed, including insurance sales across state lines, medical liability reform and allowing small businesses and individuals to band together for purchasing power. Dux warned that federal lawmakers need to have a solid plan in place before scrapping the existing system. A complete and total disruption in the health insurance marketplace and completely turning over the entire system again without a real working alternative is just a complete nonstarter with us, Dux said. You just cant completely turn the table over again unless you have something to replace it. Farmers have one of the most dangerous occupations in the nation with constant exposure to heavy machinery, chemicals, large animals, dust and other hazards, said John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union. We have a lot of medical challenges we face on an ongoing basis. And weve always had a substantial problem of being able to find affordable and accessible healthcare, Hansen said. Hansen said uncovered medical conditions had long been one of the top reasons for farm bankruptcies and warned against rolling back healthcare reform to a time when an unfortunate illness could bring an end to generations of hard work and sacrifice. He said the Affordable Care Act, while far from perfect, had been a step in the right direction and could have been better if not for political gridlock. They (Republicans) now have all the cards, Hansen said. Its up to them to come up with a better idea and better product. But just repealing 'Obamacare' doesnt fix what has historically been a major problem in healthcare delivery. Grams, a Republican and chairman of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, has mixed feelings about the Affordable Care Act. He likes that it requires insurance companies to cover people with pre-existing conditions, like his wife, who has diabetes, and his son, who has a heart condition. Between the two of them, they were almost $2,000 a month before (Obamacare), he said. While the cost for them has come down, the price tag to cover him and another son, both healthy, went up. Our deductible is a lot higher than it used to be, too. Were getting less for more, Grams said. Its costing families a lot of money to have insurance. RACINE A 36-year-old Racine woman has been sentenced to three years on probation for calling in a fake bomb threat to a Mount Pleasant company last year, claiming to be affiliated with the Islamic State terrorist group. Thania A. Rodriguez, of the 500 block of Shelbourne Court, was charged last December with calling in the phony threat on Dec. 17 to Seda North America. Rodriguez was a temporary worker with Seda, 12501 Globe Drive, when she reportedly borrowed another workers phone and made the call. The threat, which was reportedly delivered via a 71-second voicemail message, said, in part: This is ISIS, ISIS going to explode Seda. This is a bomb threat for Seda, believe it or not, this is ISIS we are already installed at Seda. You will be down today. The message was left just after 9 a.m. When management heard the threat at 10 a.m., the plant was evacuated and temporarily shut down, the complaint states. On Sept. 13, Rodriguez pleaded no contest to a felony bomb-scare charge. A misdemeanor charge unlawful use of a telephone, was dismissed but read into the record. On Tuesday, Nov. 22, Racine County Circuit Judge Emily Mueller sentenced Rodriguez to probation and 120 days in the Racine County Jail. Mueller stayed most of the jail sentence, however, requiring that Rodriguez serve only two days. Mueller was also ordered her to abstain from drugs and alcohol and to find a way to complete her high school education or obtain vocational training. Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain. Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred. For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here. 8 state ministers from NC to be inducted Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is likely to induct state ministers from the Nepali Congress (NC) on Friday. A burning issue Violence against women is detrimental not only to the victim but to the whole community Allowing naturalised citizens to assume constitutional posts just a rumor: PM Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has refuted rumors about electing naturalised citizenship holders to assume key constitutional posts. Auto driver finds lost 47k in cash, returns to rightful owner An auto rickshaw driver who found Rs 47,000 cash in his vehicle returned it to its rightful owner in Bharatpur, Chitwan. BRB slams protests against amendment Naya Shakti Nepal coordinator Baburam Bhattarai has said that there is no point protesting against the government plan of constitution amendment. CIEDP receives documents of war-era cases The Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons has started tallying details of the complaints received with the information related to the cases registered with various state authorities. Communication gap It was bound to be a slow climate meeting anyway. Having secured the Paris Climate Agreement a year ago, there was no rush as such in Marrakech of Morocco. Construction of Upper Trishuli - III A hydropower project likely to resume soon The reconstruction of the upper Trishuli -III A hydropower project that has been halted since the Gorkha Earthquake last year is likely to take place soon. FM urges Australia to resume visa service from Kathmandu Visiting Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat has urged his Australian counterpart Julie Bishop to restore visa services in Kathmandu. Govt on way to House, oppn to take to streets Though it is not clear when the government will register a constitution amendment proposal in Parliament, it does appear set to do so in a few days. But questions are already being asked: At what cost? Or whose interest will it serve? Govt told to probe fraud cases in foreign job sector The International Affairs and Labour Committee of Parliament has directed the government to take action against those involved in foreign employment related frauds. Huge cuts in infant, child mortality As the government rolled out its plans on Thursday for the next two decades to further reduce the deaths of newborns and stillbirth, Nepal has made a phenomenal success in reducing the mortality of children under five years old. Investment friendly regime Although recent decades have seen a massive inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) in developing countries, FDI in Nepal has had a dismal history. Kathmandu-Nijgadh Fast Track: Youths to organise walking tour to put pressure on govt Youths from Bara district are all set to organise a walking tour all the way to Kathmandu from Bara as a wakeup call to speed up the construction of Kathmandu-Nijgadh Fast Track. Kings College, Yunus Centre join hands Kings College, a leading business school in Kathmandu under the affiliation of Westcliff University, Months of dry weather have left the country vulnerable to fires Myanmar is seeking the ethnic cleansing of the Muslim Rohingya minority from its territory, a senior UN official has told the BBC. MPs against unchecked groundwater extraction Parliamentarians have expressed concern over the uncontrolled exploitation of groundwater in the Kathmandu valley. New civil aviation bill to allow pvt airports The proposed Integrated Civil Aviation Bill 2016 has envisaged allowing the private sector to build and operate airports. NRB: Dont accept new Indian notes Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has advised Nepali citizens against holding newly issued Indian banknotes of IRs500 and IRs2,000 denominations saying it is illegal to do so. PADT expects 500k pilgrims on Bala Chaturdashi The Pashupati Area Development Trust has completed preparations to welcome people who come for the Satbeej Chharne ritual on Sunday in which devotees offer grains to Lord Shiva on the Pashupatinath temple premises. Province 5 split plan sparks protests As the government gears up to register a constitution amendment proposal, which entails splitting Province 5 in a bid to address the row over provincial boundaries, protests have started in different parts of the country. Safe education for all Womens organisations and activists worldwide have been celebrating 16 Days of Activism as a global platform to advocate for womens rights. Sashank objects to changing federal boundary in Nawalparasi Nepali Congress general secretary Sashank Koirala has objected the governments proposal to shift the whole of Nawalparasi district into Province number 5, stating that he would by no means settle in agreeing to make any changes to the existing federal structure in the district. TUTH resident doctors to skip OPD duties Resident doctors of the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) have decided to skip out-patient department from Friday to mount pressure on the government to meet demands of Dr Govinda KC. The minister of Agriculture, Vincent i Ssempijja has revealed that government is in final stages of enacting a law which will help to guide all coffee farmers in the country. Ssempijja revealed this while meeting with a delegation from JAB Holding Company from America which is one of the largest coffee buyer and roasters in the world at the ministrys offices in Entebbe. He said the law is intended at emphasizing the quality of coffee produced in Uganda and proper management of the crop as well as helping farmers to increase acreage. The minister also told the delegation that his ministry is planning to sensitize people in areas where coffee is not grown to also start planting to enable the country regain its position as one of the leading coffee producer in the world Axel Bhat, the leader of the delegation from JAB Holding said his company is ready to buy whatever volume of coffee produced by Ugandan farmers The Japanese Ambassador to Uganda has pledged more support to vocational education as another way of empowering more jobless youths to acquire practical skills. Speaking at the 5th graduation ceremony of Datamine Technical Business School in Kampala, HE: Kazuaki Kameda, the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, says that support his Government has been giving Uganda over years has made some impact in the vocational education sub sector which he said has to be sustained. He says that that Japan has been providing assistance to Ugandas technical education through multiple development cooperation schemes which he said has greatly helped to skill and expand the human resource work force in the country. He says Japan will continue to assist Uganda in this field as one of the joint efforts for Uganda to achieve the middle income status by 2020. Hon Mathias Mpuga, The managing Director of Datamine Technical Business School says that they have changed the image and attitude people had about technical and vocational studies imploring youths that are seeking for jobs to go technical schools to get technical skills because they will help them start their own jobs. Over 374 students graduated with certificates and diplomas in various disciplines including journalism, fashion and design, information technology and business management among others. By Abubaker Kirunda Police in Jinja are holding two people for allegedly attempting to sell bullets to residents in Jinja The duo has been identified as Ronald Kisira a resident of Sakabusolo in Mafubira sub-county and Benard Kadama Naminya a resident of Masese one village in Walukuba-Masese division in Jinja. The Jinja police OC Station Tyson Lutambika says the suspects were arrested from Mailo mbiri a long Jinja-Iganga highway as they looked for market for four bullets they had. Lutambika says police acted on a tip off to send detectives who pretended as buyers and arrested the suspects. He says police later went to their residences were army uniforms and boots were also recovered. He says the suspects who are being held at Jinja CPS will be charged with possession of government stores. BROOKE ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, Texas -- Researchers, doctors and biotechnicians at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research are working on a new, more efficient way to administer blood to troops in a heavy trauma situation. One possibility? Powdered blood. Researchers are looking at, "How do we replicate the red blood cell?" said Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Johnson, commanding general of Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, which sits adjacent to the research facility. During Defense Secretary Ash Carter's Nov. 16 tour of the hospital, Johnson spoke with Military.com about the latest medical technologies the institute is cultivating "because on the battlefield, that's a big issue for us." It's complicated to keep blood, "at the right temperature, in the right volume, make sure it can still store oxygen when you put it into somebody," Johnson said. As a result, researchers are trying to develop an artificial blood product. "We're looking at powder products that get reconstituted [as liquid]," he said. It would save the exhaustive measures required to keep whole blood viable while in remote areas or on the battlefield. Skin in a Spray Bottle Johnson said the institute is also looking at ways to patch up burn victims on site. "They're developing artificial skin, or skin that comes from just a very small piece of a person's skin, and then can be made into a large amount, and then be put into a spray bottle," he said. The flesh mist would regenerate and grow as it is applied to the surface of the body. New breakthroughs will also help drive how doctors can operate or respond to trauma without the tools provided in an operating room. Brooke Army Medical Center wants its doctors and technicians to be able to "make critical decisions in that austere environment," Johnson said. The 425-bed facility has more than 8,800 employees. Johnson said the staff breakdown is roughly 20 percent soldiers, 20 percent airmen, 20 percent contractors and 40 percent civilians. At any given time, there are about 600 residents and fellows, military and nonmilitary, training in the latest medical practices and skill sets. The facility has 900 medical students on an annual basis, and 1,200 medical technicians "who receive all of their clinical exposure here in this facility as well," Johnson said. It all "really drives us to the center of our mission, which is figuring out, 'How do we generate readiness either in trainees, or in our staff, to be able to deploy tonight, or to take care of an extensively wounded service member from downrange who arrives here tonight?' " he said. Some of that also applies to outpatient care. Prosthetic Advances A practice "for years" at Brooke has been to forgo buying off-the-shelf prosthetics. Instead everything is engineered at the facility to individualize the end product. "So what we're buying is a nut, bolt, hinge, and then we're turning it into some of those prosthetics such as a [walkable] spring, or a flipper if you want to swim, a running shoe, whatever," Johnson said. Brooke has advanced its prosthetics technology over the last 15 years. In 2009, for example, its Center for the Intrepid for rehabilitation created the Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis, or IDEO, a lightweight, hydraulic assist, carbon-fiber device that "increases mobility and decreases pain for wounded service members with lower leg injuries," according to a release. Johnson said that product has now been commercialized. "The cool thing is, the soldiers that needed that kind of device were chaptered out of the military," he said, "but now, 60 percent of them have returned back to their unit[s]." No Yes, a light case Yes, two or more light cases One serious case Two or more serious bouts Vote View Results Brandon Gador is not looking to "disrupt" the world of outdoor hobbyists. Yes, he may be a San Francisco-based tech nerd, and yes, he may be working on an iPhone app for deer hunters. But one of the reasons the ex-Madisonian loves to hunt whitetail deer besides his love of the outdoors and venison is the tradition baked into the culture. That's something he wants to preserve with his app, Quiver. "There's a balance I'm trying to strike with Quiver," said Gador. "There's the tradition of it. There's some pushback from the hunting crowd when it comes to technology." There are clear examples of technology crossing the line, said Gador. The use of drones to track deer movement, for example, would never fly. And even when it comes to smartphone applications, there are lines Gador wouldn't cross. Quiver gives hunters the ability to log their hunts Gador describes it as a "smart, mobile journal." It can store photos, and record events like deer sightings and shots fired. Quiver also provides and records real-time weather data, things like barometric pressure and wind speed and direction. However, Gador says he would never use his app to do something like share hunter locations. "People are very secretive of their hunting spots," he said. "We want to make sure we respect that." Gador believes that his background in tech and product design, along with his love of fishing and game, puts him in a good position to help introduce helpful technology into a tech-averse culture. "The hunting and fishing space is generally five years behind," said Gador. "I want to bridge that gap." Gador grew up in Cedarburg, about an hour east of Madison, where he would often go hunting with his dad. It was after he moved to Madison in 2004 to attend the University of Wisconsin, though, that he truly got hooked. After a few years, the entrepreneur decided to try building a tech product specifically for the deer hunter market. His first attempt, a social media network for hunters, failed to take off. The same was true for his second app, a photo-sharing platform similar to Instagram, once again specifically tailored for hunters. With Quiver, Gador thinks he's onto something. The app is steadily growing its user base. For the 2015 hunting season, Quiver had about 5,000 users. For the current season, the user base features approximately 15,000 people. Gador says it's noteworthy that the growth is all organic, and not driven by marketing. Wisconsinites comprise a solid chunk of that number the only state that was more active during the 2015 hunting season was Michigan. "I don't think this is going to be super widespread, and take over the hunting community by storm," acknowledged Gador. "But it has a niche of users." Gador has big aspirations for the app, once he and his small team irons out some basic wrinkles. For one thing, he hopes to begin implementing more shared data. No, he wouldn't share a hunter's secret location for all the world to see, but photo sharing and leaderboards wouldn't be out of the question. He also hopes to begin getting deeper insights from the data the app collects. "There's a lot of folklore about why deer move at certain times," he said. "Using data, we could either prove or disprove those theories." He ultimately wants Quiver to be one among a suite of products for hunting and fishing. Until, then Quiver remains a project Gador works on during his nights and weekends. One day, he hopes, it will be his fulltime job. Daniel Joe Joseph Gaulke was born Sept. 25, 1953, to Mary and Richard Gaulke. On Nov. 17, 2016, he suffered an aortic aneurysm and was taken from us. Danny met Jackie Bingham in 1968. She was 12 and he was 15. They were married Oct. 20, 1973. They spent the next 43 years completely in love. They began their life together in Merrillan, Wis., where they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Melinda Rae. They made homes together in Cataract, and rural Black River Falls, near Shamrock, where they were blessed with their beautiful baby boy, Jason Daniel. Cataract and Humbird, were also homes for the family. 1988 took them to Hixton, where he lived the rest of his days. As a young man, Danny worked at Grouchys Truck Stop in Black River Falls, as a mechanic. He worked for a short time at Mathy Construction. After Danny and Jackie married, he went to La Crosse Tech School. Shamrock Garage and Machine Shop was his next stop turning wrenches. He loved new experiences, so he spent some time doing professional painting with his brother-in-law, and then two years driving back and forth to St. Paul, working construction. In 1988, his sister, Barb, told him Northern Christmas Tree Growers was looking for a mechanic. Danny met Cal Frelk. Danny (Joe) was hired that day, and spent the next 29 years working for his Christmas tree family. Danny was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. No man was ever more loved and respected. He shared his life with his family and friends. He worked hard his whole life. There wasnt anything he couldnt do. Most all things Danny did involved his family and friends. He was a hunter and fisherman and enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips, (boy is that an understatement), to Canada, Florida, Texas, Colorado, Webster, Cornell and the Holmen farm, just to name a few. He was a lifelong (never missed a game) Packers fan. He also followed the Brewers and the Badgers. A rousing game of cribbage was always welcomed. Tuesday nights were reserved for NCIS; Wednesday was Amazing Race or Survivor. His quiet moments were a cup of coffee on the deck, watching his birds and squirrels, or reading from his library of Louis Lamour and The Executioner Series, and reading magazines and newspapers. In 2004, he surprised his wife with his very own Harley Davidson motorcycle. Daniel is survived by his loving wife, Jackie; daughter, Mindee Lawrence (Pete) of Merrillan; son, Jason Gaulke (Melissa) of Sparta; five grandchildren, Matthew, Tekilla, Mistical, Trinitie and Lucy; five sisters, Diane Januesheske of Hayward, Tammy (John) Bingham of Cataract, Ann Gile (Joe) of Cataract, Pat (Jesse) Sackett of Rockland, and Elly (Keith) Poppe of Centerville; one brother, Mike (Rhonda) Flick of Sparta; Aunt Barb and Uncle Ted Federman of Shamrock; and many nieces and nephews. Daniel is also survived by his extended family, Florance Bingham of Beloit, Jean (Mike) Garey of Sparta, Julie (AJ) Mann of Black River Falls, John (Tammy) Bingham of Cataract, Jeff (Laurie) of Onalaska, Jeanette Stowers of Beloit, and many nieces and nephews. And because it takes a village to raise a child, the families that helped to create the wonderful man that was our husband, father, grandfather and friend have our love and gratitude. Dannys dad, Stephen Gile; grandma Federman (who reportedly spoiled him); Uncle Ted and Aunt Barb Federman; his friend, Greg shared his parents, Conrad (Bud) and Joyce Johnson; his Northern Christmas Tree Farm family, Cal and Arlene Frelk, John and Ginger Ahl and children; and his co-workers, past and present. We Thank You. You have our gratitude and love. Daniel was preceded in death by his mother, Mary; and father, Richard; dad, Stephen Gile; father-in-law, Boone Bingham; sisters, Barb Czarnik, Betsy Santucci and Joy Bingham; and his best friend, Cal Frelk. Visitation was held from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, followed by a memorial service. The holidays are the busiest time of the year for downtown businesses All Glazed Up, Creative Canvas & Board and Generous Earth Pottery, owner Karen Bressi says. Bressi said holiday shoppers plus the boost local stores get from events such as Small Business Saturday this weekend make this time of year important to her bottom line. For many La Crosse retailers, 2016 has been a good year, and they hope to keep the momentum going into the New Year. At All Glazed Up, where customers purchase and paint their own pottery creations, holiday items already fill the shelves, from Christmas tree ornaments to Santa Claus plates. A lot of customers visit the store as part of a holiday tradition, Bressi said, getting together with friends or family to make some holiday memories. We like to push word of mouth that you can make your own gifts for the holidays, she said. Small Business Saturday is sponsored by American Express and promotes shopping local on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. La Crosses Downtown Main Street has participated for several years, executive director Robin Moses said, providing signs and banners to local businesses to help promote the event. The event is a good way to remind people at the start of the holiday shopping season to support local businesses. Many stores and businesses in La Crosse will be open for extended hours this holiday, and events such as Rotary Lights also help keep the focus on downtown stores. The downtown will also host Santa and Mrs. Claus this year, with the first family of the holiday spirit taking up residence in the Doerflinger building starting this weekend and staying there through Christmas. You can visit the duo from 2 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, as well as 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. We just hope people will take the time to come down and shop, Moses said. We want them to support their local businesses. Finnottes Nut and Chocolate Shop owner Laurie Finn said her business anticipates being very busy on Saturday and it is always fun to see the downtown filled with shoppers enjoying the holidays. The event has grown each year, she said, especially for businesses like hers that get busier as Christmas draws near. This year, winter sales are even more important to her business in a year when Valentines Day came during Lent. Its bigger than huge, she said. The holidays are very much a significant part of our year. Jill Stein raises $2 million for recounts: WASHINGTON, D.C. Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein has raised $2 million for recounting votes in in three Rust Belt states won by Donald Trump. Stein's campaign quickly reached her the $2 million goal and has increased the target to $4 million to pursue the recounts. A group of prominent computer scientists and election lawyers this week questioned whether the results in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin were manipulated or hacked. The deadlines to file for recounts are Friday in Wisconsin, Monday in Michigan and Wednesday in Pennsylvania. Trump's team to raise millions for Jan. 20 events: PALM BEACH, Fla. The scramble to shape his administration underway, President-elect Donald Trump's team has simultaneously begun turning its attention to raising tens of millions of dollars for festivities related to his Washington inauguration. Trump, who vowed during the campaign to "drain the swamp" of special interests corrupting Washington, has set $1 million donation limits for corporations and no limits for individual donors, according to an official on the Presidential Inaugural Committee with direct knowledge of tentative fundraising plans. IS car bomb kills 56, including 20 Iranians: HILLA, Iraq A car bomb tore through a gas station south of Baghdad on Thursday, killing at least 56 people, including 20 Iranians, in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. Police and hospital officials confirmed the toll and said another 45 people were wounded in the attack, which almost completely destroyed the gas station, several nearby stores and set several cars on fire. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Qashqavi was quoted by the semi-official Tasnim news agency as saying that 80 people were killed, including 40 Iranians. Conflicting death tolls are common in the aftermath of large attacks. Colombia government, rebels sign revised peace agreement: BOGOTA, Colombia Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos signed a revised peace agreement with the country's largest rebel movement on Thursday, making a second attempt within months to end a half century of hostilities. Santos and Rodrigo Londono, leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, signed the 310-page accord at Bogota's historic Colon Theater nearly two months after the original deal was surprisingly rejected in a referendum. Turkey says 3 troops killed in Syrian government airstrike: ISTANBUL Three Turkish soldiers were killed in northern Syria in what the Turkish military said was a pre-dawn Syrian airstrike on Thursday, an account disputed by Syrian activists, who said the soldiers were killed by an Islamic State suicide attack the day before. However, a Syrian monitoring group that tracks the conflict through a network of activists on the ground said the Turkish soldiers were killed by an IS suicide attack on Wednesday. If the attack is confirmed to be a Syrian government airstrike, it would escalate tensions with Turkey, which is a leading supporter of the rebels fighting to topple President Bashar Assad. MADISON One of my summer jobs in high school was teaching swimming lessons at the local high school pool. Have you ever seen a video of someone drowning? I watched a few such videos during my training. Someone who is drowning will do almost anything to get his or her head above water, including pushing another human being under the water in order to save him or herself. Wisconsin dairy farms are drowning right now drowning in a global oversupply of milk. Oversupply drives prices down, with tragic but predictable results. According to the National Ag Statistics Service, Wisconsin lost 201 dairy farms in the first half of 2016 an average of 33 dairy farms per month, or one per day. How many dairy farms are in your county? How long until all but a handful are gone? Given the level of our desperation, any opportunity to export our oversupply to another country looks like our saving grace. Maybe, we think, those new exports will give us just enough breathing room to get our heads above water. In the midst of our own struggles, we usually dont think about the farmer we pushed underwater to save ourselves. In the wake of the North American Free Trade Agreement, for example, increasing U.S. exports to Mexico meant the displacement of thousands of Mexican dairy farmers, who couldnt compete with cheaper U.S. imports. (Many of those displaced Mexican farmers immigrated legally or otherwise to the United States, but thats a discussion for a different day.) If we do think about our Mexican counterparts who have lost their farms, we steel ourselves with the idea that thats just the cost of doing business, or they needed to get more efficient, like us. Mostly were just relieved to have the chance to farm another year, another decade, maybe keep alive the hope of passing the farm to the next generation. We may find ourselves relating a lot more to the dairy farmers on the bottom of the stack if the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal between the U.S. and 11 Pacific-Rim nations, is ratified by Congress. New Zealand, one of the signatories to the partnership, is the worlds largest exporter of dairy products, representing approximately one-third of international dairy trade each year. Ninety-five percent of New Zealand dairy production is exported, compared to 14 percent of U.S. production. One of New Zealands top exports, milk protein concentrates, displaces raw milk as an ingredient in Wisconsin cheese production. Do you think New Zealand dairy farmers, so reliant on export markets, might be feeling a little over their heads in the current global oversupply of milk? According to the Wall Street Journal, they are facing the lowest pay prices they have seen in 13 years. Maybe they are eying exports to the $48 billion U.S. dairy market as the saving grace they need to get through the next year, the next decade. You can hardly blame them for doing whatever it takes to save their farms for the next generation even if it means undercutting an American dairy farmers livelihood. If those drowning New Zealand dairy farmers are anything like us, they are only thinking about our farms long enough to rationalize that we probably just needed to get more efficient. (Nevermind that New Zealand dairy exports to the U.S. will be assisted by government policies in New Zealand such as a state-mandated monopoly on exporting just as U.S. exports to Mexico were assisted by U.S. government subsidies such as the Dairy Export Incentive Program.) There is an alternative. We fellow dairy farmers can stop pushing each other under in trade deals that throw farmers and workers, American or otherwise, into the floodwaters. We need to say no to the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Instead of pouring out our oversupply elsewhere, we should take a good hard look inside our own borders and ask why we keep finding ourselves underwater in the first place. That means we farmers need to get smart and demand a federal dairy policy that holds back the floodwaters of an oversupply of milk. Newsflash: farmers no matter where they are from do not benefit from policies like the Trans-Pacific Partnership that encourage oversupply and drive milk prices down. Thats true whether youre a farmer from Mexico, Canada, New Zealand, or the U.S. The only entities that benefit from an oversupply of milk are dairy processors and retailers who can get their primary input at bargain-basement prices, and then keep the savings for themselves rather than passing them along to consumers. Canadian farmers years ago realized the problem of oversupply, and came together to prevent it through a quota system. As a result, Canadian farmers can actually make a living and afford to modernize on a farm of 100 cows or fewer. However, if the Trans-Pacific Partnership passes, the Canadian oversupply control system will be dismantled. American exports to Canada will increase, pay prices in Canada will drop, and thousands of Canadian dairy farms will go under. I take no joy in the fact that by pushing them under we can make it another year. I would rather that all dairy farmers keep their heads above water. The take-home from my swimming-teacher days is that you cant get pushed underwater yourself, and you wont drown anyone else either, if youre standing on dry land. Oversupply management is like draining the water out of the pool it allows everyone to stand on their own feet, without pushing anyone else under for the sake of survival. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. When floodwaters poured into Holly Furlongs Virginia Beach home in October, she ripped out electrical cords and rushed her four children upstairs. They spent the next two days without power, building blanket forts while anxiously waiting for sewage-tainted waters to recede. Nearly two months later, Furlong, 34, said shes being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder. It changes your sense of security, she said of the flooding that inundated 1,400 homes and business in Virginia Beach after weeks of rain. It kind of bursts your optimistic bubble for life. Things that didnt seem possible, because they were so bad, seem possible. In a region under siege from rising sea levels, the heavy rains brought flood worries to a new level. Instead of the storm surge many fear, the rain overwhelmed drainage systems in neighborhoods miles from the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby Chesapeake Bay. Homes that never flooded before were overrun with two or three feet of water. Experts warn that flooding will likely increase in Virginias Hampton Roads region, where Virginia Beach and six other cities are clustered on or near the states low-lying coast. The land is sinking and the sea is rising at the highest rate on the East Coast, they say. Global warming threatens to draw more intense rain storms up the Eastern Seaboard. Fears are growing that this historically prime location for military installations threatens livelihoods as much as it sustains them. The Atlantic meets the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay here along with the confluence of three rivers. The worlds largest naval base sits in Norfolk, nearby. A commercial port, ship builders and a railroad help fuel the economy. But the cities were built on low coastal plains and filled-in creek beds. Water drains slowly into a jagged latticework of tidal rivers and tributaries. The Center for Sea Level Rise at Old Dominion University in Virginia said the regions population of 1.7 million is the countrys second most vulnerable to sea-level rise, facing a potential increase of five feet by centurys end. A study released this month by William & Mary Law School said a major storm surge could cause $100 million in damage if nothing is done to counter sea-level rise by 2060. Robert Tuleya, a hurricane expert at the Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, said theres reason to worry about more rain-induced floods. Theres pretty good evidence ... that this will happen more often, attributable to global warming, said Tuleya. But he cautioned its hard to blame global warming for any one storm. Flooding is common enough that 280 homes over the years have filed multiple flood damage claims, noted Rich Sobota, an insurance specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The latest flooding followed weeks of rain after multiple storms stalled off the coast, with Hurricane Matthews remnants serving as the tipping point. All told, it was the areas second wettest 35-day stretch in recorded history, said Larry Brown, a National Weather Service meteorologist. Aid is now flowing after President Barack Obamas disaster declarations for the seven cities, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake. More than 2,700 people so far have gotten more than $5 million, much of it for hotel rooms. The regions cities already were focused on various flood-protection projects. Now the disaster has brought renewed urgency to the debates over their cost and priority. On Nov. 8, Virginia Beach voted down a referendum for a light rail system, with opponents calling for drains, not trains. Erin Sutton, Virginia Beachs deputy emergency management coordinator, said the city is prioritizing projects. But she said easy solutions are elusive in a region plagued by rising tides, high water tables and low elevation. Jim Redick, Norfolks director of emergency management and response, said: If we did everything we wanted to do, it would cost over $1 billion. Friday, November 25, 2016 Warning that Egypt's travel bans and other restrictions on the free speech of human rights defenders appear politically motivated to choke legitimate and democratic debate, both within and outside, the country, a United Nations rights expert today, strongly advised the Government to repeal the existing travel bans and refrain from imposing further restrictions. Restrictions imposed on defenders' freedom of movement have regrettably become routine in what is seen as a broader crackdown against Egyptian civil society that has continued unabated since 2011, said the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Michel Forst in a news release from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The restrictions are often based on investigations relating to a controversial foreign funding case, also known as 'Case No. 173,' which reportedly led to the leaders and staff of at least 37 Egyptian rights organizations being charged with receiving 'illegal foreign funding' and 'working without permission.' It is seriously concerning to observe that travel bans, along with other restrictions on fundamental freedoms to free speech, association and assembly, seem to have become politically motivated means to stifle civil society movement in the country, and to choke legitimate and democratic debate, both within and outside Egypt, said the UN expert, adding that the growing use of travel bans as a method of preventing the legitimate exercise of rights has a chilling effect on human rights defenders and general society. Mr. Forst also warned that stopping people participating in rights activities abroad could violate the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and breach the spirit of the U.N. Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, which gives people the right to promote human rights at the national and international levels. Despite reassurances by the Government that the travel bans are in line with the principle of criminal justice, Mr. Forst highlighted a series of procedural concerns. For example, he said, the activists were not being notified of the bans before they attempted to travel, and were often not told the legal basis or how to appeal, resulting in their inability to challenge the decision. I strongly advise the Egyptian State to repeal the existing travel bans and refrain from imposing further restrictions against human rights defenders, to ensure that it does not contravene international human rights norms and standards, said Mr. Forst. The Government should consider dedicating its legal, administrative and financial resources to empowering civil society, rather than obstructing its activities and undermining fundamental freedoms, which the State is charged to respect and protect, he said. Independent experts and Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva-based U.N. 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. (UN Press Release) https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/international_law/2016/11/egypt.html 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. Every year around the Thanksgiving holiday, a strange ceremony happens in Washington, DC. The president stands outside the White House, gives a brief speech and then officially pardons a turkey. A pardon is a declaration that someone will not be punished. In this ceremony, President Barack Obama promises not to cook and eat a certain turkey, even though turkeys are the traditional Thanksgiving meal. You might be asking yourself, "What is the connection between turkeys, Thanksgiving and grammar?" In today's report, we explore what turkeys can teach you about English verbs. In particular, we will show you how Thanksgiving can teach you to use stative verbs. We will also show you the difference between stative and progressive verbs. What is a stative verb? The term stative verb refers to a verb that has a stative meaning. In other words, these verbs show or describe conditions or situations that do not do anything but exist. Verbs that commonly have a stative meaning include: verbs that show emotional states, such as love and dislike; verbs that describe sense perceptions, such as smell or taste; verbs that show existence, such as seem or look. In the present tense, a verb with a stative meaning is generally used in its simple form. "I love turkey," or "Americans like turkey" are two examples. Verbs that have stative meanings are generally not used in the progressive tense. So, you will probably not hear a native speaker say, "I am loving turkey," or "Americans are liking turkey." Thanksgiving and stative verbs Do not fear: we can use our Thanksgiving example to make the point clearer. Imagine you are at an American store. You hear a conversation between a customer and a store employee. The customer wants to buy a turkey that weighs 10 pounds, or 4.5 kilograms. Unlike the turkey from the pardoning ceremony, this turkey will have a sad fate: the dinner table. The conversation you hear might go like this: Customer: How much does that turkey weigh? Butcher: It weighs 10 pounds. Customer: How much does it cost? Butcher: It costs 20 dollars. In the dialogue, you can hear two examples of stative verbs: weigh and cost. The butcher said, "The turkey weighs 10 pounds, and "The turkey costs 20 dollars." In both cases, the verbs have a stative meaning: The butcher is describing a condition or situation that simply exists the weight and cost of the turkey. Now imagine you are eating Thanksgiving dinner with an American family. You might hear any one of the following sentences: "I love turkey!" "I dislike turkey." "The turkey smells wonderful!" "The food tastes great!" "The turkey seems undercooked." "The turkey looks awful." All these sentences include stative verbs. You might notice that the verbs are also in the simple present form. Why not use a progressive verb? So, why would an English speaker not say, "The turkey is seeming undercooked," or, "I am disliking turkey?" Susan Conrad and Douglas Biber are two English grammar experts. They say that, in general, English speakers use the progressive tense only when the subject of the verb actively controls the state or action. In addition, English speakers generally use the progressive only when the verb describes an action or state that happens over an extended period of time. So, you would not hear an English speaker say, "The turkey is seeming undercooked" because the subject of the verb, the turkey, does not control its state being undercooked. For the same reason, you would not hear an English speaker say, "I am disliking turkey," because the verb's subject, I, probably does not have control over the action of disliking turkey. Now, some verbs can have stative and progressive meanings. Consider these examples: "The food tastes good." "President Obama is tasting the food." In the first sentence, the food does not control whether it is good or bad. As a result, the verb taste has a stative meaning because it simply describes the condition of the food. In the second sentence, "President Obama is tasting the food," the subject of the verb, President Obama, has control over his action. In addition, the action takes place over an extended period of time: Obama must think about tasting food, then raise the food to his mouth, then consider its quality. So, you could say that the verb taste in this example has a progressive meaning. What can you do? The next time you are reading or listening to the news, pay special attention to the verbs. Notice when the progressive form is used, and when the simple form is used. Then ask yourself why. Does the verb's subject control the action? Does the action occur over an extended period of time? Or does the verb simply describe a condition that exists? If you are still confused about whether you should use a simple or progressive verb in your own conversations, Conrad and Biber have one tip that might help you. They say that in conversations, English speakers use simple verbs around 120 times in every 1,000 words. Progressive verbs are much less common: they appear fewer than 20 times in every 1,000 words.* I'm Alice Bryant. And I'm John Russell. John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. * See Conrad, Susan and Biber, Douglas. Real Grammar: A Corpus-Based Approach to English. Pearson-Longman. 2009. Pgs. 4-6 ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story stative adj. expressing a state, condition, or relation progressive adj. of or relating to the progressive tense of a verb dislike v. to not like (something or someone) undercooked adj. not cooked enough The United States Department of the Treasury is selling Lucky Money for the Chinese New Year. The special one-dollar note comes with a series of numbers beginning with 8888. The number 8 is considered lucky in Chinese culture. The special U.S. dollar comes in a bright red envelope, with Chinese symbols or lettering. The envelope has a picture of a colorful bird: a rooster. That makes sense. 2017 is the Year of the Rooster. The rooster is one of 12 signs connected with the Chinese Lunar Calendar. The Lucky Money Collection went on sale recently. Sales will continue until the Lucky Money collectibles sell out, even if that comes before the Chinese New Year. In 2017, the New Year will begin on January 28. Selling Chinese New Year products is nothing new for the U.S. government. Since the Year of the Dragon in 2000, the Treasury Department has sold Lucky Money collectibles. Its extremely well received, said Leonard Olijar. He is director of the Treasury Departments Bureau of Engraving and Printing. He went on to say: Its our most successful cultural product that we have. We expect well sell out in the first week of its release. Lydia Washington already has her Lucky Money. She believes it will bring her good luck. I mean, its pretty and shiny. What more can you ask? Lucky money products are awesome. The Treasury Department said it is limiting sales this year to 88,888 lucky dollars. That makes sense for a product connected to the lucky number, 8. Each Chinese New Year product sells for $5.95. They are sold through this website. Im Bruce Alpert. Nike Ching reported on this story for VOANews.com. Bruce Alpert adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. Do you believe your luck would improve if you had a lucky dollar? _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story envelope - n. an enclosing cover for a letter, card or money rooster - n. an adult male chicken Lunar Calendar - n. a calendar based on cycles of the moon awesome - adj. extremely good scholarship, news and new ideas in legal history A 911 dispatcher in Pasco County spends her nights helping first responders preform rescues, but her work doesnt end there. By day, she saves animals. Pasco dispatcher helps save animals, too She's helped hundreds of animals find forever homes You can say emergency services is a family affair for Lauren Bertke. My husband is a firefighter-paramedic and I was his dispatcher when we lived in Ohio and his partner," said Bertke. "Now I dispatch him down here." Bertke works nights at the Pasco County Emergency Operations Center as a dispatcher. By day I am a dog rescuer," laughed Bertke. Bertke takes in any animal that needs a home -- from a potbelly pig to a fish. She used to run a non-profit animal rescue. Within two years, she helped 300 animals get adopted. When I was kid anything that needed a home came home, sometimes in my pocket," said Bertke. Most of the animals she has now came from shelters, from people who couldnt take care of them, or were strays -- like her dog, Ellie. Ellie recently had an encounter with the Pasco County Sheriffs Office. She was malnourished. She [Ellie] wandered up to one of their cruisers and just looked at them and gave those big puppy dog eyes that she has and he asked her what she needed and she just looked at him and hopped in the back seat," said Bertke. Over the last two weeks, Bertke has nursed Ellie back to health. Just like the fish, rat, potbelly pig, six dogs and five cats she continues to care for. People tell me all the time 'Oh you rescue them,'" said Bertke. "No, they rescue us." CONAKRY, Guinea - Cambridge Broadband Networks (CBNL), a market leader in licensed point-to-multipoint (PMP), has announced a landmark partnership with InterCEL +, a subsidiary of Expresso Telecoms Group, to build a major wireless network that will distribute high-capacity broadband from the ACE (Africa Coast to Europe) submarine fibre system to major urban and business regions in Guinea. Image by 123RF Utilising CBNLs VectaStar PMP solution, InterCEL + has already established phase one of the network in the capital city of Conakry, offering businesses up to a tenfold increase in bandwidth compared to the legacy WiMAX links they had previously been limited to. In the following phases, InterCEL + will extend connectivity to major urban areas along the coast and inland to the under-served mining regions, which have previously lacked substantial broadband provision. The project is set to provide a significant boost to local economies across Guinea, offering businesses affordable access to fibre-like broadband speeds that enable a wealth of advanced communications. With the mining sector representing 15% of Guineas Gross Domestic Product, the network will drive enormous benefits for the nation. VectaStars highly efficient business case played a central role in realising the project, offering up to 50% total cost of ownership savings over alternative carrier-grade point-to-point technology. This has already enabled InterCEL + to deploy area coverage of 600Mbps across many areas of Conakry, which businesses can connect to in just a matter of days. Mutaz Elbadawi, chief commercial officer, InterCEL +, said: Were delighted to announce CBNLs landmark project with InterCEL +, which will deliver the ACE fibre systems high-speed internet to the door of thousands of businesses across the country. The network has the potential to revolutionise broadband in Guinea, helping businesses develop value added services, compete on international markets and transform their growth potential. VectaStar was the stand-out solution for the project, offering best-in-class performance and a business case that enables us to quickly deploy coverage across the country. The platform is now established as a key component of our network strategy and will play an important role as we scale our network capacity in the future. Kamel Kaddoumi, VP Sales MENA, CBNL, commented: The project is well under way in Conakry and will replicate the success CBNL has already had in supporting Expresso to expand high-capacity broadband across Senegal and Mauritania. This latest partnership strengthens CBNL platforms global footprint, with VectaStar now deployed across 47 countries, including for seven of the worlds top 10 largest mobile operators. Actor Ranveer Singh has apologized for participating in an advertisement by Danish menswear brand Jack and Jones that was heavily criticized on Twitter for its sexist approach. In a statement to Times Now, the actor has issued apology and claimed responsibility for his actions. "I'm sorry this happened. We got it wrong on billboards. We have rectified the mistake and the ad was withdrawn immediately," he said. #StopEndorsingSexism I'm sorry this happened. We got it wrong on billboards. Rectified mistake, ad withdrawn. Ranveer Singh to @TimesNow pic.twitter.com/6Q18b479Yx TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) November 25, 2016 A couple of weeks before the release of his next film Befikre, Singh has chosen not to go the carefree way in this case and has responded positively to all the criticism that he received on Twitter, including from Tamil actor Siddharth, who dubbed the ad as a #fail and expressed his disappointment in the creative team for projecting such a regressive idea. Singh featured in an ad in which he, decked up in western formals, was shown carrying a woman on his shoulders while a lift boy in the background sported a smirk. The billboard ad, which was displayed in 12 cities, shouted out, "Don't hold back. Take your work home." Twitter outraged over the ad that not only projected women as sex objects but also was insensitive towards the grave issue of women harassment at workplace. A complaint against the ad was registered in the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) forcing the MNC to withdraw the ad at once. Though the brand issued apology to the complainants, Singh's fans were expecting an apology from the actor who is said to take keen interest in the scripting of all his commercials. Singh has finally broken the silence on the issue and issued an apology. The fans are glad that Singh has chosen not to hold back his apology and agreed that giving star power to the regressive ad was a bad decision. Having made a significant impact in the home turf with its wide-range of products in a short time, Baba Ramdev-led Patanjali Ayurveda may soon cross the country's borders in an attempt to woo customers in international markets. Amazon, the US e-commerce giant Amazon, is evaluating the move in its zest to boost its product portfolio globally. If the deal fructifies, Patanjali's products will be sold by Amazon through its e-commerce portal in nine countries, including the US, UK and Japan, Hindustan Times report said. For Amazon these countries account for 300 million shoppers on its website. "We are in talks with the top 100 Indian brands. We can't comment on the specific partnership (with Patanjali)," Hindustan Times report said quoting Gopal Pillai, head of seller services at Amazon India. "Many of the brands have also become sellers on the Amazon platform," added Pillai. Although, Patanjali did not confirm the possible deal with Amazon, experts believe the likely partnership could be a big positive for the yoga guru-led entity which has been fast gaining market share in the highly-competitive domestic FMCG space. Besides this, Patanjali is also planning to soon launch its 'swadeshi' jeans, kurta, pyjamas, caps and electronic items. Earlier this month, Patanajli Ayurved had said it will invest around Rs 1,300 crore to set up a facility in Assam, which would manufacture a wide range of consumer products such as cosmetics, nutritional foods and kitchen essentials among others. Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government also approved Patanjali Ayurved's Rs 2,000 crore investment in the state, which includes a 450-acre food park on the Yamuna Expressway. Patanjali claims the facility in Assam will provide employment to around 5,000 people,while the plant in UP will produce goods worth Rs 25,000 crore annually. It is expected to generate around 10,000 direct jobs that can benefit nearly 50,000 families. Some brokerages like IIFL have projected Rs 20,000 crore revenue for Patanjali by 2020, cautioning established FMCG players of stiff competition. Auto refresh feeds Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denominations are equal to piece of paper from tonight midnight (8 November 2016). "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." New Rs 2,000 note that will be soon issued New Rs 2,000 note that will be soon issued "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. Only tweeted about new notes, not ban on Rs 500, Rs 1,000: BJP leader Sanjeev Kamboj tells Firstpost 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. Indelible ink to be used to mark people who exchange cash in the banks: Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das Are you willing to give PM Modi 50 days to make good on his promise? "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. And the answer is yes and no. 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. Those who have been detained include Vadodara Congress president Prashant Patel and General Secretary of Gujarat Congress Narendra Ravat. 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. Just like Samajwadi Party, BJP is digging its own grave before Uttar Pradesh elections: Mayawati 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." I always said that the Government's measure will bring a degree of inconvenience: Modi 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. PM said Congress had chance to clean the system in 1971, but it didnt | ANI '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. It's ironic that parties which opposed Congress are now supporting it: Venkaiah Naidu 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. As time to submit demonetised notes comes to a close today, people queue up outside RBI offices across India 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 PM Modi could launch massive campaign in his address on New Year 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. Bihar: Tattered demonetised notes of Rs 500 found by locals in Gopalganj. Police on the spot for further investigation #DeMonetisation pic.twitter.com/QmYMDbFRsF As time to submit demonetised notes comes to a close today, people queue up outside Reserve Bank of India's Kolkata branch #DeMonetisation pic.twitter.com/Ct3HHxhoMP Delhi: Today being the last day to submit demonetised notes, people seen queuing up outside RBI #DeMonetisation pic.twitter.com/LjhkeRdacC As time to submit demonetised notes comes to a close today, people queue up outside RBI offices across India Fearing a jump in footfalls to deposit or withdraw cash following the demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1,000 banknotes, banks will remain open this Saturday and Sunday and its staff will do overtime till 9 pm for the next three days to clear the rush. Banks also announced a slew of measures, including extension of banking hours, doing away with ATM charges and expanding credit limits to handle the expected huge rush to tender now defunct Rs 500 and 1000 notes. Bankers have also been advised not to take additional leaves for the next one month, during which the government has asked holders of over 22 billion currency notes that are no longer legal tender, to deposit them in bank accounts. For public convenience, banks will remain open on coming Saturday and Sunday, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das tweeted. The Reserve Bank also came out with an order instructing all the banks to be open for business on the coming weekend, including Sunday. RBI also said ATMs will remain shut tomorrow as well. The nation's largest lender State Bank of India was among the first to announce an extension in banking hours, till 6 pm tomorrow and also said each of its branches will be having a dedicated 'exchange counter' to change the currency notes. ICICI Bank Managing Director and CEO Chanda Kochhar said the bank's branches will be open till 8 pm on Thursday and Friday. The bank also introduced a slew of relaxations on the electronic payments or withdrawals front. All charges pertaining to cash deposit into one's accounts will be waived till 30 November and the fees for transacting at ATMs will also be scrapped till 31 December, ICICI Bank said in a statement. It has also doubled the daily usage limit of debit cards for use at merchant ends as well as online transactions. Axis Bank has also waived cash handling charges, and done away with the five free transactions a month limit on its own ATMs and extended banking hours, its president Rajiv Anand told PTI. While making the announcement to discontinue Rs 500 and 1,000 banknotes yesterday, the government had also announced closure of bank branches and ATMs today. It also announced the launch of newer notes of Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 from 10 November. People holding to the older notes will be very keen to do away with them and also get the newer series banknotes of higher denomination when the bank branches reopen tomorrow. ICICI Bank said it is ensuring that Rs 2000 and the existing notes of Rs 100 notes are available at its 'main branches' from tomorrow. It also announced an expansion of up to 20 per cent in the credit limits for 'worthy' customers using its credit cards. Anand said there is no need for the customers to panic and appealed them to defer their visits to branches, pointing out that there is a 50-day limit to change the older notes. Anand said the bank also expects a significant jump in alternate channels like the newly introduced UPI, points of sale terminals and mobile and online banking because of the RBI moves. Kotak Mahindra Bank joint managing director Dipak Gupta said apart from the cultural change in adopting digital faster, we should also see a surge in activation of new bank accounts. In the biggest-ever move to curb black money, and crime funding Prime Minister Narendra Modi had last night announced that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 bank notes would become illegal tenders from last midnight and massively curbed cash withdrawals through ATMs and from bank counters. "In order to meet the anticipated heavy demand from members of the public to conduct their banking transactions, it has been decided that banks shall remain open for public transactions on Saturday, 12 November, and Sunday, 13 November, 2016," RBI said in a statement. Banks are advised to keep all their branches open on 12 and 13 November, 2016, as regular working days for transacting all business, it said. RBI also asked banks to give due publicity to the availability of banking services on these days. As per the normal schedule, the coming Saturday being the second would have been an holiday, but keeping in view the expected rush at the branches, it was decided otherwise. It is, however, not clear whether post offices would be open or not on the weekend. There are about 1.25 lakh post offices across the country. At the same time, the government and RBI are yet to take a call on keeping banks open on Monday, 14 November, which is a holiday. There are about 149 scheduled commercial banks, including 56 regional rural banks, with branch network of about 1.30 lakh across the country. Besides, the cooperative banks have also been asked to take deposit and exchange the old with the new one. The first demonetisation happened under the British rule in 1946 and the first one after the Independence on 16-17 January, 1978 when the Morarji Desai government demonetised bank notes of Rs 1000, 5000 and 10,000 notes. The news triggered panic and people started queueing up at all ATMs or CDMs to either withdraw money or deposit Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. The banned Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes account for over 86 per cent of the total Rs 16.42 lakh crore value of bank notes in circulation as of 31 March, 2016, according to Reserve Bank's latest annual report. For convenience of customers, Financial Services Secretary Anjuly Chib Duggal said banks will be working extra hours. Meanwhile, SBI said all branches will remain open tomorrow with extended business hours up to 6 pm. Kochhar said branch timings will be extended by two hours on 10-11 November and branches at prominent locations will remain open from 8 am to 8 pm. Many other banks like HSBC and PNB has also announced extension of working hours. G Satheesh Reddy, scientific advisor to India's Defence Minister, attended a ceremony to commemorate delivery of the 50th Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LR-SAM) motor casing on Friday, and also inaugurated Godrej's new facility for rubber and composite materials. Speaking at the occasion, Reddy said, "I am immensely satisfied to note that illustrious Indian companies like Godrej & Boyce are at the forefront of our 'Make in India' campaign. Over the years, Godrej has been contributing significantly towards our defence and space programmes. We anticipate and look forward to such significant contributions from other Indian manufacturers as well." The new facility will manufacture rubber and composite components such as ablative lining for solid motor casings, reinforced airframe seals, conductive seals, EFI/RFI shielded seals, aero-engine components, composite motor casing, sandwich panels (honeycomb/foam, ceramic matrix composite (CMC) Sic-Sic, NOBBED and other high-temp aero-engine parts. Also present at the gathering on Friday was Anil G Verma, executive director and president, Godrej & Boyce. He said, "We are extremely proud to announce the delivery of the 50th Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LR-SAM) motor casing from this order for serial production. Considering the earlier production, this would be the 180th hardware. Godrej has consistently contributed to strengthen the defence and aerospace capabilities of our country. For LR-SAM, we started the development in 2010 and have established a set-up for serial production for the same over time. This endeavour and milestone demonstrates our commitment towards indigenous manufacturing for India's defence and space programmes." He further added, "We also inaugurated a new facility today, which will help us in entering into the non-metallic side of the aerospace industry, which will enable us to manufacture more value added assemblies and systems. The new facility will manufacture rubber and composite materials." In defence, Godrej & Boyce also manufactures riveted structures, tankages, engines for the IGMT 5 missile programme and actuators for aircraft. The company has also significantly contributed towards the famed Prithvi Missile, which uses a liquid engine. More than 60 engines were manufactured at the Godrej & Boyce facility for Prithvi. Over the years, Godrej has invested substantially into developing the Brahmos facility, with nearly Rs 100 crore being invested into setting up serial production of the missile. Godrej supplies six assemblies for the Brahmos Missile currently, while the company also has five industrial licenses to manufacture defence products. The Supreme Court judgment in KV Prakash Babu v State of Karnataka has been in the news for holding that adultery of the husband won't per se amount to cruelty towards the wife for the purposes of Section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Here, Anjinamma, the wife of the accused committed suicide within seven years of marriage and the husband was accused of not only abetting her suicide under Section 306 of the IPC but was also alleged to have committed "cruelty" punishable under Section 498-A of the IPC. While he was convicted for both these offences by the trial court, with the Karnataka High Court confirming the same in appeal, the Supreme Court has acquitted him of both these offences. The judgment is a travesty of justice. Not looking at the evidence It is very rare for the Supreme Court to overturn concurrent findings of fact made by two lower courts and when it happens, it is usually due to some unconscionable error made by the lower courts. One such glaring example was in Adambhai Sulemanbhai Ajmeri v State of Gujarat where the Supreme Court overturned a death sentence and acquitted the accused, finding the "evidence" against him to have been entirely cooked up by the police, swallowed whole by the lower courts. In Prakash Babu's case, the Supreme Court does not even do the prosecution the courtesy of discussing the evidence in detail. It brushes it all aside as though it is merely the loose talk of gossipy villagers. What we are not told in this judgment is that no fewer than eight witnesses (three persons related to Anjinamma, and five independent witnesses) all said that the accused was having an extra-marital affair. Indeed, if one does not read the Karnataka High Court judgment in the same case, one may even get the impression that the accused's wife had no reasonable basis to suspect him. Two other important facts are totally ignored by the Supreme Court. When the accused's wife alleged that he was cheating on her, an attempt at mediating the dispute was made in the local police station. The people who were involved in the mediation and the local police officer all testified that they had been part of this effort to reconcile the couple. None of them disbelieved her when she alleged that he was having an extra-marital affair. In fact, the couple reconciled when the accused said he wouldnt do such things in the future. Also ignored by the Supreme Court is the fact that at the time of his wifes death, the accused was in fact in the village of the person he was alleged to be in an extra-marital affair with. It is a proven fact that he came from there when informed of her death and no explanation was given by him as to what he was doing there. Even in the best of circumstances, there is rarely direct evidence of someone engaging in consensual sex with another adult, but all the circumstances here, the testimony of both the relatives of the woman and independent witnesses, all suggest that her suspicions about her husbands infidelity were not unfounded or entirely baseless. The detailed examination of the evidence by the Karnataka High Court and the trial court are dismissed by the Supreme Court with no justification. Problematic law Instead, what the court relies on is an earlier judgment of the Supreme Court in Ghusabhai Raisangbhai Chorasiya vs State of Gujarat (authored by the same judge who delivered the judgement in Prakash Babus case) where on somewhat similar facts, the wifes suicide because of an extra-marital affair by the husband was held not enough to hold him guilty of abetting her suicide and of cruelty. The best possible interpretation of the thinking informing both these judgments are insensitive. The court does not understand the humiliation heaped upon a woman whose husband is found to have had an extra-marital affair. Society makes it out to be her fault for somehow being incapable of "satisfying" her husband. In both the cases, the court has simply refused to try to understand what it means for a woman to be cheated on by her husband in a patriarchal society such as ours. When Section 498-A expressly states that "mental cruelty" is also cruelty, the court needlessly whittles down the scope of the section and its intended effect. It puts itself squarely in the shoes of the man in question and wonders how it could possibly be cruelty to the woman, failing to see the psychological and emotional impact that unfaithful behaviour has on the partner. Only men's feelings count What is even more galling is that just earlier this month, where a woman who was alleged to have had an extra-marital affair was accused of having abetted the husbands death, the very same bench had this to say in a judgment: "The imputation of sustained unchaste conduct and the activities of the wife, if true, the possibility of the deceased committing suicide as an extreme step in [an] unbearable anguished state of mind also cannot be wholly excluded." Even though the charge there was of murder, and the woman was acquitted, this passage unwittingly reveals the judges thinking on the issue the husbands pain on being cheated is the only one the law understands, the wifes not at all. New Delhi: Mobile wallet company Paytm has suspended its app that allowed small shopkeepers to accept payment through cards amid ongoing cash crunch, citing risks to customer data and privacy. The new feature was designed to eliminate the need for a physical point-of-sale (PoS) terminal or a card swipe machine, instead helping small shopkeepers use their smartphones to facilitate the transactions. However, soon after launching 'App POS' with much fanfare this week, Paytm rolled back the initiative after concerns were raised over security of customer's card details by the industry. "Based on some suggestions from the industry, we have decided to add additional certifications and features before making it available to merchants. We will re-launch this product as soon as we have updated the product," the Alibaba-backed company said in a blogpost. It further said: "Nothing is more important to us than customer data and privacy. We will always put this above all without fail." In October, as many as 32.14 lakh debit cards of various public and private sector banks were reported to have been 'compromised' by cyber malware attack in some ATM systems. Several banks, including state-owned SBI, had recalled a number of cards while many others blocked the ones suspected to have been compromised and asked their customers to change PIN (personal identification number) before use. According to the National Payments Corporation of India, as many as 641 customers across 19 banks have been duped of Rs 1.3 crore using stolen debit card data. In its blogpost, Paytm defended its product saying the company does not store any card details in the app or on its servers that are shared during the payment flow. "The transaction is completed on the bank's page and follows the 2-factor authentication guidelines mandated in India," the post said adding that the company's IT systems are audited periodically by certified independent auditors. At the time of launch too, Paytm CEO and founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma had sought to allay privacy concerns saying the company is a "PCI DSS (Payment Cards industry Data Security Standard) certified company". After generating a bill for the item sold, the shopkeeper was to hand over his/her phone to the customer for entering card details. The feature was introduced after the government scrapped old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes that is forcing consumers to adopt digital payment and cashless transactions, to tide over the liquid cash crunch. While there are 740 million cards in India at present, the number of card swiping machines is at a dismal 1.5 million. Paytm had said it expects 10 million app POS to be downloaded before the weekend and as many as 15 million app POS merchants were expected by November-end. New Delhi: The number of Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds has more than doubled to 134 lakh in two-and-half years, primarily on account of increased awareness among investors and buoyancy in equity markets, Parliament was informed today. SIP is an investment vehicle that allows investors to invest in small amounts periodically instead of lump sums. The frequency of investment is usually weekly, monthly or quarterly. As of October 31 this year, the number of SIPs in mutual funds in India was 134.5 lakh, Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. SIPs increased from 60 lakh as on March 31, 2014 to 90.2 lakh at the end of March 31, 2015. They increased further to 116.3 lakh at the end of the last fiscal. Meghwal attributed the higher number of SIPs to rising awareness among investors, focus on other than top 15 cities by mutual fund houses and general buoyancy in stock markets. "The Sensex remaining continuously above the 22,000 levels in 2014-15 and 2015-16 and above 24,000 level during 2016-17 has led to renewed interest in SIPs from investors," Meghwal added. Besides, markets regulator Sebi has taken a number of steps to create awareness regarding SIP investment including investors' awareness programme and extra incentives for those expanding into smaller cities and use of regional languages in investors education material related to mutual funds, he added. The number of SIPs from other than top 15 cities has risen from 29.6 lakh as on March 31, 2014 to 63.1 lakh at the end of October 31, 2016. How would the NITI Aayogs CEO, Amitabh Kant harmonise policies relating to differing business platforms? The recent move by the government to provide a single policy framework for a level-playing field to stakeholders of retail, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and e-commerce is one step forward. However, from a regulatory perspective, online and offline markets have different characteristics resulting in varying consumer experience. The new economy of online startups have attracted customers due to their efficient tech solutions and unique business models. A major criterion of investment in the digital economy is due to its potential to disrupt the value chain in several ways like connecting, organizing, interaction between the customers and service providers, at reduced costs and more importantly bringing transparency in the transaction. The online platform has brought up issues which regulators like Competition Commission of India (CCI), Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) need to address urgently due to the huge investments involved. This article focuses on the range of opportunities that competition regulation opens up along with the regulatory risks that it poses against the stakeholders. Competition policy encourages innovation and easy entry of new players. Thus, a disruptive business model, even if it gains dominance suddenly, does not get questioned by the regulator (CCI), unless it abuses its dominance to create entry barriers. However, how can the competitors in the traditional market who need to undergo legal and regulatory compliances let new disruptive businesses grow without questioning their legitimacy. Therefore, soon after the valuation of online markets started rising, since 2014 there have been constant legal battles before the CCI, DIPP and High Courts all over India. The entry of Flipkart and other e-retailers, ostensibly called marketplaces, proved disruptive to the brick and mortar businesses. The brick and mortar businesses felt threatened by Flipkart and other e-retailers pricing strategies. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and other retailers informed the CCI about traditional shops being driven out of the market due to predatory pricing by Flipkart and other similar online portals. The CCI has been taking the view that online and brick and mortar stores are broadly one market and are only separate channels belonging to the same relevant market, even though it noted that both offline and online markets differ in terms of discounts and shopping experience and that buyers weigh the options available in both markets before making a decision. In contradistinction to this view, in a similar allegation against Ola by its competitor ( Fast Track ) for predatory pricing, the CCI narrowly defined the market as radio taxi services, a market definition that did not include traditional taxies and held that Ola was predatory pricing and directed the Director General (DG) to investigate in April 2015. Usually, disruptive technology solutions offer cost benefits and efficiency, which is encouraged by competition law. CCI considered different parameters to assess the respective markets of Olas cab aggregators service and other e-tailers. Any harm to competition is in relation to a particular product/area. Thus, a sophisticated market analysis involves accurate economic parameters for deciding abuse of dominance in a defined relevant market. The idea of creating a competition regulator is to make competitive markets work and not stifle competition at the behest of inefficient competitors. The CCIs decisions leaves some pertinent issues open, especially on economic considerations, regarding analyzing the impact of online versus offline businesses in the market. As an expert market regulator, the CCI has not given clarity on how market power is assessed or how are markets affected adversely. Increasingly, the challenges would grow due to different interpretations. These antitrust cases against online market players like Flipkart /Snapdeal and Ola/ Uber provide two lessons for scaling technology companies: First, when disruptors enter the market and gain scale, incumbents would fight back and collude to find ways to prevent competition. The classic examples are Microsofts OS dominance case, Apples ebooks case and Googles AdWords case. Second, the decisions of Indias competition regulator - CCI , shows how critical it is to correctly define the market for assessing market power and how easy it is to confuse the notions of protecting competitors with those of protecting competition. Besides CCI, retailers had initiated parallel litigation before the Delhi High Court alleging violation of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy norms by the e-commerce portals. The FDI policy announcements in Press Note No.3 ( March, 2016) does not completely validate the online business model used by major e-commerce entities in India. It imposes restrictions, particularly on sales through a single seller ( or group companies), discounts / other types of pricing. Thus, the devil is in the detail. Without clarity in FDI policy, there would be regulatory challenges having important consequences to the way e-commerce entities operate in India. Short-term regulatory changes are damaging as such they cannot cover long-term investments by piecemeal measures. More importantly, the regulators huge discretionary powers to pass adverse orders can erode brand value. In the absence of reasoned and consistent findings by CCI on legitimacy of these online players, they will be at risk of facing legal battles before CCI and Courts. For instance, the Karnataka High Court, recently upheld the states right to frame rules for ride-hailing apps. Maharashtra has set similar guidelines for taxi aggregators. Delhi and West Bengal are in the process of framing rules, as is the Union government. Although the cab aggregators pricing is more transparent and beneficial to the customer, Ola/ Uber would be forced to roll back the benefits. The competitive environment has made the online players mould their strategies to gain scale in terms of customer loyalty, sales etc. They are spending millions on marketing and brand valuation. Regardless of the valuation strategies, there is apparent tension between regulation and market competition. The regulatory authorities are not equipped to deal with disruptive entry of new business models, making it difficult to overcome regulatory challenges. If the legitimacy of their business models were not clear then the investments would be risky. A complex question for instance is, whether online market players should be subject to the same regulatory regime as offline players or two separate regimes need to be adapted to their unique characteristics. Another question is, how can online markets co-exist with the traditional markets so that competition is not adversely affected. While these "e-commerce businesses" confront a variety of the similar legal issues faced by traditional brick-and-mortar companies, they resist regulations. However, they need to manage their challenges with awareness of divergent regulatory approaches. The range of legal issues to consider and manage continues to grow, and ignoring this reality could lead to financial liability, regulatory penalties or unauthorized exploitation of a companys intellectual property. It is not possible to be a sustainable business in an unsustainable policy environment. All business models rely on certain external conditions. Most important among these are a countrys economic policy and regulatory framework. The e-commerce companies have two options. The first option is to face many years of litigation and regulatory risks, until they are able to operate legally. The second, preferable, option is to proactively plan how to deal with the regulatory risk areas starting by making this an important agenda in boardroom discussions as well as an important point of diligence when scouting for investment opportunities in India. The environment today today, calls for sustainable plans that foresee market changes in the future and can work with minimal regulatory risks. (The author is a specialist in competition, commercial and regulatory practice) By Fayaz Bukhari SRINAGAR (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A court in India's restive state of Kashmir on Friday ordered police to release a prominent Kashmiri human rights activist arrested two months ago on charges of involvement in activities against the public order, saying authorities had no evidence.Khurram Parvez, 39, coordinator of the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) has long campaigned against human rights violations committed by state forces in the volatile Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir.His arrest in September was condemned by human rights groups, as well as the United Nations, who said Parvez's detention was a deliberate attempt by Indian authorities to obstruct his work.The Jammu and Kashmir High Court quashed the detention order against Parvez saying police had exploited their position and did not have enough evidence to detain the activist."What emerges is that the detention of (Parvez) is not only illegal but the detaining authority has abused its powers in ordering his detention," said an order by Justice M.H. Attar. Police officials declined to comment on the court order and were unwilling to confirm if they would release Parvez. The JKCCS has published research into the role of Indian security forces in containing a separatist insurgency in India's Kashmir state that first flared a quarter of a century ago.Parvez was stopped by authorities at New Delhi airport on Sept. 14 when he was on his way to Geneva to attend the U.N. Human Rights Council. He is currently being held in preventive detention under the highly controversial Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, which allows for people to held for up to two years without judicial intervention.But the court said that allegations such as that he was inciting people who were coming out of a mosque to shout slogans were not backed up with any proof. Dozens of civilians have been killed and thousands wounded in months of clashes between protesters and security forces in Kashmir state, sparked by the killing of a leading separatist militant in a joint army and police operation in July.The unrest is the worst in the Muslim-majority region for six years, and critics have accused Indian forces of heavy-handedness as they struggle to contain the protests.India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir since independence in 1947. Both claim the territory in full but rule it in part. (Reporting by Fayaz Bukhari in Srinagar. Writing by Nita Bhalla, Editing by Ros Russell; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, corruption and climate change. Visit news.trust.org) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. It has been eight years since 10 terrorists, trained in Pakistan, entered Mumbai and caused havoc across South Mumbai. The terrorists had entered into the heart of the financial capital of India marching unafraid with only one aim to cause mayhem and death. At least 164 people were killed and 308 were injured. And they did so for three days, launching coordinated attacks that included hotels, a train station, a hospital and a Jewish community centre. How it happened: According to revelations made by Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley who turned approver in the case, 10 terrorists made two unsuccessful attempts to attack Mumbai before they landed on Mumbai shores on 26 November in 2008. An India TV report offers a detailed account of how they reached Mumbai. According to the report, the terrorists set sail towards India on 23 November on a hijacked Indian trawler named the Kuber. Seven kilometres off Mumbai shores, the terrorists got on inflatable speedboats. Disguised as students, six of them got off at Macchimar Nagar, in Mumbai's Cuffe Parade neighbourhood, while the rest four came ashore at Badhwar Park. CST Station: The terrorists than headed to their respective targets, attacking anything that came their way. According to The Indian Express, four militants (one of them being Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist who was captured alive) started firing inside the CST station on the night of 26 November. "The attack had left 52 dead and injured over a 100 others. The firing ended at about 10:45 pm," the report said. Nariman House: Meanwhile, terrorists managed to enter Chabad House (a Jewish community centre) in Colaba. The militants exchanged fire for the next two days torturing the residents of the building. According to The Indian Express, which visited the site after the terrorists were killed, "the site resembled much like a global conflict zone. More than 30 grenades had been hurled. Small craters were all over the floor and bullet marks all across the walls. The stench of decomposed bodies was unbearable. The bodies of the two terrorists lay on the fourth floor." The Oberoi-Trident: The first victim to fall at the Oberoi-Trident attack was the gatekeeper of the Trident Hotel. According to reports, foreign nationals were the main target of the attack. By the end of the 40-hour seize, 143 hostages were rescued alive and 24 bodies were recovered. Taj Mahal Palace Hotel: The burning dome of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel with dark smoke emanating from it has become one of the iconic images of the 26/11 attacks. The attack on the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel made it clear that the terrorist knew about the place. This was further proven during the depositions by Headley, where he said that the terrorists had a mock of the hotel as well as GPS locations of their targets that he had provided. The terrorists were killed after 60 hours of fire exchange between them and the NSG commandos. Around 30 people died in the attack. Leopold Cafe: On the evening of 26 November, two gunmen opened fire at Leopold Cafe, killing around 10 people and injuring many others. Timed bombs: According to an India TV report, two taxis were also targeted in the city using time bombs one at Vile Parle that killed a driver and a passenger and another at Wadi Bunder that killed three including the driver and injured 15. Who was behind the attack: Several investigations and statements given by Headley, have revealed that Hafiz Saeed, leader of Jama'at-ud-Da'wah (JuD) was the mastermind behind the attacks. Headley also revealed the involvement of Pakistan's Army and ISI. India has requested to name Saeed as a terrorist, a move which has been often blocked by China. Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist, caught alive was hanged after a special court found him guilty in November 2012. His hanging was carried out secretly by the Maharashtra government. According to reports, the government spent Rs 1.47 crore on Kasab when he was lodged at the Arthur Road jail for four years. Out of the total amount, Rs 1.46 crore was spent on security, Rs 39,000 on his medical expenses, Rs 42,000 on food and Rs 1,878 on clothes. RPF continues to be ignored: The attacks highlighted how ill-prepared and ill-equipped Indian security forces were when it came to dealing with trained infiltrators like those who attacked Mumbai eight years ago. While frisking and metal detectors have become mandatory in all public places including railway and malls, and India now has its own elite force of commandos called Force One, the wait for a specialised commando training centre for the Railway Protection Force continues to be trapped in the files, reported DNA. "The need for a commando training facility was felt after the nation was subjected to painful images of helplessness of RPF personnel during the 26/11 terror raid on Mumbai in 2008," the report said, adding, "RPF constables, armed with British-vintage .303 rifles, first tried to ward off the two terrorists at CST that day. But when most of the British-vintage .303 rifles jammed, these personnel had little choice but to duck for cover from the assault rifle fire from the terrorists." According to the report, around Rs 26.70 crore was sanctioned and railway construction firm Ircon was appointed to construct a commando training facility for the RPF at Canning in the South Parganas district in West Bengal. But the plan was dropped in 2013 due to hassles in land acquisition. Security remains a concern: However, security remains a major concern for India. This year alone we saw two attacks, one on an airport base and another in an army camp, both carried out by foreign militants. Compensation not offered to the dead and their families: What is more saddening is that even after eight years, the Maharashtra state government has compensated only 102 families (of the 166 that died) with the Rs 3 lakh compensation that the government had promised, India Today reported. That's not all, though. The state government even failed to seek reports on victims who were not from the state of Maharashtra if they received the due compensation. The state has also not bothered to check whether or not kin of the officials from the police/NSG Commandos/Home Guard (it has no information on 15 officials) who died during the attacks received the promised compensation of Rs 25 lakhs. According to Indian Express, the government has further stated that it is yet to receive information from embassies for disbursement of compensation to legal heirs of 26 foreigners who died in the attacks. (With inputs from IANS) Ghoramari (Assam): The Assam Forest Department on Thursday filed an FIR against the builder of Patanjali Mega Herbal and Food Park in Sonitpur district for negligence in providing safety to wild elephants and digging pits at the construction site causing an elephant to die on Thursday. Jasim Ahmed, Additional Conservator of Forest, West Sonitpur Forest Division, said the FIR was lodged at Salanibari police outpost under Tezpur police station. He said the case was filed against the park's builder, Uday Goswami, who is also the coordinator of the Patanjali Park at Ghoramari Assam Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) complex. There were more than 14 open pits and some of them were filled up with earth after Forest Minister Pramila Rani Brahma visited the site following the death of an adult female elephant on Thursday, said Ahmed. Video of the elephant falling into the pit #WATCH: In a heart rending scene, a baby elephant in Assam's Sonitpur mourned the death of his mother, refused to leave her body. pic.twitter.com/cdhi90wKeI ANI (@ANI_news) November 25, 2016 Regarding Goswami's assurance of erecting a low-voltage solar-powered fence at the site, the Forest official said such a fence needed to be checked by the specialists of the Forest Department and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) before being erected. The forest minister instructed the builder to keep half of the over-200-acre land free from construction through which the elephants could move. On Wednesday morning, a calf ran out of an elephant herd towards the construction site, followed by its mother and another male elephant calf which was later rescued from the pit and sent to the wildlife rescue centre at Kaziranga. The foundation stone of the Rs 1,300-crore Patanjali Mega Herbal and Food Park was laid on November 6 by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in the presence of Patanjali founder and yoga guru Ramdev, Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries Babul Supriyo and state Industries Minister Chandramohan Patowary among others. Dilip Nath, member of Aranya Surakha Samittee, Sonitpur, told PTI that the place was known to be an elephant zone often frequented by the pachyderms from the nearby forest. Meanwhile, state Congress spokesman Apurba Bhattacharya claimed that as the area was an elephant corridor and used by the animals for giving birth to their calves, the previous Congress administration in the state had not allowed the government land to be given to anyone. The course of the demonetisation exercise so far reveals that we are still not sure of what should be done when it comes to implementation. The result has been relentless fine tuning which has exacerbated discomfort for the holders of currency as one is not sure of what can or cannot be done. The act of demonetisation per se cannot be contested given the motivation. The fact that it had to be done in one shot with little discussion was pragmatic as it does not give time for swapping black to white money. But clearly our systems are not ready as they have not been understood as all the entities concerned have not been consulted and hence not in sync. These refer to both the rules that have been changed time and again and the logistics of this exercise which can be best described as one characterised by constant flip-flops. At most discussion tables and board rooms, it has been argued that this is the best way to drive the people to saner modes of transactions like e-wallets, cards and net banking. The argument has been carried forward to say that if I do all my transactions without cash, so should others and if they are not doing so, it is their fault! Some have said that the medicine is bitter, which is alright provided the result is good. But the truth today is that over 80 percent of white transactions take place in cash which means that the scheme ideally should have been clear about the approach to be taken. To begin with, it was said that old notes would cease to work from the 9 November except for few specified purposes. People were told that if they did not have accounts they could open them immediately. It was realised that on the same day itself several people flooded the jewelers' shops and exchanged old notes. It then occurred to the government that this was not considered and hence they threatened the jewelers to name the people who did it. There was an exchange scheme of Rs 4,000 which was to be monitored by cameras. But when it was observed that the same people were moving to several banks to do this job, the amount was then reduced to Rs 2,000 from the increased limit of Rs 4,500 with a caveat that one could do so only once in their life time with the indelible ink mark brought in. And now these transactions have also been banned when one expected the limit would be raised. There has been no clear explanation given as to why this has been done except a defensive justification said initially that this would run only till 24th. If multiple exchanges were clamped down successfully to thwart black money, then there was no need to stop the scheme. Quite clearly there have been hasty reactions along the way. In fact, stopping such exchanges but allowing use of old currency notes for an extended period also sounds contradictory as the former was being tracked as a one-time affair and allowing the use of old Rs 500 notes does not fit in. Such constant change of track by the government has caused confusion with the currency holders that one is not sure if the existing rules are operational or not. This pandemonium comes on top of the chaos that one encounters when dealing with ATMs or withdrawals from bank branches. The ATM situation is still not satisfactory. It does appear that when it was declared that the ATMs would start functioning on 11 November, no one was aware of the lacunae in the logistics involved. First, there had to be enough new currencies in the system, which apparently is not so in the concerned denominations. Banks often say that they have not been receiving cash. Second, the cash is to be transferred to the banks and those which do not have a currency chest have a challenge. Third, from the chest it has to move to the branches and ATMs for which currency vans are not available. This cannot be scaled up given the security involved. Fourth, once the money reaches the ATM they have to be calibrated to dispense the right notes. The confusion has been heightened because in the beginning they dispensed only existing Rs 100 notes and once recalibrated give out only Rs 2,000 notes. With the limit being Rs 2,000 a day, the drawer gets only one note. It is not surprising that most ATMs are shut, and even if they are open, the queues are short because getting Rs 2,000 note does not make any sense as it is hard to use it. Interestingly, the fact that there are very few people at the ATMs has been highlighted by the advocates of the demonetisation scheme to say that it is working smoothly as the lines are shorter! A talk with bankers reveals that they are just not receiving currency notes. Hence it is not uncommon to come across banks which will not allow you to withdraw Rs 24,000 but just Rs 2,000 as they have not been getting the required stock of money. Post offices, too, have sometimes been in the fold and at other times they are out. Presently, there appears to be clarity only on one issue one can deposit the notes till December end. The rest is as nebulous and fickle as the stock market. The absence of adequate vision in announcements also surrounds the tax angle that has been spoken of. To begin with it was said that there would be no scrutiny for amounts up to Rs 2.5 lakh deposited during the specified time frame. Subsequently, it was clarified that if the amount during the year exceeded Rs 2.5 lakh and could not be justified, then it would come under the I-T lens. The same has held in terms of tackling black money. It was not expected that the fertile mind would use Jan Dhan for channeling funds and when the amount in these accounts increased to Rs 25,000 crore (there are 25 crore such accounts), then it was realised that there is something fishy. The lesson really learnt is that if there is a strong scheme being implemented without much discussion, it has the advantage of using a surprise strike, but is bound to encounter several speed breakers as each issue involves a different authority which knows best how things work in the respective territory. The government has the right idea, the RBI knows about the physical aspects of currency, the banks understand their capability in handling cash, the IT department has insights on how black money can be cloaked. Getting a buy-in from all seems logical to have it smoother, but the cost could be high of the purpose being lost in case prompt preventive action is taken by the masters of black money. Therefore, it is once again a jugaad approach that is being used, which surprisingly always works at the end of the day which hopefully will be the result this time too. The writer is chief economist, CARE Ratings. Views are personal. Srinagar: There was less movement of people and transport across Kashmir on Friday as normal life remained affected due to the strike called by separatists. The movement of people and transport is less on Friday compared to the other days due to apprehensions of law and order problems after Friday congregational prayers, a police official said. He said most of the shops, fuel stations and business establishments in Srinagar - the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir - were shut due to the strike, while public transport was comparatively less. However, few of them were open in some areas in the civil lines as well as in the outskirts of the city in Srinagar, the official said. Few vendors had put up their stalls along TRC Chowk-Batamaloo axis through Lal Chowk city centre, he said. Reports of less traffic and most of the shops being closed were received from other district headquarters of the Valley, he said. Except for the past weekend, Kashmir has witnessed shutdown for the last 140 days. The separatists, who are spearheading the agitation since killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on 8 July, have been issuing weekly protest programmes. They have extended the strike till 1 December, announcing two full days of relaxation on the weekend like the past week. As many as 86 people, including two cops, have been killed and several thousand others injured in the ongoing unrest in the Valley.Around 5000 security forces personnel have also been injured in the clashes. Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's ruling LDF will observe a shutdown on Monday to denounce the demonetisation of high-value currency which has left the cooperative banks in turmoil. Left Democratic Front convenor Vaikom Viswan made the announcement in a statement. "The state-wide shutdown will be from dawn to dusk," the statement said, adding it was also to protest against the "rash" conduct of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi reportedly declined to meet an all-party delegation led by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to brief him about the problems faced by the cooperative sector. On 8 November, the central government declared that Rs 500 and 1,000 notes would no more be legal tender. Two days later, permission was withdrawn for the 1,600 odd primary cooperative societies from accepting or exchanging the spiked currencies, creating widespread resentment in Kerala. The cooperative banking sector in Kerala is a three-tier system with about 1,600 primary cooperative banks attached to 14 district banks, which are further linked to the apex Kerala State Cooperative Bank (KSCB). The total deposit in the cooperative banks, says Kerala Cooperation Minister AC Moideen, is around Rs 1.27 lakh crore. The LDF strike is part of a nation-wide strike, Aakrosh Divas, that opposition parties announced against demonetisatin. Addressing the members of the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi on demonetisation, labelling the move as an "organised loot." He was also very critical of the handling of the process, saying, "There has been a monumental mismanagement in the implementation of demonetisation. I hope that the prime minister will help us find practical ways to give relief to people who are suffering." Despite this, the former prime ministers primary concern was our GDP, which he claimed would decline by 1.5-2 percent at a minimum. Economic experts are supportive of Singhs claims, but some see this as a political move. Peoples reactions were largely along the same lines as well. One may differ with Dr Manmohan Singh's politics. But everyone respects him as an economist. His forecast of 2 decline in GDP is worrying. Ashish Khetan (@AashishKhetan) November 24, 2016 Less rhetoric, more economics! Octogenarian Manmohan Singh still comes across as most credible voice in RS on economics. Many others more rhetoric than reason! Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) November 24, 2016 Maybe we should all take him more seriouslyas far as economic policy is concerned at least. Politics aside, if an astute economist like Manmohan Singh makes a point on #DeMonetisation , @arunjaitley should give it a serious ear. Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) November 24, 2016 Manmohan Singhs critics had a lot to say as well. "In The Long Run We Are All Dead. So Why Fight Against Corruption?"- That's Economist Dr Manmohan Singh's Logic!#____ Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) November 24, 2016 One even called him a hypocrite. When Life Gives You PM Make Sure Its Narendra Modi, Not Hypocrites Like Manmohan Singh & Arvind Kejriwal.#BlackMoney #DeMonetisation Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) November 24, 2016 #Manmohansingh calls demonetisation organised loot, legalised plunder. Keen to know his views on daylight robbery under his watch. #UPA Chitra Subramaniam (@chitraSD) November 24, 2016 More importantly, some were just surprised that Manmohan Singh actually has a voice. Pic 1: Manmohan Singh during UPA Government Pic 2: Manmohan Singh during BJP Government pic.twitter.com/BYqXaRxUK7 Sand-d Singh (@Sand_In_Deed) November 24, 2016 #ManmohanSingh went thru medical trtment for d past 2yrs to rectify n regain his lost speech..Dr @narendramodi opratd him wd #DeMonetisation pic.twitter.com/uV77FX1ej3 abhijeet (@abhijeetsinger) November 24, 2016 Why break the silence now? Frmr PM Manmohan Singh Who Was Silent On 2G, CWG, Coal Scam, Vadra Gate, Agusta, Tetra etc Suddenly Started Speaking Against #DeMonetisation Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) November 24, 2016 Were sure you also have something to say on the matter as well. Do let us know what you think on our Twitter feed and on our Facebook page or in the comments section below. A day after former prime minister Manmohan Singh criticised the Narendra Modi government's demonetisation of old notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit back at those accusing the government of not preparing well for the move saying had the government given them chance to prepare, they would have converted all their black money into white. Modi attacked the Opposition parties saying: Those criticising #DeMonetisation move don't have problem with govt's preparedness;they have problem that they didn't get time to prepare-PM ANI (@ANI_news) November 25, 2016 Modi was speaking at the Sansad Bhavan on Friday morning at the launch of the Gujarati edition of a book on late RSS leader Lakshmanrao Madhavrao Inamdar popularly known as Vakilsaheb. Modi has co-authored the book with RSS leader Rajabhai Nene. Born in Satara, Maharashtra, Inamdar was jailed for eight months during the freedom struggle. He became an RSS pracharak in 1942 and handled various responsibilities in the saffron organisation. He is considered to be Modi's mentor. Addressing those gathered at the launch, Modi once again hailed his government's decision to demonetise old notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 saying that demonetisation has allowed common citizens of India to become a solider against corruption and black money. "India has often ranked low in global rankings on corruption. We need to improve it," reported PTI. According to ANI, Modi said that India must move towards a cashless economy in order to to keep pace with changing times. Everyone has right to use their money bt today World is changing,money is nt just available physically;must move towards cashless economy-PM ANI (@ANI_news) November 25, 2016 Modi had demonetised old notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 on 8 July evening in a televised broadcast in order to curb black money, corruption and terror finance in the country. The move has caused a lot of inconvenience to the public inlcuding daily wage earners and farmers, and reportedly caused more than 70 deaths across the country. The prime minister also praised BR Ambedkar, ahead of Constitution Day, which is celebrated on 26 November. He said, "Our Constitution has very special place in our lives; We remember Dr Ambedkar whenever we remember the Constitution." With inputs from PTI In its hurry to meet the demand for new notes, the Reserve Bank of India has made major errors which can have serious consequences for the demonetisation exercise. The gaffe -- RBI has printed two variants of the new Rs 500 notes. According to a report in The Times of India, the newspaper has seen at least three case studies where the new Rs 500 note varied from each other. According to one customer quoted in the report, Gandhi's face has a more than visible shadow. Apart from this, he has pointed to alignment issues with the national emblem and also serial numbers. Another Mumbai resident has told the newspaper that the colours of the notes he got were different. The report has cited one more such instance of variation. Meanwhile, a RBI spokesperson has termed them as "printing defects" that have propped up because of "the current rush". She has also said people can still freely use it for transactions or even return it to the central bank. One thing is for sure: the same note with different features would mean confusion for the common man. It will be easy for the 'experts' in counterfeiting to cash in on this confusion. How is the common man to know whether the Rs 500 note he has is indeed original or fake? It has to be remembered that the fake note circulation has been rampant in India despite the RBI's frequent notifications on how to detect such notes. Clearly, the awareness level among the general public about the security features of currency notes is very low. Notes with slight variations in features will only add to the confusion about the features. Announcing the decision to withdraw Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes and issue new ones on 8 November, the prime minister had said that the move was aimed at destroying the counterfeit racket, ending terror funding and also stop black money generation. If the haste has resulted in errors that will only facilitate counterfeiting, then it will kill the very objective of the demonetisation exercise. Interestingly, the RBI had published on its site the security features of the new Rs 500 notes before the notes came into circulation. It will be better for the RBI to find some practical solution to the problem before any damage is done. The Supreme Court has fixed the hearing on a batch of pleas challenging demonetisation for 2 December, saying it will examine both the inconvenience aspect and constitutional validity of the 8 November notification in one go. A bench of Chief Justice TS Thakur and Justice DY Chandrachud initially said it would first hold a hearing on the inconvenience faced by the public and steps taken to address them and that the hearing on the validity of the note ban could take place later. But the apex court later agreed to hold hearing on both the aspects simultaneously. The Centre, represented by Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, had requested a stay on the proceedings against its 8 November decision to demonetise high denomination currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, before various high courts and other courts apart from the apex court, saying it will create a lot of confusion. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the plea on 17 November, after initially refusing to stay the government's demonetisation notification on 15 November. The apex court had on 18 November dubbed as a "serious issue" the long queues outside banks and post offices and expressed its reservation on the Centre's plea, even warning the Centre of the possibility of riots, according to a Hindustan Times report. However, the Supreme Court on Wednesday, 23 November, sought the response of all the petitioners, who challenged the demonetisation move in different high courts and a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur refused the Centre's request to stay the proceedings, saying people may get "immediate relief" from them. "We don't want to stay it. There are various issues. People may get immediate relief from the high courts," the bench also comprising Justices DY Chandrachud and L Nageswara Rao told Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi. The AG on Thursday informed the bench that the situation is "much better" and more than Rs 6 lakh crore has been deposited so far in the banks since the demonetisation move, and that there is a big surge in digital use of money transaction. He had also said the demonetisation move was aimed at removing the 70 years of "slush money" and the government is monitoring the situation day-by-day and hour-by-hour. And that the government has set up a committee which will take stock of the ground situation across the country on demonetisation move, after saying that the general rule is that the cash transactions in the market should not be more than four percent of the GDP but it is 12 percent in India. The bench had questioned the relief measures undertaken by the Centre and asked why it had squeezed the exchange limit to Rs 2,000, to which the AG said that after printing, the currency has to be moved to thousands of centres across the country and ATMs have to be re-calibrated to issue new currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 adding that Rs 100 notes are in circulation. A day before this crucial hearing, the Centre, had filed an affidavit on demonetisation, and said the decision on which a total secrecy was maintained, would now help in proper implementation of the ambitious 'Jan Dhan Yojana' under which around 22 crore bank accounts for poor people have been opened as reports of unscrupulous elements using these accounts to convert their black money into white surfaced. Further, demonetisation is seen as a check on the real estate sector where prices get pushed up artificially, reducing the availability of affordable housing for the poor and the middle class. Elaborating on several measures including the "thrust" given for increasing digital payments in the economy through credit and debit cards, internet banking, mobile apps and e-wallets, it said their use has seen a jump of nearly 300 percent in the last 10 days. In its affidavit, the Centre also gave reasons for maintaining secrecy about the move which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi just after 8 pm on 8 November and came into force from the midnight, saying "If elaborate prior arrangement for distribution of new currency notes were made prior to the announcement of the scheme, the very objective of the scheme would have been defeated. Further, the scheme impacts several sectors in the short-term but promises large benefits in the economy in the medium-term." Petitions have been filed by a number of people including Sitaram Yechury of the CPI-M, seeking to know what the government was doing to ensure that there was adequate supply of currency notes according to a News 18 report. The bench, meanwhile, asked Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Centre, to file additional affidavit, if any, explaining the "schemes and steps" taken to ease the situation that has arisen due to demonetisation. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for one of the petitioners who has challenged the Centre's 8 November decision on demonetisation, said the court should start hearing the matter from Tuesday itself. Rohatgi, however, opposed the contention and said let all the petitioners, who have approached various high courts on the issue, come to the apex court which would take a call on 2 December as to whether the Supreme Court or the Delhi High Court would hear them all. With inputs from agencies Pune: Noted journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, who was a part of the three-member interlocutors group for Jammu and Kashmir in 2008, passed away in Pune on Friday after brief illness. 72-year-old Padgaonkar, a former editor of The Times of India, was unwell for past several weeks and died at a hospital in Pune, family sources said. He passed away at a private hospital here where he was brought in a critical condition last week. "Padgaonkar was brought to Ruby Hall Clinic here from Prayag Hospital in a critical condition on November 18. When he was brought here, he was on ventilator support and there was multi-organ failure. From the day of admission, he was on dialysis and ventilator support," Sanjay Pathare, Director, medical services, Ruby Hall Clinic said. Pathare said a team of doctors tried to revive Padgaonkar, but he breathed his last on Friday. Born in Pune in 1944, Padgaonkar did his schooling from St Vincent's High School and later graduated from Fergusson College in political science. He began his career in journalism at an early age and joined the Times of India as its Paris correspondent after receiving a doctorate in Humanities in 1968. He served the paper in various capacities before he was appointed its editor in 1988, a post he held for six years. In between, from 1978 to 1986, he also worked with UNESCO in Bangkok and Paris. Padgaonkar was appointed as one of the members of the three-member interlocutors group on Jammu and Kashmir, set up by the government after continuous unrest in the Valley in 2008. The veteran journalist had once said that he held the second most important job in the country after the Prime Minister. Founder editor of the online news website The Wire Sidharth Vardarajan said it was a "terrible loss". "Just heard that my friend and former editor, Dileep Padgaonkar, passed away in Pune. Terrible loss, feel gutted," he said on Twitter. Senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai said Padgaonkar was "a man of culture and intellect". "My first editor Dileep Padgaonkar, a man of culture and intellect, someone who encouraged young talent, has passed away," he tweeted. Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted, "Very saddened by passing away of dear friend, veteran journalist Dileep Padgaonkar. Condolences to the family." He was 72. He was admitted to the Ruby Hospital on 18 November following a massive heart attack. Later, he suffered multiple organ failure and was on dialysis after his kidneys stopped functioning. Born in Pune and educated at St Vincent High School and Fergusson College here, he went to France and studied for a doctorate at the University of Paris-Sorbonne. In 1978, he served with the Unesco at Bangkok and later in Paris in different capacities with its Information Section. Earlier, he was the Paris correspondent of The Times of India and later, after coming to India, became its editor. Senior journalists and veterans from the industry tweeted out their condolences for Padgaonkar. My first editor Dileep Padgaonkar, a man of culture and intellect, someone who encouraged young talent, has passed away. RIP Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) November 25, 2016 Just heard that my friend and former editor, Dileep Padgaonkar, passed away in Pune. Terrible loss, feel gutted. Siddharth (@svaradarajan) November 25, 2016 Padgaonkar helmed TOI at a crucial time, a man of great culture and wit, he strived to raise the intellectual level of Indian journalism Siddharth (@svaradarajan) November 25, 2016 Dilip Padgaonkar, an editor when it mattered what you read, how aware you were of the world, how rounded. Not judged by #followers and likes Namita Bhandare (@namitabhandare) November 25, 2016 RIP Dilip Padgaonkar. ???? I am on my way to @TimesLitFestDel where you interviewed me last year. Was to meet you in Pune in Dec. Very sad. Devdutt Pattanaik (@devduttmyth) November 25, 2016 Terribly saddened to hear that my first boss at @timesofindia and old friend Dileep Padgaonkar has passed away. RIP Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) November 25, 2016 I deeply mourn the untimely demise of veteran journalist Dilip Padgaonkar Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) November 25, 2016 Thoughts and prayers with the family of Dileep Padgaonkar, Sir...from a school of journalism, when words meant more than noise #RIP Derek O'Brien (@quizderek) November 25, 2016 With inputs from IANS and PTI Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, whose NGO Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) was banned by the Narendra Modi-government for five years, has alleged that the ban was timed to the demonetisation announcement to divert media attention. In an open letter released on Friday, Naik termed the ban on IRF as an attack against 'Muslims' and has threatened to take legal action against the Modi-government against the move. Naik's NGO was banned last week for allegedly aiding terror activities. This is the second open letter Naik is writing ever since Naik got into trouble and faced a series of investigations post the Dhaka attacks. In the letter "to India", Naik yet again sought to play the 'muslim card' saying IRF and himself were "set up for a ban." Not very different from his first letter, Naik says the ban imposed on IRF is communal in nature. The radical preacher severely criticised the Modi government for banning the organisation and dubbed it a knee-jerk reaction. "Like the demonetization fiasco, the Modi governments IRF ban and its modus operandi has been distraught with senseless decisions and knee jerk actions. After having said that the Islamic International School will not be affected, the government goes ahead and freezes the Schools bank account. How will a school survive without its day-to-day expenses being met? Were talking about the future of hundreds of school children here." Naik and IRF came under the government's scanner after reports emerged that some of the terrorists behind the Dhaka restaurant attack were inspired by his speeches. Naik, in his letter, claims that the Modi government has absolutely no grounds for the banning. Naik has been banned by a few other countries including United Kingdom and Canada for his speeches that advocates the supremacy of Islam over other religions. In his letter, Naik alleges that Modi-government had decided to ban IRF even before investigators submitted the reports on IRF: "Before investigations were done, even before reports submitted, the ban was already decided. IRF was to be banned. Whether it was owing to my religion or some other reason, does not matter." Investigators had found evidence for IRF's alleged links to terror activties. Recently, National Investigation Agency (NIA) said that IRF funded at least 300 people, some of whom travelled to the Islamic State areas of Syria and Iraq. This came into light after the NIA carried out searches for three days at 20 premises during which records related to bank accounts and other financial activities linked with Naik and IRF were seized. NIA also plan to prepare a list of IRF members based abroad to track the money trail, reported DNA. In addition to it, NIA has handed over a list of over 12 people, including Naik, his family members, close friends and organisations, to all 72 scheduled commercial banks to check whether these people had any account in these financial institutions. According to the above report which has quoted official sources, NIA has sent notices to three private banks to freeze the accounts of Naik and others, which were found to be in operation during the three-day search by it that ended last night, till further orders. In both the letters, NIA has cited Section 43 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for executing such action. Further in his letter, Naik claims that this "unique ban" was imposed without anyone questioning him. Since the Dhaka attacks, investigating agencies have been scrutinising Naik's speeches.Like this article in Firstpost argues, preachers like Zakir Naik "...typically play mind games with the enchanted listeners, often selectively quoting (rather twisting) the lines from sacred scriptures, to impose the ultimate idea of religious supremacy in the audience's psyche and ultimately establish why one should embrace that particular religion. This is arguably the trade technique of televangelists..." Naik has defended himself claiming that many times that his speeches have always dealt with communal harmony, and he has never supported terrorism. Naik claims himself as an expert on comparative religion and often quotes lines from religious texts in his speeches. Further in his letter, Naik reiterates that he is "one of the few" who have openly spoken against state-sponsored violence and terrorism. Naik's arguments, "rather ignorance", about the relation between religion and the idea of a secular nation are flawed but it is clear why it would convince those who believe in a religion's supremacy over others. In a February 2012 video (removed from YouTube), addressing a large crowd, Naik implored Muslims to 'fight for Islam' and 'disobey the law of the land if it goes against the law of the creator'. Saying "Vande Mataram," Naik said, "is not desirable not just Muslims, even Hindus. Why? Because, Hinduism," Naik says, speaks against the concept of idol worship and hence, it is wrong to bow to the land." The hypocrisy of Naik is glaring in the end of the letter, where the preacher, who throughout blamed the government for being communal, plays the communal card himself. "Dont such statements and many more by fanatics like Sadhvi Prachi and Yogi Adityanath require them to be arrested and tried under UAPA? Leave aside legal action, the government has neither condemned their actions nor reprimanded them. Is this draconian law mainly meant for Muslims? Muslims whove been practicing and propagating their religion peacefully and well within the constitutional framework? Does the UAPA now exist mainly to silence minority groups? I urge my Muslim brothers and sisters in India to rely on Allah alone, unafraid of this vicious campaign against them. Allah says, 'And if you are patient and fear Allah, their plot will not harm you at all.' (Al-Quran 3:120)" You can read his full letter here: Naik also threatens the government of legal action and says that the government is misusing their authority on people and "It needs to change for the future of every one of us." Naik's letter is explosive in the way it targets "Indian Muslims" as the preacher goes on to say that the Modi government will fail in its plans and adds that even though the government of India is misusing law to "scare the Indian Muslims", he will strive harder to spread the message peace, "till my last breath." The current political discourse in India sounds more and more like a WhatsApp joke that somebody recounted recently. It goes something like this: A man claims on social media that the earth is flat and the sun revolves around it. To this someone provides data and evidence to prove beyond doubt that the Earth is round and revolves in its orbit. Guess what the proponent of the Earth-is-flat theory replies? He retorts: "We will discuss all that later. First tell me why your wife ran away with the neighbour?" If you can't counter the facts, attack the face. That's Indian political discourse for you today. And its shining example was the response to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's speech in Parliament on the demonetisation experiment. Manmohan Singh: This may lead to a fall in GDP by two percentage point...an underestimate. Response: Why don't you tell us about 2G first? Manmohan Singh: This is monumental mismanagement...organised loot and plunder. Response: Woh to theek hai, Raja ka kya? And yes, Bharat Mata ki Jai! What about Malda? Singh's speech in Rajya Sabha was a metaphor of our times. As a newspaper said in a witty headline, Manmohan turns Modi, Modi turns Maunmohan! Since he outlawed currency notes of higher denomination, Modi has not had a word to say on the people who are dying in queues for money. He has found time to laugh, cry and attend concerts. But, maun is the word in Parliament. And, Singh is roaring. We can go on and on about the loot and plunder during UPA-II. For several years, the former prime minister indeed presided over what was a criminal manifestation of the parable of Ali Baba and Chaalis Chor. He did not speak when the country expected him to, he did not show a spine when the nation expected him to. All that is documented and perhaps been paid for by him. But, if having skeletons in the closet were a disqualification in Indian politics, the Indian Parliament would have struggled to find even a dozen suitable candidates. Some may have been discarded for lack of personal integrity, some for financial mismanagement, some for not being able to control communal riots and incite communal frenzy. In Indian politics, everyone who struts around as a saint has once been a sinner. So, Singh too has every right to talk about demonetisation. He is entitled to blasting the government for the mismanaged demonetisation experiment. Are those 70 deaths notice all victims are poor people struggling to withdraw their own money from cash-starved banks because of some new strain of black death? The long queues outside banks and ATMs are not imaginary. The fact that the government couldn't even print Rs 2,000 notes of the right ATM size is not imaginary. That the government has had to tweak withdrawal rules every second day is not a canard. Even the prime minister's promises carry no weight. On 8 November, he had told the nation the limit for cash exchange would be raised after 24 November. But, on Thursday, the government, instead of increasing the limit, banned it altogether. If this is not mismanagement we are living in Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe. The former prime minister is right in pointing out that growth will suffer because of the hasty implementation of the decision. Several experts have argued that the economy will take a hit because of lack of capital, paralysis of unorganised sector and financial problems faced by farmers, labourers and traders. The estimates of GDP fall have been outright gloomy to moderate and severe. This, as Ratan Tata pointed out, is a national calamity. In a statement released on Twitter, Tata suggested that the government consider special relief measures. While Govt is doing its best to increase availability of new currency, it may be worthwhile to consider special relief measures similar to those employed at times of national calamities to serve poor for their daily needs and for enabling emergency medical treatment, he said. (What about Neera Radia, Mr Tata? No?) So far the government has come up with no data to support its experiment. The prime minister, instead of speaking like a statesman, has been busy laughing, crying, expressing fears to his life, quoting Bob Dylan, taking potshots at the opposition and posing hilarious questions on his App. Has the government answered any of these questions: 1. How much black money is stashed as cash? How much does it expect to unearth through this drive? 2. Why was there a nearly 40 percent spike in deposits during the months preceding the 8 November announcement? Were some people aware of the impending decision to outlaw currency notes? 3. How many Indians have access to bank accounts? How will they get access to new notes if their exchange is banned without an account? 4. Has the government studied the short-term and long-term impact of demonetization? If yes, what were the results? 5. Will the government now ensure that political parties give an account of their poll funding? Will the BJP lead by example by telling us how much it spent over the past five years and what was the source? It is, of course, convenient to divert attention from burning questions by chanting ''what about your wife." It doesn't convince us the earth is flat. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, a renowned economist and a former governor at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), thinks the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) could fall by about 2 percent in the aftermath of the demonetisation exercise being implemented by his successor in the office, Narendra Modi. The way the scheme has been implemented will hurt agricultural growth in our country, will hurt small industry, will hurt all those people who are in the informal sector of the economy. And my own feeling is that the national income, that is the GDP, can decline by about 2 percent as a result of what has been done, Singh said in Parliament on Thursday. Did the former PM make a passing remark on the likely impact on GDP on account of demonetisation? It doesnt appear to be so. This is an underestimate, not an overestimate. Therefore, I feel that the Prime Minister must come up with some constructive proposal on how we can implement this scheme and at the same time prevent this distress that has been caused to the common people, Singh said. This gives one the impression that the former RBI governor indeed said this after doing his math. The BJP has hit back at Singh for being a puppet and lying with a straight face. Forget about the politics in Singhs speech and but the former PMs warning on the massive decline that could happen in economic growth post demonetisation and his appeal to Modi to act to minimise the damage during implementation is no joke. Lets look a bit closer to his GDP comment. GDP isnt just a number that makes headline for a day or two. It mirrors what happens in the economy and has a bearing on you and me. The GDP slows down when its main drivers lose steam. These are private and government consumption expenditures, gross fixed capital formation, exports less imports agriculture, industry and services. A 2 percent decline in the GDP, as Singh warned, would mean slow economic activity across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing and services, which are the core areas that contribute to the national income. The problem is when economic activity slows down, it will have a direct impact on millions of jobs, retail consumption, corporate earnings, real estate and construction activity. An economic slowdown would thus impact each one of us, no matter what you do for a living. And Singh isnt the only one who have warned about the impact of demonetisation on economy. According to Thomas Rookmaaker, director in Fitch's Asia-Pacific Sovereigns Group, the impact on GDP growth is clearly going to be negative in the short run and depends to a large extent on how long the cash crunch is going to take. A report by Deutsche Bank predicts the growth will be impacted adversely in the present and next quarters due to the governments temporary demonetisation initiative. A sharp slowdown in retail consumption and real estate market activity has begun since early November and could last through March next year. Based on the information available so far, we expect private consumption growth to slow by about 300bps in 2HFY17, which will likely pull down real GDP growth to about 6per cent average in the second half of this fiscal year, it said. More critically, the report highlights that it is primarily private consumption that has been driving Indias growth in the absence of a strong investment-led revival. In this backdrop, there is a non-trivial risk that a near-term consumption shock could have a more pronounced second order negative impact in this cycle, even with some countercyclical policy response, the report said. It is not just the large corporations and big investors, but the spending ability of the common man vegetable vendors, meat sellers, small food stall owners, taxiwallas to buy goods and avail services is critical in a consumption-driven economy. When spending doesnt happen on the ground, the resultant shock wave goes up to the layers above and reflect in the corporate earnings and, finally, macro-economic numbers. The small but significant institutions that cater to the bottom of the pyramid such as hundreds of cooperative banks across the country and microfinance institutions are nearly paralysed due to the demonetisation exercise. Thousands of small and medium enterprises and start-ups are hit badly. These segments too are key contributors to the economy by way of spending and contributing to the production chain. Much of these segments operate in cash economy and the sudden withdrawal of currencies and withdrawal restrictions have hit them hard. Even the spending by the salaried segment would have come down on account of cash shortage. To add to the problems, even people with cash in their hands will be hesitant or reduce spending thinking of cash shortage ahead. All this suggests that the economy on the ground will suffer if the problem persists. Besides the above agencies, several other economy watchers, Goldman Sachs, Moodys, Care, Icra and brokerages like Ambit capital too have warned (read here) about the adverse impact of demoentisation on the economy. Noted development economist Jean Dreze said demonetisation has said "demonetisation in a booming economy is like shooting at the tyres of a racing car. As mentioned in an earlier Firstpost article , Modi risks the historic move of demonetisation turning into a historic blunder if corrective actions arent taken fast to support the segments of the economy that have been impacted by the demonetisation exercise. True, at some point, and gradually, all of India will have to say goodbye to the cash transactions for the greater good of the economy. But, that time is still far away for India. A radical shift cannot happen overnight in a large economy, where consumer behavior and culture too play a critical role. For now, the key is to pump in oil (read cash) to run the rural economic engine, which is still not equipped to run on plastic money. Relations between NDA allies Shiv Sena and BJP took a turn for the worse on Friday, with the Sena threatening to pull out of the alliance on account of the government's demonetisation decision, and the BJP calling them "hypocritical". Ironically, it was former prime minister Manmohan Singh's words that engineered the rift. Singh had made a speech in Parliament on Thursday, saying the demonetisation step was a "monumental management failure" which would lead to a dip in GDP growth by at least 2 percent. A day later, Shiv Sena exhorted its ally to pay heed to Singh's words, as he was a "renowned economist". "Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is a renowned economist. Thus, his words and opinions should be taken seriously. The way in which money is being collected, seems that money is being extorted from common man. You have brought tears in the eyes of people who made you come to power with a lot of aspirations," said Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena chief, according to a report in NDTV. The report goes on to add that the Sena has demanded a referendum be held in India to determine the future of demonetisation; a referendum along the lines of Brexit that was held in Britain earlier this year. "I will not hesitate in taking a critical stand on the process in which demonetisation was implemented. The way in which a referendum was sought in Britain before its withdrawal from the European Union, a survey is being done here. But seeing people's response, their (UK) Prime Minister chose to step down. Will something similar happen here?" he asked, referring to a people's survey conducted by the prime minister on the Narendra Modi app. Relations between the two partners have been troubled for quite a while. Even before the demonetisation move started making headlines, Sena had been needling the Centre over cross-border violence and the mutilation of an Indian Army soldier along the Line of Control (LoC). "The government is not ready to talk on Pakistan's activities at the border. When will the government show its patriotism by avenging the killings and beheadings of Indian soldiers?" Sena had asked in an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamana. "If the Prime Minister has made everyone come out on the streets with one decision (of demonetisation), he needs to take a similar decision one evening to crush Pakistan," it said. But clearly, these words have not gone down too well with the senior partner in the alliance. The BJP has retaliated to these provocations, saying Sena may go ahead and act upon its threats and pull out of the alliance if it so wishes. "The Shiv Sena is taking a hypocritical stand over black money. I dare them to take the extreme step which they have been threatening," said BJP's Mumbai city president and MLA Ahish Shelar, while addressing party workers said at Thane while addressing party workers. If the Sena stands by black money, people will send them to Kala Paani, he said, according to a report in the New Indian Express. The Cabinet on Thursday is believed to have discussed amending laws to levy close to 60 percent income tax on unaccounted deposits in banks above a threshold post demonetisation of high-denomination currency notes. This is against the earlier reports that suggested the penalty would be 200 percent. The move comes amid banks reporting over Rs 21,000 crore being deposited in zero-balance Jan Dhan accounts in two weeks after the 500 and 1,000 rupee notes were banned, which authorities apprehend may be the laundered black money. There was no official briefing on what transpired in the meeting that was called at short notice as Parliament is in session. Traditionally, there could be no disclosures outside on any policy decision taken during the sitting of Parliament. Sources said the government was keen to tax all unaccounted money deposited in bank accounts after it allowed the banned currency to be deposited in bank accounts during a 50-day window from 10 November to 30 December. There have been various statements on behalf of the government ever since the demonetisation scheme was announced on 8 November, which has led to fears of the taxman coming down heavily on suspicious deposits that could be made to launder black money. Officials have even talked of a 30 percent tax plus a 200 percent penalty on top of a possible prosecution in cases where black money holders took advantage of the 50-day window for depositing the banned currency. Sources said the government plans to bring an amendment to the Income Tax Act during the current winter session of Parliament to levy a tax that will be higher than 45 percent tax and penalty charged on black money disclosed in the one-time Income Disclosure Scheme that ended on 30 September. As for those black money holders who did not utilise the window, they would be charged a higher rate which could be close to 60 percent that the foreign black money holder had paid last year. Sources said the government is keen to root out benami deposits, particularly in Jan Dhan accounts. A report in The Economic Times earlier had said that the tax evaders may be able to skirt the stringent penalty by declaring the income in this year's I-T returns. The amendment to I-T laws seems to be aimed at closing this loophole. There was also talk of the government imposing a limit on domestic gold holding, but it is not clear if the proposal was discussed at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. Modi's 8 November shock ban on high-denomination currency notes had swept away 86 percent of the currency in circulation in the biggest-ever crackdown on black money, corruption and counterfeit currency. The move had led to Rs 14 lakh crore worth currency being withdrawn from circulation. The Cabinet meeting, summoned at a very short notice, comes amid reports of high tax penalty terrifying people from putting their cash savings in the formal banking system. The sources said the government wants all of the 500 and 1,000 banknotes to be deposited and not burnt or destroyed for the fear of penal action. The Income Tax Department had previously warned that cash deposits above Rs 2.5 lakh threshold post demonetisation decision could attract tax plus a 200 percent penalty in case of income mismatch. It was stated that the department was tracking all cash deposited during the period of 10 November to 30 December, 2016, above a threshold of Rs 2.5 lakh in every account. This had instilled fear in people with reports of the banned currency even being destroyed. The sources added that the government may come out with a deposit scheme or an instrument like bond where the cash savings in the banned notes could be deposited. A 50-day window was given to holders of the old currency to deposit in their bank accounts. But the penal tax provisions were deterring many. With inputs from PTI Kathmandu: While there is no clarity on the fate of the withdrawn Indian currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations in Nepal, new Indian Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 bank notes are deemed illegal and banned for exchange, Nepal's central bank said on Thursday. The Nepal Rastra Bank said the new Indian notes, which have appeared in border areas dues to the open border, cannot be exchanged until India accords approval. Ramu Poudel, chief of the NRB's eastern region, told members of business community in Biratnagar that the new Indian rupee notes in Nepal will be considered as "illegal" until new facilities of exchange are determined by the Indian apex bank. As of now, said Poudel, the understanding with Reserve Bank of India is that a Nepali citizen can hold up to Rs 25,000 worth of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination Indian currency notes. "Even the fate of those old notes is uncertain... how can these new Indian notes coming into the market be considered as legal?" Nepal and India have not yet reached any agreement on the modality of exchange of the withdrawn notes, and the new notes will be exchangeable in Nepal only after India's central bank issues a new FEMA notification under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, according to the NRB. The FEMA notification allows foreign countries or nationals to hold on to a certain amount of Indian notes. At present, India has allowed Nepali citizens to individually hold Rs 25,000 in Indian currency. Poudel said the two central banks were in close contact to ease the exchange facilities but no way out has been identified yet. After India banned its old Rs 500 and 1,000 notes, Nepal's central bank had formed a task force to prepare a guideline for Indian currency exchange. "The modality and guidelines has already been handed over to the Indian side for their consideration through the Indian Embassy," said Poudel, adding that India is cautious about providing exchange facilities to citizens of a foreign country, as it fears it could be used as "a clearing house" to convert counterfeit currency into legal tender. Last week, Nepal's Premier Prachanda had telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought an arrangement so that Nepalese holding a huge stock of banned high denomination Indian bank notes could swap them with legal currency in the country. During his five-minute telephonic conversation with Modi, Prachanda told him that Nepalese have quite a big stock of Indian bank notes of 500 and 1,000 denominations that have now been pulled out of circulation. Hundreds of thousands of Nepalese, who earn a living by working as daily-wage labourers in India, visit the neighbouring country seeking medical treatment or rely on Indian markets to purchase daily essentials, are said to be holding big chunk of scrapped Indian bank notes, Kathmandu Post had reported. With PTI inputs On Thursday, few hours after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called demonetisation a monumental mismanagement by the Narendra Modi-government, the government came out with an announcement that yet again proved why Singh, a well-known economist, is indeed right. The Finance Ministry announced on Thursday (November 24) that beginning midnight, the exchange of old Rs 500, Rs 1,000 currency notes at bank counters will be stopped. People can still deposit these funds into their accounts though, it said. Late evening Finance Ministry notification stopping the over-the-counter (OTC) exchange of old bills directly contradicts what PM Modi and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) promised the public just a few days back when the RBI said in its statement after demonetisation: The scheme closes on 30th December 2016. The specified banknotes can be exchanged at branches of commercial banks, Regional Rural Banks, Urban Cooperative banks, State Cooperative Banks and RBI till 30th December 2016. On 8 November, when the PM announced the demonetisation in his televised address, he had said: From 10th November till 24th November the limit for such exchange will be 4,000 rupees. From 25th November till 30th December, the limit will be increased. Now, take a look at the 11 November press release of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It said, The facility for exchanging the withdrawn denominations of 500 and 1000 is available for nearly 50 days. The Reserve Bank appeals to members of public to be patient and urges them to exchange their old notes at their convenience, any time before December 30, 2016." In effect, both PM Modi and the RBI assured the public that the facility to exchange the old Rs 500, Rs 1,000 notes will stay till at least 30 December. People do not have to rush to the bank counters to get their notes exchanged. What about those people who waited instead of going to banks immediately like senior citizens, housewives, students and patients, among others, who trusted these assurances from the government and the RBI and did not exchange their old notes? Isnt it a breach of a gentlemans agreement? Here is the inference from this whole mess: By abruptly withdrawing the exchange facility and sharply contradicting the PMs speech and RBI's statement, the Finance Ministry just proved that there is a serious disconnect and lack of understanding between the finance ministry, the PMO and the RBI on the implementation of the demonetisation process. Secondly, between the government and the RBI, there is an even more serious disconnect, it appears. The Reserve Banks appeal to members of public to be patient and the institutions guidance to them to 'exchange their old notes at their convenience, any time before December 30, 2016 has been rendered meaningless and ridiculed by the Finance Ministry's decision to abruptly stop the exchange of notes, more than one month before the date promised what RBI has promised. On a subject that predominantly falls in its domain, the central bank will now fight a major trust deficit with the public. Next time, there is an RBI advisory, people may take it with skepticism. How has the government made a decision or come to the conclusion that every needy person has exchanged old notes for their immediate needs? As per the RBI data, from 10-18 November, of the total Rs 5,44,571 crore received at bank counters, exchange of notes amounted to only Rs 33,006 crore, while deposits constituted the majority of Rs 5,11,565 crore. True, this is also because of the tight limit set for exchange over the counter. But the other reason can be that some people haven't approached their banks yet and are waiting for the rush to get over before 30 December. It is not clear what prompted the Finance Ministry to prematurely stop the exchange facility at banks. In its notification last evening, the Ministry said, it has been observed that over the counter exchange of the old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination has shown a declining trend. But, the counter question here is how the government would know if someone is waiting to exchange his notes within the promised period of 30 December. It has further been felt that people may be encouraged and facilitated to deposit their old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in their bank accounts, the Ministry release said. Here, if the idea is to encourage people to deposit money and later let them withdraw from branches or ATMs for immediate needs, it could have waited till the time ATMs and bank branches have enough cash supply, especially in rural India, so that those who would want to deposit funds and later withdraw can do so in a hassle-free manner. But, thats not the case now for sure. Though there is a slight improvement in the situation in ATMs (even in metros), people are still standing in queues to withdraw money. Many ATMs are still out of cash and even the most optimistic estimates indicate that it might still take a few months before things will get back to normal. Given this scenario, the question arises on what basis did the government stop the exchange facility abruptly and ask people to deposit funds. Clearly, the decision hasnt come out of a thorough thought, but more likely it looks like an impulsive action by the bureaucracy of the Finance Ministry. If the idea is to discourage black money being exchanged at the counter, again the Ministry has got it wrong. The over-the-counter exchange facility was offered to meet the immediate cash needs of the common man with a very small limit of Rs 4,000. It should have continued at least till December-end to make the transition process smooth. Those with unaccounted wealth can still deposit their funds in small deposits in branches. Hence, the entire rationale behind the move makes little sense. Ever since the demonetisation announcement on 8 November, there has been a series of flip-flops on rules by the government. In the case of exchange, the daily limit was first set at Rs 4,000, then increased to Rs 4,500 and later the limit was reduced to Rs 2,000. Then the government introduced a new method -- of marking people who come to exchange notes with indelible ink. Its latest move is to stop the exchange facility itself one month ahead of the promised time. To top it all, the RBI issued on Friday another statement: The Reserve Bank of India advises members of public that exchange of banknotes in Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations, whose legal tender status has been withdrawn, will continue to be available at the counters of the Reserve Bank upto the current limits per person as hitherto. (However such exchange facility is no longer available at other banks' counters). Once again, the comment of the former PM and former RBI governor merit a mention. It is no good that everyday the banking system comes with modification of the rules, the conditions under which the people can withdraw money. That reflects very poorly on the Prime Ministers office, on the Finance Ministers office and on the Reserve Bank of India. I am very sorry that the Reserve Bank of India has been exposed to this sort of criticism which I think is fully justified. By repeated flip-flops, Modi government is proving Manmohan Singh right. Auto refresh feeds "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 Delhi: A united Opposition on Friday sought an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for calling them "supporters of blackmoney, as they forced two adjournments of proceedings in Rajya Sabha till afternoon. Congress, Bahujan Samaaj Party and Trinamnool Congress members rushed into the Well of the Upper House shouting slogans demanding an apology from the prime minister for his remarks, while the ruling benches matched them with slogans praising of Modi, creating a pandemonium forcing Deputy Chairman P J Kurien to adjourn the proceedings till noon. When the House met again, similar scenes continued forcing another adjournment till 2.30 pm. Immediately after the Upper House mourned the death of its former member Dipen Ghosh, BSP chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati was up on her feet saying the prime minister had this morning "wrongly accused opposition of holding blackmoney" and demanded that he should apologise for his remarks. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said when it was made very clear by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and others during debate on demonetisation on Thursday that the opposition is against blackmoney, how can Modi make such allegations. "How can Prime Minister level such an allegation... we are against blackmoney. Prime Minister must apologise," he said as Congress and other opposition members trooped into the Well of House, raising slogans like "Pradhan mantri maafi mango (prime minister apologise)." Amid the din, Kurien got the listed papers laid. He said a notice under rule 267 seeking suspension of business to take up discussion on ban on 500 and 1000 rupee notes has been received from Azad. "I am ready to admit that motion provided you are ready for discussion," he said. Azad said his notice was conditional upon the prime minister coming to the House and listening to the entire debate and replying to it. He said when Modi on Thursday had come to Rajya Sabha, "I had on behalf of the entire opposition welcomed him" and also asked whether he had come to participate in the demonetisation debate or in the Question Hour." Kurien said it had been clarified on Thursday by Leader of the House Arun Jaitley that the Prime Minister will come and intervene in the debate. But Azad disagreed, saying "we were promised that Prime Minister will be in the House till the debate is over" but Modi did not return after lunch hour. "Prime Minister says opposition is favouring blackmoney. This is an insult of the House and of the Opposition. When we have said we are against blackmoney, when the entire Opposition has said the same, how can he say that. Prime Minister should apologise," he said. Mayawati said Modi has stated that if opposition was given 72 hours before demonetising high denomination currency, they should not have opposed him and instead praised him. Painting the entire Opposition as those blackmoney is a lie, she said, adding that the Prime Minister has to apologise for his remarks. Sharad Yadav (JD-U) said Modi has levelled a serious allegation and should apologise. Ramgopal Yadav (SP) said there could not be anything more shameful than the Prime Minister alleging that the entire Opposition was a supporter of blackmoney. Derek O'Brien (TMC) said there was a good debate yesterday where everyone had opposed blackmoney. And the now Prime Minister is saying "he is a saint and we are all devils", he said, also demanding an apology from Modi. Kurien tried to reason with members for starting a debate but the Opposition members shouted slogans demanding an apology from Prime Minister. BJP members too countered them by raising slogans supporting Modi. As the pandemonium continued, Kurien adjourned the proceedings till noon and then till 2.30 pm. After taking repeated digs at the Centre over demonetisation, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday dubbed the move as "extortion of common man" and asked the BJP to take former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's words on the issue seriously as it came from a "renowned economist". "I will not hesitate in taking a critical stand on the process in which demonetisation was implemented," Thackeray told reporters in Mumbai. He said there was no point in Modi becoming emotional at a time when people have tears in their eyes. "One person cannot take a decision for 125 crore people. Before taking the decision to demonetise the currency, people should have been taken into confidence," he said. But Shiv Sena and the BJP, who together formed the government in Maharashtra and also govern the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are not the only allies who are not seeing eye to eye on the issue of note ban. According to a report in Hindustan Times, the Congress on Thursday questioned Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar about his party's stand on demonetisation. According to the report, Sanjay Nirupam, chief of Mumbai Congress, said that Pawar has been changing his stand on the decision. He said NCP first welcomed the decision on demonetisation on 8 November, but while addressing a rally on Sunday, he criticised the decision as 'economic emergency. The State Congress has maintains that farmers have been adversely affected by demonetisation. In Bihar, while Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has supported demonetisation, leaders of the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have been against the move. The Bihar Congress on Wednesday said the party can walk out of the state's ruling Grand Alliance if ordered by its high command. "The Congress joined the Grand Alliance comprising the Janata Dal-United, RJD and the Congress on the directive of its high command and is ready to break free if the party top brass ordered," Congress Bihar unit President Ashok Choudhary told the media in Patna. The Congress leader's remarks come amid reports that RJD chief Lalu Prasad is angry with Kumar for his vocal support of Modi's demonetisation decision. The Grand Alliance came to power in Bihar a year ago after defeating the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in the assembly polls. While Kumar has supported demonetisation repeatedly in public, Lalu has been opposing it. The Bihar Chief Minister, who is also the JD-U President, even differed with his own senior party leader and former JD(U) president Sharad Yadav over the issue. Nitish Kumar again said on Wednesday that the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes will force out the black money from the economy. However, he said, the Centre should take all steps to avoid inconvenience to the people. With inputs from agencies Washington: As families across a bitterly divided America gathered for Thanksgiving, a battle erupted Thursday in Donald Trump's camp over his pick for secretary of state, with loyalists seeking to block the path of Mitt Romney, a fierce former critic of the billionaire. With the president-elect hunkered down at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for the holiday weekend -- from where he urged the country to unite after a "painful" campaign -- his team appears split over the prospect of making Romney, the Republican presidential candidate in 2012, America's top diplomat. Some of Trump's staunchest supporters have united to oppose naming a man who called the real estate magnate a "fraud" and a "conman" during the campaign, when he helped lead the party establishment's drive to sideline him. But the other leading choice for top diplomat, outspoken former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani -- one of Trump's loudest supporters from early in his campaign -- has drawn scrutiny for business dealings that could pose conflicts of interest. "I am working hard, even on Thanksgiving," Trump tweeted on Thursday, saying he was seeking to persuade an Indiana air-conditioning company, Carrier Corp, to remain in the United States. I am working hard, even on Thanksgiving, trying to get Carrier A.C. Company to stay in the U.S. (Indiana). MAKING PROGRESS - Will know soon! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 24, 2016 But his transition team said there will be no new cabinet announcements until at least Friday. Opposition to Romney Despite his lack of experience in foreign policy, Giuliani, 72, has openly lobbied for secretary of state, telling Trump's advisers he is interested in no other position, The New York Times reported. However, Giuliani's candidacy has drawn attention to business dealings with foreign governments that may rule him out. Picking Romney -- who lost the White House race to Barack Obama four years ago -- would reassure the Republican establishment and US allies worried about Trump's foreign policy. But the businessman and former Massachusetts governor who savaged Trump's candidacy during the campaign also publicly differs from him on Russia, a leading foreign policy challenge. While the president-elect has praised President Vladimir Putin, promising to improve strained relations with Moscow, Romney has called Russia America's "number-one geopolitical foe." Trump's close aide Kellyanne Conway cast further doubt on his suitability Thursday in what appeared to be a bad sign for Romney. "Receiving deluge of social media & private comms re: Romney," she tweeted. "Some Trump loyalists warn against Romney as sec of state." Among them, former House speaker Newt Gingrich, another staunch Trump supporter, expressed skepticism that Romney would represent "the kind of tough-minded, America-first policies that Trump has campaigned on." "I can think of 20 other people who would be more naturally compatible with the Trump vision of foreign policy," he told Fox News. Gingrich was joined by former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, who told Fox News he was "still very unhappy that Mitt did everything he could to derail Donald Trump." Victory for conservatives Trump has so far nominated mainly older white men for his future administration, representing tough, right-wing lines on immigration, Islamic extremism and other issues. They include Jeff Sessions as attorney general, Michael Flynn as national security adviser and Stephen Bannon as chief strategist. Trump moved to broaden his cabinet's base on Wednesday, nominating two women, including South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley -- whose parents are Sikh immigrants from India -- as US ambassador to the United Nations. Haley is a Tea Party conservative with no foreign policy experience, while Trump's choice of billionaire Betsy DeVos -- a fierce advocate of alternatives to local public schooling -- for education represents another victory for social conservatives. Trump is widely expected to name the tough-talking retired Marine Corps general James "Mad Dog" Mattis as defense secretary on Friday. Trump is also expected to pick his former primary rival Ben Carson -- an African American former neurosurgeon and religious conservative -- as secretary of housing and urban development. Steve Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs banker, is tipped for Treasury secretary, and according to the Financial Times the billionaire Wilbur Ross could be in line for the strategic post of commerce secretary. With Americans still coming to terms with Trump's shock win on November 8, the former Green Party candidate Jill Stein announced Thursday that her party has raised the necessary $1.1 million to request a vote recount in the key battleground of Wisconsin, and is on track to seek one in two other Rust Belt states. The Midwestern state of Wisconsin was a key battleground in helping to propel Trump to victory. The billionaire also won swing state Pennsylvania, and claimed a razor-thin victory in Michigan according to unofficial results released Wednesday. The request comes amid mounting pressure from liberals to challenge the results of an election marked by fears of foreign hacking and -- from the Trumpcamp -- of vote rigging. Although it is not expected to change the outcome, the demands could reignite debate over the legitimacy of Trump's election, already fuelled by Hillary Clinton's lead in the popular vote which now stands at two million. By Ulf Laessing | MOSUL, Iraq MOSUL, Iraq Iraqi forces have pushed Islamic State out of the street where Yaqdhan Abdelnabi lives in Mosul, but the former sales manager is moving his five children to another part of the city because it is still dangerous.Women hang laundry on balconies and men chat at the few shops that have reopened in the Zahra district of eastern Mosul since it was retaken more than a week ago by Iraqi forces.But Islamic State still holds other parts of the northern city, carries out suicide bombings and fires rockets from positions nearby. With food and water in short supply, life remains far from normal in Zahra, even if Islamic State is on the back foot in Mosul after more than two years of brutal rule."The (Iraqi) army is advancing, but (Islamic State) rockets land every day in our district. It's non-stop," said Abdulnabi, who worked for a Turkish food firm before Islamic State made Mosul their biggest urban stronghold in Iraq. "I decided to move my children to my brother's house after a suicide bombing struck close to my house," he said. Abdulnabi has packed a bag with clothing for his children, aged between three and 10. His brother lives in another part of Zahra which Abdulnabi says is quieter. Minutes after he spoke, a group of people chatting in front of their houses ducked when they heard a gun being fired, apparently by a sniper. No one was hurt though many people on the streets already have bandaged wounds. Many houses are packed with 20 to 30 people because families are sheltering relatives or other people who have fled from other parts of Mosul. Some homes still fly the white flags they raised to signal surrender to the advancing Iraqi forces.Black Humvees bring in reinforcements and pickup trucks head in the opposite direction, carrying elderly people or families who are leaving. One family goes through the district on foot, with a small girl carrying a white flag."We haven't had water for one week, no electricity," said Ahmed Youssef, a baker. "I am not going to open my bakery unless there is security ... I have some flour left but it makes no sense to resume work now." Trucks deliver basic food items every day at a square next to a military headquarters. Soldiers fired in the air to keep order ."There is not enough food, no support at all," said 41-year old Haris Ibrahim who fled with his five-strong family and now lives with 22 other displaced in a small cubicle house. "We need more food." (Editing by Patrick Markey and Timothy Heritage) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. LONDON The Scottish government on Friday published legal arguments it will use to try to persuade Britain's highest court that the devolved Scottish parliament must give its approval before Prime Minister Theresa May can trigger the Brexit process.A High Court ruled earlier this month that the government must seek the approval of the British parliament before starting the legal process of leaving the European Union. The British government is appealing that judgement in the Supreme Court.The nationalist Scottish government is joining the legal case, due to be heard in early December, and on Friday set out its argument in full. It raises the threat of a delay to Brexit and an even greater constitutional puzzle - if it wins its case and if, as expected, the Scottish parliament subsequently votes against May's plan to start EU divorce proceedings by the end of March. A majority of Scots voted to stay in the EU, in contrast to England and Wales where most voted to leave. The overall result of the June referendum was 52-48 percent in favour of leaving.Scotland's 58-page legal document argued that any vote in the British parliament would alter the current devolution arrangements for Scotland and would therefore require a separate vote in its own devolved parliament. "A bill brought before the UK Parliament to withdraw the UK from the EU would engage the constitutional convention in terms of which that Parliament does not normally legislate with regard to devolved matters without the consent of the Scottish Parliament," the document said. A vote in the Scottish parliament would probably not be binding on May's government, but ignoring it would break with precedent and could pose a serious constitutional and political problem for the British leader. (Reporting by William James; editing by Andrew Roche) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Siem Reap to mark the opening of the group's 5th property, Sokha Hotels & Resorts, the most dynamic and only Cambodian hotel group announce today the green initiatives and social responsibility program across its portfolio. In Siem Reap, the executive members of Sokha Siem Reap Resort & Convention Center has partnered with the Cambodia's Forestry Department to plant 1,000 luxury trees within its 27 hectare complex, belong to the Pterocarpus Macrocarpus family of plants, a threatened species which is native to Indochina region. The company also invested in re-building the road surrounding the resort that now marked as "Popular Assembly Point" in the famous Angkor Kyong-Yu Park. The tree planting exercise is also part of the hotel group's wider campaign to support responsible business and global environmental initiatives internationally. Early this year, the company also planted 1,000 Sakura Trees at the edge of the Bokor Mountain located southern part of Cambodia. "Two years ago the company started the construction of Sokha Siem Reap Resort & Convention Center where it was an abandon area; today the investment has transformed this part of Angkor Kyong-Yu Park to become a talk-of-the-town. We paid highly attention to all aspects of conservation and environmental consideration before, during and after the construction", said Ms. Sok Chanthy, Group Director of Sales & Marketing. For: Sales Enquiries, Please contact Ms Thanet Kun - Regional Director of Sales Mobile: (+855) 096 616 1888 Telephone: (+855) 63961999 Email : [email protected] For: Media Enquiries, Please contact Ms Britney Li Marketing Communications Mobile: (+855) 096 616 1188 Telephone: (+855) 63961999 Email : [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sokhasiemreapresort/ Weibo: http://weibo.com/sokhasiemreapresort/ About Sokha Hotels & Resorts The Sokha Hotels & Resorts also known as Sokha Hotel Group is a Phnom Penh-based hotel and resort company, the hospitality division under the Sokimex Investment Group. The company was founded in 2004 by Neak Oknha Sok Kong. Today, Sokha Hotels & Resort has five (05) hotel properties located in four (04) main cities and provinces in Cambodia. As a Cambodia Hospitality Operator, SOKHA is well known of its 5-star Cambodia service a Cambodia proud. Our success is driven by our people and their commitment to reach the mission of providing guests the most memorable experience and unforgettable smile of Cambodian. Sophana Ben eCommerce Manager 855 12 696 751 Sokha Siem Reap Resort & Convention Center View source The opening ceremony for a new cat sanctuary operated by animal welfare group Anima (Macau) will be held tomorrow afternoon at Estrada do Campo in Coloane Village. The new center, dedicated entirely to cats and dubbed Cats Paradise, will allow operator Anima to concentrate their dog and cat communities respectively in different locations. Speaking to the Times yesterday, Anima (Macau) president Albano Martins said that moving these animals into two separate locations will increase the quality of life of both types of animals, as they will have significantly more space. The dogs at the canine shelter at Altinho de Ka-Ho will now move into the area formerly inhabited by the cats, said Martins, taking over from some 180 cats under Animas care that were moved this week into the cat sanctuary in Coloane. We catch almost one cat per day these days, said Martins, stressing that the problem of stray felines is just as concerning as stray canines. There are many more stray, abandoned or lost cats in Macau than there are dogs. By our [approximations], one site in Macau may house as many as 1,000 cats, he added, but declined to specify the location of the site. The reason there are so many cats is because they do not [create disturbances for] the government as they will not harm [residents] or their cars, said Martins. The government is wary of the stray dog population because it may present a threat to residents welfare, but cats being less confrontational are more likely to avoid human contact, he continued. However, without government intervention in the problem of stray and abandoned cats, Martins said that the responsibility falls to the animal welfare group. He told the Times that between January and October 2016, some 229 cats were rescued from the street, compared with 164 cats in the comparative period last year. The increase represents growth of nearly 40 percent year-on-year. In the January-October period of 2016, the number of dogs that were rescued fell to 166, compared with 169 in the previous year. Martins said that the leading reason for the drop is due to the previous limitations of space and the fact that dogs are typically much larger animals than cats. He added that the groups ability to take stray animals into care and properly house them is entirely dependent on the number and size of the facilities available to Anima. The opening ceremony, to which members of the public are invited, will start at 4 p.m. tomorrow. Anima: Canidrome closure is inevitable In response to queries about updates on the impending closure of the Canidrome facility, Albano Martins responded that progress had stalled but the center will inevitably close. He added that lawmakers, such as Angela Leong, are already discussing what the space will be used for in the future, which indicates little doubt over its eventual closure. It will be closed, he told the Times. The only question left is can we [Anima] save those animals? We just need one year and we can send those animals to new homes [abroad]. We just need one year and I guarantee that we can do it. Macau intends to amend its electoral law in response to the oath-taking controversy triggered by Hong Kong legislators, Yau Wai-ching and Sixtus Leung, which involved Beijings intervention preventing them from taking office. The Legislative Assembly Second Standing Committee yesterday proposed that only those who state their loyalty to the MSAR and never acted against the Basic Law may be elected lawmakers. The proposal states that the candidates must sign a statement prior to the election, pledging allegiance to the MSAR. Reacting to this change, activist Jason Chao said that he was concerned about the possible consequences of the amendment: We know there was nothing illegal in organizing the civil referendum [regarding the Chief Executive 2014 election]. But authorities stated repeatedly that it violated the Basic Law. It only takes an interpretation. This shows how abuses of power can be committed. On the grounds of having organized the referendum, any member of our organization could be disqualified, he told Radio Macau. Candidates who are disqualified have recourse through the Court of Final Appeal (TUI), according to the proposal. The latest crime statistics, released yesterday, show that the police authorities filed 10,826 criminal reports from January to September of this year. This figure represents an increase of 479 cases (4.6 percent) compared to the same period last year. Secretary for Security, Wong Sio Chak said that 2,170 crimes were committed against individuals, representing a 7.7 percent increase. These incidents consisted primarily of cases commonly known as illegal imprisonment, a category which saw an increase of 41 cases, an increase of 13.3 percent. Property crimes saw a slight decrease of 0.04 percent, corresponding to a total of 5,697 cases. Both robbery and fraud reports have decreased remarkably by 16.5 percent and 36.2 percent, respectively. Usury and blackmail saw a relatively significant increase, specifically 45 percent and 20 percent, respectively. Regarding so-called crimes against society, a total of 751 cases were reported, being an increase of 17.5 percent. In particular, crimes of counterfeiting legal tender increased by 60.6 percent. The number of forged statements increased by 11.8 from last year. There were also 306 cases (20.7 percent decrease) related to the employment of illegal migrants or harboring them. Moreover, cases that involved drug dealing and drug usage increased by 8.9 percent and 27.3 percent, respectively. Regarding violent crimes, there were 608 cases registered in total, representing an 8.4 percent increase. Some 349 of these cases were related to illegal imprisonment, which alone represents 57.4 percent of the total number of violent crimes. According to authorities, there were no murders in the first nine months, although three people died while illegally imprisoned. As Wong explained, one of the victims died when attempting to escape and two other people committed suicide during their imprisonment. In the nine months, 5,542 people were arrested and forwarded to prosecution, an increase of 1,343 people, or 32 percent, compared to last year. Regarding juvenile delinquency, 39 cases were reported, two less than last year; 59 individuals involved in these cases were minors, 11 less than last year. According to the released data, human smuggling and overstaying in the city significantly dropped to a total of 1,247 occurrences. The police force recorded 3,038 cases related to violation of transportation regulations, a steep drop from the 4,050 cases registered last year, down 24.9 percent. As many as 1,125 cases involved overcharging by taxis, while 1,081 cases related to drivers refusing to take passengers. The two figures represent 37 percent and 35.6 percent, respectively, of the total number of transportation infractions. Julie Zhu The Macau Model European Union will be held this weekend at the University of Macau (UM), bringing together 56 undergraduate and postgraduate students from six Macau tertiary institutions. The two-day event, held tomorrow and Sunday, will see participating students divided in teams of two, with each team representing one of the 28 member states of the European Union (EU). Students will discuss the consequences of United Kingdoms recent decision to leave the EU bloc. The event is open to the public and will be held in the Senate Room (Building N6 Administration, Room G010) at the UM. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday and will conclude at midday on Sunday, according to a statement from the organizer, the European Union Academic Programme Macao (EUAP-M). The top three students in the simulation will be awarded a free study trip to Europe, while four runner-ups will receive cash prizes. An additional cash prize will be awarded to the students that draft the best position paper on the discussion topic. Model EU is an educational simulation in which participants recreate the political decision-making processes of international organizations within the 28-member bloc, in order to learn about European politics and current affairs. The simulation helps students develop their diplomacy, debating, public speaking and negotiation skills. Established in 2012, the EUAP-M is a partnership between the UM and the Institute of European Studies of Macau, which is co-financed by the EU. According to a statement from EUAP-M, the event serves to bring attention and knowledge of the EU closer to Macaus general public and students of all levels. The participating institutions are UM, City University of Macau, the Institute for Tourism Studies, Macau Polytechnic Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, and the University of Saint Joseph. DB In a bid to lessen the mismatch between new graduates skills and the requirements of companies, the Education Bureau of Hong Kong (EDB) is attempting to strengthen the quality of its vocational education. During the closing day of the conference on The New Frontiers of Teaching and Learning Quality Assurance in Higher Education, which was held at the Macao Polytechnic Institute (IPM), Florence Tsang, assistant secretary of Further Education Division of the Education Bureau in Hong Kong presented a comparability study of the Hong Kong Education Frameworks (HKQF) and European Education Frameworks (EQF). The study was undertaken to facilitate the mutual understanding of the qualifications of Hong Kong and European countries whose national qualifications frameworks are referenced in the EQF. HKQF is a unitary framework that covers all sectors of learning; from academic to vocational and to the continuing education sector. With this framework, the bureau has placed all these kinds of qualifications together in a single location to ensure that students can articulate their qualifications across the different sectors. According to Tsang, the neighboring region aims to be an educational hub in the Asia Pacific region. With that prospect, Tsang claimed that the EDB had benchmarked the qualification system and underpinned the quality insurance mechanism against that found in Europe which she sees as a major step for internationalization for Hong Kongs tertiary education frameworks. The representative of Hong Kongs education bureau noted that the comparability study also aimed to ensure that global employers could better understand the qualifications and standards of the HKSAR. Learners in Hong Kong, especially from the higher education sector aspire to study overseas. Very often what they face is the [lack of] recognition of their qualifications, she told the Times. This [study] would help our learners or labor find job overseas and study overseas. Meanwhile, while there is still a mismatch in the labor market, Tsang stressed that the Hong Kong education bureau had seen improvements in the bridging the gap. As stakeholders in Hong Kong give less value to vocational education, Tsang highlighted that the EDB had been striving to improve its quality. In recent years, we have started to rebrand our vocational education as vocational and professional education because we see that many of these qualifications are actually up to a degree level, she explained. Meanwhile Pauline Tang CEO of the International Center of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education stressed there was an obvious gap between the demands of employers and the skills of existing workers. Its not a lack of anything other than the fact that communication is not two-way flowing and thats the reason why this need for [a] global partnership is extremely important for them, she explicated. According to Tang, ongoing dialogue with institutions and stakeholders would help narrow the mismatch. She cited that industry, education providers and quality assurance authorities could collaborate to ensure that the demand and supply gap could be narrowed to produce a robust workforce. The collaboration could also help contribute to the sustainable development goal of the Goal 4 of the new UN Agenda, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Tang explained that educational training providers should equip their learners with necessary core and soft skills to seek and secure employment in the competitive labor market, nationally or internationally and stated that educational systems still have a long way to go to achieve this aim. So now we really have to change our mindset and we really have to start progressively and actively engaging with each other [and] work in close collaboration and cooperation to achieve this vision, Tang noted. The scholar also presented the need to enhance life-long learning to explore the possibility of developing programs for upskilling and professional development. Quality assurance conference concludes The two-day International Conference on The New Frontiers of Teaching and Learning Quality Assurance in Higher Education concluded yesterday. More than 30 experts and scholars from more than 10 countries and regions in Europe, Oceania and Asia gathered in Macau to discuss the various factors affecting the quality of teaching and learning and to share the innovation and frontier development of quality assurance. The inaugural International Film Festival & Awards Macao (IFFAM) will launch in December with a selection of Asian and international feature films. The festival which features 12 competition films, three gala films and two Special Presentation films opens December 8 with the Asian premiere of Polina (Polina, Danser Sa Vie). IFFAM has lined up three showcases: Hidden Dragons, nine contemporary Asian films; Crossfire (Retrospective), genre favourites curated by 12 Asian directors; and the Best of Fest Panorama, the Asian or world premieres of nine international films. There will also be a special screening of three films starring Gwei Lun-Mei, this years Actress in Focus. A five-man jury will preside over IFFAMs official film competition. The winners will be announced at a gala on December 13, where they will receive trophies crafted by Oscar-winning production designer Mr Dante Ferretti. The IFFAM Industry Hub will also host the Crouching Tigers Project Lab from December 9 to 11. Participating filmmakers will join workshops and meet potential investors and distributors. Organizing Committee President and Acting Festival Director Ms Helena Senna Fernandes taking over from celebrated Italian director, movie critic and festival curator Mr Marco Muller said the festival will provide industry professionals with opportunities for creative and cultural exchange. IFFAM will run from December 8 to 13. MDT MIFFA Supplement: The Opening DOWNLOAD PDF MIFFA The Opening Scaffolding at a construction site in eastern China collapsed into a deadly heap yesterday, as iron pipes, steel bars and wooden planks tumbled down and crushed nearly all 70 workers in the countrys worst work-safety accident in over two years. At least 67 people were killed by the collapse of a work platform at a power plants cooling tower that was under construction, state media reported. Two others were injured and one worker was missing. The plants cooling tower was being built in the city of Fengcheng in Jiangxi province when the scaffolding tumbled down at about 7:30 a.m., an official with the local Work Safety Administration, who would only give his surname Yuan, said by telephone. The reported death toll suggested that nearly all the construction workers at the cooling tower perished. Close to 70 people were working at the site when the scaffolding collapsed, according to local media reports. About 500 rescue workers, including paramilitary police officers, were digging through the debris with their bare hands, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Footage showed debris strewn across the floor of the cavernous concrete cooling tower. Rescue dogs were seeking to locate survivors or the bodies of victims, while backhoes shifted wreckage to the margins of the massive round tower. China has suffered several major work-safety accidents in recent years blamed on corruption and pressure to boost production amid a slowing economy. Earlier this month, 33 miners were killed in a gas explosion at a coal mine in the municipality of Chongqing in Chinas southwest. In 2014, a dust explosion in a metal production workshop killed 146 people. Other accidents blamed on lax safety standards in recent years have also caused significant fatalities. The head of a logistics company was recently handed a suspended death sentence over a massive explosion at an illegal chemical warehouse in the northern port of Tianjin last year that killed 173 people, most of them firefighters and police officers. In June 2015, 442 people were killed in the capsize on the Yangtze River of a modified cruise ship blamed on poor decisions made by the captain and crew, while 81 people were killed in December when an enormous, man-made mountain of soil and waste collapsed on nearly three dozen buildings in the southern manufacturing center of Shenzhen. The 1,000-megawatt coal-fired power plant at the center of yesterdays accident had begun construction in Fengcheng in late 2015 and was expected to finish in November 2017. In recent weeks Chinese officials have sent mixed signals about the future of coal in the countrys energy production. Although Beijing has vowed to solve a looming problem of power oversupply, economic planners said earlier in November they intend to boost coal power generation capacity by a fifth over the next five years, or the equivalent output of hundreds of new coal-fired plants. Gerry Shih, Beijing, AP Communist guerrillas warned that a peace deal with President Rodrigo Dutertes government is unlikely to be reached if he wont end the Philippines treaty alliance with the United States and resist foreign control by other countries hes trying to befriend, like China and Russia. In a clandestine news conference in a New Peoples Army guerrilla encampment tucked in the harsh wilderness of the Sierra Madre mountains southeast of Manila, regional rebel commander and spokesman Jaime Padilla outlined the advantages and downside of talking with Duterte to end one of the worlds longest-running Marxist insurgencies. The dozens of mostly young guerrillas in muddy boots in their rain-soaked encampment on a wooded plateau reflected their resiliency but also showed the tough conditions that have long hampered their insurgency. Young rebels cooked rice, pork and chicken in soot-covered pots over wood fire while others gingerly puffed cigarettes while watching the peripheries. The nearest army camp lies just 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) away. When an air force Huey helicopter flew overhead, rebels at the news conference briefly paused and watched the passing aircraft. Founded in 1968, the rebels communist party has held peace talks with six Philippine presidents, including Duterte, whose rise to power in June sparked rebel optimism due to his searing anti-U.S. rhetoric, populist pro-poor stance and appointments of at least two left-wing Cabinet members. But the guerrillas have also found themselves in a dilemma due to Dutertes moves they find reprehensible, including the killings of large number of poor drug users that sparked accusations of massive human rights violations against him, a recent decision to allow dictator Ferdinand Marcos to be buried in a heroes cemetery and threats to shift to dictatorial rule if rival politicians derail his anti-drug crackdown and try to impeach him. While the president has gotten attention with his angry threats to end the presence of American forces in the country, stop joint combat exercises with U.S. troops and terminate a defense accord with Washington, Padilla said Duterte has, so far, not formalized these utterances and instead has walked back on many publicly-stated policies. While the Duterte government hasnt abrogated all these treaties, the New Peoples Army will have no reason to enter into a friendship or alliance with him, Padilla, 69, told a small group of journalists escorted into an encampment ringed by mostly young rifle-wielding guerrillas. Thats not negotiable because as long as the U.S. military has a presence, the imperialist influence on Dutertes government will remain, said the bespectacled Padilla, who wore a Mao cap with his 9mm pistol within reach on a wooden table. Other rebels echoed Padillas remarks. We support Duterte but not 100 percent, said a 24-year-old rebel who identified himself as Guiller. Hes projecting himself as anti-U.S. and pro-poor but thats still mostly rhetoric. If the problems persist, the revolution will go on. Dutertes reaching out to China and Russia also disturbs the communists. They hide behind what we call a communist (facade) or socialism but essentially, and in their core, they are imperialist nations, which control parts of the world, Padilla said. Even if its China that controls us, were not free, and we should fight their control on us. Coinciding with the rebel warning, the Philippine armed forces chief, Gen. Ricardo Visaya announced this week that most joint exercises with the U.S. military would proceed next year, including the largescale Balikatan maneuvers. Most would be refocused, though, on disaster-response, humanitarian missions and counterterrorism from previous maneuvers centered on territorial defense that Duterte worries may offend China. Visayas statement came after he met U.S. Pacific Command in an annual defense meeting earlier this week. Despite thorny issues, Padilla said Maoist guerrillas remain committed to pursue talks with Duterte while criticizing his wrong moves, like allowing Marcoss heroes burial and carrying out the bloody anti-drugs crackdown. Philippine police should target drug lords and syndicate leaders and not poor addicts, who the rebels consider victims and not criminals, he said, adding they have targeted big drug dealers in the past. We are sincere with the peace talks, we are honest and we want to end 47 years of armed struggle, Padilla said when asked if the rebels were just trying to extract concessions from a president with whom they may not likely forge a peace deal. The guerrillas, he said, would not simply surrender their firearms unless their major demands are not met, including social and economic reforms, land reform and an industrialization program that favor the poor, who make up about a fourth of more than 100 million Filipinos. If he remains in the right direction, he will be with us, Padilla said. But if he veers off from the direction that we seek, we will break away from him. Jim Gomez, Sierra Madre Mountains, AP Questions on human resources and economic diversification topped lawmakers concerns during the first day of presentation by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong. During his Policy Address (LAG) for 2017, Leong faced many lawmakers who, in addressing the issues, often presented opposing views. In the initial presentation speech, Leong remarked that the economy of the region continues to be in an adjustment phase, leading on to present a number of ideas of little concrete substance. These, according to Leong, are part of his action plan to consolidate the foundations of the development of privileged industries as well as emerging ones based on the elevation of their quality. In this sense, the Secretary for Economy and Finance elected as the main points the promotion of employment and to secure the employment of local residents, articulating these measures with the so-called mechanism of exit of non-resident workers (TNR). Lawmaker Ella Lei, who is known to frequently call on the government to close the doors to the TNR, insisted on the need to implement stronger measures to limit the access of such workers to the region. Yesterday was no exception for Leis rhetoric. She advocated that the secretary was advancing many measures to protect and give priority to the hiring of the local labor force, however to guarantee that this [protection of local workers] will be achieved is far more difficult. Policies should be [pursued] to help local workers to have an [effective] career progression, said Lei. In reply to the lawmaker, Lionel Leong said: I want to reaffirm that it is government policy that the TNR are only to fulfill the lack [of labor force]. Its our priority to protect the rights of local workers, although recalling that in the emerging industries we have to note the [available] human resources as some industries might not have professionals of several levels. So while we have to give [to locals] opportunities to move up in their career we also have to import other [workers] to meet the needs of industry, added Leong. However, lawmaker Kou Hoi In took the opposing stance, noting that employees and employers cannot reach a consensus over whether or not there exists a lack of labor power in the region. Kou remarked: There are two different markets; the big companies and the SMEs, adding to say that the TNR have to go away is to kill the SME business. Visibly disappointed with the measures presented, the lawmaker said, I hope the government can make a real and effective study of how to support the SMEs of Macau. The first thing to solve is the lack of human resources. Partially agreeing with both the ideas expressed by Ella Lei and Kou Hoi In was Au Kam San, who noted: We need to see both sides. He remarked that it is ridiculous that we are assisting in a salary decline [for local workers] when we are supposed to be seeing an increase, before attributing part of the blame to the hiring en masse of the TNR who are on lower salaries. The situation is affecting the local workers in terms of job and in salary, claimed Au. An earlier question, posed by lawmaker Ma Chi Seng, questioned the secretary on the possibility for a second chance for young entrepreneurs that while trying to create their own businesses had failed to achieve immediate success. He remarked that young entrepreneurs lack training to understand [the theory of] business and merely copy what they see others do. Replying to Ma, Secretary Leong did not refuse the idea of giving a second chance to young entrepreneurs by potentially allowing them to reapply for government financial support. However, in the future, youngsters [who want] to benefit from this support will need to attend courses with the support of CPTTM [Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center] so they can be more prepared, warned Leong. The discussion of the action plan for the Secretariat of Economy and Finance will continue today at the Legislative Assembly with the second day of lawmakers questions. CPCS to discuss seven priority topics During the policy address discussion, Secretary Lionel Leong noted that there are seven priority topics to be discussed at the Standing Committee for the Coordination of Social Affairs (CPCS). Explained in further detail by the Director of the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL), Wong Chi Hong, the seven topics include the increase from three to seven days of paid paternity leave, an increase of 14 days for non-paid maternity leave, the overlapping of weekly rest days with obligatory holidays, the mechanism of obligatory holidays that includes the authority of employers to determine days to compensate, as well as other measures concerning obligatory holidays. Portuguese-speaking countries pavilion to be own fair Among the measures presented by Secretary Lionel Leong to benefit relations and the role of Macau as a platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries is the decision of this years Macao International Trade & Investment Fair (MIF) Products and Services of the Portuguese-speaking countries Pavilion to an independent fair. JEROME A judge sentenced a Rupert woman Monday to a retained-jurisdiction program for driving drunk in a crash last winter on I-84 that left a passenger in another vehicle without part of his skull. Aileen Medrano, 20, pleaded guilty to aggravated driving under the influence last month. District Judge Eric Wildman sentenced Medrano Monday in Jerome County District Court to seven to 10 years in prison, but the sentence was suspended in favor of the retained-jurisdiction program, also known as a Rider. The Rider will include intensive education and therapeutic programming aimed at rehabilitation, and if she is successful shell be released on probation. If she is unsuccessful during the Rider, Wildman can send her to prison to serve the 10-year sentence with the seven year mandatory minimum. Medranos plea agreement, which bound Wildman to the sentence he imposed Monday, was more detailed than most, laying out a probation that will last a minimum of seven years and likely at least 10 years. Medranos drivers license will be suspended for five years, and once it is reinstated, shell have to use an ignition locking device that tests her breath for alcohol until her probation ends. Medrano will also pay an undetermined amount of restitution and agreed to cooperate fully with the victims civil attorneys, providing information about all parties and locations that supplied (her) with alcohol on the night that the crimes transpired. The sentence stems from a 1 a.m. crash Jan. 24 on westbound I-84 near milepost 182 when Medrano, driving a Volkswagen Jetta, slammed into the back of a Chrysler minivan, sending the van rolling off the north shoulder of the interstate. At least two people were thrown from the minivan, including Hector Garcia Rodriguez, 44, who had a head injury in which a portion of his skull was missing, an Idaho State Police trooper wrote in a sworn affidavit. ISP troopers who responded to the crash scene found the Jetta abandoned, but Medranos friend later called 911 from St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls to report the crash. Troopers found Medrano and the 911 caller at the hospital, where both women initially claimed they were in the car when it crashed but someone else was driving. Medrano later admitted she was driving, and cuts on her face were consistent with the injuries troopers expected to find on the Jettas driver. As part of the plea agreement on the felony count of driving under the influence, prosecutors dropped all other charges related to the crash, including a second felony count of aggravated driving under the influence and a felony count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious injury. TWIN FALLS Emiliano Cortez was shivering after standing outside for five hours. And he still had an hour to go. The line at Target had nearly already wrapped around the corner of the building at 5 p.m. Thursday. Cortez was the only person in line at noon. It was a lot warmer then too. Now he had a brown blanket draped around his shoulders. He also had more company. At 2 p.m. a few more people showed up. His girlfriend, Araceli Rodriguez, stood in line with him at 5 p.m., a blanket wrapped around her as well. The National Retail Federation predicts November and December sales will grow 3.6 percent, or to $655.8 billion, higher than last year. Its the best day of the year, said Christy Lounsbury, Target executive team leader of logistics. The excitement. Theres so much hype and all our hard work pays off. Its awesome and I really love it. Target employees got a pep talk at 5:50 p.m. before the doors opened. The line Thursday night was longer than the year before. The key to today is to have fun, said a manager standing before the group. The guests are out there and they want to have fun. Nearly six in every 10 Americans 137.4 million people plan to shop Thanksgiving weekend. The numbers include both in-store and online shopping. Last year, Cortez and Rodriguez were at the back of the line. She made me do it, he said, pointing to Rodriguez. She didnt want to chance it. They were looking for three items: a PlayStation 4, a 40-inch television and video games. In a few hours, it would be Rodriguezs turn. But she would be on the opposite side of the shopping action. Rodriguez works at Fred Meyer and was planning to work during Black Friday. I get to be behind the scenes, she said. Its exciting. I know what its like prepping for it. Its just for fun, its not crazy. A few dozen people back, near the middle of the line, the Alger and Gartner families were gearing up for go time inside Target. For the past 14 years, the family members gather in Twin Falls for their yearly Christmas shopping tradition. Each year they don a different T-shirt and theme. This year they wore black T-shirts that said Black Friday Boss. Its just a family thing, said Margaret Gartner, of Pasco, Wash. Its usually the women who stay out all night, but this year Kacey Gartners husband, Chance Gartner, joined them. The Gartners are from Walla Walla, Wash. This is my rookie season, Chance said, as the women in his group laughed. His old television got scratched and he was out shopping for a new one. But he wasnt going to stick around for long. Im getting my TV and Im going home, he said. I dont have a shirt. Last year, the women said they shopped so much that they had to unload some gifts into another vehicle. In the past theyve used walkie-talkies and whistles to signal to each other their locations in the store. Once inside the store, one will head to the electronic department, one will search the movies and one will scout out the clothing department. All my shopping is done tonight, Kacey said. I save for this. I usually have the kids and this is the only time we can get out. TWIN FALLS When you own 400 neckties, your favorite tie is the one youre wearing. Thats Tony Mannens philosophy on his massive tie collection. A part of his trove saw the light of day Friday afternoon at the Tony Mannen Tie Day at the College of Southern Idahos Student Union Building. It was the first Tie Day held since 1998. Its cool, Mannen said. A lot of people dont even wear ties anymore. Attendees were invited to wear their wildest, weirdest, flashiest and funniest ties to the event. Participants were awarded prizes such as certificates and cassette tapes. Tie Day was brought back by Judy Heatwole, coordinator of the employee well-being program. We thought this would be a fun way to recognize the men on our campus, Heatwole said. It was a way to honor men and speak to mens happiness and health. Tie Day was held in the mid-80s by Mannen and Delta Psi Omega, CSIs chapter of the National Dramatic Organization. It was a lot like this with students and chatter and music, Heatwole said. She wore a tie with the Mona Lisa on it. Her husband had to help her tie it. Mostly I noticed the women wearing ties because we dont get to wear them, Heatwole said. Mannen, a longtime professor of theater and communications at CSI, retired in 2013 but is still a presence on campus. Mannen said the ties he showcased were just a smattering of his collections past glory. He gave a huge bag full of ties to the CSI drama department before retiring. They often use the ties in productions. Mannen estimates hes owned between 750 to 1,000 ties over the years. He currently owns 400. He usually keeps 10 in his office. Not all the ties he owns are ones he brought. Friends, family and students have given him many ties over the years. He also hasnt worn all the ties hes received. He pointed to a maroon striped tie that he received as a present. That tie has never nestled his neck. Why? Its too pedestrian for me, Mannen said. One of Mannens most treasured ties might be the one decorated with bold blocks of red, dark green, light green, purple and blue. It was a Christmas gift from his brother. He wore this tie at his wedding along with a pink shirt, purple bell bottom pants and an Afro in 1970. They really can help establish your mood, he said. And they mark historical occasions. He bought a brown tie-dye with burgundy circles to commemorate the moon landing. The most unusual of the bunch? Mannen picked up a tie that looked like arm and hand bones. Cindy Flowers, a CSI drafting technician for 16 years, wore a tie that lit up neon blue. Tony is just part of the family culture of the college, Flowers said. Hes still part of the culture even though hes retired. Flowers won the Tie Day contest in 1991 when she was a student at CSI. Her winning tie a singing trout. This appeared in the Idaho Falls Post Register: Idahos goal of by 2020 boasting a rate of 60 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds with some kind of postsecondary degree has proven a daunting undertaking. In 2015, only 46 percent of Idahos high school graduates continued their educations within a year called the states go-on rate. In 2014, the go-on rate was 52 percent and in 2013, it was 54 percent. No, youre not imagining things. Were definitely going in the wrong direction. Not only have go-on rates dropped for three consecutive years, no one can quite identify how, specifically, to get us past the fluctuations. Even more dismal are the numbers of students who enroll in college but drop out before they finish. In 2013, only one out of every 10 high school freshmen earned a degree. With an 8 percent drop in the go-on rate since 2013, that number may well be less than one in 10. Horrifying. The state Legislature wrote a check for $5 million in the 2016 legislative session to help transform Eastern Idaho Technical College to an eastern Idaho community college, the type of institution the state is in desperate need of. Community colleges provide higher education and other professional training close to home, making it a far more affordable option. One of the Legislatures most innovative tactics has been investment in high school classes that offer students dual credits for both high school and college, potentially shortening students time in classes after graduation, and saving them thousands of dollars in tuition. But legislators preparing for the 2017 session should think outside the high school box on ways to address an issue that seems to be getting worse, not better, and begin to think well beyond 2020. The Legislature should continue to rebuild funding for public education, including preschool. Yes, preschool. If youre going to get serious about improving graduation rates, its past time to seriously consider it. Idaho is second to last in the country for early education. Multiple studies, including one by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, say college and career success are inextricably linked to high quality early childhood education, especially preschool. Additionally, good teachers inspire excellent students. Idaho needs to recognize that the educators who have stuck with their callings despite the lean years of the Great Recession deserve to be recognized and financially rewarded. The career ladder is a great incentive for teachers just beginning their tenure, but veteran teachers deserve credit for their hard work. We also need to ramp up recruiting programs for teachers, especially in rural areas of the state. The state should consider students families too. An in-depth look at Idahos deplorable go-on rate by Inlander.com points out that rural, poor communities struggle to send their youth to college. Chasing the 60 percent rainbow also wont solve the Idaho-specific problem of being an independent-spirited, sparsely populated state where people still bank on getting ahead with hard work despite some of the countrys lowest average wages and no affordable health insurance coverage for the working poor. School counselors and recruiters point out that enrollment in higher education institutions goes down when unemployment goes down. Idahos state unemployment rate is low right now at around 3.8 percent. But in a state where wages havent increased in years, its no wonder Idahos go-on rate is, at best, stagnant. People are having to work and work and work just to survive. In that scenario, who has time to go to sit in a classroom? Idaho, weve got a much bigger problem on our hands than our go-on rates. We need to go back to get to the root of the problem. I was disappointed by most of this years well-known releases, and did most of my rewarding fiction reading in past classics. But these are the fiction or fiction-related works I found to be outstanding this year: Eimear McBride, The Lesser Bohemians. A novel of an affair, with intoxicating Irish prose and a genuine energy on the page, though it is more a work of intensifying fervor than a traditional plot-based story. Claire Louise-Bennett, Pond, more from Ireland, short, nominally fiction but more like a circular sensory experience of reading overlapping short stories, with a cumulative effect akin to that of poetry. I found this one mesmerizing. Javier Marias, Thus Bad Begins. I have only started this, but so far I like it very much. I have enough faith in Marias to put in on the list. Juan Gabriel Vasquez, Reputations, a short Colombian novel on memory personal, historical, sexual, and otherwise, this was my favorite short work of the year. The Complete Works of Primo Levi, in three volumes, edited by Ann Goldstein. By no means is all of this fiction, but I will put these books in this category. A revelation, as Levi has more works of interest, and a broader range of intellect and understanding, than I had realized. There is plenty of linguistics, economics, history, and social science in these literary pages as well as consistently beautiful writing and superb translations. This is technically from 2015, but I missed it last time around. Helen DeWitt, The Last Samurai. Review here. Strictly speaking, this is a reissue of an earlier published but neglected work. Maniacal, intense, super-smart, about a mother bringing up a prodigy. Emily Dickinsons Poems as She Preserved Them, edited by Cristanne Miller. The visual presentation of poetry matters too, plus she is one of the very best. The Found and the Lost: The Collected Novellas of Ursula K. LeGuin, self-recommending. Elena Ferrante, Frantumaglia. A revealing mismash look into the mind of the author, giving you an integrated picture of her world view, with carefully calculated feints thrown in. I should note this one works only if you know and love her novels already. Ferrantes childrens story The Beach at Night is also worthwhile, very dark, you can read it in a small number of minutes. Here is a good NYT review. Jean-Michael Rabate, Think Pig! Beckett at the Limit of the Human. This work of criticism is grounded in literary theory, but informative and smart nonetheless. Michael Orthofer, The Complete Review Guide to Literary Fiction. An amazingly comprehensive and informative work, mostly about literature in translation, from the creator of the Literary Saloon blog about fiction. I liked it so much I decided to do a Conversation with Michael Orthofer. If you could own only ten works on literature, this should be one of them. If you give me only one pick, I opt for the Primo Levi, even if you think you already know his work. A few I didnt get to read yet, but have hopes for are Alan Moores Jerusalem, and Deborah Levys Hot Milk, caveat emptor in both cases, plus Invisible Planets, edited by Ken Liu, a collection of Chinese science fiction. My post on best non-fiction of the year will be coming soon, plus Ill do new entries for any excellent fiction between now and the end of the year. The Secretary General of the Arab League, Ahmed Abou El Gheit, expressed support for the decision taken by nine Arab countries to leave the Arab-African Summit in Malabo. Nine countries have withdrew from the summit because of the presence of the flag of the separatist Algerian-backed RASD entity which represents a violation of the principle of national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Morocco. The Arab Leagues Secretary General said that he understands and supports the withdrawal of Arab countries in support of Moroccos territorial integrity and out of attachment to the principles established during the previous summits of 2010 and 2013, held in Sirte and Kuwait respectively. Abou El Gheit told the Arab-African Summit in Malabo that the failure to address the issue of the participation of a separatist entity has propelled the withdrawal of a key group of the Arab Leagues member states. Morocco along with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Yemen and Somalia withdrew from the summit because the presence of a flag of a separatist entity represents a violation of the principle of territorial integrity and national sovereignty and also because participation in the summit is limited only to UN member states. In solidarity with Saudi Arabia, Morocco strongly condemned the violations by the Houthi rebels in Yemen of the truce that entered on November 19. The Houthi rebels continued to fire missiles on the borders with Saudi Arabia after the announcement of the truce by the Arab Coalition on November 19. Morocco strongly condemns the blatant violations that undermine the efforts led by the international community to find a political solution to the crisis in Yemen, Moroccos foreign ministry said in a statement after the breach of the truce announced by the Saudi-led Arab Coalition in Yemen. While expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia as it seeks to guarantee the security of its territory and protect its citizens, Morocco called for an immediate halt of these violations that deprive the brotherly people of Yemen of necessary humanitarian aid and endanger the political process. In this respect, Morocco reiterates the need for upholding the parameters of the political process launched by the Gulf Cooperation Council as well as the results of the conference of national comprehensive dialogue and the resolution 2216 of the UN Security Council. Morocco is part of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen which also includes Egypt, Jordan, Sudan, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. The conflict escalated in March, 2015, when Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies launched a major air campaign aimed at reversing Houthi military gains and shoring up Yemens embattled government. China will boost military ties with Djibouti, strategically located in the Horn of Africa, state media reported on Thursday. China is seeking closer ties with African nations that could help it gain access to natural resources and provide new markets. China in February began construction in Djibouti of its first overseas military facility, a coastal logistics base that will resupply naval vessels taking part in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. Djibouti is strategically located at the southern entrance to the Red Sea on the route to the Suez Canal. The tiny, barren nation sandwiched between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia, also hosts Japan, U.S. and French bases. Fan Changlong, a vice chairman of Chinas powerful Central Military Commission, said after a meeting with Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh the two countries could strengthen ties in all areas, including militarily, state news agency Xinhua said late on Thursday. The two sides have made frequent exchanges of visits, and achieved remarkable results in personnel training, naval escort and supplies, and participation in UN peacekeeping operations, Xinhua paraphrased Fan as saying. In his words, relations between the two militaries had been developing smoothly in recent years, Xinhua reported. China is willing to make joint efforts with Djibouti to continue to promote the healthy and stable development of relations between the militaries, Fan said. The naval outpost, which is due for completion next year, is expected to feature weapons stores, ship and helicopter maintenance facilities and possibly Special Forces. India government this week announced $10 million grant to Mozambique as part of efforts in helping the country currently suffering from an acute drought. Mozambique has been hit by the worst drought in 35 years. Some 1.5 million hungry people in the impoverished southern African country are in need of aid, the United Nations This grant-in-aid was provided in response to a request from the friendly country of Mozambique, which has faced two consecutive years of drought leading to severe difficulties for its people, Indias Ministry of External Affairs said. In his words, India will help the Mozambique authorities to urgently purchase wheat from the international market, and thus help ensure availability of food for vulnerable sections of the population. Note that Mozambique is among Indias most important economic partners in Africa, and accounts for almost 25 per cent of Indias net foreign Direct Investment into Africa. As a reminder, the drought has hit much of the southern African region including the maize belt in South Africa, the continents most advanced economy and the top producer of the staple grain. In South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe, last years poor rains were followed by an El Nino-driven drought that has delayed planting and stunted crops. King Mohammed VI who stands out as a staunch defender of the Islam of the Middle path and Islams values of tolerance, moderation and justice makes sure, whenever he visits an African country hosting a Muslim community, to reach out to this community, through revamping their religious shrines and mosques, training their preachers and distributing copies of the Holy Quran to members of the Muslim community, among others. And this is precisely what he is doing during his current visit to Madagascar, part of a second leg of a second phase of an African tour that already took him to Ethiopia. In this vein, King Mohammed VI performed the Friday prayers in the mosque of Antananarivo. In his sermon, the Imam highlighted the values of cooperation between nations in favor of humanitys coexistence and well-being and emphasized the crucial importance of wisdom, mutual assistance and right advice (Annassiha) in a so disturbed world to appease minds and consequently contribute to set up a better future, as well as the need for all to reinforce this common heritage to counter the scourges threatening Humanity in its essence. The preacher went on to say that King Mohammed VIs visit to Madagascar is imbued with this impulse of love, cooperation, mutual aid and nassiha. This visit, he said, represents a sort of pilgrimage to pay tribute to the land that hosted his late grandfather and the royal family, during their forced exile. The sermon shed light on the era when the two countries were fighting for their independence, recalling in this respect the Khotba delivered by late King Mohammed V in the mosque of Antsirabe. The Imam welcomed the peace and harmony prevailing between the followers of different religions in Madagascar, calling on the Malagasy Muslims to ensure the perpetuation of their countrys inter-religious coexistence and to safeguard Islam from extremist attempts to sow discord and animosity within the Malagasy society. After the Friday prayers, the Monarch donated copies of the holy Quran to the authorities in charge of managing religious affairs in the country. On Wednesday, King Mohammed VI visited Antsirabe where he renamed the Antsirabe Mosque after his grandfather, late king Mohammed V, who had settled in this Malagasy central city after his forced exile by French occupiers. The Moroccan Monarch performed a prayer in this mosque that was refurbished upon his instructions to pay tribute to the memory of a religious site and to his grandfather and donated copies of the holy Quran to the local Muslim community. 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. King Mohammed VI, who is visiting Madagascar within the frame of a new African tour, visited Wednesday, Antsirabe Mosque which the Sovereign re-named after his grandfather late king Mohammed V. The Moroccan monarch, Commander of the Faithful, also performed a prayer at the mosque and donated copies of the holy Quran to local Muslim community and the mosques of Madagascar. On this occasion, Abdelhak Lamrini, historiographer of the Kingdom, offered the King photos showing late king Mohammed V delivering the Friday sermon at the Antsirabe mosque, while others show late king Mohammed V, leading the Friday prayer and accompanied by prince Moulay Hassan who was then crown prince. For his part, president of the mosque management committee offered the King an album of three pictures of the royal family inside the mosque. According to Islamic Affairs minister Ahmed Taoufiq, the mosque Mohammed V in Antsirabe was revamped upon the instructions of King Mohammed VI, Amir Al Mouminine, to pay homage and honor his late Grandfather. In a statement to the press, the minister said that the renovation of this historic building upon royal instructions pays tribute to the memory of a place and to a Sovereign who devoted all his life to the struggle for the liberation of his country from colonialism. For this noble goal, late King Mohammed V made sacrifices, including the exile to which he had been forced with the royal family by the colonial authorities, added Mr. Taoufiq. He also said that the name of the city of Antsirabe will remain engraved in the national memory because it welcomed the late sovereign during his exile and is a landmark in the Moroccan history and the national struggle for the recovery of Independence. Kenya Airways Chief Executive Mbuvi Ngunze will quit in the first quarter of 2017, the chairman Michael Joseph said on Thursday. Ngunze will leave the airline by March 2017 after serving as CEO and group managing director since June 2014. I have discussed this with the unions and they understand the situation that we are in. They have given us the necessary time to go through restructuring, he told a media briefing then. While I regret this decision, Mbuvi will stay on until a successor is found which is expected to take some months, Michael Joseph said. He said the selection of the next CEO will entail a thoughtful process that he will lead alongside board and the nominations committee. I hope to complete this process within the next three months. I have already started the process to search for and identify the right candidate with the relevant airline experience, he said. The Kenya Airline Pilots Association had been pushing for the resignation of Ngunze and former chairman Dennis Awori since April. The carrier, which is 26.7 percent owned by Air France KLM, has been selling assets, including planes, and plans to lay off 600 people as it battles deep losses. Since 2011, the national carrier nicknamed The Pride of Africa has been relying heavily on debt to finance its operations following the launch of its overly-ambitious 10-year resource-draining expansion plan dubbed Project Mawingu. As a reminder, Kenya Airways is one of the largest carriers in Africa, ferrying 10,000 passengers a day on a fleet of Boeing and Embraer planes. King Mohammed VI, commander of the faithful, who is visiting Madagascar within the frame of a new African tour, performed the Friday prayer at the Antananarivo Mosque. In his sermon, the Imam stressed the importance of solidarity, charity works, assistance and providing good advice to Muslim brethren to enable them contribute to building a better future for humanity in accordance to Islamic values preaching fairness, justice, self-denial, altruism and peace. Islam, like other religions, cannot be highjacked by extremists, and Muslims will always remain faithful to their Islamic values of tolerance, co-existence reconciliation, said the Imam, underlining the importance of the visit the Moroccan Sovereign is paying to Madagascar, the land which welcomed his grand-father, late King Mohammed V and the royal family during their exile. He also recalled the Friday prayer and sermon delivered by late King Mohammed V at Antsirabe mosque, affirming the current royal visit to Madagascar will give a new impetus to cooperation and partnership between the two countries. At the end of the prayer, the Sovereign donated copies of the holy Quran to the authorities in charge of religious affairs in Madagascar. Wednesday, the Moroccan Monarch visited Antsirabe Mosque which he re-named after his grandfather late king Mohammed V. He also performed a prayer in this renovated mosque and donated copies of the holy Quran to the local Muslim community. The mosque was revamped upon the instructions of King Mohammed VI to pay tribute to the memory of a religious site and to a Sovereign who devoted all his life to the struggle for the liberation of his country from colonialism. 'Like' us on Facebook Follow us: Posted on: Nov 25, 2016 The Story of Sai - 3 And the lessons for you and me Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 4 || Part 05 || Part 06 || Part 07 || Part 08 The antiquity of The Ramayana, The Mahabharata, and The Bhagavatha is unquestionable and indecipherable. Yet in India they are as fresh and alive in people's consciousness as the stories of their own families. Rama, Krishna, Radha, etc. are almost a part of their daily life and living. What makes these legendary tales contemporary in every age? Rama's paintings and sculptures or Krishna's images and carvings, poems on Rama's glory or discussions on Krishna's message, are as passionately done now as they happened in 3 AD or 13 AD or 1300 AD. What makes them defy time and be relevant to every society over ages? Is it the incredible heroics of Rama? Or the delightful and miraculous sport of Krishna? Or the awesome plot of these captivating poetic narrations? While all this is true, what makes these epics eternal is something more fundamental. 91st Birthday Celebrations Logo - Download The Ramayana and the Mahabharata are like the heart and the head of India, and are as vital to India as the heart and the head are to a human body, Bhagawan says and goes on to state what makes these epics so vital: Sathya and dharma are not related to merely one person, one period of time, or one country; they are related to all people, all periods of time, and all countries... It is because these tales are nothing but beautiful elaborations of Truth and Righteousness, that they have stood the test of time and circumstance. But this essence can be grasped only if these epics are read not as scintillating stories but as reinvigorating treatises on how to lead a life anchored to Truth and Righteousness. As much as this is true for these ancient epics, it is the same with the current Sai Bhagavatha too. Every scene and character, sequence and incident, twist and turn in the Sai Saga is for the purpose of divinising man through the practice of Truth, Righteousness, Peace and Love. But to assimilate this deeply and internalise it intensely so that it can be translated into real action, the Story of Sai needs to be not just read but meditated upon assiduously. This series, started in November 2016, commemorating Bhagawan's 91st Birthday is an attempt in this direction. We hope this will help us to reflect more profoundly on the Sai Bhagavatha and implement the lessons learnt more powerfully in our day-to-day existence. His Story The story of the birth of Puttaparthi is no less mystifying and profound as the advent of Sathya Sai. Many years ago Puttaparthi was called Gollapalli. Gollas refer to the cowherds. So literally it referred to 'a place of cowherds'. It was a milieu similar to Gokul Brindavan of Krishna's times. These cows yielded milk in plenty and the villagers lived in bounty. However one fateful incident changed everything. A cowherd noticed that one evening his cow returned from the pastures with little milk left in her udders. He was angry, and confused. Where is her milk gone? Why so little? Did anyone steal? He wanted to investigate. So next day he quietly followed his cow. He noticed that after grazing for a while, she surreptitiously moved away from the herd and set off towards the outskirts of the village. The path was undulating, filled with rocks, stones and hillocks. But his cow marched on. She was in fact in a hurry. She doggedly overcame everything that came in her way and moved on until she reached a particular spot where there was an ant hill. There she stopped. And waited. In a few seconds, from inside the mound of mud emerged a snake. The dangerous cobra however was a picture of peace. It slowly slithered out of its hole, settled down right below the cow's belly, then raising its hood carefully latched on to the cow's udder and began to merrily drink her milk! The cow too was suckling the gentle serpent with contentment. I got you! The cowherd was enraged. So this is the drama going on! How dare you drink away my cow's milk! He seethed with anger at the snake's 'impertinence'. The next moment, without sparing a second thought, he picked up a stone, and hurled it at the cobra with such power and precision that it hit the serpent like a ton of bricks. A splash of blood! The spineless creature collapsed. The snake died, but before it breathed its last it let out a curse: For taking away my life so stone-heartedly, this place will soon be filled with stones and rocks, snakes and ant hills. Everyone here too will undergo the pain that I was made to go through. Reflection Instead of hailing the selflessness of the cow, and the beautiful harmony in Nature where one being was going out of her way to help another, what man did was destroy a tableau of love, that too in the most dastardly manner. Why? Because of his mindlessness. When one's mind is overcome with anger and greed, compassion and love disappear. The cowherd did not even spare a moment to analyze and understand why her cow was undergoing all this trouble to provide for a strange serpent. Even if she was doing it for some unexplainable reason, she was not hurting anyone. The only loss the man was experiencing is a reduction in his milk. If a little milk is offered to someone else, that too to a being which cannot speak and maybe is in dire need, should she be punished for it? Is it an unallowable act? Man minus compassion, Baba says, is not only not human but worse than even a beast. The cowherd unfortunately did not demonstrate even an iota of selflessness and sacrifice that the cow exemplified to the whole world. As a result the entire village was covered with a dark future. In fact the snake's curse is symbolic of what happens to us when we heartlessly destroy Nature's genial harmony. Where love diminishes darkness takes over. That's exactly what happened to Gollapalli. His Story Soon ant hills popped up all over the place. The ground became red and rocky. Rains were scarce. Pastures turned into playgrounds of snakes. Cattle dwindled. It came to a point where the existence of cowherds became miserable. The only population that rapidly multiplied was the colony of ants. With cows disappearing, the name 'Gollapalli' became a misnomer. As ants ruled the area, it came to be called 'Puttavardhini' meaning, 'where ant hills thrive'. But the decline of Gollapalli, or to put it differently, the ill-effects of man's loveless act, did not stop there. After a while even ants found it difficult to survive and grow here. The earth became hard, barren and bumpy. Reflection One can never imagine the adverse ramifications of a single sadistic act of hatred. Just like as Gandhiji said, 'the pure love of one person can wipe off the hatred of millions', similarly one despicable act of cruelty also can cascade into scores of years of unbearable pain and misery for thousands. Perhaps that is why they say 'never take a decision when angry.' Speaking to the students in 1972, Baba said, In one irresponsible moment of anger, Sage Vishwamitra lost the merit he had accumulated from penance done over thousands of years. Just like the funeral pyre consumes the dead, a fiery mind reduces a living body into ashes. One man's anger had indeed converted Gollapalli into mud. His Story So the name 'Puttavardhini' also appeared unsuitable as the place had become inhospitable even for the growth of ants. What existed here now was only anthills. Everyone started calling the place 'Puttaparthi', that is, 'a village of anthills'. However, even though this name was apt, it only brought forth sorrow from the hearts of the villagers. What a sad and tumultuous journey it had been for them from the days of Gollapalli to the current pitiable state! Everyone somehow wanted to put an end to this distressing downward spiral of their fortunes. They had suffered for too long. Something had to be done. So the village elders discussed and deliberated. The root of the problem, they diagnosed, was that mindless act of violence done with a stone. Somehow, that unholy stone still existed. The stains of the serpent's blood on it were clear. This is the stain of history that had to be erased. So the villagers now collectively decided to atone for the mistake of that weird cowherd. So this is what they did: They placed that stone in a place of worship, and washed it daily with their sincere tears of repentance. Everyone did it diligently, and for days and months together with great steadfastness. This practice gave them a lot of solace and peace. This everyday ritual cleansed each one of traces of unholiness in them. All were happier than before. The stone somehow had slowly transformed their minds, outlook and attitude. It indeed became a central part of their life and living, so much so that they began to really worship it. In fact as months rolled by, they even built a tiny temple and installed this stone there as the chief deity. With time, their faith in that fateful stone was formidable and total. That stone to them was God. Period. Most amazingly, many years later, someone noticed an implausible addendum in the stone: a mysterious shape had manifested itself on the other side of this sacred boulder. When the villagers examined it closely, it was the picture of God! A beautiful image of Lord Krishna playing on the flute reclining on a happy cow! Overjoyed and vindicated with their faith, the villagers now formally started hailing their stone-God as Venugopalaswamy. They knew they were now liberated from their generations-long misery. Even today The Venugopalaswamy Temple stands as an eloquent testimony of their faith. Reflection There is so sin that cannot be washed away with tears of non-repeating repentance. Quoting one instance, Baba says, Sage Vasistha attained the title of Brahmarishi. Sage Vishwamitra too wanted that appellation. So he did years of penance. Finally he did achieve that status. However Vasishta never addressed him so. Vishwamitra was so angry about this that he decided to eliminate Vasishtha. He thought, then everyone in the world would honour only him as the Brahmarishi. The historic Venugopalaswamy temple in the Puttaparthi village So one moonlight night, when Vasishta was speaking to his disciples, Vishwamitra came to his hermitage and hid behind a bush with a sword in his hand. He was waiting for the right moment to strike. As he stood there he overheard Vasishta's interaction. To his utter dismay Vasishta was actually paying glowing tributes to Vishwamitra for this ascetic attainments. He was telling his students that the good qualities of Vishwamitra indeed shine as brightly and beautifully as the moonlight. Vishwamitra was stunned. Who he thought is his enemy was actually extolling his virtues! This instantly changed his heart. He came out of the hide-out and fell at the feet of Vasishta. Vashistha immediately welcomed him with an endearing smile: 'Oh Venerable Brahmarishi, when did you come?' But Vishwamitra did not even raise his head. Only tears rolled down his cheeks. With great love Vasishta lifted him and said, 'Today you really deserve the title of Brahmarishi. You indeed have eliminated your anger and ego, and have shed sincere tears of repentance.' The only way to deal with hatred is sincere love. Even a stone would start to breathe if our love is steadfast. God is not a stone but every stone is potentially God, provided we have that faith. If we want to convert those 'shades of stone' in our hearts into 'shrines of God' we have to begin by cultivating faith. Gollapalli transformed into a glorious Puttaparthi only through the power of unrelenting prayer built on uncompromising faith. Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 4 || Part 05 || Part 06 || Part 07 || Part 08 Bishu Prusty Radio Sai Team 3D reconstructions of human embryos at (from left to right) 6, 8 and 9.5 pregnancy weeks. Credit: Bernadette de Bakker, MD of the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Medical Xpress)A team of researchers at the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands has created an updated interactive 3-D atlas that depicts the various stages of human development from conception to two months. In their paper published in the journal Science, the researchers outline the reasons for medical texts being outdated, how they got around the problem, the features of the new atlas and what it might mean for future medical research efforts. In their paper the researchers note that modern medical textbooks offer prospective doctors imagery of the first months of human conception that are wildly out of datepictures and diagrams are from work done half a century ago or longer. Some are from the early 1900's. Some of the illustrations have even been made by artists attempting to apply what can be seen in the early development of other animals, such as mice, to human development. This unfortunate state is due to restrictions placed on the study of developing humans, both those that are still living and growing and those that have died. To provide both researchers and physicians a better reference tool the researchers scanned approximately 15,000 images from the Carnegie Collection of embryo imagery and used them create a new updated 3-D atlas. The work involved analyzing the images and comparing them against one another to form a consensus regarding elements such as organ size and location as they appear over the course of multiple landmark development dates. The result is a virtual atlas reminiscent of Zygote Body (originally developed by Google). Users can choose a stage, which indicates an age, e.g. 51 to 53 days after conception and then manipulate the image that is displayed to suit their needs by zooming in, comparing size relative to a grown human hand or peeling back layers to view induvial organs, or the nervous or circulatory system. Video demo of the use of a 3D-PDF containing a 3D reconstruction of a human embryo at 9.5 pregnancy weeks (15.9 mm in length). Credit: Bernadette de Bakker, MD of the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam, The Netherlands The researchers report that their work, which included assistance from approximately 75 students, revealed that some of the images in current textbooks have organs in the wrong place while others have them developing in the wrong time frame. The new atlas, they claim, should prove to be helpful to researchers looking to better understand birth defects, particularly those that get their start very early on. It should also provide doctors with better information regarding development in pregnant women. 3D reconstructions of a human embryo at 9.5 pregnancy weeks (15.9 mm in length). On the left the skin, on the right all reconstructed organs. Credit: Bernadette de Bakker, MD of the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam, The Netherlands More information: B. S. de Bakker et al. An interactive three-dimensional digital atlas and quantitative database of human development, Science (2016). B. S. de Bakker et al. An interactive three-dimensional digital atlas and quantitative database of human development,(2016). DOI: 10.1126/science.aag0053 Abstract Current knowledge about human development is based on the description of a limited number of embryonic specimens published in original articles and textbooks, often more than 100 years ago. It is exceedingly difficult to verify this knowledge, given the restricted availability of human embryos. We created a three-dimensional digital atlas and database spanning the first 2 months of human development, based on analysis of nearly 15,000 histological sections of the renowned Carnegie Collection of human embryonic specimens. We identified and labeled up to 150 organs and structures per specimen and made three-dimensional models to quantify growth, establish changes in the position of organs, and clarify current ambiguities. The atlas provides an educational and reference resource for studies on early human development, growth, and congenital malformations. Journal information: Science 2016 Medical Xpress The Business Award 2016 TBC Bank revealed the most successful businesses of the year. The Business Award 2016 that is the most large-scale business award in Georgia was held in Karvasla, History Museum of Tbilisi on November 17, 2016.There were more then 500 companies involved in the competition. An Independent jury which was completed with experienced experts, revealed the winners in the following categories: Touristic business of the year, Agro business of the year, Georgian product of the year, Innovative business of the year, Small (growing) business of the year, Business of the year and "People's Choice" of the year, that was revealed electronically within public voting that had started on November 1, 2016 and lasted until November 17.This is the banks joint project with telecommunications company "Geocell" and aims to promote and support to development of small and medium businesses in Georgia. Also the business award aims to motivate successful businesses for more achievement and became inspiration for others to use the variety of opportunities that is in our country for development their own businesses.If you look at this strategically, the project is very important not only for TBC Bank, for Georgia as well. If we want to have a strong economical condition in our country, high business activity is needed. That is exactly what we are doing. We are helping people to start their own small or medium business instead of working on salaries. - says Nikoloz Qurdiani, Deputy General Director of the bank.As he noted in the conversation with magazine Messenger, bank gives more then thousand loans and serves tens of thousand businesses per month. So talking about clients, people who are making their own business with them is the most positive message from the banks side.We are helping people with our corporate, social responsibility to do their job better. With this way we are gaining more friends in this field - declares Nikolos Qurdiani.According him, the event will be annual and during awarding year there will be huge PR campaign in order to more company to be involved.Anano Arabuli, founder of the winner company ZETA in the category of Business of the year says, that this triumph is very important for them .This is big surprise and gift from TBC Bank, but it is the biggest responsibility and motivation to develop and improve our business. Also to employ as many people as possible and become helpful for our country. - says Anano Arabuli.The prize of the best touristic business of the year was very important for restaurant Barbarestan as well.It will be one year in December our restaurant exists. Such important success in a very little period is very important for us and additional motivation for future development. We are very thankful of TBC Bank.- says Tornike Qurasbediani, the representative of the company.There was huge audience flow toward the event in Social media. More then million people got information about the business award and involved companies and nearly ninty thousand users have shared the post with hashtag #sharethesuccess. Least corrupted in region By Messenger Staff Transparency International, one of the most influential foreign non-profit organizations, has released its most recent survey addressing the situation in terms of corruption and bribery in 42 European and Central Asian states.The survey said that Georgia was the fourth in the ratings after Switzerland, Sweden and Germany, with the lowest rates of corruption.The report stressed that only 12% of the Georgian population named corruption/bribery as one of the three major problems the country was facing.Households in a number of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries are at high risk of having to pay bribes to access basic public services. In Azerbaijan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Ukraine and Moldova around two in five households who had accessed public services paid a bribe (from 38 to 42 per cent) and this rises to 50 per cent in Tajikistan, the TI report said.Georgia, however, is a positive exception to this trend, with a bribery rate of just 7 percent, which is at least on a par with EU member states, the report added.Ukraine, Slovenia, Kosovo, Spain and Moldova showed the worst outcomes in the survey, as the majority of the population of the countries named corruption among three key problems their countries were facing.When it came to Georgias neighbors - Russia, Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan 39% of the Russian population named corruption among three main problems in their country, then came Armenia, with 37%, Turkey with 22% and Azerbaijan with 21%.TI spoke to nearly 60,000 citizens in 42 countries in Europe and Central Asia about their daily life experiences with corruption to draft the survey.However, the report also said Georgias population was not happy with the Governments activities against corruption and they also had low awareness on how they could personally act against facts of corruption.This means if the Government takes some genuine steps against corruption they must ensure to provide information about.Also steps should be taken to raise peoples awareness concerning the threat of corruption and how they should act if come across with such cases.The local branch of TI, Transparency International Georgia, also recommended the creation of a strong anti-corruption agency that would be absolutely free from political influences.The recommendation should also be discussed and analyzed. New associates Emily Englund has joined the Keller Williams family as part of the Suchecki Real Estate Team. A graduate of the University of Montana, Englund will be a licensed operations manager. Englund has more than six years of real estate experience. Wendy Bush has joined the Keller Williams family as Realtor. She has been selling residential real estate for 10 1/2 years and specializes in helping her customers buy and sell residential homes and land. She has experience in helping VA buyers and rural development buyers, in addition to, short sales and foreclosures. Prior to selling real estate, Bush spent more than five years as a mortgage broker. Brooke Johnston has joined the Keller Williams family as the director of first impressions and agent services. She is a 2015 journalism graduate from the University of Montana and recently returned to the U.S. after spending a year abroad teaching English in Italy. Kim Kahle has joined Keller Williams. She has been active selling real estate for 15 years. She has a background in new construction and real estate development. Prior to selling real estate she owned and operated a real estate loan processing business, processing loans for the largest real estate lender. She also has a background in title insurance from title examination to closings. Ali Amoroso has joined the staff of PartnersCreative as a public relations assistant account executive. A cum laude graduate of the School of Media and Journalism at the University of North Carolina, Amoroso worked across a range of industries legal, banking and hospitality before transitioning to the agency side at Missoulas full-service marketing and communications agency. She promotes, manages and maintains clients relationships with media and the general public, while also providing day-to-day management of public relations projects. Jesse Sindler has joined the staff of PartnersCreative as digital/web developer after completing a three-month internship at the Missoula marketing and communications agency. An anthropology and design graduate of Knox College in Illinois, Sindler designs, programs and implements digital products including websites, emails, videos and online advertising. He attended Montana Code School and previously worked as a graphic designer and bike mechanic. Janet L. Harrison joined Matrium Law Group. Harrison specializes in family law and also offers settlement conferences and mediation services. She previously practiced law as Janet Harrison Law, PLLC in Missoula, and has experience in railroad retirement issues related to marital dissolution as well as third-party parenting and grandparent visitation rights. Harrison was admitted to the Montana State Bar in October 2010 and is admitted to practice in Montana State Courts and United States District Courts in the District of Montana. She received her J.D. from the University of Montana School of Law; has a bachelors degree in biology and a master's in computer science from the University of Denver and spent 10 years as a software engineer prior to moving to Missoula. Phone 406-550-3772, email janet@matriumlaw.com or visit matriumlaw.com/. Brian McDivitt has joined Morrison-Maierle as an Electrical Engineer Technician in the Missoula office. He will be working on several projects in the area including the new Missoula Airport QTA, Morrison-Maierle Missoula Office, Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, Kamiah USFS Warehouse. McDivitte is a 2009 graduate with a B.S. in electrical engineering from Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida. He received his MBA there in 2012. Prior to joining Morrison-Maierle he worked at Burgi Engineers in Kalispell as a control systems engineer where he designed, built, programmed, tested, and installed industrial control panels for high-speed, high-power rotating machinery. Realtor Shaun Lewis has joined Clearwater Montana Properties, Inc. He will represent buyers and sellers in Seeley Lake, Swan Valley and surrounding areas. Lewis holds an MBA from the Michael G. Foster School of Business at the University of Washington, and is currently attending the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School. Recognition Craig Siphers was the October Top Producing Agent at EXIT Realty Bitterroot Valley. Ecology Project International 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. The full list of winners appears online at bestplacestoworkoutside.com. Amy Sullivan has been announced as the 2016 recipient of the outstanding fundraising professional award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Montana Chapter. Sullivan is the director of the Montana Office of Gift Planning at the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) in Missoula. The award is given annually to an outstanding individual fundraising professional in Montana who practices their profession in an exemplary manner, is a creative and stimulating leader, and is dedicated to fundraising and philanthropy through voluntary service. As the director of the Montana Office of Gift Planning, Sullivan leads gift-planning efforts on behalf of MCF in support of the many charitable organizations serving Montana. She works as convener, educator, development officer and gift-planning expert in support of Montana philanthropy. Prior to MCF, Sullivan served as the president and chief executive officer of the Montana History Foundation. She also ran her own association management and government affairs business. She has a bachelors and masters degree from Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism. Certification Youth Dynamics Therapist, Elaine Noland-Sepko, has become licensed as a clinical professional counselor. Noland-Sepko received a bachelors degree in psychology from the New York Institute of Technology; a masters degree in Marriage Couples and Family Counseling with an emphasis in crisis and trauma work from Walden University. She brings 20 years of experience to the Youth Dynamics team in Missoula. Her past experience has been focused in crisis work with children and families that are survivors of intimate partner violence. Elaine is also highly experienced in family therapy aimed to help parents build stronger relationships with their children. Evan Hauser was raised in the Midwest, where public lands were a foreign, almost nonexistent concept in his life. "You can see something beautiful in Indiana and right in front of it is a 'no trespassing' sign," he said. It wasn't until he enrolled in the University of Montana to earn his MFA in ceramics that he discovered the scope of public lands in the West. Like any newcomer concerned about the environment, he was struck by the beauty and aware that humans have a startling impact on the land, even in the process of appreciating it. He turned those notions into fodder for "Buckle Up a Bison," his first solo exhibition, which will be on view at the University Center Gallery. "The Herd" will be a quick read to anyone who's car-camped in a park and had misgivings about the volume of trash produced on a weekend adventure. Atop a picnic tabled painted in white, Hauser arranged six "settings" for visitors. Each one has a styrofoam cooler top and several cups with bison decals. The cooler tops, complete with a Lifoam brand label, are heavy gray, a hint that they're 40-pound cast iron objects and not synthetic foam. The cups are slip-cast porcelain, molded after the 32-ounces cups you can find at a gas station. The cups reference the number of people who comes into the parks, he said. (Both Yellowstone and Glacier national parks received record numbers of visitors this year.) The title of the show nods to a May incident in Yellowstone National Park, in which a French Canadian tourist picked up a bison calf and put it in the back of his SUV, believing that it was stranded and cold. He drove it to a ranger's station, where park staff naturally tried to return it to its herd. The calf wasn't accepted back, a common occurrence if an animal has had human interactions, and the park had to euthanize it. Toward the rear of the gallery are two floor pieces that use slip-cast porcelain sculptures sitting atop projections of land-use maps. The projections light up on top of wide-brimmed park ranger hats, which he situated on the portions of the map of Missoula Valley that are public. The second floor piece has a map of Indiana, where the public lands are far more sparse. In the heart of the Missoula Valley, where land has predominantly remained residential or agricultural, are two tractor sprinklers, the kind that will track along on top of a hose spread across the yard. They were Hauser's first serious attempt at slip-casting, a type of ceramics that's the main vehicle for many established artists in the Montana ceramics community. Shalene Valenzuela of Missoula and Jeremy Hatch of Bozeman are both well-known in and out of state for their work in the medium. It can be used for cups and vases, but many artists use it to replicate and comment on mass-produced objects, like a Warhol version of ceramics. Once a mold is made, the artist can make as many copies as they like: all the cups and sprinklers and hats in Hauser's show are nearly identical. Hauser openly says you won't really see his "hand" in the objects, only in the selection and production. "These tractors have a personality that I haven't found in any other slip-cast work that I've made," he said. Hauser bought one of the sprinklers at a hardware store and took it apart: the tractor-like body, the large spiked back wheels and smaller front wheels, plus some smaller components. He made plaster molds of each component that can be dissembled. Once the mold is assembled, it resembles a box with a hole of the top. You can then pour in liquid slip. The plaster, a porous material, pulls the water out of the slip and leaves behind a hollow, complete object. The large wheels, with their wedge-shaped spikes, required the most complicated molds with 16 separate parts. Slip-casting is an industrial process, the same kind that Kohler Co. uses to manufacture porcelain toilets. The company has an established artist residency program, one that Hauser dreams of attending in the future. Hauser is familiar with mold-making from previous work. For his undergraduate degree, he attended the Herron School of Art and Design in Indianapolis. He found an ad in a paper for "art production," and scored a job at Sincerus Bronze Art. As one of the foundry's mold-makers, he worked on large-scale bronzes by artists well-known in the industry, such as Gwen Reardon, who's produced horse sculptures for Churchill Downs and other tracks. "It was definitely a turning point in my art career to have that professional experience," he said. When University of Montana provost Beverly Edmond was working on her book about African American perspectives in public administration, she had no idea it would come out shortly after a presidential election that's put race front and center in the United States. But as of last week, her book is available at least in electronic form. Monday, Nov. 28, Edmond gives a talk that's a spin-off of the publication she co-authored with Ron Finnell. The book is called "Trail Blazing African American Administrators." The talk is titled "Social Equity in Public Administration: An African American Perspective." "The issue of social equity, especially as it deals with the issue of race, remains a critical consideration in discussion and debates about public policy," Edmond said. She said the book, which she hopes is picked up by public administration programs across the country, puts together a framework for understanding public administration as a discipline and profession. It also highlights some of the core values in guiding the field of public administration. Long before the 1960s, she said, the two core values guiding public administration were efficiency and effectiveness. "For many decades, the thinking was that if we could frame the administration of public policy and public administration around those two values, that we would ensure good public administration, good government, and more importantly, good government outcomes," Edmond said. Moving into the 1960s, though, the issue of social equity also emerged as a pillar of public administration, she said. "When we talk about social equity not only race, but gender other considerations of how individuals who have heretofore in the past perhaps not been considered in the design of public policy should be considered," Edmond said. In fact, she said, ethnicity, gender, disability and sexual orientation all are part of the "social equity platform." The book features seven African Americans who worked to increase the number of African Americans going into the public administration profession and also teaching it. Collectively, they've worked in the fields of higher education and at all levels of government, and for a variety of agencies. Hear more from Edmond, interim UM provost, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 28, in the School of Law, Room 101. For more information, contact Albert.Borgmann@umontana.edu. Note: This story has been updated to reflect a change in location for the talk. Gov. Steve Bullock is fond of talking about infrastructure. Its just that, talk. He vetoed the infrastructure bill in 2013, and he sabotaged the one in 2015. His recent budget proposal for the next two years includes new spending for infrastructure. Unfortunately, it looks a lot like his failed bill of 2015. The revenue projections are optimistic, and the spending priorities are questionable. As a Montana State University graduate, I am familiar with the needs at Romney Gym. I also support the Montana Historical Society and museum in Helena. I am not familiar with the veterans' home project in Butte. That said, I dont think those should be infrastructure priorities, especially in tight times. There are pressing needs for streets, highways, sewers and water lines. Some bonding probably makes sense since rates are low and Montana carries a high credit rating. Neither the Governors Office nor the legislative fiscal analysts have a very good handle on the next two years' income. They have had many surprises in the past. By sending his proposed budget to the legislature, knowing full well it is dead on arrival, the governor reveals his arrogance. Perhaps it would be better to meet with the leadership of the House and Senate to discuss options and what might be doable. I dont wish to see more gridlock in Helena, and this is a huge step in the wrong direction. Stephen D. Simpson, Billings We are about to have a president who received over 1 1/2 million less votes than his challenger. Put another way, more people than live in Montana cast votes that mean nothing. Adding insult to injury, more people simply didn't vote than voted for either candidate. As people feel disenfranchised they stop voting. The House of Representatives is becoming less representative of the people every day. In Montana, a vote for a member of the House of Representatives only counts for 2/3 of the vote of someone from an average state. Sadly, under the current law, Montana will never have more than one member of the House of Representatives. The Constitution promises a House of Representative that represent people. The First Amendment would have set a standard for this representation. It was a problem our forefathers saw coming. Unfortunately, it was never ratified. It still could be. The issue is becoming a growing tear in our Constitution. There is nothing sacred about a 437-member House of Representatives. In the digital age, there is no reason our constitutional right should not be protected with representatives actually closer to the people they represent. The problem is most egregious in Montana and will increase the most in Montana. Our congressional delegation needs to act jointly and work to restore the right promised in our Constitution. They need to change the outdated 100-year-old law and restore our right to representation. We deserve more than a single congressman. Ron Cooper, Bozeman POLSON Of all the fascinating politicians Montana has produced Jeanette Rankin, Burton K. Wheeler, Thomas J. Walsh or Mike Mansfield, to name a few none has a back story that can touch the sheer audacity of one of the very first. Which is part of the reason, next year, youll be able to celebrate the short (43 years) but adventurous life of Thomas Francis Meagher. On two continents, no less. MEAGHERfest 2017 is the brainchild of Polson actor, director, playwright, songwriter and musician Neal Lewing. Lewing took note of the fact that next year will be the 150th anniversary of the mysterious death of the one-time acting governor of the Montana Territory in the Missouri River the theories range from accident to suicide to murder in 1867. The plans for the festival have already grown to the point that it should be plural. There will be one over the first weekend in July in Helena, where a statue of Meagher, on horseback, his sword raised to the sky and ready for battle, sits in front of the Montana Capitol. There will be another over the first weekend in March in Waterford, Ireland, where another statue of Meagher, on horseback, his sword raised to the sky and ready for battle, sits near his boyhood home. The idea is to encourage people from Ireland to come here, Lewing says, and for people here to go with us to Ireland. We want it to be an annual affair. In conjunction with the two festivals, organizers are working on establishing sister city status between Helena and Waterford. *** Meagher was the acting governor of the Montana Territory a quarter of a century before we achieved statehood, and led Montanas first attempts to join the union. There is no easy way to condense all that led him from his native Ireland to Montana the staggering story can and does fill books. But, to touch on some of the highlights, the Montana governor had also been an Irish rebel, a political prisoner in Australia, a South American explorer and a Civil War general. In his short life, Meagher came to be considered one of the worlds great orators. He personally knew two of historys greatest emancipators Daniel OConnell and Abraham Lincoln. He was an Irish rebel sentenced to death by the British government. Concerned that the execution of Meagher and others would further enrage the Irish and endanger Englands stranglehold on Ireland, Queen Victoria commuted the death sentence and instead ordered him into a lifetime of exile in a place called Van Diemens Land. Meagher eventually escaped what is now the island state of Tasmania in Australia and made it to America. When the Civil War broke out, he volunteered to fight for the Union, and recruited Irish immigrants to the cause. He became a brigadier general, and his Irish Brigade earned a reputation as fierce fighters. Their success at the Battle of Fair Oaks prompted Currier and Ives to produce a lithograph depicting Meagher, on horseback, his sword raised to the sky, leading his troops into the battle. After the war President Andrew Johnson appointed Meagher the secretary of the new Montana Territory, but he was immediately, and twice, thrown into long stints as the acting governor while the men appointed to the post disappeared from Montana for months on end to attend to personal business. Montana was hard on the outspoken Meagher, who earned himself enemies on several fronts and a reputation as a boozer to boot. His disappearance in Fort Benton from the Missouri River steamboat G.A. Thompson on July 1, 1867 his body was never found is one of Montanas greatest mysteries. *** In 2003, Lewing, John Glueckert, Rob Sloan and Mike Lozar formed the Shamrockers, a Celtic/Irish-American music group. In 2009, the Thomas Francis Meagher Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians asked the Shamrockers to perform at a ceremony in Fort Benton, when the group unveiled a bust of Meagher on the levee near where he died. The guys thought his name was pronounced Thomas Mee-grr, Lewing says (its Mar). I did some research so I could write some songs for it, and oh my God, what a life story, Lewing continues. It resonates so deeply and strongly on so many levels. Just his death alone my research shows no fewer than 10 theories on how he died. Its like the Kennedy killing. People are virulently defensive of their pet theory. Lewing, who runs the Port Polson Players with his wife, Karen, did more than write songs about Meagher. He created a one-man music show hes been touring the last two to three years, and inspired by Hamilton is working on a full-blown musical production as well. Lewing was performing the one-man show at a Montana Historical Society event in Helena, and a member of the Hibernians came up afterward to chat. I told him, Hey, Ive got this idea in the back of my head for a Meagher festival, Lewing told him. *** They lit up like fireworks, Lewing says of the Hibernians. Its taken on a life of its own since then. We have weekly meetings, weve formed a nonprofit, theyre working on sister city status, the mayor of Waterford wondered why we didnt do this years ago. We have people on both sides of the ocean excited. The Meagher festival in Ireland in March is scheduled to run concurrently with Waterfords annual 1848 Tricolour Celebration, which is fitting. It was Meagher who brought the green, white and orange flag Ireland still flies today from France, and raised it over Irish soil for the first time ever in his hometown of Waterford on March 7, 1848. The Shamrockers, who toured Ireland in 2014, will be there to perform, and some 20 Montanans already plan on making the trip according to Lewing. The Meagher Festival in Montana in July is already getting so packed, that it looks like events will start in June, two days before the two-day event officially opens. Lots of great events, Lewing wrote in an email announcing MEAGHERfest 2017. History presentations, literary readings, dancing exhibitions, panel discussion with field experts, re-enactments, tours to relevant historic sites, exhibits and demonstrations, activities for kids, tons of music and more. Several other groups, including Friends of Irish Studies in Missoula, have signed on to help. The hope is that the festival will encourage people to investigate the Irishness of Montana, Lewing says. When the Shamrockers went to Ireland in 2014, the Irish people knew Montana. They may not know Arkansas or Michigan, but they know Montana because of Butte, and because of Thomas Francis Meagher. The two-continent exchange festival may grow to three continents by 2018. Remember the part about Meagher being exiled to what is now Tasmania? Meaghers time in Australia is a whole story in itself, and Lewing says hed like to expand MEAGHERfest to the Southern Hemisphere after the first year. PABLO A 3-year-old child is dead and a teenager is under arrest after a hit-and-run incident on Thanksgiving Day near a Pablo trailer park. Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said 911 received multiple calls at approximately 4:10 p.m. Thursday reporting a dark-colored SUV had just run over a child, killing the boy, and had fled, driving recklessly. A Montana Highway Patrol trooper located the vehicle a few minutes later in the Ronan area and arrested the driver. Bell identified the young victim as Phillip Shourds Jr. In custody is 17-year-old Chasen Curley of Ronan. Curley was cited for negligent homicide and failure to remain at the scene of a death or serious bodily injury. The suspect allegedly backed up from a parking space and ran over the boy, who was riding a bicycle. The 911 calls came in from Northwood Trailer Park in Pablo. Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Police, Lake County Sheriffs deputies and Montana Highway Patrol officers all responded. Bell said the investigation by the Montana Highway Patrol and Lake County Coroner is ongoing. I miss him already. Miss his steady rationality, his I-got-this mien, the eight years without a hint of personal scandal. And not to be overlooked, I miss the wit of Barack Obama. No president has had a better comic sensibility. Lets face it: were going to need to laugh to get through the presidency of Donald Trump and the Monsters Ball of his administration. Trump cant tell a joke, nor can he take one. He was graceless and unfunny at the Al Smith dinner last month, getting booed for his boorishness. And he was petulant and petty with his tweet after a Saturday Night Live skit had him asking Siri about the Islamic State. Thankfully, jokes at the expense of the highest office in the land are fully protected by the Constitution. But jokes coming from the occupant of that office are rare, and rarely funny. Obama is the exception. Anyone can write a joke. Few can deliver one. Obama has great timing, and a sense of self-deprecation honed over years of making fun of his name and his ears. McBride will discuss some of the early prominent French citizens of Butte, their descendants, businesses they started and operated, and what happened to them. McBride is a mix of Butte's French and Irish immigrants, descended from the French Jaccar family. A Butte native who graduated from the Immaculate Conception Grade School in 1956 and Boys Central High School in 1960, McBride earned a bachelors degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1964. He had a long career as a financial consultant and manager with the Royal Bank of Canada while living in Minnesota. He returned to Butte in 2010 to work for the Butte Central Foundation. A year ago, couple Theresa McLaughlin and Ken Wheeler were living in their 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was 19 degrees below zero on the coldest day that November. We had the windows all plastic-ed up, said McLaughlin. They piled on the blankets in an attempt to keep warm. For three cold weeks they lived in the Jeep then eventually found a motel room. We got some help getting into Eddys Motel, then thats how we learned about the program, and we got some help from Steve Fournier, said Wheeler. People at Action Inc., formerly known as the Human Resources Council, heard of their plight and moved fast to get them living quarters. Fournier, lead service advocate for 15 years at Action Inc., initially intervened at Eddys, where Action Inc. drops off complimentary lunches weekly for those staying there and struggling to stabilize their living situation. We do that for the few that can afford to stay there with their disability income, said Fournier. Thats part of our outreach. But most of our referrals are walk-ins and by word of mouth. By Dec. 23, when temperatures in Butte reached 5 below, McLaughlin and Wheeler were in a cozy apartment, part of a 120-year-old duplex in Uptown. Thanks to the federal Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, Action Inc. paid the couples first months rent and deposit to give the couple a much-needed roof over their heads right away. After that, the couple took on the rent payments. This has been our first year of our Rapid Re-Housing Program, said Action Inc. director Margie Seccomb. We used to run Homeward Bound, transitional housing that was reallocated to Rapid Re-Housing. Now we can get people directly into a permanent housing situation instead of a temporary place. The transitional (concept) is out of vogue with the federal government. They were our lifeline, said Wheeler. Action Inc. officials say a person with disabilities and a track record of employment can potentially qualify for Rapid Re-Housing. (See sidebar.) But we dont get any records of what their disabilities are, said Fournier. Its not a requirement of the grant to get those records. ON DISABILITY McLaughlin and Wheeler have been together for 11 years. Having lived all over the country with her family since age 2, McLaughlin, 36, finally landed in Anaconda in 1999. Her grandmother raised her. McLaughlin has multiple disabilities that have kept her from working her entire life. Ive had scoliosis since I was 13, said McLaughlin, and bursitis in my hip and a few learning disabilities. Learning to read and spell and managing her anxiety while in a group setting are obstacles for her. But now she knows how she learns. I learn differently from others, she said. They didnt understand in school why I couldnt keep up. Now they know that I learn hands-on, by doing. Wheeler, 49, having previously worked full time at a bacon processing plant in Missoula, lived out of his car because the cost of rent was so high until the Salvation Army landed him an affordable apartment in the Rattlesnake area. He suffers from Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy, a sudden loss of vision that forced him to quit work and go on disability. He also has hip problems. To compensate, he and McLaughlin are big into arts and crafts, namely art pieces and Christmas decorations that light up. Both well spoken, they are grateful for their astonishing good luck since Action Inc. gave them hope. Yet much of their time is spent caregiving for others: Wheeler cares for his aging parents with health issues of their own. McLaughlin took care of her beloved grandmother, Juanita Rhoades, in Anaconda up until her death last summer. We had been through a lot with her, said Wheeler. EMOTIONAL YEAR The year 2016 has been a big one for them in other ways, as McLaughlin found her birth mother in New Mexico and connected with her. Now enjoying their two-bedroom apartment, McLaughlin and Wheeler are anxious to host their nieces and nephews, since they dont have children. They appreciate how their Whitehall-based landlords have worked closely with them since they moved in. They did a lot of remodeling, said McLaughlin, light from a large west-facing window shining on her face. I love the storage, she added of the built-in china cabinet with space for a historic pull-out bed underneath. After experiencing so many emotional roller coasters in the course of a year, the couple seems happy, settled, and above all grateful. Without Action Inc., we wouldnt have made it, Wheeler said. We were ashamed and embarrassed to ask for help. Theres help out there, but you have to look for it. Added McLaughlin, smiling and relaxed in a comfy recliner sofa: Never be afraid. Keep the hope. A small community theater in Montana experienced big drama when actors in New York singled out the vice president-elect after a performance last week. "Hamilton: An American Musical" is playing on Broadway. Last Friday, Vice President-elect Mike Pence attended the show where actor Brandon Victor Dixon called out to Pence to stand up for all Americans. "We, sir we 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," Dixon said. "We truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us." The next morning, Denise Rose, executive director of the Hamilton Playhouse in Hamilton, Montana, said her phone woke her up at about 6 a.m. "My Twitter account was going crazy," Rose said. "I thought, 'It's too early.'" Rose said she discovered her phone was buzzing from the wrath of people 2,415 miles away angered by the interaction between the musical "Hamilton"'s actor and Pence. The two Twitter monikers are similar @hamiltonplayers for the local theater compared to @hamiltonmusical for the Broadway show. But the number of Twitter followers is not: 47 for the theater, 451,000 for the show. "My phone would go crazy in clumps of 10 to 15, then an hour later, all the re-tweets started again," Rose said. "We were getting tweets calling us racist, untalented, disrespectful, and more." Tweets included: "The cast of your show is disgusting! Rude to a wonderful man & his family!", "Very contentious example for social discourse. You're forcing public to believe one way.", and "What a DISGRACE by the actors & writer BASHING a great American who loves his country!" "People mistakenly called for us to be boycotted for our behavior towards Vice President-elect Mike Pence," Rose said. "I was thinking, 'How far can this get?' "One tweet was '#think,' and I thought, 'Seriously? Maybe you should be paying attention.' It was shocking to me." What alarmed Rose was when outraged people followed the link to the Hamilton Playhouse Facebook page and started giving one-star reviews and nasty posts. One Facebook post said, "Really disgusting what your cast and crew did to Presidential Elect ...Mike Pence last night. It's one thing to be rude to someone like Pence, whom can forgive and forget, but it's another thing to insult him when his boss Donald Trump NEVER forgives and forgets. Would never support anything these disgraceful actors and crew do in the future on any other projects they may work on. Doubt they will be getting much work after this anyway.you just offended 50% of the country just like Hillary did and look what happen to her." Another Facebook post said, "Disgusting behavior your company allowed last night to the elected VP. You provide a service that he paid for & I'm sure it wasn't to be harassed! The arrogance of the show & actors to inject themselves into an issue that was settled on Nov. 8th." Rose said that with the jump to Facebook, she realized the posts could harm the Hamilton Playhouse. She stepped into action, replying to everyone to let them know they had the wrong organization. "I asked them why they gave us a bad review," she said. "I said, 'You know, you're talking to a small non-profit community theater across the country in Hamilton, Montana.' I was able to get them to remove the bad posts, but it's taken a lot of time and energy." Rose said that once she started contacting those who voiced outrage, she started getting online apologies. "Some people followed us then tweeted on our behalf saying 'they are a good organization,'" Rose said. "Luckily, as of today, all the bad reviews were removed and most of the original posters on Twitter have apologized or removed the tweets. That didn't stop people from re-tweeting the posts before they were removed, but I'm hopeful that we stopped the issue before it could do too much harm." Rose said locally the Hamilton Playhouse did get a couple of nice tweets and supportive entries on Facebook. "There has been no local negativity," Rose said. She has not been to New York to see "Hamilton: An American Musical" but watched the PBS special about it. "I'm obsessed with the soundtrack and a big fan of the author, Lin-Manuel Miranda," Rose said. "It will go on tour, and when it comes to Seattle, I'll go." "It's been an interesting few days. Thank goodness we are 3,000 miles away from the epicenter and, other than a few misinformed people, we are unlikely to be damaged by it. Of course, donations by way of apology are always welcome!" This is the time of the year that Rhodes Scholars are selected only 32 of them from over 1,000 public and private colleges and universities throughout the country. This is the most prestigious award a college student can receive. It pays for two years of post-graduate education at Oxford University in England. This reminds me that, with 28 such awards, the University of Montana has produced more Rhodes Scholars than any institution in the Rocky Mountain West. Montana State has done well, too, with probably five or six such awards. Of special note is that Montana State can claim the last two produced by any institution in Montana. Singly and together, this is an impressive record for Montana. I am proud to be both an alumnus of the University of Montana and a former faculty member at Montana State. The Rhodes competition is only one of many indicators that Montanas two universities are truly outstanding. Each is highly regarded in the higher education nationally. Each is able to supplement below-average state support with very impressive philanthropic and research grants. The people of Montana deserve credit for supporting higher education, and for understanding that universities are not just a cost center, but are the primary economic development resource that any state has. They deserve special credit for voting every 10 years to renew the six-mill levy that is earmarked for our university system. I remember how proud I was when this referendum carried all 56 counties in 1978. To sustain our Montana colleges and universities as an ornament of civic pride, but more as centers of culture and opportunity, and as engines of economic progress, we need to support the six-mill levy when it comes up again in 2018. I know we will. -- Lawrence K. Pettit, was Montanas first Commissioner of Higher Education, 1973-79, and later headed universities in Texas, Illinois and Pennsylvania. He is retired and lives in Helena. PARADISE Its just another day in Paradise for cowboy John Thompson, whose ranch is a corral squeezed between Montana Highway 200 and the railroad tracks that built this small town. On this day, Thompson you can call him Jonie T. is locked in a battle of wits with Geronimo, a half-thoroughbred, half quarter horse that Jonie T. says was abused. Geronimo has accepted a saddle, but has other ideas about letting Jonie T. sit in it, and dances in circles to get away from his 68-year-old trainer. Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Thompson repeats, turning round and round with Geronimo. The horse finally obeys, and Thompson carefully eases his boot into a stirrup, and himself onto the animal. A month ago he bucked me eight feet in the air, Thompson says. Hes come a long ways. So, too, has Jonie T., who is pretty sure horses saved his life. Hes just trying to return the favor. Locomotives to one side of the corral, and vehicle traffic on Highway 200 on the other, make this a nosier operation than you might expect, but its a patriotic one. In a circular pen built inside the corral, two American flags fly high over everything. My goal is to take all the fear out of a flight animal, Thompson says. What better place than somewhere that 17 trains a day go by on one side, and has a busy highway with logging trucks and semis with jake brakes on the other? Here at his corral flanked by trains and automobiles, Jonie T. will happily part with his philosophies, and his life story, to the willing listener. Im an all-American cowboy, he announces as he zips chaps over his jeans. I live by the cowboy tradition. Thats respect, trust and honor. Im praying our country gets back to those, but unfortunately those words are dying, just like the true cowboy is. Thompson says he wont set foot on a machine with four wheels when a horse with four legs can do the job, and that no self-respecting cowboy would. You might expect, then, that it would be the music of Hank Williams or George Jones that Thompson listens to, but out of the open doors on his GMC pickup, its Fat Bottomed Girls by the British rock band Queen that is playing on the radio. I listen to classic rock n roll, Thompson says unapologetically. So, too, do the other horses in the corral Sundance Cree, Shadow Dancer and Pawnee Joe who sidle up to the corral fence when Thompson arrives. Pawnee Joe, hes my Jughead, Thompson says. Hes been my therapy. Him and Sundance Cree are the two horses that brought me back to reality. In his life, Jonie T. says he has worked on oil rigs, in a meat-packing plant, on a railroad section crew, as a ranch hand and on on-call jobs. Hes been married four times, divorced that many, and has seven children and 13 grandchildren to show for the unions. Forty-five years ago, this was a whiskey-drinking cowboy, he says. Quart and a half a day. Two guys out of the Libby AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) told me, You keep doing what youre doing youre gonna die. Born in Havre, Jonie T. says he was a Hi-Line brat, which he defines as half-breeds (hes part Chippewa-Cree) and full-bloods. I ran from Malta to Browning with a wild bunch. His time on the Hi-Line was interrupted by high school, when his family moved to Sanders County and Thompson enrolled at nearby Plains High School. I graduated in 1967, and I swore to God Id never come back to this town, Thompson says, a promise he kept for almost 40 years. But things have a way of changing. When he did return to live with his mother, Loretta, he brought Sundance Cree and Pawnee Joe and, he freely admits, mental health issues with him. But booze was no longer a part of his baggage. That (AA) program put a cork in the bottle and helped me walk away, Thompson says. Its given me my life back. I told those two fellers in Libby, some day Im going to do what youve done for me, but Ill do it for horses. The day he returned to Sanders County 10 years ago, I unloaded my horses down by the river, and knew I was home, he says. This is, truly, paradise. About five years ago his mental health counselor put Thompson in touch with the Montana Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services, a part of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The agency helped Thompson pursue his dream to one day operate a rescue ranch for horses that also offers equine therapy for children with autism and other disabilities by getting his horse-training business up and running. "I just want the ranch before I'm 90," he says. "I tell my grandkids, 'Don't ever stop believing.' It took me a whole lifetime." Hes trained 60 horses in the last three to four years, Thompson says, using the philosophy that you break the horse, not the spirit. Its called push and release, Thompson says. You push the horse to its limit, have them face their fears and let them run with it. Then you walk them through it, replacing the pain with something thats loving and respectable. I had one guy tell me, Youre not a horse whisperer. Youre a horse psychiatrist. Things have gone well, he says, just not always on the financial side. Like most horse people, Jonie T. has a soft spot for abused or neglected horses, and he sometimes has to borrow money from his mother to feed ones he takes in. A couple of years ago when he went to buy hay from his supplier in Trout Creek, he saw two sickly horses hanging around. They were the walking dead, he says. Nothing but bones with skin hanging off them. Couldnt have weighed more than 265 pounds. When he asked his hay supplier whose horses they were, the man said, Hopefully, yours. Somebody dropped them off in the middle of the night. What are you going to do if I dont take them? Thompson says he asked. Theyll be destroyed, Thompson says he was told. So Shadow Dancer and Cheyenne Autumn came home to Paradise with Jonie T, joining Sundance Cree, Pawnee Joe and whatever client horses have been around. He says hes spent more than $8,000 caring for the rescue animals, and recently sold Cheyenne Autumn to a friend. I say sold, but I havent gotten any money for him yet, Thompson says. Thats OK, because I know he has a good home. Im not into it to get rich. If I can help a horse, especially an abused horse, Ill do it. I get rich in the rewards I can see in the horses. Thompson says a Lakota Sioux Indian in North Dakota taught him the mustang way of breaking a horse and one day Ill run into a mustang I can use it on. It begins, he says, with getting a horse in a pen, tying a rope around its neck, and letting the animal run until its had enough. Just let him run till hes done, and focuses on me, Jonie T. says. Then Ill walk with them, say Whoa and well stop. Take a step back, stop. Go forward, stop. Its a long process, and every horse is different. Thompson had 40 hours of work into one animal, and I still couldnt get him to face whatever was bothering him, he says. I told my mom one morning, Today is the day I finish that horse. He got on the horse in the smaller pen, then rode him into the larger corral to take him around barrels located there. I got him around one time, but the second time he took off, Thompson says. I dropped the reins and raked him with my spurs, and we just went flying west. The fence was getting closer and closer and I knew I had to get him to turn or wed both go through the barbed wire. But when the horse turned, It was at a 90-degree angle, Thompson goes on. I lost my balance, grabbed the saddle horn, and it snapped. When my weight shifted the horse knew he had his chance, and he bucked me into the barbed wire fence, then (kicked) me with all 900 pounds. Someone who had pulled up near the highway to watch the scene called out to ask Thompson if he was OK. I said, Yeah, I just got a horse to finish, Thompson says. I grabbed the lead rope, got him back in the round pen, put my spurs in his backside and he ran and ran till he couldnt run no more. When he finally tired out and put his neck down I come up to him and said, You done? And only then, Thompson says, did he notice that his boots were blood red and he was bleeding like a cut turkey. He drove himself to Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains, where he was stabilized and transported to St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. But he was back at work as soon as possible, because this is where he loves to be. I wish I had patience with people like I do horses, Thompson says. If youre looking for a Thanksgiving angle to this story, there isnt one, at least not beyond the fact that Jonie T. is ever so thankful he gets to spend his days with horses. But you know, for a cowboy, thats enough. Looking for something offbeat to watch this week? These films, all produced at least 40 years ago, are the best of the best. MUSCATINE, Iowa Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Muscatine will host a Pest Control Operators Continuing Instruction Course (CIC) for commercial pesticide applicators Wednesday, Dec.7, 2016. The program is also being offered at other office locations across Iowa through the ISU Extension and Outreach Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). The local attendance site for the December 7 CIC is the Muscatine County Extension Office. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. followed by the session from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. The registration fee is $60 on or before November 30 and $70 after November 30. To register or to obtain additional information about the CIC, contact the Muscatine County office at 563-263-5701. The course will provide continuing instruction credit for commercial pesticide applicators certified in categories 7A (General Household Pest), 7B (Termite), 8 (Public Health), and 10 (Research and Demonstration). The course will cover bed bug, ant, rodent and termite control while emphasizing ways to reduce human exposure in sensitive locations. Presenters this year include Drs. Eric Benson, Clemson University, and Fred Whitford, Purdue University. Additional information and registration forms for this and other courses offered through PSEP can be accessed at www.extension.iastate.edu/PSEP. 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 [] They would ask me what actors I saw in the roles. I would tell them, and theyd say Oh thats interesting. And that would be the end of it. --Elmore Leonard, in 2000, on the extent of his input for Hollywood's adaptation of his novels Several online retailers and the payment systems they use have buckled under the pressure of Black Friday. Takealot.com briefly displayed a website under maintenance message this morning and shoppers are reporting that their credit card payments are being declined. Raru has sent a notification to its clients to inform them it is experiencing high traffic on credit card transactions. If you cannot process your payment, change your payment method on your order to [Electronic Fund Transfer] and send us the proof of payment, said Raru. Stores are directing clients to their banks for answers, and ABSA contact centre told us the problem appears to be with the authentication systems of card merchants such as 3DSecure and Verified by Visa. According to MasterCard, however, its systems are up and running. MasterCard systems are up and running as per usual and are not experiencing any issues, the company told MyBroadband. A Visa representative was not immediately available for comment. Increased volumes Ecommerce payment gateway provider PayU said it saw up to 9-times its normal traffic on Black Friday. At 06:00 this morning we were already seeing traffic volumes that we see around 10:00 on a normal day. However, payment issues are not being caused by the load on its systems, said PayU. All our internal payment systems are up and running. There is a general problem with service providers which is not specific to PayU and may impact online sales in general. PayFast MD and founder Jonathan Smit said that by 10:00, they had processed about 80% of the transaction volume of other busy days pay day, for example and about 100% of comparable value. So there is definitely increased volume and people are also spending more than they normally would, he said. Our systems have not experienced any downtime today. We planned for Black Friday based on experience from comparable busy days and expect to process 50-100% more volume today. Where problems have occurred is with 3D Secure authentication and selected banks who have been struggling with the load, he said. BankservAfrica manages the 3D Secure system on behalf of most of the banks all payment providers and merchants are reliant on them for this function. The systems governing the process have been intermittently unavailable or slow to respond to authentication requests. Selected banks have also struggled with their part in the authentication process. Now read: How to check if South African online shops are down during Black Friday Believing that downtown Napa has a bright future, a San Diego-based developer is doubling down on projects that ring the citys tourist center. Barry McComic first appeared on the Napa scene when his company, Vesta Pacific Development, bought the block formerly home to the Napa Valley Register building in September 2015. The property sold for around $5 million and subsequent development plans were approved for 51 housing units and 6,200 square feet of commercial space. The county Board of Supervisors in October agreed to sell a 2.2-acre corporation yard site at 933 Water St. to a McComic company, RBMC Advisors, LLC, for $4.4 million. The buyer also has an agreement to purchase the adjacent south Copia property from ACA Financial Guaranty Corp., creating a seven-acre development area. Townhouses, stacked flats, commercial space on the scale of the nearby Oxbow Public Market and a parking structure are targeted for the sites. So is a landscaped Napa River promenade with park benches, sculptures and vintage streetlights, according to bid papers filed with the county. The river has been closed off to the public for a long time, McComic said at the time. It is our intention to open it up and let the people enjoy the river. McComic has also teamed up with the Plenary Group of Los Angeles, one of the proposed bidders to redevelop the block containing Napa City Hall, the Napa Police Department and Fire Station No. 1 downtown. The city wants a developer who can build a multi-story city hall, a hotel and a parking garage on the city block. Working with Michael L. Holcomb, McComic also planned to redevelop the former Napa Firefighters Museum at Main and Pearl streets. McComic is no longer involved in that project, Holcomb said this week. This past week, McComic said he had made an offer to buy the former Safeway property at Jefferson and Clay streets. I have been pursuing the site for several months and have presented an offer to the owner, he said. McComic said he could not elaborate due to a non-disclosure agreement. However, We can assume that the Safeway site is going to be developed in the not too distant future, he said. McComic said hed like to have a hand in the master plan of the downtown area around Safeway in conjunction with the redevelopment of city hall. The corridor just north of First Street from Jefferson Street all the way to the Andaz hotel - will be a very significant part of downtown, he said. It needs to be planned with that in mind and have complementary development. One developer working on the insurance company lot, Safeway and City Hall projects would be advantageous, he said, especially when it comes to providing parking, a crucial part of the plan. In an October interview, McComic said he has been studying Napa for two years. Pressure from the Bay Area is causing a great need for housing and related commercial development, he said at the time. People can buy the same square footage in Napa for 60 percent, sometimes even half, of the price elsewhere in the region. Meanwhile, McComic said, the Napa City Council has indicated it wants more housing because of a severe housing shortage and because housing prices are creeping up. The economics, plus the political environment, tend to play a big part in our decision to establish a platform here in this part of the state, McComic said. The United States recently launched a revolutionary new weather satellite into space from Cape Canaveral, Florida. When GOES-R is in orbit, it will see hurricanes and blizzards with higher resolution than any other U.S. satellite of its kind. The scans will take less time and be transmitted faster. Severe storms will be more predictable through breakthrough lightning mapping. The weather satellites that silently monitor the atmosphere over North America are approaching the end of their life spans. If they fail, the United States will be left without critical weather data. Scientists at NOAA and NASA have been warning of this risk for years. In the late 1990s, they began designing instruments for the next generation of satellites. GOES-R, the first in the new series to launch, will join a large constellation of U.S. satellitesoperated by NOAA, NASA and the Department of Defensethat observe our planets weather and environment. It is a game-changer for weather forecasting, but its also part of a bigger picture. GOES-R joins an international network of satellites that share data freely among nearly 200 countries. The United States provides data to other nations so they can generate precise forecasts and alert people to prepare for weather events. In turn, those countries share their data with the U.S. National Weather Service. Advance notice of crippling blizzards, long-range hurricane forecastseven a severe thunderstorm outlookis possible because of the freely-provided weather data from Europe, China and Russia. It is a mutual understanding based on an unspoken tenet: Our well-being is important, and so is yours, and we cant do this without one another. The notion of sharing weather information dates to the late 1800s, when the knowledge was essential for maritime activity. More than a century later, an unfathomable amount of weather data is shared among 191 governments as members of the World Meteorological Organization, or WMO, an agency of the United Nations. The organizations role became crucial after the United States launched the first weather satellite in 1961 and other countries followed suit. Thats one of the big things thats changed in my lifetime, said Richard Rood, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Michigan. The U.S. was originally the only global network, and then the Europeans, Japan and India all started launching their own satellites. We had to develop a data-sharing agreement. The international Space Age prompted WMO leaders from the United States and the U.S.S.R. to create a World Weather Watch program that allows any country to receive any meteorological data it needs to protect life and property. Global satellite data is critical to that objective. It is the backbone of forecast models, or numerical weather prediction. More than 90 percent of the data ingested by the models comes from satellites around the world. People dont think about why forecasting has improved, said Cliff Mass, a professor of meteorology at the University of Washington. If you look at the revolutions that made forecasting possible, numerical weather prediction is one of them, and satellites were the other. They measure how the atmosphere is flowingits wind speed and directionbased on how clouds move over time. They can see long-wave radiation escaping from the ground and oceans, which is directly related to the temperature and moisture through the depths of the atmosphere. That information, along with ground-truth observations from thermometers and weather balloons, is used as a starting point for the forecast. And it can be used to nudge the model back to reality if it gets off-track. Perhaps the most significant recent example of the satellite networks role in weather forecasting was Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. After the storm took a disastrous left turn onto the East Coast, researchers at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts sought to determine how critical satellites were to its accurate prediction. Without the information from polar-orbiting satellites, which can observe the entire globe in 24 hours, the forecast would have given no useful guidance 4-5 days ahead that the storm would make landfall on the New Jersey coast, the study concluded. This goes beyond simply forecasting for the public, said Rob Masters, the director of external relations for the WMO. Its a key source for long-term forecasting and in various sectors of our economy, the environment, health and transportation of all kinds. There have been times when nations have threatened leave the partnership, said Rood, a consultant for the National Weather Services next generation forecast whos been involved in weather and climate modeling for decades. Eventually, he said, governments would realize how severely it would degrade their forecasts. When I was working at NASA, every now and then some country would say they wanted to pull out their (weather balloons), Rood recalled. We would do experiments to look at the impacts, and also to show the impacts if we pull ours back, too. If you start withholding, you dont just punish them or us, you punish everybody. The WMO nations dont just share datathey also have a history of sharing spacecrafts. In 1989, the satellite that monitors the East Coast failed, leaving NOAA with just one satellite over the Pacific Ocean. Replacements for the aging satellites were in the works, but the project was years behind and millions of dollars over budget. So in 1993, the Europeans moved one of their Atlantic ocean satellites farther west to fill the gap. The year before, that same European satellite had been able to help meteorologists track and forecast the deadly Hurricane Andrew, which devastated Florida. And the courtesy extends in both directions. Before joining WMO, Masters worked in the satellite division of NOAA. He recalled that in 2002, the United States lent its GOES-9 satellite to Japan after their west Pacific satellite began run out of fuel. They had a failure, and they were blind, Masters said, so we worked it out so one of our satellites could move over there. With the addition of GOES-R, the United States will have four satellites parked over the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to monitor weather in North America. But the new generation bears only slight resemblance to the old. The camera instrument on GOES-Rcalled the Advanced doubles the resolution of the current NOAA satellites. It can scan the whole hemisphere in five minutes, and if theres a particularly dangerous weather pattern approaching, forecasters can scan a smaller region over the United States every 30 seconds. Sudden bursts of lightning could mean thunderstorms are becoming severe. So, GOES-R has a lightning mapper to continuously monitor and transmit all of the lightning strikes across North America and the surrounding oceans. All of this data will be fed into weather models to improve forecast accuracy. It could extend the lead time of tornado warnings and predict the location of flash flooding before it begins. In other words, it could save more lives not only in the United States, but abroad. GOES-R is expected to go live in 2017. When it does, it will feed critical, lifesaving data into National Weather Service forecasts. It will also enter a decades-long tradition of international cooperation and humanitarian goodwill. This is probably the most complex technology that our species is involved inweather prediction is, Mass said. And we do it together as one species. Its one of our greatest successes. A Florida newspaper gives a shout-out to talk to Donald Trump supporters after discovering they don't know any. Are you kidding me? But this is already something Conservatives know: 70 percent of our population thinks the media is biased, even Democrats. So what will newspapers do about it? Probably nothing as it is hard to get people out of cults. Yes, I believe most of the media belong to a political cult. You have to believe in the Marxist agenda to belong. We see how that ended. And all this talk about talking to each other, we know that won't happen either, thanks again to Marxists who don't want people to know what they believe. So we expect more of the same, name calling, lies, censorship, rioting, and bashing Conservatives. Marty Trout Napa On Monday 28 November 2016, the North Atlantic Council (NAC), chaired by the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ms. Rose Gottemoeller will visit the Joint Force Command in Brunssum and the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force Headquarters (NAEW&CF) in Geilenkirchen. There will be no media opportunity. Still imagery will be available on the NATO website after the event. Follow the Deputy Secretary General on Twitter ( Follow the Deputy Secretary General on Twitter ( @Gottemoeller ). Against a backdrop of increasingly complex cyber threats, senior officials from NATO and the European Union (EU) met today (25 November 2016) to discuss the next practical steps in NATO-EU cooperation on cyber defence. NATO and the EU are working more closely in this area than ever sharing information between cyber crisis response teams, exchanging best practices, policy updates and working together on training, education and exercises said Ambassador Sorin Ducaru, NATOs Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges. The high-level staff dialogue featured updates on recent developments such as NATOs Cyber Defence Pledge and the implementation of the EUs Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive. Proposals for increased cooperation were also discussed in areas such as information exchange. This increasingly coordinated effort is helping both organisations to better defend against cyber-attacks and enhance their resilience, which is critical in order to counter hybrid threats. "The EU and NATO have a shared interest in becoming more cyber resilient. Coordinating on cyber security and defence will facilitate the protection of the critical networks on which we depend" said Pedro Serrano, Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service. Earlier this year, NATO and the EU concluded a Technical Arrangement on Cyber Defence, which provides a framework for sharing best practices between NATOs Computer Incident Response Capability (NCIRC) and the Computer Emergency Response Team of the European Union (CERT-EU). Exercises are another area where NATO and the EU are working more closely together in a few days, representatives from the EU will join NATO and national cyber defence experts in the Alliances annual Cyber Coalition Exercise in Estonia. Cyber defence is one of the areas in which NATO and the EU decided to step up their cooperation as part of the NATO-EU Joint Declaration at the NATO Summit in Warsaw this summer. In December, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini, will present to NATO and EU Ministers concrete proposals for turning this cooperation into reality. NOAH LACHS (President, Oxford Union): Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the first event of three today. Our next speaker is a former Prime Minister of Norway, and in October of 2014, he became the thirteen Secretary General of NATO. Please join me in welcoming Jens Stoltenberg. CROWD (Oxford Union): (Clapping). JENS STOLTENBERG (Secretary General of NATO): Thanks so much and good afternoon. Its really a great honour and a great pleasure to see you all today and to be able to speak to you because I know that the Oxford Union has really been a platform for free speech and for open debate for almost two hundred years. And for me, to be able to speak to you is really an honour because free speech and open society is what NATO is there to defend. Thats our core value is to defend open and free societies. And that I also would like to tell you that there are many alumnis from Oxford that have, and people who have been members of this union for many years that have served in NATO for many years. One, general called Wesley Clarkhe was our Supreme Allied Commander for some years and hes a Oxford Union member. And also my Assistant Secretary General, sitting there, Patrick Turner hes responsible for operations and he is a member of the Union, he studied here and he told me, just now, that he studied Medieval History and Medieval War, and then he started to work for NATO, which also CROWD (Oxford Union): (Laugh). JENS STOLTENBERG (Secretary General of NATO): How should I say, not only good news. So, my task, or what I will do today, is that I will try to be brief, not too long, and to share with you some reflexions on NATO and how NATO is adapting to a new and more demanding security environment. And after that, Im happy to take questions and answer. So, to have time for that, Ill try to be brief and not covering all the issues but at least, pointing out some of the main challenges we face as an alliance today. And NATOs core task being a military and political alliance is to defend and protect all allies 28 member states from Europe, US and Canada. And we do so by protecting and defending each other while standing together based on the principle or the idea of one for all, and all for one. And this idea or this principle is enshrined in our founding treaty, the Washington Treaty, in something called Article 5, which is our collective defence clause. And the main message there is that an attack on one ally would be regarded as an attack on all allies, on the whole alliance. So, by standing together, and promising to defend each other, we are strong and we have been able to contribute to peace and stability in Europe for almost seventy years and to be the strongest alliance in history, protecting all allied countries. We have done so under very different circumstances. For approximately forty years, we did that during the Cold War, from our foundation in 1949 until the end of the Cold War with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and then elated, the dissolution of the Soviet Union. But during the Cold War, we had a big confrontation between NATO, the United States on one side, and then the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact on the other side. And we successfully were able to deter the Soviet Union and the Cold War ended without any shot being fired, and we started after the end of the Cold War to try to build a partnership with Russia. We enlarged more and more of those countries that were previously members of the Warsaw Pact, they became NATO members. And people started also to ask whether we needed NATO anymore, because the reason why we existed to confront the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact didnt exist anymore. But then we soon discovered that it was still a need, still a reason to keep NATO as a strong alliance, because we saw that we had instability around our borders close to NATO allies, first in the Balkans, where we had a civil war in the 1990s, or several wars in the 1990s, and NATO moved into Bosnia and Herzegovina with a big military operation. We went into Kosovo to preserve, or to end the war and to preserve the peace and stability in the Balkans. That was, of course, important for our own security because the fighting and the civil war we saw in the Balkans was also a direct threat to NATO allied countries. Then we conducted a big military operation in Afghanistan after attacks on the United States, 9/11. We have been fighting piracy off the Horn of Africa, conducted air strikes in Libya and we have done what we, in the NATO language, call crisis management or projecting stability beyond our borders because when our neighbours are stable, then we are more secure. So, for about twenty five years, we didnt focus so much on collective defence in Europe because the Soviet Union wasnt there. We didnt see a real threat coming from Russia. And we focussed on crisis management, projecting stability beyond our borders: Afghanistan, the Balkans and other places in the world. Then the world changed again with a more assertive Russia, with Russia using force first in Georgia, then later on in 2014, against Ukraine, illegally annexing Crimea. And then NATO was called upon again. And then we are now faced with the double challenge of both, continuing to project stability beyond our borders with actually more instability, more violence close to NATO borders: Iraq, Syria, ISIL and North Africa. And Afghanistan is still a challenge for us. So we have to continue to do crisis management, project stability beyond our borders, but at the same time we have to do more collective defence in Europe. So we have in a way, not the luxury of choosing either crisis management beyond our borders or collective defence in Europe. We have to do both at the same time. Thats exactly what NATO now is doing. We are adapting NATO to a new and different world. We are increasing our strength in Europe. We have implemented the biggest reinforcement to our collective defence since the end of the Cold War. We have increased the readiness and responsiveness of our forces. We have tripled the size of something we call the NATO Response Force, a force which is able to reinforce to deploy quickly. And then, we have also for the first time deployed forces, so we are in the process of deploying forces, to the eastern part of the Alliance with the battle groups in the three Baltic countries, and to Poland and also increased presence in the south east of the Alliance. We do this because for us it is, of course, a co-responsibility is to continue to provide the necessary deterrents to prevent the war, not to provoke a war and we have adapted to a more assertive Russia, being responsible for aggressive action in Ukraine. The important thing to remember is that, what NATO does is defensive, it is proportionate and we dont want a new Cold War. We dont seek confrontation with Russia and we, therefore, keep the channels for political dialogue open with Russia. And we are not strengthening our defence because we want to fight the war, but we are delivering strong deterrents because we now thats the best way to prevent a war. At the same time, we are also now starting to increase defence spending because this has a cost, so we decided at our summit in Wales in 2014, that we needed to invest more in our defences. And some countries already meet the NATO target of spending 2 per cent or more on defence. The UK is among those countries, the United States is another. But most of the NATO allies do not spend 2 per cent, they spend less than 2 per cent of GDP on defence. So one of my, or perhaps, my main priority since I became Secretary General of NATO back in 2014, has been to urge member allies to invest more in defence. The good news is that they have actually started to do so. After many years of decline, defence spending have started to increase and theres a long way to go, theres still much to do, but at least, it is a good thing to see that more and more allies understand that they have to invest more in our security when times are changing, and when we see a more challenging and demanding security environment. In addition to doing more on collective defence in Europe, increasing our presence in the eastern part of the Alliance, we have also stepped up our efforts to fight terrorism and to stabilize our neighbourhood. We continue in Afghanistan our biggest military operation ever. We support the effort of the coalition fighting ISIL. We train Iraqi officers. We provide support with our AWACS surveillance planes to planes from the UK and from the United States, and from other countries conducting airstrikes over Syria and Iraq against DAESH or ISIL. And we also work with other countries in the region like Jordan and Tunisia to help them being able to fight terrorism and to stabilise their own, or to maintain their own countries, as stable countries in the region. We are also present in the Mediterranean. We have deployed ships to the Aegean Sea to help cut the lines of illegal trafficking of the Aegean Sea. The reason why I tell you all this is just to illustrate that NATO has been able to adapt and to change. The world has changed, so NATO has changed and we are doing both a collective defence in Europe but we stepped our op at the same time, our efforts to stabilize our neighbourhood. And thats perhaps the most important thing, is that NATO has proven again and again that when the security environment changes, we are also able to change. We are changing the way we are delivering our core tasks. But our core tasks remains exactly the same that by standing together, by being strong and by defending each other, we make sure that all allies are safe and by that also, preserving peace and stability in Europe and North America. So for NATO, it is important to continue to be united and thats the most important strength of our Alliance. I will stop there to make sure that we have time for some questions. Thank you so much. CROWD (Oxford Union): (Clapping). NOAH LACHS (President, Oxford Union): Thank you very much Secretary General. You ended there saying that the world has changed and therefore NATO has changed. To what extent to you think Russia who, you know, originally the power you are blocking in terms of the Warsaw Pact, in terms of the potential saying the invasion to what extent are they once again the greatest threat to European stability and European peace? JENS STOLTENBERG (NATO SECRETARY GENERAL): So we dont see in there any imminent threat from Russia against any NATO country but what we see is a more assertive Russia, a Russia which has, over many years, invested heavily in defense. They have tripled their defense spending since the year 2000 in real terms. They have modernized capabilities, they are exercising more and they are much more modern in defence capabilities now, than they had just a few years ago and they are also modernizing their nuclear forces and they are also using a lot of, what I should say, rhetoric to intimidate neighbours and also related to their nuclear forces, a rhetoric related to the use of nuclear forces but, the most important thing is that we have seen a Russia which is willing to use military force against neighbours. We saw it first in 2008, in Georgia, but even more serious, we saw it in Ukraine, where they annexed, illegally annexed, Crimea and where they continue to destabilize Eastern Ukraine and the illegal annexation. Crimea is the first time since the end of the Second World War in Europe, that one country has used force to annex a part of another country so, all of this is the reason why we have stepped up, why we are investing more in collective defense, not because we want confrontation, not because we want a new arms race but because we have to respond in a measured, responsible, proportioned way to make sure that there is no miscalculations in Moscow about our resolve to protect and defend all allies. Q: Sir, what do you think of the reasons for this sort of aggressive rhetoric, the increased defence spending. Are Russia paranoid or is there an expansionist agenda? JENS STOLTENBERG: I think as always, what I say, I am bit reluctant to speculate too much about the thinking but what we can see is, what they actually do. And, what they actually do, is that they are trying to re-establish some kind of sphere of influence in the neighborhood to re-establish the thinking we had after the Second World War with the Yalta Agreement, where Europe was divided in spheres of interest. That is history, that is not a way to, what should I say, govern Europe because that is undermining or violating the respect for each and every nations sovereignty and a right to decide its own path. So we dont believe in spheres of influence, we believe in the independence and the sovereignty of all nations but what Russia does in Georgia, in Moldova, in Ukraine and in other countries is to try to, in different ways, to re-establish some kind of neighborhood which they control and especially for the Baltic countries which were part of the Soviet Union of course for them it is extremely important to have the guarantees from NATO, that we will protect them, that they will be independent and free countries and that NATO is there to make sure that no one violates their sovereignty and their the territorial integrity of those countries. Q: Another place that Russia seems to have some influence is in the mind of President-elect Donald Trump who has hinted that he might be willing to join Putin in Syria to re-establish the total rule of Bashar Al Assad and defeating ISIS in the process. If this is not simple rhetoric and if it is true, what does it mean for Russias and NATOs, sort of former satellite states? JENS STOLTENBERG: First of all the important thing is that I am absolutely certain that the United States will continue to be committed to NATO and to our collective defense and to US security guarantees to Europe. I spoke with the President-elect last week on the phone and he expressed strong support to NATO. He expressed strong support to the idea of NATO, of our collective defense, our security guarantees and I am certain that that will continue to be the case, not only because President-elect Donald Trump stated clearly that he supports NATO, and the obligations we all have made as in being members of the alliance, but I also strongly believe of it because a strong NATO is not only good for Europe, its obviously good for us because that is a cornerstone of security, but its also good for the United States. I think that two World Wars and the Cold War have taught us all, including the United States, that stability and peace in Europe is also important for the United States and we have to remember that the first time we invoked the Article 5, the collective defense clause NATO, was after an attack on the United States after the 9/11 attacks on the United States back in 2001 showing NATOs solidarity is also important for them, and hundreds of thousands of European NATO soldiers have served in Afghanistan in an operation which was triggered directly as a result of an attack on the United States. So, I am certain that the United States will continue to be committed to NATO. Then for NATO it is no problem that NATO Allies talk to Russia on different issues. Actually NATO decided at our summit in Warsaw in July this year, that we will keep channels for a political dialogue open with Russia. Russia is our biggest neighbour and we have to talk to them, we cannot isolate them, and we have to sit down and address different issues, both as NATO as an alliance, but also individual allys. For instance, the United States. They have spoken with Russia on issues related to Syria, many times, both on how to try to find a peaceful negotiated solution, but also how to make sure that there is no, how shall I say, incidents, accidents taking place in Syria where both Russian forces operate and the United States operates. Russia was instrumental when it came to, regarding the Iran nuclear deal so to speak to Russia, to talk to Russia, to have dialogue with Russia is, is, absolutely in line with NATO policies and NATO decisions. So thats nothing we should be concerned of. Q: Okay, one of Donald Trumps major gripes with NATO is similar to your own, its people not paying their way, not reaching this 2% and in fact there is four countries in Europe that make that 2% and as you said its England, Poland, Estonia and Greece. Whats the reason that the other countries arent paying their way? JENS STOLTENBERG: The reason is that almost all politicians that I have met they would have preferred to spend money on defense, no sorry, on education, on health and infrastructure instead of defense because most people like education, health more than defense. So, if politicians have, and what I say, an opportunity to do, to spend more on health and education and less on defense, they will do it; and I think we also have to understand that this is linked to the fact that for many years we saw tensions going down. After the end of the Cold War, tensions went down, and the Warsaw Pact was dissolved and we felt that we lived in a safer world and I have told many people before that when I was Minister of Finance back in Norway in the 1990s I was responsible for cutting defense spending and I was quite, as I say, impressed by my ability to do so; but, when I became Prime Minister later on, I was also responsible for increasing defense spending in Norway after 2008, and the reason why I am saying that is, that I think its absolutely understandable that countries reduce defense spending when tensions are going down as long as they are able to increase defense spending when tensions are increasing and we live in a more dangerous world and thats exactly the case now. So, yes, it was possible to explain why we reduced in the 1990s and perhaps in the beginning of the year 2000, but now we have to be able to increase and as I said, the, the picture in Europe is still very mixed, but at least the picture in Europe is better than it was two years ago, because in 2014 it made a decision to start increase defense spending and now European Allies have started to move in that direction. The UK leads by example because more nations are now following the UK and have started to increase defense spending. Q: Do you think there is something to worry about in Europe, in that stable Europe that you have described with the recent Brexit referendum here and potential referendum in France if Marie Le Pen gets in? That the EU could disintegrate and wed see sort of more sectarian violence as we used to maybe 100 years ago? JENS STOLTENBERG: First, I would like to state that what you have seen is, of course, for many, many years that there has been a lot of debate about the European Union. We have seen different discussions about the future of the European Union and that is important. But, at the same time, we are seeing that NATO has remained united and strong. So, of course, Brexit, that is not for me to comment. I don't have any opinion on Brexit but Brexit has not, what shall I say, made NATO less united, if anything the opposite. NATO is an alliance of 28 democracies soon to be 29 with Montenegro. People in different allied countries elect people from, or leaders from different parties with different political views, there are many different opinions among leaders in NATO countries but we have always proven that we are able to agree on our core cause to be together, to stand together and to protect each other and as long as we are able to do that, NATO is able to deliver what we are supposed to deliver; a strong collective defense deterrent and by that, protecting all allies. So I am not going to debate about the future of the European Union but I have seen that NATO has been able to stay united, stay strong, also in times where we have seen more instability and political uncertainties around us. Q: So one of those nations with a complex relationship with the European Union, but a strong relationship with NATO is Turkey. Now in 2015, Turkey involved Article 4, after the threats by ISIS to its territorial integrity yet Kurdish forces accuse Turkey of enabling and even helping ISIS. Can Turkey rely on NATOs support to protect itself from ISIS but also use ISIS to pursue and anti-Kurdish agenda? JENS STOLTENBERG: Turkey is a key ally for NATO, not least because of its geographical location. Turkey is bordering Syria and Iraq, bordering ISIL in Syria and Iraq and Turkey is bordering both Ukraine and Russia in the North in the Black Sea and Georgia in the East. So, and Turkey has the second largest army in NATO. Turkey holds 3 million, around 3 million refugees, so Turkeys key, both when it comes to the way we respond to a more assertive Russia, but also in the way NATO addresses the challenges with turmoil, violence to the South, ISIL DAESH, but also the migrant and refugee crisis. All of this makes Turkey important, not only for NATO but for the whole of Europe and also for the European Union. Turkey is a member of NATO but not a member of the European Union. I visited Istanbul when I met with President Erdogan on Monday. We discussed many different challenges we face together, but one of the challenges of course we discussed was the fight against ISIL and Turkey has now stepped up its effort, its efforts to fight ISIL. They have ground troops in Syria and in Iraq where they fight ISIL and the important thing for me is that there is maximum coordination between Turkey, with its forces in Syria, and the US and other NATO allies which are present in the same countries. NATO as an Alliance, is not present in Syria. NATO, as an Alliance, supports Turkey. We have increased our military presence equal in insurance measures in Turkey, and we are supporting the Alliance, but NATO as an organization is not responsible for ongoing operations in Syria, so how those operations are conducted I think its right of me to leave to the US, Turkey and the other countries which are on the ground. NOAH LACHS: Thank you very much. Now I would like to go to the audience. If you have a question put your hand up high and wait for the microphone to get to you. Could we go to the gentleman on that side. AUDIENCE MEMBER 1: Yes Sir. Thank you very much for being here today. You spoke a lot about NATOs deterrence capability vis-a-vis Russia, and I wonder, it seems to me that, that the deterrence capability is best, best organized to deter a conventional threat and theres a lot of talk today about hybrid warfare as a threat that emanates from Russia and I wonder if Russia isnt really operating with tanks and fighter aircraft and overland assault but rather through propaganda, political subversion, little green men how exactly is NATO positioned to deter that threat? JENS STOLTENBERG: First of all I think you are very right that cyber and different kinds of covert operations, sometimes called hybrid warfare is, what I say, is a very big challenge and many of the threats that we have seen, have been much more related to that kind of warfare than more conventional attacks and what we saw in Crimea was what is referred to as hybrid warfare with what you called little green men. Its hard to where the idea is to conduct covert operations, to deny in a way, responsibility and then create and use propaganda and so on to try and destabilize the country and by that conduct aggressive operations. This was one of the issues I discussed with Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday. Cyber is extremely important in modern warfare. Its hard to imagine any conflict without a cyber-component and the U.K. is lead, the U.K. has capabilities, competent skills in cyber, which is of high value for all of us. NATO has decided, and we are in the process of strengthening our cyber-defenses. At the Summit again in Warsaw in July of this year, we made two important decisions. First we made the decision to establish cyber as a domain, as a military domain so now we have air, sea, land and cyber as military domains and that will enable us to be more, to better coordinate our efforts, to better focus our efforts related to cyber and cyber-attacks. Second we agreed on a cyber-pledge which is a kind of road map on our way in many different ways can increase and strengthen our cyber defenses. Thats partly about protecting our own networks against cyber-attacks and partly about assisting, helping allies to improve their defenses of their own networks because the responder is the nation, then NATO is there to help and assist if needed. An important thing with cyber is that, is that thats something which is ongoing, because when you speak about other kind of threats there is a kind of theoretical possibility that we will have a conventional attack sometime in the future but cyber that happens almost daily against NATO Allies and NATO, so we have to defend ourselves against cyber-attacks every day and one of the key issues about that is attribution, is to tell who is behind and so increase and improve cyber-defenses is high on our agenda and Prime Minister May is very focused on that. The U.K. is the lead nation and we work closely with the UK in addressing those challenges. AUDIENCE MEMBER 1: Thanks. UNKNOWN SPEAKER: More questions please. AUDIENCE MEMBER 2: Thank you. So if we look back at NATO- Russian relations starting with the post, with the beginning of the post-Soviet period, so there was a period of dialogue and even expectations that a new democratic Russia would actually join NATO. Then by the end of the 90s, with the bombings of Yugoslavia, with many post-communist states becoming NATO members these relations have really gone sour, then there was a rapprochement after the 9/11 when Putin supported Bush in the war of terror in Afghanistan, then starting with I think the Iraq war, there has been a constant period of falling and deteriorating relations. So my question is, has NATO membership or some sort of a joint security programs with Russia, have they ever been on the table and if the cooperation with post-Soviet Russia failed, why do you think is the reason for such failure? JENS STOLTENBERG: So first of all you are quite right in that for many, for several years we actually established closer and closer corporation and dialogue with Russia and I was myself, as Prime Minister, attending different NATO Summits where Putin attended and Medvedev attended, President Putin and Prime Minister Medvedev so, so that was an example of how we were working together and we also had practical cooperation in different things. Of course there were some ups and downs, but at least we were moving in the direction of more cooperation. The main reason, there are different reasons, but the main reason why this has changed is Crimea. The illegal annexation of Crimea, to use military force against a neighbour is unacceptable and of course NATO had to respond and we have responded partly by, increasing our military presence in the Eastern part of the Alliance, to send a clear signal that we are ready to defend all allies against anything similar to what has happened in the Ukraine, Crimea. We also responded by suspending our practical cooperation with Russia, so we still have political dialogue with Russia but we dont have practical cooperation with them and then of course the West has also responded by implementing economic sanctions against Russia. Thats not a NATO decision, but all NATO allies have, through the European Union the United States and Canada, have implemented sanctions. So the main reason for the, the worsening, the deteriorating relationship is Crimea. Then the question is why did Russia do that? Well I think its because they have this idea of some kind of, they want to control their neighbours and to control neighbours is not compatible with the idea sovereign nations and sovereign states. I am coming from the neighbour State of Russia and of course I am very glad that I havent tried to control Norway in the same way, as they have tried to control other neighbours and ah, and ah, but at the same time one of the lessons that I have learned from regional politics is that it is possible to talk to Russians. It is possible to have a dialogue with them and Norway having a very long border line in the sea where we have gas and oil on the Barren Sea and the Polar Sea but also on land, we have been able to work in a pragmatic way both with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, but also with Russia but the reason why we have been able to work with Russia is not despite of our membership in NATO but its more because of it, because as long as we are strong, as long as we are part of a strong military alliance, we have the best possible foundation also to engage in dialogue with Russia. So I believe that we should, we have to stay strong, we have to stay united, but based on that we should continue to work and strive for a more cooperative and constructive relationship with Russia. We should continue to have a chance for political dialogue open and manage our relationship with Russia as good as we can because Russia will not disappear, Russia will be there, Russia will be our biggest neighbour and therefore we have to relate to them in the best possible way. UNKNOWN SPEAKER: Do you think one of the reasons you were appointed as Secretary General is because you have experience in this sort of corporate dialogue with Russia from when you were Prime Minister? JENS STOLTENBERG: Its hard for me in a way to answer why the leaders of NATO appointed me but as least they have, what I have said to some of them is that, is that it has also to do with my, my, let me put it another way, of course it has to do with my experience as a Norwegian politician because thats what I have done all my life and I became Secretary General so its hard imagine something else and, and, and one important part of my political life in Norway has been to relate to Russia. Actually when I became Deputy Minister for Environment back in 1990 one of my first tasks was to start to work with Russia on addressing pollution, emissions of sulfur up in the ( inaudible) which damaged a lot of nature in Norway and I went to ( inaudible) and Murmansk and different cities and we discussed practical environmental cooperation. Then later on in the 1990s I became Minister for Energy and Industry and we had a lot of commissions, we had a Norwegian Russian Commission on Industry and Energy. We met in Moscow, we met in Oslo and we developed a lot of projects on energy and industry with the Russians and that was a mutual benefit both for Norway and for Russia and then when I was Prime Minister we worked on the Delimitation Line which is a borderline in the sea, in the Barents Sea, but its important partly because its a big, big sea, territory but also, because it divides the continental shelf and there is oil and gas there and we were able to reach an agreement with President Putin and Prime Minister Medvedev. That was good for Norway, it was good for Russia and part of that agreement is also that we are going to cooperate up in the High North related to energy and also when I was Prime Minister I also and thats still the case we had to know that the Russian military, the Sixth Fleet, the fleet up at the (inaudible) Peninsula they meet with the Norwegian Armed Forces every week, that is they communicate with them regularly to make sure that there are no misunderstandings, no incidents and no accidents. We also have strong joint exercises with them related to search and rescue and so on up in the Barents Sea. The reason why I say this is that, in the North there is some practical, as I say pragmatic relations between a NATO ally Norway and Russia but that takes place based on some absolute principles that they respect our sovereignty, our territorial integrity and actually they respect it so much that they have agreed on a new borderline and of course its based on the knowledge that NATO, sorry that Norway is a NATO ally so even if Norway is not really a big power they know that NATO is there to protect and defend us. So for me, Norway is an excellent example of how strength and dialogue, defense and dialogue is not something which contradict each other but reinforce each other and I guess thats one of the reasons why I was elected as Secretary General of NATO. UNKNOWN SPEAKER: Thanks. Lets get another question from the audience. Lets go to the sort of turquoise jumper. AUDIENCE MEMBER 3: Can you understand that Vladimir Putin sees it as a provocation that NATO has expanded to the east after the end of the Cold War, especially in light of the belief of apparently some Russians that the negotiations about the reunion of Germany were based on the promise or implicit promise that NATO would not expand to former Warsaw Pact countries. JENS STOLTENBERG: The answer is no, I cannot understand that Russia has the opinion that it is a provocation, that NATO has enlarged with new members from central and eastern Europe and the reason why I cant understand that and I cannot accept that is that I very much believe that every nation, big or small, east or west, have the right to decide its own path. So, its not, in a way, NATO that has expanded, it is Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary, that has applied for membership because they want to become members through the democratic processes and should we then tell them no, youre not allowed to become a member of NATO because Russia would not like it. Thats an impossible message. And its violating everything I believe in when it comes to the respect for people to decide their own destiny and their own future. So, the notion of NATO expanding sounds like we are, in a way, grabbing land. No, they are coming to us asking for membership and after various thorough assessment procedures and they have to qualify and meet standards and implement reforms, then they are invited in, but only as long as there are democratic processes and they meet NATO standards, and after many years of assessment. So this is based on the idea that Russia has the right to decide the destiny of its neighbours and Russia do not have that right but neither do any other country. So, for instance, yesterday I met the Serbian Prime Minister and Serbia do not want to become a member of NATO. Thats fine. We respect countries if they say we dont want to be a member of NATO and respect them if they say they want to be a member of NATO. Its not for us to decide, its for them to decide and Russia should be more relaxed and accept that neighbours decide their own path and that will be good for the neighbours and for Russia. UNNAMED PERSON: Lets go to back middle, yeah, youre turning around. Q: Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary General. I wanted to ask you about Afghanistan. NATO has been involved in Afghanistan since 2003. I think Operation Resolute Support is going into its 3rd year and 10 years prior to that with ISAF. The treasure and blood that has been spilled in Afghanistan is quite astounding in NATOs history and I wanted to ask you whether this has led to lessons learned or any lessons for NATO members in terms of expeditionary versus neighbourhood activities? JENS STOLTENBERG: I would also like a moment, I just have to add one small thing to my last answer and that its not true, its a false statement that it was an agreement when Germany was unified that NATO should not have new members. So thats not true but second, even if it was on such an agreement, it would have been absolutely unacceptable that in a way the President of the United States or someone else should agree on what Poland or Hungary or Latvia have the right to do. So its double wrong. Its wrong because it didnt happen and if it happened, it would have been wrong anyway. So thats not the case. Second on Afghanistan, of course there are lessons learned from Afghanistan and I think that the most important lesson, there are actually two lessons. One is that it was right to go into Afghanistan because it was necessary to react to an attack that killed thousands of people in Washington and New York, the Twin Towers on the 9/11 attacks, and it was impossible to accept that Afghanistan remain a safe haven for international terrorists. It was a clear UN mandate, the international community supported it and NATO has been the instrument for the international community to fight terrorism and to prevent Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for international terrorists. The other lesson I think we have learned from Afghanistan is that we should have started earlier to train local forces because in the long run, it is difficult to beat foreigners, in a way, coming from NATO countries and partner countries and to fight the war in Afghanistan for the Afghans. So its much better if local forces, forces from the country itself, can take responsibility for security and stability in its own country and therefore, we have now ended our combat mission in Afghanistan. Since 2015, we are only in to train, assist and advise mission where we train and advise local Afghan forces and Im absolutely certain that in the long run, thats a much more sustainable and viable solution that we dont do the big combat operations but we enable the Afghans themselves to stabilize their own country. This is a lesson which is relevant for Afghanistan and if anything, we should have started to train local forces earlier so we could have ended our own combat operations earlier but I think it was an important lesson learned for other countries because I think one of the best weapons we have against terrorism is to train local forces, is to enable local forces to fight terrorism themselves because the fight against terrorism is not a fight between the West and the Muslim world. Most of the victims of terrorist attacks are Muslims. So we have to enable countries in the region, in the Middle East, in North Africa, to fight ISIL, DAESH, terrorist organizations themselves and in the long run, thats a more stronger weapon than we fighting their wars. UNNAMED PERSON: We have time for one more question. Lets go to the person there. Q: General Secretary, thank you for your time. I was wondering what is NATO taking in steps into de-escalating the tension between the NATO Alliance and Russia on a non-military basis. Thank you. JENS STOLTENBERG: What we do is that we keep the channels for political dialogue open in different ways. We have something called a NATO-Russia Council, which is a council that was established back in the 1990s where Russia and the 28 NATO allies meet. This kind of dialogue is important because it is important in a way to just sit around the same table and address some of our different security challenges and even if we dont agree on all of them, I think its important that we talk, that we have dialogue, that we speak because that at least helps us to find solutions. For instance, we have discussed Ukraine, we didnt agree, but I think its important that we meet, discuss Ukraine. We have discussed Afghanistan and we have discussed what we call risk reduction and transparency and that is about how can we avoid incidents, accidents related to military activity because with more military build-up, more military activities along our borders, the risk for incidents, for accidents, has increased and we saw the downing of the Russian plane over Turkey last year and we have to try to do whatever we can to avoid that kind of incidents or accidents and if they do happen, prevent them from spiralling out of control and create real dangerous situations. So the higher tensions, the more military activity, the more important it is that we have direct dialogue, direct contact, to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations that can create really dangerous situations. So, we do this, we continue to do that and of course, we also then continue to meet. On a political level, I have met Foreign Minister Lavrov, my deputy secretary general has contact with her counterparts with Russian officials, so we continue to have and also many NATO allies have on a bilateral level contacts and dialogue with Russia. I mentioned Norway but also other NATO allies engage with Russia in different ways, for instance, the United States. The other thing is that NATOs response, our increased military presence for instance in the Baltic countries, is measured, its responsible. We speak about battalions, which is an important but limited military presence. So theres no way that can be a threat. NATO does not pose any threat to any country. So we also calibrate our military response in a way that contributes to keeping tensions down. We are there not to provoke, we are there to prevent conflict and to provide the necessary deterrence to make sure that all allies are safe in a more unstable world. UNNAMED PERSON: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, firstly join me in thanking Secretary General JENS Stoltenberg. [APPLAUSE] ALS Oriku is an Iliria-class patrol boat manned by 21 crew members who will rotate every two months throughout the yearlong deployment with the NATO group. The Albanian Navy commitment is a welcome addition to the group and the deployment with SNMG2 will support interoperability among the NATO assets. The Albanian patrol boat has joined ships from Greece, Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom in support of NATOs current activities in the Aegean Sea. These units are patrolling and providing real-time information on a daily basis to the Coast Guards of Greece and Turkey, the EU Border, and Coast Guard Agency Frontex. The Standing NATO Maritime Groups are a multinational, integrated maritime force made up of vessels from various allied countries. These vessels (including their helicopters) are permanently available to NATO to perform different tasks ranging from participating in exercises to actually intervening in operational missions. These groups provide NATO with a continuous maritime capability for operations and other activities in peacetime and in periods of crisis and conflict. They also help to establish Alliance presence, demonstrate solidarity, conduct routine diplomatic visits to different countries, support transformation and provide a variety of maritime military capabilities to ongoing missions. The Republic of Albania joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 2009, and is one of the contributors to the Alliance operations to maintain peace and security in Afghanistan. Albania also contributes to the NATOled Kosovo Force mission in Kosovo continuing to support the cooperation between NATO and Kosovo Security Forces. 13:49 Chief Justice of India T S Thakur has once again attacked the Centre over judicial appointments and said that 500 posts of judges lie vacant in various high courts. "Today, 500 judges posts are vacant in high courts, today we have vacant court room but no judges," CJI Thakur said. "Tribunals are not equipped. Today, a situation has come that when no retired SC judge wants to head tribunal. Several tribunals are empty. I am pained to send my retired colleagues there," he said. Citing lack of infrastructure in tribunals, he said, "The government is not ready to give proper facilities. Vacancy, apart from infrastructure, is a major concern for tribunals." "Appointments have been made.121 or so such appointments have come, but large number of proposals is still pending, hope the government attends to them also," the CJI said on judicial vacancies in high courts. "Advance ruling is not having its chairman, Armed Forces appellate Tribunal is without a chairman, competition commission without chairman. Posts are falling vacant and I am at pains in persuading my colleagues who are demitting office to accept these appointments," CJI Thakur said. "They are declining, because the government is not ready even to do the bare minimum of providing a dignified place for chairman to occupy. I have in the past written to the government unless you amend the rules, make Chief justices in HCs also eligible for these appointments. There maybe a situation where an SC judge may not be available to head these tribunals," he said. -- ANI The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] The court ordered the warrant against Lankaenews editor Sandaruwan Senadheera to be issued via Interpol, Xinhua news agency reported. It instructed the Department of Immigration and Emigration to arrest the editor if he arrived in Sri Lanka. Minister of Justice Wijedasa Rajapakse has accused Senadheera of insulting the country's judges. --IANS py/mr ( 88 Words) 2016-11-25-15:24:17 (IANS) A day after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh criticised the Narendra Modi government for "the demonetisation mess", BJP President Amit Shah on Friday said those whose black money will be lost in the demonetisation move are pained. "Those have black money, they will feel the pain. Till November 7, they (opposition parties) were asking what has Modi done about black money. Now they ask why have you done this for black money," said Shah addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party's "Jan Jagran Maha Samavesh" in Bhubaneswar. Shah said the demonetisation move has united the arch rivals in the opposition. He said they were climbing the same tree like rats, cats and snakes to escape the "demonetisation flood". "Imagine there is a flood in Mahanadi river and there is a banyan tree on it. The cat, mouse, snake and mongoose climb the same tree. But when all climb the tree, neither cat eats the rat nor is he scared of the animal. The mongoose does not attack the snake and the snake does not attack the mongoose. Each of them is waiting for the floodwaters to recede," Shah said. "After the demonetisation move, Congress, Mamata Banerjee (TMC), Arvind Kejriwal (AAP), Mayawati (BSP) and Mulayam Singh Yadav (SP) have climbed the tree and are waiting for Narendra Modi's 'demonetisation flood' to recede," he added. --IANS cd/pgh/dg ( 234 Words) 2016-11-25-19:28:13 (IANS) The government on Friday released Make in India achievement reports on three relatively more vibrant sectors -- textiles, telecom and automobiles -- that make a sizable contribution to the Indian merchandise exports. The textile sector accounts for 10 per cent of the country's manufacturing production, 5 per cent of India's GDP, 13 per cent of exports earnings and is the second largest job provider in the country, employing nearly 51 million people directly and 68 million indirectly in 2015-16, the Commerce Ministry report said. "To provide encouragement to textile manufactures and farmers of raw materials, the government has been providing incentives like minimum support price to cotton farmers, upgrading the technology for handloom weavers and providing centres for trade facilitation," it said. While 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) is allowed under the automatic route, FDI inflows into the sector between 2014-16 added up to $427.55 million. Textiles and apparel exports are estimated to reach $62 billion by 2021, from the $38 billion in 2016, the Ministry said. A number of tax reforms and benefits have been introduced to promote the sector, like the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), Interest Equalisation Scheme and reduction in Basic Customs Duty, it added. On the automobiles sector, the report said the industry has been on a growth trajectory, with impressive rise in sales, production and exports over the last two years. The $93-billion automotive industry contributed 7.1 per cent to India's GDP and almost 49 per cent to the nation's manufacturing GDP during the last fiscal. Among the government's initiatives, it mentioned the Automobile Mission Plan 2016-2026, which envisages making India into one of the top three automobile manufacturing centres in the world with a gross revenue of $300 billion by 2026. Official data showed that during the fiscal 2015-16, automobile exports grew by 1.91 per cent at $8.8 billion. The telecom industry in India is booming, with the second-largest subscriber base in the world at 1.06 billon connections, the report said. India, with 275 million smart phone subscribers, recently outpaced the US to become the second largest smart-phone subscriber base in the world. As many as 38 new mobile manufacturing units have been set up since September 2015, which ramped up the manufacturing of mobile phone units in 2015-16 by 90 per cent, the government said. The number of unique mobile phone subscribers in India is expected to cross the 1-billion mark by 2020. "India will see an increase in adoption of 4G services, with the number of 4G connections estimated to grow to 280 million by 2020 from just 3 million in 2015," the report added. With 100 per cent FDI allowed in the telecom sector, 49 per cent of which is permitted through the automatic route, total FDI in the sector during 2014-16 was around $4.19 billion. On incentives, the ministry said basic customs duty and special additional duty have been withdrawn and importers of mobile handset component need to pay only the countervailing duty of 12.5 per cent. A duty advantage of 10.5 per cent exists for local manufacturers of mobile speakers and batteries, it added. --IANS bc/nir/dg ( 533 Words) 2016-11-25-20:16:13 (IANS) The area has been cordoned off as a combing operation has been launched to neutralise any untoward elements still in the vicinity. This comes after two terrorists were killed in Bandipora on Tuesday in an encounter in Hajin village of Bandipora and another terrorist was killed by security forces in Kakapora area of Pulwama district on Saturday. Earlier, at least three Indian soldiers were killed in an encounter in the Machhal sector along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The Northern Command of the Indian Army tweeted saying that the body of one soldier was mutilated. More details awaited. (ANI) A gunbattle broke out between terrorists and security forces in Tujjer village of Sopore here today following which the security forces cordoned off the area. Two terrorists are reportedly holed up in the area, and one was arrested after security forces turned up their efforts to smoke them out. Meanwhile, in a separate ongoing encounter, two terrorists have been neutralised and an Army jawan has been killed in Bandipora. Troops of 45 Battalion of CRPF along with 13 Rashtriya Rifles and the state police carried out a cordon and search operation during which an encounter broke out with militants today morning. Two AK, one UBGL and other ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists. More details to follow. (ANI) Followed by Twipra Students' Federation, the youth wing of Indigenous People's Front of Tripura opposed the Centre's Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 and announced to go for 48 hours hunger strike on November 29 at Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (ADC) headquarter.As part of the protest they sent separate memorandums to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and ADC Chief Executive Member Radhacharan Debbarma."We would sit for hunger strike on November 29 at 1200 hrs and would continue till December 1 next opposing the Citizenship Amendment Bill and nearly 2000 youths and also other senior leaders of IPFT would join the movement," said Suklacharan Noatia, general secretary of Youth Indigenous People's Front of Tripura.They pointed out that the agitation for separate Twipra land would continue besides, protesting the amendment of Citizenship Bill. The amendment seeks refuge and rights to the immigrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan on or before 2014, as it would harm the interest of indigenous people of the region.It alleged that the Bill had violated the International agreement on Civil and Political Rights, Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination and the Article 14 and 21 of the Constitution.UNI BB AD1050 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0108-1037862.Xml Around 16,000 bottles of contraband Phensidyl worth Rs 20 lakh have been recovered from a lorry at Barmura hill range on National Highway in West Tripura. Police arrested the driver and assistant of the lorry, Shankar Nath and Kripamoy Nath of Kanchanpur in North District, last night. Police said the raid was conducted jointly by Tripura police and BSF on the basis of a tip off.The truck was coming from Assam and crossed two inter-state check posts at Meghalaya and Tripura with the consignment.Huge quantity of contrabands, including Phensidyl, is transported to Bangladesh through Tripura border everyday, which is used as tranquilisers in the neighbour country because of non-availability of liquor.UNI BB AD 1054 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0108-1037867.Xml A 26-year-old Redika Darlong was detained with seven fake Rs 500 notes when she went to Kailashahar branch of the United Bank of India in North Tripura to deposit the amount in her account, police said today.A bank official on duty first detected the notes as fake and informed the police who took her into custody yesterday. However, police is yet to establish her link with circulation of counterfeit notes or procurement.When asked, Darlong told police that she received the money from a man who purchased areca (nut) from her. She does not know the name of the man but can identify him by face, as said to the police. The villages of North Tripura are the largest areca suppliers for Mizoram and Assam.After demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, police arrested two Assam residents from the border areas with a huge amount of cash. They told police that they were travelling to Tripura for purchasing areca.UNI BB AD1103 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0108-1037871.Xml Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, main opposition National Conference (NC) leader Farooq Abdullah and chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) have greeted people on the occasion. Braving chill thousands of devotees, including women and children, joined the night-long prayers at the shrine of Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib, also known as Mehboob-ul-Aalam on the hill of Kohi-e-Maraan, where a temple is also located on other side of the hill. There is also Gurwara Chatipadshahi on the foot of the hill. Despite strike, people from different parts of the valley and outside joined the prayers despite chilly conditions. However, this time only few vendors had set up their stalls in view of the strike. Similar night-long prayers were also organised at other shrines associated with Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib. Ms Mufti has felicitated people of the State on the annual Urs . She said people of Kashmir in particular won't forget the contribution of Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib in the social, educational and spiritual awakening in their life. Ms Mufti appealed to devotees joining the Urs to pray wholeheartedly for peace, prosperity and upholding the age old value system in society.UNI BAS SV SB 1023 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-1037823.Xml District Magistrate, Pulwama Muneer Ul Islam said today that an ex-gratia relief of Rs 17 lakh has been sanctioned in favor of 17 death cases and Rs 90,000 in favour of 18 injury cases. He said 30 cases were cleared under SRO-43 for compensate appointments in the district. Mr Islam said 32 cases pertaining to the damage of property in militancy related incidents and 4 cases of compassionate appointment or cash compensation in favour of police personnel were also discussed.UNI ABS SB 1035 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-1037848.Xml Sri Lankan Navy allegedly attacked several Indian fishing trawlers, destroyed fishing nets, GPS gadgets and chased away the fishermen at midnight last night. Official sources said several country boats had ventured into the sea for fishing from Pamban coastal hamlet, last evening. The Sri Lankan Naval personnel encircled atleast 20 country boats, when the fishermen were engaged in fishing activities near the controversial Katchatheevu Island and hurled stones on the fishing boats. However, no one was injured in the attack. Later, the Lankan Naval personnel destroyed fishing nets, GPS gadgets and chased away the fishermen at gun point. The panic-stricken fishermen retreated from the zone and returned to the shore this morning. Meanwhile, leaders of country boat fishermen associations strongly condemned the attack and demanded the Centre to take urgent steps to prevent recurrence of attack on innocent fishermen. UNI GSM CS 1150 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1037949.Xml DMK Treasurer and Leader of the OppositionM K Stalin today said former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh'sremarks on demonetisation issue that it was a 'monumental disaster'was true as the people were continuing to suffer because of this. When asked about the hardships faced by the people with the centre ending exchange of the scrapped notes in banks from today and that they could be used only in petrol bunks and other places, Mr Stalin, summing it up in one line, said the Centre, ever since it had announced that Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currencies will no longer be a legal tender, has been making some announcements daily as if it was giving some sops to the people''. ''That's why Dr Manmohan Singh, while speaking in Rajya Sabha, has expressed his concern over the hardships faced by the peopleby terming the demonetisation exercise as a 'monumental disaster'. On Prime Minister Narendra Modi not responding to Dr Singh'sremarks, Mr Stalin said ''this is an example to prove how thePrime Minister is ignoring the people of the country''.UNI GV CS 1219 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1037993.Xml "A live shell of 82 mm was found yesterday in a field of one Lal Singh in village Babral of Ramgarh sector," police sources here today said. They said that police and Army's Bomb Disposal squad rushed to the spot and defused the device. However, a major tragedy was averted.UNI VBH CJ SB 1220 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1037947.Xml Raising the issue during Question hour in the LegislativeAssembly, he said ITI was one of the most reputed PSU and had a longhistory in bringing telephones to the homes of common people, whenonce it was considered as luxury, decades ago. Replying to a question on behalf of Industry Minister R VDeshpande, Minister of State for Public Sector Ishwar Khandre saidthere was no proposal before the State government since the UnionGovernment has to take the decision. The Centre had alreadyimplemented a revival plan for the public sector. The Minister said on its part, the State government had waivedoff interest and fine on pending commercial tax to be paid by ITI tothe extent of Rs 4.7 crore. He said the State government had received a communication fromthe Centre early this month that a revival plan involving Rs 4157crore to rejuvenate all plants in the PSU had been finalised and cleared.UNI RS MSP CS 1249 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0284-1038030.Xml In a hard-hitting response to the critics of his demonetisation move, which included former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said their real grouse was that the sudden decision did not give anyone enough time to make ''preparations.'' His remarks came a day after Dr Singh described his demonetisation decision as a case of "monumental mismanagement", ''an organised loot and plunder''. "They are criticising the government for not having prepared enough for implementation of the decision, but their real grouse is that some nobody was given enough time to prepare," the PM said seeking to reinforce his stand that those opposing the move were only helping the corrupt. He was speaking after releasing a book at a function on Parliament premises on the occasion of Constitution Day today. Mr Modi said today the whole country was waging a battle against corruption and black money, and the common man was the foot soldier in this battle . The citizens of this country were now realizing that that for 70 years, some people had misused rules to their serve their ends, Mr Modi stressed. Pointing out that in the International surveys on corruption, India was listed high in the index, he said that was why "we had to take the decision". ''Let us all come together to mitigate the suffering of the common man,'' the Prime Minister said expressing confidence that the people would understand the objectives behind his move. Giving one more instance to silence his critics, he said India had 100 crore mobile connections, and mobile connectivity has penetrated deep into the remote areas as well. He further said it was very easy to encourage people to go for digital currency. The Prime Minister said when people in villages were using Whats App without being taught, they could also do shopping by using other applications. UNI NAZ SB 1404 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0091-1038119.Xml Three sitting corporators of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and senior leader of Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) JT Shinde have joined the Shiv Sena in presence of Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. The MNS corporators are Shiteeal Bhamre, Suvarna Matale, and Ganesh Chavan, sources said. Mr Shinde, former corporator and senior PWP leader, also joined Shiv Sena. MNS, the ruling party in Nashik Municipal Corporation, had 40 croporators though the fortunes of the party and the charisma of its chief Raj Thackeray waned immediately after the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Of 40, 25 MNS corporators have joined either BJP or Shiv Sena. With this, the strength have come down to 15. Now, Shiv Sena has emerged the strongest party holding maximum seats in the Corporation.UNI RDS NV SW SNU 1504 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-1038246.Xml Former Kerala Chief Minister and Senior Congress leader Oommen Chandy wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over issues related to demonetisation. In a letter, Mr Chandy said the Kerala Legislative Assembly had unanimously resolved to send an all-party delegation to discuss problems related to the demonetization policy. It is shocking that you have denied permission to this delegation, which not only amounts to an insult to the state of Kerala, but also to the federal structure of India enshrined in our Constitution." "Never before in the history of independent India has the Prime Minister declined to meet the delegation of a state. Having served as the Chief Minister yourself, I hope you can understand the gravity of this decision and the dangerous precedent it establishes." "Almost all political parties had welcomed the decision to demonetize Rs. 500 and 1000 notes as an anti-corruption measure. However, the ill-conceived and hastily implemented policy has plunged the common man's life abruptly into abysses for no fault of theirs. Every responsible citizen of this country wholeheartedly supports any measure to combat the menace of black money and corruption. However, you should have taken adequate care to implement the policy in such a manner that did not abruptly nullify 86.4 per cent (amounting to Rs. 14.2 lakh crores) of the Rs. 500 and Rs.1000 notes in circulation." In addition, no suitable steps were taken to re-calibrate the two lakh ATMs in the country so as to accommodate the newly issued currency. Reports indicate that the government may take an additional two months to complete the process. Over sixty people have lost their lives due to the hasty decision, he said, adding that nearly every section of society, especially farmers, small traders/retailers, fisherfolk, those in the informal and transport sectors are reeling because of demonetisation. "I also wish to bring to your urgent notice the crisis that Kerala's co-operative sector is undergoing as a result of the restrictions imposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the context of demonetization. As you may be well aware, the cooperative sector, which accounts for over Rs. 1,30,000 crore of the total deposits in Kerala, plays a crucial role in sustaining the state, especially the rural economy." "The restrictions placed by the RBI on the withdrawal of cash from co-operative banks have crippled the co-operative sector and brought it to a grinding halt. In Kerala, all political parties except the BJP have passed a resolution in the state assembly requesting the union government to ease the above mentioned restrictions so that the co-operative sector can tide over the present crisis. I take this opportunity to appeal to your good self to direct the RBI to do the needful at the earliest," Mr Antony added.UNI DS CS -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0324-1038332.Xml A major fire broke out today at a furniture market in suburban Jogeshwari, fire brigade sources said. The blaze erupted at the furniture market situated at relief road at Jogeshwari. Ten fire engines have been rushed to the spot to douse the flame. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far, the official said. UNI ST NV AE SNU 1534 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-1038310.Xml A Naxal was today killed during an encounter with police at Bawdi forest in Chhattisgarh's Kondagaon district, police said. A team of the District Reserve Police force had set out on search operation when Maoists, who were laying in ambush, opened fire. A rebel, who was in uniform, was gunned down in the retaliatory fire. Two guns were seized from the spot. The deceased ultra was yet to be identified. UNI XC-PS RSA SNU 1800 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0044-1038719.Xml Police said today that the gang numbering to 7 to 8 entered thecompound of Shivakumar's house in a SUV and barged into the house.All the dacoits wore masks and once entering inside the house, they assaultedShivakumar and his brother Vishwanath. While Shivakumar was beatenup, Vishwanath was stabbed with a knife. After the assault, they tied Shivakumar and Vishwanath andpasted plaster around their mouth preventing them from raising analarm. The criminals then searched the almirah and looted cashworth Rs 7 lakh and gold jewellery worth more than Rs 50 lakh. Theyalso took away a pistol belonging to Shivakumar. The dacoits managed to escape in the vehicle through the CoffeePlantation roads. The injured Vishwanath and Shivakumar were laterfound by some neighbours and were rushed to hospital. Soon, neighbouring planters along with the Police launched asearch inside other coffee estates and rounded off four dacoits nearDubare and Maxcode Coffee Estate. Though the Police are tight-lipped over the identities of thedacoits as it might hamper investigations, sources said that thethree accused are Faizal, Abdul and Rehman. The identity of thefourth accused has not been revealed. The Police have launched a manhunt for the other accused. The stolen pistol was thrown into a coffee estate by fleeingdacoits. Superintendent of Police P Rajendra Prasad visited the house.UNI BSP MSP CS 1717 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0284-1038590.Xml Haryana Government will celebrate November 26 as 'Constitution Day' in a befitting manner to create awareness among people about the Constitution of India. An official spokesman today said on the day, various activities like reading out the Preamble to the Constitution in all educational institutions and government offices, mock parliaments in higher education institutions like schools, colleges, law colleges and universities would be organised. Besides, essay writing or debate competitions and lectures would also be held in schools, colleges and universities. He said with a view to create awareness among the people about the Constitution of India, more activities might be identified by various departments to celebrate the day.UNI JS SW SNU 1716 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-1038473.Xml : Troops of 2 Assam Rifles and Thoubal Police in a joint operation nabbed a Kuki militant at Bongyang yesterday. Assam Rifles official today said during the joint operation the man identified as Mangmi Nhao Kipgen was held. He was a cadre of KNF(N) . During checking of the individual, one AK-56 Assualt Rifle along with one magazine filled with 20 live rounds were recovered from his possession. He was later handed over to Thoubal Police Station. UNI NS KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-1039006.Xml Mr Modi is on a two-day visit to the city. Governor E S LNarasimhan, Telangana Chief Minister K.Chandrasekhar Rao, his cabinet colleagues and top civil and police officials were among those who welcomed Mr Modi at the Airport. A large number of Bharatiya Janata Party activists were also present near the airport to greet the Prime Minister. After the reception at Airport, Mr Modi drove to the National Police Academy where he will make an overnight stay. He will participate in the annual conference of Director-Generals of Police. He is expected to participate in the deliberations tomorrow before returning to New Delhi the same evening .UNI SMS CS 1913 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1038928.Xml Asking private educational institutions not to compel their students to purchase uniforms, books and stationary items from within the schools or from the shops or agencies nominated by them, the Jammu and Kashmir Government said strict action will be taken against such schools. Meanwhile, government run schools have been instructed to implement the order regarding fee waiver for girl students immediately. While terming the practice as unethical and anti-people, Director School Education Kashmir Ajaz Ahmad Bhat said all Chief Education Officers have been ordered to direct all the heads of Private Schools to refrain from any such practices forthwith. He said disciplinary action as warranted under rules shall be taken against any private educational institute violating the rule. "All the CEOs have been directed to bring into notice of Director any such violations immediately," he said. Meanwhile, Mr Bhat has also instructed all the Chief Education Officers to implement the order regarding fee waiver for girl students immediately. The State Government had ordered to waive off school fee of all girl students enrolled in government run schools up to higher secondary level. The Director School Education Kashmir said the step has been taken to increase the roll of girl students and to incentivise education in the state. He further said that this is a historic step taken by the Government which in the long run shall remarkably contribute towards the women empowerment in the State.UNI ABS QAB JW SNU 1929 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-1038901.Xml An ISI suspected agent, also accused of several serious cases including that of murder and rape, was arrested in Nepal today. Superintendent of Police of East Champaran district Jitendra Rana said here that the accused Shamim Akhtar, wanted since long in connection with rape, murder and theft cases lodged in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, was arrested in Nepal. It was also being suspected that Shamim was an agent of ISI, the intelligence agency of Pakistan, but it had to be investigated before reaching at concrete conclusion, he stated. "Shamim was wanted in connection with murder of a woman,'' Mr Rana said adding that he was also accused of raping the daughter of the woman and also of car theft case. During the raid in Dhaka police station area, it had also come to light that he was running flesh trade. Mr Rana said that attempt was being made to bring Shamim to Motihari by making attempts through diplomatic channel and also using assistance of Interpol. There was no extradition treaty with Nepal so there was no option but to depend on diplomatic channel and Interpol for bringing Shamim to Bihar, he remarked.UNI KKS RD PS ADG 2133 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1039207.Xml Fifteen European countries have joined Germany in its push for a new arms control agreement with Moscow, saying more dialogue is needed to prevent an arms race in Europe after Russia's actions in Crimea and eastern Ukraine, a German newspaper said."Europe's security is in danger," German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told Die Welt newspaper in an interview published today. "As difficult as ties to Russia may currently be, we need more dialogue, not less."Steinmeier, a Social Democrat who has been nominated to become German president next year, first called for a new arms control deal with Russia in August to avoid an escalation of tensions in Europe.Fifteen other countries - all belonging to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe - have since joined Steinmeier's initiative: France, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Sweden, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Portugal.The group plans to issue a joint statement today and will meet again on the sidelines of a Dec 8-9 ministerial level OSCE meeting in Hamburg that will be hosted by Germany, which now holds the rotating presidency of the OSCE.Steinmeier condemned Russia's annexation of Crimea and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, saying such acts undermined delicate bonds of trust built up over decades and threatened to unleashed a new arms race.He urged more countries to join the arms control initiative."We have a responsibility to leave no stone unturned in our effort to increase security and peace," he told the paper.US officials are sceptical about the initiative, citing Russia's failure to abide by existing agreements and treaties.Steinmeier also drew criticism from US and NATO officials in June after warning that Western military manoeuvres in eastern Europe amounted to "sabre-rattling and shrill war cries" that could worsen tensions with Russia.His Social Democrats (SPD) generally back a more conciliatory stance towards Russia than Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative bloc.Both parties are concerned about US President-elect Donald Trump's comments during the campaign about rebuilding ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and suggesting that he may scale back protection of NATO allies.REUTERS SDR 0533 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1037765.Xml China will boost military ties with Djibouti, strategically located in the Horn of Africa, state media quoted a senior Chinese army officer as saying during a visit to a country where China is building its first overseas naval base.In February, China began construction in Djibouti of its first overseas military facility, a logistics base that will resupply naval vessels taking part in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.Djibouti, which is about the size of Wales, is strategically located at the southern entrance to the Red Sea on the route to the Suez Canal. The tiny, barren nation sandwiched between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia also hosts US, Japanese and French bases.Fan Changlong, a vice chairman of China's powerful Central Military Commission, said after a meeting with Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh the two countries could strengthen ties in all areas, including militarily, state news agency Xinhua said late yesterday."The two sides have made frequent exchanges of visits, and achieved remarkable results in personnel training, naval escort and supplies, and participation in UN peacekeeping operations," Xinhua paraphrased Fan as saying.Fan said relations between the two militaries had been "developing smoothly in recent years", Xinhua reported."China is willing to make joint efforts with Djibouti to continue to promote the healthy and stable development of relations between the militaries," Fan said.There was no direct mention of the Chinese military base, which China describes as a supply facility.Djibouti's location on the northwestern edge of the Indian Ocean has fuelled worries in India that it would become another of China's "string of pearls" of military alliances and assets ringing India, including Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. REUTERS VS PM0857 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1037798.Xml Thailand's parliament will hold an extraordinary meeting next week, the head of the National Legislative Assembly said today, fuelling speculation that it could herald an invitation for Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to ascend the throne.The throne has remained empty since the death of widely loved King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Oct. 13. The monarch was regarded as a pillar of stability during decades of political upheaval and rapid development in the Southeast Asian nation, which has been run by a military junta since a coup in 2014.Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters today that he has asked parliament to convene a special meeting on Tuesday. Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, head of the National Legislative Assembly, told Reuters that "no details have been given on what the special meeting will handle"."I have to wait for the government to communicate this with the National Legislative Assembly," Pornpetch said. He has told lawmakers not to leave the country next week.Reuters reported last month that preparations are being made for Prince Vajiralongkorn, the late king's designated heir, to ascend the throne on Dec. 1. A formal coronation, however, can only take place following King Bhumibol's cremation next year."There is a possibility that the ascension will be announced on Tuesday. This is because on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2 there is a ceremony marking 50 days since the king's death and that would clash. So the ascension could happen earlier," Kan Yuenyong, executive director of the Siam Intelligence Unit think-tank, told Reuters.According to the constitution, parliament must invite the heir to the throne to become king. In the interim, Prem Tinsulanonda, the 96-year-old former chief of the king's privy council, has been serving as regent. REUTERS VS PM1055 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1037865.Xml An Australian citizen believed to be a top recruiter for Islamic State is under arrest, the New York Times reported today, citing an unnamed US military official, months after Australia said he had been killed in a US air strike.Australia said in May that Neil Prakash, who was linked to several Australia-based attack plans, was killed in an air strike in Mosul, Iraq, on April 29.The New York Times said Prakash was wounded in the attack and arrested by a Middle East government "in the last few weeks". The Australian Broadcasting Corp, citing Turkish and Australian officials, said he was arrested in Turkey.Australian Attorney-General George Brandis, who announced Prakash's death in May, declined to comment on "matters of intelligence or law enforcement operations".Justice Minister Michael Keenan said in an email response to Reuters that the government's "capacity to confirm reports of deaths in either Syria or Iraq is limited".Melbourne-born Prakash had appeared in Islamic State videos and magazines and had actively recruited Australian men, women and children and encouraged acts of terrorism.Australia last year announced financial sanctions against Prakash, including threatening anyone giving financial assistance with punishment of up to 10 years in jail.REUTERS VS VP1358 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1038135.Xml Hungary's diplomatic ties with the United States could improve markedly under Republican Donald Trump, Prime Minister Viktor Orban was quoted as saying today after a telephone conversation with the US president-elect.Orban, in power since a 2010 election landslide, has clashed several times with senior US officials in recent years over sweeping reforms his critics say have undermined democratic checks and balances in the ex-communist nation.In July the conservative premier became the first European leader to express a clear preference for "valiant" Trump and then said the foreign policy plans of Hillary Clinton, his Democratic rival, would be "deadly" for Hungary."I spoke on the phone with the new US president and I can say that our position has improved remarkably," Orban was quoted as saying in an interview by business daily Vilaggazdasag."Donald Trump has made it clear that he regards Hungary highly."Orban said Trump had invited him to Washington for talks at an unspecified date."I told him that I have not been there for a long time as I was regarded as a 'black sheep'," Orban was quoted as saying. "He laughed and said so was he."With Orban by her side at a news conference in 2011, then US Secretary of State Clinton voiced concern about democratic freedoms in Hungary, a NATO ally, and said essential checks and balances should be bolstered.Orban's diplomatic spats with Washington have also included a ban on six Hungarian officials in 2014 from entering the United States over corruption allegations. The move was seen as another warning to Budapest to reverse policies Washington regarded as threatening democratic values.Earlier this month Orban said the outcome of this month's US presidential election marked the end of a period of "liberal non-democracy"."I think that with Donald Trump, the United States will have a president who is not ideologically limited, that is, he is an open person, much more interested in success, efficiency and results than political theories," Orban was quoted as saying."Economic co-operation has been good so far. It was only ideologies that posed obstacles," Orban said, without elaborating.US companies have invested more than 9 billion dollar in Hungary since the collapse of communism, but bilateral trade is low, with about 2 percent of imports and exports exchanged between the two countries per year. REUTERS VS VP1400 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1038140.Xml Two passenger trains collided in Iran's north-central province of Semnan on early today, killing at least eight people and injuring over 50 others, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported."The death toll has reached eight and some 52 others have been injured. The injured passengers have been transferred to nearby hospitals," Fars quoted local officials as saying.Iranian media gave no details on the number of passengers in the trains.State television showed footage of four derailed carriages, with two of them on fire. A spokesman for Iran's Red Crescent, Mostafa Mortazavi, told Fars that firefighters were trying to control the blaze."The accident happened when a passenger train in motion crashed to another one that had stopped at the station," it said.The cause of the collision was under investigation, it said, adding that rescue teams have been dispatched to the site of accident.The crash occurred at the Haft-Khan station in the city of Shahroud, about 400 kilometers (250 miles) east of Tehran.REUTERS AKC AS1440 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1038215.Xml Bulgaria will move migrants who clashed with police at a refugee camp to closed camps and hopes to start extraditing some of them to their native Afghanistan next month, Prime Minister Boiko Borisov said today.More than 400 asylum seekers, angered at being confined at the camp in the southern town of Harmanli near the border with Turkey over a health scare, were arrested after clashes with riot police late yesterday.The police used water cannon and rubber bullets to quell the riot, in which the interior ministry said 24 officers were hurt. Three migrants sought medical help after the riot, it added.Today morning the refugee camp, Bulgaria's largest and home to some 3,000 asylum seekers, looked like a war zone, with broken windows, overturned trash containers and debris."I am very worried ... You see there is no window left unbroken. The people who committed these acts of vandalism will be brought to justice," said Borisov, who cancelled a planned visit to Hungary because of the riot."Based on an agreement between the European Union and Afghanistan we have asked for a plane to start extraditing people there in early December. As for the rest, all who have acted brutally and violated public order will be moved to closed camps," Borisov told reporters.More than a million migrants and refugees have entered the European Union over the 15 months, many fleeing conflicts in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. Some have entered Bulgaria, an EU member, from Turkey hoping to carry on to wealthy western Europe where most want to settle and build a new life."CAMP SHOULD BE CLOSED"Borisov urged residents of Harmanli to stay calm and to avoid provoking the asylum seekers. A small group of local people waving national flags demanded the camp's closure."This camp should be closed. You should see what it's like here at weekends. They go around in big groups and take fruit and vegetables at the market without paying," said one resident, Rusi Stoev.Last week some local people, led by nationalist parties, staged protests against the camp following media reports that migrants were suffering from contagious skin diseases.The tensions caused the temporary closure of the camp to allow health officials to investigate. They said the reports had been exaggerated and that there was no public health risk.Bulgaria has built a fence along its border with Turkey and has beefed up border controls to deter the migrants. Some 17,000 people were detained in the first 10 months of the year, down by more than a third from the same period in 2015.Despite the decreasing numbers, Bulgarian nationalists have staged protests in recent months calling for the immediate closure of all refugee centres and for migrants to be returned to Turkey or to their country of origin.Many of the migrants at the Harmanli camp have asked for free passage to Serbia - on the route from Bulgaria to western Europe - but the interior minister said such a move would be politically impossible and has deployed more police officers to Harmanli. REUTERS AKC BD1716 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1038591.Xml The European Union should not suspend its talks with Turkey, Croatian Foreign Minister Davor Ivo Stier said today during a visit to Slovenia."It is not in the interest of the European Union, Croatia or Slovenia to suspend talks with Turkey ... we need a balance standpoint towards Ankara," Stier told a news conference, without elaborating. REUTERS AKC AS1746 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1038663.Xml The European Union should not freeze Turkey's negotiations to join the bloc, Germany's Foreign Ministry said today, a day after members of the European Parliament voted in a non-binding motion in support of such a freeze."It is important that we keep talking," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Sawsan Chebli told a regular government news conference."It is important that we do not freeze the accession negotiations because that would only further damage the relationship between Turkey and Europe, and that would not be in the interest of Turkey or of Europe," she added.EU lawmakers called yesterday for a temporary halt to Turkey's accession talks because of what they called Ankara's "disproportionate" reaction to July's failed coup.Turkish authorities have detained or dismissed more than 125,000 people - including soldiers, academics, judges, journalists and Kurdish leaders - over their alleged backing for the coup, in what opponents, rights groups and some Western allies say is an attempt to crush all dissent.Members of the European Parliament voted 479 to 37 in favour of the non-binding motion urging the European Commission and national governments to implement what lawmakers acknowledge would be a largely symbolic freeze in negotiations that have been going on for 11 years but have long been stalled.In response, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan warned today that Turkey could open its gates for migrants to Europe if pushed into a corner by the EU.Under a deal clinched in March, Turkey has agreed to take back illegal migrants and refugees leaving its shores for Greece in return for aid and visa-free travel for Turks in Europe. The deal has slashed the number of migrants reaching the EU.Chebli said the deal remained in the interest of both sides."If one looks at the facts, then it is the case that both sides are sticking to the agreement and we hope that remains the case as it is in the interests of both sides," she said. REUTERS AKC AS1747 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1038670.Xml The foreign ministers of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine are to meet in Minsk next week to discuss plans for implementing a ceasefire agreement for eastern Ukraine, said a spokesman for the French Foreign Ministry."The meeting in Minsk will allow us to go over what has been done and what has not been done since the October meeting in Berlin," said French foreign ministry spokesman Alexandre Giorgini today, adding that the meeting is due on November 29.In October, Ukraine, Germany, France and Russia agreed to draw up a roadmap in November on how to implement last year's Minsk ceasefire accord.Separatist violence erupted in eastern Ukraine in 2014 and has killed 9,600 people so far. It continues despite the ceasefire agreed in the Belarusian capital last year.REUTERS AKC BD1755 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1038710.Xml Geddel Vieira Lima, the Cabinet minister at the center of the latest corruption scandal in Brazilian President Michel Temer's government, resigned today.The minister stepped down after another recently departed Cabinet member said he pressured him to approve a property investment. A presidential aide told Reuters earlier today that Temer was planning to fire Vieira Lima, his minister in charge of relations with Congress, because of the accusations. REUTERS AKC RAI1909 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1038918.Xml At least 40 people were killed and 100 injured when one Iranian passenger train collided with another at a station about 150 miles (250 km) east of the capital Tehran, and the death toll is likely to rise, state television reported.It said the death toll was likely to rise and that President Hassan Rouhani ordered an acceleration of rescue efforts as well as an investigation into the cause of the deadly crash in the northern province of Semnan.Video footage showed four derailed carriages, two of them on fire. A spokesman for Iran's Red Crescent, Mostafa Mortazavi, told the semi-official Fars news agency that firefighters were trying to control the blaze."I was sleeping when the crash happened. I thought it was an air strike ... When I opened my eyes, there was blood everywhere," a hospitalised passenger said.Fars quoted Semnan provincial governor Mohammad Reza Khabbaz as saying the death toll was expected to increase. It was not clear how many passengers had been on the trains but Fars said 100 had been rescued.The semi-official Mehr news agency said four of the dead were railway employees aboard the trains.Khabbaz told Iranian television it appeared that a train entering the Haft-Khan station on the outskirts of Shahroud ploughed into another that had broken down there."The initial investigation suggests that a mechanical failure, possibly caused by cold weather, forced the express train, operating between the cities of Tabriz and Mashhad to stop (at Haft-Khan)," Khabbaz said.A local official told state TV that the remote location of the crash had slowed rescue efforts. "So far only one helicopter has reached the scene because of access difficulties," said local Red Crescent chief Hasan Shokrollahi.Iran's rail network aged badly under economic sanctions imposed over its disputed nuclear programme, making it difficult to modernise rolling stock, and safety standards suffered.The sanctions were lifted in January after Iran reached a deal with world powers to limit its nuclear activity. REUTERS PS BL2044 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1039161.Xml Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan discussed ways to resolve the Syria crisis in a phone call, the Kremlin said today.The Kremlin said in a statement the discussion on Syria was constructive and that both sides agreed to continue active dialogue via foreign and defence ministries, as well as via security services, to coordinate efforts in the struggle against international terrorism. REUTERS PS BL2047 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1039163.Xml An Israeli security officer shot dead a Palestinian who tried to stab him at a checkpoint in East Jerusalem on Friday, Israeli police said.Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said the Palestinian approached the officer, pulled a knife from under his shirt and lunged at him. The assailant was shot during the struggle, Samri said.At least 229 Palestinians have been killed in violence in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip since October 2015. Israel says at least 155 of them were assailants in a wave of lone attacks often targeting security forces and using rudimentary weapons including kitchen knives. Others died during clashes and protests.The street assaults killed at least 33 Israelis and two visiting Americans over the same period.Palestinians have accused Israeli police and soldiers of using excessive force in many cases, saying many assailants could have been stopped or detained without being killed. In several cases, Israel has opened investigations.Israel says one of the main causes of the violence is incitement by the Palestinian leadership, with young men encouraged to attack Israeli soldiers and civilians.Palestinian leaders say assailants have acted out of desperation, frustrated by the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and annexation of East Jerusalem, territories which the Palestinians want for their own state.Israel captured those lands in the 1967 Middle East war, and maintains tight restrictions on the movement of Palestinians in some areas, especially West Bank checkpoints that border Israel. The last round peace talks between the sides collapsed in 2014.REUTERS PS BL2255 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1039275.Xml The election commission in Wisconsin has received a request for a recount of the votes in the state narrowly won by Donald Trump more than two weeks ago. The request was filed by Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein, BBC reported. Stein has also pledged to file vote recounts in Michigan and Pennsylvania. A Hillary Clinton win in Wisconsin alone would not overturn Trump's lead -- it provides only 10 votes in the crucial electoral college that gave him victory in the November 8 election. --IANS lok/ ( 97 Words) 2016-11-26-03:46:12 (IANS) TEHRAN, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Minister of Petroleum on Thursday urged for a national move to improve oil recovery, boost oil production and increase national wealth, Iran's Petro Energy Information Network reported. Bijan Namdar Zangeneh said that Iranian universities should attend the technical discussions on the Iran's petroleum contracts in order to empower the country in engineering the resources. Zangeneh urged the Ministry of Petroleum's affiliated companies to cooperate with universities and to facilitate their studies on development of oil fields. Iranian companies are enough experienced in drilling oil wells, establishing pipelines and constructing the production units, but they have less experience in the field of oil recovery from the oil fields, he said. Oil recovery should become a national demand because it can increase the country's wealth, he added. According to a report by Press TV, the National Iranian Oil Company plans to drill 300 wells at the South Pars oil layer, which requires Improved Oil Recovery and Enhanced Oil Recovery technologies to reach crude oil. DUBLIN, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Ireland has seen an increase of 11.6 percent in overseas visits for the first 10 months of this year, compared to the same period of last year, according to official figures on Thursday. The figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) showed visits from mainland Europe grew by 9.8 percent for January to October. The CSO figures also showed that north America registered an increase of 18 percent for January to October while visits from Britain were up by 11.9 percent during the same period. Thursday's figures indicate that this was the best ever month of October for Irish tourism, with more than 830,000 arrivals recorded. It was also the best ever January to October period for overseas visitors to Ireland, with almost 8.3 million arrivals, 858,000 additional overseas visitors when compared with the first ten months of 2015. It is clear that 2016 will be another record-breaking year for Irish tourism. Ireland estimates that by year's end some nine million tourists will have visited Ireland during the course of 2016. "That will be a 50 percent increase on the levels recorded just six seasons ago," said Shaun Quinn, chief executive of Failte Ireland, the country's national tourism development authority. "However, unexpected events during the year, such as Brexit, serve as a warning that we can take nothing in life for granted and are a good antidote to any creeping complacency in the tourism sector," he said. "Given that such volatility can occur in two of our biggest overseas visitor markets underlines the reality that future growth is not guaranteed and must be fought for. For the tourism sector, this will mean an increased focus on competitiveness and a greater focus on growing visitors from Europe where the potential for many more visitors and greater revenue exists," he added. STOCKHOLM, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Swedish government on Thursday launched a new strategy to boost and expand industries, business investments and research and development spending in Sweden. Business Sweden -- the Swedish Trade and Invest Council -- will head the program, worth 11.5 million SEK (1.24 million U.S. dollars) and falls within the remits of the government's Smart Industry strategy. The strategy outlines four main challenges for Sweden: digitalization, sustainability, competence building, and innovation. "Industries have often taken their business to low-income countries, but now we are seeing more and more companies choosing to place their production in Sweden. There are signs that 2016 could be the first year when more operations move into than out of Sweden," said Minister for Enterprise and Innovation Mikael Damberg in a statement on the Swedish government website. Damberg added that in attempts to attract industries, Sweden should also actively market itself as an excellent place to carry out research and development, innovations as well as tests and demonstrations. Part of Business Sweden's task is also to attract "young, innovative companies." The project is to be reviewed in March 2020. SOFIA, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Over 40 refugees were arrested on Thursday evening for vandalism in the Registration and Reception Center in the Bulgarian town of Harmanli near the border with Turkey, officials said. Shortly after 8:00 p.m. local time (1800 GMT) a spontaneous manifestation of discontent occurred among the people accommodated in the center, and state property was destroyed, the Ministry of Interior said in a statement. Police officers used a water cannon and rubber bullets to restore the order, the statement said. "The situation is under control," the statement said. Four policemen were injured, it said. Currently, about 3,000 migrants mostly from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan are housed in the center. They grumbled because of the prohibition to leave the center, the ministry said. Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong delivers a keynote speech during the closing ceremony of the two-day Hamburg Summit "China Meets Europe" in Hamburg, Germany, Nov. 24, 2016. Initiated by the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce in 2004, the biennial summit serves as an important platform for discussing China-EU economic cooperation. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi) HAMBURG, Germany, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Several European and Chinese political and business heavyweights delivered speeches here on Thursday to mark the end of the two-day Hamburg Summit "China Meets Europe". The summit drew numbers of senior officials, entrepreneurs and leading scholars from China and the European Union (EU) to discuss the most important issues in Sino-European economic relations. Nikolaus Schuees, conference chairman, also former president of Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, expressed his thanks to German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, saying that his "third participation in the conference shows that bilateral German-Chinese relations are closer than ever". "Chinese investments will continue to be very welcome," also said Steinmeier on Thursday at the conclusion of the conference. The minister hoped that the cooperation between the two countries will be even more intensified in areas beyond politics and economy. Fritz Horst Melsheimer, president of Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, emphasised Hamburg's importance as a part of the "new Silk Road". The shift in the Chinese economy to greater innovation and sustainability is not automatically a threat. Instead, this transition opens up new opportunities for investment and market access on both sides, provided that there is a clear understanding of the conditions for this closer cooperation, he added. At the summit there were many discussions relating to the Chinese initiative on a new Silk Road, said Hamburg Mayor Olaf Scholz. "As Hamburg's Mayor, I am delighted that one end of this road is located in our city. This applies both to the sea-routes via ship and to the trans-continental routes via rail," said Scholz. Cooperation rather than confrontation is a useful concept in international relations, he said, adding that especially here in Hamburg, "we are highly aware of the importance of China's role in the global economy". China's development is an opportunity for the world, said Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong in her keynote speech, adding that the Belt and Road Initiative is to turn China's opportunities into opportunities for the world and achieve common prosperity. The summit which was scheduled for Nov. 23 and 24 this year in the northern German city of Hamburg delivered discussions, keynote speeches and panel meetings focusing on various topics, such as the fallout from Brexit, China's economic transition, the Belt and Road Initiative and boosting efficiency in industrial manufacturing. Initiated by Hamburg Chamber of Commerce in 2004, the biennial summit serve as an important platform for discussing China-EU economic cooperation. VIENNA, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The National Council of Austria on Thursday unanimously supported a motion for the government to restrict the sale of arms to Turkey, the Austria Press Agency reported. All six parties to the council backed the motion, that urged the government to consider the "threat of armed conflicts" as well as the human rights situation when considering approval of such exports. It additionally specified the treatment by the Erdogan government of journalists, opposition politicians, as well as the Kurdish population in Turkey as grounding for the motion. "The applicants are thus convinced that under these circumstances no deliveries of war materials, defense goods or dual-use goods for military or police purposes to Turkey may take place from Austria," it was stated. The motion did not specifically refer to an "embargo" though its terms still remain open. Leader of the People's Party parliamentary group Reinhold Lopatka noted that Austria has not delivered war weapons to Turkey in recent times. THE HAGUE, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- A thematic exhibition to mark the 400th anniversary of the deaths of Tang Xianzu and William Shakespeare opened during the unveiling ceremony of China Cultural Center in Den Haag (The Hague) on Thursday. With the title of "Dialogue Across Time and Space -- Homage to Tang Xianzu and William Shakespeare," the exhibition takes the Tang-Shakespeare conversation as an entry point. It narrates the life story of Tang and his classics through sections of "The Era and the Legend", "Fantasy and Reality" and "Me@Tang", which lead visitors to an integration of oriental and western cultures. Virtual Reality (VR) technology has also been used to create an immerse sense of ancient Chinese culture. At the event, visitors fully experienced life in the era of Tang Xianzu at home by putting the cellphone on the VR glass bracket. China Cultural Center in Den Haag, co-built by China's Ministry of Cultural and Jiangsu provincial government, inaugurated after two years and a half preparation. As the 29th overseas China Cultural Center, it will continue to hold cultural activities like art exhibition to promote cooperation between the two countries. VIENNA, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Austrian federal budget for 2017 has been given approval in parliament on Thursday evening, with a higher deficit than initially anticipated. The Kurier newspaper reported that only the two parties to the coalition government voted on the budget, following three days of deliberations in parliament. A further 540 million euros (572 million U.S. dollars) have now been added compared to initial estimates, bringing the total to 77.63 billion euros. This is partly due to the newly-agreed upon tax distribution scheme that is to see the federal government give state governments an additional 300 million euros of tax income each year, as well as an extra one-off payment to help tackle the asylum crisis. A number of further smaller sums were also added to the budget. (1 euro = 1.06 U.S. dollars) LISBON, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Portuguese government is confident in Caixa Geral de Depositos' (CGD) restructuring plan, the ministry of finance said in a statement on Thursday. "The government is confident in the reform it is undertaking at CGD and in the administration it chose, for its professionalism, independence and idoneity," the statement reads. "The government will defend all the components of the capitalisation plan, in particular the independence and the conditions given to the administration council to undertake the business plan," the statement points out. Portugal and the European Commission agreed in August that the country's largest bank by assets would be recapitalised, with the state-bank receiving an injection of up to 2.7 billion euros (2.86 billion dollars). The European Commission held a meeting with the president of CGD, Antonio Domingues, on Wednesday, to debate the bank's recapitalization plan. The capitalisation plan has been delayed by a recent court ruling that the bank's team to declare their income and assets. VIENNA, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Austria has seen a 36-percent increase in the number of conferences and congresses it has hosted over the past five years, the Austrian Convention Bureau stated Thursday. It said the increase in such meetings resulted in a subsequent 11-percent increase in the number of overnight hotel stays in 2015 to 3.1 million, according to an Austria Press Agency report. In addition it noted the influx generated value for the national capital Vienna that surpassed the one-billion-euro (about 1.06 billion U.S. dollars) mark for the first time. "The location, infrastructure, and stability of Austria as well as the professionalism of local businesses contribute to the great success," the Austrian Convention Bureau stated. A further analysis by the Meeting Industry Report Austria (mira) found that congresses in particular have seen a large 48-percent increase, and that the number of participants is also trending upward. People are seen outside a post office in San Jose, capital of Costa Rica, on Nov. 24, 2016. A magnitude 7.0 earthquake shook El Salvador on Thursday and the strong quake was also felt across Central America in Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala. (Xinhua/Kent Gilbert) MEXICO CITY, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- A magnitude 7.0 earthquake shook El Salvador on Thursday and the strong quake was also felt across Central America in Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala. The country's Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources said on Twitter that a tsunami alert was initiated. In the hour following the quake, five aftershocks were felt in the same area. However, in the hours following the quake, no reports of damages or casualties were received, sea levels remained normal and the tsunami alert was lifted. The ministry did recommend on Twitter that swimmers, divers and fishermen should be alert for potential changes to currents in the next 24-48 hours. The quake was initially reported at 7.2 on the Richter scale but was lowered to 7.0 by the U.S. Geological Service (USGS). The quake struck at a depth of 33 kilometers, some 154 km south-southwest of Puerto Triunfo in El Salvador, the USGS said. Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Lina Pohl, issued a short video on Twitter, confirming that no reports of damages had been received, asking people to remain calm and keep phone lines clear as much as possible. The quake was also felt across Central America in Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala. Nicaragua declared a national state of emergency on Thursday, but this was equally related to the Category 2 hurricane Otto entering its territory. "With the national emergency created by hurricane Otto, and by the earthquake which has just hit our shores, with unpredictable consequences...a state of national emergency has been declared across the country," read a government statement. While Otto lashed the country with winds of up to 190 km/h, no damage was reported from the earthquake. UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday welcomed the signing of the new peace agreement between the government of Colombia and the FARC rebel group. Earlier on Thursday, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and the leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Rodrigo Londono, signed the revised peace agreement in the country's capital Bogota. In a statement, Ban commended the parties for their determination to bring this long-standing conflict to an end, while congratulating all who participated constructively in the dialogue that led to the new agreement. Ban said "it is essential to move now to implementation," and he hopes that "Colombians will come together at this time to move the peace process forward." "He reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to provide all necessary support, both through the United Nations Mission in Colombia and through the relevant UN agencies, funds and programs," said the statement. Almost two months after the rejection of a first version of the peace agreement by the Colombians during a referendum, the new text clarifies and strengthens legal mechanisms that will be applied to sanction the crimes of guerrilla warfare. Unlike the previous agreement, this new deal will not be subject to a public vote but will have to be approved by congress over the course of the next week. Within 90 days after the approval, the FARC will begin to lay down arms. And within five months, all the weapons of the FARC will be in the hands of the UN. UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday expressed his deep concern over the deterioration of the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir in recent days. LoC is a de facto border that divides Kashmir into India and Pakistan controlled parts. Pakistan military said on Wednesday that Indians crossed the LoC and killed at least seven bus passengers and three soldiers. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Ban called on all involved to prioritize the restoration of calm and stability in order to prevent any further escalation and loss of life. "The Secretary-General trusts that the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan can find common ground and work towards a sustainable peace," said the statement. "The United Nations stands by the people of the region and supports all efforts to reach durable peace and security," it added. There has been tension escalation along the LoC since an army base in the Indian-controlled Kashmir was attacked in September. Both New Delhi and Islamabad have accused each other of resorting to unprovoked firings and violating cease-fire agreements. Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain in 1947, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir. SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Officials in San Francisco, a city on the U.S. west coast, have worked out an enforcement strategy to fight hate crimes, including deploying undercover officers as "a new proactive operation." While delivering a message that "San Francisco has no room for hate," Mayor Edwin Lee was joined by San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Acting Chief Toney Chaplin, Human Rights Commission Executive Director Sheryl Evans Davis and other city officials and community leaders, in stepping up the city's efforts to fight against hate crime in the aftermath of the Nov. 8 presidential election. "City officials and our community partners are united and determined to root out any prejudice in our great city," Lee told a press conference on Wednesday. "We will remain a city that embraces the values of inclusiveness, compassion for another, and diversity." Officials believe hate crimes are among the many types of crime that go under-reported, and combating the issue will require enforcement strategies, education, outreach and highlighting resources already available to communities in need. Chaplin, on his part, acknowledged that San Francisco has seen a roughly 10 percent increase in hate crimes this year, and a 28 percent increase from two years ago. Short of offering specific undercover police operation, the acting chief said SFPD would use crime data to place plainclothes officers in areas where hate crimes had been previously reported, so that officers would be stationed in various neighborhoods in an effort to deter prejudiced crimes and, should a crime occur, to make a swift arrest. "We want to make San Francisco a safe place for everyone regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age ancestry or national origin," said Chaplin. "San Francisco police officers will be proactive in addressing prejudice based crimes and will vigorously investigate hate crimes with the goal of arresting suspects and bringing justice and support services to victims." Officials asked more than 800,000 residents in San Francisco to reported incidents to the city's human rights commission, district attorney hate crimes hotline, police department hate crimes division and California Department of Fair Employment & Housing if they face discrimination as well as hate violence or threats of violence. CANBERRA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Australian ministers and leading senior public servants will be required to attend a "cyber bootcamp" as the fallout from the nation's botched online census continues. Australia's first online census was widely considered a costly failure, after the website was attacked by a number of Denial of Service (DoS) cyber attacks, something which prompted the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to shut down the website for almost 48 hours. In an effort to teach politicians and those involved in vital services about the importance of cyber security, a report examining the circumstances and handling of the census concluded that while the response to the DoS attacks "could have been worse," more needed to be done in preparation for such an occurrence. The prime minister's cyber security chief Alastair MacGibbon handed down the results of his report on Thursday evening, and found the ABS had not properly prepared for the nation's first online census, while the fallout was also mismanaged. "One of the government's most respected agencies - the ABS - working in collaboration with one of the technical world's most experienced companies - IBM - couldn't handle a predictable problem," the report said. "The ABS's actions since only underscores the importance of culture: it has steadfastly refused to own the issue and acknowledge responsibility." The report said the ABS not only "severely under-utilized social media as a communications tool," but it also "struggled to win back the trust of the public in the following days" when the census website failed to reappear online. Many Australians refused to fill out the census in the following day out of fear for their private details. MacGibbon's report also recommended that government ministers and public servants, such as the head of the ABS David Kalisch, attend a cyber security bootcamp "(to) educate participants about cyber security fundamentals and how to talk about issues with the public." Overall, the report blamed the Australian government for failing to adequately oversee and prepare for the census. "While many parties have not lived up to their responsibilities in delivering the 2016 census, the primary responsibility lies with the government," the report said. The government has said it would accept all of the report's recommendations. THIMPHU, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- With a sudden demonetization drive in India, fears of black money entering into Bhutan looms large, with concerns about its impact on Bhutan's export market. During a sudden checkup along Phuentsholing, a business hub bordering India, and Thimphu National Highway, police have caught a local taxi carrying Rs 700,000, all in Rs 1,000 being demonetized. The taxi was traveling from Bhutan-India border town of Phuentsholing to the capital Thimphu. The money was found stealthily hidden in a black plastic under passenger's seat. Since India is Bhutan's largest export and import market, the demonetization in India has also affected the sale of Bhutan's cash crops like potatoes and oranges, upsetting local farmers. Indian rupees are very prevalent in Bhutan due to trade and hydropower projects, which are mostly joint venture of India and Bhutan. The central bank of Bhutan had held close discussion with the Reserve Bank of India following Indian prime minister's announcement of demonetization. The central bank of Bhutan announced a short period for depositing the old notes into bank accounts. According to Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) of Bhutan, Indian Rupee account for 30 percent of Bhutan's international exchange reserves amounting to about Indian Rupee 27 billion (390 million U.S. dollars). Starting Nov. 9, the RMA allowed withdrawal and exchange of Rs 10,000 per month. But the withdrawal was reduced to Rs 5,000 per person since Nov. 23. Both the government and central bank has been cautioning people to refrain from any such activities and not to get involved in rupee transaction for others. Since the demonetization in India on Nov. 8, the central bank in Bhutan has collected around 1.2 billion in Rs 500 and 1,000 notes. CANBERRA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has on Friday announced it had taken proceedings against both the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) and Macquarie Bank for their involvement in attempting to set a benchmark price for the Malaysian ringgit. The ANZ and Macquarie Bank have admitted to playing a part in 10 instances and eight instances of cartel conduct respectively since 2011, with the ACCC alleging they tried to manipulate the price of the ringgit at the Association of Banks in Singapore. The ACCC released a statement on Friday detailing the proceedings, with chairman Rod Sims saying employees from both banks "sought to influence" the rate of the ringgit, and while the ANZ was the "submitting bank," Macquarie employees often initiated the discussions through the use of "private online chatrooms." "These proceedings are a reminder that Australian cartel laws apply to financial markets, and capture cartel conduct by firms that carry on business in Australia, regardless of where that conduct occurred," Sims said in a statement on Friday. "The ACCC recognizes the integrity of foreign exchange markets plays a fundamental role in our market economy." The ACCC and the banks have agreed the ANZ will pay a pecuniary penalty of 6.7 million U.S. dollars and make a contribution to the ACCC's costs while Macquarie will pay 4.5 million U.S. dollars in addition to a contribution to the ACCC's legal fees. A statement released by Macquarie Bank said the junior employee who was involved in the conduct was no longer with the company, while the ANZ said none of its employees involved in the scandal were still working at the ANZ. "While there is no evidence that the benchmarks in Singapore were successfully influenced, we accept responsibility and apologize for the actions of our former employees," the ANZ statement said. WELLINGTON, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- A New Zealand warship will leave for Antarctic waters Sunday to police international fishing activities, the government announced Friday. Offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Wellington would monitor the annual fishing season in the Ross Sea region of the Southern Ocean, Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee and Foreign Minister Murray McCully said in a statement. "New Zealand is working closely with international partners to stamp out illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the Southern Ocean," Brownlee said. "We have been conducting maritime surveillance in the Southern Ocean using ships since the late 1990s, and offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Wellington is fully prepared for work in these extremely challenging waters." Monitoring New Zealand and foreign-owned fishing boats in the Ross Sea area was a multi-agency activity led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the New Zealand Defence Force and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). "We take conservation in the Southern Ocean very seriously, and this will be even more important when the Ross Sea region marine protected area (MPA) comes into force in December next year," McCully said. A New Zealand air force P3-K2 Orion would conduct surveillance flights and MPI inspectors would be aboard the Welllington to conduct compliance checks on the Southern Ocean's legal fishing fleet. The Ross Sea will be home to the world's biggest MPA when it comes into force. The 25-member Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources in October unanimously agreed to the New Zealand-United States proposal to establish the MPA. It will cover roughly 1.55 million square km, of which 1.12 million square km will be a no-fishing zone. The Ross Sea region has an unbroken food-chain, still with all of its top-level predators, according to New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. WELLINGTON, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Rising exports to China and Japan helped offset New Zealand's trade deficit in October, the government statistics agency said Friday. New Zealand's total goods exports rose 2.2 percent year on year last month to 3.9 billion NZ dollars (2.73 billion U.S. dollars), with dairy exports up 13 percent to 1.1 billion NZ dollars (770.99 million U.S. dollars). "We exported more butter for a higher price this month than October last year," international statistics manager Jason Attewell said in a statement. "We also exported more milk powder, but prices were similar." However, meat and edible offal exports, the second-largest export commodity group, fell 18 percent, or 71 million NZ dollars (49.76 million U.S. dollars). Exports to China were up 54 million NZ dollars (37.85 million U.S. dollars), or 7.9 percent, led by rises in logs, wood and wood articles, and in dairy products. Exports to Japan were up 28 million NZ dollars (19.62 million U.S. dollars), or 12 percent, led by rises in a range of commodities. Exports to New Zealand's three other main destinations -- Australia, the United States and the European Union -- were all down. The monthly trade balance was a deficit of 846 million NZ dollars (592.96 million U.S. dollars), or 22 percent of exports. In the previous five October months, the average trade deficit was 15 percent of exports. For the year ended October, the annual trade deficit was 3.3 billion NZ dollars (2.31 billion U.S. dollars). CANBERRA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Australia's national airline Qantas has been named as the exclusive air freight provider to begin shipping fresh Tasmanian milk express to Ningbo, China. Qantas and VAN Dairy announced its partnership on Thursday, with more than 50,000 liters of fresh milk to be shipped to China weekly. VAN Dairy spokesperson Sean Shwe said China's "huge demand" for fresh Australian milk and other produce was encouraging for all small Australian businesses. He added that Qantas was a vital partner in linking China's booming middle class to small-time Australian producers looking to secure a bigger slice of the export pie. "There is a huge demand for fresh milk in China and the key to satisfying that demand is having a reliable freight partner with an established freighter network, infrastructure and support in China and expertise in handling fresh produce - Qantas provides that," Shwe said in a statement on Friday. "Establishing this trade bridge is an exciting venture for our dairy company, and opens the door for access for other Tasmanian producers of fresh, perishables such as seafood, fruit and vegetables to air freight their produce on this direct flight to China." "It will be a game changer for Tasmania, and we are proud to be leading the charge." Meanwhile Qantas Freight's Alison Webster said the airline was "really pleased" to assist Tasmanian exporters in growing their businesses in China. "Over the past three years Qantas Freight has developed particularly strong capabilities in dairy export which, with its short-life, requires close collaboration to ensure on time delivery and quality control throughout the supply chain." "We're really pleased to partner with VAN Dairy to help meet the booming demand for fresh Tasmanian milk in China - it's the ultimate milk run." The weekly service, on board a 767-300F aircraft, is expected to begin early next year, with capacity to expand the service in the future. WELLINGTON, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government Friday launched a major road safety campaign aimed at foreign visitors as the country moves into its peak tourism season. The campaign would promote messages that had been tested in six target markets -- Australia, Germany, China, the United States, Britain and India, Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss said in a statement. "Summer is on its way and so are many international visitors. New Zealand roads can be challenging, particularly in and around some of our most popular tourist spots," Foss said. The campaign would focus on popular South Island destinations and use billboards, posters, digital advertising and social media to spread road safety messages. The messages included: -- New Zealand roads can be narrow, winding and steep. Allow extra time. -- Journeys may take longer than you think. Allow extra time. -- Save overtaking for long, clear, straight roads. -- Taking photos? Pull over somewhere safe. -- Remember to keep left. Central and local governments were also rolling out a road safety engineering program. "This road safety campaign is part of a wide range of education initiatives already improving safety at every stage of a visitor's holiday -- planning, booking, in-flight, on arrival and on our roads," said Foss. The wider Visiting Drivers Project, a partnership between central government, local government and the private sector, had rolled out dozens of initiatives since it began in 2014 in the wake of a series of high-profile road crashes involving foreign visitors. These included online safety videos for Chinese, Indian, German and the U.S. drivers and driver assessments at car hire companies. SYDNEY, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- An Australian local government will delay Australia Day celebrations by two days due to "cultural sensitivities." The annual January 26 celebration marks the arrival of the First Fleet into Port Botany where Britain first raised its colonial flag. Australia's indigenous community, however, view it as the day marking the British invasion, with large campaigns by social progressives seeking to term the annual event "invasion day." The Fremantle Council, just south of Perth in Western Australia state in 2017 have moved their event to January 28, called "One Day" to provide an opportunity to celebrate Australia's multicultural diversity. "We thought it was time to acknowledge it wasn't a day of celebration for everyone and it was an opportunity for us to come up with a different format on a different day that could be truly inclusive," Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettit told Newscorp on Friday. A prominent Aboriginal elder in Fremantle Robert Isaacs however said the change was a "silly idea" out of step with the community, stressing the council "should not be playing around with white politics and black politics." "That's not in the spirit of the Australia way and to just listen to a small group of people and to change it from the 26th to the 28th doesn't stand up with me and it doesn't stand up with the community," Isaacs told Australia's national broadcaster. "It (Australia Day) brings the community together, it brings the Australian people together and it celebrates the good this country has provided for everyone." Though it will be played January 26, 2017, Australia's traditional Hottest 100 countdown of the year's best music by progressive radio station Triple J is also under a cloud with future dates having been "under review." "Triple j has been part of a growing dialogue around Indigenous recognition and perspectives on January 26. This is important to triple j and has been for some time," the station's management said in a statement in September. "We want the Hottest 100 to be an inclusive and respectful event for all Australians, including all the incredible Indigenous artists making great Australian music, and the listeners from all cultural backgrounds who love it." No announcement on future dates has yet been made. RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's former Culture Minister Marcelo Calero, who resigned last week, told the federal police that President Michel Temer pressured him to favor a cabinet colleague in a personal matter. Government Secretary Geddel Vieira Lima owned an apartment in a building to be built in his hometown of Salvador, Bahia state. But the construction of the building is being embargoed by the Historical Patrimony Protection Agency (Iphan) under the Culture Ministry as it is located at a historical preservation area. According to Calero, Lima pressured him to authorize the construction of the building. After that, Temer reportedly summoned Calero to a meeting in the government headquarters and told him that he was creating problems in the cabinet with Iphan's stance. Temer then ordered him to find a way for the matter to be presented to the attorney general's office. Calero said that since he could not report Lima's pressure to the president himself, he could only resign. Temer's office denied the accusation. The president said he tried only to find a "technical solution" when suggesting that the matter be solved by the attorney general's office. Despite the denouncement against Lima, Temer said earlier this week that Lima will stay in his position. GUANGZHOU, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- China has made a series of new world records in hybrid rice output, central China's Hunan provincial government announced at a press conference Thursday. The records were set by Yuan Longping, "father of hybrid rice". Yuan's team have managed 42 hybrid rice test fields in 16 provincial regions across China, including Yunan, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Guangdong, Chongqing and Hunan since the beginning of the year. A new world record in output of double-cropping rice was set in south China's Guangdong, which achieved an annual yield of 1,537.78 kilograms of rice per mu (about 0.07 hectares) of farmland. In two other projects in Hebei and Yunan, the crops have yielded as much as 1,082.1 kilograms per mu and 1,088 kilograms of rice per mu. Both have broken previous world records for the highest yield in high-latitude areas as well as output on 100 mu of farmland. Other projects in Shandong, Hubei and Guangxi all broke previous regional records in China. Hybrid rice, also known as super rice in China, is produced by crossbreeding different kinds of rice. About 65 percent of Chinese depend on rice as a staple food. Yuan, who developed the world's first hybrid rice in 1974, has also set three world records in hybrid rice yield in 1999, 2005 and 2011. "Super rice has a bright future in raising grain production. China has solved the problem of food shortages on our own, people in other countries are also benefiting. Super rice will play a larger role in food security and world peace in the future," said Yuan, who added that his team is working on a new generation of hybrid rice, which is expected to breed rice of higher yields and better quality. PHNOM PENH, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia has warned to terminate the presence of the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in the country if a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two sides has not been signed by the end of this year. In a letter sent to Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, on Tuesday and released to the media on Friday, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said the latest MoU, which allowed a legitimate field operation of the OHCHR in Cambodia, has been expired since Dec. 31, 2015; however, the OHCHR is still operating in Cambodia. "Despite the RGC (Royal Government of Cambodia)'s goodwill and firm commitment to the advancement of human rights and rule of law, this status quo cannot be permitted indefinitely," he wrote. "The RGC has decided to wait until Dec. 30, 2016 for the OHCHR's confirmation to conclude a new MoU between the RGC and the OHCHR on the basis of the principle of respect for sovereignty and non-interference in Cambodia's internal affairs in full conformity of Article 2 (paragraph 7) of the U.N. Charter," the minister said. "Otherwise, the RGC has no choice but to execute its sovereign rights on the future of the field presence of the OHCHR in Cambodia." He said the warning came after the government has noted that the OHCHR in Cambodia has consistently overstepped the bounds of its roles defined in the said MoU. "Despite the RGC's efforts to enhance the smooth, constructive and effective cooperation based on mutual respect, the OHCHR has furthermore been stepping up its interference in internal affairs of Cambodia," Sokhonn said. "More than ever, its representatives and spokesperson have been taking arrogant and disrespectful behaviours toward the sovereignty of Cambodia which is unacceptable and contravenes to the diplomatic decorum as stipulated in the article 41 (paragraph 1 and 2) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961," he said. Cambodia has consented to the field presence of the OHCHR in the country since 1993 through a bilateral agreement, known as the MoU, which has been renewed several times. South Korean President Park Geun-hye addresses the nation at the presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, Nov. 4, 2016. South Korean President Park Geun-hye said on Friday that she will accept an investigation into herself, if necessary, by prosecutors over a scandal surrounding Choi Soon-sil, the president's longtime confidante suspected of intervening into state affairs. (Xinhua/Blue House) SEOUL, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Park Geun-hye saw her approval rating fall to a new record low, dragging down the support for the ruling Saenuri Party. According to a weekly survey by Gallup Korea released on Friday, only 4 percent of respondents supported Park, posting the lowest for any South Korean president. Approval scores for Park were down from 5 percent, which the first South Korean female leader had maintained in the previous three weeks. Park was identified on Sunday by prosecutors as an accomplice to Choi Soon-sil, Park's decades-long friend who was indicted for multiple counts including abuse of power and extortion. Prosecutors repeatedly requested a face-to-face questioning of the embattled president, but Park's attorney said the chief executive will reject any interrogation demand down the road. In her second public apology earlier this month, Park said she will accept a direct investigation into herself. The acceptance is believed to have been advised by Choi Jae-kyung, new senior presidential secretary on civil affairs in charge of monitoring prosecutors, police and the spy agency. Park's lawyer, however, reversed the recommendation and rejected the interrogation call. Park's counsel, former prosecutor, said the president will accept the questioning by a special prosecutor, who is forecast to launch an independent investigation into the case next month. The senior presidential advisor on civil affairs and Justice Minister Kim Hyun-woong reportedly submitted their resignations to President Park earlier this week, but Park hasn't decided yet on whether to accept the resignations. Prosecutors are currently focusing on bribery allegations that some of conglomerates donated tens of millions of U.S. dollars to two nonprofit foundations controlled by Choi Soon-sil in return for receiving business favors. President Park logged a zero support among voters in their 20s and 30s. The approval rating in the North Gyeongsang province, a political home turf for Park and her ruling party, plunged to 3 percent. It was lower than the average approval scores. With the falling popularity of the president, support for Park's ruling Saenuri Party tumbled to 12 percent, the lowest since it was created in 1997. The biggest opposition Minjoo Party ranked first with a support score of 34 percent, followed by the casting vote-wielding opposition People's Party with 16 percent. Division within the Saenuri Party deepens as some of former and incumbent lawmakers seceded from the party earlier this week. The party leadership has rejected calls for resignation, made by many of non-President Park faction members. Kim Moo-sung, former chairman of the governing party, declared a plan this week to join a campaign by three main opposition parties to impeach President Park. An impeachment motion requires at least two-thirds of the 300-seat National Assembly to be passed through the parliament. Around 40 legislators in the ruling party, which has 128 parliamentary seats, decided to vote for the impeachment, according to local media reports. MEHTARLAM, Afghanistan, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- One police personnel was killed on Friday as a roadside bomb struck a police vehicle in Afghanistan's eastern Laghman province with Mehtarlam as its capital, 90 km east of Kabul, a local official said on condition of anonymity. Spokesman for provincial government Sarhadi Zawak confirmed the incident, saying that a mine planted by militants on a road in Dawlat Shah district struck a police van Friday morning killing a local police personnel on the spot. Zawak said investigation is underway, but gave no additional details. Taliban militants who are active in parts of the eastern Laghman and largely relying on suicide attacks and roadside bombings are yet to claim responsibility for the attack. PARIS, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Former French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, favorite candidate of the center-right party for 2017 presidential race, has dominated the face-off with his challenger Alain Juppe, an Elabe survey released late Thursday showed. According to the poll, 57 percent of 908 respondents said Fillon was the most convincing, and 71 percent of conservative and center-right voters considered him the winner against Juppe. In a televised debate on Thursday, the two candidates showed great similarities in their economic proposals, which include raising retirement age and reducing public expenditure by cutting public service jobs. However, Juppe, who was forced to overturn sliding popularity after first round defeat, tried to differ by attacking Fillon's plan to slash 500,000 posts in public services, which he said was unrealistic. He wants to reduce 250,000 posts by modernizing public services. "Reform should not be a punishment but bring hope," Juppe said. Defending his "more radical project," the winner of Sunday's conservative primaries' Fillon, retorted "I do not accept saying it's impossible." "Alain Juppe does not really want to change things. He's staying within the system, he just wants to improve it," he added. On social issues and foreign policy, the two contenders quarrelled over multi-culturalism and whether France should cooperate with Russia to win the war against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. "France is not a multi-cultural nation. I want the foreigners who come to our country to integrate. When we go to somebody's house, we don't try to take power," Fillon said. Campaigning for "happy identity," Juppe saw the other face of the coin and pledged to consolidate the country's social model and respect diversity of French society that he called a factor of strength. Juppe, 71, who has served as prime minister and foreign minister, portrayed himself as a modern centrist with moderate political rhetoric with which he tries to appease modern conservatives, centrists and even angry left-wing voters. "I am a little surprised that, for the first time, the Russian head of state chooses his candidate (in French election)," he said referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin's support for Fillon. But for Fillon, the real danger is not Russia, the real danger is economy and it is called Asia. He stressed that Paris and Moscow need to "sit down around the same table" to bridge differences and enhance bilateral ties. Lagging for months behind Juppe, Fillon, 62, made a surprise lead in the primaries' first round on Sunday with 44.1 percent of vote against Juppe's 28.5 percent. The two-top-ranked candidates will face off in the runoff on Nov. 27. With a wide margin, Fillon would win the conservative nomination for 2017 presidential election with 65 percent of votes versus 35 percent for his rival, an ifop-Fiducial poll released on Wednesday showed. According to the country's pollsters, the presidential favorite would be a conservative. He would easily unseat the incumbent Socialist President Francois Hollande and beat far-rightist leader Marine Le Pen on growing public discontent over the Socialists's ruling and persistent refusal of a harsh anti-immigration approach. FENGCHENG, Jiangxi, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Thirteen people are in police custody after 74 people were killed in a construction site accident in east China's Jiangxi Province Thursday. In addition to the fatalities, two people sustained injuries when a platform for a cooling tower under construction collapsed in the city of Yichun. The search and rescue had almost finished at 11:30 a.m. Friday, according to the rescue and relief headquarters at the scene. Sixty-eight victims have been identified so far, most of them millennials About 200 of the victims' relatives have arrived in Yichun to identify the deceased. Counselors are available for those in need. The investigation continues. by Zhang Jianhua VIENTIANE, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- "There is a woman in my neighborhood whose husband often gets drunk and they two often quarrel. He spends a lot of money on drinking and often beat her after he gets drunk," Soudchay, a 28-year-old Lao resident told Xinhua on Thursday in Lao capital Vientiane. "Women in Laos still suffer from violence at the hands of men, because some men think it's normal behavior. They are ignorant and disrespectful of women. Some men still think of women as being of less importance, in line with longstanding cultural beliefs," Sonesadeth Manychan, a government official in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province said recently when being asked about the situation of violence against women in her country. On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women which falls on Nov. 25, many Lao people has raised their voices over the issue. A survey on Lao women's health conducted in 2014 showed that one in three married women suffered at least one kind of violence. Some 7 percent experienced sexual violence from husbands or partners and 12 percent suffered physical violence. A number of Lao girls also suffered sexual violence. A survey on child violence conducted previously found that 94 of 1,000 births were delivered by girls aged between 10 and 19, which is the highest number of young girls delivering births compared to other countries in the region. Some 5 percent of these girls did not want to have sex before 18 years, according to local Vientiane Times. Delivering a message to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said that violence against women has been caused by discrimination against women, uncivilized and outdated traditions, superstition, poor education and gender views, among others. The occurring violence has caused physical and spiritual impacts on women, depriving them from participating in the development process, the deputy prime minister said, adding that violence against women has brought negative impacts on socio-economic development and it is an enormous obstacle for gender equality. In a move to address the issue, the United Nations General Assembly adopted in 1979 the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) which came into force in 1981. A number of action plans have been undertaken to protect the rights and interests of women and girls. According to Sonexay Siphandone, in Laos, a policy has been implemented to promote and develop women and girls in an attempt to ensure they enjoy equal rights politically, economically, socially and culturally as men and boys do and ensure that their interests are protected. "I think that women are better protected today because it is recognized that they have the same rights as men and the government is also doing more to curb violence against women. But this problem still occurs, especially in rural areas among people who are poorly educated and don't understand that women should not be treated badly," said Livata Vongsombath, a businessman in Vientiane. "It's one thing to have a law that protects women, but we need to make sure it is widely respected and enforced. I'm a man and I think the use of violence is deplorable. No one should take advantage of their physical strength to harm women," the young businessman told local daily Vientiane Times this week. Sharing the same view, Soudchay, the Vientiane resident agreed that a law is necessary to impose severe penalties on any man who beats his wife or any other woman. "It is good to have strict legal regulations on this issue. All men and women should be aware of the regulations, then women know that they are protected and men may be afraid of being punished. Strict punishment would be a good way to protect women from violence and let everyone know that it is unacceptable and illegal," Soudchay told Xinhua. Meanwhile, Sonesadeth, the government official in Vangvieng district expected that the authorities should pay more attention to this problem and give women more support by making people understand that physical violence is wrong. In her view, education is important in dealing with the issue. "Men and women have the same rights and that should be respected. All women should be able to go to school and be trained to the same level as men so they can compete on any level. They should feel free to discuss all issues, solve problems and make decisions, and to share their ideas about things," Sonesadeth said. The presence of counselors is also being proposed to help Lao women. "From what I see, Lao women are afraid and embarrassed to talk about their problems with their friends. It would be a good idea to train counselors so there are people available to help and advise women who have been abused," businessman Livata said. With a number of women continuing to suffer violence, Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called for joint efforts from all walks of life to put an end to violence against women by intensifying the campaign and awareness-raising to change outdated traditions, discriminatory attitudes and views toward women. He pressed the need to provide necessary assistance to victims of violence, ensure women have access to education and training, employment and services, while carrying out activities and enforcing laws to eliminate any violence against women and children. Meanwhile, increasing regional and international cooperation in the fight to eliminate all forms of domestic violence will also contribute to addressing the issue, said the official. HARBIN, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- A team of Chinese doctors has claimed success in fixing spinal cord injuries in animals. "We used polyethylene glycol (PEG) compounds to stimulate the injured nerve cells to regenerate. Previous tests on guinea pigs, rats and dogs showed positive results," said Ren Xiaoping, a research fellow with the 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University in north China's Heilongjiang Province. In an experiment demonstrated to Xinhua, doctors cut open a rat's spine, exposed its spinal cord to air with a special hook and injected liquid PEG compounds into its spinal cord. The rat initially lost control of its muscle movements due to its damaged spinal cord, but recovered some of its body functions a couple days later. Two weeks later, it could move its lower limbs and was able to walk. The experiment and its results were published in the U.S. science journal "Surgery." Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious injuries humans can experience. Like all mammals, humans are unable to regenerate the central nervous system. A severed spinal cord means a lifelong injury. Scientists have been conducting research in areas such as cell transplants to repair damaged spinal cords, but limited progress has been made. JALALABALD, Afghanistan, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- At least four people including a senior police official have been injured in a blast that rocked eastern Nangarhar provincial capital the Jalalabad city on Friday, spokesman for provincial government, Attaullah Khogiani said. BANGKOK, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The head of Thailand's National Legislative Assembly (NLA) Friday said the NLA has called a special meeting on next Tuesday morning to consider an urgent motion from the government. NLA deputy chairman Peerasak Porjit was quoted by Thai media that there are not details of important law to be proposed by the government, what the special meeting will handle is still unclear. The meeting, which will be broadcast live, is expected to be attended by all members of the NLA, according to the NLA chief Pronpetch Witchicholchai who has instructed the lawmakers not to leave the country next week. JALALABALD, Afghanistan, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- At least four people including a senior police official were injured in a blast that rocked eastern Jalalabad city on Friday, spokesman for provincial government, Attaullah Khogiani said. "The blast occurred behind the gate of the house of a police official Abdul Hakim at around 10:50 a.m. local time today injuring four persons including Abdul Hakim," Khogiani told Xinhua. Without giving more details, the official said that investigation is underway to determine the reason for the blast. Similar attack against police in the neighboring Laghman province claimed the life of police personnel on the same day Friday. CAIRO, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Eight Egyptian soldiers were killed Thursday in a car bomb attack targeting a checkpoint in North Sinai, Egypt's military spokesman Mohamed Samir said in a statement. A group of armed militants attacked the checkpoint and blew up a booby-trapped vehicle, killing 8 soldiers. The army killed three militants and the army has been combing the area for other militants, the statement said. Egypt has seen a wave of terrorist activities since July 2013, when former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi was ousted following mass protests against his one-year rule and his now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group. Anti-government attacks have killed hundreds of police and military personnel over the past few years, with a Sinai-based group loyal to the so-called Islamic State claiming responsibility for most of them. Egyptian security forces have so far killed over 1,200 militants in Sinai as part of the country's "war against terrorism" declared by then-military chief and current President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi following Morsi's ouster. TEHRAN, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Five people were killed and 11 others were injured following the collision of two trains in Iran's northern province of Semnan on Friday morning, state IRINN TV reported. The accident happened in Haft-Khan train station located between Semnan and Damghan cities at 07:45 a.m. local time, 0415 GMT, the report said. Some wagons caught fire after the incident and most of the injured people sustained burning, the report said, adding that the cause of the incident is under investigation. Enditem TEHRAN, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that at least 40 Iranian pilgrims were killed in Iraq's Thursday suicide bomb attack, State IRINN TV reported. Also, 20 other Iranian pilgrims were injured in the attack, Iran's deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Qashqavi was quoted as saying. A suicide tanker truck bomb attack on Thursday killed some 80 Shiite pilgrims and wounded 31 at a fuel station in Babil province in south of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, Iraq's security sources said. The pilgrims were returning home after observing a major Shiite ritual of Arbaeen in the holy city of Karbala, some 110 km south of Baghdad. Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi condemned the terrorist attack, saying that "It is an indication of frustration," official IRNA news agency reported. The terrorists launched such attacks to compensate for the repeated defeats they have suffered recently, Qasemi said. "Such brutal and inhuman acts are not going to affect the determination of the Iraqi people and its government; neither could they disrupt the Islamic republic's joint fight with Iraq against terrorism," he said. "Iran's Foreign Ministry and the Islamic republic's embassy in Baghdad are seriously pursuing the case," he added. BEIJING, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government has reiterated its firm stance on cutting excess steel and coal capacity in response to an emerging backlash from producers prompted by recent price hikes. China retired 45 million tonnes of steel and 250 million tonnes of coal production capacity by the end of October, meeting its full-year goals ahead of schedule. But problems have also emerged, especially in some companies seeking to add capacity as an unexpected demand-supply gap pushes up prices of steel and coal products. "The rising prices have triggered worries in the market and to some extent shaken the resolve of some local authorities and enterprises. But we must stay clear-headed that the price volatility has been driven by temporary demand growth, magnified by speculation, and does not indicate a long-term trend," Xu Kunlin, deputy secretary general of the National Development and Reform Commission, said at a press conference Wednesday. The steel and coal industries are plagued by overcapacity and the government's resolution is unwavering, Xu said. Since the capacity cuts were blamed for causing a supply shortage, it will not be easy to resolve the combination of a short-term crunch and long-term excess. Gu Shengzu, a member of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress, said the rapid price increase created a dilemma for policymakers about whether to stabilize supply or stick to reducing capacity. "There is an urgent need to streamline relations between the government and market, and market-driven, law-based measures should be adopted in capacity cuts," Gu said. The State Council hopes to strike a balance. The authorities will press ahead with capacity cuts while paying more attention to price changes, according to a statement released after an executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday. An array of measures to curb prices have been put in place, and the priority is still on downsizing those bloated sectors. As the targets have been met ahead of schedule, the next step is to ensure the stated cuts are effective. Investigation teams will be dispatched to Hebei and Jiangsu, where capacity cut rules were breached, as part of efforts to intensify supervision, the State Council said, citing cases of fraud and illegal production in the provinces. "We should give zero tolerance to steel and coal producers that fail to meet national and environmental standards," Premier Li said. Local governments have been asked to give financial support to and create jobs for workers made redundant by the cuts. In May, the Ministry of Finance announced 100 billion yuan (14.5 billion U.S. dollars) in aid for steel and coal companies to resettle laid-off workers. Mergers and acquisitions will be encouraged for further consolidation in the two industries, the statement said. China is the world's largest producer and consumer of steel and coal. Cutting overcapacity is a high priority as the two industries have become a major drag on growth. Steel capacity will be cut between 100 and 150 million tonnes by 2020, while about a half billion tonnes of coal capacity is scheduled to be slashed in the next three to five years. In the coming year, it is important to phase out excess capacity through reforms, Premier Li said, highlighting further steps in mergers and acquisitions in steel enterprises, and the integration of coal mining and power generation. "The task will still be difficult. Problems will be accentuated by hysteresis effects from the re-employment of redundant workers and the unsettled debts of closed coal mines," said Jiang Zhimin, vice president of China National Coal Association. SYDNEY, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Australia's national innovation focus has been hijacked by the tech start-up sector, rather than focusing on the established small and medium sized business that will drive growth, a government assistant minister said on Friday. Australia is fast becoming the "FinTech Hub" of Asia, establishing various start-up hubs, implementing programs while removing regulatory barriers to encourage participation. FinTech itself is one of the fastest growing sectors in global financial services industry, with total investments in peer-to-peer lenders, payment services companies and internet insurers rising 60 percent to 19.1 billion U.S. dollars in 2015. However the vast majority of growth in productivity -- which has been negative in Australia for eight years -- wont be from new business, but from already existing businesses over the next 12 months," Australian assistant minister for innovation Craig Laundy told the University of New South Wales Innovation summit on Friday. "The innovation debate has been hijacked in a lot of ways by the tech start-up space," Laundy said, using a hair salon next to an innovation Launchpad in Launceston, Tasmania as an example. "Inside the head of that hair (stylist) are probably multiple problems that they face on a daily basis which technology can probably help them overcome. "Inside the head of every SME in (Australia) are problems they confront daily that technology and innovation could help them overcome." The issue is the connectivity, or the bridge between research institutions that are developing the technologies the world needs and the SMEs in dire need of solutions. "We rank second last, or last in the OECD for collaboration, that's where it falls over," Laundy said, laying down the challenge for those at the summit to reach out to businesses. "That's the missing piece of the puzzle." JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- South Africans are divided over the country's decision to pull out of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Last month, South Africa wrote to the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, advising him of the country's intention to withdraw from the ICC. The withdrawal will take effect one year after the secretary general receives notification. Justice Minister Michael Masutha said the implementation of the Rome statute of the International Criminal Court Act 2002 is in conflict and inconsistent with the provisions of the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act 2001. As a signatory to the Rome Statute, under which the ICC was established, South Africa is compelled by the ICC to arrest Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir who is wanted by the ICC for alleged anti-humanity crimes. South Africa refused to arrest al-Bashir when he was attending the 25th African Union Summit in Johannesburg in June 2015. South Africa has argued that the continental body, the African Union, insisted that a sitting president cannot be arrested. Masutha said there is a conflict between its obligations to the African Union and the ICC. Dewa Mavhinga, senior researcher for Zimbabwe and Southern Africa with the Africa Division at Human Rights Watch told Xinhua that South Africa should have remained in the ICC. He said, "There is no justification for South Africa to withdraw from the ICC because such an action is contrary to the country's constitutional values." "Instead of calling for immunity to sitting leaders and withdrawal from the ICC, South Africa should have pursued dialogue and reform within the ICC without abandoning the idea of global justice," he added. Professor Sabelo Ndlovu-Gatsheni, director of the Archie Mafeje Research Institute, told Xinhua that the ICC was biased towards the West and that prompted South Africa to withdraw from it. Ndlovu-Gatsheni who is also a lecturer at University of South Africa's Development Studies said, "The ICC is viewed as a Western institution to discipline African leaders. Only African leaders have been taken there and this created problems for Africans especially those clamoring for the African renaissance." Last month, following Masutha's confirmation of the cabinet's decision to withdraw from the ICC, the the opposition Democratic Alliance and the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC) filed an urgent application for direct access to the Constitutional Court to challenge the constitutionality of the decision. The Constitutional Court then dismissed the application. The court concluded that the application based on exclusive jurisdiction should be dismissed, as the matter does not invoke the jurisdiction of this court. Further, the application for direct access to challenge the constitutionality of a state decision to withdraw from the ICC has been dismissed on the ground that it is not in the best interest of justice for the court to hear the matter at this stage, the court ruled. South Africa is not the only African country that seek to quit the ICC. Other countries that have mulled withdrawing from the ICC are Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Sudan and Uganda. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has even threatened to mobilize African leaders to pull out of the ICC which he accused of targeting leaders on the continent. CHANGSHA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which falls on Friday, Cao Bo (a pseudonym), finally opened up about why he divorced his wife. "For years I lived in fear of my ex-wife's emotional and physical outbursts," Cao said. "From a young age men are taught that they must tolerate and protect women. The unspoken rule is that victims of domestic abuse are women or children, as a man, it was not a topic I felt comfortable talking about." China's law on domestic violence, the first piece of legislation specifically for domestic abuse, took effect in March. Even though the law clearly stipulates that all victim should be treated equally, the reality is that male victims are more likely to be overlooked. According to southwest China's Sichuan Province Women's Federation, of the 1,845 cases of domestic violence reported in 2015, two percent involved adult male victims. "Weighed down by traditional views, men are more inclined to stay quiet, even less seek legal support," said Ouyang Yanwen, an expert on domestic violence at Hunan Police Academy. While the new law has been lauded for defining what constitutes domestic violence, there are still gray areas. "'Legally,' there is no such crime as emotional abuse," said Ouyang. "It is just too hard to define and even harder to collect evidence." Article Three of the domestic violence law "forbids domestic violence of any form," which, according to Yang, covers emotional or non verbal abuse. While physical abuse often leaves marks, emotional abuse inflicts invisible scars, but the victim is damaged nonetheless. Cao has been divorced for four years but he has struggled to establish close relationships with women. Any attempt at dating has reopened the wounds of his past relationship. Due to lack of evidence, Cao lost the divorce lawsuit and had to settle with his ex-wife. "Usually the court is inclined to protect women and children. A doctor's certificate doesn't even hold up in court," Yang said, adding that the new law needs to be continuously revised and improved. Wu Ning, a psychologist at the No. 187 Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, said male victims of abuse often struggle with anger, fear, anxiety and depression. "If not properly dealt with, such emotions could deteriorate and hurt the spousal relationship, or most commonly, be unleashed on the children at home," Wu said. The Domestic Violence Law has helped educate the public about the definition of "appropriate behavior" and gives victims legal backing should they want to file criminal charges against their abuser, Ouyang said. Courts in many Chinese provinces including Hunan, Hubei, Anhui and Guangdong have issued protection orders to male victims of abuse. Ouyang said the law clearly outlines the responsibilities of various departments, and will help multi-institutional cooperation. "In practice, it has been noted that intervention and prevention needs the support and coordination of all levels of society. The abused must know their rights, the abusers must understand the legal consequences, and law enforcers must take the offences seriously." ROME, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Inter Milan crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday after letting a two-goal lead slip away as Hapoel Beer Sheva of Israel roared back in the second half to win 3-2 at home. Inter conceded three goals in the second half, including one in the third and final minute of stoppage time, as the Italian side lost for the fourth time in five games in Group K. Inter played with freedom during the first half and deserved a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Mauro Icardi and Marcelo Brozovic. However, Maranhao, Anthony Nwakaeme, from the spot, and Ben Sahar gave Hapoel a stunning 3-2 turn back win over Inter. The latest setback left Inter down and out on three points from five games, but breathed fresh hope into Hapoel, who moved on to tie with second-placed Southampton as both sides have accumulated for seven points. Southampton, who blew their chance of qualifying in the penultimate round with a 1-0 defeat at Sparta Prague, will fight against Hapoel Beer Sheva for the other qualifying berth, while Sparta Prague, who won four out of five games, have surely advanced to the knockout stage as group leaders. TEHRAN, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- At least 15 people were killed and 20 others injured in a collision between two trains in Iran's northern province of Semnan on Friday, Chief of Red Crescent Society of Iran, Ali Asghar Ahmadi, was quoted as saying by semi-official Mehr news agency. Some wagons are still burning in fire, and the accurate number of casualties will be announced after the fire is put out, Ahmadi said. Two helicopters, firefighters and Red Crescent teams have been dispatched to the scene to help the victims, Iraj Reisian, the head of Crisis Management of Semnan province, also said. It is possible that freezing of electronic system of Svznbany, which controls the movements of the trains, was the cause of the accident as the temperature had reached minus 12 degrees Celsius in the region in the time, the report said. The accident occurred in Haft-Khan train station located between Semnan and Damghan cities at 07:45 a.m. local time, 0415 GMT. LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- At least one person was killed and 18 others injured as a passenger suddenly diverted from its way in the western Helmand province on Friday, spokesman for provincial government Omar Zawak said. According to the official, the reckless driving of the driver in the congested road caused the accident and a women lost his life on the spot; while 18 others including women and children sustained injuries, some in critical conditions. Congested roads and ignoring driving rules by the drivers usually cause deadly road accidents in Afghanistan. COLOMBO, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- A Sri Lankan court on Friday issued an international arrest warrant on a Sri Lankan journalist based in the United Kingdom (UK), on charges of contempt of court. The Gamapaha Chief Magistrate issued the warrant on the Lankaenews editor, Sandaruwan Senadheera, and ordered the warrant be issued via INTERPOL. The Gamapaha Chief Magistrate Kavindya Nanayakkara also instructed the Department of Immigration and Emigration to arrest the editor if he arrives in Sri Lanka. Minister of Justice Wijedasa Rajapakse recently informed Parliament that legal action will be pursued against Senadheera for insulting the country's judges using the Lankaenews website. The Deputy Mayor of Sri Jayawardenapura, Madura Vithanage also recently sought the Court's jurisdiction to charge Senadheera for allegedly publishing defamatory articles on his website. Vithanage complained that there had been a series of articles published on the website and on its social media, defaming judges and castigating their character. MOSCOW, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. coalition does not care about the safety of civilians during operations to liberate the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, a Russian diplomat said here on Friday. "During anti-terrorist operations, the issue of civilians' security should be taken into account, otherwise the escape of civilians will increase," the Russian newspaper Izvestiya quoted Konstantin Dolgov, Russian Foreign Ministry's commissioner for human rights, democracy and the rule of law, as saying. He said there will be increasing damage to the civilian population if the U.S. coalition does not care about their safety. On Oct. 17, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the offensive to retake Mosul, the country's second largest city. Located about 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, Mosul has been under the control of the Islamic State (IS) terror group since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions. ATHENS, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Two refugees died and another two were seriously injured during a fire which broke out following a gas blast at Moria camp on Lesvos island, Greek police said on Friday. Turmoil followed overnight with dozens of refugees setting tents on fire and scuffling with police in protest of living conditions. A 60-year-old grandmother and her six-year-old grandson were the victims, according to local police sources. Her 25-year-old daughter in law and her second grandchild suffered extensive burns and are hospitalized, while six other refugees have been lightly injured, according to the same sources. According to police investigation, the fire started from a gas canister which exploded when the grandmother tried to cook. The family tragedy fueled anger at Moria camp. Refugees clashed with police officers during an evacuation operation. At least three tents and a container have been razed by the flames. Hundreds of people spent the cold night out in the open, while by dawn order was restored. In recent months Moria camp, as well as other refugee camps on the Greek Aegean Sea islands, have been hit by protests often over poor living conditions and deportations to Turkey. Under March's EU-Turkey deal, all migrants and refugees landing in Greece who are not eligible for asylum are returned to Turkey. However, the assessment process of asylum bids is lengthy. As a result, thousands of people remain stranded for several months in overcrowded facilities on the islands. According to the latest official data released by Greek authorities on Thursday, there are about 6,300 people living in overcrowded centers on Lesvos which have capacity to host 3,500 people. The situation is similar on nearby islands. More than 60,000 refugees and migrants have been trapped in Greece after the closure of the Balkan route to Central Europe in mid-February. Tourists at the guesthouse of Dekyi. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) Dressed in traditional brocade finery, Tibetan woman Dekyi treats her guests coming from afar with barley wine and white silk hadas as well as her bright smiles. Dekyi welcomes her guests. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) Her guests, a group of tourists from north China's Inner Mongolia, would spend one day at her home to experience first-hand what a Tibetan family and their way of life are truly like. Graduated from college two years ago, the 24-year-old Dekyi didn't follow her brother and sister to work in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Instead, she returned home in Weiba village located in the outskirt of Lhasa and renovated her family's two-story courtyard into a guesthouse. Tourists walk into Dekyi's guesthouse. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) Built with local construction materials like stone, clay and wood and embellished with Tibetan-styled paintings and textiles, Dekyi's guesthouse was named "Lhasa Family". She wants her guesthouse to be a place where tourists can experience true Tibetan culture and Tibetan people's life closely, not just a place to sleep like most hotels. Dekyi introduces a drum to tourists. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) She not only offers authentic Tibetan cuisine to tourists, but also actively introduces Tibetan culture and her family stories and answers all sorts of questions from them. "Staying in Dekyi's guesthouse really makes me feel at home. We eat what they eat every day and do what they do and I feel no distance from their life," a tourist named Xiao Hui says. Tourists rest and chat in their room in Dekyi's guesthouse. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) For Dekyi, running "Lhasa Family" is busy but happy and fulfilling. She says she has hosted nearly 700 tourists from home and abroad since the guesthouse opened in February this year. "I have made friends with people from different countries and have seen more of the world through their eyes. They also made this once quiet house lively and our life more diverse," she says. Dekyi in front of her two-story guesthouse. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) Dekyi is not alone. In fact, the Lhasa Tourism Bureau started to promote home-stay service last year and support Tibetans to run guesthouses under the brand of "Lhasa Family". It is estimated that about 600 guesthouses of the sort will open in the next five years. Dawa's guesthouse "Kyishod Khangsang". (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) Also in Weiba village, 64-year-old Dawa started to run a guesthouse in July last year and his life has since turned on a new page. "In the past, my family's life solely relied on farming and in winter, there was nothing to do and we had no income. We only made 20,000 yuan (2891 U.S. dollars) a year. But now, we can make over 50,000 yuan thanks to the guesthouse program." Dawa's guesthouse. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) Dawa says the design, construction and decoration of the guesthouse were all completed by his family. Rooms are bathed in warm colors and adorned with typical Tibetan elements like paintings and colorful prayer flags. Family photos hang on the walls telling stories of their house and family. Tourists try on traditional Tibetan clothes in a guesthouse. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) Tourists can relax in the living room, chatting with Dawa and his family while tasting warm butter tea. It is a place for tourists who prefer local culture to mod cons. Tourists wearing Tibetan-styled clothes learn to make Tibetan dumplings. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) Dawa says that his guests include not only tourists coming from afar, but also residents from the city of Lhasa, who would spend a leisurely and close-to-nature weekend there. During busy seasons, all rooms are occupied. Tourists enjoy Tibetan cuisine. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) "Now we worry less about money. Instead, we think more about how to run the guesthouse. It's not once-for-all business. We need to make things better," Dawa says. XI'AN, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Nine people, including seven students, were injured in an axe attack in Hanzhong city of northwest China's Shaanxi Province Friday. Police caught the suspect, Lei Mingyue, 58, after he allegedly attacked the students, five first-graders and two third-graders, with an axe at around 11:40 a.m. at an after-school care center in Hantai District of Hanzhong City, said a police officer with the district branch of the Hanzhong City Public Security Bureau. The students, all from Beiguan Primary School, were waiting in line for lunch when the attack happened, said the police officer. Two passersby were also injured when Lei was running away, he said. All the injured are receiving treatment in hospitals. Lei, a local, told the police he carried out the attack as "revenge on society" following two previous arrests in Beijing and Shaanxi for theft. Further investigation is under way. SHENYANG, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- A railway bureau in northeast China's Liaoning Province has launched a service to deliver cars for people heading to the country's southernmost province of Hainan for the winter. The first train carrying six vehicles departed from Shenyang East Railway Station at 10 p.m. Thursday. It will arrive at Haikou South Railway Station 104 hours later, said Li Yang, a manager of tourism services with the Shenyang Railway Bureau. Li said more deliveries are expected in the coming weeks as the freezing winter in northeast China sends more local residents, especially retirees, to seek the sun in the south. "The high cost and dangers of long hours of driving used to force the winter migrants to leave their cars at home. Now, they have the option of having them delivered," he said. The train, will run once a week on Thursdays, carrying a maximum of 150 vehicles per trip. The fee is around 4,000 yuan (580 U.S. dollars). Authorities estimate around 300,000 elderly people from northeastern provinces of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang travel to the island province of Hainan in winter every year. Traditional dances from the Pokomo community perform a marriage folk song during the Mombasa International Cultural Festival in Mombasa, the coastal city of Kenya, Aug. 24, 2014. The Mombasa County government launched the initiative on Aug. 21 to boost tourism in the area. (Xinhua/Simbi Kusimba) NAIROBI, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- For a long time, domestic violence was viewed as women's issue in Kenya since they were taken to be main victims and their cases were commonly reported following increased campaigns against the vice. But things have changed and men are no longer mere perpetrators but victims too, and their suffering has in recent days been popular reportage in Kenyan media. And so has been adoption of the term gender-based violence (GBV) encompassing acts likely to cause or result to physical, emotional, psychological and economic harm on both men and women. This is unlike domestic violence which usually took account of violence against women only. This emerging reality of men falling victims to domestic violence is featured in 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHs), which shows 44 percent of men between 15-49 years having experienced physical violence against 45 percent of women. Similarly, 21 percent of married men were emotionally abused by their spouses with a further four percent experiencing sexual violence. For anti-GBV advocates, the violence against women and men is now a national crisis that requires collaborative efforts to solve. "Trends of gender based violence are changing. There are cases of women violating the rights of men only that men don't report," said June Ashioya, an advocate of the High Court and member of FIDA-Kenya, which draws membership from female lawyers and implements activities on human rights of women and campaigns against gender based violence in Kenya. Ashioya, who has handled cases of domestic violence against men, says fear of reporting the violations hampers search for their justice. "I have handled about five cases from Nairobi (Kenya's capital) in which men have seriously been violated by their wives but they fear going to the police station to report because they feel embarrassed and humiliated. But you see there is nothing much you can do about it if they don't report," she said. Globally, one in every seven men has experienced domestic violence according to World Health Organization (WHO), meaning men should also be encouraged to speak up, based on Ashioya's argument. However, women in Kenya continue to face new aspects of violence despite the existence of numerous laws in support of elimination of all forms of discrimination against them. Presently, conflicts over finances, infidelity, matrimonial property and inheritance make up the major causes of violence against women, Ashioya told Xinhua in a recent interview. "Matrimonial property is a major cause where property is registered in the name of the man and the wife and now probably the man wants to marry second wife and so on or separates from the wife causing a conflict." And so has gender-based violence developed into a crisis amounting to huge losses in collective calculated value annually, said Cyprian Nyamwamu, a gender and governance expert and director of Future of Kenya Foundation, which integrates matters of gender based violence and governance in its activities. From studies, gender based violence affects the economic, social, physical and psychological status of the victim as it affects the day-to-day activities of the affected, family members and close relatives. "The National Gender and Equality Commission finalized a study last year which basically shows the cost of gender based violence has gone beyond 300 million U.S. dollars annually and that is massive. It now tells you that is a crisis and that is how we should describe it," said Nyamwamu. At this point, churches, religious organizations and traditional institutions ought to be actively engaged in curbing this vice if the fight against the incident is to be won, argued Nyamwamu. Kenya is predominantly a patriarchal society, a cultural order which continues to put women at a disadvantageous position in the efforts towards ending violence against them. In this regard, Nyamwamu advocated for active inclusion of men in anti-GBV campaigns and programs. "Men must now step forward and fight for their families. They should be the one providing care and protection to their families rather than being factors or agents of gender based violence," he said. Kenya has enacted various laws against domestic violence among them Protection Against Domestic Violence, Matrimonial Property Act, Marriage Act and even Prohibition Against Female Genital Mutilation Act and the country is viewed in the international arena to have been making steady efforts toward ending the vice. However, Nyamwamu said the government needs to invest more resources toward the enforcement of the existing laws. ISTANBUL, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday threatened to open borders to illegal migrants to flood into Europe, one day after European lawmakers voted to freeze talks over Ankara's accession to the European Union. "If you go further, those border gates will be opened. You should know that," the president, who had made similar threat in the past, said at a meeting in Istanbul. He slammed Europe for "never being honest toward the humanity," saying Turkey opened its borders to save refugees from "barrel bombs." While Ankara has spent 15 billion U.S. dollars for more than 3 million refugees being sheltered on its soil, the European Union has only offered some 700 million dollars in aid, the Turkish leader said. A day earlier, the European Parliament voted in favor of a non-binding motion on suspending membership talks with Turkey, sparking strong reactions from the country. Erdogan dismissed the vote as being valueless for his country. EU nations have been criticizing Turkey over what they called "disproportionately repressive measures" adopted in the wake of a failed military coup in July, in which 246 people were killed. More than 100,000 people have been suspended or dismissed in the ensuing crackdown, in which dozens of media outlets have been shuttered. Ankara, for its part, has been critical of the EU over its stance toward the Kurdistan Workers' Party, which is recognized as a terror group as well by the bloc and the United States, and an organization led by the U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen who is accused of orchestrating the coup attempt. Turkey has helped reduce significantly the number of migrants crossing into Europe via the Aegean Sea under a deal reached with the EU in March. Turkey applied to join the EU in 1987 and started the accession talks in 2005, but the talks have faltered in recent years due to disagreements over issues like refugees and human rights. Media workers experience Buy+, the world's first virtual reality (VR) shopping store on Alibaba's online marketplace Tmall, in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 11, 2016. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) BEIJING, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Buying a car will soon be as much a waste of money as buying a horse. This is how Li Guangdou, founder of consulting and branding firm Wondersee, predicts China's urban transport will be revolutionized by online mobility on-demand services such as Uber. "Wherever you want to go, a ride is just a few taps away," he said during a forum on China's sharing economy, part of the "new economy" that is reshaping the country's economy. While old engines such as manufacturing, real estate and exports lose steam, China has seen new growth drivers emerging, thanks to new technology, innovative business models and expanding domestic consumption. China's leading e-commerce platform Alibaba is witness to the power of the new economy. Two weeks ago consumers spent more than 120 billion yuan (17.4 billion U.S. dollars) on its online stores as part of the Singles' Day shopping spree. The scale of spending on that day alone was equal to the nation's entire annual online spending for 2009. It now takes just two days for China to generate demand for 1.5 billion packages, the annual amount for 2009, according to Jin Jianhang, president of Alibaba Group. "The Singles' Day shopping spree was a vote of confidence from consumers in China's new economy," Jin said. Ma Jiantang, executive vice president at the Chinese Academy of Governance and former chief of the National Bureau of Statistics, said the new economy has become a bright spot for China. The value-added output of new industries, new forms of commercial activities and new business models now accounts for more than 15 percent of China's GDP, Ma told the forum. A slew of data testifies to the trend -- in the first three-quarters of 2016, the number of patents granted in the country surged 44.3 percent year on year; high-tech manufacturing output rose 11 percent year on year, contributing to more then 20 percent of overall industrial growth; high-tech services output increased 11 percent; online retail sales expanded 26.1 percent, outpacing overall retail sales by 15.7 percentage points. New technologies such as the Internet of things, smartphones and cloud computing better connect Chinese suppliers with the country's vast market and propels domestic consumption. Such technologies also transformed traditional sectors, with smart manufacturing and customized production being applied to factories, Ma said. China is pinning hopes on the new economy as quartely GDP is at its lowest since the global financial crisis. The government plans to double GDP from 2010 levels and build an all-round moderately prosperous society by 2020. However, the new economy remains small in comparison to China's total economy, and more support from authorities is required, Ma said. Despite impressive growth in the new economy, China's industrial output has slowed for six years in a row, while the contribution of fixed-asset investment to GDP growth fell by 16 percentage points between 2010 and 2015. China has many advantages in developing the new economy, especially the sharing economy, due to its huge market scale, but the government needs to reduce restrictions for access to new industries, said Shen Minggao, chief executive officer and chief economist of think tank Caixin Insight Group. To inject more energy into the new economy, the government should cede more power to the market and avoid excessive taxation and administration, said Liu Yanhua, a counsellor of the State Council. SHENYANG, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- A court in northeast China's Liaoning Province Friday sentenced Liang Bin, a former senior official in Hebei Province, to eight years in prison for taking bribes. Liang will have personal property worth 500,000 yuan (72,000 U.S. dollars) confiscated, according to Anshan City Intermediate People's Court. From 2004 to 2014, Liang took bribes of cash and goods worth a total of 5.58 million yuan when he was vice governor of Shanxi Province and a member of the standing committee of CPC Shanxi provincial committee, and former member of the standing committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Hebei provincial committee, the court said. He helped individuals in real estate development, promotions and other issues, and his acts constituted a crime, said the court. According to the court, Liang repented, confessed and returned his illegal gains "in an active manner," as well as provided evidence for the crimes of others, all of which are grounds for leniency. People gather at the site of a suicide truck bomb attack, at a petrol station in the city of Hilla, south of Baghdad, Iraq, November 25, 2016. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) TEHRAN, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that at least 40 Iranian pilgrims were killed in Iraq's Thursday suicide bomb attack, State IRINN TV reported. Also, 20 other Iranian pilgrims were injured in the attack, Iran's deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Qashqavi was quoted as saying. A suicide tanker truck bomb attack on Thursday killed some 80 Shiite pilgrims and wounded 31 at a fuel station in Babil province in south of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, Iraq's security sources said. The pilgrims were returning home after observing a major Shiite ritual of Arbaeen in the holy city of Karbala, some 110 km south of Baghdad. Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi condemned the terrorist attack, saying that "It is an indication of frustration," official IRNA news agency reported. The terrorists launched such attacks to compensate for the repeated defeats they have suffered recently, Qasemi said. "Such brutal and inhuman acts are not going to affect the determination of the Iraqi people and its government; neither could they disrupt the Islamic republic's joint fight with Iraq against terrorism," he said. "Iran's Foreign Ministry and the Islamic republic's embassy in Baghdad are seriously pursuing the case," he added. CAPE TOWN, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- South Africa on Friday launched the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children amid a surge in gender-based violence. "This campaign is about uniting all in our country behind one message that women and children must be safe and must feel safe at home, in the streets and anywhere in the country," President Jacob Zuma said at the launching ceremony in Lebowakgomo, Limpopo Province. The campaign coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children. South Africa uses this day each year to launch the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children and to take stock of progress made in fighting the abuse and violence directed at women and children. The theme of this year's 16 Days Campaign, which says "Count Me In: Together Moving a Non-Violent South Africa Forward", urges all of South Africans to fight the scourge of violence against women and children. This year's campaign takes the form of the launch of National Dialogues on Violence Against Women and Children. "Informed by our country's Constitution which turns 20 years old next month, the government is determined to use all resources at its disposal to make the country safer for women and children," Zuma said. Violence against women and children manifests itself openly in serious crimes such as murder, sexual assault, domestic violence, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm or human trafficking, according to Zuma. "What is of serious concern is that most women are attacked by men they know and in most cases men they are intimate with -- their husbands or partners. We are losing more and more women at the hands of their violent intimate partners," said Zuma. International studies show that women often turn a blind eye to the violence in their intimate relationships or sometimes prefer to live in denial or disbelief. They also live in hope that the perpetrator will change their behaviour. "The danger about living in an unattended violent relationship is that it intensifies over time until it leads to death," Zuma noted. Violence against women has been declared a priority crime by the government. "Women must not be scared to report the perpetrators to the police," Zuma said. The campaign was launched amid horrific tales of violent attacks against women and children, such as the recent gang-rape of a 13-year-old girl by 10 men in Nyanga, Cape Town. Importantly, violence against women and children is not a private matter, Zuma said. "It is everybody's business. Neighbours must not keep quiet when they see or hear women or children being attacked or abused," said the president. South Africa has legislation in place such as the Sexual Offences Act, Children's Act, Domestic Violence Act, the Child Justice Act, Older Persons Act and many other laws which are important instruments to fight abuse. Zuma urged all police officers to receive women sensitively when they come to report the cases of abuse or violence at the police stations. "Women should not keep quiet, and must use all avenues to report abuse and to seek help," he said. Zuma stressed that improving the economic status of women is also paramount in order to stop the financial and economic dependence on men, which makes many women vulnerable to abuse. The government does not work alone in fighting abuse, said Zuma. "We acknowledge all non-governmental organizations that support women in distress. They run shelters for abused women, crisis centres and call centres." "We acknowledge religious leaders, traditional leaders and community leaders to whom these cases are also reported. We appeal to them to continue supporting victims and survivors of such cases," he said. The government, Zuma said, recognizes organizations run by women and men's organizations, raising awareness and promoting positive role models for men and boys in the campaign of promoting safer homes and communities. YANGON, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar will implement an upgrading program for the country's livestock and fishery sector in cooperation with European Union (EU) and German state-owned organization GIZ, according to the ministry of agriculture, livestock and irrigation of Myanmar Friday. U Khin Maung Maw, a director general from Myanmar's fishery department and Dr. Pefra Schill, country director of GIZ in Myanmar, signed the agreement recently in Nay Pyi Taw for implementing the program. The five-year program named as Myanmar Sustainable Aquaculture Program (MYSAP) will begin from this year to 2022 and the EU and GIZ will fund about 22.5 million euros for the program. The main objective of the program is not only to help Myanmar for manufacturing value-added fishery products to be exported to EU market but also to enhance the livestock sector for increased income, local food coverage and creating job opportunities. The total foreign direct investment in the country's livestock and fisheries sector amounted 546.698 million U.S. dollars as of October in this fiscal year 2016-2017 since late 1988. BEIJING, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities on Friday criticized 30 real estate agencies for flouting market rules, as it continues to give a hard strike on irregularities in the industry. The 30 agencies are scattered across 17 provinces and cities including Shanghai and Guangdong, according to information disclosed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development on Friday. The ministry is acting against activities such as fabricating information, embezzling funds and illegal financial services. Providing additional leverage for people who cannot put downpayments together is strictly forbidden, the ministry said. Earlier this year, guidelines were unveiled to improve regulations on real estate agencies, which have become a major source of customer complaints. In April, Shanghai regulators fined six real estate agents 130,000 yuan (about 18,800 U.S. dollars) to 200,000 yuan, including industry leaders Lianjia.com and 5i5j.com for false advertising. DAMASCUS, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army have succeeded to capture large swathes of the largest rebel-held district in the northern city of Aleppo over the past 24 hours, a monitor group reported on Friday. BEIJING, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Ji Guang, vice general manager of Lijiang-Shangri-La Expressway Investment Company, arrived at a construction site to oversee progress on the first expressway in the Tibetan areas of southwest China's Yunnan Province. The Lijiang-Shangri-La Expressway has drawn almost 5 billion yuan (723 million U.S. dollars) of investment this year. It is expected to cost a total of 22 billion yuan when it is finished by the end of 2019. Lijiang and Shangri-La are both popular tourist destinations in Yunnan. "It will shorten the driving time between Lijiang and Shangri-La from the current 3.5 hours to 1.5 hours upon completion," Ji said. Yunnan is one of several regions in central and western China experiencing a surge in fixed asset investment. So far, 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China have reported their fixed asset investment figures for the first three quarters of this year. Among them, western and central regions such as Yunnan saw significant investment growth, the Shanghai Securities News (SSN) said in a report on Thursday. The southwestern province of Guizhou recorded the highest investment growth rate of 21.7 percent year on year, followed by Tibet and Yunnan, also in the southwest. Other western and central regions such as Guangxi, Hubei, Sichuan and Chongqing also saw their investment grow by more than 12 percent year on year. Meanwhile, investment growth in infrastructure construction was above 20 percent in more than half of all the 31 localities, according to the SSN report. In western and central regions, the rate was even higher, with Inner Mongolia, Yunnan, Chongqing and Shaanxi all reporting growth of more than 30 percent year on year. "Investment in building infrastructure is an important support for all investment in the province, and we will try to get more projects under favorable state policies for western areas," Guizhou's provincial bureau of statistics said in an analysis of its investment figures. The statistics bureau of Hunan Province voiced a similar opinion, with a statement saying that the province will speed up construction of railways, parking lots and rural infrastructure. As China implements the Belt and Road Initiative by opening further to Central Asia and the Middle East, China's western inland regions are speeding up infrastructure construction, particularly transportation. In order to absorb more private capital into the building of infrastructure, China has been promoting public-private partnerships, a type of partnership between government and private organizations based on franchise agreements. The People's Bank of China has provided pledged supplementary lending (PSL) to financial institutions to fund housing renovation projects. PSL can effectively channel medium- and long-term loans to the infrastructure construction sector, said Peng Wensheng, economist with CITIC Securities. Xu Gao, chief economist with Everbright Securities, said investment in infrastructure is currently an important force to fuel economic growth at a time when exports and real estate investment are lackluster. Dong Di, head of the economic research institute at Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences, said that infrastructure in China's underdeveloped western regions is still insufficient, so there is a lot of room for investment in this area. "Investment is still a main engine for China's economic growth and it will continue to grow at a comparatively high speed within a certain period of time, but the regional differences will become obvious," said Feng Yongqi, associate professor at Jilin University. The well-developed eastern coast has less potential to attract fixed-asset investment, while central and western regions will continue their high-speed growth in investment, Feng said. PHNOM PENH, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Friday rolled out its red carpet for Laos National Assembly president Pany Yathotou on her official visit to the kingdom to further enhance bilateral ties and cooperation. Pany was welcomed by Cambodian National Assembly president Samdech Heng Samrin with a brass band and guard of honour before the two top legislators held talks, focusing on ways to broaden cooperation between the two legislative bodies. "Both sides reiterated their commitment to continue enhancing cooperation between the two National Assemblies for mutual benefits," Keo Piseth, a spokesman for Samrin, told reporters after the meeting. "They also vowed to help boost relations between the two countries in economics, trade, investment and tourism," he added. According to the spokesman, they also agreed to help promote the development along the border of the two countries. Pany arrived here Friday morning for a three-day visit. She is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Senate president Samdech Say Chhum, and Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Saturday. National Police Spokesperson Rikwanto shows a photo of suspected terrorist Rio Priatna Wibawa at Indonesian National Police headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia, Nov. 25, 2016. Anti-terror squad of the Indonesian police has seized explosive materials, which will be used to explode foreign embassy offices and religious facilities, in a hideout of a member of Islamic States (IS) in West Java province, police said on Friday. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain) JAKARTA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Anti-terror squad of the Indonesian police has seized explosive materials, which will be used to explode foreign embassy offices and religious facilities, in a hideout of a member of Islamic States (IS) in West Java province, police said on Friday. Rio Priatna Wibawa, 23, was nabbed at his house in Majalengka of the province on Wednesday and admitted that he was ordered to make bombs from the materials, said Rikwanto, a police spokesman. The spokesman revealed that the targets of the militants were buildings or facilities owned by foreign nations. "These explosive materials will be used to strike foreign embassy offices, religious buildings, police headquarters and the parliament building," Rikwanto said at the national police headquarters. The spokesman said Priatna along with three fellow IS members, who remain at large, planed to make bombs at "a chemistry laboratory" at his house. "He was arrested by the anti-terror squad before producing the bombs and giving it to other IS militants," Rikwanto said. The official confirmed that Priatna and other IS militants operate with the coordination of a high-profile IS leader for Southeast Asia region, Bahrun Naim, an Indonesian national who leads terrorist operation from Syria. Indonesia has been included in IS global targets as the top leader of the terrorist group has ordered militants to launch strikes in their own countries following an offensive move against the base of the group in Mosul of Iraq, according to the police. The Indonesian security authority has been monitoring the movement of more than 50 militants who have just backed home after joining IS in Iraq and Syria, the police said. IS members have conducted a series of small-scale suicide bombing strikes in Indonesia in recent months, targeting churches, westerners and facilities, and police, causing scores of casualties. BEIJING, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- China's stock trading link between Hong Kong and Shenzhen will begin on December 5, allowing investors to buy and sell shares on each other's bourse, China's security regulator announced Friday. The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) have approved the deal between the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited and Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited, assuring mutual trading access between the Shenzhen and Hong Kong stock markets, the CSRC said in a statement. The trading, clearing and other rules, the daily quota mechanism and other regulatory and operational arrangements have been finalized, said the statement. DAMASCUS, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army have captured large swathes of the largest rebel-held district in the northern city of Aleppo over the past 24 hours, a monitor group reported on Friday. Battles, accompanied by intense shelling, have raged since midnight Thursday between the government forces and an array of rebel groups in Masaken Hanano, the largest rebel-held district in eastern Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The UK-based watchdog said the Syrian forces captured over 60 percent of the neighborhood, which was also the first area stormed by rebels in eastern Aleppo in mid-2012. Observers say capturing the Hanano area will expose the Sakhour neighborhood to the Syrian army, enabling it to isolate the northern part of the rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo from the southern one. The Observatory, which says it relies on a network of activists on ground, said the Syrian forces were achieving rapid progress in eastern Aleppo, where over 250,000 civilians are trapped. For months, the Syrian government and Russia have been urging rebels to leave Aleppo, offering them safe passages to other rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib. The rebels, however, turned down all offers, which has resulted in intensified violence. HONG KONG, Nov. 25 (Xinhua)-- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government and institutions welcomed the launch of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect (SZHKSC) on Friday evening. The SZHKSC will be launched on Dec. 5, according to a joint announcement by the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. The SZHKSC is a mutually beneficial collaboration project. Following the successful implementation of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, the SZHKSC will help further promote the opening up of the Chinese mainland's capital markets as well as the internationalization of the renminbi (RMB), according to a HKSAR government statement. It will also reinforce Hong Kong's position as an international financial center and a premier offshore RMB hub, it said. John Tsang, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, said, "The SZHKSC will be implemented very soon. We will closely monitor its implementation so that it will contribute to the economic and financial reforms of our country and reinforce Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre." WELCOME FROM HKEX Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) welcomed the latest timetable for the launch of the SZHKSC. The HKEX market has been ready in terms of technical systems and operations for the launch of program, said an HKEX statement. HKEX has completed three rounds of connectivity testing and market rehearsals to ascertain technical readiness of the market infrastructure and operational readiness of market participants, the statement said. "I want to thank everyone for their support to ensure a smooth launch of Shenzhen Connect," said HKEX Chief Executive Charles Li. "We're ready for another milestone in our mutual market access initiative. Shenzhen Connect will open up another mainland market for international investors," Li said. WELCOME FROM HK MONETARY AUTHORITY The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) welcomes the timetable. Norman Chan, chief executive of the HKMA, said, as the second channel for mutual access to stock markets of mainland and Hong Kong, the SZHKSC is an important initiative to enhance Hong Kong's position as an international financial center. The HKMA has recently appointed two additional primary liquidity providers and introduced measures to enhance transparency of the RMB market liquidity, Chan said. "I believe this will further strengthen Hong Kong's role as the global hub for offshore RMB business in support of RMB internationalisation," he noted. SEOUL, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- To realize a free trade area in the Asia-Pacific region, it needs to go together with the Belt and Road Initiative as the mix can materialize more effective, integrated and inclusive trade bloc in the Pacific Rim, South Korean experts said. The experts' analysis followed Chinese President Xi Jinping's address at the APEC CEO Summit in Lima, Peru last Saturday. Xi called on relevant sides to firmly pursue the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) as an institutional mechanism for ensuring an open economy in the region. The FTAAP was initiated at the 2014 APEC summit in Beijing to unify the 21 Pacific Rim economies through trade liberalization. Once established, it will become the world's largest free trade zone, covering 57 percent of the global economy and nearly half of the world trade. "The FTAAP is the most inclusive as it covers more countries than RCEP and TPP," Han Jae-jin, senior research fellow at the Hyundai Research Institute (HRO), said in a recent interview with Xinhua. The RCEP stands for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a free trade pact involving the 10-member ASEAN and six other countries, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is facing the biggest challenge as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump picked the withdrawal from the trade deal, including the United States and Japan, as one of his policy priorities. "It needs to materialize the FTAAP as the TPP falters. Push for the FTAAP would be more effective if it goes together with the Belt and Road Initiative," said the HRO researcher. The Belt and Road Initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative proposed by China in 2013 to bring together countries in Asia, Europe and even Africa via overland and maritime networks. The urgency and significance of the FTAAP has recently increased as global trade slows amid the rising threat of protectionism. The World Trade Organization predicted a global trade slump for the fifth year in 2016. The more inclusive and integrated trade bloc in the Asia-Pacific would help rekindle the sagging global trade, creating a synergy effect with the Belt and Road Initiative by boosting market access and investment across the globe. To bring together the 21 diverse economies of the Asia-Pacific under the same set of trade and investment rules, relevant parties are required to take time and be patient in the future negotiations from the long-term perspective, said Han at the HRO. "Bilateral and mega FTAs have something in common. Both require concessions to sensitive items and understandings of different situations. It takes time and need long dialogue," said Han. To make the FTAAP a meaningful free trade zone in the Pacific Rim, China and the United States are required to discuss the issue as the two economic powerhouses are the key players in the region. "President Xi Jinping and President-elect Donald Trump need to discuss the issue to create a meaningful starting point of the FTAAP," said Kim Young-Gui, research fellow at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP). Kim said relevant sides are also required to make the FTAAP become a free trade area beneficial to all, adding that it is right to push the FTAAP from the long-term perspective. MAPUTO, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Two businessmen were murdered in Mozambique on Wednesday night and the police are still searching for the suspects, local media Mozambique News Agency reported Friday. Unknown assailants shot dead a well-known businessman, 42-year-old Mussa Patel, on Wednesday night, near his home in the central Mozambican city of Beira. According to the report, Patel was rushed to Beira Central Hospital, but died as he was entering the hospital, and before doctors could attend to his injuries. Eye-witnesses said Patel was murdered by two men on a motorcycle. One of them was carrying an AK-47 assault rifle, and opened fire against Patel while he was still inside his car, which was parked near his home in the neighbourhood of Ponta-Gea. Relatives said Patel had been receiving anonymous phone calls threatening him with death. In Maputo, a Portuguese businessman Joaquim Malaguera, owner of a company called Soundlight, was also murdered on Wednesday night. Report said that Malaguera's body was discovered by a servant on Thursday morning. Malaguera, who lived alone, was found tied to a chair in his bathroom, and had been submerged in the bathtub. This may have been the cause of death, since there were no gunshot wounds or other signs of injuries. The Criminal Investigation Police (PIC) visited the scene of the crime, but made no statements to the press. BEIJING, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday publicized a revised regulation on managing radio operators that reduces red tape and brings harsher punishment for telecoms fraud. The regulation was released in accordance with a decree signed earlier this month by Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Premier Li Keqiang. The revision covers the management of radio frequencies, stations, transmission equipment and radio operations related to foreign affairs. It streamlines administrative approval in radio and strengthens supervision, with a special focus on radio-related crimes such as telecoms fraud using illegal base stations. Illegal base stations can cut communication between mobile phones and legal base stations to send disguised text messages. This can facilitate fraud and illegal advertising. According to the revision, equipment involved in illegal radio activities will be confiscated, with stations shut down. Radio authorities should report any suspected crimes to police and cooperate with follow-up investigations. "People setting up and using radio stations for fraud and other illegal activities should be pursued for criminal liabilities, and those involved in lesser crimes should be fined 200,000 (29,000 U.S. dollars) to 500,000 yuan in addition to the seizure of all equipment and illicit gains," it says. Underlining the country's radio frequencies as "national rare resources" and a key factor in information development, the regulation notes that certified radio operators which have not used their designated frequencies for two years, or used them as required, will have their certificiation revoked and frequencies taken back. While ordering operators to conduct maintenance for their radio stations on a regular basis, it also urges supervision authorities to carry out checks, and review the use of frequencies regularly. Additionally, large buildings or facilities that can disrupt radio signals must not be built around satellite monitoring stations, airports or other places demanding special electromagnetic environments, the regulation states. The initial regulation came into force on Sept. 11, 1993 to ensure proper development and use of radio frequencies, and order on radio waves. The revision will take effect on Dec. 1, 2016. LONDON, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The bodies of two people were found after a large fire devastated a commercial building in Manchester's Chinatown early Friday morning. The city's fire and rescue service said the fire started just after 2 a.m. (0200 GMT) local time, with flames so intense it lit up the Chinese arch which is just meters away from the blaze-hit building in downtown Nicholas Street. The roof of the five-storey building caved in, with the whole building severely damaged by the inferno. Due to falling debris, firefighters were forced for a time to keep back from the multi-storey commercial building, fearing the whole structure could collapse. Fire crews later searched the building with search-and-rescue dogs once the fire was under control. Chief Inspector Gareth Parkin of Greater Manchester Police, said: "These are tragic circumstances and we are working to identify the people who were found in the building." Police are checking to see if the two victims were homeless, sleeping in the unoccupied building in what has been one of the coldest nights of the winter with sub-zero temperatures. An investigation is underway by police and the city's fire and rescue service to establish what caused the fire. DAMASCUS, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- A security source in the joint military room of the Syrian army and its allies stressed Friday the Syrian administration's resolve to dislodge rebels from the northern city of Aleppo as soon as possible. "Our decision is not to accept the status quo of the civilians who have become hostages in the hands of the rebels in the besieged part of Aleppo, and we have an operation that will be commensurate with the threats and will dislodge the terrorists from Aleppo as soon as possible," the security source said in a statement sent to Xinhua. The statement also mentioned a security meeting being held in Turkey with the participation of representatives from Saudi Arabia, United States, Turkey and the rebels' Jaish al-Fateh. It said that the foreign powers told Jaish al-Fateh, backed by the West but deemed as a terrorist group by the Syrian government, not to leave the rebel-held part in eastern Aleppo. The powers also asked Jaish al-Fateh, or the Army of Conquest, to lead a new offensive in Aleppo. "The meeting proves again that the countries that pretend they have concerns for the civilians are partners in killings and destructions in Aleppo and their pretense of concern about civilian lives is nothing but lies," the security source said. It urged the UN special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, to say "a word of truth" to "those conspirators." "They have repeatedly tried and failed; they have achieved nothing but more killing and destruction," the statement said. The statement came as clashes were raging in Aleppo city, with the Syrian army making notable gains over the past 24 hours. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor group said the Syrian forces had captured over 60 percent of Masaken Hanano, the largest rebel-held district in the rebel-held part in eastern Aleppo. A military source, meanwhile, told Xinhua that military reinforcements also reached Aleppo on Friday. The Observatory, which says it relies on a network of activists on ground, said the Syrian forces were achieving rapid progress in eastern Aleppo, where over 250,000 civilians are trapped. For months, the Syrian government and Russia have been urging rebels to leave Aleppo, offering them safe passages to other rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib. The rebels, however, turned down all the offers, which has resulted in intensified violence. BUDAPEST, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- A group of 25 Hungarian police officers left for Macedonia on Friday to assist their Macedonian counterparts in patrolling the Greece-Macedonia border against illegal migrants, the Hungarian National Police said. This is the eighth group of Hungarian police to work in Macedonia and they are set to remain in Macedonia until Dec. 23. The Hungarians will be working with all-terrain vehicles, thermal imaging cameras, and night vision equipment. by Christine Lagat NAIROBI, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Violence against women that has manifested itself in varying forms is yet to be eradicated in Kenya despite decades of advocacy, experts told Xinhua as the International day for the elimination of violence against women to be observed on Friday. While acknowledging that reported cases of wife battering have slumped compared to several decades ago, experts and campaigners agreed that Kenya must overcome a myriad of hurdles to eliminate the retrogressive practice. Dinah Simbiri, a Nairobi-based gender rights advocate, decried rampant physical and emotional abuse of women in the hands of their spouses, male relatives and co-workers. "As a country, we are yet to conclusively deal with violence against women despite decades of advocacy and enactment of deterrent laws. Retrogressive cultural practices, poverty and ignorance among women in rural areas have created a fertile ground for abuse and discrimination against female gender," Simbiri said. The Kenya demographic survey of 2014 revealed that 45 percent of women aged 19 to 49 years old have experienced different forms of abuse in their lifetime. The survey disclosed that Kenyan women and girls are still grappling with sexual violence, genital mutilation, forced marriages and disinheritance. Simbiri noted that Kenya is not out of the woods yet as far as domestic violence is concerned, hence the need for robust campaigns and law enactment to eliminate the vice. "Kenyan women are suffering silently as they experience different forms of abuse on a regular basis. We are still not yet out of the woods given the numerous cases of wife battery that have been reported in the media recently," Simbiri told Xinhua. Kenya was in the global spotlight in early August when news broke out that a woman's hands were chopped off by her husband for failure to bear children. National leaders and gender rights activists condemned the heinous act and urged severe punishment for the culprit. Early this week, a female lawmaker from the nomadic Samburu community was severely beaten by her male colleague over political differences. The incident elicited sharp condemnation from women leaders in Kenya and beyond. Simbiri regretted that Kenyan women from all walks of life have to contend with abuse and discrimination despite gains achieved through affirmative action. "The Kenyan society must begin a candid conversation on gender-based violence. Our criminal justice system must address this menace with renewed vitality," Simbiri remarked. Entrenched patriarchy, poverty, illiteracy and weak enforcement of laws have worsened violence against women in many Kenyan communities. Ekai Nabenyo, a community rights advocate from Turkana County in northern Kenya, said domestic violence will remain a plague in the country until political, religious and cultural leaders take uncompromising stand against it. "Our society is patriarchal hence the rampant abuse of women through violence, genital mutilation and denial of property ownership rights. We require new campaigns to change mindsets and regard women as equal to men," said Nabenyo. The Kenyan parliament has fast-tracked enactment of protection against domestic violence bill 2013 in order to revitalize legal action on perpetrators of the heinous crime. Fanis Lisiagali, Project Director at HealthCare Assistance Kenya (HAK), said deterrent legal instruments alongside political goodwill and public awareness are crucial to minimize gender-based violence. "Laws are not enough to end violence against women in Kenya. We need strong political commitment and participation of community leaders to fight this vice to its conclusive end," said Lisiagali. Kenya has domesticated global instruments that call for an end to all forms of violence and discrimination against women. Lisiagali noted that Kenyan women and girls have gradually enjoyed rights and privileges enshrined in the constitution in the recent past. MOGADISHU, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- At least seven Al-Shabaab militants were killed and several others injured on Friday during heavy fighting between locals and the militants in near Haradhere town in central Somalia, officials said. Deputy President of Galmudug State, Mohamed Hashi Abdi told reporters that their administration supports residents in the fight against Al-Shabaab which has inflicted heavy casualties on the insurgents. "The battle took place at Dumaya and Dabagalo locations near Harardhere town in Mudug region, angry locals fought off militants there and killed seven fighters and injured several others. They recovered weapons, we support the residents to fight the group and defend their properties from the enemy," said Abdi. The deputy president said the fighting erupted after the militants forced the residents to contribute tax every month, a directive the locals declined. "We commend the locals for their victory against terrorists, we are ready to support them in order to defend themselves and properties from Al-Shabaab," Abdi said. Abdi did not say if there were casualties on the locals. The militants also did not comment on the latest confrontation in Mudug region. BEIJING, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- China and Latin America are at a new starting point in economic relations following Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visits to the region, experts have said. Xi returned to Beijing Friday after wrapping up the tour to Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and attending the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. During the week-long tour, Xi met with foreign leaders and representatives from different walks of life, and attended a string of bilateral and multilateral meetings and events. China and Latin America ties have reached a new horizon, said Chile's former ambassador to China Fernando Reyes Matta when asked to comment on Xi's tour. "Five or six years ago, we were merely talking about fundamental subjects like how to improve economic relations, but now we are discussing China-LatAm ties in the coming 10-15 years, and what direction the relations should take in the first half of the century," Reyes Matta said. The former ambassador called on Latin American countries to make strategic plans from the point view of a global value chain in developing ties with China. "China has done a lot in this respect, while we neglected it for a long time." At the APEC meeting in Lima, Peru, Xi put forward a series of key initiatives, injecting impetus to cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, as well as the development of the global economy. The Chinese president highlighted economic globalization as an irresistible trend, calling for the promotion of trade and investment, and opposition to all forms of protectionism. Wang Ping, head of the center for Latin America studies at Nankai University, highlighted "complementarity" in Xi's speech at the Peruvian Congress. Xi said China should align China-LatAm relations with international and regional development, and make China-LatAm development strategies match on both sides. "China will increase sharing of governance experience and improve planning and coordination of macro policies with Latin American and Caribbean states to better synergize our development plans and strategies," Xi said. Echoing Xi's proposals, the Chinese government Thursday released its second policy paper on Latin America and the Caribbean, eight years after its first one in 2008. The policy paper said that the development of China is not possible without the development of other developing countries, including countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Since 2013, the Chinese leadership has set forth a series of major initiatives and measures on strengthening China's relations and cooperation with Latin America and the Caribbean, which have provided new development goals and been a driving force in relations. Building on previous achievements, the paper on Latin America and the Caribbean draws a blueprint for the future, explains new ideas, proposals and initiatives in China's Latin America and Caribbean policy for a new era, and ensures China's cooperation with Latin America and the Caribbean. While addressing the Peruvian Congress, Xi also set out Chinese policies on Latin America. He proposed that China, Latin America and the Caribbean seek synergy in development strategies, improve cooperation and bring benefits to their peoples. His proposal outlined the path to building a China-Latin America community of common destiny and opened up broader prospects for the development of China-Latin America ties. Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, said Ecuador, Peru and Chile, are all at a crucial development stage and have a strong aspiration to deepen ties with China. Xi's visits, his first to the countries as head of state, are a historic event in China-Latin America relations, Wang said. An important consensus on enhancing mutual political trust and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation has been reached between Xi and the leaders of the three Latin American countries, which creates a new development period in bilateral relations, Wang added. Related: Xi's visits boost Asia-Pacific cooperation, China-LatAm ties: Chinese FM BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visits to Ecuador, Peru and Chile and his attendance at the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting have promoted Asia-Pacific cooperation and China-Latin America relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday. The week-long tour, during which Xi met with foreign leaders and representatives from different walks of life in the three countries, and attended a string of bilateral and multilateral meetings and activities, has produced impressive results, said Wang. Full story Interview: Xi's Chile visit to bolster bilateral economic ties: expert SANTIAGO, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Chile will promote bilateral ecomonic cooperation, providing an opportunity to review the progress and challenges in the relationship, a Chilean expert said. "Bilateral economic and trade ties have reached the level where China is this country's leading trading partner, and therefore that should be reflected by a strategic proposal to reinforce the relationship," Osvaldo Rosales, a consultant and former director of International Trade and Integration at the Santiago-based Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean told Xinhua in a recent interview. Full story Xi charts new course for China-LatAm community of common destiny LIMA, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called on China and Latin American countries to strengthen dialogue on global issues and boost cooperation on domestic development, in a bid to better build their community of common destiny on a new starting point in history. ANKARA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- A Turkish soldier was killed on Friday in clashes with militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the southeastern province of Diyarbakir, state-run Anadolu Agency reported. Security forces launched an operation against PKK militants in the Lice district of Diyarbakir province, the report said. Clashes erupted between the forces and the PKK militants, leaving a soldier seriously wounded, it said. The soldier was carried to hospital where he later died of his injuries, it added. The security forces' operation is still ongoing. On Thursday, another Turkish soldier was killed in a PKK attack in the southeastern Turkish province of Sirnak. The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union and Turkey. Photo taken on Feb. 1, 2016 shows displayed Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) vehicles during the commissioning by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta at General Service Unit Headquarters in Ruaraka, Nairobi, capital of Kenya. The vehicles which were imported from China will be deployed along the volatile border of Kenya and Somalia, where the Kenyan military is fighting the terrorist group Al-Shabaab. (Xinhua/Simbi Kusimba) MOGADISHU, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- At least seven Al-Shabaab militants were killed and several others injured on Friday during heavy fighting between locals and the militants in near Haradhere town in central Somalia, officials said. Deputy President of Galmudug State, Mohamed Hashi Abdi told reporters that their administration supports residents in the fight against Al-Shabaab which has inflicted heavy casualties on the insurgents. "The battle took place at Dumaya and Dabagalo locations near Harardhere town in Mudug region, angry locals fought off militants there and killed seven fighters and injured several others. They recovered weapons, we support the residents to fight the group and defend their properties from the enemy," said Abdi. The deputy president said the fighting erupted after the militants forced the residents to contribute tax every month, a directive the locals declined. "We commend the locals for their victory against terrorists, we are ready to support them in order to defend themselves and properties from Al-Shabaab," Abdi said. Abdi did not say if there were casualties on the locals. The militants also did not comment on the latest confrontation in Mudug region. HAVANA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua)-- Cuban President Raul Castro met with his visiting Honduran counterpart Juan Hernandez Thursday, pledging to further strengthen political, economic and trade cooperation between their countries. According to a government release published by the daily Granma, the two leaders discussed the current state of bilateral relations while exchanging views on international issues of common concern. Prior to the meeting, the Honduran president laid a wreath at the monument of Cuba's national hero, Jose Marti, at the Revolution Plaza. He also chaired on Thursday the signing of three legal instruments that will boost bilateral economic ties, especially in the fields of trade, investment and tourism. The two Caribbean countries established diplomatic relations in 1903, which were broken off in 1961 and restored in 2002. The bilateral trade flow reached almost 30 million U.S. dollars in 2015, according to official data from Cuba's authorities. VIENTIANE, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Four primary schools constructed with the assistance of China's Foundation for Peace and Development (CFPD) have been inaugurated in Laos' central Vientiane province, a representative of the CFPD told Xinhua Friday. CFPD Secretary General Xu Zhensui said at the handover ceremony that the school construction project has been completed with the strong support of Lao party, government and people and it's symbol of the sincere friendship between the peoples of the two countries. CFPD will continue its contributions to Laos' education and public welfare to promote Sino-Lao friendship, Xu said. Bounnhang, the representative of the Office of Lao Committee for Peace and Solidarity, said at the ceremony that the schools would help improve the teaching environment in the area. He expressed his hope that the project will promote the development of education in Laos and contribute to the friendly relations of the two countries. CFPD has invested some 1.5 million U.S. dollars to build six primary schools in Lao remote areas. The mission of CFPD is to support Chinese NGOs in participating in international exchanges and cooperation, organize international charity activities and promote world peace and development, as well as common prosperity. LANZHOU, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The 21st batch of medical specialists from northwest China's Gansu Province will depart for Madagascar Sunday, the provincial government said. The medical team consists of 30 doctors specializing in several areas, including internal medicine, surgery, anesthesiology and acupuncture. The doctors, from medical institutions of various levels across the province, will stay in Madagascar for two years. According to Liu Weizhong, director of the provincial health and family planning commission, the number of traditional Chinese medicine doctors has been increased to six due to increasing demand for traditional Chinese medicine abroad. Over the past 50 years, China has sent numerous medical teams abroad to help combat Ebola, dengue fever, malaria, cholera and other epidemic diseases. Gansu has sent over 600 doctors to Madagascar since 1975. LJUBLJANA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The new Croatian Foreign Minister Davor Ivo Stier paid a working visit to Slovenia on Friday with the unresolved bilateral issues such as border arbitration and the border fence on top of the agenda, the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) reported. The Croatian foreign chief will be hosted by his Slovenian counterpart Karl Erjavec, and will also be received by Slovenian President Borut Pahor. Stier's second bilateral trip abroad after assuming office on Oct. 19 -- the first was to Hungary -- is expected to be dominated by Croatia's exit from the border arbitration procedure. Croatia is now seeking alternate avenues for resolving the border dispute, but Slovenia insists on sticking to border arbitration. Croatia withdrew from the border arbitration process in 2015 after Croatian media released a leaked phone call between the Slovenian arbiter and the country's agent. The Zagreb-based daily newspaper Vecernji list on July 22, 2015 published transcripts and audio tapes revealing Slovenian representative on the arbitral tribunal Jernej Sekolec and Slovenian Foreign Ministry employee Simona Drenik had discussed lobbying other judges sitting on the tribunal to influence the outcome of the arbitration in Slovenia's favor. WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Pentagon on Friday confirmed the United States has suffered its first combat death in Syria in the fight against the extremist group Islamic State (IS). The U.S. Special Operations Force member, not yet identified to the public, was killed near Ayn Issa in northern Syria by an improvised explosive device, the Pentagon said. "I am deeply saddened by the news on this Thanksgiving Day that one of our brave service members has been killed in Syria while protecting us from the evil of ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant)," U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in a statement. At least 300 U.S. Special Operations members are on the ground in Syria as part of the fight against the IS and other terrorist groups, a fact only acknowledged by the Obama administration a year ago, according to a daily news report from The Hill. As Iraqi forces have pushed into IS-held Mosul in northern Iraq during recent weeks, U.S.-led coalition forces have also been preparing for an offensive into Raqqa, the group's stronghold in northern Syria. BUDAPEST, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian, Austrian, and Serbian police forces conducted joint investigations into organized people smugglers and have identified 15 people in Hungary alone, the Hungarian National Police reported on Friday. Some smugglers have been apprehended, including drivers who had carried migrants through Hungary and Austria. The joint force also turned over a list of smugglers to Serbian authorities, recommending arrests and criminal proceedings. According to the report, heads of the smuggling ring lived in Serbia, Hungary and Austria and transported over 400 people -- Syrians, Afghans, Somalis, Eritreans and Iraqis -- illegally through these countries and into the heart of the European Union between August 2014 and September 2015. The route used by the people smugglers began in Greece and went through Macedonia, Serbia, and Hungary, where they were transported primarily by drivers from Hungary and Serbia. SKOPJE, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Macedonian government has started to repay some of its loans in order to lower the level of public debt in the country, the Macedonian finance ministry said Friday. The Macedonian government has repaid the 130- million-euro loan it borrowed some five years ago from Citibank and Deutche Bank, thus lowering the government debt by 1.4 percent, the finance ministry explained. It further said that the funds for the loan repayments were secured from the Eurobond that was issued in July of this year. However, there is also concern among economy experts here, as well as Macedonian opposition parties, over the rising level of the public debt. According to official statistics, at the end of the third quarter of 2016, Macedonia's public debt amounted to 4.7 billion euros (5 billion U.S. dollars) or 50.6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Meanwhile, the country's public debt at the end of 2015 was 46.7 percent of GDP, so it has seen an increase of around four percent. Opposition political parties have often accused the government of deepening the country's debts and hampering the economy but representatives of the government have declared there is no reason to worry about the current level of debt, adding that Macedonia has almost the lowest level of debt in the region. But the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has demanded the Macedonian government take urgent measures to cut expenses and start fiscal consolidation. According to the IMF, Macedonia's public debt should be below 50 percent of GDP. According to IMF forecasts, the public debt will reach the level of 54.7 percent in the next five years and this is why they called on authorities here to undertake measures that would prevent such a rapid increase of debts. BISHKEK, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The expansion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will contribute to strengthening relations between its members, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry's special envoy for SCO affairs Irina Orolbaeva said Friday. She made the remark during the forum "Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Experience and Prospects," which was held in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek to mark the 15th anniversary of the regional organization. "In expansion of the SCO we must proceed from the overall interests of the organization, and our national interests, it is very important," she told the leading Kyrgyz experts, officials and representatives of diplomatic missions who attended the forum. On the June signing of the memorandums of obligations for India and Pakistan to join the SCO, Orolbaeva said, "If we accept new states, it means it is necessary to build a relationship based on the fact that India and Pakistan will be our allies in the SCO." The special envoy also said that Pakistan's membership may enhance the SCO role on the issue of Afghanistan. She expected Pakistan and India will add political weight to the SCO, which is "facing new expectations and new goals." Since its establishment, the regional bloc has seen effective cooperation between its members in trade, business, finance, energy and transportation, among other areas. It has advocated and put into practice the pioneering Shanghai Spirit, which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development. File photo taken on July 16, 2016 shows U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attends a campaign event in New York, the United States. Donald Trump was projected by U.S. media on Nov. 9, 2016 to have won 270 electoral votes needed for presidency. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) GENEVA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Roberto Azevedo on Thursday told reporters he hasn't received any information regarding the future U.S. government withdrawing from the trade body. He said he was convinced the WTO would continue to be an important partner for the United States. Speaking to a group of journalists here, Azevedo said he had not spoken to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump yet, but that he and his organization were ready for conversations to engage in deepening relations with the United States and other WTO members. During his presidential campaign, Trump called the WTO a "disaster" and said the United States could quit the Geneva-based body. However, Azevedo told reporters that he had not had any indication from anybody that this could be the case. "I don't have a transcript of what he had said exactly, but at this point I think what we need to do is be ready for a conversation, and I am convinced WTO can continue to be an important partner for the United States as well as other major members," he said. "Free trade might be a component for some problems, but it also can be a larger component for solutions," he noted. The WTO chief stressed that his organization is remaining a very important partner of the United States and it is necessary to wait until Trump defines the U.S. trade policy. "We have to look at the details. I think it is really early to decide what the implications are. We have to responsibly wait and see what would be the facts," Azevedo added. Since free trade has often been targeted by anti-globalization protests for job losses, Azevedo emphasized that although trade can be disruptive, it was wrong to blame it for widespread unemployment, with 8 out of 10 job losses in advanced economies due to domestic-led drives for innovation, automation and productivity. "Obviously, there are some concerns over globalization in some societies. We should be very careful with that because if you don't have the right diagnosis, you don't have the right medicine. If the medicine is simply protectionism, the outcome will be that you will harm the patient," he noted. ABUJA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- China and Nigeria furthered talks on consular issues on Friday, with a promise to find solutions to some of the problems in cooperation. The second China-Nigeria Consular Forum, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, is an annual event to discuss consular matters and strengthen relations between the two countries. Chinese ambassador in Nigeria Zhou Pingjian told participants at the gathering in Abuja, capital of Nigeria, that the issues raised and the solutions proffered would help China and Nigeria sustain positive developments that the forum has afforded both sides to realize. According to the ambassador, the forum would go a long way to address other consular issues in the future and oil the wheel of cooperation between the two countries in all areas. "For every good bilateral ties you have to benefit the two peoples ... and the consular forum is for the promotion of understanding between the Nigerian officials and the Chinese community. This is a very good avenue to boost understanding, boost mutual perception for the two people for their relations to a better future," Zhou said The meeting was attended by the Nigerian authorities and the Chines community, including embassy staff, Chinese companies and investors. Rabiu Dagaril, director of the consular and immigration department in Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the forum as "a successful one". The official said the forum had addressed the right issues at the right time and urged stronger cooperation in the areas of consular and security matters. "We have heard the things that the Chinese want and we have also highlighted our own concerns and I think that, generally, we are in agreement that there are not many problems that we can not overcome," he said. SINGAPORE, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Singapore and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to the expeditious conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Singapore and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement Friday. The two sides made the decision during the Seventh Session of the High-Level Russia-Singapore Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC). Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov co-chaired the IGC, welcoming the regular high-level exchanges in the past year and the progress made by both sides to advance cooperation across various sectors. MFA said both sides looked forward to completion of FTA by May 2017. They also agreed that the FTA will be a good pathfinder for an eventual EAEU-ASEAN FTA. The EAEU represents a combined market of 180 million people and a total GDP of 4.4 trillion U.S. dollars in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) terms. During the IGC, the DPMs welcomed the steady growth of both trade and Singapore investments in Russia. This includes an agreement that was signed on Friday between Changi Airports International (CAI) and Basic Element and the Russian Fund for Direct Investments. Under the deal, CAI and its Russian partners will invest, manage and operate Vladivostok Knevichi Airport. The DPMs agreed to explore collaboration to support technology-focused incubators and start-ups, including a partnership between Skolkovo Innovation Hub and Singapore's Action Committee for Entrepreneurship (ACE), said the ministry. In addition, International Enterprise Singapore and Russia's Agency for Strategic Initiatives signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster further cooperation in trade and investment promotion. Russian Ministry of Justice and Singapore Ministry of Law also signed a MOU to explore ways for further collaboration between the legal sectors. BANGKOK, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Thailand and Henan province of China agreed to start the process of setting up an oversea office of Tourism Authority of Thailand in Henan's provincial capital, Zhengzhou, to boost tourism together. Thanasak Patimaprakorn, Thai deputy prime minister, met with the visiting deputy governor of Henan Province, Zhang Guangzhi at the Government House on Friday, during which they talked about the potential of tourism cooperation. With its renowned Shaolin Temple, Henan is famous for its Kungfu tradition. It is also home to several ancient capitals of China, including Kaifeng, Luoyang, Anyang, and has many natural tourist attractions, said Zhang, adding that the province attracted some 500 million tourists and netted some 500 billion yuan(80 billion U.S. dollars) tourism revenue in 2015. Zhang said he came to Thailand to learn the kingdom's experience in boosting tourism. Thanasak emphasized that Thai government's crackdown on cheap tour packages, known as "zero-dollar" tour is to benefit Chinese tourists and provide them with better service, as Thailand sees them as "quality tourists". Tourism accounts for about 10 percent of Thailand's gross domestic product while Chinese tourists, accounting for about 30 percent of total foreign tourists, contributed mainly to to increase of tourist arrivals and revenue of the tourism industry. Thanasak also mentioned his efforts in encourage cooperation between tourism industry of both countries. Zhang said Henan's advantages in developing tourism, such as home to a some 100 million people and a major national railway hub and thus he asked the Tourism Authority of Thailand(TAT) to establish another overseas office in Zhengzhou, or the sixth one in Chinese mainland, following Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Kunming. Thanasak and Yuthasak Supasorn, governer of TAT who also attended the meeting, agreed and asked Zhang to work together to turn his idea into reality in the near future. Although the province is not that famous in Thailand, Bao Zheng, the cultural symbol of justice and Wu Zetian, the only empress regnant of China, both mentioned in the talk, are very popular here due to TV series. They respectively can be related to Kaifeng and Luoyang of the province. The Henan delegation also held a event to introduce the province's tourist attractions to Thais on Friday night. Began with a Shaolin martial art show, the event told Thais about the history of Henan, the birthplace of Chinese civilization and its modern shopping malls. JERUSALEM, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces shot dead a Palestinian youth on Friday evening after he allegedly tried to stab a security personnel in East Jerusalem, Israel's police said. The incident took place in a minibus in Shuafat, a Palestinian neighborhood in the Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem. Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said that during a "routine security check of passengers in a minibus traveling from Shuafat to western Jerusalem, the youth quickly approached a security guard, pulled a knife out and tried to stab him," Samri said. "Amidst a struggle, the youth was neutralized and the knife was taken," she added. No Israeli injuries were reported. A year-long wave of violence in the West Bank and Israel has claimed the lives of at least 235 Palestinians and 34 Israelis since September 2015. Israel says that most of the Palestinians were killed amidst perpetrating or attempting to perpetrate stabbing, car-ramming, and shooting attacks. The Palestinians and human rights organizations say that Israel is using excessive force to quell the uprising, and in many cases kill Palestinians who could be stopped without using lethal force. ISLAMABAD, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The 9th International Defense Exhibition and Seminar 2016 (IDEAS) concluded in Pakistani city Karachi on Friday. The four-day show witnessed bigger-than-ever participation by Chinese, Russian, and Turkish companies. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif inaugurated the event on Tuesday. The strategic show was organized by the Defense Export and Promotion Organization. The theme for this year's exhibit was "Arms for Peace" which was spelled out by PM Sharif on the inaugural day. Chinese, Turkish and Russian companies made their presence felt with an enormous participation. The number of Russian defense manufacturers increased to three this year including the state-controlled arms import and export company Russia Rosoboron export. Nine Chinese companies including China Aerospace Long-March International, China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation and Poly Technologies Inc. took part in the exhibition. The Chinese defense manufacturers showcased various products including high-tech drones, explosives detectors, low altitude laser defending systems, training aircrafts, portable x-ray and infrared scanner systems and anti-aircraft guns. Apart from China, Russia, and Turkey, delegations from nine other countries including Luxembourg, Denmark, Belarus, Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Belgium, Nigeria, and Romania made their debut in the IDEAS expo. Chinese and Turkish companies were allotted separate pavilions to showcase their products whereas companies from Russia and other European countries were placed in the same pavilion. Pakistan highlighted JF-17 Thunder, K8 Aircraft, Al-Khalid Tank, Fast-Attack Craft Missile Boat, training aircraft Super Mushshak as well as other defense products in the exhibition. During the exhibition, Pakistan signed several agreements with Turkey, France, Czech Republic, Ukraine, and other countries. Pakistan Navy is considering purchase of super-fast ships from Chinese and Turkish companies for its special squadron to be deployed at the Gwadar Seaport. Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and a French company signed an agreement on technical collaboration in production of JF-17 Thunder jets. The French firm will provide technical assistance to the PAF for electrification of the jets. The PAF officials said they are engaged in increasing the number of JF-17 Thunder aircrafts into its fleet to 250 from the current 70. Pakistan and Ukraine signed an agreement for upgrading the Al-Khalid battle tanks. According to the agreement, Ukraine will provide engines for Al-Khalid Tanks in the second phase. Pakistan Ordinance Factory also unveiled its advanced Heavy Machine Guns "PK-16" and Light Sniper Rifles at the exhibition. The IDEAS was first launched in 2000 by former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf to promote Pakistan's domestic arms manufacturing business and provide a platform for international vendors to offer solutions to the requirements of the Pakistan armed forces. BEIRUT, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese book fair was launched Friday at the UNESCO palace in Beirut with the release of a book entitled "Hand by Hand-Half a Century of Chinese-Lebanese friendship." The book was published on the occasion of the 45th year of establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries. The fair is organized by the Chinese General Directorate of Information and the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon, and was attended by the Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Wang Kejian, former Economy and Trade Minister Adnan Kassar and leading businessmen and authors from both countries. Kassar said that the bilateral relations developed during the last century, revealing "I travelled to China with the late Prime Minister Martyr Rafic Hariri and the moments of this successful trip are detailed in the book we are launching today." Hassan Falha, Director General of the Lebanese Ministry of Interior, said that "the Chinese-Lebanese relations are a unique example of cooperation between countries as for the difference in capacity, surface and number of habitant." "The two countries share the humanitarian, cultural and civilization diversity of belief and religion," he added, stressing that between Lebanon and China there is "a uniqueness of wealth and importance of the role they played in human civilization." VIENTIANE, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Nguyen Phu Trong, visiting general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, said on Friday that Vietnam will continue to work with Laos to further nurture the time-honoured special relations between the two neighbors. Nguyen Phu Trong made the remarks in his speech delivered at the National University of Laos during his three-day visit to Laos at the invitation of his Lao counterpart Bounnhang Vorachit from Thursday. Trong told members of the younger audience about the need to nurture the special relationship, saying it would determine the achievements and triumphs of each country. He described the special relations, which were initiated by Vietnam's late President Ho Chi Minh, and Laos' two former presidents, as rare and pure, according to Lao state-run online newspaper Vientiane Times. The Vietnamese communist party chief said, "The Vietnam-Laos fighting solidarity and relations have been continuously improved and elevated. It has become a principle of co-existence and growth. It has been a fundamental factor in guaranteeing the revolutionary victory of each country." Trong said the special relations have been "an enormous driving force to guarantee the development of the two countries." Trong also spoke highly of the important role the National University of Laos is playing in training and developing human resources for Laos and Vietnam. Many Vietnamese nationals have been graduated from Lao language courses at the university and are now working in various organizations in Vietnam and Laos, said Trong. He presented 30 sets of computers to the university. Secretary General of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President Bounnhang Vorachit and high-level officials from both sides also attended the meeting. The building of Greek Parliament is lit up in pink in support of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, in Athens, capital of Greece, on Nov. 25, 2016. In 1999, the UN General Assembly designated Nov. 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to raise public awareness of the serious problem. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday called for global action to increase resources and spending to promote solutions to violence against women and girls. "Violence against women and girls imposes large-scale costs on families, communities and economies," said Ban in a message on the day. "Violence against women also results in lost productivity for businesses, and drains resources from social services, the justice system and health-care agencies." Ban said though there is growing global recognition that violence against women and girls is a human rights violation and serious obstacle to sustainable development, yet there is still much more to do to turn the awareness into meaningful response. Therefore, he called on governments to increase national spending in all relevant areas, including in support of women's movements and civil society organizations. And he also encouraged the private sector and citizens to do their part in support of women and girls. In 1999, the UN General Assembly designated Nov. 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to raise public awareness of the serious problem. ACCRA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Ghana Armed Forces on Friday issued a sternly phrased caution, saying it would "ruthlessly" deal with troublemakers during the election. The Chief of Defense Staff Michael Samson-Oje said the military, together with civil police and other security services, was ready to deal ruthlessly with any such persons or groups, adding that any unlawful act would be met with the force that it deserved. He however assured that the armed forces would abide by the ethical codes and principles in its duties. With 12 days to the general election on December 7, pockets of violence in the capital, Accra, and other parts of Ghana have heightened fears the polls could fall into chaos. A man stands near a damaged building upon his arrival in Sirnak city on November 14, 2016 after a 246-day curfew was partially lifted. (AFP/Xinhua) ANKARA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- A Turkish soldier was killed on Friday in clashes with militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the southeastern province of Diyarbakir, state-run Anadolu Agency reported. Security forces launched an operation against PKK militants in the Lice district of Diyarbakir province, the report said. Clashes erupted between the forces and the PKK militants, leaving a soldier seriously wounded, it said. The soldier was carried to hospital where he later died of his injuries, it added. The security forces' operation is still ongoing. On Thursday, another Turkish soldier was killed in a PKK attack in the southeastern Turkish province of Sirnak. The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union and Turkey. A firefighter sprays water around a house in Nataf as wildfire burns on the hills and mountains around it, outside JerusalemNovember 25, 2016. (Reuters photo) JERUSALEM, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- A new massive forest fire broke out late Friday near Jerusalem, while tens of thousands of people in the northern Israel were allowed to return home amidst a wave of wildfires. The entire community of Nataf, which lies in Jerusalem hills, was evacuated for the second time on Friday since the wave of fires started on Monday. In Haifa, Israel's third-largest city, residents were allowed to return home one day after 60,000 people, which is about a quarter of Haifa's population, were evacuated. The blaze, which broke out in at least four sites simultaneously, consumed more than 600 homes in Haifa, said the Israel Fire and Rescue Service. Dozens of firefighters from the United States were heading to Israel Friday amid 13 foreign firefighting planes' arrival, following Israel's call for international help. The 747 Supertanker, the world's largest firefighting plane, has arrived at Israel. The plane can carry up to 74 tons of water or flame retardant. In a rare move, the Palestinian National Authority also extended help to Israel, the occupying power of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and sent four firefighting vehicles. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Friday accusations by Israeli leaders, according to which some of the fires were intentionally ignited by Palestinian citizens of Israel. "Unfortunately, there is no doubt there have been incidents of arson," Netanyahu said, vowing punishment for terror and incitement. Other right-wing leaders said the arsons were an act of terror and called on to cancel the citizenship of Arab arsonists. Arab lawmakers reacted angrily to the accusation, saying such statements were inciting against the country's Arab minority. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement said Israeli officials were "exploiting the fire" to blame Palestinians. MetaoTech weather service said the dry and windy weather conditions are expected to continue until the beginning of next week. Israeli police spokeswoman Luba Samri said the police are still investigating if arson caused some of the fires. In 2010, a massive forest fire in the Carmel ridge in northern Israel, which broke out amidst similar weather conditions, raged for days and killed 42 people. The media harshly criticized Netanyahu for procrastinating in asking help from foreign countries. The incident led to a reform in the firefighting services, including the establishment of an airborne firefighting squadron. A fighter from the Syrian pro-government forces mans a riffle inside a damaged house in the recently recaptured village of Joubah during an offensive towards the area of Al-Bab in Aleppo province, on November 25, 2016. (AFP/Xinhua) DAMASCUS, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- A security source in the joint military room of the Syrian army and its allies stressed Friday the Syrian administration's resolve to dislodge rebels from the northern city of Aleppo as soon as possible. "Our decision is not to accept the status quo of the civilians who have become hostages in the hands of the rebels in the besieged part of Aleppo, and we have an operation that will be commensurate with the threats and will dislodge the terrorists from Aleppo as soon as possible," the security source said in a statement sent to Xinhua. The statement also mentioned a security meeting being held in Turkey with the participation of representatives from Saudi Arabia, United States, Turkey and the rebels' Jaish al-Fateh. It said that the foreign powers told Jaish al-Fateh, backed by the West but deemed as a terrorist group by the Syrian government, not to leave the rebel-held part in eastern Aleppo. The powers also asked Jaish al-Fateh, or the Army of Conquest, to lead a new offensive in Aleppo. "The meeting proves again that the countries that pretend they have concerns for the civilians are partners in killings and destructions in Aleppo and their pretense of concern about civilian lives is nothing but lies," the security source said. It urged the UN special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, to say "a word of truth" to "those conspirators." "They have repeatedly tried and failed; they have achieved nothing but more killing and destruction," the statement said. The statement came as clashes were raging in Aleppo city, with the Syrian army making notable gains over the past 24 hours. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor group said the Syrian forces had captured over 60 percent of Masaken Hanano, the largest rebel-held district in the rebel-held part in eastern Aleppo. A military source, meanwhile, told Xinhua that military reinforcements also reached Aleppo on Friday. The Observatory, which says it relies on a network of activists on ground, said the Syrian forces were achieving rapid progress in eastern Aleppo, where over 250,000 civilians are trapped. For months, the Syrian government and Russia have been urging rebels to leave Aleppo, offering them safe passages to other rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib. The rebels, however, turned down all the offers, which has resulted in intensified violence. KIEV, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The 18th European Union (EU)-Ukraine summit, which was held on Thursday, showed that Brussels is set to continue its financial and political support for Kiev, but the fate of visa liberalization for Ukrainian citizens is still unclear. At the summit, the leaders of Ukraine and the EU have coordinated their positions on key issues of bilateral collaboration, signed a new deal on energy cooperation within the next 10 years, and agreed on a fresh financial support from the EU for implementing reforms in Ukraine. Among other things, the bloc has allocated 15.9 million U.S. dollars for Ukraine to fight corruption, 110 million dollars to carry out public administration reform and some 55 million dollars to foster the rule of law. In addition, the EU has pledged to provide Ukraine with a loan worth about 634 million dollars in the nearest future if the East European country finalizes the needed reforms. "The summit has clearly outlined EU's further support for reforms in Ukraine and recognized the obvious progress made by Ukraine on this difficult path," said Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister on European integration. On the political side, the EU leaders reiterated their support to Kiev on the implementation of the Minsk agreements, which are aimed at resolving the crisis in east Ukraine, and promised further assistance on this path. However, in spite of Kiev's expectations, the EU refrained from granting visa-free regime for Ukrainians and set no clear timeline for visa liberalization. The move came as a surprise for many as last month Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said that citizens of the East European country, who travelling to the Schengen area for short-stay trips, will obtain visa exemption during the summit. Although European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker confirmed that Kiev has fulfilled all the conditions being set for this purpose, the EU delayed the implementation of the preferential travel rules, citing migratory concerns. The liberalized travel regime would take effect after an introduction of a mechanism, which allows suspending it in an emergency, the EU said. Ukrainian analysts were divided over the reasons behind the decision, with most of them suggesting that there is still no enough unity inside the EU regarding visa liberalization with Ukraine, where the conflict between government troops and pro-independence insurgents is underway. "The delay in addressing this issue shows the real situation: there is no consensus inside the EU, not all the EU members are the friends of Ukraine, the EU itself is going through the hard times," said Vitaly Bala, director of the Kiev-based Situations Modeling Agency. Meanwhile, other experts believe that possibly, there are some additional informal conditions set by the EU for Kiev to establish the visa-free travel. "The EU confirmed that Ukraine has already fulfilled all the 144 requirements, but the visa-free regime is not approved. So, either it is an exceptional case, or there are some informal requirements," said Kyryl Sazonov, an independent political analyst. He said that implementation of the provisions of the Minsk agreement, which are disputable in the Ukrainian society, including holding local elections in eastern Ukraine and granting amnesty to rebels detained during the conflict, could be the possible additional requirement for obtaining the visa-free regime. ROME, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Italy doesn't need another technocrat government as British magazine The Economist has suggested, Italian Premier Matteo Renzi said Friday. The London-based magazine in this week's issue endorsed a No vote in a Dec. 4 referendum on the Italian government's constitutional reform, which has already been approved by parliament and must now be ratified by the people before it can become binding. Renzi argued that Italy's last technocrat government -- led by former prime minister Mario Monti in 2011-2012 -- raised taxes and that the country needs "a strong European strategy in place." The premier added that a caretaker government would be more likely to submit to EU demands, acting "not in the interests of Italy, but of others." Moreover, the No campaign features five former prime ministers who promised reforms for years but failed to deliver them, Renzi said. "If the Italian people wish to entrust themselves to them, let them do so," Renzi said. The Economist in its article said: "Mr Renzi's constitutional amendment fails to deal with the main problem, which is Italy's unwillingness to reform." It also suggested reform is flawed because it would turn the Senate into a slimmer body with reduced lawmaking powers made up of regionally elected officials and mayors, which according to The Economist are "the most corrupt layers of government" who would enjoy "immunity from prosecution." The Italian PM was backed up by his finance minister, who said markets are watching Italy and "want to continue to have faith in it." "A political government is needed, one that will continue enacting reforms," Economy and Finance Minister Pier Carlo Padoan said on Friday. "Markets are waiting with some apprehension to see if the reformist policies that have made them optimistic in the past two years will continue," Padoan said. The center-left government led by Renzi has undertaken a number of reforms, including in the banking and labor sectors, since Renzi took office in February 2014. KIGALI, Nov, 25 (Xinhua) -- Industrialization offers a pathway out of poverty as it is capable of creating decent employment opportunities for a youthful population in Africa, an industrial researcher has said. Joseph Mungarulire, director general of the National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA) in Rwanda, made the remarks on Friday during celebrations to mark the Africa Industrialization Day. The day aims to raise awareness of inclusive and sustainable industrialization as one of the conditions for economic growth and eradication of poverty on the African continent. "Africa's economic growth is mostly driven by agriculture which is not backed by robust structural transformation characterized with industries, a reason Africa is till impoverished," said Mungarulire. Africa is a home to millions of people living in extreme poverty and without decent jobs due to slow industrialization, according to Mungarulire. "In developed countries, economic growth is driven by industrialization underpinned by strong manufacturing. We need to engage African leaders and policy makers to promote industrialization on the continent, if we are to accelerate Africa's transition into a middle-income continent," the NIRDA boss emphasized. This year's Africa Industrialization Day focuses on raising awareness on the challenges and opportunities in financing for industrialization. According to African Development Bank (AfDB), inclusive and sustainable industrialization will help Africa overcome its critical development challenges, which are clearly recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Sustainable Development Goal 9 calls to build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. Francois Kanimba, Rwandan minister of trade, industry and East African Community Affairs, said at the event that strong partnership between governments, development partners and the private sector will continue to contribute to acceleration of industrialization on the continent and Rwanda in particular. "To bridge the industrial gap in the continent, vibrant private sector is crucial. But, the private sector in some African countries faces a challenge of poor infrastructure and high cost of doing business. Mechanisms should be put in place to address these critical issues," he noted. Africa Industrialization Day was officially established in 1989 by the UN General Assembly within the framework of the Second Industrial Development Decade for Africa. RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Secretary of Government Geddel Vieira Lima resigned on Friday after a fellow cabinet member accused him of influence peddling. Lima, whose office has ministry status, allegedly pressured Culture Minister Marcelo Calero to authorize a real estate project in Salvador, Bahia state, in which he had a vested interest -- Lima bought an apartment in the building. The project had been halted by the National Historic and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan), a dependency of the Culture Ministry, because its location at a historic site restricts buildings to 13 stories, whereas the design called for 31 floors. After being pressured by Lima, Calero resigned his post last week. Earlier this week, he testified to Federal Police that after giving into Lima's demands, he discussed the events with President Michel Temer, who backed Lima. Temer on Thursday denied intervening on behalf of Lima. It wasn't until news broke that Calero recorded both conversations and gave the recordings to the Federal Police that the pressure increased on Lima to resign. The Federal Prosecution Office will launch an official investigation into Lima's alleged influence peddling. ANKARA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik on Friday criticized Austrian military embargo on Turkey, state-run Anadolu Agency reported. The Austrian parliament late on Thursday approved a motion for the government to restrict the sale of arms to Turkey. "We strongly condemn Austria's decision," Isik told reporters in Ankara. Isik noted that Turkey would not be affected by Austria's decision in practice, adding that the decision had revealed Austria's attitude. All six Austrian parties unanimously backed the motion, which urged the government to consider the "threat of armed conflicts" as well as the human rights situation regarding approval of such exports, Austria Press Agency reported. It additionally specified the treatment by the Turkish government of journalists, opposition politicians, as well as the Kurdish population in Turkey as grounding for the motion. The decision came the same day the European Parliament voted to approve a non-binding bill urging the EU to halt accession talks with Ankara. WARSAW, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Poland's GDP growth rate over 2016-2018 is expected to be around 3 percent annually, according to a report published Friday by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In a report marking 20 years of cooperation between Poland and OECD, the organization stressed Poland needs to go beyond competing on cheap labor and search for new domains where it can be competitive at the global level. The document recommends sustainable financing for the new spending, tax cuts and specializing in knowledge-based services. The report says that adequate innovation policy may help raise the level of knowledge and boost the development of new technologies. It recommended reform of public research and establishing closer ties between science and industry, and stressed the need of better telecommunications and IT infrastructure. OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria said Poland had made impressive progress in raising the living standard of its citizens in 1990-2015, with the GDP per capita now standing at two-thirds of the OECD current average. Life expectancy went up to 77 years in 2014 from 71 years in 1990, while the number of graduates on the market has doubled, he added. Gurria said Poland faced challenges such as boosting productivity which in 2015 constituted only 60 percent of the OECD average, improving vocational education and reducing the number of low-quality non-permanent job contracts. OECD was established in 1961 with has 35 developed countries as members. Poland joined the organization in 1996. An Iraqi refugee girl waits with her parents to buy food from a local vendor behind the fence of the Khazir refugee camp near the Kurdish checkpoint of Aski Kalak, 40 km West of Arbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdish region of northern Iraq, on November 21, 2016. (AFP/Xinhua) BAGHDAD, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces on Friday continued heavy fighting against the Islamic State (IS) militants in the city of Mosul and so far the troops have freed a total of 20 districts in eastern part of the city, after more than a month since a major offensive was launched to drive out the extremist militants from their last major stronghold in the country, the Iraqi military said. In eastern Mosul, the commandos of the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) fought heavy clashes with the militants in the districts of al-Bakr, Qahira and Zuhour, a statement by the Iraqi Joint Operations Command (JOC) said. The number of districts that have been completely freed by the CTS commandos reached so far 20, the statement said. In southeastern Mosul, the soldiers of the army's 9th armored Division continued their fierce clashes with IS militants in the districts of Intisar, Jadidat al-Mufti, al-Salam, Younis al-Sab'awi and Palestine, and have been trying to extend their foothold in the five districts, the JOC said. The troops inside Mosul have met stubborn resistance from the extremist militants, who are fighting in small groups and move quickly throughout the districts in the eastern side of the city, locally named the left bank of the Tigris River that bisects the city. The extremist groups frequently infiltrated behind the advanced CTS forces using tunnels or sneaking through dozens of houses and buildings. Earlier in the day, a report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that after more than a month of military operations against IS militants in Mosul, some 72,990 civilians have fled their homes in the city and its adjacent districts and the number went up every day. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Oct. 17 announced a major offensive to retake Mosul, the country's second largest city. Since then, the Iraqi security forces have inched to the eastern fringes of Mosul and made progress on other routes around the city. Mosul, some 400 km north of Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under the IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions. People search for the survivors in Upala of Alajuela, Costa Rica, Nov. 25, 2016. The government of Costa Rica confirmed Friday that Hurricane Otto had killed at least nine people in the country, after the storm battered northern regions. (Xinhua/Kent Gilbert) SAN JOSE, Nov. 25 (Xinhua)-- The government of Costa Rica confirmed Friday that Hurricane Otto had killed at least nine people in the country, after the storm battered northern regions. The director of the country's legal investigation bureau, OJI, Walter Espinoza gave a press conference to explain the deaths had occurred in the areas of Bagaces and Upala, the most affected by the strong rains and winds. "The official number of deaths...is nine. Five of these deaths happened in the canton of Upala, and four in the zone of Bagaces," he explained. Costa Rica's President Luis Guillermo Solis attended the same press conference and said his government had decreed three days of national mourning, starting Nov. 28, to allow time for search and rescue efforts. According to Solis, the north of Costa Rica saw a monthly amount of rain fall in just six hours. Neighboring Nicaragua, which was also hit by Otto, reported no casualties although a number of buildings were destroyed or damaged. On Friday, Otto moved out into the Pacific Ocean, where it was downgraded to a tropical storm. SANTIAGO, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Xinhua News Agency is ready to work together with colleagues in Latin America and the Caribbean to deepen exchanges and cooperation, Cai Mingzhao, president of Xinhua News Agency has said. Cai made the remarks during a keynote speech at the China-Latin America Media Summit, held in Santiago, Chile. Xinhua was the first Chinese media organization to enter Latin America, with its Havana bureau established in 1961. Since then, it has set up a total of 21 bureaus in 19 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, said Cai. Xinhua provides an important channel to broadcast China's news and information to Latin America, and to report Latin America to the rest of the world, he said. Cai said, Xinhua has over 200 media subscribers in Latin America, and the Caribbean, including Notimex, EBC of Brazil and Telam of Argentina, as well as more than 200 non-media subscribers including the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. "Xinhua, with more than 50 years' presence in Latin America, is ready to play a larger role in shaping a China-Latin America and Caribbean community of common destiny," he said. The China-Latin America relation is at its all-time best, said Cai. As usual, Xinhua will work actively to cover the Latin American and the Caribbean people's endeavors in pursuing national prosperity, promote mutually-beneficial cooperation among China, Latin America and the Caribbean countries, and deepen our friendship, he added. Cai said the Media Summit is another expansion of the overall China-Latin America cooperation, following a ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum and the China-Latin America and Caribbean Year of Cultural Exchange. "The dissemination of news and information through the media is conducive to cementing friendship between the Chinese and Latin American people and therefore to building a solid foundation for the sound development of bilateral ties," said Cai, adding that he would make three proposals to strengthen exchanges. "Firstly, we should enhance media dialogue and make the summit a routine event," said Cai. "The opening of the China-Latin America Media Summit marks the beginning of a new stage in our media exchanges and cooperation." "I suggest we make the summit a routine event and, if possible, we take turns to chair it. Xinhua, on its part, is willing to work on the building and development of the summit," he added. "Second, we should deepen personnel exchanges and expand friendship among China, Latin American and Caribbean journalists," he said. According to Cai, the Xinhua News Agency is ready to work together with colleagues in Latin America and the Caribbean to deepen exchanges and cooperation. "We can try, for instance, to conduct joint interviews and consolidate coverage of major news events, and encourage bilateral and multilateral personnel exchanges," he added. "Xinhua is ready to invite a certain number of reporters and editors each year from Latin American media organizations under cooperation to carry out interviews and exchanges in China so as to build a bridge for further China-Latin America and Caribbean collaboration," he said. "Thirdly, we should promote development through innovation and expand cooperation in new media," said Cai. He explained that "we are ready to host, in China, a seminar on China-Latin American and the Caribbean media development through innovation, an event that will consist of field surveys and workshops, and will feature candid discussions on ideas and practices pertaining to the media's innovation." After 85 years of development, Cai said Xinhua has evolved into one of the world's leading news and information service providers. With 15,000 employees and 240 offices worldwide, "we have set up a global news and information gathering network, and publish more than 5,800 stories in eight languages daily for our 50,000-plus subscribers worldwide," said Cai. "Today, the cooperation between Xinhua and Latin American media organizations has more solid foundations and faces better opportunities. Let us work together to bring our bilateral ties to a brighter future," said the Xinhua president. Photo provided by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Nov. 25, 2016 shows top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un (R, front) recently inspecting the Headquarters of Large Combined Unit 380 of the KPA. (Xinhua/KCNA) Magistrate in Dana PI reads riot act Cedeno, who is presiding over the Dana Seetahal murder inquiry, said she was instrumental in having the Criminal Proceedings Rules (CPR), which govern the conduct of criminal cases in the High Court, instituted in the magistrates courts. Attorneys should familiarise themselves with the CPR because there would be sanctions, Cedeno told defence attorney Criston J Williams who, although having finally completed his written submissions on his bad character objection, did not file and serve it on the Prosecution before yesterdays court date. He was to have done so by November 17 so that the Prosecution could have responded in time for yesterdays hearing. Cedeno was stern when she told Williams she will not adjourn the matter again, although she did accede to his request as he had a personal issue to deal with. The prosecution has been given until December 13 to respond to the submissions while the matter will again come up for hearing on December 22, when the senior magistrate is expected to give her ruling. Accused of the murder are former LifeSport co-ordinator Rajaee Ali, two of his brothers and eight other men. They are accused of murdering the senior counsel on May 4, 2014, along Hamilton Holder Street, Woodbrook, as she made her way to her One Woodbrook Place home shortly after leaving Ma Pau Casino on Ariapita Avenue, Port of Spain. Retrial for murder accused The 12-member jury retired at 1.40 pm to deliberate on the evidence but returned to the court at 5.40 pm and informed Justice Malcolm Holdup that they had not arrived at a verdict. Asked whether they required additional time, she shook her head in the negative and replied no. Holdip then thanked the jury for their time before ordering a retrial for Hosein. He was remanded into custody. Hosein, of South Oropouche is charged with the shooting death of Richardson in front of a South Oropouche bar on October 7, 2005. 5 Trinis to return from Venezuela today Attorney Nafeeza Mohammed said yesterday family members are excited to finally be reunited with the men who are expected to arrive from Caracas by midday today. We are just glad that all of this is coming to an end, Mohammed said. Yesterday the Americans celebrated Thanksgiving, and today we have a lot to be thankful for. Newsday understands the five men were, on Wednesday, transferred from the Sebin prison to the Venezuelan Immigration Department where they were being prepared to board a flight. There was a concern about their health after spending two years in prison, however Mohammed yesterday said with confidence that they are not anticipating any health issues among them. She noted that whatever processes have to be undertaken, there will be full co-operation with all involved to ensure the men will be reunited with their families as soon as possible. Canada committed to gender equality In a message to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women being observed today Hogan-Rufelds said, Gender-based violence affects us all. It destroys families, weakens the fabric of our society, and takes a heavy toll on our communities and our economy. Unequal treatment is one of the main reasons, she said, women and girls were unable to realise their basic human rights, and sexual violence was a violation of their rights. Canada is a strong supporter of the UN Security Council Resolutions on women, peace and security, she said and has implemented a National Action Plan. The plan, she said, includes provisions to support programming to address the protection of women and girls in conflict, advocate for further implementation of international norms and standards on this issue in multilateral fora. The plan also provides for personnel to respond appropriately when they are faced with situations where there are serious violations and abuses of human rights, including sexual violence. The Canadian government, she said, will be coming out with a strategy for Canadas renewed engagement in UN peace operations, one component of which will be how to stamp out sexual exploitation and abuse by UN military, police and civilian peacekeepers. In the Caribbean, under Canadas Jurist project, she said sexual offences guidelines are being developed which will give clear directives on the procedures from the time a crime is reported until it is taken to trial. The directives, she said, will help ensure that persons affected are treated with respect and dignity throughout the process and that their cases can be fast tracked The project is also developing a gender equality protocol for magistrates and judges, which will help them deal with their own implicit biases when it comes to issues of gender and justice. At the local level, the Canadian government has supported, through grant funding, a number of projects by non-governmental organisations such the Womens Institute for Alternative Development, Family Planning Association, Janus Consulting, the Teocah Dove Foundation, and the Lily Foundation and THETA (Transforming, Healing and Empowering Through Arts). Canada will also fund a training workshop for judicial officers, lawyers, social workers, probation officers, police officers and other community representatives. The workshop, billed for March 2017 is being led by the Caribbean Centre for Human Rights and the Coalition Against Domestic Violence, where the focus will be on advocating to hear the voices of children in proceedings affecting them. Ministry refutes claims of bus fare hike The ministry said while PTSC general manager Ronald Forde revealed plans to approach the Cabinet about a possible increase to fares, this intention will not result in an immediate cost increase. Forde first raised these plans during a public hearing of the Land and Physical Infrastructure Joint Select Committee at Tower D of the Portof- Spain International Waterfront Centre on Tuesday. The ministry explained, In order for an official fare increase to happen, PTSC must first consult with all relevant stakeholders, including the public. While a possible increase in bus fares may take place in the future, the ministry reiterated, Fares will not increase at this present time. The ministry added that any updates on this issue will be communicated to the public via an official statement from the PTSC. Minister asked to deliver on new Ramai Trace Hindu school To highlight their protest to the national community, the parents and students gathered at Ramai Trace Junction and not at the school which is located a short distance . Armed with placards with the messages: We need a school; We dont want Christmas treats; We want our school; Mr Minister Schools are more Important than Stadiums; Rowley 0%- Kamla 100% ; and, They discriminating - They hesitating, the group attempted to block the flow of traffic on the busy thoroughfare but the police arrived and they retreated to the pavement. President of the Parent/ Teachers Association Indar Jairaj said parents can no longer wait for the completion of the school. The school is ninety percent completed. All we need is the cable for connecting the electricity and toilet facilities and furniture, Jairaj said, adding that students were relocated from the school two and a half years ago following major landslips that affected the physical structure of the old school. The population of the school stands at 275 students with 20 teachers. Surujbally Persad, a parent, said the students education is at stake and Government should now step in and look at what is happening at Ramai Trace. First, the students were sent to Monkey Town Government Primary School and we encountered problems with the sewer system. The students were relocated once more and sent to the Hanuman Milan Temple on Penal Rock Road, Persad said, adding that parents are now encountering additional costs to send their children to this location which is six miles away from Ramai Trace. Jairaj says the Hanuman Milan Temple is no longer suitable for the children as there are just four toilets. The classrooms are cramped as there is not enough space at this location. He noted ten students got ill with the virus and it is spreading as more and more students are reporting sick each day. Jairaj called on Minister of Education Anthony Garcia to look into this matter as the children are not comfortable with the present arrangement. The Minister should take notice of these issues affecting the children of this country, Jairaj said. He said protest action will continue. Carmona appoints Firearms Appeals Board Mohammed and the other board members, attorney and former prosecutor Lee Merry, and former chief fire officer Leslie Skeete were sworn in yesterday by Carmona at the Office of the President, St Anns. Among the relatives witnessing the event were Mohammeds father, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nizam Mohammed. Shortly after the swearing in, Mohammed told the media, the first order of business is to determine exactly the status of the appeals, and getting down to work as quickly as possible. The new board was eager, he said, to get the ball rolling, and work assiduously to try and clear any backlog if there is any, and get the process moving quite smoothly. In brief remarks, Carmona noted that Mohammed, a former defence attorney, and Merry, a former prosecutor represented a balance on the board. Both men in their previous capacities, he said, appeared before him while he served as a judge and as such he could vouch for their integrity as advocates before the court. I can tell you it amounts to the changing of the guards when one considers that the last chairman was Mr Israel Khan, SC, and now we have two young men of variant experiences and competencies, one in the defence world and the other a former prosecutor to adjudicate on a quasi-judicial body in the context of this whole issue of firearms by way of obtaining firearms licences, he said. He recalled that in carrying out their duties, they did so with probity, civility, and respect for the court of law ensuring that justice was served at all times. Pedestrians warned, be careful while crossing Batson expressed concern over the rise in pedestrian road deaths as the number of fatalities now stands at 39 for the year which accounts for 30 percent of the nations road fatalities. According to reports, Warner, a pre-school teacher, was attempting to cross the Priority Bus Route near St Johns Road, St Augustine, when she stepped out onto the road and into the path of a PTSC bus. She was killed instantly. A coroners inquest has been launched into the circumstances of her death, and investigators are trying to determine if there was any form of negligence on the part of the driver. In an interview with Newsday, Batson, in his capacity as an officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, extended his deepest condolences to Warners family, noting that Warners death came one day after the United Nations world remembrance day for traffic victims. The United Nations considers pedestrians particularly vulnerable during road traffic accidents, as deadly force is transferred to a pedestrians bones and vital organs, resulting in several cases in a gruesome death, Batson said. Vehicles have a bumper and a chassis which could crumple under the impact and still save lives. Pedestrians have no such protection. Rowley: UNC Chaguanas candidate accused of fraud He made the revelation on Wednesday night at the Peoples National Movement (PNM) public meeting at Bournes Road, St James. To supporters, he stressed that to stay home is as good as voting for them and reported that the PNM candidates were chosen by a proper screening process and they settled on people they can vouch for. He recalled that during a walkabout in Charlieville last Sunday a man approached him and told him that for the last two years someone had been using his name and committing fraud and forgery to obtain money from CEPEP. He told that to those on the other side, UNC people, and the next thing he know, the man that was accused of doing that is a UNC candidate down in central Trinidad in the Chaguanas Borough Corporation, he said. Rowley reported that he advised the man to inform the police about the matter and the man filed a complaint and the police have taken a statement of fraud and forgery against a front line UNC candidate in the Chaguanas Borough Corporation. He said that with four to five days before the Local Government election the Opposition was talking about all other kinds of things but not the issue of Local Government. Rowley reported that he saw the United National Congress (UNC) Local Government manifesto in the newspapers that morning and he saw on television news a comparison between the PNM position, which advocated for the last two weeks non-stop and from Opposition days, election manifesto and consultations, and the UNC manifesto. And he (the reporter) went down item by item and every single item that the PNM had spelled out as what our major plans of Local Government reform change for the better it was put in their manifesto, he said. He pointed out the similarities include using the Tobago House of Assembly model to use taxes for the corporations and the social services system being on a local level. Rowley said that the UNC was fighting the Movement for Social Justice over an old PNM slogan send a message but he urged supporters for the Local Government elections to send a message to them that you dont want them back. He pointed out that they have now produced a manifesto with issues of plagiarism and cut and paste. Kamla defends public servants, in roti war The Minister who wants to donate his salary to clean some pool by the Prime Ministers residence, when you start going through Cabinet notes to try to victimise people, when you start a witch hunt against our public servants, be very careful Sir, that you have no cocoa that cannot take rain! said Persad-Bissessar at a UNC public meeting at the Penal Secondary School on Wednesday. Persad-Bissessar trained her guns on Young, a Minister in the Office of the Attorney General, as he, in a press conference, produced copies of three invoices from three different caterers paid for the provision of services in the 2014 Divali function. She said when the PNM criticised her for profligacy or overspending on roti for the 2014 Divali function, they were in fact criticising public servants who are responsible for signing cheques and handling expenses. As prime minister, I did not sign any payments. I signed no cheques because the law of our land does not permit that to be done. Further, she said, Minister Young, you are in fact attacking chief accounting officers of our country, permanent secretaries who sign off on expenses. These officers are dedicated public servants - men and women who spend days and nights ensuring things are done in a right and proper way. Persad-Bissessar also criticised Attorney General Faris Al Rawis hypocrisy, saying that despite his constant preaching about whistle- blower legislation, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has shut down internet access to employees to prevent whistle-blowers from leaking information about corruption in the corporation. Young: Ramdeen a $3M man He was speaking on Wednesday night at the Peoples National Movement (PNM) public meeting held at Bournes Road, St James. At the meeting he presented to supporters documents which he said were invoices from Ramdeen. Young, also an attorney, recalled he had cases against Ramdeen between 2010 and 2015 and never in his 17 years of practice had he charged a fee on brief of $1 million. He pointed out that Ramdeen as an attorney is more junior than him. On the reports of Youngs earning for the Udecott enquiry he confirmed that he earned $1.9 million but that was for a period of six months being in the Commission day in and day out. He said Ramdeen in contrast had advised on a case and he had an invoice which covered from when they first went to him up to the point of drafting a statement of case. Young said that should not cost $250,000 at a high level for a junior lawyer but he charged taxpayers $1 million. He also said he had an invoice, approved by then Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, for a case Ramdeen had with the Caribbean Court of Justice. He reported that Ramdeen had a fee on brief of $1,150,000 and another case for a total of $750,000 when it should have been a maximum of $250,000 for a junior counsel. So people let him come now and explain to the taxpayers in three invoices how he amassed $3 million of our taxpaying money before he want to go and terrorise poor public servants, he said. UNC claims Govt hiding There was no post-Cabinet news conference last week, which saw a hectic level of local government campaigning by the ruling Peoples National Movement (PNM), UNC and other parties contesting next Mondays local government elections. The campaign entered its final lap this week, with the PNM holding meetings from Monday (in Moruga) to last night (in Sangre Grande), with Rowley speaking at all meetings. The UNC was in Tunapuna on Monday and Penal on Wednesday, with Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar being the feature speaker. The PNM and UNC end their campaigns in Tacarigua and Couva respectively tomorrow. Following the weekly Cabinet meeting under successive PNM, UNC and Peoples Partnership (PP) administrations, there have been periods under each administration when no briefing took place. In a statement, UNC chairman David Lee said, Accountability is a cornerstone of a functional democracy and one may argue that the Parliament is the place for accountability. The publics interest is better served when through the questioning of Public officials by the media, Governments decisions can be subject to more detailed scrutiny. Smith: No major flooding in Diego He was speaking on Wednesday night at the Peoples National Movement public meeting held at Bournes Road, St James. Smith, a former DMRC chairman, said that before, any time you sneezed in Diego Martin there would be flooding. He praised outgoing chairman Kathy Ann Christopher and her team. He recalled that during his time as chairman, the major complaint was flooding but they did little things that made big differences like raising some Water and Sewerage Authority pipelines, implementing a team to remove bamboo and digging fire trails and replanting trees. He also reported about their establishment of an early flood warning system. Smith also said at Four Roads intersection , where about six people had been knocked down, a walkover would be built early next year. He also reported that the Cocorite Fishing Depot was being worked on and also, they were working with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on the Carenage Fishing Village and also the establishment of a health facility at Wendy Fitzwilliam Boulevard. Regarding issues among the youth , he reported they formed a youth scholarship programme and assisted youths in areas such as Covigne and Paramin. Smith recalled that young people in hotspots were taught chess and they also hosted vacation camps. He also claimed there was a lot of corruption at the DMRC and in 2010 when the United National Congress took over they went with the (ceremonial) gold chain. In his plea for people to come out and vote, Smith told supporters they should not take things for granted and to see what happened with (losing United States presidential candidate) Hillary (Clinton). Facebook said to create censorship tool to get back into China SAN FRANCISCO Mark Zuckerberg, Facebooks chief executive, has cultivated relationships with Chinas leaders, including President Xi Jinping. He has paid multiple visits to the country to meet its top internet executives. He has made an effort to learn Mandarin. Article by Mike Isaac Inside Facebook, the work to enter China runs far deeper. The social network has quietly developed software to suppress posts from appearing in peoples news feeds in specific geographic areas, according to three current and former Facebook employees, who asked for anonymity because the tool is confidential. The feature was created to help Facebook get into China, a market where the social network has been blocked, these people said. Mr. Zuckerberg has supported and defended the effort, the people added. Facebook has restricted content in other countries before, such as Pakistan, Russia and Turkey, in keeping with the typical practice of American internet companies that generally comply with government requests to block certain content after it is posted. Facebook blocked roughly 55,000 pieces of content in about 20 countries between July 2015 and December 2015, for example. But the new feature takes that a step further by preventing content from appearing in feeds in China in the first place. Facebook does not intend to suppress the posts itself. Instead, it would offer the software to enable a third party in this case, most likely a partner Chinese company to monitor popular stories and topics that bubble up as users share them across the social network, the people said. Facebooks partner would then have full control to decide whether those posts should show up in users feeds. The current and former Facebook employees caution that the software is one of many ideas the company has discussed with respect to entering China and, like many experiments inside Facebook, it may never see the light of day. The feature, whose code is visible to engineers inside the company, has so far gone unused, and there is no indication that Facebook has offered it to the authorities in China. But the project illustrates the extent to which Facebook may be willing to compromise one of its core mission statements, to make the world more open and connected, to gain access to a market of 1.4 billion Chinese people. Even as Facebook faces pressure to continue growing Mr. Zuckerberg has often asked where the companys next billion users will come from China has been cordoned off to the social network since 2009 because of the governments strict rules around censorship of user content. The suppression software has been contentious within Facebook, which is separately grappling with what should or should not be shown to its users after the American presidential elections unexpected outcome spurred questions over fake news on the social network. Several employees who were working on the project have left Facebook after expressing misgivings about it, according to the current and former employees. A Facebook spokeswoman said in a statement, We have long said that we are interested in China, and are spending time understanding and learning more about the country. She added that the company had made no decisions on its approach into China. Facebooks tricky position underscores the difficulties that many American internet companies have had gaining access to China. For years, companies like Google and Twitter have been blocked there for refusing to yield to the governments demands around censorship. In 2010, Google said it was directing users of its search engine in China to its service in Hong Kong, because of censorship and intrusion from hackers. Other companies, like the professional social networking service LinkedIn, agreed to censor some content on their platforms in China. The current climate for internet companies in China may not help Facebook. In August, the ride-hailing giant Uber gave up an expensive battle to crack the Chinese market, selling its Chinese business to an incumbent rival, Didi Chuxing. More broadly, China has streamlined and tightened its controls over the internet under President Xi, targeting influential social media celebrities and adding new reviews to popular online video sites. Still, some officials responsible for Chinas tech policy have been willing to entertain the idea of Facebooks operating in the country. It would legitimize Chinas strict style of internet governance, and if done according to official standards, would enable easy tracking of political opinions deemed problematic. Even so, resistance remains at the top levels of Chinese leadership. Some analysts have said Facebooks best option is to follow a model laid out by other internet companies and cooperate with a local company or investor. Finding a partner and potentially allowing it to own a majority stake in Facebooks China operation would take the burden of censorship and surveillance off the Silicon Valley company. It would also let Facebook rely on a local companys government connections and experience to deal with the difficult task of communicating with Beijing. Facebook and Chinese officials have had intermittent talks in the last few years about the social networks entering the market, according to employees who were involved in the discussions, though the two sides have been unable to reach a compromise. Facebook currently sells advertising for some Chinese businesses from its Hong Kong office. Among its customers are state-media sites that act as the propaganda arm of the Chinese government, and that operate official accounts where they post articles. Chinese citizens who wish to gain access to Facebook must tunnel in using a technology known as a virtual private network, or VPN. Its unclear when the suppression tool originated, but the project picked up momentum in the last year, as engineers were plucked from other parts of Facebook to work on the effort, the current and former employees said. The project was led by Vaughan Smith, a vice president for mobile, corporate and business development at Facebook, they said. Like Mr. Zuckerberg, Mr. Smith speaks a smattering of Mandarin. Unveiling a new censorship tool in China could lead to more demands to suppress content from other countries. The fake-news problem, which has hit countries across the globe, has already led some governments to use the issue as an excuse to target sites of political rivals, or shut down social media sites altogether. Over the summer, several Facebook employees who were working on the suppression tool left the company, the current and former employees said. Internally, so many employees asked about the project and its ambitions on an internal forum that, in July, it became a topic at one of Facebooks weekly Friday afternoon question-and-answer sessions. Mr. Zuckerberg was at the event and answered a question from the audience about the tool. He told the gathering that Facebooks China plans were nascent. But he also struck a pragmatic tone about the future, according to employees who attended the session. Its better for Facebook to be a part of enabling conversation, even if its not yet the full conversation, Mr. Zuckerberg said, according to employees. Read more at: nytimes.com Submit a correction >> PM should participate in demonetisation debate: Rahul Gandhi Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi participate in the debate over demonetisation in the parliament. "Sometimes he laughs and sometimes he cries outside the parliament. The Prime Minister should come to the House and participate in the debate," Gandhi told the media here. He said that Modi attended Rajya Sabha proceedings on Thursday but did not participate in the debate on the November 8 move to demonetise Rs 500 and 1,000 notes. Opposition parties have consistently been demanding that for parliament to function, the Prime Minister should be present during the debate on demonetisation. --IANS vv/py/vm All India Conference of CAT to be held on November 26-27 New Delhi, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 NI Wire The All India Conference of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) is being held here from November 26-27, 2016. The Conference will be inaugurated by Shri Justice T. S. Thakur, Chief Justice of India and will be presided over by the Union Minister for Law and Justice Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad. Mr Justice J. Chelameswar, Judge, Supreme Court of India will be the Guest of Honour. The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh will be the Special Guest. The Judges of Supreme Court of India, Judges of High Court, Government officials and Advocates are also likely to attend the conference. The inaugural function will be followed by the Key Note Address by Shri Justice A. K. Sikri, Judge Supreme Court of India followed by in-house deliberations. The Central Administrative Tribunal was established by an Act of Parliament namely Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 as sequel to the 42nd amendment of the Constitution of India inserting Article 323 A. The Tribunal came into existence on 01.11.1985 for adjudicating disputes and complaints with respect to Recruitment and Conditions of Service of the persons appointed to the Public Services and Posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or any State or of any other Local Authorities within the territory of India or under the control of the Government of India. Apart from above the Tribunal also has the jurisdiction on the employees of 208 Public Sector Undertakings/ Organizations notified by the Government. The Principal seat of Central Administrative Tribunal is at New Delhi and it has 16 Outlying Benches scattered all over the Country. The Tribunal is headed by the Chairman and 65 Members, 33 from Judicial (including Chairman) and 33 from the Administrative stream. The Chairman is normally a retired Chief Justice of a High Court. During the span of more than 30 years, the Tribunal has fulfilled its objective as it has disposed of 6,90,867 out of 7,32,649 cases leaving a pendency of 41,616 cases as on September, 2016. The cases remain pending mainly due to non-completion of pleadings and non-filling up of the vacancies of Members at various benches of Tribunal and few old cases owing to stay granted by High Courts or because of cases having been remanded. The Conference is held to discuss and deliberate upon the problems faced by the institution and to bring improvement in the judicial/administrative system so as to achieve higher disposal in the shortest possible time. Justice delivery by the Tribunal has been acclaimed as a better system for resolving the issues because of the time factor and also due to the expertise. It provides effective, inexpensive and speedy justice. The Minister of State for Law and Justice, Shri P. P. Choudhary will deliver the address at the Valedictory Session to be held on 27th November, 2016. During the conference, discussion will also be held on important issues of relevance. Source: PIB Delhi set to host tattoo festival Delhi,Cinema/Showbiz,Lifestyle/Fashion, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) A three-day TLC Heartwork Tattoo Festival, with an aim to make tattoos accessible, will start on December 2 here. The festival bring together the tattoo industry, artists and equipment suppliers. To be held at the capital's Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, it will see participation of artists from England, Spain, Russia and the Netherlands, read a statement. The international artists include names like Jay Freestyle from the Netherlands, Stepan Negur from Russia, Bez 666 from Britain and Fabrice Koch from Germany. "Our first introduction to tattoos was watching artists and their work on TLC (channel). The industry has come a long way since then and tattoos have gained wider acceptance. With the festival, we want to promote the culture of tattooing by giving people access to international artists and standards," said Lokesh Verma, festival organiser and Director of Creative Skin Graphics. The festival will also host music bands and acts by various other entertainers. --IANS ks/nn/vt Hrithik Roshan announces Mr India 2016 winner Maharashtra,Cinema/Showbiz,Bollywood,Lifestyle/Fashion, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Mumbai, Nov 25 (IANS) Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan announced Vishnu Raj Menon as Mr India 2016 here. Viren Barman is the first runner-up abd Altamash Faraz the second runner-up. Hrithik graced the finale of the pageant, organised in association with menswear brand Peter England, on Thursday. The actor said: "This competition is not just about looks. It shows a lot of characters. Besides their professional life, they took out time to explore themselves to reach this far. That is commendable." Any advice he'd like to give to the winners? "I am feeling inspired and humbled by watching how good they are. I wish them lots of love from my heart and more power to them." Mr. World 2016 Rohit Khandelwal, who was looking dapper in a black suit, was one of the judges of the contest. Khandelwal said: "I feel nostalgic to be here. I used to be a contestant. I was very nervous and never thought that I would be the winner of the title. It was like a dream come true." "It is very important that we take the legacy forward. I am sure the winner will make us proud once again by winning the international title," he added. Actor Gurmeet Choudhary, who was also present at the event, stressed on the preparations required to be a model. "First, models should have six-pack abs to become an model." For actress Sana Khan, models should be smart and intelligent. --IANS iv/nn/vm Currency crunch hitting farming community very badly Delhi,National,Immigration/Law/Rights,Business/Economy, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) The currency crisis due to demonetisation is hurting the farming community very badly, and also delaying sowing for the crucial Rabi season, which could push up prices later, say farmers' leaders. In India's agricultural system where most transactions happen in cash, farmers have been faced with a double whammy due to demonetisation. They are either saddled with scrapped 500 and 1,000 rupee notes received for their farm produce before the November 8 demonetisation announcement, or are left with mounds of unsold agricultural produce as the grain merchants don't have the required legal tender, says Sudhir Panwar, President of Kisan Jagriti Manch. "The grain merchants always pay in cash, never with cheque. There are no currency notes with the farmers. And in rural areas hardly any of the new (currency) notes has arrived," Panwar, also member of the Planning Commission of Uttar Pradesh, told IANS. "The least served areas in terms of availability of new currency notes are the rural areas... The rural areas are the least priority (of the authorities). Farmers have to queue in front of banks in nearby towns and villages for cash. They are wasting their time, especially as the Rabi sowing has already been delayed by 10-15 days," he said. According to Panwar, the time for sowing Rabi crops is from end October to November end. "This (demonetisation) is affecting farmers badly. Every farmer is affected across northern India," said Panwar. Jaipal Reddy, of the Federation of Farmers Organisation of Andhra Pradesh, concurs that the currency crunch is hurting the farming community. "We farmers are facing a lot of problems. This is harvest time, in some places there is no market (due to demonetisation); the traders have closed the markets. We are not getting the Minimum Support Price, and nobody is coming forward to purchase our crop because of lack of money. The government should have planned for issuing more 50 and 100 rupee notes, which is needed," Reddy told IANS over phone. Reddy said the Rabi sowing season was "very delayed" due to lack of currency and hardly any labour, who have all gone with no cash left to be paid to them. "What is the use of (the new) Rs 2,000, who is going to give the change? The farm labourers want day-to-day cash. And if you give them 2,000 rupees what will they do with it?" he asked. According to Panwar, though the Finance Ministry announced that farmers can purchase seeds with old notes, "85 per cent of the seeds are purchased from private traders (who don't accept old notes), so it hardly has any impact". "And along with seeds, farmers need fertiliser and insecticide and so many other inputs, which are not available with the old notes. This demonetisation is hurting everybody," he added. Panwar said the government announcement that National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) has sanctioned Rs 21,000 crore for credit to farmers is not the issue. "The issue is of currency crunch." "If they allow use of old currency notes for purchase of seeds from IFFCO and KRIBHCO, the two cooperative societies run by government, it will help the farmers a lot," Panwar suggested. He says initially farmers welcomed the announcement of demonetisation as they are "severely affected" by black money or parallel economy. "But now as they find their daily routine or livelihoods hit, and are spending most of their time standing in queues, they are turning against it as their farming operations are getting affected," Panwar said, adding that farmers are also turning "rather violent or hostile in several places". Farm labourers are also hit as farmers don't have money to pay them. In the informal sector, non-agricultural operations, like road construction, building construction, have come to a halt -- so everybody is stranded in this vicious cycle, said Panwar. In another fallout of the demonetisation, farmers who are depositing the cheques given by traders in banks find to their dismay that the banks are deducting money against the credit taken, said Reddy. "Generally farmers take money directly from traders, but now they are giving cheques. If I deposit a cheque in the bank, the banks are deducting the credit amount," he added. (Ranjana Narayan can be reached at ranjana.n@ians.in) --IANS rn/sac George Yeo quits as Nalanda University Chancellor India,National,Politics,Education, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Patna, Nov 25 (IANS) Nalanda University Chancellor George Yeo on Friday resigned to express his unhappiness over the Indian government's decision to dissolve the Nalanda Mentors Group (NMG) and form a new governing body without his knowledge. University officials described his exit as a major setback to the Nalanda University. "It is a major setback as Yeo was doing hard work for the university," an official said on the condition that he should not be named. Yeo said in a statement that the order dissolving the governing board and creating a new one came as a complete surprise to him and to most others. He said he was neither involved nor consulted before the decision was taken. A former Foreign Minister of Singapore, Yeo replaced Nobel laureate Amartya Sen as the Chancellor of the University last year. "When I was appointed Chancellor in July 2015, I was told that a new Governing Board would be formed under an amended Act, core aspects of which the Ministry of External Affairs sought my views on," he said. "The amended Act would have removed a major flaw in the current Act which in essence offers Governing Board seats to East Asian Summit countries making the highest financial contributions in the last three years. "This provision, which was never recommended by the NMG, would not have been a good way to constitute the Governing Board and was the reason the (Indian) government requested the NMG to continue functioning as the Governing Board for a number of years until the Act could be amended." Yeo said it was a sudden decision that was disturbing and harmful to the Nalanda University's development. "When I was invited to take over the responsibility from Amartya Sen last year, I was repeatedly assured that the University would have autonomy. This appears not to be the case now. "Accordingly, and with deep sadness, I have submitted my letter of resignation as Chancellor to the Visitor," President Pranab Mukherjee, he said. Yeo said it had been an honour to be associated with the revival of Nalanda over the last decade, to serve as a member of the NMG and the Governing Board under the leadership of Amartya Sen. Mukherjee on Monday dissolved the NMG, the de-facto Governing Board of Nalanda University. He also overruled the NMG's decision to extend the term of Vice Chancellor Gopa Sabharwal. Located in the Buddhist pilgrim town of Rajgir in Nalanda district, the university began its first academic session in September 2014 on a makeshift campus. --IANS ik/mr 'Dear Zindagi': Lengthy life lessons sans drama (IANS Review, Rating: **1/2) Delhi,Cinema/Showbiz,Bollywood, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Film: "Dear Zindagi"; Director: Gauri Shinde; Cast: Alia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan, Kunal Kapoor, Angad Bedi, Yashaswini Dayama, Ira Dubey, Aditya Roy Kapur; Rating: **1/2 Gauri Shinde's "Dear Zindagi" is a youth-centric cathartic film which gives you a glimpse of how they deal with life, relationships and the issues that bog them down. Perhaps, it is only the youth who will relate to - the heartaches, seeking their dream job, problems with parents, et al. Kaira aka Koko (Alia Bhatt) is a 25-year-old Mumbai based cinematographer, who is independent, busy shooting ad films and longing to shoot her first full length feature. Carefree, happy-go-lucky, she is in and out of relationships, some unrequited, others unfulfilled. She cringes at the very mention of Goa where her parents live as she does not enjoy a great relationship with them. A heartbreak leads her to the couch of a therapist Dr. Jehangir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) and her life changes. Alia as the free-spirited, emotional youngster, craving love shines all the way. The film belongs to her and she does full justice to her character, emoting effortlessly, making the audience empathise with her highs and lows. Whether it is venting her pent-up pain or playing kabaddi with the waves on a beach, she is a treat to watch. In fact, she almost single-handedly carries the film with a weak plot on her fragile shoulders. Shah Rukh Khan as Dr. Jehangir Khan aka Jug, the "Dimaag-ka-Doctor", lights up the screen with his charisma and persona, in an immensely likeable character he portrays, but has limited scope. He is still SRK and not the character on screen and his dialogue delivery still remains very Shah Rukh Khanesque. Yashaswini Dayama and Ira Dubey, as Kaira's friends are lively and make their presence felt with their portrayals. Kunal Kapoor as Raghuvendra, one of Alia's love interests in the film, is lacklustre and there is a feeling of deja vu watching him on screen. Ali Zafar as a musician too looks every inch his part, strumming the guitar and belting out romantic numbers, but is nothing more than that. The film belts out life lessons in abundance through verbose expositions, profound dialogues, some in conversations, but many in the therapy room, all of which make sense but tend to be repetitive beyond a point. The film lacks drama and is stretched to over 2.5 hours on a wafer-thin plot, making for tedious viewing. Humour comes in the form of some light-hearted moments but is not enough to give respite. The second half of the film drags endlessly, although the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle of her life fall into place as she makes peace with life. Amit Trivedi's music too fails to make an impact and is almost lost. The film expectedly has good production values and the ethos of Goa is beautifully captured through the lens of Laxman Utekar. "Dear Zindagi" could have been a lively, fun film albeit with life lessons, rather than the long-winded slice of life it is. --IANS troy/nn/bg Two policemen killed in Kashmir Jammu And Kashmir,National,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Srinagar, Nov 25 (IANS) Two policemen were killed and another was injured on Friday when militants attacked a police party in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam town. A senior police officer told IANS here that the attackers fired at a police patrol, killing Head Constable Tanvir Ahmad and Constable Jalal-ud-Din. The injured constable was identified as Shams-ud-Din, who was rushed to a hospital. --IANS sq/mr Modi pays obeisance at Anandpur Sahib gurdwara Punjab,National,Politics,Religion, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Anandpur Sahib (Punjab), Nov 25 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday offered prayers at Gurdwara Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib here. Sporting a saffron headgear, Modi was presented a 'siropa' or robe of honour by the Sikh priests at the historic gurdwara, the second holiest of Sikh shrines after Amritsar's Golden Temple. The 10th Sikh master, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa Panth (religion of the pure) at Takht Keshgarh Sahib, 85 km from Chandigarh, in present day Ropar district of Punjab on April 13, 1699. The Prime Minister later participated in a public function to mark the celebration of the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh. --IANS js/tsb/mr India has no guts to take back Pakistani Kashmir: Farooq Jammu And Kashmir,National,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Politics, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Srinagar, Nov 25 (IANS) Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has said India lacked guts to take back parts of Jammu and Kashmir now under Pakistani control. Addressing a rally in Kishtwar district, the National Conference president said India and Pakistan needed to talk and solve the Kashmir issue because "war is no solution". "Pakistan is one of the stakeholder which the government of India has itself accepted. There was a resolution on this, which says that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is the part of India. Kya yeh tumhare baap ka hai? (Is this your ancestral property)," he said. "The government of India has no guts to take back (parts of Kashmir) from Pakistan, neither Pakistan has guts to snatch Kashmir from India. In between, innocent people of Kashmir are suffering and border residents have become the cannon fodder due to escalating tensions." Abdullah made the remarks amid heightened India and Pakistan border tension which has left dozens of people, including soldiers, dead on both sides. --IANS sq/sar/vt Sri Lankan court orders arrest of UK-based editor Sri Lanka,Immigration/Law/Rights,Media,Indo-Pak/Pakistan, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Colombo, Nov 25 (IANS) A Sri Lankan court on Friday issued an international arrest warrant against a journalist based in the UK on charges of contempt of court. The court ordered the warrant against Lankaenews editor Sandaruwan Senadheera to be issued via Interpol, Xinhua news agency reported. It instructed the Department of Immigration and Emigration to arrest the editor if he arrived in Sri Lanka. Minister of Justice Wijedasa Rajapakse has accused Senadheera of insulting the country's judges. --IANS py/mr Man tries to jump onto Lok Sabha floor, held Delhi,National,Politics,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) A man was detained on Friday after he attempted to jump onto the Lok Sabha floor from the visitors gallery. Eyewitnesses said accused Rakesh Singh Baghel -- who was apprehended by security personnel present at the spot -- tried to say something but was gagged by securitymen. He was later whisked away for questioning. He hails from Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan told the House. Baghel held a valid entry pass to enter Parliament House, recommended by Bulandshahr Member of Parliament Bhola Singh. The Speaker had left the House when the incident occurred around 11.20 a.m., soon after the House was adjourned till noon amid a ruckus by the opposition over the Centre's November 8 demonetisation decision. The Speaker later sought the House's opinion on the issue. Delhi Police and Parliament security officials in plainclothes usually remain seated in the front rows of the visitors gallery. Lok Sabha sources said visitors are allowed to watch the House proceedings after they fill up application forms giving their name, age, occupation, full local address and permanent address etc. One sitting MP has to countersign the form for recommendation. Children below the age of 10 are not allowed entry to the visitors gallery. --IANS bns-ao-nd/tsb/bg Swipe debit card for cash at INOX multiplexes Delhi,Cinema/Showbiz,Business/Economy, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) Aiming to ease the cash crunch after the government's demonetisation move, INOX Leisure, a cinema exhibition chain, on Friday partnered with State Bank of India (SBI) to provide withdrawal facilities at INOX properties across the country using a debit card. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. And now, under the new initiative, one can withdraw up to Rs 2,000 cash per card per day, by simply swiping their debit cards at INOX properties across the country, read a statement. All applicable guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India with regard to cash withdrawals will be followed. The facility will be available across 17 properties starting Friday. It will be made available at the remaining 89 properties over the course of the weekend. Siddharth Jain, Director, INOX Leisure Ltd, said: "We, at INOX Leisure, believe that the current demonetisation will have a positive impact on the Indian economy. We want to serve the nation at large by assisting the government in achieving their objectives of building a progressive economy. "Through this effort, we are attempting to ease any difficulties that are currently being faced by people due to demonetisation." Earlier this week, retail major Big Bazar announced the facility to withdraw up to Rs 2,000 from its stores in a similar arrangement with SBI. --IANS sug/nn/sac Lalu compares Modi to Uncle Podger Delhi,National,Politics,Art/Culture/Books,Business/Economy, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) Bihar politician and RJD supremo, Lalu Prasad Yadav, in his latest barb on demonetisation, has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of playing "Uncle Podger" from Jerome K. Jeromes 1889 comic novel 'Three Men in a Boat. In a series of tweets on Friday, Lalu Prasad compared the Prime Minister to Uncle Podger, a character known for creating a mess out of simplest of projects and then blaming everyone else for it. "During study days, read a poem "Uncle Podger hangs the (a) picture". #DeMonetisation chaos reminded me of him striking similarities wth Modi", he tweeted. The reference was to the third chapter of the novel in which Uncle Podger creates chaos while hanging a picture on a wall. "Like Uncle Podger, Modiji boasts he needs no one, but soon employs evryone (everyone), creates mess, blames all-Picture out of frame & himself out of scene", said Lalu Prasad in another tweet. Opposition parties have attacked the Prime Minister on the abrupt ban on Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes and have asserted that demonetisation has left millions in a cash-crunch. "Modi Ji, like Uncle Podger, over promises but under delivers. First promises to deliver everything on his own and then creates a mess 4 (for) all", quipped Lalu Prasad in his third tweet. --IANS ss/vm Distraught Indian in UAE sees ray of hope Togo,Diaspora,Business/Economy,Human Interest/Society, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Abu Dhabi, Nov 25 (IANS) An Indian man who was forced to spend over eight months on the terrace of a building in UAE's Ajman city is finally getting much needed offers of help, a newspaper said on Friday. The dramatic turn in his fortunes came after the Khaleej Times published a story on the plight of Sajeev Rajan, who hails from Kerala and who lost his job eight months ago. Moved by his suffering, an Indian philanthropist from Oman, K.T. Mohammed Rabeeh Rabeeullah, has offered to put Rs 10 lakh in Rajan's Indian bank account, the Khaleej Times reported. Rabeeullah, Chairman and Managing Director of Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Group, a healthcare conglomerate, came to Ajman to meet the electrician. Rabeeullah also gave Dh 5,000 (Rs 93,000) in cash for Rajan's immediate requirements, said Biju Karunagapally, a friend and well-wisher of the man from Kerala. Several social workers and the Indian mission in the UAE have also come forward to help Rajan who, the daily said, had been living in "deplorable conditions" on the terrace of a residential building. "Rabeeullah came directly from Oman to meet me and promised to help me financially," Rajan was quoted as saying. "It is a big relief for me because my pocket is empty. I have not received any money for the past eight months and my travel back home seemed impossible." The Indian Consulate is also offering help to Rajan. His company officials have also agreed to cancel Rajan's visa and return his passport. The consulate is considering offering him temporary accommodation and food. "I visited the consulate and now I am getting support from all corners. Thanks to Khaleej Times," he said. "I am very happy and I will be flying home soon." --IANS soni/mr/sar Cash crunch after demonetisation ties jute industry in knots West Bengal,Business/Economy, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Kolkata, Nov 25 (IANS) Cash crunch in the wake of demonetisation has hit raw jute farmers and jute mills alike, which may ultimately lead to closure of mills and cause hardship to workers and labourers, various stakeholders rue. Jute farmers are at the receiving end since traders have been unable to purchase the raw produce from them due to shortage of cash after the November 8 demonetistaion of high-denomination currency. For mill owners, too, a crisis seems to be looming large on the horizons as raw jute stocks lying with them are depleting fast. The industry is finding it difficult to even arrange for fortnightly wage payments to around 3.5 lakh mill workers. Jute millers are now seeking intervention by the Jute Corporation of India (JCI), similar to the one 11 years ago when the industry faced a crisis owing to a sharp drop in raw jute supply. West Bengal accounts for about 85 per cent of the country's jute production, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar and Assam. The Indian Jute Mills Association (IJMA) has already approached the government and the Jute Commissioner's Office to seek restoration of normalcy in raw jute supply. "Usually, the growers accept cash for their produce sold to local traders. However, cash payments are not possible at present due to demonetisation and bank transfers will take some more time. As a result, the arrival of raw jute at various 'mokams' (local jute markets) has come down by 80-85 per cent," IJMA Chairman Raghavendra Gupta told IANS. About 10-15 per cent of the total 40 lakh jute farmers in India accept payments through banks. "The supplies of raw produce to jute mills has suffered. The trade over the past few days has been virtually nil. Whatever raw jute has arrived at mills is due to old contracts," he said. According to industry sources, jute produce in the 2016-17 season (July to June) was estimated to be around 90 lakh bales. About 30 per cent of the crop has arrived in the markets till mid-November while the supply of the remaining 70 per cent has been held up due to the cash shortage. This held-up supply may not come soon since there could be a tendency on part of the growers to hold on to stocks till normal cash supply is restored, according to millers. "Recent income tax raids on private jute 'mokams' have already instilled fear among raw jute traders who are now shying away from supplying to mills," a miller told IANS on the condition of anonymity. "On an average, many mills do not have raw jute stocks beyond one month of normal production capacity," Gupta said. The end result could be a cut in production shifts, and resultant job losses for labourers. "Raw jute stocks vary, depending on mill capacity. A small mill will suffer in terms of production and for want of raw jute. In that case, a miller will have no alternative but to cut down on production shifts," IJMA member Sushant Agarwal said. In October 2005, the JCI had purchased about two lakh bales of raw jute commercially and made it available to eligible mills in proportion to their spindle capacity. "It is an opportune time for the JCI to enter the market and purchase raw jute commercially to protect farmers and sell the raw jute to mills based on their existing spindles and production control orders (basically, jute bag orders from the Centre) issued by the Jute Commissioner's office," the IJMA President said. The industry feels it could face a double whammy due to possible dilution of government orders too in the wake of non-fulfilment of prior orders. "About 80 per cent mill workers hold bank accounts while the rest don't. Currently, these bank accounts are being registered with the jute mills. Bankers are also opening accounts of workers on the mill premises so that wages in future are given through bank transfers," Gupta added. (Bappaditya Chatterjee can be contacted at bappaditya.c@ians.in) --IANS bdc/ssp/tsb/sac Zebronics launches new speaker at Rs 3,131 Delhi,National,Technology, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) Domestic electronics company Zebronics on Friday launched a new speaker in its 2.1 speakers series at Rs 3,131. Designed with a sleek black look and housed in a wooden cabinet, the 'Cube2 BTRUCF' speaker delivers low-frequency and distortion-free bass. "'Cube2' speaker is a latest iteration of square speaker with pocket-friendly price. The down firing subwoofer is designed to handle the low frequency well. The subwoofer also comes with LED lights and digital display," said Pradeep Doshi, Director Zebronics, India in a statement. The speaker can play music from MP3 player, PC, TV, CD, DVD and other devices and has a built-in FM Radio. --IANS qd/na/bg Erdogan threatens EU with open borders, refugee influx Turkey,Politics,Defence/Security,Immigration/Law/Rights, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Istanbul, Nov 25 (IANS) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday threatened to open his country's borders with the European Union to allow an influx of refugees into Europe. Reacting to the European Parliament's request on Thursday to suspend talks concerning Turkey's accession to the EU, Erdogan warned he would open the shared borders to allow an influx of migrants into the continent, EFE news reported. "We are feeding 3.5 million refugees in this country and you have broken your promises," he said. "When the dead children washed up on the Mediterranean shores you chose not to take care of them," Erdogan said referring to the European Union. He said the EU needed Turkey as a Middle East buttress, reiterating that 3.5 million refugees lived in his nation without any support from European authorities. Turkey and the EU in March this year agreed that the former would accept the return of refugees that had travelled illegally from its shores to the nearby Greek islands. In exchange, the EU said it would finance the care of the refugees in Turkey and promised to waive Turkish visa requirements into the EU, as long as certain conditions were met by Turkey. To date, this waiver has not taken place because Turkey refuses to reform its draconian anti-terrorist legislation. --IANS py/dg BJP MP Thakur challenges Rahul to debate Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) BJP leader Anurag Thakur on Friday threw a challenge to Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi for a debate over demonetisation and said by opposing the move, the Gandhi scion stood for black money hoarders. "I challenge him for a debate on demonetisation. Let him decide the date, time and place. I am ready," Thakur, an MP from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh, told reporters outside parliament. He was responding to Rahul's jibe at Modi for not attending the House. Demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the debate over demonetisation in parliament, Rahul said: "Sometimes he laughs, and sometimes he cries outside parliament. The Prime Minister should come to the House and participate in the debate." Hitting back at Rahul, Thakur said those questioning Modi's absence from the House have a very poor track record in parliament. "Rahul Gandhi's attendance is 40 per cent in Lok Sabha while other MPs from Uttar Pradesh have recorded 90 per cent presence. One, who has never asked a single question in the House, is raising questions on Prime Minister," he said. Thakur also took on Rahul for his jibe at Modi for being emotional twice post demonetisation. "There is a Prime Minister who gets emotional for the poor as he has experienced it in his childhood days. What Rahul would know about poverty... Sonia Gandhi (Congress President) cried for terrorists when Batla House encounter took place," Thakur said. Thakur said that he can't expect a young leader like Rahul to stand for the corrupt and those who had hoarded black money. --IANS bns/pgh/bg 'Arrival': A film with limited appeal (IANS Review, Rating: **1/2) Delhi,Cinema/Showbiz,Hollywood, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Film: "Arrival"; Director: Denis Villeneuve; Cast: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Mark O'Brien, Tzi Ma, Abigail Pniowsky, Julia Scarlett Dan; Rating: **1/2 One fine day, life on Earth comes to a standstill when 12 mysterious unidentified spacecraft, manned by extra-terrestrial aliens, appear around the globe. Humans panic. Each country, where the spacecraft have docked, try their best to investigate the aliens. In Montana, US, Dr. Louise Banks (Amy Adams), a linguistics expert along with a mathematician Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner) are among those recruited by the US Army. Colonel Weber (Forest Whitaker) will approach one such spacecraft that has "landed" there, in the hope of making contact with the aliens and finding out the reason they have come to Earth and now that they have arrived, what are their intentions? As the clock ticks away with the risk of a global war between humanity and the aliens, Louise finds herself on the verge of a breakthrough that could have profound implications for not only the aliens' presence on Earth, but also her own life. How her personal journey and evolution unfolds forms the sub-plot of her mission. Though, "Arrival" is based on the award-winning short story, "Story of Your Life" by Ted Chiang, and screenwriter Eric Heisserer sticks to his source material with sincerity, it fails at the primary level simply because its complexity seems pretentious and the execution of the film, superficial. But at the cerebral level, the film seems layered with life lessons. The complexities of the narration that initially seem enigmatic, slowly get disconnected and the metaphors become red herrings. While on the surface, the film may appear to be about an alien invasion, and the threat that occupies the minds of the humans, in reality the film is about how language moulds us as to who we are. It tells us how people approach the world differently because of their vocabulary and that reality varies according to the linguistic tools employed. Despite the layers in the interpretations, the film fails to grip you as the tone oscillates between a slow paced science fiction and a philosophical character-driven drama. The script fails to fulfil either genre completely. Amy Adams gives yet another strong performance portraying Louise as someone with an explorer's spirit and passion who also has a compassionate streak in a lonely soul. She is aptly supported by Jeremy Renner, who brings an equal amount of wit, confidence and scientific sensibilities to his performance as Ian Donnelly. Forest Whitaker as Colonel Weber is more of a supporting player here, his character being subtle and not overbearing, making him ineffective as a person of authority. The rest of the supporting cast are Michael Stuhlbarg as Agent Halpern, Tzi Ma as the Chinese General Shang and Abigail Pniowsky as the little girl Hannah. They have their moments of on-screen glory in the film's overarching narrative. The cinematography by Bradford Young is graceful. Each frame lingers on languidly. It captures production designer Patrice Vermette's awe-inspiring, simple set designs and seamlessly merge into the computer-generated images and visual effects done by Louis Morin and his team. And composer Johann Johannsson's pronounced moody score, elevates the viewing experience of "Arrival". "Arrival" may not appeal to all. --IANS troy/nn/bg Terror Attacks: Killed two police man in kashmir Jammu and Kashmir, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 NI Wire On Friday, In Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir two policeman got killed and one got injured in the terrorist attacks on the police party. In the day, an encounter was held between security forces and terrorists in Hajin town's Naidkhai area in North Kashmir's Bandipora district in which an army jawan and two unidentified terrorists got killed. Several ammunitions and arms were recovered from the two terrorists including two AK-47 rifles. For neutralising the hiding area of terrorists a combing operation was carried out and all was then ended.. After the information received about the presence of terrorists in Naidkhais Manpora Village then the area was sealed off around 3 am by the 13 Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Operations Guard (SOG). The Police official said, As the forces zeroed in on the house, the hiding militants opened fire in which an Army man was injured who succumbed later. The militants tried to run away from the house but were killed outside," and then he told that the security forces were trying to detect and also added militants belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba. After the encounter stopped, when the news of death of terrorists got spread among people, they came to the streets and raised the slogans of pro-freedom and pro-militant. Earlier on Thursday evening, during a gun battle which was held between the security forces and terrorists the Jammu and Kashmir police apprehended a terrorist from Sopore's Tujjer village in Baramulla district. On the other hand, on Tuesday two terrorists had been killed in Bandipora in an encounter and the big thing was the security forces also recovered the new currency notes of Rs 2000 which was released by the Government from the terrorists. -with agency inputs Gurugram school teacher thrashed for molesting minors Haryana,National,Crime/Disaster/Accident,Education, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Gurugram, Nov 25 (IANS) A government school teacher was thrashed by a group of people inside the school premises on Friday for molesting minor school girls, police said. The teacher at the school near Wazirabad village here was beaten up by parents and other people for molesting a Class V girl student, said a police official. The mother of the victim had earlier this week complained about the abuse in the school. "The teacher was on leave since than and returned to school on Friday. The group of people created a ruckus inside the school premises and thrashed the accused," the official said. They also had a heated argument with Sushant Lok police station in-charge, demanding strict action against the teacher. The people alleged that the teacher had molested a number of students on several occasions. "We are questioning the accused," the official said. --IANS pradeep/py/bg DGPs meet begins in Hyderabad Andhra Pradesh,National,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Hyderabad, Nov 25 (IANS) A three-day meet of top police officers of the country began here on Friday. Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the meet being attended by Directors General of Police (DGPs) and Inspectors General of Police (IGPs) of all the states, Directors General of central paramilitary forces and top intelligence officials. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the meet on Saturday. He is expected to arrive on Friday evening and have a night halt at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, the venue of the annual meet. Both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister will interact with police officials and have lunch with them. Modi will return to Delhi on Saturday evening. The conference will discuss cross-border terrorism, infiltration, radicalisation of youth and other security related issues. According to official sources, filling up of vacant posts in police forces, reforms, menace of narcotics smuggling and human trafficking will also come for discussion. This is the 51st meet of DGPs and IGPs and the third outside Delhi. The idea of holding the meeting of DGPs and IGPs outside Delhi was mooted by Modi after he became the Prime Minister in 2014. It was held in Guwahati in 2014 and in Bhuj in Gujarat in 2015. --IANS ms/mr Uproot BJD government for development, Amit Shah tells Odisha voters Orissa,National,Politics, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Bhubaneswar, Nov 25 (IANS) BJP President Amit Shah on Friday questioned the state BJD government's performance in the last 17 years and asked voters to uproot it for allegedly failing to fulfil even basic needs. "Seventeen years is not a small period. Most states in the country have seen development in the past few years. But Odisha has remained as it was in the past. What has (Chief Minister) Naveen Patnaik done in the past 17 years for Odisha's development?" Shah asked at a party rally here. "The state government has failed to provide drinking water and electricity in Odisha. What else can he do for the people? It is unfortunate that 41 per cent of Odisha residents do not have electricity," Shah said, adding that the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government had no right to remain in power. Bringing up the issue of tribal Dana Majhi who walked 12 km on August 24 while carrying his wife's body on his shoulder after being denied a hospital van in Kalahandi district, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader asked the gathering: "Does this government have the right to rule the state?" The audience chorused with a huge 'no'. He said the Chief Minister must explain what he had done for the betterment of people in Odisha. "If you want the state's development, bring the BJP to power and dethrone the BJD. Let them (ruling party) see a trailer of this in panchayat elections," the BJP chief said. Reeling out statistics, he said the Narendra Modi government had provided Rs 1.30 lakh crore to Odisha in the past two and a half years. While Rs 63,000 crore was allocated under the Five-Year Plan, Rs 4,686 crore was under the 2016-17 railway budget, apart from Rs 20,000 crore for national highways, he said. He said Rs 35,000 crore was allocated to Odisha in the petroleum sector and Rs 11,000 crore under the mineral development fund. "The Centre has allocated funds for the state's development but the BJD government is not letting benefits of central schemes reach the common man in Odisha," Shah alleged. --IANS cd/tsb/bg PM Modi attends Book Release function to commemorate Constitution Day New Delhi, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 NI Wire The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today attended a book release function to commemorate Constitution Day, at Parliament House Annexe. Two books: an updated version of the Constitution of India; and Making of the Constitution were released on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that 26 November is being celebrated as Constitution Day since 2015. He said that successive generations should be well acquainted with the Constitution, and recall it in the contemporary context. The Prime Minister said that In India, when we recall the Constitution, we also recall Babasaheb Ambedkar. He said that we must be connected with the spirit of the Constitution, and look for a balance between rights and duties. Noting the importance of Constitution Day, the Prime Minister said 26 January (our Republic Day) could not have been celebrated without 26 November. The Prime Minister said that the common citizen has today become a soldier in the fight against corruption and black money. He encouraged people to use digital modes of money exchange to the extent possible, as this would increase transparency. He asserted that every person has a right to spend his or her money, and no one can take away anyone's money. Source: PIB Foreign Ministers of Russia, Ukraine to meet next week Russian Federation,Politics,Diplomacy, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Moscow, Nov 25 (IANS) The Russian Foreign Minister will travel to Minsk on Tuesday to discuss with his Ukrainian counterpart the implementation of the peace agreements in eastern Ukraine, the Russian Foreign Ministry has said. Although the meeting was scheduled for late November -- during the last meeting of the so-called Normandy Quartet, comprising the Presidents of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany -- the Russian Foreign Ministry had so far expressed uncertainty about the effectiveness of the format. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday expressed fears that Tuesday's meeting ran the risk of ending up as "a meeting for the sake of meeting", and accused Kiev and the West of twisting the Minsk accords in favour of the Ukrainian government. Foreign Ministers of Germany and France, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Jean-Marc Ayrault, respectively, will also be attending the meeting. On Friday, the Russian Foreign Ministry renewed its call to Western member countries enjoying influence over Ukrainian leaders to make them accept their commitments in the framework of the Minsk agreements. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, meanwhile, has made it clear that he will not proceed with the political part of the peace process without first ensuring security of the occupied territories. This, he will consider restored only when months have passed without a single gunshot in the zone of conflict, and once control of the entire frontier has been recovered. Russia and the separatists, on the other hand, demand these issues be resolved alongside the political agenda, which includes the grant of special self-governing status to rebel regions, constitutional reform for Ukraine's decentralisation, and amnesty for pro-Russia fighters. --IANS py/dg British architect Norman Foster to renovate Prado extension Spain,Art/Culture/Books, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Madrid, Nov 25 (IANS) World famous architect Norman Foster has been selected to renovate part of the famous Prado art gallery here, the museum has confirmed. Foster will work with Spanish architect Carlos Rubio on the 30 million euro ($33 million) refurbishment of the 17th century Hall of Realms (Salon de Reinos in Spanish), Xinhua news agency reported. It is a wing of the Buen Retiro Palace in Madrid acquired by the Prado last year to house part of its extensive art collection. Foster and Rubio were chosen after the Prado held a competition earlier in the year to "select a team for remodelling the building for primary display use". The museum said the architectural proposal "respects and values what is already there, adjusting it to the necessities of our times". The plan will open up the south face of the building to give the impression the Salon de Reinos, which used to house the Spanish Army Museum, is partially open. "A new roof will harvest energy from integrated solar cells, give natural light to the galleries below and cantilever as a shade to protect the southern facade," explained Foster and Partners in a statement. Foster, whose company has designed a host of projects, such as the Millennium Bridge in London, the international terminal at Beijing Capital International Airport and the planned remodelling of FC Barcelona's Camp Nou Stadium, said he was "honoured to be able to contribute to this next phase of the expansion of the Prado". --IANS py/vt HC intervenes as Nagas threaten 'total shutdown' Manipur,National,Immigration/Law/Rights,Politics, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Imphal, Nov 25 (IANS) The Manipur High Court on Friday directed the Director General of Police, the Chief Secretary and others to beef up security measures along the two national highways, which are the lifelines of Manipur amid the Nagas threatening a "total shutdown". Threatening shutdown, the Nagas are demanding the unconditional release of two top functionaries of the United Naga Council (UNC), which has been backing the indefinite economic blockade against Manipur. The full bench of the High Court of Manipur comprising Chief Justice Rakesh Ranjan Prasad, Justices N. Koteshor and K. Nobin on Friday directed the Manipur government to deploy adequate amounts of police and paramilitary forces along the two national highways to ensure free and untrammelled movement of trucks and oil tankers. The UNC had imposed the blockade from November 1 protesting against plans to create Sadar Hills district by usurping the "lands of the Nagas". The next hearing is on December 1. Meanwhile police arrested Gaidon Kamei and S. Stephen, President and Information Secretary of the UNC respectively, at Pheidinga in Imphal district on Friday while they were travelling to UNC head office in Senapati district. Addressing a press conference S. Satang, President of the All Naga Students Union in Manipur, demanded unconditional release of the two persons failing which there will be a total shutdown. It will mean that movement of passenger and private vehicles along the national highways, which has no rail line, shall not be allowed. Satang added that there is no objection to the creation of a new district. But it should be done after consulting the Nagas. As Manipur is facing a shortage of all goods including life saving medicines, armed personnel have been escorting hundreds of trucks from Assam bringing badly needed items including fuel. Both the state and central governments have been resorting to a blame game while hundreds of loaded trucks and oil tankers are stranded. One litre of petrol is being sold for Rs 300 on the black market in Manipur. --IANS il/vgu/bg Autopsy to be held on Maoists killed in Kerala Kerala,National,Politics,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Malappuram (Kerala), Nov 25 (IANS) The bodies of two Maoists, shot dead in a gunfight with Kerala Police near here, will undergo an autopsy at the Kozhikode Medical College hospital, an official said Friday. The two ultras - a man and a women - were killed in a gunfight with the Kerala Thunderbolts, an elite commando force of the state police in a forest area near Nilambur. On Friday morning, an inquest was conducted and pictures of the dead have now come out, showing both wearing green shirts and trousers. The shootout took place in the deep forest area and according to police, a third person also was injured, but managed to escape. Police are combing the forests area to locate more members of the group, and even a contingent of Karnataka Police also joined the search operations on Friday. Even though the Kerala Police officials have not officially named the two Maoists, the dead have been identified as Koppam Devarajan and Ajitha alias Kaveri. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters in the capital that the members of this group have held skirmishes with police. "We are waiting for more information to come," he said. Meanwhile, Communist Party of India State Secretary Kanam Rajendran strongly condemned the shooting down of the two Maoists. "It's unfortunate that people who speak for the oppressed are being eliminated and that's not the way. The LDF (Left Democratic Front) here should not do what Narendra Modi does," he said. --IANS sg/vd Colombian government and FARC sign revised peace agreement Colombia,Politics, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Bogota, Nov 25 (IANS) Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and the leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Rodrigo Londono, signed a revised peace agreement here on Thursday. This came less than two months after a plebiscite narrowly rejected the original agreement, which took four years to negotiate, Xinhua news agency reported. In his speech, London apologised to the victims of the conflict in the name of the FARC, and hailed the new agreement as the common wish of all Colombians to end the war. "Words are the only weapons that Colombians allow us to use," said Londono, who called on the former enemies to co-exist despite their differences. Santos said the revised agreement was the result of a rigorous discussion between the government and FARC, who had gathered for weeks in Havana, Cuba, to consider proposals to those who opposed the first peace agreement. Santos stated that peace must be the most important topic for any nation and that Colombia should become an example in a world riven by conflicts. "Building a country at peace is the most ambitious and transformational project that any generation has ever had the opportunity to fulfil. I cannot imagine a more noble, a more sublime task, a more elevated effort than protecting life and building peace," he stated. Unlike the previous agreement, this new deal will not be subject to a public vote but will have to be approved by Congress over the course of the next week. Within 90 days after the approval, the FARC will begin to lay down arms. And within five months, all the weapons of the FARC will be in the hands of the UN. --IANS lok/ Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka holidaying in Shimla Himachal Pradesh,National,Politics, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Shimla, Nov 25 (IANS) Congress party President Sonia Gandhi along with daughter Priyanka Vadra and her children are holidaying on the outskirts of Simla. Gandhi and her family landed at the Kalyani helipad near here on Thursday and visited Charabra where Priyanka's cottage is being constructed, an official said here. After inspecting the construction work for about an hour, the family left for Wildflower Hall, an Oberoi Group luxury resort just 15 km uphill from Shimla. "They spent the entire day in the resort," the official said. The official added that the Gandhi family is expected to leave for Delhi on Saturday. Priyanka had earlier visited the under-construction house in June and October this year. The house is likely to be completed early next year. A two-storey five-room cottage, constructed earlier, was pulled down four years ago as Priyanka wanted the house to gel with the surroundings. --IANS vg/rn Taking steps to encourage youths to join armed forces: Defence Ministry Delhi,National,Politics,Defence/Security, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) The Defence Ministry on Friday informed the Lok Sabha that steps are being taken to encourage the youths to join the armed forces, including through sustained image projection and publicity campaign. "The government has taken a number of measures to encourage the youths to join the defence forces... to create awareness among them on the advantages of taking up a challenging and satisfying career through participation in career fairs and exhibitions as well as motivational lectures in schools and colleges etc.," Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said in a written reply. "The support of state government authorities is also solicited in disseminating the requisite information to the target population," the minister said. Bhamre said recruitment rallies are conducted in different parts of the country to provide opportunities to the youths to join the armed forces. "Efforts are made to cover the entire country, including its remote, border, tribal and hilly areas," he said. The minister said there were certain relaxations in physical and educational criteria for candidates from tribal, hilly and other backward areas, but there is no proposal to offer further relaxations. "For recruitment in the army, certain relaxations in physical and educational standards are available for candidates of tribal/hilly and other backward areas. In the case of navy and air force, there is no provision for relaxation in educational standards. However, relaxation in height is given to candidates from certain areas," Bhamre said. "At present, there is no proposal under government consideration to further relax the criteria for recruitment in the defence forces," he said. He told the Lok Sabha that 25 Sainik schools are functioning in the country, five of them in difficult and border areas. The schools prepare boys of certain age group academically, physically and mentally for gaining entry into the National Defence Academy. "In addition, students of border and difficult areas are encouraged to join the National Cadet Corps, which strives to provide the youths opportunities for all-round development with a sense of commitment, dedication, self-discipline and moral values, so that they become responsible citizens," he added. --IANS ao/tsb/vt Bankers allege Delhi cops coercing them over spiked notes Delhi,National,Business/Economy,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) Bankers here say that a section of police personnel are still forcing them to deposit or exchange their old currency for new money although the facility ended on Thursday midnight. A few bankers IANS spoke to on the condition of anonymity said they were being pressured by police personnel in uniform to provide them new 500 and 2,000 rupee notes in lieu of the demonetised currency. Some bank employees who tried to approach senior police officers backed off after being told by the policemen that the money they wanted converted or deposited belonged to their bosses. "They (policemen) making such demands were those deputed outside to provide security to our bank. They are not bothered about our problems. They just want to exchange their old notes all the time," one senior officer of a state-run bank told IANS. The officer admitted that for a few days after the demonetisation was announced on November 8 she did help the policemen change their old currency for new even after banking hours. The officer, like the others IANS spoke to, said they did this because they felt sorry for the police personnel who spent the whole day trying to control the mobs outside. A few policemen also related personal problems to generate sympathy. "But now they talk to my colleagues and me in a way that amounts to threatening us although not in so many words. I don't know what to do," said one female bank officer. Senior Delhi Police officers denied the allegations and said they had not received any complaint from any bank. The government announced on Thursday that exchange of the demonetised currency would cease from midnight of Thursday in all banks. The facility would, however, continue at RBI offices. But the policemen seem to have no respect for rules, the bankers said. Unable to handle the "pressure" caused by an ill-mannered cop, a relationship manager of another bank told IANS: "I have no option but to do what the policeman wants. "The policeman threatened to go to the Income Tax Department and lodge a complaint against me. If my senior is not taking action against the policeman, why would I face unwanted problems," the bank official asked. Another banker complained about a police sub-inspector who allegedly brings in friends all through the day and tells the bankers to exchange their old currency for new money. "When we tell the policeman not to make us do such things, he argues with us," the bank employee told IANS. All the bank employees insisted they should not be identified by name or designation and that even the names of their banks should not be revealed because they did not want to face the policemen's wrath. (Rajnish Singh can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in) --IANS rak/mr/sar Goa offers youths free talktime, mobile data ahead of polls Goa,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Panaji, Nov 25 (IANS) In a pre-poll bonanza for youngsters, the BJP-led coalition government in Goa on Friday announced free limited calling and talktime facilities for the state's youths, nearly 1.25 lakh of whom will benefit under the scheme. Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar told the media that the scheme would cost the state government around Rs 1 crore per month and that mobile service provider Vodafone has won a bid for implementing the new scheme. "Goa Yuva Initiative Scheme is the first such scheme in the country. As promised, we are now offering the youth of Goa 100 minutes of talk time, one GB of data at 2 MBPS speed free of cost to youth between the age of 16 and 30," Parsekar said. Earlier, the upper age limit for the eligibility was 35 years. Parsekar said the purpose of the scheme was to link youths across the state and help to skill them. "This scheme is in line with the 'Digital India' initiative of the government of India and will cover youth in the age group between 16 and 30. It is exclusively for the youth. Around 1.25 lakh youngsters are expected to be covered under the scheme, but they will have to apply," the Goa Chief Minister said. Parsekar said Vodafone has won the bid, beating Reliance Jio and Idea, with a quoted price of Rs 124.90 per individual beneficiary. "Vodafone has a good reach. The cost is being borne by the state government. The cost to us will be approximately one crore (rupees) per month," Parsekar said. Vodafone is expected to set up around 500 retail outlets across the state to start the registration process for the scheme after 15 days, Parsekar said. --IANS maya/py/vt Syrian Army captures swathes of land from IS in Aleppo Syrian Arab Republic,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Damascus, Nov 25 (IANS) The Syrian Army has captured swathes of the largest rebel-held district in Aleppo over the past 24 hours, a monitor group reported on Friday. Battles, accompanied by intense shelling, have raged since midnight on Thursday between the government forces and an array of rebel groups in Masaken Hanano, the largest rebel-held district in eastern Aleppo, Xinhua news agency cited the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights as saying. The UK-based watchdog said Syrian forces captured over 60 per cent of the neighbourhood, which was also the first area stormed by rebels in eastern Aleppo in mid-2012. Observers said capturing the Hanano area will expose the Sakhour neighbourhood to the Syrian Army, enabling it to isolate the northern part of the rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo from the southern one. The observatory, which relies on a network of activists on ground, said the Syrian forces were achieving rapid progress in eastern Aleppo, where over 250,000 civilians are trapped. For months, the Syrian government and Russia have been urging rebels to leave Aleppo, offering them safe passages to other rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib. The rebels, however, turned down all offers, which has resulted in intensified violence. --IANS py/dg Mithila's cultural identity Paag on display in Delhi Delhi,National,Art/Culture/Books,Lifestyle/Fashion, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) Turbans in India are tied not just for fashion but have great significance. In different hues, Paags are on display at Crafts Museum here to enable visitors from across the world to gauge the salient feature of Mithila culture. The exhibition of Paags (turbans), organised by Textiles Ministry and Mithilalok Foundation, is on display till November 30, highlights the significance of Mithila's age-old headgear. "The main idea behind exhibition is to revive the age-old tradition of Mithila culture to the public at large and strengthen Indian culture," Mithilalok Chairman Birbal Jha told media here on Friday. He presented a detailed analysis of modified "Paags" and stressed that turbans didn't only stand for India's composite culture but also symbolised social harmony. Jha added: "The objective behind promoting 'Paag' is to strengthen people's awareness of their cultural legacy. Cultural renaissance in Mithila will help in all round development of the nation." He said that he was motivated by his inner urge of giving back to the region where he was born and brought up. "In contrast to the Western culture, acceptance of ethnic sensibility as identified with Paag will bolster India's composite culture and diversity," he said. "India is the most culturally and ethnically diverse nation in the world. Regional aspirations go hand in hand with nation building," he added. Craft Museum Deputy Director Nidhi spoke about the role being played by this organisation in assisting, reviving and conserving ethnic crafts like Paag. "For the first time, we have an exhibition on Paag at Crafts Museum. Whenever needed, the museum will support in taking care of India's culture," she said. --IANS mg/sm/dg 'Nerve': Moderately thrilling and engaging (IANS Review, Rating: **1/2) Delhi,Cinema/Showbiz,Hollywood, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Film: "Nerve"; Directors: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman; Cast: Emma Roberts, Dave Franco, Emily Meade, Miles Heizer, Colson Baker, Juliette Lewis, Kimiko Glenn, Marc John Jefferies, Brian Marc, Samira Wiley; Rating: **1/2 We have all played truth or dare, sometime or the other in our lives and "Nerve", which is described as "a game of truth or dare, minus the truth", is an extension of this game. It effectively uses the social media as a tool for the narration. Fresh off the block, "Nerve" with a tinge of romance is a teen, action thriller that draws you into its fold and gets you involved wholeheartedly. The tale follows an industrious student, Venus Delmonico (Emma Roberts), who is fondly called "Vee", by her close circle of friends. Being a bore, she is egged on by her friends to accept a challenge on "Nerve", a game app that is populated with participants who are watchers and players. Every player is challenged by watchers or co-players and every dare won, brings home followers and prize money. Vee's first challenge starts with having to kiss a stranger Ian (Dave Franco), with whom she later pairs up to get on to a roller-coaster ride of challenges that are fun and thrilling. The film, written by Jessica Sharzer based on a novel of the same name, authored by Jeanne Ryan, is a social commentary on how bad social media can be. While the plot is filled with over-the-top fun thrillers for teenagers, the tale is scary and realistic. The film accomplishes everything it sets out to do. And the entire plot is convincing due to the inclusion of modern technology. Though the graph of the plot is formulaic, the film does not cease to be exciting. It is only the last act that does not offer any novelty. On the performance front, the film is aptly cast and every character performs with natural ease. The film is Emma Roberts' canvas all the way. She convincingly graduates from a reserved sidekick to her best friend Sydney, to a confident nerve-holding winner, which is praiseworthy. Dave Franco as Vee's partner and fellow contestant along with Emily Meade as Sydney, Juliette Lewis as Vee's mother and Miles Hizer as her initial boyfriend Tommy, are all equally competitive. Technically the film, with moderate production values, is well mounted. The graphics seem a tad mediocre but it works aptly in the narrative. This film is a new generation theme story that is effectively told. It will appeal to teenagers and those who are fond of thrillers. --IANS troy/nn/bg Make in India reports on textiles, telecom, auto sectors out Delhi,Business/Economy, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) The government on Friday released Make in India achievement reports on three relatively more vibrant sectors -- textiles, telecom and automobiles -- that make a sizable contribution to the Indian merchandise exports. The textile sector accounts for 10 per cent of the country's manufacturing production, 5 per cent of India's GDP, 13 per cent of exports earnings and is the second largest job provider in the country, employing nearly 51 million people directly and 68 million indirectly in 2015-16, the Commerce Ministry report said. "To provide encouragement to textile manufactures and farmers of raw materials, the government has been providing incentives like minimum support price to cotton farmers, upgrading the technology for handloom weavers and providing centres for trade facilitation," it said. While 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) is allowed under the automatic route, FDI inflows into the sector between 2014-16 added up to $427.55 million. Textiles and apparel exports are estimated to reach $62 billion by 2021, from the $38 billion in 2016, the Ministry said. A number of tax reforms and benefits have been introduced to promote the sector, like the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), Interest Equalisation Scheme and reduction in Basic Customs Duty, it added. On the automobiles sector, the report said the industry has been on a growth trajectory, with impressive rise in sales, production and exports over the last two years. The $93-billion automotive industry contributed 7.1 per cent to India's GDP and almost 49 per cent to the nation's manufacturing GDP during the last fiscal. Among the government's initiatives, it mentioned the Automobile Mission Plan 2016-2026, which envisages making India into one of the top three automobile manufacturing centres in the world with a gross revenue of $300 billion by 2026. Official data showed that during the fiscal 2015-16, automobile exports grew by 1.91 per cent at $8.8 billion. The telecom industry in India is booming, with the second-largest subscriber base in the world at 1.06 billon connections, the report said. India, with 275 million smart phone subscribers, recently outpaced the US to become the second largest smart-phone subscriber base in the world. As many as 38 new mobile manufacturing units have been set up since September 2015, which ramped up the manufacturing of mobile phone units in 2015-16 by 90 per cent, the government said. The number of unique mobile phone subscribers in India is expected to cross the 1-billion mark by 2020. "India will see an increase in adoption of 4G services, with the number of 4G connections estimated to grow to 280 million by 2020 from just 3 million in 2015," the report added. With 100 per cent FDI allowed in the telecom sector, 49 per cent of which is permitted through the automatic route, total FDI in the sector during 2014-16 was around $4.19 billion. On incentives, the ministry said basic customs duty and special additional duty have been withdrawn and importers of mobile handset component need to pay only the countervailing duty of 12.5 per cent. A duty advantage of 10.5 per cent exists for local manufacturers of mobile speakers and batteries, it added. --IANS bc/nir/dg PM is scared of facing Parliament: Congress Delhi,National,Politics, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) Continuing its attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation, the Congress on Friday said he was "not worthy" of being trusted and charged him with being "scared" of entering Parliament. "He is scared of entering Parliament because he knows he will not be able to give answers to the questions that are being raised and will be left exposed. He should know that the country is not changing but is actually burning because of demonetisation," Congress leader Kapil Sibal told media. "In Rajya Sabha, he is silent. When he comes to the House, he will be asked questions. If asked questions, he would be expected to answer. If he doesn't answer, then he will be exposed. People will realise that the Prime Minister's knowledge may be deficient on certain topics," he said. Sibal also claimed that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had the time to deposit cash and purchase land as they had all the information about the move to demonetise the higher currencies. "Does the Prime Minister think that all the leaders in the opposition are black money hoarders? Then he says they are worried because of no time. "BJP had a lot of time. They had all the information. They deposited cash and purchased land," he said. Noting that when Modi first entered Parliament, he had called it a temple, the former Union Minister said that "now he doesn't care about the traditions and etiquette of Parliament". "He will inaugurate a book on the Constitution, yet not give the Constitution the dignity it deserves," he said. Slamming Modi for "continuously evading" Parliament, Sibal said: "It seems the Prime Minister is afraid of his own party members otherwise why doesn't he come to Lok Sabha where his party (BJP) has absolute majority? "Modi promised he would bring back Rs 80 lakh crore black money to India. Has he fulfilled that promise? He said he'd bring Lokpal, has he implemented it? Which promise has he fulfilled? Why should we believe him? We have no faith in this Prime Minister. He isn't worthy of trust," he added. "The Prime Minister said the situation will normalise in two days. Did it happen? Finance Minister (Arun Jaitley) said situation will normalise in two weeks. Did it happen," he asked. --IANS sid/vd/dg 75 defence industrial licenses to private firms Delhi,National,Business/Economy,Defence/Security, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) The government has issued 75 industrial licenses to private manufacturers in defence sector during the last financial year, Parliament was told on Friday. "Seventy five Industrial Licenses have been issued in defence sector during the year 2015-16 to private defence equipment manufacturers with proposed investment of Rs 4,842 crore," Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply, adding 38 applications for licenses for manufacture of defence items were received from private companies during 2014-15. Defence products list for industrial licensing excludes large numbers of parts and manufacturing procedures like forging etc. from the purview of industrial licensing, he said. "Similarly, dual use items, having military as well as civilian applications (unless classified as defence item), will also not require Industrial License from defence angle," he added. --IANS rs/vd 18 Left, other parties call for Bengal strike on November 28 West Bengal,National,Politics, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Kolkata, Nov 25 (IANS) Eighteen Left and other parties on Friday called a 12-hour general strike in Bengal on November 28 to protest the harassment faced by people following the central government's demonetisation move. The parties held a meeting at the CPI-M headquarters, Muzaffar Bhavan, during the day to zero in on a general strike to press for a four-point charter of demands. The political outfits demanded that the central government make arrangements for supplying adequate smaller denomination currency to banks, ATMs and post offices to provide succour to the masses reeling under a cash crunch, senior CPI-M leader and Left Front Chairman Biman Bose told the media. They also asked the Centre to recover the Rs 11-lakh crore loans, which have not been repaid to the banks and use the money to write off all farm loans, allow people to exchange Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 old notes until December 30 or until the time alternative arrangements are made to supply the required quantum of currency notes to the masses. The parties also demanded confiscation of all black money stashed abroad to strike at the root of the black money problem. "The abrupt decision of the central government to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes has adversely hit the daily lives of all sections of people, particularly the workers, peasants and agricultural labourers. "Daily wagers, fishermen, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) workers are unable to make both ends meet due to lack of cash," said Bose. Refusing to buy the central government's argument that the step was necessary to recover black money, he said: "This argument does not hold, as they have not made any attempt to recover black money stashed in foreign banks by the filthy rich. The sufferings of the common people are manufactured (by the Centre)." The parties attending the meeting include the Communist Party of India-Marxist, Communist Party of India, All India Forward Bloc, Revolutionary Socialist Party, Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Nationalist Congress Party. The strike would be part of the nationwide 'Akrosh Diwas' (anger day)' called by the opposition parties decrying demonetisation. A day earlier, the parties had announced week-long protests, beginning with street corners and small meetings in the districts until November 27 and sit-in demonstrations on November 28 before the Reserve Bank of India and central government offices as also in the districts. The state's ruling Trinamool Congress, however, opposed the general strike. "CPI-M is trying to fish in troubled waters. They know they don't have the strength to bring out protest rallies. Our leader Mamata Banerjee is the first leader to protest against demonetisation. She also asked them to join her, but they refused," said Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim. "They want Bengal to regress. People of Bengal don't support such strikes. Our leader has called a rally in the city on November 28. All sections of people would rather join that rally and protest against the Modi government. People are already in distress due to the currency crisis. The general strike would only increase the people's misery," he added. --IANS ssp/nir/dg Gujarat invites Hardik Patel for talks on quota demand Maharashtra,National,Politics, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Gandhinagar, Nov 25 (IANS) The Gujarat government on Friday invited Patel agitation leader Hardik Patel for talks to reach an amicable solution to the community's demand for quotas in government jobs and educational institutions under the other backward classes (OBC) category. "We are willing to hold talks with Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leaders, including Hardik Patel, to bring about a solution to this long-standing problem," said Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel. "In the past too we have maintained that the issues canAbe resolved only through negotiations," he added. The move is seen as an effort to resolve one of the toughest challenges faced by the ruling BJP since Narendra Modi shifted from state politics to become Prime Minister in 2014. The Patel agitation had seen the BJP lose its grip over 80 per cent of local self government bodies after a gap of two decades in December last year. Hardik Patel has welcomed the decision by the Vijay Rupani government. "We will raise our two key demands of reservations for Patel community in government jobs and educational institutions as well as action against the policemen who treated our people in a high-handed manner during the agitation," he said. Hardik at present remains exiled outside the state's geographical boundary for six months as ordered by Gujarat High Court under his bail conditions and the period gets over in January. Official say the talks can be held at Udaipur, where Hardik is stationed, Ahmedabad or state capital Gandhinagar. "We have called a meeting of all our convenors to discuss whether to meet the government, when and whether it is in the interest of the community. But, one thing is clear that if the state government tries to play politics as it did in the past during the Anandiben regime, then it would backfire and we would re-launch the agitation with even more force," said PAAS spokesperson Varun Patel. The Opposition Congress on its part called the invite by the government as a "desperate" move to save itself from losing the state in forthcoming elections. "First they beat up people, including young and women, and now they are showing empathy. It is BJP government that has filed innumerable cases, including those of sedition, against so many youngsters. Talk of discussions is just another sham," said Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi. --IANS desai/vd After 'Dear Zindagi' release, Alia now misses Shahrukh Maharashtra,Cinema/Showbiz,Bollywood, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Mumbai, Nov 25 (IANS) After the release of their movie "Dear Zindagi", actress Alia Bhatt says she has started missing her co-star Shahrukh Khan. At the promotional event of Singapore Tourism on Friday, the actress, asked about the experience of working with a superstar like Shahrukh, said: "It was a magical experience working with him. Personally, I've learnt a lot from him which I don't want to share with anybody. I am really missing him today." "For the past couple of week, we were so busy in promoting the film. So Shahrukh, I am really missing you," she said. Sharing a memory of shooting abroad in Singapore, the actress said: "We didn't have so much time while shooting for 'Dear Zindagi'. We went for dinner at a Mexican restaurant where we played all Bollywood songs while having dinner. We have lots of beautiful memories of shooting 'Dear Zindagi'." "When we go abroad we have our own team, but also need support from that place and the people. While shooting for 'Dear Zindagi', it was raining heavily and we had a lot of work to finish. The Singapore team was so cooperative that they supported us in all our needs. It's a pleasure shooting over there," she said. "We even shot 'Badrinath ki Dulhania' there for 20 days but we didn't feel that we are not in India," she added. Directed by Shashank Khaitan, and produced by Karan Johar, "Badrinath ki Dulhania", starring Varun Dhawan, Alia and Gauhar Khan, is the second instalment of "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania". The film is slated to release on March 10, 2017. --IANS iv/pgh/vd Opposition didn't get time to prepare for demonetisation: Modi Delhi,National,Politics,Art/Culture/Books,Business/Economy, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi while hiting out at the criticism over demonetisation, said on Friday the opposition was charged up not because the government was not prepared for its implementation but because it did not get time to prepare itself. "A lot of people are criticising demonetisation in parliament. But most of the criticism is that the government was not prepared to implement the decision," Modi said during the Constitution Day celebration function at the Parliament House Annexe. "But that is not the real reason behind their criticism. They are hurt because the government didn't give them enough time to prepare for it." "Even if they had got 72 hours to prepare themselves, they would have commended the move," the Prime Minister said. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan was also present at the function, where two books on the constitution -- "Making of the Indian Constitution" and an updated version of the Indian Constitution -- were released. --IANS vv/ahm/vm Love, travels and peeking into the future (IANS Books This Weekend) Delhi,National,Art/Culture/Books, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) Flick through the tale of three women looking for love in the online dating space, wade through the story about a solitary walk on a village road in the English countryside and know the interesting story of a man who bravely breaks conventions. The IANS bookshelf has varied fare for you this week. Read on! 1. Book: Cupidity -- Ping Me, Love; Author: Kiren Rai and Madhvi Ahuja; Publisher: Om; Pages: 206; Price: Rs 195 Set in New Delhi, "Cupidity -- Ping Me", Love is a fast-paced novel about three women looking for love in the online dating space, with an interesting twist to the tale. The story is about close friends Tara, a much-married woman, Naina, recently divorced, and Nihal, a transgender looking to breathe free in a hostile society. They are successful urban professionals living the good life, or so it seems, for each one craves an understanding companion. The three friends discover the exciting world of online dating, and set out in search of an ideal emotional anchor. As they get drawn deeper into the vortex of online chatting, virtual reality threatens to overshadow their ordinary, mundane existence, and the idea of exploring new boundaries takes shape. 2. Book: Every Mile a Memory; Author: Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma; Publisher: Rupa; Pages: 219; Price: Rs 295 Travelling in the 21st century is not only about check-ins, posting selfies or writing status messages with hashtags. It is about visiting the places one may have only read about, seen in movies or heard about; it's about standing on a landmark and feeling something; it's about refreshing memories and making new memories. "Every Mile a Memory" is not only a travelogue about monuments and landscapes. It is not only about famous cities like London, Paris and Rome but is also about a solitary walk on a village road in the English countryside, about a quiet boat-ride on the Ganga and about long train journeys to nowhere. It is sipping a cup of coffee in a cafe in Barcelona and yet it is also about enjoying chai from a kulhad on some half-forgotten railway station in the Indian hinterland. As Sharma travels around the globe and his own motherland, all the events, sights, thoughts, memories and feelings form a complex kaleidoscope that eventually crystallises into words to give a unique perspective on places -- Britain, Europe, Turkey, Morocco and, of course, India. 3. Book: Dvarca; Author: Madhav Mathur; Publisher: Fingerprint; Pages: 335; Price: Rs 295 At the turn of the 22nd century, the world is a mess of warring factions -- surprise! The powers-that-be have fought insanity with an equal and opposite insanity. India has been remodelled under a new bicolour flag and a state religion called Navmarg. Anyone who does not belong is a threat. Madhav Mathur's "Dvarca" is a dark and humorous satire that follows the life of an ordinary family, struggling to get by in this totalitarian regime. Gandharva is a patriotic and pious low-level bureaucrat at the Ministry of Finance and Salvation, working hard on his status and overdue promotion. His dutiful and curious wife, Jyoti, works at Dvarca Mills and witnesses a ghastly act of terror, leading to perilous flirtations with dissent. Their two little children, Nakul and Mira, are model students in their predestined streams, indoctrinated and well on their way to becoming faithful and productive citizens. The State religion and cutting-edge science combine to create new ways to make citizens safe, and to hound and hunt those who do not conform. Everything is "perfect" in this controlled and policed system, until one fateful night a man happens to break the routine. --IANS mg/vm/ky/sac Rajya Sabha adjourned till noon Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) The Rajya Sabha on Friday got adjourned till noon amid chaos as the opposition sought an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his reported remarks that opposition parties favoured black money. Soon after the House met, opposition members were on their feet demanding Modi's apology. The Leader of the Opposition, Ghulam Nabi Azad, said it was promised on Thursday that Modi would sit through the debate on demonetisation but he did not. But he made remarks that the opposition was unhappy with the government's decision to demonetise high value currency because it was not given any time to "save" its unaccounted money. BSP chief Mayawati, Naresh Aggarwal of the Samajwadi Party and others in the opposition echoed the sentiments. Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav said Modi's remarks were "a serious allegation against the opposition parties". The Prime Minister should come to the House and apologise, they demanded. The Chair then adjourned the house till noon. --IANS sk/mr Fear looms large of demonetised Indian notes entering Bhutan Bhutan,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Diplomacy,Business/Economy, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Thimphu, Nov 25 (IANS) With a sudden demonetisation of old Rs 500 and 1,000 notes in India, fears of black money entering Bhutan looms large, with concerns about its impact on the country's export market. During a sudden check in Phuentsholing, a business hub bordering the India-Thimphu National Highway, police stopped a taxi carrying Rs 700,000 in Rs 1,000 notes which were demonetised on November 8. The taxi was travelling from Bhutan-India border town of Phuentsholing to Thimphu, Xinhua news agency reported. The money was found hidden in a black plastic under passenger's seat. Since India is Bhutan's largest export and import market, the demonetisation has affected the sale of Bhutan's cash crops like potatoes and oranges, upsetting local farmers. Indian rupees are prevalent in Bhutan due to trade and hydropower projects, which are mostly joint ventures of the two countries. The Central Bank of Bhutan had held a discussion with the Reserve Bank of India following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's move. It also announced a brief window depositing the old notes into bank accounts. According to Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) of Bhutan, Indian rupees account for 30 per cent of the country's international exchange reserves amounting to about Rs 27 billion ($390 million). Starting November 9, the RMA allowed withdrawal and exchange of Rs 10,000 per month. But the withdrawal was reduced to Rs 5,000 per person since November 23. Both the government and central bank has been cautioning people to refrain from any such activities and not to get involved in rupee transaction for others. Since the demonetisation, the central bank in Bhutan has collected around 1.2 billion in Rs 500 and 1,000 notes. --IANS py/vm Honors : An American Library Association Notable Children ' s Book A Junior Library Guild Selection A Children ' s Choices title A Capitol Choices Noteworthy Book for Children and Teens An Association for Library Service to Children Notable Children ' s Book A Sydney Taylor Notable Book of Jewish Content Kirkus Reviews " best of the year " list New York Public Library ' s " 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing " Starred reviews : " Vibrant and well-researched...Nobleman details this achievement with a zest amplified by MacDonald ' s...punchy illustrations " Publishers Weekly " This robust treatment does [Shuster and Siegel's] story justice " Booklist " The battle for truth and justice is truly never-ending " Kirkus Reviews Other coverage : , Life section USA Today cover story , Life section " [N]o library in the world could object to the book's style and panache. [T]his is one biography that's going to lure the kids like nothing else. More fun than any children's biography has any right to be " Fuse #8 ( School Library Journal ; four out of five stars) " Fascinating " Horn Book " Sure to become a classic example of the genre " Families Online " Wonderfulyoung readerswill find thistitle appealing and thereby ensure that future generations recall the amazing story behind Superman's creation as well. Wait, did I say 'recall'? Strike thatmake it 'will be inspired by' instead. This book is that good " Firefox News " Touching... The illustrated section...is upbeat, entertaining, and informative...the [well-crafted] afterword shows the shadow side of the great American dream. ...Nobleman is equally adept at both stories " Boston Globe " Surprisingly poignant " San Francisco Chronicle " Haunting " Geek Monthly " Excellent " GeekDad (WIRED) " A-minus " A.V. Club " Engrossing...wonderful " Scripps Howard News Service " I was completely mesmerized by this book from the first instant I opened it. I loved every page, and every word. Boys of Steel transported me; it made me feel young; it moved me to tears. Honest to God, it did! It caused my black heart to melt. The book is absolutely fantastic, the book is tremendous, the book is a huge achievement " Robby Reed, DIAL B for BLOG " Expertly crafted...entertaining and good looking...a real winner " Tripwire " I have to praise this wonderful book. It has something for children and adults, fans of comics and otherwise...I don ' t use the word a lot, but the book is very charming " PLAYBACK:stl " Terrific...elegantly laid down " Comics Waiting Room King Mohammed VI, who is visiting Madagascar within the frame of a new African tour, visited Wednesday, Antsirabe Mosque which the Sovereign re-named after his grandfather late king Mohammed V. The Moroccan monarch, Commander of the Faithful, also performed a prayer at the mosque and donated copies of the holy Quran to the local Muslim community and the mosques of Madagascar. On this occasion, Abdelhak Lamrini, historiographer of the Kingdom, offered the King photos showing late king Mohammed V delivering the Friday sermon at the Antsirabe mosque, while others show late king Mohammed V, leading the Friday prayer. Prince Moulay Hassan who was then crown prince was performing the prayer behind him. For his part, president of the mosque management committee offered the King an album of three pictures of the royal family inside the mosque. The Mohammed V mosque in Antsirabe was revamped upon the instructions of King Mohammed VI to pay homage to and honor his late Grandfather, who devoted all his life to the struggle for the liberation of his country from colonialism. The name of Antsirabe will remain engraved in the national memory because the city welcomed the late sovereign and his family during their exile that is a landmark in the Moroccan history and the national struggle for the recovery of Independence. Despite the ever increasing Sino-Algerian economic relations, Algeria falls short of attracting significant Chinese Foreign Direct Investments unlike its neighbor Morocco where authorities set incentives for foreign investors, said the leading US think tank, Carnegei Middle East, in an article on its website. The article, signed by Dalia Ghanem-Yazbeck and Lina Benabdallah, notes that while China has surpassed France as the largest importer into Algeria, the North African country receives only 6% of Chinese investments in Africa. The authors advice the Algerian government to take measures to increase Chinese investments by drawing lessons from Morocco where authorities recently removed visa requirements for investors from China, which will boost the number of Chinese tourists and investors in the kingdom. The article, titled the Chinese Syndrome, highlights the unattractiveness of the business climate in Algeria where strict regulations are partially responsible for discouraging investment. The authors shed light on a set of unfavorable legislations such as the one on joint ventures by which a foreign investor cannot own more than 49% of a project. That explains why Chinese investments in Algeria have been mostly limited to commercial loans, while Chinese FDIs in Algeria, estimated at $1.5 billion, are not exceeding 0.3% of total overseas Chinese FDI, says the article. The authors shed light on the lack of skilled labor in Algeria which propels Chinese companies to bring Chinese workers whose numbers in Algeria rose from 22,000 in 2013 to 55,000 in 2015, explaining that this impacts the transfer of technology from the Chinese to Algerians.. Algerians have little access to managerial positions. Thats because assigned employment quotas do not stipulate the kind of positions Algerians are supposed to occupy in joint projects. Hence, Algerians tend to hold blue-collar positions as janitors, security guards, drivers, said the authors of the paper. Morocco thanked the eight Arab countries that showed respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity by withdrawing from the Arab-African Summit in which representatives of the separatist SADR entity were present, and on the same occasion deplores that Kuwait did not follow suit. This came in a statement released by Moroccos foreign ministry which showed gratitude for the principled decision taken by eight Arab countries during the Arab-African summit in Equatorial Guineas capital, Malabo, November 21-23. The countries that decided to leave the summit did so to stress that cooperation between the Arab League and the African Union is only limited to UN member states in keeping with the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, principles which are enshrined in the first Moroccan-GCC summit, held on April 2016, the statement said. The statement deplored the Kuwaiti position, in its quality of co-chairman of the summit, adding that Kuwait had better ensure that the principles of respect for states sovereignty and territorial integrity are upheld by the Arab and the African blocs in the summit. In addition to Morocco, the eight Arab countries that pulled out from the summit in protest over the presence of the flag of the Algerian-backed separatist entity SADR are Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Sultanate of Oman, Jordan, Yemen and Somalia. President al-Sisi of Egypt has confirmed that his government has been providing support to the Libyan National Army (LNA) under the command of Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar. The Egyptian president stated that it is our countrys priority to back up national armies, for example in Libya, to assert control over Libyan territories and deal with extremist elements. Haftar is loyal to the Torbuk-based House of Representatives that has been reluctant to approve the Libya Political Agreement to legitimize the UN-backed Government of National Accord. There have been reports that Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provide logistical and military support to the LNA and had sometimes launched airstrikes on their opponents. Khalifa Haftar had increased the area under the control of the LNA with the launch of the Dignity Operation in May 2014 claiming that he was combating the al-Qaeda militants cum ISIS. Egypt and the UAE reportedly contributed to the success of the operation as the unidentified warplanes that had participated in the process were from UAE and used Egypts western military bases to launch its attacks before the establishment of its airbase in Al-Marij city, eastern of Libya. Cairos implication in the Libyan war and its support to the LNA can be considered as a preventive measure and an extension of its fight against extremist groups in the Sinai. The border between the two countries is notorious for the trafficking and smuggling of arms. Given that extremist groups in both countries have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, their cooperation is a sign of mutual assistance in complementing each others effort and shortcomings. Reports are also emerging that Egypt has sent pilots to Syria to support President Assad regime against armed opposition groups supported by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and even UAE. Meanwhile, President Essebsi of Tunisia also confirmed that the US is flying drones in Tunisia to prevent military and potential attacks from Libyan borders but claimed that they are not offensive because they are for surveillance purposes as part of their intelligence sharing agreement. He gave assurances that the drones do not pose any direct threat for any neighboring country, notably Algeria. A day after the European Parliament (EP) voted in favor of a nonbinding resolution to freeze talks on the adhesion of Turkey to the European Union (EU), President Erdogan blasted the EU bloc that the results have no value in our eyes and warned on Friday that Turkey could ease access to the EU by opening its borders. The resolution accused Ankara of disproportionate repressive measures in the aftermath of the failed July military coup and it was supported by 479 of the MPs while 37 voted against it. Erdogan, speaking at a womens rights conference, reminded the EP that Turkey is hosting around 3,5 million refugees, UN agencies estimated it around 2.5 million refugees by the end of 2015, after accusing them of having never treated humanity honestly (and) fairly. He warned that Ankara will sideline the migrant deal reached with the EU in March if Europe goes further with its empty threats. Under the agreement, Turkey will receive expelled migrants in exchange for an aid package for refugees and an acceleration of its membership talks. The whole process now seems to be in jeopardy as the Turkish president stressed that Europe was worried when 50,000 immigrants reached (the border town) of Kapikule, it will have much more to be concerned about if it doesnt stop its threats because those border gates will be opened. Do not forget, the west needs Turkey, he said. EU states will be holding their ordinary summit in December but they are not expected to support the resolution voted by the EP as migrant issues have already drove a wedge between the governments. Relations between Turkey and the EU are at their lowest level. Erdogan had accused Turkeys Western friends of their lack of support in the failed coup and the failure to keep their promises. During each of his visits to African countries, King Mohammed VI makes sure to reach out to Muslim communities by promoting the values of tolerance, moderation and justice preached by Islam. This Friday, in the mosque of Antananarivo, the Moroccan monarch attended a Friday prayer marked by a sermon in the French language highlighting the values of cooperation between nations in favor of humanitys coexistence and well-being. The Khotba (Friday sermon) cites verses from the Holy Quran and Prophet Mohammeds sayings which call for cooperation and solidarity between nations. In this regards, the Moroccan Imam, who was speaking French to make the sermon intelligible to worshipers, stressed that religions are unanimous in upholding the values of love, justice, abnegation, altruism and peace. The sermon also underscored that Islam, as is the case with other religions, can never be hijacked by a group of extremists, adding that Muslims around the globe will remain attached and faithful to the lofty values of their religion. The Imam noted that King Mohammed VIs visit to Madagascar is bringing love, cooperation and good advice in keeping up with the precepts of Islam, adding that the Moroccan monarch is on a pilgrimage to pay tribute to the land that hosted his late grandfather Mohammed V, during his exile in 1954 by the French authorities. The sermon also shed light on the era when the two countries were fighting for their independence, recalling in this respect the Khotba delivered by late King Mohammed V in the mosque of Antsirabe, central Madagascar. The Imam welcomed the peace and harmony prevailing between the followers of different religions in Madagascar, calling on the Malagasy Muslims to ensure the perpetuation of their countrys inter-religious coexistence and safeguard Islam from extremist attempts to sow discord and animosity within the Malagasy society. At the end of the prayer, the Monarch donated copies of the holy Quran to the authorities in charge of managing religious affairs in Madagascar. The Quran copies, published by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Holy Quran Publication, will be distributed in the different mosques of Madagascar. King Mohammed VI, who is in Madagascar as part of a second leg of a second phase of an African tour, visited on Wednesday the city of Antsirabe where his late grandfather Mohammed V was exiled. On the occasion of this visit, the Monarch re-named the mosque of Antsirabe after the late King Mohammed V and donated copies of the holy Quran to the local Muslim community. Last June, Morocco launched the Mohammed VI Foundation for African Ulemas, an academic institution based in Fez that aims at uniting the efforts of Muslim scholars to promote tolerant Islam and counter extremism and radicalization on the continent. The new institution is also part of Moroccos religious training programs which gained momentum with the launch in March 2015 of the leading Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams in Rabat, providing training to hundreds of Imams from Africa and beyond. A rebel fighter reacts in northern Syrian on November 25. Photo: NAZEER AL-KHATIB/AFP/Getty Images The conflict in Syria claimed the life of an American service member, the first to die fighting ISIS in the war-torn country since the U.S. military deployed Special Operations Forces in 2015, reports the Washington Post. The service member, who has not yet been identified, was reportedly killed by an improvised explosive device, buried on a roadside near Ayn Issa, a town in northern Syria about 35 miles from the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa. I am deeply saddened by the news on this Thanksgiving Day that one of our brave servicemembers has been killed in Syria while protecting us from the evil of ISIL, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said in a statement. It is a painful reminder of the dangers our men and women in uniform face around the world to keep us safe. It's been a difficult Thanksgiving Day for US troops protecting us from ISIL. Here's #SecDef Carter's statement https://t.co/9ij4GLs26q Pentagon Press Sec (@PentagonPresSec) November 24, 2016 The United States has about 500 troops in Syria who are providing technical and logistical support and training to Arab and Kurdish fighters that make up the coalition thats trying to defeat the Islamic State. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said last month that operations to retake Raqqa would begin in the coming weeks, an offensive that will launch as Iraqi troops are also fighting to wrench Mosul, Iraq, from ISIS control. Iraqi and Kurdish peshmerga forces have pushed deeper into Mosul, where the Islamic State is putting up a fierce resistance. More than 5,000 extremist fighters are believed to be embedded in the city, and about a million civilians remain trapped in Mosul with them. But retaking Mosul, Iraqs second largest city, and Syrias Raqqa, which ISIS considers the capital of its caliphate, would deal a crushing blow to the jihadist group. You might be next. Photo: Marco Bertorello/AFP/Getty Images When squirrels decide to get involved in local politics, things can get a little nuts. So discovered Chicago Alderman Howard Brookins, who decided to use his authority to go after the bushy-tailed pests, and who now follows civic issues from a hospital bed. Last month, Alderman Brookins railed against aggressive squirrels that he claimed were running out of control. The squirrels, he said in what the Chicago Tribune described as fiery city council speeches were merciless in going after the neighborhood trash cans. Literally I can have a brand new can drop and within a couple days, the squirrels have eaten a hole through it, Brookins reported to his disinterested fellow citizens. His concerns, according to the Chicago Sun Times were met with laughter. Well, nobody is laughing anymore. Just weeks after Alderman Brookins bravely spoke out, the squirrels decided to fight back. On November 13, while he was riding through the park, one leapt into the spokes of his bike, sending him tumbling. Lest you doubt the destructive potential of a suicidal squirrel, just take a look at Brookinss Facebook post following the attack. He was knocked unconscious by the fall and seriously injured. He broke his nose, fractured his skull, and lost a few teeth, leaving him in need of multiple surgeries and facing a months-long recovery. I am sorry to report that I will be unable to attend any Ward or neighborhood events for the near future as I was... Posted by Alderman Howard B Brookins Jr on Sunday, November 20, 2016 And the squirrel paid the ultimate price. Thats his broken body, threaded through spokes of the bicycles front wheel. Still, the squirrels got exactly what they wanted: Brookins wont be able to attend meetings anytime soon. They may have broken his bones, but the squirrels havent been able to break Brookinss spirit. He still has a sense of humor about he whole thing, though he has no doubt about exactly what went down: I can think of no other reason for this squirrels actions than that it was like a suicide bomber, getting revenge. Jill Stein. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images Experts have been quietly petitioning Hillary Clintons campaign to request a recount in three key states Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan that Trump won to rule out an unlikely but possible cyberattack. Some Clinton supporters and conspiracy enthusiasts are onboard, though it does not appear the campaign agrees; the Clinton team has not made any moves to file for a recount by the imminent deadlines. But another woman presidential candidate has: Jill Stein, of the Green Party, has now raised more than $5 million (of a $7 million goal) to file for recounts in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan which will likely end up being more money than her presidential campaign raised in 2016. Stein met her original grassroots-fundraising goal of $2.5 million on Thursday. She then increased that to $4.5 million, and later $7 million as the Stein campaign apparently recalibrated to account for attorneys fees and other costs. As of Friday afternoon, according to the fundraising page, Stein has enough money for recounts in Wisconsin whose deadline is Friday, at 5 p.m. ET, and which the campaign says it will meet and Pennsylvania, where the filing date is Monday. Michigans deadline is Wednesday. Stein herself wont really stand to benefit from any recount she won around one percent of the vote in those states, though her vote count in Michigan and Wisconsin does, so far, exceed Trumps margin of victory over Clinton. Stein concedes that she has no proof of hacking, telling CNN, Were not saying hacking or fraud has necessarily taken place. I dont think we have evidence of that. But I think its only natural, and its good for Americans to be reassured that our votes are counted especially after such a divisive and bitter election. The Green Party candidate also said on the fundraising page that the effort is not intended to help Clinton. The recounts, even if they happen, are unlikely to fulfill Clinton supporters deepest desires and change the ultimate outcome of the 2016 election and many Democrats see this recount as a crass stunt on the Green Partys part to raise its profile. But despite Trumps lead in the Electoral College, Clintons advantage in the popular vote has surpassed 2 million. Trump won Wisconsin and Pennsylvania by 0.8 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively, and is edging out Clinton in Michigan with a mere 0.2 percent of the vote. As Gabriel Sherman first reported in New York: The academics presented findings showing that in Wisconsin, Clinton received 7 percent fewer votes in counties that relied on electronic-voting machines compared with counties that used optical scanners and paper ballots. Based on this statistical analysis, Clinton may have been denied as many as 30,000 votes; she lost Wisconsin by 27,000. While its important to note the group has not found proof of hacking or manipulation, they are arguing to the campaign that the suspicious pattern merits an independent review especially in light of the fact that the Obama White House has accused the Russian government of hacking the Democratic National Committee. Even those experts who have urged a recount said Russian interference is still the least likely explanation for Trumps win though an audit would rule it a hack and quash lingering conspiracy theories. And this new push for a recount comes as more evidence emerges of just how eager the Kremlin was to meddle in the United States elections. The Washington Post reported Friday on a new study that describes how a Russian propaganda campaign created and disseminated English-language fake news, which was designed to cast a shadow over both Hillary Clinton and the American democratic system. Per the Post: Russias increasingly sophisticated propaganda machinery including thousands of botnets, teams of paid human trolls, and networks of websites and social-media accounts echoed and amplified right-wing sites across the Internet as they portrayed Clinton as a criminal hiding potentially fatal health problems and preparing to hand control of the nation to a shadowy cabal of global financiers. The effort also sought to heighten the appearance of international tensions and promote fear of looming hostilities with nuclear-armed Russia. All kinds of fake news the Pope endorsing Trump, for example outperformed legitimate stories on social media during the elections. But, per the report in the Post, Russia helped generate bogus reports on about 200 sites, which were seen by more than 15 million Americans and such fake stories had as many as 213 million views on Facebook. In other words, Putin and the Kremlin neednt have rigged electronic voting machines to get the election outcome it wanted. President-elect Donald Trump and investor Wilbur Ross pose for a photo following their meeting at Trump International Golf Club, November 20, 2016, in Bedminster Township, New Jersey. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images The King of Bankruptcy is likely going to become the United States secretary of Commerce. President-elect Donald Trump is expected to pick billionaire investor Wilbur Ross, a businessman who made his money and got the nickname buying up fledgling companies in distressed industries such as steel, coal, and textiles. Ross, whos 78 and worth an estimated $3 billion, donated bigly to the Trump campaign and advised the GOP presidential candidate on economic policy, helping to shape his populist message. Ross shares Trumps antipathy to the United States trade deals, including the now-dead Trans-Pacific Partnership. Ross has also been critical of China, and, as Commerce secretary, hell potentially be in charge of overseeing trade disputes with the country. Ross has also advocated slashing the corporate tax rate and restricting regulations, particularly in the energy sector. According to The Wall Street Journal, Ross has reportedly said he will divest his investment if he joins the Trump administration, effectively ending his business career. Trumps billionaire Commerce pick is in keeping with recent tradition. Penny Pritzker, the current Commerce secretary, is also a billionaire businesswoman, and former finance chair of Barack Obamas 2008 presidential campaign. But considering Pritzker was a key player in the formation of TPP, a potential Ross Commerce Department is already shaping up to be vastly different. Another superrich, conservative businessman will likely join the Commerce team as deputy Commerce secretary: Todd Ricketts, son of TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts and Cubs co-owner. The Ricketts family (with the exception of Laura, Todds sister) are long-time Republican donors, though Todd and the rest of the clan initially opposed Trump and forked over millions to defeat Trump in the primaries. (Todd Ricketts supported also-ran Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin.) I hear the Rickets family, who own the Chicago Cubs, are secretly spending $'s against me. They better be careful, they have a lot to hide! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 22, 2016 But in the fall, Joe Ricketts did an about-face and donated a reported $1 million to pro-Trump super-PACs, and Todd Ricketts helped raise millions to help elect the candidate which apparently smoothed things over between the two camps. Of course, if the rumors are true, Ricketts may not be the only NeverTrump-er to find his way into the new administration. Exxon has been a first choice for institutional investors because of its stable performance over the decadesand of course, its dividend policy. But times are changing, and investors today are paying more attention to climate change and a companys preparedness for the seemingly unavoidable transition to a lower-carbon economy in most parts of the world. The latest report from CDP should worry the top management of Exxon and that of its peer Chevron. It should worry them very much. One must adapt to survive a fact that Old Spice, who effectively reinvented itself to keep up with the next generation, knows all too well. The CDP is an organization that tracks environmental data from a variety of major companies, and supplies this data to a network of 827 large investors who have combined assets under management of US$100 trillion. Members of this network include Norways Oil Fund and Blackstone Group. And we know that major investors and institutions are backing away from companies perceived as environmentally unfriendlyand oil seems to be taking the brunt of this divestment craze, which critics may view as ineffective and misguided, but a reality nonetheless. The message to the oil industry is a clear one: go gas or go home. The CDPs latest report ranks 11 energy supermajors on the degree of their preparedness for a lower-carbon economy. Exxon came in tenth, a spot below Chevron, and one spot above Suncor. The Canadian oil sands giant was the worst performer, precisely because it is an oil sands giant. This is rather bad or even a bit humiliating, given that even Brazils Petrobras, the mismanaged company with the biggest debt load in the industry, is ahead of both Exxon and Chevron, at number 7. Related: Japan Is Aggressively Buying Up Oil And Gas Around The World The top performers are, in descending order, Norways Statoil, Italian Eni, and French Total. The 11 companies were rated in terms of their fossil fuel asset mix, which is why Statoil received such a high score because it has the most gas in its overall mix, which is not nearly as frowned upon as its dirty cousin, oil. Shell (at #4) also has a wealth of gas reserves after the acquisition of BG Group, as does BP, which is why its been ranked at #5. The other metrics that defined the final score were capital flexibility, climate governance and strategy, emissions and resource management, and water resilience, the latter referring to a companys exposure to water stress problems, which, says the CDP, could halt production or increase costs. Based on these metrics, Exxon and Chevron are not managing their upstream business very efficiently, according to the reporta finding thats bound to give investors pause, which is not so good for the two companies, especially Exxon, which already was strong-armed by a group of investors to acknowledge even the existence of climate change and to provide a place on its board for a climate scientist. Related: A Thanksgiving Tale: 50 Million Turkeys And A 5 Billion Mile Drive According to the CDP, Exxons biggest problems have to do with emissions and climate governance and strategy, although in terms of capital flexibility, it scored better than others on the list. Chevron, which, according to its website, last year scored 99 points on CDPs 2015 Climate Change Report, was downgraded by the organization for its emissions and the low portion of gas in its asset mix, at just 31 percent. This, however, is set to change, the group notes, with Gorgon and Wheatstone, two of the largest LNG projects in the world. Gas, it seems, is a huge factor when ranking the energy supermajors on the list. Many see it as a bridge fuel between oil and zero-emission renewables, so the solid preparation for a lower-carbon economy logically includes growing their exposure to gas. Based on this, if the worst performers take heed of CDPs findings, we might see some increased exploration and M&A activity in gas in the near future. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: In what is now the umpteenth twist in highly-charged OPEC rhetoric in recent days, the cartels biggest producer and de factor leader, Saudi Arabia, has reportedly told the organization that it would not attend talks with non-OPEC producers on output cuts, which were supposed to take place on Monday in Vienna. Instead, Saudi Arabia wants OPEC members to agree on a deal before sitting down with non-OPEC producers, in a sign that the details of any non-OPEC support, if any is to be had at all, will not be ironed out until after the meeting on 30 November. It also may mean that Saudi Arabia finds any non-OPEC talks pointless without having their own issues are sorted out (issues that mainly include Iran at this point, and possibly Iraq). A sentiment that has been echoed by Russia in the past, who had previously agreed to freeze production if OPEC first agreed on a deal amongst themselves. Without Saudi Arabia in attendance, OPEC and non-OPEC nations are scheduled to meet on November 28, just two days before the OPEC ministerial meeting on November 30. A meeting that that many hope will finalize the much-hyped production cuts plan aimed at lifting crude oil prices. Since OPEC has not reached agreement there is no need to have a meeting with non-OPEC. If these problems are still ongoing what is the point of meeting? the Financial Times reported on Friday, quoting a person familiar with the Saudi oil policy. Next week, OPEC is set to discuss a cut by all members except Nigeria and Libyaa plan which will cut by between 4 percent and 4.5 percent of their output, Reuters reported earlier this week, quoting OPEC sources. Related: OPEC Cuts To Hurt Crude Carrier Industry, Lower Shipping Rates However, Iran and Iraq continue to be the stumbling blocks to a deal, demanding special treatment because of sanctions and the war on Islamic State, and disputing OPECs secondary sources data which puts their respective production lower by a couple of hundred thousand barrels per day. Iraq stunned the markets just a day after reports of the 4-4.5 percent cut circulated. Baghdad signaled that it may be willing to cut, because whatever it could lose with lower production, it would gain with higher oil revenues. The Saudi unwillingness to attend a meeting with non-OPEC producers -which include Russia - until an all-OPEC deal is first agreed upon, may also be viewed as a statement about just how fed up Saudi Arabia is with Iranianand possibly Iraqiobstinacy. Just yesterday, the oil minister of Azerbaijan, Natig Aliyev, was quoted as saying the cartel now may demand cuts from non-OPEC nations too, and may want non-OPEC producers to cut production by as much as 880,000 bpd. Russia, which has said it supports a freeze but has never spoken or backed cuts to its own production, floated the concept of a pro-forma cut, saying that by keeping its production fixed, it would be an effective cut to its 2017 production plan. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Sometimes a setback results in the opportunity to approach things in an entirely new way. Such was the case for Matthew Janzen, author of the "State of Craft Beer," a photographic journey depicting the stories behind the Wisconsin brewing industry. After a summer Kickstarter campaign meant to raise funds for the printing of his book came up short, Janzen says he was forced to look at the project with new eyes. "Im really not discouraged," he says. "We reached a large number of people and raised a good amount of money. But, I placed too much faith in Kickstarter as a platform to reach more people. If I could do this all over again, I would have put more energy into emailing and marketing to drive people to my website to pre-order the book." And thats exactly what he decided to do. This fall, Janzen launched a new website, stateofcraft.beer, through which he has been soliciting pre-orders for the book that he anticipates will go to print by February or March. To offset costs, Janzen says he's secured pre-orders from around 45 of the breweries featured in the book, with a commitment to sell the books in their tasting rooms beginning in late winter or early spring of 2017. The "State of Craft Beer" includes stories about breweries and suppliers throughout the state, including New Glarus Brewing, whose founder and president, Deb Carey is pictured here. The book "At its essence, the book tells the story of how beer is transformed from raw products into the liquid that is poured into your glass," says Janzen. Janzen got his first taste of craft beer at Landmark Lanes during a United Adworkers bowling league outing. "It was a New Glarus Moon Man," he recalls. "And the way I always tell the story is that the beer hit my nose before it touched my lips." The experience opened up his eyes to a new world; in fact, Janzen says he got a bit obsessed. "I started doing all the reading I could about craft beer," he says. "I subscribed to all the news digests. I also started drinking more beer. Id take trips down to Chicago to check out the beer there." Despite a degree in journalism, advertising and media studies from UWM, Janzen says he simply couldn't get excited about the work hed been doing since he graduated from college. "I wasn't passionate about my work," Janzen says. "But I was passionate about beer. And I wanted to learn more about the industry." So, Janzen decided to pursue two of his passions: beer and photography. He quit his job and took a year to travel across the state, touring breweries, chatting with brewers and visiting places that were integral to the beer brewing process. In the end, he toured 125 facilities including 95 breweries, farms, purveyors and companies like Quality Tank Solutions, Peterson Precision Custom Stainless and AJS Inc., a tap handle manufacturing plant. He documented his journey with photographs. "Along the way, after getting lots of questions from people about what I was going to do with the photos," he says. "And, at one point, someone asked if I was doing a book." Janzen says hed never thought of putting his photos into a book. But, from that point on, the idea took root. Janzen partnered with friend and designer Chris Walker to come up with a plan to bring the book to life. Along the way, he decided this couldnt just be an ordinary book. "At some juncture, I decided that a book about craft beer should be a unique, handcrafted local product," he says. So, he made the decision to look to local companies for the process. The book, he says, will be printed by Van Lanen in Green Bay. The paper will be sourced from Appleton Coated. And the binding will be done in Germantown at Reindel Bindery. "It seems contradictory to me to write a book about local Wisconsin breweries and then send it off to China to be printed. It should be printed here, by people in this state. And Im going to do whats right, if I can." Copies of the "State of Craft Beer" are available for pre-order online $35 each. Customers wont be immediately charged for the transaction. The book is expected to be printed in late February or March. The latest Milwaukee Mocktails: Tre Rivali and The Outsider Summer is just around the corner - and one of my favorite spots to take in the season, and a couple of refreshing mocktails, is the combination of Tre Rivali and The Outsider. Progressives should stop laughing at Donald Trump and instead applaud him. He is saying many things that progressives can agree on. For Trump to be diverting Republicans from their sterile rhetoric of God, gay marriage, abortion and empire is a good thing. He is a complement to Bernie Sanders who has his own populist message for Democrats. Like Sanders, Trump is talking about healthcare, women's health, education, building infrastructure, re-industrializing America, employment and the American Dream, that used to have more opportunity for the middle class. It is some of the same issues that progressives have been talking about for a long time. Those issues are resonating with so-called conservatives now too. That and Trump's brute personality are packing in adoring crowds for his campaign speeches. Progressives should be thanking Trump. On Friday, Donald Trump held a Town Hall at Winnacunnet High School in Hampton, New Hampshire to an overflowing crowd of excited supporters. His biggest applause line came when he said he did not have time to be politically correct. It was an obvious reference to the media brouhaha over his bloody remarks about Fox News Megyn Kelly. The mainstream media and pundits have wishfully, and wrongly, proclaimed Trump's political demise. It is premature, as Trump's poll numbers are skyrocketing, confounding professional politicians and talking heads. The media is pulling their hair out because Trump will not obediently die according to their predictions. Trump's growing fans are loving his combat with the media and his populist message that he says comes from his big heart. As evidence that he is genuine he bragged that he does not need notes nor a teleprompter for his speeches. Nor did he miss the opportunity to ridicule Obama as being lost for words when his teleprompter goes down. Trump scolds the media every chance he gets and called them dishonest on quoting him out of context for saying that the American Dream is dead. Trump's message is that he is sincere and Bush-3 and the other candidates are just full of empty words that are paid for by their contributors and special interests. Trump is not bashful when he says he has bought all of them himself when they came calling and mocked them as being his puppets. Trump says that transparency of campaign contributions would help fix the political system and that the public has a right to know who is giving money to whom. Who can disagree with that although we need to get rid of Citizens United too? Trump's no nonsense style and straight talk is why he is exciting crowds. Many voters are tired of the monotonous drone of candidates that bore them with issues that only serve political donors. People are sick of the same old fake-issue stump speeches about theoretical threats from Iran, ISIS and Putin. Trump does a hit-n-run at those issues and then moves on to bread-n-butter that his fans really seem to care about. He blasts politicians for being "stupid" to let Mexico and China take away factories and jobs. That is a clear anti free-trade agreement message and he even dusted off H. Ross Perot's 1992 metaphor of NAFTA's loud sucking sound (watch) of jobs leaving the country. Progressives and conservatives can be united to defeat the Trans Pacific Trade Agreement (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Most people want to hear about issues that affect them personally in their daily lives such as preserving Social Security. That is why Trump got a big applause Friday when he said that he is not going to cut Social Security. Whether he really means what he said, and not what he did not say, about Social Security is the unknown for now. Regardless it is great to hear crowds cheering Social Security again. Social Security was once a lightning rod that no politicians could touch without it killing them. Let us hope that Social Security is an issue that will make or break a political candidate again in 2016. By now almost everybody in the 99% knows that a so-called reform of Social Security is not a good thing for them. When it comes to the economy, the issue that Trump keeps coming back to is re-industrializing the U.S. He calls it rebuilding America and the American Dream. That is what he is talking about when he says repeatedly that he would stop Ford from building a $2.5 billion automobile factory in Mexico instead of in the U.S. The way he says he would stop Ford cold is by threatening Ford with a 35% tariff on imported autos and parts coming into the U.S. from the proposed Mexican plant. Trump says that he would renegotiate U.S. trade agreements and he has slammed the Trans Pacific Partnership. Trump called U.S. politicians stupid for allowing the outsourcing of U.S. factories and jobs to China. In his no nonsense style, the way he put it is that the U.S. gave China everything plus now we owe them $1.5 trillion dollars in accumulated debt. He ridiculed policy makers as incompetent for allowing that to happen. Trump shines for the crowd when he brags about being a rich businessman that knows how to be a tough and a smart negotiator. He says he will use those talents for the benefit of the American people. In his Town Hall speech Trump criticized Bush-2 and Obama for the Iraq War as being reckless and he is on the record as opposing the war since 2003. He implied that the Iraq War wasted thousands of U.S. lives and trillions of dollars and then he said that Bush-2 and Obama stupidly let China take the Iraqi oil. He had harsh words for George Bush for taking out Saddam Hussein and destabilizing the balance between the opposing twin powers of Iraq and Iran. Trump is saying what progressives have been saying all along: that the U.S. is responsible for destabilizing the Middle East and it was not in the interest of the American people. Trump is enjoying Jeb Bush's painfully conflicted statements on the Iraq War that his brother started with lies. Trump talked big on infrastructure at his Town Hall in New Hampshire. Somebody from the audience asked him if he favored renewing the space program and sending a man to Mars. Trump said that it would be "nice" but first he is going to rebuild U.S. airports. He spoke of dilapidated La-Guardia and Kennedy airports and compared them to modern and luxurious airports around the world, such as in China, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Trump said that he wants to rebuild crumbling roads, schools and bridges in America too. How can progressives disagree with that? Like the other Republicans, Trump says he wants to get rid of Obamacare but for different reasons than the others. He did not use the usual swipe that Obamacare is socialism. Instead he talked about replacing Obamacare with "something better" and breaking the health insurance monopoly with free-market competition with teeth. Without elaborating, he even repeatedly promised that he is going to be better than any Republican or Democrat on women's health. Trump rightly said too that insurance companies are driving up medical costs because they do not have to compete. Trump claims that he has shunned big campaign contributors and he says he can take on insurance companies and big business. He even told the audience not to buy Oreo Cookies because Nabisco is relocating a factory to Mexico. Can anybody imagine another candidate calling for a boycott of a U.S. corporation and holding it up for public shaming? John F. Kennedy's taking on the steel companies popped into my mind, although it is a lot easier to smash a cookie than the U.S. steel industry. The point is not that progressives should support Trump, but they should be applauding him. My message is that Trump is talking about many of the same issue that progressives have been talking about for a long time: issues such as reindustrialization, infrastructure projects, Social Security, healthcare, education and trade agreements. Wouldn't it be great if progressives and conservatives could actually talk more to each other and agree on many things? Even better if we can get politicians to act on the things on which we agree. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). by Sen. Doug Whitsett Governor Kate Brown pledged to increase transparency and accountability in Oregon state government after she took office in early 2015 following Governor John Kitzhabers resignation under a cloud of ethics challenges related to alleged influence peddling. Since her inauguration as Oregons 38th Governor, editorials and articles published in multiple news outlets throughout the state have questioned whether she has lived up to that pledge. The fact of the matter is that little ethics reform has been accomplished during the nearly two years since Brown became Governor. Legislators on both sides of the aisle have introduced several ethics reform bills. Only three ethics bills were enacted and signed into law during the 2015 session. Each of those bills appeared to originate in the Governors office and provided only limited ethics reform on topics that were hot in media reporting, such as disclosure of public records, executive influence peddling and the effectiveness of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC). Senate Bill 9 directed the Secretary of States office to audit state agency public records practices regarding retention and disclosure and report the results of the audit to the Legislative Assembly. The bill changes no other law and requires no other action. HB 2020 amended state statute to provide a definition for first partner and expand the definition of public official to include the newly defined first partner. It is widely believed the bill was introduced and passed due to the allegations of influence peddling surrounding former Governor Kitzhabers fiancee Cylvia Hayes. HB 2019 expanded the membership of the OGEC from seven to nine members. It also made procedural changes in how the OGEC addresses complaints, enhanced the Legislatures role in making appointments of ethics commissioners and appropriated nearly half a million additional dollars to the Commission. Many other bills were introduced during the 2015 session aimed at enhancing government transparency and accountability. A number of those concepts had significant bipartisan support. However, Democrats controlling both the House and the Senate actively prevented most of them from being enacted into law. Senate Democrats voted against bills that would have created a process for the impeachment of dishonest politicians and required statements made by witnesses to legislative committees be made under oath and be subject to charges of false swearing. A bill to require that the name of the legislator requesting amendments to a bill be identified on the proposed amendments also failed to receive a vote. House Democrats voted against bills to require statements made by witnesses to legislative committees be made under oath, allow for the appointment of independent counsel to investigate Executive Branch misconduct, require written or oral statements made by a witness who is an elected official or a person in charge of a public agency be made under oath and placing the liability of wages paid to a public employee during a period of administrative leave due to a pending criminal investigation on the employee if the employee is convicted. Another bill was proposed that would have required information in a voters pamphlet statement to be true. That bill was defeated on party-line votes in both the Senate and the House. The 2016 session saw the passage of HB 4067, which provides protection for government employees who serve as whistleblowers and come forward with information regarding suspected wrongdoing by public officials. HB 3562, a similar bill that made a number of other much-needed changes, did not even receive a hearing during the session that took place in 2015. But aside from that one exception, ethics reform bills didnt fare much better in the 2016 session. Senate Democrats voted against bills prohibiting elected officials from accepting campaign funds from organizations with which they have negotiated, approved or supervised the negotiation of a contract in the previous two years and requiring the name of a legislator requesting amendments to a bill be identified on the proposed amendments. I introduced a bill to end state agency abuse of attorney-client privilege. Even though the bill was co-sponsored by the Senate President, it never received a vote. House Democrats again voted against allowing for the appointment of independent counsel to investigate Executive Branch misconduct. They also opposed legislation allowing legislative review of administrative rules. The Center for Public Integrity (CPI) is a Washington D.C.-based American non-profit investigative journalism organization. Its stated mission is to reveal abuses of power, corruption and dereliction of duty by powerful public and private institutions in order to cause them to operate with honesty, integrity, accountability and to put the public interest first. CPI has previously issued Oregon failing or very low grades in virtually every category the organization evaluated. Failing grades were handed out on Public Access to Information, Executive Accountability, Political Financing, Procurement Lobby Disclosure, Ethics Enforcement Agencies, State Pension Fund Management and Judicial Accountability. Oregon Legislative Accountability did not fare much better receiving a dismal D minus. The States Electoral Oversight received an average C grade. Only the State Budgeting Process was graded better than average by CPI. The fact that the only constitutionally required action of the Oregon Legislative Assembly is to balance the states budget may be responsible for the better B performance. In my opinion, even the state budgeting process may be overrated by CPI. I would recommend the organization take a closer look at the extent to which the state has obligated future generations to pay for current facilities and services by borrowing money through long-term bonding. They should also make a closer evaluation of the States unfunded future liabilities, including PERS and public employee compensation. Much work obviously remains to be accomplished if Oregon is to even achieve average grades. Hopefully, the Democrat Governor and legislative majority will heed the failing grades and work with our Republican minorities to take action during the 2017 Legislative Assembly. Senator Doug Whitsett is the Republican state senator representing Senate District 28 Klamath Falls Doggie Diner Location: Sloat Boulevard at 45th Avenue (Plaque inscription for the Doggie Diner Head, San Francisco city landmark #254): WELCOME TO OCEAN BEACH This sign stood outside the last operating Doggie Diner restaurant (later, 'Carousel') on the N.E. corner of 46th Ave. and Sloat Blvd. Designed in 1966 by graphic artist Harold Bachman (1921-2005) for the popular unionized Bay Area drive-in chain, the Doggie's whimsical style (shades of swing and early auto age cartoons) has delighted generations of visitors to Ocean Beach. A massive grassroots preservation effort, chronicled nationally in the "Zippy the Pinhead" comic strip, led to its acquisition by the City of San Francisco (Dec. 2000). Toppled by wind April 1, 2001, it was restored by the Department of Public Works, returned to its post by Independence Day, and relocated to this median in January, 2005. The last Doggie Diner head (on a pole) makes its home in the outer Sunset District, and since being designated as a landmark it has transcended its origin as a whimsical advertising icon. Started by Al Ross in 1949, the chain of Doggie Diner restaurants were everywhere by the 1960s. The Richmond District alone had three of them, and a three-dimensional (and once rotating) dog head with chef hat glared down gleefully at each of them. Ross sold the chain in 1979, and the last diner to go by the name Doggie Diner closed in 1986. (The name was revived for certain concession stands in the San Francisco Giants new ballpark in 2000.) Designed in the 1960s by illustrator Harold Bachman (who, surprised at all the hubbub, said in early 2005 he just thought the darned thing would help sell hamburgers), this San Francisco institution has found a new location a block from its old home. The Doggie Diner head now welcomes visitors to Ocean Beach from 45th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, giving his sardonic grin to all who come west. (Probably a nice change of view, after looking south at the San Francisco Zoo for over 40 years.) On February 14, 2005, under threatening skies, a small, happy crowd welcomed the Doggie to its new home. Ed Lee, the head of San Francisco's Department of Public Works, presided and welcomed third-graders from Ulloa Elementary School, some real canines (and their guardians), a couple of jugglers, elected officials, and a passel of media. Doggie saviors Diana Scott and Joel Schechter of the Ocean Beach Historical Society attended and Diana gave a few words of thanks along with the exclamation of the day: "Long Live the Doggie!" No sign of Zippy the Pinhead, but likely the Doggie will re-enter Zippy's world soon enough Doggie Diner founder Al Ross died in Palm Springs, California on March 31, 2010. More Doggie: SF West History Minute - the Doggie Diner heads The 2001 Doggie Dedicationa recap and photos from Arnold Woods. See Zippy the Pinhead and the Doggie! Anna Conti: Doggie Artist! Read more about the Doggie Diner head toppling at the San Francisco Chronicle site. Contribute your own stories about western neighborhoods places! From Greg Swank, 12-4-2 You are about to read a list of 45 goals that found their way down the halls of our great Capitol back in 1963. As... The mathematical (and other) thoughts of a (now retired) math teacher, IT WAS a display of rich African traditions when the Esama of Benin in Nigeria, Sir Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, stormed the Manhyia Palace Tuesday evening. The chief was at the palace to commiserate with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, over the death of the latters mother, the late Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II. The Esama and the Asantehene are so intimate that people at the Manhyia Palace, notably the elders, have labeled the two powerful traditional leaders as brothers from different mothers and countries. The Esamas past visits to the palace had often been characterized with massive celebrations; but Tuesdays visit was full of mourning because of the Asantehemaas demise. Ing Nana Poku Agyeman, a grand nephew of the Asantehene, who was at the palace, told DAILY GUIDE that the Esama of Benin Kingdom urged his brother Otumfuo to remain calm in the face of the great loss. The Nigerian monarch described the Asantehemaas death as a great blow not only to the people of Asante Kingdom and Ghana, but also to the people of his kingdom as well. Sir Chief Dr. Igbinedion said he and his people would play leading roles in the one-week celebration and final funeral rites of the late Asante queen mother. Meanwhile, reports emanating from the Manhyia Palace indicate that some powerful chiefs from Africa and Ghana would be visiting the place today to take part in the one-week celebration of the late Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Brigadier-General Joseph Nunoo-Mensah, twice Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces says Ghana over the years has become an indiscipline country. He explained that the youth have become lawless by the help of high ranking people in society. For many-many years now we have become indiscipline people. Our children have become unruliness and if we are not careful, our future leaders will rather collapse this country. The elders are not setting good examples for them to follow, he said. The former National Security Adviser in an interview with NEAT FMs morning show 'Ghana Montie' counseled the youth to desist from sadistic operations on election day if paid-up to do so by politicians. The retired soldier however called on all security agencies to be firm and deal with any persons who will decline election proceedings. They should deal with both NDC and NPP supporter if they act naughty. That is what will secure the fate of this country. With that, people will be scared to misbehave. But we are living in a country where offenders go scot-free for wrongdoing, he told host Kwasi Aboagye. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007 Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video - 1 2022 2 290,9 , 18% 2021 36,6% . So Apple has taken the lead and announced that wired headphones are headed toward extinction (not really), but if wireless headphones are the future, I like where things are headed. I've been testing the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 wireless headphones, and I'm totally impressed. I've tried a dozen or so different wireless headphones, and there are three areas I judge - sound quality, comfort and how far can you wander and still hear the music. The BackBeat Pro 2 ($199.99) is a serious competitor to the Bose line of QuietComfort noise-cancelling headphones. They come in a handsome box with a sturdy twill carrying case that's lined with a soft material. There is also a Special Edition with a hard case available for $249.99. The headphones are not just shiny plastic. Almost every surface is textured, and the parts that touch your ears and the top of your head are soft. The inside of each ear cup is covered with vinyl padding, and the 40mm drivers are covered with a thin material that has a big L or R printed on it so you know which side is which - very handy. There are control switches on each ear cup. The left side has a switch for the listening modes. You can listen to music naturally, or flip a switch to engage active noise canceling. There's also a mode that pauses the music and turns on the external microphone so you can have a conversation without removing the headphones. The left cup also has a play-pause button and buttons to go forward or backward in your playlist. On the outside of the control buttons is a volume ring. The right ear has the power button, a mute button for the microphone and a 3.5-millimeter jack so you can attach an included cable to use the BackBeat Pro 2s with sources that don't have Bluetooth. I found the noise canceling to be effective, especially when cutting my grass, and it didn't degrade the sound quality of the music I was playing. There are sensors in the ear cups that know if you take them off. When you remove the BackBeat Pro 2s, the music pauses. Put them back on and the music resumes. You charge the headphones with an included microUSB cord. Battery level is shown on a series of small blue LEDs when you power them on. Plantronics says you can expect up to 24 hours of listening on a charge. At startup, there is also a whispered voice in your ear telling you the battery level and connection status. You also receive a voice confirmation when you change listening modes or go into pairing mode. SOUND QUALITY I'll be the first to admit I'm no audiophile. The BackBeat Pro 2s sound really good to me, but I realize there are headphones that can reproduce sound better. I'm not trying to tell anyone that wireless headphones with active noise canceling are going to be the best-sounding headphones they've ever used - but I was happy with the music I listened to with these in a variety of situations. There isn't a ton of bass, but the midtones and highs were very crisp, which is how I like it. These headphones also allow the wearer to take voice calls. Since Plantronics was a phone headset company for years before it made headphones, I expected good voice quality on phone calls, and I was not disappointed. A large button on the right ear cup is for answering and hanging up calls. COMFORT There is plenty of cushioning and soft materials wherever your skin comes into contact with the BackBeat Pro 2s. The earcups have two-way pivoting adjustment, and it was easy to find a comfortable position for extended listening. The fit and finish are first-rate and on par with any other company's offerings. Buttons and controls were big enough to find and use without trouble. The ear cups fold flat for easy storage in the bag, which also has a pocket for the included cables. WIRELESS DISTANCE The BackBeat Pro 2s are a Class 1 Bluetooth device, which means they have a range of around 100 yards when paired with other Class 1 devices. My iPhone 6S is a Class 1 Bluetooth device, and I tested the range outdoors with a straight line of sight. I was able to walk almost 120 yards away from my phone before the sound cut out. At home, I was able to leave my phone on the back deck while I mowed my lawn. The music never cut out or even stuttered. The range outdoors is impressive. Indoors, the range will shrink according to how much interference is between you and the source. CONCLUSION If I were in the market for a set of nice noise-canceling headphones, I'd certainly put the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 on my short list. I think the combination of good, clear music reproduction and phone call quality coupled with active noise canceling at a price at least $100 cheaper than the competition makes them a compelling choice. - Plantronics wireless headphones Pros: Comfortable, great range, stellar battery life, good call quality. Cons: Bass is a bit light, especially if you're used to Beats. Bottom line: These cans deliver the goods and cost less. 2016 The Dallas Morning News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. One of the new 3D structures has the lowest surface of any known space-partitioning structure: it is made of 24 polyhedra, some of which have 12 faces and some of which have 16 faces. Since the 12- and 16-faced polyhedra here have different volumes, the new structure doesnt satisfy Kelvins original requirement for equal volumes. Credit: Opsomer and Vandewalle. 2016 IOP Publishing (Phys.org)Researchers have discovered a new 3D structure that divides space into 24 regions, and have shown that it is the best solution yet to a modified version of a geometrical space-partitioning problem that has challenged researchers for more than a century. In 1887, Lord Kelvin asked how space could be partitioned into 3D structures of equal volume in a way that minimizes the total surface area of each structure. It must be possible to tightly pack many of these structures together with no gaps in between themin other words, they must be "space-filling" structures. Each structure can take on a variety of complex 3D shapes, or "polyhedra," either as a single polyhedron or a combination of multiple smaller polyhedra of various types. The challenge is to figure out what particular types of polyhedra to use in order to minimize the outer surface area of the entire structure. Kelvin's best solution to this problem was a single polyhedron called a "tetrakaidecahedron," which has 14 faces: six squares and eight hexagons. Since this is the shape obtained when cutting the corners off a 3D diamond shape, it can also be thought of as a truncated octahedron. Although Kelvin's solution stood for more than a century, in 1994 Denis Weaire and Robert Phelan at Trinity College Dublin used numerical simulations to discover a more optimal space partition. Weaire and Phelan's solution is made of eight polyhedra of two different types, though both types have the same volume: six of Kelvin's tetrakaidecahedron and two dodecahedron (which has 12 faces). Together, these eight polyhedra make up a 3D structure that has 0.3% less surface area than Kelvin's single tetrakaidecahedron. The Weaire-Phelan structure has remained the most optimal solution to Kelvin's problem for the past 22 years. Now in the new study, physicists Eric Opsomer and Nicolas Vandewalle at the University of Liege in Belgium have developed a new algorithm for finding space-filling composite polyhedral structures with minimal surface area. Using the new method, they discovered that a novel 3D structure made of 24 polyhedra has an even lower surface area than the Weaire-Phelan structure. The 24 polyhedra are of two different types: some have 12 faces and some have 16 faces. Unlike the Weaire-Phelan structure, in which the two different types of polyhedra have equal volumes, the 12- and 16-faced polyhedra here have significantly different volumes. For this reason, the new structure doesn't satisfy Kelvin's original requirement for equal volumes. The new algorithm uncovered this 3D structure composed of 40 polyhedra of two different types. Credit: Opsomer and Vandewalle. 2016 IOP Publishing "Unfortunately, it is not a 'true solution,' since equal volume cells are a requirement for the original Kelvin problem," Opsomer told Phys.org. Nonetheless, the structure is still interesting for other reasons. "These results may lead to the discovery of structures with potential implications for material physics, medical research, and other areas," Opsomer said. As the researchers explained, they intentionally removed the equal volumes constraint when developing their search method because it allowed them to design the algorithm in a new way: instead of directly minimizing the surface area of a structure, they maximized the polyhedra's average isoperimeters (the perimeters shared by all adjacent polyhedra). While these two approaches are different, they are ultimately equivalent. The researchers used the new algorithm to explore several 3D structures made of between two and 64 polyhedra. Starting with a specific number of randomly arranged points in 3D space, the algorithm begins to move the points around. After each iteration, the algorithm calculates the new average isoperimeter, and based on the result either keeps or rejects the new configuration with a certain probability. After millions and sometimes billions of iterations, the points eventually form the vertices of multiple polyhedra that together form a 3D structure with very low surface area. As there is currently no way to prove what the most optimal space-partitioning structure is (with or without equal-volume cells), the researchers plan to continue searching a wide variety of structures of all types. Their best guess is that even more optimal structures exist, and they plan to use their algorithm to continue their exploration. The researchers also expect that the algorithm could generate other unique structures. One particularly interesting structure they discovered here is a 40-polyhedra structure that is more optimal than Kelvin's structure but not quite as good as the Weaire-Phelan structure. This highly complex structure is also unusual in that it doesn't belong to a category of structures called Frank-Kasper structures, which researchers have traditionally focused on for optimal space partitioning. The finding suggests that other optimal structures may also exist outside of this category. Although Kelvin's problem wasn't originally proposed to meet any practical need, optimal space partitioning now has a variety of applications. In the medical field, these concepts have been used to design strong, lightweight bone tissue replacements. Optimal space partitioning has also inspired architecture, with one notable example being the swimming venue built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The building, which is called the Water Cube, is based on the Weaire-Phelan structure. More information: E Opsomer and N Vandewalle. "Novel structures for optimal space partitions." New Journal of Physics. DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/18/10/103008 Journal information: New Journal of Physics 2016 Phys.org Credit: Youris.com Across Europe, town and city councils are becoming increasingly interested in energy decentralisation, i.e. in producing power closer to where it is consumed. Those municipalities that have already experienced this say the model is one of the best ways of fighting pollution and reducing energy costs for citizens. Heidelberg is one such city in Germany, with its long-running energy company. The city-owned company is responsible for managing gas, heating, and the water and sewage systems. "The most important issue was that we started our action plan with all the population behind us", states mayor Eckart Wurzner. "We have a general strategy to be a city free of fossil fuels by 2050. This is extremely challenging since we are a growing city and therefore we have to switch to renewables in very little time," he points out. The Municipality has developed a new urban area, Bahnstadt, that is 100 % CO 2 free. "The buildings are very energy efficient and the resources used to serve this area are 100 % renewable. We have noticed that the energy demand of the flats' owners has fallen dramatically," adds the mayor of Heidelberg. All the buildings in Bahnstadt are constructed to 'passive house' standards. This construction concept allows the inhabitants to cut their energy consumption for heating by 80% compared to normal houses. Energy is generally inexpensive in Sweden since there is a long tradition of cities supplying citizens with affordable home-grown power. In addition, prices are kept low by the large choice of energy companies around 300 on the market today. Vaxjo is no exception and governs its energy policy and resources independently. "We own our biomass plant, where we produce electricity, heating and cooling, and for 20 years we have been using only bio-energy. Actually the entire city is heated with bio-energy", says mayor Bo Frank. He adds that the city also owns facilities for biogas production. "Each citizen is more or less required to put all organic waste in a separate container. We use that organic waste to produce biogas for all public transport", explains Frank. The city promotes public transport to limit the number of cars in the city centre. "We encourage people and companies to buy electric cars. All cars owned by the Municipality are environmentally-friendly", states Frank. In France, the city of Grenoble has been able to gain the trust of its citizens thanks to its 100 year-old energy company. Private businesses sell electricity to under 20% of the population. "Private stakeholders are only interested in the financial aspect, whereas local energy suppliers also take into account the social, environmental and spatial dimensions of cities", says deputy mayor Vincent Fristot. He adds that the Municipality can offer specific support to people who are unable to pay their electricity bills. It involves allowing citizens to pay in instalments or to fit home devices with low-power consumption. Besides the social benefits granted to citizens, the local energy supplier in Grenoble has invested in renewable facilities, such as wind turbines and photovoltaic panels. "It was very important for us to be able to supply green energy at the best possible price, which can compete with private energy companies", emphasises Fristot. Cat Hobbs, director of We Own It, a British campaigning organisation, located in Oxford, agree on this approach: "It is difficult to have control over energy policy when the company is private. They do what they like; therefore, for those who want to produce renewable energy, it would be much easier to set up new companies, with public ownership". More and more communities in Europe are pondering a return to public management of power and of other important assets such as water. The new trend is known as remunicipalisation. In other words, energy back in local hands. A Russian Proton-M rocket carrying the ExoMars 2016 spacecraft blasts off from Baikonur cosmodrome in March Barely a month after its expensive test lander crashed into Mars, the European Space Agency asked member nations Friday to cough up an extra 400 million euros ($425 million) to complete the ExoMars exploration of the Red Planet. The two-part mission saw a spacecraft successfully placed into orbit in mid-October, but a companion lander designed to pave the way for a mobile-lab rover in 2020 smashed into the planet's surface. The aim of ExoMars is to seek evidence of life, past or present. To complete the job, the ESA needs "a bit over 400 million euros for the project, which includes all the technical work needed to take the vehicle up to the launch phase," David Parker, ESA's Director of Human Spaceflight and Robotic Exploration, told journalists by phone. Ministers from the 23 countries that underwrite Europe's space programme, including Canada, will decide whether to cover the cost overrun when they meet next Thursday and Friday in Lucerne, Switzerland. ESA president Jan Woerner warned earlier this month that the troubled ExoMars effortpreviously budgeted at 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion)would need "several hundred millions" of euros more to complete the job. Funding concerns have already delayed the rover's launch by two years. A view of Mars from the webcam on ESA's Mars Express orbiter in October After trawling through a mountain of data, the ESA said Thursday that the Schiaparelli lander failed when a computer measuring its rotation malfunctioned, knocking subsequent calculations off track. A parachute, a protective heat shield and braking thrusters all deployed far too soon as a result, causing the lander to fly into Mars at 540 kilometres (335 miles) per hour instead of gently gliding to a stop. "You learn as much from things going wrong as you do from things going well in an experiment," Parker said. "So we have to learn from that and move on to 2020." Almost all other aspects of the complex mission last month went as planned, he noted. The objective remains scientifically compelling, he added, "because there is no other mission that has planned to go below the surface of Mars," where lifeif there is anyis most likely to be found. 2016 AFP Greenpeace activists highlight the dangers of microbeads in Seoul recently Environmental group Greenpeace is calling for a ban in Britain on plastic "microbeads", found in many cosmetics, which they warn pollute the oceans and poison marine life. Campaigners want a total ban on the tiny particleswhich are too small to be filteredin products that are commonly washed down the drains. Although only making up a fraction of the five to 12 million tonnes of plastic discharged into the oceans each year, these small beads are "probably the most harmful", said Erik Van Sebille, oceanographer and climate scientist at Imperial College London. "The smaller (the plastic) is, the most harmful it is," he told a news conference Thursday on the Greenpeace ship "Esperanza", moored near Tower Bridge in central London. "Most animals won't eat an entire plastic bag, so the smaller it is, the easier it is to be ingested." He said there was evidence that the excess of plastic was causing harm to sea creatures, including stopping oysters from reproducing. The tiny balls, which can be as small as 0.1 millimetres, are found in numerous cosmetic products, from facial scrubs and exfoliators to shower gels and toothpaste. A 125ml tube of exfoliating cream can contain several hundred thousand microbeads, usually made from polyethylene, explained David Santillo, a researcher for Greenpeace at Exeter University. Microbeads pollute the oceans and poison marine life, says Greenpeace Too small to be picked up by water treatment filters, they enter the oceans where they are "very effective at picking up pollutants that are in sea water", said Santillo. These pollutants are then passed on to the fish, crustaceans and microplankton that ingest them. 'Turn back the clock' The British government is due to launch a three-month review process in December on plans to ban microbeads, amid mounting pressure from Greenpeace and other environmental groups. A petition calling for a ban has gathered more than 375,000 signatures. It urges Britain to follow the example of the United States and other countries which have taken action to limit their use. Anticipating the ban, British supermarket chain Tesco will remove microbeads from its own brand cosmetic and household products by the end of 2016, the group's quality director Tim Smith announced on Thursday. Tesco will remove microbeads from its own brand cosmetic and household products by the end of 2016 He said Tesco had asked suppliers to effectively "turn back the clock" to before microbeads, and use natural alternatives such as ground-down coconut shells. Cosmetics giant Johnson & Johnson has pledged to remove microbeads from its products globally by the end of 2017 while toothpaste maker Colgate told AFP it hasn't used them since 2014. US corporation Procter & Gamble says on its website that it is "in the process of eliminating them from our toothpastes and cleansers". Greenpeace said it welcomed the British government's plans to ban microbeads but wants the legislation to go further to avoid loopholes, warning that the situation is only worsening. "By 2025, for every three tonnes of fish, there will be one tonne of plastic" in the oceans, said John Sauven, executive director for Greenpeace UK. 2016 AFP Malayan.tapir.with.baby. Credit: Courtesy of Jon Moore (Tropical Ecology Assessment and Monitoring Network/University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus. Rich in biodiversity, with a rapidly growing economy, Malaysia exemplifies the tension between conservation and economic development faced by many tropical countries. While recent initiatives have attempted to address conservation priorities at global and national scales, most of these focus on developed countries in temperate regions. There is a need, say experts at The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC), to develop similar strategies in developing countries, especially in biodiversity hotspot areas. K. Nagulendran (Nagu), a third year PhD student with the School of Geographical and Environmental Sciences, led a multi-stakeholder exercise involving several hundred participants to identify conservation priorities in Peninsular Malaysia. They have produced a list of 35 ranked conservation issues within seven general themes. The aim is to influence policy-makers, practitioners and researchers and ensure conservation becomes an integral part of the development process. The results 'A multi-stakeholder strategy to identify conservation priorities in Peninsular Malaysia' - have been published in the open access academic journal Cogent Environmental Science. The project makes the case for the prioritisation of conservation actions in Peninsular Malaysia guided by science, in consultation with a wide range of key stakeholders. It is also important to focus collective action given the limited resources available for conservation activities. Protecting Malaysia's wealth of biodiversity Malaysia is part of the Sundaland Biodiversity Hotspot and is ranked 12 globally in terms of its National Biodiversity Index. Malaysia boasts a wealth of biodiversity which includes 306 species of mammals, 742 species of birds, 567 species of reptiles and over 15,000 plant species. Although the country has a target to increase terrestrial protected areas from 13.8% of total land area in 2015 to 20% by 2025, economic development has already had an impact on wildlife. The Sumatran rhino has disappeared altogether and the country has seen a steady decline in the number of Malayan tigers. Through a series of workshops and online surveys, the objective of the research was to engage relevant stakeholders in the identification of conservation priority issues in Peninsular Malaysia; produce a list of ranked conversation issues; and test differences in priority perception among the stakeholders involved in the exercise. The results suggest that there should be: improvements to policy and management to champion biodiversity issues; a strengthening of environmental laws and enforcement; recognition of socio-economic issues especially among indigenous and local communities; increases in funding and resource allocation; knowledge, research and development to inform decision making; a greater understanding and protection of the rights of nature and cultural heritage; a more holistic public awareness and participation to bring about change to promote conservation. Balancing the need for economic development Nagu works for the Malaysian Government's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. He graduated with a Masters in Environmental Management from The University of Nottingham in 2003 and has been recognised by the University for his work in the evolution of Malaysia's policies on the environment and natural resource management. He said: "The country faces important trade-offs in its aim to conserve biodiversity while balancing the need for economic development. The project allowed us to effectively engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders including those in powerful and influential positions. We hope this exercise can be used as a blue print for conservation priorities and policies in Malaysia and other tropical countries. By making this paper open access, it can be available to all. All of us need to understand that we can make a change and choose a lifestyle that is more harmonious with nature." Malaysia is generally considered an example of success in its smooth transition into modern economy with an ambition to be a high income economy by 2020. Malaysians below the poverty line has been drastically reduced from 52% in 1957 (at independence) to less than 0.6% in 2014. This rapid economic development, however, has come with a cost to the environment. In 1940 almost 80% of Peninsular Malaysia was under forest cover this figure had dropped to 44% by 2014. While the world is losing biodiversity at unprecedented rate, the first objective of the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted in 1992 is to conserve the earth's biodiversity. The Aichi Biodiversity Targets renewed this mandate to address and halt biodiversity loss by 2020. Prioritisation of conservation approaches by identification of issues will assist developing countries with limited resources for conservation in supporting the achievements of Aichi Targets as illustrated in this paper. The senior authors of the study are Dr Campos-Arceiz, associate professor in Tropical Conservation Ecology at UNMC, and Dr Rory Padfield, lecturer in Geography at Oxford Brookes University. Dr Campos-Arceiz said: "To generate ownership of the issues and potential solutions there is a need for inclusiveness and multi-stakeholder participation in the identification of conservation priorities. Although we will have contrasting perceptions of conservation priorities, it is important to have multi-stakeholder support and involvement to pursue our conservation agenda." More information: A multi-stakeholder strategy to identify conservation priorities in Peninsular Malaysia, K. Nagulendran et al. Cogent Environmental Science, Volume 2, 2016 - Issue 1 Article: 1254078 | Received 17 Aug 2016, Accepted 25 Oct 2016, Accepted author version posted online: 31 Oct 2016, Published online: 21 Nov 2016, www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10 3311843.2016.1254078 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. 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. WILTON A Stillwater woman was unharmed after falling asleep at the wheel and crashing into a utility pole late Thursday night, police said. The accident happened about 11:45 p.m. on Route 9 between Smith Bridge Road and Northern Pines Road. Ruth A. Hassett, 39, was traveling north in her 2016 Nissan when she fell asleep and struck a pole and rolled over, according to State Police Sgt. John Bellavigna. Hassett was wearing a seat belt. She was checked at the scene and not transferred to a hospital. The accident caused extensive damage to the vehicle, according to Bellavigna. The pole was sheared. No tickets were issued. WHITEHALL More than 72 years after he was killed in a munitions explosion in New York Harbor, Richard David Duffys grave lies empty in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. Duffy, who was 18 when the USS Turner blew up in the harbor, is among 136 sailors missing and unaccounted for. Maybe now we can get some information, said Jim Lafayette, Duffys nephew and an active member of Whitehall American Legion Post No. 83. My uncle was on that ship. And he has an empty grave in the cemetery. On Monday, Lafayette said Duffy, who has one sister still alive, was 17 when he quit school and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Less than a week ago, the Associated Press reported newly discovered documents show that the remains of four of the missing sailors were indeed found and buried not long after the disaster in separate graves for unknowns in a Long Island veterans cemetery. And Ted Darcy, the researcher who found the documents, suspects many more remains could have been found and buried along with them in those same simple gravesites, marked only with the words Unknown U.S. Sailor and January 3, 1944, the day the destroyer sank. The Turner, a 10-month-old destroyer returning from convoy duty in the Atlantic, was anchored a few miles off Sandy Hook, New Jersey, when an explosion erupted below deck, setting much of the ship ablaze. More explosions followed, the last breaking the ship in two. More than 150 men were rescued, but 136 others went down with the ship, according to Darcys research. Lafayette said the family does not know any more than it read in the Associated Press report, but is hoping for some kind of news and closure after more than 70 years. Material from the Associated Press was used in this report. Fort Ann senior Allison Vrooman has collected more than 1,600 pairs of shoes to be distributed to over 20 countries throughout the world. Vrooman is raising funds for a 14-day health missionary trip to the Dominican Republic next year, where she will work with local doctors to create a sustainable living environment for people in need. She thanked the community for the generous donation of shoes of all types and sizes for people who might have gone without. That is truly amazing. I am so happy I could create this community involvement and change peoples lives, while at the same time fundraising for my health missionary next July. Michael Goot Writing contest winner SUNY Adirondack student Teresa Costigan has won the 2016 Norman Mailer Student Writing Award for Creative Nonfiction. Costigan, who is majoring in creative writing, won for her submission Resting on Vincent, which is about the life of artist Vincent Van Gogh. Van Gogh showed her the connection between depression and creativity starting at a young age. She wrote the piece for her creative nonfiction class, which is taught by Professor J. Courtney Reid. The National Council of Teachers of English and the Normal Mailer Center sponsor the annual competition for high school, two-year and four-year college students. Costigan will receive $2,500, and her piece will be published. It will also be read at an awards ceremony in New York City. Four of Reids students in the class have been semifinalists in recent years, according to a news release from the college. Michael Goot Welcome Guest! You Are Here: This was contained in a letter signed by the Acting Head of the Financial Stability Department of the BoG, Francis F. Blankson. The letter directed that the Managing Director, Kwadwo Aye Kusi begins his leave from Monday, December 28. READ ALSO: Apex bank pledges support on renewable energy This is to facilitate investigations into allegations of mismanagement levelled against him by the workers. The Central Bank started investigating the matter after it received a petition from the workers on development at the Bank. In a related development, the Deputy General Secretary of the Union of Commerce and Finance Workers John Amegashie has welcomed the decision by the Central Bank. He mentioned that this is because of the investments they have made in various sectors of the economy. Within the last eight years there were investments that we made particularly in oil and gas. For instance the Atuabo gas processing plant which we all agree came in handy, the situation with dumsor would have been worse if we didnt have Atuabo. It would have been worse if we were flaring the jubilee gas. So we took a loan, got the pipelines, put a plant and we are processing our own gas. That is the first example. Then we started the exportsbased on those mechanisms the economy grew, so you can see again specific action. Then we had gold, cocoa and later crude oil prices all going down. Then we decided to stabilise the economy through some tough measures. You would agree with me that today Ghana is not in recession. Some African countries that have gone through that are in recession. We are not in recession, yes we experienced a slowdown in growth but we never went into recession, he added. However, the most political parties have argued that the NDC has taken decisions that have collapsed the economy. This makes it possible for local companies to provide business support to the mines and other businesses across Ghana. At the 5th AGI Ghana Industry Awards recently held in Accra, the Association of Ghana Industries honoured Newmont Ghana for its leadership role and commitment to local content development in the country. In particular, the Association recognised the companys efforts at helping build the capacity of local businesses and promoting the procurement of goods and services from indigenous suppliers. READ ALSO: Newmont Ghana honoured for corporate excellence in labour rights The AGI also lauded Newmont Ghana for advancing extensive community development programmes in its Ahafo host communities through the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation. Hiring and sourcing locally is an integral part of our operations at Newmont and we are happy that our various local content initiatives are achieving the right results, said George Brakoh, Newmont Ghanas Regional Manager, Local Business. In 2007, the Ahafo mine collaborated with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to establish an intervention known as the Ahafo Linkages Programme (ALP) to support the development of local businesses as potential suppliers and providers of goods and services to the mine. The programme was also aimed at supporting the development of local non-mining businesses to develop a diversified local economy outside the mining sector. So far, we have awarded contracts to about 500 local businesses within our host communities through the ALP and other programmes, with two of the companies, Alexiboam Company Ltd and Sarfpok Ltd, going on to receive industry recognition for their work with us, Mr. Brakoh added. The Ahafo Linkages Programme (ALP) has been recognized by the World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD) as Best Practice SME Linkages/Sustainability Project. According to Mr. Brakoh, Newmont Ghana is playing a leading role in the development of a long-term national sustainable policy and supplier development programme for the mining industry tohelp promote sourcing from local businesses within the mining industry and beyond. According to him, the decision was taken following the inability of the company to deal with competition arising out of smuggling of imported goods into the market. This is not the first time a textile company has had to send home some of its staff over smuggled goods, and Mr Koomson feels the situation might get worse. "ATL, Printex, they are all on their marks and anything can happen to them also", he predicted on Accra-based Joy FM. The textile industry witnessed massive job cuts in the country recently following the energy crisis. In the 1970s, the industry had a huge workforce of 25,000, but it now employs about 1,700 following the lack of effective policies to deal with the smuggling menace. Mr Koomson who doubles as a member of the Anti-piracy taskforce believes that "if we even go and sleep in the market, these people will bring [smuggled goods]. Almost every day we make arrests." He accusedCustoms officials of conniving with smugglers to bring fake textiles into the country. We have had occasions where we chanced on Customs officials who have seized trucks but refused to dispose of them, he said. From about 20 companies existing in the 80s, only about 8 remain. Yep. You read that right. No more Maths and English. Physics and Chemistry, at least not in the form we know it. The head of the Department of Education in Helsinki, Marjo Kyllonen, said: There are schools that are teaching in the old-fashioned way which was of benefit in the beginning of the 1900s but the needs are not the same, and we need something fit for the 21st century. What's the replacement? Instead of the normal individual subjects, it'll be more multi-discplinary. So, say you're teaching the history of Agriculture in Nigeria, you're teaching the geography of it, chemistry, mathematics, physics. More context, less abstract. What that means is that you'll never have to say things in class like, This education system will first be introduced to 16-year-olds. This will make students choose more independently what their future ambitions are. That's not all. Students won't sit in the classroom formats. They will now sit in discussion group formats, where everyone is basically bouncing ideas off each other and solving problems head on. What's Finland doing to prepare for this? About 70% of the teachers in the country's capital, Helsinki are already going through preparatory training for this system. Teachers involved in this will also get a salary raise because of this. Can this system work in Nigeria? No, not yet. Not next year. Or next two years. Or even in the next 10 years. Finland didn't arrive at the point they are right now; they reached this stage following a series of reforms and evolution. Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Daily Mail reports that Hart who has been a staunch atheist for many years, sued the State's Transportation Secretary, Greg Thomas, after the Kentucky DMV rejected his application to keep the license plate he used for 12 years in Ohio, dismissing it as vulgar and offensive. Hart who has received support in his lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky (ACLU-KY) and Freedom From Religion Foundation, says his fundamental human rights have been tampered upon. He added that government officials should not have the ability to deny personalized plates based on religious or political preferences. A statement signed by ACLU-KY Legal Director William Sharp, reads: "Under the First Amendment, government officials do not have the authority to censor messages simply because they dislike them. And in this instance, personalized license plates are a form of individual speech equally deserving of First Amendment protection." Hart who became an atheist at the age of 15, said no one definition of God is more righteous than the other, and as such, he has every right to claim to be God. "I simply want the same opportunity to select a personal message for my licence plate just as any other driver. Well, there are six definitions of God in the American Heritage Dictionary. Number five is a very handsome man and my wife says I'm a very handsome man, and nobody argues with my wife." OccupyGhana said it is shocked, outraged and appalled to discover this: That while the nation is still reeling from the effect of the Alfred Woyome judgment debt scandal, and the stalled and hesitant attempts by the Attorney-General to execute the judgment of the Supreme Court, the Government of Ghana has, on the blind side of Ghanaians, entered into a confidential and potentially lucrative agreement with Woyome, acting through one of his companies, Anator Holding Company Limited. "That bogus Agreement was signed with the express approval of Cabinet, as conveyed by a letter signed by the Chief of Staff from the Office of the President, dated 16th December 2015. It is instructive to point out that the Agreement was signed on the same day that the Cabinet approval was received by the Ministry of Transport," the statement added. But addressing a press conference on Friday, Mr Woyome said the claims by OccupyGhana are untrue. It is not true. OccupyGhana is just trying to run me down, but I will respond at the appropriate time, he said. Meanwhile, the group has released onto social media copies of the supposed approval to the contract signed by the Chief of Staff. Below is the full statement from OccupyGhana on the matter: 24th NOVEMBER, 2016 OCCUPYGHANA PRESS STATEMENT WOYOME AGAIN! GH35 MILLION CONTRACT DISCOVERED: OCCUPYGHANA EXPOSES GOVERNMENT OccupyGhana is shocked, outraged and appalled to discover this: That while the nation is still reeling from the effect of the Alfred Woyome judgment debt scandal, and the stalled and hesitant attempts by the Attorney-General to execute the judgment of the Supreme Court, the Government of Ghana has, on the blind side of Ghanaians, entered into a confidential and potentially lucrative agreement with Woyome, acting through one of his companies, Anator Holding Company Limited. This same Anator Holding Company, in the current proceedings in court, is one of the companies that has filed an interpleader, claiming to be the owner of two of Woyomes properties that the Government has finally managed to attach in execution of the judgment. That matter is still pending and unresolved. We have seen a Framework Agreement dated as recently as 21st December 2015, for Anator Holding to develop deep seaports (including) industrial parks and green townships in Ghana. The Agreement is signed by Woyome as Executive Chairman of Anator Holding Company Limited, and the then Minister for Transport, Dzifa Aku Attivor. That Agreement was entered into on the basis of a non-binding scantily drafted Memorandum of Understanding entered into between the same Woyome company and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority on the same subject on 28th August 2015. The Framework Agreement with Ghana is expressed to have been entered into so that Woyomes company can raise an initial financing of US$8.5M just for feasibility studies. In other words, Woyome is relying on the countrys goodwill to raise financing for a sweetheart deal that he has entered into with the GPHA and is possibly shopping around banks all over the world for money, on the back of this agreement. That bogus Agreement was signed with the express approval of Cabinet, as conveyed by a letter signed by the Chief of Staff from the Office of the President, dated 16th December 2015. It is instructive to point out that the Agreement was signed on the same day that the Cabinet approval was received by the Ministry of Transport. See also: We have seen how Woyome operates. He hit us for GH51.2M that he did not deserve, on the basis of a non-existent contract. Our Government and its lawyers, either unconcerned or guilty of complicity, sat back when Woyome went to court and obtained a default judgment against us. Even though Mr. Martin Amidu has obtained judgment for the people of Ghana, we are struggling to recover that money from him, and this same Anator Holding is battling to stop us from selling at least two of Woyomes properties to pay the debt. It, therefore, beggars belief that in the face of all of these, our government would enter into any kind of agreement involving the same character and/or his companies. The irony of the date that agreement was signed cannot be lost on us. 21st December 2015 was the date that the former Minister of Transport, Dzifa Attivor, appeared in Parliament to lament that her Ministry was broke and that its budget was woefully inadequate to meet developmental needs of the sector. Incidentally, that was also the date that the impugned Smarttys deal, involving the same Dzifa Attivor, broke in Parliament. We are shocked beyond words! We demand from the Government, full disclosure and a full explanation of the circumstances surrounding this contract. Who authorised it? Did the President know that Dzifa Attivor was entering into this contract on our behalf, and if so, did he do anything to stop it? Did the President know about the Cabinet approval? We demand from the Government and GPHA evidence that all proper statutory and procurement approvals were duly obtained in entering into these agreements and memoranda with Woyome. Further, we demand that the Government immediately cancels that agreement. Woyome has our money. He obtained that money under dubious circumstances. Thanks to Mr. Martin Amidu, we have judgment against him. He has failed to pay. We should not be doing business either with him or with any corporate entity that he owns, controls or is associated with, under any circumstances. Yours, in unwavering service to God and Country, Emmanuel Teye, aka Emma, pleaded not guilty to two counts of defilement and having carnal knowledge of the victim, The Daily Graphic reports. According to the prosecutor, Sergeant Saviour Ashiagbor, the victim was on November 9, 2016, sent to a nearby village by her parents at around 8 p.m. On her way back home, Teye offered to give the girl a lift home and she agreed. He, however, stopped on the way home and sexually assaulted the girl in the car. The prosecutor said after satisfying his lust, Teye abandoned the girl to her fate. READ ALSO: Woman grabbed for setting husband and in-law ablaze The victim, however, went home and narrated the ordeal to her parents. Martin Amidu was expected to orally examine Woyome on Thursday (November 25) over the judgements debt. However Woyome filed an application seeking to stop Amidu from orally examining him. But Woyome said on Accra-based Citi FM that even if his appeal is not granted Amidu has no right to ask him how he spent the money. Martin Amidu cannot question me on how I spent the GHc51 million because at the time that money was paid to me it was not declared by the law that it was unconstitutional, it was never declared like that. The anti-corruption campaigner Martin Amidu has often indicated that Woyome spent the money with some bigwigs of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). He said this has caused the government of the day be laid back in pursuing the case. He reiterated that Martin [Amidu] can only question me after the judgment of the case about my ability because the judgment of the case never stated that I should say how I spent money. The judgment which was delivered by unanimous decision overturning the original judgment said that I should refund [the] money; nobody can import that aspect that I should explain how I spent my legally acquired fruit. 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 a 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, 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. The lavender hill where raw fecal waste is dumped into the sea in Accra by between 200 and 240 cesspit emptiers daily has gained notoriety worldwide for the unhygienic dumping of liquid waste. Read more: Work on Volivo bridge to start soon The Mudor faecal treatment plant was constructed at a cost of $35 million project which is a partnership between Zoomlion and the government of Ghana. Speaking at the inauguration, President Mahama urged Ghanaians to change their attitudes towards waste management. The biogas which comprises of methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide would be extracted from the Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) treatment process, after which it would be cleaned for methane to generate electricity mainly to run the plant but would give out any surplus to the national grid. OccupyGhana in a statement said the "bogus Agreement was signed with the express approval of Cabinet, as conveyed by a letter signed by the Chief of Staff from the Office of the President, dated 16th December 2015. It is instructive to point out that the Agreement was signed on the same day that the Cabinet approval was received by the Ministry of Transport." The group said, it "is shocked, outraged and appalled to discover that while the nation is still reeling from the effect of the Alfred Woyome judgment debt scandal, and the stalled and hesitant attempts by the Attorney-General to execute the judgment of the , the has, on the blind side of Ghanaians, entered into a confidential and potentially lucrative agreement with Woyome, acting through one of his companies, ." It said government on December 21, 2015 signed a deal with Anator Holding Company Limited owned by Mr Woyome, to raise an initial financing of US$8.5m for feasibility studies for development of deep seaports (including) industrial parks and green townships in Ghana. OccupyGhana, however, has demanded full disclosure and a full explanation of the circumstances surrounding this contract from the government. The southern African nation was the focus of controversy in 2010 when it jailed a gay couple for gross indecency after they held the country's first same-sex public "wedding". Then president Bingu wa Mutharika said the pair had committed a crime against Malawi's culture, religion and laws but later pardoned them on "humanitarian grounds" after a meeting with UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon. Legislation outlawing sodomy was suspended two years ago to await a government review in a country where many traditional Christian communities view homosexuality as sinful. President Peter Mutharika's government will hold "public enquiries... in order to seek the views of Malawians on the issue," Janet Banda, solicitor general and secretary for justice, said in a statement. The outcome of the consultation "should inform the government's position," she said. "The issue of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights is still an outstanding issue for Malawi, both at the local and international (level)." Malawi relies on international aid money, and its anti-gay laws have strained ties with donors. The country's small gay community keeps a low profile due to fears over anti-gay public sentiment and the law. The government has in the past urged homosexuals to come out to help the fight against AIDS, with nine percent of the adult population infected with HIV -- one of the highest rates in the world. Parliament has already approved a 11,249,000,000 loan agreement for the construction of the bridge. Read more: NDC paraphernalia on high demand at Kwame Nkrumah interchange The loan agreement is between the Ghana government and the government of Japan, acting through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The approval of the agreement followed the submission of the report of the Finance Committee of Parliament, which had recommended the approval of the facility. It would have three spans - two outer spans of 96m and a middle span of 280m. There will also be towers of 51.64m high and 26.4m wide at the base. Sidewalks, a bicycle lane and railings and a rest stop will also be part of the project. COP Kofi Bokaye, Ashanti Regional Police Commander, who made the call said although many officers have recently not lived up to expectation, particularly, with the way they handle political violence, they should not overlook their roles in ensuring peace before, during and after the elections. In this election, it will not only be your actions but your inactions are also going to be key in ensuring free, fair and impartial elections. As police commanders, you have a critical role to play in this upcoming election and our role, first and foremost, is to maintain law and order. And in the maintenance of this law and order, all criminal activities are to be addressed and addressed swiftly in a timeous manner and also fairly without any discrimination, he said. As the elections draw nearer, there have been some clashes between the two leading political parties, that is the NDC and the NPP, with each accusing the police of being bias in its handling of the situation. But COP Boakye has maintained that such accusations against the police should not stop it from being professional. We all know the police, although hypocritically has been accused in every election year for supporting one party or the other, and most often than not for supporting the government in power, thankfully the two major political parties have been in power before, so, if we are accused of that I dont think it is something that anybody is worried [about]. But depending on where each stands, he will accuse us. Director General of Police in charge of Operations Christian Tetteh Yohuno said the move is to prevent voters from capturing votes with their phones. We will ask them to drop them before you enter to vote, he told TV3 news, adding that this is part of measures to ensure and peaceful and credible polls on December 7. He further indicated that in line with international anti-terrorism conventions, handbags of voters will be collected before the process to exercise franchise begins for electorates. Meanwhile, ahead of the 2016 election, the Ghana Police Service has said that it has identified over 5000 hot spots where violence could erupt during the elections. This was revealed by the Director-General of the Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Prosper Kwami Agblorh at a forum on peaceful election organised by the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Training Center. The number of flashpoints has increased from 3,574 in 2012 to over 5000 in 2016. Agblorh attributed the increase to the illegal possession of arms, chieftaincy disputes among others. The proliferation of illicit arms in the country, the existence of numerous land and chieftaincy disputes, the prevalence of terrorist activities in some neighbouring countries of our regions all serve as triggers for violence and therefore pose real threats to the 2016 general elections. He said this is the main reason why the police have activated the National Election Security Architecture. Their role he explained is to plan for the security section of election 2016. He was speaking at a media interaction in Accra on Friday. He mentioned that the country's security will deal with anybody who flouts the laws during the elctions. Ill like to sound a note of caution to any person or group of persons who intend to cause any kind of trouble during the election period. We in the military are ready and prepared together with the civil police and our other sister security services to deal ruthlessly with any such group of persons or person. Most people have described this trend as worrying as it is barely two weeks to the general elections. But Air Marshall Oje said the military together with other security personnel will ensure a violent-free election on December 7. Any unlawful act would be met with the force it deserves and the laws of the land would be applied appropriately to deal with any individual or group. Supporters are said to be injured in the wake of the attack that also resulted in the destruction of properties. It took Police reinforcement to clear the confusion and break up the violent attacks on supporters of the NDC and the NPP. It is, however, unclear what triggered the violence but the supporters of the two parties clashed at Napkayili over a parcel of land last week. The injured were taken to the Bimbila Hospital for treatment. No arrest has so far been made. Thursday evening clash comes two weeks after a similar incident at the residence of the opposition leader, Nana Akufo-Addo. In that incident, the security of the NPP leader fired warning shots allegedly to ward off the NDC supporters said to be pelting stones and bottles. Director of Operations of the Ghana Police Service, COP Christian Tetteh Yohonu said the reports were false and must be disregarded. It is not true that we are adding new names to the special voting list so as to bloat ittheres no way somebody can vote if the person is not a registered voter. Whether the person is voting on the D-Day of voting or is voting on the special day, the person has only one opportunity to vote. Theres nothing like any new names, all the people that we have are all registered, valid voters, and they have the opportunity to vote only once. Three political parties NDP, PPP and the PNC in a joint statement on Thursday also alleged that the elections will not be free and fair. In a related development, the Chief of Defence Staff Air Marshal Michael Samson-Oje has cautioned Ghanaians to avoid causing trouble during the elections. He warned that the security will deal ruthlessly with anyone who flouts the laws. At a meeting with the leadership and some staff of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in Accra he explained that if the staff of his company are paid on time it means he can replicate it if he becomes president. The only reason why government will delay in paying salaries is when there is no money. The technology is there to ensure swift payment. He also assured that newly recruited teachers will start receiving the salaries a month after they have been employed. For some years now teacher unions in the country have been demanding government to pay them their salary arrears as well as re-introducing the trainee allowance that has been scrapped. This has led to a number of demonstrations and strike actions in the country. However Dr Nduom said every other concern of teachers which include accommodation and teacher trainee allowance will be given attention for a better education system. He revealed that a research conducted by the PPP has shown what measures can be taken to make education free, compulsory and continuous in Ghana. Speaking on Accra-based Class FM Haruna Attah said he stands by his statement and challenged everybody he mentioned in his statement to swear that they did not say what he claims they said. What I put out there, Im going to repeat in another statement and I challenge the people I mentioned to swear on the Holy Bible that they didnt interact with me, he said. The former journalist, who used to be a staunch leading member of the NPP claimed that Nana Addo made these comments following his (Attahs) support for the late Aliu Mahama who was contesting the 2008 NPP flagbearer race. I do recollect very clearly as if it happened only yesterday, Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo invited me to his office at Ridge near the offices of the Electoral Commission. I honoured the invitation, not knowing what to expect. The outcome was one of the most revealing encounters I have ever had with a Ghanaian politician. He raised a number of issues and concluded on my support for the late Vice President. On that, this is what he told me,Ambassador Attah said in a statement sighted by starrfmonline.com. He added: The words have been indelibly etched on my conscience: Haruna, your support for Aliu was flawed. If you think our party will cede its Akan leadership, you are wrong. He went on to expatiate on the theme, but with my mind reeling at this blatant and brazen ethnocentricity, nothing else really mattered to me again. When I left, I confided in a few people, mainly family and friends, as witnesses. I received all manner of suggestions on how to handle this bombshell and indeed one family member high up in the NPP even suggested that I take it up with President Kufuor. The frightening fundamental message was clear: No non-Akan should dream of leading the NPP as Presidential Candidate. But the NPP has denied Attahs claim saying there was no such conversation between himself and Nana Addo. The NPP stalwart described the allegations as a joke on Accra-based Class FM. I thought that was a bit of a joke because the chronology of events, sequence and piecing together do not make a shred of sense...according to what he [Harruna Attah] is saying it might have taken place somewhere around 2007 close to a decade, so what makes him come now at this point in time to try to muddy the waters and put peoples names into public opprobrium. I dont remember discussing this with him and in any case, I dont remember whether it was before or post elections, he added. He further explained that if they were against the former Vice President contesting for flagbearer of the NPP they would not have accepted the then candidate Kufuors choice of him as a running mate. Anything happens and the person (vice-president) can be president, and if we do not want somebody to become president, why then do we go and choose them [as vice presidential candidates]. Choosing a running mate is more than ethnicity, but someone capable of being a president when the president is not available. Ghanas ambassador to Namibia and Botswana Harruna Attah, in a press statement on Wednesday, accused Nana Addo of saying that a non-Akan will never lead the NPP. He also said that Hackman Owusu Agyemang also made anti-Muslim comments against the then Vice President when he decided tot contest for the flagbearer position of the NPP. He said Mr Hackman Owusu Agyeman, going beyond Nana Akufo-Addos ethnicity, used religion as his anti-Aliu stance. He confronted me in the presence of a witness: Abdul-Rahman, with a nation of about 70% Christians, do you think it will be fair to have a Muslim president? He was referring to Alhaji Aliu Mahama, a Muslim. I answered calmly that in all the major hotspots of the world, it is when some groups think they are dominant and go on to marginalise groups they regard as minorities that the minorities also rise up to assert themselves, by whatever means. Meanwhile, the NPP has denied these allegations saying no such meeting took place between Haruna Attah and Nana Addo. Geranium, the first eatery in Denmark to receive top Michelin honours, had been storing fresh shellfish like oysters, crayfish and scallops at too-high temperatures over an extended period, the Danish Food Administration wrote after an inspection. Two walk-in coolers also had "black, green and white splotches growing on the underside of shelves and on packaged pickled garlic," according to a report dated September 29 but only cited by Danish media on Thursday. The regulator slapped the Copenhagen restaurant -- which charges 2,000 kroner for a meal without drinks -- with a frowning "smiley", the lowest grade of its four-tier system. "I do not agree with what is written. I believe that it is greatly exaggerated but I admit that there are some parts of the process where perhaps we have been a bit unattentive," Geranium chef Rasmus Kofoed told Danish news agency Ritzau. The restaurant had been using a computerised system to monitor food temperatures incorrectly, but fish and shellfish were always stored on ice regardless of the surrounding temperature, he added. This year the Nordic edition of the Michelin Guide gave three stars to Geranium, but only two to Copenhagen's celebrated Noma, which was named best restaurant in the world by Britain's Restaurant magazine in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014. Lindaikejisblog reports that a statement issued by the Spokesperson for the Command, SP Dolapo Badmos, revealed that one Chiemezie Joseph was arrested on November 16 during a robbery operation at Ilasa Maja area of the State. ALSO READ: Basketmouth thankful kids did not witness robbery incident According to the reports, the arrest of the suspect led to the arrest of another gang member, Chibuzor Ugwu, who upon further investigation, was discovered to be the leader of the gang who robbed Basketmouth. Amongst the items recovered from the suspects are, one Beretta pistol, two locally made pistol, two AK 47 rifles loaded with ammunitions, 12 live cartridges, 2 iron cutters, master keys, 1 Mercedes 4matic Benz jeep. While parading the suspects, the commissioner of police, CP Fatai Owoseni, said that the command will remain on the trail of criminals in the state, warning them to shy away from crime or relocate from the state. ALSO READ: Basketmouth thanks God family was not harmed in robbery incident Punch reports that the accused who resides at Tele Odunloye St., Ikorodu, a suburb in the state, is facing a one-count charge of rape. The prosecutor, Insp. Simeon Inuoha, told the court that the offence was committed at Giwa's residence. The court heard that the accused raped the victim who had been sent to his compound on an errand by her mother. The victims mother had sent her on an errand to the compound of the accused, who called the girl inside and raped her, he said. The offence contravened section 259 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. However, Punch reports that the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. Samuel of Lone St. and Peter of Oduduwa St., both in Oworonshoki, Lagos state are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. The prosecutor, Sgt. Ihiehie Lucky, told the court that the offences were committed on Nov. 17 at Ogo-Oluwa St, Oworonshoki in Kosofe Local Government Area of the state. Lucky said the complainant, a dealer of coca-cola product situated in Oworonshoki, employed the accused persons and two others as salesmen for the product. The complainant reported that Samuel, who was the manager, had on Nov. 16 collected all the proceeds made that day from the other salesmen and did not remit it into the companys account. They were all arrested and interrogated. Samuel made a confessional statement that the other three salesmen gave him their money and he kept it in his office. He said he could not find the money where he kept it the following day so as to take it to the bank, the prosecutor told the court. He said that Samuel was the only person who closed the office for the day and that there was no case of burglary. Lucky further told the court that the complainant had asked him, a day before, if the money was safe in his office and he said yes. Meanwhile during police investigation, Lucky said it was discovered that Samuel and Peter, who is the company driver, had conspired to sell some coca-cola empty crates valued at N1.2 million. Samuels house was searched and the bag containing the stolen money was recovered along with some other company properties, prosecutor told the court. He said the offences contravened Sections 409 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused persons pleaded guilty. The Magistrate, Mrs O. Sule-Amzat, admitted the accused persons to bail of N50,000 with two sureties each. The accused are identified as Sunday Onuh, 32, driver; Peter Owoicho, 30, housekeeper; James Momoh, 20, driver; Emmanuel Audu, 32, unemployed; Francis Onuh, 32, and Gabriel Ochigbo, 32, a police officer. Punch reports that the accused' who reside at Oworonshoki, Ogudu and Ikorodu, suburbs of Lagos, are being tried for conspiracy, robbery and stealing. According to the prosecutor, Insp. Benedict Aigbokhan, the offences were committed on April 12, at Howson Wright Estate, Ojota, and Medina Estate, Gbagada, Lagos. The court heard that the accused robbed a Chinese woman, one Vicky Cao, of four laptops valued at N600,000, mobile phones valued at N450,000 and cash of N2.8. He said, Other items stolen from Vicky CAO were Ipad and wrist watches all valued at N5,145,000. The accused also stole Ms Angela Chinonso-Jeremiah mobile phone, valued at N30,000. They robbed Mr Vega Wang of Ipads, laptops and cash of N300,000, all valued at N660,000. The accused robbed one Mr Yunchun Lee of mobile phone and cash of N150,000, totally valued at N270,000. The total value of all the items stolen are N6,105,000. Aigbokhan also disclosed that the accused' were caught with various arms including guns of all kind and daggers. ALSO READ: 2 police officers remanded in prison for armed robbery He said the offences contravened sections 285, 295 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, Editha Alimario who was docked on a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and theft, however, pleaded not guilty, Punch reports. ALSO READ: Female bank manager docked for N8m fraud by the EFCC Prosecutor, Insp. Nurudeen Thomas told the court that the accused committed the offences between March 11 and May 30 at Cooper Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. According to Thomas, the accused defrauded her friend, one Abisola Kola-Daisi, of $4,500, which is equivalent to N1.8million, under the guise of helping her get a domestic staff. Alimerio reportedly refused to render the service or return the money given to her for the service. Thomas said the offences contravened Sections 285, 312 (1)(a) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. ALSO READ: Two docked for defrauding woman of N66m Iliyasu made the call at a workshop organised by the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC, for the alternative medicine practitioners in Sango Ota on Thursday, November 24, Daily Post reports. ALSO READ: Cameroonian chiefs beg president to allow them use witchraft to fight Boko Haram According to him, they could assist the police by regularising their practice, carrying out membership registration to avoid quacks and screen their clients to be sure of the legality and genuineness of their needs. Declaring the one-day workshop on Effective Policing: Role of Traditional Medicine Practitioners, open, Iliyasu said: The only way the police can succeed in providing adequate security for lives and properties is to maintain a cordial relationship with the citizens. The police boss also urged the people of Ogun to help the police with valid information. On the cooperation with the herbalists, he said, We have concern for the security of lives and properties. For us to carry out effective policing we need firsthand information. There are some people who believe that the only way they can survive is through criminal activities; we will hunt them down. We have got a new police, which is ready to protect the rights of the people. We are here to make Ogun State stable, sanitise the society and say no to brutality. Make sure your hands are clean: regularise and formalise what you are doing. Help us to make the state free of kidnapping, cultism and dealings in human parts. Assess your clients to ascertain the genuineness and legality of the help they seek from you. If you observe anything suspicious, contact the police and whatever information you give will be kept in confidence and do not settle the matter at the corner. The era of pranks is over. We are tired of reports of imams, pastors and herbalists caught with human parts or defiling teenagers in the state, he added. The accused, Akeem Omole, who resides at 35, Olaleye Street, Oko-Oba, Agege, a suburb of Lagos, was arraigned on a one-count of rape, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. The court heard that the offence was committed at Omole's residence after he called the 16-year-old victim into his room under the pretence of sending her on an errand. The Prosecutor, Insp. Simeon Inuoha, said, that the accused shut the door and raped the victim. NAN reports that the accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs B. O Osunsanmi, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum. Authorities said the cargo was an unauthorized import. The Catholic charity Caritas said it was a donation from Chile and claimed authorities had not responded to requests for permission to distribute it. "The merchandise arrived without a permit. It does not fulfill the requirements to be distributed in this country," the department said on Twitter. Caritas Venezuela president Janeth Marquez said the medicine arrived in the country in August. Customs said that since the right papers had still not been filed, the cargo had been declared abandoned and the medicine handed over to the national social security service. Opposition deputy Jose Manuel Olivares in congress on Thursday accused the government of "stealing" the medicine. Marquez said her organization had contacted the health ministry to request a permit to distribute the medicine but had received no response. "We are very upset," she told AFP on Thursday. "We hope the medicine will be given to those who most need it. That is what our Chilean friends wanted." International NGO Human Rights Watch has described the situation in Venezuela as a "humanitarian crisis." Economic turmoil has been aggravated over the past two years by the fall in prices for the country's crucial oil exports. Shortages of food and basic supplies have sparked riots and looting. The Pharmaceutical Federation says 85 percent of medicines are running short. President Nicolas Maduro is resisting the opposition's efforts to remove him from power. His socialist government and the center right opposition have been holding fractious crisis talks. "We want the arrival of food and medicine to be a priority at the talks," said Marquez. The allegation was made by Amnesty International via a new report. The caucus made its comments via a statement released by Chairman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe on Thursday, November 24. The statement reads: It is not enough for the Nigeria military to debunk the report; we, as a caucus, demand an independent inquiry in the mould of a judicial panel and urgently too. It is our candid view that such a panel would reassure the Igbo that the Federal Government is alive to its responsibilities, one of which is the protection and respect of the fundamental rights of all people irrespective of tribe or religion. Unraveling the authenticity of the report would help to prevent a reoccurrence just as it will engender unity in our country. But the most important to us now is that the report must be probed and those implicated must be made to face justice. ALSO READ:Amnesty International accuses army of killing 150 protesters The letter reads: I write to felicitate with you on the attainment of the proverbial age of three scores and ten, 70. Your life has been a life of service to your people, your country and the causes you believe in. Nigeria has been well served by your stewardship and leadership. Your steadfastness in walking the democratic path sets you apart as a leader with substance. Your passion for education has seen you invest your time and resources in education, knowing full well that when you educate people, you educate a nation. You are a man of faith. Your faith has kept you going and kept you strong. I urge you to accept that there is a tide in the affairs of men. You must continue to serve Nigeria well even as a private citizen and a notable leader. Do not relent because Nigeria needs you and others like you to continue to make life more meaningful. We must continue to explore common grounds towards promoting the common good. I pray for a long life and continued good health for Turaki Adamawa, Atiku Abubakar. ALSO READ: I have no issue with Tinubu - Akeredolu Spokesman for the Command, ASP Anjuguri Manzah, disclosed this on Friday, November 25. Manzah said the rumour of such arrest was the handiwork of detractors who are hell bent on instilling fear and unnecessary panic in the minds of peace loving residents. He said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Muhammad Mustafa, reassured residents of adequate security and protection of lives and property in the territory. He said Mustafa also urged social media handlers to always verify information before circulating such through their respective platforms. ALSO READ: Suicide bombings will end soon Army The police used the opportunity to inform residents that they will practice shooting at the range in Karshi on November 26 from 7 a.m. 4 p.m. Manzah said that the exercise is part of the training routine of the Nigeria Police. He enjoined members of the public, especially those around the Nyanaya, Jikwoyi and Karshi axis, not to panic. The accused are Dr Samuel Omotoso, a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, and Mr Lere Olayinka, Fayose's Special Assistant on Public Communications. They had on July 6, 2016, during a live programme on the Ekiti State Television (EKTV), alleged that "Dr. Fayemi illegally took 1.5 billion Naira from Ekiti treasury and gave it to President Muhammadu Buhari, while contesting the presidential election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC)." They also accused Fayemi of fraud in the purchase of vehicles for traditional rulers and illegal withdrawal of 852 million Naira SUBEB money. Olayinka alleged that: "Fayemi paid Ekiti 852 million Naira into SUBEB account at Access Bank, and now this is the fraud he committed. "It is this money that qualifies Ekiti to receive Abujas N852m SUBEB money, but immediately the money dropped into Ekiti SUBEB account, Fayemi just withdrew the state counterpart fund from the SUBEB account and Abuja SUBEB caught them red-handed in the fraud game, just like 419." The lawmaker also alleged that Fayemi, who is now a Federal Minister, illegally collected five billion Naira from Ecobank in the name of Fountain Holdings for purported road construction. He said the Minister of Solid Minerals Development borrowed money on behalf of the state to build a Government House for his wife and children. He further alleged that Fayemi spent the states funds to build a private university for himself in Ghana. Fayemi, in a letter presented to newsmen on Thursday, November 24, through his counsel, Chief R.O. Balogun, said that the allegations portray him as a very corrupt public office holder and fraudulent. He, therefore, asked Omotosho and Olayinka to make a retraction and public apology, which "must be given equal prominence like the offending statements and utterances, otherwise they would be sued for criminal defamation of character." By the accusations, the Minister said he was exposed to "public ridicule, odium, opprobrium, embarrassment and unprecedented disrepute." He said the duo did "incalculable and tremendous injury to his image and personality as an international figure." Fayemi also wants his accusers to pay Fayemi N100 million for the "offending statements" within the period, failure of which he promised to file an action against them in the law court. Addressing members of Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism on oversight to his ministry on Thursday in Abuja, the minister said the racketeers swindled many unsuspected job seekers, promising to give them phantom jobs. When I came in, we were able to uncover a number of cartels engaging in unlawful employment. They gave bank account details which their victims paid huge sum of money into and after the payment they issued them with letters of employment. They even camped some of them in hotels for capturing into Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) In fact, in a particular organisation, a level 17 Officer was involved in this racketeering, but unfortunately he is late now. When we discovered this we swung into action to get to the bottom of this and get some of them arrested. We are still on it and even some them have taken us to court, he said. Mohammed said that the ministry is committed to fighting the challenge of ghost workers and assured of bringing the perpetrators to book. He said he had directed all the agencies under the ministry to submit their nominal rolls and anyone that failed to do so would have itself to blame for non-payment of its workers salaries from January 2017. The minister told the lawmakers that there was the need to revisit and review the concept of budgeting on overhead cost particularly in certain ministries like Information and Culture. In my ministry, travel and visits cannot be seen as recurrent, they are capital for me. It is when I travel that I am able to bring back dividends to this country. I travelled to Spain sometimes in July, that single trip offered the country the right to bid for the hosting of the UN World Tourism Organisation for Africa for 2018. The trip earned us the support United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNTWO) to send three technical teams to assist the country in its tourism development. It was also during that trip that the UNTWO agreed to equip six zonal centres for women engaging in tourism in the country. For us in Culture and Tourism, visiting tourism sites with the intention of making them tourists attraction should not be seen as just simple recurrent expenditure. This is where we have the challenge. Many times we want to engage in this critical assignment to the ministry, we are told that the vote head for passage and travels have been exhausted, he said. The minister solicited the support of the lawmakers on the passage of two bills which he said would be sent to the National Assembly soon. He said the two bills were for the establishment of National Endowment for the Arts and Motion Picture Council of Nigeria (MOPICON) respectively. The Minister told the committee that the late release of the 2016 budget, the burdensome procurement processes and some legal issues could not allow the ministry to attain optimal performance in the budget implementation. He also disclosed that the Lagos State Government has acceded to the Ministrys request to help redesign and modernise the National Museum in Lagos into world-class historical hub and tourist site. He reiterated the commitment of the Ministry to bringing the culture and tourism sector into the mainstream of the economy, in line with the overall goal of the Administration to diversify the economy and create jobs. Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Mathew Urhoghide, said the oversight visit is to monitor the performance of the 2016 budget and identify areas of challenges, which will form the basis of support for the 2017 budget. Urhoghide disclosed that the National Assembly will soon incorporate Tourism in the nomenclature of the Ministry because of the huge importance of the sector to the nations economy. He said This is the aspect we are looking at as parliament, as a Senate, and we believe too its going to add value, particularly in our quest to improve on our revenue base in Nigeria." Osinbajo also said that the Federal Government was committed to helping business in the country excel. The Vice President said this while on a one-day working tour to Anambra state, where he visited various manufacturing plants. Osinbajo also promised that the Federal Government will do everything possible to make sure investors come to the state. While on a tour of Chikason Industrial Group in Nnewi, the VP said I want to congratulate Chikason for the great work he is doing to industrialize Nigeria. Chikason can be described as the new king of industrialization in Africa. There are challenges facing industrialists in Nigeria and we will do our best to solve these problems. We will also do everything we can to support them because these are people who have invested enormous resources to achieve what we are seeing today. He also revealed that the Federal Government has adopted a policy of buying locally made goods so Nigerian manufacturers can be encouraged. Osinbajo said Federal government has adopted a policy of buying locally manufactured goods and it is doing this by patronizing vehicles manufactured by Innoson Vehicle Motors, Nnewi, and the Federal Executive Council has also approved the purchase of specialized vehicles for Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC from the Nnewi- based company. A lot of what we are seeing here in Nnewi is the result of private enterprise, I am pleased to see the number of people employed by Chicason Group, and other companies in Nnewi, and we will support Chicason Industries and other companies like Innoson Vehicle Motors. According to Vanguard, the VP also commissioned the Rimco Refinery/Fractionation Plant and laid the foundation stone of Eastern Distilleries and Food Industries Limited. THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER MTN, Glo, Etisalat roll out poor 4G LTE services Subscribers who have migrated to the fourth generation/long-term evolution (4G/LTE) services in the country have paid for a phantom improved and faster service delivery offer. Many of the subscribers are currently unhappy with the offerings from mobile network operators. Disasters loom at airports over obsolete traffic tools Air traffic controllers in the country are currently finding it difficult using some of the outdated navigational aids at airports nationwide. Supreme Court rejects motions against Jegede The Supreme Court has struck out motions challenging the affirmation of Eyitayo Jegede as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the governorship election billed to hold in Ondo State tomorrow. VANGUARD NEWSPAPER CBN sells $356m to raw materials sector in October The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday said it sold $356 million to support importation of raw materials in the month of October. Senate tired of passing unexecuted budgets Saraki SENATE President, Bukola Saraki has said that the Senate was tired of having appropriation bills passed into law without full implementation. Obasanjo remains the grandfather of corruption in Nigeria, says Reps BARELY 24hours after former President Olusegun Obasanjo lampooned the President Muhammadu Buhari All Progressives Congress, APC led government,Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Abdulrazaq Namdas on Thursday took a swipe at the former president describing him as the grand father of corruption in Nigeria. THE NATION NEWSPAPER N90b botched budget padding: EFCC probes 25 Reps The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is probing 25 members of the House of Representatives over alleged N90billion botched budget padding. Ondo: INEC rejects PDPs demand for election shift Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Eyitayo Jegede yesterday led a march on the Akure office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the shift of tomorrows governorship election. Reps to Obasanjo: youre plotting against Buhari Former President Olusegun Obasanjo received a dose of his own pill yesterday when the House of Representatives lambasted him in response to his description of lawmakers as corrupt. THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER Amosun, Akande, Ajimobi, Aregbesola meet over APC crisis The governors of Ogun, Oyo and Osun states on Wednesday night held a closed-door meeting with the former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bisi Akande, at the Government House, Isale-Igbein, Abeokuta. Obasanjo is grandfather of corruption in Nigeria Reps For describing the National Assembly as being peopled by a gang of unarmed robbers, the House of Representatives has lashed out at ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, calling him the grandfather of corruption. Oke, Akeredolu disagree as Jegede calls for poll delay Saraki made the call at the Senate Press Corps 2016 Award for senators and journalists covering the Senate on Thursday in Abuja. He said that the Senate Press Corps was a partner in Nigerias democracy and as such, should cooperate with the Senate to achieve greater results. He added that it is the responsibility of the press to get the message across to the people we represent. It is very clear that the sustainability of our country depends on efficiency and sustainability of the National Assembly. We urge the press to help us to carry out this vital assignment. Saraki also stressed the need for the Senate and journalist to work together. He said the Senate truly believes in partnership and we believe that whatever we do to the Press Corps, we are doing it to make sure that you help us in our image. He congratulated the recipients of the Senate Press Corps Award, saying the recipients had contributed a lot to the development of the Senate. In a goodwill message, Sen. Mohammed Ndume (APC-Borno), said that the relationship between the press and the National Assembly was very important. He said we want to have this type of occasion regularly. I believe that interactions like this should be coming up more frequent, to know ourselves very well. Ndume added that the Senate should be seen as an institution that everybody has a stake to build. He noted that the 8th Senate had been a transparent institution and urged the press to be objective in its reportage of the activities of the upper chamber. Earlier, the Chairman, Senate Press Corps, Mr Cosmas Ekpunobi, said that the corps was the biggest corps of the biggest senate in the world. He said the 2016 award was the second edition, while the first award was held in 2014 with 17 senators as recipients. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2016 award recipients include Senators Mohammed Ndume, Andy Uba, Dino Melaye, Abiodun Olujimi, Samuel Anyanwu, Kabiru Gaya, Eyinnaya Abaribe. Others are Senators Barnabas Gemade, Olugbenga Ashafa, Ahmad Lawan, David Mark and Olayide Adelami, the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Procurement, Estate and Works in the National Assembly. In the categories of award for journalists, James Itodo of FRCN got the Senate Reporter of the Year (Radio) and Mr Sumner Sambo of TVC got the Senate Reporter of the year (TV). Mr Ismail Madashir of Daily Trust got the Senate Investigative Journalist of the year. ALSO READ:Saraki reveals source of his wealth We will work for the progress of our country, Nigeria, Melaye said. According to Punch, the lawmakers also vowed to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria from any external interference. They said this while speaking with members of a civil society group, the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative (CGGCI) who marched to the National Assembly on Thursday, November 24, 2016. The group was in the Senate to request that the Shiite sect be banned from carrying out its activities in Nigeria. The leader of the group, Ogenyi Emmanuel, also alleged that there are video evidence showing that members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria carrying out military drills. He said These Iranian representatives in the country operate under the name of Islamic Movement in Nigeria, which has disavowed the secular state prescribed in the constitution. IMN has emphatically declared that it does not recognise the Federal Government of which the National Assembly is the third arm. The IMN members had clashed with the police in Kano leading to the deaths of many people. Also speaking on the issue of the sect, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, who received the group, said We will protect Nigerians against any foreigner that will come under any guise to destabilise this country. We have taken notice of what you have stated. In fact, the Senate President specifically asked me and my colleague to come out here and address this issue. So, we will go back to the Senate and look at it intensively. He made the call on Thursday in Abuja in a speech he made at the 2016 Annual Lecture/Gold Annual Award organised by the Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa (CDGA). The theme of the lecture was: Global recession as it affects good governance: Need for proactive Action Nigeria as a case study. Gowon, who chaired the occasion and was represented by his brother, Dauda Yakubu, said that in spite of its willingness, government alone cannot solve the problems. He said: the challenge, as we know, is multifarious caused, in part, by the fact that the flow of oil money into the Nigerian economy had dwindled. The consumption pattern and lifestyle of the elites has triggered an avalanche of imported consumer goods that have virtually killed domestic production. Thus, there has been an escalation in crime and other social conflicts. The government has shown a deep understanding of these problems and exhibited a strong resolve to tackling them. The ex-head of state said that the troubles that Nigeria went through over the past few years has made Nigerians to see the difference between a self-sustaining economy and the one that relied totally on a wasting asset such as oil. We have seen the extent to which corruption has made governance virtually impossible. It has rendered public institutions, including regulatory and judicial agencies sterile. It also has caused deterioration in the quality of infrastructure, healthcare delivery and education, among other. Ultimately it has robbed government of the respect and loyalty of ordinary citizens, just as it erodes the authority of the state, Gowon said. Another guest speaker and legal practitioner, Mr Mike Ozekhome, stressed the need for governments at all levels to recognise and practice the indicators of good governance. According to him, the indicators include participatory democracy, rule of law, effective and efficient institutions, transparency, responsive leadership, consensus and accountability. Any government that does not have these characteristics cannot be said to be good governance, Ozekhome said. He called on the media and civil society organisations to hold the government accountable for its programmes and activities. He said that was one of the constitutional ways through which the citizens could ensure and promote good governance. Ozekhome also stressed the need for the recruitment of highly trained, competent, incorruptible, ethical and intelligent men and women as justices of Supreme Court. He said that their appointment to the bench should not be premised on extraneous consideration such as god-fatherism, political connection, religious leanings and federal character without regard for merit and competence. On his part, Mr Olorogun Makinde, the Managing Director, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), advised the Buhari government to address other economic issues in addition to fighting corruption. He identified some of the challenges of good governance and development to include the absence of strategic vision, lack of capacity, non-adherence to rule of law, corruption and bad followership. The victim, Mr Afolabi Olaposi, was said to have been shot dead on his way home on Thursday night, November 24, after attending a meeting of the party in preparation for the Saturday's governorship election in the state. A spokesman for the APC chapter in Ondo, Mr Abayomi Adesanya, disclosed this in a statement issued in Akure on Friday, November 25. He said: "Olaposi, who is one of the leaders of our party in Igboroko Ward 1, Owo, was also an ardent supporter of our Governorship Candidate, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN). "He was a perfect gentleman who was committed to the development of the party in Owo and Ondo State in general. "The assailant also went to the house of Chief Jamiu Ekungba, an APC aspirant in the Sept. 3 Primary, and vandalised seven vehicles in his compound. "Ekungba was not to at home during the attack. "We believe those calling for the postponement of the election and threatening a repeat of 1983 violence were behind these dastardly acts. "We call on security agents in the state to fish out those behind these acts and ensure the protection of our people before, during and after the election." The Spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Femi Joseph, could not confirm the incident when contacted. " I dont have the details of the incident now, but the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of the election will speak about it later," he told Vanguard on the telephone. ALSO READ: Ondo Election - Top 3 candidates to watch and their chances of winning Fayose alleged that INEC is already in possession of fake results it will announce after the polls. "The Returning Officers by INEC already have fake results that they will announce to Nigerians as they did in Edo State," Fayose said in a statement. The statement reads: "The sad reality confronting the electoral process in Nigeria today is that apart from the APC, other political parties are now contesting elections against INEC. "At the early hours of today, information came in that the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof Kayode Soremekun, who was the INEC Returning Officer in the recently concluded Edo State governorship election that is still a subject of litigation, will also serve as the Returning Officer for the Ondo State election. "The questions that came to my mind were; is Prof Kayode Soremekun the only Vice Chancellor in Nigeria? Is FUOYE the only federal university in Nigeria? Is Ekiti the only State where INEC can find Returning Officers? "Definitely, INEC is up to a sinister game on the Ondo State election and it is obvious that the electoral commission is working with the All Progressives Congress (APC). "This belief was further made manifest by the response of Prof Soremekun to a SMS and a call, saying that he was only being used as decoy by INEC. "This was further corroborated by the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, Mr Olusegun Agbaje, who said on television that identities of those to be used as Returning Officers are being kept secret. "Obviously, it is clear beyond any doubt that INEC is only trying to make a volte-face, after its sinister motive of using the same people it used to rig the Edo State election was exposed. "Electoral process should an open book that anyone can read. Sadly, less than 24 hours to the Ondo State election, INEC is telling Nigerians and the entire world that identities of those to serve as Returning Officers are being kept secret. "Why should those that will conduct election be hidden from Nigerians? Is election now a secret affair? "The sad reality confronting the electoral process in Nigeria today is that apart from the APC, other political parties are now contesting elections against INEC. "It is clear that the Returning Officers already have fake results that they will announce to Nigerians as they did in Edo State. "Evidently, democracy in Nigeria has suffered a serious setback and it will take the insistence and resistance of the people of Ondo State for their votes to count tomorrow. "Furthermore, to sustain the planned rigging, names of some judges seen as trusted enough to give the APC favourable judgment have been compiled to be used as members of the Election Petition Tribunal. In other words, the election tribunal has been constituted even before the election is held. "I therefore urge the people of Ondo State to be extremely vigilant. When they go out tomorrow to cast their votes, they must stand by their votes. They must follow their votes from the polling stations to the ward collation centres, local government collation centres and the State collation centre. "My dear people of Ondo State, if they tell you to leave the State collation centre at any time that collation will be suspended as they did in Edo State, resist it. Stay awake all night on Saturday till final result is announced. "INEC must be reminded that is has a duty to Nigerians and not APC. The people of Ondo State must be the one to elect their own governor, not INEC. "Therefore, tomorrows election must be free, fair and credible. "Nigerians must remember there is no alternative to democracy, we must salvage it together." ALSO READ: Ondo Election - Top 3 candidates to watch and their chances of winning The Governor said this on Thursday, November 24, 2016, while campaigning for Jegede on the streets of Ondo state. According to Punch, Fayose also told newsmen that the PDP will resist any attempt by anyone to rig the election. He said You have to stand strong on Saturday. Votes must be counted in your presence. There is a difference between a struggle and a movement. Both are different from (political) parties. The movement is that Eyitayo must be governor of Ondo State. The Court of Appeal, Abuja on Wednesday, November 23, 2016, re-listed Jegede as candidate of PDPin the November 26, 2016 Ondo governorship election. Prof. Soremekun presided over the Edo state governorship election that saw Godwin Obaseki emerge as the Governor of the state. The PDP also alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wants to use the same set of people who rigged the election in Edo to manipulate the results in Ondo. The Ondo PDP spokesman, Ayo Fadaka said We hereby warn INEC not to bring Soremekun and his unscrupulous gang to Ondo State. We emphasise that he is not the only Vice Chancellor in Nigeria and as such does not exclusively possess the skill to discharge that responsibility. He is not welcome here and INEC will only incur our wrath if it makes any attempt to impose him to superintend over our election considering the fact that we are rejecting this attempt to bring him here. We again declare that INEC is free to recruit any other person to serve as the Chief Returning Officer as we will certainly and vehemently refuse to allow Soremekun to compromise our election. We urge INEC to strive to maintain its integrity and not soil its reputation any further by using people of questionable characters to discharge sensitive roles in elections. Conclusively, we say no to Professor Soremekun to play any role in our election. We also wish to remind that in Ondo State we have a culture of vehement resistance to election manipulation, thus we warn stringently that we will refuse Soremekuns appointment as our Chief Returning Officer. There are 28 political parties on the ballot, but only one of the following three will succeed outgoing Governor Olusegun Mimiko. ALSO READ: Ilaje indigenes abroad canvass support for APC candidate takes you through the chances of Olusola Oke (AD), Rotimi Akeredolu (APC) and Eyitayo Jegede (PDP); in no particular order. *********** 1. Olusola Oke (AD) This 60-year-old lawyer has worked his socks off on the campaign trail like no other candidate. He hails from Ilaje local government in Ondo. Oke has plenty of grassroots support heading into this election. It also won't hurt his chances that some APC chieftains--from Bourdillon to the social media space--are covertly or overtly rooting for him. He has Ondo South Senatorial zone almost sewn up. Oke has been met with cheering crowds everywhere he's shown up during the campaigns. However, the AD is a weaker platform when juxtaposed with the APC and PDP. Oke dumped the APC for the AD after his governorship ambition had been frustrated in the latter, suggesting he's not one for ideology and stability. He's a force to be reckoned with in this election, make no mistake. Chance of winning: 7/10 2. Eyitayo Jegede (PDP) With just two days to woo voters, Jegede has been left with a mountain to climb in this election. His legal tussle with Jimoh Ibrahim robbed Jegede and his PDP of valuable campaign time. The PDP couldn't resolve an internal crisis which stemmed from the legal battles between factional Chairmen Ahmed Makarfi and Ali Modu-Sheriff. As a result, Jegede comes into this election, badly prepared and shortchanged. What may however go for him is that outgoing Governor Mimiko is a PDP member and in Nigeria, incumbents are really that powerful. A lot of voters will also be voting based on political parties rather than personalities and Mimiko has made the PDP appealing to a cross-section of Ondo voters. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) blessed with some good looks, Jegede is not the most experienced of politicians out there. He'll probably win the Akure township votes and hope for a couple of upsets in other local governments. If he loses this election, it will be because his political party did its best to undermine him; up until the last minute. Chance of winning: 5/10 3. Rotimi Akeredolu: Aketi (as he's fondly called) is another SAN in the governorship race. He picked up the party ticket after a contentious primary election and was immediately disowned by APC godfather, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Aketi could win sympathy votes from persons who think he's been unfairly treated by the Asiwaju arm of the party. The flip-side could be that Aketi heads into this election, not backed by a powerful bloc in his own political party. Will President Buhari campaigning for him end up a baggage? If voters want to make a switch from the PDP in Ondo, they'll probably be looking at the APC. On that front, Aketi can look forward to winning this as much as anyone else out there. Chance of winning: 8/10 ******* Abati made the comment in an article titled The threat of a new political party. The article reads: When aggrieved politicians within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) decided to join forces with members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the All Progressives Peoples Alliance (APGA) to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, they had well-defined, if not so clearly stated, even if poorly conceived objectives: to send President Jonathan out of power, displace the PDP which had clearly become a dominating hegemonic party, exert vengeance and offer the people an alternative. The triumph of the APC in the 2015 elections resulting in victory at the Presidential level, in 23 states out of 36, and also in the legislature, state and federal, was propelled on the wings of the peoples embrace of this slogan of change. Change became the aphrodisiac of Nigerias search for democratic progress. The new partys promises were delivered with so much certainty and cock-suredness. Those who were promised free meals were already salivating before casting the first vote. The permanently opportunistic players in Nigerias private sector could be seen trading across the lines as they have always done. Everyone knew the PDP had too much internal baggage to deal with. The opposition exploited this to the fullest and they were helped in no small measure, not just by the partys implosion, but also the offensiveness of the claims by certain elements within the PDP that their party will rule Nigeria forever. This arrogance had gone down the rank and file resulting in bitter conflicts among the various big men who dominated the party. The party failed from within, and even after losing the 2015 elections, it has further failed to recover from the effects of the factionalism that demystified it and drove it out of its hegemonic comfort zone. It took the PDP 16 years to get that hubristic moment. It is taking the APC a much shorter time to get to that same moment. The displacement of the PDP gave the impression that Nigerias political space, hitherto dominated by one party, and a half, out of over 30 political parties with fears of a possible authoritarian one-party system, had become competitive. But the victory of a new party over a dominant political party in power such as occurred in 2015, has not delivered the much-expected positives: instead, questions have been raised about the depth of democratic change and the quality of Nigerias political development. The disappointment on both scores has been telling. The ruling APC has not been able to live up to expectations. In less than two years in power, it has been behaving not like the PDP, but worse. Not a day passes without a pundit or a party member or a civil society activist suggesting that the only way forward is the formation of a new political party. There are over 30 registered political parties in Nigeria; no one is saying that these political parties should be reorganized and made more functional; the received opinion is that a new political party would have to replace the APC. The implied message is the subject of political science. Many political parties in Africa, not just in Nigeria, lack substance. They reflect the problematic nature of party politics in the continent, even after the third wave of the continents democratic experience. Party organizations are weak, their organs are inchoate, their fortunes are mercurial. In Nigeria, this seems to be more of a post-military rule reality, for in the First and Second Republics, some of Nigerias political parties appeared to be more relatively people-based and socially-rooted. The military left behind an authoritarian streak at the heart of Nigerias party politics, producing political parties since 1999 that do not fully reflect or assimilate the peoples yearnings. There isnt therefore yet in place a mass-based, people-driven political party to replace the elite-based hegemonic parties we have, despite early efforts in the past in this direction by the likes of Aminu Kano and his Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Fela Anikulapo-Kutis Movement of the People (MOP), Tunji Braithwaites Nigeria Advance Party (NAP), Gani Fawehinmis National Conscience Party (NCP) and Wole Soyinkas Democratic Front for the Peoples Federation. There was also the Labour Party, mentioned separately here, advisedly, because it ended up abandoning its social democratic base, and became like the regular parties, an elite cabal, with the initial progressives who championed it on the platform of the Nigeria Labour Congress, moving ideologically to the right in an attempt to align with the Nigerian mainstream and its ready benefits. A profile of this political party and its initial principal promoters would reveal just how alimentary Nigerian politics is. Our immediate concern, however, is to argue that those who are raising the flag of a new political party as the answer to the emerging failure of the APC and the growth of factions among its members, and by extension, the spreading despair in the land, are missing the point. They are not promising any revolutionary change nor are they interested in deepening Nigerias democratic change. Permit me to quote Danjuma Gambo, of the Enugu Chapter of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) who reportedly said: A new political party is what we need. A new party with new plan, (and an) ideology that will bring succor to the sufferings of Nigerians is the answer. Gambo deserves some credit: he phrases the matter delicately as a commentary on the incumbent dominating political party and government. His what we need, new plan ideology means change, another form of change to end, he tells us, the sufferings (sic) of Nigerians. We ask him, although he seems to have answered the question already: what happened to the change that happened in 2015? So we ask another question: if the formation of a new political party did not solve Nigerias problems since 2015, what is the guarantee that a new party would gain power and perform better than the ruling APC? Professional politicians dont comment on the matter as carefully as Gambo attempted. They are brazen about it and they have been loud too. They make it sound like a threat and a given solution. When you hear them boasting that a new political party is on the way, you are left in no doubt that they are issuing a threat. But is a new political party the solution to Nigerias foreign exchange crisis or the peoples angst? The conundrum is easy to resolve. It is easy for the political elite in Nigeria to change their garments, sans remorse, ideology or sentiment and that is how some of the most prominent political figures in Nigeria today have changed party membership cards more than five times in the last 17 years. The politics of elitism in Nigeria is simply about access to power, position and privileges. It has nothing to do with the peoples interests. The APC is in crisis for this reason, very much like the PDP, and even the smaller parties, because these are political parties of big men of influence. Conflict results when they are not allowed to exercise that influence by other competing big men, who are similarly if not equally driven by ego, religion and superior ethnic considerations. The exercise of influence as a party big man follows a known pattern: after electoral victory, the big man wants the spoils of victory; he wants positions for his followers, contracts for wives and children and the freedom to have a say in the new government. Any attempt to shut him down, oppose him, or sideline him or her, immediately creates a crisis within the party. The greater the number of such big persons who feel short-changed and marginalized, the greater the chances of such factionalism that would trigger threats of a new political party. New groups can create new tendencies in society, but in Nigerian politics, new groups dont really emerge, it is the same recycled set moving from one political party to a new or another one, looking for benefits. Poverty, low literacy and the weakness of public institutions make the people vulnerable. The people embrace slogans and the dividends of what is now known in Nigeria as stomach infrastructure. They are deceived by the politicians display of affection and empathy. Because they are hungry, they accept money to attend rallies to help create an illusion of populism and acceptability. On election day, they sell their votes and sign off their freedom. After the election, they are too ashamed to speak up or they compensate for their psychological distress by subscribing to the politics of vengeance. A patrimonial and neo-patrimonial political system such as we run in Nigeria promotes nothing but difference, disappointment and distrust. Those who are plotting to create a new political party should be told that the harvest is predictable: more intense leadership competition, high level conflict among big men, greater deception, increased difference and tension within the polity. Political parties are governed by rules: the Nigerian political system operates above rules. It is possibly one of the most Machiavellian in Africa. What do we need? Not recycled politicians posing as new party men and women. But this: effective party organizations, like the NCNC, the NEPU, the NPC, the AG, APGA, UPN, UMBC of old which belonged to the people and reflected their aspirations. The only difference should be a necessary disconnect with the politics of ethnicity at the heart of the party formation process in Africa which, as seen, defeats the objectives of true democracy and modernization. Institutionalization of the political party system will also ensure stability within the democratic order: after a bitter political contest in the United States in 2016, the two dominant political parties - The Republican and the Democratic have remained stable, and the country is being projected as supreme. In his absence, Christianity was born and with it, came Men of God who have also performed some miracles in His name. Some have succeeded in converting many souls with their divine acts, while others have only managed to mock the Christian religion. I think it is safe to say that South African pastors fall into these second category with their 'miracles.' With miracles like turning snakes to chocolate, turning petrol to wine, this 'Men of God' make a mockery of our religion. Here are 10 times South African pastors embarrassed Christianity and make me want to change my religion. 1. Pastor Lesego Daniel walks on his members: In 2014, controversial South African pastor held a deliverance session, where he walked all over some of his church members, while the rest of the congregation looked on. 2. Pastor Aphiwe Ngevu preaches from a coffin: This South African pastor succeeded in scaring children with this method in 2015. 3. Pastor Lesego Daniel prays gay spirit into a young man: Controversial South African pastor claims to have put a gay spirit into a young man in order to prove that he is a 'true' Man of God in 2015. 4. Pastor Penuel Mnguni orders female members to strip, walks over them during deliverance: End Times Disciples Ministries South African pastor held a strange deliverance session. There, he ordered some female members to strip, while he removed 'evil spirits' by sitting or walking over their naked bodies. 5. Pastor Mpho Moletsane sleeps with married women to remove sinful lust and thoughts: South African pastor made the news for sleeping with married women in order to cast out demons. This insane method eventually got him expelled from his church. ALSO READ: Commission probes fake pastors in South Africa 6. Prophet Paseka Motsoeneng blesses peoples underwear: In April, 2016, South African pastor of the Incredible Happenings ministries revealed that he blesses people's underwear. According to him, he does it to transfer anointing. So instead of laying my hands, I speak the underwear. We call it tranferation of anointing, I speak the word of God into the underwear and the power of God gets in, he said in an interview with Jacaranda FM. This is the same person that claims to have visited heaven, took selfies with Jesus Christs wife, who is black. 7. Pastor Penuel drives over church members with his car: In June, 2016, South African pastor asked some of his followers to lie on the ground, and then drove his car over them. 8. Pastor Penuel Mnguni orders a lady to enter a deep refrigerator, locks her in for 30minutes: South African prophet aka the Snake Pastor shocked everyone when he locked a lady in a deep freezer. "Inside the deep refrigerator was very hot and she didn't feel any coldness of the ice in the deep freezer," he said. 9. Pastor Penuel turns pieces of cloth to food: July, 2016 saw the Snake Pastor praying over some pieces of clothes, 'turns' them to food for his church members. According to him, he was led by the Spirit of God to perform this miracle. 10. Prophet Lethebo Rabalago uses Doom insecticide to 'heal' cancer, HIV: Pastor uses Doom insect killer on affected body parts of his church members. Some people came with injuries but we sprayed them and they were healed. No one inspired me. I just believe in God for anything. Everything here on Earth belongs to God. Petrol belongs to God. Doom belongs to God," he told the Times Live website. The VC as well as the institutions Pro-Chancellor, Adeseye Ogunlewe, and bursar, Moses Ilesanmi, were arraigned on Friday, November 25, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Daily Post reports that EFCC operatives drove the three suspects to the High Court 6 in Abeokuta, Ogun State. According to the reports, the presiding judge, O.O Majekodunmi, stepped down the matter allowing the counsels to resolve their differences over service. Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! "Around 300 migrants, six of them considered a threat to national security, have been arrested," Prime Minister Boyko Borissov told BNR public radio after visiting the camp in early hours of Friday. Angry migrants -- mostly Afghans -- set car tyres on fire and threw stones at around 250 police officers, members of the gendarmerie and firefighters at the Harmanli reception centre near the Turkish border earlier Thursday to protest a recently imposed ban on migrants leaving the centre pending medical checks. Local police chief Nina Nikolova told AFP earlier Thursday that the situation was under control and that the migrants were in talks with the state refugee agency. But tensions flared up again in the evening when police had to use two water cannons to push the rioting group of migrants back into the buildings and prevent them from leaving the camp. The centre, which houses just over 3,000 migrants, was the scene of another protest in October when several hundred Afghans demanded they be allowed to continue their journey towards western Europe. With a fence along the Turkish border, Bulgaria has largely remained on the sidelines of Europe's worst migration crisis since 1945. Nonetheless around 13,000 migrants, mostly from Afghanistan, are currently trapped in the European Union's poorest country. Although the so-called Balkan migrant trail was effectively shut down in March, migrants have continued to cross the region in smaller numbers. Tensions have been rising particularly in Greece where tens of thousands of people remain stranded. Migrants set fire to a camp on the Greek island of Lesbos Thursday after a woman and a six-year-old child died following a gas cylinder explosion, local police said. The explosion occurred while the 66-year-old woman was cooking, police said, adding that the child's mother and four-year-old sibling were hospitalised with serious injuries. In an apparent act of rage, migrants then set fire to the Moria camp on Lesbos, causing significant damage, police said. Ensuing clashes between migrants and police left six refugees slightly injured. Neo-Nazis last week attacked a migrant camp on the eastern Greek island of Chios. Retired general Miguel Maza Marquez was convicted of conspiracy and "homicide with terrorist ends" over Galan's killing, the Supreme Court of Justice said in a statement. The assassination occurred when Maza Marquez was director of the now-defunct Administrative Security Department (DAS), charged with providing Galan's security. Galan was the leading candidate for Colombia's 1990 presidential vote when he was gunned down in front of thousands of people at a campaign rally on August 18, 1989. The charismatic Liberal party senator had vowed to extradite drug kingpins to the United States, including Pablo Escobar, the powerful head of the Medellin cartel. Escobar's top hitman, John Jairo "Popeye" Velazquez, was arrested in 1992 and convicted of the killing. Liberal politician Alberto Santofimio, a rival of Galan, was later convicted of orchestrating the hit. "The Supreme Court of Justice determined that (Maza Marquez) took part in the plan to assassinate the well-known political leader, weakening his security detail by assigning it to a hand-picked agent," the court said. Maza Marquez, who was arrested three years ago, denied the charges. Galan was killed along with a bodyguard and a local official at the rally in the Bogota suburb of Soacha. Another bodyguard was wounded. Galan was one of four presidential candidates killed in the bloody run-up to the 1990 vote, as Colombia's powerful drug lords waged war on a political movement to extradite them to the United States. He was replaced on the Liberal ticket by Cesar Gaviria, who went on to win the election. "The 28-year-old male, who was in transit from Namibia to board a South African Airways flight to Hong Kong, was immediately arrested," the organised crime police unit said in a statement. The horns, weighing 43 kilograms (95 pounds), were valued at around 6.6 million rand ($467,000, 441,000 euros). He is due to appear in court on Friday. Southern African countries are battling increased poaching levels. The trade is fuelled by organised syndicates mainly from Asian countries. South Africa, which has the largest rhino population worldwide, has been hit the hardest, with 1,200 slaughtered last year alone. Most of them were killed at the Kruger National Park, the country's premier safari destination. The illegal trade is driven by huge demand in Vietnam and China, where it is believed to have medicinal powers curing everything from hangovers to cancer. The belief has been scientifically proven to be false. The horn is also crafted into prized ornaments. The US military meanwhile announced its first combat loss in Syria, saying a service member had been killed by a bomb during an offensive against the Islamic State group. Ten days into the Syrian government's renewed bid to recapture all of battered second city Aleppo, regime bombardment has killed nearly 190 civilians and left residents desperate for respite. The regime is hoping to score its most important victory yet of the five-year civil war, dealing a potentially decisive blow to the rebels by recapturing eastern neighbourhoods they overran in 2012. Civilians in the east have been under siege by the army since July, with food and fuel supplies dwindling and international aid completely exhausted. On Thursday alone, 32 civilians were killed in air strikes and artillery fire on eastern neighbourhoods, among them five children, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "I'm terrified by the army's advance and the increasing bombardment," said Abu Raed, a father-of-four living in Fardos neighbourhood. "There's no safe place for me and my family." Rescuers pull boy from rubble The Observatory said the army now controlled more than 60 percent of the strategic Masaken Hanano district and was pushing on. The advances have been accompanied by relentless air and artillery bombardment, with medical staff in the east accusing the army of dropping barrel bombs filled with chlorine gas. Damascus and its ally Moscow have repeatedly denied any illegal, military use of the chemical. Retaliatory rocket fire by the rebels has killed at least 18 civilians in the government-held west, 10 of them children, according to the Observatory. On Thursday night, rescue workers in several parts of the east battled to extricate civilians trapped under the rubble of bombed buildings. In Bab al-Nayrab, an AFP cameraman saw rescuers battle for more than an hour to pull out a seriously wounded boy. The lower part of his body was trapped and the back of his head badly gashed. He cried out "father, father," as the rescuers used pickaxes to break up the concrete surrounding him. The desperate conditions have prompted some civilians to flee. In recent days, five families have crossed to Sheikh Maqsud, a Kurdish-controlled enclave between the government-held west and rebel-held east, the Observatory said. Damascus says residents and surrendering fighters are free to leave, and accuses the rebels of preventing civilians from doing so and using them as "human shields." 'Unbearable circumstances' On the ground, residents expressed despair. "Living under these circumstances is unbearable," said 43-year-old Mohammed Haj Hussein, in Tariq al-Bab district. "There's no work, there's no food, and the bombing is incessant... I want to get out of here by any means possible." In Bab al-Nayrab district, Abu Hussein said: "I don't know what the UN is waiting for. Why don't they at least evacuate the children and women?" The UN says it has a plan to deliver aid to Aleppo and evacuate the sick and wounded, which rebel factions have approved. But Damascus has yet to agree, and additional guarantees are needed from Moscow, UN officials say. On Thursday, the head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, Jan Egeland, warned there was no plan B to help civilians in east Aleppo. "In many ways plan B is that people starve, and can we allow that to happen? No we cannot," he said. Further east, in Raqa province, where a US-backed alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters is battling IS, Washington suffered its first combat loss in Syria, the US-led coalition announced. It said the service member died on Thursday from wounds caused by an improvised bomb near the town of Ayn Issa. US special forces are on the ground in the area supporting an offensive to retake the city of Raqa, the jihadists' de facto Syrian capital. "Yes, he is free," said photographer and filmmaker Umida Akhmedov by email after speaking to Kukanov's son Sardor. Kukanov's original 20-year-sentence was extended at least once during his term and a Tashkent-based rights group said it was extended for a further three years in October. Kukanov's release comes as interim President Shavkat Mirziyoyev looks to consolidate control over the Central Asian country following the death in September of Karimov after 27 years at the helm. Mirziyoyev served as Karimov's prime minister for 13 years. Steve Swerdlow, a Central Asia researcher for the New York-based Human Rights Watch group told AFP the diplomatic community, including the US government, which publicly appealed to the Uzbek government to release him, had played an important role in securing Kukanov's release. "If interim president Shavkat Mirziyoyev is serious about showing the world that his rule will be an improvement over Islam Karimov's repression he'll need to release many more political prisoners in addition to ending torture," Swerdlow added. Uzbekistan was a serial human rights abuser under Karimov, who parlayed the country's strategic location on the Afghan border into geopolitical favour with Russia and the West. The Vatican-backed "dialogue" aims to calm tensions as the center-right opposition demands a vote on removing Socialist President Nicolas Maduro. It blames his management for the crisis driven by falling oil prices that has caused desperate shortages of food and medicine. The opposition MUD coalition this week accused the government of boycotting the talks. Some of its members threatened to do the same if the government does not agree at the next meeting on December 6 to let it have a vote. "The government not only unilaterally froze the dialogue by not attending the talks on Tuesday, but also called into question the full meeting in December," said Jesus Torrealba, leader of the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD). Another senior opposition leader, Henrique Capriles, alleged the government had skipped Tuesday's talks in pique after the opposition-led congress held a session on the conviction of two of his wife's nephews on US drug charges. Maduro appeared on television shortly afterwards and insisted: "The dialogue continues to progress." Opposition party Causa Radical, part of the MUD, called Thursday on prosecutors to investigate Maduro himself over possible complicity in the drugs affair. That effort appeared unlikely to bear fruit because the high court has found in Maduro's favor in a string of rulings over recent months. Maduro has consistently resisted efforts to hold a recall referendum or early election. The opposition says he controls the courts and electoral authorities. At the last round of talks on November 12, the sides made vague commitments to ease tensions and the food crisis. They have since accused each other of breaking their word. "What is the point of this process if it yields no results?" Capriles said on Thursday. Putin said that Russia "has always supported and supports strengthening (the UN's) leading role in international affairs, in conflict-resolution, in the struggle for human rights", according to a Kremlin statement. Putin added that he hoped he would have the "same constructive dialogue" as with his predecessor Ban Ki-moon. Guterres, former prime minister of Portugal, meanwhile said he recognised Russia's "decisive role not only in the framework of the United Nations but in all other aspects of international relations". The Nobel laureate called the US "a leading nation of free world" at a press conference on a visit to Mongolia, where he met with Buddhist worshippers despite strident demands from Beijing that he be barred from entering the country. "Sometimes I feel during election, the candidate has more freedom to express," he said in English in response to a question about the US elections. "Once they [are] elected, having the responsibility, then they have to planning their sort of vision, their works according [to] reality," he added. "So I have no worries." Beijing views the exiled Buddhist monk as a devious separatist bent on breaking apart China and consistently condemns foreign leaders who meet with him. Outgoing US President Barack Obama hosted the Dalai Lama at the White House for the fourth time in June, prompting sharp criticism from Beijing. Mongolia is home to devout Buddhists, whose religion is closely related to the Tibetan tradition, but the country is heavily dependent on trade with China, and Ulan Bator has tried to avoid angering its giant neighbour. The Mongolian monastery that organised his trip said the visit was purely religious and separate from political affairs. China hoped that the international community would "see through the anti-China and separatist nature of the Dalai Lama", foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang told reporters Wednesday. "Instead of being in a temple to focus on practising Buddhism, he travels around the world to meet with other foreign leaders in order to try to undermine relations between China and those countries," he said. The Dalai Lama says he seeks more autonomy for Tibet rather than outright independence. The Islamic State (IS) jihadist group claimed the attack in central Tunis as well as bombings earlier in 2015 at the Bardo National Museum and at a beach resort that killed 59 foreign tourists and a Tunisian guard. The state of emergency has been in place since the attack, in spite of government assurances that security has improved in the north African nation. "The security situation is (now) stable," Prime Minister Youssef Chahed told AFP earlier this month. "I would say that we are no more under threat than other countries in the world." Tunisia, which relies heavily on money generated from tourism, last witnessed a major security incident in March, when dozens of jihadists assaulted state security installations in a town near the border with strife-torn Libya. That attack killed 13 security forces members and seven civilians, but authorities praised the army and police response which resulted in the deaths of at least 55 jihadists. A relative calm has since taken hold, and former prime minister Habib Essid in July hailed the first time the Muslim holy month of Ramadan passed without a jihadist incident in Tunisia since 2012. European countries and the United States have stepped up cooperation, and President Beji Caid Essebsi has confirmed the presence of 60-70 US instructors for surveillance drones along the Libyan border. A security official however insisted that the continued state of emergency was justified. "Terrorist elements are still moving around in the mountains of the west (bordering Algeria) even though the noose is tightening and a certain number of their leaders have been killed," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'Limits freedom' At the start of November, a soldier was killed at his home in the Mount Mghilla area, a key hiding-place of jihadists, in an attack claimed by IS. The security official said: "Hardly a week goes by without the police dismantling a terrorist cell" or announcing the seizure of weapons and ammunition. The chaos in Libya alone justifies the state of emergency, according to researcher Rafaa Tabib, an expert on Tunisia's violence-plagued neighbour. The measure has "helped the security forces in the fight against terrorism. They've been able to carry out raids... and to arrest suspects without judicial warrants." But rights groups have raised concerns. It has "limited the freedom of many people placed by the security services under administrative supervision on the slightest suspicion," said Messaoud Romdhani of the Tunisian Human Rights League (LTDH). Analyst Tarek Belhaj Mohamed said "growing social tensions" in Tunisia, hampered with weak economic growth since its 2011 revolution, were also a factor behind the state of emergency. In January, a night-time curfew was enforced for several days after unrest in central parts of the country, the worst since the uprising that ousted strongman Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Emergency law allows authorities to ban strikes and meetings that might "provoke or maintain disorder", to temporarily close theatres and bars, and to place controls on media output. At a ceremony on Thursday for the slain presidential guards, Essebsi unveiled a memorial inside the barracks of the presidential security service in a suburb of Tunis, showing three special agents with their weapons. MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa Genevieve Swarts, 89, of Marshalltown, formerly of Bettendorf, joined her Lord and Savior in the early morning of Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, at the Iowa River Hospice Home with her loving family by her side. Memorial services for Genevieve will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bettendorf, with Pastor Richard Pokora officiating. A luncheon will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall. Following the familys wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church (1107 Tanglefoot Lane, Bettendorf, IA 52722.) For further information or to send a condolence please visit mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234, the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Genevieve Weiss was born Sept. 21, 1927, in Woodside, Long Island, New York, the daughter of Frederick and Jenny (Brule) Weiss. She was raised and educated in upstate New York, graduating from Fort Plain High School, Class of 1945. As a girl, she loved living on the family dairy farm. On June 25, 1950, Genevieve was united in marriage to the love of her life, Richard P. Swarts, in Fort Plain, New York. Genevieve and Richard moved to Rockaway, New Jersey, where they raised their two sons, Brian and Randy. Richards career with the U.S. Civil Service brought them to Bettendorf in 1973. During most of her working years, Genevieve was a steadfast and valued employee of Younkers Inc., applying her secretarial skills as the assistant to the Eastern District manager. She was a devoted mother to her sons and an extremely proud grandmother to Lauren and Logan. Traveling with them and participating in school activities was one of Genevieves favorite pastimes. Stopping for ice cream was an activity that she never turned down. Genevieve had a passion for many things but above all her devotion to serving others was her driving force. She was devoted to this purpose no matter what life brought her way. She was a very active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bettendorf and was proud to serve her Lord on a number of church committees. If ever you needed a smile, Gen was always there to provide one. Her positive approach to life was admired by all that met her. Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Brian (Karen Ehrenman) Swarts of Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, and Dr. Randy Swarts, of Marshalltown; daughter-in-law, Pam Swarts of Marshalltown; grandchildren, Lauren Swarts of Minneapolis, and Logan Swarts of Ames, Iowa; several nieces and nephews, as well as many dear friends from the Quad-Cities area. She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard; parents, Frederick and Jenny Weiss, one brother, Frederick Jr., and one sister, Barbara Wichowsky. Anthony Bribriesco of Bettendorf has been elected to the board of governors for the Iowa Association for Justice. He was installed from Judicial Subdistrict 7 during the group's annual convention in Des Moines. He will serve a one-year term. Headquartered in Des Moines, the Iowa Association for Justice is an organization of approximately 700 Iowa trial attorneys who fight for justice in courtrooms and communities across the state. The Association serves the legal profession and the public through its efforts to strengthen justice systems, promote injury prevention, and foster the transparency of information critical to the health and safety of all Iowans. Items to share? If you have an item for whos in the news send it to Lucinda Resnick, who compiles this weekly column, c/o Quad-City Times, 500 E. 3rd St., Davenport, IA 52801, or email it to her at lresnick@qctimes.com. Please include a photo. I am always proud to see a person being charged with non-consensual termination of a pregnancy, see Quad-City Times article "Davenport man accused of assaulting pregnant girlfriend" on Nov. 17. In 1995-1996, my late husband and I, along with others, worked with former Iowa state Rep. Neil Harrison to get a law passed that made non-consensual termination of a pregnancy punishable by law, Iowa Code 707.8. Over 20 years ago, both of our families were devastated by the loss of our unborn daughters due to car accidents. At that time, no charges could be brought against the drivers for causing the deaths of our daughters because they were not considered to be a person under Iowa law. I will always be grateful to Neil Harrison for supporting our efforts to create the law that has provided some solace to many families in Iowa. Lauri Whiskeyman Davenport Law enforcement agencies have reinforced a barricade with concrete barriers on Backwater Bridge, where police and Dakota Access pipeline protesters clashed late Sunday. It is for the safety of the officers. Every time we have a protest on the Backwater Bridge, serious confrontations happen with the agitators and law enforcement is defending that line, said Morton County Sheriffs Department spokesman Rob Keller. The bridge has been closed since Oct. 27, when opponents of the $3.8 billion, 1,172-mile crude oil pipeline were pushed out of a northern "front line" protest camp they had established atop the pipeline route and back to the main camps near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Multiple vehicles burned there that night, and authorities have said the bridge may be unsafe for traffic due to the fires. Prior to the incident, law enforcement had admonished protesters for setting up barriers along Highway 1806, blocking emergency services. Now protesters are criticizing the law enforcement barricade and lack of effort to repair the bridge, saying it does the same thing. Those tensions boiled over Sunday when protesters pulled one of the burned vehicles from the bridge. The incident escalated after police said some protesters threw rocks and burning logs, leading law enforcement to respond with tear gas, rubber bullets and fire hoses in sub-freezing temperatures. Some protesters have claimed the water was used to harm them after they were doused in late-November weather. Law enforcement decided to tow the other burned truck Tuesday and reinforce the barricade. While they were doing this, Keller said a person who identified himself as camp security wanted to know what was taking place. Police explained to the camp security that this was done for the safety of law enforcement and, as long as the protesters stayed off the bridge and stayed at the south end, there would be no law enforcement action. Protesters were told if they come across the bridge, less-than-lethal police actions would continue to be taken. Protests of the Dakota Access pipeline have been going on for months in Morton County, with the project's opponents expressing fear over possible water contamination should the pipeline leak where it crosses the Missouri River. The pipeline would carry oil from the western North Dakota oil fields to Illinois for processing. A dispute over a county road that drug on for months before the Dawes County Commissioners is now in District Court. Landowner John Mai has filed a lawsuit against Michael and Diana Lecher, David Shumway, Jan Marie Shumway and Dawes County, asking the court for a quiet title to the land and for injunctive relief. Mai wants the countys action to keep the road open nullified and Lecher and Shumway barred from trespassing on what he believes is his property. Barring that, Mai is seeking $80,000 from the county if the road is left open, alleging that the countys action was an exercise of eminent domain without the proper procedures or payments. The dispute stems from Mais contention that County Road 50 was closed many years ago and is on what became his property. Lecher and Shumway claim the road has always been considered an open county road. County Road Superintendent Larry Hankin conducted a formal road study this summer and said it shows that the one mile section from the northeast corner to the southeast corner of Section 11 remains open in county records. The countys road records are in a years-long process of being brought up to date, a project being undertaken by Janice German at Dawes County Abstract. She told the commissioners in March that the records shes found also indicates Road 50 is an open road. Mais attorney, Terry Curtiss, told commissioners in July that County Road 50 is also referred to as County Road 19, which was closed in 1986. Mai says when he purchased the property he was informed by German that there was no access and he needed to obtain a road easement. The commissioners, however, determined that Road 50 and Road 19 are different roads and approved a resolution that vacated part of Road 50 from a point 1647 feet north of the south boundary of Section 11, Township 32, Range 49 West, continuing in a southerly direction ending on the south boundary of Section 11, Township 32, Range 49 West with the land vacated reverting back to the proper landowner(s). That decision preserved access for Lecher and Shumway, but Mais lawsuit argues that it was improper eminent domain that unjustly enriches the county because he spent $50,000 constructing what he believed was a private driveway. Mai also says an existing fence line between his property and that owned by the Lechers is the property boundary, something that was disputed during discussions before the county commissioners. The court filings say that while the Lechers may have some claim in the real estate west of the fence dividing Sections 12 and 11, Mais claim is superior because the fence line was recognized by previous owners. ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. | A young pilot dangles dangerously far from the grassy South Dakota tundra, held on by nothing more than a strap, a cable and a medic from the South Dakota National Guard. As the Soldier and Airmen are hoisted up toward the HH-60 Pave Hawk medical helicopter, fake blood runs down the captains face. Personnel recovery is a pilots nightmare, but for Capt. Scott Richards, a B-1 pilot assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron, it is a reality. Fortunately for him, this is just an exercise. The exercise began the night before at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, as 37 aircraft filled the skies over Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota marking the start of the fourth large force exercise in the Powder River Training Complex at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. Just over a full year after the airspace opened, these exercises have nearly quadrupled in size. The latest iteration, Combat Raider 17-01, was hosted Nov. 15-17, 2016, in the PRTC, testing several agencies cohesion and coordination. The exercise was broken down into five main objectives: counter-air, strategic strikes, strike coordination and reconnaissance, close air support and personnel recovery. Exercises like Combat Raider serve many purposes, said Maj. Christopher Winklepleck, the 8th Air Force deputy director of plans and policy. It demonstrates the capability and reach of our aircraft, it keeps aircrews and supporting units proficient and also constantly tests our interoperability in an ever-changing battlefield environment. Bomber, fighter jets, tankers and ground forces all played part in the three-day, night-time exercise. Combat Raider displays the capability of a bomber wing to bring together multiple Combat Air Force platforms and integrate at the squadron level in a locally owned and managed airspace, said Winklepleck. Along with several Air Force squadrons from across the United States, teams from Canada, Great Britain and the South Dakota National Guard joined the training event. The intent was to integrate lots of different platforms, said Capt. Devin Ivy, the officer in charge of the exercise and assigned to the 28th Operations Support Squadron. Tactical Air-Control-Party members, Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape specialists and KC-10 Extender aerial refueling crews lent their skills to help accomplish multiple objectives. One such task included keeping fighter jets in the sky. Its important for fighters to get experience refueling from tankers so that they understand how we work and what we do, said Senior Airman Austin Denotter, a boom operator assigned to the 32nd Aerial Refueling Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. It also lets them know that were always there. Theres always fuel in the sky for them. Back on the ground, Airmen coordinate the local airspace. Our purpose is to coordinate air support in order to allow friendly forces to recover downed pilots, said Staff Sgt. Edward Breen, a TACP Airmen assigned to the 5th Air Support Operations Squadron at Joint-Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. We are the link between air and ground. These Special Forces Airmen controlled the airspace around the PRTC, calling in simulated airstrikes and coordinating a show-of-force with a B-1 crew. Exercises like this are important because it gives us exposure to tasks that were not training to on a regular basis, said Breen. It gives us exposure to different assets like bombers. We dont usually work with them that often so when we do, it gives our guys more experience. Successfully learning from and completing each objective, the exercise proved the effectiveness of the U.S. military and their ability to work together to accomplish large-scale operations. The units were able to work very well given the constraints of them being dislocated, said Ivy, who was with the exercise since its beginning six month prior to execution. This is always going to be a challenge were going to have to overcome. Despite being geographically separated, every unit performed their part seamlessly. According to Ivy, the complete review and analysis of the exercise is under way and should be completed early December. We realized what potential we have here at Ellsworth AFB with all of its support agencies, the operating squadrons and the airspace, said Ivy. In the end, I think there were some great lessons learned it was a raving success. Activists looking to end beer sales in the troubled village of Whiteclay, Neb., have chipped in reward money for information on the death of a South Dakota woman found beaten behind a building there in August. Sherry Wounded Foot, a 50-year-old mother of three, was found unconscious Aug. 5 and died in a hospital 12 days later. Her killing remains unsolved. Soon, a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest will be posted on the Nebraska Crime Stoppers website. "There was a stark realization that there was a family who wouldn't be spending Thanksgiving with their loved one because she was beaten to death in Whiteclay," said John Maisch, an activist who arranged the reward. It's uncommon, but not unheard of, for private citizens to contribute reward money to Nebraska Crime Stoppers for a specific case. The last time was a few years ago, said Steve Sunday, Wilber police chief and president of the state Crime Stoppers board. A thousand dollars is the most Nebraska Crime Stoppers will offer in a single case. But, Maisch said, "to me it would be not only helpful, but it would be appropriate if the beer stores put up some money." Maisch and others have argued Wounded Foot's death is further cause for Whiteclay's four beer stores to be shut down. The stores sold the equivalent of 3.5 million cans of beer last year, in a town of about a dozen people on the doorstep of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where alcohol is banned. Vagrancy and violence are rampant in Whiteclay, and activists say beer sales there are largely to blame for systemic issues on Pine Ridge, including alcoholism and related birth defects from fetal alcohol syndrome. Wounded Foot's family has said her brother, Sanford Wounded Foot, was similarly found lifeless and beaten on Whiteclay's main street in 2012. No arrests were made in that case. The Nebraska State Patrol and the Sheridan County Sheriff's office are investigating Sherry Wounded Foot's death, said Sheridan County Attorney Jamie Simmons. The Nebraska Attorney General's Office is also involved, she said. In October, a county commissioner told a legislative committee that local law enforcement "absolutely" does not have adequate resources for proper policing in Whiteclay. The statement led the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission to order the beer stores to reapply for their licenses, a process that is expected to take several months. Maisch, a former Oklahoma liquor regulator who grew up in Nebraska, produced a documentary film about Whiteclay. "We can't really do anything about those who have died," he said Wednesday. "We can certainly do something to prevent further deaths." As the debate over the future of the federal Department of Veterans Affairs hospital system in Hot Springs nears a conclusion, VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald will visit the Southern Hills city next week. McDonald will host a public town hall meeting in Hot Springs to hear from residents and stakeholders regarding the VA's future plans for the historic hospital complex. The meeting will be held at 12:15 p.m Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the theater of the Mueller Center, 801 S. Sixth St. in Hot Springs. During the visit, McDonald will also tour the VA hospital campus to meet with employees and veterans and stakeholders. The VA recently issued a final Environmental Impact Statement that recommends a $217 million plan to reconfigure the Black Hills medical system by shuttering much of the Hot Springs campus and building a new 100-bed hospital facility in Rapid City. The VA's recommended plan would eliminate about 290 full-time jobs from the Hot Springs VA workforce that is now at roughly 350 full-time equivalent jobs. About 100 jobs would be created in Rapid City, the plan states. Those employment figures are separate from the 120 new jobs that are expected to be created in Hot springs when a new VA call center for pharmacy patients opens at the Hot Springs campus. The VA wants to reconfigure the system, saying it has a hard time filling medical positions in Hot Springs, and that renovating the historic Battle Mountain Sanitarium and making it handicapped accessible is too expensive. A vocal group of Hot Springs veterans, officials and residents is fighting the change, saying that Hot Springs is the proper place for veterans to receive medical care, and that the reconfiguration could devastate the local economy. The VA's preferred option for the reconfiguration is also opposed by all three members of South Dakota's Congressional delegation. Questioning of Ukraine's ex-president over killing of protesters postponed MOSCOW, November 25 (RAPSI) The questioning of Ukraines former president Victor Yanukovych in an investigation into killing of demonstrators during the protests in central Kiev in 2014 was postponed until November 28. The case against 'Berkut' riot police officers is pending in the Svyatoshinsky District Court of Kiev. Yanukovych who has been living in Russia since escaping Ukraine agreed to testify by video-link from from the Rostov Regional Court. The political crisis erupted in Ukraine in late November 2013 after the government announced that it had halted the countrys association with the European Union. Protests, called Euromaidan, swept across the country and led to violent clashes between armed activists and law enforcement officers in late 2013 and early 2014. Fighting between radical anti-government protesters and police culminated in mass riots on February 18, 2014. On February 20, fire was opened on protestors. Over 100 people died those days on both sides, according to RIA Novosti. Ukraine authorities claim 'Berkut' officers to be blamed for the shootings. Russia says that militants of Right Sector, a far-right Ukrainian group banned in Russia, may have been behind the attack. Ukraine went through a regime change on February 22, when President Viktor Yanukovych fled the country and Euromaidan activists rose to power in Kiev. In early 2015, it was reported that the Ukrainian Prosecutor Generals Office brought charges against Yanukovych in absentia and addressed Russia with a request to extradite the former president. Yanukovych is suspected of organizing a criminal group, abuse of power, embezzling state property and other offenses. The Russian Minister of Justice then claimed he had not received any documents on extraditing Yanukovych to Kiev. On June 6, Russia declined to extradite Yanukovych, the Prosecutor Generals Offices spokesman Alexander Kurennoy told journalists. The motion for provisional arrest and detention of Yanukovych filed by Ukraine was considered and dismissed in accordance with Article 3 (Political offences) of the 1957 European Convention on Extradition, Kurennoy said. Ukrainian authorities were informed about this decision, he added. Russian nationalist Martsinkevich pleads not guilty to assaulting drug dealers Context Moscow court returns criminal case against nationalist Martsinkevich to prosecutors MOSCOW, November 25 (RAPSI) - Infamous Russian nationalist Maxim Martsinkevich during the hearing in Moscows Babushkinsky District Court on Friday pleaded not guilty to assaulting drug dealers, RIA Novosti reported Friday. In March, the case against Martsinkevich was returned to prosecutors. According to his defense, one charge count connected with property damage was dropped. Martisnkevich and nine other people stand charged with extremism, hooliganism, robbery and property destruction. Investigators believe that Martsinkevich, a.k.a. Tesak (Hatchet), and his supporters under pretense of drug interdiction attacked people in 2013-2014 in Moscow using electro shockers, gas sprayers and metallic pipes, leaving several people traumatized and one person dead. These attacks were allegedly connected to a movement Occupy-Narcofilay organized by Martsinkevich against synthetic cannabis (a.k.a. spice) dealers. Martsinkevich, one of the more well-known Russia nationalists, has a history of clashes with the law. In 2014, he was sentenced to five years in prison for publishing extremist content in the Internet. Hillary Clinton came very close to becoming the first female president in our history. However, while she was nearly elected president, would she, in fact, have actually been the first female to lead the country? Perhaps a closer look at history can answer this question. After several grueling months on a barnstorming rail tour to rally public support for his League of Nations, President Woodrow Wilson nearly experienced a complete physical breakdown. His doctor prescribed total rest and he was quickly rushed back to Washington, D.C. However, his condition was much worse than even his doctor had suspected. On the morning of October 2, Mrs. Wilson found her husband unconscious on the bathroom floor. Wilson had suffered a massive stroke that left his left side paralyzed and impaired both his vision and speech. She immediately summoned his personal physician, Dr. Cary Grayson. For the next three to four days, the White House resembled a hospital with all manner of medical equipment and doctors and nurses scurrying about. But, despite all the medical attention, Wilsons condition did not improve. What should be done? Should he resign or be forced to resign by the Senate? Not bloody likely declared his wife Edith. It was at that point that the First Lady and Dr. Grayson hatched a plan to hide his very serious condition from both the public and Congress. Woodrow would remain as President, but she would act on his behalf. And so, she set up a desk and phone of her own, met with cabinet secretaries, saw various officials, interacted with the press, filtered all correspondence and memos meant for the President, and conducted meetings. There were strong hints that she didnt necessarily consult with her bed-ridden husband before making decisions, as he was often unable to speak or was only able to mutter incoherently. If someone inquired about the Presidents lack of public appearances, she would respond that while it was true the President was ailing, all he needed was a period of rest and he would soon be fine. However, behind the veil of secrecy, Wilson was quite ill and unable to perform his duties as President. Edith Wilson would become the de factor President and run the United States for the next year and a half. Even when members of Congress learned of Wilsons true condition, they never really pushed the idea of declaring him incapacitated, given the political storm that would be unleashed. Although a handful of senators did visit the very ill Wilson, they decided that even though he was an invalid, he was in decent enough shape to run the country (at that time, there was no Constitutional provision as to how to deal with a disabled President; the 25th amendment ratified in 1967 addressed this issue). In her memoirs (largely regarded by historians as a work of fiction), the former first lady wrote I myself never made a single decision regarding the disposition of public affairsThe only decision that was mine was what was important and what was not, and the very important decision of when to present matters to my husband. Even though Woodrow Wilson made a partial recovery, he would remain disabled throughout the remainder of his life. He died in 1924, nearly four years after leaving office; Edith died three days after Christmas in 1961. And so the search begins. Seventy-two years ago, a 19-year-old Marine from Dixon claimed a distinctive flag off the body of a slain Japanese officer in the Battle of Saipan. This week, Marvin Strombo took the first steps toward reuniting it with the unknown warriors family. I never did feel like it was mine, Strombo, 92, said in a hallway of the Health Sciences Building on the University of Montana campus on Monday. The subject of a Nov. 13 Veterans Day feature in the Missoulian, Strombo was invited by Robert Tuck, assistant professor of Japanese, to talk to Tucks Japanese and Culture class about his war experiences. Strombo and his daughter, Sandra Williamson, also wanted to see if they could learn something about the flags previous owner, who lost his life in 1944. They could. Tuck showed them and his class the Hinomaru Japans national flag with the familiar red sun disc in the center of a white field. In this case its surrounded by lines of Japanese writing. This was a good-luck charm they brought to war with them, Tuck explained. The largest writing across the top wished the flags carrier Eternal Good Fortune In Battle, he said. Down one side is the name of its carrier, Yasue Sadao Yasue being the family name and Sadao the personal name. Instead of rays emanating from the sun, names and good wishes are written in Japanese, most of them male and several with the surname Yasue. Those are probably brothers, parents, or other close relatives, Tuck surmised. There are also a lot of people with the surname Imai who wrote their names on the flag, he said. I dont know for certain, but that could be his wifes family name, or perhaps the name of his previous family if he had been adopted into another. That was a common practice in prewar Japan, Tuck said. Strombo raised four children in the same home in southwest Missoula where he lives today. Hes one of just three surviving sniper-scouts from a 6th Marine Regiment platoon that was the second special operations platoon sent to the Pacific and nicknamed the Forty Thieves of Saipan. The other two men live in West Virginia and Georgia. All three have been rich sources for an upcoming book by Joseph Tachovsky of Wisconsin, son of the late platoon commander. On a June day in 1944, Strombo was one of five raiders who were the first to enter Garapan, the seaside capital of Saipan. Behind enemy lines, they were looking for intelligence, and they successfully fought off an ambush on the way into town. As they reached the outskirts, Strombo encountered the dead officer. He was on the front line and hed gotten killed, probably by a bomb, he told Tucks class. Its customary on all sides of war to lay claim to souvenirs found on the battlefield. The Japanese often took dogtags off fallen American soldiers, Williamson said. Strombo knew the man was an officer because he had a saber, which Strombo also brought back to Montana, only to lose it when his home was broken into in the late 1970s. The thief was caught and the stolen weapons traced to a pawn shop in Seattle, but the saber was already gone, he said. For years Strombo has been chewing on the idea of tracking down the descendants of the man who died trying and failing to fend off the American invasion on Japanese-held Saipan in the South Pacific. I thought maybe it would bring them a little something they could remember him by, he said. And if they wanted to they could probably follow up on that saber. The latter should be identifiable because a buddy borrowed it to chop weeds in Saipan after the battle. He hit a rock and its got a little chip about halfway up the blade, Strombo said. Strombo isnt alone in his quest to reunite war spoils with their Japanese owners. What is going on is not just with the gentleman there in Missoula, and its not just nationwide. Its global, said Rex Ziak of the nonprofit Obon Society in Astoria, Oregon. Ziak said he and his wife Keiko have been contacted for the same reason by people from Canada, Ireland, Wales, Singapore and the Marshall Islands, to name a few, to find descendants. Since 2009, on a budget of grateful donations and their own savings, the Ziaks have worked with a network of scholars, researchers, attorneys and Japanese government officials to return war prizes to families on both sides of the Pacific. On Memorial Day 2016, CBS News highlighted the Obon Societys work. The television program featured the quest of Terry Stockdale of Billings to return a Hinomaru flag attained during World War II by his late father Glenn. The Society traced the Stockdale flag back to Yoshigusu Kiski, a young soldier who kissed his wife, his seven-month-old son and his two-year-old daughter goodbye and never saw them again, the report said. The children, now 75 and 73, live near Osaka, and Terry Stockdale traveled there to hand the flag over in a formal, poignant ceremony. Ziak said since the CBS report ran, he and his wife have been overwhelmed. Last night I think I slept eight hours. I can tell you there were months when that would have been a joke, he said. Whats happening, Ziak said, is something that should fill us with hope and joy, because you and I both know that when countries go to war, those feelings of war do not end when treaties are signed or somebody surrenders. Whats happening between America and Japan, he said, is really quite remarkable. Back then I dont think there were ever two enemies that hated each other more and fought each other more savagely. They were on opposite ends, he said. Yet here we are 75 years later and Japan is among our most trusted allies. Questions of espionage or reneging on treaties between the two nations never arise, he said. At first the Ziaks thought returning war prizes was purely for the benefit of the Japanese families, Rex Ziak said. But we overlooked the fact that this is so enormously important to Americans. It wasnt called that, but theres no question World War II survivors suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Strombo still does. He said on Veterans Day that he has nightmares from the days and nights of living in fear, and of regrets that still make him shudder. One was of the young Japanese, captured when the Americans took a bridge on Saipan and whose execution he was invited to witness as he walked through a neighboring camp that night. Strombo declined. But I can understand, he said. To them it was war. It sounded like murder almost to me. That poor prisoner, he looks at me, his eyes are just crazy, because he knew what was going to happen. As Strombo climbed into his foxhole for the night, he heard a rifle shot. It was too late to do anything then. I always remembered the pleading eyes, but I didnt say nothing, he said. Only thing is, it kind of followed me around the rest of my life. Strombo told Tucks class that even in war, he and his comrades admired the courage of the Japanese warriors. They fought till they had no choice, he said. We had a lot of respect for them. And I respect the Japanese for what they did after the war. There are unseen barriers to reuniting Strombos flag with its Japanese heirs. Rex Ziak said strict privacy laws in Japan make it difficult to track down individuals and war records hoops it took the Obon Society years to figure out how to jump through. Strombo and Williamson wonder if tracing the flags origins couldnt turn out to be a learning experience for university students, and the Ziaks said thats fine. We never tell people what they should do, Rex Ziak said. Williamson said shell talk it over with the Obon Society, which doesnt charge for its services but requires the flag to be mailed to Oregon. Its promise is that Strombo will be kept apprised of every development in its investigation. If there was a way for them to work in connection with each other, I think that in itself could be really kind of good for the university, for the community, for Daddy, and for the Obon Society as well, she said. The Ravalli County Airport supported Bitterroot Forest Single Engine Air Tankers (SEAT) and Salmon/Challis National Forest SEATs and hosted SEATS from the Lolo and Idaho Panhandle National Forest. These SEAT aircraft flew 174 sorties dropping over 96,000 gallons of retardant. At times there were up to five SEAT aircraft flying some borrowed from Ronan, MT and McCall, ID. SEAT aircraft were credited for saving the electronic site located in the Roaring Lion fire and for delaying the spread of the fire until ground crews and equipment arrived. How many more structures would have burned without the benefits of SEAT aircraft and helicopter flying from Ravalli County Airport? What is the difference between water drops by helicopter and retardant drops by SEAT aircraft? The retardant is a mixture of water, ammonium polyphosphate, and a coloring agent and is called PHOS-CHEK. This retardant reduces drift, dispersion and evaporation and facilitating increased fuel coverage, wrap around and penetration through canopy and ladder fuel to ground vegetation. Recovery can exceed 90%. PHOS-CHEK retardants react with and alter the thermal decomposition of wildland fuels so that they do not support flaming or glowing combustion. This deprives the fire of fuels so that they do not support flaming or glowing combustion. This retardant not only slows a fire for days, it also acts as a fertilizer to help support new growth after the fire. A water drop from a helicopter has no long term benefits. It immediately evaporates and the fire is free to continue its destructive properties. Helicopters can immediately put out hot spots and work well with SEAT aircrafts retardant long term effects. This year the Salmon/Challis aircraft based in Challis, ID discovered they could fly 50% more sorties from the Ravalli County airport because of the shorter flying times to their fires. Ravalli County airport is also the closest base for the Beaverhead Forest. Ravalli County has been very cooperative in hosting SEAT based aircraft but is considered only a temporary base and will not be considered for a permanent facility because of very limited ramp space. It is the tightest SEAT base for operations in all of Montana and limits the turnaround time of each aircraft. Because of a lack of ramp space only one aircraft can be turned at a time. With five aircraft it could take up to one hour, 40 minutes for the last aircraft to get airborne. Single engine air tankers operating from the Ravalli County Airport have another disadvantage, a very short runway and a hill on the North end of runway 34. For safety reasons, SEAT aircraft capable of carrying 800 gallons of retardant takeoff with 2/3rds load of only 550 gallons. In 2011, in two separate instances, two aircraft had to jettison their load right after takeoff because of a slight change in the wind. This year an Aero Commander and a Cessna 210, observation aircraft, were prevented from taking off with an extra fire spotter because of the short runway. Ravalli County Airport is the busiest general aviation airport in Montana. For safety reasons, the Ravalli County Airport needs the runway extended from 4200 feet to 5200 feet and the hill to the north removed. The FAA will pay 90% of the cost to improve our airport making it safe for 100 percent for its users. This year SEAT aircraft operating from Ravalli County dropped on the Observation Fire, the Roaring Lion Fire, the Salmon Fire, and the Lost Trail Fire. In 2011, SEAT aircraft flew 180 sorties and dropped 100,000 gallons of retardant on the 41 Complex Fires in the Sapphires east of Hamilton. This fire was stopped before destroying any homes. This year sixteen structures in the Roaring Lion Fire but the question is, how many more structures would have been lost without the quick reaction of airpower. Many veterans in this valley can attest to quick reaction being the difference between life and death. The SEAT aircraft pilots are risking their life to help protect the people of Ravalli County. Help make it safer for them and its other users, and in turn, possibly for you or a loved one if an air ambulance is needed for a emergency trip to Salt Lake or Spokane. David Hedditch Victor SNc Channels: Search About Salem-News.com Nov-25-2016 12:50 TweetFollow @OregonNews Congressman Keith Ellison the Frontrunner for Chairman of the Democratic National Committee New leadership is in order for the DNC. Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison Photo: ellison.house.gov (SAN FRANCISCO) - It is time for the Democratic Party to undergo a fundamental reassessment. The Democrats will shortly choose a new Democratic National Committee (DNC) chairman. Hopefully, the DNC will choose wisely as the Democratic Party needs to be re-imagined as less of an insiders club focused on raising money, more of an advocate for the working-class, and not rest on the current status quo. With a new, reinvigorated DNC and a new presidential nominee, the Democrats can take back the White House in four years. The DNC was created during the Democratic National Convention of 1848. For 167 years, its been responsible for governing the Democratic Party and is the oldest continuing party committee in the U.S. The DNC plans the Partys presidential nominating convention, promotes the Democratic Platform, and develops the statement of core principles at the heart of the party. Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison seems to be the frontrunner for DNC chairman. Ellison is the co-chair along with Raul M. Grijalva (AZ-07) of the Progressive Caucus, the first Muslim elected to Congress, and the first African American to have been elected to the U.S. House from Minnesota. He has already been endorsed by Senators Bernie Sanders, Chuck Schumer, Elizabeth Warren, and so far a dozen more members of Congress, including Rep. Elijah Cummings, Rep. Maxine Waters, Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Sen.-elect Tammy Duckworth. He also has support from the United Steelworkers and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Before being elected to Congress Rep. Ellison was a noted community activist and ran a thriving civil rights, employment, and criminal defense law practice in Minneapolis. He also was elected to serve two terms in the Minnesota State House of Representatives. Ellison diagnosed the partys recent electoral troubles: Youve got to have a vision to strengthen the grass-roots, Ellison said. Make the voters first, not the donors first. I love the donors and we thank them, but it has to be that the guys in the barbershop, the lady at the diner, the folks who are worried about their plant is going to close theyve got to be our focus. Already, two of Ellisons opponents for the top DNC job former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean and South Carolina Democratic Party chairman Jaime Harrison have made the point that congressional responsibilities would dramatically undercut the ability of the next chairman to do the job effectively. I agree that the DNC job should be full-time. Ellison has not said whether he would step down from Congress if he got the chairmanship. Clearly, Ellison, Howard Dean, or Jaime Harrison would be a better than Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who had a troubled tenure as DNC chief. I favor Ellison for the DNC job mostly because Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have endorsed him and the DNCs need to have a new face leading the party full-time. _________________________________________ United-states | Politics | Most Commented on Articles for November 24, 2016 | Articles for November 25, 2016 | Articles for November 26, 2016 Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. You have permission to edit this collection. Edit Close Although known for his flashier action-thrillers such as On The Job and The Aswang Chronicles, Filipino director Erik Matti is no stranger to the insufferably atmospheric. In his deft hands, Nine-Day Novena (Pa-Siyam) proved to be an unflinching ghost story about a dysfunctional family reunited by the recent passing of their mother. Following his grim crime drama Honor Thy Father, Matti returns with Seclusion (Seklusyon), a period thriller following a ritual which sets deacons out into a "holy fortress" to ward them off of temptation seven days before their priesthood. The film is set in the late 40's, the last instance of the said ritual. It recalls to mind a horror short film Matti directed in 2012 called Vesuvius, in which a young man sees demons hiding behind the disguise of a holy visitation. If you haven't watched it yet, do yourself a solid and watch it here. Ronnie Alonte, Neil Ryan Sese, and Lou Veloso star in the film, due out on Christmas Day in the Philippines as part of the lineup of the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival. Love, frankly, is a pain in the ass. And it's even more a pain in the ass when the pursuit of it traps you in a life within a brutally violent prison camp. Welcome to the world of Bruce, a hysterical new web series completely repurposing Australia's history as a British prison camp in the name of comedy. A gritty black comedy, set in an ordinary Aussie share-house that just happens to be a prison tent in Sydney Cove, 1788. Bruce Williamson is a modern man out of time, whose simple plan of following his soulmate Daisy to the new land by getting arrested backfires severely, trapping him in a violent prison camp at the edge of the world. Rather than the love of his life, who knows their relationship can never work out here, Bruce is stuck in a tent with irrepressible bogan Garry - who claims to be Bruces best mate, and, despite what Bruce might hope, probably is - and Mick, a well-read, philosophical, and sensitive monolith of a man, who is also possibly a brutal serial killer. The wider world is no friendlier, between the brutal marines, the incompetent leaders of the colony, and the mysterious local people who have had their way of life challenged. "Bruce" rewrites Australias convict beginnings with a wry, deadpan comic voice, by taking historical facts and rubbing them up against the modern sensibilities of this ensemble of funny, flawed, and ultimately endearing characters. Coming from the producers of How To Talk Australians (seriously, look it up), Bruce sets out to create a new high water mark for web series content and it very well may have done it. Production values are great, the writing sparkles and the cast - yep, that's Angus Sampson from The Mule and Fargo in there - are great from top to bottom. The entire series is available online for free viewing right now. Check out the trailer below and then head here to dive on in. If you are currently a print subscriber but don't have an online account, select this option. You will need to use your 7 digit subscriber account number (with leading zeros) and your last name (in UPPERCASE). Sherri Papini, a 34-year old mother of two missing for several weeks, was found safe yesterday along Interstate 5 in Yolo County. Papini was allegedly abducted on November 2 during an early morning jog around her neighborhood of Mountain Gate, California an area north of Redding in Shasta County. The Record Searchlight of Redding, California writes that Papini was taken to a local hospital where she was reunited with her husband and treated for non-life threatening injuries. Earlier in the day, at a Thanksgiving "Turkey Trot," neighbors of the Papinis had released balloons and read a letter of hope in a prayer for Sherri. On the 2nd, Papini's phone and headphones were found abandoned, and fearing the worst, her family appears to have employed a hostage negotiator, Cameron Gamble, as the Record Searchlight wrote previously. Earlier this week, Gamble had offered up a ransom to Papini's suspected captors, a six-figure reward from an anonymous donor whose exact amount was not disclosed. At the time, authorities were referring to the missing person case as a "possible" abduction. They now claim the ransom played no role in Papini's release. In a sign of the national attention the news story has received, Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko appeared on Good Morning America today. "Obviously, she was emotional and quite upset but elated to be freed, and so we were able to get some information from her," Bosenko said. "Then in the days following this, we will be following up with her." Acting on information from Papini, authorities are searching for two Hispanic women in a dark SUV who are armed with a handgun. Bosenko told the Record Searchlight that his office would not disclose how Papini was allegedly restrained or whether she had been abused or sexually assaulted. We are confident that, with the publics help, we will make an arrest in the case," he said. Related: Woman Remains Missing In Bizarre Kidnapping For Ransom Case In Vallejo Warren Beatty has been wanting to make a movie about Howard Hughes since the 1970s, and it's no wonder why he felt an affinity for the eccentric billionaire. Both Beatty and Hughes were dashing Hollywood men with an endless supply of women and a disdain for the spotlight. (For Beatty, that just meant a general dislike of the press and avoidance of interviews; for Hughes, it meant going for years without being seen at all.) But Warren Beatty is pushing 80 now, so the chance to make a movie about all of Hughes' life has passed. (And has already been done, with Martin Scorsese's ). So Rules Don't Apply isn't really a Howard Hughes biopic as much as it is a Hollywood romance with Howard Hughes as a sort of looming, dominant, almost godlike force that's sometimes front and center, but is more often sitting hidden behind a wall, or a curtain, or the door to a screening room. Covering fours years, the movie starts in 1964, but then bounces back to 1960, where we meet Marla Mabrey (Lily Collins) and her mother Lucy (Annette Benning), who have just arrived in Los Angeles. Marla is a good Virginia Baptist girl, a beauty contest-winner who has been granted a movie contract with Hughes' RKO Pictures studio. She soon learns she's one of dozens of girls, all under contract and living in fully furnished homes paid for by Hughes, who are all wondering when and if they'll ever actually meet him, let alone get a film role. Marla's driver is Frank (Alden Ehrenreich), a good Fresno Methodist whose big goal in life is real estate, but who finds himself drawn further and further into Hughes' inner circle. Frank is also developing feelings for Marla, but their religions, paired with Hughes' insistence that the drivers never date the actresses, are impediments. Any fan of post-war Hollywood glamour won't be disappointed by Rules Don't Apply's gorgeous recreation. The costumes, cars, and sets are a vintage lover's dream, and had me so enraptured I could almost overlook the fact that the movie I was watching is a bit of a mess. Beatty seems unsure if he wants the story to be about Hughes or about the young lovers, so he never gives full focus to either. At about the middle mark, the film begins to center a bit more on Hughes and his increasingly erratic behavior, which, while fueled by genuine mental illness, is mostly played for laughs. And granted, some of those moments are really, really funny. Beatty has always had keen comedic timing, and there's one scene centered on a 26 page memo to the police department about a missing cat that stretches so far past the breaking point that it springs back and becomes one of the funniest things I've seen all year. I have a feeling Beatty was well aware he was too old to be playing the 60-ish Hughes, as a vast majority of his scenes are shot in shadow or dim lighting. And while that might do some to hide his obvious age, it does nothing for his looks, instead reducing his eyes to black, devilish orbs in the darkness, a vision all the more creepy when it comes to the inevitable love scene between Hughes and his starlet. (This is a Warren Beatty movie. You didn't think he wasn't going to make out with the ingenue, did you?) As tends to be the case these days, it was hard to view Rules Don't Apply through anything but the lens of our current climate. After all, it features a rich, temperamental businessman, likely completely crazy, who views women as property. And I imagine many who worked for Hughes felt the same way: It could actually be kind of funny...if our lives didn't depend on him keeping his shit together. This website is intended for U.S. visitors only. 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. In December, Lord willing, I will complete my 18th year of writing this column. As many have said before me and many will say after me, time flies. Of course, while I was living out these moments and weeks and years, they seemed to progress at a normal rate. KATHMANDU, Nepal A year and a half after a colossal earthquake destroyed hundreds of treasured historic sites across this mountain nation, Nepal this week celebrated the restoration of the first major one to be rebuilt an iconic Buddhist monument topped in gold that towers above Kathmandu. One of the largest of its kind in the world and a major tourist attraction, the Boudhanath stupa was repaired not with government funding, but with private donations from Buddhist groups and help from local volunteers. The government has been harshly criticized for its slow pace of reconstruction and its failure to repair the vast majority of the country's heritage zones. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal praised the private restoration effort in a speech at the monument, and said it should serve as an example for the rest of the nation. It offers "proof that we can rebuild our heritage," Dahal said. "This example puts pressure on us in government to reconstruct all the houses and temples that have been damaged." Believed to have been built in the 14th century, Boudhanath was shaken by a magnitude 7.8 quake in April 2015 that devastated the nation, killing nearly 9,000 people and displacing millions. Its sprawling white dome topped with four pairs of hypnotic eyes that stare out across the capital city was largely spared, but the gold spire that sits atop the dome was severely damaged. Local and foreign donors contributed more than $2 million, said Milan Bhujel, an adviser to the Boudhanath Area Development Committee, which helped organize the effort. Donors also gave 31 kilograms of gold, which covers the structure's pinnacle, including 13 steps that represent the Buddhist path to enlightenment. Over the weekend, a helicopter showered Boudhanath with flowers during a three-day purification ceremony that drew thousands of pilgrims who prayed, chanted and lit butter lamps. The complex, which from above resembles the Buddhist diagram of the cosmos known as a mandala, was floodlit with festive blue, red, green and yellow lights. Ratna Bazra Lama, a 63-year-old businessman who lives at the edge of the complex, said he was ecstatic to see the stupa completed after watching it being taken apart and then left in scaffolds for months. "I could see it from my window every day. It was so sad," he said. "So we're happy it's been restored," and fortunate, too, since most other damaged cultural sites remain wrecked. Boudhanath is a U.N. World Heritage site, but Christian Manhart, UNESCO's representative to Nepal, said the U.N. was not consulted on the reconstruction effort. He said U.N. experts were concerned a concrete new platform on top of the stupa might be too heavy, and they would like to study it more closely. Nepal's chronic political instability 24 governments in the past 26 years has greatly hindered rebuilding efforts. It took nearly a year for the government even to form an earthquake reconstruction authority; some 4 million people, meanwhile, spent winter homeless in the Himalayan nation. Manhart said the reconstruction of heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley has been "extremely slow (in part) because there's no clear decision-making line" in government. But he also said restoring temples was painstaking work that required extensive research and testing of foundations and materials to determine the best way to rebuild. "It's better to do it slowly and do it well, than to do it too quickly," Manhart said. SIOUX CITY | The 24th annual Festival of Trees, a variety of decorated holiday trees and wreaths donated by local businesses, individuals, families, schools, and organizations, are on display in the atrium of the Ho-Chunk Centre through Dec. 1. Viewing hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The Festival of Trees has raised more than $330,000 for local charities over the last 23 years. This year's auction will benefit the Siouxland Center for Active Generations. From Nov. 21 through Nov. 30, silent bids will be taken on the trees. The auction will start at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 1. Conducted by Bruce Brock, the bidding will start at the highest confirmed silent bid. WASHINGTON -- BuzzFeed reported recently that fake news stories about the election generated more engagement on Facebook than the top election stories from 19 major news outlets -- combined. And that's not the half of it. Not only is fake news getting more attention than actual news but 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. He'll eliminate the $19 trillion federal debt in eight years. He'll balance the budget without cutting Social Security, Medicare and other entitlements. He'll bring back lost coal jobs. He'll make Mexico pay for a border wall. He'll deport 11 million illegal immigrants while growing the economy by at least 6 percent. Now Trump is the president-elect, and it's time to deliver on the impossible. No wonder his transition is racked with chaos and infighting. Scripture tells us you can't serve both God and mammon. Yet Trump proposes to be served by both Reince Priebus and Stephen Bannon -- one a chief of staff who is a paragon of the establishment and the other 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 Madoff's scheme lost only $50 billion. Early indications are that Trump plans to continue to fake it. Last week, 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 Trump's surrogates, Carl Higbie, caused a furor last week by saying the infamous internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II provided a legal "precedent" for Trump's 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 Trump's proposed ban on Muslim immigration and threat to register American Muslims. This is the best-case scenario -- that Trump's 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. Trump's 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. Trump's 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 last week, thinks otherwise; he said he has "great confidence" in Trump. Many of Trump's 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 "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. 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 Egypt's, 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. You can't make this stuff up. Or maybe you can. Paul Horner, the leading purveyor of fake news on Facebook, told The Washington Post's Caitlin Dewey he was stunned by Americans' gullibility: "I mean, that's how Trump got elected. He just said whatever he wanted, and people believed everything." But surely you can't fool all the people all the time. Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools: Portfolio Monitoring Top Stock Lists Premium Reports Stock Screeners Live News Feed Premium Support Free for your first month. Thomas "Tom" Gillam Whedbee III, 60, of Huntingtown, MD passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sunday, November 20, 2016. He was born on November 15, 1956 in Winston-Salem, NC, to his late father, Thomas Gillam Whedbee Jr. and mother, Marianne Farnell Whedbee. He is survived by his high school sweetheart, Jill Eddy Whedbee, his wife of over 37 years, as well as their two children, Thomas Gillam Whedbee IV and Samuel David Whedbee. He is also survived by his sister, Sarabeth Whedbee, and brother, Christopher Neal Whedbee, wife Maria, and their three children: Laura, Grant, and Kaitlin. Tom graduated from Dulaney High School in 1974. He went on to graduate from Roanoke College in 1979 where he was a Sigma Chi. He attended graduate school at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) where he received his Masters in Hospital Administration. He began his career in Hospital Administration as Vice President of Operations at New Hanover Memorial Hospital in Wilmington, NC. In 1990, Tom and his family moved to Huntingtown, MD, where he began work at Calvert Memorial Hospital as Vice President of Operations. He also served on the Board of Directors with Calvert Hospice. Tom was a Christian who was deeply devoted to his family and faithfully assisted his mother with care for his father as he struggled with Alzheimer's for 10 years. He also cared for his son, Sam, who was born with a complicated and severe heart condition. His tender and attentive presence, like his late father's, could be sensed by all who spent time with him. He was loved deeply and will be greatly missed. Memorial services will be held at Chesapeake Church on Thursday, December 1, 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC, www.childrensnational.org. Arrangements by Lee Funeral Home. Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza. Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres. Wed, 26.10.22 - 12:09 Another blast of heat at the end of the month is likely to break the record in Spain With only a few days left in... Having caught five hours of sleep after an extremely satisfying Thanksgiving meal (unless your adoptive New York mother made perfect Parker House Rolls from scratch, I dont care about your own Thanksgiving meal), I woke up at 3:00am to watch Netflixs revival of Gilmore Girls, partly an update for diehard fans of the much-loved if little-watched WB/CW mother-daughter dramedy, but mostly a make-up for the shows maligned final season. Creator Amy Sherman-Palladino has returned along with most of the cast of the show for four hour-and-a-half episodes chronicling a year in the life of charming and still terrible Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel). In the spirit of true Gilmore fandom, I ordered a tub of Hill Bros. Coffee, which Loreleis paramour, Luke (Scott Patterson), serves at his no-nonsense diner in Stars Hollow, so I could binge the whole show before my morning cafe shift. I cleaned out my Chemex, which had last been used as a vase four months ago, to brew the stuff. Half a cup sent me straight to the bathroom and I finally figured out how Lorelai eats all of that junk and stays so svelte. [***SERIOUSLY SO MANY SPOILERS AHEAD***] The revival, like all of this comeback stuff on Netflix, is pure fan-service, but sweet and clever enough to rise above, say, the astonishingly terrible Fuller House. Sure, theres way too much Logan (Matt Czuchry) and shockingly little Miss Patty (Liz Torres), but the spirit of the show of the original show is there in abundance. Blissfully, the show still has plenty of coffee. Assuming your Black Friday is too jam-packed with visits to Best Buy and Pottery Barn for deep discounts and your only desire is to catch all of the caffeinated moments between bits of rapid-fire dialogue, what follows is a log of every coffee moment from Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Maybe prepare some coffee thats a little easier on your stomach as you drink along with Lorelai. Episode One: WINTER 0:19 Audio of Lorelais plea for a sixth cup of coffee from Luke plays over the opening credits. Yep, still the coffee show. 1:30 Lorelai and Rory share coffee and tacos from Als Pancake World. The fact that their first coffee is not from Lukes is proof that Amy Sherman-Palladino hates you. 17:55 Lorelai and Rory, both unable to sleep, share coffee in Lorelais kitchen as Rory stress tap dances, having failed at meditation. Cute. 18:43 Rory recalls lunging at Gail Collins in the Times Center while jacked up on coffee. We never find out where Rory drinks coffee in New York. 20:48 Luke offers coffee to customers at Lukes. What a reliable dreamboat. 21:47 Lorelai orders coffee from Luke. LOVE ISNT DEAD. 23:32 Lorelai gets her coffee to go. LOVE IS PORTABLE. 26:48 Lorelai kicks Roy Choi out of the inn for moving her coffee machine. Sookie is away, growing vegetables with Dan Barber and definitely not moving his coffee machine. 54:49 Lorelai drinks coffee at Lukes after hours following a tense visit with Emily and I start to remember that Id way rather spend time with Emily over bratty Lorelai. 57:30 Lorelai has a strong and a little crunchy coffee at Pariss fertility clinic. With Pariss attention to detail, shouldnt this be the one time the show name-drops a fancy coffee brand? 1:10:40 Rory grabs coffee from Lukes after a rendezvous with Logan in London. This is the start of SO. MUCH. LOGAN. Episode Two: SPRING 5:40 Lorelai makes a Kofi Annan coffee joke at the Stars Hollow International Food Fair. Ive had coffee at the UN and I still dont know how Kofi likes his coffee. 19:47 Michel laments the lack of Nespresso machines in the Dragonflys rooms and displays his knowledge of Daniel Radcliffes coffee routine, which is a gross one because it involves Nespresso. 22:55 Lorelai has a late night cup of coffee after having a recurring dream about Paul Anka. Another example of how Lorelai gets everything I want. All Ive ever had is a nap dream cameo from Lindsey Bunckingham. 43:20 Rory turns down coffee from Headmaster Charleston at an alumni speaking event at Chilton featuring someone who is not Chad Michael Murray playing Tristan. Yep, Amy Sherman-Palladino definitely hates you. 1:01:15 Lorelai shows up late to therapy with coffee she picked up at a drive-thru and because shes terrible Lorelai, she brought no coffee for her therapist. 1:09:20 Lorelai watches a scene in A History of Violence where Viggo Mortensen serves a pair of thugs coffee before killing them. Lorelai surmises that David Cronenberg met Luke once and modeled Mortensens character after him. Did you know Luke was in, like, three Saw movies. He stabs himself in the neck with a pen to save himself from drowning, which Luke would probably do. 1:14:10 Lorelai gets coffee while Rory conducts interviews for her spec article on people who stand in lines in New York City, a piece that could maybe make her the next David Foster Wallace. Im working on an eight hundred page tome about my frenemies on the LES thats going to make me the next W. Somerset Maugham. Episode Three: SUMMER 3:47 Lorelai tells Luke to drink coffee so hell stay up and binge watch the French zombie series The Returned with her. If its the Hill Bros. from Lukes, hell miss all of the Euro zombie anguish during his trips to the bathroom. Seriously, that coffee is the worst. 27:30 Taylor tells Rory to clean the coffeepot at the Stars Hollow Gazette office. Rory says it needs a jackhammer. Call Urnex, gurrrrrl. 29:25 Lorelai drinks a cup of coffee in the Dragonflys kitchen as Luke succeeds Rachel Ray as the inns newest pop-up chef. Rachel Ray acted so hard in this, yall. 34:42 Lorelai and Rory drink coffee at home after delivering Rorys first issue of the Stars Hollow Gazette. I can already tell that this stupid plot will last way too long. 35:47 Emily asks her housekeeper to bring her coffee after she wakes up at noon and it becomes clear that there is not nearly enough Emily Gilmore in this thing. 48:58 Lorelai keeps a cup of coffee on hand while she criticizes Stars Hollow: The Musical. Sutton Fosters cameo is longer than Miss Pattys screen time in the whole revival series. I mean, Sutton Foster is very talented but Amy Sherman-Palladino clearly literally hates my stupid guts. 1:16:12 Lorelei storms into Lukes for a sixth cup of coffee after fighting with Rory over Rorys planned autobiographical book, which is the kind of silly setup for a Lorelai/Rory fight that makes me hate loving this show. 1:17:46 A customer asks Luke for coffee as he and Lorelei fight because of course Luke and Lorelai have to fight Episode Four: FALL 6:34 Charlie tells Rory that hes had coffee because her stint as the editor of the Stars Hollow Gazette has lasted more than one episode. Ugh. 7:39 Luke makes coffee as he struggles with Lorelais departure to the Pacific Crest to recreate Cheryl Strayeds hike from Wild. This plot is surprisingly not the most awful thing ever. 34:48 Lorelai fails at her attempt to be Cheryl Strayed and goes to get coffee, but the shop is closed. So poetic. 41:28 Lorelai gives a speech to Luke and says her whole life is about coffee AND IT WAS ALL WORTH IT. 55:14 Lorelai and Rory make up in the kitchen. Lorelai offers coffee but Rory declines in favor of ice cream because, while Lorelais life is all about coffee, Rorys life is about being the worst. 1:06:19 Christopher gives Rory Starbucks as literally no one in the world says, Phew. I was wondering when Christopher would show up. 1:37:18 After Luke and Lorelai marry, Lorelai and Rory sit under the gazebo and share one last glass of champagne. The ultimate betrayal. A shocking revelation follows that promises another season where champagne wont be a suitable substitute for coffee. And thats it. Unless they bring this thing back again for a movie, or decide to reanimate the corpse of Edward Herrmann for another Special Appearance, this concludes all examples of coffee in the Gilmore Girls revival. Thanks for everything, and nothing, and everything, Amy Sherman-Palladino. Eric J. Grimm writes about pop culture and film at Sprudge, based in New York City. Read more Eric J. Grimm on Sprudge. Karin Olsson-Burgess was just 18 when she saw a job posting in the cafeteria of her home track in Jagersro, Sweden looking for caretakers in Orlando. I wanted to go to the United States so badly I had already written a letter to Hempt Farm and asked if they had any jobs, Olsson-Burgess said. When I saw this ad, I called that same day and came over after I got my visa arranged. It all went very fast. In January of 1985, on the first day Olsson-Burgess arrived in the U.S., she landed both the horse and the man that changed her life. The man was her future husband, Ontario native Blair Burgess that she met at a house party on Day One in the USA. The horse was a two-year-old Storm Damage filly out of Beckilyn Hanover named Biel. She took me around the whole racing circuit back in those days, she said. I learned a lot when I traveled with her on my own at 18. That was back in the days where you could not forget their racing cards in the race office. Biel earned more than $122,000 as a two-year-old, with a 3-2-1 record in 12 starts. She also earned Olsson-Burgess a big bonus that the Swede spent on airfare for a 10-day trip to California with Blair. I saw an ad in a local paper in Orlando and a guy was selling plane tickets to California in the ad section. I guess he had broken up with his girlfriend and just wanted to get some money back on the tickets, Olsson-Burgess said. I met him in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot in Orlando and bought his tickets and flew in his girlfriends name and Blair in his name. You could do that back then. We flew to Los Angeles and flew home from San Francisco. That was his ticket so Blair and I rented a car and randomly drove around with no care in the world. Some hotels were $15 a night, nothing fancy. I spent my whole bonus. All that led to an incredible ride for Olsson-Burgess, including being the co-owner and caretaker for such Blair-trained stars as: Meadowlands Pace winner Real Desire (2001, $3.3 million), North America Cup and Little Brown Jug champion Tell All (2007, $1.5 million) and two Hambletonian winners -- Amigo Hall (2003, $1 million) and Glidemaster (2006, $2 million) -- among many, many more. Today (Nov. 25) marks the 10-year anniversary of Glidemaster's Triple Crown clinching victory with his win in the 2006 Yonkers Trot. It was all because of Biel, Olsson-Burgess said. She got me hooked on American racing. (Courtesy Ontario Racing) Aziz Hanafi 27 min Biden: "Inflatie is een wereldwijd probleem vanwege de oorlog in Irak...", corrigeert hij zichzelf en z... Perhaps it is time to step back a bit from the immediacy of this electoral moment to take in the broader picture. Emotional responses to the prospect of a Trump presidency may offer a needed level of catharsis for some, but they certainly wont help us understand how we got here. A couple of questions are in order. How is it that our two political parties engage in essentially the same economic and foreign policies, offering differentiation only in the realm of identity politics? What are the dynamics of mass psychology and propaganda that have made this reality invisible to so many for so long? If we hope to understand what is happening politically in this country today we must look beyond the obvious surface level of events. We must examine how our perceptions, thoughts and behavior have been manipulated in ways most Americans are not consciously aware of. During the presidencies of Bill Clinton and Barak Obama we have watched a continuous and rather exquisitely choreographed media dance between our two parties, brought to us, of course, by the corporations of our oligarchy If we allow corporate media to create the post-election narrative that is unfolding, we will remain as bewildered as we have been, all while surveying a dangerous strange new terrain. The propaganda machine of our duopoly has kept us blind for too long. Perhaps a little trip down memory lane can help. If we look back on the eight-year presidency of Bill Clinton we cannot fail to recall the almost rabid hysterical non-stop attacks he suffered as the target of what appeared to be the total and complete hatred of the leading figures of the Republican Party. That Clinton was impeached related to a sex act in the White House made for wonderfully emotional political theatre. Who could resist? It was headline grabbing material around the globe. Lost at the time was that his impeachment, and very vocal Republican opposition to his presidency, were quite unrelated to Clintons actual policy decisions. Democratic politicians and many rank and file Democratic supporters rallied around Clinton in large part due to how continually under siege he was by these obviously vile and odious Republican forces. So what do we make of the fact that an even cursory examination of the Clinton political record from that period makes the very public passion play of his two term presidency seem almost incomprehensible in retrospect? After all, Bill Clinton was essentially our first Democratic Republican President. He effectively continued and implemented the Bush I political agenda of neoliberal economic policies and imperialist foreign policy. From todays vantage point it is clear that Clinton was essentially a Republican president who had run for office as a Democrat. Clinton pushed NAFTA through. He pushed through welfare reform. He pushed for and achieved much more punitive crime legislation. This included the infamous three strikes bill that helped make the private prison system complex, which he also supported, a shiny new investment opportunity for oligarchy. For good measure Bill Clinton deregulated Wall Street on his way out the door by jettisoning the Glass-Steagall Act. Why all the Republican hatred? What did Bill Clinton actually do policy-wise that ever betrayed Republican political values? He certainly had earlier clearly proved his national security bonafides to the Republican establishment. Bill Clinton came to national political prominence out of nowhere, but only after having proved himself to the CIA and deep state actors of the Republican Reagan/Bush I administrations. He did this by playing a crucial part in the illegal and sordid Iran Contra operation. Bill Clinton performed a key role in that operation by warding off Arkansas State police investigations into the drugs in / guns out Republican White House and CIA operation that was being run out of the Mena, Arkansas airport. Without Governor Bill Clinton running interference Mena simply couldnt have functioned as the cocaine import hub in the government drugs for guns [Iran-Contra] operation. Quite a loyalty test, but one Bill passed with flying colors as evidenced by his rise from nowhere to the presidency. There are of course other implications to Clintons role at Mena that are worth contemplating as we consider his place in history as a Democratic president. In simple ethical terms Bill Clinton shares direct responsibility, along with his predecessors Bush I and Ronald Reagan, for the many tons of cocaine that flooded US inner cities during the period. Later as president, Clinton signed crime legislation which mandated expanded terms of incarceration that proved a huge boon to the private for-profit prison system he also championed. The victims in this scenario were those who resided in poor disenfranchised communities, disproportionately African American, whose crime was simply to use the cocaine Clinton as Arkansas governor had ensured flooded US cities. The level of moral corruption inherent in this sequence of events is quite breathtaking. That American voters and corporate media have never come to honest terms with this history has only added another chapter in the untold story of the continuing moral corruption of our nation. However, Clintons Republican presidency did not end there. He continued both the sanctions and the bombing of Iraq initiated by his Republican predecessor Bush I. These actions resulted in the death of over a million civilians, including half a million children. Through Clintons Plan Colombia he continued US support and funding for the military and government of a nation that defined the phrase: death squad democracy. His policies cost the lives of many thousands of civilians, labor organizers and those working in human rights and social justice organizations. With our deep state establishment deciding to dismantle the last vestiges of socialism in post-Soviet Eastern Europe, Yugoslavia became a target for destabilization and destruction. Continuing his service to the deep state Clinton was on board and dutifully did his part, including authorizing the NATO bombing campaign. The policy planners of the West saw the natural resources of Africa as suddenly up for grabs in the new post-Cold War world. There was a need to get the right people in power in Rwanda to ensure unfettered corporate access to precious metal and mineral resources in the region. Clinton was the man to paint a policy smiley face on the workings of empire by using the aftermath of the mass slaughter of civilians to create the new imperial mantra called humanitarian intervention or responsibility to protect. The oligarchs and the deep state loved this guy, and for good reason. What legitimate policy critique could the Republicans have? I mean really, whats a guy have to do to be made an honorary Republican? He is quite arguably the most effective Republican president since Nixon, though he is far to the right of the Tricky one in many policy areas. So the question begging to be asked is, if Clinton was essentially carrying out the Republican agenda of Bush I, why was he so loudly and publicly hated and vilified by those same forces? The answer to that question requires that we explore and understand the medias role in how our two party / media nexus creates what becomes our shared political reality. Without those constant media attacks by Republicans, faithfully reported by the corporate media, rank and file Democrats would have had no reason to tolerate Clintons total betrayal of what had been long standing Democratic Party policies and ideals going back to the New Deal. In other words, the vociferous Republican attacks related to Clintons sexual behavior acted to legitimize Clinton in the minds of large swaths of Democratic and Independent voters who otherwise would have looked critically and actually been appalled at his traitorous policy decisions. Without these loud and public Republican attacks Clinton would have been essentially an emperor with no clothes. The logic became, well, if he is so roundly hated by the evil Republicans, he must be acting somehow in our best interests and therefore we must do our best to protect and defend him. I dont doubt that such reasoning occurred for many on a quite unconscious level. This is how propaganda operations work. Since the Republicans were obviously the enemy, the Democratic base was left with what appeared to be the only reasonable response, to embrace the old adage of the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Clinton maintained credibility with his Democratic base because he was hated and constantly under attack by those whom Democrats knew were clearly the forces of darkness, those racist, homophobic, anti-choice, war-like Republicans. If we fast forward to these final weeks of the eight- year Obama administration, we find, to quote Yogi Berra, that its deja vu all over again. Obamas presidential acts have been unburdened by anything resembling fidelity to the campaign promises he made to his constituents. He has in fact continued Bush IIs illegal wars in the Middle East, expanding them across the region in the process. He has presided over illegal coups in the Ukraine and Honduras, and, one could argue, also played a role in Brazil. In Libya, unleashing Hillary, he has destroyed a secular nation that had the highest standard of living in all of Africa. His decisions as commander in chief then sent the same jihadi terrorists used to destroy Libya off to Syria to continue their work in service to our rather transparently bi-partisan US foreign policy. Obama declined to prosecute any of the Bush II war criminals, instead welcoming some to new homes in his administration. The comment we tortured some folks appears to be as close to justice and the rule of law as our Peace Prize president plans to get. Obama pursued no prosecution of the amoral Wall Street financial criminals that destroyed the lives of millions of Americans. In fact many of these odious human beings made their way quickly into the Obama cabinet where they continue managing the economic system to the benefit of the same elites who financed Obamas rise to office. Obama deported more illegal immigrants than any president in US history. He prosecuted more whistleblowers than any president in US history. He continued and may have expanded mass surveillance. He failed to restore habeas corpus. He is modernizing rather than reducing our nuclear arsenal, Peace Prize and promises be damned. He fracked, he drilled, and he effectively continued Bush II Republican policies under the name of a Democratic presidency. Whats not for Republicans to like? Whats not for the oligarchy that owns and operates both parties to like? What significant policy decisions distinguish Obama as a member of the Democratic Party rather than a member of the Republican Party? Yet the Republicans despise Obama, do they not? Ah yes, in no particular order: Obama-care, the birth certificate, and the hes a closet Muslim thing. Of course! How could we be so blind? These attacks by the vile Republicans prove he is our benefactor and champion! Look how our enemies despise and hate him! So again the Democratic base defends Obama, right on cue, just as with Bill Clinton before him. Not because he is acting in their interests or living up to campaign promises. Instead, he is defended in large part because he is under unrelenting irrational public attack in the oligarch owned corporate media by the dreaded Republicans, which makes it appear that he must be standing up for us in some way shape or form yet to be determined. These absurd Republican critiques of Obama have served the same propaganda function as the media circus surrounding the now legendary fellatio sessions of the Clinton presidency. They provide the illusion of legitimacy to a political candidate and party no longer deserving of the support of Democratic voters. While under the cover of this relentless Republican attack Obama has courageously and faithfully carried on the Bush II economic and foreign policy agenda in total betrayal of his supporters. Since the Republicans hate him so much, he must somehow be acting valiantly on our collective behalf, or so the truthiness, passing as logic, appears to go for many in the base. Routine police murders of unarmed Black men continue to take place with deadly regularlity. The mentally ill are also shot and killed by police on a routine basis simply by virtue of being mentally ill, and therefore by definition unlikely to follow police orders. In North Dakota police brutality aimed at Native American Dakota Access water protectors continues unabated, and screams for presidential intervention. One can only conclude that the evil Republicans have confined Obama to the White House and cut off his access to all media, denying him even the lame duck bully pulpit. Such monsters! Know they no shame? We have been had, folks. We have been bamboozled, conned, taken for a ride, manipulated and deceived. We have fallen, consciously or unconsciously, for the logic that the enemy of our enemy must indeed be our friend. Not so much, it would appear. At least if one considers the presidential policy record to contain any meaningful information worth assessing. If these decades of fake party fights to the death related to sex scandals and birth certificates, played to the hilt in the corporate media, arent an actual CIA run operation, it should be. It smells of all the subtle media manipulation the CIA used in Europe to shape public thought and opinion during the Cold War. It has provided the only cover left for trying to hide the utter corruption of what amounts to two branches of a single neoliberal war party owned and operated by the oligarchy. Given the direct CIA connections of both the Bush and Clinton families, we have had 24 of the last 32 years of the presidency clearly in the hands of the deep state. The Bush family has been the Republican face of the CIA and the Clinton family the Democratic face. Had Hillary been elected the charade would have continued. Today all we are left with is the more and more desperate theater of the absurd attempts by corporate media to convince us we have political choices. We do not. What has the Democratic base received in payment for its diligent defense against the irrational and absurd Republican critiques of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama? Quite simply, sixteen additional years of Republican policies on the domestic front and sixteen more years of deep state / Wall Street imperial foreign policy. If actual policy means more than rhetoric, Bill Clinton will be remembered as the first Democratic Republican president and Barack Obama will be seen as the first Black Democratic Republican president. What was apparent to some of us at the time is hopefully clearer to more of us today. For the Democratic Party to effectively morph into its current form as simply one of two neoliberal war parties has required constant contrived political theater validated and echoed non-stop by the corporate media. The vociferous, illogical and relentless attacks from the Republican Party against liberal Democratic presidents have acted as cover for the gutting of the Democratic Party itself. These attacks have served a propaganda function that has facilitated and helped conceal the Democratic partys betrayal of its own constituents, while promoting the lie that it is valiantly fighting against the depredations of the Republicans. It has been a decades long con job of the first order. This years primary season and recent election pulled the curtain back to expose for the world to see the total amoral bankruptcy of both our parties and of our corporate media, all of which are owned by the oligarchy which rules us. Meanwhile those of us who consider ourselves progressives, or, god forbid, radicals, have a good deal of soul searching to do in the wake of this election. Many progressive people have gone to bed each night over the last eight years thinking that they are ethical and decent people because they support gay marriage, freedom of choice and multi-cultural values. However, many of these same people lost no sleep due to concerns regarding the plight of those left behind by another eight years of brutal Democratically supported neoliberal economic policies. The deplorables, to use the empathy-free language of the mass murderer who until last week was awaiting coronation as our nations first female Democratic Republican president. Charles de Gaulles comment to an aide about how the American people would respond to the obvious State assassination of John Kennedy seems to describe the current mindset of many in the Democratic base regarding the corruption of their party and the role of the United States in continually fomenting global violence: They dont want to know. They dont want to find out. They wont allow themselves to find out. There is a rather grotesque schism in the psyche of many progressive Democrats today. Many ardent Obama and Hillary supporters, while acutely sensitive to identity politics in domestic issues, have ignored, rationalized or denied our ongoing imperial slaughter, directly and through proxy, of people of color across the planet. Regarding US military and economic violence in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America, Obama has enjoyed a free pass from the same people who rightly applaud him for his stand on gay marriage. Many have simply denied there is a problem and have not bothered to educate themselves about what their president and their country have been doing in the world. Ignorance can only foster the illusion of bliss for so long. Denial is the most brittle of all psychological defense mechanisms. When denial finally breaks down it can feel as if ones world is crumbling, when in fact that world had crumbled long ago, its disappearance simply hidden from awareness by our refusal to look, to see, to acknowledge what was right before our eyes. Denial no longer works to protect us from the truth. With the campaign of HRC the stage was set for not simply a continuation of the Obama regime but a return to the even more bizarre Dr. Strangelove neocon crazy of the Bush II years. One could already imagine the strategy that would be used to deflect from her Republican policies. It would be that the Republicans hate her because she is a woman, so of course we must support her and her policies no matter what. No doubt a significant portion of the Democratic base would have watched her incinerate the planet before theyd dare question her policies, her being the first woman president and all. If anyone is still harboring thoughts that include the possibility of fixing this neoliberal dumpster fire that is the Democratic Party, there is really little more to say. First, the oligarchs arent going to put their cash cow up for sale because its too valuable to ensuring their interests. Second, the Democratic base is a bit too cash strapped given all those profits going to the top 1% to really make a competitive bid now anyway, isnt it? Accepting reality at this point means accepting that the Democratic Party of many peoples fantasies or youth simply no longer exists. Period. Sorry, but the oligarchs arent going to get out of the way and let folks do a radical makeover so they can lose money on the deal. It appears were going to have to actually work, sacrifice, organize, educate ourselves and each other, suffer, and resist, as hard and painful as all of that is going to be. The alternative is exactly what weve gotten for the last 24 years a count down to oblivion during which we all watch Tweedledum and Tweedledee mud wrestle each other on our video screens, 24/7, while much of the world is left to hope, desperately, that we will finally collectively wake up. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser Nothing cures the soul like a good weekend road trip through the Olympic National Park and a surreal beach hike out the Dungeness Spit. My free time usually is spent in front of screens, catching up on news or TV through the latest Netflix or HBO series. But it was the weekend after the Nov. 8 election, and months of reading and writing about politics drained me. I craved time away from people, off Facebook, closer to nature. I wanted to find inspiration in moss-covered rainforest and get close to whats good in the world. It was just the three of us my husband, Owen, me and our dog, Zoe. We drove north on Hwy. 101 along the western borders of the Olympic National Park and made our first stop at Ruby Beach around sunset. The misty beach had beautiful Pacific Ocean views and plenty of space for Zoe to play. You can walk along the shore for miles or just soak in the scenery. While there were a lot of people, it never felt too crowded. We ended the day in Port Angeles on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The next day we strolled the 5-mile Peabody Creek Trail, one of two dog-friendly trails in the national park near Port Angeles. The other, Spruce Railroad Trail, is closed until spring. Zoe had a blast, but November wasnt the perfect month for this trail, unless youre prepared to slip and slide in the mud. On our second day on the Peninsula, we left Zoe behind for a surreal early morning hike along the Dungeness Spit, a skinny beach jutting 5 miles into the Strait, 17 miles east of Port Angeles. In a cool mist, we began our journey toward the New Dungeness Lighthouse at the end of the spit. We began the 11-mile shoreline trip around low tide at 7 a.m., figuring wed be back long before the 1:30 p.m. high tide. Even though we were well aware of the tide schedule, we became anxious as the water line crept higher up the beach. Who knows, there might be something waiting for us there, Owen said, speaking of the lighthouse. We calmed our nerves and stuck it out. Under a gray, cloudy sky, my legs grew heavy as we trudged through sand and rocks. On the way there, we were alone, with nothing but old footprints in the sand to signify other humans. The spit seemed to swing to the right with the white lighthouse at the end of it, but as we got closer the spit swung to the left an optical illusion. We finally arrived. We sat at a picnic table, drinking the water we brought and inhaling fruit snacks. A woman came out of the lighthouse and introduced herself but we recognized her! She was a family friend working as a lighthouse guide. She was there with another woman, who was the secretary at my Eastern Washington high school. Like myself, the two women came to the lighthouse hoping to find relief from the tedious stream of political discourse. We chatted awhile, took a tour of the lighthouse and went on our way realizing the world is much smaller than I imagined. Reinvigorated from the surprise meeting, we bravely watched the waves grow and the lighthouse shrink behind us. hidden A Bangladesh delegation will visit the Philippines to speed up recovery of the rest of some $81 million stolen from its account in the New York Federal Reserve in February, two officials said on Thursday, after recovering a fifth of the funds. The five-member team, led by Law Minister Anisul Haq, will hold talks with Philippines authorities on Nov. 28 to Dec. 1. "We are hoping it will help expedite the recovery of the rest of stolen funds," a member of the team told Reuters, on condition of anonymity. Unknown cyber criminals used stolen Bangladesh Bank credentials to try to transfer nearly $1 billion from its Fed account in early February, one of the biggest bank frauds ever. They succeeded in transferring some $81 million via an account at the New York Federal Reserve to four accounts in fake names at a branch of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp in Manila. Most of the money was laundered through casinos in Manila and remains missing. Only $15.25 million has been recovered. It was returned to Bangladesh earlier this month. A senior central bank official told Reuters the team will also try to meet Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who had earlier pledged the stolen money would be returned. The team also included Bangladesh Bank Governor Fazle Kabir; Attorney General Mahbubey Alam; Abdur Razzaq, the chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on the finance ministry; and Eunusur Rahman, secretary of the Finance Ministry's bank and financial institutions division. This week, an anti-money laundering body in the Philippines filed charges against five officials of RCBC bank and a former treasurer who "wilfully ignored" suspicious activity that led to the money vanishing after the cyber theft. No arrests have been made, despite investigations by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Interpol, Bangladesh police and authorities in the Philippines. Reuters Kunal Khullar This year has been quite interesting for HTC. The Taiwanese smartphone maker was praised for its flagship, the HTC 10, for its fine design. It is still one of my favourite looking smartphones for 2016. Recently Google launched the new Pixel smartphones, made by HTC. Although there is no branding, it is quite obvious who made it judging by its design and finish. The company also announced a bunch of of mid-range smartphones in the Desire range earlier in the year. Unlike the high-end devices, they didn't catch much attention and honestly didn't offer a good value for money. Now the company has introduced a new Desire smartphone which according to HTC, is the best Desire they have ever made. The new Desire 10 Pro is here and I had a chance to check out the smartphone at the launch. Here is what I think about the smartphone. Build and Design I have never had complaints with HTC when it comes to design. The Desire 10 Pro looks similar to the Desire 10 Lifestyle which was launched back in September. Of course there are a few fine changes here and there. It comes with a plastic build with a matte finish at the back that almost feels rubbery. I got to check out the 'Stone Black' colour variant which is black on the front and back with gold accents around the edges, antenna bands and the camera lens. Going in-depth, the volume keys sit on the right edge along with the power button. Fine details matter and HTC knows that. There is a nice differentiation between the power button which is textured and the volume buttons which are flat. The left side houses the dual SIM card tray, the top has the 3.5mm audio jack and at the bottom is the microUSB for charging and one half of the dual speakers. Moving to the back, the camera sits on the top left corner offering a slight bump, while the LED flash and laser auto-focus system sit below it. The back also houses the barely visible fingerprint sensor. Notably this is the first smartphone from HTC that has the sensor at the back. The display sits nicely having a dimension of 5.5-inches with plenty of space above and bottom. I wish HTC had trimmed some inches. Oh and the handset comes with capacitive keys that light up when pressed. Sweet. Right above the display is the earpiece which also houses the second half of the stereo speakers and the 13MP front camera on its left. The Desire 10 Pro will be arriving in four colour including of Stone Black, Polar White, Royal Blue and Valentine Lux. I was quite happy with the design, although for a 5.5-incher it seemed larger than some recent phones that I've tested sporting a similar sized display. Having said that, it didn't feel all that heavy thanks to the plastic build. Display While the dimensions of the display are same as the Desire 10 Lifestyle, the resolution has been bumped up to 1080p which means a pixel density of 401ppi. It is an IPS LCD panel with Gorilla Glass for protection, but we don't know exactly which version HTC has used. Colours look good on the display and brightness seems sufficient, although I faced a lot of glare and reflections when using the handset under bright indoor lighting. Hardware and features At the price of HTC Desire 10 Pro, I expected some quality features since Chinese vendors like OnePlus, Xiaomi and Lenovo offer some promising devices. You get a MediaTek Helio P10 octa-core processor paired with 4GB of RAM. The storage is 64GB which sounds sufficient and one can further expand it using a microSD card of up to 256GB. In the connectivity department, the smartphone offers dual-SIM card slots, Wi-Fi, GPS/A-GPS, Bluetooth, NFC, and 4G LTE. There is also a fingerprint scanner at the back. The battery is rated at 3,000mAh along with fast charge support. OS and Software The Desire 10 Pro runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow with HTC Sense UI on top. It is similar to the what we saw on the HTC 10. Its a clean and close to stock experience with light skinning and a few apps. In the few minutes of usage, the UI felt smooth and stable. I didn't notice any hiccups but of course such issues arrive only when one uses a smartphone for a longer period. Now I expected the new Android 7.0 Nougat update out of the box, but HTC has said it should arrive in the coming months. Camera In the photography department, you get a 20MP camera at the back with an f/2.2 aperture lens, laser guided autofocus, auto-HDR and a dual-tone dual-LED flash unit. On the front there is a 13MP camera with a similar f/2.2 aperture. Both the front and back cameras utilise a BSI Sensor which is said to help in low light photography. The camera is same as the HTC 10 offering a clean and simple interface. As for the image quality, the rear camera capture decently lit photos, although colours seemed a little off balance. Probably it was due to the high contrast lighting I was shooting it. I wasn't fully impressed with the camera, which is apparently one of the USPs of the device, but a thorough test is required before I can make a judgement. The front camera is touted as the world's first front facing camera with a 150-degree field of view wide selfies. Conclusion I'll be honest. HTC has made a variety of sub-Rs 30,000 Desire smartphones in the past and somehow they all have been toppled by something that offers a better feature package. Even today there are better devices in the market, no doubt. But this doesn't seem like a shoddy attempt from the company. The build quality is solid and it feels quite premium. But since most of us today jump to specifications, it might take a beating against smartphones like the Lenovo Z2 Plus or the OnePlus 3. At Rs 26,490 HTC is again playing a risky bet. I cannot comment about the performance or the day to day experience of the device just yet, but if I only talk about the features that it offers, one will have an option to buy something similar at about Rs 12,000. tech2 News Staff A recent chart at the Capital Markets Day presentation and Nokia CEO Rajeev Suris MWC 2017 keynote almost confirms that the highly anticipated Nokia phone is all set to make a comeback with an Android smartphone early next year. As we are inching closer to the launch, a new leak (via Geekbench) has surfaced that confirms the alleged Nokia Pixel that will feature entry-level specs. We aren't sure if it will be named or simply codenamed Pixel, but we wonder what Google has to say about it. Let's quickly run through the specifications. The Nokia Pixel will come powered by a dual-core 1.19GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 SoC, coupled with 1GB RAM. It will run Android 7.0.1 Nougat. While we don't know the battery capacity, it is said to support Quick Charge 3.0 technology. The Geekbench scores reveal 404 on single-core test and 661 on multi-core test. All in all, the specs indicate it is no mid to high-end device, rather an entry-level budget device. Meanwhile, we've also been hearing about the Nokia D1C that has been popping its head quite often, and is also believed to be the upcoming Nokia smartphone. We've seen leaked renders with devices posing in a candy bar shape dipped in gold, white and black colour options. The gold edition is believed to come with a fingerprint scanner because the gold edition seems to have a dedicated home button. In fact, this handset had also made its presence on Geekbench, giving us a sneak peek into some of its features. Scores showed 628 points in single-core and 3229 in multi-threaded loads, slightly higher than the recent leak. The device runs Android 7.0 Nougat and the benchmark app was run a few times. This isnt exactly high-end, which is obviously due to the low-end octa-core Snapdragon 430 SoC, clocked at 1.4 GHz, with Adreno 505 GPU and 3GB of RAM. Apart from these details, now we have the new render images. tech2 News Staff OnePlus has announced the launch of newest update for OxygenOS for OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T users. The update for OnePlus 3 has just been launched, and it will be rolling out for all the users in a staged manner in the coming week. One thing to note is that the OxygenOS is still on Android Marshmallow 6.0.1 and this update is not the stable version of the changes seen and done in OxygenOS Community Build release cycle. Instead, this update is entirely different and fixes some of the issues being faced by the OnePlus 3 users. The update for OnePlus 3 comes a day later than the update for OnePlus 3T users. The OnePlus 3T update looks more like a bugfix for the users to install on the first day as not many users have received the device. The company has rolled out OxygenOS 3.5.3 as the first OTA for the newly launched smartphone which adds emergency calling for India, Motion detection in camera along with enhanced image quality. OnePlus also added the OnePlus community app, updated and optimised the touch panel firmware for precision and updated GPS library. Also, OnePlus has redesigned the clock and calling UI for OnePlus 3T users along with increased stability. OxygenOS 3.2.8 update for OnePlus 3 will add 1080p video recording at 60fps, emergency calling, increased system stability and bug fixes. One important thing to note is that the company has also added optimisation for Snapchat on the OS level to fix the video calling and lags in scrolling. The company seems to have followed up with its promise that it will be launched the updates for both OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T at almost the same time. Another massive update is expected to launch somewhere early next month which will bring a whole bunch of features for OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T users including features like long screenshot, redesigned interface and other things along with OxygenOS Community Build based on Android Nougat 7.0. This comes right after the company announced that OnePlus 3T will start selling in India from December 2. tech2 We have seen a shift of pattern in the recruitment industry in the last few years. We recently wrote about the data driven recruitment startup Belong, and now meet HackerRank that focuses on technical recruitment but in a unique way. The advent of technology has ensured that every company requires some form of tech backing and the demand for programmers has started to come from unexpected quarters. HackerRank offers platforms for both technical evaluations and solving programming challenges, disrupting the hiring pattern in the coding industry. It was founded by college buddies and graduates of Computer Science from National Institute of Technology Trichy - Harishankaran Karunanidhi and Vivek Ravisankar in 2009. In the bid to find a solution to flaws in traditional recruitment process, the duo built the startup to make hiring more transparent, simple, effective and efficient. "Tech recruitment on campus was previously a manual affair and was done through pen and paper coding tests. This would be okay if there were perhaps 10 students on campus taking the assessment. But thats never the case. Theres almost always atleast 200 students appearing for a campus test and correcting code manually without even the ability to compile it was a tedious and time consuming affair, not to mention extremely error-prone," Harishankaran said. HackerRank has managed to create a blooming community with close to 1.5 million developers, and drives student engagement on 150+ Indian campuses which include all top tier engineering colleges. Apart from that, there is HackerRank for enterprise, a B2B offering called HackerRank for Work. The company is associated with some big names including Adobe, Amazon, Accenture, Snapdeal, Flipkart, InMobi, Juniper, LinkedIn, Target, Practo, KLA-Tencor, Cisco, Symantec, Microsoft, Citrix, Xerox, NIIT, Sapient. Moreover, LinkedIn recently partnered with HackerRank for their LinkedIn Placements portal where any candidate looking to apply for a tech position in any company has to go through a challenge on HackerRank. More than 150,000 engineering students appear for campus placements yearly assessed by companies through HackerRank. Apart from challenges supported by organisations or directed by HackerRank itself that let applicants demonstrate their abilities regardless of a degree from a top tier college, it also has products like CodePair and HackerRank Jobs to assist in the process of hiring. "The company is more enterprise-focused and the offerings are built to scale. With an ever-growing engineering team and a programmer-oriented approach to product development, HackerRank has proven to be a game changer in technical assessments. Besides, with a community of over 1.5 million developers worldwide, HackerRank offers an attractive proposition to companies looking to tap into that massive talent pool. HackerRank is also known for its intuitive UI and relatively hassle-free and intuitive user experience," explains Harishankaran. HackerRank works on a licensing model. So, a license entitles a recruiter to invite a fixed number of candidates to take up a test on HackerRank annually. In 2014 , HackerRank received a $9.2 million Series B funding round led by Khosla Ventures and Battery Ventures. It was followed by $7.5 million (Rs. 47 crore) funds from a Japanese human resources company Recruit Holding. It is also backed by investors like Vinod Khosla and Y Combinator. tech2 Looks like there is going to be yet another consolidation in the PC segment. After selling off its printer division to HP, Korean giant Samsung is thinking of selling off its PC division as well. According to South Korean site, TheBell, Samsung is in talks with Lenovo for the past few months regarding the sale of Samsung's PC division. According to Korean analysts familiar with the matter, the sales value is being pegged in the region of 1 trillion Won or around $850 mn. According to Sammobile, Samsung is represented by international law firm Paul Hastings while Lenovo is being represented by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. Samsung is in the process of corporate restructuring and wants to cut down on struggling ventures. The reason behind selling off the printer division to HP was to have more focus on core Samsung businesses. It is not a growing market so to speak. The same is the case with the PC division. Take any report over the years, and it is just pointing to one thing - PC sales are on a year on year decline. A look at the top five PC vendors, and it becomes clear why Lenovo is being considered as the prospective buyer. It has been a leader in the segment, although its shipments have see a dip in terms of numbers, according Gartner report from April 2016. According to an IDC report, Lenovo was again the leader in Q2 2016 with a 21.2 percent market share. Lenovo had acquired the IBM ThinkPad lineup in 2005. That brand is thriving with product updates every year, and more recently it has also branched off into interesting form factors such as the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, ThinkPad X1 Tablet among other products. Earlier in October there was news about Lenovo being in talks with Fujitsu to acquire its personal computer business as well. So it isn't really a surprise that Samsung has approached Lenovo for selling of its own PC division as well. Neither Samsung, nor Lenovo have confirmed anything officially. So we will have to wait and watch, how this merger or acquisition pans out. hidden By Asheeta Regidi A District Magistrate in Indore recently passed an order prohibiting the publishing of rumours, including commenting and sharing, on social media websites, in relation to the exchange of old currency notes. The reasons cited for this move is that such rumours can disturb public peace. The order is effective in the district of Indore, from November 14, 2016 to January 12, 2017. The effect of this move is to suspend a suspension of peoples fundamental right to speech. Internet Freedom Foundation, the organization known for its Save-the-Internet campaign for net neutrality, has sent a legal notice(under Section 144(5) of the CrPC)to the Magistrate, Justice Narahari,requesting him to rescind his order. Making, commenting, sharing prohibited As per the order(original Hindi version available here, rough English translation available here), people will only be allowed to make or share messages related to the exchange of currency notes with a legal basis. The effect of this will be to curb any opinions, discussions or criticisms of the demonetisation move. The order further criminalizes anything related to the exchange in the form of sharing objectionable or offensive photographs. Messaging, forwarding, commenting or liking any such social media post is also an offence.Any of these acts in Indore can lead to imprisonment for a month, or a fine of Rs.200/-. Reason for the ban are unclear The order has been passed not under Information Technology laws, but under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973. This section is used, for example, to prevent unlawful assemblies in riot like situations. The use of a criminal law, the use of which is restricted to public emergencies, against social media posts is surprising. The order states that objectionable information was being circulated on social media sites following the demonetisation move, regarding the status of arrangements made in relation to the ban. This was affecting public peace in Indore. The order cites a Facebook post which disturbed religious sentiments and spread unrest. However, no further details, regarding the contents of this post, or the nature or gravity of the unrest caused, were given. The order makes a general reference to the posting, forwarding and commenting of unfavorable views, distorted pictures, expression of unpleasantness or negativity, which are causing unrest, and have the potential to disrupt public order. The use of social media today is such that any move, be it demonetisation or otherwise, triggers extensive social media activity. Discussions, criticisms and even ridicule on social media are a common enough outcome of any incident. All such statements can be considered as unfavorable views or expressions of unpleasantness. Putting a curb on this prevents people from having any kind of a natural and unfettered discussion on the topic of demonetisation. How such statements have led to such an aggravated law and order problem as to justify a suspension of their fundamental right to speech is unclear. The use of Section 144 requires that the order must make out the existence of an emergency, which justifies the suspension of rights. The Supreme Court in Ramlila Maidan Incident v. Home Secretary, emphasized that some element of certainty must be traceable in the facts recorded in the order. This is absent here. The real issue: lack of legitimate information The order has not sought to curb posts that offend religious sentiment or otherwise. Instead it seeks to curb false information, or rumours. From this, it can be assumed that the primary cause of the unrest is false information, and so, the lack of legitimate information to counter it. As the Internet Freedom Foundation points out, rumours maybe annoying, but they arent illegal, and it certainly doesnt warrant being criminalized through the CrPC.In the absence of the facts, it is not clear why the situation in Indore cannot be remedied by the spread of legitimate information. In Ramlila Maidan Incident v. Home Secretary, the Supreme Court further ruled that once the emergency is recognized, the restraint imposed must be reasonable and minimal. Assuming an emergency does exist in Indore, there are far less invasive solutions available to resolve the issue. For example, the Internet Freedom Foundation points to the use of the internet and social media by the Bangalore police to maintain law and order during the Cauvery waters unrest. Once people are aware of who to turn to for verifying information they receive, be it through the police, or the banks (since this case deals with exchange of currency and the arrangements for the same), the effect of false information will be reduced. Undoubtedly, this will impose a greater burden on the police and the banks, but surely if it is matter of public safety, then this is justified. The Internet Freedom Foundation also suggests the careful use of Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 to temporarily block specific webpages. Increasing use of Section 144 for Internet shut-downs The bigger issue here is the increasing use of Section 144 of the CrPC to curb peoples internet rights. The Centre of Communication Governance, Delhi has listed over 25 instances of the internet being blocked under various laws since 2015. The blocks under Section 144 related incidents like the agitations in Vadodara for quotas, communal clashes in Bhilwara and reservation agitations in Haryana. While these incidents are indeed grave, does it justify a ban of the internet, particularly when the internet can be used effectively by the police to maintain law and order and prevent the spread of false rumours?The greatest abuse of Section 144 can be seen in Gujarat when the internet was suspended to prevent students from cheating in a clerk-level competitive exam. In the present case, it is hoped that the Internet Freedom Foundation will succeed, and that Justice Narahari will reconsider his order. In the larger issue of internet freedom, internet is becoming increasingly essential to peoples lives. The demonetisation move has only made it more so. In fact, the United Nations Human Rights Council passed a resolution condemning Internet shutdowns, and termed it a violation of international human rights law. The rampant use of the law to clamp down on peoples online rights can be dangerous. The police and the courts need to turn to the internet as a means to solve problems, as opposed to the cause of problems. It is hoped that this change will be seen in the handling of law and order situations. The author is a lawyer with a specialisation in cyber laws and has co-authored books on the subject. tech2 News Staff Tesla has appointed a new Lead Designer, Andrew Kim. Kim used to be a Senior Designer for Microsoft, who has worked on the HoloLens. The hiring comes close on the heels of Tesla acquiring SolarCity, and Kim could be a part of the team designing SolarCity products, according to a report in Slash Gear. The LinkedIn profile of Kim confirms his new position at Tesla. Kim was born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Vancouver, Canada. Apart from HoloLens, Kim had worked on the Xbox One S, confidential new products, and the Microsoft design language at Microsoft. Kim has also worked on Chrome UI and Chromebook concepts while interning at Google. Kim has also worked at Cisco and Frog. Kim graduated from the Art Center College of Design in California. In 2014, Kim was included in the Forbes list of 30 under 30, an annual tally of promising young talent. When he was a student, Kim proposed a concept design for re-branding Microsoft, which took the internet by storm. The design was posted on his blog, called Minimally Minimal, and called "The Next Microsoft". Microsoft got in touch with Kim after he posted the designs, and hired him. hidden Vodafone India will allow its 8.4 million-plus Vodafone M-Pesa customers to withdraw cash through their digital wallets from any of its over 120,000 outlets across the country, the company said on Wednesday. "Vodafone M-Pesa customers do not need to stand in long queues outside ATMs and bank branches for cash. We have invested in building a nationwide network of over 120,000 M-Pesa outlets, equivalent to the numbers of bank branches in the country," said Suresh Sethi, Business Head, Vodafone M-Pesa, in a statement here. Over 56 per cent of these outlets are located in rural India. "Our customers can visit any of these outlets and use the unique cash-out feature of Vodafone M-Pesa to withdraw cash from their digital wallets at their own convenience. Further, our digital wallet too can be easily digitally loaded via credit/debit cards or net banking," he added. Customers need to carry an identity proof to their nearest M-Pesa outlet from where they can withdraw money, subject to availability, in line with the Reserve Bank of India guidelines, the statement added. Not too long ago, Vodafone India announced that it had become the service provider of choice for over 200 million customers in India. Celebrating the big number, the company also announced that it had received an equity infusion of INR 47,700 crore from Vodafone Group in the first half of its current fiscal year. With inputs from IANS hidden Sharp drops in smartphone sales for China's Xiaomi Inc will not have a major impact on the company as profit growth will be driven by sales from smart home devices as well as revenue from its software eco-system, a senior executive said. Xiaomi was valued at $46 billion in its last fund-raising in 2014 - making it briefly the world's most valuable start-up at a time when it was China's best-selling smartphone maker and looked set to make a splash worldwide. But last year it missed its global smartphone targets by 12 percent, while its third-quarter China smartphone sales have tumbled 45 percent, according to research firm IDC - raising doubts that the valuation is still warranted. Xiaomi's global vice-president Hugo Barra said the company's business model was not based on money made from handset sales per se and that it did not need to raise more funds or see any point in doing so at a valuation of less than $46 billion. "Basically we're giving [handsets] to you without making any money we care about the recurring revenue streams over many years," he told Reuters in an interview. "We could sell 10 billion smartphones and we wouldn't make a single dime in profits," he added. Xiaomi, which discloses little of its profit and revenue figures, has increasingly emphasized its range of home appliances such as air and water purifiers, and rice cookers as key earnings drivers. In April, Xiaomi Vice President Liu De said the firm expects sales of smart home devices to double to 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) this year. The company has invested heavily in India and Southeast Asia and is making its first forays into the U.S. market - launching next month its first device capable of roaming on the country's 4G networks. Barra said they are first targeting Chinese users traveling in the U.S., but are laying the groundwork for direct sales to U.S. consumers. In January, Xiaomi will also make its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, launching a new product during the event, he said. Xiaomi's tentative first steps in the U.S. smartphone market come as cash-strapped rival LeEco faces a crippling shortage of funds, which were revealed in a public letter by CEO Jia Yueting months after the company launched its first flagship phones in the United States. "There's no pressing need to do an IPO or even a private round," said Barra brushing off concerns that Xiaomi could face a similar funding shortage. "We are not a flash in someone's PR pan." Reuters Erdogan threatens to open borders to migrants after EU vote Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan makes a speech during the NATO Parliamentary Assembly 62nd Annual Session in Istanbul, Turkey. AFP, Istanbul : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned the European Union that if it continues threatening his country he will open the border gates and allow hundreds of thousands of migrants to flood into EU countries. Erdogan, in a speech Friday, reacted furiously to a non-binding resolution approved the previous day by the European Parliament demanding that the bloc freeze membership negotiations with Turkey over the government's heavy-handed crackdown following a failed coup in July. "We are the ones who feed 3-3.5 million refugees in this country. You have betrayed your promises," Erdogan told the EU. "If you go any further those border gates will be opened." The EU struck a deal earlier this year to return migrants to Turkey in return for a package including aid for the refugees and accelerated membership talks. Erdogan has already dismissed the vote as having "no value" as it is non-binding, and as most European Union member states so far want to keep the Turkey talks on track. But the motion, approved by a big majority, is a fresh blow to ties that have unravelled in the wake of the failed July 15 failed putsch and threatened a key migration deal between Brussels and Ankara. MEPs voting in Strasbourg, France, said the parliament "strongly condemns the disproportionate repressive measures taken in Turkey since the failed military coup attempt". They said they remained "committed to keeping Turkey anchored to the EU" but said parliament "calls on the Commission and the Member States, however, to initiate a temporary freeze of the ongoing accession negotiations with Turkey." The motion was approved by 479 votes to 37, with 107 abstentions. A furious Erdogan said on Wednesday that "I want to say in advance from here and address the whole world watching on their TV screens-this vote has no value at all, no matter what result emerges." "It is not possible for me to even digest the message that they want to deliver." Europe's message has however been increasingly clear about its concerns over rights and democracy in Turkey, especially over the coup crackdown that has seen almost 37,000 arrested. Warrant against developer owner Chittagong Bureau : A court in Chittagong issued warrant of arrest against the Managing Director of Hirajheel Properties Development Ltd Md. Nasiruddin for alleged cheque defalcation case . Chittagong Metropolitian Masgistrate Abdul Kader issued this warrant order on Tuesday last, counsel of the plaintiff Advocate Ataur Rahman confirmed the matter . Court sources said the plaintiff of the case Nurun Nabi Chowdhury in his case statement said failing to allot plots at Basumati Anowara city Project , HP owner Nasiruddin refunded advance money against the plots through installment cheque of Tk.16 lakh in first installment but the cheque was dishonored several time . Subsequently, the plaintiff filed the case before the Chittagong CMM court on September 26 last . Despite non-response to the notice of the court for appearing before the court, warrant of arrest was issued on Tuesday , sources said. SU anniv program begins Chittagong Bureau : The week-long program to observe the 15th founding anniversary of Southern University Bangladesh started from Thursday. Trustee of the Southern University Bangladesh and eminent industrialist Abdus Salam inaugurated the program as chief guest. Vice Chancellor (VC) of Southern University Bangladesh Prof Dr Mohammad Nurul Mostafa, founder of the Southern University Bangladesh Sarwar Jahan also addressed the function as special guests. The Pro-VC of Southern University Bangladesh Prof Engineer M Ali Ashraf chaired the inaugural function. Among others, Former VC Professor A J M Nuruddin Chowdhury, Journalist Rashed Rouf, Prof Dr M Sharifuzzaman, Dr Montajul Islam Chowdhury, Prof Dr A N M Abdul Moktadir, Prof Dr Ishrat Jahan also addressed the function. College student held for distribution of HT leaflet : One student of Chittagong govt college detained in Chittagong for alleged distribution of leaflets of outlawed Hizbut Taheri from Bahaddarhat market area on Thursday evening at about 7 pm. The student identified as Fakruddin (24), student of 3rd honours of Ctg college hails from Shilakup of Banskhali upazila of Chittagong , son of one Kazi Sirajuddin. Chandgaon thana police arrested him from Bahaddarhat area , said Officer In charge Md. Shahjahan Kabir. Court jurisdiction under Sec 561A can't be exercised too frequently High Court Division : (Criminal Miscellaneous Jurisdiction) Zinat Ara J AKM Zahirul Hoque J Judgment April 10th, 2016 Kamruzzaman Shah .. vs State represented by the Deputy Commissioner, and one anothers . Opposite-Parries Code of Criminal Procedure (V of 1898) Section 561A Ordinarily criminal proceeding instituted against an accused persons must be tried in accordance with law and the proceeding should not be interfered with at an interlocutory stage in exercise of inherent , jurisdiction under section 561A of the Code save and except an exceptional circumstances. The consensus of judicial opinion is that the exercise of jurisdiction depends upon the facts and circumstances of each case. .. .... (22) Shakir Hussain vs State, 9 DLR (SC) 14; 5hamsu1 Haque Chowdhury vs State, 39 DLR (1987) 393; Syed Ali Mir vs Syed Omar Ali, 42 DLR (AD) 240; MA Sukkur vs Md Zahirul Haque, 23 BLT (AD) 76: Md Borhan Uddin Vs. The Secretary, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, 7 BLT (AD) (1999) 227; Dewan Obaidur Rahman vs State, 4 BLC (AD) 167; Sujit Kumar Rudra vs State, 8 BLT 407; Nasiruddin vs Momtazuddin, 4 BLD (AD) 97 = 36 DLR (AD) 14; Md Islam Ali Mia alias Md Islam vs Amal Chandra Mondal, 13 BLD (AD) 28 = 45 DLR (AD) 27 and Ali Akkas vs Enayet Hossain, 17 BLD (AD) 44 = 2 BLC (AD) 16 ref Omar Sadat, with Md Jahangir Zamaddar, Advocates-For the accused-Petitioner . Swarup Kanti Deb ; AAG-For the Opposite-Party No.1 Shah Md Zahurul Haque, Advocate-for Opposite- Party No.2 (Anti-Corruption Commission). Judgment AKM Zahirul Hoque J : This Rule was issued calling upon the opposite party to show cause as to why the proceeding of Special Case No.1 of 2012 arising out of Abhoynagar Police Station Case No. 17 dated 29-9-2003 corresponding to DAB GR Case No. 12 of 2003 under sections 409/420/109 of the Penal Code read with section 5(2) of the Act II of the Anti-Corruption Act, 1947, now pending before the learned Special Judge (Sessions Judge), Jessore should not be quashed and/or pass such other or further order or orders as to this Court may seem fit: and proper. 2. Facts relevant for the purpose . of disposal of the Rule, in short is that one Asraful Islam, Inspector, Durniti Daman Bureau, Dhaka as informant lodged the FIR being Abhoynagar PS Case No. 17 dated 29-9-2003 under sections 409/420/109 of the Penal Code read with section 5(2) of the Act-II of the Anti-Corruption Act, 1947 against the petitioner and 3 (three) others stating inter alia that the petitioner is a fertilizer businessman who took loan in several occasions from the Agrani Bank, Bazar Branch, Nawapara, Jessore. That the petitioner opened current account No. 103 of the said Bank and accordingly CC pledge loan was sanctioned in favour of the petitioner which amount of Taka 300 lac under sanction letter No. Mobas/Khu:Sa/Rin/Josse/09 dated 28-4-1999 by the Agrani Bank, Khulna Circle Branch. And as per condition of CC pledge loan all chemical fertilizer would be remained in the godown under the Bank pledge and validity of the said CC Pledge loan was upto 28-2-2000. Accordingly, the petitioner after purchased the chemical fertilizer deposited the same in the said godown. As per record dated 31-1-2000 the petitioner has deposited fertilizer in the said godown being quantity thereof as; 39,936 bags SSP fertilizer amount of Taka 79,87,200, 18650 bags Mop fertilizer amount of Taka 74,24,000 and 25060 bags TSP fertilizer amount of Taka 1,41,33,000 in valued at total Taka 2,95,44,200. But subsequently an enquiry team led by the General Manager and other Managers of the said Bank inquired the said pledge godown on 7-2-2000 and found 5,793 bags SSP fertilizer which amount of Taka 14; 05,870, 1886 bags MOP fertilizer amount of Taka 7,07,250 and 2250 bags TSP amount of Taka 12,18,500 and additional 247 dags) Urea fertilizer amount of Taka 69,160 in which total valued of the fertilizer amount of Taka .34,00,780. Accordingly, the enquiry team it was found less fertilizer which amount of Taka 2,61,43,42.0. It was further stated that the accused-petitioner without deposited the money to the CC ledger delivered the goods from the pledge godown. Thereafter 4 (four) members audit team of the said Bank formed on 22-3-2000 and did audit the said pledge godown wherein they also found less fertilizer which valued at Taka 37,950 and also found that no money was deposited to the CC pledge after 31-1-2000. It was also stated that after 22-3-2000 the said Bank recovered only 46.94 lac and remained outstanding dues amount of Taka 309.99 lac. It was alleged and, as such, the accused-petitioner in collusion with other accused persons committed an offence jointly with the public servant by way of breach of trust and misappropriated the said amount of money. Thereafter police started the police station case No. 17 dated 29-9-2003 under sections 409/ 420/109 of the Penal Code read with section 5(2) of Act II of the Anti-Corruption Act, 1947 against the petitioner and other FIR named accused persons. 3. Thereafter, on 6-10-2003 the petitioner voluntarily surrendered before the learned Magistrate and obtained ad-interim bail 4. That the police after investigation submitted police report along with sanction letter against the accused-petitioner and 3 (three) others being charge sheet No. 206 dated 31-10-2010 under sections 409/420/109 of the Penal Code read with section 5(2) of Act-l1 of the Anti-Corruption Act, 1947. , 5. Thereafter, the case record was transferred to the learned Senior Special Judge and Sessions Judge, Jessore for trial and wherein it was renumbered as Special Case No. 6 of 2011. The learned Special Judge took cognizance against the accused-petitioner and others. Thereafter, the accused-petitioner on 7-3-2011 appeared before the trial Court and obtained ad interim bail. 6. Being aggrieved by and dissatisfied with the impugned proceeding of Special Case No. 1 of 2012, arising out of Abhoynagar PS Case No. 17 dated 29-9-2003, corresponding to DAB GR Case No. 12 of 2003 under sections 409/420/109 of the Penal Code read with section 5(2) of Act-II of the Anti-Corruption Act, 1947 now pending in the Court of the learned Special Judge (Sessions Judge), Jessore, the petitioner moved this application under section 561A of the Code of Criminal Procedure and obtained the present Rule. 7. Mr Omar Sadat, the learned Advocate appearing on behalf of the petitioner who after drawing our attention into the contents of FIR and police report (charge sheet), order of framing of charge along with other materials on-record vis-a-vis the provision, of sections 409/420/109 of the Penal Code read with section 5(2) of the Act II of the Anti-Corruption Act, 1947 and submits that the facts and circumstances as contained in the FIR neither disclosed any case of corruption nor any allegation of misappropriation of alleged fertilizer as pledge under the control of the Bank as such the proceeding against the petitioner is the abuse of the process of the Court and which is liable to be quashed. He further submits that admittedly the petitioner is not a government servant therefore his act cannot be attracted within the meaning of section 5(2) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 1947 and, as such, the instant proceeding against the petitioner is the abuse of the process of the Court therefore the same is liable to be quashed. He also submits that the accused-petitioner since neither a government servant nor a staff of Agrani Bank within the meaning of section 21,of the Penal Code, therefore, the proceeding against the accused-petitioner is also barred under section 5(2) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 1947 and, as such, the impugned proceeding is liable to be quashed for ends of justice. (To be continued) 8. In support of his submissions the learned Advocate for the accused-petitioner has referred some decisions which are as under:- 9. In the case of Shakir Hussain vs State, reported in 9 DLR (SC) 14; in the case of Shamsul Haque Chowdhury vs State, reported in 39 DLR 393, in the case of Syed Ali Mir vs Syed Omar Ali, reported in 42 DLR (AD) 240, in the case of MA Sukkur vs Md Zahirul Haque, reported in'23BLT (AD) 76, in the case of Md Borhan Uddin vs The Secretary, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, reported in 7BLT (AD) (1999) 227 in the case of Dewan Obaidur Rahman vs State, reported in 4 BLC (AD) 167, in the case of Sujit Kumar Rudra Vs, State, reported in 8 BLT 407, in the case of Nasiruddin vs Momtazuddin, reported in 4 BLD (AD) 97 = 36 DLR (AD) 14, and in the case of Md Islam Ali Mia alias Md Islam vs Amal Chandra Mandal, reported in 13 BLD (AD) 28 = 45 DLR (AD) 27. 10. Mr Shah Md Zahurul Haque, the learned Advocate appearing on behalf of the; opposite party No.2. The Anti-Corruption Commission who after drawing our attention into the contention of FIR along with provision of sections 409/420/109 of the Penal Code read with section 5(2) of the Act-II of the Anti-Corruption Act, 1947 including the provision of section 107 of the Penal Code submits that the informant being an officer of Anti- Corruption Bureau lodged the FIR in pursuance of an enquiry report being found preliminary prima facie allegations against the accused-petitioner and others on the allegations that the petitioner got loan I nun the Bank against in his current account being No. 103 by which after purchased the chemical fertilizer kept in the godown and from where the petitioner and some of the Bank staffs with connivance with each other have been taken and sold out the said fertilizer without deposited the requisite money in the Bank account and; as such, causing loss of huge amount of public money as mentioned in the FIR and for which Taka 2,61,43,420 has been misappropriated by the petitioner and with other accused persons. As such, the allegations in the FIR well disclosed the criminal offence against the petitioner as alleged by the prosecution and those allegations also attracted with the said provisions. He further submits that the investigating officer after holding investigation being found prima facie case against the petitioner and others and submitted charge sheet along, with its sanction letter for the said allegation in accordance with law which disclosed in the report in details. Therefore, there are no reasons to quash the instant proceeding as such the present Rule is liable to be discharged. He also after drawing our attention into the provision of section 5(1)(c)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 and read with sections 409/420/109 of the Penal Code and submits that the allegations as brought against the petitioner are very much connected and applicable against the accused petitioner under the facts and circumstances of the present case. He further after drawing our attention into the charge sheet as well as the order of framing of charge by the trial Court, submits that the trial Court being found the prima facie case as alleged by the prosecution against the petitioner for Commission of such offence jointly with other accused persons who are the staffs of the said government schedule Bank framed the charge under the said provisions of law. He further submits that the joint acts of the accused persons including the petitioner well constituted the criminal offences as alleged by the prosecution and the same can be tried by the Special Judge being the allegation which has attracted under the provision of section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 read with sections 409/ 420/109 of the Penal Code. Thereby the proceeding against the accused-petitioner neither abuse of the process of Court nor it is barred by any Provision of law even the same is not preposterous in any manner. As such he prays that the instant Rule is liable to be discharged. 11. In support of his contention the learned Advocate for the opposite party No.2 has referred a decision in the case of Ali Akkas vs Enayet Hossain, reported in 17 BLD (AD) 44 = 2 BLC (AD) 16. 12. Mr Swarup Kanti Deb, the learned Assistant Attorney-General appearing on behalf of the opposite party No.1 opposed the Rule and adopted the submission of the learned Advocate for the opposite party No.2. 13. Heard the. learned Advocate for both the sides also the learned Assistant Attorney-General appearing on behalf of the opposite party No.1, perused the application under section 561A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, FIR, charge sheet, order of framing of charge and other materials on record. 14. It appears from the column of the FIR which shows that the FIR has lodged on 20-9-2003 by showing the date of occurrence from 28-4-1999 to 28-4-2000 and wherein the names and particulars of the accused persons including the petitioner have been mentioned. We have gone through the contents of the FIR wherein the informant categorically stated that after getting allegation the authority of the Anti-Corruption Commission directed to held enquiry within the meaning of Rules 2(Ka) read with the provision of Rules 6 to 9 of Chapter III of Anti Corruption Commission Rules on such allegations against the petitioner and others by the inquiry officer to determine the preliminary prima facie of the allegations against the petitioner. Accordingly the Inquiry Officer after holding, inquiry submitted its report with his opinion to his authority who on perusal the same found preliminary prima facie case against the petitioner and other accused persons. Thereby as per direction of his authority the informant in pursuance of the said enquiry report lodged the FIR with the Avoynagar Police Station stalling inter alia that the petitioner being the proprietor of Mis Chishti Traders having financial transaction with Agrani Bank, Khulna Circle Branch and by a sanction letter dated 28-4-1999 he got Taka 300 lac as of financial benefit from the said Bank with the terms that all the chemical fertilizer should be remained in CC pledge in the godown of the Bank and from where the petitioner have to take those fertilizer after being deposited the respective money accordingly with the Bank account within the period dated 28-2-2000. In pursuance of the said terms the petitioner purchased the different types of chemical fertilizers and put those fertilizers in his Chishti Godwon under the supervision and control of the Bank. It was further stated that on 31-1-2000 according to the terms there were different kinds of chemical fertilizer in the said godown which valued amount to Taka 2,95,44,1,200. But subsequently, four members enquiry team headed by Assistant Managing Director held enquiry and on physical examination of such godown of M/s Chishti Traders and found that there were fertilizers which worth of Taka 34,00,780 only and rest of the fertilizers which worth of Taka 2,61,43,420 were missing. And subsequently an audit team held enquiry on 22-3-2000 and found the same result of missing of fertilizer from the godown. The said audit team also found that there was no money deposited against the said fertilizer in the Bank account and there are other allegation found by the enquiry committee mentioned in the FIR. The informant categorically alleged against the petitioner and others Bank employees who with connivance with each other jointly by way of cheating and abating without depositing the money as per term in the Bank account they took away the same from the godown thereby misappropriation the fertilizer which worth of Taka 2,61,43,420 by committing breach of trust and the said act also committed by way of corruption by abuse of the powers within the meaning of section 5(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. These material allegations has been categorically mentioned against the petitioner and other with the particulars as to the specific time and place including, the manner of participation in commissions of such offence for the benefit of the accused-petitioner and others and for which a huge amount of public money has been lost as alleged in the FIR. We have gone- through the charge sheet wherein the name of the accused-petitioner has been forwarded with other accused persons along with sanction letter to the concern Court being found prima facie case against the petitioner in accordance with law by Investigating Officer wherein it is further stated that under what circumstances the accused petitioner has been implicated in this case has been mentioned in the chargesheet also and who also found that a prima facie case of joint acts of corruption as well as misappropriation and allegation of abetment including the cheating against the accused-petitioner and others are available. These materials facts were elaborately discussed alongwith the allegation in pursuance of the First Information Report, the statements of the witnesses as recorded by him the sketch map which was prepared by him after visited the place of occurrence, perused the related documents and seized the relevant paper and articles and prepared the seizure list in accordance with law and thereby after perusal the same the Investigating Officer being found the prima facie case against the petitioner and others who are also connected with the schedule offence as mentioned in the Act, 1947. Thereafter, police submitted charge sheet against the accused-petitioner and 3 others under sections 409/420/109 of the Penal Code read with, section 5(2) of the Act-11 of the Anti-Corruption Act, 1947 and the charge sheet has been filed on 31-10-2010. Though, the learned Advocate for the petitioner tried to convince us that there is no material allegation against the petitioner but he failed to show that the allegation as brought by the prosecution in the FIR as well as charge sheet are mechanical preposterous or not otherwise barred by any law. It further appears that the case transferred to the Court of the learned Special Judge, Jessore for holding trial and who after hearing the parties, perused the records therewith has framed charge against the accused-petitioner and 3 others under sections 409/420/109 of the Penal Code read with section 5(2) of the Act II of the Anti-Corruption Act, 1947 and read over the said charge upon the petitioner and other accused persons who pleaded not guilty and prayed for fair trial. However, the trial Court fixed the matter for evidence on 6-6-2013. 15. These are the scenario, the facts and circumstances of the case of the petitioner which even on the face value of the FIR as well as chargesheet well disclosed the criminal offences against the petitioner as alleged by the prosecution. 16. However, the petitioner raised a ground that the petitioner is not a public servant and, as such, the trial of this case along with other accused persons who are public servants is barred under section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. In this regard we would like to refer the provision of section 5(1)(c) and (d) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 1947 which are as under: "(c) if he dishonestly or fraudulently misappropriate or otherwise converts for his own use any property entrusted to him or under his control as public servant or allows any other person so to do, or (d) if he, by corrupt or illegal means or by otherwise abusing his position as public servant, obtains or attempts to obtain for himself or for any other person any valuable thing or pecuniary advantage." 17. It appears that the above provisions of law have been defined the offences by any public officer. 18. And the conviction has been awarded for commission of such offence has been mentioned in section 5(2) of the said Act, 1947 which is as under: "Any public servant who commits or attempts to commit criminal misconduct shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both and the pecuniary resources or property to which the criminal misconduct relates may also be confiscated to the State. " 19. So, section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 are attracted when a criminal offence like breach of trust is committed by a public servant under sections 409/420 of the Penal Code read with section 109 of the Penal Code are being in the schedule offence punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. It must be Committed by the public servant but the Article 'Gha' of the schedule of the said Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004 provides as a schedule offence for abating in commission of such schedule offence by any person jointly with Public servant he is also liable to be tried jointly with the public servants. It is admitted that the section 110 of the Bank Company Act, 1991 also provides that a Manager, Officer and other staffs of the Bank of the banking Company Act are deemed to be public servant within the meaning of section 21 of the Penal Code save and except the petitioner. But the allegations against the petitioner as alleged by the prosecution along with other accused who are public servant attracted the provision of section 109 of the Penal Code. According to allegation against the said public servants and petitioner who are accuseds in the case did not do their respective duties as per terms and condition rather by their joint acts caused damage a huge amount of the public money as appears from the FIR and chargesheet. It appears that there is the allegation of joint criminal acts of all the accused persons including the petitioner for misappropriation the fertilizer by way of breach of trust which worth of Taka 2,61,43,420 which caused the public injury. It also appears that considering the FIR, chargesheet and the materials on record therewith and after hearing the parties as required under section 265(C) of the Code of Criminal Procedure the learned Special Judge being found prima facie case against the petitioner and framed the charge against the accused-petitioner and 3 others under sections 409/420/109 read with section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 on 2-5-2013 and the case was fixed for trial. 20. We also find that the initiation and thereby proceeding of the case is not barred by any law. 21. In this regards, we can referred the decisions in the case of Ali Akkas vs Enayet Hossain, reported in 17 BLD (AD) 44, wherein their lordship's got the finding to the effect that: "1. Interference even at an initial stage may be justified where the facts are so preposterous that even on admitted facts no case stands against the accused. 2. Where the institution or continuance of criminal proceedings against an accused person may amount to an abuse of the process of the impugned proceedings would secure the ends of justice. 3. Where there is a legal bar against the initiation or continuance of a criminal case against an accused person. 4. In a case where the allegations in the First Information Report or the complaint, even if they are taken at their face value and accepted in their entirety, do not constitute the offence alleged and in such cases no question of weighing and appreciating evidence arises. 5. The allegations made against the accused person do constitute an offence alleged but there is either no legal evidence adduced in support of the case or the evidence adduced clearly or manifestly fails to prove the charge." 22. Ordinarily criminal proceeding instituted against an accused persons must be tried in accordance with law and the said proceeding should not be interfered with at an interlocutory stage in exercise of inherent jurisdiction under section 561A of the Code of Criminal Procedure save and except an exceptional circumstances. The consensus of judicial opinion is that the exercise of jurisdiction depends upon the facts and circumstances of each case. 23. In such view of the matter and discussion made above we hold that the petitioner's case does not fall in any of the exceptions as mentioned above in the said decision which reported in 17 BLD (AD) 44. 24. The decisions as referred above by the learned Advocate for the petitioner are not applicable under the facts and circumstances of the present case. 25. In such view of the matter, we do not find any merit in the Rule. 26. In the result, the Rule is discharged. 27. The order of stay granted at the time of issuance of the Rule is hereby vacated. 28. The trial Court is directed to proceed with the case in accordance with law. Communicate the judgment and order to the concerned Court at once. Guidelines to follow in the process of absorption High Court Division : (Special Original Jurisdiction) Tariq-ul-Hakim J Abu Taher Md Saifur Rahman J Judgment June 18th, 2013 Hassan Ahmed Khan @ Hassan Ali Khan and others. Petitioners vs Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Dhaka and others .... Respondents Constitution of Bangladesh, 1972 Article 102(2) Process of absorption-The petitioners rendered their services to the Government and it was natural for them to expect to continue in their employment and get regularised in permanent posts if an opportunity arises though it is not mandatory upon the employer to so absorb them. In the process however the petitioners have become barred from seeking alternative employment in other posts of the Government or even private commercial enterprises because of their age. Fairness and equity demands that the Government gives the petitioners preference in appointing them in permanent posts and regularize their employment as and when such vacancy arises. . ..... (12) LGED vs Mizanur Rahman, 17 BLC (AD) 91 ref. Bahasti Marjan with Momtaz Begum-For the Petitioners. Kazi Zinat Haque DAG-For the Respondent No.1. Judgment Tariq-ul-Hakim J : Rule Nisi has been issued calling upon the respondents to show cause as to why direction should not be given upon the Respondent Nos. 1-8 to re-appoint the petitioners as permanent employees as per proposal letter written by the Respondent No.8 vide Memo No. Nathi No. IE-IO/2007-2008/ 186 dated 24-1-2008 (Annexure-F) to the Respondent No.4, seeking direction from the Board, to regularize the 14 (fourteen) working employees including the petitioners who have been selected by the Divisional Selection Committee and/or pass such other or further order or orders as to this Court may seem fit and proper. 2. Facts relevant for disposal of this Rule is that the petitioners were appointed in the office of Commissioner of Taxes, Taxes Zone, Khulna in different dates in the year 1992 to 2004 and they joined their posts as per their appointment letters issued by the Respondent No. 8 as 4th class employee against vacant posts on condition of no work no pay basis i.e. on daily payment basis which was specifically mentioned in their appointment letters. After joining in their respective posts the petitioners have been discharging their duties with honestly and sincerity and they received their wages and other financial benefits from the Government regularly. 3. It is further stated that subsequently Respondent No.8, Commissioner of Taxes, Khulna Zone issued appointment letters to the petitioners for each consecutive year and the petitioners were transferred from one Circle to another in the Commissioner's office, Boyra, Khulna to perform normal routine work and the petitioners worked to the satisfaction of the superior authority. While the petitioners were working at different offices of Taxes Zone, Khulna a clearance letter vide Memo No. SM (SP) 29/2002-307 dated 18-4-2004 was issued from the Surplus section of the Ministry of Establishment, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka for new appointment against the vacant posts and on that basis a 4(four) Members Divisional Selection Committee was formed comprising the Respondent Nos. 9-12 and they selected 22 persons including the petitioners on 26-4-2004 and the concerned authority renewed the appointment of the petitioners vide Order No. Nathi -IE-10/2005-2006 dated 14-5-2006. 4. It is further stated that one Shahnaz Arefin, Senior Assistant Secretary, Committee Affairs section, Cabinet Ministry, Government of Bangladesh issued a letter vide Memo No. M.Pabi/Kabisha/Kapaga-11 (Part-l)!l2001-120 dated 24-6-2004 directing the concerned authority, Secretary, Ministry of Finance, with a request to take necessary action to regularize the employment of certain persons who were working as employees as per "no work no pay" basis. It is further stated that subsequently the Respondent No.5 wrote a letter vide Memo No. Nathi IE-10//2007-2008 dated 24-1-2008 to the Respondent No.4 praying for a direction from the National Board of Revenue to regularize 14 working employees as per the principle of no work no pay basis who were selected by the Board including the petitioners. 5. It is further stated that all on a sudden, the concerned authority stopped payment of wages and financial benefits to the petitioners since 1-2-2008 without any prior notice. The petitioners made representations to the Respondent Nos. 3 and 8 praying for their employment as well as for payment of their salary from January to May, 2008 but did not receive any satisfactory response. On 29-7-2009 the petitioners sent to the respondents a Demand for Justice Notice through their learned Advocate but received no satisfactory response. 6. Being aggrieved, the petitioners have come to this Court and obtained the present Rule. 7. The Rule is being contested by the respondent No. 3 by filing Affidavit-in Opposition dennying material allegations and stating inter alia that the petitioners were employees on no work no pay basis and the authority always reserved the right to terminate them as required as per their discretion. It is further stated that the petitioners never drew any monthly salary and daily basis salaries were stopped in 2009 in accordance with the Government rules and regulations and that there is no violation of any law or even the rules of Natural Justice . It is further submitted that the petitioners were employees on purely temporary basis on no work no pay basis and that the authority had the right to cancel their appointment without showing any reason and that the impugned order calls for no interference by this Court. 8. In a Supplementary Affidavit filed on behalf of the petitioners a has been stated that the petitioner No.3 Md Abdur Razzak and the petitioner No. 4 Md Shafiqul Islam were recently re-appointed on 31-7-2011 and 9-6-2010 respectively in the aforesaid respondents' office in the posts of Night Guard and notice Server on purely temporary basis and prays that their jobs may be regularized as permanent employees. 9. Mrs Momtaz Begum appearing with Mrs. Bahasti Marjan for the petitioners Submits that the petitioners have been working honestly and sincerely under the Respondent No.8 but they have been arbitrary terminated from their employment without assigning any reason and on humanitarian ground they should be allowed to continue in their jobs. The learned Advocate further submits that since recommendations have been made as reflected in Annexure-F they are entitled to be appointed in permanent posts. 'The learned Advocate further submits that the petitioners have been deprived of their salary from January to May, 2008 and they are legally entitled to the same. 10. As against this, Ms Kazi Zinat Haque, the learned Deputy Attorney-General for the Respondent No. 1 submits that the petitioners were working in 4th class post on no work no pay basis and that the authority terminated their jobs as per the rules and regulations of the Government and, as such, the petitioners are not entitled to be re-employed and the action of the respondents calls for no interference by this Court. She also points out that there is no continuity of service of the petitioners and as such they deserve no consideration to be absorbed in the permanent post. 11. It appears that the petitioners were employeed for 5-13 years by the respondents on purely temporary basis on no work no pay basis. Subsequently in 2008 their employment was terminated and it is alleged that they were not paid any salary from January to May, 2008. The learned Deputy Attorney-General has not. been able to enlighten us of the actual position on this matter and as such we hold that the petitioners are entitled to their wages for the said period i.e. January to May, 2008 if they have actually worked for the aforesaid period. The concerned authority is therefore directed to pay the petitioners wages for the aforesaid period from January to May, 2008 immediately. 12. The next point for adjudication is that whether the petitioners are entitled to be absorbed in permanent posts of the Government. It is not denied that they were working on no work no pay basis in various posts in the office of the Commissioner of Taxes, Khulna. It is also apparent that there is no complaint or black mark awarded to any of the petitioners for bad service during their employment. It further appears that the petitioner No. 3 Md Abdur Razzak and petitioner No.4 Md Shafiqul Islam have been re-employed as 4th class employees since 2011 and 2010. respectively although their continuity . of service has been broken they are nevertheless working for the Government now and have been re-employed. The petitioners rendered their services to the Government and it was natural for them to expect to continue in their employment and get regularised in permanent posts if an opportunity arises though it is not mandatory upon the employer to so absorb them. In the process however the petitioners have become barred from seeking alternative employment in other posts of the Government or even private commercial enterprises because of their age. In such view of the matter, fairness and equity demands that the Government gives the petitioners preference in appointing them in permanent posts and regularize their employment as and. When such vacancy arises. This finds support from the judgment of the Appellate Division in the case of LGED vs Mizanur Rahman reported in 17 BLC (AD) 91. The respondents are therefore directed to pay the salary of the petitioners for the period of January to May, 2008 provided they actually worked under the Respondent No.8, Commissioner of Taxes, Boyra, Khulna within three months of receipt of copy of this Judgment. The respondents are further directed to employ the petitioners in permanent posts of the Republic subject to their having requisite qualifications by disregarding their age. Accordingly, this Rule is made absolute. Once promoted, one can't be demoted without cogent reason(s) Appellate Division : (Civil) Nazmun Ara Sultana J Syed Mahmud Hossain J Md Imman Ali J Md Anwarul Haque J Judgment January 27th, 2014 Government of Bangladesh and others ... Petitioners vs Md Abul Kashem Respondent Police Training College Manual Part III (A) Rule 64 Once promotion is given and there cannot be any demotion without given a second chance or given any notice of his impending demotion or any starting departmental proceedings leading to a punishment, or any lak of available post. Once promotion is given, there cannot be any demotion unless there is departmental punishment or lack of available post. The report recommended to allow Md Abdul Quddus Shikder to undertake training again at the Academy. The respondent claimed that he and Md Abdul Quddus Shikder received training at the same time and both were shown as unsuccessful in the oral examination. In the case of Abdul Quddus Shikder departmental proceedings were drawn and it was decided that he could not be demoted. In the case of the respondent no departmental proceeding was drawn up, and yet he was demoted. Upon consideration of all the aforementioned facts and circumstances, the Administrative Tribunal allowed the respondent's case. .(5) Rajik-al-]alil, Deputy Attorney-General, instructed by B. Hossain, Advocate-on-Record-For the Petitioners. Sufia Khatun, Advocate-on-Record, on behalf of Abu Siddique, Advocate-on-Record-For the Respondent. Judgment Md Imman Ali J: This civil petition for leave to appeal is directed against judgment and order dated 26-8-2009 passed by the Administrative Appellate Tribunal, Dhaka in AAT Appeal No. 22 of 2008 dismissing the appeat thereby upholding the judgment and order dated 20-8-2007 passed by the Administrative Tribunal-I, Dhaka in AT Case No. 141 of 2005. 2. Facts of the case in brief are that the respondent, Md Abul Kashem was promoted from the post of police constable to ASI on 1-1-1990 and to SI on 4-5-2000. On 21-4-2005, the authority issued an order under Rule 64 of the Police Training College Manual Part III (A) cancelling his probationary period and demoting him to the rank of ASI on the ground that he was unsuccessful in the final supplementary examination at the Police Academy, Sharoda. The Administrative Tribunal upon hearing the parties allowed the case of the respondent declaring that the impugned order dated 21-4-2005 was illegal and not binding upon the respondent. The direction was given to reinstate the respondent to the rank of SI and to pay all arrears and benefits. The government filed an appeal before the Administrative Appellate Tribunal Dhaka, which upon hearing the parties concerned was dismissed. Hence the government has filed the instant civil petition for leave appeal. 3. The learned Deputy Attorney-General, Mr Rajik-Al-Jalil submitted that the respondent was unsuccessful in the final examination and was duly demoted as provided by the Police Training College Manual Part III (A). He pointed out that Rule 64A Group-B III C(4) provides that "a departmental cadet who fails to pass the final examination and is not allowed an other chance by the Inspector-General of Police (vide Rule 59) shall be permanently revert (sic) to the rank Assistant Sub Inspector and returned to his district". However he was not able to tell us clearly whether the respondent had been given a second chance. On the other hand, the learned DAG submitted that giving of a second chance was a discretion and did not create any right in favour of the respondent. 4. We have considered the submissions of the learned Deputy Attorney-General, perused the impugned judgment and order as well as other papers on record. 5. In the judgment of the Administrative Tribunal we find a report of the Additional Superintendent of Police, Bagerhat dated 4-9-2005 in respect of SI Md Abdul Quddus Shikder. From this report it appears that "once promotion is given, there cannot be any demotion unless there is departmental punishment or lack of available post. The report recommended to allow Md Abdul Quddus Shikder to undertake training again at the Academy. The respondent claimed that he and Md Abdul Quddus Shikder received training at the same time and both were shown as unsuccessful in the oral examination. In the case of Abdul Quddus Shikder departmental proceedings were drawn and it was decided that he could not be demoted. In the case of the respondent no departmental proceeding was drawn up, and yet he was demoted. Upon consideration of all the aforementioned facts and circumstances, the Administrative Tribunal allowed the respondent's case. 6. The Administrative Appellate Tribunal found that the authority did not serve any show cause notice to the respondent and arbitrarily issued the impugned order. It was observed that the authority could not show that there were any materials against the respondent for passing the order impugned as per Rule 64 of the Police Training College Manual Part III (A). Thus, the petitioner's appeal was dismissed. 7. We find that the judgment and order of the Administrative Tribunal contains cogent reasons for declaring the impugned order of the police authority as illegal and not binding on the respondent. There is nothing on record to show that the respondent was given a second chance, or given any notice of his impending demotion, or any indication that there was any departmental proceeding leading to a punishment, or any lack of available post. In such circumstances, the impugned demotion of the respondent was clearly illegal. We do not find any illegality in the judgment and order of the Administrative Appellate Tribunal, and accordingly we find no merit in this Civil Petition for Leave to Appeal, which is dismissed. Actor Afzal Hossain speaking at a memorial meeting on National Professor Dr MR Khan organised by Child Heart Trust Bangladesh in the conference room of the Central Hospital in the city on Friday. Shahid gets in Raja Ratan Singh`s robe Actor Shahid Kapoor has started shooting for filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming film Padmavati. The period drama, which also features Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, stars Shahid as Raja Ratan Singh. Shahid on Thursday shared on Twitter a photograph of himself sporting a beard. Ranveer will be seen essaying the role of Alauddin Khilji, the medieval-era Delhi sultan, who is enamoured of Padmavati. Bumper yield of vegetables Farmers around the capital emerged as big suppliers: Favourable weather helped produce good harvest Anisul Islam Noor : Would you like to see a village full of winter vegetables? No late, visit city's adjoining areas -- Aftab Nagar Meradia, Donia, Nandipara. You cannot imagine that how much acres of land have been brought under cultivation of cauliflowers, cabbage, spinach, radish and red spinach. A huge volume of seasonal fresh vegetables are being supplied to capital Dhaka everyday from its adjacent areas as well as from different other districts. Early in the morning or in the evening, the city dwellers are getting fresh vegetables, spinach, red spinach, radish, cauliflowers which are supplied from city's adjacent areas, including Meradia. Bumper yield of vegetables across the country signals a tummy-happy winter for the city people this year. Farmers say favourable weather has facilitated an increased production of cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, bean, bottle gourd, carrot, aubergine and other winter vegetables. Many farmers around the capital have emerged as big suppliers of vegetables to the city dwellers, especially in the winter season. Favourable weather has helped them get a good harvest this season. "I have cultivated winter vegetables in two bigha of land and expecting a better profit this year as we are getting better price", said Rajab Ali, a farmer of Meradia area. Favourable weather is a major reason for the rise in vegetable production, he said. Farmers of different Upazilas of Narsingdi, Narayanganj, Manikganj and Gazipur alone supply around 20 truckloads of vegetables to the capital daily, said Abed Ali, a trader of Karwan Bazar. Farmers of these areas cultivate mainly seasonal vegetables, including radish, onion, potato, green chilli and carrot. "Vegetables production in Manikganj is expected to exceed last year's production, thanks to favourable weather," said Ali Haider, an official of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Narayanganj. The farmers of these districts produced more than 2.10 lakh tonnes of vegetables in the last fiscal year. "Vegetable production will increase this year as the country has not witnessed any major natural disaster," he said. Farmers take a break from tending their farmland in Narsingdi's Shibpur. City-dwellers are likely to see an abundant supply of winter vegetables this year. Narsingdi, another vegetables production hub, has so far witnessed a good yield, said Subhash Chanda Gayen, Deputy Director of DAE in the district. "Farmers in this area are increasing crop production by 1-2 per cent each year. They mainly cultivate cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, bean, bottle gourd and pointed gourd," he mentioned. Vegetables of this district are not only supplied to Dhaka but also exported to different countries, he added. Subhash said the district DAE has set a target to cultivate vegetables on 8,800 hectares of land this year, although Narsingdi is gradually losing arable land due to setting up of new factories. Vegetable production in different upazilas of Dhaka soared by more than 11 per cent in five years from 2009. The annual vegetables production was 2.34 lakh tonnes in 2010-11 in Dhaka district including Savar, Dhamrai, Keraniganj and Dohar. However, farmers are yet to make profit from their produce as most of the profit goes to the middlemen, who buy farmers' produce in bulk at a cheaper rate, and sell those for much higher prices in the capital city. "I have a good harvest of vegetables this year, but I am not getting fair price for the produce," said Monowara Begum of Shibpur upazila in Narsingdi. She sells each bottle gourd for Tk 20 to 25 to local wholesalers, who then resell those for up to Tk 40 in city markets. "Unfair prices are highly discouraging to cultivation," she said to The New Nation over cell phone. The supermarkets in the city could source directly from the farmers, which would benefit farmers and consumers, said farmers. "If supermarkets buy more from farmers in the nearby areas like Manikganj, Savar and Narsingdi, the products will be both fresher and cheaper," said Zamal Hossain, a vegetable trader of Karwan Bazar. Moreover, huge supply of vegetables has also brought down their prices in city's kitchen markets. Each piece of cauliflower is now selling at Tk 15 to 18, cabbage at Tk 13 to 15 in Norsingdi while in Dhaka market they are selling at Tk 30 to 35 and 25 to 30 respectively. Traders of Karwan Bazar kitchen market are selling each kilogram of radish at Tk 35 to 40 and bitter gourd at Tk 50 to 60, which were sold at Tk12 to 13 per kg and Tk 22 to 26 per kg respectively by the farmers of Shibpur and Rupganj, locals said. Melania set to be a long-distance first lady CNBC News : It will be one of many unusual things about a Donald Trump administration: a long-distance first lady. Trump will move into the White House after the Jan. 20 inauguration. Breaking with tradition, Melania Trump and 10-year-old son Barron plan to remain in New York City until at least the end of the school year. While the decision sets Melania Trump apart from other first ladies - both Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton took on the move with school-age children in tow - it seems in character. The former model and naturalized U.S. citizen from Slovenia was an elusive figure in the campaign and had no political experience before her husband's stunningly successful outsider campaign. "We're in a time when all the molds are being broken," said Katherine Jellison, head of the history department at Ohio University and an authority on first ladies. Trump Tower security may take over two floors -cost millions News.com.au Share : THE Secret Service is in negotiations with the Trump Organisation to take over two vacant floors in the gilded 68-storey Fifth Avenue tower, law enforcement sources told The New York Post. The US federal agency and the NYPD plan to run a 24/7 command post out of the space that would be housed at least 40 floors below Trump's $90 million penthouse triplex, where wife Melania and their 10-year-old son Barron will continue to reside at least through the Spring, The New York Post reports. Republican President-elect Donald Trump embraces his wife Melania Trump, as their son Barron looks on. The first 26 floors of the glass-clad skyscraper are commercial tenants while the remaining levels are luxury apartments. But several commercial floors are currently vacant, sources said. The Secret Service is eyeing two contiguous floors for over 250 agents and cops, sources said. New York Police Department protective barricades to regulate pedestrian traffic in front of Trump Tower. The Secret Service must protect the president and his family wherever they go, including visits back to their permanent homes. For example, the Secret Service paid Vice President Joe Biden $2200-a-month, to rent out a cottage next to his Wilmington, Del. home, according to a 2011 article in The Washington Times. 11 killed in road accidents UNB, Dhaka : At least 11 people were killed and two others injured in separate road accidents in the city, Natore, Sunamganj and Gopalganj districts on Friday. In Natore, five people were killed and two others injured as a truck hit a rickshaw van on Ishwardi-Lalpur road in South Lalpur area of Lalpur upazila on Friday. Four of the deceased were identified as Zillur Rahman and Jahirul Islam of Sirajganj and Aminul Islam of Lalpur upazila and Raju. The accident took place around 11:30 am when the truck hit the van carrying seven people, leaving one dead on the spot and six others injured, said Abu Obayed, officer-in-charge of Lalpur Police Station. The injured were taken to Sadar hospital where doctors declared three people dead. Besides, another injured man died way to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. In Sunamganj, two pedestrians were killed after being hit by a minibus on Sylhet-Sunamganj highway in Borokapon area in Chhatok upazila around 11.30am. The deceased were identified as Nadim, 10, son of Samsu Miah, and Kachmala Begum, 40, wife of Mochhok Ali, residents of Kamrangi village of the upazila. Nur Hossain, sub-inspector of Jauyabazar Police camp, said the Sunamganj-bound speeding minibus from Sylhet hit them on the highway, leaving Nadim dead on the spot and Kachmala critically injured. Later, the injured was taken to Sylhet M A G Osmani Medical College Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. However, police arrested minibus driver Parvej from the spot. In Gopalganj, a university student was killed as a truck hit his motorcycle in the district town in the morning. The deceased was identified as Md Habibur Rahman, 28, son Abdul Zabbar and a 1st year of student of LLB (pass) course of Gopalganj Banghabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University. On information, police recovered the body and sent it to hospital morgue. Meanwhile, Three people, including a college student, were killed in two road accidents in the city's Jatrabari and Tikatoli areas on Friday. The victims are Amir Hossain Apu, 18, a student of Dhanmondi Ideal College, Mantu Miah, 40, a hawker, and Rina Akhter, 28. Sources at Dhaka Medical College Hospital said a 'Turag Paribahan' bus ploughed through the footpath and crashed into Apu and Mantu at Dhalpur of Jatrabari around 5:30 pm after its driver lost control over the steering, killing them on the spot. Apu was buying food from Mantu's footpath shop when the accident took place. In another accident, a bus hit a rickshaw carrying Rina in front of 'Ovisar Movie House' at Tikatoli in the evening, leaving her injured. She was taken to the DMCH where doctors declared her dead. Patients sufferings at BSMMU mount Employees doing business selling hospital facilities Reza Mahmud : Selling of facilities by many employees at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital has been creating untold sufferings to the patients. The employees in different sections of the hospitals have some facilities to enjoy like medical check-up, doctors' visiting, X-ray, Ultra-sonogram, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanning and others. And the employees can enjoy such facilities by rotations of every three patients. Some written directions have been seen outside the X-ray and ultra-sonogram rooms and in other sections that read, "The staff of the hospital will enjoy facilities after every three ordinary patients." The patients alleged that the employees make the facilities as a business. Most of the time they sell the facilities to the patients come from across the country. In most of the cases, the employees introduce the patients as their relatives, though they are totally unknown to them. They give them the chance in exchange of money. It makes the patients two edged sufferer: Firstly, the patients' entry delayed for getting services as the employees take the facilities after every three patients. Secondly, the employees become busy with hunting patients and selling the facilities to them. "We are waiting for long but some patients get X-ray facilities coming one hour after us. Some dishonest staff members introduced the late-comer persons as their relatives in exchange of money," alleged Abul Kashem, a patients standing in a row for X-ray, who came from Bhola. On the other hand, patients suffer in the absence of staff in their own desks when they go to them to get certain services. They usually become busy with hunting patients who agree to buy facilities in exchange of money. "My mother has lung infection. The doctors of BSMMU advised us to take some blood testing reports soon. But the employees reliable to give the reports were not in seat. They were found busy with hunting patients outside the row or at the end of the waiting line," said Ashish, a youth from Banaripara, Barisal. Patients taking the facilities from the employees said they are enjoying the chance by giving various amount of money from Tk100 to 500, considering the Emergency of the patients. In some cases the employees also influence during seat and cabin allotments to the patients. When the patients are sufferings due to shortage of seats, the employees allot seats to others introducing them as their relatives. When contacted Dr. Mukhlesuzzaman Hero, Deputy Director of the BSMMU Hospital told The New Nation yesterday, "There are no such written complaints against any employees in our office. If we get any allegations against any employees we must take departmental actions against them." However, some officials said they favour some patients by using such facilities. "We do not take money in every case. If any poor people or known person come from village, we help them," said a staff of Pathology Section preferring anonymity. Jill Stein raises over $4.5m to request US election recounts in battleground states The Guardian : Jill Stein, the Green party's presidential candidate, is preparing to request recounts of the election result in several key battleground states. Stein launched an online fundraising page seeking donations toward a multimillion-dollar fund she said was needed to request reviews of the results in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The drive has already raised more than $4.5m, which the campaign said would enable it to file for recounts in Wisconsin on Friday and Pennsylvania on Monday. The fundraising page said it expected to need around $6m-7m to challenge the results in all three states. Stein said she was acting due to "compelling evidence of voting anomalies" and that data analysis had indicated "significant discrepancies in vote totals" that were released by state authorities. "These concerns need to be investigated before the 2016 presidential election is certified," she said in a statement. "We deserve elections we can trust." Stein's move came amid growing calls for recounts or audits of the election results by groups of academics and activists concerned that foreign hackers may have interfered with election systems. The concerned groups have been urging Hillary Clinton, the defeated Democratic nominee, to join their cause. Donald Trump won unexpected and narrow victories against Clinton in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin earlier this month and may yet win Michigan, where a final result has not yet been declared. Stein and her campaign made clear they were acting because they wanted to ensure the election results were authentic, rather than because they thought she had actually won any of the contests. Several states allow any candidate who was on the ballot to request a recount. Friday is the deadline for requesting a recount in Wisconsin, where Trump's winning margin stands at 0.7%. In Pennsylvania, where his margin is 1.2%, the deadline falls on Monday. In Michigan, where the Trump lead is currently just 0.3%, the deadline is Wednesday 30 November. The Guardian previously disclosed that a loose coalition of academics and activists concerned about the election's security is preparing to deliver a report detailing its concerns to congressional committee chairs and federal authorities early next week, according to two people involved. "I'm interested in verifying the vote," said Dr Barbara Simons, an adviser to the US election assistance commission and expert on electronic voting. "We need to have post-election ballot audits." Simons is understood to have contributed analysis to the effort but declined to characterise the precise nature of her involvement. A second group of analysts, led by the National Voting Rights Institute founder John Bonifaz and Professor Alex Halderman, the director of the University of Michigan's center for computer security and society, is also taking part in the push for a review. In a blogpost on Wednesday, Halderman said paper ballots and voting equipment should be examined in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. "Unfortunately, nobody is ever going to examine that evidence unless candidates in those states act now, in the next several days, to petition for recounts," he said. Clinton's defeat to Donald Trump followed the release by US intelligence agencies of public assessments that Russian hackers were behind intrusions into regional electoral computer systems and the theft of emails from Democratic officials before the election. Curiosity about Wisconsin has centred on apparently disproportionate wins that were racked up by Trump in counties using electronic voting compared with those that used only paper ballots. Use of the voting machines that are in operation in some Wisconsin counties has been banned in other states, including California, after security analysts repeatedly showed how easily they could be hacked into. However, Nate Silver, the polling expert and founder of FiveThirtyEight, cast doubt over the theory, stating that the difference disappeared after race and education levels, which most closely tracked voting shifts nationwide, were controlled for. Silver and several other election analysts have dismissed suggestions that the swing-state vote counts give cause for concern about the integrity of the results. Still, dozens of professors specialising in cybersecurity, defense and elections have in the past two days signed an open letter to congressional leaders stating that they are "deeply troubled" by previous reports of foreign interference, and requesting swift action by lawmakers. "Our country needs a thorough, public congressional investigation into the role that foreign powers played in the months leading up to November," the academics said in their letter, while noting they did not mean to "question the outcome" of the election itself. Senior legislators including Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Congressman Elijah Cummings of Maryland have already called for deeper inquiries into the full extent of Russia's interference with the election campaign. Wednesday's announcement by Stein, who had previously been hesitant to get involved, also shields Democratic operatives and people who worked on Clinton's bid for the White House from needing to overtly challenge the election. Some senior Democrats are known to be reluctant to suggest there were irregularities in the result because Clinton and her team criticised Trump so sharply during the campaign for claiming that the election would be "rigged" against him. But others have spoken publicly, including the sister of Huma Abedin, Clinton's closest aide. "A shift of just 55,000 Trump votes to Hillary in PA, MI & WI is all that is needed to win," Heba Abedin said on Facebook, urging people to call the US justice department to request an audit. Alexandra Chalupa, a former Democratic National Committee consultant who during the campaign investigated links between Moscow and Trump's then campaign manager Paul Manafort, is also participating in the attempt to secure recounts or audits. "The person who received the most votes free from interference or tampering needs to be in the White House," said Chalupa. "It may well be Donald Trump, but further due diligence is required to ensure that American democracy is not threatened." In a joint statement issued last month, the office of the director of national intelligence and the Department for Homeland Security said they were "confident" that the theft of emails from the DNC and from Clinton's campaign chair, John Podesta, which were published by WikiLeaks, was directed by the Russian government. "Some states have also recently seen scanning and probing of their election-related systems, which in most cases originated from servers operated by a Russian company," the statement went on. "However, we are not now in a position to attribute this activity to the Russian government." Rohingyas staying in BD to get assistance: Kamal Staff Reporter : Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Friday said that Bangladesh will provide Rohingyas, who are already here, with assistance out of humanitarian grounds. But, he also claimed that the government will take measures to send back the Rohingyas later on. Kamal was addressing a programme in the capital where he also said that Bangladesh will urge Myanmar to take back the Rohingya staying in the country. He, nonetheless, said that Bangladesh is not considering sending the stranded Rohingya because of the ongoing persecution on them at home. He also said that the crisis will be resolved peacefully and that the border forces of the 2 neighbouring nations held meeting in this regard. Tortured Rohingyas managed to enter thru` impassable areas A Rohingya Muslim woman and her son cry after being caught by Border Guard Bangladesh while illegally crossing at a border check point in Cox\'s Bazar, Bangladesh. Staff Reporter : Several hundred Rohingya people from Myanmar entered Bangladesh through the international borders crossing the Naf River last week, said Border Guard Bangladesh's (BGB) Director General (DG) Major General Abul Hossain on Friday. The BGB DG admitted it in a media briefing at Cox's Bazar district's Teknaf land port on the Rohingya issue. In advance, he visited several border points in Ukhiya and Teknaf upazilas of the district. "Many Rohingya refugees have managed to enter Bangladesh territory in the last seven days crossing the Naf River to flee the violence in the western Rakhine State of Myanmar," BGB DG said. He said, additional BGB men have already deployed on the borders to prevent entry of Rohingyas in the country. "There is no barbed-wire fence on the 63 kilometres long Bangladesh-Myanmar border along Naf River making it easy for Rohingyas to enter here," he said. Apart from this, many Rohingyas and Bangladeshis are relatives, which prompt Rohingya entry, while there are impassable areas along the border where BGB men cannot enter DG Abul Hossain said. Myanmar troops poured into the western State of Rakhine close to the Bangladesh frontier in response to the unidentified attacks on three border posts on October 9 that killed nine police officers. Rohingya residents and human rights groups accused the military and Border Guard Forces of raping Rohingya women, torching houses and killing civilians indiscriminately. But the Myanmar government and the military high command deny the accusations. The widespread violence has displaced thousands of Rohingya people fleeing the country to neighbouring Bangladesh for safety of life. The Rohingya who successfully reached Bangladesh have sought shelter in makeshift camps across the Cox's Bazar where earlier waves of refugees and asylum-seekers settled. "A group of brokers helped the Rohingyas to arrive in Bangladesh. We have intensified vigilance ont the borders to prevent their fresh migration," said Major General Abul Hossain. He said, "BGB will push back Rohingya Muslims if they try to cross the borders illegally". Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Monday pushed back another 114 Myanmar citizens who were trying to cross into Bangladesh. On November 19, BGB pushed back 125 Rohingyas who tried to arrive in Bangladesh. 6 `robbers` killed in gunfights UNB, Dhaka : Six suspected robbers were killed in separate incidents of 'gunfights' in Pabna and Faridpur districts early Friday. In Pabna, four alleged robbers were killed and three others injured in a reported gun battle between their cohorts and Rapid Action Battalion members at Joynagar in Ishwardi upazila. The deceased were identified as Badshah Miah, Shafiqul Islam, Manjurul Islam and Rustom Ali. Tipped off that 15-20 robbers were committing robbery at Badshah Rice Mill, a team of RAB-12 conducted a drive in the area around 3 am, said Bina Rani Das, company commander of RAB-12. Sensing presence of the elite force, the robbers opened fire on them, prompting the Rab members to fire back, triggering a gunfight. Two robbers were killed and five others injured in the gunfight while the others managed to flee. Later, the elite force recovered the bodies and arrested five injured robbers with the help of local people. Among the injured robbers, one died on way to Pabna General Hospital while another died at the hospital. Police recovered one rice-laden truck and three firearms from the spot. The injured were identified as Bachchu Miah, 35, hailing from Mymensingh district, Mehedi Hasan, 25, hailing from Panchagarh district, and Hanif Miah, 25, hailing from Chandpur district. In Faridpur, two suspected robbers were killed in a gunfight between two robber gangs at Sattarkandi village in Madhukhali upazila early Friday. The deceased were identified as Saiful Islam Zoardar, 29, son of Kamal Uddin of Mesordia village in the upazila, and Sazzad alias Abul Kashem, 40, son of Ijom Sheikh of Baliakandi upazila in Rajbari district. Informed that two robber gangs were exchanging gunfire, a police team went to the spot around 1 am and recovered the bullet-hit bodies of the duo, said officer-in-charge of Madhukhali Police Station Ruhul Amin. The bodies were sent to Faridpur Medical College Hospital for autopsy. Meanwhile, police arrested six people from the area for their suspicious involvement and recovered two firearms, some bullets and three sharp weapons from the spot. `Stop genocide` Protesters burn effigy of Suu Kyi, nat`l flag of Myanmar and urge to ensure Rohingyas' safety Staff Reporter : Hundreds of people, mostly activists of Islamist political parties and rights groups, on Friday, took to the streets in Dhaka, protested the massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, with thunderous slogans, 'Stop genocide' and stop killing Rohingya Muslims.' The protesters burned effigy of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and flag of Myanmar. They assembled in front of the National Mosque 'Baitul Mukarram' and the National Press Club to demonstrate their strong resentment and protest against the ongoing army crackdown against the innocent and unarmed Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine State of Myanmar. Meanwhile, different rights groups and organistions expressed grave concern over the ongoing genocide and violence in Myanmar against the Rohingya Muslims, urging the international community to play its due role to stop the bloodshed immediately. They gave the call from demonstration and human chain in front of the national press club in the capital on Friday noon. Several hundred of people from all walks of life, including children, displayed placards, banners and festoons criticizing the massacre of Muslims in Myanmar. Attending the demonstration, they urged international community and rights bodies to put pressure on Myanmar government for a peaceful solution over the Rohingya crisis. During the demonstration, members of the National Children and Youth Organisation 'Kalarab' painted their bodies with red colour to mimic the on-going killings in Myanmar. More than 200 children and youth took part in the demonstration. They also called upon the Myanmar authorities to ensure the safety and the rights of all citizens of the country. Holding the banners "stop Rohingya ethnic cleansing," the Centre for Human Rights Movement demanded UN peace keeping forces in Myanmar to restore peace in the Rakhine State and ensure rights of the Rohingya people. They also expressed concern about the Myanmar government's intention to expel the Rohingyas out of their ancestral land of Arakan Myanmar. "We are deeply concerned about the ongoing oppression and massacre of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. The United Nations should adopt a resolution to establish a commission to inquire into the human rights situation in the Rakhine State of Myanmar immediately," said Advocate Khalid Yahiya, General Secretary of Centre of Human Rights Movement at the rally. He also demanded for an independent investigation into the widespread and systematic abuses and oppression committed against the Rohingyas in Myanmar. Criticizing the Myanmar authorities for their ongoing atrocities, he said, "A large number of people are being reportedly killed by army, but they continue to deny oppression against the Rohingya in the Rakhine State". "If there is no oppression, why are the Rohingyas fleeing? Why has the UNHCR programme been held up? He questioned. Khalid Yahiya said, the Myanmar government is carrying out their cleansing drive to wipe out minority Rohingya Muslims from the country which is not acceptable to us. If any organisation carries out terrorist activities there, the government can take legal action. They cannot adopt a cruel policy of evicting an entire community. According to the Reuters, 86 persons have been killed in a recent operation by the armed forces there. Of the dead, 69 are Rohingyas and 17 members of the security forces. Around 30,000 have been displaced by the violence. Up to 500,000 undocumented Rohingya live in Bangladesh after arriving from Myanmar in waves since the 1970s. Some 33,000 registered Rohingya refugees are living in two camps in southern Cox's Bazar district. 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Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe President Joe Biden has decided to ban Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia's economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine. The United States generally imports about 100,000 barrels a day from Russia, only about 5% of Russia's crude oil exports, according to Rystad Energy. Last year, roughly 8% of U.S. imports of oil and petroleum products came from Russia. Gas prices have been rising for weeks due to the conflict and in anticipation of potential sanctions on the Russian energy sector. The U.S. national average for a gallon of gasoline soared 45 cents a gallon in the past week and topped $4.06 on Monday, according to auto club AAA. Should the US ban Russian oil imports over Ukraine war? You voted: The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now. Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market. In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender. India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex. Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted. But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted? Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner. If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems. I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now. I want more variation in masturbation I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own. If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end. What is sex toys for Indian? Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation. It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms. They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable. Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner. The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner. It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past. In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping. Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order. In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing. Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome. Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own. But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance. More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around. Sextoy situation in India Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years. In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India. Mumbai Kolkata Bangalore Delhi Chennai Hyderabad These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India. In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well. If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too. If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it. What are Sextoys for beginner? Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms. Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy. I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion. I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy. If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma. Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it. Advantages of using sextoy for Indians There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways. Can have stimulating sex Can develop new sexual zones If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern. However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways. You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation. Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever. There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure. This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it. When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems. It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms). For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles [Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou... Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India. Sextoy for beginner men in India So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners. For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men! The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men Masturbator Cock rings Love Doll Sex Lubricants Toys for the prostate Lets check each one in detail. Masturbator The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products. It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands. Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands. They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.) Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much. Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! ! Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa SEXToys India PR (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018 Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood. If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here Really pleasant male masturbation and how to do it Are you in a rut with your daily masturbation routine? I'm going to show you five ways men masturbate that you might ... [For Beginners] How to choose and use a male masturbator without fail Gentlemen.Have you ever used a masturbator? The person who sees this article is probably the one who has not experien... Cock Ring A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis. It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow. It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber. In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection. Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction. It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it. Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time. Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function. Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy. You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect. [Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat... Love Doll Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex. There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women. Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price. The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true. You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste. There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice. You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls. If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to... Sex lubricants Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules. It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution. Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse. There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent. Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent. If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here. What is sex lubricant?Explain the difference and usage of each ingredient The word "sex toy" may seem like a hurdle to overcome, but lotion is actually one of the most familiar sex toys. Many... Toys for the Prostate Another sextoy for men is prostate toys. The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line. Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men. Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men. What is the prostate? The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm. You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus. By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms. Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.) The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation. Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure. sextoy for beinner women in India The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy. The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy. Vibrator. Dildo Electric Masserger Lets check out what each one is in detail. If you want to check out womens toys, click here. [BEST25]Sex Toys for Women in IndiaThat Can Help You Have an Orgasm There are many women who pretend to feel orgasm during sex. But don't worry, you don't have to pretend to feel orgasm... Vibrators A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator. Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy. It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy. Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women. For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators. Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex. Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself. This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual. Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men. When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons. Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most... Dildo A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis. It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass. A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it. They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well. It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device. A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo. Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands. For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis. This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one. To learn more about dildo, please click here. What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th... Electric Masserger A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores. It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low. Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels. Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation. It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure. For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm. It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out. If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager? To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here. What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th... How to choose a sextoy for Indian Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one. Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points: Does the size fit you (the partner)? Does the size fit you (your partner)? Is the environment able to produce sound without problems? Price range First of all, the choice of size is quite important. Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women. For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage. Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems. Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise. If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level. Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it. Finally, there is the price range. The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest. Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy. Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy? I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance. For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics. If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out. How to buy sextoys in India The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping. For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below. Sextoy is one of them. Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping. SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India. They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry. Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card. To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy. ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal. Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on. Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture. Cautions for Indians using sextoy When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind Keep sex toys clean Watch out for electrical leakage Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone. Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there. It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case. In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness. Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful. If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it. You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly. Summary What did you think? In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India. The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future. As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values. However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health. If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try? Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women. I want to read more! If you think its a great idea, please bookmark it. VATICAN CITY Pope Francis pulled shut the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday, formally ending the Holy Year of Mercy he declared to stress the need for greater reconciliation and forgiveness in his church and in the world. After closing the ornate door, Francis urged some 70,000 people attending Mass in St. Peter's Square to stay open to reconciliation prospects. "Let us ask for the grace of never closing the doors of reconciliation and pardon, but rather of knowing how to go beyond evil and differences, opening every possible pathway of hope," the pope said during his homily. A day earlier, at a ceremony to give the church 17 new cardinals, the pope lamented a surge of hostility and polarization in the world, especially toward those many consider enemies simply because they are from different faiths, races or nationalities. "As God believes in us, infinitely beyond any merits we have, so, too, we are called to instill hope and provide opportunities to others," Francis said Sunday. The Holy Year of Mercy, which started on Dec. 8, 2015, drew roughly 20 million pilgrims to Rome, where they passed through the open Holy Door at the Vatican and at other Rome basilicas. A long line of faithful snaked through the square Saturday evening for the last opportunity to pass through St. Peter's Basilica Holy Door, which is off to the side of the main entrance. Hours later, the pontiff slowly and firmly pulled close one side of the ornately paneled door, then the other side. The door will be re-sealed until another Holy Year is declared, whenever that might be. Catholics worldwide also could pass through Holy Doors in designated churches closer to home during the last year, as Francis sought to put less attention on the church headquarters in Rome and more on adherents in the farthest reaches of the globe. Francis opened one of those Holy Doors himself, at the Cathedral of Bangui, during a pilgrimage in late 2015 to the Central African Republic, a country bloodied by sectarian fighting between Muslims and Christians. A Central African Republic prelate from that country was one of 17 churchmen officially given the rank of cardinal by the pope on Saturday. The new cardinals joined the rest of the cardinals during Sunday's Mass. Francis made clear that his papacy, which began in 2013, would continue to press for dialogue and other peaceful means to end conflicts and bring people closer together. At the end of the Sunday's Mass in the square, Francis signed a letter addressed to all the church. The Vatican said the letter expressed the pope's intention that the church "can continue to live out the mercy with the same intensity felt during the entire special Jubilee" Holy Year. The pope handed out copies to various representatives of the Catholic world. They included a family of parents; children and grandparents from the United States; a nun from Mexico and a nun from South Korea; the archbishop of Manila; priests from the Democratic Republic of Congo and from Brazil; and a woman in a wheelchair, among others. The Vatican planned to release the text of the letter Monday. CARBONDALE The individual who died in a Wednesday morning fire on West Freeman Street in Carbondale was an SIU student, according to a news release from the Carbondale Police Department. An autopsy of the deceased is pending, and there is nothing to suggest foul play was involved, police said. The identity of the victim is not being released out of respect for the persons family. Carbondale Fire and Police Departments responded to the structure fire at 700 W. Freeman St. at 4:50 a.m. Wednesday and found the home heavily engulfed in flames. Firefighters located the deceased victim while doing a primary search of the building. The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the Carbondale Fire Department, the Carbondale Police Department and Illinois State Police. The SIU Department of Public Safety and SIU Office of the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs are also providing assistance. The Murphysboro Fire Department also assisted in the incident. CARBONDALE WDBX radio station's management is preparing to enter phase two of its solar project, one that will make the station almost half-powered by solar energy. The station's "Power The Station" fundraiser seeks donations to help purchase more solar panels to help it save money by becoming more energy-efficient, according to station manager Dave Armstrong. The station already has several 325-watt panels installed on the south roof of the building on North Washington Street, Armstrong said. Armstrong said he was happy with the station's foray into this area, becoming a model for how other businesses could harness solar energy to make them more energy-efficient and produce cost savings. "We're demonstrating that something sustainable like this is possible in Southern Illinois," Armstrong said. He said by working with the solar panel manufacturers, station management was able to realize costs savings on the projects, saving money with their purchase of the panels. He said the solar panels have a 25-year warranty. Meanwhile, the station is also conducting its annual holiday fundraisers, one being its regular holiday giving and the its "Gift of Time Travel," in which a program or music is introduced on the website and visitors can access it for two weeks in exchange for a donation. "Give us a gift back that kind of thing," Armstrong said. Those interested in making a donation to the station can visit its website, and click on the link to donate through PayPal. Regarding plant populations, farmers are finding that while less may not mean more, more doesnt necessarily mean more, either. There is a definite trend of lower plant populations, both in corn and soybeans. Ed Rohrer, a seed operations supervisor with Monsanto, said soybean growers are putting fewer seeds in the ground. As the markets get tighter, guys are looking at their plant populations, he said. What were seeing is a down trend in that 120,000 to 130,000 plants per acre, no matter what the row width is. Many agronomists recommend plant populations of about 100,000 per acre. Technological advances and seed company practices have something to do with changing seeding rates, Rohrer believes. With the equipment these days, guys are going back to row beans, more precision planting and all those things that helped reassure them they are getting a more accurate number in the ground, he said. Also, the business going to a seeds-per-pound (sales rate) gives growers a better idea of how many seeds theyre planting per acre, rather than pounds per acre. Corn growers are also seeing benefits in cutting back on plant populations. Rates of 40,000 or more seeds per acre are becoming rarer in fields across the Midwest. Syngenta agronomist Phil Krieg has seen farmers back off on seeding rates following years of experimentation with high populations. I do think that theres been a decrease in the last couple of years, he said. Theres less of a push on moving to higher populations. There is less of a spin on things like twin rows that whole thing has stalled out. Some of that is due to the data from universities and other places. In general, Im hearing less growers exceeding that 35,000 to 36,000 population on corn. We still see people getting more and more comfortable with that 30,000 to 32,000 range. It seems to me fewer people are getting up over 36,000. Seed prices play a role in population decisions. Stacked traits and treatments come with a higher price tag, and that inevitably affects the decision-making process. Increasing population can increase yields, but at what point does seed cost take away the advantage? Krieg said. When you take that yield advantage, you still have to look at return on investment. The high-yield guys are going to continue to push the envelope. Theyll continue to look at it year in and year out. They are probably going to teach us as much as we can teach them. Dan Davidson, an independent agronomist based in Omaha, said soybean growers have largely settled on a range in planting rates in order to get the desired 100,000 plants per acre. In the recent past, many growers put as many as 250,000 seeds per acre in their fields. Seed costs have doubled over the past 10 years, forcing farmers to take a hard look at seeding populations. A lot of farmers have gotten comfortable with the 140,000 to 150,000 range, Davidson said. ... I still think that growers over-seed a bit. Theyve maximized their yield, but can probably get the same results with less seed. One of the keys to making low populations pay off, Davidson believes, is planting early into the right soil conditions. Soil temperature and a forecast for good weather over at least the next three to five days is key. Growers are adding on seed treatments to protect seed and seedlings and to get as many seeds to germinate as possible. Planting at the right depth often recommended as no deeper than 1.5 inches can help ensure that more seeds make it to the seedling stage, according to Davidson. And while higher corn seeding will often result in increased yields, the bottom line is always key. Return on investment is the key point, Krieg said. If we cant show the return on investment, were going to be challenged. Numerous residents told HUD they didnt want to move. Dont do this. Its wrong, man, one resident told them. You dont know what were going through because you're not from here, said another, noting he has lived in Cairo since the 1950s and doesnt intend to live elsewhere. Stop moving our people out of town. Build something new here. MARION The men and women who fought in World War II are called the greatest generation. In 2004, the National World War II Memorial opened in Washington D.C., more than 60 years after the United States entered the war. A year later, a group called Honor Flight began charter flights to take World War II veterans to see their memorial and other memorials in Washington D.C., but time is running short. An estimated 640 World War II veterans die each day. Air Force veteran Bryan Questelle knows those statistics too well. He served as veterans Adjutant at Illinois Veterans Home in Anna. He heard about Honor Flight and wanted to get his veterans on a flight. I had men who were veterans of World War II, so I made a few calls to see if my veterans would qualify, Questelle said. He found that there were Honor Flight organizations in Evansville, Indiana, St. Louis and Springfield, but none south of Effingham. Ryan McKennedy is also concerned about veterans. McKennedy had arranged for a coalition of veterans groups to meet quarterly at The Haven, between Carbondale and Carterville, to share ideas and resources. Questelle went to the coalition meeting Jan. 25 to talk to other members about creating an Honor Flight group. I had a pamphlet I made about having an honor flight leave from Marion airport," Questelle said. "Unbeknownst to me, the man sitting next to me was Doug Kimmel [airport director]. He was there to talk about the exact same thing at the exact same time, Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois first met in February 2016. Questelle and Kimmel were joined on the board by McKennedy, Hope Patterson and Evan Youngblood. They asked Youngbloods father, Randy, who is an accountant, to join the board. When McKennedy moved from the area, Nancy Brown, a retired vice admiral from the U.S. Navy, replaced him. Since the renaming of the airport to Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois, it just seems fitting that we take vets out of that airport on an honor flight, Questelle said. Questelle said the focus now is raising funds. They have a lot of plans, but they cannot begin until they have raised the funds to take the flight. Their target date for the first Honor Flight is April 17, 2017. To meet that date, the plane needs to be chartered by Jan. 15. The projected cost of the first Honor Flight from Marion is $65,000. Questelle said that amount includes all aspects of the trip, as well as some startup costs for things like wheelchairs. If the local group raises $15,000, the national Honor Flight will match that $15,000. Questelle said Brown has been very helpful. She is making herself very available to go out and make cold calls to anyone she can, Questelle said, adding that she met Tuesday with Black Diamond Harley Davidson. Questelle said board members have been in close contact with Land of Lincoln Honor Flight in Springfield. Land of Lincoln is helping the group with their first flight. We using that as a barometer, since weve never done one. If we overshoot, we can roll that into the next flight, Questelle said. Donations can be made online at www.veteranshonorflight.org, by mailing a check to Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois, 10400 Terminal Drive, Suite 200, Marion, IL 62959, or in person at any Peoples National Bank location. Veterans Honor Flight of Southern also needs veterans, guardians and volunteers for fundraising and its first flight. Our midst are full of quiet heroes. We are not aware of what they did to give us the freedoms we have, Questelle said. To the Editor: The Southern published an article on Tuesday, Nov. 5, offering an explanation for Franklin Countys abandoning its Democratic history and becoming a Republican stronghold. Two local political figures, one Democrat and one Republican, both suggested that this transformation was due to the Democratic Partys move to the left on social issues, in particular LGBTQ issues. The truth is that the Democrats representing Southern Illinois in Springfield are hardly lefties on social issues, and have consistently voted against LGBTQ issues over the years. LGBTQ issues are no longer fringe or left wing issues. A 2016 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 55 percent of Americans favor same-sex marriage and only 37 percent are opposed; 68 percent of Catholics surveyed were in favor of same-sex marriage, as were 58 percent of mainline Protestants; 70 percent of Millennials and 50 percent of Gen-X favored same-sex marriage. And this trend isnt just a recent thing: in 2001, the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 70 percent of Americans supported employment non-discrimination and 74 percent supported non-discrimination measures in housing. The Illinois Human Rights Act was amended in 2005 to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Randall Crocker (D), Franklin County Board Chairman, went so far as to say that discrimination is not a particularly big issue here. Discrimination may not be a big issue for you, Mr. Crocker, but it certainly is for those of us who have been on the receiving end of it. Thirty years ago, while I was an employee of the Department of Defense, I was honored to receive an award for Outstanding Performance on my job. That same day, the agency yanked my security clearance and began shuffling me out the door. This action was taken only because I was honest enough to tell the security office, when they asked, that I was gay. This was a devastating experience to me at the time, but it woke me up to the reality that many people wont judge me by my character, but by a label that they wield as a weapon against me. I have fought discrimination continually since that incident. Today, LBGTQ citizens of Illinois are afforded some degree of protection from discrimination in employment and housing through the Illinois Human Rights Act. However, not all states offer such protection, and federal laws offer neither employment nor housing protection. LGBTQ citizens can still lose their jobs and can be denied housing in 28 states. Mr. Crocker, discrimination against the LGBTQ community may be subsiding, but it still exists and is still a threat to many in my community, as well as to your own family members, friends, and neighbors. Joe Powers Carbondale Thumbs up to Angelo Hightower and the community race forum he hosted Tuesday at Mackies Pizza in Marion. Another thumbs up to the panelists on the forum: the Rev. John Holst of Zion United Church of Christ; Heather Reno, Carterville Police chief; Tina Morrow, Marion assistant police chief; Tiffini Clarissa Spicer, a Marion community advocate; Williamson County States Attorney Brandon Zanotti; and our own reporters Stephanie Esters and Molly Parker. They all talked about some very candid and personal subjects, and they handled themselves with the utmost class and respect. It was interesting to hear what the panelists had to say, as well as what community members had to say about race and police violence. One common theme throughout the two-hour discussion was that this dialogue needs to be had, and that it needs to continue. Heres to continuing that conversation, and having more forums like this. Thumbs up to the support Southern Illinoisans showed to Pfc. Tyler Ray Iuebelt and his family this week. Residents lined streets to show their respect of the fallen soldier as his body was transported from Scott Air Force Base to Du Quoin. Iuebelt was killed Nov. 12 at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. A bonus thumbs up goes out to all the volunteers who lined those streets with American flags. Thumbs down to the circle of violence and violent crime that has engulfed Southern Illinois in recent weeks. It seems to be a rare day when front-page headlines arent reflecting the progress of a murder trial somewhere in the region. Thumbs up to Benjie Willseys fifth-grade class at East Side Elementary School in Harrisburg for its annual Thanksgiving feast. Each student is asked to write a letter of invitation to a member of the community. The student serves as host for the person he/she invites. The feast provides students with the opportunity to not only meet, but mingle, with adults in the community. Thumbs up to Bart Mann, Laverne Profitt, Darlene Floyd and Ken Szeredy and all the rest of the volunteers that put on the Herrin Community Thanksgiving. This week, the group prepared more than 80 turkeys to serve to the public for the towns annual Thanksgiving feast. Preparing one turkey is hard enough, but 84? Thats a lot of hard work. The Herrin Community Thanksgiving has roots dating back to 1988. When it began, it was called the Mayors Thanksgiving Dinner, and it was the brainchild of the late former Herrin Mayor Ed Quaglia, who ran it until 1997. Minus a quick break in 1999 and 2000, the event has been going strong since. Thumbs up to Jason Henry, the 2017 Illinois Superintendent of the Year. Henry was nominated by regional colleagues for his "outstanding vision and leadership" in his role leading the Sesser-Valier Community Unit District 196. Henry said in a story Sunday that he was honored to receive the award, but emphasized that he believes credit for the districts success belongs to the many dedicated teachers, school staff and community leaders who he heralded as innovative and compassionate and fully dedicated to the success of all students who come through the schoolhouse doors. Thumbs down to the recent robberies of two Anna businesses. Last week, the Farm Fresh was robbed. Then, Monday, the Hardees was also robbed. In both instances, the suspects left with cash. We happen to agree with Hardees manager Adam Crow, who said in a story this week, I dont know why someone would risk prison for so little money. Exactly. Its not worth it. Now, businesses are on edge in the Union County community, taking every precaution they can to protect themselves from danger. Edisto High Schools Col. Walt Davis is one of 18 teachers selected from across the nation to provide both students and teachers with a personal, real-life picture of the sacrifice of the nations soldiers in World War IIs Pacific theater. Davis, who heads EHSs Air Force JROTC, will be visiting cemetery sites in July 2017 along with the 17 other educators. Theyll be researching and eulogizing individual soldiers who gave their lives and were buried or memorialized in the areas they visit. Theyll also be creating lesson plans focusing on the soldiers that will be offered to schools across the country. Davis has been assigned to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific located in the Punchbowl Crater in Honolulu. Im doing a plan on leadership, Davis said. I am going to pick someone that is interred or is listed on the Wall of Remembrance at the Punchbowl and try to investigate about their life. Davis said he hopes to find a deceased soldier from South Carolina to research. As a retired member of the U.S. Air Force, hed also like to choose an airman. Davis said hes already been approached by three different people who want him to select one of their family members. Theyve sent him all kinds of information about their loved ones. One was a woman from Columbia whose father disappeared on the last day of the war in the Pacific. But her father is memorialized at Manila and not Honolulu, so Davis says he will have to select someone else. A woman from Georgia sent him information about her father who died at Pearl Harbor, he said. He has until the end of November to select a soldier. Understanding Sacrifice is a program created through a combined grant with groups including National History Day, the American Battle Monuments Commission and the National Cemetery Administration. The idea is to help our teachers understand the sacrifice of our veterans and impart that to our kids, he said. Theres a whole generation of students and teachers who were not around when the country was involved in active conflict. Davis said he thinks he was selected as one of the 18 participants because for me, it was a perfect fit, and the lesson plans he submitted showed it. He already teaches a lot of military history in our curriculum, and he emphasizes the value of leadership and sacrifice. This is the third year of the Understanding Sacrifice program. Previously, teachers were taken to northern and southern Europe. Davis said that less familiar aspects about the war in the Pacific tend to be neglected by U.S. history books. Lessons are designed for science, art, history, math and language arts classes. An Arkansas wood chip company is preparing for its investment in the Holly Hill area. Carolina Chips Inc., a subsidiary of Price Companies Inc., is seeking a permit from federal and state regulators to fill 2.16 acres of wetlands for a rail spur. Engineers say the proposed action would not have a substantial or adverse impact on fish habitats, fisheries, endangered species or archaeological sites. The company has proposed to mitigate for impacts to the 2.16 acres of wetlands by purchasing 24.8 wetland credits from the Brosnan Forest Mitigation Bank. Carolina Chips plans to create a minimum of 15 new jobs over the next five years and invest $32.6 million. The company will process wood chips to be used by KapStone Paper's North Charleston plant. The rail spur will ultimately serve to connect Carolina Chips with the KapStone mill. The plant will be located on about 170 acres off of S.C. Highway 453 near Holly Hill, across from Don's Car Crushing. About $8 million of the investment will be for land and buildings, with the remaining $25 million going toward machinery and equipment. The project will include structures typical to the wood chip processing industry, such as storage and staging areas, chippers, belt conveyors, rail storage, an office building and a network of roads to handle the truck delivery of logs. The chip mill and wood storage yard are scheduled for completion and start-up in the first half of 2017. The processing mill will be the largest off-site chipping facility in the state. Written statements regarding the proposed wetlands work will be received by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control until Dec. 1. Comments to DHEC's Bureau of Water can be sent to: SCDHEC, Att: Bureau of Water, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The public notice and associated plans are available on the Army Corps of Engineers website at: www.sac.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/PublicNotices. In the closing act of the Obama administration, federal agencies are rushing to finalize regulations. Notably, the regulators over at the Department of Labor are working overtime to impose costly rules with little consideration of how they may harm workers and job creators. According to Regulation Rodeo, a project of the American Action Forum, in just 2016, the Labor Department added $44.8 billion in finalized regulatory costs that create 36 million hours of paperwork burden hours on employers. These are huge costs that cause very real pain on the economy and opportunities for Americans. The sad truth is that many of the regulations are unnecessary. They fail to support a public purpose or even achieve the goals they set forth. Proponents of the regulatory state often counter that the benefits of rules offset the massive cost of government dictates. Well, that is usually not the case. On Oct. 24, 2016, the U.S. District Court in Texas blocked Labor and Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council regulations that implement an Obama executive order that would institute new reporting requirements on federal contractors. The rules require contractors who bid on federal contracts in excess of $500,000 to report alleged and actual labor violations over the last three years. Reported violations of any of the 14 federal labor statutes may be used to block a companys bid. With a rosy name like the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces rule, known to the business community as the blacklisting rule, there must be some benefits, right? According to the presidents executive order, the rule purportedly increases efficiency and cost savings by ensuring that federal contractors are complying with labor laws. However, according to the governments Regulatory Impact Analysis, there were insufficient data to accurately quantify the benefits presented. And the federal government even asked for more data to allow more thorough benefit estimations, however no data were received that could be used to quantify the benefits of the final rule. While the government could not substantiate the benefits of the rule, the Regulatory Impact Analysis could calculate plenty of costs. There is an estimated cost of $458,352,949 to contractors and $15,772,150 imposed on the government in just the first year. The court had additional reasons for blocking implementation of the rule, as well. The court found merit in the plaintiffs First Amendment complaint. The reporting requirements of the rule were viewed as compelled speech by the court because the regulations impose immediate disclosure of any labor violation, even if the violation did not occur while working on a government contract or is simply an allegation rather than a final agency or court decision. Further, the District Court stated that the regulations implementing the executive order compel government contractors to publicly condemn themselves by stating that they violated one or more labor or employment laws. Whats worse, federal contractors may have to publicly condemn themselves over mere allegations of wrongdoing, not actual labor law violations. While it is unfair to reject a federal contractors bid due to unfounded allegations, one entity benefits from such an outrageous regulation. According to the Teamsters for a Democratic Union website, the blacklisting rule provides unions with unprecedented new leverage against companies and institutions that contract with the federal government. Essentially, unions may file frivolous unfair labor practices that contractors will be forced to report publicly even if they are contesting the charge. As the court points out, The damage to a contractors business and reputation stemming from a reportable violation later reversed cannot be undone. The court also concludes that disqualifying bids because of non-final agency allegations of labor law violations without being entitled to a hearing at which to contest such allegations likely violates the due-process rights of federal contractors. Thankfully, since the federal agencies implementing the rule could not find any benefits from the rule, the court granted an injunction because there is no evidence that employees or the general public will be harmed as a result of this relief. It is hoped more courts will block regulations like the blacklisting rule that do more harm than good. When a federal agency implementing a regulation cannot even figure out how to calculate any benefits from the rule, but can find millions of costs on business and the government, it needs to go back to the drawing board. Trey Kovacs is a policy analyst specializing in labor policy for the Competitive Enterprise Institute. He wrote this for InsideSources.com David Ames is no stranger to accusations of fraud. He is alleged to have collected millions of pounds for ambitious building projects in the Caribbean and Brazil. by HAYDN HUGGINS Some five months after a bench warrant had been issued here for the arrest of Principal Developer of the Buccament Bay Resort David Ames he is still overseas and is reported to be ill and unfit to travel. Ames had fled the country by boat while facing eight criminal charges. The British-born businessman is charged on four counts of theft and four counts of tax evasion, allegedly committed here between 2011 and 2013. On the tax evasion charges, he is charged jointly with local lawyer Samuel Commissiong. When the matter was again called at the Kingstown Magistrates Court last Friday, November 18, Ames attorney, Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, presented a document to the Court, to wit a medical report, signed by a doctor, stating that Ames was still unfit to travel. The matter was adjourned to February 17, 2017, but the bench warrant remains in effect. When the matter was called on August 5, Bacchus-Baptiste had requested an adjournment, stating that she had received a medical certificate signed by a doctor, showing that Ames was suffering from deep vein thrombosis, which made it dangerous for him to travel in the following three months. The document was attached to a letter, dated August 2, sent to the Court by someone purporting to be Ames lawyer in England, name given as Howard Kennedy. The letter did not say where Ames was. Magistrate Bertie Pompey granted the adjournment, but the bench warrant remained in effect. On June 17, this year, police had filed the criminal charges against Ames, chairman and Principal shareholder of Harlequin Properties, the company behind the development of the Buccament Resort, and Commissiong, Principal Officer of the company. The charges were laid in connection with the alleged deprivation of millions of dollars from the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, between 2011 and 2013. Commissiong is also slated to return to Court on February 2017. He was not represented by a lawyer when he appeared in court last Friday. Ames has never shown up in Court in connection with the matter. He had reportedly fled the country in a fishing vessel on the morning of June 22, after clearing immigration at the Chateaubelair Police Station around 6:15 a.m., the same day he was scheduled to make his first Court appearance, in connection with the matter. It was better to act in the interest of the workers, rather than to make a situation that was already bad, worse. So says General Secretary of the National Workers Movement (NWM) Noel Jackson, as he defended the action taken in relation to the impasse between the management at St Vincent Shipyard Limited (SSL) and the workers. While speaking on the issue during a press briefing on Wednesday, Jackson said that a meeting was convened between SSLs management and the NWM to discuss what had occurred at the Ottley Hall-based company last Friday, following circulation of a letter from Daniel Ravotti - Managing Director for SSL in which he notified that the company would be closing from November 21 to December 22. The managing director explained therein that the decision to close was as a result of a "technical breakdown of the company. Irate workers, however, contacted the media and stated their woes, claiming that wages and salaries were owed to them, the deduction for National Insurance Service (NIS) and PAYE had not been paid in, and basic items such as gloves, tissue, etc. were not being provided. Ravotti, on Wednesday, admitted that the company was experiencing some setbacks, saying that there was a plan in place, but in July this year, the economic situation in Venezuela went from bad to worse and affected operations at SSL, since the company here was being partly financed by the earnings generated from other companies operating in the South American country. He said that there was also a slow period at the shipyard through which the company was struggling. "And we are trying our best to continue forward and to keep going, he said. According to Ravotti, management has been spending a large portion of revenue earned on wages and salaries. But Jackson told members of the media that, while he was satisfied with the explanation that the company was undergoing some financial problems, he had told Ravotti that the decision to close the company at this time, it being close to the Christmas season, was inappropriate, and that they ought to find a way for that not to happen. "So, he said okay, I agree, so what do we do? Jackson said. He explained that the decision was taken to create a situation where workers would return to the job, and complete whatever jobs were already in train. In this way, the pie can be shared among wages, NIS, PAYE and the other utilities, to ensure that work can continue although not in the ideal situation, Jackson posited. "So we here have to make some hard decisions, decisions that sometimes do not allow us to sleep well, but they are decisions aimed at protecting the interest as far as possible, the NWM General Secretary said. The workers, Jackson assured, had been called in and the situation put to them. They agreed to return to the jobs, on the basis of the terms he cited earlier. The agreement also makes provision for a review of the situation in three months, Jackson said, but he gave no clear indication when the outstanding wages and salaries would be paid. Jackson said that he was cautious not to make an already bad situation worse, adding that he was hearing all sorts of propaganda on the radio. He continued, saying that the workers in the yard were members of the NWM and that he had an obligation to protect their interest. "Protecting their interest does not mean creating a situation where they can end up outside the gate without the possibility of earning anything to feed their families, or without the possibility of getting their severance or other benefits. That is not how I have been trained. The situation at Ottley Hall was not ideal, and as long as the workers were able to come and accumulate wages was his responsibility. "Not to chop it down and leave my people out in the cold as it appears some people want it to happen, Jackson said. (DD) An investigation has been launched into the death of Allonzo Kydd, who was killed on Monday November 21, 2016, about 9:35pm . Residents in the Villa Flat area , where 23-year-old Kydd was apparently shot, said they were awakened by the sound of a series of gunshots. One resident said that he counted at least 15 gunshots. THE VINCENTIAN understands that Kydd, a.k.a. Crackie, was gunned down within walking distance of his fathers home, about 100 metres from the Community College compound. Police said that they received a call that there was a shooting in the Villa area, and when they responded, they found the Fair Hall residents body in a narrow side road with multiple gunshot wounds, sometime around 9:40 pm on Monday. A resident, whose abode is not too far from his (Kydd) fathers home, told THE VINCENTIAN that he was aware that Kydd was coming from the bakery in Calliaqua, and was on his way to visit his father, when he met his death. He also said that he heard the loud and continuous gunfire. That resident described Kydd as a very humble person, who normally kept to himself. He did, however, relate that it was rumoured that the dead man had been in conflict with persons in the surrounding area. An obvious distraught father Kydds father, Allan Bobb, in an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, said he is saddened by his sons death, since he was a good person. "He was a good person. He would be by his mommy or his grandmother and sometimes by me, said Bobb. According to the grieving father, he was at home with his girlfriend listening to the radio, when the drama started. "I heard like fireworks, and I wonder what that is. After, I thought it was gunshot, he said. Bobb said he mustered the courage to look outside, but did not see anything suspicious. Minutess after, he received a phone call, and the caller inquired about what was taking place in the neighbourhood, to which he replied, "I dont know. It was after the call that he said he decided to go outside, and at that point saw residents and police officers in his neighbours yard. Someone eventually informed him that his son was lying dead there. Bobb attempted to see his son, but was stopped by the police. "So I just stand aside and look. They (undertaker) took away his body and I still havent seen my son, Bobb continued. He said that he does not know who shot his son, but admitted that he had warned him about the "company he kept. He recounted an incident as recent as last Friday when his son ran on seeing a police vehicle. The police gave chase and caught Kydd, after which he alleged they administered a severe beating upon him, resulting in damage to one of his ears. "I feel reach mash up, up to now I aint cry. I would like to see something come out of this. I hope the police carry out their duty, and I know those who took his life will fight against one another, Bobb expressed. Kydd attended the Richmond Hill Primary School and the St. Clair Dacon Secondary School and was a farmer by occupation. He was the second son for his father. Allonzo Kydds death brings to 34 the number of homicides for the year so far. The Nigerian Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (NASVG), in partnership with St. Marys Catholic Church, Kingstown, held a Day of Feeding the Homeless in Kingstown on Saturday 19th November. The effort reached out to the homeless along a route that began outside the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and ended at Little Tokyo. The charitable initiative was aimed at providing food to the most needed in Kingstown, explained Folu Ayanleke - President of NASVG. Ayanleke said that they intend to provide more food to the homeless in the future, "because they (the homeless) were so happy and felt loved. He continued, "It was a great thing to feed them and also eat with them. The response was great and its soul-lifting. We hope to have another one by December, and also to visit the motherless homes and people with disabilities too, this December as well. Ayanleke expressed thanks to the good people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, right from the leadership to the young ones. "We would also like to appreciate our landlords for their understanding so far so great. We just hope they would continue to see us as their own children. We would also like to appeal to the general public to continue to support us in this moment of economic challenges that has befallen us, he stated. Persons that benefitted from the outreach also expressed gratitude for the meal. (KH) by Deniston Douglas The ULP administration has been the most successful and progressive administration in St Vincent and the Grenadines, however, despite the successes, the rural economies are struggling and people are complaining about the limited economic opportunity available in their communities. As a community organizer, I want to put forward a grass-root development and job creation agenda. Community Infrasructure Development I recommend a massive community road building and repair programme similar to the "gouti track programme in 1984-89, to be undertaken by the Ministry of Rural Development, and funded by the next cycle of BNTF funds with matching funds from the Central Government. I further recommend that instead of another shipment of building materials, that a shipment of cement, steel and BRC be purchased to support the programme, with the work given to small community contractors. I consider this 10-15 million dollars programme if properly implement, inclusive of financial prudence, in ten communities within a three-year period, would be a poverty alleviation strategy that would create thousands of jobs in the rural communities. Agriculture With respect to this sector, I suggest that some monies allocated to fishing be reallocated to Orange Hill tissues lab, to propagate and replant the following organic crops which have huge market potentials: at least fifty (50) thousand coconut trees to replace the present plants that are very old and past their prime bearing stage; a similar number of breadfruit trees, keeping them to a height of ten feet; citrus and sour sops. Trade St Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the OECS countries where there is no central government buying agency. Government should, therefore, appoint a trade representative to facilitate trade between St Vincent and Martinique and Guadeloupe. In addition, our representatives in USA, Canada and England should begin the progress of looking for markets for our agriculture and non- agriculture products. Moreover, there should be aggressive support for our traffickers, especially with their currency exchange problem in Trinidad and Tobago. Serious consideration also has to be given to establishing a marketing and production unit, to guide our farmers in the production of various crops, as informed by market research in our export markets. Community Entrepreneurship The YES Programme should be changed from a one-year programme to a two-year Tech Voc/Apprentice programme, with a heavy practical component to train our youth in a number of critical skills that are needed in the communities. Training, financial and technical support must be forthcoming for local entrepreneurs, whose focus must be both the local and export markets. For example, two local persons have constructed electrical machines to grate coconuts. Twenty such mills placed in different areas in the country can increase the production of local coconut oil. Utilities Remove the practice of poor people having to buy poles and pipes to facilitate a supply of electricity and water to their households. This measure will help to support local building and the agriculture industry and remove the awesome burden on people. Vincentian Junior Ashton won the Male segment of the NACAC Chatoyer Endurance 10 K. The race, dubbed the Worlds Most Challenging 10K, took place last Sunday afternoon, from Gordon Yard `to the Chateaubelair Playing Field. Ashton, a Carifta medallist whose participation in road races here has been sporadic in recent times, outran those who contested the international segment, to win in 41 minutes 17.20 seconds. Ashton, though, revealed that he was "training for the race, expressed delight with copping the top prize, and vouched to restart his running career, following Sundays fillip. The second and third places respectively went to the St Lucian duo of Michel Biscette in 43 minutes 07.00 seconds and Winsbert Sylvester- 43 minutes 48.50 seconds. They were followed by Dominican Bram Sanderson in 46:01.30 and ace Vincentian distance runner - Pamenos Ballantyne in 47:52.90. Ashton pocketed US $1000, while Biscette earned US$700 and Sylvester US$500. Champing among the Females was Vincentian Linda Mc Dowall, who completed the distance in 47 minutes 53.60 seconds. She secured a US $1000 cash prize. Taking the second place behind Mc Dowall was Vincentian Kerina Hooper, who timed 59 minutes 41.60 seconds and collected US $700. Third by some distance was Dominican athlete Nelecia Nelson, in a time of 1 hour 20 minutes 53.10 seconds. Her cash award was US$500. In the Male Under-20, Akani Slater of IT- DAT Academy was first in 45 minutes 27.60 seconds. Second was Slyford Lampkin, also of IT- DAT Academy, in 49 minutes 26.10 seconds, and third was Sabato Mc Dowald of X- Cel, who clocked 51 minutes 49.90 seconds. For the top three places, Slater gained EC$ 400, Lampkin- $200 and Mc Dowald- $150. Winning the Female Under-20 title was Tamara Woodley, also of IT-DAT Academy. Woodleys time was 1 hour 10 minutes 57.40 seconds, ahead of second place Shaquilla Laborde of the Petit Bordel Secondary in 1 hour 14 minutes 44.30 seconds. Third was Amanda Solomon of the Central Leeward Secondary in 1 hour 18 minutes 20.1 seconds. The top three finishers gained the same cash awards as the males. Cyron Lewis of X- Cel champed the Male 20 and over. Lewis winning time was 44 minutes 21.60 seconds. Mesach Dublin of IT- DAT Academy was second in 45 minutes 49.90 seconds, and taking the third place was IT- DAT Academys Caswell Lewis 46 minutes 29.40 seconds. For their efforts on the afternoon, Lewis got EC$600; Dublin - $300 and Lewis - $200. IT-DAT Academys Sorenya Miller cashed in on the EC$600 prize for winning the 20 and over Female, as she timed 1 hour 8 minutes 21.50 seconds. Second and taking the $300, was Peace Corps volunteer Heather Higgins in 1 hour 18 minutes 20.00 seconds. IT- DAT Academy won the Team award of EC$300. The team award was computed on the positions of the first three athletes from each team crossing the finish, in which one must be a female. But the first athlete to cross the half way mark of 5 kilometres was 17 year- old Maxie Edwards of the Petit Bordel Secondary. He pocketed US$100. This years race did not attract last years international category winners - Kenyan Kenneth Rotich for males and Trinidadian Tonya Nero, the female winner. Unlike 2015, in which athletes from Trinidad and Tobago, Kenya , Martinique, Cuba and Grenada were part of the event, only four athletes, two each from St Lucia and Dominica, contested the international component of the race. Thirty-three athletes took the starters order, and thirty-two (eight females, twenty-five males) completed last saturdays Sundays race. Kozel Peters-Fraser, Coordinator of WINFA used the opportunity of a Speaking Tour to highlight and spread the intentions of the Make Fruit Fair! Campaign. The concerns of famers associated with the Windward Island Farmers Association (WINFA) have been impressed further in certain European markets. This, after Kozel Peters-Fraser, Coordinator of WINFA, participated in a 14day speaking tour from the 22nd October to November 5th, 2016. Peters-Fraser, in partnership with 23 other European partners, including Banana Link, attended seminars, and interviews in Austria, the United Kingdom and Portugal, as part of raising awareness of the Make Fruit Fair! Campaign. This campaign, initiated by OXFAM Germany, brings together 27 organizations from 23 countries around the world, and aims to improve the living and working conditions of the thousands of small farmers and plantation workers, people who supply the tropical fruit that is shipped to Europe every day. In Austria, Peters-Fraser met with EUROBAN, a network of European civil society organizations that collaborates with civil society groups in other continents, to protect the vulnerable tropical fruit industries. She discussed the work WINFA does on behalf of banana farmers in the Windward Islands, and what more can be done to encourage and ensure global fair trade. In the United Kingdom, Peters-Fraser spoke on BBC news radio, where she highlighted the concerns of Unfair Trading Practices, committed by large supermarkets that drive fruit prices down and undercut farmers. "The UK is the Caribbeans biggest export of bananas. WINFA represents 4000 farmers in the Windward Islands, she stated, "These are a lot of persons whose livelihoods are reliant on the export of tropical fruit. Unfair trading practices lead to suppliers obtaining fruit from cheaper producers, who use pesticides, chemical fertilizers and excessive manual labor, she said inter alia. She went on to discuss the importance of sustainable farming and Fairtrade. The speak-a-tour concluded in Portugal, where Fraser spoke with the countrys national newspaper, da Madeira Tribuna, and met with Portugals biggest supermarkets. Here, she emphasized the importance of consumer demand in regard to ethical Fairtrade products. "Supermarkets will provide sustainable products if consumers demand it. I believe that the Portuguese want to consume responsibly, she told the supermarkets. The WINFA Coordinator, then went on to encourage the Portuguese supermarkets to reduce their profit margins, ensuring tropical fruit trade is fair for both the producer and the consumer. Her visit culminated with a presentation at an International Conference on the "Route to 2030, where she addressed the conference on the issue of Sustainable Production and Consumption. The trip marks a successful event in WINFAs mission to protect the livelihoods of Windwards farmers, allowing their voices to be heard worldwide. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. By Azernews By Nigar Abbasova The international rail business forum - Strategic Partnership 1520: The Caspian Region - connecting four corners of the world, which kicked off in Baku on November 25, became a stage for the demonstration of Azerbaijans transport potential. Issues of international transport corridors, construction of railway infrastructure, rolling stock manufacturing and building logistics chains were considered during the forum. A number of agreements were signed within the forum, including a memorandum on strategic partnership between Azerbaijani Railways (ADY) and Ukrainian Railways, which was undersigned by ADY head Javid Gurbanov and board member of Ukrainian Railways Marek Zalesny. ADY also signed memo on cooperation with Russian TransContainer and Rusagrotrans. Moreover, memo on cooperation was also signed between RJD Story and Baku Metro. Speaking at the event Deputy Prime Minister Abid Sharifov said that a special attention is attributed to the development of transport infrastructure in the country. The focus is on the construction of a new international ferry, new motor roads, linking Azerbaijan and neighboring countries, reconstruction and full renewal of railway roads between Azerbaijan and Georgia, he said. The official stressed that Azerbaijan has invested nearly $25 billion in the development of its transport sector over the recent years. Head of the Azerbaijani Railways Javid Gurbanov, addressing the event spoke about priorities of the companys activities. He noted that the priority directions of the activity of Azerbaijan Railways for 2017-2018 includes the development of the North-South transport corridor, renewal of infrastructure from Yalama to Astara to create comfortable conditions for the carriers, as well as to issue a loan to the Iranian side for construction of the section of the Astara-Rasht railway. Baku-Tbilisi-Kars The long anticipated implementation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project, which will open a new rail corridor from the Caspian Sea to Europe, nears its completion. Gurbanov, said that the section of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway will be ready to put into operation in mid-2017. The project is expected to give a stimulus to the development of the region, and growth of export in participating countries. Ankara is determined to complete construction of the Turkish section of the BTK, as the project will contribute to turning its Kars province into a trade center . The province play a crucial role in the project, as most of the cargo is expected to be transshipped to Turkish wagons at Kars. The project which will practically exclude the need for sea transportation is expected to bring the entire region closer to Europe. The peak capacity of the railway will be 17 million tons of cargo per year. North South Azerbaijan's Deputy Economy Minister Sahil Babayev said that the Azerbaijani government is ready to assist all participants of the international North-South transport corridor in every way possible. Mentioning that transit freight transportation is deemed to be one of the drivers of economy, he said that being a participant of such multimodal projects as North-South, West-East, Azerbaijan positions itself as a regional hub. He noted that one of the main issues for the corridor is application of common rules and procedures along the route of the corridor. Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) resident office in Baku , Ivana Duarte, addressing the forum said that the financial institution is ready to partially finance the North-South international transport corridor project. The North-South route enjoys several advantages compared to other transport corridors. It is more profitable for each parameter than other alternative routes, such as the Suez Canal - the Mediterranean Sea-Northern Europe and the Turkmenistan-Kazakhstan-Russia-Northern Europe routes. Test transportation via the North-South Transport Corridor was implemented in October. Universal containers were sent as test ones from the Indian city of Bangalore to Vorsino station in Russia. The containers were delivered by sea from the Indian city of Mumbai to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, where they were sent to Astara by car. From there, the containers were sent to Russia by rail. A number of countries have already expressed their will to join the highly ambitious project. Deputy Chairman of ADY Igbal Huseynov, talking to reporters said that Ukraine is keen to join the project to deliver its goods through the territory of Azerbaijan to Iran and Central Asian states. Ukraine offers to render its assistance and support on the transportation of goods, which will be delivered from Europe and pass through Ukrainian check points and further pass through the corridor, should it join the project in order to deliver its cargo to Iran, he clarified. Huseynov said that Estonia also intends to join the project. ADY is conducting negotiations with Estonian Railways about this project. Estonian Paldski port is expected to join this route. Cargos from the Northern Europe and Scandinavia are planned to be transported to Iran through Russia and Azerbaijan and then to Persian Gulf, he added. Azerbaijani, Russian, Iranian and Estonian relevant bodies are planned to meet and sign a memorandum in early December. Huseynov added that negotiations will also be conducted with Georgian and Kazakh railways. Railroad bridge over the Astarachay River Abid Sharifov mentioned that the work on the construction of the railroad bridge over the Astarachay River at Azerbaijan-Iran border is currently underway. The construction of the bridge, which forms the border between the two similarly-named towns of Astara in Azerbaijan and Iran, was launched in April 2016. Some four bridge footing, as well as abutments and concrete bridge railings have already been installed. The length of the railroad bridge is expected to reach 82.5 meters, while its width will amount to 10.6 meters. The bridge, which is funded and built jointly by the two countries under the terms of an inter-governmental agreement, bears strategic importance , as it will serve as a connector of railways of Azerbaijan and Iran. The facility will be an integral part of the Astara (Azerbaijan) - Astara (Iran) railway, which is part of the North-South international transport corridor. This post is prompted by a number of things that have left me pondering how as Christians we are to bring about change in our churches. When we strongly b... 7 years ago FOCUS ON NET ZERO 2050 UAE, US sign partnership to catalyse $100bn in green energy The UAE and the US have signed a strategic partnership which will catalyse $100 billion in financing and other support in addition to deploying 100 new gigawatts (GW) of clean energy in the US, UAE and emerging economies by 2035. Meet award-winning artisans and buy their products at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village Helping Others Board members receive national awards Charged with guiding the operations, development, and vision of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming, four of the organizations board members -- Matt Cassel, 25 years; Susie McMurry and Mary Lynne Shickich, 15 years, and Michele Trost-Hall, 10 years -- will be honored for their commitment to the Club at the Annual Meeting to be held from noon to 1:15 p.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, at the Wolcott Galleria, 136 S. Wolcott. They will receive National Service to Youth Awards from the Boys & Girls Club of America. The 47th Annual Meeting of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming is the Boards opportunity to review the past fiscal year through year-end reports, install new officers, and launch the strategic plan for the new fiscal year. Our organization has one of the most dedicated and passionate boards in this community. These leaders give of themselves and their time to make a difference for our youth, said Ashley Bright, CEO, BGCCW. With just the four members we are honoring, together they have given 65 years to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming. It is my true honor to be able to work with all of them. Food for Fines The Natrona County Library will hold its annual Food for Fines drive December 1 through December 15. Bring nonperishable food to any library branch, including the Bookmobile, between December 1 and 15 to clear your late fees. The promotion applies to late fees on books and other library items, and does not include fees for lost or damaged items or collection accounts. All collected food will be donated to Joshua's Storehouse to benefit our local community. Disabled vets need volunteer drivers The Disabled American Veterans need volunteer drivers to take veterans to their medical appointment at the VA hospital in Cheyenne. The volunteer driver will transport them in a VA vehicle. If you are interested, please call the DAV transportation office in Cheyenne at 307-778-7577 for further information. Veterans make great employees Do you hire for a Wyoming business? Veterans make great employees. Wyoming businesses can recruit qualified veterans for their staff by posting their job openings with the nearest Wyoming Department of Workforce Services Office. All of our services are free. In Casper, call 234-4591. Dictionaries for third graders The Five Trails Rotary Club is giving a dictionary to every third grader in Natrona County for the 11th year in a row. The third grade was targeted because it is the grade-level when children are beginning to learn the importance of words when they read, in their speech and in their writing. Reading is the most important skill of all, the starting point for all economic and social opportunities the world has to offer. Educators see third grade as the dividing line between learning to read and reading to learn. Museum needs Troopers items Fort Caspar Museum will be celebrating 60 years of the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps with an exhibit to run in 2017 and 2018. The museum has acquired a number of items from the Troopers such as uniforms, flags, and instruments, but we still need items to help show the history of our community's world class drum and bugle corps. We are looking for Troopers souvenirs and collectibles, either on loan or by donation. A list of possible items could include T-shirts, pins, bumper strips, postcards, records, hats, decals, license plates or any other materials used promote the Troopers. Items like these were sold at the Souvenir Wagon or made for special events. We are also interested in any Trooper photographs that families may have taken of the corps engaged in various activities. If possible, we hope to gather these objects by the end of this year. Please contact Rick Young at Fort Caspar Museum at 235-8462 or at ryoung@casperwy.gov. Jerry Behrens Foundation to assist vets The doctors and staff at Casper Orthopedics have established the Jerry Behrens Foundation to honor the lifelong achievements and commitment to community service that was demonstrated by Jerome A. Behrens, M.D., retired orthopedic surgeon and co-founder of Casper Orthopedics. The practice will be funding administrative costs so that all financial contributions will go directly toward assisting injured, wounded and ill service members and their families. To donate to the Jerry Behrens Foundation, please call 265-7205. Dr. Behrens practiced medicine in Casper for over 40 years and was known as a compassionate, conscientious and trusted orthopedic surgeon and community member. Dr. Behrens demonstrated courage and determination as he served our country as a surgeon for the Marines in Vietnam. Today, he continues in his dedication to assist our military veterans by mentoring active duty service men and women and through programs such as the Semper Fi Odyssey transition program. We are proud of the legacy that Dr. Behrens has left for Casper Orthopedics and would like to carry this on by serving those who have protected us, says Craig P. Smith, M.D., orthopedic surgeon at Casper Orthopedics. We are so thankful for the work of our service men and women, and we are honored to give back to them in their time of need, which is only made possible by donations to the Jerry Behrens Foundation. Volunteer at WMC Wyoming Medical Center's Volunteer Services Program is seeking individuals who enjoy helping others! If you enjoy walking, we have openings in our Patient Escorts. It's a great way to lend a helping hand AND get exercise as we move into cooler months. Both Early Bird and late morning shifts are available. Volunteers are also needed in our Surgical Staging Area. Volunteers will assist families who are waiting on a patient in surgery. There are many ways to help in every department. For more information, please call NJ Olsen at 577-2794 or email nolsen@wyomingmedicalcenter.org Suggestions for food bags The Wyoming Food for Thought Project is providing weekend food bags to nearly 600 children in Natrona County weekly. While all donations are appreciated and used, this year the staff has compiled a list of things to donate monthly, in order to stock the shelves of the pantry at the program center. Here is a list of suggestions for the entire year: November, soup; December, canned chili. Donations can be dropped off any time at Food for Thought drop site locations, which include Great Harvest Bread, eastside WAC, Reliant FCU, Mary Ann's Beans, Casper College Library, Aspen Ridge Dental, and the Food for Thought Program Center, 900 St. John St. English speakers needed CHAT, the English Conversation Club at Casper College Adult Learning Center, needs English speakers to meet international community members and help them speak English. Join us for an international potluck in the Werner Technical Center, Rm. 105, on these dates and times: Dec. 15, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; Jan. 26, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Feb. 14, 11 a.m. to noon; March 22, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; April 13, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; and May 4, 11 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 268-2230 or email mdugan@caspercollege.edu Stuff the Van Toy Drive Help us to "Stuff the Van" this holiday season with toys for kids in need here in Casper. Join Townsquare Media and Wyoming Food for Thought Project as we spend 12 hours a day for a week in front of both Walmart locations collecting toys and monetary donations. The drive is Monday through Saturday, Dec. 12 to 17, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. We will be at the CY Wal-Mart Monday through Wednesday, and end the week at the eastide Wal-Mart from Thursday through Saturday. Monetary donations will be used to purchase food for kids who participate in the Food for Thought Food Bag Program, to supply children in need with food bags over weekends and extended holiday breaks away from school. If you are interested in volunteering, feel free to give us a call at 337.1703, or visit www.wyfftp.org for more information. Save the date, restorative justice Save the date! Restorative Justice Symposium 2017: Wyomings Introduction to a New Frontier. March 15 and 16, 2017, at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center. Hosted by Natrona County Restorative Justice. For additional information and to learn more on what restorative justice is all about, visit and like NCRJsFacebook page! El Salvador Magnitude 7.0 quake hits off Pacific coast SAN SALVADOR A magnitude 7.0 earthquake rattled El Salvadors Pacific coast Thursday, but the countrys civil defense agency said there were no immediate reports of damages or injuries. Lina Pohl, the countrys environment minister, said there was a tsunami alert, with the possibility of waves 6 feet high along the coast. But authorities later lifted the alert. Nicaragua, which was also close to the epicenter, also reported a tsunami alert. Nicaragua Otto makes landfall as Category 2 hurricane MANAGUA Hurricane Otto made landfall as a dangerous Category 2 hurricane on a sparsely populated stretch of Caribbean coast in Nicaragua Thursday, becoming the southernmost hurricane on record to hit Central America. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the unusually strong late-season hurricane hit land just north of the Costa Rican border near the town of San Juan de Nicaragua with winds of 110 mph. Heavy rains from the storm have already been blamed for three deaths in Panama. Colombia Government, rebels sign peace agreement BOGOTA Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos signed a revised peace agreement with the countrys largest rebel movement on Thursday, making a second attempt within months to end a half century of hostilities. Santos and Rodrigo Londono, leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, signed the 310-page accord at Bogotas historic Colon Theater nearly two months after the original deal was surprisingly rejected in a referendum. Japan Snow in Nov. in Tokyo for 1st time in 54 years TOKYO Tokyo residents woke up Thursday to the first November snowfall in more than 50 years. And the Japan Meteorological Agency said it was the first time fallen snow on the ground was observed in November since such records started to be taken in 1875. An unusually cold air mass brought wet snow to Japans capital. Above-freezing temperatures kept the snow from sticking in most places, though it did accumulate on sidewalks and cars in Tokyos far western suburbs. Meteorologists forecast up to 1 inch would fall, and more in the mountains northwest of Tokyo. The snow caused minor train delays during the morning commute. Mexico Student proposes bulletproof backpack MEXICO CITY A grade-school student in the violent Mexican border city of Matamoros has won a runner-up prize in a state science fair with an unusual proposal: a bulletproof backpack to hide behind during shootouts. Such shootouts often occur in Matamoros, where factions of the Gulf cartel fight turf battles. Student Juan David Hernandez Rojas came up with the idea of putting a steel plate in the backpack to deflect bullets. The concept includes a GPS locator to find lost kids, and an emergency battery charger for cellphones. Wire reports The Folk Shop, a music store known around the Southwest for its hard-to-find and vintage instruments, has a new owner. Longtime KXCI radio host Milo Solujic bought the store in July from Paul Blumentritt, who ran The Folk Shop 25 of its 31 years. Blumentritt announced in October 2015 that he was looking to retire and wanted to sell the shop. Solujic was a customer of The Folk Shop going back to its earliest days downtown and spent months shadowing Blumentritt on weekends to get to know the business and the customers. He decided to take the leap because of The Folk Shops strong connection to Tucsons music community and its reputation that reaches far beyond the Tucson city limits largely through its strong online sales. To buy a business thats already established hes got a strong customer base, said Solujic, who brought back instrument tech and salesman Wally Lawder, who had briefly left the store last year. Solujic, who works full-time in accounting, spent two years running Velvet Rags and Mercantile boutique at Monterey Court with Merricat Roy. The store sold womens fashions, Hawaiian shirts, knick-knacks and crafts. Roy is now working with Solujic at The Folk Shop. Solujic, fiddler of the Lost Hombres band that plays Friday nights at HiFalutin restaurant, is The Folk Shops third owner. B.L. Anderson opened it in 1986 in a 600-square-foot space on North Fourth Avenue downtown. Blumentritt and his wife/business partner Brenda bought the store in 1991 and moved it in late 1995 to its current 1,800-square-foot storefront at 2525 N. Campbell Ave., across the street from Rainbow Guitars shop. The shop is a popular hangout for musicians, several of whom volunteer to help out, Solujic said. Way back in August, the Arizona Board of Regents requested a report. They didnt call it a secret report. They didnt call it an attorney-client privileged report. It was just going to be a quick, deep evaluation of problems at the University of Arizonas medical schools in Tucson and Phoenix. Its going to be a broad look at whats going on, regents chairman Greg Patterson said then. Were doing a comprehensive evaluation, so its going to be full 360s of management style, structure, et cetera. Everybody is concerned with how public money was spent, and we have no reason to believe it was spent inappropriately. Move forward three months, and indeed public money was spent $180,000 to be precise on this report. Now, though, the regents are calling the whole thing a work of attorney-client privilege, not subject to the Arizona Public Records Law. They are fighting even the idea of blacking out the attorney-client privileged areas of the report and releasing the rest. In other words, theyre saying Shoosh, nosy reporters. Go away. This should not be surprising to people who are familiar with Pattersons body of work. From 2008 until August this year, Patterson maintained a blog called Espresso Pundit, some of which is still available online. It was an Arizona political blog that took special relish in zinging the press, especially the Arizona Republic but also the Star and me specifically a couple of times. Ive criticized Patterson repeatedly for being vociferous in his public indictments of the press but clamming up when it came to his public role as a member of the regents. Suffice it to say Patterson, an attorney and accountant, has documented through the years his disrespect for Arizonas journalists, so it shouldnt come as a surprise that he is willing to indulge in hiding public records requested by reporters. It is shortsighted, though, since ultimately its the public who loses out. But clearly Patterson understands that public records should actually be available to ... you know ... the public. In fact, thats the exact phrase he used in 2009 when writing about a johns list kept by a busted prostitution business in the Phoenix area. Patterson struggled to get the list and turned to Phoenix council member Sal DiCiccio for help, as he described in September that year. Councilman DiCiccio thinks that if information is public that it should actually be available to ... you know ... the public. Seems sensible, doesnt it? Then and now. Oodham casino kerfuffle The news came out piecemeal this week. First, it appeared, in what would be a big win for Southern Arizona, that the lawsuit over the Tohono Oodham casino in Glendale had been settled. Then it turned out thats what the governors office wanted us to think. As it turned out, what really happened was that Gov. Doug Duceys office put pressure on the Oodham to agree to a settlement and new terms in the state-tribal gaming compact. Representatives of 10 other tribes signed on to the proposal in a ceremony Monday, but Oodham representatives werent there. A glaring omission, no? Not if the idea was actually to put pressure on the Oodham to go along with the governors settlement proposal. The message was really Come along or get left behind. This is how Duceys spokesman, Daniel Scarpinato, explained the situation to me: The governor believes its time to move forward and that there could be a positive outcome for everyone involved here, so its a win-win-win for the tribes, the state and the taxpayers. Lets move past the litigation and find some common ground. Hes right that the deal looks good. It allows the Oodham to have full-scale gambling at their casino in exchange for additional gaming at other tribes casinos until 2026, when a new compact will have to go into effect. But it would be crazy for the Oodham to rush into the agreement. They know that better than anyone, having found a loophole in the existing voter-approved compact that allowed them to build the casino in Glendale in the first place. So no wonder theyre taking their time before agreeing to end hostilities with the state. Tucsons rotating Republicans If three is a trend, Tucson has a new one: The rotating Republican seat. For the third straight election, voters in a Democratic-leaning district have voted in a single Republican state representative from the Tucson area. These have been three different candidates in three different districts. This years winner is Todd Clodfelter, who took the most votes of all three candidates in Legislative District 10, edging out fellow winner Democrat Kirsten Engel by 97 votes and defeating incumbent Democrat Stefanie Mach by 857 votes. The bad news for Clodfelter: Each of the previous two rotating Republicans have lost their first attempt at re-election. Ethan Orr won a seat in LD9 in 2012 but lost re-election in 2014. That same year, Republican Chris Ackerley won in heavily Democratic LD2. This year, though, Ackerley lost his LD2 seat at the same time Clodfelter won. Clodfelter will have a chance to break the rotating Republican jinx in 2018. Friese joins leadership Three Southern Arizona legislators have been elected to leadership positions for next session. In the House, Rep. Randy Friese, a Democrat from Tucson-area Legislative District 9, will be assistant minority leader. Thats a position held by former state Rep. Bruce Wheeler last session. Sen. Gail Griffin, a Republican from LD14 who lives in the Sierra Vista area, will return as majority whip in the Senate. Sen. Steve Farley, a Democrat from LD9, will return as assistant minority leader in that chamber. A man was shot and killed by South Tucson police early Friday morning and a Pima County Sheriff's deputy on his way to assist was involved in a rollover crash, authorities said. At about 3:45 a.m., South Tucson police officers responded to a call regarding a man behaving erratically at the Gospel Rescue Mission, 312 W. 28th Street, said Police Chief Michael Ford. They located the man after he left the Mission and attempted to arrest him, when he became combative, Ford said. Officers pepper sprayed the man and attempted to subdue him with a taser, but he continued down 29th Street, after which he charged the officers and physically attacked them. One of the officers discharged his weapon, striking the suspect, Ford said. The man was transported to Banner University Medical Center, but died several hours later, Ford said. Police have identified the suspect, but are waiting to notify next of kin before releasing his name. Shortly after, a Pima County Sheriff's deputy on his way to assist with the investigation into the shooting collided with another vehicle on West 29th Street between South 9th and 10th Avenue, causing the deputy's vehicle to flip over in front of the Valencia Market, Ford said. The deputy and the occupant of the other vehicle were treated for their injuries and transported to the hospital. The University of Arizonas plan to open a veterinary school, stalled after numerous flaws were found, is set for a hearing that could decide the projects future. The American Veterinary Medical Association, which ruled in July that the UAs proposal didnt meet quality standards for veterinary training, will convene a panel in mid-December to consider the universitys appeal of the finding, association spokesman Michael San Filippo said. The association accredits veterinary schools, and the UA cant proceed without its blessing. The project received an $8 million infusion from state taxpayers before concerns came to light, money already being spent to renovate a proposed site in Oro Valley. The associations Council on Education rejected the UA plan saying it didnt meet five of 11 standards for accreditation. The council found that the schools plan, when implemented, will not permit the school to be in compliance with standards, a notification letter to the UA said. Problems identified included lack of proof of the schools long-term financial viability, inadequate staffing and recruiting plans, lack of a high-quality research program and concerns about student access to learning opportunities. The project, a signature initiative of UA President Ann Weaver Hart, will be in limbo for at least a year if the university loses its appeal. Once turned down, a school must wait 12 months before attempting to restart the accreditation process. UA officials have disputed the accreditors findings and Hart predicted in a July news release that the appeal would be successful. We will demonstrate that we have addressed all of their concerns, she said. We are absolutely committed to earning AVMA accreditation. The UAs proposal differs from traditional veterinary schools in that it relies heavily on partnerships with entities such as Reid Park Zoo and the Pima Animal Care Center to provide training opportunities for students. So far, the UA proposal has not been made public. University officials recently denied a public-records request from the Arizona Daily Star to examine it. Keeping the document under wraps for now is in the best interest of the state, said Teri Moore, the UAs public records coordinator. UA spokesman Chris Sigurdson said the appeal is a closed-door process. In order to protect the integrity of our appeal, we are not releasing the original submission requesting the first stage of accreditation nor the appeal document until the AVMA has made their final decision, he said. San Filippo, the veterinary association spokesman, couldnt say when the appeal panel will render its decision. Tucsonans will have another chance to learn from Noam Chomsky. Chomsky, a renowned linguist and political activist, is returning to Tucson to teach a seven-week politics course at the University of Arizona with Emeritus Professor Marv Waterstone. Chomsky has previously taught a two-week linguistics seminar at the UA and appeared in several guest lectures, including at the Tucson Festival of Books. The spring politics course would explore climate change, nuclear weapons, militarism, globalization and capitalisms impact on social inequality. Tuesday lectures will be taught by Waterstone, former director of the UAs graduate interdisciplinary program in comparative cultural and literary studies. On Thursdays, Chomsky will use real-life examples of concepts discussed by Waterstone and host a questions and answers session. The course, a humanities seminar, is open to community members and UA students for $225. First day of class is Jan. 12. For more information, visit hsp.arizona.edu/course/what-politics A former Rosemont Copper lobbyist served as the head of President-elect Donald Trumps Interior Department transition team before being removed this week in an apparent purge of lobbyists from the team. David Bernhardt lobbied for the mining company from 2011 through 2015, among numerous other lobbying contracts, and remains a consultant to Rosemont. He was appointed to the Trump transition team before the Nov. 8 election. But last week, numerous national media outlets reported that Vice President-elect Mike Pence had decided to get rid of all lobbyists from the transition team. On Monday, Bernhardt was replaced by David Domenich, who like Bernhardt had worked for the Interior Department during George W. Bushs presidency. Bernhardt was the departments solicitor during much of the Bush era. Bernhardts role in the Trump transition may not be over, however. On Nov. 18, he officially ended his last publicly recorded lobbying role, for the powerful Westlands Water District in Californias Central Valley. That could be seen as an effort to remove his sudden stigma of being a Washington, D.C., lobbyist. The Interior Department wont be making the final decisions on the Rosemont Mine proposal. But its Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Geological Survey all have played major roles in the protracted controversy over the mine. Fish and Wildlife, for instance, wrote a key biological opinion concluding that the mine wont jeopardize the existence of endangered species or illegally damage their critical habitat. Bernhardts employer, the law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, has spent $1 million lobbying on Rosemonts behalf since 2011, according to the website OpenSecrets.org, which tracks federal lobbying efforts and campaign contributions. Rosemont Copper, now owned by Hudbay Minerals Inc., has been trying since 2008 to obtain state and federal permits to mine copper and dispose of its waste rock and tailings on private and federal land in the Santa Rita Mountains southeast of Tucson. While the company has pledged to be more sustainable than most mines, it has drawn major opposition and has run into numerous delays in its quest for permits. Most recently, in July, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles office recommended to Corps higher-ups that a Clean Water Act permit be denied to the mine. A Corps decision which Hudbay could appeal is expected within months. On its website, the Brownstein firm says of Rosemont: The firm is assisting Rosemont in development of one of the largest copper mines in the world. Specifically, we are advising the company on all aspects of obtaining NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) and endangered species permitting issues. We are also working closely with Rosemont to promptly obtain all necessary air, water and land use approvals. Scott Brubacher, a spokesman for Hudbay Minerals, said this week that Bernhardt remains a consultant to Rosemont. Bernhardts representation of Rosemont and Westlands were mentioned in a stinging letter to Trump on Nov. 15 from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, that accused Trump of betraying his promise to drain the swamp in D.C. by eliminating the influence of lobbyists and other insiders. Bernhard was one of 21 lobbyists and Wall Street executives mentioned by Warren. At roughly the same time, various news outlets reported Pences efforts to remove lobbyists. Bernhardts office referred an inquiry from the Star about his future transition team role to the Trump transition office. The office hasnt returned emailed questions about Bernhardts status. A couple of cooled cats in the basement of a building off Speedway are simultaneously recording sea temperatures in the Antarctic and predicting the shape and size of the black hole at the center of the Milky Way among many other things. Ocelote and El Gato are the two most-recent components of a high-performance research-computing system at the University of Arizona that grows and shifts to meet demand and also allows researchers to accept donations of grant funds to buy more processors. Mike Bruck, assistant director for research computing at UA, prefers the term high-performance computing to describe what his arrays of processors do. He reserves the word supercomputer for the giant banks of processors put together by the National Science Foundation at eight university and institute sites across the country. Those truly supercomputers contain 200,000 to nearly 1 million processors. The research computers at the UA have about 10,000. Ours are pretty super, but theyre pretty small compared to the big NSF computers, Bruck said. When chemist Steve Schwartz moved his research group to the UA in 2012, he could have bought his own computers with the startup money he received, but he knew he would have to set up and maintain them. He instead bought into the universitys first foray into research computing. When that system was upgraded for a second time this year, he used $200,000 in leftover startup money from the Arizona Board of Regents Technology Research Initiative Fund and a $200,000 match from the National Institutes of Health to buy 1,500 processors on the UAs new Ocelote system. The Ocelote cluster adds nearly 10,000 cores and 60 terabytes of memory. I dont actually own anything, said Schwartz, but his group has first dibs on using his processors. Its needed, he said. His 13-member group, which does theoretical and computational studies of complex systems, has projects that require a good deal of computing power. Schwartz is trying to figure out the physical process that allows enzymes to speed up chemical reactions and is examining the physical properties of surfactants, the molecules that make detergents work and put the foam in beer. In partnership with his wife, UA medical researcher Jil Tardiff, he is also researching the physical mechanism that leads to heart failure in young athletes. Were studying how mutations in your heart cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, he said. Schwartz said his wife brought me kicking and screaming into this with very tiny pieces of cardiac thin-film filament. Now we study the entire cardiac thin filament all the atoms and all the water molecules, over 4 million atoms. Thats a very big system, and you need significant computing power for that. Schwartz said his group can now spend all its time on research, instead of maintaining and fixing computers or writing grants to get on the NSFs supercomputers. Schwartz had his own bank of processors when he and his wife were researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. In New York, I owned my own cluster. If something broke, one of us had to go over and figure out what to do about it, he said. He arrived at the UA as the university was ramping up its research-computing facilities. Out of my startup money I bought a nice chunk of that first computer. It was getting turned on the day I walked in the door, he said. Bruck said the benefits of central research computing are many. A team of technicians keeps things running in the basement of the University Information Technology Services Building. The computers are cooled by radiators fed by the universitys chilled water supply. Redundant power feeds from Tucson Electric Power are backed by banks of batteries and a diesel generator on the buildings south side. You dont have to buy processors to use the research computers, said Bruck. The main funding for the UAs high-performance computers comes from the Office of the Chief Information Officer and the Office for Research and Discovery. They are available to anyone doing research on campus and used by more than 120 research groups, he said. When Schwartz isnt using his processors, they become windfall time for projects with lesser priority. Schwartz said he made use of that windfall time on the El Gato system, the 2012 upgrade made possible by grant money from the UAs Department of Astronomy. Schwatrtz said the heart muscle work required visualization, and El Gato was outfitted with 140 graphics-processing units (GPUs), the kind of computing needed for video games. The astronomers use them to simulate astrophysical phenomena. Feryal Ozel and Dimitrios Psaltis, the husband-wife team that is preparing the theoretical basis for an attempt to image the black hole at the center of our galaxy, have fed all of the data about black holes and all of Einsteins theories into El Gato to produce animations of what that image should look like if current theories of relativity are accurate. Oceanographer Joellen Russell was an early proponent of high-performance computing at the UA. The advances of the past few years have allowed her to make the UA the computing center of an international effort to sample the biogeochemical content of the Southern Ocean. Russell, an associate professor of geosciences, is a principal investigator for the NSFs Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling project. The project is run by Princeton University and the floats are deployed by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Currently, the project has deployed 57 of 200 floats in the Antarctic. The floats are missile-shaped tanks that submerge to gather data at the 1,000- and 2,000-meter level. The data are available within eight hours, she said. Those data are combined with atmospheric observations to create a more complete picture of the effects of a warming world . The Southern Ocean absorbs half the worlds carbon production and most of its heat, Russell said. Measuring it is important but difficult. Research cruises are expensive and can only be undertaken during the southern summer. The Southern Ocean is the hardest to observe, because it is so far from ship-enriched countries. It has incredibly bad weather. The westerlies are 30 percent stronger and they beat you to death with icebergs, massive waves and wind. The floats deployed by Southern Ocean project provide data yearlong. Scientists will be able to see how much the ocean is warming and what affect that has. Were actually watching the acidification of the ocean in real time, Russell said. The data collected will also serve as a check on treaty promises to reduce carbon emissions and help predict our climate future, Russell said. We dont have any crystal ball except math and supercomputers, she said. This is the new picture of oceanography. Its a revolution. Were going to change the world. Russell said the work could not have been done at the UA 10 years ago, but the computing power and speed has grown exponentially in the past few years. Russell, who recently resigned as chair of the Research Computing Governance Committee, said the computing center generates $200 million a year in grants. Its shocking, really. This is one of those Stone Soup things where everyone brings their good stuff to the table. And this happened during the recession. Its the best thing about being here. We know were not Harvard. We know someone is not going to give us $200 million to buy a supercomputer. Were all basically chipping in to support the university, Russell said. Turkey Trot Nancy Faria celebrates as she closes in on the finish line during the Open Womens 5K event. The races are part of the The Running Shop Grand Prix, produced by Southern Arizona Roadrunners. Shopping for many Tucsonans included trips to Steinfeld's, Myerson's, Levy's or Jacome's stores, among many others that have slipped into history. The Star has a history email newsletter! Sign up >> tucson.com/timemachine Photos Arizona Daily Star or Tucson Citizen, where applicable Help India! By Rehan Ansari, TwoCircles.net Mumbai: India should cut off all its relations, diplomatic or otherwise, with Israel and a case must be registered against it in the International court of justice, said Aslam Gazi, Spokeperson, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, during a Protest near Churchgate Railway station in South Mumbai on Thursday. The protest was jointly organized by CPI-ML, Bharat Bacho Andolan, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and SIO. Support TwoCircles The protest was against recent Israeli attack on one of the aid ships sailing with tons of food and medicines for the besieged citizens of Gaza. Israel Killed 19 unarmed and innocent aid workers in the attack. Along with European parliamentarian and Nobel Laureate, peace activists from all over the world were travelling with the Free Gaza flotilla. Elders and children were holding banners and were shouting slogans to boycott Israel and free Gaza. Kishore Jagtap of Bharat Bachao Andolan had issued a press release and demanded that the world should boycott Israel which is guilty of killing unarmed women, children and farmers. Israeli hegemony must stop here and now, he said in the statement. The protesters claimed that they are also planning to intensify this remonstration and are planning to hold public meetings all over Mumbai. We are going to lodge our protest with the Israeli Consulate in Mumbai and will be holding public awareness meeting about the issue Sanjay Sanghvi, member Central Committee CPI(ML) added. K.K. Suhail, all India President of Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), also condemned the violence and urged the international community to pressurise Israel to stop all its inhuman Practices which are barbaric and brutal. He also appealed to the world leaders to take active part in rebuilding war affected Gaza. Mumbai protest is a part of a series of protests happening all over the world against the brutal Israeli act. Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind in a statement urged its members to protest against Israel, all over India on Friday. Help India! By Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net With Uttar Pradesh already in poll mode, all major political parties have aggressively launched their election campaign. A close look however reveals that BJP has already left other political parties way behind in campaigning. Support TwoCircles BJP is busy in an organized and intense campaigning with its senior leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing rallies other parties are busy making strategies, dealing with infighting or waiting for some alliance to happen for sailing through the electoral battle. BJP: Under pressure to repeat the performance of 2014 Lok Sabha polls, BJP has fixed a targetAbki Baar, 300 paar. It has come up with sloganNa Gundaraaj, Na Bhrashtachar, Abki Baar Bhajpa Sarkar. For this, its campaign is most organized and visible. It has pressed its senior leaders, including more than half a dozen cabinet ministers for addressing rallies. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and its national president Amit Shah have addressed rallies while Modis rally is again scheduled on November 27 at Kushinagar. Four Parivartan Yatras are moving across state while 75 raths are traveling to get pulse of people through UP ki Man Ki Baat. Modi has already addressed rallies in Agra and Ghazipur. Separate sammelans for youth, women and farmers are going on. Nearly 200 sammelans for backward castes are also being held. Samajwadi Party: Though it kickstarted its poll campaign on November 3 with Akhileshs road show partially on Vikas Sey Vijay ki Ore rath yatra but the party is engaged in severe political squabble. All its functions are marred with infighting both in Yadav family and eventually in party. Mulayam addressed rally in Ghazipur but Akhilesh did not attend it. The more programmes SP organizes the rift becomes more visible. Party seems to be in disarray despite presenting a unified picture which appears more managed for photo opportunity. Even its programme to hold rallies at division level has failed to kick off. BSP: Solely dependent on its president Mayawati, the party is now banking for a miracle of shifting Muslims votes to its side. For this, Mayawati is working overtime with regular media interactions presenting her party as first choice for Muslims. Two other leaders Naseemuddin Siddiqui and Satish Chandra Mishra are holding sammelans at district level but BSP is galvanized when Mayawati hits the road which is yet to happen. Workers are ready but the onus is on Mayawati to take the initiative. Congress: With nothing to lose in UP polls as it hardly has any ground left in the state, Congress started on a good note by hiring poll manager Prashant Kishore. But after initial innovations of Rahuls Kisan Yatra and Khat Panchayat, Kishore has got engaged in striking alliance with other parties. This resulted in confusion and his style of working further Congress leaders. Now after being snubbed by SP, they are again picking up their pieces. Rahuls rallies failed to make an impact while Sonias roadshow in Varanasi and her stay in Allahabad along with Priyanka though created a stir but it still much is to be done. Now they are readying for their dalit sandesh yatras which were planned since July. Congress is still searching for its workers who are hard to find at ground level. Smaller Parties: Other smaller parties are making more noise but they have little support at ground. Ajit Singhs Rashtriya Lok Dal has struck alliance with JD (U) and BS4 and Peace Party has tied up with Mahaan Dal but these combinations look good on paper and have life of only one press conference. Help India! By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCircles.net Aligarh: With an aim to bring Kashmiri students in national mainstream, Aligarh based non government organization SOCH beyond the imagination has launched a scholarship especially for Kashmiri students studying in Aligarh Muslim University. Support TwoCircles The scholarship, named after Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, can be availed by Kashmiri students pursuing technical and academic courses in AMU. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan had launched his movement to educationally empower masses in far flung areas of country. SOCH has launched Sir Syed Scholarship for Kashmiri students to carry on his educational mission and to pay him true tributes, said SOCH president, Dr. Saleem Mohammad Khan. Amood Gulzar, the J&K head of SOCH, is a resident of Tangmarg in northern Kashmir, who is pursuing masters in commerce from the Aligarh Muslim University. He is the brain behind the scholarship scheme for Kashmiri students conceived by the NGO. Since last two years, SOCH volunteers have been visiting schools across valley to aware students about scholarship and other educational schemes as well as career counseling and we realized that there was need for intervention in education by non government organisations. So we came up with this scholarship program this year, Amood Gulzar told Twocircles.net According to Gulzar, this year scholarship will be only available for AMU students and from next year the scholarship can be availed by all the Kashmiri students studying outside J&K. We are creating resources and we want to help as many students we can, he added. The scholarship will be based on the performance of the students and annual income of their parents. Interested Kashmiri students pursuing B.A, B.Com , B.Sc, MBBS , B. Tech, BCA, BSW, MA, M.Sc, M.Com, MCA,. M. Tech, MSW, MFC, Mass Communication, MBA can download scholarship forms from here and must submit the filled up form online before December 3, 2016. Help India! By Imran Inamdar, TwoCircles.net Solapur: November 3 was a proud day for the family of Aftab Sheikh, and in fact, his entire neighbourhood in Solapur. The 22-year-old had already brought laurels to this area by becoming the first person to graduate, but on that memorable day, he found out that he was to receive the Indira Gandhi Award of 2015-16 at the hands of president of India Pranav Mukherjee. This was in recognition of his meritorious services through the National service scheme (NSS) for all round development. Support TwoCircles A jubilant Aftab, who received the award earlier this week, said that the idea of giving something to the society was always strong in his mind. Ever since I joined Dayanand College in 2014 in Solapur University, I knew that I wanted to work for the society, and hence enrolled myself in the NSS, he said in a conversation with Twocircles.net. In an attempt to create awareness regarding social service and devotion towards society, the NSS was established in 1969 by the government and implemented at college level. Under this scheme all the colleges carry different social ,educational and health related activities in coordination with the students . Currently nearly 36 lakh people and students have attached to this scheme through proper channel. As a recognition of the efforts put in this by students, every year the government of India facilitates 30 selected students for their selfless contribution and remarkable performance. Aftab said that the award was a recognition and culmination of his various efforts at the local, district, zonal and national levels. As part of the NSS, over two years every participant has to take part in at least one social camp. But during this period, I participated in about 11 camps and have worked on a range of issues like sanitation, education, health, organising blood camps and even repairing roads, he told Twocircles.net. He had also been a keen participation of the National Integration Camps, and had represented Maharashtra. Last year, he had been felicitated by the Maharashtra government. The son of worker at a printing press, Ahmed says that the best part of the experience of working with the NSS was that he got to meet people from across the country, apart from being able to work for the benefit of the society. It took us from merely talking/discussing an issue to actually doing something about it, he says. Recounting an experience, he says, Last year, we were in a village in Solapur district, which had very bad roads. We knew that we could not repair roads all by ourselves, but nevertheless, we decided to level the road to the best of our ability, fill up the potholes, and clean the roadside. Seeing our work, the district panchayat was so impressed that they got a bulldozer to help. Again, we did not make it a perfect road, but we showed that we could do something, he says. Another example he quotes was how, as part of a sanitation programme, seven members of the NSS built two toilets in another village. The Government of India has been pushing the idea of sanitation and toilets for long, but when we went to a village there were hardly any. So, although we had only a week, we built two toilets in the village. Of course, it was not enough for everyone, but it was the idea that showed real results to the local people, he says. No wonder then, that the award and the recognition that Aftab has received has not come as a surprise to his mentors. Programme coordinator of the NSS and teacher of Aftab, Dr. V.C Dande said, Aftab is an energetic fellow, with an extremely mature understanding of the society around him. He has a great attitude and works harmoniously with a team, traits that are essential to succeed in this area. As his teacher, his award is an unforgettable experience for me also. I cant express my happiness in words. Dr. V.P Ubale, principal of Dayanand College, told twocircles.net, Our college is honoured to have a student like Aftab. He has an amazing social attitude, and he has used all the available opportunities to render invaluable work towards both his college and the nation. In fact, it is Aftabs zeal to work on social issues that prompted him to enroll in Masters in Journalism at Mumbai University. I want to work as a reporter, so that I can bring out the issues of people, and also bring out the positive stories which emerge from our society, he said. Related: TCN Positive page It is common knowledge that kanye west has been the topic of a lot of controversy recently. He has garnered a lot of negative commentary regarding his actions during his Saint Pablo North American tour. Earlier this year, he declared his intention to run for president in 2020, though it is yet to be confirmed whether he actually intends to go through with this. The recent problems with Kanye began during his tour in San Jose, California where he made the rather controversial statement that though he did not vote during the presidential election, had he voted, his vote would have been for Donald Trump. He then proceeded to send a message to black people to 'stop talking about race.' He stated that it is a fact that America is racist and black people should just get over it. His was booed by the audience and some of them even began to throw objects at him on stage. This was probably because the vast majority of the San Jose crowd were supporters of Hilary, and furthermore, they had paid to see him perform his music and not to hear him rant about his political views. The negative response continued on social media. Kanye show was not the move. He lost me at "I would have voted for Trump" Jewel Burks (@jewelmelanie) November 18, 2016 The breakdown continues His erratic actions did not end there. During the Sacramento performance a few nights later, not only did Kanye showed up over an hour late, (a fact that had already annoyed his audience), he only performed 2 songs before launching into another unwanted rant. This time his rant was aimed mostly at Beyonce and Jay Z. Not only did he express his unhappiness that Jay Z had yet to call him regarding Kim's robbery, but he also called out to Beyonce, letting her know that he was hurt due to her alleged bid to win best video of the year. He claimed that after putting himself on the line in 2009 for Beyonce with the Taylor Swift debacle, he was hurt that she could do this to him. After his rant, he dropped the mic and announced the show was over, after performing only 2 songs. Needless to say, the crowd was less than thrilled and the venue has offered to repay concert-goers back their ticket prices. #KanyeisOverparty started trending on twitter as social media went crazy at his erratic behaviour, with many speculating about his mental health. These concerns were further escalated as he cancelled his last 21 dates of his tour and was checked into UCLA Medical Center. His wife Kim Kardashian rushed to his side and he is reported to be recovering. RT beydeos: Kanye is so obsessed with Beyonce, it's actually sad. #kanyeisoverparty still mad Bey and Jay won't co https://t.co/zr4GhrNQWe Wilmer Paz (@Wilmer_Pazz) November 20, 2016 A source close to them cited that 'it was a combination of a lot of issues, stress, anxiety, paranoia: he just broke.' Why the breakdown? The 39-year-old rapper had undeniably had a tough year. His wife Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint earlier in the year. Coupled with the fact that this month marks the anniversary of his mother's death, it was conceivable that he would act out as he was very close to his mother and her death may have affected him more than we could know. He tweeted earlier today that he hasn't been as happy as he was in this clip since she passed. Me singing "Hey Mama" with my mom. I haven't been this happy since she past. pic.twitter.com/GmW0DkrWBA Kanye West (@Kanyewest2_) November 23, 2016 Following his hospitalization, many have expressed sympathy for him, including Jay Z. It has become clear that there is more than meets they eye to his controversial behavior at his concerts and many just wish him a speedy recovery. . @kanyewest i support & love u brother, I see in you bravery & courage to stop this tour & take care of YOU. You are a GREAT artist xoxo, Joanne (@ladygaga) November 23, 2016 These are exciting, but scary, times. Regardless of how one feels about the consequences of Brexit, the markets are panicking due to EU posturing over the outcome on June 23rd. But Chancellor Philip Hammond missed a golden opportunity to cut taxes further; it seemed like boldness was vacant in yesterday's Autumn Statement. Do you want the good news? Nonetheless, despite its downbeat tone, there was much to be positive about. In 2017, fuel duty will be frozen for the seventh consecutive year. This will save drivers 130 a year, a welcome tax break when people still feel their incomes are being squeezed. Hammond will maintain Osborne's pledge of increasing the personal allowance to 12,500 and the higher threshold to 50,000 by 2020-21. Tax cuts inevitably provide an increased number of people with more purchasing power, so these measures are refreshing. Britain is an attractive place to do business, and the outcome of the Brexit vote should not alter that. That is why the Chancellor was right to cut corporation tax to a level of 17% by 2020, by far the lowest in the G20. This will benefit 1 million businesses. Yet there were some stealth taxes contained in yesterday's Autumn Statement. From April 2017, salary sacrifice schemes will be subject to the same tax as cash income. In these schemes, employees exchange some of their salary for a non-cash benefit in kind (e.g. a mobile phone). Both the employer and employee generate a tax saving because the benefit is taxed less than the latter's salary, or not at all. The loss of these perks will fail penetrate new talent when businesses are searching for it. And now the bad news But in a climate where Brexit is being blamed for Britain's economic woes, causing businesses to wobble on their investment plans, why is it that Hammond failed to announce some radical economic policies during the Autumn Statement yesterday? Surely businesses need continued reassurance and incentives to invest in Britain? Why didn't the Chancellor initiate more tax cuts at a time when, even under a Conservative Government, certain taxes are still too high? Manufacturing should be expanding, yet there were no tax incentives for manufacturers to invest in new equipment to allow them to increase productivity. Many shops have vanished on high streets across the country. Hammond could have used yesterday's Autumn Statement to revisit the business rates system to encourage retailers not to retreat from Britain's towns and cities. This is a time when infrastructure and innovation should be leading the way, but without the education needed to expand people's skills and knowledge, this will not culminate in significant improvements to Britain's facilities. Air passenger duty proceeds with punishing passengers. Abolishing this tax is likely to boost UK GDP by 0.45% and add 16 billion to the economy. It would also create 60,000 new jobs. Whilst there were many welcome policies yesterday, Hammond has missed an ideal moment to pursue some brave tax cuts necessary in an uncertain climate. It is no secret that this would boost productivity. Let's just hope the Chancellor realises this by March. The American Civil Liberties Union is blasting police for using what it terms life-threatening crowd-control weapons against demonstrators seeking to halt construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. In a violent confrontation between hundreds of protesters and officers in sub-freezing weather Sunday night, police used water cannons to push back and soak the demonstrators, while also firing rubber bullets and lobbing tear gas canisters into the crowd. Protest leaders say nearly 200 people were hurt, some seriously. The protesters -- who call themselves water protectors -- are trying to stop pipeline company Energy Transfer Partners from building the final segment of a 1,200-mile pipeline that would take it under a reservoir that provides water for the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. The protesters, who have been camped out for months, say a leak in the pipeline would contaminate the tribe's drinking water. They also say building the pipeline threatens sacred land. Sheriff's officials defend use of water cannons Morton County sheriffs officials are defending their tactics, saying during Sunday nights melee they were dealing with an ongoing riot and that protesters were very aggressive. But various videos posted on the internet show police dousing protesters with the water cannons as the protesters milled about or stood at a distance, some raising their hands and posing no apparent threat to law enforcement officers. ACLU says water cannons can kill Writing in the ACLUs blog, the director of the unions Human Rights Program, Jamil Dakwar, noted the dangers to civilians when police use water cannons. Referencing a joint report prepared by the International Network of Civil Liberties Organizations and Physicians for Human Rights, Dakwar wrote that water cannons are characterized as particularly dangerous and life-threatening weapons. The use of water cannons can induce facial, skull, and rib fractures; brain trauma; bruises; prolonged nausea; and even blindness, he wrote Water cannons have been attributed to deaths in Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Turkey, South Korea, and Ukraine. ACLU seeks Justice Department investigation The ACLU says besides local Morton County sheriffs deputies on the scene, scores of police from various agencies have been called to Standing Rock. The union is calling on the U.S. Justice Department to investigate possible constitutional violations. It also wants the federal government to stop providing police agencies with military equipment. We counted 75 law enforcement agencies from 10 states sent to police the peaceful protests at Standing Rock.https://t.co/P7ePiquj0f #NoDAPL ACLU National (@ACLU) November 23, 2016 Veterans group to join protesters Meanwhile, hundreds of veterans -- including Wesley Clark Jr. -- a former Army officer and son of the more well known general with the same name -- are heading to North Dakota next month as part of what theyre terming a peaceful, unarmed militia. Organizers of a group calling themselves Veterans Stand for Standing Rock are urging other veterans to come with them as they join in the protest for three days, beginning Dec. 4. The veterans group has set up a gofundme page to raise money to pay for food, gas and expenses for the effort. Through late Wednesday more than $131,000 in donations had been contributed. For its part, Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners says it has gone through an extensive approval process to build and complete the pipeline, and that there are a number of safeguards in place to prevent ruptures or leaks. Company officials and backers of the project also argue pipelines are safer and a more efficient method than trucks or trains in transporting oil. You cant keep a good corpse down on MTVs Teen Wolf. The residents of Beacon Hills enjoy a rather fluid relationship with the afterlife, a trick that has kept several of the series big bads in rotation. As the final season continues, it looks like Teen Wolf will resurrect a familiar face. Oft-mentioned but rarely seen, Mrs. Stilinski is back in the picture as per IMDB. How will Stiles mom return to Teen Wolf? Played by Joey Honsa, Claudia Stilinski died prior to the Teen Wolf series premiere. Stiles interaction with the Dread Doctors heralded Honsas debut in Required Reading, exposing Mama Stilinskis battle with frontotemporal dementia. Now, viewers are wondering how the character will fit into season 6. Did the Ghost Riders decision to remove Stiles (Dylan OBrien) from the equation inadvertently keep his mother from an early grave? Considering Stiles existence had absolutely nothing to do with his mothers demise, it seems we will have to search for answers elsewhere. Stiles wasn't the cause of his mother's death. Just because he's gone doesn't mean everything has been undone, writer Will Wallace cautioned on Twitter. @screamforstydia Stiles wasn't the cause of his mother's death. Just because he's gone doesn't mean everything has been undone. Will Wallace (@willwritesgood) November 18, 2016 What could change, however, is how Sheriff Stilinski (Linden Ashby) handled the loss. Agent McCall (Matthew del Negro) exposed the cops darker days back in season 3, and there is always an outside chance Stiles absence could push his father over the edge. Is he relishing old memories? Living out grief-stricken delusions? Or is Claudia really alive? It appears fans could find out in Superposition. Where is Teen Wolfs Stiles? As we suss out Teen Wolfs new reality, Stiles will be busy fighting to get back to the life he knew. Luckily, Lydia (Holland Roden) is working on an answer from the flip side of what we can only call Beacon Hills iteration of the Upside Down. They have a very special relationship, series creator Jeff Davis told Screener. Theyve saved each others lives several times. Weve explored Scotts great friendship with Stiles, and we wanted to go through a different perspective this time. Find out more when Teen Wolf airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on MTV. Click the video below to see a preview for episode 2. The daily tabloid Express reports that the Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, has recently declared that migrants should stop refusing jobs simply because of religious motives. Many muslim immigrants refuse to work, for example, in places where food is served, because they say Islam forbids pork and alcoholic beverages. A tough situation The migrant crisis has proven to be a very delicate matter to handle for most European countries. Among the countries that are dealing with the massive influx of refugees is Norway. The country is among the most sought after destinations for migrants and refugees, due to it being far away from war zones and having high living standards. This is in spite of the fact that Norway has frequently challenged the migrant quotas imposed by the European Union, and has set up extra border checks. This makes it a little more difficult for immigrants to enter the country now, compared to other regions in the EU. However, it might seem that not all those seeking asylum in the Scandinavian country are refugees that want to integrate. Instead, some seem to act more like economic migrants than refugees. Some people also say that many of them refuse to properly integrate in Norwegian society. This sentiment seems to be shared by the Norwegian PM as well. She has recently declared that migrants have no right to refuse jobs based on their religious beliefs. She also said that while Norway is open when it comes to accepting new immigrants, they must forge a path in life themselves, instead of refusing work and solely relying on social benefits. All foreigners must adapt in Norway Erna Solberg has given an interview on Euronews program Global Conversation. In it (the interview starts at 4:20 minutes), she has said that certain migrants of Muslim faith refuse to work in places where alcohol and pork are served. Some of them are also reluctant to let their wives go to work, because they dont want their women to become too active in Norwegian society and, thus, become too independent as well, Mrs. Solberg says. While she expressed her sympathy for Muslim stay-at-home mothers, she firmly affirmed that migrants should not expect the Norwegian government to pay their social benefits. She also affirmed that in Norway, it is normal to see people with different sexual orientations, and that migrants should live by Norwegian standards when it comes to womens rights. Immigration Minister Sylvi Listhaunt has also shared this sentiment. In a post on her social media, she has declared that immigrants must not expect the society to adapt to their demands, saying that in Norway, people eat pork, drink and show their faces. This kind of discourse seems to be a shift from the usual norm. Many European citizens have criticized their governments for not speaking sufficiently of the issue. And indeed, many European politicians have been rather silent when it comes to the problems that some migrants cause, in what many have criticized as being a far too politically correct stance. A worker at a steel factory in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning province, Sept 1, 2016. [Photo/China Daily] BEIJING - China has met this year's target of retiring 45 million tons of steel and 250 million tons of coal production capacity, meeting both goals ahead of schedule. The government will press more efforts on preventing a backlash of overcapacity and allocating workers. This was announced by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang as he presided over the State Council's executive meeting on Wednesday, as a report on retiring excess steel and coal mine capacity was deliberated. Retiring excess industrial capacity is on top of government's working agenda. When addressing the G20 summit in Hangzhou in September, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China's plan in cutting excess capacity in the coal and steel sectors were based on China's plan for long-term growth, and that "China has gone to the greatest lengths in its efforts in cutting industrial over-capacity, and we will fulfill our promises." Phasing out excess industrial capacity properly was made a clear priority by Premier Li in the government work report this March, and he has times and again highlighted the issue at high-level meetings that the government should use market-driven and law-based measures in capacity cuts. Thanks to such efforts, the operation of a number of steel and coal producers has been improving, while the sector's structures continue to improve. Figures from the National Development and Reform Commission show that profits of industrial enterprises with revenues over 20 million yuan ($2.9 million) grew by 8.4 percent from January to September year on year. Measures that have enabled such changes include shutting down small- scale and inefficient coal and steel producers and punishing illegal practices. Local governments have also placed strict control in adding any new capacity, and local officials who break the rules are held accountable. While acknowledging the progress already made, Li also added that the re-employment of workers has made good progress, meeting the original targets set. An online survey by the State Information Center shows that efforts in cutting excess capacity were applauded by 87.74 percent of participants surveyed. The year 2016 marks the taking off for China's efforts to cut excess capacity, and such achievement does not come easily, Li said. Yet there are still issues to be addressed. For example, illegal new capacities in steel and coal in some areas started to revive due to the recent rise in prices. Also, workers relocation still remains a problem for some enterprises. Much is yet to be done in the coming year. The Wednesday meeting makes clear that appropriate relocation of labor forces as well as proper control of steel and coal prices will be given more attention from now on. The meeting calls for more thorough and comprehensive efforts on re-employment and fiscal subsidiaries. Li stressed that in the coming year, it is important to phase out excess capacity through reforms, taking further steps in merger and acquisition in steel enterprises, as well as integration of coal mining and power generation. "We should bear zero tolerance to steel and coal producers which fail to meet national and environmental standards," Li pointed out. Government at all levels as well as enterprises should lend more efforts to worker re-employment in coal and steel companies and make full use of fiscal subsidiaries, he added. It was decided at the Wednesday meeting that the State Council will dispatch investigation teams to work on possible cases of fraud and illegal production in steel and coal sectors, so as to ensure the unmitigated fulfillment of the country's target in capacity cuts. Every village in China will have access to asphalt roads by 2020, as part of efforts to lift more rural areas out of poverty, the vice-minister of transport said on Thursday. "By 2020, most impoverished areas will have access to freeways, and counties will be connected to highways where possible," Dai Dongchang said at a news conference in Beijing arranged by the State Council Information Office. "Townships and villages will have asphalt roads and operational buses, and a comprehensive transport network will be formed. No village will be left behind." Transportation is a fundamental requirement for social and economic development, he said. "Better roads lead to better lives." The central government has set a goal to lift 70 million people out of poverty and build a moderately well-off society by 2020. To achieve this, the ministry has set a series of goals for the next five years to link poverty-stricken and isolated areas with the outside world, including: Renovating 16,000 kilometers of freeways and about 46,000 km of highways by 2020; Constructing about 195,000 km of asphalt road between townships and villages by 2019; Supporting 1,177 poverty-stricken counties in building better roads, almost double the number in the previous five years; Improving safety on rural highways by renovating 300,000 km, including upgrading 15,000 bridges and widening lanes. Ou Qingping, deputy director of the State Council Leading Group of Poverty Alleviation and Development, said when he visits poor regions, the most urgent need is to build roads. "I visited a poverty-stricken village in Luocheng county in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region last year," he said. "I asked the village head what had been most effective in alleviating poverty in the past few years and he said road access. "Because of the road, the village's sugar cane can now be transported to the outside world and sells for a considerable price." In Aksupa township, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, villagers grow cotton and rear sheep. "Many villages are near the Taklamakan desert, very isolated and have little access to transport links," said Li Xinyun, a township government employee. "Because of this, many villagers live in poverty. In the past two years, many villages have gained access to asphalt roads, and it's become much more convenient to transport agricultural products and make good money. "Families that had 100 sheep now can breed 300 because they can easily transport livestock to market," he said. Peng Yining contributed to this story. Yang Dongliang, former head of the State Administration of Work Safety, bows in apology at court on Nov 24, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] Yang Dongliang, former head of the State Administration of Work Safety, pleaded guilty to accepting bribes and embezzling public funds at Beijing Second Intermediate People's Court on Thursday. Yang was indicted on a charge of allegedly accepting bribes worth more than 28 million yuan ($4 million). The prosecution alleged that Yang took advantage of his various posts from 2002 to 2015, such as vice-mayor of Tianjin and head of the State Administration of Work Safety, to seek benefits for others and accepted bribes. In 1999, Yang accepted an apartment on Xinjiang road in Tianjin's Heping district worth 270,800 yuan bought with public funds, according to the indictment. Yang expressed regret for his actions and bowed in the courtroom. He and his lawyer made their defense before Yang gave a final statement. The ruling will be announced at a later date. Yang, born in Qing county, Hebei province, in 1954, began his working career in 1972 and joined the Communist Party of China a year later. He holds a doctor's degree in law. More than 50 people attended the court hearing. Starting from November 29, travelers holding a Chinese passport with a 10-year valid visa (B1/B2, B1, or B2) will be required to have a valid Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) enrollment before boarding a US-bound flight. The United States Consulate General Shanghai on Nov 16 held an EVUS public event at the Shanghai American Center where a number of 10-year business and visitor B visa holders were enrolled. In his remarks, consular section chief William J. Weissman said the US government is committed to facilitating travel between the US and China and has ensured that the enrollment process is as simple and quick as possible. With the help of consular officer Reid Howell, the invited guests completed the seven-step enrollment process within 15 minutes. Each EVUS enrollment requires the visa holder to provide his or her name, birth date, an emergency contact, a contact in the US, passport information as well as biographical and employment details. The applicant will also have to answer questions related to security and travel eligibility. Third party applicants, such as a friend, relative or travel agent, can also help the visa holder to submit the required information to EVUS. The EVUS system will inform visa holders of their application result within minutes after the electronic form submission. However, officials said that some people may have to wait up to 72 hours. The US Customs and Border Protection has opened a 24-7 call center staffed with Mandarin speakers to provide assistance to those who face issues with their applications. The EVUS system, which can be accessed at evus.gov, is currently in its trial phase and enrollments are free. Visa holders can expect to pay $8 per enrollment after the trial period. In November 2014, the Chinese and US governments agreed to issue visitor and business travel visas with a maximum validity of 10 years. As part of that agreement, visa holders will be required to complete an online form and update their personal information when necessary. There are 3.9 million 10-year visa holders in China, according to the latest statistics from the US Customs and Border Protection. Wen Wenyi contributed to this story. yuran@chinadaily.com.cn North Korea still commands diplomatic focus Updated: 2016-11-01 10:29 By Chen Weihua in Washington(China Daily USA) US President Barack Obama is looking forward to another meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru, late this month, according to Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Monday. Hua was quoting US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken who was in Beijing on Oct 29 for the interim Strategic Security Dialogue. In Beijing, Blinken met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi when they discussed, among others, the Korean nuclear issue. The United Nations Security Council has been discussing possible new sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) after it conducted its fifth nuclear test in early September. Hua reiterated Chinese stance of realizing denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, safeguarding its peace and stability and resolving relevant issues through dialogue and negotiation. "It serves the interests of all," she said. "We maintain that actions by the Security Council should help realize the aforementioned goals without impeding normal business cooperation and exchanges between all parties and the DPRK," Hua said. The message is seen as a dismissal of some Western reports that China might ban all imports of coal, iron ore and other materials from DPRK. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Oct 28 that the resolution should target DPRK's nuclear tests and DPRK's nuclear and missile programs. "As for what kind of resolution will emerge at last from the consultation among all members, we shall wait and see," he said. In a media roundtable in Beijing on Oct 29, Blinken described the DPRK issue as the "top agenda issue". He said DPRK is getting closer to the day when it will be able to marry a miniaturized nuclear warhead to an ICMB that can reach the continental US. "That's simply unacceptable," he said. Blinken indicated the US' strong preference to work this cooperatively with China, but added that "we've also been very clear that we will take whatever steps are necessary to defend ourselves, to defend our allies and partners and to insist on the implementation of sanctions against the regime." The US plan to deploy a THAAD missile defense system in South Korea has drawn sharp criticism from both China and Russia, which believe the system will compromise their national security while doing little to defend South Korea. US National Intelligence Director James Clapper said last Tuesday that the US policy of trying to persuade DPRK to give up its nuclear weapons "is probably a lost cause" and the best that could be hoped for is a cap on the country's nuclear capability. Blinken reiterated that the US policy on DPRK has not changed. Douglas Paal, vice-president for studies and director of the Asia program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that realism will take over. "Realism is that North Korea has the capability and they are not going to give up," he said. "My view is you make a big offer. You put everything North Korea says and wants on the table. And if they don't take the offer, use that as the appeal to international community to really tighten the sanctions," Paal said. He suggested giving North Korea the chance to probably maintain the minimum nuclear capability as a deterrent against the US or others. "But at the same time, cap that process, so it doesn't become a greater threat and keep that stabilized," he said. chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com (China Daily USA 11/01/2016 page1) Yuen Pau Woo is one of nine independent senators appointed late last month. Provided To China Daily New appointee believes China's rise is reshaping global economics, politics and international relations. It's no surprise that Yuen Pau Woo, the former head of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, was appointed to be one of nine independent senators by Prime Minister Trudeau late last month. As a third-generation Chinese from China, Woo was born in Malaysia and raised in Singapore. He went to British Columbia at the age of 16 on a scholarship and eventually immigrated to Canada. Over the past 28 years, Woo has worked on public policy issues from coast to coast, with a special emphasis on Canada's relations with Asia. He has also been a spokesperson for British Columbia and Canada in the Asia Pacific. The 53-year-old Woo now serves as president of HQ Vancouver, a public-private partnership established to promote British Columbia as a head office location for global firms. Woo has also contributed to Canada's international economic policy and foreign affairs through teaching and scholarly research, consultations with senior officials, business and community leaders and public advocacy. "I was very pleased and honoured to receive the news of my nomination," Woo told China Daily. "When I read the bios of the other candidates, I was humbled to find myself in the company of such interesting and accomplished individuals from across Canada." Although this appointment has triggered some criticism, since Woo advocates for closer Canada-Asia - especially Canada-China - relations, many think Woo's appointment is in fact a positive contribution to Canada's economic interests. "Woo will help BC and the rest of the country take advantage of the huge shift in the global economy towards Asian markets," said Greg D'Avignon, president of the Business Council of BC. David Emerson, who served in the cabinet under Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin and then Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, also praised Trudeau's selection. "His Asia skills and knowledge base will serve the Senate and Canada very well," Emerson said. A strong advocate for deeper and broader ties with Asian countries for more than 20 years, Woo said that he is looking to contribute his experience and network to develop policy issues, especially those important to British Columbia. "It will be in Canada's interest to be more engaged with the most economically dynamic region in the world," he said. In addition, Woo deems that the rise of China is re-shaping global economics, politics and international relations. "Canada has always been a Pacific nation, but our orientation has historically been on Europe and the United States," Woo said, "As a Chinese Canadian with roots in Southeast Asia, I bring a unique perspective to the opportunities and challenges of building stronger ties across the Pacific. "My ethnicity is less important than the world view that I bring to my new position - including openness, mutual respect and seeking the common good," he said. Mentioning the recent visits of PM Trudeau to China and Premier Li to Ottawa, Woo said that the visits have set the stage for a more robust bilateral relationship between the two countries. "There is a lot of good will at the present, but it has to be matched by concrete actions by both sides," said Woo. "There are political and cultural differences between the two countries, and we should expect that there will continue to be disagreements on a number of important issues. "But Canada and China can have a relationship which is broad enough and mature enough to handle differences of opinion. If these conditions are in place, I believe there is an opportunity for really ambitious bilateral cooperation on infrastructure investment, human capital, innovation, and more." When Woo was at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada from 2005 to 2014, he led an initiative called the National Conversation on Asia, a three-year cross-Canada campaign to highlight the growing importance of Asia in the world and for Canada. They held conversations across the country with First Nations groups, students, artists and business and community leaders. As a follow-up to the National Conversation on Asia, the Foundation is embarking on a major initiative to strengthen "Asia Competence" in Canadian schools, including education about Asian history, economics and society, and learning Asian languages. "I hope to continue the national conversation on Asia as a senator, among many other issues that I am looking forward to working on, in the interest of Canadians," he said. Encouraged by Woo's new senate role, it was said that more Canadians of Chinese descent would participate in the country's politics and contribute to Canada, a country continues to welcome and promote cultural diversity. "I hope that I will be seen as proof that minorities and immigrants to Canada, including Chinese Canadians of all generations, can have a place in the highest levels of government, not because of our ethnicity, but because of our ability and commitment to Canada," he said. Yuen Pau Woo along with other five new Senators was sworn in last Thursday, on November 17. They are the first six of a group of 21 Senators who have been selected under a new non-partisan, merit-based process. renali@chinadailyusa.com Yuen Pau Woo. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY It's no surprise that Yuen Pau Woo, the former head of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, was appointed to be one of nine independent senators by Prime Minister Trudeau late last month. As a third-generation Chinese from China, Woo was born in Malaysia and raised in Singapore. He went to British Columbia at the age of 16 on a scholarship and eventually immigrated to Canada. Over the past 28 years, Woo has worked on public policy issues from coast to coast, with a special emphasis on Canada's relations with Asia. He has also been a spokesperson for British Columbia and Canada in the Asia Pacific. The 53-year-old Woo now serves as president of HQ Vancouver, a public-private partnership established to promote British Columbia as a head office location for global firms. Woo has also contributed to Canada's international economic policy and foreign affairs through teaching and scholarly research, consultations with senior officials, business and community leaders and public advocacy. "I was very pleased and honoured to receive the news of my nomination," Woo told China Daily. "When I read the bios of the other candidates, I was humbled to find myself in the company of such interesting and accomplished individuals from across Canada." Although this appointment has triggered some criticism, since Woo advocates for closer Canada-Asia especially Canada-China relations, many think Woo's appointment is in fact a positive contribution to Canada's economic interests. "Woo will help BC and the rest of the country take advantage of the huge shift in the global economy towards Asian markets," said Greg D'Avignon, president of the Business Council of BC. David Emerson, who served in the cabinet under Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin and then Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, also praised Trudeau's selection. "His Asia skills and knowledge base will serve the Senate and Canada very well," Emerson said. A strong advocate for deeper and broader ties with Asian countries for more than 20 years, Woo said that he is looking to contribute his experience and network to develop policy issues, especially those important to British Columbia. "It will be in Canada's interest to be more engaged with the most economically dynamic region in the world," he said. In addition, Woo deems that the rise of China is re-shaping global economics, politics and international relations. "Canada has always been a Pacific nation, but our orientation has historically been on Europe and the United States," Woo said, "As a Chinese Canadian with roots in Southeast Asia, I bring a unique perspective to the opportunities and challenges of building stronger ties across the Pacific. "My ethnicity is less important than the world view that I bring to my new position including openness, mutual respect and seeking the common good," he said. Mentioning the recent visits of PM Trudeau to China and Premier Li to Ottawa, Woo said that the visits have set the stage for a more robust bilateral relationship between the two countries. "There is a lot of good will at the present, but it has to be matched by concrete actions by both sides," said Woo. "There are political and cultural differences between the two countries, and we should expect that there will continue to be disagreements on a number of important issues. "But Canada and China can have a relationship which is broad enough and mature enough to handle differences of opinion. If these conditions are in place, I believe there is an opportunity for really ambitious bilateral cooperation on infrastructure investment, human capital, innovation, and more." When Woo was at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada from 2005 to 2014, he led an initiative called the National Conversation on Asia, a three-year cross-Canada campaign to highlight the growing importance of Asia in the world and for Canada. They held conversations across the country with First Nations groups, students, artists and business and community leaders. As a follow-up to the National Conversation on Asia, the Foundation is embarking on a major initiative to strengthen "Asia Competence" in Canadian schools, including education about Asian history, economics and society, and learning Asian languages. "I hope to continue the national conversation on Asia as a senator, among many other issues that I am looking forward to working on, in the interest of Canadians," he said. Encouraged by Woo's new senate role, it was said that more Canadians of Chinese descent would participate in the country's politics and contribute to Canada, a country continues to welcome and promote cultural diversity. "I hope that I will be seen as proof that minorities and immigrants to Canada, including Chinese Canadians of all generations, can have a place in the highest levels of government, not because of our ethnicity, but because of our ability and commitment to Canada," he said. Yuen Pau Woo along with other five new Senators has been sworn last Thursday, November 17. They are the first six of a group of 21 Senators who have been selected under a new non-partisan, merit-based process. renali@chinadailyusa.com Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (From L to R) attend a joint press conference at the end of the EU-Ukraine summit in Brussels, Belgium, on Nov 24, 2016. The European Union (EU) will grant visa-free regime for Ukrainians by the end of this year, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Thursday. [Photo/Xinhua] BRUSSELS - The European Union (EU) and Ukraine on Thursday wrapped up their 18th bilateral summit in Brussels, focusing on support for reforms in Ukraine, as well as vise-free regime for Ukrainians travelling to the 28-nation bloc. "We highly rate the efforts of the Ukrainian authorities, including those of President Poroshenko, to implement large-scale reforms in extremely difficult conditions. Ukraine's success will be the success of all of Europe," said European Council President Donald Tusk at a press conference which was also attended by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko after the summit. The EU will allocate more than 170 million euros(179.41 million US dollars) to support good governance in Ukraine, according to deals signed at the summit. The bloc will provide Ukraine with 15 million euros to fight corruption, 104 million euros to carry out public administration reform, and 52.5 million euros to foster the rule of law, the European Commission elaborated in a press release. These allocations are parts of an support package to "foster accountable and transparent governance" in Ukraine which altogether make up a package worth over 300 million euros, the Commission noted. "This new funding is evidence of the EU's continued support to the Ukrainian reform process, and to fundamental, sustained change to the way the country is governed," said Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations. President Xi Jinping attends the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting held in Lima. Peru on November 20, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] BEIJING - President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing Friday afternoon after his state visits to Ecuador, Peru and Chile. During his time in Peru, Xi attended the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting held in Lima, the capital city. Xi's entourage, including Peng Liyuan, his wife; Wang Huning, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Policy Research Office of the CPC Central Committee; Li Zhanshu, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee; and State Councilor Yang Jiechi, returned to Beijing with the president. Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Loading... Checking your browser before accessing the website. This process is automatic. Your browser will redirect to your requested content shortly. Please wait a few seconds. HCM CITY With its sound and dynamic investment environment, the southern province of Binh Duong has remained the choice of many investors from all over the world. The province reported on Wednesday that it has so far attracted more than 2,800 projects from 59 countries and territories worth US$25.6 billion. Tran Thanh Liem, chairman of its Peoples Committee, said a lot of effort has been made to improve the investment environment and infrastructure, and so the province has become an ideal destination for companies. South Korea is the third biggest investor with nearly 600 projects valued at nearly $2.4 billion. Its investments continue to surge with Kolon Industries Inc Group announcing plans to set up operations. On Wednesday the company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Peoples Committee for building a large plant that will manufacture tyre cord, air bags and other automobile parts in the provinces Bau Bang Industrial Park. It also signed a contract to lease 42ha with Becamex IDC Corporation, the IP owner, on the same day. According to the MoU with the province, the company will invest over $600 million by 2026 in two phases. Park Dong Moon, CEO of Kolon Industries, revealed that his company ad scoured Southeast Asia for two months before settling on Bau Bang. It will be the third plant in the IP to produce automobile tyre cord after two others owned by Chinese and South Korean companies. Park said the plant would have a capacity of 6,000 tonnes per month and be his companys largest plant anywhere. It would help the company achieve its goal of becoming the biggest tyre cord maker globally, he said. The plant will go on stream in the middle of 2018 and its products will be exported to many countries. Kolon Industries has interests in many industries including garments, construction and trading. In Viet Nam the company has a car air bag plant in Binh Duong it set up at a cost of $15 million. It is now running above capacity and will be expanded. VNS Truong Hai-Chu Lai Port in Quang Nam Province. The province debuted a direct sea route connecting the port and Incheon port in Korea. Viet Nam News A NANG Central Thua Thien-Hue and Quang Nam provinces and their neighbouring a Nang City will offer optimal conditions to lure investment from European countries in hi-tech, tourism, logistics, health care and advanced farming. Representatives of the three localities addressed a business forum oganised by the Euro Chamber of Commerce and Industry and EU-Viet Nam Business Network in a Nang yesterday. The three, which connect to the East-West Economic Corridor linking Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Viet Nam, are considered to have good investment potential with long coastal lines, world heritage sites, preferential policies, cheap land prices and abundant labour force. They are also situated on National Highway 1, as well as having railway, sea port and airport systems and large areas for industrial zone development. A series of administrative reforms easing investment have been cleared by local administrations. The pristine coastal line in a Nang is a favourite site for tourism projects. VNS Photos Cong Thanh Quang Nam is developing the 30,000ha Chu Lai Open Economic Zone one of five key zones for investors in Viet Nam with competitive land prices of between US$10 and $30 per sq.m for 50 years, said director of the provincial Investment Promotion Centre, Vo Van Hung. Quang Nam has attracted 128 foreign direct investment projects worth $5.5 billion, of which the Nam Hoi An Integrated Resort Project, invested by VinaCapital and Gold Yield Enterprises Corporations, is the biggest at $4 billion. Quang Nam is seeking investment in automobile supportive industries, food processing industries and industrial park infrastructure. Earlier this year, the province and the Truong Hai Automobile Joint-Stock Company, or Thaco - started expanding the Chu Lai-Truong Hai Mechanical Automobile Industrial Zone with a total investment of $35.3 million. The project is planned to produce 215,000 vehicles, including touring cars, trucks, buses and vans starting in 2018. Hung said land costs only half or one-third compared to Ha Noi and HCM City, respectively. He said Quang Nam has reserved 10,000ha of coast for tourism and service projects. Le Van Thu, director of the investment promotion and support centre of Thua Thien-Hue, said Hue City has 128 km of coast and 22,000ha of lagoon for tourism development in connection with UNESCO-recognised world heritage sites. The province hosted 3.2 million tourists, among them 1.2 million foreigners, in 2015. We are offering investors competitive low cost, including labour cost and land, Thu said. Our land costs around 80 per cent of what it costs to rent in a Nang, 70 per cent of Ha Noi land, 60 per cent of HCM City, 30 per cent of Shanghai and 25 per cent of Bangkok land, Thu said. Thu said labour costs for manual workers and managers range from $130 to $320 per month. A tourism property of Laguna Lang Co in Thua Thien-Hue Province. The province has attracted 23 foreign direct investment projects with a total capital of $2.3 billion. One of the largest is a $875 million tourism complex being financed by the Banyan Tree Group of Singapore. Several financial incentives have been provided to attract investors, such as tax exemptions for the first four years of operation, a 50 per cent tax reduction for the next nine years, and a 50 per cent tax rate for high-income employees. Le Canh Duong, director of a Nangs investment promotion centre, said tourist real estate remains a favourite investment magnet in the city with 25 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects worth US$1.8 billion. He said tourist real estate made up 54 per cent of total $3.68 billion FDI capital in the city Duong also said 57 per cent of FDI projects were in the service sector as the city eyes on developing in Information Technology, hi-tech parks and coastal property, and environment-friendly projects. The city has so far developed 16 tourist property projects consisting of 749 villas, of which 609 are for sale and 140 for lease, according to Duong. EuroCham Viet Nam will starting operating an office for central Viet Nam in a Nang in January, 2017. VNS Sai Gon Bridge, developed by HCM City Infrastructure Investment JSC. The company is entitled to redeem bonds from the third year of the sale. VNA/VNS Photo An Hieu HA NOI HCM City Infrastructure Investment JSC yesterday signed a contract to sell US$40 million worth of convertible bonds to KEB Hana Banktrustee and Custodian Business, the first tranche in its plan to issue $60 million in bonds to raise funds for its projects, the HCM Stock Exchange-listed company announced. These non-guaranteed, five-year bonds yield 1 per cent per year with the face value of $100,000. Under the contract, the infrastructure developer is entitled to redeem bonds from the third year of the sale onwards but the buyback amount cannot exceed 50 per cent of the total bond issuance. The conversion price is set at VN38,500 ($1.71) per share, equivalent to 130 per cent of the CIIs closing price on November 23. The exchange rate used for the conversion is the average value of buying and selling prices of US dollar by Vietinbank on the same day. Bondholders have the right to extend the bonds maturity for another five years and the conversion price from the sixth year will increase by 10 per cent over the previous year. CIIs shares have climbed nearly 41 per cent this year, ending yesterday at VN29,700 a share on the HCM Stock Exchange. The bond issuance is aimed to raise investment capital for the companys projects. CII plans to issue non-guaranteed convertible bonds worth a maximum value of $60 million to Korean investors. The first investor is Hana KEB Banktrustee and Custodian Business, a custodian of Rhinos Asset Management Co Ltd (RAM). The South Korean investment fund manages a $1.2 billion portfolio, focused on convertible bonds in developed markets like the United States, Japan, Hong Kong and Europe. At the companys extraordinary shareholders meeting in October this year, CII said besides ongoing works, it was aiming at larger infrastructure projects with total investment capital of over $100 million such as Ha Noi Highway BOT project valued at $260 million, Trung Luong My Thuan Expressway worth $650 million and Skyway Stage 1 project worth $900 million in HCM City. The proceeds from this bond issuance are expected to finance the Thu Thiem Infrastructure Development project which has total investment cost of VN2.64 trillion ($117.4 million). The company is planning to hold another extraordinary shareholders meeting to discuss the appointment of one member from the Korean fund in its managing board, as well as the reduction of ownership in CII Engineering and Construction (CII E&C) and Tan Hiep Water Investment JSC. VNS HA NOI Numerous stores in Viet Nam put up massive sales yesterday in an attempt to follow the famous US Black Friday. The local shopping scene was not as hectic and anticipated as its US counterpart, though several brands did manage to cash in on the occasion. However, many stores were not always fully committed to their discounts. In contrast to the tradition on Black Friday in the USA, during which the prices of all products are sometimes reduced by 50 per cent, some sellers in Viet Nam gave false promises and arranged a discount-level ranging from 10 per cent to 70 per cent, depending on the item. And though stores did not fully admit, they all priced their items to attract more buyers toward unwanted goods. All over major streets in Ha Noi, signs saying "Black Friday Sale up to 50 per cent discount" were displayed, ranging from high-end stores at Vincom shopping malls to lower end ones selling unlabelled clothing. Many were packed with customers hunting for a bargain. Stores that attracted the most customers included higher mid-end to mid-end brands such as Emigo, IVY Moda, Charles and Keith, Aldo or Canifa, with very promising deals going up to 70 per cent discount. An employee at a Canifa store on Ba Trieu Street told Viet Nam News, This is the second year our company has done a Black Friday sale, to significant success. Consumers flocked to our stores, and the companys knitwear sold at record speeds compared to normal days. This applied to both low-end items and even high-end ones made from cashmere. Products on sale ranged from household items to clothing, though the most anticipated sales were in the apparel area. Shoppers, almost exclusively women, including college students, office workers and housewives, gathered at various malls and streetfront stores starting early yesterday, Customers were advised to be frugal and discrete about their purchases, as many seemed to splurge on unnecessary deals. Many stores looked forward to the sale as chance to get rid of unwanted items from last season or even to mix in ones of lower quality. The time limits for the sales are usually from November 25 to 28, with some exceptions of weekend deals only. Discounts come with coupons and other promising deals to attract customers attention. Black Friday falls on the fourth Friday of November, following Thanksgiving Day in the USA. It is widely seen as the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, whereas major retailers offer promotional sales at a high discount to great buyer anticipation. VNS HCM CITY The Goethe Institute Viet Nam will host the New York-based Type Directors Clubs (TDC) travelling typography exhibition in HCM City on November 25-29. The exhibition will showcase 400 award-winning typography and graphic designs from this years annual TDC competition for both communication and typeface design, which attracted more than 2,000 entries from 49 countries. Exhibitions have been held in the US, Canada, China, the UK, France, Germany, Japan, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan and Viet Nam. Apart from HCM City, the exhibition will also be held at the Goethe Institute in Ha Noi in December along with a two-day workshop with Andreas Uebele, a German visual and communications designer and professor. In 1996, he founded his agency, Uebele, focusing on visual identity, corporate communications and exhibitions. Uebele has been a professor of communication design at Dussldorf University of Applied Sciences since 1998 and a member of TDC since 2002. Founded in 1946, TDC is an international organisation for people devoted to excellence in typography. Through its competitions, travelling exhibitions and workshops, the organisation hopes to celebrate the current stars of the typographic field and educate its future leaders. The exhibition will be open from 9am to 6 pm from Nov 25-29 at the HCM City Exhibition House at 92 Le Thanh Ton Street in District 1. VNS COPENHAGEN Denmarks only three-star Michelin restaurant on Thursday faced questions over hygiene after it was fined 20,000 kroner (US$2,839) by the countrys food safety authority. Geranium, the first eatery in Denmark to receive top Michelin honours, had been storing fresh shellfish like oysters, crayfish and scallops at too-high temperatures over an extended period, the Danish Food Administration wrote after an inspection. Two walk-in coolers also had "black, green and white splotches growing on the underside of shelves and on packaged pickled garlic", according to a report dated on September 29 but only cited by Danish media on Thursday. The regulator slapped the Copenhagen restaurant -- which charges 2,000 kroner for a meal without drinks - with a frowning "smiley", the lowest grade of its four-tier system. "I do not agree with what is written. I believe that it is greatly exaggerated but I admit that there are some parts of the process where perhaps we have been a bit unattentive," Geranium chef Rasmus Kofoed said. The restaurant had been using a computerised system to monitor food temperatures incorrectly, but fish and shellfish were always stored on ice regardless of the surrounding temperature, he added. This year the Nordic edition of the Michelin Guide gave three stars to Geranium, but only two to Copenhagens celebrated Noma, which was named best restaurant in the world by Britains Restaurant magazine in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014. Noma too faced criticism from the Danish food safety regulator in 2013, when it was accused of not taking adequate action after a sick kitchen worker gave dozens of customers a nasty case of food poisoning. AFP VIENTIANE The leaders of Viet Nam and Laos agreed yesterday that the stability and development of their countries, as well as of their special relationship, is critical to national construction and protection. The two - Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Party General Secretary and President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith - met in Vientiane for talks on deepening the Vietnamese-Lao friendship. The Lao leader congratulated Viet Nam on its achievements during the three decades of reforms, voicing his belief that the country would achieve even greater heights. He also offered sympathies to residents of the central region affected by recent natural disasters. General Secretary Trong also congratulated Laos on its reform accomplishments and wished the country further success in national development. The two leaders agreed to enhance political connections by maintaining meetings between their Party and country leaders, sharing theoretical research and experience in strengthening the Party. The two sides will co-ordinate on organising activities marking key anniversaries in 2017 so as to educate younger generations about the special Viet Nam-Laos unity. They also stressed the need for stronger defence-security co-operation and economic connectivity, especially in terms of transport infrastructure, energy and tourism. They will also improve the effectiveness of collaboration in education, training and human resources development, while closely supervising and pushing forward high-level agreements and co-operation programmes . The two leaders agreed to bolster co-ordination at international and regional forums, particularly the United Nations, ASEAN and co-operation mechanisms in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. Viet Nam and Laos will also work together to manage and effectively use Mekong River waters to ensure the interests among the Mekong nations and the regions sustainable development, they said. The two leaders underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and safety in the East Sea (internationally known South China Sea). They agreed to boost ASEAN unity on the East Sea issues while pushing for the peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and efforts towards finalising a Code of Conduct in the waters. They witnessed the signing of seven co-operation agreements. The Lao Party General Secretary and President accepted an invitation extended by his guest to visit Viet Nam. VNS HAVANA A number of bilateral agreements in economic, scientific, and technological co-operation have been signed as Viet Nam and Cuba wrapped up the 34th session of the Viet Nam Cuba Intergovernmental Committee in the Caribbean country on Wednesday (Cuban time). The agreements include a protocol on boosting bilateral economic and trade relations between the two traditionally friendly nations, an agreement on co-production of a typhoid vaccine, and an agreement on establishing a Cuba-based joint-venture to produce patterned tile and bathroom ceramics. Representatives of Viet Nams Viglacera Corporation also signed an agreement with Cubas Islazul tourism corporation to improve the facilities of some hotels in Cuba. Addressing the sessions closing ceremony, Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment and co-chairman of the committee Rodrigo Malmierca said the meeting has contributed to consolidating the traditional ties between the two parties, governments and peoples. He also acknowledged a future challenge of raising bilateral economic relations to a higher level that is on par with the good bilateral political ties. He affirmed that the two sides have defined a roadmap on economic co-operation in the medium term with various projects on tourism, construction, and healthcare. Vietnamese Minister of Construction Pham Hong Ha, also co-chairman of the committee, said the two sides have agreed on improving the effectiveness of the committees activities and fostering bilateral co-operation through concrete projects. He also called for an improvement in the business-exchange environment between the two countries to attract more investments from each other. The two sides also agreed to sign an agreement on trade co-operation at the beginning of next year. VNS Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (L) and Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith at their meeting in Vientiane yesterday. VNA/VNS Photo Tri Dung VIENTIANE The Governments of Viet Nam and Laos should help foster bilateral ties, especially in the context of complex regional and global developments. The remarks were made by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith at their meeting in Vientiane yesterday. The Party chief hailed the two governments for promptly directing ministries, agencies and localities to realise outcomes of the high-level agreement 2016 and an agreement on co-operation scheme at the 38th meeting of the Viet Nam-Laos Committee on Bilateral Co-operation. He asked Laos to continue providing all possible support for Vietnamese investors in the host country and suggested the two countries enhance co-operation in Party building. Sisoulith, for his part, vowed to instruct ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement signed agreements in the fields of economy, education, culture and science-technology; fine-tune policies and mechanisms; ensure the progress and quality of Viet Nams projects in Laos; and remove barriers to two-way trade. Host and guest noted that the two nations need to work closely together to boost the effective and extensive development of the Viet Nam-Laos special relationship. The two leaders agreed to further intensify national defence-security collaboration to maintain political stability, security, social safety and order; jointly work on preparations for the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Viet Nam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Co-operation next year. At a meeting yesterday with Chairwoman of the Lao National Assembly Pany Yathotou, Party General Secretary Trong said Viet Nam treasures the special solidarity with Laos and strongly supports Laos national construction and development and spoke highly of the two legislatures important role and their co-operation. He suggested the two legislatures and their committees further enhance the sharing of information and experience in legislation, supervision and decision making. Yathotou, for her part, thanked the Party, State and people of Viet Nam for building the Lao National Assembly house in Vientiane as gift. At a meeting with the President of the Lao Front for National Construction, Saysomphone Phomvihane, Trong said he was pleased with the ties between the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and the Lao Front for National Construction. He said the fronts hold an extreme important position in each countrys political system and a major role in uniting people and rallying their strength for national liberation and nation-building causes. For his part, Saysomphone Phomvihane congratulated the Vietnamese people on their socio-economic achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and thanked the Party, State and people for always providing valuable support to the Lao people. He underlined the need for educating and popularising history of the special Viet Nam-Laos relations and remaining vigilant to plots meant to divide the two countries. Later on the day, Party General Secretary Trong received Vilayvong Butdakham, President of the Laos-Viet Nam Friendship Association. He expressed hope that the association will adopt more initiatives and helpful activities to increase the friendship and solidarity between the two peoples. VNS Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow yesterday. VNA/VNS Photo Quang Vinh MOSCOW Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh met in Moscow yesterday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and the two discussed co-ordination in the oil and gas sector, which they agreed was of strategic importance to both sides. Minh, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, is on a three-day visit to Russia. He briefed his host about Viet Nams major socio-economic development plans and external policies for the next five years. Expressing satisfaction with the high political trust between the two nations, both sides agreed to further facilitate the exchange of all-level visits of the Party, State and Government, National Assembly, ministry and local channels; maintain existing dialogue and consultation mechanisms; and hasten the negotiations on and signing of several agreements. In the first ten months of this year, two-way trade hit US$2.2 billion. The two countries are set to implement the Viet Nam-Eurasian Economic Union free trade agreement towards lifting that figure to $10 billion by 2020. In order to facilitate exports and imports, host and guest pledged to embark on projects in the fields of energy, industry, mechanical engineering, including establishing an automobile manufacturing joint venture in Viet Nam, opening a Viet Nam light industry complex in Moscow, and TH True Milks farms in Moscow Oblast and Kaluga province. The two leaders underscored energy ties as one of the pillars strategic to each countrys development, and vowed all possible support for Vietnamese and Russian oil and gas firms to enhance co-ordination. They committed to continuing close co-operation on national defence-security matters, especially in the military technical aspect, as well as the expansion of science-technology, education, training, culture, tourism, labour ties. Minh thanked the Foreign Ministry for offering support to Vietnamese nationals living in Russia. On multilateral co-operation, the two countries will continue working closely at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Forum, the Asia-Europe Meeting, the East Asia Summit, and the ASEAN Regional Forum. Viet Nam backs Russias active role in Asia-Pacific and stands ready to serve as a bridge connecting Russia and ASEAN, Minh said. Lavrov, for his part, hailed Viet Nams increasing stature in the region and the world. Turning to the East Sea issue, they were unanimous regarding the need for peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the early formulation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). Minh and Lavrov signed a co-operation scheme between the two foreign ministries for 2017-2018. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc welcomed French Ambassador to Viet Nam Bertrand Lortholary and the Australian Ambassador Craig Chittick in Ha Noi yesterday. Speaking to the newly-appointed French ambassador, the PM said Viet Nam hoped France would expand investment projects in Viet Nam, and enhance co-operation in culture and tourism with the country. The PM highlighted the great potential for the two counties to boost co-operation, especially in the economy. Viet Nam would consider implementing the urban railway project funded by France in Ha Noi after receiving reports of the Ministry of Finance and the municipal Peoples Committee, he stated. The PM also urged the French side to hurry up other European Union member nations to approve the Viet Nam-EU Free Trade Agreement, thus promoting trade and investment links between the two countries. For his part, Ambassador Lortholary pledged to accelerate the construction of the France House project in HCM City and a high school in Ha Noi, as well as promote collaboration in television. He asked the two sides to hasten the signing of the project on building a metro line in Ha Noi, which is expected to be a symbol of co-operation between the two nations. France committed to double its funding for Viet Nams climate change adaptation projects, he affirmed, adding that the French Government encouraged French firms to work with Viet Nam in environmental protection, and water and waste treatment. Receiving the newly accredited Australian ambassador, the PM highlighted fruitful Viet Nam - Australia relations in multiple fields, especially in trade. He expressed his thanks for the official development assistance (ODA) the Australian Government has provided for Viet Nam, saying that the aid had been used effectively. Viet Nam and Australia had co-operated in multiple economic fields and discussed numerous regional and international issues, the PM said. Viet Nam currently had about 50,000 students in Australia, Phuc said, adding that they played an important role in promoting the two countries relations. Viet Nam wanted to co-operate with Australia in such fields as science and technology, mineral exploration, and develop comprehensive cooperation with the country in economics, culture, education and training, and tourism. He agreed with the ambassadors proposals to implement joint projects on poverty reduction and gender equality, saying he would instruct relevant agencies to work with Australia on the projects. The PM welcomed Australias acceleration of signing the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, and expressed his wish that the Ambassador would contribute to opening a new chapter in co-operation between the two nations. For his part, Ambassador Chittick said the Australian Government pledges to support the TPP. The country also supports Viet Nam as a candidate for the director-general position of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). He also underlined cooperation potential in telecommunication, specifically in 5G development. VNS MILAN President Tran ai Quang has proposed that Italias Milan city and Lombardy region support the organisation of Vietnamese cultural and art activities in the locality, helping locals in Milan and Lombardy get deeper understanding on Viet Nam and foster friendship between the two countries. During a meeting on November 24 with Milan Mayor Guiseppe Sala and President of Lombardy Roberto Maroni as part of his visit to Italy, the State leader affirmed Viet Nams keen on boosting strategic partnership with the European country. He congratulated Italy and Milan in particular on the successful organisation of the Universal Exposition (Expo Milan) 2015, saying that he highly appreciated Italys support to Viet Nam in joining the event, which reflected the joint objectives of the two countries in fostering their comprehensive co-operation in politics, economy, culture and tourism. President Quang as well as leaders of Milan and Lombardy highlighted the great potential for economic co-operation between Viet Nam and the Italian localities. They agreed to continue encouraging and backing Italian businesses to strengthen their presence in Viet Nam, especially in mechanics, machinery manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and fashion design. They also concurred to speed up affiliation programmes in education and training among universities and research institutes of Viet Nam and Milan. President Quang pledged that the Vietnamese State and Government is ready to create optimal conditions for Milan city and Lombardy region to set up links with Vietnamese localities. The same day, President Quang visited Doumo Cathedral in Milan city, one of the most famous cathedral churches in northern Italy that was built in 1386. With a capacity of hosting 40,000 people, Doumo Cathedral is the fourth largest church in Europe after St. Peter in Vatican, St. Paul in London and Seville in Spain. On November 24 night (local time), President Quang, his wife and the high-ranking Vietnamese Party and State delegation left Milan, concluding the four-day State visit to Italy and Vatican at the invitation of Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Pope Francis. The State leader and his entourage will attend the 16th Francophone Summit in Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar, from November 26-27 at the invitation of Madagascar President Hery Rajaonarimampianina. VNS HA NOI President Tran ai Quang arrived in Antananarivo, Madagascar yesterday, beginning his trip to the country to attend the 16th Francophone Summit today and tomorrow, at the invitation of the host countrys President Hery Rajaonarimampianina. The Vietnamese leader was welcomed at the Ivato international airport by Madagascars Prime Minister Olivier Mahafaly Solonandrasana, Viet Nams Consul General in the country Eric Nazaraly and representatives from the summits organising board. The relationship between Viet Nam and the Francophone Community has recorded fruitful developments. Over the last 30 years, especially during periods of economic blockage and embargo, Viet Nam has received much appreciated capital, expertise and technology from the community. The community also serves as a channel for Viet Nam to enhance bilateral relations with the communitys developed country members. Viet Nam now has a stronger voice in designing and realising Francophone co-operation strategies. The country has been elected to various important positions in the community, such as President of the Permanent Council of the International Organisation of La Francophonie and President of the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie for 1996-97. Through the forum, Viet Nam has promoted bilateral relations with a number of its member nations. With the successful organisation of the 7th Francophone Summit in 1997 in Ha Noi, Viet Nam made important contributions to institutionalising political activities and fostering links in economy, politics, culture, language and education-training among the Francophone community. Viet Nam has actively and practically joined in almost all prioritised fields of the community, from outlining co-operation strategies, accelerating administrative and financial reforms and adjusting resources for education and development fields. The country is said to be one of key members of the community. Meet with Italys regional leaders Wednesday, during his visit to Italy, President Quang met with Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala and Lombardy President Roberto Maroni and proposed that Milan and Lombardy help organise Vietnamese cultural and art activities in the locality, allowing locals in Milan and Lombardy to deepen their understanding of Vietnam and to foster friendship between the two countries. President Quang--along with leaders in Milan and Lombardy--highlighted the great potential for economic co-operation between Viet Nam and Italian localities. They agreed to continue encouraging and backing Italian businesses to strengthen their presence in Viet Nam, especially in mechanics, machinery manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and fashion design. They also concurred to speed up affiliation programmes in education and training among universities and research institutes in Vietnam and Milan. President Quang pledged that the Vietnamese State and Government is ready to create optimal conditions for Milan city and Lombardy region to set up links with Vietnamese localities. The same day, President Quang visited Doumo Cathedral in Milan city, one of the most famous cathedral churches in northern Italy, built in 1386. VNS HCM CITY HCM City early next year plans to submit for approval to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc a US$276 million metro-line project to Tan Son Nhat international airport in Tan Binh District, the countrys busiest airport. Construction of the 2km metro line, which would run from Cong Hoa Street in Tan Binh District to the airport, is expected to start in 2019 if everything goes smoothly, city authorities have said. South Korean consultants have finished the preliminary feasibility study, according to the HCM City Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR). The metro route, which will link Hoang Van Thu Park with the airport, will include two underground stops at the park and at the international terminal. An underground pedestrian tunnel will also be connected with the domestic terminal. The metro station at the airport, which will have three basements, is expected to serve 3,366 people a day by 2043, according to the feasibility study. The Hoang Van Thu Park station will also have three basements, with the second basement connected to metro line No 5 (from Bay Hien intersection to the new Can Guoc Bus Station). The metro station will serve about 3,429 people a day by 2043, according to the feasibility study. Of the estimated $276 million cost, South Korea will lend 90 per cent of the total investment with the remainder coming from the State budget. The plan will be submitted to the PM in the first quarter of 2017. Construction is expected to begin in 2019, with completion in 2024. The new metro line aims to reduce traffic congestion at the area around the airport, which was not initially included in the approved metro plan by the Government, according to MAUR. In recent years, the number of people coming to the airport has been increasing rapidly, worsening traffic at roads leading to the airport. The HCM City Peoples Committee has also asked the Ministry of Planning and Investment to approve technical consultancy from South Korea. Urgent need Around 269,000 passengers and other visitors go to the airport every day, with the number of people going to the international terminal more than 144,000, according to MAUR. Le Khac Huynh, deputy head of MAUR, said that it was essential to build the metro link to the airport as the demand for air travel had increased significantly and most roads leading to the airport were overloaded. Dr Pham Sanh, a traffic expert, said the metro route and link were necessary but the city must study the projet carefully to prevent waste of capital. Sanh explained that, in addition to newly expanded roads leading to the airport, there will be more overpasses in this area. He said there should also be more links to other parts of the city from the airport to prevent congestion at the airport area. Nguyen Van Tam, deputy director of the citys Department of Transport, said the metro route was expected to meet the high demand of passengers in the citys urban districts. When the current airport is moved to Long Thanh international airport in the southern province of ong Nai, it would still be necessary to build the metro route because of high travel demand in the area, he said. Prof Le Huy Ba, former head of the Institute of Science and Technology and Environment Management of the HCM City Industry University, said the city must consider the project carefully as it would be difficult to make use of only 2km of metro. Because the Tan Son Nhat airport area is a flood-prone area, MAUR must carefully study the technical construction requirements for the 2km metro line. Otherwise, it would be too costly and time-consuming to maintain the metro line after it is built, Ba said. VNS HCM CITY Around 348 families have been reunited with their relatives over the past 30 years under the Reestablishment of Family Links programme in HCM City. The programme aims to prevent separation and disappearances, restore and maintain contact among family members, and clarify the fate of missing persons. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is strongly committed to help financially and technically the Viet Nam Red Cross in its tasks related to reestablishment of family links, said Cherine Pollini, head of ICRC Viet Nam. In Viet Nam like in a number of other countries in the world, families have been separated due to conflicts, violence, migration or natural disasters that struck their countries. For days, months, years even, families wait to receive news of their relatives from whom they were separated, she said. The Viet Nam Red Cross Society is the Red Cross Movement partner that is in contact with families seeking support, Cherine said at a meeting held yesterday to celebrate 30 years of the Reestablishment of Family Links programme in HCM City. Established in 1987, the Reestablishment of Family Links office under Viet Nam Red Cross Society received more than 3,800 petitions for reestablishment of family links nationwide. VNS HA NOI The Ha Noi Peoples Court on Thursday sentenced a 44-year-old man to 15 years imprisonment for cheating people and appropriating properties. As per the indictment, Le Trung Kien, former director of Ha Noi Real Estate Joint Stock Company (Ha Noi Land Company) , asked the director of Lilama Corporation, Pham Hung, to found the Lilama Land Real Estate Company (Lilama Land Company) in early 2007. Hung agreed and invited investors for funding. Kien then asked the investors to buy stocks of Lilama Land Company, though the company had not yet been set up. Between April 9, 2007, and May 16, 2007, Kien collected VN75.2 billion (US$3.3 million) from 72 investors. The money was deposited in the account of Ha Noi Land Company. On May 9, 2007, Lilama Corporation held a meeting to discuss setting up Lilama Land Company, but Ha Noi Land Company was not part of the discussion. A week later, on May 17, a list comprising six shareholders of Lilama Land Company was announced, but the list made no mention of Ha Noi Land Company. Investors who had given Kien money met him and demanded their money back, but Kien did not return the funds, instead investing it in other projects, after which he left the country. He was caught on July 17, 2015, after the police issued a wanted notice. Kiens family had handed over more than VN1 billion ($44,400) in an attempt to soften his sentence. VNS VIENTIANE Amidst a world full of complicated changes, Viet Nam-Laos friendship is more important to both countries now than ever, stated Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. He was addressing nearly 2,000 lecturers, officials and students of the National University of Laos in Vientiane yesterday, as part of his ongoing visit to Laos. The Party leader said that Viet Nam will do its utmost to keep the relationship evergreen stable. Looking through the history of ties between the two Parties and States, he said that Viet Nam and Laos see each other as faithful comrades, walking hand in hand together and supporting each other through the most difficult periods. During the past 30 years of renewal, the two countries have promoted the relationship founded by late Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Kaysone Phomvihane and nurtured by generations of leaders of both countries. Important achievements in bilateral ties have contributed to the construction and maintenance of a peaceful regional and international environment, creating favourable conditions for socio-economic and national development and defence in each country, enhancing the position of both Viet Nam and Laos in the region and world, he said. With the current regional and global situations presenting challenges and opportunities to each countries construction and defence, Viet Nam and Laos have still prospered in various fields, showing that the path their Parties have chosen was the right one, noted the Party leader. Both the 12th Congress of the Viet Nam Communist Party and the 10th Congress of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party reaffirmed the goal of national independence and socialism as well as determination to speed up the renewal course, he stated. Expressing his feelings towards the youth of both countries, he stressed that youths are the backbone of a country, the pioneering force of revolution and the future owners of the nation. He urged youngsters of both nations to work hard to improve their knowledge and morality to become a high quality workforce that drive industrialisation and modernisation in each country as well as stronger Viet Nam-Laos ties. Leaders put their trust in the youth, he affirmed, expressing his hope that the youngsters will increase exchanges, while promoting ties between Viet Nam and Laos. Founded in 1996, the National University of Laos is the only national university of the Southeast Asian country. It provides courses in 11 majors, including economics and business administration, architecture, engineering, agriculture and education. On the occasion, Party General Secretary Trong presented 30 sets of computers to the university. Earlier the same day, the Party leader and the Vietnamese delegations laid a wreath at the Heroic Martyrs Monument in Vientiane and visited the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum and President Souphanouvong Commemorative House. VNS HA NOI The number of workplace accidents and worker deaths are on the rise in Viet Nam, and one third of them occurred on construction sites, said an official. Nguyen Tuan Ngoc Tu, from the State Authority for Construction Quality Inspection under the Ministry of Construction (MoC), said the workshop, titled Capacity enhancement in cost estimation, contract management, quality and safety in construction investment projects in Viet Nam, held in Ha Noi on Friday. There were 7,620 workplace accidents last year, killing 666 people, an increase of 911 accidents and 36 deaths compared with the same period in the previous year. In the first half of this year, a total of 356 people were killed in 3,674 workplace accidents. Notably, the collapse of scaffolding at a construction site in the Taiwanese-invested Formosa Industrial Park in Ha Tinh Provinces Vung Ang economic zone killed 13 Vietnamese workers and injured 29 others in March last year. Tu blamed the increase in accidents on inadequate safety management in the workplace, including a lack of safety training or inspections of machines and equipment. The penalty was not strong enough to deter violations, he said. To reduce accidents in construction spaces, he said, it was necessary to produce legal documents on safety management at construction sites and to intensify inspections of everything from design to implementation of construction projects. The creation of a database on labour safety in the construction sector is needed to improve safety awareness among contractors and workers, he said. Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Construction Bui Pham Khanh said the workshop offered an opportunity for participants to share their experience in project management. Thanks to cooperation from Japan, the capacity of staff and related organisations under the MoC that are directly involved in construction projects has been enhanced, he said. Masafumi Yamauchi, an expert from Japan International Co-operation Agency, said the projects ultimate goal was for public construction projects in Viet Nam to be managed in accordance with international standards and regulations. The workshop, jointly organised by Japan International Cooperation Agency and the MoC, aims to introduce technical cooperation focus on specific laws and regulations on construction in Viett Nam. The workshop was held under the scope of a JICA-funded project, which has been in effect since April 2015 and will last until March 2018. Similar training workshops will be held in a Nang and HCM City on December 2 and 8. VNS HA NOI The Central Steering Committee on Natural Disaster Prevention yesterday sent a message to the steering committee for Natural Disaster Prevention in coastal localities from the northern Quang Ninh Province to central Khanh Hoa province urging them to prepare for storm Tokage, the ninth storm this year in Viet Nam. According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 7am yesterday the tropical depression intensified into tropical storm Tokage in the central Philippines with wind speeds of up to 75km per hour, the message said. The storm was predicted to move west-northwest at 15-20 km per hour. As of 7am this morning, the storm was about 500km northeast of Song Tu Tay Island, an island belonging to the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago with 90km wind speeds. To cope with the storm, the Central Committee asked its branch at localities and ministries to monitor the storm and notify owners of vehicles operating at sea of the storms position and its movements. The dangerous zone was identified from 11.0 to 15.0 degree North Latitude and 116 degrees east. The zone could change depending on the storms development, the committee said. The committee also ordered the Ministry of Industry and Trade to take measures to protect oil projects at sea. Localities were urged to mobilise all resources to cope with the storm and minimise damage. The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said due to the storm, there would be rains in provinces from Quang Binh to Thua Thien-Hue with average rainfall between 30-80mm. The rainfall may be bigger in some areas in Quang Binh like Le Thuy (129mm) and Kien Giang (194mm.) The Centre also warned that at rivers from Quang Binh to Quang Ngai provinces may flood. VNS by Bach Lien For movie-lovers in Ha Noi, next Wednesday (November 30) will be their last chance to watch films at the Hanoi Cinematheque before it closes its doors. This cinema, along with the surrounding art deco architecture of the complex, will soon be destroyed. A modern commercial centre will be erected in its place. Vietnamese and foreign movie-lovers, who have frequented this cinema for 14 years, are mourning the loss of this important cultural site, a hub for art-house film lovers. For many Vietnamese and foreign movie-lovers, Hanoi Cinematheque is a true Cinema Paradiso (like the name of the classic Italian movie). It is known as the coolest hidden cinema spot in Ha Noi. Set well back from the ceaseless din of the capitals busiest shopping district, Cinematheque patrons walk through a darkened, 100m-long enclosed alleyway on Hai Ba Trung Street before emerging into an art-deco-themed courtyard. To the left, there is an ancient tree shaded courtyard cafe and to the right, people can see framed posters heralding some cinema classics. The sweet perfume of hoang lan (Ylang ylang) flowers has seduced people of all ages who enjoy drinks with friends at this cafe before or after watching a film. Cinema paradiso Hanoi Cinematheque is likely the only cinema of its kind in Viet Nam. Different from other cinemas in Ha Noi, Cinematheque is an independent and non-profit cinema which shows a diverse range of the worlds most successful films, from 1940s black and white classics to 2011 Cannes winners and Vietnamese documentaries. It is the only venue in the bustling Vietnamese metropolis which presents classics of international cinema, to connect world cinema to movie-lovers in Ha Noi. The club, run by American film producer Gerald Herman, former advertising executive and long-time expat, has been exceptionally active in organising regular film festivals. For Herman, Hanoi Cinematheque was the result of 14 years of passionate struggle. After his arrival in Viet Nam from New York in 1992, the expat director/producer founded and created the programme for the movie club in 2002. Cinema has always played an important role in Vietnamese society, Herman was quoted in an article published on the website of Screen-Space, an online magazine on world cinema. "I set up Hanoi Cinematheque with the thought of educating and inspiring a new generation of young Vietnamese filmmakers, he added. It has remained the "best kept secret" amongst cinephiles in Southeast Asia. However, its elegant screening room and art deco facade will be demolished by the end of this month to make way for yet another shopping/parking complex. But Herman leaves behind a rich cultural legacy. In his backroom DVD library, he preserves his own collection of 3,500 DVDs of films. He said he would offer 400 classics (with Vietnamese subtitles) to Ha Nois Stage and Cinema University. He also said he would continue promoting Vietnamese cinema to the world and global independent cinema to Viet Nam through classes and conferences. Nostalgia Herman feels melancholic over the closure of his Cinematheque. He said he would not consider building another cinema like it, as he could not be sure the new cinema would not be demolished in the future as well. Vietnamese film director Nguyen Vinh Son said with sadness, I know Hanoi Cinematheque was Geralds greatest passion, as he wished to bring the knowledge of cinema to the Vietnamese public and filmmakers through the worlds classic movies. For many years, he had lived far from home, going through many difficulties, dedicated to the effort of building Cinematheque. For cinema experts and movie-lovers, the disappearance of Hanoi Cinematheque is a huge loss for Viet Nams cultural space. Famed Vietnamese director ang Nhat Minh, whose successful films were screened at Cinematheque, said, I think the closure of the Hanoi Cinematheque means that Ha Noi has lost a great source of pride, because it is a thousand times more difficult to build a cultural space than a trade centre, he said. On the website of Screen-Space, an online magazine on world cinema, Jamie Maxtone-Graham, a fan of Cinematheque, said, For a cinephile in Ha Noi and in Viet Nam, the Cinematheque years have been the best; we might even consider it to be a regional gem. There have simply been no other places around to compare it with, and the loss of this venue, its valuable archives of world-class cinema and the spirit of its tucked-away corner, right in the middle of it all, are irreplaceable. Truly an end. For decades to come, as we look back fondly on the past of this lovely city, we will say, Remember Cinematheque?" Farewell to what used to be a communal space that has nurtured thousands of peoples love for cinema and that had kept many of their sweet memories closely linked to the sweet fragrance of ylang-ylang flowers. VNS Located at 22A Hai Ba Trung Street, the 89-seat Hanoi Cinematheque is an independent and non-profit movie theater that has been open in Ha Noi since 2002. Despite its modest size, it was hailed for meeting international standards. No tickets were sold here. The Cinematheque operates on a membership system. To become a member, one had to pay only VN200,000 (US$8) per year and then reserve seats to all Cinematheque screenings and events, usually with a VN50,000 donation" paid per event. It features regular screenings of newer films and older classic movies from many countries. The Cinematheque often features themed series (such as films from the current years Cannes film festival or the latest crop of Oscar winners). They also run director retrospectives, showing most films from a particular director. Additionally, guest filmmakers are brought in to discuss their works with audiences. This unique opportunity allows cinema enthusiasts to interact directly with the artists. The guests range from local and regional filmmakers to artists from Hollywood and beyond. Our very best moments have been hosting local and foreign filmmakers who present their works and then discuss them with our audience, recalled Herman who had hosted the films of Ira Sachs, Philip Noyce, David Bradbury and John Pilger, as well as Les Blank, Albert Berger and ang Nhat Minh, to name a few. VNS A village populated by the Thai ethnic minority, Pom Coong in Mai Chau District is a must-see for travellers to the northern province of Hoa Binh. There are 70 stilt houses in the village. Many people here stick to their traditional vocation of making brocade while others help entertain tourists by performing traditional music or serving local specialties made from pork and chicken. Visitors to Pom Coong can stay in the stilt houses and rent motorbikes to explore the region. VNS Quang Binh authorities have unveiled plans to advertise the provinces tourism on TripAdvisor next year. Tran Tien Dung, deputy chairman of the Peoples Committee, said last week that agreement had been reached with TripAdvisor for promoting the provinces tourist industry on the travel website. There has been little international advertising for Quang Binh so far due to limited budgets, resulting in small numbers of international travellers, Dung added. VNS WASHINGTON Former Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein on Thursday launched a bid to seek a vote recount in Wisconsin, the first of three Rust Belt states won by Donald Trump where she intends to challenge the result. Steins campaign announced Thursday that it had raised the US$1.1 million necessary to fund a recount in Wisconsin and was on track to do the same in Pennsylvania and Michigan, having raised $2.7 million of a $4.5 million goal. Her campaign has cited unspecified "anomalies" as grounds to mount a challenge in all three states. The move comes amid stepped-up calls from some of Trumps left-wing opponents to challenge the results of the November 8 election, which was marked by warnings of foreign hacking and vote rigging. "The unexpected results of the election and reported anomalies need to be investigated before the 2016 presidential election is certified," Stein said on her website. "We deserve elections we can trust." Although there is virtually no chance of overturning the result, the demands could reignite debate over the legitimacy of Trumps election, already fuelled by Democrat Hillary Clintons lead in the popular vote which now stands at two million. "Raising money to pay for the first round so quickly is a miraculous feat and a tribute to the power of grassroots organizing," Steins website read. The Midwestern state of Wisconsin was a key battleground in the November 8 election, helping propel the Republican Trump to a victory that stunned the nation. Trump also won swing state Pennsylvania, and claimed a razor-thin victory in Michigan according to unofficial results released Wednesday. Although she lost in the indirect electoral college tally which decides who wins the White House, Clintons lead in the popular vote has risen as official results are finalised, narrowing the result in some swing states where she lost. Clinton conceded on November 9 and her campaign is not supporting the recount calls. Election integrity movement Steins demands follow a bitter presidential campaign that included persistent charges of Russian hacking and fraud. Trump also warned during his campaign that the election would be "rigged," and refused to say whether he would accept the results. Any result change would not help Stein, who won just over 1.1 per cent of Wisconsins vote. But she launched the recount effort after computer scientists reportedly told the Clinton campaign the election may have been rigged in Trumps favor. The scientists, including University of Michigans J. Alex Halderman, together with voting rights activist John Bonifaz and others, said Clintons votes were 7 per cent below expectations in counties that tallied votes with electronic machines. "These recounts are part of an election integrity movement to attempt to shine a light on just how untrustworthy the US election system is," Steins website said, adding that the attempt is "not intended to help Hillary Clinton." Clinton lost by a razor-thin margin of around 27,000 votes in Wisconsin and 60,000 votes in Pennsylvania. Unofficial results released by Michigans secretary of states office, put Trump ahead by a mere 10,704 votes. "I think its only natural and good for Americans to be reassured that our votes are counted," Stein told CNN Thursday, "especially after such a divisive and bitter election where 80 percent of Americans... basically said they were disgusted with this election." Demographics, not hacking But one of the scientists she cites, Halderman, Wednesday sought to dampen mounting speculation that recounts would change the elections result. "Were this years deviations from pre-election polls the results of a cyberattack?" he wrote on Medium. "Probably not." Rather, the polling was more likely "systematically wrong." The only way to remove any lingering controversy, however, would be to study "paper ballots and voting equipment in critical states," he added. The well-known statistician Nate Silver was also skeptical about any possible change in the results, tweeting that the disputed voting patterns "are well-explained by demographics -- not hacking." Wisconsin swung Republican this month for the time since voters there helped elect Ronald Reagan in 1984. Its unclear how much success Stein will have challenging the results in other states. SOFIA Around 1,500 migrants have rioted in Bulgarias largest refugee camp, triggering clashes that left two dozen police injured and prompted the arrest of hundreds of protesters, officials said. "Around 300 migrants, six of them considered a threat to national security, have been arrested," Prime Minister Boyko Borissov told BNR public radio after visiting the camp in early hours of Friday. He added that 24 police officers and two migrants had been injured and that the situation had been brought under control. Angry migrants -- mostly Afghans -- set car tyres on fire and threw stones at around 250 police officers, members of the gendarmerie and firefighters at the Harmanli reception centre near the Turkish border earlier Thursday to protest a recently imposed ban on migrants leaving the centre pending medical checks. Local police chief Nina Nikolova said earlier on Thursday that the situation was under control and that the migrants were in talks with the state refugee agency. But tensions flared up again in the evening when police had to use two water cannons to push the rioting group of migrants back into the buildings and prevent them from leaving the camp. The centre, which houses just over 3,000 migrants, was the scene of another protest in October when several hundred Afghans demanded they be allowed to continue their journey towards western Europe. With a fence along the Turkish border, Bulgaria has largely remained on the sidelines of Europes worst migration crisis since 1945. Nonetheless around 13,000 migrants, mostly from Afghanistan, are currently trapped in the European Unions poorest country. Although the so-called Balkan migrant trail was effectively shut down in March, migrants have continued to cross the region in smaller numbers. Tensions have been rising particularly in Greece where tens of thousands of people remain stranded. Migrants set fire to a camp on the Greek island of Lesbos Thursday after a woman and a six-year-old child died following a gas cylinder explosion, local police said. The explosion occurred while the 66-year-old woman was cooking, police said, adding that the childs mother and four-year-old sibling were hospitalised with serious injuries. In an apparent act of rage, migrants then set fire to the Moria camp on Lesbos, causing significant damage, police said. Ensuing clashes between migrants and police left six refugees slightly injured. Neo-Nazis last week attacked a migrant camp on the eastern Greek island of Chios. HILLA, Iraq A suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State group killed at least 70 people, mainly Shiite pilgrims, south of Baghdad on Thursday, as Iraqi forces battle to retake Mosul from the jihadists. The huge truck bomb blast ripped through a petrol station where packed buses returning from the Arbaeen commemoration in Karbala were parked, officials said. Most of the dead were Iranians, the largest contingent of foreigners in the pilgrimage, which is one of the worlds largest religious events and culminated on Monday. The attack took place near a village called Shomali, about 120 kilometres southeast of Baghdad. IS, which is fighting to defend its Mosul stronghold in northern Iraq, claimed responsibility for the attack. Falah al-Radhi, head of the provincial security committee for Babylon, the province where the bombing happened, said several buses were targeted. "A large truck exploded among them. It was a suicide attack," he said. "There are at least 70 dead, fewer than 10 are Iraqis, the rest are Iranians." Videos circulating on social media showed debris scattered over a large area along the main highway linking Baghdad to the main southern port city of Basra. "There are completely charred corpses at the scene," said Radhi, who added that at least 20 wounded were transferred to nearby hospitals. The Joint Operations Command in Baghdad issued a statement saying the truck was packed with ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound used in many explosive devices. Diversionary attacks Up to 20 million people visited Karbala, home to the mausoleum of Imam Hussein, for Arbaeen this year. According to the Iraqi authorities, around three million of them were Iranians. Irans foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi condemned the "brutal and inhumane" attack, the IRNA news agency said. US National Security Council spokesman Ned Price also strongly condemned the attack, saying it was "clearly intended to stoke sectarian tensions". "The United States remains steadfast in its partnership with the Iraqi people and government, and this attack only serves to strengthen our resolve in defeating ISIL," he said, using another name for IS. Iraq had deployed around 25,000 members of the security forces in and around the shrine city to protect the pilgrims from a feared IS attack. The jihadist group, which is losing ground in Mosul, has carried out a series of high-profile diversionary attacks since Iraqi forces launched a huge offensive against their northern stronghold last month. Elite forces battled IS jihadists in eastern Mosul Thursday, looking for fresh momentum in their five-week-old offensive to retake Iraqs second city. Maan al-Saadi, a commander with the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS), said on the front line in Mosul that his forces were fighting IS in the neighbourhood of Al-Khadraa. "They cannot flee. They have two choices -- give up or die," he said. Over the past few days, Iraqi forces have cut off the main supply line running from Mosul to the western border with Syria, where IS still controls the city of Raqa. The US-led coalition also bombed bridges over the Tigris river that splits Mosul in two, reducing the jihadists ability to resupply the eastern front. Brutal fighting "It is extraordinarily tough fighting, just brutal, but there is an inevitability to it. The Iraqis are going to beat them," coalition spokesman Colonel John Dorrian said. IS fighters moving in an intricate network of tunnels have used snipers, booby traps and a seemingly endless supply of suicide car bombers to stop Iraqi forces. The authorities have not released casualty figures since the start of the offensive. Iraqi forces launched a major offensive on October 17 to retake Mosul, where jihadist supremo Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed a caliphate in 2014. They are also edging towards the city from a northern front as well as from the south, where they are within striking distance of Mosul airport. Among the forces deployed south and west of the city are the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation), an umbrella for paramilitaries dominated by Tehran-backed militias. They have focused their operations on Tal Afar, a large town still held by IS west of Mosul and on Wednesday announced they had cut the main road between it and Syria. That will make it very long and dangerous for IS if it attempts to move fighters and equipment between Mosul and Raqa, their last two bastions. The International Organization for Migration said Thursday that around 76,000 people had been displaced since October 17. Pakistan Prime Minister today hailed outgoing army chief General Raheel Sharif who is retiring on November 29 after a three-year tenure. Sharif hosted a dinner for the retiring army chief where senior officials from armed forces and civilian institutions and politician attended. "We have gathered here today to honour and thank General Raheel Sharif for his many years of dedicated, meritorious and exemplary service to Pakistan and its Armed Forces," Sharif said. CEDAR FALLS The list that gets Single Speed Brewing owner David Morgans attention most these days is the to-do list for opening the new Waterloo location. Nonetheless, Morgan was pleased to learn the brewery made a list of top college town breweries in the U.S. Opened in Cedar Falls in November, 2012, Single Speed marked its fourth anniversary by beginning operations at the former Wonder Bread building, 325 Commercial St., in downtown Waterloo. Still based in Cedar Falls, the brewery made the Ucribs list based on data from Beer Advocate. As much as we appreciate, thats not really why we do what we do, Morgan said of the ranking. Although cities such as Denver and Portland, Ore., are still strongholds for craft beer, the industrys recent explosion has moved it into college towns across the U.S. Single Speed has more than a few times acknowledged the University of Northern Iowa with Panther-themed beers including UNIhopped pale ale. The ranking also mentions the ease of biking to the brewery. The brewery also got some attention with a profile on Morgan in Beer Advocate magazine. The publicity comes as the operation begins to prepare brewing at the new Waterloo facility. Theres no bad time for buzz, Morgan said. The task at hand is getting a new brewing system operating, he added. Exterior work on the building, a restaurant and taproom are still under construction by the brewing system itself is in place. Ultimately, were trying to make great beer and get the system fired up to meet demand by the end of the year, he said. Austin Myers, head brewer, started a wort on the new system last week. Although the new production facility, taproom and restaurant in Waterloo will allow the brewery to expand its distribution, it will still remain a college town brewery. Morgan will keep the original location on Main Street in downtown Cedar Falls. Well be able to do some fun things with the system there while we produce our big-batch beers (in Waterloo), Morgan said. Joining Single Speed Brewing in the former bakery building will be Sidecar Coffee roasting operations and coffee bar. The Waterloo location is slated to open spring next year. CEDAR FALLS Composer Jerome Kerns once said Irving Berlin had no place in American music because he is American music. The Cedar Falls Community Theatre will play tribute to the one of the greatest songsmiths in I Love a Piano: A Holiday Tribute to Irving Berlin, a production stuffed as full as a Christmas stocking with standards like God Bless America, White Christmas, Puttin on the Ritz, Anything You Can Do, How Deep is the Ocean, Blue Skies and Theres No Business Like Show Business. Performances are Dec. 2, 3 and 4 and Dec. 9, 10 and 11 at the Oster Regent Theatre. Director Liane Nichols describes the musicals concept as a sweet one, built around Berlins song, I Love a Piano, which honors the musical instrument Berlin used to compose his hit songs. The song was originally written for the Judy Garland film, Easter Parade. The story follows the journey of a piano through the 20th century from Tin Pan Alley to a speakeasy, a dance hall, World War II canteen, a ballroom, summer stock theater and even a junk yard. Basically the piano is a way to string together many Berlin songs and celebrate his music through a series of vignettes. The dialogue is minimal compared to the music. We have a wonderful bunch of performers who are very dedicated, Nichols says. Cast members are Shelby Davis as Ginger, Brian McDonald as George, Linda Morgan as Sadie, Jens Petersen as Jim, Crystal Spencer as Rose, Molly Wells as Eileen, Jim Young as Alex and John Luzaich as the Mime. A combo featuring bass, drums, keyboard and piano will be on stage. Linda Sharp is musical director and Sandy McDonald is vocal director. In addition to song and dance numbers, special lighting and visual projections will add to the atmosphere, Nichols says. For the older audience, the projections will give them a feeling of nostalgia. For younger people, it will be a historical look at where weve been and the music, what it means to American culture and why it is so beloved, she explains. Berlin is celebrated for writing uncomplicated, simple and direct music and lyrics with his own stated aim to reach the heart of the average American the real soul of the country, according to Wikipedia. Born Israel Isidore Baline in Russia in 1888, Irving Berlin immigrated to the United States at age 5. He published his first song in 1907, and his first major international hit, Alexanders Ragtime Band, in 1911, which created a dance craze around the world. He was a legendary composer by age 30 and wrote about 1,500 songs in his lengthy career, including scores for 19 Broadway shows and 18 Hollywood movies. He was nominated eight times for Oscars, won Tony awards, received a Congressional gold medal for the song God Bless America and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among his many awards and recognitions. He died in 1989. What we want to give the public is Irving Berlin and his wonderful ideas, his great love for words and his way of putting lyrics together in such interesting ways. He had a great spirit, and he loved America and celebrated it in his music, Nichols adds. Blood drive set for Thursday REINBECK -- There will be an American Red Cross blood drive from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Reinbeck Memorial Building. Christmas event slated for Dec. 4 CEDAR FALLS -- The Cedar Falls Woman's Club will welcome the public for a Community Christmas Celebration from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 4. The UNI Women's Chorus will perform while guests enjoy traditional wassail and cookies. For more information, call 266-1431. Historical society cookie walk set INDEPENDENCE The Buchanan Co. Historical Society will sponsor a Christmas Cookie Walk from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 3 at First Presbyterian Church, 115 Sixth Ave. N.W. The admission charge of $5 will then entitle people to an empty box to fill with cookies and goodies. This is a fundraiser for the Capt. D.S. Lee Mansion (aka old Peoples Memorial Hospital). This mansion was built for the first mayor of Independence in 1867. The building is owned by the Buchanan Co. Historical Society and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Button club will meet Wednesday WATERLOO -- The Black Hawk Button Club will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday at St. Paul's Methodist Church, 207 W. Louise (three blocks behind Allen Hospital). The topic will be "realistic buttons." The public is welcome; call Jeanine at 266-3070 or Anna at 415-7550 for more information. Pumpkin is topic of culinary camp CEDAR FALLS -- Kids ages 6-13 are welcome to the Culinary Kids Camp Pumpkin Power from 3:45- 4:45 p.m. Wednesday. Children will learn cooking techniques and a nutrition lesson; the cooking lesson involves preparation and table graces. Camp cost is $20 per child, and it's held at Luanns Kitchen. For additional information, 266-8021 or e- go to www.laanda.com. WATERLOO The mother of a Waterloo teen who was taken to the ground and handcuffed by police after yelling at a squad car said she never wanted a monetary settlement. Tenesha Birdens daughter received an $85,000 settlement from the City of Waterloo after bringing a civil suit in connection with the September 2014 incident when the girl was 13. Details were finalized earlier this month. Birden, 31, said she first tried to negotiate with city officials seeking only three things. She wanted her daughters charge harassment of a public official for failing to tell officers her last name dismissed, as well as an apology and changes at the Waterloo Police Department. When that failed, she took the matter to court in the form of a civil suit filed in June 2015. Money isnt the issue, and its sad you have to take things that far, Birden said. The claim alleged police improperly restrained Birdens daughter after the teen yelled at a passing squad car to slow down and then refused to give her full name. Police argued the officer had cause to cuff the girl because she had tried to flee when told she was being arrested. During the negotiations that followed, Birdens attorney, Thomas Frerichs, brought up the possibility of a civilian review board to review misconduct complaints. The daughters underlying charge had been thrown out by the court before the suit was filed, Birden said. Birden said she became a target after filing the suit. She was removed from her spot on the citys Human Rights Commission; a move she believes was in response to the legal case. The Rev. Abraham Funchess Jr., the commissions executive director, said Birden missed several consecutive meetings. He said she was given some leeway before being dismissed because of the absences. She was dealing with a lot of extraneous situations going on in her personal life, and we were empathetic with that. We allowed her to hang in there longer than normal, quite frankly, but at some point we just needed to create space for a new commissioner, Funchess said. Birden had been appointed to the commission in 2014 and liked the work it involved. I like volunteering and doing what I do, Birden said. The commission works to end discrimination, and Birdens application to the organization said she was passionate about justice issues such as over incarceration and gender violence. In addition to her removal from the Human Rights Commission, Birden was also arrested in connection with domestic turmoil with her husband in 2015 while her daughters suit against the City of Waterloo was pending. She said she never had a problem with the police until she filed the lawsuit, and she felt police arrested her to tarnish her reputation. I feel like the police were using him against me and me against him, Birden said. Police Chief Daniel Trelka said the arrest had nothing to do with the civil case. Absolutely not. The officers are professionals. They do their job and they do it great, and I support them. People are entitled to due process. If you want to contest an arrest, its your right to do it through the court system, Trelka said. Court records show Birden entered an Alford plea not admitting guilt but contending she would likely be convicted at trial to domestic assault, but an accompanying offense of child endangerment was dismissed. The $85,000 settlement was approved in July but took until November to finalize. After legal expenses, the funds will be placed in a structured settlement annuity for Birdens daughter. CEDAR RAPIDS -- Like President-elect Donald Trump, U.S. Rep. Rod Blum has building a wall at the top of his to-do list. Only its not the wall with Mexico. Its the Cedar Rapids flood wall, the Dubuque Republican said earlier this week. Its his priority to see that the flood wall and federal funding is included in the Water Resources Development Act, Blum said. Were going to be all over that, said Blum, who was re-elected to a second term earlier this month. That could happen during the lame duck session when Congress returns to Washington next week or when the new Congress convenes in January. It might be a stand-alone Water Resources Development Act bill or it might be rolled into a larger continuing resolution to fund the government or, Blum said, part of next years omnibus budget bill. Everything is up in the air right now, said Blum, who is a member of the House Budget Committee. I havent heard from leadership as to what form it will take. I just want to make sure that a WRDA bill gets through, A, and then B, the Cedar Rapids flood wall amendment is in there. So there are a lot of moving parts, but Im hopeful, he said. Cedar Rapids, which has been hit by the two worst flooding events in recorded history in the past eight years, has designed a $625 million flood control system that hinges on getting federal funding. The city sustained close to $5 billion in damages to homes, businesses and public infrastructure after the Cedar River crested at more than 31 feet in June 2008. In September, the Cedar River crested at nearly 22 feet, forcing the city to hastily erect temporary barriers that warded off severe damages. The city has successfully lobbied to get $70 million to $80 million authorized by Congress for the flood wall, but the money never has been allocated in the federal budget or released by the Army Corps of Engineers. Although the Corps has a multibillion dollar backlog of projects, Blum hopes that Iowas congressional delegation can get movement from the Trump administration on the funding. He anticipates Trumps director of the White Houses Office of Management and Budget will be someone who is willing to listen to our side of the story. The OMB in the presidents office in the past has been the holdup, he said. They wouldnt even give us a meeting over the past 18 months. They basically ignored us. It was like talking to the wall sometimes when its the other party. At least it will be our party running things, so at least theyll talk to us. JANESVILLE House fires have kept area fire departments busy this holiday. In the latest blaze, crews with the Janesville Fire Rescue were called to a burning home Friday morning. The residents at 8515 Winslow Road, located between Janesville and Finchford, were out of town, and a neighbor who was looking after the residence called 911 after noticing smoke shortly after 8 a.m. Pets inside the house were rescued, according to authorities. Janesville firefighters had to cut into the homes roof to reach the flames. The cause wasnt immediately available. On Wednesday, a Cedar Falls home took heavy damage in a fire. Firefighters were called to 3710 Briarwood Drive around 8 p.m. No injuries were reported in the fire. WATERLOO Six writers from Waterloo featured in a new book on rediscovering a passion in life will present their work at a book signing and author panel Saturday. Nicole Sallis and Consuela Cooper, both Waterloo East High School graduates, founded and co-authored Passion, Prayer, Purpose: A Collection of Stories to Help Any Woman Design+Her+Life, which was released this month. Sallis, a graduate of Iowa State University who now lives in New York City, founded Design+Her+Life in 2014 to promote womens empowerment, wellness and spirituality, according to her website. Cooper currently resides in Houston and is working on her doctorate degree. Both realized the idea for the book after a conversation about the different paths they were taking to achieve the American dream, according to the books website. The conversation ended with the conclusion that there is a need for stories written by everyday women who have used their pain to lead them to prayer as a way to find their purpose and set priorities that moved them forward, the women wrote on the books website. The Passion, Prayer, Purpose book signing will be from 7 to 10 p.m. today at Salon Elite, 521 Lafayette St., in Waterloo. The Day of Empowerment+Passion+Prayer+Purpose event, featuring workshops, an author panel, shopping and dance workouts, will be from noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Waterloo Center for the Arts. Tanara Colson, also from Waterloo, contributed to Passion, Prayer, Purpose and will be one of six writers from Waterloo at Saturdays panel. The others are Sallis, Ashley Caldwell, Kateea Scott, Keyaira Phillips and Danessa Seward. These stories are designed to help women rediscover their passion, move from victim to victor and develop a design for her life, Colson told The Courier. The book is on sale at Amazon and at this link: http://passionprayerpurpose.wixsite.com/dhlb President-elect Donald Trumps flirtation with Mitt Romney as a possible pick for secretary of state has injected a sliver of hope and change into an evolving administration that could use some. If ever there were a rarer pair think Doberman and Labradoodle I cant think of one. Then again, how better to present a bad cop/good cop dynamic to a dangerous and fragile world? If Trump is perceived as unstable and potentially volatile, Romney is the face of calm, a steady hand to help guide the next presidents foreign policies. Concerns about the two mens pointed exchanges during the campaign season would seem less important than whether Romney can do the presidents bidding renegotiating trade deals, for example when Trumps views are in direct conflict with his own. Romney has been pro-open trade while Trump campaigned on either scrapping or reworking trade deals. Having known Romney for a decade or so, Im pretty sure hed accept the job if offered, which I base on my understanding of his profound sense of duty to country. While true Romney worked against Trump during the primaries, his personal values, including a humility rare in the political world, ultimately would prevail over self-regard. And though Trump called Romney a choker, hardly a recommendation for the person charged with negotiating the nations foreign interests, Trump is Trump, meaning he moves easily from one position to another. And politics are politics. Things are said. Things are unsaid. Indeed, just Tuesday, top aide Kellyanne Conway said the president-elect wont pursue an investigation of Hillary Clinton despite having vowed to put her in jail and presided over many a chant of lock her up. More than anything else, Trump is a pragmatist and a businessman. Operative question: What works? As he begins to organize his board of directors, otherwise known as the Cabinet, hes surely aware Romney, of those rumored to be under consideration, would be most effective on the world stage. The pragmatist, by definition, is unemotional about such decisions. That Romney may not be Trumps cup of tea on any number of fronts, including the impossibility of the two settling in for some locker room talk, the presidency confers a broader view of the world, not to mention the burden of all that follows. What would not work is Rudy Giuliani. Not only does the man formerly known as Americas mayor act like he may have plunged his finger into a live socket but his outspokenness in defense of Trump has often seemed like the mad ranting of a man angry at the moon. We still love 9/11 Rudy, but that Rudy seems to be missing. Even if he were present, the fellow who performs best in a crisis isnt necessarily the one who performs best in preventing a crisis. By stark contrast, Romney would help relax tensions abroad as well as at home. He has international credibility and a sophisticated understanding of complex global relationships. Remember, it was Romney who, during his final debate with President Obama in 2012, pointed to Russia as our greatest geopolitical foe. Obama practically laughed him off the stage, but whos laughing now, not that Romney would gloat? Romney is also well versed in areas of international finance and economics demonstrably superior to anyone else on Trumps list. The fact Trump has admired Vladimir Putins strength as a leader and has indicated a preference for working with Russia to defeat the Islamic State isnt precisely in conflict with Romneys recognition of Putin and Russia as threats to our national interests. In fact, they can be seen as complementing each others perspectives with a balance of respect and caution informed by history. On China, Romney and Trump probably agree more than not. Again, during his own presidential run Romney spoke often of clamping down on Chinas currency manipulation. He also is the son of George Romney who in addition to being governor of Michigan was president of American Motors Corp. and likely agrees with Trump the U.S. needs to create incentives for businesses to invest more in American jobs. Further to Romneys qualifications, hes an experienced deal-maker, a skill Trump obviously admires. Super-articulate and fluent in policy (as well as French, for what its worth), Romney is a cool thinker and, not insignificantly, a non-imbiber, also like Trump. Not least, he is by all accounts a thoroughly decent human being. A wise man would look no further. Murray police warn of prowlers in several neighborhoods Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. While his positions did not derail his presidential hopes, many people is expecting more controversy as Trump begins his transition to the White House. SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA, November 24, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Many American voters are still in denial that Donald Trump actually beat Hillary Clinton in the Nov. 8 presidential election. The 2016 campaign was marked by stories and scandals involving Trump, from questionable positions on immigration to allegations of sexual assault. While his positions did not derail his presidential hopes, many people is expecting more controversy as Trump begins his transition to the White House. The bookies in Vegas already have their odds set for a series of scenarios, but what can we really expect from the former reality TV star and billionaire real estate developer when he assumes the presidency? Would he finish his term? Would he build a wall as he promised? Donald Trump's First State Visit According to MyBookie.ag, Russia is the +190 favorite to be the first state visit of Trump. Accused by Clinton of being a puppet of President Vladimir Putin after praising the Russian leader, Trump dismissed any connections with the Russian government during the campaign. But Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said there had indeed been some contact between the two parts. Other countries mentioned in this prop include Mexico (+190), Canada (+280), Israel (+330), Cuba (+2500), Venezuela (+4000) and North Korea (+10000). Will Donald Trump Build a Wall Before 2020? No one actually believes Trump can find the money to build a wall to block the entire 1,954-mile frontier, but he has somewhat backed off this promise since winning the election. That Trump does build a wall by the end of 2020 is yes-only at +300. Will Trump Put Hillary Clinton In Jail? Trump also promised to find a special prosecutor to put Clinton in jail for her hiding of classified emails while she was the Secretary of State. In recent days, Trump has backed away from this position, saying that he won't recommend prosecution of Clinton, although, we all know he's the type of guy who changes his mind in a blink of an eye. Here's a look at the Donald Trump props released at MyBookie.ag: Donald Trump Props Hillary Clinton Arrested Before The End Of 2020: +250 Donald Trump Props Build Wall Cover Entire Of Us-Mex Before End 2020: +300 Donald Trump Props Trump Successfully Impeached Before End Of 2020: +500 Donald Trump Props Trump To Turn The White House Gold: +5000 Donald Trump Props Trump To Win A Nobel Peace Prize In His Lifetime: +400 # # # Michigan will certify the results of its 2016 presidential election on Monday, November 28th. Donald Trump is all but certain to win the state, completing a remake of the electoral map that includes several states that haven't voted Republican in over 25 years. Trump is expected to win the state by 10,704 votes, following the certification of results by each of the state's 83 county clerks. The state's Board of Canvassers will officially certify the results on Monday. We expect Associated Press to call the race at that time, and we'll finally be able to complete the 2016 electoral map, pending the official vote of Electors on December 19th. It is the closest race for president in Michigan history. Once Michigan is official, Trump will have 306 electoral votes, marking a 100 vote swing from Mitt Romney in 2012. Rose Lichter-Marck at VQR: Plane spottersor avgeeks, as some call themselvestravel around the world in order to hang out near airport runways so that they can watch and document planes as they take off and land. Before the advent of the internet, spotters would meet up at conventions or connect in the back pages of enthusiast magazines in order to trade mounted film slides of their best shots. Now they post pictures on online forums such as Airliners.net, PlaneSpotters.net, and JetPhotos.net, as well as on Flickr and Facebook groups dedicated to the art and practice of aviation enthusiasm. The details they collect provide an open-source trove of data about global commerce and politics, which has been invaluable to journalists and whistleblowers (not to mention various intelligence-gathering agencies) seeking to identify planes and their passengers. When Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilberts private plane flew to Florida in the summer of 2014, his visit was documented by spotters at Miami International, which allowed reporters to predict the return of LeBron James to his hometown. In December 2014, spotting data helped analysts track unlisted flights between Tel Aviv and the United Arab Emirates, despite the fact that Israel had a limited diplomatic relationship with the monarchies of Persian Gulf states. In the fall of 2015, Israel announced it would be opening its first diplomatic mission in the UAE. In 2007, Tunisian blogger Astrubal searched plane-spotting sites for Tunisias presidential plane. His crowdsourced effort revealed that although the president had made only three state-sanctioned trips, the plane had left the country more than ten times, with visits to European capitals where there was no record of official business. more here. Landowners encourage commissioners to stand ground in wake of lawsuit At Tuesday's, Brown County Commission meeting local residents asked commissioners to stand their ground after Summit Carbon Solutions sued the county. IndexBox has just published a new report World: Cocoa Butter Market Report. Analysis and Forecast to 2020. This report has been designed to provide a detailed analysis of the global cocoa butter 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 cocoa butter trade fluctuated mildly over the period under review. A slight drop in 2009 was followed by recovery in 2010 and another decline over 2011-2012. After increasing in 2013 and 2014, exports slightly decreased again in 2015, amounting to 5,650 million USD. Overall, there was an annual increase of +6.8% from 2007 to 2015. According to IndexBox estimates, the Netherlands continued to dominate the market in the global supplies of cocoa butter. In 2015, cocoa butter exports from the Netherlands totaled 1,610 million USD, which accounted for a 28% share in terms of global exports. Indonesia, Malaysia, France, and Germany were the other key global suppliers of cocoa butter in 2015, with a 39% combined share of global exports. Germany (+26.1% per year) and Indonesia (+15.4% per year) were the fastest growing exporters from 2007 to 2015. Indonesia strengthened its position in terms of global cocoa butter exports, growing its share from 7% in 2007 to 13% in 2015. On the other hand, Germany (14%, based on value terms), USA (12%), The Netherlands (10%), Belgium (9%), and the UK (6%) were the leading destinations of cocoa butter imports in 2015. Imports to Germany grew at a quick pace of +8% per year from 2007 to 2015. None of the major importers reduced their imports of cocoa butter over the period under review, and all of them maintained relatively stable import share sizes. 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-cocoa-butter-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 Email your order to info@indexbox.co.uk Price: 1490 EUR for Single License Source: http://www.indexbox.co.uk/store/world-cocoa-butter-market-report-analysis-and-forecast-to-2020/ Media Contact Company Name: IndexBox Marketing Contact Person: Inna Ivonina Email: info@indexbox.co.uk Phone: +44 20 3239 3063 Country: United Kingdom Website: www.indexbox.co.uk Meowijuana, LLC, a catnip company, launches new product line that makes a great holiday gift and is now available for pet stores to sell nationwide. Kansas City, Missouri Meowijuana LLC, a catnip company, has launched a new product line that is creatively branded and plays on the euphoric high some cats have from catnip. The company sells 100 percent organic catnip that is available for shipping both domestically and internationally. Meowijuanas legendary catnip is grown in Southern California and Washington State. Although the company uses the trademarked tag line, For cats who need the weed, there is no actual marijuana in the product. It is perfectly safe and legal for both cats, and even people, to consume. Catnip, which is from the mint family, contains the chemical nepetalactone, which triggers a sense of euphoria in susceptible cats. But not all cats react to catnip. Pet MD has noted that sensitivity to catnip is an inherited trait effecting 50 to 75 percent of cats. Catnip produces a different response depending on how its consumed. Sniffing catnip produces a stimulant effect while eating it can cause sedation in cats. The company also sells the product similarly to the way marijuana dispensaries do in Colorado and other states where it is legal. Meowijuanas Purple Passion Jars offer the product in clear re-sealable jars. The catnip buds were harvested during peak oil product providing cats the next-level catnip experience. For the most dedicated catnip connoisseurs, Meowijuana offers the Grand Daddy Purr Cigar Box. The humidity-regulated cigar boxes are filled with the finest 100 percent organic Grand Daddy Purr Catnip buds. The company even offers their customers, a Medical Meowijuana ID card, which includes the cats pictures, name, sex and date of birth. We offer the highest-quality, pet-safe, organic catnip you will find on the market today all packaged in a unique branding concept that our customers love, says Chris Glissman, CEO of Meowijuana, LLC. Our team has a great time marketing our product, which is a great gift for your cat. Plus our customers enjoy the shopping experience. The company has also opened up their unique product line for pet stores nationwide. For more details, contact sales@meowijuana.com. To learn more about the product, see all the company offers and make an online purchase, visit Shop.Meowijuana.com. About Meowijuana, LLC Meowijuana, LLC is the purveyor of 100 percent organic catnip as well as cat toys and apparel. For more information, visit Shop.Meowijuana.com. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more info, please contact: Chris Glissman, President Meowijuana A Catnip Company (402) 510-4030 chris@meowijuana.com Media Contact Company Name: G Media Inc Contact Person: Grace Williams Email: gracewilliamss91@gmail.com Country: United States Website: www.facebook.com/gmediasolutions Lease Signing Ceremony Secures Johor HPA Site Perth, Nov 25, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Altech Chemicals Limited (Altech/the Company) ( ASX:ATC ) is pleased to advise the attendance of managing director Iggy Tan at the Johor Corporation official lease signing ceremony. The lease is for the land Altech has secured at the Tanjung Langsat Industrial Complex, Johor, Malaysia as the site of its proposed high purity alumina (HPA) plant. Highlights - Lease signing ceremony secures HPA site at Johor - 20-year lease agreement, with 20-year renewal option - Johor is the ideal location for HPA production and distribution The Company executed a 20-year lease agreement, which includes a 20-year renewal option, with TPM Technopark Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johor Corporation. The lease signing and presentation ceremony was held in Johor, Malaysia on 23 November 2016, at which the president and chief executive officer of Johor Corporation, YB Dato Kamaruzzaman Abu Kassim formally presented Altech managing director Iggy Tan with the lease documents. The site that the Company has secured at Johor, Malaysia is in the established Tanjung Langsat Industrial Complex; the site is approximately 4 hectares in size and is in a section of the industrial complex specifically reserved for chemical facilities. The site was selected for its proximity to hydrochloric acid, lime and limestone plants - all required consumables for the Company's proposed HPA plant. Reticulated natural gas and high voltage power is also readily available to the site, as is access to processing water. In addition the kaolin feedstock for the proposed HPA plant will be shipped in sea containers from the port of Fremantle, Western Australia to the nearby container port of Tanjung Pelepas. Final HPA product from the HPA plant will also be distributed through Tanjung Pelepas, which is the 17th largest port in the world, shipping more than 7 million sea containers annually. Altech managing director Mr Iggy Tan commented, "Johor is currently the preferred destination for business investment in Malaysia. Costs of business in Johor are estimated at 30% less than in Kuala Lumpur and 60% less than in Singapore. With three ports; low cost and established power, gas, road, telecommunications and other business infrastructure and its proximity to Singapore, Johor is the ideal site for Altech's downstream high value-add HPA processing plant. "We firmly believe that the benefits of locating our HPA plant in Johor will enable Altech to position itself in the lowest quartile of the world's HPA producers. This is important when you are competing in a global market" he concluded. About Tanjung Langsat Industrial Complex The Tanjung Langsat Industrial Complex is located approximately 40km to the south-east of the city of Johor Bahru and caters to light, medium to heavy industries. The industrial hub contains multinational production groups from petrochemical, oil and gas, resource-based, ferrous and non-ferrous metal, biofuel, marine, palm oil and oleochemicals. Major companies operating within the Tanjung Langsat Industrial Complex include major Spanish steel manufacturer Acerinox Group; Titan Petrochemicals; Kiswire; Dairen Chemicals; Dialog and Lion Eco Chemical. About Altech Chemicals Ltd Altech Chemicals Limited (ASX:ATC) (FRA:A3Y) is aiming to become one of the world's leading suppliers of 99.99% (4N) high purity alumina (Al2O3) through the construction and operation of a 4,500tpa high purity alumina (HPA) processing plant at Johor, Malaysia. Feedstock for the plant will be sourced from the Company's 100%-owned kaolin deposit at Meckering, Western Australia and shipped to Malaysia. HPA is a high-value, high margin and highly demanded product as it is the critical ingredient required for the production of synthetic sapphire. Synthetic sapphire is used in the manufacture of substrates for LED lights, semiconductor wafers used in the electronics industry, and scratch-resistant sapphire glass used for wristwatch faces, optical windows and smartphone components. Increasingly HPA is used by lithium-ion battery manufacturers as the coating on the battery's separator, which improves performance, longevity and safety of the battery. With global HPA demand approximately 19,000t (2018), it is estimated that this demand will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% (2018-2028); by 2028 HPA market demand will be approximately 272,000t, driven by the increasing adoption of LEDs worldwide as well as the demand for HPA by lithium-ion battery manufacturers to serve the surging electric vehicle market. Investor Day & Strategic Update Sydney, Nov 25, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - MYOB Group Limited ( ASX:MYO ) ("MYOB") is today hosting an "Insight to Innovation" event in Melbourne. The event is being held to share with investors and analysts the progress that the Company is making in implementing its strategy and to demonstrate the core modules of the MYOB Platform that are being developed and released. At MYOB's first half financial year 2016 results (1H16) the Company explained that it has undergone a significant transformation to reflect changes in the software accounting industry. MYOB's strategy is designed to deliver sustainable, profitable growth and a market leading position in its rapidly changing market, by focussing on the following five imperatives: - Connected Practice: To lead the accounting services industry through a period of intense change by painting an inspiring view of the industry's future; - MYOB Platform: To deliver a platform designed to leverage network effects and bring to life the Connected Practice vision for SMEs and their advisors; - Clients: To accelerate MYOB's multi-channel capabilities to attract new clients, continue to move existing clients online, and help both succeed through the adoption of connected services; - Brand: To refresh the MYOB brand to build greater awareness of MYOB's range of online services and products; and - Bigger Business: To expand MYOB's Enterprise business by driving growth through its first-to-market cloud ERP and Payroll solution, complemented with inorganic growth. The Company is pleased to report that it is making material progress with the implementation of its strategy, with a number of new platform modules gaining traction and delivering growth. New Products & Services The percentage of MYOB's new SME DIY clients taking an online subscription, as opposed to a desktop licence, exceeded 90% for the three months to October 2016, up from 83% in the quarter to June 2016. Of note is that 50% of new subscribers acquired during the 2016 end of financial year did not consider any other provider than MYOB. Excellent progress is being made in MYOB's online connected services with at least 50% year-on-year growth on multiple fronts. - Since October 2015 the Company's PayDirect mobile transactions per month are up 73%; - PayDirect online transactions (which was launched in May 2016) has exceeded 6,000 transactions as at October 2016; - Monthly bank transactions fed to online solutions are up 55% since October 2015 with more than 12 million feeds being processed in October 2016; - Smart Bills processed per month are up 87% over the past 12 months to more than 500,000; and - MYOB's PaySuper product had paid more than 400,000 employees as at October 2016, up 142% since October 2015. Brand Awareness SME awareness of the MYOB brand is high and well ahead of the competition. As at September 2016, 76% of SMEs had spontaneous MYOB brand awareness versus 24% for a key competitor and total SME prompted awareness of the MYOB brand sat at 92% versus 40% for the same competitor. Importantly, MYOB continues to be the most recommended SME accounting solution in the Australian market with 69% of accountants and bookkeepers recommending MYOB to their clients in the last 12 months, compared to 40% for the key competitor's offerings, with both numbers being steady over the last two years. Bigger Business A big opportunity exists in targeting "bigger businesses", being businesses generating revenue between $10 million - $250 million p.a. with 10 to 100 users and 20 to 1,000 employees. Moving forward, the cloud will be integral to MYOB's strategy and growth in this segment. To cater to this market segment, the Company launched MYOB Advanced in early 2015. As at October 2016 more than 200 MYOB Advanced cumulative sites have been acquired demonstrating the strong demand that exists in the market for MYOB's cloud solutions. The sales mix in Enterprise Solutions (ES) continues towards online solutions. From a base in 2015 when one quarter of combined MYOB Exo (desktop) and MYOB Advanced (online) sales were of MYOB Advanced, YTD 2016 is roughly half and half, with management expecting of more than two thirds of ES sales being on MYOB Advanced in 2017. OUTLOOK MYOB CEO Tim Reed said, "We're making excellent progress in implementing our strategy and see plenty of opportunity for growth. We expect our Connected Practice strategy, underpinned by the MYOB Platform, to drive online category penetration. As investment in our platform continues, we expect R&D as a percentage of revenue to remain at the upper end of the 13% - 16% range." "Our expectation is that our revenue growth will be in line with historic trends and EBITDA margins will remain in the 45% - 50% range. We will continue to reconfigure our revenue mix from license based income to high quality, recurring subscription revenue" he added. "We continue to look for and expect to make targeted acquisitions which fit into the core of our business, as well as investments in new growth opportunities outside of our business" Mr Reed concluded. About Myob Group Ltd MYOB Group Ltd (ASX:MYO) is a leading provider of online business management solutions. It makes business life easier for approximately 1.2 million businesses and accountants across Australia and New Zealand by simplifying accounting, payroll, tax, practice management, CRM, job costing, inventory and more. MYOB operates across three core segments Clients and Partners (business solutions to SMEs and Advisers); Enterprise Solutions (larger businesses) and Payment Solutions. It provides ongoing support through client service channels including a network of over 40,000 accountants, bookkeepers and other consultants. It is committed to ongoing innovation, particularly through its Connected Practice Strategy and through the development of the MYOB Platform. For more information, follow @MYOB on Twitter or visit https://investors.myob.com.au/Investors Strategic China Partnership to Deploy Treatment Plants Melbourne, Nov 25, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Emefcy Group Limited ( ASX:EMC ) ("Emefcy") is pleased to announce the signing of a distribution and deployment partnership with China Gezhouba Group Investment Holding Co Ltd (CGGC INV) to utilize up to 10,000 Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) Modules in the Hubei, Hebei, and Guangdong Provinces in rural China in initial projects under negotiation. - Agreement has potential to lead to over 10,000 rural wastewater treatment plant deployments - Strengthens near term pipeline potential of nearly A$800M, with an estimated A$130M in first year of deployment - Management to host live webcast to discuss details on December 6th at 8:00am IST / December 6th at 5:00pm AEDT / December 6th at 1:00am ET November 25, 2016 China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) is one of China's largest construction and engineering companies which operates in over 100 countries, with over 4,000 successful projects, including the great Three Gorges Dam Project. CGGC INV, a wholly owned subsidiary of CGGC, is a leading enterprise both within China and internationally in the wastewater treatment, water, transportation and energy sectors. "This is an important partnership with a leading Chinese engineering company which is anticipating to receive the largest allocation of rural wastewater treatment plants from the Chinese government," said Richard Irving, Executive Chairman of Emefcy. "We look forward to becoming CGGC INV's preferred provider of low energy, high efficiency biological wastewater treatment solutions, delivering class 1A effluent quality for these deployments." This partnership is the fourth and largest strategic partnership that Emefcy has entered into in recent months, continuing the progress the company has made in being recognized as a preferred solution to China's need for energy efficient, cost effective wastewater treatment solutions in rural areas. Emefcy has hosted delegations from CGGC at multiple sites for almost two years, which has established a strong relationship prior to entering into this partnership. China RBL Group Pte, Emefcy's strategic consultant in China, has been instrumental in facilitating these partnership discussions and this successful outcome. CGGC INV has a stated corporate objective of tripling its water industry installed capacity to over 10 Million m3/day within 2018. Emefcy believes its MABR (Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor) product family can be an important part of that strategy. MABR is a modular, decentralized wastewater treatment process that uses just 10 percent of the energy used by conventional technologies. This energy saving delivers nearly 50% lower OPEX. In rural communities with limited energy generation capacity, MABR enables deployment using alternative renewable sources of energy to operate these plants. This technology is based on spirally-wound respiring membranes which provide oxygen to the process and support the growth of a nitrifying biofilm. Through an integrated process of simultaneous nitrification and de-nitrification, the MABR produces high quality effluent with less operational input than any similar alternative available on the market. "Emefcy's innovative MABR technology makes it an important strategic partner of CGGC INV as we deploy rural wastewater treatment plants throughout key provinces in China. Emefcy was carefully selected after a substantial technological and economic evaluation as a key vehicle to support our growth strategy in the wastewater treatment market in China," said Mr. Song Ling, Chairman, CGGC INV. "Following successful deployments, we also anticipate partnering with Emefcy to offer scalable treatment solutions around the world." Pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding, the partnership commences with the immediate deployment of a 20,000 litre/day demonstration plant in Jingmen, Hubei Province, with the costs shared between the parties. In parallel, in order to promote early deployment of Emefcy product solution, CGGC INV and Emefcy are proposing to jointly bid on an initial 345 rural wastewater treatment plants of varying capacity from 50,000 litre/day to 200,000 litres/day in two key Districts in Hebei and expect to start deployment in first half 2017. Subject to the satisfactory performance of the demonstration plant, in Phase II of this engagement, the parties anticipate signing a long-term agreement whereby CGGC INV commits to purchase at least 10,000 MABR modules in the first year after signing the agreement in order to secure an exclusive position for the Provinces of Hubei and Hebei where the company has a substantial presence. In recognition of the planned surge in demand for MABR products, Emefcy anticipates building a dedicated production line to support CGGC INV's deployments, once the latter has purchased 60,000 MABR modules. Audio Webcast Management will host a live audio webcast to discuss this partnership on December 6th at 8:00 am IST / December 6th at 5:00 pm AEDT / December 6th at 1:00 am ET. The webcast will be available live at the Investor Relations section of the Company's website: http://www.emefcy.com/investors/ For those unable to listen to the live webcast, a replay will also be available on the Company's website for approximately 90 days. China Gezhouba Group Corporation China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC), founded in 1970, is a core member of China Energy Engineering Group Co., Ltd., a super central state-owned enterprise. CGGC's businesses cover the design, construction, investment and operation in water conservancy, hydropower, thermal power, nuclear power, wind power, power transmission & transformation, highways, railways, bridges, municipal works, airports, ports, waterways, industrial and civil buildings, as well as real estate, production of cement and civil explosives, energy engineering, etc. In China, CGGC is one of the most competitive listed companies with very strong financing capabilities. As a transnational operation enterprise with the fastest growth in China, CGGC's has expanded its business in more than 100 countries and regions, ranking among the foremost 100 in the ENR Top 250 International Contractors. In the past 40 years, CGGC has been dedicated to improving people's lives and promoting social development via construction and investment. CGGC has contributed over 4,000 outstanding engineering projects including the Three Gorges Project to the world, and been providing the world with robust power, sustainable light, clean water, high-quality life and convenience beyond imagination. To view the release, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/1P4Z6529 About Fluence Corporation Ltd Fluence Corporation (ASX:FLC) (OTCMKTS:EMFGF) is a leader in the decentralized water, wastewater and reuse treatment markets, with its Smart Products Solutions, including Aspiral, NIROBOX, NIROFLEX and SUBRE. Fluence offers an integrated range of services across the complete water cycle, from early stage evaluation, through design and delivery to ongoing support and optimization of water related assets, as well as Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) and other recurring revenue solutions. With established operations in North America, South America, the Middle East, Europe and China, Fluence has experience operating in over 70 countries worldwide and enables businesses and communities worldwide to maximize their water resources. Further information can be found at https://www.fluencecorp.com/ It is said that media is the fourth pillar of democracy, but what happens if even they are held for malafied practices. The race and competition among the channels are so high that three news channels are being suspected for tampering the viewership numbers. Various industry sources have revealed that BARC(Broadcast Audience Research Council) has decided to suspend the ratings data for India News, TV9 Telegu, and V6 News from Week 46 to Week 49 of 2016 for suspected malafide practices. Earlier this year, BARC had sent Raj Television Network a show-cause notice in March for allegedly trying to tamper its viewership numbers. Also last month, BARC filed a police complaint in Kerala against tampering panel homes by a couple of channels in the state. According to a source who did not wanted to be named Channels should act responsibly. These temporary stunts to swell the rating will not be sustainable over a long term. They should be aware that once BARC has sufficient proof of malafide intent, BARC will stop publishing ratings for such channels. BARC is where strict if they suspect any individual or group of households of being compromised they are immediately removed from reporting in the BARC weekly published ratings release. Uber, the smartphone app that has transformed urban mobility for millions across the world and in India, is all set to celebrate the local art of Rajasthan by bringing #ARTONWHEELS from November 22 to December 12, 2016 in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur. In partnership with Jaipur Art Summit, the #ARTONWHEELS aims to have 100+ cars on the Uber platform, through the uberGO option, which displays art on their respective bonnets, by converting the paintings into vinyl stickers. Inside every #ARTONWHEELS car one can find related and interesting information about the artist and the Jaipur Art Summit. ARTONWHEELS is an unique platform for artists to get their work displayed on the streets of Rajasthan and connect with the masses. Uber is excited to collaborate and partner with Jaipur Art Summit to celebrate the creativity that resides in Rajasthan and encourages a new generation of artists across traditional as well as unconventional art forms. said Abhinav Patwa, General Manager, Uber Rajasthan. For all its riders, Uber will roll out some very interesting promotions which includes the following: - 2 absolutely free rides to all riders who are first to ride in a particular#ARTONWHEELS car which will be available through the UberGO option in the Uber app. - On taking minimum 3 rides from now until Dec 5 with the #ARTONWHEELS promo code, riders stand a chance to win 10 custom made painting by local artists. - On 3rd December between 12PM - 3PM, riders across the three cities will be able to see a new view on their app called UberART which they can use as an option to book their ride and also to experience an #ARTONWHEELS car at the push of a button. For more information, click here ST. LOUIS, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As leaders of the Iranian American communities in California, Texas, and Missouri, we condemn the recent venomous and defamatory propaganda by a handful of discredited apologists of the murderous regime in Iran against us and former U.S. officials who addressed scores of conferences and seminars we organized on U.S. policy on Iran. Our community members are very successful and taxpaying professionals, who came to this country after enduring unspeakable brutality and hardships at the hands of the ruling theocracy. Many of us have lost family members due to repression in Iran, and many have relatives among the ranks of the main Iranian opposition movement, the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), which for nearly a decade enjoyed the protection of U.S. Military in Iraq. After the U.S. withdrawal, they were repeatedly targeted by the Iranian regime sponsored terrorist attacks in Camps Ashraf and Liberty in Iraq, before finally resettling in Europe earlier this year. We have striven for the establishment of a secular, democratic, and non-nuclear republic in Iran, which also best serves the national security of the United States as well as global peace and security. In this endeavor, we have been privileged to enjoy the support of many patriotic American leaders who helped our communities inform U.S. policy-makers and the public about the threats posed to this country by the epicenter of Islamic extremism and the central banker of international terrorism, namely, the clerical regime in Iran. Notwithstanding our three-decade-long and overwhelming bi-partisan support in both chambers of U.S. Congress, we are proud to have hosted more than 80 distinguished and patriotic former officials, including America's Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Speaker Newt Gingrich, Governors Howard Dean and Ed Rendell, and Ambassador John Bolton, whose names have been mentioned in the media recently. These conferences and seminars were in the exercise of our First Amendment rights as Americans, enshrined in the United States Constitution and therefore consistent with U.S. law. These dozens of conferences, broadcast into Iran via satellite, and made public through traditional and social media, were meant to make the millions in Iran aware of the falsity of the narrative propagated by the ruling mullahs that America was the Great Satan. We are proud that our community members burdened all the costs of organizing and facilitating these events, and we will continue to do so. In the interest of transparency, we welcomed and fully cooperated with the Treasury Department's thorough review of our activities that began in 2012 until the Department sent us "its final enforcement response," in 2013, saying that it had "completed its review" and cited no violations. Signed, Ahmad Moinimanesh, Executive Director, Iranian American Community of Northern California; Ali Soudjani, President, Iranian American Community of South Texas; Kasra Nejat, President, Iranian-American Cultural Association of Missouri To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iranian-american-cultural-association-of-missouri-as-iranian-americans-we-are-proud-of-our-political-campaign-300368679.html SOURCE Iranian-American Cultural Association of Missouri PATCHOGUE, N.Y., Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Lounge Lizard is globally recognized as a top New York website design company within the website and mobile app development industry. Lounge Lizard's brandtenders are creative, tech-savvy, and passionate in developing innovative strategies that drive conversion for both startup and established clients of all industries, making them the "best of breed since 1998." Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161123/442466 Creating an elevated user experience is essential to stay competitive and build a brand in today's social media world. Users expect websites and apps to run smoothly, load quickly and have easy navigation. UX contributes to site traffic, conversions, and positive social proof. Ensuring that each detail on a site is optimized for user-friendly application is paramount in retaining users, and seamless page transitions play a big part in providing a user-friendly experience. New York website design company, Lounge Lizard, discusses the importance of seamless page transitions. Impacting user retention UX is an essential aspect of building a brand's followers. With the choices available to today's internet user, websites that forego details that improve the user experience, lose visitors to their competition. Users have little patience for slow loading times and slow or jarring page transitions. With so much time spent online, users want the experience to be quick, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing. Slow page transitions, or transitions that do not appear smooth to the user, often lead to people leaving the site. It tells the user that things are not quite right on the site, so what will that leave them thinking about the brand? Keeping the user interested Engaged users are more likely to review a site positively, stay on the site longer, return to the site in the future, and to "like" or share a site with others, establishing solid social proof for a brand. Seamless page transitions make a site feel polished and smooth, leading to an aesthetically and functionally pleasing site. Using transition animations or effects can further elevate the user experience and elevate the brand's image in the user's eye when done in a way that makes sense for the site and is not over the top. Users stay on sites to accomplish their goals, whether it's a purchase, service request, or other needs when they are engaged and interested. Reflecting the quality of work the brand represents Everything on a website reflects on the brand it represents. Slow loading and jarring page transitions not only cause a lack of user retention, conversion, and repeat traffic, they can also damage the reputation of the brand. A website represents the quality and detail applied to a business' work. The impression that all businesses want to leave their potential consumers with is that they care about their final product and they care about their users. If a company does not care about the online user experience, what does that say about the rest of their work? Lounge Lizard Web Design Company is an award-winning, high-end design boutique specializing in website and mobile app development, UX/UI, branding, and marketing. Lounge Lizard excels in creating the ultimate brand strategy, fully loaded with expertly crafted visuals that work together to increase sales and effectively communicate a client's unique personality. Media Contact: Scott Darrohn, fishbat, 855-347-4228, press@fishbat.com News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com SOURCE Lounge Lizard With exports showing signs of revival, Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has expressed hope that outbound shipments will see a steady growth in coming months and exceed last years figures. Many sectors are showing revival including petroleum based. So definitely, I can see a ray of hope that now it is going to be steady, Sitharaman said. When asked whether the export numbers would exceed last years level, she said: Yes, because that (last year) was really dipping every month and now its picking up. In June, there was small growth, but 9.59 per cent in October is not a small figure. I hope we are able to keep that kind of a pace. During the April-October period of current fiscal, exports dipped by 0.17 per cent to USD 154.91 billion. In 2015-16, the shipments stood at USD 262.29 billion. Exporters body FIEO has said that exports may touch over USD 280 billion this fiscal. The minister further said that exporters are making best efforts to be competitive in the global markets, ensuring that the currency fluctuations do not affect and also exploring newer markets. We are hand holding them, she added. Talking about the demand situation in the international markets, Sitharaman said that demand revival probably is patchy. However, some signs of demand revival is there in economies which are giving some kind of impetus, she said adding that with increasing cost of labour in China, people see that India stands out in terms of competitiveness. That may not be applicable for all sectors but considerably we are able to stand out even in this depressed demand global environment, Sitharaman said. A strong show by engineering, petroleum and gems & jewellery sectors pushed up exports for the second month in October by 9.59 per cent. Exports of engineering products rose by 13.86 per cent, gems and jewellery by 21.84 per cent, petroleum by 7.24 per cent and chemicals by 6.65 per cent during the month. From December 2014, exports had fallen for 18 straight months till May 2016 due to weak global demand and slide in oil prices. MUMBAI: A massive fire has broke out at a furniture market in Mumbais Oshiwara on Friday. At least 15 fire engines have been sent to the spot. According to the authorities, the fire believed to have been set off by a gas cylinder blast started at 12.30 pm in the store on Oshiwara Qabrastan Road in Jogeshwari (West). No casualties have been reported. This is a developing story, more details await. Send Photos/Videos related to this incident on feedback@afternoonvoice.com or Tag us on Twitter @Afternoon_Voice Nikki Haley may have been born in the United States but her extended family back in India is thrilled that the South Carolina governor has been named by US President-elect Donald Trump as ambassador to the United Nations. Haleys parents hail from rural Punjab, in northwestern India. They moved to Amritsar home to the Golden Temple that is the most holy place of the Sikh religion before immigrating to North America in the early 1960s. Haley, 44, was born Nimrata Randhawa in Bamberg, South Carolina she was called Nikki as a child and took the family name of husband Michael when they married in Sikh and Methodist ceremonies in 1996. Kanwaljit Singh Randhawa, a 70-year-old cousin, told Reuters family and friends were thrilled by Haleys appointment and said it could help improve relations between the United States and India. It is a great achievement for Punjab and India. We are proud of the fact that (Nikki) has achieved this success, said Randhawa. Randhawa, a retired lecturer, said he was in regular touch with Nikkis father, Ajit Singh Randhawa, who grew up in the village of Pandori Ran Singh, south of Amritsar. HOMECOMING Haley came only once to India as a four-year-old child, doesnt speak Punjabi and has converted to Christianity. But she has visited India more recently in an official capacity, going to Amritsar in November 2014 on what she called an emotional and very personal day. I always yearned to see Punjab my motherland and now I am so proud to be here after almost 40 years, she told TV reporters at the time, her voice choking with emotion as she steadied herself with nips from a water bottle. Her biography is similar to that of Richard Verma, the first U.S. ambassador to New Delhi of Indian origin. He was born in the United States into a Punjabi family but visited often as a child. Verma was mobbed by relatives and locals when he visited his ancestral home in early 2015. The brutal gang rape that Habiba and her sister endured is a story that is becoming depressingly familiar among the thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing to Bangladesh to escape the violence of Myanmars soldiers. They tied both of us to the bed and raped us one by one, said 20-year-old Habiba, who has now found shelter with a Rohingya refugee family a few kilometres (miles) from the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Were almost starving here. But at least no one is coming here to kill or torture, said Hashim Ullah, Habibas older brother who escaped with his sisters. Habiba and her sister Samira, 18, say they were raped in their home in Udang village by troops who then burnt down their house. They torched most of the houses, killed numerous people including our father and raped many young girls, said Habiba, who agreed to be identified in this story. One of the soldiers told us before leaving that they will kill us if they see us around the next time they come here. Then they torched our house. Widespread allegations of rape have raised fears that Myanmars security forces are systematically using sexual violence against the stateless Rohingya. The violence has forced thousands to flee, prompting a UN official to accuse Myanmar of carrying out ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority. Ullah and his siblings escaped after taking the familys $400 savings and walking to the Naf River that separates southern Bangladesh from Myanmars Rakhine state. The trio spent four days hiding in the hills with hundreds of other Rohingya families, before they found a boat owner willing to take them to Bangladesh. He asked for all of our money, Ullah said. The boat owner left them on a small island near the border. The siblings walked across the scrubland until they found a Rohingya family who offered them shelter.Similar stories of violence and dispossession fill the rows of plastic-roofed shacks that have become the only refuge for thousands of Rohingya Muslims who have fled Rakhine state. The escapees have told of gang rapes, torture and murder being carried out by Myanmar troops in the small strip of land that has been under military control after deadly raids on police border posts last month. Foreign journalists and independent investigators have been barred from entering the area. While the military and government have rejected the charges, rights groups have long accused the military of using rape as a weapon of war in several other ethnic conflicts which simmer in the country`s borderlands. Thailand-based NGO the Womens League of Burma has documented 92 cases of sexual violence by fighters between 2010 and 2015, which they say have been used as a means of shaming and destroying ethnic communities. Fears of Muslim men violating Buddhist women have also long stirred the hatred of hardline nationalists in Myanmar. Allegations Muslims raped Buddhists sparked sectarian clashes in 2012 that drove tens of thousands of Rohingya into displacement camps and riots two years later near Mandalay. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close 50 years ago today the first Airbus aircraft, the A300B, embarked on its maiden flight. On this historic anniversary we look back with pride and admiration at the aircraft and programme that were at the beginning of the Airbus story. Read more November 24, 2016 The cancellation of speeches by Reformist figures is nothing new in Iran. In past years, hard-line groups have disrupted numerous Reformist gatherings. But now, other organizations are blocking these events before they lead to potential disturbances. The latest such incident is the cancellation of a speech by Deputy Parliament Speaker Ali Motahari. The outspoken speaker was due to deliver an address about the religious occasion of Arbaeen in Mashhad on Nov. 20, on the invitation by the Reformist Council of Khorasan Razavi province. He arrived in the northeastern city on the evening of Nov. 19, but his speech was called off the next morning, apparently by order of the provincial prosecutor-general. Reformist lawmaker Mahmoud Sadeghi was one of the first to react to the cancellation. Sadeghi tweeted, Motaharis speech in Mashhad has been canceled. What is the Interior Ministry doing in Mashhad? The interior minister should be held accountable by parliament. Immediately, Iranians took to social media especially Twitter and used the hashtag #FreeMashhad to slam the citys conservative Friday prayer leader, Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda, over what they described as his self-directed move. They also called for both the city of Mashhad and the province of Khorasan Razavi to be set free. Later that day, Motahari published an open letter to President Hassan Rouhani, requesting the immediate end to what he described as despotism and arbitrary rule in the northeastern city. He wrote, The Mashhad prosecutor-general says my speech was called off based on a letter he received. I hope that the letter was not sent by Mr. Alamolhoda, the Friday prayer leader of Mashhad. It is not clear to me how this issue is relevant to the prosecutor-general or the Friday prayer leader. Please clarify who rules Khorasan Razavi province: the governor, or the prosecutor-general and the Friday prayer leader? It is best to end all such despotism in the country immediately. If no effective measure is taken against these [Islamic State]-like moves, parliament has no choice but to use its legal powers. His letter set off a wave of reactions on Irans political stage. The office of Alamolhoda, which recently came under fire for having called for the cancellation of concerts in Mashhad and urged those who want to attend concerts to go and live elsewhere, issued a statement on the afternoon of Nov. 20 denying any involvement in the cancellation of Motaharis speech. It read, Ayatollah Alamolhoda does not care about such speeches and ceremonies, and preserves the right to take legal action against the individual who raised [such] accusations against him. If this individual does not retract his words and alleviate public opinion, he will be sued. Then came the dismissal of Mashhads governor. The development was initially seen as an act of protest by the government. However, on the evening of Nov. 20, the deputy governor for political and security affairs of Khorasan Razavi province announced that the move had nothing to do with Motaharis speech and the decision to dismiss Mashhads governor had been made 10 days earlier, and that the replacement process had become somewhat lengthy. The next day, on Nov. 21, Motaharis lawyer announced he had filed a lawsuit against the prosecutor-general of Khorasan Razavi province and said, Unfortunately, a judiciary official in Khorasan [Razavi province] has blocked the execution of the constitution and individual freedoms, and this has disrupted the legal rights of my client. So why was Motaharis speech canceled? Although no official explanations have been released, some media outlets opposed to Rouhani have described the cancellation as an attempt to prevent public outrage. Mashregh News is one such outlet. In an article on Nov. 21, it reported, Given Motaharis insulting words about Imam Reza [the eighth Shiite Imam buried in Mashhad], saying that if [Imam Reza] were in Mashhad today he would probably go to concerts, it was very likely that the religious people of Mashhad would have attended his speech with anger. Also on Nov. 21, Rouhani asked his interior and justice ministers to investigate the issue and identify those who have violated the law. Indirectly referring to Alamolhoda, Rouhani said, By infiltrating sensitive posts, some people want to shut the mouths [of their critics] and cancel the speeches of others, and lay the ground for radicalism and discord within society. He added, The head of the judiciary has called for the immediate investigation of the situation, and when the results are announced it will create a sense of hope among the public that whoever violates basic rights will be dealt with in accordance with the law. News outlets opposed to the government did not remain silent. In its Nov. 22 issue, the hard-line Kayhan daily rhetorically asked whether the cancellation of Motaharis speech was more important than such pressing issues as unemployment, the economic downturn and the scandal over the excessive salaries paid to some officials. It also criticized what it called Reformist attempts to use the cancellation of Motaharis speech as propaganda. Kayhan's article went on, Pressure from the government has led to the illegal cancellation of 62 opposition speeches since the eleventh government took office [in 2013]. Why is the administration quiet about those [speeches]? The conservative Fars News Agency also tried to pin the blame for the controversy on Motahari, saying he had a record of making accusations against others. Addressing parliaments open session on Nov. 22, parliament Speaker Ali Larijani called the provincial prosecutor-generals move to call off Motaharis speech regrettable. He said, Even if the prosecutor had received information that the event would face security-related issues, he should have raised the matter in the provincial security council and let a collective decision be made. Under the current sensitive circumstances, such behavior is not at all in the countrys interests. I became aware of developments yesterday and raised the issue with the head of the judiciary. He had also preferred to have the matter discussed at the provincial security council. In another twist, the governor of Khorasan Razavi province claimed on Nov. 22 that the provincial prosecutor-general had canceled Motaharis speech based on a warning by the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that violations would likely occur at the event. However, the next day, IRGC spokesman Ramezan Sharif denied his claim and said the IRGC had no role in canceling Motaharis speech. On the same day, judiciary chief Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani said, Mashhads prosecutor made this decision on his own and based on information he received from some state organizations. I do not wish to comment on the correctness or incorrectness of such a measure and have ordered my deputy to look into the issue. My question to the president is: Why he did not feel an obligation [to speak out] when lawmakers in parliament accused me of financial corruption? Ayatollah Larijani also criticized Speaker Larijani, his brother, saying, He has expressed regret about the events in Mashhad while he has not even heard the explanations by Mashhads prosecutor. How can he be regretful? Why didnt he express regret when they made accusations against me in parliament? Regardless of the real reason behind the cancelation of Motaharis speech let alone who it's clear that Rouhani has a very difficult road ahead. It seems that in the one year left of his current term, the president intends to play a more active role in domestic politics as a result of criticism of passivity and silence on matters concerning freedom of speech. His opponents have no plans to back down and will use any opportunity to pressure the government and expose its ineptitude. One of the most notable differences in the state's largest universities - the University of Alabama and Auburn University - is the cities in which they are located. Tuscaloosa, Alabama's fifth largest city with a population nearing 100,000 people, has an identity separate from the university. Auburn, however, has a population of about 53,000 people, about 44 percent of which are students at Auburn University, according to the city's planning department. Much of the small town's remaining population works either serving the university or its students in some way. Click here to see Scenes from Auburn. Beginnings of Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa, the seat of Tuscaloosa County, is located on the Black Warrior River in west-central Alabama. It was incorporated in December 1819, the same month as Alabama became a state. The city's name was derived from Tuskaloosa or Tascaluza, the name of a native chieftain of the town of Mabila or Mauvila, according to the Encyclopedia of Alabama. Following severe flooding in Alabama's capital city of Cahaba, Tuscaloosa served as the state capital from 1826 to 1846. Ruins of the capitol building can be seen today in Capitol Park. The University The University of Alabama was chartered by the legislature in 1820 but didn't open until 1831. The campus was burned by Union troops in 1865. The Encyclopedia of Alabama said: "Tuscaloosa escaped the ravages of the Civil War until Union Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson's raid through Alabama. Although the main focus of the expedition was Alabama's foundries and arsenals in Selma, Wilson detached a brigade under Gen. John T. Croxton and sent them to burn the University of Alabama because it had been training militia and Confederate troops. After overcoming several groups of young university cadets, Croxton's forces burned most of the university's public buildings, including its library." The campus' distinctive main building, known as the Rotunda, was among those burned. Only a few buildings survived, including a small guard house known as the Round House. Click here to read "7 facts about the University of Alabama in the Civil War" Tornadoes The city has frequently been a target of deadly tornadoes. One of the earliest recorded twisters struck in the early 1840s, when "many of the city's original structures were destroyed." The city also sustained heavy damage during the 1932 Deep South Outbreak, the 1974 Super Outbreak, as well as on April 8, 1998, and Dec. 16, 2000. During the devastating outbreak of April 27, 2011, when 62 tornadoes hit Alabama and killed 251 people, an EF-4 twister struck Tuscaloosa, killing 39. Alabama Hospital for the Insane Generations of Alabama children grew up hearing parents admonish them to behave or they'd be "sent to Tuscaloosa," a reference to the state's first insane asylum and its only hospital for mentally ill patients for many years. Initially called the Alabama State Hospital for the Insane, the massive facility was renamed Bryce Hospital in honor of its first superintendent Peter Bryce. In the more than 15 decades since the first hand-molded brick was laid to build Bryce, the world outside its front doors has changed drastically. Within four years of its 1861 opening as a state-of-the-art facility to treat people with mental illness, superintendent Peter Bryce watched from the cupola observatory as Union troops burned the campus of the University of Alabama. In 2010 the University of Alabama purchased the historic hospital and in 2014, the few remaining patients were moved to a new hospital nearby. This year, the university began a $40 million restoration of the original four-story main hospital building and four of the six original wings. It is part of a $121 million project that includes a new performing arts center on the property. According to University of Alabama planner Dan Wolfe, the old hospital buildings will be used as a university welcome center, a museum of mental health, a museum of the university's history, event space and classrooms for performing arts students. The project is scheduled for completion in 2020. A simple Sunday-morning tradition has shaped William Leisk's future--and it may lead him from England to Birmingham, Alabama. As a child, William, the youngest of three, accompanied his mother to car boot sales in their native England. If Fiona Leisk spotted an intriguing piece, she would point it out to her son and explain why it was of interest. William, now 17, says those morning trips created a love of antiques that remains eight years later. "I have always had a deep interest in history and enjoy hunting out antiques whenever and wherever I can," says his mother, Fiona Leisk, via email. "He has actually taught me most about ceramics and his knowledge goes beyond that of a general collector." A preteen William soon became an antiques collector, spending PS1 or PS2 at a time on small pieces of Jasperware, a type of pottery created by Josiah Wedgwood. "There had been a report in the news about financial problems in the company," Williams says, also in an email. "I decided that Wedgwood pieces may increase in value as a result." He soon became obsessed with the work, which is often pale blue with white relief figures. William saw an opportunity to buy more and better pieces by becoming an entrepreneur; he purchased vegetable seeds, grew them and sold the plants to support his hobby. As he collected more Jasperware and other pieces of Wedgwood pottery, William's interest continued to grow. He began reading books on the company and its founder and, through the internet, developed friendships with collectors around the world. "Virtually all my free time is spent either looking for pieces on eBay or discussing Wedgwood with my fellow collectors," William says, who is now a college-level business student. "I am frequently asking my parents for help in buying items; I usually pay them back from my wages at the end of the month, but sometimes I forget." William joined many of his associates at the 2016 Wedgwood International Seminar, a multi-day event held in London. With a little persuasion, his parents paid for their son to attend. "William's father and I were very nervous about him going to the seminar. It was the furthest and longest he'd been away from us," says Fiona Leisk. William lives in Colchester, Essex, which is about 65 miles from London. "But he surprised us by joining in with all the rather grown up activities--banquets, black-tie dinners and cocktail parties. But more so, he attended all the academic lectures and soaked up all the information and knowledge. He really matured during the trip." The seminar wasn't just an opportunity to share his passion with fellow collectors. While in London, William met Anne Forschler-Tarrasch of the Birmingham Museum of Art. Forschler-Tarrasch is the museum's chief curator and curator of decorative arts--which means she oversees the largest collection of Wedgwood pottery outside of England. Forschler-Tarrasch says the seminar's attendees took William under their wings. He celebrated his 17th birthday a month prior to the April conference, and he attended the event and stayed at the hotel by himself. As she got to know William, whose collection now includes 100 pieces of Wedgwood, Forschler-Tarrasch saw an opportunity. BMA regularly offers internships, typically to undergraduate and graduate students. What if William traveled to the States to work with BMA's Wedgwood collection? "The first thing I did was text my Mum and Dad, who were as excited as me," William says. "I had to sit down, my body tingling," Fiona Leisk recalls. Thoughts rushed through her mind, including, "Oh my God! We have to make this happen for him." It will take saving for William to see that dream to fruition, and he would be 18 by the time he arrives in Birmingham next summer. Although that's younger than the typical museum intern, Forschler-Tarrasch says the experience would be mutually beneficial. The internship would include cataloging and documentation. "He would be perfect for that because he already knows Wedgwood. He could contribute a lot but learn a lot," she says. "He is a little on the young side, but he brings a knowledge that most kids his age don't have about a particular aspect of our collection." William is eager to transform his hobby into a vocation. "I already have shelves of reference books about the pottery but nothing will compare with actually seeing and handling the precious items," William says. Between now and then, William will save money from his weekend job at a local antique centre. He's also launched a GoFundMe page to supplement his and his parents' efforts. The Leisks have told their son they'll support him as much as they're able, and Fiona Leisk is excited for her son's future. "For him to be able to work with such a famous collection of Wedgwood is amazing," she says. "We will certainly be very nervous with William so far away, getting to know a different country. We hope the strangers he meets become lifelong friends." LEARN MORE Learn more about William Leisk and his fundraising efforts on his GoFundMe page. staton dormitory by julie bennett in 2013.JPG Inmates in a dormitory at Staton Correctional Facility Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013, in Elmore, Ala. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com) (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com) U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson will hold a non-jury trial next month on claims that the Alabama prison system provides substandard care for mentally ill inmates. Lawyers representing the inmates say as many as 40 or 50 prisoners could testify. The trial starts Dec. 5 and is expected to last about eight weeks. Bill Van Der Pol, senior staff attorney for the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, said the prison system fails to identify mental illness in many inmates and understates the severity of illness in others. "It is a grossly inadequate system," Van Der Pol said. The lawsuit alleges that mental health care for prisoners is so poor that it violates the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits "cruel and unusual punishment." Maria Morris, attorney for the Southern Poverty Law Center, which represents the inmates, said some mentally ill prisoners receive medication and little else and are confined to segregation for extended periods. Morris said inmates who threaten self-harm and suicide are not appropriately dealt with and that there aren't enough professionals to provide mental health care. "We are expecting to show that prisons are grossly understaffed for mental health providers as well as for custodial staff," Morris said. The Alabama Department of Corrections cannot comment on the allegations because of the pending trial, DOC spokesman Bob Horton said in an email. In written responses filed in court, lawyers for the DOC have denied the allegations. The trial is part of a larger case filed in 2014. Other claims in the lawsuit concern medical care for inmates and discrimination against inmates with disabilities. The state agreed to settle most of the disability claims under a plan that will require improvements in accommodations for prisoners with physical disabilities. Morris said she expects a trial on the medical claims next year. The lawsuit is just one concern for a prison system that state officials acknowledge is overcrowded and understaffed and that has been plagued by violence against inmates and employees. In September, a corrections officer died after being stabbed by an inmate at Holman prison in Atmore. The warden and an officer were stabbed at Holman during a riot in March. In October, the U.S. Justice Department announced it was investigating safety and treatment of inmates in the state's men's prisons. As of September, Alabama prisons were filled to 175 percent of capacity, with 23,328 inmates in facilities designed for 13,318. The number of inmates had declined for eight straight months and is down by about 1,000 from the start of the year. Earlier this year, Gov. Robert Bentley proposed a plan to borrow $800 million to build three new prisons for men and one for women and close many of the existing prisons. The plan did not win approval in the Legislature. Bentley has said he might call lawmakers into a special session to try again early next year. Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, who led an effort to pass criminal justice reforms last year, including changes in sentencing and parole designed to gradually reduce the prison population, has said for years that the state needs to fix its prisons before federal courts intervene. Ward said he expects Thompson to rule against the state. "I think that's a very real likelihood," Ward said. If that happens, Ward said it would be up to the state to show it is serious about fixing its prisons before the court orders specific remedies. The state has already agreed to upgrade accommodations for physically disabled inmates under the settlement to resolve part of the lawsuit. In proposing the $800 million bond issue, Bentley and the DOC said the state could save enough on operating costs with new prisons to pay off the bond debt. Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, said he and other lawmakers have asked for reports to corroborate the costs and projected savings. "We need concrete evidence," said Orr, chairman of the Senate's education budget committee. DOC spokesman Horton said independent studies are being finalized and would be available before the regular legislative session starts in February. Horton said the studies cover projected savings associated with operating new prisons, the cost of maintaining and renovating current prisons and the cost of building new prisons. donald trump Views on climate change has varied over the years for President-elect Donald Trump. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci, File) The opinions of President-elect Donald Trump on the issue of climate change have varied dramatically over the years. Most recently, though, Trump fervently campaigned on the stance that any increase in global temperatures were not the result of human influence. Of course, in an interview earlier this week with The New York Times, Trump said there may be some connection between increasing global temperatures and humans. John Christy, the director of the Earth System Science Center at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a renowned skeptic on human influence of climate change, said that the position Trump took during his campaign could help improve the economy. Christy spoke to AL.com before Trump's interview with The New York Times. "We can only talk about intentions right now," Christy said of Trump's views on climate change. "We don't know what is actually going to happen. The intentions are to roll back the regulatory activities that have been going on the last four years or so. Now as a scientist, I can say I don't have any problem with that because we can test the impact of these regulations and they will have no impact on the climate. They are so tiny to what happens globally. "But they will have a pretty strong economic impact. And I think that's what the president-elect is going for - he's very concerned about the economic effect and get those regulations off, that that would really help the economy." Christy has long said that, even if humans are influencing climate change, the impact of the United States is virtually non-existent. "Let's make the United States disappear - no more people, no more cars, no more factories," said Christy, echoing testimony he has given in hearings before Congress. "And the climate models tell us the impact of global temperature will be just a tiny fraction - you couldn't measure that fraction hardly at all, it's so small. That then tells you the United State isn't the big player. "It's what's happening in China, it's what's happening in India and the rest of the developing world. They are going for carbon as their source of energy and quite rapidly." Christy said he has studied the data himself, confirming the lack of influence the U.S. might have on possible climate change. And that makes the regulations reducing carbon emissions, pushing the country away from cheap energy such as coal and oil, costly to the economy for no apparent benefit. "When you look at what these regulations will actually do to the climate system - and we've done that actual work," Christy said. "I've presented in federal court and no one rebutted the numbers, it will have a minuscule effect. You can't even attribute anything to these regulations as having an environmental effect." Christy pointed to China as being among the world leaders in fossil fuel production. A report earlier this year by Forbes confirmed that perspective, though the magazine said that China is being more efficient in its coal burning and has also increased its clean energy production. India is another country producing far more carbon emissions than the U.S., Christy said. A report earlier this month by The Economic Times said India is planning to double its coal production by 2020. Trump has also promised to remove the U.S. from the Paris Accord, which 196 countries signed last year in what was hailed as a landmark document addressing the effects of climate change. "That's more optics than anything," Christy said. "If you remember, the Paris Accord was only signed by the president as an agreement. It does not have force of law because it was not approved by the Senate. So President Trump can just withdraw the signature or ignore it. It's only an agreement the previous president made. (Trump) doesn't have to go along with it." Ostrich Hatchimals.jpg Free range Hatchimals roam around a farm in rural Alabama. Matt Mitchell is the creator of The Ostrich, Walker County's least trusted news source, and was the 3rd round draft pick of the Denver Nuggets. Roughly half of what he writes is untrue. The demand for Hatchimal eggs is through the roof, and our country's farms are struggling to keep up. Since early November, the oversized eggs have been flying off the shelves at an unprecedented pace. But as the appetite for the digital delicacy intensifies, so does the pressure on America's Hatchimal farmers. Clyde Roberts, a fourth-generation electronic egg farmer, says he has been working around the clock to fill orders. "I ain't seen anything like this since the Tamagotchi craze back of '97," said Roberts. "I've got two coops going wide open right now. I'm working those poor Owlicorn's AA batteries to death." With retailers unable to meet demands, many consumers have been forced to buy Hatchimals off the secondary market. Doing business online and in dark parking lots across the country, these Hatchimal dealers are profiting directly off America's addiction. "Don't blame me, blame capitalism," stated eBay user ScoobieDude77. "I just want to make sure every child has a fair shot at getting one of these egg thingies for Christmas. That's why I camp outside Walmart for hours and then resale them for triple the price." To complicate matters, the unregulated business of animatronic farming has come under fierce scrutiny from Hamtchimal rights activists in recent months. Alicia Bowen, a spokesperson with People for the Ethical Treatment of Hatchimals, said conditions at many of these farms are downright deplorable. "Pengualas and Draggles don't belong in cages. Consumers should demand organic free-range Hatchimal eggs," explained Bowen. "When you're fighting a stranger in the Target toy aisle this Christmas, both of you should stop to inspect the label to verify that egg came from a farmer who cares." However you buy your Hatchimal, whether it be the spoils from a victorious fight in Walmart or from a complete stranger in the Walgreen's parking lot, officials urge you to exercise caution and use common sense. It's probably going to hatch as one of those ugly, solid white Bearakeets and your kid will hate it anyways. [This is a work of satire. All content is the creation of Matt Mitchell, the Ostrich.] From World War II to Vietnam and Syria, drugs are often as much a part of conflict as bombs and bullets. Adolf Hitler was a junkie and the Nazis narcotics intake gives new meaning to the term war on drugs. But they werent the only ones. Recent publications have revealed that narcotics are as much a part of conflict as bullets; often defining wars rather than sitting anecdotally on the sidelines of them. In his book Blitzed, German author Norman Ohler describes how the Third Reich was permeated with drugs, including cocaine, heroin and most notably crystal meth, which was used by everyone from soldiers to housewives and factory workers. Originally published in German as Der totale Rausch (The total Rush), the book details a history of abuse by Adolf Hitler and his henchmen and releases previously unpublished archived findings about Dr Theodor Morell, the personal physician who administered drugs to the German leader as well as to the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. Hitler was a Fuhrer in his drug taking too. It makes sense, given his extreme personality, says Ohler, speaking from his home in Berlin. After Ohlers book was released in Germany last year, an article in the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper posed the question: Does Hitlers insanity become more understandable when you view him as a junkie? Yes and no, Ohler answers. Hitler, whose mental and physical health has been the source of much speculation, relied on daily injections of the wonder drug Eukodol, which puts the user in a state of euphoria and often renders them incapable of making sound judgments and cocaine, which he started taking regularly from 1941 onwards to combat ailments including chronic stomach spasms, high blood pressure and a ruptured ear drum. But we all know he did a lot of questionable things before that, so you cant blame drugs for everything, Ohler reflects. That said, they certainly played a role in his demise. In his book, Ohler details how, towards the end of the war, the medication kept the supreme commander stable in his delusion. The world could sink into rubble and ashes around him, and his actions cost millions of people their lives, but the Fuhrer felt more justified when his artificial euphoria set in, he wrote. But what goes up must come down and when supplies ran out towards the end of the war, Hitler endured, among other things, severe serotonin and dopamine withdrawals, paranoia, psychosis, rotting teeth, extreme shaking, kidney failure and delusion, Ohler explains. His mental and physical deterioration during his last weeks in the Fuhrerbunker, a subterranean shelter for members of the Nazi party, can, Ohler says, be attributed to withdrawal from Eukodol rather than to Parkinsons as was previously believed. World War II The irony, of course, is that while the Nazis promoted an ideal of Aryan clean living, they were anything but clean themselves. During the Weimar Republic, drugs had been readily available in the German capital, Berlin. But, after seizing power in 1933, the Nazis outlawed them. Then, in 1937, they patented the methamphetamine-based drug Pervitin a stimulant that could keep people awake and enhance their performance, while making them feel euphoric. They even produced a brand of chocolates, Hildebrand, that contained 13mg of the drug much more than the normal 3mg pill. Soldiers were awake for days, marching without stopping, which wouldn't have happened if it weren't for crystal meth by Norman Ohler In July 1940, more than 35 million 3mg doses of Pervitin from the Temmler factory in Berlin were shipped to the German army and Luftwaffe during the invasion of France. Soldiers were awake for days, marching without stopping, which wouldnt have happened if it werent for crystal meth so yes, in this case, drugs did influence history, Ohler says. He attributes the Nazi victory in the Battle of France to the drug. Hitler was unprepared for war and his back was against the wall. The Wehrmacht was not as powerful as the Allies, their equipment was poor and they only had three million soldiers compared with the Allies four million. But armed with Pervitin, the Germans advanced through difficult terrain, going without sleep for 36 to 50 hours. Towards the end of the war, when the Germans were losing, pharmacist Gerhard Orzechowski created a cocaine chewing gum that would allow the pilots of one-man U-boats to stay awake for days on end. Many suffered mental breakdowns as a result of taking the drug while being isolated in an enclosed space for long periods of time. But when the Temmler factory producing Pervitin and Eukodol was bombed by the allies in 1945, it marked the end of the Nazis and Hitlers drug consumption. Of course, the Nazis werent the only ones taking drugs. Allied bomber pilots were also given amphetamines to keep them awake and focused during long flights, and the Allies had their own drug of choice Benzedrine. The Laurier Military History Archives in Ontario, Canada, contain records suggesting that soldiers should ingest 5mg to 20mg of Benzedrine sulphate every five to six hours, and it is estimated that 72 million amphetamine tablets were consumed by the Allies during World War II. Paratroopers allegedly used it during the D-Day landings, while US marines relied on it for the invasion of Tarawa in 1943. So why have historians only written about drugs anecdotally until now? I think a lot of people dont understand how powerful drugs are, Ohler reflects. That might change now. Im not the first person to write about them, but I think the success of the book means [that] future books and movies like Downfall might pay more heed to Hitlers rampant abuse. German medical historian Dr Peter Steinkamp, who teaches at the university of Ulm, in Germany, believes it is coming to the fore now because most of the involved parties are dead. When Das Boot, the German U-boat movie from 1981 was released, it depicted scenes of U-boat captains completely hammered drunk. It caused outrage among many war veterans who wanted to be portrayed as squeaky clean, he says. But now that most of the people who fought in World War II are no longer with us, we may see a lot more stories of substance abuse, not just from World War II, but Iraq and Vietnam too. READ MORE: Afghanistan: Zombie nation? Of course, the use of drugs dates far further back than World War II. In 1200BC, pre-Inca Chavin priests in Peru gave their subjects psychoactive drugs to gain power over them, while the Romans cultivated opium, to which Emperor Marcus Aurelius was famously addicted. Viking berserkers, who were named after bear coats in Old Norse, famously fought in a trance-like state, possibly as a result of taking agaric magic mushrooms and bog myrtle. Icelandic historian and poet Snorri Stuluson (AD1179 to 1241) described them as mad as dogs or wolves, bit their shields, and were strong as bears or wild oxen. More recently, the book Dr Feelgood: The story of the doctor who influenced history by treating and drugging prominent figures Including President Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley, by Richard Lertzman and William Birnes, alleges that US President John F Kennedys drug use almost caused World War III during the two-day summit with Soviet leader Nikita Krushcher in 1961. The Vietnam War In his book, Shooting up, Polish author Lukasz Kamienski describes how the US military plied its servicemen with speed, steroids, and painkillers to help them handle extended combat during the Vietnam War. A report by the House Select Committee on Crime in 1971 found that between 1966 and 1969, the armed forces used 225 million stimulant pills. The administration of stimulants by the military contributed to the spread of drug habits and sometimes had tragic consequences, because amphetamine, as many veterans claimed, increased aggression as well as alertness. Some remembered that when the effect of the speed faded away, they were so irritated that they felt like shooting children in the streets, Kamienski wrote in The Atlantic in April 2016. This might explain why so many veterans of that war suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. The National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment study published in 1990 shows that 15.2 percent of male soldiers and 8.5 percent of females who experienced combat in Southeast Asia suffered from PTSD. According to a study by JAMA Psychiatry, an international peer-reviewed journal for clinicians, scholars, and research scientists in psychiatry, mental health, behavioural science, and allied fields, 200,000 people still suffer from PTSD almost 50 years after the Vietnam War. One of these is John Danielski. He was in the Marine Corp and spent 13 months in Vietnam between 1968 and 1970. In October, he released an autobiographical guidebook for sufferers called Johnny Come Crumbling Home: with PTSD. I came home from Vietnam in 1970, but I still have PTSD like a lot of other people it never goes away. When I was in Vietnam in 1968 in the jungle, most of the guys I met smoked weed and took opiates. We also drank a lot of speed out of brown bottles, he says, speaking by telephone from his home in West Virginia. The army guys were getting stimulants and all sorts of pills in Saigon and Hanoi, but where we were, we just drank the speed. It came in a brown bottle. I know it made people tweaky and they would stay up for days. Of course, some of the men did some crazy stuff out there. It definitely had something to do with the drugs. The speed was so hardcore that when the guys were coming back from Vietnam they were having heart attacks on the plane and dying. They would be in such withdrawals the flight would be like 13 hours without the drugs. Imagine fighting in Vietnam and then going home and dying on the way home, Danielski says. The amphetamine increases your heart rate and your heart explodes, he explains. In his Atlantic article, Kamienski wrote: Vietnam was known as the first pharmacological war, so called because the level of consumption of psychoactive substances by military personnel was unprecedented in American history. When we came back there was no support for us, Danielski explains. Everyone hated us. People accused us of being baby killers. The veteran services were a shambles. There was no addiction counselling. Thats why so many people killed themselves when they came back. Over 70,000 veterans have killed themselves since Vietnam, and 58,000 died in the war. Theres no memorial wall for them. Is there a connection between drugs and PTSD? he asks. Sure, but for me the hard part was the isolation I felt when I came back too. Nobody cared. I just became a heroin addict and alcoholic, and only went into recovery in 1998. Services have improved now, but ex-army men who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are still killing themselves they have an even higher suicide rate. The war in Syria More recently, Middle Eastern conflicts have seen an increase in the rise of Captagon, an amphetamine that is allegedly fuelling Syrias civil war. Last November, 11 million pills were seized by Turkish officials at the Syrian-Turkish border, while this April 1.5 million were seized in Kuwait. In a BBC documentary called Syrias War Drug from September 2015, one user is quoted as saying: There was no fear any more when I took Captagon. You cant sleep or close your eyes, forget about it. Ramzi Haddad is a Lebanese psychiatrist and cofounder of an addiction centre called Skoun. He explains that Captagon, which is made in Syria, has been around for a long time over 40 years. I have seen the effects the drug has on people. Here it is getting more popular in the refugee camps filled with Syrian refugees. People can buy it from drug dealers for a couple of dollars, so its a lot cheaper than cocaine or ecstasy, Haddad says. In the short term it makes people feel euphoric and fearless and makes them sleep less perfect for wartime fighting, but in the long term it brings on psychosis, paranoia and cardiovascular side effects. Calvin James, an Irishman who worked as a medic in Syria for the Kurdish Red Crescent, says that while he didnt encounter the drug, he has heard that it is popular among fighters with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group fighters, known as ISIL or ISIS. You can tell by peoples demeanour. On one occasion we came across a member of ISIS who was in a people carrier with five children and he was severely injured. He didnt seem to even notice and asked me for some water, he was extremely psyched up, says James. Another guy tried to blow himself up, but it didnt work and he was still alive. Again, he didnt seem to notice the pain so much. He was treated in hospital along with everyone else. Cabinets like to anaesthetise their armies during wartime so that the business of killing people becomes easier by Gerry Hickey, psychotherapist Gerry Hickey, an Ireland-based addiction councillor and psychotherapist, isnt surprised by recent findings. Delusion is part of the course and opiates are extremely addictive because they make people feel calm and give them a false sense of security. So, of course, they are perfectly suited to foot soldiers, naval captains and more recently terrorists, he says. Cabinets like to anaesthetise their armies during wartime so that the business of killing people becomes easier, while they themselves take drugs in order to keep their grandiose narcissism, megalomania and delusion in check. It wouldnt surprise me if suicide bombers are drugged up to the gills, he adds. The thing about drugs is, that people not only lose their minds after a while, but also their physical health deteriorates after long-term use, especially as soon as addicts hit their 40s. If Hitler was in a state of withdrawal during those final weeks of the war, it wouldnt be unusual for him to be shaking and cold, he explains. People in withdrawal go into a massive shock and often die. They need to have other medication in that time. It takes three weeks of readjustment. I always get a little dubious when people ask, I wonder where they get the energy,' he reflects. Well look no further. Muslims in Greece hope that despite protests by the far-right, the government will stick to its plan to build a mosque. Athens, Greece Sitting in a cafeteria in her middle-class neighbourhood of Ilioupoli, 43-year-old Anna Stamou says she soon hopes to be praying with her family at the new Athens mosque. Ill perform a duaa [prayer] for children caught in war to make all the wars to stop, says Stamou, a mother-of-two and a PR consultant based in the Greek capital, Athens. Thats what I pray for daily, but in the mosque, prayers are supposed to multiply, adds Stamou, who converted to Islam a few years ago. After years of praying in old warehouses and basements, Athens Muslims hope that despite protests by the far-right, the government will stick to its plan to build a mosque. Athens is the last remaining European capital without one. Greece was under Ottoman rule for nearly four centuries until the early 1800s. If built, the mosque will be the first state-funded one since then. It is expected to accommodate more than 350 worshipers and will be built in place of a 600 square metre former navy warehouse in the Votanikos neighbourhood of western Athens. The complex will also feature a fountain for people to follow the ritual cleansing before praying. Its not going to be anything special, says Naim Elghandour, 62, president of the Muslim Association of Greece and Stamous husband. But it is important because its going to be the first official mosque with an official imam. Until now, the imams have been volunteers and that was dangerous, but we have been lucky and nothing bad happened in Greece to upset the relationships between Christians and Muslims. Many non-Muslim Athenians agree that a mosque must be built. Were a democracy and there has to be freedom of religion, says Aggeliki Anagnostopoulou, 62, a retiree living near the site of the upcoming mosque. Why should I be worried, anyway? Being a Muslim doesnt mean youre an extremist. According to the Muslim Association of Greece, there are more than 100 unofficial mosques scattered throughout Athens for the estimated 200,000 Muslims living in the capital, most though are housed in basements or warehouses. READ MORE: Japans newest and largest mosque opens its doors Its been 10 years of waiting A law was passed in 2006 permitting the building of the new mosque. But this was challenged by those who oppose it. Now, after a decade of negotiations, Stamou and Elghandour are hopeful that it will finally be implemented and their religious freedoms will be recognised. Earlier this year, the government awarded a contract to a consortium of construction companies to build the mosque at a cost of a million euros ($1.05m). It is expected to be completed in the next six months. Construction was delayed after a far-right group occupied the warehouse for five-months with the aim of creating a Greek-only homeless shelter and blocking the building of the mosque. The sit-in ended after they were arrested by police in early November. The setback was nothing new for the Muslim community of Athens: Far-right groups have attacked dozens of makeshift mosques in Athens over the past five years, including one incident in which suspects locked dozens of worshipers inside a prayer hall and set it on fire. Meanwhile, Golden Dawn, a far-right party with seats in parliament, held a protest at the site of the future Athens mosque, nearly three kilometres from the world heritage site of the Acropolis. Despite that we thought he was a man of God, the archbishop has chosen the path of the far-right, by Naim Elghandour Its a part of a wider policy to undermine our nation, Nikos Michaloliakos, the leader of the party, told a crowd of a few dozen Greek flag-bearers, holding banners that read in English Stop Islam. Theyre not admitting that because theyre communists they want a secular [state] But we, the Greek nationalists, want to respond to them: This state was built from the blood of the fighters of [the] 1821 [revolution] and was founded in the name of the Holy Trinity. This is a Greek Orthodox state. Those who oppose the mosque have found some support in the Greek Orthodox Church. In my opinion, it could be postponed until its clarified on whether [Muslim refugees] have the right to stay in Greece, Archbishop Ieronymos, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church, said in an interview on Greek Skai TV, without mentioning Greek Muslims and others living in the country. But if they are just passers-by, why do we need it? Archbishop Ieronymos sees the arrival of Muslim refugees in Europe as part of a plan to Islamise the continent. This is part of a plan. A well-organised plan that is executed precisely, he said. But for the Stamou-Elghandour family and thousands of other Greek Muslims, the mosque is for everyone, whether or not they are Greek. Despite that we thought he was a man of God, the Archbishop has chosen the path of the far-right, Elghandour says. Wasnt the baby Jesus a refugee that his mother whisked away in order to save him, and wasnt he an immigrant later? Stamou and Elghandour say they try to raise their children without making them feel that they are part of a minority in their homeland. Their children join mass during school hours, along with other pupils, even though they arent obliged to. When they do, they feel the difference between being Greek Orthodox and a Greek Muslim: They return home asking why cant they have a beautiful place to pray in, like the church in their neighbourhood, the couple say. We [the adults] are used to praying in the basements for our daily prayers, but I see the second and third generations arent happy, Elghandour says. He often takes his family abroad during the Muslim holidays to pray in dignity. The state considers us second-class citizens. Why should my children feel like that? READ MORE: Netherlands mosque attacks and rising Islamophobia Stamou also worries about how the renovated warehouse will turn out and what the new mosque will look like. Its important that its nicely renovated in order for the young children to feel they are equal citizens, Stamou says. They get restless in the basements. And even though we dont force them to pray, they dont always want to come to the basement to pray. But when were abroad, they dont want to leave the mosque they play there, theyre happy, they admire the [architecture]. Now, their children keep asking when the Athens mosque will be ready. The family looks forward to celebrating the next Ramadan [the month during which Muslims fast] for the first time in a real mosque in their hometown. Maybe well even have the iftar [the breaking of the fast] dinner there, they say. Elghandour says he tells them: Wait. Its not ready yet. If a mosque is finally built, well be happy, but our excitement is gone, Stamou says. Its been 10 years of waiting and 10 years of cheap and petty politics. Neighbouring nations Canada and the US head into an economic storm caused by the US election. Antonia Zerbisias is an award-winning Canadian journalist. She has been a reporter and TV host for the Toronto Star, the CBC, as well as the Montreal correspondent for Variety trade paper. When economic waves come out of Washington, they rock Canada. Now, with the Donald Trump tsunami heading towards the White House, Canadians fear their already floundering economy could be sunk. Pundits and politicians are already predicting the death of trade agreements between the two neighbours which, until recently, when China edged out Canada, ranked as each others top trading partners. Thats because, as CNN reported last week, a leaked memo reveals that Trump will trash the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as soon as he sits at his Oval Office desk. Not only has the president-elect repeatedly called the 22-year-old NAFTA a disaster, he has added Canada to his free dump hit list, along with China, Mexico, Japan and Vietnam. As he claims, We lose with Canada big-league. Tremendous, tremendous trade deficits with Canada. Well, no. Canada creates jobs in the US While it is true that Canada now exports more to the United States than it imports a difference of about $20bn a year it sends south much-needed resources that help keep the few American manufacturing jobs left in the US. Not that the president-elect would notice, given how much of Trumps business is offshore. Our softwood lumber helps keep American housing affordable. Our hydro provides electrical power. We are the largest supplier of oil and natural gas to the US, ahead of Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Whats more, many of the Rust Belt states that voted for Trump are the very same states that would suffer just as much as Canada if Trump were to tear up NAFTA. Consider Ohio, where Trump trounced Hillary Clinton. More than 300,000 jobs there depend on Canada-US trade and investment. In fact, nine million jobs throughout the US result from Canada-US trade and investment. This is why former democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean cautioned: Whats hurt our economy much more than NAFTA is the gross failure of us to redistribute wealth properly. It is possible that Trump wasnt briefed on all this. On the other hand, its possible that he was and just didnt care. After all, what did facts matter in his post-truth campaign to win the White House? This is a man who knows how to draw suckers into casinos. Why wouldnt they fall for his Make America Great Again rhetoric even if it were a lie? Canadas economic worries Canadians are concerned that Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus carbon-pricing scheme, recently announced in his bid to fight climate change, will make Canadian products less competitive. They worry that the influence of Big Oil in Washington will send fumes spewing into their atmosphere. They fear that Trump will slash corporate taxes so low, there will be a rush of capital for the border. And then theres the building of the Keystone XL pipeline. This would have sent 800,000 barrels a day of bitumen from the Alberta tar sands to North Dakota and Nebraska, to end up in refineries on the Gulf of Mexico coast. OPINION: Canadas Willy Wonka Barack Obamas refusal to give it the green light angered both American Republicans and Canadas Conservative government under Stephen Harper. But building the controversial pipeline might go to the top of Trumps to-do list. The thing is, despite Canadas tanking economy, which is heavily bogged down by the price of oil, and Trudeaus eagerness to find new markets for the tar sands product, the KXL is no longer such a good thing for the country. He maintains it would make Canada even more dependent on the US a dangerous proposition at any time, let alone during a Trump administration. So, by mid-December, it is expected that Trudeau will approve domestic pipelines such as Kinder Morgan, which will carry bitumen to the British Columbia coast where tankers will take it to China and other Asian markets. Still, Trudeau has come under attack, from both the Canadian right and left, for his apparent buckling to Trump without once mentioning Canadian values, as Angela Merkel did even before all the ballots were counted. Its important that we be open to talking about trade deals, he said, after congratulating Trump on his win. As one national columnist put it, Justin Trudeaus pre-emptive decision to tell one of the planets most voracious deal-makers that Canada is willing to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, without even being asked, ranks as one of the great examples of a sovereign government disintegrating like cheap toilet paper. Its a bad sign. Sleeping with an elephant Although we share our land, water and even air, the US has all the power in this relationship. Which is why Trudeaus father, the former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, told the Washington, DC, press club in 1969, Living next to you is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly and even-tempered is the beast, if I can call it that, one is affected by every twitch and grunt. With Obama, Trudeau had a bromance. Its not likely to continue with Trump, despite their similar trust fund baby backgrounds. Last week, former US Senator Rick Santorum, once Trumps rival for the Republican nomination and now an ardent supporter, told a Canadian interviewer: Youre governed by a bunch of liberals up here who have different agendas. They have the green agenda. They have an immigration agenda. They have agendas that are not the Trump agenda and shouldnt be because they are not in the best interests of working people in Canada and theyre not in the best interests of working people in the US. But Trudeau might be on to something, as the original US NAFTA negotiator Mickey Kantor pointed out last week. NAFTA, he explained, is out of date, signed before the internet, robotics and automation, the rapidly expanding technology and knowledge sectors and even iPhones. No agreement certain none I ever negotiated is perfect. They all need to be updated, Kantor said. But updating is one thing. Tearing up is another. For Canada, a nation founded on the fur trade, the next four years will mean navigating through some very rough waters. Canada is the little canoe to Trumps American destroyer. The trick is to stay afloat and ride the wave. Antonia Zerbisias is an award-winning Canadian journalist. She has been a reporter and TV host for the Toronto Star and the CBC, as well as the Montreal correspondent for Variety trade paper. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. Suspects were planning an attack as early as December 1 on orders from ISIL in Iraq or Syria, Paris prosecutor says. A large-scale attack in France has been thwarted, after four long-time friends in their 30s, living in the city of Strasbourg and communicating through a closed phone line were arrested, Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said. The suspects were planning a terror attack in the country as early as next week on orders from an Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group member in Iraq or Syria, Molins said on Friday. The commando of four arrested on Sunday, in the eastern city of Strasbourg, plotted to carry out an attack on December 1, but investigators have not yet determined the specific chosen target among all those considered by the group. Watch: Does Frances foreign policy make it a target? The prosecutor did not name any targets, but security was tightened this week at the Paris headquarters of Frances criminal investigations police, which was reportedly among the locations studied. French President Francois Hollande said a large-scale attack was thwarted. The night they were arrested, two of the Strasbourg group had just downloaded the Periscope application, which allows people to stream live on the internet with a mobile phone. The app activity suggests they were preparing an imminent attack, Molins said. The four Strasbourg suspects also were in possession of guns and ammunition, he said. Among the weapons seized during home searches were two handguns, two automatic rifles, several cartridge clips and dozens of cartridges of different calibres. Investigators also found instructions for a money transfer, GPS coordinates and detailed explanations for obtaining more weapons on one suspects USB stick. A fifth suspect was arrested in the southern city of Marseille at the same time as the Strasbourg suspects. Remote guidance Molins told reporters the suspect that was arrested in Marseille was not in direct contact with the other four, but was given guidance remotely from the same ISIL member. All five men had a clear will to find and to identify targets to commit an act in the very short term, Molins said. In addition, the five had common instructions to obtain weapons, instructions given by a person from the Iraqi-Syrian zone through encrypted applications popular among terrorists, he said. Investigators also recovered a notebook that contained 12 pages of writing that referred to an armed campaign, death in martyrdom and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the ISIL leader, the prosecutor said. After being held in custody since Sunday, the five were moved on Friday to the Paris court, where they were scheduled to appear before counterterrorism investigating judges. The Paris prosecutor asked magistrates to hand the five men preliminary charges of taking part in a terrorist criminal association and to jail them. Molins was speaking the day after anti-terrorism authorities took the unusual step of holding the men in custody without charge beyond the normal maximum period, relying on a recent anti-terrorism measure. The four arrested in Strasbourg were two French citizens, both age 37; a 36-year-old Franco Tunisian; and a 35-year-old Franco Moroccan. Two of the men had several criminal convictions in France, Molins said. The man arrested in Marseille was a 26-year-old Moroccan. Two of the Strasbourg suspects travelled to the Turkish-Syrian border via Cyprus, in March 2015, the prosecutor said. The Marseille suspect left Morocco in 2013 and made multiple trips across Europe with fake ID documents. In 2015, the Turkish authorities prevented him from entering Turkey, he said. France remains under a state of emergency imposed after ISIL attacks in Paris in November 2015 that killed 130 people. Police operation follows fatal stabbing of elderly woman in retirement home for Catholic missionaries near Montpellier. French police are searching for a masked attacker suspected of stabbing an elderly woman to death in a retirement home for Catholic missionaries in southern France, according to authorities. An unusually large police operation was launched to search for the suspected attacker on Friday, believed to be armed with a shotgun and a knife. The identity of the attacker was unclear. The press service for the gendarmes, or military police, also could not comment on the motive for the attack. READ MORE: Paris Attacks one year on I live with this every day Security at religious and other sites has been increased after a string of attacks in France in recent years. A gendarme service spokesman said early on Friday that more than 100 members of the security forces were dispatched to the village of Montferrier-sur-Lez, near the city of Montpellier in southern France. Christophe Barret, a French prosecutor, said that a woman who works at the retirement home called the police on Thursday night to say she had been attacked. When the officers arrived, they found the body of another woman, gagged and tied up outside the building with three stab wounds, the gendarme spokesman said. The worker who alerted police did not suffer serious injuries but was badly shaken, and no one else at the residence was harmed, the prosecutor said in televised remarks carried on the website of Midi Libre newspaper. Security forces searched the complex but did not find the assailant. The spokesman said the 60 residents of the facility were out of danger, and the search is continuing in a larger perimeter with help from a helicopter and police dogs. One woman, a resident, was assassinated. The security forces have evacuated the residents, about 60, who are safe and sound, a police official told Reuters. The official said the search in the building was over. Retirement home The residence, called Green Oaks, is operated by the African Missions Society, and takes in retired priests, nuns and others who have worked on missions in Africa. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, spokesman for the French Catholic bishops conference, conveyed his condolences for the dead woman via Twitter: Our prayers reach out also to the missionaries attacked in their retirement home in the Herault [region]. God give them all peace. France has been under a state of emergency for a year since the attacks claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group in Paris killed 130 people. At least 84 people were killed and 100 injured in the French city of Nice when a man deliberately drove a lorry into a crowd celebrating the countrys main national holiday in July last year. Another ISIL attack in July this year targeted a Catholic church in Normandy, where two attackers slit a priests throat and held elderly parishioners hostage. Government advisory says items produced illegally in the occupied Palestinian territories must be clearly labelled. France has told businesses that goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories must be explicitly labelled, in line with a European Union motion passed late last year. Guidelines published on a French government website late on Thursday are aimed at enforcing EU regulations on labelling goods from the West Bank, including annexed east Jerusalem, which the international community considers occupied Palestinian land, and the Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in 1967. Under international law the Golan Heights and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are not part of Israel, the advisory said. Labelling goods simply as from the West Bank or Golan Heights without more details is not acceptable, it added. Goods must be stipulated as coming from an Israeli settlement when that is the case, to avoid the risk of misleading the consumer. Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and have been a major sticking point for peace efforts between Palestinians and Israel. In November 2015, the EUs executive body sparked a major diplomatic row with Israel by adopting a motion that effectively declared that products from settlements would have to be labelled as such across the bloc. It was not immediately clear whether the notice was binding or advisory. READ MORE: BDS campaign winning battle for hearts and minds The move, however, drew an angry response from the Israeli government, with the foreign ministry saying it would encourage the boycott movement against Israel. Its unfortunate that France, which has a law against boycotts, is advancing steps like these which can be interpreted as encouraging radical elements and the boycott movement against Israel, Emmanuel Nahshon, Israels foreign ministry spokesman, said. Israel sees the EU push for settlement product labelling as inspired by the BDS movement calling for a boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel in what it says is a nonviolent struggle against Israeli occupation. The BDS movement has made gains in recent years. US and British academic unions have endorsed boycotts, student governments at universities have made divestment proposals, and a number of churches have sold off shares in businesses seen as profiting from Israels occupation of the West Bank. The BDS movement also claims responsibility for pressuring some large companies to stop or modify operations in Israel. Netanyahu threatens those responsible for the fires with full legal force as smoke transforms northern citys skyline. Tens of thousands of Israelis have been fleeing wildfires in the northern city of Haifa, with the prime minister warning that any proof of arson would be treated as terrorism. Dry conditions after a two-month drought, in addition to strong winds, have fuelled the fires, which have also spread to other parts of the country. Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said that anyone who may have started fires deliberately would be punished. We are facing arsonist terror. In front of arsonist terror we are also facing incitement and also arson. For us they are the same. And we will bring our full legal force to get those responsible, he said. Its a crime in every possible way and for us, it is also terror in every possible way. People can get burned. It has already happened. Thousands evacuated The smoke, which has transformed Haifas skyline, forced authorities to order about 80,000 people to leave the city, where several homes have been destroyed. Firefighters were working to douse the flames but some homes in the worst-affected areas were already beyond repair. The main highway between Haifa and Tel Aviv shut down for some time on Thursday, while authorities tried to put out the flames. Homes have also been damaged in fires affecting parts of the occupied West Bank and in an area close to Jerusalem, where some properties were lost in the blaze. Israeli authorities arrested four Israeli Palestinians, but a judge released them soon afterwards citing a lack of evidence. Micky Rosenfeld, an Israeli police spokesman, said: At the moment we are investigating how the fires began. We strongly believe that the fires could have been started by individuals who fled the scenes. There are a number of reports that weve received, and therefore, at the moment we are continuing to both put out the flames, deal with the major situation which is taking place in and around the city of Haifa. Several nations, including Turkey, have offered assistance, as more strong winds were predicted in the coming days. At least 44 people killed when two passenger trains collided in Irans north-central province of Semnan. At least 44 people have been killed and 100 others injured when two passenger trains collided in Irans north-central province of Semnan, and the death toll is likely to rise, according to news reports and local officials. President Hassan Rouhani ordered an acceleration of rescue efforts as well as an investigation into the cause of the deadly crash on Friday. Iranian state television broadcast footage of the wreckage showing four derailed carriages, with two of them on fire. Aerial images published by the IRINN news channel also showed several people and rescue vehicles near the site of the accident. A spokesman for Irans Red Crescent, Mostafa Mortazavi, told the semi-official Fars news agency that firefighters were trying to control the blaze. The crash occurred at the Haft-Khan station in the city of Shahroud, about 400km east of the capital Tehran. The governor of Tabriz told the semi-official Tasnim news agency that the moving train had 400 passengers on board. It was not clear how many passengers had been on the second train. Fars had earlier said 100 had been rescued. Out of the 400 passengers 48 are missing. They might be hospitalised or left the area but there is a high possibility that they were killed, Rahim Shohratifar told Tasnim. Semnan Governor Mohammad Reza Khabbaz told Fars that the death toll could increase. Fars said the cause of the crash was under investigation, but it appeared that as one of the trains was entering the station it struck another that had stopped. I was sleeping when the crash happened. I thought it was an air strike When I opened my eyes, there was blood everywhere, a hospitalised passenger said. A local official told state TV that the remote location of the crash had slowed rescue efforts. So far only one helicopter has reached the scene because of access difficulties, said local Red Crescent chief Hasan Shokrollahi. Iranian trains have been involved in four collisions this year with road vehicles, including a crash with a truck in July that left around 30 injured near the Caspian Sea in the northern province of Mazandaran. Collisions between trains are rarer. In the countrys deadliest rail disaster, 328 people were killed when a train transporting sulphur, petrol and fertilisers exploded in northern Iran on February 18, 2004. Irans roads are notoriously deadly, mainly because drivers show scant regard for rules, with 16,000 lives lost in the Iranian year between March 2015 and March 2016. In a sign of progress, however, an average of 28,000 deaths a year were registered on Iranian roads a decade ago. Since the walkout began on Wednesday more than 315,000 passengers have been affected. Lufthansas pilots union said on Friday it rejected the airlines latest pay offer, only hours after it was made, but added it has no plans now for further strikes beyond Saturday. While not ruling out further action, the union said that any strikes would be announced 24 hours in advance. Lufthansa said earlier on Friday it had offered to increase wages by 4.4 percent in two instalments, as well as a one-off payment equal to 1.8 months pay. The union said the offer was not new as it had already been proposed to workers two months ago and it dismissed Lufthansas statement on Friday as a public relations move. This weeks walkout the 14th since early 2014 has already grounded some 2,600 planes and affected more than 315,000 passengers. Lufthansa has said the disruption has started to hit medium-term bookings. The German airline also said it had offered to create 1,000 jobs for junior pilots and up to 600 pilot traineeships over the next five years. It said it could enter mediation talks with the union on November 29. In return, pilots would have to agree to a change to their pension scheme in which Lufthansa would only guarantee paid-in contributions. Cabin crew and ground staff have already agreed to these changes. Pilots had been threatening to extend the strike beyond Saturday, raising concerns among investors at the growing cost to the company and the wider impact on Europes largest economy. Lufthansa says it has to cut costs to compete with leaner rivals such as Ryanair on short-haul routes and Emirates on long-haul flights, despite making a record profit in 2015. READ MORE: Lufthansa makes new offer to end costly pilots strike Lufthansa pilots are well paid by industry standards. A pilot at Lufthansa earns on average $190,000 a year before tax, though a captain on the highest pay level can earn as much as $23,000 a month before tax. Lufthansa had earlier said it would be forced to cancel a further 137 flights on Saturday, including 88 intercontinental flights, affecting some 30,000 travellers. Some short- and medium-haul flights would also be affected, it said. Sindh becomes first province to pass law in response to criticism over protection of countrys religious minorities. Doha, Qatar A province in Pakistan has passed a new law, with provision for life sentence, against forced religious conversions following criticism over protection of minorities in the country. The new bill, passed by legislators in Sindh on Thursday, mandates a 21-day period for adults to consider their decision to convert and forbids minors from choosing another religion of their free will. Forced conversion is an abhorrent and violent offence and an issue that has become prevalent across Sindh [that] must be eliminated by recognising the importance of tolerance, peace and respect for all religions and persons, irrespective of their religion, reads the bill, a copy which was obtained by Al Jazeera. It is necessary to criminalise forced conversions and provide protection for those who are victims of this abhorrent practice. READ MORE: Pakistan arrests man for blasphemy over Hindu symbol The Sindh Criminal Law (Protection of Minorities) Bill was proposed a year ago by Nand Kumar Goklani, a legislator of the Pakistan Muslim League Functional, who belongs to the minority Hindu community. Sindhs legislature is the first assembly in Pakistan to pass such a law. Every person has the right to practise their religion and beliefs, Goklani told Al Jazeera on Friday by phone from Karachi, the main city of Sindh. We must ensure that no one is forced to change their religion due to physical or mental pressure on them We now have a law to help stop this practice. It is a historical move. Gorklani said the legislation calls for a minimum sentence of five years and maximum of life imprisonment for anyone found to be forcing people to convert. Case of forced conversion Forced conversion has long been an issue in Pakistan, a Muslim-majority country of nearly 200 million people. It is seen as mainly affecting Hindus, who make up 2.5 percent of Pakistans population, about 90 percent of them living in Sindh. Christians account for another 1.6 percent of the population. Although there are no confirmed statistics on forced conversions in the country, the Movement for Solidarity and Peace in Pakistan, an NGO, estimates that at least 1,000 girls or women are forced into Muslim marriages and made to convert to Islam annually. A case in point is that of Anjali Kumari Meghwar, of Mustafa Abad Mohalla, in Sukkur district of Sindh, who was allegedly kidnapped and forced to marry a Muslim man and convert to Islam in 2014. According to local media reports, Anjali was not a minor and she had eloped with Riaz Sial, the man accused by her family of kidnapping her. READ MORE: Pakistan Laws fail to check violence against women Anjalis father, Kundan Meghwar, says she is now in a shelter home in Karachi as the court case is still ongoing. My daughter Anjali was 12 years old when she was kidnapped. he told Al Jazeera by phone from Karachi on Friday. That makes her a minor, so she cannot marry or choose a religion for herself. Meghwar says that the new law is a ray of hope for non-Muslim communities of Pakistan and will put a stop to injustice against the minorities. We have the law on our side now, so hopefully, others will not experience what I have been through, he said. The new law states that the victim may file a petition regarding forced conversion in a local court and that the court shall fix the first date of hearing, which shall not exceed seven days from the date of the receipt of the petition by the court. It took a lot of effort to get this bill passed, and I am very happy that we finally made it possible, Goklani told Al Jazeera. Everyone has the right to feel protected and openly practise their faith. Follow Shereena Qazi on Twitter: @shereenaqazi UNHCR chief accuses countrys troops of killing men and raping women, forcing stateless minority to flee to Bangladesh. Myanmar is carrying out ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims, a United Nations official has said, as stories of gang rape, torture and murder emerge from among the thousands who have fled to Bangladesh. Up to 30,000 members of the ethnic community have abandoned their homes in Myanmar to escape the unfolding violence, the UN said, after troops poured into the narrow strip where they live earlier this month. John McKissick, head of the UN refugee agency UNHCR in the Bangladeshi border town of Coxs Bazar, told the BBC that troops were killing men, shooting them, slaughtering children, raping women, burning and looting houses, forcing these people to cross the river into Bangladesh. READ MORE: Who are the Rohingya? Bangladesh has resisted urgent international appeals to open its border to avert a humanitarian crisis, instead telling Myanmar it must do more to prevent the stateless Rohingya minority from entering. Its very difficult for the Bangladeshi government to say the border is open because this would further encourage the government of Myanmar to continue the atrocities and push them out until they have achieved their ultimate goal of ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority in Myanmar, McKissick said. A spokesman for Myanmar President Htin Kyaw criticised the comments. I would like to question the professionalism and ethics which should be followed and respected by UN staff. He should speak based on concrete and true facts, he shouldnt make accusations, Zaw Htay told AFP news agency. Ethnic cleansing It is not the first time ethnic-cleansing claims have been made against Myanmar. In April 2013 Human Rights Watch said it was conducting a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya an accusation rejected by Thein Sein, the then president, as a smear campaign. The scale of human suffering was becoming clear on Thursday, as desperate people such as Mohammad Ayaz told how troops attacked his village and killed his pregnant wife. Cradling his two-year-old son, he said troops killed at least 300 men in the village market and gang-raped dozens of women before setting fire to around 300 homes, Muslim-owned shops and the mosque where he served as imam. INVESTIGATION: Genocide Agenda They shot dead my wife, Jannatun Naim. She was 25 and seven months pregnant. I took refuge at a canal with my two-year-old son, who was hit by a rifle butt, Ayaz said. Ayaz sold his watch and shoes to pay for the journey and has taken shelter at a camp for unregistered Rohingya refugees. Many of those seeking shelter say they walked for days and used rickety boats to cross into Bangladesh, where hundreds of thousands of registered Rohingya refugees have been living for decades. The Rohingya are viewed as illegal immigrants by many in Buddhist-majority Myanmar who call them Bengali, even though many have lived there for generations. Most live in the impoverished western Rakhine state, but are denied citizenship and smothered by restrictions on movement and work. Bangladesh said on Wednesday that it had summoned Myanmars ambassador to express deep concern. Since the latest violence flared up, Bangladesh border guards have intensified patrols and the coastguard has deployed extra ships. Officials say they have stopped around a thousand Rohingya Muslims at the border since Monday. Satellite images Human Rights Watch said this week it had identified, using satellite images, more than 1,000 homes in Rohingya villages that had been razed in northwestern Myanmar. Myanmars military has denied burning villages and even blamed the Rohingya themselves. Rohingya community leaders said hundreds of families had taken shelter in camps in the border towns of Teknaf and Ukhia, many hiding for fear they would be sent back to Myanmar. Police on Wednesday detained 70 Rohingya, including women and children, who they say will be sent back across the border. Up to one million people to join almost five million already facing starvation as civil war spreads to rural areas. An aid organisation in South Sudan has warned of severe food shortages, with the civil war spreading to rural areas of the country, cutting farmers access to their agricultural lands. The aid group CARE told Al Jazeera that if the armed conflict continues, as many as one million civilians could go hungry in the region of Equatoria, adding 20 percent more people to the almost five million already facing starvation. Fred McCray, country director of CARE aid group, said what is happening in Equatoria is disheartening because it is traditionally the greenbelt of South Sudan and is critical to the countrys food sustenance. Dozen killed in South Sudan clashes This is an area with rich agricultural production, which families used to produce more than enough food or enough food to meet their basic needs, he told Al Jazeeras Hiba Morgan, who is reporting from Torit in Equatoria. So now you see a situation here where some of the most productive land in the country is not being farmed because people have been displaced from their homes. Tens of thousands have been killed and millions displaced by the countrys three years of civil war, which is being fought largely along ethnic lines. In July, gun battles broke out between forces loyal to president Salva Kiir and former vice-president Riek Machar. A peace deal, agreed under intense international pressure and the threat of sanctions, brought Machar back to Juba in April, but he fled after more clashes erupted and the violence has continued. Disrupted by violence Susan, a farmer and mother of four who fled the conflict in Equatoria, is now forced to work preparing mud to cover her neighbours cottage wall. She said it is now impossible to farm, because gunmen are occupying farmlands in her village. When the conflict broke out, the situation was okay, Susan told Al Jazeera. But since then they started killing people. If they find you in the farms they beat you, they force you to carry their things and then they leave you there, sometimes they kill you. The spread of violence and insecurity to parts of the country where the communities rely on farming means that they can no longer do that, even if those farms are less than 3km away like in Torit. South Sudanese people who previously were able to depend on themselves for food are now forced to rely on aid to survive. Josephine Abalang, state minister of information, told Al Jazeera that the fighting was temporary that the calm has returned. There were some few groups of gunmen that attempted to enter Torit so it did disrupt a little bit the routine cultivation of our farmers but since then, the situation has been stabilised so it has improved, she said. But for Susan, whose livelihood has been disrupted by the conflict, said she is yet to see that improvement and until she does, she will continue to struggle to be able to feed her children. There are more than 12,000 UN peacekeepers in South Sudan. But they have been accused for failing to protect civilians during previous clashes between warring political forces. Aid workers say citys besieged eastern part in urgent need of food and medical supplies as winter conditions set in. The inhabitants of besieged eastern Aleppo have fewer than 10 days to receive aid or face starvation and death from a lack of medical supplies, according to the head of the Syria Civil Defence, or White Helmets. The volunteer group, which works in opposition-held territory and has rescued thousands of people from buildings bombed in the civil war, is also running out of basic equipment from lorries to diesel and gas masks. You cannot imagine how the situation is, Raed al-Saleh told Reuters news agency. Saleh was in Stockholm to receive the Right Livelihood Award, known as Swedens Alternative Nobel Prize. Doctors and the rescue workers in Aleppo are just using whats left of the equipment after bombardments to do whatever they can do, Saleh said. Anti-government fighters in the eastern part of Aleppo city have agreed to a United Nations plan for aid delivery and medical evacuations, but the UN is awaiting a green light from Russia and the Syrian government, Jan Egeland, the UN humanitarian adviser, said on Thursday. Freezing winter conditions With freezing winter conditions setting in, about 275,000 people are trapped in eastern Aleppo, where the last UN food rations were distributed on November 13. Saleh said doctors were so short of supplies that they were resorting to making life and death decisions over who receives surgery. They cannot accept everyone There are not enough materials and not enough doctors, he said. Saleh said the White Helmets had lost 50 percent of their equipment in the past two months. We have consumed all the stock of first aid kits in our centres and we have consumed all our stock of gas masks, he said. We are concerned that within 10 days we may consume all our remaining stock of diesel which is required for the ambulances and the trucks to move. There has been, heavy, continuous and violent shelling on neighborhoods in eastern Aleppo in the last 10 days. Al Jazeeras Amro Halabi, reporting from Aleppos Thahrat Awad neighbourhood, said: Here, a parachute bomb containing toxic material was dropped. It caused multiple cases of asphyxiation among civilians. A variety of weapons were used for the shelling including parachute bombs, bombs containing toxic material and barrel bombs that have taken the lives of dozens of civilians. READ MORE: Battle for Aleppo All hospitals are destroyed The shelling continues in what is the most violent spell of bombing the besieged city has experienced. The White Helments Saleh said his workers had responded to approximately 10 chlorine attacks in Aleppo over the past 10 days, the last being on Wednesday. Rami Abdulrahman, director of the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the Syrian conflict, said the observatory had documented two incidents of chlorine attacks in the past fortnight. Banned toxic agents On November 11, the executive body of the global chemical weapons watchdog the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) condemned the alleged use of banned toxic agents by the Syrian government and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group. A 13-month international inquiry by the OPCW and UN concluded in a series of reports that Syrian government forces were responsible for the use of chlorine barrel bombs against civilians. Syrian authorities deny having used chemical weapons in the conflict. ISIL, also known as ISIS, has not commented. Saleh also criticised Russia, which is backing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the conflict. I believe the withdrawal of Russia from the International Criminal Court is because it knows it commits war crimes in Syria and it doesnt want to be accountable, he said. The White Helmets shared the Right Livelihood award this year with Mozn Hassan, the Egyptian feminist and human rights activist, Russias Svetlana Gannushkina, who campaigns for the rights of migrants and refugees, and the Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet. The four laureates share a cash award of three million Swedish crowns ($325,000). Trumps 2016 federal disclosure forms show he owns stock in the company building the disputed oil pipeline. President-elect Donald Trump holds stock in the company building the disputed Dakota Access oil pipeline, and opponents of the project warn those investments could affect any decision he makes on the $3.8bn project as president. Trumps 2016 federal disclosure forms show he owned between $15,000 and $50,000 in stock in Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners. Thats down from between $500,000 and $1m a year earlier. Trump also owns between $100,000 and $250,000 in Phillips 66, which has a one-quarter share of Dakota Access. Opinion: N Dakota pipeline protest is a harbinger of many more While Trumps stake in the pipeline company is modest compared with his other assets, ethics experts say it is among dozens of potential conflicts that could be resolved by placing his investments in a blind trust, a step Trump has resisted. Trumps investments in the pipeline business threaten to undercut faith in this process which was already frayed by interjecting his own financial wellbeing into a much bigger decision, Sharon Buccino, director of environment group Natural Resources Defense Council, told the Associated Press news agency. Concern about Trumps possible conflicts comes as protests over the pipeline have intensified in recent weeks, with total arrests since August rising to 528. A clash this past week near the main protest camp in North Dakota left a police officer and several protesters injured. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Orlando Cruz, a Native American protester, said the pipeline symbolises the subjugation of his people by the government for centuries. They took our land from us. They said, Here, this is yours, heres a reservation, you can do what you want on it. And we are here in the reservation now, and we dont get to do what we want with it. And they get to put their pipeline through it, he said. Pay-to-play at its rawest The Obama administration said this month that it wants more consideration and tribal input before deciding whether to allow the partially built pipeline to cross under a Missouri River reservoir in North Dakota. The 1,200-mile pipeline would carry oil across four states to a shipping point in Illinois. The project has been held up while the Army Corps of Engineers consults with the Standing Rock Sioux, who believe the project could harm the tribes drinking water and Native American cultural sites. The delay raises the likelihood that a final decision will be made by Trump, a pipeline supporter who has vowed to unleash unfettered production of oil and gas. He takes office in January. Trump, a billionaire who has never held public office, holds ownership stakes in more than 500 companies worldwide. He has said that he plans to transfer control of his company to three of his adult children, but ethics experts have said conflicts could engulf the new administration if Trump does not liquidate his business holdings. Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva, the senior Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, called Trumps investment in the pipeline company disturbing and said it fits a pattern evident in Trumps transition team. You have climate [change] deniers, industry lobbyists and energy conglomerates involved in that process, Grijalva said. The pipeline companies are gleeful. This is pay-to-play at its rawest. Besides Trump, at least two possible candidates for energy secretary in his incoming administration also could benefit financially from the pipeline. Doctors at one rehabilitation centre say theyll be unable distribute artificial limbs by February due to high demand. Like most children her age, Shahhd al-Mobarak loves to play and explore. But, while out one day with her brother in Syrias war-ravaged Aleppo province, the shy, young girls life was nearly snatched away from her. Government and Russian air strikes that have laid waste to several parts of the country, killed her younger brother and seriously wounded her mother, Shahhds father told Al Jazeera. Shahhd survived the incident, but lost her leg, and with it, the possibility of a normal life. Over the last six years, millions of Syrian children and their families have had their lives disrupted, upended or destroyed by the Syrian civil war. More than 10,000 children have been killed while countless others have been maimed, losing their arms or legs in air strikes or shelling. Unable to find suitable care in Syria, each month, dozens of wounded Syrians are fitted with prosthetic limbs at two free clinics near the Turkey-Syria border. But with an escalation in hostilities, employees at one rehabilitation centre have told Al Jazeera that they are struggling with limited funds and a growing demand. If things do not change soon, they will be unable to offer free treatment and therapy beyond February. READ MORE: Syrian prosthetic clinic brings hope Doctors at a clinic in Gaziantep told Al Jazeera that they were treating all Syrians, including government soldiers, who had lost body parts in the war. We treat them regardless of ethnicity, colour or religion, Dr Hamza Diab, an orthopaedic surgeon, told Al Jazeera. As a medical team, we dont look at controversial issues. We simply receive them and treat them. While Shahhd is happy that she can finally walk unaided, the prosthesis she received is far from ideal. Heat builds up where the artificial limb connects to her body and it can cause problems, like skin infections and blisters, that can make wearing it so painful she has to take time off school. Military says one soldier and five FSA fighters killed in northern Syria as part of two-pronged cross-border operation. Turkish fighter jets have carried out strikes against ISIL positions near Syrias Al-Bab, following the death of a Turkish soldier in clashes with the group in the same area, according to the countrys military. Four Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters were also killed in the incidents in the same area during the past 24 hours, Turkish armed forces said in a statement on Friday. The military said it hit seven ISIL, or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group, positions in the Barakah, Anifah and Abu Hayj regions of northern Syria on Thursday. The attacks targeted two headquarters, three defence positions and an arsenal that is controlled by ISIL, also known as ISIS, Turkeys state-run Anadolu news agency said, citing military sources. Thursdays clashes marked the 11th Turkish casualty so far in Turkeys two-pronged, cross-border operation against ISIL and Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria. Turkey first sent tanks across the border on August 24 as part of the operation Euphrates Shield. Four days later, the Turkish army suffered its first fatality in northern Syria, in a rocket attack blamed on Kurdish militia. On September 6, three more Turkish soldiers were killed and four others were wounded in an ISIL attack on two tanks near the town of Al-Rai in northern Syria. Three more Turkish soldiers were killed on September 9 when a Turkish tank was hit by ISIL fighters a near the Syrian town of Tal el-Hawa. On Thursday, three Turkish soldiers were killed near Al-Bab, in what the military said was a suspected Syrian air strike, the first such deaths at the hands of Syrian government forces since August. Turkey has said it will retaliate against the attacks. ANALYSIS: Kurds and refugees behind Turkeys Syria offensive At the moment, the Turkish troops are not engaged in combat with Syrian government forces. Reports said FSA fighters, backed by Turkish tanks and air strikes, continued attacks to gain control of Al-Bab on Friday. The city is in a strategic area, close to the Turkish border in northern Syria en route to Raqqa and Idlib. Al-Bab is one of the few remaining strongholds of ISIL. After it takes Al-Bab, Turkish military says, the objective is to clear the whole area and retake the town of Manbij from the SDF, the largely Kurdish militia. Over 215 residential areas, including Jarablus city in northern Syria, have been cleared of ISIL as part of the Euphrates Shield operation so far, according to the Turkish military. Erdogan threatens to open land borders and allow refugees to cross into Europe if talks on EU membership bid are frozen. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened on Friday to open Turkeys borders to allow refugees and migrants to reach the European Union in a move that would tear up a landmark deal that has reduced the flow. Erdogans comments, some of his toughest in recent times against the EU, prompted an immediate warning from Germany which helped broker the deal that such threats were unhelpful. The threat came a day after the European Parliament angered Ankara by backing a freeze in EU accession talks, already hit by alarm over its crackdown following the July 15 failed coup. Listen to me. If you go any further, then the frontiers will be opened, bear that in mind, Erdogan told the EU during a speech in Istanbul. He said Brussels had cried out for help in 2015 as tens of thousands of migrants massed at Turkeys border crossing with EU member state Bulgaria. You began to ask us What will we do if Turkey opens its borders? he asked. Promises unfulfilled On March 18, Ankara and Brussels forged a deal for Turkey to halt the flow of migrants to Europe an accord that has largely been successful in reducing the number of people crossing the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece. Hundreds of people have drowned in the Aegean en route from Turkey to Greece on unseaworthy boats. They included three-year-old Syrian Aylan Kurdi, with the images of his lifeless body washed up on a Turkish beach spurring the international community into action. Turkey agreed to step up maritime and land border controls in exchange for incentives on its long-stalled EU membership bid, including visa-free travel for its citizens and an acceleration of accession talks. However with an October target passing, no apparent progress on the visa issue and the accession talks stalled, Ankara has accused Brussels of failing to keep its side of the bargain. This deal has always been inherently fragile and dependent not only on good political relations but each side holding up their end of the deal. As time goes on, we see it becoming more and more fragile, particularly since the coup over the summer, Elizabeth Collett, director of the Migration Policy Institute, in Brussels, told Al Jazeera. READ MORE: A third of minors missing after Calais closure, says charity But one thing to remember is that this was seen as a stop-gap measure while Europe got its house in order. Unfortunately, as the flows diminished theres been a reduction in political focus on this issue, which has also reduced the search for a sustainable solution in the European Union. In response to Erdogans remarks, Chancellor Angela Merkels spokeswoman, Ulrike Demmer, said the deal was in the interest of all parties and that threats on either side are not helpful. Where there are difficulties, we need to resolve them, she added. Erdogan said that while Turkey itself was looking after three million refugees mainly 2.7 million Syrians who have fled the war next door but you [the EU] did not fulfil your promises. You never acted honourably, you did not act right, he told the bloc. He has also accused Brussels of failing to fulfil a promise to deliver some $6.3bn in aid for refugees. The EU says the money is to be transferred gradually for individual projects and not in a single payment. Not a reality The vote by the EU Parliament reflected spiralling tensions between Ankara and the bloc after Brussels repeatedly expressed alarm over the magnitude of Turkeys crackdown after the coup. Almost 37,000 suspects have been arrested, and tens of thousands of others have lost their jobs since the attempted putsch. Turkey has in turn accused Brussels of failing to show solidarity. The parliamentary vote is non-binding and earlier this month, all EU foreign ministers with the exception of Austria said they were in favour of continuing the accession talks. But analysts say the entire membership process is in deep trouble, with little hope of progress and several risk factors that could lead to its collapse. Realistically, moving forward is also nearly impossible Both Brussels and Ankara remain stuck and are playing for time, Asli Aydintasbas, of the European Council on Foreign Relations, said in a research paper published this week. She suggested an alternative form of engagement between Turkey and the EU, other than full membership, could be agreed to save face and move forwards. In reality, most officials privately concede that full membership is not a possibility at this point, she said. English News Bangladesh pushes back Rohingya refugees amid collective punishment in Myanmar Alwihda Info | Par Amesty International - 25 Novembre 2016 As the Myanmar authorities are subjecting the Rohingya Muslim minority to collective punishment, thousands of refugees who have made it across the border to Bangladesh in desperate need of humanitarian assistance are being forcibly pushed back in flagrant violation of international law, Amnesty International said today. The Rohingya are being squeezed by the callous actions of both the Myanmar and Bangladesh authorities. Fleeing collective punishment in Myanmar, they are being pushed back by the Bangladeshi authorities. Trapped between these cruel fates, their desperate need for food, water and medical care is not being addressed, said Champa Patel, Amnesty Internationals South Asia Director. The Rohingya are fleeing a policy of collective punishment in Myanmars Northern Rakhine state, where security forces are mounting indiscriminate reprisal attacks in response to a 9 October assault on three border posts that killed nine members of the border police. Speaking to members of the Rohingya community on the ground in Bangladesh and in interviews with those still in Myanmar, Amnesty International has heard accounts of Myanmars security forces, led by the military, firing at villagers from helicopter gunships, torching hundreds of homes, carrying out arbitrary arrests, and raping women and girls. Across the Naf river that divides Bangladesh and Myanmar, Rohingya refugees and asylum-seekers are forced into hiding and are suffering a severe lack of food and medical care, Amnesty International found in Bangladeshs Coxs Bazar district. Forcible returns The Bangladeshi authorities have cracked down on the flow of Rohingya refugees and asylum-seekers from Myanmar. Over the past week, the Bangladesh Border Guards have detained and forcibly returned hundreds. The move is a violation of the principle of non-refoulement an absolute prohibition under international law on forcibly returning people to a country or place where they would be at real risk of serious human rights violations. The Bangladeshi authorities have also sealed their border with Myanmar and fortified it with the deployment of the Bangladesh Border Guards and coast guard forces. Since 1992, the Bangladesh government has a policy of denying Rohingya refugee status. On 22 November, Amnesty International witnessed groups of Rohingya crossing the border close to Whaikyang, a village by the Naf river in Bangladesh. They looked weary and emaciated, the signs of a gruelling journey evident on their faces. They told Amnesty International that they had arrived in Bangladesh the night before, waiting until sunrise on a nearby island to evade Bangladeshi officials. Several thousand Rohingya refugees and asylum-seekers are believed to have recently crossed into Bangladesh. They are spread out across villages, refugee camps and slums, making the true number impossible to determine. At least 2,000 people have made the journey across the Naf river since 21 November, with more set to arrive over successive days. Some of them told Amnesty International they had paid smugglers to take them across. Others confessed to bribing Bangladesh Border Guards or other Bangladeshis to help them elude interception at the border. The Bangladeshi government must not add to the suffering of Rohingya. They should be recognized and protected as refugees fleeing persecution, not punished for who they are, said Champa Patel. Inhuman and degrading conditions The bulk of the Rohingya who successfully reached Bangladesh have sought shelter in makeshift camps across the Coxs Bazar where earlier waves of refugees and asylum-seekers settled. Water and food are scarce. Aid workers in the area told Amnesty International that even before the most recent arrivals, the camp dwellers were already suffering severe malnutrition. The latest arrivals have put an enormous strain on Rohingya refugees and asylum-seekers already based in Bangladesh who have opened their small and cramped homes to them. One man living in the Kutupalong makeshift refugee camp told Amnesty International: I am the only breadwinner in my family. We are seven people, but some family members arrived from Myanmar last week so now we are 15 people living in the same small hut. We did not have any food this morning. I only own two longyis [traditional garment] I gave one to my cousin, I am wearing the only clothes I own. A 40-year-old woman, who said she had fled to Bangladesh after the Myanmar army killed her husband and one of her sons, was not able to find shelter in the camp for herself and her two young children. We are sleeping outside in the mud, she said. My son is two years old and is crying all the time, he is very cold in the mornings. Still, compared to Myanmar, Bangladesh seems like heaven to me. Many of those arriving are in extremely poor health and in need of medical attention. Reliable sources confirmed to Amnesty International that several people have crossed the border bearing untreated bullet wounds. But the Rohingya said that they did not seek medical attention from the few clinics in the area, out of fear of being detained and deported. While many Bangladeshi people have welcomed and offered assistance to the new arrivals, the Rohingya are preyed upon by local thieves. When we crossed the border, some local people attacked and looted us. They took everything we had, said one 16-year-old girl, who paid people smugglers to take her into Bangladesh on 21 November. Relying on the generosity of Bangladeshis already in poverty and long-term refugees is not sustainable. The thousands who have crossed the border desperately need help. Bangladeshi authorities must immediately allow aid groups unfettered access to those fleeing the escalating persecution in Myanmar, said Champa Patel. Collective punishment in Rakhine state Since the 9 October attack on border police posts, Amnesty International and other rights organizations have received reports of a litany of human rights violations carried out by the Myanmar army in North Rakhine State during security operations. The UN estimates that 30,000 people have been displaced from their homes. The response of the army to attacks on security forces six weeks ago went far beyond what was necessary and proportional. Instead of investigating and arresting specific suspects, the army carried out operations amounting to collective punishment, said Champa Patel. By targeting individuals clearly not involved in such attacks, whole families and whole villages, these operations appear to target Rohingya collectively on the basis of their ethnicity and religion. The Myanmar government has denied all allegations of human rights violations by its military, but at the same time has blocked access to humanitarian aid and effectively barred independent journalists and human rights monitors from entering the area. The Myanmar governments accounts lack credibility. If it has nothing to hide, it should open access to independent observers, including human rights monitors, aid workers and journalists, said Champa Patel. Members of the Rohingya community, both in Bangladesh and Myanmar described in harrowing detail the actions of the Myanmar army, including arbitrary arrests, unlawful killings, and the torching of villages. These and other accounts of human rights violations must immediately be investigated in a genuinely independent impartial and efficient way. The only real solution, both in the short and long terms, lies in respect for the human rights of Rohingyas in Myanmar. Long-term, entrenched and systemic discrimination against Rohingya must end. Testimonies A Rohingya villager in Myanmar told Amnesty International how security forces approached his village, firing guns in the air, creating a panic: Then they shot at people who were fleeing. They surrounded the village and started going from house to house. They were verbally abusing the people. They were threatening to rape the women saying We are going to rape your kalar women. Kalar or foreigner is a racial epithet used against the Rohingya community. A woman who spoke to Amnesty International from Myanmar described how her two sons were arbitrarily arrested by security forces: It was early in the morning, the military surrounded our house, while some came in and forced me and my children to go outside. They tied my two sons up. They tied their hands behind their backs, and they were beaten badly. The military kicked them in the chest. I saw it myself. I was crying so loudly. When I cried, they [the military] pointed a gun at me. My children were begging the military not to hit them. They were beaten for around 30 minutes before being taken away. She hasnt seen or heard from them since. A 38-year-old man, who spoke to Amnesty International in Bangladesh after arriving on 22 November, said: My sister and brother were both kidnapped by the army. I saw with my own eyes how the military burned down our village, and how soldiers raped women and girls. A 44-year-old woman said she witnessed how the army arrested and handcuffed young men in her village, shot them dead and pushed them into mass graves. She also said the army used hand-held rocket launchers, echoing reports from several other eyewitnesses about the use of such weapons and actions. Another man, 58, told Amnesty International in Bangladesh he fled across the border after helicopter gunships opened fire on his and surrounding villages: We saw helicopters firing on the village. We ran into the forest to save our lives. Background: Rohingya in Bangladesh Rohingya refugees and asylum-seekers have arrived into Bangladesh from Myanmar in waves since at least the 1970s. There are some 33,000 registered Rohingya refugees living in Coxs Bazars two camps, Kutupalong and Nayapara. The Bangladesh government has since 1992 refused to grant refugee status to Rohingya arriving from Myanmar. An estimated 300,000-500,000 undocumented Rohingya are living in Bangladesh, spread out in the two makeshift camps close to Kutupalong and Leda, as well as villages and towns across the southeast of the country. With no legal protections, the undocumented Rohingya are extremely vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Limited employment opportunities means that many are forced into the drug trade or human trafficking to earn an income. Incidents of rape and other sexual violence against undocumented Rohingya women are frequent, since they are considered easy targets who cannot report crimes to police for fear of being arrested themselves. The Bangladesh government has recently completed a census of the undocumented Rohingya people but has not made the results public yet. The government says the census will lead to better access to services and to granting basic legal status to the undocumented Rohingya. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Trunk market springs up in Chinese cities Communist of China always maintains vitality More robots entering people's daily life Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) How could this have happened? the media pundit bemoans, as he looks over the foolproof election data that he disseminated prior to the election. How do I tell my daughter that America elected a racist, sexist bully? the self-loathing, white-privileged mother cries, as she glances at her previous article about how a state law prohibiting confused men from entering what may be a little girls bathroom is somehow tantamount to misogyny. Love trumps hate! reads a banner among the rioters in the street, as they visit violence and destruction upon innocent people and businesses in their community. Perhaps sillier than all of that, however, is the incessant mantra amongst all of these people about how Hillary may have actually won the election because she garnered more of the popular vote than Trump. By now, youve heard the disgruntled leftists parroting the sentiment that the Electoral College is an archaic relic that is either racist (what else?), or has obviously outlived any usefulness it may have once had. Therefore, in the interest of progress, it must be abolished. Outgoing California Senator Barbara Boxer has recently introduced a doomed-to-fail bill meant to do just that. This argument is, of course, painfully dim and tiresome. The Electoral College is one of many safeguards against what de Tocqueville would later describe as the tyranny of the majority that our Founders feared, or more specifically, the threat of a concentrated majority in a state that happened to be more populous than another. After all, its doubtful that Rhode Island would have chosen to ratify the Constitution and join these United States if they believed that their states unique desires at the federal level would be perpetually overruled by the much more populous New York, for instance. In the simplest terms, the United States was conceived as a voluntary union of sovereign states which were unified under the limited federal government which bound them -- one which could only act within the very strict guidelines enumerated in our Constitution. It is very much by design that the prerogative of each sovereign state is influential in the election of our president, and the Electoral College helps to ensure that. But I wont beat that dead horse. There is ample reading material to inform interested parties about the wisdom of the Electoral College, in contrast to a strictly popular vote where highly-populated urban strongholds located in a minority of states might disenfranchise the will of the large majority of other states in presidential elections. But the truth is, Democrats are throwing this tantrum not because they believe that reason backs their argument. Theyre throwing this tantrum because the recent actions of the Democratic Party have resulted in its absolute repudiation by the people of the United States, and theyre in denial as to how or why its happened. To say that the last eight years have culminated in the neutering Democrats in terms of federal power is an obvious statement, given the loss of both chambers of Congress and the presidency that they held in 2009. But its also a massive understatement about just how much power the Democrats have truly lost in the context of federalism and the form of our constitutional republic. This election was a whirlwind and a shock to many, to be sure. But the trend of the American people rejecting the ultra-left agenda of the Democratic Party and its imperial president is not isolated to 2016. By the time the dust had settled on the 2014 midterm elections, Democrats had already lost 70 seats in Congress, the largest Party sweep in over 60 years and a massive shift in federal power which gave Republicans control of the federal legislature. But going far less noticed is the fact that by that time, Democrats had also lost over 910 seats in state legislatures nationwide since 2009. This latter statistic, in a country where power is designed to be leased upward from citizen to state to federal government rather than vice versa, is perhaps the more salient one. Sure, Democrats had continued dominance in their prized, highly-populated urban strongholds like D.C., New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. But even prior to the 2016 election, the vast majority of Democrats numerous political outposts in flyover country had already been razed, overtaken by a groundswell of popular dissent unlike anything seen in the last 38 years. The Republican Party has never in that time owned a majority among state legislatures to the extent that it does today. In January of 2008, just prior to Barack Obamas election, Democrats held 27 state legislatures to Republicans14, with 8 split. As of April, 2016, Republicans controlled the legislatures of 31 states to Democrats 11, with 7 split. (Data courtesy of the National Conference of State Legislatures, and which excludes Nebraska.) For reference, in January of 1980, just prior to Reagans landslide victory, Democrats held 28 state legislatures to Republicans 15, with 6 split. Weve not seen Republican command of state legislatures like this in over four decades at least, if ever. The point is, it is only too obvious that the American people have turned on the Democratic Party, and that the actions of the Party for the last eight years are the reason for it. Its happening to a glaring extent at both the state and federal level, and yet the elite thinkers of the left refuse to believe this. Therefore, its maddening for any thinking person to hear arguments that, even though several formerly blue states voted for Trump in this election, because the margin of victory for Hillary was bigger in states like California and New York, Hillary actually should have won the election. (In the weeks before the election, I also remember Democrat pundits happily arguing that though Trump might potentially win the popular vote, Hillary held the Electoral College advantage -- the Blue Wall, which makes the recent hubbub about the Electoral College all the more curious) It should have been obvious that the actions during Obamas imperial presidency had reshaped the political map in Republicans favor, even prior to this election. Dont get me wrong, I admit to having been skeptical about Trumps chances in the presidential election. But with the benefit of hindsight and logic, one can only conclude that Democrats continued inability to see the reason for their descent into irrelevance at all levels signifies their profound ineptitude. I have news for you, progressives. The canaries have been tweeting furiously these last eight years, signaling for you to get the hell out of the deep, dark mine that Democrats have been manufacturing. You just havent heard them because you love the sound of your own voices so much that you began shouting over one another to see who could be the loudest to crow about your disdain for Americans who dont share your vision for the country. So, Barbara Boxer, Bill Maher, et al, just keep shouting amongst yourselves. I mean, sure, it mustve been the Electoral College what did it, right? Just keep telling the American people that theyre ignorant, racist hicks for disagreeing with you. Keep crowing that your gal actually should have won, and that open borders and Obamacare should be the law of the land absent the consent of the governed, as youve been doing. Seems to be a winning strategy thus far. For Republicans, anyway. William Sullivan blogs at Political Palaver, and can be followed on Twitter. To watch Barack Obama's pathetic final non-victory lap around the world this past week, one can't help but recall his stomach-churning "Apologize for America Tour" at the start of his administration. You'll recall that in April 2009, he went to Europe, which we sacrificed tens of thousands of American lives to liberate 70-plus years ago, and informed Europeans that America "has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive" of Europe. Last week, Mr. Obama could not resist the urge to dis his country once again, telling the "global community," again from a foreign shore, that in the age of the internet, nationalism (read: Donald Trump) is rearing its ugly head. "Faced with this new reality where cultures clash, it's inevitable that some will seek a comfort in nationalism or tribe or ethnicity or sect," he informed us from Athens. He reassured his audience that "American democracy is bigger than any one person." (Wink, wink, Donald.) Fittingly, he then went on to tour the ruins of ancient Greece, before flying off to Berlin to cry on the shoulder of his globalist soul mate, Angela Merkel, another leader looking at a potential uprising by her constituency, frightened by her insane immigration policies. The choice of debt-ridden Greece, Europe's worst economic basket case, was oddly appropriate as the location for the start of the swansong tour of the U.S. president who has produced as much American national debt in eight years as all previous American presidents had produced over a span of 220 years combined. One must wonder if Mr. Obama views pauper Greece as the model America should emulate. These two globetrotting tours by the man-child president expressing disdain for both his own country and the choices of its people seem the perfect bookends to Obama's presidency. His is a presidency that will likely produce shudders for years to come for all sentient Americans who had the misfortune to live through it, but particularly for Democrats. It was a sheer disaster, both in terms of the reversals the Democrats will see in their policy initiatives and in the depth of Democratic Party political losses down to the state and local levels. As for the Democrats' agenda, Marc Thiessen neatly summed it up in the Washington Post. Mr. Obama and his Democratic fan base (what is left of it) are going to learn how all of those "accomplishments" of his administration, achieved by means of presidential fiat in executive orders, executive actions, regulatory "guidance," and regulations, can be as easily undone by President Trump. Even the rare policy Obama bothered to have codified into law albeit with zero bipartisan support like the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare") will be gratifyingly rescinded with the GOP controlling both houses of Congress and all polls showing either a majority or plurality of Americans hating it. And make no mistake: the Democratic Party's political losses this past Election Day were enormous. Due to the decimation that has occurred of the Democratic Party, the Republican Party is arguably in the strongest position it has been in a century, if not longer. In addition to controlling the White House and both houses of the U.S. Congress, as reported by Real Clear Politics, the GOP now controls over two thirds of the 98 state legislative bodies across the country. Additionally, it has control of both the governorship and both state legislative chambers in 23 states, whereas the Democrats can say that of only seven states. Ironically, Barack Obama turned out to be the greatest gift to the Republican Party since Confederate general George Pickett ordered his infantry to make a headlong charge across three quarters of a mile of open field against barricaded Union artillery. That blunder led to victory for the Union army at Gettysburg and in turn to ultimate victory for our Republican president, Abraham Lincoln, in the Civil War. Obama's obtuseness in recognizing how a majority of Americans feel about him, his policies, and the Democratic Party he represents continues unabated, despite the shellacking his agenda took on Election Day. He's just the gift that keeps on giving, which he demonstrated in another talk, again on foreign soil. When asked by reporters if he would adhere to George W. Bush's decision not to criticize his successor's policy choices, Mr. Obama suggested that he will not remain silent as Mr. Trump pursues his own policy course. "As an American citizen who cares deeply about our country," Mr. Obama intoned last weekend in Lima, Peru, "if there are issues that have less to do with the specifics of some legislative proposal or battle or go to core questions about our values and ideals, and if I think that it's necessary or helpful for me to defend those ideals, I'll examine it when it comes." Translation for us rubes: "I'll be screaming from the peanut gallery." How noble of him. It is just this sort of hubris this failure to recognize that we do not want to hear from him anymore that drove Americans crazy and to the polls to throw Hillary Clinton (Barack Obama in a pantsuit) into the political abyss two weeks ago. I say to Mr. Obama: bring it on. Your constant hectoring of the American people for the last eight years about what American values supposedly are (if I hear that "that's not who we are" line one more time, I may slit my wrists) repulses us. Your professorial sneering and snide comments toward Middle America from your earliest days of campaigning for president grated on us like fingernails on a chalkboard. Who can forget that immortal quote in ad-libbed comments made by Mr. Obama to the Democratic cognoscenti in San Francisco way back in 2008, that Americans in Pennsylvania you know, one of those "toss-up" states that (shockingly!) went for Donald Trump are people who just "cling to guns or religion or antipathy toward people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations"? Gotta love that down-home feel he has for us regular 'Mericans. When asked by the New Yorker's David Remnick what he told his daughters following his party's massive defeat on Election Day, Mr. Obama said he actually told his children (I am not making this up) that his fellow American citizens are "living organisms" who are "messy." Yes, that's what we are, Professor Obama. Just icky microbes in a Petri dish to be studied and manipulated by brilliant Democratic thinkers like you. If we don't appreciate your genius, well pfff we just don't, since we are only one-celled amoebae, after all. Can't pack a whole lotta thinkin' in that little gelatinous blob, now, can we? So let us hope that Mr. Obama keeps to his word and yelps about every policy President Trump chooses to enact, or every Obama executive order he decides to repeal. That pompous nattering will remind everyday Americans just why, on November 8, 2016, they rejected his party and their candidates lock, stock, and barrel. Yes, just keeping talking, Mr. Obama. You'll ensure that the Republicans hold a solid majority of political offices across the country for the next 30 years at least. William F. Marshall has been an intelligence analyst and investigator in the government and private sector for 30 years. Presently he is a senior investigator for Judicial Watch, Inc. (The views expressed are the author's alone and not necessarily those of Judicial Watch.) A spectre is haunting Europe and the United States, the spectre of populism. The mainstream media in those countries, led by the New York Times and George Soros, have entered into a holy alliance to exorcise this spectre, but two questions are pertinent. The first is whether the various groups, recently prominent in challenging the mainstream, are sufficiently similar to be regarded as a populist movement. The other is whether mainstream authorities have the power to resist or to overcame the challenge. Following the unexpected success of Brexit in the UK, and the choice of Donald Trump as president-elect, both regarded by the media as populist victories, other similar challenges to existing power holders in a number of European countries in Hungary, Poland, Italy, Slovenia, or the Netherlands are taking place, even if victory is not always considered possible. The most important of these is the bid of Marine Le Pen, leader of the Front National (FN) in the French presidential election in April 2017. Since Brexit, and now Trump, mainstream media have been searching for the "root causes" of the electoral outcomes. The initial problem is that populist sentiments have been manifested in various forms and by different political and social organizations, including those considered "left" and "right." But is it futile to search for the "root causes" of these sentiments. Despite differences pertinent to particular societies or political programs, such as climate control, relations with Russia and President Vladimir Putin, emphasis on religious values, or policy on Syria and Iraq, all seemingly populist movements have basic convictions. The ideological starting point of these movements is anger against or hostility to the established "elites," whether justified or not, and their exercise of power and authority in society and politics. This is based on the view that the power holders disregard or neglect the true values and "will of the people." As a result, the neglected have two reactions: disillusionment with the process of politics; and distrust of the exercise of power by the well-connected in the establishment. If not exactly a silent majority or the "forgotten man," the neglected citizens desire to purify the system, "to drain the swamp" in Trump's language, and remove those who do not represent them or regard them as "deplorable." However, populism is, and has been in historical experiences, more an emotional and passionate response to being neglected by the rulers than a coherent, integrated political program. Policy proposals have taken many forms, some put forward by legendary populist leaders who have abused the will of the people or played on irrational resentments. American politics were plagued by the paranoia of Senator Joseph McCarthy or Father Coughlin's Social Justice Movement. Two generations earlier, Huey Long became a quasi-dictator in Louisiana, with his slogans "Every Man a King," and "Share the Wealth" by trading on hatred of the rich and big corporations. The corollary was that injustice and economic suffering came from the "money power." Strains of anti-Semitism were inherent in the attacks on bankers, who were equated with Jews or "the Jewish conspiracy." This was the distorted outcome of the reality of the declining status of workers in a country where rural life was being supplanted by two factors: the growth of industrial society; and the rapid increase in immigration. To an extent the utopia of 19th and 20th century populists in the U.S., as Richard Hofstadter said many years ago was in the past, in a supposed agrarian myth, rather than in the future. A populist position may but usually does not focus on specific issues or indicate a specific strategy to deal with problems. At different times and places, it has taken a number of directions, supporting dictatorial leaders as well as democratic ones. All emphasize the unity of the people, and all call for more participation by or more attention given to the "people." In modern times this has meant emphasis on the "specific" indigenous people, and thus stress on patriotism and nationalism and a limit on immigration that might undermine national values. People cling to their identity. In practice this has meant control of national borders and access to them, anti-globalization, concerns about global trade, limitation of immigration, especially of Muslims, increasingly because of fear of Islamist terrorism, multilateral political and economic institutions, international laws and treaties. The essential factor for the rise of populist sentiments is frustration with the existing system. Today, about one in five Europeans support populist groups, a support that has doubled since 2000. The main focus is suspicion or concern about trade deficits, workplace insecurity, uncontrollable and unregulated immigration, and emotional dislike of self-serving elites. Yet, this is not irrational. Europeans face real problems of dislocation and demographic change. In rich countries about two of every three households had a decline in real income from wages and capital between 2005 and 2014, though U.S. disposal income rose. The process of globalization, which means not only free movement of capital, people, and goods but also a lesser role for individual states, is feared because of its impact on jobs, employment, and living standards. Globalization feeds sense of injustice, and loss of cultural identity. But there is no going back to preglobalization and national economies have to be integrated into the global economy. All these issues will be in the forefront in the contest for the French president. Le Pen, the leader of the far-right FN, opposes free trade, globalization, immigration, and call both for protection of the French economy and for "making France great again." In the first round of voting on April 1, 2017 against candidates of the Republicans and the Socialists she is likely to do well, but nevertheless will be beaten in the second round, the runoff, on May 7. The National Front got 6 million votes in the 2015 regional election, 28 per cent of the poll, an increase from 2.2 million in 2010, 11 percent of the poll. Le Pen has praised Trump as a man free of Wall Street and from financial lobbies, as someone who will put the political and media elites in their place, and who will tame wild globalization. She hailed Trump's victory as a stone in building a new world, and who symbolizes the emergence of movements devoted to the nation. As a believer in French sovereignty she is opposed to the influence of the European Union, and above all to the increasing presence and influence of Muslims in French life. Le Pen claims her party is not racialist, and has rejected the anti-Semitism of her father Jean-Marie, the 88-year-old vitriolic founder the party whom she expelled but who remains honorary president. In private life, Marine's partner is Louis Aliot, an individual who descends from an Algerian Jewish family. It is important to observe the influence that Le Pen has had on her center-right political opponents. The most prominent of them, Francois Fillon, the former prime minister in 2007, who won 44.2% of the vote in the primary on November 20, 2016, acknowledged the revolt of the French people against the political class and that a profound change and transformation of the country against the political class was necessary. It remains to be seen if Donald Trump will have the same effect on his U.S. opponents or political enemies in their recognition of political reality. It is November, and the air reverberates with cries for unity and bipartisanship. The Republicans must have won an election. Sentiments such as "I won" and "You ran the bus into the ditch, so now sit in the back seat and be quiet" are more associated with Democratic triumphs. Advising the new president on his treatment of Democrats, the Wall Street Journal's editors counsel "charity for all." They draw upon Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, delivered just before the end of the Civil War. Is that really applicable to Mr. Trump's dealings with his political adversaries? Lincoln spoke after the South had suffered the slaughter of its manhood, the destruction or besiegement of its cities, and utter defeat, with formal surrender a month away. Lincoln's admonition looked to a time after victory. Winning an election is not in and of itself victory not if the objective is to change the nation's course and to preserve its constitution. The election placed the necessary means of success in the Republicans' hands the presidency and legislative majorities in both house of Congress but it remains for them to use those means. Victory on D-Day was won not merely by sending an armada into the English Channel. The South capitulated at the end of the Civil War. Have the Democrats capitulated? Do they show any signs of moderating their hatred of the president-elect or of conservatives like Senator Sessions, whose nomination to the office of attorney general they vow to derail? Do we discern any lessening in their contempt for the Constitution itself, as demands to abolish the Electoral College or even to corrupt its imminent vote abound? Victory in the coming term means overcoming the Democrats, not accommodating them. It means President Trump following through on his campaign promises, despite the Journal's sneer that "the businessman likely didn't win on his program, to the extent he has one," and despite virulent resistance from the party out of power. There could well be "charity for all" charity for ordinary Americans, not for the Washington grandees of the defeated party. There could be charity for coal miners and oil rig workers whose livelihood is taken away by the callous misanthropy that calls itself "environmentalism." There could be charity for black children who only want a chance to receive a decent education at a school their parents select for them, but instead fall prey to the vultures of the Democratic Party and their union patrons. There could be charity for the defenseless infants butchered in the abattoirs of Planned Parenthood. There could be charity for American families whose schools and hospitals are overrun by an invasion of illegal "immigrants." There could be charity for American soldiers, sent to die in foreign lands with no plan for victory. There could be charity for those whose convictions run afoul the gay rights agenda and so are dragged before the courts and hounded into penury. There could be charity for all those victims of wayward policy, except that it wouldn't be charity at all. It would be justice. The Journal is adamant that no additional investigation of Mrs. Clinton is warranted "Mr. Trump should go further and drop his campaign vow to investigate her and call off the Republicans in Congress." Vows of that sort are fine for gulling the indigenous yokels at election time, but when we arrive in Washington, we grow up. Hillary Clinton, after all, is not just anybody. She and her husband are so venerated that public comity forbids holding them to the stricture of law. "Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion," Jefferson's pithy little notion, has its place on the walls of buildings, but in the pantheon of our capital, the august "move on." It is once again time to "Moveon.Org." Trump appears to have acceded to this specific demand for amnesty. Why should Hillary Clinton not be subject, for once, to a criminal investigation unimpaired by a politicized Justice Department, or by Obama's pardon still a distinct possibility? Why should it not be affirmed that in this country, the most humble may enjoy the law's protection and the most exalted feel its censure? Are the Journal's editors expecting magnanimity from the Democrats the first time anything untoward and new is revealed about President Trump (if that were conceivable), or about his vice president, or any of his subordinates? Perhaps the editors do harbor such an expectation, for it is no more absurd than their thesis that Senator Ted Cruz was responsible for the ascent of Mr. Trump. It was because Cruz attacked all the sensible Republicans in Congress and characterized them as the "establishment," and because Cruz remained cordial to Trump early in the campaign and so "normalized" him, that Trump prevailed. That has been the Journal's argument for some time. The idea that Republican voters do not care to be misled, do not like being told during the election campaign that the congressional Republican Party is going to stop Obamacare and amnesty only see it vote to fund them after the election is over, even now seems not to enter the minds of the Journal's editors. Instead, they wish President-Elect Trump to emulate the Republican politicians he defeated precisely by being different from them. What succeeded must be abandoned in favor of what failed. To their credit, the Journal's editors cite a lesson that "the political class should have learned" namely, "to be more respectful of voter sentiment and the refusal of the American public to accept economic decline without a fight." They include themselves in the culpable "political class." But the supposed respect for the voters flies when the editors' attention turns to governance. For the first and indispensable manifestation of respect for the voters is keeping the promises by which their votes were elicited. It was the failure of Republican office holders to do that, not Senator Cruz calling them on it, that gave rise to Donald Trump. It will be by his doing what he pledged that they remain his passionate supporters and, if the congressional conference follows, the party's. Donald Trumps election brings with it both an opportunity and an imperative to straighten out the mess that modern higher education has become. The level of disconnection of the academy from the rest of America is most recently evidenced by the fact that the Ivory Tower -- for all its huffy pretenses of superior knowledge and insight -- was utterly blindsided by this presidential elections result (along with the equally deluded media), even though the writing was on the wall for all who could read it. Unmoored, confused and adrift, students and faculty alike are now struggling to come to terms with reality, wondering where they collectively went so very wrong. Theyre resorting to calling in the therapy dogs and emotional support counselors to talk them off the ledge and back into the classrooms, where, clearly, some wholesale changes are desperately needed if higher education is going to remain a viable, relevant enterprise. There are three main problems the Trump administration must address to begin to restore academia to a semblance of its former glory: the culture, the cost and the credibility of todays colleges. If higher education sincerely wants to understand where theyve gone wrong, and how they can go right again, heres what has to be faced: Culture The culture on college campuses has descended to the point that some now refer to them as institutions of lower learning. Hook-up culture, rape, STDs, drugs, and alcohol abuse are just the tip of this disastrous iceberg. Below that lies a rejection of widely accepted moral values, dismissal of the noble traditions of Western Civilization and regular, unrepentant violation of the standard rules of human discourse, logic, and reasonable disagreement. Wreckage is the result. The refusal of academics to tolerate different points of view (or even recognize that there are other points of view) undermines their own professed obsession with inclusion and diversity to the point of absurd hypocrisy. Colleges regularly violate free speech and due process rights and fail to imbue students with the most basic understanding of historical context. When a dissenting view does appear, students are taught to feign outrage, to collapse emotionally, or to launch vicious personal attacks, all of which bypasses reasoned thought as a legitimate response. Its no wonder, then that so many campuses have declined into utter chaos, disorder and outright riots. Current college antics have made them a nationwide laughingstock. Candidate Trump has already issued a thunderous rebuke to the forces of political correctness, which have been suffocating free thought on college campuses for a generation. By standing tall against the resulting ridicule and indignation of the PC-police, he has shown that it is possible to win this battle once and for all. One area ripe for review is the tax-exempt status of non-profit institutions that fail to include the full-range of American political views and to uphold constitutional rights on campus. Why should we be subsidizing schools that choose to function as one-sided partisan political instruments? Churches have long had their nonprofit status threatened for taking political stances; why should colleges, which preach leftist secular humanism and attempt to stamp out opposition, be immune from the same treatment? Cost College was once a responsible choice and a solid investment in a young persons economic future. It was considered a surefire ticket to the middle class and a worthwhile monetary sacrifice for families to make in giving their children a chance to succeed in life. Today, costs have soared to the point that college has become a costly albatross for many students, who face decades of debt despite diminished employment prospects. The situation has gotten so bad that many thoughtful students now question whether their financial future might be brighter if they avoided college altogether. There are many theories on why higher education costs so much, some of which I cover in my book The New College Reality. Two of the most convincing explanations are runaway bureaucracy and third-party payers. Both of these derive from well intentioned but faulty federal interventions. The upward trajectory in college tuition prices follows the introduction of Pell Grants to help pay for it. In fact, a new Federal Reserve report acknowledges a link between increased federal aid and rising tuition prices. Likewise, the dramatic increase in the number of college administrators can be traced to federal regulations requiring so much recordkeeping and accountability that some colleges now have as many administrators as they do faculty members! This adds to the cost without measurably improving the classroom experience or learning outcomes of students. There are several ways the Trump administration can begin to tackle the affordability problem in higher education. One way would be to reduce the federal intrusions that require so much increased recordkeeping (recent Title IX mandates come to mind.) Increased efficiency and competition from online and for-profit educational models, which the higher education cartel has long resisted, are other ways to reduce costs. As for the Pell Grant conundrum, this is going to have to be addressed at some point. It actually bears great similarity to the health insurance problem in that, once a third-party payer is involved in subsidizing a financial transaction, costs typically soar. Several knowledgeable higher education experts, including Richard Vedder of the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, argue that it is time to end the student loan program so that costs can fall back in line with what middle class families can actually afford to pay, and students do not have to indenture themselves with crushing debt. It is time to have this long-avoided conversation. Credibility The credibility of the entire academic enterprise is currently at stake. While draining the swamp in Washington, the Trump administration should also review mutual backslapping arrangements in college accreditation. There are too many low-quality institutions that are failing to deliver a quality education yet retaining accreditation status. College students spend far too little time studying and learn far too little, which has been well documented. Many colleges work under an imperative to admit and retain as many tuition paying students as possible, regardless of ability, to increase their bottom line; this further undermines quality and erodes their reputations. Students borrow far too much and see far too little return for their investment when they enter the employment market. The fact is, despite all the high-minded rhetoric on the unquantifiable value of a liberal arts degree, the #1 reason people choose to attend college is to Get a Better Job. If those hoped-for results dont turn up, then the integrity of the whole enterprise could collapse -- which is a real possibility, at this point. This is where a Trump administration can really impact higher education. If Trump succeeds with his plan to bring jobs back for the American worker, and can tie those jobs to earning a college degree, then he will prove to be the best friend higher education ever had. There is a great deal of work to be done to correct the massive problems that currently plague American higher education, but also a tremendous opportunity to make dramatic improvements quickly. The day of reckoning is at hand. All that is needed is resolve, discipline and determination and President-elect Trump possesses all these traits in ample supply. Gaudeamus igitur! Bonnie K. Snyder is a graduate of Harvard College and a Doctor of Higher Education. She is also the author of The New College Reality and The Unemployed College Graduates Survival Guide and the creator of OutsmartingCollege courses. A black UCLA history professor and member of the Communist Party by his own admission, Robin D. G. Kelley, can't get over the "epic catastrophe" of President-Elect Donald Trump's victory. In a November 15 article for the Boston Review, a shocked Kelley writes, "[A]t no point could we imagine Trump in the Oval office surrounded by a cabinet made up of some of the most idiotic, corrupt and authoritarian characters in modern day politics." Kelley cant fathom how a Republican billionaire managed to beat the Marxists at their own game of class warfare. Naturally, he immediately faults racism; Islamophobia; xenophobia; an "arcane Electoral college," itself a "relic of slave power" (whatever that means); voting rights suppression; and the "white nationalist" movement. After explaining Trump's win through the lens of racism, Kelley runs into a real roadblock. Communism is about the plight of the working class; the haves versus the have-nots. In 2008 and 2012, Kelley states, Obama won in predominantly white, Democratic rural areas. In 2016, these same voters crossed over to Trump en masse. What happened? How did the Democrats lose this crucial demographic? Since Kelley refuses to blame Obama for not delivering on his promise of hope, change, and "shovel-ready" jobs, he instead gives us a history lesson on the aftermath of the Reconstruction era. Following a period of racial justice and "democratic rights," says Kelley, comes the "whitelash" a term fellow communist, CNN commentator, and anti-cop activist Van Jones used in his own post-election meltdown. Still, Kelley's detour into Americas racial history doesn't quite work. What about the class struggle? Kelly suggests a 21st-century paradigm shift to bring whites and blacks together beyond "remaking economic structures" into changing the meaning of the whole democratic process. "Refashioning" identity, he calls it. How? This is where we get a tour of the Marxist mind. Kelley wants to set whites free from the "prison of whiteness." From Boston Review: But I want to return to the white working class and how we might break the cycle of whitelash. I am talking about opening a path to freeing white people from the prison house of whiteness.... Exposing whiteness for what it isa foundational myth for the birth and consolidation of capitalismis fundamental if we are to build a genuine social movement dedicated to dismantling the oppressive regimes of racism, heteropatriarchy, empire, and class exploitation that is at the root of inequality, precarity, materialism, and violence in many forms. I am not suggesting we ignore their grievances, but that we help white working people understand the source of their discontentreal and imagined. According to Kelley, the source of white discontent is "whiteness," which is a "myth." These mythical creatures created capitalism, which has to be destroyed in order to help whites understand they are white. In the end, the befuddled Kelley rallies other true believers to fight back against a Trump presidency, but its clear he has no idea what that might entail. President-Elect Trump has traumatized Professor Kelley. "The sites of resistance will become clearer as the political situation becomes more concrete, especially after January 20," he writes. This is the stuff of nightmares for Democrat bosses. Already acutely aware of the down-ballot disaster Obama has inflicted on the party, they now have to deal with abandonment, as ambitious politicians see the handwriting on the wall. This party is going nowhere for at least the present. President Clintons home state is leading the way. Arkansas Online reports: State Rep. David Hillman of Almyra announced his switch to the Republican Party on Tuesday weeks after being re-elected to his third term as a Democrat, solidifying the GOP's "supermajority" control of Arkansas' lower house. Republicans picked up nine seats in the 100-member House on Election Day and then padded their lead the next day when then-Democratic Rep. Jeff Wardlaw of Hermitage announced his party switch. With Hillman's announcement, Republicans now control 75 seats in the House and have the three-fourths majority needed to pass appropriations bills without any support from Democrats. Supermajority control of the state senate would require three more seats in the upper chamber, either by election or party-switching. But even without such a change, the GOP is a powerhouse in the Arkansas statehouse. Lets think a little further: there is in the United States Senate a man named Joe Manchin, who is far closer ideologically to Republicans than he is to Keith Ellison or Bernie Sanders. Since Democrats are unlikely to get control of the Senate in 2018, jumping ship and reinforcing the narrow GOP majority could be a good career move. The Democrats have become a left-wing party. This has appeal to urbanites on the coasts and in a few inland big cities and college towns, but for the rest of the country, the appeal is diminishing. The Arkansas example can be replicated. Keep going in this direction, and am Article V Convention of States becomes possible. Thanks to a little noticed action of Texas congressman John Culberson taken last July, President-Elect Trump will able to cut off federal law enforcement funding to nine sanctuary cities, plus the entire state of California, immediately upon taking the oath of office. Brenda Walker of Vdare explains: Because of the foresight of a Texas Congressman, President Trump will be able to end certain funding to the largest sanctuary cities plus the entire state of California on his first day as President. Working quietly, Culberson convinced the existing Justice Department to certify those cities as non-compliant with federal law, thereby making them vulnerable to loss of money from Washington. With great foresight, the congressman, as he explained to Eric Shawn of Fox News (video embedded below): using existing law and the power of the purse, I have seen to it that the top 10 sanctuary cities in America have already been certified as violating existing federal law and therefore everything is pre-positioned for these 10 cities including Chicago, New York, the entire state of California they will lose all their federal law enforcement money, if President Trump chooses to, the president can cut off their money at noon on January 20th of 2017. If they do not change their sanctuary policies and hand over criminal illegal aliens in their custody to be deported, their days of receiving federal law enforcement money are over. SHAWN: Obviously this is something that the Obama administration has not agreed with. CULBERSON: In fact I, as chairman of the subcommittee in charge of all the money for the Department of Justice, I quietly persuaded Attorney General Loretta Lynch to implement this new policy this past July seventh, so its already done. I did it as subcommittee chairman using existing law and the influence of the power of the purse that the founding fathers so wisely entrusted to Congress. I did it quietly and and thoughtfully, and I didnt embarrass anybody so its already done, pre-positioned. SHAWN: Im sorry pre-positioned but hasnt gone into action? CULBERSON: Attorney General Lynch has already notified every city and state in the country that unless they cooperate 100 percent of the time with requests for immigration information about criminal aliens in local custody, then those local jurisdictions lose all their federal law enforcement money. Thats already up on the Department of Justice website. It has been official policy since July seventh. I just didnt make any noise about it because the purpose of this election America wants us to get it done, to get the job done, so Ive taken care of it the job is done and President Trump can now cut off their money at noon on January 20th because its been policy. You might wonder how Congressman Culberson persuaded A.G. Lynch. Good old arm-twisting, based on the power of the purse: Citing his committees power over the DOJs budget, Culberson stated in February: Any refusal by the Department to comply with these reasonable and timely requests will factor heavily in my consideration of their 2017 budget requests, and whether or not I will include language in the fiscal year 2017 CJS appropriations bill prohibiting the award of law enforcement grants to jurisdictions that harbor illegal aliens. I will include language in this years bill requiring the DOJ to amend the application process for Byrne JAG, COPS, and SCAAP grants so that grantees must certify under oath that they are in compliance with section 1373 of title 8 of the United States Code. Master showman Donald Trump thus has the opportunity for a lot of drama upon taking his oath. Such a dramatic move as announcing the cut-off of law enforcement grants to the ten large jurisdictions would immediately place the left on defense, for: a November Rasmussen poll found that large majority of voters favors deportation of illegal alien criminals: A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 81% of Likely U.S. Voters favor a plan that calls for mandatory deportation of illegal immigrants who have been convicted of a felony in this country. Just 13% are opposed. These findings are nearly identical to those measured in August of last year. Stand by. There is going to be a very interesting four years ahead. Not merely content with having illegal aliens who haven't committed additional crimes being allowed to stay in the U.S., liberals have raised the bar and now insist that illegal aliens and legal immigrants convicted of serious crimes not be deported, either. The New York Times has produced the perfect sympathetic poster girl: Lundy Khoy, a refugee with a perfect, virtuous life who was convicted of possessing a tiny amount of narcotics...or so she claims. Entering the country as a Cambodian refugee, the author states: The three of us were typical American kids, eating Cheerios for breakfast and taking the bus to school. We went to Disneyland and religiously watched the Fourth of July fireworks from the beach. As a teenager I attended school dances in all of their crepe glory. I am not an American citizen, but there is no way I am not an American. She eats cereal, watches fireworks, and goes to school dances! Does that entitle her to sell drugs and stay in America? In the spring of 2000, I was walking along the street with an American-born friend when we were stopped by a police officer. I was carrying seven tablets of Ecstasy. I was arrested for possession with intent to sell, which is a felony in Virginia. On the advice of my lawyer and feeling that a trial would increase my familys suffering and embarrassment I pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in jail. She was not a drug dealer; she was just embarrassed! Or is there more to this story? The WaPo reveals: By the time she started college, she was thirsting for more freedom and took up with a bad crowd, she said, adding that because she didnt want her mother to think she was using drugs, she falsely told the arresting officer that she planned to sell the pills to her friends, a statement that resulted in a more serious charge. Are we supposed to believe Khoy falsely confessed to a more serious crime? After this apparent lie about a lie, I have to wonder if the police didn't find more than just seven pills. Anyway, back to the story. Then, in 2004, I went for what I thought was a routine visit to my probation officer. I had even brought along my most recent report card to show the growth I had made. What I encountered was a multitude of officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, instructing me to hand over my possessions and stand spread-eagle against the wall. The ecstasy dealer was spread-eagled! Even worse: they [placed] an ankle bracelet on her, which caused more public humiliation for her[.] The ecstasy dealer felt publicly humiliated. I was dumbstruck. I had been following all the rules. I could not understand why I was being arrested again. Immigration officers eventually informed me that my conviction meant I would most likely be deported from the United States. The former drug dealer followed all the rules...except the one about selling narcotics. She doesn't seem to realize that illegal aliens, refugees, and immigrants are held to a higher standard because becoming a citizen of the United States isn't a natural right for everyone on the globe. You have to earn it and conform to reasonable standards. One of those standards is not selling narcotics. Khoy feels entitled to a "do over" when there are thousands of people waiting legally to come into our country who have never sold narcotics and are a lot more virtuous than Ms. Khoy. But Ms. Khoy, and her liberal supporters in the media, feel that the minor punishment she suffers makes her a martyr. Can you imagine how terrible it is to force a drug dealer to spread her legs and have an ankle bracelet attached? She feels entitled to American citizenship because she eats cereal here. She sold narcotics and yet claims she "followed all the rules." I don't know what's more ridiculous: her sense of entitlement or the New York Times promoting a drug-dealing immigrant as the poster girl of virtue. Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com. Wildfires in central and northern Israel are burning out of control, forcing 80,000 residents of Haifa to evacuate, say the Israeli police. Authorities have detained 12 people suspected of arson most of them Israeli Arabs or Palestinians as it appears that many of the fires were set as part of a terrorist plot. Reuters: Firefighters kept battling the flames in wooded hills around Jerusalem and in northern areas on Friday, with support from Palestinian firemen and emergency teams from Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, Russia and Turkey. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had also accepted offers of help from Egypt and Jordan. Netanyahu said arson appeared to be responsible for some fires and accused those behind them of terrorism. Unseasonably dry weather and easterly winds helped kindle the conflagration, which started on Tuesday and stretches across half the country. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said a dozen people had been detained either while attempting to set fires or fleeing the area, but he provided no further details. Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan said they were "minorities", an allusion to either Arab Israeli citizens or Palestinians. "The highest likelihood is that the motive is nationalistic," Erdan told Army Radio. The fires are the biggest in the country since 2010, when 44 people were killed in a killed in a massive blaze in the north. Investigators concluded that fire was caused by negligence. Education Minister Naftali Bennett, leader of a far-right party, said on Thursday the fires could not have been started by Jews and on Friday blamed them on "nationalist terrorists", a reference in Israel to Palestinians. "There is no coincidental 'wave of fires'," he wrote on Twitter. "There is a nationalist terrorist wave by fire terrorists meant to murder civilians and cause fright." There has been no official response from Palestinian leaders. But Ayman Odeh, a leading Israeli Arab politician from Haifa, rejected the suggestion Arabs were responsible for arson attacks and accused the Israeli government of taking advantage of the situation to incite against the Arab minority. Nearly a third of the residents of Haifa, a coastal city of around 250,000 people, including a large Arab population, spent the night in shelters and nearby towns and villages after being ordered to leave on Thursday in the face of walls of flame. Smoke billowed over the city on Friday morning as firefighters worked to douse the remaining fires. City officials said the situation was under control but that at least 700 homes had been badly damaged or destroyed. Jill Stein must be feeling guilty. AFP reports: The former Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein has raised the necessary $1.1 million to request a vote recount in Wisconsin, her campaign announced Thursday. The Midwestern state was a key battleground in the November 8 election, helping propel the Republican President-elect Donald Trump past his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton to a victory that shocked the nation. Donald Tump won Wisconsin by 22,000, but the Green Party won 31,000 votes in the state. In Michigan, Trump won by 11,000, but Stein got 51,000. In Pennsylvania, she got 49,000 votes, and margin was 70,000. So her ridiculous campaign can be blamed for Clinton losing two states, but not the third (she did not impact outcome in Florida either). We now know the reason why Obamas so-called WMD red line in Syria was nothing but bluff and bluster: the ones using chemical agents there were the rebel groups and ISIS in addition to Assads forces. When Obama, Hillary, and the congressional Gang of Eight tried to convince Americans to up the ante on U.S. involvement in Syria, they relied on exposing Assads use of WMD on his own people. Thats ironic, since the left constantly beat up GWB on Iraqs supposed non-existent WMD stockpiles as his primary reason for Operation Iraqi Freedom and offered no apologies when the New York Times finally admitted that chemical weapons were present in the country. In 2012, Hillary Clinton joined the push for more U.S. help when she spoke about Assads potential chemical weapons use after a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels: Our concerns are that an increasingly desperate Assad regime might turn to chemical weapons, or might lose control of them to one of the many groups that are now operating within Syria. We have sent an unmistakable message that this would cross a red line and those responsible would be held to account[.] There were a lot of qualifiers in Hillarys statement, because in truth, it was at minimum an exaggeration if not a completely fabricated WMD story. This deception actually started to unravel in mid-2014. AT reported that an Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) inspection team in Syria was attacked in rebel-held territory to investigate reports that Assads government had used chlorine gas on civilians. In other words, the inspectors were attacked by the very people trying to show the world that Assad used chemical agents on civilians. Either these were incompetent rebels or there was never any use of chemicals by Assads forces in that particular area in the first place. The other inconsistency is that the use of chlorine gas is foolish by a state that had an advanced chemical weapons program. Assad would not need chlorine with inventories of sarin and VX nerve agents and sulfur mustard. Rather, chlorine is an industrial chemical agent of opportunity for insurgents and terrorists. Wednesday, the hammer finally dropped. The New York Times received an advance copy of IHS* Conflict Monitors analysis and, via Asharq Al-Awsat, the assessment on chemical weapons use in Iraq and Syria, and the results are definitely not in agreement with U.S. administration propaganda: The ISIS has used chemical weapons, including chlorine and sulfur mustard agents, at least 52 times on the battlefield in Syria and Iraq since it swept to power in 2014, according to a new independent analysis. More than one-third of those chemical attacks have come in and around Mosul, the ISIS stronghold in northern Iraq[.] The report also says Assads forces have conducted two helicopter chlorine bomb attacks and many other attacks. How many attacks is not mentioned, though given Assads chemical arsenal discussed earlier, the use of chlorine by a state military is still questionable in my opinion. And since there is a sizable U.S. presence in Iraq again, a military spokesman has weighed in and agrees with the assessment. Col. John Dorrian said: The coalition is concerned about ISILs use of chemical weapons ISIL has used them in Iraq and Syria in the past, and we expect them to continue employing these types of weapons. Colonel Dorrian also said: ISISs ability to use chemical weapons is rudimentary, and that American, Iraqi and other allied troops are equipped to deal with the impact of these chemical attacks typically rockets, mortar shells or artillery shells filled with chemical agents. The effects of these chemical munitions thus far have been limited to the immediate area where they land. The U.S. air campaign has even targeted ISIS chemical agent production facilities. In September, Allied warplanes bombed a converted pharmaceutical factory suspected of manufacturing chemical weapons. The question, of course, is how ISIS obtained the materials and the delivery systems to conduct these attacks. The report does mention the group possibly obtaining agents from Saddams old weapon stocks or from unaccounted-for chemicals in Syria. Or perhaps ISIS has acquired the knowledge to manufacture the agents themselves. There are many possibilities, but there is one thing we can count on, and that is that the U.S. media (maybe with the exception of the NYT) will not be the least bit interested in this story in order to defend Obamas and Hillarys deadly legacy. John Smith is the pen name of a former U.S. intelligence officer. * IHS is the parent company of Janes Information Group. President Obama was in Greece and Peru a few days ago. He did not get a friendly welcome from the street, according to news reports: In Lima, Peru for the APEC summit, hundreds of angry protesters greeted his arrival, demonstrating against him and TPP in the city's financial district. Clashes with police erupted. One sign said Salga de Obama, La Bestia Capitalista (Get Out Obama, The Capitalist Beast). Another displaying a skull and crossbones said EL TPP MATA (TPP kills). According to Socialist Left alliance leader Martin Guerra, it "destroys the country's economy, diminishes labor rights, privatize territories and hinders access to basic medical care." I guess the Cairo speech, "hope and change," and "si se puede" did nothing for these demonstrations. They hate us just as much as they did when a pro-life cowboy from Texas was traveling on Air Force One. To be fair to President Obama, these marches have been around for a long time, from V.P. Nixon in Caracas 1958 to President Reagan accused of starting a war by nuclear freeze nuts in 1983 to President Bush hailed as Hitler in 2003. So what's new? Well, it was not supposed to happen with Mr. Obama. We never had a president who ran to be popular and loved around the world. So please don't blame some of us if we are scratching our heads a bit. After all, they told me there'd be huge anti-U.S. demonstrators if I voted for Romney. And they were right! Prophetic! P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. Donald Trumps glorious win has rats scurrying all across Washington, D.C. But it represents an opportunity rather than a mission accomplished. Cultural Marxist themes still permeate our media, telling us that the U.S. is evil and smashing it is noble. For Trumps win to have a lasting impact, he must spearhead a cultural revolution. But how can we change our infected culture? Inclusivity and exclusivity To increase our unity, we must counter the multicultural narrative that the West has no culture into which to assimilate. We must reject the globalist narrative that all peoples are the same and the West is not special. We are an English-speaking, tough, individualistic, rights-duties, non-socialist, prideful, Judeo-Christian/Enlightenment-based culture. Our culture is complex. Sometimes it is easier to define by exclusion: were not a sharia-loving, Confucian, Spanish-speaking nation. Yet note that this vision is not racially exclusive. People of all races can learn English. And our vision, not being racist, also implies white self-criticism. As Socrates and Jesus said, the soul is higher than the body. As George Washington argued, hedonistic louts cannot sustain a republic. We must acknowledge that we have a culture and it has standards to which people of all colors should aspire. Yet the truth is that assimilation has limits. Sympathy with sharia law is not compatible with loyalty to Western laws. Cultural diversity is real. So we need to take naturalization loyalty oaths seriously again. Excluding other cultures does not mean we do not wish them well; it means we love ours enough to protect it. And again, more fundamentally, knowing that some things are not Western is the quick route to knowing that the West has a specific culture to take pride in. Pride in our history To spread this vision, we need to rewrite our schools curricula on a culturist basis that is, we need to acknowledge the importance of culture to our history. This will turn our history from a source of shame to a source of pride. WWII Japanese relocation was not racist. It was because cultural diversity can create divisions in loyalty. Manifest destiny was not racist; it was culturist. He who controls the past controls the future. To make America great again, we must teach that the West has long been great! As culturist common sense dictates, we must inculcate cultural pride with a culturist school curriculum affirming the value of our culture. Finishing off political correctness Trumps victory partially represented a rejection of political correctness. Every time a person on the right notes that cultural diversity can include bad aspects, the left calls him racist. When Trump, despite the epitaph, continued to say we need a ban on Muslim immigration, we knew we had a culturist hero! This wont be easy. The left has turned a generation into nasty, intellectually shallow folks who reflexively slander discussants as deplorable racist, sexists, etc. We need to call them on using this cheap trick in order to again be able to have difficult, potentially sensitive culturist policy discussions. Norman Vincent Peale Lastly, we need to bring back the ethic of personal responsibility. Trump has never drunk alcohol or smoked. He does not even, reportedly, drink coffee. He said, If you dont drink and you dont do drugs, your children ... are going to have a tremendously enhanced chance of really being successful and having a good life. Again, we must be culturist in the sense of critiquing our culture. This can start with you as an individual and by thinking of yourself as a role model. From childhood, Trump went to the church of pastor Norman Vincent Peale, who is famous for preaching the power of positive thinking. Famously, his main book begins, Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! We can call for smaller government, but actually sustainably enacting that requires self-reliance. If we mix Trumps can-do philosophy with Peales cherished warm patriotism, we might truly make America culture great again. John K. Press, Ph.D., teaches international relations at a university in South Korea. He is the author of the book Culturism: A Word, A Value, Our Future. He is also the author of a biography of the first acknowledged culturist, Matthew Arnold. More information can be found at www.culturism.us. A former spokesperson for Senator Bernie Sanders's campaign said on CNN that the Democratic Party needs "diversity" at the top levels of the Democratic National Committee and added that "we don't need white people leading the Democratic Party right now." Mediaite: Symone Sanders also noted Deans criticism of Bernie Sanders and considered it a mark against his bid to lead the democratic party. Howard Dean is also on record maligning young people and millennials telling those Bernie folks they just need to get in line and maligning Bernie Sanders. And that is not what we need. In my opinion, we dont need white people leading the Democratic party right now. The Democratic party is diverse, and it should be reflected as so in our leadership and throughout the staff, at the highest levels. Last Monday, the CNN contributor made headlines during a discussion about a Chicago man who was beaten by several men following a traffic dispute. One of the attackers allegedly said, Its one of them white boy Trump guys. During a discussion about the incident, CNN panelist Carl Higbie asked Sanders, What do you say to the people who dragged a poor white guy out of a car and beat him? Sanders responded: Oh my goodness, poor white people! Please! Just what the Democratic party needs to get back on top more arrogant dismissiveness directed at the white working class. It's as though the election of Donald Trump never happened. At the very least, many Democrats have apparently not learned a thing from that contest. This is a party in total denial of both its blatant contradictions and reasons for the historic drubbing it received at the polls. The contradiction of claiming to be a party of "diversity" while trying to exclude the majority is lost on people like Sanders, who wants to double down on the policies that led to an unprecedented defeat and repuditation. We can only hope Democrats like Sanders remain in power for a long, long time. Error. Page cannot be displayed. Please contact your service provider for more details. (18) While BLU is only a minor player in the smartphone industry with only 30 million devices shipped since being established in 2009, the Miami-based company could soon be facing major troubles. Earlier this month, the Californian consumer electronics manufacturer admitted to a significant security breach which affected approximately 120,000 of its active devices. An app called Wireless Update has been collecting personal data from some BLU customers including text messages, call logs, and contact lists without any authorization and forwarded them to a private Chinese server. The breach affected owners of the BLU Studio Touch, Energy X Plus 2, R1 HD, Neo XL, Advance 4.0 L2, and Energy Diamond. While the company stated it had eliminated the issue in a swift manner, this wont necessarily be the end of that ordeal. As it turns out, the New York-based Rosen Law Firm has just announced that its opening a class action investigation into the matter and is now looking to interrogate the companys owners. In a short release published earlier this week, the firm states BLU has already admitted to Chinese spyware infiltrating its phones and collecting unauthorized personal data from users without their knowledge. Furthermore, Rosen Legal declared that its willing to represent all affected users at no cost to them and is urging them to get in touch with the firm. While this may seem like a generous offer, note that representing a large number of plaintiffs for free is standard practice when it comes to class action lawsuits as the attorneys usually pocket a percentage of damages in these cases. As for the Miami-based phone maker, BLU labeled Rosen Legal as an ambulance chaser who dismisses details and is uneducated on the subject. Carmen Gonzalez, Senior Marketing Director at BLU Products, stated that the company isnt worried by the class action investigation as none of their users have actually suffered any damages due to the security breach. While this response may come across as overly confident, its not surprising given how Rosen Legal only initiated a private investigation into the matter and it remains to be seen whether the firm even manages to find enough plaintiffs for a class action lawsuit to make sense. In other words, it will probably be a while before we get an update on this situation. The Moto G4 Plus is one of two G4 smartphones that Motorola released back in May. This is a budget smartphone, Motorolas mid-range offering, and it comes in 2GB, 3GB and 4GB RAM variants. General design of this smartphone resembles the companys Moto Z devices, and the two devices are quite similar from the front, but the back on the Moto G4 Plus looks completely different from what the Moto Z has to offer, and the company used different materials here. Having that in mind, the Motorola Moto G4 Plus is quite a capable phone which offers more than decent specs, and its highest-end model is now on sale at Amazon. Those of you who are interested in getting the Motorola Moto G4 Plus can now purchase its 4GB RAM model for only $229.99 through Amazon. Do keep in mind that this is an unlocked smartphone, and that it comes with proper US warranty. The Motorola Moto G4 Plus features a 5.5-inch fullHD (1920 x 1080) display, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of native storage (in this case). The device is fueled by the Snapdragon 617 64-bit octa-core processor, along with the Adreno 405 GPU. On the back of this smartphone, youll be able to find a 16-megapixel camera, while there a 5-megapixel shooter available on the phones front side. The fingerprint scanner is placed below the display, and a 3,000mAh battery is included here as well. Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow comes pre-installed on the Moto G4 Plus, but the phone will get Android 7.0 Nougat in the near future. The device measures 153 x 76.6 x 9.8mm, while it weighs 155 grams. Buy the Moto G4 Plus In case you havent noticed yet and really, how could you have not? today is Black Friday and while weve been covering all sorts of great deals today, from excellent discounts on games consoles, to vacuum cleaners, our audience is most interested in smartphones. There are a number of options that have been on sale since earlier this week, including the Honor 8 from Huawei. Now, however, we have a new deal to bring you on the Sony Xperia X, a smartphone that was released not too long ago, and is still a decent device to buy in 2016. On sale from Amazon, unlocked and ready to use on any network it supports, for just $299.99, this appears to be one of the better deals on a Sony smartphone for some time. The Xperia X is a 5.0-inch Full HD smartphone that offers the same excellent 23-megapixel Exmor RS camera that is found in other higher-end Sony smartphones. It also packs in a Snapdragon 650 CPU, as well as a 13-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calls that few other smartphones can match. The Xperia X line of devices might have failed to capture the same sort of success as the Xperia Z line, but this is one of the few devices out there that offers a quality fit and finish, lots of features and a great camera performance, all without being on the larger end of the spectrum. This is an unlocked smartphone, and its sold direct from Amazon themselves, and for those wondering if it will work with their network, the below Amazon listing has all those answers. It will, however, work perfectly well with both AT&T and T-Mobile as well as other networks throughout the United States as this is a device that Sony designed to work with the US market when they brought it Stateside earlier this year. Its also available at this price in a choice of four different colors; Black, White, Lime Gold and Rose Gold. A week ago, Qualcomm revealed that the Snapdragon 835 system-on-chip is already in production as the San Diego-based semiconductor manufacturer has teamed up with Samsung to use its 10-nm FinFET process for Qualcomms latest flagship SoC. Following that announcement, weve heard a wide variety of rumors related to possible commercial implementations of this mobile chip. Of course, the Snapdragon 835 is bound to power a broad range of 2017 flagships, but its still unclear when the first device sporting this next-generation SoC will hit the market. Well, there might be an update on that front. Earlier today, a well-known industry analyst Kevin Wang took to Weibo to predict that the Xiaomi Mi 6 will be the first Chinese smartphone to feature the Snapdragon 835. In his post published on the popular Chinese microblogging website, Wang also stated that Qualcomms latest and greatest SoC will have its international debut with the Samsung Galaxy S8. Last but not least, the analyst asserted that both devices will be hitting the market in March. Of course, this is just an opinion of a single analyst, though Wang is probably right regarding the expected release window of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the Xiaomi Mi 6. In all likelihood, Samsung is debuting its next flagship during the Mobile World Congress 2017 scheduled to start on February 27th, and if the companys previous release patterns are any indication, the Galaxy S8 will indeed be hitting the market come March. Couple that with the fact that international versions of Samsungs flagship have a long history of using Qualcomms chips and its fair to presume that the Galaxy S8 will be sporting the Snapdragon 835, which is what Wang just did. Nonetheless, this is still just speculation, so it remains to be seen what Samsung and Xiaomi will officially announce in a few months. Regarding the Snapdragon 835, the said SoC should be a significant upgrade on the Snapdragon 821, currently the most powerful Qualcomm-made chip. In addition to four new cores and clock speeds going up to 3 GHz, the Snapdragon 835 is also rumored to feature the Adreno 540 GPU. As for the move to the 10nm process, Samsung itself claims that this technology will allow for a 30% increase in area efficiency and 27% increase in performance. Alternatively, the new process could allow for a 40% reduction in power consumption, so all in all, Android enthusiasts have a lot to be excited about. Following the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, Samsung announced a broad range of changes to all levels of its business operations. From management reforms and possible restructurings to improved quality assurance practices and more transparent policies, the South Korean tech giant is adamant to change its ways and win back the hearts of consumers worldwide. Among other things, this also includes streamlining its vast portfolio of operations and focusing on its core business. More specifically, the Seoul-based conglomerate recently approved the sale of its printing business to HP for $1.05 billion, and according to latest developments, Samsung isnt quite done with selling its secondary operations. As reported by the South Korean media outlet The Bell, Samsung is currently negotiating with the Chinese tech giant Lenovo over selling its PC business. Seeing how Lenovo is the largest PC manufacturer in the world with a history of acquiring related operations, this wouldnt be the most surprising turn of events weve seen this year. Two years ago, Lenovo purchased Sonys VAIO PC unit for an undisclosed amount, and if latest reports are to be believed, the Beijing-based conglomerate is now interested in expanding its operations once again. More specifically, in addition to Samsung, Lenovo is currently also negotiating a purchase of Fujitsus PC business. However, it is still unclear whether these two potential acquisitions are mutually exclusive, i.e. would Lenovo drop the idea of purchasings Samsung PC business if it manages to acquire Fujitsus unit first and vice versa. In any case, The Bell reports that Samsung has hired a US law firm Paul Hastings to help with the talks but is apparently conducting negotiations with Lenovo without a financial advisor. On the other hand, the UK bank Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is doing Lenovos bidding. According to South Korean news outlets, the deal will likely be valued at over 1 trillion won, i.e. $850 million. In any case, this is likely yet another step in Samsungs endeavor to minimize quarterly losses incurred by the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco which reportedly cost the company over $3 billion. With that in mind, if Samsung and Lenovo manage to come to an agreement, the former will certainly push for the transaction to be completed as soon as possible, so more information is bound to follow soon. (ANSA) - Ussita, November 25 - President Sergio Mattarella on Friday told residents of the quake-hit Marche town of Ussita to be strong, vowing their city will be re-built. "Stay strong, we will not abandon you and we will rebuild everything", the president said during a visit to the town, which reported extensive damage last month in a strong earthquake, just two months after a deadly quake hit nearby cities and towns in central Italy, claiming 299 lives. The president also met with residents who were left homeless by the October 26 quake, including an elderly man who told him he has lost everything "except the pride of being Italian". The president then visited the local Roana company that produces mineral water to express support to the local economy badly affected by the quakes. The emergency in central Italy started with an August 24, 6.0-magnitude quake that killed 298 people. Two more quakes shook the area on October 26, one measuring 5.4 in magnitude and the other 5.9. A further 6.5-magnitude quake on October 30 near Norcia was Italy's biggest since 1980. (by Cristiana Missori) CAIRO - Fashion designers as young as 20 and most presenting their first collection ever were at Cairo Fashion Nights, the brainchild of Susan Sabet. Sabet, director and founder of the fashion magazine 'Pashion', set up the initiative to support designers and boutiques in the Egyptian capital after the 2011 uprising. For this sixth edition, she told ANSAmed, ''I was inspired by Alta Roma's 'Room Service'.'' Thus, the suites of a luxury hotel in Cairo were transformed for a day and a night into boutiques where around 30 designers presented their creations to a wealthy clientele. All the designers focused on trendy apparel that nonetheless made use of local craftsmen and sometimes commissioned associations employing the disabled to create parts of their work. Al-Noor wa Al-Aamal is one such association, which brings together the blind to use bamboo to create baskets and bags. Among the creators is MonaLissa, an elegant woman of Panamanian origins who has been living in Egypt for the past 25 years and who opted to mix styles from the two countries, as well as Sherine Fahmy, who focuses on leatherwear with bits of Egyptian silver and ceramics incorporated as well as highly original necklaces. Many chose to innovate by introduce bits of leather into their works, coming up against - according to May Ezzat, who presented her first collection of bags - ''the mentality of craftsmen accustomed for three generations to work in the same way''. Reem Jano has recently completed a course of studies at Design Studio under Azza Fahmy - the most important Egyptian contemporary jewelry designer, who in collaboration with the Scuola di Gioielleria Contemporanea 'Alchimia' in Florence has set up a training institute specialized in jewelry design in the Al Fustat quarter of Old Cairo. After taking part in this the London Fashion Week in February 201, she said that she will be at Milan's Palazzo Giureconsulti for Artistar Jewels. Along with the collections of these emerging designers, Cairo Fashion Nights included the works of students from Cairo's Fashion & Design Center, which - thanks to the Milan Istituto di Moda Burgo, which boasts some 52 sections throughout the world, from China to Saudi Arabia and Egypt - trains tailors, models and designers. Israel lashes out at France's labelling of settlement goods Claims it may encourage boycotting (ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, NOVEMBER - Israel on Friday ''condemned'' the decision by French authorities announced the previous day to label food products from Golan Heights, the West Bank and East Jerusalem as coming from Israeli settlements there. The areas are territories located beyond the armistice lines in force since the 1967 Six-Day War. France has noted that the measure is linked to EU instructions issued in November 2015. Late Thursday, Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said "it's unfortunate that France, which has a law against boycotts, is advancing steps like these which can be interpreted as giving a tail wind to radical actors and the boycott movement against Israel." He added that "it is inexplicable and troubling that France chooses to apply a double standard when it comes to Israel, while ignoring 200 territorial conflicts taking place around the world, including those on its very own doorstep." (ANSAmed). PARIS - After a life spent as missionaries in Africa, a group of 60 monks and nuns near the southern French city of Montpellier were attacked last night by an armed, masked man. His identity and motive are currently unknown. Armed with a sawn-off shotgun and a knife, he tied up and gagged those present and then stabbed to death the custodian who had opened the door. He then fled and the monks were freed. The attack took place in Montferrier-sur-Lez, a small town of the Herault, in a monastery close to a retirement home. For the moment, the prefecture talks about a simple ''criminal action'', a criminal act possibly due to mental illness. But terrorism ''has not been ruled out''. The 60 monks, nuns, and five or six employees who were working in the retirement home at the time of the attack were rescued by police special forces. After the attacks on November 13, at the will of the interior minister, any place in France, even in the middle of the country, can be reached by an anti-terrorism squad in 20 minutes at the most. Police sources had spoken during the day about possible targets selected by a group of terror suspects arrested in the night between Saturday and Sunday last week between Strasbourg and Marseille. They were all in Paris and the surrounding area, from the Champs-Elysees with its Christmas markets to Disneyland and included several churches, the headquarters of the police prefecture, a subway stop and bistrots in the in the 20th arrondissement. Right after the first anniversary of the deadly terror attacks on November 13, France plunges again in the fear that has been palpable for the past two years. ROME - On April 18, 2015, a large boat carrying migrants capsized off the Libyan coast, resulting in the worst mass drowning in the recent history of the Mediterranean. The death toll stood at 970 and only 28 survived to tell about it. Hundreds of bodies were left trapped in the wreckage that remained at the bottom of the Straits of Sicily, some 370 meters deep. The film, entitled ''Come E' Profondo il Mare''(''How Very Deep the Sea Is''), opens with images of the seabed where the boat sunk in 2015 and exclusive footage of its recovery a year later. It will be broadcast on Sunday, November 27 at 11:15 on Sky Atlantic HD and Sky TG24 Active. Some of the footage was taken by the migrants themselves, and the audio tells of how such a tragedy came about. The recovery operation was the largest ever, ordered by the government and coordinated by the Italian navy, to give the victims a proper burial. The desperation of the migrants and the horror of the drownings that have been ongoing for years in the Mediterranean are seen. In the last 36 months alone, an estimated 10,000 people lost their lives in similar incidents in the Mediterranean. Produced by 42 Parallelo, the film is the third part of 'Il Racconto del Reale'' (''The Tale of the Real''), a series on Sky Atlantico HD that seeks to shed light on current events in an original manner. On December 4 there will be "Spes contra Spem -SLiberi Dentro", a film by Ambrogio Crespi on life imprisonment through the voices of the condemned, and on December 11 there will be "Papa Francesco: Come Dio Comanda", a portrait of the pope. ISTANBUL - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that ''if Europe goes too far, we will allow refugees to cross borders'', once again threatening to break an agreement on migrants with Brussels after the European Parliament voted to demand a freeze on Ankara's adhesion talks. ''You have never treated humanity in an honest way and you have not taken care of people in the right way. You did not welcome children when (after drowning) in the Mediterranean they reached the coast. We are the ones providing food to some 3.5 million refugees in this country. You did not keep your promises''. ''When 50,000 refugees - he added - arrived in Kapikule (the border between Turkey and Bulgaria) you started screaming, saying 'What will we do if Turkey opens border crossings?''. Yesterday, the Parliament in Strasbourg voted by a wide majority the request a freeze on EU adhesion talks due to Erdogan's crackdown after a failed coup in July. It also voted to suspend them entirely if Ankara decides to reintroduce the death penalty. The vote was not a surprise and Erdogan had already played it down. The resolution voted in Strasbourg is not legally binding. Only the Commission, the European executive, can suspend negotiations. It can act on its own initiative or at the request of at least one-third of member states. MOSCOW - Russia has accused Syrian militants of using mustard gas against civilians in the province of Aleppo. According to Russian soldiers, a home-made 240 mm bullet with mustard gas was fired in September against the residential area of Marat-Um-Khaush. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has for its part accused the army of Damascus of violating its convention by using banned weapons. Meanwhile, at least one Turkish soldier was killed in clashes with ISIS militants in northern Syria, where Ankara's army is deployed as part of the Operation Euphrates Shield. Over the past 24 hours, moreover, four pro-Turkish Syrian insurgents have died in clashes. Yesterday, three Turkish soldiers also died in the al Bab area in the province of Aleppo, according to Turkey in a Syrian government raid, which would be the first against Turkish soldiers, while other sources said they died in clashes with ISIS fighters. A member of the US military also died from his wounds after a bomb exploded near Ayn Issa in the northern part of the country. The report has been officially confirmed in a statement by US military authorities. The United Nations denied allegations made by Arabic-language daily al-Hayat concerning the resignation of its special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura. His contract expires in March 2017. According to the newspaper, ''de Mistura is disappointed over the possibility of making progress in Syria''. Israeli general takes questions from Palestinians on FB On political and practical issues. 'Propaganda', says Hamas (ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, NOVEMBER 25 - An unusual exchange of views took place on Thursday between Palestinians and an Israeli general on the political situation in the Palestinian Territories. General Yoav Mordechai, coordinator for Israeli activities in the Palestinian Territories, took questions from inhabitants of the West Bank and Gaza and answered in Arabic. Ynet reported that most of the questions were of a practical nature, including ways to enter Israel. Some, however, asked the general whether even he was in some way able to predict when the Israeli military occupation would end. The officer's response implied that there was no appropriate Palestinian interlocutor. He added that living conditions for Palestinians in the Palestinian Territories were better than those in neighboring countries. Hamas warned Gaza inhabitants against taking part, saying that the initiative was for propaganda and intelligence purposes. (ANSAmed). Syria: Russia, militants used mustard gas against civilians UN, Damascus used chemical weapons. Turkish, US soldiers die (ANSAmed) - MOSCOW, NOVEMBER 25 - Russia has accused Syrian militants of using mustard gas against civilians in the province of Aleppo. According to Russian soldiers, a home-made 240 mm bullet with mustard gas was fired in September against the residential area of Marat-Um-Khaush. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has for its part accused the army of Damascus of violating its convention by using banned weapons. Meanwhile, at least one Turkish soldier was killed in clashes with ISIS militants in northern Syria, where Ankara's army is deployed as part of the Operation Euphrates Shield. Over the past 24 hours, moreover, four pro-Turkish Syrian insurgents have died in clashes. Yesterday, three Turkish soldiers also died in the al Bab area in the province of Aleppo, according to Turkey in a Syrian government raid, which would be the first against Turkish soldiers, while other sources said they died in clashes with ISIS fighters. A member of the US military also died from his wounds after a bomb exploded near Ayn Issa in the northern part of the country. The report has been officially confirmed in a statement by US military authorities. The United Nations denied allegations made by Arabic-language daily al-Hayat concerning the resignation of its special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura. His contract expires in March 2017. According to the newspaper, ''de Mistura is disappointed over the possibility of making progress in Syria''. (ANSAmed) Tunisia: cabinet launches campaign on violence against women Almost 50% of women say they were attacked at least once (ANSAmed) - TUNIS, NOVEMBER 25 -The Tunisian ministry for women and the family launched the second part of a campaign to raise awareness on violence against women on Friday, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Billboards on the street urged to fight violence against women on all levels, psychological, sexual and economic. A toll free number has also been set up to denounce abuse and television ads to raise awareness will be aired every day, the ministry said. According to the latest surveys, 47.6% of Tunisian women aged between 18 and 64 say they have been attacked at least once in their lifetime. Most have been physically attacked - about 31.7% - while psychological and moral attacks have been reported by 28.9%. Some 15.7% of Tunisian women said they were sexually abused while 7.1% said they were blackmailed. A draft law to fight violence against women and promote gender equality, guaranteed by the Constitution, is ready to be discussed in Parliament. (ANSAmed) Violence against women: 1,638 femicides in Turkey since 2010 'Mostly by family members.141 of those killed reported abuse' (ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, NOVEMBER 25 - Since 2010, at least 1,6389 femicides have been committed in Turkey, according to the Kadin Cinayetleri watchdog association. All 81 of the country's provinces are included in the total. Some 41% of the femicides were of women between the ages of 26 and 40 and most were at the hands of husbands, partners or family members. At least 141 women were killed despite having already reported harassment to the police or asked for restraining orders. Another association, Kadin Cinayetleri Durduracagiz ('We Will Stop Femicides'), reports that at least 230 femicides have been committed this year. Protection of women's rights has returned to the spotlight in the country in recent days after a draft law was presented that would have pardoned men charged with statutory rape prior to November 16 if they have married or agree to marry their victims. Turkey decided on November 22 to reconsider the law after public outcry and street protests. (ANSAmed). Med Dialogues 2016 makes Rome regional capital once more Gentiloni presents conference packed with world leaders (by Patrizio Nissirio) (ANSAmed) - ROME, NOVEMBER 25 - Rome will next week take on the mantle of 'Mediterranean capital' for the second year running with the second edition of Med Dialogues on December 1-3. This year, under the title 'Beyond Turmoil, a Positive Agenda', will see once again dozens of heads of state, ministers and leaders in the economic, international organizations and civil society spheres. Italian foreign minister Paolo Gentiloni said Friday in presenting the conference that it is the ''most important chance for an exchange of views, dialogue and in-depth discussion on the Mediterranean at the global level.'' Some 55 countries will be represented, including Mediterranean countries and ones that are active in this strategic area of the world. Organized by the foreign ministry and the think tank Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) - ANSAmed will be the media partner of the event, alongside state broadcaster RAI and La Stampa - Med Dialogues met with a great deal of success in its 2015 edition. This year there will be an even more tightly packed schedule focusing on four areas: shared prosperity, shared security, migration and media, culture and civil society. From US Secretary of State John Kerry to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Jafaari, Qatari Foreign Minister Mohamed Al-Thani, the UK's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, and Iran's foreign policy chief Mohammed Javad Zarif, this year's list of eminent participants is long. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini will also be taking part and in addition to Italy's foreign minister, Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi will be present. Renzi will be giving closing remarks on Saturday, December 3. Gentiloni said Friday that, in the Mediterranean, ''there are difficulties but also a positive agenda''. The event will be a chance to touch on all the major current issues at the international level, he noted, ''from world prospects after the US elections to the defeat of ISIS on the ground next year, to the major issues of migration and the emergency in Syria. The political objectives will be both dealing with the emergencies through diplomatic potential and with economic potential''. In reference to Donald Trump's victory in the US elections, the minister said that from the new administration ''we expect major commitment from the US in the Mediterranean region, as Italians and as Europeans'', while ''Italy will certainly be happy with greater detente between the US and Russia'' after Trump's win. Gentiloni said that he expected - as usual on such occasions - meetings on the sidelines between leaders taking part on important issues at the world level: dialogue that Italy aims to incentivize and deepen by holding the conference. Following Med Dialogues, Italy will in 2017 take center-stage in international diplomacy with its G7 presidency, the anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, participation in the UN Security Council (in 2018, but its activity will begin in 2017) and with the Italian presidency of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). (ANSAmed). Operated by Tibah Airports Operation Company, which is the consortium formed by TAV Airports, Al Rajhi and Saudi Oger, Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport welcomed the first Kuala Lumpur flight launched by AirAsia on Monday. AirAsia will perform four weekly flights to Madinah from Kuala Lumpur throughout the winter season. Sener stated that public institutions, private sector and Turkish successfully came through these crises. TAV Airports President & CEO Sani Sener made the opening speech at the conference titled "Security and Crisis Management" organised by Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, the global platform of airport operators. Held in Brussels, the capital city of the European Union, the two-day conference gathered senior executives and experts on security, transportation and anti-terrorism issues from all around the continent. Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Security and Home Affairs Jan Jambon, ACI Europe Director General Olivier Jankovec, Brussels Airport CEO Arnaud Feist, Deputy Administrator of the US Transportation Security Administration Huban Gowadia, Council of the European Union Director of Security Francis Morgan as well as Sani Sener were among the guest speakers of the conference. Sener, who is also a Board Member of ACI World, explained how they managed the crisis at Istanbul Ataturk Airport after the heinous terrorist attack held on June 28th and how they put the airport back into operation in such a short period of time as eight hours. Sener also remarked the details of events occurred at the airport during July 15th coup attempt. TAV Airports President & CEO Sener said: "TAV is representing Turkey effectively on every occasion. During this conference on crisis management, I told about you how TAV handled the crises occurred at the airport with the support of the government. I particularly mentioned how Turkish people acted to claim democracy on July 15th and how Ataturk Airport successfully hosted 100,000 people at that night acting as a center against a coup attempt. I believe, I explained the process accurately to the participants of this high-level meeting held at the capital city of European Union. I have had positive responses from all delegates. Ataturk Airport has been an exemplary case underlining the significance of taking collaborative action for both private sector and public institutions in crisis management." YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. First Deputy Minister of Transport, Communication and Information Technologies Artur Arakelyan says the transportation of two marine containers from Germany to Iran through Armenia in an experimental way enabled to understand the main obstacles that can emerge along the way. The Deputy Minister said they had planned this way of transit multimode transportation with the partners over a year ago. He said it was necessary to understand what problems can arise during the cargos on that path in order to give them a systemic solution. Artur Arakelyan said the problems arising on the way are of different nature. Actually, we wanted to understand the terms, to have a clear picture on expenses that are spent for the transportation. There can also be a problem of infrastructures since various means of transport are used, thus changing various infrastructures we must understand whether there are certain artificial delays, whether it is possible to accelerate or improve that process. We can also make the road more effective as a result of fixing certain liberal rules in the customs formalities. We will analyze these issues or will prove that they are totally missing, and the business will be already offered a new type of transportation, he said. To the question what projects there are in the future on carrying out such transit multimode transportations, the Deputy Minister said: In near future we are planning to pass a number of containers with retrospective road. We plan also to make cargo transportation with our Indian partners from India to Europe. There is already an agreement from Iran that we will transport from one of the ports. We will complete the organizational works soon, and as for India, we made a proposal, and certain representatives of the Iranian side were interested on it, currently we continue the talks. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. Russia and Armenia discuss the delivery of Sukhoi SuperJet 100 aircrafts. Armenpress reports Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov announced. We continue the works of creating a national carrier (with Hungary-edit.). Now we will start similar activities in Armenia, Manturov said during a forum answering a question over the creation of a joint airline with Hungary. We have one interest: Support the Russian producer. First of all it is the Superjet. By now, it is the main civil aviation production. This refers to Hungary and Armenia, with which we will discuss the issue on Tuesday, Manturov added. Best Travel Products and Services Would you like to submit an article in the Travel category or any of the sub-category below? Click here to submit your article. Would you like to have your product or service listed on this page? Contact us. Ms. Henderson was asked in a 1999 Archive of American Television interview how she would like to be remembered. She answered, Probably as someone who survived for a long time in a very tough business and, hopefully, managed to retain a sense of humanity. Unknown to those outside Hollywood, the lawyer Nina L. Shaw is a secret weapon, a behind-the-scenes power player adept at striking deals that cultivate freedom of voice, especially for black members of the creative class whose mission it is to be artist and advocate. On Thursday, govt stopped over the counter exchange of notes facility at banks. Mumbai: A day after government stopped the over the counter (OTC) exchange of currency notes, the Reserve Bank of India said its designated counters will continue to accept the discarded Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. With this, people would be able to exchange their scrapped notes and get new currency notes at the central banks outlets. The Reserve Bank of India advises members of public that exchange of banknotes in Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denominations, whose legal tender status has been withdrawn, will continue to be available at the counters of the Reserve Bank upto the current limits per person as hitherto, the RBI said. The central bank has also clarified that such exchange facility is no longer available at other banks' counters. On Thursday, the government further extended the deadline to use old Rs 500 currency notes at select outlets as it was widely reported that people were still facing problems to avail essential services including healthcare and confronting hardships in paying for dues to public utilities. Hrithik was ranked 3rd in the Worlds Most Handsome Faces List that was released by worldstopmost.com. Mumbai: It isn't a surprise that Hrithik Roshan, who is known for his drop-dead Greek God looks, has made it to the list of Most Handsome Man in the World list put out by a leading international website. His striking good looks, coloured eyes and overall personality has often allowed him the privilege of featuring on the list of best looking men across the world. Salman Khan also makes it to the list is ranked at No. 7. Keeping the Bollywood superstar company in the envied top three positions are Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, followed by Twilight star Robert Pattinson. Hrithik is in third position and beats even Johnny depp and Brad Pitt who are at number four and number 8 respectively. Roshan, who is no stranger to featuring in such lists, believes that handsome is what handsome does and feels humbled that he has made it to the list. Of course he is happy with the praise lavished on him for his facial features and near-perfect physique. However he still feels that good looks may have won him that position but what will really make him stand out is his quest to `put a smile on the face of people around him and many out there who could heal with just a little Tender Loving Care.' Here is the complete list: 1. Tom Cruise, 2. Robert Pattinson, 3. Hrithik Roshan, 4. Johnny Depp, 5. Tom Hiddleston, 6. Omar Borkan Al Gala, 7. Salman Khan, 8. Brad Pitt, 9. Hugh Jackman, and 10. Billy Unger. Demonetisation will have positive impact on the economy as money from the shadow economy will find its way into the mainstre, says FM. New Delhi: Union finance minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday that parties, which were once part of every scandal in India, are now opposing the governments demonetisation move, a sharp reaction that came after former PM Manmohan Singh tore into PM Narendra Modi's decision to spike high-value currencies. They didnt consider scandals to be a blunder, but are now considering demonetisation a blunder, the minister said, accusing the Opposition of inventing reasons to run away from a debate in Parliament. The minister took a swipe at Mr Singh, saying it is no surprise that he is unhappy as the maximum black money was generated under his rule. We are not surprised that they did not like the anti-black money measures the government has taken...Those who did not consider the generation of so much black money and scams during their regime as a blunder are now calling the crusade against black money a blunder, he said. Rejecting Mr Singh's contention that Indias GDP growth will plunge by 2 percentage points because of the governments move, he said demonetisation will have positive impact on the economy as money from the shadow economy will find its way into the mainstream. The government has said the replacement of all Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes is part of a crackdown on corruption, tax evasion and militant financing, but it has resulted in an unprecedented cash crunch and widespread chaos. "The governments position is very clear from the day one that we are ready for the debate.... The Opposition was finding excuses to avoid discussion but today morning they were taken by surprise when we announced that the Prime Minister will participate in the debate. Now they are inventing reasons to escape the debate," Mr Jaitley said. Opposition parties led by the Congress have stalled Parliament after the government's shock move to withdraw 86% of the currency in circulation. The move has faced criticism over the slow pace of introducing the new notes, with banks running out of cash and ATMs having to be recalibrated to cope with the new bills. On an allegation that the some BJP leaders were aware of the move, while Mr Jaitley was not kept in the loop, the finance minister said, "This decision was kept a secret. The people who needed to know, knew (about it)... The allegation is already contradictory that the information was known to some BJP members as though I was not a BJP member." Mr Jaitley also rejected the accusation that RBI governor Urjit Patel did not address the media after the announcement of the scheme, saying the "office people are supposed to perform" and not come out in front of the camera. Opposition party leaders Sharad Yadav, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mayawati demanded that Modi come to the Rajya Sabha and apologise. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 12 pm after the uproar continued. The Lok Sabha was also adjourned. (Photo: ANI Twitter) New Delhi: Opposition parties on Friday continued to create an uproar in the Rajya Sabha over the continued absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the House, forcing an adjournment until Monday, November 28. Opposition members stormed into the well of the House and chanted slogans against the Prime Minister for saying his critics are not in favour of wiping out black money. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad demanded that Modi apologise for saying that Opposition parties are in support of black money. PM made serious allegations against Opposition when he said that Opposition parties favouring black money. He must apologise, JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav said. BSP chief Mayawati said that Modi should come to the House and clarify as to who has black money according to him. Defending Modis remarks, BJP MP Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that the PM had only accused some people of being upset as they could not hide their black money, and hence the Opposition need not take offence. BJP MPs said there is no question of the PM apologising, as Opposition leaders continued to create a ruckus in Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2:30 pm as the uproar continued. The Lok Sabha was also adjourned till 2:30 pm. However, as the uproar continued after resumption of the sessions, both Houses had to be adjourned till 11 am on Monday. Meanwhile, a person tried to jump off the top of the Lok Sabha building, allegedly over the ban on old notes. He is now being questioned, said ANI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said earlier at a book release that those protesting against demonetisation of old notes do not have a problem with the governments preparedness for it, but are upset that the government did not give them enough time to 'prepare'. Major Opposition parties met in Parliament on Friday morning ahead of the beginning of the session at 11 am, to discuss strategy to confront the government on demonetisation. In the meeting, it was decided that the Opposition would continue to press for Prime Minister Narendra Modis presence in Parliament and his participation in the debates on the note ban issue. "Frequent changes in policies are causing harassment to poor. Hence, we are saying there are lot of difficulties, let us discuss sort them out, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said. A united Opposition had on Thursday forced abandonment of Parliament proceedings for the 6th straight day, after Modi did not return to the Rajya Sabha after the lunch break. The Opposition has urged Modi to respond in person to the questions raised in Parliament on demonetisation, a move which most parties have criticised as being against the common man. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday described the move as organised loot and legalised plunder and said the poor cannot wait for even 50 days for things to normalise, as requested by the PM. The government had in a sudden move on November 8 declared notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 to no longer be legal tender from midnight. New Rs 2000 and Rs 500 notes were launched soon after. However, long queues at ATMs and banks as well as deaths of several people standing in queues has raised the hackles of the Opposition and caused considerable public criticism of the move. Sources said the government could formally announce the amendments in the I-T Act in Parliament Friday Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting of the Cabinet on Thursday evening, the second one in 24 hours, to discuss the matter. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Thursday is learnt to have cleared significant amendments in the Income-Tax Act fixing the quantum of levy of high penalty on unaccounted funds deposited in banks after implementation of demonetisation on November 8. There is speculation that the penalty could be close to 60 per cent income-tax on unaccounted deposits in banks above a threshold post demonetisation of high-value currency notes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting of the Cabinet on Thursday evening, the second one in 24 hours, to discuss the matter. Though there was no official confirmation of details of the meeting, sources said the government could formally announce the amendments in the I-T Act in Parliament Friday and there is a likelihood that Mr Modi may intervene in the Lok Sabha over this matter. Sources said the meeting was called at short notice by the PM to apparently discuss the penalty of 200 per cent tax that is keeping away the scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes from entering the formal system. Though the government had earlier mentioned the levy of 200 per cent penalty on unaccounted funds deposited in banks after November 8, sources said the Cabinet meeting was called as an afterthought to discuss what should be the actual quantum of the penalty. The meeting comes amid reports of the high tax penalty terrifying people from putting their cash savings into the banking system. The Cabinet also met in the backdrop of banks reporting over Rs 21,000 crores being deposited in zero-balance Jan Dhan accounts in two weeks after the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 rupee notes were withdrawn, which the authorities suspect may be laundered black money. The income-tax department had previously warned that cash deposits above Rs 2.5 lakhs post-demonetisation could attract taxes plus a 200 per cent penalty in case of income mismatch. It was stated that the department was tracking all cash deposited between November 10 to December 30, 2016, above a threshold of Rs 2.5 lakhs in every account. This had put a fear in people, with reports of the banned currency even being destroyed in some places. Cashless society would mean less investment in handling cash, transparency in payments and check on fake currency, he said. New Delhi: Amid a raging debate on demonetisation, the government on Friday said in Lok Sabha that it wanted a reduction in the use of physical currency in the economy, which should be substituted with digital money. Responding to a question on digital payment systems, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government wanted the physical currency to come down and be substituted by digital currency. While physical currency should decline, business and commerce should prosper. He said out of 80 crore debit cards, 40 crore were actively used at ATMs. Electronic wallets and digital transfer of funds was the future technology which the government is encouraging and has asked various state governments to contribute. Jaitley also said a dedicated fund under depositor education and awareness fund was in place for expanding acceptance, infrastructure and conducting awareness campaign among people for a cash-less society. Cashless society would mean less investment in handling cash, transparency in payments and check on fake currency, he said. Jaitley on Thursday asked banks to promote digital banking in "mission mode", saying the principal objective of the government's reform is to curtail the use of physical currency. After a meeting with heads of banks including private sector, he said a committee under Additional Secretary in the Finance Ministry is being set up to promote digital banking. Referring to the outcry over demonetisation in Parliament, Jaitley said the politicians need to accept that habits of the people are changing and they are frequently using cards for payments. "Some of the banks have already had a lot of success, contrary to argument which is made within the political system that Indians are not well adapted to this mode. I think political life of India has to accept that right under our nose, people are changing as far as their habits are concerned," he said. Giving out details of digital outlets in the country, the Finance Minister said there are 14 lakh POS machines which are there at retail level and this figure has to be expanded manifold. These machines are not manufactured in India, they are imported, he added. "Additionally, with regard to banks' existing customers, debit cards and prepaid cards, e-wallets as well as mobile apps, are going to be utilised by them. They are ready with their infrastructure," he said. The apex court is to hear a batch of petitions on Friday challenging demonetisation. New Delhi: The Centre told the Supreme Court on Thursday that its demonetisation move was a bold attempt to unearth the black money that has been stocked up over the past 70 years. In its affidavit to a batch of petitions, the Centre said the objective behind demonetisation was to unearth an illegal parallel economy, and was also aimed at reducing the ratio of cash transactions. It said that the menace of fake currency has been tackled and funding for terror groups has stopped. The apex court is to hear a batch of petitions on Friday challenging demonetisation. Further, the Centre informed the court about the steps taken in the last few days to ease peoples difficulties. It said that the re-calibration of ATMs is on in full swing. It further said any difficulty being faced by the people would be sorted out. The affidavit said the government had earlier constituted an SIT to curb black money and amended the Benami Act. It said that there was no shortage of new currency, and that Rs 6 lakh crore had already been received as deposits in banks. The government has set up a committee which will take stock of the ground situation across the country. The general rule is that the cash transactions in the market should not be more than four per cent of the GDP, but it is 12 per cent in India. The banks are flush with money and lending rates will come down. Alternate arrangements have been made to address the problems of farmers and traders, special teams have been sent to all the States and the situation monitored. However, the attendance of devotees was thin as the people from adjoining localities were not able to reach due to strike. Srinagar: Friday congregational prayers were on Friday allowed at the historic Jamia Masjid for the first time since unrest began in Kashmir in the aftermath of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's killing in an encounter with security forces in July. The Friday congregational prayers were allowed at Jamia Masjid after 19 weeks. However, the attendance of devotees was thin as the people from adjoining localities only were not able to reach the grand mosque due to non-availability of public transport in view of the strike. The congregational prayers were last offered at the mosque on July 8, the day Wani was killed, as authorities apprehended law and order problems after the weekly prayers. No Eid prayers were offered at the grand mosque for the first time in nearly two centuries, as the last time it was closed was in 1821. However, with the improvement in the situation, the prayers were allowed on Friday. Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, who usually delivers sermon before the Friday prayers, was under house arrest and not allowed to visit the mosque. Immediately after the culmination of the prayers, a group of youth assembled outside and took out a march towards Rajouri Kadal but were intercepted by the security forces, leading to clashes, a police official said. There were no reports of any casualties in the clashes so far, he said. Intelligence agencies have been closely tacking its impact on the hawala trade and terror funding. Reports reaching the MHA suggest that large amounts of old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination were being transported to some parts of the country, specially to the Northeast. New Delhi: In a bid to check movement of large quantity of old currency notes which could be meant for hawala network or money laundering, the home ministry has asked security agencies to keep a special watch across all the 98 airports in the country, with special focus on the Northeast. Though most of these airports are being protected by the CISF, the local police also has been directed to remain vigilant. Reports reaching the MHA suggest that large amounts of old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination were being transported to some parts of the country, specially to the Northeast. We are still not certain whether the money being pumped into the Northeast is meant for terror outfits operating there or there some big hawala network being operated by some terror elements. So we have asked the security agencies to keep a watch on transportation of old currency notes in large quantity, a senior security official said. Following the demonetisation move announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8, intelligence agencies have been closely tacking its impact on the hawala trade and terror funding. Intelligence reports so far suggest that demonetisation has had a severe impact on both. However, sources admitted that flow of old currency notes into the Northeast was a matter of concern and the home ministry was now taking precautionary measures to ensure that this trend is stopped. The Centre has also cautioned the state government in the region to keep a special watch on this, sources added. Home ministry sources had recently claimed that 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 Northeast, Rs 300 to Rs 400 crore by Naxals and Rs 20 to Rs 30 crore by subversive elements in the Kashmir Valley. Thus, the Centre is now keeping a special focus on flow of old currency into the Northeast. A united Opposition had on Thursday forced abandonment of Parliament proceedings for the 6th straight day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the Rajya Sabha in New Delhi on Thursday. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Major Opposition parties met in Parliament on Friday morning ahead of the beginning of the session at 11 am, to discuss strategy to confront the government on demonetisation. In the meeting, it was decided that the Opposition would continue to press for Prime Minister Narendra Modis presence in Parliament and his participation in the debates on the note ban issue. "Frequent changes in policies are causing harassment to poor. Hence, we are saying there are lot of difficulties, let us discuss sort them out, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said. A united Opposition had on Thursday forced abandonment of Parliament proceedings for the 6th straight day, after Modi did not return to the Rajya Sabha after the lunch break. The Opposition has urged Modi to respond in person to the questions raised in Parliament on demonetisation, a move which most parties have criticised as being against the common man. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday described the move as organised loot and legalised plunder and said the poor cannot wait for even 50 days for things to normalise, as requested by the PM. The government had in a sudden move on November 8 declared notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 to no longer be legal tender from midnight. New Rs 2000 and Rs 500 notes were launched soon after. However, long queues at ATMs and banks as well as deaths of several people standing in queues has raised the hackles of the Opposition and caused considerable public criticism of the move. Nalini says she got the shock of her life when she was escorted to a room where former PM Rajiv Gandhis daughter Priyanka was waiting. Nalini, the longest serving women prisoner in India, wanted to release the book abroad at a later date but circumstances forced her to give the nod for the release on Thursday. (Photo: File) New Delhi: Nalini, one of the convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, has said that the former PMs daughter Priyanka Gandhi broke into tears when she first met her. In the book, Rajiv Murder: Hidden Truths and Priyanka - Nalini Meeting, Nalini Sriharan shares details of her meeting with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who asked her, Why did you do this? Priyanka Vadra, says Nalini, "looked straight at me for nearly two minutes" in silence. "When I raised my eyes to look at her, her cheeks had turned red." Nalini says she got the shock of her life when she was escorted to a room where former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhis daughter Priyanka was waiting. She had never expected such a high profile personality to visit her in prison. I am Priyanka, Rajivs daughter, clad in green saree, introduced herself. My name is Priyanka, she repeated seated on a chair, as a dazed Nalini stood glaring at her. She asked me to sit. Releasing the book at a packed auditorium late on Thursday evening, MDMK chief Vaiko quoting from the book said, Priyanka had asked her why did you do this (to my father)? Aiming to portray the quintessence of the conversation the former PMs daughter had with the convict who spent 26 years in prison, Mr Vaiko said Nalini had replied that she and others had nothing to do with Rajiv Gandhis assassination. I dont want to go into all the details. You should read the book to find out the truth and know how the police tortured Nalini and called her names. It was an inhumane treatment the police had even threatened to outrage her modesty and also kill Murugan, Mr. Vaiko said. The 581 pages book explains about the torture she underwent inside the prison and her surprise meeting with Priyanka Gandhi. The book brought out by Yazh Pathipagam, Chennai, is mostly a compilation by writer P. Ekalavyan and is priced Rs 500. Nalini, the longest serving women prisoner in India, wanted to release the book abroad at a later date but circumstances forced her to give the nod for the release on Thursday. Describing Priyankas meeting with her as a warning to the Sinhala government, VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan claimed the external policy of India had remained the same no matter whichever party ruled from Delhi. He contended that Rajivs assassination should be construed as an international plot. He called for concerted efforts to strive for the release of all the seven convicts including Nalini. Naam Thamilar Katchi chief coordinator Seeman and Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi founder T. Velmurugan stressed the need for all political parties to unite to secure the early release of the Rajiv convicts. Film director R. K. Selvamani, Nalinis lawyer Pugazhenthi, her mother Padmavathy Ammal, retired judge, Madras high court D. Hariparanthaman, S. Duraisamy, senior advocate and Tiruchi Velusamy spoke. Modi called on the people of Pakistan to tell their rulers to fight corruption, black money and poverty instead of fighting India. Modi said the government had formed a task force to see what can be done to make maximum use of Indus water that flows to Pakistan. (Photo: PTI) Bhatinda (Punjab): Invoking the Indus Water Treaty, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that water that belongs to India cannot be allowed to go to Pakistan. Speaking at the inauguration of AIIMS in Bhatinda in Punjab, Modi said that he will strive to get the Indus river water back from Pakistan, because farmers have the right to use that water. Government will do everything to give enough water to farmers in Punjab, Modi said. For me, elections do not matter. I am more concerned about the welfare of the farmers, Modi said. Elections in Punjab are scheduled for early in 2017. Modi said the government had formed a task force to see what can be done to make maximum use of Indus water that flows to Pakistan. His remarks come two days after Pakistan warned India against use of water as an instrument of coercion. Social infrastructure is essential for the development of every nation. We need top quality schools and hospitals, Modi said while inaugurating the hospital in Bhatinda. AIIMS here will benefit the local areas. Whatever decisions we take when we are in power, we fulfil it during that period itself. This Government does not only stop at laying foundation stones, we complete all projects, Modi asserted. Saying that the border of Pakistan was not far away from Bhatinda, Modi called on the people of the neighbouring country to tell their rulers to fight corruption, black money and poverty instead of fighting India. Speaking about the governments drive against black money, Modi said, Black money & corruption has looted the middle class and deprived poor of their rights. I want to give poor their rights. I am doing everything possible to ensure the middle class is not exploited and the poor get their due. I fall short of words in conveying my thanks to people as they stood with me even when they had to face hardships. Modi also encouraged people to use their mobile phones as your bank and wallet. Todays technology be used for purchasing things, making payments, Modi said in a push towards a cashless, digitised economy. Modi praises dalit icon, saying Babasaheb means Constitution and Constitution means Babasaheb New Delhi: With Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh approaching, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday yet again reached out to dalits by hailing Dalit icon B.R. Ambedkar and raising the slogan Babasaheb means Constitution and Constitution means Babasaheb. At the same time, the Prime Minister also stressed on the importance of adhering to the Constitution by saying, time has changed and everyone keeps trying to find their rights in the Constitution and even try to augment them. Some clever people even try to make the Constitution the basis and misuse it to cross their limits. In UP, dalits are numerically stronger and considered Mayawati-led BSPs backbone, which many feel has better chances than the ruling SP and BJP in the coming Assembly elections. For the BJP, whose traditional vote bank consists of Brahmins, Thakurs and traders, and wooing dalits and OBCs is one of the key focus areas of its election strategy. Emphasising on the importance of connecting with the spirit of Constitutional ideals, Mr Modi, at the launch of books on the Indian Constitution in Parli-ament on Friday, said Babasaheb means Con-stitution and Constitution means Babasaheb. Such accomplishment is unparallelled, adding that over time we realise more and more, how great this work is. He said that when India acquired Inde-pendence, the sense of duty in its citizens was very high but as time passed by, it has converted to a sense of rights and entitlement. The challenge is how to strike a balance between duty and rights, he said. Referring to the Constitution Day, the PM said the strength of January 26, which is celebrated as the Republic Day , lies in November 26. He said the new generation should connect with the Constitution, its processes and its objectives and in schools and colleges, the Constitution should be read and celebrated. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, who was present at the event, said that the books are an attempt towards ensuring that aspects of the Constitution were better understood. If he had jumped, the man would have possibly landed either on a member or on the narrow passageway. The man was trying to shout out something before a burly hand muffled him. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: With Opposition MPs kicking up a quite a din in the Well of the House on Friday, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had just pronounced the first adjournment of the day, when there was a sudden commotion from the visitors gallery directly across the Speaker. A man in a light green sweater had his right leg dangling from the gallery railings even as five to six security men in plainclothes were grabbing him by his upper torso, neck, and hands. The man was trying to shout out something before a burly hand muffled him. Within seconds before anyone realised what was happening, the man was whisked away by the security staff and led into a restricted area inside the House. If he had jumped, the man would have possibly landed either on a member or on the narrow passageway. Quite a few key ministers, including finance minister Arun Jaitley, defence minister Manohar Parrikar and transport minister Nitin Gadkari were seated besides Opposition leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav, Shashi Tharoor and others when the incident happened. An effort to find out more was a futile exercise before guarded and tightlipped Parliament staff. They stonewalled enquiries by saying that the man would be taken to the Parliament Street police station, where he would be interrogated. When the House reassembled for Zero Hour, the front row seats of the visitors gallery were cleared, with only security personnel in plain clothes sitting there, keeping an eye on the visitors. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan identified the man as Rakesh Singh Baghel from Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh. She said: Rakesh Singh Baghel, resident of Nizampur, district Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, who was watching the proceedings from the public gallery of Lok Sabha, tried to jump on the floor of the House. The security officials of the Parliament overpowered him and took him into their custody. He may be released on warning after enquiry by parliament security is over. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi submitted that the petition is scandalous and kite flying. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain at this stage a plea seeking an SIT probe into allegations of pay-offs to politicians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the then Gujarat chief minister observing that no enquiry can be ordered on the basis of computer entries on pay-offs. A bench of Justices J.S. Khehar and Arun Mishra told senior counsel Shanti Bhushan, appearing for NGO Common Cause and senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani, that there has to be something prima facie to order an investigation. Justice Khehar observed, We are not shying away from taking action. But this cant be done on the basis of this material. We cant initiate proceedings because somebody is a big man. For ordering a probe, there has to be some suspicion. The materials you have produced dont allow us to have any suspicion. This is zero material. It is an insinuation. Earlier Mr Bhushan argued that there has to be a thorough investigation and further action on the Sahara/Birla documents allegedly detailing illicit payouts to political functionaries recovered by the authorities in their raids. He alleged that despite sufficient evidence of the commission of offences of corruption, bribery, possession of black money, disproportionate assets, and tax violations, the CBI and the I-T department did not take appropriate action by conducting a thorough probe. The counsel argued that the documents ought to have been shared by the I-T department with the CBI and SIT on black money, since the matter was not limited to I-T violations. There is no reason to believe that the materials and documents are not genuine to order an enquiry, he said. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi submitted that the petition is scandalous and kite flying. When he said Tomorrow I can also level allegations against Supreme Court judges, Justice Khehar said in lighter vein dont do that Mr. AG. Justice Khehar told Mr. Bhushan somebody leveling allegations against Prime Minister that he paid a bribe has far reaching consequences. If it is a computer entry then the whole country can be roped in. You come with better authentic materials then we will consider. Mr. Jethmalani and Mr. Bhushan agreed to file additional materials and the bench posted the matter for further hearing on December 14. Wild elephants frequent the area where Patanjali Mega Food and Herbal Park is being constructed by Baba Ramdev. Guwahati: The Patanjali Mega Food and Herbal Park of Baba Ramdev is in the thick of a major controversy in Assam allegedly for digging the traditional elephant co-rridor leading to death of an adult elephant on Thursday. Assam forest minister Parmillarani Brahma, who broke into tears when the body of the dead elephant was pulled out on Thursday, said she has directed the officials to lodge an FIR against all those responsible for digging the elephant corridor without taking the permission of the forest department. Assam forest minister Parmillarani Brahma who visited Ghoramari near Tezpur after the death of a female elephant, however, accused the state industry department for allotting land on traditional elephant corridor for setting up the industry. An elephant calf, its mother and another male from the herd of nearly 100 wild elephants were injured on Wednesday after they strayed from the herd and fell into a trench at the construction site of the Patanjali Mega Herbal and Food Park. The male elephant managed to get out with relative ease and the calf was rescued, but its mother remained stuck in the pit. The mother, with critical injuries, died on Thursday. She was looked after by a team of veterinarians but could not survive the injuries. The calf has been sent to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation at the Kaziranga National Park. The forest minister, who broke into tears when the body of the dead elephant was pulled out of trench on Thursday, said that she has directed the officials to lodge an FIR against all those responsible for digging the elephant corridor without taking the permission of the forest department. Wild elephants frequent the area where Patanjali Mega Food and Herbal Park is being constructed by Baba Ramdev. It is located close to Nameri National Park and Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary. The calf, which was rescued by forest department officials with help of local people and police on Wednesday is said to have been recovering from its injuries at Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga. The incident has also invited angry reaction from conservationists who expressed deep concern over the incident. The representative of Baba Ramdev could not be contacted for their reaction. Kejriwal said that it is first time in the history of Punjab that any party has released a separate manifesto for dalits Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday announced that if voted to power, his party would install a dalit as Deputy chief minister of the state. While rolling out a 19-point separate dalit manifesto here, Mr Kejriwal said, So far in Punjab, every political party used dalits as mere vote bank and always denied their dues in power. I hereby announced that AAP would give dalits their dues and first time in Punjab, a dalit will be installed as deputy CM, Mr Kejriwal vowed, revealing that in Delhi, out of total 70 seats, 12 are reserved and all of them are represented by AAP candidates. He said that it is first time in the history of Punjab that any party has released a separate manifesto for dalits and assured that it is not merely a poll document, but an agreement with the dalits. He said in Delhi, the AAP government has already initiated the process to regularise the services of Safaikaramcharis and in Punjab, too, the party would regularise all contractual employees. For the overall up-liftment of dalits, the standard of education would be improved to match that of private schools, so that even the wards of dalits would be imparted quality education, said the Delhi CM. The other key concern for not only dalits but for all Punjabis is a poor health system in Punjab, Mr Kejriwal said, adding that the AAP government will open a clinic in every village on the pattern of Mohalla clinics opened in Delhi, where all medical facilities, including medicines and tests, are being provided for free. Congress accused BJP of selectively leaking info on note ban to its party members. New Delhi: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi continued his onslaught against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, challenging him to speak in Parliament on the demonetisation issue. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Mr Gandhi said, The PM doesnt want to sit in the Lok Sabha. We have been stopped from speaking in the Lok Sabha. What are you you scared of? Mr Gandhi said that when the Prime Minister was in Japan, he laughed at the misery of the people in the country and when he is in India, he gets emotional. Lets see what emotions appear on his face when he comes to the Lok Sabha. The main issue is that the Prime Minister doesnt come to the Lok Sabha for discussion. The moment he comes to Lok Sabha, doodh ka doodh, paani ka paani ho jayega (everything will become clear), Mr Gandhi said. The Congress also lashed out at the BJP for leaking information about the Centres demonetisation move to the members of the ruling party. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Prime Minister of selective leakage regarding the move to BJP members, who converted their black money through property and other avenues. Hitting back at Mr Gandhi, BJP MP Anurag Thakur took a jibe at the Congress leaders attendence in the House. He said Mr Gandhis attendance in the Lower House was a mere 40 per cent. n the melee, nine persons, including a guard of the wildlife department, were injured, the official said. New Delhi: A leopard was allegedly hacked to death by angry villagers in Sohna area on Thursday morning after it strayed into human habitation and injured nine persons. The animal was spotted at Mandawar village in the morning hours. It was seen attacking a few stray animals, said Gurgaon conservator of wildlife, Rambir Singh. Soon, a huge crowd of nearly 1,500 people from nearby Kasan ki Dhani and Sukhroli villages gathered and started attacking the animal with axes, bamboo sticks and stones, he said. In the melee, nine persons, including a guard of the wildlife department, were injured, the official said. Meanwhile, irate villagers complained that the forest officials reached the venue late. We informed the forest department and Gurgaon police immediately after spotting the feline. However, they reached the spot late, a villager Dhani Ram said. Mr Singh, however, said that a team of district forest officer, three inspectors and veterinary doctors reached the spot within half-an-hour. We faced difficulty when an aggressive mob of around 1,500 villagers started attacking the leopard, he said. The Wildlife Conservator said legal action would be taken against those responsible for the death. The functionaries of the Ramakrishna Mission informed the authorities and handed over the cash to the Income Tax office. The bag contained Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, which were demonetised by the government earlier this month. Shillong: In a visible impact of demonetisation, some unknown people dumped a bag full of cash amounting to Rs 62 lakh, in front of the donation box of Ramakrishna Mission office in Meghalayas Shillong city. The bag contained Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, which were demonetised by the government earlier this month. The functionaries of the Ramakrishna Mission informed the authorities and handed over the cash to the Income Tax office. Confirming the recovery of money, Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, MH Kharkrang, said, The investigation wing of the Directorate of Income Tax is looking into the matter. Since there are no CCTV cameras installed, it would be difficult to trace who abandoned the cash. Meanwhile, sources also claimed that police and IT sleuths have intercepted old currency worth Rs 70 crore which was being taken for exchange or deposit in banks in the northeastern states from Guwahati. Sources said the coal traders have stashed huge cash in the tribal areas of the state. There has been an abnormal growth of cash deposits in accounts of tribal people after the government announced demonetisation move on November 8. All such accounts have been under surveillance. Private coal mine owners being habitual of keeping cash at home, sources said that they had input on many local traders contacting bank officials to exchange old currencies of 1000 and 500 denomination, wherein they offer a huge cut to the bank employees for the exchange of old notes. Informing that account holders would be asked to explain the source of the money, sources said that IT sleuths have started collecting the details of deposits after November 8 in northeastern states. The protest was organised by JNU students and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) for Social Justice from the city. Joint Action Committee for Social Justice members and JNU students take out a rally from Kurla to Mumbai Universitys Kalina campus on Thursday. (Photo: Mrugesh Bandiwadekar) Mumbai: Members of the Jawaharlal Nehru University students union (JNUSU) held a protest rally starting from Kurla Pipe Road to the University of Mumbais Kalina campus on Thursday, demanding action in the missing case involving biotechnology student Najeeb Ahmad. Mr Ahmad (27) went missing on October 14 after an alleged altercation with members from the RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). It has been 38 days since he went missing. The protest was organised by JNU students and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) for Social Justice from the city, following similar protests held in Delhi. The JACs demands include the arrest of ABVP goons and the resignation of the JNU vice-chancellor. Talking to The Asian Age, a senior member of the JAC, Ajmal Khan, said, Its been a month since Najeeb went missing. The investigating agencies couldnt trace him; thats the reason we held the protest stressing our vital demands. Mr Khan further said: Our main demands are: we want the vice-chancellor of JNU to resign, we need faster updates on the whereabouts of Najeeb. The investigating agencies have failed to nab the culprits, and we think these people are hand-in-glove with the ABVP in a conspiracy to make Najeeb invisible. Mr Ahmad, a student of the School of Biotechnology and a native of Badaun in Uttar Pradesh, went missing on October 14, following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with the members of ABVP the night before. Najeebs mother and sister on Wednesday once again joined 50 JNU students in the march to protest against his disappearance from campus. Students have been holding protests for over a month over the issue, both inside and outside the JNU campus. The fire brigade estimates that the fire completely gutted a total of 250 or more shops. Mumbai: A major fire broke out at a furniture and plastic market in the densely populated area of suburban Jogeshwari around 12.30 pm on Friday. While no casualties or injuries were reported, it took the Mumbai fire brigade over nine hours to bring the fire under control. The fire brigade pressed 10 fire tenders to the spot, including two water tankers, and managed to confine the fire to a small plot in the market only by 8.30 pm. The cause of the fire is not known, and at least two cylinder blasts occurred owing to the fire, sources in the fire brigade said. The market consists of furniture shops, plastic godowns, and garages. The fire brigade estimates that the fire completely gutted a total of 250 or more shops. There are no houses in the vicinity. Deputy chief fire officer of the Mumbai fire brigade, Keshav Hivrale, who was present at the spot said, I saw two LPG cylinder blasts during the fire. There was at least one other chemical cylinder blast, and I suspect there were more than one chemical cylinders, judging by the smell emanating from the fire. Mr Hivrale confirmed that there were a large number of plastic and furniture shops, which magnified the fire. The cylinder blast further enabled the spread of the fire to adjacent shops. An official of the fire brigade said, We managed to confine the fire to an area of 500 square feet by 8.30 in the night, but it took us another couple of hours to completely douse the fire. Toll activists have now approached the state information commissioner complaining about the same. Mumbai: Despite an order from the state information commissioner (SIC) in 2015 over updating monthly data of toll collection at five entry points of the city, Bandra Worli Sea Link and Mumbai Pune Expressway, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has failed to update the same on its website for the past three months. Toll activists have now approached the state information commissioner complaining about the same. The MSRDC was directed by the SIC to publish information about toll contracts and toll collections. Despite this it (MSRDC) is not publishing the information. I have reminded the MSRDC three times to upload toll collection data of the Mumbai Pune Expressway but the same has not been uploaded, reads a letter to the SIC written by Vivek Velankar, a toll activist. In case of the Mumbai Pune Expressway, the toll collection target is almost complete and uploading the data regarding the same is crucial. I have requested the SIC to impose a penalty of Rs 25,000 on the public information officer of MSRDC as per section 20 of Right To Information Act, 2005 for deliberately and intentionally doing contempt of SIC order, said Mr Velankar. The MSRDC has been receiving flak from toll activists over tollbooth operators allegedly under reporting the toll collection data. Toll activists have also questioned chief minister Devendra Fadnavis over his silence over the under-reporting of toll traffic by private tollbooth operators. Meanwhile, when contacted, Dilip Salunkhe, chief engineer, toll monitoring unit, said, I do not have the status of as to why the data of toll collection has not been uploaded, but the operator of the website was changed a couple of months ago and I will have to check with him. Meanwhile, MSRDC will develop a software with the help of Wide Area Network (WAN) connectivity, and all WAN servers will be connected with the main server at MSRDCs head office in Mumbai, which will prevent contractors from under-reporting the traffic data. The customer called her a terrorist and told the Muslim woman to get out of the country. The incident is the latest in a series of hate incidents in which headscarf- wearing women have been targeted. (Photo: Representational Image) Los Angeles: A hijab-clad woman was allegedly accosted at a US store by another customer who called her a "terrorist" and told her to "get out" of the country, the latest in a series of hate incidents in which headscarf- wearing women have been targeted following Donald Trump's win. The incident happened at Smith's store in Albuquerque, New Mexico, CBS-affiliate KRQE television reported. "I went down the aisle to go get sodas and then all of a sudden I hear somebody starting to yell at her (the hijab-clad woman)," Barney Lopez, an eyewitness, was quoted as saying. "And saying things like 'Get out of our country, you don't belong here, you're a terrorist!'" he said. At that point, Lopez said, practically everyone in the store stopped what they were doing and ran to the defence of the woman in hijab. Lopez snapped a picture, albeit a bit shaky, of the person screaming at the woman in the hijab. The lady was wearing a hat and sunglasses. A Smith's employee appeared to stand in the way to keep her back. "There was even another woman that like went over to the woman in the hijab and put her arm around her and gave her hug and held her while the Smith's employees came," Barney said. Employees shuffled the shouting lady out of the store, but Lopez said the screaming woman waited in the parking lot for the woman in the hijab to come out. "So all the Smith's employees gathered around this woman and escorted her to her car and helped her load her groceries," he recalled. Lopez said while the incident was initially shocking and upsetting, he ultimately left the store feeling uplifted. The US TV station called Smith's to enquire about Wednesday's incident and a manager confirmed what happened. The manager called the woman in the hijab "strong" in the face of the verbal attack. The Smith's manager also said the woman in the hijab came back to the store later in the day to thank the employees. Police were called and reportedly got to the store after the yelling woman had left. The incident comes amid a slew of intimidation and assault cases that have been reported across the country against hijab-clad women post election. Earlier this month, a Muslim student's hijab was allegedly ripped off and her hair pulled down by a classmate at a school in Minnesota. Also, a Muslim student of Michigan University was approached by an unidentified man who yelled at her and threatened to set her on fire if she did not remove her hijab, prompting police to probe the hate crime incident. A Muslim high-school teacher in Georgia was also told to hang herself with her headscarf in a handwritten anonymous note she received in her classroom. Two pistols and live ammunition have been recovered from their possession. There have been many attacks on Indians in the Philippines in the past. (Photo: Representational Image) Manila: A Sikh couple from India were gunned down on Thursday by two bike-borne assailants in the Philippines' Camarines Sur province, a media report said. Bahagwant Singh Buttar, 45 and his wife Jaswinder Kaur, 36, residents of Sipocot town in the province, were killed by two gunmen who were riding a bike, Tempo newspaper reported. The couple were on their way to somewhere when the gunmen struck, killing them on the spot, police said. Two suspects, Marvin Magdaong and Rodolfo t Gumatay, have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the incident by the police after a chase in Sitio Nabuntog in Bangas Caves. The motive behind the murder was not immediately known, police said. Two pistols and live ammunition have been recovered from their possession, police said, adding that a case has been registered. There have been many attacks on Indians in the Philippines in the past. The last incident reported in August, when a 26-year-old Indian man, who belonged to Punjab's Phagwara and lived in Santiago city, was shot dead just a couple of months before he was scheduled to get married. Pak PM said that under the outgoing army chief, Pakistans armed forces confronted not only external threats but also terrorism. Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said outgoing Army Chief Raheel Sharif will continue to be consulted on national affairs. Addressing a farewell reception hosted by him for General Sharif Thursday night, the PM said he always relied on the formers strategic advice. I will continue to seek advice of General Raheel Sharif in the future as well, he added. The PM said that under the outgoing army chief, Pakistans armed forces confronted not only external threats but also terrorism. We successfully established the writ of the state, and reclaimed every inch of territory under our sovereign control, he said. Mr Sharif said his forces can take pride in the flawless execution of Operation Zarb-e Azb, recognised as the most successful anti-terrorism operation in the world. Pilots are demanding a pay rise of an average of 3.66 percent per year, retroactive for the past five years. More than 2,700 flights have now been cancelled since the start of the walkout, causing travel disruptions for over 345,000 passengers, Lufthansa said in a statement. (Photo: AP) Berlin: Germany's flagship airline Lufthansa cancelled 830 domestic and European flights on Friday, affecting more than 100,000 passengers, as a strike by pilots demanding higher pay stretched into a third day. The airline said it would also scrap 137 long-haul flights on Saturday after the pilots' union Cockpit announced another extension of the stoppage. More than 2,700 flights have now been cancelled since the start of the walkout, causing travel disruptions for over 345,000 passengers, Lufthansa said in a statement. It is the pilots' 14th strike since April 2014. Cockpit is demanding a pay rise of an average of 3.66 percent per year, retroactive for the past five years. The management is offering 2.5 percent. Austrian Airlines and Swiss part of the Lufthansa group -- have tried to pick up some of the slack by expanding their service to Germany. The group's other airlines -- including Germanwings, Air Dolomiti and Brussels Airlines -- have not been affected by the strike. Top-selling daily Bild says the strike is costing Lufthansa some 10 million euros ($10.5 million) a day. Affected passengers can rebook their flights without charge or request rail travel vouchers, the airline said. Lufthansa's hub management board member Harry Hohmeister said on Thursday it was "not possible" to meet the pilots' demands. "The starting point is that we already pay our pilots far better than our competitors," he said. A pilot in the top seniority category can earn more than 22,000 euros ($23,000) per month. The airline said last month that it expects its annual earnings before interest and tax will reach "approximately previous year's level" of 1.8 billion euros ($1.9 billion). Lufthansa has been battling a series of walkouts by both the pilots and cabin crew over the last two years, as it seeks to bring down costs to survive competition from budget rivals such as EasyJet and Ryanair. The German carrier has responded by focusing on long-haul flights and catering to business and first-class passengers. In July, it ended a long-running dispute with cabin crew through a deal on pay and working conditions, including a no-strike agreement and job guarantees until 2021. The breakthrough came after cabin staff staged the longest walkout in Lufthansa's history last November, with a seven-day stoppage that led to 4,700 flight cancellations and grounded over half a million passengers. Pakistan will continue to support Kashmiris in their fight for the right of self determination, Aziz said. Islamabad: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said on Friday that Pakistan would not accept India's superiority and bilateral talks will be held only if the Kashmir issue is included in the discussion. He made the remarks during a National Assembly session as the members raised concerns regarding India's attempt to isolate Pakistan, reports the Express Tribune. Aziz announced that Pakistan was willing to hold talks with India, however, it would only do so if Kashmir was included in the agenda. Referring to Indian allegations regarding ceasefire violations on the Line of Control (LoC) Aziz said, "Pakistan has never attacked civilians along the LoC." "Pakistan will continue to support Kashmiris in their fight for the right of self determination morally, as well as diplomatically," Aziz added. The violence has forced thousands to flee, prompting a UN official to accuse Myanmar of carrying out ethnic cleansing. Widespread allegations of rape have raised fears that Myanmar's security forces are systematically using sexual violence against the stateless Rohingya. (Photo: Representational Image/AFP) Teknaf: The brutal gangrape that Habiba and her sister endured is a story that is becoming depressingly familiar among the thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing to Bangladesh to escape the violence of Myanmar's soldiers. "They tied both of us to the bed and raped us one by one," said 20-year-old Habiba, who has now found shelter with a Rohingya refugee family a few kilometres (miles) from the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. "We're almost starving here. But at least no one is coming here to kill or torture," said Hashim Ullah, Habiba's older brother who escaped with his sisters. Habiba and her sister Samira, 18, say they were raped in their home in Udang village by troops who then burnt down their house. "They torched most of the houses, killed numerous people including our father and raped many young girls," said Habiba, who agreed to be identified in this story. "One of the soldiers told us before leaving that they will kill us if they see us around the next time they come here. Then they torched our house," Habiba said. Widespread allegations of rape have raised fears that Myanmar's security forces are systematically using sexual violence against the stateless Rohingya. The violence has forced thousands to flee, prompting a UN official to accuse Myanmar of carrying out "ethnic cleansing" of the Muslim minority. Ullah and his siblings escaped after taking the family's $400 savings and walking to the Naf River that separates southern Bangladesh from Myanmar's Rakhine state. The trio spent four days hiding in the hills with hundreds of other Rohingya families, before they found a boat owner willing to take them to Bangladesh. "He asked for all of our money," Ullah said. The boat owner left them on a small island near the border. The siblings walked across the scrubland until they found a Rohingya family who offered them shelter. Rape as war weapon Similar stories of violence and dispossession fill the rows of plastic-roofed shacks that have become the only refuge for thousands of Rohingya Muslims who have fled Rakhine state. The escapees have told of gangrapes, torture and murder being carried out by Myanmar troops in the small strip of land that has been under military control after deadly raids on police border posts last month. Foreign journalists and independent investigators have been barred from entering the area. While the military and government have rejected the charges, rights groups have long accused the military of using rape as a weapon of war in several other ethnic conflicts which simmer in the country's borderlands. Thailand-based NGO the Womens League of Burma has documented 92 cases of sexual violence by fighters between 2010 and 2015, which they say have been used "as a means of shaming and destroying ethnic communities". Fears of Muslim men violating Buddhist women have also long stirred the hatred of hardline nationalists in Myanmar. Allegations Muslims raped Buddhists sparked sectarian clashes in 2012 that drove tens of thousands of Rohingya into displacement camps and riots two years later near Mandalay. But the volume of rape allegation among the Rohingya fleeing Rakhine suggest a pattern of abuse by Myanmar's army beyond anything documented before. Mujibullah arrived in Bangladesh on Monday with his sister Muhsena. The pair fled after four soldiers tried to rape her. The soldiers were tying Muhsena, 20, to a pole in their village when Mujibullah intervened, receiving a brutal beating in exchange. "One soldier tried to hack me with a knife as I threw myself to them, begging them not to destroy her life," Mujibullah said, showing an inch-long wound on his palm. Muhsena stood close to her brother as he spoke to AFP, but she choked up every time she tried to speak. Hundreds of thousands of registered Rohingya refugees have been living on the Bangladesh side of the border for decades, having fled violence and poverty across the border. In Myanmar the Rohingya are seen as illegal immigrants and labelled "Bengali", even though many have lived there for generations. They are denied citizenship and face severe restrictions on movement, work and basic access to education and hospitals. But Dhaka has resisted urgent international appeals to open its border to avert a humanitarian crisis, instead telling Myanmar it must do more to prevent the stateless Rohingya minority from entering. by Shafique Khokhar In 2014, Shahzad and Shama Masih were lynched and thrown into a kiln. Their three children are now looked after by a Catholic association. The five convicted Muslim men must also pay a fine. "The verdict goes in the right direction to ensure the rule of law." Lahore (AsiaNews) Lahores Anti-Terrorism Court convicted five men in connection with the murder of a Christian couple, burnt to death on alleged blasphemy charges. All five were sentenced to death. According to the British Pakistani Christians Association (BPCA), the five Muslim men responsible for the brutal murder, including a cleric, will also have to pay a fine of 200,000 rupees each (about US$ 1,900). Eight other people arrested in the case will serve two years in prison. Though it is difficult to endorse the death penalty, the gruesome event deserves it, Hamza Arshad, a Muslim, told AsiaNews. One hopes to see the implementation of punishment as deterrence to such savagery in the future. The case dates back to November 2014, when Shahzad Masih, 28, and his pregnant wife Shama, 25, parents of three children, were attacked and executed by an angry mob of at least 400 people, egged on by a local religious leader. Four years earlier, the couple had moved to the village of Chak 59, Kasur district (about 60 km from Lahore), to work in a brick kiln. One of Shamas co-workers said he had seen the Christian man burn pages of the Quran and accused him of insulting Islam. In fact, the pages contained magic spells and incantations. Seized and beaten, the man and his wife were thrown into the kiln. Pakistan shows a raging intolerance against minorities, Arshad added. In most of the cases, blasphemy laws are misused for personal motives or to incite crowds to take the law in their own hand. We salute the honourable judges of the Anti-Terrorism Court for doing justice despite the threats from holy warriors. Two innocent lives were brutally taken and three children were orphaned due to the extreme levels of bigotry in our society, said Michelle Chaudhry, president of Cecil and Iris Foundation (CICF), which obtained custody of the couples three children and is taking care of their education. Those responsible for this horrific act of violence had to undeniably be brought to justice, she explained. We are pleased that justice has been served to Shama and Shahzad and that the rule of law has been upheld. As a human rights activist, I do not support death sentence, said Ata-ur-Rehman Saman, a teacher and project coordinator at the National Commission for Justice and Peace; however, the verdict does pave the way for the rule of law. No one has been held responsible and punished for the incidents in Shantinagar in 1997, in Sangla Hill in 2005 and in Gojra in 2009,. This situation of lawlessness had provided impunity for the culprits who found religious minorities a soft target to extract personal gains using blasphemy accusations, he added. This verdict should build confidence in the judicial system and a sense of security among religious minorities. According to Ishtiaq Ahmed, professor of Politics and Government at Lahore University and professor emeritus at Stockholm University, "This is a verdict that goes in the right direction. However, unless it is backed by comprehensive and determined measures to demolish the ideology of extremism such incidents can again take place. by Sumon Corraya The Holy Cross priest is pastor in Bandarban, responsible for 8,000 people living in 56 mountain villages. To reach his destinations, and despite the hardships and cost, he walks on poor roads, crosses rivers, climbs hills, and makes his way through the jungle to perform his pastoral outreach. When he arrives, his parishioners are so happy that that they keep me up all night." Usually, Catholics can attend Mass only once a year. Dhaka (AsiaNews) - When I visit my tribal parishioners, "they are so happy that they do not sleep all night in order to tell me what happened to them, as well as pray and sing together, Fr Dominic Sarkar, told AsiaNews. A Holy Cross priest, he is pastor for some 8,000 Catholics in 56 villages in Bandarban district, Diocese of Chittagong (south-eastern Bangladesh). His church is high up in a mountainous area. All of his parishioners are tribal people, mostly ethnic Tripura who live in extreme poverty. Holy Cross priests arrived in the region for the first time in the 1950s. The area, the priest explained, is home to "11 tribal groups. Some time in the past, Holy Cross missionaries were allowed by the local raja (tribal king) to preach the Gospel. Thus, the number of Catholics began to rise quickly in the region." It is not easy however for Fr Dominic, 45, to reach the villages. It takes at least five or six hours of walking, as the roads are poorly maintained on most of the territory. "The paths are not well kept and I have to cross rivers, hills and dense jungle. Sometimes, the journey can take ten hours, but I make the effort gladly in order to reach my parishioners, who are so eager to learn about Jesus Christ." Still, "pastoral work in the villages costs a lot, he noted. Protestant Churches, who receive donations from many donors, reach the villages and preach, making our work more difficult." In his pastoral work, Fr Dominic can rely on the help of 33 parish catechists. They go with him on his visits to the villages, where he often blesses the unions of couples who contracted a civil marriage. Since he cannot do this in every case, the clergyman he simply "ratifies" existing unions. Usually Catholics can attend Mass only once a year. In view of this, "We need more priests to our faithful," Fr Dominic said. Bandarban parish also has a school with a dormitory for (86) boys and one for (92) girls. Most students come from remote villages and might not be able to school if they had no place to sleep. The city of Haifa in the north engulfed. Drought and strong winds in the region have fed the fires. The flames also lapping Jerusalem and part of the West Bank. At least 130 people hospitalized, most for intoxication. Police have opened an investigation, Shin Bet also involved. For Mahmoud Abbas Israel is exploiting the fires to blame Palestinians. Jerusalem (AsiaNews / Agencies) - At least 80 thousand people have fled their homes because of the fires that have reached the city of Haifa, in northern Israel and third most important in the country. For over two months the region has been wrecked by drought, which has fed the spread of fires fueled by strong winds in recent days in the area. The flames threaten to engulf Jerusalem and part of the West Bank. So far, at least 130 people have been transported to hospital for minor injuries, in particular for smoke inhalation. After basic treatment, most of the patients were discharged without further complications. Authorities have evacuated two prisons near Haifa. 300 students in a school near Talmon, a Jewish settlement in the West Bank, have also been evacuated. Several homes and cars were damaged by the flames, which continue to rage despite the massive intervention of the teams of firefighters. According to the head of the Israeli police some of the fires are of suspicious origin. Shin Bet, the intelligence agency for the of Israel State Affairs, are also involved in inquiries. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called these attacks - if proven - of a terrorist nature. "Any fire that is the result of arson or an attempt to cause a fire - said the prime minister - is an act of terror and will be treated as such. "Anyone who tries to burn part of the state of Israel - he concluded - will be severely punished." Even harsher words of the ultra-right leader Naftali Bennett, Minister of Education of the Netanyahu government, the head of the religious Jewish Home party which points the finger at Arabs and Palestinians. "Only those who do not belong to this land - wrote on Twitter are able to burn". It should be noted, however, that the flames - as well as having done damage in Lebanon - have now also lapped the Palestinian territories, where it triggering an emergency situation and more (possible) evacuations. The words of the Israeli government leaders have provoked the indignant reaction of the Palestinian Authority. President Mahmoud Abbas, leader of Fatah, said that Israel "is exploiting the fires" to accuse the Palestinians and throw further fuel on the fire of the conflict. "What is burning are our trees and our land of historic Palestine" the Palestinian leader said in a statement. Meanwhile the hashtag (in Arabic) #Israel_on_fire is trending on social media. Most Arabs and Palestinians comments seem to be pleased by the fires. The Israeli Minister for Public Security Gilad Erdan announced the arrest of eight people, without giving further details. According to the senior official at least half of the fires are suspect, and there could be suspicious origin. The police found "materials and flammable liquids poured in some areas". "We must prepare ourselves - he added - to [fight] a new form of terrorism." In 2010, 42 people died in a fire on Mount Carmel, south of Haifa. by Melani Manel Perera At least 160 people have been detained since 2009. At the end of the civil war nearly 15,000 were arrested on suspicion of links with the Tamil Tigers. Families slam confessions obtained by deception. Colombo (AsiaNews) In a letter handed to the Secretary of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, the National Movement for the Release of Political Prisoners (NMRPP) calls for a solution to the problems involving the countrys many ethnic groups as well as the release of all political prisoners, most of whom are Tamils, who still languish in the countrys prisons as a result of false accusations. On Wednesday, NMRPP activists marched in silence to the Secretariat of the President. To back the demand for the release of the last detainees arrested at the end of the Civil War, they presented about 50,000 signatures collected in recent months across the country. According to the activists, at least 160 prisoners have not returned to their families even though most of the 15,000 people jailed in 2009 (when hostilities between the army and Tamil rebels ended) were freed. Rajithaa Arulprakash, 9, said she saw his father for the last time when she was very little. "From that moment, she said, I have not received any love from my father, and when I miss him, I can only see him in a picture." Others dispute the allegations that led to the arrest of family members. This is the case of Ms Shivagi, who is married to T. Shivagi, who owned a welding shop. He was arrested in 2008 on charges of being a member of the Tamil Tigers. "It is not true and now he is also ill with diabetes, she said. Another case involves Selvaraasa Kirubakarans 38-year-old brother. He said that the latters confession was extorted through deception "by counterterrorism officials and police who made him drink arrack, and then forced him to sign a document in which he admitted his involvement with the Tigers." "We ask the president to deliver on his promises, said Rev Marimuttu Sathivel, an Anglican clergyman and NMRPP organiser. The release of prisoners would be a critical step toward reconciliation between communities." Vientiane (AsiaNews / RFA) - Environmental activists are concerned about the demands made by the government of Laos to open a third dam on the Mekong River. The implementation of the project would endanger the lives of 60 million people who depend on the ecosystem of the river. Vientiane wants to open a new 912-megawatt plant in Pak Beng, in the northern province of Oudomxay, to make the country the "battery of Asia" by building a series of hydroelectric dams along the river and its tributaries. Laos has delivered a notification to the Mekong River Commission (MRC) of its intention to build the dam. This organ was recognized in 1995 by Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam as a platform for regional cooperation, when the three countries signed the Agreement for cooperation on sustainable development in the Mekong basin. The river, along nearly 5 thousand kilometers, rises in China and flows into southern Vietnam after having also touched on Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. For years, these countries have been racing each other to exploit the waters of the river (and obtain valuable electricity), threatening its biodiversity, which is one of the richest in the world. It is estimated that the income on fishing in the Mekong is worth three billion dollars a year. In recent months the MRC has seen a drastic decrease in funds, after international donors criticized the body for being an accomplice of the Lao projects that have endangered neighboring countries. The reference is to the Xayaburi and Don Sahong dams, whose manufacturers published an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) based on incomplete and inaccurate research. Pham Tuan Phan, managing director of the MRC, has defended the actions of the organization: "We learned from the two previous cases and the Secretariat is ready to assist member countries in the revision of the project, to assess the technical aspects to arrive at a conclusion in an inclusive way. " Free newsletter Subscribe to our FREE newsletter service and well keep you up-to-date with the latest breaking news, cutting edge opinion, and expert analysis affecting both your business and the industry as whole. Please enter your email address below and click on Sign Up for daily newsletters from Australasian Lawyer. Capital raisings and M&A transactions constituted the most of deals confirmed in the past few days with the exception of a complicated restructuring and a major credit card distribution deal.In our largest deal this week, Herbert Smith Freehills advised the co-ordinating committee of secured lenders on the restructuring of EnQuest PLC, the largest independent UK oil producer in the North Sea. The transaction involves amendments the terms of US$1.2 billion facility agreement, US$650 million New York law high yield bonds and 155 million English law retail notes.HSF along with Clayton Utz also acted Boral Limiteds $1.6 billion entitlement offer and $450 million share placement to fund the acquisition of NYSE-listed firm Headwaters.Meanwhile, King & Wood Mallesons acted for Citi on a 10-year Coles credit card distribution deal which will see the financial institution acquire existing credit card receivables of about $880 million and Coles will receive a share of the risk-adjusted revenues. Clifford Chance continues last weeks trend of acting on major China-linked deals, this time advising the consortium of underwriters of the issue of US$300 million (about $405.87) and 200 million (about $287.51 million) zero coupon notes guaranteed by China Yangtze Power, the largest hydro-power company globally and a subsidiary of China Three Gorges Group.Clayton Utz round up the top five deals this week, advising a subsidiary of China-based Tianqi Lithium Corporation on its $400 million lithium processing plant in Kwinana, Western Australia. JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Hey guys, I have a PMV application pending. Applied July 19. My fiance was in Aus from August 17th to November 13th. She went back to Thailand and then on November 17th she went to Bangkok Embassy to apply for a 6 months multi entry visa. On November 18th a case officer was assigned to our PMV. She requested the Police clearance and Single Status documents for my fiance and all my side of things has been approved. The tourist visa was approved within 5 working days. Only a 3 months single entry visa was given, however, it does not have the 'No Further Stay' condition imposed like our past visas. I have only bought a one way ticket at this point as obviously if the PMV is still not approved we will apply from within Aus to extend her visa. Thoughts anyone? Will she get through immigration at Sydney Airport without a return airfare? Thanks Jarrod The luxury brand will offer three models initially; first dealership to be set up in Mumbai. Toyotas luxury brand, Lexus is finally coming to India, and will make its entry with three models. Official launch date for the Lexus range in India is likely to be March 24, 2017. Bookings for the cars have commenced, but deliveries will start only thereafter. The first Lexus dealership will be set up in Mumbai and will be operational before the official launch early next year. The first 'Lexus Boutique' will most likely be at the Taj Santacruz Hotel, located right next to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (Domestic Terminal). The first models to be launched will be the RX450h and LX450d SUVs and the ES300h sedan. Initially, all three models will be fully imported from Japan via the CBU route. The carmaker is currently gearing up for local assembly in India, but that will commence later. The Lexus line-up in India will come with all options that are available in the Japanese-spec models. However, the first batch of India-spec cars will miss out on the navigation system as India maps are difficult to configure on imports. Lexus RX450h SUV The Lexus RX-series is a popular Lexus model globally. Currently in its fourth generation, this SUV will come to India in the RX450h guise. The Lexus RX450h will be powered by a 3.5-litre, V6 petrol motor coupled to Toyotas Hybrid system, similar to the one in the Prius, mated to an e-CVT gearbox. The combined output will be 308hp. In international markets, the SUV rivals the likes of the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3. Sources tell us that this SUV will be priced above its rivals since it will be sold as a fully imported unit. India-spec models will get 18-inch alloy wheels, instead of the 20-incher available internationally, which according to sources, will help improve the ride quality when driving on our roads. Lexus ES300h sedan The ES300h is based on the Camry sedan. It will be Lexus entry-ticket model in India. Like its RX cousin, it will also come to India in a hybrid guise. The sedan is aimed at drivers and chauffeur-driven owners looking for a relaxed and comfortable commute, and not for those seeking a sporty driving experience. It shares most of its underpinnings with the Camry hybrid, including its 2.5-litre petrol engine and the electric motor assist mated to the same CVT gearbox. Sources tell us that this is likely to be one of the first models to go in for local assembly in India, thanks to its shared platform with the Camry that is locally assembled here. This also means that the locally built ES300h will see a dip in pricing thanks to the FAME scheme. Lexus LX450d/Lexus LX570 SUV The LX SUV is the brands flagship model globally. Based on the mighty Toyota Land Cruiser, the Lexus LX for international markets is available with two engine options. The petrol-powered LX570 comes with a 5.7-litre V8 engine good for 383hp and 546Nm of torque, while the diesel-powered LX450d gets a twin-turbo 4.5-litre V8 diesel engine good for 269hp and a massive 650Nm of torque. Both engines are available on the Toyota Land Cruiser meant for international markets. Company sources tell us that the Lexus LX450d will be offered as a five-seater initially, with a seven-seat petrol variant joining the line-up by October 2017. The LX series of SUVs rival the likes of the Range Rover, Audi Q7 and the Mercedes GL. Pricing Despite not being present in the Indian market, Lexus is still a relatively well-known brand amongst Indian luxury car buyers. The manufacturer aims to cash in on Lexus premium image and will price its models at the higher end of their respective segments. Tentative ex-showroom prices for the Lexus range in India are as follows: Lexus RX450h SUV: Rs 1.17 crore Lexus LX450d SUV: Rs 2 crore Lexus LX570 SUV: Rs 2.15 crore Lexus ES300h sedan: Rs 75 lakh Service centres Toyota also plans to make service and the ownership experience a strong differentiator with Lexus. The manufacturer will offer multiple service and warranty schemes to provide customers with the same peace of mind associated with the brand. Dealerships The first set of dealerships in India will be in Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon and Bengaluru. These will be operational by March 2017 when the brand launches in India. The second set of dealerships will be in Chandigarh, Cochin and Chennai and will be operational towards the end of 2017. The subcompact hatchback is an essential car in the Blue Ovals portfolio, so Ford will take advantage of the crowd of journalists and other media professionals to present its smart mobility strategy, as well as other technologies and developments. According to Automotive News , Ford will also introduce new commercial vehicles during the same event.The new Ford Fiesta will bring a breath of fresh air for the Michigan-born brand, as the ongoing model was one of the oldest in the segment . Even if the Fiesta has been facelifted during the current generations life cycle, that does not stop the platform itself for being older than most of its competitors.With the 2018 Fiesta, Ford has implemented a new platform, as well as more efficient engines and more safety equipment. The interior will be overhauled, and the level of technological equipment will be increased to be on par or above its competitors. The Fiesta is Fords best-selling model in Europe, so this model is a huge deal for the automaker.The Fiesta nameplate will reach its seventh generation next week, and Ford is reportedly keeping the global B platform for this model, but its underpinnings have been significantly modified and improved to suit the tastes of consumers, as well as other market demands.Unlike some of its competitors, Ford has kept the three-door body in the Fiesta range. That kind of body style was eliminated by some brands because its sales did not match the development costs associated with it, but it appears that they are worth it for the Blue Oval.Ford will offer the 2018 Fiesta on sale sometime in 2017, after multiple presences at various motor-show events. The Blue Oval builds the Fiesta in several countries, including Mexico, Germany , Vietnam, and India. American customers get the Fiesta models that have been constructed in Cuautitlan, Mexico, while their European equivalents receive German-built Ford Fiesta models. At least that's our conclusion after checking out the Giulia Q Autobahn top speed test we're here to show you. Like many other German highway tests we've shown you, this one involves a derestricted section of the Autobahn and a heavy right foot - nothing special about speeding down the famous two-lane path so far.Unfortunately, looking out the window of the Ferrari -touched sedan shows foggy, rainy weather, but the guy behind the wheel doesn't seem to care about increased stopping distances or slightly impaired vision. Instead, the man focuses on the digital speedometer app display on the windshield-mounted smartphone while rowing through the gears.As for the Giulia Quadrifoglio itself, we recently sampled the super-sedan on the same track that housed our Ford Mustang GT, Lamborghini Huracan or Porsche Cayman GTS reviews. And the Alfa Romeo didn't feel embarassed by the vibrators. On the contrary.The Italian machine fully appeals to one's inner alpha male, mixing delightful sensations at mid-throttle applications with an all-out driving experience that requires a firm hand and full concentration.The back dances around like crazy when you unleash the inner demons of the Giulia Q, with every second spend in this mood feeling like a form of extreme velocity meditation.We got to play with the stick shift incarnation of the muscular Giulia, the one that can go round the Nurburgring in 7:39. And calling those who prefer the eight-speed automatic incarnation of the Quadrifoglio "lazy" just because the thing doesn't have a clutch just won't do. Not when the four-door can lap the Green Hell six seconds quicker. SUV The engineers of the German brand have been spotted by our spy photographers while testing two variants of the upcoming X3. One of the cars had the M-Sport package, and another one was a standard model, with a different trim level. Even with camouflage, you can still observe the difference between the standard X3 and the X3 with the M Package.BMWs next X3 will be the third generation of this, and will also be the largest. It will come to market three years after the facelift of the F25 was launched, and it appears that the X5 s smaller brother could even exceed the second generation of the X5 in size.If the next X3 will not get bigger than the E70 X5 , it surely looks as big as it in the spyshots found in the photo gallery. Every element of the X3 has gotten bigger, from the BMW badge to the grille, headlights, and side mirrors.The ride height of the X3 has been increased, but the height of the body has grown as well. Furthermore, the windows are bigger than ever before, and the rims are also massive. BMW was not shy at all when it came to sculpting the body, which makes the first generation X3 seem understated and tiny at the same time.Camouflage entirely conceals the back of the upcoming X3, but BMW has let a small part of the vehicle remain uncovered. Unlike previous prototypes spotted by photographers , this model has a deceitful vinyl camouflage instead of simply a matte black layer of canvas.Thankfully, this camouflage scheme allows us to see more of the body of the next X3, which is expected in showrooms sometimes in the second half of 2017. The leader of the British corporation currently owned by Tata Motors has affirmed the companys intention of building electric vehicles in the United Kingdom. The move could create up to 10.000 jobs in the enterprise alone.The news was published in the Financial Times , who talked to the companys boss after a meeting with political and automotive leaders. According to the same source, the move could also create approximately 100.000 jobs in the Midlands region, all thanks to the suppliers in the area that would have to ramp up their operations to handle Jaguar Land Rovers needs.Evidently, the introduction of electric vehicles in the range will not be the only thing that will ramp up Jaguar Land Rover production to such a level that would increase its workforce by 10.000 people by the end of the decade.The British corporation also wants to ramp up its volumes to a million cars a year by then, which is something that also depends on the global car market.It is worth noting that JLRs boss asked for the governments support for the move, which includes investments in infrastructure, and modifications in the legislative framework. Jaguar Land Rover would also have to secure about 600 million pounds in private investment to ensure the expansion of its operations.The news comes as a surprise after the Brexit vote, which made some automakers that operate facilities in the UK to reconsider their operations because of possible customs duties that may be practiced on their products. Jaguars I-Pace , the brands first production model that will feature an electric drivetrain, will not be manufactured in the UK. Instead, it will be made in Graz, Austria.However, Jaguar Land Rover considers building its future electric vehicles in the United Kingdom, as these will come after the I-Pace through a plan that involves the electrification of the portfolio. A group of vintage airplanes recreating a historic transcontinental route resumed its journey this week after being detained in Ethiopia and accounting for all its pilots. A day later, a Stearman crashed but no one was injured. The participants in the Vintage Air Rally include about a dozen open-cockpit airplanes from around the world along with a few modern-era planes and two helicopters flying as support crews. The pilots and passengers were detained at the Gambela airport after arriving from Sudan, Reuters reported Thursday. Ethiopian aviation authorities said they kept the group of 47 people from checking into their hotel on Wednesday because they didnt have advance permission to land in Gambela, according to the report. But on Thursday, rally officials said everything was ironed out and the planes arrived in Kenya on Friday, the BBC reported. In the meantime, one of the U.K. pilots, 72-year-old Maurice Kirk, reached Gambela safely after he and his Piper Cub could not be located en route from Sudan. The air rally, sanctioned by the Fdration Aronautique Internationale, has teams competing for prizes based on pilot skills flying the 8,000-mile route. The airplanes launched from the Greek island of Crete on Nov. 13 and are scheduled to reach Cape Town in mid-December. The route follows the 1930s-era route flown by Imperial Airways, one of the early airlines that eventually led to the formation of British Airways. Participating aircraft include Travel Airs, Tiger Moths and a Bu 131 Bucker Jungmann. Fifteen women have died in Armenia this year as a result of domestic violence, a coalition of womens rights organizations said on Friday, demanding tougher government action against the practice. The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women released the alarming statistics as it marked International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Several dozen of its members picketed university buildings in downtown Yerevan, holding posters and handing out leaflets to passersby in a bid to raise public awareness of domestic violence. Unfortunately, girls are more indifferent and even disdainful, one of the activists told RFE/RLs Armenian service (Azatutyun.am). They probably think that they wont be at risk if they stay away. Guys listen to us with greater interest or perhaps irony. At least one man approached by the protesters questioned the wisdom of their campaign. Im not saying that I support violence, he said. But if violence happens, it must stay within a family. Violence against women had for decades been a taboo subject in the socially conservative and male-dominated Armenian society. It has been receiving growing publicity in recent years thanks to the activities of womens rights groups backed by international human rights watchdogs. Spousal abuse and violence against women appeared to be widespread, the U.S. State Department said in its most recent report on human rights practices in Armenia released last year. According to local observers, most domestic violence went unreported because survivors were afraid of physical harm, apprehensive that police would return them to their husbands, or ashamed to disclose their family problems, it said. According to the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women, more and more Armenia women abused by their husbands or other relatives are coming forward. The grouping reported on Friday a year-on-year increase in the number of complaints received from abuse victims. In the last three years more than 30 women have been killed in Armenia due to domestic violence, said Garik Hayrapetian, an expert with the Yerevan office of the UN Population Fund. I think this figure is telling enough for us to have special legislation. Armenia still has no laws specifically aimed at tackling domestic violence. The Armenian Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs as well as several womens NGOs have drafted such laws in the last few years. None of them has been enacted yet. The Armenian Justice Ministry unveiled a similar bill on Friday. A senior ministry official, Bagrat Ghazinian, said it would seriously curb the practice if passed by parliament. In some cases, a violent incident does not technically contain elements of a crime and the police are therefore not legally allowed to do something about it, said Ghazinian. Our draft will regulate this issue. The womens rights grouping disagreed, saying that the proposed law is not far-reaching enough. It doesnt cover all types of violence, one of its leaders, Zaruhi Hovannisian, told RFE/RLs Armenian service (Azatutyun.am). We need an in-depth conceptual approach to domestic violence and we must instill in the public consciousness the notion that domestic violence is a crime. 25 November 2016 11:06 (UTC+04:00) Presentation of a documentary titled Vandalism, shot by request of Azerbaijans State Committee for Work with Religious Associations and with the support of the Trend Agency, has been held in Nizami Cinema Center. Emil Huseynli is the author of the idea and the script. Before the presentation, Mubariz Gurbanli, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations, said that many monuments were destroyed in the occupied territories as a result of Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan. "Armenians destroyed our mosques located in the occupied territories and committed many acts of vandalism," said Gurbanli. "The film is displayed with English subtitles, and I think this film is important from the point of view of communicating the acts of Armenian vandalism to foreigners, he added. Addressing the films presentation, Bahar Muradova, deputy speaker of the Azerbaijani parliament, said that Armenia committed crimes against humanity by destroying historical monuments in the occupied Azerbaijani territories. Deputy Director General of Trend Agency Arzu Naghiyev expressed the agency's gratitude to all participants of the event, including the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations and all those who contributed to the creation of the film. "The purpose of this film is to inform the world about crimes committed by the Armenians," he added. Armenian invaders continue destroying the monuments regarded as the tangible cultural heritage in the occupied Azerbaijani territories. These historical monuments are the heritage of not only Azerbaijani nation but also of all mankind. The destruction of Azerbaijani cultural monuments, illegal trade of cultural objects accompanied by illegal archaeological excavations in fact erase the traces of true history. Overall, since the beginning of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and occupation of Azerbaijani territories, Armenian aggressors destroyed 1,200 historical and architectural monuments, looted 27 museums, over 100,000 items were exported to Armenia. In addition, the Armenian occupiers destroyed 152 religious monuments and 62 mosques, 4.6 million books in 927 libraries, including the Holy Quran and rare Islamic manuscripts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 16:56 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova European Court of Human Rights adopted two decisions against the Armenian government on November 24, Armenian service of Radio Liberty reported. Regarding the case of serviceman Suren Muradyan, who died while serving in the occupied region of Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh in 2002, the Court ordered the Government of Armenia to allocate Muradyans family compensation in the amount of 50,000 Euros, recording that competent authorities had failed to conduct befitting investigation in order to call for those responsible for soldiers death. Furthermore, the Court recalled that in a recent leading case it had found that Armenia exercised effective control over Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding territories. Armenia was therefore obliged to secure in that area the rights and freedoms set out in the European Convention. Moreover, its responsibility under the Convention was not limited to the acts of its own soldiers or officials operating in Nagorno-Karabakh, but extended to the acts of the local administration which survived by virtue of the Armenian military and other support. Consequently, the Court concluded that Suren Muradyans fathers complaints about the death of his son and the ensuing investigation fell within the jurisdiction of Armenia, thus engaging Armenias responsibility under the Convention. The Court found in particular that the official explanation for Suren Muradyans fatal injury a ruptured spleen had not been plausible. While there had been sufficient evidence to suggest that Suren might have sustained that injury as a result of ill-treatment by high-ranking officers, neither the Karabakh nor the Armenian authorities had actively pursued that line of inquiry. Suren Muradyan was drafted into the Armenian army in June 2001 and assigned to a military unit based in the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. On or around July 24-25, 2002 he started to felt bad. Later his condition having deteriorated, on August 3, 2002, he was hospitalized with suspected malaria. The next day he suspiciously died. The results of a blood test the same day showed no trace of malaria. Muradyan's father alleged that his son had died as a result of ill-treatment by his superiors as well as of the failure to provide him with adequate medical assistance. He also submitted that the authorities had failed to carry out an effective investigation into the incident; indeed they had even used the entire investigative machinery to make a false account of his sons fatal injury look plausible. The Court adopted another decision on the case of Manucharyan against the government of Armenia". The Court ordered the Government of Armenia to allocate 2,400 Euros. In 2009, Manucharyan was accused of the murder of Alaverdi Karen Sohakyan. In turn, Manucharyan denied the charges and refused to testify. However, the Regional Court found the applicant guilty as charged and sentenced him to thirteen years in imprisonment. The ECHR decided that the government of Armenia violated the right to a fair trial. The Nagorno-Karabakh region occupied by Armenian invaders from Azerbaijan in the early 1990s has become a nightmare for Armenian soldiers and their families. According to the official statistics, 950 soldiers died in non-combat situations in the army since 1996, while these figures are more than 2,000 soldiers, according to unofficial statistics. Hence, parents in Armenia refuse to send their children to serve in Nagorno-Karabakh. Parents do everything for their child not to serve in the army, where bribery is believed to be prevalent as well. Families try to arrange matters before their sons were entered into a lottery used to determine where they will serve. Some simply leave Armenia, while others commit suicide in case they dont have enough money to escape from service. Instead of taking a real care of its young soldiers, the Armenian Government is just seeking for ways to rob the population. Recently the Armenian Parliament approved a bill on 1,000 drams, which served as a reason for protests among the population. The essence of the law is that all the people who have suffered while serving in the Armed Forces of Armenia, fulfilling the will of the aggressive authorities and occupying lands from its real owner - Azerbaijan, will receive a small compensation for the crippled health and life. The bill recently approved by the parliament obliges every working Armenian citizen to contribute 1,000 drams (about $2) per month to a special fund, "allocated" for solving the social problems of the families of killed or disabled soldiers. The time shows that the European Court will receive more cases against the Armenian government, as the country still continues its aggressive domestic and foreign policy. --- Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 17:15 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova Families of Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev, who were taken hostage by Armenian aggressors are concerned on their health. Sahib Asgarov, a brother of Dilgam Asgarov, told Trend that their appeal to the Azerbaijani representation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to organize a meeting with their loved ones that are in Armenian captivity, or to set a video connection with them remains unfulfilled. "For two and a half years, weve been communicating only through letters," he said. "So far, in addition to the letters, we have sent three parcels to my brother. One and a half years ago, Shahbaz Guliyevs brother and I appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross for a meeting with our brothers reportedly kept in prison in Shusha. However, they still cannot resolve this issue. In addition, I appealed to the Azerbaijani representation of the International Committee of the Red cross five or six months ago with a hope to hold at least a video connection with my brother since it is not clear from his letters how his health status is. We are concerned about his health a lot. He constantly complains of pain in the head and back in his letters. The Azerbaijani Representation of the International Red Cross told that the pains are associated with age and the place where they live since there are certain limitations. However, I know that my brother was injured during the arrest. We could see that he limped during the judgment process in the court. Therefore, I want to meet him and ask his health condition from him," said Asgarov. Earlier Dilgam Asgarov wrote in detail about his health, but he didnt write anything about it in the last letters, according to his brother Asgarov. Sahib Asgarov said that they have certain doubt, because the last two letters from Dilgam were written in Russian. In response to our question ICRC said that a representative of the committee, who is there, did not know the Azerbaijani language. However, before the letters were in the Azerbaijani, he added. Moreover, Sahib Asgarov noted that lately some parts are being deleted from the letters of his brother. He is not allowed to write everything, Sahib Asgarov said. So far, they have sent to Dilgam his favorite sweets and other dry food. "Earlier, we were sending him warm clothes. But then, the ICRC, as well as Dilgam himself told not to send warm clothes. We are not allowed to send him food. They say that supposedly the Committee provides them with the necessary products. The Committee submitted us a list of products they are provided with. The list included coffee, pineapples, bananas, but this is improbable," Sahib Asgarov said. The two citizens of Azerbaijan were taken hostage by the Armenian armed forces in July, 2014 while visiting their native places and graves of loved ones in the occupied Azerbaijani Kalbajar region. Moreover, Armenian forces killed the third Azerbaijani citizen, Hasan Hasanov. Later, Guliyev and Asgarov were judged illegally by the unrecognized courts of a separatist regime in occupied Nagorno-Karabakh. Following an expedited judicial process" in December 2015, Asgarov was sentenced to life imprisonment and Guliyev to 22 years. Azerbaijan, whose over 4,000 citizens were taken captive, hostage, or went missing as a result of the Nagorno-Karabakh war, has repeatedly declared its readiness to begin negotiations with Armenia. Azerbaijans State Committee on Affairs of Refugees and IDPs, the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons and other agencies have repeatedly urged international organizations, including the ICRC, to assist in the release of Guliyev and Asgarov. But the Armenian side remained deaf, ignoring all calls and violating the international rules and norms by subjecting the hostages to various tortures. Armenian aggression against its neighboring country resulted in the occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijans internationally recognized territories. The large-scale hostilities resulted in the death of over 20,000 Azerbaijanis while over 4,000 ethnic Azerbaijanis were taken captive, hostage, or went missing as a result of the war. The majority of those captured during the hostilities are children, elderly people, and women. --- Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 15:04 (UTC+04:00) By Bill Emmott For the past couple of weeks, the world has been guessing at how US President-elect Donald Trump will behave in office and what policies he will pursue, following a long campaign full of contradictory statements. Americas previous businessman-presidents Warren G. Harding and Herbert Hoover were around too long ago to provide much guidance. There is, however, a recent European precedent: Italys Silvio Berlusconi. What Trump has achieved, Berlusconi pioneered. Like Trump, Berlusconi is a businessman who made his first fortune in real estate. When he entered politics in 1994, he was an outsider, albeit one who, also like Trump, had long been close to plenty of insiders. The similarities dont end there. Both Trump and Berlusconi are intimately familiar with the insides of courtrooms; Trump has moved fast since the election to settle fraud lawsuits against Trump University, but has about 70 other suits outstanding against him and his businesses. And both have an array of conflicts of interest with their role as head of government, thanks to their large business empires. Berlusconi, like Trump, managed to present himself as a rich man and a populist. He preferred to communicate directly with the people, bypassing traditional media and party structures. His propensity for glamorous women and glitzy homes somehow enhanced his popular appeal. The comparison between Trump and Berlusconi is far from superficial. In fact, Italys experience with Berlusconi or il cavaliere (the knight), as he is known in his country provides six clear lessons for Americans and the world on what to expect from Trump. First, no one should underestimate the next US president. Already, Trump has defied expectations; few expected him even to win the Republican primary. Yet many observers continue to predict his imminent downfall, assuming that he will last only four years in the White House, if he is not impeached before that. Berlusconis experience tells a different story. Berlusconi, too, has been consistently underestimated by his opponents. Commentators deemed him too ignorant and inexperienced to last as prime minister, assuming that he would not survive the cut and thrust of politics or the pressures of government. Yet Berlusconi remains one of the kingpins of Italian politics. In the last 22 years, he has won three general elections and served as prime minister for nine years. Every time journalists or intellectuals have tried to take him on in public debate, they have lost. Trumps critics indeed, all US observers should keep that in mind. The second lesson is that Trump will probably pursue what is essentially a permanent political campaign, injecting himself directly into conversations. Berlusconi has often used television, especially his own commercial channels, to that end. Instead of giving interviews he cannot control, Berlusconi has often worked with favored acolytes, or simply talked directly to the camera. Many a political talk show has been interrupted by a phone call from the prime minister demanding to have his say. From Trump, we should expect not just a continued Twitter barrage, but also the use of TV, including talk shows, and other channels to speak directly to the people. Trumps decision to release a two-and-a-half-minute YouTube video laying out his priorities, in lieu of a press conference, reinforces this reading. While the approach may not seem very presidential, it works, at least when carried out by a master marketer who plays fast and loose with the facts. The third lesson from Berlusconis success is that even a very wealthy and powerful person can wield the victim narrative effectively. Indeed, even while in office, Berlusconi consistently claimed that he was being attacked by the judiciary, by rival businessmen, by communists, by the political establishment. When the chips are down, expect Trump to do the same. Never mind that he is a billionaire, born to a wealthy family, or that, in the next election, he will be the incumbent. He will consistently portray himself as besieged by self-serving enemies. The fourth lesson is that mudslinging is bound to happen. Berlusconis used his TV stations and newspapers so liberally to smear his opponents that the writer Roberto Saviano called them his macchina del fango or mud machine. Trumps attacks on the media, often carried out via Twitter, are a precursor to this, as are his campaign vows to open up libel laws. His chief mud-slinger is likely to be his newly appointed chief strategist, Stephen Bannon, the former chair of the ultra right-wing Breitbart News. The fifth lesson is that Trump will probably continue to prize loyalty above all else in his administration, just as Berlusconi has. Already, Trump has made his three oldest children who are supposed to run his business during his presidency key players in his campaign and transition. Federal law may prohibit Trump from appointing his children to government posts, but they will surely remain at the center of his decision-making. Already, his daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner attended Trumps first meeting with a head of government, Japans Shinzo Abe. Even Trumps non-family appointments often controversial or radical figures who would not have a place in any administration except Trumps reflect an emphasis on personal loyalty. The final lesson of Berlusconi is that expressions of admiration for strongmen like Russian President Vladimir Putin should be taken seriously. Narcissistic lone rangers like Berlusconi and Trump are used to making personal deals, and prefer other strongmen as their interlocutors. Berlusconis favorite overseas visits while in office were to Putins dacha and former Libyan dictator Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafis tent, not to boring European Council meetings or G20 summits. In the end, however, there is one key difference between Silvio Berlusconi and Donald Trump. Berlusconi had no real agenda while in office, except to further his business and personal interests and nurture his own power by providing resources and favors to his supporters. His greatest disservice to Italians was his inaction in the face of economic stagnation, but at least he didnt make it worse. Trump, by contrast, does have an agenda, however hard to read. Whether it will make things better or worse remains to be seen. Copyright: Project Syndicate: Americas Berlusconi --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 15:56 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova The international rail business forum - Strategic Partnership 1520: The Caspian Region - connecting four corners of the world, which kicked off in Baku on November 25, became a stage for the demonstration of Azerbaijans transport potential. Issues of international transport corridors, construction of railway infrastructure, rolling stock manufacturing and building logistics chains were considered during the forum. A number of agreements were signed within the forum, including a memorandum on strategic partnership between Azerbaijani Railways (ADY) and Ukrainian Railways, which was undersigned by ADY head Javid Gurbanov and board member of Ukrainian Railways Marek Zalesny. ADY also signed memo on cooperation with Russian TransContainer and Rusagrotrans. Moreover, memo on cooperation was also signed between RJD Story and Baku Metro. Speaking at the event Deputy Prime Minister Abid Sharifov said that a special attention is attributed to the development of transport infrastructure in the country. The focus is on the construction of a new international ferry, new motor roads, linking Azerbaijan and neighboring countries, reconstruction and full renewal of railway roads between Azerbaijan and Georgia, he said. The official stressed that Azerbaijan has invested nearly $25 billion in the development of its transport sector over the recent years. Head of the Azerbaijani Railways Javid Gurbanov, addressing the event spoke about priorities of the companys activities. He noted that the priority directions of the activity of Azerbaijan Railways for 2017-2018 includes the development of the North-South transport corridor, renewal of infrastructure from Yalama to Astara to create comfortable conditions for the carriers, as well as to issue a loan to the Iranian side for construction of the section of the Astara-Rasht railway. Baku-Tbilisi-Kars The long anticipated implementation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project, which will open a new rail corridor from the Caspian Sea to Europe, nears its completion. Gurbanov, said that the section of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway will be ready to put into operation in mid-2017. The project is expected to give a stimulus to the development of the region, and growth of export in participating countries. Ankara is determined to complete construction of the Turkish section of the BTK, as the project will contribute to turning its Kars province into a trade center . The province play a crucial role in the project, as most of the cargo is expected to be transshipped to Turkish wagons at Kars. The project which will practically exclude the need for sea transportation is expected to bring the entire region closer to Europe. The peak capacity of the railway will be 17 million tons of cargo per year. North South Azerbaijan's Deputy Economy Minister Sahil Babayev said that the Azerbaijani government is ready to assist all participants of the international North-South transport corridor in every way possible. Mentioning that transit freight transportation is deemed to be one of the drivers of economy, he said that being a participant of such multimodal projects as North-South, West-East, Azerbaijan positions itself as a regional hub. He noted that one of the main issues for the corridor is application of common rules and procedures along the route of the corridor. Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) resident office in Baku , Ivana Duarte, addressing the forum said that the financial institution is ready to partially finance the North-South international transport corridor project. "The North-South international transport corridor project is very big and difficult for full financing. However, the EBRD is ready to finance its certain sections, Duarte said. The North-South route enjoys several advantages compared to other transport corridors. It is more profitable for each parameter than other alternative routes, such as the Suez Canal - the Mediterranean Sea-Northern Europe and the Turkmenistan-Kazakhstan-Russia-Northern Europe routes. Test transportation via the North-South Transport Corridor was implemented in October. Universal containers were sent as test ones from the Indian city of Bangalore to Vorsino station in Russia. The containers were delivered by sea from the Indian city of Mumbai to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, where they were sent to Astara by car. From there, the containers were sent to Russia by rail. A number of countries have already expressed their will to join the highly ambitious project. Deputy Chairman of ADY Igbal Huseynov, talking to reporters said that Ukraine is keen to join the project to deliver its goods through the territory of Azerbaijan to Iran and Central Asian states. Ukraine offers to render its assistance and support on the transportation of goods, which will be delivered from Europe and pass through Ukrainian check points and further pass through the corridor, should it join the project in order to deliver its cargo to Iran, he clarified. Huseynov said that Estonia also intends to join the project. ADY is conducting negotiations with Estonian Railways about this project. Estonian Paldski port is expected to join this route. Cargos from the Northern Europe and Scandinavia are planned to be transported to Iran through Russia and Azerbaijan and then to Persian Gulf, he added. Azerbaijani, Russian, Iranian and Estonian relevant bodies are planned to meet and sign a memorandum in early December. Huseynov added that negotiations will also be conducted with Georgian and Kazakh railways. Railroad bridge over the Astarachay River Abid Sharifov mentioned that the work on the construction of the railroad bridge over the Astarachay River at Azerbaijan-Iran border is currently underway. The construction of the bridge, which forms the border between the two similarly-named towns of Astara in Azerbaijan and Iran, was launched in April 2016. Some four bridge footing, as well as abutments and concrete bridge railings have already been installed. The length of the railroad bridge is expected to reach 82.5 meters, while its width will amount to 10.6 meters. The bridge, which is funded and built jointly by the two countries under the terms of an inter-governmental agreement, bears strategic importance , as it will serve as a connector of railways of Azerbaijan and Iran. The facility will be an integral part of the Astara (Azerbaijan) - Astara (Iran) railway, which is part of the North-South international transport corridor. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 15:37 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Cambodia is ready to provide favorable business conditions for Azerbaijani companies interested in the tourism sector of the Southeast Asian state. Perspectives of cooperation in the sphere of tourism, in particular, flow of tourists, and attraction of Azerbaijani investors to the tourism sector of Cambodia were high on agenda during the meeting between Azerbaijan`s Ambassador to Cambodia Anar Imanov and Tourism Minister of Cambodia Thong Khon. Khon, addressing the meeting expressed his intention to pay a visit to Azerbaijan in 2017 to thoroughly discuss issues of mutual cooperation and to create a contractual and legal basis of the bilateral relations. In particular, the sides are aiming to sign a MoU on cooperation in the sphere of tourism. Hailing the importance of the visit of Cambodian Prime Minister to Azerbaijan in April 2014, Imanov said that the visit gave a stimulus for the development of cooperation in different spheres, including tourism. The ambassador expressed the readiness of Azerbaijan to share its experience in the tourism sphere, mentioning that the two countries possess favorable basis for cooperation. Being located in the heart of mainland Southeast Asia, Cambodia offers a vast range of investment incentives to investors. Tourism is increasingly becoming one of the major contributors in Cambodias economy. The European Council on Tourism and Trade (EECT) earlier announced Cambodia as the Worlds Best Tourism Destination and as receiver of the Favorite Cultural Destination distinction for 2016. Bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Cambodia increased in recent times. Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral consultations between the countries was signed in 2014, the year, which marked the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Cambodia -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 16:43 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova The Islamic Republic of Iran, one of the major participants of the ambitious North-South transport corridor project, offers to create a new transport company, which will be engaged in the provision of necessary coordination along the route of the project. Vice President of Iranian Railways Company Hossein Ashuri said that his country has several proposals on the provision of stable operation of the corridor. Speaking at the international rail business forum - Strategic Partnership 1520: The Caspian Region - connecting four corners of the world, on November 25, he said that it is necessary to promote the route in Europe, Asia and Africa. We offer to create a company, which will bear responsibility for the corridor, and establish branches of the company in participating countries to provide necessary coordination. Also, it is important to take certain measures to facilitate customs formalities and set competitive and flexible tariffs. Moreover, we offer to use a single waybill to accelerate freight traffic. The country intends to complete the construction of Qazvin-Rasht, the 164 kilometers long railway in northern Iran, by March 2017. The under-construction railroad is a part of the North-South transport corridor which connects Northern Europe with Southeast Asia through Iran and Azerbaijan. The project is notable for its benefits not only for development of the economies of the two countries involved, but also for other countries, located along the railway route and the region as a whole. At the initial stage, it is planned to transport 5 million tons of cargo via the North-South corridor per year and to increase the figure to over 10 million tons in the future. As for the Rasht-Astara section, Ashuri said that the talks are currently underway with Azerbaijan on the financing and construction of the section. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 16:11 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova A press-conference devoted to Baku Fashion Week was held at Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel on November 24, Trend Life reported. The fashion show under the motto" We will show you a riot of colors" will last until November 27. One of the most memorable fashion shows of the country brought together designers from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and other countries. A number of fashion designers, bloggers, representatives of the fashion industry and show business attended the event launched on November 24. The Week opened with the kids`s brand couture- Bechique, which presented stylish outfits. Then, visitors enjoyed a unique catwalk by Natavan Gallery, new Azerbaijani fashion house, which supports young talents and gives them an opportunity to present their work s at professional venues. The second day will feature playful fashion collections by Azerbaijani designer Hokuma Hajiyeva and the jewelry house Levata Group. A unique collection of jewelry "Zinet-i-Zishan" and stunning outfits from Turkish designer Selma Chilek will inspire you to create your own style. If you are looking for something cozy and fashionable then enjoy the collection from Family Look. The fashion show will be ended with presentation of fashion collection from Ukrainian designers, Kriza and Couture de Fleur. On the third day, fashionistas will be thrilled with gorgeous collection by Uzbek label Sharq Liboslari. The fashion show will feature new trends from the fashion house "The Black Dress " and Sol Atelier fashion brand. Baku Fashion week will be closed with the presentation of fashion collection by Azerbaijani brand "De Brett". The 5th season of Baku Fashion Week will also feature contest among talented designers. The best young designer will receive a special prize from partner BFW - Studio Parisien des Arts et de la Mode prize - a five day educational and cultural program in Paris in February 2017. After each show guests will vote for their favorite work. Baku Fashion Week was included in the calendar schedule of world Fashion Week, making Azerbaijan more recognizable among international designers and fashion lovers. Local designers and models will gradually reach world podiums and attract the interest overseas. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 18:09 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Baku, also known as the City of Winds, brought together Azerbaijans mugham masters and Argentinean musicians. A marvelous show was organized to mark the 23rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Argentine. The Tango and Mugham project was co-organized by Azerbaijan`s Culture and Tourism Ministry and the Embassy of Argentina. Victor Hugo Villena's band and national musicians jointly performed on the stage of the International Mugham Center . Described by the New York Times as "expressing extremes of earthiness and ethereality", Victor Hugo performed with classical music stars like Baiba Skride Jan Vogler, Carrie Dennis at the international Moritzurg Festival . "We are glad that we had the opportunity to visit your fabulous city. With our program, the Baku audience will make a musical journey through time. Through our music, you will see facets of our country, its traditions", said the musician. The majestic evening was opened by Mr. Carlos Dante Riva, Argentine Ambassador to Baku who thanked the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the leadership of the Mugham Center for support. The Ambassador stressed that the event is held to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries. Then, the soloists of the "Victor Hugo Villena band" came on the stage. Their flawless live performance thrilled the audience. The musicians performed works by Juan De Dios Filiberto - "Caminito", Roberto Alvarez - "Mayra", Astor Piazzolla - "Adios Nonino", Dino Saluzi - "Angustias" and many other well-known songs. After that, People's artist Mansum Ibrahimli together with Kara performed beautiful mughams and tasnifs together with "Karabakh" ensemble. The audience just didn't want to let the performers leave the stage. Suddenly, Argentinean musicians once again came on the stage. Together with Azerbaijani mugham masters they performed songs "Libertango" and "Trampera". The excellent performance of the Azerbaijani and Argentine artists created on the stage a special touch. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 10:04 (UTC+04:00) A new print edition of the AZERNEWS online newspaper was released on November, 25 The new edition includes articles about:Shah Deniz Stage 2 project completed by over 80 percent; Country sees rise in import of mobile devices; Turkish Film Week kicks off in Baku; Week of Italian cuisine due in town, etc AZERNEWS is an associate member of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). The online newspaper is available at www.azernews.az. 25 November 2016 10:24 (UTC+04:00) President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree aimed at improving public administration in Azerbaijan. Under the presidential Decree, several bodies and agencies having the legal status of a central executive authority, executive authority and public agency were made legal entities of public law. The following legal entities of public law were established by the presidential Decree: State Housing Construction Agency under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Copyright Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, State Agency for Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC), Icharishahar State Historical and Architectural Reserve, Seaside Boulevard Department, Baku Transport Agency, State Agency for Compulsory Health Insurance, and Translation Center. State Courier Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan under the Cabinet of Ministers was subordinated to the Special State Protection Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan and its powers were entrusted to the Special State Protection Service Under the Decree, the Cabinet of Ministers shall draw up and submit within two months draft statutes of the newly established legal entities of public law to the President. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 11:36 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Poland to Azerbaijan is an important partner, and Azerbaijan is interested in developing cooperation. Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov announced about this as he received Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland Marek Zhulkovski in Baku on November 24. Noting the issuance by the Council of the European Union's mandate to start negotiations on strategic cooperation with Azerbaijan, the country's foreign minister expressed confidence that the signing of the agreement on strategic partnership with the EU will create an important foundation for the comprehensive development of cooperation. Mammadyarov informed the Polish side about the regional transport and energy projects implemented with the participation of Azerbaijan, stressed the importance of transport corridors for the countries, which are located along these corridors. Ziolkowski presented an invitation letter of Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski addressed to his Azerbaijani counterpart on the official visit to Poland. Mammadyarov accepted the invitation. During the meeting Mammadyarov and Ziolkowski commended the activity of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Poland, and discussed the issues of implementation of common projects and investments, as well as continuing the high level visits between the two countries. Azerbaijan and Poland, who enjoy good relations, eye strengthening of all-round cooperation and expansion of bilateral ties. The Polish government recognized Azerbaijan as a state and expressed readiness to establish interstate relations in 1991. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Poland amounted to $55.76 million in January-September 2016, according to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee. Some $51.31 million of that amount accounted for the import of Polish products. The two countries enjoy favorable prospects to expand cooperation in the agricultural, industrial, ICT, tourism and energy sectors. Poland is interested in the import of a number of agricultural products from Azerbaijan as it sees Azerbaijan as one of the potential markets. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 12:06 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Azerbaijans Emergencies Ministry will send aid and equipment to Israel for tackling the fires, as wildfires swept into Israels largest cities, Trend reported. The fires follow a two-month drought and are being fanned by strong winds. Wildfires are also threatening homes near Jerusalem and in the West Bank. The Israeli government appealed to Azerbaijan for help. Under the presidential instructions, Azerbaijan will send amphibious aircraft and fire-fighting equipment to this country. A number of countries, including Russia, Turkey, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece and Italy sent firefighting planes to assist Israel in tackling the fires, which officials said may have been started intentionally. In several areas, the authorities declared the state of emergency and evacuated population. About 80,000 people have been told to evacuate their homes. More than 130 people have been taken to hospital with minor injuries, mainly from smoke inhalation, but most were later discharged, Haaretz reported. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 16:12 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Baku hosted a seminar "National and spiritual values and the media" on November 25 aimed at expansion of religious knowledge among journalists, and the strengthening of relations between journalists and religious leaders. The event was organized by the Caucasian Muslims Office, the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations and Press Council. Chairman of the Caucasian Muslims Office Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Head of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations Mubariz Gurbanli, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on public associations and religious structures Siyavush Novruzov and Chairman of the Azerbaijan Press Council Aflatun Amashov attended the event. Sheikh-ul-Islam, addressing the event, noted that a meeting in this format is being held for the first time in the history of the country. "This means that the state attaches great importance to relations with the religion. A meeting between journalists and religious figures in such a high level has not been held so far. Of course, there were meetings with individual journalists, but, the meeting in this expanded format is being held for the first time," he said. Press should be our closest supporter, said Pashazade, noting that we have to rely on the media to consult with each other. We seek to establish links between journalists and religious leaders and work for the benefit of state. During the meeting, there was announced that a "Sheikh-ul-Islam" award will be established in Azerbaijan to be presented to journalists writing on religious themes. MP Novruzov, speaking at the event, said that state and religion were always together in Azerbaijan. The official further said that those, who used to put pressure on other countries under the guise of democracy, now are trying to do it under the guise of religion. "Therefore, journalists who write on these topics should carefully weigh everything. The structures of individual countries are closely watching us. As soon as something happens, they immediately make statements, trying to exert pressure on Azerbaijan. Therefore, we should not give them such an opportunity. We also need to be more active on the issue of religious propaganda," Novruzov added. Gurbanli noted the importance of increasing religious knowledge of journalists and specialization of journalists in the religious sphere. Representatives of every nation, religion, the ethnic group in the country have equal rights. Religious freedom and support in Azerbaijan are fully provided by the government. The national policy of Azerbaijan is defined on the principles of tolerance and coexistence of various nationalities, ethnic groups, and religious minorities. Currently, there are 1,834 mosques, 12 churches and 6 synagogues functioning in the country. And the government has created all conditions for religious worship in Azerbaijan. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 09:57 (UTC+04:00) By Trend The Southern Gas Corridor is a very important factor of Azerbaijani economys development, it is a huge project with huge investments, Italian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Giampaolo Cutillo told Trend on November 23. After big investment, Azerbaijan will have revenues coming back, so this will create an important partnership between Europe, Italy and Azerbaijan, he said. "I believe it is one of the key factors of Azerbaijans future," Cutillo noted. The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It envisages the transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey. The Italian ambassador mentioned very friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Italy, as well as the recent visit by Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Paolo Gentiloni, who was accompanied by representatives of many Italian companies to Azerbaijan Nov. 7. Azerbaijan and Italy had constructive talks concerning bilateral issues, economic, cultural relations, as well as international issues, Cutillo said. It is a continuous process of meetings, which take place every two or three months, Cutillo noted, adding that Azerbaijan and Italy carry out high level meetings within the two governments. Italy will take over the presidency in the OSCE in 2018, so it is an important role for the country, because the OSCE also deals with frozen conflicts, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which will be one of priorities for Italy, he added. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 16:57 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project remains committed to conducting all its activities safely, according to TAP Managing Director Ian Bradshaw. He made the remarks during the visit of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to Alexandroupoli city, where the work on the project is currently underway, TAP reported. Todays visit constitutes yet another example of the support the TAP project has received over the years from Greek authorities, on both national and local level, said Bradshaw. Thanks to that support, we are proceeding full steam ahead in line with our schedule. So far, we have cleared and graded more than 190 km, strung over 110 km of line pipes, and welded another 80 km collectively in Greece and Albania, he added. He pointed out that today there are more than 1,500 people working on the project directly in Greece. We remain committed to conducting all our activities safely and acting as responsible corporate citizens of the local communities hosting us, said Bradshaw. Prime Minister Tsipras and his ministers visited TAPs construction site in Alexandroupoli, near the village of Amphitrite on the pipelines 40th km, out of the approximately 550 km traversing Greek territory TAPs greatest geography. Accompanied by TAPs executives, the Prime Minister was updated on the projects progress so far in Greece, attended part of the welding process, and expressed his interest in the reinstatement process for land plots and the environment. TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor which is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. TAP project envisages transportation of gas from the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas and condensate field to the EU countries. The 870-kilometer pipeline will be connected to the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italy's south. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 17:30 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova While the world energy market is in anticipation of the upcoming OPEC decisive meeting in Vienna, market complexities and uncertainties are still looming over the possibility of reaching a consensus. OPEC will hold the second meeting of the High-level Committee on the Algiers Accord, which was set up to work out the details of the deal, on November 28. Resource-reach Azerbaijan will participate in the meeting, which is expected to bring together OPEC states and oil producers outside the cartel. Azerbaijani Energy Minister Natig Aliyev will attend the meeting to be held in Vienna, Austria. Aliyev recently announced that bolstering ties between Azerbaijan and OPEC through dialogue and consultations will pave the way for reaching an advantageous agreement on the possible output reduction, mentioning that any decision of the cartel, whether it would be a freeze or cut of oil production, will have a stimulating influence on uplift in prices. Some six countries outside the group, including Azerbaijan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Oman and Russia were also among the participants of the technical meeting of the group on October 29 in Vienna. The chain of meetings, which started with the ministerial gathering in Istanbul, is assessed by market watchers as a signal that unlike in the first half of 2016, the group is more serious now about managing the global supply glut, bringing a balance and propping up prices. Oil prices were down in trading on November 25 with international benchmark Brent crude futures trading at $48.55 a barrel, and its U.S. counterpart WTI standing at $47.56. The cartel will consider an oil output cut of 4.0-4.5 percent for all of its members except Libya and Nigeria next week, while the cut is expected to bring OPEC's current output down by more than 1.2 million bpd. While a ceiling for overall OPEC production is expected to be agreed in the anticipated meeting, it is still unclear whether quotas would be set per each member state. A deal, if reached is expected to initially be applied over six months and then reviewed, while worries about internal disputes within OPEC, as well as uncertain position of certain countries outside the cartel remain among the main hindrances of the deal. Moreover, recent output increases to record levels in many countries further adds fuel to the challenge of rebalancing. The preliminary Algiers Accord is expected to become what it called the first output cut in eight years. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 13:33 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova Despite long going negotiations, the European Parliament on November 24 adopted a non-binding motion urging the European Commission and national governments to temporarily suspend EU accession talks with Turkey. By 479 votes to 37, with 107 abstentions, lawmakers backed a motion calling on "the Commission and on the Member States to initiate a temporary freeze of the ongoing accession negotiations with Turkey. The decision was met controversially by both Turkish and European officials. Commenting EU Parliaments decision the Turkish Presidential Administration said that Resolution of the European Parliament on the suspension of negotiations on Turkey's accession to the EU was expected for Ankara, adding that it is a sign of double standards in relation towards Turkey. The Administration also pointed out that Turkey has repeatedly stated that this decision has no legal binding for Ankara. "Instead, to block Turkey's path on EU accession, the European Parliament should contribute to the expansion of dialogue between the EU and Ankara, said the Administration, adding that Turkey has always been committed to democratic value. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned the EU last week to make a decision by year's end on Turkey's membership or he would call a referendum on the matter, adding that Turkey is not constrained to joining the EU and it has other options as well. In turn, Turkeys Minister for EU Affairs Omer Celik described the motion as "null and void". Speaking at a news conference in southern Adana province, Celik said the motion was not "something to be taken seriously". "We would respect the motion if it was constructive despite being critical [of Turkey]. However, this motion is politically inconsistent, he said. Some important Western figures criticized EU Parliaments decision as well. Carl Bildt, former Swedish prime minister, said in a Twitter post ahead of the vote: Obviously, many in European Parliament take a populist short-term rather than strategic long-term approach to relations with Turkey. It would be a strategic stupidity of the first order for the EU to unilaterally abandon its relationship with Turkey. Turkey formally applied for an EU member in 1987 and accession talks in 2005, even though Ankara's aspirations to become part of the bloc dates back to the 1960s. 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. Despite all ongoing debates on Turkeys EU membership process, Turkeys accession to the EU would certainly be an advantageous fact the European Union may benefit. The Turkish economy is growing and it is a country across which key pipelines deliver large supplies of oil and gas from Asia. Free trade between EU countries is one of the bloc's greatest advantages and granting Turkey membership would create a whole new market for European goods. Countries hoping to join the European Union are required to achieve a certain standard of democracy and human rights. Since it first applied for membership, Turkey has made some progress on that, including abolishing the death penalty and introducing tougher laws against torture, as well as moderate reforms to help women. Turkey's geographic position at the crossroads between Europe and the East allows it to provide a much-needed bridge between western and Islamic worlds at a time of heightened tensions between the two. The rise of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has put Turkey at the center of a conflict that has global consequences. Some European officials believe allowing Turkey to become a member of the EU will create a strong ally in the fight against terrorism in the region. Moreover, the EU has had to rely on Turkey's co-operation as it struggles to cope with the worst refugee crisis. Hence, Turkey would be a good option for the European Union to cooperate on migration influx. However, Turkish governments enthusiasm for membership has dwindled after nearly 30 years in the waiting room. Therefore, both sides currently seem to scrap the negotiations altogether due to unresolved issues which most likely wont be solved very soon. --- Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 14:30 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova Turkmenistan artificially farms sturgeon which will contribute to the conservation of the unique biodiversity of the Caspian Sea, the newspaper Neutral Turkmenistan reported. An important role in this will play a fish-breeding complex, built in the administrative center of the district Turkmenbashi. "The special incubators here allow farming sturgeon. This will contribute to the conservation of the unique biological resources of the ancient Khazar", according to the article. The Caspian Sea is a home to 80-85 percent of the world sturgeon, now witnessing a sharp decrease of these fish species. Some 90 percent of the popular black and red caviar sold all over the world comes from this region. Moreover, the Caspian Sea with its rich natural resources is also a home to about 141 other fish species. Recent studies show that the number of sturgeons in the Caspian Sea has decreased to a critical level. 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. Caspian littoral states have banned any industrial or commercial sturgeon fishing in the sea this year at the 34th meeting of the Commission on Aquatic Bioresources of the Caspian Sea. Sturgeon fishing in the Caspian was allowed only for scientific research purposes in 2012. In turn, the Zoology Institute of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences has developed a concept for industrial breeding of sturgeon by an innovative method. Creation of farm with the production capacity of 45 tons of sturgeon per year is suggested as the first pilot project in the prepared concept. --- Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 16:51 (UTC+04:00) By Trend A referendum on amending Turkeys Constitution may be held in March 2017,Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said in Ankara on November 25. He said that the referendum will be held in case if the issue of amending Turkeys constitution is not resolved in the Turkish parliament. Yildirim noted that there will be no early parliamentary election, adding that the parliamentary, presidential and municipal election in Turkey will be held in 2019. Earlier, Yildirim said the AKP is preparing a final text of proposals to amend the country's constitution. The Turkish president may approve the draft amendments to the constitution if the draft gets 367 votes in the parliament, or he can submit the draft to a referendum. If the draft amendments get 330-367 votes, the president can either send the draft for revision, or again submit it to a national referendum. Deputy Chairman of the AKP Hayati Yazici said earlier that a referendum on amending Turkeys constitution may be held in April 2017. The AKP currently holds 316 of the 550 seats in the Turkish Parliament. At the same time, Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), represented in the parliament by 40 MPs, also spoke in favor of holding a referendum to amend the constitution. The two other parties represented in the parliament, the Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (HDP), are against the amendments. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 17:33 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova Turkey supports the development of mutually beneficial relations with Russia, and is determined in this direction, said Turkish Ambassador to the Russian Federation Huseyn Dirioz during a visit to "Anadolu" office in Moscow, Anadolu News Agency reported. The relations between Moscow and Ankara periodically have faced undesirable events, but thanks to the position of the leaders of the two countries the crisis period is left behind, according to Dirioz. We are satisfied that the period of tension between the two states is left behind. We have taken a great responsibility in this matter. Therefore, we are ready to cooperate closely with the Russian authorities to ensure that the relationships are back to its previous level, added the diplomat. Moreover, the ambassador stressed that the abolition of the restrictions imposed by Russia unilaterally in respect of Turkey will also have a positive impact on the cooperation between the two countries. The diplomat voiced hope for a push on the development of cooperation in tourism sphere in 2017. Dirioz further drew attention to the opening of the Yunus Emre Center in Moscow, which will contribute to the development of relations between the Turkish and Russian peoples. Relations between Turkey and Russia broke down for about seven months after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane in November 2015. However, relations have improved since the August meeting of the two presidents. The August visit of Recep Tayyip Erdogan marked a first since last November when the crisis in relations between the countries started and is also Erdogans first foreign visit after a failed coup attempt in Turkey. The last time the two leaders met on the sidelines of World Energy Congress on October 10 held in Istanbul. --- Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 November 2016 14:46 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Representatives of the tourism industries of Azerbaijan and Kuwait had a meeting to present Azerbaijans tourism potential. The presentation was organized by Azerbaijans Culture and Tourism Ministry and the countrys Embassy in Kuwait, Azertac reported. To this end, a delegation comprising 18 people led by Aydin Ismiyev, department head of the Ministry, visited Kuwait to take part at this meeting. The event was attended by staff of Azerbaijans Embassy, representatives of the Ministrys office for Gulf countries, Atlantis Holidays, the Kuwait Information Ministry, as well as experts of hotel and tourism companies functioning in Kuwait. The sides had detailed discussions for expansion of tourism cooperation. Among the Gulf countries, Kuwait is a country that is located closer to Azerbaijan. Baku and Kuwait, which established diplomatic relations since 1994 are bond with traditional, historical, religious and cultural ties, as well as the geographical position. 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 opening of direct flights between Azerbaijan and Kuwait is expected to 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. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Recently we reported on Mike Yenni, a family valuesRepublican politician who represents Louisianas largest parish, who is being investigated by the FBI for allegedly having sexted a 17-year-old male. Yenni who is 40, married and has a three-year-old daughter reportedly met the teen at a function at the teens Catholic high school when he was mayor of Kenner, Louisiana in 2015. In a lengthy sit-down interview with Louisiannas channel WVUE, Yenni insists there was no sex involved and that he is definitely, totally and emphatically not gay. We had some off color texts, said Yenni in the interview. Did you mean what you wrote?, asked the interviewer Lee Zurik. Replied Yenni: Probably not, because nothing was acted upon. You know, there was there was no sex, you know? Everybody thinks, oh, something sexual happened. But there was no sex. They think these things they think things were acted upon. They think there was, you know. this was over a period, you know, the total time frame, probably less than two weeks. So, if youre not going to act out on it, why do it?, asked Zurik. Exactly what I ask myself every day, said Yenni. Yenni insisted that the teen he sexted with made up parts of the story involving gifted underwear and kissing: I think what theyve done is a not-so-veiled attempt at gay bashing. Thats my opinion of all of this. I really believe that, the way theyve thrown these words out there, and the way the way theyve tried allude to certain things by trying to define me as a person Im not. By his pleadings.Like, in other words, what hes trying to say in his pleadings, He is a pedophile, he is an admitted homosexual. And that is not true. Ive never admitted that. It doesnt define me either. ..To simply say, Im not gay. Share this: Tweet More Email Print This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate For a third year in a row, Nederland native Tim Foust will bring Home Free to Southeast Texas, but this time in the form of "A Country Christmas" show. Since winning season four of NBC's "The Sing-Off" in 2013, the five-man a cappella group has released three albums, performed at the Grand Ole Opry and been inducted into the Country Music Association. "These are the things every country artist aims for," said Foust, 35. Foust, who sings bass, said he is proud he has brought Home Free back to Nederland each year since winning the reality TV singing competition. Home Free: 'A Country Christmas' When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Nederland Performing Arts, 2101 18th St. Info: homefreemusic.com/tour Cost: $15 and $22.50 See More Collapse The group will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Nederland Performing Arts Center, which seats almost 2,000 people. Home Free sold out its first Nederland concert in 2014 and came close in 2015. "We always perform for a packed house," Foust said. Foust said Home Free was formed in the early 2000s by beatboxer Adam Rupp and his brother Chris Rupp. Chris Rupp retired from the band before the reality show. Over time, new members - Foust, Austin Brown, Adam Chance and Rob Lundquist - joined the group. Foust said he and Brown were recruited through online networking. High tenor Adam Chance was added to the group when members met him on a cruise ship. Home Free's official hometown is Mankato, Minnesota, because that is where the Rupps are from, Foust said. Mankato and Nederland make the tour schedule every year, he said. "There's a lot of folks back home that have supported me through it all," Foust said. "I'm excited to bring an award-winning group home." Foust, who graduated from Nederland High School in 1999, was a member of the school's Ned and Company show choir. Foust's mom, Dena, is a math teacher at the high school and said Home Free gets brought up frequently in conversations with students. Home Free's members in the past have visited with the school's choir and shared some of their musical experiences, she said. "It's hard to believe everything Tim and the group have accomplished," said Dena Foust. "It's exciting to see them so successful." Not even seeing her son perform at the Grand Ole Opry has been as rewarding as some of the feedback Dena said she's received from local fans. "It's so rewarding to hear people tell me that they feel uplifted after a show," Dena Foust said. "(The annual concert) is something everyone looks forward to." Tim Foust said part of the proceeds from Saturday's performance will be donated to the Nederland High School Fine Arts Program. Nederland High School Choir Director Renee Kloes said Home Free donated proceeds from the band's 2015 concert, which helped the program buy sound equipment. Kloes said Tim Foust has remained accessible to students even after all of his success. Because of that, she said, students look forward to the group performing locally every year. She said students have been passing out fliers for this year's concert and volunteering as ushers for the day of the show. VIP tickets for the Nederland concert quickly sold out, as they do every year, Tim Foust said. Along with photos and a meet-and-greet with the band, VIP ticket holders get early access to the show and an exclusive performance. Home Free's biggest sell-out crowds are always in Mankato, where "the group is treated like The Beatles," Tim Foust said. The group also has international fans, after performing at the 2016 London A Cappella Festival. Home Free plans to return to the festival in 2017 "by popular demand," according to the group's website. Tim Foust said that because of YouTube, a number of people recognize the group's members when they are out and about. "Our music videos are close to reaching 100 million total views on our channel," he said. Home Free's holiday tour includes tracks from the group's album, "Full of Cheer," and other Christmas classics. "The Christmas tour is always fun, because we get to revisit holiday classics for a few weeks while we put other songs away," Foust said. SFlores@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/_saraeflores The Icelandic store at the Park Centre in west Belfast is to receive a major rework and facelift. The Icelandic government is escalating its cold war against British supermarket Iceland by launching legal action against the chain over the use of its name. The Nordic nation confirmed on Thursday that it has mounted a legal challenge against the supermarket at the European Union Intellectual Property Office with the goal of "ensuring the right of Icelandic companies to use the word 'Iceland' in relation to their goods and services". Iceland claims that the supermarket has "aggressively pursued" and won multiple cases against Icelandic companies which use the word Iceland as part of their trademark, "even in cases when the products and services do not compete". Supermarket Iceland, which trades under Iceland Foods, holds a Europe-wide trademark registration for the word and Iceland the nation is seeking to invalidate the registration on the basis that it is "exceptionally broad and ambiguous in definition, often rendering the country's firms unable to describe their products as Icelandic". In a circular, the government said: "The government of Iceland is concerned that our country's businesses are unable to promote themselves across Europe in association with their place of origin - a place of which we are rightly proud and enjoys a very positive national branding. "This untenable situation has caused harm to Icelandic businesses, especially its small and growing companies. A company or product made in Iceland or by an Icelandic company should be able to represent itself using the name of the country." It claimed that it has made multiple efforts to negotiate with Iceland Foods but bemoaned the supermarket's "unrealistic and unacceptable" demands, leaving it with no choice but to proceed with legal action. When news of the lawsuit first broke in September, a spokesman for Iceland said: "Iceland Foods has traded under the Iceland name in the UK since 1970, and is today one of the UK's most recognised brands. We have also traded as Iceland for many years in other EU countries, and in non-EU countries, including Iceland itself." The relationship between the supermarket and the Nordic nation has a history of frostiness. Icelandic retail conglomerate Baugur held a controlling stake in the grocer until its collapse in 2009. The stake then fell into the hands of Icelandic banks Landsbanki and Glitnir, which was later acquired as part of a management buyout led by founder and chief executive Malcolm Walker. The company, whose headquarters are in Deeside, has more than 800 stores across the UK and employs more than 23,000 staff. Iceland Foods said the Icelandic government has not directly approached the supermarket or attempted to solve the issue in an "amicable" way. Iceland Foods said: "We very much regret that the Government of Iceland has apparently decided to take legal action over the use of the name Iceland. Contrary to their assertion we have received no recent approaches to achieve an amicable resolution of this issue, which would be our preferred approach. "While we will vigorously defend Iceland Foods' established rights where there is any risk of confusion between our business and Iceland the country, we have been trading successfully for 46 years under the name Iceland and do not believe that any serious confusion or conflict has ever arisen in the public mind, or is likely to do so. "We hope that the Government will contact us directly so that we may address their concerns." Matthias Wissmann warned that Britain is at a crossroads and needs to decide which direction it intends to take The uncertainty over the UK's Brexit strategy needs to end, the head of the German motor industry association has warned. Matthias Wissmann said the lack of clarity could impact on German investment in the UK. He warned that Britain is at a crossroads and needs to make up its mind which direction it intends to head in. The president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry told the BBC: "We need, relatively soon, a clear answer. Will we have tariff and non-tariff barriers between Britain on the one hand and the European Union? "That means a long period of uncertainties will block future investments in Britain, and that makes me really concerned. "Therefore I hope that the British Government, at a certain crossroads within the next 12 months, decides to go for the single market and not for any other regime which would need years to discuss and negotiate. "Five or 10 years of uncertainties would be not very positive for both sides, the European Union and Britain." The United Airlines flight from Belfast to America was to have been subsidised The Executive failed to establish a business case to determine what benefit the soon to end United Airlines air route from Belfast to New York (Newark) had on the economy here due to "tight timescales". United Airlines is scrapping its Belfast International to Newark flight in January. It was to have received a 9m bailout - two-thirds of which was coming from the Executive - to secure the link. However, the European Commission blocked the funding package under State aid rules. Economy Minister Simon Hamilton has said that it is "regrettable that in spite of all the efforts that were made that United are terminating the service". Asked what evidence exists that a direct transatlantic route from Belfast to North America has been important for Northern Ireland's economy, Mr Hamilton said: "A direct transatlantic route from Belfast to North America has been important for Northern Ireland's economy over the past decade in terms of increasing our tourism, enhancing our prospects in attracting US-based investors and helping our local companies to export their products and services. "The United States is the largest source of foreign direct investment into Northern Ireland and our largest exports market outside of the EU. "Over the past decade of the United Airlines service, over one million passengers travelled on the flight, with significant benefits for local tourism." Mr Hamilton was responding to an Assembly question from Green Party leader Steven Agnew. Asked what business case had been established, formally, to determine the benefit to the economy here, Mr Hamilton said: "It was not possible to produce a formal business case in the tight timescales required by United for a decision." Colin Salmon prepares to take part in the Sleep Out fundraiser Radio DJ Sara Cox, James Bond actor Colin Salmon and celebrity chef Marcus Wareing were among those sleeping rough on the streets of London on Thursday night to support youth homelessness charity Centrepoint. The organisation was hosting its annual fundraiser Sleep Out, which sees famous faces bed down outdoors for a night alongside more than 1,000 members of the capital's business community. Zipping up their sleeping bags this year were Lady Kitty Spencer, designer Sadie Frost, pop star Lee Ryan, former X Factor winner Matt Cardle, Made In Chelsea star Ashley James, actress Lisa Maxwell and DJ Brandon Block. Maxwell, who turned 53 on Thursday, was surprised with a birthday cake by the event organisers. They set up camp for the night at Greenwich Peninsula and were entertained by performers - including being read a bedtime story by Christopher Biggins. Rough sleepers taking part in the event experienced a small part of what life is like for the more than 9,000 16 to 25 year-olds that the charity supports each year. Centrepoint aims to raise more than 250,000 from the London Sleep Out, which will help to provide vulnerable and homeless young people from across the UK with a warm bed, mental health support and help to access education, training and employment. The event is part of a national fundraising project taking place in 12 cities across the UK during November. Centrepoint was founded in 1969 and the Duke of Cambridge became its patron in 2005. For more information on fundraising go to www.centrepoint.org.uk. Northern Ireland Water has paid out almost 80,000 in fines for pollution offences in the last five years, it has been revealed. Northern Ireland Water has paid out almost 80,000 in fines for pollution offences in the last five years, it has been revealed. The utility company has been penalised 41 times since 2011. The figures were revealed by Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard after an Assembly question from DUP MLA Sydney Anderson. Campaigners argue the level of fines is not high enough, and provides little deterrent. Earlier this month the publicly-funded company was fined 13,000 for polluting the Blackwater River near Balloo. It makes up most of the 17,000 paid out by NI Water so far this year. The total is more than three times the 5,250 pay-out in the whole of 2015. Since shelling out 22,500 in 2012, the cost of penalties has reduced, averaging around 7,000 a year between 2013 and 2015. But James Orr, director of Friends of the Earth, said the apparent downward trend was misleading. "There are a number of issues associated with this that are quite complex. The figures are terribly misleading," he said. Mr Orr believes a lack of enforcement and the absence of heavy fines offers little in the way of a deterrent. He told the Belfast Telegraph: "It almost pays to pollute and NI Water knows that. Northern Ireland is the only part of these islands where there is no independent environmental protection agency. "The fines issued here are only 10% of what they are in England. There is little deterrent." The maximum fine for a pollution offence in Northern Ireland is 20,000, significantly smaller than fines issued in Great Britain. Mr Orr added: "NI Water is a repeat offender. Normally if you were fined in court and persistently re-offended the fine would be increased and go up each time. This doesn't seem to apply to NI Water." Earlier this month it emerged the company had successfully appealed several large penalties. A Freedom of Information request revealed that five out of 65 fines have successfully been appealed since 2008. In 2014 an incident at a sewage treatment plant at Tandragee caused pollution of the Cusher River, resulting in a 10,000 fine which was reduced to 5,000 upon appeal. More recently a 7,500 fine relating to a discharge incident at a Saintfield facility was slashed to just 2,000. Mr Orr said it is no longer acceptable and called on the company to examine its conscience. A spokesperson for NI Water said: "Every year, we treat and return safely to the environment 1.3 billion litres of waste from over 1,000 waste water treatment works, so, while one incident is one too many, such instances are a very rare occurrence. "As a responsible corporate citizen with a very strong commitment to the environment, we will endeavour to operate this extensive infrastructure as effectively as possible and will work to make sure that we deal with the effects of any of our discharges. In fact over the years, our work across the waste water network has done more to improve the quality of our watercourses than it has ever done to harm them." Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is set to be the next EU president. Image: BBC The "Irish border issue" must be settled before talks on Brexit can begin, the next EU president has told the BBC. Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat made his comments as a British-Irish council meeting was being held in Wales. In a BBC interview he said: "There will be issued relating to borders, especially the Irish issue, which I think is one of the most politically sensitive issues that I think there is a political willingness from everyone to have it resolved." Meanwhile devolved leaders have challenged the Prime Minister on why she stayed away from the Brexit-themed summit that focused on regional concerns around free trade. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said Theresa May should have attended the British Irish Council (BIC) meeting in Wales. The event, near Cardiff, brought together the leaders of the UK's three devolved administrations, a number of UK Government ministers, Irish premier Enda Kenny and the first ministers of the Crown dependencies. Top of the agenda was how the UK could maintain access to the European Single Market post-Brexit if it denied freedom of movement to EU citizens. Expand Close James Brokenshire, Carwyn Jones and Enda Kenny during a press conference at the British Irish Council summit at the Vale Resort near Cardiff / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp James Brokenshire, Carwyn Jones and Enda Kenny during a press conference at the British Irish Council summit at the Vale Resort near Cardiff BIC summits are held twice a year. UK prime ministers have attended in the past, but not on a regular basis. Sinn Fein veteran Mr McGuinness said the context of Friday's event should have prompted Mrs May to take part. "I think the British Prime Minister should have been here today," he said. Read more Read More "She is a new British Prime Minister, this was her first opportunity to attend the meeting of the British Irish Council and to meet with the devolved institutions and the Crown dependencies and I think it was a missed opportunity on her behalf." During the post-summit press conference, Mrs Sturgeon echoed Mr McGuinness's remarks. "I agree strongly with that," she said. Four UK Government ministers did attend the discussions at the Vale Resort, but no senior Cabinet members were among them. Those who partook were Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns; Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire; Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department for Exiting the European Union Robin Walker; and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Women, Equalities and Early Years Caroline Dinenage. When asked if Mrs May should have be there, Mr Brokenshire said: "The Prime Minister strongly supports the British Irish Council, that's why you had two Cabinet ministers and two other ministers here today strongly representing the UK government's perspective." The summit took place in the wake of comments by Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat making clear that unfettered single market access could not be offered if it was not accompanied by free movement. Malta will assume the six-month rolling presidency of the EU in January. Ahead of the BIC meeting, host Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones stressed the importance of free trade with Europe, particularly in the context of potentially protectionist policies from a Donald Trump White House. After the summit, Mr Jones said there was a need for "creativity" and the single market versus ending free movement could not be a binary one or the other. "We take the view that access to the single market is the most important issue and I don't think it is practical to say that it is possible to have full border control, as it's put, and access to the single market at the same time - there needs to be compromise and there needs to be balance and these are the challenges that will be faced as the negotiation moves forward." Stormont's First Minister Arlene Foster, who as leader of the Democratic Unionists campaigned for Brexit, also said the outcome did not have to be binary. "Do I think it's binary - no I don't think it's binary, because negotiations are about coming to accommodations," she said. "What we need to see is an openness and a willingness to do what is right for each of the constituent parts of the United Kingdom." Mrs Sturgeon said the UK Government needed to provide much more clarity on the issue before Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty was triggered to commence the Brexit process. The SNP leader again made clear her desire for Scotland to continue to be part of the single market, even if the rest of the UK left it. She said the prospect of a "hard" Brexit with the UK leaving the single market was a real possibility. "From the perspective of the Scottish Government of course we are looking at, if those circumstances arise, how could we best protect our own interest, protect our place in the single market, even if the UK decides to leave," said Mrs Sturgeon. "Of course that would be challenging, there would be a number of practical barriers that we would have to overcome and the work we are doing right now is to explore how those barriers could be overcome." Mr Kenny raised concerns from the Irish Republic's perspective about the potential of border checks and trade tariffs. "I didn't like the decision of the UK electorate but I respect it and we now have to deal with it," he said. "The best outcome would be something as close to what we have at the moment. I think everybody will agree that the importance of the single market is critical for everybody." Mr Brokenshire said the UK Government was analysing different options to balance the need for fluid trade and reflect the electorate's desire for limits on immigration. "We don't see it as a binary choice, we do see different options," he said. "We are considering those options carefully as we look to the triggering of Article 50 and establishing that UK-wide stance, so we do get the best possible arrangement for all parts of the United Kingdom. And it is that arrangement we are pursuing." The BIC was established as part of the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement in Northern Ireland. Its aim is to promote links between the UK's devolved regions, the Irish Republic, the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. Its membership comprises representatives from the Irish Government; UK Government; Scottish Government; Northern Ireland Executive; Welsh Government; Isle of Man Government; Government of Jersey and Government of Guernsey. The chief ministers of the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey - Howard Quayle, Ian Gorst and Gavin St Pier - also attended Friday's summit along with ministerial colleagues from their respective administrations. Hospital waiting times in Northern Ireland have become unacceptable and symbolise a "workforce in crisis," the UK's largest medical union has warned Hospital waiting times in Northern Ireland have become unacceptable and symbolise a "workforce in crisis," the UK's largest medical union has warned. Quarterly statistics for September 2016 show a marked increase in waiting times across key areas of hospital care. Stand-out figures include more than two thirds (167,250) of patients waiting more than nine weeks for outpatient appointments. There were also concerns that 40,686 (39.9%) of patients expecting diagnostic tests waited over nine weeks. Most of the figures are still some way off targets the Health Minister Michelle O'Neill has set for the next quarter in March 2017. Dr Anne Carson, chair of the British Medical Association Northern Ireland consultants committee said chronic under-investment was to blame. "Patients in Northern Ireland continue to wait an unacceptably long time to see a consultant," she said. However, she went on to praise Ms O'Neill's vision for health as "a good start in addressing some of these problems". Margaret Carr, Cancer Research UK's public affairs manager in Northern Ireland, said: "The fact so many patients are waiting longer than six weeks for such a vital (diagnostic) test is hugely worrying and simply not good enough." Ulster Unionist health spokeswoman Jo-Anne Dobson said the figures showed the Executive "does not care about, or recognise the severity, of the plight local patients are being forced to endure." The breakdown of waiting times found that for their first consultant-led outpatient appointments, more than two thirds of people - 68.8% of 167,250 patients - were waiting more than nine weeks. That represents a rise of nearly 13,000 since the same period last year. Almost twice as many patients waited more than a year for an appointment - 39,557 compared to 20,840 for the same time last year. Targets for March 2017 say no more than half of patients should be waiting longer than nine weeks, and none for more than a year. Of 70,035 inpatients and day case admissions, 39,772 (56.8%) waited more than 13 weeks - 6,791 more than last year. One in nine patients - 7,710 - waited more than a year, up from 4,998 last year. Next year's targets say 55% of patients should wait a maximum of 13 weeks, with none waiting more than a year. For diagnostic services, two fifths of 102,061 patients (40,686) waited more than nine weeks, compared to 31,607 last September. And 9,675 waited longer than six months for an appointment, a leap from 7,631 last September. However, 75% of patients should wait no longer than nine weeks for a diagnostic test, with none waiting more than six months. In Northern Ireland, 85.3% of 375,911 diagnostic tests were turned around in two days - down from 89.3% last year. Next year, the target is for all diagnostic tests to be completed in two days. Dr Carson said the major lack of investment in the health service made the delays inevitable. She added the health service currently has to fill 118 consultant posts here with overseas doctors due to a lack of local trainees. "Northern Ireland has become a less attractive place for specialised consultants to work in, and together we must change this if we are to attract and keep our highly motivated and skilled consultants," she said. A train on the line, which a campaign group has expressed concerns over The journey time on the Belfast to Londonderry railway line is little better than almost 70 years ago despite a 46m upgrade, a lobby group has claimed. Jim McBride, from the Into the West organisation, questioned the point of the revamp when the time taken is still similar to the 1950s. Work has been completed on phase two of the upgrade, which included the construction of a passing loop at Bellarena to facilitate an hourly service between the two cities. But Mr McBride said the lack of confirmation for when more frequent journeys would be introduced was very concerning. He added that despite a huge investment in the line, trains still take more than two hours to reach Belfast from Derry. "Into the West has spent 15 years fighting to save the railway line from Derry to Coleraine from closing, and then for some proper investment," Mr McBride explained. "When you consider that it still takes more than two hours to reach Belfast after getting on the train in Derry, you seriously have to question what was the point of upgrading the line at all. "In the 1950s, it took two hours and 19 minutes to get to Belfast from Derry. Today, after the upgrade of the line, that same journey takes around two hours and 10 minutes. "We are concerned about the lack of information on when - or indeed if - the promised hourly service will begin. "It is our understanding that plans to introduce the hourly service by April at the latest have not been approved and in fact could be put off for at least 18 months because the department hasn't agreed the necessary funding of 1.2m. This is disgraceful. "This is the most lucrative route for Translink. Last year, approximately 2.5 million people took the train between Belfast and Derry, compared to 800,000 using the Belfast to Dublin line." A Translink spokeswoman admitted that the hourly service was subject to funding, but added that it hoped most of the upgrading work would be completed by the end of the year. "This will allow for a more resilient rail service and facilitate the expansion of an hourly service between Derry/Londonderry and Coleraine, subject to appropriate funding," the Translink spokeswoman said. "Hourly services currently operate between Coleraine and Belfast. The spokeswoman also explained a "multi-modal transport hub" was planned for the site of the former Waterside Station in Londonderry. "These projects demonstrate our commitment to transforming transport and helping to attract investment, talent and tourism for the entire north-west region," she stressed. "When the current works are complete, approximately five of the 33-and-a-half miles of the line between Coleraine and Derry/Londonderry will be able to accommodate speeds of up to 90mph. "The Derry/Londonderry to Belfast route, which is largely comprised of single-line track with passing loops, requires that trains travelling in opposite directions are timetabled to meet at set locations to enable them to pass each other. "The faster line speeds on parts of the newly reopened Derry/Londonderry to Coleraine section will assist in making sure services arrive at these passing points on time, making the timetable more robust and resilient". A Londonderry solicitor has denied making a series of fraudulent claims relating to legal aid forms. Damien McDaid, from Templemore in Derry, appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Friday where he denied a total of 61 offences. The 42-year old is accused of sending falsified documents to the Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission - which is now known as the Legal Services Agency NI - over an 18 month period. When McDaid was charged with the first count of false accounting - which accused him of making entries "which were or may have been misleading, false or deceptive ... in that they purported to show hours actually spent engaged in the representation of the said Legal Aid Certificate ... when they did not" - he replied "not guilty" to the charge. He was also charged with a further 60 offences of a similar nature, namely false accounting, over a period spanning from July 2010 to January 2012. McDaid denied all the offences which accuse him of claiming payment for hours he didn't work. A defence barrister for McDaid said he is waiting to instruct a forensic accountant after they have obtained legal aid authority. This, the barrister said, would involve "having a sitdown" with McDaid, as well as undertaking a detailed analysis of the relevant book-keeping system. McDaid's barrister also revealed that his client's defence is based on "accounting negligencies". Mr Justice Treacy raised the issue of "extraordinary delay" in the case given the date of the alleged offences, and was informed by a Crown barrister that a decision to prosecute took "some time to formulate". During Friday's hearing, it emerged that the trial will most likely be held in Derry. Mr Justice Treacy listed the case be reviewed again in January 2017, when he said he wanted to be in a position to fix a date for the trial. McDaid was then released on continuing bail and was told that whilst he did not have to come to court for the review hearing in January, he was nonetheless "free to attend." A grieving father has hit out at 'lowlifes' who vandalised his daughter's grave. Twenty-year-old Louise Diver, from Strabane, died in March 2015 after overdosing on prescription medication. She had been studying a childcare course at the Co Tyrone town's North West Regional College. But unknown to her parents, she was also being targeted by bullies. Louise was rushed to hospital having swallowed a cocktail of paracetamol, aspirin, diabetes medication and other prescription substances. But the drugs had damaged her organs beyond repair, and she died in hospital five days later. The tragic young woman's grave in Strabane Cemetery was disturbed last week, with decorative stones stolen and ornaments taken. Her shocked father, Davie Diver, told local newspaper the Strabane Chronicle that the desecration was discovered when Louise's mum Caroline Woods went to visit her daughter's grave last week. "Caroline rang me in tears to tell me - and I just couldn't believe it when I saw it," Mr Diver said. "Whoever did this, they are lowlifes and they need to catch a grip of themselves. I was devastated and shocked when I saw it, but it has left Louise's brothers and sisters in a bad way too." Parish Priest Fr Declan Boland told the newspaper that the vandalism of her grave was "beyond belief". "It defies comprehension that anyone would desecrate a grave, let alone that of a young girl whose life ended so tragically," Fr Boland said. Local councillor Paul Gallagher, who lives in the same housing estate as the Diver family and who knew Louise, said: "It must be a very upsetting time for the family." The Diver family suffered a further tragedy earlier this year when the body of Sean 'Smurf' Diver (39), Louise's uncle, was recovered from the River Foyle. He was missing for six weeks before his remains were found by the Community Rescue Service. The project is due to begin early next year and will last for about 18 months Harland and Wolff has secured a major new contract supporting 200 jobs. The east Belfast facility has been tasked with making 24 huge steel foundation jackets for an offshore wind farm company. The project is due to begin early next year and will last for about 18 months. Standing at 65 metres tall, and weighing more than 845 tonnes, the three-legged steel jacket structures are expected to be almost as prominent on the Belfast skyline as the famous Samson and Goliath cranes. United Arab Emirates-based Lamprell, an international provider of fabrication, engineering and contracting services, will also work on the contract. H&W chief executive Robert J Cooper said: "H&W is delighted to work with such a prestigious company as ScottishPower Renewables on a project of nationally significant importance." Jonathan Guest, H&W director, business development said: "In a global supply chain environment, it is significant when a developer stands over its commitment to give opportunities to local fabricators as demonstrated by ScottishPower Renewables in the East Anglia One project. "Given the opportunity of a level playing field, UK fabricators can surpass the best the market can offer. "When you consider the importance of this project to the UK with regard to energy security, that is not only green but at a low cost, you can understand the pride Harland and Wolff have in being part of this important development." The ScottishPower Renewables North Sea project, known as East Anglia One, is a 2.5 billion offshore wind farm expected to generate 714MW of electricity when completed in 2020, enough to power 500,000 homes per year. Chief executive Keith Anderson said: "We are pleased that Belfast will play important roles in delivering this project, supporting hundreds of skilled jobs. "The facilities in Belfast are excellent for supporting offshore wind construction, as we experienced on our West of Duddon Sands project. "We hope that the successful delivery of this contract will lead to even more opportunities in the offshore wind industry for Belfast." Police are investigating the raid in Co Antrim A man has been left badly shaken after he was threatened at gunpoint by masked raiders in Co Antrim. It happened at a house in the Thornleigh Park area of Randalstown on Tuesday but details have only just been released. The gang demanded money and made off with a legally held shotgun. A spokesman for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said: "It was reported that at around 8.30pm on Tuesday evening, a number of masked men wearing dark clothing forced entry to the house, threatened the male occupant and demanded money. "One of the men was reported to have been armed with a firearm. "They then proceeded to ransack the house before making off with a legally held shotgun. The occupant was not harmed during the incident but was left badly shaken." Anyone with information is asked to contact police in Antrim on 101 quoting reference number 676 24/11/16. Domestic violence in Northern Ireland has reached its highest level in more than a decade. More than 28,000 incidents were recorded in the last year - with police responding to one call-out every 19 minutes. It has prompted demands for more action to tackle violence in the home. Les Allamby from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission said: "There have been over 28,000 incidents of domestic violence in Northern Ireland over the past year alone, which includes violence against both men and women in the family or domestic unit. "Nevertheless, it should not be overlooked that the majority of victims of domestic violence are women and that domestic violence against them is part of a wider pattern of discrimination and inequality." PSNI figures show there were 28,465 domestic violence calls between July 2015 and June 2016 - the highest since 2004. As the world marks International End Violence Against Women Day today, the commission is calling for action. It wants the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive to strengthen its human rights protections and ratify the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. Mr Allamby said: "Violence against women includes stalking, sexual harassment, sexual violence, physical, and psychological abuse at the hands of intimate partners, forced marriage, and forced sterilisation. "These are all are deeply traumatising acts of violence and we should always seek to do more to ensure our protections reach the highest level of human rights standards. "We are therefore calling on the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to ratify the Istanbul Convention so that it can be implemented into domestic law and practice." Meanwhile, a charity called on the Government to continue its financial support to victims. Jan Melia from Women's Aid Federation Northern Ireland said: "It is encouraging that the Government is currently taking action on domestic violence to criminalise the psychological element of abuse, or what is known as 'coercive control'. "But we also need Government commitment to continue funding the vital services which support the victims, like Women's Aid. Our support services are quite literally a lifeline for many women and children who flee their homes due to domestic violence." According to the charity, last year over 1,200 women and children stayed in Women's Aid refuges in the country because their homes were unsafe. The charity also supported over 6,000 women through its outreach services and the 24-hour domestic violence and sexual violence helpline managed 25,935 calls. "These are not just 'women's issues', they are everyone's problem," Ms Melia said. "We should all be outraged that women in our society suffer rape, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, so-called honour-based violence, human trafficking and domestic violence." Last month a mother who suffered years of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of her violent partner, Greg Logue, claimed domestic abuse victims are being failed by Stormont. Terri-Louise Graham from Londonderry wants legislation here brought into line with that in the UK to protect victims from psychological abuse. "I don't know what the hold-up is. Bring it in now, because it will save lives," she said. International End Violence Against Women Day marks the beginning of 16 days of activism on violence against women and girls. The Duchess of Cornwall at a reception where she met soldiers from the 4th Battalion The Rifles and some families during her visit to the Normandy Barracks in Aldershot The Duchess of Cornwall has presented a Northern Ireland soldier with a medal as she met families of soldiers currently deployed in Iraq. Camilla visited Normandy Barracks in Aldershot, Hampshire, where she placed a posy on the 4 Rifles Memorial Wall, which includes the names of those killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan. Warrant Officer Richard Brown (46) from Lisburn was presented with his Meritorious Service Medal by the Duchess. This is a silver medal awarded for distinguished service or gallantry. He said: "It's great for morale to have a visit from the royal colonel, she likes to be part of the regimental family and the battalion in particular." Earlier, the Duchess was welcomed with a fanfare by buglers before attending a reception in the Sergeants' Mess with families, soldiers, battalion veterans and injured servicemen. She also presented five long-service medals and a meritorious service medal to serving Riflemen before signing a visitors' book. The 4th Battalion the Rifles (4 Rifles), commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Carl Boswell, currently has 250 Riflemen based at Al Asad Air Base, 100 miles west of Baghdad, providing training support to the Iraqi army. The Duchess wished everyone a happy Christmas and said: "What a pleasure it has been to come to these new barracks, everyone seems to be very settled here. "The partners of those serving abroad are doing a great job of supporting each other." Joanna Metcalf attended with her daughters Ruby (11) and Florence (4). Her husband, Sergeant Major Stephen Metcalf, is on deployment in Iraq. The 36-year-old from Church Crookham, Hampshire, said: "It was really nice to meet the Duchess, it's nice to know that people do support us and it's nice for the children to meet someone important as it gives them an idea of the importance of their father's role." Police are fighting more than 100 organised crime gangs in Northern Ireland, MLAs have heard Police are fighting more than 100 organised crime gangs in Northern Ireland, MLAs have heard. The 138 groups include home-grown paramilitaries, plus criminals from abroad who are involved in a wide range of illegal activities such as drug dealing, sexual exploitation and fraud. Some 67 gangs are under active investigation, and in recent months 28 have been dismantled, with members put in jail, while 96 others have been frustrated or disrupted. Detective Chief Superintendent Andrea McMullan said: "We currently have 138 OCGs (organised crime gangs) mapped, but that (number) goes up and down. "Sixty seven of those are subject to active organised crime investigations." The senior officer was among a number of law enforcement representatives briefing Stormont's justice committee on the extent and nature of organised crime in the region. She added: "The majority of OCGs are local groups. One or two are multi-faceted groups working with local groups, where you are seeing real high-end frauds perpetrated by local facilitators linked into international OCGs. We have a few groups who are non-indigenous." There is also collaboration between loyalist and republican paramilitaries and foreign criminals, the committee was told. Ms McMullan said: "There are paramilitary crime gangs who are raising money to fund their paramilitary structure, not for paramilitarism but to put money into their pockets. This money is not being raised for a community good. "In areas such as east Belfast, north Belfast, Strabane - in those areas the paramilitaries are involved as a gang working together as paramilitaries and carrying out criminal activity." MLAs were also told of recent successes arising out of the Joint Agency Task Force, where information is shared among agencies across the UK and Ireland. They include the following: The seizure of 27 kilograms of benzocaine, a cutting agent used with cocaine - two arrests and identification of a significant supplier. Recovery of 2.1m worth of cocaine and herbal cannabis and arrest of 19 people in the north west. Seizure of 500,000 worth of drugs and eight watches valued at 350,000 in Londonderry. Capture of a crime gang that was using skimming devices to defraud bank users, resulting in the jailing of four international crime gang members. Anthony Harbinson, from the Department of Justice said: "Working together, sharing intelligence and focusing on the objectives is beginning to really pay off." It also emerged that 370,000 litres of illegal fuel have been seized and 12 fuel-laundering plants dismantled during the last year. Some 59 victims of human trafficking were recovered and 1.6m of criminal assets were also removed. The girls' school was visited by police officers. Police have visited a Northern Ireland school to reinforce the 'stranger danger' message after an incident close to its grounds. Bangor officers visited Glenlola Collegiate on Thursday following an incident. In a letter to parents headmaster Mr Thompson said a pupil - along with members of the public - witnessed "inappropriate behaviour" in a car park beside the old leisure centre while she made her way to school. He asked parents to reinforce the stranger danger message to their children and to ensure they report incidents immediately. He wrote: "As you know pupil safety is of paramount importance to us and we take all reported incidents very seriously. "Please remind your daughters of stranger danger and to be vigilant." One frustrated parent said the latest incident happened just around the corner from the seaside town's police station. Police have said they are investigating the incident. The latest incident comes following three similar incidents in the Co Down town. Read More In September both Glenlola and Bangor Grammar issued warnings to pupils to exercise caution following three incidents in the space of a month. Glenlola school was approached for comment. The number of super-injunctions in Northern Ireland has reached its highest level in 10 years. The gagging orders, which are so secret the media cannot report them, were awarded by the High Court in Belfast. Awarding of the orders was effectively ended in England and Wales in 2011. However they continue to be available and handed out in Northern Ireland. In the past 10 years there have been nine super-injunctions granted to people in Northern Ireland. Three have been discharged, the last in 2012, while six remain active. That represents the highest number anytime in the last 10 years One was granted by the courts as recently as this year. The numbers were revealed by Ulster Unionist MLA Harold McKee. He described the figures as "deeply disturbing" saying it confirmed the need to update Northern Ireland defamation laws. Expand Close South Down: Harold McKee, UUP / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp South Down: Harold McKee, UUP Mr McKee said: "These figures would suggest that there are still individuals in Northern Ireland who may be using archaic injunction orders to shield themselves from scrutiny or public comment. The expense of applying for and securing these legal protections can be enormous and as such it is often a route only open to a privileged few. "Its therefore no surprise that many people will find their continuing use, along with the fact there are now more live than in anytime over the last 10 years, deeply disturbing." The South Down MLA added: "It once again starkly demonstrates the consequences of the Executives decision not to adopt similar defamation laws in Northern Ireland that exist across the rest of the UK. "Earlier this year a major report by Dr Andrew Scott recommended that many of the measures equivalent to the UKs Defamation Act should be introduced into law here. In the months since the Executive has again done nothing. These latest figures of super-injunctions will further compound the pressure on the DUP, as they have been the major barrier to modernising our local defamation laws, to explain why exactly they are so determined not to allow freedom of speech in Northern Ireland by desperately clinging to the laws of the past. Tourism Ireland, the all-island body set up under the Good Friday Agreement, needs to be more proactive in attracting British tourists to Northern Ireland, the head of Belfast International Airport has said. In a letter to Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Graham Keddie said Northern Ireland was becoming much more attractive as a destination for travellers from Britain than the Republic due to the strength of the euro. And he urged Mr Kenny to "impress upon" Tourism Ireland the need to focus its work on Northern Ireland. "This, of course, requires Tourism Ireland Limited (TIL) to adopt a much more proactive stance in the crucial GB market," Mr Keddie wrote in the letter, which was obtained by the BBC NI political show, The View. "Just as TIL aggressively marketed and promoted the Republic of Ireland through Dublin, we expect no less an effort now that the situation is reversed. Perhaps that is something you and your colleagues could impress upon TIL in the interests of fairness and equality." Sterling slumped almost a fifth after the Brexit vote on June 23, although it has strengthened recently from the 90 pence to the 1 mark, to about 85p. However, the weakened pound has made it more expensive for British tourists to visit the Republic. "A weaker pound makes Northern Ireland a much more attractive proposition for tourists from Great Britain. The flip side is that a stronger euro makes the Republic of Ireland much more expensive and, therefore, much less attractive," Mr Keddie wrote. "We view this as an opportunity to recalibrate the tourism 'balance sheet' where the lion's share of advantage flowed in the Republic of Ireland's direction. "Now, for the first time, we can say to an important market that they can use Belfast as the 'gateway' to not only Northern Ireland, but the island as a whole." Tourism Ireland said it continues to promote Northern Ireland in 23 markets around the world. It said official figures "confirm growth of +9% in overseas visitors in the first half of 2016 - including growth of 10% in visitor numbers from Britain and +29% in holiday visitors from Britain". TUV leader Jim Allister has declined to say whether or not he will stand again in the next Assembly elections. First Minister Arlene Foster last month remarked that Mr Allister (63) was heading towards retirement. "They wish! But I have no such plans," the North Antrim MLA told the Belfast Telegraph. However, when asked if he would contest the 2021 Stormont poll, he replied: "That's a long time away." Speaking ahead of his party's annual conference in Cookstown tomorrow, Mr Allister admitted that he was disappointed that the TUV hadn't been able to secure electoral gains on the back of DUP difficulties in recent years. And the former barrister, who is often portrayed by his opponents as narrow-minded, revealed that the politicians he most admires at Stormont are nationalist and left-wing. He singled out young SDLP MLAs and veteran socialist and former civil rights leader Eamonn McCann for praise. The TUV, which Mr Allister formed nine years ago, had a poor Assembly election in May with its leader being the only one of 15 candidates returned to Stormont. "Of course, I'm disappointed, there's no point in concealing that," he said. "The DUP couldn't have had a worse five years with scandal, Nama, and a government panel confirming that the IRA still exists. "Unfortunately, the TUV wasn't able to take advantage. By playing the 'Stop Marty' card, the DUP overcame all that. Read more Read More "The dishonesty was obvious once the election was over. They are buddied up together in government and have never been closer. So the truth was 'Stop Marty and then we'll make him joint First Minister.'" Mr Allister spoke highly of several politicians in the Assembly who are not from the unionist tradition. "I find four of the SDLP's new MLAs - Claire Hanna, Nichola Mallon, Sinead Bradley and Daniel McCrossan - very impressive," he said. "They make for a strong team. I like to see able people. "What hurts me most is the lobby fodder who have no ability and shouldn't even be in Stormont," he added. And he singled out People Before Profit's Foyle MLA Eamonn McCann, for particular praise. "He is a great orator. He has enlivened the chamber. I disagree with Eamonn politically, but I recognise his talent," he added. Mr Allister welcomed Naomi Long's election as Alliance leader and believed she would do a better job than her predecessor. "She has more fight in her. Politically, I wasn't a fan of David Ford's," he said. The TUV leader revealed that when he first went to Stormont in 2011, many DUP MLAs snubbed him. "There were a lot who, if I met them in the corridor, had a great interest in their shoelaces, but they have got over that now," he said. On his personal relationship with Arlene Foster, he said, "she wouldn't go out of her way to chat to me, but she would pass herself". He said he had known Mrs Foster, a former solicitor, from his legal career. "I was aware of her interest in politics but it didn't occur to me that she would ever be First Minister," he added. The TUV leader also disclosed that, outside the chamber, he won't speak to Sinn Fein MLAs. Taoiseach Enda Kenny has reignited the debate over a united Ireland after he said that he does not want to wait "20 years" before Northern Ireland secures accession to EU membership. Mr Kenny said that in light of 'Brexit', a scenario could develop whereby Northern Ireland, which voted Remain, could end up at the "back of the queue" for EU entry. He made the remarks at a private Fine Gael fundraiser in Dublin. Several sources at the event said there was a clear signalling by the Taoiseach of the prospect of a referendum on a united Ireland. An Irish government source, however, emphasised that Mr Kenny made similar remarks in Oxford in September. There, he told an audience that the "possibility of unity by consent must be maintained as a valid democratic option into the future." Mr Kenny is due to attend the British Irish Council in Wales today. The Foreign Office warned Britons of the dangers of balconies Government travel advice has been updated to urge British tourists in Spain to use balconies safely. The Foreign Office (FCO) said there had been a number of "very serious accidents" as a result of falls from balconies and popular craze "balconing". The practice involves jumping off a balcony into a swimming pool. Three balcony falls resulting in serious injury were reported to the FCO earlier in 2016, travel trade organisation Abta said. The figure represents "just a fraction of the total number of incidents", the organisation added. The updated advice, published on the FCO website, states: "There have been a number of very serious accidents (some fatal) as a result of falls from balconies. "Many of these incidents have involved British nationals under the influence of drink or drugs. "Your travel insurance may not cover you for incidents that take place while you're under the influence of drink or drugs." It adds: " Some local councils will impose fines to those caught behaving irresponsibly on balconies or practising 'balconing'." Civilians search for survivors in the rubble after a car bomb attack near the city of Hilla (AP) The death toll from a bombing in Iraq claimed by Islamic State has risen to 73, including about 40 Iranian pilgrims, according to hospital and police officials. The officials said 65 others were wounded in the deadliest IS attack in four months, at a fuel station on a major highway near the city of Hilla, about 60 miles south of the capital Baghdad. IS claimed the attack in a brief statement on its Aamaq media arm, saying it was a suicide truck bomb. The attack appears to have targeted a bus-load of Iranian pilgrims heading home after a major Shiite religious observance in the holy city of Karbala. Iran's deputy foreign minister Hassan Qashqavi was quoted by the semi-official Tasnim news agency as saying that 40 Iranians were killed. The attack was the deadliest by IS since a massive car bomb killed around 300 people in Baghdad in July. The new assault came a day after a dozen small-scale bombings in and around the capital killed 31 people and wounded more than 100 - a particularly bloody day even by the standards of Baghdad, which has for more than a decade endured near-daily violence blamed on IS or its forerunner, al Qaida in Iraq, and which mostly targeted members of Iraq's Shiite majority. The fuel station bombing underlined the continuing ability of IS to stage high-profile terror attacks even as a massive Iraqi military operation is under way to dislodge its fighters from its last major urban stronghold in Iraq, the northern city of Mosul. The offensive is being aided by volunteer militiamen and the US-led coalition, which has mostly been pounding IS targets in Mosul with air strikes. The latest IS bombing took place in Iraq's Shiite hinterland south of Baghdad, a region that has largely been spared the near-daily violence that has for years engulfed the capital and Sunni regions. Earlier this week, prime minister Haider al-Abadi visited Karbala, where he praised the country's security forces for protecting the pilgrims against attacks by IS. Extremist Sunni militants, including IS, view Shiites as heretics and routinely target Iranian pilgrims who visit Iraq by the hundreds of thousands to pay homage to major Shiite shrines in Baghdad, and also the Shiite holy cities of Karbala and Najaf, south of Baghdad, and Samarra, to the north. Shiite Iran is a major backer of the governments in Iraq and neighbouring Syria in their fight against IS, providing military advisers and weapons. "Let the vile Rafidha (Shiites) know that what awaits them in the near future, God willing, will be more painful and bitter and that the flames of the battles in Nineveh will reach them in Baghdad, Karbala and Najaf," IS said in its statement. Nineveh is the northern Iraqi province where Mosul is the capital. The Shiite observance in Karbala, called the al-Arbaeen, in which the Iranian victims participated, was the 40th day after the anniversary of the death of a much-revered 7th century religious figure, Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammed. The ceremonies routinely attract hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, including many Iranians who travel overland into Iraq for the occasion. Several members of Iranian civil defence staff who had been in Karbala to offer assistance to Iranian pilgrims rushed to the scene after the bombing, helping their Iraqi counterparts collect the bodies of the victims and aiding the wounded. The Iraqi government's campaign to retake Mosul began last month, but stiff IS resistance and concerns over the safety of civilians who remain inside the city have slowed progress. Fighting continues in the eastern sector of Mosul, with Iraqi special forces seizing another neighbourhood, Masaref, and advancing in the densely populated Zohour district, according to military chiefs . AP A gunman wielding a sawn-off shotgun launched an attack on a retirement home for monks near Montpellier in the south of France last night. Early reports suggested that a female security guard and a man had been killed during the attack. Reuters reported she contacted police before she was killed with a knife. A police operation was under way to apprehend the attacker. According to the initial reports, one individual - said to be hooded and armed with a knife and a sawn-off shotgun - broke into the retirement home where 70 elderly monks were being held hostage. Witnesses say the man entered the building at around 8.45pm. The police were last night trying to locate the attacker, who also bound and gagged a guard at the African Missions retirement home. A special unit of the gendarmerie, the PSIG-Sabre, was deployed to the evolving hostage situation. No information was immediately available about the attacker or his motivations. The modern building is set in a typically Mediterranean wooded setting in Monferrier, on the outskirts of the city of Montpellier. Firefighters damp down a blaze that forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes (AP) Israeli firefighters have reined in a blaze that had spread across the country's third-largest city of Haifa and forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes, but continued to battle more than a dozen other fires around the country. Some of the 60,000 evacuated people began trickling back to their charred homes to assess the damage as police and firefighting units remained heavily deployed in the Haifa area for fear that the fire could be reignited by dry, windy weather. Though no serious injuries were caused, several dozen people were treated in hospital for smoke inhalation. Hundreds of homes were damaged and in a rare move, Israel called up military reservists to join overstretched police and firefighters and made use of an international fleet of firefighting aircraft sent by several countries. A Boeing 747-400 Supertanker, the world's largest firefighting aircraft, capable of carrying 75 tons of fire retardant, is scheduled to arrive to help the efforts, though officials said it may not be needed by then. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said a small village in the forests near Jerusalem was evacuated overnight as several homes caught fire. Other small fires were under control, he added. Mr Rosenfeld said 12 people have been arrested across Israel on suspicion of arson. The country's leaders have raised the possibility that Arab assailants intentionally set the blazes. Israel has been on edge during more than a year of Palestinian attacks - mostly stabbings - that have tapered off but not completely halted in recent months. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has blamed Palestinian incitement for fuelling those attacks. Israel's police chief Roni Alsheich told reporters that early indications towards a series of "politically motivated" arson attacks. The fires began three days ago at the Neve Shalom community near Jerusalem, where Israelis and Arabs live together. Later, blazes erupted in the northern Israeli area of Zichron Yaakov and elsewhere near Jerusalem before the largest ones spread across Haifa. The rash of fires is the worst since 2010, when Israel suffered the deadliest wildfire in its history. That blaze burned out of control for four days, killed 42 people and was extinguished only after firefighting aircraft arrived from as far away as the US. Israel has strengthened its firefighting capabilities since then, buying planes that can drop large quantities of water on affected areas. Several countries, including Russia, France, Cyprus, Turkey, Croatia, Greece and Italy sent assistance to battle this week's blazes. In a rare gesture, the Palestinians also sent firefighting teams to help. With the imminent danger subsiding, attention shifted towards the source of the massive fires. The police chief has ordered an investigation to determine whether the suspected arsonists were linked to a larger plot. Several ministers and legislators have already spoken up, claiming the blazes were an act of terrorism. Naftali Bennett, leader of the nationalist Jewish Home party, tweeted that "only those to whom the land does not belong are capable of burning it". With no concrete evidence to support the claim, Arabs are accusing the government of taking advantage of the tragedy to incite feelings against them. AP The snakes were bound for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Police have seized 120 live cobras being carried in boxes on a bus in Vietnam. The bus with four passengers was stopped by police in the central province of Dak Nong on Wednesday night, Thanh Nien state newspaper reported. Cobra is eaten as a delicacy in Vietnam and is used in traditional medicines. The cobras, weighing a combined 220 kilograms (484 pounds), were contained in 15 plastic boxes. The driver told police he was hired to transport the cobras from the northern province of Vinh Phuc to the southern commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City. The snakes were seized in violation of a law banning transportation of products dangerous to people, and transferred to a district police station for handling. Police were not available for comment on Friday and it was not clear if arrests were made. AP I've said it before, and I'll say it again: what's the point of having a child if you're going to plonk her or him in full-time childcare shortly after the umbilical cord is cut? This is more than an unfashionable view, I know. In some circles, it's practically unsayable. Making parents - especially working mothers - feel guilty is a social crime. But I happen to believe that very young children do better with one-to-one care from someone who loves them, someone who is deeply invested in their well-being and development, right from the word go. And it doesn't have to be the mother who offers that care. Dads can do it, as can grandparents. The important thing is that the child gets to explore the world with a loving, emotionally-connected adult at their side, listening to them, guiding them, answering all their strange and wonderful questions. Singing songs together, reading stories together. Teaching them what mango tastes like, why leaves are green, why it's wrong to pull the legs off spiders. But it seems that I've had it wrong all this time. According to a widely-reported study by the University of Oxford and the London School of Economics, children are better off being sent to nursery, rather than staying at home with mum or dad. Young children whose mothers are not working have lower capabilities in terms of talking, social skills, movement and everyday skills, the study says. Laurence Roope of Oxford University, a co-writer of the report, said it was clear that time spent in day care had a "strong positive effect" on children. "It should give parents some reassurance that nurseries are not going to harm their children, and are likely to be beneficial," he said. I've always felt sorry for the tiny children you see being dropped off at nursery at 8am by parents in flashy cars. That's where they'll spend the day, being cared for by largely under-educated supervisors - just over one in five daycare staff hold a qualification above A-level - before being collected again at teatime. Sometimes you see the kids being brought out for a walk, a poignant little gaggle in high-visibility vests that often look too big for them. Now we are supposed to accept that this existence is markedly more beneficial for children's development than being looked after by their own parent. That's more than counter-intuitive, it's downright bizarre. Look, I'm aware that few people have the luxury of being able to step away from work and devote themselves entirely to their child's early years. For every family, it's a balancing act, and for some, full-time parenting is simply not a viable option. But the plain fact is that plenty of better-off parents could, with a bit of financial re-jiggling, do most of the rearing of their young offspring themselves, if they wanted. It might not be easy, it might involve sacrifices of various kinds, and it might have an impact on future earnings and career development. But it is possible. Many parents choose not to do that, which is of course their right and prerogative. Perhaps they do not want to give up the double income, or the big house, or the nice cars, or the holidays abroad. Fair enough - it's up to them. That is their choice. What struck me about the Oxford research is that it was an economic report. According to Laurence Roope, economists are starting to study the well-being of pre-school children because they are interested in understanding "human capital these are the things which feed through to the labour market and the generation of income." Human capital - now there's a phrase to send a shiver through the soul. If we regard our children as the human capital of the future - as nothing more than economically valuable bodies in the workforce, an investment on behalf of the State - then we divest them of the very qualities which make them human. Happiness and sociability and intelligence are not cold measures of future productivity, they are what makes life worth living. I have no doubt it's healthy for children to spend time together, acquiring the "everyday skills" this study speaks of, such as getting dressed, or learning to share. Play groups and nursery schools - as distinct from full-time daycare - provide this for most children in the pre-school year. But no amount of economists brandishing data about "human capital" will convince me that there's any real substitute for that patient, consistent, one-to-one attention that a youngster really needs if he or she is to thrive and flourish as a fully-rounded adult. Till Faida: I feel that publishers are starting to realise that it's not adblocking that is putting their monetisation at risk Till Faida may be one of the most fumed about people in world media. As chief executive of Eyeo, the company that distributes Adblock Plus, his technology lets people block ads on their phones and PCs cutting off already diminishing revenue to publishers. The technology is estimated to cost publishers up to 20bn a year in lost ad views and Adblock Plus is the most used service in the world with 400m downloads. In total, as many as 20pc of all internet users now block ads and Mr Faida is one of the most identifiable people associated with making it happen. I caught up with the young German at the Web Summit in Lisbon, minutes after watching him get barracked on stage by Bloomberg Media's chief executive Justin Smith and the Financial Times's chief product officer Cait O'Riordan. He was unperturbed by the withering remarks aimed his way by two of the most senior executives in financial media. "I feel that publishers are starting to realise that it's not adblocking that is putting their monetisation at risk, it's a business model that is based on annoying the readers," he says. "That is not a sustainable business model." According to the most recent research from Adobe and (Irish) firm Pagefair, one in seven people now block ads online. Desperate publishers say firms such as Eyeo who spread the technology are destroying their chances of survival. Mr Faida has a different view. "Right now, publishers are hurting and I completely sympathise with that," he says. "They are dealing with their readers moving online and they've just figured it out now. The most successful publishers will be the ones that focus on a monetisation method that is accepted by the user and doesn't rely on forcing something on users that they clearly don't want to see." Adblock Plus's own business model is that it operates a 'whitelist' of 'acceptable' ad formats for publishers to use. The whitelist won't let things like screen takeovers or intrusive pop-ups take place. But it will let some ad formats through. Adblock Plus provides a service for companies which want to know which ads will make it past its filters. This "partnering" pitch has led to accusations of "blackmail" from publishing groups, with UK culture secretary John Whittingdale calling the process a "modern day protection racket" in March of this year. But Mr Faida says these accusations are wide of the mark. "They are just trying to discredit what we do," he says. "They hope that maybe, magically, their challenges will disappear. It is important that publishers realise they can't just show the same ads to those users anymore. Users have opted out of the ad experience they're getting by installing an adblocker. There is a way to win them back but it has to be done with alternative ads. There is a huge opportunity. Everyone who partners with us makes more money than they did before." Mr Faida believes that far from destroying online publishing, adblocking services like his can save the media industry from a current "race to the bottom" with more and more intrusive ad formats. "Look, users don't interact with ads anymore, which is why the revenues are decreasing for publishers," he says. "So publishers feel they need to compensate for those decreasing revenues by allowing more and more aggressive ads on their site. To be honest, many journalists tell me that this is very frustrating for them because they feel it's degrading the content they're producing. And what's even worse is that this is creating a vicious cycle in which ads become more and more aggressive and at the same time less and less valuable for publishers. So what we want to achieve with our acceptable ads programme is to create an ecosystem that is more sustainable. We want fewer, higher quality ads to provide more value for everybody so there's not this race to the bottom." As for the type of ads that fall foul of Adblock Plus's quality threshold, Mr Faida says that the list is long. But he says that it's possible to make some general observations. "It's everything that distracts a user from what he or she wants to do at a particular point. So if you're reading an article and something is screaming for attention or is obscuring your reading, that's not good. Or if you want to watch a video but first you have to sit through a pre-roll video, this takes users away from what they really want to do. It becomes a really frustrating experience." One problem with restricting ad formats for publishers is that money has to be made up elsewhere. Many publishers are now turning to 'native' advertising strategies to make up for the shortfall in display ad revenue. Such 'native' strategies often include reallocating resources away from journalism and toward commercially-oriented feature articles or online videos made on behalf of an advertiser. Mr Faida says that this is a problem that only publishers can figure out themselves. But he warns against publishers moving into the commercial equivalent of 'fake news'. "It is important that we don't gamble with users' trust here," he says. "What we have seen with banner ads is that some people clicked on a banner ad, got a frustrating experience and then learned not to interact with banners anymore. So we have to make sure with new ad formats and platforms that we don't repeat the same mistake again. You can't gamble with the trust of users. You can only trick them once or twice before they lose trust. This is why I think a sustainable approach to monetising is so important. We should all have a long-term view. And publishers should really regain the control over how they monetise their audience because only the publishers really care about a relationship between them and their audience. Many publishers have completely outsourced their monetisation to a third party that doesn't care about the relationship of publishers with the audience." So what kind of ads should publishers be looking to encourage, then? "If you limit the amount of ads overall they won't have to scream for attention," he says. "If you only have one or two ads on a webpage, instead of five really big flashy ones, they are not competing against each other for attention. So with our acceptable ads programme, we're trying to define those criteria. It's things like the screen size that they can occupy. But it's also things like animations, how attention-grabbing they might be as well as the separation of content and ads. There also has to be a very clear and visible label so that users can always distinguish what is organic content and what is sponsored content. To me, those are the four core criteria we are trying to establish." Not everyone is taking the adblockers lying down. In Germany, publisher Axel Springer has banned adblock users from viewing Bild, the country's biggest-selling newspaper online. Other online publications have done the same, including the Financial Times and The Washington Post. And Adblock Plus has faced legal action in Europe by publishers seeking to control their own ad inventory. "We have had seven lawsuits now and each and every time the courts have said again and again, ad blocking is perfectly legal," says Mr Faida. However, the company may face bigger competition from online giants that now stand to lose out if ad blocking becomes more pervasive. In its most recent quarterly earnings, Facebook boasted that it was fighting back against ad blocking services and had seen rates of ad blocking users stagnate on Facebook as a result. Battling cash-strapped newspapers may be one thing. Isn't Faida worried about going to war with entities as big and technically stacked as Facebook and Google? "I would actually argue that we have more resources than them on this particular topic because Adblock Plus is open source and the filters that are the backbone of it are created by the open source community," he says. "So we have hundreds of contributors worldwide that constantly update the filters and they are the ones engaging in this cat and mouse game that is going on with Facebook. We strongly benefit from having this community of volunteers who donate their time and effort to keeping up with blocking everything that they deem unacceptable." Nevertheless, such a battle has begun. And while use of ad blockers is still on the rise, advertising associations such as the IAB say that the growth in users has stalled. "It still requires a certain level of sophistication to even know about ad blockers," says Mr Faida. "If it weren't for me, my parents wouldn't have ever heard of ad blockers. So there isn't an endless demographic of tech savvy people that want to stay up to date on the most recent type of ads that are available. So naturally if we're targeting savvy users, at some point there is a certain saturation naturally. "It's still predominantly a product that young people use and many people wouldn't even know that adblocking is an option they have." It can be tough to be a vegetarian. You have to work harder than everyone else to make sure youre getting all the nutrients your body needs. So, when its time to take a A mirror is something that we use every day to look at ourselves and make sure we look good for the day. It is also the only way we're able to see ourselves: what we look like in that moment and how we're presenting ourselves to the world. Just like a mirror, media can influence the way we see ourselves and affect our interpretation of others. An American study done by Kristen Harrison and Nicole Martins in 2012 correlated the number of hours that children watched TV with their self-esteem scores. When comparing the scores of white boys and girls as well as black boys and girls, the results showed that the white boys had the highest self-esteem scores. Although the white children watched less TV on average, other researchers have attributed the large difference in scores to the difference in gender and racial representation in American programming. Nomalanga Mphuthi Why? Well this is because regardless of whether a child is watching a cartoon, sitcom or action movie, the hero or main character is most likely to be a white male. This boosts the white boys self-esteem, because theyre able to see themselves represented in a positive light as well as in various roles. On the contrary, in American programming, black females are barely represented and if they are, it is often as base stereotypes such as the sassy best friend, the help, or some other side character that doesnt grow, but helps the main character shine. A diversity in media specialist, Carlos Corte, describes mass media as a teacher. This is because those in the industry have the power to choose which type of people they will feature and how they will be portrayed. Their portrayal choices affect how people interpret different groups of people as well as how people interpret their own identity, as we saw in the case of the self-esteem study. If certain groups are constantly portrayed in a certain light (for example, black males are often portrayed as scary, lazy or poor in popular programming), then others may start to see this as truth - especially if exposed to these images from a young age and made even worse if they are not exposed to diverse populations in real life. Fortunately, in South Africa, our TV programming gives black people a wide range of characters that truly represent our people. But this is still a huge issue in our advertising agencies. Most agency staff is white, which doesnt represent our population. As Ross Chowles, creative strategist at Jupiter Drawing Room, says, Whats in the agency must be whats outside the agency. Although there are some black people being hired, there is a low intake, because of the tendency of senior employees to hire people similar to them - not only in terms of race, but also in terms of having formalised education like degrees, which further reduces the pool of potential black hires. It creates an atmosphere where keeping the old boys club intact is prioritised over diversity and wealth of ideas. As a result, the majority of staff in agencies is still white and most of the top-level positions are filled by white men. This often creates a disconnect between the creative team and the target audience. This results in adverts based on shallow stereotypes. Stereotypes in advertising As part of my research, I reached out to other black people via Facebook to give me examples of adverts that they felt were clear examples of the creators using shallow stereotypes. Many mentioned adverts that played on the loud, big mama trope, as well as crowds being depicted as over-dramatic, which plays on the loud, black" stereotype. Another trope that came up was that black people are always singing and dancing. This trope is present in adverts across every category. The black people singing and dancing trope in adverts is problematic, because it seems as if the white creators only exposure to black people and culture came from MTV, so it is assumed that were always dancing and singing at any chance we get - which is definitely not true. Other issues that were highlighted was the way in which black people are often portrayed to be poorer than white people. For example, in many washing powder ads, there is usually a black woman in rural areas using the hand wash version and a white woman using the washing machine, which creates the image that no black people can afford to live in the suburbs and own a washing machine. And of course, the fact that only women are shown doing the laundry perpetrates harmful gender stereotypes. Another person mentioned that for soap adverts, often black people are portrayed using the bar soap version and white people are shown using the more expensive shower gel. Overall, what we see from these kinds of adverts is that there is a typical teenager-parent relationship, because theres a major disconnect between the audience and the creatives. Adverts targeted at black consumers end up using these stereotypes, because there is no knowledge of the consumer within the agencies and little to no research is done on the market. When researching this topic, there was a strong sense that many black, especially poorer, consumers felt like these ads are patronising and actually put them off the product, no matter how great the product claims to be. There is also the sense that low-to-middle income black consumers arent truly valued by their brands, because their ads use base stereotypes, but ads targeted to higher income people have research behind it and are well executed. Also, that disconnect results in adverts that the creators may think are funny, but in reality is quite offensive or the joke falls flat. As I have previously mentioned, the media acts as a teacher and its important to for us in the advertising/communication space to take that role seriously. Weve seen from the studies Ive mentioned that what people are exposed to by the media can affect peoples perceptions of themselves and others. If we continue to have these harmful stereotypes in our advertising, then we will be part of the problem and can be held partly responsible for the racial divides that persist in our country. Create a diverse workplace The only way to improve these issues is by encouraging more racial diversity within agencies. These people shouldnt be hired just as tokens or only as a sounding board, but should be given the opportunity to make meaningful contributions. Hiring more people of colour will help to provide more insightful thinking and produce adverts that will actually relate to the audience. It will also show the agencies commitment to improving the country by having an integrated staff. Its also important for those in senior positions to be more open to their teams ideas, especially if the members of the team are part of and know more about the target market. Most importantly, we can shatter the stereotypes! A mirror is something that we use every day to look at ourselves and make sure we look good for the day. It is also the only way were able to see ourselves: what we look like in that moment and how were presenting ourselves to the world. Just like a mirror, media can influence the way we see ourselves and affect our interpretation of others, so lets make sure it reflects who we truly are. Mphuthi was one of the Marketing, Advertising and Communications graduates to present at Red & Yellow School of Logic and Magic's MAC Live 2016. *Note that Bizcommunity staff and management do not necessarily share the views of its contributors - the opinions and statements expressed herein are solely those of the author.* BEIJING - Coca-Cola workers in three Chinese cities have gone on strike after the US soft drinks giant announced it was selling its bottling interests in the country. Coca-Cola announced last week it was selling all its bottling assets in mainland China to Hong Kong conglomerate Swire Pacific and COFCO Corporation (AFP Photo/ Eric Piermont Strikes and other labour protests have surged in recent years in China, where growth is slowing and parts of the economy are moribund. The beverage giant announced last week it was selling all its bottling assets in mainland China to Hong Kong conglomerate Swire Pacific and COFCO Corporation, one of China's state-owned food giants. The Swire transaction would cost 5.87 billion yuan ($850 million), the Hong Kong company said. COFCO did not disclose the size of its deal. Workers at three Coca-Cola plants called coordinated strikes on Monday, with pictures posted online appearing to show workers outside a factory in Chongqing with a banner that read: "We worked hard for over a decade but were sold in less than a second. Compensate! Compensate! Compensate!" Another proclaimed: "Give back my youth, compensate my time". Simultaneous strikes also took place in Chengdu, also in the southwest, and Jilin province in the northeast, other photos on social media showed. One worker told AFP that more than 600 staff went on strike in Chengdu. Labour protests have erupted in China with economic growth slowing, and closing factories often leaving workers with unpaid wages and no redundancy pay. According to data from Hong Kong-based rights group China Labour Bulletin (CLB), there were 2,774 strikes and labour protests across the country in 2015 -- more than the previous four years put together -- with unpaid wages the most common grievance. Independent trade unions are banned in China, with only the official All-China Federation of Trade Unions legally recognised. But critics say it often fails to assist workers in disputes. Officials pay close attention to unrest that could upset social stability, which the ruling Communist party seeks to maintain. The Coca-Cola bottling plant workers fear that they will lose their jobs or pay under the state-owned employer, one striking employee told AFP. "We are demanding the company disclose details of the refranchising and plans during the transitional period," he said. "We request the company give workers economic compensation before they decide to sign the contract with COFCO." According to posts on social media, police clashed with strikers at the Chongqing factory, with video showing police pushing a cluster of workers in red uniforms and officers photographed subduing a struggling man. Police officials in Chongqing said they had no information on such incidents when contacted by AFP. Similar strikes broke out in 2011 when workers at five Pepsi bottling plants across China protested after the US beverage giant sold its plants in the country to a Japanese-Taiwanese venture. The commercial production of winter cereals for 2016's past season is now expected to be greater than forecast a month ago, according to data released on Thursday by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' crop estimates committee. Winter wheat production, the committee says, is expected to come in at 1.766-million tonnes, which is an increase of 1.9% about 32,000 tonnes more than the previous forecast in October. The increase comes despite late seasonal winter rains. These have delayed wheat planting in the Western Cape, which accounts for about 50% of SAs wheat production, the US agriculture departments Foreign Agriculture Service said in October in a commodity intelligence update. Winter wheat is planted in May and harvested in November. The report forecast a crop of 1.69-million tonnes, which was 60,000 tonnes lower than 2015s output of 1.75-million tonnes, or 3.67 tonnes per hectare. The crop estimates committee now expects a yield of 3.47 tonnes per hectare, which breaks down to an expected production in the Western Cape of 969,000 tonnes or 55% of the total. The Free State is expected to produce about 308,000 tonnes (17%) and the Northern Cape 252,000 tonnes (14%), the committee said. Among other winter crops, the production forecast for malting barley was 309,815 tonnes, which was 3.3% more than the previous forecast of 299,895 tonnes. The area planted to barley was estimated at 88,695ha, while the expected yield is 3.49 tonnes per hectare, the committee said. Oil seed crop canola was also adjusted higher by 3,400 tonnes to 112,260 tonnes. The area estimate for canola is 68,075ha, with an expected yield of 1.65 tonnes per hectare. Thirteen months after it first proposed the creation of a controversial black economic empowerment (BEE) scheme, Sovereign Foods has told shareholders it has decided to abandon the plan. The announcement was included in the interim results, which were released on Wednesday. They showed the devastating effect of the drought and increased imports on the local poultry industry with the group reporting a headline loss of 48.8c per share. The decision to abandon the BEE scheme was inevitable given that a hostile shareholder, Country Bird Holdings (CBH), had built up a 34.1% stake that would block the implementation of any corporate action needing a special resolution. A special resolution requires the support of at least 75% of shareholders. CBH has been forced by the Takeover Regulation Panel to suspend any further moves on Sovereign for 10 months. The proposed scheme, which would have seen key members of management participate in a controlling block of shares, sparked a backlash by activist shareholders as well as a hostile bid for control by CBH. The Sovereign board spent R17m defending itself against the hostile bid and an additional R4m in its attempts to implement the BEE scheme. These costs were written off during the six months to August. The ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) margin, which was in negative territory, would have been a minuscule 0.1% if these one-off costs were excluded. A 15% increase in the cost of feed per tonne due to the drought coupled with a 3% decline in net selling prices due to poultry oversupply were the main operational factors behind the grim results. Increased sales volume and improved operational efficiencies helped to cushion it against the worst of the difficult trading conditions. The good news for shareholders who are resigned to the current control situation is that the worst may be behind the industry. In addition, the current management has made some progress in improving product mix and increasing its margins. In the statement released with the results, CEO Chris Coombes said indications were the 2016-17 local maize and soya bean crops would be higher than the previous year. The worst drought in 100 years saw the spot price for maize increasing 31% and soya 39%. Forward prices for July 2017 are currently 32% and 5% lower than spot prices. Coombes is expecting feed costs to start falling in the three months to February 2017. Local players, including Sovereign, have also been hit by an oversupply as imports poured into the market. While the US has attracted most of the headlines it seems that the bulk of the volumes have come from the EU, in particular Holland. Coombes said the oversupply caused prices of mixed portion and other commodity line products to decline more than 8%. Sovereign is continuing to diversify away from commodity type products into higher-margin, niche products such as fully cooked value-added products to Spar, traditional quick service restaurant products, fresh products and weighted products. Sovereign has had some success with exports of cooked products to the Middle East. Overall value-added products account for 23% of the groups revenue and 14% of volume. Farm workers struck a sweet deal yesterday, 23 November 2016, after a bitter battle over wages with a top wine producer. Robertson Winery and the Commercial, Stevedoring, Agricultural and Allied Workers' Union last night were finalising a wage increase of possibly 38% for permanent employees. The agreement was about to be signed at the beginning of the 14th week of the strike. Last week the union was found to be in contempt of court and fined R50,000 for hate speech after protesters sang, "Dubula Reinette" (Shoot Reinette). They were referring to the company's human resources manager, Reinette Jordaan. This was in defiance of an interdict against unlawful conduct by strikers. The Labour Court in Cape Town said the interdict was also breached when strikers tried to intimidate non-strikers. Union member Mercia Andrew said the current base salary is R3,400 a month. The union had asked for R8,500 but lowered its demand to R4,700. "We are looking forward to when the workers are back so that we can get our productivity back to normal," said Jordaan. It is not known what will happen to the temporary workers employed during the strike but Jordaan said "there is a process" with regard to their employment. Recently Robertson and several other top wine farms in the province came under fire when a documentary, Bitter Grapes, was aired in Europe. It revealed the appalling working conditions on some farms. The documentary, produced by Danish filmmaker Tom Heinemann, prompted supermarkets in that country to remove South African wines from their shelves. Scandinavian countries consume about 50 million litres of South African wine annually. The documentary also led to an investigation by the Department of Labour which found clear evidence that some employees had been poorly treated. On one farm workers did not have access to clean drinking water. Farmers were given 14 days to remedy the situation. Source: The Times Dr Thandi Ndlovu, CEO of Motheo Construction Group, has been elected as a council member to the South African Forum of Civil Engineering Contractors (SAFCEC). She believes that SAFCEC continues to play a critical role in the construction industry's ongoing efforts to transform. Dr Thandi Ndlovu The appointment bears testimony to both the transformational role that Motheo Construction Group continues to play within the industry, and the esteem in which it is held by its major players, Dr Ndlovu commented. She was a founding member of South African Women in Construction in the early 1990s, established Motheo Construction Group in 1997, and in 2013 won the Businesswoman of the Year Award in the Entrepreneurs category, as awarded by the Businesswomens Association of South Africa. Dr Ndlovu said her long association with SAFCEC extended to her role as president of the Black Business Council for the Built Environment (BBCBE) in 2012, when both SAFCEC and the BBCBE began engaging the construction industry about the so-called Voluntary Rebuilding Programme (VRP) or Settlement Agreement, concluded finally with the government in October this year. This commits the seven listed South African construction companies to collectively invest R1.5bn over the next 12 years into the Tirisano Trust, which will be overseen by SAFCEC, in conjunction with a board of trustees appointed by the government. Restoring trust in the construction industry The Settlement Agreement was a blueprint for restoring the governments trust in the construction industry. I am confident that the document, flawed as it is, will allow us to work together to effect truly transformational and empowering policies within our companies, Dr Ndlovu commented. This will result in a window of opportunity whereby the government will begin to release its major infrastructure spend. The Settlement Agreement talks a lot about reinstating ethics and integrity in the industry. It talks to corruption, which is another reason why projects have been delayed, due to corruption in the procurement process. My view is that, with the implementation of the Settlement Agreement, we will see a reversal. Dr Ndlovu added that SAFCEC continued to play a critical role in the South African construction industry. We hardly acknowledge it for that. I think the current structure, including its leadership and constitution, has changed dramatically. We do not give due recognition to the fact that its specific provisions to include black people is a huge step. Commenting on the impact that her appointment to the SAFCEC council would have on Motheo Construction Group, Dr Ndlovu said: It will accelerate our own continued transformation as a truly empowered, all-encompassing, black-owned construction company, commanding the respect of the industry, and leading the way forward. The University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) have launched a partnership to bolster support to tourism and hospitality students facing financial hurdles. Trishia Tshandu and Neo Malema with Andrew Stark of Flight Centre The travel agency has sponsored new student bursaries and has also made a contribution towards providing a lecture room at the UJ School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH). Dr Diane Abrahams, director of STH says: Transformation in the tourism and hospital industry is vital for the growth of this important sector of our economy. At the STH we prepare young people, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, to enter the industry in a variety of exciting careers whereby they transform not only their lives but that of their family and the community in which they live. FCTG is sponsoring bursaries for two of our students who are excelling academically, and are part of the missing middle students who are regarded as too rich to qualify for government support, but too poor to afford tuition fees. It is encouraging to see international industry partners such as FCTG supporting both students and the infrastructure needed to deliver more young professionals to the workplace, says Abrahams. Travel, tourism and hospitality is the fastest-growing sector alongside banking and agriculture, contributing 10% to global GDP. Wed like to see more government collaboration with the private sector to promote the industry. We are committed to doing our part and our partnership with UJ is the start. We care about delivering amazing travel experiences but we also care about collaboratively educating our youth of today to become our leaders of tomorrow,says Andrew Stark, managing director at FCTG. The first two bursaries were handed over to first-year student Neo Malema (21) and Trishia Tshandu (20) who is in her second year of study. New findings from Juniper Research reveal that the annual production of self-driving cars will reach 14.5 million in 2025, up significantly from only a few thousands in 2020, to give a global installed base of more than 22 million consumer vehicles by 2025. Karsten Neglia via 123RF The new research, 'Autonomous Vehicles & ADAS: Adoption, Regulation & Business Models 2016-2025', found that the market adoption of AV (autonomous vehicle) technology is set to accelerate over the next few years, driven by: increasingly stringent vehicle safety specifications, environmental pressures, and rapid technological developments. End of the road for taxi drivers? The research found that driverless vehicles will have a disruptive impact on transportation around the world and will ultimately lead to millions of professional drivers being made redundant. The research company predicts that city-based taxi services will be one of the key early adopters of driverless vehicles. Research author Gareth Owen added: The introduction of driverless cars will result in fundamental changes to the automotive world and society in general, and it is clear that the boundaries between private vehicle ownership, car sharing and rental fleets will increasingly become blurred. However, the research warned that following the first-ever fatality in an AV vehicle, the recent Tesla S accident in Florida, the AV industry must convince the public that their vehicles are completely safe. OEMs accelerating AV development Juniper found that a number of major OEMs including BMW, Toyota and GM are accelerating their AV development and testing programmes and now have firm plans to launch production vehicles. As a result, the company forecasts that driverless vehicles will start to become widespread in the 2020-2025 timeframe, although they will initially be confined to city centres or key routes due to the need for extensive V2X (vehicle-to-everything) infrastructure. The following films will hit the big screen this week; Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Vir die Voels, The Snow Queen 2, Maggie's Plan and The Entertainer. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them An all-new adventure returning us to the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling. The film marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, whose script was inspired by the Hogwarts textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, written by her character Newt Scamander. Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne stars in the central role of wizarding world magizoologist Newt Scamander, under the direction of David Yates. The story opens in 1926 as Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incidentwere it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newts fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds. Read a full review here Vir die Voels The true story of Irma Humpel, portrayed by Simone Nortmann, a stubborn tomboy who ends up at the altar with the boy who relentlessly teased her when she was a young girl. She was convinced that independence was the only form of freedom, but all of a sudden Sampie de Klerk (Francois Jacobs) starts challenging her convictions on all levels. Quentin Krog, director of the film, says: Im excited about the audience whos going to watch the film. Im excited about the idea of transporting them to a different time and era. To make them laugh, cry and fall in love. To entertain them. The Snow Queen 2 The tale of The Snow Queen was based on the original classic fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen and first published in 1845. The story centres on the struggle between good and evil as taken on by a little boy and girl Gerda and her brother Kai. The Snow Queen 2 picks up the tale. After their victory over the Snow Queen, the trolls have developed a taste for freedom. Having played a major role in the triumph, the troll Orm has become a hero to all. This is not enough for him, however. Comically exaggerating his exploits and achievements, he spins a web of lies, claiming that he personally defeated the Snow Queen, and that he is destined to marry the princess and inherit great power and riches. But where will Orms stories lead him? The English-language voice cast features Sharlto Copley as Orm, Bella Thorne as Gerda, Isabelle Fuhrman as Alfida and Sean Bean as General Arrog. Thorne also sings an original song for the film. Maggies Plan A woman (Greta Gerwig) falls in love with a married man (Ethan Hawke), then devises a strategy to reunite him with his former wife (Julianne Moore) three years later. It is terrifically funny and enjoyable a metropolitan comedy in the former high style of Woody Allen, directed with elegance and dash by Miller and co-scripted by her with publisher-turned-screenwriter Karen Rinaldi The Entertainer The final production of 2016 from Branagh Theatre Live is John Osbornes powerful post-World War II play, The Entertainer. Staged at the famous Garrick Theatre in Londons West End, and featuring some of Britains renowned stage actors, this cinema event is set against the backdrop of post-war Britain, John Osbornes modern classic conjures the seedy glamour of the old music halls for an explosive examination of public masks and private torment. Rob Ashford directs this production with Kenneth Branagh as the unforgettable Archie Rice. Also featuring in this production are Greta Scacchi as Archies cheated-on wife Phoebe, Gawn Grainger as his ex-showman father Billy, Jonah Hauer-King as Archies conscientious-objector son Frank, and Sophie McShera as his passionate and politicised daughter Jean Read more about the latest film releases: www.writingstudio.co.za While the rest of the product planning departments at the world's car makers scramble to find ways to extract the higher build costs of battery-electric for their small cars, Daimler is already there. Two decades of losing money on the expensive Smart city car brand look like they might finally pay off. Like the Mercedes A and B classes, all Smarts were conceived with electric power in mind and the new one, which made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 2016, will be the fourth generation of zero-emission Smart Fortwo. Smart is the only car brand in the world to offer electric versions of every model it makes. Three-phase synchronous motor Sharing much technology with Renault's Twingo has not hurt the electric Smart's development path, not least because it gave the brand access to a five-door hatch. At the core of the three-model range (Fortwo, Fortwo cabrio and Forfour) is a three-phase synchronous motor, delivering 60kW power and 160Nm torque. Like internal combustion engine Smarts, the motor in all three models sits over the De Dion rear axle. Unlike the internal combustion engine Smarts, there is no dual-clutch transmission alongside it. Instead, there is just a single gear and when the driver selects reverse, the Smarts simply run the electric motor backwards. This reversible single-speed drive system is claimed to be a bonus in heavy traffic. The motor's rotor is magnetised whenever current flows, with the energy flow from the high-voltage, lithium-ion battery governed by an electronic control unit that also controls the drive system. All three versions share the 17.6kWh battery pack beneath the front seats (or, in the two-door versions' case, the only seats). Battery pack Built by Saxony's Deutsche Accumotive, Daimler's wholly-owned battery subsidiary, the pack uses 96 flat cells. Its chemistry has been improved to the point that Daimler guarantees the quoted capacity and power output rates will remain for the cars' minimum eight years or 100,000km. Deutsche Accumotive also made the battery pack for the third-generation BEV Smart Fortwo, though this one outstrips it by offering a claimed 160km range, limiting the top speed to 130km/h. While the coming wave of premium electric cars will use any number of custom-designed alloy cases for their battery packs, the Smarts' are in a cage of high-strength steel tubes. The cars will retain standard clever features from existing Smarts, including a 6.95m kerb-to-kerb turning circle for the 2.69m Fortwo versions. The cars receive an upgraded on-board charger that halves the recharge time to two-and-a-half hours in the UK and the US. There will also be a 22kW fast charger in some parts of the world that allows the cars to utilise three-phase power to cram an 80% charge into the battery in just 45 minutes. Energy conservation Another tweak for keeping the BEV Smarts moving is an anticipatory radar-based energy recuperation system to minimise wasted braking energy by harvesting as much energy as possible. Besides a softer throttle response and a lower top speed, the Smart's more frugal Eco mode also gives up five rates of recuperation urgency, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy. Its radar monitors the surrounding traffic and lets the car coast if there is no traffic, then uses the electric motor as a generator to harvest energy depending on how quickly the car needs to wash off speed. The enthusiasm with which it harvests energy depends on the battery's temperature and state of charge. Another way it saves energy is by forcing the climate control to reach a preset temperature while the car is attached to the charging station, and that can be adjusted via a smartphone app. It has also moved to counter concerns about pedestrian interaction with a quieter generation of urban transport by fitting the US cars with a weatherproof speaker in the grille. The speed-variable system works predominantly below 30km/h and will be optional in Europe. Feasability This all brings us to the issue of whether the Smart will go the electric route in SA. Sadly not. According to a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz SA, feasibility studies have shown it is not favourable to bring the electric versions to our market. The company is apparently constantly monitoring the situation and if electric vehicles become more popular in the country the decision might be reconsidered. BMW has its i models, Nissan has its Leaf and in 2018 we will get the Jaguar I-Pace and possibly the Tesla Model 3, but few models look as though they should be electric as much as a Smart. Source: Business Day The next round of the dreaded credit ratings is here, so how will South Africa fare amid worsening unemployment figures and sustained weak domestic demand in Moody's rating review today and S&P's review next Friday? While a Moodys downgrade to South Africas sovereign rating from its current rating of two levels above junk will be a disappointment, bringing us to only one notch away from sub-investment grade, a more significant indication will be whether it changes its current outlook from negative to stable, and what this will reveal about S&Ps rating decision next week. This is according to Old Mutual Investment Group chief economist, Rian le Roux, who says that a ratings downgrade from Moodys would not come as a major surprise and doesnt pose as big a risk to the market as a downgrade by S&P, which currently has South Africas rating hanging on at only one level above junk status. If Moodys does decide to downgrade South Africas credit rating, it would simply align their rating with that of S&P and Fitch. However, in the event of such a downgrade, the important thing to observe will be whether Moodys revise their outlook from negative to stable. A stable outlook would indicate little to no intention to downgrade to junk any time soon, which will be viewed in a positive light by investors Le Roux explains. Given our current economic environment, Le Roux believes that S&P could downgrade South Africas local rating, however he does not expect them to downgrade the sovereign rating. If S&P does leave our rating unchanged, this will buy South Africa little more time to get its house in order, implementing some much-needed reforms and consolidating the tentative progress that the SA economy is making, says Le Roux. This begs the question of if S&P doesnt downgrade us next week, will it happen at all? Eskom has denied that Gupta-linked firm Trillian handled negotiations for the utility to settle a massive insurance claim. Source: Eskom The Mail & Guardian reported on Friday that Trillian Capital Partners and associated company Trillian Advisory negotiated with Eskom's insurers for months in an attempt to settle a R5bn. The claim was reportedly linked to the March 2014 explosion at the Duvha power plant in Mpumalanga. The newspaper said documents showed Trillian executives met representatives of insurers Marsh in Sandton; that Trillian presented itself as Eskom's agent in the matter; and that Eskom bosses knew of its work through a steering committee, which included Eskom executives. Quoting documents, the M&G said Trillian executives worked to find a supplier to replace the Duvha boiler, a process due to start next year, which Trillian had been appointed to oversee. But Eskom said in a statement that Trillian provided no assistance with negotiations for its Duvha insurance claim. "We would like to state categorically that Eskom has no contracts in place with Trillian Capital Partners and/or associated companies," it said. Eskom said that when its current board was appointed in December 2014, it was facing challenges at operational and financial levels. In the period there were capacity constraints, delays in the new build programme, associated cost overruns and load shedding. "These challenges led to the board initiating an investigation into the reasons for the above issues and to also devise a turnaround strategy for the organisation. Pursuant to this, in June 2015 the board gave the mandate to negotiate a risk-based contract with McKinsey, covering the main risk areas of the turnaround strategy." Eskom also said it appointed providers to mitigate against the risks it faced at the time. These included imminent credit reviews by ratings agencies. "These service providers included Deloitte Consulting, Barclays, McKinsey, Citibank, and Trillian." The denial over Trillian's alleged involvement in insurance work, among others, was the second time in a month that the utility would not own up to links with "Trillian Capital Partners and/or associated companies". At the end of October, the company issued a similar statement after it was fingered in a whistleblower's affidavit in former public protector Thuli Madonsela state-capture report, which said Trillian knew of the axing of former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene two months before it happened. At the time, Trillian's independent non-executive chairman, Tokyo Sexwale, said he had launched an "independent investigation" to "test the veracity of allegations" that people within Trillian Capital Partners knew of Nene's firing. The South African Renewable Energy Council (SAREC) has come out in cautious support of the update to the Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) and Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), but feels there are still areas of concern. The umbrella body that represents the interests of the solar and wind industries says for the first time since 2010, the process allows all stakeholders to participate in an informed debate on the choices and timings of the technology choices that will enable the delivery of affordable and sustainable energy to South Africa. In terms of the department of energys activity plan, such debate should culminate in the promulgation of a final IRP shortly after March 2017, said Brenda Martin, chair of the council. SAREC acknowledges that wind and solar PV technologies will continue to play a significant role in the countrys future energy path, however, it intends to encourage broad stakeholder groups to make use of the opportunity and process available to address certain issues.It isnt clear as to why constraints imposed on renewable technologies in the IRP 2010 are continuing to be maintained in the 2016 update, considering that the track record of renewable power prices awarded in rounds 1-4 of REIPPP, illustrates a clear decline, even faster than those anticipated back in 2010. Other questions include: Whether rational planning and resulting investment choices have been made on the basis of least cost? Whether all opportunities to achieve both energy and developmental objectives are being utilised. Whether enviable record of deployment and delivery of socioeconomic benefits means that larger allocations of technologies aligned with the achievement of South Africas development agenda should be considered? Why the wind and solar PV prices used in the IRP base case scenario are at variance to real prices being awarded to preferred bidders in round 4 of the REIPPP? Why there is an absence of CSP technology in the IRP base case scenario without any clear explanation? Finally, the IRP 2016 assumes that all determinations gazetted by the minister of energy to date should proceed as planned over the next four years. SAREC would thus like to urgently insist that the DOE ensures due process with the financial close of the round 4 and small IPP preferred bidder projects and the announcement of expedited round preferred bidders. Burson-Marsteller Africa, a leading strategic communications and public relations firm, won African Agency Network of the Year at the Financial Mail AdFocus Awards held in Johannesburg this week. The network's South African business was also shortlisted for the inaugural PR Agency of The Year Award. We are thrilled to have been named the Financial Mail AdFocus African Agency Network of the Year for the second year in a row, said Robyn de Villiers, chairman and CEO of Burson-Marsteller Africa. Our commitment to growing partnerships has underpinned Burson-Marstellers activities across Africa and this award is a tribute to our partners and to every member of our African team, in all 53 countries we cover on the continent. Each one of our partners is individually respected in its own country, and collectively we are recognised as the pre-eminent African communications network. In 2014, Burson-Marsteller rebranded the network it acquired in 2011 to Burson-Marsteller Africa and simultaneously announced branded partner offices in 27 countries. Later that year, that number increased to 29 with the signing of two additional affiliate partnership contracts, both of which had been long-standing exclusive affiliates. In October 2016, the number increased to 36 countries with the launch of Blast Burson-Marsteller in the Indian Ocean Islands, Marketing On Burson-Marsteller in Angola, and the extension of its existing partnership with Icon Burson-Marsteller in Cameroon into two new territories Congo-Brazzaville and Gabon. In the case of Burson-Marsteller Africa, the African proverb if you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far, go together is absolutely true. Partnership is everything to us, concludes De Villiers. AFIF 2017's focus is to promote access to finance and strengthen entrepreneurship in Africa. To achieve this, EMRC is launching the annual AFIF Entrepreneurship Award, calling all African-based entrepreneurs to participate in the award. Previous AFIF Entrepreneurship Award winner, Lazaro Mwakipesile, head of Raphael Group, Tanzania. This years award, as previous years, will be sponsored by Rabobank Foundation and the winner, an existing African small-medium business, will receive a US$10.000,00 cash prize, year-long media promotion support in and out of Africa, free participation in the AFIF 2017, including the pre-conference training. The AFIF Entrepreneurship award aims to spotlight leading innovation private sector projects happening today in Africa. This is the moment when entrepreneurs can showcase their remarkable achievements, where partners and participants get to know about outstanding projects which are pushing boundaries in their community and country and where other entrepreneurs can be inspired and receive much-needed know-how, says Ines Bastos, senior project manager at EMRC and head of AFIF 2017. Applications must be sent to EMRC by December 19th, 2016. In parallel with past winners, the current holder of the Award, Lazaro Mwakipesile, head of Raphael Group (Tanzania), has seen a vast change since participating in the competition. I am now internationally known. Since AFIF 2015, I have travelled abroad four times for presentations and proposals. Furthermore, I expect to travel to USA this December 2016 for a meeting at Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Wachira Kariuki, CEO of Classic Foods, who was named runner up in 2015, has also experienced positive change since attending and presenting his business to the international audience. This years Africa Finance & Investment Forum (AFIF) will focus on Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Growth and will be held for the first time in the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya, hosted by the Strathmore University, taking place from 15 - 16 February 2017. AFIF 2017 will gather over 300 delegates from all over Africa, Europe, America and Middle East. EMRC will organise a pre-conference training on "A Road-map for Entrepreneurship Growth" (13 -14 February 2017). The training is addressed exclusively to AFIF 2017 participants and will be divided in two linguistic groups (English and French). As Wachira Kariuki concludes, My advice to participants especially the entrepreneurs is to make use of the opportunity to make the right contacts and learn from participants. The training session for the entrepreneurs is critical for fund raising. Sharing ideas and experiences with other business people is key to success. From 25 to 27 November 2016, Sowetans can look forward to rubbing shoulders with some great TV stars at Maponya Mall, as #MultiChoiceLive brings DStv celebs to Soweto. This weekend, MultiChoice experience, #MultiChoiceLive, a travelling pop-up exhibition that leads visitors through an immersive journey, revealing behind-the-scenes info on the company's much-loved brands like DStv, M-Net and SuperSport will wow fans. #MultiChoiceLive started in Cape Town, went to Durban, Sandton City Mall and from Maponya Mall will be moving to Menlyn Park in Pretoria from 16 to 18 December 2016. Local KNU officials confirmed to Karen News that the incident took place on November 11, at Konekhaing (Koekaw) village in Win Ye Township in the Karen National Unions Doo Pla Ya district. The Burma army soldiers said that they removed the flag for security reasons ahead of the Regional Commanders field trip to the area. A local KNU official from Win Ye Township, who asked not to be named, spoke to Karen News on November 21 and said that seven soldiers from the 31 Light Infantry Battalion came to the village and took down the Karen flag. The Regional Commander stopped in Konekhaing village en-route to somewhere else. The soldiers went to the school and took down the flag. We didnt know why they did it. We just learned about it when the locals came and told us. The KNU official said that taking down the flag was inappropriate and they had reported the incident to KNU district and brigade offices. The official also noted that government troops are now more active in the Win Ye Township area. Villagers claimed the government soldiers not only took down the Karen flag, but also removed a signboard at the school. The Konekhaing village primary school was built with funding from a Non-Government Organization and both curriculums of the KNUs Karen EducationDepartment (KED) and Government Education Ministry are taught in the school. Saw Eh Ka Sauk said the action of the Burma army soldiers showed their attitude towards the ethnic nationalities. This shows that the Burma army dont give equal rights to Karen people. Whose flag do we have to fly if we are not allowed to fly ours? Their [Burma Army] action means they dont recognize our Karen flag [as legitimate]. KNU sources said that the Burma Army soldiers action is a breach of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement. The NCA states that the The Tatmadaw and Ethnic Armed Organizations shall avoid restrictions on the right to education in accordance with the law; destruction of schools and educational buildings, including educational tools; and the disturbance and hindrance of students and teachers. KNU sources point out that the NCA also states that both sides are to; Avoid either directly or indirectly interfering, humiliating or damaging the reputation of public activities to preserve religion, literature, and cultural and traditional practices. This is the first time since the ceasefire agreement that the Karen national flag that flies at every school in mixed controlled areas have been taken down by the Burma army. Karen News was unable to contact the local Burma Army officer for their response, but according to the latest information from local villagers, the Burma Army unit responsible for the flags removal have since apologized for their soldiers action and explained that they did it out of ignorance. Smokers With Diabetes More At Risk Of Early Death: Study Wellness oi-Lekhaka Heavy smokers with diabetes may be at double the risk of facing an early death, a study led by an Indian-origin researcher has found. Diabetes is a chronic illness in which there are high levels of glucose in the blood. People with diabetes may also be at risk for numerous other health complications. "The study found that diabetes doubles the risk for all-cause mortality and non-lung cancer mortality among heavy smokers," said Kavita Garg, Professor at the University of Colorado-Denver, in the US. In the study, nearly 13 per cent of patients with diabetes died as compared to 6.8 per cent of patients without diabetes. Participants with diabetes tended to be older, reported more pack-years of smoking, and had a higher BMI than those without diabetes. In addition, the study also found that women with diabetes have an increased risk of lung-cancer mortality. However, the same effect was not found in men, the researchers observed. For the study, Garg and colleagues conducted an analysis on 53,454 participants from US on the relative risk for overall mortality, lung cancer mortality, and non-lung cancer mortality associated with diabetes. Over the course of the study, there were 3,936 total deaths, including 1,021 from lung cancer and 826 from non-lung cancers. Garg emphasised that smokers should undergo lung cancer screening as well control their diabetes. "Patients have to take care of their diabetes to maximise the benefit of CT screening for lung cancer. It truly makes a magnitude of difference in mortality risk," Garg noted. The study will be presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago, US. --IANS rt/sm/dg GET THE BEST BOLDSKY STORIES! Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 4:02 [IST] Man Thought His Wife Was A Woman, But... Pulse oi-Syeda Farah What would you do if you realise that your partner of years has been hiding his/her sexual identity for years? Well, this is what happened to a man who was cheated by his wife of 19 years! This Belgian man was devastated after he learnt that the beautiful woman he had married and spent his life with was actually a man!!! He had spent 19 long years with his partner only to get to know one day that the lady he was so much in love with was a man. We must say, the fake wife was so successful in hiding "his" reality for these many years! Many are actually confused as to how this man didn't even get a doubt for 19 years! Can this be for real?? Check out this interesting story... History... He was a man from Belgium and the fake woman was Monica. She was from Indonesia. We wonder where they met though! What Happened... Since they both were from different countries, the couple had a tough time in getting the wife's immigration processed to his country. The Authorities Were Not Sure... The Belgium immigration authorities had a tough time to approve of the woman's identity, as they felt that something was wrong with the documents, which did not seem to be real. Immigration Was Successful... However, after a long struggle, the couple were successful and there was no looking back for them, as they were quite happy and content in their lives after the immigration was successful. How Did He Not Realise!! Poor man was blinded by the fake wife's love, as he did not even once doubt of the wife's male traits. To add on, the fake wife even used sanitary napkins to fool the man! Reality Started Getting Revealed! The fake woman got a job and her attitude changed, as she started partying hard and drinking with other men in the town. Her skimpy clothes started revealing more than needed and it showed the world that she had a tummy like a man's! Confronted Finally! After hearing too many rumours about his wife, the man decided to confront her and after many heated arguments, the fake woman revealed that she was indeed a man! Why Did She Hide This Secret? She had apparently undergone a sex change operation, years back, and she felt that she did not have to reveal her identity to the man, as she was a complete woman now. What Are They Up to Now? After knowing the reality, they are having their marriage annulled by the Belgian courts. The poor husband is currently undergoing a psychiatric treatment! Amazon I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Chief of Army Staff, General Dalbir Singh inspecting the Guard of Honour, at the Bayi Building, in Beijing, China on Monday. A PTI Photo. BEIJING (PTI): Indian Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag met with General Liu Yuejun, the commander of Chinese army's eastern theatre, and exchanged views on maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border and enhancing military-to-military exchanges. Gen Suhag, who is on a four-day visit to China, met Gen Liu, in Nanjing, capital of eastern China's Jiangsu province, an official statement said on Wednesday. They exchanged views on maintenance of peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), terrorism and enhancing military-to-military exchanges, it said. Gen Suhag also extended an invite to Gen Liu Yuejun to visit India, the statement added. Gen Suhag is visiting China at the invitation of General Fan Changlong, a Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission (CMC). During the visit, General Suhag is expected to discuss a host of issues including efficacy of mechanism put in place to deal with transgressions of troops aggressively patrolling the areas claimed by both the countries. While relations between the two militaries improved with visits by high-level officials including defence ministers, officials say the relations remained tenuous with steady increase of Pakistan-related issues affecting their growth. Gen Suhag has held talks with another CMC Vice Chairman General Xu Qiliang and head of China's ground forces Gen Li Zuocheng during the visit. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/11/2016 (2168 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. While transgender members of our community might not always feel it, theres a group of people who support them in Brandon. On Thursday, some of these allies came together at Knox United Church for the annual Trans Day of Remembrance service, at which a long list of names was read off, each one representing a person who was killed this past year as a result of transphobia. While there were no Canadian names listed, co-ordinator Isaiah Lamontagne said that the event remains an important reminder of the challenges transgender members of Westman continue to face. Tyler Clarke/The Brandon Sun Kathy Bull lights a candle at Knox United Church on Thursday in remembrance of those who identify as transgender who were killed this past year. We are a community, and our community stretches beyond our borders, she said. It is important for us to acknowledge our global family, because we are part of that global family. When one of us dies we all hurt. Keynote speaker at Thursdays remembrance service was Kathy Bull, who has become a surrogate mother to Brandons transgender community. I call her a serial adopter, Lamontagne said with a laugh. Its a role she fell into, Bull reflected after Thursdays address, noting that she first recognized the challenges transgender people face in the trials and tribulations of her son, who identifies as such. Word of she and husband Eds acceptance and embrace of their son spread quickly, and it wasnt long before others began seeking their help. Oftentimes, the people they help have been cast out by their parents, Bull explained. Its pretty scary for young people who have no chance to further their education, no chance to improve their lot in life so to speak financially, nobody to get them to medical appointments or pay for what they need to pay for. Laughing nervously after Thursdays speech, she admitted that she hates public speaking, and only does so because she recognizes its importance. If we dont start a conversation its not going to get any better, she said. Among those who attended Thursdays remembrance service was Brandon RCMP Const. Samuel Oyenuga, who sought a greater understanding of a segment of the population he works to serve and protect. I thought Id show support and pay respect to some of the people who have lost their lives or been victimized, he explained. Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun Brandonites take part in a candlelight vigil at Brandon University as part of the Trans Day of Remembrance on Thursday. You have to be able to understand the people you deal with, especially on different levels. As police officers we see a lot of things out there, and sometimes its hard to understand what people are going through Its just good to understand where people are coming from. The transgender community continues to face challenges, Lamontagne said, explaining that there are still gaps in health care that need addressing, particularly in medical professionals understanding. Things have improved in recent years, Bull said, pointing to some recent pushes toward inclusion at Brandon University such as gender-neutral washrooms as key examples However, she clarified that much more needs to be done, with discrimination still far too common an occurrence. Thursdays effort capped off with a candlelight vigil at BU. tclarke@brandonsun.com Twitter: @TylerClarkePA Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/11/2016 (2168 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. After yet another semi truck crashed into the low bridge in Kemnay, Brandon RCMP put out a notice to remind truckers to abide by the signage posted at the rail crossing. Multiple warning signs, flashing lights, reflectors, turnaround areas and marked detour routes somehow arent enough for some drivers, who end up getting their trucks squished underneath the Canadian Pacific Railway bridge. Its a recurring problem the latest on Wednesday afternoon when a westbound semi-trailer collided with the bridge, becoming stuck underneath. This resulted in the shutdown of Highway 1A for approximately 4.5 hours, and traffic was detoured around the site. Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun Workers respond to the scene of a semi-trailer stuck under the Kemnay underpass on Highway 1A on Wednesday afternoon. The driver, a 59-year-old B.C. man, was issued a ticket for disobeying a traffic control device. RCMP officers attended the scene, along with Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement, Manitoba Hydro, CP Police and bridge inspection personnel.Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation personnel were at the scene as well asfireand ambulance. Faramarz Kazemi Azar, 59, of Coquitlam, B.C., was issued a ticket for disobeying a traffic control device. There were no injuries or other vehicles related to this event. Alcohol or fatigue was not a factor in this collision. CP halted train operations and conducted a thorough inspection of the bridge. No structural damage was found and the bridge was reopened a short time later, according to CP spokeswoman Salem Woodrow. As part of CPs bridge maintenance program, all are monitored under a strict regimen of annual and special inspections. CP continues to be concerned that commercial drivers are not heeding the warnings in place at this location, Woodrow added. The Brandon Sun Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/11/2016 (2168 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A soil fertility specialist with the provincial government said farmers are in a honeymoon stage with the increasingly popular soybean crop. Were getting very good yields because we dont have any of the problems that comes with a history, like insects, weeds and diseases, explained John Heard after his speech to a crowd of farmers in Brandon yesterday. The soil expert from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives offered tips on how to nurture soybeans to more than 100 farmers Thursday at the Victoria Inn. Redfern Farm Services hosted the day of seminars. Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun John Heard with Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives delivers a lecture about soybeans during the Growing Your Farm Into The Future agriculture seminar at the Victoria Inns Imperial Ballroom on Thursday. In 2016, Manitoba farmers insured a record 1.64 million acres of soybeans, according to Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation. A minor player in the province only a decade ago, soybeans are now the provinces third-largest crop, following the usual standbys of wheat and canola. Heard said a combination of factors are making soybeans commercially viable. Theres the technology with the shorter season varieties and theres a very good production package with it as far as weed control, Heard said, in addition to mentioning the new crop is largely devoid of diseases. Proper crop rotation can ward off the threat of disease. Contributing to soybeans success as well are low production costs and a lack of nitrogen, since the crop produces the chemical itself. In due time, Manitobas soybean planters must manage the same pests as farmers in eastern Canada and the United States, who have planted soybeans for much longer, Heard said. The soil specialist relayed a few suggestions to the farming crowd. Although soybeans dont respond strongly to common fertilizers, they heavily feed on phosphorous and potassium, he explained. If the farmers dont soil test, this crop can deplete their soil. Farmers were also told they shouldnt waste high-quality seeds in salty field areas, where the crop can falter. Heard proposed a soil test to determine premium acreage. In referring to virgin fields new to soybeans, Heard suggested double inoculation as an insurance policy for the crop. He said farmers should wean soybeans off the expensive formulations after successful tests. ifroese@brandonsun.com Twitter: @ianfroese Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 24/11/2016 (2169 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Rural municipalities are losing prime real estate because habitat conservation groups are acquiring them, the Association of Manitoba Municipalities annual convention heard. Whats the value of them gobbling it up? asked Rossburn Mayor Brian Brown, while referencing one property the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) purchased three kilometres east of Rossburn, in an interview yesterday. Were 20 miles from Riding Mountain National Park, which is a conservatory for animals already its huge. Why do we want to keep making the park bigger, essentially, by buying land around it? Brown said corporations with a conservation mandate are benefiting from a cheap assessment the same 26 per cent rate agricultural land receives. Delegates at AMMs convention passed Rossburns resolution, lobbying the province to implement a higher assessment class of 35 per cent for conservation groups acquiring land. The three-day event ended in Winnipeg on Wednesday. Lots purchased by conservation groups are often left in their natural state, the resolution explained, resulting in low assessments and low property taxes. The municipality would prefer families resided on these lots, which would prompt construction and additional tax revenues. He mentioned 240 acres purchased by NCC near Rossman Lake, a resort community, will sit empty instead of potentially becoming cottage lots. Corporations like NCC often pay an inflated price for land to remove from or limit agricultural growth. The assessment branch, Brown said, then determines the organizations property taxes based on their assessed market value instead of what they paid for the lot. Rossburns resolution was one of nearly 50 proposals voted on at this years AMM convention. A number of resolutions from Westman municipalities were endorsed. Drainage was a key issue presented, with the Municipality of Russell-Binscarth asking the province to tell Saskatchewan to stop its drainage practices, which, Mayor Len Derkach believes, impairs Manitoba infrastructure. Increasing flow from Saskatchewan enters his municipality from several spots, overwhelming places like Smith Creek dam and subsequently causing significant erosion and flooding in Russell-Binscarth and downstream. The current situation has created wealth through improved farmland for Saskatchewan, at the same time increasing Manitoba costs on infrastructure and reducing farmland assessment due to flooding and land being taken out of production, the resolution read. The municipality acknowledged governments are seeking long-term solutions, but the need for help is immediate. (The resolution is) our way of expressing a priority item within the municipality and were calling on the government to pay attention to this, Derkach said. In addition to inter-provincial lobbying, Russell-Binscarth wants Manitoba to establish a compensation fund to offset any infrastructure repair costs and assessment losses. We spend thousands of dollars each year repairing infrastructure that is washed away, Derkach said. A Municipality of Two Borders resolution asked the province to pay conservation districts to remove flood-related debris like fallen trees from waterways. The debris can clog waterways, devastating in case of a repeat of the 2011 and 2014 floods. They arent an immediate problem, but they are just another unfortunate legacy of the floods we experienced, Reeve Debbie McMechan said. Two Borders also wants the province to encourage municipalities to take part in inter-municipal conservation projects. McMechan was discouraged an inventory of water infrastructure, developed by their conservation district, was not adopted by some municipalities when the offer was extended to them. It was a free program for Two Borders, and she understands other municipalities may have been asked to pay a nominal fee. Where that information can be made available for a minimal cost, it can have great benefit to all municipalities, she said. In an apparent reference to last years bid in the Municipality of Oakland-Wawanesa to censure a councillor, their resolution asked the province to amend the Municipal Act to provide municipalities with a more comprehensive process for addressing continuous Code of Conduct breaches by a council member. In a joint resolution supported by the RM of Wallace-Woodworth, provincial help is sought by newly amalgamated municipalities to reduce the cost of changing the legal names of land titles. A resolution jointly sponsored by the Town of Minnedosa suggests the regulatory requirements on volunteer organizations and non-profit groups like halls, community libraries and museums be reduced. The annual audits currently pose a financial hardship, the resolution claimed. As well, the City of Dauphin does not want people curious about the Manitoba Health Card to be referred to municipal offices. The city indicated health care is under the purveyor of the province. The 2017 AMM convention will be held in Brandon in the last week of November. ifroese@brandonsun.com Twitter: @ianfroese Already have an account? Log in here A 30-year-old Brandon man found in possession of a makeshift switchblade was charged with break and enter Wednesday morning. We need your support! Local journalism needs your support! As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $4.99/month you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/11/2016 (2168 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Standing in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North Dakota, a leadership group comprised of Manitoba First Nations is planning on doing its part to help. An assembly has been scheduled to take place at Dakota Tipi First Nation on Saturday, located just outside Portage la Prairie, at which organizers hope to hash out a course of action. Scenes of violence have plagued the Dakota Access pipeline protest site south of the border in recent days as law enforcement officers sprayed protesters with water, rubber bullets and tear gas. The protesters or water protectors as they prefer to be called are on the right side of this battle, Dakota Tipi Chief Keith Pashe said on Thursday. Our Dakota and Lakota people, they never signed treaties, and one of the things our elders always told us is that we are the keepers of the land, Pashe explained. From the beginning of time we were the keepers of land. Now is the time to stand with Standing Rock, he said, clarifying that if we dont do something to protect our environment and drinking water now, future generations will suffer. While the Dakota Access pipeline protests are taking place south of the border, Pashe shrugs off these government-imposed barriers as irrelevant to their cause. Its not only to address Standing Rock and how theyre treated, but how were treated here in Manitoba and Canada, he said. We are just as concerned for the environment as they are down there. Weve got to have respect for Mother Earth thats what Im interested in. Waywayseecappo First Nation Chief Murray Clearsky hopes to attend Saturdays gathering, which he said will only be the latest gathering of First Nations leadership as it relates to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. While he doesnt know what kind of action Saturdays meeting will result in, hes pushing for something more than words of support. During a meeting in Winnipeg on Wednesday, he suggested that some form of civil disobedience might be the answer. Theres nothing wrong with us Canadians blocking the line in Canada. Located about 30 kilometres east of Russell, Waywayseecappo First Nation is not unfazed by what is happening to their people to everyone in North Dakota, Clearsky said. We should show support, he said. Why do more Dakota people need to get hurt before something happens? Southern Chiefs Organization Grand Chief Terry Nelson has thrown his support behind Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, following what he said is Pashes lead in encouraging Manitobans to play a role. Its a very clear message from (Pashe) that whats happening to the Dakota people in the United States is extremely upsetting for the Dakota people here, he said. Its very clear that it upsets them when they see elders being pepper-sprayed, maced (and) hit with water cannons in frigid temperatures. Nelson plans on attending Saturdays meeting. As of Thursday he remained uncertain as to what the outcome might be. Pointing to the volume of trade that occurs between Canada and the United Sates, including oil, he said theres plenty our nation can do to help the water protectors in North Dakota, its just a matter of what action or advocacy Saturdays meeting will encourage. Theres going to be a huge amount of support, he said. People are angry. Brandon saw a glimpse of this support during a round dance in solitary with Standing Rock, held last week at Brandon University. Organized with only a few days notice, the event saw more than 100 people attend, according to BU Aboriginal Students Collective Darian Kennedy. I was very relieved when I counted as many people as I did, Kennedy said, clarifying that their efforts are far from over. Theyve raised $326 for water protectors in North Dakota thus far and soon plan on putting up a donation box at their BU office to help collect items water protectors might need. With colder weather on the horizon, theyll need supplies, Kennedy said. While uncertain as to the underlying goals of Saturdays meeting of First Nations leadership, Kennedy has his own message to share. We as a people need more initiatives to use green technology. As for whatever comes out of Saturdays meeting, Nelson affirmed: Well follow the lead of the Dakota people. tclarke@brandonsun.com Twitter: @TylerClarkePA 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. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/11/2016 (2168 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Id never tasted anything quite like it. Aromas and flavours of stone fruit and tropical fruit, a faint mineral quality I really liked, and man, was it buttery. OMG! Velvety, smooth, but still with a spine. Id found my new Chardonnay. Not that I was searching for one, mind you. But when something that splendid presents itself, I had no other choice but to go for it, all in, all done. Since my discovery of the William Hill Estate Winery North Coast Chardonnay, Ive consumed it pretty much exclusively when I want white wine. For $18.99 at Manitoba Liquor Marts, its been my go-to Chard for more than a year. I absolutely love it. So imagine my delight when I discovered early this year that the William Hill Estate Winery was in Californias famed Napa Valley and that Id be visiting there in June. Thanks to local E & J Gallo sales representative Nancy Lecuyer and Manitoba-Saskatchewan regional manager Dennis Wilson, arrangements were made for a tour and tasting at the winery, followed by another at Louis M. Martini, another Gallo property that was just down the road. But more on that in a moment. At the appointed time on the appointed day, my husband and I arrived at the William Hill Estate Winery, and I let out a whoop the first of several that day. You see, the label on the bottle is a very clean line with a square drop-down in the middle. And the distinctive design of the winerys roofline is what the logo is modelled after. Of course I didnt know that until I saw the building, but it was the most comforting feeling to see that oh-so-familiar shape. I knew I was home. We met the marvellous Benjamin McClure, wine ambassador for the William Hill and Martini wineries. After brief introductions at the elegant tasting counter, it was off to the vineyards to enjoy a taste of the refreshing North Coast Sauvignon Blanc and the North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon. While Im not usually a big Sauv Blanc fan, I discovered all over Sonoma and Napa that I really like California Sauv Blancs because theyre not quite as citrusy as those from other countries, which suits me just fine. It was thoughtful and sensible of the winery to erect sun screens at great vantage points for viewing the miles of surrounding vineyards we could sip in relative comfort while Ben offered insights on the climate and the vines. The most amazing statistic he told me was that Napa Valley, world famous though it is, is only five miles wide (at its widest point) and 30 miles long. And when one thinks of California wine, one generally thinks of Napa. But although there are more than 850 wineries in this unbelievably small region unbelievably small given its international reputation Napa produces only four per cent of Californias wine. I was stunned. Speaking of which, I was also flabbergasted by how delicious the William Hill North Coast Cabernet was. Along with the Chard, the Cab is available at Manitoba Liquor Marts its $21.99 a bottle and totally worth the price. Plenty of dark fruit flavour with subtleties of caramel and cocoa, this has been a hit with everyone to whom Ive served it. And I first tasted it in the William Hill Vineyard. Trust me, it doesnt get any better than that. After a precious hour at William Hill, it was down the road 30 minutes to Louis M. Martini. Ben was leading us there he had his own vehicle and we had our rental car and I yelped with dismay as we whizzed past Beringer and Mumm Napa, since I love their products and didnt realize theyd be right along the roadway. We can always come back later, my ever-so-accommodating husband said. But while it made me crazy to have missed these establishments, backtracking more than 20 miles seemed absolutely ridiculous since we still had another stop after Martini, and had to get back to our condo in Sonoma that night. Anyway, once we arrived at the splendidly cavernous Louis M. Martini tasting room, we got a brief history lesson from Ben about Martinis tremendous impact on California winemaking. From returning to Italy to learn the craft, to making sacramental wine for churches and grape concentrate for home winemakers, to eventually becoming the No. 1 Cabernet by distribution points in the U.S., it was fascinating to hear about the Martini familys impact on American wine. Louis M. Martini specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, which is the most popular grape grown in Napa Valley, followed by Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauv Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. And once you taste the stunning Martini Cabs, its easy to see why theyre so renowned. Since Cabernet sometimes needs food to make it sing, the four Cabs we tried were paired with food to showcase their fabulous features, and what a delightful time we had. We tasted the 2012 Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cab, the 2013 Alexander Valley Cab, the 2012 Monte Rosso Cab, and the piece de resistance, the 2012 Louis M. Martini Lot 1 Cab. All of them unique, all of them stunning, it was a most memorable experience. (Manitoba Liquor Marts carries the aforementioned Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cab, which boasts black cherry and blackberry flavours and an herbaceous, smoky cedar finish ($29.99), and the LMM Sonoma County Cab, with flavours of plum jam and cassis, with a touch of oak and spice, well worth a go for $18.99.) We said our goodbyes and profuse thanks to Ben, and headed to the Castello di Amorosa, where we each paid a US$45 entry fee and got to partially tour the property and taste five wines each. The dream of Italian-American winemaker Dario Sattui, the massive Castello was built by hand over the course of 15 years and is architecturally faithful to the 12th and 13th century time period. Among other features, it has a moat, a drawbridge, defensive towers, a torture chamber, and a great hall with painted frescoes, with much of the building materials imported from Europe. Amazing! But theres so much more to the story. And so much more to my Sonoma love story, which will conclude in next weeks column. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/11/2016 (2168 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Drip, drip, drip. Thats the sound of the Trudeau governments reputation for integrity being eroded by a steady trickle of revelations about cash-for-access fundraisers. The latest one involves the prime minister himself, who was the featured attraction at a $1,500-a-ticket Liberal party fundraising event last May attended by wealthy Chinese-Canadian and Chinese business people. The event reportedly included a Chinese businessman who is also an adviser to the Chinese government and who made a big donation to the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation a few weeks later. Challenged on all this, the prime minister repeated what has become his standard line when these highly questionable fundraisers come to light. The federal government, he told the House of Commons on Tuesday, has some of the toughest rules around fundraising in the country and he followed the rules. Ergo: no issue. Unfortunately for the government, it wont wash. These events, in which rich business people pay for face-time with influential ministers, dont pass the smell test, as interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose told the Commons. There may not be a quid pro quo, but theres certainly the appearance of a preference when donors put their money down to spend time with key decision-makers. In the latest case, one of the attendees was in the process of obtaining final approval from federal regulators to open a new bank aimed at Canadas Chinese community. In fact, approval went through in mid-July and theres no evidence that the fundraiser made any difference. Inevitably, though, eyebrows are being raised. Thats especially the case when donors post photos of themselves all over the Internet, grinning heartily in the company of the prime minister. The unwritten message that they are close to power and can get things done is unmistakable. Does the prime minister really want to make it so easy for them to trade on his image in this way? Cash-for-access events also underline the yawning gap between the governments professed ideals on ethics and what it does in practice. When his government took office a year ago, the prime minister gave his ministers mandate letters that made it clear they must observe the highest ethical standards in everything you do. He told them not to let anyone buy influence, and specifically to abide by the principle that there should be no preferential access to government, or appearance of preferential access, accorded to individuals or organizations because they have made financial contributions to politicians and political parties. Finally, he told them, following these principles is an obligation that is not fully discharged by simply acting within the law. In other words, I was just following the rules (the excuse Trudeau offered on Tuesday) isnt good enough. The government is on the wrong side of this issue. Both the federal ethics and lobbying commissioners find the practice problematic, and in Ontario the Wynne government has just brought in rules that will ban cash-for-access as of Jan. 1. The longer the federal Liberals and the Trudeau government continue defending it, the more damage will be done to their credibility on the ethics front. They should put their professed ideals into practice, end cash-for-access, and stop letting the opposition beat on their reputation like a cheap drum. Toronto Star Answers Africa is one of a kind platform created for Africans both locally and in the diaspora and those seeking for more in-depth information about Africa. We have always focused on creating the highest quality informational contents right from the beginning. We share the most relevant information on the latest and trending news, events, people, and places in Africa. 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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! 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This Is Everything You Should Know About Caroline Heldman, Her Career Portfolio and Other Facts Love it or hate it, there is no escaping the fact that feminism has come to stay in our world. The movement has continued to garner momentum over the years and this is due to the sustained push by several women, and even men, including the likes of Caroline Heldman. A Professor of Politics at ... Understanding The Enigma That Is Gavin McInnes, The Controversies He Has Stirred and All About His Wife Gavin McInnes is a polemical English-born writer and TV personality, who is best known for his racist and fascist ideologies, as well as his co-ownership of Vice Media and Vice Magazine. He is also an actor a Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/11/2016 (2168 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Big bouquet to BRHC On Nov. 8, I was admitted in emergency between 8:30 and 9 p.m. Because of the seriousness I was sent to Health Sciences Centre and had my surgery and in recovery by 4 a.m. I was treated with the greatest respect and kindness. A big bouquet to BRHC. You made me very proud! Commemorative t-shirts for all? I have a question: Is the prime ministers office planning to offer 2016 Justin Trudeau World Tour commemorative T-shirts? I, for one, would really like to have one as a memento of the millions of frivolous taxpayers dollars the prime minister and his wife and kids have spent globe-trotting this year. The Liberal government looking out for middle-class Canadians since 2015. Big thanks for your help I would like to send out a big bouquet out to Wheat City Lions Club. They have helped us with a generous donation to complete a much-needed renovation for my disabled husband. Closer to Russia all the time I live 30 miles to the U.S. border. I am a little uneasy now because I feel like I am 30 miles to the Russian border. Time to move on In regards to the poster that is constantly bashing Brian Pallister its a little late for campaigning, the election was more than six months ago. Pallister won with the largest majority in Manitobas history. Like someone posted just after the last federal election, your party lost, get over it! An Independent MEP says Ireland could be open to law suits following the EU-Canada trade deal. It's after the Parliament decided not to send the agreement to the European Court of Justice. Devolved leaders will stress the need for unfettered access to the European Single Market at a summit meeting with UK government ministers set to be dominated by Brexit. Ahead of the British Irish Council (BIC) summit near Cardiff in Wales, which Taoiseach Enda Kenny is attending, Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones called for firm commitments on free trade. Mr Jones, who is hosting the event, said single market access had become even more important amid the prospect of protectionist policies in a Donald Trump White House. "This is a changing world and these are tumultuous times," he said. "But our focus on retaining full and unfettered access to the single market is unwavering. "Today I will once again call on the UK Government to make this their absolute priority in forthcoming Brexit negotiations. "Let me be clear, a situation where the UK faces barriers and tariffs to trading with the European market would be disastrous for our economy and I will not support any settlement that undermines our exports." Mr Jones will be joined by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and the Taoiseach Enda Kenny, at the BIC summit. Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns, Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire and Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department for Exiting the European Union Robin Walker will be among UK Government representatives attending. Ahead of the event, the Scottish Government said the UK must not be "driven-off a hard Brexit cliff edge". External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "A hard Brexit outside the Single Market, is the biggest threat to the economic prosperity of Scotland and all the UK. "Despite repeated calls from the Scottish Government and other administrations who are understandably equally concerned, the UK Government is still failing to provide any transparency on their plans with only a few weeks of 2016 left. "There is currently no confidence in the UK Government's ability to fight for the benefits that the single market brings, including free movement of people, and all signs appear to be pointing to the fact they will choose to throw these away. "We must not be forced into a race to the bottom in terms of standards and employment protection." Commenting on the potential implications of the US presidential election, Mr Jones added: "President-elect Trump was elected on the promise to make America Great Again. "He has made no secret of his overriding priority to get the best deal for America and I am totally unconvinced we will see a free trade deal that will do anything other than benefit the US. "Indeed, access to the US market may become more, not less difficult. It is therefore even more important to secure the quality of our access to the European market of 500 million people. "We stand at a major crossroads for Wales and the United Kingdom, and decisions taken now will determine our future for decades ahead." The BIC was established as part of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Its aim is to promote links between the UK's devolved regions, the Republic, the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. Its membership comprises representatives from the Irish Government; UK Government; Scottish Government; Northern Ireland Executive; Welsh Government; Isle of Man Government; Government of Jersey and Government of Guernsey. The chief ministers of the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey - Howard Quayle, Ian Gorst and Gavin St Pier - will attend Friday's summit along with ministerial colleagues from their respective administrations. Mr Kenny and Ms Sturgeon will use the summit to hold separate bilateral talks, a spokesman for the Dublin government said. During the main discussions, the Taoiseach is expected to give an overview of Ireland's preparedness for Brexit as well as a briefing on Ireland's all-island Brexit forum - which has been snubbed by unionists - and the outcome of the North South Ministerial Council. Ahead of the summit, a spokeswoman for the UK Government said: "We are determined to make sure that the UK remains the best place in Europe to run and grow a business. "The UK will continue to be a global leader of free trade and we want to see British companies having the maximum freedom to trade with and operate in the Single Market. "The Government will continue to work closely with British businesses as we approach the negotiations so that together we can make a success out of Brexit." A law lecturer who took a ferry to Ireland after an Ipswich jury convicted him of possessing child porn, has lost his latest legal challenge. Julian Myerscough (aged 54), formerly of Alexandra Road, Lowestoft in Suffolk, was found guilty by a jury of 13 counts of possessing indecent images of a child at Ipswich Crown Court on September 30, 2015. He was also found guilty of three counts of breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order that had been placed on him following a previous conviction for a similar offence. Although Mr Myerscough had been in Ipswich Crown Court the day he was found guilty, he did not return after lunch when the jury reached its verdict. He was convicted in his absence and police applied for a warrant for his arrest. Once the arrest warrant was issued police alerted the port and airport authorities and contacted gardai as they feared he would flee to Ireland. That night, gardai confirmed that Mr Myerscough was on board a ferry from Holyhead in Wales heading to Dublin. He was arrested on October 2 at a hotel in Dublin on foot of a European Arrest Warrant. High Court judge Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly ordered Mr Myerscough's surrender to UK authorities on February 29. On March 11, she refused leave to appeal. On March 21, lawyers for Mr Myerscough made an application under Article 40 of the Constitution challenging his detention in Arbour Hill Prison. The expectation was that those proceedings would be determined by March 22, but lawyers for Mr Myerscough sought further time, according to lawyers for the State. The 25-day time period, following the order for surrender, was approaching and "arrangements had been put in place", State lawyers told the Court of Appeal. As a result, lawyers for the Justice Minister, on March 23, successfully applied to Mr Justice Michael Twomey for a stay on the surrender order. It was done in an abundance of caution for Mr Myerscough's rights. The Article 40 High Court application was heard in April. Judgment was delivered in June. It found Mr Myerscough's case was not arguable and the propositions put forward on his behalf were "unsustainable". In the Court of Appeal today, Mr Justice John Edwards said there was no failure to afford Mr Myerscough fair procedure. Mr Justice Edwards said the stay was lawfully granted in order to comply with Irish statute law. It operates to stop the clock and it was envisaged to lift the stay in a timely manner once the Article 40 proceedings had concluded. Mr Justice Edwards, who sat with Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, said the Court of Appeal dismissed Mr Myerscough's appeal on all grounds. Gardai seized cash in excess of 60,000, along with documentation and mobile phones, during a series of targeting a criminal gang in west Dublin. As part of ongoing investigations by the Criminal Assets Bureau, the search operation was carried out at locations across Dublin yesterday. Insurance Ireland has said the industry is "absolutely not acting like a cartel". Director of government affairs at Insurance Ireland Declan Jackson said rising car insurance premiums were being caused by soaring claims costs, despite a lack of evidence shown to the Oireachtas. Yesterday a committee found that consumers have effectively been told to accept increases without explanation. However, Mr Jackson said the hikes were of no benefit to insurers. In response to a comment that some had seen insurance hikes of 70%, he said: "That level of increase is not in the interests of the industry because it makes insurance less affordable for motorists. "In turn that means people are less likely to take out insurance." He also said: "There is absolutely no cartel." Yesterday, a new reprt said car owners hit with up to 300% insurance hikes had been thrown to the wolves of the insurance sector by State institutions who are charged with protecting them. Insurance companies are heavily criticised by the report which states that a closed mentality and unwillingness to share data is a contributory factor to the recent rise in motor insurance premiums. It may also hinder the entry of new operators into the dysfunctional Irish market, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance's Report on the Rising Costs of Motor Insurance concluded. The report found that on average premiums have increased by 37%, but in some cases premium hikes have been in the order of 200%-300%. By Liam Heylin A sense of middle-class entitlement by a group of students looking for the greatest high formed the background to a teenagers death at an orgy of drink and drugs, the sentencing judge said yesterday. Judge Gerard OBrien imposed a two-year sentence with 18 months suspended on Harry Clifton, and imposed wholly suspended two-year sentences on Ruairi Maher and Jessica OConnor for their parts in the supply of the synthetic drug N-bomb. Alex Ryan, 18, took snorted the drug and died as a result. Alex Ryan Judge OBrien said in his judgement, The fact that certain elements in youth culture speak of recreational drug use so freely and regularly has normalised an activity which is highly profitable for some and can have fatal consequences for others. The case is extremely serious indeed. The offences committed arise out of a devil may care and reckless attitude to the consumption of illicit drugs and in this case designer drugs. The participation in this irresponsible situation was by many people over the course of that fateful weekend. The court has not heard from the other party attendees that upped the ante as it were for a better, sharper or more extreme high as the excesses of the drink and drug fuelled weekend drew to its tragic conclusion. I have no doubt that Mr Alex Ryans tragic death has given the participants in this party pause for thought. Mr Ryan, according to the evidence, was a willing participant in the drug-taking at this party. He paid the ultimate price for it and his family must live with his absence from their lives forever. This matter has attracted media attention. The participants were middle class college students whose sense of entitlement to access that better and greater high clouded their judgement. And while all young people feel invincible since time began that invincibility in the past referred to the possibility of never being involved in an accident climbing Mount Everest, not the wilful and reckless ingestion of drugs obtained from persons who consort with criminals that manufacture these products for the sole purpose of profiting from the horror of addiction and depravity. The deaths of socially deprived young people that have drug addiction problems hardly warrant a comment because they are not privileged, they are poorly educated and cannot access the facilities and luxuries that many of the young people who attended at this event can obtain. The arrogant disregard by young people, admittedly a minority, to the laws in respect of drug taking and their mindless carelessness of their own lives not to mention their health is most disturbing and deeply regrettable. This case highlights the insidious normalisation of the consumption of illicit drugs. The law does not recognise the term recreational drug use. It makes no distinction between it and drug abuse which is deeply connected with dangerous, cynical and most sinister criminals. What is recreational drug use for the upper middle glass is scumbag drug use for those who live in less affluent areas. The application of designer drug is a self-serving and justifying term. The difficulties that the authorities face in trying to keep pace with faceless criminals that experiment with substances for profit are becoming more difficult to overcome. Mourners attending the funeral of 18-year-old Alex Ryan at Millstreet, Co Cork The judge said Maher and OConnor and the late Mr Ryan sought out Clifton with the express purpose of purchasing an illegal product that would be as potent as possible. He said they submitted that they did not know what they were getting but he said their recklessness was culpable. The judge said the deceased Mr Ryan did not have to be induced, coerced or cajoled into taking the drug during what the judge described as young people in an orgy of drink and drugs consumption, a drug which he said had been sourced from dubious invisible others. Judge OBrien said people were bleating on about not knowing what was in the drug but he said that very many illegal drugs were full of rat poison. The investigation took place against the background of 18-year-old Alex Ryans death after he sniffed the synthetic drug at a party in Greenmount, Cork, at the beginning of this year. Detective Garda Daniel McEnery said the investigation commenced following the admission of several young people to hospital after they had taken a drug at a party in Greenmount. Most of the people at the party were students aged around 20. Investigations brought drugs squad officers to the door of Harry Clifton (aged 29) at 11 St Finbarrs Place, Probys Quay, Cork, as their information was that the drug had been sourced from Clifton. Clifton had supplied 12 trips of the drug to Ruairi Maher (aged 22) of 12 Ballycurrane, Thurles, County Tipperary. The 12 doses were sold to him for a total of 80. Maher had been contacted via dating website Tinder that night by Jessica OConnor (aged 20) of Rosebank House, Ballyhar, Killarney, Co Kerry. She had been at a weekend-long party with friends and they had decided to get their hands on some kind of hallucinogenic drug. Maher told her he could get her 12 trips for 120 making a 40 profit by the transaction. Through these channels the drug was brought to the party in Greenmount. Apart from this drug being taken there was evidence of people attending the party in Greenmount taking huge quantities of alcohol, including wine, spirits and Tequila. Harry Clifton pleaded guilty to having N-bomb for the purpose of supply and related charges. Ruairi Maher admitted conspiring with another to possess a controlled drug for the purpose of sale or supply, namely N-bomb. Jessica OConnor admitted having N-bomb for the purpose of sale or supply. Alex Ryan (aged 18) from Liscahane, Millstreet, Co Cork, died on January 23. Cork Coroners Court heard that the teenager died after consuming the synthetic drug N-bomb. Management at Dublin's Mater Hospital has today appealed to the public to attend a GP before going to its accident & emergency department. The hospital has warned of long waiting times due to high numbers attending the facility today. Taoiseach Enda Kenny has held bi-lateral discussions with Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon the ahead of her visit to Dublin next week. She is due to spend two days in Dublin meeting with business leaders, President Michael D Higgins and other politicians. Ms Sturgeon will also address the Seanad. She met with the Taoiseach in Cardiff today following British Irish Council summit talks on the UK's exit from the European Union. The Scottish Government said the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the relationship between Scotland and Ireland in areas including business innovation and the development of deeper trade and investment links. Speaking following the meeting, Ms Sturgeon said: "Today's meeting was a very welcome and constructive opportunity to further strengthen the strong connections Scotland and Ireland have long enjoyed. "The Taoiseach and I used the opportunity to discuss mutual Irish-Scottish interests, both cultural and economic. "The British Irish Council was an important opportunity to call on the UK Government to work harder to protect our interests in Europe in the face of an impending Brexit. "In the post-referendum landscape, it has become even more important that Scotland and Ireland work together to further strengthen our shared economic, cultural and social ties." A truck driver has been charged with dangerous driving causing the death of a woman in connection with a collision on the M50 in Dublin. Martina Loughlin, 47, from Edenderry, Co. Offaly, was seriously injured after two trucks and her car were involved in a collision on the southbound carriageway of the M50 near junction seven at Lucan at about 5.30am on November 11 last year. Ms Loughlin, who had been on her way to work, was in a critical condition when she was rushed to Tallaght Hospital where she was pronounced dead two days later. Barry Grogan, 36, with an address at Thornville Avenue, Kilbarrack, Dublin 5, was charged at Lucan Garda station on Friday morning with dangerous driving causing the death of Ms Loughlin. He then appeared before Judge David McHugh at Blanchardstown District Court. Dressed in a navy suit, he remained silent during the brief hearing. Garda Sergeant Shay Leonard told Judge McHugh that the man made no reply when charged. There was no objection to bail and the sergeant asked for the minimal requirement, for the accused to sign on at his local Garda station once a week. He said the DPP has directed that Mr Grogan is to face trial on indictment, meaning he will be tried at circuit court level. Judge McHugh set bail at 100 and ordered the defendant to sign on at Raheny garda station every Saturday between 9am and 9pm. He noted from Gda Sgt Leonard that it would not take more than two or three weeks to complete the book of evidence. However, he granted a longer adjournment to make sure it would be ready for the next hearing. Mr Grogan was remanded on bail to appear again at Blanchardstown District Court on January 6 when it is expected he will be served with a book of evidence and sent forward for trial. Turkey's president has accused the European Union of dishonesty and betrayal, and threatened to remove controls from his country's borders, potentially allowing hundreds of thousands of asylum-seekers and other migrants into Europe. In his first speech since Thursday's approval in the European Parliament of a non-binding resolution calling on the EU to freeze Turkey's membership talks, Recep Tayyip Erdogan (pictured) told the EU: "We are the ones who feed 3 to 3.5 million refugees in this country. You have betrayed your promises." He added: "If you go any further those border gates will be opened." He made specific reference to Turkey's main border crossing with EU member Bulgaria. The European Parliament vote was in response to the Ankara government's heavy-handed crackdown following a failed coup in July. Opposition parties, rights groups and Turkey's western allies have expressed increasing disapproval of actions Ankara defends as part of a war on terror. After more than a million migrants made their way into Europe, mostly through Turkey, last year, Ankara and the EU in March reached an agreement for Turkey to stem the flow of migrants travelling by sea to Greece in return for certain incentives, including fast-track membership talks, billions of euros in aid for Syrian refugees in Turkey, and visa-free travel for Turkish citizens. But the response to the coup has made European nations less keen to negotiate with Turkey, while visa liberalisation has hit a hurdle over Turkey's reluctance to change its anti-terror laws. During his speech, Mr Erdogan said the money promised had yet to be delivered. "We have been given $550m by the United Nations. The European Union promised, but the money it has sent so far is around $700m. But what have we spent? Up to now we have spent $15bn." Since the thwarted coup, blamed on a network of followers of US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, Turkey has engaged in an unprecedented crackdown, jailing tens of thousands and dismissing or suspending 120,000 people suspected of links to the cleric. It has shut down more than 170 media outlets, detained over 140 journalists and sacked elected Kurdish mayors and replaced them with government-appointed trustees. - AP NEW YORK: Taylor Swift on Tuesday announced she was returning to touring, getting back on the road for the first... LONDON: Copper prices fell on Monday as rising COVID-19 cases and weaker than expected manufacturing data in China,... LAHORE: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industrys Businessmen Panel (BMP) has stressed the... YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Agriculture Minister Ignati Arakelyan will join the Republican Party of Armenia, reports Armenpress. I havent applied for membership yet, but today I will do it. It is not mandatory, but this is a team work, and the RPA ideology is familiar to me, the Minister told reporters after the Cabinets session. To the question whether he ever voted in favor of the RPA, the Minister said he has always participated in the elections and always voted in favor of the RPA, and during the Presidential elections he voted in favor of Serzh Sargsyan. However, Minister Arakelyan said he has no relations with the RPA members, but becomes the RPAs new member. Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan applied for membership to the Republican Party of Armenia, the PM said at the Government session on November 24. Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan and Minister of Transport, Communication and Information Technologies Vahan Martirosyan also announced about applying for the membership to the RPA. The RPA will discuss the membership applications in the upcoming meeting on November 26. VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis will become the first pontiff in history to visit Bahrain, in a trip this week that is... YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery leads the list of YEREVAN BESTSELLER project of ARMENPRESS. The book first published in 1943, is a novella, the most famous work of French aristocrat, writer, poet, and pioneering aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Book of Lamentations or Book of Prayers by Gregory of Narek is ranked 2nd 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. Mark Arens Where wild roses bloom comes next. 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 4th this week. 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 5th in this weeks list. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde takes the 6th position in the list. 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 seventh 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. Paulo Coelhos The Spy is ranked 8th in the 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. Dandelion Wine, 1957 novel by Ray Bradbury, returns to the list by taking the 9th position. The novel is taking place in the summer of 1928 in the fictional town of Green Town, Illinois, based upon Bradbury's childhood home of Waukegan, Illinois. It was translated from English by Zaven Boyadjyan. Narenk Galstyans Akhparner (meaning brothers in Western Armenian) concludes the list. This is the authors first novel, which presents a history of a family who survived the Armenian Genocide. The book was published by Antares publishing house. 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). BERLIN: Serbia must decide whether it wants to join the European Union or enter into a partnership with Russia,... The ACT Law Society has renewed pressure on the federal government to reverse harsh cuts to the legal aid sector to ensure continued access to justice for vulnerable and disadvantaged Canberrans. President Sarah Avery called for ongoing funding for community lawyers on Friday as Attorney-General George Brandis launched the ACT Women's Legal Centre's domestic violence program, to help victims navigate the family law system. Canberra's legal fraternity has urged federal Attorney-General George Brandis to reverse savage cuts to the legal aid sector. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The federal government signalled nationwide cuts of 30 per cent, or about $34 million, from the sector's core funding over three years from next July, a move that could restrict legal help for domestic violence victims and Indigenous Australians. Ms Avery said the legal aid sector was reliant on funding and services from governments, members of the legal profession, philanthropic grants and law societies to continue to provide free legal advice and representation to those who couldn't afford it. Our heart went out to Canberra's Daniel Jager who was a little bit giddy on Prime7's First Dates Australia but, ultimately did not find love. The RAAF airman appeared last week on First Dates Australia, when he was matched with tall, bearded Jacob from Sydney. Canberra's Daniel Jager says he has been single for six or seven years. The pair seemed to get on famously, with Daniel hoping for a second date and even picking up the tab. Only for Jacob to say he didn't think there was any future in a relationship. Samson the black labrador's ability to dig up truffles around Australia has helped him make a dream come true for his owner, Jayson Mesman, who has bought Canberra's only truffle farm. In the nine years he's been hunting for truffles, Samson has dug up enough of the expensive delicacy to help 31-year-old Mr Mesman buy the Canberra landmark, established by Sherry McArdle-English. Jayson Mesman is the new owner of Canberra's only truffle farm, purchasing it from the founder, Sherry McArdle-English. He is pictured on the farm with his truffle hunting dogs, Willow, Samson and Dingo. Photo: ELESA KURTZ Credit:Elesa Kurtz The farm on Majura Road was previously known as French Black Truffles of Canberra but Mr Mesman has since rebranded it The Truffle Farm Canberra - with a new logo featuring Samson on the top. Top dog indeed. Mr Mesman said Samson had earned a percentage of the truffles he found on other farms around Australia as he worked as a contracted hunter, which had helped bankroll the purchase of the Canberra property. Agricultural businesses in the Yass Valley are already reaping the benefits of direct flights between Canberra and Singapore thanks to increased opportunities for export throughout Asia. Yass Valley Council economic development and tourism manager Sean Haylan said several large businesses were enjoying openings in high-end inbound tourism and export since the flights started in September. Graeme Shaw from Shaw Vineyard Estate. Credit:Simon Hughes "Agri-business is Yass Valley's highest single economic driver and since the international flights opened last month between Canberra and South East Asia many new opportunities exist for our local businesses due to access to the markets, with Singapore being a hub for China, Korea and Indonesia," he said. "In addition, it's about the quality of what's produced here and the opportunities that this access opens up. Four international Jetstar flights departing from Melbourne Airport today have had to divert to stop in either Sydney or Brisbane before making their way to their final destination to refuel. The additional stopovers are expected to add an hour to people's travel times. Meanwhile, Virgin is warning its customers some of its flights may be disrupted because of the fuel shortage. "We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and are working hard to have our guests on their way as quickly as possible," a spokeswoman said. While no domestic Qantas flights have been affected, two international flights departing from Melbourne Airport - one destined for Hong Kong and another for Singapore - were today forced to stop over in Sydney to refuel. Janet Latchford, a passenger intending to travel to Singapore on Qantas flight QF35, said she had been sitting at Sydney Airport for three hours and claimed she would miss her connecting flight. Australia imports more than 40 per cent of its jet fuel. A decade ago, seven fuel refineries were operating in Australia, but that number fell to four last year following closures in Sydney and Brisbane. Melbourne Airport has called on all fuel suppliers to "exert every possible effort" to meet their commitments to airlines flying from Tullamarine. "Melbourne Airport will continue to work closely with all airlines to accommodate any changes in their operational plans," an airport spokeswoman said. "Melbourne Airport travellers should contact their airline for the most up-to-date information about flights." The airline board has been warning the aviation industry for some time about fuel supply problems at Melbourne Airport. "The latest jet fuel shortages are the result of taking no action to deal with known and avoidable supply issues. There is a pressing need to reform the entire supply chain," Mr Abrams said. "The systemic problems in jet fuel supply to Melbourne Airport are now showing how they can undermine the growth in Victoria's aviation and tourism industries." However, Caltex chief executive Julian Segal has previously argued that relying on imported fuels decreases the risk of shortages, because shipments come from Asia, while oil is sourced from as far afield as West Africa. The Board of Airline Representatives has called on the state and federal governments to conduct a comprehensive review of the fragile jet fuel supply chain and fast-track necessary regulatory approvals. Melbourne Airport's fuel suppliers, including such companies as Caltex and BP, are referring questions to ExxonMobil, the company that manages Melbourne Airport's joint fuel infrastructure. A spokesman for ExxonMobil said the fuel shortage arose "following disruptions in recent weeks to jet fuel deliveries from multiple fuel terminals across Melbourne". It is not clear when the issue will be resolved. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said on Friday he had asked for a meeting with federal Infrastructure Minister Darren Chester to discuss giving Melbourne Airport bigger fuel storage facilities. "Sydney Airport's fuel storage capacity is more than double that of Melbourne Airport," Mr Andrews said. "All parties must come together to resolve this issue." YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian delivered a speech at the Ministerial conference of the International Organization of La Francophonie, press service of the MFA told Armenpress. Armenpress presents his full speech: Mrs. Secretary-General, Mrs. President, Dear Colleagues, After the Yerevan meeting last year it is a great pleasure to see you today here in Antananarivo, in this worthy place for the Ministerial conference. I want to express gratitude to the President of the FMs Council and the leadership of Madagascar for the warm reception shows to us. I was carefully listening to the report presented by Mrs. Secretary-General. The Antananarivo Declaration bill, which is going to be presented to the attention of the heads of our states and governments, clearly identifies the challenges faced by us and outlines a way of actions to be implemented by Francophonie within the upcoming two years. The challenges faced by our societies, including the crisis management, overcoming development inequalities, preventing the intolerance phenomena, fight against negative consequences of the climate change must be at the center of the organizations political agenda. In this regard, it is necessary to be consistent in order the proposed solutions to be based on our fundamental values system, such as democracy, human rights protection, solidarity and diversity. The existing challenges and crisis make the imperative on respecting the international humanitarian law as priority. The culture of tolerance and dialogue always needs to be boosted. In this context we highly appreciate the IOF Secretary-Generals purposeful efforts that are directed towards moving forward the Fracophonie values, as well as peacefully settling the crisis and conflicts by cooperating with various regional and international partners. The flight for peace and stability in the Francophonie region must remain as one of the key priorities of our organization. This is what Armenia seeks in the settlement process of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh. As you know, in early April of 2016, the large-scale military attack committed by Azerbaijan against the NKR resulted in numerous deaths and distorted the negotiation process being held under the auspices of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. We are grateful to the IOF Secretary-General for the calls directed to all to respect the ceasefire signed in 1994, as well as to reach peaceful and long-lasting settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Armenia remains committed to the peaceful settlement of this conflict based on the principles proposed as indivisible unity by the Minsk Group Co-Chairs, especially to those principles that relate to the non-use of force and threat of force, territorial integrity, the peoples right to equality and self-determination as a base for the balanced and long-lasting settlement of the conflict. Among the threats facing by our societies we cannot forget about the scourge of terrorism that threatens some of our member states. The Francophonie family must remain mobilized in the fight against terrorism. Mrs. Secretary-General, we are grateful for the serious steps taken by you. We appreciate your activity aimed at gathering the youth over the Francophonies humanitarian ideology and maximum involving them in the activity of our organization. In this regard, I want to state with satisfaction that the Ministerial conference held in Yerevan in October, 2015 served as a base for such initiative by adopting a resolution on the youths participation in the activity of Francophonies institutions. Mrs. Secretary-General, Mrs. President, Dear Colleagues, Concluding my speech, I want to reaffirm Armenias commitment to continue the active involvement in the International Organization of La Francophonie, in this space of cooperation and dialogue that is based on diversity and solidarity that are considered as Francophonies richness. Thank you. James Packer's Crown Resorts has assembled a "war room" of highly paid lawyers and advisers as the casino giant prepares for the legal fallout of having 18 of its staff detained in China for breaching the country's strict gambling laws. Crown has engaged top-tier legal firm Minter Ellison to investigate the potential culpability of its own management team after staff were raided by Chinese authorities last month. Asked what the review was for, one senior Crown figure said: "I would typify it as an act of corporate, legal and reputational arse-covering of the first order." Fairfax Media has been told Minter Ellison will determine what potential exposure Crown has to lawsuits or class actions from the families of arrested staff or disgruntled shareholders, who have seen Crown's share price tumble in the wake of the crisis. The review will also examine allegations that Crown had persisted with its sales and marketing activities within mainland China despite being warned explicitly by local authorities to stop. Peter Dutton isn't the first Liberal Immigration Minister to criticise Malcolm Fraser for taking the "wrong" Lebanese back in the 1970s. He's just the first to do so publicly. Philip Ruddock was saying it away from microphones around the turn of the century. And for all the publicity Dutton has generated for the coalition's tough-on-refugees, suspicious-of-Islam image, he's only added a tenuous terrorism footnote to an old story that's had regular airings to no one's benefit. On broad economic measures, the mainly Muslim Lebanese migrants accepted during the Fraser years have been among our least successful, unlike earlier Lebanese migration that gifted us Marie Bashir, Steve Bracks and Bob Katter, among many others. (I'm thinking Bob Katter Senior there.) So one strain of the "Fraser mistake" story is a little correct. Overall though, it's very wrong and even attributing the outcome to Malcolm Fraser could be false as well. Other than establishing credentials as a One Nation fellow traveller, there was absolutely no benefit in grandstanding about a decision made four decades ago. You might hope statements by a government minister would try to reduce divisiveness and the appeal of Islam's ratbag fringe. Dutton has done the opposite. Dumb and Dutton. Damage caused Caltex has taken over the running of more than service stations. Credit:Sasha Woolley For workers like Sohaib the psychological damage can be crippling. A star employee, who had on four occasions been singled out for praise after scoring 100 per cent in the All Star Mystery Shopping Program, Sohaib was never offered any counselling or compensation after the robbery. "[The franchisee] was really [only] concerned about customers they didn't give a shit about us," he says. Text messages seen by Fairfax Media show Sohaib, before he was robbed, pleading with his boss, to increase his pay. It is inevitable that this will get out. It is only a matter of when, not if. What damage will this cause to the Caltex brand? Email to Caltex head office "It's been seven months I have been working on the $13 rate. I need to collect $20,000 for five subjects before November in order to clear my degree at Uni Adelaide and I am finding it really difficult to save money. Please accept my request to raise my pay back to $16, I don't know what else to say to convince you." When his pay was finally raised to $16, which is still well below the legal minimum, he asked for a tax return so he could lodge it with the Tax Office. Instead he says he was threatened and suffered a pay reduction just for speaking up. "I asked for a tax return in 2014, but instead of giving me my tax return ... he pushed against me and came to the store and says 'I am is bringing down your pay from $16 to $13 cash'," he says. "I was told if you want your tax I'll give you it but I am reducing your pay." Sohaib would later be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder by a counsellor at Adelaide University, where he was studying a master's of computing. Nightmares, insomnia and sensitivity to light are just some of the symptoms he has had to battle since the robbery in 2013. "I still haven't told my mum about it as I don't want to scare her," he says. Warnings ignored Caltex is profiting from higher sales of up-market fuel products. His exploitation is not an isolated case. Emails obtained by Fairfax Media reveal that Caltex head office was repeatedly told franchisees were underpaying workers but did little about it. When the 7-Eleven scandal broke in August 2015, one franchisee wrote an email warning: "It is inevitable that this will get out. It is only a matter of when, not if. What damage will this cause to the Caltex brand?" The company did take some action, including auditing some franchisees for suspicions of wage fraud. It then made contact with the Fair Work Ombudsman and separately investigated eight franchisees and terminated five of them, equivalent to 13 sites. Workers were not paid compensation. They were offered counselling and a job that paid correct wages. Eight workers were offered an ex-gratia payment. It is currently investigating 50 sites, including 27 connected to the Rana family, which runs one of the biggest franchise networks in Caltex. This building, if belated, scrutiny has provoked complaints from franchisees that the system is designed to deliver profits to head office while squeezing those below. A number of former and current franchisees have come forward alleging the Caltex franchise model is flawed, forcing underpayment of wages. Life support Forty-five sites out of 650 are receiving financial assistance such as rent relief from Caltex head office but franchisees say the number would be higher if proper wages were being paid. After paying royalties, rent, wages, StarCard fees, merchant fees, accounting and electricity bills, coffee machine leasing fees some argue that little, if anything, is left. Caltex still argues there is no excuse for underpayment. "Our model has flexibility to ensure that each franchised site provides a fair return to the franchisee," it says in a statement. For those found to breach Caltex's rules the consequences can be dire. Fairfax Media can reveal that if a franchisee is terminated due to a breach of the franchise agreement (which can occur for wage underpayment as well as other reasons) the value of the business is returned to Caltex with the franchisee receiving only the value of any stock or other owned assets. In one case, a franchisee was terminated from seven stores, which he estimates were worth an estimated $5 million if he had been allowed to sell them on the secondary market to another franchisee. He told Fairfax Media he lost everything. In another case the franchisee was terminated which meant he lost his four stores, which he says cost him $1.5 million and he believes would be worth at least that if he was allowed to sell them. Caltex says "the franchise agreement is clear that on termination the franchisee is not entitled to receive any payment or compensation from Caltex. Franchisees know this when they enter into agreements with Caltex." 'Unduly harsh' Professor Allan Fels. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen It is a clause that Professor Allan Fels says on the face of it looks "unduly harsh" especially if taking into account the modern times where the value of retail activities at service stations have been rising. This week Caltex chief executive Julian Segal published an opinion piece in Fairfax Media where he revealed the company would review the franchise model, including the franchise agreement, the financial returns as well as the ongoing governance and compliance arrangements. "This goes beyond the forensic review of financial statements and wage records we have already conducted since the issues of wage fraud were first raised in 2015," he wrote. "The findings of this review will determine whether any change is made to how we operate." A decision is expected in the first quarter of 2017. The arrangements seem to be working well for Caltex. According to its annual report, Caltex generated a net profit of $522 million for the year to December 2015 and $184 million in non-core income, which includes convenience store income, franchisee income, royalties, property, plant and equipment, rentals, StarCard income and share of profit from distributor businesses. Its current sharemarket valuation is $8 billion. At the same time as conceding the model warrants review Segal told Fairfax Media "non-compliance with workplace rights is totally unacceptable, abhorrent and against the culture and values of Caltex Australia". He says, "where there are allegations of non-compliance with workplace rights, Caltex Australia will use every method available to it to investigate, and where appropriate, sanction, including co-operation with the Fair Work Ombudsman". 'Common mistakes' Caltex CEO Julian Segal. Credit:Pat Scala An internal Caltex document presented to franchisees in August on workplace obligations outlines "common mistakes". The list includes not paying an employee for trial/training shifts, not recording and rostering the hours worked by the franchisee and not having these records available and not checking if visa requirements are up to date. One of the more egregious "common mistakes" was "not paying wages on a regular basis/on time and not having required records of wage payments (especially when cash wages are paid)". In a statement Caltex described the "common mistakes" as examples "provided by way of illustration and do not reflect Caltex's behaviour". It says the company had always made it clear to franchisees that they are required to operate their businesses in full compliance with all laws, including the Fair Work Act. But it will not commit to a compensation scheme where it finds exploited workers who have been systematically ripped off, similar to the scheme set up by 7-Eleven, which has so far paid $50 million in back pay to workers. Instead, it points the finger at franchisees, saying "franchisees are responsible for ensuring their employees are correctly paid. Caltex is providing practical support to those employees such as helping them secure ongoing employment if possible as well as assisting them to pursue a claim against their former employer". But it isn't as simple as that. If a franchisee is terminated and loses the value of the goodwill, it is hard to chase them down to repay workers as some of them will have nothing left except a big bank loan to repay for a business loan they took and no income to repay workers. In addition, many workers are too afraid to come forward for fear of retribution. Retribution fear One worker was forced to withdraw his consent to have his name and photo published and his story told when he received a late-night visit from an associate of the franchisee threatening him not to speak up. The next day his family in Pakistan were visited by four armed men. He is now fearful of speaking out to authorities or the media in case the threats of violence against his family are carried out. He says, "In Pakistan, it costs $50 to kill someone. Life is cheap." Professor Fels says the Turnbull government's proposal to amend the legislation to impose accessorial liabilities on franchisors will cause Caltex to reconsider its "hands-off" approach. "The proposed law imposes a significant degree of accessorial liability on the franchisor when their franchisees underpay workers," he says. As the Fair Work Ombudsman continues to raid stores across the country, franchisees and former franchisees are coming forward alleging the business model is being increasingly stacked against them as Caltex grabs more and more in fees and rentals. Certainly there is evidence from the emails obtained by Fairfax and the interview with former franchisees that Caltex was made aware of wage fraud issues over a number of years. Systemic problems? Caltex is accused of ripping off workers. Credit:Simon Bosch One email seen by Fairfax Media by a former site owner to a senior manager complained he had flagged similar issues to those at 7-Eleven to another senior manager in June 2011. The former site owner says the common thread between Caltex, 7-Eleven and a number of other franchises is "the deal was and is so disadvantageous to the franchisee/operator that they had no choice but to cheat". Another former Caltex franchisee, Kevin Crossey, who operated a number of sites between 1998 and 2014, says he repeatedly told head office there was a problem with wage fraud. "I was on the NSW state franchise council and national franchise council representing franchises over a number of years," he says. "It was discussed at these meetings by members of the council but Caltex management held their official line that correct award wages were to be paid and were being paid and did not look into it. " Crossey says he sold two sites in 2014 because it was getting increasingly difficult to make a living. "It got to a point where we couldn't be compliant and so I decided I wanted to be able to sleep at night so we sold out." He says Caltex is motivated by profits and little else. One franchisee, John Ibrahim, who has owned Caltex sites since 1992, says while he doesn't believe the Caltex franchise model forces franchisees to cheat, it could cause some good people to feel enough financial pressure to cut corners, including offer cash. "The model is marginally better than break even, but that isn't something to brag about." He told Fairfax Media the average site fluctuates between a profit of $20,000 a year and a loss of $20,000 a year. Former franchisee Lebba Chakkour, who became a franchisee in 1993 and was terminated in 2013 after being breached over allegations unrelated to wage fraud alleges he told executives at head office there were serious issues with some of the franchisees underpaying workers. When Chakkour was terminated he lost seven stores. "They took seven stores worth $5 million and I didn't get a cent," he says. "It was devastating." Caltex says it wasn't in a position to comment on the termination as it was subject to an ongoing investigation. System changed Credit:Sonja Koremans Chakkour says the culture of Caltex changed after the introduction of the Star Agreement a few years ago, which included centralised logistics, a new system of royalties and base rent. He says before then franchisees could negotiate directly with distributors and the model was fairer. One franchisee, who asked not to be named, says the centralised system can be to the detriment of the franchisees. He used the example of Coca-Cola products, which he can source from Woolworths and Coles at a far cheaper rate. He says a franchisee can pay $1.12 for a can of coke that sells at the supermarket chains for as little as 63. Caltex says in a statement that the centralised logistics program delivers about 75 per cent of the dry goods sold on site. "Caltex supplies a basket of goods multiple times a week. This provides efficiencies and fair payment terms for the franchisee. The pricing on a basket of goods is regularly benchmarked in the marketplace." Chakkour says the various changes to the Caltex system over the years resulted in a lot of older, predominantly Anglo, franchisees exiting the system and new, mostly Indian and Pakistani franchisees coming in. They often pay big money for the sites on a secondary market, which is calculated on a number of factors including the remaining term of the franchise, the historical volume of sales from the site, inventory and any "value of franchise payment" negotiated with the existing franchisee. Over the past few years franchisees have bid up the price of the "value of franchise payment" to lofty heights. One Queensland franchisee is asking $400,000 for a site, plus $50,000 for stock, with only four years left on the term of the franchise. Large group Caltex franchisee Rizwan Rana had to repay wages. Some of Chakkour's stores ended up with the Rana family, which has at least 27 stores in NSW and South Australia. Fairfax Media recently revealed that Aurangzieb Rana, who operates eight sites in South Australia, is under investigation. Fairfax has obtained numerous timesheets and pay records that appear to show employees at Aurangzieb Rana's sites being paid as little as $13 an hour, in cash. Aurangzieb Rana has denied any allegation of wage fraud. He says he was estranged from other members of his family and otherwise had no connection to companies within the Rana group. "This is totally incorrect and wrong ... We comply with the law in regards to wages," he says. In 2012 another Rana family member, Rizwan Rana, who operates stations in NSW, was forced to pay 20 employees $18,367 in back pay by the Fair Work Ombudsman. A later audit in 2015 found minimal issues. Stewart Levitt, a lawyer, who is acting for several members of the Rana family, said the family denies any wrongdoing. He said if all the franchisees in Australia were audited in 2012 they would have found payroll issues. "Underpayment was rife with the tacit complicity of the franchisors," he says. Workers wear risk Former Caltex employee Saqib Riaz. Credit:Kate Geraghty A former Caltex worker, who requested anonymity, says in the store he works, he is paid $13 an hour to do the work of three people. He says the franchisee, who he requested not be identified, operates a side business which involves sponsoring workers at a cost of $40,000 per sponsorship fee. He says if a worker is sick or gets injured on the job, they aren't covered. He says some of the stores employ Australian workers who work the morning shift and are paid correctly. "It is not only me who wants this to be raised as an issue but I am representing almost all the staff who are going through this but they don't raise their voices due to the fear of either deportation or job loss," he says. Another worker Saqib Riaz, says he worked at one of the Caltex-branded Woolworths sites between 2011 and July 2014. He says he worked 50 to 60 hours a week for $13 an hour in cash, doing 12-hour night shifts at a site in Sydney's western suburbs. "I did 10 unpaid shifts as a trainee and my pay was $13 an hour. I eventually left because they weren't paying me well enough," he says. Riaz says everyone in the store was underpaid. Loading He came forward because he was sick of international students being ripped off. One franchisee, Kevin Crossey, operated a number of sites from 1988 to 2014 until it got too hard. "It got to a point where we couldn't be compliant and so I decided I wanted to be able to sleep at night so we sold out." Caltex CEO Julian Segal. Credit:Pat Scala Crossey says as the culture changed, so did the model, making it harder and harder for franchisees. Interestingly, the franchisee who bought one of Crossey's stores is understood to have struggled and applied for financial assistance. Franchisees argue they have to work long hours and ask family members to do the same, for little return. "We are effectively paying to work," he said. Another franchisee, John Ibrahim, who runs six sites, says he can make it work because he also runs a separate property development business. He says the model is marginally better than break even, sometimes registering a loss, sometimes a profit. Changes forced After the 7-Eleven wage fraud scandal broke last year, head office agreed to change its business model after Professor Allan Fels said the only way franchisees could make a living was by ripping off their workers. The convenience store giant also agreed to set up a compensation scheme for exploited workers, paying out $50 million to date, with estimates that it could reach $100 million. Caltex, for its part, is still grappling with the extent of worker underpayment across its network. It has launched its own investigation, already terminating five franchisees, and is reviewing another 50 sites. Meanwhile the Fair Work Ombudsman is conducting raids across its stores. Caltex chief executive Julian Segal has tried to get on the front foot, instigating a separate independent review of the franchise model. He says the findings will determine if any changes is needed. Franchisees believe they already know the answer. Besides having to pay royalties, rent, wages, Star Card fees, Star Boss, coffee machine leasing, drive offs, uniforms, accounting, electricity and bank card fees, they can complain they can no longer source most of the products sold in the shop. They believe they could save money if they could source some products themselves. One example cited was the purchase of Coca-Cola. One invoice shows the franchisee paying $1.12 per can of Coke from Caltex, whereas the same can be purchased retail from the supermarket chains for far less. Rising prices At the same time as the cost of business rises, the cost of buying a franchise on the secondary market has risen, which has added to the pressure on the franchisees who take out big business loans to buy in. Caltex has demonstrated it has a no-tolerance policy for wrongdoing. Clauses in its franchise agreement say "you agree that any goodwill and other rights and interests arising from your use of the trademarks, the image, the system and the intellectual property, belong to Caltex". Another clause says "you acknowledge and agree that except expressly provided under the agreement or as may be required by law, at the end of the franchise you are not entitled to receive any payment or compensation from Caltex". It says subject to law, Caltex may terminate the agreement "effective immediately" by giving written notice. The clauses allow Caltex to take the scorched-earth approach and punt the franchisee without compensation. In one case a franchisee was terminated and lost seven stores which he says were valued at $5 million. Another was terminated, with $1.5 million of his money going up in smoke. Some may cheer at this hardline approach. Indeed, Tess Hardy, a lecturer at Melbourne Law School specialising in employment regulation and enforcement, says it is a powerful weapon against worker exploitation. It certainly is but it could be open to abuse. In the US there have been examples were franchisors have been accused of deliberately churning franchisees to make money. For the workers who have been ripped off, it does little to help. 'Harsh' clause Professor Fels, who is currently chairing the Migrant Worker Taskforce, describes the Caltex clause as "unduly harsh". The problem is if franchisor terminates a franchisee and that franchisee is then left with no site and a big bank loan to repay, the chances of him/her repaying workers is slim. Hardy says the franchisor needs to take more responsibility for preventing and remedying the workplace contraventions that have taken place. She says franchisors are resistant to being held liable for employment-related issues. They often seek to minimise this risk by distancing themselves from the problem. But there was one problem with this narrative of role reversal. It didn't stack up. As an exemplar of calm reason and restraint, Dutton is about as convincing as Tony Abbott would be leading Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Yes, a strong case can be made that Shorten overreached when he accused Dutton of "wholesale labelling of entire communities for the actions of a tiny minority" and did so during an address on national security. But the episode revealed more about Dutton, Turnbull, Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop, the fractured Coalition, and the chasm that now exists between the government and opposition on national security, the policy area that, above all others, should be the subject of bipartisan consensus. After declaring in Parliament that Shorten was a threat to national security, Bishop wrongly asserted in media interviews that all Dutton had said was that "many years ago there were not the support services available for those who were brought to Australia under refugee humanitarian visas". Like most furores involving Dutton, it all started with an interview with a hardline conservative, in this case Bolt, whose agenda is to challenge this country's non-discriminatory migration policy and assert that people from cultures "less compatible than others with our own" should not be part of it. To support his argument that Sudanese refugees should not have been accepted because of their role in the "huge crime wave in Melbourne", Bolt put it to Dutton that Fraser "got the Lebanese refugee program wrong" in 1975. Links between Australian Sunni extremists and those taken from the Lebanese civil war between 1975 and 1990 are not a revelation. They were canvassed most recently in a top secret cabinet document I wrote about in February this year. Prepared in response to last year's terrorist attacks in Paris and social unrest in Europe, the paper outlined a host of options to "mitigate radicalisation risks" for new arrivals that are yet to surface. They include denying new arrivals under the humanitarian program direct paths to permanent settlement; an "enforceable integration framework" to assess aspiring migrants' suitability for life in Australia; and a revamped Citizenship Test and Citizenship Pledge to "strengthen accountability". Bolt's question to Dutton was whether Australia had repeated Fraser's mistake when it came to the Sudanese refugee programme, and the minister's first response was political: to deflect the question by accusing the Andrews government of being soft on crime. When Bolt persisted, Dutton delivered the line that sparked outrage in ethnic communities: "If we're talking about a significant number of people within that community who are doing the wrong thing, then clearly mistakes have been made in the past and the reality is that Malcolm Fraser did make mistakes in bringing some people in, in the 1970s," he said. Problem was, Dutton didn't identify what Fraser's mistake was. Was it taking poor, uneducated Lebanese Muslims who were suffering during the civil war? Or failing to apply comprehensive security and character checks to screen out those of bad character? Or, as Bishop said he said, not providing them with the necessary support services to help them integrate? Dutton also undermined the whole "mistake" argument by asserting: "The original people that have arrived here, that have sought refuge for example, have done well. They've worked hard, they've educated their children, and it's the second or third generation that's going off to fight and so we need to have a proper look at what has gone wrong and clearly something has gone wrong." So it wasn't the grandparents' fault? Or Malcolm Fraser's? His biggest failing, though, was that the key caveat was not delivered until Shorten pressed him for answers in Parliament on Monday, prompting Dutton to reveal that 22 of the last 33 people who have been charged (he apparently meant convicted) with terrorist-related offences in Australia are from second- and third-generation Lebanese Muslim backgrounds. "I am not going to allow people who are hard working, who have done the right thing by this country, who have contributed, who have worked hard and who have educated their children to be defined by those people who are doing the wrong thing," he declared. The government agency responsible for the Great Barrier Reef says urgent action is needed to save the world heritage site after yet-to-be-published surveys found the record coral bleaching damage earlier this year was even worse than initially thought. A Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority director also says it appears unlikely that national targets to improve water quality on the reef - currently assessed as poor in areas close to the coast - would be met. Authority director for reef recovery David Wachenfeld said pressures on the reef were increasing, particularly due to global warming, but that the reef could be returned to health through concerted effort by industry, the community and governments. "People need to be determined. This is the time to act to save the Great Barrier Reef," he said. "The byelection was the last chance we had to make our voices heard": Marj Bollinger. Credit:James Brickwood On November 12, the National vote in Orange plummeted 34 per cent. In Molong, a small village outside Orange where Baird wants to ram boutique Cabonne Council into department store-sized Orange Council, the amalgamation proposal highly affronted locals: 60 per cent went for Donato. "Whoever wants to form government will need our support," says One Nation member Graham Burston. Credit:James Brickwood "These were lifelong National supporters. It was a hard thing for them to do. Their hands were shaking as they signed the ballot," says Paul Mullins, proprietor of What the Dickens bookshop and the local newspaper The Molong Express. "It will take a lot to bring them back." Donato, a popular Orange police prosecutor, beat the Nationals candidate Scott Barrett 18,593 votes to 18,543 on preferences. Cabonne mayor Ian Gosper outside the town hall in Molong. Credit:James Brickwood "The 50 votes that handed Phil victory came from right here in Molong," says Marj Bollinger, who owns a cattle and sheep property at Gumble about 20 kilometres outside town. "Mr Baird and the Nationals should think about that." She has been leading the charge to save Cabonne. She knows the power of vested interests, that Barnaby Joyce personally intervened to save his family's local Walcha Council in New England from amalgamation and has not lifted a finger to stop Baird's hard charge. Since May last year, she has issued 46 media releases opposing amalgamation and each sought a meeting with Baird. "Every request was ignored," she says. "It's not only rude but arrogant. In country NSW, councils are the life and soul of a community. They provide jobs, keep young people in small communities, give locals access to people in authority. New Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party MP for Orange Phil Donato. Credit:James Brickwood "In the city, councils are for developers who want to take something from their community. In the country, councils give something to their communities. Mr Baird does not understand that. The Nationals are paying the cost of his failure. And unless they do something quick across NSW, Barnaby Joyce will also pay." At Spring Hill, about 20 kilometres south of Orange, Greg Board houses 170 greyhounds. A bull rider in younger days, the 65-year-old runs a concrete business with his sons but regards his dogs "as my superannuation". "Baird with the support of the Nationals listens to what the ABC says [about the alleged cruelty within the greyhound industry] and plays to city voters. Thanks to them, I don't know what lies ahead. If a bunch of blokes are drinking in a pub and one of them drives off and is done for drunk-driving, you don't come back to the pub and charge the other blokes," Board says. "But that's what Baird did with the greyhound industry. "Everyone knows somebody with a dog here. There are old blokes with a couple of animals and they're the only reason they get out of bed of a morning. Baird doesn't understand that. He's a fool, wrote the National Party's suicide note in Orange." Barnaby Joyce was upbeat when he claimed victory in his seat of New England on a chilly federal election night at West Tamworth League Club. Unlike the Liberals, it was clear the Nationals had held their own. Joyce told his rowdy supporters it was "brilliant victory" for the party. He saw off Tony Windsor and the Nationals picked up the Victorian electorate of Murray from the Liberals, giving the party an expanded role in the Turnbull government ministry. But just four months later, Orange voters rebelled. There were inevitable comparisons with the shock result in America's presidential election held a few days earlier. Was there a "Trump" or "Brexit" effect at work here too? Ariadne Vromen, Professor of Political Sociology at Sydney University, cautions against reading too much into the result of a single byelection. "You see unexpected results happen in byelections all the time," she said. Even so, the Orange byelection exposed seething voter discontent. While the Nationals were able to defend their seats in the federal election in July there were clear signs of dissatisfaction. One Nation picked up a Senate seat in NSW and polled strongly in some National Party electorates. One in every 10 Senate votes cast in the vast far-western NSW seat of Parkes went to Hanson's resurgent political movement. In the federal electorate of Calare which takes in the state electorate of Orange and Joyce's seat of New England, One Nation snared more than 7 per cent of the Senate vote. Just to the north of Joyce's seat, in the Queensland electorate of Wright, the One Nation candidate for the lower house, Rod Smith, won 21 per cent of first preferences. A striking backdrop to these electoral trends is the growing economic and demographic differences between Sydney and other parts of NSW. Analysis by Terry Rawnsley, an expert in regional economics, showed growth in Sydney was motoring along at 3 per cent in 2014-15 compared with just 0.6 per cent for the rest of NSW. A "hunk" of regional areas were actually going backwards. The divergent economic performance of city and country has now shown up in Rawnsley's figures for about five years. "It's hard find somewhere outside of Sydney that is doing well," he says. "It is pretty grim for a range of reasons and people are really starting to notice." Analysis of regional unemployment data published by CommSec on Thursday showed the average jobless rate in New England and north-western NSW in the year to October was 8 per cent, the highest in the state. That compared with just 2.9 per cent in Sydney's eastern suburbs and 3 per cent on the Northern beaches. Rawnsley points out that manufacturing was once a significant employer in parts of regional NSW and Victoria. But over the past two decades much of it has disappeared "with little to replace it". Manufacturing has also shrunk in Sydney and Melbourne but a swag of alternative jobs have been created to compensate, especially in knowledge-based services. "In [the Orange byelection] things like greyhounds and council amalgamations had a role to play but people were probably also sending a message that they are doing it tough," says Rawnsley. "They can't put together the narrative from prime ministers and premiers with their everyday experience and that's why they are turning to the Donald Trumps and One Nations of this world." For many regional voters there's a disconnection between the national political narrative which suggests the economy is performing fairly well and the local reality. "People can't quite put together the 'jobs and growth mantra' that they hear from politicians with what's happening locally," says Rawnsley. "There's been a loss of faith in the elites." While economic conditions help explain the disaffection with major parties in parts of regional NSW, cultural and demographic differences are also at play. The strength of Sydney's economy isn't the only thing that sets it apart. The city's population profile is also conspicuously different to most other parts of the state. Ben Phillips, from the Australian National University's Centre for Research and Methods, compared demographic data for the state electorate of Orange to both Greater Sydney and the inner-city electorate of Sydney. "Sydney and particularly inner-Sydney is younger, better educated, better paid, less likely to be born in Australia and more likely to be in a professional occupation when compared to Orange," he said. Dr Phillips' analysis showed Orange's median age, of 38, was six years higher than inner Sydney's and its proportion of over 65s almost double (15.8 per cent compared to 8.3 per cent). Educational attainment is another striking country-city divide. Nearly 40 per cent of those in inner-Sydney have a university degree compared with 9.7 per cent in Orange (in Greater Sydney the share was 19.5 per cent). The residents of Orange are much more likely to be born in Australia - 86.4 per cent compared to 59.9 per cent in Greater Sydney and just 31.9 per cent in inner-Sydney. In recent weeks the media and Parliament have had great sport observing One Nation's erstwhile new WA senator Rod Culleton play the fool. Culleton might be reminiscent of Hanson's collection of 11 Brown's cows MPs in the Queensland Parliament of the late 1990s who petulantly imploded in a mess of internecine brawls, bruised egos and resignations. But whatever mainstream media and politics think of the Culleton imbroglio, behind the scenes the party has moved quickly to capitalise on their leader's surprise renaissance. Liberal senator George Brandis' observation that his Liberal National Party colleagues in Queensland are "very, very mediocre" has exposed the panic that One Nation is starting to cause in the Coalition. The Nationals have closed ranks. On November 17, with the outcome in Orange unclear, Ron Boswell, the leader of the National Party in the Senate in the late 1990s, told Fairfax Media that Hansonism had changed: "This time, she's far more formidable. Her MPs back then were amateur, ill-disciplined, a rabble." The architect of a hard-headed campaign conducted with Tony Abbott that, together with an electoral redistribution, banished Hanson to 18 years of political oblivion, Boswell had been confident the Nationals would retain Orange on absentee votes but by Thursday he had gone to ground and would say nothing on the record. Sitting in the patio of his home in the old Hunter Valley coal mining village of Heddon Greta, Graham Burston smiled when Boswell's name was mentioned. Malcolm Turnbull's refugee resettlement deal with the United States could be at risk of collapse after two senior Republican lawmakers accused the Obama administration of withholding information from Congress, less than two months before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley and Virginia congressman Bob Goodlatte demanded answers about the plan to resettle Australian immigration detainees held on Manus Island and Nauru this week, telling Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson that many being considered for resettlement came "from countries of national security concern" and countries designated by the US State Department as state sponsors of terrorism. The chairs of the powerful House and Senate Judiciary Committees wrote to the Obama Administration before the Thanksgiving holiday, coming as US Homeland Security officials continue work in Australia to process the about 1800 detainees involved in the one-off deal before they can be moved to the United States. Mr Trump's Republican Party will control Congress and the White House after January 20, raising the prospect of the Australia-US deal being overturned through a presidential executive order before any transfers take place. The Brisbane school where a teenage boy was bullied about his sexuality say they were not aware there was a "problem of any kind". Tyrone Unsworth, 13, took his own life on Tuesday after he was teased for being gay, his mother Amanda told News Corp. Tyrone with his mother Amanda. Credit:Facebook She believed those who bullied her son "pushed him to the edge". "All of this because of bullies thinking they're tough heroes," she wrote on her Facebook page on Thursday. Senior Victorian police are undergoing international "hostage rescue" training as part of an Australia wide shift in counter-terrorism tactics with experts now acknowledging that attempts to negotiate peaceful outcomes in IS-inspired sieges are likely to fail. While negotiations remain the first and preferred option in siege situations, officers will be authorised to take direct action, including sniper attacks, forced entries and the use of tear gas and stun bombs, rather than wait for terrorists to move on hostages. Under the new approach, commanders at the scene will be provided with intelligence dossiers and operational options while Special Operations Group police will immediately rehearse their hostage rescue plan specific to the existing risk. The use of "casualty reduction" methods, intelligence sharing, suspect identification and early intervention will be examined at an international counter-terrorism conference that begins in Melbourne on Monday. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan held a meeting with Ambassador of China to Armenia H.E. Tian Erlong. The press service of the government told ARMENPRESS PM Karapetyan highlighted the continuous expansion and boosting of relations with China and noted that specific steps are necessary to be taken for realization of the great potential of future development of economic cooperation. The PM underscored the possibility of involving Chinese businesses in several programs of Armenias infrastructure and added that the government is ready to discuss in detail all proposals. According to the PM, Armenia may become an important platform for Chinese business, also in terms of an entry point to third countries. Ambassador Tian Erlong said his mission is to contribute to the development of Armenian-Chinese relations and added that he especially highlights the deepening of economic cooperation in various directions. The Ambassador underscored he will pass on the Armenian PMs message to his government. People power has poured cold water over the push from several popular Perth pubs to punt the pint. It was just months ago the death of the 568ml glass seemed a fait accompli in WA. But public outrage, on the back of a series of stories on WAtoday, seems to have struck a chord with publicans, with some of the pubs we poo-pooed shifting back to the popular vessel. First it was The Wembley Hotel, the original focus of WAtoday's coverage, that reverted back to pint glasses. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying. A night of Haitian-centric comedy in Bedford-Stuyvesant later this month will try to raise spirits while raising money for that countrys hurricane relief efforts. Proceeds from Laugh 4 Haiti, Cry 4 Haiti, Dance 4 Haiti, happening at the Milk River lounge on Nov. 28, will go to grassroots organizations aiding the thousands of Haitians displaced by the destructive Hurricane Matthew, which heavily flooded the countrys southern region in early October. The Haitian-American organizer of the charitable laugh-fest says it will bring a light touch to a serious night. Were going to tell a lot of jokes about Haitian culture and Haitian pride and strength we dont want to just talk about the sad stuff, said Moses Merisier, who lives in Bedford-Stuyvesant. We want to bring life into the people. The show will have three segments: a stand-up comedy set, an open mic session for storytelling and poetry, and a party with DJs and dancing. The nights second portion will welcome audience members who need to share their feelings, Merisier said. Anyone can sign up for the open mic and be sentimental, and express their emotions regarding whats going on, he said. For the most part we just encourage people to follow the theme of the show. All proceeds from the event will go towards three organizations: the Haitian Health Foundation, CapraCare, and Lets Go Haiti. Merisier said that he chose the groups because they have a proven track record of aid work in Haiti. We are only raising money for grassroots organizations, said Merisier. We choose organizations that keep their documents for public view on their websites, and we only donate where work organizations who have been working there for decades. Those who cannot make the Monday evening show can also donate directly through the events web page. Merisier said that, since he cannot pack up and head off to Haiti to help directly, he wants to assist the people who are already there, working directly with those affected by the hurricane. Were just looking for people to help and send money, he said. What am I going to do right now? Id rather raise money to send to people who are going to do it. Warminster boy makes Phillies nation proud with viral video from Game 1 Carson Wallace, 5, of Warminster, starred as one of the Phillies most savage fans as his celebration and taunt of an Astros fan went viral. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. The issue of defining consumer tariffs of natural gas by Gazprom Armenia was discussed at the November 25 session of the Public Services Regulatory Commission. The PSRC decided to set the following tariffs for natural gas sold by Gazprom Armenia to consumers. According to #1122-N November 3, 2016 decree of the Government, the gas tariffs for socially vulnerable families is set at annually: 100,000 AMD/1000 cubic meter (including VAT) for up to 600 cubic meter 139,000 AMD/1000 cubic meter (including VAT) for more than 600 cubic meter The tariff for agricultural businesses involved in greenhouse activities, the price is set at: For the period of November 1 March 31 212USD equivalent AMD for each 1000 cubic meter gas (including VAT) For the period of April 1 October 31 139,000 AMD/1000 cubic meter (Including VAT) for monthly up to 10 thousand cubic meter consumption, and 242.1USD equivalent AMD for each thousand cubic meter gas for monthly more than 10 thousand cubic meter consumption including VAT). For individuals involved in processing, dairy, canned product and beverage businesses and individuals the tariff is set 212 USD equivalent AMD for each thousand cubic meter gas (including VAT). For consumers using monthly up to 10 thousand cubic meters, with an exception of the abovementioned 1-3 point consumers, the tariff is set 139,000 AMD/thousand cubic meter (including VAT). For consumers using more than 10 thousand cubic meters monthly, with an exception of the abovementioned points 1-3 consumers, the price is set at 242,1 USD equivalent AMD for each thousand cubic meter (including VAT). The tariffs will come into force starting January 1, 2017. Currently, the tariff for consumers using up to 10 thousand cubic meters monthly is set at 146700 AMD/thousand cubic meter (including VAT). Yardley Friends Meeting at 65 N. Main Street in Yardley will host the documentary Organic Roots on Friday, November 18 at 7 p.m. Join director Al Johnson for a showing of this film followed by a discussion of the last 50 years of this movement. Organic foods are part of our life today and a tool in our concern for... latest news October 31, 2022 Buddy TV In November, there are hundreds of new and returning TV showsit can be overwhelming to try and choose what to watch. That's why we've selected some of the best options... New Jersey rates of STDs on the rise, especially in young adults As rates of sexually transmitted diseases are increasing across New Jersey, doctors are calling for more screening. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian on November 24 had a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and African Integration of Togo Robert Dussey within the framework of the ministerial conference of the International Organization of La Francophonie in Madagascars capital, press service of the MFA told Armenpress. The sides warmly recalled the meeting held in Yerevan in 2015 on the sidelines of the IOF conference, highlighting the IOFs uniting role between various states and people. At the meeting the Ministers exchanged views on steps over the development of bilateral relations. They also discussed regional and international urgent issues, in particular, the Syrian crisis, the refugee issue. The FMs attached importance to holding regular consultations over regional and international issues. Issues related to the IOFs agenda were also covered at the meeting. The Finnish sure know how to design a great city - here's why Helsinki should be next on your hit list As the creative director of cult Finnish design brand Marimekko, Anna Teurnell lives and breathes design. So naturally, her favourite food, shopping and tourist haunts are as effortlesssly stylish as her work. Top 3 coffee shops 1. Good Life Coffee Amazing artisan coffee in the hip Kallio district of Helsinki. Kolmas Linja 17, goodlifecoffee.fi 2. Cafe Regatta A tiny little cottage at the sea shore with a quirky sense on humour that serves coffee and fresh pastries. You can even barbeque sausages outside if you wish! It feels like you've travelled back 100 years in time when you visit this little hidden gem of Helsinki. Merikannontie 10, facebook.com/Cafe-Regatta-official 3. Sis. Deli+Cafe A lovely little deli in the middle of Helsinki that serves fresh, healthy food and coffee. Kalevankatu 4, sisdeli.fi Top 3 restaurants 1. Seahorse Seahorse is a very classic, Finnish restaurant. Founded in 1934, it has become a staple in Helsinki. The place has almost a Kaurismaki-type of a feel to it and its clientele are very diverse. Kapteeninkatu 11, seahorse.fi 2. Sushibar + Wine Sushibar + Wine combines amazing, experimental sushi with wines from small wineries and Nordic design. The atmosphere is always warm and welcoming. Many of their dishes are served on Marimekko tableware. Uudenmaankatu 15, sushibar.fi 3. Finnjavel A fine-dining restaurant that uses purely Finnish ingredients and cherishes Finnish cuisine and its traditions. Their approach to tradition is surprising and inspiring. Etelaranta 16, finnjavel.fi Top 3 cocktail bars 1. Runar A new, relaxed cocktail bar in the heart of Helsinki that serves fantastic, original cocktails. Hotel F6 is located in the same building. Fabianinkatu 6, runar.fi 2. Bronda Bronda is a restaurant and bar with a lovely atmosphere and great food and drinks. It is centrally located and the space is fresh and beautiful. I often pop in for a drink with friends. Etelaesplanadi 20, ravintolabronda.fi 3. Salutorget Salutorget is a restaurant and bar in the historical centre of Helsinki. It's not really a cocktail bar, but I enjoy spending time there with friends and a glass of wine. Pohjoisesplanadi 15, salutorget.fi/en Where to stay 1. Hotel F6 I have an apartment in Helsinki, so I do not stay in hotels myself. However, I have heard good things about the new Hotel F6. Fabianinkatu 6, hotelf6.fi 2. Hotel Klaus K Bulevardi 2-4, klauskhotel.com/en 3. Hotel Kamp Hotel Kamp is also one of the most iconic hotels in Helsinki. Pohjoisesplanadi 29, hotelkamp.com Where to shop for local and international designers 1. TRE The TRE concept store is the latest addition to Helsinki's design shopping scene that opened in August. TRE offers an interesting selection of Finnish design and a small restaurant/cafe and it is a hot topic among the design crowd at the moment. Mikonkatu 6, worldoftre.com 2. Artek For me, Artek is definitely one of the most iconic Finnish design brands and it epitomises Finnish functionalistic and inclusive design thinking. Artek opened its new flagship store this spring in Helsinki. The store combines new and vintage Artek pieces together with Vitra classics in a very inspiring way. Keskuskatu 1, artek.fi 3. Samuji and Samuji home Samuji is one of the most interesting Finnish brands and known for their timeless yet fun designs. Samuji home is a home-like shop that displays their ready-to-wear and home collections. Pohjoisesplanadi 37 and Erottajankatu 9 b, samuji.com 4. Beam One of my favourite multibrand stores in Helsinki with great brands such as Maison Martin Margiela, Acne Studios, Comme des Garcons and Marimekko. Erottajankatu 15, beamstore.fi 5. Onar Onar is a brand founded by Irene Kostas, specialising in high-quality shearling clothes and accessories, leather bags and knitwear. They use only ethically produced shearling and 100% vegetable tanned leather. I dream of having the Vainio hat for the winter. Erottajankatu 9, onarstudios.com 6. Luxbag Luxbag is one of the best places to shop for high-end fashion in Helsinki. The little shop has fantastic staff and a cosy atmosphere. Pohjoisesplanadi 25, luxbag.fi 7. Iittala Another Finnish design icon worth visiting. Iittala creates beautiful objects for the home and one of their latest projects includes a collaboration with Issey Miyake. Pohjoisesplanadi 23, iittala.com.au Top 3 museums 1. Kiasma Kiasma is a museum of contemporary art that hosts the most intriguing exhibitions in Helsinki. The architecture of the space is also stunning. Mannerheiminaukio 2, kiasma.fi 2. Design Museum Design Museum is the best place to get to know Finnish design history and to learn about the next big thing from Finland and beyond. Korkeavuorenkatu 23, designmuseum.fi 3. EMMA The Espoo Museum of Modern Art (EMMA) is located slightly outside of Helsinki, in the neighbouring city of Espoo. It hosts some of the most interesting exhibitions in Finland. Ahertajantie 5, Tapiola, emma.museum/en Best places to hangout in winter and summer Eira and Kaivopuisto districts Helsinki's southern sea shore at Eira and Kaivopuisto is like a living room for the people living in Helsinki. Especially in the summer people go there to enjoy summery weather and walk around with family and friends. There are also lovely little restaurants and cafes along the shore, such as Birgitta and Mattolaituri, as well as a new public sauna/restaurant, Loyly (pictured). Punavuori I enjoy strolling in the Punavuori district in southern Helsinki. There are many small boutiques, restaurants and cafes in the area, and the architecture is beautiful. Marimekko's public fashion show in the Esplanade park Every year in late May Marimekko arranges an outdoor public fashion show in the centre of Helsinki, in the Esplanadi park. This has become a tradition for the people of Helsinki: the first show was arranged in 1992. It's a lovely way to kick off the summer season with thousands of our friends. Best view of the city Ravintola Savoy is one of the most iconic restaurants in Helsinki, with a beautiful view over the city. The space was designed by Alvar Aalto and his wife, Aino Aalto in the 1930s and it is still as beautiful as ever. Etelaesplanadi 14, ravintolasavoy.fi Tourist attractions you haven't heard of 1. Flow festival Flow is an urban festival that combines music, food and culture in a magical August weekend. The festival takes place in central Helsinki and is one of the highlights of the people who live here. Absolutely worth a visit. flowfestival.com/en 2. Salakauppa Salakauppa (secret shop) is a little shop founded by Aamu Song and Johan Olin that sells interesting and unique things they have found on their excursions to old factories around the world. Postikatu 1, salakauppa.fi Insider tip: Karjalanpiirakka Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pie) is a traditional savory Finnish pasty, (a bit similar to Russian pirogs) that Finns eat with egg butter. The crust is made of rye and the filling is rice porridge. I have grown to like them a lot! Best places to drop in for an exercise class I like walking around the city for exercise. Helsinki is full of parks and you are quite close to the seashore wherever you go, so the views are very nice. Best day spas/beauty I do not visit spas that often, but I must recommend the Finnish natural SUPERMOOD cosmetics brand, founded by Anne Kukkohovi, they also create edible, topical, and therapeutic beauty products. I enjoy my spa moments at home using these lovely products. supermood.fi Where to buy homewares 1. Lokal Lokal is a concept store and gallery with independent Finnish art, design and craft. Annankatu 9, lokalhelsinki.com 2. Marimekko flagship store The Mikonkatu store is our flagship store in Helsinki and the first Marimekko store with our new store concept. It offers a holistic view to the Marimekko lifestyle, including ready-to-wear and home items. The store aims at inspiring people to bring joy to their everyday moments. Mikonkatu 1, marimekko.com 3. Fasaani Fasaani is a great vintage furniture shop in downtown Helsinki. You can often find vintage Artek pieces there, for example, as well as a lot of Finnish glassware and porcelain. The Korkeavuorenkatu street overall is filled with little boutiques and restaurants. Korkeavuorenkatu 5, fasaani.fi Public sector petroleum company Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is planning to invest $10-15 billion in East Coast. Speaking to Businesss Standard on the sidelines of L&T's hightech spool base facilities at Katupalli, near Chennai, T K Sengupta, director (offshore), ONGC, said currently the country's gas requirement was around 75 billion cubic metres a year, of which around 50 per cent was contributed by . Sun Pharmaceutical Industries closed at Rs 712.15 a share on Friday on the BSE, a four per cent gain from Thursday's close as the rupee depreciation helped the export-led firm gain. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. During the NATO Parliamentary Assemblys completed session the Assemblys President changed, Head of the Armenian delegation to the NATO PA, RPA faction MP Koryun Nahapetyan told reporters on November 25, reports Armenpress. Italian lawmaker Paolo Alli was elected President of the NATO PA. I must state that we are carrying out productive cooperation with him quite a long time, the Armenian MP said. The MP said the newly elected President of the NATO PA once visited Armenia, moreover, the members of the Armenian delegation have carried out productive cooperation with him. 6 resolutions, 16 reports were discussed and adopted at the PA session. All resolutions concerned global and international security issues. Koryun Nahapetyan said the Armenian delegation members actively participated in discussions of all issues, made proposals and expressed their concerns. The MP stated that during the session Turkeys Foreign Minister, Justice, Science and Technology Ministers, the Chief of General Staff of Armed forces presented reports. After their reports, the Q&A session was held, during which the Armenian delegation members managed to ask their questions to the Turkish officials. However, MP Nahapetyan expressed complaint that after the Q&A session, the MPs didnt have additional chance to deliver speech and express their concerns. On October 24, the Tata Sons board shocked the corporate world by removing Cyrus Mistry as chairman and appointing Ratan Tata as interim chairman. Since then, a bitter corporate war has erupted between Mistry and Tata, with both sides accusing each other of incompetence and destruction of shareholders' value. In the last one month, the Tata group has lost over Rs 1 trillion worth of market valuation. As the war enters its second month, the drama is set to play out in shareholders meetings called in December. We take a look at the accusations and counter accusations from both sides: Eight years after the November 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which 164 people were killed and about 308 injured, the railways and coastal areas remain vulnerable. The strengthening of the intelligence and counter-intelligence apparatus and training of police personnel, especially constables attached to the anti-terrorism cells, is yet to gather momentum. The cells were set up in over 100 police stations across Greater Mumbai. The nation observes the 8th anniversary of the attacks on Saturday. Unlock 30+ premium stories daily hand-picked by our editors, across devices on browser and app. Full access to our intuitive epaper - clip, save, share articles from any device; newspaper archives from 2006. Curated newsletters on markets, personal finance, policy & politics, start-ups, technology, and more. Pick your 5 favourite companies, get a daily email with all news updates on them. 26 years of website archives. Even as Opposition parties continue to demand the Indian Prime Minster's presence in Parliament discussions about the Centres move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Friday found defending his governments stance from a distance. The Supreme Court on Friday set December 2 as the date for hearing of all petitions related to demonetisation, including the transfer petition filed by the Government of India, news agency ANI reported. Jose, 19, is a college student in Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. On a regular school day, after he wakes up, he takes a shower, scrubbing his body using soap made of papaya (Carica papaya), a fruit thats said to have skin-whitening properties. Afterwards, he applies a facial whitening lotion, and before finally going to school he uses SPF 30 sunscreen, again with whitening properties, on his face and arms. Economist and NITI Aayog member Bibek Debroy says ex-prime minister Manmohan Singh is mistaken in saying the ongoing would hurt the nations gross domestic product (GDP) and its growth. A number of ministries and departments in the Central Government, especially those that have a direct interface with the public, have gotten down to chalking out their strategies to go cashless on Friday, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed them to switch from currency-based transactions to online and cheque payments. The cashless initiative will embrace a wide range of dealings including those related to downstream payments such as payment to labourers. The directives were issued by Prime Minister Modi last night in a special cabinet meeting held to review the drive. The steps to go cashless would be reviewed in a follow-up cabinet meeting likely to held next week. Upping the ante against demonetisation, the Congress charged the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with buying pieces of land in Bihar and other parts of the country in the name of party chief Amit Shah and local leaders, weeks before Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes on November 8. Citing documents related to purchase of eight pieces of land in Bihar worth Rs 3.41 crore, in which the BJP and its chief Amit Shah have been shown as claimants, the Congress said the payments were made in cash and through cheques. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. During the NATO parliamentary assembly sitting, Armenian delegates put Turkish FM Mevlut Cavusoglu in a ridiculous situation, who held a Q&A with lawmakers after delivering a report. During a briefing on November 25 in the Parliament, head of the Armenian delegation to NATO PA Koryun Nahapetyan said Cavusoglu spoke about frozen conflicts in his report, and mentioned the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Lawmakers got the chance to address questions to the Turkish foreign minister after his report. I started my question saying that Turkey continues to negatively impact the process of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. Furthermore, I asked about Turkeys relations with different terrorist groups. The Turkish FM answered my questions nervously and hysterically. Basically, without giving any clear answer to my questions, he began counterattacking. He started accusing Armenians for being unfair and dishonest, and then commented on the Armenian Genocide, saying that Armenians are spreading lies throughout the world. Cavusoglu reminded that Turkey has proposed to create a committee of attorneys in order to study the issue, Nahapetyan said. The MP added at that moment he didnt have the right to respond, however he responded to Cavusoglu during the next days defense committee session, when he had the right to address a question to the Chief of General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces. I clearly presented how many countries have recognized the Armenian Genocide, and I said that the issue needs no study, and there is no need of forming any committee, Nahapetyan said. Koryun Nahapetyan underscored, that Turkeys FM was so perplexed after his question that he began speaking about what made him become a diplomat. ASALA was mentioned here, that actions were carried out by that organization which resulted in Turkish diplomats being victims. He recalled, that his mother urged him not to become a diplomat, because he would suffer the same fate, and he, ignoring his mothers calls, decided to become a diplomat. At that moment a ridiculous situation occurred in the session hall, everyone realized what was going on. He was unable to give clear answers to our questions and claims and attempted to counterattack, Nahapetyan said. Nahapetyan also addressed a question to the Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces regarding Turkeys actions in Syria and Iraq and their relations with terrorist groups, which was followed by the latters hysterical response, saying as if the Armenian delegate is spreading disinformation, since there are no clear proofs that Turkey has ties with terrorist groups. The Chief of the General Staff also began to accuse Armenians in having ties with terrorist groups. Those who deposited their black money in banks, disclosing it to be untaxed wealth, since the government announced will now have to pay income tax at 50% and a quarter of the portion of the unaccounted income would remain with the government for four years, as per amendments planned to the Income Tax Act by the Centre. Indian government is pushing state-owned steel, power and shipping firms to take over assets of private companies that have defaulted on loans, but faces resistance from them, leaving it scrambling to clear a $135 billion pile of stressed loans from banks' books. Over the past two years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has pushed banks to recognise non-performing assets, make adequate provisions for them and try to raise capital from outside to bolster their balance sheets. But, facing an end-March deadline to declare all bad loans on their books, the mostly state-owned banks have struggled to do any of that. The problem loans are limiting their ability to lend, weighing on India's growth prospects. They also risk straining government finances, as it must find the money to bear the higher recapitalisation burden. Last month, steel ministry officials met with Modi to outline measures to revive a sector reeling under bad loans and cheap Chinese imports. Days later, in a renewed push, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley met with top lenders, including State Bank of India and ICICI Bank, steel and shipping ministry officials and some state-owned companies. He gave the state-owned firms a list of 23 troubled steel, power and shipping companies with bad loans totalling $14.5 billion, according to government officials and minutes of the meeting seen by Reuters. The state-owned firms were "encouraged" to buy at least one asset and take a minority stake in a company on the list. Alternatively, banks were asked to approach state-owned companies for help in operating and managing assets the lenders had taken over via debt-for-equity swaps, the minutes show. Most of the companies on the list were steelmakers, including Bhushan Steel, Essar Steel and Electrosteel Steels. Those three companies declined to comment for this article. NO SAIL Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), the country's biggest steel producer, initially turned down the government proposal, saying its own finances were not up to buying troubled assets from others, three officials with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Later, the steel ministry told the prime minister's office (PMO) that it needed banks to be more flexible with bad loans before asking SAIL for help, one of the officials said, adding SAIL might then reconsider taking over assets. SAIL declined comment. It was not immediately clear whether any other state-owned company had taken up, or rejected, the government proposal. The finance ministry, steel ministry and PMO did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The fraught negotiations, details of which have not been previously reported, underscore the depth and complexity of the problem, and suggest India's bad loan crisis is likely to persist for longer than the government has projected. Banks are under pressure to find buyers for the debt-for-equity stakes they hold in the nearly two dozen companies on Jaitley's list, and would take big haircuts on stake sales, the minutes of the meeting show. The sale of at least some of those troubled assets to state-owned firms would set a precedent and make it easier politically for banks to sell the rest of the assets to private buyers. "The idea was to set an example," one government official said. "Tomorrow, the banks can give 30-40 percent haircut and nobody will question." Prime Minister (PM) on Friday indicated that he was unlikely to beat a retreat on his governments move to demonetise Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes, even if it meant the Opposition uniting against him and the winter session being washed out. The queues in banks have shortened considerably in the past few days and governments decision to forbid exchange of certain notes on Thursday did not seem to have much adverse impact on the general public. Rajasthan BJP unit today accused the Pradesh Congress Committee of "misleading" people on the decision taken by the Centre. BJP state president Ashok Parnami claimed that the decision of the Modi government is being hailed not only in India but in abroad too and people have welcomed it but the Congress is "misleading the public by creating misunderstanding" on the issue. "When Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, he had promised that he will fight against corruption, terrorism and black money and the decision taken by him is a concrete step in this direction," he said. As part of my work as an archaeologist, my team and I recently discovered an ancient artists studio in UNESCO-listed Angkor, an area in Cambodia that was home to numerous capitals of the Khmer Empire and is now one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Donald Trumps election was a lightning bolt in already ominous skies. Winter is here, tweeted Russian dissident Garry Kasparov, alluding to the title of his latest book Winter is Coming. This was also a clear reference to ties between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trumps team. President-elect Donald J. Trump is expected to select as commerce secretary Wilbur Ross, a billionaire investor who became known as the king of bankruptcy for buying, restructuring and selling off steel makers and other fading industrial companies, officials on the transition team said on Thursday. iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- A judge in South Carolina ruled today that accused Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof is competent to stand trial. Roof stands charged with the deaths of the "Charleston Nine" -- black worshipers who were gunned down at a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina, during an evening bible study in June 2015. "After carefully considering the record before the Court, the relevant legal standards, and the arguments of counsel, the Court now finds and concludes that the Defendant is competent to stand trial," Judge Richard Gergel wrote in his order. A psychiatric review of Roof was completed on Nov. 15, the court document said, and a competency hearing was held on Nov. 21 and 22. In his order, Gergel said that jury selection in the case would begin on Monday. The massacre on the evening of June 17, 2015, was quickly characterized as a hate crime by officials. Images and other evidence found online suggest that Roof held white supremacist views, authorities said. Roof is thought to have spent an hour attending the bible study at Emanuel AME Church with his victims before opening fire, police said at the time. After the shooting, Roof was quickly identified as the suspect and was apprehended the following morning in North Carolina, after a citizen spotted his car and reported it to police. Among the victims who were gunned down was the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Emmanuel AME Church's pastor and a former state senator. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. Secretary of the RPA faction Gagik Melikyan presented details on the works of the assistance fund for reconstruction of the Talish school and kindergarten. The lawmaker says the main works have been implemented, and anyone willing can have their contribution to the important process. We will assist from our side. Everyone who is willing, participates. Among the participants are pensioners, teachers, students, representatives of the Diaspora, different organizations, who wish to donate large sums to the fund. Personal contributions include sums from 1000 up to 500,000 AMD. For example, Eduard Sharmazanov, Vahram Baghdasaryan, Gagik Minasyan, Khachatur Kokobelyan, myself, and many others have donated 500,000 AMD, and many have donated 20,000 AMD. In short, anyone donated as much as he wanted to, he said. Gagik Melikyan thanks everyone who wants to be useful in supporting the reconstruction of the Talish school and kindergarten. In the two-and-a-half years that the government led by Prime Minister has been in power, the Sensex has delivered only 6.5%, despite the initial rally. National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has applied for setting up a new company which will function as an international exchange in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT). This will be a fully-owned subsidiary of . The exchange is hoping for an approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) next month and is in the process of taking up space in the GIFT authority-promoted centre. Similar to rival BSE, the exchange is looking to kickstart operations in January next year. The escalating border tensions between India and have started hitting other sectors. The plant quarantine department under Islamabad's ministry of agriculture has stopped issuing permits to its traders for import of commodities from India, though without an official announcement. A total of nearly 250,000 Pakistanis were deported from various countries during 2012-2015, especially in United Kingdom where about 9,778 Pakistanis were deported in the span of three years. A report quoting statistics issued by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has revealed that the Labour Migration from Pakistan: 2015 Status Report" showed that a total of 242,817 Pakistanis were deported over the time period, according to the FIA's deportation statistics. The year with the highest number of Pakistani deportees is 2014 with 73,064 deportees, whereas 2010 has the smallest number at 46,032, the Nation reports. Most of the individuals deported from Saudi Arabia and the UAE were job seekers and businessmen. Deportations from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are mainly linked to security-related issues, the report claimed. From 2005-06 to 2014-15, around 932,051 migrant workers were stranded in destination countries due to lack of proper documentation and thus deported. The largest number of stranded Pakistanis at 882,887 was deported from Jeddah, followed by Doha and Qatar at 4,200. Around 14,628 migrant workers were detained in jails in destination countries during the said period. Deportation between 2012-15: . Saudi Arabia: 131,643 . United Arab Emirates: 32,458 . Iran: 28,684 . Oman: 17,248 . Greece: 14,145 . Britain: 9,778 . Malaysia: 8,861 The report emphasised that around 513,231 individuals were deported from different countries from 2007 to June 2015, which suggested an upward trend over time which was likely of an indication of an increase in the human trafficking and smuggling of migrants. A United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) study has found that the majority of irregular migration involved migrants originating from Punjab, especially from, Gujranwala, MandiBahauddin, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan and Sialkot. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Social activist Abha Singh on Friday questioned the role of the Police in the Navi Mumbai case, where a caretaker Afsana Sheikh was hitting and kicking the 10-month-old girl caught in a CCTV footage, while alleging that wrong application of the sections of the Indian Penal code was imposed to protect the owner of the creche. "What is worse is the way the police have acted. It has put wrong sections on the owner of the creche and the worker and that is why the owner was given bail immediately. The police has booked her under 325 of the IPC and they have used Juvenile Justice Act of 2000, which is no longer in application," Singh said. " It was repealed because as per the section put by the police, it was a bailable offence but now Juvenile justice act 2015 came into force in January 2016, Section 75 clearly says a child who is in the custody or supervision of a caretaker in an organisation if he assaults the child and beats the child then it is a cognizable offence with minimum three years of imprisonment to seven years, with a five lakh fine then why police did not put a section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act of 2015?," she added. Echoing similar sentiments another social activist from Bengaluru Brinda Adige has urged the parents to be more vocal about their grievances and report to the police if they encounter any such incident. "The parents have to report these incidences to police. Don't they know that India being a signatory to the Convention of Rights of Children. The Juvenile Justice Act 2015 is a very strong act and can implement sanctions which means cruelty to a child is punishable. This is something which the police should look seriously," she said. "It is a lesson that has to be taught. Unless a lesson is taught via courts and procedures these institutions will continue to abuse their power," she added. In a shocking incident at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, a caretaker of Purva play school, assaulted a 10-month-old girl. CCTV footage obtained by the police shows caretaker Afsana Sheikh hitting, throwing and kicking the child. The child has sustained an injury on her head. The incident reportedly took place on November 21 and the girl's mother reported the same to the police station on November 22. Taking cognizance of the complaint, the police inspected CCTV footage of the play school and detained the owner Priya Nikam and Shaikh in the case. The play school was inaugurated five months ago and Sheikh was employed only a month back. When the incident took place around afternoon on November 21, Shaikh was the only authority present in the school. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday came down heavily on Rahul Gandhi for taunting Narendra Modi over his silence in Parliament on the government's demonetisation drive and alleged that the Congress vice-president being unserious about parliamentary proceedings courtesy his in the House has no right to question the Prime Minister. "Who is questioning, that MP whose attendance in Lok Sabha is 40%, while other MPs from UP have an attendance of 90%. This shows how serious he is about the proceedings of the Parliament," BJP leader Anurag Thakur told ANI. Thakur said the Congress Party is just trying to portray that they are more concerned about the poor. "I challenge him to have a debate with me. I am ready to answer all his questions. Dealing with Prime Minister Modi is out of the question right now," he said. Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Modi for not steering clear of the debate on demonetisation yet, the Congress vice-president earlier in the day said that he was waiting to see what "new emotion" will he express over the matter now as his expressions outside the Parliament exposes his nervousness. "He was earlier laughing and then he cried outside the Parliament, he should come in the house and then we will see what new emotion he will show us here," Gandhi told the media outside Parliament. Defending the Centre over the demonetisation drive, Prime Minister Modi earlier in the day said the move had empowered the common man in the fight against black money, while taking a swing at the opposition and critics saying they were flustered as they were caught off guard. "Those criticising the demonetisation move don't have a problem with government's preparedness; they have a problem that they didn't get time to prepare," the Prime Minister said. "The common citizen of India has become a soldier against corruption and black money," he added while stressing on the need for India to move towards a cashless society. Hailing former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's warning to the Centre on the possible negative impact of demonetisation, the Congress party on Friday said the drive to end the use of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes was nothing but organised loot by the government. Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam told ANI, "What Manmohan Singh said was absolutely correct. It is an organised loot by the Modi government. It is a clear cut monumental management failure because the whole nation is facing havoc." Alleging that more than 65 people have lost their lives courtesy the drive, Dr Singh on Thursday described the Centre's decision as a case of monumental mismanagement and warned that it would reduce GDP by at least 2% and weaken economic growth. Dr Singh asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to find a more practical and pragmatic solution to prevent this distress on the public. Dr Singh, who led the opposition charge in the Rajya Sabha, highlighted the problems of . "It is important to take note of the grievances faced by the people over in the country. The PM has said that we should wait for 52 days, it is a short period. But for those who are poor and deprived, those 50 days can bring about a disastrous affect in the country," he said. The former prime minister said demonetisation can weaken and erode confidence in the currency and the banking system in the country. "I would want to know from the PM the names of any countries he may think of where people have deposited money in the banks, but are not allowed to withdraw their money. This alone, I think, is enough to condemn what has been done in the name of demonetisation," said Dr Singh. "In my opinion this scheme of demonetisation, the way it is being implemented, will hurt the agriculture growth in our country, will hurt small industry, will hurt all those people who are in the informal sectors in the economy," he added. Singh further said the national income, that is the GDP of the country, can decline about 2% as a result of this move. "This is an underestimate and not overestimate. Therefore, I feel that the PM must come with some constructive proposal of how we can implement this scheme and at the same time prevent this distress that has been caused to the common people. It is no good that every day the banking system comes with modification of the rules, the conditions with which the people can withdraw money that reflects very poorly on the PM's office, on the FM's office and on the RBI," said Dr Singh. "I am very sorry that the RBI has been exposed to this sort of criticism which I think is fully justified," he added. The Rajya Sabha earlier witnessed noisy scenes after the Opposition demanded that Prime Minister Modi should be present in the House during the resumed discussion on demonetisation. Leader of the House Arun Jaitley objected to the decision of the Deputy Chairman to allow the former prime minister to speak during Zero Hour. He said if Dr Singh wants to speak on demonetisation, then the House should resume the discussion. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi suggested that the House first take up the discussion and then Dr Singh can participate. The Lok Sabha also witnessed uproarious scene as soon as Question Hour began. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge stuck to his party's demand to discuss the demonetisation issue suspending Question Hour. Later, opposition members including Congress, TMC, SP and NCP trooped into the well shouting slogans, forcing its adjournment. Appreciating Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray for supporting former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh over demonetisation of high-value currency, Samajwadi Party on Friday urged the former to take part in the shutdown being observed by the opposition party on November 28. "Manmohan Singh is an intellectual man, he is a well known economist and senior politician. If he saying that the step taken by the Prime Minister will affect the economy of the nation then one should have taken his advice. I laud Uddhav Thackeray for supporting him," Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi told ANI. Azmi said that the entire Maharashtra should observe shutdown on Monday in the wake of the demonetisation of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 currency notes adding that Thackeray should take some serious steps over this issue. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is following a Hitler policy. The change in demonitisation norms everyday shows that they have not done any preparation on it," he said. On Thursday, Thackeray asserted Prime Minister Modi should have prior to implementation of the scheme taken the views of his predecessor Dr Manmohan Singh seriously as he is an eminent economist. "Former prime minister Manmohan Singh is an eminent economist. Prime Minister Narendra Modi must take his viewpoint seriously before implementation of demonetisation," said Thackeray. Thackeray said there is no meaning of the Prime Minister getting emotional and shedding tears during his speeches, adding the latter should have instead made efforts to wipe out the tears of the general public. Later in the day, the Centre announced that there will be no counter exchange of old Rs. 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes after the midnight today. However, certain exemptions relating to cancellation of legal tender character of old currency notes has been extended up to December 15, including for the payment of current and arrears dues to utilities which will be limited to only water and electricity. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) European nations are vulnerable to the 2008 Mumbai-style terror attacks by Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), whose tentacles were found spread in the continent by security agencies, especially after last year's deadly Paris terror attacks at multiple locations that claimed 130 lives. Eight years ago, 10 terrorists of the Pakistan-based LeT attacked multiple public places in Mumbai from November 26-28, 2008, killing more than 160 civilians, many of them foreigners. Except for the death of some European tourists, the general notion in Europe was that the shocking terror incident had taken place far from their home shores, with close to no threat of such attacks being replicated in the West. However, the situation has changed after eight years, say European security experts. With the Paris terror attacks of November 13, 2015, when terrorists struck at six different places in the city killing 130 persons, the European security agencies were faced with the reality of Mumbai-style attacks in their own backyard. In Europe, security agencies in countries like France, Austria and Italy are increasingly unearthing the presence of LeT members - the same group that carried out the Mumbai attacks. LeT's footprints have grown and the terror group, whose presence in the West was earlier largely noticed for fund collection, logistics, transit and recruitment purposes, today has managed to infiltrate its members into Europe, many in the garb of asylum seekers, says experts. One such example is the arrest, in April 2016, of Pakistani national Muhammad Ghani Usman, an LeT operative and a bomb maker, who as per security agencies landed in the Greek island of Leros in October 2015 on the same boat as the two suicide bombers involved in the Paris attacks of November 2015. According to details divulged by the Greek police, all three were carrying Syrian passports. Usman, along with the two Paris bombers, despite being initially arrested by the Greek police on suspicion, were released and managed to move to their respective destinations. Usman would have probably remained undetected and continued his operations in the safety of a refugee shelter in Austria, if he did not come to adverse notice, along with two other asylum seekers, after the Paris attacks. He and the other two persons, arrested in Austria, were found to have spoken to some of the Paris bombers over phone. Security agencies fear that Usman was planning more attacks in Europe, along with other team members, who had also entered Europe posing as asylum seekers. Many European nations are realising the potential threat to their national security from the rising number of Pakistanis, recruited by terrorist groups based in Pakistan and then illegally sent to Europe, say experts. Groups like LeT and its front organisation Jamaat-ud-Dawa, which carry out their activities unhindered in Pakistan, instruct Muslim youth in extremist ideology to carry out jihad against the West, says experts, adding that these youth are then illegally pushed into different countries to take forward the objectives of the group to radicalise European Muslims and use them for terror attacks. In 2015, the Italian police arrested more than 18 foreign nationals, many of whom were Pakistanis, on the charge of involvement in jihadi activities in the country. Some of those arrested were also found to be linked to LeT. It is also learnt that the Greek government, which has been grappling with large inflow of refugees from countries like Syria, Pakistan and Afghanistan, has recently sent a strong message to the Pakistani government, warning if it failed to take back all illegal Pakistani nationals residing in Greece, it could be faced with the prospect of being declared an "exporter of terrorism". Such a warning coming from Greece, currently enjoying close ties with Pakistan's all-weather friend China, is reflective of the heightened concerns of terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Till now, there have been at least 12 terrorist attacks in Europe in 2016. The attacks with the highest casualties were the March 22 suicide attacks at the Brussels airport and subway killing of 32 people, and the Bastille Day attack in Nice in July, with no less than 84 deaths. Investigations have revealed links between those who carried out attacks in Paris and Brussels. Security experts feel that there is an urgent need for the European Union members to respond to this threat jointly by de-radicalisation programmes, enhancing security cooperation and intelligence sharing. Further, EU members need to quickly put together a common policy on dealing with illegal immigration from countries like Pakistan, where with the tacit support of the government, extremist ideology is being promoted and freely disseminated by radical Islamic and terror groups. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. The defense of businessman Aram Petrosyan the man who had taken hostages in a Moscow bank has appealed the extension of the period of remanding the businessman in custody until February 24, Petrosyans attorney told RIA Novosti. According to the attorney, they requested the court to cancel the pre trial detention and define a house arrest for the businessman. Recently, in addition to the previous charges, Petrosyan has been charged with terrorism. Back in August, Aram Petrosyan took four hostages in Moscows City Bank and threatened to blow it up. However, Petrosyan released all hostages one by one, and it turned out he was carrying a fake bomb. During the interrogation, Petrosyan said he wanted to shed light on the bankruptcy problem by his actions. Earlier he was indicted for hostage taking. Health tech startup Idea Bubbles has raised a Pre-Series A round of Rs. 4.5 crore led by the IvyCamp platform. Idea Bubbles was founded in 2014 by IIT Delhi-IIM Calcutta alumnus and serial entrepreneur Gururaj Potnis. It has developed 'Eureka Forbes Good Health' (EFGH) platform that enables doctors to offer patients tele-consultation services underpinned with several offerings such as digitized medical records. Idea Bubbles has over 12,000 patients and 600 doctors on its roster and has completed 1,000 transactions. This fund raise was facilitated by IvyCamp, a Unified Innovation and Entrepreneurship Platform, that leverages the Global Alumni Networks to help entrepreneurs become successful. Eureka Forbes was one of the key investors which participated in this round facilitated by IvyCamp. In addition to being an investor, Eureka Forbes will also contribute to the start-up in form of operational and strategic guidance. It will work with Idea Bubbles across their sales, distribution, operations and brand building functions. "Idea Bubbles is making on-demand tele-consultation with expert doctors mainstream under the brand Eureka Forbes Good Health (EFGH). IvyCamp helped us bring in Eureka Forbes as a strategic investor who is helping us build a differentiated healthtech story by enabling us to leverage the brand and the wide distribution reach of Eureka Forbes field force," said founder Idea Bubbles, Gururaj Potnis. "Eureka Forbes, as a leader in health and hygiene consumer products with over 10 million customers including 1.62 lakh doctors, sees big potential in the healthcare enablement sector. With India having a very low doctor-patient ratio, Eureka Forbes Good Health is a powerful and convenient enabler of family health services and health data management for individuals and also, all employers keen to improve their employee productivity," said CEO of Technology and Corporate Development Eureka Forbes, Dr. Raman Venkatesh. "Our success in aiding Idea Bubbles raise a significant round with support from eminent corporate such as Eureka Forbes reflects our dedication to expanding our expertise to disruptive that will redefine the landscape," said Co-founder and President at IvyCamp, Anju Gupta. "The USP of IvyCamp is the cutting-edge skills of the investment team, and mentorship of the Global alumni networks from Institutes such as the IITs, IIMs, ISB, BITS, and many more which we expect will play a more active role - both as mentors and entrepreneurs - in the coming years," added Anju Gupta. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir police on Friday apprehended a local terrorist in Baramullah district, where a massive encounter is underway. A gunbattle broke out between terrorists and security forces in Tujjer village of Sopore here today following which the security forces cordoned off the area. Two terrorists are reportedly holed up in the area, and one was arrested after security forces turned up their efforts to smoke them out. Meanwhile, in a separate ongoing encounter, two terrorists have been neutralised and an Army jawan has been killed in Bandipora. Troops of 45 Battalion of CRPF along with 13 Rashtriya Rifles and the state police carried out a cordon and search operation during which an encounter broke out with militants today morning. Two AK, one UBGL and other ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists. More details to follow. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Lok Sabha was adjourned till November 28, 11 a.m. amid a continuing uproar by the opposition over the issue of demonetisation. The deadlock in Parliament continues over demonetisation issue as both Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha witnessed repeated adjournments today. As soon as the Lok Sabha met, Mallikarjun Kharge of Congress questioned the Prime Minister's reported remark that those criticising the demonetisation process do not have any problem with the preparedness, but have a problem that they did not have the time to prepare themselves. Members belonging to other opposition parties including the Trinamool Congress, the Left, RJD and AIADMK trooped into the well of the House raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demonetisation. Amid the din, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan first adjourned the House till noon. Earlier, the House took up Question Hour. In the Rajya Sabha, as soon as the House met for the day, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad raised the issue and said it is an insult to all opposition parties. Professor Ram Gopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party said that Prime Minister Modi has branded all opposition parties as dishonest. Sharad Yadav of the JD(U) said that the Prime Minister had made a serious allegation. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the opposition is coming with new excuses every time to run away from the discussion on demonetisation. As the din continued, Deputy Charman Professor P.J. Kurien adjourned the proceeding till noon. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shiv Sena leader Arvind Sawant on Friday said that what former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said in the Rajya Sabha regarding demonetisation must not be made political. "Manmohan Singh was the prime minister, he was also the governor of the RBI, I think what Dr. Manmohan Singh said yesterday should not be made political. If there is any chance of improvement on the demonetisation drive, then it should be done on a serious basis," Sawant told ANI. Saying that the party never asked for a roll back on the Centre's decision, Sawant said that Sena has always supported the idea of removing black money from the country. "Who doesn't want to remove black money from the country. But the kind of arrangement that the government was supposed to make, they didn't make, that is why the people are worried," he added. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh termed in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday the demonetisation of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes an "organised loot and legalised plunder." Dr. Singh said that while he didn't disagree with the objective of the government, a "monumental mismanagement has taken place." "Even supporters speak of the long run. Those who say demonetisation is good in the long run, should recall the quote: 'In the long run, we are all dead'," he said during the discussion on demonetisation. Alleging that more than 65 people have lost their lives courtesy the demonetisation drive, Dr. Singh yesterday described the Centre's decision as a case of monumental mismanagement and warned that it would reduce GDP by at least two percent and weaken economic growth. Dr. Singh asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to find a more practical and pragmatic solution to prevent this distress on the public. Meanwhile, Criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led-NDA government for poor implementation of the demonetisation of high-value currency notes, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have taken the views of his predecessor Dr. Manmohan Singh seriously as he is an eminent economist before implementing the scheme. Thackeray said there is no meaning in the Prime Minister getting emotional and shedding tears during his speeches, adding the latter should have instead made efforts to wipe out the tears of the general public. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Asserting that the Centre's survey on is fake, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to dissolve the Lok Sabha and call for a referendum for fair results in this regard. Mayawati blamed Prime Minister Modi for the ongoing uproar in the Parliament and said that his absence is the reason behind both the houses not functioning in a smooth manner. "The Centre's survey showing people of the nation are in favour of is fake. If the Prime Minister thinks that he is honest then he should dissolve the Parliament and conduct a referendum in this regard. The Parliament is not able to work because of the Prime Minister as the entire opposition is demanding his presence," said Mayawati. Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day defended the government's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 rupee notes and said that some are angry on the initiative as they were not informed before the decision was considered. Speaking after releasing two books on Constitution in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi said those who are criticising the move don't have a problem with the government's preparedness, but they are having problems because they didn't get time to prepare for turning their black money into white. 32 bodies and nine human heads were discovered in a municipality in southern Mexico by investigators searching concealed graves. The area where the shocking discovery was made was a place where rival drug gangs have been engaged in a wave of extortion, kidnappings and turf battles. Drug gangs frequently decapitate their victims, the Guardian reports. Soldiers and police found the graves at an outlaw camp in Guerrero state after receiving a tip that people were being held at the site located near a mountain in the municipality of Zitlala. They said they rescued a kidnap victim and discovered 12 bodies and human remains in coolers. Later, officials declared that further excavations of the site had found a total of 32 bodies and nine human heads. Residents of the community of Tixtla, Guerrero found nine decapitated bodies on Monday along a highway. Prosecutors are looking into whether the nine heads found in Zitlala correspond to these bodies. Guerrero has seen an upsurge in gang-related violence. The government announced on Monday that it is stepping up the use of joint police-army patrols in areas known to be particularly violent. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has reduced the exchange limit of Indian to Rs 2,000 from Rs 5,000 after India introduced new banknotes of Rs 500 and Rs 2000. On Thursday, the NRB also requested the public not to use newly introduced currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 2000, terming it "illegal", and added that any ratification of bank notes has to be done according to the Foreign Exchange Management Act. The NRB has written a letter to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to facilitate Nepal with the new bank notes. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared old bank notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 as illegal tender, Nepal has stopped the exchange of Indian bank notes exceeding Rs 100. Nepal has also sent the letter to the RBI regarding the matter. It is estimated that 21.9% of Nepal's Rs 1,039.21 billion foreign exchange reserve is in Indian currency. The NRB also have formed a committee to recommend to the Indian government about the procedures to be adopted for the exchange of Indian currency. "At the moment, we are in touch, our governor is in touch with the governor of the RBI. We have constituted a working group to recommend the Indian government what could be the procedures for exchanging Indian currency of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 after it gives us the approval. So far, we already have sent the modalities and the documents which could be required to exchange these currencies," Director and Deputy spokesperson of the NRB Rajendra Pandit said. The Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 Indian bank notes which were banned in Nepal till 2015 was lifted one-and-a-half years ago after lifting the ban on Nepalis carrying up to Rs 25,000 in Indian currency for general use. With the declaration of in India, Nepali banks have also stopped accepting Indian currency temporarily. Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Friday came to the rescue of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the opposition cornered him over the government's drive and said those who are playing with the sentiments of the downtrodden owe an apology to the nation. Paswan hailed Prime Minister Modi's efforts towards and slammed the opposition parties for creating an unwarranted ruckus in Parliament. "Why will the Prime Minister apologise? Has he done any wrong? Those who are playing with the sentiments of the poor and downtrodden should apologise. Modi Ji is on the right path," he said. In a virtual washout of its proceedings, the Lok Sabha was on Friday adjourned for the seventh consecutive day with the opposition parties vociferously protesting Prime Minister Modi's dig at their protest against and demanding an apology from him. The opposition members raised slogans asking the Prime Minister to speak on the demonetisation issue inside the House instead of taking potshots at his critics outside Parliament. Asserting that the surgical strike across the Line of Control has wreaked havoc in the Pakistani establishments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called on the citizens of the hostile neighbour to ask it government to focus its attention on the corruption and black money in the country, not against fighting India. "Pakistan is not far from here, still look at the valour of our army soldiers. When they conducted surgical strike, it created havoc across the border," he said at the foundation ceremony of All India Institute of Medical sciences (AIIMS) in Bhatinda. Sending a message to the people of Pakistan, the Prime Minister added, "I want to speak to the people of Pakistan once again. They must talk to their rulers and decide whether they want to fight against India or not. They should tell their rulers to fight against corruption and fake notes." On September 25 Prime Minister Modi had asked Pakistanis to ask their rulers that why at a time India was exporting software to the entire world, Pakistan was bent on exporting terrorism. Prime Minister's remark was in response to terrorist strike at the Army camp on September 18, where 18 soldiers were killed. This also comes at a time when Pakistan on Thursday asked the United Nations to act before the escalation along the LoC becomes a "full-fledged crisis." Earlier, outgoing Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif warned India that if Pakistan ever launched surgical strikes, India would not be able to forget it for generations. "If Pakistan were to launch surgical strikes, India would not be able to forget it for generations to come," Sharif said days before his scheduled retirement. While dismissing India's assertion that it had carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan, Sharif said that its army was capable of teaching a lesson to the Indian armed forces. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sounding the poll bugle in Punjab, which will go into assembly polls in 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that the welfare of farmers was his main concern and vowed that his government would ensure that the Indus River, which is in dispute with Pakistan, will flow again in the state and provide relief to farmers. Speaking to the foundation ceremony of All India Institute of Medical sciences (AIIMS) in Bhatinda, the Prime Minster asserted that the river belongs only to India. "The fields of our farmers must have adequate water. Water that belongs to India cannot be allowed to go to . The government will do everything to give enough water to our farmers," he said. He, however, justified that this was not a political gimmick to seek votes rather concerned about the welfare of the farmers. "For me elections do not matter. I am more concerned about the welfare of the farmers," Prime Minister Modi said. The Prime minister's remark can be attributed as a response to India taking strong objections to the World Bank's decision to set up Court of Arbitration and appoint a 'Neutral Expert' to go into Pakistan's complaint against it over Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir. India maintained that it was "legally untenable" to set up two parallel dispute mechanisms. Vikas Swarup, Official spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs had said that India had asked the World Bank to appoint a Neutral Expert, while demanded a Court of Arbitration to resolve the dispute. In the wake of the deadly Uri attack in September, Prime Minister Modi had also held meetings with the Water Resources officials, External Affairs Ministries and the PMO to discuss the government's options on the India- Indus Waters Treaty. Under the Indus Waters Treaty signed between India and Pakistan and also the World Bank in 1960, the World Bank has a specified role in the process of resolution of differences and disputes. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian on November 24 had a meeting with Burundis Minister of External Relations and International Cooperation Alain Aime Nyamitwe on the sidelines of the ministerial conference of the International Organization of La Francophonie in Madagascars capital, press service of the MFA told Armenpress. The Ministers recalled warmly the meeting held in Yerevan last year within the framework of IOF ministerial conference. The sides discussed the process of implementation of agreements reached at that meeting. They attached importance to the expansion of legal framework, development of cooperation in trade-economic, educational and cultural sectors. The FMs exchanged views on issues related to the IOFs agenda. At the end of the meeting a memorandum of cooperation was signed between Armenias Foreign Ministry and Burundis Ministry of External Relations and International Cooperation. To the delight of its enormous user base, fashion social network Roposo is the social media partner for the soon-to-be-released movie 'Wajah Tum Ho,' presented by T-Series. As a part of the movie campaign, the platform is running an enthralling contest, and has designed stylish stickers for the film to boost the excitement before launch. Fashionistas and cinema lovers across the country will also be kept posted about the movie through regular updates and trivia on Roposo. Roposo's association with Wajah Tum Ho is an ideal match as the target audience for the film dovetails perfectly with the platform's young millennial user base. The much-anticipated Wajah Tum Ho is a unique murder mystery, directed by Vishal Pandya, featuring Sana Khan, Rajneesh Duggal and Gurmeet Choudhary. The adrenaline-pumping plot of the film - which is slated for release on December 2, 2016 - has many nail biting twists and turns, as the story revolves around a live murder committed on television. Commenting on the collaboration, Mayank Bhangadia, CEO and Co-founder said, "Roposo enjoys the position of being the ultimate destination for both fashionistas and celebrities to indulge in their passion for style. Roposo's expansive user base is defined by its style-consciousness and an appreciation for art. Our platform is a good match as the social media partner for Wajah Tum Ho, considering our young and liberal audience. We will be featuring a lot of interesting news and details about the production, in addition to joining users in following the talented stars of the film." Actress Sana Khan expressed her enthusiasm about the tie-up, "Wajah Tum Ho is a crime thriller, a film that gadget freaks would enjoy the most. It is definitely a new concept to be attempted in Bollywood. Considering the genre of the film and the target audience, Roposo fit best as the official social media partner. My association with Roposo has been amazing. The way the fashion social network has got us all hooked to its feed is commendable; it's the one stop shop for all our fashion queries. Stay tuned to Roposo for Wajah Tum Ho's style files." As India's most vibrant fashion social network, Roposo is committed to providing the best to its users, both in terms of products as well as the opportunity to connect with celebrities and other style enthusiasts in the country. It has moved another step ahead towards this goal, through its association with Wajah Tum Ho. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Friday will hear a plea filed by the West Bengal Government against Tata Motors in connection with the Singur land acquisition case. Earlier, the top court had cancelled the deal through which the former Left Front government in West Bengal had given land in Singur to Tata Motors in 2006. The apex court told the West Bengal Government to hand the land back to the farmers in 12 weeks. The ruling further stated that farmers do not have to return the compensation they have received from the government because they were deprived of their livelihood for a decade. Describing the top court's ruling as a 'landmark decision', West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "I am remembering those people who made sacrifices fighting for this. This is a landmark victory after we thought of the new name for state of West Bengal. I am very happy with the decision." Banerjee, after coming to power, passed the Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Act, 2011, to take over the land given to the Tata's by the previous government. The Tata Group was given around a thousand acres of land by the then state government in 2006 to build a car manufacturing factory, but in the wake of violent protests from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the project was shelved. Tata Motors moved the Calcutta High Court challenging the law. The acquisition of the land was upheld by a trial court and the law passed by the TMC-led state government was declared unconstitutional on appeal. After that, the dispute moved to the Supreme Court, which ruled in favour of the farmers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Veteran journalist and former managing editor of the Times of India Dileep Padgaonkar passed away in Pune. He was 72. Soon after news of his passing was circulated, several people took to Twitter to express their condolences. Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted, "Very saddened by passing away of dear friend, veteran journalist Dileep Padgaonkar. Condolences to the family. RIP @dpadgaonkar." Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted, "Sad to know about the passing away of Dileep Padgaonkar, one of the most well known editors of our time. #RIP." "My first editor Dileep Padgaonkar, a man of culture and intellect, someone who encouraged young talent, has passed away. RIP," India Today anchor Rajdeep Sardesai tweeted. Times of India journalist Sagarika Ghose tweeted "Terribly saddened to hear that my first boss at @timesofindia and old friend Dileep Padgaonkar has passed away. RIP." The veteran journalist was part of a three-member interlocutors' team that was chosen by the Centre in 2010 to hold a dialogue with all sections of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. He began his career in journalism at the age of 24 and joined Times of India as its Paris correspondent after receiving a doctorate in humanities from the Sorbonne in June 1968. He served as its editor for six years from 1988. From 1978 to 1986, he worked with UNESCO in Bangkok and Paris. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday condoled the demise of veteran journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, saying the void created by his death will be hard to fulfill for he espoused a brand of mature, balanced and unwavering journalism that's gradually hard to find. Remembering him as an intellectual, historian and thinker, Gandhi prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and also expressed her solidarity with family and friends of Padgaonkar in this hour of grief. Padgaonkar passed away in Pune earlier in the day. He was 72 years old. The veteran journalist was part of a three-member interlocutors' team that was chosen by the Centre in 2010 to hold a dialogue with all sections of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. He began his career in journalism at the age of 24 and joined Times of India as its Paris correspondent after receiving a doctorate in humanities from the Sorbonne in June 1968. He served as its editor for six years from 1988. From 1978 to 1986, he worked with UNESCO in Bangkok and Paris. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The country has demonstrated reduction in key health indicators such as Infant Mortality Rate, Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), Under 5 Mortality Rate. Further, the annual average pace of decline in MMR (for the period 1990 to 2013) was much faster in India (4.5%) as compared to global rate (2.6%). Additionally, mortality due to various diseases has reduced too. For instance, the Global Burden of Disease (2015) reports a decrease in mortality (between the years 2005 and 2015) on account of lower respiratory infections (by 22.6%), diarrhoeal diseases (by 31.7%), tuberculosis (by 30.7%), neonatal preterm birth (by 39.5%), neonatal encephalopathy (by 31%) and road injuries (by 2.7%). As per the Global Burden of Disease report for India, the deaths due to self-harm for the period 2005 to 2015 have declined by 3.9%. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) National Health Mission (NHM), has two sub-missions, viz. the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). While NRHM was launched in April 2005, launch of NUHM was approved by the Cabinet on 1st May 2013. NHM envisages achievement of universal access to equitable, affordable & quality healthcare services that are accountable and responsive to people's needs. The main programmatic components include Health System strengthening in rural and urban areas, Reproductive-Maternal-Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) interventions and control of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases. Under NHM, support is provided to the States/UTs to strengthen their health care system based on the requirements posed by them under Programme Implementation Plans. Funds allocated, released and expenditure incurred State/UT wise are given below: National Health Mission Statement showing States/UTs wise Allocation, Release and Expenditure during 2013-14 to 2015-16 (Rs in crore) Sl. No. States 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16Allocation Release Expenditure Allocation Release Expenditure Allocation Release Expenditure1 Andaman & Nicobar Islands 23.83 29.06 29.12 28.22 23.36 24.33 28.21 37.30 11.472 Andhra Pradesh 1184.24 878.73 1044.81 707.15 519.73 902.91 616.23 643.52 1090.173 Arunachal Pradesh 86.31 78.60 92.03 185.65 139.41 69.50 160.01 162.65 146.274 Assam 1214.83 1077.81 956.89 1095.38 877.13 915.88 941.29 971.35 1186.015 Bihar 1487.65 1110.32 1480.68 1292.13 1148.32 1427.40 1108.61 1159.49 1621.676 Chandigarh 18.53 11.46 14.42 19.40 12.15 15.26 14.24 23.89 20.987 Chattisgarh 500.72 355.98 805.50 555.66 500.41 716.04 479.38 412.26 758.288 Dadra & Nagar Haveli 8.73 9.23 9.83 13.99 8.40 8.56 11.37 14.37 15.549 Daman & Diu 6.48 6.50 8.40 9.69 6.91 7.67 9.11 10.53 15.6910 Delhi 211.46 129.78 132.59 192.59 154.04 222.64 142.81 163.80 137.2911 Goa 27.12 19.35 30.58 27.63 26.03 29.50 19.41 16.77 24.9212 Gujarat 833.94 833.72 977.48 858.47 832.86 873.66 677.65 693.78 1272.4213 Haryana 313.57 315.94 423.79 317.42 273.60 438.18 249.33 291.96 493.2314 Himachal Pradesh 225.95 205.29 158.60 232.00 185.84 306.92 197.92 246.49 281.2615 Jammu & Kashmir 433.87 395.10 391.10 435.17 335.51 393.29 368.00 367.90 420.9416 Jharkhand 582.97 396.38 521.49 563.92 359.62 372.01 493.37 411.50 590.1817 Karnataka 814.17 611.11 812.56 834.09 697.24 858.18 706.09 740.45 1141.6118 Kerala 424.15 360.98 673.07 373.58 521.99 509.83 305.87 304.14 632.8819 Lakshadweep 3.61 3.20 2.28 5.89 5.08 1.36 4.28 5.69 2.7220 Madhya Pradesh 1141.03 865.94 1583.60 1250.17 1162.50 1738.02 1085.37 1132.19 2046.6021 Maharashtra 1520.71 1218.51 1806.86 1536.58 1431.76 1834.40 1282.31 1085.92 1734.4422 Manipur 127.75 88.93 74.57 144.97 128.81 86.91 118.53 112.16 105.5123 Meghalaya 139.24 125.51 71.53 160.21 104.13 70.72 131.00 102.22 133.5524 Mizoram 86.20 77.43 91.89 116.53 103.28 93.29 97.87 94.68 172.3825 Nagaland 114.42 99.73 90.40 131.26 114.92 63.04 108.75 104.85 81.0526 Odisha 678.99 604.20 901.65 730.09 667.16 944.10 624.71 652.62 1205.7727 Puducherry 21.29 18.10 25.43 25.46 22.56 23.35 17.77 18.61 21.7728 Punjab 362.38 333.47 437.57 351.89 379.35 460.59 284.75 295.23 649.4929 Rajasthan 1091.20 922.93 1457.06 1238.11 1115.96 1722.69 1069.38 1287.84 1799.1130 Sikkim 42.32 45.91 44.82 51.42 51.60 41.36 45.86 41.01 50.7131 Tamil Nadu 1020.75 906.24 1430.28 968.18 952.75 2248.06 794.38 1093.22 1633.3732 Tripura 165.43 140.15 101.93 161.75 123.11 130.15 139.08 136.29 118.7733 Uttar Pradesh 3584.98 3024.60 2924.38 2650.25 2431.06 3671.26 2299.49 2862.83 4451.7834 Uttarakhand 310.55 245.25 255.28 308.10 270.55 324.42 256.60 276.41 335.9535 West Bengal 1179.64 948.51 1271.71 1053.27 1058.62 1196.78 883.49 959.51 1487.6236 Telangana 0.00 0.00 0.00 506.45 378.72 334.68 440.58 436.63 505.551. Allocation is as per Original outlay/Budget Estimates2. Expenditure includes expenditure against central Release, state release & unspent balances at the beginning of the year and it is updated as per FMR submitted by the States/UTs. To meet the shortfall of human resource in health, the government is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for "establishment of new medical colleges by upgrading district/referral hospitals" with fund sharing between the Central Government and States in the ratio of 90:10 for North Eastern /special category states and 60:40 for other states. This scheme was approved in January, 2014. Criteria for identification of Districts under the scheme are i)District Hospitals/referral hospital with bed strength of 200 or more ii)District/Referral hospitals of the districts where there is no medical college iii) Preference to underserved areas. Funds released to the State Governments for the approved districts under the scheme are given below: Funds released under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Establishment of New Medical Colleges attached with existing District/Referral hospitals during last three years(Rs. in crore) S. No. States/UT 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 till date1 Andaman and Nicobar Islands 0 28 202 Arunachal Pradesh 0 42.5 103 Assam 0 30 194 Bihar 0 8 345 Chhattisgarh 14 39.02 836 Himachal Pradesh 12.53 67.98 1147 Jharkhand 0 0 488 Jammu & Kashmir 0 0 489 Madhya Pradesh 14 24 8110 Maharashtra 6 7 5511 Mizoram 0 30 1012 Nagaland 0 36.5 1013 Odisha 35 85 5014 Rajasthan 41 89.2 8815 Uttar Pradesh 0 16 7816 Uttarakhand 6 8 1817 West Bengal 0 20 79 Upgradation of existing State Government/Central Government medical colleges to increase MBBS seats in the country:- This scheme was approved in January, 2014. The funding pattern is 90:10 by Central and State Governments respectively for North Eastern States and Special category States and 60:40 for other States with the upper ceiling cost pegged at Rs.1.20 crore per seat. 22 Medical Colleges have been approved under the scheme to increase UG seats. Funds released under this scheme are given below: Funds released under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for "Up-gradation of existing State Government/Central Government medical colleges to increase MBBS seats in the Country" during the last three years (Rs. in crore) S. No. States/UT 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 till date1 Andhra Pradesh 0 6 10.22 Gujarat 0 4.5 11.563 Madhya Pradesh 0 12 27.484 Odisha 0 5 125 Punjab 0 4 6.86 Rajasthan 0 7 15.47 Tamil Nadu 0 9.5 23.168 Uttarakhand 0 2 3.4 Strengthening and upgradation of State Government Medical colleges for starting new PG disciplines and increasing PG seats:- The scheme was launched in the XI Plan period with the objective to strengthen and upgrade State/Central Government Medical Colleges to create new PG seats. The funding pattern between Centre and States is in the ratio of 60:40. A total of 72 Government Medical colleges are covered under the scheme for increasing PG seats. Funds released under the scheme are given below: Funds Released under the scheme for "Strengthening and up-gradation of State Government Medical Colleges for starting new PG disciplines and increasing PG seats" during the last three years ( Rs in crore) S. No. State/UT 2013-14 2014-15 2016-17 Till date1 Assam 0 0 32 Andhra Pradesh 0 0 3 Bihar 0 0 4 Chandigarh 0 0 5 Chhattisgarh 0 0 6 Goa 0 0 7 Gujarat 0 0 8 Himachal Pradesh 0 0 9 Jammu & Kashmir 0 0 10 Jharkhand 0 0 11 Kerala 0 0 12 Madhya Pradesh 0 5 1.9413 Maharashtra 0 0 14 Odisha 0 0 3.0611 Punjab 30.92 0 16 Rajasthan 0 0 17 Telangana 0 0 218 Tripura 0 0 19 Uttarakhand 0 5 20 Uttar Pradesh 0 0 21 West Bengal 0 0 Note: There was no release in 2015-16 Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), a centrally sponsored health insurance scheme is being implemented by this Ministry which covers BPL families (a unit of five) and other categories namely Building & Other Construction Workers, licensed Railway porters, Street Vendors, MGNREGA workers (who have worked for more than fifteen days during preceding financial year), Beedi workers, Domestic workers, Sanitation Workers, Mine Workers, Rickshaw pullers, Rag pickers and Auto/Taxi drivers, who are enrolled under RSBY. They are entitled for health insurance coverage of Rs.30,000/- cashless per annum per family. Under RSBY there is no state/UT-wise allocation of funds. Central Government releases its share of premium to State Governments on the receipt of their proposals. The State/UT-wise details of the funds released to State Governments during last three years are given below: Central share of Premium released to State Governments under RSBY during last three years (Amount in Crore) Sr. No. Name of State/UT 2013-14 2014-15 2015-161 Arunachal Pradesh - - -2 Assam 35.68 1.06 23.243 Bihar 152.71 34.07 -4 Chandigarh 0.00 - -5 Chhattisgarh 48.34 58.81 88.776 Delhi - - -7 Goa - - -8 Gujarat 60.59 18.47 74.249 Haryana 13.01 5.38 4.6710 Himachal Pradesh 9.03 3.75 13.9011 Jammu & Kashmir 0.53 - -12 Jharkhand 51.25 5.51 -13 Karnataka 31.59 - 94.9914 Kerala 115.49 110.43 112.3715 Madhya Pradesh 2.82 8.21 1.0016 Maharashtra 13.88 - -17 Manipur 2.52 1.73 1.1718 Meghalaya 1.79 1.25 4.1019 Mizoram 4.31 10.35 9.4320 Nagaland 2.07 4.66 -21 Odisha 70.51 93.64 59.5522 Puducherry - - 0.1723 Punjab 5.58 2.59 2.8024 Rajasthan 10.72 32.10 53.5725 Tamil Nadu - - -26 Tripura 18.70 14.29 15.6427 Uttar Pradesh 72.56 36.47 11.9128 Uttarakhand 1.78 - 10.2029 West Bengal 160.45 101.65 93.38 Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) J Kumar Infraprojects rose 10.46% to Rs 193.75 at 14:24 IST on BSE after the company said it bagged a contract from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. The announcement was made during trading hours today, 25 November 2016. Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was up 377.65 points, or 1.46%, to 26,237.82. On BSE, so far 1.95 lakh shares were traded in the counter, compared with average daily volume of 1.54 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 208 and a low of Rs 176.50 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 399 on 6 January 2016. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 105.80 on 17 August 2016. The stock had underperformed the market over the past 30 days till 24 November 2016, falling 18.63% compared with the 7.10% decline in the Sensex. The scrip had, however, outperformed the market in past one quarter, rising 8.17% as against Sensex's 6.92% decline. The small-cap infrastructure company has equity capital of Rs 37.83 crore. Face value per share is Rs 5. J Kumar Infraprojects, on behalf of the J. Kumar Infra - CRTG JV, signed an agreement with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) worth of Rs 1344.93 crore on Thursday, 24 November 2016, for Phase-2 of the Mumbai metro project and other projects worth Rs 449.19 crore. Net profit of J Kumar Infraprojects rose 15.63% to Rs 29.52 crore on 10.13% rise in net sales to Rs 390.54 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015. J Kumar Infraprojects is renowned for undertaking design and construction projects on a turnkey basis. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On 30 November 2016 Vedanta announced that the Company proposes to offer Rated Secured Redeemable Non-Convertible Debentures aggregating upto Rs. 500 crore and in this regard is holding a meeting of its duly constituted Committee of the Board on 30 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. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Yes Bank announced that it has partnered with the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) to digitize payments of bus tickets for its customers. Under the partnership, Yes Bank will install over 125 PoS (point-of-sale) terminals to facilitate booking of tickets through credit and debit cards at all the GSRTC bus depots. Yes Bank is already live with 50 terminals as on date and will achieve a number of 125 in the next couple of weeks as part of the first phase of implementation. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 24 November 2016. Union Bank of India said it issued 7,500 redeemable, unsecured subordinated basel III compliant Tier II bonds eligible for inclusion in Tier 2 capital. The bonds were issued on 24 November 2016 at face value of Rs 10 each each, aggregating to Rs 750 crore. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 24 November 2016. Wipro announced that it has completed the acquisition of Appirio on 23 November 2016. As mentioned in the media presentation submitted as part of results for the quarter ended 30 September 2016, impact of the Appirio acquisition is expected to reflect in the financials of Wipro for the quarter ending 31 December 2016, the company said. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 24 November 2016. Sunil Hitech Engineers announced that it has fixed 3 December 2016 as record date for 10-for-1 stock split and fully paid up bonus equity shares of face value of Re 1 each in the proportion of one bonus equity share for every one equity share of face value of Re 1 (i.e. as adjusted for stock split). The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 24 November 2016. Bata India, BEML and Spicejet are among few prominent companies which are scheduled to announce the results for the quarter ended 30 September 2016 today, 25 November 2016. Jagran Prakashan announced that board of directors of the company's subsidiary, Music Broadcast (MBL), approved an initial public offer (IPO). The IPO will comprise of a fresh issue of upto Rs 400 crore and an offer for sale by existing shareholders. MBL has sent has sent a letter of transmittal to its shareholders seeking their participation in the offer for sale for the sale portion of the IPO. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 24 November 2016. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ten newborn baby girls were recovered from a private mental asylum in south Kolkata, as the probe into the sensational child smuggling racket in West Bengal unearthed two skeletons and murkier details on Friday. A top sleuth said over 50 children could have been victims of the network. "It seems over 50 babies could have been smuggled," Criminal Investigation Department Additional Director General Rajesh Kumar told the media. Acting on a tip off, the CID officials raided Purbasha - an old age home for mentally challenged patients at Thakurpukur in Kolkata's southern outskirts - and rescued the 10 infants. "We have recovered 10 girls, all of them aged between one year to 10 months, from the third floor of Purbasha. Two women, who reportedly rented the third floor of the building, had kept these infants here. We are looking for them." Kumar said on Friday. The kids have been admitted to hospital. Meanwhile, CID sleuths also recovered two skeletons of newborn babies from the campus of Sujit Dutta Memorial Trust, a North 24 Parganas based NGO, that came under the scanner last Monday for its alleged involvement in the child smuggling racket. "We got the information that some of the new born babies, who died during smuggling, were buried in the Sujit Memorial Trust ground. We conducted a raid there and exhumed two dead bodies from the campus," Kumar said. Two women, including Reena Banerjee, said to be the head of the asylum, have been arrested. Reena is the daughter of Putul Banerjee, who was arrested from south Kolkata's Sree Krishna Nursing Home earlier this week for her alleged involvement in child smuggling. "We have detained three women from the asylum in this case. Two of them including Reena Banerjee, the owner of the asylum, have been arrested. All three are being interrogated," Kumar said. "Occasionally we saw infants being brought in. Everything was done at night. We never realised they are running a child smuggling racket here," a local resident said. The CID busted the smuggling racket when they conducted a raid in Baduria-based Sohan Nursing Home in North 24 Parganas district on Monday and recovered three babies. The officials also arrested eight persons from the nursing home, the NGO and a nearby health clinic named Baidya clinic. Five more persons were arrested since then in two separate raids in two city nursing homes -- Sree Krishna Nursing home in college street and South View Nursing Home in Behala -- in connection with the case. Indicating international dealings, foreign currencies were also seized from the house of the owner of one of the nursing homes. "We have also recovered Rs 15,000 in cash, foreign currency such as US dollars, Euro and Hong Kong dollars and gold ornaments from the house of Partha Chatterjee, owner of College Street-based Sri Krishna Nursing Home." --IANS mgr/ssp/sm/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 40 Iranian pilgrims were killed and 20 injured in a suicide bombing in Babil province of Iraq, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday. According to Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Qashqavi, the attack on Thursday killed around 80 Shia pilgrims and injured 31 others. The pilgrims were returning home after observing a Shia ritual of Arbaeen in the holy city of Karbala, some 110 km south of Baghdad, Xinhua news agency reported. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi condemned the terrorist attack. --IANS py/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Hermine Naghdalyan on November 24 had a meeting with Chairperson of the Council of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly Valentina Matviyenko within the framework of the CIS IPA autumn session in St. Petersburg, press service of the Parliament told Armenpress. At the meeting issues related to intensifying and strengthening the inter-parliamentary ties were discussed. They appreciated the active and consistent work of the Inter-parliamentary commission. Valentina Matviyenko attached importance to the close cooperation with Armenian partners during the preparation of the 137th conference of the Inter-parliamentary union to be held in St. Petersburg in 2017. Issues related to cooperation in trade-economic, energy, humanitarian and cultural sectors were discussed. Valentina Matviyenko highlighted the importance of allied cooperation, constructive dialogue and close contacts between Russia and Armenia in the CIS, EAEU and CSTO platforms. The topics of the Eurasian Womens Summit were covered at the meeting. Hermine Naghdalyan suggested to pay attention on the implementation of constructive ideas raised at the Womens Summit in St. Petersburg last year. Taking into account this, it is necessary to get prepared for holding the upcoming second summit in 2018, Matviyenko said. During the talk Deputy Speaker Naghdalyan expressed her gratitude to Valentina Matviyenko for the message addressed to the RPA Womens Summit and for the active participation of the representatives of Russias Federation Council. Armenian Parliaments representative to the CIS IPA Hayk Chilingaryan and Chairperson of the Federation Councils Committee on Foreign Affairs of Russia, Deputy Chairman of the Inter-parliamentary Union Konstantin Kosachev were present at the meeting. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday that the Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab will be from the Dalit community if the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) comes to power in the state. "Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab will be from Dalit community," Kejriwal tweeted after the Aam Aadmi Party released its Dalit manifesto at Goraya in Punjab. AAP's Dalit manifesto promises low cost housing scheme for Dalits to ensure that all members of the community have a 'pucca' house. It also promises filling up of all the posts reserved for Dalits. --IANS vv/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After the release of their movie "Dear Zindagi", actress Alia Bhatt says she has started missing her co-star Shahrukh Khan. At the promotional event of Singapore Tourism on Friday, the actress, asked about the experience of working with a superstar like Shahrukh, said: "It was a magical experience working with him. Personally, I've learnt a lot from him which I don't want to share with anybody. I am really missing him today." "For the past couple of week, we were so busy in promoting the film. So Shahrukh, I am really missing you," she said. Sharing a memory of shooting abroad in Singapore, the actress said: "We didn't have so much time while shooting for 'Dear Zindagi'. We went for dinner at a Mexican restaurant where we played all Bollywood songs while having dinner. We have lots of beautiful memories of shooting 'Dear Zindagi'." "When we go abroad we have our own team, but also need support from that place and the people. While shooting for 'Dear Zindagi', it was raining heavily and we had a lot of work to finish. The Singapore team was so cooperative that they supported us in all our needs. It's a pleasure shooting over there," she said. "We even shot 'Badrinath ki Dulhania' there for 20 days but we didn't feel that we are not in India," she added. Directed by Shashank Khaitan, and produced by Karan Johar, "Badrinath ki Dulhania", starring Varun Dhawan, Alia and Gauhar Khan, is the second instalment of "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania". The film is slated to release on March 10, 2017. --IANS iv/pgh/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The bodies of two Maoists, shot dead in a gunfight with Kerala Police near here, will undergo an autopsy at the Kozhikode Medical College hospital, an official said Friday. The two ultras - a man and a women - were killed in a gunfight with the Kerala Thunderbolts, an elite commando force of the state police in a forest area near Nilambur. On Friday morning, an inquest was conducted and pictures of the dead have now come out, showing both wearing green shirts and trousers. The shootout took place in the deep forest area and according to police, a third person also was injured, but managed to escape. Police are combing the forests area to locate more members of the group, and even a contingent of Karnataka Police also joined the search operations on Friday. Even though the Kerala Police officials have not officially named the two Maoists, the dead have been identified as Koppam Devarajan and Ajitha alias Kaveri. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters in the capital that the members of this group have held skirmishes with police. "We are waiting for more information to come," he said. Meanwhile, Communist Party of India State Secretary Kanam Rajendran strongly condemned the shooting down of the two Maoists. "It's unfortunate that people who speak for the oppressed are being eliminated and that's not the way. The LDF (Left Democratic Front) here should not do what Narendra Modi does," he said. --IANS sg/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP leader Anurag Thakur on Friday threw a challenge to Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi for a debate over demonetisation and said by opposing the move, the Gandhi scion stood for black money hoarders. "I challenge him for a debate on demonetisation. Let him decide the date, time and place. I am ready," Thakur, an MP from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh, told reporters outside parliament. He was responding to Rahul's jibe at Modi for not attending the House. Demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the debate over demonetisation in parliament, Rahul said: "Sometimes he laughs, and sometimes he cries outside parliament. The Prime Minister should come to the House and participate in the debate." Hitting back at Rahul, Thakur said those questioning Modi's absence from the House have a very poor track record in parliament. "Rahul Gandhi's attendance is 40 per cent in Lok Sabha while other MPs from Uttar Pradesh have recorded 90 per cent presence. One, who has never asked a single question in the House, is raising questions on Prime Minister," he said. Thakur also took on Rahul for his jibe at Modi for being emotional twice post demonetisation. "There is a Prime Minister who gets emotional for the poor as he has experienced it in his childhood days. What Rahul would know about poverty... Sonia Gandhi (Congress President) cried for terrorists when Batla House encounter took place," Thakur said. Thakur said that he can't expect a young leader like Rahul to stand for the corrupt and those who had hoarded black money. --IANS bns/pgh/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government has constituted a committee of officers headed by NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer Amitabh Kant to work towards making all government-citizen transactions digital, an official communique said on Friday. The committee will identify and operationalise within a set time frame the user-friendly digital payment options in all sectors of the Indian economy. "This is an integral part of the government's strategy to transform India into a cashless economy," the release said. "The committee aims to identify various digital payment systems appropriate to different sectors of the economy and coordinate efforts to make them accessible and user-friendly," it added. The committee, led by National Institution for Transforming India Aayog CEO, will also organise training and capacity building of various states, union territories, ministries and departments of the Centre as well as trade and industry bodies. Its members include Secretaries of Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management and Ministry of Rural Development. Besides, the Managing Director and CEO of National Payments Corporation of India and Chairman of National Highways Authority of India are also on the committee. --IANS mak/tsb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and the leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Rodrigo Londono, signed a revised peace agreement here on Thursday. This came less than two months after a plebiscite narrowly rejected the original agreement, which took four years to negotiate, Xinhua news agency reported. In his speech, London apologised to the victims of the conflict in the name of the FARC, and hailed the new agreement as the common wish of all Colombians to end the war. "Words are the only weapons that Colombians allow us to use," said Londono, who called on the former enemies to co-exist despite their differences. Santos said the revised agreement was the result of a rigorous discussion between the government and FARC, who had gathered for weeks in Havana, Cuba, to consider proposals to those who opposed the first peace agreement. Santos stated that peace must be the most important topic for any nation and that Colombia should become an example in a world riven by conflicts. "Building a country at peace is the most ambitious and transformational project that any generation has ever had the opportunity to fulfil. I cannot imagine a more noble, a more sublime task, a more elevated effort than protecting life and building peace," he stated. Unlike the previous agreement, this new deal will not be subject to a public vote but will have to be approved by Congress over the course of the next week. Within 90 days after the approval, the FARC will begin to lay down arms. And within five months, all the weapons of the FARC will be in the hands of the UN. --IANS lok/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP on Friday took out a "Sankalp March" in support of the central government's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes to curb "black money and corruption". Hundreds of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers and citizen organisations took part in the Sankalp March from Balmiki Mandir situated on Mandir Marg in central Delhi to the Sardar Patel statue near Parliament Street. "We held a Sankalp March in support of the action against black money by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and his efforts for the 'Nav Nirman' (reconstruction) of the nation," Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay told IANS. He said that Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal administered an oath to thousands of party workers and the citizens organisations members to support the government's decision against black money. The government had on November 8 announced demonetisation the Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes to curb black money and corruption. --IANS aks/ahm/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A three-day TLC Heartwork Tattoo Festival, with an aim to make tattoos accessible, will start on December 2 here. The festival bring together the tattoo industry, artists and equipment suppliers. To be held at the capital's Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, it will see participation of artists from England, Spain, Russia and the Netherlands, read a statement. The international artists include names like Jay Freestyle from the Netherlands, Stepan Negur from Russia, Bez 666 from Britain and Fabrice Koch from Germany. "Our first introduction to tattoos was watching artists and their work on TLC (channel). The industry has come a long way since then and tattoos have gained wider acceptance. With the festival, we want to promote the culture of tattooing by giving people access to international artists and standards," said Lokesh Verma, festival organiser and Director of Creative Skin Graphics. The festival will also host music bands and acts by various other entertainers. --IANS ks/nn/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indians living in the UAE are mourning the demonetisation of high value currency by the Indian government, which has hit their families back home, ruining many NRI weddings, travel and house construction plans, a media report said. Several Indian families living abroad, who had plans to visit India around the year-end, are keeping a close watch on the prevailing situation. According to travel agents, if the present cash shortage situation in India doesn't improve in a few days, many families are going to cancel their visit to the country, Khaleej Times reported. NRIs living in UAE told Khaleej Times they are getting distress calls from families back home, telling them how difficult it is to withdraw cash from banks and ATMs to meet their basic needs. NRI weddings and house construction plans are among the worst affected as workers and contractors refuse to accept the demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes that used to constitute more than 80 per cent of money in circulation in India. Afsal, a restaurant manager in Dubai, was quoted by the paper as saying: "The situation back home is more serious than what we see in the media. It is not a good time to spend more money and every NRI family is enforcing strict credit controls on family budgets." "In the absence of correct change and shortage of small denomination notes in India, people have no other option but to spend more money for unwanted things. Just for buying an item worth Rs 200, the customer spends Rs 1,800 extra to adjust the change. Many shops don't have change and traders are even planning a strike in protest," added Afsal. Tourists visiting India are stuck with cash shortage. A travel agent said: "Many NRI families have cancelled their travel plans in view of the severe cash shortage in India. Even though they have money in banks, they cannot spend that because of cash withdrawal limits from the government. While some can use credit cards, those from the rural and semi urban areas cannot use plastic cards." An Indian expatriate living in Dubai said: "My daughter has to pay her pending hostel bill but she has no time to go and wait in the long cue by skipping her classes. The ATMs have run out of cash and she is struggling a lot." "NRIs who are planning a vacation to India have many big plans but since they can withdraw only Rs 4,000, their plans may change," said Gopi K.L., an Indian social worker in the UAE. "My many friends in India are not sending children to school because they have no money. In hospitals, even in emergency cases, bill payments are affected. Another problem is in vegetable, fruits and fish markets. Vendors can give credit for one or two days, but they further cannot buy stuff without sufficient cash flow," an NRI in Dubai was quoted as saying. The government of India demonetised 500 and 1,000 rupee notes from November 8 midnight. The government maintains that there is no shortage of cash and there is enough stock of currency notes with the Reserve Bank of India. --IANS soni/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Indian man who was forced to spend over eight months on the terrace of a building in UAE's Ajman city is finally getting much needed offers of help, a newspaper said on Friday. The dramatic turn in his fortunes came after the Khaleej Times published a story on the plight of Sajeev Rajan, who hails from Kerala and who lost his job eight months ago. Moved by his suffering, an Indian philanthropist from Oman, K.T. Mohammed Rabeeh Rabeeullah, has offered to put Rs 10 lakh in Rajan's Indian bank account, the Khaleej Times reported. Rabeeullah, Chairman and Managing Director of Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Group, a healthcare conglomerate, came to Ajman to meet the electrician. Rabeeullah also gave Dh 5,000 (Rs 93,000) in cash for Rajan's immediate requirements, said Biju Karunagapally, a friend and well-wisher of the man from Kerala. Several social workers and the Indian mission in the UAE have also come forward to help Rajan who, the daily said, had been living in "deplorable conditions" on the terrace of a residential building. "Rabeeullah came directly from Oman to meet me and promised to help me financially," Rajan was quoted as saying. "It is a big relief for me because my pocket is empty. I have not received any money for the past eight months and my travel back home seemed impossible." The Indian Consulate is also offering help to Rajan. His company officials have also agreed to cancel Rajan's visa and return his passport. The consulate is considering offering him temporary accommodation and food. "I visited the consulate and now I am getting support from all corners. Thanks to Khaleej Times," he said. "I am very happy and I will be flying home soon." --IANS soni/mr/sar (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. The first session of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives (EITI) multi-stakeholder group was held on November 25 in the Government of Armenia, by which the EITI standard introduction was officially launched in Armenia. The session was chaired by chief of staff of the government, minister Davit Harutyunyan. In his opening remarks, Harutyunyan particularly said: The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative is a global standard to promote the open and accountable management of extractive resources, and 51 countries are currently a member of the initiative by candidate and corresponding statuses. It is a wonderful tool, regardless of political changes in a country, for revealing the problems of the mining field in a cooperative format, providing the transparency and accountability of the field, which in its turn will improve the attractiveness of investments in the mining field and will grow public trust. The idea of joining the initiative came up within the framework of the Open Government Partnership program. The Prime Minister of Armenia announced about Armenias willingness to introduce EITI standard during the 2015 July 28 anti-corruption councils session, after which, jointly with the World Bank, the government organized several public awareness meetings in different provinces of Armenia and in Yerevan, with the purpose of briefing the public and mining companies on EITI standards and creation of a multi-stakeholder group. At the initial stage, EITI will include metal mining, and later a decision might be made to expand its circles. After forming the working program, directions of cooperation with international partner organizations will more clearly be outlined. Currently the group is implementing the presentation of a bid on becoming EITI candidate in 2017. With a sudden of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes in India, fears of black money entering Bhutan looms large, with concerns about its impact on the country's export market. During a sudden check in Phuentsholing, a business hub bordering the India-Thimphu National Highway, police stopped a taxi carrying Rs 700,000 in Rs 1,000 notes which were demonetised on November 8. The taxi was travelling from Bhutan-India border town of Phuentsholing to Thimphu, Xinhua news agency reported. The money was found hidden in a black plastic under passenger's seat. Since India is Bhutan's largest export and import market, has affected the sale of Bhutan's cash crops like potatoes and oranges, upsetting local farmers. Indian rupees are prevalent in Bhutan due to trade and hydropower projects, which are mostly joint ventures of the two countries. The Central Bank of Bhutan had held a discussion with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's move. It also announced a brief window depositing the old notes into bank accounts. According to Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) of Bhutan, Indian rupees account for 30% of the country's international exchange reserves amounting to about Rs 27 billion ($390 million). Starting November 9, the RMA allowed withdrawal and exchange of Rs 10,000 per month. But the withdrawal was reduced to Rs 5,000 per person since November 23. Both the government and central bank has been cautioning people to refrain from any such activities and not to get involved in rupee transaction for others. Since the demonetisation, the central bank in Bhutan has collected around 1.2 billion in Rs 500 and 1,000 notes. The Russian Foreign Minister will travel to Minsk on Tuesday to discuss with his Ukrainian counterpart the implementation of the peace agreements in eastern Ukraine, the Russian Foreign Ministry has said. Although the meeting was scheduled for late November -- during the last meeting of the so-called Normandy Quartet, comprising the Presidents of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany -- the Russian Foreign Ministry had so far expressed uncertainty about the effectiveness of the format. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday expressed fears that Tuesday's meeting ran the risk of ending up as "a meeting for the sake of meeting", and accused Kiev and the West of twisting the Minsk accords in favour of the Ukrainian government. Foreign Ministers of Germany and France, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Jean-Marc Ayrault, respectively, will also be attending the meeting. On Friday, the Russian Foreign Ministry renewed its call to Western member countries enjoying influence over Ukrainian leaders to make them accept their commitments in the framework of the Minsk agreements. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, meanwhile, has made it clear that he will not proceed with the political part of the peace process without first ensuring security of the occupied territories. This, he will consider restored only when months have passed without a single gunshot in the zone of conflict, and once control of the entire frontier has been recovered. Russia and the separatists, on the other hand, demand these issues be resolved alongside the political agenda, which includes the grant of special self-governing status to rebel regions, constitutional reform for Ukraine's decentralisation, and amnesty for pro-Russia fighters. --IANS py/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nalanda University Chancellor George Yeo on Friday resigned to express his unhappiness over the Indian government's decision to dissolve the Nalanda Mentors Group (NMG) and form a new governing body without his knowledge. University officials described his exit as a major setback to the Nalanda University. "It is a major setback as Yeo was doing hard work for the university," an official said on the condition that he should not be named. Yeo said in a statement that the order dissolving the governing board and creating a new one came as a complete surprise to him and to most others. He said he was neither involved nor consulted before the decision was taken. A former Foreign Minister of Singapore, Yeo replaced Nobel laureate Amartya Sen as the Chancellor of the University last year. "When I was appointed Chancellor in July 2015, I was told that a new Governing Board would be formed under an amended Act, core aspects of which the Ministry of External Affairs sought my views on," he said. "The amended Act would have removed a major flaw in the current Act which in essence offers Governing Board seats to East Asian Summit countries making the highest financial contributions in the last three years. "This provision, which was never recommended by the NMG, would not have been a good way to constitute the Governing Board and was the reason the (Indian) government requested the NMG to continue functioning as the Governing Board for a number of years until the Act could be amended." Yeo said it was a sudden decision that was disturbing and harmful to the Nalanda University's development. "When I was invited to take over the responsibility from Amartya Sen last year, I was repeatedly assured that the University would have autonomy. This appears not to be the case now. "Accordingly, and with deep sadness, I have submitted my letter of resignation as Chancellor to the Visitor," President Pranab Mukherjee, he said. Yeo said it had been an honour to be associated with the revival of Nalanda over the last decade, to serve as a member of the NMG and the Governing Board under the leadership of Amartya Sen. Mukherjee on Monday dissolved the NMG, the de-facto Governing Board of Nalanda University. He also overruled the NMG's decision to extend the term of Vice Chancellor Gopa Sabharwal. Located in the Buddhist pilgrim town of Rajgir in Nalanda district, the university began its first academic session in September 2014 on a makeshift campus. --IANS ik/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a pre-poll bonanza for youngsters, the BJP-led coalition government in Goa on Friday announced free limited calling and talktime facilities for the state's youths, nearly 1.25 lakh of whom will benefit under the scheme. Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar told the media that the scheme would cost the state government around Rs 1 crore per month and that mobile service provider Vodafone has won a bid for implementing the new scheme. "Goa Yuva Initiative Scheme is the first such scheme in the country. As promised, we are now offering the youth of Goa 100 minutes of talk time, one GB of data at 2 MBPS speed free of cost to youth between the age of 16 and 30," Parsekar said. Earlier, the upper age limit for the eligibility was 35 years. Parsekar said the purpose of the scheme was to link youths across the state and help to skill them. "This scheme is in line with the 'Digital India' initiative of the government of India and will cover youth in the age group between 16 and 30. It is exclusively for the youth. Around 1.25 lakh youngsters are expected to be covered under the scheme, but they will have to apply," the Goa Chief Minister said. Parsekar said Vodafone has won the bid, beating Reliance Jio and Idea, with a quoted price of Rs 124.90 per individual beneficiary. "Vodafone has a good reach. The cost is being borne by the state government. The cost to us will be approximately one crore (rupees) per month," Parsekar said. Vodafone is expected to set up around 500 retail outlets across the state to start the registration process for the scheme after 15 days, Parsekar said. --IANS maya/py/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Manipur High Court on Friday directed the Director General of Police, the Chief Secretary and others to beef up security measures along the two national highways, which are the lifelines of Manipur amid the Nagas threatening a "total shutdown". Threatening shutdown, the Nagas are demanding the unconditional release of two top functionaries of the United Naga Council (UNC), which has been backing the indefinite economic blockade against Manipur. The full bench of the High Court of Manipur comprising Chief Justice Rakesh Ranjan Prasad, Justices N. Koteshor and K. Nobin on Friday directed the Manipur government to deploy adequate amounts of police and paramilitary forces along the two national highways to ensure free and untrammelled movement of trucks and oil tankers. The UNC had imposed the blockade from November 1 protesting against plans to create Sadar Hills district by usurping the "lands of the Nagas". The next hearing is on December 1. Meanwhile police arrested Gaidon Kamei and S. Stephen, President and Information Secretary of the UNC respectively, at Pheidinga in Imphal district on Friday while they were travelling to UNC head office in Senapati district. Addressing a press conference S. Satang, President of the All Naga Students Union in Manipur, demanded unconditional release of the two persons failing which there will be a total shutdown. It will mean that movement of passenger and private vehicles along the national highways, which has no rail line, shall not be allowed. Satang added that there is no objection to the creation of a new district. But it should be done after consulting the Nagas. As Manipur is facing a shortage of all goods including life saving medicines, armed personnel have been escorting hundreds of trucks from Assam bringing badly needed items including fuel. Both the state and central governments have been resorting to a blame game while hundreds of loaded trucks and oil tankers are stranded. One litre of petrol is being sold for Rs 300 on the black market in Manipur. --IANS il/vgu/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan announced Vishnu Raj Menon as Mr India 2016 here. Viren Barman is the first runner-up abd Altamash Faraz the second runner-up. Hrithik graced the finale of the pageant, organised in association with menswear brand Peter England, on Thursday. The actor said: "This competition is not just about looks. It shows a lot of characters. Besides their professional life, they took out time to explore themselves to reach this far. That is commendable." Any advice he'd like to give to the winners? "I am feeling inspired and humbled by watching how good they are. I wish them lots of love from my heart and more power to them." Mr. World 2016 Rohit Khandelwal, who was looking dapper in a black suit, was one of the judges of the contest. Khandelwal said: "I feel nostalgic to be here. I used to be a contestant. I was very nervous and never thought that I would be the winner of the title. It was like a dream come true." "It is very important that we take the legacy forward. I am sure the winner will make us proud once again by winning the international title," he added. Actor Gurmeet Choudhary, who was also present at the event, stressed on the preparations required to be a model. "First, models should have six-pack abs to become an model." For actress Sana Khan, models should be smart and intelligent. --IANS iv/nn/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India is looking at getting certification for its Dhruv helicopters from the European Aviation Safety Agency, amid reports that the South American nation of Ecuador wants to return the choppers after a string of accidents, parliament was told on Friday. The Advanced Light Helicopters, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), and exported to Ecuador, have sustained a series of crashes with four of the seven crashing between October 2009 to January 2015, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre told the Lok Sabha in a written reply. He said the crashes were primarily due to human error and maintenance related issues, and India is now looking at getting a certification from the European agency for the Dhruv and also planning to offer onsite maintenance support in future contracts. Dhruv helicopters were operating normally in Ecuador until January 2015 when after the latest crash, Ecuador suspended their operation. "HAL, on its own, deputed its experts to Ecuador in each case of an accident. Ecuador Government constituted Court of Inquiry (CoI) in each case. Being the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), HAL also participated in the Court of Inquiry," the minister said. He added that as per CoI reports released by Ecuador Government the cause of first two accidents (FAE 604 and FAE 601) were pilot error. "Two other Court of Inquiry reports have not been released by Ecuador Government, citing confidentiality," he said. The minister added that from the Flight Data Recorders (FDR) records analysed by HAL as part of CoI proceedings, the third accident (FAE 603) was due to "Pilot Associated Oscillation (human error)" and fourth one (FAE 605) was due to "failure of tail drive shaft attributed to maintenance lapse by Ecuadorian team". "Ecuador Government has not formally communicated to HAL or its local representative in this regard. The accident reports released by the Ecuador Government point to pilot errors in the first two cases," he said. The minister also said that HAL continues to pursue exports of Dhruv, and as a measure, the Defence Ministry is looking to "increase the export potential in the global market", for which HAL has approached EASA for certification of the helicopter. Long Term Onsite Maintenance Support for three to five years will also be proposed in future contracts, Bhamre said. The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv is certified to International Standard as per DEF-STAN 00-0970 and nearly 200 Dhruv helicopters have been produced till date and are being operated by military and civil operators in India and abroad. So far since 2002, 14 military and two civilian Dhruv helicopters have met with accidents. Of these, 11 happened in India and five abroad. Out of the total 16 accidents, 12 occurred due to human error and environmental factors while four others took place due to technical reasons. Bihar's ruling JD-U and RJD on Friday demanded a probe into the BJP's land deals worth crores of rupees in different parts of the state ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation announcement. A local Hindi news channel on Thursday telecast a report that the Bharatiya Janata Party purchased land in 25 districts of Bihar ahead of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes on November 8. BJP legislator Sanjeev Chaurasia, who was reportedly involved in the purchase, said the land deals were for party offices in various districts. "There is nothing in it, party had purchased the land for its office in different districts, that is all," he said. However, Rashtriya Janata Dal legislator Bhai Virendra said that the BJP managed its black money by purchasing land worth crores of rupees ahead of the note ban. "This move has exposed the fact that BJP was aware of demonetisation and finalised deal for land before it was announced by Modi. This is a serious matter and there should be a high-level probe into it," he said. Janata Dal-United legislator and party spokesperson Neeraj Kumar also made similar demands. "How come BJP purchased land worth crores of rupees in the last week of October and first week of November, just before demonetisation was announced," he asked. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly Prem Kumar told media that the BJP had purchased land at the circle rate fixed by the government in districts for party offices. "There is nothing wrong in it," he said. Another senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister, Sushil Kumar Modi said if cash payments were made for the purchase as alleged, there should be a probe. "The probe will establish as to who paid the cash and who received it," he said. According to reports, the BJP purchased land in more than two dozen districts, including Saharsa, Patna, Madhubani, Katihar, Madhepura, Lakhisarai, Kishanganj and Arwal. The size of the plots acquired ranged from 250 sq feet to about half an acre. Their values range between Rs 8 lakh to Rs 1.16 crore. The costliest land was bought at Rs 1,100 per sq feet. --IANS ik/in/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Mads Mikkelsen says its is a big honour to be part of the "legendary film universe" of "Star Wars" film franchise. Mikkelsen stars in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story"-- the first in a new series of "Star Wars" standalone films set in the same universe, but with new characters and story-lines, the publicist said. It follows a band of Rebel fighters stealing the plans for the Death Star before it can be used by the Emperor. The film also stars Felicity Jones and Forest Whitaker. "It's a big honour to be part of this legendary film universe. Something very interesting to me about 'Star Wars' is that it's quite human, even though we have Droids and different kinds of creatures that look very different from the human race," Mikkelsen said. "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" is slated to release on December 16. On the big screen, Mikkelsen garnered rave reviews for his role as arch villain in Benedict Cumberbatch-starrer "Doctor Strange". --IANS sug/ks/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court on Friday asked the Delhi Police to file status report on the plea of the mother of the Jawaharlal Nehru University's missing student Najeeb Ahmed that he be presented by the police and the city government before the court. A division bench of Justice G.S. Sistani and Justice Vinod Goel asked the police and the Delhi government to file their responses on the habeas corpus plea of Ahmed's mother, Fatima Nafees. Ahmed, 27, a first year M.Sc. student, went missing from his JNU hostel on the night of October 14-15, allegedly after an altercation with the members of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's students wing, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. On the basis of the records of the investigation carried out so far, Ahmed's mother sought criminal prosecution against persons involved in the alleged assault. Fatima Nafees also sought setting up of a court-appointed Special Investigation Team of officers from outside Delhi to take over the probe from Crime Branch of the Delhi Police. The Delhi police have already hiked to Rs 5 lakh the reward for any information about Ahmed. --IANS gt/py/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. By the assistance of the Armenia Development Fund and Air Arabia airlines, representatives of the Philippine community of the United Arab Emirates visited Armenia on a three-day trip. The guests went sightseeing in Yerevan, visited Garni, Geghard, Haghartsin, Lake Sevan and Tsakhkadzor. The purpose of the visit was getting to know Armenias tourism opportunities, particularly winter tourism proposals. The tourists left Armenia being impressed with the warm Armenian sun, fresh air and water, and especially the Tsakhkadzor snow. The tourists included the pastor of the Christian Church of Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi, editor of The Filipino Times, executive director of the Kabayan Weekly the largest and first newspaper of the UAE Philippine community, representatives of travel agencies, radio, a photographer, directors of magazines, hotels and airlines. Another visit is planned in the first quarter of 2017, involving Arabic media reporters and bloggers. And in springtime, Armenia will host bloggers with up to half a million followers in social media, specializing in tourism, cuisine, fashion and active tourism. According to 2010 estimates, UAE has a population of 8.2 million, 10% being Filipino. The Defence Ministry has procured over 70 per cent of its requirements from Indian vendors in the 2016-17 fiscal, the government told the Lok Sabha on Friday. Of the total procurements worth Rs 32,073 crore, Indian vendors supplied equipment worth Rs 22,794 crore, that is about 71 per cent of the total, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said in a written reply. There has been a steady decline in defence procurements from foreign vendors in the last three years. Between 2014-17, procurements from foreign vendors came down by eight per cent. Simultaneously, the procurements from Indian vendors went up from 62 per cent to 71 per cent, he added. --IANS rs/tsb/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rabat, Nov 25 (IANS/MAP) Foreign Minister Saleheddine Mezouar has expressed Morocco's commitment to carry on the momentum and mobilisation efforts during its mandate of the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP22) in Antananarivo. "The Moroccan presidency is committed to perpetuating the momentum and mobilisation efforts during its 2017 mandate of the COP22," Mezouar said during the 32nd session of the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie on Thursday, MAP news agency reported. While hailing the results of this global event held in Marrakech, he stressed that everyone will remember this COP, such as "the COP of action, the COP of inclusiveness, the COP of the commitment of all". Mezouar noted that the global climate action has taken a new dimension in Marrakech with the flourishing of structuring initiatives on key themes of sustainable development such as the Triple A initiative, launched by Morocco, promoting development in Africa, the global partnership for renewable energies and energy efficiency, which concerns the development of green energy and the rapid transformation of the global energy system. The Minister said this COP, held in the African continent, responded to the call to place Africa at the heart of the global reflection. He added that many initiatives have been launched to promote the sustainable development of the continent, mainly focusing on renewable energies and agriculture. In this regard, Mezouar said that the African summit of action, which was chaired by King Mohammed VI on the sidelines of the COP, reinforced this momentum by reaffirming the commitment of the African leaders in promoting global efforts in order to combat climate change. --IANS/MAP sm/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Filmmaker Dharmesh Darshan, whose Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor starrer "Raja Hindustani" recently completed 20 years of its release, says his films and their music were ahead of their time. Does the director, who has mostly made romantic films, feel his films were ahead of their time? Darshan told IANS: "All my films even 'Lootere' (1993)...a lot of people find that it's ahead of its time. 'Dhadkan', 'Raja Hindustani' and all these films are so popular on satellite. I think my films and their music were ahead of their time. We didn't have item music as such that time. I am so happy my films are so relevant." "I have shot the longest kissing scene in 'Raja Hindustani' and I have done it within the framework of popular cinema. I feel most people have got one dimensional and I have done it on a multi-dimensional level without limiting myself to any type," said Darshan, whose last film "Aap Ki Khatir" released in 2006. Any plans to make a comeback? "I have seen the best and of course, there is this passion but let's see when. Offers are many and the day I decide to make a film, I will get back to that. I want to enjoy my craft now and I think I have proved enough," he said. --IANS uma/nn/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Post-demonetisation, Mumbai's bustling and glittering Zaveri Bazar, the national bullion and jewellery market, wears a forlorn, deserted look. Thousands of big and small jewellery shops and glittering showrooms in India's oldest and biggest hub, as well as retail outlets in the eastern and western suburbs, eagerly await the elusive customers. The annual big, fat wedding season that is underway- with an average of 15,000 weddings scheduled in Mumbai every month till May-June- usually means a money-spinner. This year it is passing by without a ripple. "I have taken some small orders for bridal gold jewellery sets, well before the and kept them ready. Now, the customers are not prepared to take delivery as they have no money to pay their bills," rued S K Velly, the proprietor of Pramila Jewellers in the suburbs. Some customers are now demanding that they be permitted to make payments in instalments, but Velly rejected this, saying it's not possible since he has to pay upfront at all other levels -- and the ready bridal jewellery sets lie in the shop. Many others are apprehensive of Big Brother- the Income Tax Department- and refuse to either make or accept cheque/online payments to avoid future complications. Major bodies like the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association, the All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation, the Mumbai Jewellers Association and other trade associations are "extremely concerned" but unable to do much. Mumbai Jewellers Association Vice President Surinder Kumar Jain said that in terms of volumes, the industry has taken an unprecedented beating with business down by "more than 90 percent" in the peak wedding season. "The average sales here is around 3.4-4 tonnes of gold, bullion, jewellery, and other items, worth an estimated around Rs 125 crore. Post-demonetisation, it has plummeted to less than 10 percent daily, or around Rs 10-12 crores value," Jain revealed. After a modest 2015, this year was expected to herald cheerful days with a good monsoon, overall positive sentiments in the economy and the bullion industry was preparing to cash in on a good 2016. Since January, Jain said there have been huge imports of gold, around 120 tonnes, to cater to the marriage season, investments and corporate requirements. "But that investment and gold is simply stuck. We can't sell it or throw it away." Both Jain and Velly are worried that if the supply position of currency notes does not improve immediately, they may be compelled to down shutters, retrench staff and move out to other smaller locations in the country. The industry directly employees around 3.75 crore artisans across India, besides another 50-lakh plus in jewellery trade like owners of retail shops, their well-paid staffers and other allied service providers. Mumbai Jewellers Federation President Rakesh Shetty said that "gold, silver and jewellery shops are full" but there are no takers after the of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. "There are some claims that a part of the business has gone to the online portals, but that is far from the truth. We are in a severe crisis, never seen before," Shetty said. While around 5,000-plus shops and showrooms are located in the crowded Zaveri Bazar in south Mumbai, another 27,000-odd dot the city and suburbs, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all gold trading and business in India. Some of the smaller shops with minimal stocks of gold or silver jewellery, struggle to make ends meet with repairs or polishing or modifying customers' existing jewellery, but that is barely 10 percent of their normal business activities. Shetty said that against cheques, RTGS (real-time gross settlement) or new currency notes, gold is being sold in minuscule quantities by retailers at around Rs 29,000 ($422) per tola (10 gms). "The rates have sharply come down by around Rs 1,500 per tola since Dhanteras (preceding the Diwali festival in late October). Actually, this is the start of the annual wedding season... we were expecting much higher gold prices this year on account of various positive factors, but has dealt a deadly blow," said Shetty. "The current situation is very tough. We have passed through some very rough or recessionary patches in the past, but this is unprecedented. Demand and supply exist, but there is no money to conduct any business, people prefer to first spend on survival before buying jewellery," lamented the owner of a leading jewellery shop in the posh Juhu neighbourhood, preferring anonymity. Worse, the leading players predict an uncertain, gloomy period ahead till December 30, followed by the Union Budge on February 1, 2017, and the upcoming GST to be implemented from April 1, 2017. More than a hundred people took to the streets in central Chicago on Friday for the second year in a row, blocking entrance to Nike store on the iconic North Michigan Avenue to raise awareness about police misconduct towards minority groups. Holding slogans like 'Boycott Black Friday' and 'Black Lives Matter', protesters lined up in front of the Nike store in an attempt to stop people from entering, while police officers formed another line separating protesters from the store's main gate and let customers through, Xinhua news agency reported. The protest remained largely peaceful with occasional outburst of chanting like 'No Justice, No Profits' and 'CPAC (Civilian Police Accountability Council) Now' . Last year, more than 1,000 protesters took to the Chicago's North Michigan Avenue on Black Friday to protest the fatal shooting of a black teenager by a white policeman. --IANS lok/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fleeing ethnic violence that has plagued Myanmar's western coastal state of Rakhine for weeks, thousands of Rohingya refugees have been flooding into neighbouring Bangladesh, media reports said. Some refugees told CNN that they suffered rape, torture or saw their homes burned down and family members executed. "If (the military) finds any boys aged above 10 years old, they kill them. Men are also being picked up by the military," Lalu Begum said. "When the military came, we fled from our home. I don't know if my husband is dead or alive." Begum, currently staying at the Kutupalong camp in Bangladesh, said several women in her village were raped by regime soldiers. "When they see pretty ladies, they ask for water, then they get inside the house and rape them," she said. An estimated one million Rohingyas live in Rakhine, where they are a persecuted, stateless ethnic minority. The government does not officially recognise the Rohingyas, regarding them as illegal Bengali immigrants. John McKissick, a UN refugee agency official in Bangladesh, said the Rohingyas are "the most oppressed people in the world". "It seems to be the aim of the Myanmar military to ethnically cleanse this population," he said. The refugees in Kutupalong said they left their homes in the middle of the night, trekking from village to village to try and evade the soldiers and make it to the Naf River to cross into Bangladesh. "When we started our journey, there were six of us. We lost three members of our family," Lalu Begum's sister-in-law Nassima Khatun said. "My husband and son were killed, and another son went missing." The reports in the state could not be verified as the Rohingya area is currently under what the UN terms "lockdown", with access to media and aid agencies blocked. "We have requested the government to provide us with access, so we can estimate the actual numbers," McKissick said. Bangladesh has tightened security to try and push refugees back, as the country struggles to cope with the influx. Thousands of people from Myanmar have already crossed into Bangladesh and, according to Dhaka, "thousands more have been reported to be gathering at the border". The Bangladesh government summoned the Dhaka-based Myanmarese envoy on Wednesday to express concern at the "continued deteriorating situation (in Rakhine) following the country's military crackdown". The government has denied reports of human rights abuse, claiming that the military is carrying out "clearance operations" targeting suspected "violent attackers" who killed nine border guards on October 9. Since then, more than 100 people have been killed and around 600 arrested. "The government of Myanmar is engaging in collective punishment against the Rohingya ethnic minority." A recent Human Rights Watch report estimated that 1,250 Rohingya homes were burned down by the authorities -- a claim the government has denied, saying that "attackers" from the villages carried out the arson. "These alarming images confirm that the destruction in Rohingya villages is far greater and in more places than the government has admitted," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. Nobel prize laureate and pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi has faced criticism for her administration's silence on the issue, a problem which McKissick said shows a lack of control. "Myanmar needs to follow international law and respect human rights, and they're not doing that right now, and it seems that the democratically elected government does not have control over the military," McKissick said. "In our villages where we used to live, there are no Rohingya Muslims left. All of them fled from their homes," Begum said. "We left all of our belongings back there. We left everything to save our lives. Now, how can we go back," Khatun asked. "They will kill us." --IANS py/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actress star Rosamund Pike has shared that she's "quite comfortable" playing second fiddle to a man and doesn't think she's ready to carry a movie. Asked if taking on the lead role of Amy in "Gone Girl" was a rare moment in her career, Pike told theguardian.com: "Ben was still No. One on the call sheet. The guy's usually No. 1... but maybe I'm quite comfortable being No. 2. I quite like that place. I don't know that I'm that easy with being No. 1 Note to self: go home and read scripts where female character is the lead." And Pike acknowledged she's been reluctant to step into the limelight because of the pressure of "carrying" the movie. "I suppose you feel there's somewhere to go. It's an interesting question...You're carrying the movie when you're No 1. and I don't know that I'm ready for that yet. I should be," she said. The British star received plaudits for her role playing Ruth Williams in the biographical drama "A United Kingdom" and is currently looking for an actor to cast in a supporting role in her next as-yet-untitled movie. And Pike thinks Hollywood star Christian Bale would be perfect role the title. "You have to approach the right man at the right time, because men don't want to play second fiddle to a woman. That's the truth. It's sad, isn't it? Christian (Bale) might be different - he's a leading man who quite wants to be a supporting actor, and is quite unusual in that respect," she said. --IANS dc/ks/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Kshanam" star Adivi Sesh is all set to finally start shooting for his next film, to be directed by his cousin Sai Kiran. The actor says it's a very fresh and untried genre for Telugu cinema. "It's a coming-of-age story. You can compare it with 'Dil Chahta Hai', 'Reality Bites', 'Dil Dhadakne Do' and 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'. My film belongs to that ilk. But it's not inspired by one film. It's a slice-of-life film. A very fresh and untried genre for Telugu cinema." "It is just the kind of cinema my cousin Sai Kiran specializes in, a drama about emotions and internal conflicts." Shedding more light on the project, Adivi said: "We have Priyadarshi and Adith. We also have Nair and Eden, both actresses from languages other than Telugu making their debut in the Telugu cinema. Parvathi is an award-winning Tamil actress." Adivi says comparisons with "Kshanam" are uncalled for. "'Kshanam' was a film that I scripted. This is completely Sai Kiran's creation. Hence, the result of two different thought processes. This new film will be as different from 'Kshanam' as 'Talaash' was from 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' although both were from the same production house." --IANS skj/nn/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The First Ministers of Scotland and Wales met in Cardiff on Friday and confirmed their shared ambition to maintain full and unfettered access to the European Union's Single Market. Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones were in the Welsh capital for a meeting of the British Irish Council. Other people at the meeting included Ireland's Prime Minister Enda Kenny, Xinhua news agency reported. During talks after the British Irish Council Summit, Sturgeon and Jones also discussed ways in which the ambitions of Scotland and Wales can be fulfilled. Sturgeon has made it clear that if a Brexit deal is not suitable for Scotland she will bid for a second referendum to sever Scotland's ties with Britain. Speaking after the meeting, Sturgeon said Friday's meeting was another positive and useful opportunity to discuss some of the shared concerns both Scotland and Wales have around Britain's exit from the European Union. "Both Scotland and Wales have spoken loud and clear -- Single Market status is simply the only way to protect the economy not only of Scotland and Wales respectively, but the UK as a whole. Anything else risks us falling off a hard-Brexit cliff edge, and we are united in our call to ensure the UK Government does all it can to ensure that happens." Carwyn Jones said:" This has been a constructive discussion where we have shared our very strong concerns over the prospect of Britain's pursuing a hard Brexit." "We will continue to work together to build a coalition in favour of Britain having full and unfettered access to the single market," he said. There was criticism in Cardiff that Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May had not attended the summit meeting. Although a number of British government ministers attended the event, Sturgeon and Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness both said May should have attended the British Irish Council (BIC) meeting in Wales. Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire, who did attend the talks said: "The Prime Minister strongly supports the British Irish Council," adding that is why two British government cabinet ministers and two other government ministers attended the Cardiff meeting strongly representing the British government's perspective. --IANS lok/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Friday condoled the death of veteran journalist Dileep Padgaonkar and described him as "an intellectual, historian and a thinker". Remembering him as an intellectual, historian and thinker, Gandhi said: "Void created by his passing away will be hard to fulfill for he espoused a brand of mature, balanced and unwavering journalism that's gradually hard to find." She prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and also expressed her solidarity with family and friends of Padgaonkar in this hour of grief. Dileep Padgaonkar, veteran journalist, well-known author and former editor of The Times Of India, died at a private hospital in Pune, Maharashtra, on Friday morning, officials said. He was 72. He was admitted to the Ruby Hospital on November 18 following a massive heart attack. --IANS sid/sm/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. During the NATO Parliamentary Assemblys session, the Secretary General of the alliance gave a clear response to the Azerbaijani delegates question who tried to present the Nagorno Karabakh conflict as a territorial issue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, reports Armenpress. Head of the Armenian delegation to the NATO PA Koryun Nahapetyan told reporters on November 25 that during the entire session the Azerbaijanis were trying to create such an impression that the NK conflict is a territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and one of the delegates addressed a question to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg over this issue. NATO Secretary Generals response was very clear. He stated that NATOs stance on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict has not changed. NATO has no participation in the conflict settlement, it welcomes the ongoing process under the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairmanship format, Nahapetyan said. Nahapetyan said NATO Secretary General stated for the first time that NATO-Armenia and NATO-Azerbaijan relations are in no way connected with the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. This was a clear stance. The Secretary Generals response was clear and concrete, Nahapetyan said. He said the Azerbaijani delegation tried to spread information without corresponding to the reality during the committee sessions. He informed that in one of the draft resolutions the Azerbaijani delegation suggested to include Azerbaijan in the formulations of aggression and territorial integrity as an affected state. In this regard after the clarifications made by us and general rapporteur it became clear that such formulation will simply distort the situation and can bring approaches that can harm the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Nahapetyan said, adding that all the delegates rejected the Azerbaijani delegations proposal. Aiming to ease the cash crunch after the government's move, INOX Leisure, a cinema exhibition chain, on Friday partnered with State Bank of India (SBI) to provide withdrawal facilities at INOX properties across the country using a debit card. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. And now, under the new initiative, one can withdraw up to Rs 2,000 cash per card per day, by simply swiping their debit cards at INOX properties across the country, read a statement. All applicable guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India with regard to cash withdrawals will be followed. The facility will be available across 17 properties starting Friday. It will be made available at the remaining 89 properties over the course of the weekend. Siddharth Jain, Director, INOX Leisure Ltd, said: "We, at INOX Leisure, believe that the current will have a positive impact on the Indian economy. We want to serve the nation at large by assisting the government in achieving their objectives of building a progressive economy. Through this effort, we are attempting to ease any difficulties that are currently being faced by people due to ." Earlier this week, retail major Big Bazaar announced the facility to withdraw up to Rs 2,000 from its stores in a similar arrangement with SBI. The Defence Ministry on Friday informed the Lok Sabha that steps are being taken to encourage the youths to join the armed forces, including through sustained image projection and publicity campaign. "The government has taken a number of measures to encourage the youths to join the defence forces... to create awareness among them on the advantages of taking up a challenging and satisfying career through participation in career fairs and exhibitions as well as motivational lectures in schools and colleges etc.," Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said in a written reply. "The support of state government authorities is also solicited in disseminating the requisite information to the target population," the minister said. Bhamre said recruitment rallies are conducted in different parts of the country to provide opportunities to the youths to join the armed forces. "Efforts are made to cover the entire country, including its remote, border, tribal and hilly areas," he said. The minister said there were certain relaxations in physical and educational criteria for candidates from tribal, hilly and other backward areas, but there is no proposal to offer further relaxations. "For recruitment in the army, certain relaxations in physical and educational standards are available for candidates of tribal/hilly and other backward areas. In the case of navy and air force, there is no provision for relaxation in educational standards. However, relaxation in height is given to candidates from certain areas," Bhamre said. "At present, there is no proposal under government consideration to further relax the criteria for recruitment in the defence forces," he said. He told the Lok Sabha that 25 Sainik schools are functioning in the country, five of them in difficult and border areas. The schools prepare boys of certain age group academically, physically and mentally for gaining entry into the National Defence Academy. "In addition, students of border and difficult areas are encouraged to join the National Cadet Corps, which strives to provide the youths opportunities for all-round development with a sense of commitment, dedication, self-discipline and moral values, so that they become responsible citizens," he added. --IANS ao/tsb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ten infant girls, suspected to have been trafficked, were recovered from a privately-run mental asylum in south Kolkata, a Criminal Investigation Department official said on Friday. Acting on a tip-off, the CID officials raided Purbasha -- a home for mentally challenged patients at Thakurpukur on Kolkata's southern outskirts -- and rescued the babies. "We have recovered 10 girls, all of them aged between one year to 10 months from the third floor of Purbasha. Two women, who reportedly rented the third floor of the building, had kept these infants here. We are looking for them," a CID official said. A woman, identified as Reena Banerjee, said to be the owner of the asylum, has been arrested. She is the daughter of Putul Banerjee, who was arrested from a south Kolkata nursing home earlier this week for her alleged involvement in child smuggling. "We have detained three women from the asylum in this case. One of them, Reena Banerjee, the owner of the asylum, has been arrested. All three are being interrogated," the officer said. "Occasionally we saw infants being brought in. Everything was done at night. We never realised they are running a child smuggling racket here," a local resident said. Meanwhile, CID sleuths also recovered two skeletons of newborn babies from the campus of Sujit Dutta Memorial Trust, a South 24 Pargana based NGO, that came under the scanner last Monday for its alleged involvement in the child smuggling racket. --IANS mgr/ssp/sm/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Thai parliament will meet here on Tuesday -- for the first time since the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej last month -- to take up a special motion that may lead to proclamation of the country's new king. Parliament Vice-President Peerasak Porjit said on Friday that he does not yet have details of the content of the measure that the government will present to the legislature, the authority responsible for inviting the future monarch to the throne, Xinhua news agency reported. The session will be preceded by a special government meeting. The Thai parliament, handpicked by the military junta and in power since 2014, has been in recess since October 13, when it held an extraordinary session hours after the King's death and adjourned without proclaiming the country's new king. Military junta head and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had said the proclamation was postponed due to Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn's wish to spend some time mourning his father's death before succeeding him to the throne. Authorities soon announced that the coronation ceremony of the heir will not be held until after Bhumibol's cremation, expected to be carried out within a year, although the proclamation may take place before that. Bhumibol is the only king that most Thais have known, elevating him almost to a divine status and a symbol of national unity. Vajiralongkorn, appointed Crown Prince in 1972, has lived much of his life abroad, disconnected from the responsibilities of the throne and does not enjoy the popularity of his father. --IANS py/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two militants and a soldier were killed on Friday in a gunfight with the security forces in north Kashmir's Bandipora district. The police said troops of the 13 Rashtriya Rifles and special operations group (SOG) surrounded Manzpora village at night following information about the militants' presence. "With the break of dawn, the flushing out operation was started when the hiding militants opened indiscriminate fire causing critical injuries to a soldier, who later succumbed," a senior police officer said. Two militants were also killed in the operation, he said. Firing exchanges have stopped in the area, but a combing operation is on. In another operation in Tujjar village of Baramulla district, security forces surrounded a house where a local militant is reportedly hiding. "The holed up local militant is being persuaded to surrender," the police said. --IANS sq/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States Department of Defense on Friday confirmed that it has suffered its first combat death in Syria in the fight against extremist group Islamic State (IS). A US Special Operations Force member, not yet identified to the public, was killed near Ayn Issa in northern Syria by an improvised explosive device. "I am deeply saddened by the news on this Thanksgiving Day that one of our brave service members has been killed in Syria while protecting us from the evil of IS," Xinhua news agency quoted US Defense Secretary Ash Carter as saying in a statement. At least 300 US Special Operations members are on ground in Syria as part of the fight against the IS, a fact only acknowledged by the Obama administration a year ago. As Iraqi forces have pushed into IS-held Mosul in northern Iraq during recent weeks, the US-led coalition forces have also been preparing for an offensive into Raqqa, the group's stronghold in northern Syria. --IANS vgu/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Nikhil Siddhartha, fresh of the success of Telugu romantic thriller "Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada", says he is ready to explore opportunities in Tamil filmdom. "I was supposed to enter Tamil industry with 'Karthikeya', which was simultaneously made as a bilingual. However, the Tamil version still hasn't released for reasons unknown. Whenever I go to Chennai, people refer to me as the guy holding a spade from the poster of 'Karthikeya'. It feels nice to get noticed," Nikhil told IANS. Keen to explore more opportunities in Tamil, he said, "I'm in the process of stabilizing my career in Telugu. I wouldn't want to jeopardize it at any cost. But if there's any interesting Tamil project, I would love to do it." How much Tamil does he know? "I'm picking up the language. I know a few words already. My phone's caller tune features a Tamil song," he said. --IANS hp/nn/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP leader Ram Madhav on Friday said Nalanda University Chancellor George Yeo's complaint that he was not consulted while forming a new governing body was "strange". Yeo resigned from his post on Friday expressing his unhappiness over the union government's decision to dissolve the Nalanda Mentors Group (NMG) and form a new governing body without his knowledge. "President (Pranab Mukherjee) in his capacity as visitor constituted Governing Board now with eminent people. Yeo's complaint that he was not consulted is strange," Madhav tweeted. The BJP General Secretary accused Yeo of having transformed the Mentors Group into a Governing Board, which was constituted for a one-year tenure. "Outgoing Governing Board of Nalanda University was originally called Mentors Group with 1 year tenure, but transformed itself into Governing Board," Madhav said in another tweet. He said Yeo resigned when the President as visitor decided to constitute the first ever Governing Board. Earlier, Yeo said in a statement that the order dissolving the Governing Board and creating a new one came as a complete surprise to him and to most others. He said he was neither involved nor consulted before the decision was taken. A former Foreign Minister of Singapore, Yeo replaced Nobel laureate Amartya Sen as Chancellor of the University last year. --IANS bns/sm/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister will sit on a dharna in Patna on November 30 to demand rollback of the Centre's demonetisation decision, TMC vice-president Mukul Roy said on Friday. " will sit on a dharna at Gardanibagh in Patna on November 30 for rollback of the demonetisation decision," Roy told reporters here. He exuded confidence that representatives of many parties would join the TMC's dharna in Patna. Earlier in the day, Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar said he had a talk with Banerjee on demonetisation. Former JD(U) president Sharad Yadav had joined the TMC supremo at a sit-in at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. "She had spoken to me before going to Rashtrapati Bhawan and I had pointed to her that even the President has supported demonetisation," Kumar said about his parleys with . Asked about Mamata Banerjee's remark that his stand on demonetisation was due to some political compulsion, the Bihar Chief Minister dismissed it. "What majboori (compulsion) do I have? Is expressing one's viewpoint a majboori?... I always speak with the strength of what I feel is right," he said. Kumar said he supported scrapping of high denomination notes to fight black money and was against any roll back of the decision, but had criticised the "poor arrangement" to carry the drive. Banerjee, who is at the forefront in the agitation against scrapping of high denomination currencies by the Centre, has planned to hold protests in different parts of the country to force a rollback. After the Jantar Mantar agitation in Delhi, Banerjee would sit on a dharna at Lucknow on November 29 and next day in Patna, Roy said adding, he would talk to leaders of other parties and invite them to join the sit-in. In a shocking incident, a 10-month- old girl was allegedly beaten up and kicked at a creche in Navi Mumbai by a caretaker, who along with the daycare centre owner was arrested, police said today. Taking cognisance of the matter after a video of the incident went viral, Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Pankaja Munde said the government has decided to make installation of CCTVs compulsory at such centres. Meanwhile, Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale issued a set of instructions, making it mandatory for the creche operators, to get the police verification of their staff done within the next 90 days, among other things. The incident came to light when the CCTV footage of Purva Play School and Creche, a day care centre for children at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, was analysed by the police and the infant's parents. Subsequently, Kharghar Police yesterday arrested Afsana Sheikh and the day care centre's owner Priyanka Nikam (34). However, Nikam was later released on surety bail, while Sheikh has been remanded in police custody. The girl's parents Ruchita and Rajat Sinha, who are complainants in the case, used to leave their child at the day care centre as they both are working. On Tuesday, when they went to take her, they found a wound on their daughter's forehead. Ruchita asked creche owner Nikam about it, but she did not get a proper response from the day care centre. When the baby's parents approached a doctor, he suspected it to be a case of child abuse. Subsequently, the child's parents went to Kharghar Police Station and lodged a complaint. The police and the child's parents were shocked when they later saw the CCTV footage of creche, which showed Sheikh beating and slapping children who were left by their parents at the day care centre. The CCTV footage also showed Sheikh beating Ruchita's daughter while some other infants were sleeping, police said. In the video, Sheikh is seen hitting, throwing and kicking the child. Police registered an offence against Sheikh and Nikam under section 325 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt) of IPC and section 34 of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act-2000, police official said. The child is being treated at a private hospital for the injuries inflicted on her. The video of the alleged incident has gone viral on social media, prompting the authorities to announce installation of CCTVs at such centres. Munde termed the incident as shocking. "We have decided to make it compulsory to install CCTVs at play schools, to avoid recurrence of such incidents," she said. Meanwhile, activists of Peasants and Workers Party held a protest outside the play school. The activists damaged the hoarding and posters of the play school, police said. Shiv Sena workers also staged a protest outside the play school and ransacked it. Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner, Nagrale, issued the set of instructions for the creches, play schools etc, stating that if these establishments do not follow the orders, strict action would be taken against them. Nagrale issued the orders under section 144 CRPC 1973, making them mandatory for such establishments to get themselves registered with police stations with immediate effect. "CCTVs should be installed in all such centres and the recording of the same should be backed up periodically. The management should check the recordings," the order said. "The CCTVs should be linked to the computer system or the mobile phones of the parents of the children by providing them the user ID," it said. "The creches/play schools should get the police verification of their current staff done within the next 90 days," it said. The police order said the in-time as well as the out-time the child should be recorded and acknowledgement of parents must be obtained at the time of handing over their child. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. Iran has a population of over 80 million. The Iranian market is attractive for Armenia. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Armenia to Iran Artashes Tumanyan gave an interview to Iranian Jaam-e Jam daily newspaper over Armenia-Iran trade turnover, business ties and economic relations. Armenpress presents his interview: -Are there any exact statistics on the trade turnover between the two countries? -The trade turnover volumes between the two states are extremely modest and in recent years have not undergone major changes. The annual trade turnover volume with small deviations was over 300 million USD. Moreover, the import of goods from Iran to Armenia always prevailed in the total volume. -Over a month ago exhibition of Armenian goods and services was held in Iran, what was the aim of it? -Taking into account the low level of mutual awareness of the businessmen of the two states and the great demand of coordinated information, by the initiatives of the Armenian Embassy and the assistance of the Armenian Ministry of Economic Development and Investments, a memorandum of understanding was signed on the cooperation between the Armenian Development Fund and Tehrans International Exhibitions Center. As a result over 100 Armenian companies presented their goods and services in Tehran on October 5-8, 2016. -How do you see the future of trade-economic ties of the two states? -Discussions were held between the Iranian and Armenian companies, they got acquainted with each others capabilities, certain preliminary agreements were reached. The Iranian media widely covered that exhibition, as well as there were numerous reports on Armenia-Iran economic relations, prospects of economic cooperation between the two states. -According to you, what are the preconditions for the development of trade ties of the two states? -Armenia and Iran have established stable economic relations which have development tendencies. The process of establishing joint infrastructures is positively developing. But the process on making investments in each others states by the business entities is slowly moving forward. As for the bilateral trade level, it is far from being satisfactory, and there are certain objective and subjective reasons for that. -Can you please specify? -The sides are not sufficiently aware of each other, they are not familiar with the legislative norms, the business environment and etc. The existing trade regimes also play an important role, which do not promote business activity. -Is it possible to provide promoting conditions through preferential trade? -It is not a coincidence that the EAEU-Iran talks on the establishment of preferential trade regimes kicked off and currently are in process. Armenia is one of the initiators and active participants of those talks. We hope new trade rules will be adopted that will contribute to the development of trade relations. -Are Armenian traders interested in the Iranian market, if yes, which directions of the Iranian economy are attractive for them? -Iran has a population of over 80 million, and of course, this market is attractive for Armenia. We have already stated that the import of Iranian goods to Armenia prevails in the trade turnover of the two states, whereas the entrance of the Armenian products to Iran is strictly limited. -What limitations the talk is about? -It is connected with the features of the Iranian customs and trade regulations (higher customs fees, complex procedures of non-tariff regulation and etc.). -Lets return to the attractive sides of the Iranian economy for the Armenian traders, which are they? -I think regardless of the existing difficulties, it is necessary to make efforts and intensify cooperation in various sectors (high technologies, engineering services, communication, agriculture, tourism and etc.). -What role do the elimination of visa, the direct flights between the sides and the road communication with each other play for the development of trade? -The elimination of visa regime between Armenia and Iran first of all talks about the high-level mutual political trust, moreover, the decision on visa elimination was made by the initiative of the Armenian political leadership, that was accepted by the Iranian side with a great readiness. This fact positively contributed to the tourism and trade relations. In 2016 Yerevan-Tehran flights became more frequent. -What can you say about the importance of the transit of the two states? -The transit of the Iranian products through Armenias territory will enable to enter Georgia and Black Sea countries, a path that can be a reliable alternative to the transfer of goods conducted through Turkeys territory. The transit of Armenian products through Iran supposes an exit to the Persian Gulf and flow of goods in the opposite direction. -In your opinion what are Irans advantages for attracting foreign investments? -First of all the Iranian rich natural resources and certain developed branches of the economy, as well as the great professional potential are attractive for foreign investors. The country has a special state body on investments protection and regulation. A number of free trade zones are operating in Iran. Nevertheless, it is important to state that after the elimination of sanctions, a great flow of investments to the Iranian economy is still not realized, which, is most likely, related with certain internal and external factors. -What are Armenias advantages for foreign investments? -Certain preconditions exist in Armenia for attracting foreign investments. The talk is about the legislative guarantees and certain structural changes. The customs and tax legislation norms are quite beneficial, Armenia is a member of the World Trade Organization, it is a part of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Certain free trade zones operate in Armenia. According to Doing business 2016 report, Armenia is ranked 35th among 189 countries, and according to the report by the Canadian Fraser Institute, Armenia is ranked 18th in economic freedom rating among 159 countries. -What banking relations exist between Armenia and Iran? -The Armenian banking system is in compliance with the contemporary international standards and the foreign investors can beneficially use it. The Iranian Mellat bank operates in Armenia. It is important to state that after the elimination of sanctions against Iran, there are still certain obstacles that hinder the cooperation of banking systems of the two states. I think the difficulties will be overcome within a time and there will be opportunities for productive cooperation. Nineteen of a group of 55 Indians, who were stranded in strife-torn Iraq, have returned home following efforts by the government. Minister of State for External Affairs told Rajya Sabha that Indian Consulate in Iraq's Erbil has been making efforts to ensure return of the remaining 36 Indians. The Consul General had approached the Prime Minister and the Interior Minister of Kurdistan to ensure return of the Indians, mostly from Telengana, who had overstayed. "As a result of these efforts, a group of 19 Indian nationals has travelled back to India on November 10 without payment of any overstayal penalty," Singh said. To another question, he said 39 requests for repatriation have been received by Indian Mission in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from persons hailing from Uttar Pradesh. He said a total of 15,431 grievances have been registered on MEA's online Consular Services Management Portal 'MADAD' out of which 9,502 have been resolved. In a written reply to a question on Indians residing in war-torn countries, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj as per records, over 2,500 Indians are residing in Afghanistan, 9,000 in Iraq and about 100 Indians in Syria. The details of people who have not registered with the local missions and embassies were not available. She said government closely monitors the evolving security concerns in strife-torn countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, adding safety and security of Indians in these countries was a matter of foremost concern. "The government has established 24x7 helpline functional in the Indian Missions/Posts in these countries; and issues advisories whenever required," she said. Replying to another question in Rajya Sabha, Singh said a total of 554 Indian fishermen were arrested in foreign waters during 2016. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today refused to go into a plea seeking probe by an SIT into alleged recovery of documents by the IT department in connection with raids on two business houses here in 2013-14 which purportedly showed computerised inventories containing designations of top people having received money. "You take this back. You come when you have some better material. This is zero material. It is only an insinuation," a bench comprising Justices J S Khehar and Arun Mishra said. As the bench was not inclined to order any investigation, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said the allegations are "scandalous, malafide" and NGO Common Cause, which has filed the plea, was indulging in "kite flying". The bench said it can only hear the matter if the NGO can come out with "better material" on December 14. "We can't order investigation only because you name a big person," it said. "Give us some better material, good material. What is this material? Just because it is a computer entry would you rope in the entire world. We are very clear if the suspicion arouses the conscience of any person, it is a good material. "So far as this material is concerned, it does not arouse suspicion. We are not satisfied at all. These are high public functionaries. If you are bringing this material before us, it is nothing. It is a serious issue. You must give us something on which we can determine," the bench said. The court did not accept the arguments of senior advocates Shanti Bhushan and Ram Jethmalani that the investigation can be ordered based on the material provided by the NGO. "All these are non-genuine documents. They are all fictitious documents. You are relying on that. We already had held it was all fictitious. Give us something authentic," the bench said, referring to the material about one of the business groups. When Bhushan referred to another business group, the bench said anyone, anywhere today can make entry of a hundred persons. "There are thousands of unscrupulous persons in the country and can be making entries. Presuming we accept what you say then see how far-reaching impact it can have. We are not shying away from taking any action, but on which material we can order investigation," the apex court said. "There should be some good material, there should be some supporting material and for investigation, there should be some prima facie material. At present, there is nothing. We can't order investigation. You can't have investigation only because you name a big person," it said. On November 22, the plea was mentioned before a bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur who had said that it would come up for hearing today. The plea has sought constitution of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe "incriminating" evidence and details of "unaccounted" cash recovered allegedly during the raids by the Income Tax department and CBI on the two companies. It has also sought a direction to CBI, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to "produce the records and the seized material recovered in the raids" before the apex court. The plea has asked for a direction to the "authorities not to return the seized documents to the business groups concerned". The application, filed through advocate Prashant Bhushan, has claimed that "actionable evidence" gathered during the raids on both the groups was given a "quiet burial" by IT department and CBI. It has said that CBI had conducted raids in 2013 at various premises of a company of one of the group during its probe into the coal block allocation scam case. "The documents seized by CBI in its search operation in Mumbai reportedly revealed massive bribery of politicians and officials of various ministries over several years," it has alleged. Referring to media reports, the plea said the IT department had raided the other group's offices in Delhi and Noida in November 2014 during which "incriminating documents and cash" were allegedly seized. At least three persons, including two women, have died in Uttar Pradesh since yesterday in connection with the Centre's demonetisation move. Two women died while standing in queues outside banks in Ballia and Muzaffarnagar, while a rickshaw-puller hanged himself to death after he learnt of the Centre's decision to end over-the-counter exchange of now-defunct Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes for new ones at bank branches. Police said Indrasani Devi (70), who was standing for over three hours in a queue outside a Central Bank branch in Ratsad area of Ballia, suddenly fell ill. She died of cardiac arrest soon after. As the family did not have any cash for cremation of the body, the daughter-in-law of the deceased had to stand in queue at the same bank to withdraw money for it, they said. SP (Superintendent of Police) Vaibhav Krishna said the matter will be probed and necessary action will be taken against those found responsible. In Muzaffarnagar in western Uttar Pradesh, 85-year-old Murti Devi died while standing in a queue outside a PNB branch in Hanuman Chowk. Police said she had come to withdraw money from the bank. Meanwhile, a rickshaw-puller, Akbar (27), committed suicide by hanging himself at his house in Khurja, about 20kms from Bulandshahr, after he learnt that the government has barred people without bank accounts from exchanging now-defunct Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes for new ones at bank branches. The government had yesterday stopped over-the-counter exchange of defunct currency notes. Police said Akbar had four Rs 500 notes and he had tried to exchange them earlier but failed due to huge rush. Last night, after hearing about the government's decision, Akbar committed suicide, his wife said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thirty activists of a group reportedly demanding secession of the Madhes region from Nepal were arrested today during a protest here. Police arrested activists supporting C K Raut, who has been demanding secession of the Madhes region from Nepal, from different places of Gaur in Rautahat district, the Himalayan Times reported. As many as 30 cadres and supporters of the Raut-led Alliance for Independent Madhes were detained from various places of Gaur when they staged demonstration today, according to the Rautahat District Police Office. They had demonstrated near the District Land Revenue Office, the Shivashakti Enterprises and the Rastriya Banijya Bank Chok. "Investigation has been initiated against the protesters, including the Alliance Coordinator Ashok Kumar Singh and his deputy Birendra Sah," Deputy Superintendent of Police Nabin Krishna Bhandari was quoted as saying. Sah said their protest was not against police, but against the discrimination and racist policies by the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chinese authorities have warned real estate agencies against flouting market rules as they intensified drive against illegal financial services in the sector. The authorities slammed 30 real estate agencies for not obeying rules. The 30 agencies are scattered across 17 provinces and cities including Shanghai and Guangdong, according to information disclosed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development on Friday. The ministry is acting against activities such as fabricating information, embezzling funds and illegal financial services, state-run Xinhua agency reported today. Providing additional leverage for people who cannot put downpayments together is strictly forbidden, the ministry said. Earlier this year, guidelines were unveiled to improve regulations on real estate agencies, which have become a major source of customer complaints. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Five Maoists, arrested last year here for sedition and criminal conspiracy, were today handed over copies of charge sheet by a city court. Rupesh, his wife Shyna, Anup, Veeramani and Kannan, arrested from Karumathampatti on the city outskirts in May 2015, were given the copies of the nearly 4,200 pages charge sheet by Additional District Judge M Christopher. They have been charged with various offences under IPC sections including criminal conspiracy and sedition and also under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, police said. The case was posted to December 8 for further hearing. The five accused, facing a total of 28 cases, were later taken back to the central prison here, where they have been lodged since their detention. Earlier, as they were being brought to the court, the accused raised slogans against Kerala government over the alleged encounter in which two Maoists were killed in Nilambur forests in the neighbouring state yesterday. Advocate Balamurugan, representing the accused, said the 25 cases in Tamil Nadu and three in Kerala were 'foisted' on them. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The 6th India China joint training exercise, Exercise Hand-in-Hand 2016, culminated today in a closing ceremony which was held here at Aundh Military camp. The joint training included understanding of transnational terrorism, developing interoperability and conduct of a joint tactical operations controlled by a Joint Command Post thus concluded with validation exercise by Indian Army & the Peoples' Liberation Army of China, according to a defense release issued here. Major General S K Prashar, Indian Army and Major General Wang Haijiang, Deputy Commander of People's Liberation Army jointly reviewed the parade commanded by Colonel Dayanand Sharma, the Indian contingent commander. Colonel Dayanand Sharma gave the report and sought permission to commence the proceedings from Major General Wang Haijiang in Chinese. Major General S K Prashar, General Officer Commanding of the Indian Army after addressing the parade declared the joint training exercise closed. "Observers of both the nations appreciated the professionally conducted training which has resulted in instilling confidence in each other's capability to counter the common threat of terror. The exercise also demonstrated the determination of the two Armies in working closely with each other to eradicate the menace of terrorism in all its forms," the release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Seven school children were among nine people injured today when an axe wielding disgruntled man went on a stabbing spree in northwestern China, in the latest such incident of mass attack by disgruntled people. Lei Mingyue, 58, attacked the students, five first-graders and two third-graders, with an axe at around 11:40 AM at an after-school care centrer in Hantai District of Hanzhong City in China's Shaanxi Province, police said. The students, all from Beiguan Primary School, were waiting in line for lunch when the attack happened, the state- run Xinhua agency quoted a police officer as saying. Two passersby were also injured when Lei was running away, he said. All the injured are receiving treatment in hospitals. Police later caught Lei, who confessed that he carried out the attack as "revenge on society" following two previous arrests in Beijing and Shaanxi for theft. Attacks by disgruntled people periodically takes place all over China. Many targets children as they are soft targets. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Eight soldiers have been killed in a car bomb attack by "armed terrorists" targeting a checkpoint in Egypt's restive North Sinai province, the army said. "A group of armed terrorists attacked the army checkpoint yesterday using a 4x4 vehicle with high explosive materials," military spokesperson Brigadier General Mohamed Samir said in a statement. "Eight soldiers were killed during the attack. The army exchanged fire with the terrorists killing three of them and injuring others. The armed forces are currently continuing searching area for terrorists," Samir said. Egypt's North Sinai has witnessed many violent attacks by militants in the last few years and since the January 2011 revolution that toppled the ex-president Hosni Mubarak. The attacks targeting police and military increased after the ouster of Islamist ex-president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 by military following massive protests against his rule. Over 700 security personnel have been reported killed since then. The military has launched security campaigns in the area, arrested suspects and demolished houses that belong to terrorists, including those facilitating tunnels leading to the Gaza Strip. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The largest body of Indian-American doctors today asked President-elect Donald Trump to enact medical liability reform, which it claimed is driving up the healthcare cost in its current shape through "extra testing and the practice of defensive medicine". "AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin) supports a healthy doctor-patient environment by curbing aggressive litigation targeting physicians," AAPI president Ajay Lodha said in a statement in which he congratulated Trump on his victory in the presidential election. Lodha said, "such lawsuits have had a chilling effect and driven up the cost of healthcare, through extra testing and the practice of defensive medicine". In the 112th Congress,The'Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2011', limited the conditions for lawsuits and punitive damages for healthcare liability claims. It established a statute of limitations and limited noneconomic damages to USD 250,000, he rued. AAPI wants modification of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), he said. Under the ACA, hospitals and primary physicians would transform their practices financially, technologically, and clinically to drive better health outcomes, lower costs, and improve their methods of distribution and accessibility. "We believe that the current ACA could be improved upon greatly. To merely repeal the ACA would result in 20 million losing their health insurance coverage and that would be problematic to say the least," he said. "A more reformed system with emphasis on free-market while retaining the provisions protecting consumers with pre-existing conditions would be ideal,"he said. AAPIrepresents the interests of over 60,000 physicians and25,000 medical students and residents of Indian heritage in theUS. In the statement, Lodha also invited Trump to address the delegates at the next AAPIConvention in Atlantic City, New Jersey next year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. The Austrian parliament adopted a resolution on imposing an arms embargo on Turkey, Agos reports. As basis for the embargo, the actions of Turkey against opposition figures after the coup attempt, arrests of reporters, writers and academicians, mass firing from jobs and civilian casualties resulting from military operations were included in the bill, which was presented by the Greens party and adopted by 6 other parties. Starting today, Austria has become the first country to have imposed sanctions against Erdogans regime in Turkey. We call on the European Union to follow our example, Peter Pilz of the Austrian Greens Party said. Protest against Polavaram project being constructed in Andhra Pradesh appears to be gaining strength among activists in Odisha as well as other neighbouring states amid allegations that the dam aims to benefit industrialists at the cost of tribals. As part of their anti-Polavaram campaign, a large number of activists from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telengana assembled here yesterday and vowed to fight against the multi-purpose project. The project is being constructed to benefit industrial houses along Visakhapatnam-Chennai coastal corridor rather than to provide water for irrigation to farmers as claimed by Andhra Pradesh and Union governments, alleged Bhalachandra Shadangi, convenor of People's Forum Against Polavaram (PFAP) which organised the convention. Andhra Pradesh government is constructing the project on river Godavari at Polavaram, about 80 km from Motu in Odisha's Malkangiri district. The activists alleged that around four lakh people, 60 per cent of them tribals, will be affected by the project and only politicians, contractors and industrialists will benefit from it. As many as 276 revenue villages of Andhra Pradesh will be submerged by the project. In Odisha, over 100 villages, around 4,000 acres of agricultural land and around 40,000 people from Chhattisgarh's Sukma district will be affected, said V Ventaka Ramaiya, president of Akhil Bharat Kisan Mazdoor Sabha. Though the area where the Polavaram project is being constructed is a scheduled area, the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act and Forest Rights Act (FRA) are being openly violated, he said. "No gram sabha has been conducted prior to construction of the project," said Bijay Bohidar, a retired professor, while inaugurating the convention. Condemning the Centre for giving national project status to Polavaram, noted activist Prafulla Samantaray said Odisha government's fight against the project is only to gain political benefits. The state government is not fighting against the project in true spirit and has failed in taking proper administrative and legal steps, he alleged. BJD spokesperson Rabi Narayan Nanda has, however, dismissed the allegations as baseless saying the state government is fighting against the project from day one and has placed its objection before the Central Water Commission and the Prime Minister. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian energy giant Adani Group has struck land deals in Australia to build two solar plants collectively valued at USD 300 million in a bid to develop 1,500 MW renewable capacity in five years, even as a court today dismissed appeals against its USD 16 billion coal and mine project. The contraction of AUD 200 million (USD 150 million approximately) each solar plants in south Australia's Whyalla region and in Moranbah in the east of Australia will begin late next year, the company said. The Whyalla project is to be completed in an year and is expected to create350 jobs. It will involve a 120 MW solar generation plant, with potential capacity of up to 150MW, which would make it one of the largest solar farms in Australia. The company said it has secured a land deal with Whyalla city council for the project. Adani aims to develop renewable energy projects in Australia with a capacity of 1,500 MW in the next five years. Its CEO of Australian operations, Jeyakumar Janakaraj, said Adani looked forward to working with the Whyalla community to enhance the South Australian renewable energy industry. "This is great for Whyalla. For many years we have promoted Whyalla as a perfect location for solar energy production. We have sun, land, a skilled workforce and a supportive community. Those attributes have attracted theinterest of Adani," said Giles lawmaker Eddie Hughes. "Construction of the plant will provide a boost to employment and it will provide one element in what is shaping up to be a much brighter future next year," he said. Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer said the council looked forward to the economic benefits the project would bring. "Whyalla City Council strongly supports renewable projects, and we believe Adani's solar generator project will bring major benefits to the City of Whyalla and the region as a whole." Adani saidthe solar projects will bein addition to its investment in the planned Carmichael coal mine in Queensland's Galilee Basin and rail and port facilities. The Australian Supreme Court today dismissed appeals lodged bythe Indigenous community member Adrian Burragubba as well asBrisbane-based environmental group Coast and Country against the company's AUD 21 billion (USD 16 billion) coal and mine project. Justice John Bond dismissed the group's challenge to the environmental approval and Adrian Burragubba's challenge to a Native Title Tribunal's decision regarding the mine. In a statement issued here, Adani Group welcomed the court decisions and said the decisions were "further positive steps towards starting work in the September Quarter 2017 on the Carmichael Mine in central western Queensland and associated projects. (Reopens FGN 9) Adani said it would now examine the full decision documents and make no further comment. But Burrangubba vowed to continue its struggle against the project saying, "wewill not be halted in our fight to protect our land and water...Further appeal being considered, full bench of the Federal Court still to rule." Today's decision "only strengthens our resolve and proves how worthless the state considers our common law native title rights to be," Burragubba added. Burragubba and four other members of the W&J Council hadsought a judicial review of the Mines Minister's decision to issue mining leases for the Carmichael Coal Mine. Adani has constructed 793 MW of solar plant in India to date, including one of the world's largest solar plants at Tamil Nadu in southern India which has a capacity of 648MW. Adani has a further 1,225 MW in construction or late development phase in India. The government on Friday said there have been a series of cross-border terror attacks from Pakistan-controlled territories across the LoC recently which has created an environment not conducive for holding a meaningful dialogue. Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh while replying to a written question in the Rajya Sabha also said that Pathankot Air Base terror attack mounted from Pakistan and the subsequent intensification of anti-India cross-border terrorism including Poonch and Uri strikes have "eroded" the necessary environment free from terror and violence. He was asked whether it is a fact that India's relationship with its immediate neighbours in the recent past is not so smooth and if so, the reasons thereof and the steps proposed to be taken to improve it? While he termed the ties with Afghanistan, Bhutan, the Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka as smooth, in the case of Nepal, Singh described the ties as "unique and special". He also said India attaches importance to developing good relations with China and both sides, during their meetings in past, have agreed to make efforts for further strengthening of Closer Developmental Partnership on the basis of mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns, interests and aspirations. On Pakistan, he said, "Yes. India intends to have normal and peaceful relations with all its neighbouring countries including Pakistan. However, Pakistan has supported the armed insurgency and terrorism in the State of J&K. Cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan endangers security and stability not only of India but of the entire region. "Pakistan covets territory of J&K which is an integral part of India. Recently there have been a series of cross-border terrorism attacks from Pakistan-controlled territories across the Line of Control which has created an environment not conducive for holding a meaningful dialogue." He further added that as a result of Pakistan's assurances to take steps for expediting Mumbai terrorist attack trial undergoing in Pakistan, the two sides agreed on Composite Bilateral Dialogue (CBD) to resolve all outstanding issues as well as humanitarian issues. "Pathankot Air Base terrorist attack mounted from Pakistan and the subsequent intensification of anti-India cross-border terrorism including Poonch terrorism attack on 11 September 2016 and Uri terrorism attack on 18 September 2016, have eroded the necessary environment free from terror and violence," Singh asserted. India is non-committal about holding bilateral talks with Pakistan Prime Minister's foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz, who will be travelling to Amritsar next week to attend the Heart of Asia Conference. Three bike-borne assailants today looted Rs 21.30 lakh, out of which 20.10 lakh in old currency, from a Grameen Bank in Bihar's Gaya district. The robbers decamped with the cash after holding branch manager of the Madhya Bihar Grameen Bank at gun point. Out of the looted amount, only Rs 1.20 lakh were in new currency notes while the rest of the amount, Rs 20.10 lakh, was in demonetised notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000, Gaya deputy superintendent of police Alok Kumar Singh said. The three entered the Pandey Parsama branch of Grameen Bank and looted the money from the branch manager. Apart from branch manager, there were only two customers inside the branch at the time of incident, he said. The robbers then escaped from the scene, the deputy superintendent of police said, adding that police are investigating the incident. Senior superintendent of police Garima Mallick, additional superintendent of police Balram Kumar Choudhary along with Singh and other officials have reached the spot. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As the Islamic State group loses territory in Iraq and Syria, one of its deadliest branches is struggling against Egypt's powerful army to maintain a foothold in the Sinai Peninsula. The affiliate, known as Sinai Province, has waged a murky war in the north of the peninsula bordering Israel that has killed hundreds of soldiers and policemen. It also claimed the bombing of a Russian airliner carrying holidaymakers from a south Sinai resort in October 2015 that killed all 224 people on board. Egypt's tourism has yet to recover. But Sinai Province has been unable to seize population centres, with one attempt to occupy a town in 2015 ending with the military unleashing F-16 jets against the jihadists. Instead the group has tried to keep up a steady war of attrition involving roadside bombings, sniper fire and checkpoint attacks such as the one on Thursday that killed eight soldiers. The jihadists are increasingly encircled in the peninsula, with the military razing sections of a town bordering the Palestinian Gaza Strip to create a buffer zone and destroying tunnels there, while setting up checkpoints on routes out. "The military's biggest success is that they have been able to contain the insurgency, by and large, to North Sinai," said Jantzen Garnett, an expert on the jihadists with the Navanti Group analytics company. The army had been struggling to quash the insurgency that took off in 2013 after the military ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, unleashing a bloody crackdown on his followers. Three years into the insurgency, however, a decisive victory against the jihadists appears distant, as Thursday's attack suggests. "The Egyptian army has made some short-term progress against (Sinai Province) over the past year but the militant group continues to adapt and this progress should not be construed as long-term success," Garnett said. "The military upped up its presence in the Sinai following the July 1 attempt at taking over Sheikh Zuweid," analyst Mokhtar Awad said of the group's attempt to seize the north Sinai town in 2015. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least five people were killed and 27 others wounded in a triple bombing in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province today, provincial officials said. There was no claim of responsibility for the three bombings in Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, which is a hotbed of IS militancy. "Five people were martyred in three explosions in different parts of Jalalabad of Nangarhar province this morning," provincial spokesman Ataullah Khogyani told AFP. Khogyani said the first blast was a roadside bomb which detonated outside the house of a senior prison official, Abdul Hakim, killing him and a child and wounding six others. The second blast came outside the fire brigade office - from where the first rescuers are usually dispatched after an attack - killing three and wounding 21. Khogyani said the third blast came as people gathered at Hakim's house after the first blast, but there were no casualties. Najib Kamawal, director of the Nangarhar civil hospital confirmed the toll. The IS group appears to be intensifying attacks against the government and civilians as Afghan forces, backed by NATO air strikes, step up operations against them in Nangarhar. Last week IS claimed a massive suicide blast targeting Shiites in Kabul that killed at least 27 people. In late October, a suicide bomber killed at least six people at a gathering of tribal elders seeking aid for war-displaced families in Jalalabad. As well as the emerging threat from IS loyalists, who are making gradual inroads across Afghanistan, Taliban fighters are active in Nangarhar. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Australian Navy vessel HMAS Arunta is on a four-day goodwill visit to Goa, a Navy official said here today. "HMAS Arunta is on a goodwill visit to Goa from November 23-27. Arunta is an Australian Navy ANZAC class Frigate. The ship is commanded by Commander Cameron Steil, CSM and is currently berthed at Mormugao Port Trust," a Naval spokesman said. The 118 metre ship is manned by 186 personnel including 26 officers and 160 sailors, he said. The Commanding Officer of HMAS Arunta had invited few Indian Navy Officers and other state dignitaries onboard the ship on November 23. A friendly volleyball match was played between mixed teams of Goa Naval Areaand HMAS Arunta at Naval Base Hansa. "The ship was also open to school children on November 24," the spokesman said. Commander Cameron Steil, CSM, Commanding Officer HMAS Arunta called on Rear Admiral Puneet K Bahl VSM, the Flag Officer Commanding Goa Naval Area on November 24 and discussed various bilateral issues. The ship is scheduled to depart Goa on November 27. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Neil Prakash, Australia's most senior ISIS recruiter has been arrested in the Middle East, a media report said today, months after the US and Australia said he was killed in an American air strike in Iraq this year. The New York Times reported that Prakash had been arrested in an unnamed Middle Eastern country. The 25-year-old, who has gone by the name Abu Khaled al- Cambodi since joining ISIS in 2013, was thought to have been killed in an American air strike in Iraq in July. Prakash, who was of Fijian and Cambodian descent, has been a prominent member of Islamic State in Iraq, and has sought to recruit Australians to carry out attacks. Quoting a senior American official, the Times said that US forces targeted Prakash earlier this year. Though he was wounded, he survived. "In the last few weeks, however, a Middle Eastern government arrested Mr. Prakash," another senior American military official was quoted as saying. Prakash handed himself to Turkish authorities several weeks ago, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said. Australia's justice minister, Michael Keenan, declined to comment on the new report on Prakash, but conceded that the government's ability to confirm reports of deaths in Syria or Iraq was limited. "As a matter of longstanding practice, the Australian government does not comment on matters of intelligence or law enforcement operations," Keenan said. "The government reported Prakash's death in May on the basis of advice from the US government that he had been killed in an airstrike." He said, "There have been people who have been reported dead and are later found to be alive." Prakash entered strife-torn Syria in 2013 and has been the public face of a number of Islamic State's propaganda videos. He grew up in Melbourne and converted to Islam in 2012. He attended the now-closed al-Furqan Islamic Centre. In August 2015 the Australian federal police issued a first instance warrant for Prakash's arrest, which is still valid. Prakash was believed to have had links to numerous plots in Australia, including a knife attack by an 18-year-old against two policemen in Melbourne and foiled plans to attack police both last year and this year on Anzac Day, Australia's memorial day for fallen soldiers. According to media reports, Prakash converted from Buddhism to Islam in 2012 after a visit to Cambodia, when he was repulsed by what he viewed as Buddhism's commercialism and idolatry. He attended meetings at Al-Furqan bookstore and prayer centre in Melbourne before becoming a jihadist. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today asked the people to take a pledge for overcoming all shortcomings whether social or religious and follow the path shown by the Sikh Gurus. Addressing the gathering here during a state-level function to commemorate 350th birth anniversary of the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, he said that the life and philosophy of Guru Gobind Singh could act as a catalyst to unite the country. He said that the maladies like casteism and social inequality could be overcome easily by following on the footsteps of great Sikh Gurus. Badal said that they were fortunate to commemorate this momentous event during their lifetime, which was a humble effort to further strengthen the ethos of peace, communal harmony, brotherhood and amity across the length and breadth of the country. The Chief Minister said that Guru Gobind Singh made unparalleled contribution for upholding the age old traditions of secularism besides safeguarding the human rights and ensuring religious freedom thereby sacrificing everything including even his own family. He said the fact that the foundation of Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar was laid down by the Muslim saint Sai Mian Mir to foster the concept of secularism and its four entrances symbolised the oneness of mankind. He said that the Punjabis in general and Sikhs in particular have inherited a glorious legacy of sacrifice and valour from the great Sikh Gurus, who taught them to fight against tyranny, oppression and injustice. Badal said that the 350th Parkash Utsav of the tenth Master of Divine Light, was being observed with great religious enthusiasm, devotion and dedication all over the world. "We are overwhelmed with the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this function at the birth place of Khalsa Panth," added Badal. The Chief Minister said that Guru Gobind Singh gave message to humanity against forcible religious conversions by urging his father Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib to sacrifice at the altar of righteousness and justice. He said that to fight against this oppression zealously, the tenth Sikh Guru created Khalsa panth to empower the poor and underprivileged people to fight against injustice and tyranny unleashed by the mighty Mughals. Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said the Guru Sahiban have bestowed a great legacy to the entire humanity and the preservation of which is an article of faith with the SAD-BJP combine government in the state. He said that the state government has constructed memorials belonging to all the religions in the state to guide the young generation about the rich and glorious culture as well as historical heritage of the state. Terming the inauguration of 2nd phase of Virasat-E-Khalsa as a historic occasion, he also said only those communities leave their footprints on the sands of time which remember their martyrs and historical roots. In his address, Union Minister of state and Punjab BJP Chief Vijay Sampla said that Modi's visit about 17 years after Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2016 reflects the special affection of Prime Minister with the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Public can continue to withdraw up to Rs 24,000 per week from their bank accounts, including withdrawals from ATM, the Reserve Bank said on Friday. "The banks are, hereby, advised that they may continue to allow their existing customers to withdraw cash from their accounts up to Rs 24,000 per week, till further instructions. The said limit include withdrawals from ATMs," it said in a notification. Following cancellation of legal tender character of old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes from November 9, restrictions were imposed on cash withdrawals from accounts and ATMs. The central bank on November 13 raised the daily withdrawal limit from ATMs to Rs 2,500 from Rs 2,000 earlier. The weekly limit of Rs 20,000 for withdrawal from bank accounts was increased to Rs 24,000. RBI on Friday allowed exchange of banned 500 and 1,000 rupee notes for new currency at its counters even after the facility was withdrawn from all banks. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan convened a consultation on November 25 on macroeconomic developments and 2017 state budget. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Armenian Presidents Office, Minister of Finance of Armenia Vardan Aramyan presented expected indicators for 2016 and some other macroeconomic indicators. The Minister of Finance also introduced the draft state budget plan for 2017, its risks and possible scenarios of their management, as well as introduced information about National Assembly discussions on the state budget plan 2017. Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Economic Integration Vache Gabrielyan, Chief of Staff of the Presidents Administration Armen Gevorgyan and some other state officials took part in the consultation. The President of the Republic drew the attention of the participants of the consultation on fostering the economic growth, a number of issues over cutting risks of the state budget implementation, and gave relevant assignments. Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind has returned the proposed Lokayukta Amendment bill for reconsideration to both Houses of Bihar Legislature for want of mentioning a time frame within which the process of selection of the Lokayukta and its members is to be completed. In the Legislative Assembly, Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhary read the Governor's message in this regard in his address to the members today. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was present in the House when the Governor's message on Lokayukta appointment was taken up. The Governor has mentioned that in the proposed "Bihar Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2016, no time frame has been stipulated within which the process of selection of a successor of the office is to be completed. "Process for selecting the Lokayukta and its members cannot be allowed to continue for an indefinite period as it will provide an opening for seepage of distrust and will also give an opportunity to the people at large to raise a shadow of doubt over the efficacy and authority of the constitution of the Lokayukta as an independent body to conduct inquiries related to corruption and misuse of official position by persons sitting in higher position," read the message. "Therefore, it will be incumbent to follow the principle of reasonables and if be needed have a provision which stipulate a reasonable time frame work for the selection and appointment of successor of the office because keeping this open will create chaos in the constitutional frame work," it further said. "Therefore, the proposed 'Bihar Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2016' be returned with a request that both the Houses of the Legislature will re-consider the aforesaid bill as suggested above," the Governor's message to the legislators said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mounting a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress today said leakage of demonetisation decision had helped BJP leaders buy property by converting their black money through various means a few months before it was announced. Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Prime Minister of "selective leakage" of demonetisation move to his own partymen, who converted their black money through property and other avenues. "This shows who are the real supporters of black money," he told reporters outside Parliament House. Kharge said democracy functions through discussion and asked the Prime Minister to participate in the debate in Parliament on the issue if he believed in democratic values. "If the Prime Minister believes in democracy, he should come to Parliament and participate in the debate and answer the concerns raised by the opposition on the demonetisation issue. "You think you are a 'samrat' (king) and the country runs on the diktat of the 'samrat'. Instead of speaking outside, you should come to Parliament and speak," he said. On the Prime Minister not speaking inside Parliament, he said, "If he speaks like this, he knows he could face privilege and contempt." Terming demonetisation as the "biggest scam", Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also accused Modi of leaking the demonetisation move to top BJP leaders, alleging they bought land using their black money. The party released a list of some BJP leaders who allegedly bought 8 land parcels worth Rs 3.41 crore in Bihar in the run up to the November 8 demonetisation move. Surjewala, flanked by Congress spokespersons Rajiv Gowda and Sushmita Dev, alleged that post expose of deposit of money in bank accounts of BJP leaders just before the demonetisation, "documents now prove" that BJP leaders bought the land. "Modiji's mask of fighting black money is off. Stop mocking the people of India and Parliament and look in the mirror. Make all BJP accounts public and tell the details of all property purchased by BJP leaders over the last one year and the truth of demonetisation scam will be out," he said. "Layers of demonetisation scam are getting unearthed by the day as a series of BJP transactions get exposed. Demonetisation is emerging as the biggest scam that needs to be probed through JPC and responsibility fixed," Surjewala said. Kharge said his party was ready to offer any kind of help to curb black money in the country, but objected to the Prime Minister dubbing its leaders as ones standing in support of the menace for raising issues concerning public harassment. "Whatever help you need from us, we will provide for eradicating black money. But, you are playing politics under its garb and are protecting your people. You have given an opportunity to your own people to convert their black money into white through selective leakage. "We will carry on our tirade against it and that is why we want a discussion in Parliament on this. If we want a discussion on black money, you are dubbing us as those in support of black money," he said. Kharge also said that people are dying for their own money and this is the situation "we want to discuss in the House with the Prime Minister". "We requested the Speaker that the Prime Minister must raise the issues he is talking about outside, in the House," he said. Earlier, hitting out at those accusing the government of not being prepared for demonetisation, Modi said they are actually pained that they themselves did not get time to make any preparation. Rajiv Gowda later said Modi had today morning made a mocking attack on the opposition, saying if they had 72 hours, they would have made arrangements. "If anyone had that information and planned to convert black money, it is the BJP," he said. Sushmita Dev said, "We hope that the Prime Minister will give explanation in Parliament about these land deals. These land deals, not just in Bihar, but all over India, shows that BJP is the corrupt party, which deals in black money." She said this was done to park BJP's black money in real estate. "These land deals, all of which took place shortly before November 8 decision flies in the face of Modi ji's statement of wanting to fight black money," she said. "Modi ji is aware black money is not stashed away in the cupboards of the common man. Today, the revelation made by a BJP member of the Bihar Assembly has proved that in the 6 per cent black money, BJP has a share," Dev said. A BSF jawan was shot dead by his step brother in City Kotwali police station area here today just hours before his wedding, police said. The deceased Avinash Rastogi (28) who was scheduled to get married this evening was going on his motorcycle when his step brother Vikas, brandishing pistols in both hands, opened fire at him near the Ghantaghar, SP Rajubabu Singh said. The youth was rushed to Lucknow Trauma Centre where he succumbed to injuries, the SP said, adding that there was a dispute between the two as the deceased was marrying his step brother's sister-in-law. Two people have been taken into custody while hunt was on for the killer, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Canada's Liberal government introduced a bill to increase voter eligibility, including rolling back a measure that excluded more than one million expatriates from voting in 2015. Maryam Monsef, the minister for democratic institutions, told a conference yesterday that the reforms will "break down unnecessary barriers to voting, while enhancing the efficiency and integrity of our elections." The measures do not, however, go as far as the Liberals pledged during the last campaign to revamp the way Canadians vote, by dropping the current first-past-the-post system in favor of a more representational model. Those efforts have been met with significant pushback from the opposition which has called for a referendum on proposals, while in polls Canadians showed little appetite for such a drastic change. Monsef said she hopes to introduce that legislation in the first half of 2017, while renewing her opposition to holding a referendum. "I don't believe that a referendum is the best way to go about having a really complex conversation about an important public policy issue like electoral reform," she commented. The legislation's proposed reforms include increased voter identification options such as allowing one voter to vouch for another who does not have proper identification, after 173,000 people did not vote in 2015 due to a lack of ID. Another would create a national registry of future electors, aged 14-17, who would be automatically added to registration rolls when they turn 18. In addition, expatriates who have lived outside the country for more than five years will now be allowed to cast a ballot. Most non-residents were unable to vote in Canadian elections until 1993, when Ottawa created a special mail-in ballot for expats who had lived outside Canada for fewer than five years and intended to return. The five-year rule was struck down in 2014, effectively depriving half of all Canadians living abroad of the right to vote. The decision provoked a backlash and a court challenge that is still ongoing. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Central Government Observer A K Yadav is on a three-day visit here to review the financial situation in Sikkim after the demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes. During the visit, he will assess the currency availability across the state in the bank branches, ATMs and post offices, besides calibration of ATM, a press note issued by the state government said. Yadav, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, held a series of meetings with the Chief Secretary A K Shrivastava, Principal Secretary, Finance, M G Kiran, Chamber of Commerce, State Bank of Sikkim, Trade & Industries and Director, Postal Services here yesterday. In the meeting with the Chief Secretary, various issues were discussed as regard law and order situation, flow of currency, non-functioning ofATMs in the state and non-availability of currency notes especially in rural areas. Managing director of the State Bank of Sikkim brought to Yadav's notice that post demonetisation, chest banks have stopped providing currency notes to them due to which they are facing difficulties and unable to serve the 40 bank branches all over the state. The Managing Director also said that the State Bank of Sikkim, in operation since 1968, was established under the Royal Proclamation of Chogyal, which is an old law of Sikkim, which is protected by Article 371(F) of the Constitution. In the meeting with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, Trade &IndustriesYadav was apprised about the various problems in the post demonetisation scenario. They suggested deployment of mobile vans by State Bank of India and Central Bank for exchange of old currency notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 in the rural areas. Yadav advised bankers to follow the uniform guidelines issued by RBI, ensure immediate calibration of ATMs and refilling of ATMs with adequate cash so that people are not inconvenienced. (Reopens CES4) The representatives of the Chamber of Commerce also suggested enhancing the existing limit for cash deposit in the banks from Rs 2.50 lakh to Rs 10 lakh especially in Sikkim which is landlocked and where villagers usually keep substantial amount of cash with them to meet their emergency requirements. Later in the day Yadav held a meeting with representatives of Bankers and Director, Postal services, where he advised them to make available adequate flow of money in Sikkim for smooth functioning of economy and to ensure that the public is not inconvenienced during the transition period. Representatives of Bankers also brought to his notice that the flow of currency was poor and he was requested to take up the matter immediately for making available currency to the chest banks. Yadav will be holding separate meeting with farmers today to have on the spot assessment of the difficulty, if any so that it could be brought to the notice of the Central Government accordingly. He will also visit rural areas to make an on the spot assessment of the grass root levels. Centre's 24x7 women helpline scheme has received a lukewarm response, with only 694 complaints being received from just five states since its launch 20 months ago. Minister of Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi while replying to a question in Lok Sabha today said only five states could furnish data about the number of calls received on the helpline. 24x7 Women Helpline 181, which was launched to help women in distress, received a lukewarm response despite the National Crime Record Bureau recording nearly 1,30,000 sexual crimes in the year 2015. The Scheme for Universalisation of Women Helpline came into effect on April 1, 2015. It envisages 24-hour emergency and non-emergency response to women affected by violence, including sexual offences both in the public and private sphere. "As women helplines are becoming operational recently, data regarding number of complaints registered/reported have been received only from Chhatisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Mizoram and Nagaland," Gandhi said in the written reply. Out of the five states, Chhatisgarh witnessed maximum number of calls at 561 in the past six months. No details were shared about the number of states which have received funding from the Centre for implementation of the scheme. The Centre has allocated Rs 69.49 Crores under the Nirbhaya Fund for this scheme. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The editor of a Chinese website monitoring human rights issues has been detained on suspicion of subverting state power, according to an announcement on the website. Liu Feiyue, founder of the website Minsheng Guancha, was taken away earlier this month by police in the central Chinese city of Suizhou. The site says Liu's family has been told he is under investigation for subversion, a vaguely defined charge often leveled against human rights activists and dissidents. Minsheng Guancha, known in English as Civil Rights & Livelihood Watch, was founded in 2006 and documents protests, land seizures, unannounced detentions and other alleged human rights violations that are typically ignored by China's state-run media. Liu has published stories about China's detentions of dissenters and activists, one of a few people living in mainland China to do so. His website has alleged that China has committed hundreds of perceived troublemakers to mental hospitals under the guise of giving them psychiatric treatment. He has also documented local corruption cases and protests by veterans seeking benefits after their discharge from the military. Liu has been detained multiple times for brief periods, often during high-profile events such as meetings of the National People's Congress or international summits. But if he is convicted of subversion, Liu could face life in prison, the maximum penalty for anyone guilty of organising a "scheme of subverting the state power or overthrowing the socialist system." Word of Liu's detention comes shortly after that another activist has disappeared. The wife of legal activist Jiang Tianyong said Thursday that he had not been heard from since Monday. Jiang represented some of China's most politically sensitive figures in recent years, including the dissident lawyer Gao Zhisheng and blind activist Chen Guangcheng. In a separate column on its website, Minsheng Guancha called Liu's detention the latest incident in a "prolonged suppression" of activists. "As long as the rights of a single person fail to be guaranteed, the appeals for human rights will never die," the site said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Chinese agricultural scientist, known as the "father of hybrid rice", has made a series of new world records by achieving an unprecedented produce, officials announced today. Yuan Longping's team have managed 42 hybrid rice test fields in 16 provincial regions across China, including Yunan, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Guangdong, Chongqing and Hunan since the beginning of the year, Hunan provincial government said. A new world record in output of double-cropping rice was set in south China's Guangdong, which achieved an annual yield of 1,537.78 kilogrammes of rice per mu (about 0.07 hectares) of farmland, state-run Xinhua agency reported. In two other projects in Hebei and Yunan, the crops have yielded as much as 1,082.1 kilogrammes per mu and 1,088 kilogrammes of rice per mu. Both have broken previous world records for the highest yield in high-latitude areas as well as output on 100 mu of farmland, it said. Other projects in Shandong, Hubei and Guangxi all broke previous regional records in China. Hybrid rice, also known as super rice in China, is produced by crossbreeding different kinds of rice. About 65 per cent of Chinese depend on rice as a staple food. Yuan, who developed the world's first hybrid rice in 1974, has also set three world records in hybrid rice yield in 1999, 2005 and 2011. "Super rice has a bright future in raising grain production. China has solved the problem of food shortages on our own, people in other countries are also benefiting. Super rice will play a larger role in food security and world peace in the future," Yuan said adding that his team is working on a new generation of hybrid rice, which is expected to breed rice of higher yields and better quality. In 2013 Yuan criticised an Indian farmer Sumant Kumar who beat his world record by harvesting 22.4 tonnes per hector saying it as "fake." It is "120 per cent fake",Yuan said afterKumar's success story published by the British newspaper The Guardian which carried a feature on the achievement of young farmer from Nalanda district of Bihar in 2012 by using a method called System ofRiceIntensification (SRI). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China would deploy its naval ships along with Pakistan Navy to safeguard the strategic and trade routes under the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a navy official here has said, shedding light on a plan likely to alarm India. China and Pakistan are currently building the nearly 3,000-km-long economic corridor linking Pakistan's on the Arabian Sea with Xinjiang to improve connectivity between the two countries. The move would open up a new and cheaper cargo route for transporting oil to China as well as the export of Chinese goods to the Middle East and Africa. A Pakistan Navy official said the role of maritime forces has increased since the country has made the operational and speeded up economic activities under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). "China would also deploy its naval ships in coordination with Pakistan Navy to safeguard the port and trade under the CPEC," the unnamed official was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune. In the past, China has shied away from saying that it plans to deploy its naval ships in Gwadar, a move which could raise alarm in the US and India. Experts feel that CPEC and the Gwadar port would enhance the military capabilities of both China and Pakistan, and make it possible for the Chinese Navy to easily access the Arabian Sea. Having a naval base in Gwadar could allow Chinese vessels to use the port for repair and maintenance of their fleet in the Indian Ocean region. Such a foothold would be the first overseas location offering support to the Chinese navy for future missions. Pakistani defence officials are keen for the Chinese navy to build up its presence in the Indian Ocean and the Arabia sea, mainly to counterbalance India's formidable naval force. The Pakistani official also said that the Navy is considering buying super-fast ships from China and Turkey for its special squadron to be deployed at the Gwadar port for the security purpose. "A squadron may have four to six warships," he said on the sidelines of the on-going defence exhibition, IDEAS 2016, at the Karachi Expo Centre. The ships would be bought soon keeping in view their immediate need in the fleet, he said, adding that two defence ships have already been deployed at Gwadar. Another official of the naval force added that Pakistan has kicked off the process of establishing the largest shipyard of the region in Gwadar. A similar ship-building project is being deliberated at Port Qasim in Karachi. The two advanced shipyards would design and develop ships and other security equipment for Pakistan Navy. "The existing shipyard, the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, lacks the capacity to meet new requirements of the force. Its (PNSC) performance, however, would improve in competition with the two under consideration," he said. The CID tonight arrested owner of another old age home and rehabilitation centre in the southern fringes of the city for his alleged involvement in the child trafficking racket busted from North 24 district's Baduria taking the total number of arrests in the case to 16. 'Joka Millennium old age home and rehab centre' owner Bimal Adhikari (61) of Green Park Hans Pukur in Thakurpukur Police Station limits was arrested during a raid by a team of CID sleuths tonight, a top CID official told PTI. Tonight's arrest took the total number of persons arrested in case to 16 with seven of them being women. Earlier in the day, the CID recovered as many as 10 babies from an old age home and exhumed bodies of two infants from the campus of an NGO, besides seizing foreign currency from an accused in the case. CID rescued 10 babies, all girl children ranging from one to ten months old, during a raid from the third floor of 'Purbasha', an old age home for mentally challenged at Kolagachhiya under Thakurpukur police station, Rajesh Kumar, ADG and IGP, state CID told reporters here in the afternoon. "An initial probe revealed that at least 50 infants have been sold from the home and the number could be more. We are looking into it. CID is also trying to find out the buyers of these babies," he said. "After questioning one of the accused arrested earlier in connection with the child racket, CID recovered bodies from the compound of 'Sujit Memorial Trust' at Machlandapur in Habra," the officer said. During interrogation, it surfaced that culprits involved in this racket used to bury the babies, who had died while being shifted from one hiding place to another, he said. Stating that the racket may have gone international, Kumar said the CID sleuths also seized foreign currencies in Euro, USD and Hong Kong Dollar and gold ornaments including coins worth several lakhs from the possession of accused Partha Chatterjee, owner of a nursing home in north Kolkata. State Welfare Minister Sashi Panja said action would be taken after the investigation into the matter was over. The CID also arrested Reena Banerjee, daughter of Putul Banerjee, who was taken into custody two days back in this connection, while two women were detained during the early morning raid at the old age home, he said. CID sources said that these babies were recently shifted by one of the accused who is at large. The arrested have been booked under Sections 369 (kidnapping or abducting child under ten years), 370 (buying or disposing of any person as a slave) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of IPC, Kumar said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Revised guideline to mitigate risks from wealth management products by raising capital reserve China will tighten risk control of commercial banks' off-balance-sheet activities, which have been growing rapidly to a tremendous size in recent years. Commercial banks should include off-balance-sheet activities in their comprehensive risk management system, according to the draft of a revised guideline on risk management of commercial banks' off-balance-sheet activities issued by the China Banking Regulatory Commission on Wednesday. They will be required to allocate allowances for impairment losses on assets and to retain risk-based capital for their guarantee business and commitment business. This will also apply to investment, financing and intermediary services in which they essentially take credit risks. The banking regulator will also require commercial banks to set risk limits on off-balance-sheet activities. Zeng Gang, director of banking research at the Institute of Finance and Banking at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said: "In the past, commercial banks did not allocate allowances for impairment losses on assets and did not set aside risk-based capital for their off-balance-sheet activities, so the risks arising from off-balance-sheet activities are underestimated. "The regulator is trying to set the standards of risk management for off-balance-sheet and on-balance-sheet activities at the same level. This is associated with the rapid development of banks' off-balance-sheet activities," he said. As of the end of the third quarter, the balance of funds for commercial banks' wealth management products was about 27.1 trillion yuan ($3.9 trillion). If the banks were liable for 30 percent of the products, due to guarantees, and if the ratio for the allocation of allowances for impairment losses was 0.5 percent, commercial banks should allocate around 40 billion yuan in total, which accounts for around 2.5 percent of their profits in 2015, said Li Shanshan, a banking analyst at BOCOM International Holdings Co Ltd, in a research note. "We expect banks will accelerate the restructuring of their business. As long as they complete the rectification on time, there's no need for them to allocate allowances for impairment losses on these products," she said. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. At least 40 people were killed and 100 injured when one Iranian passenger train collided with another at a station about 150 miles (250 km) east of the capital Tehran, and the death toll is likely to rise, Armenpress reports, citing Reuters, state television reported. President of Iran Hassan Rouhani ordered an acceleration of rescue efforts as well as an investigation into the cause of the deadly crash in the northern province of Semnan. Video footage showed four derailed carriages, two of them on fire. A spokesman for Iran's Red Crescent, Mostafa Mortazavi, told the semi-official Fars news agency that firefighters were trying to control the blaze. "I was sleeping when the crash happened. I thought it was an air strike ... When I opened my eyes, there was blood everywhere," a hospitalized passenger said. Fars quoted Semnan provincial governor Mohammad Reza Khabbaz as saying the death toll was expected to increase. The governor of Tabriz told the semi-official Tasnim news agency that the moving train had 400 passengers on board. It was not clear how many passengers had been on the second train. Fars had earlier said 100 had been rescued. "Out of the 400 passengers ... 48 are missing. They might be hospitalized or left the area... but there is a high possibility that they were killed," Rahim Shohratifar told Tasnim. The semi-official Mehr news agency said four of the dead were railway employees aboard the trains. Khabbaz told Iranian television it appeared that a train entering the Haft-Khan station on the outskirts of Shahroud plowed into another that had broken down there. "The initial investigation suggests that a mechanical failure, possibly caused by cold weather, forced the express train, operating between the cities of Tabriz and Mashhad to stop (at Haft-Khan)," Khabbaz said. A local official told state TV that the remote location of the crash had slowed rescue efforts. "So far only one helicopter has reached the scene because of access difficulties," said local Red Crescent chief Hasan Shokrollahi. A former head of Colombia's intelligence services has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for involvement in the 1989 assassination of presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galan by drug-gang hitmen. Retired general Miguel Maza Marquez was convicted of conspiracy and "homicide with terrorist ends" over Galan's killing, the Supreme Court of Justice said in a statement yesterday. The assassination occurred when Maza Marquez was director of the now-defunct Administrative Security Department (DAS), charged with providing Galan's security. Galan was the leading candidate for Colombia's 1990 presidential vote when he was gunned down in front of thousands of people at a campaign rally on August 18, 1989. The charismatic Liberal party senator had vowed to extradite drug kingpins to the United States, including Pablo Escobar, the powerful head of the Medellin cartel. Escobar's top hitman, John Jairo "Popeye" Velazquez, was arrested in 1992 and convicted of the killing. Liberal politician Alberto Santofimio, a rival of Galan, was later convicted of orchestrating the hit. "The Supreme Court of Justice determined that (Maza Marquez) took part in the plan to assassinate the well-known political leader, weakening his security detail by assigning it to a hand-picked agent," the court said. Maza Marquez, who was arrested three years ago, denied the charges. Galan was killed along with a bodyguard and a local official at the rally in the Bogota suburb of Soacha. Another bodyguard was wounded. Galan was one of four presidential candidates killed in the bloody run-up to the 1990 vote, as Colombia's powerful drug lords waged war on a political movement to extradite them to the United States. He was replaced on the Liberal ticket by Cesar Gaviria, who went on to win the election. Escobar was ultimately killed in a rooftop gunfight with police in Medellin in 1993. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking a dig at Congress-led governments at the Centre for "delaying" opening of medical institutions, like AIIMS, in states, Union Minister JP Nadda today said "when the leadership is not right, the decisions are also not correct". "When Prime Minister Narendra Modi took over reins of the country, he decided that medical facility, like AIIMS, should be set up in states where people wanted quality medical treatment at cheap rates like they generally get in Delhi and at PGIMER in Chandigarh," he said addressing a gathering after Modi laid the foundation stone for a 750-bed AIIMS here. Nadda informed AIIMS will be opened also at Kolkata (West Bengal), Guwahati (Assan), Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Nagpur (Maharashtra). On health projects in Punjab, Nadda said a state cancer institute will be opened at a cost of Rs 150 crore in Amritsar and an AIIMS territory cancer institute in Fazilka for Rs 45 crore. "Seventy new medical colleges in the country will be upgraded and in Punjab seven new super-speciality departments will be set up in medical colleges at Amritsar and Patiala at a cost of Rs 190 crore," Nadda informed. "Nobody will be affected with measles. No child will die from diarrhoea. The country is free from Tetanus in last two years and the government was taking steps to make it Pneumonia free," he said, adding in last two years four types of vaccines have been introduced. The Minister urged the Punjab government to propose a district hospital that can be upgraded into a medical college. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress today postponed its scheduled 'padyatra' in Goa by two days due to the nationwide strike call given by the opposition parties over the Centre's demonetisation move. "The padyatra, which was scheduled to begin on November 27, will now start on November 29 from Pernem taluka by laying wreath at Martyrs' memorial," Congress Goa unit spokesman Trajano D'Mello told reporters. He said the schedule of the fortnight-long yatra had to be postponed by two days due to the Bharat bandh call given by opposition parties against demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. "During the padyatra, the lies of the BJP-led government, the u-turns on issues like regional plan, casinos, 50,000 jobs creation, zero-level tolerance to corruption, minority commission, unemployment allowance and their sins of commission and omission will be exposed," he said. D'Mello said the yatra will also take a day's break on December 3 in view of the feast of St Francis Xavier. "The yatra will culminate with a public meeting at Margao. Hundreds of workers will be walking and joining from different parts during the yatra covering 34 constituencies -- 15 in the North and 19 in the South," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) British fashion photographer David Hamilton, 83, was found dead in his Parisian home, emergency services sources said. Hamilton, known for nude images of underage girls, hit the headlines recently after former child models said he had raped them. An informed source said yesterday that he had died of heart failure and that medication was found near the body. Hamilton, whose books of often suggestive pictures of young girls have sold millions of copies, just this week threatened to sue his accusers, saying he had previously been cleared of abuse. The artist, whose whose work has long raised questions about where art ends and pornography begins, was at the centre of a raft of allegations after a French radio presenter accused him of raping her when she was 13. Flavie Flament published an autobiographical novel last month in which she told of being raped by a famous photographer during a shoot. Although she did not name Hamilton in "The Consolation" for fear of being sued, she used his photograph of her as the book's cover. Flament, 42, later told French media that Hamilton had raped her after three other women contacted her with near identical allegations. Hamilton confirmed Flament had been his model, but denied the allegations, telling AFP on Tuesday: "I have done nothing improper. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CPI workers today held demonstrations in front of banks here protesting against 'sudden demonetisation of high value currencies'. Secretary of the local unit of the party R Viswanathan, who led the demonstration, said demonetisation had inflicted 'hardships' on the daily wage earners, traders, unorganised labourers and others. The agitators also wanted extension of last date for exchange of scrapped currency notes till end of December, separate counters at the banks for women and senior citizens and deployment of mobile ATMs to enable the people to draw the money without facing difficulties. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A CPI(M) MLA has been sentenced to three months imprisonment by a lower court here in connection with a provocative speech made by him in 2012 threatening police. A N Shamseer, who represents Thalassery in the assembly, has also been asked to pay a fine of Rs 2000. The order in this regard was issued by Judicial First Class Magistrate court here yesterday. Shamseer, who was DYFI's Kannur district president, had made a provocative speech allegedly threatening police on July 20, 2012. He was sentenced under Section 117(E) of the Kerala Police Act. After the judgement, Shamseer appeared before the magistrate and secured bail. The MLA said he will appeal against the judgement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi today stood accused of failing to protect Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims from what rights groups say is a systematic campaign of abuse by the army. The democracy icon, garlanded by the international community as a moral force during Myanmar's junta years, has remained near-silent despite mounting evidence of army abuses in Rakhine State. The United Nations has said recent security operations amount to "ethnic cleansing" of the Muslim Rohingya minority, with thousands fleeing to neighbouring Bangladesh. Suu Kyi, Myanmar's de facto leader, has seen her halo start to slip since her party took power this year after winning the country's first free elections in a generation. Her failure to speak out in support of the Rohingya "is baffling to an international audience that persists in casting her as a human rights icon," said David Mathieson of Human Rights Watch. "One version to explain her silence is callous indifference, another is calculated limited messaging... But the most likely is she simply has no control over the Burmese army." Thousands of Rohingya have fled the army lockdown in Rakhine to Bangladesh, bringing with them horrifying stories of gang rape, torture and murder at the hands of Myanmar's military. Rights groups say the military has used attacks on police border posts last month as an excuse for a crackdown on the Rohingya, a Muslim group reviled by many Myanmar Buddhists. The government flatly denies the allegations, saying troops are defending the country from an armed insurgency. It has barred investigators and foreign journalists from the locked-down area and lashed out at reports of abuse as "fabrications". Suu Kyi, who has travelled to India and Japan during the six-week crisis, has commented only to say a probe into the attacks was underway in accordance with the law. But she has faced growing criticism for her inaction. The UN special rapporteur on Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, has slammed the lockdown as "unacceptable". Researchers at Queen Mary University London said her silence amounts to "legitimising genocide" and entrenching "the persecution of the Rohingya minority". "Despite the fact that this is the most significant test of Suu Kyi's leadership, the country's de facto leader has remained remarkably indifferent," they said this week. Even though she led her party to power Suu Kyi is hampered by a junta-era constitution that gives the army a quarter of parliamentary seats and control over security. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India has demonstrated a reduction in key health indicators like maternal mortality rate, which declined much faster as compared to global rate, the government said today. "The country has demonstrated reduction in key health indicators such as IMR, MMR, Under 5 Mortality Rate. Further, the annual average pace of decline in MMR (for the period 1990 to 2013) was much faster in India (4.5 per cent) as compared to global rate (2.6 per cent)," Minister of State for Health Faggan Singh Kulaste said in a written reply to Lok Sabha. He said additionally, mortality due to various diseases has reduced too. The Global Burden of Disease (2015) reports a decrease in mortality (between the years 2005 and 2015) on account of lower respiratory infections (by 22.6 per ecnt), diarrhoeal diseases (by 31.7 per cent), tuberculosis (by 30.7 per cent), neonatal preterm birth (by 39.5 per cent), neonatal encephalopathy (by 31 per cent) and road injuries (by 2.7 per cent), he said. He said that as per the Global Burden of Disease report for India, the deaths due to self-harm for the period 2005 to 2015 have declined by 3.9 per cent. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) National Health Mission (NHM), has two sub-missions - the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). He said that while NRHM was launched in April 2005, launch of NUHM was approved by the Cabinet on May 1, 2013. "NHM envisages achievement of universal access to equitable, affordable and quality healthcare services that are accountable and responsive to people's needs. "The main programmatic components include Health System strengthening in rural and urban areas, Reproductive-Maternal-Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) interventions and control of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi government has ordered an inquiry into complaints of alleged irregularities during the transfer of old ration cards to new ones under the Right to Food Act, 2013. Vigilance cases will be initiated against those who have committed gross irregularities and FIRs will be filed, if required, an official statement said. The probe, to be completed in 10 days, was ordered by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Imran Hussain following instructions from Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia after prima facie evidence pointed towards a mismatch. "Vigilance cases will be initiated against those who have committed gross irregularities and FIRs will be filed, if required. The Food and Supplies Department will conduct a door-to-door survey to cross-check the cards," the statement said. Lists of beneficiaries found not residing, having houses locked, untraceable addresses and mismatch in names will be prepared during the verification exercise. "Following this, a thorough verification of the negative list will be carried out and proper opportunity will be given to NFS card holders for rectification," it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gujarat Congress today held "rail and bus roko" agitation across the state to protest the Centre's demonetisation move and the cash crunch. The call for the agitation was given by Gujarat Congress two days ago, alleging that the Narendra Modi government had failed to address the issue of shortage of cash. Responding to the call, large number of Congress workers and leaders, including those from the party's student wing NSUI, today blocked roads in cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Surat, Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Limdi, Morbi, Himmatnagar, Mehsana, Valsad, Bardoli, Dahod and many other parts of the state. At several places, such as Rajkot, Himmatnagar, Nadiad, Surat and Bharuch, protesters also stopped trains by squatting on the tracks or climbing onto the locomotives, prompting the police to detain them. According to police, hundreds of protesters were detained across the state by police for trying to stop buses as well as trains. In Ahmedabad, 136 Congressmen, including 44 women workers, were detained for stopping the state transport buses at the city's main bus depot in Geeta Mandir area. "We had deployed large number of force to stop the agitators from blocking the buses at Geeta Mandir. During evening, we have detained 136 Congress workers for trying to stop the buses. We have released them afterwords," Assistant Commissioner of Police (K division), Chintan Teraiya, said. Talking to reporters, city Congress chief Chetan Raval slammed the Centre over the "unavailability of cash". "The situation is worsening by the day, as people are unable to withdraw their own money from banks and ATMs. Despite standing in queue for hours, people are going home empty handed. This protest is to highlight the issue of mismanagement by the government," Raval, who led the protest, said. In Valsad, at least 10 NSUI members, led by their president Mahesh Patel, were detained for setting ablaze Modi's effigy. In Surat, several Congress workers were detained for showing black flags to BJP chief Amit Shah, who arrived there to attend a mass-wedding function this evening. "Black flags were shown when Shah's convoy passed from Maharana Pratap Chowk area of Ghodadara area of the diamond city," said 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. Those who have been detained include Vadodara Congress president Prashant Patel and General Secretary of Gujarat Congress Narendra Ravat. "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 Chhota Udepur district, senior Congress leader and former Union minister Naran Rathva, along with 150 other Congressmen, were detained for staging similar protests. In Rajkot, railway police detained around 20 workers for trying to stop trains at Bhaktinagar Railway station. More than 50 workers, including senior Congress leader Kunvarji Bavalia, have been detained in other parts of the city during the day, said Rajkot police. The stoppage of over-the-counter exchange of scrapped currency notes had a mixed effect in Tamil Nadu today with more people queueing up in front of ATMs amid continuing cash crunch, while the rush eased out at banks much to the relief of their employees. With a number of ATMs remaining non-operational or running out of cash, long queues could be seen in front of functioning ATMs at many places even as the cash crunch persisted. On the other hand, time spent at banks by customers has started coming down with faster transactions compared to the immediate aftermath of the demonetisation. "I am here to deposit the cash in my accounts. Actually, the time taken for making a transaction has decreased compared to last fortnight when people stood in queues to exchange cash. Now, the queue is moving fast," a customer at an Indian Bank branch here said. A bank official said that following the stopping of exchange of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes at bank counters, the situation has eased and employees were able to take up other banking services. "Earlier, the other banking operations had taken a hit as most of the employees were engaged in exchange of currencies or accepting cash from customers. Now, the burden has come down a bit," a bank official told PTI. Echoing similar views, All India Bank Employees Union (AIBEU) General Secretary C H Venkatachalam said the workload of employees, who had been working almost 12 hours a day, has come down. "One way it has eased out the situation. But, the demand has been increasing as there is short supply. That is why you can see still people standing in queues at ATMs", he told PTI. Government needs to step up the supply as there was a huge demand which results into ATMs going dry within a few hours of being replenished, he said. Responding to a query on whether ATMs of private sector banks were dispensing new Rs 2,000 and Rs 100 notes much ahead of nationalised banks, he said the association was aware of the issue and discussing it. "We too received such allegations. We do not know whether new generation banks received the cash ahead of public sector banks. All we want is that RBI should bring in transparency in disbursal of cash to banks," he said. In its latest announcement yesterday, the government has said there will be no over-the-counter exchange of the old notes after midnight yesterday though people can still get them changed at Reserve Bank of India offices. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union minister Anupriya Patel today termed demonetisation of high-value currency notes "second freedom" for the country. She said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's main aim is to minimise and then eliminate the difference between the rich and poor and root out corruption. "If BJP is voted to power in Uttar Pradesh, people will be free from the misrule and corrupt practices of the Akhilesh Yadav government whichhas looted the state in a organised manner," the MoS for Health Anupriya Patel claimed. Addressing a 'parivartan rally' here, she also hit out at the state government on the "deteriorating" law and order situation in the state. Hitting out at BSP chief Mayawati and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, she alleged that the 'bua and bhatija' "nexus" had caused unemployment among youths and pushed the farming sector of the state backward. "India got freedom in 1947, but the people in Amethi hardly got the taste of freedom as they were mostly led by the raj gharana," she said and asked people to make the state free of the "most corrupt Yadav family". Attacking the SP-led state government for its "gundaraj", she alleged that the state has been lagging in many aspects and termed Akhilesh Yadav's rule as the "worst". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking a dig at the opposition unity against demonetisation, BJP chief Amit Shah today said leaders such as Manmohan Singh, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, Mulayam Singh and Mayawati were together now as their parties were hit hard by the Centre's move. "Modiji's move on black money has made leaders like Manmohan Singh, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, Mulayam Singh, Mayawati and others uncomfortable. The glow on their faces has disappeared," he told the gathering at the BJP's 'Jan Jagaran Mahasamabesh'. Referring to former prime minister Manmohan Singh's criticism of the demonetisation decision in Rajya Sabha, Shah said, "Demonetisation has pained Manmohan Singhji. Why will a person be pained if he or she is not affected?" He also wondered why would the opposition leaders be unhappy over the "measure against black money". "Till November 7, they (opposition) were asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi what steps had been taken to curb black money. However, after November 8, they are saying why such a step," the BJP chief said and wondered how the opposition's "what" had suddenly become "why". "I ask them (opposition), why are you so worried over Modiji's move against black money," he said, adding that parties with different ideologies had joined hands on the issue. "When there is a flood, snakes and mongooses, rats and cats stay together on a tree. Now, Modi's demonetisation flood has forced the leaders of the SP, Congress, Mamata, Mulayam, Mayawati and Kejriwal to take shelter under one umbrella. They are waiting for Modi's flood water (step against black money) to recede," Shah said. Hailing demonetisation as Modi's "master move" to put an end to black money in the country, the BJP chief said there should be no reason for the opposition to be afraid. Shah also slammed Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's concern over cross-border terrorism. "Gone are the days of Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi when terrorists sneaked into India and wreaked havoc. Now, the Modi government has been giving a befitting reply to all such misadventures," he said. He said Modi's strong political willpower and the Indian soldiers' valour could ensure a secret operation on the terrorist camps on the other side of the border. Lauding the prime minister's effort to boost the country's image across the globe, Shah said different countries now welcomed India on their soil. "Modiji has taken India's name to a new height," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In the changing economic scenario of the country, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today called upon chartered accountants to educate people on sound financial management. Speaking at a national conference of Chartered Accountants here, Sonowal said chartered accountants should play a greater role in educating the common public on prudent financial management, especially in the wake of demonetisation move of the Centre. The Chief Minister said, "Demonetisation is indeed an operation towards making a corruption free India by cracking down on corruption and hoarding of black money." "In the post demonetisation period, the chartered accountants should take up the role of generating awareness among the public for prudent financial management, which can discourage hoarding of currency notes vis-a-vis other related evils, thereby contributing to a corruption free country," Sonowal said. He also called upon the chartered accountants fraternity to play a role in the financial management of cooperative societies and panchayati raj institutions as they are very important in sensitising inclusive growth. Welcoming all delegates of the conference 'Mantrana-towards excellence' to Assam, Sonowal requested them to visit the world famous rhino habitats Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park and Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary to experience the development of Assam in sync with nature. Institute of Chartered Accountants of India president M Devaraja Reddy also addressed the meeting attended by chartered accountants from across the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Arthritis and diseases of the digestive system are more common after depression, while anxiety disorders tend to be followed by skin diseases, a new study has warned. Mental disorders and physical diseases frequently go hand in hand. For the first time, psychologists at the University of Basel in Switzerland and Ruhr University Bochum in Germany have identified temporal patterns in young people. Physical diseases and mental disorders affect a person's quality of life and present a huge challenge for the healthcare system. If physical and mental disorders systematically co-occur from an early age, there is a risk that the sick child or adolescent will suffer from untoward developments. A research group led by Marion Tegethoff in collaboration with Professor Gunther Meinlschmidt examined the temporal pattern and relationship between physical diseases and mental disorders in children and young people. They analysed data from a representative sample of 6,483 teenagers from the US aged between 13 and 18. The researchers noted that some physical diseases tend to occur more frequently in children and adolescents if they have previously suffered from certain mental disorders. Likewise, certain mental disorders tend to occur more frequently after the onset of particular physical diseases. Affective disorders such as depression were frequently followed by arthritis and diseases of the digestive system, while the same relationship existed between anxiety disorders and skin diseases. Anxiety disorders were more common if the person had already suffered from heart disease. A close association was also established for the first time between epileptic disorders and subsequent eating disorders. The results offer important insights into the causal relationship between mental disorders and physical diseases. The newly identified temporal associations draw attention to processes that could be relevant both to the origins of physical diseases and mental disorders and to their treatment. "For the first time, we have established that epilepsy is followed by an increased risk of eating disorders - a phenomenon, that had previously been described only in single case reports," said Tegethoff. "This suggests that approaches to epilepsy treatment could also have potential in the context of eating disorders," said Tegethoff. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A dumper was set on fire as Jharkhand Bandh called by the opposition parties to protest against the amendment made in the decades-old Chhotanagpur and Santal Paragana Tenancy Act (CNT and SPT) began amidst tight security arrangements today. The bandh supporters torched the dumper at Dhamdum village, on the outskirts of the steel city here, in East Singhbhum district in the early hours today, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Musaboni), Ajit Kumar Vimal said. Six bandh supporters, allegedly involved in the incident, were arrested while two vehicles belonging to them were also seized, he said. According to South Eastern Railway sources, train services remained unaffected so far in Chakradharpur division. A report received from Giridih district stated that the impact of the bandh was visible in the district as the activists of main opposition party in the state assembly JMM and CPI (ML) workers took to the streets and put up road blockade on National Highway GT road since morning. The administration has imposed prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPC in Bagodar-Saria sub-division of the district in view of the bandh, official sources said. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pawan Kumar Mandal said the order will be in force from 6 am to midnight today. Bandh supporters including Congress, JVM and RJD party workers have also blocked the road at Jamua chowk in Giridih town even though the police was persuading them to withdraw it. No shops and business establishments are open anticipating violence during the bandh. A Lohardaga district report said adequate security arrangements have been made to meet any eventuality during the bandh in the district. The Dumka district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC in view of the bandh and made tight security arrangements in the district. Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar Sinha said the district administration has taken all precautionary measures and is fully prepared to meet any eventuality during the bandh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In an attempt to woo dalit community in the state, Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that a Dalit will become the deputy chief minister of Punjab if his party comes to power in state Assembly polls scheduled next year. He made this announcement at the launch of a dedicated manifesto for Dalits, which constitute nearly 25% of the state's population. "A Dalit will be the deputy chief minister when AAP comes to power in Punjab," said the Delhi chief minister, who has been campaigning in the state for the past few days. However, there was no word on the chief ministerial candidate of the party. AAP is being seen as a serious contender in the state that has given four MPs to the party in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. As Kejriwal seeks to widen his influence outside Delhi, wooing the dalit community has been as a major aspect of party's poll strategy. After the alleged suicide by Rohith Vemula, a Dalit student from the Hyderabad Central University, and flogging of Dalits in Una in Gujarat, the AAP has been attacking the BJP. In Delhi, Kejriwal chose Rakhi Birla, an MLA from the Dalit community, as a replacement for deputy speaker of Delhi Legislative Assembly Bandana Kumari. E-learning is turning out to be a tool to reach out to poor students and those living in remotest part of India, industry leaders from the country have said. "We have reached out to the deepest of the forest of Chhattisgarh and bring out some really good students from forest dwelling tribal society to learn English," said Ashutosh Tripathi, executive director of the Krishna Public School Raipur which has 20 schools in the central state. "It is high time we reach out to the students from tribal folks and give them skill, rather than just education," said Tripathi after receiving an award as a leading private school operator from the Business Excellence & Research Group (BERG) last night. "There is so much to do in one state," he said of the potential of teaching in Chhattisgarh where it has enrolled over 40,000 students. Another award winner at the BERG event was eAge EduSolutions from New Delhi which will increase its student intake in the coming year to 300,000 from 120,000 as of this year. Chander K Madan, CEO and founder of e-Age, said his group has linked up with Hindustan Unilever which is sponsoring 300,000 students in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu as part of the Corporate Social Responsible programme. "We are teaching spoken English, office dressing and interview skill to these students who comes from a very humble background," he said after receiving the Innovative EduTech Company award. The six-year old eAge will expand its curriculum to cover maths and science subjects in the next six months, said Madan. Dehradun-based Graphic Era Educational Group was also recognised for its technical education, and placing for some 2,000 IT students a year with multi-national corporations in the country. Graphic Era's president Professor Dr Kamal Ghanshala saidhis institution, with three campus, was now adding a medical college, starting with 150 MBBS students and a hospital of 300-500 beds in the coming two years. Graphic Era, recognised by the Department of Science and Technology, was awarded the leading private university in India. Sonepat-based Ashoka University was recognised as emerging private university. "We have a very clear cut vision to improve the quality of education in the country," said its Registrar Sachin Sharma. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today threatened to throw open Turkey's borders to illegal migrants after the European Parliament voted to back a freeze in membership talks with Ankara. "Listen to me. If you go any further, then the frontiers will be opened, bear that in mind," Erdogan told the European Union (EU) in a speech in Istanbul. On March 18, Ankara and Brussels forged a deal for Turkey to halt the flow of migrants to Europe -- an accord that has largely been successful in reducing numbers crossing the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece. Turkey agreed to step up maritime and land border controls in exchange for incentives on its long-stalled membership bid, including visa-free travel for its citizens and an acceleration of accession talks. However, with an October target passing and no apparent progress on the visa issue and accession talks stalled, Ankara has stepped up accusations that Brussels was not keeping its side of the bargain. The latest setback was the vote on Thursday by the European Parliament to freeze membership talks, a move prompted by alarm over Turkey's crackdown after an attempted putsch. But the resolution is non-binding and has not been backed by the European Commission or almost any member states. Erdogan said that the EU had cried out for help in 2015, as tens of thousands of migrants massed at the border crossing with EU member Bulgaria. "You began to ask us 'what will we do if Turkey opens its borders'?" he asked. Around one million migrants from poverty-stricken countries and refugees from wars crossed into Europe in 2015, raising fears of a social crisis in the EU and strengthening the hand of right-wing nationalist parties. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today warned the European Union he would sign a law bringing back the death penalty if it was approved by parliament. "Democracy, it's respecting the people's will," Erdogan said in a speech in Istanbul. "If the people say 'we want the death penalty'... And this goes to parliament and parliament passes it and it comes to me, I declare I will approve this," he added. Erdogan was speaking hours after he had rattled Europe by threatening to open Turkey's borders to allow migrants to reach the EU, in a move that would tear up a landmark deal signed in March that has reduced the refugee flow. He made his remarks in response to the cheering crowds' chants of "we want the death penalty", an oft-repeated call during his rallies since the July 15 failed coup. "When you want the death penalty, the gentlemen are uncomfortable," he said, apparently referring to EU officials. Erdogan said that if he signed the death penalty back into law, it would likely be blocked by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), but this did not concern him. "I say, it doesn't bother me. Because the European Court of Human Rights gives a lot of decisions, we know it very well... This people's will, yes this is a will that must be respected by everyone." EU officials have repeatedly made clear that bringing back the death penalty would end Turkey's bid for membership, which sets abolishing capital punishment as a condition. Turkey completely abolished the death penalty in 2004 as part of its accession process. The move meant the 1999 death sentence for Kurdish separatist leader Abdullah Ocalan was commuted to life behind bars. No judicial executions have taken place in the country since left-wing militant Hidir Aslan was hanged on October 25, 1984 in the wake of the 1980 military coup. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) October 31, 2022 14:54 Armenias 2023 state budget envisages 35% increase in defense spending According to the 2023 state budget of Armenia, the defense spending will comprise 506 billion drams which is 35% more than that of 2022, Minister of Finance Tigran Khachatryan said during the session of the parliamentary standing committees dedicated to the debate of the 2023 state budget draft. Punjab Congress vice-president Sunil Kumar Jakhar today said farmers were under distress and an "economic anarchy" prevailed in the state due to non- payment of dues and "stopping" of operations of co-operative banks. "The Punjab government through its procurement agencies owes close to Rs 14,000 crore to farmers in the state on account of paddy procured from them since October 15," he claimed after submitting a memorandum to this effect to Governor V P Singh Badnore. Besides, a large amount is pending as wages of labourers engaged in the procurement process and commission is due to 'Arthyias' (commission agents), Jakhar said. "According to the CAG report, the SAD-BJP government in its last nine years has embezzled and misappropriated Rs 31,000 crore-worth food stocks. As a result, Congress believes the consortium banks, as a measure of abundant precaution, are not releasing payment to the procurement agencies," he said. "Not only are farmers under distress but the attempt to convert this loot into loans by the state government will result in huge escalation in public debt that will ultimately be borne by every person in Punjab. Thus putting the entire economy under distress in the long-run," Jakhar said. He said the cash crunch due to demonetisation of high- value currency notes has created an economic "anarchy". "An already stressed agrarian economy of the state is on the verge of capitulation and agrarian operations are lagging behind by up to 30 per cent. Farmers are not able to exchange their money, which is in scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, and nor are they being able to pay their agricultural loans," he said. Congress alleged that the insensitive move has put "debt ridden farmers under economic stress and they are committing suicides". The party demanded that pending payments of paddy procured by state agencies be released immediately and operations at cooperative banks restored, it said. "New notes must be made available in rural areas and mobile cash counters should be set up in villages not covered by banks to allow exchange of old notes," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said the firing from across the border had stopped in the last two days as the enemy was feeling the heat of retaliation. "After the surgical strike, the cowardly attacks continued which were retaliated strongly by our Armed Forces on the border. Our response to their attacks was strong. "The day before yesterday we got a call from them pleading us to stop the retaliation," Parrikar said, referring to request for DGMO-level talks from Pakistan. He was speaking at a rally at Sankhalim village in Goa. "We told them that we don't mind stopping (the counter attacks) as we are not interested in it, provided they too stop it. For last two days, the firing has stopped from across the border," the Defence Minister said. "For the first time Union Government allowed the Army to enter PoK and teach lesson to those involved in the cowardly act against our forces," he said, referring to surgical strike after Uri attack. "There is no doubt that our Armed Forces are brave but also for the first time, country's leadership took strict policy decision (to allow the surgical strike)," he said. His becoming the Defence Minister was a way to repay a debt of Armed Forces which liberated Goa from Portuguese rule in 1961, Parrikar said. "When I was invited to join the Union Cabinet, I was not willing. It was hurting me to leave Goa. But when Prime Minister requested, I had to take up the responsibility." "As a Goan I was always indebted to the Armed Forces which has given my freedom to me. Unlike Britishers, Portuguese did not leave the country peacefully. They were forced out by our Armed Forces. This was an opportunity for me to thank Indian Army for liberating Goa," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Five naxals, including two women, were today arrested from separate places in the insurgency-hit Bastar division of Chhattisgarh, police said. Based on specific inputs, four cadres, two of them carrying cash rewards on their heads, were nabbed from Barsoor police station area of Dantewada district, a senior police official told PTI. They were identified as Neelaram Mandavi (25), Santuram Alami (30) and two women cadres - Raimoti alias Rame (25) and Budhri (21). "There were inputs that these rebels had arrived at the local market of Barsoor (around 400 kms away from here) with an alleged intention of executing some serious crime and spreading Maoist propaganda, following which police team swung into action," he said. The dreaded Raimoti was active as a member of the Company-6 of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) while the equally hardcore Neelaram was a jan militia commander, the official said. Raimoti and Neelaram were carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh and Rs 1 lakh on their heads respectively, he added. In a separate incident, a lower rung rebel identified as Santuram (30) was apprehended from his native place in Antagarh police station area of Kanker district. According to the official, after receiving a tip-off about the presence of the ultra at his village Kasadand, security forces raided the place. He was allegedly involved in crimes, including attempt to murder. All of them are being interrogated, the official added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's foreign exchange reserves declined by USD 1.542 billion to USD 365.499 billion in the week to November 18 due to decrease in foreign currency assets, Reserve Bank said today. In the previous week, the reserves had dipped by USD 1.190 billion to USD 367.041 billion. They had touched a life- time high of USD 371.99 billion in the week to September 30, this year. Foreign currency assets (FCAs), a major component of the overall reserves, dipped by USD 1.495 billion to USD 341.276 billion. FCAs, expressed in US dollar terms, include the effect of appreciation/depreciation of non-US currencies such as euro, pound and 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 17.9 million to USD 1.444 billion, while India's reserve position with the Fund dipped by USD 28.5 million to USD 2.317 billion, RBI said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Conservative French presidential frontrunner Francois Fillon holds a final rally in Paris today as he seeks to clinch the nomination for the centre-right Republicans in a primary vote this weekend. Fillon, whose surge has taken commentators and pollsters by surprise, gave an assured performance in a televised debate last night against his centrist rival, long-time favourite Alain Juppe. Fifty-seven percent of viewers judged Fillon to have been the most convincing, according to an independent poll for the BFMTV television channel of 908 people who followed the nearly two-hour exchange. A total of 8.5 million people tuned in to hear the two ex-prime ministers stress their differences on public sectors cuts, relations between France and Russia, and their views on multiculturalism. Fillon will hold a rally in Paris this evening where he hopes to draw up to 10,000 people, while Juppe is campaigning in the city of Nancy in eastern France. Both men are already looking ahead to their rivals in next year's election that will feature resurgent far-right leader Marine Le Pen, as well as a Socialist party candidate and independents. "I think I am best placed with my programme to beat Marine Le Pen," Juppe said today, referring to the nationalist and anti-immigration boss of the National Front. Yesterday night's debate cast into stark relief the differences between the candidates, with Fillon often portraying 71-year-old Juppe as not ambitious enough and Juppe accusing his rival of being unrealistic. "It is true that my project is more radical and perhaps more difficult," said Fillon, whose economic ideas have been compared to those of late British prime minister Margaret Thatcher. The 62-year-old devout Catholic wants to slash an eye- popping 500,000 public sector jobs over five years and scrap the 35-hour working week in a bid to kick-start the sluggish French economy. He is also more socially conservative, believes France is "on the verge of revolt", and takes a harder line on Islam in France. Juppe has stressed how many on the far-right are in favour of his rival's proposals. "No, France is not a multi-cultural country. France has a history, a language and a culture which have naturally been enriched from outside," Fillon said yesterday during the debate. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An accounts department employee of a government school at Dharampuri here was today allegedly caught taking a bribe of Rs 1500 in the new currency notes of Rs 500 denomination from a school teacher for paying his arrears. The accused employee identified as Narendra Gupta (Assistant Grade-III) demanded a bribe of Rs 1500 from the complainant teacher for the payment of his arrears amounting to Rs 32,000, Lokayukta Police Inspector, Rajkumar Saraas said. Acting on a tip-off, Lokayukta Police laid a trap and caught Gupta red-handed when he took money in the form of new currency of Rs 500 denomination from the complainant near Gayatri Shaktipeeth, the Inspector said. Gupta was subsequently arrested and released on bail, he said adding a case under relevant sections of Prevention of Corruption Act was registered against him in this regard. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Maharashtra government today sought more time to file an affidavit on death of tribal children due to malnutrition even as it denied allegations that there was a delay in filing a reply due to lack of coordination between various departments. "It is not true that there is lack of coordination between various departments because of which the government has not filed an affidavit so far," said the government pleader, who sought one week's time to file the state's say on death of tribal children. Senior government officers were involved in the exercise of filing the affidavit on the issue, the pleader told a division bench headed by Justice V M Kanade. The judges allowed the government to file an affidavit after a week and adjourned the matter until December 2. Hearing a bunch of public interest litigations (PILs) highlighting increase in the number of malnutrition deaths in tribal areas, the court had asked the state to file an affidavit on the budgetary allocation for the welfare of tribals, and how much money was actually being spent. The Division bench headed by Justice V M Kanade had also sought to know the steps taken by the government to curb the deaths of tribal children due to malnutrition. The petitions alleged that available funds were not being spent for the purpose they were earmarked for, and a huge amount was being syphoned off. On an earlier occasion, the court was not satisfied with the government's response to these allegations and had asked the state authorities to file an affidavit. The bench had said, "Various orders have been passed by the High Court. We keep passing orders but no progress is made by the state on this issue. Sometimes we feel we are doing this exercise in futility. The kind of sensitivity which is to be shown by Women and Child Welfare department is totally absent. They do not seem to be concerned at all." The court had also remarked, "British also ruled India in the past but did not bother to take any interest in welfare of tribals. Even after independence, the same approach has continued." "As a last chance we are giving you another opportunity to file an affidavit. Thereafter if we are not satisfied, we will pass an order," the judges had said. In the past six months, several malnutrition deaths have been reported from the tribal areas of Palghar district near Mumbai, the court was informed by petitioners. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Labour Ministry today said it will launch a campaign in association with Department of Financial services to open bank accounts of workers, who do not have one till date, in the organised as well as unorganised sector. "The Ministry of Labour and Employment in collaboration with Department of Financial services, the Ministry of Finance is launching a nationwide campaign to open bank accounts in respect of those workers in both organised and unorganised sectors who do not have one even today," a Labour Ministry statement said. Starting from November 26, 2016, special camps will be organised in every district at specific locations to facilitate the opening of bank accounts. Government has decided to pursue this path of digital transactions more vigorously than ever before, it added. "We have already sent communications to all the state governments in this respect requesting their active cooperation," Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said in the statement. The team comprising of District Magistrates, Lead District Manager of Bank and Labour Officers of both Centre as well as state governments would decide the modalities of the camps including the locations within their districts and coordination with the banking channels, he said. Dattatreya has called upon all the establishments and people concerned to facilitate the access to these camps and avail of the services therein, it said. The campaign will continue in the coming days through the banks concerned, their business correspondents and camps as required, it further said. In order to facilitate financial inclusion and to ensure transparency in all financial transactions, the government launched its flagship scheme of Jan Dhan Yojna in September, 2014. More than 25 crore bank accounts have been created since then across the country thereby linking the working class to the mainstream of financial /banking activities. The DBT (direct benefit transfer) through this banking network has benefited crores of poor citizens of the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Seven days after ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal allegedly committed suicide on November 1 over "One Rank One Pension" (OROP) issue, the government had credited the arrears of Rs 53,978 to his bank account, Lok Sabha was informed today. On enquiry regarding payment of the benefits of OROP to him, the pension disbursing bank has informed that he was drawing pension of Rs 22,608 per month, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said in a written reply. "He was entitled for revised pension of Rs 25,634 per month, under OROP. The total amount of arrears of Rs 53,978 on account of implementation of OROP has been credited to bank account of late Ex-Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal on November 8, 2016," he said. The Minister said Rs 3020.97 crore has been spent this financial year as on November 12 on account of payment of arrears under OROP. 70-year-old Grewal, a resident of Haryana's Bhiwani district, ended his life on November 1 by consuming poison on the lawns of a government building in Janpath. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The image of Gujarat state has improved further due tothe proactive response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's various schemes, including 'Startup India Standup India', Gujarat Industries Minister Rohit Patel said today. Among the various sectors, that have been propelling Gujarat's economy, the BJP government had implemented the 'Make InGujarat' on the lines of 'Make In India' concept to encouragestartups in the state, he said. Speaking to PTI on the sidelines of the roadshow of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2016 here, he said though Nano failed as a compact car, Tatas had not failed asthe company till persists to stay on in Gujarat to makea luxury car. "We gave facilities for Nano, the car failed, but Tatas haven't failed. They are going to manufacture a luxury car there. Such is the image of Gujarat - it is business-friendly," he added. The government has earmarked Rs 10 crore for encouraging startup in the state, he said. "We offer venture capital at a grant. We give Rs 10 lakh for production and another Rs 10 lakh for marketing and give a stipend of Rs 10,000 every month for their living.This is how we support and this will be continued for next two years," Patel added. Patel said Gujarat was looking for investors in aeropspacesector and he met officials of the Bharat Electronics Limited and UTC Aeropspace, a US-based company. "We had a prolonged discussions with UTC and we would like to invite the American company to Gujarat. They can either join hands with the government or any dynamic industrialist. We are ready to provide infrastructure," he said. Officials of NASSCOM, Prestige, Bosch, Amazon, Canara Bank, Vijaya Bank, Corporation Bank, Syndicate Bank and Brigade Group also met the visiting Minister. Investment of USD 2 billion in Research and Development sector had been realised till 2015, and additional USD 3.2 billion committed by 2020 in this sector, Patel said. The roadshow saw "overwhelming" participation of more than 200 industrialists, investors, policymakers and startups from Karnataka, he said. Gujarat government has organised roadshows in 25 countriesglobally to meet industry leaders and innovators who can offertheir expertise in sectors identified by the state government and partner the state in its growth story, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 25, ARTSAKHPRESS: The PM underscored the continued expansion and intensification of Armenias relations with China, informed the Press Office of the Government of Armenia. He also noted that clear steps need to be taken to make use of the existing great potential for the further development of economic cooperation between the two countries. The PM underscored the possibility of involving Chinese businesses in several programs of Armenias infrastructure and added that the government is ready to discuss in detail all proposals. According to the PM, Armenia may become an important platform for Chinese business, also in terms of an entry point to third countries. Ambassador Tian Erlong said his mission is to contribute to the development of Armenian-Chinese relations and added that he especially highlights the deepening of economic cooperation in various directions. The Chinese diplomat highlighted that he will convey the Armenian PMs message to the government of his country. Gunmen have kidnapped six police officers in northern Mexico, sparking a massive manhunt involving troops, officials said. Some 30 armed men occupied the village of La Simona on Wednesday, installed checkpoints at the entrance of the community and forced the six municipal officers into vehicles, said Carlos Huerta, spokesman of the Chihuahua state prosecutor's office. The assailants also took weapons and a police car. Soldiers and local and state police have been "deployed in several communities near the location (of the kidnappings) to find the officers," Huerta said yesterday. La Simona, which has a population of 250 people, is part of the municipality of Madera in a mountainous region near the state of Sonora. Shootouts have erupted in the area in the past. The state of Chihuahua, which borders the United States, has endured some of the worst violence in Mexico's decade-long militarized battle against drug trafficking. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court today restrained Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation from taking coercive action against Hiranandani Health Care Pvt Ltd by taking back the possession of two floors of a building in the neighbouring township which houses a super-speciality hospital. NMMC lawyer assured the bench headed by Justice V M Kanade that it would not take any coercive action till December 21, the next date of hearing. The court was hearing a petition filed by Hiranandani Health Care (HHC) challenging a notice issued by the civic body asking it to vacate the two floors. HHC entered into an agreement with NMMC some years ago to run a hospital in a public-private partnership. NMMC allotted top two floors of a five-storey building in Navi Mumbai to HHC on the condition that latter would treat at least 800 patients referred by the civic body in a year. NMMC recently issued a notice, alleging that the hospital was not being run by HHC, but by Fortis, which was a breach of the agreement. HHC claimed it was a subsidiary of Fortis. The court was today informed that Maharashtra government had written to NMMC that CIDCO, the state planning body which developed Navi Mumbai township, would file a report with regard to the hospital, and NMMC should take necessary steps only after it received the report. The judges adjourned the hearing to December 21 and asked the civic body not to take any coercive action for the time being. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court today reserved its order on a plea of Payal Abdullah, estranged wife of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, for government accommodation for her and her sons on the ground that they enjoyed 'Z' and 'Z plus' security status. A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice V K Rao said that it will consider whether Payal and her kids was entitled to get the government accommodation on parity with some of the political leaders who have been granted the same on security ground. The petitioners, including the couple's two children, have sought parity with others who enjoyed similar security status and have been given government accommodation. The court was hearing an appeal against a single judge's August 19 order asking her to vacate the 7, Akbar Road bungalow in Lutyen's Delhi that she was residing in. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), however, opposed her contention for government accommodation on the ground of security threat and said it is for Delhi Police to ensure safety for her stay here. Her counsel claimed that she and her sons were living in a rented flat which is not appropriate on security ground as they have to house around 90 security personnel, who have to stay on roads near their accommodation. In her appeal, she has contended that the August 19 order of the single judge mentioned no date and time of eviction and "hence the very act of summoning and pressing into service of armed public auxiliary/servants of different forces" for giving effect to the order was in violation of The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act. The counsel argued that under the Act, possession of a public premises cannot be taken after sunset, whereas she and her sons were evicted on the evening of August 22. Payal has also challenged the single judge's observation that if her husband and father-in-law, both of whom are 'Z plus' protectees, could be secure in private accommodation, there is "no reason" why she and her sons cannot be. She contended that her husband, Omar, and father-in-law, Farooq Abdullah, were temporary visitors to Delhi and can be protected in private premises for a short duration, unlike her who is a permanent resident here. The single judge had said Payal and her sons were "liable to be evicted forthwith", after terming their entitlement to retain the bungalow as "wholly illegal". Justice Indermeet Kaur had said that Payal's apprehension that she and her sons would not be given adequate security cover was "misconceived" and dismissed her plea to retain the bungalow. Prior to the high court's August 19 decision, a trial court here had on Augusut 16 asked her to move out of the house. Three days later, Justice Kaur had asked Payal's counsel, "Will you gracefully evict or I should pass an order?" However, her counsel had refused to do so. It had also rejected Payal's argument that she and her sons were central protectees by saying that as per a secret document submitted by MHA, their security status was granted by the state of Jammu and Kashmir because they were the wife and children of Omar Abdullah. Concerned at the "dismal" state of waste management and disposal in the city, the Delhi High Court today summoned the Commissioners of the three municipal bodies asking them to explain why rules regarding garbage disposal are not being adhered to. A bench of justices Badar Durrez Ahmed and Jayant Nath also sought the personal presence of the Member Secretary of Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to explain whether it has prosecuted anyone for causing pollution in Delhi and the national capital region (NCR). The officials have to appear before the court on the next date of hearing on December 1, 2016. The direction came after amicus curiae and senior advocate Kailash Vasdev told the court that rules regarding solid waste management and regulation of landfill sites were not being adhered to by the municipal bodies. The bench also noted that DPCC was not taking any action against the corporations for non-compliance of the rules and sought the presence of its Member Secretary to show the court the number of prosecutions initiated or carried out by the agency under the Environment Protection Act. "Why do we have these rules? Why do we make them? The problem with India is implementation. We cannot implement anything," the bench said and added "such a dismal state of affairs. Just rubbish and 'malba' (debris) everywhere." DPCC, represented by advocate Sanjeev Ralli, said none of the landfill sites came up with any authorisation and it cannot order their closure as it had not given permission to set them up. Ralli said it was the corporations' duty to stop operation of the sites once they have reached a particular height. The court, however, did not agree with the submission and said it was the duty of DPCC, as the watchdog, to prevent pollution and it has to tell the corporations that their landfills do not conform to the norms. The bench said if authorities like the municipal corporations and Delhi Development Authority say they cannot do anything "then why should they be there? We will remove them". The court was hearing a PIL initiated by it on the issue of alarming levels of air pollution in the national capital. The bench said that the air quality levels appeared to be better than what they were was a couple of weeks ago. It, however, noted that the levels of suspended particulate matter was still beyond the prescribed norms. DPCC said it was due to the sunshine, wind and the temporary cessation in construction activities. Last week, the court had observed that if a person can run a marathon in Delhi, he can run anywhere and suggested measures like immediate extinguishing of landfill fires and ensuring only CNG taxis enter the national capital to improve air quality in the city. The municipal authorities, which are responsible for landfill sites, were told to immediately extinguish the fires burning in such areas as smoke rising from there would subject people to "serious health hazards" as they contain particulate matter like PM 2.5 and 10 apart from carcinogens. The corporations today showed photographs to support their claim that they had stopped the fires, but the court said it was "not satisfied" by it. The amicus curiae also rejected the corporations' claims and said that the affidavit filed by them was vague. On November 10, the court had said the alarming pollution level was literally 'capital punishment' for Delhiites who were being robbed of three years of their lives due to it. It had held the government's inaction and stubble burning in Punjab for the situation here. The court had said that the "grave" situation was leading to "decimation" of more than 60 million life years or one million deaths, which it termed as "genocide". Arunachal Pradesh Health & Family Welfare Minister Jomde Kena urged all the health officials to strive hard for improvement of the health scenario in the state. Addressing the state-level review meeting of National Health Mission (NHM) here yesterday, the minister assured to look into rational posting of human resources for achieving the health target, an official communique informed here today. Kena also stressed to ensure the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) provisions, antenatal check-up, immunization, adolescent health and community processes. He called for close coordination among the officers and staff for better implementation of the programs. Encouraging all the districts representatives for better performance in maternal, child health and family planning status, Special Secretary (H&FW) Prince Dhawan directed them to make concrete action plan with timelines and work on it seriously. "There should be no compromise with NHM schemes and its activities and implementation," he said and advised the district medical officers and District Reproductive and Child Health Officers (DRCHOs) to work in close coordination to achieve the target set by NHM and requested the districts to come out with solutions to their problems. He remarked that ASHA workers should be trained for better community mobilization as well as for tracking pregnant mother and infants for antenatal check-up and immunization. Director of Health services, Dr M Jini exhorted the district representatives for improving overall performance not only under NHM but also health of the state. NHM Mission Director Dr D Padung and NHM nodal officer Dr M Lego also spoke on the occasion, the communique added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Green Tribunal on Friday slapped a cost of Rs 5,000 on the Centre for its failure to file inspection report on the plea of a retired army officer alleging dumping of human excreta by aircraft over residential areas near IGI airport here. A bench headed by Justice U D Salvi took exception to the delay in filing of the analysis report despite its specific direction and imposed a cost of Rs 5,000 each on the Environment Ministry and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The direction came on the plea of Lt Gen (Retd) Satwant Singh Dahiya who has sought criminal proceedings against commercial airlines and levy of hefty fines on them for endangering the health of residents, terming the act as the violation of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. While issuing the notice to the Ministries of Environment and Forests and Civil Aviation and others, the green panel had directed Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to depute a senior environmental engineer to inspect his house and check the existence of human excreta on walls. It had also asked CPCB that if excreta was found, samples should be collected for analysis and the report placed before the tribunal. Dahiya today alleged that despite NGT's direction of inspection and analysis of excreta in two weeks, the officials concerned visited his house just two days before the hearing. He asked the bench not to grant time to the respondents and sought levy of heavy fines on them. The matter is now listed for next hearing on December 20. In his petition, Vasant Enclave resident Dahiya had sought the creation of a 24-hour helpline for immediate reporting of such incidents and a monitoring mechanism to check that no aircraft drops "human soil or excreta" while landing. The Ministry of Civil Aviation had opposed the argument and said plane toilets stored the waste in special tanks which are normally disposed of by ground crews once the plane lands. Plane toilets store human waste in special tanks. These are normally disposed of by ground crew once the plane lands, but aviation officials acknowledge that lavatory leaks can occur in the air at times. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, one of Europe's biggest supporters of Donald Trump, says the US president-elect has told him of his "high regard" for Hungary and invited him to Washington. "I spoke with the new US president by telephone, and can say that our position has improved a lot. Donald Trump made clear that he holds Hungary in high regard," Orban told Vilaggazdasag site in an interview published late Thursday. "He invited me to Washington, I told him that I hadn't been there for a long time as I had been treated as a 'black sheep', to which he replied, laughing: 'Me too'." In July, Orban, 53, was the first EU leader to come out in favour of the US billionaire, praising his policy proposals on immigration and security. Orban was also one of the first world leaders to congratulate him after his shock victory. The tone signals a marked shift in relations between the US and EU and NATO member Hungary. After coming to power in 2010 the maverick Hungarian was often accused by Washington of steering Hungary away from democratic norms. Outgoing President Barack Obama and Trump's defeated election rival Hillary Clinton both warned Hungary against clamping down on the judiciary, press and civil society organisations. Relations between Budapest and Washington also soured in 2014 when several unnamed Hungarian government officials were denied entry to the US over alleged corruption. Orban told Vilaggazdasag that with Trump the US will have a president who is "not ideologically restricted, but an open person". "He is much more interested in success, efficiency and results than in political theories," Orban said. "This is good for us, as the facts are with us. The economic cooperation has always been good, only the ideologies presented obstacles," he added. "I sensed that he knows that Hungarians are a brave and freedom-loving people, who in the last six years have achieved outstanding economic results. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Information and Broadcasting ministry has issued warnings to two Community Radio stations over content which a high level panel thought was "objectionable and denigrating" towards women. In the first case, the channel 'Gurgaon Ki Awaaz' was issued a show cause notice over the broadcast of an "objectionable" word in a programme. According to the I&B ministry order, the channel in its response CRS apologised for the breach of the broadcasting code and said that it was unintended. The IMC pointed out that the channel had used a grossly taboo word in its programme which was particularly demeaning to women and also felt that the broadcaster should also be conscious of its responsibility in the matter of content and should be more vigilant in future. On the recommendation of the IMC, the I&B ministry issued a warning to the channel. In another order, the I&B ministry issued a warning to Community Radio Station Alfaz-e'Mewat in Haryana over the broadcast of programme 'Kisse Kahaniyan'. According to the I&B ministry order, after issuing a showcause notice and also hearing the community radio station's reply, the IMC felt that it may be apt to issue a warning to the channel. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Improvised explosive devices (IED), materials used in making explosives were among the items recovered from the 'encounter' site where two Maoists were killed during an operation by police in Nilambur forests in Kerala, police said today. In a related development, CPI, a key partner of the ruling LDF led by CPIM, came out against the police operation, saying there was no relevance for a Maoist hunt in the state. Police identified the two Maoists, killed in the encounter in Nilambur forests in Mallapuram district yesterday, as Kuppuswamy Devaraj, a central committee member of the outlawed outfit, and Ajitha. Besides the IEDs and explosive materials, solar panels, some battery chargers,a set of pen drives, a modem, an electronic tab, a pistol and 40 sacks of rice were also recovered from the hideout of the Maoists, police said. After conducting an inquest in the presence of the RDO, the bodies of the two Maoists were taken to Kozhikode Medical College for post mortem, they said. According to police, Maoists fired at a police party on a combing operation in Nilambur area and two of the ultras were killed in retaliatory firing. The search operations were undertaken by a 60-member elite team of the Thunderbolt Force, based on a tip-off that Maoists were camping in the area. CPI State Secretary Kanam Rajendran said Kerala should have taken a different stand in its fight against the Left radicals. "There is no relevance for a Maoist hunt in Kerala," he said when asked about the encounter. Making it clear that the party was not in favour of physically eliminating persons who raise "different opinions", he said there were many reports of instances of fake encounters across the country. "There is no circumstances, as of now, in the state to make elaborate preparations to fight Maoists. The state should take a different stand on the issue at a time when several reports of fake encounters are being reported from different parts of the country including Kashmir and Chattisgarh," he told PTI. Human rights activist GRO Vasu demanded a judicial probe into yesterday's encounter incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian "belligerence" is a threat to regional peace and can lead to "strategic miscalculation", Pakistan today told the envoys of the P5 countries here while briefing them over alleged "ceasefire violations" by India. Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz briefed the heads of missions of the P5 -- the US, China, Russia, the UK and France -- on the "continued unprovoked ceasefire violations" by Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary (WB), the Foreign Office here said. Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said in a statement that representatives of China, France, Russian Federation, the UK and the US were briefed at the foreign ministry. Aziz stated that the Indian "belligerence" is a threat to the regional peace and security and can lead to a strategic miscalculation, which would be disastrous for the region, the Foreign Office said. The Adviser strongly condemned the "reprehensible attack on the civilian bus in the Neelum Valley on November 23 in complete violation of the 2003 ceasefire understanding and international law, especially the international humanitarian law," the statement said. "The Indian forces also fired upon the ambulances that had come to rescue the injured people from the site of the attack. The deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is condemnable and deplorable and must be investigated," Aziz was quoted as saying. Aziz referred to persistent "ceasefire violations" by India, especially during the last two months which he claimed had resulted in the loss of more than 45 civilian lives and caused injuries to more than 139 others along the LoC and WB in an effort to divert international attention from the continuing "human rights violations in the Kashmir". Aziz has also addressed letters to the Foreign Ministers of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, on the escalation along the LoC and Indian ceasefire violations, the Foreign Office here said. Copies of these letters were also handed over to the heads of missions, it said. Aziz called on the permanent members of the UN Security Council to play a crucial role in maintaining global peace and security and urge India to immediately put an end to the "escalation and bloodshed" at the LoC, it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) National Assembly (NA) of Armenia Vice President Eduard Sharmazanov, who also heads the NA delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO PA), is continuing his working visit to Saint Petersburg, Russia. November 25, 2016, 13:36 Armenia Parliament deputy chair to head CIS observation mission to Kyrgyzstan STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 25, ARTSAKHPRESS: Sharmazanov on Thursday met with speaker Chinibay Tursunbekov of the Parliament of the Kyrgyzstan. The talk was held on the initiative of the Kyrgyz side, as News.am reports, the NA stated. The interlocutors conferred on Armenian-Kyrgyz parliamentary relations, and underscored the coordinated activities within international platforms. Tursunbekov noted that Armenias and Kyrgyzstans joining the Eurasian Economic Unionwhich also comprises Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstanis very important for the development of Armenian-Kyrgyz ties. Sharmazanov, for his part, highlighted the coordinated work by the two countries parliamentary delegations to the CSTO. At the end of the meeting, speaker of the Kyrgyz parliament proposed that the vice president of the Armenian National Assembly head the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Interparliamentary Assembly observation mission during the constitutional reform referendum to be conducted in Kyrgyzstan. A Mumbai-based company has won a the Mastercard's grand prize of 25,000 dollars for providing door-to-door antenatal care services to pregnant women living in villages in India with an aim to reduce the high maternity deaths. CareNx Innovations's team won the prize for their pregnancy care project in India at the Project Inspire 2016 Grand Finals held by Responsible Business Forum on Sustainable Development held here this week. Through CareNx's CareMother Mobile Pregnancy Care, women healthcare workers will be equipped with a mobile pregnancy kit that enables door-to-door antenatal care services to pregnant women living in rural villages. The project aims to reduce the high maternity deaths caused by pregnancy complications through early detection and increased health checks. CareNx Co-founder and Executive Director, Aditya Kulkarni, said, "We are very grateful towards the Singapore Committee for UN Women and Mastercard for giving us an opportunity to present ourselves and our work." "This competition was a check to realize that we are working in the right way or an important problem. With this grand prize, we wish to scale our mobile pregnancy care solution to reach out to at least 2000 pregnancies and 20 women health workers in next 1 year. "We have a dream to reach out to 2 million pregnancies in next 3 years and this prize would get us started," added Kulkarni. The annual competition, now in its sixth year, received close to 270 proposals from 109 countries working on women's and girls' safety and security. Project Inspire is co-organised and co-founded by Singapore Committee for UN Women and Mastercard. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Indian philanthropist from Oman has given Rs 10 lakh to a jobless compatriot who has been living on the terrace of a building in the UAE for more than eight months without proper food, media report said today. Sajeev Rajan, an electrician in his early forties, belongs to Kollam in Kerala where his wife, two children and ageing parents live. Indian philanthropist from Kerala Dr K T Mohammed Rabeeh Rabeeullah, chairman and managing director of a healthcare conglomerate, came from Muscat and handed over 5,000 dirham (Rs 93,272) to Rajan for immediate relief. He also promised to transfer Rs 10 lakh to his bank account in India, Khaleej Times quoted Rajan's friend Biju as saying. He was left with no other option but to live on the terrace of a building in Ajman city because his employer had refused to return his passport after settling his dues, the paper said. His company officials visited the Indian consulate and agreed to return his passport at the earliest. The Indian mission in the UAE and social workers have come forward with moral and material support for the man. "It is a big relief for me because my pocket is empty. I have not received any money for the past eight months and my travel back home seemed impossible," Rajan said. He spent 236 days on the terrace because he does not have a job or money to get a bed space, the report said. He has been surviving with the generosity of some construction workers and shop owners, it said. "My contract ended on March 11 and I wanted to go home. Working for 900 dirham (Rs 16,761) per month did not meet my expectations," he said. Ranjan alleged that his employer was not ready to relieve him from work and send him back home after clearing his gratuity and leave salary. On March 21, Ranjan was forced to vacate the company accommodation in Ajman. "The employer from Punjab, India, promises to return my passport in front of officials who mediate for my release, but once he leaves their office, he refuses to hand it over to me," he was quoted as saying by the paper. After his plight was highlighted by the paper, several people came forward with offers to buy air tickets, give him a job among others, the report added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) INTACH today opened its new chapter in Bihar's Darbhanga, with its chairman emphasising on systematic listing of heritage buildings, as the first step towards initiating preservation in the historic city. The chapter was inaugurated in Darbhnaga by INTACH Chairman Maj Gen (retd) L K Gupta at the premises of the Lalit Narayan Mithila University, housed in the iconic Raj Palace. "Listing of heritage buildings should be taken up as the first step, since to begin preservation, it is important that first we assess the knowledge wealth that we have," INTACH Bihar Chapter Convener, Prem Sharan, quoted Gupta as saying. The chairman, after opening the chapter, took a tour of the LNMU premises, the Laxmivilas Palace or Anand Bagh Palace (now a Sanskrit university), Nargaouna Palace, Ram Bagh Qila and took stock of the state of the buildings. Gupta also pitched for opening heritage clubs in school and colleges, and carry out awareness campaigns to raise the consciousness of children and the youth about history and heritage. "A professor of the LNMU has been made a convener for Darbhanga Chapter. A proposal was also made to make LNMU, an institutional member of INTACH, and its vice-chancellor fully supported the move," Sharan told PTI. The opening of the new chapter, incidentally coincided with the culmination of the World Heritage Week which began on November 19. Darbhanga is situated in the historic Mithila region and is home to several landmarks, many of which were rebuilt after the devastating 1934 earthquake. Other prominent heritage buildings in the city include the Zilla School, Zilla Hospital, Bela Palace, now housing the Postal Training College and the Lakshmiswar Public Libray. Last December, INTACH had opened a chapter in Bhagalpur, Bihar's silk city, after setting up Vaishali Chapter earlier in 2015. Patna Chapter, constituted soon after the creation of INTACH in 1984, is one of the first chapters opened by the Delhi-based non-profit organisation. "Darbhanga has a number of palaces and heritage buildings which are in immediate need of conservation and restoration. And, now we carry out a systematic and formal listing of the historical landmarks and work on preservation plans," Convener of Patna Chapter, J K Lall said. Headquartered in New Delhi, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), besides the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), works on protection, conservation and promotion of tangible and intangible heritage, through its nearly 190 chapters spread across the country in various cities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iran's President Hassan Rouhani called for tougher action by the Iraqi government today after a jihadist suicide bombing killed at least 70 people, most of them Iranian pilgrims. Yesterday's huge truck bomb blast, claimed by the Islamic State group, ripped through a petrol station south of Baghdad where buses packed with pilgrims returning from the Shiite shrine city of Karbala were parked. "I strongly request the Iraqi government to deal more resolutely with the perpetrators of such inhumane acts," Rouhani said in a message published by the official IRNA agency. "The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to wage an all-out fight against terrorists and extremists, and is confident that with unity and solidarity from the people of Iraq, we shall soon witness its final victory." Yesterday's bombing in Babylon province came as Iraqi forces mount a huge assault on IS bastion Mosul with support from Iran as well as a US-led coalition. Fewer than 10 of the dead were Iraqis, the head of the provincial security committee, Falah al-Radhi, told AFP. All of the rest were Iranians. They were returning from commemorations for Arbaeen, one of the world's largest religious events, which culminated on Monday. Up to 20 million pilgrims visited Karbala for Arbaeen this year, around three million of them Iranians, according to Iraqi officials. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israel has accused France of aiding a boycott of the Jewish state, after Paris announced new guidelines for labelling goods from settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. France published the guidelines late yesterday on enforcing European Union regulations on labelling goods from the West Bank and east Jerusalem, which the international community considers occupied Palestinian land, as well as the Golan Heights which Israel seized from Syria in 1967. "Under international law the Golan Heights and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are not part of Israel," it said. As such, it said labelling goods as just from the West Bank or Golan Heights without more details was "not acceptable." Goods must be labelled as coming from an "Israeli settlement" when that is the case, to avoid "the risk of misleading the consumer," it added. It comes a year after the European Union backed the labelling of products from Israeli settlements. "(Israel) regrets that France, which actually has a law against boycotts, is advancing measures that can be interpreted as encouraging radical elements and the movement to boycott Israel," an Israeli foreign ministry statement said. It accused France of a "double standard" by focusing on Israel and "ignoring the other 200 territorial disputes around the world. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) has told Russia the deployment of missiles on disputed islands in the Pacific is "deplorable", Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Friday, ahead of talks aimed at resolving a decades-old territorial spat. The positioning of coastal defence missiles on two of the four islands in contention was reported by Russian media this week and comes after concerted efforts by both countries to improve relations. Japan-Russian ties have been hamstrung by a row dating back to the end of World War II, when Soviet troops seized the Southernmost islands in the Kuril chain, known as the Northern Territories in Japan, that lies off the northeast coast of Hokkaido. The tensions have prevented the countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending wartime hostilities, and have hindered trade and investment. "The Northern Territories are an inherent part of Japan's territory," Abe told parliament on Friday. Abe said had told Russia the deployment "is deplorable" and "is contradictory to Japan's position" on the issue. However, Russian Foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Thursday the missile deployment was aimed at the "consistent strengthening of national security". "Missile systems were deployed to the southern Kurils in line with that position," she said, calling them "an integral part of Russian territory". The remarks came ahead of a December 15 meeting between Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Yamaguchi city in western Japan, which is aimed at making progress on the territorial dispute. The two leaders have met several times since Abe took office in December 2012, most recently last Sunday in Peru on the sidelines of a Pacific-rim summit. JD(U) today demanded a probe to ascertain if black money was used for alleged purchase of land by BJP in different districts of Bihar, a few weeks before the demonetisation announcement on November 8. BJP, however, said the purchases were made in a transparent manner. State JD(U) chief spokesman Sanjay Singh questioned the purchase of land by BJP in Bihar and elsewhere "a few weeks before enforcement of demonetisation". "After seeing the registry papers it becomes clear the land purchase has been done on instruction from top leaders of BJP," Singh alleged in a press conference in presence of party spokesmen Neeraj Kumar and Rajiv Ranjan. "Purchase of land on a large scale within a week and many on a single day in different districts raised suspicion that top leaders of BJP were in the know of demonetisation decision beforehand," the leaders said. BJP spent Rs 4.7 crore to purchase lands in Kisanganj and Arwal districts on September 19, in Katihar on September 16, in Madhubani and Madhepura on September 14, and in Lakhisarai on September 6, the JD(U) leaders claimed. They demanded a judicial probe as well an inquiry by joint parliamentary committee to ascertain if land purchase in Bihar and elsewhere was made by black money or not. Senior state BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi, however, dismissed the allegation as "baseless" saying lands were purchased for opening party offices in districts and payments made through bank RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement). "The decision to purchase land to open party offices in districts across the country was taken a year back and it has nothing to do with demonetisation order," Modi told PTI. "Payments have been made through bank RTGS in a transparent manner. BJP files return to Income Tax in which all details of expenditure are there," he said. "We have nothing to hide. Every details of such purchase are on the website," he added. State BJP president Mangal Pandey and party state general secretary Sanjeev Chaurasia, MLA, echoed similar views. On leakage of information about demonetisation, Modi said: "When Rahul Gandhi and Mayawati allege that even Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had no information about the decision to scrape Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes, how party leaders would know about it beforehand. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : The Karnataka legislature now in session here will not have a sitting on Monday in the wake of the nation-wide protest called by various parties against the demonetisation move of the central government. The decision to suspend the legislature sitting on November 28 has been opposed by the principal opposition party BJP, which walked out of the Business Advisory Committee meeting today. The BAC of the Legislative Assembly that met under the Chairmanship of Speaker K B Koliwad decided to hold an extra day of session on December 3 for the loss on November 28. As per the schedule, the 10 day session that began on November 21 was to end on December 2. "In the wake of Bharat Bandh on November 28, keeping in mind security of legislators attending the session and as the security personnel deployed at Suvarna Vikasa Soudha have to be redeployed at various places for bandobast in the wake of the bandh, it has been decided to hold November 28 sitting on December 3," Koliwad announced in the House. Reiterating BJP's opposition to the move inside the Assembly, Opposition Leader Jagadish Shettar said "we are against this decision.The session is to discuss various issues of north Karnataka. Government itself supporting such bandh is not a right move." Similar scenes were seen in the Karnataka Legislative Council, where Chairman D H Shankaramurthy announced that the House would again meet on Tuesday and there would be no sitting on Monday. Leader of the Opposition K S Eshwarappa expressed his party's opposition to the move. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today urged the state police to stand strongly with victims of sexual assaults, saying studies showed majority of such incidents were not reported out of fear of harassment by law enforcement authorities. "Studies show that 75 per cent of such incidents are not reported (to the police). It is because the victims anticipate that they would face mental harassment and humiliation from law enforcement authorities if they approach them seeking justice," he said. Such situations should not arise in Kerala, he said launching the Kochi City Police's 'Pink Beat' patrol for enhancing the safety for women and children in public places. "Police should strongly stand with the victims. That is the government's stand. There will be no excuses," he added. Vijayan, who also holds Home Portfolio, said Kerala was 'far ahead' than other states in the matter of ensuring safety and security for women. "However, shocking incidents of violence against women are reported in the state. Even sad incidents in which small kids and elderly women are targeted occur in the state," he said. As part of the government's efforts to fight crime against women and children, the women police force will be strengthened by recruiting more personnel, he said. "The total strength of women personnel would be increased to 15 per cent. This step is taken to ensure safety and security of women and children," the Chief Minister said. The Pink Beat includes specially trained women police personnel, who will be on patrol duty onboard the buses of KSRTC and private stage carriers and will also be present at bus stops, schools, colleges and other public places. They will assist women, children and senior citizens travelling on buses. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Large don't react quickly to problems like and expect smart innovative people to address it, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Group India R&D President Naresh Shah said. He said that there are smart innovative people who come up with solutions to address the issue of the day, one of which was a new app he had seen on television, which solves the problem of standing in bank queues. "So, there are smart innovative people, they will come up with innovations to address the issue of the day, but I think the large like us don't react that quickly to things like demonetisation," he said at the Nasscom CSR Leadership Summit 2016 in Bengaluru on Thursday evening. Shah made this remark when asked at a panel discussion chaired by TV journalist Chandra Ranganathan Shrikant if are looking at problems faced by people due to . Shah said he is not aware on how to address the problem of because it is hard to know what value the company could add by way of CSR activities. "There is a linkage of what value we can add as part of CSR activity. I don't know what we can do with respect to demonetisation," he said. HCL Chief Human Resources Officer Prithvi Shergill said corporates need to step up on help to people facing natural disasters, including floods and famines but need to be cautious about linking it with other problems like demonetisation. "My perspective is that if there is a natural disaster if there is a flood, famine or tsunami somewhere the corporates absolutely need to step up, but we need to be cautious about linking it to some of the other issues (including demonetisation), which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given 50 days time to tide over the problem," he said. He said companies should provide sustained support rather than diluting resources to change the standard of living of the community, which takes more than 10 years. STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 25, ARTSAKHPRESS: The sides warmly recalled the meeting held in Yerevan in 2015 on the sidelines of the IOF conference, highlighting the IOFs uniting role between various states and people. At the meeting the Ministers exchanged views on steps over the development of bilateral relations. They also discussed regional and international urgent issues, in particular, the Syrian crisis, the refugee issue. The FMs attached importance to holding regular consultations over regional and international issues. In addition, the Armenian and Togolese FMs reflected on the matters that are on the OIF agenda. A protest march taken out by Congress workers to the District Collectorate here against the alleged bid to sabotage the probe into the rape case in which two CPI-M activists were among the four accused turned violent leading to police lathicharge today. According to police, the activists were chased away when they pelted stones at the police and tried to break barricade put by the police. Three police personnel were also injured in stone pelting, police said. Trouble erupted after Congress leader and former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had left the place after inaugurating the march. Congress MLA from Wadakancherry Anil Akkara were among those injured in the lathicharge, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said. Congress in the district were on warpath alleging that indifference towards the probe and collectorate march was part of the agitation. The woman had appeared before media last month alleging that she had been gang raped by four persons, including by a CPI(M) Councillor and a party activist two years ago and she was being harassed even now. KPCC President V M Sudheeran demanded a judicial probe into police lathicharge. He also alleged that police acted without any provocation. He alleged police beaten up Congress workers including MLA Anil Akkara. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Lebanese army today said it had detained a leading local Islamic State group commander and 10 other members in a raid near the border with Syria. The army said special forces and other troops carried out the dawn attack on an IS headquarters in the mountainous eastern area of Arsal. "They clashed with (IS) fighters with different weapons and managed to break into the headquarters where they captured 11 of them, including the dangerous terrorist and IS emir (leader) of Arsal, Ahmed Yousef Amun," it added. The army said Amun was seriously wounded in the operation, and a medical source told AFP he had been transferred to a hospital in Beirut for emergency treatment. The army said Amun was involved in preparing car bombs used in attacks in various parts of Lebanon, including the southern suburbs of Beirut. It also accused him of involvement in attacks on army posts during fighting in the region in August 2014 when IS and Al-Qaeda's Syrian affiliate briefly overran the town of Arsal. As the jihadists withdrew, they abducted 30 soldiers and policemen, five of whom were subsequently executed. The 16 hostages held by Al-Qaeda's affiliate, known then as Al-Nusra Front, were released in December 2015 after lengthy negotiations, but there has been no progress on the release of the nine held by IS. Lebanon has been rocked by periodic bomb attacks, often targeting strongholds of the Shiite militant group Hezbollah, which have killed scores of civilians. Hezbollah has sent fighters to Syria to bolster President Bashar al-Assad's government against rebel forces, among them jihadists. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lebanese special forces captured 11 members of the Islamic State group, including a local commander, in an operation today near the border with Syria, the military said in a statement. The army said the operation near the border town of Arsal targeted an IS center. It said the local IS commander in the town, Ahmad Youssef Amoun, was captured after being seriously wounded. No troops were hurt, it said. Hundreds of IS fighters are based in the area along the Lebanon-Syria border from where they launch attacks inside Lebanon. Photographs said to be of Amoun and posted on local media websites showed a young man with a thick black beard lying on a hospital bed, a blood-stained white sheet covering most of his body. Lebanon's new president, Michel Aoun, less than a month in office, praised the "pre-emptive security operation," according to a presidential statement. "Such special operations strengthen stability and limit terrorist schemes," Aoun was quoted as saying. The military said Amoun was behind several explosions that hit Lebanon recently, including the predominantly Shiite southern suburbs of Beirut, and took part in attacks against army positions in border areas. IS has claimed responsibility for several explosions in Lebanon over the past two years that killed scores. The extremists have been holding nine Lebanese soldiers and policemen since a raid on Arsal in August 2014. Today's operation came two months after Lebanese commandos detained an IS commander, Imad Yassin, in an operation in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein el-Helweh, near the southern city of Sidon. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Left parties in West Bengal, including the CPI-M and CPI, today called a 12-hour statewide strike on November 28 to protest against demonetisation even as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refrained from support. Announcing the decision, Left Front chairman Biman Bose said 18 Left parties would participate in the strike. Banks, ATMs, health and milk distribution services have been kept out of the purview of the strike, Bose said. Left Front partner RSP said the suffering of the common people has forced the Left Front to call the strike. "We were forced to call the strike as the common man is being subjected to inhuman suffering. We are not against unearthing black money, but the way it has been implemented is wrong and is causing immense hardships to the common man," RSP state secretary Khiti Goswami told PTI. Asked if the Left Front would approach TMC for support for the strike since it has also opposed the demonestisation move and called a rally on Monday, Goswami said, "TMC supremo (Mamata Banerjee) had earlier called for a united fight against the move. So we will communicate to her as TMC has also called a rally on that day." The development came even as Banerjee said there will not be any bandh in the state on November 28, but a protest march will be carried out against demonetisation. She also tweeted that "during the meeting of opposition parties in Delhi, a bandh was never discussed or agreed to. We do not support any bandh called". "People are suffering. I appeal to all to stand by the people at this hour of crisis," she said in another tweet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Five alleged Overground Workers (OGWs) of Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) were arrested from Pulwama as police today claimed to have busted a module responsible for looting nearly Rs 14 lakh from a bank in Budgam district of central Kashmir early this week. However, the mastermind behind the robbery - a local militant and his two foreign associates - are still at large and efforts are on to nab them and recover the stolen money, a police spokesman said. On November 21, a group of unidentified gunmen barged into Malpora Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Bank in Chrar-i- Sharief area of Budgam and decamped with about Rs 14 lakh. "Based upon specific leads about the incident, police zeroed in on one Mohammad Iqbal Wani of Chewa Kalan in Pulwama district of south Kashmir. His arrest and disclosures led to arrest of two more persons - Farooq Ahmad Bhat and Tanvir Alam Wani, also residents of Chewa Kalan," he said. "During questioning, it was found that the trio ran an OGW module of Lashkar-e-Toiba terror outfit. They revealed that conspiracy of robbing the Malpora branch was hatched and masterminded by one Arif Dar alias Abu Haibat-ul-lah of Lelhar Kakapora, who is an active local terrorist of LeT outfit, along with two other terrorists of foreign origin, identified by their codes, Abu Ali and Abu Ismail," the spokesman said. He said they provided all the support for facilitating the dacoity, including transportation, logistics and conducting of recce. "The group also used the services of Tanvir Bhat and Raqeeb Rather, also residents of Chewa Kalan, who were also arrested," the spokesman said. The spokesman said the hunt is on for other persons involved in the crime and recover the stolen money. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Niti Aayog Vice-Chairman Arvind Panagariya today acknowledged that the move will impact economic activity and growth due to lack of liquidity in the system which could be in short supply for three months. "In the short run, you have a liquidity crunch. It is going to impact economic activity and it is also happening. The problem is being gradually solved, liquidity is being put into the system back and at the pace at which we're going, I imagine that might be maximum a quarter during which this shortage will stay," he said at an Asia Society event here. Stating that the liquidity situation is better now than it was a fortnight ago after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the surprise move to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, Panagariya said the last month within the quarter will see a small shortage of liquidity. Speaking a day after former prime minister Manmohan Singh's statement about impact of up to 2 percentage points on growth, Panagariya said, "I think it's a matter of a quarter and how much impact on the growth rate that happens in this quarter is anybody's estimate." He said the exercise has positives like getting a lot of money into the formal financial system, and the increase in deposits will enhance financial intermediation in the economy and make it an "exciting quarter" for financial firms. Panagariya said the smooth flow of vehicles due to a limited period toll waiver and zero hassles from policemen looking for bribes will also be of help. He, however, parried the question when IDFC Bank's chief Rajiv Lal flagged concerns over banks' NPAs as toll road companies do not pay up. "What is more important, economic growth or asset quality?" Panagariya asked. The economist said the move will also help the nation's morale after having been "plagued by corruption for long". Asked if preparations for the audacious exercise could have been better, Panagariya said secrecy was crucial. "Somebody at the top has to take a call on when is the right time. If the trade-off was that, it would cause inconvenience, let me use my political capital," he said, pointing out that there was already a news item on October 27 pointing out the exact details of the plan. He also said Niti Aayog is working on publication of state-level rankings on social indicators like education, health and water. It is also looking to create coastal employment zones which will require upwards of 500 sq km each, starting with Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. The idea is to have zones concentrating on manufacturing as in China, and "these two states have the best potential due to favourable labour and land acquisition laws". Panagariya spoke of China facing troubles on multiple fronts, including cost of labour, and "it is up to us to seize the opportunity created by it and increase our share in merchant trade globally". In a virtual washout of its proceedings, Lok Sabha was adjourned for the seventh consecutive day today with Opposition parties vociferously protesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dig at their protest against demonetisation and demanding an apology from him. Demanding his presence in the House, Opposition members raised slogans asking Modi to make his statements inside the House and not to attack them outside. As soon as the House met, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that the Constitution Day would be observed tomorrow and referred to the 8th anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks. Leader of Congress in the House Mallikarjun Kharge referred to Modi's remarks at a function earlier in the day in which he had hit out at the Opposition over demonetisation. Modi had said opposition parties were attacking him as they did not get time to prepare in advance. "The issue now is not our demand for an adjournment motion but the remarks of the Prime Minister... He said the Opposition supports black money," Kharge said as members from various opposition parties rushed to the Well demanding that the PM make a statement in the Lok Sabha. The Opposition members were heard shouting "Pradhan Mantri sadan mein aao...Himmat hai toh sadan mein bolo," (PM, come to the House. If you have the courage, speak in the House). Expressing anguish that the Opposition was not ready to help run the House, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for over 35 minutes till noon. There was no let up in the Opposition's protests when the House reassembled, even though the Speaker persisted with the Zero Hour for over 35 minutes in which members raised certain issues amid the din. TMC leader Sudip Bandhopadhyay was allowed to speak when the members of his party withdrew from the Well for a while, but Mahajan did not allow Kharge speak as Congress members continued to shout slogans and remained present in the Well. Modi's comments have hurt the Opposition's feelings, the TMC leader said, demanding that he withdraw them and apologise, drawing protests from treasury benches. Rejecting Congress members' demand that Kharge be allowed to speak, she said "you will remain in the Well, shout slogans, tear papers and would like to speak as well. I cannot allow it." She adjourned the House for the day as Opposition members including those from the Congress, TMC, Left and RJD continued with their protest and slogan-shouting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lt Gen Amarjeet Singh Bedi today took over as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Gajraj Corps located at Tezpur. Bedi replaced Lt Gel Devraj Anbu who has proceeded to take over as GOC-in-C Northern Command, an official release said here. Lt Gen Bedi has been commissioned into Garhwal Rifle Regiment on June 13, 1981 and has a distinguished military career, in which he has executed important Command, Staff and Instructor appointments. He has the credentials of having commanded the oldest Infantry Brigade of the Indian Army - The Formidable Fifth in Arunachal Pradesh and Trishul Division in Leh. His staff appointments include Colonel General Staff (China) Headquarters Army Training Command and Major General General staff at Headquarters Eastern Command, the release said. Prior to taking over the Command of the Gajraj Corps he has served as General Officer Commanding Bengal Area. Lt Gen Bedi has also done various courses to include the prestigious Defence Service Staff College course at Wellington, Senior Command Course at Army War College, Higher Command Course from NDU, Beijing, and NDC Course at National Defence College. He has been decorated with Vishist Seva Medal in 2012 and Yudh Seva Medal in 2015 for his distinguished and gallant service, the release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has railed against a US court ruling that convicted two of his nephews for drug trafficking, calling it an "imperialist attack." The socialist leader also defended First Lady Cilia Flores as a "revolutionary" in his first public reaction to the guilty verdict handed down by a New York jury a week ago against two of her brothers' sons. The pair -- Efrain Antonio Campo Flores, 30, and Francisco Flores de Freitas, 31 -- were convicted of plotting to smuggle 800 kilos of cocaine into the United States. But the Venezuelan government, which has testy relations with the United States, says they were framed. "Do you think this was a coincidence?" Maduro asked supporters at a rally in Caracas yesterday. "Do you think it was a coincidence that the imperialists fabricated a case whose sole objective was to attack the first lady, the first combattant, the president's wife?" His remarks drew cheers from the crowd, which included Flores, a former attorney general and speaker of the National Assembly. Maduro is fending off opposition attempts to force him from power over an economic crisis that has triggered food shortages, looting and riots. The leftist leader -- the political heir to the late Hugo Chavez -- calls the crisis a capitalist conspiracy backed by the United States. His nephews were arrested in Haiti in November and flown to New York by US Drug Enforcement Administration agents. Their lawyers argued the pair were not crafty enough to carry out the scheme and merely fell into a trap set by the DEA, in a covert operation in which USD 20 million was offered for the drugs. Prosecutors argued the men believed they were above the law as Maduro's relatives. Sentencing is set for March 7. The pair face 10 years to life in prison. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Beleaguered liquor baron has filed an application in the Karnataka High Court for recalling its order summoning him for allegedly violating an undertaking given by him and his companies not to transfer their equity shares in United Breweries to Diageo Plc. When the matter came up for hearing today, the court adjourned it to December 2. On October 20, a division bench comprising justices Jayant Patel and Aravind Kumar, while passing orders on petitions by a consortium of banks led by State Bank of India, summoned Mallya to appear before it yesterday. "The application was filed three days back," Nagananda, senior counsel for SBI-led bankers, told PTI. The banks have accused Mallya of violating the undertaking given by him and his companies, including Kingfisher Airlines, not to transfer their equity shares in United Breweries Holdings Limited (UBHL) after Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) had restrained Standard Chartered Bank, with which the shares had been pledged, from handing over the same to Diageo Plc. The DRT, in its order last year, had restrained Standard Chartered Bank from transferring to Diageo Plc or anyone else, the equity shares of United Breweries Holding Limited (UBHL) pledged by Mallya and his son Siddharth with the bank. In their pleas, the banks alleged that despite the earlier order by DRT, Standard Chartered Bank was in the process of transferring to Diageo Plc the equity shares. Diageo Plc, the world's largest spirits maker, which acquired control of United Spirits (USL) in 2012, had issued a guarantee to Standard Chartered Bank for a $135 million (around Rs 877 crore) loan to Watson Limited, a firm affiliated to Mallya, to release certain UBHL shares that were to be acquired as part of the deal. The banks had also said the very pledging of the shares by Mallya was illegal. Mallya, whose now-defunct group company Kingfisher Airlines owes over Rs 9,000 crore to 17 banks, had left the country on March 2 and is in the UK. He has been declared a proclaimed offender by a special PMLA court in Mumbai on a plea by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with its money laundering probe against him in the alleged bank loan default case. STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 25, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: During a briefing on November 25 in the Parliament, head of the Armenian delegation to NATO PA Koryun Nahapetyan said Cavusoglu spoke about frozen conflicts in his report, and mentioned the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Lawmakers got the chance to address questions to the Turkish foreign minister after his report. I started my question saying that Turkey continues to negatively impact the process of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. Furthermore, I asked about Turkeys relations with different terrorist groups. The Turkish FM answered my questions nervously and hysterically. Basically, without giving any clear answer to my questions, he began counterattacking. He started accusing Armenians for being unfair and dishonest, and then commented on the Armenian Genocide, saying that Armenians are spreading lies throughout the world. Cavusoglu reminded that Turkey has proposed to create a committee of attorneys in order to study the issue, Nahapetyan said. The MP added at that moment he didnt have the right to respond, however he responded to Cavusoglu during the next days defense committee session, when he had the right to address a question to the Chief of General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces. I clearly presented how many countries have recognized the Armenian Genocide, and I said that the issue needs no study, and there is no need of forming any committee, Nahapetyan said. Koryun Nahapetyan underscored, that Turkeys FM was so perplexed after his question that he began speaking about what made him become a diplomat. ASALA was mentioned here, that actions were carried out by that organization which resulted in Turkish diplomats being victims. He recalled, that his mother urged him not to become a diplomat, because he would suffer the same fate, and he, ignoring his mothers calls, decided to become a diplomat. At that moment a ridiculous situation occurred in the session hall, everyone realized what was going on. He was unable to give clear answers to our questions and claims and attempted to counterattack, Nahapetyan said. Nahapetyan also addressed a question to the Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces regarding Turkeys actions in Syria and Iraq and their relations with terrorist groups, which was followed by the latters hysterical response, saying as if the Armenian delegate is spreading disinformation, since there are no clear proofs that Turkey has ties with terrorist groups. The Chief of the General Staff also began to accuse Armenians in having ties with terrorist groups. Rejecting former prime minister Manmohan Singh's criticism of demonetisation, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said the NDA government is trying to transform the previous regime of "loot and plunder" into a more "honest system". "We are trying to transform India's economy where there is a premium on honesty... We switched over from a system which promotes it (corruption, dubious political funding, bribery) into a more ethical system which the developing economies in the world has followed," Jaitley told Times Now. He regretted that the Congress-led UPA government did not find the 2G spectrum auction, coal auction and the CWG scam, the crony capitalism at its worst as "organised loot and plunder". "The transformation into a more honest system is being called loot and the kind of regime that we saw between 2004-14 is being called the Indian normal. This hypothesis I completely reject," Jaitley said. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha yesterday, Singh had termed the implementation of demonetisation as a "monumental management failure" and a case of "organised loot and legalised plunder" and would lead to 2 per cent decline in GDP. Taking a dig at the government's contention that demonetisation would benefit in the long run, the former prime minister recalled a famous quote by economist J M Keynes that "in the long run, we are all dead". Jaitley retorted by saying, "Yes, of course, we will all be dead, but when we get an opportunity to be in government, are we only to think about our own generation? The country will live on even when we are all dead. Therefore, what is the legacy for that country which we are going to leave behind?" He took on the previous UPA government, saying that between 2004-14, it did not want to take any decision and therefore left a "terrible legacy" behind. "But the present Prime Minister doesn't want to leave behind a legacy of 'do-nothing' approach or a policy paralysis. He has taken a very courageous decision in which we want to transform India and even in the long run...," Jaitley said. "The country will live on," he added, wondering whether "we are going to leave behind a better country or going to leave behind a status quo... Many Sikhs in the UK reject being described as "Indian" or "Asian" and would prefer a separate ethnic category created for a Sikh identity, according to the findings of the UK Sikh Survey 2016 released today. The annual survey by the Sikh Network, involving 4,500 respondents from across the UK, also found that the community continues to face discrimination and hate crimes. "This report contains the network's findings and is intended to assist government departments, other public bodies and political parties to understand existing trends and developments of the British Sikh community. "19 out of 20 Sikhs reject being described as 'Indian' or 'Asian'; 93.5 per cent of Sikhs would welcome the inclusion of a separate ethnic tick box for Sikhs in the Census 2021; and more than 94 per cent of Sikhs would welcome a Statutory Code of Practice for the five Ks [kesh, kara, kanga, kachha and kirpan] and Sikh turban," the survey concludes. It also highlights some "serious" implications for UK-India relations, with a majority of respondents calling for an "independent public inquiry" into the actions of the UK government in the lead up to and after the June 1984 Operation Blue Star action at Golden Temple in Amritsar. "92 per cent think there should be an independent public inquiry to establish the full facts about UK government involvement in the attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib in 1984," the report says. It says Sikhs in Britain continue to face discrimination and hate crimes with almost one in five having encountered discrimination in a public place over the past year and one in seven directly experiencing workplace discrimination. "Sikhs have remained 'invisible' to the government since 9/11 despite increased levels of discrimination and hate crimes targeting Sikhs. There are many important messages in the report around the unique British Sikh identity; discrimination, hate crime and grooming; education, employment and contribution to society and political activism and representation," Sikh Federation UK said. The report found that Sikhs who wear religious iconography or clothing are most likely to experience abuse, with men in turbans more vulnerable than women. The most common places where discrimination is experiences are airports and public transport. The survey also notes that hate crimes against Sikhs are "wrongly" recorded as Islamophobic incidents by police, leading to a distortion of data. It highlights that Sikhs form one of the most highly educated groups in the UK, with 58 per cent having a degree or equivalent. Unemployment among Sikhs is almost half the general UK jobless rate, with more than one in five self-employed. The UK is home to over 432,000 Sikhs, according to the 2011 census, making up 0.7 per cent of the population. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Matt Smith was held at gunpoint in South Africa during the shoot of Netflix series "The Crown". The actor was relaxing in a Cape Town bar when the altercation happened, reported Digital Spy. "We went to South Africa and a guy pulled a gun on me. "This guy came up to us and said, 'What are you looking at?' We were drunk. We said, 'Nothing, mate. No worries.' He was like, 'I'll shoot you, bru!' "He had a gun! Really stupidly, we just went to the bar across the street. I don't know why we didn't just leave altogether. He came up to the window, and went (tap, tap, tap), no word of a lie, he had a Crocodile Dundee knife in his hand. A bouncer came up and was like, 'Get out of here!'" Smith said. The actor will soon return to South Africa for more filming after he jets off to Australia for a major chunk of the second series' production. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed all ministries and departments to switch to online transactions or cheque mode and at the same time ensure downstream payments, including by contractors to labourers, go cashless too. The decision in this regard, sources said, was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Modi yesterday. The Cabinet is also believed to have discussed amending laws to levy close to 60 per cent income tax on unaccounted deposits in banks above a threshold post cancellation of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes from November 9. The directive to government ministries on going cashless is seen as a move to curb corruption and promote ease of doing business. The food as well as agriculture ministries held meetings to chalk out steps to shift to cashless transactions at the earliest. "The Prime Minister is very serious on the issue of cashless transactions. Our officials have been told to go cashless as far as possible," Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan told PTI after the meeting. Paswan said organisations like Food Corporation of India (FCI), Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Limited (NCCF) under his ministry are already cashless to the tune of about 99 per cent. The sources further said officials have been asked to send status report about their respective ministries and departments to PMO. A follow-up Cabinet meet too could be held soon. Post demonetisation of old high-value currency, several banks have already waived transaction charges on debit card payments till December 30. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Under relentless opposition fire over demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today took a swipe at his critics, saying their "pain" was that they did not get a "chance for preparation" before he announced the move, even as political battle over the exercise escalated. "Some people are criticising saying the government did not make ample preparation. I think that is not the issue that the government did not make ample preparation. I think the pain of such people is that the government did not give a chance to make any preparation," he said at a book launch function in Delhi. "If these people had got 72 hours to make their preparation, they would have lavished praise that there is no one like Modi," Modi, whose demonetisation drive has united most opposition parties, said. With Parliamentary proceedings washed out for the seventh straight day today, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi dared the Prime Minister to a debate in Parliament. "The main issue is that the Prime Minister doesn't come to the Lok Sabha for discussion. The moment he comes to Lok Sabha, doodh ka doodh, paani ka paani ho jayega (everything will be clear). "The PM doesn't want to sit in Lok Sabha. We have been stopped from speaking in the Lok Sabha. What you are you scared of ?" Gandhi asked. Stepping up her attack against Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called him "a bad politician and a worse administrator who is spreading lies and relaxing even as the common people continue to suffer". "Modi ji has lost all credibility. A bad politician and even worse administrator. He is lying," she said in a statement in Kolkata. She also claimed that Rs 1.28 lakh crore had been lost forever due to the scrapping of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. Her Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar, however, reaffirmed his support to demonetisation decision which he called a 'Sahsik' (brave) decision. He said the attack on black money would have yielded better results had, apart from scrapping high-value currency notes, benami properties been targeted. In the same breath he, however, deprecated the way in which demonetisation was carried out. "While supporting demonetisation in principle, I, with equal force, criticise the poor arrangements for its implementation due to which common man is facing hardship," Kumar, who is also the JD(U) national president, told reporters in Patna. Kumar, who was among the first to welcome demonetisation, said, "I am seeing a minus with plus whereas many others are seeing only minuses." BJP chief Amit Shah, who was in Bhubaneshwar, hailed demonetisation as a "masterstroke" for black money eradication and said the opposition unity on the issue was because the parties which had come together were hit hard by the decision. "Modiji's move on black money has made leaders like Manmohan Singh, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, Mulayam Singh, Mayawati and others uncomfortable. The glow on their faces has disappeared," he a BJP event. "When there is flood, snakes and mongooses, rats and cats stay together on trees. Now, Modi's demonetisation flood has forced the leaders of the SP, Congress, Mamata, Mulayam, Mayawati and Kejriwal to take shelter under one umbrella. They are waiting for Modi's flood water (step against black money) to recede," he quipped. Modi, who was in Punjab's Bathinda for an event later in the day, made a pitch for mobile banking to ease people's problems due to demonetisation. "You can download mobile applications provided by banks on your phones and I want to urge political leaders, teachers, youth to give training to people on mobile banking," he said. "You know because of corruption, black money, the middle class had been exploited and poor people were shorn of their rights. I want to stop it and give poor people their due rights," he said adding, "black money is eating into the country like termite." "Therefore, Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes have been banned and new notes will gradually reach (people). I am short of words for thanking people who suffer difficulties (due to demonetisation) but continue to stand in support of this work of honesty," he said. The CPI-M continued to target Modi over the exercise, with its general secretary Sitaram Yechury calling him Delhi's authoritarian ruler (Muhammad bin) "Tuglaq" who has "gone missing" after issuing the "firman" (diktat). "Barely 20-25% of cash demand being met in Metros. Rural areas even worse. While Tughlaq goes missing after his firman," Yechury tweeted. 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. The Congress today accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "not being worthy of trust" as he has failed to fulfil any of his promises. Congress spokesperson Kapil Sibal said though Modi has claimed that the situation after demonetisation will be normalised in 50 days, it will take around six months for the RBI to replace all the demonetised currency. He said the Prime Minister is not ready to face Lok Sabha, where his party enjoys a majority, as his own people are against him and will stand exposed in Rajya Sabha as he would not be able to answer the questions posed to him there. "Modiji promised that he would bring back Rs 80 lakh crore black money back to India. Has he fulfilled that promise? No. He said he would bring Lokpal? Has he implemented it? "Which promise has he fulfilled? Why should we believe him? We have no faith in this Prime Minister. He is not worthy of trust," he said. Sibal further said the Prime Minister said that the situation will normalise in two days, but it did not happen. Then the Finance Minister said the situation will normalise in two weeks, but that did not happen either. "Now he says situation will normalise in 50 days. How will it normalise?" he said, adding that going by the capacity of RBI printing presses it will only be able to monetise the replaced currency in six months time. "When Modiji first entered Parliament he made a show of bowing his head and calling it a temple. Today the situation is the Prime Minister will inaugurate a book on Constitution, yet not give the Constitution the dignity it deserves. The true meaning of the Constitution. The etiquette of Parliament. On these things, the Prime Minister has no care," he alleged. Attacking Modi, Sibal said over 47 people have lost their lives till November 17 in the wake of demonetisation decision, still the country's 'chowkidar' is sleeping well. "How is the nation's 'chowkidar' sleeping while the people are facing such hardships?" he asked. The Congress leader wondered of the PM thinks that all the leaders in the Opposition are black money hoarders. "He says opposition is worried because they had no time (to change currency) but BJP had a lot of time. They (BJP) had all the information. They deposited cash and they purchased land. And then he says that it is the Opposition which is against the nation," he said. On Prime Minister speaking outside Parliament against the opposition, Sibal asked, "Why doesn't he speak in Lok Sabha. Is it because he is afraid of his own people?" He said "In the Rajya Sabha, he is silent as he will be asked questions when he comes to the House. If asked questions he would be expected to answer and if he does not answer, then he will be exposed. People will realise that the Prime Minister's knowledge may be deficient on certain topics. Sibal warned Modi not to take the country towards disaster as this could happen if the country's economic order collapses. Saying that the Congress was not asking for a rollback of the demonetisation decision as it does not expect the Prime Minister to do so, he said "I don't expect this PM to roll back. The PM mocked at our people in this country from Japan. I expect this Prime Minister to think about the promises made to the people of this country". Sibal also accused the Prime Minister of doing politics on the basis of lies. He also said that there has been a rise in ceasefire violations ever since India carried out surgical strikes. "We want you should truly handle terrorism, not through speeches or demonetising currency. Don't talk of 'achche din', but bring 'sachche din' in the country," he said. He also criticised the government, saying it has changed the rules 172 times since November 8 when it took the decision on demonetisation. Recalling Modi's criticism of UPA when the Indian currency fell internationally, the Congress leader asked, "I want to ask him if the Rupee was on an escalator. He used to say earlier that the Rupee is on a ventilator." Sibal said as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data for 2015-16, 2,203 crore pieces of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes were needed to be printed and till November 18, Rs 1.03 lakh crore has been withdrawn and Rs 33,000 crore has been exchanged. "Rs 1.3 lakh crore has been pumped into the economy. What is the value of the currency which is demonetised, it is Rs 14 lakh crore? They have four printing presses for currency and in 2015-16, the intent was to create 2203 crore pieces. "The amount printed was 2012 crore pieces. This is in one year, in two shifts. Based on this, the time required for the currency notes to be printed is at least six months. RBI has said that in the rush two variants of notes have been printed," he said. The Congress leader also cautioned that there are only 19 Issue Offices of RBI that provide currency to banks and wondered how the banks will get all this money in such a short period of time. Sibal wondered that with nearly 80 crore people earning less than Rs 10,000, "Is the money with them, black money?" He also said as per RBI, the total amount of counterfeit notes is 0.0007 per cent of the total cash floating. In this holy town, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today advocated the need for imbibing the teachings of the 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh who preached unity, peace and harmony. Modi paid obeisance at Gurdawara Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib as part of 350th Parkash Utsav of tenth Guru Gobind Singh here. Sporting the traditional 'kesri' headgear, Modi emphasized the need for inspiring coming generations to learn messages and sacrifices of the great Guru Gobind Singh. Modi began his address in chaste Punjabi by welcoming the gathering on this occasion with the holy chant of "Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh." He concluded his speech with the same chant. He said the Centre has decided to celebrate the 350th Parkash Utsav of Guru Gobind Singh throughout the country in order to spread his message nook and corner. "In coming days, there shall be a huge gathering at 'Patna Sahib' (one of the revered seats of Sikh religion) to mark 350th Parkash Utsav. For this purpose, the government has also decided to make rail service arrangement for those who wish to go to Patna Sahib," he said. He talked about the sacrifices and messages of Guru Gobind Singh, saying that the tenth Guru was committed for the unity of all. He said the Guru launched protest against inequality, discrimination in the society. "On one side there was cruelty, crime, atrocities in the society on Guru Gobind's path. But Guru Gobind Singh chose the path of bravery. He tried to imbibe bravery among people. He gave the message of fighting against cruelty with bravery," said Modi. "We should follow this Guru's mantra and also new generation should be inspired to take lessons from his messages," he said. "There is no dearth of those who believe in division but the power of those who believe in unity is much more," he said. Recalling his old days when he stayed in Punjab as BJP's in-charge of party affairs in the state, Modi said, "It is my fortune that I got an opportunity to work in Punjab for several years and because of it, I used to get opportunity on regular basis to pay obeisance at Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur." He added, "It was also my fortune that when the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee came here, I also got an opportunity to be part of the gathering here. After becoming Prime Minister, today I got an opportunity to pay obeisance at the sacred land for the first time." This is the land where for 28 years, Guru Gobind Singh tried to raise a society by virtue of his sacrifice, bravery and austerity," the Prime Minister said. "I always say that I have blood relation with this holy land. It is because I was born in Gujarat, worked here (Punjab) and one of the Panj Pyaras (five beloved ones) of Guru Gobind Singh belonged to Gujarat. "Therefore, unity among people of the country was the priorty of Guru Gobind Singh. 'Panj Pyaras' (the chosen five devotees of the Sikh God) were also from all directions of the country and one of them was from Gujarat. Therefore I feel that I have blood relation with this land," he said. On this occasion, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal honoured him by presenting robe of honour, replica of the Golden Temple and a sword. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The petroglyph rock art at Daraki-Chattan (hillock) near Bhanpura in the Mandsaur district, Madhya Pradesh, is the "world's oldest rock art" and is almost 2 to 5 lakh years' old, according to experts. The successful expedition from November 2 to 23 this year for securing scientific dates for the world's earliest rock art was led by Rock Art Society of India Secretary General Professor Giriraj Kumar along with Australian scientist Robert G Bednarik. Bednarik is the topmost rock art scientist in the world and convener of International Federation of Rock Art Organisations (IFRAO), according to Kumar. "As per our findings, this rock art at Daraki-Chattan in Bhanpur area of Mandsaur district is the world's oldest so far and is about 2-5 lakh years old," claimed Kumar, who is also Professor in Rock Art Science at Faculty of Arts in Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra. "Some of the over 530 cupules on a wall in Daraki- Chattan cave were found during research in the area which began as early as 2002," he said. "Besides we have also found hammer stones which were nearly 5 lakh years old during our research in the area," Kumar claimed. Giving details about the project, he said, "The field work for the project has just been completed in Mandsaur region of Madhya Pradesh. Its purpose was to secure samples and data to establish the age of the petroglyph rock art at Daraki-Chattan, one of the two Indian sites that feature the oldest rock art known in the world." "To succeed in this complex task, the project involves the participation of several researchers from India, Australia and Europe. It has been known for some years that this rock art, consisting of petroglyphs in a quartzite cave, is among the oldest ever found in the world, but so far the full age of this find has remained elusive to the scientists," he said. Stressing the need to protect this ancient art form which is yet to be fully protected, Kumar has held discussions about the future of the region, that is very rich in early archaeological evidence, with Mandsaur Collector Swatantra Kumar Singh and MLA Chander Singh Sisodia. A tourist centre is being established at Gandhisagar on river Chambal near the small town of Bhanpura. Professor Kumar and Bednarik suggested that to attract international visitors, the tourist centre must have something that is unique to India, if not in the world. The Bhanpura region is rich in rock art heritage and has palaeochannel of its own kind and the Daraki-Chattan, hence establishing a stone age museum at this location will become the centrepiece of the development. "This museum, certainly unique in India, and in its proposed form unique in the world, would attract considerable international tourists to the region. The museum's key exhibit would be a precise replica of the cave with the ancient rock art, while the cave itself will never become accessible to the public. This is to protect this irreplaceable cultural heritage for all future," the two scientists suggested. The project was supported by Indian Council for Historical Research (ICHR) and the Australia India Council, Canberra. Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav today announced financial assistance of Rs five lakh each for two soldiers who died in an ambush by terrorists in Machhil sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The amount has been sanctioned from the ruling party's fund, an SP release said here. The former defence minister paid tributes to martyrs Manoj Kushwaha and Shahshank Singh, who belonged to Ghazipur district of the state, and offered condolences to the bereaved families. In a cross-LoC attack by suspected Pakistani terrorists on November 22, three Indian soldiers were killed with the body of one of them being mutilated. The ambush on army patrol took place in Machhil sector of of Kupwara district in north Kashmir. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Angry Muslim protesters took to the streets from Jakarta to Dhaka today to denounce Myanmar over allegations of indiscriminate killing and rape in a military crackdown on the country's Rohingya Muslim minority. Around 5,000 Bangladeshi Muslims demonstrated in the capital Dhaka after Friday prayers, with hundreds more protesting in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Bangkok to accuse Myanmar of ethnic cleansing and genocide in its northern Rakhine state. Muslim-majority Malaysia's Cabinet also issued a statement condemning the violence, an unusually strong criticism against a fellow member of the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). "Malaysia... Calls on the government of Myanmar to take all necessary actions to address the alleged ethnic cleansing," the statement said. It said the Myanmar ambassador would be summoned over the crisis and that Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman would meet with de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other top Myanmar officials "at the earliest possible date." Up to 30,000 Rohingya have abandoned their homes in Myanmar to escape the unfolding violence, the UN says, after troops poured into the narrow strip where they live earlier this month. Rohingya are denied citizenship and subject to harsh restrictions in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, where many view them as illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh, though many have lived in Myanmar for generations. The Dhaka protesters gathered outside the Baitul Mokarram mosque, the country's largest, to demand an end to the violence, denounce Suu Kyi, and calling for Bangladesh to accept fleeing Rohingya. Around 500 Malaysians and Rohingya marched through a heavy tropical downpour from a Kuala Lumpur mosque to Myanmar's embassy carrying banners denouncing the Rakhine "genocide." Abu Tahir, a 60-year-old Rohingya man who demonstrated with a chain coiled around his body, said he had been cut off from his family in Rakhine since he fled two years ago. "The Rohingya are being treated like dogs, and are being killed," he said, tears rolling down his face. Amir Hamzah, 60, who heads the Malaysian Muslims Coalition, an NGO, said "the people of Malaysia strongly condemn" Myanmar's actions. "We want an immediate stop to the violence. This is cruel," he said. In Jakarta, around 200 demonstrators from Indonesian Islamic organisations protested outside Myanmar's embassy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 25, ARTSAKHPRESS:Head of the Armenian delegation to the NATO PA Koryun Nahapetyan told reporters on November 25 that during the entire session the Azerbaijanis were trying to create such an impression that the NK conflict is a territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and one of the delegates addressed a question to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg over this issue. NATO Secretary Generals response was very clear. He stated that NATOs stance on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict has not changed. NATO has no participation in the conflict settlement, it welcomes the ongoing process under the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairmanship format, Nahapetyan said. Nahapetyan said NATO Secretary General stated for the first time that NATO-Armenia and NATO-Azerbaijan relations are in no way connected with the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. This was a clear stance. The Secretary Generals response was clear and concrete, Nahapetyan said. He said the Azerbaijani delegation tried to spread information without corresponding to the reality during the committee sessions. He informed that in one of the draft resolutions the Azerbaijani delegation suggested to include Azerbaijan in the formulations of aggression and territorial integrity as an affected state. In this regard after the clarifications made by us and general rapporteur it became clear that such formulation will simply distort the situation and can bring approaches that can harm the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Nahapetyan said, adding that all the delegates rejected the Azerbaijani delegations proposal. Myanmar is carrying out "ethnic cleansing" of Rohingya Muslims, a UN official has reportedly said, as horrifying stories of gang rape, torture and murder emerge from among the thousands who have fled to Bangladesh. Up to 30,000 of the impoverished ethnic group have abandoned their homes in Myanmar to escape the unfolding violence, the UN says, after troops poured into the narrow strip where they live earlier this month. John McKissick, head of the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) in the Bangladeshi border town of Cox's Bazar, told the BBC that troops were "killing men, shooting them, slaughtering children, raping women, burning and looting houses, forcing these people to cross the river" into Bangladesh. Dhaka has resisted urgent international appeals to open its border to avert a humanitarian crisis, instead telling Myanmar it must do more to prevent the stateless Rohingya minority from entering. "It's very difficult for the Bangladeshi government to say the border is open because this would further encourage the government of Myanmar to continue the atrocities and push them out until they have achieved their ultimate goal of ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority in Myanmar," McKissick said. A spokesman for Myanmar President Htin Kyaw slammed the comments. "I would like to question the professionalism and ethics which should be followed and respected by UN staff. He should speak based on concrete and true facts, he shouldn't make accusations," Zaw Htay told AFP. It's not the first time such claims have been made against Myanmar. In April 2013 Human Rights Watch said it was conducting a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya - an accusation rejected by then president Thein Sein as a "smear campaign". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Reflecting growing interest among individuals to float firms, nearly 4,000 one-person were registered in the country last financial year, a 75 per cent jump from the year-ago level, Parliament was informed on Friday. The concept of one person (OPCs), introduced in the Act, 2013, primarily benefits entrepreneurs and facilitates easier access to funding sources through an institutional establishment. During 2015-16, a total of 3,912 one-person companies were registered in the country, against 2,233 such firms in the preceding financial year, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal informed the Lok Sabha. Besides, a total of 149 foreign companies were registered in the country last year as compared to 157 during 2014-15. Over the last five financial years, 918 foreign companies got registered in India. The number of foreign companies registered in the country stood at 4,357 at the end of the last fiscal as against 3,439 as on March 31, 2011. There was no foreign firm categorised as vanishing company in the last two years. Vanishing companies are those that failed to file statutory returns with the Registrar of Companies and stock exchanges for two years. Besides, the companies and their directors are not traceable. Replying to a query on the steps taken by the government to prevent registration of vanishing companies, the minister said the mandates that an individual must possess Director Identification Number (DIN), which is allotted on verification of ID and address proof, to become director of the company. Further, it requires physical verification of registered office address of the company. The total number of new firms registered in India during 2015-16 stood at 84,481, the minister noted. In a separate reply, Meghwal said his ministry has utilised Rs 4.40 crore out of Rs 4.50 crore allotted for investor education last financial year under the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). The ministry organises investors awareness programmes in association with three institutes- Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Institute of Company Secretaries of India, Institute of Cost Accountants of India and Common Service Centres (CSC)- in urban as well as rural areas. With people already gearing up for their New Year's travel plans, a new survey has revealed New Zealand to be their favourite destination for welcoming 2017. According to Skyscanner's latest study that unravels the favourite New Year destinations of the Indian traveler, New Zealand tops the charts with travel searches for the Pacific island nation having increased by 52 per cent over the past year. "Crunching numbers from over 50 million users every month, New Zealand emerged as a clear favorite among Indian travelers, witnessing a growth of 52 per cent in travel searches from last year. "With a host of airlines offering economical deals to the country, New Zealand is now well within the reach of the aspiring traveler," says the study. While the preferred destinations range across continents with an interesting mix of countries in the Asia Pacific, Europe and Middle East, in order to narrow down to places where Indians will be ushering in 2017, the survey drew upon comparisons between travel searches from 2015 and 2016. Neighbouring Australia is the second most searched destination with an increase of 47 per cent in travel searches compared to last year. Other popularly searched destinations include Malaysia and the United Kingdom which saw a surge of 28 and 15 per cent respectively since 2015. "It is exciting to witness a change in the perspective of the Indian travelers. Moving away from the cliched holiday spots, Indians are willing to travel far and wide for seasonal holidays. Distance and budget are no longer considered constraints to plan a holiday," says Reshmi Roy, Growth Manager, Skyscanner. Offering a microscopic insight, the survey also highlights the travel emanating for New Year from Delhi. "The Land of Down Under is the preferred holiday spot for Delhiites, with a whopping Year Over Year(YoY) increase of 120 per cent in searches," the study revealed. Australia is followed closely by travel queries for Malaysia and France which rose 101 per cent and 42 per cent respectively. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The two Houses of Bihar legislature today mourned the death of over 148 passengers, about three dozen out of them from Bihar, in the Indore-Patna express train accident on November 20. On the opening day of the state Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council for the six-day long Winter Session, the members stood in silence in memory of the victims of the train tragedy. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav, Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar along with Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhary paid respects to the departed souls. In the Legislative Council, Chairman Awdesh Narayan Singh, Leader of Opposition Sushil Kumar Modi, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi and other members mourned the death of victims. The Legislative Assembly also condoled the death of former Governors A R Kidwai, Mohammad Shafi Kureishi and other past legislators of the House. The House condoled the deaths of former MLAs Jawahar Paswan, Yaduvanshi Rai, Yuvraj, Ram Iqbal Singh Warsi and Amrendra Mishra. Later the Speaker said he would convey the sentiment of the House to the families of all the bereaved. The Bihar Legislative Council also stood in silence in respect of former Jammu and Kashmir Governor S K Sinha and soldiers who lost their lives on the borders in attacks from Pakistan. Both Houses were adjourned after the obituary references to meet on Monday again. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice Chancellor's post is vacant in four out of 41 Central Universities which come under the HRD ministry, the Rajya Sabha was informed today. The position of Vice Chancellor (VC) is vacant in Visva Bharati, Mizoram University, Pondicherry University and Nagaland University, HRD minister Prakash Javadekar said in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha. He said that 14 positions of Registrar and 19 position of Finance Officer are also vacant in Central Universities. Javadekar said the process of appointing Vice Chancellor is a time consuming exercise which involves getting Executive Council/Court's nominees of the concerned University, constitution of search-cum-selection committee, advertisement of post, scrutiny of large number of applications, interaction with the shortlisted candidates, getting vigilance clearances of all the candidates in the panel from all institutions where they have served in the previous 10 years, approval of competent authority etc. The minister added that "hence, no time frame can be indicated" regarding the filling up of these vacancies. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today described as a "dangerous precedent" Prime Minister Narendra Modi decision to 'deny' permission to an all-party delegation from Kerala to discuss problems related to the demonetisation policy. "Never before in the history of independent India has the Prime Minister declined to meet the delegation of a state. Having served as Chief Minister yourself, I hope you can understand the gravity of this decision and the dangerous precedent it establishes," he said in a letter to Modi. He said the Kerala Legislative Assembly had unanimously resolved to send an all-party delegation to discuss problems related to the demonetisation policy. "It is shocking that you have denied permission to this delegation, which not only amounts to an insult to the state of Kerala, but also to the federal structure of India enshrined in our Constitution," he said. The senior Congress leader also hit out at Modi, accusing him of evading a constructive discussion in both houses of Parliament on the demonetisation issue, "something that has been consistently demanded by all opposition parties for the past 16 days." "This undermines Parliament's sovereignty and ignores the suffering and pain that demonetisation has caused the people of India," Chandy said. Noting that almost all political parties had welcomed the decision to demonetise Rs 500 and 1000 notes as an anti corruption measure, Chandy, however, said, "the ill conceived and hastily implemented policy has plunged the common man's life abruptly into abysses for no fault of theirs. Chandy also drew the Prime Minister's attention to the 'crisis' Kerala's co-operative sector is undergoing as a result of restrictions imposed by RBI in the context of demonetisation. He said the restrictions on withdrawal of cash from co-operative banks has crippled the co-operative sector and brought it to a grinding halt. He said the sector, which accounts for over Rs 1,30,000 crore of total deposits in Kerala, plays a crucial role in sustaining the state, especially the rural economy. Chandy said that all parties in Kerala, except BJP, had passed a resolution in the assembly, requesting the union government to ease the restrictions so that the co-operative sector can tide over the present crisis. "I take this opportunity to appeal to your good self to direct the RBI to do the needful at the earliest,"Chandy said in the letter. He said the Prime Minister should take Parliament and all state governments into confidence to evolve holistic strategies to solve this crisis. Noted journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, who was a part of the three-member interlocutors group for Jammu and Kashmir in 2008, passed away here today after brief illness. 72-year-old Padgaonkar, a former editor of The Times of India, was unwell for past several weeks and died at a hospital in Pune, family sources said. He passed away at a private hospital here where he was brought in a critical condition last week. "Padgaonkar was brought to Ruby Hall Clinic here from Prayag Hospital in a critical condition on November 18. When he was brought here, he was on ventilator support and there was multi-organ failure. From the day of admission, he was on dialysis and ventilator support," Sanjay Pathare, Director, medical services, Ruby Hall Clinic said. Pathare said a team of doctors tried to revive Padgaonkar, but he breathed his last today. Born in Pune in 1944, Padgaonkar did his schooling from St Vincent's High School and later graduated from Fergusson College in political science. He began his career in journalism at an early age and joined the Times of India as its Paris correspondent after receiving a doctorate in Humanities in 1968. He served the paper in various capacities before he was appointed its editor in 1988, a post he held for six years. In between, from 1978 to 1986, he also worked with UNESCO in Bangkok and Paris. Padgaonkar was appointed as one of the members of the three-member interlocutors group on Jammu and Kashmir, set up by the government after continuous unrest in the Valley in 2008. The veteran journalist had once said that he held the second most important job in the country after the Prime Minister. Founder editor of the online website The Wire Sidharth Vardarajan said it was a "terrible loss". "Just heard that my friend and former editor, Dileep Padgaonkar, passed away in Pune. Terrible loss, feel gutted," he said on Twitter. Senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai said Padgaonkar was "a man of culture and intellect". "My first editor Dileep Padgaonkar, a man of culture and intellect, someone who encouraged young talent, has passed away," he tweeted. Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted, "Very saddened by passing away of dear friend, veteran journalist Dileep Padgaonkar. Condolences to the family. (Reopens BOM4) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also condoled Padgaonkar's death. "Saddened to know about the demise of eminent journalist and thinker Shri Dilip Padgaonkar ji. He will be remembered not only as a writer but also a true humanist. Our deepest condolences to his family," he tweeted. Noted journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, who was a member of the three-member interlocutors group for Jammu and Kashmir, passed away today after brief illness here. 72-year-old Padgaonkar, a former editor of The Times of India, was unwell for past several weeks and died at a hospital in Pune, family sources said. Padgaonkar began his career in journalism at an early age and joined the Times of India as its Paris correspondent after receiving a doctorate in humanities in 1968. He served the paper in various capacities before he was appointed its editor in 1988, a post he held for six years. In between, from 1978 to 1986, he also worked with UNESCO in Bangkok and Paris. Padgaonkar was appointed as one of the members of the three-member Interlocutors Group on Jammu and Kashmir, set up by the government after continuous unrest in the Valley in 2008. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) National Students' Union of India (NSUI) has passed a resolution in its national executive here demanding a ban on onshore and offshore casinos in Goa and the gambling activity allowed on their premises. The student wing of Congress also passed a resolution to fight against the alleged attempts of BJP and RSS to destroy the social fabric of the country in its three-day conclave concluded on Wednesday. "The meeting passed educational, economic and political resolutions that include the fight against BJP and RSS' deliberate attempts of trying to destroy the social fabric of India," NSUI president Amrita Dhawan told reporters last night. She alleged that the BJP-led state government had gained notoriety for its frequent U-turns on the promises made to people. "One of the major poll promises of BJP during the 2012 elections was abolition of casinos in Goa. That has not happened. On the contrary, we can see BJP adding to the list of casinos," she alleged. "We demand that casinos should be banned in order to keep the issues arising out of gambling addiction under control. We also resolve to fight against casinos till they are banned," Dhawan said. The NSUI president claimed that the growing menace of drugs was another important issue as it had brought students on the "verge of distress". Dhawan alleged drugs are in "public circulation and consumption" in the coastal state. "The authorities are doing absolutely nothing about it (to check spread of drugs). We resolve to continue fighting against drugs till they are completely wiped out of the state," she said. Dhawan alleged that there was a lot of "unrest and anger" amongst the students' communities in the country in the last two years over "BJP and RSS' attempts to take over educational institutions". "As the country's largest and most responsible student organisation, we are concerned about the infiltration of RSS' ideology into the education system by the ruling BJP government aggressively," she claimed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha police today asked top Maoist leader Ramakrishna alias RK, to surrender and avail better treatment for injuries sustained during the October 24 encounter with security personnel in Malkangiri district. "We call upon Maoist leader RK to surrender and get better medical treatment. He has sustained injuries on legs during the exchange of fire between jawans and Maoists at Panasput jungle in cut-off area in the district," Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra told reporters here. Stating that RK has been under treatment privately at an undisclosed Maoist camp in Odisha-Andhra border for the last one month, Mohapatra said the Odisha government would not hesitate to provide him better medical treatment. Sources said both the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh Police have alerted all the hospitals about the possible arrival of RK for treatment. Therefore, the top Maoist leader is unable to get better treatment for his injuries. He is being treated locally, they said. Mohapatra said RK managed to escape from the site while his son Munna and a member of his protection team were killed in the encounter. Immediately after the encounter on October 24 last, Maoist supporters had claimed that RK was in police custody. Even his wife had filed a habeas corpus petition in the Hyderabad High Court. The police had informed the court that RK was not arrested and neither was in in police custody. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) For the first time a patrol officer visits villages in an area overlooked by the great bulk of Mount Elimbari. The kiap hears stories about large objects dropping from a giant aircraft. These bombs have to be jettisoned, got rid of, before the aircraft can make an emergency landing at Mt Hagen. AN American bomber flies somewhere over the central highlands of Papua New Guinea. It shouldnt be there. It may be lost. Its low on fuel. And in its bomb-bay are three bombs. He also hears about how one exploded and killed many village people. Another hit the ground in heavy bush. And there is a third, which still lies in rough stony country. The villagers wont go near this third object, and speak of it with fear. The patrol officer understands its a bomb and reports its location to headquarters in Port Moresby. As the years go by, other patrol officers also report the bomb. World War II left many tons of live ammunition in the coastal areas of Papua New Guinea. Australian army officers were kept busy exploding it safely. But, in the highlands, this was rare, almost unheard of. The Mount Elimbari bomb sat there alone, ignored by the authorities, a low priority. 1953 On my first patrol as a cadet patrol officer I accompanied Tony Keogh, a senior patrol officer, trekking from village to village through the area below Mount Elimbari. Knowing of the bomb, we wanted to hear the story from the people affected. One was an old man. One day we were frightened by a noise, bigger than thunder, he said. The next day we found a big, heavy thing, round like a tree-trunk and as long as a man. We thought the big noise must have been the gods telling us they were sending this thing. It seemed to be made of the same strong stone as the white mans axes. We thought the gods must be sending us many good things. We tried to open the object but couldnt make a mark on it. Our medicine men worked strong sorcery to make it open. Nothing happened. So we tied bush rope around it and all the young men dragged it into the middle of our village. There was much talk, everyone had ideas of how to open it. Mostly they said, We use fire to harden our spears, we use fire to help us hunt, we use fire to crack stones. Fire is our friend. We must use fire to open this god-given gift. We built a big fire all around it and kept it going all night and the next day and the next night. We made special dances around it and made up songs for it. It was hard work gathering enough firewood. When the sun rose on the third day, I went into the bush to get more firewood. Suddenly, a noise bigger than the first noise, deafened me and a very strong wind threw me to the ground. I think I passed out. Then I realised there was complete silence. I was shaking with fear. After a while, I picked up the firewood I had gathered and walked towards the village. There were no leaves on the trees. Some branches had broken off. Then I came to a man lying on the ground. There was blood all over him. He was dead. I saw more bodies, some with parts missing, all dead. I knew these people. All the village houses were not there any more. It was very quiet. Then I went crazy. I ran along the track towards the next village, screaming all the time. I met some men coming to see what the big noise was. I dont remember anything after that. This man was one of only a few people who survived the bombs explosion. The bad news spread quickly and from that day no one would go anywhere near the third bomb. Tony, like several of his predecessors, reported the presence of the third bomb to headquarters. We thought no more about it. 1954 I was camped at 8,000 feet, the highest point on Daulo Pass where the road crossed a mountain divide, supervising the maintenance and improvement of this narrow, winding vehicle track. A LandRover pulled up one morning and out jumped a man in Australian Army uniform. Bruce Herron, he said and handed me a note which read: Take this bomb disposal man to the unexploded bomb and it was signed ID Ian Downs, my District Commissioner. Bruce Herron had only three days for this job. I gathered some basic patrol gear, threw it into his LandRover and we set off for Chuave, a patrol post near the base of Mount Elimbari. The resident patrol officer was on patrol elsewhere, so we slept the night in his house. We needed a small line of carriers, but my attempts at recruiting them locally were met with absolute refusal. We wont go anywhere near that bomb. It is very dangerous. The whole area is ples tambu, forbidden. Eventually I persuaded two teachers, a medical orderly and a mission worker, all from coastal areas and who had lived through wartime bombings. The climb up the steep track from Chuave at 5,000 feet to a Mission station at 7,000 feet tested our legs and lungs. The American missionary, Bill, knew where the bomb was and joined our small party as a guide. There was no track. We had to break bush and climb over the tumbled boulders of Mount Elimbaris scree slope. The bomb lay in a steep gully half buried under a huge boulder the size of two mini-buses. Strike a light! said Bruce, thats a 1,500 pounder. From the descriptions I read, I expected a 500. He told the carriers to walk back the way wed come for at least ten minutes and wait for us there. Then he noted the time on his watch and led Bill and me over a steep ridge until he found a safe place some distance down the slope. That took us three minutes. This is where we go to wait for the explosion. We walked back to the bomb and watched in silence while he moulded plastic explosive to the thinnest part of the bomb casing, measured out nine minutes of fuse, crimped the detonator to one end, lit a cigarette until it glowed red and touched it to the free end of the fuse which started to splutter with menace. Okay, lets go, Bruce said, and we went so fast it took us only two minutes to get to our safe place. Lie on your backs, snuggle into the sloping ground and look up. Youre looking for falling rocks and broken branches. After it explodes stay there and keep looking. Bruce watched his watch. Half a minute. How slowly the time went. Any time now. He had barely spoken when the ground smashed into my back and jolted my hat off my head. A deafening percussion assaulted my body with a roar of an intensity beyond my experience. My body shook and echoes and re-echoes bounced from near and far. Falling boulders thumped back to earth and several trees crashed down. Missionary Bill panicked, leapt up and scrambled down the hill. Stop. Stop. Get down, yelled Bruce. No effect. Stop, you stupid bugger. Bruce poured out a colourful steam of Army invective and curdling blasphemy until Bill stopped and curled himself into a ball, hugging his legs. As the noise eased and the echoes died away, the rain of leaves and twigs fluttering down continued and a half-severed branch fell to earth. It must have been some minutes before an eerie total silence enveloped us. Bruce kept us there another five minutes before leading us cautiously back to an unrecognisable scene. Smashed, leafless trees; the boulders now gone; a pungent smell of crushed and bleeding trees, shattered rock and burnt explosive. I felt I had an inkling of what it must be like to be in a wartime bombardment. Walking back towards the Mission, we came upon several village people whod undoubtedly heard the explosion and knew its lethal power. They stared at us, wide-eyed, turned and ran into the bush with cries of fear. I couldnt understand this strange behaviour so made enquiries later in the day. I was told they had assumed wed died in the explosion, so what they saw must be our ghosts coming to haunt them. Sanitation workers who were paid their wages by a contractor in the scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes today lodged a police complaint. The workers of solid waste management department of the civic body BMC submitted a written complaint to Borivali Police against the contractor who had paid wages to them in the now useless Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. The entire matter is civil in nature and hence it has been referred to the department concerned, police said. Police asked these workers to resolve the issue by meeting the relevant authorities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan is ready for a dialogue with India on the condition that Kashmir dispute is part of it, Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs told Parliament on Friday, ahead of his visit to Amritsar for a conference on Afghanistan. Speaking in the Assembly during a debate on the LoC situation, Aziz said Pakistan is fully capable of defending its border and will not accept any "Indian influence or hegemony" under any circumstances. "We are ready for dialogue with India on the condition that Kashmir dispute is also included in it," he said. Aziz, will be travelling to Amritsar next week to attend the Heart of Asia Conference. On the diplomatic front, Aziz said Pakistan is forcefully raising the Kashmir dispute at all international forums. "Pakistan will continue to support the Kashmiris right to self-determination which is totally indigenous and led by the Kashmiri youth," he said. "We would continue extending political, diplomatic and moral support to them (Kashmiris) on international and bilateral forums," he said. Aziz asserted that Pakistan will give a befitting response to any Indian "aggression". He claimed that India is "heating up the situation" on the Line of Control to deflect attention from its "atrocities" in Kashmir. Aziz said Pakistan has written letters to the Foreign Ministers of P-5 countries to apprise them about alleged Indian "aggression" on the civilians. He claimed Pakistan has never targeted civilians but the Indian side is "deliberately" targeting them. Aziz said Pakistan, however, will continue to pursue the policy of peaceful neighbourhood. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in his remarks, said Pakistan's armed forces are fully prepared to defend the country. Khawaja claimed that several "movements for independence" were going on in India and it cannot afford the "success of Kashmir freedom movement" as it will be the end of that country. "If the Kashmir movement reaches its logical conclusion, the other movements there will also achieve success. This will be the undoing of Indian state," he said. Asif also alleged that India was supporting terrorism in Pakistan. "We have unambiguous evidence about Indian interference in our territory and dossiers in this regard have been presented before the world community," he said. Several other lawmakers from treasury and opposition benches took part in the debate. They criticised India for what they called "blatant violation of human rights in Kashmir and violation of ceasefire on the LoC." The opposition also criticised the Pakistan government for allegedly failing to respond in kind to Indian firing across the LoC and failure to highlight the Kashmir issue on international fora. Consumer electronics major Panasonic India, which today launched seven new models of air purifiers, is aiming to sell over one lakh units in the next five years. The company is aiming to grab number two slot in the air purifier segment in next two years as the market is developing on account of growing air pollution and increasing awareness. "I am expecting at least 10 times growth in next five years. By FY 2020-21, we would sell over one lakh units and would have a sale of Rs 150 crore," Panasonic India General Manager - Purifier Business Syed Moonis Ali Alvi told PTI. "We are expecting to be the number two player in the segment. Presently we are number three in the air purifier category," he said further. Last fiscal, the company sold 5,000 units and this fiscal, it is aiming to sell around 20,000 units. The company is spending around 30 per cent of its sales revenue back in the market in marketing and branding as the segment is new and developing. "We are spending this money on digital, TV and print media and creating experience zone," Alvi added. Besides, the company is also expanding its retail presence and is considering adopting direct sales system to reach out to customers. "For direct sales we are looking to hire certain agencies which are expert in door-to-door demonstration and sales to customers," he said. Alvi said online sales contribute around 40 per cent sales volume in the segment at present. "It would come down in five years as the contribution from other channels would go up. Presently, traditional channels are limited but as we move ahead, more and more number of outlets would join us," Alvi added. Panasonic's new new range is available with two types of air-filters - HEPA Composite and Composite Air Filter and is priced between Rs 11,995 and Rs 34,995. Presently, the company imports its range of air purifiers from its Hong Kong-based unit, but may consider setting up domestic production/assembling unit after the volume picks up. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Proceedings in Parliament were washed out for the seventh straight day today with the Opposition targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his utterances against those opposing demonetisation and demanding an apology from him for "wrongly accusing the opposition of holding black money". The government, however, rejected the demand. Members of parties like Congress, Trinamool Congress, SP, BSP and Left created uproar in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, taking strong objection to Modi's comments this morning that "some people" are criticising demonetisation because "the government did not give any time to them to make any preparation (to convert black money into white)." In the Rajya Sabha, as soon as the House met for the day and mourned the death of its former member Dipen Ghosh, BSP leader Mayawati was on her feet saying the Prime Minister had this morning "wrongly accused opposition of holding black money" and demanded that he should apologise for his remarks. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad questioned how Modi could make such allegations when it was made very clear by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and others during debate on demonetisation yesterday that the opposition is against black money. "How can Prime Minister level such an allegation? ... We are against black money. Prime Minister must apologise," he said as Congress and other opposition members trooped into the Well of the House, raising slogans like "Pradhan Mantri maafi mango (Prime Minister apologise)." BJP members also came into the aisles and raised slogans supporting Modi to counter the Opposition onslaught against the government and the Prime Minister. Amid the din, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said a notice under rule 267 seeking suspension of business to take up discussion on ban on 500 and 1000 rupee notes has been received from Azad. "I am ready to admit that motion provided you are ready for discussion," he said. Azad said his notice was conditional upon the Prime Minister coming to the House and listening to the entire debate and replying to it. He said when Modi had yesterday come to Rajya Sabha, "I had on behalf of the entire opposition welcomed him" and also asked whether he had come to participate in the demonetisation debate or in the Question Hour. Kurien said it had been clarified by Leader of the House Arun Jaitley that the Prime Minister will come and intervene in the debate. But Azad disagreed, saying "we were promised that Prime Minister will be in the House till the debate is over" but Modi did not return after the lunch hour yesterday. "Prime Minister says opposition is favouring black money. This is an insult of the House and of the Opposition. When we have said we are against blackmoney, when the entire Opposition has said the same, how can he say that. Prime Minister should apologise," Azad said. Mayawati said Modi has stated that if opposition was given 72 hours before demonetising high denomination currency, they would not have opposed him and instead praised him. Painting the entire Opposition as those having black money is "a lie", she said, adding that the Prime Minister will have to apologise for his remarks. Sharad Yadav (JD-U) said Modi has levelled a serious allegation and should apologise, while Ramgopal Yadav (SP) said there could not be anything more shameful than the Prime Minister alleging that the entire Opposition was a supporter of blackmoney. Derek O'Brien (TMC) said there was a good debate yesterday where everyone had opposed blackmoney. And the now Prime Minister is saying "he is a saint and we are all devils". He also demanded an apology from Modi. Kurien tried to reason with members for resuming the debate on demonetisation but Opposition members shouted slogans demanding an apology from Prime Minister. BJP members too countered them by raising slogans supporting Modi. As the pandemonium continued, Kurien adjourned the proceedings till noon. When the House reassembled and Chairman Hamid Ansari called the first question of the day, Congress members objected to taking up the Question Hour. Leader of the Opposition Azad again referred to the remarks of the Prime Minister during the book release function earlier in the day. "(The Prime Minister) levelled serious allegations on the entire Opposition. Opposition MPs are in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha...(MLAs and MLCs in) state assemblies," he said, adding that the Opposition cannot remain silent when serious allegations are levelled against them. Azad said the Prime Minister has levelled allegations that the Opposition favoured blackmoney holders. "The Prime Minister should apologise," the senior Congress leader said. Amid the din, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi was heard saying that there was no question of apology from the Prime Minister, instead the Opposition should tender an apology. At this point, Congress members trooped into the Well raising slogans as several BJP members were also seen standing in the aisles and shouting back. As the uproar continued, Chair adourned the House till 1430 hours. Similar unruly scenes erupted again when the House reassembled, forcing Kurien to call it a day. The scene in the Lok Sabha was no different, with the Opposition parties vociferously protesting against the Prime Minister's comments and demanding an apology from him. Amid the din, the House could take up only two questions during the Question Hour, before it was adjourned till noon and then for the day. Demanding his presence in the House, Opposition members raised slogans asking Modi to make his statements inside the House and not to attack them outside. As soon as the House met, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that the Constitution Day would be observed tomorrow and referred to the 8th anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks. Leader of Congress in the House Mallikarjun Kharge referred to Modi's remarks at a function earlier in the day in which he had hit out at the Opposition over demonetisation. Modi had said opposition parties were attacking him as they did not get time to prepare in advance. "The issue now is not our demand for an adjournment motion but the remarks of the Prime Minister... He said the Opposition supports black money," Kharge said as members from various opposition parties rushed to the Well demanding that the PM make a statement in the Lok Sabha. The Opposition members were heard shouting "Pradhan Mantri sadan mein aao...Himmat hai toh sadan mein bolo," (PM, come to the House. If you have the courage, speak in the House). Expressing anguish that the Opposition was not ready to help run the House, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for over 35 minutes till noon. There was no let up in the Opposition's protests when the House reassembled, even though the Speaker persisted with the Zero Hour for over 35 minutes in which members raised certain issues which could not be heard in the din. TMC leader Sudip Bandhopadhyay was allowed to speak when the members of his party withdrew from the Well for a while, but Mahajan did not allow Kharge to speak as Congress members continued to shout slogans and remained present in the Well. Modi's comments have hurt the Opposition's feelings, the TMC leader said, demanding that he withdraw them and apologise, drawing protests from treasury benches. Rejecting Congress members' demand that Kharge be allowed to speak, she said "you will remain in the Well, shout slogans, tear papers and would like to speak as well. I cannot allow it." She adjourned the House for the day as Opposition members including those from the Congress, TMC, Left and RJD continued with their protest and slogan-shouting. The chief suspect behind terrorist attacks in Brussels and Paris this year received money from a contact in the UK before he flew to France and disappeared, a British court was told today. Mohamed Abrini, who became known as the "man in the hat" following the deadly attack on Brussels airport in March, was handed 3,000 pounds by two men in Birmingham before flying to Paris and disappearing, Kingston Crown Court was told today. He had been sent to collect the money byAbdelhamid Abaaoud, who is suspected of being one of the ringleaders of the attacksacross the French capitaljust months later in which 130 people were killed. "There is no doubt that the money was handed over with the intention of assisting acts of terrorism...Abrini came to collect the money in the UK. The destination would include Syria and specifically Daesh (Islamic State)," prosecutor Max Hill told the court. Zakaria Bouffassil, 26, from Birmingham is currently on trial in Kingston for handing over the cash to Abrini which had been withdrawn from the bank account of Anouar Haddouchi, a Belgian national who had been claiming state-funded welfare benefits while living in the West Midlands with his wife. He was accompanied by Mohamed Ali Ahmed at the meeting point where the cash was handed over to Abrini. Ahmed has already admitted the charge. Hill explained that Haddouchi had left Britain for Syria in the summer of 2014. He told the jury: "His account at times contained some 7,000 pounds or more. The figure fluctuated over time because benefits payments were still going into the account, even though Haddouchi had left the country." The court heard that hours after collecting the money, Abrini visited the Grosvenor Casino in Birmingham where he took a photograph of a gambling machine on his mobile phone. In March this year Abrini was captured on CCTV alongside Ibrahim El Bakraoui and Najim Laachraoui, who detonated bombs hidden in suitcases killing 12 people at Brussels airport. Another 20 people died in an attack on Maalbeek metro station less than two hours later. Jurors were also told he is also wanted by the French authorities in connection with the attacks in Paris last November. Boufassil denies one charge of engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism and the trial continues. Abrini remains in custody in Brussels. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here today to participate in the annual conference of top police officers of the country that would focus on cross- border terrorism, infiltration and radicalisation of youth. Modi, after an overnight stay at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), would take part in the 'Yoga session' tomorrow for an hour from 6 am, as part of the conference of Directors General of Police (DGPs) of all states that began today. Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the three-day conference at SVPNPA this afternoon. Union Ministers of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, besides National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval are among those who would attend the event. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, his Cabinet colleagues and state BJP president K Lakshman were among those who welcomed Modi at the airport. "After the 'Yoga session', the Prime Minister would participate in deliberations with the top police officers from 8 am till 5 pm on Saturday," a top police official told PTI. Issues like cross-border terrorism, radicalisation of youth and attempts to lure Indians into Middle East terrorist groups, like ISIS, will be discussed threadbare at the meeting. Filling up of vacant posts in various police forces, reforms in police forces, menace of narcotics smuggling and human trafficking will also be discussed extensively during the conference. The Prime Minister and Home Minister will interact with the top police officers and get their feedback about the internal security situation and various aspects of police personnel, official sources said. This is for the third time since Independence that the conference is being held outside Delhi. It was held in Guwahati in 2014 and Kutch in Gujarat last year. The idea of holding the meeting of DGPs and IGPs outside Delhi was mooted by Modi after he assumed power in 2014. The conference is being attended by around 100 DGPs of states, Director Generals of Central paramilitary forces and their Inspectors General. Rajnath Singh would also take part in the valedictory function on Sunday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condoled the death of noted journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, saying he was a leading public thinker whose contribution to journalism will always be remembered. "Mr. Dileep Padgaonkar was a leading public thinker whose contribution to journalism will always be remembered. Pained by his demise. RIP," Modi tweeted. 72-year-old Padgaonkar, a former editor of The Times of India, was unwell for past several weeks and died at a hospital in Pune, family sources said. Padgaonkar began his career in journalism at an early age and joined the Times of India as its Paris correspondent after receiving a doctorate in humanities in 1968. He served the paper in various capacities before he was appointed its editor in 1988, a post he held for six years. Padgaonkar had also served as one of the three members of the interlocutors' group on Jammu and Kashmir, set up by the previous government after continuous unrest in the Valley in 2008. (REOPENS DEL 34) Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah also paid tributes to veteran journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, who died this morning, terming him an "honest broker". "So sorry to hear about the death of Dileep Padgaonkar earlier today. I have fond memories of my many interactions with him. RIP Dileep Sb," Omar wrote on twitter soon after the of the journalist's death. The National Conference working president lauded the role played by Padgaonkar as Centre's interlocutor on Kashmir in the aftermath of the 2010 summer agitation in the valley when Omar was the Chief Minister of the state. "Dileep Padgaonkar won many friends and admirers during his many visits to J&K as an interlocutor. He was a patient listener and an honest broker," he added. Senior Congress leader Oommen Chandy today expressed strong displeasure with the central government over Prime Minister Narendra Modi refusing to meet an all-party delegation from Kerala, saying that it amounted to an insult to the state. He said the delegation wanted to highlight the "pain caused" to people due to demonetisation and alleged that the Prime Minister was "evading" a discussion in Parliament and undermining its sovereignty. "It is shocking that you have denied permission to this delegation which not only amounts to an insult to Kerala, but also to the federal structure of India enshrined in our Constitution. Never before in the history of independent India has the Prime Minister declined to meet the delegation of a state," Chandy said in a letter to Modi. The former Kerala chief minister also criticised the RBI for imposing restrictions on cooperative banks and said the sector accounted for more than Rs 1.30 lakh crore of total deposits in the state and played a crucial role in sustaining the rural economy. He said high-value notes cannot be withdrawn through a notification, but only by an act of Parliament. "Almost all political parties had welcomed the decision to demonetise Rs 500 and 1,000 notes as an anti-corruption measure. However, the ill-conceived and hastily implemented policy has plunged the common man's life abruptly into abyss for no fault of theirs," Chandy said, adding that nearly every section of society was reeling under the effects of demonetisation. On the issue of bad debts, Chandy asked how can the Union government justify the decision to freeze Rs 7,000 crore or more loans of 63 willful defaulters? "This suggests that the Union government is indulging in selective patronage and crony capitalism. "It is also surprising to note that the Union government has taken no noteworthy steps to unearth and bring back the unaccounted black money in off-shore tax havens, which according to some reports, is more than Rs 30 lakh crore," he said. Chandy also drew the Prime Minister's attention to the 'crisis' Kerala's co-operative sector is undergoing as a result of restrictions imposed by RBI in the context of demonetisation. He said the restrictions on withdrawal of cash from co-operative banks has crippled the co-operative sector and brought it to a grinding halt. He said the sector, which accounts for over Rs 1,30,000 crore of total deposits in Kerala, plays a crucial role in sustaining the state, especially the rural economy. Chandy said that all parties in Kerala, except BJP, had passed a resolution in the assembly, requesting the union government to ease the restrictions so that the co-operative sector can tide over the present crisis. "I take this opportunity to appeal to your good self to direct the RBI to do the needful at the earliest,"Chandy said in the letter. He said the Prime Minister should take Parliament and all state governments into confidence to evolve holistic strategies to solve this crisis. Polaris India, which sells the luxury American bike brand Indian Motorcycle, today launched 'Indian Chieftain Dark Horse' cruiser bike priced at Rs 31.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). "The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse blacked-out styling and powerful Thunder Stroke 111 engine will elevate our rider to the top of the pack," Polaris India CEO and Director Pankaj Dubey said in a statement. The Indian Chief Dark Horse is already a dream motorcycle for many and Indian Chieftain Dark Horse takes the chief family ahead, he added. The bike comes with various features including a solo seat, tinted power windscreen, ABS, electronic cruise control, integrated premium audio system and remote key fob with keyless ignition. Earlier this month, Polaris introduced all-new 'Indian Springfield' cruiser bike in India, priced at Rs 31.07 lakh (ex-showroom Gurugram). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Eight years after the terror attacks in the city which claimed 166 lives, Mumbai's top cop is confident that the force is ready to meet any terror threat. "We are ready to tackle any terror threat. Our personnel are fully geared to meet any eventuality," Police Commissioner Datta Padsalgikar told PTI in an interview. "Mumbai is the financial capital of the nation, so it always faces a threat from terror organisations. Mumbai Police is always prepared to secure Mumbai, which has international importance," he said. "Several initiatives have been taken by the government to secure Mumbai. Police now have modern equipment and are on constant vigil. They remain alert to provide safety to citizens," the senior IPS officer said. "We have created specialised groups at police station level and also set up Quick Response Teams (QRT) at region level. Their members have been given proper training in counter-terrorism," Padsalgikar said. These teams are always ready to swing into action, with modern weapons and gadgets, he added. "After the 26/11 attacks, Maharashtra Police formed the 'Force One' commando unit, located in Mumbai's Andheri suburb. The National Security Guard (NSG) also has its base in the city. Mumbai Police is also in active coordination with other Central agencies," Padsalgikar said. "Terrorism is a big challenge and Mumbai Police is prepared to ensure safety and security of Mumbaikars," he said. Padsalgikar paid his tribute to martyrs and citizens who laid down their lives during the 26/11 attack. "With proper training, Mumbai Police have developed various capacities to tackle any kind of emergency situation," he said, adding with this kind of high preparedness, the force is always ready to give a befitting response to terrorists. Padsalgikar, a 1982 batch IPS officer, had a long stint in the Intelligence Bureau and considerable experience in terror and counter terrorism operations. He played a key role in gathering evidence against Pakistan in the 26/11 terror attack case. He had procured from the US, records of communication between the terrorists and their handlers, which helped nail the Pakistan non-state actors in the case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The private money-lending business has been banned in Jharkhand with the recent enactment of a law, an official release said today. The 'Jharkhand nizi sahukar (nishedh) vidheyak 2016' (private money-lending (ban) bill, 2016) was passed by the Assembly recently and the act would bar 'shaukari', 'mahajani', and 'sudhkhori' (private money-lending/usury), the release said here. The act also slaps a fine of Rs 5,000 on the first offence and Rs 10,000 if the offender committed it for the second time, besides the respective jail terms, it said. The release quoted Development Commissioner Amit Khare as saying that the menace had affected innocent villagers, particularly the tribals. He, however, explained that there was no bar in giving interest-free loans. The act only bars private loans on interest or keeping something as mortgage. Earlier, Jharkhand had adopted the 'Bihar sahukar adhiniyam 1974,' but it only dealt with controlling money- lenders, the release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hong Kong-based direct selling company QNet today said it plans to launch 8-10 new products in the health and wellness segment in the next one year in the Indian market. The Rs 560-crore company has already launched 64 products in the domestic market, which includes 15 health and wellness products in its 'Nutriplus' category. "We plans to introduce 8-10 new products in the health and wellness segment in the next one year. Various studies suggest double digit growth in demand of health and wellness products over the next two-three years which we want to capture through partnerships with local producers," a senior company official N Churamani said here. "We are focusing more on the ayurvedic products to tap the ongoing trend in India. We are sourcing our herbal tea products from Coimbatore, soluble fibre products from Himachal Pradesh and calcium products from SMEs in Bangaluru," he said. The company has also changed its focus to enhance procurement of products from local manufacturers. From the level of 40 per cent of local procurement, QNet expanded local products basket to 70 per cent in 2015-16. It plans to expand local sourcing further to 90 per cent in the next 12 months, Churamani said. The company claims to sell all food supplement products certified by the FSSAI and others by their respective regulatory bodies. Apart from that, it is also planning to introduce fashion jewellery and luxury watches, assembled in India. Meanwhile, QNet welcomed the newly released guidelines for companies in the direct selling industry in India from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. This is a huge step forward for companies in the direct selling space which have been plagued by baseless allegations and confusion around their business model for many years. And these guidelines expected to help weed out fraudulent players, allow serious companies to grow and ensure protection of consumers, Churamani said. According to reports, the direct selling industry is presently facing turbulent times and the morale of distributors is said to be low due to the prevailing ambiguity over the industry's legal status. The direct selling industry in India is estimated at Rs 7,200 crore which would see eight times growth to Rs 64,000 by 2025, Churamani added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actress Rebel Wilson says she loves entertaining people and feels her job is the best. The 36-year-old actress, who is known for her comedic roles in "Pitch Perfect" and "Bridesmaids," said she has so much to be grateful for this year. "Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! I'm lucky to be spending it with my sisters and new baby niece in LA. There's so much I have to be grateful for this year! To all the wonderful Americans that I'm around, to all the fantastic people I got to work with this year - stretching from the West End to the Hollywood Bowl - and to all the people around the world who support me!! I love you guys!! "I love entertaining you all and feel like I have the best job ever!! (sic)." Wilson posted on Instagram. The Australian-born star said she is currently working hard on a new project. "I have been working hard this year behind the scenes to develop new movies. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian Army personnel recovered Rs 44 lakh in demonetised currency notes from an SUV at village Wairangba II in the hill district of Tamenglong in Manipur, an official release said here today. During a surprise check of vehicles, the armymen intercepted the SUV and found a bag containing Rs 44 lakh in the demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes yesterday. The occupants of the vehicle, including a woman, were arrested and handed over to the police, the release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a breather to the Centre, the Supreme Court today agreed to hear on Decemeber 2 the pleas, including those pending in various High Courts, challenging the constitutional validity of its decision to demonetise currency notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 and the inconvenience faced by common people due to it. The bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur did not accept the submission of a battery of lawyers led by Kapil Sibal that the hearing of the petitions, pending in the apex court against demonetisation, be started on November 29 instead of December 2. "The issues are entirely different here from those (petitions pending in HCs)," Sibal said, adding that the constitutional validity of the demonetisation notification has been challenged besides the issue of hardships faced by common people, farmers and traders. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Centre, said besides the matters pending in the apex court, there are as many as 24 petitions, as of now, in various High Courts and let there be a common hearing on December 2 when it can be decided whether this court or the Delhi High Court would take them up. He also referred to the scheduled hearing on December 2 when the issue of transferring the HC cases either to the apex court or to one of the High Courts would come up. "We will examine both the aspects (of inconvenience and constitutional validity of notification). Come on Friday at 2.00 pm," the bench, also comprising Justice D Y Chandrachud, said and asked the Centre to file an additional affidavit, if any, explaining the "schemes and steps" taken to ease the situation that has arisen due to demonetisation. As soon as the hearing began, many advocates started arguing simultaneously attempting to highlight issues raised in their respective PILs. Irked over the commotion, the court said, "Let there be some order in the courtroom. All of you are speaking at one time. We will then adjourn the hearing by six weeks." The bench then asked the lawyers appearing for petitioners to decide among themselves as to who will address the court. Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, appearing for the CPM which has filed the plea on the issue, said Sibal will lead them and he would only "supplement". Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court, has made clear that it will not go into the correctness of demonetisation policy as the apex court is already seized of it. The packed SC courtroom witnessed an unpleasant scene when the lawyers in support and against the Centre's move began trading charges. Ashwini Upadhyay, a lawyer and spokesperson for BJP, said that 78 per cent of citizens use currency notes lower than Rs 100 and only 22 per cent have higher value bills. He contended a majority of people have supported the decision aimed against blackmoney. "The PILs opposing the demonetization have been filed by vested interests and people responsible for 2G, CWG and Coal scam are behind them. Thus they are not maintainable," he said, adding they were those who had propounded the "zero loss" theory in 2G and coal scam. However, lawyers including M L Sharma and S Muthukumar sought compensation for those who died allegedly due stress caused by demonetisation and claimed the ruling party has created a "havoc". The court intervened and asked the lawyers not to treat the court as a "public platform" to voice their views on demonetisation. Yesterday, the Centre had filed an affidavit in the apex court on demonetisation and said that the "bold move" would eradicate black money and slush funds operating since independence which created a "parallel economy" hitting the poor and the middle class. In its affidavit, the Centre had also said the decision, on which total secrecy was maintained, would now help in proper implementation of the ambitious 'Jan Dhan Yojana' under which around 22 crore bank accounts for poor people have been opened. Earlier, the apex court had refused the Centre's plea to stay the proceedings pending before various high courts, saying people may get "immediate relief" from them. It had sought response of all the petitioners, who have challenged the demonetisation move in different high courts, on a plea by the Centre seeking transfer of all these matters to either the apex court or one of the high courts. The Attorney General had told the court that the situation is "much better" and more than Rs six lakh crore has been deposited so far in the banks since the demonetisation move was announced and there is a big surge in digital money transaction. The US Secret Service is in talks with the Trump Organisation to take over two vacant floors at the cost of millions in the gilded 68-storey where the President-elect's wife Melania and their 10-year-old son will continue to live through the spring, a media report said. The federal agency and the New York Police Department plan to run a 24/7 command post out of the space that would be housed at least 40 floors below Trump's $90 million penthouse triplex, where Melania and their son Barron Melania will continue to reside at least through the spring, the New York Post reported, citing sources. The Secret Service is eyeing two contiguous floors for over 250 agents and cops, sources said. The first 26 floors of the glass-clad skyscraper are commercial tenants while the remaining levels are apartments. The Post earlier reported that the 17th floor of is available. The floor is currently being marketed in three, 3,000- to 5,000-square-foot parcels at up to $105 per square foot. "At that rate, the federal government would be paying $1.5 million a year for just one floor and double that for two levels of offices," the paper said. The ready-to-rent 17th floor includes six large south-facing outdoor terraces, private elevators, polished concrete floors but no brass, it said. It said the 15th floor may also be available. The Trump Campaign operated mainly out of that level plus other areas, paying $169,000-a-month for rent and utilities, according to the Federal Election Commission. The Secret Service must protect the president and his family wherever they go, including visits back to their permanent homes. "Taxpayers would be paying the president-elect's own corporation to lease the two floors, aside from the cost of agents, staff and equipment and barriers that are normal in such cases," it said. The lease deal alone could cost more than $3 million a year, based on prevailing rates in the building. Representatives for the Trump Organisation and the Secret Service did not return messages seeking comment, it said. The marble-lobbied building is home to art dealer Helly Nahmad and Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort. Past residents include Michael Jackson, Liberace and Andrew Lloyd Webber. There was less movement of people and transport across Kashmir on Friday as normal life remained affected due to the strike called by separatists. The movement of people and transport is less on Friday compared to the other days due to apprehensions of law and order problems after Friday congregational prayers, a police official said. He said most of the shops, fuel stations and business establishments in Srinagar the summer capital of were shut due to the strike, while public transport was comparatively less. However, few of them were open in some areas in the civil lines as well as on the outskirts of the city in Srinagar, the official said. Few vendors had put up their stalls along TRC Chowk-Batamaloo axis through Lal Chowk city centre, he said. Reports of less traffic and most of the shops being closed were received from other district headquarters of the Valley, he said. Except for the past weekend, Kashmir has witnessed shutdown for the last 140 days. The separatists, who are spearheading the agitation since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8, have been issuing weekly protest programmes. They have extended the strike till December 1, announcing two full days of relaxation on the weekend like the past week. As many as 86 people, including two cops, have been killed and several thousand others injured in the ongoing unrest in the Valley.Around 5000 security forces personnel have also been injured in the clashes. The Supreme Court today termed as "infructuous" the appeals of West Bengal government against the Calcutta High Court order, which had in June 2012 struck down the Singur Land Act that had allowed the state government to reclaim 400 acres of land given to Tata Motors. "The petition has become infructuous for the time being in wake of earlier judgement of the court. Liberty granted to petitioners to file interim application, if the need arises," a bench of Justices J S Khehar and Arun Mishra said. On August 31, the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal had scored a major victory with Supreme Court terming as "illegal and void" the acquisition of 1053 acres land by the erstwhile Left Front government for Tata Motors' Nano project at Singur, by ordering restoration of land to farmers who will retain the compensation received. It had directed the state's Survey Settlement Department to conduct a survey and identify mouzas of lands acquired with reference to layout plans, other connected records, village maps and survey settlement records of the lands in question, in order to identify the respective portions which needed to be returned to the respective owners or cultivators. The court had said that the possession of the lands be restored to landowners/cultivators within 12 weeks from the date of the verdict. The verdict had come on petitions filed by some farmers and NGOs alleging that the acquisition of land was against the provisions of Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and other rules. The petitioners had charged the earlier Left government with acquiring most fertile and valuable land for Tata Motors. The present appeal in the apex court was filed by the West Bengal government after the High Court had in 2012 ruled that the legislation enacted by Mamata Banerjee government to recover the land leased to Tata Motors in Singur for its small car project was constitutionally invalid. The Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Act 2011 sought to empower the state government to take back 400 acres of land, given to Tata Motors for its project. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The number of Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds has more than doubled to 134 lakh in two-and-half years, primarily on account of increased awareness among investors and buoyancy in equity markets, Parliament was informed today. SIP is an investment vehicle that allows investors to invest in small amounts periodically instead of lump sums. The frequency of investment is usually weekly, monthly or quarterly. As of October 31 this year, the number of SIPs in mutual funds in India was 134.5 lakh, Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. SIPs increased from 60 lakh as on March 31, 2014 to 90.2 lakh at the end of March 31, 2015. They increased further to 116.3 lakh at the end of the last fiscal. Meghwal attributed the higher number of SIPs to rising awareness among investors, focus on other than top 15 cities by mutual fund houses and general buoyancy in stock markets. "The Sensex remaining continuously above the 22,000 levels in 2014-15 and 2015-16 and above 24,000 level during 2016-17 has led to renewed interest in SIPs from investors," Meghwal added. Besides, markets regulator Sebi has taken a number of steps to create awareness regarding SIP investment including investors' awareness programme and extra incentives for those expanding into smaller cities and use of regional languages in investors education material related to mutual funds, he added. The number of SIPs from other than top 15 cities has risen from 29.6 lakh as on March 31, 2014 to 63.1 lakh at the end of October 31, 2016. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Interpol arrest warrant was today issued against a website editor by a Sri Lankan suburban court on contempt of court charges for carrying out stories that reportedly defamed individuals. Founder and chief editor of Lanka-e- Sandaruwan Senadheera is now facing contempt of court charges for stories carried on the website. He is currently believed to be in the UK in exile, having left the country during the regime of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The office from which he was running the website was set on fire during that time. The warrant came after petitions were filed against him this week. Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe last week spoke against the editor in parliament charging that he was running stories for money to slander individuals. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Peruvian mangos and blueberries have arrived in China on the maiden chartered cargo flight from Peru to Shanghai. The cargo flight is a symbolic achievement for bilateral trade as well as the broader strategic partnership between China and Peru. The China Eastern Airlines flight took off while President Xi Jinping was in Lima, capital of Peru, for the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and conducting a state visit to Peru last week. President Xi Jinping and Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski spoke about their commitment to growing the relationship between the two nations. Mangos and blueberries are among the first batch of the agricultural products to make the 18,000 flight, after they were given the green light to export into the Chinese market in an bid to strengthen bilateral trade. The logistics arm of China Eastern Airlines created an efficient system to import fresh products from North America and South America. To date, its annual chartered cargo flights have increased from two in 2013 to 70, and increased the freight volume to 6,500 tons from 220 tons during the same period. Before the launch of the direct flight, all major cargo flights from South America to Asia had to stop in the United States. Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines is the world's seventh largest carrier. Its nearly 600 planes reach 177 nations and regions, and serves more than 100 million passengers each year. AUBURN A woman was hit by a car in Auburn late Thanksgiving night and hospitalized with head injuries, police said. The accident occurred around 11:30 p.m. Thursday on Grant Avenue near the corner of Beach Avenue. According to the Auburn Police Department, 32-year-old Melissa Green was walking in the roadway heading westbound on Grant Avenue when she was struck by a vehicle. She was taken to Upstate University Hospital by ambulance with head injuries, but is expected to recover. Police said the accident is still under investigation, but no tickets have been issued at this time. A 70-year-old Sri Lankan tourist died reportedly due to heart attack here today, police said. Soma Veersinghe was part of a group of tourists from Sri Lanka which was on a tour of Gaya, Varanasi, Agra and some other places in the country, a police officer said. When she complained of heartache, she was taken to a government hospital, where doctors declared her "brought dead", the officer said. The body has been sent for post mortem and the Sri Lankan Embassy has also been informed about the incident, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A theatreactress has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Lahore, the capital of Pakistan's Punjab province. Kismat Baig was returning to her house after performing at a stage play when gunmen riding a car and a motorcycle intercepted her and opened fire at her last evening, police said. She was shot eleven times in her legs, stomach and hands. Baig and herdriver were rushed to the Services Hospital where she died because of profuse bleeding, police said. Her driver's condition is reported to be stable. Police suspect that her 'estrangedlover' maybe behind her murder. Investigating Officer Asghar Husain told reporters that it was a target killing. "The attackerswere waiting outside the theater and when she left for home they chased her," he said. "Kismat now you will not be able to dance," one ofthe gunmensaid after spraying bullets on her legs, according to herdriver. "Baig was targeted twice in thepast by gunmenbut escaped unhurt. Initial investigation reveals that she had relations with an industrialist of Faisalabad city. We will summonthe industrialist and somefamily members of Kismat for interrogation and soon will reach the murderer," Husain said. Her mothersaid the family had noenmity with anyone. The family also held demonstration on the Canal Road to protest against themurder. They sought arrest of the 'goons' involved in the killing of Kismatat earliest. In September, a television host of local channel Abb Takk was allegedly poisoned by a 'fan'. The host of Khufia programme, Sana Faisal, was allegedly approached by a 'fan' in Karachi who asked her for a selfie and an autograph. The fan also reportedly gave Faisal ice cream. Faisal ate the ice cream and was hospitalised and was believed to have been poisoned by the fan. Several stage actresses - Nadra, Nagu, Yasmin, Naina, Nagina, Marvi, Karishma, Sangam and Arzo -of Lahore and Multan had beenkilled in the past either by their estranged lovers or over enmity issue. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One person was detained and fishing nets allegedly stolen from Sri Lankan waters were recovered by customs officials and police at different locations here, police said today The seizure was made during searches conducted in Kundhukal and Mandapam on a complaint from Sri Lankan officials about the recent theft of the fishing nets spread by Lankan fishermen near their coast, they said. Customs officials said they seized 18 kg of fishing nets from two persons at Kundhukal. Marine police personnel seized three nets from a house at Mandapam, police said adding one person had been detained. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sundaram Finance today said it will merge its IT subsidiary with itself. "The board of directors have decided to merge Sundaram Infotech Solutions, our wholly-owned subsidiary, with our company and approved the draft scheme of amalgamation," the company said in a regulatory filing. The scheme is subject to all necessary approvals, it added. Promoted by Madras Motor Insurance Company, Sundaram Finance is a part of TVS Group. The Chennai-based financier offers vehicle finance, construction equipment finance, tyre Finance, and fleet cards. Through its subsidiaries, it also has a diversified presence in general insurance, mutual funds, housing finance, Business Process Outsourcing, Information Technology Services and retail distribution of a wide array of financial services. Shares of Sundaram Finance closed 0.66 per cent higher at Rs 1,219.05 on BSE. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tata Motors and Kingfisher Airlines are among the 4 that owe over Rs 1,000 crore in indirect taxes to the exchequer, Parliament was informed on Friday. Tata Motors has outstanding excise duty of Rs 629.76 crore in 91 cases and service tax dues of Rs 516.09 crore in 5 cases. This takes the total amount due in taxes to Rs 1,145.85 crore. Vijay Mallya-promoted Kingfisher Airlines, now defunct, owes Rs 1,012.96 crore in service tax and penalty. The other two entities which owe more than Rs 1,000 crore in service taxes to the exchequer are Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (Rs 2,590 crore) and Karnataka Housing Board (Rs 1,083 crore), Minister of State for Finance Santosh Kumar Gangwar said in a written reply to Lok Sabha. As regards direct taxes, he said as on June 2016 there are 80 cases with outstanding tax demand exceeding Rs 1,000 crore each, aggregating to over Rs 4.53 lakh crore. "However, the disclosure of information in specific cases is prohibited except as provided under Section 138 of the Income Tax Act, 1961," Gangwar said. Britain's anti-EU party UKIP will announce a new leader Monday to succeed Nigel Farage and seek to unite a party beset by infighting and division despite its Brexit victory. Since his resignation following the EU referendum in June, Farage has ridden the wave of his campaign's success to the United States where he emerged as a keen ally of President-elect Donald Trump. But his UK Independence Party has been reeling from internal crises, including high-profile resignations, claims of misappropriated EU funds and a fight between two its European Parliament lawmakers. Three candidates are now competing for the leadership - former deputy leader Paul Nuttall, former deputy chairman Suzanne Evans and party activist John Rees-Evans - with the winner to be announced on November 28 after a vote by party members. Ballots for the contest close today. Nuttall, an MEP and firm favourite for the job, has pledged to "unite the party" if elected, demanding an end to "infighting and squabbling". Evans, a former BBC radio reporter deemed his closest challenger, says the party must broaden its appeal to include women and minorities, in order to win seats in parliament. Meanwhile, the candidacy of businessman Rees-Evans, a former soldier, has been largely overshadowed by his calls to bring back the death penalty for paedophiles. The leadership vote follows the resignation in October of Farage's successor Diane James after only 18 days in the job and her subsequent departure from the party on November 21. She said her relationship with the party had become "increasingly difficult" and she had "no support within the executive". The favourite to replace her, Steven Woolfe, quit in October following an altercation with a fellow MEP at the European Parliament that left him hospitalised - a further embarrassment for UKIP. "I have come to the conclusion that UKIP is ungovernable without Nigel Farage leading it and the referendum cause to unite it," Woolfe said in a statement published online. Farage stepped into the breach as interim leader after James's resignation but ruled out returning longer-term, having achieved his life mission when Britain voted to leave the EU on June 23. Despite holding no public office, the beer-drinking "man of the people" - as he is often described - became the first British politician to meet Trump following the Republican's election win, after joining him on the campaign trail. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Donald Trump will have to embrace "unilateralism" against Pakistan as President Barack Obama did when it hunt down Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, a former Pakistani diplomat has said, arguing that USD 33 billion of US funding has failed to change Islamabad's policy on terrorism. Husain Haqqani, a former Pakistan ambassador to the US, also predicted that the Trump administration, which takes over in January, will downgrade Pakistan from its current status of a "major non-NATO ally". "For the generals in Islamabad, and many civilian leaders, Pakistan's competition with India justifies breaking promises with the US and continuing support for jihadist terrorism, from the Taliban to the Haqqani network, as part of its plans for regional influence to match India's," he wrote in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal yesterday. "So USD 21 billion in funding under the Obama administration could not change Pakistan, just as USD 12.4 billion given to Pakistan under the Bush administration failed to shut down its terrorism incubators," he wrote. "(But) under President Obama, the US did manage to hunt down Osama bin Laden in his safe house in Pakistan, without Pakistan's permission. The Trump administration will have to embrace similar unilateralism if and when needed, in addition to the almost inevitable downgrading of Pakistan from its current status as a major non-NATO ally," Haqqani said. Osama was killed less than a mile from Pakistan's elite military academy in Abbottabad in a dramatic raid by US Navy Seals on May 2, 2011. The US conducted the highly secret operation unilaterally, without informing Pakistan government. When contacted by the PTI for clarification on his op-ed, Haqqani said, "I am predicting that the Trump administration will probably downgrade Pakistan from the status of major non-NATO ally." Haqqani, the director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute in Washington, also said that getting the Pakistan policy right - including a review of the predicates for any aid - remains the key to US victory in Afghanistan. Until the rise of Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan were the principal training grounds for Islamist terrorists, the former Pakistani diplomat said, citing almost all of al-Qaeda terrorists convicted in Britain since 2001, including the July 7, 2005, London Underground bombers and Dhiren Barot - the so-called "Dirty Bomber" - were trained in Pakistan. He said the rise of global jihadism was made possible by America's pre-occupation with current while the Soviet bloc crumbled during the first couple of years of the 1990s. "This time, the US should not ignore the Afghanistan- Pakistan theater because the brutalities of ISIS, and its proximity to Europe, are the immediate cause of concern," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Turkish President today threatened to throw open Turkey's borders to illegal migrants after the European Parliament voted to back a freeze in membership talks with Ankara. "Listen to me. If you go any further, then the frontiers will be opened, bear that in mind," Erdogan told the European Union (EU) in a speech in Istanbul. On March 18, Ankara and Brussels forged a deal for Turkey to halt the flow of migrants to Europe - an accord that has largely been successful in reducing numbers crossing the Aegean Sea. The Uttarakhand High Court today sought a reply from the Centre for not allowing cooperative banks to accept deposits of banned high value currency notes saying this was causing problems to farmers who were mostly customers of such banks. Hearing a PIL filed by advocate Neeraj Tiwari, questioning the government on non acceptance of scrapped notes by district cooperative banks, a division bench comprising Chief Justice K M Joseph and Justice Alok Singh asked the Centre to file a reply by Tuesday. The PIL contended that no transactions can be made in the accounts of district cooperative bank account holders as a result of which farmers were facing problems. It was pleaded that after demonetisation, scrapped notes were banned to be deposited in district cooperative banks. Advocate for the petitioner C K Sharma further pleaded that the majority of cooperative bank account holders are farmers who require money for the ongoing sowing season. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United Nations today dismissed rumours that its special envoy for the Syrian conflict, Staffan de Mistura, had resigned. "Media reports that Special Envoy de Mistura is resigning his post are not accurate. The Special Envoy remains fully engaged on his mission," the UN said in a statement. Arabic media had reported earlier today that de Mistura had handed in his resignation for personal reasons. The 69-year-old was named to the post in July 2014, charged with the daunting task of trying to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict that has torn Syria apart since 2011, killing 300,000 people. Two other special envoys had previously held the post before resigning: former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, and former Algerian foreign minister Lakhdar Brahimi. De Mistura, a Swedish-Italian career diplomat, told Swiss public TV network RTS last month that he had no plans to quit the job, despite the difficulty of the task. "If I did it, it would only be if I thought there was no use for our work and if my family asked it of me," he said. "My conscience tells me I must support the Syrians, but no one is indispensible," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Manipur police commandos today arrested the president and information secretary of United Naga Council (UNC), the group behind the nearly month-long indefinite economic blockade of national highways in the northeastern state. UNC president Gaidon Kamei and its information secretary Stephen Lamkang were arrested from Pheidinga area Imphal West district, 18 km from here, when they were travelling in a vehicle. Senior Manipur police officer said the two were arrested for questioning and investigation in view of the UNC blockade which entered its 25th day today hitting normal life. The UNC is against the Manipur government's decision to make Sadar Hills and Jiribam full fledged districts claiming it would bifurcate ancestral lands of Nagas living in the state. The arrest has been condemned by All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM) who demanded immediate release of the two UNC leaders. ANSAM president Setshang in a press conference also sought immediate intervention by the Centre and said the current crisis is political and hence should be resolved politically. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US today strongly condemned the terror attack near Iraq's Hilla city that left nearly 80 people dead, underlining that this assault has strengthened America's resolve to defeat the ISIS. Many of those killed were pilgrims, including from Iran, returning from commemorating the Shia observance of Arbaeen in the city of Karbala. "The United States extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims, as well as to all of Iraq, for this senseless violence, which was clearly intended to stoke sectarian tensions," said Ned Price, Spokesman of National Security Council, the White House. "The United States remains steadfast in its partnership with the Iraqi people and government, and this attack only serves to strengthen our resolve in defeating ISIL," Price said. The State Department Spokesman John Kirby said the US is in close contact with Iraqi authorities, and it stands committed to supporting Iraqi Security Forces as they continue to take the fight to the ISIS and bring to justice those responsible for these despicable crimes. "We condemn in the strongest possible terms the outrageous terrorist attacks carried out today by Daesh at a service station and restaurant in Hilla, Iraq. Initial reports indicate at least 80 people in total were killed as they were returning from visiting Karbala, many of them as they sat down together for a meal. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims' families and friends, and we wish a full and quick recovery to the many people who were injured," Kirby said. These murders are yet another example of ISIS's contempt for human life and its efforts to sow discord and division among the Iraqi people, he said. "Our partnership with Iraq and its people, who serve on the front lines of this global fight, remains steadfast and unwavering," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mounting a fresh attack on the Narendra Modi government over demonetisation, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today said the step would not succeed in curbing black money. "The big ones shall escape by managing documents as none of them was sighted in the queues before banks and ATMs," he said on the sidelines of launching Samajwadi Double Fortified Salt here. "Today, we have a government at the Centre which has caused an immense hardship to all, whether rich or poor. If you see the figures, 90 per cent of the people are facing problems due to demonetisation," said Akhilesh. He said the Centre's dream of taking out black money from the rich was not coming true. Akhilesh had yesterday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Parliament House in Delhi to press for releasing more funds to cooperative banks because of the cash crunch they were facing due to demonetisation. He had also highlighted the hardships of the farmers of Uttar Pradesh due to the cash crunch. Sources had said the meeting was a follow-up of a letter Akhilesh had written to the prime minister on the plight of the people following demonetisation. The chief minister said double fortification of salt with iron and iodine will simultaneously prevent iron deficiency anaemia and iodine deficiency disorders. In the first phase, the scheme will cover anaemia endemic areas of the state, including Meerut, Faizabad, Etawah and Hamirpur. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Eight vehicles were today set ablaze while the driver of another truck was injured in an attack as normal life was affected in Jharkhand during a statewide bandh called by the opposition parties, police said. The opposition parties had called the bandh to protest the passage of decades-old Chhotanagpur and Santal Paragana Tenancy Act (CNT and SPT) on November 23, claiming that it would hurt the interests of the tribals. While six vehicles, including a bus and trucks, were torched in Dumka district, a truck and a dumper were set alight by the bandh supporters in East Singhbhum district. In West Singhbhum district, bandh supporters attacked a truck carrying coins worth lakhs of rupees and injured its driver, SP Michael Raj S said. The bandh supporters, police and State Bank of India officials were unaware of the coins being transported from RBI, Patna, he added. On being informed, a police team reached the spot and ensured the truck's safe journey to Chakradharpur. Police said six vehicles were torched and several others damaged by the bandh supporters armed with bows and arrows in front of Santal Paragana College in Dumka district. They assembled at the college ground violating prohibitory orders under section 144, CrPC imposed by the district administration on account of the bandh, police said. A 10-wheeler truck was set ablaze near Pipla on NH 33 under MGM police station, while a dumper was torched at Dhamdum village under Potka police station of East Singhbhum district. SP (Rural) Md Arshi said 11 persons were arrested in connection with the two incidents. Regarding the Pipla incident, Arshi said the bandh supporters attempted to burn the truck, but timely intervention by the police ensured that the flames were doused. Four persons were arrested in this regard. Meanwhile, over 1,000 bandh supporters, including JVM general secretary Abhay Singh, East Singhbhum district Congress chief Vijay Khan, former Jharkhand minister Dulal Bhuiyan and Jharkhand People's Party chief Surya Singh Besra were rounded up in the Kolhan region, comprising East and West Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharswan districts. The bandh supporters put up road blockades at various places by burning tyres, affecting road traffic. Many shops and business establishments downed their shutters while long distance buses were off road. Seraikela-Kharswan district SP Indrajeet Mahatha said shops and markets remained open while banks, ATMs and petrol pumps functioned normally. However, the mining sector was affected by the bandh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gautam Bir Tuladhar of Nepal has been using hemp, nettle and bamboo fibres to make fabric, shawls and bags over the years and now he is trying to create magic out of banana stems. He is half way through his goal and now he is in India to look for a machine that will help him transform banana fibres into fine fabric. "My family is engaged in natural fibre products by using techniques like knot making, weaving and knitting," he says. Tuladhar, who is one of the participants in the International Craft Exchange programme on Embroidery, Cane & Bamboo and other natural fibre crafts at the ongoing India International Trade Fair here, is now specialising in banana-based fibre and diversifying its products range. "After initial processing, the fibre can be used for making decorative items like bags, mats and boxes. But for its use as fabric for clothes, it has to be more refined. Right now I don't have a machine for that purpose," he says. "I have got in touch with some people here who can help in this regard. I hope I can achieve my dream of making clothes out banana stems soon," Tuladhar told PTI. Ten national and as many international artisans from Vietnam, Thailand, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal are participating in the international craft exchange programme organised by Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) in the Ministry of Textiles in association with National Centre for Design & Product Development (NCDPD). Other international artisans are showcasing embroidery products (Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Bhutan), water hyacinth and vetiver grass items (Thailand) and bamboo products (Vietnam and Nepal). There is also a thematic exhibition of Indian handicrafts with more than 300 exclusive products in various handicrafts like wood, terracotta, metal, glass, cane and bamboo, natural fibre and embroideries such as Zari/Zardozi, Kantha, Chikankari, Phulkari etc. On display. The artisans from India are showcasing their craft skills in Zari/Zardozi, crewel embroidery, Phulkari, and natural fibre crafts such as bamboo, sikki grass, paddy craft etc. The programme aims at providing thrust to exports of Indian handicrafts besides an opportunity to the craft persons and entrepreneurs to interact with the national and international visitors. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal will get a share of Rs 900 to 1,000 crore out of Rs 21,000 crore additional fund sanctioned by the NABARD for the current rabi sowing season to tide over the cash crisis resulting from demonetisation. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Chief General Manager A K Raybarman expressed confidence that there would be no scarcity of money with sanctioning of up to Rs 1,000 crore. The government has taken enough measures to make adequate cash available in rural India so that farmers do not suffer during the sowing season, he told PTI. State Bank of India CGM P P Sengupta also said the bank would give priority to make cash available in the districts to take care of the farm sector. Speaking at the CII-organised CSR meet here he informed that banks are working towards reviving an old system which would reduce demand for cash at the hands of the farmer for buying agri inputs. "There has been an effort to reduce the cash demand of a farmer to the extent that he spends for inputs like fertiliser and seeds. Methods are being worked out to allow farmers to buy their requirements without paying cash to the vendor," Raybarman said. "I had suggested in a meeting that instruments like payorder can be issued for 60-70 per cent of farmers' credit limit that can be redeemed at the farm stores," he said. If demand for cash is reduced by 70 per cent then it will be smooth going in the rabi season despite demonetisation, bankers felt. Last year farm credit demand was some Rs 3 lakh crore in India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Forest Service officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi, whose appointment as OSD to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was shot down by the Centre, has been posted here by the Uttarakhand government. Chaturvedi, a 2002-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of Uttarakhand cadre, was awaiting posting for past over three months. He has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in Uttarakhand's Resident Commissioner's office and assigned work relating to Green Tribunal (NGT), an official order issued by the state government said. The officer, who had been at loggerheads with the Centre and had approached courts against some of the decisions of the central government of allegedly denying him due service- related benefits, was recently promoted as Conservator of Forests. Chaturvedi's appointment assumes importance as at least 180 cases of alleged violation of environment norms in Uttarakhand, which has 70% forest cover, are pending trials in NGT, officials said. He worked as Chief Vigilance Officer and then as Deputy Secretary in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here from June 2012 to June 2016. Last year, he had sought inter-cadre deputation to Delhi government. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet-led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had declined the proposal for inter- cadre deputation of Chaturvedi (for appointment as Officer on Special Duty to the Delhi Chief Minister) from Uttarakhand cadre. He is at present is working without any post in the Uttarakhand government. According to norms, an officer of Indian Forest Service is appointed to the post of Conservator of Forests after completing 14 years of service. However, the Annual Confidential Report of the officer concerned needs to be outstanding. The Supreme Court had recently sought responses from the Centre, AIIMS and the Central Vigilance Commission on the plea of the officer who has alleged that he was not given any work at the premier medical institution here despite having an exemplary service record. A woman has filed a police complaint in Satara district against Congress MLA Jaykumar Gore alleging that he harassed her by sending lewd and vulgar messages, and seeking sexual favours. Gore represents Man constituency in Satara district. Case was registered against him under IPC sections 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-D (stalking), 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman), 506 (criminal intimidation) and relevant sections of Information Technology Act, said Sandip Patil, Superintendent of Police. The complainant, who organises skill development programmes, had met Gore in connection with work some time ago, the SP said. "Gore, who had woman's number, used to send vulgar messages and photos to her and was seeking sexual favours from her," the officer said, adding that this went on for almost seven months before the woman approached the police. "We have registered a case and investigation is on," he said. The Congress MLA denied the allegations and said this was a conspiracy to implicate him in bogus cases as the local body elections were round the corner. "I am innocent...I am not the one to run away from the law," said Gore in a statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi's lone leopard, spotted in Yamuna biodiversity Park recently, is likely to be shifted to neighbouring Uttarakhand's Rajaji National Park by the city government, as the animal that has strayed from Haryana, may "pose danger" to people in nearby areas. However, the decision, taken a day after a leopard was hacked to death by angry villagers in Gurgaon's Sohna area, has left the authorities of the DDA-run Park (under Centre) in a quandary as the leopard's presence had thrilled ecologists and scientists alike. Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain said the sighting of the wild cat was a "good indicator of quality forest area", while expressing concern that lack of security measures may pose danger to people residing in nearby areas. "It is my dilemma as an ecologist. We are here to address the trophic structure and the presence of the leopard completes it. Its presence ensures a complete food chain and gives us satisfaction that we are doing things right," Faiyaz Khudsar, scientist in-charge at the park, told PTI. When contacted, Delhi's Chief Wildlife Warden AK Shukla, who is the custodian of all animals within the boundaries of the national capital under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, said the decision was taken considering the fact that stray animals tend to get ferocious after one point. "It has strayed from its group. And shifting it becomes important especially after what happened in Gurgaon. We are trying to pinpoint its location and will try to release it in the Rajaji National Park," Shukla said. Hussain instructed the forest department to make all efforts to "catch" the leopard alive with the help of Central Zoo Authority. Two wildlife inspectors have been deputed to inspect the Yamuna biodiversity Park area to find the pug marks for actual assessment of age of the leopard. A cage, with a bait, will be placed once the location of the animal is identified, Shukla said. "Leopard is a free ranging (not captive) animal and it should remain free ranging. It should be released somewhere in an protected area," Khudsar said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) - Indian soft commodities edged lower on profit-taking on Friday, as India's move earlier this month to invalidate larger banknotes continued to affect trading. "Traders are still facing the effect of demonitisation and are not taking any new trade positions," a soyoil trader from central India told . "There is a lack of direction in the Indian soy markets, especially since the CBOT was closed on Thursday on account of Thanksgiving," he said. Indian sugar is on track to cap a lukewarm week of trading and is set to close lower for the sixth straight day, as traders await the arrival of fresh stock next year after the end of the ongoing crushing season. SOYOIL, SOYBEAN * December soyoil futures fell to 710.30 rupees ($10.37) per 10 kg at 1150 GMT. * The December soybean contract on the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) fell about 0.6 percent to 3,103 rupees per 100 kg. * The December rapeseed contract fell 0.6 percent to 4,645 rupees per 100 kg. SUGAR * The December sugar contract fell to 3,425 rupees per 100 kg as of 1150 GMT. CORN, WHEAT * December corn futures rose 0.2 percent to 1,415 rupees per 100 kg * The December wheat contract rose 0.9 percent to 2,071 rupees per 100 kg. ($1 = 68.4645 rupees) (Reporting by Sudarshan Varadhan in New Delhi; Editing by Sunil Nair) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) For decades, foreign correspondents have covered countries where people are quite literally begging for true information. During the Cold War and under the worst dictatorships, Russians, Hungarians, Poles and many others would whisper to us in locked rooms or somewhere where the music was so loud the dictatorship couldn't overhear you. Then they would tell us, often tearfully, about secretly listening to the clandestine broadcasts of Voice of America or Radio Free Europe or, more recently, Radio Free Asia. The danger to themselves was very real. After the walls around Russia began falling in 1989, it was staggering to us overseas reporters how much of the collapse was due to those brave and disciplined American radio broadcasts. How terribly much they meant to people so starved for what we carelessly take for granted news! There was no question in my mind all during the 1980s that hard-line Communist East Germany was changing irrevocably, changes that led to the Berlin Wall coming down. Why? It was a simple question of "reading the tea leaves," watching and understanding the symbols that invariably reveal when and how changes come in closed societies. The rigid, cruel, antiseptic East German Communists, for the first time, began allowing West German television across the frightful border, with an innocence of outcome rare to these goons. Western TV crews would film and interview, then take their raw footage back home and finally broadcast news shows back to the East. The East was no longer red; the East was dead. And not from tanks or tommy guns, but from information. That's why I take so poorly to all the news about "fake news." It's as though, having effectively won the battle for mankind's mind, we Americans are merrily abolishing the systems that gave us the victory. But it is certainly not the first time that what was supposed to free us has actually enslaved us. In case you haven't heard about it perhaps because you're on Facebook reading it fake news has suddenly become the newest Darth Vader of journalism. After the election, it was realized that Facebook, Google, Twitter and many of those wonderful new outlets for "citizen journalists" were, in truth, only swamping us with conspiracy theories, prejudice and anonymous harassment. At first, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's $50 billion chieftain, didn't want to bother his rich self about it. He wasn't a "publisher," he said; besides, only 1 percent, if that, of news circulating on the sites was fake. But those words were fake, too. According to BuzzFeed, the website that covers trends, focusing on rumors and gossip, in the last three months of the electoral campaign, the 20 top fake news stories on Facebook generated more engagement than the 20 top stories from real news websites. Then Paul Horner, a previously little-known blogger who had placed many of the fake news stories, stepped into the spotlight, stating, a little amazed, that people "believed everything." Finally, President Obama, in an interview with The New Yorker, stated that, on a "Facebook page ... 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 polarize the electorate and make it very difficult to have a common conversation." Fine words, but the fact remains (if there is still a "fact") that The Washington Post-Schar School national poll shows that 56 percent of Americans got their election news from television and 30 percent from the internet. Of those on the internet, 32 percent identified social media, 29 percent tuned in to news organizations' websites and 15 percent said Google or other search engines. I would suggest that, of all the potential American heresies swirling around President-elect Trump, this problem of fake news and what happens next or what does not happen next will tell us what kind of country we have become because, without accurate news of the world, and ourselves, how can we possibly act sensibly or honestly? Facebook and Google spokesmen have now assumed some responsibility. But they have not yet accepted that they are publishers, with all the responsibility for layers upon layers of reporting, fact-checking, writing in balance, copy-editing and legal advising that comes with real news. In case you haven't noticed, all the meaningful reporting still comes from newspapers, public television, and a handful of serious journals and their reporters. And yet the citizens of America blithely and self-indulgently go about spending hours (teens reportedly spend 7 1/2 hours a day) on the internet, mostly without knowing a takeoff from a takedown, a revolution from an evolution or an execution from a murder. Meanwhile, exactly what are we to say to people still living under dictatorships in Central Asia or Africa or Asia (or, still, Russia) when they desperately take us aside to talk about news? From ransomware and Trojans to faceless hackers and "two-faced" malware, the malicious nature of cyber threats continues to evolve at the same pace as breakthroughs in cybersecurity. Today, hackers have the means to pull off highly sophisticated cyber attacks that can take down businesses, take governments hostage, or even take down a huge swath of the web! 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 You want to make sure you prepare thoroughly before starting a business, but realize that things will almost certainly go awry. To run a successful business, you must adapt to changing situations. Conducting in-depth market research on your field and the demographics of your potential clientele is an important part of crafting a business plan. This involves running surveys, holding focus groups, and researching SEO and public data. Before you start selling your product or service, you need to build up your brand and get a following of people who are ready to jump when you open your doors for business. This article is for entrepreneurs who want to learn the basics steps of starting a new business. Tasks like naming the business and creating a logo are obvious, but what about the less-heralded, equally important steps? Whether its determining your business structure or crafting a detailed marketing strategy, the workload can quickly pile up. Rather than spinning your wheels and guessing at where to start, follow this 10-step checklist to transform your business from a lightbulb above your head to a real entity. How to start a small business 1. Refine your idea. If youre thinking about starting a business, you likely already have an idea of what you want to sell online, or at least the market you want to enter. Do a quick search for existing companies in your chosen industry. Learn what current brand leaders are doing and figure out how you can do it better. If you think your business can deliver something other companies dont (or deliver the same thing, only faster and cheaper), or youve got a solid idea and are ready to create a business plan. Define your why. In the words of Simon Sinek, always start with why,' Glenn Gutek, CEO of Awake Consulting and Coaching, told Business News Daily. It is good to know why you are launching your business. In this process, it may be wise to differentiate between [whether] the business serves a personal why or a marketplace why. When your why is focused on meeting a need in the marketplace, the scope of your business will always be larger than a business that is designed to serve a personal need. Consider franchising. Another option is to open a franchise of an established company. The concept, brand following and business model are already in place; all you need is a good location and the means to fund your operation. Brainstorm your business name. Regardless of which option you choose, its vital to understand the reasoning behind your idea. Stephanie Desaulniers, owner of Business by Dezign and former director of operations and womens business programs at Covation Center, cautions entrepreneurs against writing a business plan or brainstorming a business name before nailing down the ideas value. Clarify your target customers. Desaulniers said too often people jump into launching their business without spending time to think about who their customers will be and why would want to buy from them or hire them. You need to clarify why you want to work with these customers do you have a passion for making peoples lives easier? Desaulniers said. Or enjoy creating art to bring color to their world? Identifying these answers helps clarify your mission. Third, you want to define how you will provide this value to your customers and how to communicate that value in a way that they are willing to pay. TIP: To refine your business idea, identify your why, your target customers and your business name. During the ideation phase, you need to iron out the major details. If the idea isnt something youre passionate about or if theres not a market for your creation, it might be time to brainstorm other ideas. 2. Write a business plan. Once you have your idea in place, you need to ask yourself a few important questions: What is the purpose of your business? Who are you selling to? What are your end goals? How will you finance your startup costs? These questions can be answered in a well-written business plan. A lot of mistakes are made by new businesses rushing into things without pondering these aspects of the business. You need to find your target customer base. Who is going to buy your product or service? If you cant find evidence that theres a demand for your idea, then what would be the point? Free download: Here is our business plan template you can use to plan and grow your business. Conduct market research. Conducting thorough market research on your field and demographics of potential clientele is an important part of crafting a business plan. This involves conducting surveys, holding focus groups, and researching SEO and public data. Market research helps you understand your target customer their needs, preferences and behavior as well as your industry and competitors. Many small business professionals recommend gathering demographic information and conducting a competitive analysis to better understand opportunities and limitations within your market. The best small businesses have products or services that are differentiated from the competition. This has a significant impact on your competitive landscape and allows you to convey unique value to potential customers. Consider an exit strategy. Its also a good idea to consider an exit strategy as you compile your business plan. Generating some idea of how youll eventually exit the business forces you to look to the future. Too often, new entrepreneurs are so excited about their business and so sure everyone everywhere will be a customer that they give very little, if any, time to show the plan on leaving the business, said Josh Tolley, CEO of both Shyft Capital and Kavana. When you board an airplane, what is the first thing they show you? How to get off of it. When you go to a movie, what do they point out before the feature begins to play? Where the exits are. Your first week of kindergarten, they line up all the kids and teach them fire drills to exit the building. Too many times I have witnessed business leaders that dont have three or four predetermined exit routes. This has led to lower company value and even destroyed family relationships. A business plan helps you figure out where your company is going, how it will overcome any potential difficulties and what you need to sustain it. When youre ready to put pen to paper, these free templates can help. 3. Assess your finances. Starting any business has a price, so you need to determine how youre going to cover those costs. Do you have the means to fund your startup, or will you need to borrow money? If youre planning to leave your current job to focus on your business, do you have money put away to support yourself until you make a profit? Its best to find out how much your startup costs will be. Many startups fail because they run out of money before turning a profit. Its never a bad idea to overestimate the amount of startup capital you need, as it can be a while before the business begins to bring in sustainable revenue. Perform a break-even analysis. One way you can determine how much money you need is to perform a break-even analysis. This is an essential element of financial planning that helps business owners determine when their company, product or service will be profitable. The formula is simple: Fixed Costs (Average Price Variable Costs) = Break-Even Point Every entrepreneur should use this formula as a tool because it informs you about the minimum performance your business must achieve to avoid losing money. Furthermore, it helps you understand exactly where your profits come from, so you can set production goals accordingly. Here are the three most common reasons to conduct a break-even analysis: Determine profitability. This is generally every business owners highest interest. Ask yourself: How much revenue do I need to generate to cover all my expenses? Which products or services turn a profit, and which ones are sold at a loss? Price a product or service. When most people think about pricing, they consider how much their product costs to create and how competitors are pricing their products. Ask yourself: What are the fixed rates, what are the variable costs, and what is the total cost? What is the cost of any physical goods? What is the cost of labor? Analyze the data. What volumes of goods or services do you have to sell to be profitable? Ask yourself: How can I reduce my overall fixed costs? How can I reduce the variable costs per unit? How can I improve sales? Watch your expenses. Dont overspend when starting a business. Understand the types of purchases that make sense for your business and avoid overspending on fancy new equipment that wont help you reach your business goals. Monitor your business expenses to ensure you are staying on track. A lot of startups tend to spend money on unnecessary things, said Jean Paldan, founder and CEO of Rare Form New Media. We worked with a startup that had two employees but spent a huge amount on office space that would fit 20 people. They also leased a professional high-end printer that was more suited for a team of 100; it had key cards to track who was printing what and when. Spend as little as possible when you start, and only on the things that are essential for the business to grow and be a success. Luxuries can come when youre established. Consider your funding options. Startup capital for your business can come from various means. The best way to acquire funding for your business depends on several factors, including creditworthiness, the amount needed and available options. Business loans. If you need financial assistance, a commercial loan through a bank is a good starting point, although these are often difficult to secure. If you are unable to take out a bank loan, you can apply for a small business loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) or an alternative lender. [Read related article: Best Alternative Small Business Loans] Business grants. Business grants are similar to loans; however, they do not need to be paid back. Business grants are typically very competitive, and come with stipulations that the business must meet to be considered. When trying to secure a small business grant, look for ones that are uniquely specific to your situation. Options include minority-owned business grants, grants for women-owned businesses and government grants. Investors. Startups requiring significant funding upfront may want to bring on an investor. Investors can provide several million dollars or more to a fledgling company, with the expectation that the backers will have a hands-on role in running your business. Crowdfunding. Alternatively, you could launch an equity crowdfunding campaign to raise smaller amounts of money from multiple backers. Crowdfunding has helped numerous companies in recent years, and there are dozens of reliable crowdfunding platforms designed for different types of businesses. You can learn more about each of these capital sources and more in our guide to startup finance options. Editors note: Looking for a small business loan? Fill out the questionnaire below to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs. Choose the right business bank. When youre choosing a business bank, size matters. Marcus Anwar, co-founder of OhMy Canada, recommends smaller community banks because they are in tune with the local market conditions and will work with you based on your overall business profile and character. Theyre unlike big banks that look at your credit score and will be more selective to loan money to small businesses, Anwar said. Not only that, but small banks want to build a personal relationship with you and ultimately help you if you run into problems and miss a payment. Another good thing about smaller banks is that decisions are made at the branch level, which can be much quicker than big banks, where decisions are made at a higher level. Anwar believes that you should ask yourself these questions when choosing a bank for your business: What is important to me? Do I want to build a close relationship with a bank thats willing to help me in any way possible? Do I want to be just another bank account, like big banks will view me as? Ultimately, the right bank for your business comes down to your needs. Writing down your banking needs can help narrow your focus to what you should be looking for. Schedule meetings with various banks and ask questions about how they work with small businesses to find the best bank for your business. [Read related article: Business Bank Account Checklist: Documents Youll Need] Key takeaway: Financially, you will want to perform a break-even analysis, consider your expenses and funding options, and choose the right bank for your business. 4. Determine your legal business structure. Before you can register your company, you need to decide what kind of entity it is. Your business structure legally affects everything from how you file your taxes to your personal liability if something goes wrong. Sole proprietorship. If you own the business entirely by yourself and plan to be responsible for all debts and obligations, you can register for a sole proprietorship. Be warned that this route can directly affect your personal credit. If you own the business entirely by yourself and plan to be responsible for all debts and obligations, you can register for a sole proprietorship. Be warned that this route can directly affect your personal credit. Partnership. Alternatively, a business partnership, as its name implies, means that two or more people are held personally liable as business owners. You dont have to go it alone if you can find a business partner with complementary skills to your own. Its usually a good idea to add someone into the mix to help your business flourish. Alternatively, a business partnership, as its name implies, means that two or more people are held personally liable as business owners. You dont have to go it alone if you can find a business partner with complementary skills to your own. Its usually a good idea to add someone into the mix to help your business flourish. Corporation. If you want to separate your personal liability from your companys liability, you may want to consider forming one of several types of corporations (e.g., S corporation, C corporation or B corporation). Although each type of corporation is subject to different guidelines, this legal structure generally makes a business a separate entity from its owners, and, therefore, corporations can own property, assume liability, pay taxes, enter contracts, sue and be sued like any other individual. Corporations, especially C corporations, are especially suitable for new businesses that plan on going public or seeking funding from venture capitalists in the near future, said Deryck Jordan, managing attorney at Jordan Counsel. If you want to separate your personal liability from your companys liability, you may want to consider forming one of several types of corporations (e.g., S corporation, C corporation or B corporation). Although each type of corporation is subject to different guidelines, this legal structure generally makes a business a separate entity from its owners, and, therefore, corporations can own property, assume liability, pay taxes, enter contracts, sue and be sued like any other individual. Corporations, especially C corporations, are especially suitable for new businesses that plan on going public or seeking funding from venture capitalists in the near future, said Deryck Jordan, managing attorney at Jordan Counsel. Limited liability company. One of the most common structures for small businesses is the limited liability company (LLC). This hybrid structure has the legal protections of a corporation while allowing for the tax benefits of a partnership. Ultimately, it is up to you to determine which type of entity is best for your current needs and future business goals. Its important to learn about the various legal business structures available. If youre struggling to make up your mind, its not a bad idea to discuss the decision with a business or legal advisor. Did You Know: You need to choose a legal structure for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or LLC. 5. Register with the government and IRS. You will need to acquire a variety of business licenses before you can legally operate your business. For example, you need to register your business with federal, state and local governments. There are several documents you must prepare before registering. Articles of incorporation and operating agreements To become an officially recognized business entity, you must register with the government. Corporations need an articles of incorporation document, which includes your business name, business purpose, corporate structure, stock details and other information about your company. Similarly, some LLCs will need to create an operating agreement. Doing business as (DBA) If you dont have articles of incorporation or an operating agreement, you will need to register your business name, which can be your legal name, a fictitious DBA name (if you are the sole proprietor), or the name youve come up with for your company. You may also want to take steps to trademark your business name for extra legal protection. Most states require you to get a DBA. If youre in a general partnership or a proprietorship operating under a fictitious name, you may need to apply for a DBA certificate. Its best to contact or visit your local county clerks office and ask about specific requirements and fees. Generally, there is a registration fee involved. Employer identification number (EIN) After you register your business, you may need to get an employer identification number from the IRS. While this is not required for sole proprietorships with no employees, you may want to apply for one anyway to keep your personal and business taxes separate, or simply to save yourself the trouble later if you decide to hire someone. The IRS has provided a checklist to determine whether you will require an EIN to run your business. If you do need an EIN, you can register online for free. Income tax forms You also need to file certain forms to fulfill your federal and state income tax obligations. The forms you need are determined by your business structure. You will need to check your states website for information on state-specific and local tax obligations. You might be tempted to wing it with a PayPal account and social media platform, but if you start with a proper foundation, your business will have fewer hiccups to worry about in the long run, said Natalie Pierre-Louis, licensed attorney and owner of NPL Consulting. Federal, state, and local licenses and permits Some businesses may also require federal, state or local licenses and permits to operate. The best place to obtain a business license is at your local city hall. You can then use the SBAs database to search for licensing requirements by state and business type. Businesses and independent contractors in certain trades are required to carry professional licenses. One example of a professional business license is a commercial drivers license (CDL). Individuals with a CDL are allowed to operate certain types of vehicles, such as buses, tank trucks and tractor-trailers. A CDL is divided into three classes: Class A, Class B and Class C. You should also check with your city and state to find out if you need a sellers permit that authorizes your business to collect sales tax from your customers. A sellers permit goes by numerous names, including resale permit, resell permit, permit license, reseller permit, resale ID, state tax ID number, reseller number, reseller license permit or certificate of authority. Its important to note that these requirements and names vary from state to state. You can register for a sellers permit through the state government website of the state(s) youre doing business in. Jordan says that not all businesses need to collect sales tax (or obtain a sellers permit). For example, New York sales tax generally is not required for the sale of most services (such as professional services, education, and capital improvements to real estate), medicine or food for home consumption, Jordan said. So, for example, if your business only sells medicine, you do not need a New York sellers permit. But New York sales tax must be collected in conjunction with the sale of new tangible personal goods, utilities, telephone service, hotel stays, and food and beverages (in restaurants). Key takeaway: Register key documents like articles of incorporation or an operating agreement, a DBA, an EIN, income tax forms, and other applicable licenses and permits. 6. Purchase an insurance policy. It might slip your mind as something youll get around to eventually, but purchasing the right insurance for your business is an important step to take before you officially launch. Dealing with incidents such as property damage, theft or even a customer lawsuit can be costly, and you need to be sure that youre properly protected. Although you should consider several types of business insurance, there are a few basic insurance plans that most small businesses can benefit from. For example, if your business will have employees, you will at least need to purchase workers compensation and unemployment insurance. You may also need other types of coverage, depending on your location and industry, but most small businesses are advised to purchase general liability (GL) insurance, or a business owners policy. GL covers property damage, bodily injury, and personal injury to yourself or a third party. If your business provides a service, you may also want to consider professional liability insurance. It covers you if you do something wrong or neglect to do something you should have done while operating your business. 7. Build your team. Unless youre planning to be your only employee, youre going to need to recruit and hire a great team to get your company off the ground. Joe Zawadzki, CEO and founder of MediaMath, said entrepreneurs need to give the people element of their businesses the same attention they give their products. Your product is built by people, Zawadzki said. Identifying your founding team, understanding what gaps exist, and [determining] how and when you will address them should be top priority. Figuring out how the team will work together is equally important. Defining roles and responsibility, division of labor, how to give feedback, or how to work together when not everyone is in the same room will save you a lot of headaches down the line. 8. Choose your vendors. Running a business can be overwhelming, and you and your team probably arent going to be able to do it all on your own. Thats where third-party vendors come in. Companies in every industry from HR to business phone systems exist to partner with you and help you run your business better. When youre searching for B2B partners, youll have to choose carefully. These companies will have access to vital and potentially sensitive business data, so its critical to find someone you can trust. In our guide to choosing business partners, our expert sources recommend asking potential vendors about their experience in your industry, their track record with existing clients and what kind of growth theyve helped other clients achieve. Not every business will need the same type of vendors, but there are common products and services that almost every business will need. Consider the following functions that are a neccessity for any type of business. Taking payments from customers: Offering multiple payment options will ensure you can make a sale in whatever format is easiest for target customer. Youll need to compare options are find the right credit card processing provider to ensure youre getting the best rate for your type of business. Managing finances: Many business owners can manager their own accounting functions when starting their business, but as your business grows you can save time by hiring an accountant, or comparing accounting software providers. 9. Brand yourself and advertise. Before you start selling your product or service, you need to build up your brand and get a following of people ready to jump when you open your literal or figurative doors for business. Company website. Take your reputation online and build a company website. Many customers turn to the internet to learn about a business, and a website is digital proof that your small business exists. It is also a great way to interact with current and potential customers. Take your reputation online and build a company website. Many customers turn to the internet to learn about a business, and a website is digital proof that your small business exists. It is also a great way to interact with current and potential customers. Social media. Use social media to spread the word about your new business, perhaps as a promotional tool to offer coupons and discounts to followers once you launch. The best social media platforms to utilize will depend on your target audience. Use social media to spread the word about your new business, perhaps as a promotional tool to offer coupons and discounts to followers once you launch. The best social media platforms to utilize will depend on your target audience. CRM. The best CRM software solutions allow you to store customer data to to improve how you market to them. A well-thought-out email marketing campaign can do wonders for reaching customers and communicating with your audience. To be successful, you will want to strategically build your email marketing contact list. The best CRM software solutions allow you to store customer data to to improve how you market to them. A well-thought-out email marketing campaign can do wonders for reaching customers and communicating with your audience. To be successful, you will want to strategically build your email marketing contact list. Logo. Create a logo that can help people easily identify your brand, and be consistent in using it across all of your platforms. Also, keep these digital assets up to date with relevant, interesting content about your business and industry. According to Ruthann Bowen, chief marketing officer at EastCamp Creative, too many startups have the wrong mindset about their websites. The issue is they see their website as a cost, not an investment, Bowen said. In todays digital age, thats a huge mistake. The small business owners who understand how critical it is to have a great online presence will have a leg up on starting out strong. Creating a marketing plan that goes beyond your launch is essential to building a clientele by continually getting the word out about your business. This process, especially in the beginning, is just as important as providing a quality product or service. Ask customers to opt in to your marketing communications. As you build your brand, ask your customers and potential customers for permission to communicate with them. The easiest way to do this is by using opt-in forms. These are forms of consent given by web users, authorizing you to contact them with further information about your business, according to Dan Edmonson, founder and CEO of Dronegenuity. These types of forms usually pertain to email communication and are often used in e-commerce to request permission to send newsletters, marketing material, product sales, etc. to customers, Edmonson said. Folks get so many throwaway emails and other messages these days that, by getting them to opt in to your services in a transparent way, you begin to build trust with your customers. Opt-in forms are a great starting point for building trust and respect with potential customers. Even more importantly, these forms are required by law. The CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 sets requirements for commercial email by the Federal Trade Commission. This law doesnt just apply to bulk email; it covers all commercial messages, which the law defines as any electronic mail message the primary purpose of which is the commercial advertisement or promotion of a commercial product or service. Each email in violation of this law is subject to fines of more than $40,000. TIP: Create a strategic marketing campaign that combines various marketing channels, like a company website, social media, email newsletters and opt-in forms. 10. Grow your business. Your launch and first sales are only the beginning of your task as an entrepreneur. To make a profit and stay afloat, you always need to be growing your business. Its going to take time and effort, but youll get out of your business what you put into it. Collaborating with more established brands in your industry is a great way to achieve growth. Reach out to other companies and ask for some promotion in exchange for a free product sample or service. Partner with a charity organization, and volunteer some of your time or products to get your name out there. While these tips will help launch your business and get you set to grow, theres never a perfect plan. You want to make sure you prepare thoroughly for starting a business, but things will almost certainly go awry. To run a successful business, you must adapt to changing situations. Free download: Weve created a sales plan template you can use to scale customer acquisition. Be prepared to adjust, said Stephanie Murray, founder of Fiddlestix Party + Supply. Theres a saying in the military that no plan survives the first contact, meaning that you can have the best plan in the world, but as soon as its in action, things change, and you have to be ready and willing to adapt and problem-solve quickly. As an entrepreneur, your value lies in solving problems, whether that is your product or service solving problems for other people or you solving problems within your organization. FAQs about starting a business How can I start my own business with no money? You can launch a successful business without any startup funds. Work on a business idea that builds on your skill set to offer something new and innovative to the market. While developing a new business, keep working in your current position (or day job) to reduce the financial risk. Once youve developed your business idea and youre ready to start on a business plan, youll need to get creative with funding. You can raise money through investments by pitching your idea to financial backers. You could also gather funding through crowdsourcing platforms like Kickstarter, or set aside a certain amount of money from your weekly earnings to put toward a new business. Finally, you can seek out loan options from banks and other financial institutions as a way to get your company up and running. What is the easiest business to start? The easiest business to start is one that requires little to no financial investment upfront, nor should it require extensive training to learn the business. One of the easiest types of new business to launch is a dropshipping company. Dropshipping requires no inventory management, saving you the hassle of buying, storing and tracking stock. Instead, another company will fulfill your customer orders at your behest. This company will manage the inventory, package goods, and ship out your business orders. To get started, you can create an online store by selecting curated products from the catalog available through partners. When is the best time to start a business? Each persons ideal timeline for starting a new business will be different. First and foremost, you should start a business when you have enough time to devote your attention to the launch. If you have a seasonal product or service, then you want to start your business a quarter before your predicted busy time of the year. For nonseasonal companies, spring and fall are popular times of years to launch. Winter is the least popular launch season, because many new owners prefer to have their LLC or corporation approved for a new fiscal year. Skye Schooley contributed to the reporting and writing in this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article. In a wide ranging speech to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce Minister Mitchell OConnor pushed the necessity for Ireland to be at the forefront of global innovation and education. By 2020 the Minster aims to push Ireland into a top five ranking position when it comes to competitiveness. Minister OConnors speech heaped praise on the Chambers of Commerce across Ireland, although called for caution against complacency in a growing business environment. During these first six months in my job as Minister it has truly been a privilege getting to know the many heroes of Irish business, businesses in both the public and private sector that drive our economy. None more so than in the Chambers of Commerce across Ireland. You provide a fantastic local and international business network, and you inspire business learning and leadership. I know that future challenges exist in a politically uncertain world. This is no time for resting on our laurels or complacency - we made those mistakes before. She added. Source: www.businessworld.ie Finance Ireland, Irelands largest non-bank lender, has announced that the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) has conditionally agreed to make a 30m equity investment in the company. ISIF is managed and controlled by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA). ISIF has an 8.0 billion sovereign development fund with a statutory mandate to invest on a commercial basis in a manner designed to support economic activity and employment in Ireland. Last year Finance Ireland attracted a 25m investment by a global investment firm, following todays transaction, that investment firm and ISIF now hold similar equity positions in the company. Finance Ireland has expanded its operations with the addition of 40 new staff in 2016. The Group now employs 85 professionals across its four operating divisions in Leasing, Agri, Auto and CRE key areas in which Finance Ireland provides lending to. The group is on track to provide in excess of 300m in new lending to Irish customers in 2016. Finance Ireland founder Billy Kane speaking on the announcement said, This significant investment by ISIF underpins our very ambitious growth plans for the coming years. Our mission is to create a major non-bank lender in the Irish financial landscape offering customers a real alternative to the traditional banking sector and we are well on the way to achieving that. Director of the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund Eugene O Callaghan, said; ISIF was attracted by the opportunity to support an established and experienced management team to expand its non-bank platform and in particular grow its SME and Agri Leasing businesses. This investment complements the products provided by other non-bank platforms in the SME sector that ISIF has supported. Source: www.businessworld.ie The Shelbourne witnessed the cream of the Irish Pension sector at the Irish Pension Awards 2016 last night. The 2016 judges were drawn from across Irelands pension sector including pension providers, industry bodies, consultants, financial services and pension representatives from various Irish pension and financial associations. Notable winners included Irish Life, with their Corporate Business winning the Communication Award, and Irish Life Investment Managers won Passive Manager of the Year. Setanta Asset Management, part of the Irish Life Group, picked up the award for Equities Manager of the Year for the fifth year in a row. Legal & General Investment Management won Investment Manager of the Year and Aviva Life & Pensions won the Innovation award. Patrick Burke, Managing Director, Irish Life Investment Managers, commented on the Passive Manager win; This award is a great recognition for our team at Irish Life Investment Managers. The win reflects our continued success of delivering tailored solutions for retail investors and DC pension schemes, through close collaborations with other business sectors across the Irish Life Group." Source: www.businessworld.ie Despite rising to a 10 week high sterling is still trading poorly versus the euro, allowing those spending euro an advantage in the UK marketplace. Similarly to shoppers physically shopping in Northern Ireland and the mainland UK the online UK market place is also seeing a significant uplift in Irish shoppers looking for a bargain. According to digital marketing agency, Wolfgang Digital, Irish interest in amazon.co.uk is 30% higher than 12 months ago based on Google trends searches data, most likely the result of sterling weakening against the euro. Wolfgang Digital CEO, Alan Coleman says "Last year Black Friday was the busiest day of 2015 for half of the online retailers surveyed by Wolfgang Digital, with revenue up 116% year on year." This golden Christmas period is make-or-break for Irish retailers and anybody suffering a 30% loss will struggle. Because online shopping is habit forming, the pain of lost custom for Irish retailers who dont address this could continue into 2017 as consumers form new relationships with UK retailers. Says Coleman. Source: www.businessworld.ie Iceland said on Thursday it had taken legal action against Iceland Foods Ltd over the British supermarket chain's trademark registration for the word "Iceland". Iceland's foreign ministry said the Europe-wide registration had often left Icelandic firms unable to describe their products as Icelandic and the government had therefore asked the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EU-IPO) to invalidate it. "Iceland Foods has aggressively pursued and won multiple cases against Icelandic companies which use "Iceland" in their representation or as part of their trademark, even in cases when the products and services do not compete," it said in a statement. The goal is to ensure the right of Icelandic companies to use the word "Iceland" in relation to their goods and services, it added. The ministry said the north Atlantic island state had over the past years tried unsuccessfully to resolve the situation through talks with Iceland Foods, which specialises in frozen food. A spokeswoman at Iceland Foods said it wished the Icelandic government had recently approached it to resolve the issue amicably, and that it did not believe there was any confusion between the firm's name and the island nation. "While we will vigorously defend Iceland Foods' established rights where there is any risk of confusion between our business and Iceland the country, we have been trading successfully for 46 years ... and do not believe that any serious confusion or conflict has ever arisen," she said. A spokeswoman for Iceland's foreign ministry said it did not know how long the process at the EU-IPO would take.(Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Victory or defeat for Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's constitutional reform referendum will hit financial markets only modestly, a Reuters poll found, with analysts split on how serious a "No" vote would be for the future of the euro project. Renzi has said he will resign if he loses the Dec. 4 ballot - an outcome all opinion polls say is the most likely - on his plan to drastically reduce the role of the upper house Senate. The Reuters survey of 32 analysts conducted on Nov 24-25 showed investors expected to demand an extra 25 basis points in yield to hold Italian debt over its German equivalent if the reform is rejected, with the euro dipping 1.25 percent. Similar moves in the other direction are expected if voters approve the reform at the ballot box, which Renzi is presenting as a chance to speed up lawmaking and stabilize government. While the poll consensus shows only muted reaction to either outcome, the European Central Bank said the risks are rising to euro zone financial stability and it would react to any "economic shock" from the vote. The most pessimistic view in the poll was for a 70 basis point premium on the Italian/German yield spread and for the euro to fall as much as 10 percent. Half the analysts polled see a "serious" blow to the euro project if Italians reject the plan, which those opposed to it say will over-centralize power and make Italy less democratic. The other half said the blow would not be serious. "I think the market underestimates the long-term consequences of a 'No' outcome," said DekaBank economist Kristian Toedmann. "Italy's reform agenda is a project for many years. If it fails, trend growth will not accelerate and government debt will become less sustainable. This cannot be compensated by (ECB) quantitative easing forever," he said. Italy's chronically stagnant economy is struggling to post convincing growth and its debt pile, one of the world's biggest, keeps it under close investor scrutiny. Many in the financial markets worry that, if Renzi resigns, the anti-euro 5-Star Movement could come closer to power. Renzi has said he will not participate in any attempt to form a technocrat government of the kind that took over after Silvio Berlusconi's last administration collapsed in 2011. "The 'No' scenario opens up a very volatile phase," said Intesa Sanpaolo fixed income strategist Sergio Capaldi. "In case of Renzi's resignation there is no clear path for the formation of a new government. A short-term government could just approve an electoral law for the Senate and announce early elections." Further investor concerns focus on Italy's banks, which, saddled with 200 billion euros in bad loans, are holding back lending to small companies that traditionally relied on them. Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the world's oldest bank, is among the biggest worries as it plans a 5 billion euro ($5.29 billion) recapitalisation plan. Monte dei Paschi plans to launch a stock sale on Dec. 7 or 8 into what could be turbulent markets if the referendum goes against Renzi and his government resigns. "If the prospect loomed of a failed capital hike for MPS, the next hypothesis is a bail-in, which would have serious consequences," said IG strategist Vincenzo Longo, recalling the case of four banks the state rescued from bankruptcy last year. "Given that last year four smaller banks created chaos above all among the public, MPS could lead to a bank run." (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Gasgoo.com (Shanghai) - Despite several advancements made in 2012, there were still a lot of problems remaining in the Chinese automotive market last year. The poor progress of the new energy vehicle industry, declining market share of own brand manufacturers, increasing traffic congestion and rising pollution rates are all issues that the country has had to deal with over the past year. In the run-up to the new year, auto.sohu.com.cn invited reporters to comment on the state of market in 2012. The website then summarized their comments into seven key points, which are presented below. Point 1: School bus safety standards still not properly enforced The lack of strict safety standards for school buses has led to far too many tragedies over the year. Most recently, on Christmas Eve, a minibus working as a school bus in Jiangxi province plunged into a body of water, killing 11 children. Although a new set of standards was released in early 2012, their implementation has been far from ideal. Why are school bus accidents still so prevalent in China? The panel of experts arrived at the conclusion that school bus safety is still not given the same amount of attention in China as it is in other countries. In their opinion, the issue requires joint coordination between the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Public Security and other departments to resolve. The experts point to the US as an example that China strive to follow. The country's goal should be to ensure the safety of each and every one of its children. Point 2: Poor performance among Chinese own brand manufacturers Domestic Chinese manufacturers' combined performance was another matter of concern last year. Despite a rebound in autumn, which was due mainly to Japanese manufacturers' declining performance, several own brands' cumulative sales over the whole year were worse than in 2011. Furthermore, although Chinese automobile manufacturers were able to capitalize on the losses Japanese enterprises suffered in the latter half of the year, Cheng Xiaodong, analyst for the National Development and Reform Commission's Price Monitoring Center, points out that their sales increases paled in comparison to those of German, Korean and American manufacturers. Being the world's largest automobile market, it is a shame that China still lacks a leading multinational automobile enterprise of its own. Point 3: Future for new energy vehicles still unclear In the eyes of Jia Xinguang, commentator for auto.sohu.com.cn, the lowest point of this year was the failure of the 'ten cities thousand automobiles' policy. Unsuccessful implementation of the policy, which offered subsidies for selected vehicles, means that 2012 is yet another mediocre year for China's new energy vehicle industry. Mr. Jia offers the following three suggestions to promote development of the new energy vehicles in the country: acknowledging that pure electric vehicles can't fully replace traditional fuel powered vehicles in the near future; abandoning unrealistic policies for the popularization of EVs; further developing infrastructure for EVs and other new energy vehicles. Given the large scope of the automobile market in China, there is still a great deal of room for new electric vehicles to develop in the country. Hopefully 2013 will see new energy vehicle sales reach a new high in China. Point 4: Lack of reliable, publicly available production and sales statistics for the automotive industry Inconsistent production and sales data has been a consistent problem when analyzing the Chinese automobile industry. Organizations use very different methods to calculate the data, with their individual results varying noticeably. Lack of official recognition for any one organization's methodology compounds the problem even further. As Zhu Weihua, an analyst with auto.sohu.com.cn, said in his evaluation on the issue, clear and unified statistics are essential for manufacturers, policy makers and the media, especially when analyzing a body as large and complicated as the Chinese automotive industry. Without access to exact and accurate figures, it becomes harder to spot trends in automobile sales and production. Furthermore, Chinese manufacturers are left at a disadvantage to multinational enterprises, which spend a great deal of money to hire specialized firms to supply them with precise figures. With the information age already upon us, it is crucial that accurate industry statistics are made available to the public. Point 5: Own brand manufacturers' failure to make inroads in the government vehicle market To have its automobiles bought and used by the government is a major boost to any manufacturer in any country. In addition to the raw sales that government orders bring in, being selected for official use adds a certain degree of prestige and recognition that can help boost sales for an automobile model. The fact that domestic own brand manufacturers have still to see their vehicles used by the government in any significant capacity is yet another disadvantage they have in comparison to rivaling foreign companies. There were originally reports circulating throughout the media that FAW Hongqi sedans would be used for the Chinese Communist Party's 18th National Congress, which was held this past November. However, in the end the news was confirmed to be unfounded, signifying that own brand manufacturers had lost yet another crucial marketing opportunity. According to Economic Observer News reporter Yang Xiaolin, government departments need to work harder to increase the amount of domestic Chinese brand vehicles in official service. The recent decision by the provincial government of Gansu to gradually convert its official car fleet to Chinese brands has been a major step in the right direction. Point 6: The negative effect of policies limiting new automobile registrations on the market Due to increasing traffic and environmental problems, several major Chinese cities have begun implementing policies to restrict the number of new automobile registrations. According to Zhai Qin, analyst for auto.sohu.com.cn, the policies have not managed to solve any of the traffic and environmental issues that the cities are dealing with. Despite the lack of real results, first- and second-tier cities have begun considering whether or not to mimic policies set in place in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and other major cities. Whether or not municipal governments will start taking other measures to deal with these unresolved problems this year remains to be seen. Point 7: Lack of return policies protecting consumers The lack of comprehensive policies protecting consumers from defective or subpar products in China is especially evident in the automotive market, where it has become a hot topic of debate. Yu Mo, an auto.sohu.com.cn analyst, believes that the lack of clear plans for the introduction of enforceable legal policies administering the repair, replacement and return of automobiles in China is one of the industry's most regrettable shortcomings this year. In Mr. Yu's words, these policies would offer the sort of safeguards consumers need by forcing automobile manufacturers to stand behind the quality of their products. However, following the introduction of stricter legislation for vehicle recalls, almost no attention was paid to policies protecting buyers of automobiles. Hopefully this topic is given more attention this year. CAMEROUN :: Cameroon: Paul Atanga Nji is a dishonest man who proposes bad solutions The claims of the Cameroonian population mainly in the region of the Northwest have known today a radio output of the Minister responsible for the missions to the presidency of the Republic, Mr. Paul AtangaNji. In fact, the minister feels caught in the grip of the incompetence and usurpation of power that characterizes the regime of renouveau. This other Biyas servant is not connected to his people, thus he ignores the daily suffering and the realities of his fellow citizens. His intervention is a game at the sands merchant of "Bonne Nuit les Petits". Since 1961, date of the reunification of this people, which should never have been separated, we await the advent of national unity in facts and texts. Since July 12, 1978, two national anthems separate us as if to tell us that we are two different peoples who need two distinct countries. Since 2008, lawyers from Anglophone Cameroon have been waiting, as stipulated in our fundamental law of the OHADA treaties, the CIMA (Inter-Africaan Insurance Markets) Code. We have here only to list legal problems which concern the political will, the attachment to national unity and finally the acceptance (how do we welcome the other who is not us when he is in an unfamiliar space?). This is not, as the Permanent Secretary of the National Security Council Paul AtangaNjie points out, whether he has been in Yaounde for 30 years or whether he has friends Ewondo who live in Bamenda. 78% of Cameroonians have no drinking water, 67% live in permanent darkness, 86% of departments in Cameroon are not connected by roads. This list is far from exhaustive. Threatening and intimidation are practices that have evolved. For those who have secluded President Biya in his Unity Palace, by keeping him out of touch with his own people and their legitimate aspirations. The has come! President Biya it is never too late for president to polish your legacy. Those people surrounding you are not serving Cameroon, but their own interests. I am pretty sure you have come to the same conclusion Mr. AtangaNjie is a dishonest man who proposes bad solutions; this is not because we respect the unity of the Cameroon that we must blind the eyes on the monstrous failures of a regime in drift. We do not call to the consultation and dialog with a pair of handcuffs, personally I have experienced in my flesh in 2011. When during 48 hours I was deprived of my freedom, handcuffed like an animal then that I had been convened by the attorney for the help to understand the folder of the traffic of infants in our country. Yes there is anglophone problem in Cameroon, yes there is an evil being Cameroonian due to poor governance and the selfishness of those who think that to govern is lying, that is to deflect, it is wielding a weapon against a people at the edge of the asphyxiation. Yes I bring my total support to teachers, lawyers, to all corporations and trade union organizations in the Republic one and indivisible who says to the Government of the Republic that we deserve better. | BY Ricki Green | Cadbury has officially kicked off its Christmas campaign with the launch of a new TVC via Saatchi & Saatchi, Sydney, and is bringing the campaign to life with a multi-platform approach; through a series of experiences, supported by PR, content and social, delivering joy across Australia, with a new joy delivery every week for five weeks. Cadbury will deliver joy each week, centered around its four iconic Christmas and Gifting products: Cadbury Advent Calendar, Cadbury Baubles, Cadbury Favourites and Cadbury Dairy Milk Giftbox. The brand will cover a lot of ground around the country over the festive season with a giant Cadbury Deliveries truck planned to travel to each event and location. At the heart of each experience will lie a PR, content and social-led approach to announce and amplify each event; spreading joy to millions of Australians ahead of Christmas. The campaign kicked off on the weekend with First Fleet Park playing host to the first Cadbury Joy Delivery: Christmas Countdown. At this event, an Advent takeover featuring four themed pop-up stations, transformed the park into a magical Christmas wonderland. Festive traditions we all know and love including snapping your family Christmas photo with Santa or sharing a moment with your loved one under the mistletoe, came to life; creating an unforgettable family experience. Newcastle is the second stop, with the Cadbury Joy Deliveries transforming Civic Park into a Christmas tree wonderland to launch their newest Christmas product, Cadbury Baubles. Locals will be invited to decorate a forest of Christmas trees using the new Baubles range. Amongst the forest, will be an enormous signature tree with a giant mirror strategically placed above the tree to create a unique illusion for attendees, that they are floating above the tree to hang a bauble on it. Cronulla is up next with a beach get-together brought to you by Cadbury Favourites, celebrating the fact that sand is the snow of Christmas in Australia. More than 15 tonnes of sand will be delivered to Cronulla Park to transform the area into a spectacular Santa Sleigh sculpture, beach goers will have the chance to build their own sand monument and ice cream trucks on site to hand out free ice cream accompanied by your choice of your favourite Favourites on top. The Cadbury Joy Deliveries campaign will end with a bang as Eurovision and X-Factor Winner, Dami Im and her Cadbury Christmas Choir surprise a select number of deserving CBD-based Melbournians and their colleagues by singing their favourite carols. To win a choir for your office, you can head to www.cadburyjoydeliveries.com.au. Says Kjetil Undhjem, director marketing chocolate ANZ, Cadbury: We are delighted for the first time ever to be supporting the Cadbury masterbrand with this unique multi-platform approach at Christmas. Cadbury is a brand that has a long history of bringing joy to Australian families lives and were proud to continue this at Christmas with our Cadbury Joy Deliveries, helping us achieve our ambition of making Cadbury synonymous with Christmas. Client: Mondelez International Creative: Saatchi & Saatchi Activations: Banter PR: iD Collective | BY Ricki Green | Next Thursday night the MADC Star winners will receive a ton of metal literally. Its a brand new Mitsubishi Mirage. Courtesy of this years sole sponsor Finch, one lucky agency can just delete the Uber app, throw away the taxi vouchers and enjoy the freedom and relative luxury of Australias least expensive motor vehicle. Packed with amazing features like seats and a steering wheel, and with an awe inspiring 1.2 litre 3 cylinder engine, the winning creative team will be the envy of every agency in town as they buzz straight to the next recording session at speeds approaching the legal limit. The annual MADC Star award for the best idea out of Melbourne is perhaps the only slightly serious moment in what is largely an irreverent and completely social event, known as the MADC After Party. Its the night where everybody wins. Last year the DDB guys enjoyed transport of a different kind thanks to the generous sponsorship of Mr Smith. Flight and tickets to SXSW for the creative team was a seriously good way to kick off the award. Says Rob Galluzzo, founder, Finch: The chance to celebrate the year with Melbournes best people and the MADC wasnt lost on us and we wanted to help reward Melbournes best creative idea with a worthy prize, and something that was also a bit of fun. So we jumped on board as this years sponsor and we look forward to what promises to be a great night. | BY | UPDATED 12.50 FRIDAY: JWT Sydney joint ECDs Andy DiLallo (right) and Jay Benjamin (left) have resigned to join Leo Burnett Sydney, filling the vacuum left after the recent departure of national creative director Mark Collis. Benjamin and DiLallo told CB: Joining Leo Burnett is a very exciting step in our careers. They are an agency we have always held in very high regard. We look forward to continuing to raise their creative reputation throughout the region and ultimately the world. Our accepting of this roll was all about the opportunity ahead and in no way reflects any ill will towards JWT. In fact, its quite the opposite. Our time at JWT has been one of the best and most rewarding experiences of our careers, one which we have thoroughly enjoyed. We are sad to be leaving such a fantastic group of people but happy to be leaving the office in the best shape creatively theyve ever been. Says Noel Magnus, CEO of JWT Australia & New Zealand: Hey, it happensits a people business and people move. Weve worked as friends and were parting as friends. I genuinely wish them well (but not too well of course). Magnus said the pair had made a terrific contribution to JWTs creative reputation and created a wonderful platform from which to further build: JWT Sydney is currently ranked number two in the world on the bestads rankings and amongst the top creative shops in Australia by Campaign Brief not bad, but obviously theres still room for improvement! Magnus added that he and JWT worldwide CD Craig Davis were currently working through a list of candidates both here and abroad. "Then we had the 2003 fires in the ACT. You talk to any old timers on the fires and they'll pretty much tell you that season was like no other we'd ever seen before and I think they are going to become more frequent. Duterte made his remarks described as a prepared speech, but not yet officially published by the presidents office on his return on Wednesday from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru. The Philippines acknowledges the significant role of more vibrant telecommunications and power industries to be able to participate in the global market with a competitive edge, he said. If carried out, the move would threaten the dominant position of the two big players in the Philippines telecoms market, Globe Telecom and PLDT. However, one unconfirmed report, in Update Philippines, said that Duterte partly retracted his remarks after the speech, saying he would withdraw the threat if prices were reduced. I dont want to have a quarrel with the Ayalas and Pangilinan, Duterte said a reference to the family that controls the Ayala corporation that owns Globe and to Manuel Pangilinan, the chairman of PLDT. But in his earlier speech, widely reported in the Philippines media, he said: In the area of telecommunications, we are now finalizing our plans to open up the information and communications technology industry to new players in order to promote competitiveness and improve quality of service. The only way to make this country move faster to benefit the poor is really to open up the communications, the airwaves and the entire energy sector. Duterte, who was elected president in May, said his administration is looking at frameworks that would allow the entry of new players. He warned before the APEC event that his government wanted to bring improvements in doing business through more efficient and responsive governance, massive investments in new infrastructure, a new focus on the rural development, and increased investments in human capital. He said: The Philippines is open for business. Although terms of the deals have not been disclosed, Trutel president Frank Auciello will be joining Iristel as VP of networks and infrastructure, and Exelia founders Dimitri Stathis and Harry Villeneuve come on board as VP of enterprise strategy and operations, and VP of enterprise sales, respectively. "Iristel is committed to providing Canadians with the most advanced internet-based solutions that deliver reliable and cost-effective voice and data services and both Trutel's suite of products and services and Exelia's excellence in serving the SMB market enhance our ability to do so," said Iristel president Samer Bishay. "Our culture is not one filled with 'old phone guys' and neither is Trutel's or Exelia's. These two companies are strong strategic fits." Auciello added: My team and I are excited to be joining such a forward-looking organisation that is the only carrier in Canada with facilities stretching from the Atlantic to Pacific to Arctic oceans. Trutel opened its doors in January 2000 and we've evolved over the years from a professional services firm to a managed services provider to a CRTC-licensed, facilities-based CLEC. Joining Iristel is the next phase of the evolution in getting to the next level and leveraging the latest technologies to benefit customers." Stathis, who will also be responsible for managing Iristel's Montreal office, said: We're excited to be teaming up with Iristel, a rapid-growing entrepreneurial company that understands the needs of SMB owners and managers. Throughout our careers, both Harry and I have delivered services to tens of thousands of small businesses in Canada and found they need more than just service providers. They need responsive partners offering real enterprise solutions to their business challenges. Iristel understands this and if the big, stodgy telco incumbents aren't already looking over their shoulders, they should be. 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 ... The Chinese Consulate General in Chicago is making an effort to boost economic and trade cooperation in the US Midwest. Direct investment by China in the US reached $15 billion in 2015, with almost 13,000 jobs created. According to the 2015 IBM Global Location Trends report, the Chicago metropolitan area leads the United States in foreign direct investment (FDI) for the third year in a row. The report also noted that FDI in Chicago created 4,800 jobs, the second- highest number among all US metropolitan areas. From 2000 to 2015, Chicago has attracted total investment of more than $3 billion from China. "Chinese investment has made a great contribution in creating jobs and increasing tax revenue, which plays quite a positive role in boosting the local economy," said Hong Lei, the 10th consul general of China in Chicago, who took office in July. The Chinese Consulate General in Chicago covers nine states, most of which are in the Midwest: Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. Hong has visited all nine states and said he is glad to see the relationship between the consular region and China is strong, and that exchanges and cooperation on the economy, trade, culture and education have yielded substantial results. In 2010, China Aviation Automotive Systems Holdings Ltd (AVIC) completed the acquisition of Nexteer Automotive in Michigan by taking a 100 percent stake jointly with PCM China. After the acquisition, Nexteer shares were successfully listed in Hong Kong in 2013. The employee ranks have increased from 3,000 at the time of acquisition to 5,000. Factory output is also expanding. Hong affirmed the growth of Nexteer during his visit to the company in August. He said Nexteer has made a contribution to the economic development of Michigan, and it demonstrates the mutual benefit and win-win scenario of Sino-US economic and trade cooperation. In November, Hong visited Nanshan America (an aluminum casting and extrusion facility in Lafayette, Indiana), which was a greenfield investment made by China in 2011. The company has since provided more than 200 jobs in the state. "I have met several American workers in their plants, and they told me they really enjoy working in the plant," Hong said. Hong said Chinese enterprises in the Midwest are making positive contributions to the revitalization of local economies. "In recent years, China's capital market is relatively vibrant, which is positive in going out. And the US is just an important foreign investment destination, whether for greenfield investment or mergers and acquisitions. "So the overall trend is moving forward," said Hong, a former Foreign Ministry spokesman and deputy director general of the Department of Information. Many Chinese enterprises made investments in the automobile industry in Michigan, building auto parts factories or technology innovation centers. Hong said small- and medium-sized enterprises in the US Midwest have a strong interest in economic and trade cooperation with China. The problem is sometimes their capital is limited, so the challenge is how to grab good opportunities and operate business in China within their capacity. Online channels have created a favorable condition to further open up the situation. The Chicago Consulate General is now actively promoting the building of an online platform for trade and investment communication, so the two sides can communicate directly online, which promotes mutual understanding and reduces travel costs, he explained. Hong repeatedly pointed out the significance of the Mechanism of Joint Working Group for Trade and Investment Cooperation between Chinese provinces and US states in boosting subnational economic and trade cooperation. Since being set up in 2012 by China's Ministry of Commerce, the mechanism has been established in 25 provinces and cities in China and seven states and cities in the US, covering California, Chicago, Iowa, Texas, Michigan, Washington state and New York. "The cooperation mechanism is designed to give play to the initiative of subnational cooperation, to take advantage of their resources to strengthen trade and investment cooperation between China and the US," said Hong "Any states or cities interested in this mechanism, we sincerely invite them to participate in it, to benefit from it," said Hong. "Subnational cooperation is a driver of China-US relations," Hong added. China-US trade hit $569 billion last year, and China now is the biggest trading partner of the US and also its fastest-growing export market. Hong said that if any problems arise, the two sides should resolve them through rational communication and consultation. Hong said that because bilateral relations now have a good foundation, it's necessary to continuously serve the common interests of both nations to provide more benefits for citizens. Contact the writers at hongxiao@chinadailyusa.com Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact. Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here. Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing. You are our people. You Care. We Care2. Mumbai/Delhi, November 23, 2016: A fresh batch of 15 students has successfully completed its Cabin Crew training under GAA SpeedJet Aviation, a partnership between Gulf Aviation Academy (part of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, the investment arm for the Kingdom of Bahrain) and domestic aviation training institute SpeedJet Aviation. The GAA SpeedJet Cabin Crew Program is recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAi) of United Kingdom and rewards students with a certificate recognised by CAAi & all major aviation regulators around the globe. "The detailed and well thought-out 24 week long program offers rigorous classroom and practical training in personality development, grooming, voice modulation, safety and first aid, among others. Along with this, we ensure ability and preparedness of our crew to handle all flight safety and emergency situations on board", said Capt. Dhaffer Al Abbasi, CEO, GAA. "The students are trained in the GAA Cabin Crew mock set-up which includes 3 mock aircraft including A320, B737 & EMB 170 where all safety drills are performed by the students practically. We are the only company to offer this type of training in India. SpeedJet also takes care of students' visa, tickets, ground transportation & 3-5 star hotel accommodation (including breakfast) for the full course duration in Bahrain", added Capt. Dharamraj Shukla, Director, SpeedJet Aviation. GAA is a key component of Bahrain's aviation sector and enjoys a stronghold in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. GAA SpeedJet Aviation offers Indian students a competitive advantage in the aviation industry that is at par with international norms. The entity offers comprehensive range of structured training programs for all aviation personnel including pilots, cabin crew, engineers and ground staff with training sessions in GAA's training facility at Bahrain. How to become an Air Hostess? About SpeedJet Aviation Established in 2008, SpeedJet Aviation offers multiple flying and ground training courses in the aviation sector. The company has registered a steady growth and, in a short span of time, trained large number of commercial pilots, cabin crew attendants and ground staff, all of whom are placed with various national and international airlines. The core team at SpeedJet Aviation comprises of experienced airline pilots and senior cabin attendants with a combined flying experience of over 50 years. How to become a pilot? Scope and career opportunities About Gulf Aviation Academy Gulf Aviation Academy (GAA) is a leading aviation training institute in the MENA region, based out of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Academy is a fully independent and 100% owned subsidiary of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, the investment arm for the Kingdom of Bahrain. GAA enjoys international recognition of its training standards and quality of service; it has been awarded Approved Training Organization (ATO) from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and also Part-147 and equivalent BCAA Approval for maintenance training. It is also the first academy outside the UK to be a CAAi (subsidiary of the UK CAA) Accredited Initial Safety Training Cabin Crew Training Organization. English literature classes in ICSE schools just became more fun for Class III to Class VIII. Students at schools affiliated to the CISCE board will be now studying Harry Potter, Agatha Christie's novels, 'The Hobbit' and Feluda. Syllabus of classes from III to VIII will include graphic novels of Asterix, Tintin, American cartoonist Art Spiegel man's Holocaust saga 'Maus' among other books. This is a huge leap from the Shakespeare literature students are used to. This amazing syllabi will be implemented for junior and middle school students as part of their English literature syllabus starting from the academic year 2017-18. The books that will be introduced are graphic novels like Amar Chitra Katha, Tintin, Asterix comics and Art Spiegelman's 'Maus' will be a part of the syllabus from class 3 to class 8. Satyajit Ray's Feluda, Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes will also feature in the new syllabus, along with JRR Tolkien's 'The Hobbit', PG Wodehouse and Charles Dickens' classics. Apart from the fictions, students will also be learning aautobiographies of Anne Frank, Malala Yusufazai, APJ Abdul Kalam are also some new additions, with Enid Blyton's Noddy series, for the lower classes. This upgrade in syllabus comes as a happy change as the board is looking towards modernisation of the international curriculum and making it child-centered. ISCE chief executive and secretary, Gerry Arathoon, was quoted, "Earlier, we were preparing curriculum for class IX till XII. But now with having our own syllabus right from pre-school will ultimately help students to prepare for ICSE examinations in a better way. Now, students will be capable of working towards the board examinations much before." If some schools fail to introduce the recommended texts in the coming academic session, they would be granted a year's extension, he added. The council already has syllabus books for Class IX to XII. Till now, many ICSE schools followed the NCERT syllabus for classes I to VIII while some others preferred a syllabus framed by the Inter State Board of Anglo Indian Education. Besides prescribing the texts, the proposed curriculum stipulates that nursery students must spend 800 instructional hours per year in school. Similarly, students from Classes I to V must receive 900 hours of instruction every year in school and those in classes VI to VIII, 1000 hours of instruction respectively. The Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) is thinking about bringing back the old method of writing exams for the SSLC students in Karnataka. A decade ago, students used to receive two sheets - one was a question paper and the other was an answer sheet. The aforementioned system of writing board exams had to be sent into oblivion as it paved way for malpractices from students. Even many teachers were also caught helping their students copy answers. It was post 2006 that the new method of answering questions in SSLC board exam was introduced. The new method is called as Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) where students need not write lengthy answers. They just have to darken circles as their answers and later the computers capture these dots as data, thus helping the exam board perform evaluation. However, the decision of the state exam department to bring back the old, flawed method of exam from it decade long slumber has already been criticised by many within the department itself. The system of providing question and answer sheets separately was scrapped due to its vulnerability which was exploited by many teachers and students to carry out the evil activities like malpractice. Reintroducing the system means question papers and answer sheets have to be printed separately unlike the present scenario where students have a 36 page booklet comprising both questions and space for marking answers. The recent buzz is that a tender has to be invited for printing question and answer papers which is said to be a huge lobby. Karnataka II PUC Chemistry Paper Leaked: Exam Cancelled What are the shortcomings of providing separate question and answer sheets to SSLC students? The single page question paper is easy to leak Teachers face difficulty while distributing question and answer sheets separately Students will lose their marks if they change question paper number, which will lead to chaos during evaluation How is OMR system good for SSLC students and evaluators? Students will not have any confusion regarding questions The 36 page booklet makes leakage impossible Evaluation can be carried out with ease Students cannot exchange their answer sheets Undoing the method of exam that has been flawless and a nightmare for those who are involved in malpractice is not a wise decision at all. Last year, the leakage of Chemistry question paper had wreaked havoc in the life of lakhs of students. The state's secondary education and exam boards are yet come to a conclusion regarding reintroduction of the old method of SSLC exam. The exam board has to think and act in this regard since future of close to 8 lakh students is at stake when the annual exams kick start in March 2017. Karnataka SSLC: Supplementary exams to be held from June 20 to 27 Maharashtra Government has taken a profound step by deciding to convert 100 government schools into international schools. It is the most significant scheme undertaken by the state government for the public education sector. The aforementioned scheme aims at equiping the students of government schools to match the international educational requirements. The proposed international schools are said to be launched in the month of June 2017. However, lessons in these schools will be taught in vernacular/English medium. The government intends to include even the schools run by Tribal Development and Social Justice Departments under the said scheme. There is an expert committee with a school education commissioner as its head that is selecting 100 schools to be benefited by this scheme. "We wish to choose at least one school from each of the 36 districts. Over 2,000 teachers from the available pool of 5.6 lakh teachers in the state are also being shortlisted," said school education secretary Nand Kumar to DNA. "The international curriculum will be adapted and adopted to the Maharashtra context," says Kumar. The Maharashtra government will include more schools in this scheme in future. There is a separate cell created by school education department that takes care of international eduction. The education department is busy hiring consultants from Cambridge University in order to create world-class syllabus, teachers' training programs and support structures for the 100 schools. The students from all 100 schools will take global assessment tests like Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) and Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) in order to keep the quality of education in sync with global standards. Maharashtra Govt Promotes Sports in the State Here is what the students of 100 schools will do: Class 4 students will participate in PIRLS exams every four years Class 4 and 8 students will participate in Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study every four years Students who are more than 15 years of age will participate in PISA exams every three years Another unique twist to be introduced by the scheme is that teachers and principals will continue their work for only five years in the schools; if they want to continue, they can apply again for their respective posts. The purpose behind introducing such changes is to encourage other schools to join the scheme. The above mentioned move, if proves successful, will definitely emerge a model to other states as well. It is a welcome scheme from the point of view of improving the conditions of government-run schools in the state. Read: Maharashtra Board SSC, Class 10 Exam Time-table 2017 Declared! On Thursday morning, as the quiet calm of the holiday set in, the sweet tunes of Stevie Wonder drifted across the streets of lower Sunnyside. The music was coming from the Flagstaff Family Food Center where by 10:30 a.m. the kitchen was bustling with nearly two dozen volunteers whipping up its annual free turkey dinner. All had pushed off their own Thanksgiving meals, or will forgo them altogether in order to pitch in at the food center. The nonprofit is one of only a few places in town that provide a free turkey dinner on Thanksgiving, a tradition it has carried on for nearly a generation now, with this Christmas marking Flagstaff Family Food Centers 25th year. The volunteers who arrived Thursday morning were a diverse bunch -- parents brought young children, Millennials mixed with seniors and others came by themselves, thinking this would be a good way to spend part of the holiday. Though most were from Flagstaff, one couple had come up from Sedona and another family was visiting from Morenci, in eastern Arizona. Without many volunteering opportunities in the small town of Morenci, Jamie Rhys-Evans searched the internet for a nonprofit where she, her mother and her 6-year-old and 8-year-old daughters Remy and Maycen could help out for a few hours before Thanksgiving dinner. The family had some time around the holidays and talked about the importance of doing something for people who need some extra help, Rhys-Evans said. Sedona resident Jim Strelau said he and his wife push Thanksgiving off until Friday so they can spend time volunteering on the holiday itself. Strelaus father builds homes for Habitat for Humanity, and he grew up with that emphasis on volunteerism, he said. Cooking the massive meal for others has become a tradition for the couple, now in its sixth year, Strelau said. Thanksgiving volunteering is also an annual ritual for Rick Szal and his son, Richard, who have made it to the food center each of the past five years. It makes my heart feel good to do this, said the older Szal, who teaches economics and statistics at Northern Arizona University. Szal used to work with the United Nations creating employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups and said part of his drive to volunteer comes from having worked with people who are going hungry. He wants to impart to his son, a sophomore at Coconino High School, the value of volunteering that he will hopefully carry on through his life. Another very apparent long-timer was Thomas DAgostino, who works as the sales director at Sonesta hotel. As someone with years of experience in hotel kitchens, DAgostino naturally became a second-in-command on Thursday, directing newcomers to chop onions or help wash tables and putting two younger boys in charge of giving out sack lunches to those who rang the food centers doorbell throughout the morning. Its all about keeping things flowing and putting everyone to work, said DAgostino, adding that he was there simply because he likes giving back to the community. Making the meal come together The feat of preparing 16 turkeys, and enough bean casserole, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, dressing and cranberry sauce for upwards of 70 people takes organizational skill as well as an ability to tolerate a certain level of chaos. Chef Bob Maher has both. A chef at the food center for nine years, Maher coordinates Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's dinners and also cooks up the nonprofits regular weekend meals. Additional meals are sent to Flagstaff Shelter Services each day. I found my bliss. Its the perfect balance of creativity and service, he said of the job. This place has a really good spiritual generosity feel. Whether it was growing up with six siblings and being used to big family meals or an innate inner calm, Maher was good-natured and even-keeled throughout hours-long mealmaking process on Thursday. He responded methodically to a nearly constant stream of questions and calls for his help from across the kitchen, calling himself General Patton or something. A measuring cup? Just grab a coffee mug from the shelf, he said. No pecans for the sweet potatoes? Use walnuts instead, Maher advised. And when the group realized they didnt have milk for the mashed potatoes or enough cans of cream of mushroom soup, Maher didnt seem overly stressed as he sent a group off to the store and instead put people to work on a different part of the meal. No matter what happens, he said. We will get through it. Volunteer love Flagstaff Family Food Center is in the fortunate position of being very well-loved and attended in the community, said Hannah Brand, the childrens literacy and volunteer coordinator. She has volunteers scheduled to serve the food centers afternoon meal every day each month and fills the approximately 35 volunteer slots on Thanksgiving far in advance, with the first requests coming as early as September. While there is generally a bounty of willing helpers that line up throughout the rest of the holiday season, sometimes the numbers get slim in the few days after Thanksgiving, Brand said. The weeks that fall on winter break and summer break for NAU also tend to be more of a struggle because many volunteers are students at the university, she said. The nonprofit certainly benefits from the soup kitchen image that naturally comes to peoples minds when they think about volunteering opportunities, she said. Brand also stressed that without those willing to give of their time, the center couldnt do anywhere near what it does. On a single normal day, 30 volunteers are needed for the food center to carry out its mission, Brand said. The story is the same from the kitchen side of things, Maher said. Its absolutely critical, he said. This place runs on volunteer help. Flagstaff Mayor-elect Coral Evans says a complaint filed with the Secretary of State against her campaign committee for taking contributions from two businesses this year and four in 2012 is politically motivated. Yes, I do, given the timing and the fact that the individual who filed the complaint against me failed to file a complaint against the candidates he supported, whose campaign committees had the exact same issue and other issues, Evans stated in a text message. Rob Wilson, the Doney Park business owner and supporter of Mayor Jerry Nabours who filed the complaint, denied Evans charge and said hes just trying to draw attention to the fact that the local election process needs closer scrutiny. He said he also checked the campaign reports for candidates running for the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. But another citizen has similar complaints against four candidates from 2012, including Nabours, who returned two contributions from businesses in that year. Evans returned both business contributions this year after they were pointed out. My whole point, for the last four years, about the election process in general, has been to show that there is no formal oversight of the process, Wilson said. Its dependent on the citizens to look at these reports and complain when they find something wrong. I wasnt targeting anyone. The process is flawed. He pointed to the fact that Arizona case law prohibits city clerks from verifying the signatures of candidates running for city offices. Wilson was also part of the group of 12 volunteers that checked the signatures of all of the Council candidates and found that one, Victor Varela, did not have enough verified signatures to be placed on the ballot. BizPAC, the political action committee of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, helped foot the $650 copying fee for the petition signatures and the voter rolls from the Coconino County Recorders Office. Wilson filed his complaint in July with the city after finding that Evans had accepted campaign contributions from two businesses, Herron Interior Design, $300, and Noah Stalvey Allstate Agency, $100. Evans returned the contributions and filed an amended campaign finance report on July 21, similar to what Nabours had done in 2012. The Daily Sun reported the violations and Evans' response. But Wilson pressed the matter with the Secretary of States office on contributions from 2016 as well as 2012, and he released a letter from that office to the press at an Election Night party as he was learning that Nabours had lost his re-election bid to Evans. According to Arizona Revised Statutes, candidates running for a local or state elected office can only accept contributions from individuals. Candidates cannot accept contributions from a corporation, limited liability company or a labor organization, even if the company is owned and operated by one person. Wilson said that he checked all of the June campaign finance reports for all of the 2016 city candidates and only found problems with Evans report. He then went back and checked Evans 2012 campaign finance report and found four campaign contributions that were accepted from businesses. Wilson conceded that he only looked at Evans 2012 report, but that was because she was the only one he found who violated the rules in 2016. Evans said she found that limited search suspicious, since another resident, Joe Ray, found problems with 2012 campaign reports from Mayor Jerry Nabours and Council candidates Charlie Odegaard, Mark Woodson, Jeff Oravits and Karla Brewster. Nabours accepted money from two businesses. The problems with the other candidates reports included missing addresses, missing last names and missing occupations for donors. Those violations were corrected in 2012. Ray said he started looking at all of the candidates reports from 2016, 2014 and 2012 after hearing about the complaint that was filed against Evans. Ray is a supporter of Evans. If youre going to inspect one, inspect them all, he said. Ray said he contacted the city about the problems with those reports and found that the problems were corrected in 2012, but the amended 2012 reports are not posted to the citys website. He said hes satisfied that those mistakes have been corrected. The Flagstaff City Clerk forwarded Wilsons complaint to the Arizona Secretary of States Office. That office contacted Evans campaign. Evans said her campaign responded that the donations had been returned and the report amended. She said the first response she got from the Secretary of States Office made it sound like the office was satisfied with her campaigns answer, but then Wilson pushed the matter in an email to the Secretary of States Office, she said. In the email, Wilson states, Based on the response from the candidates (sic) campaign manager, it appears that they did in fact receive two illegal campaign contributions during this election cycle. While I commend them for returning said donations AFTER (sic) it was publicly pointed out to them, it appears the law has in fact been broken and therefore the fines required by law should be applied. Eric Spencer, the state election director, responded with a letter to Evans and Wilson that stated his office, which is part of the Secretary of States Office, had found Evans in violation of the states campaign finance laws. Although Coral4Flagstaff laudably refunded the illegal contributions in July 2016 there is no statutory provision that expressly permits a criminal violation to be cured through refund, Spencer wrote. He also wrote that the matter had been returned to the Flagstaff City Attorneys Office for prosecution, if warranted. Wilson said the City Attorneys Office has forwarded the matter to the Arizona Attorney Generals Office for further review. A representative from the Arizona Attorney Generals Office was not available for comment Wednesday. City Attorney Sterling Solomon was also not available for comment Wednesday, but a week ago, he said the matter would have to be forwarded to another government agency, such as another city or the Arizona Attorney General, for review because his office had a conflict of interest. The City Attorneys Offices civil division provides legal counsel to the Flagstaff City Council. Evans has been a part of the City Council since 2008. Pagani has pegged the Huayra coupe run to just 100 units, and while the U.S. may be the Italian supercars biggest market, seeing one Stateside is still quite rare, let alone having one put up for sale in pristine condition. However, the crew at iLusso Motoring have done just that and are looking for a new home for this Huayra bathed in carbon fiber with eye-catching red accents. Even though theres no word on the asking price, the listing confirms that this particular Huayra is a 2014 model built in November 2013, suggesting that it was one of the first to arrive in the United States. It has also covered just 5,467 miles (8,788 km), making it a rather intriguing prospect to millionaires who missed out on ordering one from the factory. Alongside the carbon fiber body work, there are black wheels, red calipers and red pin stripes. Inside, there is the usual combination of brushed aluminium, carbon fiber, black and red leather and a Sonus Faber audio system. PHOTO GALLERY The small island of Tau in American Samoa is benefiting from Elon Musks push for a renewable energy future thanks to Tesla and SolarCity. Located over 4,000 miles from the west coast of the United States, the island used to receive its electricity from large generators powered by diesel. But now, almost 100 per cent of Taus energy needs are provided by a micro-grid of 5,328 solar panels and 60 Tesla Powerpacks situated near the coast. The solar panel facility offers 6 Megawatt hours of storage and is able to power the island for three full days even without direct sunshine. It also provides energy independence for all of Taus near 600 residents. According to local shop owner Keith Ahsoon, This is part of making history. This project will help lessen the carbon footprint of the world. Living on an island, you experience global warming firsthand. Beach erosions and other noticeable changes are a part of life here. Its a serious problem, and this project will hopefully set a good example for everyone else to follow. In Leonardo DiCaprios recent National Geographic documentary Before the Flood, Elon Musk told the Hollywood actor that it would take approximately 100 battery giga-factories to provide for all the worlds electricity needs. VIDEO Fresh on the heels of the 2017 MINI Countryman debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the official online configurator for the model has been released on the brands German website. The tool allows users to spec out most Countryman variants on offer, including the Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper D, Cooper D All4, Cooper S and Cooper S All4. One notable model which is absent is the Cooper S E All4, the companys first plug-in hybrid and driven by the same powertrain as the BMW 225xe. Even so, the configurator does allow you to select from a multitude of different trim levels while also having the ability to spec out the exterior and interior. Among the key exterior options are 10 different color options, 14 different wheel styles and either a white, black or body-colored roof. Inside, you can play around with different materials including a number of different leather finishes and small touches like optional carbon fiber accents and different illuminated surfaces. The 2017 Countryman is similar in size to other compact SUVs like the Audi Q3 and is underpinned by the BMW Groups UKL2 platform. Beyond the hybrid option, available powertrains include a three-cylinder 1.5-liter petrol with 134 hp, a 189 hp 2.0-liter four, a 148 hp 2.0-liter diesel and a 187 hp 2.0-liter diesel. PHOTO GALLERY The last Ferrari produced while its founder was still alive, the Ferrari F40 was the first production vehicle to break the 200 mph (322 km/h) barrier, and it became a landmark for the Maranello-based company. Considered by some to be the purest Ferrari has come up with, it weighed just 2,400 pounds (1,089 kg) thanks to the use of carbon fiber for the chassis and bodywork. Even by todays standards, the Ferrari F40 remains highly competitive, with a 478 HP twin-turbo V8 engine that allows it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.8 seconds, and to cover a quarter mile in 11.8 seconds. Produced in 1992 and delivered new to Switzerland, this example changed hands a couple of times, and its now getting ready to be welcomed into a new home, if it will sell at RMSothebys auction in Milan, Italy, on November 25-27. The vendor doesnt have much to say about it, except that its odometer reads less than 26,800 km (16,653 miles), and that its offered at no reserve. Nevertheless, the buyer will have to dig deep in his pockets, as the estimated selling price ranges from 725,000 to 875,000 ($770,000-928,000). PHOTO GALLERY Once an emissions fix for their diesel-powered Cayenne SUV is approved, Porsche North America will sell nearly 1,500 new Cayennes as used. The cars have been sitting on dealership lots for over a year now due to a stop-sale order, a direct result of VWs diesel emissions scandal. While VW have reached an agreement with US regulators on how to fix the 3.0-liter diesel engines, the court hasnt officially approved the arragements. Porsche North America CEO Klaus Zellmer hasnt made any official comment on a possible settlement, though once one is approved, Porsche will fix both the 10,000 diesel Cayennes currently in customer hands as well as the 1,300 to 1,500 Cayennes in dealership inventories. Then theyre going to be sold as used cars, stated Zellmer during an interview at the LA Auto Show. They will be low-mileage, very attractive used cars, based on the age of the car. Theres always a market for any car. You just have to get the price right. Furthermore, Zellmer also said that there were diesel Cayennes in US ports and elsewhere that needed to be addressed once a fix was approved, however, that issue had been solved by mid-November, as reported by Autonews. They stayed in Germany, added the CEO. We dont have to take care of those. So were actually in pretty good shape. Once we have the tactical fix, were rather confident. PHOTO GALLERY When developing the latest Ford Focus RS, the automaker deliberately calibrated its exhaust system to crackle and pop mimicking the finest rally cars. While it can be addictive, the standard exhaust doesnt fully replicate the sound of a rally car but German tuning company HG Motorsport has managed to close the gap between road and rally car with its Focus RS exhaust. The most obvious visual difference between this exhaust and the standard one is that it has titanium tips with a blue finish look distinctly race-ready. Beyond the tips, the entire exhaust is new and it now burbles far more ferociously than standard, making the potent hot hatch a true hoonigan. If you cant be a professional rally driver, this is perhaps the next best alternative. VIDEO Photo: Penticton-Ikeda Sister City Society A local group heading to Penticton's sister city in Japan is looking for more people to join them. President of the Penticton-Ikeda Sister City Society, Lester Patrick said about 10 people are on board so far, including Mayor Andrew Jakubeit, but he noted he's looking to bring as many people as possible. The trip will be from May 15 to 23, 2017, but Patrick said there is some degree of flexibility to that. The group will spend two nights in Tokyo before heading Ikeda on the north island for four nights. They will then spend one final night in Tokyo before heading back to Penticton. The only dates set in stone are the four nights in Ikeda, where the city is preparing activities for the group. A welcome party and winery tour is planned, including a stop at a winery made to look like a castle. Of course, plenty of general drinking, eating and sightseeing will take place. Ikeda, like Penticton, is wine country in Japan, but Patrick said geographically it's closer to the Fraser Valley, with cattle farms and rolling, green mountains. Ikeda and Penticton have been sister cities since 1977. Patrick lived in Japan for 17 years, and his wife is from Japan, so the couple will be able to translate and show people around the country. He estimates the trip will cost about $3,500 per person, and says there's no limit on how many people can tag along. Those interested are encouraged to contact Patrick at 250-809-9805 or send him an email. Photo: Getty Images Teachers will have more time to implement a new curriculum for Grade 10-12 students thanks to a one-year extension. "Teachers, principals and trustees asked for more time to work hands-on with the redesigned curriculum - and it's the right thing to do to make sure that we get it right for our students," said Mike Bernier, Education Minister. "Curriculum in the high school years is more complex, is tied in to provincial exams and evaluated strictly. So it's critical teachers have enough time to use the draft 10-12 curriculum and help shape it with their feedback." The redesigned curriculum will be implemented at the beginning of the 2018-19 school year, based on feedback provided by teachers and educators. "The new curriculum has been designed by teachers for teachers - and thanks to their efforts it's been successfully brought to life in Kindergarten through Grade 9," Bernier said. "The world is changing, and our new curriculum is making sure our kids learn the skills they need to succeed in that changing world." Teachers and education experts advised the ministry to have students write the Foundation Skills Assessments earlier in the school year. This way teachers and parents will get a snapshot of student learning in key areas sooner - and use the results to address any challenges a student may be having. Starting next school year, the tests will be written in October and November instead of January and February. The Province is also enhancing its reporting of school-level FSA results. Instead of simply releasing the data as was done in the past, the ministry will include FSA results in broader school reports that look at a wide range of education outcomes. "Parents want to know how well their child and how well their child's school is doing," Bernier said. "We are going to make sure they get that information in a way that's useful to them. " You could have the missing piece of the puzzle that will help the RCMP put someone behind bars. Here are some recent crimes that Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers hope you can help solve by calling our anonymous tips line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit our website at www.crimestoppers.net or text to CRIMES (274637), keyword Ktown. CRIME: ROCKN ROLL THEFT DATE: October 30, 2016 RCMP FILE: 2016-65119 Some late night partiers returned home in the wee hours of Sunday, October 30th to find the home had been emptied of electronics, instruments and collectible rock art. Thieves entered the house located on the 1200 block of Pheasant Street through an open front window sometime between 10:30 p.m. on October 29th and 3:30 a.m. on the 30th. Many of the items stolen are unique and include: Apple TV (s/n Dy4LLBLCFF54) Apple computer console (s/n W8039XZVDAS) Apple MacBook Air (11) (s/n C02JM3LFDRV6) Xbox console with 11 games Dimebag Darrell blue guitar with lightening pattern 3 Profile guitars (one red, two black) Fender amp (black with silver front) Peavey amp (black) Autographed Zakk Wylde picture in frame Kerry King picture in black frame Slash picture in black frame Dimebag Darrell picture in black frame Autographed Black Label Society picture Black Label Society black leather vest Photo: Crime Stoppers If you know anything about this crime, or any other crime, call the Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers anonymous tips line at 1-800-222-TIPS or visit our website at www.crimestoppers.net. Your information will be kept confidential and could lead to a reward of up to $2000.00. CRIME: THEFT FROM VEHICLE / FRAUD DATE: November 18, 2016 RCMP FILE: 2016-68780 On October 27th at approximately 1:45 p.m. a car parked in the lot at 2469 Highway 97 North had the front window smashed when thieves saw an opportunity to steal a purse sitting in full view. While credit and debit cards were cancelled in a timely manner, the identification from the wallet was used on November 17th in an attempt to open an account at the Canadian Tire store located on Leckie Road. Police would like to identify this female person of interest. Photo: Crime Stoppers You can help catch these suspects and qualify for a reward by calling Crime Stoppers anonymous tips line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit our website at www.crimestoppers.net or text to CRIMES (274637), keyword Ktown. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Photo: Contributed Garmentology and wineries up their game James Leong is a local businessman who has stepped up to help KGH. Yesterday, he opened Garmentology Cleaners inside Kelowna General Hospital and part of his proceeds will be given back to KGH to support hospital initiatives. Healthcare for your Garments is his slogan and after seeing his process and machines, that slogan is perfect. He owns Miss Tulips Green Dry Cleaner here and in Vernon, so please support him at all his locations. In the past few weeks, I have complimented organizations for stepping outside of the box and organizing events that offer something different. Opera Kelowna is doing just that with its Bohemian Christmas. Join them for a winter holiday celebrating Puccinis La boheme, the bohemian. On Dec. 2-3, Opera Kelowna will present its annual Christmas concert at the Cathedral of Saint Michael and All Angels. Alexandra Babbels events are always top notch and she is inviting everyone to stay for a reception after the performances. Get Your tickets quickly. Emma Miller and Liz Dunning are $118 short of their 2016 fundraising goal. These girls set out at the beginning of the year to show others that fundraising can be fun and can be so much more than just giving money and walking away. Help them raise the $118 by ordering some of your Christmas gifts from Indigo online because Indigo is giving back 15 per cent of sales to help them. All their fundraising efforts will be going to the Assisted YMCA memberships for low-income family. I know how much fun I had at the YMCA growing up, so please help others have fun too. We need to get the craft breweries and cideries to up their Christmas game because the wineries are offering some amazing Christmas events. Cedar Creek is offering seated food and wine pairings throughout December Vibrant Vines is doing two Light up the Vines events this weekend Lake Country wineries are asking you to join their Scenic Sip Christmas Weekend Wonderland The 13 wineries on the Westside are hosting Sip into the Season next weekend. I have a lot of friends who are looking for a Santas Elf guided beer tour. Can someone make that happen? Andrew Deans, the hardest-working Kelowna Rocket employee, has invited the community to the Tim Hortons Family Skate this Sunday at Prospera. The cost of admission is a non-perishable donation to the food bank. The Rockets will be out on the ice with us, so bring your A game. There are only a few tickets left for the Mamas for Mamas fundraiser tomorrow night, so if you dont have plans come join me at the Laurel Packing House. Make it a great week! This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. We are pleased that First Canada and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1722 have reached an agreement to restore bus service in Kelowna. Every day, thousands of people rely on public transit. They use it to commute to work or school, reach appointments, and connect with family and friends. For many, a service disruption is more than an inconvenience; its an obstacle they cant overcome. We hope todays agreement means the people of Kelowna can rely on uninterrupted service for years to come. Our governments commitment to putting British Columbians first means that communities with as few as 1,000 people have access to public transit, making BC Transit a unique service for smaller communities in Canada. Thats why the provincial government continues to provide the highest level of transit operating funding, per capita, anywhere in Canada. Premier Christy Clark MLA Norm Letnick MLA Steve Thomson I would like to send you a thank you letter to all the Kelowna accessible cab drivers that assist us in wheelchairs. Last Friday, we were picked up by one of the drivers and we required a wheelchair accessible taxi. The streets were full and people were trying to get a ride, however the cabby polity informed them that he was there to pick up a person in a wheelchair and that his taxi is designed to do so. Many people tried to jump in the car while we were enroute and he politely told them that he was there to pick up a wheelchair user. Also, he waited to make sure we were safely inside our home before pulling away. Just wanted to say thank you and shout out to all the cab drivers that help us in wheelchairs. James Hektner Photo: CTV Grand Chief Stewart Phillip There has been little change in the number of Aboriginal children who are in government care despite numerous reports and recommendations. Despite the enormous investment put into reports, none have effectively reduced the dire statistic of 70 per cent of children who have been removed from their homes for 'neglect,'" stated the Okanagan Nation Chiefs Executive Council in a press release, The council said it welcomes the much-anticipated report from Grand Chief Ed John, special advisor on aboriginal child welfare, that was presented to Premier Christy Clark and other members of the Liberal government. Poverty kills and neglect is an outcome of the systemic poverty that characterizes too many Aboriginal communities. We are in the best position to keep our children safe. Enough children have been lost, and our children continue to be the most vulnerable from the lack of movement of the Provincial and Federal Governments, said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, adding reports continue to be mandated without involvement and input from the Nations and communities. The Okanagan Nation Alliance is calling for immediate action on the recommendations. According to the ONA, the Nation has never relinquished its inherent right and responsibility to ensure the cultural integrity, safety and well-being of all our children and families. The longer we talk, the less opportunity we have to make change, said Chief Harvey McLeod. Our Nation will continue to do the necessary work required for our future generations as we continue to witness the detrimental impact the BC Liberal government's 'culture of indifference' on the wellbeing of our children and families. Photo: Contributed Long-term care homes across the B.C. Interior are struggling with staffing challenges. SafeCare BC, an advocacy group for long-term care workers, surveyed more than 90 seniors homes in B.C. Sixty-five per cent of the facilities in the Interior report a shortage of workers, a step higher from the provincial rate of 60 per cent and behind Vancouver Islands 78 per cent. SafeCare executive director Jennifer Lyle said the shortage is certainly having an impact on the level of care patients receive, noting the problem is tied to two factors recruitment and retention. She says care facilities always need to provide the same level of care, regardless of staffing challenges, leading to high rates of overtime and employee burnout. You also have issues around continuity of care. That is probably an even bigger piece, because we all know that there is a familiarity, trust and relationship built between care providers and the people they look after. The largest shortage is among direct bedside care staff. More than 75 per cent of B.C. employers in the sector predict they won't have an adequate supply of workers within three to five years. A workplace injury rate four times the provincial average also exacerbates the problem, taking even more people out of the workforce. Lyle added that improving working conditions and hours would go a long way to retaining staff. Photo: Getty Images A program through NexusBC wants to ensure no senior is forgotten this Christmas. This is the first year for the Making Spirits Bright Campaign that will allow people to donate a small gift to a senior in need. It's connecting people with individual seniors in the community, said Lee Brinkman, senior services co-ordinator for the Vernon NexusBC. These seniors often live in poverty and isolation. Brinkman said people are encouraged to include a personal note in their gift so seniors know we do care and want to help. Personal stories and Christmas wish lists of eligible seniors are posted on merryandbright.ca. Individuals can browse the personal stories and pledge to make a particular seniors gift wish come true. Gifts are dropped off at NexusBC, 102-3201 30th St. Brinkman said the most requested Christmas gift is a grocery gift card. With the high cost of rent, medication and other needs, some seniors are finding it hard to make ends meet. All of the seniors are vetted by Brinkman and even if there are no seniors available for gifts on the website, she assured there is plenty of need and any donated items will be given to a worthy senior. We have a list of 140 who can use some help, she said, adding there are many more seniors in Vernon than that who could use some Christmas cheer. Anyone wanting to drop off a gift is asked to do so before Dec. 14. Photo: Google Street View A woman who broke free from a polygamous marriage told a trial that she had to repeatedly seek permission to go to nursing school. Jane Blackmore is the first witness at the trial of three members from the polygamous community of Bountiful, B.C., who are accused of transporting girls under the age of 16 into the United States for a sexual purpose. She told the court that when she was 13 years old, the sect's prophet told her it was God's will that she care for the ill as the end of the world approached. She testified that she was anxious to go to school for nursing, and was asked by a lawyer for one of the accused about the steps she took to achieve that goal. Blackmore, who is now 60, told the court that women in the community were not to pursue a post-secondary education until they were married, had children and their husbands were able to get permission on their behalf from the prophet. Special prosecutor Peter Wilson said in his opening statements earlier this week that much of his case against James Oler, Brandon Blackmore and Gail Blackmore will centre around proving the women in Bountiful were required to be obedient to their husbands and fathers. Photo: Contributed British Columbia's New Democrats are promising to ban trophy hunting for grizzly bears in the province. But NDP Leader John Horgan stopped short of an outright prohibition on the hunt, saying the party would look at regulations on subsistence hunting. Doug Neasloss, chief councillor of the Kitasoo/Xai'Xais First Nation, backed Horgan's position in a news release issued by the NDP. He says the Coastal First Nations banned the grizzly trophy hunt in the Great Bear Rainforest four years ago. The next provincial election is in May. The government announced a gradual end to the hunt in the rainforest in February. Before the trophy hunt ends, agreements must be reached to purchase lucrative hunting-tenure licences from outfitters who charge non-resident hunters US$25,000 to shoot a grizzly. Horgan says the province has to show leadership by banning trophy hunting for grizzlies. "This province has a proud outdoor heritage that includes hunting and fishing," he said. "We also have a future that includes welcoming the world to enjoy our spectacular scenery and wildlife, creating jobs for British Columbians and a tourism industry that is second to none. Our heritage and our future can thrive together if we make the right choices." The Wildlife Defence League, meanwhile, responded to the NDP position by calling for a total ban. "B.C.'s grizzly bear hunt is not a subsistence hunt, it's about bagging a trophy a head for the wall or a rug for the floor," Tommy Knowles, campaign director of the Wildlife Defence League, said in a statement. Photo: Getty Images Animal lovers in the Nicola Valley are outraged at the brutal killing of a dog. Merritt-based Angel's Animal Rescue posted on its Facebook page that it is offering a substantial reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the cruel act. According to the animal shelter, a dog was found hanged with barbed wire wrapped around its muzzle at the Coldwater Reserve near Merritt. The Facebook post prompted an outpouring of sympathy for the dog and outrage at the perpetrators. Anyone with information is asked to contact Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262 or Angel's Animal Rescue. Photo: Contributed It doesnt appear anyone from the Central Okanagans local governments are taking part in major infrastructure talks in Ottawa this week. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has brought hundreds of delegates from across Canada together with the federal government for Advocacy Days. Kelowna-Lake Country MP Stephen Fuhr has been involved, and notes Ottawa has announced it will be putting up billions of dollars for local projects across the country. Read more. Photo: Contributed UPDATE: 12:20 p.m. Police have found a missing four-year-old girl alive. Delilah Felton was allegedly abducted by her mother Angela Hanley, 46. Both mother and daughter were found Friday by RCMP in Surrey. The Amber Alert had been in effect since Thursday evening when Delilah went missing from East Vancouver. "The suspect in the abduction does not have custody of the child, has no fixed address, and is involved in a high-risk lifestyle and behaviours," said the VPD in a statement. "VPD investigators identified a location in Surrey, and at about noon today the Surrey RCMP located both the mother and missing four-year-old Delilah." Hanley is in police custody. UPDATED: 8:25 a.m. Vancouver police say there is concern for the safety of a four-year-old girl whose disappearance sparked an Amber Alert early Thursday evening. Acting Sgt. Brian Montague says it's believed Delilah Felton was taken from her guardian's home by her mother, 46-year-old Angela Hanley. Montague says Hanley is known to police, leads what he describes as a high-risk lifestyle, has no fixed address and has never had custody of her daughter. According to police, Hanley does not have the skills to care for a four-year-old. The pair are likely travelling by bus or other types of public transportation but are not believed to have left the Metro Vancouver area and Montague says investigators are in contact with as many people as possible who may know Hanley. Hanley is described as Caucasian, about five-foot-six, 139 pounds with red hair and blue eyes while Delilah also has red hair and was last seen wearing a colourful, mostly red, flowered rain jacket, a black shirt with writing on the front and black leggings with grey stripes. ORIGINAL: 8 p.m. Vancouver Police have activated a BC Amber Alert in their search for an abducted toddler. Four-year-old Deliliah Felton was taken from the East King Edward area of Vancouver, possibly by her mother. Deliliah was last seen wearing a mostly red colourful rain jacket with flowers on it, a black shirt with writing on the front and black leggings with grey stripes. Her mother, Angela Hanley, 46, was last seen wearing a light brown corduroy jacket with fur lined hood, dark jeans and calf height rain boots. Anyone who may have seen Delilah Felton or Angela Hanley are asked to call 9-1-1 immediately. Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits a school in Monrovia, Liberia, Thursday. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is departing Liberia today with a promise to renew and strengthen the friendship between Canada and the West African nation. "Canada and Liberia have a strong relationship one that is made stronger by our shared belief that when women and girls are full participants in the social, economic and political lives of our two countries, we will all succeed," Trudeau said Thursday in Monrovia. The prime minister will spend Friday flying across the continent to Antananarivo, the capital city of the island nation of Madagascar, where he will lead the Canadian delegation at the summit of the International Organization of la Francophonie over the weekend. The choice of Liberia for his first visit to Africa since the Liberals came to power last year surprised some observers, given there is a limited relationship and no obvious economic interests between Canada and Liberia, which was hit hard by the deadly Ebola virus in recent years. Trudeau, however, said he was inspired by the leadership of Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who along with other women has been recognized including with a Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her role in achieving and maintaining peace and stability following brutal civil conflict. Trudeau spent most of his day in Liberia the first time he has set foot in the country, although he had travelled in the region before becoming prime minister sharing his message that the empowerment of women and girls can go a long way towards tackling the major challenges faced around the globe. Photo: Twitter Israeli firefighters on Friday reined in a blaze that had spread across the country's third-largest city of Haifa and forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes, but continued to battle more than a dozen other fires around the country for the fourth day in a row. The over 60,000 Israelis evacuated began returning to their charred homes to assess the damage as police and firefighting units remained heavily deployed in the Haifa area for fear that the fires could be reignited due to the dry, windy weather. Though no serious injuries were caused, several dozen people have been hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Hundreds of homes were damaged and in a rare move, Israel called up military reservists to join overstretched police and firefighters and made use of an international fleet of firefighting aircraft sent by several countries. A Boeing 747-400 Supertanker, the world's largest fire-fighting aircraft capable of carrying 75 tons of fire retardant, is scheduled to arrive later Friday to help the efforts, though officials said it may not be needed by then. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said a small village in the forests near Jerusalem was evacuated overnight as several homes there caught fire. Other small fires were under control, he added. Overall, Rosenfeld said 12 people have been arrested across Israel on suspicion of arson. The country's leaders have raised the possibility that Arab assailants had intentionally set the blazes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said investigators are working overtime to apprehend anyone involved in arson. "The instruction is to bring to justice everyone that committed such an offence to create a deterrent for others and for the simple rule that those who try burn the state of Israel will be punished to the fullest extent," he said during a visit to an air base where he met pilots putting out the fires. "There are elements of terror here, of that there is no doubt." Israel's police chief Roni Alsheich told reporters Thursday that early indications pointed toward a series of "politically motivated" arson attacks. Photo: Contributed A new study from Statistics Canada says that new mothers are more likely to become self-employed than other women who work in full-time or part-time jobs. The study released today finds that the probability of new mothers making the jump to self-employment is 1.2 percentage points higher than other working women, which the researchers say is a statistically significant difference. An analysis of data from the 2006 census and the 2011 national household survey shows that new mothers in health occupations were the most likely to remain in their field after becoming self-employed, while new mothers in business, finance and administrative jobs were most likely to change fields. The researchers at the national statistics office say the findings suggest that becoming self-employed helps women with young children improve their work-family balance and tailor their hours to their child-care needs. The study adds to the body of evidence about how mothers balance work with young children and comes as the federal government is looking at measures aimed at new parents. The Liberals have promised to bring in legislation to give federally regulated workers the ability to request flexible work hours for personal reasons and to extend parental leave to 18 months, but without an increase in benefits. Photo: The Canadian Press The former University of British Columbia student who accused Steven Galloway of sexual assault says her complaint against the acclaimed author was not about a "consensual affair." The woman, identified only as MC or main complainant, has released a statement through her lawyer, speaking publicly for the first time since Galloway was suspended over what the university described as "serious allegations" last November. "MC has stayed silent since Galloway was suspended, out of respect for the process and the confidentiality of everyone involved. The so-called 'secrecy' of the investigation process has protected Galloway, perhaps more than anyone else," the statement said. Galloway was fired from his position as creative writing chairman in June. Last week, 88 prominent authors including Margaret Atwood and Joseph Boyden signed an open letter decrying the university's secrecy around the case and calling for an inquiry into how it was handled. On Wednesday, Galloway issued a statement for the first time since he was suspended, confirming he was accused of sexual assault but saying the only allegation that was substantiated by former judge Mary Ellen Boyd's investigation was that he had a two-year affair with a student. The school faculty association has said all but one of the allegations, including the most serious, was not substantiated by Boyd's investigation. Galloway said he profoundly regrets his conduct and wishes to apologize for the harm it has caused, adding that this matter continues to have "tragic impacts" on all involved. However, the woman said Thursday her report to the university was not about an affair. The allegations that were investigated included that Galloway sexually assaulted and sexually harassed her, she said in the statement. "Mr. Galloway has issued an apology. But he wouldn't appear to be apologizing for the finding he has admitted was made against him by Ms. Boyd, which was misconduct for 'inappropriate sexual behaviour with a student': conduct which is an abuse of trust and his position of power," it said. "Mr. Galloway has not made clear to whom he is apologizing or what he regrets, other than presumably the consequences to him. His reference to the 'tragedy' of the events does not explicitly consider the devastating impacts of abuse of power on women affected." Galloway declined comment through his lawyer. The woman said Galloway, through his "high-profile contacts," is calling for an inquiry into the university's handling of the case. She said that is unnecessary and a labour arbitration scheduled for March will consider both the process and his termination. She also said Galloway was under a confidentiality obligation not to disclose her name or the contents of the investigation report, but instead he has shown it to friends and the media. Further, she said, Galloway has appealed the university's decision to release the redacted report to her as it could be "harmful" to his "privacy interests." As a result, she has not seen the report. Photo: Contributed Downtown Summerland will transform into a holiday wonderland tonight, drawing families from around the Okanagan. The Summerland Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 29th annual Festival of Lights, with 7,000 visitors expected. "The chamber is delighted to be hosting the festival for the 29th year," said Christine Petkau, executive director of the chamber. "The festival marks the beginning of the holiday season in the Okanagan and could not happen without the work of many sponsors, volunteers, non-profit organizations, local merchants and most importantly, the District of Summerland." Highlights of the event include fireworks, Santa's workshop, photos with Santa, pony rides, ATV rides and bouncy castles, street performers and the annual Season Sparkles art show at the Summerland Art Gallery. Two ice carving stations will be wowing the crowds and a host of food and gift vendors and non-profit booths will line the streets, adding to the festive atmosphere. IGA will be holding a fund-raising barbecue adjacent to the Summerland food bank tent. All funds raised at the barbecue will go to the food bank. Festival goers are invited to join the fun by wearing Santa hats, Christmas scarves and anything that lights up. In addition, there is a mass countdown to the moment when the downtown Christmas lights are switched on. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. As well, the Bottleneck Drive Winery Association is hosting the sixth annual Light Up the Vines event on Saturday and Sunday. Photo: The Canadian Press The Arctic archipelago of Svalbard has seen such extreme warmth this year that the average annual temperature could end up above freezing for the first time on record, scientists said Friday. Ketil Isaksen of the Norwegian Meterological Institute said that the average temperature in Longyearbyen, the main settlement in Svalbard, is expected to be around 0 Celsius (32 Fahrenheit) with a little over a month left of the year. "This is a little bit shocking," Isaksen said. "If you had asked me five or 10 years ago, I could not have imagined such numbers in 2016." The normal yearly average in Svalbard, an island group midway between the North Pole and continental Norway, is minus 6.7 C and the warmest year until now was 2006, when the average temperature in Svalbard was minus 1.8 C, Isaksen said. "Svalbard is a very good spot to show what's happening in the Arctic at the moment," he said, noting that each of the past 73 months has been warmer than average. The rising temperatures in the Arctic are affecting permafrost and snow cover as well as the amount of sea ice, which this year was the second-lowest on record. Isaksen said the sea ice is building up much slower than normal as winter approaches. "There are still huge areas in the Barents Sea and Kara Sea to the east of Svalbard that are free of ice," he said. "They should normally be ice-covered." Scientists believe the loss of sea ice accelerates the warming because ice reflects sunlight back into space while the darker surface of the ocean absorbs most of the radiation. A report released Friday by the Stockholm Environment Institute identified the decline in sea ice cover and the thinning of the Greenland ice sheet among several "regime shifts" happening in the Arctic as a result of climate change. "These regime shifts affect the stability of the climate and landscape, plant and animal species' ability to survive, and indigenous peoples' subsistence and ways of life," the institute said. Several studies show the world as a whole is on track for a new heat record this year, with the El Nino weather phenomenon adding to the underlying warming trend. Photo: The Canadian Press Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, hosts U.S. actor Steven Seagal in the Kremlin in Moscow. President Vladimir Putin has given a Russian passport to U.S. action film star Steven Seagal, calling it a sign of a thaw in relations with the United States. The 64-year old actor has been a regular visitor to Russia in recent years and has accompanied Putin to several martial arts events. Seagal also has vocally defended the Russian leader's policies and criticized the U.S. government. After awarding Seagal citizenship through a presidential decree earlier this month, Putin hosted the actor at the Kremlin on Friday and handed him the passport. Putin told Seagal he hopes the ceremony, which was shown on Russian state television, is "also a sign of a gradual normalization of the relations between the countries." Photo: The Canadian Press British serial killer Stephen Port was sentenced to life in prison without parole on Friday for the murders of four young gay men whom he met online. Judge Peter Openshaw said Port should die in prison for his "dreadful offences." Relatives of the victims cheered and clapped as the sentence was announced in the Old Bailey courthouse. Port was convicted by a jury on Wednesday of plying his victims with drinks spiked with lethal doses of the drug GHB, raping them when they were unconscious and dumping their bodies in and around a nearby graveyard. The 41-year-old chef also was convicted of 18 other offences, including four rapes and four sex assaults, against several other men. The U.K.'s independent police watchdog is investigating why detectives did not initially link the deaths of the four murder victims, all in their 20s, whose bodies were found near Port's home in east London over a 15-month period. Police began investigating the deaths as potential homicides only when the family of Port's final victim, Jack Taylor, pressed for action. "We finally have justice for Jack and the other boys," Taylor's sister Donna said outside court. "A sick and twisted scumbag will never be able to hurt or destroy any other family's life," she said. Photo: CTV Whatever may have happened during a college class trip to the Philippines in April has resulted in the investigation of a teacher. CTV Vancouver Island is reporting an instructor at Camosun College is being investigated after a student made a complaint. Camosun College has received a student complaint. We have taken that complain seriously and began an investigation which is being conducted by an external party in order to ensure an unbiased and fair process to all those involved, says a statement from the college. The investigation needs to be conducted with a high level of respect for the integrity of the process and for the privacy of all those involved including our students, and because of this we cannot comment further. Students in the nursing class were asked to sign confidentiality agreements, but one told CTV the investigation is linked to something that happened on the trip. with files from CTV Vancouver Island Photo: Bill Searle Sharpen your skates because the rink at Stuart Park will open next week. Free skating at the rink opens at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1. This is the sixth season that weve been able to offer this great opportunity for both residents and visitors to stay active outdoors through the winter season, said Steve Fagan, the city's arenas and stadiums supervisor. The ice making is already underway this week and were looking forward to another great season on the ice. Daily hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until late February, weather permitting. Skates, helmets and EZ bars are available to rent on site. Photo: Contributed An international study says the Arctic is perched on the edge of fundamental social and environmental changes. The study, released by the eight countries that ring the North Pole, concludes the region faces 19 tipping points that include everything from the loss of summer sea ice to the slow creep of shrubs and trees across the tundra. The likelihood of some of the tipping points being reached is considered low, but many are already beginning to appear. Co-author Martin Sommerkorn says the report clearly shows that not only does the Arctic's fate depends on what happens in the south, the south is deeply affected by what happens in the Arctic. He says it's crucial that northerners band together to ensure their concerns are heard. Photo: Contributed UPDATE: 12:10 p.m. The Canadian-U.S. softwood lumber dispute reignited Friday after the U.S. Lumber Coalition said it formally petitioned the American government to impose duties against Canadian softwood lumber producers. The lobby group said it asked the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission on Friday to restore the conditions of "fair trade" for softwood lumber. The coalition alleges that provincial governments, which own most of Canada's vast timberlands, provide trees to Canadian producers at rates far below market value, along with other subsidies. As a result, the group says Canadian lumber is being sold for less than fair value in the United States. "The coalition's legal action seeks for the United States to impose duties to offset the harm caused to U.S. mills, workers and communities by Canadian softwood lumber production subsidies and Canadian producers dumping the subsidized merchandise on the U.S. market," the U.S. Lumber Coalition said in a news release. Softwood producers in Canada have disputed the U.S. Lumber Coalition's assertions. Resolute Forest Products said producers in Quebec and Ontario pay market prices and should have access to free trade with the United States. A different system is used in Western Canada, which accounts for most of Canadian lumber exports to the U.S. The B.C. Lumber Trade Council said Friday that independent NAFTA panels have previously concluded that Canadian lumber was not subsidized and did not harm the U.S. lumber industry. The Canadian government anticipated Friday's filing. Alex Lawrence, a spokesman for International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland, said Canada is prepared for any situation, and the government will "vigorously defend" the interests of Canadian workers and producers. Still, he said the protectionist climate in the U.S. complicates any trade negotiation, including this one. Softwood lumber is excluded from NAFTA and lumber producers in both countries continually bicker over whether the access by Canadian companies to public forests constitutes an illegal subsidy. The 2006 softwood lumber agreement expired a year ago but a one-year standstill period kicked in to allow an attempt at resolution. The agreement required Canadian softwood producers to pay export taxes if the price of lumber went below a certain amount. If the price of lumber was above that threshold, Canadian producers were not subject to export taxes or restrictions on how much softwood they could ship to the U.S. ORIGINAL 11:25 a.m. The U.S. Lumber Coalition says it formally petitioned the American government to impose duties against Canadian softwood lumber producers. The lobby group says it asked the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission on Friday to restore the conditions of "fair trade" for softwood lumber. The coalition alleges that provincial governments, which own most of Canada's vast timberlands, provide trees to Canadian producers at rates far below market value, along with other subsidies. As a result, the group says Canadian lumber is being sold for less than fair value in the United States. Canadian softwood producers have disputed the U.S. Lumber Coalition's assertions. Photo: The Canadian Press Turkey threatened Friday to open the migrant floodgates if the European Union halts its membership talks, as criticism grows of Ankara's heavy-handed response to a failed military coup. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's warning the latest in a series of heated speeches about Europe from top Turkish officials came a day after EU lawmakers called for a freeze on the talks over the post-coup arrests, dismissals and jailing of tens of thousands of people. Erdogan's claims that his country has been "betrayed" are a sign of how Turkey's pride has been wounded by the lack of international solidarity Ankara feels has been shown since its political foundations were rocked by the July coup attempt. "We are the ones who feed 3-3.5 million refugees in this country. You have betrayed your promises," Erdogan said. "If you go any further, those border gates will be opened," he added. The European Parliament vote Thursday was a response to Ankara's widespread crackdown on potential political enemies. Tens of thousands have been detained, and around 120,000 people dismissed or suspended from their jobs over suspected links to the Muslim cleric living in the United States whom Erdogan blames for the coup attempt. Authorities have also shut down more than 170 media outlets, detained more than 140 journalists and sacked elected Kurdish mayors, replacing them with government-appointed trustees. More worrying for the anti-death penalty EU would be if Turkey makes good on a threat to reintroduce capital punishment, which would derail the country's bid to join the bloc entirely. But apart from symbolizing Europe's concern, Thursday's vote has no practical effect on Turkey's EU accession. Any suspension in talks can only be made by the 28 EU states, not lawmakers. Beyond that, member states have little incentive to pour oil on the fire when they desperately need Ankara to manage their refugee crisis. The membership negotiations, which have crawled along at snail's pace for more than a decade, are unlikely to be completed any time soon. Unable to agree on the best way to manage more than a million migrants who entered Europe last year, mostly through Turkey, EU nations decided to outsource their refugee crisis. They offered Turkey visa-free travel for its citizens and fast-track membership talks if Ankara stemmed the flow of migrants leaving for Greece and took back thousands who had already crossed into Europe. The deal also calls for the EU to devote up to 6 billion euros ($6.4 billion) in aid for Syrian refugees living in Turkey. Photo: Canadian Forces The head of the Royal Canadian Air Force says all 77 of Canada's CF-18 fighter jets will be able to fly until 2025, and even later. Lt.-Gen. Michael Hood also says Canada's allies are developing ways to upgrade the aging aircraft to reduce the risks and costs if they are needed for even longer periods of time. The comments are contained in documents filed with the House of Commons defence committee this week as the Liberal government prepares to negotiate the purchase of 18 new Super Hornet fighter jets. The government says it needs the Hornets to address an urgent shortage of warplanes until a competition to replace all 77 of Canada's CF-18s can be finished a process it says could take up to five years. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan's office says Hood's comments don't address the fact many of the aging CF-18s are out of service on any given day because of maintenance issues. But others say the general's comments are a clear indication he is comfortable with the state of Canada's CF-18 fleet, and that buying the Hornets before a competition is unnecessary and politically motivated. Hood will testify before the Senate defence committee on Monday, his first public appearance since the Liberals announced their plan to buy Hornets earlier this week. Photo: Contributed Children today are growing up in a world nothing like what their parents grew up in. Faced with social media, online predators, sexting and easily accessible pornography, many parents are understandably anxious about talking about sex with their children. Meg Hickling and Saleema Noon have rewritten the book on sex ed, and they are in Kelowna Friday for a free talk on the subject. Noon has updated Hicklings Canadian 1997 best seller, Speaking of Sex, which was last revised in 2005. Noon says a whole lot has changed since then. In the last chapter of the (2005) book, Meg Hickling wrote, and by the way parents, there is this thing called social media, you might want to watch out for it because it really wasnt on anyone's radar quite yet. She says they hear from concerned parents who dont know how to handle things like sexting and pornography. Noon says parents need to start talking to their kids the day they are born, on things like correct terminology for body parts. As children enter the pre-school years, thats when parents can start giving them scientific information about everything they ask about. Young children are easiest to teach, because they havent learned yet that sexual health is still a taboo subject in our society. The session is being held at the First United Church Hall, 721 Bernard from 7 to 9 p.m. More details can be found here. Photo: The Canadian Press North Korea says it has discussed the issue of a Canadian detainee with the Swedish ambassador in the country. Hyeon Soo Lim, a pastor with the Light Korean Presbyterian Church of Mississauga, Ont., was sentenced last December by a North Korean court to life in prison with hard labour for what it called crimes against the state. Canada, like many countries, does not have an embassy in North Korea, and has advised against all travel there. Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency says a North Korean Foreign Ministry official met with the Swedish ambassador on Thursday for talks on consular access for Lim. No further details were given, including what the North Korean official, identified as the director general of the ministry's European Department 2, said about Lim. Lim's family said it was grateful to everyone involved in efforts to bring Lim home. "We would like to extend our particular gratitude to the Swedish officials for their ongoing support and work in aiding our government on behalf of our family," the family told The Canadian Press in a statement. "We hope to see him home soon." The Swedish ambassador also used Thursday's meeting as a chance to raise the issue of consular affairs for at least two American detainees being held for alleged espionage, subversion and other anti-state activities. The news agency says the Pyongyang official reiterated a position that North Korea will handle the issues of detained Americans in line with a wartime law. It has not elaborated on what the wartime law means, although analysts say that suggests North Korea could deal with U.S. detainees in a harsher manner. Korean-American Kim Tong Chol is serving a 10-year prison term with hard labour, while University of Virginia undergraduate Otto Warmbier received 15 years. Lim, who is in his sixties, has been held since February 2015. He was convicted by Pyongyang's Supreme Court for allegedly trying to use religion to destroy the North Korean system and helping U.S. and South Korean authorities lure and abduct North Korean citizens. Photo: Contributed A 52-year-old South Okanagan man was sent to hospital with relatively minor, non-life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle on Thursday. The incident occurred at the intersection of Highway 33 and Franklyn Road, when a driver was attempting to make a right turn onto the highway from a stopped position. Witnesses at the scene told police the cyclist had been riding on the sidewalk at the time and was not wearing a helmet. Charges have not been laid. Photo: Enbridge The Liberal government is delaying announcing the fate of two pipeline projects, saying only that the decision will come "soon." Today was the government's deadline to decide whether to move ahead with Enbridge's proposed Line 3 pipeline replacement and Northern Gateway pipeline. Energy Minister Catherine McKenna, who was speaking at an event hosted by the Toronto Board Region of Trade, said she wasn't ready to make an announcement. She wouldn't say whether the decision had been made or when it would become public. Line 3 would replace a decades-old conduit that runs from Hardisty, Alta., to Superior, Wisc., and double its capacity. Enbridge has described it is an essential safety and maintenance project. The National Energy Board recommended Line 3's approval in April, subject to 89 conditions. Approval of the $7.5-billion Line 3 project would allow for exports to increase from 390,000 to 760,000 barrels a day since Enbridge has been running the 1960s-era pipeline at reduced capacity. It also has the potential to be expanded to 915,000 barrels a day with further permitting and pump stations. While the energy industry would welcome Line 3, environmentalists have decried the project for the increased emissions it would allow. Summary What is already known about this topic? Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria remain the last three countries worldwide where wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) transmission has never been interrupted. During April 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) coordinated global withdrawal of the type 2 component in oral poliovirus vaccine, replacing it with oral poliovirus vaccine containing only types 1 and 3, after introduction of inactivated poliovirus vaccine. What is added by this report? During JanuarySeptember 2016 WPV1 detected from cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) and environmental surveillance in Pakistan continued to decrease compared with the same period in 2015 and 2014; vaccine-derived poliovirus was detected in two provinces in 2016. Genetic diversity of WPV1 isolates continued to decrease compared with 2015 and 2014. AFP surveillance and stool specimen timeliness at the national and provincial levels have met performance targets. Identifying and reaching unvaccinated children continue to be challenges. What are the implications for public health practice? To achieve the goal of zero WPV1 cases in Pakistan, the country must continue aggressive supplementary immunization activities, such as community-based vaccinations, and further strengthen polio surveillance, with particular focus on the cross-border regions, areas where environmental surveillance continues to detect poliovirus, and in vulnerable and low-risk areas where poliovirus has not been detected for some time. Morocco: Cemos announces plans for Tarfaya plant ICR Newsroom By 25 November 2016 Moroccos Challenger magazine has reported that Jersey-based Cemos Group plans to construct a MAD3bn (US$296m) cement plant in Tarfaya in the countrys southwest. The 1.6Mta integrated plant will utilise local deposits of oil shale as an energy source. In this way, Cemos which is a portmanteau of Cement from Oil Shale hopes to keep costs down, paving the way to allowing it to export some of its production to west Africa. Cemos had originally intended to exploit the 1bnt oil shale deposit through its Finnish subsidiary, Global Oil Shale, but the global slump in hydrocarbon prices has instead led the firm to prioritise cement production. According to Global Oil Shales website, Cemos has appointed Luis Verde, formerly the Regional CEO for West and Central Africa at Dangote, as chief executive of Cemos Cement. Scott Young, formerly of Morgan Stanley and LF Rothschild, has been appointed as a director of Cemos Ciment SA with responsibility for government relations and project finance. Published under Philippines: Taiheiyo contributes to National Greening Programme 25 November 2016 Employees from Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc and Solid Earth Development Corp planted 5350 seedlings across different sites in San Fernando in support of the National Greening Programme (NGP). Taiheiyo Philippines plant manager and senior vice president for operations, Kazuhiko Ichizawa, and Kazuhiko Soma, operations division manager, led 30 employees in the tree-planting activity that was conducted under the Environment Protection and Enhancement Programme (EPEP) started by Taiheiyo and Solid Earth 10 years ago. Romeo Gebilaguin, environment and safety division manager at Taiheiyo Philippines, noted that the company has planted 65,000 tress since joining the EPEP. With the completion of the NGP this year, the countrys air quality is expected to improve and a reduction in greenhouse gases is to be seen, with the project absorbing 38Mt of carbon. Published under India: 32 manufacturers to sell at INR230/bag 25 November 2016 Telangana State Housing Corp has signed a MoU with 32 cement manufacturers this week. As per the MoU, the companies will supply cement at a price of INR230/bag (US$3.35/bag) for the next three years to the housing corporation. With cement prices high on the open market, the state government negotiated with the manufacturing companies for reduced rates. Housing Minister Undrakaran Reddy thanked the participating firms for coming forward and supporting the housing scheme. Mr Reddy estimates that the project would require 2.73Mt of cement. He also stated that a special label would be printed on the cement bags supplied at a reduced rate to avert possible diversion. Published under Regardless of the ultimate outcome of the governor's race, North Carolina will continue its role as one of the nation's leading practitioners of conservative reform and innovation.I'm not suggesting that the identity of the governor is irrelevant. Far from it. Over the past four years, Pat McCrory has put some issues on the agenda that the Republican-controlled General Assembly might not otherwise have prioritized. On other matters, McCrory and the legislature agreed about a goal but differed on the means. In these cases, the policy that emerged bore the imprint of each.Over the next few years, a Gov. McCrory would likely relate to state lawmakers in a similar way. If Roy Cooper is governor, the relationship would obviously be more adversarial. But when it comes to enacting public policy, North Carolina's legislature has always been the dominant branch of government. That will continue, particularly since the Republicans maintained their veto-proof majorities in both chambers in the 2016 election.What does it mean for the 2017 session and beyond? On most issues, I don't foresee a significant change in direction. On some issues, I foresee another round of significant accomplishments.On the state budget, for example, the General Assembly will maintain a conservative approach . Expenditures will continue to grow at a modest pace, thus putting a lid on the overall size of government while hedging against a recession or other risks. Over the first four months of the 2016-17 fiscal year, General Fund revenues are slightly higher than projected while expenditures are pretty much on track. Thanks to its fiscal discipline , North Carolina also has nearly $1.6 billion in its rainy-day account and some $400 million in Medicaid reserves.In the coming weeks and months, you can expect lawmakers to fund disaster relief in hurricane-ravaged counties in the east and fire-ravaged counties in the west. You can expect more money for teacher salaries, including higher pay for higher performance and hard-to-staff positions, as well as for pressing needs in areas such as law enforcement and the courts. But don't expect massive new programs or a reversal of North Carolina's tax reforms and reductions , even if Cooper is governor.On education policy, conservatives will now have another ally: incoming State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson. A former teacher and Republican school-board member in Winston-Salem, Johnson supports parental choice and other recent education reforms, while advocating changes in North Carolina's testing and accountability system that many GOP lawmakers also favor.Regardless of who sits in the governor's mansion, you can expect the General Assembly to enact more reforms of the state's regulatory process. For example, there is bipartisan interest in changing occupational licensing to make it easier for North Carolinians to change careers or start their own businesses. Lawmakers will likely take another look at subjecting costly new rules to more legislative oversight , including floor votes. And given that a new Republican administration will be staffing federal regulatory agencies and, eventually, the federal judiciary, you can expect Republican legislators in Raleigh and other state capitals to think creatively about lightening the regulatory burden to increase private-sector jobs and incomes.Although their rhetoric does not always match their records, Republicans generally favor devolving responsibilities from Washington. If the Trump administration and the GOP Congress practice what they preach on federalism, states and localities will have far more policy room to maneuver than they had under President Obama.It couldn't come at a more opportune time for conservatives. Across the nation, they enjoy more influence in state and local government than they have since the 1920s. Here in North Carolina, they will continue to be the dominant players in crafting public policy.That's different from saying they are the only players, however. Every conservative reform has its opponents, some ideological and some simply looking out for organized interest groups. North Carolina is a state of conflicting opinions and complex challenges. Conservative leaders should always be willing to listen and learn, even as they continue to advance their core principles, including economic freedom and personal responsibility. McCrory joins Stuber in filing request for recount after State Board of Elections certifies vote At a Tuesday hearing in Raleigh the State Board of Elections ordered county boards to continue counting ballots. From left at the front table are board members James Baker, Maja Kricker, Grant Whitney, Joshua Malcolm, Rhonda Amoroso, and Executive Director Kim Strach. (CJ photo by Don Carrington) The State Board of Elections voted Tuesday to instruct county elections boards to continue counting ballots to determine winners in as many races as possible. But the order includes flagging and forwarding ballots to the state board if they appear to be illegal and were cast in close statewide elections in which the outcome might hang in the balance.Also on Tuesday, Gov. Pat McCrory and Republican state auditor candidate Chuck Stuber filed a request with the state board for a mandatory recount allowed by law because both second-place finishers are within 10,000 votes of the winners.McCrory wrote in his request letter. The recount would be conducted after all counties finish their vote canvasses.Attorneys for McCrory and Democratic challenger Roy Cooper argued before the state board in a three-hour meeting about election law mandates and the fine details of competing statutes that prescribe how to handle different types of vote disputes.At issue were legal differences between a challenge, which has an ironclad filing deadline and involves individual votes, and a protest - a broader category usually involving a group of voters that requires a greater amount of evidence, and must have the potential to affect the outcome of an election.In the end, the state board issued an order to the counties setting out the distinctions between an election protest and an election challenge. Both the McCrory and Cooper teams said they were satisfied.said Kevin Hamilton, a lawyer from Washington, D.C., representing Cooper and the North Carolina Democratic Party.The rulingHamilton told Carolina Journal.Hamilton said the number of allegedly improper votes identified thus far in the processCooper leads McCrory by 6,187 votes, according to vote tallies on the State Board of Elections website,especially when considering the disputed votes would be split between the two candidates, Hamilton said.Roger Knight, an attorney representing McCrory, told Carolina Journal the board's "unanimous vote was certainly fair to everyone," but he said he was reserving judgment on the guidelines being drafted by the state board's general counsel Josh Lawson until he reads them.Knight also rejects Hamilton's contention that Cooper has won.Knight said.Josh Howard, former chairman of the State Board of Elections, filed the federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina in behalf of the Civitas Institute.The suit claims same-day registration ballots cast during the General Election will not be fully verified until nine days after the vote count is certified. State law requires that registrations and residences be verified for a vote to be counted. The suit asks that the court require the state board to withhold certification of votes until the same-day registrations can be verified.In arguing to allow election protests to go forward based on suspicion of dead voters, voting by felons, and double voting, Knight told the state board it has an obligationand has broad oversight authority to make that happen.Knight said.He cited a state Court of Appeals ruling that said the authority of the state board to investigate is not dependent on filing a timely protest, and the board may act on its ownA 1984 case in Clay County isregarding absentee ballots, Knight said.The state Court of Appeals noted that no challenge or protest was filed in that case,he said. That case has been cited in seven other cases, andHamilton said under the law governing election challenges, county boards of elections cannot rescind votes cast unless the challenge was made before a deadline set in state law that protects a voter's due process rights. That time has now passed, so McCrory's request should be denied, he said.Ignoring the statutory deadline would allow if not encourage future challenges, complicating and delaying determinations of election winners, Hamilton said.McCrory campaign lawyer John Branch said county boards should be allowed to complete the protest investigations to determine if invalid votes were cast. Dismissing the protests before that occurs defeats the purpose of the process, and undermines the faith of voters in the system, he said."Their argument essentially is due process is no process" to root out voter fraud, Branch said of Cooper's legal team.Hamilton said. Filing dozens of election protests in violation of the statutory framework, targeting African-American voters as potentially ineligible felon voters, isAllison Riggs, senior voting rights attorney for the Southern Coalition of Social Justice in Durham, told the state board if it uses various lists compiled by election protesters to cross-check for ineligible voters that would constitute "systematic list maintenance" that violates the National Voting Rights Act at this stage of the election process.Riggs said. Lists of dead voters, felons, or those who voted in two states areshe alleged, and American college students have taken to saying that they need "safe spaces" on campus. They really don't, since all they're after is "safety" from ideas they dislike. But if they were thinking ahead to life after graduation, many might wonder if they'll need a safe space when the bills for their college loans start coming due.Much as they may want one, there won't be any such haven. Bad borrowing decisions cannot be escaped.Nearly six years ago, the Pope Center published an article by a graduate of Northeastern University, Kelli Space, who had earned her B.A. with a major in sociology-at the cost of a student debt total in excess of $200,000. She wrote plaintively, "Looking back I wish someone had brought me back down to Earth by asking the right questions: What is 'good debt' to an 18-year-old? Do you have any idea what the cost of repaying your loans will be? How will those payments compare with your anticipated income?"The problem of students blindly borrowing large amounts they will struggle to repay in search of college credentials (frequently of questionable value) remains unsolved.A recent case even more shocking than Kelli Space's is that of Liz Kelley, who is more than $410,000 in debt to the government for her student loans, as we learn in this New York Times piece by Kevin Carey. She first borrowed for her education degree at Maryville University, but when no teaching job opened up for her, she decided to go on for another degree in a shrinking field-law.By continuing her education, Liz was able to put her loan payments on hold. She borrowed more for law school, but was able to complete only one year before dropping out for medical reasons. She's had little work and can't make any headway against her huge and steadily mounting debt balance.Carey puts his finger on the essence of the problem that lures so many American students into the debt trap.It isn't only students like Kelli and Liz, who over-borrowed but at least completed their degrees, who are harmed by that "trust the educators" culture. More numerous are those who borrowed modestly but never earned a degree at all.In her recent book Student Debt: Rhetoric and Realities of Higher Education Financing, economics professor Sandy Baum writes,Many of those hapless students were mismatched at even the low-demand schools where they enrolled. Poorly prepared for anything like college-level work and often lacking in discipline and motivation, they were wasting their time and money on college. As Baum writes,Yes, that is the question and the answer is that government officials, unlike private lenders who stand to lose money if they make bad lending decisions, will not suffer any adverse consequences from their extremely lax college lending. Federal loans are virtually an entitlement and the official stance of the Department of Education under President Obama has been that the national interest is served getting as many young people into and through college as possible. Student loan defaults are of minimal concern to them.Still, the government has made two efforts in recent years toward helping students with college financing. Both, however, are so feeble that one might think of them as mere window dressing.One is the requirement that colleges have a "net price calculator" feature on their websites, so that students can get an idea of what pursuing an education there will cost. Not surprisingly, however, colleges are not eager to help prospective customers assess the cost of attendance and compare it to their competitors. Most make their "calculators" hard to find and use.Then there is the federal mandate that schools provide debt counseling for students who plan to take out government loans. These counseling sessions may be done in person, but usually they're done online. They are formalistic and, crucially, take place only after the student has decided to enroll.Heather Jarvis, an attorney who specializes in student loan matters, is quoted in this Consumer Reports article thatNaturally. The last thing a college wants at that point is for a student to reconsider the wisdom of attending from a cost versus benefit angle.Furthermore, this counseling is not supposed to deter students from borrowing. In the same Consumer Reports article, Betsy Mayotte, director of consumer outreach at the non-profit organization American Student Assistance says,Honest counseling would entail assessing a student's academic abilities and educational prospects, but instead all the government wants to do is to accentuate the positive. That is of no help to the large numbers of students who should be told that the cost of their education (whether or not it entails borrowing) may exceed the likely benefits.Real counseling might, for example, have dissuaded the young man who was intent on a career as an organic farmer (where he earns only $12,000 per year after taxes) from borrowing to earn a degree from pricey Wesleyan University. (Read about that and other similar stories in this piece .)Despite the "net price calculators" and so-called debt counseling, many students remain remarkably ignorant about their debt obligations. In their 2014 Brookings paper " Are College Students Borrowing Blindly? " Beth Akers and Matthew Chingos answer that many are. Akers and Chingos find that slightly more than half of student borrowers are badly misinformed about their repayment obligations. What's even more remarkable is that some are not even aware that they have any student loan debt.Net price calculators and debt counseling aren't doing much good.The U.S. has many organizations (such as Student Loan Ranger ) that will help students get out of the debts they have agreed, however mistakenly or foolishly, to repay. What it does not have is anything to help them avoid bad debt decisions in the first place.That should be something for the Trump Education Department to explore. The new administration should abandon the "college for all" mindset that has done so much to make young Americans believe that college is the way to succeed and that borrowing to afford it is "good debt."It isn't possible for the feds either to provide or insist upon real counseling for students considering college. (High school counselors should do that, but sadly they've mostly bought the "college for all" line and hesitate to advise students against it.) What the government could do, however, would be to put something equivalent to the Surgeon General's warning about cigarettes on all its loans.That "warning" would refer prospective borrowers to facts showing that college is not always a good use of time and money. Students should be encouraged to ponder the high rates of underemployment among recent graduates, loan default rates, and postsecondary options other than college that may give them better results at lower cost. They might be told to read over something like this pro and con treatment before choosing.For several years, the number of students borrowing to begin college has been falling , which suggests that the message that college isn't a good idea for everyone is slowly filtering through the country. The government, however, should do more to make students aware that college debt can be hazardous. Contact: McCrory Communications McCrory Communications govpress@nc.gov Raleigh, N.C. As North Carolinians celebrate Thanksgiving, Governor Pat McCrory is encouraging donations to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to support those impacted by Hurricane Matthew.said Governor McCrory.The primary goal of the Disaster Relief Fund is to address unmet housing needs. Supporting the fund is one of the major initiatives of Governor McCrory's Hurricane Matthew Recovery Committee. Monetary contributions to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund for Hurricane Matthew can be made by texting NCRECOVERS to 30306 or by visiting NCDisasterRelief.org . This is one of the best ways to help fund long-term recovery efforts. BOZEMAN Gov. Steve Bullock is looking to Montana's wildfire suppression fund to help make up budget shortfalls caused by the state's declining revenues. The Democratic governor's proposed budget for the next two years earmarks about $25 million from the wildfire fund for other state forestry programs. By using the wildfire funding, the general fund balance can move toward a planned $300 million budget surplus. Dan Villa, the governor's budget director, said the wildfire fund is near record highs and that the state won't suffer from money being diverted to other purposes. "Based on our projections, we'll have a solid $50 million to fight fires over the next (two years)," Villa said. Republican Sen. Pat Connell of Hamilton, who sponsored the bill to create the fund, says the move could put the state's finances at risk in the case of a difficult wildfire season. The fund contained $73.7 million as of June 30, according to the Legislative Audit Committee. Forester Bob Harrington with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation said the state usually spends between $17 million and $20 million on fires each year, so he's not worried about the governor's plan to take $12.5 million out of the fund in each of the next two years. However, records show the state incurred $71.4 million in firefighting costs in 2013 the year the fund was created. The Legislature is likely to make significant changes to Bullock's proposed budget before passing a final version. Dorothy Jean Porter Baltrusch died Nov. 13, 2016, in Scottsdale, Ariz., surrounded by her children. She was born in her grandparents' farmhouse in Lewistown, Mo., on July 16, 1919, to Harold Oren and Audentia VanDruff Porter. Her family moved to Canton, Mo., when she was 7, and she and her beloved younger brother Harold spent their childhood in the small town on the banks of the Mississippi River. After graduating with a degree in English from Culver Stockton College, she taught high school in Cuba, IL. Always fascinated by books and reading, she left teaching to attend library school at the University of Illinois and then worked as a librarian in Wood River, IL. A radio writing course at Washington University led to a position with KWK Radio in St. Louis. During the war, wives of servicemen could ride for free on trains and women would often slip aboard by appearing to accompany a serviceman. The stranger to whom Dorothy attached herself on a trip home to Canton was Oscar William Arthur Baltrusch. They were married in 1945. To help support him through medical school, she took a job at Ralston Purina, where she wrote articles to encourage people to raise rabbits at home for food. At that time, butcher counters were often bare and people were happy to buy rabbits and chicken feet to feed their families. The U.S. Navy sent them to San Diego, Walla Walla, and Vancouver, Wash. Ekalaka welcomed them after the war and, after a few years of private practice, they moved to Billings, where they raised their four children. They lived on the western edge of the city and one of Dorothy's early achievements was a successful petition drive to install sidewalks from 17th St., to the brand new Grand Avenue School. She supported classical music and served as President of the Billings Symphony Auxiliary, but she also loved the Beatles from Day One. Never a typical mom, she wore Birkenstocks, ate tofu, and practiced yoga decades before they all became mainstream. Her house was open to neighborhood kids who needed a listening ear or maybe just a root beer float. During her 97 years, she loved gathering with family and friends and was especially grateful to be part of an amazing group of women who met weekly in each others homes. Social justice, the constitution, and the proper grammatical use of all aspects of the English language peppered her conversations, which were marked by her capricious sense of humor. She always said she was surprised when her children actually grew up, married, and moved away. The fact that they all came home with their own children each Christmas and summer gave her great joy. During the rest of the year, she filled her life taking ballet, introducing children to art as a docent at the Yellowstone Art Museum and campaigning enthusiastically for Barack Obama. During her last years, she chronicled her memories for her childhood hometown newspaper, the Canton Press-News and was thrilled to be a published author. Survivors include her children: Jan Septon (Gary), Tempe, Ariz.; Kurt Baltrusch, (Velda), Great Falls; Susan Martland, (Gary), St. Paul, Minn., and Carla Baltrusch Dow, (Doug), Eugene, Ore.; eight grandchildren: Katie Stevens (Brian) and Johann Baltrusch (Savannah), Maggie Boehlke (Matt), Dagan (Leah) and Christopher Martland, and Cara Willliams (Sam), Andrew (Liz) and Coleman (Sheeva)Dow; and seven great-grandchildren as well as her brother's four children and their families. She was preceded in death by her brother, her parents, and her husband, Oscar. Gifts in her name may be made to Planned Parenthood, Friendship House, or the Yellowstone Art Museum. Less than six months to go until the beginning of LABVOLUTION/BIOTECHNICA 2017, and the objective is already clear: The European trade fair for the full spectrum of laboratory technology is primed to prove the aptness of its new course next spring. Following a series of far-reaching changes, the event will take place at a new time (16 to 18 May 2017), in a new hall (Hall 19/20), with a new profile. LABVOLUTION stands for innovative laboratory equipment and the optimization of laboratory workflows. And it includes BIOTECHNICA the established life sciences event. "We took a radical and courageous step in creating this new trade fair," stated Dr. Andreas Gruchow, member of the Deutsche Messe Managing Board, at a recent press conference for LABVOLUTION /BIOTECHNICA. "The essential element is that we have now become interesting to a much larger circle of industries. We are the lab platform for analytical chemistry, life sciences including biotechnology, but also pharmaceuticals and medical technology plus food technology and environmental technology. This applies equally to industry and research/science. The BIOTECHNICA life sciences event will continue to be an industry networking hub for anyone interested in biotechnology and the life sciences. Apart from the products and solutions on display at exhibitor stands, the following topics will be highlighted: laboratory workflows, lab automation and lab robotics, the integrated lab (Lab 4.0) as well as digitalization and big data. This new direction was underscored in the comments made by the other speakers at the LABVOLUTION/BIOTECHNICA press conference. smartLAB sets new standards Dr. Simon Bungers, founder and CEO of labfolder, delivered a detailed report on the second edition of the smartLAB showcase. "smartLAB will once again set new standards in the lab environment," remarked Bungers, who is also the project spokesperson. "In 2015 we showed how laboratory processes can be entirely digitally integrated beyond the boundaries of individual lab equipment; in 2017 we will demonstrate how any lab is an a position to implement this integration flexibly and above all independently." Under the organizational supervision of the Institute for Technical Chemistry at the Leibniz University of Hannover, a total of 11 partners from industry and research will contribute to this intelligent "lab of the future" showcase next year. A special highlight will consist of live, daily use-case demonstrations from the fields of biotechnology, environmental engineering and food technology. Equipment being added to the smartLAB program for the first time in 2017 includes an interactive dispenser, a QR code scanner and a 3-D printer which works on the basis of selective laser sintering (SLS). Conference on advantages of 3D printing Staged parallel to LABVOLUTION, the "3-D Printing in Science" international conference organized by the British SelectBio organization will likewise focus on the topic of 3-D printing. "The application options for 3-D printing in research are growing at breakneck speed. Increasingly, people are recognizing the immense potential of 3-D printing and tissue engineering for regenerative medicine," explained Ken Browne, General Manager of SelectBio. This conference brings together many of the leading academic players in the field along with big-name representatives from a growing number of user industries and applications," he stated. The focus of the conference, which runs from 16 to 17 May in the conference area of Hall 19/20, includes cell sourcing, bioprinting, biomaterials, scaffolding, immunology and toxicology. Life science trends in 2017: From synthetic biology to live cell imaging Dr. Peter Quick, Vice-chairperson of the Life Science Research dept. in the VDGH association of the diagnostics industry, of which he is also an executive board member, reported on the latest trends and developments in the life sciences. "LSR companies are partners to the research industry, as we produce the products that facilitate new research findings," he stated. "As drivers of the value chain from basic research and the myriad fields of applied research to in vitro diagnostics and personalized medicine LSR companies develop and manufacture tools, solutions and technology platforms. The year 2017 will be influenced by synthetic biology, NGS, cell-free DNA analysis and data analytics, live cell imaging, high-resolution microscopy, cell-based real time assays, 3-D cell cultures, bispecific antibodies, MS bioanalysis and lab automation. As a result, we will continue to see the further development and refinement of laboratory environments and, by working together with the LSR companies in the VDGH diagnostics industry association, LABVOLUTION can make these trends tangible." Industrial applications for renewable raw materials The press conference was wrapped up by Dr. Joachim Venus, representative of the Potsdam-based Leibniz Institute for Agrarian Technology and Bioeconomics (ATB). "We are developing biomass usage strategies to promote value creation in rural areas and create the scientific foundations for a sustainable, bio-based economy," he reported. "Our research objectives are largely identical with action fields' 4 and 5 of Germany's national bio-economics research strategy for 2030, consisting of the industrial use of renewable raw materials and the expansion of bio-based energy carriers. Complex biorefinery systems are increasingly capable of intensifying their utilization of byproducts in combination with primary products as well as cascading biogenic resources for a maximum exploitation of biomass," he concluded. The industrial use of renewable raw materials is a key action field in Germany's national bio-economics research strategy for 2030. One reason is that the use of renewable raw materials has a high potential for innovative new technologies and products. The ATB institute is an internationally active research center operating at the interface of biological and technological systems. The Montana Rescue Mission served meals to more than 600 people Thursday after managing to get its dining room and kitchen up and running two days before the holiday. After almost four months of repairs, the Montana Rescue Mission's kitchen was bigger and its dining room had a fresh coat of paint when guests began to stream in for the shelter's Thanksgiving meal. In October, the shelter promised the holiday meal would happen, but it was a hard deadline to meet, said MRM Executive Director Perry Roberts. The Mission had already planned to remodel the basement of the men's shelter when, beginning July 29, more than two million gallons of water spewed in the basement of the charitys Minnesota Avenue facilities. In the mens shelter, the flood damage put the health center, kitchen and dining room out of commission. But, Tuesday, the shelter was able to declare its kitchen up to code and deliver on the promise of a free holiday meal for its guests. The shelter delivered about 335 meals to people in the community who are either low income or planned to spend the holiday alone. The mission served the rest of the meals at 1 p.m. at the shelter, where volunteers waited on the guests. The shelter's guests are for the most part homeless and without the means to serve their own holiday meal. Jennifer Kidder and her son Citron Leroy, who turned 1 this month, said it didn't feel like a holiday for them. Kidder became homeless for the first time in her life this year, she said. She said she's found few opportunities in Billings and she struggles to find a place to stay with her son. She and Citron planned to spend the night on the street, she said. It is a challenge many mothers face while homeless, Roberts said. While this year the shelter was able to get employment for many homeless men either at the sugar beet factory or in a local service industry, homeless women struggle for the same opportunities. Only about 10 percent of the shelter's women are employed, Roberts said. Kidder and her son are some of the 25 percent of new guests the shelter have every year at Thanksgiving, Roberts said. Some are have recently become homeless, while others are just passing through. Jessie Navarro was a guest who said he would not be back for the meal next year. Navarro was a transient worker, who had for the past several years traveled from city to city for work. Despite being homeless himself, Navarro said he gives back to places like the mission and people living on the street. When he has a dollar to give, he gives it, he said. Navarro said he plans to move in the next few months and start a construction company. Many local Billings organizations worked to help the shelter make the Thanksgiving meal possible, especially with the kitchens out of order for most of the month. MRM Food Services Manager Debbie Patterson said Passages Prerelease Center made the mashed potatoes and gravy for the meal, while the Radisson Hotel and First Interstate Bank allowed the shelter to use their kitchens to cook. Turkeys were prepared at the Billings Food Bank by a host of volunteers, and the mission made the green bean casserole fresh Thursday afternoon. In addition, more than 40 pies came in from Lockwood students and others in the Billings community. Parent company AT&T is defending a feature with DirecTV before regulators who said this month that they harbor "serious concerns" about the practice, in a fight over how consumers get to experience video on their mobile devices. The program allows consumers to watch as much DirecTV as they want on their AT&T cellphone plans without that consumption eating into customers' monthly data allotments. The exemptions, which AT&T will also apply to its new streaming video app, DirecTV Now, are perfectly good for consumers, the company said in a letter Monday to the Federal Communications Commission. Advertisement "Consumers have enthusiastically embraced Data Free TV," the letter reads. (AT&T owns DirecTV.) In the first month that the program has been active, nearly 3 million customers have taken advantage of it, according to AT&T. The company has more than 140 million wireless subscribers in North America. It's no wonder why: The program promises consumers something for nothing, giving them unlimited consumption of data-heavy video without the burden of paying for that video consumption out of their own data plans. Advertisement But regulators have taken aim at Data Free TV, saying in a Nov. 9 letter that the arrangement could allow AT&T to pick winners and losers in the media ecosystem by "obstruct(ing) competition." As AT&T uses Data Free TV to promote its proprietary services to consumers, other companies could be harmed by the move, critics have said. For example, if Netflix refused to play on AT&T's terms, consumers who watched "Orange is the New Black" on AT&T's data network could find that they were depleting their available data. This would lead to DirecTV having an advantage over Netflix. And the gap would become even more pronounced for smaller media and Internet companies, skeptics say. In its letter Monday, AT&T responded to those claims by arguing that its practice of exempting DirecTV is good for consumers and that it doesn't exclusively benefit its own bottom line. "AT&T makes its sponsored data program available to all content providers on the same terms and conditions," the letter said. "In fact, AT&T went further in meeting the nondiscrimination requirement than traditional law would require." AT&T also said that for companies that want to give their users "free" data, AT&T will charge them the same rate "regardless whether they are big or small or how much data they purchase." Ultimately, this is a fight that could resolve itself in AT&T's favor. The FCC, now controlled by Democrats, will soon, under President-elect Donald Trump, be controlled by Republicans. Conservatives are expected to roll back many of the policies that were put in place during President Barack Obama's tenure, including the rules that allow the FCC to probe "zero rating" practices. Maryland is making a play for a generation of would-be homebuyers with one thing in common: student debt. This week, the state rolled out Maryland SmartBuy, a $10 million program that lets people with education loans purchase a home and wipe out college debt at the same time. Advertisement "Traditionally, people in their 20s and 30s would account for a substantial share of Maryland's first-time homebuyers, but we've seen a little difference in that demographic over the years, and it's believed that student loan debt is a part of the challenge," Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford said at an event to kick off the program. SmartBuy uses an innovative model to clear a path to homeownership. If a buyer has at least 5 percent for a down payment, the state will provide up to 15 percent of the purchase price toward outstanding student loans. Any remaining balance must be paid in full by the closing date. Advertisement Say a buyer with $35,000 in student loans is interested in a $200,000 house. SmartBuy would cover $30,000 of that debt -- an amount equal to 15 percent of the purchase price -- leaving the buyer responsible for the remaining $5,000. There are allowances for buyers with multiple student loans, said Michael White, a spokesman for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. If the same buyer looking at the $200,000 house happened to have another education loan from a bank, the buyer could still be eligible for the program. To qualify, buyers must be in good standing on their student loans and have at least $1,000 in debt. The purchase also must be financed through the Maryland Mortgage Program, which arranges home loans for first-time buyers in the state. Homeowners must remain in the house for at least five years to have the student debt forgiven. Only homes owned by the state's housing department are eligible. White said the department has nearly 20 move-in-ready homes for sale, ranging in price from $70,000 to $310,000 and scattered across the state. Several properties are located in Baltimore and Prince George's County, areas that were hit hard by the housing crisis. "We're picking houses that with a little bit of improvement on our part can be move-in ready," White said. "The other deciding factor is these houses are in communities that millennials would be interested in moving into." He anticipates the state can afford to help up to 50 homebuyers through the $10 million program, which is funded with proceeds from the state's investment portfolio. Maryland is among a small number of states trying to bolster homeownership for recent college graduates. Ohio offers down payment assistance and lower mortgage rates for first-time homebuyers who earned a degree within the past four years; Rhode Island provides up to $7,000 to buyers who graduated in the past three years. "In concept, this is similar to a municipality or state providing a company with tax breaks for relocating to an opportunity zone," said Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of Cappex.com, a college and scholarship search site. "The government knows that companies bring jobs that yield income tax revenue and newly relocated employees buy homes, appliances and housewares that yield sales tax revenue. Giving loan forgiveness is effectively rebating all or part of the recent college graduate's income tax." Advertisement Gov. Larry Hogan (R) championed the legislation that created SmartBuy and received resounding support from the Maryland General Assembly, which approved the bill earlier this year. The initiative pulls the state into a national conversation on the impact of student debt on homeownership. While there are many economic factors impeding homeownership for millennials -- including stagnant wages, rising home prices and conservative lending -- the burden of student debt is a significant hurdle. A recent report by credit agency Fitch Ratings concluded that homebuyers with education loans generally can afford less than those without such debt. Jasmine Townsel, 26, worried that the more than $30,000 in loans she carried from the University of Maryland College Park would limit housing options for her and her fiance, Brian Hawkins. When the pair set out on their house hunt in July, Townsel said she felt a little uneasy about how her student debt would affect the process. "We had talked about what our budget would be, what kind of house we wanted" Townsel said. "And I was like 'We can't get a super expensive house because I still have to pay $200 to $300 a month toward my student loans'." Browsing Realtor.com, the couple came across a three-bedroom, 1,600-square-foot townhouse in Bel Air, Maryland. Neither had heard of SmartBuy when their realtor explained that the house qualified for the student debt forgiveness program. Townsel and Hawkins applied, purchased the townhouse for $205,000 and became the first homeowners in SmartBuy this fall. The couple, who started dating in high school, plan to get married in March 2018. "It's been really exciting to make the house our own," Townsel said. "We just had our housewarming and are planning to put up a fence. Really, we're just going to enjoy having our own place." One does not expect destination-worthy dining in a museum. That assumption is about to change. As part of a $16 million renovation, Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E. Chicago Ave.) will create a restaurant to be run by Jason Hammel, the chef/owner of Lula Cafe in Logan Square. Advertisement As yet unnamed (or at least unannounced), the project also will include the talents of Turner-prize-winning British painter Chris Ofili, design team Pedro y Juana (who created the "Dear Randolph" interior at the Chicago Cultural Center) and architects Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee. Lula Cafe was one of Chicago's first farm-to-table practitioners, its menus expressing seasonality in creative and sometimes challenging ways. Advertisement RELATED: 3-star Lula Cafe is still setting the standard. "I'm really excited about creating another community space," Hammel said. "There will be the sit-down restaurant that will be available for lunch, dinner and brunch, and a section that's take-away, where you'll be able to get casual food all day long. And they're creating this amazing communal space where you can read or work or meet or hang out." For most of its 20-plus years, Lula Cafe has been a hub for Logan Square's visual and musical artists; Hammel sees the MCA space as a logical progression of that relationship. "Our (Lula) guests and employees have always been connected to the creative world," he said. "I think there will be a lot of resonance between this (MCA) restaurant and Lula, and with Nightwood (his Pilsen restaurant, which closed last year). I intend for this menu to reflect my personal history, my relationship to the creative community and to the museum." The restaurant -- indeed, the museum's entire redesign -- will be unveiled in June. Phil Vettel is a Tribune critic Fruitcake. It's the butt of jokes this time of year. But in Dresden, Germany, fruitcake or, more properly, stollen is the food of kings. And the stuff of celebrations. Advertisement On Dec. 3, Dresden honors its beloved fruitcake with the annual Stollenfest, launching the Advent season with a sugar-frosted loaf weighing a whopping 2 tons. Transported by horse-drawn carriage, the giant stollen makes its way through the historic old city, past the Dresden Cathedral and 15th-century Royal Palace, beneath the shadow of the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) to the Striezelmarkt Christmas market, which takes its name from the iconic cake. (Striezel is an alternate name for stollen.) Advertisement Carving up the fruitcake at Stollenfest. (Michael Schmidt / Dresden Stollen Association) A colorful cast of 500 joins the stollen parade. Marching bands and bakers, regimental soldiers and pastry chefs all pay homage to the holiday treat as festivities draw to a climax: The enormous stollen is sliced into thousands of pieces under the watchful eye of the fruitcake princess, or Stollenmadchen. The history of fruitcake in Dresden dates to at least 1474. But Stollenfest traces its roots to 1730 and Augustus the Strong, a powerful Saxon ruler. To prove that everything he did was bigger and better, Augustus invited all of Europe to Dresden for a magnificent baroque festival whose highlight was the unveiling of the world's largest fruitcake. A huge parade is part of the fun at Stollenfest in Dresden, Germany. (Claudia Jacquemin / Dresden Stollen Association) An authentic handmade Dresdner loaf includes almonds, spices, spirits and dried fruit such as candied peels, lemon zest and raisins. Some also contain marzipan. Dresden's Stollen Association keeps close tabs on fruitcake quality, offering its seal of approval to some 130 bakers. Dresdner stollen enjoys European Union protection status, much like French Champagne and England's Stilton cheese. Visitors who can't make it to Dresden's Stollenfest still have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the beloved fruitcake. The festive loaves begin showing up on bakery shelves in September and remain there into the new year; www.dresdnerstollen.com. Amy S. Eckert is a freelance writer. RELATED STORIES: Holiday happenings across the Midwest Check out a baseball exhibit and Langston Hughes play in Milwaukee How to travel stress-free with the kids during the holidays In 1913, a banner advertises a talk on women's suffrage by Jane Addams and others at Carnegie Hall in New York. Advocates for a National Women's History Museum in Washington, D.C., hope to open a temporary gallery in 2020 to mark the 100th anniversary of the constitutional amendment guaranteeing women's right to vote. (Paul Thompson / Getty Images) In an alternate universe, election week would have been a great time to unveil plans for a National Women's History Museum in Washington, D.C. A celebration of the nation's first female president might have encouraged Congress to quickly commit to raising the $150 million to $180 million needed to build the new branch of the Smithsonian. Advertisement Instead, a bipartisan commission appointed to draw up the plans released its report just days after Donald Trump, who has been criticized for making misogynist comments, became president-elect. Maria Socorro Pesqueira the only Chicagoan appointed to the eight-member commission made no secret of her disappointment at the election result. Advertisement But Pesqueira told Chicago Inc. that "women are not going away" and that, "if anything, Congress should want to prove the importance of women's history even more now." Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > The head of social service agency Mujeres Latinas en Accion, Pesqueira was one of four Democrats appointed to the board by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid. She stressed that the commission came up with a unanimous proposal to build a permanent women's museum on or near the National Mall within a decade using public and private funds. Over the year and a half they worked on the plans, the eight women "worked in a spirit of collaboration" until "it became difficult to remember who had appointed who," she said. "That's what happens when you put a group of women together to work on something," she added. "We get things done." Chicagoans including Jane Addams and Ida Wells are likely to be honored in the museum, which would probably draw on the collections of Chicago museums, including the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen, while a temporary pop-up gallery in 2020 would celebrate the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage, she said. Two focus groups held in Chicago about the museum both sent back the same message, she added. "They said, 'Wait, I can't believe this doesn't already exist,'" Pesqueira said. kjanssen@chicagotribune.com Twitter @kimjnews For a second year in a row, protesters marched down North Michigan Avenue calling for a Black Friday boycott. The protest, organized by the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, also denounced the city's planned Civilian Office of Police Accountability on Nov. 25, 2016. (Alyssa Pointer & Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune) (Alyssa Pointer & Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) Protesters attempted to stop holiday shopping along parts of Chicago's Magnificent Mile for the second consecutive year, urging a Black Friday boycott to demand civilian oversight of city law enforcement amid high-profile police shootings and continuing neighborhood gun violence. After organizing early Friday near the old Water Tower monument, as many as 200 demonstrators peacefully marched on sidewalks under a heavy police presence during an effort to block several Michigan Avenue storefronts on one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Advertisement Activists focused their attention along a five-block stretch just north of the Chicago River while chanting, "No justice. No peace," and "Hey, hey. Ho, ho. Rahm Emanuel has got to go." A protester and a passerby face off during a rally along Chicago's Magnificent Mile urging a Black Friday boycott to raise awareness of police misconduct toward minorities and other inequalities in the city's poorest neighborhoods. (Christy Gutowski / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) The demonstration failed to gain the momentum of last year's Black Friday march, when a massive crowd of approximately 1,000 people shut down some retailers and halted traffic in the heart of the city's famed shopping district. Advertisement The earlier protest came just days after the city released police dashcam video capturing the fatal October 2014 shooting of black teenager Laquan McDonald by a white Chicago police officer. The 17-year-old was shot 16 times as he appeared with knife in hand to be walking away from police. Friday's protest followed three fatal Chicago police shootings in the past week, including that of 19-year-old Kajuan Raye. Police fatally shot Raye in West Englewood late Wednesday. Many demonstrators also spoke about the fatal police shooting of Joshua Beal earlier this month in the Mt. Greenwood neighborhood. Beal's mother, Tiffaney Boxley, thanked participants for their activism. For the second year in a row, protesters rallied along Chicago's Magnificent Mile urging a Black Friday boycott to raise awareness of police misconduct toward minorities and other inequalities in the city's poorest neighborhoods. (Christy Gutowski / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) "We have a long fight ahead of us," she said. This year's rally was planned by a network of groups that includes the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and the local chapter of Black Lives Matter. Organizers said they wanted to draw attention to a range of issues, including police treatment of minorities and economic inequalities in West and South Side neighborhoods plagued by gun violence, struggling schools and poverty. But their main target was Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his new police oversight agency, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, which protesters argue falls short of their call for a civilian-led council to investigate cases of alleged police misconduct. Activists carried signs that promoted their proposal for an elected police watchdog group, the Civilian Police Accountability Council, or CPAC. Demonstrators, gathering weeks after the divisive U.S. presidential election, also voiced their opposition to President-elect Donald Trump. They locked arm-in-arm, formed a human chain and tried to keep shoppers from entering the Nike, Apple and Victoria's Secret stores, while police officers formed their own competing wall of bodies to usher people through. Advertisement Some minor scuffles broke out when shoppers tried to enter stores by pushing through lines of demonstrators, but the four-hour event was largely peaceful. Some onlookers even snapped pictures and carried on undeterred with their shopping. For the second year in a row, protesters rallied along Chicago's Magnificent Mile urging a Black Friday boycott to raise awareness of police misconduct toward minorities and other inequalities in the city's poorest neighborhoods. (Christy Gutowski / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) Police reported no significant problems, and said three arrests were made for charges including trespassing and resisting arrest. There also were a few lighter moments, including one outside Saks Fifth Avenue when demonstrator Calvin Jackson chanted, "Go home. Go eat turkey!" at would-be shoppers. Officers could occasionally be seen laughing with demonstrators and some passersby made a point of delivering high-fives or handshakes to police at the scene. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > "For some, it's about the police; some it's about immigration. It's just all the people who are not (Trump supporters), and they're afraid," said protester Barbara Lyons, 79, of Jewish Voice for Peace. "It just upsets me what kind of world my grandchildren will grow up in," she said. Advertisement Los Angeles resident Kirby Shaw, who was in town to visit his sister, decided to join the demonstration while taking in the sights along Michigan Avenue. Shaw, 23, said he understands some will not be happy with the message to boycott Black Friday, but "for one day of the year you can not buy things and support your local retailers and help make a difference." Chicago Tribune's Ally Marotti contributed. cmgutowski@chicagotribune.com jjperez@chicagotribune.com Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson and Dean Angelo, president of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, share thoughts on police morale in the city, its rise in violence and the disrespect of police officers on the citys streets. Nov. 22, 2016. (Zbigniew Bzdak and Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune) (Zbigniew Bzdak and Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) When the veteran Chicago police officer joined the department, he expected to stay long enough to earn two star patches on the lower left sleeve of his uniform, signifying 40 years on the job. Even as he grew older, his enthusiasm was unwavering. He prided himself on continuing to work in some of Chicago's most dangerous neighborhoods, figuring that's where he could make the most difference. Advertisement Now, though, with about 20 years in uniform, he wants out, fed up with how dramatically his work life has been upended in the months since the release of the video showing an officer shoot Laquan McDonald 16 times. Like many others he works with, this cop believes his proactive style of policing has become a relic of the past because of real fears over lawsuits, firings, even indictments. He and other officers interviewed by the Tribune say the anti-police furor that erupted over the vivid footage continues to sink morale, hamstring officers and embolden the criminal element, contributing to a shocking jump in violence this year to levels unseen in Chicago since the late 1990s. Advertisement "The bad element knows that policemen aren't willing to do the job the way they did it (before)," said the veteran cop, a supervisor who's getting his resume in order and like the others asked not to be named because he wasn't authorized by the department to speak. "They're right in tune with how police are policing." Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 2 Two key measures of police activity appear to back up concerns that cops have pulled back on their aggressiveness. While arrests have generally been on the decline in recent years, they have dropped sharply so far in 2016, to 72,069 through Oct. 20, a 24 percent decline from 95,213 a year earlier and the fewest in at least five years, according to department records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. Even worse, the records show, street stops over that same period have plunged to 91,438, down 82 percent from 513,161 a year earlier though a longer, time-consuming form that officers must fill out for each stop has played a significant part in the drop. In addition, department records show an uptick in the number of officers leaving the force this year. By early October, 465 officers retired or quit this year, already more than in all of 2015 as well as in each of the two previous years. Department and union officials largely attribute the increased departures, though, to older officers retiring before a key health insurance benefit expires with the next police contract in June. In an interview with the Tribune, Superintendent Eddie Johnson said he believes officers have grown cautious on the street, fearful of being the next viral sensation, but he rejected the notion that they are backing off their responsibilities. He acknowledged, however, that these are the most trying times for police in his 28 years with the department. "I've never seen the level of disrespect out there on the streets," he said. "... I've never seen that before. So it is a tough time right now. But we'll get through it." The factors behind the surge in violence this year in Chicago are a complex mix, but the one new element at play would appear to be the fallout from the Laquan McDonald video. While studies on the subject are lacking, some crime experts said anecdotal evidence suggests a possible correlation between low police morale and the uptick in violence. "Loss of control and autonomy in the workplace has long been associated with lowered morale," said Arthur Lurigio, a professor of psychology and criminal justice at Loyola University Chicago. "Fewer street stops lead to fewer arrests and decrease the visible presence of police in neighborhoods, which leaves a vacuum in authority that can embolden would-be criminals and gang members." Violence has surged throughout the year, with homicides soaring 58 percent to 681 through Nov. 20, while shooting incidents have exceeded 3,200, a 49 percent jump, according to official department statistics. Advertisement Hesitant and uncertain The 2014 shooting of the 17-year-old McDonald as he appeared to walk from officers with a knife in his hand has continued to rock the Police Department since the release of the video a year ago. Longtime Superintendent Garry McCarthy was fired, the U.S. Justice Department launched a probe of police practices that is still ongoing and Mayor Rahm Emanuel, trying to stay ahead of the federal investigation, has pushed through reforms on police training, officer discipline and other department shortcomings. In February, the Tribune published a front-page report that the increasingly hostile climate in the weeks after the release of the McDonald video led to a precipitous drop in morale among officers who reacted by taking a far more cautious approach on the street. The new round of interviews suggests little has changed in the nine months since, though the election of Donald Trump, who heavily carried cop precincts in staunchly Democratic Chicago, has officers hopeful that the president-elect's law-and-order stance will shift national sentiment back to pro-police. Officers of different ranks from patrol officers to high-level supervisors had a consistent message: that the heightened scrutiny that has taken hold since the release of the McDonald video last November continues to make their job difficult. They have grown frustrated, worried that their interactions with uncooperative suspects will be video-recorded, posted online and misunderstood. They fear an unfounded citizen complaint could cause their firing or other harsh punishment. They also chided the news media for nonstop negative coverage that they believe is fueling the poor public perception of law enforcement. Advertisement "There's much more scrutiny, there's much more second-guessing," said one veteran sergeant assigned to citywide duties. "It's almost like we're the bad guys." Given the uncertainty and concern, some officers say police have stepped back on their aggressiveness. Some said they're only responding to 911 calls over the radio, not relying on their street smarts to act on their own. "Unfortunately, it's more reactionary than proactive," one patrol officer who primarily patrols parts of the North Side said of police work. "... You have to wait for the crime to be committed." A police supervisor told the Tribune about a recent incident when his officers hesitated during a violent confrontation with a gun offender. Two of his officers called for help over the radio as they fought to wrestle away a gun from the suspect. Other cops who arrived on the scene were met with taunting and jeering from the man's friends, who pulled out their cellphones to capture the scene on video. Even though their colleagues were struggling with an armed suspect, the officers froze, unsure of what to do and worried their actions might be misread, maybe even lead to the next video sensation, the supervisor said. "The deck is stacked against us," he said. "I don't know how I can bolster morale." Advertisement In a recent incident highlighted by Johnson, an officer said she had held off on using lethal force against a man who viciously attacked her. The officer suffered a concussion after her head was repeatedly slammed onto pavement. Johnson said the officer told him she hesitated because she was concerned her actions would be unfairly scrutinized in the media. Citing that example, Dr. Robin Kroll, a clinical psychologist who has treated Chicago police officers, believes officers are far more apprehensive and hesitant amid the onslaught of criticism. "There is nothing more conflicting than being hesitant about doing what you believe is right, particularly when protecting life," she said. Dennis Rosenbaum, a professor emeritus of criminology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said it has become increasingly difficult for police to be proactive on the street amid so much criticism. "It's much easier to stay below the radar, respond to calls, engage in what we call reactive policing," said Rosenbaum, who has worked with Chicago police officials on research projects. "For an individual officer on the street, they need to know that somebody has their back and if they feel that they're going to get thrown under the bus when they do something, why would you proactively get out of your car or stop a group of kids who ... seem to be up to no good?" Advertisement In 702 shootings by Chicago police, zero federal civil rights charges filed. (Roger Morales / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune) When they do make street stops, some officers said, those targeted have become more confrontational than ever before and others at the scene feel less restrained to join in as well. One patrol officer working an overtime shift on the West Side recalled a traffic stop that quickly became volatile. "You stop a car and the next thing you know a (passer-by) who doesn't even know the driver shouts at the police," he said. "It just turns into chaos much faster. ...They're as defiant as can be. It's beyond what we've ever seen." A cop with more than 20 years on the job said a teen cursed at him last month and pulled out his cellphone to record the scene as the officer ordered him to leave a Loop Red Line subway station after he hassled commuters for cigarettes. "I'm not losing everything for some kid half my age," said the officer, who ticketed the teen for solicitation. "I do really try to de-escalate. ...There's no sense in going through a battle. We're not blowing our pension." The officer questions, though, how much impact police can have on crime with all the reforms being forced on the department. Officers can't rely on hunches anymore, he said. Advertisement "An officer's sixth sense is gone," he said. A North Side sergeant said some cops many of them nearing 20 years on the job when they'll qualify for a pension "are looking for a way out" of the department. "You have to be a complete idiot if you don't think the climate doesn't have a role in the rise in crime and murder," he said. Beginning to stabilize Officers are increasingly concerned that no one even higher-ups in the department has their back. Some worry that even complaints they've been cleared of could be reopened as the Independent Police Review Authority, under new leadership since the McDonald video, has done in a few higher-profile investigations of officer misconduct. Or that personal texts could be subpoenaed from days earlier if the officer is involved in a shooting as happened to one who fatally shot an allegedly bat-wielding college student and accidentally killed a bystander as well. Advertisement And officers continue to complain about the forms they must fill out for every stop, the result of a new state law and an agreement with the American Civil Liberties Union over concerns of racial profiling. Not only are the forms time-consuming taking officers from street duties for as long as 20 minutes for each but the added detail has also raised the stakes for officers fearful of being called out for a questionable stop. The U.S. Justice Department probe has some officers worried as well about being singled out in its findings even though the investigation is taking a broader look at departmental problems. Even Johnson, whose surprise appointment as superintendent in March was well received within the department, has already drawn flak from some cops for coming down too hard on an officer for an incident captured on video. Johnson, who rose through the ranks, indeed has a tough balancing act to pull off, trying to win back community support, particularly from minorities, while at the same time standing up for the-rank-and-file officers who are on the front line in the fight against rising violence. In the interview, Johnson quipped, "Police officers hate two things: change and the way things are." But some cops say they lost trust in the superintendent when he stripped an officer of his police powers in June after a Facebook video captured him stomping on the head of a parolee as he came to the aid of another cop wrestling with the 23-year-old on the street in the midst of an unruly crowd. Johnson acknowledged the danger confronting the officers but felt the head stomping had gone too far and violated department policy and training. Advertisement "Trust me, I've worked the streets long enough to know you're going to do what you can to protect your partner," he said. "But ... he used an inappropriate tactic." Other officers have also raised concern with what they regard as Johnson's cozy relationship with activists who have been among the most critical of police. Johnson, Chicago's first permanent African-American superintendent in 13 years, defended his dialogue with the activists, saying, "It's to make sure that I can keep this city calm." Mayor Rahm Emanuel speaks about the spike in shootings and poice morale in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. (Zbigniew Bzdak and Brian Nguyen / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune) In the interview in his office at police headquarters, Johnson said he believes the department is beginning to stabilize after months of turmoil and introspection. But he expects morale to take another blow when the Justice Department completes its probe. In other civil rights investigations of big-city police departments, the federal government has cited endemic problems and sought court consent decrees to force changes. Johnson, who likes to call himself a beat cop who just happens to be superintendent, said he tries to keep in touch with the mood of the rank-and-file by meeting in focus groups once every two weeks. Advertisement Officers are concerned about being judged before all the facts are known about a controversial arrest or incident, Johnson said. The added scrutiny has made officers hesitant and gang members are taking advantage, he said. But officers, Johnson said, get upset by claims they're not doing their jobs. "I think they want to be the police. They just want to make sure that they don't get in trouble for being the police," he said. "So sometimes they're cautious about how they do things until they reconcile that 'I'm doing the right thing for the right reason and I won't get in trouble for it.' But ... it's a difficult thing right now being a police officer, not just in Chicago, but across this country." Despite the sharp drops in arrests and street stops, department brass point to 5 percent increases in both gun arrests and traffic tickets through late October to show that officers remain engaged. Plummeting street stops This is one issue the department appears united on with the union representing its rank-and-file officers. Dean Angelo Sr., president of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, has been outspoken about what he calls an unprecedented level of disrespect for officers on the street. Angelo has strongly denied that police are lying down on the job in frustration or anger over the increased scrutiny but said officers have been handcuffed in their ability to get the job done by what he calls "anti-police correctness." Advertisement In an interview with the Tribune, Angelo said he believes the increased number of officers leaving the department is largely a result of retirements by officers who want to secure full health coverage commonly known as "55 and out" before the benefit ends the middle of next year. But officers "are fed up," he said. "They're treated like second-class citizens." At crime scenes or traffic or street stops, officers are being swarmed by people with cellphones in their faces, recording their actions, said Angelo, citing a couple of recent incidents in which multiple citizens' cameras had captured the same scene. "We have police officers who are concerned about being the next headline, the next YouTube video," he said. "So are they scaling back a little bit? Some. But there's also saturation teams, the gang teams, the (tactical) teams, the gun teams, narcotics units that are out there working their rear ends off." Angelo has been especially critical of the laborious paperwork for every street stop that is slowing down officers' work on the street and affecting the rise in violence. The Police Department agreed to the more detailed reports on every street stop in part to avoid a lawsuit after the ACLU discovered that Chicago officers made more than a quarter-million stops during a four-month stretch in 2014 far more than New York police had carried out during the height of that department's controversial stop-and-frisk practices. The ACLU said Chicago cops often gave vague explanations on the old "contact cards" about why they made the stops, making it difficult to know if their actions were legal. But the ACLU found evidence of racial profiling African-Americans were stopped at a disproportionately higher rate than Hispanics and whites, especially in predominantly white neighborhoods. Advertisement Under McCarthy, the department had pushed street stops as a way to tamp down crime. But with the hassles of the longer form and the added attention on street stops, officers have clearly pulled back, the plummeting numbers show. McCarthy, who had signed off on the ACLU deal while superintendent, has since suggested that the more complicated forms have contributed to the end of proactive policing. "How can that not result in bad things happening?" he told reporters recently of the plummeting numbers of street stops. In a recent speech, U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon cited the precipitous drop in street stops along with the McDonald shooting scandal and the Justice Department probe as exacerbating an already unacceptable level of bloodshed in Chicago. "I believe there was a hit on CPD morale and a drag on officers' willingness to conduct stops," Fardon told the City Club of Chicago in September. "Some gang members apparently felt that they could get away with more, so more bullets started flying." But others strongly disagree. Advertisement Karen Sheley, an ACLU staff attorney who led the 2014 study, said the sharp drop in street stops this year shows that officers are being smarter about who they stop and why. She said there's no evidence that far fewer street stops have contributed to the rise in violence. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > "There are a lot fewer stops, but they seemed to be based, hopefully, on reasonable suspicion instead of on a blanket program of stopping everybody in the community," she said. "... That was so damaging to community relations." Craig Futterman, a University of Chicago law professor who helped push for the release of the McDonald video, noted that New York was forced to drastically curtail stop-and-frisk policies yet violence has remained at record low levels there. Like many criminologists, Futterman chalked up the surge in Chicago's violence to a combination of cutbacks in human services, public school closures, the aftereffects of the teardowns of public housing complexes and easy access to illegal guns. He applauded the efforts to reform the Police Department but acknowledged that forcing officers to adapt to the changes isn't easy. "I certainly credit and sympathize that there are rank-and-file officers who are bewildered at this time," Futterman said. "This is part of the cost of maintaining a system that has allowed decades of unchecked police abuse." Advertisement jgorner@chicagotribune.com Twitter @JeremyGorner Even the poachers were amazed. Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks game warden Paul Luepkes German shepherd was able to search a field at night and find the proverbial needle in a haystack a shell casing one of them had ejected after illegally killing a trophy whitetail buck along the Stillwater River in November 2013. They wanted to pet the dog, Luepke said with a tone of amazement. I said, You do realize that hes working to put you away? Self-taught Luepke has been a warden for FWP in Columbus for 11 years. For the past eight years he has taken it upon himself to train two dogs as his furry partners. His first dog was Axel, the German shepherd, who died suddenly at age 7. We started making cases with him, Luepke said, demonstrating to his superior, Region 5 Capt. Harold Guse, the value of a dog. The broad capabilities of being able to be trained for different specialties was one of the main benefits Guse said he saw in Axel for example the dogs ability to find a shell casing in a matter of minutes compared to using wardens, metal detectors and a grid search. Despite that ability, FWP officials werent ready to buy in to the idea. Undeterred, Luepke kept learning more and more about the training and ability of dogs used by game wardens. After Axel died, Luepke bought Oola, a now 2-year-old Dutch shepherd which he referred to as the 60-pound Ferrari of warden dogs. Because of personnel and ideological changes inside FWP, she is now FWPs first sanctioned canine program dog. I was doing this all on my own money because I was seeing success with it, Luepke said, so hes happy that the department has thrown its endorsement behind the project, although no funding. So Luepke is showing off Oola named by his son after a Star Wars character to school children and a variety of groups to demonstrate her abilities while also seeking donations to support her role. The money will go to everything from food to a new crash-proof crate for her travels in the back of Luepkes truck. Scent hounds Oola has three main duties: article search such as the cartridge casing that Axel found, tracking humans and wildlife detection. The wildlife detection is similar to a drug dog keying on whatever it has been trained to find. Instead of marijuana or meth, Oola can find mule deer meat, a mallard duck or a brown trout. The dogs can also be trained in officer protection and suspect apprehension. Other states have been using dogs for wildlife work for many years. Indianas program started in 1997. Minnesota and Kansas also have dogs that assist state wildlife officers. Idaho got its first dog six years ago and this year added two more. Weve found they are very beneficial, not just from an enforcement perspective but for public relations as well, said Chris Wright, Idaho Department of Fish and Game assistant chief of enforcement. The Idaho program is funded entirely by donations. Wright said the main incentive to add two more dogs was their ability to relate to the public. Anything we can do to put a positive light on the department is good, he said. That was aided by the fact that the departments first dog, Pepper, found a missing 2-year-old boy. Pepper also assisted Nevada authorities with an investigation, finding a weapon at the site of a crime after it had been buried under the snow for months. Its also tough to find someone who will work for less. Oola is paid with play. Instead of being rewarded with a treat or praise, when she successfully finds an article during Luepkes training sessions he pulls out a foot-long piece of chewed on hose. Oola eagerly bites onto the hose as Luepke swings her around, feet off the ground, praising her in a high, excited voice. When he throws the hose she runs full bore to chase down the toy and bring it back. Its pretty amazing, he said. The toy drive gets these dogs going. On task To prove Oolas detection abilities, Luepke walked into a field out of her sight and fired a .22 caliber blank from a pistol. After dropping the paper clip-sized brass casing he walked a ways farther and laid down the pistol in the foot-tall grass. After being released from her crate, leashed and told to sit at Luepkes heel, Oola was set free and found the pistol within seconds of weaving around the field. When the firearm was located, she lay down to indicate she had found something, her paws on the pistol, and waited impatiently for her reward. It took a couple of minutes to find the tiny .22 casing. Shell go hard for an hour, Luepke said. In searches while on the job Oola has found a trespassers hat with the violators name in it on the land where the trespass occurred, numerous shell casings and she helped a hunter find his lost headlamp. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources dogs have been used to make about 5,000 cases and 1,300 arrests. The agency now holds a week-long free training school for other state wildlife agencies dogs, which Luepke is hoping to raise enough funding to attend with Oola. Its exciting to see Paul build that program now, Guse said. And the public has been tremendously supportive. People like seeing a working police canine in the back of a truck, Luepke said. Shes nice with people, but as soon as she goes to work shes a machine. Chicago's Union Station is an iconic but creaky machine for moving people equal parts Roman grandeur and rat maze. From crowded train platforms to foul-smelling air, the station regularly foists indignities on its passengers. It even metes out injury, like the one suffered by a woman whose head was bloodied by a chunk of concrete that fell from an office building above the station in September So Wednesday's reopening of the station's former Women's Lounge a handsomely-restored, high-ceilinged room that has been turned into an event space is cause for celebration but demands to be put into perspective: It is one small step on the long and painfully slow road of bringing the 91-year-old station into the 21st century. And that road is full of potential potholes. Advertisement Federal funding still must be secured for a long list of upgrades no sure thing once president-elect Donald J. Trump replaces Barack Obama in the White House. If the improvements are not made, new structures envisioned for atop the station and the blocks around it could overtax the already-jammed facility. Amtrak, the station's owner, plans to select a developer for those structures by late April. More is at stake here than the future of the nation's third busiest train station, which on an average weekday serves about 120,000 passengers, the vast majority of them commuters. Union Station is widely viewed as a sleeping giant that could further catalyze West Loop real estate growth and realize anew the architect and urban planner Daniel Burnham's vision for majestic train stations that would serve as grand gateways to Chicago. Advertisement That is hardly what Union Station is now, even though it retains its grandly-scaled headhouse building on the west side of Canal Street, home to the soaring Great Hall. East of Canal, the station is crammed into the basement of an office complex erected in 1971 after Union Station's financially struggling owners allowed the demolition of the original concourse, a classically-styled, light-filled structure supported by arching metal vaults. "Most of the criticisms of this place are legitimate," Ray Lang, president of Chicago Union Station Co., an Amtrak subsidiary, said on a recent afternoon as harried passengers squeezed down an escalator in the overcrowded concourse to their Metra trains. The commuter railroad is the station's main tenant. The Union Station that opened in 1925 was shaped for an era that predated interstate highways, jet flight, express mail services like FedEx, and shifting gender roles that would fundamentally reshape American life. The designers were Burnham's successors, the Chicago firm of Graham, Burnham & Co., which later became Graham, Anderson, Probst & White. The station primarily served long-distance intercity trains, not short-haul commuter trains that bring in passengers from the suburbs. It was outfitted with column-free platforms, set parallel to passenger platforms with columns, to support the profitable business of handling baggage and mail. Reflecting the social customs of the Edwardian era, the station even provided a decorous refuge for ladies awaiting their next train. That was the genesis of the former Women's Lounge, which has been renamed the Burlington Room in honor of a vaunted rail company whose tracks extended throughout the Midwest. Its restoration was precipitated by Amtrak's $3 million upgrade of sprinklers and heating systems on the headhouse's west side. The railroad has turned that necessity into a potential moneymaker. Back in the day, the Women's Lounge haven must have seemed like heaven, with its elegant proportions and ornate architectural detail, not to mention 12 telephone booths, paid showers and an adjacent beauty parlor. Yet by the time the station opened, flappers with boyish "bob" haircuts were challenging old norms and the women's lounge was already on its way to becoming obsolete. Only a few years ago, long after the room had been closed to the public, Amtrak used it as a storage spot for train schedules, brochures and other paper goods. A dropped ceiling concealed its big spaces and fine-grained decoration. "We were just sort of shocked," an Amtrak official said. "It looked like the attic on top of your garage." A meticulous restoration by Chicago's Goettsch Partners, led by the firm's Leonard Koroski, has brought back original chandeliers, French wallpaper with an exotic Asian streak, and a surprisingly earthy palette of beiges, golds and greens. As a result, the room is simultaneously in harmony with the cool imperial grandeur of the Great Hall and a respite from it more intimate, softer, warmer, and (dare one say it these days?) more feminine. Advertisement Deftly inserting new heating and lighting, the architects have carefully modernized the space so it can host banquets, conferences and other events. Wednesday's program will welcome Landmarks Illinois, the Chicago-based preservation advocacy group, which is giving the project an award. Still, I had to wonder: Does the room amount to a "let them eat cake" slap at commuters high design in the Burlington Room versus cramped conditions in the concourse? Amtrak officials say no, because the restored room is part of larger plan that ultimately will benefit passengers. Amtrak has been shifting a variety of its functions, including the expanded Metropolitan Lounge for first-class passengers, into the headhouse. Those moves, Amtrak officials say, will allow the railroad to carve out room in the concourse so its corridors can be widened, sightlines can be opened up and street-level entrances can be made more spacious. Better ventilation and wider passenger platforms, which would be created by eliminating Union Station's outmoded baggage platforms, are also part of that vision. Last July, this strategy inched forward when the respected global engineering company Arup was awarded a $6 million contract for preliminary design work on Union Station upgrades. Yet Mayor Rahm Emanuel and regional transportation officials acknowledged that the improvements hinge on financial backing from Washington and Springfield. At best, Amtrak officials acknowledge, the planned improvements are four to five years off. A bigger question mark surrounds what will unfold in January when Amtrak entertains conceptual plans for Union Station, as well as land and air rights around the station, from four teams of developers and architects, including such powerhouse Chicago design firms as Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Studio Gang Architects. Amtrak anticipates that the plans will propose new uses for vacant floors in the eight-story Union Station building as well as additional floors that could be supported by the original foundations. The usual gamut of "mixed-use" components a hotel, offices, residences and shops are among the possibilities. The proposals are also likely to include plans for two Amtrak-owned parcels south of Jackson Boulevard, including one occupied by an Amtrak parking deck and a new city bus terminal called the Union Station Transit Center. Advertisement What will the plans look like? One hint came in September when Crain's Chicago Business revealed images of a striking, slant-walled, 958-foot-tall office building designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill for one of the four competing developers, Sterling Bay. The design, which would likely replace the eyesore parking garage, could contain as much as 2 million square feet of office space. To be sure, Amtrak's previous attempts to redevelop the station have fallen apart. But Lang, president of the Chicago Union Station Co., predicted this time will be different because the area to be developed is larger than just the station and thus more attractive to developers. Assuming the project moves ahead, questions need to be raised about its impact on the cityscape: Will the crowded station be able to accommodate heavier passenger loads that invariably would be created by dense surrounding development? Struggling Amtrak, eager for revenue, and city officials, desperately in need of property tax dollars, hardly seem to be in a position to judge the question impartially. Density is welcome, but how much is too much? Will the selected developer's plan seek to leave in place or build new facilities atop the Union Station Transit Center? The $20 million center, crisply designed by Chicago's Muller+Muller Architects, has provided a convenient pedway connection to the station for bus passengers and alleviated traffic congestion on Canal Street. It would be a travesty if the station, now open and airy, were turned into the darkened base of a high-rise. Can redevelopment make Union Station more inviting to passersby and easier to enter from the street? Plans call for altering the alignment of the perpetually jammed Adams Street entrance, yet attention also should be directed to improving portals along Clinton Street, where the austere headhouse can only be entered from small, tightly-framed openings at the corners. Punching an entrance through the center of the Clinton facade would make the station more welcoming for the crowds pouring in from the booming West Loop. Chicago Department of Transportation and Amtrak officials say that they have been weighing such issues for years and brush aside any concerns, particularly about overdevelopment. "We see the station improvements working in tandem with the improvements to the neighborhood," said Mike Claffey, a department spokesman. Lang noted that revenue from surrounding development could fund improvements to the station. Advertisement That is the ideal scenario, yet commuters will have to be patient. For now, the station's frenzied commuter crush summons the architectural historian Vincent Scully's line about the reviled underground facility that replaced New York City's legendary Pennsylvania Station. The grand Beaux Arts structure was demolished in 1963 and 1964, anticipating the 1969 sacking of Union Station's concourse. Contrasting the soaring spaces of the old Penn Station with the sordid conditions of the new one, Scully wrote that "one entered the city like a god. ... One scuttles in now like a rat." Blair Kamin is a Tribune critic. bkamin@chicagotribune.com Twitter @BlairKamin Police in north suburban Skokie are asking for the public's help in finding two robbers who stole a man's wallet and phone Thursday night. At 6:55 p.m., a 20-year-old man was sitting in a parked car near the intersection of Davis Street and Skokie Boulevard when he was approached by two people, said Cmdr. Robert Libit of the Skokie Police Department. The man was forcibly removed from the car and the assailants stole his wallet and phone before fleeing in a light blue Honda Odyssey. Advertisement When police arrived, they could not find signs of the assailants or the vehicle and the victim did not require any medical attention, Libit said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Skokie Police Department's anonymous crime tip hotline, 847-933-TIPS (8477), or via text by using the number 847411 and beginning the message with "Skokie." Family and friends react at the scene where a man shot two people, one fatally, before he was killed by police near the intersection of West Harrison Street and Central Park Avenue on Nov. 25, 2016, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) Updated 4:56 p.m. Nov. 27, 2016 A man was fatally shot by Chicago police after wounding two others, one fatally, early Friday in the Homan Square neighborhood, officials said. Kevin Navarro, first deputy superintendent for the Chicago Police Department, said officers were responding about 12:25 a.m. Friday to a call of gunfire near the intersection of Harrison Street and Central Park Avenue in the Homan Square neighborhood on the West Side. Advertisement When the officers arrived at the scene, they saw a man shooting another man while standing over him, Navarro said. The officers left their vehicles and engaged the shooter. At some point, the officers fatally wounded him, Navarro said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The man shot by police was identified as Cleotha Mitchell, 37, of the 1300 block of South California Avenue, and the man police say he shot was identied as Jeffery J. Banks, 35, of an unknown address, according to information released by the Cook County medical examiner's office. Advertisement Investigators believe that the man police fatally shot had wounded two men. Navarro said one of those men was pronounced dead and the other was shot in the arm. The surviving man's condition was stabilized at an area hospital. A weapon was found at the scene, according to a statement from police. There weren't any officers injured in the shooting. The Independent Police Review Authority is investigating the shooting. Mia Sissac, spokeswoman for IPRA, said investigators responded to the scene of the shooting to sort out what happened. If any video captured the shooting, Sissac said, it will be released to the public within 60 days. A large crowd of relatives, neighbors and people who had been at a nearby bar gathered early Friday in the 600 block of Central Park Avenue as more than 20 patrol officers stood guard at the edge of where police had taped off as part of the crime scene. Many in the crowd voiced their dismay at the police, with some yelling profanities at officers. "That's somebody's cousin that you just murdered," one woman yelled. "I bet if it was some white boy, the family would be getting consoled." One woman cried out that it was her brother who had been gunned down by police. She declined to comment. Advertisement A man's body could be seen on the ground in the 3500 block of West Harrison Street near a vehicle. It was unclear if it was the man shot by police or if it was one of the men wounded allegedly by the suspect. The bodies of two men were removed from the crime scene early Friday. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > A small group of visibly shaken women at one point was escorted by police into a building near where the shooting took place. Anthony Johnson, 40, was among those who were standing outside the crime scene. Holding up his phone, Johnson live-streamed the aftermath of the shooting. Johnson said he was inside the nearby bar and saw the man who was later shot by police talking to women inside the business. He recalled complimenting him on his clothes. "The man was on nothing," he said, pointing out that bar patrons were searched before going into the business. After the shooting erupted, Johnson and others left the bar. He recalled seeing blood on the street. Advertisement The shooting marks the third time within a week that Chicago police officers have been involved in a fatal shooting. Late Wednesday, a 19-year-old man was fatally shot by a sergeant in the West Englewood neighborhood. On Nov. 18, police fatally shot a man after seeing him shoot and wound another man in the West Englewood neighborhood. Mitchell's first name has been corrected in this story. Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts speaks as fellow team co-owners and siblings Laura and Todd look on Nov. 4, 2016, during the Chicago Cubs' victory rally in Grant Park. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) WASHINGTON Todd Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, is in line to be appointed as deputy secretary of commerce, according to a person familiar with transition planning for President-elect Donald Trump. Trump is also expected to nominate investor Wilbur Ross, who became a billionaire by acquiring and restructuring troubled companies, as secretary of commerce, the source said. Advertisement It's not clear if Trump has formally offered the jobs. Reached by phone, Ross declined to comment. Ricketts is an influential Republican donor who gave money initially to help presidential contender Scott Walker but later gave to outside groups supporting Trump. Ricketts, 47, met with Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence for about an hour Saturday at Trump's home in Bedminster, N.J. Advertisement Ross would oversee a sprawling agency of almost 47,000 employees across the U.S. and around the world that describes itself as "the voice of U.S. business within the president's Cabinet." Ross, 78, was a longtime Democrat who turned conservative and backed Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney in 2012. He emerged as an advocate for Trump's trade and economic agenda when the real estate developer was still seen as a long shot against Democrat Hillary Clinton and denounced Romney for criticizing Trump. JERUSALEM More than 60,000 people from the northern city of Haifa were evacuated from their homes Thursday, as firefighters battle massive blazes that have gripped the country over the past three days. Five countries, including Russia and Turkey, sent firefighting planes to assist Israel in tackling the fires, which officials said may have been started intentionally. Israel's internal security agencies are looking into the causes of the blazes, which started on Monday night and have broken out in several other places around the country. Advertisement Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Haifa on Thursday evening to meet with fire and police chiefs. He said that if the fires were started by arsonists, those responsible "will be punished gravely." Officials said that about 10 firefighting planes from Croatia, Cyprus, Greece and Italy, as well as Russia and Turkey, had either arrived in Israel or were on their way. The Palestinian Authority also said it would send some fire crews. Advertisement Netanyahu spoke Thursday morning with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who agreed to send two massive firefighting planes that could drop water on the blazes. Local media reported that a supertanker firefighting plane would arrive from the United States in 24 hours. Weather experts said the fires, which began in bush areas, had spread widely because of gusty winds following the dry summer months. In Haifa, authorities removed residents from at least 10 neighborhoods. Although no fatalities were reported, damage was said to be widespread and a few hundred people were treated for smoke inhalation. Several large buildings were engulfed by the fires. In addition to calling for help from abroad and directing all its firefighting forces to Haifa, the Israeli military deployed two search-and-rescue battalions to the area, and reservists from the Homefront Command were brought in to assist in evacuating civilians. Some witnesses said the city, Israel's third-largest, resembled a "war zone." As the fire continued to burn, Haifa residents remembered a deadly brush fire in 2010 in which 44 prison guards were burned alive on a bus as they attempted to reach and evacuate a prison. Israel's prison services said this time, too, that two prisons in the area would be emptied. Yael Hamer, a resident of Haifa who was evacuated from her home Thursday, told journalists that the situation now was worse than the fire six years ago, when the fire was contained to the forests next to Haifa. "Now it is residential areas where there are many private homes. It is near schools, gas stations, and there are a lot of cars that are stuck in traffic jams as people try to leave Haifa," Hamer said. Advertisement The first fire began Monday night near Neve Shalom, a small community halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, where Jews and Arabs live together. Just as that fire was brought under control, another erupted in Zichron Yaakov, a town just south of Haifa. Dozens of residents there were forced from their homes, and several houses were destroyed. On Wednesday, a fire in the community of Nataf in the Jerusalem Hills damaged property. Israeli police said they had detained four Palestinians believed to have started the fire, although it was not clear whether it was on purpose or by negligence. Throughout the night Wednesday, firefighters battled blazes in other areas, too. In one place, near the city of Modi'in, police were forced to close down the main highway to Jerusalem. Residents also were evacuated. Redding Sheriff Tom Bosenko shares case details regarding the missing persons case for Sherri Papini, 34, of Mountain Gate, in Redding, Calif. (Andrew Seng / The Sacramento Bee) A Northern California woman who was apparently abducted earlier this month during a late-morning jog was found Thanksgiving Day, when she was released by her captor on a rural road in Yolo County, authorities said. Police said Sherri Papini, 34, who was bound in restraints, flagged down a passing motorist, who immediately alerted law enforcement. Advertisement "We are ecstatic to report that Sherri Papini has been located and has been reunited with her family on this day of Thanksgiving," Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko told reporters Thursday during a news conference. The sheriff said that he did not yet know who the captor or captors were, what the motive was or where Papini had been held these three weeks. Advertisement A "missing" sign for Mountain Gate, Calif., resident Sherri Papini, 34, is placed along side Sunrise Drive, near the location where the mom of two is believed to have gone missing while on a afternoon jog on Nov. 2. (Andrew Seng / The Sacramento Bee ) He released few details, explaining it is an ongoing police investigation, and he asked the media to respect the family's privacy at this time. The sheriff said Papini, from the Redding area, had gone for a late-morning jog Nov. 2 while her husband, Keith, was at work; when she did not pick up her children from day care or return home that evening, her husband started to worry. He started searching for Papini, Bosenko told reporters, and found her cellphone and ear buds about a mile from their home. The Shasta County Sheriff's Office listed Papini as a missing person who was at risk and search-and-rescue teams conducted both ground and aerial searches throughout the area, authorities said in a news release at the time. The sheriff said throughout that tragic time, Papini's family members and friends were pleading for her safe return. A GoFundMe page, which was created to help raise funds for search-and-rescue efforts, garnered more than $49,000. A Facebook group called Help Find Sherri Papini was set up to raise awareness about her disappearance and keep people informed of developments in her case. Shasta County, Calif., Sheriff Tom Bosenko addresses the media during a press conference regarding a missing woman who was found, in Yolo County, Calif. (Andreas Fuhrmann / The Record Searchlight) According to the GoFundMe page: "Keith reported to deputies that upon his arrival home from work, he was not able to locate Sherri or their two children. Keith learned that the children had not been picked up from day care as customary and subsequently checked his find my I-phone app and located Sherri's phone near the intersection of Old Oregon Trail and Sunrise Drive in Redding. "Sherri was not at the location and he called 911 for assistance. The children were picked up from day care by family and are safe. "Deputies have searched in the area and learned that Sherri was last seen on Sunrise Drive at approximately 2:00 p.m. jogging/walking alone, which is normal for her. Sherri was last seen wearing a pink running top. Sherri is described as a 34 year old, white female, 5'04: tall, 100 pounds, blonde hair and blue eyes. Family has not heard from Sherri and she is considered a missing person/at risk. Advertisement "Sherri does not have any known medical or mental health issues. --- Bosenko told reporters that about 4:30 a.m. Thursday the Shasta County Sheriff's Office learned that Papini had been found safe near Interstate 5 in Yolo County, not far from Sacramento. Papini had suffered injuries, Bosenko said, though he would not say what the injuries were or exactly how she was restrained; she was taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment, he said. Bosenko said Papini was able to speak with her husband on a law enforcement officer's cellphone. He met her at the hospital, where he has been "at his wife's side," Bosenko said. When asked by reporters how Papini is doing, Bosenko said, "Obviously she is very relieved to be returned home safely and be reunited with her husband." After Papini's homecoming was announced, the Shasta County Sheriff's Office wrote on Facebook: "It's an absolute miracle, and on Thanksgiving Day." Advertisement The sheriff stressed that the case is still an active investigation and said he "will not rest until Sherri's captor or captors are identified and brought to justice." Authorities are searching for two Hispanic women in a dark-colored SUV; they are considered armed and dangerous, police said. Bosenko did not elaborate on the women's relationship to the case. "Even though Sherri has been located and reunited with her family, this investigation is far from over; this has only begun a new chapter in the investigation," Bosenko said. "As details come to the surface, we will work to keep the public informed. There is sensitive information that is being withheld at this time - I'm not able to put out. And please respect this until such time when we're able to make an arrest and bring these criminals to justice in Sherri's abduction." Bosenko said law enforcement officers are "overjoyed" that Papini is home. "This investigation has not only touched our entire community," he said, "but has circulated the nation as well." If you care about whether the Democratic Party can rebuild itself anytime soon out of the smoking wreckage left behind by the disastrous 2016 elections, something very important is happening a lot sooner than you think. There are more than three dozen gubernatorial races taking place in the next two years. And they could do a tremendous amount to set the party on the path out of the wilderness in the Age of Donald Trump -- with potentially significant national ramifications that could stretch well into the next decade, for instance by having a substantial influence over the redistricting of House seats, which could help determine control of the Lower Chamber in the 2020s. Advertisement Of course, the current state of affairs is dire indeed. Not only has the Democratic Party been shut out of Washington, where the GOP controls both the White House and Congress, but the carnage is widespread on the state level, too: Next year, Republicans will control more than 30 governors' mansions nationwide, and have total control (meaning GOP governors and GOP control of both state legislative chambers) in some 25 states. By contrast, Democrats will have total control in all of five states. The 2018 Senate map looks grim for any prospects of a Dem takeover, and the House is all but certain to remain out of reach in 2018 as well. But the other part of the story is that, in 2017 and 2018, there will be a total of 38 gubernatorial contests. Advertisement Of these races, those that will feature Republicans defending GOP-held seats will vastly outnumber those that will feature Democrats defending Dem-held seats. The vast majority of these races take place in 2018 (only two, Virginia and New Jersey, take place next year), so we're really talking about the 2018 map here. It has big transformative potential for Democrats, since many of the states in which Republicans are defending seats are ones Barack Obama (and to a lesser extent Hillary Clinton) won. There are four reasons why these contests are so important to the long-term prospects of the Democratic Party: 1) They represent a major opportunity to reverse the tremendous state-level damage done to Democrats in 2010. In 2018, for the first time, a number of GOP governors who were swept into power amid the 2010 Tea Party wave will be term-limited out. These include some of the most conservative public officials in the country, such as Rick Scott in Florida and Paul LePage in Maine, as well as GOP governors in key swing states, such as Rick Snyder in Michigan and John Kasich in Ohio. The GOP will be defending 14 open seats in 2018. "We're replaying the 2010 cycle, when we were wiped out," Elisabeth Pearson, the executive director of the Democratic Governors Association, tells me. "It is extremely hard to beat incumbents. After a wave year like 2010, it really takes eight years to change it in a big way nationally. This is the first real chance to take our country back at the state level." 2) Winning back gubernatorial mansions could have real impact over the redistricting of the House in the next decade. It's often overlooked, but governors -- and not just state legislatures -- can help influence redistricting. That's because in most states, governors can veto redistricting schemes, meaning that at a minimum, Dem governors might be able at least to prevent the worst redistricting outcomes. And those elected in 2018 will influence the next round of redistricting, which is set to take place after the 2020 census. Pearson says that Democrats can make a difference by winning back states like Ohio, Florida, and Michigan, which could boost the number of Dem congressional seats in them merely by making the maps fairer. "Even with fair maps, we're talking about three or four congressional seats per state," Pearson says of those three examples, adding that nationally, it's possible that 20-30 congressional seats might be more in play for Democrats "if we have a good cycle." Of course, redistricting is not the only problem -- Dems also suffer from inefficient voter distribution patterns that pack Dems into urban districts, wasting a lot of votes. "But right now we're in such a terrible position," Pearson argues, that even despite this problem, improving the redistricting map could alone produce "much fairer representation and make the Congress look really different." 3) These races give Dems a chance to turn things around in swing states and "blue wall" states that Trump won. Trump smashed the so-called "blue wall" by winning in Michigan and Wisconsin. Democrats have a chance to win back both those states on the gubernatorial level, as well as other states that Barack Obama won but Hillary Clinton lost, such as Florida and Ohio. Advertisement There has been a great deal of chatter about how Democrats should retool their economic message to win back the working class and middle class whites that Trump overperformed among, but these races provide a chance to actually try to do this in the immediate future. "When you run for governor, your challenge is speaking to people about economic opportunity and being authentic," Pearson says, adding that "rebuilding our party on the state and local level is exactly what needs to happen, and our governors races over the next two years will jump-start that conversation." It's too early to judge Democratic recruiting for the 2018 cycle, which has just begun, but note that if Democrats do have success here, it could also help begin to shape the roster of rising stars in the Democratic Party in coming years. 4) Winning back states could have a big influence on policy. It's likely that Democrats will mostly be shut out of governing in Washington for the next four years, so winning back ground on the state level may represent their best -- and only -- chance to have an influence over policymaking. We've already seen that Republicans recognized the policy importance of doing that at a time when Democrats controlled the White House -- witness their blockade on the Medicaid expansion in many GOP controlled states, as well as draconian GOP fiscal policies in places like Kansas and GOP blows to voting rights and unions in places like North Carolina and Wisconsin. Now this could become extremely pressing for Democrats. If Trump and Republicans modify Obamacare while blockgranting Medicaid to the states, increased Dem control on the state level could potentially mitigate the damage where possible. Meanwhile, progressives have had some successes on the state level on issues such as the minimum wage, and the state level may afford the only opportunity to further showcase progressive policies in the Age of Trump. All of which is to say that liberal and Democratic voters who are despairing over the outcome in 2016 have another option. They can start focusing on the possibility of regaining ground in the elections of the next two years -- which will be upon us before you know it. Gov. Bruce Rauner has done what he is mandated to do: proposted balanced state budgets. But factors out of his control have gotten in the way. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune) Leave it to an opinion writer to interrupt a perfectly blissful holiday weekend. But sand in the "Days of Our Lives, Springfield," hourglass is growing alarmingly thin. Lawmakers gather for the final three days of the fall veto session on Tuesday. If legislative leaders and Gov. Bruce Rauner cannot shatter the state budget impasse, it will be a reprehensible failure of governing. Advertisement But you already knew that. So, there's no better time than now to blow up some of the inaccurate and tiresome arguments you'll hear from Democrats and Rauner's critics on budget gridlock and how we got here. One of the naysayers' favorite ways to shift blame for the state's financial mess is to assert that Rauner never introduced legitimate, authentic, balanced budgets. Advertisement False, false and false. The first budget Rauner balanced in 2015 was the remainder of the 2014 budget that Democrats knowingly underfunded and then left in his lap. Then Rauner introduced a budget for fiscal year 2016 the 12 months that ended June 30 that anticipated savings from pension reform. The savings were dependent on the Illinois Supreme Court upholding the constitutionality of altering pension benefits. But a few months after Rauner introduced that budget, the court struck down the pension changes. Yes, a hole was blown into Rauner's budget. But not because he was playing games or was derelict in his duty. Lawmakers ignored that budget anyway and instead sent him one that spent nearly $4 billion more than the state would take in. Rauner vetoed everything but education spending, and the state hobbled along without a budget. This year, Rauner essentially introduced two budgets. The first included a hole that his aides openly acknowledged and planned to fill with new taxes, if the legislature would agree to reforms. If the legislature didn't agree to a compromise and new revenue, Rauner proposed a backup budget that would have required the General Assembly to untie his hands. He would make cuts himself, but he needed the legislature to unlock the handcuffs that mandate certain spending practices, such as Medicaid rates. Again, the legislature ignored both proposals. Instead, the House passed a budget that was more than $7 billion out of balance. The Senate blocked it, and all sides came together in June for a stopgap, six-month budget. It runs out in December. So please, if you want to criticize Rauner on his policies, his rhetoric, his style, his lingo, his mom jeans, go ahead. But it's flat-out wrong to claim he failed to fulfill his constitutional duty to introduce balanced budgets. He did what every other governor has done. He introduced budgets that were balanced predicated on actions being taken by the legislature. Previous governors' budgets included new casinos, reduced pension contributions, borrowing deals, early retirement programs, the sale of the Thompson Center, tax amnesty programs, reductions in the number of state agencies, closing tax loopholes and most of those initiatives never happened. I don't recall any repeated, widespread eruptions that a governor's budget, balanced on reforms he hoped the legislature would address, were then unconstitutional and deeply offensive. Advertisement But that's all you'll hear from Rauner's critics. Democrats' other main gripe is that Rauner should not be mixing passage of the budget with other reforms. Yet Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan and lawmakers from both parties have cut all kinds of deals to secure budget votes. Downstate legislators withheld their budget votes until they got something in exchange for expansion of O'Hare International Airport a project not directly linked to the budget. Did anyone accuse those legislators of holding the budget "hostage"? Remember, the budget is usually approved in the chaotic run-up to the last day of the spring session. Lawmakers like to brag about the sausage-making required to strike a budget deal unless, of course, it's Rauner proposing his own sausage-making recipe. Then it's reprehensible. Kristen McQueary is a member of the Tribune Editorial Board. kmcqueary@chicagotribune.com Advertisement Twitter @statehousechick Tara Wandick wipes sweat from her son, Deron Hardge, 28, during a visit at his group home in October on the West Side. Wandick placed Hardge, who has autism and a profound intellectual disability, in the Chicago facility after he suffered a medical crisis at a group home in Harvey caused by what she believes was neglect. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) "The ultimate moral test of any government is the way it treats three groups of its citizens. First, those in the dawn of life our children. Second, those in the shadows of life our needy, our sick, our handicapped. Third, those in the twilight of life our elderly." Former Vice President Hubert Humphrey Jr., 1976 Advertisement The cases were tragic and avoidable: A disabled man with a disorder that compelled him to eat nonfood items; he choked to death eating the insides of a stuffed animal. A severe bathwater burn left untreated. A missed dose of life-saving anti-seizure medicine. Failure to move an erratic client who lived on a busy street and darted into traffic. Tribune investigative reporters Michael Berens and Patricia Callahan, in their series "Suffering in Secret," uncovered myriad problems with the state's oversight of disabled adults living in taxpayer-funded group homes. Heartbreaking stories of neglect and death exposed government oversight at its worst. Incompetent. Sloppy. Secretive. And in some cases, fatal. Advertisement As the state has shifted from institutional settings for adults with disabilities to community-based group homes, problems have emerged, intrinsic and external. Resources to care for this challenging population have been shrinking, often resulting in high-stress work performed by unqualified, underpaid caretakers. It's a fundamental flaw of a dysfunctional state government whose vulnerable populations compete for scarce money alongside pension obligations, education costs and health care expenses. Even the finest caretakers make mistakes that are careless, not malicious. Human error is inevitable in any job. The Tribune uncovered 1,311 instances of documented harm to clients in the system since 2011, hundreds more than the Illinois Department of Human Services reported. At least 42 deaths were linked to abuse or neglect. Yet the department routinely sealed and redacted case documents, shielding from the public a category of claims considered "unsubstantiated." Secretary of Human Services James Dimas, appointed by Gov. Bruce Rauner in May 2015, says he is committed to transparency, which may require a change in state law. The Illinois Senate scheduled a Nov. 30 hearing to address concerns raised in the Tribune series. Step one: Open the books. Lawmakers, find a way to balance privacy rights with the public's right to know. In some instances, group homes were assigned to investigate themselves after a tragedy, a clear conflict of interest that Dimas says has been phased out. But much more needs to be done. Advocates for the disabled community place some blame on salary limitations that strain group homes. The state has not raised the hourly pay rate under which it reimburses caretakers since 2008. Even well-run group homes are being stretched they either pay more to attract qualified workers and take a hit somewhere else, or they deal with the revolving door of low-paid staff members who can make more money flipping burgers. A majority of the injuries and deaths the Tribune reviewed were linked to untrained and overworked staff members: They failed to properly supervise clients with eating and swallowing problems; failed to follow medical protocols; failed to separate aggressive clients from fragile ones. Some errors were tragically benign and linked to choking: a marshmallow treat, a McDonald's outing, a stuffed snowman toy placed in a bed. Advertisement Mistakes cannot be eliminated. But they can be reduced and they can be reported openly and honestly. The department needs to be transparent. The Tribune had to build a separate database and mine public records from multiple agencies to piece together the truth. Break down the silos, lawmakers. Perhaps most vital, the department can hold its providers accountable and swiftly terminate contracts with companies that have poor track records. Dimas would not name specific organizations but said he already is taking steps to terminate contracts with companies not meeting standards of care. There are many, many good providers in Illinois. Scale it, Secretary Dimas. This page long has supported relocating more disabled adults from state institutions to group homes. While institutional care is more appropriate for some individuals, group homes generally offer more flexibility for residents and are less expensive for taxpayers. But group homes are an option only if the state rigorously monitors, and reports, what happens in them. The 11,400 disabled adults who live in group homes deserve a better path forward. Government can and should be measured by how it treats its most vulnerable. If Illinois cannot properly care for them, it doesn't much matter how it performs in other categories. This the moral test of government. Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook. Ethiopia to commercialize BT cotton in two years Ethiopia is set to begin commercialization of biotechnologically developed cotton following the adoption of a law that granted experimentation rights both in labs and fields and the conduct of confined field trials of the BT cotton. According to Endale Gebre (PhD), director of agricultural bio technology sector at the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute in the coming one or two years, Ethiopia will probably set the biotechnologically engineered cotton seed varieties to the market. Endale further added that the confined field trail stage of the BT Cotton has now entered into the final stages, which will allow the cotton to be commercialized. The trail stage has been conducted for at least four years on four different sample varieties sourced from India and Sudan. The outcomes of the field trial will determine the bollworm insects that greatly affect the productivity of cotton plants. In addition to that, high yields, less use of herbicides, water and other agricultural inputs are what the BT Cotton sought for. The field trial has been conducted in selected cotton growing areas of the country. Most of the activities have been undertaken in the North, South and Eastern parts of the country, so far. Based on the results of the field trail, Endale has confirmed that Ethiopia will have a BT Cotton variety in the plantations sometime sooner. The biotech activities on the ground as Endale anticipates are directed not only to resolve daunting demands of agricultural inputs of the country, but to become one of the exporters of biotech products in the long run Ethiopia will. Its to be recalled that the House of Peoples Representatives has enacted a biosafety Proclamation that governs the introduction and use of BT Cotton in the country. Following the enactment of the law, the research institute has launching lab trails as well as confined field trials. However, the biotech experiments and related studies, according to Endale, have evolved in the past two decades across the world. Both the US and India have long capitalized in the biotech cotton sector. For nearly two decades, Endale says BT Cotton has been under series of scrutiny where currently the byproducts of this lab engineered cotton has been widely utilized in countries such as India. During the field visits in India, Abhay Nutrition Pvt. Ltd, an Indian company that extracts edible oil from byproducts of BT cotton, says that BT cotton oil extract is safe for humans, animals and aquatic animals. Visiting one of the manufacturing plants of Abhay Nutrition in the central part of India, the Aurangabad city outskirts, the company explained to the visiting African delegation that the extraction procedures of edible oil out of BT Cotton involves best treated residuals not to be found in the final production of the oil. Ashish Mantri, founder and Co-owner of the Abhay Nutrition, the company currently generating $700 million says that his company is eyeing Africa to set up a similar manufacturing plant where Tanzania has become the prime target. Mantri argues that high wet of anti-biotech products have been wooing the country in a biased outlook. He confirms he has been extracting cotton oil for the last 12 years and has seen no single negative outcomes of the oil on health; in fact BT Cotton seed extract oil has helped to constitute soy bean oils with significant nutritious contents. According to figures of the Indian biotechnology sector, 95 percent of the countrys small holder farmers and major commercial farms in India have been covered by BT Cotton varieties. The US giant Monsanto, the Indian Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds (Mahyco) Co. Pvt. Ltd, the German based Bayer Bioscience and the likes are active in the Indian biotech sector. Currently, there are 7.2 million farmers in India that are cultivating BT Cotton varieties both Monsanto and Mahyco and some local firms such as JK Agri Business Pvt. Ltd which is currently working on its own hybrid BT genes have collaborated on to further exploit and rip the countrys potential. Some 11 million hectare land is dedicated for the cultivation of BT Cotton contributing to make India a self- sufficient and net exporter of cotton. Accordingly, BT Cotton is a major contributor to Indian economy whereby some 45 million jobs in the cotton industry has been created so far in the country in less than two decades. In Ethiopia, the expansion of the textile manufacturing sector has seen an increasing demand for cotton. Furthermore, the introduction of industrial parks in the manufacturing sector is expected to push the increase in the supply of cotton production. Arkebe Oqubay (PhD), board chairman of the Industrial Parks Development Corporation, has been insisting on the introduction of BT Cotton to feed the textile and apparel plants coming in Ethiopia. However, there is still a huge concern and criticism against BT Cotton from the environmental and consumers rights groups and against biotech industry in general. Even in India despite measurable outcomes and implementations of the biotech crops and other products, the country still faces stern oppositions from the wider rages of rights groups. At some point, the supreme court of India has been involved in the litigations of a case with regards to implementations of biotech engineering activities that involved Mustard. Similarly, Ethiopian activists have never been shy about their anti-genetic engineering stance and its purported dangers to the country. The environmental, health hazards, toxicity and allergy and to some extent cancer and the likes are some of the repercussions the anti-GMO groups have been actively echoing. Biotech scientists such as Endale downplayed the alleged consequences saying that it is scientifically unfounded. Since 2001, COMESA has been engaged in promoting biotech activities across member states. In addition to initiating biotech policies, the regional bloc has been active in awareness campaigns; part of that is the collaboration of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has with US Department of Agriculture (USDA), The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) stationed in Kenya, the South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC) and the likes have long joined hands to induce the use and utilization of GMOs across Africa and beyond. www.eiar.gov.et With a little more than a month left before the 2017 Legislature convenes, the Office of the State Public Defender has lost two key leaders set to defend the office's budget. New chief administrator for the office, Scott Cruse, was hired on Aug. 22. He issued a letter of resignation to Public Defender Commission Chair Richard "Fritz" Gillespie on Nov. 16. Tuesday, within a week of receiving Cruse's resignation, Gillespie also submitted his letter of resignation to Montana Gov. Steve Bullock. Cruse was hired by the commission as a co-manager of the agency with the three others. It was the commission's hope that Cruse would implement cost-saving measures to stave off the agency's impending $3.5 million budget shortfall. During the 2015 legislative session, the Legislature took the unusual step of approving the OPD's budget as one-time-only. Normally, state agencies build off the prior year's budget. Instead, during the 2017 legislative session, the OPD will have to justify the budget from the ground up. Cruse was asked help build a new budget, but he was also given a position without power to implement change, he wrote in his letter of resignation. He was asked to solve a budget crisis that OPD leadership had ignored for over a year, he said. Gillespie, who helped hire Cruse, agreed to begin his third term on the commission in October. "I anticipated I would be working in the background supporting a new face and voice for the Office of the State Public Defender before the Legislature," Gillespie wrote in his letter. "Recent events preclude that from happening." Cruse was "unwilling to stand before the legislature and defend the OPD's half-hearted mitigation effort just so a supplemental appropriation can be obtained," he wrote. "I face palpable resistance daily from some program managers as well as many OPD Public Defenders who believe that mitigation equates to a cessation of services for indigent clients and thus resist any effort to address the shortfall," Cruse wrote. He called the process of dealing with the budget shortfall through the Public Defender Commission "slow" and "ineffective." Cruse accused OPD managers of having an "entitlement philosophy" resulting in an "inability to work with a budget." "I have observed a business as usual attitude, stalling and outright defiance toward any effort to save money by some program managers." Cruse identified cost saving measures that could curb costs without getting rid of client services, he said. But time is running out for the agency, Cruse said. Gillespie was not critical of the agency in his letter of the resignation. Rather, he said he could not generate the energy needed to represent the OPD during the upcoming legislative session. "For more than seven years I have worked alongside very talented and dedicated lawyers and staff who have selflessly, and sometimes sacrificially, represented those without the economic ability to pay for the representation our constitutions require," Gillespie said. "It has been my great honor to serve with them." A lawsuit filed by the ACLU in 2002 sought reform of the states public defense system. The lawsuit was dropped when legislation passed in 2005 created a statewide public defense system. Last session, the Legislature created a task force to study the State Public Defender Operations. The group recommended removing agency oversight from the Public Defender Commission and giving it to the governor. The governor would pick an executive director from three nominees chosen by the Public Defender Commission, which would become an advisory panel. "OPD needs strong central leadership with direct authority over the organization's budget right now if there is going to be any chance of shortfall mitigation," Cruse said. Neither Bullock nor Chief Public Defender William Hooks responded to requests for comment on the resignations on Wednesday. Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, left, and Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, right, enter Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner's office at the Illinois State Capitol Tuesday, June 28, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. (Seth Perlman / AP) We've all seen the stories: Employee claims a shoulder-related job injury. Employee qualifies for workers' compensation. Employee posts photo on social media of himself hoisting a 150-pound yellow fin tuna while deep sea fishing. Employee busted. How does this keep happening? Advertisement Cracking down on abuse within the state's workers' compensation system, which would lower insurance costs for employers, is part of Gov. Bruce Rauner's so-called turnaround agenda. But he isn't alone: Legislators on both sides of the aisle agree changes are needed. Businesses large and small complain that their workers' comp costs are out of step with those of most states. Illinois needs to tighten the standards for defining and proving a workplace injury, and thus help to control costs. The way the law is written now, an employee who slips and falls walking to her car on the way to work could qualify for workers' compensation from her employer, even though she wasn't even at work yet. Advertisement When the General Assembly reconvenes Tuesday for its fall session, workers' comp could be a starting point for compromise on the budget and other issues if House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton get on board. At least six bills stuck in committees they control would lower workers' comp insurance costs for companies. The legislation has been idling for almost two years. James Licata, president of Town & Country Conservatories, a Chicago-based company that builds elaborate skylights and sunrooms, experienced firsthand the lopsided system that is overly generous with employees. After his company's nearly injury-free record for 18 years, an employee on the job about four weeks claimed he suffered a hernia. His medical records indicated it likely was a pre-existing condition. But Licata and his insurer were on the hook for all of the expenses related to the injury at higher rates than they would have paid in many other states. The case dragged through the arbitration system for years and ended in a costly settlement. Then Licata's workers' comp insurance costs skyrocketed for every other employee. One worker. One injury. Not enough protection for employers. "I don't think anybody wants to shortchange someone who's been injured on the job," Licata told us. "But if it makes it not viable to run your business, then it's affecting everyone's livelihood." That same injury to the same employee doing the same job with the same risks in a neighboring state likely would have cost Licata about one-fourth of what it cost him here. Companies throughout Illinois share similar stories. They know they can move across state lines. Or they choose not to expand their business. They don't hire new workers. Those decisions affect the state's fiscal health. Companies that leave Illinois are no longer taxpayers. Companies that stay but don't grow limit the potential for additional revenue. More people working would mean more tax revenue. Advertisement Costly loopholes in the system became crystal clear several years ago when a downstate newspaper uncovered patterns of abuse within the Illinois Department of Corrections. Dozens of state workers claimed repetitive work-related injuries in particular, carpal tunnel damage to their wrists from locking and unlocking cell doors. A deeper dive by the Belleville News-Democrat found that Menard Correctional Center employees filed workers' comp claims at a rate almost four times higher than employees at other similarly-sized prisons. Springfield responded, tightening the laws in 2011. But the changes didn't go far enough. Beholden to trial lawyers, insurance companies and hospitals a cottage industry of special interest groups with some members who know how to game the system the General Assembly took only modest steps to curb costs for government and businesses. Illinois needs deeper changes to its workers' compensation system now. And Illinois needs a replacement for a stopgap budget that expires next month. Yet Madigan keeps reinforcing his battle line: He won't mix budget negotiations with policy negotiations, even though certain policy changes workers' comp included would improve the state's economic health. Madigan says the issues are unrelated. Never mind Madigan's long history of mixing budget negotiations with policy negotiations. His argument is silly. Improving Illinois' business climate is intrinsically related to funding the state budget. Lawmakers have three more days of their scheduled fall session and a to-do list longer than Santa Claus'. Legislative leaders need to get to work, to negotiate in good faith, to compromise. It's their job. Advertisement Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook. President-elect Donald Trump has attracted scrutiny for more than just his controversial remarks. His habit of allowing his tie to hang below his waist is a serious fashion faux pas to some. (Spencer Platt / Getty Images) I once picked on Democratic Vice President Al Gore in a column because he claps like a child, so be assured there's nothing partisan in my attack today on Republican President-elect Donald Trump for wearing his neckties like a little boy. When we're young and small and compelled by social circumstance to dress up, standard-issue ties are too long for us and so hang like leashes from our collars. We can't help it. Advertisement But as we get older and larger, we learn to knot our ties so the point extends right to the belt buckle "no more, no less," as sartorial expert John T. Molloy put it in his seminal 1975 guidebook "Dress for Success." "There is little that looks worse on a man than a tie that is either too long or too short." Advertisement Trump, however, still knots his ties so that they hang well below his belt buckle often several inches, a fashion-don't so egregious that GQ recently used it as the subject of a photo spread titled, "The one style lesson you can actually learn from Donald Trump." The now-defunct men's fashion magazine Details once asked about Trump, "What in the name of Macy's clearance aisle is the deal with his tie?" Earlier this year, Business Insider's senior finance correspondent Linette Lopez referred to Trump's dangling neckwear as a "tragic mistake" and noted that "too-long ties are often used for comic effect, and unless your name is Krusty and you work at the Big Top, they are generally frowned upon in the workplace." Surely more than one adviser has told Trump this, perhaps while gently reproving him for his '70s-game-show-host coiffure. And, just as surely, the conclusion that he is prone to ignoring sound advice is more disquieting than how he wears his ties. Minor dishtress the column item on the insertion of the H sound into "str" words has been moved here. Another frequent source of annoyance the column item on the addition of the T sound into the word "often" has been moved here . Holiday suggestion The column item suggesting you give the gift of political definance defiance has been moved here . Re:Tweets In the discerning estimation of our readers, the best tweet of the week was "So many pants. So little yoga ..." by @Marlebean. Advertisement Twitter @EricZorn WOLF POINT On an unseasonably warm day in November, Ken Elliott sat in the living room of the home where he rents a basement apartment looking through photos on his laptop. He paused on one image of his wife, Jana, surrounded by three kids outside a grocery store in town. Those were Janas kids, Elliott said, smiling. Thats just what Jana did. She just did everything she could to let them know she was there and she cared. Jana Elliott, who was 56 when she died in July, touched the lives of each the children in the photo, like she did for so many in this small community on the Fort Peck Reservation in northeastern Montana. In her sixth-grade classroom at Northside School, every student who walked in knew they mattered. She gave kids rides to class and took them out to eat when school ended for the day. This year she and Ken became foster parents, bringing several children into their home before Jana died after being hit by a car in Colorado. Many kids here need extra attention, educators and social workers say. Poverty is high on the reservation and many struggle with alcohol and drug addictions. The combination has created a foster-care gap. Jana Elliott wasnt the kind of woman to see such problems and hope they would get better she took action. Her absence has left a huge hole in this community, one her husband is working to find a way to fill. Any time you saw Mrs. Elliott, she had kids around her, said Kathy Adkins, the principal at Northside School. "She was always glowing inside and out, and her energy impacted everyone around her." A new beginning The Elliotts moved to the Fort Peck Reservation from Colorado. Ken Elliott went first, in 2011. He does environmental and reclamation work and was assigned a project to redevelop an old refinery on the eastern edge of town. Jana moved in 2013 after their two children finished college. The couple had no idea what to expect. They came from a well-off area to Roosevelt County, where 28 percent of children live below the federal poverty line. When Jana and I got here we just decided were going to do everything we can, Ken Elliott, 56, said. It didnt take long for Jana Elliottt to get started, first substitute-teaching. She was quickly hired full-time. Getting teachers in Wolf Point can be challenging. One year Adkins hired two teachers but they couldnt find housing and resigned before they began. This is northeastern Montana, she said. We dont have a lot to offer people. But students need a mentor, someone who checks in with them at the beginning of the day and the end of the day. Adkins said Jana Elliott once had a very difficult student with behavior issues. Elliott noticed the girls hair was often disheveled, so she got permission from her parents and took the student to a salon, paying from her own pocket. That was just a normal thing, Adkins said. A lot of these kids, theyre overlooked by family or need another person in their life to show they care. Jana cared. Soon Elliott began working with kids outside of the classroom. She and Ken Elliott took groups of children fishing at Fort Peck and hunting on the plains near town. They made campfires and toasted smores. One year Jana Elliott organized an Easter egg hunt at a park down by the river. Some kids who went had never seen a bridge there that marks the edge of the reservation. Everything a parent should do, she tried to do. They had never done that stuff, Ken Elliott said. The kids just loved it. A growing need Janice LaCounte, who works at the Child and Family Services office in Wolf Point, was the one who first approached the Elliotts about becoming foster parents. When I asked her, she got this big smile on her face and said, Ken and I have been thinking about just that, LaCounte said. The Elliotts sold what Jana called their forever home outside Denver and bought the biggest house in Wolf Point to have space to care for children. After Jana's death, Ken Elliott moved out. The day after the Elliotts finished their foster family certification training, they had a request to take in a baby. But what what made the family special was their desire to work with children past the toddler stage. School-age kids are often the hardest to place. A lot of families dont want older kids, said Darci Hunsaker, the family resource specialist with Child and Family Services in Wolf Point. They want babies and little ones. Hunsaker said there are about 25 foster families in the region. That used to be enough, but shes seen a big increase in the number of children who need placements. When Jana died, we really took at hit, Hunsaker said. We do need more foster parents. Drugs, especially methamphetamine, have had a devastating effect on families here and statewide. Tribal chairman Floyd Azure earlier this year tied two high-profile cases involving children a girl who was 13 months old was killed and left in a trash bin and a 4-year-old girl who was abducted to the use of the drug. You can criticize, but meth is so bad, alcohol is so bad, and theres no jobs and no hope. Its hard to come out of that with no hope. We dont criticize them because it doesnt do good to criticize them, Ken Elliott said. Were not here to help parents. Were here to help kids. Statewide the number of children in the care of the state has doubled over the last five years, said Child and Family Services Regional Administrator Eric Barnosky. In 2011, 1,746 children were in foster care statewide. By the end of October this year that number was 3,369. About 13 percent of those, 451 children, are in Child and Family Service's eastern region, which includes Carter, Custer, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, McCone, Phillips, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Roosevelt, Rosebud, Sheridan, Treasure, Valley, Big Horn and Wibaux counties. There are currently 1,103 licensed foster families in Montana. This does not include the number of unlicensed, nonpaid kinship placements. When children need to be removed from their parents and cant live with other family members, placing them with Native families on their own reservation is the offices top priority. Its also required under the federal Indian Child Welfare Act. But the increase in children in the system means thats not always possible. Sometimes Child and Family Services staff drive children as far as Glendive or Billings for placement, creating a huge strain on parents and staff who facilitate visitations. In Lame Deer, Northern Cheyenne tribal leaders said they place children in Miles City and Billings, Barnosky said. The same is happening on the neighboring Crow Reservation. CFS is working on an updated plan to increase foster family recruitment, Barnosky said. Families drop out of being providers for many reasons, he said, but one of the more common reasons is the need is so great and CFS offices are too understaffed to provide support. 'A protective environment' Theres a lot of good Native foster parents and theyre full, Hunsaker said. Having a family like the Elliotts was just one more good local option. That the Elliotts are white and the kids in their home werent didnt matter, Hunsaker said. Jana and Ken, they just cared for the kids so much, and thats what matters most. Ken Elliott said he and Jana often had good relationships with the parents of kids in their care. Were not trying to take them away from them. They see we take care of them. If you care for the kids thats a universal language. The Elliotts cared for eight children before Jana died. Two girls stayed with them almost all of the six months they were a foster family. We were just barely getting into it, Ken Elliott said. The kids that came to them were often traumatized. One girl the family got came to them at 2 a.m. She slept until 5 p.m. the next day, ate and then slept until 8 the next morning. Ken Elliott was realistic about what he and Jana could do for the children. Were a protective environment until the state can figure out whats going on. Every day they're with us is a day in the win column. Ken Elliott could no longer be a foster parent after Jana died in Colorado this past July. She had stopped to help someone pick up a bicycle that fell off a car and was struck by a driver who had smoked marijuana earlier in the day. The man was charged with vehicular homicide. Elliott had stayed an extra week in Colorado after a vacation to work as a chaplain at a camp. Its just a tough deal, its just a shame, Ken Elliott said. But he hasnt let his wifes death stop him from trying to find ways to carry out her good work. Whats important for Jana is important for me, Elliott said. Shes not here, but kids still need help. He hopes to open a group home on the reservation that could take up to 10 children a night. Hes been talking with stakeholders in the community about possible locations. Elliott also has a plan to get more teachers to Wolf Point. He wants to buy houses in town to give teachers who move here a place to live while they work in the local schools. He even has a possible name for the nonprofit hed like to start Tikkun olam, a Hebrew phrase meaning roughly repair your world. We need a lot of repairing here, Elliott said. I want to stay long enough to figure out what I can do, Elliott said. Hopefully Ill be here for a while. The Arlington Heights Memorial Librarys Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to post its full board packet on the librarys website the day after a public meeting a policy change that some critics say still does not go far enough in enhancing transparency. (Karen Ann Cullotta / Pioneer Press) The Arlington Heights Memorial Library's Board of Trustees has voted to release the packet given to board members with information on agenda items at its public meetings, but will do so after the meeting is held, a change some residents and advocates say does little to enhance transparency. The new policy, which was passed at the board's October meeting, means the documents now will be on the board's website the day after its meeting and after elected officials have already discussed and voted on the agenda items. Advertisement Arlington Heights resident Margaret Basch said while she loves her hometown's library, when it comes to ensuring residents have access to public documents, she said the library board can do more. "I'm a big supporter of the library, but I don't want to find out about something after it's done," Basch said. Advertisement Longtime library Trustee David Unumb, who has served several terms on the library's board intermittently since 1983, said he is opposed to providing residents with the full board agenda packet prior to meetings. He said releasing the information could risk residents being confused or overwhelmed by the abundance of information. "We are extending a false promise to residents if they can pick up the board packet and look at the agenda, and speak before any board action has been taken," Unumb said. In addition, the new policy will include posting to the library's website an "enhanced" agenda in advance of board meetings, as well as meeting "highlights" the following day, officials said. "I agree with the notion of an enhanced agenda, and I have no problem with illustrating the highlights of the board's actions," Unumb added. "But the issue of printing up the board packets really troubles me, and it's another burden on staff." Basch, an attorney who says she visits the library almost every day, said she was frustrated to learn she needed to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for background on the board's discussions of a library branch. Officials do not provide residents with the full board packet prior to meetings. "A one-page agenda posted on the library's website before a meeting doesn't mean anything to residents," Basch said. "The discussions of an elected group should not remain a secret." Maryam Judar, the executive director and a community lawyer for the Elmhurst-based nonprofit Citizen Advocacy Center, agreed. She said while the library board is not breaking any laws by refusing to provide residents with board documents prior to its meetings, she is troubled that elected officials appear reluctant to engage residents in discussions during the decision-making process. "It's so condescending for them to say that it's just too much information for the citizens, which is very patronizing, and deprives the citizens from participating in policy making, before a decision is made by the board," Judar said. "The board voting to post the full board packet only after the meeting, and thinking that's sufficient, is absurd. They are tightly trying to control things, but democracy is messy." Advertisement While all public, taxpayer-supported agencies like the library are required by law to inform residents of upcoming board meetings by making an agenda available in advance, the degree to which officials carry out the directive varies. For example, the village of Arlington Heights posts information including all of the background documents elected officials are given on its website before public meetings. "We clearly want electronic packets available on our website for residents, not only for board and committee of the whole meetings, but all of our commissions, too," Robin Ward, an attorney and the in-house counsel for the village, said in October. "If you give people the information, you're not wasting their time and your time having to ask for information with a FOIA," Ward said, adding: "To the extent that you can educate the residents in advance of voting on an issue, it makes the whole process go smoother." Officials at Township High School District 214 also provide residents with the agenda and all of the supporting board documents prior to each board of education meeting, posting the public documents to the district's website by Monday afternoon, prior to a Thursday meeting, spokeswoman Jennifer Delgado said. At Arlington Heights School District 25, spokesman Adam Harris said copies of the full board packets are available for anyone to pick up the day of the board meeting on a table in the meeting room. Advertisement The full board packets are also available upon request to residents earlier in the day, Harris said. Library Board President Debbie Smart said prior to the Pioneer Press urging officials to make the full board packet available to residents and the media prior to meetings, trustees had already been looking at enhancing transparency. "We knew it was of interest to not only (the Pioneer Press), so we reached out to other boards in the village to learn more about their policies," Smart said. "This is an initial step, and we'll see how it goes, and then evaluate our policy." Smart said that above all, the new policy is "not meant to be condescending" to residents, adding that officials are always searching for ways to attract residents to public meetings, which are usually only attended by the board, library staff and the Pioneer Press. "If you're not there at the meeting, the board packet can be taken out of context," Smart added. "It's a working document, and just one component of our meetings." Arlington Heights Public Library Executive Director Jason Kuhl did not have a vote on the board's recent decision, but he said he understands the board's concerns that if residents had access to the full board packet in advance of meetings, "they could possibly misconstrue the board's positions." Advertisement "I think we reached a happy medium, and memos in a board packet don't replace what happens at a meeting," Kuhl said. "I see all sides, but the elected officials have discussed the matter, and arrived at a compromise." kcullotta@tribpub.com Twitter @kcullotta Even holiday poinsettias at the Home Depot in Lake Zurich attracted the eyes and attention of area Black Friday shoppers in search of bargains just after dawn on Friday. That's because the 6-inch potted plants were reduced to $1. Advertisement Cart-pushing shoppers were outside unloading dozens of red poinsettias, green holiday boughs and pink orchids into vehicle trunks. Maureen Jungers, of Palatine, said she bought 25 poinsettias, a part of her quest to find discounted deals for the holiday season. "These $1 plants are what brought me out," she said. "They're normally $5. I always shop on Black Friday." Advertisement Area shoppers throughout the Barrington and Lake Zurich area woke up early the day after Thanksgiving to try and find bargain deals. Even though the parking lots to retail centers in Lake Zurich were less than half full Friday morning, shoppers said they still were finding cut-rate merchandise. Palatine resident Toya Gray tried to get an early start on shopping and ventured out on Thanksgiving to buy a video game for her child. But by 8:30 a.m., it was sold out. She rebounded and eventually found it at GameStop on Black Friday. "It was slashed down from $200 to $100," said Gray. Other shoppers at big-box stores in Lake Zurich weren't as enthusiastic about dealing with crowds of shoppers on Black Friday. Crystal Lake resident Herb Barnett simply wanted to pick up a few items before heading off to work. "I don't do Black Fridays," Barnett said. "Good deals are not worth fighting over." Advertisement At a Kohl's in Lake Zurich, Janice Shmerl, of Wauconda, was stocking her vehicle with packages and shopping bags. "I was making a cheesecake and my hand mixer broke, so I bought another one here today," she said. In downtown Barrington around 8:30 a.m., business owner Deborah Kurnik stood behind the counter at b.chones, a hair and boutique store on Main Street. She has opened her doors for business every Black Friday for the past 43 years. She noted how small businesses often are overlooked on one of the busiest days of the year for retailers, even though shoppers still can find bargains there. "It's a slower day," Kurnik said. "People think of big box on this day, but us little guys have good deals, too." She also was seeing more shoppers walking around the downtown this year since more restaurants have recently opened in the area. Advertisement "New restaurants have helped a lot," she said. "People have always thought downtown Barrington is a quaint, little place. They're attracted to it." tshields@pioneerlocal.com Twitter @tshields19 A woman police said was drunk on a September day she crashed her vehicle in Evanston, killing her passenger, has been sentenced to five years in prison, authorities said Friday. Monica Wallace, 43, of Evanston pleaded guilty at the Skokie courthouse on Tuesday to aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol-resulting in death, authorities said in a Friday release. Advertisement Authorities said Wallace was drunk as she drove a vehicle in the 1700 block of Dodge Avenue shortly before 2:30 a.m. in the north suburb on Sept. 27, 2015. She struck multiple parked vehicles and her vehicle rolled over, according to authorities. Evanston resident Lamart Bailey, 45, a veteran of the United States Army, was a passenger in the vehicle and died at Evanston Hospital due to injuries he received in the crash, authorities said. Advertisement Wallace was charged after a crash investigation by the North Regional Major Crimes Task Force Major Crash Assistance Team, authorities said. They also said Bailey's relatives and a victim advocate from the Evanston police department were in the courtroom during Wallace's sentencing. Brian L. Cox is a freelancer Two women stepped back in time in La Grange to tour a majestic home that connects them through their ancestors. The women, Nancy Kenney of La Grange and Ann Turnock of Pittsburgh, toured the house with a stone exterior at 124 S. La Grange. It was built in1888 when La Grange was in its formative years. Advertisement The turreted house was commissioned by Kenney's great-great grandfather, village founder Franklin D. Cossitt. It was designed by Turnock's great-grandfather, the architect Enock Hill Turnock. "I'm so excited," said Turnock. "I didn't know this place was here until I Googled my grandfather's name and this popped up." Advertisement When she saw the house was for sale, Turnock, who was already planning to visit Ruthmere mansion, another Turnock-designed home in Elkhart, Ind., contacted the owners and added the house in La Grange to her visit to the area. Her ancestor, who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright, was born in England, worked in Chicago as an architect and later in Elkhart, she said. The house, which was restored by its current owners, Mike Tomasian and his wife, Shannon, is for sale for $2.9 million. The couple purchased the house in 2006 with the goal of returning it to its former glory. The Romanesque-style house was commissioned by Cossitt, who gave it as a wedding gift to his daughter Elizabeth Mitchell, who raised her family there. It remained a single-family home through the years as it passed to different owners. When the Tomasians purchased the house in 2006 for $650,000, they said it was in diminished condition. "There was shag carpeting everywhere," recalled Mike Tomasian, who works as a commercial builder. "A lot of nicer things in the home had been stripped and sold." Around the same time that they bought the house, the real estate market took a nose dive and the couple moved in with Mike Tomasian's mother for three years as they began the massive project to renovate and improve the house. "I bought this at the worst time," said Mike Tomasian. "All my commercial (building) jobs just collapsed." Advertisement Over time, the couple, who have two grown daughters, were able to return the house to mint condition. While many of the original elements, from light fixtures to door knobs, had been sold, the couple retained some of the vintage features such as steam-bent wood work, a mantel and bookcase. While they were renovating, they found the original plans for the house under a pediment topping the bookcase. An elderly woman stopped by the house one day and told Mike Tomasian that she was a Mitchell and was the daughter of the original owners. Later, she sent him a wooden clock that had hung in the original house. She told Mike Tomasian that the clock was built as a school project by her and her siblings. The clock now hangs on the wall of the updated kitchen. Kenney, who grew up in La Grange, said she was just as awed by the house as Turnock. She had always known the house was one of several in the village that were commissioned by her great-great-grandfather. She had never been inside the house before, however. "I've never known any of the owners. I respected privacy," said Kenney, who noted that her ancestor, Cossitt, founded La Grange after fleeing Tennessee during the Civil War. In the renovation of the houses, the Tomasians doubled its size from about 4,000 square feet to 8,000. With their daughters now in college, the house is too big for them and they plan to relocate to Wisconsin. Advertisement Shannon Tomasian said she feels a bit wistful about leaving the house that has consumed her husband's attention for about a decade. "I'm sad to leave something he created," she said. "It was a dream of his. But I am not sad to live the next chapter of my life." Mike Tomasian said he plans to leave items associated with the history of the house for the next owner. "The clock, the plans, the photo they have to stay with the house," he said. "These aren't trophies for me." For Turnock, every turn in the house held a new item to admire, whether it was an original light fixture, or a new home movie theater with an ornate wooden bar that the Tomasians added to the top floor. She described the house as "astounding. It's gorgeous. It's overwhelming how much work they've put into this house." Advertisement She liked how Tomasian restored the house in the spirit of its original design. "I like that he respected the architecture," she said. "Obviously it's not a (historic) restoration because there wasn't anything much left to restore." Though the house comes with a hefty price tag, Mike Tomasian said he will be particular about to whom he sells the house. "Whoever buys this has to understand the provenance, the history of the house," he said. amannion@tribpub.com Twitter @triblocalam A civil rights complaint filed by the parents of a Waukegan School District 60 student will result in staff and student training on sexual harassment, another look at clearing up its policies on gender discrimination and the removal of an offense from the student's discipline record, a district attorney said. The complaint is one of three that have been filed with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights since December 2015, according to department records obtained in response to a Freedom of Information Act request. Advertisement The settlement, which does not include any monetary component, was facilitated by Office for Civil Rights staff and approved by the district's school board in an unanimous vote Tuesday evening by board members in attendance. Board member Victoria Torres was absent from the meeting. The complaint, filed in May, stemmed from an incident involving two Jack Benny Middle School students who sat next to each other on the bus one day on the way to school, according to a redacted copy of the complaint obtained from the Office for Civil Rights. The parents said when the bus hit a curb, it caused their son's hand to "inadvertently land on the top of" the thigh of the female student sitting next to him. Advertisement "An immediate apology was issued and he thought the incident was over," the parents wrote in the complaint. But at the end of the school day, a student the redacted complaint is unclear on whether it was the same girl or another student threatened to complain about what had happened on the bus, according to the complaint. The next day, the report added, the incident was reported to the school's interim principal, who questioned the girl and the boy. The interim principal advised the girl's parents to file a restraining order against the boy and gave the boy a three-day suspension, according to the complaint, which included copies of the restraining order. The parents said that they believe their son had been discriminated against based on his gender and race. As a result of the complaint, the district reviewed the case and "decided that we should adjust our conclusions," district attorney Thomas Morris said, adding that the district "had a very open conversation with the family to explain the matter from our perspective" and ultimately reached the settlement approved Tuesday. The district also has resolved a March complaint filed by Annie and Edward Kindle, who had also filed a lawsuit against the district in December 2014 about similar issues. A Lake County judge deemed the suit frivolous and issued an order requiring the Kindles to cover the district's attorney fees. The lawsuit alleged first that Annie Kindle had been exposed to chemicals due to a "neglected grease trap" at Abbott Middle School and then in an amended complaint filed six months later that Edward Kindle also became ill after drinking from a water fountain when he came to pick up his wife. No issues were found with the water fountain pointed to by the Kindles, but the Office for Civil Rights found that a handicapped-accessible fountain was needed by the gym at the other end of the building and on the main floor, Morris said. That was installed a few weeks ago, concluding the complaint. A final complaint filed by Chris "Brotha" Blanks, who founded the Black Abolition Movement for the Mind in Waukegan, is still pending, Morris said. Advertisement Blanks' complaint accuses the district of subjecting African-American and Hispanic students to exclusionary discipline "more frequently and for less serious offenses than white students," according to a redacted copy of a letter from the Office for Civil Rights to the district. A separate complaint claims the district fails to "promptly and equitably respond to complaints, reports and/or incidents of sexual harassment, including sexual violence." emcoleman@tribpub.com Twitter @mekcoleman Democracy is a handshake. Citizens put some of their hopes and dreams of a better life in the hands of government. In return, government is supposed to spend the money wisely and remember who provided the cash. Advertisement In a state with 6,963 different taxing bodies and the highest median property tax in the country, it was bound to happen eventually. Sooner or later a local government was going to ask local taxpayers if they wanted more control before heavier property taxes were imposed, even though Lake County's annual tax leaps already are capped at 5 percent. Advertisement Should governments ask before they take? When the residents of Wauconda and Fox River Grove got the chance to answer that question on Election Day, their stampede to the polls to yell "Yes" was thunderous. That's a signal that voters are not only choking on heavier taxes, but they are peeved at public officials who have not seemed to care until now. The referendum votes were non-binding, which means the result was more philosophical than tangible. But symbolism is not meaningless, and voters were speaking their minds. That's what elections are meant to do. That's what democracy is. The measures were backed by the conservative, anti-tax advocacy group Americans for Prosperity, and passed overwhelmingly: 90 percent in Wauconda and 91 percent in Fox River Grove. Lake County News Sun Twice-weekly News updates from Lake County delivered every Monday and Wednesday > The limitations of applying perpetual plebiscites for every tax change are obvious. Faced with expected demands on budgets, a government might simply grind to a halt waiting for the next property tax vote. Remember this the state doesn't get any of your property taxes. It's all local (counties, townships, municipalities, park and library districts), but most of it is used to finance the public schools. In Illinois, the median property tax is about $3,507 if your house costs $202,200. We think local governments should measure that approval more often. We're not suggesting approval must come in the form of a referendum held during an election, or a special election. But there should be some sort of extraordinary mechanism in place to facilitate greater transparency, and afford taxpayers an opportunity to have their voices heard in a meaningful way. That could be through special well-publicized public hearings and comment periods, or community surveys something beyond a routine regular board meeting. It might illuminate how well government is explaining itself. Advertisement But Illinois officials, for the most part, have shown little enthusiasm for limiting their spending habits. Sometimes they forget it's not their money to spend. As one Wauconda official noted, voters might not study proposed tax hikes thoroughly and vote "no" as a reflex. There's a tinge of "we know better than you" arrogance in that presumption. That view expressed by thousands of public officials breeds citizen resentment. The money belongs to the taxpayers, not government. As long as everyone remembers that, the handshake of democracy still works. In September, Lake Forest police received a call about a man hitting signs at the train station. Police had dealt with the Lake Forest resident before, and knew he had a mental illness. Advertisement "He goes off his meds a lot," said Police Detective Wendy Dumont. "The officers respond, they try to talk to him. He doesn't make sense. When you give him more than one command at a time, he doesn't listen." Police say responding to calls about those with mental health challenges can be tricky. Sometimes officers know they're dealing with a person with mental health issues, sometimes not. Such calls can take more time, Dumont said, and require different tactics. Advertisement Lake Forest police officers undergo regular training maybe 16 hours a month for officers and double that for detectives, estimates Dumont - but only a few hours a year were spent on how to work with people with mental health challenges. Dumont wanted that to change, so earlier this year she proposed that officers undergo the crisis intervention training put on by the Lake County Sheriff's Office. The Lake Forest Police Foundation agreed to cover the cost. In April, Commander Rick Anderson, Dumont and Linda Porter, a clinical professional counselor who works with police, attended the one-week training. So when officers at the west train station called Dumont for help, she knew how to respond. "I asked him one question," Dumont said. "You have to wait a minute to two minutes (for a response). I asked him what we were dealing with. I asked him if he wanted to go to the hospital. I went with him. I stayed with him at the hospital. A lot of times they just want to talk and not be left alone. I built a relationship." Once the man's mother arrived, Dumont contacted Porter who arranged for the man to be transferred to a psychiatric unit in Evanston. "(Dumont) was able to de-escalate the situation with her training," Porter said. "It worked." Conventional police tactics might not have worked. "They are paranoid schizophrenic, they think you are out to get them," Porter said. "You come at them; it dips into all their fears. An authoritarian man or woman with a gun in hand, they are going to react. That's someone following me, the CIA is after me. They are going to believe because they are having delusions." Advertisement Training police in Lake County on how to interact with people with mental health issues increased a couple years ago, said Christine Somervill, program director for the Lake County Chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. "The issue came to the forefront with some high profile incidents we've seen on the news," Somervill said. Facilities for those undergoing a mental health crisis in Lake County have limited space and jailing a person might not be the right move, she said. "It's totally ineffective from the standpoint of the person living with mental illness," Somervill said. "Most likely it's not effective in the given situation because the person is not a danger to others. Being locked up in a jail or an environment that is not therapeutic, it would likely exacerbate the anger or belligerence or symptoms police are observing." It helps Lake Forest Police if they know if a person has mental health challenges before they arrive, Dumont said. "It opens your eyes to how you can de-escalate a situation so much better and quicker and maybe not going right to that arrest," Dumont said. Advertisement Police have identified 102 individuals in Lake Forest who have mental health challenges including paranoid schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism or dementia but they think there are more. To find out they are holding a meeting to explain the crisis intervention training and request residents fill out a special response form. "The information is not released, it doesn't show up on a report," Dumont said. "It's just for police officers and the fire department." Anderson, Dumont, Porter and a representative from the National Alliance on Mental Illness will take part. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois. For more information, contact Detective Wendy Dumont at 847-810-3819 or dumontw@cityoflakeforest.com. mlawton@pioneerlocal.com Twitter: @reporterdude John English has been settling into the routine of Miles Avenue Elementary in his first year as the schools principal. That will change in February, when the shrill roar of recess gets replaced by the thumping of helicopter rotors. English, a member of the U.S. military since 1988, will begin a deployment to the Kuwaiti Theater of Operations, a military area in the Middle East that includes Iraq. He cant get more specific. As a medevac helicopter pilot, hell be responsible for getting injured soldiers, and his medevac team, from one point to another safely. Students at Miles Avenue know English will be leaving. The younger they are, the more kind of unreal time, space, future things are for them, English said. You tell them, See you later and have fun. English has three children. The youngest is in high school. The oldest is slated to graduate from college this year. Its tough to miss his graduation, English said. English is also recently married; his wife hasnt gone through a deployment before. Military service English grew up looking up to military men his father fought in World War II, and his grandfather fought in World War I. An uncle was a military pilot, which helped give English the bug for flying. He entered the Army in 1988 at age 24, having finished his education degree. His first assignment was flying along the Demilitarized Zone in South Korea. He came to Billings Public Schools in 1995 after finishing active duty, but he remained in the National Guard. In 2011, when he was a principal at Bench Elementary, his unit left for a tour in Iraq. Changing paths At Miles Avenue, English doesnt seem to fit military stereotypes; he speaks softly, dressed casually in jeans and a sweater on the day before school's Thanksgiving break, surrounded by student art on the walls. He previously worked as an administrator at Senior High, but switched to elementary schools when a position became available. Im just kind of a guy that likes to change paths to keep myself fresh, he said. One path that hasnt changed is his military service. Im blessed to be 52 years old and have a body that can pass a flight physical, he said. Its definitely a young mans game, thats for sure. The gray hair gets some abuse, but it also gets me a pass sometimes and a little respect. The school district plans to hire a long-term substitute administrator to fill Englishs position. Hell be gone for a year, with nine months in his actual deployment and about a month-and-a-half of training and transition before and after. English said that leaving relationships at schools with teachers, parents and students is the most difficult professional separation. You wouldnt do this job if you didnt love these kids. Santa stops to talk with some of the Naperville residents who come out to donate gifts and money to the Drive By Santa program, which benefits Comer Children's Hospital in Chicago. (Photo provided by Molly Shanahan ) When Molly Shanahan learned three children related to Naperville police officers were battling cancer in 2005, she wanted to do something to help. "Molly found out about it and called me and said she wanted to make a donation of gifts to the police department, but we can't accept gifts," said Naperville Sgt. Jim Sakelakos, a member of the police department's dive team. Advertisement "I thought about things for a while and got this idea of putting Santa in a police dive truck we use for scuba rescues." "Drive By Santa" was born. Advertisement One day during the holiday season this year it's scheduled for Dec. 4 Santa boards the dive truck, escorted by Naperville police cars, to hand out candy canes in several Naperville neighborhoods and collect gifts of money and toys to be donated to the Comer Children's Hospital in Chicago. "It's basically just me and Sgt. Sakelakos and my friend Gillian Brooks and our kids," said Shanahan, a mother of three and a second-grade teacher for the Diocese of Joliet. "I also have a neighbor, Bryan Hermick, who now plays Santa every year. "The first year we did this, we got less than 100 gifts, but by the next year things doubled, and it's continued to get bigger ever since. Last year, we had at least 350 toys and monetary donations we brought to Comer. I always take them over each year myself." Said Sakelakos: "We have about a 20-foot box truck and most years, we pretty much fill it. A couple of times, we've needed a bigger truck, which is awesome." Brooks said she joined the effort eight years ago and marvels at how organized and efficient Shanahan is during what is always a hectic time of the year. "I wish there was an award that Molly could receive because no matter what her own situation was over the years between the commitments of her teaching job and raising her own three children she has always worked tirelessly to ensure that this program runs smoothly," Brooks said. "When people ask about other helpers in the 'organization,' Molly is the organization and the fact that she is so lovely and kind and generous means I help out willingly." Hermick said he has found some of the children's reactions over the years heartwarming. "I'm a little over six feet tall and weigh about 270 pounds and have gray hair, so it seemed out of all the neighbors I was the guy to be Santa each year," he said. "When I pull into a subdivision and hear kids say all they want for Christmas is for their dad to find a job or their parent to get well and you see the mom standing nearby with a bandanna on her head, it makes this all worthwhile. Some of the kids in the area where we live want the best of everything, but then you find others that have their priorities straight." Advertisement In an effort to better serve the needs of children currently at the Comer facility, Shanahan collects toy requests from the hospital ahead of time and includes them as suggestions in an email network that announces the time and day of each year's visit. Amy Carter, lead child life specialist for Comer, said Shanahan has created "a tremendous connection and great tradition." "We work with the hospital, and for kids and their families, the holidays and being here are especially difficult and we're fortunate to get philanthropic support all year," Carter said. "We put together Christmas gift bags to try to brighten things for kids who aren't at home in order to get something they might have otherwise missed. The 'Drive By Santa' is a unique endeavor given it's a reverse collection and we've seen it grow." For the first time three subdivisions will have visits from Santa this year: Hobson West, where the initiative first began, Huntington Estates and the Knolls of Huntington, which has been newly added. The collection will begin at 3 p.m. and continue through 8 p.m. As for those first three children for whom the effort started more than 10 years ago, "the nephew died," Sakelakos said, "but the other two kids are survivors." David Sharos is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun. A 19-year-old Naperville man was seriously injured Thursday after he lost control of his motorcycle and struck a light pole, Naperville police said. The victim was driving northbound on 248th Avenue, nearing Ashwood Road, at about 12:15 p.m. when his 2006 Honda CBR600RR cycle struck a curb, causing him to be separated from the bike, police said in a news release on the incident. No other vehicles were involved. Advertisement The man was taken to Edward Hospital in Naperville for medical treatment. Police closed northbound 248th Avenue between Royal Portrush Drive and 103rd Avenue for several hours so the crash could be reconstructed, the release said. Advertisement Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information about it is asked to call 630-305-5379 or send email to parcelk@naperville.il.us. Students exercised important right I am compelled to write in response to comments published regarding the peaceful March of Solidarity at North Central College. It's clear many believe the march was an angry protest against our president-elect. In fact, the only anger stemming from the march comes from those who deem the students "babies," "ridiculous" and "pathetic." These young people not only have the Constitutional right to protest, they have the right to have their voices heard. Advertisement I would like to share some historical perspective to those who are angry at the protesters. Are you female and did you vote? I hope you did. Thousands of women and men fought for your right by marching, speaking out in public, and arguing that women's rights should include the right to vote. Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth and others deserve your thanks for the opportunity. Are you a woman who has worked while pregnant? The 1978 Pregnancy Discrimination Act protects you. Do you have a credit card that didn't require a man's signature? The Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 allowed women to apply for credit on their own. People fought for these rights. Advertisement Did you, as a parent in Naperville, protest so your child didn't have to listen to President Obama give his annual Back to School speeches? Similar speeches were given by George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan. Did you protest then? Are you concerned about the people being killed by terrorist groups? Are you voicing your opinion? Are you calling on our government to do whatever it can to protect our citizens? It is easy to sit comfortably in our suburban homes and complain about a group of idealistic students speaking out. It is easy to tell these students to "get a job," "pay your taxes," "stop whining." I'm guessing most have jobs. But remember how you benefited throughout your life from similar idealistic people willing to put themselves on the line for the future. I hope you volunteer, contribute and participate in our democracy. That's how things change. I ask you to teach your children that speaking out for those who can't is the absolute definition of humanity and what America stands for. This is what the March for Solidarity was about. Laura Welch, president, National Organization for Women, Will County chapter Electoral vs. popular votes Since the presidential election, some Republicans say that the "people have spoken." One local example is U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren, who in the Nov. 11, Naperville Sun is quoted as saying " ... the people spoke loud and clear by selecting Donald Trump as their president." Hultgren, along with other Republicans who use similar words, are dead wrong. While Trump may have won the most electoral votes, Hillary Clinton won the popular vote. And the popular vote is the people. So Mr. Hultgren, the people spoke loud and clear and they chose Clinton as their president. Of course, we have to live with the antiquated Electoral College and we are stuck with Trump as our next president. But please Republicans, don't say "the people have spoken," say the antiquated Electoral College system has decided on Trump even though the "people" chose Clinton. Advertisement The last time the electoral college winner was unable to garner the popular vote was in 2000, when Republican George Bush lost the popular vote to Democrat Al Gore by 547,398. John Nepywoda, Naperville Americans commit completely There has been a great deal of talk about immigration during the presidential campaign this year and most of it has been very negative. Theodore Roosevelt said it correctly 109 years ago and it is as correct today as it was then. If one is going to be an American, he/she must be an American completely. Here is his quote: "In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American. There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile. We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people." John Webb, Naperville Advertisement 'Love for all' I am a proud Ahmadi Muslim and I represent hate overcome by love, pain with healing, despair with hope. I would never hurt, ridicule or embarrass you and I will love you even if you hate me. "Love for all, hatred for none" is one of my favorite mottoes and I disregard politics when it comes to humanity. I disagree with any politician stooping to any low, irrespective of party affiliation. But wait ... I basically represent any faith, or no faith. I am just the regular person, neighbor, mother, friend, in your community who might want to strike up a conversation and have a good laugh about my kids with you, or maybe even be there for you if you need me. Rabia Salim, Plainfield Share your views Submit letters to the editor via email to suburbanletters@tribpub.com. Please include your name and town of residence for publication. Please include phone number and email address for confirmation. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Remember this stuff? Naperville is ready for anything Mother Nature hands us this winter, said city spokeswoman Linda LaCloche, who says Naperville has 18,000 tons of salt socked away for future use. (Graham Hughes / AP) Twenty-six full-sized snowplows? Check. Twenty-four smaller plows? Check. Advertisement Oh, and 36 million pounds of road salt? Yep, that, too. Professional meteorologists say there's a slightly greater-than-normal chance of this being a wetter-than-normal winter in the greater Naperville area, a prospect that doesn't faze at least one city official in the least. Advertisement "We monitor weather events, and we respond accordingly," said Linda LaCloche, the city's community relations manager. "We've dealt with heavy snowfall years to light snowfall years, and we're prepared for all of it." Matt Friedlein, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Romeoville, said he and his colleagues have reached a consensus there is "a little-above-normal chance" of this winter turning out to be "wetter than normal" in Chicago's western and far western suburbs. Where total snowfall is concerned, "35 to 50 inches is possible," Friedlein said Wednesday. "Three feet of snow is normal" for the Naperville area during a typical winter, he said. As weather systems move through the area over the next week to 10 days, "rain, more likely than snow," will be generated by at least some of those systems, Friedlein said. An open field on Jefferson Avenue east of Fort Hill Drive serves as a dump site for snow hauled out of parking lots in downtown Naperville and at its two commuter stations. (Susan Frick Carlman / Naperville Sun) LaCloche said Naperville is ready for pretty much anything, meteorologically speaking its most formidable weapon, perhaps, being the 18,000 tons of road salt in which the city invested. "That's the most, I think, you can have on hand" under terms of the city's contract with the state of Illinois, LaCloche said. The salt is waiting under domes at the municipal public works facilities near Jefferson Avenue and Fort Hill Drive on the west side and the Springbrook Plant east of Plainfield-Naperville Road in the far southern part of town. The city has 26 large snowplows that are deployed during snowstorms. All are stored at and dispatched from the Fort Hill Drive facility, LaCloche said. "But we also have an additional 24, pickup truck-sized plows" that can supplement the fleet as needed, LaCloche said. Trucks are outfitted with the plows, with that part of the snow removal work done by employees of the city's electrical and water departments, she said. Advertisement LaCloche said the city hires contractors to maintain the Metra Railway commuter train station lots at Fourth Avenue and Washington Street and near Route 59 and Fairway Drive. Contractors also remove snow at the downtown municipal parking decks on Van Buren and Chicago avenues, and will be responsible effective this winter for maintaining the new 401-parking space Water Street facility, "to make sure those are clear and not causing any disruption for our commuters," she said. Public works employees are responsible for shoveling downtown sidewalks as well as those outside the Naperville Municipal Center and all other city facilities, LaCloche said. Downtown merchants pay for snow removal under terms of a "special service agreement," or SSA, LaCloche said. A city code gives homeowners and business owners elsewhere in town 48 hours to clear their sidewalks following snowfall, she said. Residents and business owners also can track the city's progress in removing leaves during the fall and snow during wintertime with an interactive map linked to Naperville's website, www.naperville.il.us, LaCloche said. The map shows where leaf removal trucks and snowplows have been deployed "and shows you where they have been and what they have cleared, and whether they've been through your neighborhood yet," LaCloche said. Advertisement The map uses three colors: one showing work that has been completed in a neighborhood; a second to illustrate work that is "in progress;" and a third where maintenance work is "pending," she said. LaCloche added public works employees monitor and update the map "frequently throughout the day." wbird@tribpub.com Residents of the AHEPA Senior Apartments enjoy Thanksgiving dinner prepared by St. Constatnine and Helen Greek Catherdral in Merrillville. (Jim Karczewski / Post-Tribune) More than 4,000 Thanksgiving meals found their way to Northwest Indiana residents in need of a holiday dinner and fellowship thanks to parishioners at SS. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Merrillville. For the 12th year, the church and its members came together to provide "Harvest for the hungry," a holiday meal Thursday at the church as well as meals all around the area this week. Advertisement Some families have been coming for years, the Rev. Theodore Poteres said. "You get to know them," he said. Advertisement Volunteers serve food to the residents at the AHEPA Senior Apartments prepared by St. Constatnine and Helen Greek Catherdral in Merrillville. (Jim Karczewski / Post-Tribune) The church started the dinner with the help of parishioners Jon and Eva Kostides and Bill Logthetis. This year meals went out to all AHEPA senior housing centers including the six in Merrillville, seven homeless shelters from East Chicago to Valparaiso, and a variety of schools and other locations. Some food was delivered earlier in the week. Poteres said the Harvest for the Hungry program includes more than 100 volunteers some as young as 5 through senior citizens who do everything from helping with the dinner itself to helping with 420 food baskets provided by the food pantry. Eva Kostides said the event offers not only food for those who may not have a meal or a family to share it with, but fellowship for people who participate. Many volunteers come year after year. "It truly has become a family event," Kostides said. "This is the way they start their holiday." One parishioner, officials said, donated 400 turkeys for the dinners. Residents of the AHEPA Senior Apartments, from left, Lyvonne Miles, Julia Peavy and Maria Arreola enjoy Thanksgiving dinner prepared by St. Constatnine and Helen Greek Catherdral in Merrillville. (Jim Karczewski / Post-Tribune) This year the church cooked 27 turkeys each weighing 23 pounds for its Thanksgiving Day food service. Nick Gianikos, AHEPA director, said the meal and the volunteers mean a lot to the residents. He said the senior citizens have watched some of the younger volunteers grow up and look forward to seeing them return each holiday. "They are not just serving food. The main thing is it not just provides the food, it provides the fellowship," Gianikos said. Advertisement Lavonne Miles, Julie Peavy and Maria Arreola, residents of the AHEPA Housing complex adjacent to the church, said the meal was a special part of their holiday. "I love it. It's nice. This is my first year here," Peavy said. "It's a blessing." Miles, a five-year resident, said the church brings dinner every Thanksgiving. Miles said she will be going to visit her family in Las Vegas soon, and appreciated being able to celebrate the holiday with her friends instead of being alone. "This is a treat to have this fellowship," she said. Residents of the AHEPA Senior Apartments enjoy Thanksgiving dinner prepared by St. Constatnine and Helen Greek Catherdral in Merrillville. (Jim Karczewski / Post-Tribune) Carrie Napoleon is a freelance reporter for the Post Tribune. Lake Superior Judge Julie Cantrell speaks about her participation in the Lake County Veterans Court on recently in her office at the Lake County Government Center. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) It was a newspaper article that sparked Fred Markowitz's interest in looking into how police respond to veterans experiencing a mental health or domestic violence crisis. Five years ago, a homecoming parade was planned for an Army veteran in Lafayette, Ind., but the celebration was canceled when the veteran was arrested on the eve of the celebration after police said he fired a handgun outside a bar. Advertisement "What the planners didn't realize was that it was exactly one year to the day of the parade that (he) saw two of his fellow soldiers die when an insurgent's grenade shredded their vehicle," the article read. More recently, Hammond police were in a standoff with a veteran wearing body armor at his home in September, ultimately resulting in police non-fatally shooting the man in the neck. In July, officers and firefighters responded to a veteran's home in Griffith where they found evidence that gasoline had been poured through the house and a mattress was on fire in the street. Advertisement Markowitz, a professor at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill., posed a similar scenario to a few hundred officers in a study on how they said they would respond. "There is a desire to help," Markowitz said. "Of course, this is in the larger backdrop. In these days, police officers are the front line workers in mental health crisis situations." Law enforcement has come a long way in ramping up its training on how to best respond to domestic violence and mental health situations, said Porter County Sheriff David Reynolds. "It's a major part of our training because it's a major part of what we do everyday," Reynolds said. It's the goal in any crisis, veteran or not, to resolve the situation peacefully, and from an initial call for help to any potential criminal charges, employees with the VA, law enforcement and court systems said they have strategies to help do that for veterans. Establish a connection Dispatchers are often the first point of contact and can collect crucial information, said Bill Micklus, who trains officers and first responders through the Upper Midwest Community Policing Institute. A common question a dispatcher may ask is if a person is on any medication, he said. "If you get a response such as, 'Yes, I think the VA has him on some sort of drug,' the 'VA has him on' is an important note," Micklus said. Advertisement But a situation might not always begin with 911, and it might not always warrant police, said Michelle Langlois, a suicide prevention coordinator at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago. A veteran might call a veteran crisis line for a variety of reasons, for an emergency, advice or just to vent, she said. Hammond Police negotiators have worked local hotline calls as part of their training, said Lt. Steve Kellogg, and they have fielded calls from veterans, giving them real-world experience they could apply to a future situation. If an officer is called to a scene, they go off information from dispatchers and look for environmental clues, such as memorabilia or pictures on the walls, Micklus said. Meanwhile, an officer tries to get a person talking by using open-ended questions, he said. "You use a certain type of lower energy tactics to calm down the situation as opposed to, oftentimes, police officers use their command presence or verbal command in loud voices to get people to comply," Micklus said. It is a strategy a negotiator used during the standoff in Hammond. The lead negotiator can be heard in a video filmed by a neighbor saying, "I'm not going to hurt you, dude," and "I know you have a lot going on, but I can't help you unless you tell me what's going on." No matter the reason for a call, it "helps a lot" for a veteran to speak with a veteran, who understands each other's culture, said Michael Krage, a Jesse Brown Center clinical psychologist. Hammond Police have officers with military experience on their negotiations teams, and it doesn't matter what branch they came from so much as they can relate to what a veteran might be going through, Kellogg said. Advertisement "Calling on their expertise and their past has really helped us out a lot," he said. Even if an officer is not a veteran, she could establish a connection. Micklus heard from an officer he trained that she used terminology she learned from a training session about discharge papers while responding to a call of a homeless veteran. Once she showed she had familiarity with what he may have been going through, "he just kind of complied immediately and said, 'You know about that? You know what that is?'" Micklus said. Care and treatment When the police leave, the situation is not always over, and some veterans end up facing criminal charges or court hearings. A veteran whose charges came directly from some part of their military service might get moved to veteran's court, where they might have their charges dismissed if they complete a program focused on care and treatment.. "We have the whole gamut, people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, people with traumatic brain injuries from IED explosions. We have people who have drug and alcohol problems from when they were in the service," said Lake County Judge Julie Cantrell. Krage was deployed twice to Iraq as an Army psychologist where he worked to help soldiers cope with the day-to-day life of war, but some symptoms or lasting effects may not appear until a veteran is back home, he said. Advertisement Cantrell said she had a Vietnam War veteran in his 60s "who all of a sudden" started getting DUIs, she said. After talking with the veteran, she learned that after he retired and his wife died, "he had time to just sit down and think and all of this came flooding back to him and it caused him to drink," she said. In his job, Krage hears some misconceptions about veterans and mental health, such as those suffering from PTSD are violent, that all veterans will have PTSD or that admitting to having PTSD or another mental health issue makes a person weak. "The way I explain it to folks when you experience a trauma, what your body goes through, it's a normal response to an abnormal situation," Krage said. In Lake and Porter counties' veteran's courts, a judge's role is to be a veteran's "teacher, their parent, their cheerleader, their chastiser," Cantrell said. More than 20 people have graduated from the intensive Lake County program so far. At the most recent Porter County veteran's court graduation, Reynolds invited all the officers who were involved in the initial call and arrest to see what that veteran accomplished in the program weeks later, which was a "powerful" experience, he said. Advertisement rejacobs@post-trib.com Twitter @ruthyjacobs Do not play in the dirt or around the mulch signage in the West Calumet Complex housing units, in East Chicago, Ind., on Sept. 8, 2016. Residents of the West Calumet Complex must move out due to dangerously high lead level readings. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) If you lived in East Chicago's West Calumet neighborhood for years, you'd be fearful and with good reasons. Perilous residue from arsenic and lead smelting diminished life in a city immersed in that industrial pollution. Advertisement But what residents most need now beyond relocation and access to health care is for city, state and federal officials to respond to their needs with urgency and transparency. They want the threat to their well-being treated as if it's an emergency, because it is. Mayor Anthony Copeland first publicly sounded the alarm in June. Yet, until he met with residents Wednesday, if the mayor was still on the case, it was a surprise to them. Advertisement The unofficial but representative Community Strategy Group asked Copeland and his administration to step up. Be involved, visible and passionate. Declare the city in a state of emergency, because it is. Lives are in danger. They had complained about Copeland's public visibility ever since an August forum in the early days of the cleanup at the U.S.S. Lead Superfund site. On Wednesday, Copeland told residents his administration has logged thousands of hours on their behalf, dealing with state and federal officials lobbying their cause. City officials produced a 12-page list of meetings the mayor's had pushing their cause with state and federal officials. "We are family, and we are in the same boat," he said. Post Tribune Twice-weekly News updates from Northwest Indiana delivered every Monday and Wednesday > True, but they can't do it alone. Soon, East Chicago residents should have a new friend in Washington one with some major pull and easy access to the man in charge, Donald Trump. Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who hasn't personally visited East Chicago since the lead crisis surfaced, must intervene. He owes it to his home state. Advertisement Indiana Gov.-elect Eric Holcomb also must make this a priority of his incoming administration and put a call in to his new friend in Washington, too. Fifty years of ignored contaminant risks, for various reasons and by various agencies, at the West Calumet Housing Complex could easily be considered indifference. Even when the risk was uncovered, the process of moving the residents and getting them help has seemed to go equally slow. Slow does not work now. Closed doors do not work. East Chicago needs a champion. Who's it going to be? With the scope and penalties of Chinas social credit system being further clarified in 2021, legal and regulatory compliance has become more important than... China has published a collection of rare ancient medical books that were once thought lost in China until they were discovered overseas. [Photo/Official Weibo account of Zhonghua Book Company] The collection, published by Zhonghua Book Company, incorporates 427 ancient traditional Chinese medical books into 403 volumes. At the launch event Tuesday, Zheng Jinsheng, editor-in-chief of the collection, said that since the 1990's, he and his team had traveled to Japan, Germany, France, Britain and other countries to collect the books. China has developed unique medicine theories and practices, and a great deal of books and works have been published on the subject, some of which ended up in other countries while some of them have been lost. The publication is a milestone in traditional Chinese medicine literature research and has been welcomed by researchers. A fixture on Montana Avenue for 40 years, St. Vincent de Paul Society ministers to the homeless and those at risk of being homeless. Downtowners see a crowd waiting for the Charity Office doors to open on weekday mornings and again at 1 p.m. Hungry people know they can get coffee and donuts in the morning and a good lunch at midday in a safe, warm space in the St. Vincent de Paul Building. Not all the lunch guests are homeless. Young mothers with little kids show up late in the month when money and food stamps run short. Last year, the charity office gave out nearly 25,000 sack lunches and served many gallons of soup weekly. St. Vincent de Paul paid landlords nearly $79,000 in rent to prevent 284 struggling households from being evicted last year. The charity paid $31,000 in utility bills for 222 households. The need for rental assistance has grown in the three years that Ed Zabrocki has been executive director. But St. Vincent does more than pay client's bills; it helps them help themselves. "Our goal is to give 'em a boost and a hand up so they can support themselves," Zabrocki said. Last year, that included paying for Adult Education classes at Lincoln Center so people could get job training and a high school equivalency certificate (now called HiSET in Montana.) The Charity Office hosts Job Service on Friday afternoons and last year helped 132 people sign up for employment. St. Vincent also employs some clients, providing them with valuable experience that can prepare them to get a new job in the community. The organization also helps people with gas and MET passes so they can get to work. All this and more is possible because of private donations. The agency does not receive government funding. The exception is the $350,000 grant the Billings City Council recently approved from downtown tax increment funds. That money will pay about half the costs of relocating the Charity Office to a larger, more accessible location at First Avenue South and South 26th Street. We commend the council for making this investment in our community. Many Gazette readers will recall the Community Innovations Summit held two years ago and the enthusiasm it generated for getting people off the streets and into treatment for addiction, mental illnesses and other problems that contribute to chronic homelessness. St. Vincent de Paul works daily on all those issues, often in partnership with other local organizations. For example, RiverStone Health conducts Healthcare for the Homeless Clinics at the Charity Office. RiverStone staff includes an addiction counselor, a mental health therapist and medical professionals. Last year, RiverStone staff saw nearly 1,100 patients at the Charity Office. At St. Vincent's planned new location in the Crane building, there will be more space for the RiverStone clinic, more space for the homeless who drop in to eat, do laundry or just get out of the weather. Zabrocki said the plans include a kitchen, more bathrooms and the possibility of a full-time Job Service representative. The St. Vincent de Paul thrift shop might be moved from the corner of Montana and 27th to the second floor of the Crane building, which has a large off-street parking lot. Homelessness is a community problem, making solutions everyone's responsibility. St. Vincent de Paul Society is one vital partner in addressing the problems of poverty and homelessness in Billings. The majority of clients served live in the neighborhoods closest to its planned new location. These families are our neighbors, and Billings will benefit when today's needy get help to become self-sufficient tomorrow. In this big shopping season, St. Vincent de Paul will be giving to some of the poorest among us and depending on those who can to help. We encourage readers to consider how they can help prevent or alleviate the suffering of homelessness. For some suggestions, please see the box below. A Year of German-Chinese School and Youth Exchange Freiburg Main Station! Above me was the clear autumn morning sky. Full of thoughts, yet filled with joyful anticipation, I waited at platform No. 2. What changes would the upcoming 10 months bring to our lives? Would we get along well with our 15-year-old guest "daughter" from China? In fact, we already knew each other, having spent a thoroughly enjoyable couple of days on Huangshan Mountain with her and her mother a few months earlier. But how would it be living under one roof for almost one year? When the doors of the long-distance train opened, Yiqi was one of the first passengers to alight, and all my worries evaporated. A delighted smile on her face, Yiqi ran in my direction and greeted me as if I was her own father. I now had no doubt that this coming year would be full of beautiful, interesting and exciting experiences, for my family as well as for our guest-daughter from Anhui Province in southern China. Chinese exchange student, Yiqi, visits the Europa-Park in Rust, Germany, with her mother and host mother. I took Yiqi's luggage and we walked to my car. I knew that my wife Linda would be impatiently waiting at home for us to arrive. We had come up with a very special idea for the first day. It was on that Sunday that the German town of St. Morgen in the Black Forest region would hold its traditional horse festival Rossfest. Enthralled, Yiqi stood among the other visitors listening to festive folk music, gazing at the parade with its numerous historical horse-drawn carriages and at the villagers attired in traditional Black Forest costumes. My wife and I agreed that there couldn't have been a better start to an exchange year in Germany. Going abroad to China? What some years ago might have sounded outlandish seems quite normal nowadays: There are associations, schools, universities, and other organizations throughout both Germany and China that engage in exchanges between the two countries. However, it has been a long road since 1972, when diplomatic relations were established between the Federal Republic of Germany and the People's Republic of China, and the first direct contact between the pupils and university students of both countries. It was nevertheless one full of positive experiences, mutual learning, and growing trust between the two countries. Today, China is Germany's most important economic partner in Asia, while Germany, in turn, is China's most important trade partner in Europe. Friendly and dynamic is how the present relationship between China and Germany could most precisely be described, in my opinion. Regular bilateral high-level coordination between the governments of the two countries, steadily growing trade relations, and mutual investments and cooperation in fields like science, research and environmental matters all signify greater and closer links between Germany and China. Since Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Germany in March 2014, China and Germany have defined their relationship as a "Strategic Partnership in global responsibility," and indeed spoken of it as a "comprehensive strategic partnership." Both sides have held regular, high-level government consultations since 2011. Exchanges between different cultures and peoples from Germany and China are just as important as diplomatic and economic contacts. Human encounters promote better mutual understanding, and help to reduce prejudice. One key to better mutual understanding is that of mastering one another's languages. For years the Chinese government has tried to disseminate the Chinese culture and promote Chinese language learning overseas. These efforts have contributed substantively to a deepened understanding between the peoples of both nations. Confucius Institutes, seen in many German cities today, play an especially important role in this regard. On the other side of the coin, the German Goethe Institute and Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and a number of language centers do much to promote German language-learning in China. Other important associations besides the Goethe Institutes include the German Academic Exchange Service, the Mercator Foundation, as well as "Youth for Understanding (YFU)." Nowadays, there are also many direct exchange programs between befriended schools and universities, for example the friendship between the Max-Weber-School Freiburg and its partner school in Tianjin, to name just one. There are encounters at both the private and personal level, and cultural exchanges are gathering growing momentum. For instance, many excellent German orchestras, opera companies and ballet ensembles have come to China in recent years, as, in turn, more Chinese artists and performance troupes have traveled to and toured Germany. During his visit to China in March 2016, German Federal President Joachim Gauck observed that, "Through direct contact with another culture, as well as the flow of ideas, the curiosity to understand the unknown or to see the familiar with new eyes grows, and from these positive mutual experiences grow trust and friendship." During his state visit, Gauck together with Chinese President Xi Jinping, officially announced the start of the "German-Chinese Year of School and Youth Exchange," upon which both sides agreed in summer 2015. There is a common Chinese expression which means "to treat someone with full honesty." President Xi Jinping expressed in his speech in March 2014 his hope that the youth of Germany and China would get to know each other through mutual honesty. In most of China, Sichuan cuisine means food with a few peppers tossed in. In Chengdu, according to the 2011 "UNESCO City of Gastronomy," they cook peppers with a bit of food tossed in. And the people are as fiery as their food. Chengdu is one of the few major Chinese cities to have remained in the same place, under the same name, for over 2,000 years but the Sichuanese are far from staid. Around 80 percent of China's giant pandas live in Sichuan. Even today, residents of "West China's Capital" are known for being both modernist and traditionalist. A Sichuanese professor told me, "We never wash our woks, so the sauce improves over time. One Chengdu family hasn't washed their wok in 200 years!" he laughed, adding, "Their family sauce is older than your homeland!" When our family passed through Chengdu in 1994 on our drive from Tibet back to Xiamen, I'd only planned to stay a night or two, but we were so enchanted by the place, the people and the peppers that we stayed a week. I was surprised to learn that Sichuan became West China's "Land of Plenty," as well as a great commercial and cultural center, because of a 2,200-year-old engineering marvel that in some ways surpasses even modern technology. The Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, built in 256 BC, not only halted the devastating annual floods but, to this day, irrigates over seven million hectares. The 2,200-year-old Dujiangyan Irrigation Project. Dujiangyan is not a dam but a unique structure that diverts some water to fields but allows most to flow freely. This enables water transport, as well as the natural migration of fish. In the U.S., environmentalists are destroying century-old dams and local agriculture as well, in efforts to protect endangered fish or frogs. Sichuan's 2,200-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site is a lesson on how to steward our fragile little planet while improving, rather than destroying, economies and livelihoods. Dujiangyan made Sichuan the "Birthplace of China" because its agriculture fed the vast armies of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BC), who unified China in 221 BC and started building the 10,000-li (5,000 km) Great Wall the following year. And each year on Tomb-Sweeping Day (usually April 5, my birthday!) locals dress in ancient costumes and read eulogies in commemoration of its builders. Chengdu was in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) one of China's most important commercial cities, but also well known for its arts, sciences, and education. In 141 BC, local governor Wen Weng established China's first public schools in Chengdu. In the Tang Dynasty, Chengdu attracted famous artists and poets such as the legendary romantic poet Li Bai. To this day, Chengdu is known for its arts, including Zaju Opera a lively mix of singing, dancing, and poetry first performed in Chengdu and Sichuan Opera, with its amazing Bianlian (face changing) and fire breathing (though after eating Sichuan food, I, too, breathe fire). For around 2,000 years, Chengdu was also known as the Brocade City because the richly decorative shuttle- woven silk fabric it produced was worn by royalty. Today, you don't have to be part of the elite to wear Chengdu brocade. A fascinating place to buy it is Jinli Street, which has been a popular commercial thoroughfare for around 2,300 years. The buildings along Jinli Street, with their wooden fronts and balconies festooned with festive Chinese lanterns, reflect west Sichuan architecture. On this lively street are restaurants, classic teahouses with bamboo chairs and wooden tables, handicrafts and specialty shops, and of course vendors hawking selections from Chengdu's 100 or more street snacks. But for those who prefer more modern shopping, there's downtown's Chunxi Road which, built in 1924, is brand new by Chengdu standards. It is no surprise that China's "breadbasket" is famous for cooking. I thought it had only two flavors, hot and hotter, but Sichuan chefs claim there are seven: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, spicy, and tongue-numbing. Many dishes combine several flavors in one. Twice-cooked pork, Mao Zedong's favorite in his twilight years, is salty, sweet, spicy and aromatic not only tongue-numbing but mind-numbing. The couple taste Sichuan's most famous dish the tongue-numbing mapo tofu. Sichuan cuisine gets its seven flavors through almost 40 cooking techniques, including frying, stewing, and sauteing, and dozens of ingredients, including garlic, ginger, scallions, star anise, bean paste, fermented glutinous rice wine, mushrooms, fungi, and many more. Foreigners' favorites include kung pao chicken, Sichuan beef, braised eggplant, barbeque pork, chicken and sweet corn soup and hot and sour soup, Sichuan shrimp, and of course Sichuan's most famous dish, the tongue-numbing mapo tofu, cooked by a pockmarked lady (mapo) over a century ago. I could have happily spent a month or two in Chengdu, but we also wanted to see giant pandas (80 percent of which live in Sichuan) and China's largest monkey reserve (I was born in the year of the monkey, so felt right at home there). But Sichuan's most famous site is Mt. Emei. Only a two-hour train ride from Chengdu, Mt. Emei is one of China's four holy mountains, and site of the country's first Buddhist Temple. I especially like Jiulao Cave Scenic Area and the Qingyin Pavilion, and also the ancient plank path along the cliffs. It feels like a spacewalk, and the 200 plant species there which are found nowhere else on the planet add to Emei's otherworldliness. The 71-meter-high Leshan Giant Buddha, begun in 713 to protect boatmen from the raging river, took 90 years to carve out of the cliff. Few visitors know that the statue has survived for more than 1,000 years due to an ingenious drainage system in the Buddha's hair, shoulders and garment folds that carries water away before it can erode the statue. Whether irrigating entire provinces or carving colossal Buddhas, Sichuanese build for the ages. I was happy to learn that Leshan is also famous for its cooking. In quaint little Xiba Old Town, about 20 km from Leshan City, we feasted on Bobo Chicken, Qianwei Flatcake and Xiba Tofu, which is used to create more than 100 dishes. Even now, 20 or more years later, my mouth still waters at the memory. I hope someday to drive around China again and write about its two decades of changes, but next time around, I'm spending an entire month in Sichuan! DR. BILL BROWN is a professor at the Xiamen University MBA Center and Academic Director of its OneMBA program. China has "basically" achieved this year's steel and coal capacity reduction goals, according to a State Council statement. A statement released after a State Council executive meeting presided over by Premier Li Keqiang spoke highly of the results while noting problems such as uneven progress and certain companies seeking to add capacity. China is the world's largest producer and consumer of steel and coal. Cutting overcapacity is high a priority as the two industries have become a major drag on growth. Steel capacity is to be cut by between 100 and 150 million tonnes by 2020, including 45 million tonnes this year. This year's coal target was 250 million tonnes. As the task has finished ahead of schedule, the next step is to ensure the stated cuts are effective. The State Council will send investigators to Hebei and Jiangsu provinces to probe into cases where capacity cut rules were breached. In recent months, capacity cuts are said to have helped recovery in both steel and coal prices. The statement asked local governments to give financial support to and create jobs for workers made redundant by the cuts. In May, the Ministry of Finance announced 100 billion yuan (14.5 billion U.S. dollars) of aid for steel and coal companies to resettle laid-off workers. Mergers and acquisitions will be encouraged for further consolidation in the two industries, the statement said. The meeting also canceled 114 administrative approval items on professional qualifications and passed a draft revision to the law on unfair competition. European and Chinese politicians and business people have shared the view that the Belt and Road Initiative can lead to better connection between Europe and China after intense discussions at a panel of the two-day Hamburg Summit "China Meets Europe" which opened on Wednesday. Zhang Jianwei, vice chairman of Sinotrans & CSC Holdings Co. Ltd, said the Belt and Road Initiative offers many Chinese enterprises an opportunity to expand their market presence in countries and regions along the Belt and Road, so that a corridor connecting China and Europe can be built. Ellis Mathews, head of division for China at the European External Action Service, noted that the European level will further understand the Belt and Road initiative to formulate corresponding policies in order to match the EU side of the policy with the Chinese policy. Cooperating with China means a win-win situation for countries along the Belt and Road, said Jonathan Taylor, vice president of the European Investment Bank in Luxembourg. Jens Meier, chief executive officer of Hamburg Port Authority, said that understanding another country requires figuring out their education, culture, and economic system, and then negotiating to find best practices. The summit which is scheduled for Nov. 23 and 24 this year in the northern German city of Hamburg will deliver discussions, keynote speeches and panel meetings focusing on various topics, such as the fallout from Brexit, the Belt and Road Initiative and boosting efficiency in industrial manufacturing. Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong is expected to address the closing session on Thursday as the guest of honor of the conference. Initiated by the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce in 2004, the biennial summit serves as an important platform for discussing China-EU economic cooperation. You are here: Home Rising exports to China and Japan helped offset New Zealand's trade deficit in October, the government statistics agency said Friday. New Zealand's total goods exports rose 2.2 percent year on year last month to 3.9 billion NZ dollars (2.73 billion U.S. dollars), with dairy exports up 13 percent to 1.1 billion NZ dollars (770.99 million U.S. dollars). "We exported more butter for a higher price this month than October last year," international statistics manager Jason Attewell said in a statement. "We also exported more milk powder, but prices were similar." However, meat and edible offal exports, the second-largest export commodity group, fell 18 percent, or 71 million NZ dollars (49.76 million U.S. dollars). Exports to China were up 54 million NZ dollars (37.85 million U.S. dollars), or 7.9 percent, led by rises in logs, wood and wood articles, and in dairy products. Exports to Japan were up 28 million NZ dollars (19.62 million U.S. dollars), or 12 percent, led by rises in a range of commodities. Exports to New Zealand's three other main destinations -- Australia, the United States and the European Union -- were all down. The monthly trade balance was a deficit of 846 million NZ dollars (592.96 million U.S. dollars), or 22 percent of exports. In the previous five October months, the average trade deficit was 15 percent of exports. For the year ended October, the annual trade deficit was 3.3 billion NZ dollars (2.31 billion U.S. dollars). Australia's national airline Qantas has been named as the exclusive air freight provider to begin shipping fresh Tasmanian milk to Ningbo, China. Qantas and VAN Dairy announced its partnership on Thursday, with more than 50,000 liters of fresh milk to be shipped to China weekly. VAN Dairy spokesperson Sean Shwe said China's "huge demand" for fresh Australian milk and other produce was encouraging for all small Australian businesses. He added that Qantas was a vital partner in linking China's booming middle class to small-time Australian producers looking to secure a bigger slice of the export pie. "There is a huge demand for fresh milk in China and the key to satisfying that demand is having a reliable freight partner with an established freighter network, infrastructure and support in China and expertise in handling fresh produce - Qantas provides that," Shwe said in a statement on Friday. "Establishing this trade bridge is an exciting venture for our dairy company, and opens the door for access for other Tasmanian producers of fresh, perishables such as seafood, fruit and vegetables to air freight their produce on this direct flight to China." "It will be a game changer for Tasmania, and we are proud to be leading the charge." Meanwhile Qantas Freight's Alison Webster said the airline was "really pleased" to assist Tasmanian exporters in growing their businesses in China. "Over the past three years Qantas Freight has developed particularly strong capabilities in dairy export which, with its short-life, requires close collaboration to ensure on time delivery and quality control throughout the supply chain." "We're really pleased to partner with VAN Dairy to help meet the booming demand for fresh Tasmanian milk in China - it's the ultimate milk run." The weekly service, on board a 767-300F aircraft, is expected to begin early next year, with capacity to expand the service in the future. Yan Xingfeng, a student at north China's Shanxi Agricultural University, has turned his back on education, for the time being. Instead of juggling his startup business idea with his senior-year studies, Yan turned to a different choice. "I'm going to take a gap year so I can fully devote myself to making a go of my business," he said. In September, the provincial government released a plan on innovation and entrepreneurship in college, which allows students to take a gap year to explore their business ideas. Students can earn credits if they successfully start a business, register a patent or publish a paper during their gap year. "Many universities are mulling measures like this. A systematic and official plan to deepen reform is just what they need," said Zhang Cunwei, head of higher education at the provincial education department. "The new measures offer students the opportunity to really understand their market, discover -- and solve -- real problems, and make sure they have identified the right area to start a business," he said. "We also hope to nurture talented individuals, helping them to become the candidates companies need -- as not all will succeed and many will still need to find a job after graduation." Ma Hongjun, a first-year postgraduate student, started to grow cherry tomatoes when he was just a freshman at Shanxi Agricultural University. According to Ma, taking a gap year provides more options for startups."My business is closely related to my degree, so I can balance my business and studies. But for those who cannot handle the two at the same time, a gap year would be a blessing." Following a failed attempt, Ma now leads a team that supports the business endeavor by growing quality vegetables. They even provide lessons to pre-schoolers and primary school students. In May last year, the State Council, China's cabinet, posted guidelines on an innovation and entrepreneurship education system at the college and university level, with the aim to improve the quality of talent and encourage more college students to start their own businesses by 2020. Many provinces and municipalities across China have come up with their own plans to carry out the reform. "Entrepreneurial success is, after all, a small probability event. But success is never our only goal," said Xiong Bingqi, deputy dean of the 21st Century Education Research Institute. "Most startups learn and thrive from failures, which is the essence of our entrepreneurship education." You are here: Home A new weekly injectable HIV drug has proved effective in clinical trials in Beijing. If approved by the China Food and Drug Administration, Albuvirtide could be the first long-acting HIV drug to hit the market, making China a world leader in HIV drug research and development. The drug is a new fusion inhibitor, or antiretroviral drug, and has the potential to reduce the viral load in the blood of an HIV-positive individual, and lower the risk of transmission. Experts from the administration visited Beijing You An Hospital and Capital Medical University on Wednesday to check the results of the clinical trials. Dr. Xie Dong, head of the Albuvirtide's R&D team, says the interim results show that the drug in combination is safe, effective, and practical. He said the new drug is a big improvement on standard triple-drug therapies, in that it only requires patients to receive a weekly injection along with an orally taken protease inhibitor. At 48 weeks, 80.4% of the albuvirtide group had viral loads below 50 copies/ml, compared to 66% of those in the triple-drug group. So far, clinical trials have been conducted in 12 cities in China. Every village in China will have access to asphalt roads by 2020, as part of efforts to lift more rural areas out of poverty, the vice-minister of transport said on Thursday. "By 2020, most impoverished areas will have access to freeways, and counties will be connected to highways where possible," Dai Dongchang said at a news conference in Beijing arranged by the State Council Information Office. "Townships and villages will have asphalt roads and operational buses, and a comprehensive transport network will be formed. No village will be left behind." Transportation is a fundamental requirement for social and economic development, he said. "Better roads lead to better lives." The central government has set a goal to lift 70 million people out of poverty and build a moderately well-off society by 2020. To achieve this, the ministry has set a series of goals for the next five years to link poverty-stricken and isolated areas with the outside world, including: Renovating 16,000 kilometers of freeways and about 46,000 km of highways by 2020; Constructing about 195,000 km of asphalt road between townships and villages by 2019; Supporting 1,177 poverty-stricken counties in building better roads, almost double the number in the previous five years; Improving safety on rural highways by renovating 300,000 km, including upgrading 15,000 bridges and widening lanes. Ou Qingping, deputy director of the State Council Leading Group of Poverty Alleviation and Development, said when he visits poor regions, the most urgent need is to build roads. "I visited a poverty-stricken village in Luocheng county in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region last year," he said. "I asked the village head what had been most effective in alleviating poverty in the past few years and he said road access. "Because of the road, the village's sugar cane can now be transported to the outside world and sells for a considerable price." In Aksupa township, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, villagers grow cotton and rear sheep. "Many villages are near the Taklamakan desert, very isolated and have little access to transport links," said Li Xinyun, a township government employee. "Because of this, many villagers live in poverty. In the past two years, many villages have gained access to asphalt roads, and it's become much more convenient to transport agricultural products and make good money. "Families that had 100 sheep now can breed 300 because they can easily transport livestock to market," he said. A small community theater in Montana experienced big drama when actors in New York singled out the vice president-elect after a performance last week. Hamilton: An American Musical is playing on Broadway. Last Friday, Vice President-elect Mike Pence attended the show, where actor Brandon Victor Dixon called out to Pence to stand up for all Americans. We, sir we 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, Dixon said. We truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us. The next morning, Denise Rose, executive director of the Hamilton Playhouse in Hamilton, Mont., said her phone woke her up about 6 a.m. My Twitter account was going crazy, Rose said. I thought, Its too early. Rose said she discovered her phone was buzzing from the wrath of people 2,415 miles away angered by the interaction between the musical Hamilton's actor and Pence. The two Twitter monikers are similar @hamiltonplayers compared to @hamiltonmusical. But the number of Twitter followers is not: 47 for the Montana theater, 451,000 for the Broadway musical. My phone would go crazy in clumps of 10 to 15, then an hour later all the re-tweets started again, Rose said. We were getting tweets calling us racist, untalented, disrespectful and more. Tweets included: The cast of your show is disgusting! Rude to a wonderful man & his family! Very contentious example for social discourse. You're forcing public to believe one way. What a DISGRACE by the actors & writer BASHING a great American who loves his country! People mistakenly called for us to be boycotted for our behavior towards Vice President-elect Mike Pence, Rose said. I was thinking how far can this get? One tweet was '#think' and I thought, Seriously? Maybe you should be paying attention. It was shocking to me.'' What alarmed Rose was when outraged people followed the link to the Hamilton Playhouse Facebook page and started giving one star reviews and nasty posts. One Facebook post said, Really disgusting what your cast and crew did to Presidential Elect ...Mike Pence last night. Its one thing to be rude to someone like Pence, whom can forgive and forget, but its another thing to insult him when his boss Donald Trump NEVER forgives and forgets. Would never support anything these disgraceful actors and crew do in the future on any other projects they may work on. Doubt they will be getting much work after this anyway.you just offended 50% of the country just like Hillary did and look what happen to her. Another Facebook post said, Disgusting behavior your company allowed last night to the elected VP. You provide a service that he paid for & I'm sure it wasn't to be harassed! The arrogance of the show & actors to inject themselves into an issue that was settled on Nov. 8th. Rose said that with the jump to Facebook she realized the posts could harm the Hamilton Playhouse. She stepped into action, replying to everyone to let them know they had the wrong organization. I asked them why they gave us a bad review, she said. I said you know youre talking to a small non-profit community theater across the country in Hamilton, Montana. I was able to get them to remove the bad posts, but it's taken a lot of time and energy. Rose said that once she started contacting those who voiced outrage, she started getting online apologies. Some people followed us then tweeted on our behalf saying they are a good organization, Rose said. Luckily, as of today, all the bad reviews were removed and most of the original posters on Twitter have apologized or removed the tweets. That didn't stop people from re-tweeting the posts before they were removed, but I'm hopeful that we stopped the issue before it could do too much harm. Rose said locally the Hamilton Playhouse did get a couple of nice tweets and supportive entries on Facebook. There has been no local negativity, Rose said. She has not been to New York to see Hamilton: An American Musical, but watched the PBS special about it. Im obsessed with the soundtrack and a big fan of the author, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rose said. It will go on tour and when it comes to Seattle, Ill go. It's been an interesting few days. Thank goodness, we are 3,000 miles away from the epicenter and other than a few misinformed people, we are unlikely to be damaged by it. Of course, donations by way of apology are always welcome! Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a leaders' meeting on the Iranian nuclear issue under a sexpartite framework, in Washington D.C., the United States, April 1, 2016. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Since July 2015 when Iran and six major powers successfully reached a deal on the nuclear issue (JCPOA), a new era opened for Iran-China cooperation. The starting point was Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Tehran last January, during which 17 agreements were signed, and agreement reached on drafting a document for 25-year mutual cooperation. Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan's recent visit to Tehran is another important development. The two sides reached agreement on developing military cooperation and joint efforts to fight terrorism. Within the last few decades, security-defense cooperation between the two countries has been one of the main pillars of their relationship. Therefore, given the effective role such cooperation has played in overall Iran-China relations, the key question now is: in the current international situation, what are their shared military-defense interests? The arms trade could be considered a good starting point. Exchanges began in 1981 and have persisted ever since. According to published statistics, from 1981 to 2015 the value of Iran's arms purchases from China has been about US$4.259 billion. Such a considerable volume of arms trade and its continuity through decades show the scope of the persistent shared interests in this sphere. Currently, China is one of the world's leading arms exporters, overseeing a sales increase of 143 percent from 2009 to 2014. Iran is one of the most important markets. In the current post-JCPOA era, international restrictions on Iran's security-defense relations with the other countries are diminishing and, by trying to increase its arms purchases, Iran aims at improving its status in the Middle East regional military balance. The similarities in the two countries' strategic view on international security, their long record of defense cooperation and their mutual political trust provide the necessary basis for further development. The two countries hold similar views on the definition of terrorism, its roots and the ways to fight against it. Moreover, both are facing actual terrorist threats. Thus, again, there is a solid foundation of shared security interests. Cooperation between the two countries here is somewhat new, but globalization and the complexities of modern types of terrorism of which ISIS is the main symbol and also the revitalization of terrorist groups in Afghanistan and parts of Central Asia and the Middle East, have increased the threats both countries face and also created new areas for potential cooperation and coordination. Intelligence-sharing about the activities of terrorist groups, conducting joint anti-terrorism military exercises and creating mechanisms for regular bilateral dialogue and exchange of experiences are some possible areas that could provide a basis for expanding Iran-China cooperation in the field. Recent developments in Afghanistan and the Middle East have created new areas of shared security interests between the two countries. The security perspective of Afghanistan, as the common neighbor of Iran and China, has become increasingly complicated and the role and status of the involved actors at the internal, regional and international levels are evolving. Iran and China have matching approaches towards Afghanistan. This very fact, together with the importance of Afghanistan's stability and development for the both countries and also their shared concern of expanding terrorism, especially ISIS affiliates inside Afghanistan, suggests that consultations and cooperation for enhancing stability in that country is a potential new area of Tehran-Beijing shared interests. In addition, the collapse of regional order in the Middle East, and the spread of insecurity over a vast area, have created common security challenges for the two countries. Expanding bilateral cooperation to effectively overcome increasing challenges in the Middle East seems likely. Overall, new potential in the field of arms trade, shared interests in fighting terrorism and the developing crises in Afghanistan and the Middle East, have created new contexts for expansion and deepening of the defense-security ties in the new era. Mohsen Shariatinia is an assistant professor of regional studies at Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. Hamid Reza Azizi is an assistant professor of regional studies at Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Flash A system of 'emergency' consular liaison volunteers will be formally launched by China's Foreign Ministry by the end of the year. The service, offered by its overseas embassies and consulates, will give help to Chinese citizens in the first instance if they find themselves in difficulty abroad, reports the Beijing News. It comes as an increasing number of Chinese people travelling around the world for business or tourism, encounter problems as they go. The first batch of 27 Chinese residents from 23 countries has arrived in Beijing for an 11-day consular protection liaison training programme. They will be given an understanding of China's diplomatic work and consular protection, and related legal issues, as well as required knowledge and skills such as security and emergency rescue. The ministry started to pilot the consular protection liaison system at the beginning of this year in Chinese embassies and consulates in 20 countries, following the experience of several pioneer embassies and consulates. As embassy and consulate staff are limited, it has become necessary to utilize civil resources efficiently, said Yang Shu, executive deputy director of the ministry's Centre for Consular Assistance and Protection. When Chinese citizens encounter problems in foreign countries, consular protection liaison volunteers can go to their aid if embassy and consulate staff cannot arrive immediately, said Yang. The liaison volunteers are mainly Chinese residents in foreign countries, Yang said, they are not officials of the embassies and consulates, but offer services to Chinese citizens on a voluntary basis. Details on how they are selected, and the kinds of things they should do, and what support they can get will be further explained after the establishment of the system, said Yang. Yin Fei, an inspector with the Beijing Government's Foreign Affairs Office, said although the Chinese government has the responsibility to help Chinese citizens when they meet with danger or difficulties in foreign countries, consular protection is not unlimited. China's consular protection will only be offered to people with Chinese nationality, with the willingness of the citizen, and within the framework of law, Yin said. As an example, If a Chinese citizen doesn't follow the instructions of a foreign museum and breaks a cultural relic there, consular protection will include negotiating with the foreign government to treat the person concerned humanely and protect his necessary legal rights such as finding lawyers, contacting relatives and offering translation services, said Yin. "However, our government, embassies and consulates, cannot work beyond the law," he said. "We can help you, but cannot exempt you from legal punishment or compensation." Flash The 90th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City kicked off on Thursday among unprecedented law enforcement presence as millions of spectators gathered along the route to marvel at the annual spectacle. Approximately three thousand law enforcement officers, many of them carrying assault rifles and walking bomb-sniffing dogs, were deployed within and around the parade route. More than 80 sand-filled sanitation trucks could be seen at key points including street intersections, serving as barriers against potential attacks. The heightened security force came as a recent arrest of a Brooklyn resident who allegedly attempted to join ISIS and expressed support of a terrorist attack in New York City. However, city officials said there was no specific or credible threat. The parade stated around 9 a.m. from Upper West Side of Manhattan and proceeded to Macy's flagship store at Herald Square on 34th Street. Famous for the huge balloons and floats, this year' s parade featured 16 giant character balloons, 27 smaller novelty balloons, 26 floats, more than one thousand cheerleaders and clowns, 16 marching bands and performance groups. The floats included one from Chengdu, China. Featuring pandas, the Dujiangyan dam and Qingcheng mountain, the float attracted lasting applauses and cheers. "It was so exciting to see the parade in person," said Maxine Thomas from the state of Texas. 3.5 million people were expected to come and see the nationally televised parade that kicks off the holiday shopping season. Another 50 million will be watching the celebration from home. Flash A suicide tanker truck bomb attack on Thursday killed some 80 Shiite pilgrims, including 24 Iranians, at a fuel station in Babil province in south of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, security sources said. The attack occurred in the afternoon when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive-laden tanker truck at a fuel station in the town of Shomali in east of the provincial capital city of Hillah, some 100 km south of Baghdad, destroying buses carrying Iranian pilgrims and many nearby vehicles. The pilgrims were returning home after observing a major ritual of Arbaeen in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, some 110 km south of Baghdad. The Shiite Muslims had already observed the death day of Imam Hussein, one of the Shiites' twelve most revered Imams killed in 680 A.D. and buried in Karbala, on Oct. 12, in a ritual named Ashura Day, but they usually continue their mourning until the ritual of al-Arbaeen, or 40 days after the Imam's death, which took place on Nov. 21. The massive blast killed and wounded more than 100 people, but the security officials gave conflicted reports about the exact number of casualty. However, the Iraqi NINA news agency quoted Falah Radhi al-Khafaji, the head of the security committee of Babil's provincial council as saying that the massive blast killed 80 people and wounded 31. Many of the casualties at the busy fuel station were Iranian and Pakistani nationals, NINA said. For its part, Iran condemned the terrorist attack and confirmed the death of 24 Iranian pilgrims, according to official IRNA news agency. "It is an indication of frustration," IRNA quoted Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi as saying. The terrorists launched such attacks to compensate for the repeated defeats they have suffered recently, Qasemi said. "Such brutal and inhuman acts are not going to affect the determination of the Iraqi people and its government; neither could they disrupt the Islamic republic's joint fight with Iraq against terrorism," he said. Later in the day, the Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that an Iraqi suicide bomber, named Abu Fahad, struck buses carrying Shiite pilgrims, including Iranians, at the Shomali fuel station and the nearby Anwar Babil restaurant near the highway, according to an online statement, of which the authenticity could not be independently verified. The Iraqi President Fuad Masoum strongly condemned the attack that killed many civilians, most of who were women and elderly. Masoum expressed his "deep sadness to the death and wound of Iraqi people, Iranian, Pakistan and Muslim pilgrims from other countries." The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), in a statement condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist truck bombing near the city of Hilla in the Babil province, saying that the IS extremist group is seeking to avenge their losses in the IS-held city of Mosul in northern Iraq. "This cowardly suicide attack is deliberately aimed at exacting maximum casualties among civilians. Many of the victims were pilgrims returning from the Arbaeen commemoration in the City of Karbala," the statement quoted the UN envoy to Iraq and the UNAMI chief Jan Kubis as saying. The bombing underscores the importance of the ongoing fight against IS militant group in Mosul, the capital of Nineveh province. "The more Daesh (IS group) feels cornered on the frontlines, the more they may seek to avenge their losses with attacks against unarmed civilians," Kubis said. Thursday's attack came as the Iraqi forces and allied paramilitary units, known as Hashd Shaabi, are surrounding the city of Mosul to drive out the IS militants from their last major stronghold in Iraq. The IS terrorist group frequently carried out such suicide attacks against Shiite pilgrims who perform communal rituals in Iraq, in an attempt to provoke sectarian strife in the violence-shattered country. Terrorist acts, violence and armed conflicts killed 1,792 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 Islamic States, on the U.S., which invaded and occupied Iraq in March 2003. You are here: Home Flash At least 12 people were killed on Thursday by shelling on rebel-held areas in Syria's northern city of Aleppo, a monitor group reported. Aerial and ground shelling by the government forces targeted rebel-held areas in the eastern part of Aleppo, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Meanwhile, the Qatari-based al-Jazeera TV said the death toll in eastern Aleppo has risen to over 50. The Observatory, which claims to rely on a network of activists on ground, said the shelling came amid ongoing battles between the Syrian army and the rebels in Masaken Hanano, an area in eastern Aleppo that the former has recently infiltrated. The Syrian opposition has repeatedly accused the government forces of shelling eastern Aleppo, while official media outlets accuse the rebels of constantly firing mortars and rockets on residential areas in western Aleppo. For months, the Syrian government and Russia have been urging rebels to leave Aleppo, offering them safe passages to other rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib. The rebels, however, turned down all offers, which has resulted in intensified violence. Flash Kurdish-led rebels were closing in on a key city held by the Islamic State (IS) group near Turkey's border, a monitor group reported on Thursday. The Jaish al-Thuwar group, Al-Baab Military Council and other rebel groups fighting under the flag of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were 10 kilometers from the city of al-Baab, the last IS stronghold in the countryside of the northern city of Aleppo, according to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Over the past 48 hours, the U.S.-backed SDF has advanced in the IS-held towns and villages in the countryside of al-Baab, a strategic city that would link all Kurdish-controlled areas in northern Syria together. Meanwhile, Turkish-led Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels were also approaching al-Baab from another front, reported to be only one kilometer from the city. Ankara has repeatedly said it won't allow the Kurds to link their areas in northern Syria, vowing to shatter their dream for autonomy. Meanwhile, the Syrian government deems the Turkish intervention in northern Syria as military occupation of the country's land, as al-Baab is also important for the Syrian army. In case the Ankara-backed FSA takes control of al-Baab, it will open a new battlefront for the Syrian army in northern Aleppo, as it is busy trying to secure the rebel-held areas of eastern Aleppo. Flash Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and the leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Rodrigo Londono, signed a revised peace agreement on Thursday. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos (L, front) and the leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Rodrigo Londono (R, front), shake hands during the signing ceremony of a revised peace agreement between the Colombian government and FARC at Colon Theater in Bogota, capital of Colombia, on Nov. 24, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] This came less than two months after a plebiscite narrowly rejected the original agreement, which took four years to negotiate. In his speech, London apologized to the victims of the conflict in the name of the FARC, and hailed the new agreement as the common wish of all Colombians to end the war. "Words are the only weapons that Colombians allow us to use," said Londono, who called on the former enemies to co-exist despite their differences. Santos said the revised agreement was the result of a rigorous discussion between the government and FARC, who had gathered for weeks in Havana, Cuba, to consider proposals to those who opposed the first peace agreement. Santos stated that peace must be the most important topic for any nation and that Colombia should become an example in a world riven by conflicts. "Building a country at peace is the most ambitious and transformational project that any generation has ever had the opportunity to fulfill. I cannot imagine a more noble, a more sublime task, a more elevated effort than protecting life and building peace," he stated. Unlike the previous agreement, this new deal will not be subject to a public vote but will have to be approved by Congress over the course of the next week. Within 90 days after the approval, the FARC will begin to lay down arms. And within five months, all the weapons of the FARC will be in the hands of the UN. You are here: Home Flash Iran's Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that at least 40 Iranian pilgrims were killed in Iraq's Thursday suicide bomb attack, State IRINN TV reported. Also, 20 other Iranian pilgrims were injured in the attack, Iran's deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Qashqavi was quoted as saying. A suicide tanker truck bomb attack on Thursday killed some 80 Shiite pilgrims and wounded 31 at a fuel station in Babil province in south of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, Iraq's security sources said. The pilgrims were returning home after observing a major Shiite ritual of Arbaeen in the holy city of Karbala, some 110 km south of Baghdad. Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi condemned the terrorist attack, saying that "It is an indication of frustration," official IRNA news agency reported. The terrorists launched such attacks to compensate for the repeated defeats they have suffered recently, Qasemi said. "Such brutal and inhuman acts are not going to affect the determination of the Iraqi people and its government; neither could they disrupt the Islamic republic's joint fight with Iraq against terrorism," he said. "Iran's Foreign Ministry and the Islamic republic's embassy in Baghdad are seriously pursuing the case," he added. You are here: Home Flash Fires on Thursday forced a widespread evacuation in Haifa, as foreign countries sent in firefighting planes to help put out a three-day wave of forest fires throughout Israel. A picture taken on November 24, 2016 shows a bushfire raging in the northern Israeli port city of Haifa. [Photo/Xinhua] Tens of thousands of residents from around 11 neighborhoods were forced to evacuate the areas immediately, along with Haifa University and many businesses. In addition, the municipality transferred hundreds of pupils from nearby kindergartens and schools to alternative schools. "We have no control of the fire; we are in a state of war," a senior police official told Channel 2 TV news. Firefighting teams and planes struggled with multiple blazes in the area from the Carmel ridge to the Mediterranean coast. Other teams fought fires near the coastal city of Caesarea, Rishon LeZion city south of Tel Aviv, the Wadi Ara region in northern Israel, and in Jerusalem. The fires spread quickly amidst exceptionally dry and windy weather. Live television broadcasts showed heavy smoke spreading to nearby neighborhoods as residents ran out of their homes carrying bags or their pets. The Fire and Rescue Service declared "a state of emergency," and 300 firefighter reservists from the Homefront Command were called to duty. The Homefront Command also deployed two Search and Rescue battalions in Haifa, Israel's third-largest city, a military spokesperson said in a statement. Three Greek firefighting planes, capable of refilling their water tanks at sea, arrived in Haifa, to help hundreds of local firefighters put out the fires. Three more planes are expected from Turkey, which renewed its diplomatic relations with Israel in June. A statement released by the Prime Minister's Office said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone with Russia President Vladimir Putin asking for assistance. Putin told Netanyahu he will send two B-200 planes, each capable of carrying 13,000 liters of water and flame retardants, according to the statement. Firefighting planes from Croatia, Cyprus, and Italy are also expected to land at a military base in Israel on Thursday, following the government's request for international help. Uri Chibotero, Haifa district's Fire Service spokesman, said that the fires erupted simultaneously in at least four areas in the coastal city of Haifa, reinforcing suspicions that arson was involved. However, Luba Samri, police spokeswoman said that police forces are still investigating if arson caused the fires. A shortage of rain since the beginning of the winter season, combined with days of dry air and strong easterly winds, stoked the fire, spreading it across central and northern Israel. The fires started on Tuesday near Neve Shalom, a community between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, forcing the evacuation of the entire community. Further forest fires caught dozens of other regions from Jerusalem to Nahariya, Israel's northernmost coastal city. According to Magen David Adom, Israel's medical emergency service, at least 21 people, including five toddlers, needed medical care for smoke inhalation. However, there were no reports of serious injuries. MetaoTech weather service said the dry and windy weather conditions are expected to last until the start of next week. In 2010, a massive forest fire in the Carmel ridge in northern Israel, which erupted under similar weather conditions, raged for days, killing 42 people. The media harshly criticized Netanyahu back then for procrastinating in asking help from the international community. The incident led to reforming firefighting services, including establishing an airborne firefighting squadron. Flash The common interests between China and the United States far outweigh their differences no matter how the leadership changes in the U.S., a senior Chinese official said on Wednesday. The 27th Session of the China-U.S. Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) is held in Washington D.C., capital of the United States, on Nov. 23, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] "Our two countries enjoy a high degree of complementarity in our economic cooperation, which has brought tangible benefits to our business communities and to our two peoples. These realities will not be changed by the (U.S. presidential) election," Zhang Xiangchen, China's deputy international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce told Xinhua at a press briefing for the 27th Session of the China-U.S. Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) held here. Zhang said he felt strongly that business communities on the both sides have a strong desire to deepen economic cooperation between the two countries and this will not be changed either, after attending the JCCT and other trade events over the past several days. "No matter how the leadership changes in the United States, the shared interests of our two countries far outweigh our differences," he said, noting that bilateral trade between China and the U.S. reached 558.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2015, an increase of 228 times from 1979 when the two countries established diplomatic relations. Zhang said it's "quite normal" for China and the U.S. to "have some frictions and differences" as the world' s two largest economies expand the scale of economic and trade cooperation and their interests become more intertwined. But the two sides need to work together to resolve their disparities and "take a constructive approach" in managing those differences that cannot be resolved by the two countries, he said. Zhang stressed that China has "paid close attention" to the remarks made by U.S. President-elect Trump during the presidential campaign, particularly his remarks on the U.S.-China economic and trade relations, and that China is also "closely observing" what he will do after he takes office. Responding to a question about Trump's proposals to impose steep tariffs on Chinese imports, Zhang said Trump will be reminded that the United States" should honor its obligations" at the World Trade Organization (WTO) after he moves into the White House. China, as a member of the WTO, has also the right to defend its rights and interests in accordance with the WTO rules, he added. Zhang said he's "confident" that China is capable of dealing with these issues and that China has good dialogue mechanisms with the U.S. administration on economic and trade policies to ensure that their relations will move forward "on a healthy track" . Launched in 1983, the JCCT was the first high-level economic dialogue mechanism between China and the U.S., and plays an important role in China-U.S. economic cooperation and addressing economic and trade frictions. POLSON A 3-year-old boy riding a bicycle in a Pablo trailer park died after being backed over by a vehicle. The Montana Highway Patrol said a vehicle was backing out of a parking space shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday when the child was struck. Phillip Shourds Jr. died at the scene, said Lake County Sheriff Don Bell. The driver fled, but was stopped by a state trooper a few minutes later and arrested in Ronan, Bell said. The 17-year-old driver was cited for negligent homicide and failure to remain at the scene. The boy's body was taken to the state crime lab in Missoula for an autopsy. The case is still under investigation. You are here: Home Flash Thai prosecutors have charged a string of tour operators with ripping off Chinese tourists, police said yesterday, as the kingdom cracks down on scams targeting its most lucrative visitors. China sends more people to Thailand than any other nation and tourism remains one of the few bright spots in the nation's otherwise bleak economy. But complaints have soared in recent years over dodgy tour guides and practices, particularly so-called "zero-dollar" scams. Such schemes promise Chinese package tourists an impossibly cheap or free holiday only to pile on excessive charges once they arrive in the country. Prosecutors this week charged 13 people from seven different Thai tour operators. "They are charged with organized crime offenses, joint money laundering and illegally running tourist operations without permission," a police spokesman told reporters. Local media, citing Bangkok's Criminal Court, said the companies made as much as US$2.7 million through the scams. In recent years China has played a major role in keeping Thailand's tourist boom rolling. Tourism authorities say they are on course to receive a record 32 million visitors this year, up from 30 million last year. Nearly a third will come from China with 9.1 million expected, a 14 percent increase. Thailand's junta, which has moved closer to Beijing since seizing power in 2014, is desperate to avoid any tail-off in Chinese numbers. So far tourists have kept coming despite some major setbacks. Last year 20 people were killed, most of them ethnic Chinese tourists, when a bomb went off at a shrine in the center of Bangkok. Two ethnic Uygurs are on trial over the attack. Authorities are keen to stamp out scams, aware they can do just as much to damage tourism as bombs. "These scandals not only impact the country's economy... it also impacts our reputation," the spokesman said. "In turn we expect to receive more quality tourists coming in, not just Chinese but other nationalities too." You are here: Home Flash Two militants and a trooper were killed in a fierce gunfight Friday in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said. The gunfight broke out at village Naidkhai-Hajin in Bandipora district, about 38 km north of Srinagar city. "Two militants were killed in a gunfight today at Naidkhai-Hajin village," an army spokesman said. "A soldier was also killed fighting these militants." The army spokesman claimed recovery of two assault rifles and some ammunition from the gunfight site. Police officials said the area was cordoned off following intelligence inputs regarding presence of militants in the area. Following the culmination of gunfight, hundreds of villagers took to streets to protest militant killings. The protesters shouted pro freedom and anti-India slogans. Though bodies of slain militants were taken to a local police station, the villagers were seeking return of the bodies to be buried at local "martyrs" graveyard. Reports said the protests were going on until last reports poured in. On Tuesday also two militants were killed in a similar gunfight in the village. The gunfight comes at a time when armies of India and Pakistan indulge in deadly skirmishes on Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) almost on daily basis. Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan is claimed by both in full. Since their Independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir. BOZEMAN Montana State University political science professor Jerry Johnson pays tribute to a new generation of natural resource managers with his recent publication of the free eBook Wisdom of the Elders. The book is one of a three-piece set in the collection Explorations in Greater Yellowstone, which has been published online in order to celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service. Johnsons work is accompanied by photography, tables, charts and video and is an interactive way to learn about management practices in Yellowstone National Park. Wisdom of the Elders offers one interpretation on how we understand the Yellowstone region a vast as well as diverse piece of land set aside in 1872 by Congress. In his book Johnson, who is a professor in the Department of Political Science in the College of Letters and Science, focuses mainly on the management practices of the past 50 years. A long line of superintendents has overseen management in the park, and according to Johnson there is a lot to be gained in understanding the approach of successful park managers like the late Bob Barbee, a former superintendent, former fisheries biologist John Varley and current superintendent Dan Wenk. Johnson crossed paths with Barbee through his personal research on the Wests changing political economy. He was interested in predator management and turned to Barbee. During Barbees 11 years in Yellowstone he witnessed the 1988 fires, grizzly bear recovery and help lay the early groundwork for the reintroduction of gray wolves. How did this guy approach that really difficult job? Johnson asked. The nation was his clientele. According to Johnson, the recent generation of Yellowstone officials have shown that managing parks is as much about overseeing people as it is about caring for wildlife. Parks are not only ecologically complex. They are socially complex, Johnson said. (As a superintendent) you have to understand people thats the recipe for enlightened management. Inspired by Barbees career as well as those of men like Varley and Wenk, Johnson hopes Wisdom of the Elders will not only inform, but also help build appreciation for these people who are really good at what they do, he said. If you didnt have people like Barbee and Varley in the National Park Service, the U.S. wouldnt be a leader in national park management, Johnson said. Johnsons work was published at the beginning of September. Barbee passed away on Oct. 2 at the age of 80 22 years after leaving Yellowstone. China Aviation Daily | Nov. 25, 2016 Boeing and Vietnam Airlines celebrated the delivery of the flag carrier's 10th 787-9 Dreamliner today. "Vietnam Airlines is proud to welcome our 10th Boeing 787 Dreamliner on behalf of Vietnam Airlines, only 16 months after we took delivery of the first of these state-of-the-art new aircraft," said Phan Xuan Duc, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines. "The 787 is one of the keys to our fleet expansion plans, and plays a vital role in enabling us to offer customers four-star quality of service and establish Vietnam Airlines among the leading carriers in Asia." The airline took delivery of its first 787 Dreamliner in July 2015 and has nine more 787s on order. "We are honored to deliver the 10th 787 Dreamliner to Vietnam Airlines, building on our more than 20 years of partnership to advance Vietnam's aviation industry," said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president, Asia Pacific & India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 787 Dreamliner has enabled Vietnam Airlines to profitably operate key routes such as Hanoi to Heathrow and Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney, while providing their customers with the best passenger experience available." The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an all-new, super-efficient family of commercial airplanes that brings big-jet ranges and speed to the middle of the market. Boeing designed the 787 family with superior efficiency, allowing airlines to open new routes profitably and fly directly where passengers wish in exceptional comfort. The 787 family uses 20 to 25 percent less fuel with 20 to 25 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes they replace. Since entering service in 2011, the 787 has flown more than 125 million passengers on more than 530 routes around the world, including more than 120 new nonstop routes made possible through its efficiency. Contributed by Boeing CODY The refilling of Willwood Dam in Wyoming is on hold until state officials can meet in Casper to determine the next step. The Cody Enterprise reports that Park County Commissioners sent a letter to Gov. Matt Mead last week asking him to delay the reservoir filling to help prevent siltation in the Shoshone River. All five commissioners signed the letter saying they'd like to see the accumulated silt removed from the reservoir basin before it is filled up. Willwood Irrigation District manager Todd Singbeil says the refilling is on hold until state officials can meet on Dec. 1 or 2. The irrigation district is planning major repair work on the dam in the next five years and will need to empty the reservoir before proceeding with that work. A Chinese think tank is suggesting the country's outbound investment has entered a "golden era" of growth, despite a perceived rise in trade protectionism in various parts of the world. The Beijing-based Center for China and Globalization, a government-affiliated think tank, has published a new report on Chinese outbound investment. The Blue Book of Chinese Enterprise Globalization shows that Chinese companies invested a record $145.6 billion abroad last year, continuing a trend of growth over the past decade. Wang Huiyao is one of the authors of the report. "We saw three highlights in China's outbound investment over the last year. One, for the first time, China has seen a net outflow of capital. Two, we have surpassed Japan to become the second largest source of foreign investment in the world. And finally, China's investment in the United States has surpassed US investment into China." The report also shows outbound investment by countries around the world has rebounded to levels seen before the financial crisis hit in 2009. The bluebook notes total foreign direct investment globally last year reached $1.76 trillion, an annual growth of 38 percent. This comes against a backdrop of percieved increasing trade protectionism in certain parts of the world, evidenced by the Brexit vote and the election of Donald Trump in the US. Trump has already announced he will withdraw the US from the Trans-pacific Partnership, a trade agreement among 12 Pacific Rim countries. However, He Weiwen with the China Center for Globalization suggests the numbers point to globalization as an irreversible and unstoppable trend. "I don't think we will see a reversal of globalization because it is an economic law. No political intervention can fundamentally maneuver economic laws. Globalization is based on the division of responsibilities in modern mass production. It must lead to the optimal cross-border utilization of resources to create industry chains. " In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Belt and Road Initiatives a plan to revive trade among China and countries along the ancient Silk Road and the maritime Silk route. In putting together its latest report, the CCG has surveyed a number of Chinese companies investing abroad under the Belt and Road Initiatives. More than 70 percent of them say they're optimistic about the investment prospects in their destination countries. Nearly half of them say they plan to increase their investment in those countries. Analysis suggests the Belt and Road Initiatives are creating a new impetus for Chinese companies to invest abroad, likely leading to even greater outflows of investment, both in quantity and quality. Workers check the transmission equipment at a wind power farm in Chuzhou, Anhui province. [Photo/China Daily] ATHENS - Greece's Public Power Corporation (PPC) on Thursday cleared the sale of a 24 percent stake in the Greek power grid operator ADMIE to China's State Grid International Development, Greek national news agency AMNA reported. The approval came in an extraordinary general assembly for shareholders. The Chinese company won an international tender in October this year and was declared the preferred bidder by offering 320 million euros ($340 million). According to the timetable, which has already been ratified by the Greek parliament, the formal signing ceremony for the transfer of the stake will be held in early 2017. The sale of the stake in ADMIE was carried out in the framework of the Greek bailout program and wider efforts for the liberalization of the Greek energy market. The former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder speaks at the book presentation "Sigmar Gabriel - Patron und Provokateur" in Berlin, Germany, November 14 2016.[Photo/IC] HAMBURG - Former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has cautioned against a defensive approach to Chinese investment in Germany, saying that the German economy is dependent not only on foreign investment but also on foreign knowledge and know-how. "In times of great global changes, China and Germany are very important partners for each other...... Economic relations constitute an important component of this strategic partnership," Schroeder said in a keynote speech at the 7th "Hamburg Summit: China Meets Europe" which opened here Wednesday. "This economic exchange is enormously beneficial not only for the businesses in our two countries, but it is also important for the opening of both our societies, which can learn from one another's social traditions, values and attitudes," the former chancellor said. It is one of the German export-oriented economy's recipes for success that it fundamentally emphasises sustainable and fair cooperation, he said, adding that investment and openness are the elements that drive German economy forward. "Without them, we cannot advance. Germany should therefore not take a defensive approach to Chinese investment in our economy," Schroeder said. He said the Sino-German partnership is based on a common conception of the politics of international relations: the strengthening of multilateralism. "We must use the tool of international cooperation to solve old conflicts and stand united to fend off new threats." "In today's world, there is no country that can master all these new challenges alone," he said, noting that the tasks the world is facing require a strong and effective multilateral system. "This is why we must intensify the strategic partnership with China in all areas - in politics and culture, as well as in the economy and civil society," Schroeder said. The "Hamburg Summit: China Meets Europe" is a biennial event, first initiated by the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce in 2004. It serves as a major platform for comprehensive dialogue between China and Europe to enhance mutual understanding and improve economic relations. The seventh summit, which opened here Wednesday at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce in downtown Hamburg, was participated by at least 500 political, business and academic leaders. Through keynote speeches and panel discussions, the two-day meeting focuses on issues such as the internationalization of China's renminbi, industrial transformation in a digital world, and China's Belt and Road Initiatives. BEIJING - China will actively participate in bilateral and multilateral trade deals, regardless of developments to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deals, a commerce official said Thursday. China will work with all parties concerned to negotiate the RCEP and push for an conclusion as soon as possible, with full respect for the core status of ASEAN in the deal, Commerce Ministry spokesperson Shen Danyang said at a press conference. The comments came after US president-elect Donald Trump said he would withdraw the United States from the TPP, a free trade pact between 12 Asia-Pacific countries. Shen said China will continue to deepen reforms, open up its economy and cooperate with the World Trade Organization members to create a free and favorable environment for global trade. RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement between the 10 member states of ASEAN, China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India. Chinese banks are being encouraged to help Xiamen in Fujian province become a strategic pivot city in the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative. The China Banking Regulatory Commissions wants banks to back infrastructure construction including ports, railways, highways and airports. Head of the regulator's Xiamen office, Zhang Xintan, said the infrastructure was vital to build connections with countries along the route of the initiative. Under the guidance of the regulator, banks in the city are already supporting industry leaders to go overseas to work on engineering, metal smelting and power plant operation projects. They are also pushing the implementation of key foreign projects in Xiamen. For example, Bank of Chinas Xiamen branch supported IOI Group, a global integrated palm oil player in Malaysia, to invest $710 million in palm oil processing in Xiamen. As of the end of the third quarter in 2016, the banking sector in Xiamen provided finance totaling 68.4 billion yuan ($9.9 billion) to support construction along the route of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The volume of finance increased by 10.7 percent from the beginning of this year. China Development Bank's Xiamen senior executive Zhou Shulin highlighted both the economic and social benefits of supporting green development in relevant countries. CDB provided loans of $470 million to China Huadian Corporation for the construction of a power plant on the island of Bali, a popular tourist destination in Indonesia. The project used the company's latest environmentally-friendly power generating units, limiting emissions of sulfur dioxide, smoke dust and nitrogen oxide to well below Indonesia's national standards. It also reduced the pollution of a large power plant in a nearby area by building a fully enclosed circular coal yard. So far, CDB has extended project loans of $2.7 billion to support the construction of 11 power plants in Indonesia. The installed capacity of these power plants exceeded 6 million kilowatts, accounting for about 10 percent of the total in that country. Ji Guang, vice general manager of Lijiang-Shangri-La Expressway Investment Company, arrived at a construction site to oversee progress on the first expressway in the Tibetan areas of southwest China's Yunnan Province. The Lijiang-Shangri-La Expressway has drawn almost 5 billion yuan ($723 million) of investment this year. It is expected to cost a total of 22 billion yuan when it is finished by the end of 2019. Lijiang and Shangri-La are both popular tourist destinations in Yunnan. "It will shorten the driving time between Lijiang and Shangri-La from the current 3.5 hours to 1.5 hours upon completion," Ji said. Yunnan is one of several regions in central and western China experiencing a surge in fixed asset investment. So far, 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China have reported their fixed asset investment figures for the first three quarters of this year. Among them, western and central regions such as Yunnan saw significant investment growth, the Shanghai Securities News (SSN) said in a report on Thursday. The southwestern province of Guizhou recorded the highest investment growth rate of 21.7 percent year on year, followed by Tibet and Yunnan, also in the southwest. Other western and central regions such as Guangxi, Hubei, Sichuan and Chongqing also saw their investment grow by more than 12 percent year on year. Meanwhile, investment growth in infrastructure construction was above 20 percent in more than half of all the 31 localities, according to the SSN report. In western and central regions, the rate was even higher, with Inner Mongolia, Yunnan, Chongqing and Shaanxi all reporting growth of more than 30 percent year on year. "Investment in building infrastructure is an important support for all investment in the province, and we will try to get more projects under favorable state policies for western areas," Guizhou's provincial bureau of statistics said in an analysis of its investment figures. The statistics bureau of Hunan Province voiced a similar opinion, with a statement saying that the province will speed up construction of railways, parking lots and rural infrastructure. As China implements the Belt and Road Initiative by opening further to Central Asia and the Middle East, China's western inland regions are speeding up infrastructure construction, particularly transportation. In order to absorb more private capital into the building of infrastructure, China has been promoting public-private partnerships, a type of partnership between government and private organizations based on franchise agreements. The People's Bank of China has provided pledged supplementary lending (PSL) to financial institutions to fund housing renovation projects. PSL can effectively channel medium- and long-term loans to the infrastructure construction sector, said Peng Wensheng, economist with CITIC Securities. Xu Gao, chief economist with Everbright Securities, said investment in infrastructure is currently an important force to fuel economic growth at a time when exports and real estate investment are lackluster. Dong Di, head of the economic research institute at Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences, said that infrastructure in China's underdeveloped western regions is still insufficient, so there is a lot of room for investment in this area. "Investment is still a main engine for China's economic growth and it will continue to grow at a comparatively high speed within a certain period of time, but the regional differences will become obvious," said Feng Yongqi, associate professor at Jilin University. The well-developed eastern coast has less potential to attract fixed-asset investment, while central and western regions will continue their high-speed growth in investment, Feng said. Jussi Pylkkanen, global president of Christie's, takes a bid for a painting by Georges Seurat entitled Attelage Rural during the Impressionist and Modern Evening Art Sale in February 2015 in London, England. [Photo / Agencies] Top auctioneer says Chinese collectors playing a pivotal role in future market Jussi Pylkkanen thinks himself more of an aficionado and part of the cultural landscape - that connects museums, foundations and art dealers from the four corners of the earth - than the president of Christie's, one of the two biggest international auction houses. A fan of Chinese porcelain and England glass art works, the 53-year-old Pylkkanen, auctioneer at the center of the art world's biggest sales, believes China plays a pivotal role for the global market, as the Chinese continue to show ever-growing interest in art works and the fine art auction sales in China continue their inexorable rise of recent years. Under his leadership, Christie's recently opened its new central Beijing flagship center, amid a continued expansion in China. It is Christie's second venue on the Chinese mainland after its Shanghai branch, which opened in 2014. According to Pylkkanen, the auction house is continuing to grow and invest in here and the new Beijing space not only marks an important milestone during Christie's 250 year mission to connect art and collectors, but also illustrates the auction house's resolution to continue expansion in the country. Pylkkanen recently spoke with China Daily about his China strategy, leadership and personal life. The following are edited excerpts of the interview. Art collecting has been active and auctions have done well in China over the past few years as Chinese moguls have splashed out on masterworks. How do you describe Christie's business in China in recent years? China is an absolutely critical part of the international art market today. Over the last three years since our Shanghai office opened we have witnessed a huge growth in interest from Chinese collectors, in all areas of the international art market in Hong Kong, New York, London, Geneva and elsewhere. There is no question in years to come that the number of Chinese buyers - and also the interest shown by Western buyers in buying Chinese art - will grow very rapidly. We have witnessed this before when we opened our business in North America in 1977. Quickly the US became a critical part of the market for us. For a London-based company we are also a multicultural company with very significant operations across the world. How has Christie's expansion in China been going so far? What strategies will you adopt to expand your business in China? We already have three exhibition bases in China, which I am very proud of: the one in Hong Kong which we have continuously developed over 30 years, a very historical location in Shanghai and the new space in Beijing. We have exhibition spaces that no other business other than the local Chinese ones have. We are pleased to be the first Western company to have a broad, structured footprint in China and we will continuously grow. Is there a leadership style that is particularly effective in China? And what is the proportion of Chinese and expats in your management team in China? We are trying to make Chinese collectors comfortable to work with our business. We have opened many relationships over the past 250 years. We have strong resources and love to get very close to museums, collectors and young artists. It's a combination of the classical and the new here in China. And Christie's gives collectors an international platform, which is very important. The management team in China is 100 percent Chinese. We have a staff in China of almost fifty people. They are all from the Chinese mainland. We want to build a business, which is all about being in China and run by Chinese. How hot is the competition that Christie's faces in China? What do you do and what have you done to distinguish Christie's from other competitors? We don't see anybody working in the art market as being a competitor. We see them as part of the art landscape, that includes the museums, the foundations and the art dealers. It's one big community of art and culture. The more people dealing with art and culture, the better. We are leading our business with a team of many creative minds. What's your competitive edge in this community you described? We have very high selling rates. We deliver what we promise. We like to do things well. Our exhibition spaces in Beijing brought out the exhibition on Pablo Picasso and other Chinese artists and when we opened the space in Shanghai in 2014 we did the same thing. People know we take our responsibilities seriously. We make sure the culture of every nation and the art of every nation is well represented. I'm currently on a tour visiting museums, collectors and foundations and looking for exhibition spaces, and with all of them we want to reach out to the community better. What are the biggest achievements, opportunities and challenges for Christie's in China? If we look at the commercial side, 28 percent of our buyers last year came from Asia, and 40 to 50 percent of those were from China. We sold around 6 or 7 billion dollars of art work last year. It's a very healthy environment and many people want to create relationships with us. Some of them are buyers, some want to come and learn about the art market, and some come to the education courses provided by Christie's. In China we are launching a new education course with Yale University, based in Beijing. As more Chinese moguls buy world famous artworks, do you think there's now a trend of art collections housing a major portion of the wealth in global assets? People have been collecting art works for over two centuries. People have been collecting as a symbol of their wealth and their position for many years, hundreds of years, and it continues today. It's normal. It's part of a culture that we are all in. Some compare China's current art collecting phenomenon with that of Japan in the mid '80s, when wealthy Japanese were chasing impressionist masterpieces. What do you think? Japanese collectors have fantastic taste. They bought beautiful things and continue to buy beautiful pieces. The Chinese collectors are doing the same. There are sometimes financial ups and downs and I wouldn't call it a Japanese issue. The Japanese are continuing to collect art pieces and the Chinese are now, too. The Chinese are just more recently in the market than the Japanese. The Japanese have had a long time of collecting. Japan's economy subsequently went into deep recession due to the bursting of an asset bubble, and the art market followed. Will China experience a similar fate and how can it avoid that? I don't think so. The Chinese economy is very strong. As long as the Chinese economy or any economy in the world is strong, there will be individuals able and wanting to collect works of art. During your trips to China, is there a place that particularly impressed you? 0f all the places I have ever been to the Forbidden City is just incredible. I was able to go with our top specialist who showed me the wonderful pieces and porcelain in the museum. That was really a highlight for me. They are magnificent. What are your hobbies? How do you spend your time off duty while in China? I collect contemporary art from across the world. But I also collect art works like glass from my home country, England. It's very close to porcelain in China. What's your favorite piece of artwork? I love collecting art works and I'm a passionate collector of Scandinavian and modern British glass. And one of my favorites is Modigliani's Nu Couch, Reclining Nude. In recent years we have created very meaningful relationships with collectors in China and the Long Museum in China bought it last year. CV Age: 53 Career: 2014 onwords: Christie's Global President 2010: Chairman of Christie's Europe 2005: President of Christie's Europe 1995: Director of the Impressionist and Modern Art Department 1990: Moved to Christie's Impressionist and Modern Art Department 1986: Joined Christie's as a specialist in the Old Master and Modern Print Department Education: English Literature at Oxford University Family: Married and living in London Workers are busy at a distribution center of online retailer Amazon.com Inc before the Christmas season in Bad Hersfeld, Germany, on Nov 22,2016. [Photo / Agencies] The Chinese don't really celebrate Thanksgiving Day, the US public holiday. But Amazon.com Inc plans to make Black Friday, the US shopping season starting immediately after Thanksgiving, a big thing in China by offering online shoppers free cross-border shipping. In October, Amazon launched its membership program in China in an attempt to use a tailor-made free cross-border shipping service to lure the rising number of Chinese who seek for high-quality products from overseas. The membership programAmazon Prime Chinamakes subscribers the first in the world who can enjoy free cross-border shipping directly from the United States and the United Kingdom. With an annual subscription fee of 388 yuan ($57), the prime package offers unlimited free cross-border shipping on more than 4 million authentic overseas products and unlimited free shipping with no minimum purchase on more than 9 million domestic products. Amazon China Vice-President Elaine Chang said that the Nov 11 shopping festival in China and Black Friday were the two annual shopping highlights for many customers in China. "The reason that we launched Amazon Prime in China in late October was because we wanted our users to be able to enjoy free and fast delivery and have a better shopping experience when the big shopping season came," she said. With the Amazon Prime service, more consumption power is expected to be seen during the Black Friday shopping season. Created in 2005, Amazon Prime has attracted more than 65 million members in the US and acted as an effective catalyst to increase customer loyalty and boost sales. Lu Zhenwang, an internet analyst and chief executive of Wanqing Consultancy in Shanghai, said that the newly launched Amazon Prime China was expected to help the company boost sales among its existing customers in the country. "As soon as you join the membership, you will want to buy more because of the free shipping policy. And it is also likely to help the company gain new customers," he said. A worker uses a drone produced by drone maker DJI to spray pesticide on fields in Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua] DJI Innovation Technology Co, China's largest commercial drone manufacturer, launched an upgraded agricultural drone, the MG-1S on Monday and announced a series of financial services to support the drones' purchasing, operation and related training. Equipped with an advanced flight control system, radar and sensors, the MG-1S represents a breakthrough in flying stability, precision spraying and operational efficiency, and is capable of designing spraying routes and working automatically. In November 2015, Shenzhen-based DJI launched its first agricultural drone, the MG-1, marking its diversification into the industry-level drone market. The company said sales of MG-1 in Chinese market had reached more than 2,500 units so far, accounting for 70 percent of the domestic farm-specific drone market. It has set up more than 200 sales service stations in more than 30 provinces. Priced at 42,000 yuan ($6,071), the latest MG-1S is expected to start shipping in the first quarter of 2017. Cao Nan, the sales director of DJI's global agricultural drones, said: "We hope to cooperate with more farmland protection service providers, land contractors and financial firms in the fields of pilot training and employment, drones operation." Cao said due to the shortage of training and capital, many farmers could not afford agricultural drones, so DJI will put forward a batch of supportive measures such as purchase by installments, pilot training courses and employment opportunities with their partners to help these farmers. Jean Xiao, a research manager who tracks drones and wearable products at market research firm IDC, said: "The launch of DJI's new farm-specific drones will drive its competitors such as XAircraft Technology Co Ltd to accelerate the update of their related products." Three local Lions members were among the many District 5NW and state Lions honored at the annual Lions convention Oct. 28-29 in Rugby. Mandan Dacotah Lion and District 5NW Cabinet Secretary Sherry Fetch received three honors, while her husband, Arlen, the past Multi-District 5 council chair, received one award, and Past District Governor Pat Vannett received the endorsement of both District 5NW Lions and Lions from across the state for her candidacy for International Director of Lions International. Sherry Fetch received an International Presidents Certificate of Appreciation for fulfilling the mission of Lions International, along with a Multi-District 5 certificate of appreciation for her valuable contributions to the successful 2016 Lions Youth Exchange Camp held in Saskatchewan. In addition, she was elected to serve as second vice district governor on 5NW District Governor Mark Kollers district leadership team. Arlen Fetch received an International Presidents Certificate of Appreciation for his dedication and leadership as MD5 council chair during the 2015-16 term. The two-day Lions convention offered participants 45-minute breakout sessions on an eye cornea transplant, from a recipients point of view; parliamentary procedure, presented by Rugby High School FFA members; and a narrated slide presentation on the journey of a pair of eyeglasses donated to North Dakota Lions. Keynote speakers highlighting the two-day convention included second-year Lions International Director Jerome Thompson of Moulton, Ala., and Katie Dilse, a motivational speaker, ranch wife and mother from Scranton. China's Global Newspaper Sorry, the page you requested was not found. Please check the URL for proper spelling and capitalization. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Chinadaily.com.cn, try visiting the Chinadaily home page As President Xi Jinping wrapped up his Latin American tour, China released its second policy paper on Latin America and the Caribbean on Thursday, providing guidance for new ideas, proposals and initiatives in policy. The document, based on experience from past cooperation, focuses on solving problems and obstacles in current relationships and indicates the direction for future development, experts said. Released at a sensitive time when world politics and the global economy are undergoing profound changes, it shows China's promise to develop relations with Latin American and Caribbean countries, they added. The four-part document defines the current relationship between China and Latin America and the Caribbean, outlines principles for cooperation and proposes development goals in eight areas including politics, trade and the economy, people-to-people exchanges and trilateral cooperation. To facilitate trade and investment, the paper says, "China wishes to sign more agreements on investment protection, avoidance of double taxation and tax evasion with Latin American and Caribbean countries, to create a favorable environment and conditions for investment cooperation between enterprises of both sides." In terms of trade and the economy, it specifies how to boost cooperation in industrial investment and capacity cooperation, energy and resources, infrastructure and manufacturing. "We aim to bring the comprehensive and cooperative partnership to a new height by bringing the two sides into a community of a shared future in which all countries join hands in development," the paper says. China and Latin American and Caribbean countries are highly complementary in trade and economics, as Chinese enterprises speed up their "going global" strategy and Latin America seeks to transform the structure of its economic development, experts said. Latin America has become an important overseas destination for Chinese enterprises, with cumulative investment reaching $126.3 billion by last year. "This document has clear targets and distinct characteristics for Latin American and Caribbean countries. It ... will open a new era for future relationships," said Yue Yunxia, a researcher in Latin American economics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The policy paper mentions cooperation involving third-parties, which is very important, Yue said, "because it shows China's open attitude toward its cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries, which is a major change and breakthrough". He Shuangrong, an expert of Latin American studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the document is "significant in stabilizing the expectations of Latin American and Caribbean countries for developing relations with China and boosting their confidence". Meanwhile, Xi met with Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria on Thursday, where he made a stopover on his way back to Beijing after finishing the Latin American tour. Li vows reforms will continue, even as steel and coal prices rise While China has made remarkable progress in cutting steel and coal production overcapacity, the prices of those commodities have bounced back in recent months. This has caused officials to vow continued efforts to keep overcapacity from rebounding. Premier Li Keqiang outlined the issues facing the nation as he presided over the State Council's executive meeting on Wednesday, when a report on overcapacity was deliberated. By the end of October, China already had reached its annual target of cutting 45 million metric tons of steel overcapacity and 250 million tons of coal overcapacity. President Xi Jinping told leaders at the G20 summit in Hangzhou in September that China's plan for cutting the excess capacity in coal and steel is based on China's plan for long-term growth. Phasing out excess industrial capacity properlya clear prioritymeans using market-driven and law-based measures, Li has emphasized. Thanks to such efforts, a number of steel and coal producers have seen their fortunes improve. The profits of industrial enterprises with revenues of over 20 million yuan ($2.9 million) grew by 8.4 percent from January to September, according to the National Development and Research Commission. This has been made possible by such measures as shutting down small-scale and inefficient coal and steel producers and punishing illegal practices. Local governments have also placed strict controls on adding any new capacity, and local officials who break the rules are held accountable. Li added that the re-employment of workers has made good progress, meeting the original targets set. While 2016 marked the initial big push against overcapacity, there are still issues to be addressed, Li said. New, illegal capacity has sprung up in steel and coal in some areas as prices have recovered. Also, worker relocation remains a problem for some enterprises, and will be addressed, he said. The premier stressed that in the coming year, it will be important to phase out excess capacity through reform, taking further steps in mergers and acquisitions of steel enterprises, as well as integration of coal mining and power generation. "We should have zero tolerance for steel and coal producers that fail to meet national and environmental standards," Li said. It was decided at the Wednesday meeting that the State Council will dispatch investigative teams to address any cases of fraud and illegal practices. Chen Fengying, a researcher at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said that while targets have been reached, industrial upgrading and structural optimization should be given more weight than specific numbers of overcapacity. "We need to produce more midto high-end steel and use it in infrastructure construction to make sure there will be no jerry-built projects." Zou Shuo contributed to the story. Cyclists ride their bicycles in a race tournament on a rural road in Anji, East China's Zhejiang province on May 22, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] Every village in China will have access to asphalt roads by 2020, as part of efforts to lift more rural areas out of poverty, the vice-minister of transport said on Thursday. "By 2020, most impoverished areas will have access to freeways, and counties will be connected to highways where possible," Dai Dongchang said at a news conference in Beijing arranged by the State Council Information Office. "Townships and villages will have asphalt roads and operational buses, and a comprehensive transport network will be formed. No village will be left behind." Transportation is a fundamental requirement for social and economic development, he said. "Better roads lead to better lives." The central government has set a goal to lift 70 million people out of poverty and build a moderately well-off society by 2020. To achieve this, the ministry has set a series of goals for the next five years to link poverty-stricken and isolated areas with the outside world, including: Renovating 16,000 kilometers of freeways and about 46,000 km of highways by 2020; Constructing about 195,000 km of asphalt road between townships and villages by 2019; Supporting 1,177 poverty-stricken counties in building better roads, almost double the number in the previous five years; Improving safety on rural highways by renovating 300,000 km, including upgrading 15,000 bridges and widening lanes. Ou Qingping, deputy director of the State Council Leading Group of Poverty Alleviation and Development, said when he visits poor regions, the most urgent need is to build roads. "I visited a poverty-stricken village in Luocheng county in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region last year," he said. "I asked the village head what had been most effective in alleviating poverty in the past few years and he said road access. "Because of the road, the village's sugar cane can now be transported to the outside world and sells for a considerable price." In Aksupa township, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, villagers grow cotton and rear sheep. "Many villages are near the Taklamakan desert, very isolated and have little access to transport links," said Li Xinyun, a township government employee. "Because of this, many villagers live in poverty. In the past two years, many villages have gained access to asphalt roads, and it's become much more convenient to transport agricultural products and make good money. "Families that had 100 sheep now can breed 300 because they can easily transport livestock to market," he said. Peng Yining contributed to this story. A domestic violence shelter in Jinzhou, Liaoning province, operates 24 hours a day.[Photo by Li Tiecheng/China Daily] Front-line defenders in the fight against domestic violence hailed China's progress on Thursday at a roundtable discussion in Beijing, one day ahead of the 17th International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Dozens of participants, including police officers, judges, social workers, local government officials and NGO workers, said the nation's efforts were bolstered by the Anti-Domestic Violence Law that took effect in March. They also pointed to areas where improvements are needed in putting the law into effect. Song Xiuyan, vice-president of the All China Women's Federation, which held the discussion, said the law shows China's strong stance in protecting families, women and children. Evidence of its effect is seen in the 347 legal files where restraining orders were approved, according to court records. These orders, which are new in such cases, are designed to prevent continuation of abuse. The new law added psychological abuse to domestic violence in an effort to match international standards. Liu Shuangyu, vice-president of Beijing Third Intermediate People's Court, said despite the updated definition, it is not easy to collect evidence of emotional torture. Liu added that she finds it challenging to find ways to provide mental care and protection to victims when they go through court procedures. Xia Yinlan, vice-president of the China Association of Marriage and Family Studies, said the law is just the first step in protecting the victims of domestic violence. More follow-up education and public campaigns are needed to raise people's awareness and make the law work, Xia said. Margaret Chan, WHO director-general, kisses Wang Longde, head of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, celebrating the success of the Ninth Global Conference on Health Promotion in Shanghai on Nov 24, 2016. [Photo by GAO ERQIANG/CHINA DAILY] The baton was passed on to leaders from city governments, private sectors and communities to promote health at the closing ceremony of the Ninth Global Conference on Health Promotion in Shanghai on Thursday. Cui Li, vice-minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, said the four-day conference and the documents it issued had set the direction for global health promotion and governance. "That has been endorsed by all attendees of the conference from around the world and now we are looking forward to actions by ministers and city mayors to promote health," she said at the closing ceremony. The conference issued two major documents - the Shanghai Declaration on Health Promotion and the Shanghai Consensus on Healthy Cities - which promote effective governance, healthy cities and improving health literacy as pillars for health promotion. Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization, declared the conference a success and reiterated that health is a political choice, adding that "profit should not be prioritized over people's health." WHO China Representative Bernhard Schwartlander urged leaders from different sectors to commit to taking concrete action to promote health and sustainable urban development. Gabriella Sozanski, a board member of the Alliance For Health Promotion in Geneva, Switzerland, said: "It is up to us whether we can attain the goals set in the Shanghai Declaration. On a global level, there is political will and goals have been set. Now it comes down to national governments adopting proper legislation to enable organizations and sectors of government to implement such goals. It is all about teamwork." Wang Longde, head of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association and deputy head of the National People's Congress Education, Science, Culture and Health Committee, said that to ensure such implementation is possible, the top legislature is considering making a law clearly defining roles and responsibilities for various government departments on health promotion. Mao Qun'an, publicity chief of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, said during the conference that a national law banning smoking in public places is expected to be announced by the end of this year. "Due to the unique situation (State monopoly) here, we sometimes face obstacles, but in the long run, it's in the best interests of the government and people's health," he said. Chan agreed, saying, "Because the determinants of health are so broad, progress in improving health is a reliable indicator of progress in implementing the overall development agenda." An audio clip of a wife performing CPR on her unconscious husband under the direction of an emergency services operator, which went viral, highlights the importance of basic first-aid knowledge, according to a senior doctor. In the 26-minute call, which was recorded in October, but released recently by authorities, the woman says her husband has collapsed at their home in Wuhan, Hubei province. Suspecting a heart attack, the operator tells her how to perform chest compressions, which she does until an ambulance arrives. The man, identified only as Peng, 43, was taken to Wuhan Central Hospital and three days later was said to have recovered. Doctors said the first aid performed by his wife was crucial to his survival. "The survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest victims outside a hospital is less than 1 percent," Chen Manli, director of cardiovascular medicine at the hospital, was quoted as saying by Yangtze River Daily. "His wife played a vital role by conducting chest compressions in the 'golden four minutes'." In 2014, China had 325 emergency centers nationwide, more than double compared with 2005, according to China Health and Family Planning Commission Statistical Yearbook 2015. However, the ability of Chinese to perform potentially lifesaving first aid remains limited. "For Chinese, there is a huge lack of first-aid training, but more importantly, the public is not fully aware of its importance," said Jia Dacheng, a retired doctor formerly with Beijing Emergency Center and an expert on first-aid training. He said that as easy as first-aid training is, it can be the difference between life and death. "Victims of sudden cardiac arrest can potentially be saved by simple chest compressions within the first four minutes - after which they could suffer permanent brain damage." Qiu Zhiwei, the student leader of a volunteer group promoting first-aid knowledge at Beijing's Renmin University of China, said: "Most people fail to perform first aid not because it's complex, but because they have not taken the time to learn how to perform it." Jia said he has been promoting first-aid training since 1985, but that the power of an individual is limited. Li Lei contributed to this story. A caregiver employed by Xiaobo Homecare helps an 86-year-old Shanghai resident to sit stably on sofa. The senior's daughter hired the caregiver to assist her mother as she recovers from a stroke. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/China Daily] China's rapidly aging population is prompting a surge in the number of companies providing professional care for elderly people. Zhou Wenting reports from Shanghai. Last month, when Chang Fei hired a professional caregiver to assist her 86-year-old mother who had been hospitalized after a stroke, the Shanghai resident quickly discovered that the woman was completely different to any nanny she had encountered before. "She has a deep knowledge of commonly used medicines and knows how to judge the condition of my mother's health by looking at her stools. She also checks my mother's heart rate and blood pres-sure twice a day. We're very satisfied and grateful," the 55-year-old said. Her mother was discharged from the hospital after a week, and now stays at home accompanied by her caregiver. Chang was Xiaobo Homecare's first client in Shanghai after the provider of professional homecare services for the elderly began operations in the city last month. According to a company representative, its hotline has been inundated by Shanghai residents inquiring about its services and requesting assistance. Xiaobo started providing its services, which cost 300 yuan ($44) a day, in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, a year ago. It's just one of 12 care-service providers that have appeared in recent years as a response to the rapid aging of the Chinese population and the trend for smaller families, which has affected people's ability to care for seniors. The ruins of a historic underground chamber in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province are covered by coins and banknotes thrown by well-wishing tourists. Though at first glance uncontroversial, the behavior of those tourists has received a mixed reaction from the public. The underground chamber which, according to legend, is where the mythological White Lady Snake was imprisoned is located at the base of Leifeng Pagoda. Though the site has adopted measures to curb coin-throwing in the past, such as installing protective glass fences or prohibiting the act altogether, tourists continue to throw coins and small bills when they visit the site. "We can hardly stop the airborne coin donations. Our best shot [at doing so] is to put up more signs reminding tourists not to throw money, but even that doesnt help much. Every year we collect coins worth over 20,000 RMB," an employee of the site told Chinanews.cn, adding that sometimes they have to gather the coins on a weekly basis. "From the viewpoint of folklore, Chinese believe the coin donations will bring good fortune and blessings. Though the practice is understandable, it can easily damage the cultural relics, and should be stopped," said Zhong Xiangping, vice director of the Hangzhou History Association. Coin-throwing has already taken its toll on some cultural sites. A 200-year-old stone tablet in Beijing was left riddled with marks made by flying coins, Beijing News reported in 2015. Meanwhile, the donation controversy for the underground chamber has garnered over 140,000 page views under the hashtag "RuinTurnsIntoCoinMountain," with many criticizing the behavior as "uncivilized and ignorant." "Tourists have already damaged cultural relics by throwing coins at them. Coin donation is merely a superstitious practice and should be banned at the sites," wrote one Sina Weibo user. Others took a decidedly lighter view of the issue. "The sites can collect the money and use it for renovations. You can hire me to collect those coins I see no reason why you guys keep complaining about it," wrote another commenter. Kelly Gunsch and Pamela Scherf sit with their laptop computers in a cramped office filled with stacks of papers and storage bins containing remnants from the old shelter. There are boxes of envelopes to mail out before the holidays. On the walls are a full calendar and a whiteboard with a list of current donations. The room is a bit crowded, but the two women have made it work despite adverse circumstances. The transition to their temporary office at the Salvation Army in Bismarck was the most difficult part of closing the Welcome House, a homeless shelter for families with children in Mandan. Of course, there was donated furniture beds, mattresses, couches that all had to go when the doors shut last month. Even the Welcome House sign has been removed. It looks nothing like the shelter at this point. Everything that we had in there to make it homey and comfortable has been taken down either donated or put into storage for our new facility," said Gunsch, the shelter's executive director. Food was all donated to other local pantries, and 10 to 12 mattresses were donated to a refugee agency in the area. It was a beautiful facility. It was definitely a labor of love, and thats why its so hard to sit here and say, Well, you know we just werent able to sustain it financially. But we werent. Every month, it was just going further and further into the savings," Gunsch said of the building at 1406 Second St. N.W., which Welcome House began leasing from North Dakota Teen Challenge in 2014. "We bit off a little bit more than we could chew, I guess," she said. They decided to close the facility because expenses were just too high and donations were too low, according to Gunsch. They're now looking for a more affordable place in the Bismarck-Mandan area. Were not the only agency thats seeing that. Theres agencies communitywide that are really struggling right now with grants being down and donations being down," she said. Gunsch and Scherf are the only remaining employees at the Welcome House, which became a nonprofit in 2005. The organization has been providing shelter for the past five to six years. Welcome House offers assistance to struggling single moms and dads as well as two-parent families. In Mandan, the temporary shelter was equipped to handle nine families at a time, providing close and direct care. And thats one thing the clients really pointed out: 'We hate to see you guys closing your doors because you do make us feel welcome. You do make us feel like this is our home, that were not just another somebody walking in off the street,' Scherf said. The average length of stay was 45 days; however, families could stay as long as three months. Scherf and Gunsch said the organization will continue to offer other services to people, despite the shelter's closure. Welcome House is looking for a facility that can house at least six families. Gunsch said the organization is hoping to open a new shelter within six to eight months. The board of directors is planning to review and approve a budget soon that would get them through the next several months and provide funding for a down payment on a property. The organization has also established a YouCaring page for donations to help with expenses. The need for a homeless shelter is great in the community, and calls have been streaming in for the past two months, according to Gunsch. Its just, unfortunately, an essential need in our community," she said. Xi, Li urge stepped-up efforts after builders' platform gives way Rescuers search for trapped workers after the deadly collapse of a construction platform at a cooling tower at Fengcheng Power Plant in Yichun, Jiangxi province, on Thursday morning. WAN XIANG / XINHUA Seventy-four workers have been confirmed dead and and another two injured after a working platform within a power plant's unfinished cooling tower collapsed on Thursday morning in Jiangxi province. President Xi Jinping urged local authorities early on Thursday to step up rescue, treatment and follow-up efforts. The country has seen several recent work accidents, and the central government should take steps to thoroughly root out work safety hazards, he said. Premier Li Keqiang called on rescue workers to put lives first by saving anyone who was trapped and by treating the injured. He urged setting up a State Council team to help investigate the cause of the accident and punish anyone accountable according to laws. The collapse occurred at around 7 am on Thursday when a tower crane's collapse triggered the collapse of the entire construction platform within the cooling tower of the Fengcheng Power Plant in Yichun, Jiangxi. One of the three injured workers was in critical condition, according to a statement from the provincial government. The two other workers were in stable condition at a hospital, China Central Television reported. They were migrant workers from Gansu province, the report said, adding that the work crew also included workers from Cheng'an county, Hebei province. Li Yihuang, the vice-governor of Jiangxi who is heading a provincial-level investigation team, said at a news briefing that workers from the night shift were being relieved by the morning shift when the collapse occurred. "We will conduct a serious investigation into the cause of the accident and hold those who are responsible accountable," he said. Local authorities sent more than 500 rescuers to the collapse site after the incident took place. The construction of two 1 million-kilowatt, coal-fired power units at the plant began in July last year and was expected to be completed by early 2018, local authorities said. The power plant, which is owned by Jiangxi Ganneng Co, launched a 100-day campaign on Sept 13 to speed up construction of the plant, according to a statement released by the company in September. In the statement, the company had said its administrative staff should go to the construction site to supervise the construction units to increase the number of workers, speed up progress on the projects and take advantage of days with "fine weather", the statement said. Li Yihuang, the vice-governor, said construction of the cooling tower started in April. The height of the tower will be 160 meters when completed. So far, workers have completed the construction of 70 meters. The accident in Jiangxi is the country's third major work accident in the past three months. On Sept 28, a gas explosion at a coal mine in Shizuishan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, killed 19 people and left one person missing. On Oct 31, a gas explosion at a coal mine in Yongchuan district of Chongqing killed 33 miners. Contact the writer at xuwei@chinadaily.com.cn HARBIN -- A team of Chinese doctors has claimed success in fixing spinal cord injuries in animals. "We used polyethylene glycol (PEG) compounds to stimulate the injured nerve cells to regenerate. Previous tests on guinea pigs, rats and dogs showed positive results," said Ren Xiaoping, a research fellow with the 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province. In an experiment demonstrated to Xinhua, doctors cut open a rat's spine, exposed its spinal cord to air with a special hook and injected liquid PEG compounds into its spinal cord. The rat initially lost control of its muscle movements due to its damaged spinal cord, but recovered some of its body functions a couple days later. Two weeks later, it could move its lower limbs and was able to walk. The experiment and its results were published in the U.S. science journal "Surgery." Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious injuries humans can experience. Like all mammals, humans are unable to regenerate the central nervous system. A severed spinal cord means a lifelong injury. Scientists have been conducting research in areas such as cell transplants to repair damaged spinal cords, but limited progress has been made. Shanghai Wild Animal Park has been accused of profiting from animal cruelty by allowing visitors to take photos with infant animals. A video that circulated on social media shows a tiger cub being passed around visitors by a zoo employee, who slaps the animal around the face in an attempt to get it to open its eyes. The clip also shows one boy pushing the animal off his lap and onto the ground. According to the netizen who posted the clip, identified by jfdaily.com as a Mr Lin, visitors were allowed to take pictures with young tigers, lions and bears for just 30 yuan ($4.30) a time. At no point were they asked to wear any protective clothing or disinfect their clothes or skin, he said. First posted on Nov 6, the video has been viewed more than 4.5 million times. Many netizens have condemned the zoo for malpractice and visitors involved. Shanghai Wild Animal Park, which opened in 1995 and has thousands of animals in captivity, has declined to comment, according to jfdaily.com. In a notice posted in 2010, the State Forestry Administration urged zoos across China to stop allowing close contact between visitors and animals and to end all abusive performance practices. Cheng Si contributed to this story. A bird's eye view of one sinkhole surrounded by dense forest in Hanzhong, Shaanxi province. [Photo provided by chinadaily.com.cn] Experts have confirmed that a group of sinkholes discovered Hanzhong, Shaanxi province in Northwest China, contains the largest number of the rare geological phenomenon in the world. The Shaanxi provincial government announced on Thursday that an investigation revealed there were 49 sinkholes in the area, the most in the world. According to head of Shaanxi's land resources department, Wang Weihua, it took four months to inspect the 5,000-square-kilometer area of the sinkhole group, with 49 sinkholes found in the core area of more than 600 square kilometers. The area comprises one super large sinkhole, as well as 17 large and 31 conventional sinkholes. The sinkhole group was found at the Qinling-Bashan Mountains spread over the counties of Ningqiang, Nanzheng, Xixiang and Zhenba in Hanzhong city. The highest number were found in Zhenba at 19, while 16 are within Nanzheng's borders, Wang said. "The largest one was in Zhenba, which had the largest diameter of 520 meters and a maximum depth of 320 meters," Wang said. Geologists say that sinkholes are formed when carbonate rocks are eroded for a long time by an underground river which hollow out the rocks which eventually collapse. It is a rare geological phenomenon that can take up to 500,000 years to form. Before the discovery of the Hanzhong sinkhole group, only about 130 sinkholes had been found and confirmed in the world, geologists said. At the end of October, Shaanxi provincial government organized a group of foreign and Chinese geologists to conduct a field investigation. The consensus of the geologists was that the Hanzhong sinkholes were not only the largest in the world in terms of number, but also excellent in typicality, rarity and integrity. The sinkholes are expected to be of great scientific value and could become a tourist drawcard. Renowned French cave explorer Jean Poutasi inspected the sinkhole in Ningqiang county and praised it as "the world's most beautiful sinkhole". Zhang Yuanhai, a senior engineer with Institute of Karst Geology under Chinese Academy of Geological Science, said that the scientific value of Hanzhong sinkholes was unmatched. "The sinkholes found before are located between north latitude 24 degrees and 31 degrees, but Hanzhong sinkholes are located near north latitude 33 degrees, and the first geological landscape found in the most north boundary of the humid tropical and subtropical Karst landform area, which has exceeded expectations of all geologists," Zhang said. Zhang considered Hanzhong sinkholes as a world wonder which would fill gaps in the research of karst geology, and also provide more original samples for biological research. Liu Tongliang, director of the Institute of Karst Geology at the Chinese Academy of Geological Science, said that the large-scale sinkhole group provided valuable material for the research on the formation of the Hanzhong basin and cave canyon. It would also help scientists to understand the evolution of the ancient environment in the south of Qinling Mountains, as well as the ancient climate change of North and South China and the world. The provincial government said that Shaanxi would develop a comprehensive plan to better protect the "Earth's gift and the world's wonder" for all mankind. SHENYANG -- A railway bureau in northeast China's Liaoning Province has launched a service to deliver cars for people heading to the country's southernmost province of Hainan for the winter. The first train carrying six vehicles departed from Shenyang East Railway Station at 10 p.m. Thursday. It will arrive at Haikou South Railway Station 104 hours later, said Li Yang, a manager of tourism services with the Shenyang Railway Bureau. Li said more deliveries are expected in the coming weeks as the freezing winter in northeast China sends more local residents, especially retirees, to seek the sun in the south. "The high cost and dangers of long hours of driving used to force the winter migrants to leave their cars at home. Now, they have the option of having them delivered," he said. The train, will run once a week on Thursdays, carrying a maximum of 150 vehicles per trip. The fee is around 4,000 yuan ($580). Authorities estimate around 300,000 elderly people from northeastern provinces of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang travel to the island province of Hainan in winter every year. Fan Changlong, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, shakes hands with Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh. [Photo/mod.gov.cn] Work acceleration sought for Djibouti facility to aid peacekeeping, humanitarian missions Work on a key Chinese overseas logistical facility must be accelerated, with planning and quality a priority, in order to provide stronger support for overseas missions, a senior military official said. Fan Changlong, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, met with officers working at Chinas first overseas supply facility in Djibouti, the Defense Ministry said on Friday. Fan was the first senior military official to visit the facility. The purpose of the supply facility, on which construction began in February, is to resupply Chinese naval ships taking part in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia, the ministry said. Earlier reports said the supply hub has the capacity to house 10,000 personnel and is scheduled to be finished next year. Djibouti was the last leg of Fans four-nation tour, which concluded on Thursday. It also took him to Lebanon, Tanzania and Ethiopia. During his meeting with Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Fan said the two countries had achieved remarkable results in personnel training, naval escorts and supplies, and participation in UN peacekeeping operations. China is willing to work with Djibouti to promote the healthy and stable development of relations between the militaries, Fan added. Djibouti, at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, is surrounded by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia. Djibouti also hosts US, Japanese and French military bases. Since 2008, China has sent 24 naval escort fleets to the Gulf of Aden and Somalias waters, escorting more than 6,000 ships from home and abroad, the Defense Ministry said. China is also the second-largest financial sponsor of UN peacekeeping operations. It has deployed more personnel than any nation on the Security Council more than 30,000 for 24 peacekeeping missions. Piracy requires escort fleets to ensure safe shipping, and Djibouti is an ideal spot for a supply facility, given its proximity to the main mission area, said Liu Naiya, a researcher at the Institute of West Asian and African Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Ma Gang, a professor at PLA National Defense University, said the scale and function of the Chinese supply facility is different from that of a military base. The Djibouti facility means that Chinese fleets are no longer so dependent on other countries for food and fuel resupplies. The cost of operation (resupplying in other countries) is limiting Chinas escort fleet size and peacekeeping effort, Ma said. But a home logistic hub can provide supplies efficiently and economically. Chen Weilun launches the project China Music House, in which performers of traditonal Chinese operas and folk music share the stage with artists of contemporary music genres. [Photo provided to China Daily] About 14 years ago, trumpet player Chen Weilun came to Beijing and worked for a TV production company. His early works took him to remote parts of the country to record music. Such travels also helped him to learn about the folk music of the Miao and Dong ethnic groups. "They sing when they do anythingfrom farming to quarreling. Even though I couldn't understand the languages, which are ancient, I could feel the energy and the emotions," says Chen. During the past decade, Chen, 36, has been working as a producer for indie musicians like Zuoxiao Zuzhou and pop icons such as Li Yuchun. Chen also produced soundtracks for movies such as the AIDS-themed feature film, Love For Life, directed by Gu Changwei, and crime thriller, Lethal Hostage, directed by Cheng Er. So far, he has released five studio albums, including his debut album, The Vague Night, which feature his favorite trip hop sounds. But Chen's interest in "something old and Chinese" drew him to embark on a bold new direction in his career, to challenge himself musically and creatively by linking traditional Chinese operas and folk music with jazz, electronic and rock, among other contemporary genres. Labeled as China Music House, or Xin Yue Fu, the project was launched in 2014 and has toured the country with opera performers, players of Chinese traditional instruments, DJs and Western artists. Live shows have been held in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing and Suzhou, drawing more than 20,000 people. Dancers of the National Ballet of China rehearse at Pagoda Hill, Yan'an, Shaanxi province. PHOTO BY LIU YANG This year is the 80th anniversary of the end of the Long March. In October 1934, the Red Army started in East China's Jiangxi province, a march that covered more than 12,000 kilometers through the country's interior provinces. The march by Communist soldiers lasted two years. In October 1936, after escaping Kuomintang offensive; crossing the Jinsha River and the Dadu River; climbing snow-capped mountains; and walking across grasslands filled with swamps, the Red Army finally arrived in Yan'an, in Northwest China's Shaanxi province. The end of the Long March marked a milestone for the Communist Party of China on its way to build a new country. [Photo/Xinhua] A thematic exhibition to mark the 400th anniversary of the deaths of Tang Xianzu and William Shakespeare opened during the unveiling ceremony of China Cultural Center in Den Haag (The Hague) on Thursday. With the title of "Dialogue Across Time and Space -- Homage to Tang Xianzu and William Shakespeare," the exhibition takes the Tang-Shakespeare conversation as an entry point. It narrates the life story of Tang and his classics through sections of "The Era and the Legend", "Fantasy and Reality" and "Me@Tang", which lead visitors to an integration of oriental and western cultures. Virtual Reality (VR) technology has also been used to create an immerse sense of ancient Chinese culture. At the event, visitors fully experienced life in the era of Tang Xianzu at home by putting the cellphone on the VR glass bracket. China Cultural Center in Den Haag, co-built by China's Ministry of Cultural and Jiangsu provincial government, inaugurated after two years and a half preparation. As the 29th overseas China Cultural Center, it will continue to hold cultural activities like art exhibition to promote cooperation between the two countries. Kenya Airways CEO Mbuvi Ngunze set to exit next year Besieged Kenya Airways CEO is set to leave office in quarter one of 2017 even as the airlines chairman Michael Joseph says that the CEO will be in office until his replacement is found. Joseph says the selection of the next chief executive has already begun and the process will be completed within the next three months. By that time, he will have worked with KQ for over five years and as the Group Managing Director and CEO for two years, and felt it was a natural point in the companys evolution to pass on the baton. While I regret this decision, I respect his position, Joseph said in a statement. The move comes a month after Dennis Awori resigned as Chairman of the Board of Kenya Airways and as director of the company. Last month the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) threatened to strike if Awori and Ngunze did not exit but later called it off on October 17 after a deal with the management. Without commenting on much details about the negotiations, KALPA Secretary General Paul Gichinga said they association has deferred the strike as they await the management to abide by the assurances made during the week-long negotiations. On Thursday, Joseph said the Board Chairman and the Group MD and CEO will work with the rest of the KQ senior leadership team to ensure continuity during the transition. Hence, this should not negatively impact our collaboration with our business partners, financiers and other stakeholders, Joseph noted. Kenya airways made a loss of Sh4.7 billion in half year ended September 30, 2016, a marked improvement from the Sh11.9 billion loss it posted same period last year. When he took over as chairman, Joseph admitted restoring the national carriers former glory will not be easy, but is achievable You know who I am. I have a legacy and I dont intend for my legacy to be anything else than successful. I have the backing of major shareholders at the airline and we will bring Kenya Airways back, he assured as he took over last month. There are areas that need to be strengthened, for instant we do not have a director of human resources management, we do not have a substantive CFO, we should fill this positions as they are vital for the operations of Kenya Airways, he stated. www.kenya-airways.com Martin Jacques(left), author of the book When China rules the world, discusses with students at Harrow International School in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily] What will China be like in 2030? Martin Jacques, a renowned British scholar of China studies, shared his views on various aspects with students in Beijing last month. "By then China will be twice of the size of the US economy," said Jacques during his talk "China in 2030" at Harrow International School in Beijing. Jacques believes that with the growing economic influence, China will be shaping a global governance with more voices from developing countries in the near future. "The Belt and Road Initiative is a classic example. Every country in that region is developing country," said Jacques. "Another aspects to this the idea of inclusivity If you look at Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank, China wants the US to join there is no prohibitions." Being a longtime optimist about China, Jacques wrote When China Rules the World, which has been sold more than 350,000 copies and translated into 15 languages since it was first published in 2009. The Chinese translation of the second edition of the book was published in March. Asked about the recent slow down of China's economic growth, Jacques said that he had predicted the decline of the fast growth rate, because of its bad effects on environment and economic bubbles. Jacques' analysis for the difficulty lying ahead for China is whether the country could make the internal economic transition smoothly. In the end of the talk, Jacques encouraged the students to think about their role in 2030, as he believes that with bigger share of the world economy, the young people with knowledge of China will have more opportunities in global leadership. "Some of these kids are going to be very important in the world, not only in China," said Jacques. Related: China publishes ancient medical books lost in overseas A villa-cum-bookstore on a far-flung island Meir Oren inspects ward at the First Hospital affiliated to Shihezi University in Xinjiang. [Photo provided to China Daily] An expert on medical emergency is now helping a hospital in Northwest China. In the 1990s, he used to work as a senior official in Israel's Health Ministry. His expertise includes hospital preparedness for exceptional scenarios such as bacterial warfare, bioterrorism or natural disasters. The military trained him for such emergencies in his youth. "It's a common challenge that any hospital manager faces," Meir Oren, 68, says. Oren started his China chapter in 2010, when a colleague who had worked here earlier introduced him to some hospitals. Then, the Hillel-Yaffe Medical Center, a major hospital in Hadera, Israel, with which he has been long associated, organized staff visits to hospitals in Sichuan province, the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Shanxi province and Beijing. After the tour, Oren, a former CEO of Hillel-Yaffe, saw an opportunity to help the First Hospital affiliated to Shihezi University in Xinjiang, because of the Israeli hospital's experience in trauma treatment. So far, three joint seminars on emergency preparedness, attended by medical professionals and senior healthcare officials have been held in Israel. Such interactions have given doctors and the Shihezi hospital management a chance to observe Hillel-Yaffes' operations over weeks. "When they return to China, they are able to implement many concepts and practices that they find suitable here," Oren says. At the Shihezi hospital, international conferences related to emergency preparedness are held every two years, with assistance from Oren's center where he was CEO until last year. The tie-up seems to be working. In 2011, Zhang Hongwei, a general surgeon of the Shihezi hospital was able to establish a new emergency department there following his return from a training program at Hillel-Yaffe. The Chinese doctors "quickly understood how important it is to cope successfully with terror events and other emergencies", Oren says. In the past few years, his organization has trained more than 100 medical professionals from different partner hospitals in China, both in clinical fields and emergency situations, in Israel. Training programs have also been carried out in China. And they have helped many hospitals in China, according to his colleague Moris Topaz, who initially asked Oren to come to China. Oren himself has recommended many Israeli experts to China for academic exchanges, training and conferences over the years. His relationship with the country is more than professional. For hundreds of years, the giant rock formations of Jianmin village in Pingtan, Fujian province have instilled wonder and amazement on all who looked upon them, due to their unique animal-like shapes including dogs, tortoises, magpies and rabbits. In the past some villagers feared the rocks, choosing to build shrines and temples near them in order to ward away any bad spirits and worship gods and ancestors. Due to economic development and a boom in population, many rocks were destroyed to be made into construction materials. Liu Ziqiong, an elderly resident of Jianmin village said there used to be a rock shaped as the nearby Kylin Mountain, but it has since been destroyed. "In the early 90s, Liu Jiajing, then Party chief of Pingtan government once paid a visit to the village and told the villagers not to destroy the Kylin rock," Liu said. "Sadly that didn't prevent it from being used as construction materials several years later." The more encouraging news is that locals now realize that preserving these unique rocks is not only a blessing for the natural landscape, but good for tourism too. As a result, a non-governmental organization dedicated to preserving the existing rocks has been established in Pingtan. A series of activities, such as photo exhibitions and short story competitions are hosted regularly, appealing to villagers to preserve the rocks. With the joint efforts of the government and local residents, it is hoped the unique rocks of Jianmin will attract visitors to admire the beauty of the natural world in its rawest and rockiest form. Gingko trees bring fortune to ancient village By Yang Fan ( chinadaily.com.cn ) Updated: 2016-11-24 A Miao girl in traditional costume plays a Lusheng, a Chinese musical instrument. [Photo/xinhuanet.com] The gingko trees which surround the entrance to Jinzhuang village in Guizhou, have become quite a hit with photographers and visitors, especially in autumn, as the leaves turn a vibrant yellow. The leaves fall and flutter in the breeze, forming a soft golden bed, which in late November is often accompanied by Jinzhuang villagers, dressed in brightly colored and intricately designed costumes, dancing to the tune of the Lusheng, a traditional Chinese instrument. The villagers, most of which are from the Miao ethnic group, and Gejia, an unrecognized Chinese ethnicity, dance to give thanks to a bountiful harvest. Just a few years ago, before their bight gingko trees gained fame online, the villagers lived a normal life. Just as most farmers in the country, they would get up early in the morning and rest as the sun sets. However, now that thousands of visitors are drawn to the village thanks to the gingkoes, village life has turned more towards tourism. The increasing number of visitors has brought fortune to the people there, who are now optimizing opportunities to increase local incomes. Chen Shiquan, an official from the village, said that they are developing rural tourism based on the natural landscapes, unique ethnic culture and agricultural products, aimed at developing local economy and improving residents income. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 2022-10-28 Foreign enterprises remain upbeat about investment prospects in Tianjin with more capital increase in the northern China port city. Democratic People's Republic of Korea launches a long range rocket launched into the air in this file still image taken from KRT video footage, released by Yonhap on February 7, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] Precisely 11 weeks have passed since Pyongyang carried out its fifth and largest nuclear test. And it remains an open question whether the UN Security Council can put the draft of a new resolution to the vote next week. China and the United States seem to have agreed to impose broader sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Beijing is reportedly to talk with Moscow to encourage it to come on board. While strictly enforced broader sanctions are to be welcome if they manage to persuade Pyongyang that nuclear weapons are not the way to ease its security concerns, it should be borne in mind that the UN Security Council has issued a number of resolutions that have denounced the DPRK's nuclear tests and missile launches and imposed sanctions on it. However, instead of subduing Pyongyang, they have ended up making it even more defiant and provocative. Which perhaps should come as no surprise given the US and its allies in East Asia are presenting an ever-increasingly hostile posture toward Pyongyang. In the latest development on Wednesday, the Republic of Korea and Japan signed an agreement to share confidential military intelligence, a move that will only worsen the confrontation on the Korean Peninsula and add to insecurity and instability in Northeast Asia. Intensified cooperation between the US and its allies based on the US' deeply entrenched Cold War mentality runs counter to efforts to peacefully resolve the complex and sensitive situation on the Korean Peninsula. The US and its allies should take seriously the DPRK's security concerns and the concerns of other countries in the region and contribute to regional peace and stability through their words and deeds, rather than doing the opposite. Since many of Northeast Asia's present troubles, including the quarrel surrounding the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile system, have their roots in the approach of the US and its allies to the DPRK, the fundamental way to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution is for them to change their approach. In this respect, it is to be hoped that US President-elect Donald Trump is good to his word and is willing to talk with the DPRK, as a resumption of the Six-Party Talks is the only way to meet the interests of all stakeholders. The clock is ticking, a sanctions regime that is sufficiently broad and strict and effectively applied, will hopefully prevent Pyongyang from executing a sixth nuclear test. But engagement, not estrangement, is the best way to fulfill the expressed commitment of all to peace and stability. President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at Peru's congress.[Photo/Xinhua] The community of shared destiny that China and Latin American countries are endeavoring to build will not only lead their ties to a new height, but also benefit the world at large. President Xi Jinping has just concluded his third visit to Latin America since he took office in 2013. Such a high frequency of visits demonstrates Beijing's determination to further relations with countries in this region on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and common development. China and Latin American countries have broadened their consensus through candid dialogue and by taking a long-term perspective. By dovetailing their development strategies they can connect domestic and overseas markets, integrate industry chains and value chains, and deepen China-Latin America cooperation. The Year of China-Latin America Cultural Exchange celebrated in 2016 has strengthened the friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples. During his visit, Xi announced new measures such as increasing the number of training opportunities in China for people from Latin America and the Caribbean to 10,000 in three years, setting up a center for media exchanges in China and holding a roundtable on environmental and development strategies in Beijing in 2017. Deepening bilateral cooperation in economy and trade, and actively participating in trade, investments and innovation in the Asia-Pacific not only accord with the development demands of the two sides, but will also help to inject confidence and dynamism into the world economy. Collaboration between China and Latin America on such issues as climate change and sustainable development will also set a good example for South-South cooperation, help developing countries to gain a greater say on the global stage that can foster a community of shared destiny for all mankind. File photo of South China Sea. [Photo/Xinhua] Editor's Note: The following article is an abstract from a report by the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, headquartered in Haikou, capital of South China's Hainan province. The United States' military deployments and activities in the Asia-Pacific region are important manifestations of its "rebalancing" strategy. Since President Barack Obama took office in 2009, the US global military strategy has been shifting its focus and giving priority to the region. In 2012 and 2013, it officially announced that 60 percent of its naval vessels and 60 percent of its air force would be deployed in the Asia-Pacific region by 2020. Driven by this rebalancing toward the Asia-Pacific, the US has gradually built up its troop deployments, forward presence and military activities in the region, and increased military cooperation with its regional allies and partners, such as Japan and Singapore. I Military expenditures, bases and deployment The proposed US defense budget for fiscal year 2016 was $585.3 billion, an increase of about 4 percent on the budget for the previous fiscal year. In February 2016, the US Department of Defense released a proposed budget request of $583 billion for fiscal year 2017, which is almost the same as that for the previous fiscal year. By 2015, the US had 368,000 military personnel in the Asia-Pacific region, among whom about 97,000 are stationed to the west of the International Date Line. The military personnel deployed in the Asia-Pacific region account for more than 50 percent of its total military forces overseas. II Military activities With the implementation of its rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific strategy, the US has deployed advanced reconnaissance aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, electronic surveillance ships, nuclear submarines, orbit reconnaissance satellites, etc. China has become the No 1 target for the US' close reconnaissance in terms of frequency, scope and means. According to available statistics, the US made more than 260 close reconnaissance sorties against China in 2009. The number was more than 1,200 in 2014, and there was an obvious increase in US' close reconnaissance activities in the South China Sea region in 2015. Such activities threaten China's national security, damage China's maritime rights and interests and undermine Sino-US strategic mutual trust. They could also lead to accidental collisions at sea or in the air, making such reconnaissance an important negative factor affecting Sino-US relations and also peace and stability in the region. Regarding naval operations, more than 700 patrols were conducted by US vessels and aircraft in the South China Sea region in 2015. It is noteworthy that recent US patrols in the South China Sea have been accompanied by a lot of media hype and high-profile assertions they are freedom of navigation operations, a phenomenon not seen anywhere else. The US has also raised the frequency, scale and complexity of its joint military exercises in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2014, US Pacific Command initiated 160 bilateral and multilateral military exercises in the region. The number of military exercises rose to 175 in 2015. In recent years, the content of the joint exercises has expanded and they now include ground warfare, aerial warfare, maritime warfare, anti-missile warfare, and special operations, as well as electronic and cyber warfare. Children of She ethnic group sit in front of a monument that reads "China's No. 1 Poverty Relief Village" at Chixi Village, Panxi town, Fuding city in East China's Fujian province, Feb 14, 2016. The village has shaken off poverty thanks to assistance from Party and government officials at all levels over the past 30 years. [Photo/Xinhua] The steel-tube ladder is steep, 60 degrees, but it is safer than the old rattan ladder that consisted of nose-to-tail 17 sections on way to an 800-meter-high cliff. The new ladder, coated with blue antirust paint, came into use on Monday. And for more than 20 children of the Yi ethnic group from Le'er village, Zhaojue county in Southwest China's Sichuan province, the vertigo-prone journey to and from school has become easier, so to say. It took the local government about six months and 1 million yuan ($145,000) to build the new ladder, which can be used for about 20 years, after the children's dangerous journey to school hit the headlines nationwide. Dozens of families in Le'er village have lived a hand-to-mouth existence on the cliff top, where they took shelter to escape the tribal war more than 200 years ago, according to their oral history. What is more, they are reluctant to relocate to the foot of the cliff even today fearing the loss of their land. And the county government cannot afford millions of yuan to build a road connecting the village with two small villages deep in the mountainous region. The central government has vowed to lift the over 50 million people out of poverty in China by 2020, which cannot be achieved without the active support of local governments. And the Le'er village reflects the difficulties this plan faces. The effect of economic growth on poverty alleviation has progressively declined since the 1990s. Chinese Academy of Social Sciences data show the poverty-stricken population in China fell by 13.2 million with every percentage point of GDP growth from 1978 to 1990. But that figure dropped to 3.8 million in the 1990s, and was only 1 million in the early part of the 21st century. The problem is not that the government has decreased its input for poverty eradication but that poor people are now mostly concentrated in remote places, and their poverty can be attributed to complicated factors such as transport, culture, education levels and their local economies. As a result, the cost of reducing poverty has increased. Take the Daliangshan Yi autonomous prefecture in Sichuan, of which Zhaojue is a part, for instance. Most Yi people lived in a society marked by slavery till New China was founded. No wonder local residents describe the development and poverty alleviation programs in the region as "one stride in 1,000 years". International experiences tell us the development of agriculture plays an important role in the early phase of poverty reduction, and non-agricultural policies, such as education and industrial and social policies, gain weight as the poverty-alleviation measures start taking effect. As for the people living in abject poverty, like the Le'er villagers, building the steel ladder is not enough. Media reports say some children in the village do not go to school at all, even if the nine-year compulsory education is free. Local civil servants need to make more efforts to raise the awareness of villagers about the importance of education. Illiteracy is a big obstacle in poverty alleviation, and it is easier to make educated people see rationality and bid farewell to superstition and backward ideas. For that, officials have to patiently have face-to-face communication with the villagers. The local government should also set aside some special fund for training programs to impart new skills to the villagers and encourage them to make a living away from the mountains. China's experience in poverty alleviation shows that Le'er needs a role model villager, who has improved his/her life with the help of education and/or mastering special skills. Only then will the other villagers try to follow the same path. The prefecture government can help the Zhaojue county government to make arrangements for the Le'er villagers so that they can sell their pepper and goats in a bigger market, and thus create more jobs at home, especially for the senior villagers. Perhaps the village can also be developed as a tourism destination, as it commands breathtaking views of picturesque valleys, and the local ethnic culture and craftsmanship can be big tourist attractions. The author is a writer with China Daily. liyang@chinadaily.com.cn Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond delivers his Autumn Statement in the House of Commons, in London November 23, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond announced more funds for Britain's infrastructure and measures to reverse lagging productivity in the first official statement of the government's economic priorities since this year's vote to leave the European Union. Hammond used his Autumn Statement, his first since becoming chancellor in the wake of the Brexit referendum, to reassure domestic and overseas businesses of the continuing strength of the British economy. Its resilienceit was the fastest-growing among major economies in 2016confounded commentators, at home and abroad, after Britain voted to "chart a new future for our country", Hammond told a packed House of Commons. But he acknowledged growth was slowing, and laid out plans for 23 billion pounds ($28.5 billion) of growth-creating infrastructure spending, despite rising government debt. The chancellor had supported remaining in the EU and, since taking his new post, has come under fire for being over-cautious. His critics included colleagues who favor a quick exit that would open the way for bilateral free-trade agreements in which economies such as China are seen as the biggest prize. Lack of clarity on the government's negotiating strategy with the EU has been blamed for some businesses putting investment plans on hold and Hammond acknowledged in his speech that "business values certainty and stability". In the mini-budget, Hammond confirmed that corporation tax would continue to fall, to 17 percent by 2020, despite speculation he might have cut even deeper. By offering the lowest company taxes in the industrial world, the government seeks to boost direct investment from overseas. Hammond pledged additional infrastructure spending, including more than 1 billion pounds on roads. A new fast route between the university towns of Oxford and Cambridge, already nicknamed the "brain-belt expressway", is designed to act as a new tech corridor. The chancellor said he was also injecting 400 million pounds into venture capital funds to unlock new finance for growing companies. The writer is a senior media consultant for China Daily UK. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus seen during the 90th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, US, on November 24, 2016. [Photo/VCG] NEW YORK - The 90th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City kicked off on Thursday among unprecedented law enforcement presence as millions of spectators gathered along the route to marvel at the annual spectacle. Approximately three thousand law enforcement officers, many of them carrying assault rifles and walking bomb-sniffing dogs, were deployed within and around the parade route. More than 80 sand-filled sanitation trucks could be seen at key points including street intersections, serving as barriers against potential attacks. The heightened security force came as a recent arrest of a Brooklyn resident who allegedly attempted to join ISIS and expressed support of a terrorist attack in New York City. However, city officials said there was no specific or credible threat. The parade stated around 9 am from Upper West Side of Manhattan and proceeded to Macy's flagship store at Herald Square on 34th Street. Famous for the huge balloons and floats, this year' s parade featured 16 giant character balloons, 27 smaller novelty balloons, 26 floats, more than one thousand cheerleaders and clowns, 16 marching bands and performance groups. The floats included one from Chengdu, China. Featuring pandas, the Dujiangyan dam and Qingcheng mountain, the float attracted lasting applauses and cheers. "It was so exciting to see the parade in person," said Maxine Thomas from the state of Texas. 3.5 million people were expected to come and see the nationally televised parade that kicks off the holiday shopping season. Another 50 million will be watching the celebration from home. "China, welcome!" a woman shouted from the crowd attending the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. A Chinese-themed float joins the 90th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday in New York City. This year's display focused on Chengdu, the city known as home of the giant panda. Liao Pan/For China Daily Coming towards her was a float called Chengdu, named for the city in southern China that's known as the home of giant pandas. Surrounding the float were dancing panda characters 42 students from two New York middle and high schools had trained for the past two months to participate in the 90th Macy's parade. About 3.5 million spectators were gathered along the route from West 75th street on Central Park West to the Macy's mall on West 34th Street and Sixth Avenue. "It feels really good to be a panda," said Jenine Hines, a 12th grader from Evangel Christian School wearing a fuzzy panda hat. She had gotten up at 4 o'clock in the morning to join the other 19 students and their dance teacher at their campus in Long Island City and ride the bus to Central Park West. This is the school's second year participating in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Last year, their students were also part of the dance group for the Chinese-themed float "Stone Forest". Photo taken on Nov. 24, 2016 shows performers from Dong Fang Performing Arts Troupe marching during McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago, the United States. The annual McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade kicked off here on Thursday. [Photo/Xinhua] This will be the third consecutive year that a Chinese-themed float has joined the iconic parade in New York. The city of Beijing and province of Yunnan were featured in the last two years, respectively. The Chengdu float, presented jointly by the Sino-American Friendship Association and the city government of Chengdu together with Macy's, also highlighted other tourist attractions of the city, including the Dujiangyan Irrigation System (originally constructed around 256 BC by the State of Qin) and Mount Qingcheng, an important center of Taoism. "Through the pandas we are introducing Chengdu to America," said Zhang Qiyue, China's consul general in New York. "We had a successful US-China tourism year in 2016. We are planning to bring even more tourism-related events next year." The parade brought people from every corner of the world to the Big Apple. It was Sofia Rego's third parade experience. She came down from Hudson Valley, New York. Though she was too far away to see the floats and dancers, she was thrilled to see the big character balloons floating up above. "I'm into the parade," she said. "I like the excitement, the whole holiday spirit!" The Millers from Austin, Texas, planned their trip six months ago to see the parade. Sitting in the front row wrapped in a hotel blanket, they said they arrived at 6:15 am. Four hours later, 8-year-old Joey Miller was still having fun. He said the Pikachu float was his favorite. It was Pan Ming's first trip to New York. He came with nine other friends to perform Sichuan opera on the Chengdu float. "I like it here," he said. "The people of New York are so warm and friendly. I'm here to invite them to my beautiful city." An emergency personnel member evacuates a woman as a wildfire burns in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, Israel November 24, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] JERUSALEM - Tens of thousands of people fled roaring bushfires in Haifa, Israel's third-largest city, on Thursday, as the country's leaders blamed Palestinians for intentionally starting the fire. Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan told reporters that "up to half" of the fires over the past days had been "arson terror," and transportation minister, Israel Katz, accused Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel. Speaking at a press conference in Haifa, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "any arson or incitement for arson is an act of terror. Whoever try to burn down parts of Israel will be punished." Arab lawmakers reacted angrily on the accusation, saying the statements were inciting against the country's Arab minority. The fire was most serious in Haifa. Spreading quickly through the dry air and windy weather, the blaze forced at least 60,000 people to leave their homes in the coastal city of Haifa. No serious injuries were reported, but more than 100 people were hospitalized after they inhaled smoke, the medical emergency service said in a statement. In an unusual move, the Homefront Command called up 300 firefighter reservists from two Search and Rescue battalions in Haifa, a military spokesperson said in a statement. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos (L, front) and the leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Rodrigo Londono (R, front), shake hands during the signing ceremony of a revised peace agreement between the Colombian government and FARC at Colon Theater in Bogota, capital of Colombia, on Nov 24, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] BOGOTA - Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and the leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Rodrigo Londono, signed a revised peace agreement here on Thursday. This came less than two months after a plebiscite narrowly rejected the original agreement, which took four years to negotiate. In his speech, London apologized to the victims of the conflict in the name of the FARC, and hailed the new agreement as the common wish of all Colombians to end the war. "Words are the only weapons that Colombians allow us to use," said Londono, who called on the former enemies to co-exist despite their differences. Santos said the revised agreement was the result of a rigorous discussion between the government and FARC, who had gathered for weeks in Havana, Cuba, to consider proposals to those who opposed the first peace agreement. Santos stated that peace must be the most important topic for any nation and that Colombia should become an example in a world riven by conflicts. "Building a country at peace is the most ambitious and transformational project that any generation has ever had the opportunity to fulfill. I cannot imagine a more noble, a more sublime task, a more elevated effort than protecting life and building peace," he stated. Unlike the previous agreement, this new deal will not be subject to a public vote but will have to be approved by Congress over the course of the next week. Within 90 days after the approval, the FARC will begin to lay down arms. And within five months, all the weapons of the FARC will be in the hands of the UN. French politician Francois Fillon speaks as he attends the third prime-time televised debate as he campaigns in the second round for the French center-right presidential primary election in Paris, France, November 24, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] PARIS - Former French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, favorite candidate of the center-right party for 2017 presidential race, has dominated the face-off with his challenger Alain Juppe, an Elabe survey released late Thursday showed. According to the poll, 57 percent of 908 respondents said Fillon was the most convincing, and 71 percent of conservative and center-right voters considered him the winner against Juppe. In a televised debate on Thursday, the two candidates showed great similarities in their economic proposals, which include raising retirement age and reducing public expenditure by cutting public service jobs. However, Juppe, who was forced to overturn sliding popularity after first round defeat, tried to differ by attacking Fillon's plan to slash 500,000 posts in public services, which he said was unrealistic. He wants to reduce 250,000 posts by modernizing public services. "Reform should not be a punishment but bring hope," Juppe said. Defending his "more radical project," the winner of Sunday's conservative primaries' Fillon, retorted "I do not accept saying it's impossible." "Alain Juppe does not really want to change things. He's staying within the system, he just wants to improve it," he added. On social issues and foreign policy, the two contenders quarrelled over multi-culturalism and whether France should cooperate with Russia to win the war against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. File photo shows South Korean President Park Geun-hye delivers her speech during a plenary session at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, February 16, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] SEOUL - South Korean President Park Geun-hye saw her approval rating fall to a new record low, dragging down the support for the ruling Saenuri Party. According to a weekly survey by Gallup Korea released on Friday, only 4 percent of respondents supported Park, posting the lowest for any South Korean president. Approval scores for Park were down from 5 percent, which the first South Korean female leader had maintained in the previous three weeks. Park was identified on Sunday by prosecutors as an accomplice to Choi Soon-sil, Park's decades-long friend who was indicted for multiple counts including abuse of power and extortion. Prosecutors repeatedly requested a face-to-face questioning of the embattled president, but Park's attorney said the chief executive will reject any interrogation demand down the road. In her second public apology earlier this month, Park said she will accept a direct investigation into herself. The acceptance is believed to have been advised by Choi Jae-kyung, new senior presidential secretary on civil affairs in charge of monitoring prosecutors, police and the spy agency. Park's lawyer, however, reversed the recommendation and rejected the interrogation call. Park's counsel, former prosecutor, said the president will accept the questioning by a special prosecutor, who is forecast to launch an independent investigation into the case next month. The senior presidential advisor on civil affairs and Justice Minister Kim Hyun-woong reportedly submitted their resignations to President Park earlier this week, but Park hasn't decided yet on whether to accept the resignations. A Chilean visitor peruses a book on China's history at a Chinese book fair that opened on Wednesday in Santiago. The book fair will last for one month. [Photo by Jorge Villegas/Xinhua] Chinese scholars and researchers held a seminar with their Chilean counterparts on Wednesday to discuss working more closely and providing policymakers in both countries with insightful advice. Key subject matter for the meeting at the Instituto de Chile in Santiago included economic development, coping with challenges that come with growth, and pushing bilateral relations to new heights. Leading a group of scholars from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, academy President Wang Weiguang called for more cross-disciplinary communication and exchanges with his Chilean colleagues. It has been 46 years since China and Chile established diplomatic relations, he said, calling the seminar an important sidebar to Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Chile. This week, Xi visited Ecuador and Peru before Chile, and was scheduled to depart for his return trip to Beijing on Wednesday. Chinese and Chilean officials signed 12 agreements on Tuesday to enhance cooperation in many areas, and bilateral economic ties have grown extensively. "We in academic circles should carry out more comprehensive and well-rounded research projects together," Wang said. "As scholars and observers, we will work harder to improve foreigners' understanding of China, to let more people in other cultures know about China, understand China and ultimately like China." Luis Merino Montero, president of the Instituto de Chile and chairman of the seminar, encouraged more communication between Chinese and Chilean research institutions. The institute, formed over 50 years ago, is charged with advancing arts and sciences. "As the first country in Latin America to establish diplomatic relations with New China, Chile has never ceased its communication and conversation with China," Merino said. "The exchanges will only become more vigorous and robust following President Xi Jinping's state visit to Chile this week," he added. Also in Santiago, a Chinese book fair was opened on Wednesday. Popular titles included Xi Jinping: The Governance of China. Zou Shuo contributed to the story. Contact the writer at junechang@chinadailyusa.com North Dakota Emergency Commission members began the month of November by approving state funds for addressing law enforcement costs relating to Dakota Access Pipeline protests and it will end the month on the same note. Commission members, on Wednesday, will be facing a request to increase a line of credit by $7 million. If approved, that would bring the total amount of money available to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services to $17 million. DES spokeswoman Cecily Fong said, as of this week, more than $11.8 million has been spent to address the ongoing protest movement in southern Morton County. Opponents of the Dakota Access Pipeline have argued that, if the pipeline goes under the Missouri River less than a mile from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribes reservation boundary as planned, it could endanger the water supply for millions of people. Demonstrations in the region have led to more than 500 arrests since August and required the assistance of law enforcement throughout North Dakota and surrounding states, leading to the $17 million in requests. Of the money spent so far, $9.5 million has been in personnel costs to agencies, $1.58 million in equipment and supplies and the remaining $737,000 in personnel support. As other agencies incur costs, they keep us appraised, DES spokeswoman Cecily Fong said. Six agencies are requesting the funds through the DES to offset costs related to protests of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Each exceeds a $50,000 threshold and will require Budget Section approval. The Budget Section meets Dec. 7, following the end of a three-day organizational session of the Legislature. I dont think its going to be the last numbers we see unless something drastically changes, said Emergency Commission member Rep. Al Carlson, R-Fargo. Its one of those things you have to prioritize, and well have to do it. Carlson once again said the federal government should be ponying up dollars and resources to offset state costs incurred from a situation that involves federal land. Its a little disturbing, the lack of federal support, said Carlson, who expects the federal response to be more forthcoming after President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. Our law enforcement is doing a terrific job, Emergency Commission member Sen. Rich Wardner, R-Dickinson, said. The states Disaster Relief Fund should be an option for offsetting the costs, according to Wardner. This is a disaster, he said of the situation. Regardless of the cost, Wardner said the pressure on the federal government to help cover costs will continue. Agency needs The largest request is from the North Dakota Highway Patrol, for $3.9 million in additional spending authority for its operations in responding to protesters. The authority would run through March 31 and includes overtime pay, meals, lodging, mileage and supplies. Funding requested by the North Dakota Department of Health totals more than $2.5 million. This would offset costs of medical response and food services for law enforcement as well as first responders. Nearly half of the $200,500 for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is for supplies, overtime pay as well as costs relating to use of planes and boats at the scene of protests. North Dakota Department of Transportation dollars total $162,350 in its request. Of the request, $30,025 is related to damages to infrastructure, including a bridge, roadways and guardrails. From offering shelter to those without to providing food for Thanksgiving and every other day, local agencies are stepping up to aid those in need. For the holidays, the Bismarck Tribune provides updates on what these agencies need to support families in the community. In Bismarck and Mandan, the Abused Adult Resource Center, the Early Childhood Education Program, AID Inc., Ruth Meiers, Community Action and Charles Hall are looking for donations to help "fill the empty stockings" of those in need this year. Abused Adult Resource Center The Abused Adult Resource Center has been open since 1976, serving victims of domestic violence and harassment. The agency offers a 24-hour emergency hotline, counseling and shelter in an effort to break the cycle of abuse. Last year, the nonprofit organization served 1,264 new victims of domestic violence cases, in which 1,739 children were involved. I believe that we save lives here in the community. I know that we have. We see people changing their lives, said Executive Director Diane Zainhofsky. We see a lot of women who have gone through treatment. Some are successful and some are not, but we have the resources and the tools to help women that are being physically abused behind their own closed doors. AARC has two shelters, Pams House and the Diane Zainhofsky Hope House, which serve as havens for women and children escaping domestic abuse. Both provide temporary housing, food, clothes and counseling. Last year, 165 women and 132 children found refuge in these homes. In addition, the Family Safety Center serves as a safe place for foster children to visit their parents under supervision. Each year, AARC holds a Hope for the Holidays event at Northbrooke Mall to enable members of the community to donate to AARC. This year, it will run Dec. 6-24 in Suite X at the Northbrooke Mall. Toys in new or like-new condition, winter clothes, childrens clothing, socks, underwear, gift cards, gas cards, and personal hygiene items such as shampoo, soap and lotion are among the items needed this year. Volunteers also are needed for the event. Its hard work. It gets harder and harder with the climate that we have, but its pretty rewarding when we see kids being happier and moms making some good decisions for themselves -- and Im not saying 100 percent, but I am saying the majority, and that makes a big difference," Zainhofsky said. To be connected with a family, donate, volunteer or get more information, call 701-222-8370 or visit www.abusedadultresourcecenter.com. BECEP The Bismarck Early Childhood Education Program is operated by Bismarck Public Schools for children younger than 4, with the mission of promoting the overall development of children to reach their full learning potential. Focus on cognitive skills, motor language, self-care and social skills are thread throughout the programming, with a special emphasis on family relationships. Six programs are under the auspices of BECEP: Head Start, Early Head Start, Early Intervention, Right Track, Early Childhood Special Education and Community Friends. Were trying to catch kids early and provide support and education, and we want to work with parents, said Mary MacArthur, a parent involvement coordinator. We want to make sure we have resources for them to help their families. BECEP aims to equip parents to recognize and take up their role as their children's primary educators, teaching them how to form strong relationships with family and friends and improving other developmental skills to enhance their learning and well-being. Its about forming those relationships with families where they really feel connected and feel that this is a positive experience for them, as well as their child, MacArthur said. That makes it all worthwhile. Family needs are met through BECEP as it supplies some lower-income clients with basic needs to help create a safe and healthy home environment. The organization invites the community to give donations such as diapers, pull-ups, wipes, toiletries, paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex and gas cards, as well as educational games and toys such as puzzles and dolls. Monetary donations are also accepted to assist families in emergency situations. Donations are accepted at the main location at 720 N. 14 St., Bismarck. For more information, visit www.becep.bismarckschools.org or call 701-323-4400. Charles Hall Youth Services Charles Hall Youth Services has been supporting North Dakotas youth for more than 50 years. During a Nov. 18 service at the United Church of Christ, the organization was recommissioned through the church to continue its programs. Annually, about 75 youth ages 10 to 19 find shelter at CHYS, where basic needs are met and an individualized program is developed. Potential elements include recreation, health and fitness, education, overcoming addiction, faith, creative arts and life skills. Counseling is available, and the community mentor program enables those residing at CHYS to bond with a mentor in addition to staff and family. First off, we provide care and a safe home for the kids who really dont have another place to be. They get removed from their home typically for an abuse or neglect situation, said Rhonda Styles-Rhode, director of marketing and communications. Each year, the staff and youth at CHYS celebrate the holidays with a dinner and a Christmas party with gifts. Most gifts given to the children come from community donations, and donors are able to provide gifts for specific children upon request. Preferred gifts include fuzzy socks, scented body lotions, makeup, lip balm and lip gloss for girls; and handheld games, Axe deodorant and other toiletries for boys. Other preferred gifts for either gender include journals, socks, underwear, brain-teasers, pajama pants ranging from girls XS to boys XXL, sketchbooks, adult coloring books with colored pencils or markers, and gift cards for places such as bookstores or coffee shops. We know we have kids that would use them and love them, Styles-Rhode said. These are wonderful teenage kids. To make a general donation, provide for a specific child or receive more information, call 701-255-2773 ext. 301, visit www.charleshallyouthservices.com, or go to the facility at 513 E. Bismarck Expressway. Community Action Community Action offers a variety of resources and programs to homeless and low-income families in Bismarck, Mandan and surrounding counties. From blankets for warmth to food for sustenance, Community Action is quick to provide for those in need. One of its largest programs is Backpacks for Kids, in which more than 800 children each receive a backpack full of groceries every two weeks. In addition, many other services are available, such as a food pantry and housing programs. For the holidays, low-income families are welcomed to fill an application stating their childrens wish lists; Community Action then buys those gifts for them. Members of the community also are welcome to sponsor families and provide the items on those lists. In addition, general donations needed this year include blankets, clothes, food items, gift cards and toys for all ages. Theres a big impact. Theres a big homeless population that people dont realize we have, said nutrition practitioner Dawnell Hettich. They come in here, and we can offer them the food pantry and the bread shelf that we have. We can give blankets to keep warm. To donate, sponsor a family or receive more information, email dawnell@cap7.com or call 701-258-2240. AID Inc. Aid Inc. is not your average thrift store. In addition to selling the usual clothes, household items and knickknacks, it provides food, blankets and a help center staffed with counselors and social workers. We do this job with gratitude and compassion, sad Patti Regan, executive director and store manager. This season, AID Inc. is hosting its annual Care and Share program on Dec. 9. The program is a fundraiser for food baskets to give needy members of the community. This year, about 260 families are signed up to receive food baskets on Dec. 10. In addition to the food baskets, AID Inc. provides Christmas gifts for children who would otherwise might not receive anything. This is done through Angel Sites set up around the community, where people take an angel with a suggested donation from a tree stationed at local businesses. The donations typically include dolls, puzzles, games, coloring books, crayons and other items for children up to age 14. The donated items are set up at the Brave Center (formerly known as the Mandan Community Center) for parents to browse through and select Christmas gifts for their children. This year, 350 kids are expected to receive gifts through this program. Who better to know whats in their childs heart than the parent? Regan said. So they get to be the hero: They get to take the presents home and wrap them and put them under the tree. They get to be the hero in their childs eye. To donate or find more information, call 701-663-2122. Ruth Meiers Ruth Meiers strives to meet the needs of the Bismarck community with its shelters, job training programs and other forms of assistance, such as day care, transportation and case management. Since opening its doors in 1987, it has grown tremendously, expanding to multiple facilities and offering numerous programs to those in need. Ive been (working) here for the past two months, and its the most heartwarming experience, said community resource officer Cathy Anhalt. Im humbled every day, Im very blessed; Im very thankful. With more than 200 shelter beds, Ruth Meiers offers a safe, clean place for the homeless to stay. The organization also operates affordable housing units, which allow families to move into an apartment temporarily and pay rent based on income. Coffee, garbage bags, socks, scarves, workbooks, bedding, dishes and cleaning supplies are some of the most needed donations at Ruth Meiers facilities. When we provide our shelter services, we always have bedding for a twin-size bed, so pillows and sheets get worn out; so theres always a need for that, along with washcloths and towels, Anhalt said. For the month of December, Ruth Meiers will hold a diaper drive at McCabe United Methodist Church to help provide the basic needs for clients with young children. Diapers, baby clothing, baby food and other items will be accepted. Food baskets also will be distributed to families throughout the month. Bread, dairy, eggs and canned fruit are among the suggested donations for the baskets. These items can be delivered to Ruth Meiers' main location at 1100 E. Boulevard Ave. To donate or receive more information, call 701-222-2108 or visit www.ruthmeiers.org. Hundreds of Dakota Access Pipeline protesters staged demonstrations on Thanksgiving Day in multiple locations in Mandan and near the main Oceti Sakowin protest camp. Early Thursday morning, protesters began building a bridge, made of foam board and plywood bound together with rope, across Cantapeta Creek to gain access to a hill known as Turtle Hill, which some protesters have said contained burial sites. Throughout the day protesters said they were there to "reclaim" the hill, which they had attempted to reach earlier this month by building a similar bridge. About 400 protesters gathered near Turtle Hill, and at one point a group started crossing the makeshift bridge and stood at the bottom of the hill. They didn't attempt to climb the hill, and police warned them to retreat or they would be arrested. Around 4:30 p.m., most had left the hill. No arrests were made. Avery Lohman hung back after most protesters had returned to camp and watched the few remaining officers on the hill. "Today's been very peaceful," said Lohman, who traveled to the camp from Kansas. Some protesters wore rain ponchos to repel water, goggles and gas masks. Before leaving the bottom of the hill, the group formed a large circle near the shoreline. Hand-in-hand, they stood in silence, interspersed with moments of cheering and waiving at the line of officers who stood atop the hill. A drone quietly flew above the protesters and the officers holding a line on the hill. The sheriff's department said one drone was "flying so low that an officer was able to knock it out of the sky with his hand." The drone is now in evidence, and it will be used to determine possible charges against the operator. Another demonstration was held at Backwater Bridge on Thursday. A group of protesters gathered around 10:30 a.m. at the bridge, where there was an hour-long confrontation Sunday between protesters and police. On Thursday, protesters had backed a semi-trailer onto the bridge and about 150 to 200 protesters gathered there, according to Rob Keller, a spokesman for the Morton County Sheriff's Department. A demonstration was also held on busy East Main Street in downtown Mandan. More than 170 vehicles and a school bus arrived around 10 a.m. at the Burger King parking lot and began preparing "materials" for the protest, according to Keller. Protesters filled the intersection of East Main Street and Mandan Avenue, which had been blocked off from traffic. An alert was sent out to Mandan and Bismarck residents around 10 a.m. to inform them of the protest activity. Law enforcement had been informed that the protesters were heading to Mandan, Keller said. While some protesters were constructing the bridge to cross to Turtle Hill, they had told officers they were planning to come into town. One protester reportedly told officers he was "ready to die today," and another had said, "Remember '73?" referring to Wounded Knee in 1973. We had every option at that time to prepare, Keller said, also noting that law enforcement took the protesters statements seriously. Pipeline opponents carried signs and banners, one which read "No pilgrims, no pipeline." Some protesters shouted, "Shame on you, North Dakota!" "They come at us with violence, we come back with prayer," said Jamey Reil, of Virginia, who was referring to the clash between police and protesters Sunday night at Backwater Bridge. At the center of the intersection, protesters had set up several folding tables with pumpkins and a pig head. They also brought sandwiches and drinks. Officers formed a line on the street across from the protesters. Around 11:15 a.m., officers told the protesters to leave the area or be arrested, and they began backing the protesters down the street. By 11:30 a.m., most of the protesters had dispersed. Two people were arrested for refusing to leave, according to the sheriff's department. (Photo : Getty Images) More than 130,000 sailors are affected of cyberintrusion. Advertisement Unknown individuals managed to get hold of sensitive data from over 130,000 sailors through a contractor's laptop, the US Navy announced on Wednesday. The military branch was notified by Hewlett Packard Enterprise Services that hackers gained access to personal information through an employee's computer who supports a navy contract. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The names and social security numbers of 134,386 current and former US sailors were compromised. Investigation of the cyberintrusion is in its early stages but so far has no indication to suggest deliberate misuse of the information, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service claimed in a release. The personal data came from the Career Waypoint database, commonly known as C-WAY, that sailors utilize to submit re-enlistment and Navy Occupational Specialty applications, a navy official revealed. "The Navy takes this incident extremely seriously - this is a matter of trust for our sailors," Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Admiral Robert Burke said in a statement. "We are in the early stages of investigating and are working quickly to identify and take care of those affected by the breach." Hewlett Packard informed the navy of the infiltration on Oct. 27, and the affected sailors will be notified by multiple ways in the coming weeks, including phone, letter, and email. They will also look into credit monitoring service options to be provided to the enlistees involved. The American multinational information technology company won a $3.5 billion contract to handle the navy's communication network in 2013. According to Navy Times, this is the second major reported breach involving both parties. In the aforementioned year, the service disclosed that Iran managed to penetrate its unclassified Navy and Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) developed by HP in 2000. The Wall Street Journal reported the following year that the hack was due to a flawed contract and irregular maintenance. Hewlett Packard failed to mention on the signed agreement that they were supposed to provide security to a set of navy databases. Furthermore, the security databases were not maintained regularly. It led to a four-month long clean-up operation of its systems and a $10-million expense before the officials completely cleared the hackers out and built a more sophisticated protection. Advertisement Tags Navy, Personal Data Breached, Personal Data Hacked, 130000 Sailors, Hewlett Packard, HP, HP Breach, HP Hack, Navy HP (Photo : Getty Images ) The Philippines and the US have decide to scale down their yearly joint exercise from 263 to 258 in 2017. Advertisement The United States and Philippines have finally decided to reduce the numbers of annual joint military drills. The chief of Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) Gen. Ricardo Visaya announced on Wednesday that the country has decided to end at least five joint military exercises with the United States. The scrapped five joint military exercises also include two major naval drills - Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) and Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT). Like Us on Facebook Advertisement "The annual CARAT and PHiBLEX exercises have been scrapped in future military drills between the two countries," Visaya said. He also informed that the two countries have decide to scale down their yearly joint exercise from 263 to 258 in 2017. Visaya further stated that the Philippines defense officials conveyed the decision to the US military. Visaya on Tuesday met with United States Pacific Command commander Admiral Harry Harris Jr. and reportedly discussed the issue. The US reportedly supported the move and agreed to focus instead on humanitarian assistance and disaster response exercises. "The two allies will focus more on humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations and other non-traditional military training and exercises," a Philippines military official said. The move comes amid Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's vow to reduce US military's presence in the country. Last month, Duterte had also pledged to stop joint military drills with US forces and announced his country's 'military' separation from the US. The new Philippines leader is now known for his anti-US stance and his strong interest to align with China and Russia. Advertisement TagsPhilippines, US, joint military exercises, Pacific Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines (Photo : Facebook) Christiane Amanpour delivered a powerful speech on the Committee to Protect Journalists History of Events. Advertisement Never in a million years thought, Christiane Amanpour delivered a speech on Tueday night at an event of the Committee to Protect Journalist (CPJ), an international press freedom awards dinner, wherein Amanpour was handed the Burton Benjamin Memorial Award. Amanpour gave a 15-minute long acceptance speech for being an individual whose careers amount to "lifelong work to advance press freedom." Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Her speech used powerful introductory words that boil down to her appeal for safety and protection of the American journalists at home. "I never in a million years thought I would be up here on stage appealing for the freedom and safety of American journalists at home," Amanpour said. Amanpour reiterated accusation thrown to media as known to well by journalists in the house like being accused of inciting, then sympathizing, and then associating. Media is also accused of being full-fledged terrorists and subversives. These accusations end up some of the media men in handcuffs, in cages, in kangaroo courts, and in prison. Amanpour gave more emphasis to her appeal as she stressed out that having "a great America requires a great and free and safe press." She encouraged the journalists to stand up together and do not stand for being labeled crooked or lying or failing by recommitting to robust fact-based reporting without fear nor favor on the issues. As Amanpour believes in being truthful, not neutral, she believed that they must stop banalizing the truth. She even mentioned about fighting against a post-values world and reminded the audience about "Since when were American values elitist values?" These values formed the very fundamental foundation of the United States as it is the America's greatest export and gift to the world. Finally, Amanpour appeals to stop journalism from becoming weaponized. This never in a million thought of Amanpour Speech is really a history in all other events of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) as she challenged to face the challenging era of Journalism in America and served as a reminder to all to be steady and focus on the clarity of what we know to be true and good about American ideals for bad things do happen when good people do nothing. Advertisement TagsChristiane Amanpour, Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ, International Press Freedom Award (Photo : Getty Images) China has been signing partnership agreements with African countries. Advertisement China is planning to train at least 500 African aviators annually, as part of wider efforts to provide a boost to the continent's fast-growing aviation industry. The pledge was made by Shu Limei, the commercial councilor for Asia and Africa in Guangdong province during the China-Africa aviation forum held in China's Zhuhai province. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement "We will help Africa to deal with challenges such as backward infrastructure and low financing. Aviation is one of the areas of cooperation in infrastructure between Africa and China," she said. Passengers' travel between the continent and China have been on a steady rise, hitting over 73 million in 2014, up from 14 million in 2004. China is also looking at Africa as a robust market for its new aircraft as the continent's airlines seek to replace ageing aircraft. China has struck aviation cooperation agreements with 12 African countries, clearing the way for more partnerships in the sector. In 2005, the Republic of Congo became the first country in Africa to operate the China manufactured MA60 civil aircraft after purchasing three units from Beijing. Growing bilateral relations have enabled Chinese commercial airlines to open four direct routes from the country to Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Mauritius. According to Eng. Fred Kyankya , the general manager of the Uganda Air Cargo Corporation, low investment in the African aviation sector has created huge operational challenges. "We largely operate old equipment that is retired from markets in Europe, Middle East and Asia. This explains the declining safety record," he said during the aviation forum in Zhuhai, China. China has also been undertaking other infrastructure projects in Africa, such as building modern railways in Kenya and Rwanda. (Photo : Getty Images) Two suspects reportedly robbed and killed a female taxi driver. Advertisement A female taxi driver was robbed of her earning and stabbed to death by her alleged passengers in the eastern region of China on Wednesday night. The incident transpired in the Nangu district of Jiaxing in the Zhejiang province near a river, according to a South China Morning Post report. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Residents of the area made contact with local police officials after discovering blood stains on her car, which had all its doors remaining open near the river. Police officials were reportedly quick to arrive on the scene. And information regarding the woman has been withheld. In a report issued out by police authorities, the lady allegedly approached two clients earlier in the night and gave them her a contact information in case they would need a taxi afterwards. The suspects made contact of her around midnight hours. "After boarding her car, they robbed her of 700 yuan ($100) in cash and a gold necklace," read the report. "They also stabbed her several times and forced her to reveal her ATM password." The report added that after they had withdrawn 4,800 yuan ($693) from her bank account, the suspects threw her dying body into the river. Their plan to drive the car as well to the river was cut short after it got stuck in the river bank. Within five hours, the two culprits behind her death had been nabbed by city officials and taken into custody as they await prosecution. "One suspect aged 30, previously spent seven years behind bars for robbery," read the report. "The other suspect, 18, was his colleague at a manufacturing plant." The woman was a part-time driver for China's prominent taxi driving company Didi Chuxing. The company had early in the year been put on hold after one of its drivers killed a female passenger, according to a report by Yibada. Advertisement Tagschina, Didi Chuxing, death (Photo : Getty Images) Uyghur men fold up their prayer rugs after praying at the grave of a loved one. Advertisement The Chinese government, in a bid to combat terror attacks, has passed new regulations that will require Xinjiang residents to hand in their identification cards if ever they would need to travel outside the country. According to a BBC News, with the new laws put in place, the residents of the region will now be required to submit their identification documents for "safe keeping." Like Us on Facebook Advertisement "All residents must now apply for permission to leave the country before they can retrieve their passports," Stephen McDonell, a Beijing-based BBC reporter, said. The region, which is home to 23 million, is home to more than 11 million Uyghurs, a Muslim community. The Financial Times reported that the new regulations were not well received by China's online community. "Do people have human rights or not? Can't the government just let us live an easier life?" read one Weibo post. Chinese authorities have taken several steps in the region in recent years to combat the growth of religious extremism. Some of these moves have been interpreted as a clamp down on the religious rights of Uyghurs. For example, civil servants in the region are not allowed to grow beards as is common in the Muslim community. In a report by the World Uyghur Congress, the group said that they were in strong disagreement with the governing bodies of the region in regard to the new regulations presented. "Although the regulations ostensibly target all residents, Chinese authorities in the past have taken clear steps to limit mobility rights for the Uyghur community in particular," the report said. Advertisement Tagschina, Xinjiang, Uyghur Community, World Uyghur Congress (Photo : Getty Images) Police authorities nabbed a Chinese man at a South African airport for illegally acqiring Rhino horns. Advertisement A Chinese man has been detained in South Africa's airport on Wednesday after being found to be in possession of an illegally acquired ivory. The Wednesday incident, according to Sky News, happened after police officials were given an unknown tip. The culprit is currently detained at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement A statement issued by South Africa's organized crime unit reads that "The 28-year-old male, who was in transit from Namibia to board a South African Airways flight to Hong Kong was immediately arrested." A report by AllAfrica news explains that the 18 rhino horns, which were valued at nearly 7 million rands ($495,000) and weighed in at 95 pounds, were hidden in his traveling bag . They were seized after a normal routine search was done. Other than the rhino horns, the suspect was also discovered with carved ornaments. He is scheduled to appear before the Kempton Magistrate Court on Friday. He will be charged with the illegal acquisition of rhino horns under the Endangered Species Act. A report by Yahoo News showed that South Africa is also a hotbed for poaching activities. In 2015, the largest record of the death of the rhino was registered and it stood at 1,200 rhinos killed. A study done showed that the Asian community was a main destination for the illegally acquired ivory. A great number of the Asian poachers are under the belief that the horns have the power to heal a vast number of things, a belief that is strongly refuted. South Africa is constantly striving to do away with poaching in the country which is home to the world's largest rhino population. In August this year, another Chinese man based in Hong Kong was also found in possession of rhino horns and carved ornaments at the OR Tambo airport. Advertisement Tagschina, South Africa, poaching, rhino (Photo : Getty Images ) China has finally confirmed its support to new UN sanctions against North Korea. Advertisement China has finally confirmed its support to new United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against North Korea over its most recent nuclear test. The Chinese foreign ministry said that Beijing resolutely opposes North Korean nuclear test and it supports the new set of sanctions against the country. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement "China resolutely opposes the DPRK conducting nuclear tests," ministry's spokesperson Gen Shuang said. "To achieve denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, maintain peace and stability on the peninsula and resolve nuclear issues through peaceful means like dialogue and negotiation; that is the consistent position of China." Shuang's remarks came a day after a Japanese media report suggested that the U.S. and China have reached a consensus on imposing new sanctions on North Korea including a ban on country's coal exports to China. The UN diplomats from China and United States are currently holding talks with representatives of three other UNSC permanent member countries - UK, France and Russia - on the new draft resolution against North Korea. Among three other permanent members, UK and France are expected to support the new draft resolution. Russia, on the other hand, might have some differences over the text of new draft. Beijing is likely to persuade its close ally Moscow to accept the new draft. The new set of sanctions against the North Korea comes after the secretive communist state conducted its fifth and biggest ever nuclear test in September. The isolated Korean peninsula nation also carried out nearly two dozen missile tests in 2016. The new UNSC sanctions are unlikely to impact North Korea's controversial nuclear program. Advertisement Tagschina, North Korea, UNSC, Russia, Sanctions, US (Photo : Getty Images ) China opposes a recently signed Japan-South Korea military intelligence pact. Advertisement China has lashed out at a recent military intelligence agreement signed between Japan and South Korea. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Gen Shuang condemned the new Japan-South Korea military intelligence pact and called it a result of cold war mentality of two countries. He also warned that the pact will further worsen the confrontation on the Korean peninsula. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement "Intensified cooperation between relevant countries based on the deeply entrenched Cold War mentality for the sharing of military intelligence will only worsen the confrontation on the Korean Peninsula," the spokesperson told reporters in Beijing on Wednesday. He asked Tokyo and Seoul to respect the security concerns of regional countries when finalizing the deal. Shuang also termed the pact a move against the peaceful development in the region. "While carrying out military cooperation, relevant countries should take seriously the security concerns of regional countries." The United States, on the other hand, welcomed the agreement, saying that it will strengthened military intelligence cooperation between Japan and South Korea. US defense secretary Ash Carter said that by sharing intelligence information, two of its closest allies in the Korean Peninsula would enhance their deterrence posture against North Korean aggression. On Wednesday, Japan and South Korea signed the General Security of the Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), which will enable both countries to share intelligence reports on North Korea's controversial nuclear and missile development program. Japanese ambassador to South Yasumasa Nagamine and South Korea's defense minister Han Min-koo formally signed the deal in Seoul. GSOMIA is the first-ever military pact between two countries. Advertisement Tagschina, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Military Intelligence (Photo : Getty Images. ) China plans to make more investments in Pakistan. Advertisement It appears that China is in no mood to put a break on its investment drive in Pakistan. A leading Pakistani minister has confirmed that the Chinese government would invest $8.5 billion in the region. This is in addition to the $46-billion that has already been committed for the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Pakistan's Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal gave a breakdown on the investment to Reuters, claiming that nearly $4.5 billion will go to upgrading the railway line system from Karachi to Peshawar, while another $4 billion will be spent on LNG terminal and transmission line. "This has now all been approved, so this is an additional $8.5 billion to the $46 billion we had already, so we are now close to $55 billion," Iqbal said. However, not everyone is upbeat about that these large-scale Chinese investments in Pakistan. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned in June that profit repayment from large-scale infrastructure investments such as CPEC could increase the Pakistani government's fiscal deficit. It predicted that country's gross external financing needs would shoot to $15.1 billion in 2018/2019 from $11.4 billion in the current financial year. But Iqbal argues that these risks and expenses could be easily countered by economic boost that these large-scale projects would give to important sectors such as steel, construction and engineering. "As the economy grows, our capacity to undertake the responsibilities of repayments also improves, what really matters is that all of that investment is going into productive sectors," Iqbal said. These large-scale joint venture investment projects clearly underpin the close diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan. This close relationship has been shaped by a mutual mistrust against India. Apart from economic investment, Beijing is one of the largest suppliers of military equipment and hardware to Pakistan. It is also helping Pakistan to build a nuclear power plant, despite reservations from several countries including India. Advertisement TagsPakistan, China and Pakistan, CPEC Project, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Project (Photo : Getty Images) The accusations were made by France's Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault after a weekly cabinet meeting. Advertisement France has accused the Syrian government of taking advantage of the political upheavals in the United States to declare "total war" on the opposition in the country. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The accusations were made by France's Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault after a weekly cabinet meeting, where he also added that countries opposed to Syria President Bashar Al-Assad would soon meet to map a way forward. He did not reveal what the meeting hopes to achieve but insinuated protection of the Syrian population would be a major talking point. "Today 1 million people are besieged, not just in Allepo, but in Homs, Ghouta and Idlib. That is the reality of Syria," Ayrault said in Paris. The minister said that France is taking the initiative to confront the strategy of total war by the Syrian regime and its allies, who are taking advantage of the political uncertainty in Washington to further their cause. Ayrault added that the planned meeting would take in Paris at a later date. Countries opposed to Assad such as the US, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are expected to be in attendance. France is a staunch supporter of the anti-Assad groups in Syria and has been actively pushing for the UN Security Council to sanction the Syrian government for the use of Chemical weapons. "It's been proven that the regime and ISIL have used chemical weapons, so we now need sanctions," Ayrault said. Russia, a staunch supporter of the Assad regime, has said that the Syrian government should be allowed to investigate the claims. Meanwhile, doctors and activists on the ground are asking the International community to air-drop supplies in opposition-held eastern Aleppo. They also want safe passage for civilians and want the United Nations to monitor their movement. This week, the Syrian army released a statement accusing opposition fighters of holding civilians against their will. "Permit those citizens who want to leave to do so, stop using them as hostages and human shields," the statement said. Advertisement TagsSyria, Battle for allepo, Middle East, war and conflict #RedWednesday casts light on persecution 25 November, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , | LONDON (Christian Examiner) In April the Catholic faithful in Rome remembered the persecuted church by lighting the famed Trevi Fountain with blood red light. Now, familiar landmarks in London have also been washed with the same hue to commemorate the church's recent martyrs and draw attention to the plight of Christians still persecuted in the modern world. The project which painted the buildings with light Nov. 23, on #RedWednesday, is part of a worldwide movement launched by Aid to the Church in Need, a Catholic charity which works in more than 140 countries worldwide. "We hope that the ACN red bus as it travels London on Red Wednesday will highlight the very real and pressing issue of those suffering because they are persecuted today for their peacefully held beliefs," Neville Kyrke-Smith, ACN's national director in Great Britain, said. "We will invite all those, whether Christian or other faiths to attend and show their support for the right of a person to practice their religion in peace." According to the Anglican Communion News Service, the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and Westminster Catholic Cathedral were lit, while some of Parliament was, as well. Even though the Anglican Communion is not Roman Catholic, its ties to the old Roman church are growing stronger. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby also demonstrated his support for the display. He said that the Anglican Church had taken time during communion to minister to the persecuted church around the world in prayer. "We prayed for all victims of religious violence around the world - and for governments too," Welby said. According to The Telegraph, the Wednesday date was chosen because it would be followed by a report Thursday Thanksgiving Day for Americans on the worst violators of religious liberty worldwide. The day is also St. Clement's Day, which commemorates the martyrdom of the early pope. Aid to the Church in Need's report will highlight the conditions unfavorable to Christianity in 38 countries, all of which are locations were there have been significant violations of religious liberty. It focuses on 23 of the worst offenders, which include Sudan, Yemen and Eritrea all locations were al Qaeda and the Islamic State have gained footholds. In addition to Welby's comment, Bishop Anba Angaleos, who oversees the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said via social media that he saw the buildings being lit red as a "symbol of solidarity with those deprived of their religious freedom." Christian leaders gathered Thursday to accept the findings of the report and call for greater levels of religious tolerance for Christians in war-torn regions of the Middle East and North Africa. Sarah Berstein, director-general of the Jerusalem Center for Jewish-Christian Relations, said she was supportive of the #RedWednesday campaign, as did Umar Al-Qadri Ameer, head imam of the Al-Mustafa Islamic Educational & Cultural Center in Ireland. Does North Dakota have a voice in our country? If you take a map of the United States and color it, county by county, you will see its mostly red (Republican). These are the more rural areas. The only blue areas (Democrat) are along Californias ocean areas and in the large cities throughout this nation. There was a time I did not like the Electoral College because North Dakota has only three votes. But that was before I came to understand that this system was set up to give voice to areas of less population. Do we want the voice of California to drown out the voice of North Dakota? Of course not. Then keep the Electoral College. Larry Larsen, in his letter, states there is only one thing President-elect Donald Trump ever said that he agrees with. Am I then to assume that he agrees with Hillary Clinton that to protect the health of the mother an abortion must be sometimes done three days before delivery? If a mother, for example, has gestational diabetes in late pregnancy, they might either induce labor or do a C-section. I am glad Clinton is not my doctor. Evelyn Jacob, New Salem Scorsese film about persecuted Japanese Christians will hit theaters at Christmas 25 November, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , | HOLLYWOOD (Christian Examiner) Martin Scorsese could be in the running for another Academy Award for his long-awaited film on the work of two 17th-century Catholic priests who went to Japan in search of their mentor after church leaders receive a report of his abandonment of the faith. Silence stars Adam Driver (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge) as the two Jesuit priests who feel in their heart the senior priest, played by Liam Neeson (Taken), could not have possibly committed apostasy. The two arrive in Japan after an incredibly difficult journey, only to find that their troubles are not over. Lower Japan is embroiled in a war between peasants and the ruling Shogun, who heavily tax the people and conscript men (and women) for forced labor. They also prohibit Christianity, and it is this prohibition and the persecution of Catholic Christians in Japan that serves as the driving force in the film. Silence is based on Shusaku Endo's 1966 novel of the same name. While a work of historical fiction, the characters are loosely based on real priests who arrived during the Shimabara Rebellion in 1637-38 when foreigners and especially Christian foreigners were distrusted. In many cases, they were killed quickly. The Shogun's response to the Shimabara Rebellion drove Catholic Christians underground and virtually wiped the church out until French Catholics reintroduced it 200 years later. It was called the era of the Kakure Kirishitan or "Hidden Christians." Endo brought the era to life in vivid detail, describing the manners in which the Japanese Christians were identified. In the novel, as will be depicted in the movie, authorities ask suspected Christians to trample a fumie, or a crude image of Christ on the cross. Those who will not are are tortured and killed. Silence, according to Matt Goldberg at Collider, will be a contender for an Oscar as nearly all of Scorsese's films have been, especially if the film's trailer is any indication. Goldberg described it as "pretty incredible." He wrote that the film will "dive deep into questions of not only religious tolerance, but how religion functions in a societal power structure. While the set-up is two priests looking for their mentor, the film looks like it goes far beyond that premise to show the dangers of ministering the faith to the Japanese people. I also love that this looks like the protagonists will be wrestling with their faith and having it tested in a foreign land. Scorsese films always offer plenty to chew on, and Silence looks like it will be no different." In fact, the priests' tension with the ideas of faith and suffering are a focus of Endo's book. The climax of the book comes when one of the priests is forced to choose between stepping on the fumie and continuing to listen to his missionary partner and other Christians being tortured and killed. Silence, from Paramount Pictures, opens in theaters Dec. 23. 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. home World Czech Christian aid worker jailed in Sudan continues to share Gospel in prison Petr Jasek, a Czech Christian aid worker who is currently incarcerated in a Sudan prison, is remaining steadfast in his faith in Christ and he is pursuing his mission to share the Gospel. Jasek, along with Rev. Hassan Abdelrahim Kodi, Rev. Kuwa Shemaal and Abdelmoneim Abdelmoula, are currently on trial for several offenses including espionage, waging war against the state, inciting hatred between classes and propagation of a false news article, Mission Network News (MNN) reported. The last hearing was conducted on Nov. 14. The four men could be sentenced to death if they are found guilty. Dr. Jason Peters, Associate Vice President of Voice of the Martyrs, USA, has kept in contact with Jasek throughout his incarceration. He said that the aid worker was trying to learn more about the situation of a Christian man who was attacked, tortured and burned prior to his arrest. Before Jasek could leave the country, the authorities stopped him at the airport. He was detained and his belongings, including a laptop and a camera, were confiscated. The aid worker has been incarcerated for nearly a year but the time he has spent there has not been wasted. "He's actually been able to reach out to several people [in prison]. He says he's sharing the Gospel just as effectively as he would outside of prison. He's said they're able to have worship services together, they're singing together, they're studying Scripture," Peters told MNN. Peters said that Jasek had difficulties in obtaining a Bible but he eventually got one. The aid worker is now using the scriptures to share the hope he has in Christ to the other prisoners. "This brother is just an inspirational guy.... We were able to get word out from [Jasek], and he said, 'God holds the key to my cell. I've been talking about persecuted Christians in Sudan for years and now I find myself among them,'" Peters said. "He's married, he's got some children, but he said, 'It's okay, because I know God has called me to this place to minister to these brothers,'" he added. Another Czech missionary has said that Jasek's health is starting to deteriorate. A petition calling for his release has already gathered over 340,000 signatures. 5 People Who Burned Christian Couple to Death In Pakistan Sentenced to Hang Loved ones of the Christian couple from Pakistan who were brutally killed by burning by a Muslim mob over false accusations of blasphemy, have finally attained justice two years after the heinous crime was committed. According to a report by The Daily Mail, five individuals who were involved in the attack and killing of Christian man Shahzad Masih and his pregnant wife Shama Bibi have been sentenced to death by hanging by a court in the eastern city of Lahore. Eight other people who were also part of the mob that killed the Christian couple were sentenced to two years in prison. "The five people awarded the death sentence were involved in dragging, beating and burning the couple while the other eight played a supportive role, according to the judgement," Riaz Anjum, a lawyer representing the couple's family, said. It can be recalled that the Christian couple were dragged and tossed inside a kiln after they were falsely accused of tossing pages of Islam's holy book, the Quran, into a garbage heap which they allegedly burned afterwards. Only the charred bones of the couple were recovered after the incident. Critics alleged that the couple, who could not even read or write, committed blasphemy, which is punishable by death in the Muslim-dominated nation. As it turned out, the court found out that the Christian couple only disposed pages from a book with inscriptions in different languages made by Shahzad's father before the Muslim mob, who wrongly thought they were pages from the Quran, attacked them. Although 13 people who took part in this attack have been punished, some 90 others were acquitted by the local court. Among those cleared by the court for any wrongdoing was Masih's employer, who had been accused of trying to prevent the Christian couple from leaving their worksite due to their unpaid debt. A Reason For Hope: Why Apologetics Still Matters Today Is faith based on evidence, or is it trusting in something you cannot see? Can it be both? Today marks the feast day of St Catherine of Alexandria, who is regarded by Catholic tradition as the patron saint of apologists. Legend says that Catherine was born in Alexandria, Egypt, a sophisticated hub of culture and learning. Her noble birth granted her an excellent education and she was a gifted scholar. A vision at a young age brought her to Christianity, so when the Emperor Maxentius began persecuting Christians, the teenage scholar denounced his actions. Instead of having her executed, Maxentius ordered 50 orators and philosophers to debate Catherine. The story says however that Catherine, moved by the power of the Holy Spirit, spoke with eloquence in defence of the faith. So convincing were her words that many of the pagans were themselves converted in response. Catherine could be neither defeated in argument, nor forced to give up her beliefs. Legend even states that Maxentius's own wife was converted, before Catherine was eventually put to death. We don't know exactly how much of this story is true, or if Catherine really existed, but she remains a prominent and important saint in Church tradition. St Catherine's story teaches us about the power of an apologia (a defence or explanation) for the faith, using reason and rhetoric to point to the truth of Christianity. In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter writes: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (Greek: apologian) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." Verses like that, alongside the story of St Catherine, have inspired many to read and study arguments and philosophies that ground Christian faith. Christians have been doing it since the early days of the Church as they seek to explain their faith to a world to whom it can make little sense. As we celebrate the feast day of St Catherine, why is apologetics important? Making sense of God Perhaps one of the most important arguments for apologetics is that it takes the time to make sense of what for many people seems either difficult to understand, or just plain absurd. Early Christian apologists like Justin Martyr (a convert from paganism) had to explain to a hostile world why they weren't bloodthirsty cannibals just because they celebrated eating the body and blood of Jesus. Christianity was rooted in the Jewish faith, but it was a thoroughly new way of understanding the world, and it needed to be explained in order to make sense to people, especially those with no Jewish background. A classic example of this is seen in Acts 17, where Paul finds himself in the Athenian Areopagus, debating with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers of the day. Some accuse him of being a 'babbler' and 'advocating foreign gods' by teaching about Jesus and the resurrection. But Paul doesn't respond by simply shouting louder or insulting these thinkers, but by engaging with them. He says: "People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship and this is what I am going to proclaim to you." (Acts 17:22-23) Paul starts with what people know, and then makes his case from there. He shows how their philosophers capture parts of the truth (Acts 17:28), and then shows how Jesus fits into their view of the world. C.S. Lewis stands out in the 20th Century as someone who sought to do this for his own generation, in many different forms. In Mere Christianity he tackled common objections to the Christian faith and made a case for why Christianity wasn't just true, but actually made more sense of the world. As he once wrote: "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." New York pastor Tim Keller has been called the C.S. Lewis of this generation, for seeking to do the same with books like The Reason for God, and more recently Making Sense of God. Good apologetics is rooted in a love of people, taking them and their questions seriously, instead of just preaching at them and assuming its their fault if they don't understand. Theology matters Another reason apologetics is so important, is because it lays the groundwork for theology, and good theology matters. If we say that there are no good reasons for Christian faith, or that Christianity really is just a bit absurd and nonsensical, then how do we justify trying to say anything reasonable about God? Especially considering how non-believers might grow into the faith if they are converted, good apologetics sets a precedent for reason, study and asking good questions that is integral to good theology, preaching and discipleship. If a pastor only appeals to 'my personal spiritual experience' or 'my personal interpretation of the Bible' as an authority then it becomes very difficult to have a real conversation or good disagreement about his or her beliefs. Scholarship, Bible commentaries and philosophy are not infallible, but they bring credibility to a discussion, and are helpful adjudicators for reasonable dialogue. They do justice to the fact that yes, faith and trust are integral to Christianity, but that God has given us brains too, and we should use them. Heart, soul, and mind That said, apologetics is not everything. While some Christians can get a bad reputation for making no sesne at all, some Christians can be so wrapped up in apologetics that rather than being helpful to outsiders, they come across as smug, more-clever-than-thou Christians who are only interested in winning arguments. They may also be missing out on the more intimate and experiential sides of faith, or the truth that not all of faith can be explained with mere logic and reason. God has given us a heart and a soul as well as a mind. They are all important aspects of what it means to be human, and all are essential in knowing God too. Some people may need a certain argument to challenge the assumptions of their mind, but others may need something deeper like honesty, kindness and love to move their heart and soul. To return to 1 Peter 3:15, it's important to remember that one is giving an apologia (reason) not for 'how clever you are' but "for the hope that you have". Peter's assumption is that you would live a life that is so full of hope that people would have to stop and ask you "how do you have that?" It might be worth asking yourself exactly that question. After 1,000 Years, Lost Shrine of Olaf, Norway's 'Miraculous' Patron Saint and Martyred King, Is Uncovered A vital piece of Norwegian history has come to light. Archaeologists have dug up the lost shrine of Norway's iconic and "miraculous" saint and king, Olaf II Haraldson, who met martyrdom at the dawn of Christianity in the European country 1,000 years ago, the Daily Mail reported. Researchers at the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU) have announced that they have uncovered the wooden foundations of St. Clement's church where Olaf's remains were believed to have been enshrined after his sainthood. The discovery reportedly confirmed historical accounts of King Olaf who was proclaimed a saint after being slain in battle. Historians said his remains were buried at a church in the city of Trondheim. Anna Petersen, the excavation's director, said what they uncovered "is a unique site in Norwegian history in terms of religion, culture and politics." "Much of the Norwegian national identity has been established on the cult of sainthood surrounding St Olaf, and it was here where it all began," she explained. Olaf ruled Norway in the early 11th century at a difficult time in his country's history when its people began giving up their old gods for Christianity after the kingdoms of the then divided Norway were unified. Historical accounts said Olaf was driven into exile in Russia by his foes and was later slain in battle on his return from exile. It is thought that his body was carried away and buried at Trondheim. A year after his burial, Olaf's coffin was said to have been dug up to reveal well-preserved remains, with the hair and finger nails still growing. This led to him being declared a saint, historians said. They said the people of Trondheim witnessed a number of miracles attributed to Olaf's holiness. Olaf, Norway's patron saint, has been immortalised in the country's coat of arms, where he represents the golden lion holding an axe. 'Barbaric' Forced Organ Harvesting Targets Christians In China, Investigators Claim Forced organ harvesting continues to target Christians and other religious minorities in China, according to investigators. Between 60,000 and 100,000 organ transplants have been carried out in China since 2000, most of which were harvested from minority faith groups,according to two investigations by human rights lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Crown attorney David Kilgour. They say the practice is the largest source of revenue for Chinese hospitals and the government and health insitutions are both involved. Matas and Kilgour presented their report in Ottawa earlier this month. The pair described organ harvesting as "the kernel at the centre of human rights violations in China". The main victims were from those practising the Falun Gong religion and other prisoners of conscience including the Muslim Uyghurs, Tibetan Buddhists and Christians. "Organ pillaging in China is a crime in which the Communist Party, state institutions, the health system, hospitals, and the transplant profession are all complicit", said Kilgour, according to Evangelical Focus. Claims of forced organ harvesting have surfaced over the years but it is difficult to prove because of China's opaque legal system. Bob Fu, founder and president of the Christian persecution charity China Aid, called for an independent inquiry into the allegations. "This barbaric practice of organs harvesting continues in China. I applaud the enormous work to highlight this issue by the two Canadian friends," he told the Christian Post. "Although I do not have systematic evidence showing this is massively practiced toward Christian prisoners of conscience yet, the fact one more high profile prisoner Mr Jia Jinglong's organs were bluntly harvested before he was executed unjustly without any consent from his lawyers nor any of his family members last week should certainly and absolutely warrant an independent investigation by a credible international panel," he added. The US House of Representatives passed a resolution in June calling on the State Department to report annually to Congress on the implementation of an existing law barring visas to Chinese and other nationals engaged in coercive organ transplantation. The resolution also condemned persecution of Falun Gong, a spiritual group China calls a cult and has outlawed. China accused Congress of making "groundless accusations." The European Parliament passed a similar declaration in July calling for an independent investigation of "persistent, credible reports on systematic, state-sanctioned organ harvesting from non-consenting prisoners of conscience" in China. Christianity At Risk In Vietnam Amid Restrictions On Religious Freedom Religious freedom in Vietnam is at serious risk following the passing of the country's first ever Law on Belief and Religion last week. The law passed on 18 November, despite concerns that it does not conform to international standards on freedom of religion or belief, Christian Solidarity Worldwide has warned. "Although the final text has not yet been made public, it is not expected to have altered significantly from previous drafts," the charity reported. "The text of the law has been revised numerous times. Some improvements to the draft were made during the revision process, possibly in response to the feedback offered by religious communities. However, these improvements, and the inclusion of basic guarantees of the right to freedom of religion or belief, were undermined by onerous registration requirements and excessive State interference in the internal affairs of religious organisations." Vietnam's constitution guarantees freedom of religion in principle, but, like China, the Communist government tightly controls independent religious practice. According to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), it represses "individuals and religious groups it views as challenging its authority", including independent Buddhists, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, and Christians. A number of advocates for religious freedom remain imprisoned in the country and authorities have "moved decisively" in recent years to restrict freedom of expression and religion even further, the USCIRF says. Religious groups have to formally register with the government, but are routinely denied. The Hmong Protestants have experienced particular persecution in the last few years, and Vietnam has been named a 'country of particular concern' every year by the USCIRF since 2001. CSW has urged the Vietnamese government to ensure that registration is not a pre-requisite for the exercise of freedom of religion or belief. The UN special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief previously made a similar request. Chief executive of CSW Mervyn Thomas said: "When the possibility of a law on religion was first mentioned, some were hopeful that it would address the obstacles to freedom of religion or belief in the existing regulations. Unfortunately, throughout the drafting process the law continued to focus on the control and management of religious activities, rather than the protection of religious freedom. "Basic guarantees of the right to freedom of religion or belief must not be undermined by onerous registration requirements, and groups which cannot or choose not to register must not be excluded from the enjoyment of this right. We urge the Vietnamese government to guarantee in law and in practice the right to freedom of religion or belief for all people in Vietnam in line with Article 18 of the ICCPR." Of the 93.4 million Vietnamese, more than half identifies with Buddhism. Roman Catholics make up seven per cent, Cao Dai between 2.5 and four per cent; Hoa Hao, 1.5 to three percent; and Protestants, one to two percent. CofE More Worried About 'Twitter Mobs' Than 'What Is Right Before God' Over Sexuality GAFCON The Church of England is more concerned about "Twitter mobs" than "what is right before God" according to the conservative grouping GAFCON UK's latest intervention in an increasingly toxic debate. The traditionalist Anglican body responded to criticism from the CofE's top lay official by saying the Church is too "afraid of unpopularity from the secular British establishment". It accused officials of an "institutional mentality" that "puts confidence in legal process" over "apostolic Christianity". A post on GAFCON UK's website on Friday said the CofE had resorted to "bureaucratic interpretations of church law" rather than a "biblical revelation about humanity". The bitter attack was in reply to a letter by William Nye, general secretary to the Archbishops' Council, who accused GAFCON UK of being "significantly misleading" in a briefing document circulated last week. The original post listed names of clergy who were in "violation" of a landmark Anglican resolution laying down its teaching on sexuality. Nye pointed out the resolution, known as Lambeth 1.10, was "not legally binding" but rather expressed the "view of the attitude of the Communion" at the time. "It is not the only important resolution, from that Conference or others. It does not have the force of Scripture, nor is it part of the deposit of faith," he wrote. He added there had been no change in Church teaching that marriage was between one man and one woman, "nor has there been any formal proposal to do so". The public two-and-fro has resulted in criticism from all wings of the Church, mostly directed at GAFCON UK. Ian Paul, an evangelical member of the Archbishops' Council, said the group's original list was "extremely unhelpful to those within the Church of England who would like the Church to remain in its current teaching position on marriage". He said it lacked "mutual respect" and "demonstrates misunderstanding of the current situation in the Church of England". But GAFCON UK said it demonstrated the group was more needed than ever as an alternative. The post warned the Church's doctrine of marriage was being relegated to "a museum piece". It continued: "On one hand, then, the Church of England has an official doctrine of sex and marriage based on the wonderful fruitful biblical vision of godly celibate singleness, man and woman sacrificially committed to each other exclusively for life, a family of mum, dad and kids; power for living it out, forgiveness for all (ie the 100%) who fall short. "But in practice the Church is extremely diffident about explaining or commending this vision, not just because it knows that many in the ranks of its own leadership don't believe in it, but because it is more afraid of unpopularity from the secular British establishment and Twitter mobs than it is concerned about fellowship with the worldwide church or doing what is right before God." It added: "Is our vision of the church narrowly confined to what we hope will be acceptable to the metropolitan elites in modern secular England, diffidently offering uncertainties as we continue our numerical decline?" Christian Today has contacted the Church of England for comment. First Baptist Pastor Robert Jeffress Praises Trump For Decision Not To Prosecute Clinton Baptist pastor Robert Jeffress has spoken out in praise of President-elect Donald Trump for his decision not to prosecute Hillary Clinton. Jeffress, Pastor of First Baptist Dallas, said Trump made the right decision in choosing to forgive Clinton. "At the end, voters are going to judge President-elect Trump by three criteria: has he made them safer, freer, and richer. And going after Clinton is not going to accomplish any of those goals," Jeffress told Stuart Varney of Fox Business, Trump told journalists during his visit to The New York Times office this week that he has no plans to prosecute Clinton over storing classified information on an unsecured server at her home, even though during the campaign he repeatedly threatened to jail her if he won. "I don't want to hurt the Clintons, I really don't," said Trump. He said it was "just not something I feel very strongly about". Jeffress, who teaches the Bible on his own international broadcast ministry, Pathway to Victory, explained that a decision to prosecute would have paralysed Washington for another four years. "I think everyone ought to applaud President-elect Trump on making that decision." Jeffress also said families should not be afraid to debate politics over the dinner table. "I think it's more important how we talk about it. The Bible says that we ought to talk in a way that edifies, encourages other people, rather than tears them down," he said. "If you are a Trump supporter, like me, instead of gloating about his win, point out the positive things to those doubters we have already seen: his inclusiveness, his measured tone." He said those who oppose Trump, instead of being bitter, should commit to praying "that he would follow God's leadership in his life." Anti-Trump protesters have demonstrated in front of Jeffress' church because of its conservative position on homosexuality, and had pledged to return for another protest. Jeffress told Varney that just five turned up for the second demonstration, so they went for coffee instead. "I would say that's fizzled out," he said. If You Don't Convert We Will Shoot Your Son: ISIS' Ultimatum To Iraqi Christian Mother A young Iraqi Christian in the village of Qaraqosh, near Mosul, has told of being forced at gunpoint to convert to Islam under Islamic State. Also interviewed is a woman who speaks of her despair at the destruction of churches in the town. Qaraqosh was taken over in 2014, when Ismail was only 14 years old. Now 16, he told the BBC how he and his mother were forced to become Muslims. "They told me to say 'there's no God but Allah' and you'll become a Muslim. I said, 'There's no God but Jesus' so he slapped me. I was still young," Ismail said. "He slapped me and pointed the gun at my head. He told my mum, 'If you don't convert to Islam we will kill your son.'" He also told of witnessing the murder of six people by children. "A car stopped and six blindfolded people dressed in red got out. They had them on their knees and then IS children arrived. Each child stood behind one of the men in red. Someone who seemed to be their leader started reading from some papers. When he finished reading, the children shot the men dead." ISIS is known to use child soldiers, indoctrinating them in Islamist ideology from a very young age. In a video released by Alsumaria News an Iraqi child, Mohamed, speaks of how militants forced him to join the 'Cubs of the Caliphate' and of how it is sending children to the front lines after subjecting them to cruel training, and giving them authority to kill even their parents. He says parents and families who refused to send their child to training camps suffered harsh punishment. While some Christians have been able to return to villages around Mosul from which they have been driven out, electricity and water facilities have been destroyed by ISIS and it is expected to be many months before some of them can be made habitable again. Is The Russian Orthodox Church A Propaganda Channel For Putin? The European Union Parliament could be on a collision course with Russia including the Russian Orthodox Church. A draft resolution which is being debated discusses the role of Russian propaganda, through channels such as the RT television news channel. It also names the Church as an agent of government messages. Since being restored after the end of Communist rule, the Russian Orthodox Church has become more and more closely associated with the Russian government. President Putin and the Patriarch Kirill of Moscow are known to be close. The EU initiative comes from a Polish politician, Anna Fotyga. Poland, a heavily Roman Catholic country, is known to be nervous about Russia's possible aggression on its borders. The draft resolution says: "The Russian authorities are actively using a wide range of tools, including multilingual channels (like RT), news agencies, social and religious groups (including the Russian Orthodox Church, social networks and internet-bots), to challenge Western values, to divide Europe and to gain support in their own country." The Russian regime has been accused of interfering with the American presidential election in an unprecedented way. Putin's administration is also accused of human rights abuses and stifling free speech within Russia as well as an expansionist foreign policy in Ukraine, Georgia, and other areas of Eastern Europe. 'Jill and Jessa: Counting On' season 3 air date, spoilers: Joy-Anna, Jinger, Jeremy Vuolo to be included in spin-off show? The expanded family from Arkansas seems to be slowly gaining momentum in the ratings game through the Duggar's revamped reality TV series, "Jill and Jessa: Counting On." The show has been ordered by its network, TLC, to have a third installment early on though the content of the said season is still undisclosed as of the moment. Nevertheless, fans of the show anticipate the inclusion of the new couple Jeremy Vuolo and Jinger Duggar-Vuolo. The story of the two lovebirds has been showcased for a bit in the show's first two seasons and fans are likely to be seeing more of them in the upcoming installment. Apart from Jinger, another Duggar offspring is also rumored to become part of the upcoming season as her looming relationship was revealed in the previous season. Reports say that Joy-Anna will also be part of the show's third season as she is now being pursued by Austin Forsyth. That being said, many fans are quite positive that the Duggar family that they once saw in "19 Kids and Counting" is slowly re-emerging in the show's spin-off series. However, it's still uncertain as of late if Josh will be making a comeback in the family's new show considering that he was bogged down by the controversies that were being hurled at him. Meanwhile, the Duggar family has just posted Thanksgiving photos on their official social media accounts and they all seemed to be very happy celebrating the recently concluded holiday. As of late, TLC has yet to announce a definite release date for the third season of "Jill and Jessa: Counting On." Fans might want to stay tuned for the latest updates regarding the spin-off show. Prince Charles Condemns 'Appalling Suffering' Of Syria's Christians The Prince of Wales has a gift for lifting the spirits of even the most besieged, troubled communities. Yesterday he danced with members of the congregation at the consecration of the new Syriac Orthodox church in London, St. Thomas Cathedral. But first, he acknowledged the terrible sufferings of so many Christians in Syria. "It gives me great happiness to be present at the consecration of the Cathedral of St. Thomas," he said. "It is surely deeply encouraging, at a time when the members of the Syriac Orthodox Church in their homelands of Syria and Iraq are undergoing such desperate trials and such appalling suffering, that in Britain the Syriac Church is able to expand and gain in strength. "In this way the consecration of your Cathedral is indeed a notable sign of hope for the future." The Prince, a devout Christian, prayed that the congregation of the Cathedral, and all members of the Syriac Orthodox Church worldwide, be "blessed with the kind of courage and faith that can ultimately transcend the unbearable misery and anguish that have been so cruelly inflicted upon you, your loved ones and your brethren." Every consecration of a Christian church is a reminder of the consecration of King Solomon's temple in Jerusalem, he said, according to a text of his remarks released to Christian Today. "There, in the book of Kings, it is said that, when the Arc of the Covenant was brought into the temple, 'the Glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord'. I can only pray that the divine glory may likewise fill this newly-consecrated house of God." While rejoicing in the beauty of this place of worship, it was also worth remembering that the highest and ultimate temple of God is the human person, he added. Prince Charles continued: "As St Paul says to the Corinthians, 'Do you not know that you are God's temple?' The Church of God exists not only in visible buildings such as the present, but also more profoundly in the invisible building formed from the living stones of the faithful. So, as we consecrate this visible temple, let us also, each one of us, rededicate to our Lord the inner temple that is our own true self." There were more than 600 members of Britain's Syriac community present for the celebrations. In addition, the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and worldwide head of the church, Ignatius Aphrem II Karim, had travelled from Syria to London to take part. Afterwards, Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of the UK, Athanasius Toma Dawod Dakkama, blessed a plaque on the wall and the Prince joined in traditional Syrian dance, holding hands with members of the community dressed in ceremonial silk and silver, outside the cathedral. The congregation thanked the Prince for his courage and steadfastness in speaking out for Christians who are being persecuted in the Middle East. Samsung Gear S3 release date, specs news: New flagship wearable now available in Canada for $469 Samsung continues its staggered release for its new flagship wearable as the new Gear S3 is now available in Canada. In a press statement, Samsung Electronics has announced that both the Gear S3 Classic and Gear S3 Frontier are now available online via Samsung Experience stores as well as third-party retailers in the country. The post also lists the price tag for the new Samsung smartwatch, revealing the new Gear S3 will be available starting at $469. Confirming the release of the new flagship in Canada, Paul Brannen, COO and executive vice president of Samsung Electronics Canada stated, "We are excited to continue to expand our wearable portfolio that together, with the Galaxy S7 family of devices, helps Canadians truly live connected." Meanwhile, the announcement also confirmed that even if the new wearable flagship is already available in the region, its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S2, will still be available in the same stores. Fans can still purchase the previous-gen Gear S2 for $319, while its step-up version, the Gear S2 Classic, continues to sell at $369. The Rose Gold and Platinum additions are available at Samsung Experience Stores and retailers for $369. The price hike for the new flagship is certainly understandable as the Samsung Gear S3 includes major improvements over its predecessor. Although the two lineups share similar design and form factor, Samsung has included LTE support for the Gear S3, one of its most significant upgrades. The new wearable also retains IP68 certification so the device is dust and dirt-resistant. In addition, the high certification rating also makes the smartwatch water-proof even if submerged up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes under water. The Canadian release of the new wearable is the latest in the staggered launch for the Samsung Gear S3. Aside from the new market, the flagship smartwatch lineup has also been released in the U.S., Europe, and some parts of Asia. Senior Anglican Bishop To Preside At LGBT Eucharist A senior Anglican bishop is set to preside at an LGBT Eucharist in January to "offer a safe space" to gay worshippers. The Rt Rev Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester, will celebrate the ceremony set up by Inclusive Church, a LGBT-affirming network of Anglicans, the group reports. It is thought to be the first time a senior diocesan bishop has led an LGBT communion and prompted concern from conservative Anglicans. A spokeswoman for the Gloucester Diocese confirmed Treweek would preside and said: "As part of Bishop Rachel's ministry she celebrates the Eucharist in many churches across her diocese, to worship will fellow Christians who are all loved and valued by God." Simon Sarmiento, spokesman for Inclusive Church, said the regular services which are already held in the Manchester and Liverpool dioceses are about "reaching out to a group that largely feels people aren't reaching out to them". He told Christian Today: "These things are not under the counter or peculiar in any way. It is purely a pastoral activity. It is all about safe spaces." But Revd James Paice, from the conservative grouping GAFCON UK, said Treweek's involvement "is sending a very confused message". He told Christian Today: "We say one thing about morality but here we are celebrating something else." Paice, part of the GAFCON UK Taskforce, said although the Church insisted it had not changed its teaching, the realities on the ground were different. He added if the CofE was serious about sticking to teachings laid down in a landmark 1998 resolution on sexuality known as Lambeth 1.10, "then actually we should be doing other things than having LGBT Eucharists". Inclusive Church's local representative in the Gloucester diocese, Revd Sue Greatorex, said she was looking forward to Treweek presiding at the Eucharist. She said of the services: "They are aimed at the LGBTI community to give them a safe space to be themselves and worship together." She added traditional Anglican liturgy would be used. The service, to be held at St Bartholomew's Church, Gloucestershire, on 15 January is one of a number of regular LGBT Eucharists already running across the UK. Treweek's move comes as the Church of England is considering its next steps over teaching on same-sex marriage. The Pilling Report in 2013, which Treweek advised on, recommended a form of "pastoral accomodation" where clergy would be allowed to offer services to welcome gay relationships. No such move has yet been made by the Church. Thousands Of British School Children Benefit From 'Game-Changing' Teaching On Christianity The teaching of Christianity in schools has been transformed by a "game changing" new resource from the Church of England. Thousands of children in more than 2,000 schools have benefited from 'Understanding Christianity' since it was launched six months ago. The aid focuses on key theological concepts like salvation to help pupils get to grips with what Christians believe. Derek Holloway, school character and SIAMS development manager at the CofE, hailed the uptake from hundreds of teachers as a "genuine step forward" for religious education. "The resource helps develop greater theological literacy and a deep understanding of the Christian narrative in pupils," wrote Holloway on a CofE blog. "This in turn helps young people to make sense of the world and their experience within it as well as helping to give young people confidence to have informed conversations about belief and faith." It comes after a 2014 report called for a more challenging approach to teaching Christianity in schools. The large-scale resource is aimed at pupils aged between four and 14 and has led to calls for similar resources for different religions. Launching the tool in May, Nigel Genders, chief education officer for the Church, said: " RE is primarily about teaching religious literacy. The ability for young people to have informed conversation and dialogue about belief and faith is key to building a peaceful society and helps combat ignorance and extremism. "We recognise that within the rich Christian heritage of Britain, a particular responsibility of the Church of England is to ensure Christianity is well taught in our schools. This large-scale resource promotes theological literacy and a deep understanding of the whole Christian narrative for children and young people." Six month on it has been used in more than 2,000 schools and hailed as the "best set of teaching and learning resources" in RE. David Ford, regius professor of Divinity Emeritus at Cambridge University and consultant on the project said: "This resource manages to interconnect the text of the Bible, the beliefs and practices of Christians, and the world of the pupils a remarkable achievement. "It is demanding on teachers and pupils, yet both are also given rich materials to resource them, with pointers to much more. The promise is of a richer, deeper, wiser understanding of Christianity for both Christians and non-Christians, and an attractive mode of exploration and learning for both pupils and teachers." Trump Victory Sparks Surge In Migrants Into US Central American countries have warned that large numbers of migrants have fled their homes since Donald Trump's surprise election win, hoping to reach the United States before he takes office next year. Trump won the November 8 vote in part by taking a hard line on immigration, threatening to deport millions of people living illegally in the United States and to erect a wall along the Mexican border. Trump's tough campaign rhetoric sent tremors through the slums of Central America and the close-knit migrant communities in US cities, with many choosing to fast-forward their plans and migrate north before he takes office on January 20. During the 2016 fiscal year the US detained nearly 410,000 people along the southwest border with Mexico, up about a quarter from the previous year. The vast majority are from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. But since Trump's victory, the number of people flocking north enabled by people smugglers or 'coyotes' has surged. "We're worried because we're seeing a rise in the flow of migrants leaving the country, who have been urged to leave by coyotes telling them that they have to reach the United States before Trump takes office," Maria Andrea Matamoros, Honduras' deputy foreign minister, told Reuters. Carlos Raul Morales, Guatemala's foreign minister, told Reuters people were also leaving Guatemala en masse before Trump becomes president. "The coyotes are leaving people in debt, and taking their property as payment for the journey," he said. US Department of Homeland Security secretary Jeh Johnson said earlier this month immigration detention facilities were holding about 10,000 more individuals than usual, after a spike in October of migrants including unaccompanied children, families and asylum seekers. Gang violence Unemployed and tired of the lack of opportunities and endemic gang violence that blight his poor neighbourhood in the town of San Marcos, south of San Salvador, Carlos Garcia, 25, said he was looking to enter the US before Trump assumes power. "There's one thing I'm very clear about," he said. "I want to get out of here." Guatemalan Fares Revolorio, 27, arrived in the northwestern Mexican border city of Tijuana on Wednesday after a grueling 4,200-kilometer (2,610-mile), week-long trek by bus. She was waiting to cross into the US, where she hoped to apply for asylum. Accompanied by her three children and her husband, she said she left Guatemala as it had become too dangerous. Her husband's brother was killed two months ago, and local gangs, known as "maras," had assaulted her son. "They tell us the new president doesn't like illegal immigrants, but we have to take the chance," she said, as she struggled to hold back tears. "Nobody wants to die in a horrible way, and we can't be in Guatemala any longer. My children are growing up in fear." Trump's rhetoric on immigration during his campaign was characterised by opponents as bitterly divisive. He promised to build a wall along the whole border with Mexico and force Mexico to pay for it, possibly by impounding remittances sent home by immigrant workers. However, he has rowed back on several of his more extreme commitments since winning the election and it remains unclear whether he will execute his threat. Most of the migrants are Roman Catholic by background and the Catholic Church in the US has been vocal in its opposition to Trump's plans. Two days after Trump's election victory Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles vowed not to abandon children and parents living in fear of deportation. "This should not be happening in America. We are not this kind of people. We are better than this," he said. Bishops also issued a strongly worded letter to Trump congratulating him on his election but warning him about his attitude to migrants. It said: "We will work to promote humane policies that protect refugees and immigrants' inherent dignity, keep families together, and honor and respect the laws of this nation." The migrant issue was also to the fore when Pope Francis visited Mexico in February. At a mass on the Mexico-US border in Ciudad Juarez, he referred to the "humanitarian crisis" of migration, saying: "Each step, a journey laden with injustices; the enslaved, the imprisoned and extorted; so many of these brothers and sisters of ours are the consequence of trafficking in human beings." His visit inevitably had political overtones a a time when it was so hotly debated. The foreign ministers of Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala met on Monday to formulate a strategy to protect their migrants in the United States, in a show of regional solidarity. At the meeting in Guatemala City, the foreign ministers asked Mexico for help to create a migrant protection network, liaise for coordination with US authorities, and to meet regularly for regional talks. Additional reporting by Reuters. McKenzie County Sheriff Gary Schwartzenberger was placed on interim suspension Wednesday night, pending his removal from office, by Gov. Jack Dalrymple. The governor ordered the interim suspension based on a recommendation from Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem after McKenzie County requested the sheriff be removed under a process available in state law. The petition for removal was made by the countys acting States Attorney Todd Schwarz on Oct. 24, alleging the sheriff is guilty of misconduct, malfeasance, crime in office, neglect of duty or gross incompetency. The county commission had voted in support of the petition for removal. In a recommendation dated Wednesday, just short of the 30-day window to make his findings on the petition, Stenehjem said the allegations were investigated by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and he recommended following through on removal. Stenehjem said an assigned prosecutor will draft a formal complaint and once filed, a special commissioner will conduct a removal hearing within 30 days. He also recommended Schwartzenbergers immediate suspension until the hearing is concluded. Dalrymple told Schwartzenberger in a letter also dated Wednesday and copied to the county commission that he agreed with Stenehjems findings and said, it is in the best interests of the state that you be suspended from the performance of duty immediately upon receipt of this notice and until a final decision on removal is made. The countys second-in-command is Capt. Larry Clock. The suspension was enforced by BCI agents, who tracked down Schwartzenberger late Wednesday while he was working near Cannon Ball on the Dakota Access Pipeline protest enforcement, according to the Williston Herald. Schwartzenberger told The Herald hes been waiting for this step in the process so that he can depose witnesses and get to the truth. This is the time and place for it to come out,said Schwartzenberger, adding he was never contacted by BCI during its investigation. The county decided to go through the process of stripping Schwartzenberger of his job and badge after hearing a report from a firm it hired to look into a growing number of complaints about the sheriff from his employees and others in county departments. The Village Business Institute found grounds to remove the sheriff based on harassment and intimidation amid concerns that he fostered a quasi-military environment. The sheriff tried fighting the countys removal action in court, but South Central District Judge David Reich ruled last week that the county has authority to do so. Schwartzenberger also is scheduled for trial on charges he illegally used the department credit card for personal expenses. Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc./Contributed photo The Department of Housing and Urban Development has approved the transfer of a Cinco Ranch-area apartment complex to a Dallas-based real estate investment firm and its subsidiary. Grand Fountain Apartments, at 23702 FM 1093 near the Westpark Tollway and Gaston Road, is a resort-style apartment complex, according to a joint statement from Adobe Properties and Transcontinental Realty Investors. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Citing strong concerns about dangerous drought levels currently existing in Liberty County and little precipitation expected over the coming weeks, county commissioners voted to ban the sale and use of aerial fireworks for the upcoming Christmas and New Year's holiday season. Commissioners expressly prohibited fireworks found in Texas Local Government Code (Sec. 35.051), which lists skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins. The order does not affect or prohibit Class C explosives such as firecrackers or sparklers. "It's going to take a good 2-inch rain soaker to get us out of this," said County Judge Jay Knight. "When Jim Wilson was alive, he'd start getting nervous when it was in the 500s. We've been at 600, 605, and in one part of the county over 700," the judge said. The highest number on the scale of the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which is used to track the fire risk, is 800. "There's plenty of kindling with the dry brush and leaves for a fire to spread quickly," Knight said. "These firemen can be on the scene of a brush fire for as many as 10-12 hours if it gets out of control." Fireworks are already banned in the cities of Dayton, Liberty and Cleveland. Knight said all commissioners wanted was for the public to cooperate and be careful. Violation of the ban is a Class C misdemeanor offense, subject to fines up to $500. In other county business, commissioners okayed a land deal with the city of Cleveland. The city will purchase a property at Plum Grove Road (FM 1010) and the SH 105 Bypass for $20,000 and then donate it back to the county. Plans are for the city to build a fire station on the property sometime in 2018 and Liberty County Sheriff Bobby Rader has plans to build a substation nearby. "Our ability to have that station there will help cut down our response time by three or four minutes," said Cleveland mayor Niki Coats, "which might save a life, or 10 or 20." The mayor said there is a lot of growth coming and already existing nearby in Plum Grove. "Anything in our ETJ, we are providing fire and police and we provide mutual aid where we are needed," he said. The mayor said that with some of the fires they respond to in Plum Grove, Cleveland FD is on the scene before the volunteer fire department in Plum Grove can get there. "We're fortunate enough to have a paid staff and that helps us," he said. Before the meeting got under way, commissioners were treated to a presentation and thank you from the county 4-H students. "We're just here to show our appreciation to you for supporting Liberty County 4-H," said Amanda Brooks, the 4-H Community Development Extension Agent for Liberty County. Brooks told commissioners that Liberty County currently has 10 community 4-H programs and two special interest clubs. Last year, the group ended the year in August with 335 4-H members strong in the club assisted by 95 volunteers. "New enrollment began Sept. 1 and we already have 315 members registered for the new year," she said proudly. Students presented commissioners with small tokens of their appreciation. In other county business: -- Commissioners canvassed the election results and approved them; -- There was discussion concerning the use of steel-tracked vehicles on county roads and the damage they cause. Commissioners tabled any action until the county attorney could bring them back an ordinance with penalties. One commissioner said a previous violator caused as much as $9,000 worth of damage to county roads. -- Commissioners also approved the purchase of a new Holland Skid Steer/Compact Track Loader from Trinity Valley Tractors through Buyboard for Pct. #4. The money was borrowed out of the Land Acquisition Fund (LAF) with repayment made beginning on Nov. 1, 2017. By borrowing from the LAF, there is 0 percent interest and saves the county money. -- District Clerk Donna Brown responded to the internal audit of her District Clerk's Office where auditors found numerous issues. Brown addressed each of the issues and explained her remedies to the issues. She also requested commissioners look at the purchase of better software for DCO employees. Paula Mejia arrived in Glasgow exhausted. She hoped to spend a day resting but her friend in Scotland insisted they hit the town: food, drink, a comedy club. "I think I only understood about 40 percent of the humor," she says. "My friend would whisper to me what they were talking about. And I came to realize the jokes even the ubiquitous jokes were really dark." There she found a deeper understanding of the lives led by the rock band the Jesus and Mary Chain, whose 1985 debut album "Psychocandy" enjoys classic standing as an influential noise pop recording. Houston native Mejia spoke to Jim Reid one of the two bickering brothers who founded the band with redundancy money from their recently fired father as well as Mary Chain members Douglas Hart and Bobby Gillespie, in addition to admirers like the Vaselines' Eugene Kelly and Frances McKee for "Psychocandy," a new entry in the 33 1/3 book series in which authors do deep dives on important albums. Mejia makes a hometown visit Saturday at Cactus Music to talk about the band and the book just a few weeks before the band plays Houston's Day for Night festival. Q: Was there something that prompted you to pick this album in particular to write about? Was your travel to Scotland tied to the book? A: Yeah, I guess my impetus for writing the book honestly was that there wasn't one on "Psychocandy." I assumed there was already a volume in the series. And I thought it was a glaring omission because it's such an important album to me. And to pop music. So I sat down and did this exercise where I picked three albums and did a free association writing thing. And the one with the most notes that went in an interesting direction would be the one I chose. I had "On Fire" by Galaxy 500. And "Tender Buttons" by Broadcast. Either of those would have been awesome. But "Psychocandy" had the most notes. When the book got picked up, I'd never been to Scotland. And my upbringing culturally is different than the Reids' and Douglas Hart's and Bobby Gillespie's. I grew up in Houston, but my family is Colombian. I grew up with Spanish as my first language. So having that background gave the book a different perspective, but I also felt it would've been irresponsible to write a book that made assertions about a place and culture I'd never been to. So that was a priority for me. Go to Scotland and get a sense of what they were working with. Q: I love that the story comes out of redundancy money. A: I know, it really seems like they were working from nothing. That was their way. I kept hearing these stories. The Reids had this idea to form a band, and started mapping it out in their bedroom. Meticulously studying what kind of leather pants Marc Bolan wore. Douglas Hart talked to me in Glasgow, and he said the band practices were never practices. They often didn't even pick up instruments, because the Reids would start to argue. So they would map out the blueprint of what the band would be. There was all this studious research. Which is interesting because live they'd give off the attitude of "We don't give a (expletive)." They wanted it to seem effortless and chaotic, but it wasn't. It was all premeditated. Q: I like William Reid's reticence because he didn't speak to you, it gave the book a sense of mystery. Especially since he came up with the band name. A: I'm glad it came off that way. I would have loved to talk to him, but he doesn't really like doing interviews. It's always Jim. But he's so much of the anchor of what those songs would become. The name, the lyrics. I was thinking the other day about the whole dichotomy of Jim singing his brother's lyrics. How it created this tension, this dynamic. One of the things I did for this book besides talking to people was I spent a week holed up in the British Library in London. They have an incredible archive in their pop music section, all these papers and magazines from the 1970s onward. The writing back then was so incredible and off the wall. So I poured through features the British papers wrote about the Mary Chain. It helped me see how perception of them changed over time. Q: You mention that duality of depravity and sweetness, which seems to sum up the album perfectly. A: I think that's really the legacy of the record and the Mary Chain. I think the Velvet Underground had been doing it, too, but not as extreme. I think the Mary Chain really crashed these elements together and created something new. One of the great things about doing the book is talking to people in the U.K. about their first experience with the band. "I saw them in '85 and busted my chin open at the show." That kind of thing. This album really was Year Zero for a lot of music that came later. It set a baseline for what came out. You still hear it today. Q: Do you remember the first time you heard "Psychocandy"? A: I'd heard "Just Like Honey" before in movies. The first Mary Chain record I heard was "Darklands." Through "Darklands" I heard "Psychocandy." Of course, I'd like the noisy one the most. When I was doing a college radio show, my co-host would get annoyed because I'd turn it up as loud as the monitors could handle. Even today I'm still pretty astonished at that barrage of sound. I know where the chords are, when the feedback kicks in, but it still blows my hair back. Paula Mejia "Psychocandy" book signing When: 2 p.m. Nov. 26 Where: Cactus Music, 2110 Portsmouth So, did you love them? Hate them? Or did you predict them from the beginning? We speak, obviously, of the final four words of "Gilmore Girls." The backstory: In 2006, creator Amy Sherman-Palladino gave an interview to TV Guide where she confirmed that she already knew the last four words of the show. Of course, that was right after she exited the series before its seventh and last season, so fans assumed they would never get to hear them. In the last decade, as more viewers discovered "Gilmore Girls" through cable reruns and Netflix, the "final four words" have reached near-mythical status. Then, when Netflix decided last year to resuscitate "Gilmore Girls" for a revival with Sherman-Palladino at the helm, people rejoiced: The four words would be revealed! The show takes these four words very seriously; the actors even filmed a PSA for Netflix urging fans not to spoil them on social media. But for those who saw that bombshell final scene of "Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life," which was released on Friday . . . well, you probably have some feelings to work out right now. So let's discuss. The final scene finds mother-daughter/best friend duo Lorelai and Rory sitting on the gazebo in the middle of the Stars Hollow town square, on the day of Lorelai and Luke's wedding -- even though the couple secretly got married the night before. Lorelai jokes that Rory should tie the knot so they can do "married lady things" together, like dye their hair blue and go bowling. Suddenly, Rory gets an email from Paul, her boyfriend. He breaks up with her, which is a relief, because she kept meaning to break up with him, except she kept forgetting he existed. "I can't believe how I treated him," Rory says. "I suck." "No you don't. He didn't fit. It needs to fit, believe me," Lorelai comforts her. "He'll find someone amazing one day. And so will you." She notices Rory isn't saying anything. "Hey, what's going on in there?" "I want to remember it all. Every detail," Rory says, a little distracted. Then, the final words: Rory: "Mom?" Lorelai: "Yeah?" Rory: "I'm pregnant." That's it. End of series. Goodbye. Cue the theme song "Where You Lead" by Carole King as the credits roll. So: How do we feel about this? On one hand, this means everything comes full circle in the "Gilmore Girls" universe. Rory is now 32, the same age as Lorelai (who got pregnant at age 16 and dropped out of high school) was when the series started. The choice to end with Rory getting pregnant is a fascinating one, as a major theme of the show was Lorelai trying to protect Rory from making the same mistakes she did when she was younger. See: Lorelai's meltdown in the first season when 16-year-old Rory stayed out all night with her boyfriend, Dean; or in the fifth season, when 20-year-old Rory wanted to drop out of Yale. Now, although Rory is an adult, she's going to be a single mother, just like Lorelai. On that level, it's a very fitting ending for two women who are so alike and shared so much of their lives together. Yet it's hard to find a deeper meaning when the show just . . . ends abruptly on that note. So that bring us to the other point of view: What kind of insane cliffhanger is this?! Not only do we not get to see Lorelai's reaction (something tells us it won't be "thrilled"), but we'll never know how things will work out for Rory, who just got her life back on track after going through a rough patch. Plus, not to mention the question on many minds: Who is the father? Is it Logan, given that the two were having an affair? Paul, her elusive boyfriend? Again, who ends a show like that?! Overall, it's kind of a brilliant move by Sherman-Palladino. We thought the whole point of the "Gilmore Girls" revival was to get closure -- now, it ends in a way that ensures that fans will never stop talking about the mystery. As of Friday morning, mere hours after the revival was released on Netflix, fan reaction appeared split between "I called it!" and "Are you kidding me?" and "OK, so there has to be a sequel to the revival, right?" A new track at Turner Elementary is not just a boon to Pasadena residents who helped raise money to build and use it after hours, it's also part of the reason why kids attending school enjoy daily physical education classes. "(At P.E.) the first thing we do is we take four laps around the track, which is almost a mile," said Jackie Caver, physical education teacher at Turner, 4333 Lily St. "Having this track and having P.E. every day is creating a better environment at our school and the teachers have noticed. They realize that when we get the kids moving that afterward they are completely ready to tackle anything they need to do in the classroom." Turner teachers have begun taking their students outdoors for activity breaks in addition to the daily P.E. sessions. To ensure their classes get uninterrupted time on the track, teachers will coordinate with Caver, scheduling activity time for classes around her ongoing P.E. courses. Caver, the driving force behind getting the track installed, is not surprised at its popularity. Last year she worked with the Pasadena community and Turner parents to raise $30,000 to construct it. She said doing so was a no brainer. "Before we just had a big open field, but we have a lot of kids who are allergic to ants, which was a problem, and there would be big water puddles after a rain so our use (of the field) was really limited," she said. "Two years ago was when I realized that we were using the field less and less but my kids were needing to be outside more and more." Caver was moved to act and began working through the necessary steps to initiate fundraising for a new school track, including securing the Pasadena Independent School District's approval. "Once everything was finalized and I got the green light I heavily fundraised all last school year, and every penny earned went into my track fund," she said. Following Caver's lead, the community and parents stepped up. The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce donated $10,000 in response to Turner Elementary's participation in its annual Rugged Race benefit. "Out of about 600 runners about 400 of them were from our school," Caver said. "Turner had huge participation." She also organized a Camp Gladiator event, with the $6,000 raised all going toward the track fund. Caver scored a $5,000 grant from H-E-B as part of its It's Time Texas health initiative, and she also secured a $5,000 donation from Albemarle, a local engineering company. The remaining money was raised through company contributions, individual donations and Chick-fil-A fundraisers. Since the track's installation, not only have Caver and her fellow teachers noticed a positive effect on the kids' ability to focus on their academic studies, the six-year veteran P.E. teacher also has identified significant gains in physical endurance. "I've noticed a huge difference in the stamina of my third and fourth graders," she said. "Since we've been running outside I've noticed the kids can now run faster and for longer periods of time." Caver said outdoor breathing without the benefit of air conditioning is a little tougher than indoor breathing and pushes kids to work harder. As a result, many of her students are now able to run longer before having to slow down or switch to walking. But it's not just Caver who's working to make her school better. Her 17-year-old son Michael also has been inspired to make his contribution to Turner Elementary. The Pasadena Memorial High School student has plans to construct four wooden benches as part of his Eagle Scout project. Once completed they'll bear the names of corporate and individual donors and will be placed around the track. Michael said he's happy to make his own contribution to the school and support his mom. "I wanted to do this because my mom devoted so much time to the project and because I went to Turner, so I think this is a great idea to be able to give back," he said. A zero tolerance policy for illegal gunfire, illegal hunting and the illegal use of all-terrain vehicles and utility task vehicles has been issued by Roman Forest Police Chief Stephen Carlisle, which he discussed during the Roman Forest City Council regular meeting at City Hall Nov. 21. "Due to all the gunfire, bullets and recent complaints about bullets hitting houses, I had a meeting with all the officers (Nov. 16) and issued a zero tolerance policy," Carlisle said. The recreational firing of guns is a sound that is too familiar for some Roman Forest residents, especially during hunting season and on the weekends. The sound came too close to a group of Roman Forest police officers while at a traffic stop on Roman Forest Boulevard the weekend of Nov. 19. The group included Carlisle, who only a week earlier had experienced a stray bullet rain down on his own home in Roman Forest. Other than the fact that a shot was believed to be fired in the officer's direction, little has been confirmed about the circumstances surrounding the incident at the traffic stop in regards to the perpetrator or intent. Even though it is not believed actions were taken with the intent of harm, instances of illegal, reckless gunfire have resulted in several cases of stray bullets causing damage in Roman Forest over the past five years. According to Carlisle, in 2011, a bullet was recovered from the roof of a house across the street from Carlisle. In 2012, a stray bullet fell from the sky, breaking the window of a house on Roman Forest Boulevard. In 2013, an AK round bullet was found in a car windshield across the street from the mayor's house. In 2014, the wife of a city councilman was getting out of her car when shotgun pellets fell onto the garage of their house, which borders Kings Colony. In 2015, a bicyclist reported receiving an injury while on Galaxy Boulevard and claimed the cause was a bullet ricochet. These are just a few of the incidents reported since 2011. This does not even include the reports of gunfire that did not lead to an incident. According to Carlisle, the illegal gunfire and hunting is primarily occurring in the nearby neighborhood Kings Colony, the undeveloped section of Woodway Drive and sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Roman Forest. "It has gotten worse within the past six months," Carlisle said. "It gets worse during hunting season. Right now, shots can be heard multiple times daily. It's not just from hunting; it's people having fun and shooting guns irresponsibly. Outside of hunting season, we have a problem in Kings Colony where the lot owners think they're in the country and they'll start shooting up into the air for fun or for target practice. That usually happens on the weekends." Carlisle has been researching and working with local authorities to determine the best methods of addressing the misusing of firearms in the area. The decision to include ATVs and UTVs in the zero tolerance policy was made due to a perceived correlation between ATV misuse and firearm misuse in the area. With the zero tolerance policy in place, officers have been ordered to charge anyone with a crime if they illegally use a firearm, illegally hunt or illegally ride an ATV or side-by-side. Carlisle stated that enforcement would include and is not limited to riding an ATV on a road, creek or land where not permitted; hunting where not permitted or on a land property of less than 10 acres; unlawful carry; hunting at night; noise disturbances or disorderly conduct; and several others depending on the circumstances. "There are a bunch of different charges we can use depending on the situation," Carlisle said. "Some of these things are arrests and some are citations. Ordinances are citations, but trespassing is state law and you can go to jail for that. If you're shooting over a property line, then that's a citation. If you're shooting over a road or in the direction of a house or you are pointing the gun at a person; that's deadly conduct, which is arrest-able. If you're shooting up in the air; you're shooting over a road. That's an arrestable charge and is considered deadly conduct." Additionally, anyone found illegally hunting or shooting will have their gun seized. "I'm a gun advocate," Carlisle said. "I think people should be armed. But if they're using it to shoot it up into the air; they don't need it." The city of Roman Forest ordinance regarding utility vehicles can be found at http://www.cityofromanforest.org/ordinance_314.pdf. Roman Forest adheres to the Montgomery County ordinance concerning the discharge of firearms which can be accessed at http://www.mctx.org/dept/departments_c/county_attorney/docs/Discharge_of_Firearms.pdf. Laws concerning hunting practices, among others, can be found at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website: http://tpwd.texas.gov/warden/codes. Carlisle's next step is to focus on finding the individuals responsible for the gunfire, which he stated will require the cooperation of citizens. "I'm trying to find this gunfire," Carlisle said. "We're going to rely on the public to tell us where this is happening. I need a list of addresses of the people that are normally shooting and then we will visit these addresses from time to time." Carlisle stated that often, residents are unwilling to turn in the individuals responsible for the illegal gunfire even with the promise of confidentiality. Carlisle believes that reward money may provide the extra incentive necessary for witnesses to speak out against those responsible for the gunfire. He is welcoming monetary donations from citizens to be used for this purpose. Carlisle also intends to request funds for the installation of a detection system to isolate the exact location of the gunfire. He has yet to determine the cost of such a system. Carlisle has also enrolled in the 1033 program, a through which civilian law enforcement agencies may obtain military equipment free of charge. He believes there may be an option to acquire the necessary equipment through the 1033 program. When a plan to acquire equipment is formed, he will bring it before city council. Ultimately, once the police department begins catching the individuals responsible, Carlisle intends to use Facebook and other media outlets to make an example of violators and build Roman Forest's reputation for catching violators so as to deter future misconduct. The neighboring city of Woodbranch borders some of the same areas from which the illegal gunfire is believed to be originating and Woodbranch Police Chief Rene Silva may soon be implementing the zero-tolerance policy in Woodbranch as well. "We're going to be working with Chief Carlisle on this issue and he's going to be forwarding all of the information he has about it so that we can implement the same policies and follow the same direction," Silva said. "We all want to be on the same page and be able to enforce the law in both cities the same way. That way, people won't get away with it in one city and think they can get away with it in another. That way, we're on the same page; doing the same thing." In addition to the zero tolerance policy, Carlisle also discussed his plan to acquire level 4 rifle-resistant vests for the Roman Forest Police Department. "Officers, like the detective in San Antonio yesterday are being ambushed and killed," Carlisle said. "This has been going on all month and it looks like a pretty bad trend. In light of recent assassinations of officers, there is something I have already started working toward, level 4 vests, which can stop rifle fire. "It's a heavy vest that can go over their clothes for high-risk calls, active shooter calls or even if they have a gut feeling. They are the level 4 vests that the military uses. They have the ability to stop the bullets that killed the officers in Baton Rouge and in Dallas. They take multiple hits." Carlisle is currently looking at Protech as the body armor supplier. Depending on the brand, he stated that the vests can range in price from between $600 to $800 each and he is looking to provide vests to nine officers and have three vests on standby for shared use by reserve officers. "They're expensive, but I already have money for about half of them" Carlisle said. "What I'll be publicizing pretty soon is an Adopt-an-Officer program where someone can match the cost of one of the vests and adopt a cop. We'll let the person choose which cop to adopt and they'll have bragging rights to say that they paid (approximately) $300 to adopt this particular cop." During the council meeting, Councilman David Mullane offered to be the first to donate to the Adopt-a-Cop initiative and chose to adopt assistant chief Lieutenant Dimitri Jasonis. For more information about the Roman Forest Police Department visit http://www.romanforestpd.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/RomanForestPD. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Houston woman in a wheelchair says she was shocked twice with a Taser after confronting authorities who were arresting her daughter at a gas station. A formal internal affairs investigation is now underway to determine whether police used excessive force against Sheketha Holman during that Nov. 16 incident. KTRK-TV obtained the surveillance camera footage showing the arrest. CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Fort Bend woman robbed on her front porch by disguised suspect Police shocked the 36-year-old woman after a verbal confrontation between Holman and police. Holman says she was Tased after already in handcuffs. Authorities deny that claim. Holman says she's been in the wheelchair for two years, after sustaining a lower back injury. "I'm only putting the word out so they don't do that to somebody else," she told KTRK. I feel like because they have a badge on that they are still walking free and doing whatever they want, and I don't think that that's cool." TEEN MURDER: College football player accused of murdering 16-year-old cheerleader girlfriend Holman was taken to the hospital shortly after the incident and was booked at Harris County jail the day after. Holman is currently at home after posting bond, but her daughter is still in jail. No details regarding her daughter's arrest have been released. "When the investigation is complete, if any policies and procedures were violated, then disciplinary actions will be implemented, which may be suspension and/or termination," Senior Deputy Thomas Gilliland said. Holman is due back in court in December. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Happy Thanksgiving Day, Houston! Bright and early Thursday morning, a crowd of more than 20,000 Houstonians and visitors gathered in the Galleria area to participate in the 2016 TXU Energy Houston Turkey Trot. The annual fun run has been a family tradition for many for the past 25 years and is the second largest foot race in Houston. STAY HYDRATED: Bars open on Thanksgiving Day 2016 The event supports Neighborhood Centers - the largest community development organization in Texas. Participants help raise money for donations to the organization prior to the run. Runners suited up in their best Thanksgiving-themed runners gear in order to make their way through the 5K and 10K courses. Many were all smiles during the fun run as beautiful cool and clear weather hosted them on Houston's streets. Just an hour later at 10 a.m. both the Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Parade in downtown and the Big Super Feast at George R. Brown Convention Center kicked off. The parade featured Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles (USA gymnastics) and Simone Manuel (USA swimming) as the grand marshals of the festive parade. At the same time, the 38th Annual Big Super Feast welcomed over 20,000 people for the Thanksgiving meal. This super feast goes way beyond just a simple meal. Guests of the feast can also receive donated clothing, medical care, legal services and even a haircut. "I'm so glad to live in a city that respects each other for our differences...," said Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee during the feast, "but who also come together as one big family." Click through the gallery above to see the Thanksgiving festivities in and around the Houston area. Congregations in the Western North Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America include people on all fronts of the dispute over the Dakota Access Pipeline: Native Americans, farmers and ranchers in the area near the protest camps, people who work on the Standing Rock reservation and law enforcement officers. So when ELCA's presiding bishop, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, released a statement saying the ELCA supports Standing Rock in the dispute, Western North Dakota Synod Bishop Mark Narum felt it necessary to write a letter to let members know that he doesnt see the situation as one in which to take sides. Instead, he said,the churches in the area should continue to pray for everyone involved. We need to be praying for peace among everyone and for wisdom to find a resolution to this, said Narum, who has made several trips to the protest camps and is encouraged by the people in prayer at the historic gathering. Eaton also came to North Dakota and visited the area with local church officials, and Narum said he feels they helped her get a good perspective on what is going on. Eatons Nov. 14 statement touched on the complexities of the situation in which all sides make reasoned arguments for their reality. The statement reiterates the churchs stance against the doctrine of discovery, in which indigenous lands once were considered unoccupied if the occupants were not Christians. She pledged to listen to tribal leaders and respect their wisdom. Acknowledging the complexity of this issue and the limitations sin places on human decisions, I believe that we are called as a church to support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe: to stand with the tribe as they seek justice, to encourage our congregations to pray for them and to offer material support and to examine the racism inherent in our system that contributes to the current crisis, her statement said. Narum said he agrees with many parts of Eatons statement. He, too, speaks against the doctrine of discovery and against racism. But, he said his position representing about 60,000 members of 170 ELCA churches in North Dakota from about N.D. Highway 3 west gives him a different perspective. The presiding bishop speaks for a national audience, Narum said. I completely respect her and her calling. But I also represent people who are closer to the ground who are watching this. As I have talked with people in our congregations, many of them, from the beginning, were sympathetic with the prayerful gathering that started at Standing Rock. And my sense is there is still sympathy for the prayerful gatherings, he said. The less prayerful actions of some people involved in the protests has made the situation more difficult for him and many others to simply take a side, he said. So, his resolution is to ask his congregations to continue to pray. He has written several statements about the protests, and they all include that conclusion. For me, its about prayer. I truly believe that if were going to come to a resolution, it is going to be through prayer, he said. In one of his earlier statements, Narum encouraged members of his congregations to sit down with people different from them, whether the difference is racial, socioeconomic, point of view or something else. He still believes that will help and repair relationships, especially in light of some of the racist rhetoric that has arisen from the situation. We have to stand against that, and we have to work to build relationships with these other human beings who are also beloved of God, he said. Hello Toni: I have recently enrolled in Medicare and have received my 2017Medicare and You handbook. I have looked all through this book and cannot find what the 2017 Medicare Part A and B deductible or maximum out of pocket is? Can you provide me with an easy way to find these numbers? I really would not want to pay more than I have to. Thank You, Sylvia from Kansas City, Kansas Hello Sylvia: Every year the Medicare and You handbook is mailed out before October 1 to all Medicare beneficiaries to help guide them with the Medicare open enrollment period that ends on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at midnight. The handbook states that at the time of printing the 2017 Medicare and You Handbook, the premiums, and deductible amounts for Part A and Part B were not available. It just happens that on Thursday, Nov. 10, Medicare's 2017 premium and costs were released by the "Centers for Medicare and Medicaid" aka CMS (Medicare.). The new 2017 Medicare Parts A and B costs are below: Part A Costs (Inpatient Hospital): The new 2017 Part A inpatient hospital deductible will be an increase of $280 to $1,316. Remember the Part A deductible starts over every 60 days. It is not a once-a-year deductible. Under Part A is also Medicare Skilled Nursing for 2017, your costs will be days 1-20 $0 copay per day and days 21- 100 will be $164.50 per day. Part B Costs (Medical): The new 2017 Part B medical/doctor deductible will increase from $166 in 2016 to $183 in 2017. With Medicare paying 80 percent of the Medicare-approved amount and you (Medicare beneficiary) paying the remaining 20 percent of the Medicare approved amount. Part B Premiums: New premium for 2017 is $134. Those who are not receiving their Social Security check and those new to Medicare will pay the new 2017 Part B premium of $134. Most Medicare beneficiaries who are receiving their Social Security check and who's 2016 Part B premium was $104.90 will have a $109 monthly premium for 2017. Those that paid $121.80 and are also receiving their Social Security check will have a 4 percent increase to about $126.67. Many Medicare beneficiaries whose income is more than $85,001 for an individual or $170,001 for a couple will pay more than $134. Part D Costs (Prescription Drug Plan): The new 2017 Part D changes are the deductible is $400 once a year. You will pay your share for your prescription drugs until the combined amount reaches $3,700 and then you have reached the famous doughnut hole. When you have reached the doughnut hole, then you will pay 40 percent for your prescription drug plan's cost for "covered" brand name drugs and drug manufacture will pay 50 percent with your prescription drug plan paying the remaining 10 percent For generic drugs, you will pay 51 percent for the plan's cost for covered" generic drugs and the drug plan pays 49 percent When a total of $4,950 has been spent as out-of-pocket the one will fall out of the "famous" doughnut hole for the year. Once that amount has been spent, then you will enter catastrophic coverage and will pay a small coinsurance or copayment for each "covered" drug. Visit Tonisays.com to receive your copy of the 2017 Medicare costs and to sign up for the latest Toni Says newsletter or visit Medicare and view costs www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs. Toni King, author of the new Medicare Survival Guide with a "Thank You, Houston" $5 discount available for Houston Chronicle/HCN readers at http://tonisays.com/reader-special Medicare consultations are available at the Toni Says office or email questions to info@tonisays.com or call 832/519-TONI (8664). Piecing Back Together an Iraqi Archaeological Gem Destroyed By ISIS The Assyrian ruins at Nimrud date back to the 13th Century BC. ( Digital Globe) The shattered ruins of Nimrud say different things to different people. To Sheikh Abdullah Saleh, a custodian of the ancient site until he was chased away by Islamic State extremists two years ago, they represent nothing but destruction and loss. To Iraqi archaeologist Layla Salih the hulking piles of rock are a big jigsaw puzzle, from which one of the world's most significant ancient sites might be slowly rebuilt. Both the sheikh and the scholar have stood in the rubble of Nimrud in the week since the Iraqi military reclaimed what remained of it. Salih was at the site on Friday, picking out inscriptions from cracked stone and, in her mind's eye, reassembling the giant winged buffaloes, known as lamassus, which Isis had laid to ruin among dozens of other priceless artefacts that had been there for almost 4,000 years. "There are fragments that can be repaired," she said. "The winged buffaloes in particular. It is not all lost. It was a really sad vision, but what can we do? We expected it. The good thing is we can put it back together." The view looked very different to Sheikh Saleh on Wednesday, days after he returned from a year-long exile at the hands of the marauders who had chased him from town for trying to protect what, to him, was both a national treasure and a personal livelihood. "This has been here for thousands of years, before Jesus," he said amid piles of rock that had once formed the heart of the city known to the ancient Assyrians as Kalhu. People used to visit from all over the world, especially before 1991. "It used to generate money for our village. Many of our people worked here," he said. "Then one day last year, they came around the village with a truck and loudspeakers. They told us to open our windows because there would be a big explosion. It was so big that our houses were covered in rocks." Iraq's deputy antiquities minister, Qais Rasheed, estimates that as much as 70% of Nimrud has been destroyed by Isis. The scale of the site's ransacking suggests his estimate might be conservative but Salih said a trained archeological eye could pick out enough scattered remnants across the landscape to suggest that all might not be lost. "There were pieces that I could put together in my mind," she said. "Small things and big things. I hope we can make this happen." There are some encouraging signs. Salih said a meeting with Unesco and the governor of Nineveh province on Tuesday yielded a commitment to divert funding from a long-stalled archeological project into rebuilding Nimrud. "It's a substantial figure," she said. "It will get us started. Initially we will document the losses and protect the site. We hope to start this at the beginning of next month." Sheikh Saleh said the site needed to be protected by guards to stop a pillage of what remains of Nimrud. "We need to put guards there right away," he said, warning that a failure to lock it down could lead to a repeat of the looting that followed the US invasion of Baghdad in 2003, after which the Iraqi National Museum was pillaged by Iraqi civilians and US forces. Thirteen years later, many of those stolen artefacts remain unaccounted for and continue to fetch high prices on a lucrative black market for stolen antiquities. Other sites around Iraq have also been looted in the instability that has plagued the country since the US invasion. The Mosul Museum, where Salih was a curator until 2009, has been largely emptied by Isis since it took the city in mid-2014 and started a rampage to erase anything that pre-dated the Islamic era. The Nineveh plains, on which Nimrud stands, is one of the world's cradles of civilisation and is a heartland of Assyrian cities and Christian communities. As well as laying ancient cities to ruin, Isis rampaged over modern towns and villages in the area until the fight to reclaim them began six weeks ago by Iraqi forces and Kurdish peshmerga. From his vantage point, Sheikh Saleh is sceptical about how the military might that is being brought to the battlefield could do so little to stop Isis as it methodically worked through Nimrud with dynamite and sledgehammers. "They try to save the oil companies, but they not try to save Iraq's history," he said of the fighter jets that buzz overhead. What [Isis] was doing was so obvious. They do not want to leave intact anything connected to Iraqi civilisation. This is one of the very few places in Iraq where our history was on show, how our civilisation was organised. Now our history has been destroyed. We have nothing to show the world now and we will miss that." Additional reporting: Saud Murrani. GRAFTON When a patient comes in for an appointment at Unity Medical Center, it can feel like medical staff are treating a family member, according to Nursing Director Jenny Holand. All of our staff are from small communities, or most of them; and they all know how important it is to have a health care facility in the community to take care of not only their loved ones, but all of our friends, neighbors and community, she said. They become our extended family. You get to know patients on a first-name basis. They are not just a number. They genuinely care about each patient they encounter. The sentiment was shared by several UMC executives and managing staff while discussing how the facility was preparing for updates to the Grafton facility, including a proposed $5.5 million expansion that would convert operating suites into an emergency department; add a surgery area with larger operating rooms; and relocate the physical therapy department from the second floor to the front of the building, providing better access for patients. The project is expected to begin sometime next year with a finish date to follow 12 to 15 months later, CEO Alan ONeil has previously said. The expansion is a way of staying competitive with urban hospitals while providing up-to-date services to patients, O'Neil said. Technological advancements have changed how hospitals do business, he said, and local, rural hospitals offer a service that some patients would have to drive an hour to access otherwise. When asked what the region would look like without rural hospitals, O'Neil and his employees emphasized how important rural hospitals are to residents of small communities, adding it would be devastating if they disappeared. We have cases every day that are life-saving, he said. It would cause a whole population that would have to travel for everything. As you know, traveling in North Dakota can be a challenge, especially in the winter. Local appeal North Dakota has 36 critical access hospitals, and they have a significant impact on the economic climate of their communities, said Brad Gibbens, deputy director of the Center for Rural Health at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. On average, each hospital has a total economic impact of $6.4 million, he said. Hospitals have created dozens of jobs for rural cities and often are among the largest employers in the area. UMC, which employs about 120, has a footprint that reaches at least 20 miles in all directions, ONeil said. The hospital sometimes serves Canadians who cannot get into hospitals quickly north of the border. Access to a hospital is one factor people consider when searching for a place to live, ONeil said. Its the backbone of a community, he said, adding Grafton has had a hospital for more than a century. Christopher Wyatt, CEO of Cavalier County Memorial Hospital and Clinics, agreed, adding that North Dakota would see a mass exodus if hospitals didnt exist in its rural areas. The hospital in Langdon, with roughly 110 staff members, serves Cavalier, Pembina, Ramsey, Walsh and Towner counties, he said. The people sometimes dont realize how important a hospital is to a community, he said. People want to be in an area where they can get that immediate care, because accidents happen. Rural hospitals in North Dakota offer more than just standard services, Gibbens said, noting that 35 critical access hospitals own other health care organizations, such as nursing homes, ambulances, assisted living centers and clinics. He said residents of smaller communities feel they are receiving equivalent, if not better, care than those in urban areas. The argument is if a rural hospital closes in North Dakota, its not just a hospital closing, he said. Rural hospitals are more than an employer, and even more than a provider of health care to take care of people. Rural hospitals are also a source of community identity and pride. Challenges Rural hospitals must deal with an array of challenges, especially in the face of populations that are shifting toward urban life. ONeil said 20 percent of the U.S. population -- between 60 million and 65 million people -- live in rural areas. As younger people move to bigger cities, hospitals in North Dakotas smaller towns are seeing mostly patients who are older and have greater needs, ONeil said. On top of that, shortages in staff from nurses to physicians make it hard at times to keep up with demand. In community needs assessments compiled by the Center for Rural Health, trends for North Dakota include providing services for aging populations, access to needed equipment and facility updates, and higher costs for health insurance. Federal reimbursements help cover expenses for hospitals, and facilities receive funds through Medicare and Medicaid; but those funds have been on the decline in recent years. Its no secret hospitals in rural communities struggle financially, but those in North Dakota have seen gains in operating and net margins, Gibbens said. The state's hospitals had a combined operating margin of minus 1.5 in 2015, compared with minus 5.1 in 2014, he said. The total margin rebounded to 3.1 last year, marking the first time on record that more hospitals in North Dakota saw a profit than a loss: 19 versus 17. Gibbens attributed that to a federal drug program that stretches financial resources for eligible patients, Medicaid expansion, local tax support and foundations. Wyatt said his hospital is operating in the black because it has looked at ways to tighten its belt. We have to make sure were operating in the black, and thats a hard thing in a small, rural community whenever people have a perception they have to drive to Grand Forks, Bismarck or Fargo to get the same quality care, he said. Were working diligently to show them you can still get that quality care at your local hospital as you can in the cities. Staying up to date Despite the challenges, local hospitals have done what they can to stay up to date. If a facility cant afford to purchase equipment, a hospital can partner with larger health care providers to bring those services to communities, as UMC and Cavalier County do, ONeil and Wyatt said. When necessary, hospitals look to update their facilities, as UMC did when it started its $550,000 project this fall to renovate its clinic to provide more privacy for its patients. Cavalier County updated its hospital several years ago in a multimillion-dollar project, Wyatt said. The clinic also could see updates in the near future, including a pediatric room and other features, he said. Gibbens said there is an ongoing effort for rural hospitals to stay up to date, even if they fall behind urban hospitals technologies. Though it is required by the Affordable Care Act, all nonprofit hospitals in North Dakota, including UMC and Cavalier County, have actively sought public input from residents to determine the communitys needs and concerns. Cavalier County has the approach of making decisions that have the best outcome for associates, patients and finances, Wyatt said. I think we are making steps in the right direction, he said. We are all shifting to value-based medicine -- implementing preventive practices as opposed to reactive medical services. Were putting a bigger emphasis on what can we do to keep you out of the hospital. Staff at local hospitals do everything they can to provide outstanding services for its community members, ONeil said. You tend to go the extra mile for someone you are going to bump into on the street next week or see in church, he said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A truck driver named Jesse James is accused of trying to smuggle 49 people from the border to San Antonio in the back of his big rig. The suspect, whose full name is Jesse James Blair Jr., is due to appear in federal court in Laredo Friday. He was arrested early Wednesday, not long after a trained dog first sniffed out the human cargo in the back of his rig, according to a court document filed by federal agents. A giant X-ray machine confirmed there were people inside, including 47 adults and two juveniles, whose ages were not mentioned, according to agents. Blair told agents that after he first arrived at the border to drop off a load of merchandise for his employer, he met a man who offered him a chance to make $16,000 to smuggle the human cargo to San Antonio. Blair explained to agents that "money was tight" in his life and that "the offer seemed enticing," according to the document filed at the federal courthouse in Laredo. Blair told agents he could not identify the man. Blair's age and employer are not noted in court documents, but the truck had an Indiana license plate. People hidden in the trailer were from countries such as Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, according to court documents. The Laredo area has long been the busiest point along the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border for commercial traffic entering this country. Smugglers have long sought to hide illicit cargo among legitimate travelers in hopes of not being noticed by authorities. In Blair's instance, he is not accused of sneaking the people into the United States, but moving them further north from the border by helping them sneak past a Border Patrol checkpoint, which is similar to those on all major roadways leading to the interior of the U.S. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Dogs at an overburdened animal shelter in north Texas will see if they can find homes in Denver, Colorado. The Dumb Friends League in Denver has accepted 79 dogs from an undisclosed North Texas animal shelter that is overburdened. More dogs from Texas are expected to travel north before the end of the year. PRESIDENTIAL POOCH: Former President George W. Bush and wife Laura get a new puppy at the SPCA of Texas "There are so many dogs of every size and breed just huddled in kennels down there," Duane Adams, vice president of operations of the Dumb Friends League, said in a press release. "They are lonely and begging for attention, and most are housed outdoors in the elements. All of them need a home." The dogs were sent to the Denver-based animal welfare organization between Nov. 18 and Wednesday. The next group of dogs is scheduled to leave Texas for Colorado on Monday. The goal is to complete all of the transfers before snow and winter weather slows down road transportation. Spokeswoman Joan Thielen said she's not sure how many total dogs the organization will take from Texas. She said the Dumb Friends League's facilities can hold about 800 animals at a time, or about 22,000 pets annually. DOG LANGUAGE: What your dogs mean when they make these gestures Each dog from Texas sent to the Dumb Friends League will be evaluated and receive vaccinations. They'll also get any necessary treatment and a microchip. They'll be available for adoption as soon as possible. "The (Texas) shelter has been wonderful to work with, has taken great care of these dogs and really cares about the well being of each pet," Thielen said. Anyone looking to find out more information about the dogs can visit ddfl.org or call the Colorado organization at 303-751-5772. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate No, the 30 or so residents of Cerezales del Condado, a tiny village in the Leon region of Spain, are not suddenly millions of dollars richer. But they're probably picking up a beer right about now thanks to an internet hoax that's making the rounds on social media. Stories from The New York Post, The Sun, Time and several British publications are sharing the false news that Corona founder Antonino Fernandez had passed away leaving the residents of his home village his $210 million fortune. While the beer empire founder was known to be a generous philanthropist during this lifetime, even donating much to the village, he didn't leave millions to each of the tens of people who live in Cerezales del Condado. ALSO NOT TRUE: That Facebook privacy hoax is back again An online article by Time, citing The Telegraph, inaccurately reported that Fernandez "left most of it to be shared among the 80 residents of a town called Cerezales del Condado in the northwest of Spain." "Have all the neighbours been given a lump sum? No, that's not true," Maximino Sanchez, who owns the only bar in that village, told The Guardian. "But we're all very happy with all the work that's been done to benefit the village and turn it around." Spanish cultural center Fundacion Cerezales Antonino y Cinia's communications department chief Lucia Alajos cleared up the hoax. "I can confirm he didn't leave money to his villagers in his will," Alajos told Mashable. "His family recently opened his will and we actually don't know who got the money from the inheritance. But it's definitely not the town or his neighbours." Fernandez passed away at the age of 98 in August of this year, and the details of his will haven't been disclosed. Although the few people who inhabit Cerezales del Condado will tell you they're not spending his fortune because they don't have it. 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. We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. Cherokee Skate Park awaits FEMA okay As opposed to speedy skate board wheels, the wheels of progress grind slowly regarding the citys proposed new skate park... City ordinance offers guidance for replacing ash trees As Cherokee residents and property owners scramble to identify and remove diseased ash trees dead and dying from the Emerald... River Valley board president explains discipline controversy Theres more to the story regarding the recent resignation of a River Valley school secretary over alleged violation of school... Today is the unofficial first day of the holiday shopping season. Here are five facts you should know about Black Friday. 1. The term Black Friday was coined by the Philadelphia Police Departments traffic squad in the 1950s. According to Philadelphia newspaper reporter Joseph P. Barrett, It was the day that Santa Claus took his chair in the department stores and every kid in the city wanted to see him. It was the first day of the Christmas shopping season. Barrettt first used the term in the citys newspaper, the Evening Bulletin, in 1961 to refer to the traffic problems on that day. Local merchants complained to police commissioner Albert N. Brown about the negative association of the term, so Brown released a press release describing the day as Big Friday. By then it was too late; the media had already started referring to the day after Thanksgiving as Black Friday. 2. Because so few people were aware of the origin of the term Black Friday, analternative explanation became popular: that it is the day on which retailers finally began to show a profit for the year (in accounting terms, moving from being in the red to in the black). The earliest use of this meaning, though, dates only to the early 1980s. 3. The predecessor to Black Friday was the Santa Claus parade. Canadian department store Eatons held the first Santa Claus parade on December 2, 1905. Santas appearance at the end of the parade signaled that the holiday season and Christmas shopping had begun. In the U.S., the department store Macys adopted the idea and started sponsoring similar parades across the country. The most famous event, the Macys Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City, began in 1924. 4. For several years in the 1930s, the date of Thanksgiving was moved to increase the Christmas shopping period. At the request of retailers, Franklin D. Roosevelt agreed to move his holiday proclamation up one week to the fourth Thursday in November. Of the then-48 states, 32 joined Roosevelt in the Democratic Thanksgiving while 16 stuck with the Republican Thanksgiving of the traditional date. After critics complained about Franksgiving, Roosevelt signed legislation making Thanksgiving a legal holiday on the fourth Thursday in November. 5. In 2009, K-Mart became the first major national retailer to open its stores on Thanksgiving morning. Several other large retailersincluding Wal-Mart, Sears, and Toys R Usalso began opening their stores a day early in 2011. Since then, BlackFriday has been replaced by what some retailers refer to as Grey Thursday. Americans would agree the US has never seen a politician quite like Donald Trump. Constant falsehoods, attacks on newspapers, over-the-top insults directed at individual reportersthese are things many in the US media havent had to deal with before. To Canadians, though, this type of media manipulation is all too familiar. For several years, former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford treated journalists in much the same way. The similarities between how these two politicians have approached the media is uncanny, says Daniel Dale, a Toronto Star journalist who covered Ford when he was in office and is now writing about Trump from Washington. Both politicians repeatedly and directly attacked particular media outlets, used the media to rile up their base, personally attacked journalists, and claim everything reported about them is false. This is all very familiar to me, says Dale. As stressful as it was to cover Ford, who passed away last March from cancer, the Canadian media now knows how to report on a post-truth, journalist-bashing politician and they have some ideas for their American counterparts struggling to keep up with Trump. The first piece of advice: Visuals speak louder than words. Get visuals No one knows that better than Robyn Doolittle, the now Globe and Mail reporter who was one of two Toronto Star journalists to see the infamous Ford crack-cocaine video. She was only allowed to watch the video on an iPhone in the back seat of a parked carshe couldnt take pictures or the video with her. While that seemed good enough at the time, when the story came out thousands of Torontonians, including Ford and other city counsellors, said it was fake. I was shocked that the half the city would think that the Toronto Star made up the story, she says. Sign up for CJR 's daily email About a year later, now at the Globe and Mail, another drug dealer called saying he had a second video of Ford smoking crack. Once again, she could only watch the video on a mobile phone, but unlike with the first video, her paper agreed to pay $10,000 for several screenshots. When the story came out the next day, Ford checked himself into rehab, something he had never done before. I have a newfound appreciation for photos, she says. In the days of Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, people expect to see footage. The power of visuals was on full display with the Access Hollywood tape where Trump boasted about his harassment of women. While papers reported on Trumps treatment of women before it aired, it was only after his comments were heard and seen that it became a national story. Related: 7 photos that capture the absurdity of this election season Stand up for yourself Journalists also have to start getting comfortable with defending themselves, says Dale. A year before the infamous crack video kicked Fords disdain for the press into a higher gear, Dale went to see a small piece of property near Fords home that the mayor had wanted to buy from the city. About 20 minutes after Dale arrived, Ford came out of his house, saw Dale nearby and began yelling at him. He then charged at him, only stopping when he saw that Dale was holding a cellphone, which had died a few minutes earlier. That same night, Ford went on TV accusing Dale of trespassing on his propertythis was an outright lie, as he was standing on city propertyand then, months later, after the crack video had come out, he insinuated that Dale was a pedophile, saying he was standing in his backyard taking pictures of his kids. Of course, this also wasnt true. While Dale didnt want to get into a fight with Ford, he was worried people might start questioning his credibility. He and his editors decided to hold a press conference where he would tell his side of the story. It was important for him to get on TV, he says, because if Ford is giving people great video clips, even if hes lying, then I have to give video clips in response or else he would just dominate, he says. His editors also let him write a couple of columns. All of that, though, wasnt enough. After Ford accused Dale of taking pictures of his kids, he sued for defamation. It was only then that the mayor admitted his accusations werent true. US reporters may not sue their president for libel, but they do need to be as transparent as possible in their reporting. US reporters may not sue their president for libel, but they do need to be as transparent as possible in their reporting, says Doolittle. She learned that people generally have no idea how the press goes about reporting a story, so the more reporters can demystify the process, the better. Doolittle made a point of being available for media interviews, which she admits is weird for reporters, but she felt it was necessary to explain to people how and why she wrote what she did. Her papers also started publishing behind-the-scenes stories to better explain to readers just how many checks and balances there are before a story goes to print. Have supportive publications Its also critical for reporters to know their editors and their newspapers will be there to defend them, says Irene Gentle, managing editor at the Toronto Star. Reporters have to believe they will be supported despite the attacks on them personally, despite the attacks on the integrity of the news organization and the news industry, she says. The editor has to make that completely clear. The reporters have to know their job is to keep going. At the same time, its even more important that editors and reporters get the story right. Every allegation has to be checked out, every source vetted, and those sources shouldnt just be taking cheap shots. The editor has to be with the reporters watching for this. It doesnt matter how dirty the fight against us is. We have to be clean in all ways, says Gentle. With subjects such as Trump, and Ford in his time, the truth usually stands out pretty boldly in the end. Dale adds that reporters should try, as much as they can, to use on-the-record sources. Related: Dear US journalists: Things are about to change Keep doing your job Theres no question reporting under these conditions is difficult, but Dale and Doolittle say they didnt do anything differently when it came to their reporting and never avoided publishing a story. Lisa Taylor, a journalism professor at Torontos Ryerson University, says that journalists need to continue reporting whats in the publics interest, even if it seems as though the public isnt interested in whats being written. And while it was a challenge to be shut out of routine events, says GentleFord didnt speak to the Star during his termthe paper always gave him the opportunity to comment before a story broke. The hardest part for both Dale and Doolittle was not the accusations or attacks, it was that the public, and even friends, questioned their work. Dale recalls being at a wedding with acquaintances who asked him if he was sure that the crack video wasnt CGI. His friends still refer to the property incident as fence-gate, even though he wasnt near Fords fence. When someone with that kind of megaphone sets a narrative, its set, says Dale. Some people even still believe there was no crack video, even though the video ultimately did come to light, says Doolittle. Thats where it gets really frustrating or depressing, she says. When you encounter people who just will not hear the truth. At no time, though, did either reporter want to give up or move to another beat. As any good journalist does, they kept on digging, reporting and writing. Theres an incredible amount of stress that goes with this, but its still an amazing job, says Doolitte. You just have to go out and do people proud. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Bryan Borzykowski is a Toronto-based journalist. His work has appeared in The New York Times, CNBC, BBC Capital, and the Globe and Mail. Follow him on Twitter: @bborzyko. Disturbance, Fourth Avenue: Two Fourth Avenue roommates, 22 and 21, face criminal charges after police were called to a loud party at their house Nov. 19. Police arrived at about 11:50 p.m. and saw a male lying on a bed of rocks in the front yard. When the male saw police, he stood and walked toward the house. Police ordered the male to stop, but he ignored them and entered the home. An officer knocked on the front door and asked one of the men who lived in the house to find the male who had just walked inside. The man eventually told police he could not find the male. Meanwhile, dispatchers told officers that police had been called to this same house six times over the past year. The most recent calls were in September and October. Marijuana possession, Valley Parkway: An intoxicated Berea man, 49, was arrested at about 10 p.m. Nov. 18 after he fell off his Mongoose mountain bike and hurt himself. It happened on Valley Parkway near Giant Eagle. The man admitted to police that he had been drinking. He also smelled like marijuana, and officers found a plastic bag of marijuana in his jacket pocket. He was also holding a Gerber multi-tool knife. The man had a bump on his head and was bleeding near his eye. The bike was badly damaged. The man didn't want medical attention but police convinced him that a trip to Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights would be in his best interest. Suspicious vehicle-marijuana paraphernalia possession, East Bridge Street: A Cleveland man and a Westlake man, both 19, were arrested at about 1 p.m. Nov. 17 after police caught them partying in a car outside Bella Vista Apartments, 163 East Bridge. A witness had called police to report a suspicious vehicle, a 2016 Subaru Legacy, in the parking lot. When police arrived, they found five males in the car, which was running. Music was blaring from the inside, which was filled with smoke. Police smelled marijuana. The driver - the Westlake man - said they were all Baldwin Wallace University Students, and that they often drive to the Bella Vista parking lot "to hang out and smoke marijuana." Police checked identifications of all five men and learned that the Cleveland man was wanted in Berea and Garfield Heights for contempt of court. Officers found a marijuana grinder and pipe in the Westlake man's car. Disturbance, West Bridge Street: Police ordered a 21-year-old Berea man to stay away from Cafe Ah-Roma, 38 West Bridge Street, because he was asking customers for money. The cafe's owner asked the man to leave Nov. 18. Nevertheless, the man returned to the cafe Nov. 19. The owner stopped him from entering and called police. Police found the man in a neighboring business. The man said he didn't realize he had been banned from the cafe and promised never to return. Criminal damaging, Riveredge Parkway: Rear windows in two school buses, parked outside the Berea Board of Education bus garage, were shot out between 5 p.m. Nov. 11 and 6 a.m. Nov. 14. Police believe a BB gun was used to shatter the windows but did not find BB pellets in or around the buses. Grand theft auto, Front Street: A Jeep Liberty was stolen late Nov. 14 or early Nov. 15 from a driveway. The victim had left the vehicle's key in the glove compartment. Also, $200 in cash and a cell-phone charger was in the Jeep. Police found the damaged Jeep at about 10 a.m. Nov. 15 outside the Berea Little Red School House, 323 East Bagley Road. Petty theft, Barrett Road: A GPS and jar of Vaseline were stolen between 4 p.m. Nov. 14 and 4:30 p.m. Nov. 15 from a car parked outside an apartment building. Some of the Vaseline was smeared on the side of the car. The victim believes she might have left one of the car doors unlocked. Possession of marijuana paraphernalia & open alcohol containers, Prospect Street: A Columbia Station man, 41, was arrested at about 1:45 a.m. Nov. 17 after police found several foil pipes containing burned marijuana and an open bottle of beer in his pickup truck. Police had stopped the vehicle after seeing it swerve several times. Breaking & entering, Race Street: A metallic purple Huffy female mountain bike, with six speeds, was stolen between 2:15-3:50 p.m. Nov. 18 from a shed. The victim said she had locked the shed, but when she discovered the theft, the lock was missing. On Nov. 11, someone stole two potted plants from the woman's front porch. She did not call police at the time because she didn't believe the theft was important enough. To comment on this post, please visit our crime and courts comments section. Victory Is Coming NFLD Aug 19 2013.jpg Northfield Park will host the $120,000 Courageous Lady stakes race on Saturday. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- L A Delight, a millionaire pacing filly, has a Hall of Fame trainer (Bob McIntosh) who has enlisted a Hall of Fame driver (John Campbell) to join him in a paddock stall prior to Saturday's $120,000 Courageous Lady at Northfield Park. After drawing the dreaded No. 8 post, the usually fleet-footed L A Delight, winner of the prestigious Jugette at the Delaware County Fair on Sept. 21, will need the skill of both accomplished horsemen to prevail in the final major stake race on Northfield's 2016 calendar. Winning from the far outside wing of the mobile starting gate is difficult on a half-mile track, the configuration of the Rt. 8 oval. Post position statistics at Northfield through Nov. 16 reveal that horses starting from the extreme outside win only 4.5 percent of the time. Horses from the No. 1 post win 19.1 percent of its starts. Despite drawing the No. 8 post, L A Delight, a winner of 20 of 30 career starts and $1,193,323, has been installed the Courageous Lady's 5-2 morning line favorite. McIntosh is confident in his Ontario-sired daughter of Bettor's Delight "She's never really raced a bad race," he recently told reporters. "She's just a good filly, and she just wants to win, and that's something you can't teach them, it's bred right in them. She's pretty much the best filly that I've had that has a made a million dollars." Rock Me Baby, starting from the No. 5 post, is the Courageous Lady's 7-2 second choice. She prepped for the race with a 1:52 4/5 qualifier at Saratoga Raceway. Tim Tetrick, another member of Harness Racing Hall of Fame, will drive her. The Courageous Lady, part of harness racing's fabled Grand Circuit, is the 11th race on Saturday's 15-race. It is named for a filly that raced from 1977 until 1981 and earned $418,256 for Julian and Ruth Cohen of Mayfield Hts. Cohen, a lawyer, purchased Courageous Lady for his wife, who had been diagnosed with cancer and was given two years to live. "We followed her to all her races," said Julian Cohen, who died in 1997. "Ruth lived another eight years, primarily because of her horse." The 2016 $120,000 Courageous Lady field: PP, Horse, Trainer, Driver, Morning Line 1. Mother Of Art, Ron Burke, Ronnie Wrenn Jr., 9-2 2. Time On My Hands, Chris Ryder, Aaron Merriman, 4-1 3. Bellatricks, Virgil Morgan Jr., Ryan Stahl, 10-1 4. Yankee Moonshine, Doug Hinklin, Don Irvine Jr., 8-1 5. Rock Me Baby, Heidi Rohr, Tim Tetrick, 7-2 6. Free Show, Ron Burke, Jason Merriman, 12-1 7. Dime A Dance, Doug Snyder, Mike Wilder, 15-1 8. L A Delight, Robert McIntosh, John Campbell, 5-2 -- Bob "Railbird" Roberts Artist's rendering of the Black Duck The Great Lakes continue to give up their secrets. This time, the mystery comes to us from Lake Ontario, where two explorers have identified a shipwreck dating back to 1872 as that of the Black Duck. The 51-foot-long scow-sloop had a squared-off bow and a shallow draft and was generally used on rivers or for short lake crossings. It was on just such a crossing that the boat foundered in a gale and sunk in 350 feet of water. The ship was delivering coal and general cargo when it went down. The captain thought he could make the 40-mile trip from Oswego to Sackets Harbor, New York despite a strong wind that was blowing when he shoved off, according to the National Museum of the Great Lakes, which helped pay for an annual survey of Lake Ontario that resulted in the discovery. Shipwreck explorers Jim Kennard and Roger Pawlowski found the Black Duck three years ago but could not identify it until last September. They used a side scan sonar to find the shipwreck and later deployed a remote-operated camera to capture video of the wooden ship, much of which is now encrusted in quagga mussels. A local newspaper account of the Black Duck sinking helped Kennard pinpoint the shipwreck as the Black Duck, Kennard said. The Black Duck is one of many shipwrecks in the Great Lakes and elsewhere to be discovered by Kennard, who along with Dan Scoville found the oldest shipwreck ever located in the Great Lakes, the 236-year-old British warship HMS Ontario. Last year, explorer Tom Kowalczk discovered a sunken barge called the Argo that sank off Kelleys Island in Lake Erie in 1937 and was leaking toxic cargo. Kennard said there is no reason to raise the Black Duck, nor does he believe it contains valuable artifacts. Its significance is that there weren't many of the cheaply built scow-sloops registered on the Great Lakes, Kennard said. The Black Duck had a single mast that was still intact when found. A short bowsprit would have held ropes to secure a jib sail. A tiller arm can be seen lying across the cabin roof. Because of its age and the fact that it was abandoned, the Black Duck now belongs to the state of New York with oversight by its Department of Historic Preservation, Kennard said. Those aboard the Black Duck had a happy ending. The only people on board, captain and co-owner Barney Everleigh, his wife and crew member Willie Decker, survived by taking refuge in a small boat, called a punt, that hung from the ship but was cut loose during the storm. After Decker dove in the water to keep the punt from drifting away. Everleigh and his wife followed shortly thereafter. They all lay in the bottom of the punt for the next eight hours as it was blown ashore about two miles north of Port Ontario at the lake's eastern end. PAINESVILLE, Ohio -- A former star of Harvey High School's gridiron and classrooms has given its alumni association scholarship funds worth about $530,000. Retired Col. Arville Hickerson figures he's also given nearly $700,000 to other non-profit causes locally and nationally, including Lake Erie College in Painesville. Some of the money pays for escalating scholarships for Harvey grads who complete four years at Lake Erie. But don't mistake Hickerson for a tycoon. The 81-year-old retired from the Army on disability 33 years ago. He hasn't held a civilian job since his student days. He's widowed and childless, and says he's saved and invested. Hickerson hopes his gifts will inspire wealthier people to give proportionally, especially for scholarships. "An education is now in many good schools over $50,000 annually, and even the upper middle-class, if there is one anymore, needs scholarship money," he says. "I needed it when I went to school." He splits his time between McLean, Virginia, and Belleair, Florida. He hasn't been back to Painesville since 2006, when "Painesville as I knew it was gone. All the schools I attended had been torn down." Yet he's helping students who graduate from a newer high school building. Ron Balogh, head of Harvey's alumni association, says Hickerson is a generous and meticulous man. "The colonel and I worked together to set up the criteria and paperwork for the scholarships he is funding. He wanted to make sure that the recipients met the qualifications for the scholarship, had the abilities to succeed at the college level, and had the financial need for additional funds." Holly Menzie, a Lake Erie consultant, says, "I would describe him as a hero. He wants to help as many people obtain higher education as possible because he knows how valuable that is in today's world." Hickerson was born on New Year's Eve in 1934 in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and moved as an infant to Painesville. At Lake Erie, his father became an English professor and his mother worked in the library. The son played right guard on an undefeated junior varsity team that outscored its foes by 95-6 over the course of a season. In 1951, he played center and middle linebacker for the only undefeated varsity team in school history. The Painesville Telegraph named him the best center in the All-Northeastern Conference. Off the field, Hickerson was president of several clubs, vice president of the student body and one of three co-valedictorians of his class. He was later inducted into the Harvey Alumni Association Hall of Fame, and the whole varsity was inducted as a team. With the help of scholarships, he earned a bachelor's degree in engineering and a master's in mechanical engineering at Dartmouth College. He served with the Army in some tough spots. He was in Berlin during the crisis over its wall and commanded the guard at Spandau Prison there, monitoring Nazi war criminals Rudolph Hess, Albert Speer and Baldur von Schirach. He fought in the Tet Offensives in Vietnam and tore a leg diving into a bunker. He finished his career as a division chief in the Army Inspector General Office. His many medals included a Purple Heart and four Bronze Stars. He retired after two heart attacks and a triple bypass. In 1996, Hickerson and his wife, Elizabeth, began donating to Lake Erie College. They helped raise the Holden Center, renovate the Morley Memorial Music Building and more. In 2002, the Hickersons began creating three scholarships at Lake Erie for Harvey grads. In some cases, the scholarships give $1,000 for a student's first year of college, $2,000 for the second year, $3,000 for the third and $4,000 for the fourth, encouraging the student to stay the course. A college spokeswoman estimates that the Hickersons have given the school $100,000 altogether and helped 10 students so far. In 2013, five years after his wife's death, Hickerson began giving directly to the Harvey Alumni Association for scholarships. His money is helping two new graduates this fall. Hickerson says he's helping Harvey and Lake Erie more than his old college because they don't have anything near Dartmouth's endowment. "I'm going to give my money to the institutions that need it more, like I needed money when I went to school." Trump In this March 6, 2006 file photo, Kathleen "KT" McFarland is seen at her home in New York. President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Fox News analyst McFarland to serve as deputy national security adviser. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow, File) After a Thanksgiving feast at Mar-a-Lago that included oven-roasted turkey, lobster bisque and "Mr. Trump's wedge salad," the president-elect made two "staff-level" announcements about his incoming administration Friday. There will be no further personnel announcements until at least Monday, transition aides said in a conference call with reporters. The transition team announced that Trump had chosen Don McGhan as White House counsel and K.T. McFarland as deputy national security adviser. McGhan is a well-known campaign finance lawyer, while McFarland has served in national security roles with previous Republican administrations. Trump has spoken with five more foreign leaders since leaving New York for Florida on Tuesday, his transition team said. They include two of Europe's most high-profile populist heads of state: Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, a left-wing leader who came to power after a string of recessions and whose term has been marked by some of the most dramatic moments of the Greek debt crisis; and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a right-wing leader whose policies have included a push to reject the migrants flowing into Europe from the war-torn Middle East. At various points, both leaders have also broken from the rest of European Union members to pursue a closer relationship with Russia since the E.U. began to sanction Moscow over its activities in Ukraine. After leaving Florida on Sunday, Trump plans to meet with at least seven possible job candidates on Monday, including several business executives, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, R, and Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke. People familiar with the selection process have said Clarke is in contention to be Trump's homeland security secretary, along with other candidates, including: Marine Gen. John F. Kelly, former chief of U.S. Southern Command; Frances Townsend, a top homeland security and counterterrorism official in the George W. Bush administration, and Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. Clarke, a vocal Trump supporter, could be a controversial choice because of his strong stated views, including comparing the Black Lives Matter movement to the Islamic State. The new developments came as Trump is preparing to select Wilbur Ross for commerce secretary, according to officials with knowledge of the decision. Ross is a billionaire investor considered the "king of bankruptcy" for buying beaten-down companies with the potential to deliver profits. Ross helped shape the Trump campaign's economic agenda, particularly its hard-line stance on the need to renegotiate - or even withdraw from - free-trade agreements. That position resonated with the working-class voters who were instrumental in delivering Trump's upset victory. Elevating Ross to a position in his Cabinet could suggest that Trump intends to nurture the nationalist streak that was one of the hallmarks of his campaign. Transition aides declined to comment Friday on Ross's likely selection, or the possible choice of Ben Carson to be secretary of housing and urban development. Trump had tweeted Tuesday that he is "seriously considering" Carson for the HUD post, and Carson tweeted Wednesday that "an announcement is forthcoming about my role in helping to make America great again,'' though he declined to be more specific. Carson, a retired neurosurgeon who has no known experience with housing issues, ran against Trump in the Republican primary before becoming an adviser and confidant. This story was written by Jerry Markon and Karoun Demirjian of the Washington Post. David Mareuil | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images An early winter sharp cold snap in northeast Asia and the first November snow fall in Tokyo in 54 years this week has boosted prices for thermal coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as power stations fire up to meet a surge in electricity demand. The cold snap is linked to the La Nina weather event in the Southern Hemisphere that can lead to sustained and disruptive variations in normal seasonal weather patterns. The snow in Tokyo for example was enough to delay rail services. At the same time, China aviation authorities cancelled more than 80 flights in the capital Beijing on Monday, while road traffic slowed to a crawl after the earliest such cold spell in three decades. Temperatures dropped to -9 degree Celsius (15.8 Fahrenheit) earlier this week after an alert issued Sunday warned of heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions in northern China. watch now Meanwhile, the South Korean weather agency has also warned of imminent snow as temperatures fall to -4 degrees Celsius. To beat the cold, China has temporarily eased restrictions on coal production until the end of the year as Premier Li Keqiang said there was a need to balance demand to ramp up power output against pollution control. Spot thermal coal prices from the Australian port of Newcastle have already doubled year-to-date to top over $100 a metric ton, underscoring its position as one of the best performing raw materials this year amid a broad and extended slump in the commodities complex. The jump in prices prior to the current cold spell came after Chinese government ordered a cut in domestic output to mop up excess capacity and stem air pollution and as investors bet La Nina-related wet weather would cause production glitches in key regional exporters Australia and Indonesia. Snow falls on Tiananmen on November 21, 2016 in Beijing, China. The first snow in 2016 winter fell on capital city Beijing since 8 pm on November 20 and would last over 40 hours, according to Beijing meteorological authority. VCG | Getty Images David Betras could see trouble coming. The Democratic Party chairman in Youngstown, Ohio, wrote to Hillary Clinton's advisers in May warning she needed to put a jobs-focused message at the heart of her White House campaign or else watch blue-collar voters in states like Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania slip away to Republican Donald Trump. Clinton never responded to Betras, and in the final weeks of her campaign she spent much of her time portraying Trump as unfit, rather than highlighting her economic plans. On Nov. 8, Election Day, Betras' warning proved prescient she lost Ohio and Pennsylvania and, on Wednesday, Michigan, too, based on the latest unofficial ballot counts. The surprising upset by Trump, a wealthy businessman who made his promises to renegotiate trade deals and restore jobs a centerpiece of his agenda, was fueled in part by support from white working-class voters in those vital Rust Belt states and elsewhere. After the disastrous election losses at the state and national level, Betras and other Rust Belt Democrats who have found success in blue-collar districts have some advice for their anxious party: the key to recapturing those voters is not a broad change in policy, but a new commitment to listen and act on their economic concerns, and to show Democrats care. "You can have all the great ideas on Earth, but if they don't think you are on their side they aren't going to listen to you," said U.S. Representative Dan Kildee, of Flint, Michigan, one of a small cadre of Democrats in Congress who have learned how to win in working-class districts by emphasizing economic solutions. Democratic U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright, whose district around Scranton, Pennsylvania, was one of the presidential campaign's prime battlegrounds, also won re-election to a third term with about 54 percent of the vote. About 40,000 Trump voters crossed over to back him, he said in an interview. "Why would they pick me and not also Hillary Clinton? It comes down to credibility," he said. "I know the pain out there. When I talk to voters, jobs is always my No. 1 message, and I tell them exactly what I'm doing to get more jobs back to the district." Recalling the 1992 presidential campaign theme of Clinton's husband, Bill Clinton, Cartwright added: "It's the economy, stupid. These folks are working harder and harder to try and stay in the same place." The party's efforts to regain lost ground with blue-collar voters could be a factor in next week's election for Democratic leader in the House of Representatives. Tim Ryan, whose northeast Ohio district encompasses blue-collar Youngstown, is challenging veteran leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco. Ryan has emphasized his ability to talk to working class voters and said in announcing his leadership run that people "need to know we understand that they elected us to fight for economic opportunity for all." Kildee, who was re-elected to a third term with 61 percent of the vote, said Democrats seeking lessons in the election rubble should not overreact and begin moderating their positions on social issues or shifting their stances to target elements of the party's base of support. From decimated industrial towns to inner cities or the rural plains, voters share a similar anxiety about an economic system that seems to have left them behind, he said. "Everybody is talking about the same thing, and it's economic uncertainty - it's the fear of not having a job, or their kids not getting a job, or not having a retirement," Kildee said. "If we aren't talking about jobs and the economy first, no one is listening when you talk about other issues." 'Gold-plated toilets' By tapping into those economic worries, Trump captured about two-thirds of whites with no college degree, exit polls showed. That helped him gain the razor-thin margin of victory he needed in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan - all picked up by President Barack Obama in 2012 - to win the Electoral College, despite losing the popular vote. In contrast to Trump, whose rallies were a call to arms against an economic system rigged against everyday Americans, Clinton mentioned but rarely highlighted the many aspects of her economic agenda during the final weeks of the campaign. "We were so off message that a billionaire with gold-plated toilets was the guy who was breaking through and talking to blue-collar families," said Betras, party chairman in Ohio's heavily Democratic Mahoning County, where Trump captured 47 percent of the vote, 12 percentage points better than Republican Mitt Romney in 2012. Betras said many blue-collar workers increasingly felt forgotten by the national party, which at times seemed more focused on social and cultural issues than on bread-and-butter economic concerns. The Democratic National Committee did not respond to questions about the party's efforts to win working-class voters. Betras had urged Clinton in his memo to spend more time talking about ways to entice companies to repatriate manufacturing jobs, or her plans to create jobs through boosting infrastructure programs - both key elements of Trump's stump speech. Also in politics Trump will pursue 'regional hegemony' in South China Sea: Chinese academics Trump keeps politics on his Thanksgiving menu Both candidates made frequent visits to Pennsylvania and Ohio. But after the party conventions in July Clinton only traveled to Michigan four times, twice in the last week of the campaign, and never visited Wisconsin. Trump hit both a half-dozen times. David Murray, a registered independent who lives just outside Flint, Michigan, said he voted to re-elect Kildee and backed Obama in 2008 and 2012, but cast his presidential ballot for Trump this time. "I didn't feel like Clinton really cared about us," said Murray, a personal service industry worker. "We are still hurting here. I feel as if we haven't recovered from the economic free fall. Clinton seemed like just another four years of what Obama has done for my area, which is four years of nothing." Obama appeared to echo the concerns of Betras and the two lawmakers in recent comments on the Democratic post-election hand-wringing. "The key for us when I say 'us,' I mean Americans, but I think particularly for progressives is to say your concerns are real, your anxieties are real, here's how we fix them," Obama said. Trump consistently outperformed Romney's 2012 totals in areas with heavy concentrations of working-class whites. In Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, partially in Cartwright's district, Trump won 58 percent of the vote compared to Romney's 47 percent. In neighboring Lackawana County, Trump won 47 percent of the vote compared to Romney's 36 percent. Sharon Taboada, a juvenile probation officer in Houghton Lake, Michigan, with two sons in college, said she voted for Trump in part because of his economic message. "Clinton talked very little about our economy and I feel she was way out of touch with the working force," she said. Chevron Jack/St. Malo platform in the Gulf of Mexico. Eddie Seal | Bloomberg | Getty Images Gulf of Mexico oil and gas drillers could see some relief from a more industry-friendly White House, according to a major energy consulting firm. That relief probably would not come from Donald Trump's vows to open federal waters to drilling, which could take many years to produce results, if they do so at all. Instead, the president-elect could tweak policy in three areas to make it easier for offshore drillers to turn a profit at a time when oil prices are low, says consultancy Wood Mackenzie. "Under a Trump administration, operators may have a sympathetic ear," wrote Wood Mackenzie Senior Manager Imran Khan in a note to clients. Here are the three things Wood Mackenzie believes Trump could do to help offshore drillers. 1. Reduce royalty rates Reducing the royalty rates offshore drillers pay the federal government could give them extra money to drill more small satellite wells known as tiebacks, which connect to large, deepwater facilities. Tiebacks allow drillers to use infrastructure that costs billions of dollars and years to construct to incrementally and economically raise output. Oil majors like Exxon Mobil and Royal Dutch Shell , as well as independent drillers like Anadarko Petroleum and Noble Energy , have used that strategy in the Gulf of Mexico even as oil prices languish below $50 a barrel, the Wall Street Journal reported this summer. Khan cautions that any change in royalty rates would have to be substantial if it's going to alter the industry's investment in the Gulf. For example, reverting from the current rate of 18.75 percent to the 2007 level of 16.66 percent would only lower the break-even cost of drilling a small tieback by about 4 percent. Offering big oil deeper cuts, however, could cause a public outcry, Khan warned. But even a small cut could convince drillers to develop some projects that might otherwise be shelved, Khan said. Wood Mackenzie estimates a tieback that produces 65 million barrels of oil equivalent at the lower rate could generate $860 million in government royalty revenues and create new jobs. Trump could go even further by introducing a royalty relief program that phases out or reduces royalties toward the end of a well's life cycle. That would encourage drillers to extend the well's production and keep infrastructure in place, according to Khan. 2. Ease bonding requirements The White House could ease requirements on companies that own oil and gas facilities in federal waters, which were tightened this year. The rules affect the funds that drillers must commit to cover the cost of decommissioning facilities in case they are abandoned and left to the government to handle. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said it was requiring additional financial security measures because decommissioning costs have increased as drillers push into deepwater fields. Risks have also grown now that large companies are transferring old facilities to smaller, less experienced firms, BOEM said. Total decommissioning liabilities in the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf now total $40 billion, according to BOEM. The new bonding rules have made offshore drilling more challenging, said Poe Leggette, co-leader of law firm BakerHostetler's national energy industry team. "What the government is doing in the main is going to increase the amount of money on balance sheets tied up in bonds, shrinking the borrowing base," he told CNBC in September. "It's going to put a lot more pressure on companies. Basically they're going to find it difficult to meet these bonding obligations." But this is another area where the public could strongly oppose such a move, Khan said. The memory of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf makes cutting well control rules and general safety regulations a tough sell. 3. Extend leases Morgan Stanley's research team updated its favorite long-term growth ideas list, a portfolio which aims to find companies that will be able thrive even in any type of macroeconomic environment. "We highlight 82 stocks that we believe can grow strongly even if the global economy grows more slowly than our current GDP forecasts," the research team wrote in a report to clients Tuesday. "We believe these companies all have exposure to longer-term growth drivers, such as a sustainable competitive advantage, a multiyear product cycle, market share gains, or pricing power." The team screened Morgan Stanley's coverage universe for stocks with positive revenue growth for each of the past 12 quarters and projected annual earnings growth of at least 15 percent for the next three years. Additionally, it made a qualitative assessment on each company's future fundamentals and potential "secular growth runway." Here are five companies that made Morgan Stanley's "secular growth stocks" recommended list. Source: FactSet "As the dominant player in U.S. e-commerce, AMZN continues to experience secular growth as retail dollars shift online," analyst Brian Nowak wrote. "As AMZN scales its logistics network and expands its Prime membership program globally, we see a significant opportunity to capture a larger piece of the ~$750bn worldwide e-commerce market (ex-China)." He forecasts more than 20 percent annual sales growth for Amazon's retail business and a 45 percent annual sales increase for Amazon Web Services [cloud computing business] during the next three years. Source: FactSet "We believe Facebook is capitalizing on the secular shift from traditional to online advertising," Nowak wrote. "FB's scale and growing pool of gross profit dollars help create substantial competitive advantages as FB is able to invest more in new initiatives (improved targeting/attribution, new ad units, live video, etc.) to drive further share gains while expanding profit margins." He predicts Facebook can grow its ad sales by more than 30 percent a year in the next three years with 60 percent or higher EBITDA profit margins. Source: FactSet "We see several factors sustaining [Red Hat's] growth longer term: a growing renewal base, ASP increases, JBoss strength, an emerging storage business, new cloud and virtualization offerings, and improving renewals," analyst Keith Weiss wrote. "Red Hat appears better positioned than most infrastructure rivals as workloads shift to public and private cloud environments, where Linux garners higher market share." He estimates Red Hat can increase sales 14 percent annually in the next three years. Source: FactSet "Lululemon has thrived, with sales nearly tripling [from 2010]," analyst Kimberly Greenberger wrote. "We see LULU's sales momentum extending, particularly with international markets and men's apparel still highly underpenetrated." She projects Lululemon will grow its sales by 12 percent a year through 2019. Source: FactSet "American Tower benefits from increasing demand for mobile data across the world. With the largest publicly traded portfolio of cellphone towers, carriers often find it cheaper to expand data capacity by leasing AMT tower space than building their own structures," analyst Simon Flannery wrote. "AMT's leading global footprint positions it to benefit from the rollout of 3G and 4G networks in emerging countries." He estimates American Tower will grow sales 13 percent annually during the next three years. An Amazon.com employee lifts a box from a conveyor at the company's fulfillment center in Tracy, California. David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images The Icelandic government is taking legal steps against Iceland Foods, a U.K. supermarket chain which owns the trademark for the word "Iceland". The U.K. chain's trademark was registered in 2014 and applies across Europe, according to the European Union Intellectual Property Office, but now Iceland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs has applied for the trademark to be declared invalid. The ministry claims the chain has aggressively pursued Icelandic companies which use the word Iceland, even in cases where their products or services do not compete. As a result, Icelandic companies are often unable to describe their products as Icelandic. "This untenable situation has caused harm to Icelandic businesses, especially its small and growing companies. A company or product made in Iceland or by an Icelandic company should be able to represent itself using the name of the country," the ministry said in a press release. Black Friday shoppers are increasingly using technology not just to shop online, but to improve their brick-and-mortar experience in the store as well, Terry Lundgren, chairman and CEO of Macy's, told CNBC on Friday. Rather than purchasing items online, Lundgren said consumers will instead check a given store's inventory on their smartphones and find what they want to buy before heading to the store. "That combination of using technology and the experience of being inside the store is the way the consumers are shopping today and [it] will continue to be so in the future," Lundgren told "Squawk Box." So what are consumers buying? Lundgren said the retailer's dress business is very strong, especially dresses for social occasions as opposed to daytime styles. In particular, American designer Tommy Hilfiger's men's, women's, and kids collections are "on fire," according to the CEO. And shoppers are purchasing a variety of products, from $15 gift sets of perfume samples to high-end technology like the Apple Watch. "It's really, for us, not just lower price. It's really the range. And that's what I think a store like Macy's has to offer the best, and that is the wide range, wide selection of various products and various price points," Lundgren said. Macy's opened for Black Friday at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, welcoming around 16,000 shoppers to its flagship store in New York City's Herald Square. The issues came up on what is seen being one of the largest days of the year for online sales. Digital revenues are expected to rise 11.3 percent on Black Friday to $3.05 billion, according to Adobe Digital Insights. A message popped up telling shoppers that they should wait roughly 10 seconds, then refresh their browser, to enter the site. Once the page was reloaded, however, another glitch prevented some customers from adding items to their carts. Shoppers trying to navigate Macy's website hit a road block Friday afternoon, as an overflow of traffic caused a "temporary shopping jam." The flub is the latest in a series of issues on bricks-and-mortar retailers' websites. Last year, Target suffered a high-profile slowdown that prevented shoppers from checking out; the year before, Best Buy had issues. ChannelAdvisor has previously said that retailers lose about 4 percent of a day's sales each hour their sites are down. "We are currently experiencing high volume on our site, which has slowed traffic," a spokeswoman for Macy's told CNBC. "We are still taking a high volume of online orders, and we are working quickly to alleviate the delay issue which we hope to have resolved shortly." The company's Black Friday deals are available through midnight on Saturday, the spokeswoman noted. On Thursday, Macy's reported a strong start to the Black Friday weekend, with 16,000 people rushing into its Herald Square New York flagship at the open at 5 p.m. Catchpoint Systems, which monitors retailers' web performance, also reported slow load times on Williams-Sonoma 's page, of more than 25 seconds. Spokespersons for that brand did not immediately respond to CNBC. Angela Merkel has confirmed she is running for a fourth term as German chancellor, but a reshuffle in the rival socialist party could prove to be a major hurdle in her path to regaining power. Martin Schulz, currently president of the European Parliament and member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), has announced this week that he is returning to domestic politics. Though he is expected to take on the foreign minister role first, media reports suggest that his ultimate goal is vying for power with Merkel. "Schulz, if supported by his party, could stand for a clear pro-European platform in the elections and would force Merkel to put her cards on the table," Carsten Brzeski, chief economist at ING Germany, told CNBC via email. He added that "Schulz's rhetorics are clearly better than Merkel's. So, at first glance, this would be bad news for Merkel but good news for Germany." Schulz's experience in European politics could force Merkel to be more specific about her strategy to deal with the euro zone economy, more integration within the EU, the refugee crisis and the exit negotiations with Britain. watch now Oil prices extended losses on Friday after Reuters reported Saudi Arabia will not attend a meeting of non-OPEC producers on Monday, where production levels are on the agenda. The decline in prices suggests markets are disappointed by the news, but analysts were split on what the latest headline actually means for the Saudis' goal of of getting other oil-producing countries to cut production. Monday's meeting was to discuss the contribution that producers outside the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will make to a supply-limiting agreement. OPEC oil ministers meet on Wednesday to finalize a deal agreed to in September to limit output among cartel members themselves. OPEC sources said Saudi Arabia was not attending the Monday meeting because it wants to focus on reaching consensus within the organization first. The group is still attempting to overcome objections from Iraq and Iran, which have asked to be exempt from production cuts. Deal comes crashing down? John Kilduff, founding partner at energy hedge fund Again Capital, said he views the news as "a tremendously bearish development." Monday's meeting was supposed to seal the deal on non-OPEC producers' commitment to production limits, according to Kilduff, who has long been skeptical that OPEC can get a deal done. OPEC has "played a nice game. They've been able to keep the market supported to a degree with their rhetoric. It looks like it's all going to come crashing down," Kilduff said. It is possible the Saudis are not attending the meeting because they don't believe non-OPEC members will put significant production cuts on the table, said Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates. "It can't be positive, because otherwise you'd show up," he told CNBC. He noted that Mexico, which has opened its oil and gas industry to foreign investment, is aiming to increase its production, while Azerbaijan needs to keep oil revenue rolling in. The best OPEC can hope from top oil producer Russia is a freeze production levels, rather than a cut, he added. Some analysts worry a freeze and planned cuts will not be sufficient to boost prices, following a fierce battle for market share that has sent OPEC and Russian production soaring. "The bottom line is they've yet to come to a deal in spite of all their optimistic pronouncements, and the heavy lifting is going to have to be done by Saudi Arabia," Lipow said. Some think Saudis still want a deal I was always the class clown, that kid that was a lot for teachers to deal with, and a handful for my hard-working single mother. But I was always happy, making people laugh and enjoying my life. A teacher in middle school once told me I would be an actor when I grew up, and so I did just that. I've had the most surprising and awesome career ever since, from my start as the "Shave Everywhere" guy, a commercial that went so viral I once met someone in an audition who told me he had dressed up as me for Halloween, to my role as Josh on ABC's "Black-ish." I'm now a professional class clown, and I absolutely love doing what I do. But for a while it wasn't a profession that always paid the bills or made it easy to raise a family. When my first son was born four years ago, my wife Christy and I split time taking care of the baby while the other would work. Being actors, there was no such thing as consistency. Once, when our son Jack was three months old, my wife booked a commercial that shot about two hours away from our home. Jack didn't take bottles well, so I drove the two hours with Jack so Christy could breastfeed him during her lunch break and be able to fit into her wardrobe. These were things no one could have prepared us for. I look back on those days and just can't believe the things we pulled off. Five months ago we welcomed our second son into the world, and things are easier this time around, in no small part because my wife and I, kind of, know how to do this parenting thing now, but also because we're in a better financial situation than we once were. We can afford to take some time off to get to know our new little guy and to make sure he's well cared for when we need to work. Every parent should have that time and peace of mind. But fewer than 15 percent of Americans have any paid leave, which means they're making crazy decisions to try and figure out how to keep their jobs, make enough money to provide for their families and still have time to spend with their kids. Nearly one out of every four women who gives birth in the United States goes back to work just two weeks later. watch now Republicans have been promising to repeal and replace Obamacare since the Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010. Overturning the law is also one of the top items on President-elect Donald Trump's to-do list. But doing it without plunging the health system into chaos may be easier said than done. More than 20 million Americans now depend on the ACA for health insurance coverage either through subsidized exchange plans or by qualifying for expanded Medicaid, which covers low-income adults in more than two dozen states. "The bottom line here is the Trump administration owns Obamacare for the next two years," said consultant Robert Laszewski, president of Health Policy and Strategy Associates. "They're going to have to implement it pretty much as it is, because the kind of replacement plan they're talking about is so significantly different, you can't just pull little pieces out of this." "My sense is they would repeal the subsidies and the Medicaid expansion and make it effective at the end of 2019, and then in the interim come up with some kind of replacement for people who would otherwise lose the coverage," said Tom Barker, co-chair of law firm Foley Hoag's health-care practice, and former advisor to Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt during the Bush administration. Replacement road map House Speaker Paul Ryan's "A Better Way" health plan may offer a road map to how the new president and Republican-controlled Congress could go about replacing the Obama reforms. The Ryan plan includes a number of Republican proposals endorsed by Trump, such as individual tax credits, health savings accounts and allowing insurance to be sold across state lines to increase competition. "They have stressed that they want freedom of choice," said Dr. David Friend, managing director of consulting firm BDO's Center for Healthcare Excellence & Innovation. "As you know, (ACA) plans have been very structured as to what they offer and now there's a desire to change that to create more freedom of choice." GOP reform trade-offs Ryan's plan and other Republican proposals would eliminate some of the most unpopular measures in the ACA, while trying to maintain the measures that enjoy public support. Those changes would come with certain trade-offs. They repeal the controversial individual mandate, which requires people to be insured or pay a fine, while keeping the ACA ban on insurers discriminating against those with pre-existing conditions but only for those who maintain insurance coverage. Those who drop their insurance would not be protected by the exemption on pre-existing conditions. watch now They would drop ACA health-plan requirements to cover a wide array of preventive services, including annual check-ups, screenings and birth control, which critics say make plans too expensive. Instead, the Republican proposals would allow insurers to sell cheaper, more basic plans. The insurers would also be able to charge older sicker, patients more. "It's really sort of six of one, half a dozen of the other," explained Laszewski. "They'll accomplish some of the same things, providing incentives for more efficient plans." Tax caps and credits Republicans would also eliminate the so-called Cadillac excise tax on expensive employer health plans. Obamacare proponents saw this as a way to encourage employers to hold down health-plan costs. Instead, the Republicans want to cap how much of a tax exemption companies can deduct for those plans. "You needed $87 billion or that's what the CBO projected that you'd have from the Cadillac tax to pay for many of the provisions in the health-care plan. Now with congressman Ryan's plan, it is essentially a way of reducing the tax level and getting more revenue," said Tim Prichard, head of the employee benefits practice at Wells Fargo Insurance. The open-ended tax exclusion for employer health plans is one of the largest health-care expenditures in the federal budget, costing more than $250 billion in fiscal 2016, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The Obamacare exchange plan tax credits are estimated to have cost about $40 billion in fiscal 2016. The Tea Party holds an Exempt America from Obamacare rally on Capitol Hill in Washington. Brooks Kraft LLC | Corbis| Getty Images SpaceX won a NASA contract to send a $112 million water-monitoring satellite into orbit, just as President-elect Donald Trump's advisers suggest they might try to slash NASA's earth science budget. The plans call for SpaceX to launch the Surface Water and Ocean Topography, or SWOT, satellite in April 2021 from the Vandenburg Air Force Base in California. The satellite is expected to be the first global survey of Earth's surface water, according to a NASA press release. It will take high-resolution ocean measurements, and track how bodies of water bodies change over time. The satellite will survey at least 90 percent of the globe at least twice every 21 days. Apart from oceans, the satellite will capture information on lakes, rivers and reservoirs. NASA said it will help with managing freshwater resources around the world, and improve weather and climate predictions. The SWOT spacecraft will be jointly developed and managed by NASA and the French space agency Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales. The contract is a good sign for SpaceX, which suffered a blow after a Falcon rocket exploded during tests in September, taking a $300 million satellite with it. The destroyed Amos-6 satellite was intended for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's project to supply internet service to regions across Africa. As it happens, one of Trump's advisers indicated this week NASA could have its earth science budget slashed in the name of cracking down on what the advisor has previously called "politically correct environmental monitoring." Trump campaign adviser Bob Walker told the Guardian Wednesday that while it might be difficult to discontinue current programs, a Trump administration could direct earth science research to other agencies, focusing NASA on space exploration. Critics have said such a move would be purely political. Penn State climate researcher Michael Mann told the Guardian such an effort would "indicate the president-elect's willingness to pander to the very same lobbyists and corporate interest groups he derided throughout the campaign." Should the president-elect, or Republican lawmakers, follow through on this process, it could either direct satellite-launch demand to other agencies (such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) or could reduce demand altogether. Launching satellites for both government and private clients, such as Zuckerberg's program, are an important source of revenue for SpaceX. SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk has said satellite launch contracts will help fund the company's ambitious some say fantastical plans to fly to, and ultimately colonize, the planet Mars. Green Party presidential nominee Jill Stein has raised enough money to request recounts in the swing states of Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, her campaign website announced Friday morning. The campaign initially asked for $2.5 million but has now raised $4.6 million in the last two days. It is now asking for another $2.4 million so it can request a recount in Michigan which would take the total target up to $7 million. Stein claims that "data suggests a significant need to verify machine-counted vote totals" in all three states. From where I sitin an education industry that is itself trying to evolve but struggling to do sothe election provides a lesson on how we all must think about preparing workers for the jobs of tomorrow. In 1993, the European Union was established by Helmut Kohl and Francois Mitterrand, and NAFTA was signed by Bill Clinton. The European single market had been developing since the 1950s; now North America created one. Economists tell us that open economic borders between countries make nations richer, as industries flow to the country that is best at them, creating efficiency and lowering prices. Jobs lost to a country when an industry leaves will be replaced by other, new jobs. Presumably, since each economy is now wealthier and more efficient, the new jobs will be better than the jobs that were lost. Even in theory, though, the creation of these requisite new jobs won't be instantaneous. So the governments involved should take some of the systemic wealth that was created and apply it to educational programs to re-skill workers whose industry disappeared. So the economists tell us. As the joke goes, put seven economists in a room and you'll get eight different opinions. Yet the economics world was largely united on the merits of free trade. Political support in the U.S. was bipartisan as well: 132 Republicans and 102 Democrats supported NAFTA in Congress. Government would establish the necessary legal frameworks and do something or other involving jobs retraining programs, and the business community would prosper. But as the old saying goes, "no battle plan survives contact with the enemy." And this economic theory, for one, did not quite survive contact with reality. Free trade did indeed make nations richer overall. But that new wealth was largely concentrated in the hands of those who were already wealthy: big business, the rich, the coastal elites. The very top of the U.S. economic pyramid was enriched. But the base did worse. And that base includes many more people, who didn't care that Gross Domestic Product had grown faster than it otherwise would have. They waited for the government to fix it; they struggled for years, even decades. Donald Trump is continuing to build out his administration this holiday weekend. The president-elect tapped Kathleen Troia "K.T." McFarland, a former government official and current Fox News analyst, as a deputy national security adviser, a transition official told NBC News. He also has asked attorney Donald McGahn to serve as his White House counsel, a top transition source confirmed. The news was first reported by Reuters. McGahn is Trump's campaign lawyer and is advising the transition effort. More from NBC News: Why Is This Rising Democratic Star Meeting With Trump? What You Need to Know About Trump's Picks for Key Jobs How President Trump May End Political Gridlock Politico has reported that McGahn, who has longstanding familial ties to the Trump organization but relatively limited government experience, may be tasked with putting distance between the president-elect and his myriad of business interests, which critics have argued could present unprecedented number of conflicts of interest for incoming administration. Meanwhile, following Trump's selections of South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley as U.N. ambassador and billionaire businesswoman Betsy DeVos for education secretary this week, McFarland marks just the third female appointment to his administration featuring a Cabinet that has been criticized in some circles for being disproportionately white and male. When Daymond John secured a $300,000 order for his upstart hip-hop clothing start-up FUBU, he was elated. At the time, it was a big break for his clothing brand, which was little more than a basement operation. The problem was, he realized, now he had to make $300,000 worth of clothes. He had neither the infrastructure nor the resources. So he went to the bank to get a loan. He was rejected. He went to another bank. He was rejected again. In total, John went to 27 banks. He was rejected at all of them. John says that, in hindsight, he wouldn't have lent himself the money. His pitch to the banks was pretty terrible: "'Hello, I am out here in these streets. And the struggle is real. LL [Cool J] is wearing my clothes and I just want to be rich!'" recounts John, speaking at Forefront, the first large-scale live event of the I Will Teach You to Be Rich community in New York City. Dejected and without a backup plan, John didn't know what to do. That's when his mother stepped in. She took out an equity line on their home in Queens, securing John $100,000. With that money, he set up a mini-factory in the house. Pretty quickly, that $100,000 had dwindled down to $500. John was six months late on paying the mortgage, too. He was in danger of losing his mother's house. "My lack of financial intelligence and my lack of having like-minded people around me was about to be my downfall," says John. My lack of financial intelligence and my lack of having like-minded people around me was about to be my downfall. Daymond John founder of FUBU and investor on 'Shark Tank' John's mother told him that she needed $2,000 to fix his problem. John went back to Red Lobster, hustled some biscuits and chowder, and came back with the cash, which his mother used to take out an advertisement in the local paper, "One million in orders needs financing." (John says his mother wasn't afraid to stretch the truth.) John got 33 calls from the advertisement. The majority were spoofs. One, however, was from Samsung's textile division. The multinational conglomerate had been watching the rising urban wear trend and wanted to use FUBU to test the market. Samsung made John an offer: They would fund his orders but he would have to make $5 million worth of sales in three years. Iain Dale is Presenter of LBC Drive, Managing Director of Biteback Publishing, a columnist and broadcaster and a former Conservative Parliamentary candidate. On Wednesday, Thomas Mair received a whole life tariff for the murder of Jo Cox. Lets not beat around the bush: this wasnt an ordinary murder, it was a pre-planned terrorist murder. It wasnt just the callous murder of a mother of two children, it was an attack on the state. It was an attack on our democracy. Thats why I think a whole life sentence was the right one. Personally, I think too few of these are handed out. On the same day, Stephen Port was found guilty of murdering four young, gay men. Maybe he will get a whole life tariff, maybe he wont. But he certainly should. Its astonishing that there are only 65 people in UK prisons serving a proper whole life sentence. As Thomas Mair joins the likes of Ian Brady and Peter Sutcliffe, I do wonder whether our murder laws need reform. Most other countries have degrees of murder. Surely the murder of an MP has to be considered differently to the murder of a someone during a robbery? I am not saying that one human life is worth more than another, but the murder of a police officer or an MP surely has to be treated by society in a different way. In the wake of Brexit and the election of Donald Trump, I have noticed a worrying trend in the use of language by the Left, and its potentially quite insidious. It is now trying to define anyone right of Tony Blair as a Far Right, or Alt Right, or a Far Right extremist. Or a fascist. Even the normally mild-mannered and sensible Jason Cowley, editor of the New Statesman, describes Donald Trump as a neo-fascist. They are also trying to appropriate the word populism and declare it a bad thing, and associate it with people they disapprove of. Apparently only semi-fascists are populist. Ive never subscribed to the theory that populism is necessarily a bad thing. I mean, how dare a politician come up with a policy that appeals to the masses? What the Left means is that a policy that appeals to the masses but which the Islington elites disapprove of must of itself be a bad thing. In my experience, its often a very good thing. Oh dear. Does that make me a fascist? The trouble is that people who use that word willy-nilly often havent got the faintest idea what it actually means. The Left associate the word fascism with the Far Right, whereas anyone who has studied fascism will know it has just as much (some would say more) in common with the Left as it does with the Right. It seemed to come as a surprise to most that, during the Autumn Statement, Philip Hammond was able to display a sense of humour. Anyone who has ever met him will tell you that he can be quite funny, and usually has a twinkle in his eye. If he had been able to put his droll side on public display more often, I suspect he would have been better placed to stand in this summers Conservative leadership contest. Three years ago, I interviewed Sajid Javid on the state of the economy. He was then a Treasury minister. It was one of those interviews in which the politician is determined not to answer the question, or admit any possibility that he or she might be wrong. It got quite a lot of coverage at the time. All credit to Javid that he took it well, and I seem to remember he texted me afterwards to make clear he didnt hold a grudge. He came on my show on Wednesday as a late substitute for Chris Grayling, and I am afraid to say we had a bit of a re-run when I interviewed him about the Autumn Statement. We warmed up by having a bit of a row about the reason for increased borrowing, but I then asked him this question: Whats your view on Philip Hammonds announcement that tenants shouldnt have to pay letting fees? Because your Housing Minister Gavin Barwell tweeted a few weeks ago (now deleted) that he thought this is the wrong thing to do. Javid stood by Hammonds announcement, so I pressed him on Barwells clearly different opinion: Its pretty embarrassing, isnt it? I pressed and pressed and pressed. In the end, though, I had to call it quits. So what conclusion do we draw from this? That when youre in a hole, put your hands up and admit it? Isnt that the only way to stop digging yourself a deeper hole? This autumn has been a great one for political books. Ive just finished reading Ken Clarkes memoir Kind of Blue and am making a start on Tim Shipmans account of the EU referendum, All Out War. My problem is that I dont have a lot of time to read for pleasure because my job at Biteback Publishing means that reading author manuscripts has to take priority. This means that it sometimes takes me a couple of months to finish a book that I read for pleasure, as I only do that just before I go to sleep. Often I only manage a couple of pages before the Sandman comes. Quite often I wake up at 4am with the light on, still holding the book open at the page I was at when I fell asleep. I have piles and piles, shelves and shelves of books that remain unread, and will probably do so for many years to come. Whenever I look at those books, retirement becomes an all too appealing prospect. James Heappey is MP for Wells. Donald Trumps ambivalence about the Paris Climate Deal has given great encouragement to those who want to stick it to the green lobby. I would just call for a little caution. In my view, there are six networks that drive productivity: road, rail, airports, broadband, mobile phones and energy. If we have to watch the buffering sign on iPlayer for a few seconds we go nuts: so too if there isnt 4G for a stop or two on the journey home, or if the train is over-crowded, roads jammed or flying to somewhere obvious requires a change of planes in Dubai. In those five networks, we take the need for innovation as read. We demand investment and the productivity gains are obvious. But for our energy system, we accept being stuck in the 1980s even if it means a market that doesnt really work, leads to high prices and sometimes insufficient supply. The reason is obvious. The other networks bring a user experience, whereas energy is either there or it isnt. For most of us, its switch flicked, light on job done. Then bill received, eyebrow raised, grudgingly paid. Most of us dont give a second thought to where our energy came from, and we cant be bothered to change our supplier to find a cheaper price. Only for the finance directors of businesses or for those living in fuel poverty does energy really mean something more. Their experiences, though, are something that we can all learn from. Many businesses, from the very largest energy intensive industries to the small warehouse-based company on the edge of town, have invested in onsite renewables to lower their energy costs. Theyre looking at investing in energy storage to insulate themselves from peak prices, and theyre signing up for demand management contracts to claw back cash for un-needed energy. Theyre electrifying their fleet of vehicles, and theyre switching to LED lighting and more energy efficient equipment. Theyre even looking at how to sell their waste heat to neighbouring homes and businesses. The green lobby may want to think that theyre doing that to arrest global warming but theyre not. Theyre doing it to cut costs, increase productivity and boost their profits. Many of those living in fuel poverty also live in social or affordable housing. The owners of those properties are investing in better insulation, more efficient boilers and smart meters so even before any improvements to the energy system, costs are more predictable and lower. Many housing associations and councils are going further installing combined heat and power plants, district heating networks and their own onsite renewables. At one such scheme in Hackney, I met a man living in a tower block for whom energy bills had been a real worry. But since the council installed a combined heat and power plant in the basement and then heat networked the whole block, hed heated his flat for an entire winter for a fraction of what it cost the previous year. Again, the green lobby might like to claim that these councils and housing associations are striving to save the planet but, again, theyre not. Theyre doing it to be more entrepreneurial theres money to be made in selling energy, even on the cheap and theyre doing it to be more socially just. In the not too distant future, more and more of us will be tempted to buy an electric car to protect ourselves from the inexorable rise in petrol prices. When were buying new white goods or home electronics, well probably buy something that is smart and Internet-of-Things enabled meaning that, whilst you will notice your fridge ordering whatever needs replacing directly from Tesco, you wont notice until the energy bill arrives at the end of the month that its also been shifting your energy demand to take advantage of the cheapest energy costs. We might also put a few solar panels on our roof, maybe some batteries in the loft, or perhaps do none of those things ourselves but wonder why we cant buy our energy from the local school, farmer or business that has. That smart, digitised, decentralised and dynamic energy system is more resilient, it empowers consumers and it will mean cheaper bills because supply and demand curves are being flattened whilst marginal costs for generation and the fixed costs of transmission are being reduced. The green lobby would love to believe that were all embracing a low carbon future, but were not. Were embracing progress. Then there are parts of the world where there still isnt an energy network, and life chances are limited and economic growth potential is depressed. Some of these renewable technologies are the answer there. And across the developed world, there are businesses and communities tyring to use clean technologies to bring down costs and provide greater security of supply. The UK could choose to be a world leader in developing those technologies and dominating the global export market that follows. The green lobby will say that its our mission to spread the green vision around the world ,but its not. Its just too good an export opportunity to miss. It doesnt matter to me whether we are motivated by saving the planet, maximising profit, being more socially just, embracing progress, seeking exports or any of the myriad more reasons besides. But as the political pendulum threatens to swing away from action on climate change, we should remember that renewing our energy system achieves a lot more than decarbonisation. Traditionally, Eurosceptics have been more divided than their opponents, splitting into a variety of parties and pressure groups. Since the referendum, however, the Remain camp have seemed to follow suit. Unsure of what to do next, what was a united coalition in support of Stronger In has split into a variety of organisations, pursuing a variety of different ends: Open Britain as the official successor organisation to Stronger In, Open Britain had a head start in the aftermath of the referendum, as it was able simply to rebrand itself and continue communicating with the followers and supporters it had already amassed. Its main focus is now keeping Britain inside the Single Market, but despite offering leaflets for sale its website only currently features socials and meetings rather than any campaigning events. It has retained Roland Rudd as its chair, while Will Straws leadership role has been taken over by former Lib Dem SpAd James McGrory and Labours former Head of Research Joe Carberry. More United Launched by Paddy Ashdown just over a month after the referendum, More United takes its name from a phrase in the maiden speech of Jo Cox, whose murderer has just been convicted. It describes itself as a social movement giving you a more direct influence over our politics to build a strong, progressive force in Parliament and while it wants a close relationship with the EU, its aims are broader. Essentially it is a cross-party vehicle intended as a means to support parliamentary candidates of whom it approves, and has raised 77,000 so far through a crowdfunding effort from its claimed 60,000 supporters. Perhaps unsurprisingly given its founder, it is supporting the Lib Dem candidate in the Richmond Park by-election and is organising action days in the constituency. Some within the Labour Party suspect it of being a route to seek an eventual union between the Liberal Democrats and anti-Corbyn Labour MPs. In Facts The only Remain organisation from the referendum to maintain its name, In Facts describes itself as a journalistic enterprise making the fact-based case to stay in the EU or, failing that, for strong relations between Britain and the EU. The site was set up and is still run by Hugo Dixon, a former FT journalist, and enjoys the support of Bill Emmott, the former editor of the Economist who was executive producer of the EU-funded anti-Brexit film The Great European Disaster Movie. Common Ground Another project of Dixons, Common Ground was founded by a group of people who want to stay in the EU, who now want to stop a destructive Brexit. It isnt entirely clear if this means stopping a certain type of Brexit, for example by staying in the Single Market, or stopping Brexit entirely the organisations statement of its principles says the organisation wants to maintain free movement of people, goods and services, but its Twitter channel has featured Dixon talking about finding a way to stay in the EU. Common Ground attempted, unsuccessfully, to petition Labour, the Greens and the Lib Dems to put up only a single pro-EU candidate in the Richmond Park by-election. More broadly, it is currently undertaking listening projects in ten Leave-voting areas of the country, in an effort to find a pro-EU answer to Leave voters concerns. Vote Leave Watch Set up by Chuka Umunna a fortnight after the referendum result, Vote Leave Watch says it accepts the referendum result but now wants to hold the Vote Leave campaign and their allies to account for the overblown, misleading claims they made. Thus far this mainly focuses on the 350 million figure we have yet to hear the organisation demand that the UK leaves the Single Market in order to Take Back Control of our laws and borders. Umunna remains Vote Leave Watchs dominant voice, and the campaign is based in his constituency, but it has attracted the support of Innocent Drinks millionaire Richard Reed, and Lib Dem MPs Norman Lamb and Tom Brake, and some Labour MPs including Margaret Hodge and Liz Kendall. Save the Single Market A project of the campaign agency 89Up, Save the Single Market has so far mainly attracted the support of several journalists (including ConHome columnist Garvan Walshe). Unusually for such a campaign it has the backing of at least one Leave, Roland Smith of the Adam Smith Institute. Its unclear what if any campaign activity it is undertaking. The New European Following the success of the SNP-supporting pop-up newspaper The National, in July Archant launched The New European, a newspaper targeted at those who had voted Remain. Its mission statement says it celebrates the best of Europe, though its main stories so far have involved attacking the concept of Brexit. It has published contributions from Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair, AC Grayling, Nick Clegg and Chuka Umunna, and claims a readership of 40,000. Initially intended to run for a month, its sales seem to have exceeded the expectations of its publishers, at least. for Europe As well as the foundation of these various national campaigns, in some areas local branches of Stronger In have rebranded and continued to be somewhat active. Inevitably these tend to be in areas which were fairly strong Remain hotspots. Two examples are Lambeth 4 Europe and East London for Europe, which have continued campaigning apparently under the umbrella of Open Britain. Tony Blair returns The former Prime Minister told the New Statesman this week that planning to launch a new, and as yet unnamed, organisation in the hope that Brexit can be stopped. Other reports indicate that his team has met with Nick Clegg, Richard Branson and Sir Bob Geldof to discuss the project, and is working with Alan Milburn and Freuds, the PR agency, on the project. The fact it is felt necessary seems to hold an implicit rebuke for the pre-existing organisations, which it seems Blair feels arent winning their battle. Milburn has held talks with Chuka Umunna, Open Britain and Common Ground, presumably in the hope of uniting their efforts behind Blairs project. It remains to be seen what the post-referendum pro-EU landscape will look like. Not only are the disparate groups still shell-shocked from the result, but they have a variety of different aims including preventing Brexit entirely, staying in the Single Market and maintaining those amorphous hopes of a close relationship with Brussels. The fact that five months on they are still so divided hints at how badly their movement was knocked by the result. We dont yet know what if any grassroots desire there really is for refighting that lost battle. Back in September, the Treasury lost an ally. Or rather, it lost a whole committee of allies. The Prime Minister scrapped the Business Advisory Group, doing away with a voice in Downing Street that tended to agree with the Chancellor. It was an interesting step to take, following on as it did from Mays transposition of much of her Home Office team into Number 10 and the decision to make economic matters a key focus of her premiership. The Treasurys wings were being clipped. This week brought another reverse for the Treasurys power. The abolition of the Autumn Statement cuts the number of major fiscal events in half. While there will still be a Spring Statement, its function will be to respond to the OBRs forecasts, not to dominate the news agenda for weeks. The Chancellor and his officials will still control Britains fiscal policy, but their opportunities to change it and, by extension, to win media coverage and electoral approval will inevitably be reduced. This wasnt forced on Philip Hammond; he evidently thought it right to make the change, and he was correct to do so. The Statement had grown into a second Budget, adding uncertainty into the markets and at its worst encouraging Chancellors to invent policies simply in order to fill the space and appear busy. Gordon Brown went years ago, but his endless tinkering lived on due in part to the structure of how fiscal policy was made and announced. The move may be Hammonds choice, but it will reduce his influence nonetheless. The Budget, now rescheduled to the Autumn, will become even more important due to its newfound rarity but it wont double in importance. It is, inevitably, the Prime Minister who will gain influence as the Treasurys wanes. Small wonder that she agreed with the proposal in the detailed discussion the Chancellor mentioned in his speech on Wednesday. This shift of power now looks like a pattern: the remodelling of how the British Government works. It has traditionally proved difficult to rein in the power of the Treasury not least because many Prime Ministers either havent felt its pressure when running a department and thus havent come to resent it, or have secured their premiership by striking a deal with their Chancellor, or have enjoyed exerting its power as Chancellor in the past themselves. David Cameron and Tony Blair never held any office aside from Prime Minister, and rose to power by agreeing to given their Chancellors major roles in running the country. Gordon Brown and John Major had both been Chancellors of the Exchequer before getting the top job. One has to go back to Thatcher to find a Prime Minister who had previously held a Cabinet post without serving as Chancellor. For more than 25 years, the growing power of Number 11 has been accepted by the occupant of Number 10 as the price of power. Now we have a very different situation. Not only does May understand how irritating the Treasury can be for someone trying to run a spending department, but Hammond does too. He said as much in the Autumn Statement: Having run two large spending departments in previous roles, I came to this job with some very clear views about the relationship between the Treasury and spending departments. I want departments to be incentivised to drive efficiencies. And I want the Treasury to be an enabler for good, effective spending across government. Thats certainly a jab at his predecessor, but its also rather more than that. It also suggests that he is a rare beast a Chancellor willing to tone down and trim back the clout of his own department. USS Oklahoma attack.jpg An aerial photo of the USS Oklahoma following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. The remains of Jim H. Johnston, killed during the attack, are being brought home to his native Mississippi. (Facebook photo) JACKSON, Mississippi -- Frank Sparks has a vague memory of his great-uncle, Navy Fireman 1st Class Jim H. Johnston, who was killed at Pearl Harbor in the attack on the USS Oklahoma on Dec. 7, 1941. "When he was killed, I was 3-4 years old," the Lucedale resident said. "I hadn't known him very well, so my recollection of him is not very much, but I did hear stories about him as he had grown up." The family recently learned that Johnston is coming home to Wesson and will be buried on the 75th anniversary of the day he died. Johnston was assigned to the USS Oklahoma which arrived in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 6, 1940, and spent several months participating in exercises and conducting patrols. One day more than a year after its arrival, a fleet of Japanese carriers launched formations of dive bombers, torpedo planes and fighters against the vessels moored in Pearl Harbor. The USS Oklahoma suffered 429 casualties and capsized quickly after sustaining damage from several torpedoes. Most of the dead were never identified. Remains of as many as 400 sailors and Marines were collected during efforts to salvage the vessel, and most of them were buried as unknowns in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. That's where they stayed until 2015, when the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency personnel exhumed these remains and as a result in advances in forensic and analytical capabilities, were able to identify Johnston. "They got in touch with me," Sparks said. "They had researched the family tree and found that I was the oldest living relative." Sparks and his brother both submitted a DNA sample, and he said they learned not long afterward that their great-uncle had been found. "It hits you kind of strange when you're notified all of a sudden after 75 years that they've identified him and they've offered to bring him home to anywhere we want to bring him to lay him to rest," Sparks said. "That gives you kind of a warm fuzzy feeling." One order of business as they wait on Johnston's return to Mississippi is to try to locate a photo of him. Sparks said he knows one exists, because he's seen it, but he doesn't know where it is. "The Navy is taking care of all the details, and a Navy chaplain will come and do the service," Sparks said. "From what they tell me, it will be a full military funeral." The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 7. The remains are expected to arrive at Jackson International several days prior to the funeral, though the exact date is not yet known. There will be a Patriot Guard and law enforcement escort of the remains from the airport to the Riverwood Family Funeral Services in Brookhaven, and there will be a graveside service at the Wesson Cemetery. Every year on January first, the moment I wake up I head to the window to see what my first bird of the New Year will be. My hope is us... Click here for full Abu Dhabi GP FP2 results Lewis Hamilton insists he is 'solely focused' on aiming for pole position at the F1 title decider in Abu Dhabi and shoots down ideas he was playing mind games with Nico Rosberg. The defending F1 world champion has ended Friday free practice on top with a best lap of 1m 40.861s to keep hold of a slender 0.079s advantage over Rosberg, with the German driver taking a 12 point lead into the title showdown. Hamilton has stressed the importance of qualifying at the Yas Marina Circuit because of the difficulty of overtaking around the track and says he hasn't been keeping an eye on how the Red Bull or Ferrari drivers have performed, knowing if he wins on Sunday he also needs Rosberg to finish off the podium in order to take a fourth F1 world crown. "Right now I am solely focused on qualifying," Hamilton said. "My focus is I need that pole position, that is my goal and what I am gunning for. Then tomorrow night I can start to think about what I am going to do in the race but right now zero per cent of my mind is on the race." Down to the wire: The tensest F1 title finales of all time After Thursday's FIA drivers press conference involving the two F1 title contenders, Hamilton dismissed the idea he was trying to deploy psychological tricks on Rosberg and reiterates his target of beating his team-mate on track. Hamilton made intriguing comments about Mercedes' decision to swap five mechanics between each side of the garage this season and consequently split up the set-up which saw the British driver claim consecutive F1 world titles. "I don't need to show strength anywhere else but on the track," he said. "I know where I am, what I need and I am working on doing the best I can this weekend. "I don't plan on playing any psychological games. The best psychological game you can play is on the track so I have started good today and I need to keep it up this weekend." POINTS: The F1 Drivers' & Constructors' standings ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix F1 finale Latest Tweets from Crash.net & GPF1rst ExxonMobil, Babcock International Group, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), and the Calorand Orkney Islands Council have signed an agreement to collaborate in what they call the Caledonia LNG project. The aim is to develop the infrastructure, storage and technical support needed to enable safe liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations for customers in the north of the UK and North Sea, including bunkering. According to ExxonMobil, the parties have signed a memorandum of understanding to investigate opportunities to supply LNG for marine and land-based applications. ExxonMobil said it will explore the potential for its global marine network to deliver LNG bunker fuel to customers in the region as well as providing technical support and expertise to enable safe LNG bunkering operations. Babcock International Group will provide its experience of storage, handling and distribution of LNG, while BSM would be responsible for supervising the building, management and operation of the marine craft and related assets for the project. Calor will investigate opportunities to supply LNG to industrial and automotive sector customers and Orkney Islands Council would supply port services and security. Commented Luca Volta, LNG Venture manager at ExxonMobil Marine Fuels. We will also draw upon our extensive global marine network to provide our customers in northern UK and the North Sea with LNG bunker fuel. The company also stated that the recent decision by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to implement a global 0.50% sulphur cap on vessel emissions in 2020 is likely to increase demand for compliant low-sulphur fuel options, which could include LNG. The Carnival Magic made its first ever visit to Aruba on Nov. 22. The call was marked with a traditional maritime plaque exchange between officials from the ship and the southern Caribbean island. Carnival Magic called at Aruba as part of its eight-day cruise schedule from Port Canaveral, which began earlier this year and features a day-long call to Oranjestad. Carnival Magic operates year-round five- to eight-day cruises, visiting beautiful destinations throughout the Caribbean and The Bahamas. Sandra Jansen was elected to the Alberta Legislative Assembly as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party, but now she sits with the left-leaning New Democratic Party, who took the provincial government is a surprise upset that was driven by a mix of a split in the right (the Conservatives are mired in infighting with the ultra-right Wild Rose Party) and the decline of the oil industry. Jansen left the Tories over their hard-right turn toward Trumpism, signaled in part by an initiative to subject incoming migrants to "Canadian values" tests that were thinly veiled Islamophobia the same Islamophobia that cost the Conservatives the national election the last time around. On Tuesday, Jansen stood in the Legislative Chamber and read aloud a selection of the death threats and misogynist and homophobic slurs she'd received from angry Conservatives who were furious that she left the party. Jansen isn't gay, but many of the messages she received accused her of being in a lesbian relationship with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley. She called on other Alberta Tories to "be strong and clear" and "oppose it. Don't ignore it. Don't look the other way. Don't excuse it. Our daughters are watching us. They are watching the challenges facing women in politics today. Imagine if we let that poison become normalized or if our daughters forgo the political arena altogether." "What a traitorous bitch "You are both a disgrace to Alberta, lying bitches "Now you have two blond bimbos in a party that is clueless "Another useless tit goes NDP "Dead meat "Sandra should stay in the kitchen where she belongs '"Fly with the crows and get shot "Dumb broad a good place for her to be is with the rest of the queers." Braid: Jansen stuns legislature by reading out explicit anti-female slurs [Don Braid/Calgary Herald] Alberta MLA Sandra Jansen latest in long string of female politicians to face abuse [Drew Anderson/CBC] This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BRIDGEPORT Earlier this year some City Council members sought to trim the budget by defunding the $120,000 public safety adviser job Mayor Joe Ganim created for a political ally, ex-Police Chief Wilbur Chapman. Ganim won that fight, insisting Bridgeports former top cop and the citys first black police chief was an essential member of his team. But for 10 weeks Chapman has not been on the job. And his return is uncertain. I spoke to him today, Ganim said earlier in the week. Hes had some minor or nagging health issues. And his commutes gotten longer. Chapman has long called White Plains, N.Y., home, but the mayor said he has relocated a little farther away in New York state. The mayor said Chapman might be back at work next week, but was not certain about his public safety advisers schedule going forward. Well decide based on new factors like his distance and how hes feeling, whether its three days, five days, four days, Ganim said. The mayor is willing to be accommodating. He told Chapman he can come back full time or part time. However it works, Ganim said. He adds value. Hes added value from the beginning. He helps bring another level of senior governmental perspective in public safety and overall security. Ganim spokesman Av Harris noted that Chapman who is paid by the hour but receives no benefits has not collected a salary while out sick. Chapman did not return a request for comment made through Harris. City Councilman Scott Burns, a budget committee co-chairman, said he had heard Chapman had been absent for a while and was under the impression the ex-chief was not returning. Its one of those things we dont really know whats going on, said Burns. Honestly, weve never gotten much feedback as to what his value is and what hes bringing to the city. If we can save money by not rehiring him, fine, Burns said. If he does provide some benefit that would be great. But we dont know what the heck that is. Councilwoman M. Evette Brantley had also wanted Chapmans position cut. Let him stay on out. We dont need him, Brantley said. Who missed him? Chapman, who is in his late 60s, was appointed Bridgeport police chief in 2000 by Ganim at the tail end of the mayors first administration. Chapman had started his law enforcement career as a New York City cop, working his way up from walking a beat in 1968 to chief of patrol in 1995, then running the Big Apples transportation department. After he left Bridgeport in 2005, Chapman returned to the NYPD as deputy commissioner of training. When Ganim mounted a comeback last year and campaigned on reducing homicides and shootings, Chapman supported him. The mayor re-hired him as an adviser last winter through the end of the fiscal year that ended June 30. The joke was that Bridgeport had three police chiefs: Chapman; Joseph Gaudett, who was chief up until earlier this year, when Ganim hired him as a public safety communications contractor to get Gaudett out of his contract; and Armando A.J. Perez, the career cop and Ganim loyalist whom the returned mayor made chief. Plus Chuck Paris, the police union head who endorsed Ganim, has had a far more visible presence in Ganims City Hall. Just weeks after the new municipal budget that funded Chapmans position for a full year was passed, Chapman stormed out of City Hall in early July. The rumor was he had quit. Chapman returned to work a few days later, acknowledging he had been angry over inefficiencies but had intended to return to the office. I am a perfectionist, Chapman said at the time. I have no tolerance for laziness or ineptitude, and I react to it very badly. Ganim this week denied that Chapmans lengthy absence had anything to do with second thoughts the public safety adviser may be having about joining the administration. Fox News reports that Donald Trump's still thinking of offering Mitt Romney the job of Secretary of State. The catch: Trump wants a public apology. A transition official told Fox's Ed Henry that some in Trump's inner circle want the former Massachusetts governor to apologize in order to be seriously considered for the secretary of State. Trump is reportedly considering whether to pick Romney or former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani for the coveted cabinet position. Giuliani is the preferred choice of Trump's loyalists and grassroots supporters, while Romney is a favorite of establishment conservatives. Here's Romney, before lining up behind the new power: 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 ... 24 Kasm 2016 Persembe, 15:55 According to Al-Masdar Al-'Arabi, which is close to the Syrian regime, the Syrian army launched an attack yesterday in Latakia governate on forces of the Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, previously known as the Nusra Front. According to the claim, which Al-Masdar attributes to a military source, the Turkish army opened fire on the Syrian army close to the town of Nawara. It is stated that there was no loss of life in the Syrian army, but regime forces were forced to retreat from the area under heavy shelling. It is stated that, prior to this shelling, the Turkish army had also staged an air raid on PYD forces north of Aleppo. The Turkish Armed Forces have stated that Syrian regime forces struck a Turkish unit in an air attack at around 03.30 hours Turkish time today and three soldiers were killed. 24 Kasm 2016 Persembe, 15:56 In the attack staged on Turkish soldiers on the 93rd day of the Euphrates Shield Operation being waged by the Turkish Armed Forces, three soldiers were killed and ten wounded. In a statement made by the Turkish Armed Forces, it was said, Three of our heroic comrades in arms lost their lives in an air raid considered to be have been staged by Syrian regime forces. The statement posted on the Office of the Chief of the General Staffs website is as follows: Under operations staged within the Euphrates Shield Manoeuvres, at around 03.30 hours on 24 November 2016, three of our heroic comrades in arms lost their lives in an air raid considered to be have been staged by Syrian regime forces, while ten of our heroic comrades in arms were wounded, one seriously. The wounded personnel have been speedily evacuated from the area for treatment. We pray that God will show mercy on our sacred fallen in this attack that leaves us in deep pain and sorrow, send our condolences and wishes for fortitude to the noble families of the fallen, the Turkish Armed Forces and the Hallowed Turkish Nation, and hope that our wounded comrades in arms will make a speedy recovery. This is respectfully brought to the notice of the public. PRIME-MINISTER HAS BEEN BRIEFED Prime-Minister Binali Yldrm has been briefed on the attack staged on Turkish soldiers by Minister of National Defence, Ismet Ylmaz, and Chief of the General Staff, Four-Star General Hulusi Akar. HOSPITAL VISIT BY THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR AND SPECIAL FORCES COMMANDER Kilis Provincial Governor, Ismail Catakl, and Special Forces Commander, Lieutenant General Zekai Aksakall obtained information from hospital officials while visiting the wounded at Kilis State Hospital. With Rapid Reaction Force police imposing wide-ranging security measures at and in the vicinity of the hospital, those solders whose condition was serious were transferred to Gaziantep. UNDERGOING TREATMENT IN GAZIANTEP AND KILIS The wounded soldiers are undergoing treatment in Kilis and Gaziantep, having been brought in by military helicopter and ambulance. NAMES OF THE FALLEN SOLDIERS ANNOUNCED It has been established that the soldiers who lost their lives in the attack in the Al-Bab operation being waged within the Euphrates Shield Operation were Erdal Bolat, Melih Ozcan and Zafer Er. It has been learned that Erdal Bolat comes from Sivas, Melih Ozcan from Eskisehir, while Zafer Er hails from Krsehir. It has also been stated that the fallen soldiers will be sent with honour to their home provinces after procedures have been completed at Gaziantep Forensic Institution. 24 Kasm 2016 Persembe, 19:58 Citing insufficient evidence for the offence of disrupting the unity of the state and integrity of the country, the release was ordered of remandees Asl Erdogan and Necmiye Alpay, the Publication Consultative Board member journalists of the closed Ozgur Gundem newspaper who had been remanded in custody within a criminal investigation into the papers journalists and managers. However, the court ruled that the suspects remain in custody for the offence of membership of a terrorist organisation. Erdogan and Alpay will be unable to walk out of jail. The indictment resulting from the investigation launched into the closed Ozgur Gundem newspapers journalists, managers and consultants has been accepted by Istanbul Serious Crime Court No 23. The court, while accepting the indictment, also ordered Asl Erdogan and Necmiye Alpays release. However, it has emerged that the court ordered the release of the papers Publication Consultative Board member journalists Asl Erdogan and Necmiye Alpay on the grounds of insufficient evidence for the offence of disrupting the unity of the state and integrity of the country, but ruled that the suspects remain in custody for the offence of membership of a terrorist organisation. This means Erdogan and Alpay will be unable to walk free. Asl Erdogan was detained on 19 August and Necmiye Alpay on 31 August on the allegation of organisation membership. Asl Erdogan has been in remand for 97 days. Necmiye Alpay, remanded for the past 85 days, spent her seventieth birthday behind bars. LAWYERS STATEMENT Following the courts decision, Asl Erdogan's lawyer Erdal Dogan made a statement to Cumhuriyet.com.tr. Dogan, indicating that the court had ordered her release for the offence of disrupting the unity of the state and integrity of the country, but, for the offence of membership of a terrorist organisation, ruled that she remain in custody, said, A further judicial murder has been added to this process that we call judicial murder. The investigation itself is a chain of judicial murders. She should have been released from remand for all of the offences on which it was predicated. LIFE SENTENCES CALLED FOR While the Ozgur Gundem case has seen the pre-trial remanding of the papers Publication Consultative Board member journalists Asl Erdogan and Necmiye Alpay along with the papers General Publication Manager Zana Kaya and Editorial Manager Inan Kzlkaya are in pre-trial custody, arrest warrants are out for five people. The prosecution is calling for the handing down of aggravated life sentences to Alpay and Erdogan for disrupting the unity of the state and integrity of the country, membership of a terrorist organisation and making propaganda for an organisation. The hearing into the case will be held on 29 December. SERMIN SOYDAN RELEASED Dicle News Agency (DIHA) reporter, Sermin Soydan, who blew the lid on the operation targeting Yuksekova and was being held in pre-trial custody on charges carrying a life sentence, has been released. The third session of the trial of Dicle News Agency (DIHA) reporter, Sermin Soydan, who was detained on 14 May for blowing the lid on the operation targeting Hakkari's Yuksekova Sub-Province in a report with the headline Here is the secret Gever operation document, was heard at Hakkari Serious Crime Court No 2. Soydan, who faces charges carrying a life sentence for acquiring confidential documents concerning state security and jeopardising the states military campaign and resources, participated in the trial via a video link from Oltu T-Type Closed Prison. At the session attended by Soydans family and lawyers, following identity verification, witness Ibrahim Asan was heard. Subsequently, on being asked if she would give testimony, Soydan said that she would not give testimony until she appeared before a judge. The court bench, announcing its decision, ruled that Soydan be released subject to pre-trial conditions. The next session is slated for 25 December. WHO IS ASLI ERDOGAN? Erdogan, born in 1967, finished American Robert College and then the Computer Engineering department of Bosphorous University. She completed her masters degree at CERN (Conseeil Europeen pour la Recherche Nucleaire). She broke off her doctorate studies in physics in Rio de Janeiro to become a writer. Her first book was published in 1994. The author who has been feted in the national and international press won first prize in a contest organised in 1997 by Deutsche Welle with the short story called The Wooden Birds (bunun Ingilizcesi burada acaba link konulabilir mi?: http://www.wordswithoutborders.org/article/wooden-birds) and this story has been translated into nine languages. Her novel The City in Crimson Cloak was selected for the Marg series by Gyldendal Publications (Norway). In the Silence of Life was selected as the book of the year in 2005 by Dunya Publications. Part of In the Silence of Life was put to music by Serra Ylmaz at the Piccola Theater (Milan) and made into dance theatre and a ballet. Her short story The Captive was made into a film in France. Asl Erdogans works have all been greeted as modern classics. Such newspapers and journals as Le Monde, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Neue Zurcher Zeitung, die Welt, der Freitag, die Berliner Literatur Kritik have published over a hundred articles and studies about Asl Erdogans works. Writers such as Ingo Arend, Ruth Kluger and Barbara Frischmuth have written about Asl Erdogan. Having been compared to Antonin Artaud and Malcolm Lowry by La Libre Belgique, Aftenposted summed her up in the following sentence, Just as Joyce is inseparable from Dublin and Kafka from Prague, Asl Erdogan will for ever be inseparably attached to Rio. The works of the author, who has most recently won the Ord i Grenseland Prisen (Words on Borders Prize), continue to be translated into world languages. Asl Erdogan's books The Shell Man 1994 The Miraculous Mandarin 1996 The City in Crimson Cloak 1998 In the Silence of Life 2005 When a Journey Ends 2000 (Newspaper columns) Diary of a Perturbed Woman 2006 (Essays - I) Once Again 2006 (Essays - II) The Stone Building and Others 2009 (Short story) Who is Necmiye Alpay? Necmiye Alpay was born in Balkesir's Sndrg Sub-Province on 23 November 1946. Having graduated at the age of 23 from the Faculty of Political Science of Ankara University, she wanted to continue her studies abroad. Opting do her doctorate in economics rather than politics, she obtained her PhD from Paris-Nanterre University. 12 September events While on the teaching staff of the school where she was studying, she was arrested in the aftermath of 12 September and sent to Mamak Prison. She spent three years in jail. Translation and literature After leaving prison, she moved towards translation and literature. She entered the literary world while among the founders of the Kuram Journal and Ludingirra Journal. It was not long before she took up the post of editor at Sonbahar Journal. She lectured in Turkish at Akademi Istanbul and Yeditepe University for seven years (1996-2003) and wrote articles about language in the Radikal newspaper for six years (2001 - 2007). Books she has published until now: Key to Turkish Questions, Metis Publications, Our Language and our Languages / Articles on Practice, Metis Publications, Attempt at an Approach, Kanat Publications, 2005 Books she has translated: Culture and Imperialism (Edward Said), Hil Publishers, Historical Capitalism (I. Wallerstein), On the Intelligentsia (V. I. Lenin), Ottoman Women on the Threshold of Modernity (Madeline C. Zilfi), Tarih Vakf Yurt Publishers. Violence and the Sacred (Rene Girard), Freud and Philosophy: An Essay on Interpretation (Paul Ricoeur), Metis Publishers, The Death of Socrates (Jean Paul Mongin), Metis Publishers, The Little Philosophers series, 2011, Martin Heideggers Cockroach (Jan Marchand), Metis Publishers, The Little Philosophers series, 2012, Diogenes the Dog-Man (Jan Marchand) Metis Publishers, STORY LINK Pound Sterling (GBP) Slips Against NZD, CAD and AUD on Brief Risk Rally Pound (GBP) to New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Rate Falls from Highs on Risk Rally Pound (GBP) to Canadian Dollar (CAD) Fluctuates Near Highs, OPEC Meeting in Focus Pound (GBP) to Australian Dollar (AUD) Gives up Gains on Iron Ore Bullishness Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The Pound slipped against the Australian Dollar and New Zealand Dollar on Friday morning as risk traders finally indulged on this weeks strong commodity news. However, worries of the effectiveness of OPECs oil output cap deal weighed on the oil-correlated Canadian Dollar.GBP/AUD had lost almost all of its weekly gains by Friday morning despite Thursdays recovery attempts, falling to just above weekly lows of 1.66. GBP/NZD saw similar movement but was likely to end the week well above the opening level of 1.7612. Lastly, GBP/CAD could end the week near its highs of 1.68 due to weakness in the Loonie.Fridays Asian session saw traders indulging in risk-correlated currencies for the first time in a while. As US markets were closed to observe the Thanksgiving holiday, the usually dominative US Dollar trended weakly, giving major commodity-correlated risk currencies some breathing room.The New Zealand Dollar was one of the currencies to benefit most, pushing GBP/NZD down from its highs and closer towards the weeks opening levels.This was also possible due to a weaker Pound, as bullish GBP trade following Wednesdays Autumn Statement began to fade and Sterling fell limp.Next week will be quiet for domestic NZD factors, meaning the Kiwi is more likely to be influenced by global risk movement or the Pound itself, which could be influenced by Brexit news or Markits UK November Manufacturing and Construction PMIs.Despite Sterling weakening on Friday, it was able to more easily hold its ground near the weeks best levels due to concerns about the oil market weighing heavily on Canadian Dollar demand.The oil-correlated Canadian Dollar performed poorly for the second half of the week as investors predictably began to grow concerned about whether OPECs plans for an oil output cap would really have a strong effect on oil prices.This led to oil prices falling from their highs which has heavily weighed on the Canadian Dollar despite its otherwise strong performance in the last few weeks.OPEC meets on the 30th of November and is expected to lay out details of its oil output cap among member nations. Its speculated that even some non-members like Russia will cooperate.While oil prices and CAD weakened towards the end of this week, they will inevitably strengthen again next week on excitement as the OPEC meeting approaches.While the Pound attempted to hold above the weeks opening levels against the Australian Dollar on Thursday due to optimism after Wednesdays Autumn Statement from UK Chancellor Philip Hammond, the Aussie proved surprisingly resilient and pushed GBP/AUD back to near the weeks worst levels.The Australian Dollar had been one of the best performing currencies versus the Pound on Wednesday and Thursday and was able to hold GBPs most bullish behaviour at bay.Traders had been buying into the Pound amid relief that the Autumn Statement had not been as bearish as feared, as well as optimism towards its announcements that the UK government would be spending 23b on infrastructure and innovation over the next half decade in order to boost Britains economic growth.However, demand for the Aussie kept the antipodean currency afloat largely thanks to this weeks 10% surge in iron ore prices. Iron ore is Australias most lucrative commodity and demand has improved due to higher prices in steel and coal.The Australian Dollar could continue to push back against GBP/AUD next week if USD bullishness fades further and iron ore prices continue impressing.However, with Federal Reserve rate hike bets still at over 90%, underlying demand for the US Dollar and risk-aversion could weigh on demand for the Aussie and other risky currencies in the coming weeks. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Australian Dollar Forecasts Canadian Dollar Forecasts Pound New Zeal Forecasts Somerset County Treasurer will 'do what it takes' for best returns Education Secretary Justine Greening, 47, is doing her unsmiling best to keep details of her plans for increased working-class access to grammar schools in-house, away from No10 interference, says a source, adding: The commonest line you hear is, Dont share this with No 10. Everyones completely fed up with their control-freakery. Another source says: Id be surprised if Ms Greening, who went to a comprehensive school, is as enthusiastic about this plan as the Prime Minister. Justine Greening is apparently trying to keep details about grammar schools away from Number 10 Surgeon Sir Terence English, who performed Britains first successful heart transplant, at Papworth Hospital in 1979, thinks the teenage girl whose body has been cryogenically frozen (for 37,000) will never be revived, telling me: The judge [Mr Justice Peter Jackson] should not have heard the case. He was not medically qualified to make such a judgment. The brain dies within three minutes of being deprived of oxygen. Cryo-preservation of human tissue is a valuable technology, but to extend this to a recently dead person who was given the hope of being resuscitated years hence is scandalous. Plans to mark the 25th anniversary of Queen frontman Freddie Mercurys death, at 45, with a movie are in ruins. Ali G star Sacha Baron Cohen, 45, cast in the role of Mercury, has pulled out. He accuses band members of trying to make the film all about themselves, leaving out details of gay Mercurys hedonistic life. Such as? There are stories of little people walking around parties with plates of cocaine on their heads. Ali G star Sacha Baron Cohen, pictured with his wife Isla Fisher, has pulled out of the Freddie Mercury film Tory veteran Ken Clarkes much-promoted memoir for which he received an astonishingly-generous 430,000 advance is nominated for next months Parliamentary Book Awards, despite being called a long, damp squib stolidly self-serving, the anecdotes thin on the ground, general temperature oddly chilly curiously light on revelation. Certainly Clarke, 76, didnt wear himself out on the tome. He says he dictated the contents over a late-night brandy and cigar. Eddie is contributing to Lucy Powell's office Labour-supporting, cross-dressing comic Eddie Izzard is contributing 10,000 a year to the office of former shadow education secretary Lucy Powell. When will they recognise Izzards generosity by fixing for him to become an MP, an MEP or a mayor? Unconventional Izzards a gutsy, well-liked character more than can be said for most of the nodding donkeys on the Opposition benches. The figure in the hospital bed was someone we barely recognised. Thin, unkempt and whey-faced, hair chopped off with kitchen scissors, I knew it was my daughter Lara, but something had changed her horribly. We longed to throw our arms around her and cuddle her, but the antagonism in her eyes held me and my husband back. This was something entirely new. Over the many, troubled years of our second eldest daughters life, my husband Shaun and I had seen many different Laras: the kind little girl who delighted everyone with her cheeky poems and limericks. The talented artist. The quicksilver violinist. The brilliant scholar with an acerbic wit. And, latterly, the desperately-ill adolescent and young woman, trying to survive a world which often frightened and confused her. But not this. Never this. Anne Atkins has revealed her anguish over cannabis ruined her daughter's life And then she let us have it, subjecting us to the most blistering few minutes of our lives, so painful I can hardly bear to repeat it: I hate you. Ive always hated you. Ive hated you since I was 12, and Ive never wanted you in my life. I dont want you to speak to me for the next 20 years, to make up for my not having a voice as a child. I was shaking for a week after that dreadful morning in November 2013, and carried on crying every day for pretty much the next two years. What had transformed our lovely, 28-year-old, daughter into this bitter, spite-filled stranger? Lara herself lays the blame unequivocally at the feet of cannabis, though she was never even an average user. She only ever allowed herself a puff or two a day, for medicinal purposes, and has used just 5 grams in total in her life. But it was enough to make her high every day for nine months, and tragically enough to devastate her personality, perceptions, relationships, health and nearly her life. So, when I hear of the liberal elite, led by Nick Clegg, calling for the legalisation of cannabis because its not very harmful or everyones doing it, it makes me not just sad, but angry. The U.S. states of Colorado and Washington decriminalised cannabis four years ago. Not surprisingly, use is way up, including by minors but so too is cannabis-related crime, homelessness, suicide, hospitalisation and alcoholism. And the black market still thrives. A cross-party group of MPs has called for an end to the embarrassment that is our current drugs policy, and found that legalisation could bring in 1 billion in tax. When Anne hears Nick Clegg calling for the legalisation of cannabis because its not very harmful or everyones doing it, it makes her angry Well I dont care how embarrassing it is, or how much it nets. Cannabis is not the cuddly, harmless puff we pretend it is: it wrecks lives, as it wrecked our daughter Laras incidentally, a very talented Cambridge graduate who could have been filling the countrys tax coffers in a much more wholesome way, but has never yet been able to work. Nor is it true, as Conservative MP Peter Lilley said, that currently cannabis can only be obtained from illegal gangs who also push hard drugs. Lara obtained hers from a family friend, in our pleasant leafy neighbourhood, and it is widely and readily available in that privileged seat of learning, Cambridge University itself. While Ive always believed the drug utterly ruins the lives of an unfortunate small minority as a vicars wife in Fulham, West London, Ive seen, first-hand, lives destroyed by it Lara herself goes further. She maintains that it damages everyone it touches, even in the tiniest of amounts and for any length of time. I always knew Lara was the last person who should have dabbled in drugs. Mental illness runs in our family: two of Laras cousins, of the same age, have had problems, and the links between schizoprenia, psychosis and cannabis are well-documented. Lara, known as Bink to her parents, as she is today An imaginative and eccentric child, Lara whom we call Bink was always quirky. But soon after she gained a place at the prestigious St Pauls Girls School in London, aged 11, her quirkiness took a worrying turn. Ostracised by a schoolfriend and desperately lonely, she started to worry about her personal cleanliness. This developed into a problem with obsessive washing. Unknown to us, shed get up every day at 3 am to wash her clothes then go to school in them wet, so she could be clean. At 15, with us growing increasingly concerned about her troubles, she was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder by a psychiatrist friend. At 16, after waiting an agonising year for treatment due to an administrative error, she took a gesture overdose in a desperate bid for help. I knew thats all it was shed called for help as soon as shed taken the drugs but suddenly the big guns of the medical profession took notice and said she must be hospitalised. We had just settled her in hospital when the nurse dropped the bombshell: at 16 she was an adult, and we, her parents, had no rights. Not to take her home, nor to see her notes; not to visit and certainly not to veto her treatment. How often have I berated myself for not going straight back upstairs and telling her to pack her bags! After that, we could only watch, appalled, as her condition worsened ten-fold: robbed of the intellectual stimulation of school and home, surrounded by patients with acute (and very different) mental illnesses, put in worse-than-useless therapy all day, denied fresh air and exercise and rake-thin within a week. At least I knew she was as opposed to medication as I was. But how long can you hold out, aged 16 and as vulnerable as a child, cut off from your family and with all the adults supposedly caring for you, bullying you instead? After six weeks, Lara gave in and took the pills. So began an addiction to anti-depressants which was to propel her, eventually, into the grips of an even more damaging drug: cannabis. Though she was never addicted to cannabis, she holds both responsible for the havoc wreaked in her life. Over the next few years, with a few intermittent fits and starts, Lara managed to continue with school and gained a place at Cambridge to read English Literature. But life was a monumental struggle: she was sleeping for 18 to 20 hours a day. Repeatedly, she asked her GP (as did I) why she couldnt stay awake. It took a fellow undergraduate to tell her it was down to her medication. So that Easter 2011, she gradually came off the drugs over six weeks. None of us knew how much she was suffering with withdrawal. But in daily agony, on the point of another breakdown and facing the loss of her university place but determined not to go back on the medication which had done her so much harm she looked around for something to get her through. Lara gained a place at Cambridge to read English Literature, where she did manage to get a good degree And that something was cannabis. Of course, she kept it from us. She knew how passionately we were both opposed to it. Cannabis had never been part of our comfortable, middle-class lives, but we knew of the ravages it could wreak from a few unfortunate members of our parish. To Lara, though, it became a lifeline. Easily susceptible, her tiny puff got her through each day. And, ironically, she says that it worked. It gave her a window in the pain, a few hours of relief. And, yes, despite sometimes clinging on to life by her fingertips, she got a good degree. But, underneath, her personality was being eroded. Intelligent friends, her therapist and, most shockingly, a psychiatrist, all knew she was using it and didnt stop her. The psychiatrist even asserted that alcohol would do more damage than cannabis. What no one told her, however, was that it could also render her irresponsive, sometimes even mute, and incapable of seeing that her family loved her and longed to help. She was, she says now, tormented and in hell. But the cannabis itself made her incapable of isolating the problem. She knew something was terribly wrong, but not what it was. Within weeks of her starting to use it, I knew something was desperately amiss. Although she never smoked cannabis in front of me, I became more and more distressed as our previously gentle and kind daughter started to astonish us with some brutally unkind behaviour. It seems so petty, but little things, tiny acts of selfishness and spite, told me something had robbed us of our lovely girl. One evening, I cooked her favourite curry for her and some friends who longed to meet her, but she didnt bother to turn up. Happier times: Anne with Lara when she was younger and her father Shaun She never answered her phone, or apologised and couldnt see why she had to. Back at university, she never rang us and she even started to live elsewhere. Her little sister Rose, now 13 and by far Laras biggest fan, couldnt work out what was going on. Her sister had always had time for her; but now she had become an unreliable fruitcake. Nevertheless, Lara looked stunning at her graduation and at her sister Serenas wedding in the summer of 2013, although she spent the evening outside the marquee in tears. She then planned to spend a month or two catching up with friends before joining the world of work. It never happened. She drifted, living off benefits, staying with friends, once sleeping rough for a month in a desperate bid to get treatment. She had long since stopped using cannabis, realising the impact on her mental health, but the damage had been done. Then came that call, in the dead of night, in November 2013. Shed left a strange note at a friends house, possibly suggesting suicide. The police called us and we dropped everything to go to the hospital where we were dismissed in a tirade of insults and accusations. All she knew was that she was in terrible pain. For the next two years, Shaun and I hardly saw our daughter, and sometimes we didnt know whether she was alive or dead. Most painfully, we had to tell Roses boarding school not to put calls through from her adored sister, or let her visit. We just didnt know her any more. It was more painful than all her previous years of illness put together. Occasionally she would make contact, angry and unrecognisable. Then one night 18 months ago, at 1.30am, she rang asking for help. Something had broken in her, and she wanted to come home. Anne with Lara when she was a baby and elder daughter Serena Shed been away for so long that for ages shed felt she couldnt come back. But she knew her only chance of getting well was to reach out and hope someone was there to catch her. Of course, we were. I collected her immediately. We had never seen her so ill, frequently unable even to speak: but she was home. Caring for her over the past year has not been easy, but our lovely daughter is slowly returning, though there is still a long haul before she will be able to fend for herself, let alone seek employment. Two weeks ago she took her first step to independence, moving to supported accommodation in Cambridge. She speaks of her four-year psychosis, and is convinced that cannabis was the cause of her dramatic decline. Yes, her mental health problems were already there, but that in itself made her dangerously susceptible to the drug. Currently, she says, we have the worst of everything: cannabis is both socially acceptable and unregulated. She maintains we need to make it safer and change societys attitude. Not until cannabis has become as unacceptable as hard drugs will we really be getting to grips with it. Lara has friends who will never recover from the effects of cannabis, living in hospitals for the rest of their lives. She considers herself extremely lucky to have come back from that place. As a child, Lara dreamed of being a writer and a mother. But after her terrible experiences, part of her is frightened of passing on the illness she inherited. The surprise was meant to be one of the biggest moments of this young dad's life. But as he walked into the waiting room to announce the birth of his baby daughter, he realised a friend, who was also a doctor, had already told everybody. Taking to Reddit to vent, the father described how the overeager paediatrician tarnished the moment he had been looking forward to for nine whole months. Ruined: One of the father's most-anticipated moments of his life was tarnished by an overeager doctor (stock image) The doctor found out the gender of the baby girl by messaging a nurse the second she was born. She then broke the news to friends and family gathered in the waiting room. 'Our friend the paediatrician told everyone in the waiting room the joyful news,' the father wrote. 'I was unaware, so our friends and family pretended to hear it for the first time when I arrived shortly thereafter. 'I found out the truth from the paediatrician herself who came clean.' 'Im not gonna lie - before I knew of what our friend had done, I looked at that moment as easily one of the top five experiences of my life,' he continued. Tainted: The disappointed father said the experience had dampened what should have been one of the happiest moments of his life (stock image) While the father was naturally ecstatic at the birth of his baby girl, he said he could not help feeling the moment had been 'tainted' by the doctor. 'Am I unreasonable for feeling betrayed and placing a lot of emphasis on this,' he wrote. Many commenters agreed with the disappointed father's sentiments and were quick to criticise the doctor. 'That was extremely rude and disrespectful of her,' one wrote. 'I would be hurt and upset too. She took your moment. We dont get very many moments like that in life, and she decided she wanted this one,' another commented. at eight and 15 years of age She will undergo further Watching little Sophia take her first tentative steps was almost beyond words for Carley and Christian Jans. The couple from Bulli, on the New South Wales south coast, had watched their daughter go through months of intense therapy. Two-year-old Sophia was born with Fibula Hemimelia, a rare condition that meant her right leg had no fibula bone and was considerable shorter than her left. Her parents made the difficult decision to travel to the U.S. for reconstructive surgery that saw her leg lengthened by five centimetres - eventually it will be lengthened by more than 20 centimetres. Scroll down for video Little Sophia Jans was born with Fibula Hemimelia, a rare condition that meant her right leg had no fibula bone and was considerable shorter than her left She underwent reconstructive surgery and leg-lengthening in the U.S, which saw doctors lengthen a bone in her lower leg by five centimetres SAVE SOPHIA'S LEG CHARITY The Jans started a My Cause page and Facebook page to raise funds and awareness for Sophia's condition. The surgery in the U.S. cost $250,000 in total, with more than $172,000 raised online. They hope by sharing their story to raise awareness about Fibula Hemimelia and the leg-lengthening surgery that can fix it. They would like to see the Australian government offer assistance for the life-changing procedure. Advertisement Every parent is always proud of their kids and the milestones they make, but with a child with a disability its extra special, Mrs Jans told Daily Mail Australia. Sophias journey has been tough. After her initial diagnosis when Mrs Jans was 12 weeks pregnant doctors in Australia told her parents the only option was to amputate her leg so she could wear a prosthesis. By chance Mrs Jans sister saw a program on television about a little boy with a similar condition to Sophia. He was undergoing treatment in the U.S. where instead of amputation, doctors would lengthen his leg to match the other. Doctors in Australia originally told the Jans that their best option was to amputate their baby girl's leg so she could wear a prosthesis While both treatment options were hard, they opted for surgery in the U.S. so they could give their daughter the chance to walk on her own two feet The Jans looked extensively in to the treatment, making the difficult and costly decision to travel to the U.S. for surgery. My husband and I had always said if amputation truly was her only option we would have supported her and guided her through that, Mrs Jans said. The couple felt stuck between a rock and a hard place, neither option was easy, but the thought of watching their daughter grow up on her own two feet seemed the better outcome. The surgery saw doctors reconstruct Sophia's ankle so her foot was flat on the floor, straighten out the leg and put on a frame The young family travelled to The Paley Institute in Florida that specialises in limb lengthening. There little Sophia underwent a six-hour operation that saw doctors reconstruct her ankle so her foot was flat on the floor, straighten out the leg and put on a frame. Doctors also broke Sophias tibia bone in her leg, and each day after the surgery her frame would be moved by one millimetre to lengthen out the space between her broken bone. As the bone was pulled apart new bone would form between, lengthening her leg. Doctors broke her tibia bone which was pulled apart by the frame, allowing new bone to form between While the first three weeks after surgery was painful, soon after Sophia took her first steps unassisted The initial first weeks in particular there was a lot of pain, Mrs Jans said. But after three weeks she was up and walking around. 'To see her take her first independent steps after months of physio was just phenomenal.' After six months the frame was taken off and Sophias leg placed in a cast. Today she wears a brace, but only at night. Theres still a two centimetre shoe lift on the right side, Mrs Jans said. She will undergo further leg lengthening at eight and 15 years old, once she has stopped growing Sophia will undergo further leg-lengthening procedures at eight and 15 years old that in total will lengthen her leg by 21 centimetres. Shell be like any other normal teenager going in to adulthood, Mrs Jans said. The right leg will always look a bit skinnier, and thats because shes only got three toes, but ultimately she will function like any other normal adult. After the frame her leg was placed in a cast, but today she only wears a brace at night time Sophia's parents Carley and Christian, pictured with their daughter, hope to see the Australian government offer assistance for families who require the same surgery as Sophia The Jans said they would like to see the Australian government offer assistance to families looking to have the procedure. In total the surgery and trip to the U.S cost then $250,000. Its not lifesaving surgery, but its life changing, Mrs Jans said. So these children it really makes such a difference, and any government assistance would be helpful. In Georgian London two centuries ago portraits of Emma Hamilton (pictured) were everywhere She invites us with a come-hither look, sultry and seductive. Cherry-red lips pout, blue eyes flash, her cheeks are flushed. Set off by a flowing mane of chestnut hair, this is a face that appropriately given the circumstances could indeed launch a thousand ships. In her day in Georgian London two centuries ago, that gorgeous face was everywhere, in scores of portraits painted by society artists and on prints sold by the thousand in shops, while every event in her glamorous life especially the men was gossiped about endlessly in the plethora of newspapers, magazines and scandal sheets that erupted in this era. Her influence was immense. The sexy, figure-revealing clothes she wore changed fashion. Out went hoops, corsets and petticoats, in came flowing dresses with high waists. Loose hair falling around the shoulders replaced tall, powdered beehives. When she cut her hair shorter to reveal her neck, hairdressers rushed to copy the style. Every society woman wanted to look like her, to be her. Here was a woman who loved shopping and parties; to dress up, to pose, to preen, to be seen. In public, crowds gathered wherever she went, straining for a glimpse of her, grabbing at her arms, feeding off her aura. In private, the Prince of Wales and his two brothers were among the high-born beaus who jostled for a glance from her. She was a celebrity. She sounds so modern. Indeed, if you were to draw a historical line back from the Kate Mosses and Kim Kardashians of today, it would lead straight to Emma Hamilton, the first ever media superstar. And now she is back in the headlines, that face resurrected for all to see again, in an exhibition of her extraordinary life. With the intriguing title Seduction And Celebrity, it has opened at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London and carries on until the spring. Of course, what made Lady Hamilton most famous was that she bagged and bedded her male equal in the celebrity stakes Admiral Horatio Nelson, the nations wartime hero. Lady Hamilton was the 'it girl' of her day and w gossiped about endlessly in the plethora of newspapers, magazines and scandal sheets that erupted in this era. This was thanks to her affair with Lord Nelson (pictured right) Though not much to look at (unlike her) short, whey-faced and gap-toothed with just one eye and one arm, both lost in battle he was honoured and adored after spectacularly beating the uppity French at the Battle of the Nile in 1798. The saviour of the nation and the nations glamour-puss were an item. The country was rightly agog. And scandalised. For both were married to other people he to Fanny, his rather sad and dull wife, left at home in Norfolk to weep at the embarrassment of it all; she to Sir William Hamilton, 35 years her senior, who amazingly continued to protect his errant wife as best he could and co-exist with her lover Nelson in a curious menage a trois. The three of them lived and travelled together. For proprietys sake, on the surface Emma and Nelson were just friends and companions. But no one was fooled. The truth was as plain as the yardarms on the Admirals flagship. Theirs was a torrid, insatiable love-affair that outstripped any conventional mores or morality. As Emma knew full well. I must sin on and love him more than ever, she wrote with typical abandon. It is a crime worth going to Hell for. For him, the lonely sailor in his cabin, just the thought of sleeping with you sets me on fire. She is my Emma, he is my Nelson. They could never marry, as they well knew, but she called him husband of my heart and he referred to her as my own dear wife, for such you are in my eyes and in the face of heaven. They couldnt keep their hands off each other when they were together and their sex-obsessed minds off each other when they were apart. Their love letters necessary because he was away at sea for so long overflowed with passion and innuendo. Like a smutty adolescent, Nelson referred to her thatched cottage (his pet-name for her private parts) and begged that it be ready to receive him all very surprising in a high-ranking military commander with wars to fight. You couldnt imagine a Haig, Montgomery or an Eisenhower ever being so graphic or distracted. But Nelson was besotted by her, from the moment he met her until his last breath. According to historian and Lady Hamilton biographer Kate Williams, as he lay dying on HMS Victory after being shot by a French sniper at Trafalgar, it is possible that what he said to his fellow officer was not the famous Kiss me, Hardy, but Kiss Emma for me, Hardy. History will always link Lady Hamilton to Nelson in notoriety. But what is often overlooked is her formidable achievements before he came into her life. They met in Naples, where he had arrived to recuperate after his famous victory at the Nile and where her husband, Sir William, was the resident British envoy. For her to have reached this eminent position had been a quite remarkable act of social climbing. She had started life in a rural slum as Amy Lyon, daughter of an illiterate (and soon dead, from drink) blacksmith. Home was a drab and impoverished Cheshire village, and she would have smelt of dung, the only fuel to burn in the grate a far cry from the perfumed lady she became. She had started life in a rural slum as Amy Lyon, daughter of an illiterate blacksmith and had a smattering of schooling before going into service as a housemaid to a doctor in Chester at the age of 12 Malnutrition and rickets could well have carried her off, as it did many children like her. But she was a survivor, had a smattering of schooling and went into service as a housemaid to a doctor in Chester at the age of 12. Her beauty was striking even then, as was her ambition. She quickly moved on, to London, a city of sin and exploitation, where an innocent like her could easily be corrupted. Prostitution beckoned. She may well have succumbed no one is quite sure. She hung around dodgy Drury Lane, hoping to be an actress, scraping a living back stage, working as a barmaid in a bawdy tavern, fighting off the punters. It was a hard school, with degradation and danger round every corner. What saved her from the gutter was her face. Her beauty was recognised by two of the best-known portrait painters of the time in London, Joshua Reynolds and George Romney. Tall, statuesque and curvaceous, she was a perfect model for the suggestive pictures of classical subjects, such as the goddess Venus, a muse or a nymph, that sold well to lascivious gentlemen. Changing her name from Amy to the classier Emma, she sat for them, stood, posed, whatever was required of her. She was 14 years old. There were more brushes with the sex trade, including unspecified work as a hostess in a high-class brothel, before she caught the eye of Sir Harry Fetherstonhaugh, a loathsome, rich, rakish, heavy-drinking MP with a hunting estate in Sussex. He as good as bought her and moved her there to look pretty, entertain his many guests, smile and dance. For a year she also shared his bed, but when she became pregnant aged 16, he threw her out. Nelson was married to Fanny, his rather sad and dull wife, left at home in Norfolk to weep at the embarrassment of it all Fortunately she had found, flattered and won an admirer among the male visitors to Fetherstonhaughs home shy Charles Greville, a dukes son. As long as the baby (a daughter) was farmed out, he agreed to take her in. Her past erased, she became his mistress, set up by him in a house in Paddington and leading a quiet life, with a new name, Mrs Emma Hart. She fell in with his strange ways and grew to love him. Her work as an artists model continued, however, encouraged by Greville, who saw it as a way to make money. She became a regular at Romneys Mayfair studio, one week captured in oil sitting at a spinning wheel, the next as the goddess Circe, then in a white hat, next a straw one. She would look glowing and be Nature or distraught as the prophet Cassandra. The originals were sold to wealthy clients to hang on their walls, but not before being turned into black-and-white prints for sale to an eager public, who could not get enough of Emma. Her face began to appear on cups, screens and ladies fans. Like frequently photographed women today, says Kate Williams, her image was seared onto the public consciousness. She became a fantasy figure for thousands of men and a fashion leader for women. Only one person tired of her: Greville. He was in search of a wealthy wife, and Emma was getting in the way. So, with breathtaking indifference (which he later regretted), he passed her on, like a piece of old furniture, to his elderly uncle, William Hamilton, whose wife had just died. Emma, then 21, was packed off to Naples (an arduous journey taking six weeks), expecting to stay for a few months holiday, unaware that a transaction had taken place that shed been virtually sold. As it slowly dawned on her that Greville had dumped her, she was at first distraught, then ecstatic. She could grow accustomed to life in the cultured Hamiltons palazzo, with its 50 servants, carriages, liveried footmen and stunning view. She threw herself into her new life. Soon, she was caught up in a whirl of a social life, centred on the palace of the King and Queen of Naples (then an independent state from Italy), to which British envoy Hamilton was a welcome visitor. As Lady Hamilton, Emma became very close to the Queen, her confidante and adviser. It was all a long, long way from the smoke-filled Cheshire cottage shed been born in. Encouraged by Hamilton, Emma entertained lavishly, spending money as if there were no tomorrow. There were balls, dinners, parties, with a special welcome for any English aristocrat passing through. Lady Hamilton was married to Sir William Hamilton, 35 years her senior, who amazingly continued to protect his errant wife as best he could and co-exist with her lover For them, she put on her very own floor show, in which she sang (her voice was opera-standard), danced and acted out her so-called Attitudes, draping herself in robes and shawls and adopting dramatic poses, just as she had for Romneys paintings. Alluring and seductive, they went down a storm and became her signature. Word spread. Travellers made a detour just to see her. Forget Pompeii and Vesuvius: she had become an attraction in her own right. And then the victorious Nelson unexpectedly hove into view, and a fresh chapter opened. The power couple fell helplessly in love, and she agreed to flee Italy and live with him. Was there no end to this womans ability to seduce the world? As she and Nelson set up home in lavish style back in England, it seemed not. They were feted everywhere they went, pursued by the Press, headline news. Emma continued to spend on clothes, furnishings, jewellery, parties. They even had a baby pretending, for forms sake, that she was Nelsons god-daughter, though the name they gave her, Horatia, was a bit of a giveaway. With Sir Williams death in 1803 and Nelsons resolve to divorce his wife, did they dare to think that marriage and a respectable old age together awaited them? But his death at Trafalgar would shatter that dream. First, the nation claimed back Nelson the hero as its own, not hers. The embarrassing mistress was airbrushed out of the picture. She wasnt even allowed near his state funeral in St Pauls Cathedral. Then it disowned her completely. In a codicil to his will, written on the eve of his last battle, Nelson had asked what he presumed would be a grateful government to take responsibility for Emma and look after her and his daughter. But no money was forthcoming from the Treasury. Pretty well all she got was his pigtail, cut off after his death. Nor was there much help from all the princes and peers who had once lionised her, despite her increasingly desperate pleas for help. It was as if a bad smell hung around her. Trying to keep up appearances, still spending as if she was a wealthy woman, even though she had little to her name, she built up astronomical, unpayable debts. For all her fame as a model, as a style icon, a sex goddess and a mistress to the high and mighty she had next to nothing to show for it. Lady Hamilton spent lavishly on clothes, furnishings, jewellery and parties but did not capitalise on her popularity and she died destitute Her problem was one familiar to the 21st century. Like many a star of Twitter, she was a huge media success, but had failed to capitalise on it. After two spells in a debtors jail in London, she fled to France. Who woud vegetate in fog and vapour when they can live cheaper and better and breathe pure air in another country. England has never done anything for me, she raged in a letter to one of Nelsons friends. Yet I trust there are souls who will feel I have done my Country great Services. Just months later, she died destitute in a lowly tenement in Calais. Fortunes wheel had turned full circle. She was 49. Even history disowned her in the years ahead. In beatifying Nelson, the pious Victorians excised his adultery and consigned Emma to obscurity, a sordid aside in his life, the immoral mistress whom no one would mention. Now, though, we may be able to see her for what she also was, the very first celebrity, famous for being famous. Throughout her dazzling life, says author Kate Williams, Emma was a spectacle performing to a crowd. Kate Moss's close friend and trusted make-up artist, Charlotte Tilbury, has fallen out of favour with TV presenter Trinny Woodall. The former What Not To Wear host, who reviews fashion products online, has ripped into Tilbury's beauty range for being too costly, despite her glamorous list of clients who include Sienna Miller, Amal Clooney and Made In Chelsea's Millie Mackintosh. Kate Moss's close friend and trusted make-up artist, Charlotte Tilbury (right, with Millie Mackintosh) has fallen out of favour with TV presenter Trinny Woodall The 52-year-old Botox addict claims that not only is there little difference in quality between Tilbury's wares and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's Rosie For Autograph line for Marks & Spencer, but that the latter lasts longer. Trinny demonstrated this by painting the left side of her face with Tilbury and the right with M&S. 'Kept it on all night and lasted the same,' she observed. 'Didn't have to keep reapplying the Rosie lipgloss which I normally do with Tilbury.' Trinny also pointed out the M&S products were often half the price of their Tilbury counterparts, as illustrated on the right. The former What Not To Wear host (pictured), who reviews fashion products online, has ripped into Tilbury's beauty range for being too costly CHARLOTTE TILBURY VS ROSIE FOR AUTOGRAPH Primer/Glow Charlotte Tilbury: Wonderglow 38.50 Rosie For Autograph: Amazing Radiance Cream 18 Eye palette Charlotte Tilbury: Luxury Palette Vintage Vamp, 38 Rosie For Autograph: Eyeshadow Palette, Copper Gold Rush, 18 Contour Charlotte Tilbury: Beach Stick, 30 Rosie For Autograph: Starstruck Contour, 15 Advertisement Indian Summers star Olivia Grant, who was educated at 23,480-a-year St Paul's in London, is ashamed her industry is dominated by a wealthy few. 'There are now fewer bursaries going out to drama school students, and it's a major problem,' Olivia, 33, tells me. 'Going to drama school is much more expensive and it's becoming only accessible to the privileged elite, which is not how it should be.' Spencers snub memo rial to Raine The Queen's cousin, Prince Michael of Kent attended the service with his wife, as well as Raine's friends including TV presenter Angela Rippon (pictured) When the funeral of Diana's stepmother, Raine Spencer, was held in Richmond upon Thames earlier this month, Earl Spencer and the late Princess's two sisters were conspicuous by their absence. Friends of Raine, the only child of romantic novelist Dame Barbara Cartland and printing heir Alexander McCorquodale, tried to justify their absence by explaining the ceremony was for immediate family members. So this week's memorial service for Raine provided the perfect opportunity for Lord Spencer, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes to make amends. Sadly, none of them is understood have turned up. 'It was quite a surprise they weren't there,' a member of the congregation at the Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair tells me. 'Although it's well known they didn't get on with their stepmother, it would have been respectful to have turned up.' The Queen's cousin, Prince Michael of Kent attended the service with his wife, as well as Raine's friends including TV presenter Angela Rippon. Prince Charles and Princes William and Harry were represented by the Earl of Rosslyn. In his eulogy, family friend Michael Cole noted she was a mother of 'four talented and successful children', but made no mention of her stepchildren. Raine, who died on October 21 at the age of 87, married the 8th Earl Spencer in 1976, but was unceremoniously turfed out of Althorp, in Northamptonshire, after his death in 1992. His heir, Charles, and his sister, Princess Diana, reportedly filled bin bags with Raine's clothes and kicked them down the stairs of the family's ancestral home. They are said to have hated the way that Countess Spencer, whom they nicknamed 'Acid Raine', had redecorated Althorp. Chancellor Philip Hammond , who has been revealed as a heart-throb in his youth, believes women are attracted to brains over beauty. 'I suspect there is an element of attraction to people in power,' he told me recently. 'That doesn't diminish with age, unlike looks. When you get older your looks go, but that doesn't matter as long as your brain's still working properly.' Georgina Kokkoris is lucky to be alive. The mother-of-two underwent life-saving surgery after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. The invasive treatment saw doctors completely remove Ms Kokkoris' jaw bone, leaving her unable to eat or speak for months. But Ms Kokkoris, 45, from Sydney, fought back, not only learning to talk and eat again but to embrace the way she looks after the surgery that saved her life. Georgina Kokkoris was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma cancer when she was 18 weeks pregnant with her second child She initially underwent surgery to remove part of her tongue and radiation treatment In 2010 the cancer returned, and she was forced to have her jaw removed Ms Kokkoris, whose story is featured in that's life! magazine, said doctors were forced to completely remove her jaw bone. They tried to put a metal plate in but nothing worked,' she told Daily Mail Australia. All my teeth are gone from the bottom, I have three teeth left in the front. But I thought I need to survive for my kids, and thats what kept me going. Ms Kokkoris started treatment when she was pregnant with her daughter, despite doctors advising her to terminate the pregnancy. She is pictured here with her son and daughter The treatment worked, and doctors delivered her daughter Dina six weeks early via caesarean. She is pictured here with her daughter Ms Kokkoris first realised something was wrong when she was 18 weeks pregnant with her second child, her daughter Dina, in 2003. While pregnant she found a lump on her tongue, and was at first reassured the lump was an ulcer or inflammation from pregnancy. The doctors told me I need to abort her to save my life. Georgina Kokkoris, 45 But as the days went past the lump grew bigger, and her sister urged her to visit the hospital for further testing. It showed Ms Kokkoris had squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer. The doctors told me I need to abort her to save my life, she said of her unborn daughter. But I couldnt do that. There was a high possibility that she wouldnt survive and neither would I. Initial surgery saw doctors remove part of her tongue which they rebuilt with skin from her hand She underwent a further 12 surgeries as doctors tried to remove the cancer that had returned to her jaw Doctors performed an operation to remove part of her tongue, taking skin from her right hand to replace the part that was missing. After the surgery she started radiation treatment, placing a metal barrier over her pregnant stomach to help shield her daughter from the radiation. The treatment burned her face and neck. I was eating very minimal food, I was very skinny, she said Doctors initially took bone from her leg to transplant in to her jaw To ensure her baby was safe doctors performed an emergency cesarean six weeks before her due date. Little Dina was born weighing just 1.8 kilograms, but she was healthy. I think people need to continue their lives no matter what they look like and be lucky that they are alive. Georgina Kokkoris But in 2010 the cancer returned. I went for a scan at the dentist and they said I think you need to go to oncology, she said. Ms Kokkoris was again diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, this time in her jaw. Treatment involved taking bone from her leg to rebuild her jaw bone, but it didn't work. Ms Kokkoris jaw bone was dying, and any attempts to put in metal plates failed. Attempts to rebuilt her jaw with metal plates were unsuccessful, and doctors were forced to remove the bone While she was once fed through a tube in her stomach, she can now eat pureed foods and liquids . She is pictured here with her partner, Thomas Her condition saw her being fed through a tube in her stomach, and unless doctors could fix the hole in her mouth, she would never eat normally again. Thankfully, the operation was a success. Today Ms Kokkoris is in remission, and can eat pureed food and liquids. Doctors are able to give her false teeth for cosmetic purposes, but she will still be unable to eat solids. Ms Kokkoris shares more of her story in that's life! magazine, which is on sale now I find I cant go out and have dinner, theres no such thing for me, she said. I think thats what upsets me more, not because of the way I look.' She hopes by sharing her story to inspire other people battling cancer to stay positive. She already has two adorable daughters and a doting husband, but Queen Letizia of Spain couldn't help cooing over a baby during a trip to Valencia. The Spanish royal, 44, was visiting the city's Mercado Centrale on Thursday when she took a moment to greet passersby who came armed with cameras. Looking chic in a navy wool blazer and matching pencil skirt, Letizia was seen fussing over a tot in his mother's arms. Scroll down for video Showing her maternal side: Letizia was visiting the city's central market on Thursday when she took a moment to greet passersby and cooed over a baby Letizia wore her hair in loose barrel curls and added a touch of glamour with a pair of diamond drop earrings. She completed her look with a pair of patent court heels from Magrit and a clutch by Felipe Varela, one of her favourite Spanish designers. The mother-of-two was joined by her husband King Felipe VI on the official visit and the pair were also seen chatting to an elderly woman who had come to catch a glimpse of the royals. On what was a busy day for the King and Queen, the pair also attended the 28th Jaime I Awards ceremony at Valencia's Silk Exchange Building (Lonja de Seda). Looking chic in a navy wool blazer and matching pencil skirt, Letizia, 44, was seen fussing over a tot in his mother's arms The queen chats to an elderly lady. She completed her look with a pair of patent court heels from Magrit and a clutch by Felipe Varela, one of her favourite Spanish designers The awards, worth 100,000, are presented for contributions in scientific research in Spain in six categories: Basic Research, Economy, Medicine Research, Environment Protection, New Technologies and Enterprising. The couple made their last official outing with their entire family just last week. Stepping out with Leonor, Princess of Asturias, ten, and Infanta Sofia of Spain, nine, the couple attended a ceremony to inaugurate the XII Legislature in Madrid. The family-of-four were also joined by Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, as they arrived to the Opening ceremony of the term of office held at the Lower House in Madrid. Letizia was joined by her husband King Felipe VI on the official visit and the pair were also seen chatting to an elderly woman who had come to catch a glimpse of the royals On what was a busy day for the King and Queen, the pair also attended the 28th Jaime I Awards ceremony at Valencia's Silk Exchange Building (Lonja de Seda). King Felipe VI officially opened parliament after a 10-month period of political paralysis finally came to an end, in an official ceremony clouded by far-left, anti-monarchy lawmakers, on November 17. His daughters were on their best behaviour as they listened avidly to their father speak. While department stores have been trying to outdo each other with elaborate Christmas decorations, most will pale in comparison to this elaborate display at Windsor Castle. A 20ft Nordman fir made up the centrepiece of the opulent decorations, hung up on Friday, at the Queen's Berkshire residence.. The glittering display at the castle where monarchs have celebrated Christmas since the 12th century also included giant red velvet bows and twinkling fairy lights. A Royal Collection Trust staff member puts the finishing touches to the Grand Staircase of the State Apartments, as part of Christmas decorations being put up at Windsor Castle Staff put the finishing touches to a 20ft Nordmann fir tree in St George's Hall which makes the centrepiece to the castle's stunning Christmas display Meanwhile the towering fir in St George's Hall is bedecked with Chinese lanterns, gold ribbon, and even a miniature version of the Imperial State Crown. Royal Collection Trust staff were responsible for putting the finishing touches to the State Apartments, including a giant hanging wreath on the Grand Staircase. The Christmas decorations have become an annual attraction at the castle, which last year bedecked its rooms with a Regency theme. The 20ft fir erected in St George's Hall is bedecked with Chinese lanterns and gold ribbon Opulent: The Christmas decorations have become an annual attraction at the castle, which last year bedecked its rooms with a Regency theme A member of staff adds a gold bauble to the 20ft Nordmann fir which stands in St George's Hall which is hung with Chinese lanterns, fairy lights and colourful decorations George's IV's mother Queen Charlotte famously decorated her home with yew, which used to be the traditional Christmas tree before fir trees were popularised by Prince Albert in the mid-19th century. A memoir of Queen Charlotte, published in 1819, recalls how in the middle of the room stood an immense tub with a yew-tree placed in it.' It details how the branches were adorned with: 'bunches of sweetmeats, almonds, and raisins, fruits and toys, most tastefully arranged, and the whole illuminated by small wax candles. Royal Collection Trust staff were responsible for putting the finishing touches to the State Apartments, including a giant hanging wreath on the Grand Staircase, pictured Giant lanterns, twinkling fairy lights and glittering decorations add to the opulent theme at Windsor Castle this year. Last year the royals went for a Regency theme The throne room at Richmond Palace, New Year's Eve, 1526. The bored King Henry VIII accepts lavish New Year's gifts from his friend Cardinal Wolsey and Katherine of Aragon, his Queen. But one clearly pleases him, formally presented on behalf of his wife's lady-in-waiting Anne Boleyn, an extravagant gift from a young unmarried lady to any gentleman, let alone the king. It's a piece of jewellery depicting a maiden in a ship in a storm-tossed sea, and it conveys a message to the king, that Anne is willing to brave the political and religious tempest ahead. 'Despite the rough sea, she trusts in God that all will be well,' Anne confides to him, cryptically. 'The lady is right to have faith. The storm will pass if she has patience enough,' Henry assures her. Then, before the calculating eyes of all the court, he invites her to walk with him and Anne leaves the throne room on Henry's arm. Henry VIII played by Richard Ridings and his sixth wife Catherine Parr in the new BBC show And cut! We're not really at Richmond Palace, for only traces of it survive. Instead we're on location in the Great Hall at Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire, which back in Henry's day belonged to the Crown, filming BBC1's new three-part historical drama-documentary series Six Wives With Lucy Worsley. With historian Lucy in every scene as an eavesdropping servant, we witness some of the most dramatic moments in the lives of Henry's six queens. Always game for dressing-up, Lucy is a lady-in-waiting today in black velvet and French hood, looking on as Anne Boleyn flirts with the married king. 'I'm in the background,' she explains. 'And then I explain conspiratorially what's happened and what the motivation is.' Divorced. Beheaded. Died. Divorced. Beheaded. Survived. History has immortalised these six women as stereotypes. There's Katherine of Aragon, the embittered first wife, and Anne Boleyn, the other woman. Jane Seymour was the good girl who gave Henry the heir he desired, while Anne of Cleves was the ugly one. Katherine Howard was the harlot who slept around and Catherine Parr was the merry widow. Historian Lucy Worsley brings Tudor history to life in her new BBC show, where she plays a servant witnessing key moments But Lucy wants us to look beyond the stereotypes and see the story from the women's point of view. 'We're fascinated by Henry's wives because we recognise them,' says the show's executive producer Emma Hindley. 'They were wealthy, privileged young people who all knew each other. Court life was like Made In Chelsea.' History has portrayed Katherine of Aragon as an abandoned wife whose only consolation was religion. But for once we meet Katherine, played by Spanish actress Paola Bontempi, when she was young, beautiful and red-haired. 'Katherine was phenomenal,' says Emma. 'Her parents created modern Spain and her mother was a warrior queen who rode into battle. 'Traditionally she's portrayed as bitter and unhappy. But she was married to Henry for 24 years and they were in love. I was determined that in the show she'd look as much like the real Katherine as possible, with blue eyes, pale skin and auburn hair. As soon as Paola opened her mouth, I thought, 'That's her!' She speaks English without too heavy an accent and Katherine had spent seven years in England before she married Henry. 'Katherine was a heroine. She took over as Regent when Henry went to fight in France. At that moment, the Scots decided to invade England. They were slaughtered and James IV of Scotland was killed at the battle of Flodden.' Scott Arthur plays the King when he was wooing Anne Boleyn (Claire Cooper) If only Katherine had been able to bear a healthy son as well as their daughter Mary, this would have been a match made in heaven. Imagine her humiliation then when Henry became besotted with Anne Boleyn. When he failed to achieve a papal annulment, he moved Anne into her own apartments in the palace at Greenwich. Katherine was ordered to give up her Crown jewels so that Henry could give them to Anne. Finally, Katherine was exiled to the fens where she died in January, 1536, still declaring her love for Henry. Anne played a clever game. She'd seen how Henry had cast off his previous mistresses, including Bessie Blount, who bore him an illegitimate son, and Anne's own sister Mary. Anne was dark-haired and not as pretty as Mary by Tudor standards, but she had been schooled in France in the art of flirtation. She could argue with Henry about politics and religion and he enjoyed their intellectual jousting. Most importantly, she withheld sex. Back in the present, Lucy visits the Vatican library in Rome where 17 letters from Henry to Anne have ended up. 'It was incredible to read them,' Lucy says. 'I had mixed feelings, thinking, 'This is so beautiful, they're in love.' Then I remembered Katherine and felt guilty.' Picture shows Catherine of Aragon, right, (Paola Bontempi) as she tried to maintain her dignity while the king divorces her for Anne Boleyn But it's clear from the letters that the relationship had still not been consummated. 'Henceforth my heart will be dedicated to you alone, and wishing greatly that my body was so too,' Henry wrote, before doodling Anne's initials in a heart. He and Anne married in secret in 1533, but after producing a daughter, Elizabeth, she had two miscarriages and Henry had her tried on trumped-up charges of treason. Today Anne comes across as an ambitious woman who knew what she wanted. But was she really an adultress who betrayed the king, some say in an incestuous relationship with her brother George? Lucy thinks not having eavesdropped in the drama on Anne's confession to Archbishop Thomas Cranmer a few days before her execution. Nothing could save her neck but she could still save her immortal soul. Anne protested her innocence. 'Anne believed that if she told a lie in confession, she'd damn her soul eternally so when she said she was innocent, we have to believe her,' Lucy insists. As Anne's star waned, Henry's wandering eye landed on Jane Seymour. Jane was an English rose, blonde, pretty and compliant. She was pushed forward by her ambitious family who were religious conservatives, keen to reconcile Henry to the Pope. Anne of Cleves was the cleverest wife of the lot. She led a happy life and was still welcome at court Jane and Henry were married in May 1536, 11 days after Anne was beheaded. Jane was a peacemaker and did much to improve Henry's relations with his daughters Mary and Elizabeth. And most importantly, she gave birth to a healthy son, Edward, on 12 October 1537. Twelve days later she died. Henry mourned Jane for the rest of his life. When he eventually died, he was buried beside her in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. By now Henry was 46. He was fat, with a stinking, ulcerated wound on his leg from a jousting accident. Meanwhile, his advisers wanted him to remarry to gain a Protestant ally in Europe. Understandably, eligible princesses weren't keen; one said she might have married him if she had two heads. Henry's betrothal to Anne of Cleves has gone down as the worst blind date in history. Anne was the 'Flanders Mare', so ugly that she rendered Henry impotent, or so he claimed when he couldn't perform. Their marriage in January 1540 was unconsummated. But was Anne really so unattractive? Her relationship with Henry got off to a bad start, explains Lucy. Henry, who was fond of disguises, burst into Anne's chamber with a masked entourage as a surprise two days before she was expecting to meet him. When this masked stranger grabbed her for a kiss, Anne let off a volley of German curses. Henry was humiliated. But it all worked out fine for Anne in the end. Six months later, she agreed to an annulment. Henry's generous settlement made her one of the richest women in England. 'She made smart decisions,' says Lucy. 'Anne was the cleverest wife of the lot. She led a happy life and was still welcome at court. She even danced with her successor Katherine Howard. I like the idea of the two of them bonding while the old boy had gout.' Less than three weeks after the annulment, in July 1540, Henry married Katherine Howard, who may have been just 17. Katherine has been viewed as a slut, says Lucy. 'But I think it's a tragic story. She was an abused child.' She was raised by her step-grandmother, the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, who ran a finishing school where morals were lax. Men had access to the girls' bedchamber and, at 13, Katherine had lain with her music master Henry Manox and then the Duchess's secretary Francis Dereham. Far more dangerous was a relationship after her marriage with the courtier Thomas Culpeper. She wrote to him, 'It makes my heart die to think what fortune I have that I cannot be in your company...' But why would she risk an affair? Culpeper was a sexual predator, Lucy says, who had been accused of rape and murder. 'You can read the letter as placatory,' she says. When a note was left for the king to find in the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court, Henry was sceptical about the allegations it contained but ordered an inquiry, and Katherine was executed in 1542. The older king played by Richard Ridings with his young wife Katherine Howard (Lauren McQueen) who is was heartbroken to learn cheated on him Henry was shattered by her infidelity. But he missed a wife's company and a year later he decided to try again. Catherine Parr was 31 and a widow. History remembers her as the nurse of Henry's old age. But Catherine had her own agenda. She gave up the man she was hoping to marry, Jane Seymour's brother Thomas, in order to marry the king because she hoped to spread the new Protestant religion. This was dangerous. At heart Henry was still a Catholic. He was tolerant when Catherine began to write devotional books she was the first woman to publish works in English under her own name. But she had enemies at court who persuaded Henry to charge her with heresy. Catherine had a narrow escape. The king had issued a warrant for her arrest but she managed to appease him. 'In his own way he loved her,' says Lucy. Henry died in January 1547. Six months later, Catherine married Thomas Seymour. By the end of the series, Lucy has witnessed pivotal moments in the lives of six queens. She's carried away blood-stained linen after Katherine of Aragon miscarries, swept up broken china after royal rows and looked on as Anne Boleyn discovers Jane Seymour sitting on Henry's knee. She hopes we'll see his wives as more than passive victims. 'I think they've all been underestimated,' she concludes. Julia Foster is leafing through yellowed cuttings of her triumphs as an actress in the 1960s, lovingly pasted into bound folders by her late mother. Unlike her contemporaries Maggie Smith and Judi Dench, whose stardom she matched as a young woman, her name has largely disappeared from view. In fact it's her son Ben Fogle, the TV wildlife presenter, adventurer and author, who carries the family's fame now. Much of Julia's shunning of the limelight was by choice. 'I didn't want to be pulled away from the family, that was part of it,' she says. 'There was also an element of whatever I was offered, I'd already done better, if that makes sense. And I thought, 'Do I want to go and do that? I've already done it.' Julia on stage in Lulu. She first found stardom at the age of 23 playing opposite Michael Caine in Alfie So there was a lot of turning down of stuff, mainly because I just didn't want to do it. It was a conscious decision.' She's 73 now, having found stardom at the age of 23 playing opposite Michael Caine in Alfie as downtrodden Gilda, the mother of his child. A year later she appeared with Tommy Steele in Half A Sixpence. 'Ann, who I played, was feisty. It was all-singing and dancing, very different to Alfie. It was a Hollywood-backed movie that took nine months to make. I even had my own caravan and chauffeur,' she marvels. She was already married by this stage, to pop star Lionel Morton of The Four Pennies, who had a No 1 hit in 1964 with the song Juliet, and had her first daughter Emily. The marriage lasted five years. 'We were so young when we got married, I was 21 I think. I had Emily at 23. We just grew apart. We gave it a chance for Emily, which was important. But it wasn't going to work, we were different people.' It's her second marriage to TV and radio vet, and author of 50 books, Bruce Fogle in 1973 that has defined her happy and fulfilled life. Their son Ben is now 43 and their daughter Tamara, 41, is a handbag designer. There's something regal about the Julia Foster of today, with her greying hair swept back in an elegant updo. Her cut-glass accent is also of another age. She was born in Lewes, Sussex, to an estate agent father and housewife and raised in Brighton. 'It was a conventional middle-class household,' she says. There was no theatrical tradition in her family. 'I don't think it was encouraged, but it wasn't discouraged. My mother said there was no use in going against what we wanted to do because we were going to do it regardless. So I was obviously quite spiky, wilful.' Julia with her presenter son Ben Fogle Leaving school at 16 she wrote letters to all the local theatres and landed her first job at a repertory company in Eastbourne. Her first part was playing a 12-year-old boy. Before long she was offered a job as an assistant stage manager and doing small parts for a theatre at the end of the Palace Pier in Brighton. 'I was seen in a play by an agent called Vincent Shaw and he came to my dressing room and said, 'I can make you a star.' He really said those words. He was brought to task about it a few times over the years. He signed me up and I think the first important thing I did was Emergency Ward 10 on TV. Then I was asked to play Dulcie Gray's daughter in a play that was touring, and that was the way it went. It was plain sailing, it would never happen today.' Her path into the movies was seemingly just as effortless, appearing in minor roles in Term Of Trial with Laurence Olivier and The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner with Tom Courtenay. Her breakthrough came in the British noir film The Small World Of Sammy Lee, which we're here to discuss after its restoration and re-release on DVD. She plays a northern lass seduced by Anthony Newley's character Sammy. She seeks him out in Soho, only to become a stripper at the club where he's the compere. Its documentary-style footage offers a fascinating peek at a down-at-heel Soho that was far seedier than today. 'I was innocent and vulnerable and I wouldn't have dreamt of going anywhere near Soho,' Julia admits. 'In those days prostitutes were standing on doorsteps.' The 1963 film was risque and Julia was concerned about having to strip. 'Before I signed up I brought up that I was slightly nervous about the strip scene and they said, "No problem, we'll get a double." So I thought, "Fine". When it came to it, the girl turned up and she was just awful, much fatter than me. I said, "I'll do it, I'll do it." You do wonder whether that was the whole plan. I think it probably was. I did it because I just thought I would look better.' Her co-star Anthony Newley (later to marry Joan Collins) was at the peak of his career, having already achieved stardom as a pop star, film actor and composer. He also had a reputation as a philanderer. 'I was nervous about him because he had a reputation as a ladies' man. But in fact he was absolutely charming, he couldn't have been nicer, he was gentlemanly at every turn. 'And he stood up for me occasionally when it needed to be done with either the director Ken Hughes or whoever else was around.' Though the film got lukewarm reviews Julia's performance was acclaimed. 'They said I was a bright young thing who was going to have a great future. All very complimentary.' But despite her success in movies, theatre was her true love. 'I was always more interested in theatre than I was in film. Around this time, the Alfie time, I was in the West End for about five or six years doing about six or seven plays. I did Flint with Michael Hordern and The Day After The Fair with Deborah Kerr. And I did Lulu in 1970, which really made me into a star in the theatre.' It was while appearing as the ill-fated temptress Lulu, eventually murdered by Jack the Ripper another role that required her to strip off that she met Bruce. By then a single mother, she took her sick dog to the vet. He happened to be a young Canadian student named Bruce Fogle. 'The dog was ill so I wasn't really looking at him. When the dog got better I thought, 'This man is really rather nice,' and then I thought, 'He's too shy, too correct, he's never going to ask me out.' 'So I went back and asked him out. I was in the theatre at the time so I said, 'Would you like to come?' It was very forward of me and I go hot every time I think about it. And of course it all went wrong, didn't it. I tried to downplay what my job was. I said, 'Come round to the stage door.' I told the stage door not to let anyone else in, only this young man. 'At the first interval I received a phone message from Oscar Lewenstein [the theatre and movie producer], saying, 'Darling, we've put champagne in your fridge and we'll be round afterwards. I'm next door and Joel Grey [the US actor] is here, so I shall bring Joel with me.' I'm thinking, 'Oh my God!' Then in the second interval the playwright Frank Marcus, who wrote lots of plays for me I was his muse at one time said, 'We're over the road seeing a play, we're so close we thought we'd pop in and see you.' 'So my dressing room is filled with everybody being over the top. Joel Grey being outrageous. And when Frank Marcus learned Bruce was a vet he slapped him on the back and said, 'Ha ha, I hope you can tame this animal.' Bruce wasn't impressed by any over-the-top theatricality.' It must have been bewildering for Bruce, who was probably still dealing with seeing Julia nude on stage. 'He certainly saw a great deal more than he bargained for,' she laughs. But ever the gentleman, Bruce not only invited Julia to the cinema for a proper date but suggested she bring her daughter Emily too. 'It was too good to be true. He said, 'Let's take your daughter to the cinema,' and we went to see Fantasia.' Julia with Michael Caine in Alfie, they became great friends Bruce soon became accustomed to the world of showbusiness. Michael Caine became a great friend of Julia's and was often at their home. 'As the years go by he's not now a great friend but every now and then I see him. I saw him quite recently.' And Deborah Kerr was at their wedding. Ben Fogle recalls a house full of actors growing up Edward Fox, Angharad Rees and Christopher Cazenove popping by and Ben himself had ambitions to become an actor. 'That didn't fill me with joy but he put it aside, thank goodness.' When he did become a celebrity, though, she wasn't surprised. 'It happened gradually. We always knew he'd make something of himself.' How does she cope with him putting himself in so much danger? 'The only danger I really worried about was when he and James Cracknell rowed the Atlantic. It was a mistake to go and see them off because I saw this tiny flat-pack IKEA boat. One had visions of this extremely little boat with these two guys in the middle of the Atlantic. I didn't sleep for eight weeks. Now if he's facing a lion you know there's always someone there to come in between if something goes wrong. You know there's a film crew there.' The family's most difficult time was not due to any danger encountered by Ben on his travels but the stillbirth of his and his wife Marina's son Willem at 33 weeks in August 2014. 'It was a tough time because you feel for this little baby that hasn't made it, so you've got the pain of that, and you've got the pain of seeing what your son is going through. I get a lump in my throat when I think about it.' Ben was in Canada with the family celebrating his grandmother's 100th birthday when the news came through and he flew to Austria, where the miscarriage happened and where Marina was told she'd been 20 minutes from death. 'We didn't go out there. We left them to it. They came back within two days, so we were around when they came back to London.' They've also, of course, shared their children's joys and through Ben and Marina have got to know their friends the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. They spent a weekend with them in Austria when Marina's sister Chiara got married. 'They're mates, they've got things in common,' she says coyly. She says she doesn't have strong views either way on the number of parts for older women. There is no bitterness in her voice, though maybe a tinge of sadness. 'If they come along, then so be it,' she says, content with everything she's achieved. n Blog Archive November 2022 (4) October 2022 (65) September 2022 (62) August 2022 (64) July 2022 (66) June 2022 (61) May 2022 (64) April 2022 (63) March 2022 (62) February 2022 (56) January 2022 (62) December 2021 (65) November 2021 (60) October 2021 (64) September 2021 (62) August 2021 (62) July 2021 (66) June 2021 (62) May 2021 (64) April 2021 (61) March 2021 (64) February 2021 (57) January 2021 (62) December 2020 (62) November 2020 (62) October 2020 (65) September 2020 (60) August 2020 (62) July 2020 (65) June 2020 (61) May 2020 (62) April 2020 (61) March 2020 (63) February 2020 (59) January 2020 (67) December 2019 (65) November 2019 (61) October 2019 (65) September 2019 (66) August 2019 (67) July 2019 (65) June 2019 (65) May 2019 (64) April 2019 (62) March 2019 (63) February 2019 (60) January 2019 (64) December 2018 (64) November 2018 (61) October 2018 (75) September 2018 (68) August 2018 (63) July 2018 (70) June 2018 (63) May 2018 (67) April 2018 (68) March 2018 (66) February 2018 (57) January 2018 (63) December 2017 (64) November 2017 (61) October 2017 (67) September 2017 (64) August 2017 (64) July 2017 (64) June 2017 (66) May 2017 (64) April 2017 (73) March 2017 (65) February 2017 (58) January 2017 (63) December 2016 (66) November 2016 (69) October 2016 (79) September 2016 (67) August 2016 (65) July 2016 (71) June 2016 (64) May 2016 (65) April 2016 (80) March 2016 (69) February 2016 (61) January 2016 (63) December 2015 (64) November 2015 (64) October 2015 (65) September 2015 (64) August 2015 (62) July 2015 (64) June 2015 (63) May 2015 (63) April 2015 (61) March 2015 (64) February 2015 (56) January 2015 (62) December 2014 (63) November 2014 (60) October 2014 (65) September 2014 (61) August 2014 (64) July 2014 (63) June 2014 (62) May 2014 (64) April 2014 (61) March 2014 (63) February 2014 (59) January 2014 (64) December 2013 (66) November 2013 (60) October 2013 (63) September 2013 (63) August 2013 (63) July 2013 (65) June 2013 (62) May 2013 (64) April 2013 (61) March 2013 (63) February 2013 (57) January 2013 (63) December 2012 (64) November 2012 (60) October 2012 (62) September 2012 (62) August 2012 (68) July 2012 (63) June 2012 (62) May 2012 (63) April 2012 (61) March 2012 (63) February 2012 (60) January 2012 (63) December 2011 (67) November 2011 (63) October 2011 (67) September 2011 (75) August 2011 (65) July 2011 (66) June 2011 (62) May 2011 (63) April 2011 (65) March 2011 (94) February 2011 (66) January 2011 (66) December 2010 (64) November 2010 (70) October 2010 (69) September 2010 (65) August 2010 (67) July 2010 (68) June 2010 (63) May 2010 (64) April 2010 (68) March 2010 (66) February 2010 (60) January 2010 (63) December 2009 (70) November 2009 (66) October 2009 (66) September 2009 (68) August 2009 (70) July 2009 (66) June 2009 (74) May 2009 (68) April 2009 (70) March 2009 (74) February 2009 (70) January 2009 (79) December 2008 (74) November 2008 (66) October 2008 (72) September 2008 (67) August 2008 (66) July 2008 (75) June 2008 (69) May 2008 (85) April 2008 (83) March 2008 (80) February 2008 (66) January 2008 (76) December 2007 (71) November 2007 (75) October 2007 (69) September 2007 (74) August 2007 (70) July 2007 (79) June 2007 (73) May 2007 (90) April 2007 (87) March 2007 (99) February 2007 (81) January 2007 (104) December 2006 (74) November 2006 (81) October 2006 (103) September 2006 (105) August 2006 (70) July 2006 (80) June 2006 (88) May 2006 (122) April 2006 (91) March 2006 (107) February 2006 (91) January 2006 (91) December 2005 (54) November 2005 (65) October 2005 (58) September 2005 (29) Writer Anna Maria Hall grew up in Ireland as a member of the Protestant ruling class until she moved to England at the age of 15 in 1815. She returned in 1825 with her husband Samuel, also born in Ireland, to do research for books about the country, and the ensuing bestselling Sketches Of Irish Character and Ireland: Its Scenery, Character, Etc introduced to the rest of the world what she found to be the 'charming' but 'idle, reckless and unprincipled' people of the Emerald Isle. Some of the impressions of the Irish 'a peculiar people' first mooted by Mrs Hall are still around today. The drinkers and religious zealots. The overly superstitious and those with the gift of the gab. But are they true? That's the question Irish actor and comedian Ardal O'Hanlon tries to answer in his new travel series Ardal's Ireland. In the three-part series, Ardal meets various characters to see what makes them Irish 'The Halls grew up in Ireland, so the books are very affectionate but they're also incredibly patronising,' says Ardal, who played daft Father Dougal in Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted. 'They were written when people were starting to travel, so in some ways they're responsible for the stereotypes of Irish people as God-fearing, whiskey-sodden chancers.' In the three-part series, Ardal meets various characters to see what makes them Irish. 'We all know the stereotypes we exaggerated the alcoholic or stupid priests and the over-hospitable housekeepers in Father Ted,' he says. 'It's not the Ireland I know, though.' Religion is one theme he looks at. 'I think we're the most enlightened nation on Earth,' he laughs, 'but we cling to lots of older traditions. We visited a holy well in Derry; I had no idea how much people still use them. They get water when they need a miracle, and it's a social event. There's a connection to a distant past.' He also visited Blarney Castle, home of the Blarney Stone, which is said to bestow eloquence on those who kiss it. 'People want to believe this stuff,' says Ardal. 'I think it's probably one of the world's best con tricks, but people who've taken stones from the castle have sent them back because they're cursed.' Ardal, 51, has his own theories about why the Irish seem to be so superstitious. 'It's a Celtic country,' he says. 'We didn't have the Romans, or the Reformation, so many of the old superstitions have deeper roots. But I think when Ireland was trying to leave the British Empire at the turn of the 20th century there was a will to create an Irish identity as different as possible to England's.' Ardal with Dermot Morgan in Father Ted Ardal also examined whether the Halls' tales of drunken Irish peasants were true. 'Ireland was a colonised, desperately poor country at that time so people drank, and they may have even been copying British habits as there were more drink problems in towns where there were British garrisons. 'Ireland has one of the highest percentages of binge-drinkers in Europe, but we also have the most teetotallers. It's funny because I hate the stereotype but I love a drink; I have conflicting emotions about the Irish and drink. 'I don't think anyone believes in leprechauns,' he concludes. 'But we sell a version of Ireland to tourists so in some ways we're complicit in the stereotypes. But what is true is how friendly Irish people are. I think, like all humans, we're rational with a healthy respect for the irrational.' n Depressed teenagers are more likely to develop arthritis when they get older, new research suggests. While youngsters suffering from anxiety have a higher chance of being plagued by a host of skin diseases, scientists claim. Experts say the findings show the need to treat both mental disorders and physical diseases together from an early age. While youngsters suffering from anxiety have a higher chance of being plagued by a host of skin diseases, researchers from the University of Basel, Switzerland, found Swiss and German researchers assessed 6,500 teenagers to examine the link between physical diseases and mental illnesses. They noted that some conditions tend to occur more frequently in adolescents if they have previously suffered from certain mental disorders. While depression and anxiety have previously been found to be diagnosed more often after the onset of a physical disease. They discovered periods of depression were frequently followed by arthritis and diseases of the digestive system. Teenagers suffering from depression are more likely to have arthritis as they grow older, scientists claim Anxiety disorders were found to be more common if the teenager had already suffered from heart disease. While a link between epilepsy and subsequent eating disorders was also found, in the study published in the journal PLOS ONE. Lead researcher Marion Tegethoff, from the University of Basel, said: 'For the first time, we have established that epilepsy is followed by an increased risk of eating disorders.' She added that this phenomenon had previously only been described only in single case reports. Approaches to epilepsy treatment could have potential in the context of eating disorders, she says. This comes after a report in March stated more needs to be done to address the psychological problems associated with being ill. Health officials also were asked to look out for the physical issues that come as a result of mental health problems, according to The King's Fund. Bad postures have led to a rise in the number of young adults suffering from 'old age conditions', scientists claim. While those under the age of 45 are seeking help for varicose veins, knee joint problems, back pain and haemorrhoids more than ever before. Experts say sitting at desks, watching too much TV and frequent smartphone use could be the reason for the increase in cases. Those under the age of 45 are seeking help for knee joint problems more than ever before as experts blame too much TV watching Data from more than 60,000 medical procedures were compiled in an analysis by Bupa - a private healthcare group. It found arthroscopic knee operations, where surgeons look inside the joint using a camera, were one of the most popular in British 36 to 45 year olds. That age group are now also the most likely to have epidural injections - designed to treat back pain. While even millennials are suffering from similar 'older generation' afflictions. Arthroscopic knee operations were considered to be one of the five most popular procedures for 16 to 25 year olds. And the research found removal of haemorrhoids and varicose veins were two of the most common treatments in the circulatory diseases category for both age ranges. Dr Steve Iley, Bupa's medical director, said: 'This shows a significant number of our customers are prematurely experiencing conditions you would normally associate with much older people. While varicose veins were becoming increasingly common in young adults 'Haemorrhoid removal and treatment for varicose veins are procedures that people in this age group should not be encountering. 'However, when you consider the amount of time young people now spend sat using their mobiles and tablets, streaming box sets or playing with the latest games console, you can see why these conditions are rising in this age group. 'From their early twenties, more and more people are working long hours, with jam-packed schedules, and without the ability to ever really switch off.' He added: 'This, combined with bad postures and lack of movement, are taking their toll physically and mentally. 'Our changing lifestyles make it more important than ever that people have access to the latest and best medical services. 'Early and regular consultation can prevent a lot of the conditions we have seen from developing and will enable people to continue to lead the lives they want to.' As well as age ranges, the analysis looked at the most common procedures across genders and UK cities in 2015. In particular, 'older age' procedures were revealed to be top of the table in Cardiff and Liverpool, where knee operations were the single most common procedures. Haemorrhoid removal and treatment for varicose veins are procedures that people in this age group should not be encountering. Dr Steve Iley, Bupa's medical director While in Newcastle, epidurals were the most regularly undertaken procedures. In a seperate part of their analysis, Bupa also measured the traffic to its website. It found a sharp rise in patient searches on their health information pages for conditions associated with stress. Searches for 'piles' increased by 2454 per cent while 'IBS' and 'peptic ulcers' showed similar trends. This comes after research earlier this week found members of Generation X are most likely to suffer a stroke. While baby boomers - those born between 1945 and 1954 - have the lowest rates of any generation born after them, a US study found. Experts suggested the key may be in what they had for breakfast, with older people more likely to have chosen porridge or eggs. At least one year of breastfeeding is essential to protect Black and Hispanic children from a slew of health risks, new research warns. Health officials have long been urging mothers to nurse their children for longer, since figures show most women stop after a couple of months. And now a new study by Harvard Medical School has calculated how bottle-fed children have significantly higher risks of developing life-threatening conditions. Notably, they found the risks are higher for Black and Hispanic children than White children. A new study by Harvard Medical School has calculated how bottle-fed Black and Hispanic children have significantly higher risks of developing life-threatening conditions The study published in the Journal of Pediatrics analyzed federal data on breastfeeding rates and health outcomes of mothers and babies. They found that black infants had more than twice the deaths of whites attributable to lack of optimal breastfeeding - which they defined as at least one year. Black infants also had more than three times the rate of necrotizing enterocolitis, a fatal intestinal disease that affects premature babies, and is widely attributed to a lack of breast-fed milk. Two common diseases of infancy merit particular concern for black and Hispanic infants: ear infections and gastrointestinal infections. Compared with white infants, ear infections due to suboptimal breastfeeding were 1.7 times more common in black infants and 1.4 times as common in Hispanics. Gastrointestinal infections due to suboptimal breastfeeding were about 1.3-to-1.4 times as common among both black and Hispanic infants. Ear infections and gastrointestinal infections can translate into significant economic insecurity for parents who must miss work to care for sick children. The study also found differences in maternal health outcomes as a result of suboptimal breastfeeding. For both hypertension and type 2 diabetes, there was a 1.4-fold higher rate for black women attributable to sub-optimal breastfeeding, compared with white women. When I first saw our results, I cried Lead author Dr Melissa Bartick, Harvard Medical School Federal data show white women initiate breastfeeding at much higher rates than black women and slightly higher rates than Hispanic women. White women also breastfeed longer and have higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding. Current rates for black, white, and Hispanic women were defined as 'suboptimal breastfeeding.' This is the first study to show how these disparities translate into differences in health outcomes. Dr Melissa Bartick, assistant professor of medicine at Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School, and lead author of the study, warns Department of Labor statistics show that black and Hispanic mothers are more likely to be heads of households and to have low-wage jobs that lack paid sick leave. 'If mom can't go to work, she's not getting paid,' she said. 'This may spell the difference between making rent that month, or keeping the lights on, or paying for basic needs. 'When I first saw our results, I cried.' 'These disparities rates reflect barriers to breastfeeding, such as lack of paid leave and outdated maternity care, that disproportionately impact families of color,' said co-author Dr Alison Stuebe, distinguished scholar of infant and young child feeding at the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute. Two phones that were recovered from the October 6 Handwara encounter site can provide a crucial link to reveal Pakistan's involvement in the attack in which three Lashkar terrorists were gunned down. The phones recovered are branded with Samsung and Huawei logos and both were without the SIM cards. But the National Investigation Agency has managed to trace the origin of one of these phones to Pakistan. Two phones are recovered from the October-6 Handwara encounter site, which can provide a crucial link to reveal Pakistan's involvement in the attack in which three Lashkar terrorists were gunned down. According to NIA sources, the Huawei phone was shipped to a dealer in Pakistan, while the Samsung phone was shipped by the company to Zambia from where it was further transported to Mauritius. It finally made way to Langate encounter site and the NIA is now preparing to seek help from Mauritius authorities. NIA sources confirmed: 'Terrorists killed in the encounter were using ICOM wireless, similar to the one recovered even in case of Bahadur Ali - another Pakistani terrorist who was caught alive. 'ICOM sets are synced to android mobile phones that can send text messages without a SIM card through a mobile app. For this the application has to be downloaded.' NIA said the terrorists were using ICOM wireless, similar to the one recovered in case of Bahadur Ali, another Pakistani terrorist. Experts say that this is an effective method of communication between the masterminds in Pakistan and infiltrating terrorists. Providing these terrorists with specific grid references for the route to be followed and use of GPS, compass and topographical sheets during the movement also established that these LeT terrorists were trained and mentored by military experts. The recoveries made after the encounter included three AK rifles, three Under Barrel Grenade Launchers, a number of magazines, significant rounds of bullets, four walkie talkie radio sets, three GPS devices, three mobile phones, dry fruits and medicines besides a map and a matrix sheet. Three fidayeens dressed in Army fatigues were killed in an encounter on October 6 as they opened fire outside the 30 Rashtriya Rifles camp at Langate. The firing began at 5 am and continued for 15 minutes. However, alert Indian security personnel quickly neutralised the terrorists. A doctor in a leading government hospital was attacked by a patients' relatives, forcing the resident doctors at the hospital to go on a day-long strike. The incident occurred at the Safdarjung Hospital when a female doctor was allegedly manhandled by the relatives. Once again, this exposed the vulnerability of the medical professionals who try their best to serve the patients, but often find themselves at a receiving end. The incident forced the resident doctors to go on a day-long strike demanding enhanced security. An FIR has been registered at the Safdarjung Enclave police station, but, the doctors now demand more security in the hospital premises. The junior doctor, also a first-year post graduate (PG) student, was allegedly attacked when the attendants of a patient in the emergency ward demanded the baby to be examined out of turn. Usually there are more than 250 security guards in the hospital premises, but on that evening there were just about 50 guards on duty. A doctor requesting anonymity told Mail Today that most security guards skip their night shifts. Usually there are more than 250 security guards in the hospital premises, but on that evening there were just about 50 guards on duty. Following the incident, the doctors at the hospital went on a strike. 'We won't call off the protest unless a written assurance is given by the state and the central governments ensuring proper security inside the hospitals,' a senior doctor told Mail Today. This was not an isolated incident: in the last six months, at least 25 cases have been reported wherein the doctors were thrashed by the irate relatives of the patients, a senior doctor at the Safdarjung Hospital said. Last Friday, a female resident doctor was allegedly manhandled by a patient's attendants in the paediatric ward. 'Such instances of violence against doctors are not stopping. We do not have any security,' a protesting junior resident doctor said. Safdarjung Hospital caters to at least 8,000 patients in the Out Patient Department (OPD) and 2,000 patients in the emergency section, every day. The sudden strike called by the resident doctors led to chaos in the OPD as there was no doctor to attend the waiting patients. The faculty/head of respective medical departments were then forced to take up surgeries and minor operations to help the patients. Similar incidents of doctors being manhandled had been reported from the other government hospitals. In the recent past, doctors at the Deen Dayal Upadhaya Hospital, Ambedkar Hospital and RML Hospital protested against such rising incidents of violence. After five days of confrontation, the Rajya Sabha has finally seen the resumption of the debate on demonetisation. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led the opposition attack, saying the step was a 'monumental management failure' which would lead to dip in GDP growth by at least 2 per cent. Singh termed demonetisation as 'a case of organised loot and legalised plunder'. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led the opposition attack, saying the step was a 'monumental management failure' which would lead to dip in GDP growth by at least 2% As Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the House, the opposition and the ruling side came to an agreement to do away with the Question Hour and resume the debate, which had been left incomplete on November 16. Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the PM will also participate in the debate. The opposition has been demanding presence of the Prime Minister for resumption of the debate for the last five days. Modi attended the House during Question Hour as Thursday is the day of questions listed against the PM's name. Earlier speaking during the debate, Singh said, 'These measures convinced me that the way the scheme has been implemented, it's a monumental management failure.' The noted economist said the decision will result in decline of GDP by 2 per cent, which was an 'under-estimate and not an over-estimate'. He said he agreed with the objectives of the scheme to demonetise currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 as spelt out by the PM but he wished to highlight the problems that the common people and poor have been subjected to by the move. 'It is not my intention to pick holes what this side or other side does. But I sincerely hope that the PM even in this late hour will help find us practical and pragmatic ways to provide relief to the suffering of the people of this country,' the former PM said. Modi smiles amidst demonetisation drama The Rajya Sabha was adjourned on Thursday after a ruckus over demonetisation by the opposition at around 3pm, shortly after the house met after another adjournment in the post-lunch session. As the house re-assembled post-lunch at 2pm, the opposition demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's continued presence in the house. Modi had come to the house at 12 noon and sat for an hour. However, he did not return after the lunch break. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a rare appearance in the Rajya Sabha However, after a week of acrimonious exchanges over the demonetisation drive, when Parliament finally started debating the contentious move, the house saw at least two moments when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making a rare appearance in Rajya Sabha, chuckled. Speaking after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who started the debate, Samajwadi Party MP Naresh Agrawal joked about the rumour that most Modi ministers did not know about the November 8 announcement. 'There are those who say the PM did not take even (Finance Minister) Arun Jaitley into confidence. 'If Arunji had known, he would have whispered about it in my ears. He knows me,' Agrawal said, bringing the House down. Both Modi and Jaitley could not help laugh. Later, Modi smiled again when Agrawal assured Modi that he is safe in Uttar Pradesh. 'Don't worry for your safety at least in Uttar Pradesh,' he said. Following his televised announcement on the banning of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes two weeks ago, Modi had said certain forces opposed to the move 'may not let him live'. The, pandemonium over the demonetisation decision nevertheless continued, also, forcing the adjournment of the house for the day. If nothing happened between now and New Year, 2016 would still go down as one of recent history's wildcard years. But there's another event on the horizon that could have major implications for financial markets and global relationships - the Italian referendum next month. On 4 December, Italy will go to the polls to decide whether to accept constitutional reforms, a decision that could have far-reaching effects not just for that nation but for many others too. Time for change? While Teresa May is leading Brexit, Italian PM Matteo Renzi is pro-EU What is the referendum about? Superficially, the referendum is a chance to usher in greater political stability in a country that has seen 63 governments since World War II ended in 1945. Current Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is attempting to increase continuity with constitutional changes which will limit the power of the second chamber (the senate) and make it easier for the government to pass laws. The reforms would also take the number of senators down from 315 to 100, and source them from regional government rather than through direct election. Why is the result important? The vote is important for several reasons. Firstly, it's Italy's chance to bring greater stability to its political system and deal with its corruption problems. But detractors argue it would also mean tinkering with one of the oldest systems of democracy in the world and make the government less accountable. Secondly, the Prime Minister has - some have said unwisely - made the vote personal by pledging to resign if the public votes against the reforms. Renzi's popularity is in decline and the economy is in a weak position, with unemployment at almost 12 per cent. The referendum has turned into a chance to rebel against the government. Anti-establishment: The Five Star Movement, co-founded by Beppe Grillo (pictured) has promised to take Italy out of the euro If he does stand down, a caretaker government will be appointed until the general election in 2017 or 2018. And if that happens, the anti-establishment Five Star Movement - which was founded just seven years ago by comedian Beppe Grillo - has a good shot at getting in to power. The party won the mayoral elections in Rome and Turin earlier this year, and is currently polling only just behind Renzi's Democratic Party in terms of popularity. In the past, Grillo has called for a referendum on whether Italy should keep the euro, and to reconsider the country's role in the European Union. An 'Italexit' is likely to have disastrous consequences domestically as the economy is only just getting back on its feet and its banking system is particularly fragile. A readopted Italian lira would almost certainly plummet in value relative to the euro, increasing the competitiveness of Italian exports but also severely limiting the country's purchasing power. Italy's departure could also spark the end of the European Union entirely. The domino effect that started with the UK's vote to leave could destroy the whole of the EU as populations in austerity-laden countries such as Greece decide that they also wish to be free of directives from Brussels. And that is the other reason why the referendum is significant. After Britain's vote to leave the European Union and America' decision to elect Donald Trump, arguably the most inexperienced US President in history, a move from Italy to resist reforms and effectively sack its Prime Minister is a further signal that citizens around the world want a change in the status quo. End of the status quo? Challenging the establishment may have helped Trump win in the US Will the referendum's reforms be passed? Probably not. At present, Ladbrokes is giving the reforms just a 30 per cent chance of going through. By making the vote personal, Renzi has created the opportunity for a protest vote for the many Italians unhappy about unemployment, austerity and corruption. What's more, the momentum created by the unexpected outcomes of Britain's EU referendum and US election could help the Italian public to envisage a similar rebellion happening in their own country. What will happen to markets if Italy rejects the reforms? As is well documented, markets hate uncertainty - and the shadow of this referendum has been hanging over Italy for months. Unsurprisingly, the Italian stock market is down by about 20 per cent year to date, the most of any European index. If, as anticipated, the reforms are rejected, then this could be particularly bad news for Italy's embattled banking sector, which has fallen by 50 per cent so far this year. Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (BMPS) the world's oldest surviving bank, is currently undergoing drastic cost cutting measures and reportedly looking to raise 5billion (4.25billion) privately after encountering a host of problems including bad debts and low capitalisation. Milan-based UniCredit, meanwhile, is allegedly trying to raise billions of euros to build up its capital buffer. 'Strong banks can help drive Italy's growth': UniCredit is reportedly raising its cash buffer James Rutland, business cycle UK & European equities manager at Schroders, says: 'The outcome of the referendum will likely be most keenly felt in the banking system which remains Italys biggest problem - in particular BMPS and Unicredit. Strong and well-capitalised banks can help drive the economic growth that Italy badly needs. 'The success of a private solution in the coming weeks for BMPS is important in this regard and would be taken very positively by the market. Whilst a "No" vote might not completely derail the process, it is a risk and it would become a lot easier in the event of a "Yes".' Adrien Pichoud, chief economist of SYZ Asset Management, says his focus has turned to the widening spreads on government bonds - or the increasing difference in the amount of income that riskier bonds pay out investors, relative to those perceived as safe. He says: 'Italian spreads have already widened as they priced in Italian-specific risk. And now, if markets start to become concerned about euro-area risk, it will affect not just Italian spreads but the spreads on government bonds in general. Our view is that German bunds are likely to outperform other European government bonds.' Elsewhere, Rowan Dartington's Guy Stephens cautions that while a no vote 'would be a major market event,' even a yes vote doesn't mean that investors are out of the woods. 'Even if Renzi wins his vote, there are more elections next year in France, The Netherlands and Germany giving ample opportunity for the populist vote to disturb the status quo.' He foresees tough times ahead for investors at this time of huge global change, with a growing 'wall of worry' - stock markets climbing on the back of fear and uncertainty. Many people are moved by Chen's story and join his volunteer work Every weekend in the past 13 years, Chen Si would ride an electronic scooter for 20km (12.4 miles) from his home to China's most frequented suicide spot - come rain or shine. The 48-year-old man, a worker at a logistic company, makes the weekly trips at his own expense to prevent troubled souls from jumping off the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, a gargantuan structure spanning across China's longest river. 'By saving these desperate people, I feel like I am saving the past self,' said Mr Chen, who was once a frustrated migrant worker in the metropolitan city of Nanjing. Heroic: Chen Si dedicates his life to preventing suicides on the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge. Above, Chen tried to save a man on May 16, 2004 Bravery: The 48-year-old man, a worker at a logistic company, volunteers to help the others. Above, Chen tried to save a man on May 16, 2004 Famous structure: The double-deck rail-road bridge in eastern China was completed in 1968 The Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge has always been one of the most famous bridges in China. Completed in 1968, the double-deck rail-road bridge was once the symbol of Communist China's industrial power. But it's also believed to be China's most frequented suicide spot with pedestrian platforms situated 60 metres (197 feet) above the fast-flowing Yangtze River. Statistics showed that more than 2,000 people had committed suicide from the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge between 1968 and 2006, according to People's Daily Online. Since 2003, Mr Chen, who is originally from a rural village in Suqian, has saved 321 lives, many of whom were desperate migrants who saw no future in the city and was too ashamed to go back to their hometowns. With every saving attempt, Mr Chen used all his might. He talked, he grabbed, he held strangers in his arms until they stopped struggling. 'I was once one of them,' said Mr Chen in an interview with MailOnline. 'I was helped by a kind-hearted countryman when I faced hardship working as a vegetable seller in Nanjing. ' The man, who speaks Mandarin with a heavy local accent, added: 'When my life got better, I wanted to help the others find hope.' Mr Chen stood next to his signboards on the bridge in March, 2004. On one of his signboard, he wrote: 'Treat every day of our life with kindness' Dedicated: The man has patrolled the bridge every Saturday and Sunday for 13 years Quick-thinking: He has has saved 321 lives, many of whom were desperate migrants Selfless: Mr Chen is originally from a rural village in Suqian and moved to Nanjing in 1990 Mr Chen said he came from an impoverished village and moved to Nanjing in 1990 - among his luggage he brought 50kg (110lbs) of rice with him to make sure he would not starve in the strange city. As the provincial capital of Jiangsu, Nanjing is one of the most modern and historic cities in China. With more than eight million residents, the former Chinese capital boasts ruins of an ancient palace and a glitzy 450-metre-tall (1,476 feet) skyscraper. However, the glamorous city is also an easy place to get lost for migrants. 'Sometimes, you face difficulty while living alone away from your home, all you need is a little encouragement from the others,' Mr Chen said. During his first five years in Nanjing, Mr Chen's life was hard. Working as a construction worker then a vegetable seller, he couldn't afford to rent a good house and had trouble finding a girlfriend. Then a friendly countryman gave him advice, encouraging him to open his own grocery store, through which Mr Chen managed to build a life. He got married and in 1997 he had a daughter. After watching the frequent suicidal attempts on the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge on the news, Mr Chen wanted to offer his help to these people - like what his friend had done to him. There were media reports claiming Mr Chen once contemplated suicide on the bridge himself. The man denied: 'I have never thought of killing myself even when I was a lowly vegetable seller.' Mr Chen was shocked by the frequent suicidal attempts on the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge The man is pictured with his fellow volunteers who work with him to prevent suicides in 2016 Mr Chen patrols on the bridge every Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 5pm. He has help from two local universities, whose psychology students would provide free counseling services to those in need. The man still remembers his first day as a volunteer on the bridge. 'It was September 19, 2003. I rode past the bridge, then I told my wife I would go up and take a look if anybody would need help,' he said. He stayed on the bridge the whole day and managed to save one person in the afternoon. Mr Chen said that man, surnamed Wang, told him that he lost hope in life because he had been wrongly convicted and had been imprisoned for two years. Mr Chen convinced Wang to get off the railing, escorted him to the foot of the bridge before writing him a note agreeing to help him prove his innocence. 'When I saved him, I did not have experience. But now I could tell whether or not someone is contemplating suicide by looking at their back,' said Mr Chen. 'Usually their head, shoulders, buttocks and legs are completely still because they only have one thought in their mind: death.' Most of the people he saved faced one of the five issues: mental illness, emotional trauma, debts, domestic violence or terminal illness. He said the hardest people to talk down are those dealing with domestic violence or terminal illness because it is hard for them to 'see past the hurdle'. Day in and day out, Mr Chen guards the platforms of the bridge trying to bring people from the verge of death. The man's selfless practice has moved people from around the world. In 2015, his stories were turned into an award-winning film, 'Angel of Nanjing', by directors Jordan Horowitz and Frank Ferendo. Chen Si travels 20km (12.4 miles) from his home to Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge He rides his electric scooter when he goes to patrol the bridge from 8am to 5pm Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge (pictured) is believed to be China's most frequented suicide spot More than 2,000 people had committed suicide from the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge between 1968 and 2006. Above, policemen saved a suicidal woman in 2003 On September 19, Mr Chen commemorated the 13th anniversary of his volunteer work on the bridge. He posted a blog, A Bridge Journal, listing the meaningful figures to him. He had successfully stopped 321 people from attempting suicide, provided assistance to 280 people who were in need of help and spent 12,650 hours looking after those he had saved. The volunteer work had cost him 748,750 yuan (86,813), part of which had been covered by charity groups. Mr Chen not only saves people, but also helps them to regain confidence in life. He has rented a two-bedroom flat to the north of the Yangtze River so that those in need could have a place to stay after being saved from the bridge. The flat costs 1,000 yuan (116) a month. Two-thirds of the cost is covered by donations and Mr Chen pays the rest. With a monthly salary of 4,000 yuan (464), he spends half of the money on his volunteer work and hands the rest to his wife. 'I can't say my wife is happy about my volunteer work,' Mr Chen told MailOnline. 'Who would want their husband to spend this much money on strangers?' But looking forward, Mr Chen said he would carry on his work. 'I'm nearly 50 years old. I can't say I will do this forever because I don't want to give myself too much pressure. But I will certainly try my best.' The Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge used to be the poster image used by the Communist rulers - because it was the first bridge they were able to build on their own across the iconic Yangtze River. But now, the structure has evolved to represented hope and faith - because of Mr Chen who believes that 'we should treat every day of our life with kindness'. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details. In many ways, President Elect Donald Trump's arrival at Mar-a-Lago in the town of Palm Beach, for the holiday weekend parallels the visit of another president-in-waiting 56 years ago. But post-election R&R and their breathtaking beachside family estates is where the parallel between the Kennedy and Trump pre-presidency vacations end When John F. Kennedy traveled to the tony town in December 1960 shortly after his surprise win against establishment candidate Richard Nixon, JFK was headed into a deadly trap. JFK, Jackie and their children John Jr and Caroline in Palm Beach, Florida. The family traveled to the tony town in December 1960 shortly after his surprise win against establishment candidate Richard Nixon KNown as the 'Winter White House,' the Kennedys Palm Beach estate was designed in 1923 by noted society architect Addison Mizner. It is no longer owned by the family Along with wife Jackie and their two children Caroline and John Jr., and under tight security, the Kennedys took possession of the family's oceanfront property for the end-of-year holidays. The soon-to-be-president was there to rest before moving into the White House. He was spotted in restaurants with Jackie and at religious services at St. Edward, Palm Beach's Catholic church. Prefacing what would happen three years later in Dallas, Kennedy was the target of a first, little-known assassination attempt on Dec. 14, 1960 in Palm Beach. 'My husband was very proud of being one of the police officers who stopped the guy who wanted to harm the president,' retired sheriff's deputy Mary Mancino, widow of police offer Nick Mancino, tells DailyMail.com. 'One of my husband's favorite photos was one of him with Jackie Kennedy as she walked into church.' Nick Mancino, who died last year at 85, was one of several Palm Beach Police officers who pulled over a motorist with dynamite strapped around his waist and headed to the Kennedy compound. The story starts when a U.S. Secret Service bulletin hit the Palm Beach Police Department. It warned department heads and patrolmen to be on the lookout for one Richard Paul Pavlick, a 73-year-old postal service retiree driving a beat-up old Buick. The Secret Service believed Pavlick was stalking JFK after a former colleague of Pavlick's in New Hampshire contacted them. Pavlick, the tipster told authorities, was sending him postcards from random locations visited by JFK during and after the campaign. Richard Paul Pavlick, a retired New Hampshire postal worker, is led into a courtroom, charged with threatening the life of President John F. Kennedy Pavlick plotted to ram the motorcade of President-elect John F. Kennedy in Palm Beach. Police and federal agents stopped him the evening of Dec. 15, 1960 found his car loaded with explosives What's more, Pavlick was mentally unstable and was known for his anti-Catholic, anti-Kennedy rants. He believed the Kennedy family's money had bought the election. What Palm Beach cops didn't know is that Pavlick had a plan to kill Kennedy, and the material needed to bring it to fruition. Like a suicide bomber, Pavlick planned on filling his car with dynamite and ram it into Kennedy's convertible Cadillac on Dec. 11, 1960, according to newspapers of the era. Early that Sunday morning, Pavlick parked his Buick down the street from the compound at 1095 North Ocean Boulevard and waited for Kennedy's motorcade to pass by him. That's when, Pavlick wanted the explosion to occur. It didn't. According to the Miami Herald, Pavlick told police he aborted the attempt when he saw Jackie, JFK Jr. and Caroline in the president elect's car. Pavlick rescheduled for the next day. That's when Office Lester Free spotted the Buick over one of Palm Beach's bridge from West Palm Beach, and stopped it as soon as it crossed the town limits. Free died a few years ago, but in 1992, Mancino described the scene for the Herald. Donald, son Barron and Melania Trump are spending the Thanksgiving holdiay at Mar-a-Lago and were there last year before the election (above) JFK was in Palm Beach to rest. He abd his family were spotted in restaurants with Jackie and at religious services at St. Edward, Palm Beach's Catholic church 'This guy comes over the bridge with his crummy car,' Mancino said, 'weaving and crossing the double line. Lester pulled a little bit diagonal in front of him and caused him to stop.' Law enforcement agents swarmed the car and pulled out Pavlick, who wore an explosive belt. It was defused without incident. 'He's real humble and he's saying that this Kennedy's president now and he really treated the postal employees bad as a senator, and he's retired and it's going to affect his pension,' Mancino told the Herald. About a month later, Kennedy had been just sworn in when a federal judge declared the suspect mentally incompetent to stand trial. He was ordered held in a New Hampshire mental hospital until 1966. Pavlick died in 1975 in a Veterans Administration hospital in Manchester, N.H. 'Of course, the assassination attempt was a big deal in Palm Beach then,' said Mary Mancino from her home in Melbourne, Fla. 'But not to the extent of what happens today in the news.' Her husband eventually left the police department after 23 years and went on to start a private agency in the late 1980s. Mancino was then hired by Trump's first wife Ivana to help protect the family at Mar-a-Lago. 'He did most of the business through Ivana,' Mary Mancino said. 'She and Donald wanted security to keep out for curious trespassers and preserve the Trumps' privacy. 'It wasn't some heavy duty thing. Of course these days, it's all different. Business / Economy by Staff reporter "Western embassies will not support Zimbabwe except the British who want the Harare issue to be rolled over to 2017," a source said, adding: "The British want the rolling over to be a carrot for Zimbabwe so that it implements some reforms. Withholding the money is the stick." LESS than a month before the African Development Bank (AfDB) board meeting scheduled for December 7, some influential Western embassies in Harare are strongly lobbying against Zimbabwe's arrears clearance plan to international financial institutions, arguing that the country has not instituted required far-reaching reforms.Zimbabwe is expecting to receive US$600 million through a bridge facility which will, in turn, clear its arrears to the regional bank.Diplomatic sources this week said there is anxiety within government after the World Bank Group (WBG) failed to deliver a letter of comfort which would have given the green light to the arrears clearance plan - by November 15 - so that Zimbabwe could be considered for the Transition Support Facility Pillar II resources for arrears clearance of fragile states which include Somalia, Sudan and Zimbabwe."The World Bank was supposed to issue a letter of comfort following Zimbabwe's payment of US$108 million to the IMF but this has not taken place," said a source.Sources also said the Western diplomats are not going to support Zimbabwe if its issue is discussed even on the margins of the board meeting."Western embassies will not support Harare except the British who want the Zimbabwe issue to be rolled over to 2017," a source said, adding: "The British want the rolling over to be a carrot for Zimbabwe so that it implements some reforms. Withholding the money is the stick."Less than two months before the window for accessing the bridge facility closes, Zimbabwe is frantically scrambling to secure US$600 million from the regional bank to clear its arrears and avert a catastrophic setback in efforts to rescue the sinking economy.Against this backdrop, Harare wants the AfDB board meeting slated for December 7 to extend the window for it to access the bridge finance. It reportedly has the support of the British government and embassy in Harare which is now pushing for regime retention, not regime change as London previously preferred.This came at a time Zimbabwe had cleared its US$108 million debt with the IMF. Zimbabwe has been in arrears since 2001 and had to use its allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) allocated to all IMF member states in 2009 as part of a global financial rescue package to clear the outstanding amount.Diplomatic sources also said Zimbabwe has shown no appetite for reform, and there are fears that any fresh funding which may be obtained could be abused as the ruling Zanu-PF prepares for the 2018 elections."It is clear that Zimbabwe has no appetite for reforms because political reforms may deal a blow to them, while economic reforms are the only way to go," said the source."Western embassies also fear that any new funding which Zimbabwe gets may be abused as President Robert Mugabe's regime has its focus on the 2018 general elections."However in a response the British embassy said they are pressing for reforms before any discussion with the IMF."We are on record pressing for urgent and deep seated economic and political reform. There must be a track record of such reform before there can be any possibility of discussions by the boards of the IMF, World Bank and AfDB of further support to Zimbabwe. We will not allow there to be any short cuts in this process or any form of unconditional "bail out"."Our position is not isolated but reflects a common position shared by all EU members and many of our other partners. Like many partners we are concerned by the slow pace of reform since the Lima plan was announced as well as a declining human rights situation," read the statement. Despite Margaret Thatcher being PM talking business was still There may have been a woman in charge of the country for the first time, but it was business as usual for civil servants. At an economics meeting they stipulated that wives must amuse themselves while the men talked business and that women must wear short dresses. In a further memo contained in National Archives files, they ordered that men bring dressing gowns in case they were forced to share bathrooms. The Conservative cabinet pictured in 1981. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Baroness Young (Chancellor, Duchy of Lancaster) are the high-ranking female members Sir Geoffrey Howe (pictured front) was Chancellor in 1981 and headed the National Economic Development Council (pictured) A detailed guidance memo was sent out in preparation for a weekend discussing the problems facing the economy at Chevening (pictured), Sir Geoffrey Howes official residence Sir Geoffrey Howe memo summoned ministers and officials and their wives no mention of husbands to a brainstorming session at the country house. He stressed wives would join the participants at meal times, but would otherwise 'amuse themselves' The detailed guidance was preparation for a weekend discussing the problems facing the economy at Chevening, Chancellor Sir Geoffrey Howes official country residence. He summoned ministers and officials and their wives no mention of husbands to the brainstorming session at the Kent house in January 1982. In a 1982 memo, a DR Norgrove writes: Press Office have asked for a line to take about the Chevening meeting in case the press get to hear of it (something which would be undesirable). Lord Carrington attended the pictured dancing with Katharine Worsley, the Duchess of Kent, at the Alexandra Ball, Grosvenor House Under the heading cost he writes: Being held in a Government owned property, and you can certainly expect that the Treasury would not be extravagant. Under the heading wives? he writes: Yes (If asked: they are paying their own way). An earlier memo from Douglas Wass in 1981 on the dress code adds: On another, more domestic, matter I suggest that dress for the conference could suitably reflect its informal nature, although lounge suits (short dresses for the ladies) might be the tenue? For dinner on Saturday. I gather that, in one or two cases, bathrooms will be shared, and so I would advise all conference members to take dressing gowns. He adds: As you know the Chancellor is anxious that any participant of the Chevening seminar who wishes to be accompanied by his wife should be able to do so. The wives would join the participants at meal, but would otherwise amuse themselves. Would you please let me know, before the Christmas break if possible, whether you would like to be accompanied? For your information my own wife will join me. I fear that I am having to make a charge for wives, based on (short-term) marginal costs. I have provisionally put this at 20, but will give a more exact estimate next week when I have seen the costings. He also refers to the attendees as a call list of ministers. GEOFFREY HOWE PLEADED FOR A NEW KITCHEN WHEN HE MOVED INTO NO 11 Denis Healey (pictured) phoned his sucecessor Geoffrey Howe with a message from his wife Edna who had advice on no 11's sink When Geoffrey Howe was appointed chancellor in 1979, the first message he received was not a congratulations but advice on his kitchen sink. His predecessor Denis Healey phoned with a message from his wife Edna urging the new incumbent of No 11 to replace the positively antediluvian fittings. Even the Treasury conceded that a kitchen refit was long overdue, according to the latest release of files from the National Archives at Kew, south-west London. The documents reveal Sir Geoffrey repeatedly asked for permission from new Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for the refit. But they suggest Mrs Thatcher was reluctant to give permission for the work to go ahead personally at a time when the new government was preparing for major spending cuts. And despite the fact a woman was in charge of the country for the first time, civil servants had yet to embrace equality of the sexes. For an economics meeting hosted by the chancellor they insisted that wives must amuse themselves while the men talked business and that women should wear short dresses. A 1981 memo about the weekend gathering at Chevening House, Sir Geoffreys grace and favour residence in Kent, suggested dress for the conference could suitably reflect its informal nature lounge suits (short dresses for the ladies). Advertisement Apartment giant Meriton faces legal action after it allegedly 'masked' hundreds of complaints on travel website TripAdvisor. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission took the company to the Federal Court on Thursday over claims of misleading and deceptive conduct after a year-long investigation. The serviced apartment chain was last year accused of breaching TripAdvisor's rules by preventing guests at its luxury hotels from posting negative reviews on the website, according to an ex-hotel manager in Sydney. Scroll down for video Meriton Serviced Apartments has been accused of breaching TripAdvisor's rules by preventing guests at its luxury hotels from posting negative reviews on the travel website, according to an ex-hotel manager Emails obtained by ABC's 7.30 program allegedly show guests being offered bribes to change their review from low to high and how staff are encouraged not to email TripAdvisor feedback forms to customers who complain. 'We allege that Meriton's conduct was a deliberate practice, undertaken at the direction of Meriton's senior management, aimed at minimising the number of negative reviews,' ACCC commissioner Sarah Court said in a statement. 'This practice was likely to create a more positive or favourable impression of the standard, quality, or suitability of accommodation services provided by Meriton.' But Meriton Serviced Apartments said it would fight the allegations. 'In every Meriton Serviced Apartment there is a notice inviting all guests to review their stay on TripAdvisor,' group general counsel Joseph Callaghan said in a statement. 'Meriton does not agree that the public has ever been deceived or misled. The proceedings will be defended.' Of the 3,270 TripAdvisor reviews on the Kent Street apartments in Sydney, only 31 'terrible' reviews have been posted compared to the 1,948 'excellent' reviews Every guest who stays at Meriton should be sent a TripAdvisor feedback form following their stay, but staff are allegedly told to use tactics to make sure those who have complained do not receive the survey Of the 3,270 TripAdvisor reviews on the Kent Street apartments in Sydney, only 31 'terrible' reviews have been posted compared to the 1,948 'excellent' reviews. The Broadbeach serviced apartments on the Gold Coast have 2,778 top-rating reviews and just 19 one-star rated feedback. Every guest who stays at Meriton should be sent a TripAdvisor feedback form following their stay, but staff are allegedly told to use tactics to make sure those who have complained do not receive the survey. The former employee told 7.30 the tactic is referred to as 'masking' and involves intentionally causing emails to guests to be invalidated and bounce back by adding 'MSA' to their email addresses. 'I have gone through the duty log for the past few days and a couple of accounts were not masked,' an internal email from a hotel manager allegedly said. 'This guest was stuck in their shower and then had to pull the door off to get out. This should definitely be masked. 'I need each of you to ensure that you are being proactive to prevent these comments reaching TA [TripAdvisor].' Another email showed Meriton staff offering discounts for positive reviews, despite it being prohibited under TripAdvisor's rules. 'If you ever do change your mind in regards to removing your review, please allow to compensate you $100 off your whole stay, which is a little over 10 per cent in total,' the email to an angry guest apparently said. Misleading and deceptive conduct carries a maximum penalty of $1.1 million per breach, according to the ACCC's website. Of the 3,270 TripAdvisor reviews on the Kent Street apartments in Sydney, only 31 'terrible' reviews have been posted compared to the 1,948 'excellent' reviews The former employee told 7.30 the tactic is referred to as 'masking' and involves intentionally causing emails to guests to bounce back by adding 'MSA' to their email addresses Meriton issued a statement in 2015 saying the company was a long-time supporter of TripAdvisor and its online community. 'All guests are able to provide comments on TripAdvisor and other forums in relation to their stay at any hotel with or without invites being sent. 'In the past 12 months, Meriton Serviced Apartments has received over 52,000 online guest reviews it is important to note that the reviews on TripAdvisor make up just 20% of these. 'Meriton Serviced Apartments takes all claims of bribery very seriously and does not condone this conduct. Meriton Serviced Apartments is dedicated to responding to its guests and where possible, working with reviewers on TripAdvisor to correct any service failings when they are identified. 'We are committed to improving our product and service and it is through the valuable and honest feedback that we receive on sites like TripAdvisor that enable us to do this. It is not in our interest to prevent guests from sharing their experiences online.' After a year-long investigation, the ACCC is taking Meriton to the High Court of Australia They allege misleading and deceptive conduct which carries a maximum penalty of $1.1million per breach They may not be household names but they are the original Brexiteers, the stormtroopers of Euroscepticism. Nigel Farage was a young pup, still in his 30s, and the likes of Michael Gove and Boris Johnson were still working as Fleet Street scribblers when this lot were already out in all weathers, fighting what they regarded as an insidious attempt by the forces of European integration to undermine the British national identity. Along the way, they were mocked, abused and chased down the street. They were even arrested a few times. For a long time, their goal seemed impossible: to change every last metric sign in the United Kingdom back to imperial units. Even now that victory is assured, Derek Norman, the leader of the metric marauders, says he is not giving up at the age of 82. Nowhere has been too challenging for this band of brothers and sisters. Their targets have included the Tower of London and the Palace of Westminster itself, where they managed to alter a sign in broad daylight under the noses of the police. Crusade: Derek Norman, 82, with a collection of metric road signs that have been removed In the early days, they were condemned as vandals. One magistrate even dished out a conviction for criminal damage (later overturned). But, gradually, they started clocking up small victories a successful legal appeal here, an apology from a council there. Over time, they would succeed in proving that what they were doing was actually legal. And come this summers Brexit referendum result, they could legitimately conclude that the war was over. Even so, they are not disbanding their unit Active Resistance to Metrication (ARM) just yet. They may all be well past retirement age. But the self-appointed guardians of the yard, the furlong and the mile (motto: Give the Foot a Hand) tell me that they are not quite done. The staunch Brexiteer is still travelling the country and removing or changing 'hated' EU metric road signs Sitting in his comfy armchair, slippers on and teacup in hand, their octogenarian honorary leader sounds a little like an old gangland capo as he plots one more job. There are a couple of signs near Cambridge Ive got my eye on, says Derek Norman at his Huntingdon home. One says Depot 200 metres and the other Depot 100 metres. The only problem is that the parking is a bit awkward. And I dont want to walk for miles. Much as the Euro-fanatics would like to depict him as a dinosaur, Derek is actually a firm believer in metric units for certain tasks. Im an engineer by training and metric is perfectly all right for wiring and technical measurements, says the former Royal Air Force corporal who went on to run his own television and radio repair business. But we should keep our old imperial units for everyday use because theyre part of who we are. Derek, pictured, and his friend, Tony Bennett, a retired Essex solicitor, now 69, were Ukip activists during the 1999 European elections During the campaign, Derek and his friend Tony heard talk of plans in Whitehall to switch the whole of Britain over to metric signs It must be said the story of these underground saboteurs is not so much Guns of Navarone as Last of the Summer Wine with a touch of Only Fools and Horses. The glorious middle-class respectability of the whole project is summed up perfectly by its email address: rebeldel@waitrose.com. But it was a deadly earnest operation when it got off the ground shortly before the millennium. Derek and his friend, Tony Bennett, a retired Essex solicitor, now 69, had been local Ukip activists during the 1999 European elections. During the campaign, they heard talk of plans in Whitehall to switch the whole of Britain over to metric signs, a project already well underway in the Republic of Ireland. They founded a group who made it their mission to change road signs back to imperial The group tried writing to the council pointing out the signs were falling foul of British laws - but when their complaints fell on deaf ears they took matters into their own hands So about eight of us met at Tonys house and set up ARM. They made me chairman and Tony secretary. Then we did our first job in Northampton. They had written to the local council pointing out that several road hump warning signs were in metres, a contravention of the 1994 Traffic Regulations. This decrees that all distances should be in miles and yards and that any sign which incorporates metric distances is not a traffic sign within the meaning of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. Metric units are acceptable only on signs relating to height and width and then only if imperial equivalents are also included. At its peak the group, called ARM or Active Resistance to Metrication, had about 100 members To deflect accusations of vandalism, the volunteers developed professional techniques for amending signs rather than removing them When Northampton council staff refused to change their road hump signs, the ARM team got cracking. Using ladders and spanners, they removed the signs and left them in a ditch. A movement was born. It was soon boosted by public fury at the prosecution of metric martyr Steve Thoburn, a Sunderland greengrocer, for selling his fruit and veg in pounds and ounces. At its peak, ARM would boast around 100 members. And to deflect accusations of vandalism, the volunteers developed professional techniques for amending signs rather than removing them. They had their own uniform fluorescent hi-vis vests. Its amazing how everyone assumes youre official when youre wearing one of those, says Derek. On occassion the group has come into conflict with the police and furious council staff after they changed signs or took them down Active Resistance to Metrication members even wore a uniform fluorescent hi-vis vests And, like all good resistance units, they adopted codenames to protect their identities on operations. Im Wun Tun, chuckles Derek, who does love a Chinese takeaway. And Im Half Pint, adds his wife and loyal henchwoman, Kay. Sometimes, Kay would operate as look-out while Derek and Tony (codename Hundredweight) climbed up their ladders. At times, she has been a very effective decoy. One of my proudest moments was at the Houses of Parliament, of all places, where they had these signs in metres, says Derek. Kay takes up the story: My friend, Helene, and I got talking to these two policemen and we kept them talking while Derek and Tony got to work. Moments later, the men had glued on five plates with imperial distances. ARM still has a network of spotters across the country but say less new signs are appearing Derek has taken down or altered nearly 2,000 signs, but says his work will only be done once they are all gone But there have been some stressful moments, not least confrontations with the police and furious council staff. Just this summer, a car park manager in Harlow, Essex, went berserk as the gang added imperial units to a height sign. Tony Bennett has been arrested seven times and, in 2002, was prosecuted after amending some metric road signs in Kent. He was convicted of theft and criminal damage and sentenced to 50 hours of community service. Undaunted, he appealed and was delighted when a judge not only quashed the convictions but also ordered the council involved to desist from erecting any more metric signs. From that moment on, the metric marauders felt they had the law on their side. Even so, some councils would continue to erect metric signs in anticipation of eventual metrication. We always contact them and try to be friendly but robust, says Tony. Its usually an inadvertent error by a junior highways engineer. But if they wont listen, then it is an illegal sign and it should come down. Some councils would erect metric signs in anticipation of the eventual metrication of Britain Derek admits there isnt a lot left for us to do now as councils seem to be getting the message ARM still has a network of spotters across the country but, to their great satisfaction, reports of fresh sightings are on the wane. The message, it seems, has finally sunk in with local authorities. There isnt a lot left for us to do now, says Derek. The British Weights and Measures Association, which campaigns for imperial units (honorary members J K Rowling, Ian Botham, Sir Ranulph Fiennes et al), is full of praise for the ARM campaigners and has given Tony Bennett its Inch Perfect Award. It's not just Schoolies having a good time on the Gold Coast this week, as this hilarious video proves. A police officer has been caught on camera dancing with a teenager on a beach, busting some quite remarkable moves. Schoolie Jordie Ward posted a video on Facebook of him getting his groove on with the unidentified cop and it has now been seen nearly 150,000 times. A police officer has been caught on camera dancing with a Schoolie on a beach in Gold Coast, busting some quite remarkable moves Schoolie Jordie Ward posted a video on Facebook of him getting his groove on with the unidentified cop and it has now been seen nearly 150,000 times In the amusing video, the police officer is seen spinning around on the beach and flashing his torch while Jordie dances enthusiastically. The teenager laughs and cheers the cop on - but a passer-by does not look that interested as he walks past without giving the dancing duo a second look. The police officer is in his full uniform and appears to be on shift, but seems to be taking a break from work for a moment. His antics came on a night of 28 arrests in Surfers Paradise, including 13 Schoolies who were mostly detained on suspicion of public nuisance offences. The police officer is in his full uniform and appears to be on shift, but seems to be taking a break from work for a moment Another police officer donned a Deadpool mask in this snap taken on a beach in Gold Coast Police joined in the fun in Western Australia too, where officers in Dunsborough got up on stage to join hundreds of school leavers partying Police joined in the fun in Western Australia too, where officers in Dunsborough got up on stage to join hundreds of school leavers partying. They showed off their dance moves on stage - and even stopped to take a selfie in front of the crowd. The police have been kept busy dealing with unruly teenagers during Schoolies. In the early hours of Thursday morning, a 17-year-old fractured their hip after falling two stories from a balcony at Surfers Paradise while trying to retrieve a lost item from a ledge. On Monday night, a huge brawl broke out after an Australian man mocked a group of New Zealanders performing the haka. Also earlier in the week, a young woman was booted out of her accommodation for climbing over the edge of the balcony onto a ledge. Philip Hammond has told Nigel Farage not to 'hold his breath' after he offered help on how to deal with Donald Trump. The Ukip leader said he was willing to go to Downing Street to give the Prime Minister a one-on-one briefing on the president-elect. But the Chancellor yesterday rejected Mr Farage's offer to act as a go-between with the Trump administration. Waiting for a call: Philip Hammond said he would phone Nigel Farage if he ever wanted any advice before adding: 'Tell him not to hold his breath' Mr Hammond told Good Morning Britain: 'If I ever need any advice from Nigel Farage, I've got his number, and I'll give him a call. Tell him not to hold his breath.' It comes as Mr Farage mulls a permanent move to the other side of the pond to start a new life. The 52-year-old has told friends that he is 'seriously considering' leaving Britain because he can no longer go out in the evenings as he has become such a polarising figure in the wake of the referendum. Mr Farage, who believes he would be 'freer' in the States, is thought to have been offered lucrative job opportunities, including with television network Fox News. 'Great idea': Nick Clegg welcomed the suggestion that Nigel Farage could become an ambassador in the United States In the aftermath of Mr Trump's election a fortnight ago, Mr Farage caused embarrassment for Number 10 when he became the first senior British politician to secure a meeting. Then earlier this week, the president-elect shocked Westminster by suggesting that the interim Ukip leader would make a good ambassador to Washington. Downing Street responded by saying there was 'no vacancy' for a role of ambassador. Commons leader David Lidington later said in Parliament that Mr Farage's attendance record in Brussels and Strasbourg suggested he might not be suited to the role of ambassador. 'The last time I checked, Mr Farage had a very well-paid job as a Member of the European Parliament,' he said. 'Although regrettably he also had one of the worst attendance records at the European Parliament of any other member, which suggests to me that to head up a UK embassy might not be a job to which he is particularly suited.' CARSWELL REFUSES TO RULE OUT RETURN TO THE TORIES Ukip's only MP, Douglas Carswell, yesterday refused to rule out returning to Conservatives before the next election. The Clacton MP defected in 2014 but has been engaged in a long-running feud with Mr Farage over the direction of the party. Asked if he would consider going back to his old party, Mr Carswell told the House magazine: 'I suspect the next general election will be in 2020, who knows what the world will look like then? 'I support the Government because it's a Brexit government I want this government to be a success.' His comments are a marked shift from February, when he said: 'Personally, no disrespect to any of them, but I am through with the Conservatives - I'm not going to become a Conservative again.' Advertisement However, former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg told CNN that offering Mr Farage a job as ambassador was an 'absolutely great idea'. 'Send Nigel Farage to Washington and let him spend all his time in cocktail parties on the diplomatic circuit. That would be great, as far as I'm concerned,' he said. At a party thrown in his honour at the Ritz Hotel on Wednesday night, Mr Farage warned the Conservative Party they could face a shock at the next election if they fail to properly deliver Brexit. He said: 'In this country, the people have spoken, but the same players have just been shuffled around the chess board and we are still being run by the career professional political class. 'I am not sure what is going to happen over the course of the next couple of years but I suspect there's another big seismic shock in British politics perhaps going to come at the next election. 'I suspect that the Conservative Party is not fit for the legacy of Brexit. I suspect there is going to be a genuine realignment of British politics over the course of the next three or four years. A former tax office employee is suing the Australian Taxation Office for over a million dollars after allegedly suffering six years of racist bullying from her boss. Iva Ilijevski, a former GST compliance officer, is suing the ATO for $1 million dollars in compensation after she quit her job as a result of the alleged racism she endured under her former boss at the Melbourne branch because of her Croatian heritage, the Canberra Times reported. Ms Ilijevski is also claiming $250,000 for emotional pain, suffering and to cover legal costs. Former GST compliance officer Iva Ilijevski is suing her former employers the Australian Tax Office for allegedly suffering six years of racist bullying from her then supervisor (stock image) At last month's hearing at the Federal Circuit Court in Melbourne, she tried to prove the ATO had bullied her under section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, which Judge Suzanne Jones dismissed. Judge Jones also dismissed the ATO's claims the alleged bullying were 'no more than mere slights' and their attempt at trying to get the case thrown out as an abuse of process or transferred to another court. Court documents allege Ms Ilijevski did not suffer from any racial discrimination in her first six years with the ATO. But following a change of supervisor in 2008, she alleged she was subjected to bullying and racial slurs that had a severe impact on her mental health and ended her career. Such statements said to her allegedly include: 'Do you live in a w** double-storey house with arches and lions?' and 'all you w**s would think about is money, money, money'. The case will be heard next February at the Federal Circuit Court of Melbourne (pictured) It was also alleged the supervisor arranged his team's seating so he would be able to ridicule and mock her for speaking Croatian to non-English speaking parents when her family was making care plans for her sick father. After December 2012, she went on sick leave and never returned to work. Ms Ilijevski was diagnosed with adjustment disorder, general anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and granted retirement. Judge Jones ruled the case would be heard on February 13, 2017 at the Federal Circuit Court of Melbourne. A city council had decided to celebrate Australia Day two days after the rest of the nation because of cultural sensitivities. The City of Fremantle moved Australia Day from January 26 to January 28 because the West Australian council claims it was not an appropriate day of celebration. Earlier this year, Mayor Brad Pettitt took part in cancelling Australia Day fireworks deeming it an uncomfortable date to celebrate. Australia Day marks the arrival of the First Fleet of ships from Britain in NSW on January 26, 1788 (Stock Image) Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt (pictured) said Australia Day was not a day of celebration The people of Fremantle will be celebrating Australia Day two days later (Stock Image) In his second controversial decision, the people of Fremantle will be celebrating Australia Day two days later. 'I'm not saying it's the wrong date, I just think there are probably better dates,' Mayor Pettitt said to Gary Adshead in 6PR radio. 'I think it is an unavoidable national conversation we're are going to have over the next few years. 'I can't see that January 26 is going to be a day that really will bring Australian's together. I know that is what people have tried to make it, and I really respect that. And I guess what has happened is as hard as we have tried as a country to make that a unifying date, it isn't really.' While the mayor said it is up to people what they would like to do on January 26, the idea to celebrate an all inclusive day was developed after conversations with local Aboriginal elders. 'The majority of Aboriginal elders I've spoken to in the Fremantle area, would rather we had another day than January 26.' Mr Pettitt said the council said it had heard 'loud and clear' from local Aboriginal elders that it was not a day to celebrate. The celebrations will take place on Saturday 28 as part of Fremantle's One Day community event. Councillors have stressed that they were yet to decide on a permanent date. But former West Australian of the Year Robert Isaacs told the publication he had not heard of any complaints from his Aboriginal community. 'It's not in line with community attitudes,' he said. 'I strongly condemn them for this whole thing... Australia Day is Australia Day.' Beaconsfield ward Cr Dave Hume told Daily Mail Australia the decision to move the celebrations to the 28th was to make it an all inclusive day around the traditional public holiday. Mayor Pettitt was also involved in the decision to cancel Australia Day fireworks in August this year after city councillors voted against the event (Stock Image) Mr Hume also said the council 'pulled out of 20 minutes of fireworks' costing '$150,000' on Australia Day. Mayor Pettitt was also involved in the decision to cancel Australia Day fireworks in August this year after city councillors voted against the expensive event. 'For many Aboriginal Australians it is indeed a day of sadness and dispossession,' Mr Pettitt said earlier this year. 'This does not just refer to Indigenous involvement but the involvement of many other Australians who feel increasingly uncomfortable with the date and what it represents.' A group of anti-Australia Day fireworks protesters affiliated with the group Australians of British Heritage for Indigenous Justice and Reconcilliation showed up in front of council chamber to protest earlier this year. Talking to Gary Adshead on 6PR, Indigenous Elder Dr Robert Isaacs was scathing on the decision to move Australia Day. He said, 'this is divisive and concerning' and Australians should 'Stick with it, Australia day is a day for everyone'. Australia Day marks the arrival of the First Fleet of ships from Britain in NSW on January 26, 1788. 'VOTE RESPECT': The decision came after a demonstration by #FireworksFreeFreo protesters earlier this year Joe Cox's killer Thomas Mair (pictured) urged a pro-apartheid magazine to publish his sick dream that the white race will prevail The racist killer of MP Jo Cox publicly declared he had nothing to hide about his vile neo-Nazi views almost 30 years ago. Thomas Mair urged a pro-apartheid magazine to publish his sick dream that the white race will prevail and warning of a long and very bloody struggle. As the 53-year-old begins a whole life sentence for the murder of Labour MP Mrs Cox, his hateful views can be revealed in his own words. In two handwritten letters penned in 1988, he rages about mobs of Reds and Blacks, signing one Racial Regards. Enclosing 10 for further copies of the magazine South Africa Patriot he suggests he too has published propaganda aimed at white supremacists. In a third typewritten letter nine years later, he brands white liberals and traitors as the greatest enemy and blames them for ending apartheid. It was heartening to see that you are still carrying on the struggle, he wrote. The letters which were sent to the editor of SA Patriot, Alan Harvey raise fresh questions about how the lone wolf extremist managed to stay under the radar his entire life. Despite amassing a shocking collection of racist propaganda he had never come to the attention of authorities before. The letters offer an insight into the mind of a murderer who refused to speak to police or give evidence in his own defence. In the first, written February 15, 1988, Mair rails against the British media propaganda offensive against South Africa as it presents whites in the worst possible light. Requesting more back issues of the magazine, he adds: The nationalist movement in the UK also continues to fight on against all odds Patriots who try to spread the word openly, by selling newspapers in the street, are attacked by mobs of Reds and Blacks. Mair's letters (pictured) which were sent to the editor of SA Patriot, Alan Harvey raise fresh questions about how the lone wolf extremist managed to stay under the radar his entire life As Mair begins a whole life sentence for the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox (pictured), his hateful views can be revealed in his own words Despite everything I still have faith that the white race will prevail, both in Britain and South Africa, but I fear that it is going to be a very long and bloody struggle. In the second letter, dated August 2, 1988, Mair commiserates with the publishers financial problems, writing: Running an independent publication on a shoestring budget can be frustrating, as I know from personal experience. Clearly asking if his previous letters could be published, he adds: I would be honoured to appear in your magazine. Please use my real name, I have nothing to hide. Police chiefs have warned far-Right referrals to the Government anti-extremism programme outnumber those about Muslim radicals in some areas. There were 561 cases involving the extreme Right wing in 2015-16, a 74 per cent increase on the 323 cases the previous year. They will be concerned that Mair escaped detection despite using public computers to plot the murder, purchasing racist overseas publications and appearing in leaked documents obtained by a US human rights group. Police are continuing to hunt whoever supplied the .22 rifle Mair used to shoot Mrs Cox (pictured) Police are continuing to hunt whoever supplied the .22 rifle Mair used to shoot Mrs Cox. The weapon was stolen from a car boot 11 months earlier and investigators suspect Mair did not adapt it, by sawing off the barrel, himself. Last night, Mairs half-brother Duane St Louis, 43, said he was disgusted by the murder of Mrs Cox. Mr St Louis was born after their mother started a relationship with Reginald St Louis, originally from Grenada. He deserves life in prison because hes not safe to come out, he said. I would have disowned him had I known he was a racist. Neighbours said Mair never allowed anyone to see inside his home, where he assembled a remarkable library of hate. SA Patriot editor Alan Harvey, who now lives in Herne Bay, Kent, said he had never spoken to Mair. He said those behind the magazine tried to stage a meeting in Yorkshire in 2005 to drum up support but Mair did not respond to an invitation. Britain will benefit from a 32billion Brexit dividend when it no longer has to send cash to Brussels, official forecasts reveal Britain will benefit from a 32billion Brexit dividend when it no longer has to send cash to Brussels, official forecasts reveal. In an explosive open letter today, a cross party group of MPs led by Michael Gove reignites one of the most bitter rows of the referendum campaign by demanding much of the cash is poured into the NHS. The claim by Vote Leave that quitting the EU would allow the UK to take back control of billions of pounds was one of the key battlegrounds in the June 23 contest. The Remain camp furiously contested the claims. Since losing the referendum, they have repeatedly demanded to know where the extra money for the Health Service is. Now, tucked away in the back of this weeks Autumn Statement, a forecast has emerged showing that Britain is expected to stop tipping any money into the Brussels coffers in 2019-20. It states that the total gross savings not counting the UKs rebate from no longer having to pay into the EU budget are over 16billion every year, amounting to a total of 50.7billion over three years following Brexit. The Government has already pledged to spend some of these savings, in order to match all EU funding for farmers and science. But, according to the Change Britain group led by Mr Gove, this still leaves a net contribution of more than 10billion a year, that ministers can now invest in other things like the NHS. Over the course of three years, the pot is worth 31.9billion or around 200million a week according to the campaign. In an explosive open letter today, a cross party group of MPs led by Michael Gove reignites one of the most bitter rows of the referendum campaign by demanding much of the cash is poured into the NHS The MPs, which include three ex-Tory cabinet ministers, said their argument there would be a Brexit dividend had been confirmed by the Office for Budget Responsibility figures. The joint statement says: When we leave the EU we will be able to take back control of the billions of pounds of taxpayers money we send to Brussels each year. We will be able to decide how we spend that money rather than EU bureaucrats. The OBR has revealed that the British people will get back over 10billion net a year once we leave the EU. We believe that this Brexit dividend should be spent on our priorities the most important of which is our NHS. Britain has a hugely exciting future outside of the EU. We will be able to do trade deals with fast growing countries, create a fair immigration system and we will once again be able to spend our money on our priorities. Other signatories include ex-ministers John Redwood and Peter Lilley, along with leading Labour MP Gisela Stuart a key figure in the Vote leave campaign. Steve Baker, the Tory backbencher who leads a group of Eurosceptic MPs, is also on board. The MPs, which include three ex-Tory cabinet ministers, said their argument there would be a Brexit dividend had been confirmed by the Office for Budget Responsibility figures The claim by the Vote Leave campaign that Britain could take back control of 350million a week when it left the EU was one of the most charged of the referendum. The figure included a rebate, which the UK has to send to Brussels only to have them send it back again. Mr Gove was one of the most divisive figures of all during the campaign saying that he had had enough of experts who said Brexit would harm the economy. His signature on todays letter is likely to reignite his clashes with Remainers. It comes at a time when the Government is under fire for not providing more cash for the NHS and social care in the Autumn statement. Yesterday ex-Tory health secretary Andrew Lansley was critical of the disappointing decision not to hand over extra money Yesterday ex-Tory health secretary Andrew Lansley was critical of the disappointing decision not to hand over extra money. Lord Lansley added: The next two years are going to be incredibly difficult and I think the time is now for trying to put some measures in place to try and help health and social care through those next two years. The Autumn Statement said there would be no extra money for the NHS beyond the 10billion already announced despite rising hospital deficits. Remain campaigners insist the referendum has left Britain worse off. Last night a health minister urged Remainers in the House of Lords to stop moaning about Brexit and try to make a success of it instead. Lord Prior of Brampton, who voted to Remain, said it was sometimes as if the House of Lords which has made noises about seeking to block Brexit was preparing a dossier on why the British people got it wrong. He said: Its about time we listened to what the British people said. They voted to leave the EU and it does us no credit as a House to keep on moaning and moaning about why. We have voted to leave the EU and weve now got to make the most of it. We can make a success of it and use Brexit as a catalyst for change. Shocking: Britain's largest police force is bungling three out of every four cases of child abuse and sexual exploitation (posed by models), a damning report has found Britain's largest police force is bungling three out of every four cases of child abuse and sexual exploitation, a damning report has found. Scotland Yard is endangering thousands of vulnerable children by committing serious errors in handling investigations, the police watchdog says today. Boys and girls were being placed at greater risk from paedophiles, gangs and violent thugs because of failings in police responses, according to HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC). A source close to the inspection 'This is the most damning review in the history of HMIC.' Inspectors expressed significant concerns that the Metropolitan Police was falling well short of expected standards for protecting children. In a review of 374 cases, 278 or 74 per cent were rated inadequate or requires improvement. Only one in five was classified good. HMIC referred 38 cases back to the Met because they contained evidence of a continued risk of significant harm to a child. In one case, a 14-year-old schoolgirl disclosed she had been plied with alcohol and cigarettes, then sexually assaulted by a 30-year-old man who groomed her online. But a police officer was not assigned to the case for 17 days during which time the paedophile continued to message the girl, begging to meet her after school. In another instance, police were alerted to a ten-year-old girl who was suspected of being abused by her violent father, who had also raped and stabbed her mother in front of her. However, after the father was charged with assault and bailed, no officer contacted the child or investigated the concerns. Home Secretary Amber Rudd said she had requested public quarterly reports from HMIC on the Mets progress. She added: The findings of this report are profoundly concerning. They raise serious issues that must be urgently addressed. The scathing 113-page report was published just weeks after a senior judge blasted Scotland Yard for numerous errors in its botched Operation Midland investigation into claims of a VIP paedophile ring. Scotland Yard's handling of child abuse cases has been criticised - in a report branded the worst by inspectors in history And HMIC found of 40 custody cases, 39 resulted in children being kept in cells. HMIC inspector Matt Parr, who wrote the damaging dossier, said: We found serious errors of judgment, inconsistency, unacceptable delays and a lack of leadership which meant that children are not being protected properly. Far too many of the cases we looked at fell well short of expected standards and meant that victims werent protected, evidence was lost and offenders continued to pose a risk to children. Sir Thomas Winsor, the Chief Inspector of Constabulary, said: Protecting the vulnerable, particularly children, is perhaps the most important job that police officers and staff undertake. Staff whose job it is to respond to and investigate these challenging and often distressing cases need to be competent, trained, and supported: this is not the case consistently in the Met. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: This deeply troubling report has found that, too often, children in our city have been let down when they are most in need. This is simply unacceptable and things must change. The report inspected how the Met dealt with cases of children at risk of abuse or sexual exploitation. It came amid concerns that forces had failed to take the issue seriously enough, in the wake of a string of sex gang scandals, including in Rotherham, Oxford and Derby. Inspectors were astonished to learn Scotland Yard did not have a dedicated chief officer responsible for child protection leading to an indefensible lack of strategic oversight of this very important issue. The Met placed a greater focus on tackling crimes such as burglary and car theft than on child protection and staff did not properly assess or speak to youngsters at significant risk of sexual abuse and grooming. Too many officers were not properly trained and often they were unaware of sex offenders in their area, including those who posed a very high danger to children. The forces computer systems for storing information on at-risk children were fragmentary and there were often unacceptable delays in gathering evidence in order to protect children, with some probes taking years. Scotland Yard apologised for failing to provide the best possible protection to children. Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt said: Child protection often involves complex social problems which cannot be solved by the police alone, however we have an important role to protect them from further harm as often we arrive in a childs life when they are already in crisis. News / National by Stephen Jakes Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence marks a time when Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) joins the rest of the world and collaborates with community members and its stakeholders in highlighting issues pertinent to preventing and ending violence against women and girls.ZPP said this year's theme is From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Make education safe for all."As part of its mandate, ZPP monitors the violations to women's rights and has come to realise that depriving women of education results in them being deprived of a myriad of rights. ZPP is inspired, in its peace building initiatives, to include awareness-raising on gender-based violence, women's human rights and children's rights," ZPP said."ZPP is aware that both boys and girls are vulnerable to different forms of violence in and around the education system. This partly stems from Zimbabwe being a patriarchal society with deeply rooted gender norms, stereotypes, systematic inequalities and unequal power dynamics based on gender."ZPP said as the country goes through the El Nino induced drought it's also paramount to recognise that poverty and hunger further exacerbate the vulnerability of women and children."In Goromonzi South an increasing number of children, most of whom are girls, are dropping out of school due to hunger and opting to offer manual labour in exchange for vegetables and other basic food commodities. ZPP calls on the responsible Ministry as well as the school institutions to play a transformative role in shifting harmful gender norms like girls dropping out of school to fend for their families," said ZPP."ZPP has also noted with concern that women bear the brunt of discrimination on political lines when food and other aid are distributed. This affects peace in the home and in the world. ZPP therefore demands that the responsible authorities take seriously complaints of food being distributed along political lines."The organisation said women unfortunately became targets and also witnessed some gruesome acts of violence in the run up to the Norton by-election and during some of the protests."ZPP therefore implores government to adopt comprehensive, gender-responsive and multisectoral action plans to eliminate gender-based violence and enact laws that will protect women and girls from all forms of violence," said ZPP."As ZPP continues to monitor and document human rights violations it is concerned that the number of women affected by the violations far exceeds the number that affects men. While women are direct victims of human rights violations their situation is made worse as most men affected by human rights violations are related to a woman in one way or the other."ZPP said in its community initiatives ZPP has learnt that peaceful communities are better placed to end harmful social and cultural beliefs."ZPP has hosted sporting tournaments that place women and girls as equal and capable competitors in a bid to use the platforms to address conflicts that risk tearing apart whole communities," said ZPP."The prevention of violence against women and girls should not just be a cause for concern for Zimbabwe and other countries around the world during the 16 days of activism but it should be a culture that is adopted and fostered throughout the year. ZPP challenges all responsible stakeholders to adopt an attitude that is conscious on bringing down violence against women and girls."ZPP said it was founded in 2000 by a group of faith based and human rights NGOs working and interested in human rights and peace-building initiatives."ZPP has become a vehicle for civic interventions in times of political crises. In particular, ZPP seeks to monitor and document incidents of human rights violations and breaches of peace," ZPP said. The Metropolitan Police is appealing for witnesses and video footage They then attacked two officers and kicked one of them on the ground Most of the children in New Cross were still wearing their school A group of 30 children attacked two police officers and stomped on a man's head when they gathered to watch a fight between two girls after school. The 'truly shocking' and 'violent' incident was caught on camera and shows the youngsters - most still wearing their school uniform - attack the officers. They had all gathered outside the school in New Cross, south London, to witness the arranged fight - which had been publicised on WhatsApp. The uniformed officers - a man and a woman - both suffered blows after being kicked and punched by the large mob. They were on a routine patrol of the area when they noticed a large knife being concealed by a young male. Two uniformed officers were violently assaulted by a group of up to 30 schoolchildren in Goodwood Road near the junction with New Cross Road But the children were quick to pin the male officer to a car bonnet before the trouble escalated and they managed to get him on the ground. A swarm of schoolchildren then surrounded the officer and it was then when members of the violent group started to stomp on the helpless officer's head. Eventually, the female officer was able to pull the man up and get him away from the crowd. Witnesses told The Sun that the schoolchildren gathered around the two officers 'like a pack of feral wolves'. Following the onslaught, the male officer's hat was removed and he ended up sat down on the pavement, looking dazed and confused. The victim was eventually taken to hospital where he was treated for severe bruising. The female officer was punched in the jaw when she tried to rescue him. One resident from New Cross told the newspaper: 'There was a fight, then the police turned up and were attacked by the kids. They were like a pack of feral wolves.' Ken Marsh, chairman of the rank-and-file Metropolitan Police Federation branch, added: 'This film is truly shocking. These images highlight the dangers that police officers face day in and day out while patrolling the streets.' Two girls from different south London schools agreed to meet and fight and shocked witnesses said a few of the children 'gave him a kicking on the floor'. A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and was bailed following the incident on November 9. The Metropolitan Police is appealing for witnesses, while the council and two schools are assisting in the investigation. A police spokesman said: 'Police in Lewisham are appealing for information and witnesses to a vicious attack on two police officers and are urging anyone with mobile phone footage of the incident to come forward. 'Two uniformed officers were violently assaulted by a group of up to 30 schoolchildren in Goodwood Road near the junction with New Cross Road. They had all gathered outside the school near New Cross, south London (pictured) 'The officers approached the group during routine patrols of the area and noticed a large knife being concealed by a young male. 'After attempting to search the suspect, one of the officers was violently punched in the face several times by some of the other youths, causing him to fall to the ground. 'The second officer stepped in to help her colleague and in doing so was also punched in the jaw. 'The group continued to assault the officer on the floor by repeatedly kicking him in the head, leaving him with serious bruising and damaging his mobile phone. 'Officers are aware that a number of members of the public witnessed the attack and captured it on their mobile phones, and are now urging those people to come forward and speak to police.' Detective Sergeant Jenny White, of Lewisham Police, added: 'I'm appealing to anyone who witnessed this shocking attack on two officers to come forward and speak with us, particularly anyone with mobile phone footage of the incident. 'It happened at a very busy time of the day and there would've been a large number of people in the area. 'These officers go to work every day to keep the public safe and this demonstrates the dangers the police can face while carrying out these duties.' Advertisement The latest episode of The Grand Tour sees Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond armed to the teeth with guns, knives and grenades as they rescue 'the Queen of England' from terrorists in the Middle East. The second show in the Amazon Prime series titled Operation Desert Stumble includes a lengthy sequence filmed in Jordan, where a mock town has been built for Special Forces from around the world to train. The hapless trio of would-be action heroes take part in an exercise in which they rescue Her Majesty played by an actress from a hijacked aircraft. The team led by Clarkson were armed to the teeth as they played at being Special Forces soldiers at a Jordanian training camp They were tasked with storming an aircraft and rescuing 'The Queen' from a terrorists amid a farcical action sequence There was no shortage of fake blood and gore - with a bleeding and burnt Clarkson shown collapsing at Her Majesty's feet The lengthy slapstick action sequence that results sees them shoot hostages (in the form of crash test dummies) on the air liner as they try to rescue the monarch and drive her to safety in an Audi (while road testing it, naturally). The main butt of the bloodthirsty humour throughout the episode is Clarkson, who manages to pepper his arm with shrapnel from an assault rifle as he shoots out the window of a car. His trousers also fall down as he abseils out of a helicopter and he gets stuck in the window of a house the team are 'raiding.' The sound of gunfire peppers the episode, with all the presenters getting 'shot' during the gory show at some point. Hammond armed with a large knife is shown taking on a 'terrorist' on the wing of the aircraft during one scene. Meanwhile Richard Hammond wielded a knife as he took on a terrorist on the wing of a plane in a lengthy action sequence Taking on the topic of terrorism in the Middle East shows the team as unafraid to court controversy as they were on Top Gear The trio made hopeless action heroes, managing to shoot each other as well as nearly everyone else they encountered Clarkson got caught in a window as they raided a house in Jordan where a mock town has been built to train Special Forces The finale of the lengthy and gory sequence is a bloodied and burnt Clarkson crawling along the ground at the Queen's feet as she inquires: 'Have you come far?' The first episode of Clarkson's new motoring show prompted travellers to lodge a complaint with the television watchdog Ofcom after Clarkson made an 'offensive' comment about gipsies not insuring their cars. It's possible the bloodthirsty nature of the latest episode, not to mention the decision to poke fun at a mock terror attack in Jordan, could ruffle feathers. And Clarkson ended up with his underpants on show after an entertaining effort to abseil out of a helicopter to the ground James May was caught in the crosshairs as he tried to steal a getaway vehicle in the overblown action sequence In between test-driving a 1.8 million Aston Martin Vulcan, the team also managed to poke fun at carjackings in South Africa The show seems to court controversy as fearlessly as the presenters' previous TV vehicle, the BBC's Top Gear. They also wasted no time in mocking South Africa, where the rest of the episode was filmed. Poking fun at the number of carjackings in the crime-plagued country which average 35 a day Hammond comments: 'I've got to say 'well done',' before turning to the laughing audience in the studio and inquiring: 'How have you got time to come here?' The doctor stabbed 11 times and doused in petrol by her ex Tinder lover has broken her silence, saying: 'I'm so thankful that I was able to get away'. Three weeks after the horrific crime that nearly killed her, Dr Angela Jay on Friday published a message marking White Ribbon Day and Thanksgiving. The California native said both dates 'have particular significance for me this year as I almost lost my life 3 weeks ago in a very violent way'. 'Already this year in Australia 60+ women have not been so lucky, and it breaks my heart knowing exactly how terrified and alone they must have felt'. The obstetrics and gynaecology doctor, 28, said she was 'so thankful to be here' and lavished praise on police, paramedics, doctors and nurses. They 'cared for me and helped me feel safe again on the worst day of my life', she said, before encouraging people to stop violence against women. It is the first time Dr Jay has spoken out since she was brutally attacked at her Port Macquarie home on the NSW mid north coast. 'I say no to violence against women and girls', Dr Angela Jay (pictured centre with two friends on either side) posted on Facebook on Friday Paul Lambert (pictured) stabbed Dr Jay 11 times and doused her in petrol earlier this month Blood splatter is pictured at the scene of the stabbing at Dr Jay's home She declined to comment further when contacted by Daily Mail Australia. Paul Lambert, 36, committed the shocking crime earlier this month. He then led police on a chase before he was shot dead more than 150km away near Coffs Harbour later that night. Lambert had a lengthy history of violence against women. The 28-year-old is an obstetrics and gynaecology doctor in Port Macquarie He had flown to Port Macquarie from Sydney after Dr Jay filed for an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) against him. He waited in her home for her to finish her shift before brutally attacking her. But she managed to escape the bloody scene, fleeing to a neighbour's house and calmly talking them through first aid until paramedics arrived. Lambert, originally from Brisbane, fled the scene in his hire car. She managed to escape the bloody scene (right), fleeing to a neighbour's house and calmly talking them through first aid until paramedics arrived (her home is pictured left) Lambert had fled the scene in his hire car and drove 150km north near Coffs Harbour Stairs leading to a basement. An empty fairground ride. A fallen soldier. The opening credits of our psychological thriller The Missing on BBC1 the last episode of which airs on Wednesday are full of fragmented clues planted between atmospheric shots of trees and heavy skies. These subliminal moments last less than a second just long enough for the brain to register, though perhaps not fully digest. To viewers who have followed the series since it began last month relating the story of an abducted girl, Alice Webster most of these images will now make sense: the child twiddling her fingers and the road seen through the smeared window of a camper van. The final episode of the second series of the psychological thriller The Missing will air on BBC1 on Wednesday Most of the images have a number of meanings. Could the fallen soldier be Daniel Reed, shot in combat in Iraq fighting for the peshmerga? Or Adam Gettrick, a former soldier, now the military press liaison officer and morally fallen? Or something else entirely? Theres also a frame that bears the number 3. Does this stand for the three girls abducted? The three men we saw in this weeks episode, Gettrick, Henry Reed Daniels father and Adrian Stone? Or, again, is there another meaning yet to reveal itself? Some viewers might have wondered over the past few weeks whether we really had a plan when we wrote this second series of The Missing or if we were simply making it up as we went along! The credit sequence hopefully shows that we agonised over every detail and argued about each possible piece in the jigsaw. The brothers behind the hit series have revealed all - from the true crimes that inspired them to their trickiest plot twists This is not to say we thought of everything. One of the biggest pleasures of seeing our work reach the screen, after two years of writing and filming, is to read the countless fan theories buzzing around the internet. People have been airing ingenious solutions on social media, some so clever we wish wed thought of them. British actress Abigail Hardingham stars in the drama Its fantastic that people have become so engrossed in the story. It happened during the first series, in 2014, and we feared that, second time round, we wouldnt be able to recreate that excitement. To see people getting involved once more has been a joy and a relief. Viewers are confused but in a good way. A way that makes people think, which these days is no bad thing. This is a show that demands you arent half-watching with one eye on the weekly shopping list on your iPad. Its a reminder of how everyone used to watch TV or at least how we did growing up together as brothers. As we approach the end of this series, were reminded of the ending of series one which did divide viewers. We left James Nesbitts character, the grieving father Tony, frantically knocking on doors in Russia, desperate to track down his son. Our intention was to show this as the final tragedy: he could not cope with his loss and would drive himself to his grave rather than face the truth that his son was dead. It was a deliberate choice to leave just a sliver of uncertainty. The boy Tony accosts asks him in Russian who he is, but because Tony doesnt understand, we chose not to subtitle it. Roger Allam as Adrian Stone and Tcheky Karyo as Julien Baptiste. The writers have taken on board feedback from the first series and said they will be 'no ambiguous ending' As a result, its possible to view the ending in the same way Tony does he can only live in a world where he believes his son could still be alive, even if all the signs are that it couldnt be the case. Though were proud of that ending and stand by it, we listened to the audience who invested time in the series. We took note of the feedback and decided it was our job to write a clear-cut ending with no ambiguity for series two. To BE truly satisfying, it would resolve all the questions, while leaving room for something characterful and credible that said something about the journey weve all just undertaken. So if youre looking for answers, we promise youll get them. Thats not to say the final episode is all about tying up loose ends. Explanations are fine as far as they go, but ultimately this has been a show about characters: dogged French detective Julien Baptiste, the fractured Websters (David Morrissey and Keeley Hawes), brittle Eve Stone and her father, who harbours a terrible secret. The show has been about the characters: Dogged French detective Julien Baptiste, played by Tcheky Karyo, left, and the fractured Websters, played by David Morrissey and Keeley Hawes There are surprises, but no big revelation. We already know that Gettrick (Derek Riddell) is a kidnapper and murderer. To the most astute eyes, that didnt come as a total surprise. He had been a fringe character until then and some had commented online that you dont hire an actor as good as Riddell to be a glorified extra. But we hope the way he betrayed himself as a psychopath killing lovelorn policeman Jorn with a power drill to the brain was utterly unexpected. We wanted that to be a leap-out-of-your-seat moment. There will be surprises to come in the final hour. One of the biggest questions really is life or death for the central figure, Detective Baptiste (Tcheky Karyo), who has been suffering hallucinations caused by a brain tumour. Everyone wants to know if hell survive and whether hell be back for a third series. We can understand that because we love the character and the actor, too. Karyo is as charismatic and charming in real life as he is on the screen. Laura Faser plays Eve Stone, a sharp and straight-talking Sergeant in the Military Police But the story comes first and we would never want to compromise that for the sake of another series. We felt that strongly in writing the second series: we only wanted to do it with a story worth telling. Several real-life cases served as inspiration and persuaded us that The Missing II was a worthwhile tale. Perhaps the two biggest stories that influenced us were accounts of the Ariel Castro abductions in Cleveland, Ohio, and the 18-year ordeal of Natascha Kampusch in Austria. These cases were so bizarre that if wed made them up, they would have been dismissed as ridiculous. Castro kept three women locked in his basement, just streets away from their own homes, and invited his friends into the house to play music and jam with him while his prisoners were silent, terrified captives under the floorboards. The writers were inspired by real-life cases including that of Ariel Castro, left, who abducted three women and kept them locked in his basement in Cleveland, Ohio; and the 18-year ordeal of Natascha Kampusch in Austria, who was kidnapped as a child Ten-year-old Natascha was snatched on her way to school and kept prisoner in a cellar. In another case that influenced us, a confidence trickster convinced a family in Texas he was their long-lost son, despite the fact his hair and eyes were a different colour. He even had a French, not an American, accent. The parents were desperate to believe him and, as we have tried to show, desperation can play bizarre tricks on the mind. All of this convinced us that writing another series of The Missing would not be a cynical exercise. The truth about a third series is that while we would never say never, we dont yet have the story we feel needs to be told. If we decide to do it again, it would only be because the idea could hold its own against the first two series. But whatever we do, well write it together. Being brothers is an advantage when it comes to writing because we understand each other theres a shorthand. It also makes it easier to be blunt about each others ideas. Families are allowed to be mean to each other, right? Brothers Harry and Jack Williams come from a family of writers and storytellers We grew up in Putney, South-West London, with a writer for a father and a TV producer for a mother. Our older brother, Ned, is a TV director. In our house, everyone talked about books and stories the whole time. It made the idea of writing feel like something anyone could do which it is. Before writing together we played in a mediocre band with many less than mediocre names. We then wrote comedies for years, though comedy is a strong word for what we did. You might suppose we tackled comedy first because its easier. Its not: you have to make the characters and story work in the same way as drama, but then you need to make it funny. And everyone disagrees over whats funny . . . especially us. Our shared fascination with the darker side of human psychology made eerie drama more inviting. We want to put viewers into the shoes of people in extraordinary situations, forcing them to ask what they would do, how they would behave. To intensify the sense of loneliness around the characters, we set both series of The Missing abroad. The series is set in Germany to 'intensify the sense of loneliness around the characters' It plunges everything into an alien environment one child disappears on holiday, another while her father is stationed with the British Army in Germany so both have been taken away from home even before they are abducted. For the parents, because theyre outsiders, the place starts to feel hostile. Theyre stranded, and that can feel suffocating. We made a deliberate decision, too, that the German military base should feel cold and bleak, while the scenes in the Iraqi war zone were searingly hot. There are soldiers in both places, but they are different versions of hell. Eight episodes might seem a lot, but the truth is the scripts were even longer than that. A great deal had to be cut: mostly details that helped weave different strands together. One of the biggest cuts is the story of how Sam and Gemma Websters son Matthew (Jake Davies) fell in with the vicious German twins, wannabe rap stars Ulf and Axel. It all begins with Andreas (Sebastian Urbanski), a young man with Downs syndrome who works at a butchers shop. As he walks home each day, he passes the house where the twins live. Anastasia Hille plays Celia Baptiste while Tcheky Karyo is one of the lead characters, French detective Julien Baptiste They taunt and bully him until he blurts out something about the butcher, Kristian Herz, who has been arrested on suspicion of abducting Alice. Ulf and Axel break into the shop, wearing animal masks, and beat the butchers wife, Nadia, into a coma. At the hospital, Matthew sees Andreas and asks why hes taking flowers to Nadia. Andreas tells him that shes his employer and he feels guilty, as if its his fault the twins attacked her. Instead of going to the police, Matthew covers up for the youths and so begins their toxic friendship. Sometimes people feel these kind of narrative strands are red herrings designed to throw people off the scent. In truth, everything in the show serves a purpose. The German military base setting was designed to feel cold and bleak - unlike the searingly hot scenes in the Iraqi war zones from the first series Not everything is related to the central mystery, of course, but it all helps to sow the seeds for whats to come. We wanted to make viewers feel Matthews attack on Brigadier Stone in the nursing home was inevitable. The assault isnt a plot device, its the logical conclusion to the choices Matthew has made in his life. Other explanations can be squeezed into the story. In the first episode, Brigadier Stone (Roger Allam) made a throwaway remark to his heavily pregnant daughter Eve (Laura Fraser), commenting that her sister would never forgive him if he failed to ask how she was. There are soldiers in both places, but the writers say the two locations 'are different versions of hell' Why would the sister feel so strongly? The answer was revealed four weeks later, when Eve gave birth as a surrogate mother, handing the baby to her sister Anna. Some viewers had already guessed this twist, because they caught the earlier hint. A story like this is not about building to the central conspiracy, but it goes a long way to explaining the character of Eve. And the theme of what a parent will do for a child is central to the show. The speculation about The Missing has been brilliant to see and part of the joy of the show is to build the many clues. Fleeting remarks that pay off episodes later, words on a gravestone, a photo in Brigadier Stones office that would feature heavily . . . The final episode won't leave viewers on tenterhooks, the writers have promised But ultimately, the final episode is less about pulling the rug and trying to out-do ourselves with plot twists and reveals. It was always our hope to write a series that began in an uncompromisingly complex fashion, but as it developed slowly came more and more into focus. Perhaps the biggest surprise that people will find in episode eight is how this multi-layered puzzle is, in the end, an emotional hour of drama. In and around the theories and surprises, hopefully people will realise theyve come to love these characters and if not love them, at least maybe understand them. All good things must come to an end, and thankfully for some of these characters so must all bad things, too. Britain's official economics quango was under fire last night for its highly questionable claims that a post-Brexit fall in immigration will blow a hole in Britains finances. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) angered ministers on Wednesday with a gloomy analysis of the economy, including a claim that a predicted fall in immigration would cost the UK 16 billion by 2020. A leading think tank last night said the OBR appeared to have seriously exaggerated the likely impact. The OBR forecast that Brexit will leave net migration 80,000 a year lower than it would have been. It claimed that this would lead to increased Government borrowing of 5.9 billion a year by 2020/21 because of the impact on growth. But the think tank Migration Watch UK said the OBR had made implausible assumptions about the economic contribution made by migrants. OBR director Robert Chote also acknowledged the high degree of uncertainty surrounding its forecasts The organisation said it was clear that controls on EU migration would be focused on limiting the number of low-skilled workers. A source said: Statistics published by HMRC show that such migrants pay only about half the income tax and national insurance of the average UK taxpayer. Even if these new migrants on average made the same contribution as the native population it is most unlikely to be true for migrants on arrival. Migration Watch chairman Lord Green said there was no reason to think that there will be a significant reduction in revenue because these workers pay little or no tax. It is now clear that the OBR estimate of the fiscal effect of restricting migration may well have been seriously exaggerated. They seem not to have considered which migrants would be involved. Patrick Minford, chairman of the Economists for Brexit group, also questioned the OBR analysis, saying: If they had looked at constraining unskilled migration, it would have given an economic plus, not a minus. The revelations will add to concern about the accuracy of the OBR forecasts on which Chancellor Philip Hammond based his Autumn Statement on the economy. One Cabinet source described the OBRs assumptions as being ridiculous and wrong. And yesterday, the Department for International Trade appeared to question the OBRs claim that Brexit would spark a trade slump lasting a decade. In a statement, the department said the Chancellor had agreed to double export finance guarantees to encourage firms to sell goods abroad. Mr Hammond yesterday declined to endorse the outlook produced by the OBR, while pointing out that he has no option but to use it as the basis for his decisions. Until we get to the end of the negotiation we dont know what the outcome will be, he said. They (OBR) know exactly what direction we are going in, but what none of us know is when we get into the negotiation next March or April how it is going to proceed, at what pace and what the discussion is going to be like when we start having negotiations. OBR director Robert Chote also acknowledged the high degree of uncertainty surrounding its forecasts. Mr Chote told the Financial Times that forecasts are always wrong. Graphic surveillance footage has captured the moment a man accidentally ran down his own brother during a parking lot brawl. Police say a fight broke out at the West Palm Beach, Florida, parking lot after Elmer Jacinto Gonzalez and his brother Rudy Gonzalez accused David Troche of cutting them off. Cellphone footage shows Rudy and Troche tussling with each other, before Troche body slams him into the ground. Graphic surveillance footage has captured the moment a man accidentally ran down his own brother during a parking lot brawl Rudy then chases after him swinging a two-by-four plank. As Troche appears to taunt Rudy, his brother Elmer gets behind the wheel of his car. Shocking video shows him slam the car into reverse and back up while Troche and Rudy are arguing. Police say a fight broke out at the West Palm Beach, Florida, parking lot after Elmer Jacinto Gonzalez and his brother Rudy Gonzalez accused David Troche of cutting them off Cellphone footage shows Rudy and Troche tussling with each other, before Troche body slams him into the ground. Rudy then chases after him swinging a two-by-four plank Elmer gets behind the wheel of his car and shocking video shows him slam the car into reverse and back up while Troche and Rudy are arguing (left). A friend tries to help an unresponsive Rudy, (right) Elmer misses Troche, but slams into his brother at great speed sending him flying backwards into another car. Elmer Gonzalez was arrested and now faces two counts of attempted murder The impact severed Rudy's leg while the panicked Elmer drove forward, mounting the curb, before reversing and driving straight at Troche's black Dodge Charger. Troche's son, who had been a passenger in his car, was removed moments before impact and taken to a safe place while stunned bystanders called the cops. 'I don't even know what to say to be honest with you. It's unbelievable,' said one resident at the nearby Palms West Apartments who witnessed the incident. Rudy Gonzalez was rushed to hospital in a critical condition with a severed leg. His current condition is unknown. His brother was arrested and now faces attempted murder charges, CBS 12 reports. home has an open air cinema, two pools, an outdoor and indoor bar and a media room Advertisement A property designer has put his $8 million Gold Coast mansion on the market so he can afford to keep his Porsche. Sean Edge recently went through a costly $3 million separation which has left him in debt. He said if he doesn't sell the house he will have to sell his beloved 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo, which he bought for $450,000. Mr Edge's property has been on and off the market since 2012, but he hopes a renewed marketing push will find a buyer. Scroll down for video A property designer has put his $8 million Gold Coast mansion on the market so he can afford to keep his Porsche (pictured) Would YOU sell your home to keep your car? One Gold Coast property owner is doing just that Sean Edge's property has been on and off the market since 2012, but he hopes a renewed marketing push will find a buyer A Gold Coast property owner is selling his resort-inspired mansion so he can keep his Porsche The resort-inspired mansion named Aria has five-bedrooms and was designed by Mr Edge Game of pool by the water anyone? A property designer is selling his Gold Coast mansion 'I've got to sell the house so I can keep my car,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'I had five Porsches when I was in England, but I never had a turbo, so when I got this one I was very proud.' The resort-inspired mansion named Aria has five-bedrooms and was designed by Mr Edge. Previous listings had the 2334 Cressbrook Drive address priced at $8 million. The father-of-two purchased the block in 2006 for $1.06 million. Ruth Fea, from HUM and FEA Gold Coast Realty, is marketing the property. A property designer is selling his Gold Coast mansion (bedroom pictured) so he can afford to keep his Porsche Ruth Fea, from HUM and FEA Gold Coast Realty, is marketing the property (pictured) The house in currently on the market and Mr Edge is taking pre-auction offers 'This residence will be pure heaven for a fortunate family who enjoys boating, fishing and entertaining and who expects nothing but the best,' she told the Gold Coast Bulletin. Aria has an open air cinema, two pools, an outdoor and indoor bar and a media room. The house is currently on the market and Mr Edge is taking pre-auction offers. The father-of-two purchased the block in 2006 for $1.06 million Aria has an open air cinema, two pools, an outdoor/indoor bar and a media room (pictured) A property designer wants to give up his $8 million Gold Coast mansion so he can keep his car Trio came up with the idea to build a website to compare prices in 2001 Staying on: Gareth Williams will remain as chief executive of Skyscanner, which has just been sold to the Chinese in a 1.4bn deal Their internet travel business took 18 months to make 46. Anyone else might have given up the ghost after a few weeks. But Gareth Williams and his two unversity friends must be glad they stuck to their guns because yesterday they sold the company to the Chinese for 1.4billion. The trio came up with their idea for Skyscanner over a pint in a pub in London in 2001. Passionate skier Mr Williams had become frustrated at how hard it was to find cheap flights and hotels when visiting his brother who lived in the French Alps. So the friends came up with a plan to build a single website to collect and compare airline prices. Mr Williams wrote the original computer program for the site on an Excel spreadsheet but it took the business a year and half to make any sales. Now the site has 50million global users every month and 800 staff in ten offices including London, Glasgow, Singapore and Miami. Gareth, Barry Smith and Bonamy Grimes who met as students studying computer science at Manchester University are now set to become multi millionaires. Skyscanner becomes the latest British tech firm to fall into foreign hands after Cambridge-based ARM Holdings was sold to the Japanese in the summer for 24billion. Its sale to China's biggest travel firm Ctrip comes less than 24 hours after Chancellor Philip Hammond vowed to protect the UK's brightest firms from foreign takeovers. Mr Williams, 47, who will continue as chief executive of Skyscanner, says he wants it to become the world's most used travel search website. But critics argue that if Britain continues to sell off its string of promising startups they will never grow big enough to rival California's Silicon Valley and the UK will be left behind. Cashing in: Bonamy Grimes (left) and Barry Smith are set to become multi millionaires following the sale Mr Williams quit his job at Marks & Spencer to work on Skyscanner, and moved the business to Edinburgh to be with his wife Lisa, where he lives in a 1.5million home. Last year, 11.2billion worth of airline tickets were bought through the Skyscanner site, and the company made 120million. It is not known exactly how much Mr Williams and his friends will make in the deal, as it already had other investors on board. But documents filed at Companies House show the co-founders and family members own nearly 30 per cent of the firm, suggesting a combined windfall of 400million. Dozens of staff who own much smaller stakes are also in line to make thousands of pounds each if they decide to sell their shares. The business will be owned by a billion-dollar corporation based in Shanghai, although Mr Williams said the firm would keep its independence.'I'll continue as chief executive of Skyscanner,' he said. 'Our opportunity to grow by orders of magnitude remains. As a chief executive and founder this is what drives me; it is our product and growth goals that give me greatest personal reward.' Success: Skyscanner was thought up in a pub by the three friends, who met at university in Manchester where they studied computer science Skyscanner was often touted as the British firm most likely to become the next Google. Nico Macdonald, of the Research and Development Society, warned it was yet another promising software company Britain had not managed to keep hold of. 'If we are as unsuccessful at supporting companies scaling up as we have been with Skyscanner and othersthen I can't really see a bright future for research and development and the technology side of the UK economy,' he said. Industry experts say there's more ministers should do to help good businesses stay in the UK. Tesco is to remove 'plastic poison' microbeads from all its own-brand products before the end of the year. It will also feature prominent warnings 'the size of a 50p' urging customers not to flush its own-brand wet wipes down the drain. The supermarket said it would 'turn back the clock' to the days before the tiny plastic pellets were added to products. Tesco is also writing to its suppliers urging them to remove plastic microbeads from their products. It will also feature prominent warnings 'the size of a 50p' urging customers not to flush its own-brand wet wipes down the drain (stock photo) The move comes ahead of a new law expected to be introduced by the middle of next year that will outlaw use of the beads. Microbeads plastic lumps less than a millimetre wide are used in products such as toothpaste, shower gels, facial scrubs and cleaning materials to create an abrasive effect. Some 95,000 beads are released into the seas with one use of a personal care product. The Daily Mail's Ban the Beads Now campaign has demanded that the pellets are eliminated to prevent harm to marine life. Speaking at an event on campaign group Greenpeace's ship Esperanza on the Thames, Tesco's group quality director, Tim Smith, said it was removing the beads from its own brands. It was also asking its suppliers about their plans to remove microbeads from their products. Mr Smith said: 'Microbeads were not used until recently. As long as someone's got a reasonable archive of how they used to make the product, they will probably find it relatively straightforward.' He said other exfoliants could be used, such as ground-down coconut shells, or they could simply be removed with no noticeable effect. Tesco said it had also heeded warnings from water companies that wet wipes that are not meant to be flushed are causing chaos in drains. The wipes which do not break down in water combine with lumps of fat to harden into 'fatbergs' that cost millions of pounds to remove. 'We are going to introduce very prominent front of pack warnings on non-flushable wet wipes,' he said. Current warnings were not visible enough, leaving customers confused about whether they could flush them safely or not. Wipes currently branded 'flushable' may need to change to break down more quickly in water, Mr Smith added. In August the Mail reported how a study commissioned by Greenpeace had found that plastic particles are found in a third of fish caught off Britain. It is thought the fish many of which reach the human food chain feed on plastics mixed in plankton. Campaigners warn that microbeads are a magnet for pesticide residues and industrial chemicals that jeopardise human health. Tesco is to remove 'plastic poison' microbeads from all its own-brand products before the end of the year Environmentalists want the Government's planned ban to be as wide as possible including all household and beauty products that are washed down the drain. A 'microbeads coalition' the Environmental Investigation Agency, Greenpeace, Fauna and Flora International and the Marine Conservation Society wants the ban to cover all solid micro-plastics, with no lower size limit including those smaller than a millimetre. It should include products washed down the drain, including household cleaners as well as personal care products. Dr Erik van Sebille, from Imperial College London, said there was evidence of small plastic pieces causing harm to sea creatures, such as preventing oysters from reproducing. Smaller plastic pieces were even more harmful as they could get further into tissues. Not a single woman has made the shortlist for the coveted title of hairdresser of the year at the industry awards. PIctured is Misha B with hairstylist Jamie Stevens backstage at the X Factor Her hair may be a womans crowning glory, but when it comes to who cuts it, its a mans world. Not a single woman has made the shortlist for the coveted title of hairdresser of the year at the industry awards. In fact, no woman has won the top prize at the British Hairdressing Awards for the past ten years - despite the fact that around 80 per cent are female. A discussion on BBC Radio 4s Womans Hour yesterday revealed that not one of the presenters could name a single famous woman in the industry. But it was much easier to name men such as Vidal Sassoon, Nicky Clarke, Trevor Sorbie, Charles Worthington and John Frieda. Ruth Hunsley, editor of the Hairdressers Journal and organiser of the awards for the past five years, said this was because women in the field didnt shout about what they had achieved. There are 250,000 people that work in hairdressing and about 80per cent of those people are women and there are some amazing women, she told the BBC. And while the top 20per cent may be men, they couldnt be where they are today without the women behind them. So while you might have a hairdresser on the television, he has somebody behind him running his salons and very often that is a woman. Hes got a business partner, very often that is a woman. Theyre not shouting about what they do, they just get on with it. But she conceded that it was a problem that women werent being nominated for the awards, which have been running for 32 years. There have been just three female winners, though none for the last ten years, indicating that the lack of female hairdressers is a modern problem. Nominees this year include current holder of the title Darren Ambrose, four times winner Akin Konizi and Jamie Stevens, X Factor hairdresser. The final decision is announced at an awards ceremony on Monday. She said it was a mystery why women werent chosen by the top hairdressers and beauty press who nominate winners. Karine Jackson, Chancellor of The Fellowship for British Hairdressing who runs her own salon, agreed, saying that women didnt brag and so were less noticeable. Asked by presenter Jenni Murray why so few women make it to the very top, she replied: I think its a million dollar question. I get asked it all the time: where are the women? And were there, we just dont brag enough and we get told that a lot. Its not in our nature to brag. Were doing a great job, weve got great businesses, were running shoots, we re travelling the world educating... Were just doing it. She added: I just dont think were recognised enough I think the general public dont look at us enough. Maybe women arent glamorous enough to the general punter. She added that women may prefer men as hairdressers because they flirt more and make them feel beautiful. A lot of my clients are women and sometimes when I see a woman for the first time shes like well Ive only ever had a male hairdresser and why have you always gone to him: Oh, well, he just makes me feel great. They flirt, you can have a little bit of fun, she said. Nominees this year include current holder of the title Darren Ambrose, four times winner Akin Konizi (pictured) and Jamie Stevens, X Factor hairdresser So maybe women might like that intimacy with a man because it is quite intimate getting your hair cut and you do build a relationship. Ms Hunsley added: As a hairdresser youre not just cutting hair. Youre a confidant - youre talking to them about their family, their kids, their affairs and as a female hairdresser you become their best friends - youre on speed dial. Whereas you might go to a male hairdresser and theres that little bit of flirtation: they can tell you how sexy you are, they can tell you how beautiful you are whereas Karine wouldnt necessarily be able to use those words so its a slightly different relationship you have with your male and female hairdresser. She said that there was a problem with the medias approach to women in hairdressing. Men are very good at shouting about it, she said. I can ring a male hairdresser and before Ive even said hello they can be telling me how great they are whereas Ill ring Karine and 20 minutes later we re only just getting on to her career and her achievements. So as media we have to be more aware of people were talking about and while a lot of the glossy magazines are great in supporting women - they have women awards - a lot of the beauty and the hair features are actually still dominated by men so it isnt just ourselves that need to be shouting about it more. Opinion / Columnist Q1] Discuss the present action of women and children in 'No More Plastic Balls and Other Short Stories referring to 3 similar stories in the text [--]- OVERVIEWThe question is very trick on how best it can be tackled or 'ferreted' to come up with an excellent answer.Therefore,since there is no wrong answer in the Arts or Humanities sector one will always be on the safe side to present their own arguments without any interogation but with only the 'microscope being your judge' and this shows that one has to complement their arguments with critical reasoning and discrimation of 'grain from chaff'.-The writer of this blog tried to interpret the question as requiring to prove how women and children are portrayed within the societal context they are being 'scoped' in whether positive or negative.-It is imperative for one to realise that both women and children are portrayed in the text as being more naive and being on the negative side to a large extent.-Women and children seem to be the main driving sources/agent in the depriciation of African moral values and cultural standards.-This infiltration has also been necessiated by the sudden 'dominance' of the Western and foreign cultures over the African cultural spectrum.-There are many examples one can pick from to 'sandwich' their argument in the in-depth analysis of the question for instance:1. Keresenzia2.Beautiful Children3. Eyes of A Buck4. Plastic and Cardboards5. A Day of Glory6. Homecoming7. A Breach of Trust8. Lodgers9. The Girl Next Door10. Guntruth11. When Passions Gather12. et cetra et cetra(other examples can be included)-WOMEN IN THE TEXT ARE:-Promiscous-Traitors-Resilient-Emancipated-Disrespectful-Victimised/Harrased by their shortcomings-et cetra et cetra-CHILDREN IN THE TEXT ARE:-Victimised(by society)-Abused/Sexually Molested[almost the same with the above point] (by their parents)-Hopeless-Stateless-Opharned-Disrespectful-et cetra et cetra-- IN DEPTH ANALYSIS-In the interest of time this writer will explain a few points in order to open up the question to 'the floor' to come up with their own answers too.-The writer will also use the prosopographic approach and pick the stories at random but it is a requisite that candidates narrow down their answers to three stories of their choice when they are asked to do so or even when the question is an open one and is not specific of the stories being required.- To begin with, women in the text with reference to the story 'Keresenzia' are presented as deprived of basic necessities.The woman in the story who is named Ambuya is shown to possess nothing of her own and solely rely[ing] on borrowing from 'relatives' such as Manyowa. This has rightfully earned her the name Matambudziko which suggest never ending challenges which continue to recur into her life for instance,her son died in a fatal road carnage with his wife hence ,Ambuya has been left with the sole responsibility to take care of a spoiled and nuisance girl in the calibre of Keresenzia who is another additional challenge to an already 'tall pile' of problems bedevilling Ambuya.Thus in conclusion,women are presented as deprived within the African or rural set-up and also urban children in the mould of Keresenzia who are 'adopted' into this social structure are exposed as misfits a true validation of the repulsion between African culture and foreign cultures.It is also true that the African set-up is being 'haunted' by unequal distribution of wealth as shown by Ambuya's borrowing of a jar of milk from Manyowa who is probably a male,thus chauvinism is portrayed(women do not own cattle-which is an essential source of wealth within the African fraternity).-Furthermore,the story 'A Day of Glory' presents women in the modern-day society as emancipated/empowered.While the story title seems to carry some positive attributes 'glory' it is ironic of the events which unfold in the story and also the story is a direct mockery of the emancipation or upliftment of women in the new world by asserting that their ascendancy to the top is 'marinaded' by suspicion and illegitimate procedures for instance,the woman who is being celebrated is exposed to have been playing three men on each other,this also includes her husband- who seems to have been 'spiritually entangled' by her wife such that he becomes 'useless' in terms of standing up and taking action when his wife is being espoused by other men for instance,the manager who sends a note to the woman scribed 'remember texas' thus showing that women are the culprit architects of moral decadence and victims of male sexual 'savagery' and abusive tactics by being aided for their success in return of sexual favours.-The erratic scenes at the celebration of the promotion of the woman to an influential post exposes the craftiness of women against themselves trying to pull down one another after being filled by the 'spirit of envy' for instance,the women who were sceptic of the promotion of their counterpart especially the aunt of the woman's husband.The child in the story is portrayed as alienated due to 'bastardization' as there is uncertainty on who is his real father thus his future is under threat as he will be segregated while he is exposed as an exhibition tool of moral decay on a society haunted and sceptic of the ascendancy of women to influential positions.-Lastly(this format is not accepted in an essay),in the story When Passions Gather children are exposed as defenceless.In the story the character Rex is portrayed as defenceless after being turned into an alternative sexual object by his mother(Ellen) who adopted him. The reason for this is that Ellen's husband Rich Leonards a world war veteran has been affected by war to the extent that he has lost his social obligations as a man and also his 'conjugal responsibility' and this has made Rex an adopted coloured boy to be 'unravelled' as the new sexual machine(a rookie).The diabolic practice spills further to cause another chain of 'rape' this time by the victim-cum-vampire who 'pounce' on his half-sister an adolted Europesian.Therefore,in summation women are shown as being pepetrators of moral decay and instead of being the shield of their children they seem to be the leading figures in 'victimising' children especially through sexual abuse though it can be justified as an escape route to 'quench their appetite' which has been exposed through their 'pathetic husbands' in the calibre of Rich Leonards.-et cetra et cetra--REVIEWIn a post morterm review,it is best to assert that you are your own lawyer and you have to convince the judge to compliment you and exonerate you from the fallacy of going rot in a prison cell. This is also true of the question,one has to explore the stories thoroughly and at the same time trying to convince the 'judge' to buy into your defence argument.Wilson Chipangura nom de gurre Comrade Mazhambe is the interim leader of Pan-Zimbabwean Society(a lobbyist social group that advocates for extreme patriotism).He can be contacted via email: wilsonchipangura@gmail.com or heavmany@gmail.com Follow the blog: www.heavmany.wordpress.com for discussions on the subject and questions starting very soon. Between July and September, the donations amounted to over 2million United and GMB accounted for a third of the money received by the party over three months came from trade unions Nearly 90% of donations received by Labour over three months came from trade unions. Unite and GMB alone accounted for 36% of the money received by the party. Labour donations amounted to just over 2 million between July 1 and September 30, according to the Electoral Commission's register. Of that, 1.78 million came directly from trade unions, meaning 88% of all donations received by the party in the last quarter came from unions. Under Jeremy Corbyn (pictured), trade unions have tightened their stranglehold over the Labour Party, both financially and politically Some 21% of all donations came from Unite, while 15% were from GMB. Under Jeremy Corbyn, trade unions have tightened their stranglehold over the Labour Party, both financially and politically. Business as they have been alarmed at the direction of the party. Mr Corbyn has said he wants unions to retain their ability 'to influence both policy and internal elections'. The Labour leader and his shadow chancellor have also vowed to reintroduce solidarity strikes, where workers can walkout in sympathy with employees in unrelated industrial disputes. Conservative MP Luke Hall said: 'It's no surprise that Jeremy Corbyn's incompetent Labour Party is even deeper in the pocket of their union paymasters. 'With a leader who supports mass strike action and a Shadow Chancellor who wants to see union bosses 'shape legislation', it is clearer than ever that the Labour Party will only stand up for a militant minority, and it will be ordinary working people who will pay the price.' Children will no longer face prosecution if they are caught sexting as long as the naked photographs are consensual. Guidelines issued yesterday said police forces should adopt a common sense approach when told that youngsters are exchanging explicit images. A briefing note by the College of Policing is an attempt to ensure that responses to children found in possession, sharing or generating pictures with their partners or friends are measured and proportionate. Rules are being relaxed following concerns that the current system is too draconian and risks the life-changing criminalisation of millions of teenagers for innocent and consensual behaviour. Under the current system, any child aged under 18 caught 'sexting' can be hauled to court and labelled a sex offender. Guidelines issued yesterday said police forces should adopt a common sense approach when told that youngsters are exchanging explicit images (stock photo) This harms their chances of landing a job in the future because potential employers might learn of the incident if they were to conduct a criminal record check. Last year a 14-year-old boy was added to a police intelligence database after he sent a naked picture of himself to a female friend. Now guidance sent to police forces will reflect that sexting has become a normal part of growing up. Research by the NSPCC has found that 3 per cent of 11 to 16-year-olds have taken naked pictures of themselves, and a smaller proportion shared the image with others. Current legislation requires that all cases receive a police response. In future, officers must still record each case as an offence but will not have to treat it with a full criminal investigation. If self-generated images are taken or shared with other children by consent this will be dealt with differently, said the College of Policing. Minor incidents would be passed to teachers, counsellors, GPs or social workers to issue advice but would not result in the youngster being prosecuted. But if police discover evidence of exploitation, coercion, grooming, profit motive, malicious intent or inappropriate sharing of the image, such as uploading onto a pornographic website, a full criminal inquiry would follow. Police officers will be given the option of recording cases in a new crime-related category that says further investigation is not in the public interest. Guidelines will also make clear that a childs police record for sexting should not automatically be passed to the Disclosure and Barring Service, which vets candidates for jobs such as teaching and working with elderly people. The guidance states: Offences involving self-generated images or images obtained with consent by other children may be dealt with differently. Forces may, for example, consider that suitably experienced first responders, safer school officers or neighbourhood teams can provide an appropriate response, thereby avoiding stigmatising children or causing them unnecessary fears and concerns. If self-generated images are taken or shared with other children by consent this will be dealt with differently, said the College of Policing Decisions on the best approach should involve an examination of the cases, any aggravating features, the childs background and the views of parents, carers and teachers. Simon Bailey, the National Police Chiefs Council spokesman for child protection, said: More children than ever before are taking explicit images of themselves and this briefing note is a valuable resource for officers when dealing with these sensitive cases. It highlights the need for forces to consider the long-term impact of investigation and prosecution on young people. We will take all cases seriously with criminal investigations into those involving any form of exploitation. But it will always be a common-sense approach that doesnt criminalise children unnecessarily. But he added: It is important that this activity isnt viewed as just harmless teenage behaviour. There are significant risks involved for children and young people; once image is sent, control is lost, and it can cause significant distress when it gets into wider hands. The new guidance was welcomed by the NSPCC. A spokesman for the charity said: We have long believed that unless there is evidence of coercion or exploitation children caught up in this behaviour should not be criminalised, but rather educated about the dangers and supported to manage the pressures that they may face to take part. Children need to know that creating and sharing these images can put them at risk of being targeted by predatory adults. It was probably one of the more surprising confessions to ever to have echoed over Westminster Abbey. At a service to mark the 60th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh Award yesterday, Prince Edward admitted he had encouraged one participant to take up pole dancing in order to earn her badge. In front of his mother, the Queen, and father, Prince Philip, who devised and launched the eponymous scheme back in 1956, the prince recalled how he was having lunch with a group of Gold Award participants when one girl told him she really wanted to learn pole dancing. Pole dancer Amy Ravin, 26, performs during the third semi-annual "Pole-A-Palooza" pole dance competition at JET nightclub at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Tuesday, November 20, 2007 He told the congregation that it seemed to me at the time, if thats what this young person wanted to do, then why not? He continued: So I told her to go for it; isnt that what the Duke of Edinburghs Award is all about? Edward went on to say that he received a letter some time later from the same girl, who did go on to learn to pole dance, thanking him for inspiring her to fulfil my goal and to overcome my doubts. During yesterdays diamond anniversary service of thanksgiving Edward accompanied by his wife, Sophie, looking chic in a Bruce Oldfield dress Jane Taylor hat - also praised his father for his concern for the welfare of young people and desire to encourage their development. But he admitted that Philip would never take the praise easily as he is probably the most self-effacing and modest person I know. The few who are gathered here today in this magnificent Abbey represent the millions who want to say thank you; thank you for believing in us, encouraging us and giving us the chance to savour that sense of satisfaction through achievement, he said. During the service impressionist Jon Culshaw gave a reading and Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft told how the award had given her independence in using a wheelchair. The Paralympian said the award taught her not to give up and encouraged her to reach her potential. Terri Walsh and Lisette Krol, fitness Pole Dancing Champions run through their routine at Terri's Fierce Fitness gym in Maynooth, Co Kildare, Ireland Television presenter Phillip Schofield, who was one of those who read a prayer during the service, said he took on a diamond anniversary challenge recently because he had not had the opportunity to do the award when he was younger. He decided to do a wing ride on a biplane and has raised more than 1,000 for the scheme. He said: It amazed the Duke no end. He told me I was mad. Over the past 60 years, more than 5.6 million young people have started the award which bears Philips title, and almost 2.5 million have achieved bronze, silver or gold awards. A black veteran whose free meal was taken from him by a Chili's manager on Veteran's Day has been chased out of his home by death threats and abuse after he shared his story in the media. Ernest Walker, 47, of Cedar Hill, Texas, was told by the manager that an elderly white veteran in a Trump shirt had complained that Walker wasn't a 'real soldier'. His meal was taken away even though he presented his military ID and discharge papers. After the incident went public Chili's apologized. But that victory was quickly soured by death threats and menacing phone calls - and now he's had to flee his home, NBCDFW reported. Scroll down for video Vet Ernest Walker (right) had his free Veteran's Day meal taken away by a Chili's manager in Texas after a white man said he didn't believe he was a soldier - despite Walker's documents Walker (left, in the 25th Infantry Division) has received death threats and a suspicious package since his story went viral. One person even threatened to kill his service dog, Barack (right) Since his story went viral, Walker's address, contact information and even Social Security Number have been made public. His home has been called by people on blocked numbers who say that they found his details online. Callers have threatened his life and said they looked up details of his children on social media, and he has received a suspicious package. One person even threatened to kill his service dog, Barack. So Walker, who served in the 25th Infantry Division in the US Army, and wife Debbie left their house on November 13, two days after Veteran's Day, and still haven't moved back. 'We dont feel safe in our home,' Walker said. 'Weve been living there for 18 years and now that our address has just been posted [online] permanently, we are now feeling like we are going to sell our property because well never feel safe there.' Walker's attorney, Lee Merritt, told the Star-Telegram that many of the threats 'seem to come from ex-military who have chosen to believe that Mr Walker has stolen valor.' Merritt says that Walker's address was initially leaked by a news outlet, but did not say which one. Walker added: 'There are people out there who have hatred and there is nothing you can do to change it, its a poison in their system.' The manager (pictured) was recorded removing the Chili's meal. The restaurant has since apologized. But Walker's woes continued after he was chased from his home by the threats Walker's troubles began on Veteran's Day when he went to the Chili's in Cedar Hill for his free meal. He was wearing a uniform, including a cap, when he says he was approached by an elderly white man in a Trump shirt who asked him if he was in the 24th Unit. 'No, 25th,' Walker replied. '"They didnt let you blacks over in World War II," Thats exactly what he said to me,' Walker told CBS 11. African-Americans did serve in World War II although officially segregated from white soldiers, according to The National World War II Museum. After the man left, Walker, who recounted the incident on Facebook, said he was approached by a manager who told him that the elderly man had complained that Walker couldn't be a 'real soldier' because he was wearing his hat indoors. Walker's attorney says that those harassing the veteran seem to believe that Walker has 'stolen valor'. Walker and his wife now want to sell their home He identified the manager as a man named Wesley Patrick and filmed the altercation. After Walker provided the manager with his military ID and his discharge papers, the manager began to question whether Walker's dog, Barack, was a real service dog. Barack was wearing his red service vest and his certified service dog tags. In the video, Walker repeatedly asks the manager, who is trying to get him to leave, whether he had just showed him his military papers. The manager refuses to answer. Finally, the manager says 'No' but people nearby speak up to say he had seen them. The manager then takes away Walker's meal. 'I was grossly offended, embarrassed and dehumanized,' said Walker. 'This overzealous manager comes out, and instead of talking to me man-to-man, he treated me as if I was a black man stealing a meal. Honestly, thats what it looked like,' he told CBS Local. Chili's apologized for the incident, saying they 'fell short' and that 'these actions do not reflect the beliefs of our brand,' and put the manager on suspension. A GoFundMe page was set up with a $100 goal to buy Walker food, but raised $6,245. Walker said that he would use the money to feed veterans on December 14, his birthday. Lottery players have for years clutched their tickets on a Saturday night in front of the telly hoping to see their lucky numbers make them millionaires. But fans of the live results show will soon have to turn to the BBC iPlayer if they want to watch the draw. The programme which has held its regular Saturday night slot since 1994 is being pulled from BBC1. From January 7 next year, viewers of terrestrial television will no longer be able to watch the results show. Fans of the live results show will soon have to turn to the BBC iPlayer if they want to watch the draw The programme which has held its regular Saturday night slot since 1994 is being pulled from BBC1 A new three-year deal between the broadcaster and Lotto operator Camelot has moved the show to iPlayer-only on Saturday nights. So those hoping to win the jackpot will need to go online to watch the numbers being drawn. Producers blame an increase in players using the internet to check results for the switch to its catch-up service. The first ever results show in 1994, presented by Noel Edmonds, had a peak audience of more than 20million. But just 3.1million people watched the show last weekend at 10pm. From January, Lottery players will only be able to check their results in short bulletins aired after the news on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, as well as on the Red Button service. The draws have traditionally appeared alongside a game show, the concept of which has changed throughout the years. In the hour-long original, 49 contestants competed to become the first person to start the draw. The show has been presented by stars including Anthea Turner, Dale Winton, Carol Smillie, Terry Wogan, Noel Edmonds and Ulrika Jonsson The show has been presented by stars including Anthea Turner, Dale Winton, Carol Smillie, Terry Wogan, Noel Edmonds and Ulrika Jonsson. The current presenters include Kate Garraway and Gaby Roslin. In 2012, the Wednesday-night live Lottery show was ditched and replaced by a results bulletin. Camelots digital director Tim Copper said the decision to axe the Saturday night show on BBC1 was due to an unrelenting shift towards digital platforms. He said: Were delighted to have signed this contract extension, maintaining the strong relationship that has flourished between The National Lottery and the BBC since The National Lotterys launch 22 years ago. As consumer habits show an unrelenting shift towards digital platforms, were embracing these changes in players results-checking habits providing content that they can access at all times, across multiple different touch-points. But its also great that we can continue to provide a service to those loyal BBC1 viewers who want their lottery results available at a regular time as they enjoy their favourite BBC shows. This new deal will allow us to do both. A BBC spokesman said: The BBC is committed to broadcasting The National Lottery with results on BBC1 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in a regular slot after the News as well as on the BBC iPlayer and online from January 2017 A BBC spokesman said: The BBC is committed to broadcasting The National Lottery with results on BBC1 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in a regular slot after the News as well as on the BBC iPlayer and online from January 2017. And director of BBC content Charlotte Moore said the new deal reaffirms the BBCs commitment to The National Lottery and our ongoing relationship with Camelot, adding: We both recognise the need to provide audiences with more ways to access the draw results across a range of platforms that reflect changing behaviour, while importantly retaining a home on BBC1. The university where three students died in suspected suicides during the first weeks of term has launched a review of its mental health services. The University of Bristol said it would increase its focus on giving students personal resilience to help them cope with the pressures of leaving home. Yesterday it emerged three students had died in their halls of residence within weeks of term starting in September. The elite Russell Group university was accused of hushing up the deaths. Philosophy student Miranda Williams, 19, had struggled with anxiety and depression and is understood to have taken her own life on October 10, three weeks after she left home. The second was named as ancient history student Daniel Green, 18, who was reportedly found dead on October 21. Kim Long, an 18-year-old law student, died last week. Philosophy student Miranda Williams, 19, had struggled with anxiety and depression It is understood that she took her own life on October 10, three weeks after she left home The universitys health centre director had previously described funding for student mental health services as inadequate, and some students have complained of poor quality treatment. The majority of funding is allocated by the NHS. Speaking in 2014, Dr Dominque Thompson said: One in four, at least, of student GP health consultations is for mental health. Im very worried that theres an entire generation here coming through with all these, and the practices that have been looking after them are just not going to be funded to do it theyre taking away the safety net, with the phrase, we will have to adjust gradually really, thats a euphemism for, youll have to close. Meanwhile Sarah Redrup told the student newspaper Epigram: Before I started my part-time masters, I disclosed my PTSD and depression to the university disability services and my school. I have since missed six weeks of teaching because of my mental health. The school has been extremely helpful once I arranged to come in and talk to them, but worryingly, during those six weeks no one checked on me at all. Another student, Saskia Bamber, said: If you have a mental health problem you have to do all the legwork yourself in order to access services, which are rarely any good. Yesterday the university issued an e-mail to its 22,000 students asking them not to communicate more widely about these events. Caroline Court, head of student residential life, said: Some of you may have seen todays article about the three students who have sadly died this year in unrelated incidents in three separate halls of residence. The article questions why the University has not shared this information more broadly. These events are obviously devastating for the students families, and our first thoughts are with them. She added: We chose not to communicate more widely about these events, out of respect for those who are grieving and also as they are currently subject to Coroners enquiries. I would ask you to do the same. The deaths were highlighted after an unnamed father of a student criticised university officials for failing to raise awareness about the deaths, and insisted more should be done to help students cope. The unnamed parent said: I dont think there is enough pastoral care for students once they arrive at university. It is quite a step-up from sixth form. An inquest into the death of Mr Green, who was from Lymington, Hampshire, was formally opened and adjourned on Wednesday. The coroner for Avon is yet to formally open the inquest into Mr Longs death. Kim Long, an 18-year-old law student, died last week. The coroner for Avon is yet to formally open the inquest into Mr Longs death The inquest into the death of Miss Williams, from Chichester, west Sussex has been adjourned until next year. A spokesman for the University of Bristol said: We are always looking for ways to improve and launched a review earlier this year which is looking at how we can enhance the range of support on offer to students. In the future, there will be increased focus on helping all students to develop personal resilience and wellbeing to ensure theyre able to cope with the various pressures they may face. There are increasing levels of concern about mental health across the higher education sector and we would welcome a wider discussion about how the stigma surrounding mental health can be broken down. Official data in 2014 revealed there were 130 student suicides in England and Wales, the highest figure since records began in 2007. Earlier this year it was reported that an investigation was being held after five student suicides in the course of a year at the University of York. Residents at a block of flats are in for a few nervous trips to the bathroom after a deadly cobra escaped down a toilet and into the building's drainage system. The deadly snake slithered out of a toilet in Pretoria, South Africa, horrifying a homeowner who was using the bathroom. Snake catcher Barry Greenshields was called out to remove the highly venomous snouted cobra, but it slipped away from him and slinked back off down the pipes. Residents at a block of flats are in for a few nervous trips to the bathroom after a deadly cobra escaped down a toilet and into the building's drainage system A video taken of Mr Greenshields' attempts to capture the huge snake shows him trying to yank it out as it tries to escape. Anton Meijer, who lives in the apartment below the one in the footage, told News24 that the snake was found at 9am on Thursday and that his neighbour tried to remove it himself. 'He started pulling it from the toilet but it was clinging to something. The more he pulled, it got agitated. It went back into the drainage system,' he said. Mr Greenshields was unable to capture the snake and now faces the arduous task of visiting every flat in the building until he finds the snake, which could have wriggled through the pipes into any of the apartments. 'The snake was found inside the toilet of one of the apartments but we couldn't remove it. It has since gone back inside the pipe system which is very ziggy zaggy,' he said. 'I'm telling people to keep the toilets closed. If the lid is closed it will be like a barrel and it won't come out but if it finds an opening it might come out and continue its journey into their houses,' he said. A snake catcher was called out to remove the highly venomous snouted cobra, but it slipped away from him and slinked back off down the pipes The snake catcher added that the 'big and strong' snake is the largest he has ever seen. Snouted cobras can grow up to 2.5 metres long and are highly venomous. A bite from one can cause swelling, respiratory failure and eventually death if untreated. A West Australian policeman left paralysed and unable to care for himself after contracting a rare disease has been granted a $6 million compensation payment, which his father says will be enough for his son to live in comfort. Constable Ryan Marron became ill with the mosquito-borne disease Murray Valley encephalitis while working in the remote Balgo community in the Kimberley in 2011. The next year he was given $400,000 to seek specialist medical treatment in the U.S. Constable Ryan Marron was left paralysed after contracting the rare mosquito-borne disease Murray Valley encephalitis while working in the remote Balgo community in the Kimberley in 2011 WHAT IS MURRAY VALLEY ENCEPHALITIS? Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) is a mosquito-borne disease in humans caused by the endemic (always present) Murray Valley encephalitis virus. This infection has the capacity to cause acute and severe illness in humans and can be fatal, but is rare. Most reported human cases occur in northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. Source: SA Health Advertisement The family rejected a record $5.5 million payment in March. His father Tom said $12 million was their target, with more than $6.5 million needed just for round-the-clock care services. Constable Marron can no longer walk, talk, feed or relieve himself. The state government announced on Thursday it had agreed to increase the payment to $6 million to assist with trustee fees. 'We're very happy it's come to a conclusion, a good conclusion,' Tom Marron told reporters. 'It's for the betterment of Ryan's future and that's all we were looking at all the time. 'I don't think there's been any wins in all of this. It's been a tragic journey. 'There's a long way to go and this will help.' WA Police Minister Liza Harvey (left to right), WA Attorney General Michael Mischin, WA Police Union president George Tilbury and Ryan Marron (centre) with his parents Tom and Sandra Tom Marron said the figure the family had proposed to the state government would have made life 'very, very comfortable, but this makes life comfortable'. 'I personally looked at it like a worker's compensation type situation,' he said. WA is the only jurisdiction in Australia without a worker's compensation scheme for police, which it's union has long called for. WA Police Union president George Tilbury said the issue would be a major part of pre-election submissions. 'It has taken time to get to this point and I guess the frustrating thing for us is if we had a regulated scheme, we wouldn't have to go cap in hand to the government each time a police officer has to be medically retired,' he said. 'We will be seeking commitments to make sure that policing into the future is well looked after and we have the resources to do the job.' Medically Retired WA Police Officers Association president David Bentley told AAP he was pleased the payment would give some closure to the Marrons but he was angry it had taken so long. The fact Const Marron could only now be discharged from the police via a motion of no confidence was an insult, Mr Bentley said. Const Marron was kept on the payroll while the payment was negotiated. Balgo women hunting water-holding frogs with digging sticks in southeast Kimberley region, Western Australia Forty pilots on a vintage air rally across Africa were held for two days in Ethiopia after their entry permits were allegedly cancelled mid-air. Several Britons, including a woman in her fifties, were among those detained by troops at an airport and forced to sleep on concrete floors without mosquito nets in temperatures of up to 104F. Former serviceman Maurice Kirk, 71, from South Wales, a former drinking partner of actor Oliver Reed, was also one of those investigated after Ethiopian authorities said they entered its airspace illegally on Tuesday during the planned 8,000 miles across through 10 countries in 15 aircraft built in the early 1900s. The rally, which includes the plane flown by Robert Redford in the film Out of Africa, is attempting to recreate the 1931 Imperial Airways Africa Route from Cairo to Cape Town, with 37 stops including Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and the Victoria Falls. Former serviceman Maurice Kirk, 71, from South Wales, a former drinking partner of actor Oliver Reed, was detained in Ethiopia The group were finally freed from the airport building were they were held last night and allowed to move into a hotel. Their pan African jaunt flew into trouble on Tuesday after leaving al-Damazin in Sudan for a planned trip to Gambella in Western Ethiopia that afternoon. After most of the planes had taken off, the Ethiopian foreign ministry cancelled permits that had previously been approved by the countrys aviation ministry, a relative of one Britain in the group said. By this time it was too late to return to Sudan because they were short of fuel and the group, which also included support helicopters and support aircraft, continued on. He was among forty pilots on a vintage air rally across Africa who were held for two days after their entry permits were allegedly cancelled mid-air On landing at the airstrip in Gambella they were detained by the Ethiopian army and had their phones confiscated. They were still being held two days later at a small building by the airstrip. One member of the group managed to secretly make contact with the Mail before they were moved to hotels texted: Sleeping on concrete, no mosquito nets. Phones confiscated, smuggled mine. Wossenyelah Hunegnawm, the head of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, said: This group entered into Ethiopia without getting permission to access our airspace. A government spokesman said he expected the group 'to be freed within a few days' They are not under arrest. They are safe and will remain in Ethiopia until the review (of their situation) is concluded. He added that he expected them to be freed within a few days, but there are fears that the ageing aircraft which were due to have critical maintenance at their next stop in Nairobi may not be able to fly, leaving the pilots stranded. A statement on the Vintage Air Rally website said it was unclear why the group were being held. We have no further information because of the lack of communications, it added. Why should there be so much excitement over the discovery from the log books of two of Britains most famous explorers more than 100 years ago that there was the same amount of ice floating round Antarctica then as there is today? To the surprise of academics from the University of Reading, the records kept by the expeditions of Captain Robert Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton in the early years of the last century which detail the extent of ice cover, the state of the sea and the weather show there has been remarkably little change in the extent of sea ice at the other end of the world. Dr Jonathan Day, who led the study, said: The data collected by these and other explorers could profoundly change the way we view the ebb and flow of Antarctic sea ice. We know that sea ice in the Antarctic has increased slightly over the past 30 years, since satellite observations began. Scientists have been grappling to understand this trend in the context of global warming, but these findings suggest it may not be anything new. Passengers from the Russian ship 'Akademik Shokalskiy' explore the frozen Ross Sea in the Antarctic. Mount Erebus volcano is in the background Capt Laurence Oates, Capt Robert Scott, Petty Officer Edgar Evans (standing, left to right), Lt Henry Bowers, Dr Edward Wilson (sitting, left to right). Polar explorers remembered as 'heroic failures' have provided crucial proof that sea ice around Antarctica has barely changed in size - 100 years after their expeditions The relevance of this startling discovery is that it again raises question marks over what has become the single most influential scientific theory shaping our modern world: the belief that the planet is dangerously overheating and we need to take drastic steps to bring it under control. Those who believe in man-made global warming are passionate in their belief that, thanks to those supposedly soaring temperatures, the mighty polar ice caps are melting rapidly. If this continues, the theory runs, it could lead to a rise in sea levels so great that it would eventually flood many of the most densely populated regions of the world. No sequence in the film An Inconvenient Truth made by the former U.S. Vice President Al Gore was more chilling than his computer graphics showing how melting ice could cause the oceans to rise by 20 ft, drowning many of the worlds great cities, from Shanghai and San Francisco to New York and London. It is true that, in the past 37 years since satellite records began, the summer ice at the top of the world, in the Arctic, has been shrinking though nothing like as far or fast as has been constantly predicted. But even if all that floating sea ice did melt, it would do no more to raise sea levels than the melting of an ice cube in a gin and tonic raises the level of liquid in the glass in other words, barely at all, because the volume of the ice is replaced by a similar volume of water. Aerial view of the GAUSS in the ice during the German Antarctic Expedition The Russian ship MV Akademik Shokalskiy is trapped in thick Antarctic ice 1,500 nautical miles south of Hobart, Australia Potentially much more serious in terms of the planets future is the colossal amount of land ice on Antarctica, which contains 90 per cent of all of the ice on the planet. And it is here that we find what is arguably the single most glaring contradiction in the global warming theory. Because all the evidence suggests that, far from getting warmer, over the past 50 years Antarctica has, in fact, been getting colder. The satellite records show sea ice around that mighty continent has been increasing to the point where last year, it reached its greatest extent since Nasas observations began in 1979. Even more significant was another finding reported by Nasa last year, showing that the thickness of ice over most of that vast continent has been making colossal gains as much as 112 billion tons a year between 1992 and 2001, and an average of 82 billion tons a year between 2003 and 2008. For years, the global warming zealots remained so convinced of their theory about melting ice that they simply shut their eyes to what is really happening at the bottom of the world. There was a farcical example in 2013 when an Australian-led scientific expedition sailed into the Antarctic Ocean to study how quickly climate change was melting the ice. Robert Falcon Scott (1868-1912), British naval officer and explorer of Antarctica, standing in the snow and holding a ski pole (left) and on skis in the snow On-board the Russian ship were 18 scientists from Australia and New Zealand, plus assorted green campaigners who had paid to go along as science assistants, along with journalists from the BBC and the Guardian newspaper, who helped sponsor the trip. As Christmas approached, they ignored their Russian captains warning that the ice was closing in so fast that they should escape. They continued to frolic around on ice thickening around their ship to more than 10 ft while, according to the BBC man, they were still taking measurements to show how quickly the Antarctics sea ice is disappearing. Eventually, they became so dangerously trapped that they had to be helicoptered to a Chinese rescue ship, which, itself, became so stuck that it had to be rescued by an American ice-breaker. Many attempts have been made by less reckless scientists to persuade the world that Antarctica is warming, though their efforts have focused almost entirely on the one part of that vast continent which has, indeed, become slightly warmer its western coast. It is from here we have seen dramatic shots of melting glaciers crashing into the sea. But more cautious experts have tried to explain this is because of heat rising from a mighty crack in the Earths crust buried far beneath the surface. File photo of the SS Terra Nova which took Captain Scott to the South Pole The efforts of global warmists to turn the evidence on its head have bordered on the comical. In 2009, scientific luminaries of the UNs Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change produced a paper in advance of what was to be the most important climate conference the world had ever seen. Their sensational study was part of a general bid to whip up climate hysteria before the worlds leaders met in Copenhagen that December to discuss a treaty committing them to every kind of drastic measure to halt global warming. The paper claimed to show that, far from getting colder, as all previous evidence suggested, Antarctica was getting warmer. Almost immediately, however, other experts spotted a fatal flaw in the study. It had all hinged on temperatures recorded by a single weather station. But pictures of this place showed it buried under snow, which would have cocooned its thermometers from the freezing outside air, giving readings distinctly warmer than they should have been. Of course, the discovery that emerged this week from the records kept by Shackleton and Scott supports what we already knew from modern research that what is going on at the bottom of the world is the most embarrassing single flaw in the whole global warming theory. Isnt the whole point about global warming that it is meant to be global? So how does that stack up when Antarctica appears to be cooling, its sea ice has been growing so fast there is more of it than at any time since records began and it has been confirmed scientifically that the thickness of its land ice has been increasing by trillions of tons? And why is all this of much more than just academic interest to the rest of us? Because it is the widely held belief in human-made climate change that is persuading our politicians to plan the most extraordinary revolution, not just in how we make our electricity, but in our entire way of life. The next time you are shocked at how fast your energy bills are rising, or you pay an extra 70 tax on an airline ticket thanks to a green levy, or see another row of giant windmills looming over the countryside, you might think of the great puzzle of Antarctica. Kim And Khloe Kardashian Pose For 032c Magazine In Revealing Editorial Trending News: Kim And Khloe K Forgot To Wear Clothes In Their Latest Photo Shoot Why Is This Important? Because luckily this is not the first or last time we will see scantily clad Kardashians in sexy magazine shoots. Long Story Short Kim and Khloe Kardashian got out their sexiest leotards in a recent shoot for hip Berlin magazine 032c, directed by the one and only Kanye West. Long Story It's not the first time Kim made headlines with a sexy photo shoot of this kind. Remember the time she broke the internet with her shoot for Paper Magazine back in 2014? Or that time she got naked in a sexy post-baby Instagram snap? We remember. Directed by Kanye West and set in the dusty surroundings of Los Angeles suburb Calabasas, Kim and Khloe posed in a walk-in shower and on a beach for German culture magazine 032c. And the world became just a little better. The shoot comes on the heels of some pretty rough times for the West family. Kanye West was reportedly admitted to a hospital in handcuffs after giving a 15-minute speech that targeted Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z and declaring his (post-election) support for president-elect Donald Trump. And let's not forget the time that Kim was robbed at gunpoint while staying at a hotel in Paris earlier this year. But in light of these sexy new images, it seems like not all is still in turmoil for Kanye and the Kardashians. Here's hoping for the best, and a speedy Yeezy recovery. Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question Where would the internet be without Kim's sizzling photo shoots? Drop This Fact The Kardashians are the richest reality stars, according to Forbes. They took in $122.5 million in 2016. He left school at 16 with just two O Levels to his name. But veteran journalist Sir Michael Parkinson believes students today would be better off following suit and learning on the ground, than chasing a Mickey Mouse degree in media studies. The 81-year-old broadcaster has criticised a course once dubbed a soft degree by Cambridge University, and says it attracts fame-hungry youngsters wanting a shortcut into reality television. He also questioned the pedigree of former polytechnic, Nottingham Trent. In a conversation with presenter Kirsty Young at the Bafta headquarters on Wednesday night, he was asked what advice he gave to young people hoping to get into television. Veteran journalist Sir Michael Parkinson believes students today would be better off learning to be journalists by working rather than studying for a media degree He said: It is a very old fashioned view I know, but I dont know about these media courses they have nowadays at universities. They have them at Nottingham Trent [and] it seems to me that a lot of young people do it as they see it as a way of getting onto shows like Im A Celebrity. They want to be famous. They are convinced by things like Im A Celebrity and that is their idea of fame - that instant fame that makes you a hero on the internet. Fame is a very strange thing and you have to be mature enough to handle it. Parkinson, who joined his local newspaper, the South Yorkshire Times, before going on to work for the Daily Express, believes such a degree can, ironically, actually hamper a graduates chances of working in the media. The popular presenter was educated at Barnsley Grammar School and left school after passing two O-Levels in Art and English Language. He added: Things have changed so much now with television and newspapers that they acquire a different person from the one I became making my way as a junior reporter and then being shown the ropes. I left school at 16 and walked into a newspaper office and said I want a job. And they used to say See that guy over there? Work for him for three years and then after that you would get a proper job. That was an apprenticeship. Parky has interviewed many iconic figures over the years, including boxer Muhammad Ali It does not happen nowadays. I have a great deal of sympathy for young people nowadays who want to do the job I did all my life as I dont see where the openings are for them. He is not the first familiar face to hit out at so-called Mickey Mouse degrees, a term originally coined by former education minister Margaret Hodge. She used it to describe a course as one where the content is perhaps not as rigorous as one would expect and where the degree itself may not have huge relevance in the labour market. Other examples include David Beckham studies a course introduced by Staffordshire University in 2000 and Surf Science, a degree created by Plymouth University. John Humphrys, the presenter of Radio 4s Today programme, has also previously hit out at media studies. It is one of the planet's supposed lost animals - but new footage has emerged claiming that the Tasmanian Tiger is not extinct after all. The last of the species, otherwise known as thylacine, is thought to have died in 1936 but people continue to report sightings from across Australia. And now a new sighting has been made in the Victoria bush by a group of explorers who spent weeks recording wildlife. Amateur investigators from Victorian Wildlife Research/Rescue suggest this footage shows a Tasmanian Tiger, thought to have gone extinct in 1936 Members of Victorian Wildlife Research/Rescue said they left a camera on a bush trail for three weeks before returning to collect the tape. After going through hundreds of hours of footage, the team discovered a few grainy seconds of a large dog-like animal moving through the undergrowth. One team member, giving their name as Roo, said the infra-red camera was over-exposed, meaning it was impossible to see whether the animal had the tell-tale stripes of a thylacine on its back. The creature in the footage also appears much smaller than thylacine captured on tape in captivity, raising the possibility that it could be a quoll or mangey fox. Claims of another Tasmanian Tiger sighting surfaced in September, this time in Adelaide Hills, after this amateur footage was posted online However, the appearance of the tail - long and slender with a blunt end to it - has others wondering if it could be the real deal. If so, the animal would likely be a juvenile, raising the possibility that a breeding population of thylacine exists. The video was captured back in 2014, but has begun circulating again on YouTube, attracting tens of thousands of views. This is not the first time wildlife watchers have claimed to have captured a thylacine on camera. In September, residents in the Adelaide Hills claimed to have captured a thylacine rooting around some bins in blurry footage. The Tasmanian Tiger, or thylacine, was once common across Australia but suffered a drop in numbers due to competition from other predators before being hunted to extinction For a split second an auburn-coloured creature can be seen slipping between fence posts around a set of houses. While the animal could easily have been a fox, again the appearance of the tail - thinner and stubbier than is typical - has attracted attention. Several groups carrying out amateur research into the thylacine pointed to the clip being genuine, though more prominent researchers cast doubt on the claims. Catherine Kemper, a researcher from the South Australian Museum, told ABC: 'I think it would have to be extremely unlikely. 'It doesn't make sense to me that there aren't any really fantastic photographs of them. All the photographs and video clips so far are pretty ordinary.' A shocking resurgence in anti-Islamic hate crimes last year saw assaults against Muslims increasing to the highest levels seen since 2001, a report has revealed. The number of anti-Muslim intimidation crimes, in which people are threatened with bodily harm, also reached its highest level since the 9/11 attacks occurred. Anti-Islamic crimes in general increased by 67 per cent, and are more likely to target people rather than property, the report, compiled by the Pew Research Center from FBI data, says. Scroll down for video The number of anti-Muslim assaults in 2015 almost matched those in 2001, according to the FBI. Anti-Muslim intimidation is also at its highest level since 2001 In 2015, a total of 91 anti-Muslim assaults were reported to the FBI - an almost identical figure to 2001, when 93 were reported. In 2000, just 12 such crimes were logged. The figures for anti-Muslim intimidation crimes also rose, to 120 - the most since 2001, when there were 296. In total there were 257 anti-Muslim hate-crime incidents in 2015, a 67 per cent increase on 2014. Some of those incidents involved multiple crimes - in total there were 301 individual crimes logged, 71 per cent of which were against people, rather than property. That contrasts with crimes against other religious groups, which are more likely to favor property damage over attacks on people. In 2015, for example, 64 per cent of anti-Jewish offenses and 51 per cent of anti-Catholic offenses were acts of vandalism. That composed just 23 per cent of anti-Muslim crimes. The FBI collects its statistics from 15,000 voluntarily participating law enforcement agencies, which means that these figures may be lower than the actual number of incidents. The Pew report does not explain exactly why the incidents have increased, but there are points on the graph that do coincide with major political events. For most of 2002-2008 includes, around 35 anti-Muslim assaults were recorded each year, save for 2006, the fifth anniversary of 9/11, when it spiked to 54. The figure rose steadily from 2008, when Barack Obama took office amid right-wing rumors that he was a secret Muslim, but those stats capped at around 55 attacks per year from 2011-2014, inclusive. It was only in 2015 that it spiked again, dramatically - something also noted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the University of California, which in June linked anti-Muslim sentiment to the rise of Donald Trump. Anti-Muslim attacks have continued since 2015. On Monday Nicki Panchol (pictured), a non-Muslim who wears scarves on her head to protect herself from the son, received abuse Panchol, who needs her scarves because of Lupus, found her car windows smashed in and this message - 'Hijab wearing b***h. This is our nation now. Get the f**k out' - left in her vehicle They said that attacks on mosques increased from around 21 incidents per year in 2013 and 2014 to 78 incidents in 2015. Trump announced he was running for office in 2015, and frequently used anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric. The FBI's statistics for 2016 won't be released until next year, but anti-Islamic incidents have continued to occur throughout the year. The Southern Poverty Law center received 40 complaints of anti-Muslim hate crimes in the six days after the election. One report, from Oregon, read: 'A Muslim woman was riding the Max to Beaverton in the early afternoon and a group of teenagers went to the corner of the car where she was sitting and got up in her face yelling at her that she was a terrorist, that our new President was going to deport her, that she can't wear her hijab anymore. 'They got increasingly menacing, and my friend went over and made them get off the train. When they were leaving through the door they tried to spit on her.' And in just the past few days there have been two high-profile anti-Muslim incidents. On Wednesday a kindergarten teacher in North Carolina was suspended after being accused of repeatedly grabbing a child by the neck and calling him a 'bad Muslim boy'. And on Monday a non-Muslim hiker in San Francisco who wore a head scarf to protect herself from the sun found her car windows smashed and a note calling her a 'Muslim b***h'. Peter Simic: 'It was a shock... when it was revealed it was Coles' The $5 a bottle award-winning wine beat out more than 1,500 competitors Retail giant Coles is taking on its rivals on a new front after a new wine costing just $5 a bottle won a major industry award. The Big & Bold Shiraz 2015 was named the best wine from Australia and New Zealand under $20 at the Winestate magazine's wine of the year awards in Adelaide on Thursday. Coles' Big & Bold Shiraz 2015 was named best wine under $20 at Winestate magazine's wine of the year awards The win puts the supermarket giant more directly in competition with German supermarket chain Aldi, which is expanding its selection of beer, wine and spirits, The Australian reported. Cole's Big & Bold Shiraz is produced by Victorian Winery McPherson wines and sold exclusively at the company's liquor store affiliates Liquorland, First Liquor, Liquor Market and Vintage Cellars. A panel of experts taste-testing the wine blind folded chose the budget bottle as the winner from a field of 10,000 other offerings. 'It was a shock and there was a fair bit of mirth when it was revealed the Coles wine won, Winestate publisher and the head of the judging panel Peter Simic said. 'It's a very fruit-driven style, a great expression of shiraz and at an extraordinary price,' he added. Head of Coles wine sourcing Ed Ashley hopes the range of wines will grow from the current stock Liquorland wine sourcing manager Edward Ashley said the industry award a capped a fantastic year for the chain's brands. 'Customers love our portfolio of exclusive wines which are not just great value, they're fantastic quality,' he said. 'We work closely with our winemaking suppliers to deliver unbelievably good wines at every price, and to have this recognition from some of the industry's top wine tasters is further evidence that we're getting it right,' Mr Ashley added. McPherson Winery general manager Gary Williams said the company had worked to build a strong relationship with Coles' liquor businesses over almost two decades. Mr Dutton was accused of fuelling 'hatred and division' and was compared to Donald Trump Advertisement Lebanese Muslims have hit back at Immigration Minister Peter Dutton after he linked them to homegrown terrorism and insisted that too many were let in to Australia. In a heated debate in Parliament earlier this week, Mr Dutton said it was a mistake to allow so many Lebanese-Muslims to resettle in the country in the 1970s. He said 22 of the 33 people most recently charged with terrorism offences were of 'second- and third-generation Lebanese-Muslim background'. Members of the community slammed Mr Dutton and told Daily Mail Australia that he was 'creating hatred and division', compared him to US President-elect Donald Trump and said Australia would be nothing without immigrants. Lebanese Muslims (Samira and Rebecca pictured) have hit back at Immigration Minister Peter Dutton after he said too many were let in to Australia and linked them to homegrown terrorism Members of the community (Hiyam, Rebecca and Samira pictured) slammed Mr Dutton and told Daily Mail Australia that he was 'creating hatred and division' Lebanese Muslims were shocked to hear the minister had targeted her community. Pictured, Lebanese shops in Lakemba, Sydney The minister has refused to retract his comments and told a radio station yesterday that 'the facts here are indisputable'. 'I'm on safe ground because I've relied on the facts. If people don't understand the history, then they will make the same mistakes into the future,' he said. 'The point that I was making is that we should call out the small number within the community within the Lebanese community who are doing the wrong thing.' Samira, a 38-year-old Lebanese-Muslim immigrant who moved to Australia in the late-1990s, told Daily Mail Australia that Mr Dutton sounded like US President-elect Donald Trump. 'I came here when I was 16 and my brother in Lebanon has been trying for three years now to come here and then I hear comments like that. 'He [Mr Dutton] is following in the footsteps of America. Donald Trump wants to ban all Muslims and that's what he [Mr Dutton] wants to do here.' Lebanese Muslim Salim said he already suffered stigma in Sydney before Mr Dutton's words, which he believes will make things worse Salim (pictured right, with his friend Zizou) accused Mr Dutton of exaggerating and said he was wrong to use a small figure 'to define a whole community' Mr Dutton said it was a mistake to allow so many Lebanese-Muslims to resettle in the country in the 1970s. Pictured, Lebanese shops in Auburn, Sydney A Lebanese-Muslim mother-of-three who migrated with her parents and settled in Australia during the 1970s was shocked to hear the minister had targeted her community as a whole. 'Australia would not be where it is right now without migration, it wouldn't have developed to what it is today,' Sonia Hamaway, from Sydney, said. Mr Dutton said most people recently charged with terrorism offences were of 'second- and third-generation Lebanese-Muslim background' 'His comments are detrimental, his comments are terrible, those are the sort of comments that will fire up some people and they will retaliate with these comments, it will be tit for tat, that's what it is.' Ms Hamaway, who was sitting with her elderly mother, Sophia, said the government was to blame for the generation of Lebanese-Muslims born in Australia being the 'screw ups of this society'. 'The young generation - the ones that are already down that path, that are born in Australia - they're the one's that are going to retaliate, not my generation not the one he is blaming. 'Why even make such comments like that?' she asked. 'This country is built on migrants. We love this country we love our land. 'The generation he is blaming is my mother's and she's disciplined me,' Ms Hamaway said. 'He [Mr Dutton] is not able to differentiate from the good and the bad people in the Lebanese-Muslim community,' Muslim-Lebanese woman Rebecca said. 'Because of the terrorist attacks, Islam is now seen as a religion of terrorism and the bad people in Islam are being mixed with the good people we have our immigration minister making these comments, he needs to differentiate between the bad and the good otherwise he is adding to racism,' she said. Sonia Hamaway (pictured left, with her mother Sophia) said the government was to blame for the generation of Lebanese-Muslims born in Australia being the 'screw ups of this society' Ahmad, from the heavily Lebanese Sydney suburb of Greenacre (pictured above), said Mr Dutton should be jailed Members of the Lebanese Muslim community compared Mr Dutton to US President-elect Donald Trump and said Australia would be nothing without immigrants. Pictured, Lebanese shops in Auburn, Sydney Hiyam claimed that Mr Dutton appeared to have one motive which was to 'ruin the reputation of Muslims'. 'You hear about ISIS and they link them to Islam when they have nothing to do with each other,' Hiyam said. 'Some people have a certain motive to ruin the image of Muslims and this is what he is doing.' Labor MP Anne Aly said she and her family had received death threats after the minister's 'extremely disappointing' words But Mr Dutton has stood by his words despite the backlash from a number of people, including Labor MP Anne Aly, the first Muslim woman to be elected to Parliament. Dr Aly said she and her family had received death threats after the minister's 'extremely disappointing' comments. On Thursday, Mr Dutton said he had evidence linking Lebanese Muslims with terror offences and said 1970s immigration policies were to blame. But Ahmad, from the heavily Lebanese Sydney suburb of Greenacre, did not agree and instead suggested Mr Dutton should be jailed. 'Let him talk in Greenacre and say the comments here,' Ahmad said. 'I don't think he would'. A group of fathers discussing the rift caused by Mr Dutton's comments also pointed out that the children going down the path of extremism were born in Australia. 'He is creating hatred and division between people. This man, his comment, is going to start another problem in the community,' a man called Salim said. 'Some people judge me by my appearance when they see me with a beard and that is because of comments people in his power say. 'I work in communications and enter around eight homes a day and it's not until I start a conversation with them do they start to relax.' Some Lebanese Muslims claimed Mr Dutton wanted to 'ruin the reputation of Muslims'. Pictured, shops in Auburn, Sydney Lebanese Muslims hit back at Immigration Minister Peter Dutton after he said too many were let in to Australia and linked them to homegrown terrorism. Pictured, shops in Auburn, Sydney 'Australia would not be where it is right now without migration, it wouldn't have developed to what it is today,' Ms Hamaway said Salim accused Mr Dutton of exaggerating and said he was wrong to use a small figure 'to define a whole community'. The fathers also noted that it was wrong to blame their parents, as they are not aware of anyone who would encourage their child to become a terrorist. 'Do you think it is easy for a parent to see a child they have raised to the age of 16, 17 to see them go kill themselves and others. No parent leads their child on that path,' Ahmad said. The Secret Service is in negotiations to take over two floors of New York's Trump Tower which could cost more than $3 million a year, according to a report. The agency and the NYPD allegedly plan to run a command post out of the gaudy gold tower where Donald Trump's wife Melania and their son Barron will continue to live during the first year of his presidency. Around 250 Secret Service agents and cops will be based on two continuous floors - at least 40 floors below Trump's $90 million penthouse apartment, the New York Post claims. Scroll down for video The Secret Service is in negotiations to take over two floors of New York's Trump Tower which could cost more than $3 million The agency and the NYPD plan to run a command post out of the gaudy gold tower where Donald Trump's wife Melania and their son Barron will continue to live during the first year of his presidency The paper reports that the 17th floor of Trump Tower is currently vacant and being marketed for up to $105 per square foot. That would add up to $1.5 million a year, per floor. It also appears that the 15th floor of the Tower is available - which had been used by the Trump Campaign in the run up to the election. If the agency were to go ahead, they would be paying more than $3 million a year based on current rents in the building. That means taxpayers will be paying the president-elect's own corporation for the high price of his protection. Trump's Secret Service detail will also follow him to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida where he spent Thanksgiving weekend. While the president-elect will relocate to the White House in January, the new First Lady and Barron will stay in their midtown Manhattan apartment untilDonald Trump's youngest son finished this year of school. But Trump has made it clear he plans to be in New York City regularly and will make even more frequent visits while Melania and Barron are there. While the president-elect will be protected by Secret Service, the local police are always called on to help assist them. Trump's entire family lives in New York City are entitled to the security detail following Trump's election. Around 250 Secret Service agents and cops will be based on two continuous floors - at least 40 floors below Trump's $90 million penthouse apartment U.S. secret service agents patrols inside Republican president-elect Donald Trump's Trump Tower in New York 'The number one imperative here is safety and security. We owe that to the president elect, his family and his team,' John Miller, NYPD's deputy commissioner of intelligence & counterterrorism, told WCBS Monday. 'This is a very substantial undertaking. It will take substantial resources. 'We will begin the conversation with the federal government shortly on reimbursement for the NYPD for some of the costs that we are incurring,' New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a press conference on Friday. Police have been assigned to Trump's adult children and grandchildren in addition to Secret Service. Blasio said the city will need help with the cost of overtime officers will be working to keep the first family safe. NYPD's primary responsibility will be controlling the movement of the general public, according to CNN Money. Presidents are required to have local police protecting them when they return to their homes. It cost taxpayers $2 million a year to station U.S. Coast Guard boats off the coast of George H. W. Bushs Maine estate during his presidency. While the Secret Service paid Vice President Joe Biden $2,200-a-month to rent the neighboring cottage to his Wilmington, Delaware home. Trump's entire family lives in New York City and will be entitled to the security detail - much of which New York City mayor Bill de Blasio is hoping will be reimbursed by the federal government The president-elect's wife Melania and ten-year-old son Barron will be staying in the city at least until Barron finishes the school year But because Trump lives in the most densely populated neighborhood in the biggest city in the U.S., this is a massive task. 'We have never had a situation where a POTUS would be here on such a regular basis. 'The details of his future plans are unknown, but we certainly know over these next 65 days [until the inauguration] he will be here regularly. 'The NYPD is up to the challenge and the city of New York is up to the challenge, I have no doubt about that,' de Blasio said. De Blasio has asked for reimbursements for protecting leaders in the past. When the United Nations heads of state visit the city, they are often times reimbursed for protection from the federal government. One UN visit saw the city reimbursed for $26 million in reimbursements or about $500,000 per week in 12 months. 'This makes (previous protection efforts) look quite small obviously. We'll have to establish a new set of ground rules,' de Blasio said. If all three states are found to have actually voted for Hillary Clinton - an unlikely outcome - the presidency would then move to the Democrat Stein has confirmed that Wisconsin and Pennsylvania are both going to be filed - but she says she can only apply, not promise a recount But that figure doesn't include legal fees or money to pay for recount observers, she wrote on her website Initially she had set $2million as her goal, saying that filing fees would come to around $2.2million for the three states - but says she needs a total of $7million She raised $4.5million in two days online and claims the money will be used to pay for the recounts Former Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein raised $4.5m in just two days to pay for recounts in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan. She wants a total of $7m Former Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein has now raised $4.5million in crowdfunded money - $2.5million more than her initial goal - but she says she needs a total of $7million to fund her proposed election recount. Stein set up the fund on her website Wednesday after experts said it was possible that hackers had artificially lowered Hillary Clinton's counts in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan. She has now promised to file for recounts in the first two states, but says more money is needed before the Green Party can file in Michigan. Initially the target goal was set at $2million. Stein said she hoped to raise that figure by Friday, which is the deadline for filing in Wisconsin, but blew through that in a matter of hours. On Thursday night her site hit $4.5million in donations, and minutes later the target amount was bumped up to $7million - which she estimates is the maximum needed for the whole process. But even then, she says, there are no guarantees. Scroll down for video Stein announced Thursday that Wisconsin's recount had been funded; later she said that Pennsylvania would be filed too. She says Michigan has still not yet been covered by the cash She originally asked for $2m, saying that the total filing fees would come to $2.2m. That was upgraded to $4.5m, which was reached Thursday (pictured), and then to $7m Thursday night The additional money is needed for legal fees and to pay observers, she says. She also says that there are no guarantees the states will allow the recounts, even if the money is paid According to Stein's site, the fees that must be paid to the states in order to file for a recount come to a total of $2.6million: $1.1million in Wisconsin, $0.5million in Pennsylvania and $0.6million in Michigan. But that's only to get the ball rolling, Stine says. 'Attorney's fees are likely to be another $2-3 million, then there are the costs of the statewide recount observers in all three states,' she wrote on her site. 'The total cost is likely to be $6-7 million.' But Stein says even with that money, she can't promise that a recount will go ahead. 'We cannot guarantee a recount will happen in any of these states we are targeting,' she wrote. 'We can only pledge we will demand recounts in those states. ' Surplus money would 'go toward election integrity efforts and to promote voting system reform,' she added. The site offers easy-click buttons for donations up to $2,700 - and says individuals can contribute another $20,000 on top of that by donating directly to two Green Party funds. Stein has cited the Green Party's successful 2004 demand for an Ohio recount - which ended in two election officials being convicted of rigging the count - as proof of concept. The move theoretically puts Clinton back in play for the Presidency - but the odds are still against her, and the White House reportedly wants to get on with transitioning to Trump Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway criticized those who were calling for a recount earlier Thursday, writing on Twitter: 'Look who "can't accept the election results."' She then linked to an article about Clinton supporters calling for a recount. On her website, Stein has positioned the fundraiser as 'an effort to ensure the integrity of our elections' after experts 'independently identified Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin as states where "statistical anomalies" raised concerns.' 'Our effort to recount votes in those states is not intended to help Hillary Clinton,' she said. The recount may indeed help Clinton, however - if, as experts suggest could be the case, she has been the victim of a cyber-attack on electronic polling stations. According to New York, the group - which includes computer security and voting law experts - says Clinton performed 7 per cent worse in those Wisconsin counties in which voters input their choice directly into electronic voting machines. In the other counties, where Clinton did better, voters have a paper ballot that is counted using an optical scanner or (in small numbers, to ensure accuracy) by hand. That, they say, suggests the electronic voting machines could have been hacked to filter out Clinton votes - something that can't be done when scanning paper ballots. Their calculations say that proposed hack could have robbed Clinton of 30,000 votes in the state. She lost Wisconsin to Trump by 27,000. The experts reached out to Clinton campaign chair John Podesta in a conference call on November 17 to try to get Clinton to call for a recount. But Stein could do it herself They believe that Pennsylvania and Michigan are two other key states that could theoretically have been affected. If Clinton claimed all three in a recount, she would win the Electoral College. The scientists don't have direct evidence of a hack, they say - if it exists, it would only come if Clinton demands an investigation and recount - but DNC emails were plundered by hackers in the run-up to the election. Clinton campaign chair John Podesta also had his email account hacked and its contents leaked. And in August, both Illinois and Arizona election records were breached in a cyber-attack, according to the FBI and state agencies. No suspects have been named in this potential voting hack, but Russia was fingered as a culprit in all of the attacks by US officials. The computer experts used a statistical analysis to conclude Clinton did worse in states with electronic voting machines - which they argue could have left the door open to hacking The experts include J Alex Halderman, director of the University of Michigan Center for Computer Security and Society. In an article for Medium, Halderman admits that Clinton's shock defeats in the states - which went against polling predictions - were 'probably' the fault of the polls being 'systematically wrong' rather than hacked. But, he said, neither explanation was 'overwhelmingly more likely than the other,' and so it was imperative for 'physical evidence' to be examined. On November 17, his group contacted Clinton campaign chair John Podesta and general counsel Marc Elias to present them with their findings and push for a recount and investigation, according to New York magazine. But the White House is reportedly leaning on Clinton not to demand the recount, as it wants to focus on smoothing the transition from the Obama administration to Trump's new Cabinet. However, if Stein gets her way, neither Clinton nor the White House will have a choice. Podesta's emails were hacked during the election campaign, as were DNC emails and voter data in Arizona and Illinois. US officials pointed to Russia as a culprit in all three cases Clinton already conceded to Trump and gave a farewell speech. She faces a recount deadline of just days in the three states, even if a challenge is mounted And Clinton's success in the popular vote may prove more of an impetus to push out the boat anyway. On Wednesday, as Stein's takings rocketed, it was announced that her lead over Trump had increased to more than 2million, and was expected to keep rising. David Wasserman of the nonpartisan Cook Report tweeted the result Wednesday, as her lead increased to 1.5 per cent of the vote. According to the Cook Report, Clinton's ballot count is now at 64,225,863 -compared with Trump's 62,210,612. There are still millions more votes to be counted, and it's believed that most of those will be for Clinton. If Stein or Clinton want to push for the recounts, they'll need to move fast, however. If they want to file a recount in Wisconsin, the deadline is Friday. In Pennsylvania they have until Monday. And in Michigan the cut-off is November 30. Experts would also have to examine the voting machines to see if there was evidence of hacking. Police are searching for five people involved in a string of home robberies Parents picking up their children from school have become 'soft targets' for Apex gang members who are pillaging new estate homes while they're unattended. Police have warned residents in Melbourne's south east to get security doors after five men - believed to be Apex gang members - committed a string of break-and-enters using a stolen car between November 17 and 20, The Herald Sun reported. Senior Constable Michelle Chiang said young gang members are monitoring homes near Cranbourne North and appear to have identified that a lot of residents are not at home during lunch and school pick-up hours between 12pm and 4pm. Scroll down for video Parents picking up their children from school have become 'soft targets' for Apex gang members who are pillaging new estate homes while they're unattended (stock image) 'We are asking people to be vigilant when they leave home because people have noticed groups of youths watching them and then they leave and we believe that is when they are casing the victims,' Senior Constable Chiang told The Herald Sun. He said the group observe 'when people are coming and going' before kicking down the door and helping themselves to the contents of the home. 'Opportunistic offenders pick soft targets where security is not at its best,' she said. This comes after the Victorian justice system vowed to crack down on dangerous criminals involved in violent home invasions, particularly young repeat offenders. Apex gang members are believed to have robbed a jewellery store earlier this month Members of the notorious gang were arrested following a high-speed car chase (pictured) Apex came to police attention after the Moomba riots when 200 people brawled in the streets Shane Bowden of the notorious Mongol motorcycle club recently had his jail term increased by 12 months as a warning after a 13 per cent rise in recorded offences in the last year. Justices Chris Maxwell, Robert Redlich and Emilios Kyrou said they were in favour of a heavier sentence in an attempt to curb Melbourne's crime wave. '[The] sentencing practice for this type of offending needed to change, so that sentences would properly reflect the gravity of the offending and the guidance provided by the maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment,' their judgment said. A slumlord set up secret network of cameras to film his tenants having sex after his shipping container shanty town burnt down. The elaborate network of cameras set up by Masaaki Imaeda, 66, was uncovered in April when a young Japanese couple discovered a covert ceiling camera with a view of their bed, police documents obtained by Daily Telegraph reveal. When police searched a shed at the back of the western Sydney sharehouse, which Imaeda also lived in, they found a reclining chair which faced a large television - as well as laptops, cameras, recording equipment, USB sticks and SD cards. A young Japanese couple found a camera hidden in their ceiling. The camera faced the floor-length mirror and had a view of the entire room (pictured) A shed (pictured) at the back of the property had a reclining chair which faced a large television, as well as laptops, cameras, recording equipment, USB sticks and SD cards Masaaki Imaeda is pictured Days after the young married couple moved in, the wife stumbled on an online post which warned Imaeda was known among Japanese students for installing hidden cameras in the bedrooms of his home. The husband then searched the room and found a hole in the ceiling, a camera connected to the ceiling light and a cable through the roof. Police examined the camera and found it was facing floor-length mirrors. It had a view of the entire bedroom. A young female student had recently moved out of another bedroom in the house. In that bedroom, there was a camera hidden in a television and a camera disguised as a smoke alarm The six-bedroom sharehouse Imaeda rented out and had a network of secret cameras in His room (pictured) was detached from the house and had cables running through the floor up into the bedroom the couple were renting A young female student had recently moved out of another bedroom in the house. In that bedroom, police found a camera hidden in a television which sat atop the wardrobe and faced her bed. There was also a camera disguised as a smoke detector. Imaeda slept in a room detached from the house. That room had cables running through the floor up into the bedroom the couple were renting. He pleaded guilty on Thursday in Campbelltown Court to four charges of install or use an optical device (interfere without consent), and two charges of observe a person in private act without consent. Separately, Imaeda has pleaded guilty for renting out a shantytown in Alexandria, which caught fire in 2014 A run-down kitchen in the Alexandria shanty town that burnt down in 2014 The slum had caravans, buses and shipping containers He faces up to two years' prison. Imaeda's lawyer said he suffered 'from a number of medical issues'. He will be sentenced next month. Separately, Imaeda has pleaded guilty for renting out a shantytown in Alexandria, which caught fire in 2014. Some tenants managed to flee and another four were rescued. The tenants, mostly international students from Asia, all shared one portaloo. Imaeda will be sentenced at a later date for two counts of breaching the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act over the slums. Nearly three dozen bodies and nine human heads were found in clandestine graves in southern Mexico, where rival drug gangs have been engaged in a wave of extortion, kidnappings and turf battles, authorities said Thursday. The graves of 31 men and one woman were found at an outlaw camp in Guerrero state after authorities received an anonymous tip that people were being held near a mountain in the municipality of Zitlala. A kidnapping victim was rescued, and the remains were found in 17 different pits as authorities continue the search for more graves. Nearly three dozen bodies and nine human heads were found in clandestine graves in the Mexican state of Guerrero (pictured, investigators working in Zitala, Mexico) Residents reported a foul smell, and soldiers went to the site in Zitala after they received a tip about people being held hostage (pictured, file photo) Residents reported a foul smell, and soldiers went to the site in Zitala after they received a tip about people being held hostage, according to ITV. Soldiers and police arrived on the scene to find a kidnapping victim, along with bulletproof vests, AK-47s, magazines, several vehicles, and a cooler with five heads inside, according to El Universal reported. Twelve bodies and other human remains were found in coolers, before further excavations of the site led to the discovery of a total of 32 bodies and nine heads. Investigators have taken the remains to state capital of Chilpancingo in an effort to identify the bodies. No arrests have been made so far. Residents of the community of Tixtla, Guerrero found nine decapitated bodies on Monday along a highway. Drug gangs frequently decapitate their victims and prosecutors are looking into whether the nine heads found in Zitlala correspond to the bodies found on Monday. Roberto Alvarez Heredia, spokesman for the Guerrero Coordinating Group, said soldiers were still combing the area to see if there were any more graves. Guerrero, a region known for opium, has seen an upsurge in gang-related violence as the price of poppies has increased internationally Guerrero, a region known for opium, has seen an upsurge in gang-related violence, with at least 24 deaths in the state just last weekend, according to Sky News. A Guerrero state security spokesman told the news channel drug cartels were fighting while the price of poppies has increased internationally. The government announced on Monday that it is stepping up the use of joint police-army patrols in areas known to be particularly violent. The largely rural, impoverished state had 1,832 reported homicides in the first 10 months of 2016. was killed in May The most senior Australian Islamic State terrorist has been arrested in the Middle East six months after he was meant to have been incinerated in a U.S. drone strike. Neil Prakash was arrested by a Middle Eastern government in the last few weeks, The New York Times reported Friday. In May this year, the Federal government announced the wannabe rapper turned religious radical had been killed in Iraq. Not so dead: Islamic State terrorist Neil Prakash has been arrested - months after he was supposedly killed by a U.S. airstrike in Iraq But the report said he was only wounded by the bomb dropped on him at the terrorist stronghold of Mosul. Prakash was a senior terrorist recruiter for the group and had often appeared in extremist propaganda and magazines. He had also recruited jihadists for operations in Australia. Attorney-General George Brandis and Defence Minister Marise Payne were definitive in announcing his death earlier this year. 'He is considered to be Australia's most prominent ISIL recruiter,' the ministers said in a statement. 'His death disrupts and degrades ISIL's ability to recruit vulnerable people in our community.' Daily Mail Australia approached the Attorney-General's department for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Gruesome images show neglected sheep with their eyes gouged out by birds and their dead or dying bodies left to rot on a farm. Peter James Reardon, 39, has pleaded guilty to seven counts of animal cruelty after an RSPCA inspector found decomposing bodies of sheep on a NSW farm. The animal welfare group charged Reardon after they were called to one of his Goulburn properties in June 2015 to find the bodies of dead and dying sheep. He was sentenced to 12 months suspended imprisonment and given a two-year good behavior bond by the Goulburn local court on Monday, The Age reported. Gruesome images show neglected sheep with their eyes gouged out by crows and their dead or dying bodies left to rot on a farm Dead and rotting sheep around areas of water on the farm. Reardon denies claims by RSPCA NSW that 'several hundred dead sheep' were found at his property Reardon denies claims by RSPCA NSW that 'several hundred dead sheep' were found at his property, but admitted to the organisation that five pregnant ewes were dying from toxaemia and he did not seek a veterinarian for treatment. Reardon said that he takes full responsibility for the loss of sheep at the time, in a report by the Goulburn Post. But he also pointed out that he runs a station with over 4500 sheep and 200 cattle. 'Even with the best management available, unfortunately every farm will suffer losses from time to time,' he said. 'I am disappointed in the RSPCA's need to sensationalise stories for their own publicity, he said following their report. Reardon denies claims by RSPCA NSW that 'several hundred dead sheep' were found at his property Dead or dying bodies of sheep were found by RSPCA inspectors. Reardon pointed out that he runs a station with over 4500 sheep and 200 cattle On one visit, one sheep was found to have been shot in the head but was still alive. The ewe was later euthanised by the inspectors Inspectors made contact with Reardon after several visits to his property. Pathology results revealed the sheep were suffering from serious intestinal parasites, treatable with an oral drench, which Reardon could have easily gotten through his stock and station agent, according to the RSPCA. On one visit, inspectors found one sheep had been shot in the head but was still alive. 'Mr Reardon ... admitted to shooting the ewe through the ear but assumed she was dead although he hadn't checked,' the RSPCA said. The ewe was later euthanised by the inspectors. Reardon said he was disappointed in the RSPCA's need to sensationalise stories for their own publicity The animal welfare group said a total of 31 sheep were euthanised and an orphan lamb was seized during further inspections The animal welfare group said a total of 31 sheep were euthanised and an orphan lamb was seized during further inspections. One ewe was dragged about 100 metres, with skin ripped off on one side, it's also claimed and she was found alive in the middle of a pile of dead sheep. 'One eye had been pecked out by crows, and now the other eye was exposed to the sky and potentially further crow attacks,' the spokesperson told The Age. 'Mr Reardon later said he had dragged the ewe behind his quad bike, not realising she was alive. However, he would have had to bind her legs at close range, and it would have been obvious to anyone that she was still alive.' One ewe was dragged about 100 metres, with skin ripped off on one side, it's also claimed and she was found alive in the middle of a pile of dead sheep Reardon must report to the RSPCA every six months. If he reoffends, he will be back before the courts Reardon was charged with aggravated cruelty, failure to provide veterinary treatment and failure to provide proper and sufficient food. RSPCA inspector Tony Croker said while the penalty could have been harsher, he was glad about the bond, which requires Reardon to report to the RSPCA every six months. 'From the RSPCA's perspective, the penalty could have been more significant but the good behaviour bond provides us with confidence that the welfare of the animals will be safeguarded,' he said. If Reardon reoffends, he will be back before the courts. Vladimir Putin has been accused of intervening in the US election again by analysts who say the Kremlin peddled fake anti-Clinton stories to elect Donald Trump Analysts have accused Russia of sponsoring the spread of 'fake news' on social media accounts to swing the US election for Donald Trump. Two separate groups have alleged that the Kremlin was behind Twitter and Facebook posts promoting anti-Hillary Clinton stories. One told The Washington Post how the 'propaganda' was designed to chip away at American voters' faith in democracy. It comes after widespread claims Vladimir Putin, a vocal Trump supporter, was behind the Democratic National Committee hack which exposed thousands of emails from Clinton's inner circle. In a blog post titled 'Trolling for Trump: How Russia Is Trying To Destroy Our Democracy', analysts Andrew Weisburd, Clint Watts and JM Berger described how they began tracking social media accounts in 2014 when 'organized trolls' targeted posts which criticized the Russian-supported Syrian government regime. The trolls worked alongside what the analysts called 'honeypot' accounts - fake profiles of young, attractive women eager to become involved in politics with American users. Though the original network was Syrian, it was mimicked by Russia, the analysts said, and traces of networks bearing all the same hallmarks were spotted during the election. 'Today, that network is still hard at work, running at peak capacity to destroy Americans confidence in their system of government. 'Weve monitored more than 7,000 social media accounts over the last 30 months and at times engaged directly with them,' the blog post read. Among 'fake' stories peddled by accounts with links to Moscow was one focused on Clinton's apparent ill health after she fell ill at a 9/11 memorial event in September. Speculation grew over her condition after she appeared to faint on camera while getting in to her car. A string of stories ensued after the Democratic candidate appeared at other events fighting a lingering cough. It was later revealed she was battling pneumonia. Some outlets, however, picked up on claims she was suffering Parkinson's disease or Syphilis. The unfounded reports were then shared thousands of times on Twitter, said the experts. Scroll down for video Among 'fake' stories picked up by the unnamed accounts was one which speculated over Hillary Clinton's health after she appeared to faint when leaving a 9/11 memorial in September (above) Clinton's camp later revealed she had been battling pneumonia when she took ill but pro-Trump pundits made wild public guesses over her condition. Their comments, said the experts, were pushed by the Russian-linked social media accounts Another 'fake' story that was picked up claimed anti-Trump protesters were being paid (file image) Another 'fake' story, according to the Post, told how anti-Trump protesters were being paid to appear at rallies. Other American outlets, including ABC, reported claims from anonymous sources they had been paid to appear in protest against the businessman at the time. Craigslist adverts were also photographed appealing for actors to play the role. Other stories were based on material obtained through hacks and perpetuated online through the 'honeypot' accounts of users purporting to have the same interests as their targets. PropOrNot, another group, made similar accusations against the Russian regime. In an advanced copy of its report on the subject that was seen by the Post, it estimated that fake stories peddled by Russian accounts were viewed more than 213million times. 'It was like Russia was running a super PAC for Trumps campaign. . . . It worked,' said its founder who spoke to the newspaper on the condition of anonymity for fear of being targeted themselves. Russia was previously blamed for the DNC hack which saw thousands of emails exchanged between some of Clinton's most trusted aides leaked. They were still being published by Wikileaks as polls opened on November 8. Putin has denied any involvement, dismissing the circulated suspicion that he had been trying to sway the election. The hackers, Cozy Bear and Fancy Bear, have strong links to Russian government agencies. A Florida man was shot in the stomach moments after a Thanksgiving meal, deputies say. The 28-year-old, who has not been named, was rushed to Orange Park Medical Center after the shooting at the property in Raccoon Run, Middleburg. Police were called to the house at just after 8pm on Thanksgiving Day after reports of the dispute. A Florida man was shot in the stomach moments after a Thanksgiving meal, deputies say (police at the scene of the shooting on Thursday) By the time officers arrived, the suspect had fled and is still on the run, the Clay County Sheriff's Office said. The hospital was temporarily placed on lockdown - which is standard procedure when there is a shooting victim coming into the hospital. The victim's current condition is unknown. The 28-year-old, who has not been named, was rushed to Orange Park Medical Center (pictured) after the shooting at the property in Raccoon Run, Middleburg Across the other side of the Sunshine State, police are hunting for a shooter after a 55-year-old man was shot in the back on Thanksgiving. The shooting occurred in Aaron Drive in Escambia County shortly after 6.30pm. Helicopters have trailed the car as it travelled from Kyneton to Lancefield He is wearing a black suit and driving a black luxury BMW A man in a luxury BMW has stopped off several times to refuel for petrol during a dangerous high speed car chase. A man wearing a black suit and driving a black BMW has led police on a high speed chase through the streets north of Melbourne as he darts in and out of lanes. He has reportedly travelled more than 130km in one hour. Helicopters have trailed the car - reported to be going at speeds of 150km/h - as it travelled from Kyneton to Lancefield with reports a man or woman is in the back seat, according to Nine News. Scroll down for video A man wearing a black suit and driving a black BMW has led police on a high speed chase through the streets of north Melbourne as he darts in and out of lanes A man in a luxury BMW has stopped off several times to refuel for petrol during a dangerous high speed car chase The car was last seen at Heathcote. The driver of the BMW is alleged to be 15-year-old, according to Seven News. Police called off the chase when they learned the age of the driver. Police also arrested two female passengers when they exited the car at an Aldi store. Police also arrested two female passengers when they exited the car at an Aldi store Fresh doubts have been raised about Heathrow airport expansion after the government's own advisors warned it could be illegal. The independent Committee on Climate Change (CCC) said there was a real risk the huge scheme - only given the go-ahead in principle by ministers last month after decades of delay - would breach emissions limits. Proposals for a third runway at the west London hub are facing ferocious resistance led by environmental groups and residents. Heathrow's third runway could be built over the M25 because it will be 'cheaper and quicker'. The lane pictured is northbound, with the runway running from right to left, and the existing runway on the right of CGI impression of what it will look like The proposal for elevating the runway has been branded 'sensible' by the Transport Secretary Calls to enlarge Gatwick instead or build an entirely new airport elsewhere were eliminated by the Airports Commission during a tortuous process. Although the Cabinet has signed off on the project, the tensions were such that Theresa May was forced to take the unusual step of allowing senior ministers including Boris Johnson and Justine Greening to disagree publicly. The intervention by the CCC, which was set up to offer independent advice to government, risks reigniting the bitter row. In a letter to Business Secretary Greg Clark, chairman Lord Debden said the Department for Transport's own presentation of the case suggested limits on greenhouse gas levels would be breached. In order to stay within environment laws, emissions from air travel in 2050 should not exceed 2005 levels. The committee said it expects advances in technology to help to reduce emissions while air travel grows. There has been an 11 per cent increase in demand in the last decade, although the latest data showed emissions are currently lower than in 2005. However the Government's plan for Heathrow estimates that emissions from aviation will rise by 15 per cent as demand surges by 60 per cent by 2050. 'The committee is now concerned that there is scope for misunderstanding of the DfT's position based on the business case for a third runway at Heathrow,' Lord Debden wrote. 'Using the Government's publications, it is not possible to assess whether the investment makes sense when emissions conform to the planning assumption.' Lord Debden warned that plans to expand Heathrow while keeping current targets meant 'all sectors would have to prepare for correspondingly higher emission reductions by 2050'. 'My committee has limited confidence about the options for other sectors to go beyond these levels by 2050,' he wrote. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy told BBC News the Government agreed with the Airports Commission's assessment that a new runway at Heathrow will not breach emissions targets. A spokesman said: 'We are considering how we will continue to reduce our emissions across the economy through the 2020s and will set this out in our emissions reduction plan, which will send an important signal to the markets, businesses and investors. 'Our commitment to meeting our Climate Change Act target of an at least 80% emissions reduction below 1990 levels by 2050 is as strong as ever.' Britain's most married man is planning his ninth wedding - and will tie the knot as soon as he divorces wife number eight. Great-grandfather Ron Sheppard, 68, proposed to call centre worker Cristel Marquez Lalec, 26, on New Year's Eve last year after spending Christmas with her family in her hometown in the Philippines but has not seen his fiancee since. Now wedding bells are ringing once again after Miss Lalec, mother to a seven-month-old son, arrived in Britain for a month-long holiday, the Daily Mirror reported. 'The last one': Ron Sheppard, 68, has been reunited with call centre worker Cristel Marquez-Lalec, 26, pictured together, after she arrived from the Philippines for a holiday Romantic: Mr Sheppard proposed to call centre worker Miss Lalec on New Year's Eve last year after spending Christmas with her family in her hometown in the Philippines, pictured Unlucky in love: The only obstacle holding up the nuptials is that Mr Sheppard is still legally wed to Weng Plantino, pictured, and is waiting for the divorce to come through The only obstacle holding up the nuptials is that Mr Sheppard is still legally wed to Weng Plantino, and is waiting for the divorce to come through. The pensioner, who was 19 when he wed his first wife in 1966, has so far been unlucky in love but believes Miss Lalec is 'the one'. He said: 'Make no mistake about it, Cristel will be my forever wife. This one is real love. This is the last one I promise.' Mr Sheppard met his fiancee at Heathrow airport before giving her a quick tour of Windsor Castle and taking her home to his flat in Somerton, Somerset. Miss Lalec said she is looking forward to a traditional Christmas Day with her fiance before she returns to the Philippines in January to care for her son. She will come back to the UK to tie the knot, once Mr Sheppard is once again a single man. Chequered past: Last month Mr Sheppard was handed a restraining order against Ms Plantino, his eighth wife, pictured, after he pleaded guilty to harassment at Yeovil Magistrates Court The mother-of-one said she is looking forward to taking care of her fiance. She told the Daily Mirror: 'I know what it looks like but I am not here for a passport. I am not here to take advantage of Ron.' The couple first met more than ten years ago, while Mr Sheppard was married to Wan, wife number seven, and living in Thailand. RON SHEPPARD'S WIVES Wife No 1: Margaret in 1966. Had three children and divorced after two years. Wife No 2: Jeanette, married in 1973 and divorced after just one year together. Sheppard later described the union as a 'business transaction'. Wife No 3: Lesley, wed in 1976. He left five years later following a string of arguments. The couple have two sons. Wife No 4: Kathy, met in a holiday camp and they married in 1982. They had a daughter and lasted four years. Wife No 5: Sue, whom he met in a bingo hall and married in 1986. They had two sons but she threw him out in 1997. Wife No 6: Usha, wed in 1999. They split after four years when Sheppard cheated on her while in Thailand. Wife No 7: Wan. The couple met in Bangkok in 2003 and married that year. The pair were in the UK together for just eight months when Wan left him and returned to her home country. Wife No 8: Weng, married in 2004. The pair met online and Sheppard flew out to the Philippines. The couple were together for 11 years and split in 2015. Wife-to-be No 9: Cristel. Sheppard proposed on December 31, 2015, weeks after leaving Weng. Advertisement The couple were friends with Miss Lalec and the trio would socialise together. Last month Mr Sheppard was handed a restraining order against Ms Plantino after he pleaded guilty to harassment at Yeovil Magistrates Court. But Miss Lalec said she is not deterred by her fiance's chequered past, adding: 'All I want to do is take care of him. And that it is what I am going to do.' Sheppard was just 19 when he tied the knot with first wife Margaret in 1966 and the pair had two children together before divorcing two years later. He then met second wife Jeanette in a Kingston bingo hall and they wed in 1973, but it lasted one year. He has since described the marriage as a 'business transaction' which enabled them to receive a bigger house from the council. Shortly after their divorce, Mr Sheppard met third wife Lesley and in 1976 they tied the knot. They went on to have two children together and he said he thought she 'was for keeps', but he left five years later following a string of arguments. He went on to meet 18-year-old blonde Kathy at Pontins holiday camp in Somerset and the pair married in 1982. They had a daughter together and lasted four years, despite Mr Sheppard claiming it was a 'rebound relationship' following his split from Lesley. He then met his fifth wife Sue at a bingo hall. Despite admitting he was not 'swept off his feet by her', he moved in to her two-bedroom home and they married in 1986. They had two sons together but she threw him out when he was offered a job in Bournemouth. He then went on to marry Usha in 1999, after the pair met while he was on a stop-off trip to Singapore. First bride: Sheppard was just 19 when he married first wife Margaret in 1966, pictured left. Bride number three, pictured right, Lesley wed Mr Sheppard in 1976 Long-distance love: Mr Sheppard and Miss Lalec first met more than ten years ago, while Mr Sheppard was married to Wan, pictured, wife number seven, and living in Thailand They lasted four years but split after Mr Sheppard cheated on her during a holiday alone to Thailand. With divorce number six behind him, he met seventh wife Wan in Bangkok in 2003 during a trip to visit an old friend. However, after returning to the UK, the pair stayed together for just eight months before the bride announced she was returning to her native country in 2003. It was then Mr Sheppard met Weng after meeting her online. He flew out to meet her in the Philippines. on the woman and left her covered in bruises A drunk intruder crept into a 22-year-old woman's bed and gave her hickeys as her husband obliviously slept beside her. Lang Kouth, 21, broke into the Carborne North home in Melbourne on July 24 at 3.20am, before sexually assaulting the woman in the same room her 17-month-old daughter was sleeping, reports Herald Sun. Judge Andrew Tinney branded the attack as 'the stuff of nightmares' in the Victorian County Court ahead of his sentencing next week and said it was part of an alarming spate in home invasions. A drunk intruder crept into a woman's bed and gave her hickeys as her husband obliviously slept beside her 'Waking up with a third person in the bed, the accused, all over herIt's the stuff of nightmares,' Judge Tinney said. Kouth was vigorously rubbing himself on the woman and left her covered in bruises before fleeing when her partner woke, a court heard. The woman reached behind and felt the accused's hair and realised the person was not her partner, opening her eyes and screaming in horror. The teenager allegedly fled in the couple's car and was seen by police travelling at 40km/h in an 80km/h zone on the South Gippsland Highway. When he stopped and police tried to open the car, he allegedly sped off again and reached 160km/h before hitting a tree. He escaped the car and ran towards a fence, before he was captured by police. Judge Andrew Tinney branded the attack as 'the stuff of nightmares' in the Victorian County Court Kouth, a Sudanese refugee, pleaded guilty last month to five charges over the attack, including sexual assault, theft, and aggravated burglary. Kouth's lawyer, Michael Reardon, said he had suffered a troubled childhood and illicit drug addiction but had volunteered for the Salvation Army prior to the attack. Advertisement The Dakota Access Pipeline demonstrations raged on during the Thanksgiving holiday, with 300 protesters taking to the streets of a North Dakota city while others gathered around a hill they claim has tribal burial sites. The protesters blocked traffic at an intersection and other streets in Mandan shouting 'Shame on you, North Dakota!' and carrying a banner that read 'No pilgrims, no pipeline,' on Thursday. One protester told officers they were 'ready to die today' while another said 'Remember '73?', referring to Wounded Knee, according to Morton County sheriff's office spokesman Rob Keller. Scroll down for video The Dakota Access Pipeline demonstrations raged on during the Thanksgiving holiday, with 300 protesters taking to the streets of Mandan, North Dakota on Thursday More than 170 vehicles, including a school bus, arrived to prepare for the demonstration, and protesters set up tables with pumpkins and pig head at the center of the intersection The protesters blocked traffic at an intersection and other streets in Mandan shouting 'Shame on you, North Dakota!' and carrying a banner that read 'No pilgrims, no pipeline,' on Thursday More than 170 vehicles, including a school bus, arrived to prepare for the demonstration, and protesters set up tables with pumpkins and pig head at the center of the intersection. About 50 officers formed a line across the street from the protesters and ordered that they leave the area or be arrested. By 11.30am most of the protesters had dispersed. The sheriff's department arrested two individuals for refusing to leave, according to the Bismarck Tribune. Officers near the campsites about 50 miles south of Mandan also observed protesters attempting to build a wooden bridge across Cantapeta Creek on Thursday morning. The protesters were attempting to reclaim Turtle Island, a hill where they claim tribal burial sites are located. Between 350 and 400 protesters eventually gathered at Turtle Island, with some crossing the newly-built bridge so they could stand at the bottom of the hill. Officers near the campsites about 50 miles south of Mandan also observed protesters attempting to build a wooden bridge (pictured) across Cantapeta Creek on Thursday morning The protesters were attempting to reclaim Turtle Island, a hill where they claim tribal burial sites are located Between 350 and 400 protesters eventually gathered at Turtle Island, with some crossing the newly-built bridge so they could stand at the bottom of the hill Before they left, a group of protesters formed a large circle at the bottom of the bill and stood in silence, holding hands, before breaking into cheers and waving at the officers at the top of Turtle Island The protesters did not attempt to climb the hill and, after officers warned them they would be arrested, the demonstrators eventually retreated The protesters did not attempt to climb the hill and, after officers warned them they would be arrested, the demonstrators eventually retreated. Before they left, a group of protesters formed a large circle at the bottom of the bill and stood in silence, holding hands, before breaking into cheers and waving at the officers at the top of Turtle Island. 'Today's been very peaceful,' said Avery Lohman, who had traveled from Kansas to join the protests. Support for the NoDAPL movement continues to grow and spread across the nation, and on Thanksgiving day hundreds rallied in Portland to show their solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and others who have spent months protesting the Dakota Access pipeline's construction. More than 350 people took part in the demonstration at the city's Pioneer Courthouse Square, with protesters chanting 'Stop the pipeline' and 'Water rights are human rights' according to The Oregonian. The Portland rally was organized by the group Families for Peaceful Protest. Co-founder Shannon Berger-Hammond said the event was scheduled on Thanksgiving because the holiday is 'meant to highlight peace and thanks and community and to celebrate indigenous nations'. 'And the indigenous nations are suffering right now,' she added. A protester makes a smoky fire on Turtle Island on Thanksgiving day during a protest against plans to pass the Dakota Access pipeline near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation Three women hug during the protest by Turtle Island, which some demonstrators said was 'very peaceful' Some protesters wore rain ponchos as well as goggles and gas masks as they prepared to cross a river to Turtle Island Brady Bennon, who attended the rally with his sons, agreed that the rally was perfectly timed. 'The idea of celebrating Thanksgiving while people are getting shot with water cannons and rubber bullets for trying to protect their water makes us really sad,' he said. 'We wanted to make our voices heard in support of the Sioux tribe and in opposition to the pipeline.' The Standing Rock Sioux and others oppose the 1,200-mile, four-state pipeline being built to carry oil from western North Dakota to a shipping point in Illinois, saying it threatens drinking water on the nearby reservation and cultural sites. Pipeline developer Energy Transfer Partners has said no sites have been disturbed and that the $3.8billion pipeline will be safe. The pipeline is largely complete except for the section under a Missouri River reservoir in southern North Dakota. ETP Chief Executive Kelcy Warren has said the company is unwilling to reroute the project. Protests against the pipeline have intensified in recent weeks, with arrests since August totaling more than 520. Actress Shailene Woodley, who was among 27 activists arrested in October, was at one of the campsites Thursday. The Standing Rock Sioux and others oppose the 1,200-mile, four-state pipeline being built to carry oil from western North Dakota to a shipping point in Illinois, saying it threatens drinking water on the nearby reservation and cultural sites A protester cries while watching a demonstration on Turtle Island on Thanksgiving day Woodley live-streamed activities and was expected to help serve Thanksgiving dinner to protesters later in the day. Protesters have said treatment from police has become increasingly violent in recent weeks, turning water cannons on them in freezing temperatures and using rubber bullets. Things took an especially gruesome turn on Sunday, when a young woman from New York City was severely injured in a blast and is now in danger of losing her arm. Sophia Wilansky, 21, was with a group of protesters who were attempting to push past a blocked bridge on a state highway in North Dakota when police officers began using tear gas, rubber bullets and water hoses to stop the group. Wayne Wilansky, Sophia's father, said that his daughter told him she then saw a member of law enforcement throw an object at her which exploded and 'blew the bone out of her arm'. She was immediately airlifted to a hospital in Minneapolis 400 miles away to be treated, but it may be too late to try and save her arm. The Morton County Sheriff's Office meanwhile is denying that any object was thrown at Sophia following reports from her fellow protesters that she was hit with a concussion grenade. Most of the coral bleaching is more than 1,000km north past Pauline Hanson slipped into a wetsuit for a day of snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef in an effort to prove it is not dying. The One Nation leader swam among coral off Great Keppel Island, near Rockhampton in central Queensland, on Friday claiming the reef was alive and well. But the controversial senator was accused of visiting the wrong part of the reef, 1,000 kilometres away from most of the damage. Scroll down for video Pauline Hanson went snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef in an effort to prove it is not dying Senator Hanson slips into a wetsuit on the boat to Great Keppel Island, near Rockhampton in central Queensland, on Friday Senator Hanson claimed tourism was being harmed by 'agenda-driven groups' like The Greens spreading 'untruths' about coral bleaching along the natural wonder. 'When we have these agendas that are actually destroying our tourism industry and businesses... we need to ask the questions and we want answers,' she said. 'The Greens have no concern about people and jobs that we need here in Queensland, and the escalating costs that we are feeling from the effects of this.' Ms Hanson claimed tourism was being harmed by 'agenda-driven groups' like The Greens spreading 'untruths' about coral bleaching along the natural wonder Senator Hanson hits the water alongside One Nation colleagues 'When we have these agendas that are actually destroying our tourism industry and businesses... we need to ask the questions and we want answers,' she said Senator Hanson was accompanied by fellow One Nation senators Brian Burston and Malcolm Roberts, a longstanding climate change denier. Senator Roberts said tourists had stopped coming to the reef because they were being told it was dead and that Australia should not be reporting on its health to UN agency UNESCO, which listed the reef as a world heritage site. Conservationists said climate change was putting severe stress on the reef, which experienced a massive coral bleaching event this year, and some declared it's dying at an unprecedented rate. Senator Hanson adjusts her goggles during her snorkeling trip to the Great Barrier Reef Senator Hanson (R) listens to marine scientist Alison Jones (L) as she displays a coral Senator Hanson was accompanied by fellow One Nation senators Malcolm Roberts (R), a longstanding climate change denier The Climate Council said the senators visited the wrong area as most of the coral death, caused by rising temperatures, was much farther north. The Council's Professor Lesley Hughes invited them to accompany the group and marine scientists to where coral bleaching had actually occurred. 'They would see the devastating impacts with their own eyes,' she said. 'If One Nation is worried about the reef they are visiting the wrong spot. They are 1,000km away from where the action is.' But the controversial senator was accused of visiting the wrong part of the reef, 1,000 kilometres away from most of the damage Conservationists said climate change was putting severe stress on the reef, which experienced a massive coral bleaching event this year The World Wildlife Fund said One Nation should have visited Lizard Island, north of Cooktown, where bleaching, caused by high water temperatures, had killed much of the coral. Federal Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg his Queensland counterpart Steven Miles met with the Reef Ministerial Council to discuss its report to the UNESCO world heritage committee. The report covered the state of the reef and how the Federal and Queensland governments were acting to protect it. A blackout left more than 30,000 people in Sydney's north-west without power and caused 42 sets of traffic lights to fail. Homes and business in Eastwood, West Ryde, Ryde, Rhodes, Meadowbank, Putney, Denistone, Melrose Park, Epping and Denistone East were affected by the power outage, which occurred just before 5pm on Friday. Power was not expected to return until 9pm, but an Ausgrid spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia power had returned to the affected areas just before 7pm. A blackout out left more than 30,000 people in Sydney's north-west without power Power company Ausgrid said the blackout may have been a result 'of a fault around our Meadowbank substation' leading the power to be interrupted Power company Ausgrid said the blackout was a result 'of a fault around our Meadowbank substation' leading power to be interrupted. 'Their [emergency crews] first priority will be to make sure the area is safe before making any necessary repairs and restoring power as quickly and safely as possible,' a statement said. An Ausgrid spokesman said a fault in at the Meadowbank station caused a loud bang and smoke to pour out of the affected equipment. They were able to reroute power and bring back electricity to those affected. The company is also investigating reports of a car accident knocking down power cables near Ryde. According to the Transport Management Centre, 42 sets of traffic lights have been blacked out in the affected area. Motorists were advised to 'take extra care' as the evening traffic peak began. Four cars crashed on Concord Road in Concord West shortly after the blackout, with one person still stuck in a vehicle, the NSW Transport Management Centre said. It is not known whether the accident was caused by the outage. Ausgrid is also investigating reports of a car accident knocking down power cables near Ryde Homes and business in Eastwood, West Ryde, Ryde, Rhodes, Meadowbank, Putney, Denistone, Melrose Park, Epping and Denistone East were affected by the power outage The furious Turkish president has vowed to open his country's borders to all migrants in revenge after the European Parliament voted to halt EU membership talks. Turkey's bid to join the EU now looks doomed after the European Parliament demanded that membership talks with Ankara are frozen. The demand was made amid growing unease over Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's 'increasingly authoritarian regime' in the country. The demand was made amid growing unease over Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's 'increasingly authoritarian regime' in the country The EU struck a deal earlier this year to return migrants to Turkey in return for a package including aid for the refugees and accelerated membership talks. But now Erdogan has declared that if the freeze continues he will open Turkey's gates for all migrants to flood into Europe. Speaking at a congress on women's justice in Istanbul, he said: 'If you go any further, these border gates will be opened. 'Neither me nor my people will be affected by these dry threats. It wouldn't matter if all of you approved the (European parliament) vote.' 'We are the ones who feed three to 3.5 million refugees in this country. You have betrayed your promises.' After more than a million migrants made their way into Europe last year, mostly through Turkey, the country agreed to stem the flow of migrants travelling by sea to Greece. This was in return for certain incentives including fast-tracked membership talks, billions of euros in aid for Syrian refugees in Turkey and visa-free travel for Turkish citizens. But the response to the coup has made European nations less keen to negotiate with Turkey, while visa liberalization has hit a hurdle over Turkey's reluctance to change its antiterror laws. During Friday's speech, Erdogan also claimed the money promised also had yet to be delivered. It comes after the Turkish government launched a heavy-handed crackdown following a failed coup in July. Supporters of Erdogan are pictured staging a rally in Istanbul in July He said: 'We have been given 550 million dollars by the United Nations. The European Union promised, but the money it has sent so far is around 700 million. But what have we spent? Up to now we have spent 15 billion dollars.' Erdogan's comments come after the European Parliament approved a non-binding resolution yesterday by a 479-37 margin with 107 abstentions and said the talks freeze should last until Ankara's 'disproportionate measures' under the state of emergency are lifted. Despite the parliamentary vote, EU officials have said that longstanding but unsuccessful talks should not immediately be halted. Some EU nations have called for the suspension of the talks. But the bloc is struggling to reach a common stance that would balance EU nations' need for Ankara's continued help to stop hundreds of thousands of refugees heading to Europe with their concerns about rights abuses. 'By continuing the illusion of accession talks with an increasingly authoritarian regime, the EU is losing credibility, is fooling our citizens, and also betraying those Turkish citizens who look to Europe as their future,' said Guy Verhofstadt, the leader of the liberal ALDE group. Anticipating the vote, Erdogan had already said that his country's 'struggle for its stability and future won't be interrupted by (European legislators) raising and lowering their hands.' Although the vote carries no immediate consequences, it underscores the increasing unease in Europe over Erdogan's tightening grip on power in the wake of the coup attempt. Tens of thousands of people, including teachers, journalists and opposition lawmakers, have been arrested or fired. As reports of more detentions and repression came in, the EU's stance has steadily hardened. 'We can no longer remain silent in the face of Erdogan's outrage and the evident breaches of the rule of law and human rights,' said S&D socialist leader Gianni Pittella. In Ankara on Thursday, the minister in charge of negotiations with the EU criticized EU nations for not standing in solidarity with Turkey at a time when it is dealing with a spate of violent attacks. A highly experienced fire chief warned his colleagues about the dangers of PTSD on Facebook before turning a gun on himself. Battalion Chief David Dangerfield spent 27 years dealing with the death and destruction caused by fires and accidents in Vero Beach, Florida. He became a firefighter in the 1980s and was promoted to the top job, during a distinguished career. Fire Chief David Dangerfield was suffering from PTSD when he took his own life last month He posted a tragic message on Facebook shortly before calling 911 and shooting himself Dangerfield had been suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder at the time of his death But on October 15, the 48-year-old firefighter left a post on Facebook warning about the dangers of PTSD. His next action was to call the emergency services and to inform them where they could find his body. He then shot himself. During his years as a firefighter, he regularly made the local news, mainly as a result of tragedy and occasionally due to his charity work. On one call out, he and a colleague recovered the severed body of a nine-year-old boy who had been attacked by a shark. Another mission involved attending the scene of a light aircraft crash in a remote swamp. He and his colleagues pulled the mangled bodies from the wreckage and remained with them for four hours until they could be removed. Hundreds of people attended a memorial service for Dangerfield on October 22 in Vero Beach In 2014, he recovered the body of a 16-year old cyclist, who had been knocked over the side of a bridge into a lagoon. At the time, he told Vero News: 'It's difficult for us too. It sticks with you.' Yet, his final Facebook post provided a chilling insight into the horrors he witnessed over his long career. He wrote: 'PTSD for Firefighters is real. If your love (sic) one is experiencing signs get them help quickly. '27 years of deaths and babies dying in your hands is a memory that you will never get rid off (sic). ... My love to my crews. Be safe, take care. I love you all.' A flag at the memorial to fallen fire fighters flew at half-mast during Dangerfield's memorial service on October 24 Shortly afterwards, he was dead. Retired firefighter Blades Robinson, a dive team buddy, said Dangerfield had some difficulties over the past couple of years, including a divorce, but had been undergoing PTSD counseling. He had been promoted last year, bought a new house and truck. He seemed like his normal self. 'We were all blindsided by his death,' Robinson said. Dangerfield's death shined a light on firefighters who suffer post-traumatic stress disorder, a problem most often associated with soldiers returning from war. Firefighters are finding that their long tradition of silent stoicism, and the belief that talking about one's demons is a sign of weakness that could isolate them from colleagues, has left many of them psychologically and emotionally damaged. The Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance estimates about 30 percent of the nation's 1.3 million career and volunteer firefighters suffer from PTSD, with 132 suicides by active and former US firefighters and paramedics reported last year. Officials believe those numbers are low because of misclassifications. Studies show firefighters are three to four times more likely to kill themselves than die in on-duty accidents. There have been recent national efforts to train firefighters to recognize PTSD and to remove the stigma of seeking help. But even knowledge can't save everyone. Scott Geiselhart, a firefighter in Frazee, Minnesota, fought the same demons Dangerfield did and would have died the same way but for some incredible luck. Geiselhart was viewed as a pillar of his community in Frazee, a town of 1,300 people tucked among the area's abundant lakes and home to 'Big Tom', the world's largest turkey statue. Firefighter Scott Geiselhart of the Frazee Fire Department in Minnesota attempted suicide Geiselhart began having nightmares about the people he was unable to save during his career He owned the local auto repair shop and was an assistant chief with the volunteer fire department, leading the crew that removes people when they are trapped, particularly after car accidents. Geiselhart often found himself rescuing friends and neighbors. One night he chatted up a bartender about a necklace she was wearing. The next morning he pulled her body from her car's wreckage and found the necklace in the debris. In 2010, Geiselhart and his team rescued a teenager who had driven into an icy swamp. He appeared to be recovering in the hospital. 'Everything went perfect: It was an awesome, awesome rescue. It was just wow,' said Geiselhart, 47. 'I was celebrating, saying, "We finally saved one."' A month later, the teen died from a lung infection caused by inhaling water. Geiselhart blamed himself. It wasn't long before the nightmares began, mostly about his two sons. 'They would be burning to death or falling out of the sky and landing in the water and turning to me for help and I was paralyzed. I couldn't help them. Or they would be in a car accident and the jaws of life wouldn't work or my arms wouldn't work,' he said. 'So I just decided I was never going to sleep again.' He started taking meth to stay awake. It made his PTSD worse. It is estimated that 132 serving fire fighters took their own lives last year due to PTSD Everywhere he looked in town, something reminded him of someone he had seen dead or dying. He began yelling at his girlfriend and kids. He spent 23 hours a day at his repair shop, but spent much of his time staring at his surveillance monitor. Finally, in 2014, he took his Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum, loaded it with six bullets, put it to his head and pulled the trigger. Click. The gun didn't fire. 'I think it was God using my favorite gun to get my attention,' he said. Geiselhart got help. He underwent psychotherapy, eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing, sometimes used to treat soldiers suffering from PTSD. It worked. He stopped using meth. He stopped being angry, even though he lost his auto shop. He's still a volunteer firefighter. 'What's weird is that I'm in the worst financial shape of my life but I am the happiest I have ever been because I got my life back and I know there is a future,' he said. 'Something inside me is at peace.' He now speaks to firefighters groups, urging them to seek help before it's too late. 'I know how much strength it takes,' he said. 'It is far from a weakness.' For confidential help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or click here Angry migrants set fire to a camp on the Greek island of Lesbos Thursday after a woman and a six-year-old child died following a gas cylinder explosion. The explosion occurred while the 66-year-old woman was cooking, adding that the child's mother and four-year-old sibling were hospitalised with serious injuries. In an apparent act of rage, migrants then set fire to the Moria camp on Lesbos, causing significant damage. Scroll down for video People try to extinguish fires with buckets of water at the Moria migrant camp on the island of Lesbos Shocked migrants leave the camp with thick smoke from the fire clearly visible in the background Desperate. Migrants move their tent following the gas cylinder explosion as some torch the camp in an apparent act of retribution Flames engulf parts of the camp. The island is used as a springboard to enter the rest of Europe for the migrants who usually travel there by boat from Turkey Ruined. Tents and possessions are left in tatters, the full extent of the damage is expected to be severe Firefighters arrived at the scene to try to put out the flames. Ensuing clashes between migrants and police left six refugees with minor injuries. Some migrants fled the camp after the blast but had since returned and calm was being restored, a police source said. Several fires have erupted in refugee camps on the Greek islands, where some 16,000 people became stranded after the European Union signed a deal that was aimed to stem the influx of migrants. A man stands in front of burning tents. Elsewhere, around 1,500 migrants rioted in Bulgaria's largest refugee camp in Harmanli near the border with Turkey Moria has a capacity for 3,500 people but currently houses more than 5,000 The remains of the fire place where the 66-year-old woman was cooking on Thursday evening Stranded. Migrants look on as chaos unfolds in their camp. Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames soon after it started Moria has a capacity for 3,500 people but currently houses more than 5,000. Part of the camp was badly damaged in a fire on September 19 during clashes between migrants and police, and thousands had to be moved out before returning two days later. Nearly 66,000 refugees and migrants are currently stranded in Greece, according to official figures. The same camp in Lesbos was badly damaged in a fire on September 19 during clashes between migrants and police Some 16,000 people became stranded on the island after the European Union signed a deal that aimed to stem the influx of migrants An exterior view of the ablaze camp. Ensuing clashes between migrants and police left six refugees with minor injuries Part of the camp was badly damaged in a fire on September 19 during clashes between migrants and police The morning after the clashes. Migrants inspect the damages of the camp on the island in the Aegean Sea Elsewhere, around 1,500 migrants rioted in Bulgaria's largest refugee camp in Harmanli near the border with Turkey, triggering clashes that left two dozen police injured and prompted the arrest of hundreds of protesters, officials said. 'Around 300 migrants, six of them considered a threat to national security, have been arrested,' Prime Minister Boyko Borissov told BNR public radio after visiting the camp in early hours of Friday. He added that 24 police officers and two migrants were been injured and that the situation had been brought under control. Angry migrants - mostly Afghans - set car tyres on fire and threw stones at around 250 police officers, members of the gendarmerie and firefighters at the Harmanli reception centre near the Turkish border earlier Thursday to protest a recently imposed ban on migrants leaving the centre pending medical checks. Local police chief Nina Nikolova told AFP earlier Thursday that the situation was under control and that the migrants were in talks with the state refugee agency. A man walks with a young boy at the refugee camp in Harmanli, Bulgaria. Angry migrants - mostly Afghans - set car tyres on fire and threw stones at around 250 police officers on Friday morning 24 police officers and two migrants were injured during the riots but the calm has since been restored Migrants walk among Bulgarian riot policemen inside the refugee center. It is believed tensions flared after police used two water cannons to push migrants back who wanted to leave the camp-without the needed medical checks to do so But tensions flared up again in the evening when police had to use two water cannons to push the rioting group of migrants back into the buildings and prevent them from leaving the camp. The centre, which houses just over 3,000 migrants, was the scene of another protest in October when several hundred Afghans demanded they be allowed to continue their journey towards western Europe. With a fence along the Turkish border, Bulgaria has largely remained on the sidelines of Europe's worst migration crisis since 1945. Nonetheless around 13,000 migrants, mostly from Afghanistan, are currently trapped in the European Union's poorest country. A video showing happy children with Down syndrome has been banned from French television, after judges ruled it could be upsetting for women who have aborted children with the condition. The Council of State ruled that the short pro-life film could 'disturb the conscience of women who, in accordance with the law, have made personal life choices'. The video, called Dear Future Mom, shows children telling a mother whose child has been diagnosed with Down syndrome that the infant 'can be happy - just like I am'. The advert had previously been banned from broadcast by the French Broadcasting Council In its ruling, the court upheld a ban previously imposed by the French Broadcasting Council. Despite the television ban, the short film - which was released in 2014 for World Down Syndrome Day - has been viewed more than seven million times on YouTube. Research has found that 80 per cent of French mothers-to-be who find their unborn child has Down syndrome opt for an abortion. It features people with Down syndrome describing how they live happy lives Despite the television ban, the short film - which was released in 2014 for World Down Syndrome Day - has been viewed more than seven million times on YouTube The ban was appealed by the Jerome Lejeune Foundation in France, a research charity which specialises in genetic conditions such as Down syndrome - and one of the video's producers. After the court's decision, foundation president Jean-Marie Le Mene accused judges of removing happy Down syndrome children from view, and said it put the destruction and protection of life on an equal level 'as if the two acts had the same value'. He continued: 'Indeed, experience shows that women who have given birth to a child with a disability do not regret having chosen life.' The advert addresses the concerns of a mother who learns her unborn child has the condition The Council of State ruled that the short pro-life film could 'disturb the conscience of women who, in accordance with the law, have made personal life choices' Sie Whitten, president of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, told the Catholic News Agency that the decision was 'shocking' and 'offensive', adding: 'We need to stand up to this. We need to join the people in France who understand that is a slippery slope.' Following the ruling, Kerry Abel, chair of pro-choice group Abortion Rights, told MailOnline that women should be trusted to make their own decisions. She said: 'Abortion Rights recognises that we live in a society that discriminates against disabled people, and also that disabled women are denied real choice. Pro-life groups have hit out the ruling by the French court, which upheld a broadcast ban for the advert The video, called Dear Future Mom, shows children telling a mother whose child has been diagnosed with Down syndrome that the infant 'can be happy - just like I am' 'Being pro-choice means to trust women to know their circumstances and keep open all options. 'No woman should be forced to either terminate or carry to term a pregnancy, no matter her situation and whether or not the foetus shows signs of impairment. The decision of any woman to have an abortion is hers alone to make and should be respected.' The body of a woman allegedly murdered by her ex-partner was discovered with her throat slit by her mother two days after Mother's Day. Heather Steadman found her 35-year-old daughter, Kirsty Ashley, lying in a pool of blood on the lounge room floor of her brother's Alice Springs house on May 15, 2012. Ms Ashley's ex-partner, Darren Ashley, has pleaded not guilty to her murder and is facing a re-trial. It's alleged he stabbed his ex-partner 27 times because she ended their 16-year relationship. Alice Springs man Darren Ashley (left) has been accused of allegedly stabbing ex-partner Kirsty Ashley 27 times in 2012 because she ended their 16-year relationship Giving evidence at the NT Supreme Court on Friday, Ms Steadman said she noticed drops of blood on the window outside the home, and peered in to make the grisly discovery. 'I saw Kirsty lying there ... I could see her face. I was screaming,' she said. 'I could see her throat had been cut, I could see she had died because her eyes were all vacant and staring. 'I sat down next to her and I was crying and I put my hand on her face. (The ambulance operator) asked me to feel her pulse and I said there's no point, she's dead.' The court heard Ms Steadman found a 'samurai' sword beside the victim's body, which the prosecution claims Ashley planted as a decoy to send police down the wrong path. Ms Steadman said Ashley accused his ex-partner of having an affair and assaulted her a few weeks before she was killed. 'As she was walking away she heard running behind her and Darren grabbed her by the throat,' Ms Steadman said. Heather Steadman found her 35-year-old daughter, Kirsty Ashley, (left) lying in a pool of blood on the lounge room floor of her brother's Alice Springs house on May 15, 2012 Ms Ashley's ex-partner, Darren Ashley (centre), has pleaded not guilty to her murder and is facing a re-trial Ms Steadman saw her daughter soon after the incident and said Ms Ashley was distressed. 'She was frightened. She was crying and shaking. I saw that she had a lump on her neck,' Ms Steadman said. Ms Steadman said after the couple split up, the accused demanded Ms Ashley transfer him $7000 and sign her cars over to him to allow her to see their son. 'He was constantly texting and following her,' she said. A friend who was going to be best man at their wedding, David Wallace, is dead, but his testimony from the first trial was also read in court on Friday. The Supreme Court in Darwin heard from Heather Steadman on Friday Mr Wallace had been mates with the accused for 30 years and first met Ms Ashley when they started dating while she was working at the local dump. He said Ashley raised concerns Ms Ashley was cheating with her new boss at the local auto shop when they split up. 'He was upset, his whole world was torn apart,' Mr Wallace said. 'He was angry because the person he loves walked out.' But Mr Wallace said Ashley never mentioned he wanted to hurt the man he thought his wife had left him for. Increasing numbers of female refugees are abandoning their accommodation centres in Germany to seek sanctuary in homes for domestic violence victims. The distressing news about the plight of female refugees in Germany comes as the world marks the UN's 'International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women'. In and around Stuttgart alone there were 105 rapes, assaults and robberies of women and 77 against children in the refugee centres last year, but the local government admits that the number of unreported cases is 'significantly larger.' Increasing numbers of female refugees are abandoning their accommodation centres in Germany to seek sanctuary in homes for domestic violence victims (file picture of migrants in Berlin) In the state of Saxony-Anhalt there are no figures available but 20 female shelters have now opened their doors to provide a refuge for abused and children. Those affected in Germany come from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, according to a survey by the German press agency. There, they were beaten, oppressed, or passed to other men. Experts say part of the problem is the inability of men to accept the freedom accorded to their wives, daughters and siblings in the west. In the lands where they come from, women are often regarded as property to be used an abused at will and the culture shock of females showing independence for the first time often leads to violence. Only recently a Syrian man was jailed for life for attempted murder after throwing his three small children from the first floor window of his asylum accommodation because he was angry at the 'independence' his wife had displayed since arriving in Germany. Sylvia Haller, a spokeswoman for an autonomous shelter network in Baden-Wurttemberg, said: 'Employees in asylum shelters are increasingly asking for a safe place for women and children.' The Ministry for Families, Seniors, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) will now provide money for the scheme which aims to give better protection to the vulnerable, including the remodelling of migrant centres to give more privacy to females and minors (file picture of migrants in Berlin) In the university city of Heidelberg, 50 women and 58 children had to flee to a women's shelter last year from violent husbands or aggressive in-laws. But more than 135 women and 155 children had to be rejected because there was simply no room for them. Yadav, a Stuttgart-based counselling centre for young women in danger in forced marriages or 'violence in the name of honour', says the number of cases will rise in the coming years. The soaring incidents of sexual abuse of women and children in German refugee camps forced Angela Merkel's government to pledge over 160million to combat it in April this year. The soaring incidents of sexual abuse of women and children in German refugee camps forced Angela Merkel's government to pledge over 160million to combat it in April this yea In the town of Giessen near Frankfurt, 15 women in one camp filed complaints to local police of rape and other forms of sexual abuse. The Ministry for Families, Seniors, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) will now provide money for the scheme which aims to give better protection to the vulnerable, including the remodelling of migrant centres to give more privacy to females and minors. Police have for long told of a rising trend of abuse, including rapes, but in the highly-charged political atmosphere that surrounds the whole refugee issue in Germany the problem has largely remained unaddressed. Municipal authorities will be able to get the money from central government in the form of in zero-interest loans. 'Unfortunately we know that children and women in the camps are not safe from abuse and sexual assault. That's why we have to make sure that they're protected,' said junior minister Ralf Kleindiek. 'Not only measures regarding staff, but also structural measures have to be implemented such as lockable accommodation units and separate sanitary facilities. 'For the children and adolescents we also need designated rooms to enable play and learning.' Part of the scheme to clamp down on sex abuse involves working wth experts from UNICEF to train staff in how to deal with the problem at over 100 centres. Around three million pounds of the total amount available will be spent on constructing specialist centres to provide counselling for survivors of rape and torture. The government has also formed a government working group in a bid to solve the problem of child marriages. Hundreds, if not thousands, of those who streamed into Germany in the past 18 months have child brides. A crazed Nigerian killer who stabbed a father to death on his doorstep will be kicked out of the UK once he is fit for release. British taxpayers will continue to foot the bill of Femi Nandap's incarceration and mental health treatment during his sentence at Broadmoor secure hospital in Berkshire, until he is deemed safe to be in the public, a judge has revealed. Student Nandap, 23, was suffering from cannabis-induced psychosis when he murdered academic Dr Jeroen Ensink, 41, as he left his flat in Islington, north London, in December last year. Brutal: Femi Nandap (left), 23, was suffering from cannabis-induced psychosis when he murdered academic Dr Jeroen Ensink, 41, as he left his flat in Islington, north London Dr Ensink, a renowned water engineer and a dedicated humanitarian, had gone out to post cards announcing the birth of his 10-day-old daughter Fleur on the day of the attack. Earlier this year, Nandap admitted manslaughter by diminished responsibility and was handed a hospital order with no time limit by an Old Bailey judge. Judge Nicholas Hilliard, QC, has now held a further hearing to discuss whether to make a further deportation order in the event the killer is ever safe to release from Broadmoor. He outlined the issues and said the Home Office had confirmed that Nandap's continued leave to remain in Britain had been 'cancelled' and now he has 'not got any right to remain in the UK'. He said: 'In these circumstances, if the time came, if he were close to being released, Broadmoor hospital would inform the Home Office immigration enforcement section and they would consider whether he should be deported. 'In those circumstances, the Crown are not asking me to make an order. I can see the reason why and I am not proposing to make one. It seems to me it would be covered in other ways.' Scene: Dr Ensink was killed just yards from his front door shortly after Christmas last year Earlier, the court had heard how Nandap came to Britain to study African studies and economic development on a student visa. In Spring last year, he became psychotic from smoking cannabis and believed voices telling him he was a 'Messiah'. In May 2015, he was arrested for wielding a knife in public and punching and biting a police officer. While on conditional bail, Nandap went home to Nigeria where he was treated for mental illness. His sister informed British police about his condition in August and handed in a certificate saying he was unfit to travel. Family: Dr Ensink's wife holds the couple's daughter Fleur - who was 10 days old when her father died On his return in October, Nandap had stopped taking anti-psychotic drugs. Then just six days before the killing, charges against him were dropped at magistrates court in December. The prosecution admitted the decision to drop charges against Nandap of having a knife and assaulting a police officer was wrong. Dr Ensink's widow Nadja has demanded an inquiry into how Nandap was free to carry out the killing. She said in October: 'If a person with a history of mental health problems is found wandering about with a knife, and attacks a police officer, then that person must be referred to a secure unit for proper assessment and treatment and not given bail so easily. Probe: Dr Ensink's widow Nadja has demanded an inquiry into how Nandap was free to carry out the brutal killing 'This represents a failure of the health and judicial system that should protect the public and care for those with severe mental illness.' Dr Ensink, originally from Holland, worked at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Two men have been caught on CCTV carrying out a terrifying raid on a shop while armed with a shotgun and a machete. The masked thieves can be seen running into the Willmot convenience store at around 6pm on Wednesday brandishing their weapons and demanding cash. Once inside they threaten worker Deep Bain with a machete before shop owner Jas Singh Atwal has a shotgun pointed at his chest. Two men were caught on CCTV holding up a convenience store in New South Wales while brandishing a machete and a shotgun Mr Atwal told 7 News that the man demanded he get on the floor and hand over money, while backing him toward the door. Despite having the deadly weapon pointed at him, Mr Atwal decided to make a run for it, dashing out of the store and running down the street. Meanwhile Mr Bain, his uncle, was left to watch as the men pilfered money from the till and stole cigarettes from behind the counter before running away. One man held worker Deep Bain hostage with the knife while the other threatened owner Jas Singh Atwal with the gun, but he manged to escape The robbers fled with cash and cigarettes, but the following day Terry Door, 30, handed himself over to police and has since been charged The pair were then seen running outside and jumping into a dark grey sedan before driving away. Since then 30-year-old Terry Door handed himself in at a local police station and has been charged with various offences including robbery and driving while disqualified. Door appeared in court on Friday where he declined bail and will now be held in custody, likely until next year. The US has been accused of hampering efforts to tackle ISIS in Syria, as a war of words broke out between Washington and Moscow. Russia's military reacted with fury after the US State Department urged other nations to deny port access to its oil tankers. Major General Igor Konashenkov said the call was an attempt to hamper Russia's efforts to 'fight international terrorism in Syria'. Major General Igor Konashenkov accused the US of trying to hamper Russia's efforts to 'fight international terrorism in Syria' The US has called on countries not to allow Russian tankers port access during the ongoing air strikes in Syria The remark came after US State Department Mark Toner said countries in the region should not support Russian tanker ships carrying fuel to be used in airstrikes on civilians. He said yesterday: 'While the decision to allow a port call is a national determination, we believe that states in the region should not support any Russian tanker ship carrying fuel to be used in ongoing air strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Syria.' Konashenkov said the US call was intended to 'conceal the failures of the US policy' in Syria. Russia claims its bombing campaign has been more successful than US efforts to counter terrorism He said Russia has achieved much more with its air campaign in Syria than the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group. Konashenkov added: 'So if you cannot or do not want to fight Daesh and al-Nusra Front do not get in the way, at least. 'Our air group is Syria is sufficiently equipped to fight international terrorism in this region.' A stepmother who helped her husband violently rape his young children has described that period as 'the best time in her life', a court has heard. The woman, who cannot be named, took part as her husband sexually abused his two children, locked them in cages, tied them to trees and slammed their fingers in doors at their remote property north of Port Augusta, in South Australia. In sentencing submissions in the SA District Court on Friday the woman's lawyer made reference to the woman's comments that the offending period 'was the best time in her life'. A stepmother who helped her husband violently rape his young children has described that period as 'the best time in her life' But the lawyer says the comment was made sarcastically to a psychologist as a way of dealing with the difficult subject. 'That was said or meant in a sarcastic manner,' said. 'It's obviously not the most appropriate way to address such questions but (she) seems to deal with stress and difficulties in perhaps an unusual way by making a joke or trying to laugh things off.' She was found guilty of false imprisonment while her husband was found guilty of multiple rape and assault offences over the horrific abuse. However, Judge Sophie David said the comments showed a lack of remorse. 'There has been no acceptance of her conduct, and in my view there is very little scope for leniency,' Judge David said. In sentencing submissions in the SA District Court on Friday the woman's lawyer made reference to the woman's comments 'I can't have any confidence in any prospects of rehabilitation or suggestion of remorse, particularly in light of what she has said. Sarcastic or not.' The court previously heard the children, a boy and a girl, had suffered devastating and lasting consequences as a result of their treatment. Prosecutor Amelia Cairney said the stepmother needed to be jailed for the safety of the community. A 13-year-old boy took his life after he was The school where a gay 13-year-old boy was bullied about his sexuality before killing himself claims it was not aware of the two years of torment he was subjected to. Aspley State High School, in Brisbane, offered its condolences but said no one ever complained about Tyrone Unsworth's treatment. 'No allegation of bullying against this young person was made to our school,' Principal Jacquita Miller said in a statement. 'Neither the student nor his family ever came to us to say there was a problem of any kind. If they did, we absolutely would have stepped in.' Tyrone Unsworth, 13, took his own life on Monday after copping years of abuse from bullies Ms Miller said the school did not tolerate bullying in any way, shape or form and said there was a 'strong and supportive network' to help deal with any issues faced by school students. This was despite police investigating Tyrone being hospitalised after he was allegedly hit in the jaw with a fence paling, soon before his death on Monday. His mother, Amanda Unsworth, told The Courier Mail people bullied her son because he was gay. 'He was a really feminine male, he loved fashion, he loved make-up and the boys always picked on him, calling him gay-boy, f****t, fairy; it was a constant thing from Year 5,' she said. Tyrone has been remembered for his huge smile and curly hair. He is pictured here, in photoscirculated by his family, when he was younger Amanda went on to say the bullies pushed her son 'to the edge' and she believes they are the reason he took his own life. Another parent at Tyrone's school told the Brisbane Times her eldest son, whose brother was friends with Tyrone, was bullied because he had Asperger's syndrome, and the school offered no support. She said her son was subjected to verbal taunts because he was 'heavier set' and lacked social skills, but the school told her 'he had to put up and shut up, that he was the problem'. 'If he would just stop behaving silly then the problems would go away, there was no dealing with anyone else or anything else,' she said. His mum, Amanda, right, said his son was bullied because he was gay The mother, who was not named, said her younger son was suicidal a couple of months ago, even writing a suicide note, because of years of abuse to himself also. 'The guidance officer when I picked him up from school (earlier this week) said, 'Don't bring him back, he doesn't need to be around this', she knows what is going on,' she said. After seeing her son's lifeless body, Ms Unsworth wrote online: 'I know your pain free now son and they cant pick on you anymore, but this shouldn't of had to happen (sic).' 'I just wanted him to wake up and come home with me. 'All of this Because of BULLIES thinking there tough hero's. now i dont have my SON never will i ever get to see my beautiful boy alive (sic).' He was also allegedly assaulted by school bullies. Tyrone wanted to be a fashion designer Safe Schools Coalition Australia said 75 per cent of homosexual young people aged 14 to 21 had experienced some form of homophobic bullying or abuse , and 80 per cent said it was while they were at school. It said research also showed young LGBTI people suffered higher rates of poor mental health and suicide due to bullying and discrimination. Tyrone's grandmother shared a tribute on her Facebook page His mother shared this picture of her boy with wild hair when he was younger, saying 'love and missing you son' Tyrone, who had a huge smile and beautiful curly hair, was found by a relative. He will be laid to to rest on December 1 and his parents are determined to fight bullying in their boy's name. His mother has asked all his friends, family and supporters to wear bright colours as they say goodbye to her 'happy-go-lucky' son. 'NATIONAL DISGRACE': THE TRAGIC TOLL OF YOUTH AND LGBTIQ SUICIDE IN AUSTRALIA Thirty-seven boys aged five to 14 died by suicide from 2009 to 2013, statistics show. And LGBTIQ kids are up to six times more likely to consider suicide because of bullying - which community members have branded a 'national disgrace'. 'Being a teenager is hard enough, but being a gay teenager is that much harder because of the stigma, bullying and fear of not fitting in,' said human rights advocate Rodney Croome. '(These rates are) a national disgrace and it requires a national response, starting with training for all teachers in how to recognise and respond to the kind of homophobic bullying that took Tyrone Unsworth's life.' Mr Croome said it was a 'tragedy' education programs like Safe Schools had become so controversial. The program, which has become consumed by political debate, aims to 'create safe and supportive environments' for gay kids at Australian schools. Advertisement The young boy wanted to be a vet or a fashion designer. His mother said her son kept in touch with the latest fashion trends and would advise her on what to wear. Tyrone's death sparked a wave of compassionate messages on social media, and renewed debate about the Safe Schools program, which offers resources for same sex-attracted, intersex and gender diverse students. The Federal Government overhauled the program earlier this year after an independent review found some of its material was not 'age appropriate'. For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14 Monster: Serial killer Stephen Port was jailed for life withour parole today for murdering four gay men he met online The families of four gay men murdered by 'monstrous' serial killer Stephen Port hurled abuse at him as he was jailed for life without parole at the Old Bailey today. The 41-year-old had a fetish for sex with the unconscious so drugged and raped his victims to 'satisfy his lust' after meeting them on dating app Grindr. Between June 2014 and September 2015 he abused and killed them using date rape drugs before dumping their bodies in the street or his local graveyard in Barking, east London. Today the former bus garage chef joins the Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, Moors Murderer Ian Brady and necrophiliac Dennis Nilsen in the small group of prisoners serving whole life sentences. Port sat motionless in the Old Bailey dock as love-ones of his victims screamed 'scumbag' at him when Mr Justice Openshaw told him he must die behind bars. As he was taken down to the cells families in the public gallery shouted 'die you piece of s**t' and 'I hope you die a long, slow death'. Others clapped and cheered as he was sentenced. His parents, Joan and Albert Port, said today they refuse to believe he's a killer. Speaking to ITV News, his mother said: 'I know he's my son - he's a kind boy. 'He said all along, "I didn't murder anyone mum", he said. Honest truth. 'That's what he told me last Sunday on the telephone.' This week neo-Nazi Thomas Mair was given a whole life term for the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, although they are extremely rare. Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor were all found dead a short distance from the east London home of Stephen Port in 2014 and 2015. Mr Taylor's sister Donna said after he was jailed: 'We finally have justice for Jack and the other boys. 'A sick and twisted scumbag will never be able to hurt or destroy any other family's life. Jack can finally rest in peace'. Port made the death of Daniel Whitworth (left) look like it was connected to that of Mr Kovari. His final victim was Jack Taylor, whose family were angry at the police's investigation Port was questioned over the death of Anthony Walgate (left). He was eventually jailed for perverting the course of justice, but not before Gabriel Kovari (right) was also found dead Port dumped his victims in Barking, east London, then told 'wicked and monstrous lies' that meant their families were told by police that their loved-ones had killed themselves or died accidentally. FAMILIES OF DEAD HAVE 'A LIFE SENTENCE OF GRIEF' Statements from the loved ones of the four murder victims and one of Port's sex assault victims were summarised by prosecutor Jonathan Rees QC. The mother of Mr Walgate said the death of her son had 'devastated and broken the family'. Adam, only brother of Mr Kovari spoke of the difficulty in telling their mother of his death, saying 'there is no pain greater than losing a child'. Daniel Whitworth's father Adam said he had been given 'a life sentence of grief'. The family of Jack Taylor told how his murder had turned their lives 'upside down'. Mr Rees said the Taylor family had been 'a model and picture of dignity' in the trial - a view agreed by the judge. A sex attack victim, who cannot be identified, told how he blamed himself for not reporting the assault sooner saying he could have avoided Mr Taylor's death if he had. In mitigation, David Etheridge QC, said that on the jury verdicts, in this period of his life, Stephen Port 'descended into a vortex' in which drug taking fuelled his private life with satisfaction of his sexual desire. 'He graduated from a fetish to a fixation from a fixation to a compulsion,' he said. Advertisement With each of the murders Port tried to cover his tracks and he even wrote a fake suicide note for Daniel Whitworth and stuffed it into his hand, causing 'immense distress' to his family, Mr Justice Openshaw said today. The note said aspiring chef Whitworth blamed himself for the death of Mr Kovari and could no longer live with the guilt. Referring to the fake letter and Port's evidence the judge said: 'These were wicked and monstrous lies that must have cause enormous distress to Daniel's family.' Mr Justice Openshaw said that Port must serve a whole life term for his crimes. The judge said: 'The defendant has been convicted of the murders of four young men, including the murders committed in the course of satisfying his lust for penetrating young men who he had rendered unconscious by surreptitiously administration of drugs. 'I have no doubt the seriousness of this offending is so exceptionally high that a whole life sentence is justified, indeed it is required. 'The result of which is the defendant will die in prison.' There was then a cry of 'yes' from the gallery. Scotland Yard was accused of 'institutional homophobia' over its multiple failures to stop Port far earlier - despite repeated warnings of a murderer on the loose. Port was even jailed for perverting the course justice by lying over Mr Walgate's death, but killed when on bail and after being released from prison. 17 Met police officers face investigations into their handling of the case. Referring to the police's handling of the case after this conviction the judge said: 'It is for others to decide with a thorough enquiry in the matter which had not been possible for us to do during the criminal trial. 'The deaths of these young men may have given rise to the suspicion that these deaths were not the result of ordinary self administering drug overdose.. 'That is how their deaths were taken at the time. 'The competency and adequacy of the investigation will be later examined by others.' The force is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the drug deaths of 58 gay men in London over four years amid fears they may have also been murdered. DCI Tim Duffield, from the Metropolitan Police said today: 'These evil crimes have left entire families, a community and a nation in shock. 'I have previously said that Port is one of the most dangerous individuals I've encountered in almost 28 years of policing and a full life term in prison was the only appropriate punishment in the circumstances. 'All of those affected have my deepest sympathies and I hope they can find some solace from the fact that Port will spend the remainder of his life behind bars.' Port, pictured in a police interview, denied any wrongdoing, added to the family's pain CCTV also showed Port, pictured, entering drug dealer's house. He gave his victims GHB The men were found dead in the same area over 15 months, but police failed to connect them For more than three years Port, 41, carried out attacks against 11 men under the age of 26, including the four who died, after watching violent porn featuring drugged men and women. The chef and gay escort lured young men to his flat after meeting them on gay dating websites such as Grindr. He spiked their drinks with GHB - a drug known as liquid ecstasy - and raped them while they were out cold. THE POLICE BLUNDERS AND MISSED OPPORTUNITIES June 4, 2014: Police find Stephen Port at Barking station in East London with a young man he had drugged who has collapsed. Port admits they had taken illegal drugs but is not arrested. June 19: Anthony Walgate, 23, given drug overdose and raped by Port who dumps body outside his flat and calls 999, claiming he has found an unconscious man. June 26: Port suspected of lying to police and charged with perverting the course of justice. Released on bail. He is not accused of murdering Mr Walgate. August 28: Gabriel Kovari, 22, given an overdose and raped by Port who dumps the body against a graveyard wall. September 20: Daniel Whitworth, 21, given a drug overdose and raped. Port dumps his body against the same graveyard wall. Mr Whitworth is wearing Mr Kovari's top and is in a bed-sheet which has Port's DNA on it. October 1: Detective Chief Inspector Tony Kirk tells local paper the three deaths within a mile of each other are not being treated as suspicious. March 23, 2015: Port jailed for perverting the course justice by lying over Mr Walgate's death. Released on licence in June with an electronic tag. September 13: Jack Taylor, 25, given a drug overdose and raped by Port. Body found next to the same graveyard. October 15: Port arrested on suspicion of four murders and charged. Later charged with attacks on eight other men. Advertisement Over 15 months, Port dumped three of the bodies next to a local church and left one outside his flat. He planted drugs on them to make it look as if they died from accidental overdoses. Those who survived suspected they were drugged and some have a hazy memory of being raped while incapacitated. The serial killer, who worked as a cook in a bus garage canteen, was finally caught in October 2015 after the family of his fourth victim Jack Taylor carried out their own research and showed police the striking similarities between Mr Taylor's death and the previous three murders. Port faces spending the rest of his life in jail after being convicted yesterday of four murders, three rapes, seven counts of administering a poison and three sexual assaults. An astonishing 17 police officers, including a detective inspector, are currently being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission over their handling of the case. But no officer has yet been disciplined or even put on restrictive duties over the failings. Port first came to the attention of the police in June 2014 when a young man he had drugged collapsed next to him at Barking train station in East London. Despite admitting that both he and his companion had taken illegal drugs, he was released without charge. Two weeks later Port raped and murdered his first victim, Anthony Walgate, before dumping the body outside his flat. He then called 999 anonymously and pretended he had merely come across the lifeless body of the 23-year-old fashion student. Police realised that Port was lying and charged him with perverting the course of justice after he claimed that Mr Walgate died of an accidental overdose after consensual sex. The Metropolitan Police spent 25,000 and 980 man-hours on the investigation - but crucially never opened a murder investigation. While on police bail, Port raped and killed two more victims, his Slovakian flatmate Gabriel Kovari, 22, and chef Daniel Whitworth, 21. The bodies were found within a month of each other in the summer of 2014 in the same graveyard by the same dog walker only 400 yards from Port's flat in Barking. Port left a fake suicide note in Mr Whitworth's left hand which said Mr Whitworth had accidentally killed Mr Kovari by giving him an overdose of GHB during a sex session. The note went on to say: 'Please do not blame the guy I was with last night, we only had sex then I left. He knows nothing of what I have done.' Police accepted the note at face value and did not check if it matched Mr Whitworth's handwriting. They also failed to look into Mr Whitworth's last movements and made no attempt to trace 'the guy I was with last night'. Port's first three victims were all found in a seated position with their clothes pulled up to expose their stomachs which was caused by the bodies being dragged. In each case, their mobile phones were missing and post-mortem examinations found the cause of death to be a GHB overdose. The stark similarities between the deaths were raised by members of the gay community to the Met. But Detective Chief Inspector Tony Kirk told a local newspaper at the time that police were not looking for suspects. The missed opportunities meant Port was able to carry out further sex attacks on vulnerable men. GRINDR KILLER JOINS ROLL CALL OF BRITAIN'S WORST SERIAL KILLERS, TERRORISTS AND ABUSERS ON WHOLE LIFE TERMS Serial killer Stephen Port joins a grisly who's who of the vilest criminals in Britain today Serial killer Stephen Port joins a grisly who's who of the vilest criminals in Britain today. The 41-year-old former chef and escort murdered Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor over the space of 15 months. He is the most recent recipient of a whole-life order - meaning he will die in prison - but despite being rare fellow killer Thomas Mair, who murdered MP Jo Cox, was also handed one this week In October Arthur Simpson-Kent, 49, was given the same sentence after he killed former EastEnders star Sian Blake, 43, and their sons, Zachary, eight, and Amon, four, before burying their bodies in the garden of their home in Erith, Kent. The cannabis dealer fled to his native Ghana before being extradited back to Britain where he admitted the killings. Both joins the likes of one-eyed police killer Dale Cregan, paedophile Mark Bridger and Moors murderer Ian Brady when he was handed the 'life means life' sentence. According to the Ministry of Justice, 54 other prisoners are serving a whole-life order, although that does not include those serving their terms in secure hospitals. Police killer Dale Cregan and paedophile Mark Bridger are among 'whole-life' prisoners Also on the infamous list is the 'Yorkshire Ripper' Peter Sutcliffe and club bouncer Levi Bellfield, who was handed the term for murdering two young women and trying to murder a third. Steve Wright will also die behind bars for the murders of five prostitutes in Ipswich, as will Michael Adebolajo, one of the two murderers of soldier Lee Rigby. There are only two woman on the list. Serial killer Rose West was convicted in 1995 of a murder spree with husband Fred at the Cromwell Street 'House of Horrors' in Gloucester. She is joined by Joanna Dennehy who was described in court as 'arguably the most dangerous female prisoner in custody'. She was jailed at the Old Bailey in February 2014 for murdering three men and stabbing two more. There are other notorious killers who have not been given a whole-life tariff - including Soham murderer Ian Huntley, who is serving a 40-year minimum term for killing 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2003. Joanna Dennehy, who was given a whole life term for murdering three men and stabbing two more, has been described as 'the most dangerous female prisoner in custody' While Stuart Hazell, who killed schoolgirl Tia Sharp and hid her body in the loft of the home he shared with her grandmother, was given a 38-year minimum term. In 2013 the validity of whole life orders was thrown into turmoil after the European Court of Human Rights ruled prisoners must have the right to review for it to fit in with human rights laws. But the Court of Appeal later said murderers who commit the most 'heinous' of crimes can be sent to prison for the rest of their lives, ruling that the statutory scheme enacted by Parliament which enabled judges to pass whole-life orders was 'entirely compatible' with the European Convention on Human Rights. Advertisement The bus station cook who appeared on Masterchef before becoming a serial killer who used dating sites to meet 'twinks' he would drug unconscious, rape or murder Speaking from the front room of their small, semi-detached home in the days after their son's arrest, Joan and Albert Port expressed complete disbelief at the shocking crimes he had been charged with. 'I am still shaking,' said his 74-year-old mother, Joan. 'He is too quiet. He has been led astray,' added Port's father Albert, a 73-year-old former council worker. But during the course of the trial, the true personality of Stephen Port has emerged, one which was very different from the quiet, innocent man portrayed by his mother. The jury heard how Port was obsessed with having sex with unconscious young men and would trawl the internet for 'drug-rape' porn. He lusted after so-called 'twinks' - young, boyish-looking men - because he liked, in his words 'their energy, the life, the youth'. He grinned in the dock as disturbing footage of him having sex with an unconscious young man was played to horrified jurors. Stephen Port set up a series of accounts on gay hook-up sites to meet his younger victims Port falsely claimed to have graduated from Oxford and said he was a special needs teacher Port was said to have been a shy, quiet schoolboy from a traditional working class family, growing up in a modest home in Dagenham, Essex. He left school, aged 16, with GCSEs in maths, art and English before enrolling in art college. But his father couldn't afford the fees and Port instead trained to become a chef, getting his first job aged 18. Port's mother had a problem with his sexuality, his sister Sharon (pictured) told his trial Port came out as gay in his mid twenties and his older sister Sharon said: 'My mum had a problem with it. She was a bit old school.' He moved away from his family home in 2006, when he got his one-bedroom ground floor flat in Cooke Street - where the four men deaths - on a part-buy, part-rent scheme. He bizarrely developed what a former boyfriend called 'a love bordering on obsession' with Transformers and would make regular trips to Toys R Us to stock up on the children's toys. Port said his blonde toupee gave him 'more confidence' and appetite for sex. He would work out in the gym and parade his fake hair and toned body on dating apps as well as male escort sites including Sleepy Boys, where he would charge 150 per hour. At the time of his first crimes, Port was working as a chef and catering manager at the Stagecoach bus garage in West Ham and even appeared on TV show Masterchef at one point. But he was sacked when he went to prison after lying to police over the death of Anthony Walgate. He begun to register on more and more gay hook-up sites. On some, he falsely claimed on some to have graduated from Oxford and said he was a special needs teacher. Port had some strange habits, jurors heard, and collected Transformers toys into adulthood He had a ordinary working class upbringing, but his mother had a problem with his sexuality Port said his drug use began in 2013, when he took stimulant mephedrone, also known as Miaow Miaow, with his partner at the time. After about six months, Port moved on to GHB, and explained: 'It would knock you out for an hour. You would wake up feeling intensely horny and you would just want to have sex for hours.' As his tastes grew for sex with unconscious men, he started to surreptitiously slip drugs into the drinks of men who wouldn't consent to such activity. Giving evidence in court, tall Port could barely make eye contact with jurors or lawyers as he mumbled his story or replied with single words. With his bald head bowed, he fingered court papers in the witness box as he searched for answers to questions he could not answer. Police admit there are many questions about his crimes to which only he has the answers. Pictured: Port's computer. He set up scores of online profiles on gay hook-up websites He appeared in court without the blonde wig he used to attract potential lovers online Detective Chief Inspector Tim Duffield, who led the investigation, said: 'I've got 28 years experience in the police force, much of which has been spent investigating homocide and serious crime, but I think Stephen Port is one of the most dangerous individuals I have encountered. He's a voracious sexual predator. 'He is obsessed with surrepticiously drugging young, often vulnerable, men for sexual purposes and rape. From what we've seen, this is a highly devious and manipulative individual. 'Throughout the investigation and during the course of the trial, he's never once shown any shred of remorse for his victims or their families.' The Chicago Cubs have been billed $388,000 for clean up and repairs after their fans' World Series victory rally. Five million people are believed to have turned out for the huge party earlier this month after the Cubs claimed their first World Series title since 1908. The money will go towards repairs of Grant Park after it was ruined in the jubilant celebrations. The Chicago Cubs have been billed $388,000 for clean up and repairs after their fans' World Series victory rally Landscaping repair work at Grant Park (pictured) is due to be completed within the next few weeks Repairs will include grading, aeration and the addition of topsoil and sand. Missing grass in Lower Hutchinson Field will need to be regrown and sod replaced. Landscaping repair work is due to be completed within the next few weeks. Bob O'Neill, president of the Grant Park Conservancy said the Cubs rally was an amazing celebration for Chicago and one that showcased Grant Park. 'I think it's great that Grant Park is dead center for celebrations. It's just that we have to improve the park even more so,' he told the Chicago Tribune. The Cubs' repair bill is less than music festival Lollapalooza's bill of $453,000, which attracts 500,000 to the same venue. Advertisement The historic medals and logbooks of legendary test pilot Eric 'Winkle' Brown have been saved for the nation and will be displayed in a British museum. A deal has been secured for the hero's prestigious decorations and all his flying journals after they failed to sell at auction earlier this week. They had been expected to sell for 200,000, possibly to an overseas buyer, but bidding only reached 140,000, falling short of the reserve price. Hero: Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown, who died at the age of 97, became the first naval pilot to land a jet on an aircraft carrier On the carrier deck: Capt Brown flew a record 487 different types of plane and survived 20 near-death crashes Medals: There were fears the hugely important piece of Britain's military history would be snapped up by a foreign collector Research unit: The aerodynamic flight team in June 1945 at Royal Aircraft Establishment Farnborough in Hampshire Capt Brown (bottom centre right, pictured with his crew), survived 20 near-death crashes and helped interrogate top Nazis Now it has emerged that the National Museum of the Royal Navy has negotiated a deal with Captain Brown's family to buy his stunning archive. An anonymous donor has bankrolled part of the deal, with the museum stumping up the rest of the cash. The medals and log books will be displayed at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton, Somerset. During his 30 year career with the Royal Navy, Capt Brown piloted a world record 487 different types of planes and performed 2,407 deck landings on aircraft carriers. His experimental work helped change the course of aviation. Every flight he took was meticulously logged by him in his 10 journals, with non-technical terms like 'shambles' and 'climbs like the clappers' being used when reviewing brand new aircraft. Capt Brown died in February this year aged 97 and his family decided to sell all his memorabilia at auctioneers Bonhams. On the carrier deck: Britain's greatest ever aviator Capt Brown enjoyed a flying career straight from the pages of Boy's Own Aircraft base: Capt Brown, the son of a First World War biplane pilot, was known as 'Winkle' due to his diminutive stature Medal: The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire award given to Capt Brown for his outstanding service Capt Brown is pictured landing his plane on an aircraft carrier. He held the record for the most carrier deck landings at 2,407 Landing: Capt Brown received the Distinguished Service Cross for action against enemy aircraft The RAF base: In his 31 years' service, Capt Brown helped to change the course of naval aviation In flight: Throughout his extraordinary career, Capt Brown meticulously documented his brave exploits in ten log books Historian Paul Beaver, a friend of Capt Brown's family, said: 'We had a contingency plan in case the auction didn't work out. 'To my understanding, a generous donor identified by the Fleet Air Arm Museum and the museum through some of its own funds struck a deal with auctioneers Bonhams for a substantial price. 'It's really good that the medals and logbooks have been safeguarded by the museum. 'Eric's logbooks and medals are possibly one of the last great collections.' Professor Dominic Tweddle, director general of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, said: 'We are delighted to announce that we have been able to secure the medals and log books of Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown following the intervention of an incredibly generous donor. 'It is fair to say that Captain Brown was by many measures the Fleet Air Arm's most significant pilot of the post-war period and we are thrilled and honoured to be able to class this collection as one of our own. 'We can now preserve the record of innovation which is contained within Captain Brown's log books which includes previously untapped information and display them for the world to see. 'The Fleet Air Arm Museum is the spiritual home of the service and a right and fitting place for the medals and log books to be displayed at.' Schoolboy Eachan Hardie, 11, a former pen-pal of Capt Brown, had written to the British aviation industry begging them to club together to buy the medals and log books when he realised they might be lost to an overseas bidder. Flying his aircraft: Methodically making notes on every new aircraft he flew in his language was often far from technical Diary: Aircraft he didn't like were labelled 'shambles' and 'chaos in the cockpit', while he said one 'climbs like the clappers' Dangerous job: He had a miraculous escape when the engine of his Hawker Tempest blew up and caught fire in July 1944 Outstanding service: Capt Brown's Air League Founders' Medal is pictured. The legendary pilot died at the age of 97 Eachen, a pupil Dorchester Middle School in Dorset, is 'thrilled' they have been saved and is planning on visiting the Fleet Air Arm Museum to study them. His mother Amanda, 51, said: 'He's absolutely thrilled to bits. We got a very nice email from the director at the museum to say that an anonymous donor had come forward to buy the collection for the museum and that Eachan should be very proud of his efforts. 'Eachan is absolutely cock-a-hoop. It is absolutely the outcome he wanted. 'He felt very strongly that the logbooks should be kept in the country and available for historians and future test pilots to consult - that's why he started the campaign.' Capt Brown, from Leith in Scotland, flew Hurricanes in World War Two and attacked Nazi oil tanks in Norway and German U-boats. He also shot down two Focke Wulf planes. In 1942 a senior naval officer told the Admiralty that Capt Brown, who was nicknamed Winkle due to his height of 5ft 7ins, had a natural flair for deck landing and as a result he was posted to 768 Deck Landing Training Squadron at Arbroath. He became the first pilot to land a twin engine plane, a Mosquito, on an aircraft carrier in 1944 for which he received an MBE for. A year later he was awarded the OBE for becoming the first person to land a jet-propelled plane, a Vampire, on a moving ship. He survived 20 near-death crashes, flew at the speed of sound and heights of 64,000ft. Standing in his plane: Capt Brown once recorded having to 'step out at 1,000ft at 170mph' and parachute into the sea Daring: One crash-landing saw Capt Brown's aircraft plough through telephone wires and a tree and bounce on a hillock After the war Capt Brown interrogated prominent Nazis including Luftwaffe chief Herman Goering and Josef Kramer, the commandant of Belsen concentration camp. He met Winston Churchill and King George V and flew for the Queen and Prince Philip. His medals include his CBE, Distinguished Service Cross, Air Force Cross and King's Commendation for Brave Conduct. The Fleet Air Arm Museum's collections include the Vampire Mk1 Capt Brown completed his jet-powered flight in, as well as the goggles and gloves he wore during his tests. Last year, Capt Brown himself unveiled a new bronze bust commissioned by the museum which stands in their galleries. Chopper: Capt Brown's family had decided to sell his honours and logbooks as a single lot Auction: Military historians had feared his important medals could have been lost if they were bought by a foreign collector Smiling for the camera: Born in Leith, Capt Brown decided he wanted to follow his father's footsteps after a trip to Germany Crash landing: He made a record 2,407 carrier deck landings through his career, which helped see him awarded an OBE Heroic pilot: Capt Brown's wartime flying involved attacking Nazi oil tanks in Norway and German U-boats Brave: In December 1941 he miraculously survived the sinking of escort carrier HMS Audacity after a U-boat torpedo attack He once crashed a plane in while performing an aerobatic roll in front of Winston Churchill and swam clear with minor injuries After achieving series of firsts he continued as a test pilot after the War, flying at the speed of sound and to 64,000ft heights During his service Capt Brown met Winston Churchill and King George V and flew for the Queen and Prince Philip Diary entries: His closest brush with death came in 1946 during a failed attempt to break the speed of sound in bad weather In a memory told shortly before his death he recalled taking the controls of the world's first rocket-powered fighter Having survived his audacious exploits, he was picked as the subject for the 3,000th edition of Desert Island Discs in 2014 BBC radio presenter Kirsty Young commented that his 'dare-devil' life 'makes James Bond seem like a bit of a slacker' An off-duty police officer was stabbed as he tried to stop a suspected shoplifter on Black Friday this morning. The officer received non-life-threatening slash injuries to his neck, face and hand at an HMV store in Leeds city centre this morning. A 36-year-old man from Leeds has been arrested in connection with the incident on Victoria Walk and the officer was taken to hospital for treatment. Emergency: The officer received non-life-threatening slash injuries to his neck, face and hand Black Friday stabbing: The attack happened an HMV store in Leeds city centre this morning The store had only been open for several minutes when the attack happened and was closed for a forensic examination of the scene. A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: At 9:07am today, police received a report of an off-duty police officer having been attacked with a knife in the HMW store, in Victoria Walk, in Leeds city centre, as he challenged a suspected shoplifter. The male officer received slash injuries to his neck, face and hand but fortunately these are not considered life threatening. Ambulance attended the scene and the injured officer has been taken to hospital for treatment. The suspect, a 36-year-old man, from Leeds, was detained by store staff and has been arrested in connection with the incident. The store is currently closed while the scene undergoes forensic examination. On the scene: A 36-year-old man from Leeds has been arrested in connection with the incident Consumers hoping to bag a Black Friday bargain are expected to spend more than ever online on what is likely to be the biggest shopping day of the year. Shoppers are predicted to go on a 1.97 billion spending spree - setting a new record - with more than half spent on the internet. The chaotic scenes witnessed two years ago where brawls broke out over cut-price televisions were not matched this year on the high street. Instead, just a handful of shoppers waited in line outside many superstores before calmly purchasing cut-price electrical goods. The former Health Secretary - who was forced to quit after he was caught flouting his own Covid lockdown rules with his married aide Gina Coladangelo - has sparked a storm which has seen him ridiculed and even booted out of the parliamentary Tory party. Justifying his decision to fly Down Under, landing in Brisbane this morning, Mr Hancock denied he had 'lost his marbles'. He insisted it was so he can 'go to where the people are - not to sit in ivory towers in Westminster' - and claimed that he will 'promote his dyslexia campaign' and make a donation to a hospice - although not his entire estimated 350,000 pay deal from ITV. But millions are set to punish him for his decision, including MPs. One former minister has threatened 'to vote for him to eat armadillo c**k every night'. Transport Secretary Mark Harper said today that he should 'step down' and didn't deny he would also vote for Hancock to face Bushtucker Trials, smiling as he said: 'That will be between me and my phone'. In Mr Hancock's West Suffolk constituency, Andy Drummond, the cheesed off deputy chairman of the local Conservative Association, said: 'I'm looking forward to him eating a kangaroo's penis'. Incredibly the now independent MP insists that he will still be doing his job as an MP, meaning he will not forego his taxpayer-funded salary for the duration of his trip. He said: 'As an MP, my first priority is to my constituents. I have agreed with the show's producers that I can be reached at any point on any urgent constituency matters'. Yesterday the Prime Minister said he was doing the opposite. The former health secretary also revealed he had twice asked to appear on the show before but accepted the third offer because the government is now 'stable'. Many have pondered whether he made up his mind when he was snubbed by new PM Rishi Sunak at his victory rally last week, which was tacit confirmation his career as a senior MP is over. Advertisement An Al-Qaeda affiliated Palestinian militant group claims it was behind the devastating fires that forced more than 60,000 Israelis to flee their homes. The Palestinian Salafist group Masadat al-Mujahideen has said that it was responsible for the blazes in Israel's third largest city Haifa. Police said 12 people have been arrested in connection with the fires, which were said to have spread to villages near Jerusalem, as firefighters - some drafted in from Egypt and Jordan - battled to douse the flames. Scroll down for video A woman returns to her home and is surrounded by burned out cars after wildfires threatened the Israeli city of Haifa yesterday A couple survey the damage of burned out cars as they are allowed to return to their homes in the Israeli city of Haifa today Some families lost everything in Thursday's blaze with the living room in this home reduced to rubble as a piano stands burned out Another family home is totally destroyed after the roof collapsed and much of the furniture and decorations were beyond repair Family photo frames lie broken on a staircase inside a burnt out house in Haifa after the occupants were evacuated Fruit lies floating in a bowl of water after the property was doused by firefighters in a bid to dampen the flames of the blaze The Haifa fires were 'under control' on Friday morning, but police cautioned that 'things can change and develop as we speak.' Terrorism monitors from the Jamestown Foundation told The Independent that the claims made by Masadat al-Mujahideen were 'questionable', but added that the group was known to be fixated on using fire as a jihadist weapon. Another group called 'The Coalition of Intifada Youths' also claimed responsibility for the fires on Thursday night. Evacuations in Beit Meir, a co-operative village of religious Jews, came after thousands of residents in Haifa had to be moved to safety. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfled said: 'All the Beit Meir area has been evacuated - several hundred people, maybe 400.' Firefighters and rescue services say strong and changeable winds make developments hard to predict. Trees appear to have been burned while garden furniture is strewn across the property as an Israeli firefighter surveys the damage Firefighters rescue a tiny kitten who was pulled from the rubble of a burning building following a wildfire in the city of Haifa Israeli authorities have drafted in help from Palestinian firefighters to help try to stop the spread of the wildfires in Israel Firefighters arrive from the West Bank city of Jenin and put on their breathing apparatus as they help to tackle the blaze 'At the moment, (Haifa) residents who were evacuated from their homes are not allowed to go back,' police spokeswoman Luba Samri said in a statement. Entire neighbourhoods of the port city had been evacuated, along with Haifa University and local prisons. Meteorologists say a long dry summer and so-far rainless autumn have brought about ideal conditions for fires to spread - whether sparked by accident or on purpose. Meanwhile Israeli police say they have arrested 12 people on suspicion of arson after the fires saw families lose everything. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said arson appeared to be responsible for some fires and accused those behind them of terrorism. Firefighters try to douse the flames in the village of Beir Meir. The evacuations in the co-operative village of religious Jews, came after residents in Israel's third largest city Haifa had to be moved to safety Firefighters kept battling the flames in wooded hills around Jerusalem and in northern areas on Friday, with support from Palestinian firemen and emergency teams from Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, Russia and Turkey A firefighter hangs a hose over his shoulder as he takes a break from fighting a blaze in the religious village of Beit Meir An Israeli army spokeswoman said forces had arrested a Palestinian man caught trying to set a fire near the Israeli settlement of Kochav Yaakov in the occupied West Bank. Footage aired on Israeli television showed three people setting a fire in an open area near the West Bank settlement of Ariel. Police said one man from the Bedouin village of Rahat in southern Israel had been arrested for incitement after he posted a message on his Facebook page calling on others to start fires. Palestinians seek an independent state in territories including the West Bank that Israel took in a 1967 war. The last round of peace talks collapsed in 2014. Firefighters kept battling the flames in wooded hills around Jerusalem and in northern areas on Friday, with support from Palestinian firemen and emergency teams from Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, Russia and Turkey. A firefighting plane drops fire retardant during a wildfire with the skyline of the Israeli city of Haifa in the background Suspect: Mohamed Abrini became known as the 'Man In The Hat after his suspected involvement in March's Brussels terror attack The chief suspect in the Paris and Brussels attacks toured Old Trafford and took photographs when he visited Britain to collect benefits cash from British terrorists, a court has heard. Mohamed Abrini, the so-called Man in the Hat at the scene of the Brussels airport bombing went on a two-hour tour of the Manchester United stadium taking 30 photographs during his week-long visit to the UK in July last year. While here he met Mohammed Ali Ahmed, 27, and Zakaria Boufassil, 26, who are accused of handing over a bag of money in a park in Birmingham. Kingston Crown Court in south west London heard the pair had collected benefits payments wrongly made to a jihadi who had fled Britain almost a year earlier to fight for Islamic State in Syria. The court heard yesterday how 31-year-old Abrini spent a week in Britain visiting major tourist hotspots including the stadium, casinos, hotels and shopping centres in Manchester, London and Birmingham. Four months later Abrini was allegedly involved in the Paris attacks which killed 130 people. The Belgian of Moroccan origin was later arrested in Brussels and charged with terrorist murder after he was captured on CCTV at Brussels Airport wearing a distinctive hat and pushing a luggage trolley alongside Ibrahim El Bakraoui and Najim Laachraoui, who detonated bombs hidden in suitcases which killed 12 people on March 22 this year. He is also accused of being involved in an attack on Maalbeek metro station in Brussels where 20 people died less than two hours later. Trial: Zakaria Boufassil (sketched at Kingston Crown Court yesterday), together with Mohammed Ali Ahmed, supplied a quantity of sterling currency to Abrini, it was claimed Plane passengers are evacuated from Brussels Airport in March following the terrorist attack Policemen and soldiers stand outside Brussels Airport a week after the terror attack in March Police later found photographs on his phone taken during his trips to Manchester including the statue of former Manchester United manager Sir Matt Busby. In Birmingham he took snaps of the bull statue outside the Bullring Shopping Centre. The jury heard yesterday that Abrini was handed 3,000 on July 11 last year by Ahmed and Boufassil who got the money from benefits wrongly paid to ISIS jihadi Anouar Haddouchi. A Belgian living in Birmingham, Haddouchi left for Syria in the summer of 2014. He was joined by his Belgian wife a few months later. But due to a council blunder, more than 5,400 was paid to the couple after they left the country. Ahmed posed as Haddouchi to get access to his bank account and withdraw the funds. He has already pleaded guilty to engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism. But Boufassil denies helping prepare acts of terrorism by handing over the money. John Bercow has been condemned for 'exorbitant' spending after splashing out more than 1,000 of taxpayer's cash on a smart suit. The House of Commons Speaker has purchased a new morning suit for 1,060, just a few years after he bought one for 3,200. The bill emerged among details of the huge costs of ceremonial outfits for the so-called 'Men in Tights' at parliament - obtained by MailOnline under FOI rules. Speaker John Bercow, right, has spent 1,060 on a new morning suit, while the uniform for new Serjeant-At-Arms Kamal El-Hajji came in at just under 7,000 The uniform for Serjeant-At-Arms Kamal El-Hajji - whose duties include carrying the mace into the Commons chamber - came in at nearly 7,000 when he was appointed in February. One wig for the Principal Clerk cost an eye-watering 580, and three gowns left a bill for 3,584. The scale of the outlay on clothes - some 42,000 in the Commons over just 14 months - will raise fresh questions about spending at parliament. Mr Bercow pledged to rein in his use of official cars last year after an FOI request revealed his travel to an event less than a mile from parliament had cost 172. In February it emerged he had charged the taxpayer almost 2,000 for hand finished beeswax candles, and bought postcard pictures of himself to send to fans. More than 100,000 was splurged on wining and dining other MPs and visiting foreign politicians - including just one meal with then Australian Speaker Bronwyn Bishop in May 2014 which cost 1,954. A 'standing down' dinner for Mr Bercow's deputy Dawn Primarolo was 2,057 in April last year. He blew 20,000 on a trip to Japan for a conference this summer - a year after he made another 10,000 visit to the country. Speaker John Bercow pictured in a morning suit with wife Sally attending the Royal Wedding in April 2011. After purchasing one suit for 3,200, he has now bought another for 1,060 The new Lord Speaker's ceremonial outfit cost nearly 3,600 in September - offset by 2,400 for selling the uniform worn by the previous incumbent, Baroness D'Souza In 2011 it emerged that Mr Bercow had charged the taxpayer 3,200 for a morning suit for use at ceremonial events, and another 485 for a white tie and tails outfit. His latest purchase is for a coat, waistcoat and three pairs of trousers - totalling 1,060. In contrast, retailers such as M&S sell similar suits for under 200. Harry Davis, Campaign Manager at the TaxPayers' Alliance: 'These are yet more costly claims from the Speaker's office, after he was elected to improve the reputation of Parliament in light of the expenses scandal. 'There are going to be times when the role of the Speaker demands formal attire, but the office must actively try and seek better deals and only claim what's absolutely necessary, so that they don't expense exorbitant items that can't be justified to hard-pressed taxpayers.' WHAT THE NEW SERJEANT-AT-ARMS GETS FOR 6,900 2 court coats and waistcoats 2 pairs of breeches 1 pair of shoes with buckles 5 pairs of men's black tights 1 jabot and cuffs 6 tunic shirts 7 sherival collars 5 collar studs 1 pair of braces 2 pairs of white gloves 1 pair of men's black tights 1 pair of white gloves 1 Sherival Collar Advertisement The Speaker's spokeswoman said: 'Some members of the Speaker's Office, including the Speaker himself, are required to wear ceremonial dress on the daily procession and whilst undertaking duties in the Chamber, as well as on state and official occasions. 'In line with the Speaker's ongoing commitment to reducing his office expenditure - which has been cut by nearly a quarter since he was elected to the role in 2009 - court dress is replaced only where absolutely necessary.' The outfits in parliament date back hundreds of years - although they have been scaled back in recent times. Among the stranger items worn are a 'jabot' - an ornamental frill that goes around the neck, tights, wigs, and buckles. The cost of ceremonial clothes in the House of Lords since April last year has been just under 20,000. Court dress for the Table Clerk was 4,766 in March. The outfit for the new Lord Speaker, Lord Fowler, cost just under 3,600 in September. However, the House authorities stressed that was offset by 2,400 for selling the uniform worn by the previous incumbent, Baroness D'Souza. A House of Commons spokeswoman said: 'The House of Commons provides ceremonial dress for more than 50 members of staff. Ceremonial dress is worn because it helps provide clarity about people's roles. 'Doorkeepers, who provide internal security, wear uniform for the same reasons that police and security officers in the House do - to ensure they are easily identifiable. 'Clerks wear a uniform, reflecting the dress worn in courts by lawyers, to distinguish them from Members of Parliament, to ensure a degree of anonymity and to provide an appropriate solemnity in parliamentary proceedings. HOW THE SPENDING ON CEREMONIAL GARMENTS RACKS UP Uniform for new Lord Speaker, Lord Fowler - 3,548 Court dress for Table Clerk in Lords - 4,766 One wig for the Principal Clerk in the Commons - 580 Gowns for the Clerk Assistant, Clerk of Bills and Principal Clerk - 3,584.99 Two bow ties for Associate Table Clerks - 74 Waistcoat, braces and starched wing collars for Speaker's Trainbearer - 904 Uniform for Assistant Serjeant-At-Arms including court coat, skirt, gloves and 'wigbag' - 2,047 Skirt for Deputy Serjeant - 390 Advertisement 'Staff are sometimes required to wear particular dress on ceremonial or state occasions, such as during the State Opening of Parliament. We continue to drive down costs where possible, to ensure value for money for the taxpayer, and we repair and re-cycle uniform whenever possible.' A Lords spokesman said: 'Some House of Lords officials are required to wear a uniform when working in or around the Chamber. As with nurses, police officers and other public servants required to wear a uniform to work, the employer purchases the uniform. 'Significant efforts have been made to reduce the cost of uniforms including identifying the most cost effective suppliers, and ensuring uniforms are passed on when staff leave and new staff appointed. Lord Taylor became a member of Blackburn Town Council in 1954 and was its Leader from 1972 to 1976 A Labour peer who was injured in a road accident outside the Houses of Parliament has died, a party spokesman said. Lord Taylor of Blackburn, 87, was involved in a collision with a van while riding his mobility scooter last Wednesday. He was admitted to hospital following the incident. His injuries were initially not thought to be life-threatening. The Labour leader in the Lords, Baroness Smith of Basildon, said: 'Tom Taylor had a life-long commitment to the Labour Party, through both local government and Parliament, and was held in high regard and with great affection by his party colleagues. 'Tom was a committed member of the House of Lords right through to the tragic circumstances which led to his death. 'We in the Labour peers group are very sad and will miss him dearly.' Lord Taylor became a member of Blackburn Town Council in 1954 and was its Leader from 1972 to 1976. He became a businessman after being made a life peer in 1978. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: ' Police were called by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) at approximately 6.05pm on Wednesday, November 16, to reports of a silver Mercedes Arcos in collision with a man on a mobility scooter on Millbank, close to the junction with Great College Road, SW1. 'Officers attended and the 88-year-old man was taken by LAS to a south London hospital where he died in the early hours of Friday, 25 November. 'Next of kin have been informed and the man has been named as Lord Taylor of Blackburn.' Labour's leader in the House of Lords Baroness Angela Smith paid tribute to her colleague today, saying 'we will miss him dearly' The spokesman added: 'A post-mortem examination will be held in due course. 'The 55-year-old male driver stopped at the scene and enquiries continue however, no arrests have been made at this time. 'Detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are investigating and would like to speak with anyone who witnessed the collision. 'Anyone with information is asked to contact the witness appeal line on 020 8543 5157.' Commander Sarah DeGroot, pictured, asked to be relieved of her command of the USS Rushmore earlier this week A high-flying female naval officer commanding a warship with 420 sailors has mysteriously resigned from her post, possibly ending her distinguished military career. Commander Sarah DeGroot took over the USS Rushmore in March as it went into maintenance at its home port of San Diego. The 42-year-old naval officer has so far refused to comment on her decision to ask to be replaced as the Dock Landing Ship's skipper. According to Navy Times, it is highly unusual for a navy commander to request to be relieved of command - and normally causes 'serious repercussions, signalling the end of an officer's career. When contacted by Navy Times, DeGroot refused to give any reason for her decision to quit. She said: 'I don't think I have anything to say at this time.' However, Lieutenant Commander Rebecca Haggard sad there are no administrative or disciplinary actions pending against the former commanding officer at this time. The rank of Commander is a senior role in the US Navy, below only the ranks of Captain and Admiral. Earlier this year, the vessel, which is a dock landing ship, celebrated 25 years since it was commissioned. Speaking at the time, DeGroot said: 'Its an honor to serve aboard Rushmore and Im proud of all the ship has accomplished. Our success during the maintenance availability thus far will ensure the ship will have many more successes to come.' The USS Rushmore, which was commissioned in 1991, is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance at its home port of San Diego and will return to sea early next year The vessel went into maintenance in San Diego in March and is expected to resume crew training early next year before rejoining the fleet on active service. During its first deployment, the vessel landed US Marines on the beach in Somalia as part of Operation Restore Hope. According to her official navy profile, DeGroot was born in Long Beach, California and received her commission in 1998 from Texas A&M, Galveston Maritime Academy with a Bachelor of Sciences in Marine Biology and Marine Transportation. She served on board the USS Pearl Harbor, USS Constellation and finally the USS Rushmore. On land she has been the flag secretary for Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic. Johnny Elichaoff and Trinny Woodall, pictured together, were married for 10 years TV presenter Trinny Woodall has spoken of her 'overwhelming relief' after she was told she does not have to repay the 285,000 in debts her ex-husband owed when he died. Former rock drummer Johnny Elichaoff, who was married to Ms Woodall for 10 years, took his own life in November 2014, after battling an addiction to painkillers for 20 years. Six months after his death, creditors launched legal action against his former wife, seeking repayment of more than a quarter of million pounds in debts. Today Judge Robin Dicker QC dismissed the case, saying the law was clear that any rights Mr Elichaoff might have held did not pass on to his estate after death. After the ruling, Ms Woodall said: 'It is the most overwhelming relief. 'The judge has confirmed so clearly what we have been saying ever since this bogus and frightening claim was sprung on me over a year ago.' Mr Elichaoff and Ms Woodall married in 1999 and the couple had a daughter together, now 12, before divorcing in 2009. As part of the divorce settlement, Mr Elichaoff agreed to pay 24,000-a-year each to Ms Woodall and her daughter in maintenance. He also promised to repay 1,412,300 he owed his ex-wife. However Mr Elichaoff was declared bankrupt over rent arrears just nine days before his divorce settlement was finalised. The divorce was voided by a judge earlier this year. Five years later, Mr Elichaoff died when he fell from the roof of a central London car park. An inquest into Mr Elichaoff's death heard that he had battled addiction to painkillers for years after motorbike accident in his thirties. Ms Woodall, who had remained on good terms with her ex-husband, told the inquest Mr Elichaoff 'had a heart attack in his head. He no longer felt he had the strength to deal with his physical and emotional pain'. In July 2015, Ian Robert, the trustee in bankruptcy, issued an application against Ms Woodall seeking a lump sum or a property adjustment order including payment of a sum equivalent to Mr Elichaoff's debts. Fashion expert Ms Woodall has been romantically linked to Charles Saatchi since 2013 The case went to the High Court after a registrar struck out Mr Robert's claim earlier this year saying that it had 'no merit whatsoever'. Barrister James Pickering, for the trustee, said Ms Woodall had been the wealthier partner and that Mr Elichaoff should not have had to pay maintenance. He said: 'At the time, the bankrupt was relatively poor and had little or no assets or income. Miss Woodall, on the other hand, was relatively wealthy and had capital resources approaching 1.5million and a six-figure annual income.' The court heard earlier that Ms Woodall did not receive any money from her ex-husband under the divorce settlement. A spokesman for Ms Woodall told the court: 'This is a nightmare for an innocent spouse who received nothing on divorce. 'Yet, years later, she was sued by a trustee in bankruptcy, asserting an unheard of claim to spousal rights of her deceased ex-husband.' Her barrister, Caroline Hely Hutchinson, told the court: 'She had a five-year-old daughter and she was entirely responsible for her pastoral and financial care. The husband was a drug addict and these debts have been accrued post-separation. 'As it is, that man never made a further contribution to his wife and never repaid the 1.4million.' Mr Robert claimed Mr Elichaoff's right to financial support from Ms Woodall was 'property' available to his creditors. On Friday, Deputy Judge Robin Dicker dismissed Mr Robert's renewed application for permission to appeal the order. He said: 'I confess to some initial surprise at the suggestion that a trustee in bankruptcy is entitled, after the death of the bankrupt, to apply for an order for financial relief against the surviving party to the marriage, for the benefit of the bankrupt's creditors. He added that the registrar was correct to have struck out the claim on the basis that Mr Robert had no real prospect of success. Ms Woodall, who has been romantically linked to Charles Saatchi since 2013, still faces the trustee's claim that she should hand over 40,000 Mr Elichaoff paid her in late 2008, months before his bankruptcy. A German supermarket has been accused of filling its Christmas advert with subtle neo-Nazi messages. Edeka, the country's largest chain, released a Christmas commercial which was supposed to highlight that shopping in the store could save families time - showing the misery of neglected children. But attention has focused on two number plates featured in the clip, which appear to contain references to the Third Reich. It is illegal to have the letters 'SS' in number plates in Germany, and the inclusion has sparked controversy It is a far cry from the largely positive reaction to this year's John Lewis advert in Britain, which features Buster the Boxer bouncing on a trampoline. At the start of the advert, a Volvo appears with the number plate MU SS 420. It is illegal to have 'SS' in German number plates because it is the common abbreviation of the horrific Schutzstaffel, which became synonymous with surveillance and terror under the Nazis. And 420 is often used in far-right circles as an abbreviation for Hitler's birthday, which was on April 20. Another number plate in the advert, SO LL 3849, has sparked similar controversy, because '84' is often recognised to mean HD, or Heil Deutschland, because they are the eighth and fourth letters of the alphabet. A second car in the commercial also features numbers which eagle-eyed critics have said are Nazi references And the other two numbers in the sequence, 39, are understood among neo-Nazis to represent Christian pride, and, by extension, anti-semitism. The director of Hamburg's agency of civic education, Sabine Bamberger-Stemmann, believes the messages were deliberately placed - a claim the supermarket chain denies. Referring to the use of SS in the first number plate, she told Manager Magazin: ' Since this is forbidden, it is not acceptable to use it in a commercial, even if it is a fictitious mark. 'The 420 is an abbreviation for Hitler's birthday on April 20, which is also used in far-right circles.' One of the number plates is said to contain a reference to Hitler's birthday, on April 20 And she added: 'The statement being made is very clear.' But Edeka, which has a headquarters in Hamburg, has said the symbolism was accidental. In a statement, the company said: 'The number plate with "MU SS" is a fantasy number plate, based on the title song in our spot (which contains the word "must"). 'We regret the fact that a wrong impression is created here. This was in no way our intention.' Bamberger-Stemmann said she could not accept the explanation, saying the idyllic world shown in the advert 'convey values that the new right stands for'. German authorities have been very careful about allowing numbers with neo-Nazi connotations to appear on cars. The numbers 88 - representing HH, or Heil Hitler - and 18, taken to mean AH, or Adolf Hitler, are banned. This American protester was left red-faced - and probably with fairly rosy hands too - after he set himself on fire while trying to burn the flag. A group of people can be seen standing around the burning flag, cheering as it goes up in flames. However, there is a singular, high-pitched squeal that can be heard above the baying masses. A group of people can be seen standing around the burning flag, cheering as it goes up in flames The man who sets the Star Spangled Banner on fire inadvertently also sets his gloves alight, causing him a moment of panic. While everyone else around him cheers and screams, his dedication to the mob mentality is shattered as he runs away frantically to shake his gloves off his hand. Nobody else around seems to notice, except for the cameraman who catches his blooper and follows him. He then realises another garment has is on fire as well, and has to remove that. It is not known where the video was shot, but Americans have been burning flags since Donald Trump's shock presidential victory. However, there is a singular, high-pitched squeal that can be heard above the baying masses The man who sets the Stars Spangled Banner on fire inadvertently also sets his gloves alike, causing him a moment of panic He then realises another garment has is on fire as well, and has to remove that And he is far from the first person to suffer a mishap when carrying out a flammable protest this year. One man set himself and two other people on fire in July while trying to burn an American flag during a rally outside the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Gregory Lee Johnson, who famously set fire to an American flag outside the 1984 RNC in protest of Ronald Reagan's policies, was holding the stars and stripes aloft before the fire quickly spread to his pants. Just days later, a protester outside the Democratic National Convention accidentally set herself alight after stamping on an American flag that anarchists were burning. The unidentified woman had been seen jumping up and down on the flag as it burned during a demonstration outside the convention center in Philadelphia. It was the post-apocalyptic action adventure film that scooped up numerous Oscars and was praised by the critics. But after failing to secure a release in China, film makers there have produced their own Mad Max-style film titled 'Mad Sheila'. The new movie's poster appears to be a rip off of the original Mad Max: Fury Road starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron. The poster for the new Chinese film 'Mad Sheila' (left) appears to be very similar to the poster advertising Hollywood film 'Mad Max' (right) The film's trailer also shows how scenes clearly resemble the Hollywood version, featuring desert wastelands and high speed car chases set to loud rock music. But with the Chinese version appearing to have a much smaller budget, it cannot boast the same special effects as the original. Beijing-based New Film Media, the studio behind the film, will release the movie today via an online streaming service. The film's trailer also shows how scenes clearly resemble the Hollywood version, featuring desert wastelands and high speed car chases set to loud rock music But with the Chinese version appearing to have a much smaller budget, it cannot boast the same special effects as the original And according to CNN, Mad Sheila director Lu Lei wrote on Chinese social media site Weibo: 'Mad Max is the biggest winner at this year's Oscars. Our Mad Sheila salutes!' New Film Media are yet to comment on the nature of the Mad Sheila film. Earlier this year, Walt Disney took three Chinese film companies to court over concerns the film 'The Autobots' was a rip-off of hit movie 'Cars'. 'The Autobots' drew ire in China when it was released last year, with some pointing out similarities with Disney's 2006 film 'Cars' starring Owen Wilson and its sequel in 2011. The original film, pictured, starred Tom Hardy and scooped numerous Oscars and was praised by critics Charlize Theron starring in Mad Max: Fury Road. The movie was never generally released in China It comes as the Chinese billionaire who bought the AMC theater chain and Legendary Pictures - home of The Dark Knight and Jurassic World - is now looking to get his fingers into Hollywood's biggest studios. Over the past 28 years Wang Jianlin, 62, has transformed a debt-ridden Chinese real-estate company into the 44.7billion-revenue conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group, which has been hungrily snapping up US businesses. A pair of armed teenage gang members hid 'in the shadows' before pouncing on three strangers in a park for their own 'perverted amusement'. Owain Sim and Calum Tyndale were part of the group - thought to call themselves the CT2 gang - who launched an attack on the men with a chain, knuckleduster and knife. A court heard Matthew White, Joshua Buggins and Australian tourist Aimee Fergusson were strolling through the park in Canterbury, Kent, when they were confronted by the young people. Owain Sim (pictured) and Calum Tyndale were part of the group - thought to call themselves the CT2 gang - who launched an attack on the men with a chain, knuckleduster and knife Ms Fergusson hid behind a tree but Joshua, 29, was knocked to the ground before the gang turned on Mr White, injuring them both. The judge Recorder Paul Taylor told them: 'You were part of a group of young people who, late at night, set upon members of the public who had the misfortune of walking through the park. 'This park should be a place open to members of the public who should be able to walk through it without risk of being beaten up by groups of young men.' He told Sim, 18, and Tyndale, 17, that their attack had been 'pre-planned'. Both men had denied wounding with intent and were acquitted, but each was found guilty of unlawful wounding and assault. Matthew White, Joshua Buggins (both pictured) and Aimee Fergusson were strolling through the park in Canterbury, Kent, when they were confronted and attacked by the young people Sim was found not guilty of possessing a chain but had admitted having a knuckleduster during the fight. Prosecutor Craig Evans said Mr Buggins, the victim of the actual bodily harm, received cuts needing stitches. He was pulled to the ground and punched in the eye. Mr White was treated for a number of wounds including a near-severed ear caused by one of the other members of the group with a metal object. The judge said: 'Although the jury decided it wasn't either of you who did that, the victim almost had his ear cut off. 'But this was a concerted attack, done for your own perverted amusement. 'If young people together decide they are going to attack other people and that weapons are going to be used, it matters not who actually had the knuckleduster, who had the piece of metal, who had the chain - they all pick up the bill.' Phil Rowley, for Sim, said that after the trial he was remanded in custody awaiting sentence, adding: 'Despite what people say, his experience inside did not resemble a holiday camp. 'He is very remorseful and presents himself now as a man who is distressed, vulnerable and scared.' Nick Jones, for Tyndale, said he had moved from Lancashire to Kent at a time when his mother became ill and began smoking cannabis to excess and drinking. He said: 'That led him to get involved in a peer group that were clearly anti-social.' Politicians are expected to clash when it comes to policy and values, but usually it's with words. But rival party members in Georgia have ended up in a brawl on television, when one accused the other of betraying the country. Badri Shubladze, of the United National Movement (UNM), accused Tristan Tsitsuashvili and the Georgian Dream Party of betraying the country when the two appeared on TV Pirveli on Thursday. Badri Shubladze, of the United National Movement (UNM), accused Tristan Tsitsuashvili and the Georgian Dream Party of betraying the country when the two appeared on TV Pirveli Tsitsuashvili refused to take the insult without a fight and the two were soon shouting at one another It was just seconds before a fist fight broke out, with the pair scrapping each other in the studio as the host tried to keep them apart It is not the first time Georgian politicians have resorted to physical violence. In September, a fist fight broke out on live television between Union of Industrialists candidate Zaza Agladze and opponent Irakli Glonti from State For The People bloc ahead of the countrys parliamentary elections. In another case of violence between Georgian politicians, Shubladze and Tsitsuashvili had to be pulled apart when they seemed to decide the disagreement couldn't be settled with debate. The news show's anchor tried in vain to pull them away from each other, as they dragged him across the studio with them It is the third time Georgian politicians have ended up fighting on live TV this year, with two fights before the country's election The pair were sat opposite one another with the show's anchor between them when Shubladze made his accusation. He angers Tsitsuashvili who leaps up to answer him and the pair try to get to each other, with the host desperately keeping them apart. The two men try to go off to the side of the set and keep fighting, pulling the host along with them who is still trying his best to stop them. Earlier this year Agladze and Glonti were filmed punching each other after Agladze poured a glass of water over Glonti. That came just days after a brawl broke out between Polad Khalikov, a parliamentary candidate for the Industrial bloc and Democrat Vepkhia Gurgenishvili. Shocking statistics reveal that one in three Australian women has experienced physical or sexual violence, but this number is even greater for Thai migrant women. Thai woman Malee, a pseudonym, moved to Australia in 2003 after meeting her former partner and falling pregnant. It marked the beginning of a horrific relationship where she lived in fear for her life. 'Every day I would think, ''how I can keep him calm, how can I stop him?'',' she told SBS. Shocking statistics reveal that one in three Australian women has experienced physical or sexual violence, and this number is even greater for Thai migrant women The nightmare began on the day she married the Australian-born man, who had asked her to give up her business in Thailand and move to Sydney with him along with the baby. But rape, violence and fear soon became constant companions. 'He'd get right in my face and he'd just scream at me: 'You look at me when I'm talking to you you're lucky you've even got a roof to cover your head".' She couldn't even escape back to Thailand after discovering her savings were gone, and she found her husband had a gambling problem and addiction to marijuana. She didn't know where to turn in the new and strange city, until 2004 when her son was five-months-old and she received help from a midwife with information on domestic-violence prevention. Malee was also able to access a refugee and form there, the Thai Welfare Association in Sydney which specifically aids Thai migrant women who experienced of domestic violence. The association says two Thai migrant women call their organisation for help each week, a confronting figure considering the population of Thai women in Sydney amounts to about 10,000. The Thai Welfare Association says two Thai migrant women call their organisation for help each week Malee's story comes as White Ribbon Day is commemorated in Australia, a campaign to end male violence against women and girls Data compiled by Dr Sue Webster, a transcultural mental health clinical consultant for Thai groups, found Thai women were seven times more likely to be victims of domestic violence than the national rate. 'They don't know about our law, and often when they do get help from refuges they're full or the women don't understand, so they just go back home because they can't afford anywhere else.' In the future, Malee plans to returns to Thailand to visit villages and educate women about domestic violence. Malee's story comes as White Ribbon Day is commemorated in Australia, a campaign to end male violence against women and girls. Theresa May will be deputised for by the little known Commons leader David Lidington when she misses PMQs next month. In what could be seen as a snub to Chancellor Philip Hammond just days after his first Autumn Statement, the Prime Minister has not appointed an official deputy from her top team. Commons rules mean that without one, Mrs May's place at the Despatch Box for the highest profile moment of the political week will be filled by Mr Lidington. Labour today claimed the decision showed Mrs May did not think the Chancellor was up to the task of representing the Government at the weekly joust. House of Commons leader David Lidington will deputise for Theresa May when the Prime Minister is out of the country and unable to answer MPs questions A Labour spokesman told MailOnline: 'After his performance this week, it is not surprising that Theresa May doesn't think Hammond is up to it. 'Mr Gloomy couldn't set out a positive vision for our economy so it's hardly surprising they don't want him to try his hand at doing for the country.' A No 10 spokesman said the Commons leader standing in was ordinary procedure and pointed out it has happened under previous governments. He said: 'This is the most important Commons event of the week and as such the PM believes it is right the Leader of the House stands in for her.' David Cameron had Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to fill in during the coalition years and then by George Osborne who was named First Secretary of State as well as Chancellor. The last time a Commons leader took PMQs was Harriet Harman - but she was Labour deputy leader under Gordon Brown under party rules outside the Commons. In another instance, Geoff Hoon stood in for Tony Blair while Leader of the House. Expectations Mr Hammond was the de facto deputy were raised on Wednesday when he was mistakenly introduced by Commons speaker John Bercow as First Secretary. The error had briefly appeared on an official list of ministerial responsibilities before being corrected last month. Theresa May is expected to miss a PMQs session for the first time next month but will not send Chancellor Philip Hammond in her place. Instead, the Commons leader will take MPs questions Mr Hammond's team declined to comment today. Mr Lidington's role suggests his Labour opponent at the joust would be his shadow, Valerie Vaz. The pair already clash each week in an obscure Thursday morning session. The Business Statement is an opportunity for MPs to ask Mr Lidington questions on almost any subject, much like PMQs. But Ms Vaz joined the front bench for the first time last month and has only spoken from the Commons Despatch Box on a handful of occasions. Convention dictates Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn would also step aside from the session if Mrs May is away but he could choose to send a different front bencher to represent Labour. A nurse has been suspended from the profession for two months after she risked an Ebola outbreak by hiding fellow volunteer Pauline Cafferkey's high temperature on the flight home from Africa. Donna Wood backed up Ms Cafferkey's claim that she felt warm on the journey because she had been 'sleeping in a hoodie on the plane.' Wood risked exposing others to the deadly disease by hiding Ms Cafferkey's elevated temperature on their return to the UK, the Nursing and Midwifery Council heard. Misconduct hearing: Donna Wood, a nurse who volunteered to fight Ebola, put the public at risk by hiding her colleague Pauline Cafferkey's high temperature, a tribunal heard today They heard she suggested misrecording Ms Cafferkey's elevated temperature - the first symptom of Ebola - during the 'chaotic' screening process at Heathrow on their return to the UK from Sierra Leone on December 28, 2014. A temperature above 37.5C required further assessment by doctors at the Public Health England (PHE) screening room. Wood, senior sister at Haywood Hospital in Burslem, Staffordshire, suggested writing down a temperature of 37.2C after a doctor, Hannah Ryan, had taken Ms Cafferkey's temperature twice, with readings of 38.2C and 38.3C. Both Wood and Ms Cafferkey, 40, volunteered through charity Med-UK as part of a Department for International Development (DfID)-funded project 'to contain, control and finally defeat' Ebola in Sierra Leone, flying out in November 2014. Wood was the face of the Government's press campaign about the NHS volunteers and described by then-DfID Minister Justine Greening as a 'hero'. Ebola nurse: Wood have backed up the claim by Ms Cafferkey (pictured) that she 'felt warm' on the flight home after 'sleeping in a hoodie on the plane' The group left the country on 27 December, flying from the capital Freetown to Casablanca, where all volunteers' temperatures were checked and recorded as un-elevated. The volunteers then continued on to a 'busy, disorganised' screening at Heathrow run by Public Health England (PHE), which was so overcrowded that volunteers took each other's temperatures. Dr Ryan made it as far as arrivals, returning to the screening area 'only when she realised that her colleagues were not with her'. Giving evidence Dr Ryan said that after she recorded Ms Cafferkey's temperature twice - as 38.2C and 38.3C a few minutes later - Wood 'broke the inertia by saying something like 'I'm just going to write it down as 37.2C then we will get out of here and sort it out.' A temperature above 37.5C is considered to be elevated and requiring further assessment. Ms Cafferkey eventually returned to the screening area after being collected at arrivals by David Carruthers, PHE's Ebola Screening Shift Manager at Heathrow, with her 'tail between the legs' and her temperature was again taken. Ms Cafferkey arrived in Glasgow late that evening, was diagnosed with Ebola the next day and almost died before finally being declared out of danger in January 2015. She has been rushed to hospital three times since, first in October 2015 when the virus remained in either her brain or spinal cord undetected and most recently under police escort last month. The day after returning home, Ms Cafferkey became 'extremely ill' and was admitted to hospital, where she was diagnosed with Ebola. She is pictured in February this year The NMC had found that Wood had suggested Ms Cafferkey's temperature was recorded as 37.2C, she was dishonest, she intended to conceal Ms Cafferkey's temperature, she failed to escalate that it was higher than 38C, and her fitness to practise was impaired. A charge of recording the false temperature herself was found not proved. The panel found that her actions were dishonest and had put patients at risk. But she avoided being struck off and instead was given a two month suspension order after he disciplinary panel described her actions as 'a momentary loss of judgement.' Panel chair Najrul Khasru said: 'You undertook extraordinary work in the most difficult and dangerous of circumstances. 'The seriousness of your misconduct could have led to Ebola, a very serious and very dangerous illness spreading into this country. 'The panel has no doubt that even though Ms Cafferkey was a colleague and not a patient, knowledge of her raised temperature in excess of 38C did impose a duty on you as a registered nurse to escalate that fact to the appropriate consultant at the screening area. WHAT IS EBOLA? Ebola is a viral hemorrhagic fever that can be contracted by humans and other primates. Symptoms start between two to three days after the sufferer comes into contact with the virus. Initial symptoms include fever, sore throat and headaches. The Ebola outbreak in West Africa started in March 2014. The epidemic killed 11,315 people across Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, the US and Mali. Liberia declared it was free of Ebola in June 2016, which meant there were no known cases in any of the affected West African countries. Advertisement 'This reflects the concern which a raised temperature in an individual who has been in close proximity to infected Ebola patients illicit. 'The panel therefore find that you had a duty to appropriately escalate this infection but you failed to do so. 'You have practised for two years since the incident without any concerns raised. 'There is public interest in allowing a highly skilled and highly regarded nurse return to work. 'While dishonesty is extremely serious and unacceptable, in this case it was not premeditated but a momentary lapse of judgement.' Earlier Aja Hall, for the NMC, said there was 'much emphasis' on checking temperatures and health workers' temperatures were taken in Sierra Leone 'every time they entered the [medical] centre and every time they returned to the hotel'. Ms Cafferkey admitted allowing an incorrect temperature to be recorded and leaving the screening area without reporting her temperature or the fact she had taken paracetamol at an NMC hearing in Edinburgh earlier this year. But the NMC heard that 'early Ebola Virus infection and fatigue resulting from a busy night shift followed by a lengthy journey' could have impaired her judgement. The panel found her actions had 'the potential to expose others to a serious risk of infection', but concluded her 'ability to assess her medical condition was impaired as a result of the Ebola virus' and she was cleared of professional misconduct. She was also cleared of physically recording the reading dishonestly herself in order to hide it from public health officials. Wood said it was 'preposterous' to suggest she had put others at risk. She said: 'I absolutely deny the allegation, if I had been aware anyone had a temperature it would have been a danger and a red alert in my mind. 'I'd have told someone. I'd spent six weeks protecting myself from Ebola, protecting my colleagues from Ebola. 'It would be preposterous to contemplate that I would allow myself to be put in danger, or someone else or my family or my country.' She added Ms Cafferkey had complained of feeling hot in the toilets after arriving at Heathrow, but not of being feverish. Mr Khasru, chairman of the panel, said it had considered several aggravating factors when reaching a decision on sanctions against Ms Wood. 'You put Ms Cafferkey and anyone coming into contact with her at unwarranted risk of harm,' he said. He added that the panel also considered: 'The seriousness of your misconduct which could have contributed to the risk of Ebola - a very serious and dangerous illness - spreading into this country.' Mr Khasru said the panel was mindful of its duty to protect the public interest and public confidence in the professions and the regulatory body. But he said: 'While the public interest in this case is high, the panel considers that there was also a public interest in retaining and allowing a highly-skilled and well-regarded nurse to return to practice.' While some pet owners may dress up their animals for warmth or comedic effect, one woman discovered a Halloween costume was essential to her pet's well being. Leanne Lauricella, who runs a farm in New Jersey, chanced upon the perfect remedy for her blind rescue goat Polly, who suffers from anxiety and neurological problems. She purchased a duck costume for children and discovered swaddling Polly in the fuzzy outfit, complete with webbed feet, instantly calmed the animal down. Scroll down for video Leanne Lauricella said her blind rescue goat Polly, who suffers from anxiety and neurological problems, instantly calmed down once she was put in a plush duck costume made for children Lauricella had purchased the costume from Marshalls for Halloween, not expecting it to have such a profound effect on Polly. She soon purchased a host of other costumes for the goat The baby goat would often run around and cry if she couldn't find Lauricella, but once the duck costume was on, it was as if Polly (pictured in different costumes) went into a trance Lauricella was working as an event planner in New York City when she began researching factory farming and soon became a vegan. Her love of animals soon led her to adopt five goats, and she eventually quit her job to run a sanctuary called Goats of Anarchy,which rehabilitates goats who are sick, injured, abused or disabled. The Texas native, whose farm is now full with 11 goats, a pig, a mini pony, a donkey and some chickens, was shopping at Marshalls around Halloween of this year, when she purchased the duck costume on a whim. She put Polly in the plush outfit to snap a photograph, and soon noticed the calming effect it had on the animal. The baby goat would often run around and cry if she couldn't find Lauricella, but once the duck costume was on, it was as if Polly went into a trance. Lauricella was working as an event planner in New York City when her love for animals led her to adopt several goats. Pictured, Polly in a plush robe Lauricella eventually quit her job to run a sanctuary called Goats of Anarchy,which rehabilitates goats who are sick, injured, abused or disabled. Pictured, Polly But Lauricella hopes Polly (pictured) will one day shed her need for the duck costume, with a handicapped baby goat named Pocket at the sanctuary Lauricella had tried other tactics before, like the Thundershirt, a snug wrap designed for dogs, but nothing worked as well as the trusty duck costume. 'She just calms down and goes to sleep. Instantly. It's become a thing that she's known for,' Lauricella told The Dodo. She soon purchased similar costumes, like a pig, and a fox, but the duck remained her favorite. On one shopping trip, Lauricella tucked Polly into the baby seat of a grocery cart with the costume on, and the goat quietly slept while the rescue owner ran her errands. But Lauricella hopes Polly will one day shed her need for the duck costume, with a handicapped baby goat named Pocket at the sanctuary. Lauricella said she once placed Pocket on Polly's back and a similar calming effect took place. Nowadays, Lauricella shares heartwarming photos of the two goats snuggling next to each other with her 315,000 Instagram followers. She said: 'I'm hoping she won't need [her duck suit]. I hope that Pocket becomes her duck suit.' Advertisement Rotting, crumbling and rusting, Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary has been out of action since 1971 and these eerie pictures show the historic jail in its neo-Gothic form. Erected in 1829, it was the largest and most expensive public structure in the US with a final price tag of $750,000. The prison adopted the revolutionary Pennsylvania system of incarceration which encouraged separate confinement as a form rehabilitation. It was home to notorious gangster Al Capone who spent nine months there from May 1929 for violations of federal prohibition laws. Disrepair: Two cells inside Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary which is rotting, crumbling and rusting. Pictured on the right is Al Capone's cell Crumbling: Erected in 1829, it was the largest and most expensive public structure in the country with a final price tag of $750,000 Eerie: The prison adopted the revolutionary Pennsylvania system of incarceration which encouraged separate confinement as a form rehabilitation Until 1904, prisoners entered the institution with a black hood over their head, so they would never know who their fellow convicts were, before being led to the cell where they would serve the remainder of their sentence in near-constant solitude. Each cell was lit by a single source of light either by a skylight or window, which was considered the Eye of God. The prison closed in 1971 and the City of Philadelphia purchased the property with the intention of redeveloping it. The site had several proposals, including a mall and a luxury apartment complex surrounded by the old prison walls. During this time, a forest grew within the prison walls and cell blocks. In 1988, the Eastern State Penitentiary Task Force successfully petitioned Mayor Wilson Goode to halt redevelopment. In 1994, Eastern State opened to the public for historic tours. Today, it operates as a museum and historic-site, open year-round. Lonely: Until 1904, prisoners entered the institution with a black hood over their head, so they would never know who their fellow convicts were Isloation: Inmates were led to the cell where they would serve the remainder of their sentence in near-constant solitude Rusting: The prison closed in 1971 and the City of Philadelphia purchased the property with the intention of redeveloping it Falling apart: The site had several proposals but a forest grew within the prison walls and cell blocks In 1994, Eastern State opened to the public for historic tours. Today, it operates as a museum and historic-site, open year-round Each cell was lit by a single source of light either by a skylight or window, which was considered the Eye of God The prisoners would be kept in solitary confinement in their cells but were allowed to have a small number of personal items One corridor in the prison has become rusty and damp as water drips in from above The roof of the prison with steel bars that prevent anyone from getting in or out Strain B is preventable but the A father has opened up on the tragic loss of his toddler son, whose life was cut short by the deadly meningococcal virus. Sixteen-month-old Charlie Mason, from Adelaide, slipped into a coma he did not wake from just days after he contracted the B strain of the virus early this month. His father Joshua Mason has reflected on happier times with Charlie and told of his push to have the vaccine rolled out across Australia, reports The Advertiser. Charlie Mason, pictured, died this month after he fell ill with the meningococcal virus 'I'm going to miss hearing his little chubby feet running down the hallway and him coming into the bedroom early in the morning for some cuddles,' Mr Mason told the publication. The devastated father shed light on the rapid deterioration of Charlie's condition on the morning they admitted him to hospital. 'Before we left, we started noticing spots on his chest and we thought it was just the chickenpox.' The devastated father shed light on the rapid deterioration of Charlie's condition on the morning they admitted him to hospital Doctors administered antibiotics, steroids and adrenalin to try to stabilise his condition, but the ominous dark red rash broke out over his skin. Charlie was immunised against meningococcal C, but not the B-strain because the medicine is in globally limited supply. Charlie's grandmother Misty Mason has since campaigned the Australian Government to put the Bexsero vaccine used to treat the B-strain on the National Immunisation Program. Aides to Donald Trump have discussed asking former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney to publicly apologize for insulting the president-elect in order to pave the way for a nomination to lead the State Department. A Trump transition aide confirmed to DailyMail.com on Friday that there have been 'discussions' inside Trump Tower about the possibility. The source wouldn't say if Trump himself is aware of those discussions or has given them his blessing. Romney famously tore into Trump in March, telling a Utah audience that the New York billionaire was 'a phony, a fraud. His promises are as worthless as a degree from Trump University. 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.' But eight months after the former Massachusetts governor said that 'dishonesty is Donald Trump's hallmark' and mocked his 'bullying, the greed, the showing off, the misogyny, the absurd third-grade theatrics,' Trump is reportedly considering making him America's top diplomat. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Mitt Romney (right) could be the next U.S. secretary of state, but some aides to President-elect Donald Trump (center) are mulling whether the 2012 GOP presidential nominee needs to apologize for his past anti-Trump sniping first Fox News correspondent Geraldo Rivera said Friday that a public apology would be the right move for Romney Former Trump campaign rival Mike Huckabee said Wednesday that if Trump chooses Romney as his secretary of state, it will send the wrong message to voters who elected him but Romney would still have to fall on his sword first Choosing Romney could leave Trump open to sniping from conservatives who are eager to see a Republican administration chock full of right-wing political bomb-throwers in the mold of the president-elect's campaign speeches. But Trump has sent signals that he's interested in showing the world a softer face, even at the risk of alienating some of his most zealous backers. One way to resolve that tension would be a public mea culpa to smooth the waters with Trump loyalists who want to see a more charismatic hard-liner like former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani or former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich win the post. Trump transition communications aide Jason Miller cautioned reporters on a Friday morning conference call not to read too much into what aides from warring camps might be saying. 'A lot of the palace intrigue gets a little bit overblown at this stage in the process,' Miller said. Citing a Trump transition official, Fox News Channel correspondent Ed Henry said Thursday that 'there has been a conversation going on in private, very quiet of course, about whether or not Mitt Romney should issue some sort of formal or informal apology to President-elect Donald Trump.' 'Does he write a letter? Does he put out a statement of some kind?' Henry mused. Fox News reporter Ed Henry said Thursday that internal Team Trump discussions are focusing on the idea of a Romney mea culpa Former Trump campaign rival Mike Huckabee raised the idea of Romney in sackcloth and ashes on Wednesday, telling a Fox news audience that 'there is only one way that I think Mitt Romney could even be considered for a post like' secretary of state. 'And that is that he goes to a microphone in a very public place and repudiates everything he said in that famous Salt Lake City speech. And everything he said after that, where he said Donald Trump wasn't fit, that he lacked character I mean, on and on.' 'I'm still very unhappy that Mitt did everything he could to derail Donald Trump,' said Huckabee, an ordained Baptist minister and former Arkansas governor. 'He didn't just go after him from the standpoint of "I disagree with his policy on immigration, I disagree with his policy on taxes." He attacked him on a personal level about his character, integrity, his honor.' Henry said Thursday that in order to clear a path for Romney to take over the State Department and to win the support of senators who would vote to confirm him 'it seems like that's business that needs to be cleaned up.' The discussion about a face-saving path forward for the 2012 GOP nominee 'gives us a clue that Romney might be a much more serious contender for secretary of state than a lot of people assumed at the beginning,' he said. 'Romney wouldn't even be considering an apology, wouldn't even be broached by anybody, unless maybe he really wants this job.' Friday morning on 'Fox & Friends,' Fox News correspondent Geraldo Rivera said such a move would be seen as 'gracious' on Romney's part. 'It's Thanksgiving time. Why not?' he asked. Romney blasted Trump in March, devoting an entire speech to calling the eventual GOP nominee 'a phony, a fraud ... He's playing members of the American public for suckers' .@GovMikeHuckabee: Choosing Mitt Romney as Secretary of State would be a big insult to all those who voted for Trump pic.twitter.com/hizFmHCEvJ FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) November 23, 2016 'I mean, the words were very harsh that Governor Romney uttered in the heat of the campaign. I don't think people would fault him if he said, "Listen, that was about electoral politics. I had a different preference. Now we're all on the same team".' 'I hope Gov. Romnney very publicly says to President-elect Trump, you know, "Listen, hot stuff was said by a lot of people. Let's get past it",' he said. But any apology 'has to be in-kind' with Romney's blistering criticism, Rivera cautioned. 'It was a big blow, a body blow in public. The apology should be similar, I think, in scope.' Rivera has emerged as a centrist voice in public discussions about Trump's cabinet choices, saying a move toward nominating Gingrich, Giuliani or former UN ambassador John Bolton would send 'exactly the wrong message.' 'They're flamethrowers,' he said. Huckabee blasted Romney, shown after meeting with Trump on Saturday, as a disloyal partisan who attacked Trump on a personal level eight months ago Trump swept to an unlikely victory over former secretary of state Hillary Clinton on Nov. 8 on the basis of promises to break with the GOP's moderate wing. The president-elect's transition raised eyebrows among Trump loyalists on Wednesday morning when it signaled that he will make South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley another establishment Republican the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Haley grabbed headlines in January when she delivered the Republican response to President Barack Obama's final State of the Union address, cautioning Americans not to 'follow the siren call of the angriest voices.' Trump, in the midst of contentious fights over the Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire Primary, said the next day during a Palmetto State campaign rally that he would 'gladly accept the mantle of anger.' A separate Brexit deal for Scotland would not work because it would require border posts on internal UK borders, Wales First Minister Carwyn Jones has warned. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is looking at ways to keep her country in the European Single Market even if the rest of the UK leaves when Brexit takes place. She has previously said the Scottish Government is considering the options of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and European Economic Area (EEA). Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones (file picture left) has dismissed the demand from Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (pictured right on a school visit this week as unworkable But Mr Jones told BBC Radio Scotland: 'I can't see how it would work.' He said separate market access arrangements north of the border would mean customs posts at the border. 'There is no other way to deal with that,' he said. Referring to Greenland which left the EU in 1982, he added: 'If you're Greenland and you're a long way away from the European land mass it's easier, but otherwise how do you control the flow of goods that are traded on different terms on the same island. 'For me, what is absolutely crucial is that we get the best deal for the UK, all four nations of the UK, and that there is agreement on that.' Mr Jones was speaking ahead of the British Irish Council (BIC) summit near Cardiff, at which devolved leaders will stress the need for unfettered access to the European Single Market for the whole of the UK. Mr Jones and Ms Sturgeon met on more agreeable terms in Edinburgh last summer, pictured Mr Jones' comments came as Spanish MEP Esteban Gonzalez Pons described a separate Scottish arrangement as 'impossible'. Mr Gonzalez Pons is a member of Spain's ruling People's Party and vice-chairman of the European People's Party (EPP). Asked about Ms Sturgeon's plans, Mr Gonzalez Pons told The Daily Telegraph newspaper: 'It's impossible. I'm telling you not only as a Spanish MEP but also as a member of the EPP.' He added: 'My position is also my party's position.' Prime Minister Theresa May, pictured yesterday with Chancellor Philip Hammond, has said the UK will leave the EU as one country Pressed about proposals for Scotland to join EFTA and the EEA, he said: 'It's impossible. Scotland, while it is part of the United Kingdom, has to be the same as the UK. 'We're not going to accept Scotland in the single market without the rest of the UK.' Responding on BBC Radio Scotland, External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: 'Nothing is impossible. 'We are in uncharted territory and that is part of what we are discussing with many administrations.' A jealous boyfriend who set his heavily-pregnant girlfriend on fire after she said she was leaving him for another man has been sentenced to 18 years in jail. Polo Pietropaolo left Carla Caiazzo disfigured after the sickening attack, which happened in February after she said she did not want to be with him. He wanted to damage her 'beautiful face', he said, so that no one else would want her. Carla Caiazzo was left disfigured after the sickening attack, which happened in February after she said she did not want to be with Polo Pietropaolo Pietropaolo strangled his girlfriend after she said she was leaving him, and said he wanted to disfigure her so that no one else would want her Amazingly their baby, a girl named Giulia Pia, survived the ordeal against the odds. The 42-year-old attacked Caiazzo on February 1 in the city of Formia located in the province of Latina on the Mediterranean coast of Lazio in Italy, between Rome and Naples. He has also been banned from having any contact with the little girl. Carla Caiazzo gave birth to her baby while suffering 50 per cent burns to her body, the court heard During the trial Caiazzo, 38, relived the attack. She said he assaulted her after hearing she had been invited out on a date: 'He was strangling me and I was just kept saying "Polo, please, the baby girl, the baby!"' She said she lost consciousness while her body was devoured by the flames. She was saved by a neighbour who had heard the fight, and rushed her to hospital. Caiazzo gave birth to her baby while suffering 50 percent burns over her body. The court heard that he was arrested after he crashed while fleeing near the Garigliano bridge in the city of Formia Pietropaolo was accused of stalking, attempted forced abortion and attempted murder. The court heard that he was arrested after he crashed while fleeing near the Garigliano bridge in the city of Formia. He was found to be driving under the influence of drugs and confessed to police: 'I screwed up. She betrayed me.' A seven-year-old girl from Syria has posted a heart breaking image on Twitter of the bloodied body of a young friend who was killed in an air raid. Bana Alabed, who tweets with help from her mother Fatemah, posted the haunting photo of her friend with a tear jerking caption. 'Oh dear world, I am crying tonight, this is my friend killed by a bomb tonight. I can't stop crying. - Bana,' she wrote from her home in the rebel held East Aleppo. Scroll down for video 'We are still alive': Bana Alabed posted a photo of herself hiding from bomb blasts in her home city of Aleppo The graphic image shows a young girl with her skin covered in dust and clotted blood by her ear and neck. Since join Twitter last September Bana has amassed close to 100,000 followers and frequently posts videos and photos of her grim life in Aleppo which is in the middle of a brutal tussle between government forces, ISIS and rebels. Cruel ending: The horrifying image of Bana Alabed's friend who died during a bomb raid in the city dubbed the most dangerous in the world There have been a number of airstrikes conducted by Russian forces in November on ISIS militants and rebels in support of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and his government. On Thursday Bana uploaded a distressing video of herself hiding in the corner of a room while blasts can be heard going off outside. She said: 'Someone save me now please.' Earlier this week Bana received a number of Harry Potter novels directly from author J.K. Rowling after her mother made a request to the writer over Twitter. The girl, who speaks basic English, tweeted a sweet thank you video for Rowling. 'Hello my friend, I started reading your books now, my heart is for you. Thank you,' she said. Rowling replied back with a tweet saying: 'This made me so happy! Lots of love to you and your brothers!' Innocence lost: A haunting Twitter account purports to show the horror of the bombing raids on Aleppo through the eyes of seven-year-old Bana Alabed (above) Relentless: Bana, her mother and her brothers (pictured several years ago) are trying to survive the fiercest aerial onslaught since the Syrian civil war began In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Bana's mother Fatemah insisted the account was not 'propaganda' as she revealed details of the devastation around them: 'We live in hell. The sound of bombs wake us from our sleep. They have become our alarm clock. 'When the airstrikes come, my children cry and say the pilot wants to kill us.' Other pictures on the account claim to show their next-door-neighbours' crumbling homes and smoke billowing from the latest explosion down the road. 'Four bombs hit us now just few steps away. Good afternoon from Aleppo,' reads one of her latest posts. 'Last year my school was bombed my friends killed injured. I was lucky to survive. I'm afraid of the bombing,' the Twitter goes on from Bana's point of view. Former law student Fatemah lives with Bana, her husband Ghassan, 34, a former lawyer, and their two sons Mohamad, five, and Noor, three. He was once one of the country's most well-regarded criminologists - but following his conviction this week Paul Wilson will now go down in history as a child abuser. While his guilty verdict shocked many in court on Wednesday, it has emerged that Wilson has a sordid history of defending paedophiles and promoting 'man-boy love'. In 1981, Wilson published a book defending the activities of a follow paedophile as merely a 'hobby', suggesting that abusers 'go to great lengths to look after the child' they attack, and arguing that the age of consent should be abolished. Paul Wilson, 75, was found guilty of abusing a young girl in the 1970s earlier this week - and it has now emerged that he once argued against an age of consent The book was called The Man They Called a Monster and was based on the life of Clarence Howard-Osborne, a government official and serial child abuser. Over the course of two decades Howard-Osborne preyed on young boys, photographing and filming the encounters as well as keeping a detailed filing cabinet full of 'data' he collected. In his own mind, he was carrying out important social research that justified his sickening sexual habits, the Daily Telegraph reports. Howard-Osborne confessed to Wilson after he began to suspect the police were going to arrest him, before committing suicide as the net closed around him. In a 1981 book, published five years after his crimes, Wilson defended child abusers as 'looking after' their victims Two years after he died, Wilson published his book, defending Howard-Osborne's actions as a 'hobby'. He wrote: 'Clarence Osborne and his fellow paedophiles are just part of a long tradition of folk devils created by a vengeful society and a sensationalist press.' In his view, there was nothing wrong with having sex with children, provided no 'violence, force, fraud or pressure' was used. In a section dealing with the 'rights' of children, he added: 'It is only logical that children should have the right to conduct their sexual lives with no more restrictions than adults do.' In the same section he argued for the abolition of any age of consent, and 'all legislation relating to the age of consent in the field of sexuality specifically.' More than 20 years on from the publication of that book, Wilson has been found guilty of playing blindfolded sex games and touching a young girl at his home. The 75-year-old was found guilty of sexually abusing a girl under the age of 12 at his Indooroopilly house in Brisbane between 1973 and 1976, just before he began his friendship with Howard-Osborne. The now-retiree was also convicted of playing blindfolded games of hide and seek with his victim, making her take her clothes off when he caught her. Wilson, who was sentenced to 18 months in jail, also argued that paedophiles were 'folk devils created by a vengeful society and a sensationalist press' The court heard he once lured the victim into his room and asked her to pat a cat he was holding over his exposed genitals, reports ABC. Prosecutor Phil McCarthy previously told the Brisbane District Court jury that Wilson had a persistent sexual interest in his victim and the repeated abuse only stopped when she and her family moved away. When questioned by the prosecutor, Wilson vehemently denied ever abusing the girl, which he deemed was 'fantasy.' 'I never played hide and seek with any children...That is absolute fantasy, it never occurred.' He was convicted of four counts of indecent treatment of a child on Wednesday after an eight-day trial. The jury of six men and six women reached unanimous verdicts after deliberating for around two hours. There were gasps from the packed public gallery as the verdicts were announced but Wilson showed no emotion. They are hoping her body will be found for a proper burial 18 year later Sam and Ann Diec refused to move and hoped she would For 18 years the parents of schoolgirl Quanne Diec believed she would one day walk through the door of their Sydney home. They refused to move house despite the painful memories and kept her bedroom full of soft toys and and jade sculpture on her dressing table, just as it was when she disappeared aged 12. Her elderly father Sam had spent thousands traveling around Australia in the hope of confirming reported sightings of his daughter, believing she had amnesia. Scroll down for video For 18 years the parents of missing schoolgirl Quanne Diec (pictured) believed she would one day walk through the door of their Sydney home Sam and Ann Diec refused to move house despite the painful memories and kept their daughtr's bedroom just the way it was when she disappeared aged 12 Quanne sister Tina and brother Sunny both told media in 2000 they were praying for her return. Now the shattered family knows their little girl is never coming home, after neighbour Vinzent Tarantino was charged with her 1998 murder. 'She'll never come home now. I'm so, so upset,' her mother Ann Diec told the Daily Telegraph on Friday. The 49-year-old walked into Surry Hills police station on Sunday an allegedly confessed to abducting and strangling Quanne. Quanne was last seen on her way to Strathfield Girls High School from her Granville home on the morning of July 27, 1998 Quanne was last seen on her way to Strathfield Girls High School from her Granville home on the morning of July 27, 1998. Tarantino is now leading detectives to where he remembers moving the girl's body, and Mr Diec hopes they can finally sell the house and give her a proper burial. 'I just want to know where the body is. I want that man to tell the police everything,' he said. Vinzent Tarantino (R) is now leading detectives to where he remembers moving the girl's body after he handed himself in to police on Sunday and allegedly confessed to her murder Mr Diec hopes they can finally sell the house and give her a proper burial once her body is found The couple immediately moved out of their Granville house to stay with friends when Tarantino surrendered to police, finally spared the pain of coming home without their daughter there. Just 700 metres away, police were turning Tarantino's home on Second Street upside-down looking for clues. He led them to bushland near Wollongong but so far extensive searches have turned up nothing. Police were turning Tarantino's home on Second Street upside-down looking for clues Until her family see the body, it seems they will never truly give up hope that she might still be alive and come home. 'My wife says it's over but I still pray a miracle will happen and Quanne will return. I don't know what to think any more, I'm waiting for the police to tell us. Quanne knows this is her home and that we are waiting for her here,' Mr Diec said. During the original investigation police hypnotised witnesses, set up mannequins and drained and searched a nearby waterway but failed to come up with answers. They hope more witnesses will come forward now that Tarantino has been charged, and have not ruled out further arrests. Dylann Roof is accused of killing nine black worshippers in an attack on a church in Charleston in June 2015 Dylann Roof is competent to stand trial for the killing of nine black parishioners at a South Carolina church in 2015, a federal judge ruled. The ruling came on Friday after Roof's lawyers suggested he did not understand the charges against him or could not help them with his defense. It remains unclear exactly why Roof's competency was under question, and federal judge Richard Gergel sealed his findings, saying that information could keep the 22-year-old from having a fair trial. James Ballenger conducted a psychological review of Roof and testified at the two-day competency hearing, along with four unnamed witnesses, behind closed doors. The judge wrote in his order that he also reviewed the sworn statements from three others. Prosecutors and defense lawyers delayed sorting through 3,000 jurors to hold the competency hearing, and the final jury selection process will resume on Monday. Roof faces 33 federal charges, including hate crimes and obstruction of religion for the deadly June 2015 massacre at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. He also faces a separate state trial for nine counts of murder. His attorneys said he is willing to plead guilty and serve life in prison if the death penalty is removed, but both federal and state prosecutors have said they will pursue it. Pictured, the AME Emanuel Church. Roof entered the church on June 17, 2015, and sat through a weekly bible study meeting for nearly an hour before he opened fire, police said A judge has decided Dylann Roof is competent to stand trial. Jury selection, which began in September and was delayed due to the competency hearing, will resume on Monday Roof entered the church on June 17, 2015, and sat through a weekly bible study meeting for nearly an hour before he fired dozens of shots, police said. He fled the scene and was taken into custody the next day after he was pulled over during a traffic stop in Shelby, North Carolina. Nine black people, including the Reverend Clementa Pinckney, died in the church massacre, and Roof, who is white, later told investigators he wanted to 'start a race war'. He also used racial slurs before the shooting and declared that he hated black people, investigators said. The 21-year-old claimed responsibility for the shooting and told investigators he wanted everyone to know what he had done, authorities said. He also revealed that he 'almost didn't go through with it because everyone was so nice to him', sources told NBC News, but he ultimately decided that he had to 'go through with his mission'. His roommate also revealed that Roof, who had been planning the attack for six months, wanted to start a 'civil war' before killing himself. Another friend said that Roof complained that black people were 'taking over the world' and said someone had to do something about it for the sake of 'the white race'. Pictured, the six women and three men who died in the shooting. Roof, who is white, later told investigators he wanted to 'start a race war' Roof left behind a ranting, racist manifesto that called for a new civil war in America. In it, Roof said he formulated his racist ideas after the highly-publicized killing of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman in 2012. He did an online search for 'black on white crime', and was led to the website of the Council of Conservative Citizens, a white supremacist group according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Roof concluded that 'drastic action' was necessary to stop the U.S. being taken over by minorities. He also pinpointed Charleston, South Carolina, as a target because of its significant African American population. He concluded the manifesto by writing: 'We have no skinheads, no real KKK, no one doing anything but talking on the internet. Well someone has to have the bravery to take it to the real world, and I guess that has to be me.' Roof said he was not raised a racist, but formulated his ideas after the killing of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman in 2012 led him to the website of a white supremacist group Roof posted his racist manifesto on a website that also contained a cache of images of Roof burning and spitting on the American flag (pictured left. Right, Roof with a gun) The manifesto was posted on the website, titled Last Rhodesian - a reference to the former African state of Rhodesia ruled by white people - which was initially registered to Roof. The site was set up in February 2015, and is registered via a privacy protection company in Queensland, Australia, designed to mask the identity of who runs a website. The site also contained a cache of images of Roof burning and spitting on the American flag. Other photos showed Roof posing next to Confederate landmarks and standing menacingly with a gun pointed at the camera. A vicious thug has been jailed for swinging his dog against the wall of a train so violently it died three days later. Chelmsford Magistrates' Court heard Kieren Milledge, 22, of no fixed address, spent 20 minutes beating Staffordshire Bull Terrier Ronnie with his hands, knees and feet. The shocking attack emerged following an investigation by Greater Anglia train staff after they found excrement on the seats and walls of a carriage in Essex. Shocking: Police are hunting this hooded man who hung a Staffordshire bull terrier by the lead and swung it against the wall of a Greater Anglia train in Essex They had to cancel a Braintree to Witham service and watched footage in an effort to understand what happened, which revealed the dog being attacked. The animal had been so scared during the attack that it defecated on the train seat. They viewed CCTV to work out what had happened and saw the dog being abused on October 10 at around 10.30pm. Officers from the British Transport Police (BTP) then released CCTV images of the man responsible in a bid to identify him. Sickening behaviour: The unknown man (left) hung the dog (right) by its lead and then swung it against the wall of the train, before he put it on the seat and pushed his foot against its face Milledge has been kept in custody for his own protection after the footage was posted online and he received numerous death threats. The images show the young man viciously attacking the dog by hanging him by his lead and then swinging him against the wall of a train. The dog was then placed on a seat while Milledge pushed his foot against the dog's face, and Ronnie was also launched six foot along the aisle of the carriage. Milledge admitted to causing the unnecessary suffering of an animal this morning after he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court. Chair of the bench, Ian Andrews, said the attack amounted to torture and jailed Milledge for the maximum 21 weeks. Joanne Pomfrey, mitigating, said: 'I don't propose to put forward any defence. He fully accepts the prosecution's case. 'He has told me that he had been drinking heavily that day and has no recollection of the incident.' The court heard Ronnie died three days after the abuse after appearing to choke and was buried by members of the family who were unaware of the attack. It has now been recovered, but it's unlikely that a post-mortem will be carried out. Officers from British Transport Police arrested Milledge on Wednesday following a phenomenal response on social media, just hours after appealing for information. At the time of their appeal BTP Investigating officer Police Sergeant Paul Thompson, said: 'This was an unbelievably shocking act of cruelty. 'No animal should ever be subjected to such punishment and I am determined to trace the man responsible. 'Clearly this animal was frightened for its life as he emptied his bowls on the seat and train carriage.' Milledge appeared in a grey long sleeved t-shirt and expressed no emotion as he sat in the dock listening to a list of the facts about his case. He also admitted possession of a bladed weapon. Dogs Trust, the largest dog welfare charity in the UK, slammed the sentence handed down to Kieren Milledge after he was given just 21 weeks in jail. They have also called on the maximum available sentence for animal cruelty to be raised from the current six months, calling the current legislation 'inadequate.' In a statement, a spokesman for Dogs Trust, said: 'Dogs Trust is disappointed by the woefully-inadequate penalties currently available for cruelty cases for a conviction under the Animal Welfare Act. 'A person who injures or kills a dog can only be given a maximum custodial sentence of six months under the Animal Welfare Act. 'This highlights the urgent need for DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to review animal cruelty sentences and introduce penalties that reflect the seriousness of the offences that are sadly carried out on a daily basis. A baby rhino managed to miraculously survive after a cruel adult launched an unprovoked attack by flipping it in the air and trying to kill it. The calf and its mother were set upon in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa, by the angry three-tonne male while they were grazing. Without warning the seemingly calm male lashed out at both the mother and calf, trying to ram them with his horn. The young rhino and its mother at the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa who were grazing on the land Out of nowhere a three-tonne male approached the mother and child and attacked the youngster The action was snapped by 64-year-old insurance broker, Peter Garrun, who was visiting the reserve with his daughter Candice, her husband Seth and their son. He explained: 'The male started chasing the female and started horning her, attempting to lift her in the air. As she was too large, he then turned his attention to the calf.' The mother, who had tried to hold her own against the bully, was left to watch as the full grown male turned his attentions towards her calf. Helpless against such a brute, the young calf could do nothing but run as the male rhino came hurdling towards her. The cruel adult flipped the rhino calf into the air as he attempted to kill the female animal The calf could do nothing as she was flipped in the air and rammed repeatedly with the male's horn Mr Garrun added: 'he male started chasing the calf and it took a few seconds for him to reach her. The calf was crying with fear and the mother could not help her in any way.' Now at the mercy of the giant male, the calf could do nothing as she was flipped in the air and rammed repeatedly with the male's horn. In the blink of an eye however, the inevitable was averted as the male rhino grew more and more tired attacking the stubborn calf, eventually losing interest. With the male now moving away from the young calf, its mother quickly came to its aid. The calf was left laying motionless on the ground but miraculously after a few minutes, he began to move again A few tense moments passed as the calf, which was laying on the ground motionless, seemed to have succumbed to its injuries. Then, miraculously it started to move. Mr Garrun said: 'We all thought it was dead. But we saw some movement and, after getting up and falling a few times, it stood up and it seemed as though there were no puncture holes but only scratches with blood.' Two women have been caught on camera lifting young children and a pram over the barriers at a level crossing as a train approached. The shocking footage released by transport police first shows a man jogging across the train tracks as the barriers are coming down before his friend leaps over them and races after him. CCTV then captured the moment two women were seen casually lifting children and a pram over the barriers and walking along the tracks moments before the train passed by. The reckless women can be seen in CCTV footage lifting the pram and children over the barrier Despite the danger posed by an oncoming train, the women continue to cross the tracks British Transport Police (BTP) released the 58-second video of the incident which took place earlier this year in Feltham, West London - and said the consequences could have been fatal. Officers have been unable to track the people in the footage which they have described as 'frightening' and 'worrying'. Nationa, Rail and BTP, which is responsible for policing more than 6,000 level crossings across Britain, are appealing to the public to keep safe. Inspector Becky Warren said: 'The footage from this level crossing in West London is truly frightening. 'There simply is no excuse to be walking on the tracks and jumping over the barriers. 'Thankfully neither the man, the women nor their children were injured. But this could have had fatal consequences. 'I've seen first-hand the consequences of taking a shortcut over a level crossing and the heartbreak and suffering that families and loved ones are left with.' British Transport Police (BTP) released the 58-second video of the incident which took place earlier this year in Feltham, West London - and said the consequences could have been fatal Officers have been unable to track the people in the footage which they have described as 'frightening' and 'worrying' A man can be seen running across the track before his friend jumps over and races after him Becky Lumlock, route managing director at Network Rail, added: 'If any of these people had come into contact with the live rails, they could easily have been killed, not to mention the risk of being hit by a train when level crossing barriers are down. 'The safety of passengers is my number one priority, so I'd like to urge everyone to stay safe around the railway, and if you see anyone behaving dangerously, please report it to the police immediately.' Earlier this week, BTP and Network Rail launched a new campaign which revealed a sharp rise in alcohol related incidents across the rail network in December. Inspector Warren added: 'Although we are not certain alcohol played a part in these particular incidents, it stills highlights the extraordinary risks people are willing to take to save a bit of time. 'As the festive season fast approaches, I would urge pedestrians and motorists to pay extra attention at level crossings.' The Australian citizenship test is being overhauled with tougher measures to tackle the intake of extremists and welfare-dependent migrants. The Malcom Turnbull government is drafting a visa test quizzing migrants on their employment history, their capacity to speak English and their children's school attendance. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton ran preliminary meetings for the visa reform at Parliament House this week, reports Daily Telegraph. The Australian citizenship test is being overhauled with tougher measures The test is aiming to thwart radical migrants from crossing the border, a problem which has bred some of the worst atrocities in Australia. Lindt cafe siege gunman Man Haron Monis moved to Australia from Iran on a one-month visa in 1996, before being granted Australian citizenship in 2004. Terrorist Farhad Jabar, who gunned down Sydney police civilian Curtis Cheng, came to through Iran on the refugee program in 2006. The current system was brought in by the Howard government in 2006, and centres on cultural integration and the moral compatibility of the migrants. The 20 question test explores Australian Parliament and democracy, the government and the law. In September last year the government passed laws allowing it to strip citizenship from convicted terrorists of dual nationality. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton ran preliminary meetings for the visa reform at Parliament House this week Farhan Mirza (pictured arriving at Cardiff Crown Court) was found guilty of sexual assault and blackmail A predatory fantasist has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years for blackmailing Muslim women using intimate films he took of them without their knowledge. Farhan Mirza, 38, who has been married four times, secretly filmed the women and threatened to share the footage online before demanding money. Mirza met the women online and then blackmailed them into giving him money by threatening to put their sex tapes on the internet. He tried to impress his victims by claiming to be a doctor and hung surgical scrubs in his wardrobe and carried a stethoscope in his car. However the conman was in fact a taxi driver living with his mother in a terrace house in Abertillery, South Wales. Cardiff Crown Court heard the 'sexual predator' targeted three Muslim women and threatened to bring shame upon them and their families unless they paid him. Mirza was convicted of two charges of voyeurism, three of blackmail, theft, fraud, and two charges of sexual assault following a trial at the court. Judge Tom Crowther QC described Mirza's actions as "a pitiless scheme" and said he had shown "contempt" for the three women he targeted. 'Each of them was looking for a long-term relationship or marriage and in each case you led them to believe you were open to that in order to lure them into a sexual relationship,' the judge said. 'You photographed two of the women without their knowledge - one during sex and one after. 'You led the third believe you had taken intimate photographs. You threatened release of photographs into the world. 'The fear of exposure of unguarded and private moments is a universal one. 'There is, however, an additional factor at play here. Each of these women was Muslim by faith and by heritage. Farhan Mirza's pretended to be a doctor to attract single women on a dating app and even uploaded this profile picture 'Each of them knew the consequences of these films being released was devastating.' One woman told the jury her liberal family, who do not live in the UK, would disown her and she feared for their safety if the films were made public. Mirza was introduced to his first victim through a member of his family. He claimed to be an IT consultant and repeatedly lied to her. During the course of their relationship, he went to Pakistan and secretly married another woman. The judge said the woman later looked on Mirza's laptop, where she was horrified to discovered films of her during sex. In addition to the footage, Mirza had copies of her ID passes, her academic degrees, her passport and her contacts book. A judge at Cardiff Crown Court has sentenced Mirza (seen leaving the court) to eight and half years for blackmail When she asked him about them, he became angry and said they were "to keep a woman like you in your place". He added: 'You think you are the only one? I click my fingers and women are on their knees in front of me.' Mirza told her he kept a "track record" of all the women he was intimate with. He forced her to pay for shopping trips, Christmas presents and stole her laptop. While extorting her, Mirza joined dating website shaadi.com, which describes itself as the world's biggest match-making website. He met his second victim in London, where he attempted to pull off her hijab in public and groped her, telling her "it's your fault because you're attractive". The court heard Mirza tried to persuade the woman to have sex with him, claiming he could cure her previously diagnosed fertility problems by doing so. He promised her a 25,000 ring and demanded 3,500 as a "down payment" for a motorbike in return. 'The turning point came when you phoned her and told her you were standing looking at the Ka'bah in Mecca,' the judge said. 'At that stage you asked her to have sex with you before marriage. She was grossly offended.' He later threatened to "make her famous" with naked photographs he had taken. The third victim also met Mirza on the dating website. He pretended to be a doctor and met her in a borrowed Mercedes, wearing a stethoscope. Mirza blew kisses to the public gallery as he was led away to begin his prison sentence of eight-and-a-half years. Cardiff Crown Court heard the 'sexual predator' targeted three Muslim women and threatened to bring shame upon them and their families unless they paid him The judge praised the three women in the case, describing them as "determined, fearless and resolute". 'These were strong, dignified and powerful women whose courage in facing you down was an example," he told Mirza. Speaking after the case, Pc Pat Maguire of Gwent Police - who was commended by the judge - said Mirza had shown no remorse for his crimes. 'Mirza made his three victims believe he was wealthy and looking for marriage,' he said. 'He created a fake profile on a dating website, posing as a doctor, to lure in two of his victims. He gained their friendship and trust and then exploited the relationships for his own personal gains. 'Mirza purposefully targeted women from a culture where honour is held in high regard and used this to strengthen his threats and make them feel more vulnerable and alone.' Jurors watched several video clips, including one woman having sex with the defendant and another getting dressed after taking a shower. The panel of nine women and three men convicted Mirza of the nine charges against him following less than three hours of deliberations. Timothy Evans, prosecuting, previously told the court: 'It is the prosecution's case that Mr Mirza is a particular kind of sexual predator and he chooses his victims carefully. 'Because of their religious and ethnic backgrounds he targeted them because of the terror, embarrassment and humiliation that each of these ladies would have felt in their minds by what this defendant did to them.' The first victim went to the police in 2014 and investigations led to the other two complainants. She said Mirza told her he was an IT manager; his brother was head of security at Heathrow Airport; his sister was a doctor and his father a director of a utility company in Pakistan. The woman described her shock at discovering numerous home movies of Mirza having sex with various women. 'He didn't have one or two - there were hundreds of them,' she said. 'I was there too. I had no idea that he was filming when we were together, or had hidden cameras. Never, ever would I have consented to that.' Another woman told jurors that Mirza was the man she thought she was going to marry and spend the rest of her life with. The first victim went to the police in 2014 and investigations led to the other two complainants about Mirza (pictured) 'He told me he was a surgeon, so I thought he was a surgeon. He told me he was single, never married and was a virgin,' she said. 'He has got two sides to his personality. He can be rude, strips off and is sex driven, and the other side of him is polite and angelic.' Mirza, a father-of-one, denied four charges of blackmail, three of voyeurism, two of sexual assault, one of theft and one of fraud by false representation over a three year period. He told the court the first victim had initiated filming and saved the movies on her phone. Mirza insisted the movie shown to the jury of him having sex with her was someone different. He also claimed he was 'scared' of her saying insisting she had links to the Taliban - despite growing up on a liberal Muslim family - and that he threatened to send 'embarrassing' photos of her 'just to shut her up'. The defendant denied telling the second victim he was a doctor or offering to give her an intimate medical examination. He also denied sexually assaulting her twice. Jurors also heard him say the third woman had consented to being filmed by him. Japanese citizens are being advised on how to survive a nuclear attack as tensions mount with Russia over the deployment of missiles on disputed Pacific islands. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has branded the move by Moscow 'deplorable'. The coastal defence missiles have been moved to two of the four islands which have been at the heart of tensions between the two countries since the end of the Second World War. The flashpoint has come after a close Putin ally threatened to target Russian nuclear weapons on NATO countries if the alliance seeks to expand its sway in Europe. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has branded Russia 'deplorable' for moving missiles to disputed islands in the Pacific The coastal defence missiles have been moved to two of the four islands known as the Northern Territories in Japan Now pamphlets advising people what to do in the event of an attack have been made available - with people urged to head to underground shopping centres. Following the end of the Second World War, Soviet troops seized the southernmost islands in the Kuril chain, known as the Northern Territories in Japan, that lies off the northeast coast of Hokkaido. The countries have not signed a peace treaty formally ending wartime hostilities, and the dispute has hindered trade and investment. 'The Northern Territories are an inherent part of Japan's territory,' Abe told parliament today. Following the end of the Second World War, Soviet troops seized the southernmost islands in the Kuril chain, known as the Northern Territories in Japan, that lies off the northeast coast of Hokkaido Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet on December 15, when they will discuss the territorial dispute Abe said Japan had told Russia the deployment 'is deplorable' and 'is contradictory to Japan's position' on the issue. However, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday the missile deployment was aimed at the 'consistent strengthening of national security'. 'Missile systems were deployed to the southern Kurils in line with that position,' she said, calling them 'an integral part of Russian territory'. The remarks came ahead of a December 15 meeting between Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Yamaguchi city in western Japan, which is aimed at making progress on the territorial dispute. The two leaders have met several times since Abe took office in December 2012, most recently last Sunday in Peru on the sidelines of a Pacific-rim summit. Abe and Putin are set to meet next month, when they will discuss the decades-old dispute over the Pacific islands Tensions with Japan have heightened at a time when concerns are increased over Russia's relationship with NATO. This week Putin ally Franz Klintsevich, 59, a senator and leading member of the Kremlin strongman's United Russia Party, warned a modern Cuban missile crisis could be on the way to Europe. The Kremlin claimed his views were 'understandable' but stressed it was Putin personally who decided Russia's policy on targeting enemies. 'Russia will deliver a hard and clear response to NATO's aggressive actions, the alliance's attempts to draw into its orbit yet more countries,' said hardline legislator Klintsevich. 'We shall train our weapons, including nuclear ones, on any alliance facilities threatening us, wherever they may be deployed.' Klintsevich was speaking as deputy chairman of the Russian senate's Defence and Security Committee at a time of rising tension between Moscow and the West. Donald Trump didn't just win the US election - he triumphed in turkey producing areas. Thanksgiving was particularly sweet for some areas of Minnesota where 450 turkey farmers raise about 18 percent of all the birds sold in the United States. Trump lost the state, which is expected to produce 44 million turkeys this year, but he won majorities in the three districts where turkeys are actually produced, Politico reports. The 70-year-old New York native won Minnesotas 7th congressional district where 33,861,590 turkeys were sold in 2015, plus Minnesotas 1st and 8th congressional district. Stuffed: This map shows how Donald Trump dominated Hillary Clinton when it came to winning the turkey-producing districts across the U.S.. Trump won 24 out of 22 Trump also won North Carolinas 3rd, 7th, 8th and 13th congressional districts. The state is the second-biggest producer of turkeys this year, behind Minnesota. In total the billionaire businessman won 22 turkey-producing districts in the U.S., while his rival Hillary Clinton only won two. The Democrat was popular in Californias 16th and 21st congressional districts, in the San Joaquin Valley where Fresno County is located. Republican Mitt Romney previously won 20 out of the 24 turkey-producing districts in 2012. So why did two more farming areas turn to Trump four years later? Turkey-producing areas voted massively in favor of Donald Trump in the U.S. election Following the election results, the editor of the website DTN Progressive Farmer wrote: 'Rural America is fed up with immigration changing the dynamics of their communities. 'They are fed up with Obamacare, its mandates and unfulfilled promises. 'And they liked what they saw as straight talk from Trump and his arguments that America is going to win again.' However, neither Trump nor Clinton made agriculture or food a key campaign feature - leaving voters to assume what their policies might be. Trump didn't suggest he'd support organic farmers, vowed to deport illegal immigrants and does not support labeling foods made with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Modern Farmer reported. Meanwhile, Clinton supports GMO labeling, 'regularly dines on Organic food' and noted on her official platform that 'immigrants and migrant workers play a critical role in developing and supporting Americas agricultural economy'. US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is pictured making makes a concession speech after being defeated by Republican president-elect Donald Trump A German nurse who was convicted of killing patients by giving them overdoses of heart medication had at least 43 victims, prosecutors have revealed. Last year Niels Hoegel was found guilty of two murders, two attempted murders and one count of serious bodily harm at a clinic in the northern town of Delmenhorst. The crimes came to light in 2008 after Hoegel was convicted of attempted murder in another case. German nurse Niels Hoegel, who was convicted of killing patients by giving them overdoses of heart medication had at least 43 victims, prosecutors have revealed And today it was revealed that he likely committed at least 37 homicides in Delmenhorst and an additional six in nearby Oldenburg. Oldenburg prosecutors say they have indicted six former staff members at the Delmenhorst clinic who failed to report concerns about suspicious patient deaths. They face up to 15 years in prison, if convicted of negligent manslaughter. Earlier this year, a judge ordered the bodies of 99 patients in Delmenhorst to be exhumed and the city's police chief, Johann Kuehme, said toxicology tests showed some had the residue of the heart drug in their systems. 'The horror doesn't end. The investigations cannot be closed,' said Mr Kuehme. Hoegel's trial heard he wanted to win approval from colleagues by resuscitating patients so he gave them overdoses of a drug that shut down their cardiovascular systems. He admitted during the trial he had triggered cardiac arrests in 90 patients, 30 of whom died. He told the court he enjoyed the feeling of saving someone's life. Mr Kuehme said the investigators were also examining an unusually high number of patient deaths that occurred at a second hospital, in Oldenburg, where the nurse worked prior to Delmenhorst. Hoegel's trial heard he wanted to win approval from colleagues by resuscitating patients so he gave them overdoses of a drug that shut down their cardiovascular systems Several hundred additional files of deceased patients are being examined and the investigation is expected to run into next year. While managers at both hospitals are also being questioned to determine if they are criminally culpable for failing to notice the high number of deaths during Hoegel's shifts. Niels H's trial heard he wanted to win approval from colleagues by resuscitating patients so he gave them overdoses of a drug that shut down their cardiovascular systems. He admitted during the trial he had triggered cardiac arrests in 90 patients, 30 of whom died. He told the court he enjoyed the feeling of saving someone's life. Earlier this year, a judge ordered the bodies of 99 patients in Delmenhorst to be exhumed and the city's police chief, Johann Kuehme, right, said toxicology tests showed some had the residue of the heart drug in their systems Mr Kuehme said the investigators were also examining an unusually high number of patient deaths that occurred at a second hospital, in Oldenburg, where the nurse worked prior to Delmenhorst. Prosecutor Daniela Schiereck-Bohlmann said: 'We cannot say how many of the patients in Oldenburg were victims.' The police and prosecutors said there was a 'strong suspicion' Niels H had killed at least six patients at the Oldenburg hospital by injecting heart medication or toxic doses of potassium. Several hundred additional files of deceased patients are being examined and the investigation is expected to run into next year. Advertisement A Royal Navy officer took over command of a US task force in the Middle East for the first time in history today in a bid to strengthen the relationship between the two nations. Rear Admiral James Malloy handed over to Commodore Andrew Burns in what he described as a 'watershed moment' for the US and UK's special bond. Cmdre Burns is now in charge of the British flagship, HMS Ocean, along with seven other ships, including a US-guided missile cruiser, over 2.5million square metres of water in the Gulf. Taking command: Rear Admiral James Malloy (left) handed over to Royal Navy officer Commodore Andrew Burns (right) On deck: The only British Merlin helicopter, from HMS Ocean, lands on the USS Dwight D Eisenhower ahead of the ceremony On the water: HMS Ocean, the Royal Navy Helicopter Carrier and flagship, which replaces the USS Dwight D Eisenhower At a time of diplomatic tensions over the new US Presidency, he reassured America that the UK's new task was 'illustrative of how seriously we take our responsibilities in standing with our allies'. The handover off the coast of Bahrain comes amid concerns Theresa May 'failed to engage properly' with Donald Trump before and after his shock victory and doubt over the future UK-US 'special relationship'. It also follows the US President elect's comments during the race that he may not come to the defence of his Nato allies unless they spend more on defence. HMS Ocean, a 22,000 tonne ship - described as a 'Swiss army knife' because of its many capabilities - replaced USS Dwight D Eisenhower - known as IKE today. It comes after the US carrier's six month deployment bombing Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, during which it has dropped a staggering 1,096 bombs since June this year. Striking: Inside the USS Dwight D Eisenhower, the US Navy aircraft carrier with its hundreds of aircraft and helicopters Missiles: The USS Dwight D Eisenhower has had a six-month deployment bombing Islamic State in Iraq and Syria USS Dwight D Eisenhower: The handover comes amid concerns Theresa May 'failed to engage properly' with Donald Trump Cmdre Burns - who had a red carpet pulled out for his arrival by helicopter - said the handover was 'significant' in that it was step forward to 'true integration' of the UK within the US system. Speaking onboard the ship, he said: 'The UK and the US have a close relationship, a relationship which manifests itself in many ways but none more strongly than through the way our navies have operated together. Big moment: U.S. Navy Rear Admiral James Malloy (not pictured) and British Royal Navy Commodore Andrew Burns (pictured) pass command of Task Force 50 to the British 'We have had a long history of shared successes, we have operated together naturally and routinely for many many years. 'What this is a step forward from that interoperability to true integration into the US command system.' He added: 'It is very significant because it is the first time a Royal Navy officer has commanded a US commander task force in the Arabian Gulf. 'Our command of Combined Task Force 50 is illustrative of how seriously we take our responsibilities in standing with our allies to protect our shared vital national interests.' The huge aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower boasts 66 jets and helicopters - compared to two helicopters on HMS Ocean, which will focus on maritime activity rather than Islamic State. There are 44 F-18 warplanes alone on the massive aircraft carrier. Over 23billion in business flows to the UK through from the Gulf, including vast amounts of oil and gas which are needed to keep the lights on in Britain. The choke points include the Straits of Hormuz off Iran, the Bab al-Mendeb off Somalia and the Suez Canal. HMS Ocean - an amphibious assault ship - currently has just over 500 crew on board, including 30 Royal Marines, to deal with any threat from the region. It is covering for the US until another carrier, USS HW George Bush, arrives in February. It will be joined immediately by USS Monterey - a guided missile cruiser. The UK's HMS Daring is on its way to help defend the region and up to five other ships could come under its control. Power: The USS Dwight D Eisenhower has dropped a staggering 1,096 bombs since June this year The ceremony took place on the USS Dwight D Eisenhower with the replacement command ship the HMS Ocean seen here The aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower (above) boasts 66 jets and helicopters - compared to two helicopters on HMS Ocean Speaking after the handover, Rear Admiral Malloy said: 'This hand over marks the first time a Royal Navy officer and his staff will lead a US task force in the Middle East. 'A sight of strength and solidarity between our nations and a message to friends and others in the region of our enduring commitment.' He added: 'It is a watershed event because a UK commander is operating in command of US forces. That's new but it's not revolutionary, it's evolutionary.' 'I cannot think of a more capable officer and better friend to continue the CTF50 mission out there than Commodore Burns and the flagship that we should see over our shoulders. 'I am honoured to continue our nation's proud tradition of co-operation with one of our nation's strongest allies.' Speaking about the mission, he said: 'It is a world-wide priority to make sure the free flow of oil and of the economy that comes out of this part of the world is maintained across all the straits and all the waterways.' U.S. Navy Rear Admiral James Malloy (far right) and British Royal Navy Commodore Andrew Burns (centre) at the ceremony Plans: HMS Ocean is due to be decommissioned in 2018 to make way for the new Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier Rear Admiral Malloy (left) said it was a watershed event because a UK commander is operating in command of US forces Silhouette: Rear Admiral Malloy said the handover was a sight of strength and solidarity between our nations He refused to be drawn on any questions about the incoming President. Asked how important the special relationship was now Mr Trump had been elected, he said: 'Your President question not withstanding, this bond has been strong every since I joined the navy. 'This a continuation of a relationship that's going on.' All US aircraft carriers are named after the Presidents which means one could be named after Mr Trump in future. Asked whether the Rear Admiral wanted to serve on a USS Trump, he said: 'I'm not going to answer that.' Since 2014, the RAF has dropped conducted just over 1,000 strikes on Syria and Iraq from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. It does not have an aircraft carrier to fly off. Edwin Daugherty (pictured), 34, was arrested on Thursday on two counts of attempted murder for allegedly stabbing his parents A Florida man repeatedly stabbed his elderly parents during a Thanksgiving Day argument that became physical, police said. Edwin Daugherty, 34, was arrested on Thursday on two counts of attempted murder, according to News 6. Authorities said they found Daugherty walking down the street when they responded to a 911 call in Port Orange. It's unknown what prompted the argument but deputies told the station they believe Daugherty became irate with his mother, Patsy Daugherty, 72. Her son then placed her in a headlock. As his 76-year-old father, Thomas Daugherty, tried to intervene, Edwin Daugherty placed him in a headlock before pushing him to the ground. He then preceded to stab his father multiple times in the chest with a steak knife that had a 4-inch blade, News 6 reported. Patsy Daugherty was stabbed after she attempted to help her husband, deputies said. As his 76-year-old father, Thomas Daugherty, tried to intervene, Edwin Daugherty (center) placed him in a headlock before pushing him to the ground. He then preceded to stab his father multiple times in the chest with a steak knife that had a 4-inch blade Witnesses told the Sheriff's Office that they saw Edwin Daugherty stab his parents before leaving the home (pictured) His parents were taken to Halifax Health Medical Center, where Thomas Daugherty was listed in serious-to-critical condition, News 6 reported. Patsy Daugherty was listed in serious condition. Witnesses told the Sheriff's Office that they saw Edwin Daugherty stab his parents before leaving the home. Deputies found a knife in some bushes about a block from the house. Edwin Daugherty was arrested and taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail. On Friday, a judge ruled that he would remain in jail without bail. A man found a covert camera in an air vent above the toilet at a branch of Starbucks. Ricci Arcari, 33, said he felt 'totally disgusted' after seeing the device in the chain's branch in Vauxhall, south London - which is opposite the headquarters of MI6. The council public relations officer tweeted footage of the gadget above a grille in the ceiling with the caption: 'Told manager and police. Please contact me.' Ricci Arcari, 33, described feeling 'totally disgusted' after seeing the device hidden in the ceiling Mr Arcari, who uses the branch regularly, told The Standard: 'I looked up and thought that's definitely a camera. 'I panicked a little bit, stopped doing what I was doing, closed the toilet lid and jumped up to have a look. 'I wanted to make sure it was what it was so I poked and prodded it a few times with my pinky and ran out and got the manager.' The Metropolitan Police replied to his tweet to say a police car had been sent. A spokesman told MailOnline: 'Officers in Lambeth Borough are investigating a report of a camera hidden in a public toilet at a coffee shop in Vauxhall. 'The discovery of the device was reported to police at around 19:45hrs on Tuesday, 22 November. The chain's Vauxhall branch, south London is opposite the headquarters of MI6 A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'Officers in Lambeth Borough are investigating a report of a camera hidden in a public toilet at a coffee shop in Vauxhall' 'Officers attended the following morning and collected the device for forensic examination. There have been no arrests at present and enquiries continue.' Starbucks said: 'This is a distressing discovery for our partners and customers, and we take our responsibility to provide a safe environment very seriously. 'As soon as the store was made aware of this, we removed the device and contacted the police who are investigating the incident.' Henderson talked about her childhood for the first time in an unflinching memoir The walls in their homes had holes into which they stuffed clothes to keep the cold out. They did not have electricity or running water She would beg her father: Come on Daddy, you cant keep doing this but he had a violent temper and would trash their house during his rages But she endured years of abuse and abandonment while growing up in poverty in Rockport, Indiana, the youngest of 10 children She was Americas mom - the mother that millions of fans wished were their own. But Florence Hendersons own mother was cold and unloving - as different from the character on The Brady Bunch as one could imagine. The actress, who played Carol Brady on the iconic show, died on Thanksgiving surrounded by friends and her loving family. Florence Henderson passed away surrounded by friends and family on Thanksgiving Day. Her own family growing up was a far cry from The Brady Bunch Henderson endured years of abuse and abandonment while growing up in poverty in rural Indiana, she wrote in her unflinching memoir. Her father was an alcoholic and her mother walked out on the family when Florence was 12 years old. She would beg Joseph, her father: Come on Daddy, you cant keep doing this but he had a violent temper and would trash their house during his rages. Chillingly Henderson claimed that Joseph used to grope her legs when she rubbed his back to calm him down - and destroyed the trust she had in him. The legacy for Henderson was that for rest of her life she was wracked by guilt about not having done more to help her parents. It turned her into a relentless caregiver in her own relationships and informed her most famous role, Carol Brady. Florence at age 20 found solace in her singing, here reading and studying for her role in Fanny, while flying from New York to Kentucky. Her mother walked out on the family when Florence was 12 years old Henderson once told CNN that to play the part she created the kind of mother that I wished Id had. In her autobiography: Life Is Not a Stage; From Broadway Baby to a Lovely Lady and Beyond, which was published in 2011, she said that she had been unable to speak about her upbringing until then. She said: At the heart of my silence is the sense of guilt that I surely felt as a little girl living under such circumstances. That guilt keeps the victim not just quiet but makes them seek out the approval and the affection of the abuser'. Henderson died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles aged 82 surrounded by friends and family. Her manager said that the cause of death was heart failure. By the time of her death Henderson had lived a life she admits was beyond her wildest dreams - two marriages, four children and a career on the stage and screen that brought her adoration and wealth. Her beginnings were far more humble; she was born on February 14 1934 in poverty in rural Rockport, Indiana, the youngest of 10 children. By the time Henderson was born her father was close to 70 years old and her mother was 25 years younger - both were from large Catholic families. Josephs day job was farming tobacco which barely earned enough to provide for the household. Young Florence singing with her childhood music teacher Christine Johnson while Florence's older sister Marty listens (left) in Owensboro, Kentucky Florence singing with her sister Emily to a family audience of cousins, nieces, and aunts, Owensboro, Kentucky in 1954 They did not have electricity or running water and the walls in their homes often had holes into which they stuffed clothes to keep the cold out. Henderson recalled how in their home in Rockport one of the two upstairs rooms was filled with junk. In the winter the thin windows gave scant protection from the bitter wind. Hendersons recalled going out to worm the tobacco in the tobacco fields - her term for pulling it up - where it would get stuck to her arms like Velcro. The family moved around a lot - possibly to avoid landlords from unpaid rent - and ended up in tiny Rockport, which had a population of 2,400. By then all her brothers and sister had moved out apart from Babby, the second youngest who was three years her senior. In her book Henderson was frank about the man her father could have been. She wrote: I could see good in my father, but his alcoholism had a devastating impact on himself and his family. When he wasnt drunk he could be the sweetest, kindest man. He could stay sober for weeks and months and, remarkably, sometimes for a whole year. During those tranquil periods he would get us up to go to mass every Sunday morning. He loved to read, especially books about Wyatt Earp and the Wild West and Abraham Lincoln. Henderson praises her sober father as a man of considerable wisdom and advice and would tell them to watch their reputation and their character. Henderson died surrounded by family and friends at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles Florence Henderson as Carol Brady and Robert Reed as Mike Brady in the Brady Brunch episode, 'Getting Davy Jones.' That all went out the window after a few drinks when all hell would break loose, Henderson wrote. She first realized things were terribly wrong aged five when, one night, she heard her mother shouting at her father and went to their door to look through the crack. Henderson saw her mother standing jabbing her finger at her father who was sitting in a chair in just his underwear looking so sick and so sad. Then he began to cry. The sight was devastating and just about killed me, Henderson wrote. When Joseph was on a binge, Henderson and her sister would find bottles strewn throughout the house and piled up in the garage. Once he started drinking hard liquor it was all over and Henderson and Babby had to take turns looking after him. Joseph would beg each of them to go uptown and get him a beer so, despite being underage, they would find a bar and ask the bartender for a drink which they took home. When he asked for more drink they resorted to giving him whiskey with milk and a raw egg in the hope it would sober him up. Henderson wrote that they told Joseph: Come on Daddy, you cant keep doing this and begged him to straighten himself out. But he would lie sprawled out on the sofa for days on end. Sometimes he would be violent and in one episode Joseph grabbed Henderson and her sister Pauline had to wrestle her free. Beneath the smile was a childhood of poverty and painful memories of her alcoholic father Another time he ripped a screen door off its hinges and threw a table onto the floor, smashing the glass jars that were on it onto the floor. In the most disturbing passage of her memoir, Henderson wrote that when her father would ask her to rub his back he would start touching her calves with his hands. She wrote: Looking back I know they could have been so much worse than they were. No matter how young or innocent I was at the time, I always had an inbuilt sense of my surroundings and knew when something might be dangerous or harmful. While things never degenerated to a more severe degree of sexual assault, the sacred bond of comfort, protection and safety that a child wants to have with her father was damaged forever. At the age of six or seven, Henderson wrote in her diary: Dear God, give me the gift of understanding. Her mother was little better, although she did teach Henderson to sing at the age of two and soon singing became the antidote for her shyness. In grade school Henderson joined the Catholic Church choir and she would busk for groceries for her family, her talent obvious for the whole town of Rockport which pitied her wretched life. Henderson wrote that as far she could remember she had experienced no maternal love from her mother. Kind words or gestures of affection were virtually nonexistent and, as the last of 10 children, her mother had already reached the end of her rope by the time she arrived. Henderson once asked her mother she and her father had a good love life together. The response was: Yes. When he was sober. Elizabeth Henderson was not an alcoholic but drank with Joseph to try and cope with him. She also did it to self medicate as she lacked the skills to channel her frustration in any other way, Henderson wrote. During the Depression in the 1930s Henderson had to wear dresses that were made out of feed sacks as her family could not afford to buy cloth or ready-made dresses. If the material wasnt bad enough here was a gaping hole in the front. Henderson cried and told her mother: I cant wear this to school, mother. Please dont make me wear it! Everyone at school will make fun of me! Elizabeth responded: Of course youre going to wear it. It will never be noticed on a galloping horse. When Henderson was 12 her mother had enough and left and moved away to Cleveland. Her saucy side: Florence was most known for portraying the wholesome Mrs. Brady on long-running TV series The Brady Bunch (pictured with co-star Robert Reed in 1969) With a disturbing nonchalance, Henderson said that she and her sister Babby found it was par for the course. She wrote: Like other traumas we experienced, we had learned there was little option than to accept it and try to cope the best we could. Henderson tried to deal with it by telling herself: If she comes back, she comes back, but she never did, not for her high school graduation or when she was in hospital for appendicitis. It would be decades before Henderson was able to deal with her anger at her mother and see her decision as courageous rather than cowardice. At 17 Henderson boarded a small DC-6 plane bound for New York City and began her journey to becoming a star. The last time Henderson saw her father was when she was a teenager and returned home from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan to see him. He had a large swelling on his face and as she rubbed his back she told him: Daddy, I hate it when I see you like this. Id rather see you dead. Joseph died slowly of cancer that started in his nose and spread out to the rest of his body. Henderson spent decades in the iconic role as Carol Brady. Pictured with her TV family: top row: Christopher Knight (Peter), Barry Williams (Greg), Ann B. Davis (Alice); middle row: Eve Plumb (Jan), Florence Henderson (Carol), Robert Reed (Mike), Maureen McCormick (Marcia); bottom row: Susan Olsen (Cindy), Mike Lookinland (Bobby) Hendersons sister Pauline and Babby took care of him; Pauline later told Henderson that their dad repeatedly apologised for taking so long to die. In the book Henderson admits that she did not rush to be by his bedside in his final hours. She had been cast in the lead role in Oklahoma! - it was a production in New Haven, Connecticut and was to be her big break at the age of 18. In a frank admission she says she felt relieved that she did not have to go. From there on she turned her back on the poverty and misery that had marked out her early years. The Brady Bunch first aired in 1969 and continued in one form or another right up to the 1990s. Prior to that Henderson had been the first women to guest host The Tonight Show in 1962 and an established Broadway star who played Maria in a production of The Sound of Music. In her later life Henderson wrote that she reevaluated her parents and came to accept they were coping the best they could with the hand they were dealt with. Henderson said she saw them as victims and wrote that who knows how far back the cycle of dysfunction had gone unchecked through generations of their ancestors. Her own life was a dream come true in many ways but she felt she was always a work in progress with wounds still to heal and lingering pain in old scars. She wrote that I have learned it takes courage to be happy and that she was very fortunate to have survived her childhood. Summing up her childhood she said she endured abuse and abandonment because of alcoholism and wanted to write her memoir to reach out to others who had suffered a similar fate. She wrote: We suffer guilt syndrome in one form or another because we were so powerless to help at the time. If were not paralyzed by fear, anger and hatred or numbed out by our own addictions, we have to overcome deep-seated reactive patterns. In addition to being workaholics some of us also grow up to be control freaks to keep real and imagined chaos at bay. Others become gregarious caregivers trying to please everybody, except ourselves. And may including yours truly end up doing most of the above! Over time she even learned to understand her parents more. Henderson wrote: The sadness and disappointment I had in my early years gradually diminished with time. It has made it easier to regard them not just with forgiveness and compassion but also with a degree of awe and admiration. North Korean residents are set to be hit with even more misery as the first estate agents are introduced to the country where it is illegal to buy a home. The brokers are understood to have popped up across the country to cash in on a boom in prohibited house purchases and sales in an unexpected cold snap. All sales must go through the regional housing management department, meaning citizens are having to lean on the estate agents to buy or sell who have usually worked their way up through the Worker's Party in North Korea. It is illegal to buy or sell homes in North Korea without official clearance of the authorities in Pyongyang (pictured) which has opened the door for brokers to cash in on a high demand. Brokers compile lists of people who put their houses up for sale in desirable areas and pressure them into letting them take over the deal, earning between 20 and 30 percent on each transaction, according to Radio Free Asia. There are two brokers - Mr Park and Mr Choi - in Chongjin, capital of North Hamgyong province, a source told RFA. The early cold weather is said to be increasing demand for private homes due to a housing shortage and home prices staying the same. There are ways around the illegal selling and buying of properties - all of which must go through the authorities - with owners bribing brokers to make moves happen, a source said. The source added brokers' threats meant sellers regularly lowered their asking prices, allowing them to make more cash on top of their commission and anyone resisting their services found themselves coming up against brick walls. Online shoppers in the market for Donald Trump collectible may want to skip reading Amazon's customer reviews for the next four years. A Christmas tree ornament shaped like the president-elect's iconic red 'Make America Great Again' hat now has '1-star' ratings from more than 3,000 people, including zingers tied to embarrassing moments from his campaign. The brass, lacquer and gold item 'kept trying to build a wall around my "Feliz Navidad" ornament,' one customer snarked. 'When I hung this on my tree, my Madonna figurine began weeping real tears! I have notified the Vatican,' another added. And one Web surfer, in a reference to one of Trump's more off-color remarks that emerged from an 11-year-old audio recording, wrote: 'It keeps grabbing my cat. The cat is now suing for sexual harassment.' 'Christmas is ruined, and I can't return this thing. Amazon told me I have to keep it for at least four years.' Scroll down for video The vast majority of Amazon reviewers commenting on the Donald Trump 'Make America Great Again' Christmas ornament are venting their frustrations with snark directed at the president-elect The Trump campaign, in conjunction with the Republican National Committee, is selling collectible Christmas ornaments for $149 but resellers are offering the items on Amazon at a markup A relative handful of Trump-backers have fought back with attitude, including one who wrote that he 'bought this ornament and suddenly all of my liberal friends, who only approve of the democratic process when the results go their way, refuse to come visit. So really this ornament is a win/win for me.' Let the buyer beware, however: The ornament is offered on Amazon for more than $225 by resellers who have purchased it for $149 or less from a fundraising committee operated jointly by the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee. On Friday the item was available from the Trump website for $104.30 after a 30 per cent 'Black Friday' discount. But on Amazon, shoppers see an ominous message that the ornament 'called Mary a nasty woman, told Joseph to go back where he came from, built a wall around the manger, and then when you press it it sings "I'm Dreaming Of A Totally White Christmas".' 'I put it in my Nativity scene,' a second person wrote, 'but it kept demanding Jesus' birth certificate and threatening to deport the three wise men.' 'It keeps firing my other ornaments,' a third wrote. 'I tried to throw it away, but my garbagemen keep putting it back on my tree with some vague comments about "Murica," whatever that means. Hold me; I'm frightened.' Amazon's price is more than $225, but the red-hat ornaments retail on the Trump website for $149 and were available Friday for $104.30 after a 30 per cent 'Black Friday' discount The ornaments are brass with 14 karat gold and come in the shape of the iconic 'Make America Great Again' baseball cap Team Trump began selling the ornament on Wednesday through an email marketing campaign. 'President-elect Trump loves Christmas and makes a point of proudly saying "Merry Christmas" every chance he gets,' the promotional email said. 'This collectible ornament commemorates Trump's commitment to the Christmas spirit and will be a great addition to your family tree this year,' the note to supporters continued. The ornament's price point is a departure from most of the other merchandise the fundraising committee is selling. Most t-shirts are $20, hoodies go for $50 and men's pullovers carry prices of around $55. Men can also get a #BigLeague tank top for just $18. The original $25 caps are still for sale too. Once they put on all their pro-Trump gear, they might take solace from the few like-minded Amazon comments on the red ornament's product page. 'The best ornament ever,' raves one shopper. '[I]t makes all the sore losers take a break from rioting to write a review.' Others turned the attacks back on Democrats. 'Unfortunately I can't afford one. Eight years of Obama's policies screwed us,' mocked one. 'Excellent ornament,' a second offered. '[W]herever I go it fills with liberal tears which are great for rinsing out the cat litter box. It also melts snowflakes on contact and sends crybullies scurrying to their safe space to play with their sympathy ponies and crayons.' 'Does not come with trigger warnings or diaper pins.' in court in stand against betting shop boss Brian Spence, 57, admitted filming female colleagues with a mobile phone She has waived her A former glamour model has waived her anonymity to describe the trauma she suffered after finding a camera in her works toilet. Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court has be told how betting shop boss Brian Spence, 57, had hidden a rigged mobile phone to film staff on the loo. But former Page 3 beauty for The Sun Leah Harper spotted the camera after she heard a beep. Leah Harper was a Page 3 model for The Sun in the nineties and spotted a camera in her work toilets in Manchester According to The Sun Mrs Harper, who now finds it hard to trust men, said: Ive been a nervous wreck ever since the incident. Ive not been able to return to work properly since and Im struggling to trust people again. Married Spence used the footage he took at the Betfred store for his own pleasure. Married Spence used the footage he took at the Betfred store for his own pleasure But when Mrs Spence, then aged 36, found the device she ran out of the shop where she worked in Ramsbottom, Bury, Greater Manchester, and alerted police. According to the paper officers replayed the footage and saw Spence filming himself setting up the spy cam moments before Mrs Harper came in. Once arrested Spence confessed filming others at the store. Today he walked free from court after admitting the offences and pleading guilty to four counts of voyeurism at a previous hearing. Mrs Harper told The Sun despite his freedom she hopes naming and shaming him will help. The court heard how following Mrs Harper's ordeal on May 26, another girl came forward to say she found a mobile phone under her desk but never reported it. This offence was also admitted by Spence and he said it had happened on several occasions. The former glamour model has waived her anonymity to describe the trauma she suffered after finding a camera in the Betfred shop where she worked in Greater Manchester Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court has be told how betting shop boss Brian Spence, 57, had hidden a rigged mobile phone to film staff on the loo and spy on four of his female colleagues, including Mrs Harper (left and right) Spences defence told the court he was deeply regretful of his actions and was ashamed. Judge Andrew Lowcock handed Spence a six month jail term suspended for 12 months and ordered him to carry out 250 hours community service. Wisconsin will recount its presidential election votes after coming under pressure from trounced Green Party candidate Jill Stein. The state's elections commission announced its plan to start recounting ballots 'late next week' after receiving a petition from Stein on Friday. Stein has raised more than $5million over the past two days for recounts in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania amid claims the election result has been tampered with. A recount in Wisconsin will do little for her own chances in the state despite her ongoing crusade. Stein won only one percent of the vote in Wisconsin compared to Donald Trump's 47 and Hillary Clinton's 46. She is however insisting on a recount, claiming voting machines used in some states were susceptible to cyber attack and therefore cannot be trusted. Scroll down for video Wisconsin will recount its presidential election votes after receiving a petition from trounced Green Party candidate Jill Stein (above) on Friday The Wisconsin Elections Commission announced its plan to begin recounting votes next week in a statement issued on Friday In a statement on Friday, the Wisconsin Elections Commission said it would begin recounting once it received full payment from Stein's campaign. ' The Wisconsin Elections Commission today received two recount petitions from the Jill Stein for President Campaign and from Rocky Roque De La Fuente. 'The Commission is preparing to move forward with a statewide recount of votes for President of the United States, as requested by these candidates,' Administrator Michael Haas said. De La Fuente trailed behind Stein in Wisconsin, winning just 0.1 percent of the vote. Clinton, however, lost by just one percent, some 27,000 votes. According to experts who have cast doubt over the election results, hackers could have cost her as many as 30,000 by tapping in to apparently vulnerable machines. The recount will include paper ballots in addition to electronic votes, the commission said. Wisconsin is the first of the three targeted battleground states to respond to her calls for a recount. Stein filed her petition with seconds to spare before the window for demanding recounts closed on November 25. Unlike in Wisconsin, which the Elections Commission described as the 'most decentralized system' in the country, Pennsylvania requires a judge's consent. Michigan allows the winning candidate to object to a recount before putting the matter before the Board of Elections. While a recount would do little to help Stein, analysts claim it could prove Clinton was robbed of thousands of votes by hackers and theoretically put her back in play for the presidency The computer experts used a statistical analysis to conclude Clinton did worse in states with electronic voting machines - which they argue could have left the door open to hacking WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Wisconsin Wisconsin is the first state to respond to calls for a recount because it is so far the only state to have received an official petition demanding one. It has until December 13 to complete the recount of all its votes and return its findings, so long as Stein's campaign stumps up the required fee. As of Friday afternoon, the total cost was still unclear - administrators at the Elections Commission said they were working to determine an estimate. Wisconsin has 72 counties. Clerks from each are responsible with carrying out the recount while the Elections Commission's role is to make sure it is performed lawfully. If candidates disagree with the recount result, they will have five days from when it is returned to take their grievance to the circuit court before a judge. Pennsylvania In Pennsylvania, voters or candidates can petition courts for a recount of the vote. A judge is required to make a decision on whether one should go ahead. If granted, county boards are tasked with performing the recount. Michigan Unlike in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, the election winner in Michigan can object to a recount. Stein cannot request a recount until the vote in Michigan is certified, something that is not due to happen until Monday. Its deadline for a recount petition is Wednesday. If a recount is granted by the director of elections for Secretary of State, clerks have until December 19 to complete it when Michigan's electoral college meets. Could a recount overturn the election result? It is unlikely. Donald Trump won with 290 electoral votes over Hillary Clinton's 232. Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan account for 46 electoral college votes. If recounts show, as analysts say is possible, that Clinton should have won all three, she would technically win the Electoral College. Clinton has shied away from talk of ballot recounts, staying quiet on the subject while Stein pushes on. It would be up to the sitting president to respond to any election recount results. Advertisement Pennsylvania has until November 28 to receive petitions for recounts while Michigan's deadline is November 30. The Wisconsin recount must be completed by December 13 to comply with regulations. State election boards and county clerks keep record of ballots, including electronic voting machines, after an election. One possible explanation for why a recount could show a different result is that hackers could have planted self-destructing malware before the election which was designed to tamper with results on November 8 but would no longer be traced. Recounts in all three states could cost as much as $7million, Stein said in her website appeal to donors. It was however needed to 'ensure that "We the People" can have confidence in reported results,' she said. 'To give you a sense of the problem, the voting machines used in Wisconsin were banned in California after they were shown to be highly vulnerable to hacking and malicious programming due to lacking security features,' she said in her fundraising appeal. Clinton lost the Wisconsin vote to Trump by 1 percent, roughly 27,000 votes, but analysts say she may have been robbed of as many as 30,000 by hackers targeting electronic voting machines Trump took the lead over Clinton by more than 1 percent in Pennsylvania which has 20 electoral college votes In Michigan, Clinton fell behind by just 0.3 percent in one of the tightest races JILL STEIN AND THE GREEN PARTY FORM FOR DEMANDING RECOUNTS Critics have accused Stein of 'conning' donors out of money This is not the first time a defeated Green Party candidate has demanded a recount in a presidential election. In 2004, David Cobb raised $150,000 to have the result challenged in Ohio amid wild claims officials had spoiled votes for John Kerry, pushing George W. Bush into the White House. The recount did nothing to sway the outcome. It showed Kerry had in fact received some 300 more votes than first counted, but not enough to change the result, according to The Chicago Tribune. Questions surrounding Jill Stein's motives for a recount have grown since her efforts were announced. On Friday, she appeared in a Facebook Live video to insist her intention was not to overturn the result but to shed light on the voting system and its apparent vulnerabilities. 'We have raised at this point over $5million, the total cost will be $7million,' she said. 'We are well on our way to that. This is a real grass roots, people's campaign. 'The purpose here is not to overturn the results of the election, the purpose is to establish voting integrity, to verify our votes and to ensure we can, going forward, ensure we can count on the accuracy and veracity of our votes. 'We need to know that the system has not been tampered with or compromised.' Critics were quick to accuse her of 'conning' voters out of money, pointing to the fact that a recount is not necessarily guaranteed despite their donations. Stein ran for the presidency in 2012 for the Green Party. She has an MD from Harvard Medical School. Despite several efforts to run for president, governor and a house representative, Stein has only ever been elected to the Lexington Town Meeting in Massachusetts. Advertisement She later took to Facebook Live to celebrate the pace her campaign had gathered but admitted she had intention of overturning the election result. ' We have raised at this point over $5million, the total cost will be $7million,' she said. 'We are well on our way to that. This is a real grass roots, people's campaign. 'The purpose here is not to overturn the results of the election, the purpose is to establish voting integrity, to verify our votes and to ensure we can, going forward, ensure we can count on the accuracy and veracity of our votes. Stein appeared in a Facebook Live video on Friday night to celebrate the pace her campaign had gathered 'We need to know that the system has not been tampered with or compromised.' President-elect Trump has not responded directly to the calls for a recount. Earlier this week his senior adviser Kellyanne Conway lashed out at Stein's crusade. 'Look who "can't accept the election results,"' she said on Twitter. Calls for a recount collected momentum after a variety of independent analysts and data groups aired the possibility that voting machines in key states may have been hacked. Some, whose claims were published in New York Magazine, said Clinton's performance in counties using electronic machines was drastically worse than in paper ballot zones and used this as cause for speculation of tampering. Their calculations say a hack could have robbed her of 30,000 votes in Wisconsin where she officially lost to Trump by 27,000. There is evidence she may have fallen victim to hackers in Pennsylvania and Michigan too, the magazine reported. One of the quoted researchers later penned his own article for Medium to 'set the record straight'. 'The only way to know whether a cyberattack changed the result is to closely examine the available physical evidence paper ballots and voting equipment in critical states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania,' said J. Alex Halderman. Ivanka Trump has always either remained silent or laughed off her father Donald's comments about her physical appearance. But a surprisingly forceful quote has emerged attributed to her from an interview in 2006 where she is alleged to have said: 'If he wasn't my father, I would spray him with Mace.' Donald spoke about his daughter in March of that year during an appearance on The View when asked if she would ever appear in Playboy. 'I don't think Ivanka would do that, although she does have a very nice figure. I've said if Ivanka weren't my daughter, perhaps I'd be dating her,' he said at the time. Scroll down for video Ivanka Trump was asked to respond to a comment her father Donald Trump made about her figure in a 2006 interview (couple above in 2006) Donald said of Ivanka, 'she does have a very nice figure. I've said if Ivanka weren't my daughter, perhaps I'd be dating her' Ivanka's supposed response ran in the Chicago Tribune at the time in their Quotables column. However there is some confusion as to whether the quote is actually hers. Rumor-debunking website Snopes, claiming that the quote is actually a joke delivered by talk-show host Conan O'Brien. After Donald made his comment on The View, host Joy Behar joked: 'Who are you, Woody Allen?' His rep Jim Dowd also said at the time that Donald was 'absolutely joking.' It was not the first time that Donald spoke about his daughter's looks and figure, having previously made comments about her in interviews many times in the past. While being interviewed for a September 2004 episode of The Howard Stern Show, the billionaire businessman, who was 58 at the time, spoke about how 'beautiful' his daughter Ivanka was to Stern. 'Can I say this?' asked Stern. 'A piece of a**?' 'Yeah,' replied Trump. Ivanka spent Thanksgiving with her husband Jared and their three children in New Jersey Roughly two years later in a October 2006 interview, Stern and Trump discussed Ivanka's breasts on the show. Stern remarked that Ivanka 'looks more voluptuous than ever,' and asked if she had breast implants. Trump told Stern that she never had surgery for breast implants. 'She's always been quite voluptuous,' said Trump. 'She's tall, she's almost 6 feet tall and she's been, she's an amazing beauty.' Top City banker Anthony Dullaghan is accused of saying his co-worker Maurice Marco was great at flying into towers after hearing he was training to be a pilot A city banker branded wealthy Middle Eastern clients camel f******, the French rats and called a Lebanon-born colleague a terrorist, a tribunal was told. Anthony Dullaghan is accused of saying his co-worker Maurice Marco was great at flying into towers after hearing he was training to be a pilot. The former Merrill Lynch managing director then asked Mr Marco if he could fit the required explosives in his suitcase, it is alleged. When the pair had a row, Mr Marco was said to have aggressively stripped off his shirt as they stood chest to chest. The claims emerged at an employment tribunal in London this week. Mr Marco, who is on long-term sick leave from Bank of America Merrill Lynch, claims he endured at least seven years of racist bullying that left him anxious and suicidal. The trader says there was a culture of fear at the bank and is fighting for at least 400,000 in compensation. At the centre of the case is the behaviour of Mr Dullaghan, former head of the banks Euro Commercial Paper team, dealing with unsecured short-term loans. Mr Marco, who is of Lebanese origin but was brought up in France, accuses his boss of relentless bullying and heckling. Mr Dullaghan allegedly passed on phone calls from Arab clients using a derogatory accent and saying: You have a camel f***** on the holding line. Mr Marco told the hearing: I do not recall specific dates to these incidents but they were not isolated. The claimant said that when he started flying lessons around seven years ago his boss began referring to him as a terrorist. In a statement, Mr Marco said: In an attempt to mock and humiliate me in front of colleagues he suggested that because of my Lebanese background I was a terrorist who had learnt to fly in order to carry out a suicide bombing using an aircraft akin to the 9/11 attacks I was due to take a flight to Florida. He asked me how I could fit my belongings with the required explosives in such a small suitcase. At a business lunch in 2011, Mr Dullaghan insisted on highlighting my credentials as a trained pilot, Mr Marco said. He said that I was particularly bad at landings and great at flying into towers. The claimant said that when he moved house, his boss asked if the area was shut down because usually when highly explosive materials are transported, police cordoned off the neighbourhood. Mr Marco, who is on long-term sick leave from Bank of America Merrill Lynch, claims he endured at least seven years of racist bullying that left him anxious and suicidal During a pub discussion, the tribunal heard, Mr Dullaghan told other colleagues about Mr Marcos pilot training and allegedly added: Al Qaeda should be proud to have such a great undercover agent. On another occasion, Mr Marco said that on completing a deal with a French client, Mr Dullaghan said: You got one of your French rats to fleece us again. The tribunal heard the trader complained on a number of occasions about the alleged bullying but was told to put up with it. The matter came to a head last October when Mr Dullaghan allegedly squared up to him after accusing him of not working hard enough. Mr Marco said: At this point he got up and swiftly came over to me and assaulted me by coming up to me and pushing the index fingers of both hands into my chest. He said something like, lets go and sort this out outside implying, it seemed to me, that he wanted to fight me. Mr Marco said he sat down in shock, and told his boss: Dont ever touch me in your life. He reported one incident to his human resources department but an internal inquiry was inconclusive, he said. In January Mr Marco suffered panic attacks and was signed off work by his GP, who referred him to the Priory clinic. He is taking antidepressants and sleeping pills. My anxiety has changed every aspect of my existence, he said. I am in a dark place. The assault by Mr Dullaghan still plays out in my mind. Sophie Belgrove, for the bank, accused Mr Marco of being the aggressor in the October row, saying: You were shouting at Mr Dullaghan and you were being aggressive. You took your shirt off and stood there bare-chested. In a statement, Mr Dullaghan, who describes himself as retired, denied all the claims against him, adding: I abhor racism of any kind. My language has always been respectful towards colleagues. It was late on a Sunday night, well away from the holiday season ... and this was the sight greeting weary travellers arriving at Luton Airport. The hall ahead of passport control was packed because too few staff were manning the desks to let the crowds back into the country. The scene, captured at 11pm on November 13, is reminiscent of pictures last month when Stansted was similarly caught out. The hall at Luton Airport ahead of passport control was packed because too few staff were manning the desks to let the crowds back into the country And its a picture that will be seen again and again, according to airport chiefs and Border Force officials. Millions of passengers are enduring long delays due to problems caused by crippling cuts to UK Border Force. Ministers have slashed Border Force funding from 617million in 2012-13 to 497million in 2015-16, according to a Parliamentary answer. This was a drop of 120million or 19 per cent. But the number of people using Britains airports for holidays or business trips has soared by 40million since 2010. Over the same period, the number of border guards fell from 9,145 to 8,153. Figures from Heathrow show in recent months Border Force has regularly missed its target of checking international travellers passports within 45 minutes. The scene, reminiscent of chaos previously seen at Stansted, was pictured at 11pm on November 13 Airports say the situation has become so dire that their own employees are often forced to step in to man e-gates, which check passports automatically. One airport spokesman said the huge queues create a bad welcome for foreigners visiting the UK. The chaos is often worse on Sunday and Monday nights as tourists return from holidays and weekend breaks. Henk van Klaveren from the Airport Operators Association which represents UK airports said: We are concerned that we are seeing increasing queues across UK airports. 'While airports are investing in improving the passenger experience such as improving terminals we have seen that Border Force resources have not kept up pace. Mr van Klaveren added that one of the reasons for the lack of manpower is the Home Offices investment in e-gates. He said: Border Force see e-gates as a way to increase capacity without increasing staff. The problem is you need good staff to help passengers use them. They are a valuable addition to managing the border. 'It is not a one-for-one replacement for staff. In April, then Home Secretary Theresa May announced Border Forces resource budget was being cut by 2million this year Manchester Airports Group, which also owns Stansted, said it was symptomatic of a bigger problem and was creating a bad impression. In April, then Home Secretary Theresa May announced Border Forces resource budget was being cut by 2million this year despite fears over Britains border security. A Border Force staff member said: The situation is utter chaos. There are not enough staff to deal with all the passengers coming through and that is leading to huge queues. A college student claims she was raped at the home of a millionaire playboy in Washington DC during his Halloween Party. The female, whose identity is not being revealed, claims that she was at the $5million mansion owned by Bill Dean, an executive who works for electrical contractor M.C. Dean, when a man forced himself on her and had sex with her against her will. What's more, the woman tells The Washington Post that after she confided in two women, the man came back to tell her to keep her mouth shut and then allegedly physically assaulted the other two guests. 'I am still in pain,' said the woman two weeks after the alleged assault. Police have identified the man who committed the alleged sexual and physical assault, but have yet to arrest anyone in connection with the incident. A college student claims that she was raped during a Halloween party at the home of Bill Dean last month (Dean above) Dean is cooperating with police and was not involved in the alleged rape (Dean above in his Halloween costumes this year) Stephanie Larimore was one of the women who rushed to the woman's aid on October 29 at around 4am when she heard her screaming while downstairs at the party in the $5million home. 'She was telling us that she had been attacked, raped, and she was lying on the ground naked, crying,' said Larimore. That is when Larimore said the man who allegedly raped the woman appeared out of nowhere. 'He ran toward her to tell her, basically, to shut up,' said Larimore. He stood over me and banged my head into the ground.' The victim backed up this version of events, saying: 'He grabbed one girl by the hair and threw her across the door and beat the c*** out of her.' The man ran out of the house before police arrived at the home. Officers questioned those who were still present at the party, including the victim. The victim admits to doing a line of cocaine just before the assault. She added that she was being calmed down by a group of other women after doing the drug when her alleged rapist made his move. Dean, an executive who works for electrical contractor M.C. Dean, lives in a $5million Washington DC mansion (above) 'He locked the door, and he started touching me, and I realized what was going on. I said, "Can you stop?" He wasnt stopping,' claims the victim. He then allegedly grabbed her, bit her and raped her. 'It was the most excruciating pain,' she said. The woman said she opted to not go to the hospital because she did not want to be touched after the incident. She has also stopped speaking with police. Oliver's festive lunch comes in at 7,000 calories per person alone His Christmas pudding recipe clocks in at 627 calories a portion As a prominent healthy eating campaigner, Jamie Oliver has fought tirelessly to reduce obesity levels across the nation. So when the chef announced he was releasing his first yuletide cookbook, fans could be forgiven for expecting a fun-free and fat-free festive family feast. Instead, the 41-year-old stars Christmas lunch wades in at more than 7,000 calories per person and almost 10,000 for the day if you include his leftovers suggestions. Jamie Oliver's Christmas lunch wades in at more than 7,000 calories per person and almost 10,000 for the day if you include his leftovers suggestions. His mouth-watering turkey comes wrapped in salted, streaky bacon and covered in a sage butter, but comes in at a whopping 898 calories per person Oliver's creamed spinach with cheesy oat crumble comes in at 347 calories per portion (left); while his pigs in blanket 'gone crazy' are 440 calories per person The chef's meat stuffing suggestion comes in at 429 calories per portion According to government and NHS guidelines, the average woman should eat around 2,000 calories per day to maintain a healthy weight. A man requires about 2,500. Undoubtedly while the recipes do look delicious, they are not for the faint-hearted... or those watching their weight. His turkey, for instance, comes wrapped in salted, streaky bacon and covered in a sage butter, while his phenomenal spuds are dripping in both butter and extra virgin olive oil. Oliver's standard Christmas pudding recipe clocks in at a gut-busting 627 calories a portion The chef's American-style pumpkin puree with marshmallows and maple syrup is 107 calories per person (left), while his Brussels sprouts are 115 calories per portion The celebrity chefs sides include a creamed spinach with cheesy oat crumble, honey-roasted parsnips and the American-style pumpkin puree with marshmallows and maple syrup. His standard Christmas pudding recipe clocks in at a gut-busting 627 calories a portion and thats without the brandy butter or cream. For those who dont like the traditional dessert theres a chocolate pot pud, which clocks in at 441 calories per person. The recipes are included in Olivers 26 Christmas Cookbook, which has already sold more than 8,000 copies. Helpfully, there are details of the precise calorie content of each dish. Oliver's toad-in-the-hole recipe for the evening meal clocks in at 965 calories per person The celebrity chef's honey roasted parsnips are 170 calories per portion, while his bread sauce comes in at 241 calories News of the father of fives less-than-saintly festive delights come 13 years after he was awarded an MBE for his services to hospitality. Last year he made a documentary called Sugar Rush, calling for drinks companies to reduce the amount of sugar in their products. He campaigned for a 7p sugar tax on all fizzy drinks in a bid to tackle the ongoing childhood obesity epidemic. In 2005 he launched Jamies School Dinners, a formal campaign to ban unhealthy food in canteens and encourage youngsters to eat healthy, nutritious food instead. Oliver's balsamic potatoes look delicious - but they are 307 calories per portion His prawn cocktail starter is 451 calories, while two festive bellinis clock up 310 calories His efforts helped bring the subject to the political forefront, and changed the types of dishes served in schools across the country. His Ministry of Food campaign began three years later, teaching Britons to cook meals for themselves from scratch. In August, Oliver criticised Theresa Mays decision to abandon plans to curb junk food advertising and said he was shocked at the Governments childhood obesity strategy. The chef did not respond to requests for a comment last night. Meanwhile, his mince pie and cheeseboard comes in at 894 calories. His Yule log (right) is 397 calories per person This is the 16-year-old girl who was shot and killed in Lynwood, Los Angeles, while driving home with her family after attending church on Wednesday evening. Danah Rojo-Rivas was riding in the backseat of her family's car when she was struck by a bullet in the crossfire of a possible car-to-car gang-related shooting, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Rojo-Rivas's mother screamed as her daughter's body went limp in her arms, one witness told KTLA. This is Danah Rojo-Rivas (pictured), the 16-year-old girl who was shot and killed in Lynwood, Los Angeles, while driving home with her family after going to church on Wednesday Rojo-Rivas (pictured) was riding in the backseat of her family's car when she was struck by a bullet in the crossfire of a possible car-to-car gang-related shooting Others from the church rushed to the scene to try and help, but it was too late for the teen. The shooting happened around 9.30pm as Rojo-Rivas' pet poodle sat on her lap. Her mother was driving and her 18-year-old brother was in the front passenger seat. Authorities say a burgundy Saturn SUV was the intended target but it got stuck at a set of traffic lights. Rojo-Rivas's mother screamed as her daughter's body went limp in her arms, one witness told KTLA A male suspect in another car got out and fired multiple shots at the vehicle. One of the rounds hit the car Rojo-Rivas was in as her mother was making a right-hand turn at the intersection of Long Beach Boulevard and Euclid Avenue. The sheriff's department said the bullet struck her in the upper torso. The shooting suspect fled in his vehicle, while the two men in the intended target's car fled the scene on foot. Others from the New Horizon (pictured) church rushed to the scene to try and help, but it was too late for the teen Authorities say a burgundy Saturn SUV was the intended target but it got stuck at a set of traffic lights. A male suspect in another car got out and fired multiple shots at the vehicle Rojo-Rivas's mother pulled over after realizing she had been shot, but paramedics were unable to save her. The girl's mother and brother were not injured but the dog sitting on her lap ran into the street and was fatally struck by a car. 'My heart goes out to the family,' Sergeant Robert Gray of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said. 'They were supposed to be celebrating a day of thanks and today they are going to be in mourning.' The shooting suspect fled in his vehicle, while the two men in the intended target's car fled the scene on foot The girl's mother and brother were not injured but the dog sitting on her lap ran into the street and was fatally struck by a car The gun has not been recovered and detectives are still searching for the suspects. The suspects are believed to be two black men between the ages of 25 and 30, according to KTLA. - but they are too old for a prosecution David Hamilton stands in front of one of his photographs taken during the late 1970s at a 2007 exhibition A British photographer known for his soft-focus portraits of teenage girls has been found dead aged 83. David Hamilton was facing child rape accusations in France - but his alleged victims are now too old for a prosecution. Mr Hamilton, who lived alone in the French capital, was found in 'an asphyxiated state' by emergency workers on Thursday evening. 'They reached him soon after 10pm, and tried to revive him, but he died from a heart attack,' said a source close to the investigation into the death. Mr Hamilton is said to have assaulted a number of youngsters over a long career in his adopted country. Flavie Flament, a 42-year-old Paris radio presenter, said she was only 13 when Mr Hamilton assaulted her at a nudist camp in Cap d'Agde, in the South of France. It was allegedly during a photoshoot in the mid-1980s after Mr Hamilton persuaded her parents to let him work alone with her on a shoot. 'Very quickly his behavour altered' said Ms Flavie. 'He raped me in the shower,' said Ms Flavie, who was working with the three other women to try and see Mr Hamilton prosecuted. Ms Flament's disturbing public statement has now prompted at least three other women to come forward, but they are all now in their 40s and 50s. Under French law, the age limit for pressing charges of rape of a minor is 38, meaning that the women have passed the statute of limitations. ' Laurence Rossignol, France's Minister for Families, Childhood and Women's Rights, had confirmed that the law was being reviewed. The aim was to bring France in line with countries like Britain, which has no statute of limitations for sex crimes, she said. 'I would like to know how (prosecutions) happen elsewhere, so that we may also be able to change things in France,' Ms Rossignol said earlier this week. Pictured: Police gathered near the Paris apartment where David Hamilton was found dead Police outside David Hamilton's apartment in Paris French police officers set up a police cordon outside the building where British photographer David Hamilton was found dead Police enter the apartment building where David Hamilton died In turn, Ms Flavie said: 'Today, victims of rape, when they are children, have up to the age of thirty eight to file a complaint, and they have to live with this trauma until the end of their lives. Meanwhile, their torturer can sleep quietly saying that it is a closed case.; Mr Hamilton, who fiercely denied any wrongdoing, was faced with the allegation when Ms Flament wrote a newly published book called The Consolation. It does not name the photographer directly, but his portrait of her as a schoolgirl is on the front cover, and she has since confirmed that she believes him to have been a rapist. Ms Flament told France 2 TV station: 'When I chose with my publisher to put this photo on the cover, I knew that it would prompt other testimonies. 'And I can tell you that I wasn't the only one to have gone through this abuse, this rape by this photographer. I knew I couldn't be the only one.' Mr Hamilton, who lived alone in the French capital, was found in 'an asphyxiated state' by emergency workers on Thursday evening Flavie Flament (pictured), a 42-year-old Paris radio presenter, said she was only 13 when Mr Hamilton assaulted her at a nudist camp in Cap d'Agde, in the South of France Mr Hamilton's work depicting early-teenage girls has caused controversy in the past, with some of the images classed as indecent (pictured, the film poster of the Hamilton film - Premiers Desirs) Mr Hamilton had issued a statement saying he was 'particularly outraged by the total absence of respect of the presumption of innocence'. The statement added that Mr Hamilton would 'make no further comment on criminal behaviour that certain people attribute to him and of which he is not the author'. In interviews with the latest edition of Nouvel Observateur magazine, two other alleged victims recount how a 'smiling' Mr Hamilton also attacked them when he was in his 50s. Like Ms Flament, he is said to have isolated the 13 and 14 year old from their parents at Cap d'Agde, where Mr Hamilton owned a flat. They said he stalked the beach every day 'in such of models' while accompanied 'by a very young slim blonde girl. Mr Hamilton was well known because his posters, books and other work were sold all over the world, while his films were watched by thousands Mr Hamilton was well known because his posters, books and other work was sold all over the world, while films such as First Desires (1983) were watched by thousands. 'To be noticed by him was to be the chosen one,' said one of his alleged victims, referred to only as Alice. 'When he offered to do a trial shoot, my father was so proud, his eyes were twinkling'. Mr Hamilton's work depicting early-teenage girls, often nude, has caused controversy in the past, with some of the images classed as indecent and even pornographic. Speaking before Mr Hamilton's death, Ms Flavie added: 'I chose to run the risk of being attacked by David Hamilton, for the simple reason that I felt I was supported by the population, magistrates, politicians and other witnesses. 'I chose to run the risk that, today, I will also befound guilty of defamation, and my rapist can now file a complaint against me.' An extremist has a guiding role at a Muslim school where teenage girls have to cover all but their eyes, the Mail has discovered. Hadhrat Shaykh Maulana Adam Sahib who appears to condone 'striking' students is the founder and 'honorary patron' of the full-time girls' school. Pupils at the private Islamic school, which caters for over-16s, are taught to cover themselves fully in public. Their strict uniform is the niqab a long black gown that covers their entire body except for slits for their eyes. An extremist has a guiding role at a Muslim school in Leicester (pictured) where teenage girls have to cover all but their eyes, the Mail has discovered Students were photographed leaving the Jame'ah Uloomul Qur'an institution in Leicester The school is one of six that operate out of the Jame'ah Uloomul Qur'an institution, in east Leicester. It is the only one that provides full-time education between 8am and 2.30pm, Monday to Friday. The five other schools operate largely in the evenings and weekends, catering for boys and girls of a variety of ages. Sexes are understood to be segregated. A whistleblower says Mr Adam, 79, 'oversees the school offering guidance as and when it's needed'. Another source close to the school describes him as the 'philosophical head, who guides the decision-making'. But Mr Adam strongly denies he has an 'overseeing role'. Jame'ah Uloomul Qur'an all six sections has never been inspected by Ofsted. This is because current laws mean any school that is part-time including madrasas open in the evenings and weekends do not have to register with the Department for Education. The same applies to schools for over-16s, even if they are full time. This means that although this school has been running for more than 25 years, it has never been inspected by Ofsted or checked by any authority, including the local council. Given the lack of checks, it is impossible to say what views these young women are being taught. But it is known what Mr Adam teaches in sermons available on the internet. In one, translated from Urdu, he says: 'For a man to look at them ('strange women') with desire unlawfully, or for a woman to look at a strange man unlawfully with desire, this is a major sin, a great sin. 'If this is not treated, if we don't rectify ourselves in this, then this can lead to a person having an evil death and it leading him to the Fire.' In another lecture, he appears to endorse using force against young men who think about women 'with desire'. He suggests in such cases it is justified to strike the boys' hand 'with force', saying it teaches them a lesson. Mr Adam is an influential Deobandi scholar. The Deobandis, who control nearly half the mosques in the UK, have been accused of discouraging integration into British society. Their strict uniform is the niqab a long black gown that covers their entire body except for slits for their eyes The school is one of six that operate out of the Jame'ah Uloomul Qur'an institution, in east Leicester Mr Adam's son, Mufti Adam al-Kawthari, is described as a teacher at Jame'ah Uloomul Qur'an the institution as a whole, not the girls' school. Mr al-Kawthari also runs an Islamic 'advice centre' across the road from Jame'ah Uloomul Qur'an, called Darul Iftaa. On its website, he tells women to cover themselves as much as possible. He advises them not to sing, listen to music, celebrate birthdays or use tampons before marriage. He also says it's 'impermissible' to attempt to dress or look like the Kuffar (a term for non-Muslims, widely seen as derogatory). Manzoor Moghal, chairman of the Muslim Forum said: 'Requiring girls to cover themselves like this is a way of keeping them from integrating from the rest of society. It is not right that schools for over-16s are not routinely being inspected by Ofsted.' A spokesman for the full-time girls' section of the school denied Mr Adam has any involvement beyond being its founder and 'honorary patron' and said Mr al-Kawthari is also not involved. Only women teachers work in the girls' section, the spokesman added. A spokesman for Mr Adam said: 'He has never condoned or endorsed the use of violence on anyone. These statements must have been taken out of context.' While he holds extreme views, Mr Adam has not endorsed illegal or extreme action of any kind. Mr al-Kawthari said he has 'a very limited lecturing role for 18 plus adult males only'. By plotting where seals feed they hope to find out why they are in decline On the rocky islands off the northern coast of Scotland, a population of harbour seals has been struck by a strange malady. In some areas, numbers of the doe-eyed marine mammals have plummeted by as much as 90 per cent since 2000, with scores of bodies washing ashore. But the initial results from an ambitious study to track the animals using smartphone technology is pointing to a toxin produced by algae as the potential culprit. Scroll down for video Harbour seal populations in Scotland have been in decline with the animals struck by a strange malady. Researchers have used smartphone technology to track the animals in an effort to find out what might be killing them The findings come from the first stage of a long-term project focused in the waters of Northern Scotland, which used GPS technology to track the seals at sea. By tagging the animals with the same technology used in smartphones, researchers have been able to plot their movements and narrow down their feeding grounds in the hunt to find out what might be happening to them. The harbour seal population in north Scotland and Orkney has dropped by almost 7,000 in the last 10 years alone. Carcasses which have turned up on the wild Scottish coast are often too decomposed to provide many clues. But using the GPS data to take water samples at known feeding sites has revealed traces of domoic acid, a powerful neurotoxin produced by red algae. During blooms, these algae can spread rapidly, covering the waters surface in 'red tides' and being eaten by fish and shellfish. Carcasses which turn up on the wild Scottish coast are too decomposed to provide many clues. But using the GPS data to take water samples at known feeding sites has revealed traces of a powerful neurotoxin produced by red algae, may be poisoning the seals (pictured) Seal populations in Orkney have fallen by as much as 76 per cent since 2000, and up to 90 per cent in other areas of northern and eastern Scotland in the River Tay / St Andrews Bay area WHAT'S KILLING ORKNEY'S HARBOUR SEALS? Scientists say it is too early to tell what's behind the decline in seal numbers, but the tracking study has revealed some clues. The harbour seal population in north Scotland and Orkney has dropped by almost 7,000 in the last 10 years alone. But the population on the west coast has remained largely stable. Water samples from feeding sites have revealed the presence of domoic acid, a compound produced by red algae and a known neurotoxin. Researches say that more data is needed to be sure and to see what can be done to stop the decline. The next part of the ongoing study will identify and follow a number of individual animals to see whether they are having pups and if the young are surviving. Advertisement At high concentrations, the compound acts like a neurotoxin, poisoning the animals brain and flowing right through the food chain. It is thought that this toxin could be behind the demise of the harbour seals. Domoic acid poisoning is believed to be behind memory problems seen in Californian sea lions, with the toxin accumulating in sardines, anchovies and shellfish which the mammals feed on. As part of the project, the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) partnered with mobile carrier Vodafone. Telemetry tags developed at St Andrew's, were attached to 10 animals, glued to their fur and dropping off as they moulted. But while the tags were attached, they transmitted information over a dedicated Vodafone network back to SMRU, revealing the animals' behaviour and movements. More findings are expected next year, but the results of the initial tracking study on Orkney are helping the team to find out where to sample. The data will be used as a part of a longer-term project to follow the seals in Scotlands northern islands over a number of years to see whether or not their pups are surviving. Water samples at the feeding sites have revealed traces of domoic acid, a powerful neurotoxin produced by red algae. During blooms, these algae can spread rapidly, covering the waters surface in 'red tides' and being eaten by fish and shellfish FITTING SEALS WITH SMARTPHONES As part of the tracking phase of the project, the SMRU partnered with mobile carrier Vodafone. Researchers at St Andrew's University developed telemetry tags which were attached to 10 animals - glued to their fur and dropping off as they moulted. While the tags were attached, they transmitted information over the Vodafone network via a directly back to SMRU, revealing their behaviour and movements by collected GPS and depth information. The data is now being thoroughly analysed to help determine why harbour seal populations have declined in some Scottish regions. In some regions, such as Orkney, populations have crashed by 76 per cent since 2000, and up to 90 per cent in other areas of northern and eastern Scotland in the River Tay / St Andrews Bay area. Telemtry tags designed by the University of St Andrew's were glued to the fur of the animals, dropping off as they moulted Advertisement Bernie McConnell, a marine biologist at the Sea Mammal Research Unit based at the University of St Andrews, has been leading the efforts to track the animals. He told MailOnline: 'It is possible that the decline may be due to DA but the puzzle is that we havent been able to establish if these animals are eating enough contaminated fish to ingest a lethal dose of toxin. 'The dead seals that wash ashore that are examined are often too decomposed for us to determine the cause of death. 'However, we are working hard to see if we can accurately estimate their exposure levels by measuring the levels of toxins in the fish in the areas where they are feeding, finding out what level of toxin remains in the live seals and what the health effects are of non-lethal doses of DA.' The data collected from the Orkney project will be used to find out why the seals are dying and if anything can be done to stop the decline. While the tags were attached, they transmitted information over a dedicated Vodafone network back to SMRU, revealing the animals' behaviour and movement The initial tracking phase of the study (still pictured) has revealed where the animals are feeding and their regular patterns of behaviour Dr McConnell added: This is just the start and we will be analysing the data further before presenting the findings to Scottish Government. Alongside the tracking project, the team is carrying out genetic analysis of Orkney's seals to find out if they are a unique population. The results reveal there are some genetic differences between Scottish and English seals, and even between those on the East and West coasts of Scotland. 'We are just working on a more detailed study which will give us more data with more genetic markers on the degree of genetic differentiation within these populations and how that relates to what we know about their movements and dispersal,' said Dr McConnell. The findings are important as any signs of inbreeding or reduced immunity could make the animals more susceptible to disease, which could devastate their numbers even further. A sensitive global network of instruments could save many lives This could save precious minutes before a tsunami or earthquake hits Small changes in gravity caused by quakes can be picked up instantly Around 10,000 people die in earthquakes each year, and between 2.6 and 3.1 million people are estimated to die in quakes in the coming century. Once a quake is triggered, each second that ticks by is crucial those stranded unaware in the approaching impact zone. And scientists say the 'Big One' could hit at any time. Now, a group of researchers has discovered that tiny shifts in gravity triggered by earthquakes could be detected before a quake causes damage. The team investigated gravity data collected around the devastating Tohoku-Oki earthquake that hit North Eastern Japan in 2011 (pictured). The 9.0 magnitude quake killed more than 15,000 people, and left over 300,000 homeless HOW DO EARTHQUAKES TRIGGER GRAVITY SIGNALS? The gravity signals are triggered when the rupture of an earthquake lightly shifts Earth's either side of the 'fault line'. This is the characteristic split in the Earth that marks the beginning of many quakes. The planet's mass shifts so much that it actually bends Earth's gravitational field. Accurately locating an incoming earthquake from tiny variations in global gravity is no easy feat. But the new method shows great promise in predicting the magnitude of future quakes. Advertisement These tiny shifts could one day be picked up by a global network of early-warning systems for deadly earthquake hazards, such as tsunamis. Current early-warning systems rely on detecting seismic waves, but these only appear once the earthquake has already begun. But the latest system is different. 'The gravity signal is almost instantaneous, travelling at the speed of light,' study lead author Professor Jean-Paul Montagner, a seismology expert at the Paris Institute of Earth Physics, told Research Gate. This means that the gravity signals rocket through the atmosphere at more than 185,000 miles (300,000km) per second. 'Classical early warning systems are based on the detection of seismic waves at around 4-5 miles (7-8km) per second,' Professor Montagner says. This means that an earthquake could be caught up to 40,000 times faster using gravity waves. The researchers say they are unable to put an exact figures on how much warning people will have, but it could be several minutes. 'That extra time can make a difference in minimising the impact of an earthquake,' Professor Montagner told MailOnline. Tiny shifts in gravity triggered by earthquakes could be used to boost early response times to disasters. This could spark new developments in early-warning systems. (Pictured: an earthquake expert reads a seismometer, an instrument used for detecting earthquakes) 'Any second saved enables us to stop trains, elevators, nuclear plants - allowing people to escape and therefore lives to be saved.' The Paris team looked at gravity data collected around the devastating Tohoku-Oki earthquake that hit North Eastern Japan in 2011. The 9.0 magnitude quake killed more than 15,000 people, and left over 300,000 homeless. WHAT IS THE 'BIG ONE'? The 'Big One' is a hypothetical earthquake of magnitude 8 or greater that is expected to happen along the San Andreas fault. The quake would devastate human civilization within about 50-100 miles of the impact zone, especially in urban areas such as Palm Springs, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Contingency plans have a worst-case estimate upward of 14,000 people dead, 30,000 injured, many thousands left homeless and the region's economy setback for years, if not decades. Advertisement The researchers were looking for a gravitational signal that could have foreshadowed the eventual seismic wave. Research has previously found that Earth's gravitational field was left permanently scarred by Japan's 2011 quake. The tiny gravity signals they discovered opened up the door for new ways to detect devastating earthquakes early. 'I was working with physicists on gravitational wave detection on the Italian-French interferometer VIRGO located in Pisa, Italy,' Professor Montagner told MailOnline. 'I computed the expected gravity signal from the Japan Tohoku earthquake at Virgo, and realised that there was a prompt gravity signal, extremely small, too small to be detected 6,200 miles (10,000km) away.' This realisation pointed the team in the direction of Japan's 2011 quake. 'This signal is very, very small, but it formed the basis for our investigation, and we were certainly surprised by what we eventually found', he added. It was previously known that small, 'static' changes to gravity, were limited to the modest area where the seismic rupture occurs, surface before an earthquake. Research has previously found that Earth's gravitational field was left permanently scarred by the 2011 quake (pictured), giving the researchers plenty to work with. They found exactly what they were looking for - opening the door for new ways to detect devastating earthquakes early But long-range changes to gravity, which stretch over a far greater distance, have until now remained purely hypothetical. The Paris team have proved these changes exist, and could be detected using a complex global network of incredibly sensitive measuring devices. 'Transient gravity changes are expected to occur at all distances during an earthquake rupture, even before the arrival of seismic waves,' the researchers say in their paper, which was published in Nature Communications this week. The gravity signals are triggered when the rupture of an earthquake lightly shifts Earth's either side of the 'fault line' - the characteristic split in the Earth that marks the beginning of many quakes. The planet's mass shifts so much that it actually bends Earth's gravitational field. Accurately locating an incoming earthquake from tiny variations in global gravity is no easy feat. But the new method shows great promise in predicting the magnitude of future quakes. Its said that the Hyperloop could carry passengers at speeds of up to 760 miles per hour, travelling from Los Angeles to San Francisco in just 30 minutes. Now, 30 teams selected through SpaceXs competition are developing working prototypes that will be put to the test in January. Among the chosen few is Australian team VicHyper, which has unveiled a design focusing on braking and acceleration that could one day be used in a levitating system. Scroll down for video Among the chosen few is Australian team VicHyper , which has unveiled a design focusing on braking and acceleration that could one day be used in a levitating system WHAT IS HYPERLOOP? The Hyperloop is a proposed method of travel that would transport people at 745mph (1,200km/h) between distant locations. It was unveiled by Elon Musk in 2013, who said it could take passengers the 380 miles (610km) from LA to San Francisco in 30 minutes - half the time it takes a plane. It is essentially a long tube that has had the air removed to create a vacuum. The tube is suspended off the ground to protect against weather and earthquakes. Passengers would sit in either individual or group pods, which would then be accelerated with magnets. Capsules carrying six to eight people would depart every 30 seconds, with tickets costing around $20 (13) each way. Advertisement The team from RMIT University in Melbourne won the Braking Subsystem Technical Excellence Award earlier this year, New Atlas reports. For the upcoming tests set to take place from January 27 to 29, though, they will be simplifying their futuristic design at the request of SpaceX, as the competition will have both levitating and non-levitating classes. The prototype will be put on wheels, with the air bearing removed, Project Leader Zac McClelland told New Atlas, allowing them to perfect the system for high speeds and in a vacuum. The VicHyper pod uses a linear induction motor, which has never been used in a vacuum before, for acceleration and deceleration. It also has a second braking system for emergency stops, which relies on eddy current brakes. These are often used in high-speed trains and even roller coasters. While other teams are using permanent magnets for such systems, VicHyper is using an onboard battery to power electromagnets, according to New Atlas. The VicHyper pod uses a linear induction motor, which has never been used in a vacuum before, for acceleration and deceleration. It also has a second braking system for emergency stops, which relies on eddy current brakes Using a spinning metallic disk rigged with electromagnetic coils sitting roughly .4 inches off of it, the team revealed it makes for quick, reliable stopping. We can spin that up to about 500 rmp, and then turn those coils on it stops in about half a revolution (two seconds), McClelland told New Atlas. Its not going to break down easily, its very reliable. Its old technology, but were implementing it a little differently in this high-speed system. The team from RMIT University in Melbourne won the Braking Subsystem Technical Excellence Award earlier this year. For the upcoming tests set to take place from January 27 to 29, though, they will be simplifying their futuristic design Each prototype will undergo a series of safety checks before hitting the 1-mile test tube at SpaceX HQ in California. Not far away, LA-based start-up Hyperloop One has already begun construction on what could become the worlds first Hyperloop transport system. The first tube of 'DevLoop', which looks set to become the first full Hyperloop system, has been successfully installed in a desert in North Las Vegas. If the companies complete this DevLoop, it will be the first full-scale Hyperloop system and the world will see a whole new mode of transportation. After they were hunted to extinction in Scotland in the 16th century, it seemed that Eurasian beavers may be destined for the same fate as the dodo. But now, more than 400 years later, the mammals are back - for good. Beavers have been granted the right to remain in Scotland, the Scottish Government has announced. While the move was celebrated by conservationists, NFU Scotland warned that the species must be actively managed to prevent damage to land. Following an absence of four centuries, a group of 11 beavers captured in Norway were reintroduced in Knapdale, Argyll in May 2009 Following an absence of four centuries, a group of 11 beavers captured in Norway were reintroduced in Knapdale, Argyll in May 2009 as part of a five-year Scottish Beaver Trial. Welcomed by wildlife campaigners but reviled by farmers and landowners, when the trial concluded in 2014, their fate was uncertain. But yesterday, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham finally agreed to allow the existing population to remain. The beavers will be allowed to expand their range naturally, and will also be granted legal protection. It will be the first time a mammal has been officially reintroduced to the UK. In the first year of the trial, an iterant beaver felled 25 bankside willow trees on neighbouring land. Rob Livesey, NFU Scotlands vice president, said: It is essential that Scottish agriculture is not negatively affected by this decision and its implementation, and NFU Scotland will continue to work with its members who are concerned, and whose land has been impacted by beavers. The union also raised concerns about illegal beaver populations in Tayside who have been released or escaped from zoos or wildlife centres over the last decade, and were not part of the trial. Welcomed by wildlife campaigners but reviled by farmers and landowners, when the trial concluded in 2014, their fate was uncertain. Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham finally agreed to allow the existing population to remain The punishment for releasing beavers without a licence is up to two years in jail and an unlimited fine. Miss Cunningham moved to reassure farmers that further illegal releases of the animals will not be tolerated. She said: I have been determined to find a pragmatic approach, which balances the biodiversity benefits of reintroducing beavers with the obvious need to limit difficulties for our farmers. Todays announcement represents a major milestone in our work to protect and enhance Scotlands world renowned biodiversity. But I want to be absolutely clear that while the species will be permitted to extend its range naturally, further unauthorised releases of beavers will be a criminal act. Conservationists believe the beavers will boost wildlife tourism in Scotland. They are also hoped to aid biodiversity, as they create wetlands through dam-building, which can support a wide range of other species such as otters, water voles and dragonflies. Barbara Smith, chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, a partner in the Scottish Beaver Trial, said: Returning a keystone species to the wild for the first time in 400 years is a tremendous achievement for RZSS and our partners the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT), and we welcome the governments commitment to the species both in Knapdale and further afield. Jonathan Hughes, chief executive of the SWT, said: This is a major milestone for Scotlands wildlife and the wider conservation movement. Stuart Brooks, chief executive of conservation charity the John Muir Trust, said: Were delighted that beavers will remain in our lochs and rivers adding to the wildness of Scotland. Recent trials have shown that returning once native species will enhance habitats for the benefit of people and for our natural world. We also welcome the measures to manage the impact of beavers for farmers and other land owners as a sensible and pragmatic approach. The 144-year-old shipwreck of a rare sailing vessel that typically wasn't used for long voyages on the Great Lakes has been found in deep water off Lake Ontario's New York shore, according to two underwater explorers. Western New York-based explorers Jim Kennard and Roger Pawlowski announced Friday on ShipwreckWorld.com that they identified the wreck as the Black Duck in September. The discovery, which they captured in a video posted to YouTube, comes three years after they initially came across it while using side-scan sonar in 350 feet of water off Oswego, New York. The 51-foot-long, single-mast ship known as a scow-sloop sank during a gale while hauling goods along the lake's eastern end in August 1872. The ship's captain, his wife and a crewmember, the only people on board, all survived by getting into a small boat and reaching shore eight hours later. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO The bow area and mast of the 'Black Duck' is shown in 350 feet of water off Oswego, New York ABOUT THE 'BLACK DUCK' The Black Duck was a 51-foot-long, single-mast ship known as a scow-sloop. It sank during a gale while hauling goods along the lake's eastern end in August 1872. Scow-sloops are typically used on rivers or for short voyages on the Great Lakes, not for treacherous weather. But the Black Duck got caught in such conditions on August 8, 1872, during the 40-mile trip from Oswego to Sackett's Harbor on Lake Ontario's eastern end. The ship sank soon after springing a leak during a gale. The ship's captain, his wife and a crewmember, the only people on board, all survived by getting into a small boat and reaching shore eight hours later. Advertisement Only a few scow-sloops sailed the Great Lakes, Kennard told The Associated Press. A search of nautical records turned up only about a dozen references to scow-sloops being built in the region, he said. The Black Duck wreck is believed to be the only fully intact scow-sloop to exist in the Great Lakes, Kennard said. 'It's definitely a rarity,' said Carrie Sowden, archaeological director at the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio, which sponsors the New York team's explorations. The vessels' simple design squared bow and stern and a flat bottom allowed it to be run up on beaches for loading and unloading of cargo. 'Scows, because of their shape, are workhorses,' Sowden said. 'They're not there to move fast through the water. They're there to carry a lot of cargo.' Underwater explorers say they've found the 144-year-old Lake Ontario shipwreck of the rare sailing vessel that typically wasn't used on the Great Lakes The 51-foot-long, single-masted ship known as a scow-sloop sank during a gale while hauling goods along the lake's eastern end in August 1872 Typically used on rivers or for short voyages on the Great Lakes, scow-sloops weren't constructed for high winds and waves in open water. The Black Duck got caught in such conditions on August 8, 1872, during the 40-mile trip from Oswego to Sackett's Harbor on Lake Ontario's eastern end. The ship sank soon after springing a leak during a gale. 'They weren't built to withstand that kind of pounding,' Kennard said. The Black Duck is the latest Lake Ontario shipwreck discovery for Pawlowski, of Rochester, and Kennard, of nearby Fairport. Earlier this year, they and a third member of their team, Roland 'Chip' Stevens, announced they had found the wreck of the sloop Washington, which sank during a storm in 1803. The find was the second-oldest confirmed shipwreck in the Great Lakes, the explorers said. Faraday Future, the mysterious electric-car company set to challenge Tesla, may have faced a setback which could delay the unveiling of its first car. A new report suggests that the firm is likely to miss a shipping deadline for its first vehicles, which were meant to come to market in January 2017. The news comes shortly after Faraday Future halted construction at its Las Vegas factory earlier this month, due to a lack of 'capital and resources.' Scroll down for video Faraday Future, the electric-car company set to challenge Tesla, may have faced a setback which could delay the unveiling of its first car. A new report suggests that the firm is likely to miss a shipping deadline for its first vehicles, which were meant to come to market in 2017 'CHINA'S STEVE JOBS' - JIA YUETING Jia Yueting is the founder and CEO of the holding company Leshi, which roughly translates as 'Happy TV'. He is worth $7.9 billion (6.3 billion), according to Forbes, which ranked him as China's 17th richest person. His company, which is also involved in film production, 'smart' TVs, video streaming, mobile phones and bicycles. Its film division, Le Vision Pictures, is run by Zhang Zhao and has a partnership with heralded Chinese director Zhang Yimou. The company has invested in and distributed Hollywood films including 'The Expendables 2.' Jia once worked in tech support in a tax office in Shanxi Province, and one of his first successes was Sinotel, a wireless telecom company that went public in Singapore in 2008. Advertisement The report comes from the Financial Times, who cited a former Faraday Future employee as saying the 2017 timeline was 'not possible.' Faraday Future was scheduled to unveil its electric car, which has been dubbed the 'Tesla killer' at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in January. But construction was halted earlier this month at the firm's 800 million ($1 billion) Nevada factory meaning it does not have anywhere to build the cars. A Faraday Future spokesperson told Business Insider that the firm is 'refocusing efforts' on its upcoming production vehicle in the meantime. The Nevada factory opened in April, and was lauded as a 'new beginning' by Brian Sandoval, Governer of Nevada. But since then, there have been doubts about Faraday Future's funds. According to Automotive News, Faraday Future is behind on a $21 million (17 million) payment for the construction of its factory based in Nevada. Despite these issues, Faraday Future released two teaser videos of its electric car on YouTube earlier this month. The first video had the tagline 'Can't hear the engine' which demonstrated the car's silent motor Jia Yueting, the firm's primary investor, sent a letter to employees earlier this month saying: 'We sped blindly ahead ... our cash demand ballooned. 'We got overextended in our global strategy. At the same time, our capital and resources were in fact limited.' Other issues appear to be with staffing, with six of the top executives, including David Wisneiski, finance director, and Sarah Ashton, associate director of governmental affairs, all reported to have left. Jia Yueting, the firm's primary investor, sent a letter to employees earlier this month saying: 'We sped blindly ahead ... our cash demand ballooned. 'We got overextended in our global strategy. At the same time, our capital and resources were in fact limited' In a statement to Jalopnik, Faraday Future said: 'We can confirm that the people you named have left Faraday Future, many of them 2-3 months ago, to pursue other interests. 'However, Faraday Future's turnover is extremely low compared to the industry standard.' Despite these issues, Faraday Future released two teaser videos of its electric car on YouTube earlier this month. Ahead of the 2016 CES, the firm generated a lot of excitement for a car reveal. But only a concept car was shown, and the company plans to debut its first production car at the 2017 CES The automotive future, according to Faraday Future, looks a lot like a Corvette crossed with the Batmobile. The California-based company last year unveiled its sleek electric concept during the annual CES show that focuses on consumer gadgets The first video had the tagline 'Can't hear the engine' which demonstrated the car's silent motor. The second used the tagline 'who said don't reinvent the wheel?' and focused on the car's futuristic wheels. Little is known about the car itself, which is wrapped in a black cover to hide its exterior in the videos. The FFZero1 concept car shown at the 2016 CES, featured an adjustable chassis which could accommodate strings of batteries that are more easily changed than single batteries. The number of batteries would depend on car size Ahead of the 2016 CES, the firm generated a lot of excitement for a car reveal. But only a concept car was shown, and the company plans to debut its first production car at the 2017 CES. The police, NHS and the tax man will now be able to hack into your phones and check your browsing history after the Snoopers' Charter was passed by Parliament last week. The bill, officially called the Investigatory Powers Bill, forces electronic data to be stored by internet providers for 12 months, which can be subsequently collected by law enforcement. Now a blogger has created a list of all the people who will be able to request to view your internet history if the bill passes Royal Assent to become law. Scroll down for video The police, NHS and the tax man will now be able to hack into your phones and check your browsing history after the Snoopers' Charter was passed by Parliament last week THE SNOOPERS' CHARTER The bill, officially called the Investigatory Powers Bill, forces electronic data to be stored by internet providers for 12 months, which can be subsequently collected by law enforcement. The act replaces the previous Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act. It was passed by the House of Lords last week after they backed down on an amendment. The amendment would have forced the press to pay court costs for both parties in any case involving allegations of phone or email hacking, even if they were completely spurious. Advertisement The new law introduces new surveillance and hacking powers. Chris Yui, who works in Edinburgh as a general manager at Uber, wrote in his personal blog: 'I always wondered what it would feel like to be suffocated by the sort of state intrusion that citizens are subjected to in places like China, Russia and Iran. 'I guess were all about to find out.' He listed the 48 departments that will now have access to information such as internet browsing history, set out in Schedule 4 of the Act. These include police, GCHQ, government departments such as the Home Office, MoD, Department of Health, the Food Standards Agency, HM Revenue & Customs and the Gambling Commission. This part of the act also sets out the minimum office or rank each person within those organisations must be if they want access to the records. The bill forces electronic data to be stored by internet provider companies for 12 months, which can be subsequently collected by law enforcement In the police, viewers must be an inspector or a superintendent, for instance. The access also works regardless of whether or not you clear your history, because it will be held by your internet service provider. Internet provider must keep logs for a year and hand them over to the government on request, whether users want them to or not. The lists will include every website that has been visited, but not specific pages on those websites. While critics have cited it as an attack on privacy, the Government believes the charter is essential for combating terrorism and organised crime. The act replaces the previous Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act. It was passed by the House of Lords last week after they backed down on an amendment. The amendment would have forced the press to pay court costs for both parties in any case involving allegations of phone or email hacking, even if they were completely spurious. One peer said it would have chilled journalism and stopped papers writing about figures such as ex-BHS boss Sir Philip Green. Lord Myners said the amendment to implement section 40 of the Crime and Courts Acts 2013 would have made it easier for the rich to sue on spurious grounds. A robotic pole dancer with a CCTV camera for a head is set to put on an interesting display for visitors to an international sex show this week. Created by British artist Giles Walker, the gyrating cyborg is built from old shop mannequin pieces and car parts. The robot will be performing at the Sexpo trade event in Melbourne and is designed to explore the 'relationship of voyeurism and power'. Scroll down for video A robotic pole dancer with a CCTV camera for a head is set to put on a display for visitors to an international sex show this week In a bizarre video, the robot can be seen gyrating its metal hips to music provided by a robot DJ, with a lamp for a head. The robot is one of a pair that were originally created in 2012 by Mr Walker for a show called 'Peepshow'. The artist creates robots with the aim of addressing social issues. 'By placing the CCTV on the body of a pole dancer I am looking at the relationship of voyeurism and power,' Mr Walker told AAP. 'Is she (the stripper) the one with the power, or is it the people watching her?'. Mr Walker previously hired out the robots for 2,500 ($3,100) at a technology industry event. Created by British artist Giles Walker, the dancing cyborg is built from old shop mannequin pieces and car parts 'We are now all living in a peepshow', said Mr Walker, commenting on the robots last year. 'Continually being watched by mechanical peeping toms on every street corner. 'With this in mind, I wondered if it was possible to literally make a CCTV camera sexy using simple mechanics...and by using the imagery of a pole dancer question the roles played in voyeurism'. Further blurring the boundaries between technology and sex, next month sees London playing host to the 'International Congress on Love and Sex with Robots. The international conference on sex with robots, was once banned by Malaysia because it was deemed too extreme, will be hosted by Goldsmiths University on the 19th and 20th of December. In a bizarre video, the robot can be seen gyrating its metal hips to music provided by a robot DJ, with a lamp for a head. The robot is one of a pair that were originally created in 2012 by Mr Walker for a show called 'Peepshow' Sessions will focus on a variety of topics, from humanoid robots and 'teledildonics', or cybersex toys, to intelligent electronic sex hardware. 'Within the fields of Human-Computer Interaction and Human-Robot Interaction, the past few years have witnessed a strong upsurge of interest in the more personal aspects of human relationships with these artificial partners,' a statement from Goldsmiths says. An airport in Japan is now using bionic baggage handlers to load luggage. The mechanical suits are worn by staff working for the Airport Limousine bus service at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. The Hybrid Assistive Limb - or HAL, for short - is designed to give workers the extra strength needed for dealing with the constant stream of passengers' luggage. Scroll down for video An airport in Japan is now using bionic baggage handlers to load luggage. The mechanical suits, pictured, are being worn by staff working for the Airport Limousine bus service at Haneda Airport in Tokyo HOW DOES HAL WORK? When a person attempts to move their body, nerve signals are sent from the brain to the muscles through the motor neurons, moving the musculoskeletal system. When this happens, small bio-signals can be detected on the surface of the skin. The HAL suit registers these signals through a sensor attached to the skin of the wearer. Based on the signals obtained, the power unit moves the joint to support and amplify the wearer's motion. Advertisement First unveiled last year, the suits are made by Japanese robotics company Cyberdyne, which shares its name with the fictional firm featured in the Terminator films. The robotic suit's main aim is to prevent back pain, but it can also assist in ensuring the lifting movement maximises strength potential. Ten units are now being used by staff at the airport. Speaking to the Japan Times in 2015, Cyberdyne CEO Yoshiyuki Snakai said: 'At airports, luggage is typically large, and for people engaged in loading and unloading it puts a big stress on their backs, giving them back pain. 'HAL can protect their backs by providing assisting power.' When a person attempts to move their body, nerve signals are sent from the brain to the muscles through the motor neurons, moving the musculoskeletal system. When this happens, small bio-signals can be detected on the surface of the skin. The HAL suit registers these signals through a sensor attached to the skin of the wearer. Based on the signals obtained, the power unit moves the joint to support and amplify the wearer's motion. The Hybrid Assistive Limb - or HAL, for short - is designed to give workers the extra strength needed for dealing with the constant stream of passengers' luggage. Pictured are Airport Limousine bus service staff The HAL robotic suit's main aim is to prevent back pain, but it can also assist in ensuring the lifting movement maximises strength potential Signals are sensed that will then tell the robotics what muscles need to be stimulated and used for lifting Cyberdyne has also introduced floor robots into the airport. These can cart loads up to 400 lbs (181 kg) and also clean airport terminals. The company hopes to introduce HAL into other airports in future, starting with Tokyo's Narita. Based on bio-signals obtained from sensors worn on the skin, the power unit moves the joint to support and amplify the wearer's motion The HAL robotic suit's main aim is to prevent back pain, but it can also assist in ensuring the lifting movement maximises strength potential HAL was first unveiled last year and now enables airport workers additional assistance, as well as piece of mind when lifting luggage and goods WILL ROBOTS TAKE YOUR JOB? As robots increasingly make their way into the workforce, some have argued that they will soon be taking over many traditionally human jobs. In an interview with Fox Business, former McDonalds USA CEO Ed Rensi argued the $15/hour (12.05) minimum wage raise will bring job loss like you cant believe. He argued that it would be cheaper for companies to instead purchase robotic devices. If you look at the robotic devices that are coming into the restaurant industry -- its cheaper to buy a $35,000 (28,000) robotic arm than it is to hire an employee whos inefficient making $15 (12) an hour bagging French fries, Rensi said. Foxconn, a supplier for Apple and Samsung, has already reduced its human workforce drastically, The South China Morning Post reports. One factory has now reduced employee strength from 110,000 to 50,000, thanks to the introduction of robots, an official told the Post. They predict more companies will soon follow, with up to 600 firms reporting similar plans in a government survey. Advertisement Advertisement The West has long been fascinated with North Korea from the reports of crippling famine under a controversial leader to the striking timewarp lifestyle that isolation has brought. But a new collection of eye-opening photos has shed light on a previously unseen demographic the affluent North Korean elite. Crushing stereotypes, this thriving urban community has been captured sporting designer handbags and mobile phones, taking horse riding lessons, driving Audis and enjoying light aircraft flights over the capital. Scroll down for video North Korea's super wealthy, known as 'Donju' meaning the masters of money sport designer clothes and accessories Wealthy city dwellers can now also take micro plane flights over Pyongyang in a four-seater aircraft These entrepreneurs and their families and friends make up around 10 per cent of the countrys population and they are an elite that the regime turns a blind eye to. Above, a North Korean takes a horse riding lesson A major economic indicator of the nation's emerging wealth is that 13-15 per cent of the population now own mobile phones North Korea's super wealthy, known as 'Donju', meaning the masters of money, reside in the capital Pyongyang and the major growth cities of Chongjin, Wonson and Hamhung. These entrepreneurs and their families and friends make up around 10 per cent of the countrys population and they are an elite that the regime turns a blind eye to, according to Chad OCarroll, director of NK News. The Seoul-based journalist told MailOnline Travel that a major economic indicator of the nation's emerging wealth is that 13-15 per cent of the population now own mobile phones. The popularity of this gadget is evident in the images taken by Christian Petersen-Clausen, who was commissioned by NK News to produce a 2017 calendar of snaps on a Koryo tour of the country in October. The powerful photographs serve to demystify an enigmatic nation the world still knows little about. OCarroll said: One thing you dont see in the pictures is the luxury brands being sold the widescreen TVs, Mont Blanc belts, wallets, the Audi A6 proudly on display. Despite the import of luxury goods to North Korea, breaching UN sanctions, these items are arriving at a premium via China. OCarroll added: There are six independent taxi companies in Pyongyang and they take payment in US dollars not local currency. Wealthy city dwellers can now even take micro plane flights over Pyongyang in a four-seater Cessna aircraft. After 2009 it became difficult for the regime to rule with an iron fist over products or private wealth. There was an increase in toleration. Above, a local drives an Audi A6 through the streets of the capital The government dont want to upset where they feel they have nothing to gain, so they have to accept these groups even if they are contradictory to its socialist constitution, explained Chad OCarroll, director of NK News Despite the import of luxury goods to North Korea breaching UN sanctions these items are arriving at a premium via China. Two men gaze at a compact camera The affluent few reside in the capital Pyongyang and the major growth cities of Chongjin, Wonson and Hamhung. A couple sport colourful international fashions and pose with their pet Dalmation Back in 2009 these privileged few were not so conspicuous, revealed O'Carroll. He noted that following the countrys devastating famines of the mid 1990s, the ration system collapsed and the fall-out from this economic mismanagement came to a head only recently. He explained: In 2009 North Koreas monetary reform shocked the economy and after that we started to see the emergence of quite a wealthy middle class. It became difficult for the regime to rule with an iron fist over products or private wealth. There was an increase in toleration. The government dont want to upset where they feel they have nothing to gain, so they have to accept these groups even if they are contradictory to its socialist constitution. OCarroll said: One thing you dont see in the pics is the luxury brands being sold the widescreen TVs, Mont Blanc belts, wallets, the Audi A6 proudly on display. A commuter strolls along while glancing at his mobile phone O'Carroll explained: In 2009 North Koreas monetary reform shocked the economy and after that we started to see the emergence of quite a wealthy middle class. Left, a man in an Adidas top talks on his mobile phones ear piece with his pet dog and right, a suited businessman carries designer hand luggage There are six independent taxi companies in Pyongyang and they take payment in US dollars not local currency The powerful photographs serve to demystify an enigmatic nation the world still knows little about Entrepreneurs who make up around 2 per cent of the population are fuelling the rise of the Donju as their families and friends are benefiting from their wealth However this wealth is still confined to a few urbanites, OCarroll admitted. He said: The rest of the country is still rural and they have little opportunity to enjoy these pleasures. 'There are tough conditions in the north where in the winter temperatures drop to -20C and there is very little heating. People in countryside are exposed to TV and domestic newspaper. They can see it but just dont have it. Acknowledging the endless contradictions of this country, O'Carroll outlined why the West is still intrigued. He concluded: It's isolated like a time capsule. Its incredible that in 2016 a country like North Korea exists surrounded by two of the biggest economies - China and Japan. 'South Korea is just over the border and North Korea is 40 times worse off, with no access to the internet. However this affluence is confined to a few urbanites revealed OCarroll. He said: The rest of the country is still rural and they have little opportunity to enjoy these pleasures People in countryside are exposed to TV and domestic newspaper. They can see it but just dont have it. Locals cross the railway tracks on their bicycles which are a common form of transport in North Korea A land of contradictions: O'Carroll said that the West's fascination continues because He 'it's isolated like a time capsule' Have you been affected? If so email ted.thornhill@travelmail.co.uk Germany's largest airline, Lufthansa, canceled 830 short and medium-haul flights on Friday affecting 100,000 passengers - thousands of them in the UK - after a pilots' strike entered its third day in a long-running dispute over wages. The carrier also announced the cancellation of another 137 long-haul flights scheduled for Saturday, affecting 30,000 more passengers. Since the strikes started on Wednesday the airline has had to cancel 2,863 flights, affecting 345,000 passengers. A passenger stands in front of the departure board at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany. Germany's largest airline, Lufthansa, canceled 830 short and medium-haul flights on Friday It said most of its flights will be operating Saturday, and that other airlines in its group are not affected. Those include Eurowings, Germanwings, Swiss, and Austrian Airlines. Lufthansa said that o f the 63 flights scheduled to be operated by the full service airlines of the Lufthansa group in the UK on Friday, 31 have had to be cancelled - 20 to Frankfurt and 11 to Munich. Since the strike started 18 arrivals and 19 departures have been cancelled at Birmingham Airport. One UK passenger, Owen Parr, tweeted that he'd left his house at 3.15am for a Lufthansa flight from Birmingham, only to discover that it had been cancelled, he alleged, 'without notification'. The strikes called by the Cockpit union are their 14th since April 2014. The union has been announcing the continuation of the strike one day at a time, and Cockpit spokesman Joerg Handwerg told the dpa news agency that the union has made no decision on when the strikes may end. Cockpit is seeking retroactive raises of 3.66 per cent a year going back five-and-a-half years, a demand Lufthansa says is impossible as it faces increasing competition from Gulf airlines and European budget carriers. 'Cockpit's demand for a pay rise... goes far above what other groups of employees have received. It is incomprehensible why the union is seeking the highest salary increase for the best paid group of employees,' said Bettina Volkens, Lufthansa's human resources chief. A pilot in the top seniority category can earn more than 22,000 euros ($23,000 or 19,000) per month. An Airbus of Lufthansa parks in front of a Lufthansa jumbo jet at the airport in Frankfurt. The Lufthansa pilots will continue their strikes at least until Saturday If scrolling through your Instagram feed has left with you a sense of deja vu (and an inexplicable urge to visit Morocco) youre not alone. Forget posing by the Eiffel tower or gazing out to sea wistfully in Santorini, there is one photo opportunity that is driving the bloggersphere into meltdown right now. From glamorous fashion bloggers to social media stars, online influencers are making a pilgrimage to take snaps - most often from above - of the same dreamy swimming pool in the heart of a Marrakech riad and post them to Instagram. The distinctive oasis belongs to Riad Yasmine, a seven-bedroom bolthole in Marrakech Whether guests are sprawled out by the pool, which has Berber symbols on the bottom, or floating on its water, most images of the courtyard are taken from above to make the most of its pleasing aesthetic The riad is run by social media savvy French couple Gabriel Paris and Alice Tassery Palm trees offer shade over the enticing turquoise plunge pool, which is framed by cool white geometric tiles and stripy sunbeds. The distinctive oasis belongs to Riad Yasmine, a seven-bedroom bolthole in Marrakech. It opened in 2002, but the photogenic qualities of its plunge pool only became apparent earlier this month when a blogger, Lauren Bullen (Gypsea_lust), accused another woman, Diana Alexa, of copying her. Both published almost identical pictures of the pool. In explaining the popularity of their tiny hideaway among the jetset, Tassery said its relaxing, calm, zen' Riad Yasmine opened in 2002, but the photogenic qualities of its plunge pool only became apparent earlier this month when a blogger, Lauren Bullen (left), accused another woman, Diana Alexa, of copying her This is one of the few pictures of the swimming pool not taken from above The riad is run by social media savvy French couple Gabriel Paris and Alice Tassery. In explaining the popularity of their tiny hideaway among the jetset, Tassery told Mashable that its relaxing, calm, zen'. She told the website: 'The symbol inside the pool represents the Amazigh symbol which means free man, the land and the language. He welcomed his very first child in October, and now proud new dad DJ Khaled has shared the tot's first full photo. The social media super star, 40, took to Instagram on Thanksgiving to introduce the world to his son, Asahd Tuck Khaled, by sharing a snap of his boy gazing up at his mobile. Khaled and his fiance Nicole Tuck welcomed Asahd in October, and the DJ is clearly making up for lost time as he posted a host of extra cute snaps and videos of his baby boy. Scroll down for video 'Meet my son!': DJ Khaled took to Instagram on Thanksgiving to introduce the world to his newborn son, Asahd Tuck Khaled, by sharing a photo of his boy gazing up at his mobile 'All my love ones meet my JOY!! MY HAPPINESS!! MY SON!! MEET MY SON!!!ASAHD KHALED YOUNG ICON!!!!!!!!', Khaled captioned the very first image of his son. The hit-maker gushed about what a life-changing experiencing becoming a father has been in the long and touching caption. 'My son truly showed me what love is what joy is what happiness is !!! ASAHD YOU SHOWED ME WHAT LIFE IS !!', he raved. Khaled then posted a video of his son swaddled up in blankets, as he peppered his boy with kisses. 'I love you so much!' Khaled then posted a video of his son swaddled up in blankets, as he peppered his boy with kisses Oodles of love: Khaled continued to lavish his tot with affection Aww: In a final video, Khaled gave his son kisses on his head as he rubbed his back 'I love you so much! I love you so much! I love you so much!', the rapper happily proclaimed with each kiss. Khaled also shared a video of Asahd at just one day old. In a final video, Khaled gave his son kisses on his head as he rubbed his back. Oh baby: Khaled also shared a video of Asahd at just one day old Star in the making! Nicki Minaj cradled her friend's newborn son Already a bookworm! The rapper also shared a photo of baby Asahd, being read his father's book, The Keys 'Happy Thanksgiving boy, I love you,' he told his son. Little Asahd is already proving to be a star in the making - his dad posted a photo of him being cradled by none other than Nicki Minaj. 'ICONS HANG WIT ICONS ! ICON ALERT!', he captioned the snap. Precious: The rapper shared another image of his sweet son 'All praise to the most high': The 40-year-old couldn't contain his excitement about his newborn son, and took to Instagram in October, showing a candid shot from the delivery room Precious moments: Khaled also took to Snapchat to document Nicole's labor, and show off his newborn baby boy Intimate update: The rapper updated fans in real time during Nicole's labor on Snapchat In October, Khaled shared with his fans moments from his son's birth on Snapchat and Instagram. The rapper let fans witness everything from Nicole's contractions to her intimate examinations. The updates, which combined came to eight minutes in length, shared the most intimate moments, including the mother-to-be with her legs spread while the doctor inspected the birth canal. Private yet public: The updates, which combined came to eight minutes in length, shared the most intimate moments, including the mother-to-be with her legs spread Labor of love: The new mom obviously appeared in pain during her contractions But: Khaled was right by her side holding her hand throughout the entire birth all the while documenting the entire process on social media In the video Khaled revealed how nervous he was in anticipation. While listening to soothing music the dad-to-be rocked anxiously back and forth. But he wasn't alone. Khaled's mother and other family members, along with friends, joined him and Nicole at the hospital. As he stood back and recorded, doctors instructed Nicole to breath while counting the seconds between contractions as family and friends held her hands and encouraged her. Father's commitment: 'Contractions...my son soon...I love you son' Impatient: In the Snapchat video the DJ kept asking the doctor, 'how much longer, Doc?' The DJ continued filming from the sidelines and told the doctors not to worry about the camera and to just do their job. An unknown amount of time later and seven minutes into his Snapchat feed, Khaled finally exclaimed through his laughter, 'Baby's here!' And although he didn't show his son right away he said, 'I'm gonna let you hear it' referring to his newborn son's crying. 'It's go time': The DJ shared a shot from the delivery room before Nicole went into Labor. The image shows him affectionately kissing his love's belly Big moment! An unknown amount of time later and seven minutes into his Snapchat feed Khaled finally exclaimed through his laughter, 'Baby's here!' Overwhelmed: The new dad joined in with his baby boy and cried 'tears of joy' The new dad joined in with his baby boy and cried 'tears of joy.' Following the birth, Khaled explained during an interview with Rolling Stone why he kept images to a minimum of his son and fiance during the labour. 'He's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I want to get with my queen and put him in his nice Air Jordans and be properly dressed before I send a picture out to the world. I can't wait for you to see him to show you an icon. 'Right now, I'm on tour, and he's in a secret location an iconic secret location. He's real cool. He's a young don.' Thankful: Khaled thanked the medical team for all their help and his mom even hugged one of the doctor's and told her she loved her to which the doctor humbly replied, 'It was my pleasure' Sweet shot: DJ Khaled's Snapchat also included the very first family picture She may have just completed a stint on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing, but Laura Whitmore is still one of the darlings of ITV. The TV presenter made a triumphant return to the red carpet on Thursday night for the ITV Gala, putting the fallout of her Strictly exit to one side for the evening. She looked especially gorgeous in a slinky red gown which skimmed the red carpet as she made a grand entrance to the London Palladium. Scroll down for video Screen siren: Laura Whitmore looked ravishing in red on Thursday night as she turned out for the ITV Gala in London Laura showed off her dancer's figure in the nightie-style garment, which hung off her from a high neckline. It featured a sultry low, backless aspect, which she revealed as she turned to walked into the venue and join the stars. The Irish TV sensation also cleverly complemented the scarlet dress with a matching lipstick. Stunning: Her dress skimmed the red carpet with a modest train Glamazon: She joined the star-studded proceedings in an especially glamorous gown Through her claret lips, the blonde bombshell shot her distinctive smile, proving that the last week's controversies were not going to keep her down. Following her exit from Strictly Come Dancing two weeks ago, the television personality was plagued by rumours that she and Giovanni had fallen out. Insiders close to the beauty and her dance partner disagree about the source of the tension between Giovanni and Laura. Stunning: She brushed the controversy with partner Giovanni Pernice to one side Posing up a storm: She was joined by fellow presenter Emma Willis on the night Perfect pair: The glamorous duo stood and posed for pictures together It is known that Laura is a friend of Giovanni's ex-girlfriend, actress Georgia May Foote, 25, who he dated after her own appearance on the show in 2015. Laura and Giovanni left in Week 7 of the competition after a bottom two dance-off against Ore Oduba, who is due to compete in the Blackpool stage of the ballroom show next week. Laura struggled to fight back tears on her elimination after an awkward timing issue during her samba to the Gipsy Kings' Bamboleo with partner Giovanni Pernice. Having a giggle: Laura shared a laugh with Dermot O'Leary on arrival It's always a good idea to try to burn off a few calories before indulging in Thanksgiving dinner. And Jennifer Garner and her mother Patricia appeared to be doing just that on Thursday morning when they were spotted at the annual Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot in the tiny Los Angeles neighbourhood. The 44-year-old, who cheered on runners, wore a brown event T-shirt over a white long-sleeved T-shirt, black leggings and bright yellow sneakers. Scroll down for video Out and about: Jennifer Garner and her mother Patricia were spotted at the Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot in the tony Los Angeles neighbourhood on Thanksgiving Day morning Her brunette tresses were pulled back into a ponytail and she covered her eyes with a pair of shades. Patricia wore a blue and white-stripe T-shirt with a grey sweatshirt tied around her waist, jeans and black New Balance sneakers. The duo were joined by a male friend who gamely walked the family's golden retriever. So happy: The 44-year-old wore a brown event T-shirt over a white long-sleeved T-shirt, black leggings, yellow sneakers and a very bright smile The Turkey Trot, a 5k or 10k run which starts and finishes at Palisades High School, kicked off at 8am and raises money for the Hearts With Hope Foundation. The organisation brings medical, dental and administrative care to children living with congenital heart disease throughout the world. Whether Jen and Pat were actually taking part in the run is open to question as the actress was pulling a cart that she usually uses for shopping or to transport one of the three children she shares with estranged husband Ben Affleck, 44. On the Trot or not?: Whether Jen and Pat were actually taking part in the run is open to question as the actress was pulling a cart that she usually uses for shopping Good cause: The Turkey Trot, a 5k or 10k run which starts and finishes at Palisades High School, raises money for the Hearts With Hope Foundation, which brings medical and dental care to children with congenital heart disease throughout the world There was no sign of Samuel, four, and daughters Violet, 10, and seven-year-old Seraphina, so presumably there were back home with their dad. It has been over 15 months since the couple announced their separation after 10 years of marriage amid cheating claims. But Ben seems to be trying to woo back Jennifer and they looked happy when they went out for dinner with Patricia at Soho House in Malibu on Wednesday evening. As Thanksgiving kicks off in the US, Australian stars living abroad have joined in on the celebrations. From Miranda Kerr and Naomi Watts to Elle Macpherson and Curtis Stone, home-grown celebrities have taken to social media to mark the American holiday. Supermodel Miranda shared several behind-the-scenes snaps and video of her festive recipes on Instagram. Scroll down for video Thankful: Miranda Kerr leads the celebrations for Thanksgiving in the US, sharing her recipes via Instagram '#happythanksgiving (sic),' the 33-year-old shared alongside a snap of a turkey being prepped for roasting. 'About to go in the oven,' the text on the image read. Meanwhile the Kora Organics founder also had several other dishes on the go, with a video showing her prepare a sweet potato bake as well as a turkey stuffing recipe. Cooking up a storm! The 33-year-old supermodel shared behind-the-scenes snaps of her Thanksgiving turkey ready for roasting Feast: Miranda was also seen preparing sweet potato bake and even a pecan pie for dessert Topping off with dessert, the mother-of-one also showed off her baking skills with a healthy looking pecan pie. Miranda wasn't the only celebrity celebrating the holidays in the kitchen. Naomi Watts, 48, appeared to learn several cooking tips from a professional chef. Call the experts: Naomi Watts enlisted the help of a professional chef in New York to whip up festive treats 'Happy thanksgiving!! Thanks to this guy,' the actress captioned a happy snap of herself posing with the New York caterer and a huge turkey. She appeared to poke fun at her culinary skills, adding the hash-tags: 'call the experts' and 'know your limits'. In another photo, the Shut In star was seen preparing fresh pasta with her chef buddy by her side. Learning new tricks: The 48-year-old actress also gushed about learning to make 'butternut squash ravioli' 'Learned how to make butternut squash ravioli. Happy thanksgiving to everyone!!' she gushed. Hugh Jackman simply shared a snap of himself while at a beach, writing: 'Happy Thanksgiving #allbehappy (sic).' Looking youthful as ever, the 48-year-old cut a handsome figure in an all-black ensemble of jeans and a T-shirt, keeping warm with a large puffer jacket. 'All be happy': Hugh Jackman spread the message of happiness to his Instagram followers, sharing a snap of himself enjoying a beach walk Also joining the celebrations were supermodel Elle Macpherson, celebrity chef Curtis Stone, and actress Tammin Sursok. Elle, 52, appeared to be holidaying in the Bahamas as she wished her fans a happy Thanksgiving. 'Pink sands Bahamas,' the mother-of-two captioned a snap of the words 'Happy Thanksgiving' etched into the sand. 'I woke up this morning with stuffing in my fridge': Chef Curtis Stone reposted a snap of his wife Lindsay Price Holiday mode: Elle Macpherson shared a photo of the message 'Happy Thanksgiving' etched on the sands of a beach Cooking sensation Curtis reposted a photo shared by his wife Lindsay Price, who was busy prepping dishes for their family dinner. 'Late last night after my children went to sleep this insane knife wielding scotch drinking woman took over my kitchen and I woke up this morning with stuffing in my fridge,' Lindsay's post read. Former Home And Away star Tammin shared a snap of her family, including husband Sean McEwen and their daughter Phoenix, three. She's recently revealed that she feels uncomfortable in swimwear. But since making the surprising confession, Home And Away's Pia Miller has posted a snap of herself in a string bikini to Instagram. In the throwback photo shared to social media on Friday, the 33-year-old is pictured perching on the edge of a boat. Scroll down for video Still uncomfortable? Home and Away's Pia Miller has shared a picture of herself in a string bikini on Friday, just days after complaining she felt insecure in swimwear The brunette smiles contentedly at the turquoise water, at Whitehaven Beach in Queensland's Whitsundays. The soap star and model wears a black string bikini revealing her toned derriere and legs. Pia looks every bit the Summer Bay beach babe with her tanned skin and long locks loose over her shoulders. She captions the photo: '& jump in'. Speaking to OK! this week, the Pia candidly spoke of her demons, saying: 'I've never really felt comfortable doing a photo shoot wearing swimwear.' Giving some front! In a photo uploaded a week earlier, Pia looked anything but shy as she posed in a tiny yellow string bikini that showcased her washboard abs, cleavage and bronzed pins 'I've never really felt comfortable doing a photo shoot wearing swimwear': Pia Miller, 33, has admitted to struggling with body image issues 'But since taking the role on Home And Away, and my character is in swimwear, I've really had to go, 'Right I have to embrace this and be cool with it, or I'm going to shy away from it all the time.'' Despite her claims, Pia hasn't held back from flaunting her figure in barely-there swimwear on social media. The mother-of-three's most recent body-baring snap was shared last week during a trip to the beach with her beau Tyson Mullane. 'I have to embrace this': She revealed her oft bikini-clad role on Home And Away has made her suppress any insecurities She's no shrinking violet! Despite her claims, Pia hasn't held back from flaunting her figure in barely-there swimwear on social media Proudly showcasing her bare back and pert derriere, Pia is seen posing in a daring, plunge-back swimming costume as she poses on a rocky beach-side crag. In a photo uploaded a week earlier, Pia looked anything but shy as she posed in a tiny yellow string bikini that showcased her washboard abs, cleavage and bronzed pins. The Chile-born beauty once credited sleep, healthy eating and regular workouts for her stunning looks. Baby got back! The mother-of-three's most recent body-baring snap was shared last week during a trip to the beach with her beau Tyson Mullane 'Eating right and sleeping right': She credited her balanced diet and healthy lifestyle for her fabulous physique 'My workout philosophy is to combine weights or high-cardio with a low-impact regime like yoga or Pilates for rest and recovery,' she told Women's Health and Fitness. 'For me, it's about balancing the two eating right and sleeping right. I'm a big sleep advocate.' Despite often being praised for her natural beauty, Pia previously told News Corp that she believes true beauty extends beyond the physical. 'My mum always reminded me that I was greater than my appearance and my physical beauty,' she said. 'Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and packages and you have to understand that it's more than just physical appearance.' Gym-honed physique: 'My workout philosophy is to combine weights or high-cardio with a low-impact regime like yoga or Pilates for rest and recovery,' she told Women's Health and Fitness 'Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes': Despite often being praised for her natural beauty, Pia previously told News Corp that she believes true beauty extends beyond the physical Penelope Cruz was supported by sister Monica on Thursday night at her red carpet premiere at Callao City Lights, Spain - but it was hard to tell them apart. Actress Penelope, 42, was premiering her new film La Reina De Espana when her lookalike sibling, 39, crashed the red carpet for a cuddle. Penelope, the exquisite wife of Javier Bardem, held her own in a dazzling silver dress which hugged to every inch of her hourglass shape. Scroll down for video Stunning: Penelope Cruz was dazzling at the La Reina de Espana premiere at Callao City Lights in Madrid on Thursday night Penelope was the ultimate screen siren with her lips lined in red, not looking a day older than her younger sister. Monica, to her left, wore a classic black dress and cut a distinctly similar appearance to Penelope. The brunette wore a dress that cut low on her neckline but served up just enough to avoid upstaging her sister on her big night. Sister act: Penelope was accompanied by lookalike sister Monica on the red carpet Red carpet star: The brunette beauty was a vision in her sparkling dress Red carpet queen: She was the ultimate screen siren in her sparkling silver dress She was also posing with co-star Chino Darin, who plays Leo, and looked slick in a black suit. Penelope stars in new comedy drama La Reina De Espana - or The Queen of Spain - a film that she has been promoting in Madrid for the last month. The film is written and directed by Fernando Trueba and serves as a sequel to Trueba's 1998 drama The Girl Of Your Dreams. Supportive: Monica was there to see her sister premiere her new film Stunners: She plumped for a black dress to avoid upstaging her sister Causing a frenzy: Penelope walked in to a frenzy of flashing cameras Penelope reprises her role as Macarena Granada, who has become a Hollywood star and returns to Spain to film a blockbuster about the Queen. It is a Spanish-language film and not only is Penelope starring in the film but she is executive producing. The multi-talented actress has already lined up three projects for 2017, an Untitled Asghar Farhadi Project, Murder On The Orient Express and Escobar. She was seen tearing up in the audience as Selena Gomez spoke of her battle with depression at the American Music Awards this week. And Lady Gaga has congratulated Selena for speaking so candidly about her inner turmoil, telling KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O that her speech was 'kind of like watching someone rip the shackles off their arms and unchain themselves.' Chatting to the radio shock jocks on Friday, the Born This Way songstress gushed about courageous Selena's, saying: 'I found it very brave of her to stand up and speak about [depression].' Scroll down for video 'I found it very brave': Lady Gaga has congratulated Selena for speaking so candidly about her inner turmoil at the American Music Awards earlier this week 'I know her and I had a kindred excitement for her at that moment,' she explained. Revealing her advice for fellow celebrities, the wig-wearing show woman said: 'You don't always have to keep up a good face and a good front in order to succeed. What's most important is that on the inside you're OK because it's your heart that matters.' Hot on the media trail, Lady Gaga also spoke to 2DAY FM's Rove and Sam on Friday morning, revealing her opinions on the stress placed upon young celebrities in the age of social media. 'You become sad': Hot on the media trail, Lady Gaga also spoke to 2DAY FM's Rove and Sam on Friday morning, revealing her opinions on the stress placed upon young celebrities in the age of social media Taking time out: Meanwhile, Selena has been dealing with her demons through rehabilitation since August 'If you become obsessed with what people think about you, what it does is that it distracts you from your purpose. And then you become sad,' she explained. She however did deliver a dose of reality to keep things in perspective, reminding the radio twosome that: 'There's other things that are happening besides the strife of fame,' such as poverty in developing nations. Meanwhile, Selena has been dealing with her demons through rehabilitation since August. Back in the spotlight! The American Music Awards marked her first public appearance since starting rehab At the time, she announced that she was taking a break to deal with anxiety, panic attacks and depression stemming from her battle with lupus. The American Music Awards marked her first public appearance since starting rehab. Taking the stage to accept the award for favorite female pop/rock artist, Selena revealed to the audience that despite her glamorous lifestyle, she was 'absolutely broken.' 'I kept it all together enough so I would never let you down, but I kept it too much together to where I let myself down,' she confessed. From the heart: Taking the stage to accept the award for favorite female pop/rock artist, Selena revealed to the audience that despite her glamorous lifestyle, she was 'absolutely broken' She welcomed her daughter into the world exactly a week ago. And Laura Csortan has shared the very first photo of her newborn baby girl. The 40-year-old posted a black and white snap of the bub resting on her shoulder on Instagram, on Friday. So sweet: Laura Csortan shared the very first photo of her newborn baby girl Layla Rose on Friday morning 'Bliss... morning cuddles with my Layla Rose,' she captioned the picture, along with a rose emoticon. In the snap, the one week old bub is seen wearing a black and white polka dot onesie. Laura appears makeup free and dressed in a black singlet top as she reclines on her bed with her precious child. The TV personality announced the birth of baby girl Layla Rose Csortan on Instagram on Friday night. Proud parent: This is the first child for single mother Laura, who has chose not to reveal the identity of Layla Rose's father 'Welcome to the world my angel': The TV personality announced the birth of baby girl Layla Rose Csortan on Instagram last week 'Welcome to the world my angel,' she captioned a photo of herself holding her newborn's hand. 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 hardest thing': Laura has spoken candidly about the difficultly she expects to face while raising her child as a single mother The photo saw Laura holding onto her baby girl's hand, which looked precious by comparison. 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.' 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. He first debuted the pretty brunette on his social media page in October. And Daniel Johns appears to still be enjoying his new life in Los Angeles as she posed for a snap with rumoured girlfriend Sonya. Looking bleary-eyed in a sheer black shirt, the 37-year-old was also joined by musician pal Josh Mullane who sat beside Sonya in the Instagram photo. Scroll down for video Moody: Daniel Johns looked bleary-eyed as she posed for a photo alongside his rumoured new girlfriend Sonya and musician pal Josh Mullane Offering no real caption for the moody photo, the former Silverchair frontman simply wrote: '.....' Sonya matched the rocker's aesthetics in all-black, sporting a similar sheer lace shirt and jeans. It's the second time the vampy model has featured on Daniel's Instagram page. 'My giiiiirl': Daniel first showed off his female friend on Instagram in a seemingly loved-up snap last month He first set tongues wagging last month after sharing a photo of the bombshell sitting on his lap. Appearing worse for wear in the photo, he captioned it: ''My giiiiirl the vampire.' Daniel continued, 'Forever I'm dancing with the devil,' before adding the hash tags 'Baby' and 'Girl'. Split? Prior to being spotted with Sonya, Daniel was dating Estelita Huijer for several years after getting together in 2012 A tattooed Daniel appeared without a shirt, while Sonya wore glasses and styled her raven locks in loose waves. In July, it was reported Daniel was taking a break from music to head to LA, where he allegedly began a new relationship. There has been no official confirmation that Estelita and Daniel have split, after first getting together in 2012. Sea change: The troubled rocker recently moved to LA, where he allegedly began a relationship with his new girlfriend The Newcastle-born musician told News.com.au he was 'feeling really good, really inspired' as rumours of a split surfaced in July. 'I'm here to escape, I am here to do something,' Daniel added, speaking about he decision to live in America. Amid rumours about his love life, Daniel is also known for his well-documented health problems. After rising to fame in the late '90s as a teenager, Daniel suffered from anxiety, depression and anorexia nervosa. It has been said that Daniel didn't feel confident in himself until his relationship with Natalie Imbruglia in 1999. He went into 'hiding' for four years in 2011, only to re-emerge last year for the release of his first solo album, Talk. She's famed for her trademark pout and love of lipstick. And Candice Brown ensured both would be on display as she posed up a storm at the Beauty Awards in association with OK! and Debenhams at the Banqueting House in London on Thursday night. Joined by her boyfriend Liam Macaulay - who she recently denied being engaged to - the Great British Bake Off champ, 31, seemed in great spirits on the night. Scroll down for video Glam: Candice Brown posed up a storm at the Beauty Awards in association with OK! and Debenhams at the Banqueting House in London on Thursday night Oozing glamour, the baking beauty donned an off the shoulder black gown that cinched in at her slender waist and flared out to mid-calf length. Injecting some colour she donned a pair of leopard print heels with a matching clutch bag which complemented her chunky gold bangle. In her trademark style, the brunette bombshell also rocked a strong lip colour, lining her plump pout with a slick of fuschia. Two's company: Joined by her boyfriend Liam Macaulay - who she recently denied being engaged to - the Great British Bake Off champ, 31, seemed in great spirits on the night Beautiful in black: Oozing glamour, the baking beauty donned an off the shoulder black gown that cinched in at her slender waist and flared out to mid-calf length The starlet - who was famed for her sassy pout on the BBC competition - reverted to her fail-safe pose for the cameras but seemed in high spirits. Cuddling up to her boyfriend, the pair made for a handsome couple. Every inch as stylish as his sweetheart, Liam donned a fitted navy suit that he teamed with a tartan tie. Getting lippy: In her trademark style, the brunette bombshell also rocked a strong lip colour, lining her plump pout with a slick of fuschia All about the accessories: Injecting some colour she donned a pair of leopard print heels with a matching clutch bag which complemented her chunky gold bangle Pout it out: The starlet - who was famed for her sassy pout on the BBC competition - reverted to her fail-safe pose for the cameras but seemed in high spirits Two of a kind: Cuddling up to her boyfriend, the pair made for a handsome couple. Every inch as stylish as his sweetheart, Liam donned a fitted navy suit that he teamed with a tartan tie Last week, the star denied rumours they had become engaged after she was spotted wearing a ring on that finger. Appearing on Loose Women, she insisted that there's 'no wedding plans.' She added: 'He's great. He's pretty shy. He's happy to be there. He tells me every day he's proud of me.' Heading home: Candice looked in high spirits as she exited the events, while balancing a statement handbag on her shoulder Keeping him busy: Her beau Liam had his hands full with a suitcase and a number of bags They both made quite the impression on raunchy reality show Love Island this summer. And Kady McDermott and Olivia Buckland ensured they were still grabbing headlines when they attended the ITV Gala, hosted at the London Palladium on Thursday night. Brunette beauty Kady, 21, left little to the imagination by going braless in a very racy black lace dress. Scroll down for video Risque fashion: Love Island's Kady McDermott sported a barely-there dress to attend the ITV Gala, hosted at the London Palladium on Thursday night Glittering goddess: Her former housemate Olivia Buckland opted for a surprisingly demure and elegant dress Genetically gifted pair: Olivia arrived with her hunky man and Love Island co-star Alex Bowen Dapper: Alex looked hunky in a beige blazer, crisp white shirt and tie The striking star risked flashing more than she bargained for in the sheer number, with embroidery barely covering her modesty. Kady wore just a pair of high-waisted hot pants underneath the dress, turning around to showcase her posterior. She carried a black clutch bag under one arm and added a touch of sparkle thanks to a diamante choker. Cheeky: Kady wore just a pair of high-waisted hot pants underneath the dress, turning around to showcase her posterior Cute couple: Kady and her boyfriend Scott Thomas are still living the dream after meeting on ITVBe reality show Love Island over the summer Racy: The striking star risked flashing more than she bargained for in the sheer number, with embroidery barely covering her modesty The petite beauty pulled her hair back from her face and completed her look with a pair of peep-toe black heels. Meanwhile, Olivia opted for a more demure look in a glitzy silver gown, channeling Hollywood glamour in the stunning frock. The floor-length gown featured a soft pink feathered hemline and gorgeous silver detailing snaking down the length. She styled her ombre bob in old school curls and upped the glamour with heavy smoky eyes. Statement style: The petite beauty pulled her hair back from her face and completed her look with a pair of peep-toe black heels Bling: She carried a black clutch bag under one arm and added a touch of sparkle thanks to a diamante choker Kady oozed confidence in the daring number as she headed home with her beau Having a laugh: Scott was visibly in a great mood as he put on a very animated display while leaving Kady and her boyfriend Scott Thomas are still loved-up following their whirlwind summer romance. The loved-up duo suffered a tumultuous romance on Love Island, yet would always make-up in an intimate fashion - although they were more composed than their housemates. Talking to Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on This Morning earlier this year, Kady said: 'We didnt plan on doing it. I didnt think anyone would be having sex in the house.' Scott concurred with his stunning girlfriend: 'Everyones at it, so you dont think anything of it, but I dont think we were that bad. Others were worse.' Wow factor: Olivia's floor-length gown featured a soft pink feathered hemline and gorgeous silver detailing snaking down the length. Striking: The TV star styled her ombre bob in old school curls and upped the glamour with heavy smoky eyes He's been enjoying a career resurgence after joining the breakfast team at Hit 101.9 Fox FM earlier this year. And Brendan Fevola proved he had a face for radio in a hilarious Instagram photo he shared on Friday morning. The 35-year-old former AFL star wore a strange ladies' wig and proudly showed off his missing tooth. Scroll down for video That's a face for radio! Brendan Fevola showed off his missing tooth while posing in a bizarre ladies' wig in the Hit 101.9 Fox FM studios in Melbourne on Friday The photo was taken after recording Fifi, Dave & Fev's breakfast show at the Fox FM studios in Melbourne. In the photo, Brendan smiles for the camera to reveal a missing front tooth - likely the result of an injury from his footy career. He also wears a brunette wig which sits rather awkwardly on his head and shows off his Movember facial hair. In the caption, Brendan wrote: 'When you're nailing life #goals #hot #smoking #MILF'. Career comeback: Brendan joined Fifi and Dave's breakfast show in April after his appearance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Pictured with fiancee Alex Fevola last month Brendan's fans were quick to offer the former Carlton player some dental advice. 'Dude get a dental bridge done they aren't expensive and look awesome,' read a comment. Meanwhile, other fans wrote, 'Ouch! My retinas!', 'It's an improvement' and 'Where is your tooth?' 'Dude get a dental bridge done they aren't expensive and look awesome': Brendan's fans were quick to offer the former Carlton player some dental advice Brendan joined Fifi Box and Dave Thornton's breakfast show back in April. The radio job followed his 'comeback' on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! earlier in the year. He was eventually crowned King Of The Jungle, placing ahead of bookies' favourite Shane Warne. He recently revealed on the Today show he had lost an impressive 10kg. And Karl Stefanovic happily showed off his new frame while heading to his daughter's school musical on Friday. The newly svelte journalist was dressed in a suave navy jacket over an unbuttoned white shirt and jeans for the occasion. Scroll down for video Daddy cool: Karl Stefanovic revealed his recent weight loss as he headed to watch his daughter's musical on Friday The 42-year-old Channel Nine journalist drove his flash white Mercedes to 11-year-old daughter Ava's performance. Tucking his brown sunglasses through his shirt, Karl looked pensive as he walked down the street. The newly single TV host was dressed to impress in his tight blue skinny jeans with a smart-looking navy blazer. Nice ride: The Today Show presenter arrived at the event in his flash white Mercedes Juggling act: The newly-svelte Karl had his hands full with a phone, wallet and shopping bag Proud dad: The 42-year-old was there supporting his daughter's endeavours His white shirt had its top few button undone, exposing the popular TV personality's chest hair. He wore comfortable-looking brown boots, which completed the smart casual look. The clean-shaven host also wore a red string bracelet on his left wrist, and carried a shopping bag and his phone in the other hand. The bracelet, which has been worn by the Logie-winning presenter for the past few years, was a gift from his daughter. 'It was a gift from my daughter. Its a bracelet that says love,' the father-of-three told News.com.au of the accessory last year. 'A lot of people think its Kabbalah. Its not Not thats theres anything wrong with mystic Judaism.' Missed something? His white shirt had its top few button undone, exposing the popular TV personality's chest hair Daddy's girl: Karl revealed his red bracelet was a gift from his daughter, and he still wears it years later Karl touched his face and looked at the street as he made his way into the performance. Recently, Channel Nine boss Darren Wick confirmed the morning TV host will be taking at least a month off work as he deals with family issues following his split with This week, New Idea magazine claimed Karl has taken a liking to a younger woman since his relationship breakdown and developed a crush on engaged food blogger Sofia Levin, 27, after she made a guest appearance on the breakfast program several weeks ago. Looking forward: Karl put his wallet into his pocket as he went to go see his daughter 'Karl loves how free and easy Sofia is - she's a lot of fun,' the magazine's insider claimed. Today co-host and long time friend Lisa Wilkinson has slammed all the 'lies' that have been published in magazines about Karl's split. The 56-year-old journalist told Mamamia she's 'angry' and 'disgusted' about all the reports because she's concerned for Karl and Cassandra and their three young children. Changing his appearance: Karl's recent weight loss was noticeable as he walked down the street 'There's a lot of rubbish out there, a lot of lies,' she said. Mentioning magazines as one media outlet, she said she was 'disgusted' about all the reports being published and even the comments on all the stories. Karl split from former ABC journalist Cassandra Thorburn in September after more than two decades of marriage. Who Do You Think You Are? Rating: Grand Designs: House Of The Year Rating: Some stars approached to have their ancestry researched on Who Do You Think You Are? (BBC1) end up being dropped because their stories are just too dull. When it came to Danny Dyer, the producers must have been rubbing their hands with glee. A swaggering Cockney with a nice patter in rhyming slang, Dyer is best known for playing Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter in EastEnders. He wasnt wrong when he said: People are going to expect me to be related to criminals. But Id like to freak them out and be descended from aristocracy. Danny Dyer delved into his family tree and found a link to one of Henry VII's top men Early delving into his family tree on this fathers side initially indicated that the criminal connections were looking far more likely than the aristocratic ones. His three-times great-grandmother, Mary Ann, had ended up in the workhouse after being suspected of killing her illegitimate daughter. Further investigation revealed that Mary Ann had likely delivered her own baby and the child had died in the process. In a panic she hid the babys body in a bucket and covered it with ashes. Mary Ann went on to make a good marriage and it was through her husbands family that Dyer was able to trace his ancestors back to grander circumstances. His ten-times great-grandfather Robert was landed gentry, a Cavalier in the English Civil war who, in the words of Dyer, was a proper geezer, as game as you like. Dyer visited the stately home in Suffolk where his distant relative once lived and learned of further, even more impressive, connections. Going back another five generations, he discovered his 15-times great-grandfather was Thomas Cromwell, right-hand man to Henry VIII. Dyer was particularly tickled that, like him, Cromwell came from humble beginnings and his father, a blacksmith, had also run a tavern. Eastenders actor Danny Dyer discovered his 15-times great-grandfather was Thomas Cromwell Before falling foul of King Henry, Cromwell had married his own son off to Elizabeth Seymour and through her lineage Dyer found that he was the 22-times great-grandson of Edward III. There it was in black and white a direct line from royalty through to a man once nominated as Britains Sexiest Soap Star. With Dyer puffed up with pride at his surprising blood line, it was a terrifically entertaining opening episode to the 13th series of Who Do You Think You Are? There have been times when it felt like the programme was running out of steam but with Dyers story it really was back with a bang. MISCREANTS OF THE WEEK If ASBOs were handed out to animals then one would definitely go to mischievous otters Wallace and Annie. In The Secret Life of The Zoo (C4) we saw how they waited for Kendari (a pig-like babirusa) to go to bed before they chucked pebbles at the door of her pen for fun. Advertisement Also back was Grand Designs: House Of The Year (C4). In the first of four parts Kevin McCloud showed us five of the contenders for the short list. The two that made it through included an ultra-modern house in the Forest of Dean that, with grass on the roof, looked very much like the Teletubbies home. It was so big that the owners, two artists, travelled between rooms on childrens scooters. Kevin McCloud showed us five of the contenders for the short list for House of the Year The second house to go through to the next stage was a two-storey refurbishment of a Sixties building in Wiltshire. As with every house on Grand Designs, none of the inhabitants seemed to have any stuff. Even in homes where children lived there were clean surfaces, empty shelves and spotlessly white walls. How on earth do they manage it? Do they have a secret messy room into which the cameras are never allowed, where all their clutter is piled high? Perhaps aware of how unrepresentative the homes featured in Grand Designs are, Kevin McCloud made the point that they were important because: What we see influences the design of your home tomorrow. Somehow I doubt that home owners up and down the land will be racing to install media rooms or laying turf on the roofs of their three-bedroom semis. Even so, Grand Designs gives us a chance to do what every Brit loves have a good old nose around other peoples houses. My biggest gripe is that they always omit the one key piece of information we are dying to know: how much is it worth? Allied (15) Rating: Surely not even the brazen Hollywood publicity machine would welcome the break-up of a marriage as a means of promoting a movie. Or would it? Allied is a romantic World War II spy drama in which Brad Pitt plays a Canadian intelligence officer and intrepid airman. The film, set mainly in Morocco and London, is said to have sent his marriage to Angelina Jolie into a tailspin, even though his sexy co-star Marion Cotillard has shot down rumours of an on-set affair. Whatever the truth of the matter, and before any other warplane metaphors come to mind, the Brangelina brouhaha clearly wont hurt Allieds box-office returns. But what is the film like beyond its status as a companion piece to the worlds most talked-about divorce proceedings? In two words, so-so. It is never as gripping nor stirring as it ought to be, but it is moderately entertaining fare, torpedoed mainly by its own pretensions. More phut than fizz: Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard in World War II spy drama, Allied Director Robert Zemeckis, who made Back To The Future, has here stepped forward into the past, plonking two very modern stars into a film so self-consciously old-fashioned that it doesnt just beg comparison with one of the greatest wartime romances of all, Casablanca, but wheedles and pleads for it. There are nods and winks throughout to Michael Curtizs 1942 classic, especially in the first act, which unfolds in Casablanca itself and features more camels and gin joints than you can shake a fez at. Unfortunately, the nods and winks are rather undermined by the chemistry between Pitt and Cotillard, which has its moments of phosphorescence, but next to that produced by Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart all those years ago, is generally more phut than fizz. The film begins with Pitts character, Max Vatan, dropping by parachute into a Saharan desertscape that looks as if the sand has been carefully blow-waved. Perhaps it has. This film is rarely less than ravishing to look at, and that of course includes the leads: Pitt at his most matinee-idol dishy, and Cotillard as sultry as the Arabian night. She plays Marianne Beausejour, a French Resistance fighter in Vichy-controlled Morocco with orders to team up with Max to assassinate the German ambassador. The pair are strangers, but must pose as a devoted married couple to fool the enemy. Max is passed off as the Parisian owner of a phosphates company, so in the absence of much sexual chemistry there is at least some of the real stuff. The alias also enables Pitt to speak French, last heard in his valedictory film with Jolie, the immensely dreary By The Sea, in which, with obliging prescience, they played a gorgeous-looking American couple whose marriage is veering towards the rocks. Anyway, the ruse all goes to plan until an SS officer recognises Max as a suspected Allied spy, whereupon our hero risks his floppy hairdo to dispatch the rotter before he can raise the alarm. He then risks it further when he and Marianne consummate their rapidly growing attraction in a car during a sandstorm, a scene almost worthy of a perfume commercial. All this accounts for the first 45 minutes or so. The action then shifts to London, where Max and Marianne are married with a baby and living in domestic bliss in Hampstead. He is back in uniform, while she, after all that undercover excitement, must now content herself with lines such as lets go to the heath and pick mushrooms. But then comes the films narrative bombshell, and this is no more of a spoiler than has already been issued by the endless cinema trailers, so I feel at liberty to share it. Marianne might not be who she says she is. She might be a German spy. Max must find out, which in another unsubtle reference to Casablanca the film, involves the playing of the Marseillaise. Can Marianne really be an enemy agent? She made headlines after THAT skinny dipping trip in Hawaii with Justin Bieber earlier this year. And it seems Sahara Ray just can't keep her clothes on, as the Australian bikini model went topless yet again on Friday. The 23-year-old beauty left nothing to the imagination as she posed almost naked in her latest Instagram photo. Scroll down for video Baby, oh! Justin Bieber's rumoured ex-girlfriend Sahara Ray posed TOPLESS again on Friday Sahara, the daughter of Australian surfer Tony Ray, showed off her bronzed figure while reading in a backyard. Her ample breasts were on full display and she offered a glimpse of nipple in the photo, which was taken from above. The swimwear designer styled her beach blonde hair in a scruffy updo while soaking up the sun's rays. Did they? Sahara (R) is known for her rumoured 'fling' with Justin Bieber after naked photos of them on holiday in Hawaii surfaced in August Famous: The bikini designer and model is the daughter of Australian surfing legend Tony Ray She appeared to have ditched her light pink bikini, as the top is casually laying on the decks by a plate of sliced melon. Sahara barely concealed her modesty behind a book and cut a relaxed figure below a leafy tree in the photo. The model is perhaps best known for her rumoured 'fling' with Justin Bieber after racy photos of them surfaced in August. Exhibitionist: The 23-year-old certainly likes to show off her busty figure on social media Her own best advert! Sahara often models her own bikini designs in her racy Instagram photos During their 'holiday romance', the pair stripped naked for a dip in a lake while on vacation in Hawaii. She was previously linked to pop star Cody Simpson - who, ironically, has been called 'Australia's Justin Bieber'. They reportedly dated in 2015 following Cody's split from model Gigi Hadid. Speculation has continued to run rife that George Burgess and his fiancee Joanna King will wed within days as the Rabbitohs player recently returned from his bucks night. On Friday, a heavily pregnant Joanna shared a snap to Instagram of the loved-up couple walking along the beach, writing in the caption alongside it 'Back from from his bucks in one piece'. With the hashtag 'familytime', the relaxed photo of the pair only adds to conjecture that wedding bells are not far off. Scroll down for video 'Family time': Joanna King has posted yet another cryptic picture of her and fiance George Burgess, fuelling speculation the heavily pregnant blonde will wed the NRL star within days Arms around each other, the cute snap shows the pair walking their dogs along a sandy Sydney beach. Joanna is wearing a form-fitting grey T-shirt dress which shows off her bulging baby bump. The interior design student accessorised her look with white cat eye sunglasses and a black fedora, her long blonde locks loose over her shoulders. George looked equally beachy in Birkenstocks, dark shorts and a navy T-shirt. Wedding bells: As Joanna remains tight-lipped about when exactly she will marry NRL star, an Instagram post about her wedding dress on Tuesday suggested that it could take place soon Joanna accompanied the photo with a thankful message that her fiance had come home after his pre-wedding celebrations. It comes after an Instagram post about her wedding dress on Tuesday suggested the ceremony could take place very soon. The pregnant WAG, who is studying interior design, showed off her burgeoning baby bump in white body con dress after what she described as her 'final fitting.' Celebrating: Joanna previously hinted that their wedding may be fast approaching in a snap of herself and her bridesmaids wearing matching silk dressing gowns on Instagram 'Final fitting complete Baby B loved being fussed over - Extra fittings catered just for him,' she captioned. Days before she was also pictured enjoying a 'pre-wedding' pamper with her bridesmaids and her future mother-in-law - all wearing matching silk dressing gowns. All of the beauties looked fresh-faced in the photo as they posed closely to one another in front of a table covered in makeup, champagne and cheese and crackers. Joanna captioned the photo: 'Gorgeous pamper night with my bridesmaids and mum to be. 'Thanks to @brownsugarhairandbeauty for organising such a special evening.' George's mother, Julie Burgess, also hinted that the wedding day was around the corner, commenting on the post: 'Lovely pre-wedding pampering...thank you to all the staff for being so thoughtful.' One of Joanna's bridesmaids also shared a close-up photo of their cheese platter and beverages along with the caption: 'When your bestie/bride to be spoils you & the ladies with a pre wedding pamper night.' Earlier this year, the beauty salon confirmed on social media that she will be looking after the blonde beauty's hair and makeup for her wedding day. 'The Brown Sugar Hair & Beauty team is honoured to do her hair for her upcoming wedding with our collective crush, George Burgess. Swoon,' they posted back in January. Heading back: Speculation that Joanna and the NRL player may be tying the knot in the coming days comes after he jetted to England to represent the country in 4-Nations competition Baby alert: Last week, Joanna announced she and George were expecting a baby boy on social media Speculation that Joanna and the NRL player may be tying the knot in coming days comes after he jetted to England to represent the country in the 17-man squad 4-Nations competition against Australia. Last week, Joanna announced she and George were expecting a baby boy on social media. They confirmed in September that they were expecting their first child, eight months after the sportsman dropped to one knee and proposed. She often flaunts her figure in often explicit photos on social media. But Caitlin Stasey proved she too went through an awkward teen phase as she shared a photo from her childhood on Thanksgiving. 'Also grateful I don't look like a young George Lopez anymore,' the 26-year-old quipped, comparing her former looks to that of the 55-year-old American actor. Scroll down for video Flashback! Caitlin Stasey shared a photo of her teenage self, joking that she used to look like 55-year-old American actor George Lopez The snap appeared to be taken quite some years ago, with Caitlin sporting jet black hair worn in pig tails. She appeared to be sitting down for dinner while wearing a pink hoodie. Earlier this month, the US-based star shared an intimate detail about her personal life, revealing on social media that she had an abortion at age 22. Thankful: The 26-year-old shared the snap along with the hilarious caption as part of Thanksgiving celebrations The Australian actress made the revelation in the wake of Republican Donald Trump's victory in the 2016 presidential election. Trump has previously declared himself 'pro-life' and in March said women should face 'some sort of punishment' after having an abortion in the event the practice was outlawed. 'When I was 22 I fell pregnant. I was terrified and alone in a city without my family, or a partner to support me,' Caitlin began in her post. Personal: The actress recently revealed on social media that she had an abortion at age 22, while showing her support for women's rights 'Luckily I was in California, one of the remaining states that allows a woman to have agency over her own body. It was scary, it was sad, it was eye opening, but above all it was made easy for me.' 'My story is one of a state's successful relationship with family planning and reproductive rights. So many women are nowhere near as fortunate.' 'Now more than ever women need you, #plannedparenthoodneeds you,' Caitlin continued, referring to the non-profit organisation that offers abortion services and other sexual and reproductive health care. 'My incredible friend and partner': Caitlin's husband Lucas offered his support to the actress 'I think about that day often and while it was trying and heavy I never regretted my decision. Thank you @plannedparenthood from the bottom of my heart,' the actress concluded. Caitlin rose to fame while portraying the character Rachel Kinski on Neighbours. She has become an avid campaigner for the Free The Nipple movement as well as other women's rights on social media. She's the world's top 10 surfer, known equally for her stunning good looks. And in an interview with the Manly Daily, Laura Enever, who previously dated Hawaiian-based surfer Granger Larsen, revealed the identity of her new mystery man. The 25-year-old blonde beauty, currently dating musician Jake Smith shared: 'we actually went to primary school together.' 'We went to primary school together': Pro surfer Laura Enever, 25, revealed to the Manly Daily, Jake Smith to be the identity of her new boyfriend 'He's a musician and he's about to go on tour,' Laura revealed about Jake, whom she lives with in Sydney's northern beaches suburb of Narrabeen. 'My friend Lucy Washington sings with him and he produces the music and they're doing amazing. I'm a proud girlfriend,' she continued to gush. Jake, who forms one half of the band Yuma X, confirmed he was in a relationship with Laura, with a Tweet. Current flame: The Sydney-based star is currently dating Jake, one half of the band Yuma X Affectionate: The couple are certainly not shy in showing their adoration for one another 'Oh my god, My girlfriend just surfed jaws': Jake confirmed he was in a relationship with Laura, with a Tweet 'Oh my god, My girlfriend just surfed jaws!!!!! Watching it was the worst 40mins of my life but I am sooo unbelievably proud of her,' Jake shared to his band's account. Laura previously dated Hawaiian-based surfer Granger Larsen. Laura and Granger were one of the hottest power couples back in 2014, but parted ways by 2016. Former flame: Laura previously dated Hawaiian-based surfer Granger Larsen (pictured) It's certainly been a busy time for the slender starlet, who has collaborated with her sponsor Billabong on a series of red carpet, custom designs. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia earlier this month, Laura shared: 'I love being feminine and I love fashion.' 'I like to challenge myself in a whole lot of areas doing a lot of different projects.' Beach babe: Numerous snaps on Laura's Instagram sees the blonde beauty drawing attention to her enviable figure Creative outlet: Apart from surfing and photography, Laura has collaborated with sponsor Billabong for a range of custom, red carpet designs Despite her continuing levels of success, Laura has remained grounded. 'Surfing has opened up so many doors for me, and I've been lucky to work with so many photographers and creative people around the world. 'I love to be creative and travel, I have documented a few of my travels on my blog and it's really fun to do that and have a project on the side of competing,' she also shared with Daily Mail Australia. Their high-profile marriage has been the subject of gossip for years. But even loyal fans will be surprised by the latest revelation about Bec and Lleyton Hewitt's relationship. Bec told the Today show on Friday she had never left her husband alone with their children overnight until this week. The couple married in 2005 and have three kids - seven-year-old son Cruz, and daughters Mia, 10, and Ava, six. 'He's so more than capable!' Bec Hewitt told the Today show on Friday she had never left her husband alone with their children overnight until this week The former Home And Away star, 33, is currently in Sydney for a promotional tour as an ambassador for Barbie. And Today host Lisa Wilkinson suggested that Bec's trip was 'a big moment' for the Melbourne-based family. 'You were just telling me in the break this is the first time you've ever left Lleyton at home with the kids overnight!' she said. Off to work! Bec, who is based in Melbourne with her family, has travelled to Sydney this week for a promotional tour. She and Lleyton married in 2005 and have three children 'They had such a fun night': Bec revealed that their children enjoyed the night in with their father while she flew off to Sydney Bec replied: 'Look, he's so more than capable, and they had such a fun night. 'Obviously when I've gone out to dinners and so forth he's got it under control. 'Yeah, that was special. A bit nice,' she concluded. Gossip: In the 11 years since leaving Home And Away, Bec has been rarely out of the headlines It has been 11 years since Bec left Home And Away, but she has been rarely out of the headlines. Speaking of the media attention, Bec said: 'I don't really know why there's the interest there.' 'It could be the whirlwind engagement with Lleyton... It was a long time ago. I'm just doing the normal things that mums do.' She was famously shot down by The Bachelorette's Samuel Johnston after making her romantic intentions known publicly. But now it looks like Keira Maguire has found herself another Bachelorette boy to admire in season two runner-up Matty 'J' Johnson. Keira, who shot to fame as the token villain on The Bachelor earlier this year, was spotted flirting up a storm with the 29-year-old at the Royal Croquet Club Launch in Sydney on Thursday. Scroll down for video Hands on approach: The Bachelor's Keira Maguire appeared to flirt with The Bachelorette's Matty J Royal Croquet Club Launch in Sydney on Thursday The keen blonde appeared to laugh coquettishly as she placed her hand on Matty's shoulder in a flirtatious fashion. At times Matty looked unimpressed with the eager beaver's confident come-on, but at other times he was seen laughing as he enjoyed the company of the notorious reality star. Viewers of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette will probably be unhappy to see the pair together, as many fans have been urging Matty to hook up with fellow runner-up Nikki Gogan. Unlucky in love: Keira was famously shot down by The Bachelorette's Samuel Johnston earlier this year Touchy-feely! The blonde socialite couldn't keep her hands off Matty at the event In September, Keira revealed her desire to woo Sam Johnston. The 29-year-old told Fairfax Media she had been watching The Bachelorette for the 'hot' men, who she said were upstaging former journalist Georgia Love. Not one to hide her feelings, the Sydney socialite used the interview to try to get in contact with the Sydney electrician and model Sam. Not impressed? At times, Matty didn't appear to be reciprocating Keira's affection Feeling more interested? As the conversation progressed, Matty looked more comfortable Having fun? The reality stars couldn't stop smiling as they chatted away 'Sam, if you are reading this, call me?' Keira previously threw herself at Sam Johnston 'Sam, if you are reading this, call me? I'll give you my digits,' she said. Unfortunately, the handsome star rebuffed Keira's amorous advances. 'I think there could be a big explosion if we started dating,' he told the West Australian. He added: 'The way I gave Rhys a hard time was very lighthearted but the way Keira behaved was a very different thing.' She recently admitted that she's done with her 'self-loathing' and taking baby steps in learning to love herself. And Ferne McCann was dressed to impress as she hosted the inaugural Beauty Awards in association with OK! magazine and Debenhams Beauty Club at London's Banqueting House on Thursday night. The former TOWIE star, 26, showcased her bikini strap lines from her recent trip to Dubai as she oozed glamour in a slinky bandeau black dress by Lipsy. Scroll down for video Bronzed babe: Ferne McCann, 25, exhibited her tan lines as she worked the red carpet at The Beauty Awards in association with OK! and Debenhams Beauty Club on Thursday night The figure-hugging number showed off her spectacularly tanned decolletage and displayed her slim waist thanks to its wide patent belt detailing. Ferne's dress boosted a thigh-high split up the middle, showcasing her toned, tanned legs in all their glory. Standing tall in a pair of gold strappy heels, Ferne slicked her locks back into a chic bun and accessorised with a studded choker - drawing more attention to her tanned chest. Ferne McTAN: The former TOWIE star, 26, showcased her bikini strap lines from her recent trip to Dubai as she oozed glamour at London's Banqueting House Tan-tastic: The figure-hugging number showed off the star's spectacularly tanned decolletage Sexy: Ferne's dress boosted a thigh-high split up the middle, showcasing her toned, tanned legs in all their glory The star took to Instagram to share a sultry pose from inside the venue which she captioned: 'Oh what a night. Tonight I am presenting my first awards ceremony ever. I am so excited to be hosting the Beauty Awards 2016. Wearing @lipsylondon.' Oozing confidence, it's difficult to believe Ferne suffers with self-esteem issues. But last week she opened up to MailOnline about her journey to loving herself. She said: 'It's really difficult. Sometimes I spend nights on my Instagram feed and feel really sh** about myself. 'I find myself thinking there's just so many beautiful people out there and I feel rubbish about myself, we all get those ugly days.' Red carpet ready: Not afraid to flaunt the rest of her splendid physique, the former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star worked her angles in the tight number Stunner! Ferne slicked her locks back into a chic up-do and accessorised with a studded choker - drawing more attention to her dazzling front In the same breath, the reality TV star went on to say that she's better at praising herself for the little things now, offering advice on combating her 'self-loathing'. 'Yeah, I don't look like a Victoria's Secret model,' she told MailOnline. 'But I [tell myself I] did ace that job interview today. Ferne also made the brave decision to undergo cosmetic surgery earlier this year and 'fix' her nose insecurity that had long plagued her. She unveiled the results on ITV's This Morning in August. Walking the walk: The This Morning showbiz presenter strutted her stuff in a pair of gold strappy heels as she left the star-studded bash 'What a night!' The star also took to Instagram to share a sultry pose inside the venue Though as a public figure, Ferne still faced questions over whether she was advocating surgery to a younger audience, especially given the loyal following of ITVBe's The Only Way Is Essex. Ferne's response was: 'For people thinking that I'm promoting plastic surgery, is just rubbish because you can see what type of girl I am, I'm not that 'surge' looking girl. 'It's not like I'm a walking, walking plastic surgery promoter, it was just my one insecurity but I'm still a big believer in learning to love yourself from the inside.' 'I feel rubbish about myself': Ferne told MailOnline last week that she regularly struggles with self-esteem issues They've been going strong since finding love on The Bachelorette. And on Friday, Lee Elliott took to social media to gush over girlfriend Georgia Love just days after they enjoyed a romantic date night together. 'Our budding love stemmed from the very first rose you asked me to accept and had fully blossomed by the time you pinned the very last upon my lapel!' wrote the 35-year-old. Scroll down for video 'Our budding love stemmed from the very first rose:' The Bachelorette's Lee Elliott took to Instagram to gush over girlfriend Georgia Love He then added the hashtags '#punsandroses #rosetotheoccasion #thorntobewild #petaltothemetal #ibetterjustleafitthere #veryfirstandverylastrose #arosebyanyothername.' On Wednesday, Georgia took to Instagram to post a black and white loved-up selfie of the couple about to kiss. The upload saw Georgia and Lee holding glasses of wines while they smile adoringly at each other. 'punsandroses!' The 35-year-old added some hilarious puns in the hashtags Date night! Georgia and her beau enjoyed a romantic date night together last week The TV journalist captioned the image 'The butter to my knife,' which was a sneaky reference to the song Lee and the other Bachelor contestants wrote and serenaded her with. In an apparent date night, Georgia wore a spaghetti strap top with lace detailing, while Lee looked suave in a white dress button-up T-shirt and collared blazer. In the image, the mechanical plumber wore a cancer awareness ribbon lapel on his blazer in support of Georgia's mother's passing. 'The butter to my knife': Georgia claimed Lee was her perfect match, by using a quirky expression used by her man in the Bachelor's boy band song performed to her during a cocktail party on the show In their recent intimate uploads they have proudly sported the ribbon, while also choosing to wear matching ones during their first TV appearance on The Project. While on The Project she revealed: 'It's been incredibly difficult, but would have just been made so much more difficult if Lee had not been there. 'There are silver linings and my mum absolutely supported me 100 per cent in doing this and in everything I did,' she said. Teary interview: Lee held Georgia's hand as she teared up talking about her late mother, but said she 'absolutely supported me 100 per cent in doing this and in everything I did' Ribbon of support: In their recent intimate uploads they have proudly sported the ribbon, while also choosing to wear matching ones during their first TV appearance on The Project Georgia, who worked in Tasmania before filming The Bachelorette, said people had asked her if she regrets 'going away for three months' while her mother was sick. But she explained: 'You know, you can look back at any point of your life and go, 'Well, I was away for two months travelling there or a year working there.'' 'But if I had not have gone on The Bachelorette I would not have (met) Lee. But I would have still been in Tassie, I would have been further away from my mum. Her support! The journalist said Lee has been a great support for her during her difficult time, and without him there it would have been more difficult 'So, you know, I don't regret anything that happened.' The last episode of the matchmaking show was filmed in August but Georgia and her partner Lee Elliott had to keep their romance a secret until last month. Sadly, Georgia has confirmed within 24 hours of being able to see Lee after the finale was broadcast, her mother passed away following a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was arrested for possessing cannabis back in September 28 and Rocco Ritchie has been pictured for the first time since the news was revealed. The 16-year-old was seen cuddling up to his girlfriend Kim Turnbull in London just a day after she was spotted out with their mutual friend Brooklyn Beckham. Giggling, Rocco kept out the cold with his hood up and covering most of his face. Cosy: Rocco Ritchie, 16, was pictured for the first time on Thursday since his arrest for possessing cannabis back in September - he was cuddling up to his girlfriend Kim Turnbull in London In high spirits: A day later, the teenager was pictured taking a walk with a minder with a big smile on his face A day later, he was pictured smiling again as he walked down the street with a minder, while his father Guy was seen cycling close by. He was wearing a low-key look with his sweater and camouflage trousers, while Kim mirrored his style in a padded jacket and casual trousers. The images come a day after pictures emerged which showed the moment Rocco was arrested by police in Camden in London for the offence. His father, Guy Ritchie is yet to speak publicly about the arrest, but Rocco's mother Madonna has spoken out. Doting dad: His father Guy Ritchie wasn't too far away as he was pictured enjoying his morning cycle - he seemed a little more upbeat after being pictured stony-faced on Wednesday Happy: Rocco looked as though he didn't have a care in the world as he made his way down the street Putting it all behind him: No doubt the teenager is hoping to move on from his recent arrest The musician said she is supporting the teenager. She released a statement to The Associated Press on Wednesday, calling Rocco's legal troubles 'a family matter.' 'I love my son very much. I will do whatever I can to give him the support that he needs, and I ask that you respect our privacy at this time,' she said. On Wednesday a police spokesperson also confirmed the news saying: 'A 16-year-old youth has been arrested for possession of cannabis. With Kim by his side: Rocco has been looking rather chipper of late as he gets back to normality following the recent news Keeping warm: The young lad wore his hood up over his head as he maintained a low profile, as well as camouflage trousers 'The arrest follows a stop and search by officers from Camden borough at around 5.15pm on Wednesday, September 28 at Steeles Mews North. 'The youth was taken to a north London police station. He was subsequently bailed and dealt with by Camden borough's Youth Offending Team. 'He was dealt with by way of Triage, which uses multiple strands to engage and educate young people in order to prevent re-offending.' PICTURED: Rocco was seen with police officers in a car park in Camden on September 28 where he was arrested for possession of cannabis The Guy for the job? Stony-faced Ritchie stepped out in London on Wednesday following the news The youth was caught after neighbours reportedly saw him 'smoking or doing drugs' and called the police. Rocco was searched by cops after he was seen sitting on a wall with a friend in Steele's Mews North in Primrose Hill, where properties sell for up to 1.9m. On Wednesday, someone living nearby said that Rocco has been seen in a local pub with young people from a local council estate trying to get served alcohol. Tough time: Rocco, 16, whose mother is Madonna, was caught after neighbours reportedly saw him 'smoking or doing drugs' and called the police The man, who did not wish to be named, said: 'He is a polite boy, but he hangs around with boys from an estate who are not so polite. 'Of course he smokes weed. They are young boys and we were all like that once. 'Around the time he was arrested I used to see him in the local pub. I don't think they ever served him because they know who he is and he's 16. 'Some of the boys from the local estate, they are the ones who used to scale the walls to get into the pub. 'He goes to a school nearby here for wealthy children who are maybe not as intellectual.' The teenager and girlfriend Kim Turnbull were pictured together earlier this week socialising with Brooklyn Beckham. Rocco was arrested for possession of cannabis on September 28. He was bailed and dealt with by Camden borough's Youth Offending Team Asked if Rocco ever smelt of cannabis of if he was ever seen holding a joint, the man said: 'They are young boys.' The man added: 'Rocco is a polite boy, I wouldn't want to get him in trouble. 'With his mum in the US he must worry about getting in trouble in case he gets sent over there.' Rocco Ritchie was spotted smoking a and drinking what looks to be an alcoholic drink with friends under a bridge in central London in April An arrest could potentially cause problems when visiting the US because British citizens are no longer eligible for automatic entry and must apply for a visa. However, it is highly likely that Rocco has dual nationality and is a citizen of the UK - where his father is from - and his mother's native United States. US citizens would never be denied entry and even if he holds only a British passport, it is likely that his visa application would be accepted because the crime is so minor. The teenage has been at the centre of a bitter custody dispute between his director father and pop icon mother But immediate neighbours to where the boy was arrested said they had never seen him there. And none were shocked by Guy Ritchie's son's scandalous antics, with one saying: 'Nothing surprises me anymore.' Sources told The Sun that Rocco was seen tossing something away as police approached him in Steeles Mews North, Camden, on September 28. When officers noticed traces of cannabis on his clothes they searched him and found a small quantity of the drug. Earlier this year the teenager was at the centre of a bitter custody dispute between his director father and pop icon mother. He refused to travel with Madonna and she launched legal action in the US and UK demanding custody of her son. Website TMZ claimed that Madonna thought Guy 'had poisoned her son against her' and, 'as the disciplinarian [parent], she felt guy was way too permissive The disagreement began in December 2015 during a falling out between Rocco and his musician mother when he abandoned her Rebel Hearts tour. He refused to travel with his mother and she launched legal action in the US and UK demanding custody of her son. Guy Richie's lawyers argued Rocco was settled in school in London and, in September, he won the bitter nine month battle over where their son should live. The Sherlock Holmes director reached a settlement with the pop star hours before they were due in court in New York and it was agreed the teenager would continue to live in London. Website TMZ claimed that Madonna thought Guy 'had poisoned her son against her' and, 'as the disciplinarian [parent], she felt guy was way too permissive'. The terms of the custody agreement remain confidential, but it is understood Rocco is schooled in London, with regular visits from his mother. The recent arrest was made near his home in Primrose Hill, but a number of neighbours told MailOnline they had never even seen him in the area. One man, who didn't wish to be named, said: 'I am often in the South of France, so I'm not always here to be honest. 'I know of Rocco, I know who he is, but I haven't seen him here. I'm surprised he is meant to have been hanging around here. 'I haven't heard anyone speak about it at all. I haven't seen any young teenagers hang around here or sit on any wall. 'There aren't a whole load of young people who live here. There's a guy in his twenties, a chartered surveyor, but he just seems young because the last couple in that property were in their eighties.' Another resident, who also didn't wish to be named, said: 'I haven't ever seen this boy, nor has my wife. Young people don't tend to hang around here.' Reacting to the news, he added: 'Nothing surprises me.' Another neighbour said: 'I usually don't get back til 8pm. I've never seen him or any teenagers sitting on that wall. Fans of BBC One's Who Do You Think You Are? lauded the show on Sunday evening for returning to its best. The series - which sees celebrities trace their heritage and learn about their family trees - aired the first episode of its new 13th season to much acclaim as actor Danny Dyer mapped his ancestry as far back the 11th Century, learning he is a distant relative of William The Conqueror. As well as this stake to the throne, he was informed of further links to King Edward III, Thomas Cromwell and a plethora of aristocrats. Scroll down for video Enter, Sir Dyer: Viewers branded Danny Dyer's Who Do You Think You Are? episode the 'best ever' as the EastEnders star discovered he's a descendant of royalty Blue bloodline: As well as this stake to the throne of the past, he was informed of further links to King Edward III, Thomas Cromwell and a plethora of aristocrats So fascinating was the episode that viewers took to Twitter to praise the show, its producers and Dyer himself for his heartfelt reactions to the findings. 'The best episode of #wdytya ever! Fact; stranger & far more glorious than fiction!' came one excited tweet. 'If you thought 2016 couldn't get any weirder, go watch Who Do You Think You Are on the iPlayer. Astonishing stuff!' typed somebody else. 'I can totally see Danny Dyer as a descendant of Thomas Cromwell, self-made, resilient and cheeky. Get in!' observed another fan. 'Never mind a Pearly King - you're a Proper King!' posted another Twitter user. 'So now we have Prince Danny Dyer? Fabulous British history!' another tweeter remarked. 'Amazing!': Fans of BBC One's Who Do You Think You Are? lauded the show on Sunday evening for returning to its best 'Can we somehow make Danny Dyer next in line to the throne now please?' quipped someone else. Dyer's reactions seemed to cheer many a gloomy Sunday evening up by other tweets that flooded the social media site. 'OMG, if you didn't watch the Danny Dyer Who Do You Think You Are? you MUST. It was BRILLIANT. I am still laughing,' one person typed about Dyer's quips about his descendants being 'geezers' and living in 'massive gaffs'. 'Danny Dyer was charming in #wdytya. I was almost moved to tears, related to King Edward IIII, Henry III, William the Conqueror. AMAZING,' said another. You're having a laugh: Danny Dyer has discovered that he is the descendant of two kings, after looking into his family history with Who Do You Think You Are? Coverts: Others found themselves converted in to new fans of the show - 'Loved watching #wdytya, never seen it before but thought as Danny Dyer was in it I'd give it a whirl! Proper chuffed I did now!' Loyal subjects: Many fans of the soap star flocked to Twitter to sing his, and the show's, praises Others found themselves converted into new fans of the show: 'Loved watching #wdytya, never seen it before but thought as Danny Dyer was in it I'd give it a whirl! Proper chuffed I did now!' 'I can't believe it. I don't know what to say,' Dyer was seen saying to one of the historians. 'I need a moment to digest this. A kid from Canning Town is related to Edward III. 'It's ridiculous to think that someone of my stature shares the same bloodline. I can't compute it.' The show has been known to drop certain celebrities lined up for the show because their stories are just too dull. A family affair: Pictures featured saw his great grandmother Mary Ann and her daughter Sylvie Way back when: Yet more images from the Dyer archive saw Ann and Albert Buttivant - further descendants of the TV hardman Dyer's story was far from it, with the initial research in the show proving that his family tree on his fathers side initially indicated that criminal connections were looking far more likely than aristocratic ones. His three-times great-grandmother, Mary Ann, had ended up in the workhouse after being suspected of killing her illegitimate daughter. Further investigation revealed that Mary Ann had likely delivered her own baby and the child had died in the process. In a panic she hid the babys body in a bucket and covered it with ashes. Mary Ann went on to make a good marriage and it was through her husbands family that Dyer was able to trace his ancestors back to grander circumstances. His ten-times great-grandfather Robert was landed gentry, a Cavalier in the English Civil war who, in the words of Dyer, was a proper geezer, as game as you like. Dyer visited the stately home in Suffolk where his distant relative once lived and learned of further, even more impressive, connections. Geezer: His ten-times great-grandfather Robert was landed gentry, a Cavalier in the English Civil war who, in the words of Dyer, was a proper geezer, as game as you like' Regal connections: Dyer visited the stately home in Suffolk where his distant relative once lived and learned of further, even more impressive, connections Going back another five generations, he discovered his 15-times great-grandfather was Thomas Cromwell, right-hand man to Henry VIII. Dyer was particularly tickled that, like him, Cromwell came from humble beginnings and his father, a blacksmith, had also run a tavern. Before falling foul of King Henry, Cromwell had married his own son off to Elizabeth Seymour and through her lineage Dyer found that he was the 22-times great-grandson of Edward III. However, he said it was the connection to Cromwell, who was played by his mentor Mark Rylance in the BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel's novel Wolf Hall, that was particularly meaningful. Dyer, who comes from the Canning Town area of East London, told the Radio Times: 'He came from a slum, I come from a slum. Beggars belief: 'I can't believe it. I don't know what to say,' Dyer was seen saying to one of the historians. 'I need a moment to digest this. A kid from Canning Town is related to Edward III' 'Cromwell left the country at 14, I started acting at 14. He was a self-taught lawyer. I'm a self-taught actor. Cromwell had two daughters and a son. 'I've got two daughters and a son. Cromwell wrote his last letter to Henry VIII begging for his life, on July 24, which is my birthday ... And I drink in the Anne Boleyn pub.' Dyer revealed he watched Wolf Hall again after learning of his connection to Cromwell and said he cried through most of it because of its 'sheer brilliance'. Other stars that will appear in the series include Ricky Tomlinson, Amanda Holden and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini. She's been branded a 'bully' by viewers after her altercation with Homes Under The Hammer presenter Martin Roberts during her stint in the jungle. But Scarlett Moffatt won't let online trolls get her down while she stars on ITV's I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! according to her mum Betty. The 26-year-old Gogglebox star came under fire earlier in the week after fans of the show called her 'manipulative' and a 'complete fake' on social media, after a row over fetching water reduced Martin to tears. Scroll down for video Chin up! Scarlett Moffatt won't let online trolls get her down while she stars on ITV's I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! according to her mum Betty Sticking up for her daughter, Betty, who also stars on the Channel 4 reality show alongside her daughter and husband Mark since 2014, insisted to the Daily Mirror she's not an oppressor. 'Scarlett does daft stuff and lacks common sense but she's not someone to tear other people down,' she admitted. The 46-year-old, who jetted into Brisbane on Thursday to support her eldest Down Under, added that online trolls that had commented about the starlet should think twice about passing judgement. 'It's her choice what she wants to do with her life, but she's not hurting anybody,' she said. 'If calling my daughter thick or stupid or anything else makes you feel better then crack on.' Breaking down: The 26-year-old Gogglebox star came under fire earlier in the week after fans of the show called her 'manipulative' and a 'complete fake' on social media, after a row over fetching water reduced Martin to tears The comments come after campmates were accused of bullying Martin Roberts when the star was left in tears earlier this week, despite Durham native Scarlett having shed a few herself as tensions mount in camp. Viewers were again divided over the treatment of BBC star Martin on Thursday when he was told by his campmates that he couldn't have a treat. After camp royals, Ola Jordan, Wayne Bridge, Adam Thomas and Sam Quek earned themselves a bar of milk chocolate from a Dingo Dollar challenge they decided to ration out the winnings with the other celebs, before telling Martin he wasn't allowed to enjoy the treat as it was payback. Divisive: Jungle viewers were once again divided over the treatment of Homes Under The Hammer star Martin on Thursday The trick was played after Martin attempted to sabotage the Royals camp after losing his place as a King to Ola in the ongoing Claim Of Thrones challenge. Earlier that day Adam had asked servant Martin to fetch him some water, but the star deliberately tripped spilling it all over Adams bed and soaking it. Vowing revenge, Adam joked: 'He got me, he is in for itMartin run and hide!' Later that evening he got his chance, and after sharing out his chocolate with the other celebrities, he then called Martin up to get a piece before shoving it in his mouth. Sharing is caring: When camp royals, Ola Jordan Adam Thomas and Sam Quek earned themselves a bar of milk chocolate from a Dingo Dollar challenge they decided to ration it out However, viewers were divided as to whether Adam's payback was too cruel, with some questioning if banning the star from eating chocolate was too much. 'Just wishing people would leave Martin alone. It's bullying! #ImACeleb,' one viewer tweeted, whilst another added: 'This is f**king bullying poor Martin #ImACeleb.' Other fans claimed they weren't a fan of the star but did not approve of his treatment, with one posting: 'annoying though Martin is, singling him out like this is tantamount to bullying #uncomfortable #imaceleb.' None left: Adam Thomas shared out the chocolate between all the celebrities before telling Martin he wasn't allowed to enjoy the treat as it was payback Another tweeted: 'Not a fan of Martin, but the way he's being treated by everyone else on the show is awful, it's bullying #ImACeleb.' One viewer called on producers to intervene, commenting: 'We get that you hate Martin, but come on? Bullying? That's a low and to see #ImACeleb endorse this? It's sickening.' A spokesperson for ITV told MailOnline: 'The welfare of our celebrities is of utmost importance. 'We constantly monitor and talk to them to check on their welfare and have procedures in place to address any unacceptable behaviour.' Uneasy: Viewers were divided as to whether Adam's payback was too cruel, with some questioning if banning the star from eating chocolate was too much Not fair: Other fans claimed they weren't a fan of the star but did not approve of his treatment Upsetting: Some viewers were certain the behaviour was unacceptable Seen enough: One viewer called on producers to intervene No accident: The trick was played after Martin attempted to sabotage the Royals camp after losing his place as a King by throwing water over Adam's head Other viewers were firmly on team Adam, however, with one fan posting: Martin getting no chocolate serves him right for throwing water over Adam.' Another wrote: 'Adam shoving that bit of chocolate in his mouth when Martin went to get it, I'm crying that's brilliant #ImACeleb.' One particularly enthusiastic fan was extremely thrilled by the scenes, posting: 'Adam eating that chocolate in front of Martin was theeeee best and most satisfying moment seen on TV in years!! #ImACeleb.' Tasty treat: The celebrities all seemed delighted to nibble on a sweet snack Comeuppance: Some fans were firmly on team Adam Strong reactions: Other viewers thought the actions were well justified TV Gold: One particularly enthusiastic fan was extremely thrilled by the scenes However, other fans were less impressed with Martin's use of the V sign towards presenters Ant & Dec during his participation in the Bush Brewery task where he was forced to down a nasty concoction of blended flies. As he attempted to swig back the brew, he didn't take too kindly to Ant telling him 'It gets thicker towards the bottom,' and made the offensive signal. 'Did Martin just swear at the legends Ant and Dec?!!??!!?,' I'm A Celebrity fan Arina tweeted, while viewer John Gibson tweeted: 'Martin sticking his fingers up at Ant! Getting too big for his boots.' Inappropriate: Martin flicked the V sign at Ant as the presenter tried to encourage him in the Bush Brewery Task Fan shock: Viewers were upset at Martin's rude antics towards the presenters Upset: Fans weren't happy at Martin's behaviour on the show and took to Twitter to voice their disapproval Martin has been the topic of many a tweet over the past few nights, thanks to his spats with Danny Baker and refusal to eat beans. Then on Tuesday night, whilst going about his jungle chores, he 'came out' as a tree hugger whilst baring his soul in the Bush Telegraph. Meanwhile, Martin's wife Kirsty recently told Good Morning Britain that producers called her ahead of his dramatic scenes out of courtesy. No regrets: Viewers were divided as to whether Adam's payback was too cruel The mother of their children, Scott, nine and Megan, six, told the show: 'To be fair, I had a call from one of the producers from Australia. 'They did give me the heads up to say that hes been upset as they knew the children would be watching. 'But even so, it was quite emotional.' She was constantly clad in a bikini in front of thousands of viewers, during her stint on Ex On The Beach. So it is no wonder Jess Impiazzi was confident in flaunting her killer body during a recent holiday to Australia with her mum Debbie. The 27-year-old reality star showed off her enviably slender physique and stunning female curves in a vibrant leopard print bikini, as she relaxed in the glorious Australian sunshine. Scroll down for video Stunning: Jess Impiazzi, 27, confidently flaunted her killer body during her recent holiday to Australia with her mum Debbie Bikini babe: The reality star showed off her enviably slender physique and stunning female curves in a vibrant leopard print bikini The beauty's impressive physique was clear to see as she enjoyed a cooling dip in the pool during her sun-soaked getaway. Jess oozed confidence in her skimpy bikini, which was emblazoned with vibrant multi-coloured stripes of feathered print. The triangle top plunged low at her chest to reveal her plentiful and rounded cleavage, and secured at the back with a single string to flash even more of her sun-kissed skin. All eyes on her: The beauty's impressive physique was clear to see as she enjoyed a cooling dip in the pool during her sun-soaked getaway Enviable curves: The triangle top plunged low at her chest to reveal her plentiful and rounded cleavage Vision of colour: Jess oozed confidence in her skimpy bikini, which was emblazoned with vibrant multi-coloured stripes of feathered print Sexy lady: The matching bottoms were equally as skimpy, cutting into spaghetti straps at the hips Cheeky! Lying poolside, Jess also gave a cheeky flash of her derriere as the bottoms cut eye-wateringly high at her behind The matching bottoms were equally as skimpy, cutting into spaghetti straps at the hips and rising to an eye-popping height at her behind. Sporting nothing but the two-piece, the beauty left her enviably flat and toned stomach and long legs, as well as her striking tattoos, on show. Jess left her long, glossy tresses in loose waves and dressed her face with minimal make-up, proving herself as a true natural beauty as she relaxed on her break away. Effortless glamour: Jess left her long, glossy tresses in loose waves Stunning: She also dressed her face with minimal make-up, proving herself as a true natural beauty as she relaxed on her break away Inked up: Wearing just the bikini Jess' famous tattoos were left on show as she topped up her tan in the sweltering Australian climes After chatting to her mum from the comfort of the water, she later retired to her sunbed to soak up the last rays of the day. Jess and Debbie have formed a close bond after the reality star admitted in the past they endured a troubled time in her younger years, due to her mum's illness. Debbie was diagnosed with Uveal Effusion, a rare degenerative eye disease which saw her sadly lose her eyesight when Jess was growing up. Best friends: Jess happily splashed around and chatted to her mum in the cooling water Sun-worshipper: She later retired to her sunbed after the pool antics to soak up the last rays of the day Talking to Reveal earlier this year, Jess revealed about the difficulties of the illness, which put strain on their relationship as Debbie lost motivation to live life to the full. 'We ended up arguing a lot simply because I was trying so hard to push her into doing something each day,' she admitted to the magazine. 'It was really horrible. But I'm so glad we went through that... she needed that.' The Ex on The Beach star has since striven to raise as much money as possible for the charity who helped her mum in her youth - climbing Ben Nevis as well as Mount Kinabalu in Borneo and Mount Kilimanjaro for the cause. Back on track: Jess and Debbie have formed a close bond after the reality star admitted in the past they endured a troubled time in her younger years, due to her mum's illness Chilling: Debbie, who was diagnosed with rare degenerative eye disease Uveal Effusion which caused her to sadly lose her eyesight, relaxed with her girl by the pool Talking of the life-changing experience, she said to the mag: 'The feeling of getting up there really makes you feel like you're worth something. I think that's why I keep wanting to do it.' 'Plus, I get an amazing sense of achievement doing something for the charity who've supported my mum for so long. It feels good to be giving back.' It seems things are only going from strength to strength in Jess' romantic life, too. Huge admiration: Jess has since climbed Ben Nevis as well as Mount Kinabalu in Borneo and Mount Kilimanjaro for the charity who supported her mum when she was young Life-changing: Talking of the daring challenge earlier this year, she said: 'It feels good to be giving back' to the charity who 'supported my mum for so long' After her dramatic stint on Ex On The Beach, the star has finally find true love - after becoming engaged to boyfriend Denny Solomona. The reality star looked over the moon as her rugby player beau, 23, got down on one knee and popped the question outside the famous Bellagio Hotel fountains in Las Vegas last month. Jess was first linked to the Castleford player last year when they were spotted kissing after a romantic dinner together in May. Quite a catch: Jess has recently become engaged to rugby player Denny Solomona The loved-up couple later moved in together and even bought a place of their own, before they split in June this year. Talking of the breakup at the time to the Daily Star, Jess sadly said: 'Denny and I broke up at the beginning of the year, which has been quite hard because we bought a place together. We were only dating for about six months. Ive not really met anyone since and thats really had an affect on my heart.' However the pair later resolved their issues and rekindled their flame later in the summer - even travelling to Samoa together for Jess to meet Denny's extended family. He has annoyed fans with his petulant attitude and childish behaviour since he entered the I'm A Celebrity camp. And Martin Roberts is proving to be equally unpopular with contestant Ola Jordan's husband James. The professional dancer said being around the Homes Against The Hammer star would make his blood boil during a chat on I'm A Celebrity spin-off Extra Camp on Thursday night. Scroll down for videos Jungle shower: Ola Jordan had wowed male viewers with her bikini body on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, with husband James Jordan singing her praises on Thursday 'Martin is good TV, he brings another dynamic which I think is a good thing,' James told presenter James Swash via video link. 'But If I was in the camp I would probably want to smash his face in.' And James couldn't hide his glee at Ola's victory over the TV presenter in the particularly disgusting Bushtucker Brewery trial on Thursday night, meaning she has immunity from eviction. 'I was happier that she beat Martin than the immunity,' he admitted. 'It was just Martin's face when she lost to little Ola Chops - it was priceless. 'I'm sure she's over the moon she's immune though.' Fisticuffs: Martin Roberts has got James Jordan's blood boiling as he spoke on video link Pleased at the win: James was delighted that Ola had beaten Martin in the Bushtucker trial Ola did indeed seem to be delighted at her victory over James - high five-ing her campmates and declaring: 'I think the hot shower and bed was just as important as beating Martin!' James went on to say that Ola - who has particularly impressed male viewers with her bikini waterfall showers - has surprised him by her performance in camp. 'It's not the Ola I know,' he said. 'She's just this petite 5"3 delicate girl and she's totally shocked me. I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of her., She's amazing. She's like a jungle warrior. Praise indeed: James called Ola a 'jungle warrior' during his interview Unpopular: Martin Roberts has annoyed fans with his petulant attitude and childish behaviour since he entered the I'm A Celebrity camp Victory! Ola was thrilled to score immunity when she beat Martin in Thursday night's vile Bush Tucker trial The addition of Danny Baker and Martin Roberts has unsettled the campmates since their addition last week and James predicted Ola would 'come into her own'when tempers start to flare. 'She's been with me for 17 years so she's a lot stronger than people think she is,' he said. 'When it starts to get more tense, that's when she's going to come into her own. 'We've been together for 13 years and if she can put up with me she can put up with anyone.' They have been jetting all over the world together as they promote their new WWII drama Allied. And Marion Cotillard admitted that she could not have asked for a more 'amazing partner' to work with than Brad Pitt, in her interview with The Telegraph on Friday. Having shot down all affair rumours last month, the French actress, 41, had nothing but high praise for the 52-year-old Moneyball star, who she revealed was incredibly 'determined' and 'committed' to his role. Scroll down for video High praise: Marion Cotillard, 41, gushed about co-star Brad Pitt in her recent interview with The Telegraph, calling him 'an amazing partner who is an amazing actor' Marion and Brad are currently promoting Allied, directed by Robert Zemeckis, which follows a Canadian intelligence officer who fights against accusations that his wife is a German spy. The brunette beauty could not help but gush about Brad's professionalism in the interview, and confessed he was a dream to work with both on and off screen. She first described the star as: 'An amazing partner who is such an amazing actor.' Before continuing: 'I was very impressed by his determination and commitment and he's such a good man besides being an amazing actor. He's proved it many times.' Professional: She said of the Moneyball actor that she 'was very impressed by his determination and commitment' Despite their winning chemistry however, the La Vie En Rose beauty admitted she found the sex scenes in the movie very uncomfortable to film, due to their overly choreographed nature. 'It's an awkward situation,' she continued on one particular scene which sees the pair getting hot and heavy in a car during a sand storm: 'We laughed because... this is so weird... And then we go into this, and then I'm going on top of you, and then we are going to kiss.' The pair have proved they have a strong bond at the recent premieres for the flick - after they were pictured fooling around together and high-fiving on the red carpet in London last week. Uncomfortable: However she admits she still finds sex scenes uncomfortable despite their frinedship - calling one particular raunchy scene in a car during a sand storm 'awkward' However, after rumours arose earlier this year of an affair between the two actors, Marion has since been quick to assure that they are nothing but good friends. Brad announced he was separating from partner of 12 years Angelina Jolie as promotional proceedings for Allied were kicking off - causing speculation of a romance between him and the French actress to swirl. Yet Marion, who is pregnant with her second child with long-term partner Guillame Canet, closed the door on the gossip during an interview on the Today Show last week. She explained: 'I never take anything personally when it doesn't concern me. So I didn't take it personally because I had nothing to do with those rumours or situation.' Happy: Yet Marion, who is pregnant with her second child with partner Guillame Canet, was quick to shoot down affair rumours between the pair on the Today Show last week She was then pressed by interviewer Matt Lauer who asked if she had let any of the whispers affect the making of the movie. Marion replied: 'No I don't give energy to this and it was a wonderful, wonderful experience working with such a visionary director and amazing actor so that's all that matters.' The Inception star has been with Guillaume since 2007, and the pair already have five-year-old son Marcel, who will be joined by a younger sibling in the new year. Meanwhile it was at the LA premiere for the film where Brad confirmed he was getting back to good health and happiness, as he thanked fans for support during his difficult few weeks. Stronger than ever: The Inception star has been with Guillaume since 2007, and the pair already have five-year-old son Marcel, who will be joined by a younger sibling in the new year He told E! News: 'It's really sweet, everyone has been really kind out here. It's really nice to have all the support.' The promotional tour for the new movie marked Brad's return to the limelight after laying low in light of his divorce from Angelina Jolie. The 41-year-old actress, who has six children with Brad, filed for divorce the day after an alleged altercation on a plane between the actor and their eldest son Maddox. However Brad has since been cleared by the DCFS, who found no abuse. Yet following this news, a rep for the actress told TMZ she's prepared to present evidence to a judge that he did commit the incident in order to secure full custody of the kids. Kathy Griffin has branded Ashton Kutcher a 'd-bag'. The 56-year-old comedian has hit out at the Two and a Half Men actor for being 'rude' to her when they co-hosted an event together, and further rubbing salt into the wound when he ignored her in public a few years later. In an extract from her new book Kathy Griffin's Celebrity Run-Ins obtained by Page Six, she wrote: 'We co-hosted a charity event in 2005 for uBid.com. She's not a fan! Kathy Griffin has branded Ashton Kutcher a 'd-bag' in her new book Celebrity Run-Ins 'Kutcher, my co-host, did not speak to me once. 'It was bizarre and rude and made me feel as if he thought I was beneath him. She continued: 'Three years later, I'm grabbing something to eat ... and who should walk in but Kutcher and Demi Moore. 'I smiled and waved. Nothin'. If you won't say hi to me in the Mexican takeout joint, you're a d-bag.' In Kathy's book, she also details how she witnessed hard-partying Harry Styles pestering Tom Hanks at a party and recalls the night she was was insulted by drunken Jon Hamm, who told her she looks old. She also spills on her Twitter war with Demi Lovato in the new memoir. Ashton was married to Demi Moore from 2005 to 2013. He now has two-year-old daughter Wyatt with wife Mila Kunis, whom he first met when they co-starred on That 70s Show in 1998. She had just flaunted her enviable figure in a teeny, black bikini while in Miami, Florida. But on Thursday Joanna Krupa was all bundled up as she was spotted in Chicago, Illinois with her husband Romain Zago. The 37-year-old model kept cozy in a long, grey jacket with a stylish, chevron pattern as she walked arm-in-arm with her husband. Scroll down for video Happy holidays! Joanna Krupa and husband Romain Zago showed off big smiles as they posed in front of the tree in Chicago's Millennium Park on Thursday Quite a change! They were bundled up on Thursday, but just a day earlier Joanna had showed off her bikini body as she swam at the beach in Miami Joanna wore the thick coat over a light grey turtleneck sweater, and coupled it with a pair of thigh-high, black suede boots. She carried a stylish, black leather handbag, and wore her long blonde tresses pulled back into a braid. Her husband Romain, 44, bundled up in a puffy, black jacket, and walked with his hands tucked into its pockets. He teamed that with a pair of dark trousers, finishing off the laid-back look with black sneakers. Smitten: Joanna and her husband put on a loving display as they strolled through Chicago together on Thanksgiving Sealed with a kiss! The couple looked to be enjoying their romantic getaway to Chicago The two looked to be in good spirits, showing off smiles as they walked around Chicago together. The Real Housewives of Miami star later took to Instagram to share a snap of herself and Romain posing in front of the Christmas tree in Chicago's Millennium Park. 'Happy Thanksgiving everyone from @romainzago And I !!!!!!! May this holiday season be filled with lots of love joy and happiness,' she gushed. All bundled up! Joanna kept warm in a stylish, grey jacket with a chevron pattern Animal lover: The star stopped on the street to pet a dog that was bundled up in a patterned sweater Puppy love! Joanna looked absolutely smitten with her new, four-legged friend The reality star hashtagged the photo: '#happythanksgiving #giveback #bekind #blessed #crueltyfree #holidays #family.' Meanwhile, just the day before Joanna had flashed some skin in a tiny, black string bikini while in Miami. The blonde beauty enjoyed the water as she soaked up the Florida sun ahead of her trip to Chicago. Get in here! Romain also stopped to show the little dog some love There is no denying that organ donation - both giving and receiving - is an important, emotive issue. And yet, there is something rather laughable about it in soapland, where writers have a knack of summarising what doctors would take minutes/hours to explain. The actors, too, deliver brilliant shorthand that saves us from enduring all the medical background information that such a procedure warrants in real life. Master of Transplant Dialogue is Coronation Street's Tracy who, brilliantly played by Kate Ford, always manages to deliver the word 'kidney' with sublime aplomb. On more than one occasion, she has declared her love for her daughter, Amy, along the lines of 'Whadderyermean I don't love her? I gave 'er my kidney, didn't I?' You did; and, if recent events have been anything to go by, your tongue, too. Then there's EastEnders' Phil. No one has ever performed the role of a drunk like Steve McFadden, but every time someone mentions Phil's liver, it's just funny. Maybe it's the words. Liver. Kidney. And the knowledge that people eat them as well as transplant them. CORONATION STREET OH CRUMBS! Aidan spots Caz alive and working in a factory Finally, after Maria's ludicrous arrest, Aidan spots Caz alive and working in a factory (pictured). When Kate thinks up a plot to trap her, will the police arrive in time, or will those heavy overcoats they've been inexplicably wearing in warm weather hold them back? The return of the wonderful Brian is interesting, and I can only hope he and Mary get together. They're a match made in heaven albeit, not heaven as normal people would describe it. They haven't met yet, and I expect fireworks. But there's sadness too when Mary finds a lump in her breast. When the doctor convinces her there's nothing to worry about, what is her cause for concern? Come on, Brian, you can be the knight in shining armour. On a less joyous note, how will Rana react when Zeedan announces that he can't marry her after all (with relief, if she has any sense). Will the wedding go ahead? (I repeat. Not if she has any sense). The fantastic Joe Duttine (Tim) has another hilarious storyline when Sally gives him an allotment. You really don't want to miss this. EASTENDERS HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS? CHECK THE SMALL PRINT You know when Ronnie and Jack are loved up, it'll end in disaster You know when Ronnie and Jack are loved up, it'll end in disaster. Let me take you back five years, when it came tumbling down after Ronnie confessed to having taken Kat's baby. Now that Jack's fixed a date for the wedding, how will Ronnie (pictured, with Jack) react when she learns what that date is? (Why do men do this, by the way? Women hate surprises, especially in relation to weddings). The other surprise is when the estate agent tells them why they can't sell the house. I won't bore you with the details an estate agents' Christmas party in a trough would be more exciting but it involves trying to placate Roxy. Again. Ever thought of pushing her into said trough and dispensing with so many problems in one go? One has mixed feelings for Jane, who fears that Ian no longer finds her attractive. To be honest, I'd be grateful. Her mistake is to talk to Stacey, who blabs to Mick, who blabs to Ian. Ever thought of having your tongue stapled to the roof of your mouth, Stacey? When Jane refuses Ian's request for a night out, Linda has an idea to help Jane's confidence... a charity ladies' night at the Vic. Oh, yeah. That'll make her feel like a million dollars. Still, it does the trick, and Jane's confidence is boosted when she's complimented (alcohol has been consumed, if you were wondering). When Jane and Kathy get home, Kathy has a surprise of her own. Don't get excited they're not going on a holiday to Lesbos. EMMERDALE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER? STAR SPANGLED BAN, SURELY Bailey says he won't go to America without Belle How has Bailey landed a job in America so quickly without doing any paperwork or consulting a lawyer? To top it all, he tells Belle (pictured) that he wont go without her, and shes torn. Dont be, Belle. You cant move to the US as you have a criminal record. Under the Trump presidency, you wont make it past Starbucks at the airport. Do your research! She's known for her power role as Miss Moneypenny in James Bond. And Naomie Harris channeled her femme fatale side as she attended the opening of Champney's Beauty College in Holborn, London on Friday. The British actress, 40, looked chic in a navy suit, adding a racy touch by appearing to wear nothing under the blazer. Scroll down for video Androgynous chic: Naomie Harris channeled her femme fatale side as she attended the opening of Champney's Beauty College in Holborn, London on Friday And teaming the well-cut suit with a pair of casual white trainers, she completed her understated look. Flaunting her natural beauty she went for minimal make-up, making the most of her glowing complexion. Adding a bold red lip and leaving her glossy chestnut mane in loose waves, her look was complete. Understated: The British actress, 40, looked chic in a navy suit, adding a racy touch by appearing to wear nothing under the blazer The actress recently revealed she was hesitant about taking on the role of a crack addict mother for upcoming film Moonlight. She told The Mirror: 'I had real reservations about playing a crack addict because I've always fought against playing any kind of stereotypical roles. 'I'm very careful about the reputation of women, and as a black woman in particular I want to represent progressive roles for women and black people in general. Make up: Adding a bold red lip and leaving her glossy chestnut mane in loose waves, her look was complete Cutting the ribbon! Naomie unveiled the opening of the new beauty college 'Then I spoke to Barry and he said, 'I don't want you to play a stereotype. What I'm asking you to play is basically my mum.' Because this is his story and the story of the writer Tarell [McCraney], and what happened to their mothers - it's a very similar journey - deeply connected with me.' The role is quite the opposite of Naomie's beliefs, as she believes in clean living. Naomie previously admitted: 'I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't ever drink coffee. I've never had Botox and I don't plan to.' 'I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't ever drink coffee. I've never had Botox and I don't plan to.' Naomie recently said of her beauty secrets Chic! Michelle Collins looked glam in a long leather coat and over-the-knee boots All black: Sam Bailey looked wintry in a tights and flower embroidered coat She welcomed her second child into the world just two weeks ago. But Blac Chyna is already getting her pre-baby body back, and showed off her slimmed down physique a since-deleted Instagram post on Friday. The 28-year-old could be seen lifting up her black jumper to reveal her trim stomach. Scroll down for video Getting her pre-baby body back: Blac Chyna showed off her slimmed down physique a since-deleted Instagram post on Friday, just two weeks after giving birth Chyna was also sporting matching leggings and trainers as she confidently posed for the camera. Ten days after giving birth to Dream, the reality star had revealed she was down from 192lbs to 171lbs, having gained almost 60lbs during her pregnancy. Chyna explained in June that she was happy to put on weight while expecting, sharing on Snapchat: 'Like no lie, my goal is to gain 100 lbs. this pregnancy. Imma tear it up, and then Imma snap back.' The Rob & Chyna star added that she weighed in at 135lbs before the pregnancy and that her post-baby goal is to get down to 130lbs. Snapping back: The 28-year-old could be seen lifting up her black jumper to reveal her trim stomach, and also sported leggings and trainers Sharing her progress: Ten days after giving birth to Dream, Chyna had revealed she was down from 192lbs to 171lbs, having gained almost 60lbs during her pregnancy This is the model's first child with fiance Rob Kardashian. The pair went public with their romance in January and got engaged in April, announcing the following month that they are expecting a baby. Chyna is also mother to four-year-old son King Cairo from her previous relationship with Tyga. Chyna and Tyga got engaged in 2012 and split in 2014, and her best friend Amber Rose claimed the rapper left her for Kylie Jenner. Revealing her goals: The reality star, pictured left last week after giving birth and right in September, weighed 135lbs before her pregnancy and wants to get down to 130lbs What a cutie: The two-week-old is already modelling socks from her father Rob Kardashian's range Kylie, who is Rob Kardashian's half-sister, has been dating 27-year-old Tyga ever since. But although things have been complicated, Chyna and the Kardashians have put their differences aside for the sake of the new baby. Dream's birth was captured on camera and fans will be able to watch all the drama leading up to the delivery on the Rob & Chyna Baby Special, which airs December 18. Her pride and joy: Dream is Chyna's first child with Rob and second child overall. She also has son King Cairo with Tyga She's the popular actress, known for her striking facial features and enviable curves. And Pia Miller reminded fans of her appeal, taking to Instagram on Friday to share a sultry snap. The 33-year-old flaunted her cleavage and smouldered for the camera, as she took a selfie on the set of a photoshoot for hair brand GHD. Scroll down for video Mane appeal: Pia Miller, 33, took to Instagram on Friday, flaunting her cleavage and smouldering for the camera, while on set for hair brand GHD 'Some @ghdhair_anz fun today,' Pia captioned the snap shared with her 479,000 Instagram followers. The close-up image saw the Home And Away star offering a glimpse of her cleavage in a halterneck-style top. With Pia's signature dark tresses pinned up to form bouffant curls, the personality enhanced her striking facial features with defined brows, subtle kohl-rimmed eyes, lashings of mascara and soft pink lipstick over her plump pout. Not as it seems: Despite her flawless appearance, Pia recently revealed that she feels uncomfortable in swimwear Despite her flawless appearance, Pia recently revealed that she feels uncomfortable in swimwear. Speaking to OK! magazine this week, Pia candidly spoke of her demons, saying: 'I've never really felt comfortable doing a photo shoot wearing swimwear.' 'But since taking the role on Home And Away, and my character is in swimwear, I've really had to go, "Right I have to embrace this and be cool with it, or I'm going to shy away from it all the time".' Candidly speaking: Pia revealed this week: 'I've never really felt comfortable doing a photo shoot wearing swimwear' Despite her claims, Pia hasn't held back from flaunting her figure in barely-there swimwear on social media. The mother-of-two's most recent body-baring snap was shared last week during a trip to the beach with her beau Tyson Mullane. Proudly showcasing her bare back and pert derriere, Pia is seen posing in a daring, plunge-back swimming costume as she poses on a rocky beach-side crag. Baby got back! Proudly showcasing her bare back and pert derriere, Pia is seen posing in a daring, plunge-back swimming costume, in a snap shared to Instagram one week ago In a photo uploaded a week earlier, Pia looked anything but shy as she posed in a tiny yellow string bikini that showcased her washboard abs, cleavage and bronzed pins. The Chile-born beauty once credited sleep, healthy eating and regular workouts for her stunning looks. 'My workout philosophy is to combine weights or high-cardio with a low-impact regime like yoga or Pilates for rest and recovery,' she told Women's Health and Fitness. What's her secret? 'My workout philosophy is to combine weights or high-cardio with a low-impact regime like yoga or Pilates for rest and recovery,' Pia told Women's Health and Fitness 'My mum always reminded me that I was greater than my appearance': Despite often being praised for her natural beauty, Pia previously told News Corp that she believes true beauty extends beyond the physical 'For me, it's about balancing the two eating right and sleeping right. I'm a big sleep advocate.' Despite often being praised for her natural beauty, Pia previously told News Corp that she believes true beauty extends beyond the physical. 'My mum always reminded me that I was greater than my appearance and my physical beauty,' she said. 'Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and packages and you have to understand that it's more than just physical appearance.' Solange Knowles and her family and friends were spotted lazing on a yacht anchored off the coast of Miami, Florida, on Wednesday - a day before the national holiday. While most of the US shivered under rain and freezing temperatures, the thermometer topped out at a sizzling 79F with a pleasant, cooling sea breeze, in Miami. Scroll down for video Perfect Thanksgiving: Solange Knowles was spotted on a yacht moored off the coast of Miami, Florida, with her friends and family on Wednesday And the 30-year-old pop star took advantage of the beautiful weather to slip on a silky orange maxi-dress with narrow straps that skimmed her perfect figure. Solange made no attempt to tame her unruly brunette tresses, leaving her hair to tumble in a mass of curls over her shoulders. At one point she put on a pair of large sunglasses with white frames from Sunday Somewhere to protect her eyes from the bright sunlight. She was joined by her husband of two years, Alan Ferguson. Enjoying the heat: The 30-year-old pop star took advantage of the beautiful weather to slip on a silky orange maxi-dress with narrow straps that skimmed her perfect figure Wild and free: Solange made no attempt to tame her unruly brunette tresses, leaving her hair to tumble in a mass of curls over her shoulders Also along for the ride was her 12-year-old son, Daniel Smith Jr., whom she shares with her first husband, Daniel Smith. Meanwhile, the younger sister of 35-year-old pop star Beyonce, put in an appearance at Love On Louisiana: An Essence Hometown Heroes Tribute in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Sunday. The holiday dinner honoured standout students and teachers affected by the devastating Louisiana flood in mid-August, when 31 inches of rain fell in some areas, killing 13 people and causing more than $8.7 billion in estimated damage. Up on deck: She was joined by her husband of two years, Alan Ferguson, and her 12-year-old son, Daniel Smith Jr., whom she shares with her first husband, Daniel Smith Chillaxin' with her crew: Solange took photos of her pals on board Great rear view, too: The star showed off her toned back in the beautiful dress Solange took to instagram on Wednesday to share a picture of herself in a lilac-coloured suit with some of the honourees. She captioned it: 'Me being in awe of the heroes like teenagers Jeremiah, Jermain, and Levi Lewis who courageously helped rescue and rebuild after the Baton Rouge floods. 'Thank you for letting me be a part of #loveonlouisiana to let the world know that Baton Rouge is not forgotten, and that there is still a lot of work to do. and to honor those who already did so much of it.' Quiet moment: The star appeared to be enjoying a cigarette Trump backs LA bid for 2024 Olympics: mayor's office US President-elect Donald Trump has offered his support to Los Angeles's bid to host the 2024 Olympics, the mayor's office said Thursday. The Republican billionaire spoke by phone with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and the two men had a "productive conversation," Garcetti's spokeswoman Connie Llanos said. During the conversation Trump, who will succeed Democratic President Barack Obama on January 20, indicated his support for LA's bid, she said. The name of the 2024 Olympics host city is set to be announced in September 2017 in the Peruvian capital of Lima Drew Angerer (Getty/AFP/File) Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympics in 1932 and 1984, and is competing with Paris and Budapest to do the same for the 2024 games. The name of the 2024 host city is set to be announced in September 2017 in the Peruvian capital of Lima. Many Olympics-watchers had seen Trump's election on November 8 as bad news for Los Angeles's bid because of his controversial remarks on the campaign trail deemed racist, sexist and anti-Muslim. Chinese online casino turned over nearly $60 bn: report Nearly $60 billion passed through China's biggest illegal online casino before it was broken up by authorities, a court said. The gambling operation was set up by a man surnamed Zhou in 2012, the official Xinhua news agency cited the court as saying. The following year he moved it to Vietnam to try to avoid detection by police. Gambling is illegal in China, except in state-sanctioned lotteries Vallery Hache (AFP/File) Players on the site, games998.net, exchanged real money into game coins to participate in dozens of gambling games from mahjong to poker, the Legal Daily newspaper reported last year. According to investigators more than two million people signed up and bought 400 billion yuan ($58 billion) in game coins, Xinhua said. The operators made profits of 580 million yuan. Zhou, 47, was arrested in Vietnam and repatriated. He went on trial Thursday in Songyang, in the eastern province of Zhejiang, charged with setting up the online casino. Eight of Zhou's accomplices were sentenced in an earlier case and several are still at large, Xinhua said. S.Africa braces for credit review as growth falls South Africa braced for a potentially damaging credit rating review Friday as Moody's releases its latest assessment amid political tension, reform blockages and weak economic data. President Jacob Zuma has been engulfed by graft scandals and a power struggle with Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, while growth has fallen to 0.5 percent and unemployment hit a 13-year high. Moody's will issue its updated grading later Friday, before Standard & Poor's makes its key announcement a week later on December 2. South African President Jacob Zuma has been engulfed by graft scandals and a power struggle, while growth has fallen to 0.5 percent and unemployment hit a 13-year high Rodger Bosch (AFP/File) S&P currently has South Africa -- the continent's most developed economy -- rated at the lowest investment grade, and a downgrade would put the country's bonds into so-called "junk" status. Moody's currently rates South Africa two levels above junk. Any downward review would further drain investor confidence in the country's prospects under Zuma and the ANC party, which has ruled since the end of apartheid. "We are politicising downgrading. That is our problem," the president told parliament this week. "We have been working hard... and we are talking to them (rating agencies)." Efforts to avoid junk status have been at the centre of political drama for months, with Zuma loyalists at loggerheads with Gordhan, who is widely respected among international investors. "Zuma has focused on removing Gordhan and maintaining his grip on power, while Gordhan (has) been working very hard to avert a ratings downgrade," the Eurasia consultancy group said in briefing note. - Junk status looms? - Analysts warned that Moody's sticking to its current "negative outlook" assessment for South Africa could be a pointer to S&P's possible downgrade to junk next week. "A stable outlook would indicate little to no intention to downgrade to junk any time soon," Old Mutual economist Rian le Roux said. A junk rating by S&P could trigger a bout of bond selling by foreign investors. Some investment funds have rules that allow them to only hold bonds that have investment-grade ratings. Dennis Dykes, senior economist at Nedbank, told AFP that a downgrade would "have a negative but limited impact because the markets had almost a year to absorb the probability". Gordhan had been due to appear in court earlier this month on graft charges that many analysts saw as an attempt by Zuma associates to oust him. The charges were dropped at the last minute, exposing deep tensions in the ANC as several ministers came out in his support. Gordhan was appointed only last year to calm panicked investors when Zuma sacked two finance ministers within four days. South Africa on Monday unveiled the proposed figure for its first minimum wage -- 3,500 rand ($242) a month -- in a move that could improve labour relations. Gordhan and deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa have been pushing for reform of loss-making state companies, including power company Eskom and national airline South African Airways. CEO of China's Founder Group fined $100m for insider trading A technology company CEO who may have given a Chinese politician's son the Ferrari in which he crashed and died was jailed for nearly five years and fined more than $100 million for insider trading, court documents showed Friday. A dozen former executives of major Chinese technology conglomerate Founder Group, including CEO Li You, were convicted of insider trading and other offences, said the intermediate people's court in Dalian, in northeastern China. Li was sentenced to four and a half years in prison and fined 750.2 million yuan ($108.5 million), it said. A court in Dalian has jailed a dozen former executives of Founder Group The Founder Group was established in 1986 with investment from Peking University and has expanded into IT, healthcare, real estate, finance, and commodities trading. According to the Beijing News, Li and Wei Xin, former chairman of the company, were linked to fallen Chinese presidential aide Ling Jihua, who was jailed for life in July for corruption, illegally obtaining state secrets and abuse of power. An ex-aide of former president Hu Jintao, Ling was brought down in the high-profile corruption crackdown by current President Xi Jinping that has deposed several senior officials. Chinese media have previously quoted reports saying that Li gave Ling's son Ling Gu a Ferrari. Ling Gu was killed in a high-speed crash in Beijing in 2012, when two women passengers, one of them naked, were injured, a scandal that helped trigger his father's downfall. Ling Jihua asked for and accepted over 6.43 million yuan from Wei, Xinhua said, and was aware of payments from Wei to his son. The Founder executives were charged with insider trading, hiding financial information, and obstructing official business, with no accusations relating to Ling. Marcos critics strip, parade coffins in Philippines Critics of the Ferdinand Marcos regime staged a naked protest Friday, while others marched through the streets with a mock coffin to denounce the late dictator's burial at the Philippines' cemetery for heroes. Some 3,000 protesters marched on a central Manila park to demand that President Rodrigo Duterte and the Supreme Court remove the body from the cemetery, a week after the long-dead former president's interment. Marcos died in exile in Hawaii in 1989, three years after a bloodless "People Power" revolution ended a 20-year rule historians say was marked by massive corruption and the imprisonment, torture and murder of thousands of critics. A rally at the University of the Philippines in Manila on November 25, 2016 against the burial of Ferdinand Marcos at the national heroes' cemetery Noel Celis (AFP) "His burial there violates not only the rights of the victims but also the entire idea of justice itself," Ephraim Cortez said as he and a dozen fellow lawyers joined the protest, wearing Marcos masks daubed with red swastikas. Many of the protesters were students who walked out of their classrooms at universities around Manila and took to the streets despite rains brought on by Tropical Storm Tokage that was scything through the centre of the country. Some carried mock coffins, including one that portrayed Marcos as Dracula. In one novel protest action, at least 20 masked male members of a school fraternity removed their clothes and streaked past classrooms at Manila's state-run University of the Philippines. About a thousand spectators cheered and raised posters that read "Marcos No Hero", "Never Forget" and "Remove Marcos from the LNMB", the Filipino acronym for the cemetery. The Marcos family had put the patriarch's corpse on public display at his ancestral home in the northern Philippines for more than a decade, demanding that the government fulfil his dying wish to be interred at the heroes' cemetery. The election this year of Duterte, the family's political ally, finally made that possible, with the Supreme Court upholding his decision on grounds Marcos deserved to be buried there as a former president and ex-soldier. Duterte said Friday he disagreed with the protesters but upheld their right to free expression, ordering police to allow protest actions even without government permits. Malawi to test public opinion on anti-gay law reform Malawi will hold public consultations to assess whether to reform colonial-era laws that ban homosexuality, the government said Friday. The southern African nation was the focus of controversy in 2010 when it jailed a gay couple for gross indecency after they held the country's first same-sex public "wedding". Then president Bingu wa Mutharika said the pair had committed a crime against Malawi's culture, religion and laws but later pardoned them on "humanitarian grounds" after a meeting with UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon. A billboard in Lilongwe in 2011 campaigns for the rights of sexual minorities AMOS GUMULIRA (AFP) Legislation outlawing sodomy was suspended two years ago to await a government review in a country where many traditional Christian communities view homosexuality as sinful. President Peter Mutharika's government will hold "public enquiries... in order to seek the views of Malawians on the issue," Janet Banda, solicitor general and secretary for justice, said in a statement. The outcome of the consultation "should inform the government's position," she said. "The issue of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights is still an outstanding issue for Malawi, both at the local and international (level)." Malawi relies on international aid money, and its anti-gay laws have strained ties with donors. The country's small gay community keeps a low profile due to fears over anti-gay public sentiment and the law. The government has in the past urged homosexuals to come out to help the fight against AIDS, with nine percent of the adult population infected with HIV -- one of the highest rates in the world. At least five killed, 27 wounded in Afghan triple bombing At least five people were killed and 27 others wounded in a triple bombing in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province Friday, provincial officials said. There was no claim of responsibility for the three bombings in Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, which is a hotbed of IS militancy. "Five people were martyred in three explosions in different parts of Jalalabad of Nangarhar province this morning," provincial spokesman Ataullah Khogyani told AFP. Rickshaws damaged in an explosion in Jalalabad on November 25, 2016 Noorullah Shirzada (AFP) Khogyani said the first blast was a roadside bomb which detonated outside the house of a senior prison official, Abdul Hakim, killing him and a child and wounding six others. The second blast came outside the fire brigade office -- from where the first rescuers are usually dispatched after an attack -- killing three and wounding 21. Khogyani said the third blast came as people gathered at Hakim's house after the first blast, but there were no casualties. Dr Najib Kamawal, director of the Nangarhar civil hospital confirmed the toll. The IS group appears to be intensifying attacks against the government and civilians as Afghan forces, backed by NATO air strikes, step up operations against them in Nangarhar. Last week IS claimed a massive suicide blast targeting Shiites in Kabul that killed at least 27 people. In late October, a suicide bomber killed at least six people at a gathering of tribal elders seeking aid for war-displaced families in Jalalabad. As well as the emerging threat from IS loyalists, who are making gradual inroads across Afghanistan, Taliban fighters are active in Nangarhar. Green Party files for recount in Wisconsin Former Green Party candidate Jill Stein submitted papers Friday to request a vote recount in Wisconsin, one of three battleground states won by Donald Trump and where she intends to challenge the results. The Wisconsin Elections Commission said it is "preparing to move forward with a statewide recount of votes for President of the United States" as requested by Stein and separately by a fringe candidate. The commission said the deadline for completing a recount is December 13, so its clerk will have to work quickly. It said it is still calculating the fee it will charge Stein's party for the arduous work of staging a recount. Jill Stein has raised funds to launch a recount in the second of three battleground states won by Donald Trump Win McNamee (GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File) Stein says she also plans to challenge the presidential election results in Pennsylvania and Michigan, where Trump won. Her campaign has cited unspecified "anomalies" as grounds to mount a challenge in all three Rust Belt states. Stein says she has raised more than $4.8 million of her $7 million goal. The deadlines for filing in Pennsylvania and Michigan are Monday and Wednesday of next week. "These recounts are part of an election integrity movement to attempt to shine a light on just how untrustworthy the US election system is," Stein's fundraising website added. The move comes amid stepped-up calls from some of Trump's left-wing opponents to challenge the results of the November 8 election, which followed a bitter campaign that included persistent charges of Russian hacking and allegations by Trump of fraud. "After a divisive and painful presidential race, reported hacks into voter and party databases and individual email accounts are causing many Americans to wonder if our election results are reliable," Stein said on her website. "These concerns need to be investigated before the 2016 presidential election is certified. We deserve elections we can trust." Although experts say there is virtually no chance of overturning the result, the demands could reignite debate over the legitimacy of Trump's election, already fueled by Democrat Hillary Clinton's lead in the popular vote, which now stands at two million. Clinton lost by a margin of around 27,000 votes in Wisconsin and 60,000 votes in Pennsylvania, while unofficial results released by Michigan's secretary of state's office put Trump ahead by a mere 10,704 votes. Boris Johnson says he favoured Brexit to widen UK foreign policy British foreign secretary Boris Johnson gave a speech in Lahore Friday in which he said one reason he was in favour of "Brexit" was that he wanted Britain to "widen the horizons of our foreign policy". "I want a Global Britain to play an even stronger role on the world stage, maximising our assets as the fifth biggest economy in the world and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council," he told the crowd at a university in Lahore. Johnson, a leading voice in the "Leave" campaign which resulted in Britain's shock vote to exit the European Union five months ago, said he wanted to forge closer links between Pakistan and former colonial power Britain. Boris Johnson wants Britain to "widen the horizons of our foreign policy" Aamir Qureshi (AFP) The foreign secretary, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, lauded the opportunities for trade and commerce in the country, which lies "at the heart of Asia". He said he was "thrilled" to discover UK grocery giant Tesco was coming to Pakistan. "Don't know how you survived without it." He said he hoped British companies "get to participate" in the planned China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a massive $46 billion bid by the Asian superpower to link its eastern province of Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea via Pakistan. But, he said, such projects should be part of an "even more ambitious vision that would revive the ancient Silk Roads" and turn cities like Karachi into Asian trading hubs like Singapore or Shanghai. Noting that his wife has Pakistani heritage, he said he hopes to make the bilateral relationship "as close as it is with my in-laws -- which is obviously pretty good". Britain ruled the Indian subcontinent until 1947, when the region achieved independence only to be divided in a bloody partition into India and Pakistan. Erdogan, Putin in Syria talks after Turkish soldiers killed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the Syrian conflict with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin by phone Friday after the Turkish army accused Moscow ally Damascus of killing its soldiers in northern Syria. Erdogan informed Putin of the strike that killed four Turkish soldiers, presidential sources said, which the Turkish army assessed to have been by the forces of President Bashar al-Assad early on Thursday. It was the first time Turkey had blamed the Assad regime -- which is given military support by Russia -- for a deadly strike on its troops during Ankara's three month campaign inside Syria. Turkey launched operation "Euphrates Shield" in August to support Syrian rebel fighters seeking to retake IS-held territory in northern Syria and also to halt the advance of Kurdish militia Nazeer al-Khatib (AFP/File) Erdogan and Putin also agreed to accelerate their efforts to find a solution to the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo, where the regime continues its Moscow-backed offensive to recapture the whole city, which is divided between the government and rebels. During the phone call, Erdogan told Putin of how the Turkish-backed offensive in Syria was evidence of Ankara's determination to fight against terror, the sources added. - 'Violation of sovereignty' - The president stressed Turkey's commitment to Syria's territorial integrity -- Russia had previously said it was "deeply concerned" by Turkey's incursion while Damascus has called it a "blatant violation of sovereignty". The presidents also backed the process to normalise relations between Russia and Turkey after the crisis sparked by the shooting down by Turkish forces of a Russian jet over Syria last year. The army said on Friday that a fifth Turkish soldier was killed in northern Syria in clashes with Islamic State (IS) jihadists. Seventeen Turkish soldiers have been killed since the military began an unprecedented operation in Syria on August 24 to back pro-Ankara rebels. Turkish planes also carried out air strikes against seven IS targets in northern Syria, the army said in a statement on Friday carried by the state-run Anadolu news agency. Turkey launched the operation in August -- dubbed "Euphrates Shield" -- in support of Syrian rebel fighters seeking to retake IS-held territory in northern Syria and also to halt the advance of Kurdish militia. Since it began, the pro-Ankara rebels have captured the IS stronghold of Jarabulus, cleared IS from Al Rai and retaken the symbolically important town of Dabiq without much resistance. They are now pressing to take Al Bab from the jihadists and will then move to Manbij to ensure there are no Kurdish militia members remaining, as agreed with Washington. The battle to recapture Al Bab appears to be proving more difficult and violent as Dogan news agency reported on Friday evening that five more soldiers were injured after an IS attack. They have been taken to the southeastern city of Kilis for medical treatment, Dogan said, adding that the total number of soldiers wounded in the day's action was seven. Charleston shooter ruled competent to stand trial The self-described white supremacist accused of gunning down nine African-American churchgoers in South Carolina last year is mentally competent to stand trial, a federal judge ruled Friday. Jury selection is now set to begin Monday in the death penalty trial of Dylann Roof, 22, who allegedly used a .45 caliber Glock handgun to kill his victims in the June 2015 massacre during a Bible study group inside a traditionally black church in Charleston. Originally scheduled to begin two weeks ago, the trial was delayed by Judge Richard Gergel, who ordered a closed-door competency hearing, citing "the defendant's right to a fair and impartial jury and a fair trial" after his lawyers raised questions about his mental state. The Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina Sean Rayford (Getty/AFP/File) Gergel's three-page ruling on Friday reveals no details about Roof's psychological condition. The judge banned observers from the hearing despite objections from survivors, victims' families and media. Releasing the hearing's transcript "would prejudice the defendant's right to a fair trial and a fair and impartial jury," his ruling said. The mass murder at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church stunned the country. S.Africa's Zuma to meet with ANC 'integrity commission' South African President Jacob Zuma will meet with the ruling ANC party's "integrity commission" next week, party officials said, after a year of political scandals and poor local election results. Zuma has deep support within the African National Congress and its lawmakers, but has faced growing criticism from some senior party activists as well as anti-apartheid veterans and trade unions. "The Integrity Commission will meet with the President... on the 3rd of December to discuss the health & state of ANC," the party said on its Twitter feed. South Africa's top watchdog recently raised accusations over President Jacob Zuma's relationship with the Guptas, a business family accused of wielding undue influence on the country's political affairs Gianluigi Guercia (AFP/File) It stressed that Zuma was not "appearing" in front of the panel. The commission was formed in 2013 to protect the ANC's image from misconduct allegations. "That the president is going to be meeting the committee, addressing their concerns is quite significant," political analyst Somadoda Fikeni told AFP. A corruption report by the country's top watchdog recently raised accusations over Zuma's relationship with the Guptas, a business family accused of wielding undue political influence. South Africa's highest court this year found the president guilty of violating the constitution after he refused to repay taxpayers' money used to refurbish his private rural house. He is also fighting a court order that could reinstate almost 800 corruption charges against him over a multi-billion dollar arms deal in the 1990s. Chad opposition figures begin second week in detention Eleven Chadian opposition activists remain in detention a week after being arrested during a banned rally in the capital N'Djamena, a legal source said Friday. The arrests were made on November 17 during an attempt by the opposition to defy a ban by President Idriss Deby's government on a demonstration organised as public anger soared over the nation's growing economic crisis. Those still detained include party leaders Mahamat Bechir Barh and Gapili Godebne, who are being investigated for "taking part in an unauthorised assembly", the source said. President of Chad Idriss Deby Miguel Medina (AFP/File) "They have been placed under a warrant and are awaiting trial but the legal clerks are on strike, which suspends everything," a spokesman for the UNDR main opposition party, told AFP. "They have the moral high ground and are determined more than ever to defend the will of our people," one of their supporters, Abdelkerim Yacoub Koundougoumi, said on Twitter. The arrests were made last week when demonstrators tried to march towards a stadium after holding a public meeting at the UNDR headquarters. The stadium was cordoned off by security forces, who stopped the protesters from entering. The authorities originally arrested around 30 protesters, according to another opposition leader. The ministry of interior and public security had warned days earlier that the planned protest was banned. Opposition MPs had been seeking to hold the government of Prime Minister Albert Pahimi Padacke to account over its alleged mismanagement of the nation's economy. Like its neighbour, oil giant Nigeria, Chad is undergoing a severe financial crisis as a result of the slump in the price of crude. The opposition is also critical of the political situation under Deby's iron-fisted rule. Status of main battle fronts in Iraq and Syria Here is a look at the latest developments on the ground on the main fronts of the conflicts in Iraq and Syria, as of 1800 GMT on Friday: IRAQ - Battle for Mosul - Iraqi forces in Mosul Thomas SAINT-CRICQ, Sabrina BLANCHARD, Simon MALFATTO (AFP) Iraqi forces battling the Islamic State group deep inside Mosul were urged by an aid group to create safe exits for residents. The International Rescue Committee also predicted that the fighting to retake IS's northern stronghold would last until the spring of 2017 and worried that the trapped population would run out of supplies or take huge risks to flee. Since the October 17 start of a broad offensive to retake Mosul, Iraqi forces have already recaptured several eastern neighbourhoods despite fierce jihadist resistance. A senior Iraqi commander said Wednesday that 40 percent of eastern Mosul had now been retaken. Iraqi forces are also closing in on Mosul airport south of the city. SYRIA - Raqa - The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US-backed Kurdish-Arab alliance, is advancing in the desert as it tries to push closer to IS's de facto Syrian capital of Raqa. The SDF has been battling the jihadists to drive them from positions some 25 kilometres (15 miles) north of the city. - Battle for Aleppo - The Syrian army advanced in Aleppo after pounding the city's rebel-held east with air strikes and shelling that killed dozens. State television said army units were advancing into Masaken Hanano, east Aleppo's largest district. Almost 190 civilians, including 19 children, have been killed in east Aleppo since the latest assault began on November 15, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Another 16 civilians, including 10 children, have been killed in rebel fire on western Aleppo, it says. - Other fronts - Syrian rebels backed by Turkish forces are inching closer to the IS stronghold of Al-Bab in Aleppo province, as they press Ankara's Operation "Euphrates Shield" to expel IS from the border area. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the Syrian conflict with his Russian Counterpart Vladimir Putin after the Turkish army accused Damascus of killing four soldiers in northern Syria on Thursday. Ivory Coast extradites 3 soldiers suspected in Burkina coup Ivory Coast on Friday extradited three soldiers arrested on suspicion of being at the centre of the 2015 coup attempt in Burkina Faso back to their homeland, the Burkinabe interior minister said. The three were former members of the presidential guard of ex-leader Blaise Compaore who was forced to step down from power in 2014 following a popular revolt. "Those arrested are what we call the 'hard core' of the attempted putsch," the minister Simon Compaore -- no relation to the ex-president -- told journalists. On September 16, 2015, soldiers of the elite presidential guard stormed a cabinet meeting and took hostage the government in a proclaimed coup d'etat that was ended by members of the army a week later Ahmed Ouoba (AFP/File) He said the arrests would help speed up the investigation into the failed coup as well as another thwarted coup plot this October. He also thanked the Ivorian authorities even as relations between the neighbouring west African countries have been strained as former president Compaore has been living in exile in Abidjan since his ouster. On September 16 last year, soldiers of the elite presidential guard stormed a cabinet meeting and took hostage the government and the country's transition president Michel Kafando and proclaimed a coup d'etat. But loyalist members of the army put an end to the putsch a week later. The minister said the three soldiers arrested for allegedly taking part in the coup were Roger Koussoube, Mohamed Zerbo and Wekouri Kosse. Manhunt in France after killing at religious residence PARIS (AP) French police searched Friday for a masked gunman suspected of stabbing an elderly woman to death in a retirement home for Catholic missionaries in southern France, authorities said. An unusually large police operation was launched to search for the suspected attacker, believed to be armed with a shotgun and a knife. The identity of the assailant and motive for the killing were unclear. The press service for the gendarmes, or military police, couldn't say whether the incident was linked to a terrorist act. Security at religious and other sites has been increased after a string of Islamic extremist attacks on France. Firefighters and ambulances are seen in the village of Montferrier-sur-Lez, southern France, Friday, Nov. 25, 2016. The French gendarmerie says a masked gunman has burst into a retirement home for monks in southern France and killed an elderly woman with a knife. The press service for the national military police couldn't immediately say whether the incident is linked to a terror act or not. (AP Photo) A gendarme service spokesman said early Friday that more than 100 members of the security forces were dispatched to the village of Montferrier-sur-Lez, near the city of Montpellier in the southern tip of France. The spokesman was not authorized to be publicly named. Prosecutor Christophe Barret told reporters that a woman who works at the retirement home called police Thursday night to say she had been attacked. When the officers arrived, they found the body of another woman, gagged and tied up outside the building with three stab wounds, the gendarme spokesman said. The worker who alerted police did not suffer serious injuries but was deeply rattled, and no one else at the residence was harmed, the prosecutor said in televised remarks carried on the website of Midi Libre newspaper. Security forces searched the complex but did not find the assailant. The spokesman said the about 60 residents of the facility are out of danger, and the search is continuing in a larger perimeter with help from a helicopter and police dogs. The residence, called "Green Oaks," is operated by the African Missions Society, and takes in retired priests, nuns and others who have worked on missions in Africa. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, spokesman for the French Catholic bishops' conference, tweeted condolences for the woman killed and added, "our prayers reach out also to the missionaries attacked in their retirement home in the Herault (region). God give them all peace." France has been under a state of emergency for a year since Islamic State group attacks on Paris killed 130 people. Another Islamic State attack in July targeted a Catholic church in Normandy, where two attackers slit a priest's throat and held elderly parishioners hostage. ___ Angela Charlton in Paris contributed. N. Korea, Swedish envoy discuss US, Canadian detainees SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korea said Friday that it had discussed the issue of American and Canadian detainees with the Swedish ambassador in the country. The North is holding at least two Americans and one Canadian for alleged espionage, subversion and other anti-state activities. Both the U.S. and Canada have no diplomatic offices in North Korea. A North Korean Foreign Ministry official met with the Swedish ambassador on Thursday for talks on consular access for Canadian detainee Hyeon Soo Lim, a Christian pastor, sentenced last year to life in prison with hard labor, according to Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency. The Swedish ambassador used the meeting as a chance to raise the issue of consular affairs for the American detainees. The Pyongyang official, identified as the director general of the ministry's European Department 2, reiterated a position that the North will handle the issues of detained Americans line with a wartime law, according to the KCNA. No further details were given, including what the North Korean official said about Lim. In July, North Korea announced that it would handle all issues between the two countries in line with a wartime law in response to U.S. sanctions that target leader Kim Jong Un. It has not elaborated on what wartime law means, although analysts say that suggests North Korea could deal with U.S. detainees in a harsher manner. Korean-American Kim Tong Chol is serving a 10-year prison term with hard labor, while University of Virginia undergraduate Otto Warmbier received 15 years. Lim, who pastored the Light Korean Presbyterian Church in Toronto, was convicted by Pyongyang's Supreme Court for trying to use religion to destroy the North Korean system and helping U.S. and South Korean authorities lure and abduct North Korean citizens. Man arraigned in fatal shooting of Detroit college officer DETROIT (AP) An ex-convict was arraigned on murder charges Friday in the death of a Detroit college police officer who was shot in the head while trying to arrest the man. "This case strongly illustrates the dangers that police officers face every minute of every day," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said. DeAngelo Davis, 31, is accused of shooting Wayne State University Officer Collin Rose on Tuesday. Davis was arraigned on first-degree murder, murder of a police officer and gun charges, and ordered jailed without bond. In a booking photo provided by the Detroit Police, DeAngelo Davis is shown. The ex-convict was arraigned Friday, Nov. 25, 2016, on murder and other crimes in the death of a Detroit college police officer who was shot in the head while trying to arrest the man. Davis is accused of shooting Wayne State University Officer Collin Rose on Tuesday, Nov. 22. (Detroit Police via AP) Wayne State Police Chief Anthony Holt said he was relieved Davis was jailed and off the street. Wayne State, which has more than 27,000 students, employs about 65 officers. Rose died a day after the shooting, and is the only Wayne State officer killed in the line of duty. In a statement, Worthy said Davis was riding a bicycle when Rose stopped him. The officer was shot shortly after requesting help from other officers. Detroit Police Chief James Craig said Rose was investigating possible thefts of navigation systems from vehicles. The prosecutor's office says Davis was not represented by an attorney at Friday's arraignment in Romulus District Court and that one hasn't yet been assigned to him. He is scheduled for Dec. 9 probable cause hearing and a Dec. 16 preliminary examination. "Officer Rose was respected, admired, and one that had an excellent work ethic," Worthy said. "Our hearts go out to the family and friends." Wayne State University said Friday that it's accepting gifts in Rose's memory after receiving inquiries from many people who want to make donations. The school said its officers work tirelessly and courageously to ensure the safety of our campus and community. "We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support and generosity," the school said in a statement. "These gifts will be used in support of the Wayne State University Police Department." This undated photo provided by Wayne State University shows university police officer Collin Rose, who was shot in the head while on patrol near a university campus in Detroit on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016. Rose, a five-year veteran of the department. died from his injuries on Wednesday, Nov. 23. He was 29. (MJ Murawka/Wayne State University via AP) This undated photo provided by Wayne State University shows university police officer Collin Rose, who was shot in the head while on patrol near a university campus in Detroit on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016. Rose is a five-year veteran of the department who works in the canine unit. (Wayne State University via AP) Police stand near the command center as they search for a suspect in the shooting of a Wayne State University officer Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, in Detroit. The officer was shot while on duty near the campus, the city's police chief said. (Steve Perez/Detroit News via AP) Police search the area where an officer who works for Wayne State University was shot in the head while on duty near the campus Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, in Detroit. Authorities said they have a "person of interest" in custody in the investigation into the shooting of a Wayne State University police officer. The police officer was in critical condition at the time of this reporting. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Authorities investigate after shooting of a Wayne State University officer Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, in Detroit. The officer was shot while on duty near the campus, the city's police chief said. (Steve Perez/Detroit News via AP) Police search the area where an officer who works for Wayne State University was shot in the head while on duty near the campus Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, in Detroit. Authorities said they have a "person of interest" in custody in the investigation into the shooting of the police officer. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Executives linked to fallen Chinese presidential aide jailed BEIJING (AP) A group of Chinese executives linked to an imprisoned former presidential aide who was brought down by a fatal Ferrari crash were convicted Friday of insider trading and other offenses. The former chairman, chief executive and 10 other executives of Founder Group, a conglomerate with interests in technology, real estate and finance, were convicted by a court in the northeastern city of Dalian. The former CEO, Li You, was sentenced to 4 years in prison and fined 750 million yuan ($110 million). Penalties for the others were not announced. Another court said last year Founder made payments to Ling Jihua, a former chief of staff to President Hu Jintao who was sentenced to life in prison for taking bribes. News reports said Li, the former CEO, bought a Ferrari for Ling's son, who died in a car crash in Beijing with two nude or half-dressed women as passengers. Ling fell from political favor when he was accused of trying to cover up the accident. Friday's ruling by the Dalian Intermediate People's Court made no mention of charges related to Ling. It said Li, former Founder chairman Wei Xin and other executives improperly profited from confidential financial information, falsifying records and trying to obstruct investigators. Founder was established by Peking University in 1986 and expanded into personal computers in the 1990s, becoming one of China's leading technology brands. 'The Brady Bunch' matriarch Florence Henderson dies at 82 LOS ANGELES (AP) Florence Henderson, who went from Broadway star to become one of America's most beloved television moms in "The Brady Bunch," has died. She was 82. Henderson died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Thursday night, a day after she was hospitalized, said her publicist, David Brokaw. Henderson had suffered heart failure, her manager Kayla Pressman said in a statement. Family and friends had surrounded Henderson's hospital bedside, Pressman said. FILE - In this Oct. 29, 2014 file photo, Florence Henderson arrives at the 2014 amfAR Inspiration Gala at Milk Studios in Los Angeles. Henderson, the wholesome actress who went from Broadway star to television icon when she became Carol Brady, the ever-cheerful mom residing over "The Brady Bunch," has died at age 82. She died surrounded by family and friends, her manager, Kayla Pressman, said in a statement late Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) On the surface, "The Brady Bunch" with Henderson as its ever-cheerful matriarch Carol Brady resembled just another TV sitcom about a family living in suburban America and getting into a different wacky situation each week. But well after it ended its initial run in 1974, the show resonated with audiences, and it returned to television in various forms again and again, including "The Brady Bunch Hour" in 1977, "The Brady Brides" in 1981 and "The Bradys" in 1990. It was also seen endlessly in reruns. "It represents what people always wanted: a loving family. It's such a gentle, innocent, sweet show, and I guess it proved there's always an audience for that," Henderson said in 1999. Premiering in 1969, it also was among the first shows to introduce to television the blended family. As its theme song reminded viewers each week, Henderson's Carol was a single mother raising three daughters when she met her TV husband, Robert Reed's Mike Brady, a single father who was raising three boys. The eight of them became "The Brady Bunch," with a quirky housekeeper, played by Ann B. Davis, thrown into the mix. Mourners flooded social media with memories of Henderson. Maureen McCormick, who played the eldest Brady daughter, Marcia, tweeted, "You are in my heart forever Florence." ''Dancing With the Stars" host Tom Bergeron tweeted, "Heartbroken. I'll miss you, my friend." Henderson's last public appearance was Monday at the "Dancing With The Stars" taping where she was in the audience to support McCormick, who competed this season. The blond, ever-smiling Henderson was already a Broadway star when the show began, having originated the title role in the musical "Fanny." But after "The Brady Bunch," she would always be known to fans as Carol Brady. "We had to have security guards with us. Fans were hanging on our doors. We couldn't go out by ourselves. We were like the Beatles!" she said of the attention the show brought the cast. Like the Beatles, there was even a Saturday morning cartoon version called "Brady Kids," though Henderson was not in that show. She and Reed did return, however, for "The Brady Bunch Hour, "The Brady Brides" and "The Bradys." So did most of the original cast. She was also back again in 1995 when a new cast was assembled for "The Brady Bunch Movie," a playful spoof of the original show. This time she was Grandma Brady opposite Shelley Long's Carol. Numerous memoirs also kept interest in the show alive as cast members revealed they were more than just siblings off camera. Barry Williams, who played eldest son Greg Brady, would confess to having a crush on his TV stepmom. Henderson, in her own book, denied having any relationship with Williams but did acknowledge a fling with former New York City mayor John Lindsay. Henderson was a 19-year-old drama student in New York when she landed a one-line role in the play "Wish You Were Here." Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II were so impressed they made her the female lead in a 1952 road tour of "Oklahoma!" When the show returned to Broadway for a revival in 1954, she continued in the role and won rave reviews. "She is the real thing," wrote Walter Kerr of the New York Herald Tribune. To broaden her career, Henderson took acting, dancing, singing and guitar lessons, even studying French and Italian. She went on to play Maria in a road production of "The Sound of Music," was Nellie Forbush in a revival of "South Pacific" and was back on Broadway with Jose Ferrer in "The Girl Who Came to Supper" in 1963. She made her movie debut in 1970 in "Song of Norway," based on the 1944 operetta with music by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Her career nearly came to an end in 1965 when she suddenly lost her hearing while appearing in "The King and I" in Los Angeles. She was diagnosed with a condition linked to heredity. "Corrective surgery in both ears restored my hearing," she said in 2007. As her TV career blossomed with "The Brady Bunch," Henderson also began to make frequent TV guest appearances. She was the first woman to host "The Tonight Show" for the vacationing Johnny Carson. For eight years she also commuted to Nashville to conduct a cooking and talk series, "Country Kitchen," on The Nashville Network. The show resulted in a book, "Florence Henderson's Short Cut Cooking." After "The Brady Bunch" ended its first run, Henderson alternated her appearances in revivals of the show with guest appearances on other programs, including "Hart to Hart," ''Fantasy Island" and "The Love Boat." In later years she also made guest appearances on such shows as "Roseanne, "Ally McBeal" and "The King of Queens." She also became a commercial spokeswoman and co-produced "Country Kitchen," a Nashville Network series, The Los Angeles Times reported. Florence Agnes Henderson was born Feb. 14, 1934, in the small town of Dale in southern Indiana. She was the 10th child of a tobacco sharecropper of Irish descent. In grade school, she joined the choir at a Catholic church in Rockport, Indiana. After high school she moved to New York, where she enrolled in a two-year program at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, her studies financed by a theatrical couple who had been impressed by her singing when they saw her perform in high school. She dropped out of the program after one year, however, to take the role in "Wish You Were There." Henderson married theater executive Ira Bernstein and the couple had four children before the union ended in divorce after 29 years. Her second husband, John Kappas, died in 2002. Pressman said she is survived by her children, Barbara, Joseph, Robert and Lizzie, their spouses and five grandchildren. ___ Late Associated Press writer Bob Thomas contributed to this report. FILE - In this Jan. 20, 1977 file photo, actress Farrah Fawcett-Majors, right, joins her husband Lee Majors in a television appearance together in the sit-com "The Brady Bunch." At left are actors Geri Reischl, Robert Reed and Florence Henderson. Henderson, the wholesome actress who went from Broadway star to television icon when she became Carol Brady, the ever-cheerful mom residing over "The Brady Bunch," has died at age 82. She died surrounded by family and friends, her manager, Kayla Pressman, said in a statement late Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/George Brich, File) In this May 2015 photo, actress Florence Henderson spoke during the Alzheimer's Association, Orange County's 9th annual Visionary Women Luncheon at Rancho Las Lomas in Silverado, Calif. Henderson, the wholesome actress who went from Broadway star to television icon when she became Carol Brady, the ever-cheerful matriarch of "The Brady Bunch," has died, her manager and her publicist said. She was 82. Henderson died Thursday night, Nov. 24, 2016, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, after being hospitalized the day before, said her publicist, David Brokaw. (Nick Agro/The Orange County Register/SCNG via AP) FILE - In this June 12, 1967 file photo, composer Richard Rodgers, left, poses at opening night with stars, Florence Henderson, center, and Giorgio Tozzi, of the New York revival of "South Pacific," which Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II wrote. Henderson, the wholesome actress who went from Broadway star to television icon when she became Carol Brady, the ever-cheerful matriarch of "The Brady Bunch," has died, her manager and her publicist said. She was 82. Henderson died Thursday night, Nov. 24, 2016, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, after being hospitalized the day before, said her publicist, David Brokaw. (AP Photo/John Lindsay, File) FILE - In this Oct. 29, 2014 file photo, Florence Henderson arrives at the 2014 amfAR Inspiration Gala at Milk Studios in Los Angeles. Henderson, the wholesome actress who went from Broadway star to television icon when she became Carol Brady, the ever-cheerful mom residing over "The Brady Bunch," has died at age 82. She died surrounded by family and friends, her manager, Kayla Pressman, said in a statement late Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) FILE - In this April 24, 2015 file photo, Alex Trebek, left, and Florence Henderson arrive at the 2015 Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards at The Universal Hilton in Universal City, Calif. Henderson, the wholesome actress who went from Broadway star to television icon when she became Carol Brady, the ever-cheerful mom residing over "The Brady Bunch," has died at age 82. She died surrounded by family and friends, her manager, Kayla Pressman, said in a statement late Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016. (Photo by Rich Fury/Invision/AP, File) Turkey's push for Syrian town complicates anti-IS fight BEIRUT (AP) Turkey is pushing to capture the town of al-Bab, the last major Islamic State group stronghold in northern Syria. But are others welcoming the new advance in the war against the militants? Not quite. By seizing the city, Turkey would plant its firmest foothold yet in Syria. That is already causing frictions with other players in the country's war. Syrian President Bashar Assad's government opposes the Turkish incursion. His military's air defenses have threatened Turkish warplanes, and on Thursday, three Turkish troops were killed outside al-Bab in what the Turkish military said was a Syrian airstrike. FILE - In this Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016 file image made from video posted online by Qasioun News Agency, Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces patrol in Dabiq, Syria. Turkey is pushing ahead with plans to liberate the town of al-Bab, the last major Islamic State stronghold in northern Syria despite a complicated terrain. (Qasioun News Agency via AP, File) At the same time, Turkey's Syrian allies are clashing with Syrian Kurdish fighters, who are another ally of the United States in the war on IS and are currently leading an assault on the Islamic State group's de facto capital Raqqa. Here is a look at why al-Bab is important for Ankara and how it can influence the balance of power in Syria. WHY AL-BAB? For Turkey, capturing al-Bab is key to preventing Syrian Kurds from connecting the stretches of territory they have captured along the border. A contiguous Kurdish-held area in Syria emboldens Turkey's own Kurdish rebels. Ankara views the Kurdish forces on both sides of the border as linked and labels them terrorists. A victory would push IS further from Turkey's border and further squeeze the militants in the city of Raqqa. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey was forced to descend to al-Bab, 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of the Syria-Turkey border, "to prepare a region there that is free of terror." Home to at least 2.7 million Syrian refugees, Turkey is looking to establish a "safe-zone" inside Syria. But Turkey's priority is the Kurds. Erdogan has also vowed to take the nearby town of Manbij, which the Kurds captured from IS this summer after 10 weeks of grueling battles. That victory allowed the Kurdish forces to expand west of the Euphrates River a line Ankara said they must not cross. Al-Bab, Arabic for 'the door', would provide Turkey with a new leverage with its NATO ally, the United States, and strengthen Ankara's influence over Syrian rebels at a time when a new Trump administration in Washington could halt support. ___ THE BATTLEFIELD Al-Bab is sandwiched between three rival forces. Moving from the north and west, Turkish-backed fighters are less than one kilometer (half a mile) away. Kurds are moving in from the east. Syrian troops are stationed to the south. The Islamic State group is ready, erecting a wall around the entire town and its countryside to the south, according to satellite imagery by U.S.-based firm TerraServer shared by intelligence analyst Roa Komar. He said fighting could be as heavy as the battle for Manbij. Some 1,500-3,000 Syrian fighters backed by 300-600 Turkish troops are involved in the three-month-old Turkish incursion into northern Syria, known as Operation Euphrates Shield, according to a Western military official speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. So far they have captured some 1,800 square kilometers (700 square miles), largely sparsely populated rural areas cleared by Turkish artillery and warplanes. Turkey's Syrian allies comprise diverse factions often plagued by infighting, including the ultraconservative Ahrar al-Sham and the U.S.-backed al-Mutassem Brigade. Turkey's ground presence provides the factions with some protection from Russian or Syrian airstrikes, which have pounded rebels elsewhere, said al-Mutassem's chief, Mustafa Sejari, on his Twitter account. At the same time, the Kurds vow to take al-Bab as well, though they are more likely to prove a distraction for Turkey's assault. Kurdish fighters and the Turkish-backed forces are already battling over control of an IS-held village between al-Bab and Manbij. Meanwhile, Turkey is aggressively recruiting among rebels. One opposition faction recently evacuated from Damascus suburb of Darayya to rebel-held northern Idlib is mulling whether to join Turkey's operation. After surviving a four-year government siege, Abu Jamal, leader of Islam Martyrs Brigades, said his estimated 700 fighters are joining other battles in northern Syria to gain new experience. "We have never fought Daesh before," he said, using the Arabic acronym for IS. ___ HOW DOES THE U.S. FEEL ABOUT IT? Nowhere is the U.S.'s often muddled Syria policy more tested than in al-Bab. The U.S. has mainly been trying, with little success, to prevent fighting between its two allies, Turkey and the Kurds. After U.S. Chief of Staff Gen. Roger Dunford visited Ankara in early November, an American military liaison was sent to Turkey for closer coordination on anti-IS operations. Part of that coordination could be over the offensive against Raqqa, said Noah Bonsey, of the Brussels-based International Crisis Group. The offensive has been led by the Kurds, but Washington recognizes the need for a more local Sunni Arab force to eventually capture and control the city with its majority Arab population, Bonsey said. Ankara, which also said it wants to take part in the Raqqa operation, is in a position to help in that. But while focusing on fighting IS, Washington has struggled in playing the bigger power game with Russia, Turkey and other players in Syria. Turkey has grown closer to Russia even as it consolidates the opposition, including ultraconservatives, under its leadership. "The U.S. is going to wake up in 2017 ... to find that Turkey has all the local influence and all the local leverage, and we have exactly none or precious little," said Jennifer Cafarella, a Syria analyst with the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War. ___ THE VIEW FROM MOSCOW AND DAMASCUS Despite Assad's opposition to the Turkish incursion, his ally Moscow appears to be tolerating it in order to further cultivate its warming ties with Ankara. Russia and Turkey have been finding common ground on Syria. Russia's Vladimir Putin and Erdogan have met several times since August, after Ankara apologized for downing a Russian warplane a year ago. Russian and Turkish military chiefs met three times in as many months, and Russian media say Moscow is sharing military intelligence with Ankara. With the better ties, Russia likely aims to exploit Turkey's strains with the West. Turkey, in turn, prevents Moscow from growing closer to the Kurds. Russia could see advantages in the Turkish foray for example, in the city of Aleppo, where Assad's Russian-backed forces are threatening to crush the eastern, rebel-held enclave. Ankara is unlikely to risk its rapprochement with Moscow by sending its allied Syrian factions to rescue the opposition part of the city. Russia, however, must also deal with its ally Assad's opposition to Turkish influence in Syria. Turkey had to briefly halt its airstrikes around al-Bab after Syrian air defenses locked on its warplanes last week. The strikes resumed this week, raising speculation Moscow mediated. Thursday's Turkish casualties could be a sign Damascus views Turkey's advance so close to al-Bab as a step too far. Ankara's account of how the three soldiers died is disputed by Syrian activists, who said they were killed by an Islamic State suicide attack the day before. Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said Damascus "cannot accept having one Turkish soldier remain" in Syria. ___ Associated Press writers Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow, and Lolita Baldor in Washington contributed to this report. This photo released on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016 by the Baladi News Network, an opposition activist media organization, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows Turkey-backed Syrian opposition fighters raising their guns in the back of pick-up trucks in northern Syria. Turkey is pushing ahead with plans to liberate the town of al-Bab, the last major Islamic State stronghold in northern Syria despite a complicated terrain. (Baladi News Network via AP) Nepal's banks refuse to accept new Indian currency notes KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) Nepal's banks are refusing to accept new Indian 500 and 2,000 rupee notes because the Indian central bank has not officially informed the neighboring Himalayan nation of their issue, officials said Friday. Nepal Rastriya Bank official Narayan Prasad Paudel said banks in Nepal can only accept the notes after a proper notice has been received. Nepal has already stopped accepting old 500 and 1,000 rupee Indian notes after they were scrapped by the Indian government earlier this month in hopes of curbing corruption. Sapkota said the new bills are not illegal in Nepal but can only be accepted after an official notice is received. Indian currency is widely accepted in Nepal, which shares an open border with India. Citizens of the two countries do not need visas to travel between them. An estimated 2 million Nepalese work in India and are paid with Indian currency. ___ Thousands in Asia protest persecution of Myanmar's Rohingya DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) Thousands of Bangladeshis marched in the capital's streets Friday to protest the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, one of several similar rallies in the region. Chanting "Stop killing Rohingya Muslims," they marched in Dhaka as violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state escalated, forcing thousands to leave their homes. The protesters from several Islamic groups burned an effigy of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and a flag of Myanmar. They carried banners reading "Open border to save the Rohingya." Bangladesh's southeast borders Myanmar. Bangladeshi activists of several Islamic groups burn an effigy of Myanmar's Foreign Minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi during a protest rally against the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, after Friday prayers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Nov. 25, 2016. Chanting "Stop killing Rohingya Muslims," they marched in Dhaka amid tight security Friday as the violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state escalated, forcing thousands to leave their homes. (AP Photo/A.M. Ahad) Organizers said some 10,000 protesters joined the rally in Dhaka. Smaller protests occurred in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Also, rights group Amnesty International asked Bangladesh not to forcibly send fleeing Rohingya back to Myanmar. Up to 500,000 undocumented Rohingya have been living in Bangladesh after arriving from Myanmar in waves since the 1970s. Some 33,000 registered Rohingya refugees are lodged in two camps in southern Cox's Bazar district. Local media reported that a few thousand Rohingya Muslims have entered Bangladesh this week with the help of smugglers, but authorities didn't confirm that. Maj. Gen. Abul Hossain, director general of the Bangladesh Border Guard, said on Friday that "only some" arrived by boats. On Thursday, Bangladeshi border guards did not allow at least a dozen boats carrying Rohingya to enter Bangladesh, said Lt. Col. Abu Jar Al Jahid, a commanding officer of the border agency in Cox's Bazar's Teknaf area. Amnesty International condemned the persecution of Rohingya Muslims by Myanmar and Bangladesh's unwillingness to accept them. "The Rohingya are being squeezed by the callous actions of both the Myanmar and Bangladesh authorities. Fleeing collective punishment in Myanmar, they are being pushed back by the Bangladeshi authorities. Trapped between these cruel fates, their desperate need for food, water and medical care is not being addressed," said Champa Patel, Amnesty International's South Asia director. Myanmar's security forces are mounting indiscriminate reprisal attacks against Rohingya in response to an Oct. 9 assault on three border posts that killed nine border officers, the rights group said in a statement on Thursday. The group said it has heard accounts of Myanmar's security forces, led by the military, firing at villagers from helicopter gunships, torching hundreds of homes, carrying out arbitrary arrests and raping women and girls. Bangladeshi activists of several Islamic groups march in a protest rally against the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, after Friday prayers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Nov. 25, 2016. Chanting "Stop killing Rohingya Muslims," they marched in Dhaka amid tight security Friday as the violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state escalated, forcing thousands to leave their homes. (AP Photo/A.M. Ahad) Bangladeshi activists of several Islamic groups march in a protest rally against the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, after Friday prayers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Nov. 25, 2016. Chanting "Stop killing Rohingya Muslims," they marched in Dhaka amid tight security Friday as the violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state escalated, forcing thousands to leave their homes. (AP Photo/A.M. Ahad) Bangladeshi activists of several Islamic groups shout slogans during a protest rally against the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, after Friday prayers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Nov. 25, 2016. Chanting "Stop killing Rohingya Muslims," they marched in Dhaka amid tight security Friday as the violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state escalated, forcing thousands to leave their homes. (AP Photo/A.M. Ahad) Rohingya protesters hold posters during a demonstration in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Nov. 25, 2016, against the persecution of Muslim Rohingya in Myanmar. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) A Rohingya protester shows his mobil phone displaying a portrait of Myanmar's Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi with her mouth covered with a sandal during a demonstration in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Nov. 25, 2016 against the persecution of Muslim Rohingya in Myanmar. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) A Muslim woman wears a mask of Myanmar's Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi during a rally against the persecution of Rohingya Muslims, outside the Embassy of Myanmar in Jakarta, Indonesia, Friday, Nov. 25, 2016. The Myanmar government does not recognize the Rohingya as citizens, though they have lived in the country for generations. Persecution of Rohinyga has escalated in the past several years and they face violence instigated by Buddhist hard-liners and institutionalized discrimination. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) Rohingya protesters demonstrate in front of Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Nov. 25, 2016 against the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Indonesian Muslim men shout slogans during a rally against the persecution of Rohingya Muslims, outside the Embassy of Myanmar in Jakarta, Indonesia, Friday, Nov. 25, 2016. Persecution of Rohingya in Myanmar has escalated in the past several years and they face violence instigated by Buddhist hard-liners and institutionalized discrimination. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) A Muslim man shouts slogans as he holds a defaced poster of Myanmar's Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi during a rally against the persecution of Rohingya Muslims, outside the Embassy of Myanmar in Jakarta, Indonesia, Friday, Nov. 25, 2016. Persecution of Rohingya in Myanmar has escalated in the past several years and they face violence instigated by Buddhist hard-liners and institutionalized discrimination. Writings on the posters read "Put Aung San Suu Kyi, the butcher of Rohingya Muslims, to Justice." (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) Bangladeshi activists of several Islamic groups attend a protest rally against the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, after Friday prayers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Nov. 25, 2016. The Myanmar government does not recognize the Rohingya as citizens, though they have lived in the country for generations. Persecution of Rohinyga has escalated in the past several years and they face violence instigated by Buddhist hardliners and institutionalized discrimination. (AP Photo/A.M. Ahad) Rohingya asylum seekers rest at a temporary shelter in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Friday, Nov. 25, 2016. The Myanmar government does not recognize the Rohingya as citizens, though they have lived in the country for generations. Persecution of Rohingya has escalated in the past several years and they face violence instigated by Buddhist hardliners and institutionalized discrimination. (AP Photo/Binsar Bakkara) British serial killer gets life sentence for murdering 4 men LONDON (AP) British serial killer Stephen Port was sentenced to life in prison without parole on Friday for the murders of four young gay men whom he met online. Judge Peter Openshaw said Port should die in prison for his "dreadful offenses." Relatives of the victims cheered and clapped as the sentence was announced in the Old Bailey courthouse. This Metropolitan Police undated file photo shows Stephen Port. British serial killer Stephen Port has been sentenced to life in prison, Friday Nov. 25, 2016, for the murder of four young gay men whom he met online. (Metropolitan Police via AP) Port was convicted by a jury on Wednesday of plying his victims with drinks spiked with lethal doses of the drug GHB, raping them when they were unconscious and dumping their bodies in and around a nearby graveyard. The 41-year-old chef also was convicted of 18 other offenses, including four rapes and four sex assaults, against several other men. The U.K.'s independent police watchdog is investigating why detectives did not initially link the deaths of the four murder victims, all in their 20s, whose bodies were found near Port's home in east London over a 15-month period. Police began investigating the deaths as potential homicides only when the family of Port's final victim, Jack Taylor, pressed for action. "We finally have justice for Jack and the other boys," Taylor's sister Donna said outside court. Ex-Ukrainian president testimony postponed MOSCOW (AP) Video testimony by Ukraine's ousted president was postponed on Friday in the trial of five former special forces policemen charged with fatally shooting scores of demonstrators. The shootings in February 2014 were the bloody climax of months of demonstrations on Kiev's main square against President Viktor Yanukovych. He fled the country only to surface in Russia days later. Yanukovych was to give testimony to a Kiev court from a courtroom in southern Russia on Friday. But the Ukrainian proceeding was put off until Monday because demonstrators from the nationalist Pravy Sektor group blocked the exit of the jail where the five defendants are being held. Ukraine's ousted president Viktor Yanukovych, left on the screen, speaks via video link from Russian city Rostov-on-Don, in a court room in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Nov. 25, 2016. Video testimony by Ukraine's ousted president has been postponed in the trial of five former special forces policemen charged with fatally shooting scores of demonstrators. (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov) The news agency Unian cited a Pravy Sektor spokesman as saying the demonstrators feared the former police would be freed after the court hearing. Over three days in February 2014, 72 people died on the Maidan square from gunshots, injures and sniper fire. There were also 13 deaths among the police and the Berkut special forces. Yanukovych told a televised news conference later Friday that he "feels sorry for the lads who died," referring to the protesters who were shot, but wondered why the deaths of the police troops were not investigated. Yanukovych also condemned Pravy Sektor for derailing the hearings, saying that its members "are implicated in the crimes on Maidan and are responsible for them." Ukrainians looked in amazement at the gilded palace that Yanukovych and his staff abandoned when he fled the country. Asked how much money he smuggled from Ukraine, Yanukovych insisted that he did not take anything with him except for the "cabin luggage." Russian media, however, reported that Yanukovych is living a luxurious life at a mansion outside Moscow and in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. An underground ice deposit was discovered on the planet Mars. It has an area equal to that of New Mexico. Meanwhile on planet Earth: Some sections of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant are so contaminated after a 2014 accidental release of radiation that they should be permanently closed; housed behind "a series of steel barriers" for eternity, say state and federal officials. Down in Belize, Trevor Jerry Guy got busted for being in possession of weed and undersized conch. While further out to sea, the marine environment around Ascension Island will be designated a protected area. The government of Zimbabwe has issued a new currency whose value remains contested and controversial. Thirteen years on, the effects of the Liberian Civil War are still being felt. Amble has a new lifeboat and it will be called "Elizabeth and Leonard." The long arm of the law caught up with a Salt Lake City man and his "pill press." Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye wrote to US President Barack Obama asking him to intervene in Standing Rock. Activists: Bombs knock out 2 hospitals in northern Syria BEIRUT (AP) Airstrikes and rockets in northern Syria knocked out two medical centers dedicated to women Friday and killed at least 12, including two people in one of the health facilities, according to opposition activists, a charity group and a hospital manager. Warplanes and artillery shelling also continued to pound the besieged rebel-held neighborhoods of the northern city of Aleppo as government troops pushed their way from the enclave's northeastern district. Shafak, a Turkey-based Syrian NGO that supports medical facilities in Syria, said their UN-sponsored gynecology and gender-based violence treatment and awareness center in Termanin village in the northern Idlib province was hit by four consecutive airstrikes Friday afternoon, killing two civilians who were in the building and injuring a gynecologist and a janitor in the facility. This photo provided by the Shafak Charity Organization, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows an ambulance destroyed following four consecutive airstrikes on a medical facility dedicated to women in the northern Idlib province, Syria, Friday, Nov. 25, 2016. The airstrikes knocked the facility out of service and killed two civilians. Shelling in the northern city of Aleppo also knocked out another gynecology hospital Friday, badly damaging it. (Shafak Charity Organization via AP) The center, which receives about 35 patients a day and is the only such facility in the area, has been put out of service, Shafak said in a statement. The center's ambulance, emergency room and operation rooms were badly damaged, said Assad al-Halabi, an advocacy manager in Shafak. Al-Halabi said one of the killed was accompanying a patient. The second killed has not yet been identified. A video and photos released by Shafak showed extensive damage to the collapsed building, as well as a destroyed incubator and ambulance. The Syrian Civil Defense team in Idlib said their team was targeted with airstrikes while they were conducting a search and rescue mission at the hospital with what has become known as "double tap" strikes. The group said none of its volunteers were injured. Another gynecology hospital in the besieged parts of Aleppo city was also hit Friday. Abdul-Hamid al-Eissa, al-Zahra hospital manager, said four generators were knocked out and the building was no longer useable. He said the hospital, in a quarter known to house several medical facilities, was hit with rockets. One civilian was badly injured and his leg had to be amputated, al-Eissa said. The hospital posted several photographs showing the damage on its Facebook page, adding that all staffers and patients were safe and evacuated. "It was directly hit. Missiles first hit the balcony," he told The Associated Press. As he spoke, a projectile could be heard falling nearby. The hospital was knocked out of service. A couple of hours later, another airstrike was reported at the hospital. The government has recently stepped up its bombardment of eastern Aleppo, and by Sunday it had knocked out every hospital in the quarter, according to the World Health Organization. Also Friday, airstrikes targeted a village in the western countryside of Aleppo, killing at least five people including children. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the airstrike on the village of Taqad caused widespread destruction and killed 11, including four children and three women. The opposition's Halab Today TV and Step News Agency said five people, including children, were killed in the airstrike and dozens wounded. An amateur video posted online showed Civil Defense members and residents pulling out a dead child from under the rubble in the village. The video appeared genuine and corresponded to other AP reporting of the events. Russia, a major backer of the Syrian government, announced on Nov. 15 an offensive against militants in the northern province of Idlib and central Homs province. Since the announcement, the Syrian government resumed its intense aerial bombing of the besieged districts of Aleppo city, and escalated its calls on residents of the area to leave in what many viewed as prelude to a major ground offensive. The Observatory said Syrian government forces are trying to advance in two neighborhoods, including the northeastern Hanano district of which large parts have been captured by troops. At least five other people were killed in airstrikes on an adjacent district, according to the Civil Defense teams and Aleppo Today TV. A day earlier, the violence left a least 32 people dead, according to the Observatory. The Civil Defense had a higher death toll of 54. Syria's state news agency SANA, meanwhile, said Friday that two civilians were killed and others wounded by rocket rounds fired by militants on al-Midan neighborhood in the western part of Aleppo, controlled by the government. Aleppo, Syria's largest city and once commercial center, has been the center of fighting in recent months, battles that left hundreds of people dead. The city has been contested since the summer of 2012. Separately in northern Aleppo, Turkish jets and artillery continued to target areas controlled by Islamic State militants. Near the contested town of al-Bab, one Turkish soldier was killed and five lightly wounded in clashes with the extremist group, according to a report by the Turkish Armed Forces, cited by Turkey's Anadolu news Agency. The death of the soldier comes a day after three Turkish soldiers were killed in an attack Ankara claims was by Syrian government forces, Turkey's state-run news agency said. Turkey sent ground troops into northern Syria to support Turkey-backed Syrian opposition forces in clearing a border area of Islamic State group militants and to curb Kurdish territorial expansion. ______ Associated Press writer Cinar Kiper in Istanbul contributed to this report Bond for Rio Grande Valley businessman set at $30 million CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) A bond of $30 million has been set for a Rio Grande Valley businessman facing federal charges of money laundering, bank fraud and mail fraud. The Monitor newspaper of McAllen reports (http://bit.ly/2fvEWNs ) developer Luis Castillo-Cervantes, of Mission, is known in Mexico as "King of Dragons" and has numerous properties throughout South Texas. He was named in an indictment unsealed earlier this month where he's accused of using U.S. banks to launder fraud proceeds. According to the newspaper, Castillo is a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Mexico. The bond was set during an appearance this week before a federal magistrate judge in Corpus Christi. Terms of his bond include a cash deposit of $300,000. His next court appearance is set for Jan. 3. ___ Latest: University accepting gifts in slain officer's memory DETROIT (AP) The Latest on the fatal shooting of a Wayne State University police officer in Detroit (all times local): 2:20 p.m. Wayne State University says it is accepting donations in the memory of a campus police officer who was killed in the line of duty. In a booking photo provided by the Detroit Police, DeAngelo Davis is shown. The ex-convict was arraigned Friday, Nov. 25, 2016, on murder and other crimes in the death of a Detroit college police officer who was shot in the head while trying to arrest the man. Davis is accused of shooting Wayne State University Officer Collin Rose on Tuesday, Nov. 22. (Detroit Police via AP) The school says the gifts will be used to support the university's police department. Officer Collin Rose was shot in the head Tuesday while investigating possible thefts of navigation systems from vehicles near the Wayne State campus on Detroit's west side. The suspect, DeAngelo Davis, was arrested that night and arraigned Friday on first-degree murder, murder of a police officer and gun charges. A judge ordered the 31-year-old Davis jailed without bond. His next hearing is set for Dec. 9. Wayne State Police Chief Anthony Holt says he's relieved Davis is jailed and off the street. ___ 12:15 p.m. A 31-year-old man charged in the fatal shooting of a Wayne State University police officer near the school's Detroit campus is being held without bond. DeAngelo Davis was arraigned Friday in Romulus District Court and ordered jailed. Davis is charged with first-degree murder, murder of a police officer and gun crimes. The Wayne County prosecutor's office says he does not yet have a lawyer. Officer Collin Rose was investigating possible thefts of navigation systems from vehicles near the Wayne State campus on Detroit's west side, and was shot in the head Tuesday as he tried to arrest Davis. Davis has a Dec. 9 probable cause hearing and a Dec. 16 preliminary examination. ___ 11:50 a.m. A 31-year-old man has gone before a judge in the slaying of a Wayne State University police officer near the school's campus in Detroit. The Wayne County prosecutor's office says DeAngelo Davis was arraigned Friday in Romulus District Court and ordered jailed. Davis is charged with first-degree murder, murder of a police officer and gun crimes. Officials have not said whether he has a lawyer. Officer Collin Rose was investigating possible thefts of navigation systems from vehicles near the Wayne State campus on Detroit's west side, and was shot in the head Tuesday as he tried to arrest Davis. Davis has a Dec. 9 probable cause hearing and a Dec. 16 preliminary examination. ___ 9:30 a.m. A 31-year-old man has been charged with murder and other crimes in the fatal shooting of a college police officer in Detroit. DeAngelo Davis is accused of shooting Collin Rose in the head when the Wayne State University officer tried to arrest him Tuesday. Davis was charged Friday with first-degree murder, murder of a police officer and gun crimes. Prosecutor Kym Worthy says he has a felony record. Davis will appear in court Friday. Officials have not said if a lawyer has been appointed to speak on behalf of Davis. Rose was investigating possible thefts of navigation systems from vehicles near the Wayne State campus. The prosecutor says he was "respected" and "admired." ___ 1:10 a.m. Charges could be announced in the fatal shooting earlier this week of a Wayne State University police officer. Maria Miller, spokeswoman for Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, says there will be a decision Friday on whether to charge a suspect in the death of Wayne State Officer Collin Rose. The 29-year-old officer was shot in the head while on patrol Tuesday and died a day later. Detroit police say Rose was investigating possible thefts of navigation systems from vehicles near the campus and radioed that he was about to speak to someone on a bicycle. Officers arriving on the scene found Rose injured on the ground. He died Wednesday evening in a hospital. Detroit police arrested a suspect late Tuesday night a few blocks from where Rose was shot. This undated photo provided by Wayne State University shows university police officer Collin Rose, who was shot in the head while on patrol near a university campus in Detroit on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016. Rose, a five-year veteran of the department. died from his injuries on Wednesday, Nov. 23. He was 29. (MJ Murawka/Wayne State University via AP) This undated photo provided by Wayne State University shows university police officer Collin Rose, who was shot in the head while on patrol near a university campus in Detroit on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016. Rose is a five-year veteran of the department who works in the canine unit. (Wayne State University via AP) Police stand near the command center as they search for a suspect in the shooting of a Wayne State University officer Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, in Detroit. The officer was shot while on duty near the campus, the city's police chief said. (Steve Perez/Detroit News via AP) Police search the area where an officer who works for Wayne State University was shot in the head while on duty near the campus Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, in Detroit. Authorities said they have a "person of interest" in custody in the investigation into the shooting of a Wayne State University police officer. The police officer was in critical condition at the time of this reporting. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Authorities investigate after shooting of a Wayne State University officer Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, in Detroit. The officer was shot while on duty near the campus, the city's police chief said. (Steve Perez/Detroit News via AP) Police search the area where an officer who works for Wayne State University was shot in the head while on duty near the campus Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, in Detroit. Authorities said they have a "person of interest" in custody in the investigation into the shooting of the police officer. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Iraq's Najaf cemetery swells as fight against IS escalates NAJAF, Iraq (AP) Wailing and pounding their chests in grief, a dozen women clad in mourning black gathered around a tomb in the massive cemetery in Iraq's holy Shiite city of Najaf. A short distance away, a grief-stricken man cried silently inside his car, parked next to a friend's tomb. The two granite tombs belong to Shiite militiamen who fell in the ongoing campaign to dislodge the extremist Islamic State group from the northern city of Mosul. They are the latest addition to the cemetery known as Wadi al-Salam, or Valley of Peace, already home to millions of graves of Shiites from Iraq and elsewhere. It's the final resting place of choice for pious Shiites because of its proximity to the shrine of Imam Ali, the much revered 7th century founder of their sect. For decades, the Najaf cemetery's rapid expansion has testified to the scale of violence of Iraq's contemporary history, from the ruinous 1980-88 war with neighboring Iran to the costly conflict over Kuwait and finally 13 years of almost uninterrupted bloodshed starting with the U.S. led invasion in 2003. Women pray by the graves of militiamen killed from fighting with Islamic State group militants at the Wadi al-Salam, or "Valley of Peace" cemetery in Najaf, 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of Baghdad, Iraq on Friday, Nov. 25, 2016. For decades, the rapid expansion of the cemetery in Iraqs holy Shiite city of Najaf has testified to the scale of violence of Iraqs contemporary history, from the ruinous 1980-88 war with Iran to the costly 1990-91 conflict over Kuwait and 13 years of uninterrupted bloodshed starting with the U.S. led invasion in 2003. With the government not publicizing casualties among the Shiite-dominated security forces now fighting in Mosul, burials in the sprawling cemetery offers a reliable indicator of battlefield losses on the government side. (AP Photo) With the government not publicizing the casualty figures of the Shiite-dominated security forces fighting in Mosul and elsewhere in northern Iraq, the cemetery offers one reliable, if not entirely accurate, indicator of battlefield losses from the government side. Sunni soldiers who die fighting are buried elsewhere. Authorities in late 2014 set aside a new section of the cemetery for Shiite militiamen and members of the security forces who fell in battle against IS. Gravediggers now say they bury an average of 20 of them every day. "Whenever there is a big offensive, the number increases to 40 or 50," said Shakir Mahmoud, a 48-year-old gravedigger. With the Mosul campaign now in its fifth week, a new plot has recently been allocated next to the roughly 10 square-kilometer (four square-mile) cemetery to accommodate the rise in casualties. Haider Moussa, 23, was among the tens of thousands of Shiites who answered the call to arms by Iraq's top Shiite cleric in the wake of the IS sweep across northern and western Iraq in 2014. He is now buried in the Najaf cemetery, according to his brother Mohammed. Haider was already in neighboring Syria fighting anti-government Sunni extremists when Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani called for jihad, or holy struggle, in June 2014. He joined the Asaib Ahl al-Haq, or the "League of Righteousness," one of the larger Iraqi militias, and was killed the following year while trying to haul away the body of a friend killed fighting IS north of Baghdad. "We are all ready to sacrifice ourselves," said Haider's brother Mohammed Moussa, a 22-year old fighter from Baghdad's northern Shiite neighborhood of Shula who is now deployed north of the capital. "We will continue fighting and, God willing, we will take Mosul no matter what Daesh does," he added, using the Arabic acronym for IS. He and another sibling were crying on Thursday as they sat near Haider's tomb in a section of the cemetery designated for Asaib Ahl al-Haq's militiamen. Earlier, they washed his tomb with water and later burned incense over his tomb. Like other tombs, Haider's was decorated, in this instance with plastic red and yellow flowers and his picture. Inscribed on his tomb stone were his name, date of birth and death, and where he was killed. Not far from that plot, a woman stepped out of a taxi after a two-hour ride from the southern Wassit province to visit to her dead son's grave. Sabriya Mohammed's son was an army soldier killed in May 2016 in the Diyala province northeast of Baghdad when a bomb went off next to his car while he was rushing a wounded friend to the hospital. The 71-year old Mohammed said her son, 39 when he died, had planned to quit the army after one last tour of duty to spend time with his family and make a living driving a taxi in his native Wassit. "I Have no one else. I feel terrible," said the crying mother as she stood next to her son's tomb. "What sin did all these dead men commit? They all died in vain." ___ Follow Sinan Salaheddin on Twitter at https://twitter.com/sinansm Turkish president calls Russian counterpart over Syria ISTANBUL (AP) Turkey's state-run news agency says the presidents of Turkey and Russia have discussed developments in Syria, a day after three Turkish soldiers were killed in what Ankara claims was a Syrian government airstrike. Anadolu Agency says Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday to share information about the ongoing military operation in north Syria. Turkey sent troops into Syria to support opposition forces clearing a border area of Islamic State group militants and to curb Kurdish territorial expansion. Ankara and Moscow repaired ties in October after nearly a year of tension, but differences remain over Syria. Russia supports the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad, while Turkey opposes it. Mexican TV, movie actor, and his agent shot to death MEXICO CITY (AP) Authorities say Mexican TV and movie actor Renato Lopez has been shot to death in a car on a highway outside of Mexico City. A publicity agent was also killed in the attack. The Mexico State prosecutor's office said Friday that the bodies of Lopez and Omar Giron were found in car in the rural township of Jilotzingo. The area where the shooting occurred Thursday is largely wooded. The state prosecutors' office said both men had been reported missing in Mexico City. Lopez played a supporting role in the recently released movie "Macho," about a straight fashion designer who feels obliged to act gay. He's also been a host on television shows. The Latest: Judge keeps Dylann Roof transcript secret COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) The Latest on the murder trial of Dylann Roof in the deaths of nine African-Americans at a church in South Carolina in 2015 (all times local): 12:05 p.m. A judge has decided against releasing the transcript of a competency hearing for a white man charged with killing nine African-American parishioners at a church in South Carolina. U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel on Friday issued an order saying that 22-year-old Dylann Roof is fit to stand trial in the deaths at a church in Charleston in June 2015. The judge also issued a ruling that says the release of the transcript of the two-day competency hearing would jeopardize Roof's chances of a fair trial. That decision is a reversal from an earlier statement Gergel made last week pledging to release a transcript with parts redacted that might be inadmissible at trial. ___ 9:50 a.m. A judge has ruled that Dylann Roof is competent to stand trial in the deaths of nine black parishioners at a South Carolina church. Judge Richard Gergel made the ruling Friday after a two-day hearing behind closed doors earlier this week. The hearing was needed after Roof's attorneys questioned earlier this month whether he could help them on the eve of jury selection in his death penalty trial. Gergel says jury selection will begin Monday. Gergel sealed his reasons for finding Roof competent, saying that information could keep him from having a fair trial. Boston man pleads not guilty to hitting 4 officers with car BOSTON (AP) A Boston man charged with injuring four city police officers with his car was at home with his girlfriend at the time, his defense attorney said at Friday's arraignment. Vincent Weaks, 34, of the city's Roxbury neighborhood, pleaded not guilty to charges including four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He was held on $75,000 bail in the case and had his bail revoked in a prior unrelated case. Weaks was the driver of a car that was approached by two officers responding to reports of a man with a gun outside a Dorchester bar at about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, prosecutors said. When the officers leaned into the car to take the keys out of the ignition, it sped off and dragged the officers about 20 feet, authorities said. Two other officers providing backup were struck and knocked to the ground by the fleeing vehicle. All four were treated and released from the hospital. Weaks was arrested later Wednesday. Police have the wrong man, defense attorney Paul Tomasetti said. "It's simply a situation where it's a mistaken identity," Tomasetti told the judge. Weaks has been arrested before on drug, weapons and assault charges, according to court records. Wave of Mexico violence reveals hidden graves, severed heads ACAPULCO, Mexico (AP) Soldiers and police fanned out Friday across the southern Mexican state of Guerrero, chasing a wounded gang leader and trying to quell a wave of violence that included the discovery of hidden graves holding dozens of bodies and a camp where gunmen stored the severed heads of nine rivals in a cooler. The clashes between drug gangs were complicated by the fact that townspeople fed up with the violence had formed "community police" vigilante squads in many places. The squads often prevent police and soldiers from moving freely and sometimes act on behalf of the gangs. Gov. Hector Astudillo announced that federal authorities would return to patrol areas where dozens of often-dismembered bodies have been dumped on roadsides in recent weeks. In this photo released by Guerrero state Attorney Generals Office, Javier Olea, attorney general of Guerrero state, right, talks to police at the start of a security operation in San Jeronimo El Grande, Mexico, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016. Soldiers and police fanned out Friday across Guerrero state, chasing a wounded gang leader and trying to quell a wave of violence that included the discovery of hidden graves holding dozens of bodies and a camp where gunmen stored the severed heads of nine rivals in a cooler. (Guerrero state Attorney Generals Office via AP) The state has been riven, not just by the killings, but by the kidnapping of about a dozen people in the town of Ajuchitlan. Residents there announced they would create a vigilante force to look for the kidnap victims, an idea that threatened to create yet another armed group. The Ajuchitlan residents were apparently kidnapped last week by a fugitive gang leader known as "El Tequilero," who was believed to be wounded and hiding out with his kidnap victims in the mountains. The state attorney general headed up a massive manhunt using helicopters and ground troops to look for him. But Astudillo warned that the vigilantes would have to withdraw to allow police and soldiers to do their jobs. "The army, the state police, they can't be there with armed groups," Astudillo said. "Withdraw, and we will enter immediately. But for the two to be there at the same time, that is not possible." The governor also announced the creation of mixed army-police patrols in parts of the state torn apart by cartel turf battles. One such area is the municipality of Zitlala, where a drug gang had set up a rural camp where it held kidnap victims and disposed of bodies. When one of the joint military-police patrols happened upon the camp earlier this week, it found a kidnapped man and what appeared to be clandestine burial pits. Investigators initially reported finding a dozen bodies. After days of digging, they discovered 32 bodies in 17 pits. The camp is near the area where nine decapitated bodies were found dumped on a roadside last week. The nine heads found in coolers at the camp may belong to those bodies, investigators said. The bodies and heads were taken to forensic labs in a bid to identify them. The area has been the scene of turf battles between two rival drug gangs the Rojos and the Ardillos who engage in extortion, kidnappings and killings. That rivalry has resulted in hundreds of deaths and disappearances in recent years. But in recent weeks the violence has spread to other areas, apparently as a result of turf battles between two or three other gangs, including the La Familia and the Tequileros gangs. Astudillo condemned what he has called the wave of "barbarism and savagery," and his office called the situation "a public disturbance caused by organized crime." Soldiers were combing the area to see if there are any more graves. Investigators were working to identify the bodies and the killers, said Roberto Alvarez Heredia, spokesman for the Guerrero Coordinating Group. And in Tierra Colorada, nearer to the resort of Acapulco, rival vigilante groups have been engaged in a series of battles for control of the town, leading to fears the "community police" may be taking sides in the gang wars. "The truth is, they are not really community forces, nor are they police," Astudillo said. "They are armed groups that unfortunately carry out acts ... that generate more violence and confrontation, rather than help." Celebrities Sleep Out to support homelessness charity Centrepoint Radio DJ Sara Cox, James Bond actor Colin Salmon and celebrity chef Marcus Wareing will be among those sleeping rough on the streets of London on Thursday to support youth homelessness charity Centrepoint. The organisation is hosting its annual fundraiser Sleep Out, which sees famous faces bed down outdoors for a night alongside more than 1,000 members of the capital's business community. Zipping up their sleeping bags this year are Lady Kitty Spencer, designer Sadie Frost, pop star Lee Ryan, former X Factor winner Matt Cardle, Made In Chelsea star Ashley James, actress Lisa Maxwell and DJ Brandon Block. Colin Salmon prepares to take part in the Sleep Out fundraiser Maxwell, who turns 53 on Thursday, was surprised with a birthday cake by the event organisers. They set up camp for the night at Greenwich Peninsula and will be entertained by performers while they are there including being read a bedtime story by Christopher Biggins. Rough sleepers taking part in the event will experience a small part of what life is like for the more than 9,000 16 to 25 year-olds that the charity supports each year. Centrepoint aims to raise more than 250,000 from the London Sleep Out, which will help to provide vulnerable and homeless young people from across the UK with a warm bed, mental health support and help to access education, training and employment. The event is part of a national fundraising project taking place in 12 cities across the UK during November. Centrepoint was founded in 1969 and the Duke of Cambridge became its patron in 2005. Serial killer Stephen Port to spend rest of life in jail for murders of four men S erial killer Stephen Port will spend the rest of his life behind bars for murdering four young men to satisfy his lustful obsession. The 41-year-old was found guilty of surreptitiously giving men he met on gay dating websites fatal doses of GHB so he could rape them while they were unconscious. He was also convicted of a string of rapes and other sexual offences against seven more men who came forward after his arrest. Stephen Port was convicted of 22 offences against 11 men, including four murders and four rapes Relatives of the victims cheered and clapped as Mr Justice Openshaw told an impassive Port that he would never be released. A man in the public gallery shouted at Port: "I hope you die a long slow death you piece of shit." Outside court, relatives of Port's final victim, who drove police to investigate the deaths, said justice had been done. Jack Taylor's sister Donna said: "We finally have justice for Jack and the other boys. "A sick and twisted scumbag will never be able to hurt or destroy any other family's life. Jack can finally rest in peace." The family are planning to sue the police for failing to properly investigate the earlier deaths of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari and Daniel Whitworth. They have said that 25-year-old forklift truck driver Mr Taylor would still be alive if they had linked the deaths and caught Port earlier. All four deaths over 15 months bore striking similarities, but police failed to make the connection until the Taylors demanded answers. Port had dumped the bodies in or near a graveyard within 500 metres of his flat in Barking, east London, and embarked on an elaborate cover-up, which involved planting drugs on the bodies. He also disposed of their mobile phones, repeatedly lied to police and planted a fake suicide note in the hand of Mr Whitworth, taking the blame for the death of Mr Kovari. Sentencing, Mr Justice Openshaw said it was for the inquiry into the police handling of the case to establish whether officers were right to take Mr Walgate's death "at face value" as they did. On the death of Port's fourth victim 15 months later, he said: "It is not for me to say whether the seeming bizarre coincidence of these three gay young men being found dead so close together might have given rise to suspicions that these deaths were not the result of ordinary self-administered drug overdoses, but that is how their deaths, including Jack Taylor's death, was treated at the time. "The competence and adequacy of the investigation will later be examined by others, as I have said." He added that Port's attempt to cover up two murders with a fake suicide note was "wicked and monstrous". In mitigation, David Etheridge QC, said that on the jury verdicts, in this period of his life, Port "descended into a vortex" in which drug taking fuelled his private life with satisfaction of his sexual desire. "He graduated from a fetish to a fixation, from a fixation to a compulsion," he said. The initial handling of the case has already provoked fierce criticism from friends, family and campaigners who had urged police to take their concerns seriously and act sooner. Following Port's conviction on Wednesday, Commander Stuart Cundy said he had written a letter of condolence to the loved ones of the young men and apologised for "missed opportunities". A total of 17 officers are being investigated over their handling of the case, seven of whom could face the sack if found to be guilty of gross misconduct. The force is now re-examining 58 unexplained deaths involving the drug GHB from a four-year period across London to make sure that foul play has not been missed in any other cases. The court heard Port trawled the internet for pornography involving inert young men being "raped" by older men. The first victim, Mr Walgate, 23, was found dead in the communal hall of Port's flat in Cooke Street after he called 999 anonymously in the early hours of June 19 2014. When police tracked him down, Port lied to officers to distance himself from the fashion student and occasional male escort. He was later jailed for perverting the course of justice but continued to claim Mr Walgate died from taking his own drugs. While on bail, Port murdered 22-year-old Slovakian Mr Kovari and Mr Whitworth, 21, from Gravesend within three weeks. He dumped their bodies in Barking Abbey graveyard to be found by the same dog walker. In Mr Whitworth's hand was a suicide note taking the blame for Mr Kovari's death, saying: "We was having some fun at a mate's place and I got carried away and gave him another shot of G." Police treated Mr Whitworth's death "at face value" and no efforts were made to verify the sham note, which turned out to be in Port's handwriting, prosecutor Jonathan Rees QC told jurors. Mr Taylor, 25, died within hours of hooking up with Port on Grindr in the early hours of September 13 2015. After killing him, Port got rid of the forklift truck driver's mobile phone and deleted their communication on the gay dating app. Just after 1pm the next day, Mr Taylor's body was found by a refuse collector with a needle and syringe in his pocket. Initially his death was treated as "non-suspicious", the court heard. But CCTV footage from Barking station emerged, linking him to Port, whose DNA was found on a bottle of GHB also planted in Mr Taylor's trouser pocket. The jury convicted Port of a total of 22 offences against 11 men, including the four murders, four rapes, 10 counts of administering a substance, and four sex assaults. Detective Chief Inspector Tim Duffield said: "These evil crimes have left entire families, a community and a nation in shock. "I have previously said that Port is one of the most dangerous individuals I've encountered in almost 28 years of policing, and a full-life term in prison was the only appropriate punishment in the circumstances. "All of those affected have my deepest sympathies and I hope they can find some solace from the fact that Port will spend the remainder of his life behind bars." Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said: "A life sentence is entirely appropriate for these shocking, premeditated multiple murders and rapes. "However, I am uncomfortable with whole-life sentences. If a jailed person expresses sincere remorse, has genuinely reformed and no longer poses a threat to the public, after serving 30-plus years they should be eligible for parole under licence and supervision. Jeremy Corbyn criticises cuts in funding to support violent abuse victims Jeremy Corbyn has condemned "unacceptable" Government cuts to the funds available to women's refuges and other organisations supporting victims of violent abuse. The Labour leader said support for "life-saving" organisations had been "decimated" by austerity measures. In a statement to mark the United Nations' international day for the elimination of violence against women and girls, Mr Corbyn also said Labour's plans for compulsory relationship education in schools would help tackle "unhealthy attitudes" on the issue amongst youngsters. Jeremy Corbyn said support for organisations such as women's refuges had been decimated by austerity measures Mr Corbyn, together with shadow minister for preventing domestic violence Sarah Champion, called on governments and organisations around the world to tackle the "global epidemic". They said: "Gender-based violence affects women and girls across the globe. It is a shared reality for too many women and girls regardless of ethnic or racial background, age, sexuality, disability, or social class. "We know that this violence is not inevitable - we can prevent it. But the Government and the international community must prioritise ending this global epidemic. "We must support the incredible work of women's organisations who provide essential, life-saving services to survivors. It is unacceptable that these specialist organisations who support women and girls have seen their resources decimated in the name of austerity." Setting out the need to change the views of the current generation of youngsters, Mr Corbyn and Ms Champion said: " Children and young people are growing up with unhealthy attitudes towards relationships. "A Labour government would introduce statutory, age-appropriate education in schools to support young people to understand what healthy relationships and friendships looks like and how to identify abuse." The Labour pair also vowed to increase the proportion of aid money that would go to international women's rights groups if they were in power. Earlier this month ministers launched a 20 million fund to create more refuges and other accommodation for women fleeing domestic violence. The money, which local authorities could be for a share of, was the first wave of 40 million dedicated to support domestic abuse victims announced in the 2015 spending review. Council apologises for city street's dawn disruption in cutting down trees A councillor has apologised after contractors and police descended on a city street and cut down seven trees in a controversial "dawn raid". Bryan Lodge, cabinet member for environment at Sheffield City Council, said sorry for the disruption and distress caused to the residents of Rustlings Road on November 17. Two protesting pensioners and a 35-year-old man were arrested during the operation, which former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg described as being more akin to a well-planned anti-terror raid than a morning of tree felling. Sheffield Hallam MP Nick Clegg after contractors cut down a tree in Rustlings Road, Sheffield Angry Rustlings Road residents said they were woken at about 5am on Thursday last week by workers from Sheffield City Council's contractors Amey, who were accompanied by a large number of police officers. They said the officers banged on their doors and demanded cars were moved immediately or they would be towed. Mr Lodge admitted that the council had "got it wrong" last week. In a statement, he said: "We would like to offer an apology to the people of Sheffield who were affected by the way in which we took the trees down on Thursday of last week, and particularly those living on Rustlings Road, who will also receive an apology in the post. "We are sorry for the disruption and distress caused by the work starting at 5am and the decision not to publish the Tree Panel report in advance. "There were reasons relating to public safety why the decision was taken to fell the trees at 5am and not to publish the report earlier but we have heard the message loud and clear that this was not the acceptable course of action. "We have reflected on this and will not do work in the same way. "To be specific, we commit to publishing the Independent Tree Panel reports in a timely manner, with full and transparent information about how we have come to decisions. "We can also give assurances that no work will begin before 7am. "As we continue to carry out work as part of the largest investment there has ever been in the city's street trees, and to protect the city's 36,000 street trees for generations to come, it is important that we take necessary measures to ensure that we protect the safety of our workforce and the public. "But we know we got it wrong last week with the way the work was started. We have listened and are sorry for the mistakes that we made." The teams of tree surgeons aimed to cut down eight trees last week and managed to fell seven. The operation and resulting protest is the latest drama in a long-running dispute over the plan by the council and Amey to fell trees across the city, which has gone all the way to the High Court. Council bosses say the programme is essential if Sheffield's 36,000 street trees are to be managed for future generations and that the trees scheduled for felling are dying or diseased, or pose dangers. Government travel advice has been updated to urge British tourists in Spain to use balconies safely. The Foreign Office (FCO) said there had been a number of 'very serious accidents' as a result of falls from balconies and popular craze 'balconing'. The practice involves jumping off a balcony into a swimming pool. Government travel advice has been updated to urge British tourists in Spain (pictured is Palma de Majorca) to use balconies safely Three balcony falls resulting in serious injury were reported to the FCO earlier in 2016, travel trade organisation Abta said. The figure represents 'just a fraction of the total number of incidents', the organisation added. The updated advice, published on the FCO website, states: 'There have been a number of very serious accidents (some fatal) as a result of falls from balconies. 'Many of these incidents have involved British nationals under the influence of drink or drugs. 'Your travel insurance may not cover you for incidents that take place while you're under the influence of drink or drugs.' It adds: ' Some local councils will impose fines to those caught behaving irresponsibly on balconies or practising "balconing".' Earlier this year Spanish doctors warned drunken British holiday makers against balcony leaps. Xavier Gonzalez, head of surgery at the Son Espases hospital in Palma de Majorca, has even been studying the phenomenon. Three balcony falls resulting in serious injury were reported to the FCO earlier in 2016, travel trade organisation Abta said He said: 'It's endemic. It seems that... it's like an initiation rite for some tourists, whose parents already came here when they were young.' During 2010 - 2015, Gonzalez's treated 46 patients who suffered falling injuries. He said 60 per cent of the victims were British, followed by Germans and Spaniards. The average age of the victims was 24. The fall itself was from an average height of 26 feet. Remy Cointreau upbeat as demand in China and U.S. improves By Dominique Vidalon PARIS, Nov 24 (Reuters) - French spirits group Remy Cointreau expressed confidence in year-end profit targets on Thursday after a recovery in demand for cognac in China and in its main U.S. market boosted half-year results. The maker of Remy Martin cognac and Cointreau liquor, which is trying to sell more of its higher-priced spirits to boost profitability, said it planned to accelerate advertising and promotional spending in the coming five years to boost sales. "We are only at the start of an adventure that will be more sustainable and healthier," Chief Executive Valerie Chapoulaud-Floquet told reporters. Chief Financial Officer Luca Marotta said he was "comfortable" with the consensus of analysts' estimates for full-year like-for-like operating profit growth of 8-9 percent, after first-half operating profits rose seven percent. Chapoulaud-Floquet said she was "very confident" on the group's prospects in China for the rest of the year. "The Mid-Autumn festival was good. We are seeing an acceleration on superior brands and starting new battles to boost sales of Cointreau and Botanist gin in China," she said. The first ever store the group has dedicated to its $3,000 per bottle Louis XIII cognac in Beijing was performing "well above targets", two months after its opening, she added. Demand was also picking up in Russia as consumer confidence improved in that country, although it was more subdued in Africa, Chapoulaud-Floquet said. Remy shares, up around 14 percent so far in 2016, were up 1.4 percent in mid-session trading, beating a flat Paris SBF-120 equity index. "Remy is well-placed to benefit from the global premiumisation trend in spirits. China may be turning the corner at last," said analysts at brokerage Liberum analysts. Similar to other spirits makers, including larger rivals Diageo and Pernod Ricard, Remy Cointreau has faced pressure on sales of cognac and other luxury goods in China following a government crackdown on luxury gift-giving and personal spending by Chinese civil servants. The Remy Martin cognac division, which accounts for 80 percent of group profit, saw operating profit rise 9.1 percent on a like-for-like basis to 101.9 million euros, with brands such as 1738 Accord Royal and Louis XIII performing well in the United States and China. The Chinese government's crackdown has led to significant changes across the group, with Remy Cointreau moving more towards the United States, which now contributes 38 percent of group sales compared to around 20 percent for China. U.S., China agree on new N.Korea UN sanctions, Russia has issues -diplomats By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS, Nov 23 (Reuters) - The United States and China have agreed on new U.N. sanctions to impose on North Korea over the nuclear test it conducted in September, but Russia is delaying action on a draft resolution, a senior Security Council diplomat said on Wednesday. The diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity, believed China could persuade Russia to agree to the new sanctions and that the 15-member Security Council could vote on the draft resolution as early as next week. Since North Korea's fifth and largest nuclear test on Sept. 9, the United States and China, a close ally of North Korea, have been negotiating a new draft Security Council resolution to punish Pyongyang. That draft text was recently given to the remaining three permanent council veto powers - Britain, France and Russia. "The (permanent five members) are getting very close to agreement on a draft resolution," the diplomat said. "The key thing is that China and the U.S., who have led this, have got to a position that they agree on. So the issue now is Russia. "The Russians are trying to hold it up but the Chinese are comfortable with it in terms of content," the diplomat said. Two other council diplomats confirmed China has agreed to new sanctions but that Russia had some issues. In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China supported further action being taken by the Security Council in response to North Korea's nuclear test, but details of the draft resolution were still being discussed. The senior diplomat said the draft resolution closes loopholes in sanctions imposed on North Korea by the council in March, following Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test in January. It cracks down on North Korea's coal exports, the diplomat said, and lists new names for targeted sanctions of a global travel ban and asset freeze. The senior diplomat gave no further details. In March the council banned the 193 U.N. member states from importing North Korean coal, iron and iron ore unless such transactions were for "livelihood purposes" and would not generate revenue for Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs. Turkey PM says no worries on forex, backtracking on earlier remarks ANKARA, Nov 24 (Reuters) - There is no problem over the need for foreign currency in Turkey and the economy is able to ride out current turbulence, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Thursday, in an apparent turnaround from earlier comments. "Let me remind everyone: There is no problem with foreign currency. The turbulence we are experiencing is temporary, our economy is immune to this," he said near the end of a nearly two-hour interview with state broadcaster TRT Haber. Earlier in the interview, which was broadcast live and included breaks for commercials, he had said: "There is a need for foreign currency now, the central bank is taking necessary measures to meet this." Turkey's lira has hit a series of record lows in recent weeks due to widening security fears at home and the resurgent dollar after Donald Trump's election as U.S. president. The central bank on Thursday raised rates for the first time in nearly three years, in a move designed to boost the flagging lira. Thanksgiving sales surge online as shoppers stay home for holiday By Nandita Bose Nov 24 (Reuters) - Online spending by U.S. bargain hunters climbed to above $1 billion by Thanksgiving evening, according to Adobe Digital Index, surging almost 14 percent from a year ago and reflecting a broader trend away from brick-and-mortar shopping. At the start of the first holiday shopping season since the election of Donald Trump as president on Nov. 8, U.S. consumers loosened their purse strings and spent $1.15 billion online between midnight and 5 pm ET on Thursday, according to Adobe. Traditionally the day after Thanksgiving, or Black Friday, has started the holiday shopping season in the United States with retailers offering steep discounts and turning a profit. But its popularity has been on the wane given the emergence of online shopping and cheap deals through the year from retailers including e-commerce giant Amazon.com Inc. U.S. stores are now opening on Thanksgiving to try and boost in-store sales, while retailers have been offering online deals weeks in advance to cope with lower demand and stiff pricing competition. "We saw one of our strongest days ever online," Brian Cornell, chief executive of discount retailer Target, told reporters on Thursday evening. He added that online sales grew by double digits, without giving further details. The holiday season spanning November and December is crucial for retailers because it can account for as much as 40 percent of annual sales. Retailers try to attract shoppers with deep discounts, sometimes as much as 85 percent. The National Retail Federation, which has been bullish with projections in the past, expects holiday sales to grow 3.6 percent this year to $655.8 billion. "Online discounts are earlier and a lot bigger than last year," said Tamara Gaffney, principal research analyst at Adobe Digital Index. The Adobe figure is collected from 21 billion online visits to 4,500 U.S. retail sites since Nov. 1. "Black Friday is no longer a one-day event; it has turned into a multi-week event," said Christopher Baldwin, chief executive officer at BJ's Wholesale Club Inc, which operates club stores on the East Coast that compete with Wal-Mart Stores Inc's Sam's Club. Store traffic remained subdued across the country, according to spot checks made by Reuters reporters and industry officials. "Initial reports show it's steady and not very busy at stores around the country," said Craig Johnson, president at retail consultancy Customer Growth Partners. The firm deployed 18 people nationwide to observe customer traffic. Rain hurt shopping at stores in the Northeast, Johnson said, but some retailers like Best Buy and Wal-Mart saw improved customer traffic at stores across the country. At a JC Penney store in Manhattan, Terry Bodiford, visiting from South Carolina, said he did not feel deals were better than he had found online over the past few weeks. Macy's and Best Buy on Chicago's Magnificent Mile were packed, but employees said most of the customers were tourists. Chicago's State Street, a normally bustling shopping area popular with locals, was desolate. Shaun Smith, a 29-year-old restaurant manager, said he only came to the State Street store to take advantage of a deal for a $279 Westinghouse TV which is normally priced over $600 PRESS DIGEST - Bulgaria - Nov 25 SOFIA, Nov 25 (Reuters) - These are some of the main stories in Bulgarian newspapers on Friday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. -- Newly elected President Rumen Radev said he supported a mixed electoral system, where part of the deputies are elected on majority vote and part are elected on party lists. The parliament will debate changes in the way Bulgarians vote, after over 3 million people voted in a referendum for the introduction of majority voting system to make lawmakers more accountable. (24 Chasa, Duma, Trud, Standart) -- The parliament voted on first reading to declare the communist regime criminal and allow the study of its crimes at schools some 27 years after the fall of communism. (24 Chasa, Duma, Trud, Sega, Standart) Russia's Novatek eyes over 1 bln euros in Yamal LNG financing - Nikkei MOSCOW, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Russian gas producer Novatek is negotiating borrowing more than 1 billion euros ($1.06 billion) for its Yamal project from European and Japanese lenders, Novatek's chief executive said in an interview with The Nikkei. Leonid Mikhelson, the head of Russia's second-largest gas producer, said the Yamal liquefied natural gas project was in talks over loans with Japan Bank for International Cooperation and European financial institutions. More than 800 flights grounded as Lufthansa dispute intensifies BERLIN, Nov 25 (Reuters) - German airline Lufthansa cancelled around 830 flights on Friday because of a strike by pilots, with long-haul journeys facing disruption over the weekend as the dispute intensifies. Shares in Lufthansa, down more than 13 percent this year, traded lower on Friday as investors fretted over the prospect of a long-running walkout at the German airline with neither pilots nor management appearing willing to back down. One of Europe's biggest airlines, Lufthansa has cancelled over 2,600 flights since pilots represented by the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) union went on strike on Wednesday, disrupting travel plans for more than 315,000 passengers. The union raised the pressure on management and extended the strike for a third time on Thursday, saying all long-haul flights leaving Germany on Saturday will be affected until midnight. The strike on Friday was affecting short and medium-haul flights. The pilots' strike is their 14th walkout since early 2014. The union wants an average annual pay increase of 3.7 percent for 5,400 pilots in Germany over a five-year period from 2012. Lufthansa has offered 2.5 percent over six years to 2019. Lufthansa Chief Executive Carsten Spohr has said the carrier's future would be on the line if pilots' wages were raised to the level demanded. Lufthansa insists that despite a record profit in 2015, it has no choice but to cut costs to compete with leaner rivals such as Ryanair on short-haul routes and Emirates on long-haul flights. Lufthansa has put the cost of the stoppage at around 10 million euros ($11 million) per day. However, the airline could take a longer-term hit if the strike prompts customers to shun Lufthansa and switch to rival airlines. Board member Harry Hohmeister said on Thursday the walkout was hitting mid-term bookings. Lufthansa shares traded 0.8 percent lower at 12.54 euros by 0900 GMT. The airline has urged the union to enter mediation, but the union said it wants to see a better offer first. Monte dei Paschi cash call concerns persist despite approval By Valentina Za MILAN, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Doubts about whether Monte dei Paschi di Siena would find buyers for a 5 billion euro ($5.3 billion) recapitalisation plan drove shares in the Italian bank down more than 7 percent on Friday. Under the plan approved by shareholders of Italy's oldest bank, the stock would go on sale around Dec. 7 or 8, just after a referendum vote on a constitutional reform on Dec. 4 that may rattle financial markets by prompting Italy's government to resign. Investors worried about rising political risks in Italy have failed to give the plan their firm backing so far and some fear Monte dei Paschi may be unable to launch the offer if voters reject Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's reform plan. Monte dei Paschi could then need state support to avoid being wound down, in a fresh blow to Italy's battered banks. To reduce the size of the proposed share sale, Monte dei Paschi is planning a debt-to-equity conversion offer which it estimates could raise 1 billion euros. The bond swap is expected to get consent from market regulator Consob during the weekend, to run from Monday to Friday. "There is high uncertainty on investors' reception and take-up of the offer, partly because bondholders will need to make up their mind before knowing the referendum's outcome and its impact on Italy's stock market," ICBPI's analyst Luca Comi said in a note. The Italian treasury, currently the bank's biggest shareholder with a 4 percent stake, will take part in the cash call, Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan said on Friday. "The (bank's rescue) plan works," he said in an interview on Sky television, adding he did not think investors would walk away should Renzi's government fall after the referendum. However, even Monte dei Paschi's long-standing investor, the Monte dei Paschi banking foundation which used to control it and now has a 0.7 percent stake, said it would wait until after the vote before deciding whether to buy new shares. Newly-appointed Chairman Alessandro Falciai, also a shareholder with just under 2 percent, said he had not decided yet what to do. Monte dei Paschi's new CEO Marco Morelli has been sounding out more than 280 investors in a three-week long roadshow, without securing a firm commitment so far. Among them is the Qatar Investment Authority, which Monte dei Paschi hopes could put around 1 billion euros in the cash call, sources say. Monte dei Paschi managed to gather shareholders representing 22.4 percent of its capital at its Thursday meeting, just above a required 20 percent quorum, to approve its plan. "Given doubts over whether the quorum could be reached, shareholder approval of the recapitalisation was a crucial passage given the plan's tight timeline," Comi said. Manila campus streakers protest against heroes' cemetery burial for Marcos MANILA, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Dozens of men from the University of the Philippines ran naked through their Manila campus on Friday to protest against the burial of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos at a cemetery for national heroes. Marcos, who ruled for nearly two decades, was buried with military honours in the Philippine capital last Friday almost 30 years after his death, angering human rights activists who accuse him of human rights violations and corruption. The students, clad only in masks, held banners demanding that Marcos' body be removed from the cemetery, as crowds gathered to watch the 'Oblation Run'. "This run is a manifestation of our anger against what we see as the Marcoses trying to revise history, trying to revive their name," said Toby Roca, spokesman of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity. Past governments had blocked the burial, either because they were led by enemies of Marcos or bowed to public opinion about the former leader, who was chased from office in a people's power revolt in 1986. As asylum-seekers clog Italy's courts, Europe is no help By Steve Scherer ROME, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Angelo Trovato is in charge of Italy's asylum-request system, and it shows. In Trovato's office near Rome's Trevi Fountain, bulky columns of paperwork cover every inch of the bespectacled civil servant's desk. His fixed-line and cell phones take turns ringing. The 63-year-old manages a national network of committees that weigh who can stay in Italy and who should be sent home. In 2014, there were 10 committees, he says. Today there are 48. "Everything has changed," he said. Since 2014, the number of migrants reaching Italy's shores has spiked: Half a million came ashore over the last three years compared with 119,000 in the previous three. And Italy's burden got heavier when a deal with Brussels last year forced it to honour its obligations and process mass arrivals. Until this year, Rome turned a blind eye to many migrants and let them head north. Now, in line with European Union law, Brussels requires Italy to set up migrant centres called "hotspots." Here, officials distinguish between those who say they were persecuted or faced serious harm and those who fled poverty, who are supposed to be sent home. As a result, Italy's asylum applications have jumped. As of Nov. 11 they were at nearly 104,000 this year, a record. That is a fraction of Germany's total of nearly 700,000, but more than four times Sweden's tally of around 25,000 for 2016. Each applicant ends up in front of one of Trovato's committees. Requests are processed in about 100 days; rejected applicants can appeal in the civil court system, with their costs usually covered by the state. But legal appeals can take years. Judges say they are overwhelming Italy's civil justice system, already among the slowest in Europe, and pulling them away from other cases. The government has said it will streamline the legal process, but it has not yet done so. As part of the new policy, the EU promised to relocate 40,000 asylum-seekers to other countries over two years. But other European countries have taken in just 1,758 of them. Several states have refused to take any. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has demanded help, threatening to withhold Italian contributions to the EU's budget if fellow states don't show more solidarity. So far little help has come. Italy has estimated that it will spend about 3.9 billion euros ($4.3 billion) next year on managing immigration, almost three times as much as in 2013. The annual bill could rise to 4.3 billion euros if arrivals increase - equivalent to a quarter of Italy's annual spending on defence. "We're angry," said Mario Morcone, the Interior Ministry official in charge of the hotspots, in October. He took a deep drag on a cigarette as images of some of the 5,000 migrants Italy had rescued from the Mediterranean that weekend rolled across the flat-screen TV in his office. "What bothers me most is the obsession with the hotspots," says Morcone, "as if they are a solution to the EU's failure to come up with a real immigration policy." A QUESTION OF CREDIBILITY As part of a strategy agreed in 2015, northern countries have tried to shut their borders, and now most migrants are fingerprinted at the hotspots. The records are stored in a common database. Once fingerprinted in Italy, a migrant who applies for protection in another EU country can be sent back to Italy. Trovato's committees are rejecting more bids for asylum as arrivals include more West Africans, and fewer Syrians escaping civil war. The share of applicants granted protection has dropped to about 39 percent from more than 60 percent two years ago. But more rejections mean more appeals. The story of a 21-year-old Gambian shows how messy the process can be. Yankouba Gassama arrived in Italy in July 2014 and requested asylum a few months later. The committee that interviewed Gassama in Rome in May 2015 spoke to him - through a translator - for an hour and a half and decided his story was implausible, said Matteo Virardi, Gassama's lawyer. It rejected him. "Winning international protection mostly depends on whether the interviewer believes the story or not," says Barbara Boni, a lawyer who helps run an immigration services office in Rome. "Many have no documents proving they've been persecuted and are from countries where there is no war or instability." Gassama appealed the ruling. His hearing is due next April. Until then, he lives with more than 100 male asylum-seekers in a shelter, an apartment building on the outskirts of Rome. The state pays 35 euros ($37) per day to house and feed each of them. A transcript of his interview shows that Gassama told the committee Gambian police had arrested him for being homosexual. The interviewer appears to not know that in Gambia homosexuality is a crime which carries a 14-year penalty, or life in prison if "serial offenders" have the AIDS virus. "Homosexuality is reason for arrest in Gambia?" the interviewer asks. Such ignorance is not unusual, says Boni. Three of the four members of each committee may have little knowledge of asylum issues, she said, though most complete training offered by Trovato's office. Trovato said by and large the committee system works. Gassama says he deserves a second chance because he was anxious during his interview and forgot to tell the board he was tortured by police; and because he has since retrieved a police document that says he was arrested for homosexuality. He says he is not gay and the accusation stems from a misunderstanding. JUDGES REDEPLOYED Like Gassama, each rejected applicant has a right to a trial and two appeals. That can take almost eight years, according to a 2013 study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. Some take even longer. The average across the rich world is two years. "I have many, many cases to complete that were started before 2000," says Concetta Potito, 48, a civil judge in the southern city of Bari and a member of the executive council of the National Association of Magistrates (ANM). "The appeals by asylum-seekers are having a devastating effect on the court system, because there simply aren't enough judges," she said. In the first four months of this year, Bari received 417 appeals from migrants who were refused international protection. Nationwide, Trovato knows of 34,000 appeals lodged since 2014, though he says the number is probably much higher. Judges around Italy are being redeployed from other cases such as divorce, separation and property disputes. The ANM wants the government to hire more people. Bari has brought in a judge from another city to help out. Justice Minister Andrea Orlando said in August the government would propose a reform to parliament to streamline the process, but it has not happened. The bill was sent to the prime minister's office, a ministry spokesman said, but got held up by plans for a referendum in early December. "The ministry is aware of the problem and wants the bill sent to parliament as soon as possible," the spokesman said. Meanwhile, Italy has capacity to house up to 200,000 migrants. It has 25,000 spaces left, the Interior Ministry says. October alone saw 27,400 arrivals. Gassama is waiting for his day in court, where a Justice Ministry source said about half the committees' rejections are overturned. In his shelter, there have been 76 appeals in the past two years, the centre's director told Reuters. So far only one has been rejected. The Gambian has studied Italian and, with help from the immigration services, taken a test that says he was capable of completing Italian middle-school. Now he works part time for a removals company, loading and unloading trucks with furniture and boxes. "I'm hopeful," he says. "I'd like to continue my education." ($1 = 0.9463 euros) Israel arrests 12 on suspicion of arson after mass wildfires By Maayan Lubell JERUSALEM, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Israeli police said on Friday they had arrested 12 people on suspicion of arson after massive wildfires tore through central and northern Israel, forcing the evacuation of about 80,000 people in the city of Haifa and destroying hundreds of homes. Firefighters kept battling the flames in wooded hills around Jerusalem and in northern areas on Friday, with support from Palestinian firemen and emergency teams from Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, Russia and Turkey. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had also accepted offers of help from Egypt and Jordan. Netanyahu said arson appeared to be responsible for some fires and accused those behind them of terrorism. Unseasonably dry weather and easterly winds helped kindle the conflagration, which started on Tuesday and stretches across half the country. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said a dozen people had been detained either while attempting to set fires or fleeing the area, but he provided no further details. Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan said they were "minorities", an allusion to either Arab Israeli citizens or Palestinians. "The highest likelihood is that the motive is nationalistic," Erdan told Army Radio. The fires are the biggest in the country since 2010, when 44 people were killed in a killed in a massive blaze in the north. Investigators concluded that fire was caused by negligence. Education Minister Naftali Bennett, leader of a far-right party, said on Thursday the fires could not have been started by Jews and on Friday blamed them on "nationalist terrorists", a reference in Israel to Palestinians. "There is no coincidental 'wave of fires'," he wrote on Twitter. "There is a nationalist terrorist wave by fire terrorists meant to murder civilians and cause fright." There has been no official response from Palestinian leaders. But Ayman Odeh, a leading Israeli Arab politician from Haifa, rejected the suggestion Arabs were responsible for arson attacks and accused the Israeli government of taking advantage of the situation to incite against the Arab minority. Nearly a third of the residents of Haifa, a coastal city of around 250,000 people, including a large Arab population, spent the night in shelters and nearby towns and villages after being ordered to leave on Thursday in the face of walls of flame. Smoke billowed over the city on Friday morning as firefighters worked to douse the remaining fires. City officials said the situation was under control but that at least 700 homes had been badly damaged or destroyed. Israel's chief of police said on Thursday people may have decided to start fires after seeing the trouble they were causing. "We're in an area where if someone sees on the news there is an opportunity, he can take advantage of the opportunity," said Roni Alsheich. An Israeli army spokeswoman said forces had arrested a Palestinian man caught trying to set a fire near the Israeli settlement of Kochav Yaakov in the occupied West Bank. Footage aired on Israeli television showed three people setting a fire in an open area near the West Bank settlement of Ariel. Police said one man from the Bedouin village of Rahat in southern Israel had been arrested for incitement after he posted a message on his Facebook page calling on others to start fires. Transatlantic tensions as bank regulators meet in Chile By Huw Jones and Maya Nikolaeva LONDON/PARIS Nov 25 (Reuters) - When financial watchdogs gather in Chile next week to finalise global rules on bank capital, transatlantic tensions will overshadow the technical discussions. Seven years after world leaders agreed in Pittsburgh to toughen and coordinate their banking rulebooks, the global consensus is starting to fray just as regulators try to put in place the last pieces of regulation aimed at averting a repeat of the 2007-2008 financial crisis. European politicians, as well as banks, have been noisy in opposing the regulation under discussion - known in the industry as Basel IV - saying it would put their lenders at a disadvantage. U.S. policymakers say the Basel Committee regulators who drew up the rules should stand firm. But such disagreements are now overshadowed by the apparent opposition of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to vast swathes of the post-crisis regulation. Trump has said he would revoke the Dodd Frank rules agreed by U.S. lawmakers in 2010, whose 22,000 pages encompass significant parts of the globally agreed regulatory agenda. Trump says the rules have failed to increase jobs and growth. His stance prompted Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Union's financial services chief, to say this week that Europe expects its international partners to stick to globally-agreed standards. The changing dynamics threaten to drive a chasm between regulatory stances in Europe and the United States, at time when U.S. megabanks are stealing a march on their European rivals. "In a world of globally linked and integrated markets, a 'chacun pour soi' approach is the worst possible policy response from the most powerful country in the Western world with the biggest financial markets," said David Wright, a former top European Commission official who worked on the EU's regulatory response to the 2007-09 financial crisis, and now with Flint Global advisors. Some European lawmakers have jumped on Trump's stated intentions as a lever to weaken the capital rules that will be discussed next week, with some suggesting there should be a delay on bringing in the regulation until U.S. policy is clearer. EU plans put out this week, to force U.S. and other foreign banks on its turf to potentially hold more capital, will raise regulatory tensions further. "The proposals challenge the increasingly fragile state of international regulatory coordination," said David Strachan, a partner at Deloitte's regulatory strategy arm. REGULATORS AT ODDS The rules under discussion in Chile include greater use of a standard model for how banks calculate the risk attached to assets such as mortgages and large corporate loans. Currently banks in Europe tend to use their own internal models, based on how similar assets have performed historically. In the likes of France and Germany, where default rates have been historically low, banks say they will face a sharp hike in capital requirements if the new rules come in, especially for speciality lending such as shipping and project finance. "Capital requirements... could double or even more," potentially hurting French and German banks, said Vincent Grataloup, Risk Management Consultant at Boston Consulting Group. France's biggest bank, BNP Paribas, has said any increase in dividend payout over 2017-2020 "depends a lot on regulation". EU policymakers worry that the new Basel rules could crimp lending to an already struggling economy. Under pressure from Europe and Japan, Basel regulators are expected to dilute parts of these rules this week, aiming to obtain full endorsement from their oversight body in January. No timeline has been set for their introduction. Top banks - who spent years lobbying against post-crisis regulation - would be wary of a wholesale repeal of Dodd Frank given that some alternatives being touted are far blunter. A bank's main bulwark against collapse is its capital buffers, whose size is linked to the risk from loans and trades on its books. Jose Maria Roldan, chairman of the Spanish Banking Association and a former Basel Committee member, said that if the United States ditched this "risk sensitive" approach and made the leverage ratio the main benchmark of resilience, as has been suggested, it would disrupt global regulatory consensus far more than revoking U.S.-inspired elements of Dodd Frank. The leverage ratio is a measure of capital that does not take into account the riskiness of assets and is seen as a "backstop" to the risk-sensitive approach. "If you went further in the direction of the leverage ratio, it would be very difficult. If the United States said you must have a leverage ratio of 10 percent, that can't fly in Europe," Roldan said. Europe wants to maintain this risk-sensitive approach - one reason why it has threatened a boycott, leaving regulators stuck in political crosshairs. "If today politicians want to take over this work in place of experts, it is quite possible. Would this be beneficial for Europe and the rest of the world? This is not for me to judge. My job ... is to get to a conclusion," Stefan Ingves, chairman of the Basel Committee told Revue Banque this week. EXPERT VIEWS-How to solve the escalating violence in Myanmar? By Beh Lih Yi KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The conflict in Myanmar's northwestern state of Rakhine has sent hundreds of Rohingya Muslims fleeing across the border to Bangladesh, and has killed at least 86 people and displaced some 30,000 so far. 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. Rohingya residents and human rights groups accuse the military and border guard forces of raping Rohingya women, torching houses and killing civilians during operations there. The Myanmar government and military deny the accusations. It is the most serious bloodshed in Rakhine since hundreds were killed in communal clashes in 2012. The violence has renewed pressure on Myanmar and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi's administration to address the plight of the 1.1 million Rohingya, who are denied citizenship and access to basic services. How can Myanmar put an end to the violence? Here are what experts said: Sam Zarifi, Asia-Pacific regional director at the International Commission of Jurists: The NLD (the National League for Democracy government) should publicly call for an investigation and for the protection of the human rights of all people in Myanmar. Unless it uses its mandate to call for the equal treatment of Rohingya people, human rights violations could escalate, further tarnishing the NLD's image and engraining discrimination. In the long term, all people who live in Rakhine state - both the (Buddhist) Rakhine and Muslim populations - must enjoy human rights, including citizenship, access to education, healthcare and justice. The NLD must be the voice of reason rather than of discrimination. Lilianne Fan, humanitarian and conflict expert on Myanmar and Asia: While the Myanmar government has a right, of course, to react with force to insurgent attacks, the brutal way in which this operation is being conducted has generated scathing condemnations from the international community and has called into questions the extent to which Daw Aung San Syu Kyi and her NLD government can control the military. This unwillingness by the NLD government to critique the conduct of the military is exceedingly dangerous and will lead to thousands more falling victim to military violence and to a deepening humanitarian crisis. While the areas under military operation have been under lockdown since October 9 over the past few days hundreds of refugees finally made it to Bangladesh. Unfortunately, Bangladesh is not welcoming them and has even pushed hundreds back across the border to Myanmar. It is highly likely that we will soon see another outflow of Rohingya refugees to other countries in the region. Daniel Sullivan, senior advocate at Refugees International: The escalating violence in Rakhine State can best be solved by allowing access to international observers and humanitarian aid. An independent international investigation is needed to address the grave abuses being reported out of the country and to deter further abuses. The current violence is occurring in a vacuum of impunity in which neutral reporting and, more importantly, life-saving aid are being denied. Punishing the general Rohingya population by cutting off aid and denying credible neutral reporting only sets the stage for further death and suffering. Charles Santiago, Chair of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) needs to abandon its consensus and non-interference approach and perceive the ongoing problem as a regional problem. It would require some ASEAN disciplining of Myanmar ... the time for that has arrived. Julia Mayerhofer, deputy secretary-general of Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network We have been looking at the role of regional players such as ASEAN and the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Transnational Crime. ASEAN, which is crippled by its principle of non-interference, must wake up and engage in humanitarian advocacy as well as provide constructive support. Champa Patel, Amnesty International's South Asia Director: Accounts of human rights violations must immediately be investigated in a genuinely independent impartial and efficient way. The only real solution, both in the short and long terms, lies in respect for the human rights of Rohingyas in Myanmar. Long-term, entrenched and systemic discrimination against Rohingya must end. Israel arrests 13 on suspicion of arson over mass wildfires By Maayan Lubell JERUSALEM, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Israeli police arrested 13 people on Friday on suspicion of arson, authorities said, after massive wildfires tore through central and northern Israel, a conflagration that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu branded as "terrorism". Firefighters kept battling the flames in wooded hills around Jerusalem and in northern areas on Friday, with support from Palestinian firemen and emergency teams from Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, Russia and Turkey. Netanyahu said he had also accepted offers of help from Egypt and Jordan. Unseasonably dry weather and easterly winds helped kindle the fires, which erupted on Tuesday and now stretch across half the country. Arson appeared to be behind some of the blazes, Netanyahu said. "A price will be paid for this arson-terrorism," he told reporters on Friday. He said the arson was carried out by "elements with great hostility toward Israel." "We cannot tell yet if this is organised, but we can see a number of cells operating," Netanyahu said. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said a dozen people had been detained either while attempting to set fires or fleeing the area, but he provided no further details. Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan told reporters 13 people were arrested. Erdan said those arrested were "minorities", an allusion to either Arab Israeli citizens or Palestinians. "The highest likelihood is that the motive is nationalistic," Erdan told Army Radio. Police, however, stopped short of declaring any motive. The fires are the biggest in the country since 2010, when 44 people were killed in a killed in a massive blaze in the north. Investigators concluded that fire was caused by negligence. ACCUSATIONS Education Minister Naftali Bennett, leader of a far-right party, said on Thursday the fires could not have been started by Jews and on Friday blamed them on "nationalist terrorists", a reference in Israel to Palestinians. "There is no coincidental 'wave of fires'," he wrote on Twitter. "There is a nationalist terrorist wave by fire terrorists meant to murder civilians and cause fright." There has been no official response from Palestinian leaders. But Ayman Odeh, a leading Israeli Arab politician from Haifa, rejected the suggestion Arabs were responsible for arson attacks and accused the Israeli government of taking advantage of the situation to incite against the Arab minority. Nearly a third of the residents of Haifa, a coastal city of around 250,000 people, including a large Arab population, spent the night in shelters and nearby towns and villages after being ordered to leave on Thursday in the face of walls of flame. Smoke billowed over the city on Friday morning as firefighters worked to douse the remaining fires. City officials said the situation was under control but that at least 700 homes had been badly damaged or destroyed. About 80,000 evacuees from Haifa were allowed to return to their homes on Friday as firefighters curbed the flames. Israel's chief of police said on Thursday people may have decided to start fires after seeing the trouble they were causing. "We're in an area where if someone sees on the news there is an opportunity, he can take advantage of the opportunity," said Roni Alsheich. An Israeli army spokeswoman said forces had arrested a Palestinian man caught trying to set a fire near the Israeli settlement of Kochav Yaakov in the occupied West Bank. Footage aired on Israeli television showed three people setting a fire in an open area near the West Bank settlement of Ariel. Police said one man from the Bedouin village of Rahat in southern Israel had been arrested for incitement after he posted a message on his Facebook page calling on others to start fires. Brazil minister at center of new government scandal resigns BRASILIA, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Geddel Vieira Lima, the Cabinet minister at the center of the latest corruption scandal in Brazilian President Michel Temer's government, resigned on Friday. Norway's supreme court rejects Edward Snowden extradition lawsuit OSLO, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Norway's supreme court has rejected a lawsuit from fugitive former U.S. spy contractor Edward Snowden against the Norwegian government, upholding the verdict of two lower courts, it said on Friday. Snowden's law firm said in April he would take the state to court to secure free passage to the Nordic country to receive a free speech award. Both the Oslo District Court and an appeals court have since dismissed the case. U.S. recount effort aimed at testing election integrity: Stein By Susan Heavey WASHINGTON, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein said on Friday her effort to request recounts of the election results in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania was aimed at assessing the integrity of the U.S. voting system, not at undermining Donald Trump's White House victory. While Stein's effort this week may have spurred hope among disappointed supporters of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, the chances of such recounts - if they take place - overturning the overall result from the Nov. 8 election are extremely slim, given Trump's margins of victory in the three states. Stein, who won just one percent of the national vote herself, told CNN that while there was no evidence of tampering or other voting errors in the election, only a full review in those states would give Americans confidence in the results. "This was a hack-riddled election," she said, pointing to hacks before the vote of political organizations and individual email accounts, as well as recent media reports citing concerns by computer security experts. The deadlines to request recounts are Friday for Wisconsin, Monday for Pennsylvania and Wednesday for Michigan. Stein has raised more than $4.9 million since launching the recount campaign on Wednesday. The Green Party said it wants to raise $7 million for recounts, including the cost of legal fees. Although Trump won narrowly in the three states, the margins make it highly unlikely that any recounts would end up giving Clinton a win in all three states, which would be needed for the overall result to change. The Republican beat Clinton in Pennsylvania by 70,010 votes, in Michigan by 10,704 votes and in Wisconsin by 27,257 votes. The presidential race is decided by the Electoral College, or a tally of wins from the state-by-state contests, rather than by the popular national vote. The Electoral College results are expected to be finalized when electors meet on Dec. 19. Trump surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed to win, although once the final tallies of votes are in, Clinton will have won the national popular vote by more than 2 million votes. Asked if she was trying to upset Trump, Stein told CNN "Absolutely not," adding that she also did not back Clinton. A representative for the president-elect's transition team on Thursday had no comment when asked about Stein's effort. But senior Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway suggested on Twitter that the push for recounts was ironic, given criticism of Trump before the election when he would not say whether he would accept the result of what he called a "rigged" political system. Clinton has not commented publicly on Stein's effort. Representatives for Clinton could not be immediately reached for comment. Merkel says EU and Turkey must stick to migration deal BERLIN, Nov 25 (Reuters) - The European Union and Turkey must honour their commitments to each other, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday, in a bid to cool a row threatening a key migration deal. She spoke a day after members of the European Parliament passed a non-binding resolution to freeze talks on Turkey joining the bloc, as a protest against Ankara's crackdown on dissent after a failed coup in July. Turkish President Tayyip threatened to unleash a new wave of migrants on Europe in response - suggesting he might scrap a deal to keep hundreds of thousands of migrants inside his borders in return for the promise of accelerated EU membership talks, visa-free travel for Turks in Europe and financial aid. "The refugee deal with Turkey, I think, this agreement is in the mutual interest of both sides," Merkel told members of her conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) during a regional conference in the northern city of Neumuenster. "And that's why we as Europeans must meet our commitments and Turkey must do the same," Merkel said, adding that the deal had helped to control the influx of migrants and fight human trafficking. Asked by a CDU member if she had an alternative plan in case the deal with Ankara should fall apart, Merkel said: "I have no plan B... it's difficult but I'm working hard to make sure that this plan is being implemented. And I'm also working hard to make sure we reach similar agreements with other countries." Most other EU states back continued engagement with Turkey, despite their concerns about its human rights record. "It is important that we keep talking," German Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Sawsan Chebli told journalists earlier on Friday. "It is important that we do not freeze the accession negotiations because that would only further damage the relationship between Turkey and Europe, and that would not be in the interest of Turkey or of Europe," Chebli added. Uva Provincial Council members from the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) are planning to visit Italy with the commissions received by the chief minister from road construction contractors, Chief Opposition Whip Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed in Parliament today. He alleged that the Uva PC was riddled with corruptionandthat the chief minister was trying to pay the contractors as soon as possible so that he could collect the commissions for the trip to Thailand. "He is trying to pay the contractors even before obtaining the approval of the central government," Mr. Dissanayake said and added that the CM was attempting to influence the secretary and the assistant but they have refused to get involved in this matter. He questioned local government and provincial councils Minister Faizer Mustapha on what steps he intended to take against the CM. "We know that the chief minister is the close confidant of the minister,but please answer my question, " he said. (Yohan Perera) The regulatory forbearance or Central Banks failure to strictly enforce minimum capital rules has led to the under-capitalization of some of the small and mid-sized banks in Sri Lanka, and this could undermine the authorities objective of industry consolidation, according to a leading global credit rating agency. According to Fitch Ratings, six Lankan banks out of 15 rated by them fell short of meeting the proposed minimum capital requirements in the 2017 budget while 3 out of these six even do not meet the existing minimum capital requirements. The Central Bank in December 2014 sent directives to all licensed commercial banks to double its minimum core capital level from Rs.5.0 billion to Rs.10.0 billion from January 1, 2016. But those few, who were unable to meet the requirement, were granted time till January 1, 2018 with interim targets. Fitch believes that such regulatory forbearance has contributed to bank under-capitalization and could undermine the authorities objective of consolidation, the rating agency said in a special note. In the budget for fiscal 2017, the countrys belligerent finance minister proposed to raise the minimum core capital requirement up to Rs.20.0 billion doubling from the existing requirement of Rs.10.0 billion and of licensed special banks to Rs.7.5 billion from Rs.5.0 billion. While the budget speech was silent on the timelines, the enforcement of such capital requirements is likely to come into force from January 1, 2018. Fitch Ratings hailed the proposal as such would help to strengthen the capitalization of some banks and appear aimed at bringing about consolidation in the banking sector, which should raise systemic stability of the sector in the long term. However, Mirror Business learns that the Central Bank Governor Dr.Indrajit Coomaraswamy has not endorsed this proposal yet and in any case a final ruling on minimum capital levels of the banks in the country has to come from the Monetary Board. The rapid expansion of credit during the last two years led to the capitalization of most banks to deplete and most of them failed to replenish core capital through capital infusions from shareholders. However, raising capital, even going forward, will not be easy for banks as the countrys operating conditions remain challenging. Fitch believes banks could face challenges in raising capital, particularly as the operating conditions in Sri Lanka remain difficult, as signalled by Negative Outlook on the sovereign rating, which was downgraded to B+ from BB- in February 2016, the rating agency noted. Many in the banking industry consider budget 2017 as industry-negative, as a number of proposals in the budget, according to them, hurt the growth of the countrys banking sector. They also detest treating the banking sector as a cash cow, which can be milked to the hilt, to meet the governments fiscal objectives. Meanwhile, the forthcoming full implementation of BASEL III rules, which demand additional capital requirements, could further dent operating conditions for many banks, especially those who operate with limited capital buffers. The Lankan banks are now in a period of transition towards BASEL III rules, which will come in to full effect from early 2019. The banks have been given with interim capital targets and the regulator has also begun to periodically monitor some of the capital and liquidity matrices under the new BASEL III rules in order to ensure full compliance from 2019. Fitch believes that this could pose a challenge to some of the banks that do meet the enhanced minimum capital requirements because they would need to have sufficient capital to fulfill additional requirements, the rating agency added. Unlike under BASEL II, where some of the exposures such as gold-backed loans which do not attract capital charge, will see a capital charge under BASEL III, leading to further capital related challenges for the sector. The Central Bank is set to announce its road map for the economy and the financial system either in December or early January 2017, which may address some of the pertinent issues. Commenting on the state banking sector, Fitch said the level of capitalization of major state banks remains thin when adjusted. While the scope for internal capital generation remains limited due to dividend payments to the government, fresh capital infusion could also become largely a tall order considering the shallow coffers of the state. The 200 kilos of cocaine was detected yesterday by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) when checking the containers after obtaining a court order based on the information provided by the sugar importer, Police said. The PNB officers with the assistance of the Customs officers checked the thirteen suspicious containers which were held at the Rank Container Terminal (RCT) in Orugodawatte. They said the importer had claimed that the containers had arrived later than the scheduled date and as such he was suspicious of the contents. The Police said the Customs officers had earlier claimed that it was they who detected the haul of cocaine. The Police denied the Customs claim that the sugar importer and his wharf clerk had been arrested. Sugar Importers Association President Parakrama Abeysekera informed Daily Mirror that that the importer who imported this consignment of sugar, was the person who informed the PNB about his suspicions. The vessel MSC Julie-SS634R had left Brazil with fifty containers of sugar. It had been transshipped from Portugal on MSC Sabilo. At the point of transshipment which would have not taken more than 24 hours, would have not given sufficient time for the receivers to remove the cocaine from the container. Several thousand container loads of sugar arrive from Brazil, he said. Meanwhile, he said the sugar importers had unanimously decided to stop all such imports from Brazil. (Chaturanga Pradeep) Acceding to the Attorney Generals request, Colombo High Court Judge Padmini N. Ranakwa today directed the Colombo Chief Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) to submit a medical report on former minister Basil Rajapaksa to Court before December 7. The Courts direction was based on ascertaining Mr. Rajapaksas health condition prior deciding whether he should be allowed to travel to the US for medical treatment between December 10, 2016 and March 2, 2017. He filed a motion seeking Court approval to go aboard in a case in which he has been indicted on charges of misusing Rs.29 million belonging to the Divi Neguma Department to distribute five million Almanacs with former president Mahinda Rajapaksas picture during the last years presidential election campaign. (Shehan Chamika Silva) Video by Courts Prasanna A probe carried out by the Indian National Investigation Agency (NIA) said that an Islamic State (IS) recruit Ashfaque Majeeds father has revealed that the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) founded by televangelist Zakir Naik had allegedly funded Ashfaque and his fellow recruits Sri Lanka trip. After Abu Anas, another alleged IS recruit from Rajasthan who the NIA believes received a Rs-80,000 scholarship from the IRF, this is the second instance in which the now banned NGO is suspected to have spent its funds on alleged IS recruits, the Indian Express reported on Thursday. Ashfaques father Kader claims that while leaving for Sri Lanka in February this year, Ashfaque told him that Qureshi of the IRF was funding the tour. In all, 21 people were attending a small course on Learning Quran. Qureshi had also paid money to make their passports, said an official. According to Kader, on February 23, Ashfaque left for Sri Lanka, where he stayed in Jaffna. He later returned to India in the first week of March and stayed mostly in Kerala. On May 24, he came to Mumbai for a week, before leaving for Afghanistan in June along with his wife and their 18-month-old daughter. Based on the complaint by Kader, the Mumbai Crime branch had arrested Qureshi, Rizwan Khan of Al-Birr Foundation and Mohammed Haneef, a maulana from Kerala. Last month, the case was transferred to the NIA, which is probing the larger case of 21 Kerala-based youth who were allegedly radicalised and then fled the country to join the Islamic State. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Police is set to register a first information report (FIR) against Zakir Naik, after the state law and judiciary department sent in its opinion that a case may be made out against him for inciting enmity. After it emerged that one of the Bangladesh bombers cited Zakir Naiks preachings, the chief minister asked the Mumbai Police to prepare a report on whether his speeches incited youth. The report was submitted to the Law and Judiciary department. They have said a case can be made out against Naik under Section 153 (A) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for inciting hatred, said a senior official from the state home department. The department has found at least eight instances wherein a case under the said section of the IPC could be registered, the source said, adding that the FIR is likely to be registered within a month. However, the IRF has said they plan to challenge the validity of the FIR filed by the NIA. The case under UAPA is based on cases for which an FIR had already been registered, and therefore the new FIR is invalid, an IRF spokes-person said. The NIA has also written to banks asking them to freeze Naiks bank accounts. With the independence of the judicial and police services being gradually restored after the new government took office, two significant developments took place this week. In one case, the widely-reported killing of Sunday Leader newspaper editor Lasantha Wickrematunga on January 8, 2009 took a dramatic turn on Thursday when the Criminal Investigation Department informed the Mount Lavinia Magistrate it had obtained substantial evidence that the investigative journalist was killed by two men attached to the Army Intelligence Unit. CID inspector Nishantha Silva made this statement to Magistrate Mohammad Sahabdeen while presenting the investigative reports on an Army intelligence man who had been arrested on charges of abducting and detaining the chauffeur who drove Mr. Wickramatunges vehicle at the time of his killing. Earlier, the CID had claimed in court that the Armys Intelligence Unit was not providing the information requested to peruse the case. As Commander in chief of the armed forces, President Maithripala Sirisena has assured that legal action would be taken against any military person who had broken the law but he pledged that the dignity and integrity of the military as a whole would be upheld by the national government. To achieve this vision of portraying the correct picture of the armed forces which defeated the most ruthless terrorist movement in the world, there are many appeals that similar action be taken against the few who had breached the well-respected military discipline and broken the law of the land. As the government has said this would be the best way of protecting the status and dignity of the military. The President has also appealed to the public not to take undue political advantage or stir up racial or religious tension because the proper legal action was taken against a few military personnel who allegedly broke the law. In the other case, the Avissawella High Court Judge yesterday convicted and sentenced to death 18 of the 21 accused who were charged with the murder of Noori Estate Manager Nihal Perera. The murder was committed in 2013 but the trial began only on February 24, 2015 after the new government took office. The main accused convicted on murder charges and sentenced to death yesterday was the Deraniyagala Pradeshiya Sabhas former Chairman Anil Champika alias Atha Kota. Mr. Pereras brutal murder came in the aftermath of the horror in the Noori village where a gang reportedly backed by an area politicians of the former regime allegedly tortured and raped scores of women and girls. According to the people of the village, it was not a horror movie but a real life agony. A gang alleged to be operating with the backing of an area politician ran a rape centre and torture chamber. They allegedly burnt peoples houses and businesses. Parents were forced to hide their daughters, brothers were protecting their sisters: praying that they would not be the next victims while the Police allegedly did not take notice of their complaints. Eventually, the Police Special Task Force was sent to the area because the people were apparently afraid to give evidence to the Deraniyagala police, some of whom were suspected to be covering up for the rapists and killers. Ultimately, after the new government took over, the investigations were continued by the CID. We hope that as in this case the rule of law would be upheld in other cases also with the judiciary and the police being given full independence so that the country could say fiat justitia or let there be justice. By Chandeepa Wettasinghe Malaysia is ready to start negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Sri Lanka, though the island nation needs to improve its export production capacities, the Malaysian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah said yesterday. We are ready to start negotiations. The Malaysian side has indicated that they want to negotiate the scope of the agreement first, Abdullah said yesterday at the latest Meet the Ambassador edition organised by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka. However, he notes that Malaysia is keen to finish both the framework and final agreements after extensive discussions. Were hoping that the FTA will be fully negotiated in 18 months, totally an average of two to two and a half years, he further added. In comparison, Sri Lankas trade agreements with India, China and Singapore are expected to be completed by mid-2017 after negotiating framework agreements over a few weeks in August and September, though there had been lengthy earlier discussions in the cases of India and China. Abdullah noted that bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Malaysia could easily reach US$ 1 billion, as the South East Asian nation continues to move towards a services based economy and increases demand for manufactured products.. But the Export Development Board needs to ensure that Sri Lankan product standards are improved in quality, price and attractiveness, he said. He pointed out that this is because Sri Lankas exports to Malaysia have fallen by 43.3 percent year-on-year (YoY) in the first 9 months of 2016, compared to a 3 percent YoY gain in imports from Malaysia, and said that Sri Lanka needs to strengthen its manufacturing sector as well. Sri Lanka had made exports worth US$ 89.5 billion to Malaysia in 2015, compared to imports of US$ 481.4 million. Abdullah noted that though exports have fallen this year, there is plenty of room in the market for Sri Lanka to export rubber, apparel and gem markets in Malaysia, and to break through with agricultural exports such as rice and chicken, products which Malaysia is not self-sufficient in. He further added that Sri Lanka should market its high quality tea in Malaysia. Malaysians drink a lot of tea. They drink tea every morning, but its a low quality, blended tea. We need to encourage Malaysians to drink high quality tea, he said. Meanwhile, he noted that although Malaysian companies have over US$ 2 billion in foreign direct investments (FDIs) in Sri Lanka, going forward, if Sri Lanka wanted to attract Malaysian manufacturing FDIs, the island had to improve its infrastructure He said that this is because Malaysian companies have been pampered with high quality infrastructure at home. Many Asian countries have recently started showing their keenness to sign FTAs with Sri Lanka, and Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy has noted that Sri Lanka can use good government-to-government relationships with its Asian neighbours to push for increased trade and investments. The judgment in connection with the horrendous murder of Nihal Perera, the Superintendent of the Noori Tea Estate in Deraniyagala, in which former UPFA Deraniyagala Pradeshiya Sabha chairman Anil Champika alias Atha Kota and 21 others were indicted, is to be delivered today. The verdict in the case against the 22 accused is to be delivered by Avissawella High Court Judge Devika Abeyratne. The main accused (the former PS chairman) and 21 others were charged with unlawful assembly and conspiracy to murder Nihal Perera and the commission of the murder. The accused were also charged with causing grievous hurt to three employees of the tea estate. The trial began on February 24, 2015, and around 20 witnesses gave evidence. The prosecution was led by Senior State Counsel Shanil Kularatne. Following the murder of the estate superintendent there was a huge public outcry against the police, and disciplinary inquiries were initiated seven policemen, including the OIC (Crimes) of the Deraniyagala Police. The policemen were later transferred. The murder investigation was handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID); and officers from the Homicide Division of the CID -- Chief Inspector Rohan and SI Polwatta -- assisted in the prosecution. Counsel Anuja Premaratne appeared for the first accused, the former PC chairman, while a team of lawyers appeared for the other accused. According to the magisterial inquiry into the murder of July 5, 2013, Nihal Perera, was first struck with a pole and then cut with a sword. Giving evidence before Avissawella Chief Magistrate D. H. A.Seneviratne, the witnesses said Mr. Perera was taken to a lonely spot on the tea estate and beaten to death. The eye witnesses who had not earlier given statements regarding the murder to the Deraniyagala Police, as they feared that the police were influenced by the accused, revealed during the magisterial inquiry that Mr. Perera was brutally assaulted, and that his mouth was cut with a knife -- after which he was dumped naked on the estate grounds. Later, employees of the tea estate had rushed Mr. Perera to hospital, where he had died soon after admission. (Susitha R. Fernando) The European Union (EU) in an interim report that received media coverage in Sri Lanka as far back as 2009, on the GSP + (Generalized System of Preferences) had alleged that aspects of the Muslim personal laws in operation in Sri Lanka were in violation of UN conventions.The EU, had in the same breadth said that Sri Lanka was also in violation of international law for continuing to have as a criminal offence consensual sex between the same sex and that would be another among several other reasons for not restoring the preferential tariff to Sri Lankan exports to the EU. Whether the Muslim law is in violation of UN conventions or the EU is in violation of UN rights based treaties,in its demand for changes to Muslim marriage laws would become evident upon a reading of my previous article (Part 1). Regrettably there was no official media release from the EU or any other authority on the demands if any being made on Sri Lanka for the restoration of the GSP+, then or now. A recent statement made by the local head of the EU that the demand is for amending the Muslim law to stipulate only the minimum age for marriage of females to be increased to 16 years ,needs to be supported by an official press release. This is needed in the light of a government decision and media statements speaking of amending the Muslim personal law on a wider basis to help Sri Lanka win back GSP+. It has now become necessary that the EU officially publicize the full set of its conditions and the specific requests if any on Sri Lanka for the sake of transparency and to clear the confusion in the country. It appears that the Justice Saleem Marsoof Committee was appointed in 2009 following the EU demand that year on the former government. The Committee comprises both males and females and includes persons who are not adherents of the Islamic faith. The inclusion of persons who are not necessarily believers in the Muslim style of life did come under criticism in Muslim religious and civil society circles. Nevertheless, it is my view that the Justice Saleem Marsoof Committee, now that it had toiled for seven years, should complete its task notwithstanding the criticism. It is for the civil, religious and political leadership of the community to follow up thereafter. It is best that the government leaves it to this committee and the community to address the issues which have presently arisen in the public domain. They will need time. Provisions in international treaties relating to minority and religious matters, as pointed out in the previous article (Part 1) do not encourage state interference except at the instance of the protected minority. The State is obliged under the treaties to protect the lifestyle of the community. What is hurting the community is why only Muslim law had been picked up to conform to international norms? Questions are being raised within the community whether the EU demand is a by-product of the so-called international war on Islamic extremism. Most Muslims understand this as a war on Islam. Any genuine attempt within the Muslim community to amend the MMDA could be unfortunately hijacked by external pressures. Several issues are being raised by Muslim youths in this regard. They ask why the EU is being allowed to intervene negatively in Sri Lankas process of taking its own democratic decisions on matters related to the community. They also ask whether there are no similar issues, of the need to conform to international norms, in the Kandyan Marriage law, the Thesawalamai Law, the General Marriages Ordinance and even the Buddhist Ecclesiastical law. What is there to prevent, they ask, the EU alleging sometime later that the Sisyanu Sisya or the pupil to pupil law of succession to the Viharadhipathyship of Temples, without elections, is undemocratic or that the robing of children 7 years of age for priesthood is conscription, depriving them of a free childhood.They also ask, can the EU be allowed to put similar conditions on the country to obtain advantageous terms for trade and commerce. Should any community be compelled to behave, for the country to gain an advantage in GSP plus? They say the government is obliged under the very same international treaties to resist such intrusions. They also allege that it is some of these countries, which, tell us to conform to international norms while they had transgressed with impunity the carefully built edifice of international laws and international humanitarian laws, since 1945. Examples of such transgressions of international laws by these countries would run into many volumes. Professor Philippe Sands QC, Professor of Law at University College London (University of London) in his 314 page volume, Torture Team- Deception, Cruelty and the Compromise of Law gives a gripping account of the transgressions of human rights and humanitarian laws at Guantanamo and elsewhere by powerful nations. Everyone knows about the illegal and unjustified wars, instead of recourse to dialogue, committed in third world countries by the worlds powers in violation of international law and humanitarian considerations. Our own Justice C G Weeramantry of the International Court of Justice fame has lamented in several books the trampling of international humanitarian laws with impunity by powerful nations. We see the collapse of international standards led by most of those countries which dared to vote against the human rights instruments relating to the oppressed indigenous people. Be that as it may. Article 27 of the ICCPR itself prevents the State from denying the right of minorities . in community with other members of their group, to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practice their own religion or to use their own language. This is a human right of the community as a group and those persons who voluntarily accept to be bound by their religious standards. Persons unwilling to be so bound are free to walk away and subject themselves to other systems. Those who seek to ride on controversial so-called international standards such as legitimizing intimatesame sex relationship must recognize the legally supported rights of those willing to be governed by their respective cultural and religious standards. Where there is an apparent conflict, international norms and standards must give way to the treaties which protect the rights of minorities. One cannot tinker into the culture, religion or language of any community which is in a minority, according to Article 27 of the ICCPR. Any attempt to meddle with any aspect of the religion, culture or language will be a denial of the rights of the community and its adherents. Apart from the ICCPR a number of other provisions in other treaties, covenants and declarations of the UN also protect religion and culture from external interferences. The changes have to come from within the community. Those willing to accept and be bound by the cultural and religious practices of the community to which they belong are equally entitled to bring about changes to practices which are inconsistent with the standards laid down in the religion. International norms could inspire the community to bring about acceptable changes. In the light of their current experiences they could educate their fellow members of the fault lines that are affecting men, women and children. The community should be open to learn from the experiences from its own children, women and men and mend its ways. Genuine concerns must be dealt with duly and honestly. These wishing and urging internal changes should refrain from travelling embedded in Trojan horses. Those seeking justice must come with clean hands though no one is perfect. State party to the treaties can effect the changes at the instance of the community. The Muslim community is firmly in support of amending the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act to overcome several deficiencies in the Act. The deficiencies are not merely in the Act but also in the standards of a few appointed under this law .Similar deficiencies exist in other systems as well. These are matters before the Justice Marsoof Committee. The Committee must complete its task even if it requires more time. However, there is no need to rush by sacrificing the need for careful consideration of the issues. (mm_zuhair@yahoo.com = The views expressed do not reflect the views of any official position previously or presently held by the writer). Commemorating its 30th anniversary, The City School of Architecture (Colombo) Ltd (CSA) organized an Open Day Exhibition on 5th and 6th November 2016, at the CSA premises at 104, Kittulwatta Road, Colombo 08. The two-day informational event attracted many students, professionals and visitors, who thronged to the student exhibition and lectures delivered by renowned architects. A special publication was also issued to further celebrate the milestone of 30 successful years in professional education in the field of architecture. The two-day event commenced with a ceremonial opening ceremony of the student exhibition and the architecture design festival, both of which showcased the vast wealth of talent nurtured by CSA in its students. The inauguration ceremony of the design festival was graced by CSA Founders Vidyajyothi Professor Lakshman Alwis & Architect Dr. K. LocanaGunaratna. CSA Directors also present on the occasion were Founder Chairman Architect Jayantha Perera, Chairman Architect Harsha Fernando, CEO/Director Architect Asoka Widanapathirana, Architect Mihindu Keerthiratne, Architect Prasanna Silva, Architect Chandana Ellepola and Architect Rajiv Senanayake. The second day of the event was inaugurated by Past Course Directors and Head of School Architect Pali Wijeyaratne, Architect B.J. Dudley Waas, Architect S.W. Molligoda and Prof. Lal Balasuriya (Head Of School). A special Publication: Journey of 30 Years Excellence in Architectural Education was also launched. Other events on the sideline of the exhibition were architectural documentaries, lectures and career guidance stalls. The festive mood at the event was further heightened with the presence of food stalls, fun activities and games, movies, DJ and live music. Some of the countrys most noted architects, namely, Prof. Jagath Weerasinghe, Architect Madhura Prematilleke, Prof. David Robson, Architect C Anjalendran and Architect Channa Dasswatte delivered lectures to a rapt audience. CSA is the only Private Architectural Education Provider in Sri Lanka accredited locally by Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA), and internationally, by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), London. CSA is also in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol, UK to award Degrees. The School offers two course of study leading to professional qualifications. The City School of Architecture (CSA) with a history of over 30 years offers a path in architectural education towards a career in the building industry with a broad-based teaching and learning process, rooted in the real world of practice. The City School of Architecture (formerly known as the Colombo School of Architecture) was initially started as a lecture series by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) in 1986 providing opportunities to young talented individuals to study Architecture as an alternate route to state University admission. CSA aims to transform into one of the best schools of Architecture in the South Asian region. Prime Minister Narendra Modis announcement on November 8 that the currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 will cease to be a legal tender from midnight was a bold and imaginative move to deal a crushing blow to the generation and circulation of the black money, funding of terror by induction of fake currency notes and the way political parties fund their activities, especially the election campaigns. In the long run, it should impede the ill effects of parallel economy and bring large amounts of black money into circulation in the form of white money and facilitate numerous developmental plans. The government deserves kudos for maintaining absolute secrecy and taking the black money hoarders by surprise. Insensitivity However, looking from the perspective of ordinary citizens, who are neither generators of black money nor hoarders who go about their uneventful daily lives with paltry sums of money in their hands to buy basic necessities, the execution of the brilliant idea has been a nightmare. Supporters claim that its implementation has caused minor inconvenience is incorrect; they live in their ivory towers, cut off from the grass roots distress. Most of them havent stood in a queue for eight hours for exchanging Rs 4,000 and gone back without getting the new notes and returned to join the queue the following day in hope of a better luck! Calling millions of Indians harrowing experiences as a small inconvenience betrays utter insensitiveness and callousness. An old man in his 70s had to walk 10km every day to the only bank near his village on four days to get Rs 2,000 on the fifth day! In late 1970s, no one could disagree that population control was in Indias national interest and deserved to be undertaken nationwide on priority as, in terms of population, we were adding one Australia every year. PM Narendra Modi. (Photo credit: Reuters) Obviously nasbandi was an inexpensive and effective family planning option. However, the overzealous implementation of a sensible initiative created havoc. Rest is history. The government and the ruling party are playing down the devastating disruption of normal life of millions of honest, upright common men, small farmers, small traders, daily wage earner: the unorganised sector which constitutes 86 per cent of Indias workforce which has little access to banks/ATM and plastic money. The chief justice of India has expressed apprehension about the situation getting out of hand and causing law and order problem. Some questions seek answers: 1. If 86 per cent of the black money is not kept in currency notes but in gold, bullion, real estate or staked abroad; demonetisation can only make a partial dent against black money. Disruption 2. The biggest users of the black money are the political parties and the biggest provider: India Inc. Unless the elections are wholly funded by the State or donations to the political parties are legalised and parties commit to accept contributions only through cheques/credit cards, circulation of black money cant be eliminated. 3. Black money in most countries is generated because of the high rates of direct and indirect taxes. Hoarding and using black money can be dis-incentivised by drastically bringing down the tax rates. 4. Until rural banks and ATMs multiply many fold and use of plastic money expands exponentially current inconvenience and disruption of rural economy and unorganised sector will persist. Manpower 5. Exhorting citizens to be honest and transparent is easy; all political parties should set an example by bringing themselves under the ambit of the RTI. 6. What about a white paper about the loss to the economy in terms of man days lost on account of crores of people queuing up rather than working? Will GDP rate decline? 7. While some parties are crying hoarse as their black money allegedly became dust, why are some parties so nonchalant and not worried about funds? US President Barack Obama's strategic "pivot" toward Asia attracted a lot of international attention but did little to tame China's muscular approach to territorial, maritime and trade disputes. Indeed, with the United States focused on the Islamic world, Obama's much-touted pivot got lost somewhere in the arc between Iraq and Libya. Will President-elect Donald Trump's approach to Asia be different? Challenge Concern that Trump could undo Obama's pivot to Asia by exhibiting an isolationist streak ignores the fact that the pivot has remained more rhetorical than real. Even as Obama prepares to leave office, the pivot has not acquired any concrete strategic content. If anything, the coining of a catchy term, pivot, helped obscure the key challenge the US confronts to remain the principal security anchor in Asia - a relentless push by a revisionist China to expand its frontiers and sphere of influence. Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Photo credit: Reuters) Trump could face an early test of will from China. With Obama having increasingly ceded ground to China in Asia during his tenure, Beijing feels emboldened, as attested by its incremental expansionism in the South China Sea and its dual Silk Road projects under the "One Belt, One Road" banner. Indeed, boosting naval prowess and projecting power far from its shores are at the centre of China's ambition to fashion a strongly Sino-centric Asia. Boasting one of the world's fastest-growing undersea fleets, China this month announced that its first aircraft carrier is ready for combat. Its revanchist moves will inevitably test the new US administration's limits. Trump, in keeping with his "tough guy" image, could permit the US navy and air force to initiate more aggressive reconnaissance and freedom-of-navigation operations in the South China Sea. He could also invite China's wrath by getting Japan to join US air and sea patrols in the South China Sea. Trump is also expected to be more assertive diplomatically than Obama, who refused to speak up even when China occupied the Scarborough Shoal, located well within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The 2012 takeover occurred despite a US-brokered deal under which both Beijing and Manila agreed to withdraw their vessels from the area. Yet the US did nothing in response to the capture, in spite of its mutual-defence treaty with the Philippines. That inaction spurred China's frenzied creation of artificial islands in the South China Sea. In late 2013, when China unilaterally declared an air defence identification zone covering territories that it claims but does not control in the East China Sea, Obama again hesitated. In effect, the US condoned China's ADIZ (Air Defense Identification Zone) establishment. Background Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's much-flayed action in cutting his own deal with China should be seen against this background. The deal, however, is likely to hold only until the next major Chinese incursion. The paradox is that the more assertive China has become in pressing its territorial and maritime claims - from the East China Sea to the Himalayas - the more reluctant the Obama administration has been to take sides in Asia's territorial disputes, although they centre on Beijing's efforts to change the status quo with America's strategic allies or partners. No less significant is the fact that Obama failed to provide strategic heft to his pivot to Asia. Even the modest measure to permanently rotate up to 2,500 US Marines through Darwin, Australia, is yet to be fully implemented. To countries bearing the brunt of China's recidivist policies, this lack of clarity has not only raised doubts about the US commitment, but also left them effectively at the mercy of a regional predator. That, in turn, has forced several of them to be more mindful of Chinese concerns and interests. Retreat Far from retreating from Asia, the US under Trump is likely to bolster alliances and partnerships with states around China's periphery. His administration may even support constitutional and national security reforms in Japan, on the assumption that a Japan that does more for its own defence will help to forestall the emergence of a destabilising power imbalance in East Asia - with far-reaching benefits for Asia and the rest of the world. Such support will also fit well with Trump's top priority to arrest the erosion in America's relative power through comprehensive domestic renewal, including reining in the mounting US budget deficit. Trump's election, however, has dimmed prospects of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership entering into force. Trade is one area where Trump must deliver on his campaign promises or risk losing his credibility with the blue collar constituency that helped to propel him to victory. At a time when the very future of the Asian order looks uncertain, Trump could pivot to Asia in a way Obama didn't. But today no single power, not even the US, can shape developments on its own in Asia, including ensuring a rules-based order. His administration will have to work closely with like-minded states - from Japan and Australia to India and Vietnam - to build a stable balance of power in Asia. Public Storage is a REIT focused on acquiring, developing, owning, and operating self-storage facilities in the US and Europe. The company is a member of the S&P 500 and the FT Global 500 and is the worlds 4th largest REIT by market cap. Along with its holdings of self-storage facilities, the company owns a 42% stake in business park company PS Business Parks and is also in business selling packing and storage supplies. The company is headquartered in Glendale California. The company was founded in 1972 by B. Wayne Hughes and Kenneth Polk who used the leverage of investments from RELPs to grow the business. The original plan was to use the storage warehouses as a means of generating income until the properties were more valuable. The surprise is that demand for storage space was high and led to unexpected profitability. The company has more than 1,000 locations by 1989 and then, in 1995, it transformed itself into a publicly traded REIT. The transformation was spurred by tax changes that made RELPs obsolete. The transformation was done via a merger with Storage Equities which gave up its name in favor of Public Storage. The company grew again with the acquisition of Shurgard in 2006 but it has since been spun off as its own publicly traded company. Public Storage retains 36% ownership in Shurgard. As of September 2022, the company owned and operated 2,807 self-storage facilities in 39 states. The total area of rental space exceeded 2 million square feet serving nearly 2 million customers and generating close to $3.5 billion in annual revenues. Shurgard lays claim to another 239 facilities in the EU which amounts to another 13 minion square feet of storage space. PS Business Parks, Inc, which trades under the ticker (NYSE: PSB) owns and operates 28 million square feet of commercial space. Advantages of Public Storage include scale, leverage, and the balance sheet. The companys size and scale mean that more than half the US population lives within driving distance of a Public Storage facility. The company gives leverage through its three-pronged acquisition, development, and redevelopment strategy which are all supported by the balance sheet. The companys balance sheet is set up for growth and is able to self-fund most new projects. The following companies are subsidiares of Mohawk Industries: A&S Energie NV, A&U Energie NV, Aladdin Manufacturing Corporation, Aladdin Manufacturing Of New York LLC, Aladdin Manufacturing of Alabama LLC, Alsace Logistique S.A., Avelgem Green Power CVBA, Avon Pacific Holdings Ltd, B&M NV, BGE Mexico S. de R. L. de C.V., Berghoef GmbH, Berghoef-Hout B.V., Bienes Raices y Materiales del Centro S. de R.L. de C.V., C.F. Marazzi S.A., Canterbury Spinners Ltd, Carpet Foundation Ltd, Cevotrans BV, Ceramus Bahia S/A Produtos Ceramicos, DT Mex Holdings LLC, DTM/CM Holdings LLC, Dal Italia LLC, Dal-Elit LLC, Dal-Tile Chile Comercial Limitada, Dal-Tile Colombia S.A.S., Dal-Tile Distribution Inc., Dal-Tile Group Inc., Dal-Tile I LLC, Dal-Tile Industrias S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile International Inc., Dal-Tile Mexico Comercial S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Operaciones Mexico S. De R.L. De C.V., Dal-Tile Peru SRL, Dal-Tile Puerto Rico Inc., Dal-Tile Services Inc., Dal-Tile Shared Services Inc., Dal-Tile Tennessee LLC, Dal-Tile of Canada ULC, Daltile, Daltile, Dekaply NV, Durkan, Dynea NV, Eliane Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Eliane S/A - Revestimentos Ceramicos, Emilceramica India Pvt Ltd., Emilceramica S.r.l, Emilgermany GmbH, Emilgroup Asia Ltd, Explorer S.r.l., F.I.L.S. Investments Unlimited Company, Feltex Carpets Ltd, Feltex Carpets Pty Ltd, Feltex New Zealand Ltd, Fibremakers Australia Pty Ltd, Flooring Foundation Ltd, Flooring Industries Limited S.a r.l., Flooring XL B.V., Floorscape Limited, Godfrey Hirst & Co Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Group, Godfrey Hirst NZ Ltd, Hytherm (Ireland) Limited, IVC BVBA, IVC Far-East Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., IVC France S.a r.l., IVC GROUP LIMITED, IVC Green Power NV, IVC Group, IVC Group GmbH, IVC Luxembourg S.a r.l., IVC Rus OOO, IVC US Inc., International Flooring Systems S.a r.l., International Vinyl Company - Vostok OOO, KAI Group, KAI Keramica Ltd, KAI Mining EOOD, KERAMA CENTER OOO, Kerama Baltics OOO, Kerama Export OOO, Kerama Marazzi OOO, Kerampromservis (LLC), Khan Asparuh - Transport EOOD, Khan Asparuh AD, Khan Omurtag AD, Koninklijke Peitsman B.V., Kraj Kerama OOO, MG China Trading Ltd., MI Finance SRL, MUD (Holding) Brazil Ltda., Management Co EAD, Marazzi Acquisition S.r.l., Marazzi Deutschland G.m.b.H., Marazzi France Trading S.A.S., Marazzi Group, Marazzi Group F.Z.E., Marazzi Group S.r.l., Marazzi Group Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Marazzi Iberia S.L.U., Marazzi Japan Co. Ltd., Marazzi Middle East FZ LLC, Marazzi Schweiz S.A.G.L., Marazzi UK Ltd., Mohawk Assurance Services Inc., Mohawk Australia Pty Ltd, Mohawk Canada Corporation, Mohawk Capital Finance S.A., Mohawk Capital Luxembourg SA, Mohawk Carpet Distribution Inc., Mohawk Carpet Foundation Inc., Mohawk Carpet LLC, Mohawk Carpet Transportation Of Georgia LLC, Mohawk Commercial Inc., Mohawk ESV Inc., Mohawk Europe BVBA, Mohawk Factoring II Inc., Mohawk Factoring LLC, Mohawk Finance S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Acquisitions S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Funding S.a.r.l, Mohawk Foreign Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Investments Inc., Mohawk Global Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Holdings International B.V., Mohawk Industries Inc., Mohawk International (Europe) S.a r.l., Mohawk International (Hong Kong) Limited, Mohawk International Capital N.V., Mohawk International Financing S.a.r.l, Mohawk International Holdings (DE) LLC, Mohawk International Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk International Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk International Netherlands B.V., Mohawk International Services BVBA, Mohawk KAI Luxembourg Holding S.a r.l., Mohawk KAI Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Capital S.A., Mohawk Luxembourg Financing S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Pacific S.a r.l., Mohawk Marazzi International BV, Mohawk Marazzi Russia BV, Mohawk New Zealand Limited, Mohawk Operaciones Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Mohawk Operations Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Pacific Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Resources LLC, Mohawk Servicing LLC, Mohawk Singapore Private Limited, Mohawk Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Mohawk Unilin Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk United Finance B.V., Mohawk United International B.V., Mohawk Vinyl Financing S.a r.l., Molber Beheer B.V., Monarch Ceramic Tile Inc., P.F. Onroerend Goed B.V., PF Beheer B.V., Pergo, Pergo (Europe) AB, Pergo Holding BV, Pergo India Pvt Ltd, Polcolorit S.A., Premium Floors Australia Pty Limited, RR Apex LLC, Rata International Pty Ltd, Recubrimientos Interceramica S. de R.L. de C.V., Riverside Textiles Pty Ltd, S.C. KAI Ceramics SRL, Sibir Kerama OOO, SimpleSolutions USA LLC, Soft Step (Australia) Pty Ltd, Spano Group, Spano Invest BVBA, Spano NV, Stroyagromekhzapchast ChaO, Stroytrans OAO Orelstroy, Summit Wool Spinners Ltd, The Flooring Federation Ltd, Tiles Co OOD, Unilin (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Unilin ApS, Unilin Arauco Pisos Ltda., Unilin BVBA, Unilin Beheer BV, Unilin Distribution Ltd., Unilin Distribution Ukraine LLC, Unilin Finland OY, Unilin Flooring India Private Limited, Unilin Flooring SAS, Unilin GmbH, Unilin Holding BVBA, Unilin Insulation BV, Unilin Insulation SAS, Unilin Insulation Sury SAS, Unilin Italia S.R.L., Unilin North America LLC, Unilin Norway AS, Unilin OOO, Unilin Panels SAS, Unilin Poland Sp.Z.o.o., Unilin SAS, Unilin Spain SL, Unilin Swiss GmbH, Unilin s.r.o., World International Inc., Xtratherm, Xtratherm Limited, Xtratherm S.A., and Xtratherm UK Limited. Read More Telecom Argentina S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunications services in Argentina and internationally. The company offers telephone services, including local, domestic, and international long-distance telephone services, as well as public telephone services; and other related supplementary services, such as call waiting, call forwarding, conference calls, caller ID, voice mail, itemized billing, and maintenance services. It also provides interconnection services, such as traffic and interconnection resource, dedicated Internet access, video signals transportation in standard and high definitions, audio and video streaming, dedicated links, backhaul links for mobile operators, data center hosting/housing services, dedicated links, layer 2 and layer 3 transport networks, video links, value-added services, and other services. In addition, the company offers mobile telecommunications services, including voice communications, high-speed mobile Internet content and applications download, online streaming, and other services; and sells mobile communication devices, such as handsets, Modems MiFi and wingles, and smart watches under the Personal brand. Further, it provides internet connectivity products, including virtual private network services, traditional Internet protocol links, and other products; data services; and programming and other cable television services. The company was formerly known as Cablevision S.A. and changed its name to Telecom Argentina S.A. in January 2018. Telecom Argentina S.A. was founded in 1979 and is based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. EnerSys provides various stored energy solutions for industrial applications worldwide. It operates in three segments: Energy Systems, Motive Power, and Specialty. The company offers uninterruptible power systems applications for computer and computer-controlled systems, as well as telecommunications systems; switchgear and electrical control systems used in industrial facilities and electric utilities, large-scale energy storage, and energy pipelines; integrated power solutions and services to broadband, telecom, renewable, and industrial customers; and thermally managed cabinets and enclosures for electronic equipment and batteries. It also provides motive power products that are used to provide power for electric industrial forklifts used in manufacturing, warehousing, and other material handling applications. In addition, the company offers mining equipment, diesel locomotive starting, and other rail equipment. Further, it provides specialty batteries for starting, lighting, and ignition applications in transportation; and energy solutions for satellites, military aircraft, submarines, ships, and other tactical vehicles, as well as medical and security systems. Additionally, the company offers battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories, and outdoor cabinet enclosures, as well as related after-market and customer-support services for industrial batteries. The company sells its products through a network of distributors, independent representatives, and internal sales forces. The company was formerly known as Yuasa, Inc. and changed its name to EnerSys in January 2001. EnerSys was incorporated in 2000 and is headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, Gas Utilities and Infrastructure, and Commercial Renewables. The Electric Utilities and Infrastructure segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest; and uses coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, oil, renewable generation, and nuclear fuel to generate electricity. It also engages in the wholesale of electricity to municipalities, electric cooperative utilities, and load-serving entities. This segment serves approximately 8.2 million customers in 6 states in the Southeast and Midwest regions of the United States covering a service territory of approximately 91,000 square miles; and owns approximately 50,259 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity. The Gas Utilities and Infrastructure segment distributes natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial, and power generation natural gas customers; and owns, operates, and invests in pipeline transmission and natural gas storage facilities. It has approximately 1.6 million customers, including 1.1 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as 550,000 customers in southwestern Ohio and northern Kentucky. The Commercial Renewables segment acquires, owns, develops, builds, and operates wind and solar renewable generation projects, including nonregulated renewable energy and energy storage services to utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, and corporate customers. It has 23 wind, 178 solar, and 2 battery storage facilities, as well as 71 fuel cell locations with a capacity of 3,554 MW across 22 states. The company was formerly known as Duke Energy Holding Corp. and changed its name to Duke Energy Corporation in April 2005. The company was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. OGE Energy Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy and energy services provider that offers physical delivery and related services for electricity, natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids in the United States. The company generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric energy. It provides retail electric service to approximately 879,000 customers, which covers a service area of approximately 30,000 square miles in Oklahoma and western Arkansas; and owns and operates coal-fired, natural gas-fired, wind-powered, and solar-powered generating assets. As of December 31, 2021, the company owned and operated interconnected electric generation, transmission, and distribution systems, including 16 generating stations with an aggregate capability of 7,207 megawatts; and transmission systems comprising 54 substations and 5,122 structure miles of lines in Oklahoma, and 7 substations and 277 structure miles of lines in Arkansas. Its distribution systems included 350 substations; 29,494 structure miles of overhead lines; 3,365 miles of underground conduit; and 11,125 miles of underground conductors in Oklahoma, as well as 29 substations, 2,795 structure miles of overhead lines, 349 miles of underground conduit, and 662 miles of underground conductors in Arkansas. The company was founded in 1902 and is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. ResMed Inc. develops, manufactures, distributes, and markets medical devices and cloud-based software applications for the healthcare markets. The company operates in two segments, Sleep and Respiratory Care, and Software as a Service. It offers various products and solutions for a range of respiratory disorders, including technologies to be applied in medical and consumer products, ventilation devices, diagnostic products, mask systems for use in the hospital and home, headgear and other accessories, dental devices, and cloud-based software informatics solutions to manage patient outcomes, as well as provides customer and business processes. The company also provides AirView, a cloud-based system that enables remote monitoring and changing of patients' device settings; myAir, a personalized therapy management application for patients with sleep apnea that provides support, education, and troubleshooting tools for increased patient engagement and improved compliance; U-Sleep, a compliance monitoring solution that enables home medical equipment (HME)to streamline their sleep programs; connectivity module and propeller solutions; and Propeller portal. It offers out-of-hospital software solution, such as Brightree business management software and service solutions to providers of HME, pharmacy, home infusion, orthotics, and prosthetics services; MatrixCare care management and related ancillary solutions to senior living, skilled nursing, life plan communities, home health, home care, and hospice organizations, as well as related accountable care organizations; and HEALTHCAREfirst that offers electronic health record, software, billing and coding services, and analytics for home health and hospice agencies. The company markets its products primarily to sleep clinics, home healthcare dealers, and hospitals through a network of distributors and direct sales force in approximately 140 countries. ResMed Inc. was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in San Diego, California. 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. 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.. Read More PLEASE NOTE! Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate! All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited! (One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!) Community Bank System, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Community Bank, N.A. that provides various banking and other financial services to retail, commercial, and municipal customers. It operates through three segments: Banking, Employee Benefit Services, and All Other. The company offers various deposits products, such as checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts, as well as time deposits. It also provides loans, including consumer mortgages; general purpose commercial and industrial loans, and mortgages on commercial properties; paycheck protection program loans; installment loans that are originated through selected dealerships and are secured by automobiles, marine, and other recreational vehicles; personal installment loans and lines of credit for consumers; and home equity products. In addition, the company offers broker-dealer and investment advisory; cash management, investment, and treasury services; asset management; and employee benefit services, as well as operates as a full-service insurance agency that offers personal and commercial lines of insurance, and other risk management products and services. Further, it provides contribution plan administration, employee benefit trust, collective investment fund, retirement plan administration, fund administration, transfer agency, actuarial and benefit consulting, VEBA/HRA, and health and welfare consulting services. Additionally, the company offers wealth management, retirement planning, higher educational planning, fiduciary, risk management, trust, and personal financial planning services; and investment alternatives, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and advisory products, as well as master recordkeeping services. As of January 24, 2022, it operated approximately 215 customer facilities across Upstate New York, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Western Massachusetts. Community Bank System, Inc. was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in DeWitt, New York. The Hispanic mayor in the oldest state capital in the nation is now the public face of the countrys sanctuary cities following the presidential election victory by Donald Trump. Last week Javier Gonzales denounced the renewed vows by president-elect Trump to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and his promises made during his campaign to withhold all federal funding from the cities that are deemed sanctuary cities by defying federal immigration authorities. Get Warning: Undefined variable $CompanyName in /home/acctdp/public_html/wp-content/themes/responsalambre/single.php on line 65 alerts: At the time, Gonzales was in New York to attend a mental healthcare conference and was able to score big on national media. New Mexicos capital of Santa Fe is not the typical sanctuary city in the U.S. The city has a population that is only 70,000 and its communities of immigrants are dwarfed by ones seen in major U.S. cities with policies that are immigrant friendly such as Chicago and Los Angeles. Santa Fe is also known for the unique history it has related to immigration. Dating back to the 1500s to the 1600s during the Spanish conquest, the city is unique in that South American, Central American and Mexican immigration have been part of the history of Santa Fe for a period of more than 400 years, said Gonzales, whose father was also the mayor at one time in Santa Fe. That history remains the source of Santa Fes huge pageantry and public pride during its annual re-enactment with use of costumes of the Spanish re-conquest of Santa Fe following the revolt by Native Americans in 1680. Processions depict a rather peaceful, near welcome return of the Spanish, even though there have been increasingly disruptive protests of late based upon the early Native Americans suffering. Gonzales when younger participated in the lead role as Don Diego de Varga a conquistador. As the mayor, Gonzales has been busy refereeing the objections in public by the citys population of Native Americans as well as other who say the re-conquest was dramatically brutal when carried out and todays festival is both hurtful and offensive. Trump has promised to make it difficult for all cities deemed sanctuary cities through cutting federal funding and taking the cities to court in his attempt to dramatically crack down on the overall population of undocumented immigrants as well as legal immigrants that have broken the law. The following companies are subsidiares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft: ABFS I Incorporated, ABS MB Ltd., Alex. Brown Financial Services Incorporated, Alex. Brown Investments Incorporated, Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft mbH, Ambidexter GmbH i.L., Argent Incorporated, BHW - Gesellschaft fur Wohnungswirtschaft mbH, BHW Bausparkasse Aktiengesellschaft, BHW Holding GmbH, BT Globenet Nominees Limited, Bainpro Nominees Pty Ltd, Baldur Mortgages Limited, Bankers Trust Investments Limited, Bayan Delinquent Loan Recovery 1 (SPV-AMC) Inc., Berkshire Mortgage Finance, Betriebs-Center fur Banken AG, Better Financial Services GmbH, Better Payment Germany GmbH, Borfield Sociedad Anonima, Breaking Wave DB Limited, Cardales UK Limited, Cardea Real Estate S.r.l., Cathay Advisory (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Cathay Asset Management Company Limited, Cathay Capital Company (No 2) Limited, Cedar (Luxembourg) S.a. r.l., Chapel Funding, China Recovery Fund LLC, Consumo Srl in Liquidazione, D B Investments (GB) Limited, D&M Turnaround Partners Godo Kaisha, DB (Barbados) SRL, DB (Malaysia) Nominee (Asing) Sdn. Bhd., DB (Malaysia) Nominee (Tempatan) Sendirian Berhad, DB Alex. Brown Holdings Incorporated, DB Aotearoa Investments Limited, DB Beteiligungs-Holding GmbH, DB Boracay LLC, DB Capital Markets (Deutschland) GmbH, DB Cartera de lnmuebles 1 S.A.U., DB Chestnut Holdings Limited, DB Corporate Advisory (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., DB Delaware Holdings (Europe) Limited, DB Direkt GmbH, DB Elara LLC, DB Energy Trading LLC, DB Equipment Leasing Inc., DB Equity Limited, DB Finance (Delaware) LLC, DB Global Technology Inc., DB Global Technology SRL, DB Group Services (UK) Limited, DB HR Solutions GmbH, DB Holdings (New York) Inc., DB IROC Leasing Corp., DB Impact Investment Fund I. LP., DB Industrial Holdings Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG, DB Industrial Holdings GmbH, DB Intermezzo LLC, DB International (Asia) Limited, DB International Investments Limited, DB International Trust (Singapore) Limited, DB Investment Managers Inc., DB Investment Partners Inc., DB Investment Partners Limited, DB Investment Resources (US) Corporation, DB Investment Resources Holdings Corp., DB Investment Services GmbH, DB London (Investor Services) Nominees Limited, DB Management Support GmbH, DB Nominees (Hong Kong) Limited, DB Nominees (Jersey) Limited, DB Nominees (Singapore) Pte Ltd, DB Omega BTV S.C.S., DB Omega Holdings LLC, DB Omega Ltd., DB Omega S.C.S., DB Operaciones y Servicios lnteractivos Agrupacicm de lnteres Econemico, DB Overseas Finance Delaware Inc., DB Overseas Holdings Limited, DB Print GmbH, DB Private Clients Corp., DB Private Wealth Mortgage Ltd., DB Re S.A., DB Service Centre Limited, DB Service Uruguay S.A., DB Services (Jersey) Limited, DB Services Americas. Inc., DB Servizi Amministrativi S.r.l., DB Strategic Advisors Inc., DB Structured Derivative Products LLC, DB Structured Products Inc., DB Trustee Services Limited, DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited, DB UK Bank Limited, DB UK Holdings Limited, DB UK PCAM Holdings Limited, DB US Financial Markets Holding Corporation, DB USA Core Corporation, DB USA Corporation, DB Valoren S.a. r.l., DB Value S.a.r.l., DB VersicherungsManager GmbH, DB Vita SA., DB lmmobilienfonds 5 Wieland KG i.L., DB lo LP, DBAH Capital. LLC, DBCIBZ1, DBFIC Inc., DBNZ Overseas Investments (No.1) Limited, DBOI Global Services (UK) Limited, DBR Investments Co. Limited, DBRE Global Real Estate Management 18 Ltd., DBRMS4, DBRMSGP1, DBUK PCAM Limited, DBUSBZ1 LLC, DBUSBZ2 S.a. r.l., DBX Advisers LLC, DEBEKO lmmobilien GmbH & Co Grundbesitz OHG, DEE Deutsche Erneuerbare Energien GmbH, DEUKONA Versicherungs-Vermittlungs-GmbH, DEUTSCHE BANK AS., DI Deutsche lmmobilien Treuhandgesellschaft mbH, DISCA Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, DWS Alternatives France, DWS Alternatives Global Limited, DWS Alternatives GmbH, DWS Asset Management (Korea) Company Limited, DWS Beteiligungs GmbH, DWS CH AG, DWS Distributors Inc., DWS Far Eastern Investments Limited, DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA, DWS Group Services UK Limited, DWS Grundbesitz GmbH, DWS International GmbH, DWS Investment GmbH, DWS Investment Management Americas Inc., DWS Investment S.A., DWS Investments Australia Limited, DWS Investments Hong Kong Limited, DWS Investments Japan Limited, DWS Investments Shanghai Limited, DWS Investments Singapore Limited, DWS Investments UK Limited, DWS Management GmbH, DWS Real Estate GmbH, DWS Service Company, DWS Shanghai Private Equity Fund Management Limited, DWS Trust Company, DWS USA Corporation, Deposit Solutions, Deutsche (Aotearoa) Capital Holdings New Zealand, Deutsche (Aotearoa) Foreign Investments New Zealand, Deutsche (New Munster) Holdings New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Access Investments Limited, Deutsche Aeolia Power Production Societe Anonyme, Deutsche Alternative Asset Management (UK) Limited, Deutsche Asia Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd, Deutsche Asset Management (India) Private Limited, Deutsche Australia Limited, Deutsche Bank (Cayman) Limited, Deutsche Bank (China) Co. Ltd., Deutsche Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, Deutsche Bank (Suisse) SA, Deutsche Bank (Uruguay) Sociedad Anenima lnstitucien Financiera Externa, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, Deutsche Bank Americas Holding Corp., Deutsche Bank Europe GmbH, Deutsche Bank Financial Company, Deutsche Bank Holdings Inc., Deutsche Bank Insurance Agency Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., Deutsche Bank Mutui S.p.A., Deutsche Bank Mexico. S.A., Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, Deutsche Bank Polska Spelka Akcyjna, Deutsche Bank Representative Office Nigeria Limited, Deutsche Bank S.A, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Limited, Deutsche Bank Societe per Azioni, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Delaware, Deutsche Bank Trust Company National Association, Deutsche Bank Trust Corporation, Deutsche Bank. Sociedad Anenima Espanola, Deutsche CIB Centre Private Limited, Deutsche Capital Finance (2000) Limited, Deutsche Capital Hong Kong Limited, Deutsche Capital Markets Australia Limited, Deutsche Capital Partners China Limited, Deutsche Cayman Ltd., Deutsche Custody N.V., Deutsche Domus New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Equities India Private Limited, Deutsche Finance No. 2 Limited, Deutsche Foras New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur lmmobilien-Leasing mit beschrenkter Haftung, Deutsche Global Markets Limited, Deutsche Group Holdings (SA) Proprietary Limited, Deutsche Group Services Pty Limited, Deutsche Grundbesitz Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., Deutsche Grundbesitz-Anlagegesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Deutsche Holdings (BTI) Limited, Deutsche Holdings (Grand Duchy), Deutsche Holdings (Luxembourg) S.El r.l., Deutsche Holdings Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 2 Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 3 Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 4 Limited, Deutsche India Holdings Private Limited, Deutsche India Private Limited, Deutsche International Corporate Services (Ireland) Limited, Deutsche International Corporate Services Limited, Deutsche International Custodial Services Limited, Deutsche Investments (Netherlands) N.V., Deutsche Investments India Private Limited, Deutsche Investor Services Private Limited, Deutsche Knowledge Services Pte. Ltd., Deutsche Leasing New York Corp., Deutsche Mexico Holdings S.a. r.|., Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Group Limited, Deutsche Mortgage & Asset Receiving Corporation, Deutsche Nederland N.V., Deutsche New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Nominees Limited, Deutsche Oppenheim Family Office AG, Deutsche Overseas Issuance New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Postbank, Deutsche Postbank Finance Center Objekt GmbH, Deutsche Private Asset Management Limited, Deutsche Securities (India) Private Limited, Deutsche Securities (Proprietary) Limited, Deutsche Securities (SA) (Proprietary) Limited, Deutsche Securities Asia Limited, Deutsche Securities Australia Limited, Deutsche Securities Inc., Deutsche Securities Israel Ltd., Deutsche Securities Korea Co., Deutsche Securities Mauritius Limited, Deutsche Securities SA. de C.V.. Casla de Bolsa, Deutsche Securities Saudi Arabia, Deutsche Services (Cl) Limited, Deutsche Services Polska Sp. z o.o., Deutsche StiftungsTrust GmbH, Deutsche Strategic Investment Holdings Yugen Kaisha, Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, Deutsche Trustee Services (India) Private Limited, Deutsche Trustees Malaysia Berhad, Deutsche Wealth Management S.G.I.I.C. SA., Deutsche lmmobilien Leasing GmbH, Deutsches lnstitut fur Altersvorsorge GmbH, Durian (Luxembourg) S.a. r.l., EC EUROPA IMMOBILIEN FONDS NR. 3 GmbH & CO. KG i.l., Elizabethan Holdings Limited, Elizabethan Management Limited, European Value Added I (Alternate GP.) LLP, Fiduciaria Sant Andrea S.r.l., Finanzberatungsgesellschaft mbH der Deutschen Bank, Funfte SAB Treuhand und Verwaltung GmbH & Co. Suhl "Rimbachzentrum" KG, G Finance Holding Corp., German American Capital Corporation, Grundstucksgesellschaft Frankfurt Bockenheimer LandstraBe GbR, Grundstucksgesellschaft Miesbaden LuisenstraBe/Kirchgasse GbR, Hollandsche Bank-Unie, ISTRON Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungs-GmbH, IVAF l Manager S.a.r.l., Immobilienfonds Buro-Center Erfurt am Flughafen Bindersleben I GbR, J R Nominees (Pty) Ltd, Joint Stock Company Deutsche Bank DBU, Jyogashima Godo Kaisha, KEBA Gesellschaft fur interne Services mbH, Kidson Pte Ltd, Konsul lnkasso GmbH, LA Water Holdings Limited, LAWL Pte. Ltd., Leasing Verwaltungsgesellschaft Waltersdorf mbH, Leonardo lll Initial GP Limited, MEF I Manager. S. a r.|., MIT Holdings Inc., Maher Terminals Holdings (Toronto) Limited, Morgan Grenfell & Company, MortgageIT, MortgagelT Inc., MortgagelT Securities Corp., OOO "Deutsche Bank TechCentIe", OOO "Deutsche Bank", OPB Verwaltungs- und Treuhand GmbH, OPB-Oktava GmbH, OPB-Quarta GmbH, OPPENHEIM Capital Advisory GmbH, OPPENHEIM PRIVATE EQUITY Manager GmbH, OPPENHEIM PRIVATE EQUITY Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, PADUS Grundstcks-VermietungsgeseIlschaft mbH, PB Factoring GmbH, PB Spezial-lnvestmentaktiengesellschatt mit Teilgesellschaftsvermogen, PCC Services GmbH der Deutschen Bank, PT Deutsche Sekuritas Indonesia, Pan Australian Nominees Pty Ltd, Plantation Bay. Inc., Postbank Akademie und Service GmbH, Postbank Beteiligungen GmbH, Postbank Direkt GmbH, Postbank Filialvertrieb AG, Postbank Finanzberatung AG, Postbank Leasing GmbH, Postbank lmmobilien GmbH, Quantiguous, R.B.M. Nominees Pty Ltd, RREEF, RREEF America LLC., RREEF China REIT Management Limited, RREEF European Value Added I (G.P.) Limited, RREEF Fund Holding Co., RREEF India Advisers Private Limited, RREEF Management LLC., RoPro U.S. Holding Inc., Route 28 Receivables. LLC, SAB Real Estate Verwaltungs GmbH, SAGITA Grundstucks-Vermielungsgesellschaft mbH, SAPIO Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, Sal. Oppenheim, Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie. Beteiligungs GmbH, Sharps SP l LLC, Stelvio lmmobiliare S.r.l., Suddeutsche Vermeigensvewvaitung Gesellschaft mit beschrenkter Haftung, TELO Beleiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Tempurrite Leasing Limited, Thai Asset Enforcement and Recovery Asset Management Company Limited, Treuinvest Service GmbH, Triplereason Umited, VOB-ZVD Processing GmbH, WEPLA Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Wealthspur Investment Ltd., World Trading (Delaware) Inc., lmmobilienfonds BuroCenter Erfurt am Flughafen Bindersleben II GbR, lmmobilienfonds Wohn- und Gescheftshaus Koln-Blumenberg V GbR, and norisbank GmbH. Read More Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic medicines, specialty medicines, and biopharmaceutical products in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company offers sterile products, hormones, high-potency drugs, and cytotoxic substances in various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, injectables, inhalants, liquids, transdermal patches, ointments, and creams. It also develops, manufactures, and sells active pharmaceutical ingredients. In addition, it focuses on the central nervous system, pain, respiratory, and oncology areas. Its products in the central nervous system include Copaxone for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; AJOVY for the preventive treatment of migraine; and AUSTEDO for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington disease. The company's products in the respiratory market comprise ProAir, QVAR, ProAir Digihaler, AirDuo Digihaler, and ArmonAir Digihaler, BRALTUS, CINQAIR/CINQAERO, DuoResp Spiromax, and AirDuo RespiClick/ArmonAir RespiClick for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its products in the oncology market include Bendeka, Treanda, Granix, Trisenox, Lonquex, and Tevagrastim/Ratiograstim. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has a collaboration MedinCell for the development and commercialization of multiple long-acting injectable products, a risperidone suspension for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. The company was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. LONDON - England - The Conservative government plot to unseat the Speaker of the House, John Bercow, failed miserably, and now he's out for revenge. After the shabby and frankly obvious actions of the Tories to oust me I have been given no other option but to set my fucking wife on you stinky Tories, a visibly angry and shaken Speaker of the House, John Bercow squeaked in parliament yesterday. The plan to oust the biased Speaker, who always favours the Labour party in parliamentary debates, has been on the Tory agenda for some time but the plot to unseat Bercow failed miserably at the last quarter. The Speaker is meant to be neutral but Bercow is an obvious Labour plant. Him and his awful staunchly Labour supporting wife are a team concocted in the rotting rectum of Gordon Browns era, a Tory backbencher said before slinking back behind a curtain. Conservative backbenchers and MPs are on full alert as rumours swirl of possible action against them, like being bundled into a stained white sheet whilst Mrs Bercows gypsy prize fighter lover lumbers up out of the shadows to beat the living shit out of them. Mr Bercow may even join in kicking them in the shins, such is the desire for revenge from the Speaker. TUCSON - Arizona - Gay Marines are to hold a fashion parade with newly designed uniforms at Fort Peniston for the whole of this week, a gay Marine corps. corporal has disclosed. When Im in combat I like to unload my magazine with style; to shoot my bullets at all those bad boys out there, Corporal Andre Mincer, told Stars and Stripes magazine. Already, the barracks where the fashion show will be held, has had a major makeover and a catwalk installed where all the gay U.S. military boys and girls will be up there strutting their stuff for five days of joyous military fashion styles. It dont get better than this. Ever since the military and Obama administration pushed for a gayer U.S. military, weve seen a serious influx of new recruits. The gays are especially loving the shower sessions with all those big macho marines. Bending over to pick up the soap has never been so much frickin fun, Corporal Mincer was quoted as saying. The standard issue military uniform has been dubbed as too boring by the marines and they are now pushing for stilettos and spandex for combat operations. If Im gonna go out there to Iraq or Afghanistan, I want to look fierce in my uniform, you know, Haute Couture and fabulous sequins. I want to sashay in front of those big swingin Arab boys in their white cloth dresses. Ooh shoot me baby! another Marine said just before dress rehearsals on Sunday. New Delhi: Tata Motors and Kingfisher Airlines are among the four companies that owe over Rs 1,000 crore in indirect taxes to the exchequer, Parliament was informed on November 25. Tata Motors has outstanding excise duty of Rs 629.76 crore in 91 cases and service tax dues of Rs 516.09 crore in 5 cases. This takes the total amount due in taxes to Rs 1,145.85 crore. Vijay Mallya-promoted Kingfisher Airlines, now defunct, owes Rs 1,012.96 crore in service tax and penalty. The other two entities which owe more than Rs 1,000 crore in service taxes to the exchequer are Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (Rs 2,590 crore) and Karnataka Housing Board (Rs 1,083 crore), Minister of State for Finance Santosh Kumar Gangwar said in a written reply to Lok Sabha. As regards direct taxes, he said as on June 2016 there are 80 cases with outstanding tax demand exceeding Rs 1,000 crore each, aggregating to over Rs 4.53 lakh crore. "However, disclosure of information in specific cases is prohibited except as provided under Section 138 of the Income Tax Act, 1961," Gangwar said. New Delhi: In sharp escalation of boardroom brawl at Indias largest conglomerate, Cyrus Mistry was ousted as chairman of Tata Steel on Friday, the third Tata Group firm to do so, a move that Mistry-camp slammed as unprecedented erosion of core values. The 10-member board of Tata Steel by majority consent removed Mistry as chairman and named O.P. Bhatt, an independent director and former head of State Bank of India, as interim head. Tata Steel in a regulatory filing said following leadership change at Tata Sons, the holding company of the group from where Mistry was abruptly ousted on October 24, it had received a notice from the principal promoter seeking convening of a shareholder meet to remove him as director of the company. In view of the current situation ie the Special Notice and Requisition received from Tata Sons Ltd, the Board of Directors through circular resolutions dated November 25, 2016 passed by majority consent, has decided to replace Mr Cyrus P Mistry as the Chairman of the board with immediate effect, it said. Tata Steel is the third group firm to remove Mistry as chairman. First Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) removed him as chairman but that ouster was not through a vote but by virtue of Tata Sons holding a commanding 73.26 per cent stake in the Indias largest software services firm. Then on November 15, seven out of 10 board members of Tata Global Beverages voted him out. Slamming the latest move, sources close to Mistry said, We believe that this unprecedented erosion of core Tata Values, is seriously damaging Brand Tata. Each time one thinks the current standard of corporate governance in Tata Group listed companies under the leadership of the Interim Chairman (Ratan Tata) cannot hit a newer low, one has been belied. They claimed a circular resolution for replacing Mr Mistry as chairman was initiated just minutes before a pre-scheduled Board Meeting. Those involved are representatives of Tata Sons, those drawing large remuneration from other Tata Trustee-controlled companies, and an independent director, who is the wife of a newly-inducted Tata trustee, who is also recently nominated director of Tata Sons, they claimed without naming anyone. Besides Mr Bhatt, Tata Steel has Subodh Bhargava, chairman emeritus of Eicher Group, Andrew M Robb, Jacobus Schraven, Nusli Nevile Wadia and Mallika Srinivasan as independent directors. Koushik Chatterjee is CFO and Tata veteran Ishaat Hussain is also on the board. There were reports that many people have converted their black money into gold following the announcement of demonetisation of high denomination currency notes by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8. New Delhi: The government is not considering any proposal to restrict holding of gold by individuals, a top finance ministry source said on Friday. Following the demonetisation of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in a bid to crack down on black money, there were apprehensions among people that the government might impose some kind of restrictions on gold holding by individuals. "There is no such proposal before the government on restricting domestic gold holding," the source said. There were reports that many people have converted their black money into gold following the announcement of demonetisation of high denomination currency notes by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8. The government had earlier denied that there was any move to digitise personal lockers in banks amid rumours in social media that they would be opened in only in the presence of revenue officials. Mumbai: It isn't a surprise that Hrithik Roshan, who is known for his drop-dead Greek God looks, has made it to the list of Most Handsome Man in the World list put out by a leading international website. His striking good looks, coloured eyes and overall personality has often allowed him the privilege of featuring on the list of best looking men across the world. Salman Khan also makes it to the list is ranked at No. 7. Keeping the Bollywood superstar company in the envied top three positions are Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, followed by Twilight star Robert Pattinson. Hrithik is in third position and beats even Johnny depp and Brad Pitt who are at number four and number 8 respectively. Roshan, who is no stranger to featuring in such lists, believes that handsome is what handsome does and feels humbled that he has made it to the list. Of course he is happy with the praise lavished on him for his facial features and near-perfect physique. However he still feels that good looks may have won him that position but what will really make him stand out is his quest to `put a smile on the face of people around him and many out there who could heal with just a little Tender Loving Care.' Here is the complete list: 1. Tom Cruise, 2. Robert Pattinson, 3. Hrithik Roshan, 4. Johnny Depp, 5. Tom Hiddleston, 6. Omar Borkan Al Gala, 7. Salman Khan, 8. Brad Pitt, 9. Hugh Jackman, and 10. Billy Unger. Mumbai: In a recent interview with Romanian media, Iulia admitted to dating sabka Bhai Salman Khan and also confirmed to have severed all ties with him. But, the Romanian television host and actress seems to be missing India a lot and maybe thats the reason why she is back in Mumbai! Days after posting a picture of her coffee mug with a rickshaw in backdrop (we are certain Romania does not have Rickshaws!), Iulia was spotted in a salon in Mumbai getting her hair done. The TV anchor, who had confessed too taking Hindi lessons and being around too many people living in the same house, is back in Mumbai but we wonder what brimngs this belle back? Is she back with Salman? Khan, on the other hand, has raised quite a few eyebrows when he gate crashed at the first look launch of 2.0 and sung praises for Amy Jackson, the female lead of the movie. Rumour has it, Salman has found love in Amy and the two seem to be hanging out a lot together. Will Iulia be okay with Salmans new found love or is she not aware of it? Mumbai: Ever since Deepika Padukone returned to India after wrapping up her Hollywood debut film 'xXx: Return of Xander Cage', there were reports that all was not well between her and beau Ranveer Singh. The two, who never shied away to show their affection towards each other in numerous occasions, were suddenly making separate appearances at gatherings, which acted fuel to the fire. However, at Karan Johars Ae Dil Hai Mushkil success bash, Deepika quashed the rumours by telling her friends that things were on between the two. As if that wasnt enough, the two made their first public appearance together post the break-up rumours and put an end to the entire drama. On Thursday night, Deepika and Ranveer stepped out of Mukesh and Nita Ambanis bash hand-in-hand. With a big smile, the two drove out of the venue together. Well, this gesture was enough to make the DeepVeer fans go gaga as they now have another reason to celebrate. Nita Ambani poses with Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh. Apart from Deepika and Ranveer, Bollywood's King Khan, Shah Rukh, Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Shraddha Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, John Abraham, Kriti Sanon and others were also present at the Ambani's bash to celebrate their Niece's upcoming wedding. Mumbai: The otherwise flamboyant Befikre star landed in controversy and was even labelled a sexist when an ad, he has featured in, allegedly objectified women. In the ad Ranveer was seen in a corporate setting, wearing formals, carrying a girl on his shoulders with a caption that outraged many. The caption in question read: Don't hold back. Take your work home. The creative advertisement not only backlashed, but also projected Ranveer in a bad light. Ever since the ad released, Singh has received numerous comments and posts from various sections of the society, including film stars like Siddharth (of Rang De Basanti fame), criticising Singh for allegedly encouraging something as sexist as this ad. Feeling the need to clear his name, the Ram Leela star has issued a statement seeking apology for the debacle. He said, It was important to give the brand creative freedom while designing their campaign, but I guess we got it wrong on one of those billboards and Im sorry this happened but its a thing of the past.. we rectified it immediately by having that hoarding taken down ASAP from everywhere over 30 cities overnight. I treat all women with the utmost respect both professionally and personally and would never do anything to disrespect them." Mumbai: The rumoured former lover Sonam Kapoor has scorned alleged beau Ranbir Kapoor on Koffee With Karan so much that Daddy Rishi Kapoor had to jump to his sons defence. Although Rishi and Sonam have made with each other and have even worked in a film together, the estranged couple have never hung out together since that public fallout. Now the buzz is that both Sonam and Ranbir, after almost a decade, will star in Sanjay Dutts biopic. Yes, Rajkumar Hirani, director of the film, has managed to convinced the two to bury the past and move on with their lives. Ranbir, who is Sanjay Dutt in the film, will be seen romancing a famous actress, which will be played by 'Neerja' star. Sonam is most likely to play Bollywoods evergreen diva Madhuri Dixits role, who was dating Dutt during the 80s and 90s. Shooting of the film is under process and the makers are looking at a 2017 release. Shah Rukh Khan will be seen playing a Gujarati bootlegger in the Rahul Dholakia directorial. Mumbai: 'Raees' is, by far, the most anticipated movies in recent times, thanks to the popularity of its lead star and the immense buzz running around it. The first teaser of the film was released in July, 2015, and it was all set for a gigantic box-office clash with 'Sultan', which later was averted, courtesy SRK's injury and consequent re-shooting of scenes. However, the film has been complete since a while now, and is all set to clash with another biggie, Hrithik Roshan's 'Kaabil,' on Republic Day, 2017. Shah Rukh had earlier confirmed that the film's trailer will be released in December, and speculations were rife that it would be adjoined to the 'Dear Zindagi' prints. However, the rumours were later negated. Now, Ritesh Sidhwani, who's co-produced the film alongside Farhan Akhtar, sent fans into a tizzy by implying that the trailer could be released in the next 48 hours. As per reports, the trio of Ritesh, Farhan and SRK are planning to take the trailer to a good nine cities, live streaming it directly. Incidentally, Farhan was all set to play a cop in the film. However, the producer had to bow out ultimately, only to be replaced by Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Pakistani actress Mahira Khan plays the female lead in the film. Well, with the trailer so close to being released, fans can barely hold their breath. The couple sent out a stronger message when they walked out hand in hand at Mukesh and Nita Ambanis bash. Ever since Deepika Padukone returned to India after wrapping up her Hollywood debut film xXx: Return of Xander Cage, there have been reports that all was not well between her and beau Ranveer Singh. The two, who never shied away from showing their affection towards each in public, were curiously making separate appearances at gatherings, setting tongues wagging about a possible trouble in paradise. The speculation was put to rest by Dippy herself, who was overheard telling her girl pals that things were on between the two. The couple sent out a stronger message when they walked out hand in hand at Mukesh and Nita Ambanis bash on Friday. They drove to the venue together too. Well, thats settled then. West's hospitalization came shortly after he canceled the remaining 21 dates of his Saint Pablo tour. (Photo: AP) Mumbai: Rapper Kanye West, who was hospitalised for exhaustion and sleep deprivation on Monday, is expected to stay in the hospital for several more days. West was admitted to UCLA Medical Center. His wife Kim Kardashian West visited the rapper on Thursday morning and stayed for sometime before leaving for her family's Thanksgiving celebration, which will be held at Kylie Jenner's Calabasas home, reported People magazine quoting a source. According to the insider, the couple's two kids daughter North, 3, and Saint, 11 months are currently with Kardashian West's mother Kris Jenner. West's hospitalization came shortly after he canceled the remaining 21 dates of his Saint Pablo tour. The rapper, 39, was apparently sleep deprived and was not taking care of himself. "He understands that getting help at the hospital was necessary. He is resting and getting help. They are taking it day by day," the source said. Kardashian, 36, skipped 2016 Angel Ball in New York City to be with West in Los Angeles. "As soon as she heard, all she cared about was getting to Kanye. She was so worried and didn't feel better until she was with him. She of all people knew how hard he had been pushing himself," said another source. BASF has entered into a three and a half year partnership with South China Agriculture University (SCAU) to conduct a large-scale doctoral (PhD) research project. The collaboration aims to examine the role of organic acids as effective, core eubiotic alternatives for reducing the usage of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in post-weaning piglets. Eubiotics are feed additives used to maintain an optimal balance of microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract, improving animal health status and growth performance. The project looks deeper into a wide range of eubiotics, and the safety and efficacy of individual or combined eubiotics will also be explored. The information generated by this project will provide feed producers and farmers with greater insight into available eubiotic AGP alternatives and therefore, greater confidence in their selection process. SCAU was founded in 1909. Located in Guangdong province, it is, today, one of the key agricultural universities in China, and is highly regarded as a prominent swine research institute. Please read more here. Mumbai: On Friday, Malayalam actors Dileep and Kavya Madhavan tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony held in Kochi. The couple wanted to keep their wedding a low-key affair so only family and close friends were invited. Dileep and Kavya wanted to keep the medias attention away from their wedding. Around 9-10 am today, the two said their vows in front of more than 200 guests. At the ceremony, the newly wed couple greeted the guests with folded hands. Later, Dileep event went live on his Facebook account where he made the announcements. He said, I am here to tell you about a big event happening in my life today. I am getting married today. When I thought of a marriage, I discussed it with my daughter, her mother, my friends and family and arrived at a decision. My partner is a person who has been linked to me in gossip magazines. I earnestly hope all Malayalis and people around the world who love me would shower your blessings on us and remember us in your prayers. Please do not create controversies out of this. Bless us instead. Mollywood actors such as Chippi, Joemal, Menaka, Kaviyoor Ponnamma among others were present at the ceremony to bless Dileep and Kavya. Reportedly, the newly wed couple will leave for Dubai after the ceremony gets over. The couple will also be throwing a reception party once they are back. Here's a wedding from the wedding ceremony. Around 9.30 am on November 25 (Friday). Everyone hurries to Hotel PGS Vedanta in Kaloor, Kochi, after being told about the much-anticipated marriage of two of the most admired actors of Mollywood Dileep and Kavya Madhavan. The venue is more or less ready. A few film personalities are already present at the venue while others are trickling down to form a small crowd. However, most seem clueless about the exact nature of the event. Even mediapersons are slightly confused as the direction board reads film puja. Also because, as Dileep himself mentioned to the media later on, they had been married off many times by rumour mongers. Dileep unhurriedly enters the hall in traditional mundu and shirt, accompanied by his friends and family including his daughter Meenakshi. Then enters the bride Kavya yes by now everyone is sure it is the much-rumoured wedding in a simple Kerala sari. She is styled elegantly with minimal makeup and accessories. Both walk onto the dais accompanied by camera flashes. And, the marriage ceremony begins, putting an end to all the confusion. Murmurs emerge from the audience who cannot catch a glimpse of the wedding. Amid all commotion, Dileep and Kavya tie the knot. There is happiness on all faces as they witness a new beginning in the lives of both the actors, who have the record for acting together. The most notable aspect of the marriage is certainly its hush hush nature, till the hour when it finally happened. Although some were aware of the wedding, no one knew the exact date. Even a makeup artist who is close to Kavya came to know about it just after draping the sari! Yesterday photographer Shani called me and told me to be present at the venue at this time. Though I quizzed him what the event was, he said, just come. When I arrived in the morning, I was surprised, says Srinda, who is friends with the couple. I know Dileepettan since the time I began assisting in movies. I have acted with both of them in their recent release Pinneyum, says Srinda. Dileep-Kavya with MammoottyMammootty, Jeethu Joseph, director Joshiy, Siddique, actor Sidhique, Chippi, Meera Jasmine, Suja Karthika, Janardhanan, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Kalabhavan shajon, Narain, Jayaram, Nadhir Shah, Apoorva Bose, Salim Kumar, Srinda, Lakshmi Priya and Siddharth Bharatan were among those who attended the low-key affair. Producer G. Suresh Kumar who attended the ceremony along with his wife Menaka says that he was aware of it for the past few days. However, according to media reports, he kept it a secret even from Menaka, who was told to get ready for a temple visit along with friends! Actor cum director Salim Kumar, who has been Dileeps close friend since his mimicry days, says, I knew that they would marry. It was yesterday that Dileep called me and informed me about todays ceremony. Scriptwriter Benny P. Nayarambalam, who penned Dileeps many hits including Kalyanaraman, Chanthupottu and Welcome to Central Jail, also came to know about the ceremony only a day before the wedding. Dileep-Kavya with Salim KumarActor Meera Jasmine, who is back to the big screen after a sabbatical, is happy for the couple. I am close to both of them. I am really happy that they are together now. They deserve it. My best wishes and prayers for them, she says. For Suja Karthika, Kavya Madhavan is more than a friend. We are like a family. We have known each other for the past 14 years. Our families are also quite close. Dileepettan is like my brother. We knew they would marry but did not know when. We got a clue the other day when they asked me to come wearing sari, says Suja. Life after marriage is most important. I wish they stay together till the end of their life, she wishes. Actress Lakshmi Priya is all praise for the way the couple coordinated for the ceremony. They made sure that everyone was invited properly. She has been sending me messages. But, I didnt receive them as my phone was damaged. I rushed to the spot the moment I came to know about it, she says. It is their second marriage for both actors. Dileep married actress Manju Warrier in 1998 but the couple got separated in 2015. Kavya was briefly married to Nishal Chandra. Dileep-Kavya linkups were in the gossip columns for a long time although they never admitted that they were having a relationship. In a video that he shared minutes before the wedding and also in his chat with the media after the ceremony, Dileep referred to the persistent rumours and his promise to let everyone know if and when he actually took the plunge. He added that he had taken a decision that if he ever chose a partner, it would be none other than Kavya who was a victim of such gossip. And that it was his daughter Meenakshi who was the key decision maker. The self-styled 'guruji' has already come in for a lot of flak for his regressive comments on women. Mumbai: In a shocking turn of events, a Delhi court has issued a non-bailable warrant against self-styled godman Swami Omji Maharaj. The frequent offender is currently a contestant in the Salman Khan hosted reality show, Bigg Boss. The case has been filed by his brother in connection with an alleged theft, as per reports. The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM), Satish Kumar Arora, who issued the warrant, has directed him to appear before the court on December 3, also forfeiting his bail and surety bonds. "Despite repeated calls, the accused has failed to turn up. Perusal of the file reflects that vide order dated October 14, 2016, as the accused remained absent, NBWs were directed to be issued against the accused for November 8, 2016," Financial Express quoted the CMM as saying. The godman, originally Vinodanand Jha, had an FIR filed against him in November, 2008, by his younger brother. Jha had initially chosen to not comply with the court proceedings. Besides these, he also faces charges under the Arms Act, Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act. Will the makers of Baahubali release the film in advance is the question doing the rounds in the industry. It was officially announced some time back that they are planning to release the film on April 28. "But after the climax leak, the director and the producers are discussing the possibility of releasing it a month in advance, says a source. At present, the shooting of the film is going on in Hyderabad and a lot depends on the post-production graphics. A source from the unit says that it is not possible especially with Rajamoulis films, as he takes time to complete his work. If you look at the history of his films, most of his films have taken a long time to release and some have been postponed often. Even Baahubali The Beginning was postponed several times. So is there any truth in the news? Guess well have to wait and watch. Quintin Goliath, who goes by the stage name Jitsvinger, meaning 'The Dope One', is a rapper of mixed ethnic origin from Cape Town. (Photo: Facebook) A city surrounded by ocean and divided in two by the naked rock of Table Mountain, Cape Town's incredible natural beauty belies a past of hundreds of years of slavery and racial oppression. Now a generation of artists, musicians, poets, and filmmakers is trying to overcome this legacy, and in South Africa, a country with 11 official languages, it is not just significant what they say, but how they say it. Quintin Goliath, who goes by the stage name Jitsvinger, meaning 'The Dope One', is a rapper of mixed ethnic origin from Cape Town. He performs in Afrikaans, a language spoken by 7 million South Africans that is derived from Dutch and draws on Malay, Portuguese, English, Xhosa, Chinese and Khoi influences. Goliath, who raps about topics including politics, identity and love, said Afrikaans was becoming more popular, especially among the young. "Afrikaans has become more edgy and loose lately in the last decade and a half," he said. In the neighborhood Kimberley, up to six different languages are spoken in one sentence, he added. "As a result, my vernacular can reach the broader collective consciousness and that's where the future lies for Afrikaans: inclusivity and the acceptance of one another's expression." While some see the future of Afrikaans as promising, its past is contested. Afrikaans developed in the Cape Town region among slaves from West Africa, the indigenous Khoi and San tribes and Indonesia who adapted the Dutch spoken by slave owners and colonial settlers into a common language. Today only around 40 percent of those who speak Afrikaans at home are white South Africans, according to the South Africa Race Relations Institute. "Many today will still refer to the white Afrikaans as beautiful, pure and proper but their version has a negative or lower form reflecting an internalized self-hatred left behind through slavery, colonialism and apartheid," Goliath said. "Theres a lot of repair work needed within the broader Afrikaans community," he said. Cape Town poet Jethro Louw also performs in Afrikaans. He is a descendant of indigenous Khoisan and Mozambican slaves and includes indigenous stories and myths of Cape Town in his poetry. He plays the musical bow, traditionally used for poetry, music, and communication. "I try to popularize the First Nation Culture and its symbols such as the bow in the public domain," he said. After Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans, English is the fourth-most spoken language in South Africa, but its role in public life is far more influential. Bheki Pilot Biller is a 24-year-old film student from Limpopo who speaks Zulu and English, and chooses the latter in his work which focuses on social issues. Pilot said Cape Town remains racially divided and that he had experienced job discrimination because he does not speak Afrikaans. "I can't take this situation whereby for you to get a job you need to have a specific skin color. There are some opportunities where they note that you must know how to read and write Afrikaans fluently. What kind of job is that?" It seems there are voices clamoring for a more inclusive South Africa in every community in Cape Town: At a recent concert, well-known rock musician Jeremy De Tolly, a white, native English speaker from Cape Town, said the country's white population should share their wealth with their fellow South Africans. Berlin: Arthritis and diseases of the digestive system are more common after depression, while anxiety disorders tend to be followed by skin diseases, a new study has warned. Mental disorders and physical diseases frequently go hand in hand. For the first time, psychologists at the University of Basel in Switzerland and Ruhr University Bochum in Germany have identified temporal patterns in young people. Physical diseases and mental disorders affect a person's quality of life and present a huge challenge for the healthcare system. If physical and mental disorders systematically co-occur from an early age, there is a risk that the sick child or adolescent will suffer from untoward developments. A research group led by Marion Tegethoff in collaboration with Professor Gunther Meinlschmidt examined the temporal pattern and relationship between physical diseases and mental disorders in children and young people. They analysed data from a representative sample of 6,483 teenagers from the US aged between 13 and 18. The researchers noted that some physical diseases tend to occur more frequently in children and adolescents if they have previously suffered from certain mental disorders. Likewise, certain mental disorders tend to occur more frequently after the onset of particular physical diseases. Affective disorders such as depression were frequently followed by arthritis and diseases of the digestive system, while the same relationship existed between anxiety disorders and skin diseases. Anxiety disorders were more common if the person had already suffered from heart disease. A close association was also established for the first time between epileptic disorders and subsequent eating disorders. The results offer important insights into the causal relationship between mental disorders and physical diseases. The newly identified temporal associations draw attention to processes that could be relevant both to the origins of physical diseases and mental disorders and to their treatment. "For the first time, we have established that epilepsy is followed by an increased risk of eating disorders - a phenomenon, that had previously been described only in single case reports," said Tegethoff. "This suggests that approaches to epilepsy treatment could also have potential in the context of eating disorders," said Tegethoff. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even though 12.43 per cent population is suffering from mental illnesses requiring psychiatric intervention, lack of effective rehabilitation and inaccessibility to mental health care facilities in many areas have compounded the problem. The recent state mental health survey conducted in five districts had pointed out that there was immediate need for having effective rehabilitation services to address requirements of people with chronic mental illnesses. During the survey, the biggest demand raised by the people was about putting up short stay homes, long stay homes and day care centres. Almost four years have passed since State Mental Health Policy recommended opening of such centres, but the progress is quite slow. Experts say more psychiatric rehabilitation services and day care centres were required to address the needs of patients with chronic mental ailments. The families of patients have also called for the vocational rehabilitation services. While the state governments initiative to start two day care centres in each district under the comprehensive mental health programme has been widely appreciated, the authorities are yet implement it effectively on the ground. Considering the high cost of treatment in private sector, there is also a big demand for expanding the services in public sector. The mental health survey had called for allocating more financial support and manpower resources for carrying out mental health care activities in the state. Many in the field say that depressive disorders and other mental health issues are widely prevalent and cannot be managed by psychiatrist alone. Most cases of depression can be managed by non specialist health care providers like primary care doctors and other medical specialists. Hence there is need for investing in training of non specialist health care providers. Everyday sexism: The billboard that featured Ranveer Singh in an ad for the fashion brand Jack and Jones, that was blatantly sexist. The firm has since apologised for the ad. Earlier this week, the country woke up to hoardings of an apparel brand, showing Ranveer Singh, the ambassador for Jack and Jones, a Danish fashion brand, hoisting a lady across his shoulder, as a lift operator looks on. The cheery look on the faces of all three is accompanied with the caption Dont hold back. Take your work home. The company duly apologised and took down the ads, but not before the furore had taken over social media. We didnt intend to offend anyone with one of our billboards. #NOTHOLDINGBACK and withdrawing it immediately, the brands official handle tweeted. Actor Siddharth had taken to Twitter earlier to decry the ad, and said, A new low for womens rights in the workplace in India. What were they thinking? #Fail (sic.) His tweet was retweeted over 1,000 times. Multiple users also complained to the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). The advertisement is downright cheap, degrading, demeaning and backward, asserts Rajiv Rao, national creative director of Ogilvy & Mather. Everyone in the team is equally responsible for the debacle the agency, the brand, and the celebrity. Its surprising that something as glaringly offensive as this was passed. Actress Tannishtha Chatterjee also says that the onus lies on the content creators to avoid such regressive advertisements. Its very irresponsible on the brands part to promote such blatant sexism and this wont be stopped till we keep voicing our thoughts strongly, she says. They may know the Hyderabad F&B (food and beverage) industry well from the start, but neither Vijay Amritraj, Sanjay Batla or Shankar Krishnamurthy could have imagined that their less-than-three year old company would be part of the recently held Global Citizen Festival in Mumbai catering to around 85,000 people in one day, one of the largest concerts ever in the country. Started by Vijay and Sanjay in 2014, Voila and its various offerings in event management and catering has also helped bring world class music and EDM events to Hyderabad, such as Sensation, Tomorrowland Unite and more. The duo, who previously worked as partners (and competitors) in various restaurants in the city, at first focussed on organisational catering. (Shankars) Fusion 9 was also operating in the same space. And since we had been partners in other ventures together, we said instead of fighting one another and trying to take each others business, lets join hands and make this a very professional and scalable organisation, explains Vijay. Along with Shankar, F9's co-founder Arvind Kaila joined the team, and the two companies merged to form Voila F9. Over the past three years, through its own efforts as well as through partnerships with other event management companies, Voila has also brought some of the biggest names in the music industry to the city, making it one of the hottest EDM destinations in the country. Sanjay believes that their combined focus helped them succeed. Its the passion for the same industry. Between the three of us, weve seen the ups and downs, and we complement each other on various things, Sanjay says, while Vijay explains each of their roles: I try to professionalise the operation and streamline it, Shankar takes care of the food production and Sanjay looks after the financial part of it, vendors, banking, investors and so on. After catering with a premium South Indian awards ceremony in Hyderabad, Voila was then given the opportunity to cater for Global Citizen festival. Just the idea of it was humongous. Here there were 85,000 people on one side, and we also had the prime ministers enclosure, chief ministers enclosure, and the whos who of the world we had the top end of the food as well. We had to plan for this event for about six weeks, but in the end we managed to pull it off. Hyderabad: Eight youths, including four students, who allegedly stole bikes parked in busy areas were arrested by the Rachakonda police on Friday. The gang stole 40 bikes and sold them on the outskirts. The suspects are B. Naveen, 19, R. Uday, 19, K. Mahesh, 19, Ch Rajashekar, 27, and four students aged 17. Addressing a press meet Rachakonda joint police commissioner T.V. Shashidhar Reddy said the gang usually stole bikes parked in busy areas on the main roads in areas like Uppal. Four of the culprits are working in the private sector and four others are students. While Naveen, the leader of the gang, and six others stole bikes by breaking their locks, Rajashekar stole bikes by opening the lock with a fake master key. Rajashekar was stealing bikes since a year. He stole 28 bikes and they were all sold in the surroundings of Bhoodan Pocham-pally in Yadadri district for prices ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000. He told his buyers that he was a finance and insurance agent and that the bikes were recovered from customers who failed to pay instalments, Mr Shashidhar Reddy said. The other members of the gang sold the stolen bikes in Ibrahimpatnam, Mothkur, Yadadri, LB Nagar, Saroornagar, Tarnaka and other areas. After receiving credible information, Uppal police nabbed the eight-member gang and recovered 40 bikes. Of the bikes 28 were stolen from Medipally and 12 from Uppal police station area. The arrested people were remanded to custody. The minor boys were taken to the juvenile home. Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (right) meets power minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi on Sunday to seek clearance for the Bhadradri thermal power plant. (Photo: DC) Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday met Union energy minister Piyush Goyal and sought clearance for the Bhadradri Thermal Power Plant. The Central Electricity Authority and the environmental ministry have refused to clear the project on the grounds that it was not being constructed with critical technology in line with the Centres policy. The Chief Minister along with state energy minister G. Jagadishwar Reddy, Transco and Genco chairman-cum-managing director Devulapally Prabhakara Rao and TRS MPs met Mr Goyal and explained the reasons for taking up the Bhadradri plant with sub-critical technology. Mr Rao explained that in view of the precarious power crisis at the time of formation of Telangana state, the state government had opted for sub-critical technology in order to build power plants quickly. He told the minister that BHEL had came forward to build the plant with the sub-critical technology. There was no other intention behind using this technology, Mr Rao told Mr Goyal. He said that the government had entrusted the work the state-owned Genco and not to private companies. The Chief Minister also explained that so far the state government had spent about Rs 1,000 crore on the plant and for land acquisition. He also pointed out that 36 thermal plants were under construction using sub-critical technology. Mr Rao requested Mr Goyal to exempt the Bhadradri plant from the policy and allow its construction so that the state could utilise 1080 mega watt power for its needs by 2018. Mr Goyal assured the Chief Minister that he would positively consider the request. New Delhi: Government on Friday said there have been a series of cross border terror attacks from Pakistan controlled territories across the LoC recently which has created an environment not conducive for holding a meaningful dialogue. Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh while replying to a written question in the Rajya Sabha also said that Pathankot Air Base terror attack mounted from Pakistan and the subsequent intensification of anti-India cross-border terrorism including Poonch and Uri strikes have "eroded" the necessary environment free from terror and violence. He was asked whether it is a fact that India's relationship with its immediate neighbours in the recent past is not so smooth and if so, the reasons thereof and the steps proposed to be taken to improve it? While he termed the ties with Afghanistan, Bhutan, the Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka as smooth, in case of Nepal, Singh described the ties as "unique and special". He also said India attaches importance to developing good relations with China and both sides, during their meetings in past, have agreed to make efforts for further strengthening of Closer Developmental Partnership on the basis of mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns, interests and aspirations. On Pakistan, he said, "Yes. India intends to have normal and peaceful relations with all its neighbouring countries including Pakistan. However, Pakistan has supported armed insurgency and terrorism in the State of J&K. Cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan endangers security and stability not only of India but of the entire region. "Pakistan covets territory of J&K which is an integral part of India. Recently there have been a series of cross border terrorism attacks from Pakistan controlled territories across the Line of Control which has created an environment not conducive for holding a meaningful dialogue." He further added that as a result of Pakistan's assurances to take steps for expediting Mumbai terrorist attack trial undergoing in Pakistan, the two sides agreed on Composite Bilateral Dialogue (CBD) to resolve all outstanding issues as well as humanitarian issues. "Pathankot Air Base terrorist attack mounted from Pakistan and the subsequent intensification of anti-India cross border terrorism including Poonch terrorism attack on 11 September 2016 and Uri terrorism attack on 18 September 2016, have eroded the necessary environment free from terror and violence," Singh asserted. India is non-committal about holding bilateral talks with Pakistan Prime Minister's foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz, who will be travelling to Amritsar next week to attend the Heart of Asia Conference. With the rescue of the 10 newborns the total number of babies rescued rose to 13 while the total number of accused arrested in the case stands at 14. (Photo: West Bengal CID) Kolkata: In a major success so far in its ongoing probe in the baby-trafficking racket it busted in Baduria of West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district earlier this week, the criminal investigation department (CID) rescued ten more newborns during a raid at a rehabilitation centre for the mentally challenged senior citizens in south western parts of Kolkata late on Thursday night. It has come to light while investigation that the racketeers duped mothers of the newborns, selling the male babies for Rs 2 lakhs, and the female babies for Rs 1 lakh. According to the CID, the racket was run on a modus operandi in which the mothers of the newborns were told after deliveries that their babies were either dead or stillborn and they were denied the right to see them on those grounds. Whoever still wanted to her baby was offered compensation, the CID found. Later the newborns were smuggled out of the private nursing homes in buskets of biscuits and were trafficked in ambulances to an NGO: Subodh Memorial Trust in Machhlandapur in Baduria. The NGO later used to sell the babies to the childless couples from different parts of the country including New Delhi. The raid took place shortly after the babies were smuggled to the Centre one after another from different private nursing homes. The CID officers found that the babies, wrapped in shawls and clothes, were lying on mattress on the floor of the centre. The rescue of so many babies at one go appears to be the largest by the state detective agency or any other police unit in West Bengal also. After midnight deputy inspector general of police (CID) Bharat Lal Meena informed that all the 10 newborns were female and were aged from one month to ten months. "The 10 newborns were recovered from the third floor of Purbasha, a home for the elderly persons with mental disorders, located at Badra Road in Kolagachhia of Thakurpukur in connection with the case at Baduria police station. These newborns were shifted by one of the prime accused in this case who is at large however. Two women were detained from that centre for questioning," Mr Meena added. With the rescue of the 10 newborns the total number of babies rescued rose to 13 while the total number of accused arrested in the case stands at 14 including an NGO owner, four private nursing home owners and a senior gyaenocologist. Initially the CID suspected that the racket was confined to the NGO, a nearby Sohan Nursing Home and a maternity clinic where abortion was the practice. As the probe widened, several other nursing homes in Kolkata however came under the CID's scanner for their direct links with the NGO which has been sealed. BJP spent Rs 4.7 crore to purchase lands in Kisanganj and Arwal districts on September 19, in Katihar on September 16, in Madhubani and Madhepura on September 14, and in Lakhisarai on September 6, JD(U) said. (Photo: Representational Image) Patna: JD(U) on Friday demanded a probe to ascertain if black money was used for alleged purchase of land by BJP in different districts of Bihar, a few weeks before the demonetisation announcement on November 8. BJP, however, said the purchases were made in a transparent manner. State JD(U) chief spokesman Sanjay Singh questioned the purchase of land by BJP in Bihar and elsewhere "a few weeks before enforcement of demonetisation". "After seeing the registry papers it becomes clear the land purchase has been done on instruction from top leaders of BJP," Singh alleged in a press conference in presence of party spokesmen Neeraj Kumar and Rajiv Ranjan. "Purchase of land on a large scale within a week and many on a single day in different districts raised suspicion that top leaders of BJP were in the know of demonetisation decision beforehand," the leaders said. BJP spent Rs 4.7 crore to purchase lands in Kisanganj and Arwal districts on September 19, in Katihar on September 16, in Madhubani and Madhepura on September 14, and in Lakhisarai on September 6, the JD(U) leaders claimed. They demanded a judicial probe as well an inquiry by joint parliamentary committee to ascertain if land purchase in Bihar and elsewhere was made by black money or not. Senior state BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi, however, dismissed the allegation as "baseless" saying lands were purchased for opening party offices in districts and payments made through bank RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement). "The decision to purchase land to open party offices in districts across the country was taken a year back and it has nothing to do with demonetisation order," Modi told PTI. "Payments have been made through bank RTGS in a transparent manner. BJP files return to Income Tax in which all details of expenditure are there," he said. "We have nothing to hide. Every details of such purchase are on the website," he added. State BJP president Mangal Pandey and party state general secretary Sanjeev Chaurasia, MLA, echoed similar views. On leakage of information about demonetisation, Modi said, "When Rahul Gandhi and Mayawati allege that even Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had no information about the decision to scrape Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes, how party leaders would know about it beforehand." New Delhi: With reports of surge in deposits in Jan Dhan accounts with as much as Rs. 21,000 crore being parked in them following demonetisation, Congress on Thursday sought a CAG probe into the entire issue saying the country is being taken for a ride. "This whole Jan Dhan business, I have always believed from Day 1, that there is more to it than meets the eye. We hope the CAG will do a quick inquiry into this whole Jan Dhan issue," Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh said. He said, "the entire country is being taken for a ride on the Jan Dhan issue." Jan Dhan Accounts have seen a huge surge in deposits, with Rs. 21,000 crore being parked in such accounts following demonetisation announced earlier this month, with maximum being in West Bengal and followed by Congress-ruled Karnataka. In the last 13 days, banks have been flooded with deposits in Jan Dhan accounts that have touched Rs. 21,000 crore, sources said. On November 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a surprise move announced demonetisation of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes and since then, long queues before banks and post offices are seen to deposit or exchange these currencies. Mamata Banerjee-ruled West Bengal leads the pack of states which has seen the highest deposits so far followed by Karnataka. Following the currency withdrawal, the total balance has crossed Rs. 65,000 crore to Rs. 66,636 crore. As of November 9, the balance in about 25.5 crore such accounts was Rs. 45,636.61 crore. With a view to increasing banking penetration and promoting financial inclusion and with the main objective of covering all households with at least one bank account per household across the country, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna (PMJDY) was launched on August 28, 2014. Such accounts have a deposit limit of Rs. 50,000. Mumbai: Dubbing demonetisation as a war against corruption and black money, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed people to cooperate with the government as freedom fighters, to root out these evils from the society. "Our biggest challenge today is to make our nation free from corruption and black money. Narendra Modiji's decision is a war against such evils," Fadnavis said on Thursday while addressing public meetings, canvassing for BJP candidates in the November 27 Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat polls. "We all are the proud freedom fighters who are in the process of making nation free from corruption. Just co-operate for 50 days and 50 years of prosperity is ours!," he said. Addressing public rallies at Chikhli, Khamgaon, Jalgaon Jamod, Nandura in Buldhana district and Anjangaon Surji and Achalpur in Amravati district, Fadnavis spoke on how people have to suffer for the basic needs like drinking water, health, etc even after 70 years of independence and how his government was working on fulfilling the needs of common man that too by maintaining quality, transparency and without any corruption. "It is sad that people are still living in slums. PM Awas Yojna will give housing to all without any discrimination of caste, religion, gender," he said. Ahmedabad: Gujarat Government on Friday reached out to the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) which led last year's Patel quota agitation by inviting its leader Hardik Patel for talks, to which the young leader responded positively. Hardik said an eleven-member team of PAAS will meet the government, but stressed that the organisation will stick to its main demand of OBC quota and won't accept any "lollipop". Assembly elections are due in Gujarat in December 2017. Also, Hardik, directed by the High Court to live outside Gujarat for six months as a bail condition in sedition case, is slated to return to the state in January. Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel on Thursday said that Chief Minister Vijay Rupani wanted resolution of quota issue. "For peace and unity of the state, so that every member of the state could participate in its journey of development, support of all communities is required. With this aim, the Government invites Patidar leaders for talks," he said. The Government had in the past opened dialogue with PAAS and even succeeded in resolving the matter with Thakor community (which recently agitated demanding stringent prohibition laws and government assured amendment to the laws in the Budget session), Nitin Patel said. "Government wants an amicable resolution at the earliest, and hopes that PAAS members will reciprocate and its leader Hardik Patel and his friends will accept the invitation," he said. Subsequently, Hardik issued a statement saying he would hold a meeting with PAAS conveners in the next two days, and an eleven-member team will meet the Government for talks. "The primary objective of PAAS is the community gets the benefit of reservation. Apart from that, we want discussion on police atrocities (during last year's agitation)," he said. "If there is an attempt to break the unity of community or offer a lollipop (trivial concession), there will be another round of agitation in January," said Hardik, currently living in Udaipur. PAAS had recently announced it would re-launch the agitation next month. Mumbai: Terming the five-year ban on Islamic Research Foundation as an attack on "Muslims, peace, democracy and justice," controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik on Friday said the ban was timed with the "demonetisation fiasco" to avert resistance and divert media attention. The central government has recently banned the IRF and declared it as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for five years. In an open letter, Naik, 51, who is abroad, said he will pursue all legal options to get the ban repealed and that the judiciary will fail the Modi government in its 'plans'. Naik has been booked along with unnamed IRF officials under section 153-A of IPC (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) beside various sections of UAPA. "Before investigations were done, even before reports submitted, the ban was already decided. IRF was to be banned. Whether it was owing to my religion or some other reason, does not matter. What now matters is that my work of 25 years - completely lawful work - has been banned. And that is the most unfortunate thing for this country," Naik said in his letter. "From the government's point of view, the timing itself could not have been better. The decision to ban IRF was taken in the middle of the demonetisation fiasco, as the country reeled under the self-imposed cash crunch. I won't be surprised if this ban was meant to distract media from what was going on in the country. For the public that is starved for cash, for trade and basic amenities, one cannot expect much of resistance," he stated. Talking about UAPA, Naik said, "The law does not seem to apply to the likes of Rajeshwar Singh, Yogi Adityanath and Sadhvi Prachi who continue to make inflammatory speeches aimed at inciting communal hatred for mere political mileage." "Leave aside legal action, the government has neither condemned their actions nor reprimanded them. Is this draconian law mainly meant for Muslims? Does the UAPA now exist mainly to silence minority groups?" Naik asked. "Let us not be gullible to think this was just an attack on me. It is an attack on whom I represent, the Indian Muslims. It is an attack on peace, democracy and justice. I will pursue all legal options to repeal this ban," the IRF founder said. Criticising the five-year ban on IRF, Naik said: "This must be the most unique ban to be applied in the history of India, because not a single time was I questioned or given a chance to explain. Not a single chance. No notice, no summons, no calls and no contact ever made with me to get my side of the story. I kept offering my help in investigation but it wasn't taken." He said his participation in the investigation process would have cleared up the air and exonerated him. Naik said if the bank account of Islamic International School, run by IRF, is frozen it will not be able to meet its daily expenses and future of hundreds of school children will be in jeopardy. He also said he has complete faith in the judiciary and the government will fail in its "plans". "The country's democratic fabric is under attack. People's lives are being played with. Governments are misusing their authority on people they're supposed to protect. This needs to change," Naik said. Notably, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had yesterday asked three banks to freeze 25 accounts of Naik, his family members and IRF. In addition to it, NIA has handed over a list of over 12 people including Naik, his family members, close friends and organisations, to all 72 scheduled commercial banks to check whether these people had any account in these financial institutions. The NIA has also written to Union Home Ministry for banning the website run by the IRF and as well as suspending its online activities which includes videos of speeches on social networking sites, sources had earlier said, adding that the request will be forwarded to Information Technology ministry. Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa is doing well and speaks using a valve attached to the tracheostomy tube as she continues to get treatment, Apollo Hospitals Chairman Dr Prathap C Reddy said on Friday. Reddy said the Chief Minister, who is getting whole body physiotherapy, is undergoing a "normal recuperation" after being in bed for several weeks and it is she who would decide when to go home. Asked whether she has any trouble in speaking, he told reporters "...she speaks from a few seconds to a few minutes... but she is not in a hurry." Reddy said with tracheostomy, "normally they (patients) cannot speak. It also has a speaker attached. She uses that speaker (valve), but it is not easy for a person to speak with a speaker because they have to hold their breath." Speaking on the sidelines of a programme on organ donation, he said that for some patients, tracheostomy (a tube and attached valve for communication) may be permanent. Only such patients are trained to use and speak using the speaker. In Jayalalithaa's case, "it was only temporary and she need not go through it.. (need not have it permanently). We also do not spend time in training her to use that speaker", he said. The chairman said that normally, the tracheostomy tube is left in the patient. "She (Jayalalithaa) is breathing on her own most of the time... 90 per cent... we just leave it as one will become more comfortable," he said. On physiotherapy, he said the Chief Minister was getting whole body physiotherapy, both static as well as active. Physiotherapists were also encouraging her to do exercises. Explaining what he termed was the 'set pattern', he said for each organ there is a specific way of doing physiotherapy, all of which was being followed. The next thing to do is to see if the Chief Minister stands up and walks and then she would be ready to go home. "If you ask me when that will happen, I told you she is a very strong Chief Minister, she has a very strong mind and she will tell you all. Not me." The Chief Minister is "absolutely well today and it is she who would decide (to go home), not the health minister or health secretary... only when she realises, feels that everything is perfect," Reddy added. On the recent shifting of the Chief Minister to a room from the Critical Care Unit, he said the intensive care team and all specialists, including cardiologists, nephrologists and a pulmonologist decided she could be managed in a normal room where she will feel much happy. Hence, she did not need the same care as she did in the first few weeks, he said. "I am glad to say that at Apollo with a wonderful team of doctors they could give back all of the organs which had severe problems. It is all solved now and all that is happening is for her to return to back to normalcy," he said. Reddy said "she is now having a normal recuperation after being in bed for several weeks, getting treated for illness." Reddy said the next target for the chief minister is to start walking. She's absolutely well. She will decide when she will go home, Reddy added. On Tuesday, when AIADMK won all three Assembly bypolls, Jayalalithaa had issued a statement from the hospital, saying that the election victory gave her limitless happiness and enthusiasm. "With this it is proved again that people are on my side," she had said. New Delhi: There was commotion in the Lok Sabha on Friday when a man tried to jump into the House chamber soon after the proceedings were adjourned following protests over the demonetisation issue. Soon after the House assembled, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House for nearly 40 minutes following stormy Opposition protests and the members started leaving the Chamber. Suddenly, an Opposition member, who had earlier trooped into the Well, pointed out that security personnel in the Visitors' Gallery were grappling with a person whose right foot was hanging from the wooden fence. He was caught and lifted up by about 4-5 alert personnel. It then transpired that the man had tried to jump into the Lok Sabha Chamber. The man had come on the reference of Bulandshahr BJP MP Bhola Singh, revealed investigations by security personnel. The man was caught and then bundled out. The other visitors were then guided out of the gallery which is right opposite the press enclosure. Delhi Police personnel in plain clothes are usually seated in the front rows of the Visitors' Gallery to prevent such incidents. While the Speaker had left, the Prime Minister was not in the House. Senior ministers including Arun Jaitley and leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav were in the House when the incident took place. The Centre had on November 15 told the apex 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. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: The government on Friday defended its move to return to the Supreme Court collegium names of 43 candidates for appointment as judges in high courts, saying the decision was based on adverse intelligence reports and serious nature of complaints against them. "The major reasons for referring back 43 recomendees to the Supreme Court collegium on the appointment of judges are views of consultee judges, views of constitutional authorities, adverse Intelligence Bureau inputs, serious nature of complaints received against recommendees," Minister of State for Law P P Chaudhary told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply. Out of the 43 names returned to it by the government for reconsideration, the Supreme Court collegium has "reiterated" its recommendation for 37, deferred three proposals while three other names are still with it. On November 18, the Supreme Court had informed the government that it had reiterated every one of the 43 names that was sent back by the government to the collegium 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 had said. But Chaudhary told the upper house that the collegium has reiterated its recommendation for 37 candidates only. He had made a similar statement in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. In response to another question on vacancies in the Supreme Court, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a written reply that the government has not received any proposal from the apex court collegium to fill up the existing seven vacancies. The Centre had on November 15 told the apex 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. New Delhi: Rajya Sabha witnessed chaotic scenes on Friday as members of the Opposition started chanting slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for saying that critics of note ban were not in support of wiping out black money. "Pradhan Mantri maafi maango (PM must apologise)," shouted members in the House. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad demanded that Modi apologise for saying that Opposition parties are in support of black money during a book launch event on Friday morning. Those criticising the demonetisation move don't have problem with government's preparedness; they have problem that they didn't get time to prepare, Modi had said earlier on Friday. The Opposition claimed that his comments were an attack on their integrity. Following are updates from Parliament: "There is no question of PM apologising," said BJP MPs as Opposition leaders created a ruckus in Rajya Sabha, forcing the speaker to adjourn the House till 2.30 pm. "The PM said 'some people' are upset as they didn't have time to hide their black money, why is Opposition taking offence," said BJP MP Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. Opposition leaders gathered near the Well in Rajya Sabha and chanted against Prime Minister Modi and chanted 'apologise'. Rajya Sabha resumed at 12 pm and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad again raked Modis remarks at a book launch. Can the Prime Minister say anything? Can he say anything against Opposition and we cannot raise the matter in Parliament?, Azad asked. Both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha were adjourned till 12 pm after uproar over the demonetisation issue. MPs from JDU and SP attacked Prime Minister and said he had accused the entire Opposition of hiding black money. "This is a grave allegation," said former JDU chief Sharad Yadav is Rajya Sabha. Prime Minister said that if he had told the Opposition beforehand about the move to demonetise notes, we would have supported the move, indirectly he meant that we support black money, this is an attack on Opposition, Mayawati said in Rajya Sabha "How can PM allege that Opposition parties are in favour of black money; this is wrong, he must apologise," Ghulam Nabi Azad said in Rajya Sabha. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said they would not discuss the note ban issue unless Modi attends the session. Opposition parties earlier met on Friday morning to chalk out their strategy for the ongoing Winter Session, as Parliament remains virtually paralysed due to repeated disruptions and adjournments over their demand that Prime Minister Narendra Modi attend the proceedings. The Opposition had decided that it will continue to demand Modi's presence and participation in Parliament during the demonetisation debate. Modi had attended that Rajya Sabha on Thursday but did not re-appear after the House took a lunch break, leading to protests by the Opposition over his absence. Congress and other parties stalled the Parliament over the issue and demanded that Modi sit through the entire debate. Union Minister Ananth Kumar said his government was ready for debate but the opposition is running away from it. On Thursday, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had accused the Opposition of inventing reasons to run away from a debate on demonetisation and took a swipe at former PM Manmohan Singh over his criticism, saying it is no surprise that he is unhappy as "maximum blackmoney was generated" under his rule. Rejecting Singh's contention that GDP growth will plunge by 2 per cent, he said demonetisation will have positive impact on the economy over medium to long term as the money from shadow economy will find its way into the mainstream. "Those who did not consider the generation of so much black money and scams during their regime as blunder are now finding the crusade against black money as blunder," Jaitley said. His response came after Singh had castigated the government and the Prime Minister over demonetisation during Thursdays Rajya Sabha debate, saying its implementation was a "monumental management failure" and a case of "organised loot and legalised plunder." As the Rajya Sabha was repeatedly adjourned with Opposition insisting that the Prime Minister be present during the entire debate, Jaitley lashed out at the opposition saying it was not keen on debate but on disruption. The patient had gone to the government hospital for treatment but the hospital had outsourced the work of dialysis to a private company (Representational Image) Patna: Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports about the death of a pregnant woman in a government hospital in Gaya after being allegedly refused dialysis for paying in old Rs 500 notes, Bihar Human Rights Commission (BHRC) on Friday, directed the district magistrate and the hospital to submit a detailed report within a fortnight. "The news if true reflects a shocking neglect on the part of functionaries at the government-run premier hospital at Gaya. Issue notices to the district magistrate, Gaya, and superintendent of ANMMCH to file a report to the Commission within a fortnight," BHRC member Neelmani said in his order. BHRC took suo motu cognisance of media reports that the woman, wife of a daily wage earner had "renal shutdown" and died on Wednesday evening at the Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital (ANMMCH), Gaya, as its dialysis centre refused to accept old Rs 500 notes, it said. Neelmani said while scrapping high-value currency notes on November 8, the Centre had clearly said the defunct notes would continue to be accepted by government hospitals till November 24 but the patient, Manju Devi, died on November 23 evening. The patient had gone to the government hospital for treatment but the hospital had outsourced the work of dialysis to a private company, he said and asked "Why would a patient suffer for the internal arrangement of a hospital?" The commission posted the matter for hearing on December. New Delhi: A united Opposition on Friday caused an uproar in Parliament, seeking an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for calling them "supporters of black money, and forced both Houses to be adjourned till Monday. Congress, BSP and TMC members rushed into the Well of the House shouting slogans demanding an apology from the Prime Minister for his remarks, while the ruling benches matched them with slogans praising of Modi, creating a pandemonium forcing Deputy Chairman P J Kurien to adjourn the proceedings till noon. When the House met again, similar scenes continued forcing another adjournment till 1430 hours and again until Monday. Immediately after the House mourned the death of its former member Dipen Ghosh, Mayawati (BSP) was up on her feet saying the Prime Minister had this morning "wrongly accused opposition of holding black money" and demanded that he should apologise for his remarks. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said when it was made very clear by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and others during debate on demonetisation yesterday that the opposition is against black money, how can Modi make such allegations. "How can Prime Minister level such an allegation... we are against black money. Prime Minister must apologise," he said as Congress and other opposition members trooped into the Well of House, raising slogans like "Pradhan Mantri maafi mango (Prime Minister apologise)." Amid the din, Kurien got the listed papers laid. He said a notice under rule 267 seeking suspension of business to take up discussion on ban on 500 and 1000 rupee notes has been received from Azad. "I am ready to admit that motion provided you are ready for discussion," he said. Azad said his notice was conditional upon the Prime Minister coming to the House and listening to the entire debate and replying to it. He said when Modi had yesterday come to Rajya Sabha, "I had on behalf of the entire opposition welcomed him" and also asked whether he had come to participate in the demonetisation debate or in the Question Hour. Kurien said it had been clarified yesterday by Leader of the House Arun Jaitley that the Prime Minister will come and intervene in the debate. But Azad disagreed, saying "we were promised that Prime Minister will be in the House till the debate is over" but Modi did not return after lunch hour. "Prime Minister says opposition is favouring black money. This is an insult of the House and of the Opposition. When we have said we are against black money, when the entire Opposition has said the same, how can he say that. Prime Minister should apologise," he said. Mayawati said Modi has stated that if opposition was given 72 hours before demonetising high denomination currency, they should not have opposed him and instead praised him. Painting the entire Opposition as those with black money is a lie, she said, adding that the Prime Minister has to apologise for his remarks. Sharad Yadav (JD-U) said Modi has levelled a serious allegation and should apologise. Ramgopal Yadav (SP) said there could not be anything more shameful than the Prime Minister alleging that the entire Opposition was a supporter of black money. Derek O'Brien (TMC) said there was a good debate yesterday where everyone had opposed black money. And now the Prime Minister is saying "he is a saint and we are all devils", he said, also demanding an apology from Modi. Kurien tried to reason with members for starting a debate but the Opposition members shouted slogans demanding an apology from Prime Minister. BJP members too countered them by raising slogans supporting Modi. As the pandemonium continued, Kurien adjourned the proceedings till noon. When the House reassembled at noon and Chairman Hamid Ansari called the first question of the day, Congress members objected to taking up the Question Hour. Leader of the Opposition Azad again referred to the remarks of the Prime Minister during the book release function earlier in the day. "(The Prime Minister) levelled serious allegations on the entire Opposition. Opposition MPs are in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha...(MLAs and MLCs in) state assemblies," he said, adding that the Opposition cannot remain silent when serious allegations are levelled against them. Azad said the Prime Minister has levelled allegation that opposition favoured black money holders. "The Prime Minister should apologise," he said. Amid the din, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi was heard saying that there was no question of apology from the Prime Minister, instead the Opposition should tender an apology. In the meantime, Congress members trooped into the Well of the House. Some BJP members were standing in the aisle as Congress members shouted "Pradhan Mantri maafi mango". As the uproar continued, Chair adourned the House till 1430 hours. Meanwhile, in a virtual washout of its proceedings, Lok Sabha was adjourned for the seventh consecutive day today with Opposition parties vociferously protesting Modi's dig at their protest against demonetisation and demanding an apology from him. Demanding his presence in the House, Opposition members raised slogans asking Modi to make his statements inside the House and not to attack them outside. As soon as the House met, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that the Constitution Day would be observed tomorrow and referred to the 8th anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks. Leader of Congress in the House Mallikarjun Kharge referred to Modi's remarks at a function earlier in the day in which he had hit out at the Opposition over demonetisation. Modi had said opposition parties were attacking him as they did not get time to prepare in advance. "The issue now is not our demand for an adjournment motion but the remarks of the Prime Minister... He said the Opposition supports black money," Kharge said as members from various opposition parties rushed to the Well demanding that the PM make a statement in the Lok Sabha. The Opposition members were heard shouting "Pradhan Mantri sadan mein aao...himmat hai toh sadan mein bolo," (PM, come to the House. If you have the courage, speak in the House). Expressing anguish that the Opposition was not ready to help run the House, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for over 35 minutes till noon. There was no let up in the Opposition's protests when the House reassembled, even though the Speaker persisted with the Zero Hour for over 35 minutes in which members raised certain issues amid the din. TMC leader Sudip Bandhopadhyay was allowed to speak when the members of his party withdrew from the Well for a while, but Mahajan did not allow Kharge speak as Congress members continued to shout slogans and remained present in the Well. Modi's comments have hurt the Opposition's feelings, the TMC leader said, demanding that he withdraw them and apologise, drawing protests from treasury benches. Rejecting Congress members' demand that Kharge be allowed to speak, she said "you will remain in the Well, shout slogans, tear papers and would like to speak as well. I cannot allow it." She adjourned the House for the day as Opposition members including those from the Congress, TMC, Left and RJD continued with their protest and slogan-shouting. New Delhi: The resident doctors at Safdarjung Hospital on Friday called off their two-day strike after being assured of better security apparatus at the hospital premises. The medical practitioners had gone on a strike on Wednesday after a junior resident doctor was allegedly manhandled by the attendants of a patient at the Emergency ward. The doctors had demanded enhancement of on-duty security at the hospital premises. "It has been decided that around 48 marshals will be appointed for the security of doctors at the hospital. Also, a review of the entire security arrangement will be carried out," A K Rai, Medical Superintendent of Safdarjung hospital, said, adding that the decision was taken after meeting with Health Ministry officials on Thursday. The Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) had also extended support to the strike. There is a major discrepancy in the number of guards posted on paper and the actual strength, it said in a statement hinting at corruption in hiring of security men at the hospital. Meanwhile, an FIR was registered under sections 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions) and 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) of IPC at the Safdarjung Enclave police station on Thursday against the attendants of the patient for assaulting a doctor and hospital guard. On Thursday, Centre had filed an affidavit in the apex court on demonetisation and had said that the bold move would eradicate black money. (Photo: Representational Image) New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday fixed on December 2 the hearing on a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the decision to demonetise currency notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 and the inconvenience faced by the common man due to it. A bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice D Y Chandrachud said, "we will examine both aspects (inconvenience and constitutional validity) of the matter. Come on Friday at 2 pm". The bench, meanwhile, asked Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Centre, to file additional affidavit, if any, explaining the "schemes and steps" taken to ease the situation that has arisen due to demonetisation. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for one of the petitioners who has challenged the Centre's November 8 decision on demonetisation, said the court should start hearing the matter from Tuesday itself. Rohatgi, however, opposed the contention and said let all the petitioners, who have approached various high courts on the issue, come to the apex court which would take a call on December 2 as to whether the Supreme Court or the Delhi High Court would hear them all. Centre has recently moved the apex court seeking transfer of all the petitions pending in various high courts to either the Supreme Court or one of the high courts. On Thursday, Centre had filed an affidavit in the apex court on demonetisation and had said that the "bold move" would eradicate black money and slush funds operating since Independence which cast a "parallel economy" hitting the poor and the middle class. Out of the 32 city schools, 22 have been approved under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyhan and the rest would be covered under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. (Photo: Representational Image) Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government would establish smart classes in over 30 schools here during the current financial year, officials said. District Development Commissioner Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone, on Thursday convened a meeting to review the progress regarding establishment of Smart Class Rooms in city Schools, an official spokesman said in Srinagar on Friday. During the meeting, Lone directed the Chief Education Officer, Srinagar, and other concerned to ensure timely completion of the project besides ensure quality of equipments. He was informed that Smart Class and ICT Labs shall be established in 32 Schools of the district during current fiscal. Out of the 32 city schools, 22 have been approved under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyhan (RMSA) and the rest would be covered under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), the spokesman said. He said the meeting was informed that total cost of project for each school under RMSA is around Rs 8 lakh including electrification and Vinyl flooring, while as under SSA, each school would get Rs six lakh. The Chief Education Officer informed that the project is being implemented through National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) to ensure strict quality control. On the occasion, the DDC released an amount of Rs 38.80 lakh out of Special Area Development Programme (SADP) to meet the requirements so that smart class rooms or ICT Labs are established soon to benefit the students, the spokesman said. Bhatinda: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday raked up the Indus Water Treaty and said water that belongs to India cannot be allowed to go to Pakistan. The fields of our farmers must have adequate water. Water that belongs to India cannot be allowed to go to Pakistan, Modi said at a rally in Bhatinda. "My farmers have the right over the water that flows through Indus, will strive to get that water back," he added. Modi said his government has formed a task force on Indus water treaty to ensure farmers of Punjab and other states get each drop of water due to them. "There is no reason that we cannot use our rights (over our waters) and let our farmers suffer," he said, adding, "I need your blessings in order to fulfill your requirements for watering your fields." The solution for the problems of water could be found out through common dialogue, he said. Criticising the previous governments at the Centre, Modi said, "Waters kept flowing to Pakistan, but successive governments kept sleeping on this issue and my farmer kept crying for the want of water." "If Punjab farmers get sufficient amount of water, they could produce 'gold' from the soil and could fill the coffers of the country," he said. "Our government is committed to work in tandem with the Badal government in Punjab to get farmers their rights and address their concerns," he said. His remarks come two days after Pakistan warned India against use of water as an instrument of coercion. "The international community must assume a responsibility to develop, nurture and protect normative frameworks, at multilateral and bilateral levels, to ensure that states remain willing to resolve water issues cooperatively," Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN, Maleeha Lodhi said in her address to the UN Security Council during an open debate on water, peace and security on Wednesday. Modi attacked Pakistan in his speech and said that it should concentrate on fighting terrorism and corruption. "When school in Peshawar was attacked every Indian was sad. People of Pakistan should tell their rulers to fight corruption, fake notes," said Modi. Kohinkar received some serious injuries and was admitted to a private hospital. (Photo: Representational Image) Thane: A group of youths allegedly beat up an assistant sub-inspector attached to Badlapur police station in the district late last night after he took exception to one of them urinating by the roadside, police said. Maruti Kohinkar, 57, spotted a boy answering the nature's call in the vicinity of his house at around 11.30 pm last night and reprimanded him, whereupon the boy and his five friends assaulted him, police said. Kohinkar received some serious injuries and was admitted to a private hospital. The boys, yet to be unidentified, fled on motorbikes after the incident. Badlapur police have registered case. Probe is on. Firms with net worth of Rs 25 crore could operate 51 to 200 cash vans and companies with net worth of Rs 100 crore can operate more than 500 cash vans, the IBA said. (Photo: Representational Image) Hyderabad: The Indian Banks Association and Ficci are of the opinion that the many new cash logistics companies that have mushroomed must have credible financial net worth. These companies that move cash into and out of ATMs have been incredibly busy in the wake of demonetisation and the November 23 robbery of several crores of rupees by operators of one such company has turned the spotlight on this operation. The Indian Banks Association (IBA) said a minimum financial net worth of Rs 5 crore must be fixed for any entity to undertake outsourced cash management services. Companies with a net worth above Rs 5 crore should be allowed to operate up to 50 cash vans. Firms with net worth of Rs 25 crore could operate 51 to 200 cash vans and companies with net worth of Rs 100 crore can operate more than 500 cash vans, the IBA said. Ficci (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) said, With such a huge magnitude of operations to open up in future, it is absolutely necessary to have strict procedures and processes for the cash logistics companies. Hyderabad: The Hyderabad High Court on Friday acquitted three persons who had been sentenced to death in a murder case. A division bench comprising Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar and Justice M. Satyanarayana Murti, while answering a Reference of Trial from Special Sessions Judge cum IV Additional District Judge of Guntur, acquitted Yekkaluri Siva Krishna alias Yogi, Akkinapalli Murali Krishna alias Murali, and Pappula Amar Nageswara Rao of the 2011 murder of Banawath Badya Naik, an engineer in the Nagarjunasagar project. The bench allowed the appeal by the convicts. According to the prosecution, the three convicted men were dacoits and natives of Dachepally in Guntur, who were accused of murder in nine cases. The convicted men had committed crimes in Krishna, Nalgonda, Prakasam, Kurnool, Hyderabad and Guntur districts. The modus operandi of the accused, according to the prosecution, was to hire taxis, pick up passengers on the highways and rob them. They would kill their victims if the latter resisted. On February 26, 2011, the three picked up Daravath Badya Naik who was returning from Vijayawada. They allegedly killed the engineer when he resisted them and dumped the body in a canal before escaping with some gold and Rs 3,500 in cash. While awarding the death penalty, the trial court had observed that this court has come to the conclusion that the murder was committed by the accused in an extremely brutal manner. The trial court observed that their existence on this earth would pose a threat to others as they committed crimes in a most cruel manner. K. Suresh Reddy, appearing for the convicts, argued that the prosecution had not substantiated its case and the circumstantial evidence on which the prosecution relied did not establish the guilt of the appellants. Moreover there were no eyewitness in the case. The public prosecutor, justifying the death penalty, submitted that the accused deserved capital punishment as they were involved in several dacoity cases and also nine murders. The bench found that there was no eyewitness in the case and two witnesses cited by the prosecution came into the picture only after the arrest of the accused. Both these witnesses deposed that they saw the deceased in the company of the accused at Vijayawada while he was boarding the taxi, and the trial court awarded the punishment believing the two witnesses. While allowing the appeal of the convicts, the bench pointed out that the chances of foisting a case against them cannot be ruled out as the two witnesses were not examined immediately after the registration of the crime. The bench also found that the there was no corroboration of medical evidence with regard to injuries on the deceased and the cause of death cited by the prosecution. New Delhi: Continuing his tirade against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his absence in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi on Friday asked what was he scared of, while daring him to participate in the debate on demonetisation to clarify everything. The Prime Minister does not want to sit in Lok Sabha. We have been stopped from speaking in the Lok Sabha. What are you scared of, he asked. Let us see what emotions appear on his face when he comes to the Lok Sabha, Gandhi said as he dared the Prime Minister to take part in the debate. The main issue is that the Prime Minister does not come to the Lok Sabha for discussion, he said. I have just returned from Male', Maldives. Not from a holiday sadly, but from an interesting two days with the South Asian countries discussing sustainable tourism. I have been with tourism in general and sustainable tourism in specific for more than a decade now. One issue that has always bothered me was the fact that we have never could have in-depth discussions involving sustainability in tourism. Every time this was attempted, it was loudly appreciated, gently forgotten and seldom pursued as an issue that we truly need to focus on. One agency has been consistently working to keep the discussion of sustainable tourism in focus, and that is the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). UNEP in 2010 launched two initiatives to help the tourism industry move towards sustainability. They were called Sowing the Seeds of Change and Envirotel. Both these initiatives were focussed on the small and medium enterprises, which comprise 76% of the total tourism universe. It is these enterprises who need help and UNEP provided sustainable tourism principles, processes and knowledge in the form of CD Rom's that were distributed after a training programme. So much has changed since then, and now we are now having to deal with issues as diverse as the contribution of tourism to climate change, how tourism should adapt to climate change and how tourism can contribute to mitigation of the challenges of climate change. We have a lot of guidance from many agencies for this. The United Nations, the Sustainability Development Goals (SGD) act as a guide for sustainable development. While three goals mention tourism, goal 12 of the SDG's deals with a critical aspect consumption and production in tourism. This is an important goal to focus on for the tourism industry for multiple reasons. When I started my resort, Our Native Village in Bangalore a decade ago, my objective was to build a model for sustainable living. I focussed on the 5 pillars of sustainability - energy, water, waste, architecture and the food chain. At that point in time, these issues were not recognised as part of the main discussion for tourism. I was call foolish for focussing on 'non-issues'. Much of this is changing now. In Male', UNEP, as part of the Switch Asia programme, organised a policy dialogue on sustainable tourism on main streaming sustainable consumption and production tourism policies in South Asia. Two representatives from the tourism and environment ministries from 7 of the 8 South Asian countries - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan were present. Sadly, India did not come. Considering India is a major emitter of greenhouse gases; it should have been there. I was personally sad that India did not turn up. The discussions on climate change and its effect on tourism was interesting. We all know that climate change impacts tourism. Tourism activities have an impact on climate change. Tourism consumes resources that are disproportionate to the value it adds back to the economies. Tourists consume seven to nine times the water that the local communities consume. Tourism establishments burn diesel to run electricity generators at alarmingly high levels. A country like Maldives, thrives entirely on diesel got its electricity, running the cars, motor bikes and motor boats. Considering we get enough solar energy every hour to power the entire planet for a whole year, tourism now need to move to looking at renewable energy to power its operations. Adopting low carbon economic policies are very critical for the tourism industry. Similarly, the waste the industry generates, the water it consumes, are all disproportionate. Governments need to measure the impacts of tourism, and formulate policies to guide the industry. A mixture of incentives and legislation will soon become necessary, if we want to reduce the negative impacts of tourism. The tourism industry has lots to do. Let's do it now! Traffic from Mint Lane and Prasads cinema will be diverted towards the Khairatabad flyover at Necklace Rotary. (Representational image) Hyderabad: For Sundays Hyderabad 10K Run from Hussainsagar on Sunday, traffic restrictions will be imposed from 6 am to 10 am. The curbs are as follows: Traffic coming from Rajbhavan, Anandnagar and Panjagutta towards Kharatabad flyover will not be allowed and will be diverted towards Nirankari at V.V. statue junction. Traffic from Mint Lane and Prasads cinema will be diverted towards the Khairatabad flyover at Necklace Rotary. Traffic coming from the Iqbal Minar side and proceeding towards Secunderabad will not be allowed towards the Telugu Talli Junction and Upper Tankbund. It will be diverted at the Old Secretariat Gate onto the Telugu Talli Flyover, Lower Tankbund road, DBR Mills, Kawadiguda Crossroads and Bible House. Traffic from Hill Fort road will not be allowed towards the Ambedkar statue & NTR Marg and will be diverted towards Iqbal Minor at Telugu Talli Junction. Traffic from Liberty will not be allowed to go straight towards Ambedkar statue or Upper Tank Bund and will be diverted towards the GHMC Office-I.T.Lane-Telugu Talli/ Himayatnagar at Liberty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi being received by Telangana CM K. Chandrashekhar Rao on his arrival at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. (Photo: PTI) Hyderabad: On his arrival at the Shamshabad airport in Hyderabad on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was received by Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. He had a special ten minute meeting with the CM at which the demonetisation issue figured prominently. Mr Rao is learnt to have sought a conference of Chief Ministers of all states to discuss the implications of demonetisation and whether the Centre will compensate states for the loss in revenue and the problems arising out of the shortage of currency. Mr Rao informed the PM that the state has lost Rs 3,000 crore in revenue due to demonetisation and the delay by the RBI in supplying adequate lower denomination currency and banks in calibrating ATMs to dispense new currency notes. After the brief meeting, the Prime Minister left for the National Police Academy where he will attend the three-day annual conference of DGPs of all states which begins on Saturday. At the DGPs conference, Mr Modi is likely to ask the top brass of the police in the country to be vigilant and take stringent action against cross-border terrorism, sleeper cells, channelling of funds to terrorists, cyber crimes and other such activists in the wake of the strike against Pakistan. This is the Prime Ministers first interaction with the countrys top police officers after the military strike against Pakistan, the recent engagements with large numbers of Maoists in the Andhra-Odissa Border area and the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes. Issues pertaining to internal and external security will come up during the three day meet which began here on Friday. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh addresses at the All India DGPs conference at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad on Friday. (Photo: PTI) Hyderabad: Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Friday asserted that demonetisation of high-value currency notes will impair the finances of anti-national elements and groups. He lauded the coordinated efforts of Central and state intelligence for not letting youths indoctrinated by the ISIS to commit any act of terror in the country. Mr Singh inaugurated the 51st post-Independence DGPs/IGPs Conference-2016 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy here on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the top cops on Saturday. The three-day conference will deliberate on various security-related issues confronting the nation, and to come out with ways and means to tackle them. Addressing the conference, Mr Singh commended the efforts of the police forces of the states, Union Territories and the Centre for all-round improvement in the internal security situation in the country, be it insurgency in the North-East, Naxal activities, or the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, where attempts to incite secession and law and order problems were made from our neighbourhood. Mr Singh said that 67 youths inspired by the ISIS have been arrested so far while they were planning to carry out terror attacks. If security agencies keep on working like this and development works continue, Naxalism could end in five years time, he said. He acknowledged the relentless efforts of police forces of the states and the Centre in handling these. Mr Singh emphasised the need for exchange of information relating to best practices among police personnel belonging to all states and Central agencies. He also desired that contribution of experts of various security domains, such as investigation, forensic science and prosecution, be appropriately recognised. Earlier, on arrival at the NPA, the Union home minister paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and homage to the martyrs of the Indian Police Service, at the Martyrs Memorial by laying a wreath. Mr Singh gave away the Indian Police Medals for meritorious service to officers of the Intelligence Bureau and Ministry of Home Affairs. In a series of tweets, he said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, North East and checks on Left Wing Extremism has improved a lot during the last year and said that close coordination between Central and state forces was helping in improving security in country. Mr Singh asked DGPs to prepare a work plan, adding that healthy competition among different Central and state police officials was yielding good results. He said 10 top police stations putting up outstanding performance will be given awards by MHA annually, beginning next year. Union ministers of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju and Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Union home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, NPA director Aruna M Bahuguna, Heads of CAPFs and senior officers from security and intelligence agencies are attending the conference. Separated socks, they say, Go to some sock paradise Separated lovers stay In some valley of the sighs Separated rain drops fall From the clouds that were the sea Separated echoes call From a faded mimicry... From Hai Rabh To Hi Rob by Bachchoo English-speaking Indians should know that on the death of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru a handwritten fragment of a poem by Robert Frost was found on his office desk. It read: The woods are lovely, dark and deep But I have promises to keep And miles to go before I sleep And miles to go before I sleep Now, after the American presidential election of 2016, another of Frosts poems comes to mind. It begins: Something there is that doesnt love a wall, That sends the frozen-groundswell under it Frost is talking about a wall between his apple orchard and his country-neighbours pine forest. He says he doesnt mind the stones of the wall being mysteriously or deliberately fractured by ground-swells, natural frost or by hunters, but his neighbour is dedicated to keeping the divide intact. Good fences make good neighbours, the pine-forestwalla repeatedly proclaims. He doesnt explain. US President-elect Donald Trump built part of his campaign on building a wall between the United States and Mexico. He did explain. It would keep Mexicans from coming into the US. I dont know if walls can do this. There are nowadays ladders of all sorts wooden, metal, mechanical, self-elevating, wall-hopping to let you down the other side etc. Then there are helicopters and boats that go round the wall by being in the sea. Of course, Trump and his wallabees will argue that there are also machine-guns, searchlights and watchtowers, just as there were along the perimeters of Nazi concentration camps weve all seen them in the movies, havent we? Then there are anti-aircraft emplacements to shoot down helicopters and there are coast-guard patrols to blast unwanted boats out of the water. Some of these enforcements are bound to work and some of them, as is the worlds experience, along a border which extends to 1,950 miles and a coast which is 3,000 miles long, are bound to fail. What perhaps even Trumps followers may not know is that already their Mexican border has a 580 mile fence along it, one the Mexicans didnt pay for. Trumps wall was endorsed by his friend Sarah Palin, the Alaskan candidate who announced that she had heard of the Great Wall of China which hadnt let even a single Mexican pass. The Berlin Wall, built by the East German regime, was constructed to keep people in, rather than out. The population, a groundswell as Frost would have it, tore it down in 1989 when it became clear that the troops manning it would not slaughter the mobs intent on demolishing it. The wall came down and Germany pronounced its reunification. Those two, and perhaps Hadrians wall built in British Roman times to keep marauding Scotsmen from launching raids into England, are famous. Lesser known is the fact that India is still in the act of building a 2,500-mile barrier of a three-metre-high barbed wire fence, reinforced with concrete, along its Bangladesh border. As with Germany, divided after the Second World War, this wall is a consequence of the partition of Bengal which may have entrenched itself along religious lines, but is still testimony of the economic disparity that compels populations to cross the porous boundary. No surprises in pointing out that Israel has built 450 miles of concrete wall and forbidding barbed wire along the borders of its settlements in Palestinian territory. The refugee influx from Syria, Turkey, Afghanistan and parts of Africa into Europe over the last year have prompted Hungary to build a 110-mile four-metre-high fence along its Serbian border to attempt to stem the flow. It doesnt. Something there is that doesnt love a wall and there are people and people-smugglers who find their way around and over it. Morocco has gone a step further to keep the inhabitants of the Western Sahara out. It has constructed a 1,700-mile sand barrier, two metres high and seeded with landmines to blow up people who attempt to cross it. In every case the built or proposed walls, and even the Berlin Wall, are being or have been built to keep the poor and desperate from entering the realms of what is, comparatively, plenty. And now they find their metaphorical avatars in Brexit which is not so much a reaching out by the British population to greater trading partners and markets in the world as an attempt to erect a legal barrier to the influx of immigrants or a workforce from Europe. Its American manifestation is the expulsion of people whom the Trumpeteers deem to be illegal and the trumpeted ban on people who are Muslims from entering the country. And theres more to come. If Marine le Pen comes anywhere near winning the French presidential elections, there will be barriers built against the French-speaking immigrants of Frances former African colonies and expulsions on the same illiberal grounds. The separation of the haves and have-nots through walls and legal barriers can be characterised as anti-globalisation. The very word globalisation has in our times meant nothing but an accessibility of Internet signals in very many parts of the globe and, much more importantly, the export of capital to places where labour is cheap. Globalisation should have, with this fluidity of capital, meant a flow and exchange of labour and it has to a very limited extent. The triumph of Brexit and Trump and the threatened triumph of Le Pen promise to limit the exchange even more. British Prime Minister Theresa May, perhaps inadvertently, put it quite simply. She said that if you are a citizen of the world, you are a citizen of nowhere. She was saying that she wants a nationalistic and not an internationalistically inclined world her pathetic attempt to rebuild a rhetorical wall. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs short speech in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday was the piece de resistance of the nationwide debate on demonetisation. But instead of paying attention to what Dr Singh, had to say about the economic impact of the demonetisation move, finance minister Arun Jaitley stuck to his governments cynical and superficial political script of continuing to badmouth the government led by Dr Singh two and a half years after the Congress rout in the 2014 general election. Going by this logic, Congress leaders should seal their lips forever and stop speaking so that the ruling side face no criticism from them. In his recent speeches, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown the same traits regarding West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and BSP leader Mayawati. Instead of responding to the points they raised, he sought to make indirect allegations against them of corruption, evading the responsibility of defending the demonetisation move from criticism. It is not inconceivable that through his self-certification Mr Modi will gain his objective of winning the coming Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh. His populist appeal does lie in the fact that he can persuade the poor that he is against the rich. But few economists will say demonetisation will not harm the economy in the foreseeable future, and hurt the poorest sections the most agriculturists, small shopkeepers and those in the informal sector, as Dr Singh noted. It will be great if Mr Modi can come to Parliament, preferably the Rajya Sabha where his opponents are many and ask questions, and present his counter-point. So far he has steadfastly declined to do so, although he has been making emotional political speeches to justify himself. But these are at forums where the audience asks no questions. Dr Singh described demonetisation as organised loot and legalised plunder. When millions of people with bank accounts are restrained from accessing their own money, what else does it amount to? More, the customers money now flowing into banks in a conscripted way will be used by banks to cover the bad loans given by them to the ultra-rich with good connections. That wont really be a pro-poor measure. Who can object to the goal of ending corruption, black money, counterfeiting of currency, and terrorist funding? But the government self-righteously says its opponents criticise demonetisation as they support black money. But it has still to explain how any of these goals, all desirable, will be met by its demonetisation drive. Seriously! Ever since the demon of demonetisation (how does one say it in Gujarati?) raised its far from pretty head on November 8, I have gone from feeling very, very rich to very, very poor. Let me start with rich. I left for a three-day trip to Kathmandu with a princely sum of Rs 4,435 in my wallet. The exchange rate at the time was Rs 160 for Nepali 100. I felt like a millionaire but swore I wouldnt shop... would avoid cafes and restaurants, and exist on greasy momos and thukpa from roadside carts. It was a little like going on a field trip in school, with limited pocket money from Daddy-O. On my second day, I was broke, down to my last few desi rupees! Curious vendors of irresistible trinkets gathered around me in the busy Durbar Square and clicked selfies with the lovely pink note. The colour hadnt run. And Gandhiji was smiling. Change was returned in soiled Nepali currency. One chap wickedly offered a Rs 500 note accompanied by a wink and a snigger! Thats when it struck me I was indeed back in school. And the Daddy-O was NaMo! Back home in Mumbai, I was scrambling to find 100-buck notes in my hidden places. Like any other thrifty, desperate housewife, I had a secret contingency fund, which was created to tackle emergencies during long weekends. This was my last resort its a family joke that mother does not know how to operate an ATM machine. I felt embarrassed to line up at my friendly, neighbourhood ATM booth, certain Id be making an ass of myself. So... I sat around and discussed this grave situation with one of the most intelligent men I know our old dhobi. He was sanguine when I broke it to him that his weekly hisaab would have to wait. Dont worry, he assured me. We are all facing the same museebat. Demonetisation has been the great equaliser Indians were in need of. Over kadak chai, we discussed our respective futures. The mood was sombre but not dark. The milkman also turned up for his hisaab. He was happy to accept a cheque, smugly boasting he had a legit bank account. Phew. That was music to my ears. More music was in store when I called my CA. In fact, it was a symphony! He assured me all was well, since I dont have all that much money to begin with. Madam, this is a problem faced by wealthy people not you. Oh well, being un-rich suddenly sounded wonderful. I was hearing violins by then. He continued calmly: Being a senior citizen, you are allowed to keep some cash at home, in case you have cardiac failure, stroke, etc. Plus, being a self-employed woman, you also have a few concessions... My CA being a blunt Gujarati gentleman (are they all like that?) meant to sound reassuring but... hey... I was beginning to feel like a geriatric bag of worthlessness. His voice changed to a more soothing tone: Madam, believe me, it is better to be in your position today... see what is happening to all those rich people! My wealthy clients are phoning nonstop to ask for some solution. I guess it was suddenly hip and cool to be relatively poor. Then came Sunday, and my weekly date with the maalishwalli. She had to deal with her young son being sent back from a tuition class since he hadnt brought the fees with him. Despite that, she was optimistic and cheerful, In the long run, this will be good for India. All the black money will disappear. People will work more honestly... pay taxes. I marvelled at her philosophical argument. It was fantastic that she believed in NaMos strategy and was willing to sacrifice a great deal for it. I wished I had her confidence and conviction. The way I see it, minus the hoopla and claptrap, NaMos secret mission may cost him and his party big time in the long run. Uttar Pradesh elections chhodo. I am talking about the bigger one. Indians are used to taking the patli gully. Any headmasterji bringing a heavy ruler down on knuckles in the hope of reforming naughty children is bound to fail. Naughty children always win in the end. Indians always find ingenious ways to hoard cash and beat the system as ex-RBI governor Raghuram Rajan has warned. Its just a matter of time before some wily genius cracks this crisis. And it will be back to business as usual. Then there is the other issue: Business people who have mastered the art of evading taxes and cheating people en masse are getting increasingly resentful of the present government. The only way to fight NaMo is to find and finance an alternative leader. At the moment, the only one on the horizon is Pappu Gandhi. The Congress Party has mastered the art of managing mega money for decades. Builders, industrialists, politicians are accustomed to the Congress way of doing business. There is a great deal of money floating out there... and that money is not about to let itself be converted into worthless toilet paper. Once the demonetised notes get cleaned up by a genie, they will once again be conveniently parked at hard-to-track destinations. This lolly will be pumped in to prop-up Pappu and his gang. It may take a year or so to achieve this disastrous objective. But whats the bet dalals are at it already? Till then, the toiling masses will be forced to toil on. As a sage put it, corruption starts with politicians. It can only end with them. So long as the funding of political parties remains a shady, clandestine activity, funny money will continue to clog the system. There is growing and palpable unrest in the capital, and the winter of our discontent has just set in. If NaMo cannot come up with better mechanisms to navigate the calamity, the outcome may be terrible. Forget two more years of this administration... even two more months seem rocky right now. From the crisis which people faced in changing their currency notes across the country, one might conclude that this has resulted in a decline in Prime Minister Narendra Modis popularity, but that would be making a mistake. One would be making a bigger mistake if s/he concludes that the BJP would lose the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. While making any attempt to say what might be the impact of currency exchange policy on the electoral prospects of the BJP in 2019 is extremely difficult, the results of bypolls is one indication. The currency exchange was hardly any issue in these byelections. The ruling parties in most states managed to retain their seats, barring a few exceptions. People voted more on local issues. The concern was more on how the state government was working rather than national issues. People do not seem to have bothered much about the surgical strike on Pakistan or about the currency exchange. The electoral prospects of the BJP during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will depend more on what policies and programmes the government might implement in the remaining period of its term, more so during the last year of its tenure. The immediate crisis of currency exchange (long queues in banks and ATMs) may be over soon and people may even forget the difficulties they faced in exchanging their hard-earned money. There may be other factors, which might put the BJP in trouble when elections are held in 2019, and if that happens, the issue of currency crisis would work as an icing on the cake. But this issue may not upset the people so much that they would be willing to overthrow the government in the next elections. The unemployment rate is very high, an all-time high during the last seven years, and it seems the currency exchange policy has affected the livelihood of many people, specially small traders and businessmen. If all this results in growing unemployment, this might put the BJP in trouble in 2019, but not the current difficulties people faced in exchanging currency. People agree that implementation of the policy was poor and unplanned, but large numbers of them also believe, it will be beneficial for the people and the country in the long run. It is true that besides the common man, those badly hit by the currency crisis are traders and the business community who are core supporters of the BJP, and its electoral success depends upon their support. But the victory of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections was possible only because the party managed to expand its support base beyond its traditional supporters, amongst the rural, lower and poor class voters and sections of dalits. The findings of the CSDS studies indicate, amongst the poor 24 per cent voted for the BJP while 20 per cent voted for the Congress; while amongst the lower class voters 31 per cent voted for the BJP and 19 per cent for the Congress. The BJP made inroads even amongst dalits and adivasis; amongst dalits 24 per cent voted for the BJP and only 19 per cent for the Congress. Similarly amongst the adivasis 38 per cent voted for the BJP while only 28 per cent voted for the Congress. The BJP no more remains the party of the urban rich; it made inroads into rural India as well. The poor may be facing problems in exchanging their currency, but at this moment there are no signals that they are unhappy with Mr Modi. To appease the poor and the lower class, Mr Modi has cleverly turned this into his war against the rich and the wealthy by drawing parallels between his strict action with karak chai, both not liked by the rich and wealthy. This seems to be going well with the poor and the lower class voters. What works to the advantage of the BJP is the personal popularity of Mr Modi. The findings of the survey conducted by CSDS indicates that more than 60 per cent of voters feel satisfied with Mr Modi. His popularity increases by default when he is compared with Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi. Leaders like Nitish Kumar, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, J. Jayalalithaa, Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav are popular in their own states, but none of them has a cross-state appeal. They together could pose a serious challenge to the BJP but at this moment there are no signs of their coming on one platform. Even on the current issue of currency exchange there are differences of opinion, while Ms Banerjee and Mr Kejriwal marched to the President house, took out a rally and staged protests in front of the Reserve Bank of India, there are others who expressed support for this new policy. With the BJP having a strong support base at this moment, it is difficult to imagine a single party would be able to defeat it in 2019. But does this mean everything is fine with the BJP and the party should not worry. True, the BJP registered a massive victory in 2014, but one must not forget it won a majority of seats with merely 31 per cent votes, got an undue advantage of the first-past-the-post system and the badly fragmented votes, which were polled against it. The party may not be lucky to get the same number of seats even if it manages to get a similar percentage of votes in 2019. One must not forget the Congress, with 19 per cent votes in 2014, ended up with 44 seats, while the BJP, with 18.6 per cent votes, managed to win 116 Lok Sabha seats in 2009. Even a slight understanding between the Opposition parties preventing the fragmentation of votes might put the BJP in a tight spot. The results of 2015 Bihar Assembly elections is a most recent example. The BJP should be concerned about not only being badly defeated in New Delhi and Bihar but its declined voteshare even in those states it won following the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. People may be happy with Mr Modi as Prime Minister, but there is some decline in the popular rating of the government and surveys indicate people are no more ready to believe, achche din aayenge, a promise which Mr Modi made time and again during his election speeches before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Sections of Indians have started believing that the recent policy of currency exchange may help in bringing about achche din, but will that happen? I have doubts about that. And if that does not happen, the expectations with this government would decline rapidly. But we have to wait and watch for some more time. Mag Mile Protesters Block Storefronts On Black Friday & Demand Police Oversight By aaroncynic in News on Nov 25, 2016 9:27PM Hundreds of demonstrators marched through a bustling Magnificent Mile to urge Black Friday shoppers to skip their retail ritual and raise awareness of police violence towards people of color. Were trying to discourage people from shopping on this most lucrative day for big business because theyve been supportive of Rahm Emanuel, the FOP and those who commit police crimes in this city and we want a stop to that, said Frank Chapman, an organizer with the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, the group who helped organize the march. After a rally with several speakers, demonstrators marched down Michigan Avenue chanting no justice, no profits and shut it down, shut it tight, the bosses can't profit when the workers unite." The group blocked several intersections and doorways to several stores, though police formed lines to let shoppers through. For the bulk of the three hour long demonstration, activists blocked a full blocks worth of shops including the Apple and Nike stores. At least one scuffle occurred in front of a Crate and Barrel, with police tackling and arresting at least one person. Activists participating in the demonstration say they want community control over the police department. Despite Mayor Rahm Emanuels suggested police reforms, which include the replacement of the Independent Police Review Authority with the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, they say they dont go nearly far enough. Instead, they want what they call CPAC - the Civilian Police Accountability Council which , among other things, would not only replace the current oversight office but also the Police Board. In addition, CPAC would be in charge of hiring a police superintendent and investigating and prosecuting misconduct and shootings.Just this past Sunday we had a vigil for Joshua Beal and his family, Kofi Ademola of Black Lives Matter Chicago told the crowd. We didnt even get the opportunity to properly mourn with and console the family of Darrius Jones. We are in a time where they are murdering us with impunity. This week alone, three people in Chicago have been shot by police officers. This latest wave comes just after the shooting of Joshua Beal, which has touched off several racially charged demonstrations in the Mount Greenwood Area. We are tired of the corruption that exists within the Chicago police force. How many children have died just this last week? As a mother, as a woman, we will not stand here and tolerate this behavior, said Lashawn Latrice of Black Lives Matter Women of Faith. The other core message of some demonstrators and activists is that the city should put more money, resources and services back into communities of colormost of which are located on the South and West Sides, out of sight from the tourists, shoppers, skyscrapers and wealth of the Loop and Magnificent Mile. We dont see a disconnect, said Ademola. Theres been over 700 killings in our communities and the police have less than a 26 percent clearance rate. That means theyre not solving crimes. That means hiring 1000 more cops will do absolutely nothing for safety and security in our communities. We need resources. We need mental health clinics, schools, community centers and investments back into our communities and the businesses in our community. The latest Android smartphone is expected to be unveiled at the MWC 2017 in Barcelona. Nokia is expected to unveil a new Android smartphone at the MWC event in Barcelona. In fact, the company had even confirmed its comeback in a slide presented at the companys Capital Markets Day 2016 event which states that 2017 will see Nokias brand return to smartphones. Now according to a tipster based in China, the smartphone will feature either a 5.2-inch or 5.5-inch screen size along with 2K (QHD) display. Furthermore, the device is expected to be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 SoC. Another one of the highlight features of the upcoming Nokia-branded Android smartphone is its speculated Zeiss lens for the primary camera. Additionally, the metal unibody smartphone may also feature waterproof capabilities. The smartphone will be unveiled at the MWC 2017 event that is expected to take place on February 27 in Barcelona. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Pedestrians look at graffiti on the statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis in Richmond, Virginia two days after Donald Trump was declared the next US president. (Photo: AP) Chicago: An Indian man, mistaken for a Muslim, was brutally attacked at a bar in the US, the latest in a series of anti-Muslim hate crimes that have erupted since Donald Trumps victory. Ankur Mehta was allegedly hit multiple times on his head and face at the Red Robin Restaurant in Pennsylvania while he was working on his tablet with his earphones on. The attacker, identified as Jeffrey Burgess, had grabbed and punched Mehta with his elbow and fist. He also allegedly called out racial and ethnic epithets at Mehta who was taken to a hospital with a loose tooth and a cut to his upper lip, Pittsburghs Action News 4 reported. Mehta told police that Burgess said to him that things are different now and I dont want you sitting next to me. You people. Burgess, 54, spoke with slurred speech and was staggering and smelled of alcohol, police said, adding that he then used an ethnic slur commonly used against those of Middle Eastern descent. We believe this is just the latest incident in spike in anti-Muslim hate crimes since the November 8 elections, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said. The criminal complaint says Burgess launched an unprovoked attack on the victim as he was seated at the bar, beat him physically, Bethel Park police chief, Timothy OConnor said. Mehta was oblivious to the comments until Burgess allegedly struck him in the face with his elbow multiple times, the officer said. Witnesses told police Burgess grabbed Mehta by the head and punched him. They also said Mehta was defenceless and unaware of Burgesss impending attack. Burgess was arrested for ethnic intimidation, simple assault, harassment and public drunkenness. The incident comes amid a notable spike in hate-crime incidents against the minority community following Trumps election as US President. Many Muslim women have also spoken about hijab grab attacks on them on social media. File photo of President-elect Donald Trump, left, arrives to speak at an election night rally with his son Barron and wife Melania, in New York. (Photo: AP) Palm Beach: As families across a bitterly divided America gathered for Thanks giving, a battle erupted on Thursday in Donald Trumps camp over his pick for secretary of state, with loyalists seeking to block the path of Mitt Romney, a fierce former critic of the billionaire. With the President-elect hunkered down at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for the holiday weekend from where he urged the country to unite after a painful campaign his team appears split over the prospect of making Mr Romney, the Republican Presidential candidate in 2012, Americas top diplomat. Some of Mr Trumps staunchest supporters have united to oppose naming a man who called the real estate magnate a fraud and a conman during the campaign, when he helped lead the party establishments drive to sideline him. But the other leading choice for top diplomat, outspoken former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani one of Trumps loudest supporters from early in his campaign has drawn scrutiny for business dealings that could pose conflicts of interest. I am working hard, even on Thanksgiving, Mr Trump tweeted on Thursday, saying he was seeking to persuade an Indiana air-conditioning company, Carrier Corp, to remain in the United States. But his transition team said there will be no new cabinet announcements until at least Friday. Despite his lack of experience in foreign policy, Mr Giuliani, 72, has openly lobbied for secretary of state, telling Trumps advisers he is interested in no other position, news sources said. However, Mr Giulianis candidacy has drawn attention to business dealings with foreign governments that may rule him out. Picking Mr Romney who lost the White House race to President Barack Obama four years ago would reassure the Republican establishment and US allies worried about Trumps foreign policy. But the businessman and former Massachusetts governor who savaged Mr Trumps candidacy during the campaign also publicly differs from him on Russia, a leading foreign policy challenge. While the president-elect has praised President Vladimir Putin, promising to improve strained relations with Moscow, Mr Romney has called Russia Americas number-one geopolitical foe. Former House speaker Newt Gingrich, a staunch Trump supporter expressed skepticism that Mr Romney would represent the kind of tough-minded, America-first policies that Trump has campaigned on. Local Malaysian women watch preparations for the re burial of remains believed to be those of ethnic Rohingya found at human trafficking camps. (Photo: AFP) Teknaf: Myanmar is engaged in ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims, a UN official has said, as reports emerged Friday of troops shooting at villagers as they tried to flee. Thousands of desperate people have pushed over the border into Bangladesh in the last few days, bringing with them horrifying stories of gang rape, torture and the systematic killing of their ethnic group. John McKissick, head of the United Nations refugee agency in the Bangladeshi border town of Coxs Bazar, said troops in Myanmar were killing men, shooting them, slaughtering children, raping women, burning and looting houses, forcing these people to cross the river into Bangladesh. The UN says up to 30,000 Rohingya, a stateless ethnic group, have abandoned their homes in Myanmar, desperate to escape the soldiers that have poured into the strip of land where they live near the Bangladesh border. Dhaka says thousands are massed on the border, but has refused urgent international appeals to let them in, instead calling on Myanmar to do more to stop people fleeing. Its very difficult for the Bangladeshi government to say the border is open because this would further encourage the government of Myanmar to continue the atrocities and push them out until they have achieved their ultimate goal of ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority in Myanmar, McKissick said. Vivian Tan, a press officer for the UN agency, said McKissick was recounting what different sources, including new arrivals, have told him about the conditions they fled and added the reports were very worrying. Farmer Deen Mohammad was among the thousands who evaded stiffened border patrols, sneaking into the Bangladeshi border town of Teknaf four days ago with his wife, two of their children and three other families. They (Myanmars military) took my two boys, aged nine and 12 when they entered my village. I dont know what happened to them, Mohammad, 50, told AFP. They took women in rooms and then locked them from inside. Up to 50 women and girls of our village were tortured and raped. Mohammad said houses in his village were burned, echoing similar testimony from other recent arrivals. One Rohingya man, who asked not to be named, told AFP in Myanmar that troops had stormed into a neighbouring village early Friday morning and fired indiscriminately on residents as they tried to escape. Children facing death Amnesty International said the Myanmar army was carrying out collective punishment of the Rohingya, a one million-strong population reviled across Myanmar as illegal immigrants, for attacks last month on police posts. The response of the army to attacks on security forces six weeks ago went far beyond what was necessary and proportional, said the groups South Asia director Champa Patel. Instead of investigating and arresting specific suspects, the army carried out operations amounting to collective punishment. Myanmars new civilian government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, has rejected the allegations, and entry to Rakhine state is severely restricted, making it independent verification difficult. Rights workers say hundreds of fleeing families have set up makeshift camps on the Myanmar side of the border as they wait for the chance to cross, with little access to food. The UN has said around 150,000 vulnerable people have been without aid for more than a month, including around 3,000 children with severe malnutrition who are at risk of dying. Genocide Penny Green, professor of law at Queen Mary University of London, said the latest developments were a new chapter in the persecution of the Rohingya, who face apartheid-like restrictions that limit access to jobs, education and healthcare. We sounded the alarm in 2015 that what we saw amounted to the early stages of a genocidal process, she said. We are concerned that these latest developments may represent a new chapter in the persecution of the Rohingya, and a potentially more deadly phase of genocide. The fact that its practically impossible to verify or confirm any of these reports underlines the intensity of Rakhine states isolation from international view. One of the surviving cat, which had been named Trooper, had recovered and been rehomed. (Representational photo: AFP) Melbourne: A 43-year-old Australian woman has been convicted of animal cruelty for abandoning 14 cats inside her house for so long that they resorted to eating each other. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) says in a distressing case of abandonment, the woman left behind her 14 cats when she left her Woodville West property in Australia. By the time inspectors arrived at the house in September last year, 13 of the cats were dead and the only surviving animal was severely emaciated, the SBS reported. "The remains of the other 13 cats were spread throughout the house. It was a devastating sight," chief inspector Andrea Lewis said. The woman was convicted in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court yesterday where she was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond and banned from owning animals indefinitely. The court took into account her mental health issues and the fact she spent two weeks in custody after failing to attend earlier court hearings. Lewis said the one surviving cat, which had been named Trooper, had recovered and been rehomed. She said if pet owners could no longer care for their animals they should seek help from family, friends or neighbours, contact their local council or take them to an animal shelter. "You simply cannot abandon animals. You have a responsibility for their wellbeing," she said. Melbourne: Neil Prakash, Australia's most senior ISIS recruiter has been arrested in the Middle East, a media report said today, months after the US and Australia said he was killed in an American air strike in Iraq this year. The New York Times reported that Prakash had been arrested in an unnamed Middle Eastern country. The 25-year-old, who has gone by the name Abu Khaled al-Cambodi since joining ISIS in 2013, was thought to have been killed in an American air strike in Iraq in July. Prakash, who was of Fijian and Cambodian descent, has been a prominent member of Islamic State in Iraq, and has sought to recruit Australians to carry out attacks. Quoting a senior American official, the Times said that US forces targeted Prakash earlier this year. Though he was wounded, he survived. "In the last few weeks, however, a Middle Eastern government arrested Mr. Prakash," another senior American military official was quoted as saying. Prakash handed himself to Turkish authorities several weeks ago, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said. Australia's justice minister, Michael Keenan, declined to comment on the new report on Prakash, but conceded that the government's ability to confirm reports of deaths in Syria or Iraq was limited. "As a matter of longstanding practice, the Australian government does not comment on matters of intelligence or law enforcement operations," Keenan said. "The government reported Prakash's death in May on the basis of advice from the US government that he had been killed in an airstrike." He said, "There have been people who have been reported dead and are later found to be alive." Prakash entered strife-torn Syria in 2013 and has been the public face of a number of Islamic State's propaganda videos. He grew up in Melbourne and converted to Islam in 2012. He attended the now-closed al-Furqan Islamic Centre. In August 2015 the Australian federal police issued a first instance warrant for Prakash's arrest, which is still valid. Prakash was believed to have had links to numerous plots in Australia, including a knife attack by an 18-year-old against two policemen in Melbourne and foiled plans to attack police both last year and this year on Anzac Day, Australia's memorial day for fallen soldiers. According to media reports, Prakash converted from Buddhism to Islam in 2012 after a visit to Cambodia, when he was repulsed by what he viewed as Buddhism's commercialism and idolatry. He attended meetings at Al-Furqan bookstore and prayer centre in Melbourne before becoming a jihadist. A report quoting statistics issued by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has revealed that the Labour Migration from Pakistan: 2015 Status Report" showed that a total of 242,817 Pakistanis were deported over the time period, according to the FIA's deportation statistics. (Representational Image) London: A total of nearly 250,000 Pakistanis were deported from various countries during 2012-2015, especially in United Kingdom where about 9,778 Pakistanis were deported in the span of three years. A report quoting statistics issued by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has revealed that the Labour Migration from Pakistan: 2015 Status Report" showed that a total of 242,817 Pakistanis were deported over the time period, according to the FIA's deportation statistics. The year with the highest number of Pakistani deportees is 2014 with 73,064 deportees, whereas 2010 has the smallest number at 46,032, the Nation reports. Most of the individuals deported from Saudi Arabia and the UAE were job seekers and businessmen. Deportations from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are mainly linked to security-related issues, the report claimed. From 2005-06 to 2014-15, around 932,051 migrant workers were stranded in destination countries due to lack of proper documentation and thus deported. The largest number of stranded Pakistanis at 882,887 was deported from Jeddah, followed by Doha and Qatar at 4,200. Around 14,628 migrant workers were detained in jails in destination countries during the said period. Deportation between 2012-15: . Saudi Arabia: 131,643 . United Arab Emirates: 32,458 . Iran: 28,684 . Oman: 17,248 . Greece: 14,145 . Britain: 9,778 . Malaysia: 8,861 The report emphasised that around 513,231 individuals were deported from different countries from 2007 to June 2015, which suggested an upward trend over time which was likely of an indication of an increase in the human trafficking and smuggling of migrants. A United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) study has found that the majority of irregular migration involved migrants originating from Punjab, especially from, Gujranwala, MandiBahauddin, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan and Sialkot. (ANI) Braslia: A prominent Brazilian government minister resigned on Friday in a corruption scandal reportedly implicating President Michel Temer. "I am asking to be relieved of my position," government secretary Geddel Vieira Lima said in a letter published in the media. Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper reported on Thursday that another ex-minister had told police Temer pressured him to intervene in a business deal involving Vieira Lima. Temer denied the allegation. Former culture minister Marcelo Calero said Temer and Vieira Lima asked him to approve a building project in the northeastern seaside city of Salvador de Bahia, where Vieira Lima has an apartment, the newspaper said. Temer, 76, took over as acting president in May before becoming full president in August after his leftist rival Dilma Rousseff was impeached. Vieira Lima is the sixth minister to quit Temer's government since May. He was a key driver of Temer's policies, including unpopular austerity measures the government says are needed to fix Brazil's finances. Three others resigned after being named in a major corruption scandal involving the state oil firm Petrobras. Another quit over separate irregularities. A key suspect in the Petrobras affair has reportedly made allegations against Temer. However, the president is not under any formal investigation so far. Rousseff was impeached over unrelated allegations that she fiddled state accounts while in office. Her allies have now threatened a motion to try to impeach Temer himself. Latin America's biggest economy, Brazil entered a boom under Rousseff's predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. But it has since plunged into recession. Montferrier-Sur-Lez: An armed man stabbed a woman employee to death after bursting into a retirement home for missionaries in southern France, a prosecutor said. The man, wearing a mask and carrying a sawn-off shotgun and a knife, tied up and killed the woman yesterday who worked at the home in the village of Montferrier-sur-Lez near Montpellier. More than 70 men and women who have served as missionaries in Africa live at the home. Armed police searched the building but believe the man fled, sources close to the police operation said. Investigators have no evidence at this stage to suggest the attack was terror-related at a time when France remains under a state of emergency following a string of jihadist atrocities, including the murder of an elderly Catholic priest in July. "For the time being, there is only one victim," Montpellier prosecutor Christophe Barret told AFP. "For the moment there is no particular evidence about the motive for this crime." The man was not known to authorities. Residents of the home "are very elderly with an average age of 75 although some are more than 90," said Alain Berthet, a local councillor in Montferrier-sur-Luz. Many of the residents require assistance to walk, he said. The secretary general of the French Bishops' Conference, Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, said in a Twitter message: "Our prayers tonight go to the woman who lost her life in this attack on a retirement home." The 21-year-old defendants are believed to have lured the 25-year-old architecture student, who had gone jogging in the city of Dessau, to an empty apartment in May this year. (Representational image) Berlin: A German couple went on trial Friday accused of brutally raping and killing a Chinese student in eastern Germany, in a crime that caused outrage in both countries. The 21-year-old defendants are believed to have lured the 25-year-old architecture student, who had gone jogging in the city of Dessau, to an empty apartment in May this year. The pair, called Sebastian F. and Xenia I. in local media reports, then allegedly raped the woman repeatedly, leaving her with such severe injuries that they assumed she would die in the flat, prosecutors said. When the couple returned hours later and found the victim, identified in media reports as Li Yangjie, still alive, they carried the severely wounded woman away and abandoned her in underbrush. After friends in Germany and China alerted the authorities that she was missing, police organised a search for the woman, who was from the eastern province of Henan. Her corpse was found two days later. An autopsy found she had suffered blows to the head, torso and extremities. Sebastian F. is also accused of two further rapes committed in the summer of 2013 in Dessau which only came to light in the course of the other investigation. Friday's hearing ended after an hour, during which prosecutors read out the charges, court spokesman Frank Straube said. "The two defendants are not addressing the accusations against them for the time being," he said. The victim's parents are co-plaintiffs in the case but were not present in the courtroom on Friday, Straube added. After the murder came to light, hundreds of Chinese students and local residents held a rally in Li's memory to demand justice. Beyond the shock at the brutality of the crime, the case also caused controversy in Germany and China because the mother and stepfather of Sebastian F. are both police officers. The trial is scheduled to last until February. The defendants could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Man Fatally Shot By Chicago Police Friday Morning Suspected Of Shooting 2 Men By Rachel Cromidas in News on Nov 25, 2016 5:44PM Crime scene tape (Photo by LukaTDB via Shutterstock) A man suspected of shooting two other men early Friday morning in Homan Square was fatally shot by Chicago police. According to the official statement from Chicago Police, officers were on patrol near the 600 block of South Central Park Avenue when they viewed a man shoot two other men, killing one of them, around 12:25 a.m. The officers intervened and fatally shot the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. One other man who was shot was taken to a hospital to be treated for a gunshot wound to his arm, and no officers were injured. The officers recovered a gun at the scene of the shooting. Per CPD protocol, the Independent Police Review Authority will investigate the shooting, and the officers involved have been assigned administrative duties for 30 days. A large crowd from a nearby bar gathered at the scene of the shooting in the aftermath, according to the Tribune, where one woman yelled "that's somebody's cousin that you just murdered." As the Tribune notes, this is the third time this week that CPD have fatally shot someone on patrol. On Wednesday night an officer fatally shot a 19-year-old man in West Englewood. In that shooting, officers responding to a call of a "battery in progress" in the 1400 block of West 65th Street said a man turned and pointed a weapon in the direction of the responding police sergeant twice. In response, the sergeant shot the man, who was transported to an area hospital and pronounced dead. Also, on Nov. 18, police fatally shot a man after they saw him shoot another man in West Englewood. The far-right mayor of a Hungarian village says councilors have voted to ban the construction of mosques and the activity of muezzins, as well as the use of veils and headscarves like burqas, chadors and burkinis worn by Muslim women. (Photo: AP) Budapest, Hungary: The far-right mayor of a Hungarian village says councilors have voted to ban the construction of mosques and the activity of muezzins, as well as the use of veils and headscarves like burqas, chadors and burkinis worn by Muslim women. Asotthalom mayor Laszlo Toroczkai says the ordinance was adopted to defend the village's "community and traditions" from any EU scheme to resettle asylum-seekers among the members of the 28-nation bloc. The southern village is on the border with Serbia and has been a major entry point into Hungary for migrants on the Balkan route trying to reach Western Europe. Toroczkai was an early advocate of building border fences to stop the migrant flow. The Hungarian government put them up along the borders with Serbia and Croatia in late 2015. Paris: Five suspects, arrested in France on suspicion of planning attacks on security targets in and around the French capital, were directed remotely by Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, the Paris prosecutor said on Friday. Authorities said earlier this week that attacks had been planned for Dec. 1 against police and intelligence headquarters in Paris as well as the Disneyland Paris theme park. The prosecutor's emphasis that France was under direct threat of attacks from Islamic State militants raised tension as the country went into a weekend of political campaigning and a vote on Sunday for a centre-right candidate for next year's presidential election. France is already under a state of emergency, with soldiers patrolling the streets of the capital, following bomb and shooting attacks by Islamic militants in November 2015 which killed 130 people. "An imminent attack was thwarted," Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins told a news conference. "A Strasbourg commando team, and also a man arrested in Marseille, were given instructions to acquire arms. The instructions were given by a commander from the Iraqi-Syrian region via encrypted apps," he said. Hand-written documents pledging allegiance to Islamic State and glorifying martyrdom were found at a house in Strasbourg, eastern France, Molins said. Two of the five suspects had travelled to the Turkey-Syria border via Cyprus in March 2015, he said. Four of the men are French, while a fifth is Moroccan. Police meanwhile continued searching for an armed man after finding a dead woman in a retirement home where some 60 missionaries were living near Montpellier in southwestern France, sources close to the investigation said on Friday. One source said a caretaker had contacted the police after freeing herself after being bound and gagged by the suspect. Copenhagen: A Danish man, who was accused of raping his 14-year-old daughter, has been acquitted by the court in a retrial, after one of the judges was allegedly found sleeping during the original proceedings. According to a report in the Independent, the man was sentenced to a five year prison term by the Eastern High Court in Copenhagen last November. The Supreme Court ordered a retrial into the case after two prison guards observed that one of the three jury members was asleep during a key witness testimony during the initial trial. "The day when the most important witness was examined, he was sleeping, said the mans lawyer Henrik Stagetorn. The incident took place when the courtroom lights were switched off for viewing the interrogation video of the man's three children. The father, who was not named for legal reasons, was convicted by four out of six votes on the first trial. During the retrial, he was acquitted by five out of six votes. In Danish law, cases that can earn a prison term are usually deliberated by six judges, three lay judges and three judges with legal background. Stragetorn also added that the retrial also saw some additional information. Something had happened to the main witness that could weaken her credibility, he said, pointing out that the case was held behind closed doors, meaning that not all information was revealed to the public. The annual survey by the Sikh Network, involving 4,500 respondents from across the UK, also found that the community continues to face discrimination and hate crimes. (Reprsentational Image) London: Many Sikhs in the UK reject being described as "Indian" or "Asian" and would prefer a separate ethnic category created for a Sikh identity, according to the findings of the UK Sikh Survey 2016 released on Friday. The annual survey by the Sikh Network, involving 4,500 respondents from across the UK, also found that the community continues to face discrimination and hate crimes. "This report contains the network's findings and is intended to assist government departments, other public bodies and political parties to understand existing trends and developments of the British Sikh community. "19 out of 20 Sikhs reject being described as 'Indian' or 'Asian'; 93.5 per cent of Sikhs would welcome the inclusion of a separate ethnic tick box for Sikhs in the Census 2021; and more than 94 per cent of Sikhs would welcome a Statutory Code of Practice for the five Ks [kesh, kara, kanga, kachha and kirpan] and Sikh turban," the survey concludes. It also highlights some "serious" implications for UK-India relations, with a majority of respondents calling for an "independent public inquiry" into the actions of the UK government in the lead up to and after the June 1984 Operation Blue Star action at Golden Temple in Amritsar. "92 per cent think there should be an independent public inquiry to establish the full facts about UK government involvement in the attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib in 1984," the report says. It says Sikhs in Britain continue to face discrimination and hate crimes with almost one in five having encountered discrimination in a public place over the past year and one in seven directly experiencing workplace discrimination. "Sikhs have remained 'invisible' to the government since 9/11 despite increased levels of discrimination and hate crimes targeting Sikhs. There are many important messages in the report around the unique British Sikh identity; discrimination, hate crime and grooming; education, employment and contribution to society and political activism and representation," Sikh Federation UK said. The report found that Sikhs who wear religious iconography or clothing are most likely to experience abuse, with men in turbans more vulnerable than women. The most common places where discrimination is experiences are airports and public transport. The survey also notes that hate crimes against Sikhs are "wrongly" recorded as Islamophobic incidents by police, leading to a distortion of data. It highlights that Sikhs form one of the most highly educated groups in the UK, with 58 per cent having a degree or equivalent. Unemployment among Sikhs is almost half the general UK jobless rate, with more than one in five self-employed. The UK is home to over 432,000 Sikhs, according to the 2011 census, making up 0.7 per cent of the population. Mohamed Abrini, who became known as the "man in the hat" following the deadly attack on Brussels airport in March, was handed 3,000 pounds by two men in Birmingham before flying to Paris and disappearing, Kingston Crown Court was told on Friday. (Photo: AFP) London: The chief suspect behind terrorist attacks in Brussels and Paris this year received money from a contact in the UK before he flew to France and disappeared, a British court was told on Friday. Mohamed Abrini, who became known as the "man in the hat" following the deadly attack on Brussels airport in March, was handed 3,000 pounds by two men in Birmingham before flying to Paris and disappearing, Kingston Crown Court was told on Friday. He had been sent to collect the money by Abdelhamid Abaaoud, who is suspected of being one of the ringleaders of the attacks across the French capital just months later in which 130 people were killed. "There is no doubt that the money was handed over with the intention of assisting acts of terrorism...Abrini came to collect the money in the UK. The destination would include Syria and specifically Daesh (Islamic State)," prosecutor Max Hill told the court. Zakaria Bouffassil, 26, from Birmingham is currently on trial in Kingston for handing over the cash to Abrini which had been withdrawn from the bank account of Anouar Haddouchi, a Belgian national who had been claiming state-funded welfare benefits while living in the West Midlands with his wife. He was accompanied by Mohamed Ali Ahmed at the meeting point where the cash was handed over to Abrini. Ahmed has already admitted the charge. Hill explained that Haddouchi had left Britain for Syria in the summer of 2014. He told the jury: "His account at times contained some 7,000 pounds or more. The figure fluctuated over time because benefits payments were still going into the account, even though Haddouchi had left the country." The court heard that hours after collecting the money, Abrini visited the Grosvenor Casino in Birmingham where he took a photograph of a gambling machine on his mobile phone. In March this year Abrini was captured on CCTV alongside Ibrahim El Bakraoui and Najim Laachraoui, who detonated bombs hidden in suitcases killing 12 people at Brussels airport. Another 20 people died in an attack on Maalbeek metro station less than two hours later. Jurors were also told he is also wanted by the French authorities in connection with the attacks in Paris last November. Boufassil denies one charge of engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism and the trial continues. Abrini remains in custody in Brussels. Paris: A terror ring was planning to attack Paris on December 1 and had researched sites including a Christmas market and Disneyland outside the capital as potential targets, a police source said on Thursday. Seven suspects were arrested in police raids last weekend in the eastern city of Strasbourg and Marseille in the south following an eight-month investigation by security services, although two were later released. The source said investigators found the suspects had made internet searches on sites including the Christmas market on the prestigious Champs-Elysees avenue, the Disneyland Paris theme park, cafe terraces in the northeast of the capital, the Paris criminal police headquarters and a metro station. Five of the suspects have had their custody extended under legislation covering investigations into an imminent terror attack. One of the men is said to have told investigators that attacks were planned and named the police headquarters in central Paris and the DGSI domestic security department in the northwest of the city as targets. Some members of the group are thought to have taken orders from a Syria-based terrorist. Two handguns, an automatic pistol, a submachine gun and terrorist propaganda were all found during the raids in which they were arrested. France is under a state of emergency that gives security forces enhanced powers of surveillance and arrest, a year after the Paris attacks. Islamist extremists have carried out three large-scale attacks in France since January 2015, when gunmen targeted the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine and a Jewish supermarket. Ten months later, ISIS terrorists massacred 130 people in attacks on the Bataclan concert hall, France's national stadium and a handful of bars and restaurants in eastern Paris. And in July, a self-radicalised extremist ploughed a truck into crowds watching fireworks in the southern city of Nice, killing 86. 'We are the ones who feed 3-3.5 million refugees in this country. You have betrayed your promises,' Erdogan told the EU. Istanbul: Turkey's president on Friday accused the European Union of dishonesty and betrayal, and threatened to remove controls from his country's borders, flooding Europe with hundreds of thousands of asylum-seekers and other migrants. In his first speech since Thursday's approval in the European Parliament of a non-binding resolution calling on the EU to freeze Turkey's membership talks, Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the EU: "We are the ones who feed 3-3.5 million refugees in this country. You have betrayed your promises." He added: "If you go any further those border gates will be opened." He made specific reference to Turkey's main border crossing with EU member Bulgaria. The European Parliament vote was in response to the government's heavy-handed crackdown following a failed coup in July. Opposition parties, rights groups and Turkey's western allies have expressed increasing disapproval of actions that Ankara defends as part of an ongoing war on terror. After more than a million migrants made their way into Europe, mostly through Turkey, last year, Turkey and the EU in March reached an agreement: Turkey would stem the flow of migrants traveling by sea to Greece in return for certain incentives including fast-tracked membership talks, billions of euros in aid for Syrian refugees in Turkey and visa-free travel for Turkish citizens. But the response to the coup has made European nations less keen to negotiate with Turkey, while visa liberalization has hit a hurdle over Turkey's reluctance to change its antiterror laws. During Friday's speech, Erdogan said the money promised also had yet to be delivered. "We have been given 550 million dollars by the United Nations. The European Union promised, but the money it has sent so far is around 700 million. But what have we spent? Up to now we have spent 15 billion dollars." Since the thwarted coup blamed on a network of followers of U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, Turkey has engaged in an unprecedented crackdown, jailing tens of thousands and dismissing or suspending 120,000 people suspected of links to the cleric, It has also shut down more than 170 media outlets, detained more than 140 journalists and sacked elected Kurdish mayors and replaced them with government-appointed trustees. The jihadists are increasingly encircled in the peninsula, with the military razing sections of a town bordering the Palestinian Gaza Strip to create a buffer zone and destroying tunnels there, while setting up checkpoints on routes out. (Representational Image) Cairo: As the Islamic State group loses territory in Iraq and Syria, one of its deadliest branches is struggling against Egypt's powerful army to maintain a foothold in the Sinai Peninsula. The affiliate, known as Sinai Province, has waged a murky war in the north of the peninsula bordering Israel that has killed hundreds of soldiers and policemen. It also claimed the bombing of a Russian airliner carrying holidaymakers from a south Sinai resort in October 2015 that killed all 224 people on board. Egypt's tourism has yet to recover. But Sinai Province has been unable to seize population centres, with one attempt to occupy a town in 2015 ending with the military unleashing F-16 jets against the jihadists. Instead the group has tried to keep up a steady war of attrition involving roadside bombings, sniper fire and checkpoint attacks such as the one on Thursday that killed eight soldiers. The jihadists are increasingly encircled in the peninsula, with the military razing sections of a town bordering the Palestinian Gaza Strip to create a buffer zone and destroying tunnels there, while setting up checkpoints on routes out. "The military's biggest success is that they have been able to contain the insurgency, by and large, to North Sinai," said Jantzen Garnett, an expert on the jihadists with the Navanti Group analytics company. The army had been struggling to quash the insurgency that took off in 2013 after the military ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, unleashing a bloody crackdown on his followers. Short term progress Three years into the insurgency, however, a decisive victory against the jihadists appears distant, as Thursday's attack suggests. "The Egyptian army has made some short-term progress against (Sinai Province) over the past year but the militant group continues to adapt and this progress should not be construed as long-term success," Garnett said. "The military upped up its presence in the Sinai following the July 1 attempt at taking over Sheikh Zuweid," analyst Mokhtar Awad said of the group's attempt to seize the north Sinai town in 2015. The jihadists instead have "doubled down on types of operations focusing on trying to commit terrorist attacks... and focus on planting IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and more sniper attacks," said Awad, a research fellow with George Washington University's Program on Extremism. They have also increased assassinations of officers and kidnappings and executions of suspected informants, in two cases publicly shooting them in the streets of North Sinai's capital El-Arish. The military toll is difficult to verify. The military occasionally announces casualties, such as the eight soldiers killed on Thursday. Other reported casualties are not always disclosed. In November alone, Egyptian media reported on the funerals -- held within a day of the deaths -- of at least 10 military soldiers and officers, not counting the eight killed on Thursday. It is impossible to ascertain the toll among jihadists, who do not disclose their deaths. The military says it has killed hundreds of militants, occasionally publishing pictures of their corpses. Leader killed "It's always murky when it comes to assessing the picture in Sinai due to limits in verification," Awad said. The organisation's hierarchy also remains a mystery. In August, the military announced it had killed the group's top leader in Sinai, identified as Abu Duaa, without providing further details. The moniker "Ansari"-- used by jihadists in Sinai for locals of the peninsula -- suggests he was a Sinai Bedouin. A captured jihadi has said in interrogations that the identity of the group's overall leader in Sinai was unknown and he passed on instructions through a subordinate. Under the leader -- known as a wali, or governor -- responsibilities are divided among militants who command "security," "military affairs," bomb-making and media sections. The media commander is Shadi el-Menei, a well known Bedouin militant, according to the interrogations quoted in sections of a prosecution report seen by AFP. Others are identified by aliases. Menei was a prominent leader of the group's forerunner, Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, before it pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in November 2014, the same year the group proclaimed a "caliphate" straddling Iraq and Syria. Ansar Beit al-Maqdis had evolved from a loose militant group named the Mujahidin Shura Council, which conducted attacks on Israel in the chaotic year following strongman Hosni Mubarak's overthrow in February 2011. The Shura Council had brought together jihadist Palestinian militants from the neighbouring Gaza Strip and local Bedouin veterans of groups that had conducted bombings against tourist resorts between 2004 and 2006. Sajeev Rajan, an electrician in his early forties, belongs to Kollam in Kerala where his wife, two children and ageing parents live. (Photo: Facebook) Dubai: An Indian philanthropist from Oman has given Rs 10 lakh to a jobless compatriot who has been living on the terrace of a building in the UAE for more than eight months without proper food, media report said on Friday. Sajeev Rajan, an electrician in his early forties, belongs to Kollam in Kerala where his wife, two children and ageing parents live. Indian philanthropist from Kerala Dr K T Mohammed Rabeeh Rabeeullah, chairman and managing director of a healthcare conglomerate, came from Muscat and handed over 5,000 dirham (Rs 93,272) to Rajan for immediate relief. He also promised to transfer Rs 10 lakh to his bank account in India, Khaleej Times quoted Rajan's friend Biju as saying. He was left with no other option but to live on the terrace of a building in Ajman city because his employer had refused to return his passport after settling his dues, the paper said. His company officials visited the Indian consulate and agreed to return his passport at the earliest. The Indian mission in the UAE and social workers has come forward with moral and material support for the man. "It is a big relief for me because my pocket is empty. I have not received any money for the past eight months and my travel back home seemed impossible," Rajan said. He spent 236 days on the terrace because he does not have a job or money to get a bed space, the report said. He has been surviving with the generosity of some construction workers and shop owners, it said. "My contract ended on March 11 and I wanted to go home. Working for 900 dirham (Rs 16,761) per month did not meet my expectations," he said. Ranjan alleged that his employer was not ready to relieve him from work and send him back home after clearing his gratuity and leave salary. On March 21, Ranjan was forced to vacate the company accommodation in Ajman. "The employer from Punjab, India, promises to return my passport in front of officials who mediate for my release, but once he leaves their office, he refuses to hand it over to me," he was quoted as saying by the paper. After his plight was highlighted by the paper, several people came forward with offers to buy air tickets, give him a job among others, the report added. The insider attack has also further complicated operations in a country where the Afghan Taliban, al Qaeda and, more recently, a local offshoot of ISIS, are inflicting heavy casualties and making more territory unsafe. (Photo: AFP) Bagram, Afghanistan: In the year before Qari Naib blew himself up on November 12 inside a NATO base near Kabul killing four Americans, Afghan intelligence warned the US military at least twice that a worker could be planning an attack, government and security officials said. The Afghan officials also said they repeatedly asked Western forces to share information about local employees at the vast Bagram air base in order to check for "suspicious people among them", but were refused. When asked about the information sharing, NATO spokesman Captain William Salvin said NATO forces "routinely partner with ANDSF (Afghan National Defence and Security Forces) on all elements of security, to include information sharing. "We maintain a strong, day-to-day working relationship with our Afghan counterparts but due to operational security we do not get into specifics about what is shared." According to Afghan authorities, the US military was cooperating closely now. "After this attack, American forces have agreed to share that information about their Afghan workers with us," said Wahid Sediqqi, the governor's spokesman for Parwan province where the sprawling, heavily fortified base is located. Authorities subsequently discovered that Naib, a known Taliban militant before undergoing a government de-radicalisation programme, was using a fake name, Qari Enayat, at work. Many intelligence leads turn out to be false and it is not clear whether better coordination would have unearthed Naib's true intentions in time to prevent him killing two US soldiers and two contractors and wounding at least 15 others, in one of the worst assaults on US forces for years. But the first attack inside one of NATO's most secure bases has raised questions about Western forces' screening of local workers and about programmes designed to reintegrate insurgents into society. The insider attack has also further complicated operations in a country where the Afghan Taliban, al Qaeda and, more recently, a local offshoot of ISIS, are inflicting heavy casualties and making more territory unsafe. Since the Bagram attack, the base has been in near-lockdown, with few Afghan workers now permitted inside. Only 200 of an estimated 3,000 Afghans are believed to be allowed to return to work for now, police in Bagram said. Success story Until Nov. 12, Naib would have been seen as a success story for Afghanistan, which has tried to turn militants away from the stubborn insurgency that is bent on toppling the government and ridding the country of foreign troops. "He was a former Taliban ... working inside the base for a long time, gained their trust, and based on that trust he carried out this attack," said Sediqqi. In early 2012, after signing up for the reintegration programme, Naib enrolled in a nine-month course at the Korean Vocational Training Center inside Bagram base, learning English, computer skills and how to fix cars. Like most students at the centre, Naib was offered a job straight away. After going through security checks, including finger prints and biometrics to make sure he was not involved in past crimes, Naib started working for Texas-based Fluor Corp as a car mechanic at the base, members of his family told Reuters on a recent visit to his modest home a short walk from the base. Fluor Corp. said he was hired by one of its subcontractors. "Fluor does not directly employ Afghans at Bagram," the company said. "Furthermore, screening and vetting of employees follows a process prescribed by the U.S. government. We follow this process and require our subcontractors to do the same." Naib, who was in his mid-20s, worked the night shift from 5 p.m. to 6 am, originally earning around 20,000 afghanis ($300) a month. In March, he received a pay rise bringing his monthly salary to 30,000, his mother, Gulalai, said. According to his family, his supervisor was "very happy" with Naib and trusted him, giving him food and drinks to take home to his parents and four siblings, whom he alone supported. On November 11, the evening before the attack, Naib left the house for work at 4 p.m. as usual, and "a loud explosion" was heard the next morning, Gulalai recalled, speaking in her dead son's room. She also urged authorities to release his body so that he could be buried. US and NATO officials are investigating how Naib was able to breach the base's rings of security, which include numerous checkpoints and body scanners. Afghan police have detained Naib's father and a cousin as part of their investigation into the attack. Previous suspect The Afghan Taliban claimed responsibility soon after the bombing, saying the assailant was one of their fighters and that they had been planning it for four months. A spokesman declined to discuss Naib's case further. It is not known why or when the soft-spoken mechanic rejoined the Taliban, or if he ever really left. Bagram base, protected by concrete barriers and barbed wire fences and home to around 14,000 coalition soldiers and contractors, has come under attack before, mainly from rockets launched by militants outside, but never from within. Five years ago, Naib had been a suspect in one of those rocket attacks, Afghan security officials said, forcing him to go into hiding for days to avoid arrest. But the authorities never found any evidence linking him to the crime, and his mother said he was innocent. "My son was an angel at heart. He was not guilty at all," Gulalai said. To clear his name and prevent future police harassment, village elders recommended that Naib join a reintegration programme that promised education and jobs. Around 11,000 militants have joined such schemes, but it is unclear how many remain peaceful. A US government watchdog recently said the programmes had not led to a "significant diminishment of the military capacity of armed opposition." The government has documented 154 participants that have returned to fighting, but officials privately say the actual number is much higher. Some Afghans remain wary of American involvement in their country, and, while opposing militant violence, see foreign troops as a part of the problem, not a solution to it. "Even if he has blown himself up, he has killed and wounded Americans," said a relative of Naib, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter. "He has not hurt any Afghans." Northwestern Program Responds To 'Hateful,' Racist Vandalism Of Evanston Library Books By Rachel Cromidas in News on Nov 25, 2016 6:19PM Northwestern University's Middle Eastern studies program is decrying the "hateful" vandalism of Evanston Public Library books about Islam. The vandalism was discovered earlier this week when the program, known as MENA, hosted one of a series of collaborative events on Islam and history with the library. The Monday lecture was titled "Is the Quran a 'good book?'" and hosted by Yale professor Zareena Grewal. In a statement, MENA Director Brian Edwards described the library and police response to what happened in more detail, and how the racist defacements affect his community. Edwards writes that it is still unclear to police investigating the crime whether it was motivated by the university-sponsored lecture and when exactly it happened, but it was likely sometime earlier this month. The books were defaced with "Swastikas, the n word, and homophobic slurs against the Muslim Prophet," he wrote. He said community members have reacted with a mixture of sadness and surprise, in part because of Evanston's reputation as a liberal small city just north of Chicago. "On behalf of MENA: Middle East and North African Studies at Northwestern University, I denounce these acts of hatred by an anonymous perpetrator. They are hurtful to all members of our community, whatever their religion," Edwards writes. "The use of the swastika recalls the extermination of 6 million Jews during the Holocaust, the persecution of homosexuals by the Nazis, and the racial violence against African Americans under the name of White Nationalism, which has adopted the iconography of the Nazis." Edwards speculates that the incident has garnered local and national attention in part because of the presidential election: "Part of what propelled the story, undoubtedly, is that it took place in the context of a spate of racially-inflected violence and intimidation against Muslims and other ethnic, racial, and religious minorities in the wake of the presidential election two weeks ago." "In the last two weeks, hate speech and crimes have escalated dramatically, both locally and nationally," Edwards says. "According to FBI statistics, and as reported widely, hate crimes against Muslims in America surged 67 percent during 2015. On the very day of our event, the Pew Research Center reported that anti-Muslim assaults had reached 9/11-era levels." The full statement: Jerusalem: Israeli police said on Friday they had arrested 12 people on suspicion of arson after massive wildfires tore through central and northern Israel, forcing the evacuation of about 80,000 people in the city of Haifa and destroying hundreds of homes. Firefighters kept battling the flames in wooded hills around Jerusalem and in northern areas on Friday, with support from Palestinian firemen and emergency teams from Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, Russia and Turkey. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had also accepted offers of help from Egypt and Jordan. Netanyahu said arson appeared to be responsible for some fires and accused those behind them of terrorism. Unseasonably dry weather and easterly winds helped kindle the conflagration, which started on Tuesday and stretches across half the country. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said a dozen people had been detained either while attempting to set fires or fleeing the area, but he provided no further details. Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan said they were "minorities", an allusion to either Arab Israeli citizens or Palestinians. "The highest likelihood is that the motive is nationalistic," Erdan told Army Radio. The fires are the biggest in the country since 2010, when 44 people were killed in a killed in a massive blaze in the north. Investigators concluded that fire was caused by negligence. Education Minister Naftali Bennett, leader of a far-right party, said on Thursday the fires could not have been started by Jews and on Friday blamed them on "nationalist terrorists", a reference in Israel to Palestinians. "There is no coincidental 'wave of fires'," he wrote on Twitter. "There is a nationalist terrorist wave by fire terrorists meant to murder civilians and cause fright." There has been no official response from Palestinian leaders. But Ayman Odeh, a leading Israeli Arab politician from Haifa, rejected the suggestion Arabs were responsible for arson attacks and accused the Israeli government of taking advantage of the situation to incite against the Arab minority. Nearly a third of the residents of Haifa, a coastal city of around 250,000 people, including a large Arab population, spent the night in shelters and nearby towns and villages after being ordered to leave on Thursday in the face of walls of flame. Smoke billowed over the city on Friday morning as firefighters worked to douse the remaining fires. City officials said the situation was under control but that at least 700 homes had been badly damaged or destroyed. Israel's chief of police said on Thursday people may have decided to start fires after seeing the trouble they were causing. "We're in an area where if someone sees on the news there is an opportunity, he can take advantage of the opportunity," said Roni Alsheich. An Israeli army spokeswoman said forces had arrested a Palestinian man caught trying to set a fire near the Israeli settlement of Kochav Yaakov in the occupied West Bank. Footage aired on Israeli television showed three people setting a fire in an open area near the West Bank settlement of Ariel. Police said one man from the Bedouin village of Rahat in southern Israel had been arrested for incitement after he posted a message on his Facebook page calling on others to start fires. Palestinians seek an independent state in territories including the West Bank that Israel took in a 1967 war. The last round of peace talks collapsed in 2014. Civilians search for survivors in the rubble at the scene of a suicide bomb attack near the city of Hilla that killed over 100 people. (Photo: AP) Baghdad: A suicide truck bomb killed about 73 people, most of them Iranian Shi'ite pilgrims, at a petrol station in the city of Hilla 100 km (62 miles) south of Baghdad on Thursday, police and medical sources said. Islamic State (IS), the ultra hardline Sunni militant group that considers all Shi'ites to be apostates, claimed responsibility the attack in an online statement. The group is also fighting off a US-backed offensive on its stronghold Mosul, in northern Iraq, in which Iranian-trained Shi'ite militias are taking part. The pilgrims were en route back to Iran from the Iraqi Shi'ite holy city of Karbala, where they had commemorated Arbaeen, the 40th day of mourning for the killing of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century AD, the medical sources said. The gas station has a restaurant in its premises that is popular with travellers. Five pilgrim buses were torched by the force of the blast from the explosives-laden truck, a police official said. Islamic State has intensified attacks over the past month in areas out of its control in efforts to weaken the offensive launched on Oct. 17 to retake Mosul, the last major city under IS control in Iraq. Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack without giving a casualties toll. Tehran will continue to support Iraq's ''relentless fight against terrorism," ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency. India's Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae said this at a talk programme on 'The Indian Constitution' organised in Kathmandu to commemorate the 125th Birth Anniversary of B R Ambedkar. (Photo: Embassy of India, Nepal) Kathmandu: With Nepal mulling to amend its constitution, India on Friday said aspirations of people should be incorporated in a constitution to make it widely accepted and long-lasting. India's Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae said this at a talk programme on 'The Indian Constitution' organised in Kathmandu to commemorate the 125th Birth Anniversary of B R Ambedkar. During the symposium, a host of speakers shed light on the important role played by Ambedkar in framing the constitution 67 years ago. "Ambedkar is not only the constitution maker of India, he is also the source of great inspiration for the people all over the world for his ideas of inclusion and equality among people," said India's Ambassador to Nepal, Ranjit Rae. "Aspirations of the people should be incorporated for a constitution to be widely accepted and long-lasting," he pointed out. Seeking to end the political crisis over the new statute, Nepal government is set to table a Constitution amendment proposal in parliament, with Prime Minister Prachanda planning to split a province to meet the demands of agitating parties, including Madhesis. Re-demarcation of the provincial boundary and citizenship issue are the two major demands put forth by the agitating Madhesi parties. The minority, mostly of Indian-origin, has led months-long violent protest seeking better representation in the Parliament and the federal structure of the Constitution that divides their ancestral homeland. The talk programme on Indian Constitution was organised by the Indian embassy in association with BP Koirala India-Nepal Foundation (BPKF) and the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC). Law and Justice Minister Ajay Shankar Nayak, said "Ambedkar is the symbol of democracy, justice, equality and liberty." The Constitution crafted by Ambedkar is the key to national integrity of India, he said, adding "He is not only an icon of democracy, rule of law and social justice but also remain inspiration to all across the world." The Constitution should be flexible and accommodative to new and changing aspirations of the people, said former justice of Supreme Court Girirsh Chandra Lal. He underlined the need for effective implementation of the Constitution to become a successful document. Islamabad: Indian "belligerence" is a threat to regional peace and can lead to "strategic miscalculation", Pakistan on Friday told the envoys of the P5 countries in Islamabad while briefing them over alleged "ceasefire violations" by India. Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz briefed the heads of missions of the P5 -- the US, China, Russia, the UK and France -- on the "continued unprovoked ceasefire violations" by Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary (WB), the Foreign Office in Islamabad said. Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said in a statement that representatives of China, France, Russian Federation, the UK and the US were briefed at the foreign ministry. Aziz stated that the Indian "belligerence" is a threat to the regional peace and security and can lead to a strategic miscalculation, which would be disastrous for the region, the Foreign Office said. The Adviser strongly condemned the "reprehensible attack on the civilian bus in the Neelum Valley on November 23 in complete violation of the 2003 ceasefire understanding and international law, especially the international humanitarian law," the statement said. "The Indian forces also fired upon the ambulances that had come to rescue the injured people from the site of the attack. The deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is condemnable and deplorable and must be investigated," Aziz was quoted as saying. Aziz referred to persistent "ceasefire violations" by India, especially during the last two months which he claimed had resulted in the loss of more than 45 civilian lives and caused injuries to more than 139 others along the LoC and WB in an effort to divert international attention from the continuing "human rights violations in the Kashmir". Aziz has also addressed letters to the Foreign Ministers of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, on the escalation along the LoC and Indian ceasefire violations, the Foreign Office in Islamabad said. Copies of these letters were also handed over to the heads of missions, it said. Aziz called on the permanent members of the UN Security Council to play a crucial role in maintaining global peace and security and urge India to immediately put an end to the "escalation and bloodshed" at the LoC, it added. A small amount of alcohol a day could reduce the risk of the most common type of stroke, Cambridge University researchers claimed today. The study of 20,000 adults found that up to three units of alcohol a day appeared to reduce the risk of an ischaemic stroke, where the blood supply is stopped due to a blood clot. These account for 85 per cent of all cases in the UK. However, the research by scientists at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and University of Cambridge in the UK warned that heavier drinking of any type of alcohol increased the risks of all types of strokes. "Previous research has found an association between alcohol consumption and lower levels of fibrinogen a protein in the body which helps the formation of blood clots. "While this may explain the association between light to moderate alcohol consumption and lower ischemic stroke risk, the adverse effect of alcohol consumption on blood pressure a major risk factor for stroke may increase the risk of haemorrhagic stroke and outweigh any potential benefit," explained Dr Susanna Larsson, lead author of the paper. According to the latest research, people were 10 per cent less likely to suffer an ischaemic stroke if they had up to one drink a day and eight per cent less likely if they had one or two drinks. "Whether light-to-moderate alcohol consumption, generally defined as one to two drinks per day, is protective against cardiovascular disease remains a controversial topic. "Alcohol consumption in moderation has been associated with increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased levels of fibrinogen and inflammatory markers," Dr Larsson at the Karolinska Institutet said. Heavy drinking is linked with an increased risk, rising from eight per cent higher for two to four drinks a day to 14 per cent higher for more than four, according to the research published in the journal BMC Medicine. An army jawan and two militants were killed in an encounter in north Kashmir's Bandipora district today. The encounter broke out between security forces and militants in Naidkhai area of Bandipora after security forces launched a search operation following specific intelligence inputs, an army official said. He said two militants were killed in the encounter, while an army jawan also lost his life. The identity and group affiliation of the slain militants is being ascertained, he said. Meanwhile, the official said, another encounter broke out between militants and security forces in Sopore area of Baramulla district. A search operation was launched in Tujjar village of Sopore after specific intelligence inputs about the presence of militants in the area, the official said. He said as the forces were conducting the search operation, the militants fired upon them, triggering an encounter. Further details of the operation are awaited, the official said. Donald Trump will have to embrace "unilateralism" against Pakistan as President Barack Obama did when it hunt down Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, a former Pakistani diplomat has said, arguing that USD 33 billion of US funding has failed to change Islamabad's policy on terrorism. Husain Haqqani, a former Pakistan ambassador to the US, also predicted that the Trump administration, which takes over in January, will downgrade Pakistan from its current status of a "major non-NATO ally". "For the generals in Islamabad, and many civilian leaders, Pakistan's competition with India justifies breaking promises with the US and continuing support for jihadist terrorism, from the Taliban to the Haqqani network, as part of its plans for regional influence to match India's," he wrote in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal yesterday. "So USD 21 billion in funding under the Obama administration could not change Pakistan, just as USD 12.4 billion given to Pakistan under the Bush administration failed to shut down its terrorism incubators," he wrote. "(But) under President Obama, the US did manage to hunt down Osama bin Laden in his safe house in Pakistan, without Pakistan's permission. The Trump administration will have to embrace similar unilateralism if and when needed, in addition to the almost inevitable downgrading of Pakistan from its current status as a major non-NATO ally," Haqqani said. Osama was killed less than a mile from Pakistan's elite military academy in Abbottabad in a dramatic raid by US Navy Seals on May 2, 2011. The US conducted the highly secret operation unilaterally, without informing Pakistan government. When contacted by the PTI for clarification on his op-ed, Haqqani said, "I am predicting that the Trump administration will probably downgrade Pakistan from the status of major non-NATO ally." Haqqani, the director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute in Washington, also said that getting the Pakistan policy right including a review of the predicates for any aid remains the key to US victory in Afghanistan. Until the rise of Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan were the principal training grounds for Islamist terrorists, the former Pakistani diplomat said, citing almost all of al-Qaeda terrorists convicted in Britain since 2001, including the July 7, 2005, London Underground bombers and Dhiren Barot - the so-called "Dirty Bomber" - were trained in Pakistan. He said the rise of global jihadism was made possible by America's pre-occupation with current news while the Soviet bloc crumbled during the first couple of years of the 1990s. "This time, the US should not ignore the Afghanistan- Pakistan theater because the brutalities of ISIS, and its proximity to Europe, are the immediate cause of concern," he said. When Bishnu Pandey, a Nepali migrant working in India, returned home two weeks ago, he had hoped to clear a loan taken by his family to rebuild its village home with his savings. But the 35-year-old New Delhi restaurant worker had his dreams shattered after the bank refused to exchange cash worth $440 because of a crackdown on "black money" ordered by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The shock announcement to ban 500 and 1,000 rupee bills - worth $7.50 and $15 - seeks to flush out billions of dollars in unaccounted wealth and hit the finances of militants suspected of using fake currency to fund operations. "I don't think I am the target but I became a victim," Pandey told Reuters outside a bank branch in Kathmandu, showing stacks of the old Indian notes that are no longer legal tender. "I have no money now to return to work and I have no way to pay back the family debt," he said, referring to $275 his father borrowed to repair his house damaged in earthquakes last year that killed 9,000 people and destroyed nearly one million homes. The tall, lanky Pandey, from Naubise village in Dhading district, 24 km (15 miles) from Kathmandu, is one of hundreds of thousands in the desperately poor Himalayan country hit by the currency ban announced two weeks ago. Families of migrants like Pandey, students seeking admissions in Indian colleges, those seeking medical treatment, pilgrims and those visiting families across the open border have all been hit. Unlike people in India, they can't deposit or swap old notes at banks that will accept them until Dec. 30. Pashupati Murarka, chief of the Federation of the Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), estimates that dud banknotes worth as much as 10 billion Indian rupees ($146 million) may be held by individuals and the informal sector. Nara Bahadur Thapa, an official at the central bank, said Nepal received 70 billion rupees ($640 million) in remittances from migrant workers in India every year. Thousands of Gurkha soldiers retired from the Indian army also get their pensions paid in the Indian currency. Nepali Prime Minister Prachanda, a former Maoist rebel commander, spoke to Modi over phone last week seeking arrangements for the exchange of Indian cash held in Nepal, his aides said. A united Opposition today sought an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for calling them "supporters of blackmoney, as they forced two adjournments of proceedings in Rajya Sabha till afternoon. Congress, BSP and TMC members rushed into the Well of the House shouting slogans demanding an apology from the Prime Minister for his remarks, while the ruling benches matched them with slogans praising of Modi, creating a pandemonium forcing Deputy Chairman P J Kurien to adjourn the proceedings till noon. When the House met again, similar scenes continued forcing another adjournment till 1430 hours. Immediately after the House mourned the death of its former member Dipen Ghosh, Mayawati (BSP) was up on her feet saying the Prime Minister had this morning "wrongly accused opposition of holding blackmoney" and demanded that he should apologise for his remarks. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said when it was made very clear by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and others during debate on demonetisation yesterday that the opposition is against blackmoney, how can Modi make such allegations. "How can Prime Minister level such an allegation... we are against blackmoney. Prime Minister must apologise," he said as Congress and other opposition members trooped into the Well of House, raising slogans like "Pradhan Mantri maafi mango (Prime Minister apologise)." Amid the din, Kurien got the listed papers laid. He said a notice under rule 267 seeking suspension of business to take up discussion on ban on 500 and 1000 rupee notes has been received from Azad. "I am ready to admit that motion provided you are ready for discussion," he said. Azad said his notice was conditional upon the Prime Minister coming to the House and listening to the entire debate and replying to it. He said when Modi had yesterday come to Rajya Sabha, "I had on behalf of the entire opposition welcomed him" and also asked whether he had come to participate in the demonetisation debate or in the Question Hour. Kurien said it had been clarified yesterday by Leader of the House Arun Jaitley that the Prime Minister will come and intervene in the debate. But Azad disagreed, saying "we were promised that Prime Minister will be in the House till the debate is over" but Modi did not return after lunch hour. "Prime Minister says opposition is favouring blackmoney. This is an insult of the House and of the Opposition. When we have said we are against blackmoney, when the entire Opposition has said the same, how can he say that. Prime Minister should apologise," he said. Mayawati said Modi has stated that if opposition was given 72 hours before demonetising high denomination currency, they should not have opposed him and instead praised him. Painting the entire Opposition as those blackmoney is a lie, she said, adding that the Prime Minister has to apologise for his remarks. Sharad Yadav (JD-U) said Modi has levelled a serious allegation and should apologise. Ramgopal Yadav (SP) said there could not be anything more shameful than the Prime Minister alleging that the entire Opposition was a supporter of blackmoney. Derek O'Brien (TMC) said there was a good debate yesterday where everyone had opposed blackmoney. And the now Prime Minister is saying "he is a saint and we are all devils", he said, also demanding an apology from Modi. Kurien tried to reason with members for starting a debate but the Opposition members shouted slogans demanding an apology from Prime Minister. BJP members too countered them by raising slogans supporting Modi. As the pandemonium continued, Kurien adjourned the proceedings till noon. When the House reassembled at noon and Chairman Hamid Ansari called the first question of the day, Congress members objected to taking up the Question Hour. Leader of the Opposition Azad again referred to the remarks of the Prime Minister during the book release function earlier in the day. "(The Prime Minister) levelled serious allegations on the entire Opposition. Opposition MPs are in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha...(MLAs and MLCs in) state assemblies," he said, adding that the Opposition cannot remain silent when serious allegations are levelled against them. Azad said the Prime Minister has levelled allegation that opposition favoured blackmoney holders. "The Prime Minister should apologise," he said. Amid the din, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi was heard saying that there was no question of apology from the Prime Minister, instead the Opposition should tender an apology. In the meantime, Congress members trooped into the Well of the House. Some BJP members were standing in the aisle as Congress members shouted "Pradhan Mantri maafi mango". As the uproar continued, Chair adourned the House till 1430 hours. In June this year, the Beijing-based media company Golden Tara started shooting the film adaptation of the Tibetan epic, King Gesar. This RMB 500 million production is expected to reconstruct the exploits of the ancient hero through thrilling special effects and mesmerizing scenes that could rival the likes of The Lord of the Rings and Troy. Airing Brings More Publicity King Gesar, dating back to the 11th century, is a lengthy Tibetan epic poem performed in the form of storytelling and singing. It was inscribed by UNESCO as a world intangible cultural heritage in 2009 and enjoys world fame as the "Homeric hymn of the East." A painting of King Gesar. With backing from the China Cultural Heritage Foundation and China Thangkas Culture Research Center, Beijing Golden Tara Film Co., Ltd is now working on a film about the legendary Tibetan hero. To bring a work that has been passed down orally for centuries to the silver screen to be viewed by billions of people globally is "an effective method to promote Chinese culture nationwide and worldwide," according to Golden Tara President Deyang. The longest epic in the world, King Gesar is about the hero's combat with demons to free the oppressed and rescue his mother and wife from hell. Studies of the work constitute an independent sector of Tibetology Gesarology whose researchers are found worldwide. A mounted Tibetan Opera play about King Gesar in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. Written using more than 20 million characters over 120-plus volumes, King Gesar is longer than all world-renowned epics combined. Such a size is challenging for a film adaptation that normally runs for a couple of hours. It is, however, the life ambition of Jampel Gyatso, an ethnic literature researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and a Gesarological expert. According to Jampel Gyatso, the Chinese government has invested huge human and financial resources to preserve this oral Tibetan cultural heritage over the past decades. To date more than five million copies of King Gesar have been printed, enough for one copy for every Tibetan in China. It is the shared belief of Deyang and Jampel Gyatso that a splendid cultural heritage like King Gesar should be shared by all humankind and not restricted to one ethnic group. As a leading figure in the study of the epic and China's first Tibetan professor for doctoral programs, Jampel Gyatso took a major role in the planning and production of the upcoming film. "Movies can to certain extent overcome language barriers, and they are, therefore, one of the best media to introduce Chinese culture to the world," said Deyang. Despite the remarkable progress China has made in the research of King Gesar over the past years, the country lags behind the U.S. and Europe in retrofitting ancient epics into various art forms to fully tap their cultural significance, said Jampel Gyatso. There is a huge market for epic movies. Many ancient stories such as those by Homer and Indian epics have been rendered into film, TV series, and other art forms that are well received. The 2003 Hollywood blockbuster Troy, loosely based on The Iliad, was viewed by hundreds of millions of people globally, and was among the highest grossing films of 2004. Hot on its heels came Der Ring des Nibelungen and Beowulf. The three made a big splash on the international film market. But in China not a single indigenous saga has made it to the big screen. The Sertar Tibetan Opera Troupe. When Jampel Gyatso studied at Harvard as a visiting scholar over a decade ago, someone there suggested to him that China made a film of King Gesar. In his later visits to India he was impressed that its prolific film industry had produced three or four films based on Indian ancient epic poems The Ramayama and The Mahabharat. These experiences enhanced his desire to bring the Tibetan saga to the silver screen. "All the four classical novels of Chinese literature have now had film and TV adaptations. King Gesar must join the club and in doing so, highlight the fact that China is a big family of different ethnic groups," said Jampel Gyatso. He hopes that the film he is working on will run for the Academy Awards, which have seldom been won by Chinese filmmakers. A theatre actress has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Lahore, the capital of Pakistan's Punjab province. Kismat Baig was returning to her house after performing at a stage play when gunmen riding a car and a motorcycle intercepted her and opened fire at her last evening, police said. She was shot eleven times in her legs, stomach and hands. Baig and her driver were rushed to the Services Hospital where she died because of profuse bleeding, police said. Her driver's condition is reported to be stable. Police suspect that her 'estranged lover' may be behind her murder.Investigating Officer Asghar Husain told reporters that it was a target killing."The attackers were waiting outside the theater and when she left for home they chased her," he said. "Kismat now you will not be able to dance," one of the gunmen said after spraying bullets on her legs, according to her driver. "Baig was targeted twice in the past by gunmen but escaped unhurt. Initial investigation reveals that she had relations with an industrialist of Faisalabad city. We will summon the industrialist and some family members of Kismat for interrogation and soon will reach the murderer," Husain said. Her mother said the family had no enmity with anyone. The family also held demonstration on the Canal Road to protest against the murder. They sought arrest of the 'goons' involved in the killing of Kismat at earliest. In September, a television host of local news channel Abb Takk was allegedly poisoned by a 'fan'. The host of Khufia programme, Sana Faisal, was allegedly approached by a 'fan' in Karachi who asked her for a selfie and an autograph. The fan also reportedly gave Faisal ice cream. Faisal ate the ice cream and was hospitalised and was believed to have been poisoned by the fan. Several stage actresses - Nadra, Nagu, Yasmin, Naina, Nagina, Marvi, Karishma, Sangam and Arzo - of Lahore and Multan had been killed in the past either by their estranged lovers or over enmity issue. Israel has accused France of aiding a boycott of the Jewish state, after Paris announced new guidelines for labelling goods from settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. France published the guidelines late yesterday on enforcing European Union regulations on labelling goods from the West Bank and east Jerusalem, which the international community considers occupied Palestinian land, as well as the Golan Heights which Israel seized from Syria in 1967. "Under international law the Golan Heights and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are not part of Israel," it said. As such, it said labelling goods as just from the West Bank or Golan Heights without more details was "not acceptable." Goods must be labelled as coming from an "Israeli settlement" when that is the case, to avoid "the risk of misleading the consumer," it added. It comes a year after the European Union backed the labelling of products from Israeli settlements. "(Israel) regrets that France, which actually has a law against boycotts, is advancing measures that can be interpreted as encouraging radical elements and the movement to boycott Israel," an Israeli foreign ministry statement said. It accused France of a "double standard" by focusing on Israel and "ignoring the other 200 territorial disputes around the world." Seven school children were among nine people injured today when an axe wielding disgruntled man went on a stabbing spree in northwestern China, in the latest such incident of mass attack by disgruntled people. Lei Mingyue, 58, attacked the students, five first-graders and two third-graders, with an axe at around 11:40 AM at an after-school care centrer in Hantai District of Hanzhong City in China's Shaanxi Province, police said. The students, all from Beiguan Primary School, were waiting in line for lunch when the attack happened, the state- run Xinhua news agency quoted a police officer as saying. Two passersby were also injured when Lei was running away, he said. All the injured are receiving treatment in hospitals. Police later caught Lei, who confessed that he carried out the attack as "revenge on society" following two previous arrests in Beijing and Shaanxi for theft. Attacks by disgruntled people periodically takes place all over China. Many targets children as they are soft targets. PTI KJV CPS ZH 11251649 Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM), led by rebel RSS leader Subhash Velingkar, and Shiv Sena today formally sealed their alliance to take on the ruling BJP in upcoming Legislative Assembly elections in the state. This is the first time that Uddhav Thackeray-led party is fighting Goa polls in an alliance with local party. Sena, a key constituent of NDA, is the oldest ally of BJP and also a junior partner in Centre and Maharashtra governments. The announcement for the tie-up was made by Sena MP Sanjay Raut and GSM president Anand Shirodkar. "Five seats would be contested by Shiv Sena, where we will whole-heartedly support them. The alliance is formed as both the political parties are like-minded and have welfare of Goa at their heart," Shirodkar told reporters today. Sena would field its candidates on Pernem, Thivim, Saligao, Cuncolim and Vasco constituencies, all represented by BJP legislators, out of total 40 seats. Goa will go to polls next year. Shirodkar said the GSM-Shiv Sena combine is still open for alliance with Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP). "We are still waiting to know the mind of MGP. GSM's core committee has given a deadline till November 30 for MGP members to decide and revert," he said. GSM is yet to decide on number of seats it will contest in its maiden election. Meanwhile, GSM announced its alliance with newly-formed Praja Party, though contours like seat-sharing are yet to be worked out. Velingkar had floated GSM after the BJP refused to heed the demand of Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) to withdraw grants to English medium schools in Goa. BBSM has been demanding that local language should be made as the Medium of Instruction (MoI) in elementary education across Goa. Sena had given its in-principle approval to forge a pre- poll alliance with GSM after party president Uddhav and Velingkar held a meeting at a five-star resort near here last month. Pakistan is ready for a dialogue with India on the condition that Kashmir dispute is part of it, Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told Parliament today, ahead of his visit to Amritsar for a conference on Afghanistan. Speaking in the National Assembly during a debate on the LoC situation, Aziz said Pakistan is fully capable to defend its border and will not accept any "Indian influence or hegemony" under any circumstances. "We are ready for dialogue with India on the condition that Kashmir dispute is also included in it," he said. Aziz, will be travelling to Amritsar next week to attend the Heart of Asia Conference. On the diplomatic front, Aziz said Pakistan is forcefully raising the Kashmir dispute at all international forums. "Pakistan will continue to support the Kashmiris right to self-determination which is totally indigenous and led by the Kashmiri youth," he said. "We would continue extending political, diplomatic and moral support to them (Kashmiris) on international and bilateral forums," he said. Aziz asserted that Pakistan will give a befitting response to any Indian "aggression". He claimed that India is "heating up the situation" on the Line of Control to deflect attention from its "atrocities" in Kashmir. Aziz said Pakistan has written letters to the Foreign Ministers of P-5 countries to apprise them about alleged Indian "aggression" on the civilians. He claimed Pakistan has never targeted civilians but the Indian side is "deliberately" targeting them. Aziz said Pakistan, however, will continue to pursue the policy of peaceful neighbourhood. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in his remarks, said Pakistan's armed forces are fully prepared to defend the country. Khawaja claimed that several "movements for independence" were going on in India and it cannot afford the "success of Kashmir freedom movement" as it will be the end of that country. "If the Kashmir movement reaches its logical conclusion, the other movements there will also achieve success. This will be the undoing of Indian state," he said. Asif also alleged that India was supporting terrorism in Pakistan. "We have unambiguous evidence about Indian interference in our territory and dossiers in this regard have been presented before the world community," he said. Several other lawmakers from treasury and opposition benches took part in the debate. They criticised India for what they called "blatant violation of human rights in Kashmir and violation of ceasefire on the LoC." The opposition also criticised the Pakistan government for allegedly failing to respond in kind to Indian firing across the LoC and failure to highlight the Kashmir issue on international fora. Indian "belligerence" is a threat to regional peace and can lead to "strategic miscalculation", Pakistan today told the envoys of the P5 countries here while briefing them over alleged "ceasefire violations" by India. Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz briefed the heads of missions of the P5 -- the US, China, Russia, the UK and France -- on the "continued unprovoked ceasefire violations" by Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary (WB), the Foreign Office here said. Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said in a statement that representatives of China, France, Russian Federation, the UK and the US were briefed at the foreign ministry. Aziz stated that the Indian "belligerence" is a threat to the regional peace and security and can lead to a strategic miscalculation, which would be disastrous for the region, the Foreign Office said. The Adviser strongly condemned the "reprehensible attack on the civilian bus in the Neelum Valley on November 23 in complete violation of the 2003 ceasefire understanding and international law, especially the international humanitarian law," the statement said. "The Indian forces also fired upon the ambulances that had come to rescue the injured people from the site of the attack. The deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is condemnable and deplorable and must be investigated," Aziz was quoted as saying. Aziz referred to persistent "ceasefire violations" by India, especially during the last two months which he claimed had resulted in the loss of more than 45 civilian lives and caused injuries to more than 139 others along the LoC and WB in an effort to divert international attention from the continuing "human rights violations in the Kashmir". Aziz has also addressed letters to the Foreign Ministers of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, on the escalation along the LoC and Indian ceasefire violations, the Foreign Office here said. Copies of these letters were also handed over to the heads of missions, it said. Aziz called on the permanent members of the UN Security Council to play a crucial role in maintaining global peace and security and urge India to immediately put an end to the "escalation and bloodshed" at the LoC, it added. Particularly shocking is Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyis silence. While the military controls defence, home affairs and border affairs and continues to wield enormous power, Myanmar has a civilian government today, the NLD is in power and Suu Kyi is the countrys de facto leader. Not only has she has not reined in the military over its violence against the Rohingya but also she has adopted the militarys description of them as illegal migrants from Bangladesh. This is dangerous as she is legitimising the exclusion of the Rohingyas. It is likely that Suu Kyi is keen to avoid confrontation with the milita-ry. Myanmars democracy is in a nascent stage and it is possible that she does not want to risk drawing the generals ire. However, her ostrich-like approach to Rakhines ethnic cleansing is weakening democracy in Myanmar. Myanmars democracy cannot grow so long as minorities are denied rights. A wave of Burman-Buddhist nationalism is sweeping the country. It is not a progressive one as it thrives on hate of the oth-er. This destructive nationalism could consume Myanmar. Suu Kyis silence, while a section of her people burn, is unconscionable. A person of her stature should be providing moral leadership and steering her people in the right direction, not going with the flow as it is more convenient. A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Myanmar. Thousands of Rohingyas are fleeing systematic violence being unleashed by the Myanmar military. The immediate spark for the military crackdown is an attack on border police that killed nine. The police blamed Rohingya militants and since then, violence against the Rohingyas has escalated. It is a matter of concern that rather than arresting those who carried out the attack, the Myanmar military is engaged in collective punishment of the Rohin-gya people. Entire villages have been burnt down. A senior UN official has described the violence as ethnic cleansing - the Myanmar military is seeking to rid Rakhine of the Rohingyas and to this end is systematically wiping out the community. Two years ago, the Human Rights Watch wa-rned that violence amounting to crimes against humanity is being unleashed on them. The Rohingyas are a nowhere people; they are welcomed nowhere and have no place they can call a safe home. A Burmese speaking Muslim community, they have lived in Rakhine for centuries. Yet they are denied citizenship in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. They are unwelcome in neighbouring Bangladesh as they dont speak Bangla. In a world that is increasingly Islamophobic, the plight of the Rohingyas is being ignored. An incident of a people stripping and assaulting a woman suspecting her to be a police informer has come to light belatedly at Byrapura village in Alur taluk of the district. The incident occurred last week. Womens Commission Chairperson Nagalakshmi Bai, on Friday visited Girija, the woman, who has been undergoing treatment at the district hospital in Hassan. Girija told Nagalakshmi Bai that she worked as a police informer during the tenure of Ravi D Channannavar as the superintendent of police. She claimed that she used to inform the police about the illegal sand mining and transportation, digging borewells without permission, diesel theft and other crimes. Girija explained that the villagers, who presumed that she was still a police informer, assaulted her with clubs, pipes, stripped and thrashed her. If I had erred they could have lodged a police complaint. But they took law into their hands and thrashed me till I lost conscious,she said. Her 10-year-old son had lodged a police complaint. Now, the accused are threatening of attacking her with acid if she did not withdraw the complaint, Girija said. Speaking to DH, Superintendent of Police Rahul Kumar said that complaint had been lodged against 11 people including seven women, at Alur police station. Four men have been arrested and released on bail. The women have been absconding and a search is on, he said. Nagalakshmi said that she had directed the police to provide protection to Girija and she need not fear. Speaking to media later, Nagalakshmi said that such incidents were so far reported from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. People should not take law into their hands, she said. A notice would be served to the police department seeking explanation, Meanwhile, hundreds of women lodged a complaint with Nagalakshmi against Girija, alleging that she (Girija) was involved in chit fund business and was cheating people. Hence, the women had thrashed her in a fit of rage. However, Nagalakshmi took the women to task for taking law into their hands instead of lodging a police complaint. You are here: Home Taiwan saw substantially fewer visitors from the Chinese mainland in October, official data showed Thursday. The number of mainland visitors slumped 44.3 percent in October from a year ago after plummeting 37 percent in September. The sharp decline did not change the fact that the Chinese mainland remains Taiwan's largest source of inbound visitors. The number of mainland tourists has plummeted since Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen took office in May. Mainland visitors are also wary of traveling to the island after a fatal bus fire accident near Taipei in July, which killed 24 mainland tourists. The business owners who rely on tourism have been struggling to make ends meet as mainland visitors were a major source of income. The island's transportation authority also said the occupancy rate of cross-Strait flights has fallen to its lowest level since April last year, as a result of fewer mainland visitors. Despite the decline, the average occupancy rate of cross-Strait flights is higher than other routes. Authorities estimated that if the number of mainland tourists to Taiwan declines 10 percent this year, the island's service revenue would shrink by 17.8 billion new Taiwan dollars (560 million U.S. dollars), which represents 0.1 percentage point fall in the island's annual economic output. Posing as Income Tax department officials, three men made away with Rs 1 crore cash belonging to the owner of a Tamil Nadu-based cigarette manufacturing company. The incident that took place around 4.30 am on November 21 on NICE Road has now come to light. After the businessman Arogya Raj lodged a complaint on November 23, the police have detained a few people for questioning. Arogya Raj has a warehouse at Madanayakanahalli on Tumakuru Road on the outskirts of Bengaluru. He had told the warehouse supervisor Shivu to transport Rs 1 crore cash in a container. Shivu along with the container driver Xavier and its cleaner Sagayi Raj left the warehouse with the cash on the night of November 21. Three men stopped the vehicle on a bridge near Nagegowdanapalya at 4.30 am. They introduced themselves as Income Tax officers and claimed that they had information that money was being transported illegally in the vehicle. They checked the vehicle and found bags containing cash. They questioned Shivu on the source of the money and directed him to produce documents. But Shivu could not provide a convincing explanation. The trio loaded the cash bags into their Maruti Swift car and directed Sagayi Raj to get into it. Before they sped, they told Shivu and Xavier to come to police station along with documents to the claim the cash. A few minutes later, they pushed Sagayi Raj out the vehicle and sped. Shivu immediately informed Arogya Raj about the incident. The police said Shivu was transporting demonetised notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations. Arogya Raj claimed that he had sent the money for disbursing salaries to workers. He said he would produce relevant documents to the police. Shivu and Xavier gave the registration number of the Swift car to the police, who verified the CCTV camera footage at toll plaza on NICE Road. They found that no car with the said registration number had passed through the plaza. A 21-year-old man in tribal-dominated Central Gujarats Chhota Udepur district committed suicide after his family was fined Rs 1.7 lakh in penalty for falling in love with a girl. Reports said Santosh Bhulabhai Rathwa from Khajuria village fell in love with a girl from the same village and eloped with her when her family objected to their relationship. The girls family complained to the Khap Panchayat against him and his family for abducting her. The panchayat traced the couples whereabouts and brought them back to the village. It ordered Rathwas family to pay Rs 1.7 lakh for their sons criminal act of falling in love with the girl belonging to the same village. The panchayat members also ordered to lock Santosh in Gram Panchayats office till his family deposited the amount. Aware that the sum would be too large for his family to pay, Santosh strangulated himself with the internet cable inside the office. Only after the youngsters death did police manage to reach the village. Police sub-inspector V M Chauhan said a case has been filed against five people and investigations on the incident have begun. Police are probing if the boy was tortured. The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to examine the constitutional validity of the governments November 8 decision to demonetise high-value notes. A bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice D Y Chandrachud posted the matter for hearing on December 2. The court will also consider on that day the Centres plea to transfer petitions filed before various high courts to one high court or the Supreme Court. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal urged the court to hear the petitions earlier, on November 29. He said people were starving and farmers unable to begin sowing because of a severe cash crunch. There are two issues one is constitutionality and the other about the inconvenience being faced by the people. You tell us what needs to be done, the bench asked Sibal. He said the question of inconvenience could not be resolved by addressing constitutionality. The RBI act does not give powers to the government to stop withdrawal of money, he argued. Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi, for his part, submitted that the matter should not be considered piecemeal. Multiple states As many as 24 petitions have been filed in high courts across India, besides petitions in the apex court. The plea to bunch and transfer all petitions should come up for hearing on Friday, he said. When several advocates started arguing simultaneously, the court warned them to pipe down or be prepared for a six-week adjournment. Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, appearing for the CPM which has also filed a petition, said Sibal would lead them and he would only supplement him. BJPs Ashwini Upadhyay said 78% of citizens use currency notes lower in value than Rs 100, and only 22% hold higher value bills. Making an oblique reference to Sibal, who was a minister in the UPA regime, Upadhyay said those who had propounded the zero-loss theory in 2G and coal scams were now raising their voice. Advocate M L Sharma and S Muthukumar sought compensation for those who had died in distress situations brought about by demonetisation. Cyrus Mistry was on Friday ousted as chairman of Tata Steel, one of the oldest and biggest companies of the Tata Group, and replaced by independent director O P Bhatt. Tata Steel is the third Tata Group company to replace Mistry as chairman. Tata Consultancy Services had recently announced the appointment of Ishaat Hussain as chairman, and Tata Global Beverages had named Harish Bhatt in place of Mistry. Bhatt was appointed an independent director of Tata Steel on June 10, 2013. He has served as the chairman of State Bank of India and is an independent director on several boards, including Standard Chartered Bank, Tata Consultancy Services and Hindustan Unilever. The Tata Steel board has also decided to convene an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to remove Mistry and independent director Nusli Wadia as directors on the board of the company. The EGM will be held on December 21. The board appointed the independent director as the chairman keeping in mind the principles of good corporate governance and to provide impartial leadership to the company in its preparation and conduct of the EGM. This decision was taken to also ensure stability to the company and in the larger interest of Tata Steels stakeholders including but not limited to employees, trading partners, financial stakeholders and local community around its operations, a Tata Steel statement to the stock exchanges said. The Mistry camp, however, reacted sharply and came down heavily on the leadership of Tata Group interim chairman Ratan Tata. We believe that this unprecedented erosion of core Tata values is seriously damaging Brand Tata. Each time one thinks the current standard of corporate governance in the Tata Group-listed companies under the leadership of the interim chairman cannot hit a newer low, one has been belied, sources close to Mistry said. Former foreign minister of Singapore George Yeo on Friday resigned as chancellor of Nalanda University, protesting the BJP-led governments decision to reconstitute the varsitys governing board. Yeo submitted his resignation, saying he was initially assured of the universitys autonomy, but this is not the case now. The circumstances under which the leadership change in Nalanda University has been suddenly and summarily effected are disturbing and possibly harmful to the universitys development. It is puzzling why I, as chancellor, was not even given notice of it, Yeo said in a statement on a social networking site. He noted that the sudden dissolution of the old governing board of the university, set up at Rajgir in Bihar with support from other East Asian nations, was bound up with domestic politics of India. President Pranab Mukherjee, who is the visitor of the university, constituted its new governing board on November 21. The visitor also directed on November 22 that the senior-most dean of the varsity would take over as interim vice-chancellor after the extended term of incumbent vice-chancellor Gopa Sabharwal ended on November 24. The old governing board had earlier decided that Gopa would continue as interim vice-chancellor till her successor was appointed. The reconstitution of the board ended Nobel-laureate economist Amartya Sens decade-long association with the venture to set up a modern university. The Supreme Court on Friday refused to order a probe into allegations of Rs 65-crore kickbacks given to the then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi ahead of the 2014 general elections. The charges were made on the basis of diaries recovered by the Income Tax department during raids at premises of some corporate houses during 2013 and 2014. It is only insinuation. It is zero material, a bench of Justices J S Khehar and Arun Mishra told senior advocate Shanti Bhushan, who wanted direction for a special investigation team to look into the allegations. The court said that ordering investigation based merely on some unverified entries made in a diary or on a computer would have far reaching consequences since unscrupulous people could then rope in the entire world and even the prime minister under this cloud by simply recording entries of pay offs. The documents adduced by NGO Common Cause were neither authentic nor credible enough to launch an inquiry into the veracity of the entries on payments allegedly made to various politicians, including to Modi the then Gujarat chief minister, the court noted. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal recently accused Modi of receiving bribes during his reign in Gujarat on the basis of an entry in the computer. The BJP had denied the charge saying it reflected Kejriwals mental bankruptcy and nervousness in the face of popular support for the prime ministers move to clean up black money. Supported by senior advocate Ram Jethmalani, Bhushan representing the NGO submitted that there was no reason to believe that entries made into the diaries recovered from the premises of Sahara Group and the Aditya Birla Group companies were false. Noting that the entries were even illegible, the bench asked: Who has made these entries? Whose computer was this? Tomorrow, if a man makes entries alleging 100 people have been paid money, should we be initiating inquiry against all of them? Bhushan responded by saying that all these things would be clear after an investigation. The court granted four weeks to Bhushan to come back with some extra material, saying otherwise the plea should be withdrawn. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi submitted that the NGO made scandalous charges by indulging in kite flying. An army soldier, two militants and two policemen were killed in separate encounters in Kashmir on Friday. In the first incident, two militants and a soldier were killed in Manipora village of Naidkhai, 34 km from here. Sources said following specific information that a group of militants were hiding in Manipora, the armys 13 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police surrounded the area on Friday morning. As a search party of security forces was zeroing-in on the target, the holed up militants opened fire, resulting in the encounter, in which an army man was injured, and who later succumbed, sources said. The militants tried to flee, but were killed, they added. A senior police official said the encounter has ended and the identity of the militants is being ascertained. The militants are believed to be Pakistanis belonging to the Lashkar-e-Toiba outfit, he said. In another incident, two officers were killed and another injured as militants attacked a police party in south Kashmirs Kulgam district on Friday. Reports said that the incident occured near the deputy commissioners office crossing in main town Kulgam around 1.30 pm. The militants, believed to be two in number, fired at a police party on law and order duty, resulting in the on-spot death of two officers and injuries to one, a police official said. In his application, Mallya contended that the high court had no jurisdiction to exercise powers conferred under Contempt of Courts Act as the DRT is not subordinate to the high court. Hearing the IA, a division bench of Justices Jayant Patel and Arvind Kumar posted the hearing to December 2. The high court on October 20, 2016, had directed Mallya to be present in person for framing of charges against him. The court held that there was prima facie case to frame charges against Mallya. Soujanya caseThe high court on Friday stayed the summons issued by a special CBI court against three persons in the sensational Soujanya rape and murder case in Ujire near Dharmasthala. The petitioners Dheeraj Jain, Malik Jain and Uday Jain had stated that the suspicion against them was false and baseless. They submitted that some disgruntled persons were concocting stories to help the accused Santhosh Rao. During the hearing on the case, the victims father had filed an application seeking to implead the three. The CBI court had issued summons to the three to appear before the court on November 29. The case was investigated by the CID before it was handed over to the CBI. The CBI concluded that Santhosh Rao alone had committed the murder. It had also found that he was mentally sound, but trying to put forth a false claim otherwise. Liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Friday moved an interlocutory application (IA) requesting the high court to recall its order to be present in person on November 24 for framing charges under Contempt of Courts Act for violation of his oral undertaking before the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), Bengaluru bench. The state NRI Forum wants the government to set aside a budget of Rs 10 crore for providing innovative services to the NRI community and to look after their welfare. Arathi Krishna, deputy chairman of the forum, told reporters on Friday that the government had approved the NRI policy, which would be unveiled by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the 14th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which is being held in the city between January 7 and 9, 2017. The forum, constituted in 2008, has only been addressing grievances of the Non-resident Indian (NRI) community. Without a separate budget, the forum had not been able to implement several ideas, as a result of which, it proposed the drafting of a policy, she said. Arathi, who was appointed to the post recently, said that the focus would be attract NRIs, Non-resident Kannadigas (NRKs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to invest in Karnataka in various development areas, especially the social and education sectors. She said that one of the key exercises to be taken up would be the creation of a database of NRK students and professionals living in various countries. She said that according to a rough estimate, there are around four lakh NRKs, with a large number of them living in the United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. The forum also proposes to create ID cards for NRKs, to ensure that they are not fleeced by hotels, during their visit to Karnataka. With the Namma Ooru, Namma Naadu concept, the forum plans to encourage NRIs, NRKs and PIOs to adopt villages, temples and schools in the state. Special tourism packages for second and third generation NRKs; concessions and incentives for NRI investments; a business incubation centre for NRIs; and a migrant facilitation centre, are some of the other initiatives that the forum has mooted. Arathi said that her earlier experience in the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in New Delhi, and as community development officer in the Indian Embassy in Washington, would help her reach out to the NRI and PIO communities across the world. She said that about 25 million people of Indian descent live on foreign soil. The bench, which was initially inclined to dispose of his pending special leave petition, however, adjourned the matter for four weeks on a request by advocate Prashant Kumar on behalf of Sirajin Basha. The counsel submitted that the issue before the apex court still survived and required consideration as Bhardwajs predecessor also declined sanction for the senior BJP leaders prosecution. He said that under the Prevention of Corruption Act, sanction was not required but under the Indian Penal Code, it was still required for the purpose, Kumar submitted. The bench then posted the matter after four weeks. The Supreme Court on August 22 had asked the petitioner why he did not approach the trial court following subsequent development as Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala declined permission for launching criminal proceedings against Yeddyurappa. Conflicting viewsAs the petitioner had then submitted that there were conflicting views taken by the two Constitutional authorities (Bhardwaj and Vala), the bench had asked him to show his bona fide and approach the trial court to proceed for offences under the IPC. Basha had challenged the Karnataka High Court order of the November 2015, which had quashed the sanction by the previous Governor for prosecution of Yeddyurappa. K N Balraj, a co-complainant, had on February 19, 2016 filed the petition in the high court after Vala had declined the request on December 4, 2015. A complaint filed against former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa for action in land scam cases is coming up for consideration before a trial court on November 30. Sirajin Basha, an advocate, who approached the Supreme Court against an order quashing the sanction by previous Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj for prosecution of Yeddyurappa, informed a bench of Justices J Chelam-eswar and P C Pant that he has already filed his complaint before the trial court. The House, which was to meet at 10 am, commenced only at 10.40 am due to lack of quorum. According to rules, at least 10% of the total strength of the House is required for quorum. With a three-day break in the offing, members were seen quietly leaving the House soon after the Question Hour. Of the 34 ministers in Siddaramaiahs Cabinet, only seven -- R V Deshpande, Kagodu Thimmappa, K J George, A Manju, Basavaraj Rayareddy, Krishna Byre Gowda and M Y Meti -- were present on Friday. Siddaramaiah himself did not attend the session despite being present in Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. Leader of the Opposition Jagadish Shettar left the House before it was adjourned. Number-wise, 14 legislators from the Congress (including ministers), six from the JD(S) and five from the BJP and B R Patil of KJP were present when the House was adjourned for Tuesday. DKS down with dengue Energy Minister D K Shivakumar is suffering from dengue and attended the legislature session during the Question Hour after receiving treatment at a hospital. I had developed fever on Wednesday. Blood tests confirmed that it was dengue virus infection, he told reporters showing the IV catheter attached to his hand. Proceedings of the Legislative Assembly were held on Friday amid empty benches both on the Treasury and Opposition side. Only 27 MLAs in the 225-member House were present when discussions on the Mahadayi dispute were taken up. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join the debate on demonetisation in Parliament instead of speaking on the issue in public rallies. Hitting back at the prime minister, who had described those who criticised demonetisation as black money hoarders, Rahul claimed that the details of the impending initiative were leaked out to a select few, including BJP leaders. Modi was laughing at first, then he shed tears on three or four occasions. Let him (Modi) come to the House....then we shall see what happens, he told reporters outside Parliament. Speaking at a book release function on Friday, Modi had slammed the critics of demonetisation saying that they were doing so only because the government did not give them prior warning. If these people had got 72 hours to make their preparation, then they would have lavished praise that there is no one like Modi, the prime minister said in comments that raised the hackles of the Opposition. Taking the prime minister head-on, Rahul said Modi had laughed at the misery of people during his visit to Japan earlier this month and had become emotional while addressing political rallies on the issue. Let us see what emotions appear on his face when he comes to the Lok Sabha, he said. The Congress leader also claimed that the Opposition leaders have been stopped from speaking in Parliament. What are you scared of, he asked. The moment he (Modi) comes to the Lok Sabha, doodh ka doodh, paani ka paani ho jayega (everything will be clear), Rahul said. Modi has made three appearances in Parliament two in the Lok Sabha on November 16 and November 23, and one in the Rajya Sabha on November 24. Congress leader Shantaram Naik and CPM General Secretary Sitaram Yechury have submitted notices to move breach of privilege motion against the prime minister for not apprising Parliament about demonetisation but speaking about it at public rallies. Taking a dig at Modi for addressing a rock concert last week, Rahul said the prime minister can address pop concerts but does not attend discussion on demonetisation in the House. Some of the crisp new banknotes stolen by the driver of a cash van have been traced to Begumpet locality in Hyderabad. The Hyderabad police found the notes in circulation after their Bengaluru counterparts alerted them to the possibility of the driver having fled to the Telangana capital. In the run-up to the daring heist, the suspect, Dominic Selvaraj Roy, 45, was in constant touch with some people in Hyderabad and Chennai. The Bengaluru police alerted their Hyderabad counterparts and shared information on the series of the stolen banknotes. The Hyderabad police found some notes of that series being circulated in Begumpet. A team of policemen from Bengaluru then left for Hyderabad and detained some people who were found to be in possession of the notes, an inspector who is part of the investigation told DH on the condition of anonymity. Police are now trying to trace Roy by questioning some people detained in Begumpet. Those detained may not be involved in the heist. We are trying to get information about people who circulated the notes, the inspector said. Police believe that the November 23 heist was pulled off by a gang, of which Roy was just a part. His handlers were operating from Chennai or Hyderabad. Roy earlier worked at a security agency named CMS Securities Ltd. He joined Secure Transit, a security firm that deals with banks, on November 1, said K S R Charan Reddy, Additional Commissioner of Police (West). On Friday, police impounded Roys driving licence that gave his name as Dominic Suresh Roy. Reddy said they were investigating whether Roy had multiple DLs, though he didnt have a criminal record. Secure Transit has claimed that it checked his background before hiring him. While police do not rule out an inside job in the heist, M N Anucheth, DCP (West), said there had been no evidence so far to that effect. Police continue to question K M Shivakumar and Saleem, the two employees of Logicash Solutions, a cash management company, who were with Roy when he pulled in at the Bank of India branch on the busy KG Road. While Shivakumar and Saleem went into the branch, Chaman Lal, the security guard, got down to relieve himself. Sensing a golden opportunity, Roy just drove off, with Rs 1.37 crore in cash. The next day, police found the van abandoned in Vasanthnagar. They found Rs 45 lakh and a gun in it. Anucheth said they had no evidence as yet to link the three men to the heist. While Roys wife and son are missing, police are questioning other members of his family as well as his friends in an attempt to track him down. Rotary Club of Bangalore launched a large-scale literacy project to build and repair a 100 schools in and around Bengaluru Rural district. The club, comprising 262 members from different walks of life, is also celebrating 100 years of existence this year. The schools were identified by Rotary and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan programme carried out by the state Education department. The Rotary will be helping to train teachers in these schools with softskills through Azim Premji Foundation and R V Institutions. Rotary President V S Ranga Rao said that the schools identified by them were in Bengaluru Rural district. We hope to eventually cater to at least 300 villages in the area by giving them electricity and health care benefits. Many accomplished people started in the Kannada medium and we see this as no barrier to empowerment, Rao said. The proposal to start the project was put forth by the Community Service Committee headed by Girish Ramanathan. After the potential of the project was studied, we formally accepted the proposal, he said. From Saturday, eight teams comprising a contractor, an architect and a Rotarian, will study the areas which need improvement in each school, he said. Tourism is not immune to the adverse impact of demonetisation. The number of domestic and foreign travellers has dropped by as much as 40% in the last two weeks. Tour operators are worried that demonetisation would dampen the tourism season that began in October and would last until February. Tourists face little problem in booking travel or hotel tickets; they are concerned about shortage of cash in hand. Not all restaurants and tourist sites accept card payments, Amita P, a travel agent, said. Mohammad Ashfaq Mushtaq, another travel agent, says the peak tourist season which begins in November has been hit hard. People usually visit Goa or the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur). But there have been few bookings this month. Even offers have not helped much, he said. Foreign tourists have also been hit and are cutting their trips short, mainly because they have not been able to get change for the Rs 2,000 notes. We have received complaints from our foreign guests that locals ask for commission of Rs 100 or Rs 200 if they give a Rs 2,000 note. Some foreigners are just cutting their trips short, Mushtaq said. A travel agent from Cox and Kings, said there has been a decline of 40-50% in bookings.An official in the Tourism Department conceded that domestic tourists were not travelling because of cash shortage. Tourists usually visit Mysuru, Hassan, Kodagu and Hampi in November. But this time, the footfall is low. Canyon Crest Academys Creative Writing Club recently announced that New York Times bestselling author Mary E. Pearson will give the keynote address at the 6th Annual Canyon Crest Academy Writers Conference on Saturday, March 11, 2017. Pearson is the award-winning author of young adult novels, novellas and short stories. Her works include the recently completed trilogy The Remnant Chronicles, which, in a starred review, Publishers Weekly called masterfully crafted. The first book in the trilogy, The Kiss of Deception, was chosen by teens as a 2015 YALSA Top Ten title. Her novel, The Adoration of Jenna Fox, has won numerous awards, is used in classrooms across the country, and has been optioned for film and slated for theaters in 2018. Her other novels include Golden Kite winner A Room on Lorelei Street, The Miles Between, and Scribbler of Dreams. Pearson writes from her home in Carlsbad. You can learn more about Pearson and her books at www.marypearson.com. Because of the generosity of conference sponsors, as well as extensive fundraising by the Creative Writing Club, this event is free to high school students. This is the only free writing conference for high school students in the country. Over 200 students from 24 different high schools attended the 2016 conference, participating in workshops by 23 speakers, including young adult authors, screenwriters, journalists, songwriters, poets and more. Natalie Lakosil, literary agent at Bradford Literary Agency, and long-time conference speaker notes, There is no other conference like CCA; everyone involved is approachable, thorough and informative, and the event provides a dedicated space for teens to hone craft, interact with fellow teen authors and bestsellers alike, and learn about the publishing industry in a fun and interactive way. Julia Camilleri, president of the CCA Creative Writing Club and coordinator of the conference, said, The club is very excited to host the conference, and we cant wait to be inspired by our keynote speaker, Mary Pearson. So many of our attendees say theyve found their tribe here fellow students who love the written word. We welcome high school students from all over San Diego to come together and learn from the best in the business. Julia notes, In order to continue to provide this free experience to high school students, the CCA Creative Writing Club is looking for individual and corporate sponsors. You can sponsor a student for as little as $25, or become a Gold Sponsor for more. Please can contact me at ccawritersconference@gmail.com for more information on sponsoring the conference. The Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore will sell speakers books with a portion of the proceeds going to the conference. Students can learn more about the conference at ccawritersconference2017.weebly.com, by liking the CCA Writers Conference page on Facebook, or following it on Twitter. Online registration will be open on Jan. 5. 2017. The 6th Annual CCA Writers Conference will be held from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at Canyon Crest Academy, Proscenium and Media Center, 5951 Village Center Loop Road, San Diego, 92130. The event is for high school students only and is free. Two protestors outside Trump Tower hold signs reading "Love Trumps Hate" and "Not my president Go to hell fast". [Photo by Kyle Calandra/China.org.cn] As we all know during the election campaign, now U.S. President-elect Donald Trump had accused China of unfair trade practices and currency manipulation, claiming that it puts the U.S. at an unfair trading disadvantage with regards to China. He also threatened to slap a 45 percent import tariff on Chinese products, although just like many of his policies, he later denied having said that completely. Questions now arise as to how a realistic trade war would look like, if it is at all feasible and if it so happens what will be the implications on global macroeconomics. I recently took part in a discussion and simulation on the issue. As agreed there, China is not regarded as a currency manipulator anymore. Recently, as I have wrote here often, after the RMB was designated as one of the reserve currencies by the IMF, even the U.S. has stopped calling Chinese currency undervalued. Not that this matters to an economic nationalist, and Trump, as U.S. president, will theoretically have enough power to chart U.S. trade policies. If, as per election rhetoric, Trump actually applies a 45 percent tariff, the results will be significant and Chinese exports to the U.S. will fall by over 50 percent. Obviously, it is incredible that China will accept this hands down. A primary method of Chinese retaliation would be to file a case in the WTO, but that might result in even more potential hurtful blowbacks. An op-ed in the Global Times on the eve of Trump's win suggests that China might in retaliation cancel and replace orders of Boeing with Airbus; and put tariffs on U.S. cars, phones, and food products like soybeans and maize. On the face of it, these threats seem counterproductive, but they make sense if one goes deeper and calculates how much American products such as the iPhone are dependent on Chinese markets, and how much U.S. companies will suffer from losing Chinese markets. Here's the interesting thing, at this point, it is all speculation and it is highly unlikely that there will be a trade war between China and U.S. Let me explain why. Over the last couple of decades, the center of production across the world has moved eastwards. There are several reasons for this, but primarily, due to Chinese/Indian labor cost competitive advantages. Over the last twenty years, simultaneously, American and Western citizens have had an extremely high minimum wage resulting in production bases of companies based in America shifting to China. There's a simple example of this economic reciprocation. 75 percent of the parts of an iPhone are made in China, which is why the cost of the iPhone is affordable across the U.S. Otherwise, if the production was located in the U.S., the iPhone wouldn't be affordable for the middle class. The idea that is propagated by Trump, and his supposed chief advisor Bannon, is one of economic nationalism. It is not something new, the idea of an autarkic self-sufficient economy. The U.S. has experienced it before in 1928. It resulted in the Great depression. The Soviet Union was the last autarky. It collapsed because it didnt follow the basic rule of the economy, ceteris paribus, of demand and supply and competitive advantages. Fortunately, Trump is a businessman. As the same article of Global Times point outs, Trump is knowledgeable of the basics of business and knows he cannot turn back time. The idea of pristine lily white, coal mining, manufacturing giants of 1950s America is good in theory, but is practically impossible to achieve. If Trump forces American companies to manufacture at home, and they end up losing gigantic markets abroad, whatever basic operations they have stateside, they will close it down, and move to places like Hong Kong or Mumbai. Trump, despite his bluster, knows that. His supporters dont. Secondly, Trump's cabinet picks thus far provides hints that he will have a traditional Republican administration, and will have a foreign policy focus on Islamic terrorism. It can of course change, but by definition that means, Trumps administration would basically like to cut a deal with other great powers like Russia and China and have a transactional and realpolitik relationship. That's a hopeful thing, and might lead to better relations with China and Russia, which is overall not such a bad thing for the world. Sumantra Maitra is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SumantraMaitra.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Flash Authorities in South Sudan's eastern State of Jonglei said Thursday that at least 25 people have been killed and 2,100 herds of cattle raided in a series of attacks carried out by a splinter rebel group linked to South Sudanese opposition leader Riek Machar. Local member of parliament Philip Thon Leek told reporters in Juba that gunmen launched a series of attacks between Nov. 11 and 19, killing at least 25 and injuring 17 others in Duk County. He said the attackers had also driven away 2,100 cattle and displaced more than 50,000 civilians from 35 rural villages since October. "People are living in isolation and in forests because of insecurity. These ambushes are latest plans by the Sudan People's Liberation Army-In-Opposition (SPLA-IO) splinter group to terrorize the civilians into submission to their ill course. So I'm making an appeal for intervention so that these people are rescued," Leek said. Jonglei Governor Philip Aguer Panyang told Xinhua by phone that rebels killed three government officials on Nov. 19 during a road ambush on a government vehicle. Jonglei State, which lies along the South Sudanese border with Ethiopia, has for decades suffered inter-communal killings, cattle raid and child abduction by rival ethnic groups. Over 150 people were killed in September in the same area following an attack by rebel forces on military base. South Sudan has witnessed fresh rounds of violence since fighting broke out between rival army factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and former First Vice president Machar in July, raising concerns of a return to civil war. The United Nations says violence in the world's youngest nation has displaced 1.6 million people internally and other 900,000 into neighboring countries. Another 4.6 million are severely food insecure. Deepika Padukone Is Coming With THIS Star On Koffee With Karan And He's Not Whom You Expected Flash At least 15 people were killed and 20 others injured in a collision between two trains in Iran's northern province of Semnan on Friday, Chief of Red Crescent Society of Iran, Ali Asghar Ahmadi, was quoted as saying by semi-official Mehr news agency. Some wagons are still burning in fire, and the accurate number of casualties will be announced after the fire is put out, Ahmadi said. Two helicopters, firefighters and Red Crescent teams have been dispatched to the scene to help the victims, Iraj Reisian, the head of Crisis Management of Semnan province, also said. It is possible that freezing of electronic system of Svznbany, which controls the movements of the trains, was the cause of the accident as the temperature had reached minus 12 degrees Celsius in the region in the time, the report said. The accident occurred in Haft-Khan train station located between Semnan and Damghan cities at 07:45 a.m. local time, 0415 GMT. Rivada Networks legal challenge against its disqualification from Mexicos wholesale network tender could be met by a counter-challenge from the state, the government has warned. The Mexican government issued the warning following Rivadas move to contest its disqualification in court. The firm was ruled out of the auction after missing the deadline for presenting a $52 million bid bond, leaving Altan as the sole remaining bidder for - and therefore winner of - the tender. Gerardo Ruiz Esparza, the head of Mexicos Secretariat of Communications and Transportations (STC), hit back at Rivada, arguing that their legal claims do not correspond to the facts and adding that the government is considering what action to take against the kind of comments that have been made. The company is filing complaints, wanting to make out that the authority was guilty for what the company did not submit. Following Altans win, Rivada issued a statement claiming that its coverage bid was far better and would deliver wider coverage, attract more investment, and provide a greater benefit to several million Mexicans through the digital inclusion policy. The firm noted: These benefits could have been achieved simply through an assessment of the two bids, instead of the illegal and purely procedural disqualification of Rivada Networks, in breach of the principles and provisions of the Law on Public-Private Partnerships. Rivadas statement also expressed confidence that the federal courts would give its arguments due analysis. The firms Co-CEO Declan Ganley added his own opinion by tweeting: No surprise, Rivadas coverage plan is significantly higher than only opened bid. People of Mexico are being given a raw deal, which is sad. Having already raised $750 million in investment, Altan is aiming to extend the network to 92% of Mexicos inhabitants over the next seven years. It will have access to high quality 700MHz spectrum as part of its 20 year public-private partnership contract. The resulting 4G network will be leased out to operators, with the model aimed at reducing the clout of market leader America Movil. Reliance Communications subsidiary Global Cloud Xchange (GCX) has deployed its Cumulous Network, which will boost connectivity in the seven Indian Capital cities across the Indian sub-continent. Bill Barney, Co-CEO, Reliance Communications and Chairman & CEO, GCX, said: The new Cumulous Network will complement our digital backbone as we complete deployment of our Cloud infrastructure across India. The network will also provide connectivity between the international gateways in Chennai and Mumbai, with Barney adding: Chennai and Mumbai are both powerhouse cities and gateways for the major tech and financial institutions doing business across the Indian sub-continent. Based on current 100G technology, GCX will be able to deliver significant capacity across this important Indian sub-continent route with the ability to further upgrade in the future in alignment with technological advancements and market demand. The new network will interconnect with RCOMs established network of data centres, connected by India's largest terrestrial fibre network which connects seamlessly into GCXs global subsea infrastructure. The new Cumulous Network will be a vital backbone to meet soaring demands of new applications such as the companys new initiatives in the Internet of Things, the deployment of Cloud infrastructure as well as the continued expansion of enterprise franchise in India, said Wilfred Kwan, Chief Operation Officer, Reliance Communications (Enterprise) and GCX. This announcement comes after the company announced a massive deleveraging of its assets through a wireless merger with Aircel, a tower divestment with Brookfield and most recently the sale of its Yipes business in North America. Samsung selling its PC business isn't surprising in a declining PC market. The deal may be valued at $850 million. Samsung is reportedly discussing a deal with Lenovo to sell its PC business. The Chinese company is the largest PC manufacturer in the world, and is reportedly looking to buy Samsungs PC business. This would make Samsung the second major PC player, after Sony, to sell its PC business in recent times. Although Sony had sold its Vaio PC business quite a while back. According to the reports, Fujitsu is also planning to sell its PC business to Lenovo. Further, US-based law firm Paul Hastings has reportedly been hired for the legal work for the sale. Samsungs PC business may be sold for as much as 1 trillion won, which is approximately $850 million. Samsung also sold its printer business to HP recently. That deal was valued at $1.05 billion, and is expected to be closed next year. Samsung selling its PC business wouldnt be very surprising. While the company has taken considerable steps in smartphones, PC peripheral etc, the PC market has been deteriorating globally. Lenovo being the global leader still enjoy healthy numbers, and buying Samsungs business would only give it higher market share. With the advent of mobile devices, many have predicted obsoletion of PCs. While that hasnt happened as fast as was earlier expected, there is a slow but steady decline. Lenovo will be bringing its IFA introduction, K6 Power to India on November 29 Lenovo will be bringing its IFA introduction, K6 Power to India on November 29. The smartphone is one of the latest devices that focuses on offering large battery in a compact form factor. The price of Lenovo K6 Power is not yet known but the device should be priced in the same category as that of Xiaomi's Redmi 3S and Moto E3 Power. Xiaomi Redmi 3S and Moto E3 Power are exclusively available on Flipkart. Lenovo has also confirmed that K6 Power will only be available on Flipkart. The online retail giant also announced that Redmi 3S has surpassed 1 million units in sales. Lenovo could well bring a fresh battle to the category and might restrict sales of Redmi 3S. So here is how the Lenovo K6 Power compares with Xiaomi's Redmi 3S and Moto E3 Power. Design and Display: Lenovo K6 Power like Redmi 3S features a unibody metal design with straight edges and round corners. Moto E3 Power is an exception here with its plastic design. Lenovo K6 Power is 9.3mm thick while Redmi 3S hits the thickness scale at 8.5mm and Moto E3 Power is the thickest of the lot at 9.6mm. All the devices weigh around 150 grams, which is fine in this segment. Lenovo K6 Power's biggest advantage is the use of full HD panel. Xiaomi Redmi 3S, Redmi 3S Prime and the Moto E3 Power offer only 720p HD display. Better resolution doesn't necessarily mean better display so we will have to wait to know how good Lenovo K6 Power's display is in real life. Performance and Battery Life: This is one area where Lenovo K6 Power and Xiaomi Redmi 3S beat Moto E3 Power hands down. The smartphones are powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 430 processor while Moto E3 Power comes with a MediaTek chipset. Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 features is an octa-core chipset with eight ARM Cortex A53 cores while MediaTek MT6735P is a quad-core CPU with four A53 cores. Lenovo K6 Power was announced at IFA 2016 in two variants - 2GB RAM, 16GB storage and 3GB RAM, 32GB storage. Xiaomi Redmi 3S comes with 2GB RAM and 16GB storage while the Prime variants jumps to 3GB RAM and 32GB storage. Moto E3 Power comes only in one variant with just 2GB RAM and 16GB storage. The USP of these devices are not performance but the endurance of their big batteries. Lenovo K6 Power gets a 4000mAh battery while Redmi 3S houses a 4100mAh one. Moto E3 Power comes with 3500mAh battery. In our reviews, we noted how Redmi 3S and Moto E3 Power perform exceptionally well in terms of battery life and same can be expected here from Lenovo K6 Power. Camera: Lenovo K6 Power features a 13MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus. The camera is on par with Xiaomi's Redmi 3S in terms of hardware but we will wait to see first images to really conclude about the quality. Both Redmi 3S and Redmi Note 3, Xiaomi's best selling devices in India fail to offer exceptional cameras. They perform well in decent lighting but struggle as soon as the conditions get difficult. If Lenovo manages to offer a better camera then it will probably get lead over Xiaomi's reliable Redmi 3S smartphone. Price: Xiaomi Redmi 3S starts at Rs 6,999 while Moto E3 Power is priced at Rs 7,999. If Lenovo K6 Power arrives in India at similar price range then it already has a shot at stealing thunder from Xiaomi. The device is expected to sport Quad HD display and earlier rumours hinted at use of OLED panel Nokia is making a grand debut in the highly crowded smartphone market early next year. The company recently confirmed its plans to re-enter an industry it pioneered and pushed at one point in time. Until that official announcement from Nokia, we have to make way with the rumours. According to Android Soul, Nokia's next flagship smartphones will come in 5.2-inch or 5.5-inch screen sizes. The device is expected to sport Quad HD display and earlier rumours hinted at use of OLED panel. The name or codename is not known yet but the device is expected to feature Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor. One of the flagship features with a Nokia device for long has been the use of Zeiss optics in the camera department. According to a new Weibo leak, the upcoming Nokia flagships will continue to use Carl Zeiss optics. While Nokia is expected to announce its products at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the choice of Snapdragon 820 will look outdated at that point. OnePlus 3T and Google Pixel, the latest Android smartphones are both powered by Snapdragon 821 processor. Another thing worth noting here is that Qualcomm has already announced Snapdragon 835 based on 10nm FinFet process which should offer better efficiency and performance. The leak also suggests that the device will be IP67 certified, offering water-resistant and dust proof casing. Nokia has been rumoured to be working two flagships and a midrange device for its comeback. The mid-range device dubbed Nokia D1C is reported to feature Nokia's proprietary polycarbonate design with exciting range of colour options. The smartphones are expected to arrive at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in 2017. Nokia's comeback devices could well bring the lost charm in the smartphone world. Africas low-cost airline Fastjet tanked in early markets after its chairman resigned due to the company requiring further capital. Chairman and Director of the company Colin Child stepped down as he felt it would be inappropriate to stay on after the company decided to initiate a further fundraising exercise so soon after he led one in July. Accendo head of research Mike van Dulken said: Shares in loss-making African budget airline Fastjet (FJET) are bouncing from their worst levels following news that the Chairman has quit because the company already needs to raise more capital. A management departure from the top of the tree is seldom good news, far less when the company also needs more money so soon after a July cash call. Nico Bezuidenhout will assume the role of interim chairman until a new non-executive chairman is found. The company has continued to implement the stabilisation plan and is transitioning its fleet from the existing 145-seat A319 aircraft to smaller aircraft. The associated costs with delivering the plan has however been more onerous than expected placing a greater strain on cash resources, leading to the need for another fundraiser by the first quarter of 2017. On the plus side, the airline is engaging in a number of cost cutting exercises to improve its performance. The group has nearly completed its assessment of its route network and has rationalised routes and reduced frequencies to more sustainably match supply levels with demand. Seat occupancy rates on flights conducted with the E190 have shown a 18% increase with average yields up by around 12% to date. The relocation of the companys head office function from London to Johannesburg, which should save around 35%, has commenced and is expected to be substantially completed by March 2017. The company expects to achieve cost savings of around 35% from the move. It has also started an organisational restructuring process in both Zimbabwe and Tanzania which means a substantial reduction in expatriate staff and more focus on local talent. The board remains confident that through all these measures its original expectations of a 10-15% cut in operating costs will be achieved. The company has successfully integrated a Global Distribution System (GDS) which facilitates access by Travel Agencies to fastjets inventory. The GDS generated its first passenger flows from its interline agreement with Emirates and introduced new fare products at connecting various fastjet routes into a single passenger journeys. According to the board, these measures along with the airlines growing social media presence has supported revenue generation despite a reduction in seats flown. The company expects performance to improve in the first quarter of 2017 after a predicted 25% cut in costs is achieved. Looking ahead, Bezuidenhout said: The journey has not been a straightforward one but with our costs due to substantially reduce in the New Year as various legacy and restructuring costs come to an end, with our revenue generating initiatives beginning to bear fruit and with various geographic and strategic expansion opportunities being identified I am confident that, with the necessary capital, the Company can break even by Q4 2017, and be well-positioned to pursue sustainable growth and value-creation for Shareholders going forwar." Fastjet shares fell 11.87% at 0942 GMT on Friday. EU leaders were not "bluffing" about denying the UK access to the single market after Brexit if it did not agree to free movement of people, Malta Prime Minister Joseph Muscat warned on Friday. Malta takes on the EU presidency in January and Muscat (pictured) told the BBC "this is really and truly our position and I don't see it changing". UK Prime Minister Theresa May said the UK will trigger the the legal process to leave the EU by March. Hardline eurosceptics want a quick divorce from the EU with no single market access and full control over immigration policy. However, in his interview, Muscat said the UK and EU needed to first reach agreement on a range of other details once May invokes Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. He said these included the bill the UK must pay before leaving, establishing what will happen to the UK-Republic of Ireland border and working out interim arrangements on issues like security. Asked about a suggestion from Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson that the UK could in theory stay in single market and place limits on the freedom of movement of EU citizens, Muscat said: "It's just not happening". "All of us have been pretty clear in our approach that we want a fair deal for the UK but that kind of fair deal can't translate itself into a superior deal. "I know that there is absolutely no bluffing from the European side, at least in the council meetings I have attended, saying 'we will start in this position and then we will soften up'. "We (the EU) are going to lose something but there will not be a situation when the UK has a better deal than it has today," he added. The brokerage had harboured concerns about the risks to the companys global Phase 3 study of durvalumab, MYSTIC, earnings weakness and bid speculation unwinding. However, with the stock down around 20% and at low not seen since late 2013 in US dollar terms, Liberum it cant ignore that the risk/reward going into a rich of catalysts is now strongly to the upside. We believe the current valuation is effectively assuming zero from the high potential immune-oncology programme, Liberum said. The brokerage reckons the shares are worth up to 6,000-6,400p in the of durva-treme success in the key Phase 3 studies reporting through 2017. If they fail, there would likely be short term downside, but there is fundamental value in the 4,500p range. Even without durva-treme, Liberum thinks earnings growth of around 9% per year between 2017 and 2021 is achievable. If lower risk Tagrisso and Lynparza come through, 12% is more likely. We think this level of growth more than justifies upside to the current share price and is supportive of a range around 45-48/share (7-14% upside) ex-durva-treme. Liberum has a 5,200p price target on the stock. Barclays downgraded Daily Mail & General Trust to underweight from equalweight and cut the price target to 705p from 715p. The bank said it sum-of-the-parts valuation points to clear downside versus the current shares and that the stock is overvalued when looking at free cash flow yield. Barclays noted that since the start of the year, the shares have outperformed the FTSE All Share by 4%. We see the potential for downgrades and a derating, given that on calendar 2017 free cash flow yield DMGT trades at 5.3%, notably more expensive than WPP, Informa and UBM (all 7-8%). The bank said the stock was being underpinned by hope that the new CEO will announce a dramatic change to the portfolio. But we do not expect change of the scale required to excite the market, it said. Barclays said the next catalyst will be the full-year 2016 results in December, where it expects the outlook for FY17 to drive consensus downgrades. The bank also highlighted cyclical concerns such as the accelerating decline in UK print newspaper advertising. Analysts at Canaccord Genuity lifted their recommendation on Dominos Pizza from 'hold' to 'buy' after the company reassured them at its Investor Day 'that it can continue to deliver', although the menu was changing. The company now aims to double the number of its stores in its territories over the next decade, but will continue to return surplus cash to shareholders via a progressive dividend policy, supported by a share buy-back programme. That follows a sharp slowdown in the rate of growth of the companys like-for-like sales for the third quarter from 14.9% one year ago to just 3.9%. Hence, Dominos has shifted towards expanding its footprint and now believes it can double the number of its establishments over the next decade, to roughly 2,000, excluding Germany, with the bulk of that coming from the UK and London in particular. Canaccords Nigel Parson also said the firm continued to score well on several metrics which were important to him, such as return on invested capital, balance sheet strength, cash conversion and earnings growth. Barclays downgraded Daily Mail & General Trust to underweight from equalweight and cut the price target to 705p from 715p. The bank said it sum-of-the-parts valuation points to clear downside versus the current shares and that the stock is overvalued when looking at free cash flow yield. Barclays noted that since the start of the year, the shares have outperformed the FTSE All Share by 4%. We see the potential for downgrades and a derating, given that on calendar 2017 free cash flow yield DMGT trades at 5.3%, notably more expensive than WPP, Informa and UBM (all 7-8%). The bank said the stock was being underpinned by hopes that the new CEO will announce a dramatic change to the portfolio. But we do not expect change of the scale required to excite the market, it said. Barclays said the next catalyst will be the full-year 2016 results in December, where it expects the outlook for FY17 to drive consensus downgrades. The bank also highlighted cyclical concerns such as the accelerating decline in UK print newspaper advertising. At 0830 GMT, the shares were down 4% to 765.50p. Analysts at Canaccord Genuity lifted their recommendation on Dominos Pizza from 'hold' to 'buy' after the company reassured them at its Investor Day 'that it can continue to deliver', although the menu was changing. The company now aims to double the number of its stores in its territories over the next decade, but will continue to return surplus cash to shareholders via a progressive dividend policy, supported by a share buy-back programme. That follows a sharp slowdown in the rate of growth of the companys like-for-like sales for the third quarter from 14.9% one year ago to just 3.9%. Hence, Dominos has shifted towards expanding its footprint and now believes it can double the number of its establishments over the next decade, to roughly 2,000, excluding Germany, with the bulk of that coming from the UK and London in particular. Canaccords Nigel Parson also said the firm continued to score well on several metrics which were important to him, such as return on invested capital, balance sheet strength, cash conversion and earnings growth. Parson stuck to his 400p target price for the stock. Actelion surged on Friday following a report that US healthcare group Johnson & Johnson has made a takeover bid for the Swiss biotechnology company. According to Bloomberg, which cited people familiar with the matter, deliberations are still at an early stage following J&Js initial offer and Actelion is working with an adviser to explore options although any discussions need not lead to a sale. The initial offer for the Zurich-listed global leader in the field of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) therapy was said to be $17bn (13.65bn). Olivetree Financial said: Actelion has come a long way since the previously failed speculation and activism in 2010 / 2011 and still remains often touted as a potential M&A candidate. We understand that there is no obligation under Swiss law for Actelion to respond to this speculation, and the recent Syngenta / Monsanto situation suggests this is correct. However, it seems that the market believes there is more to todays newsflow than it did in 2010. It is worth noting the move in Actelion implied volatility in last few days.The market started moving on 9th November we are now sitting at markedly statistically significant levels, the volume market believes that there is something to these stories. Coupling this with the increases shown in cash volume would indicate that the market it more intrigued by this round of speculation than perhaps it has been in the past. In the past, Actelion chief Jean-Paul Clozel has insisted the company - which is in the process of developing drugs for insomnia, lupus and multiple sclerosis - planned to remain independent. Exane BNP Paribas said Clozel remains fully committed to the business and would only consider selling to an acquirer who would preserve the Actelion culture. Assuming CHF500m of cost-savings (from a CHF1.3bn cost base) and 20% tax rate, we estimate NPV of synergies to be CHF45/share based on an 8% discount rate. We would anticipate that a successful acquirer would need to offer above CHF200/share. At 1227 GMT, the shares were up 14% to CHF180.40 Chief executive officer of Italian car-maker Fiat Chrysler Sergio Marchionne has said that a Donald Trump presidency will cause harm to the auto industry, after the president-elect said he would introduce a tax levy for companies who do business outside the US. One of the "Big Three" car manufacturers in America along with Ford Motor and General Motors, Fiat has said that it will work with the Trump administration, but big changes could be afoot in its industry. Marchionne was speaking to Bloomberg TV at an event in its Alfa Romeo plant in Cassino, Italy. Trump's victory "certainly is a game changer, mainly because I think that there are a number of conditions in the U.S. which are not yet spelled out." The president-elect said during his campaign that one of his main aims was to bring more jobs to the US, by placing restrictions on companies who manufacture products abroad, in the likes of China and Mexico. Ford faced particular criticism from Trump because it manufactures some of its cars in factories in Mexico. Fiat makes most of its profits in North America, and many analysts have suggested that the 35% levy that Trump has proposed to slap on products made in other countries could hurt its profits considerably. Troubled US bank Wells Fargo has asked a US court to dismiss dozens of cases against it following the fake account scandal which dogged the California-based firm earlier this year. Wells admitted to creating thousands of unauthorised accounts and credit cards to meet aggressive sales targets, and agreed to pay $185m in fines to state regulators. The bank's CEO John Stumpf stepped down shortly after the incident, but he said the decision was not related. The motion was filed in the US District Court in Utah on Wednesday, according to Reuters. The company had been forced into a mandatory arbitration clause for a number of cases following the scandal. "We are saddened that despite Wells Fargo's commercials and promises to make things right, Wells Fargo is choosing to harm their customers once more," said Zane Christensen, the plaintiffs' lawyer in a statement. Wells Fargo's reputation has been significantly harmed by the legal action in the aftermath of the scandal, but the bank has vowed to rebuild its customers' trust in it in a new advertising campaign. It has faced scrutiny from a variety of lawmakers in the United States, most specifically from senator Elizabeth Warren, who led a senate committee hearing into Wells' actions earlier this year. The bank's profits have suffered in recent months as a result. Turkish president Recep Tayyipan Erdogan has warned European lawmakers that his government could open its borders to migrants after the European Parliament voted yesterday to freeze the country's accession to the bloc. A non-binding motion was passed on Thursday to urge European and national leaders into action against the Turkish government, which has engaged in a severe crackdown on dissent following the failed coup in the country earlier this year. Over 100,000 public servants have been sacked and at least 35,000 arrested after the putsch attempt in July, with Erdogan and his government being heavily criticised for heavy-handed tactics since. Erdogan responded angrily to Thursday's decision in Strasbourg. "If you go any further, these border gates will be opened. Neither me nor my people will be affected by these empty threats," Erdogan told a congress on women's justice in Istanbul. Over a million people arrived on European shores last year, as EU leaders bickered over how to respond to the crisis. Turkey agreed a migrant deal with the other European leaders, a move which was said to have aided the countrys entry into the bloc. It's unlikely that the parliament vote will massively influence the decision of European leaders regarding Turkey, with the likes of Germany and France in favour of supporting the accession. Billionaire investor Wilbur Ross looks set to be offered a job in Donald Trump 's administration when he moves into the Oval Office in the new year, as his commerce secretary. Various sources from the Trump transition team have said that Ross is to be selected for the role, in a week where the Republican has been working to formulate his first cabinet as president. The 78-year-old businessman is the chairman and chief strategist of private equity firm WL Ross & Co, which specialises in buying companies in financial difficulty. The president-elect has faced criticism after pledging to "drain the swamp" of business interests in Washington, followed by his courting of Wall Street executives Jamie Dimon and Steven Mnuchin for Treasury secretary. Ross had previously advised the Trump campaign in the run-up to his election victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton, and is estimated to be worth around $2.9bn according to Forbes. He has spoken out against trade deals the US currently is involved in, referring to them as "bondage". However, rather than supporting the same protectionist stance on trade that the president-elect has espoused, Ross commented last week that he favours trading with other nations, albeit not in a traditional sense. He said that the US should see itself as "the world's biggest consumer", and negotiate trade deals based on that premise, treating other nations as "suppliers". Other appointments to Trump's cabinet so far include Stephen Bannon as chief strategist and Rience Priebus as White House chief of staff. Michael Flynn was added as national security adviser also this week, a decision which has also attracted flak due to the army general's hard-line stance on Islamic terrorism. Saudi Arabia would not attend a technical meeting between the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and non-member countries, insisting instead on the need to focus on a deal between members of the cartel first. According to an official letter from Saudi, such an approach would be "more effective", Reuters reported citing an OPEC source. "We have to solve our problems as OPEC first. We have not achieved an agreement within OPEC," a source from a Gulf country which is familiar with Saudi thinking told the news agency. As of 1615 GMT front month Brent crude futures were declining 2.53% to $47.79 a barrel on the ICE. Sir John Major has defended those who have called for a second referendum on Brexit , saying that the case for another vote is "perfectly credible". The former prime minister of the UK said at a private dinner that the "tyranny of the majority" could not be allowed to dictate against the 48% who voted to Remain, the Times reported. With negotiations between Theresa May's government and the EU big-hitters producing little in the way of progress from both parties' fundamental demands, the British public are growing impatient that the Conservatives may not be able to deliver an adequate deal for the country. "I hear the argument that the 48 per cent of people who voted to stay should have no say in what happens," Major said. "I find that very difficult to accept. The tyranny of the majority has never applied in a democracy and it should not apply in this particular democracy." Major did concede during his speech at a dinner to mark 100 years since the premiership of Lloyd George that Britain would inevitably leave the bloc, but added that it was crucial to maintain access to the free market. He also said that parliament should have the final say on an agreement of such importance. "I dont see how you can reach a treaty agreement without having the treaty ratified by parliament. I do not see how that is avoidable, nor do I believe that it should be avoided," Major said. His comments come a day after those of another former PM, Tony Blair, who said that Brexit could be stopped "if the British people decide" to stop it. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. 6 Columbus restaurants to custom-design, cook your own meals Several cook-it-yourself restaurants, following long-standing customs in Asia and Europe, have found a place in central Ohio. Subscriber content preview ANCHORAGE (AP) Anchorage officials could soon consider a proposal to bring a sales tax to the city. Alaska Public Media reports that Anchorage Assembly member Bill Evans is drafting the ordinance that calls for a 4 percent tax on goods and services. He says it'll help diversify the municipality's revenue stream and offset property taxes dollar for dollar. . . . Subscriber content preview Verruckt sent multi-person rafts on a 17-story drop at speeds of up to 70 mph. By JIM SUHR Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Mo. A 168-foot-tall Kansas waterslide on which a state lawmaker's 10-year-old son was killed last summer will be demolished once the investigations of the tragedy are finished, the water park's operators said. Schlitterbahn Waterparks and Resorts and the family that runs it said in a statement Tuesday that the Verruckt ride at the Schlitterbahn park in Kansas City, Kansas, will be permanently removed from its tower once the investigation is concluded and we are given permission by the court. . . . Subscriber content preview By SCOTT McFETRIDGE Associated Press AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall [enlarge] When officials in the Des Moines suburb of Windsor Heights, Iowa, began talking about installing sidewalks to improve safety and encourage walking, they didnt expect packed City Council meetings, protest signs and threats to defeat officials in the next election. WINDSOR HEIGHTS, Iowa When officials in the Des Moines suburb of Windsor Heights began talking about installing sidewalks to improve safety and encourage outdoor activities, they anticipated some grumbling from residents who liked the look of uninterrupted, lush lawns. . . . Seattle Economics Council Olsen The SEC meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 7, will include a talk called Housing Affordability in Seattle by Skylar Olsen, chief economist at Zillow. The UW-trained Ph.D is the author of A House Divided: How Race Colors the Path to Homeownership and the creator of Zillow real estate indices and metrics including the Buyer-Seller Index and the Buy-Rent Breakeven Horizon. The event is at noon on the 40th floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower. Registration and other info: SeattleEconomicsCouncil.org. Matt Dillon After closing his Pioneer Square restaurant Bar Sajor in July, Vashon chef and restaurant entrepreneur Matt Dillon has reopened a new venture in the space at 323 Occidental Ave. S. Copal is a Mexican-themed bar and eatery at the corner of South Jackson Street. Dillon is also known for Sitka & Spruce, Bar Ferd'nand, The Corson Building and London Plane (a neighbor to Copal). Samis is Dillon's landlord in the 1890 building. Tacos are on the menu. Johnson & Johnson in talks to buy Swiss biotechnology firm Actelion US healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has approached Swiss biotechnology firm Actelion Ltd about a potential takeover, Bloomberg yesterday reported, citing people it said were familiar with the matter. Talks are still at an early stage after J&J made an initial offer, and Actelion is working with an adviser to explore options, the report said. The move comes two months after J&J agreed to buy Abbott Laboratories' eye care business for about $4.325 billion. (See: Abbott Laboratories to sell eye care business to Johnson & Johnson for $4.325 bn) http://www.domain-b.com/companies/companies_a/AbbottLabs_India/20160917_eye_care.html Founded in 1997 and based in Basel, Actelion is Europe's biggest biotech firm having 30 affiliates around the world, including the US, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Japan, Switzerland and a number of EU countries. The company is focused on the discovery, development and commercialisation of innovative drugs for diseases with significant unmet medical needs. Its portfolio of drugs includes Tracleer, an orally available endothelin receptor antagonist, the first oral treatment approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension; Veletri, an intravenous prostacyclin, which removes the need for patients to carry ice packs; Opsumit, an oral endothelin receptor antagonist; Uptravi, the only approved oral, selective IP receptor agonist targeting the prostacyclin pathway in pulmonary arterial hypertension and Ventavis, an inhaled formulation of iloprost. Actelion was initially financed with venture capital provided through a syndicate including Atlas Venture, Sofinnova and HealthCap. The Swiss stock exchange-listed company has a market cap of $17 billion and annual revenues of around $1.7 billion. The company is run by CEO and co-founder Jean-Paul Clozel, who is also one of the company's largest shareholders. The government of Iceland is taking the UK supermarket chain Iceland Foods to court over the use of the name 'Iceland', which the UK firm owned as a European trademark. According to the Icelandic government, the UK firm's ownership of the trademark was preventing companies like Iceland Gold, a fish retailer and Clean Iceland, a wholesaler of Icelandic national products from promoting their goods and services overseas. Both the companies had failed to register themselves with the EU in recent years, due to the supermarket's ownership of this trademark. The government added that that the legal action was aimed at cancelling the trademark, and not to force the supermarket to change its name. In this regards, the government said it had filed a legal challenge at the European Union Intellectual Property Office, in Alicante, Spain. In a statement, it said, "[The Icelandic Government] seeks to invalidate this exclusive registration on the basis that the term 'ICELAND' is exceptionally broad and ambiguous in definition, often rendering the country's firms unable to describe their products as Icelandic." The government of Iceland said this was causing harm especially to its small and growing companies. "A company or product made in Iceland or by an Icelandic company should be able to represent itself using the name of the country," it argued. It added Iceland Foods, which held a European trademark, had "aggressively pursued" and won multiple cases against Icelandic companies which had used the word Iceland. Iceland Foods responded, "We very much regret that the Government of Iceland has apparently decided to take legal action over the use of the name Iceland. "Contrary to their assertion we have received no recent approaches to achieve an amicable resolution of this issue, which would be our preferred approach. "While we will vigorously defend Iceland Foods' established rights where there is any risk of confusion between our business and Iceland the country, we have been trading successfully for 46 years under the name Iceland and do not believe that any serious confusion or conflict has ever arisen in the public mind, or is likely to do so." People who want to erase their footprints on the web can now do so, thanks to two developers from Sweden, Wille Dahlbo and Linus Unneback, . All they need to do is to visit Deseat.me, a page which allows them to wipe their entire web presence clean. They need to log in with a Google account, and the programme would scan for any apps or services they had created accounts for. For every account it finds, the programme gives users a 'delete' link, which takes them to that service's unsubscribe page. It probably takes a few clicks per account to delete, so depending on how much of themselves they had put out there it would take only an hour or two to work through their way deleting their presence on the web completely. The site leverages the fact that many of users' online accounts are linked together by a common thread -- Google. By signing into the site with their Google credentials, Deseat.me would find all their linked accounts and give them the option of wiping them out in one go. After they visit the Deseat.me page, users need to click the 'sign in with Google' button, enter their Google credentials and give the site permission to access their account. Whenever users want, they can revoke Deseat.me's access to their account from within Google settings. Users would be presented with a list of other online accounts that had been found to be associated with them, some of which they may want to keep, and wipe out the others. They can work their way through the list, indicating whether they wanted to keep the account or add it to the queue to be deleted. Brazil's health ministry said cases of chikungunya were soaring this year in the country. According to the ministry, there had been 134,910 confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne disease so far in 2016 as against the 8,528 over the last year. Chikungunya, a viral disease, was spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It also transmitted the Zika virus and dengue fever. People with chikungunya experienced fatigue, nausea, high fever and joint pain or swelling. Experts had linked the Zika virus to microcephaly, a rare defect that could cause babies to have smaller than normal heads and improperly developed brains. According to the ministry more than 2,159 cases of microcephaly had been confirmed in Brazil since October 2015. According to experts the Aedes aegypti species of mosquito had proved to be the most dangerous as the tiny mosquito had claimed millions of victims across the globe over hundreds of years. ''One of the most efficient killers in the world,'' Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, told The Washington Post this year in discussing A. aegypti. Travel, global commerce and a warming planet only seemed to be helping the mosquito to again flourish after widespread eradication efforts in the first half of the 20th century. Writing Thursday in the journal Science, Yale University's Jeffrey R Powell, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, detailed how the species now bred year-round in locations where it once did not exist. ''These expansions are putting at risk large human populations that never experienced aegypti-borne viruses and therefore have no immune defenses against them,'' he wrote. ''This greatly increases the likelihood of severe epidemics.'' According to Powell researchers had documented two subspecies of A aegypti - the human-loving ''Aaf'', traditionally found in forests - interbreeding in certain parts of the world from Argentina to Africa. ''The consequences of increasing hybridization between the two subspecies remain unclear,'' he continued. He warned that it could lead to increased genetic variation and still more spread of disease. Portsalon-based jewellery maker Helen Haworth is set to bring hidden treasures from the famous Donegal beach to a national stage next week, when she exhibits her range of Donegal Seaglass jewellery at the National Crafts and Design Fair in Dublins RDS. The beautiful jewellery pieces are made from sea glass and sea pottery collected from the beach at Portsalon, making every piece a unique treasure from the shores of Donegal. Before they head to Dublin though, Helen is holding a special stall preview of the jewellery in Portsalon this weekend at Portsalon Luxury Camping, Cashelpreaghan, and there will be chances to win tickets to the fair in Dublin. I started collecting sea glass and sea pottery soon after moving here, said Helen who is originally from Shropshire in England. There is so much history around this part of the Donegal coast. There have been many shipwrecks in Lough Swilly and the stormy Atlantic throws up new pieces every day. I love the fact that every piece is unique and every piece has its own story. Helen moved to Donegal in 2010 after meeting her partner Sean. Together we renovated the old farmhouse built by Sean's granddad, which we now live in. We also set up a tourism business - Portsalon Luxury Camping - and rent out five fantastic yurts overlooking the ocean, she added. In the off-season Helen keeps busy, not only managing bookings for the now-famous Donegal yurt site, but also by making the range of jewellery that is distinctively Donegal. None of the sea glass and sea pottery is altered in any way, apart from the drilling of a small hole to accommodate a chain. The Atlantic Ocean has already worked its magic on these pieces and has turned them into real treasures from Donegal. Every piece of glass or pottery is unique and I just try to choose the most interesting and smoothest pieces to turn into these custom-made jewellery treasures. The National Crafts and Design Fair runs from November 30 to December 4 in the Main Hall at Dublins RDS and Helen explains she was encouraged to attend thanks to support from Donegal Local Enterprise Office who have provided business mentoring and some assistance with the costs of attending such a prestigious event. Helen is now hoping that the jewellery, including such pieces as Jewels from the Sea and Mermaids Tears will cause quite a stir among those attending. It is the biggest craft fair in Ireland and Im hopeful the jewellery will appeal to people looking for a really exclusive gift. Hopefully people from Donegal who have friends or family in Dublin who might attend the fair will let them know well be there as well. Lots of people from Donegal will travel to Dublin for the fair, but there will also be an opportunity to see the exclusive pieces in Portsalon this weekend. Were holding a stall preview in Portsalon from 12 noon until 6pm on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November when well have a 10% Donegal discount, plus free mulled wine and mince pies and a free prize draw for complimentary tickets to the RDS National Crafts and Design Fair. Helen, who also sells online at - etsy.com/shop/Donegalseaglass/ - says she hopes the custom nature of the pieces will prove a big attraction. People are often looking for something special and truly unique as a gift at this time of the year and my jewellery falls into that category. No two pieces are the same so they really are small and authentic piece of Donegal which has been collected and crafted with love, she added. If any further proof was required that The World Has Gone Mad it's just arrived, in the wildly weird shape of the new Toyota C-HR. Those letters don't actually represent the noise a person makes when seeing one for the first time, they stand for Coupe - High Rider; the very latest in the kind of "crossover" tiddling faux-wheel drives that have come into existence because even people who want sporty, funky coolness from their cars now feel the need to sit high above the ground. A decade or two ago, the customer Toyota is aiming at with this car - people with "active lifestyles" who "know what's cool" and have FOMO about their car buying, and like to "actively outsmart traffic" by weaving in and out of lanes - would have bought sporty Corollas, or even Celicas. Now what they want is a crossover with the agility of a hatch, according to the C-HR's chief engineer, Hiroyuki Koba, who said his two main goals were making the car look "distinctive", and achieving a low centre of gravity. Which is weird, considering that anyone who's interested in a low C of G could already choose from a myriad of hatches, sedans or actual coupes (and almost as weird as the fact that this is being marketed in Europe as a sporty crossover, yet 75 per cent of Euro sales are tipped to be hybrids). There's absolutely no question he's nailed it on the distinctive front, however, because this is a particularly bold bit of design for a company that's often accused of designing washer/dryers on wheels. The C-HR does look a bit like it was designed by a committee, with everyone allowed to add one riotous, swoopy line or detail, but then instead of deciding which ones should be deleted, they just kept them all. The two-door look is particularly effective, because the rear door handle is so cunningly hidden up near the roof (where no child can reach it). The downside of those darty, upwardly mobile rear windows is that the back seats feel somewhat claustrophobic, and kids will struggle to see over the high belt-line. Headroom in the rear (and the front) is excellent, but that's not a word you'd use to describe the leg room for the back passengers. The important people up front are swathed in sporty futurism, with European models even featuring BMW i-car like bolts of blue plastic (they won't be making it to Australia) and a giant 8-inch touch screen (we only get a 6.1-inch version, but it's no great loss as the big one looks like a wide-screen TV in a tiny bedsit). There's a real sense of more Lexus-like quality in what Toyota calls the C-HR's Me Zone, with mostly nice soft-touch materials and shiny piano-blackness, but some money was definitely saved on the roof lining, which feels like the inside of one of those boxes that avocados arrive at fruit shops in. Bizarrely, they seem to have left the avocado-shaped cut-outs in the cheap-feeling roof-lining, although Toyota claims they are "diamonds" and form part of its efforts to "seduce our quality-driven customers". Cubic zirconias, possibly. The sporty feel comes from things like the surprisingly sexy steering wheel, and the incongruous G-meter you can select on the dash, which, in a car with this level of performance, is a bit like fitting a speedometer to a camel. A sporty feel is not what you expect to get from the 1.2-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is the only one Australians will be offered when the C-HR arrives here in February. In Europe - the market this car was originally created for, before Toyota realised the world would love it - most sales will be taken by the hybrid version, running a Prius system, and in the US there will be a 2.0-litre version, because Americans! But the tiny engine is actually a keen and rev-happy little unit, which makes 85kW and maximum torque of 185Nm, which is on tap from 1500rpm to 4000 rpm. The result, at least in the six-speed manual, is a car that feels frisky and fun, despite a 0-100km/h time of 10.9 seconds. The light and easy self-shifter encourages you to enjoy finding the right gear, and then finding another one if you're anywhere near a hill, but it's actually genuinely involving to drive. Adding to that is the fact that Koba san - a proper motorsport nut who wanted his new car to appeal to the kind of enthusiastic/crazy drivers he flew to Italy to study - really has delivered on his goals of fluidity and balance, and has managed to get the centre of gravity some 25mm lower than it is in a Prius. The rigid chassis (60 per cent stiffer than Toyota's previous C-segment platform) and a suspension tuned with Japanese precision provide both excellent ride quality and a surprising amount of cornering ability for a car of this size and shape (it's taller, wider and longer than a Corolla, and roughly the same size as a Nissan Qashqai). Throw it into a corner as fast as its engine is capable of and at the moment when you expect it to fall over the loaded wheel and tumble into roly-poly understeer, it simply refuses to do so, tracking cleanly through the bend. In handling terms, at least, the C-HR delivers on the promise of its edgy, sporty styling. The only problem with the driving feel is that you can't get the seat low enough, but then being up high is the whole point of this car. Sadly, only around five per cent of Australian buyers will take the manual option, which is only available with front-wheel-drive models, when the car goes on sale locally at a yet to be determined but undoubtedly Qashqai-battling price. That will leave the majority of people, and those who demand all-wheel drive for no particular reason, lumped with the CVT transmission, which is just as shouty and characterless as we've come to expect this technology to be. It dramatically removes the fun and driver involvement from the C-HR, and makes it sound like a recording of a bee-hive that's stuck at a certain, droning tone. Nor does it add any sportiness by offering paddle shifters. You can select from one of seven pre-set gears in Sport mode, but you need to shift them using the gear selector, which is set up backwards (forward to go up gears, back for down) and will quickly either bore you or drive you bonkers. Sadly there's just not enough grunt to marry with the CVT in a pleasant fashion, but perhaps a bigger engine will arrive, down the track. The fact is, of course, that no one is buying this car to drive enthusiastically, no matter how pacey the styling is. What they're buying it for is the size, and the distinctive looks, and they'll be very happy with its ride and quality feel. The C-HR will be offered initially in just two highly equipped premium grades, featuring advanced driver-assist features like a pre-collision system, AEB, adaptive cruise, lane-departed warning with steering control and a reversing camera. Top-grade buyers will get heated seats, remote entry, privacy glass, part-leather seats and 18-inch alloys, which add even more visual bling. The challenging looks will not appeal to everyone, but they're certainly a brave move for Toyota, which says the C-HR will slot in somewhere beneath the RAV4 in sales terms. And it's yet another car that proves, no matter what size, shape or style the modern buyer is looking for, in essence it has to be an SUV. Home Four wheelers Toyota Spreads Awareness About Hybrid Technology In India oi-Sreejith Toyota Kirloskar Motor has showcased its new Prius at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for the "Toyota Caravan" event. The company organised this event to share knowledge and spread awareness about safety and eco-friendly technology through series of interactive sessions. {photo-feature} Home Two wheelers 2017 Dakar Rally: Toughest Dakar Announced; To Enter 'Fourth Dimension' oi-Rajkamal The 2017 edition of the Dakar Rally, the world's most dangerous form of motorsport is set to take place in January 2017. With the big day approaching fast, here is what can be expected from Dakar 2017. {photo-feature} Internet bots have many useful online purposes, but they have a dark side, too, as three researchers demonstrated in their analysis of Twitter traffic during the first presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Bots are used to automate functions on the Net. For example, if you belong to several social networks, you could use a bot to post a photo to all of them at once, saving the time of logging onto each network and posting the pic individually. What the researchers found was that bots also can be used to amplify support on Twitter. Manufactured Support The researchers tracked how automated accounts were tweeting messages with hashtags associated with the candidates. For example, #makeamericagreatagain or #draintheswamp for Trump; #imwithher for Clinton. They found that one-third of all tweets using pro-Trump hashtags were created by bots and one-fifth of all Clinton hashtags were generated by automated accounts. How might that affect public opinion? They act as a prosthesis for small groups of people to affect conversation on social media, said Samuel Woolley, director of research at Political Bots, a project to assess the effect of automated advocacy on public life. Woolley coauthored the report on debate bots with Bence Kollanyi of Corvinus University and Philip N. Howard of Oxford University The effect of that prosthesis can be multiplied by news media. A lot of conversations on social media, especially those followed by journalists, are about whats trending and what candidate has a lot of support online, Woolley told TechNewsWorld, but what we found was that a lot of traffic surrounding Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton is actually manufactured. The researchers do not know who is behind the bots, but the practice isnt new. We know that in the past, Republican and Democratic candidates in the United States have been connected to either social media management or content management firms or astroturf activists that have built bots for the candidates, Woolley said. Gravy for Nation-States Such bots were used in the 2008 special election to fill Ted Kennedys Massachuetts Senate seat in 2008, according to a 2010 study by two researchers at Wellesley College, Panagiotis Takis Metaxas and Eni Mustafaraj. A conservative group in Iowa, the American Future Fund, set up nine Twitter accounts that sent 929 tweets and reached more than 60,000 people with messages accusing the Democratic candidate in the race, Martha Coakley, of being anti-Catholic, the researchers found. Nation-states arent above using such tactics either. Political actors and governments worldwide have begun using bots to manipulate public opinion, choke off debate, and muddy political issues. Political bots tend to be developed and deployed in sensitive political moments when public opinion is polarized, Woolley and his colleagues wrote in their report. We know for a fact that Russia, as a state, has sponsored the use of bots for attacking transnational targets, Wooley pointed out. Other governments do it, too. Weve had cases in Mexico, Turkey, South Korea and Australia, he added. The problem is that a lot of people dont know bots exist, and that trends on social media or even online polls can be gamed by bots very easily. Distorting Democracy Bots arent just a Twitter problem theyre an Internet problem. The proportion of bots to humans on the Internet is about 50-50, said Tim Matthews, vice president of marketing at Imperva. Any task that is repetitive or mundane or can be simply automated is a likely candidate for a bot to take over, he told TechNewsWorld, so its not surprising to see more and more bots being used in social media for that reason. Bots have many good uses. For example, Web spiders are bots used by search engines to keep their indexes current. However, in a political context, they can have undesirable effects. These sorts things can distort democracy if used for purposes of propaganda, but they can be used to support democracy if theyre used for beneficial reasons, Woolley said. That said, there has to be some kind of regulation of this whether by the platforms themselves or government or advertisers, he added. At the moment, theres a lot of fake political speech online, and it can definitely affect the way that people perceive politics and democracy. Tech-Support Scams Tech support scammers raked in US$1.5 billion in 2015, based on Microsofts estimates, and the problem is getting worse, suggests a recent report from Malwarebytes. Once carried out by telemarketers making cold calls, these scams now operate through tech support lines listed on websites, or they use pop-ups to get victims to call, the report notes. Instead of receiving help, users find their computers held for ransom. These tech support scams arent easy to spot, the report notes. Their tactics have become so advanced that almost anyone could fall for their tricks. Further, getting on a tech support scammers call list can be a descent into cold call hell for a consumer. It got so bad, I canceled my landline, said Jean-Philippe Taggart, a senior security researcher with Malwarebytes Labs. I wasnt getting any more phone calls except those from people pretending to be from Microsoft telling me that my computer was infected, he told TechNewsWorld. From Cold Calls to Ransomware When consumers began hanging up on the scammers cold callers, they changed their tactics. They moved to targeted advertising that masquerades as error messages, Taggart explained. When consumers browsed certain websites, a pop-up ad resembling an error message appeared on the screen with instructions for calling support. Once contact was established, the scammers used social engineering to wring money from the consumers. Now some tech support scammers have gone beyond pop-ups. Theyre starting to use malicious software, Taggart said. Theyll buy a spot in a software bundle to have their software installed with legitimate offerings in the package. The software will lock up your computer, so the victims are no longer people who lack computer savvy, Taggart explained. If you get one of these attacks as a vector, youre stuck. You cant use your computer until you call fictitious tech support. Breach Diary Oct. 17. StartPage, a European meta search engine, announces its dropping Yahoo search from its website because of Yahoos lack of openess about privacy and a massive data breach in 2014. Oct. 17. Katy Independent School District in Texas warns 78,000 students and staff members their personal data is at risk due to a data breach. Oct. 19. Czech police announce they have arrested a Russian citizen in Prague wanted by the FBI in connection to 2012 data theft of 117 million passwords at LinkedIn. Oct. 18. Redbus, an Indian online travel ticketing platform, confirms data breach that may have compromised more than 4 million accounts. Company advises all its users to reset their passwords. Oct. 18. Veracode releases State of Software Security report, which includes finding that about 97 percent of Java applications contained at least one component with a known vulnerability. Oct. 19. Federal Reserve, FDIC and OCC issue notice of proposed rulemaking seeking comments on a set of enforceable cybersecurity standards for banks with more than US$50 billion in assets. Oct. 20. National Payments Corporation of India reports some 3.2 million payment cards have been compromised in massive ATM security breach. Oct. 20. Weebly, a San Francisco-based website creation company, starts notifying more than 43 million customers their personal information is at risk due to data breach that occurred in February. Oct. 21. Kenya Commercial Bank dismisses reports earlier in the week that it was the victim of a data breach. It says the reports were based on malicious information aimed at upsetting its customers. Oct. 21. Baystate Health in Springfield, Massachusetts, announces personal data of 13,000 patients is at risk from data breach in August. Oct. 21. John McAfee tells CSO Online that his sources on the Dark Web lead him to believe that Iran was behind the hack of the Democratic National Committee in July. 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Currently, textile manufacturers often have multiple sets of guidelines depending on which brand theyre dealing with. The new guidelines have also been endorsed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition as the two organisations seek closer collaboration. Elon Musk is being targeted by the conservative political action committee, Citizens for the Republic. The groups so-called Sunlight Project is behind an incendiary lobbying campaign and website called, Stop Elon Musk from Failing Again, with a mission of divesting the Tesla/SpaceX/SolarCity boss from federal clean energy subsidies. Musk himself has tweeted about the recent rash of attacks. Can anyone uncover who is really writing these fake pieces? Can't be skankhunt42. His work is better than this. https://t.co/Qs69AFMGE5 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 22, 2016 According to the Washington Examiner, the campaign was launched a few days before Teslas recently approved merger with sister company SolarCity. The Musk empire appears to be nothing more than a collection of failing startups and plummeting stock options, Citizens for the Republic said in a statement to the Washington Examiner. Even the once-touted SolarCity had to be bought out by Tesla to survive. Following the victory of President-elect Donald Trump and a majority of Republicans in the House and Senate, government corruption and spending abuse at all levels must end, the group added in reference to Musks subsidies. The Stop Elon website is a giant hit piece on Musks several companies and his endeavors. Its about page states: Elon Musk has defrauded the American Taxpayer out of over $4.9 Billion in the form of subsidies, grants, and other favors. We are challenging not just Elon, but the entire culture of corporations making billions of dollars off of the American people for almost zero return to the consumer. CEOs like Musk are taking advantage of Americans, and it is our intention to end their free ride. The $4.9 billion figure stems from a debunked Los Angeles Times story. While Musk said that government subsidies are helpful they are also not necessary for his company to run. He pointed out that $4.9 billion is from adding up everything thats ever happened and including things that will take the next 20 years. Musk suggested that the Times report was planted after the International Monetary Funds staggering report that the fossil fuel industry receives more than $5 trillion in subsidies a year. During a talk in May, the sustainable transport/clean energy advocate urged a revolt against Big Energy for allegedly feeding negative stories about his work to the press. We need to appeal to the peopleeducate people to sort of revolt against this and to fight the propaganda of the fossil fuel industry which is unrelenting and enormous, Musk said. Elon Musk: We Must Revolt Against the Unrelenting Propaganda of the Fossil Fuel Industry https://t.co/eGrR4QXjtT @BusinessGreen @CSRwire EcoWatch (@EcoWatch) May 6, 2016 On its website, the misleadingly titled Sunlight Project considers the solar industry Big Energy, calling it a pet project of the Obama Administration and those who claim to care about the environment. It accuses Washington of funneling millions in tax credits to solar companies despite posting losses year after year. (Actually, the solar industry has reported record-breaking growth in recent years). Several new reports have determined that the anti-solar/anti-Musk campaign has dubious ties with conservative interests and Big Energy lobbyists. Electrek writer Fred Lambert reported that Citizens for the Republic, which was first launched by Ronald Reagan in the 1970s and later dismantled, is now spearheaded by none other than conservative radio host and climate change denier Laura Ingraham. Ingraham, a top Donald Trump surrogate, happens to be in the running for press secretary under the Trump administration. Right-wing group led by Trump propagandist launches campaign against Elon Musk, Tesla and SpaceX https://t.co/re8hDmjonX pic.twitter.com/VLkR1PFEav Electrek.Co (@ElectrekCo) November 22, 2016 The Drives Liane Yvkoff also reported that Citizens for the Republics board members Craig Shirley and Diane Banister are partners of the right-wing public relations firm Shirley and Banister Public Affairs, that has represented the National Rifle Association, commentator Ann Coulter and the Tea Party Patriots. Posts on Stop Elon Musk From Failing are authored by someone called stopelon, the same user name on Alt Left Watch, which also happens to be managed by the PR company. Not only that, Yvkoff noted that Shirley has previously lobbied for Citizens for State Power that actively fought deregulation of utilitiesin the years 1999, 2000, and 2001. The Washington Post revealed that utility companies secretly funded millions to Citizens for State Power to lobby Congress for energy deregulation. Shirley served on the board of the United Seniors Association that lobbied on behalf of the Republican party for energy deregulation in 2000, according to Public Citizen. According to Yvkoff, Citizens for State Power and Stop Elon Musk From Failing probably isnt a personal project of Craig Shirley or Diane Banister, and is more likely to be supported by energy companies that want to end the tax credits that help Tesla and other renewable energy companies build infrastructure. These Are the Lobbyists Behind the Site Attacking Elon Musk and Tesla: https://t.co/l6u1MTrm0P The Drive (@thedrive) November 23, 2016 However, when Bloomberg asked Banister if oil companies are contributing to the campaign, she responded, We reached out to them [for donations], but they havent responded.' The Sunlight Project produced a video that delves into their overall mission and touts the tagline, We believe sunlight is the best disinfectant. The clip features Shirley as well as Heartland Institute-approved Greg E. Walcher, the president of the Natural Resources Group and the former executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. In 2004, The League of Conservation Voters added Walcher to their Dirty Dozen list of anti-environmental candidates during his run for Congress in Colorados 3rd District. Walcher boasts on his resume that he helped forge a compromise and approval that allowed new technology to access oil shale in the Piceance Basin, leading to the first practical oil shale production in 30 years. The Finnish government has announced plans to stop using coal, one of the the dirtiest fuels on the planet, by 2030. Finland is well positioned to be among the first countries in the world to enact a law to ban coal This will be my proposal, Minister of Economic Affairs Olli Rehn told Reuters. This is all part of Finlands ambitious target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80 percent by 2050. Giving up coal is the only way to reach international climate goals, Rehn added. According to The Independent, the Energy and Climate Strategy for 2030 and Beyond is the countrys plan to phase out coal within 14 years. Finland aims to turn its energy production carbon-neutral by 2050 with plans to switch its traditional energy sources to biofuels and renewable energy. The strategy will be presented to the Finnish parliament for approval in March. Currently, Finland gets only 8 percent energy from coal, mostly imported from Russia. Renewable sources and nuclear make up 45 percent and 34 percent respectively. Finland is not the only country trying to stamp out coalother European countries as well as Canada have similar plans. The state of Oregon also wants to phase out the carbon-polluting fuel. https://twitter.com/EcoWatch/statuses/709859343089455105. I fail to understand how the central administration can spend so recklessly and be so unappreciative of the situation in the energy markets. Transport and Communications Minister Anne Berner also told the Associated Press that the emission targets for the transport sector is demanding. By Brenda Ekwurzel Word has it that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Earth Science program is on the chopping block with the upcoming Trump Administration. Bad decision! Alaskas Susitna Glacier NASA/GSFC/METI/ERSDAC/JAROS and U.S./Japan ASTER Science The NASA Earth Science program provides information about the Earth that plays a vital role in our scientific advancement, our national security and the American economy. In addition to a robust science program, NASA Earth Science supports fundamental services that underpin economic activities of farmers, the construction sector and small businesses. Most people know NASA for its moon shots and participation in the International Space Station; many dont realize that NASA also supports its space mission through its Earth Science program. In order to develop instruments of sufficient maturity (reliability in performance and quality of measurements), these instruments need to be tested in airborne measurement campaigns. NASA cleverly combines instrument development with science advancement. NASA is uniquely positioned to combine lower Earth orbit measurements (like aircraft) and upper Earth measurements (like satellites) to advance our understanding of the Earth processes. NASA operates its own aircraft and can provide the cost-savings leverages available to a large program. In addition, NASA is a major funder of Earth Science through its Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) program, where university researchers are funded to contribute to Earth sciences. There are so many examples from NASA Earth Science worthy of note. Here is an example of a NASA mission that, if it were ended, would be like a falling domino that topples the rest. The First Domino: GRACE Artists concept of GRACE: GRACE, twin satellites launched in March 2002, are making detailed measurements of Earths gravity field which will lead to discoveries about gravity and Earths natural systems. These discoveries could have far-reaching benefits to society and the worlds population. NASA / JPL One of the most beneficial satellite programs that NASA has is the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite. The GRACE mission is a joint partnership between NASA, the Deutsches Zentrum fur Luftund Raumfahrt (the German space agency DLR) and other partners. The GRACE mission measures how the Earths gravity changes over time. Gravity changes point out areas where mass is changing. The Second Domino: American Infrastructure An important use of GRACE gravity data is in support of the National Spatial Reference system (NSRS). This is critical for rebuilding or investing in 21st century American infrastructure. The NSRS is a consistent coordinate system that defines latitude, longitude, height, scale, gravity and orientation throughout the U.S., underpinning all civil positioning and navigation activities in the U.S. Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge under construction. Mike OCallaghan Surveyors, mapping professionals and others use the NSRS to ensure their positional coordinates are compatible and accurate in the creation of maps and charts; marking property boundaries; and planning, designing, and building roads, bridges, and other structures. All of us who live, work or recreate in any building with indoor plumbing depend on accurate spatial reference systems. GRACE gravity data support the development and evolution of the National Spatial Reference System. The Third Domino: Communities Confronting Sea Level Rise GRACE is able to monitor the large ice sheets of the planet and help measure mass loss as these large sheets melt. The shrinking ice sheets provide one of the largest contributions to sea level rise. NASA scientists conducting surveys with airplanes outfitted with geophysical instruments are studying possible surprises from Antarctica with consequences for near-term and long-term sea level rise. Similar studies are occurring over the Greenland Ice sheet. The large ice sheets are the great unknowns regarding sea level rise and must be better understood to manage our rapidly growing coastal risks. NASA mission to use airplane surveys with instruments to observe changes on Greenland Ice Sheet. Communities working with architects are already investing in 21st century design to protect coastal communities. Core infrastructure like GRACE or the ice sheet surveys by NASA Earth Science are key information for any community that is less than 6 feet below sea level. If the world did not fully implement the Paris climate agreement then coastal communities would need to knowas far in advance as possiblewhen would global sea level rise 3 feet, 4 feet, 6 feet? The interactive map by Ben Strauss for West Palm Beach shows 2 feet and 3 feet, sea level rise would inundate areas of the Mar-a-Lago estate of President-elect Trump in West Palm Beach Florida. The Forth Domino: Agriculture The GRACE mission can help assess where major groundwater aquifers are being depleted or recharged over a season. Such knowledge can support agricultural decisions such as in the central valley of California. Food produced from this region finds its way to most American homes. Increasing drought in the nations fruit and vegetable basket make this information all the more vital. The Fifth Domino: Stop! Okay, okay. I will stop. The list goes on and on. Even though dominos falling can be a beautiful sight, lets not let this happen to the core science infrastructure that underpins 21st century activities and our daily lives. Brenda Ekwurzel is a senior climate scientist and the director of climate science at the Union of Concerned Scientists. (Photo: World Council of Churches)Rev. Gao Feng, president of the China Christian Council and Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, World Council of Churches general secretary are seen at the Nanjing Theological Seminary on June 14, 2012. The World Council of Churches is calling "especially on rich industrialized countries" to up their support to fulfill the commitment to mobilize $100 billion a year to combat climate change. At meetings in Nanjing and Shanghai, China, from Nov. 17-23, a ley governing body of the WCC, its executive committee, issued a statement on climate justice. Churches in China's State controlled churches are members of the WCC. Christianity is growing rapidly in China, but the government frequently faces criticism for hostile actions against 'house' churches not offically approved, or even sometimes against the Roman Catholic Church. Its call, from China, came as the world's biggest economy, the United States, is preparing for a new administration under President-elect Donald Trump. The next U.S. president once referred to climate change as a hoax devised by China to secure an unfair trade advantage. A U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate change agreement is unlikely to scuttle the international deal, but it could instead see China take on a leadership role, CBC News quoted experts as saying Nov. 23. In its statement, issued Nov. 25, the WCC reiterated the urgent concerns of churches in relation to climate change, and called on all States to fulfill the commitments of the United Nations, Paris Agreement. The Paris agreement, adopted at the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Paris in Dec. 2015, came into legal effect after a rapid ratification process in which both China and the United States of America joined. The Paris Agreement commits countries to keeping the global temperature rise to below 2 Celsius, making every effort to limit the rise to the lower threshold of 1.5. The WCC groups more than 520 million Christians from mainly Anglican, Orthodox and Protestant traditions and works close with the Roman Catholic Church which serves on some of its bodies. The WCC welcomed the example offered by the government of China in its ratification of the Paris Agreement, and "in leading the world in investing in development of renewable energy." GLOBAL LEADERSHIP FROM CHINA The statement encourages the government of China to "show further global leadership by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement commitments." The statement also reaffirms the importance of continuing ecumenical action for climate justice and intensified interfaith cooperation for the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The WCC executive committee "calls especially on rich industrialized countries to scale up support (including through technology transfer) and to fulfill the commitment to mobilize $100 billion per year for climate change mitigation and adaptation from 2020." The statement also expresses concern at a pledge by Trump to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, and calls on the U.S. government to maintain and fulfil the commitments entailed in its ratification of the Paris Agreement. It notes that climate change is already having adverse consequences on the very foundations of peoples' sustenance, water and food. The WCC statement encourages the work of the WCC's Ecumenical Water Network and of the WCC-Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance Food for Life campaign. The WCC Executive Committee meet twice a year, while monitoring the council's ongoing work, approving plans and superviseing the budget approved by the council's main governing body, its central committee. It was the first time a WCC governing body had met in the People's Republic of China .T The meeting took place in Shanghai and Nanjing and was hosted by the China Christian Council and the Three Self Patriotic Movement Committee. WCC leaders met Nov. 24 November with Minister Wang Zuoan, Director of China's State Administration for Religious Affairs, in Beijing. (Facebook/Prison Break)'Prison Break' season 5 premieres sometime early 2017 on FOX. Jail-breaking brothers Michael and Lincoln will face a whole new world of trials as spoilers reveal that in "Prison Break" season 5, getting Michael out of the Yemeni jail will be "just the beginning." A GIF image posted on the show's official Twitter account says: "Getting out of prison is just the beginning... #Prison Break." This further implies that there will be more stumbling blocks than usual in Michael (Wentworth Miller) and Lincoln's (Dominic Purcell) way. Getting out of prison is just the beginning... #PrisonBreak pic.twitter.com/BpnTCNf4yx Prison Break (@PrisonBreak) November 15, 2016 In the previous installments of the hit series, the brothers always found a way to get themselves out of every mess. However, things will take a sharp turn when the two will realize that there's more to escaping prison now that Michael is locked up in a foreign land. "Prison Break" season 5 will see Michael jailed in Yemen after a stint with ISIS fails. It appears that Michael wants to get out of the group's control but they won't allow him to go easily so he ends up behind bars. While Lincoln may get the help of some old friends who escaped with him and Michael back in the days, it won't guarantee that the two of them will get out of Yemen safely. Aside from the arduous road ahead in "Prison Break" season 5, the show also teased earlier that T-Bag (Robert Knepper) will undergo an operation. It has yet to be revealed why he will have to go through surgery, but physical conditions may also mean a breakdown for the usually strong psychopath. Will T-Bag die in the upcoming season due to a disease? It has also been confirmed that C-Note (Rockmond Dunbar) will be part of the escape that Michael and Lincoln are planning. In a photo released by the series, it seems that C-Note will be traveling to Yemen with Lincoln, though this will have to be officially confirmed. C-Note is seen wearing a Taqiyah, the common skullcap that Muslims wear. He also stands beside Arabic posters on a wall. For now, fans can only wait for further announcements regarding the premiere of "Prison Break" season 5 next year. An Australian university plans to offer courses to Indian students not just on its campus but also elsewhere in the world using digital technology. It just launched an online Master of Public Health degree in association with the e-learning venture of a private hospital chain in Mumbai. The one-year programme, including an internship, is for graduates in biomedicine and health-related disciplines. As part of another new initiative, a student in India may be able to design a personalised degree in the future, said Ian Jacobs, president, University of New South Wales (UNSW), during a talk in Delhi recently. The university is investing in technology to offer degree-level classroom and online or blended learning courses to attract up to 100,000 Indian students to the continent over the next 10 years. It is looking for partners in India to help it implement the UNSW Diya (or light) initiative. My dream is that a student in Delhi or anywhere else in India will be able to plan a degree. In order to plan their degree, they need to be able to spend some of their time, as much as they want, at UNSW in Sydney, or online or perhaps part of their time in an Indian university and in Sydney, said Jacobs, adding they would also have access to creating their degree partly in Arizona State University, Phoenix and Kings College London through the trios PLuS (Phoenix-London-Sydney) Alliance. So, they will be completely flexible programmes. The option to study in India is not on offer yet, but we are moving very fast to putting the online components together. The next step would be tie-ups in India. Jacobs said he expected some programmes to be available via the alliance within a year, with greater flexibility. There would be more online options in the next two to three years and the fully formed, totally flexible offerings in three to five years. Meanwhile, it is likely to become the first foreign partner in the Indian governments programme for free e-learning -- Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM). After signing a memorandum of understanding with the Union ministry of human resource development in the next six months, it plans to start a pilot potentially involving its School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, said Laurie Pearcey, the universitys executive director - international. That area seems to resonate with Indias development agenda, he said. Asked about the high dropout rates in massive open online courses (MOOCs), Jacobs said, The key is high-quality online technology. We are investing A$75 million in digital technology which will involve 600 courses reaching 75% of our students, mainly undergraduate, over the next three years. If you design online well, then monitoring, feedback, assessment and support are at least as good as face-to-face learning. Future of Change scholarships Ian Jacobs, president, University of New South Wales, announced a series of Future of Change Scholarships for Indian students during his recent visit to India. We have 30 scholarships available across all disciplines and undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees. This includes full tuition fee awards and tuition fee stipends ranging in value between $10,000 and $40,000 per year. Applications open on January 9, 2017 and recipients will be announced in early June 2017 with the first cohort of scholars starting their studies in Sydney in July Japan & South Korea: A tale of two mature pork loving markets An eFeedLink Hot Topic Japan's swine sector, though large, is flat and levelled out at lower personal consumption levels than that of poorer, neighbouring Asian countries Japan's zero population growth and tiny increases in personal consumption means that imports will not rise too far above their current 1.3 million tonne range South Korea's domestic production continues to expand, though more slowly than imports Despite eating 80% more pork than Japanese per capita, consumption is lower than in China and continues to grow up to 3% annually With South Korean consumption and imports continuing to grow, both countries should be importing 1.3 to 1.5 million tonnes of pork by the late 2020s While China now imports twice as much pork as anyone else, North Asia's leading two economies remain world leading swine markets. While not growing nowhere nearly as rapidly as China, Japan and South Korea remain important, large stable sources of world pork demand, though with important differences. While China now imports twice as much pork as anyone else, North Asia's leading two economies remain world leading swine markets. While not growing nowhere nearly as rapidly as China, Japan and South Korea remain important, large stable sources of world pork demand, though with important differences. Japan: Flat production, large import demand but very little growth One important difference is that Japan's swine sector, economy and population have all literally levelled out. Not only is the most developed Asian nation's swine market the flattest, but it levelled out at lower consumption levels than that of poorer neighouring countries such as China or Vietnam. In 1980, Japanese on average ate 14.3kg of pork, which was the highest swine meat consumption level in Asia at that time. By 1990 when Japan's economy made a secular peak, they were eating 16.7kg. this was less than the amount eaten by South Koreans at that time. In fact, despite having a per capita income of only a few thousand dollars, Chinese pork consumption per person also overtook Japan's in the 1990s. Possibly due to the two-decade economic crisis it has endured, in the years from 1990 through 2015, per capita pork consumption only rose to 20kg. By this time South Koreans and Chinese were eating 80% and 98% more pork per capita respectively. But whereas China remains 95% self-sufficient in pork consumption and South Korean pork imports grow faster than output, Japan's is far more import dependent, with imports accounting for approximately half of consumption. To put it another way, since 1980, Japan's pork consumption has risen 55% but its 2016 pork production is 14% lower than what it was 36 years ago. Having peaked at 1.6 million tonnes in the late 1980s, pork production has fluctuated in the 1.2 to 1.3 million tonne range from the mid-1990s all the way through to today. With its population staying stable or slowly declining and its economy flat, Japan's market may be large but there's not much scope for growth in either domestic output or imports. Having said that, some industry restructuring is underway. It has a dwindling population of medium size and backyard farms which, while given subsidies and protection from imports. With most of these small-scale farmers being above age 55, their numbers decline as they retire and exit the industry. Several PEDv outbreaks between 2014 and 2016 accelerated this process, causing the total number of hog farms to fall 8%, from 5,250 to 4,830 over two years. This was accompanied by a 7% increase in average farm size, to 1,928 head over this same time. Japanese hog farming's relatively small scale reflects the fact that in Japan, domestic pork is a higher end niche product that competes on reputation and marketed for its unique taste tradition, rather than its cost competitiveness. This gives it far less incentive to boost scale than is the case in China, which is feed rich by comparison. Going forward, while the country is fully recovered from PEDv outbreaks, with larger farms increasing output by an amount equal to production lost from smaller farms exiting the industry, Japanese pork production will stay in the same 1.25 to 1.30 million tonne range that it has fluctuated in since 2010. While it will remain the world's second largest pork importer, volume growth will be that of gently rising plateau, with annual import volume increases averaging 1% or less. South Korea: Slow production increases, lots of room for import growth By comparison, whether one speaks of its domestic fundamentals or potential for import growth, Asia's second largest developed country swine market is far more dynamic. Reflecting both South Korea's 'catching up' to Japanese living standards and a more buoyant, resilient economy, South Korean hog herds continue to increase, though at far more incremental pace than before the year 2000. By comparison, whether one speaks of its domestic fundamentals or potential for import growth, Asia's second largest developed country swine market is far more dynamic. Reflecting both South Korea's 'catching up' to Japanese living standards and a more buoyant, resilient economy, South Korean hog herds continue to increase, though at far more incremental pace than before the year 2000. For the past fifteen or so years, South Korean pork production could be best described as a gently rising plateau, with occasional sharp dips and rises. Currently, both hog numbers and domestic pork production are expanding, though 2013's record output will not be exceeded until next year. For 2017's projected record 1.263 million tonne output, while 2.5% higher than this year's 1.232 million tonnes, will be only 0.9% more than 2013's 1.252 million. Having over expanded in their recovery from a serious 2010-11 FMD outbreak, 2013 saw an oversupply of pork and low import prices exert deflationary pressure on Korean hog farmers. The resulting large scale herd culling included a lot of sows. With sow numbers depleted, both inventories and pork output were depressed for several years. The resulting herd reduction was accelerated by a nasty H1 2015 PEDv outbreak. The domestic supply shortage that followed led to two years of high prices and good returns. Consequently, after the PEDv outbreak was brought under control, sow numbers turned sharply upward, reaching their highest level since 2010 by the middle of this year. Most telling was that while overall H1 2016 swine feed demand rose 4.3% from a year earlier, the quantity consumed by (mostly pregnant) sows jumped 27.3%. From a USDA estimated low of 895,000 head in early 2013, sow numbers jumped 7% to open 2016 at 958,000 head. This year, sow inventories are rising a projected 2.3% to open 2017 at an estimated 980,000 head, their highest level since 2008. A rising number of conceiving sows is pushing up herd levels. Even though sow numbers are below their all-time peak of slightly over a million-head established in 2008-09, because they now produce up to a quarter more piglets annually, hog numbers are being boosted to record highs. From a low of 9.91 million head at the start of 2014, hog numbers rose 7% over 3 years to close 2016 at 10.6 million head, with the USDA projecting a 3.8% rise to a record 11 million head by the end of 2017. Over the longer term, since 2000, hog numbers have risen at a 2.3% annual rate. This reflects the fact that unlike Japan, Korea's economy, population and living standards are still expanding. Consumption growth, while tapering off, continues at a slower pace. From 6.2kg in 1980, per capita pork consumption rose to 22.7kg in 2000, 27.3kg in 2005, 31.2kg in 2010 and based on USDA estimates, will amount to 36.3kg in 2017. While per capita consumption no longer grows at the torrid 6% annual rate it did from 1980 to 2000, two factors have enabled it to keep expanding by 2.2% annually rate in the years since 2010. The first is record high beef prices, both in Korea and around the world. These create a red meat price differential in favour of pork consumption. For example, the USDA notes that lower grade. Korean Hanwoo beef prices jumped from 1.25 times domestic pork's price in 2015 to 1.53 this year. Similarly, Australian beef went from 1.15 times the average cost of Korean pork in 2011 to 1.27 in 2015 and 1.35 times its average cost in by mid-2016. Second, free trade agreements signed between South Korea and Australia, the US and more recently, Canada is enabling imported pork to enter the country more easily and cheaply than before. In recent years, this coincided with a depreciation in the Euro's value and a large quantity of EU pork being exported to East Asia. Thus, from 2006 through 2016, consumption rose by 31.5% or nearly 50% faster than domestic pork output, which increased by 23.2% over the same time. This is all part of a larger story, for whereas Japan has been importing pork in mass quantities since the 1970s, South Korea only started doing so after 2000. This is partly due to the fact its economy boomed after Japan's and partly because it opened its markets to imports later. From 184,000 tonnes and 17% of consumption in 2000, imports jumped 231% in 15 years and 33% of consumption or 610,000 tonnes in 2015. While this is slightly lower than the 640,000 tonnes of pork imported during 2011's catastrophic FMD epidemic, it still represents a 49% increase over ten years. In fact, even after recovering from the FMD epidemic, South Korean pork imports still grew 56% in three years, from a USDA estimated 388,000 tonnes in 2013 to a projected 610,000 tonnes in 2016. The past year saw a continuation of this trend, with consumption rising 3.0%, production 1.2% --and the difference being made up by rising pork import volumes. In fact, even with South Korean hog inventories rebounding strong, next year will see a continuation of this trend: For 2017, the USDA expects consumption to rise 1.2% (from 1.68 to 1.90 million tonnes), domestic pork output to rise 2.6% (from 1.232 to 1.630 million tonnes) and imports to jump 3.3% (from 0.61 to 0.63 million tonnes). Over the longterm, high domestic production costs favour imports dominating the lower half of the consumer market and increasingly being used in food processing. Thus, once the current uptrend in sow and inventory numbers peaks in 2017, the years after 2018 should see import growth decelerate slightly from the 10%+ pace seen since 2013 to slightly over 5% through 2030. With South Korean pork imports poised to keep growing and Japan's market staying flat, it means that by the late 2020s, South Korea and Japan will each be importing somewhere between 1.2 and 1.4 tonnes of pork annually, thereby acting as a collective counterweight to neighbouring China's even larger pork import market. We can expect that within a decade, imports will be close to 60% of consumption in both South Korea and Japan the difference being that South Korean imports will keep growing as will domestic pork output, with the latter expanding at slower rate. All rights reserved. No part of the report may be reproduced without permission from eFeedLink. Times' Game of the Week Preview: No. 7 Beaver Area vs. No. 10 Deer Lakes Beaver enters the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs riding high after closing the regular season strong. Up next: Deer Lakes for had coach Cort Rowse's Bobcats. On Friday, National Institute for South China Sea Studies head Wu Shichun remarked that Chinese government is considering a "wholesale" deal that will grant Philippine fishing vessels access to the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. This new decision, Wu said, is in light of the improving relations of both countries since Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte visited Beijing in October for his state visit. Wu remarked, "A wholesale bilateral fishing industry deal is still being discussed, an agreement has not yet been reached." Both the Philippines and China have been in dispute since the arbitration ruling favored the Philippines regarding the disputed territory and undermined China's territorial claims was released early this year. Since 2012, China has been blocking Filipinos from fishing in the disputed shoals. However, relations has improved dramatically after Duterte's visit and Chinese vessels have left the area. Last week, Duterte announced that he will be barring fishermen from exploiting marine life at the disputed waters, shifting the country's policy regarding the area. Currently, the waters within the shoal are still inaccessible for both Chinese and Filipino fishermen. Wu said that the fishermen would be granted access for humanitarian reasons, especially if a typhoon hits the waters. Wu has been a part of the diplomatic team assisting the improvement of Chinese and Filipino relations since Duterte came into office. Zhu Feng, the director of the South China Sea Center at Nanjing University who was also in the same forum as Wu, supported his assessment and said that Chinese-Filipino relations have improved since Duterte became president. Should the deal take into effect, Zhu adds that this may stop the disputes within the South China Sea. China has been less specific with regards to its current plans regarding the South China Sea and how the arrangements will go to allow Filipinos to operate in the Shoal.When asked about Wu's comments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that China would make "appropriate arrangements to allow Filipino fishermen access to the waters." 23 November 2016, Erbil, Iraq As military operations into Mosul continue, WHO is working with national health authorities to ensure that people with war-related trauma injuries have access to live-saving medical care. WHO anticipates that approximately 40 000 civilians will require care for trauma injuries as a result of Mosul military operations. This week, WHO is establishing 2 fully equipped trauma stabilization points in eastern Mosul, less than 25 km away from Mosul city, where most of the casualties are coming from. With hospitals near the front lines either nonfunctional or inaccessible, some patients, including children, are dying due to lack of immediate medical care and long transfer times. These stabilization centers, managed by the Ninewa Directorate of Health and supported by WHO, will ensure that patients have an increased chance of survival as they are transported to hospital. Doctors at the points will perform screening and triage, stop the bleeding, and provide IV fluids and oxygen, and dispense medications as needed. Services for complicated deliveries will be supported by UNFPA. Also this week, 2 leading international war surgeons recruited by WHO are working with more than 75 general surgeons and junior medical doctors from Ninewa and Erbil. Together, they will review the main principles of war surgery, discuss challenges, and acquire new techniques for performing war-related surgeries. On 2122 November, WHO delivered 10 new ambulances and 4 new mobile medical clinics to Ninewa national health authorities, bringing the total number of WHO-supported ambulances for Mosul response operations to 30, and the total number mobile medical clinics to 23. The new ambulances will be used to transport patients from the trauma stabilization points to Erbil secondary health services. In addition to strengthening referral pathways for injured patients, ambulances are also equipped to treat patients suffering from minor trauma injuries. To support the increased demand for trauma care services in main hospitals in Erbil and Ninewa, WHO continues to provide trauma and surgical kits to national health authorities and health cluster partners working in health facilities and camps. WHO has provided trauma and surgical kits for 600 patients requiring trauma and surgical care, and an additional 40 kits for 4000 beneficiaries are in the pipeline. WHO will continue to provide additional kits as needed. Since 17 October, more than 1200 people, including women, children and babies as young as 2 months old, have been treated for trauma injuries including bullet injuries, mine and shell injuries and mortar injuries. The actual number of injured people is expected to be much higher, as many civilians are currently unable to access treatment due to the insecurity. The Directorates of Erbil and Ninewa, with direct support from WHO are managing the bulk of trauma cases with additional support from health cluster partners and international nongovernmental organizations. Until now, the areas around Mosul that have experienced fighting are not too densely populated, so the number of trauma cases is still relatively low. As fighting increases inside the city, we are expecting much greater numbers of injured civilians. Because we have no clear idea about the condition of the hospitals inside the city, we are working with national health authorities to significantly scale up response capacity near the front lines, moving closer to the city as access allows, said Altaf Musani, WHO Representative in Iraq. Support from WHO to Mosul response operations has been made possible by funding from the European Union (ECHO), the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and the Iraq Humanitarian Pooled Fund. Read the photo feature Special constable recruitment query for Home Affairs Minister The Isle of Man Constabulary recruited more special constables earlier this year. Plans to increase the number of special constables on the Isle of Man will be discussed in the House of Keys next week. Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper wants to know whether more special constables would benefit the Island. Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey will also be asked what plans he has to attract more people to such a role. Special constables work part-time alongside regular officers in the neighbourhood policing teams, as well as bolstering numbers during TT. The Isle of Man Constabulary held a recruitment campaign to add new special constables earlier this year. home Tech AMD Radeon RX 490 release date, news, rumors: Next Polaris-based GPU to be released in December The highly successful original equipment manufacturer, AMD, has developed the current Radeon RX video cards this year. This new lineup of Radeon Fury GPUs is all based on the popular Polaris architecture. Not only do these graphics processing units boast high-quality visual experience in playing today's advanced video games, but they are also being sold in the market because of their reasonable price tag. However, according to the latest reports, AMD is about to unveil another Polaris-based GPU this December. If the latest rumors are anything to go by, AMD's new flagship graphics card, the Radeon RX 490, will be released even before the year ends. It is expected that the RX 490 will make a special appearance next month, which is seen by some tech enthusiasts as AMD's answer to NVIDIA's recent GTX 1080 reveal, according to Yibada. As shown in the latest report from WCCF Tech, it is not yet confirmed whether AMD will be holding a special hardware event in December to unveil the Radeon RX 490. There is also no exact date yet for the release of the upcoming Polaris video card. However, it has been noted that the Radeon RX 490 was already seen listed on some AIB websites, and even on AMD's official website. After the announcement of the AMD Radeon RX 490 next month, it is reported that the graphics card will also be released shortly, if not on the very same day. WCCF Tech noted that the RX 490 is a worthy rival to the NVIDIA GTX 1080, which is based on the Pascal architecture. For one, the Radeon RX 490 is specifically designed for virtual reality (VR) platform, not to mention its special 4K rendering capabilities to support games that allow full 4K resolution. The latest addition to the Polaris 10 architecture video card series is expected to have a net total of 4609 stream processors. The RX 490 is also said to exceed 256 bits of data. Earlier rumors, on the other hand, suggested that the AMD Radeon RX 490 will be based on the new Vega 10 architecture. This would mean that the RX 490 will be more powerful and efficient compared to the previously released Polaris graphics cards this year. Likewise, if the Radeon RX 490 is indeed developed under the Vega architecture, the graphics card is expected to be the first from AMD to be integrated with HBM2 technology. home Tech Android 7.0 Nougat news update: Nextbit Robin now on closed beta session; here's how to participate All users of Nextbit Robin smartphone can now experience the much-talked-about features of Android 7.0 Nougat through the closed beta session. The Android 7.0 Nougat for Robin was made possible via the support of the development team of Paranoid Android custom ROM. Google rolled out the Android 7.0 Nougat a couple of months ago and a number of devices have already received the update. While some brands and older smartphone models are still waiting for their own update, Nextbit announced that they are releasing a "solid beta" of Android 7.0 Nougat to their Nextbit Robin users. The people behind Nextbit reportedly collaborated with the Paranoid Android custom ROM team so as the make NextbitOS run compatible with Google's latest OS. The company stated that their partnership resulted in faster processing. The partnership of Nextbit and Paranoid Android is not only limited to improving the process of Nougat update, the company also assisted Paranoid Android in their development of custom ROM of Nougat for the smartphone. "They [Paranoid Android] are a talented group of developers and we're excited to be working with them to make sure Robin runs even better whether you're running NextbitOS, or Paranoid Android," said Mike Chan, Nextbit's CTO, according to the company's blog post. Nextbit Robin users need to participate in the beta update in order to receive Android 7.0 Nougat. The update notification should automatically pop on their devices that are registered in the program. Those who are not required to participate in the beta test, but still want to join, a sign-up form can be accessed on Nextbit's official website. Nexbit, however, warns its users that if they already modded their Nextbit Robin handset, they do not encourage to download the Android 7.0 Nougat update. Nextbit Robin received praises for its impressive design, fast charging capabilities and unique cloud storage integration, among others. "Fifty Shades Darker" star Jamie Dornan and Amelia Warner have no plans to separate, despite divorce rumors ringing since the Irish actor starred in the "Fifty Shades" series. In fact, the happy couple attended the premiere of "Mum's List" together. Dornan and wife have been the subject of countless divorce speculations as of late. Speculations range from "The Fall" star planning to leave Warner to him preparing for a secret wedding with co-star Dakota Johnson. The latest even claims that Dornan and Johnson are expecting a baby together. Rumor spinners may have been working non-stop to fabricate stories about the "Fifty Shades Darker" stars. After all, the on-screen couple is a hot commodity with the many followers they have. Unfortunately, for these people and die-hard fans hoping that Jamie and Dakota will hook up in real life, Dornan always quash rumors. On Wednesday night, Nov. 23, Jamie gladly escorted his 34-year-old wife to the premiere of "Mum's List." The Irish actor was in attendance to support Amelia's work in the film. Warner is not the star of "Mum's List" but she significantly contributed to the music that was used in the movie, reports Mail Online. Fans of the real-life couple were delighted to see their idols together, as such occurrence is rare. Before gossip makers spin this occasion again, both Dornan and Warner look genuinely happy beside each other. Therefore, no one can say that the married pair is just there hide what really is going on behind closed doors. The 34-year-old actor was pictured staring lovingly at his wife. Both had big smiles plastered on their faces. It is definitely a sign that they are not having troubles in their marital affairs. Dornan had previously confirmed in his interviews that he always longed to be with his wife and kids after months of filming the "Fifty Shades" series. Jamie Dornan can currently be seen in "The Fall" series. His next movie "Fifty Shades Darker" will be released in cinemas in February of 2017. Many people think highly of the royal family especially Queen Elizabeth II. However, there are some personalities that think that her successors might not be the perfect fit for the throne. According to Parent Herald, Bishop Pete Broadbent insulted the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by saying that they are "shallow personalities." Aside from that, he accused the Queen and the rest of the royal family as philanderers. Bishop Broadbent is soon to be named as the head of the royal diocese. Aside from insulting Prince William and Kate Middleton, he also made fun of Prince Charles by calling him "big ears." It was said that Queen Elizabeth and the rest of the royal family is quite affected by these negative comments from the Bishop. Is that the reason why there were reports that the Royal Monarch is preventing Broadbent's announcement as the Dean of the Chapel's Royal? There were also reports claiming that the Queen is asking Dr. Richard Chatres to stay in his position. This would not be the first time the Bishop talked negatively of the Royal Family. In the past, he called the late Princess Diana a porcelain doll. He also said that he thinks that Kate Middleton and Prince William's marriage will end in divorce. On the other hand, Inquisitr reported that Kate Middleton is not really that affected with the issues surround her and her family. It was reported that the Duchess of Cambridge gets her strength from her mother Carole Middleton. Carole, who used to be a flight attendant, is residing with her husband Michael in Bucklebury. Kate and Prince William make it a point that they visit her parents in their hometown from time to time. It was said that although her daughter has risen to fame, Carole and Michael stayed the same simple citizens. Sources claim that Carole is also teaching her grandchildren, Prince George and Princess Charlotte how it is to live a normal and simple life just like how Queen Elizabeth used to have a Scottish nanny teach her simple ways when she was a child. In secret, behind locked gates, our Nation's Oldest City dumped a landfill in a lake (Old City Reservoir), while emitting sewage in our rivers and salt marsh. Organized citizens exposed and defeated pollution, racism and cronyism. We elected a new Mayor. We're transforming our City -- advanced citizenship. Ask questions. Make disclosures. Demand answers. Be involved. Expect democracy. Report and expose corruption. Smile! Help enact a St. Augustine National Park and Seashore. We shall overcome! In the context of a note by the Tamil Nadu state labour and employment department that the information technology (IT) industry is not exempt from the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (ID Act), there were a spate of reports/articles on job security of IT employees. With the increasing use of artificial intelligence, especially in software testing, which has the potential to displace jobs, speculations were rife on the negative impact of the note on IT companies. However the captains of the industry were unperturbed. The president of the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), R Chandrasekhar was quoted as saying, The Tamil Nadu government has simply clarified the law and its applicability to IT companies and its employees. There is no new provision, because there was no exception to begin with. In fact, what is relevant and more important is what was left unsaid by the note and Chandrasekhar. Certain provisions of the ID Act pertaining to lay off, retrenchment and closure of establishments are not applicable to some industries, including IT industries. This was not because these industries were exempt, but were not made applicable ab initio (from the beginning). Turkey has reacted angrily after the European Parliament in Strasbourg voted yesterday (24 November) in a symbolic, yet powerful move by 471 to 37 to halt Turkeys EU accession talks, passing a resolution that condemned the Turkish governments disproportionate repressive measures after a failed military coup in July. The resolution also called for a temporary freeze of the ongoing negotiations with Turkey in the light of political unrests in the country. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country stayed true to European values but has seen little concrete support from Western friends. Mr Erdogan further rebuffed the upcoming vote in the European Parliament on the freeze of accession talks on Turkish membership in the European Union and lashed out at what he called Europes double standards. The EU needs to send a clear message to Turkey. For the European Peoples Party (EPP), accession negotiations should be frozen as they cannot continue under the current circumstances, Manfred Weber, leaders of the EPP, commented. He added that if Turkey reintroduces the death penalty, we need to make very clear as well that such a country cannot become a member of the European Union. Gianni Pitella of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats added that Turkey under Mr Erdogan is more and more drifting towards an authoritarian regime. However, Federica Mogherini, the head of European diplomacy, said that a freeze on the accession talks would be a lost opportunity. I believe the best way to strengthen Turkeys democracy the most effective way is by engaging Turkey and by keeping channels open, she said. Also Syed Kamall, leader of the European Conservatives and Reformists group criticized the EUs approach to Turkish membership, saying that for too long Brussels has dishonestly dangled the prospect of Turkey joining the EU in front of the nation and now time is high for a more honest relationship. Mr Kamall said that the EU must come to terms with the prejudice against a predominantly non-Christian nation, whose land mass is mostly in Asia. Other frequently cited reasons against Turkey joining the bloc are its voting weight in the EU Parliament as well as direct borders with countries such as Iran, Iraq and Syria. European and American oil and gas companies have very different views on environmental issues. European firms generally outperform their American counterparts when it comes to investment in clean and sustainable energy and they also rarely try to disclose information to investors about the financial risks posed by global warming, according to report released by the British company CDP. The performance between Europeans and Americans is quite, with Europeans making steps in the right direction to hedge themselves against the changes, which are going to happen in the world, Tarek Soliman, senior analyst of investor research at CDP commented. European firms have generally made more investment in cleaner-burning natural gas and renewables and found ways to decrease emissions that leak during the extraction process. Just to give a few examples: Italys major Eni plans to invest more than $1 billion in solar projects in Italy, Algeria, Pakistan and Egypt and does not produce any oil from tar sands, Norways state-owned Statoil has increased its reserves of gas and decreased emissions from methane, a powerful pollutant, better than any of its competitors and Frances Total is about to convert one-fifth of its portfolio to low-carbon fuels by 2035. In the meantime, the US Exxon Mobil has just started a legal action over its role in a climate change cover-up scandal and is ranked below all of its US and EU competitors in terms of emissions and corporate governance on climate risks. Chevron has in contrast underappreciated the investment in natural gas and underperformed on most CDP measures. Another US energy company, ConocoPhilips, had the second-highest exposure to tar sands after Canadian Suncor. Ukrainian nationals have been granted visa-free travel to the European Union, European Council President Donald Tusk announced yesterday (24 November) during a meeting of Ukrainian and EU leaders in Brussels. Mr Tusk said that Ukraine had met all relevant standards perfectly and the EU authorities would start working on the implementation of the visa-free regime in the upcoming weeks. The visa-free travel will allow Ukrainian citizens with biometric passports to travel to the countries of the Schengen area including some non-EU countries such as Iceland or Switzerland but not to the UK or Ireland without visa for short stays of up to 90 days. However, travellers have to eventually obtain an electronic confirmation prior to their journey similar to the American ESTA. The electronic registration and authorization system is still in the making. Mr Tusk commented that The last three years have seen the birth of a new Ukraine that advances its democracy and economy through sometimes very tough reforms. Additional assistance from Europe should help Ukraine in strengthening its democratic path. He further said that all EU Member States agreed that Ukraine was ready for a visa-free regime and that it would come into force once the European Parliament and the European Council agreed on changes to the blocks visa policy. The visa-free regime is a great success for Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko who has been promising Ukrainians visa-free travel to the EU for almost three years. Mr Poroshenko said after the meeting with his European counterparts that he hoped the visa-free regime would happen by the end of the year. Visa-free travel was not the only point on the agenda of yesterdays meeting. Both sides also extensively discussed corruption, which has been not been tackled successfully. The decision taken by British voters to leave the European Union, the subsequent delay in invoking Article 50 and the time taken to begin the formal exit negotiations will hopefully not increase resentment towards Great Britain amongst French political, academic and think-tank leaders, most of all on defence and security terms. At the second meeting of the UK-France Leadership Group, hosted recently by the European Leadership Network (ELN) in the UK Parliament, it was clear that both sides could overcome the mistrust that might otherwise lead to resentment. To prevent antipathy between our two nations, it is important to consider what we have in common in the field of security. First, as founding members of NATO and permanent members of the UN Security Council, we share common international responsibilities. We benefit mutually throughout Commonwealth and Francophonia from a wider and strategic depth in terms of soft power. We are both present on three oceans with our extensive Exclusive Economic Zones. Second, we are contributors to regional and global peace and stability. The UK and France, as part of the P5+1 or E3+3, cooperated in developing the Iranian nuclear deal and continue to work together on the European and international stages to support the peaceful resolution of the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria. Third, we face common, volatile and asymmetrical threats including international terrorism and cyber threats. And fourth, we are the core of European armament capacity as our defence industries represent almost 40% of European defence exports. In 2016, France became the second largest global defence exporter behind the USA, pushing Russia into third place. The decision taken by British voters is not to be questioned. The Brexit issue, when it comes to defence, rather enhances the urgent need for closer cooperation between the Europeans. The recent election of Donald Trump as President of the United States, given his statements on European security, further highlights the urgency of better Franco-British defence contacts. 12 years after the Saint-Malo Summit in December 1998, the main framework of the UK-France defence policy cooperation remains the Lancaster House Agreements signed on 2nd of November 2010, effective for the next 50 years. There are two major treaties of the Lancaster House Agreements. The first, related to the creation of the radiographic and hydrographic simulation capabilities, links to the ban of nuclear tests. The second allows for development of more intensive, robust and sustainable bilateral industrial, human and operational capabilities, as well as intensified strategical level of cooperation when it comes to planning, control & command of joint operations, and also permanent operational capabilities in terms of aircraft carriers and submarines. We should also take into consideration the letter of intent concerning the reinforcement of cooperation between our two armed forces, which led to the creation of the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), fully operational as a land force by 2016 and by 2020 on a maritime level. On that particular point, the new strategic context (as the Libyan Crisis had shown previously and the Malian/Sahelian Crisis as well as the increase of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and along the shores of Africa confirms) means that the CJEF can prove to be quite useful as an early entry force capable of facing multiple threats up to the highest intensity, to be used in the context of UN, NATO or EU missions. The UK leaving the European Union will hopefully not burden these common Franco-British projects and ambitions. Every time the French and British work together, they have managed to deliver an exceptional product (Concorde, Scalp/Storm Shadow/ Meteor air to air missiles), which outpaced largely the American and other competition. Brexit will not have a juridical effect on our bilateral relations, given that they depend largely on prior multilateral agreements, amongst these, the OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation) Letter of Intent signed in July 2000 between 6 European countries (France, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden) which allowed the strengthening of the European defence industry and the development of an stronger and more independent European Industrial & Technological Defence Base. The UK and France have already gone in the right direction in the field of missile capability, with the construction of an autonomous long range cruise missile (Scalp/Storm Shadow) bringing together Matra-Aerospatiale/Bae-Gec Marconi, core of the MBDA (created in 2001). The London Summit of November 2010 prepared the One MBDA agreement. This important agreement enhanced the necessity to set up concretely the rationalisation and competitiveness of Europes precision-strike missiles, such as in the field of anti-surface Guided Weapons and in the plans for the future anti-ship missiles. The cooperation will have to grow stronger in the maritime domain as well, as both sides must engage in the field of naval interoperability, especially given the arrival of the aircraft-carrier Queen Elizabeth by 2020, the discussions over the next generation of French aircraft carrier, and the complementarity between Frances Bateau de Projection et de Commandement (BPC, such as Mistrals) and the British Helicopter-Carrier Class Ocean. The recent Euronaval Fair, which took place in Paris in October 2016, confirmed this common ambition, with the launch of the Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) project, which will lead, by 2019, to the establishment of a joint ambitious naval UAV cooperation between Thales, BAE Systems, ECA and ASV, opening new horizons in the field of under-water combat. Finally, London and Paris should also make sure that the common commitment of the two countries to work together for the Future Air Combat System (FCAS) will not suffer because of the Brexit issue. There is also space for further cooperation with regards to the greater interoperability and coherence in the field of military doctrine, training and equipment requirements. On a closing note, while there is the need to work close on strengthening defence cooperation, the governments in the UK and France should also be convinced that they have to amplify and promote a common Franco-British position in regards to all of the frameworks connected with the nuclear disarmament issues (Non Proliferation Treaty NPT; Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty CTBT; work on the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty FMCT). The next review Conference of the NPT, which will take place in 2020, could give us the unique possibility to draw a common UK-French position on the Article VI (ban of nuclear arm race and collective disarmament) of the NPT. The opinions articulated above represent the views of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Leadership Network or any of its members. The ELNs aim is to encourage debates that will help develop Europes capacity to address the pressing foreign, defence, and security challenges of our time. Canadian dollar (Currency:CAD) is seen consolidating within a tight range, with oil prices stabilizing around the $48 level yesterday. However, foreign exchange experts at Scotiabank forecast USD/CAD to rise towards 1.3800 in their near-term FX research. USD/CAD exchange rate to rise - USD/CAD to jump up to 1.3850 level short-term. - USD/CAD to jump up to 1.3850 level short-term. US Dollar supported - Interest rate outlook with the Fed tightening in December. - Interest rate outlook with the Fed tightening in December. BoC outlook - The Bank of Canada is seen holding monetary policy steady. - The Bank of Canada is seen holding monetary policy steady. Oil prices dictate - Uncertainty over the OPECs ability to cur oil supply persists USD/CAD surged on the renewed US Dollar exchange rates strength on Wednesday, with the 2Y US- Canada spread ending Wednesday at fresh highs above 45 basis points, leaving CAD vulnerable. Moreover, US durable goods orders beating expectations and the hawkish tone of the US Federal Reserves minutes from its November meeting supported the US Dollar strength. We continue to highlight the risks surrounding the outlook for relative central bank policy with markets pricing in a neutral Bank of Canada (BoC) stance over the next 12 months, Eric Theoret, FX Strategist at Scotiabank, wrote in a note on Thursday. In a brief to clients on Friday, Eric reaffirms this view: "We await a break of the range from November 14 roughly bound between 1.3380 and the upper 1.35s." "The RSI and MACD are both close to neutral." "The medium-term bullish trend remains intact and we view the January-May decline retracement as incomplete." "We look to gains through the recent highs in the upper 1.35s toward the 61.8% Fibo retracement at 1.3839." OPEC meeting next week The main risk events for the CAD include the OPEC meeting and Septembers GDP figures, both scheduled for November 30. There is a high degree of uncertainty over the ability of OPEC member countries to reach consensus on an oil supply cut. Some member countries are increasingly worried about the current level of oil supply that has driven oil prices down to sub $50 a barrel levels. OPEC officials are struggling to reach a final agreement on how to share production cuts as per by the preliminary output accord agreed by oil ministers in September. Some countries that are heavily dependent on income from oil are pressing on the rest of the cartel members to cut oil prices in order to pushes prices higher. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Wednesday an OPEC deal to cut output and hike oil prices was "imminent". Technical analysis and CAD outlook Technical indicators on the USD/CAD exchange rate are neutral-to bullish in the short term. Momentum indicators softened into the neutral territory while the moving averages have flattened out, reflecting two weeks of consolidation within a 1.3380-1.3600 range. We await a breakout and look to a bullish resolution with expectations of gains toward the mid 1.38s, Scotiabanks Theoret further predicted. "Above 1.3535/36 can target the November high at 1.3591" say Credit Suisse Foreign exchange analysts at Credit Suisse suggest USD/CAD could test best monthly levels in the near-term outlook: "USDCAD has seen a slight push higher, leaving the immediate focus onto near-term trendline and price resistance at 1.3535/36." "A direct break above here is needed to test the recent high at 1.3591, through which can then see a continuation of the uptrend for 1.3639/53 at first, followed by 1.3736." "Near-term support shows at 1.3464, followed by 1.3423. Below can see a retest of 1.3378/67 which we look to ideally hold." The number of people moving to New Zealand has set another new record with the country seeing 126,100 arriving in the year to October 2016, official data shows.It means that the country is even more popular with immigrants moving to live and work with Octobers record surpassing the previous record set in September. The record annual net gain in migration was driven by the increase in migrant arrivals, said Statistics New Zealand population statistics manager Jo-Anne Skinner. She added that at the same time migrant departures decreased, adding to the high net gain.Migrant arrivals numbered 126,100 in the October 2016 year and migrant departures were 55,800, leaving a new record of 70,300 in actual people moving to the country.Visitors also set a new record. There were 260,200 in October 2016, up 14% from October 2015. In the October 2016 year visitor arrivals hit a record 3.42 million, up 12% from October 2015.Meanwhile, Social Development Minister Anne Tolley and Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse announced an increase in the number of seasonal workers who can come to New Zealand to work in the horticulture and viticulture industry under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.The current cap will be increased by 1,000 from 9,500 to 10,500 RSE workers for the 2016/2017 season.Woodhouse said that the horticulture and viticulture industry is New Zealands fourth largest export industry, producing almost $5 billion in exports and pointed out that the industry has forecast an additional 2,500 workers will be needed for the upcoming season.The increase of 1,000 RSE workers shows the Government is committed to enabling the industry to continue to grow and maximise export returns, while ensuring jobs arent being taken from New Zealanders, he added.Ministers say the increase has been made on the understanding that the industry continues to maximise opportunities for New Zealanders, particularly in regions with relatively high unemployment.Tolley said that significant progress has already been made on employing New Zealanders in the industry. Around 500 beneficiaries have already taken part in the New Zealand Seasonal Work Scheme and a significant number have not gone back on a benefit, she explained.She pointed out that in 2015, MSD placed over 4,000 people in the agriculture industry across New Zealand, which includes the horticulture and viticulture industries. HortNZ figures show that this sector employs around 60,000 people annually.To build on this, the Ministry of Social Development is developing new initiatives with employers and other stakeholders to further increase the number of New Zealanders working in the industry, she added. Friday, November 25, 2016 With the growing interest in green burial in the U.S., an Italian company has designed biodegradable egg-shaped burial containers for cremated remains and full bodies in a fetal position. TheCapsula Mundi burial pods are meant for pairing with a live tree in a natural burial ground. Capsula Mundis founders, Italian designers Raoul Bretzel and Anna Citelli, see death as not the end, but the beginning of a way back to nature. They have redesigned the coffin, using secular and universal symbols of life: the egg, the tree and the fetal position. Their project envisions a different approach to the way we think about death. The body (or cremated remains) is placed in an egg-shaped pod made of biodegradable material for burial. The pod is buried as a seed in the earth, planted beneath a tree chosen in life by the deceased. The tree serves as a memorial for the departed and as a legacy for posterity and the future of our planet. The idea is that family and friends will continue to care for the tree as it grows. Cemeteries will grow into vibrant woodlands, havens for wildlife and a reminder of the cycle of life and death. The project sought funding through a Kickstarter campaign, but it did not reach the fundraising goal of 60,000 Euros set for July, 2016. Nonetheless, the founders are still enthusiastic about the interest in their idea. Death is when we stop consuming and producing and this is one of the reasons why its a taboo topic often overlooked by designers, said Anna Citelli. We want to plant trees instead of cutting them down! To make a wooden coffin, a timber tree must be cut down for lumber. The coffin has a short life cycle and a strong environmental impact: a tree takes between 10 and 40 years to reach maturity and the coffin is usable for only a few days before its burial with the body. The Capsula Mundi project is designed to spur a reflection on how our society deals with this important moment of life, explained Raoul Bretzel. There is no gloominess, no deprivation, no decay looking at death as a biological phenomenon: our body keeps on producing elements through natural transformations, feeding another life. Capsula Mundi was exhibited for the first time in 2003 at the Salone del Mobile, an important furniture exhibition in Milan. Since then, it has garnered much interest from all over the world, with articles and interviews with the worldwide media, exhibitions and more than 35,000 likes on Facebook. The full body burial pod is still under development. However, the cremated remains pods are available for use in green burial grounds in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries. Learn more at www.CapsulaMundi.it. Just nine days before it was to take effect, the U.S. Labor Departments rule forcing more overtime pay for some workers was halted nationally with a Texas courts injunction this week. The pending overtime pay rule is now dead. With it goes President Barack Obamas biggest effort to try to raise the wages of middle-class workers. The overtime pay rule change is a goner is because President-elect Donald Trumps incoming Labor Department staff is not expected to continue to defend against lawsuits fighting the rule change that was to have gone into effect Dec. 1. I would be shocked if the new Labor Department would pursue this further, said Bob Kilgore, a lawyer in the San Antonio office of Fisher Phillips that specializes in workplace law. Twenty-one states, including Texas, and several national business organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, filed the lawsuit that successfully stalled the overtime pay rule change. The change would have raised the overtime exemption to $47,476 from the existing threshold of $23,660. Workers must earn the higher threshold or more to be exempt from being paid overtime. In Texas, the change would have affected an estimated 370,000 workers. The rule change had been in the works for years. Kilgore said he was shocked, but pleased, by the ruling from Judge Amos Mazzant III of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Sherman. In effect, Mazzant said the rule change was too focused on a salary change in a rule that was meant mainly to define worker duties. If Obamas Labor Department legal team had been better able to foresee the legal challenges that would be posed by states and business groups, the rule change could have been framed better and would have been sustained. The workers who would have been affected by the rule change mainly are middle-management, front-line supervisors who usually put in more than the standard 40 hours per week at stores, hotels and small businesses. Each industry had its own version of these workers and the problems the rule change would have caused. For example, in the trucking industry, the rule change would have affected countless salaried dispatchers and other managers who need the flexibility to work as the need arises, in response to unpredictable operational demands. At the same time, it would have forced the carriers they work for to begin micromanaging their time, according to a statement from the American Trucking Associations. In anticipation of the Dec. 1 change, many employers already had scheduled pay structure changes at their companies. Some employers would have reduced the hourly pay of affected workers so that with the overtime pay 1.5 times the regular hourly pay the overall pay would still come out to about the same amount. For workers near the proposed new limit of $47,476, some employers would have given them enough of raise to remain exempt from overtime pay, Kilgore said. Now, many employers are likely stay with their current pay arrangements because of the court injunction. 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. Business groups and states attorney generals fought the rule change because it would have increased labor costs. The increased costs would have raised prices of products and services for consumers. This boiled down to a fight between consumers and workers because business owners were not going to absorb the rise in labor costs. Consumers have won on this issue for now. Consumers wont want to pay $10 for hamburgers, but there are workers who think they should be paid more, Kilgore acknowledged. The lesson to be learned is the perils of overreaching. In the end, the judge thought this was too much too soon, Kilgore said. Employers may be happy that the overtime pay rule change wont happen. The sad part for middle-income workers who would have benefited is that a similar or scaled-down proposal is unlikely for years to come, certainly as long as Trump is president. dhendricks@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Ruben A. Rios wanted his wife, Angela, to adopt a long-standing tradition on his side of the family: waking up early the morning after Thanksgiving to snag some sweet deals on holiday gifts. He didnt know it would turn her into a zombie. The couple shopped at Walmart on Thursday evening as the retailers Black Friday deals went live to buy a discounted iPad Mini and a toy for their 15-month-old son then awoke Friday morning, donned sweatshirts and stood in line at 5 a.m. at the Best Buy store in the Forum shopping center in Selma, three hours before the store opened. Ruben Rios, a 34-year-old who works for University Health System, and Angela Rios, a 33-year-old hairstylist, seemed to think they made out well: They spent $490 on two Lenovo laptops and a 55-inch Sharp TV for their 14-year-old daughter. They also tossed in a couple of Blu-ray movies and a speaker system to round out their trip. By about 9 a.m., the two decided to call it a day. Ruben Rios held his 15-month-old son, Ruben Jr., both in Dallas Cowboys sweatshirts. Im trying to break her into it, Ruben Rios said. I like my sleep, Angela Rios said. Shes a zombie right now, Ruben Rios said. Though the rise of online shopping has threatened traditional brick-and-mortar retail, San Antonio shoppers still braved crowds, packed parking lots, long checkout lines and rush-hour traffic to take advantage of Black Friday deals kicking off whats expected to be the most lucrative holiday shopping season in recent years. U.S. shoppers are projected to buy up electronics, clothes, toys and gifts to the tune of $8.4 billion during the course of the Thanksgiving weekend, considered the official start of the holiday shopping season, according to estimates by Adobe Digital Insights, the software firms digital marketing research division. Black Friday sales in the United States are expected to hit $3.1 billion this year, according to Adobes projections, ahead of the $2 billion shoppers were expected to shell out on Thanksgiving Day but just behind the $3.4 billion consumers are projected to spend on Cyber Monday. Customers, many dressed in sweatpants and pajamas and holding small children, wrapped nearly around the Best Buy building at the Forum before being allowed in the store at 8 a.m. Stacks of Samsung, LG and Toshiba televisions greeted shoppers, who stacked multiple TVs into carts and perused aisles of discounted Blu-ray movies and video games. The couple have increasingly sought Black Friday deals in recent years as their daughter has gotten older, Angela Rios said. Maria Hayes, a 45-year-old teacher for Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District, said she does the bulk of her holiday shopping online but opted to visit Best Buy with her sister to find a TV for her dad, who requested the gift. She wound up with a 55-inch Sharp TV at $249.99, down from a list price of $499.99. Despite her preference to shop online, Hayes said she wont be able to hunt down Cyber Monday deals because students return to schools Monday. Being a teacher is kind of tough when it comes to Cyber Monday, Hayes said. Across town, shoppers filed through a maze of shopping carts at 6 a.m. outside of the H-E-B Plus store at Loop 1604 and Bandera Road. Juan Campos, a 39-year-old operations manager at University Hospital, said he and his wife had waited outside since 2 a.m. to snag deals on two Samsung 55-inch 4K televisions for about $299 each along with Dallas Cowboys sweatshirts and Frozen and My Little Pony toys. Campos said the couple would likely spend $1,000 to $2,000 on Black Friday and planned to take advantage of online shopping deals on Cyber Monday. Ethel Kelsaw, 51, packed her shopping cart with two TVs, speaker systems, headphones and stocking stuffers intended for herself, family members and her churchs contributions to the Salvation Armys Angel Tree program, which is aimed at providing toys for needy children. Kelsaw said she didnt plan out her trip in advance, opting to seek out deals as she pushed through the store. She picked out a Shark Rocket Vacuum cleaner, normally listed at $179, for $119 then impulsively grabbed a $4 GTC can opener, which typically goes for about $11. You cant beat that, Kelsaw said. Anthony Bennett, a 37-year-old teacher for Northside Independent School District, said he and his wife split up to take advantage of deals at H-E-B and Home Depot, where she could buy poinsettias for family members while he paid $88 for a Barbie Dreamhouse for his two daughters. He said he looked online for a comparable price but didnt find one. On Amazon, the set went for as much as $140, he said. Its a dual present from Santa, Bennett said. Felicia Martinez, sister Emily and aunt Bonnie went shopping after Thanksgiving dinner Thursday, slept for two hours and woke up around 3:45 a.m. Friday for another round of shopping at South Park Mall. They have a tradition of shopping together on Black Friday. We always go eat something, talk, get good deals, spend quality time together, Felicia Martinez said while taking a break in the malls food court. She said she had spent about $200 so far at Old Navy, JCPenney, Office Depot and Target and saved another $200 through sales. She planned to shop for another hour or two before returning home, eating some Thanksgiving leftovers and going back to sleep. The National Retail Federation estimates 137.4 million people will take care of their holiday shopping during the Thanksgiving weekend 74 percent of which will do so on Black Friday. 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. Despite a perceived shift in Black Fridays popularity, U.S. retailers stand to rake in $655.8 billion during this years holiday shopping season, a 3.6 percent increase from $632.8 billion in 2015. South Park Mall was buzzing with shoppers Friday morning. For the past three years, the mall has also opened on Thanksgiving Day. The number of shoppers coming in on the holiday has increased every year, General Manager Brian Peters said. Its grown a little bit each year, he said. This year, the mall had good, strong traffic all the way through midnight, when we closed. Shoppers breezed through the open-air market at The Shops at La Cantera. General manager Brian Schroeder said retailers who opened Thursday night reported larger crowds than last year and a busy early start to Black Friday shopping. Most indications show they performed better than last year, Schroeder said. Jennifer OBrien, 42, said she began shopping just after 6 a.m. Friday at the Rim shopping center, hitting Target and Lowes before heading to Urban Outfitters and Barnes & Noble at La Cantera. By 10:30 a.m., she had spent about $225 of the $350 in cash she took out for Black Friday and she intends to spend more when her daughter returns from college for the winter break, she said. OBrien already had one gift picked out for her daughter: an adult coloring book about Wonder Woman, the DC Comics character. Shes 22, but she loves Wonder Woman, OBrien said. Its the perfect gift. jfechter@express-news.net Twitter: @JFreports This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Brinks has been synonymous with security for more than 150 years, but the company is facing allegations that it ripped off a subsidiary of San Antonios CST Brands Inc. CST Services contracted with Brinks U.S. in April 2015 for its armored vehicles to pick up cash at some Corner Store convenience stores and then deliver the money to the retailers bank. But CST alleges in a lawsuit filed this month in Bexar County district court that in July it discovered Brinks was billing for cash pickups at numerous stores that were not part of the contract. CST says it paid almost $206,000 in bogus charges. Brinks intentionally included stores in their invoices which were not included in the contract and knew that the stores would not receive any services, the lawsuit states. Calls and emails this week to Brinks media office in Richmond, Virginia, were not returned. Brinks has yet to file a response to the suit. A CST spokeswoman said the company would not comment on pending litigation. According to an affidavit provided by Caroline Marie Mowen, CSTs director of operations support, the retailer demanded payment from Brinks for the overcharges. Despite such demand, Brinks has failed and refused to return the overcharges, Mowen says in her sworn affidavit, which is attached to the lawsuit. CST is suing Brinks for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and under the Texas Theft Liability Act, among other claims. CST is seeking the return of the nearly $206,000, punitive damages, interest and attorneys fees. CST Brands shareholders earlier this month voted to approve a $4.4 billion merger with Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., the Canadian parent company of Circle K. The deal is expected to close early next year. Brinks U.S. is a division of Brinks Inc., which is part of the publicly traded The Brinks Co. 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. pdanner@express-news.net Twitter: @AlamoPD If youre in the retail business in the United States, you probably really care about these two things: millennials and Black Friday. But more and more, these two big drivers of the industry dont mix inside stores a dynamic that is reshaping one the countrys biggest shopping days. Young people of all kinds, a coveted group for retailers because of their free-spending ways, are increasingly turning to their computers and phones to do their holiday shopping, spreading out more widely the days they open their wallets. Crowds on Friday, the unofficial kickoff of the holiday shopping season, will tilt older than a few years ago, and also, it appears, more cautious with their money. As a result, the mix of retailers with high expectations for the day is changing quickly, skewing more toward dollar stores and discount retailers and toward essential products such as food and cookware. And it is also making the day itself less and less important for the industry overall. As big as the event or the weekend has become, its substantially muted for the fact that all of the people are buying online, said Mark A. Cohen, director of retail studies at Columbia Business School. A decade ago, the day after Thanksgiving accounted for 6 percent of all shopping for the holiday season, according to Craig Johnson, the president of Customer Growth Partners, a research firm. This year, he expects shoppers to spend $27 billion on Black Friday, but that will account for only 4.3 percent of the spending this season. Overall, people are expected to spend $632 billion this holiday season, up from $607 billion last year, the company estimates. But for the first time, more than half that growth will come from online shopping, Johnson said. At the same time, there is a distinct division in who is shopping online. More than half of baby boomers surveyed said they would do none of their holiday shopping online, according to a study by CivicScience, a market research company. Nearly 40 percent of those age 18-34 the group known as millennials will do most or all of their shopping on the web, and another 35 percent said they would shop both online and in-store. That shift to online shopping has put more pressure on stores to offer deals good enough to bring people out into the crowds. Less than a quarter of Americans plan to shop in stores Black Friday, down from 28 percent two years ago, according to a survey by Bankrate.com, a website that tracks savings products. Televisions, headphones and electronics, as always, are expected to be a big draw at big-box stores such as Walmart and Target. Department stores that offer big discounts, like Macys, will remain a top destination during the weekend, too. Macys website is blanketed with its Black Friday promotions, with ads for everything from coats to Apple watches to blenders. Black Friday Starts Now! declares a big banner at the top. But discount and dollar stores, which generally havent been big draws on Black Friday, are also expecting strong sales. Overall, dollar stores will experience one of the biggest rises in turnout this year over last year, according to a survey of more than 2,000 adults by the data company Nielsen. Phillip Dengler, the co-owner of the website BestBlackFriday.com, which monitors the annual sales, said he had seen more of a push from low-budget stores this year. He pointed to discount chain Dollar General as an example: The company has extended its hours, and Dengler said the chain had made more of an effort to get its Black Friday circulars online and in front of customers. When you think about Black Friday, you dont think about Dollar General, you think about Walmart and Target and Amazon, Dengler said. Theyre trying a little bit more. Discounters such as dollar stores and so-called off-price stores like T.J. Maxx and Ross also are different in another way from rival retailers: They have little to no e-commerce presence. That has made them somewhat immune to certain industry pressures and could give them greater incentive to entice people into stores. I think e-commerce has allowed for Black Friday to start whenever Amazon wants it to start, said Simeon Siegel, an analyst with Nomura. For the last few years, Amazon has offered Prime Day, its own annual one-day shopping bonanza. That doesnt exist for T.J. and Ross. 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. Another trend working in favor of discount and dollar stores is the rising popularity of food and kitchen items, such as mixers and cookware, as holiday gifts. Thats in part because of new fads like Friendsgiving and Friendsmas, when, you guessed it, friends rather than family get together for a holiday meal. As a result, food is going to be more central to the holidays than ever before, said Jordan Rost, vice president of consumer insights at Nielsen, in an email. Walmart, for example, said it would offer some specials on kitchen appliances for under $10, as well as deals on nonstick cooking sets and griddles. For the foodies interested in opening their wallets a little more, there are also plenty of pricier options, both online and in the stores: Harry & David, the maker of gourmet gift baskets, is offering Black Friday deals on its arrangements of cheeses and fruits. Neiman Marcus notoriously opulent holiday offerings included collard greens for $66, before they sold out. (If you missed it, theres also Omas Cheesy Potatoes for $76, plus $18 shipping.) More generally, though, stores at the higher end of the income spectrum Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales, for instance have continued to more quietly promote their Black Friday sales. I think the low-end consumer is still looking for the best deal, but I think the higher-end consumers are looking for the best products and the best services, said Liz Dunn, the founder and chief executive of Talmage Advisors, a consumer and retail consultancy. I think its been a consistent theme for many, many years, she said, that these high-end stores dont necessarily want to participate in the promotion. San Antonio-based iHeartMedia Inc. won dismissal of Gamco Asset Managements claims that the biggest U.S. radio-station owner shortchanged investors by improperly diverting revenue from its billboard-advertising unit. Gamco couldnt make the case that iHeart media executives violated legal duties to shareholders by selling assets and moving funds from its Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings business to repay the parent companys debts, a Delaware judge ruled. The fund, founded by billionaire investor Mario Gabelli, couldnt show iHeart officials extracted a unique benefit by paying down debt with the advertising units funds that came at the expense of other Clear Channel investors, Delaware Chancery Court Judge Joseph Slights concluded in Wednesdays ruling. We are disappointed with the courts decision, and we are evaluating next steps, Gamco attorney Andrew Entwistle said in an email. IHeartMedia was pleased with the ruling, spokeswoman Angel Aristone said. In its lawsuit, Gamco, which owns almost 10 percent of Clear Channels shares, targeted an agreement that automatically routes some of Clear Channels business revenues to iHeart, saying it hampers opportunities and operations. It also focused on Clear Channel asset sales that allegedly provided iHeart with benefits denied to other investors. IHeart has scrambled to stay current on more than $20 billion in debt accumulated in 2008, when the company was acquired by private equity giants Bain Capital Partners LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners LP. Almost $8.5 billion of the debt is slated to come due over the next three years, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. 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. Slights found that because Gamco settled similar claims against iHeart in 2013, the fund is barred from relitigating complaints about agreements concerning revenue handling and asset sales. The judge also ruled that iHeart directors decisions to use Clear Channel funds to repay the parent companys debts fell within the realm of their business judgment and werent a violation of legal duties they owed to investors. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate After struggling with drug and alcohol addiction on her own for about 12 years, Nangie Lowrie was ready to reach out for help. She took a matchbook where she had a number scrawled in pencil and dialed Alpha Home, calling after 5 p.m. in hopes of leaving a recorded message instead of speaking to a staffer at the rehab facility. To Lowries surprise, the executive director answered the phone. I said, I really have no home now. I dont even have a car, but I am not drinking now and I want to stay sober, she said. And Ill never forget his answer to me. He said, You have a home. Where are you? Well come and get you. That was almost 30 years ago. Lowrie is now chief operating officer at the nonprofit that has provided spiritually based substance abuse treatment and support to women and their families for more than 50 years. In spite of its long history, the organization remains one of the citys best kept secrets, said Angela White, chief executive officer. Alpha Home has the only gender-specific residential rehab program in San Antonio. The organization has two homes one in the Monte Vista Historic District and one near downtown that can accommodate a combined total of 47 clients. In addition, Alpha Home offers an outpatient program that also serves men. When clients come in, staff conducts a financial review. Those who fall below the federal poverty level do not pay. Since its inception, Alpha Home has helped about 22,000 people, including the children of clients in residential and outpatient treatment, according to statistics kept by the organization. The women who enter Alpha Homes residential program are typically 21 to 32 years old with an income of less than $10,000 a year. More than 80 percent of them have children. It is not unusual for them to be involved in abusive relationships. We get referrals from everywhere, Lowrie said. Right now, the majority of referrals are coming from Child Protective Services. We work very closely with the family and drug courts. We have numerous referrals from the federal criminal justice system. And then we have a lot of word of mouth. In the residential program, clients receive individual and group counseling and participate in a 12-step program. Maggie Rad is one of the counselors on staff. They come to us totally broken, with zero self-respect, with trauma thats been unresolved from their childhoods, often from terrible marriages and also from the dangerous life that theyve led of using illegal drugs, she said. We encourage, we guide, we help them to see their potential. We bring back the hope in their lives. Clients are taught recovery skills, relapse prevention, anger management, job readiness, living skills and parenting skills. GED classes are offered on-site and medical care is provided by medical students and doctors from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio at an on-site clinic. We are very concerned with not just fixing a piece of the problem, but fixing the whole problem so women can go home strong, whole and healed, White said. The duration of the program is 70 to 90 days. The length of stay is important,because if you havent dealt with the underlying issue thats causing the use of the drugs and alcohol in the first place, the long-term recovery chances go down, White said. After completing the residential program, women are urged to join the outpatient program. While Alpha Home receives government funding, Were constantly fundraising to close the gap, White said. Every time theres a woman in a bed, we still have to find $60 per person, per night. Additional funding is needed for outpatient treatment and the nonprofits Family First program for pregnant women and new mothers at risk for substance abuse and for its Parenting Awareness and Drug Risk Education program for men. While Lowrie is one of Alpha Homes success stories, she is not the only one on staff. About 50 percent of the organizations employees are in recovery and 20 percent are Alpha Home alum, White said. We need to get the message across that you can be healed, she said. Treatment works. Long-term recovery is possible. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate AUSTIN Legislative leaders with promises to keep about tax relief but limited state dollars at their disposal want to give local voters more power to block city and county increases in property tax revenues. Its touted as a way to help Texans pushed to the wall by rising property tax bills, but cities and counties are digging in for a fight against the proposal being developed by the Senate Select Committee on Property Tax Reform and Relief. Organizations that represent counties and cities think the idea, which would require automatic elections to ratify tax-revenue increases beyond a certain level, would erode local control and amount to a cap on the money they need to fund key services. They say local officials, who already are held accountable in elections, wouldnt want to go through the uncertainty of a tax revenue vote. This is a Legislature that is dominated in certain areas by people who call themselves conservatives but are trying to accrue more and more power into Austin, said Paul Sugg, legislative director for the Texas Association of Counties. County government is lean and mean, and these people take their jobs seriously when they set a tax rate. Property tax revenue makes up a significant share of cities revenue and is the workhorse for counties. More than 60 percent of Bexar Countys general fund comes from property taxes, according to county officials. Under current law, voters can petition for a rollback election if a city, county or special district increases property tax revenue collections by more than 8 percent, with exclusions for items including new construction. The idea being developed by the select committee would trigger an automatic election for those government bodies if officials propose a 4 percent increase in revenues - or perhaps less. School districts already have automatic elections with distinct criteria. Besides lowering the election threshold, the proposal would eliminate the petition requirement. Voters must get signatures from 7 percent to 10 percent of registered voters, depending on the size of the taxing districts revenues. According to a report from the comptrollers office, there were no city or county rollback elections in 2012 or 2013, although reasons arent given. Even some who back the idea of the tighter requirement for rollback elections acknowledge that many entities tax well below 8 percent and wouldnt be immediately affected by a lower trigger, but they say the changes are important to offer voters a strong voice in the future. Sen. Paul Bettencourt, who heads the select committee, pointed to concerns expressed by taxpayers in hearings around Texas, calling tax elections the ultimate local control. He emphasized that he has suggested not a hard cap, but a limit that can be exceeded with a local election. Let the public be the ultimate arbiter on tax revenues as they are on bond elections, said Bettencourt, R-Houston. The increases are just flat unsustainable. You just cannot put homeowners and businesses owners under this type of pressure. Local officials say if the state really wants to take a bite out of local property taxes, lawmakers should reform and put more state dollars into the school funding system to reduce its reliance on local dollars. According to the state comptrollers office, school districts in 2013 accounted for nearly 55 percent of the property tax levy, compared with 16.7 percent for counties and nearly 16.2 percent for cities. Thats the big 900-pound elephant in the room, said Bennett Sandlin, executive director of the Texas Municipal League. If the Legislature goes after us only, and doesnt fix school funding, and tries to claim thats tax relief, its going to backfire on them. Its going to be smoke and mirrors. Lawmakers, however, face a tight state budget with lower-than-predicted revenue, largely because of the uncertain oil-and-gas industry. While the school finance system has been listed as a priority by House leaders, lawmakers have little money to spare. City and county officials in the last legislative session successfully fought a similar local rollback proposal. But as the start of the next session looms in January, the groundwork for a fresh push has been laid by the select committee created by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Patrick was among those who testified before Bettencourts committee, broadly addressing mayors, judges and other local officials during an April hearing in Arlington. We are not at war with you, Patrick said, but we are going to fight for the people in your districts who cannot afford property taxes to increase on their homes. Bettencourt and Patrick have an important ally in House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton. I think its a good idea, because the biggest problem is that so many taxpayers are frustrated with their property taxes. They cant find anyone who is responsible for them paying more, Bonnen said. Automatic elections would make clear which local governing body is raising revenue, and that the idea also would help elected officials by ensuring a very clear dialogue with their voters as to why it is they need to do that. City and county government groups say local officials who already are careful about finances would be reluctant to trigger a vote because of factors such as timing and potential election costs. That means either services could be affected or taxpayers could wind up paying a little more each year as their local governments set rates just below the rollback limit in order to sock away extra funds for future emergencies. They also point out that local governments foot the bill for a number of state mandates that dont come with state funding. In Bexar County, officials say the average revenue growth rate from 2008 to 2016 was 3.8 percent less than the average growth in assessed value, one of the factors that play into bills along with tax rates. City property tax revenue increases in Texas average around 3.5 percent annually, but that means some increases are higher, and there also are decreases to address issues particular to the community, Sandlin said. Read the state Biennial Property Tax Report for 2012-13 San Antonio has averaged 3.34 percent in property tax revenue growth over the past decade, ranging from a 4.17 percent decrease to an 8 percent increase. According to the city, it would have lost a cumulative $298 million in revenue over the last 10 years if growth were limited to 4 percent annually, with the average taxpayers savings estimated at $4.30 a month. This would provide minimal relief to taxpayers but have a major impact on local governments abilities to address the needs of our growing communities, said Jeff Coyle, director of government and public affairs for the city of San Antonio. Dale Craymer, president of the business-based Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, emphasized that the idea backed by Bettencourt isnt a cap. His group supported Bettencourts legislation in 2015. It wouldnt say you cant raise property taxes above a certain amount, Craymer said. Its just saying if you raise taxes, say what youre raising them for and let people voice their opinion. And if people decide, Well, you know, Im OK without the additional 20 police officers, thats OK. Thats a local decision. Sen. Carlos Uresti, a San Antonio Democrat on the select Senate committee, said the tax issue is a balancing act. My constituents tell me every day our schools need resources and they want our neighborhoods safe and secure, Uresti said, so we have to be thoughtful and strike a balance that provides property tax relief but doesnt hamstring local communities. pfikac@express-news.net Twitter: @pfikac Customers and barbers at the Dedicated Kuts Barber & Beauty Salon on the East Side are still talking about how people across America are divided about the results of the presidential election. Though he didnt vote for President-elect Donald Trump, barber Michael L. Calloway said hes waiting to see if the country comes back together during his presidency. Customer Edward Taylor, 60, said it would take awhile before the nation would be united. Weve got to get past it, Willie Carson, 74, said, sitting in Calloways barber chair. We got no choice. Im going to give Trump the benefit of the doubt, Calloway, 49, said, wrapping Carsons face with hot towels. If he can get this country in the position it needs to be in, Im for it, not him. I think the country will heal, thats just part of the American people. Calloways view falls in line with those of some local and national leaders. During the Rev. Jesse Jackson's recent visit to San Antonio, the civil rights leader said it was important that communities heal after the divisive presidential campaign. We must have the capacity to agree to agree or disagree, without being hostile or bitter, Jackson said. We must learn to live together, learn to appreciate what each other has to offer. Local clergy and community leaders concurred with the civil rights leader, offering views on how residents could move on, despite differences about the election. The Rev. Kenneth R. Kemp, pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, said it doesnt matter who is in the White House. If people keep their minds on God and their faith, he said, the nation would be fine. He said though more popular votes went to the person who lost in the electoral college, all hope is not gone. We move on knowing we have never been and never will be a defeated people, Kemp said. We must continue to remain engaged in the process, we cant sit back and say Im going to disengage from this political process, that would be suicide for the current and coming generations. San Antonio Independent School District trustee and former councilwoman, Patti Radle said when things are stressful, confusing and upsetting, people need to be cautious they arent pulled off of the center of who they are. We need to be protective of how we express ourselves and not be pulled into negative energy, Radle said. Its important not to let things bother our passion for what is good and diminish our energy to do good. Community activist Taj Matthews said said he wasnt excited about the hurtful language youth heard throughout the campaign. The God I know has rules, he said, but he doesnt hate anybody. As president and CEO of the Claude & ZerNona Black Developmental Leadership Foundation, he hopes to pass on the values of his late grandfather and local civil rights activist, the Rev. Claude Black. For the past several years, Matthews has helped children and teens through the Claude Black Youth Leadership Institute, an arm of the foundation. His message to youth is the political climate doesnt give them a license to give up. Matthews said they can do their part by going to college and getting an education. Adam Zarb-Cousin, pastor of Greater Joy Ministries, said he had one message for his congregation the trump card is love. As cliche as that sounds, we spent the last 18 months telling each other how different we are, Zarb-Cousin said. At the end of the day, it comes down to everyone being human. Ivalis Gonzalez Meza and her family are dealing with two types of healing. Her mother, Choco Gonzalez Meza, a long-standing activist, leader and Democratic Party chair, died before the election and the outcome of the election wasnt her familys choice. She likened the healing process to the goodwill of Thanksgiving Day, when people share a meal and give thanks to those who opened the door for them. We should remember that and be grateful for family and family still around us, Meza, 35, said. I think we all need to be comforted right now. vtdavis@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Irene Escamilla couldnt resist the temptation to dance her way across the floor of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Thursday morning, the tray she was carrying a makeshift partner. Escamilla and her husband, Henry, were among the roughly 4,000 volunteers working at the 37th annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner. More than 25,000 people were expected to be fed throughout the day. Organizers bill it as the largest Thanksgiving meal in the country. About 30 minutes after theyd started serving, the Escamillas had already delivered seven trays to hungry diners, passing out plates piled with turkey, gravy, rolls, green beans, yams, stuffing and cranberry sauce. Other groups of volunteers distributed beverages and slices of pumpkin pie. In addition to the food, diners were treated to live music, including the mariachi set that inspired Irenes dance. The Escamillas, who are in their 60s, live in Hondo she works at the James Avery plant and hes a master electrician and have wanted to volunteer at the dinner for years. This is the first time theyve been able to do it, which she credits to God. He wants us to love each other and I am full of love for everyone, she said. I try to help those in need. San Antonio restauranteur Raul Jimenez founded the event that bears his name in 1979 as a way to make sure that seniors, veterans, the homeless and disabled werent left out of the holiday. When the idea started percolating, his widow, Maria Del Refugio Jimenez, recalled for the crowd, He said, I want to have something special for Thanksgiving Day. I want them to be happy, I want to see their beautiful, smiling faces, and I want to wish them all the happiness in the world. Raul Jimenez died in 1998. His family remains actively involved with the dinner. His daughter, Patricia Jimenez, has been chairwoman of the event for 19 years. The 2016 dinner began with an interfaith service that included prayers for unity. We pray for peace. We pray for cohesion in the United States of America, said Kenneth Kemp, pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, as part of the prayer he led. There are still deep-seated divisions throughout this great land. Give peace. Give unity. Even above greatness, give goodness. After the service, waves of volunteers wearing gloves and white aprons flooded the hall, carrying tray after tray out to the diners. Debbie Mendoza and her family husband Joseph, mother-in-law Dora and grandchildren Juliana, Jessica and Ziven gave the food high marks. I think it is excellent, said Debbie. Everyone is very blessed to be here. The volunteer army included Sean Kam, 28, who has helped with the dinner for 16 years. He talked about it so much that his girlfriend, Justine Rivas, 24, decided to help this year, too, bringing along her 4-year-old daughter Lianna. Kam, who works for an eye doctor, said he keeps coming back because of the joy on the faces of the people. A group from Now Word Covenant Church also donned aprons and worked the event. Volunteering was just part of the groups community outreach for the holiday, said nursing student Brittany Varner, 26, who noted that the church had also fed 222 families on its own. Teacher Lori Bardwell, 47, was also part of the group. She was motivated by her gratitude for the blessings in her own life and a desire to help others. She also volunteers at Haven for Hope, she said. Mayor Ivy Taylor did her part, too, It was her third time volunteering for the dinner, which she called a great example of the spirit of San Antonio. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Several times over the past few years, Art Campsey and Wade Becker volunteered to travel to places like India, Peru and Nepal to provide medical care to underserved communities. But each time, they said, they left feeling somewhat empty. Wed go somewhere, do some good work, take care of people, said Campsey, a physician assistant. But then wed return home and ask each other, Wheres the follow up? Because follow up is important. So the married couple launched Global Health Reach, a nonprofit dedicated to providing long-term health care to underserved communities in, for now, Guatemala and Vietnam. The goal of GHR is to return regularly to the rural villages they visit so they can treat, educate and build relationships with the patients they serve. We hope to go back every three to six months or so, said Becker, an electrical engineer. More Information How to help To volunteer: GHR needs medical and nonmedical volunteers. For information about upcoming trips, call 210-920-1713 or visit ghrus.org To donate: GHR recently received its 501(c)(3) designation, so donations are now tax-dedictable. To give to the cause, visit ghrus.org/donate, call 210-920-1713 or, for more information, email info@ghrus.org See More Collapse To date, GHR has organized three medical trips, two to Vietnam and one to Guatemala, with a second to the Central American country planned for December. Anywhere from 10 to 20 people have gone on these trips, with about three-quarters of those being medical personnel. Before partnering with a medically underserved community, GHR meets with in-country community leaders to determine which services are most needed and to develop a schedule of visits. The organization also ensures that there is an intrinsic desire in the community to improve their own health. If residents dont buy into the program, were not going to be able to help them very much, Campsey said. Our goal is to work with them to reach a point at which they no longer need us. During the organizations first trip to a small Hmong village in Vietnam near the Chinese border, for example, Campsey was surprised to find the incidence of hypertension, or high blood pressure, to be so high. So future trips will include efforts to educate the villagers about how lifestyle changes can reduce their risk. Cardiovascular exercise, reducing salt and relaxation techniques are all very important to reducing blood pressure, said Campsey, who added that, while these strategies might seem obvious to Americans, They are hugely beneficial to a population that has never heard of them. Even more important, GHR hopes to educate them about such simple things as dental care, the importance of clean water, hand washing, womens health, first aid and nutrition basics. These things not only treat, they can also prevent disease, Campsey continued. Just as I practice preventive care in my family medicine practice, GHR takes the same philosophy to rural communities where the people have little or no access to health care. While setting up GHR, Campsey and Becker also kept the needs of their volunteers in mind. They knew, for example, that many medical organizations require a commitment of anywhere from six to 18 months. Thats simply not realistic for practicing doctors, or anyone who has a job for that matter, said Becker. So GHR asks instead for a commitment of only eight to 10 days. Volunteers, who are required to undergo a background check, can take more than one trip, but its not a requirement. Non-medical volunteers are welcome, too. We need them to do stuff that keeps things running smoothly, like checking people into the clinic, running supplies, even taking basic medical information, like the patients height, weight and blood pressure, Becker explained. We teach them how to do it. Volunteers are responsible for their own fund-raising. In addition to airfare, each trip costs from $1,500 to $1,900, which includes all in-country transportation, food and lodging. Although GHR operates only in Guatemala and Vietnam, long-term plans call for it to expand elsewhere. Were getting plenty of calls asking us to come here or there, Becker said. But we dont want to over-extend ourselves and we want the communities were already serving to become medically self-sufficient first. rmarini@express-news.net Twitter: @RichardMarini This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A House bill filed hours after a police officer was shot and killed in San Antonio could make Texas one of the few states in the nation to prosecute such acts of violence as hate crimes. State Rep. Jason Villalba, R-Dallas, filed the bill Monday, but started crafting the language in July after a sniper shot and killed five police officers in Dallas. Lousiana passed a similar law earlier this year. We realized it was the right time to release this as soon as possible, Villalba said during a phone interview Tuesday. San Antonio Police Detective Benjamin Marconi was shot and killed just before noon Sunday as he was conducted a traffic stop near San Antonio Police Department headquarters downtown. Otis Tyrone McKane, 31, has been charged with capital murder and could face the death penalty or life in prison without parole. While Gov. Greg Abbott called for similar legislation in July after the Dallas shootings, critics are hesitant to include first responders in the same category as those targeted for their religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. Texas already has laws in place to charge suspects with capital murder if they knew the victim was a law enforcement officer. Villalba said this bill would increase the penalty for any attack on a first responder, not only those that result in homicide. That means a second-class felony would be bumped up to first-class felony status, he said. The bill would also provide court protection for the victim or victims family during the trial phase. As lawmakers, we have a duty to our constituents to act quickly, efficiently and boldly, and thats what Im hopeful this legislation does, he said. Villalba also wants the bill to be considered an emergency action item, so it could be voted on during the first 60 days of the session. Dayan Gross, the southwest regional director for the Anti-Defamation League, considered adding police or any other category based on employment status to hate crime laws unnecessary and confusing, saying the additional requirement would make prosecutions and convictions more difficult, not easier. Importantly, while there is widespread documentation that hate crimes based on personal identity characteristics are underreported, there is no evidence that prosecutors anywhere in the country are failing to vigorously investigate and prosecute crimes against police, he said. The league instead supports legislation to increase existing penalties for attacks on police, he said. Charley Wilkison, executive director of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, saw the bills proposed language before it was filed. He said hes in support of anybody, anywhere attempting to help officers, but said its important to look out for language that could somehow accidentally run counter to whats being offered. Since reducing the number of officer deaths is something not within our power, Wilkisons group instead supported laws that would improve assistance for fallen officers families. Current statutes provide free college tuition or small stipends for children of officers. We give them as much as we could to continue to function, he said. While he believes much has been done to benefit families, if officers are going to be murdered simply because of who they are, thats going to qualify as a crime of hatred, he said. Its clear that there are people that want to murder police officers, that want to assassinate them, Wilkison said. If Villalbas bill will be any kind of deterrent, then well give everything we have to support it, he said. frahman@express-news.net MCALLEN In late October, volunteers at a respite center for immigrant families near the bus station here raised a new tent to accommodate the increasing numbers of tired, scared Central Americans being dropped off by the Border Patrol. A new trailer with showers arrived and a mobile medical clinic parked behind Sacred Heart Catholic Churchs parish hall, bringing the total capacity at the makeshift shelter to 400 the most its had since 2014s massive influx of families and unaccompanied children crossing the border in South Texas and requesting asylum. Last month was the busiest October for the Border Patrol since 2008, and the numbers of unaccompanied children and families detained by agents rivaled all but the busiest months in the spring and summer of 2014. The number of families and children caught at the border has increased in other parts of Texas as well. This month, the Border Patrol opened a processing center for children and families in Tornillo, near El Paso. Those numbers, however, pale in comparison with apprehensions in the Rio Grande Valley. To deal with the large numbers of families and children surrendering to agents near McAllen, the Border Patrol this month sent 150 agents from other sectors here to perform administrative duties and keep local agents in the field. The sudden increase, which is unusual for this time of year, has raised questions about whether the presidential election is encouraging people to hurry across the border. We have been told by quite a few people, at least up to the election, and this is from the people we caught, if Hillary (Clinton) gets in, there will be some kind of amnesty, so we need to get in. And on the flip side, if Trump gets in, there will be some kind of wall, said Chris Cabrera, a Border Patrol agent and vice president of the Rio Grande Valley branch of the union representing agents. But most of the immigrants at the shelter this week told stories similar to those who have been passing through its doors for more than two years. They said theyre fleeing extreme violence and abject poverty in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, the so-called Northern Triangle countries that now account for nearly half of all illegal immigration to the U.S. They know hes going to put in place tougher laws, Jose Ramirez, a 36-year-old Salvadoran, said of Trump. On Tuesday, the bearded and tattooed Ramirez had donned a volunteers vest and was hauling donated mattresses and bags of clothes into the church. Its not just this. In my case, I had other reasons. Ramirez said he lived most of his life in San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, but moved to the east of the country on the border with Honduras last year. There he found more gangsters and less work, so he brought his 12-year-old son to the U.S. He said they were going to join his sister in Miami. Veronica Alvarenga, 24, said she had no choice but to flee El Salvador. The father of her son was forced to join the street gangs that are the de facto rulers in the area of San Salvador where she lived. After he was killed in 2013, she moved to a neighborhood controlled by another criminal group, but that was dangerous, Alvarenga said. They were looking for me because I fled to a rivals area, she said. It was very dangerous. They called it a treason. Alvarenga and her 4-year-old son were trying to make it to Los Angeles, where her new husband, a lawful permanent resident, lives. They spent two days packed into a trailer with more than 100 other immigrants for the 1,500-mile drive from Villahermosa in southern Mexico to Reynosa on the border. Theres little air, she said. You cant move. Its incredibly uncomfortable. For the children, its very difficult. Seeking asylum On Tuesday, many of those in the center were fathers traveling with their children, but Sister Norma Pimentel, the executive director of Catholic Charities for the Rio Grande Valley, said about 90 percent of the adults who come through the center are women. After more than two years of working with the families, she said the respite center, which provides showers, clean clothes, food and helps arranging transportation to their destination, can easily handle increases in families like the one this fall. The families are released by the Border Patrol with notices to appear in immigration court, which allow them to travel past the immigration checkpoints on U.S. highways. I think that sometimes people may not understand why these families are here, Pimentel said. Theyre here because they fled their country, because they feared for the lives of their children and they need care and they need due process to figure out whether they have a right to be here or not. Cabrera, the Border Patrol agent and union official, said word has gotten out on social media that adults with children are less likely to be detained than single adults. People know the loophole, what they need to say to get through, he said. They know if they speak of some kind of asylum, theyll be given a court date and released into the country. The U.S. is spending hundreds of millions of dollars on economic development in the Northern Triangle. It has also launched a pair of initiatives to encourage families and children to apply for legal status in the United States before leaving Central America. Those efforts have been criticized for being slow moving. Edgar Carrillo, 29, said he left his wife and two youngest children with family members in rural Guatemala after fleeing the countrys capital. Carrillo said he worked as a taxi driver and was forced to pay 300 quetzals, about $40, a week in extortion money to organized crime. That was more than half his take-home pay, he said. If you dont pay, they start killing, he said. They kill someone in your family first to make you pay. And if you still dont pay, they kill you. He paid the extortion for years until the gangsters approached his wife, who had a tortilleria, Carrillo said. They wanted 20,000 quetzals, about $2,600, as an upfront payment, plus the weekly cuota. The family didnt have the money and were subjected to harassment by the gangs. Earlier this year, gunmen came to his 9-year-old sons school. After saying goodbye to his wife and younger children, Carrillo took his oldest son on the journey to the United States. In Veracruz, Mexico, they were kidnapped by the Zetas drug gang and were held with other immigrants. The hoodlums would choose teenage girls and rape them in front of the other captives, Carrillo said. Once again, he was faced with paying an extortion or death. They were freed after family members in New Jersey wired $400 to the Zetas, Carrillo said. Fueling the debate The recent increase in families crossing the border has thrown fuel on an already contentious debate over border security. That makes McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, whos seeing his town once again overrun with national media, cringe. Darling said crime stats show McAllen is one of the safest cities in the state and that large groups of women and children who surrender to Border Patrol agents on the riverbanks without trying to cross the border fence that sits on levees across the Valley hardly constitute a security threat. A crisis on the border about women and children coming over gets interpreted in Michigan and other states as we cant protect the border, Darling said. The reality is (the Border Patrol is) swamped processing women and children. Hed like to see McAllen be reimbursed for the money it has spent dealing with the families who, until the respite center opened in 2014, were being left at the citys central bus station by the Border Patrol. McAllen initially provided large tents for sleeping and trailers that have showers and bathrooms, intended for hurricane relief, when the shelter opened. The need had dwindled in 2015 and some of the equipment had been put in storage. When the numbers went up last month, faith groups like the Rio Grande Valley Baptist Association brought in another shower trailer and the mobile clinic. City personnel are still involved in supporting the center, and the police department provides security. McAllen estimates its spent more than $400,000, while Hidalgo County and nearby municipalities have spent more than $300,000. Meanwhile, Catholic Charities is building a new shelter nearby so Sacred Heart can have its parish hall back. Pimentel said it will have a capacity similar to the existing shelter and will have its own showers and medical facilities. Its unclear what a new president can do about the situation here. Since 2014, the Obama administration has gone from having fewer than 100 beds to detain families to more than 3,000 at two controversial detention centers near San Antonio. Rulings by federal judges have repudiated the administrations efforts to hold families for extended periods of time, and both U.S. and international law guarantees due process for asylum seekers, said Jonathan Ryan, executive director of the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services in San Antonio. President Obama has been in no way lenient on Central Americans throughout his eight-year tenure, Ryan said. To do anything more to discourage, frustrate and deter refugees and immigrants, the president would have to turn to the Congress to make changes and rollbacks of long-standing bipartisan law or request billions, if not tens of billions, of dollars from the Congress to carry out the proposed programs. One proposal Cabrera, from the Border Patrol union, has is to move large numbers of immigration judges to the border to quickly hear asylum cases. Right now, we dont have the judges to see these cases, he said. If we brought them down here to make these decisions in a few days, word would get out. jbuch@express-news.net Twitter: @jlbuch This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 2 1 of 2 Gary Landers, FRE / Associated Press Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Gary Landers, FRE / Associated Press Show More Show Less DAYTON, Ohio The national U.S. Air Force museum plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders stunning attack on Japan with the only one of the 80 airmen whos still alive. The museum near Dayton, Ohio, says 101-year-old retired Lt. Col. Richard Dick Cole, of plans to return for April 17-18 events expected to include B-25 bomber landings. The Dayton-area native will help pay tribute to retired Staff Sgt. David Thatcher, who died this year at age 94 in Missoula, Montana. A free press does not partner with those in power. In this surreal holiday season, the public can be thankful, at least, for that. Others will continue to resent it. Resentment that the press cannot be controlled, that it wont be brought to heel fueled the erratic actions this week of President-elect Donald Trump, as he berated a roomful of television executives and anchors in Trump Tower, and as he made, then canceled, then un-canceled a meeting with the New York Times. Perhaps a new meeting will be set up with the @nytimes, Trump tweeted that day. In the meantime they continue to cover me inaccurately and with a nasty tone! And resentment, I believe, is why Mayor Ivy Taylor upbraided a roomful of journalists at the San Antonio Express-News last week, urging us to change the tone and tenor of the reporting on the issue of improving police and community relations in San Antonio. Reading from a prepared text, Taylor told the newspapers Editorial Board that recent coverage has forced me to break my silence. To say Im disappointed is an understatement. I believe a local daily newspaper should be a partner in promoting the health and vitality of the community. Yes, we need reporters, columnists and editors to help hold leaders accountable, she added, but that has to be within the context of advancing the community, not merely to erode confidence in leaders and processes and in the potential to resolve difficult and emotional issues. I could not disagree more. Sometimes, leaders and processes must be questioned, regardless of the context. Taylor was bristling at a recent article that revealed she had excluded anyone from the public or the media for a second time from attending a meeting of the mayors Council on Police-Community Relations. Her office blamed its exclusivity on a logistical snafu. The mayor, though, is reserving the right to close future meetings. The council, she told us, was not formed to create a dramatic backdrop for confrontation that would sell newspapers, but rather in hopes of minimizing and eliminating deadly encounters between citizens and law enforcement. Sometimes, she said, the presence of journalists discourages authentic responses and engagement if people have a motive to posture for the media. I also disagree with that statement, having spent more than a decade capturing and recording authentic responses from people. My larger point: The press would veer into treacherous territory should it start to compromise the ideal of government transparency for such a vague, Orwellian directive as advancing the community. Its not that nurturing trust between police officers and the community isnt important a thorny task made all the more urgent by the fatal ambush this week of SAPD Detective Benjamin Marconi. Its the question of just how the mayor and other elected leaders are trying to achieve this goal that necessitates close coverage of her new council. And its certainly debatable whether closed meetings encourage trust. Taylors apparent contempt for the media, though, has blinded her to its role as an independent watchdog. At one point during the meeting, someone suggested that the mayor might not consider the media a valuable tool for providing information to the public. That has been my experience, she responded. At another point, Taylor aired a year-old grievance: The other thing that I like to point out is the obvious, which is that I am a black woman who lives on the East Side, if anyones forgotten. Married to a black male, which I know you know all about that. This was apparently a reference to a column published last year during the mayors campaign about a shooting investigation involving her husband, Rodney. Taylor, thankfully, isnt Trump, who tongue-lashed the television executives for, among other things, using photographs that made him look fat, then proceeded to fawn and preen through his confab with journalists at the New York Times, telling one columnist there, Im going to get you to write some good stuff about me. In San Antonio, the mayor made clear she wasnt trying to persuade reporters or editors to write more favorable articles about her. As in the case of Trump, though, her position of power does not give her license to curb or command coverage. bchasnoff@express-news.net USDA $223M meat and poultry grants to spur competition in South Dakota Over $12.7 million in grants and loans from the USDA will go to expanding meat and poultry-related projects in South Dakota. A farmer has died after falling to his death through a roof he had gone to inspect after it had been damaged in a storm. Owen Bryn Edwards, 70, was seriously injured in the fall at the family farm, Tyddyn Ronnen, Llanuwchllyn, near Bala in Wales. He was airlifted to hospital in Stoke where medics battled to save him, but passed away. His friend, Dyfydd Roberts, said Mr Edwards was a true Welshman and family man and his family - including wife, Mair, and three daughters and a son, Elain, Llinos, Enfys and Telor as well as his grand-children - meant everything to him. Cllr Alan Jones Evans, Llanuwchllyn, told the Daily Post: Everybody has been shocked by the news. Bryn was such a careful and diligent man. He was more than a farmer, he was also a craftsman. He was very proud of the success of his children and enjoyed the company of his grand-children. "Its up to us now to carry on telling them stories about taid and keep memories of him alive." A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: We were called at around 1.15pm on Tuesday to reports of an accident at an address in the Llanuwchllyn area of Bala. We sent an emergency ambulance and a Wales Air Ambulance to the scene, and a man was taken to hospital in Stoke in a serious condition. Police are urging people in rural areas to be vigilant and report anything suspicious, as part of a major new campaign by North Yorkshire police. Particularly in rural areas, local communities can act as the eyes and ears of the police, allowing officers to clamp down on crime wherever it occurs. As part of the Call It In campaign, North Yorkshire Polices Rural Taskforce is asking residents to note down and report any suspicious activity, particularly in remote or isolated areas, to help ensure North Yorkshire remains one of the safest places in the country. The campaigns key messages will feature in prominent adverts in local publications and will also appear on beer mats in more than 50 rural North Yorkshire pubs, at the heart of local communities, and at auction marts and other premises around the county. Social media will be used to spread the word too, using the hashtag #callitin. Free booklets to record suspicious activity are also being distributed at local events and in North Yorkshire County Councils supermobile library service. The booklets contain rural crime prevention advice, information about Rural Watch schemes and the Rural Taskforce, as well as space to record anything that seems out of place or suspicious with contact details on how to report those details to the police. 'Local communities play a key role' Inspector Jon Grainge, of North Yorkshire Polices Rural Taskforce, said North Yorkshire is the largest single county force in England, and the police are proud of the work they do to keep rural areas safe. However, we cannot be everywhere, so information and intelligence from local communities plays a key role in the fight against crime. That can come from our fantastic Watch scheme volunteers, or from our Community Messaging system, but also from simple calls from members of the public, Insp Grainge said. Local residents are the best people to recognise when something is not quite right and if thats the case, wed like to hear about it. Please report anything suspicious to the police using the 101 phone number. Even if it doesnt need an immediate response, every piece of information helps us build up a picture and could prove vital in bringing criminals to justice. North Yorkshire Polices Rural Taskforce works alongside colleagues, partners and volunteers to increase engagement with rural communities, target criminals who offend in rural areas, and provide bespoke crime prevention advice to those at risk of criminality. A record number of people passed through the gate of this years Midlands Machinery Show, with the widest selection of products and advances in agricultural technology on display to date. Visitors to Newark Showground were given access to the latest agricultural technology as well the opportunity to attend specialist seminars on topics as varied as water management and soil biology, in addition to live farm handling experiences. Jake Clover, a young farmer, commented: I really enjoyed the farm handling; the ArmaTrac tractor was better than I expected. Ive been farming all my life its in the family. The show has been a great experience. Altek won Best Overall Stand in Show and Best Agricultural Stand in Show Organised by Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, The Midlands Machinery Show is in its third year and more than 250 companies had stands at the two-day event. George Taylor, show manager, said: We knew this was going to be an outstanding year as we welcomed over 3,000 guests on day one alone - almost double the number recorded in 2015. Despite the typical November weather, exhibitors reported a successful two days. The feedback from visitors, whom came to do business as well as discover the latest technology, has been fantastic. The dates for next year are 22 & 23 November and we are already looking forward to welcoming even larger numbers of both visitors and trade-stands. The show saw a number of exclusive launches: conservation tillage specialists Mzuri introduced its newly updated Pro-Til coulter system, while East Bridgford-based D Clifford & Sons introduced TRB round bale trailers, made by the Anderson Group in Quebec, Canada. Judges also recognised the most innovative stands at the show. Altek won Best Overall Stand in Show and Best Agricultural Stand in Show. The judges commented that Altek demonstrated its innovative products in a clear and participative style. The Scottish government has announced that beavers will be reintroduced in Scotland and will receive a special protected status. Scotland's Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said the species will have to be 'actively managed', in line with practices in other European countries. Work has now begun to ensure beavers can be added to Scotlands list of protected species as soon as possible. It will be the first time a mammal has been officially reintroduced to the UK. Miss Cunningham explained that research shows beavers, which were native to Scotland before being hunted to extinction in the 16th century, provide 'important biodiversity benefits'. However, the animals can also cause significant difficulties for farmers and land managers in vital agricultural areas. Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham: 'I have been determined to find a pragmatic approach' The impacts of beavers in Scotland have been closely monitored by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) at both the official Scottish Beaver Trial site in Knapdale in Argyll and also on Tayside, where the species has become established after being released illegally. Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: I have been determined to find a pragmatic approach, which balances the biodiversity benefits of reintroducing beavers with the obvious need to limit difficulties for our farmers. I want to put on record my appreciation of the efforts of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, NFU Scotland, the Royal Scottish Zoological Society, and Scottish Land and Estates who have worked in partnership to set out a way forward. Beavers promote biodiversity by creating new ponds and wetlands, which in turn provide valuable habitats for a wide range of other species. We want to realise these biodiversity benefits while limiting adverse impacts on farmers and other land users. This will require careful management." 'Proper management is fundamental' Farming union NFU Scotland has insisted that 'proper management' of the species is fundamental in order to avoid impact on agriculture. NFU Scotland and other land management and environmental organisations recently wrote a joint letter to Miss Cunningham to set out broad principles and key components of an appropriate management regime. Rob Livesey, NFU Scotlands Vice President commented: The union is adamant that beavers must be appropriately managed to minimise the risk of unacceptable impacts on agriculture and other land uses a view that is shared by many within the conservation community. NFU Scotland believes the release of beavers into Tayside was illegal, should never have happened, and should not have been allowed to lead to the situation we have today. We expect any future illegal activity of this type to be dealt with as a wildlife crime. In the announcement by the Environment Secretary, she acknowledged the impacts that beavers can have on agriculture, and accepts the need for a fit-for-purpose management regime. It is essential that Scottish agriculture is not negatively affected by this decision and its implementation, and NFU Scotland will continue to work with its members who are concerned, and whose land has been impacted by beavers, Mr Livesey concluded. Black Isle Monitor Farmers Brian Matheson and Caroline claimed the third prize in the percentage of potential yield gained at the Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) awards yesterday (24 November 2016). Brian and Caroline, who farm just north of Inverness, achieved 62.5 per cent of their yield potential with a Zulu first winter wheat. Their final yield was 10.9t/ha. The Monitor Farm community group proved their worth when it came to identifying a good crop. Brian said: I had two fields of Zulu and was originally going to enter another one but when the Monitor Farm group looked at the fields they recommended this one. They were right, as the other one only yielded 10.4t/ha. The key, Brian says, was attention to detail. This is something weve also been focussing on with the Monitor Farm programme, especially with the price of wheat where it is. Weve had to sharpen up our act, and spend more time on the details, such as headland management. Quality of field and good rotation However, the quality of the field and having a good rotation, say Brian and Caroline, were also key factors in their success. This field on the farm at Ballicherry was traditionally run with livestock. In recent history, it was in grass for seven years and was ploughed four years ago. After that it was in spring barley for two years. The crop immediately before this one was potatoes. Because of the preceding potato crop, Brian subsoiled, ploughed and then drilled with a Vaderstad Spirit Drill. AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager for Scotland, Gavin Dick, commented on balancing yield and costs: The benchmarking exercises we carry out as part of the Monitor Farm programme consistently tell us that yield is king but only within the context of knowing your cost of production. Fixed costs now account for over 60 per cent of the total cost of production and tonnes are needed to pay for them, so its about managing costs to ensure that each spend will return additional yield with a cost benefit, rather than just reducing costs. The YEN programme helps growers to understand the components which go into creating yield and therefore helps them target their spend to maximise yield. Young farmers in Scotland could have the chance to start their businesses on government-owned land to combat a shortage of opportunity among next generation farmers. The 10 point plan published by the Scottish government said starter farms could begin on land owned by Scottish Natural Heritage, the Crofting Estate, the National Forest Estate, the Crown Estate and local authorities. "We firmly believe that there is a supply of land in public ownership with the potential to provide a route into farming for New Entrants. We hold that these units can offer long term regional economic and social benefits," the report said. Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing welcomed the report: "New entrants are essential to any industry, bringing energy, enthusiasm, new ideas and approaches. We firmly believe that there is a supply of land in public ownership with the potential to offer a route into farming for new entrants. "That is why we established this short life group to investigate how this land could be used to kick start the next generation of farmers, secure food production and boost our economy for years to come." Alternative careers The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs rural affairs chairman Sarah Allison said the report was a big step forward but it was not enough: "This on its own will not address the chronic lack of land available, and further work must be done to assess what kind of business environment is needed to create a thriving tenanted sector in Scotland once again." Data from the June 2015 Agricultural Census, showed around 9% of farm occupiers are 40 and under. It is estimated that the average age of a Scottish farmer is 58. In a significant number of instances there is no successor in place. A survey has previously found this could be the case on a quarter of all farms. This is frequently due to children choosing alternative careers due to the farm being unable to sustain additional family members or potential income being comparatively poor. Both land for purchase and rent in Scotland are 'relatively scarce,' with the report suggesting 'demand continues to outstrip supply.' Farmer, 20, who took over family farm after tragedy scoops award Yellowhead and Parkland counties join Brazeau and Lac Ste. Anne By Diego Flammini Assistant Editor, North American Content Farms.com Excessive moisture in two more Alberta counties has forced officials in the impacted areas to declare a state of agricultural disaster. In Parkland County, about an hour away from Edmonton, farmers experienced up to 200mm of rain from mid-August to October. With the calendar approaching December and cold weather already in Alberta, time is running out for farmers to complete their harvest this fall. There is simply still too much moisture in the ground, Mark Cardinal, manager of Parkland County Agricultural Services, said in a release. Unless the ground freezes and precipitation is at a minimum, most of these crops will have to remain on the ground until spring. Mayor Rod Shaigec said he hopes declaring an agricultural disaster will bring attention to the situation, and the county will work with different levels of government to help farmers manage this difficult time. Yellowhead County, which is nearly three hours from Edmonton, also declared a state of agricultural disaster as a result of excessive moisture. Our council has made this decision to declare a state of agricultural disaster to help bring awareness to this situation, Mayor Gerald Soroka said in a release. This decision came after we received input from our Agricultural Services Board, local producers, and is based on research done by our staff using the latest data from crop reports and visual inspections. Yellowhead County said a letter will be sent to the provincial government to request disaster recovery and other support programs. The Alberta Federation of Agriculture (AFA) said it will do what it can to ensure farmers are taken care of. We talked to the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation and will be speaking with the (provincial) Minister of Agriculture to discuss what possibilities are out there, said Lynn Jacobson, AFA president. Its a tough situation. The future of Fauquier Times now depends on community support. Your donation will help us continue to improve our journalism through in-depth local news coverage and expanded reader engagement. Support High schooler arrested in fatal pedestrian hit-and-run in Fayetteville An 18 year old was charged Monday in the death of Mark E. Morris after she allegedly hit him with her car Oct. 28 and fled the scene. Duchess Camilla reopened a children's cancer ward in Southampton on Thursday (24.11.16). Duchess Camilla The 69-year-old royal - who is married to Prince Charles - visited the Piam Brown unit at Southampton University Hospital in Hampshire in south England, which has undergone a 1.7 million renovation. Speaking at the opening event, she said: "I think this ward will make a huge difference and I am very proud to be here today." The Duchess of Cornwall was invited by Mr Curbitt and his wife Onnalee, who lead the fundraising campaign with the help of Southampton Hospital Charity. Camilla's trip to the hospital comes weeks after she visited the first dedicated children's hospital in the United Arab Emirates, the Al Jalila Children's Speciality Hospital in Dubai yesterday. Camilla was blown away by the facilities. At the time, she said: "It is a very good facility, it is brilliant." Sheikh Mohammed ordered the hospital to be built in December 2008 as a gift to the UAE to celebrate his daughter Sheikha Al Jalila's first birthday, and work commenced the following year. Camilla took a tour of the medical facility and met up with some of the kids who were receiving treatment, including Noora Fahad Fayez Mubarak, 13, who has kidney failure. The duchess told her: "What a lovely smile you have." Violence against women is still a huge cause for concern for all communities across the world. The United Nations General Assembly designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on December 17, 1999. On this day, governments, international organisations and NGOs organise activities that create public awareness about the fact that violence against women is a human rights violation. It is a consequence of discrimination against women in law and also in practice. Supreme Court advocate Karuna Nundy is one of the few lawyers in India who is committed to correcting this imbalance. As part of her efforts towards womens rights, the lawyer helped draft the Womanifesto, a bill of rights for women in Delhi. While the Delhi Government has signed up to the bill, it still has to be implemented. The six-point bill asks for education of the general public to end gender-based violence; implementation of existing laws; a public protocol for police response to crimes against women; fast track courts for crimes against women; support to survivors; and safety for women within Delhi. Nundy was also involved in the framing of the new anti-rape bill after the Delhi gang-rape case. Besides this she has been vocal about the need to criminalise marital rape. Nundy also works with many companies to create and facilitate sexual harassment laws. Photo courtesy: Yashasvi Sharma Pear and beetroot soup Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil 1 small carrot, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 celery stalk, finely chopped 2 cloves of garlic, minced 3 pears, peeled, cored and cubed (reserve the skin for garnishing) 2 beetroot, peeled and cubed tsp black pepper powder Pinch of rosemary Salt, to taste 1 l hot vegetable stock (or water) 1 tbsp thick cream, for garnish 1 tsp salted pumpkin seeds Method: 1) Heat oil in a pan and saute carrot, celery and onion for three to four minutes. Now add garlic and saute for another minute. Add pears and beetroot and stir everything together. 2) Now add vegetable stock or water, bring it to a boil and then allow mixture to simmer for at least an hour, till beetroot is tender. 3) Once cooked, blend it using a food processor or blender till a smooth liquid is attained. Pour the soup back in the pan, check seasoning, add rosemary and black pepper and stir well. 4) Switch off flame. Pour it in a soup bowl, garnish with thick cream and pumpkin seeds and serve hot. Recipes and pictures courtesy: Food blogger, Vishal Amin Like it? Share it! Euralarm organises an annual event called the General Assembly (GA) and Symposium. The last event was held earlier this year in Lisbon, Portugal, but the event will be returning in 2017 in London at the Kensington Close Hotel. A chance for colleagues within the fire and security industries to network, the GA also has a number of talks and seminars on a range of topics. Whilst the topics have not yet been announced for next year as yet, it is important to note that this is a key event in Euralarms calendar, and will be well attended. Euralarm is now offering the opportunity for sponsorship of the event, offering a range of packages such as pop-up banners, desktop displays of promotional materials, and co-introduction speeches at the event (along with many other options for a range of different prices). Euralarm says that sponsorship will generate powerful business opportunities to promote your specific businesses or that of related security businesses. The range of sponsorship options offered are varied depending on the level of marketing and promotion undertaken 500 will get you a company insert to the conference information pack, for example, with packages and prices ranging all the way up to 3000 to be an exclusive sponsor of the symposium. >>Email Euralarms secretariat for more information>> The minister of trade , commerce and industry of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has directed the small medium enterprise (SME) corporation to conduct a study into the textile and garment industry of the country . The study aims to identify measures and policies that can be put into place for cutting down on import bills and manufacture high quality garments. The study can help identify barriers and formulate new policies to recommend appropriate measures for the growth of the textile industry, said Richard Yakam, first assistant secretary, trade division, department of trade, commerce and industry. The country can boost its garment and textile industry by implementing appropriate measures and cater to the increasing demand for clothes using the results of the study. The minister of trade, commerce and industry of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has directed the small medium enterprise (SME) corporation to conduct a study into the textile and garment industry of the country. The study aims to identify measures and policies that can be put into place for cutting down on import bills and manufacture high quality garments.# The SME corporation and the department of trade, commerce and industry of the country have also started a textile and garments training programme, according to PNG media reports. The course is being offered by Women's Textile Training Program. However, finding markets to sell products manufactured in the country continues to be a challenge. (KD) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Bigg Boss 8 winner Gautam Gulati is all set to enter the Bigg Boss 10 house as a guest! There are also reports that ex-Bigg Boss contestant Mandana Karimi will also enter the house. Gautam recently tweeted, "Okay so heading towards #BiggBoss10 house tomorrow ,problem kya hai waha ? Lol." He further wrote, "Just asking but can't solve anything there ." Well, going by his tweets, it looks like Gautam is going to give some gyaan to the contestants in the Bigg Boss 10 house. An hour ago, Mandana shared a video and wrote, "Lonavala chalo ." A day ago, she had also tweeted something that hints that she might appear on Bigg Boss 10 house. She had tweeted, "I can't wait for tmr I've got some news for you all any guess ." On her social networking account, Mandana has shared her views on Bigg Boss 10 contestants. She feels that VJ Bani is just like her and is misunderstood. Mandana tweeted, "#VJBani Reminds me of myself @BiggBoss house! Misunderstood,lonely and sick of #fakeppl !!." Gautam had been a winner, and Mandana, a tough competitor in the Bigg Boss house. It has to be seen how these actors will help the current Bigg Boss contestants in fighting for the trophy! There are also reports that Vidya Balan would enter the show to promote her upcoming film Kahaani 2. She will also introduce a new twist by introducing the four wild card entries - ex-contestant Priyanka Jagga, British based Indian model Jason Shah, Agent Vinod fame Elena Kazan, Roadies fame Sahil Anand, to the existing contestants! It has to be seen if Gautam and Mandana's along with wild card entries help n increasing the TRPs of Bigg Boss 10! Jegan Durairatnam is CEO of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lankas largest private sector bank and the country's longstanding recipient of FinanceAsia's Best Bank award in our annual Country Awards for Achievement. Durairatnam has spent nearly his entire career at Commercial Bank. In a wide-ranging interview, he discusses the country's high hopes for economic development as it emerges from a balance of payments crisis resulting from the high debt levels incurred by the government of Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was unexpectedly voted out of office at the end of 2014. A new coalition government consolidated power following parliamentary elections in the summer of 2015 and has unveiled ambitious plans to develop a megapolis around Colombo. Its latest budget focuses heavily on revenue increasing measures as part of an International Monetary Fund plan to get the country's finances back on track. FA: One of the most controversial aspects of the November 10th budget was the governments proposed financial transactions tax. There seems to be some confusion about what this will actually encompass. Whats your read? Durairatnam: My understanding is it will cover all Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) transactions. The government says theyre hoping to collect about Rs8 billion ($52.7 million) to Rs10 billion, which is almost one third of the banking sectors tax take. On a gross level its about Rs40 billion to Rs45 billion. But the government has said it will be tax deductible so the net amount will be about Rs8 billion to Rs10 billion. And youre happy to pay it? Well the government needs the money and we empathise with that position. But unfortunately theyre only looking at the banking sectors profits and not the large amount of capital we need to employ to do business. Were also transitioning to Basel III, which means the sector will need even more capital. Whens full implementation? 2018, but we have to have to do the calculations from 2017. At the moment, we still dont know what kind of counter cyclical buffers will be needed. Thats being evaluated right now. Its also important to remember that were an emerging market country so we need a substantial capital buffer to get reasonable terms in the international markets. For example, for a 5% Tier 1 ratio, foreign banks would only look at domestic banks with 10% plus ratio. Weve just done a domestic Tier 2 deal. Were diversifying our capital so its not just Tier 1. Tier 2 has risen from 12.5% to 14%, while Tier 1 stands at 11.5%. Are you interested in doing a US dollar-denominated Basel-III deal? No, wed rather raise the money in rupees. One of our biggest strength is the fact we have the largest foreign currency balance sheet here. Its more than 25% so we dont have a foreign currency requirement as such. Most of our lending is in rupees. The government rowed back on some of its proposals in last years budget. Do you think theyll do the same with the financial transactions tax? I hope so. It would have been much cleaner if theyd raised corporate tax levels instead. Another thing the government is failing to realise is that were on the cusp of digitisation and any levies the government puts on that will simply push people back into cash again. Thats the biggest danger with this levy. What was your overall view of the budget? We think the government finally got it right in terms of what needs to be done regarding fiscal consolidation, cutting unnecessary expenditure and raising revenue. At long last, we have a government, which is talking about what needs to be done. Thats a good sign, particularly for foreign investors. But the government only really has two more years doesnt it? Then there will be pressure for giveaways as the next election cycle looms. I dont agree. If the populace sees theres been a reasonable level of development and an increase in their livelihoods, particularly in terms of job creation, then theyll vote for them even in times of hardship. One of the first things the government did when it took office was rationalise the rice subsidy. That was a taboo subject before. But they took the hard decision and faced off against massive protests. Now the subsidy is under control and everyone is very happy. Thats a tremendous plus for this government. A lot of people seem to be complaining the government hasnt built anything yet. Even some of [former president Mahinda] Rajapaksas critics say that at least he got things done. Well the last government was in power for one-and-a-half decades. The new government has only had one year. We need to give them a little time. But the initial chaos from the transition has gone and things are settling down. Thats the key thing. The projects the government wants to execute are reasonably well defined. Now its a question of funding and starting them. Im very optimistic. Whats your view on the $1.5 billion Chinese port city development and wider Megapolis, which will cover a large part of the Western region where Colombo is based? The concept has been evolving and weve heard various theories about what will happen there. But the government has appointed the right people to set the policies. Theyve brought in officials from the Dubai International Financial Centre and The Qatar Financial Centre to advise them. I think it will be very successful. Do you think well see anything concrete within the next four years when the governments term is up? Yes the legislation and policies will be in place by then. Commercial Bank will certainly be taking part. Well fund projects there and it will be a great opportunity for us to grow. Will that financing differ from whats come before? Yes there will be structural differences. For a start, most of the funding will be in foreign currencies. Banks will not be able to rely on deposits alone to make loans. So where will the money come from? Theres enough capacity in the capital markets. At the moment were looking at our loan to deposit ratio. We have access to long-term funds so there wont be a mismatch. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) took a stake a few years ago and also has a seat on our board. Overall what do you think the government needs to do to make sure Sri Lanka can fulfill its development potential? Wed like to see a consistent policy framework before projects start. The government has been bringing in the right experts to advice on this. Wed also like a one-stop shop to streamline the process. One of the best things the government is doing is to re-vamp exchange controls. The prime minister has promised to introduce legislation by early next year. What difference will this make? It will make a huge difference because foreign exchange management will be rationalised. Were currently dealing with guidelines, which are 20 to 25 years old in some cases. They have no basis in todays reality. Fortunately, the government realizes this. It will also make sure it puts the necessary safeguards in place for a third world country to prevent capital flight. Its absolutely necessary as a next step to drive investment into this country. At the moment domestic companies need approval to take money out for capital purposes. Can you give some examples of how the current legislation is hindering FDI? A foreign investor cannot invest in a Board of Investment (BOI) company via an SIA account for instance. Its an anomaly foreign investors arent used to. Theres also a lot of ambiguity surrounding the regulations, which isnt good. As a foreign investor one of the first things you want to clarify is how straightforward and transparent the process is. You need a set of regulations you can read and clearly understand. That doesnt exist at the moment. Overhauling the exchange control regulations and passing a new foreign exchange management act will completely change the FDI dynamics in this country. Can Sri Lanka achieve the GDP rates it did immediately after the end of the Civil War? In the current climate, 4% to 5% growth is a given. But 6% would be good, as it would take us out of the middle-income trap in about two years. Its realistic target if the government can keep expenditure down and manage the fiscal side. What sectors will drive that higher growth? Education is a very important one. At the moment too many people spend a lot of money sending their children overseas for their education. We need to set up good universities here. They will contribute to our growth. Hospitals will be important too. Theyre just starting to grow outside of Colombo. And finally, Business Processing Centres are growing exponentially. I dont mean call centres, as Sri Lanka has peaked demographically, but higher end services such as accountancy, legal services, filing services etc. One change we need to see is for job seekers to stop looking for employment in banks or government the whole time. Unfortunately, the government pays too much so the private sector finds it hard to compete. That needs to change. So what do you think Sri Lanka will look like in 10 years time? It will have just come out of the middle-income trap and be poised to take on its big neighbours. We will be Indias Hong Kong. What about China? Wont the country be creating a lot of jobs here? Yes but India is much closer and a better alternative for us. Im not sure how much sense it makes for us to manufacture goods for China from here, or whether the Chinese will still be here in 25 years. But there are a lot of things Sri Lanka can do to service India. The latter imports various components that could actually be assembled here if companies feel theres less bureaucracy than their homeland. What short-term challenges does the banking sector face here? Theres a problem with liquidity. Smaller banks are offering deposit rates far in excess of lending rates and thats why net interest margins are stressed. This wont change in the short-term, but it will over the medium term. The government is also trying to curb private sector credit growth. It is slowly dropping because of a fall in private sector consumption. We reigned in our level from 26% last year to 18% this year. Thats a sustainable level. Earlier you mentioned digitisation. How automated are you? Branch automation is really taking off and its about 30% to 35% right now. We saw a big shift about a year ago, when we introduced the first cash deposit machines. Weve always been big in ATMs, but we still had substantial crowds coming into branches. We knew people would take cash out of a machine, but we didnt think they would put money in one. But when they saw their accounts were being credited instantaneously, their attitude changed. Having said that, I dont think Sri Lanka will go cashless anytime soon. What weve seen is a slow acceptance about using a machine rather than going to a counter. As Sri Lanka starts to present more of an international face, do you want to expand overseas more as well? We still think theres plenty of room to grow here, but we want to keep the balance between our domestic and international assets. Our international assets are about 12% of the total and wed like to take that level to 15%. International growth doesnt come easy so when you see an opportunity you need to take it. Were always on the look out, but that doesnt mean well just go into a country and start operations there. We also have a subsidiary in the Maldives and a rep office in Myanmar. We have also just opened a remittance office in Italy and would like to open some more across Europe such as France. It took us four years to convince the Bank of Italy that our anti-money-laundering regulations and such were in order. There are 160,000 Sri Lankans working in Italy and all their money was being remitted via unreliable sources. The Sri Lankan government asked us if we could do something about it. It was very difficult to check the source of funds, so we thought we should sort the problem out at source and open up ourselves. Your biggest overseas operations are in Bangladesh. Do you want to expand further there? Ye we have 18 branches. We got a good buy. Credit Agricole was selling out and it was a neat small business. A lot of Sri Lankans are employed in the Bangladeshi garment industry. Many factories employ them as managers so our expansion there makes sense from a cultural perspective. Most of the other banks handle MNCs and top corporates. We see a substantial level of high end SMEs, which are evolving. We think theres enormous scope there and were just starting to explore that as well. You also mentioned Myanmar. Thats still in a research phase really. Were not very sure of the legislation there yet, but we do see a niche in the low-end SME segment. All the other foreign banks seem to be targeting micro loans or high-end corporates. But Id say 90% of the business here is low-end SME. Thats why weve gone there. Are you still taking market share from the state-owned banks? Yes all the time. But the public banks have got their act together. Theyre reasonably strong and very competitive. Our market share is currently 13% and will continue increasing. Were winning new business and continuing to take market share in the SME segment. The big banks have tended to neglect the SMEs, whereas its an area where weve always been strong. This is a sector, which doesnt just grow overnight. It doesnt easily move on rate hikes, but is based on loyalty and trust. Theres a learning curve servicing SMEs and weve done already. We pivoted towards them about 10 years ago and were now bigger than the state-owned banks in this area. Its very satisfying. MELBOURNE (dpa-AFX) - Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP Billiton plc (BHP.AX, BLT.L, BBL, BHP) said that it has approved further financial support for Samarco. The amount of US$181 million has been approved to fund the remediation and compensation programs identified under the Framework Agreement which the Renova Foundation governs and oversees. This amount of US$181 million will be offset against the Group's provision of US$1.2 billion, recognised as at 30 June 2016. In addition, a short-term facility of up to US$115 million will be made available to Samarco to carry out remediation and stabilisation work and to support Samarco's operations. Funds will be released to Samarco only as required and subject to the achievement of key milestones. The short-term facility allows BHP Billiton Brasil to preserve the value of its investment as options for restart continue to be assessed. BHP Billiton noted that a restart of Samarco operations is important for Samarco, BHP Billiton Brasil, Vale, the local communities and for the Brazilian economy. Restart will occur only if it is safe and economic to do so and the necessary approvals have been obtained from Brazilian authorities. BHP Billiton Brasil continues to work through options for restart with Vale and Samarco. 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. TOKYO, Nov 25, 2016 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation's production and sales results for October 2016 are summarized below.1. Domestic Productionhttp://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_MazdaProduction1125.jpgNote 1): Overseas production figures indicate Mazda-branded units coming off the production line (excludes CKD units). However, non-Mazda-branded passenger vehicles produced at the Mexico plant are included.Note 2): Global production figures are the sum total of domestic and overseas production volumes.Mazda's total domestic production volume in October 2016 decreased 8.2 % year on year due to decreased production of both passenger and commercial vehicles.Domestic production of key models in October 2016CX-5: 29,577 units (down 4.6% year on year)Mazda3 (Axela): 21,675 units (down 2.2% year on year)Mazda6 (Atenza): 9,956 units (down18.7% year on year)2. Overseas ProductionMazda's overseas production volume in October 2016 increased 17.7% year on year due to increased production of passenger vehicles.Overseas production of key models in October 2016Mazda3: 23,050 units (up 1.7% year on year)Mazda2: 7,653 units (down 6.7% year on year)CX-4: 6,000 unitsII. Domestic saleshttp://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_MazdaDomestic1125.jpgMazda's total domestic sales volume in October 2016 decreased 14.4% year on year due to decreased sales of both passenger and commercial vehicles. Mazda's registered vehicle market share was 4.2% (down 0.9 points year on year), with a 2.1% share of the micro mini segment (unchanged year on year) and a 3.4% total market share (down 0.6 points year on year).Domestic sales of key models in October 2016Mazda3 (Axela): 2,927 units (up 22.6% year on year)Mazda2 (Demio): 2,539 units (down 30.6% year on year)CX-5: 1,073 units (down 39.8% year on year)III. Exportshttp://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_MazdaExports1125.jpgMazda's export volume in October 2016 increased 6.2% year on year, reflecting increased shipments to North America and other regions.Exports of key models in October 2016CX-5: 30,731 units (up 10.7% year on year)Mazda3: 20,982 units (up 7.9% year on year)Mazda6: 9,994 units (down 19.9% year on year)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. 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. DEARBORN (dpa-AFX) - Lincoln Motor Co., the luxury automotive brand of Ford Motor Co. (F), announced Friday the launch of the exquisitely designed 2017 Lincoln Continental. The company has joined with Tasting Table, a multimedia content provider for culinary enthusiasts, to host a pre-party celebrating beauty and imagination in anticipation of the annual art exhibition in Miami. Contemporary artist Stuart Sheldon will display a live art installation. At the Gale Hotel in South Miami, invited guests can engage with the exquisitely crafted 2017 Lincoln Continental. Two Lincoln Black Label Continentals will be on display in front of the hotel. The company noted that Lincoln Black Label has premium materials such as Venetian leather, Alcantara and designer woods. Black Label customers also receive enhanced personal service amenities such as anytime car washes, off-site concierge visits and membership in the Lincoln Black Label Culinary Collection network of upscale restaurants. In addition, guests will be introduced to Lincoln's exclusive Pickup and Delivery service including all 2017 model year and newer nameplates in Lincoln's portfolio. Lincoln is joining with Tasting Table on a series of similar events, introducing its all-new Lincoln Continental flagship sedan at upscale venues in major cities throughout the United States. 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. -- Large frame order for 120 000 pens received from TStudy, China, in August. Minimum order value is 4 MUSD. -- Net sales in the period amounted to MSEK 168 (138) and Net sales for the quarter were MSEK 40 (55). -- The Gross margin for the period was 34% (46%) and Gross margin for the quarter was 31% (37%). Gross profit for the period was MSEK 56 (64) and Gross profit for the quarter was MSEK 12 (20). The quarter was affected by a one-time inventory adjustment of -3 MSEK. -- The quarter has also been impacted with costs of 5 MSEK related to cost-reduction activities. The related activities are expected to save approx. 50 MSEK annually. Further to this, the quarter has been affected by write-downs of 37.6 MSEK. -- Earnings before depreciations and amortizations (EBITDA) for the period were MSEK -148 (-59) and EBITDA for the quarter was MSEK -60 (-25). -- The Result after tax for the period was MSEK -208 (-68) and the Result after tax for the quarter was MSEK -106 (-30). -- Earnings per share after dilution for the period were SEK -0.13 (-0.08) and for the quarter SEK -0.05 (-0.03). -- ABLE Investment Advisors Inc., a Korean company, has entered into an agreement to invest 6 MUSD in Anoto, thereby replacing previous agreement with SMark Inc. As per November 25, 1.5 MUSD of the total amount has been received, with a further 3.0 MUSD secured through an issued guarantee from a financial institution. -- Cash flow during the period was MSEK -4 (3) and Cash flow for the quarter was MSEK -34 (0). Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital during the period was MSEK -158 (-49) and for the quarter MSEK -70 (-24). Cash flow from financing activities during the period was MSEK 150 (92) and for the quarter MSEK 20 (64). -- At present, Anoto faces a challenging financing situation. For further information, see "Risks and Uncertainties".Comments from the CEOPresently, Anoto is undergoing a period of decisive transformation, characterized by significant cost reduction efforts and refocusing on profitability. In order to achieve profitability, Anoto has taken firm steps to streamline costly development projects and create a small, efficient organization, reducing headcounts and closing offices. Anoto is also re-directing its strategy by reducing dependency on capital intensive hardware business (digital pens and large screens) and instead focusing on a highly profitable pattern-based technology business in the mobile and digital app space.As a result of such strategic changes, Anoto decided to proactively write-off substantial charges of legacy projects in the third quarter of 2016.To facilitate this transition, Anoto is leveraging its own proprietary technologies and entering into new partnerships. On July 15, 2016, Anoto entered into a strategic cooperation with Digiworks, a specialist in pattern-based encoding and printing technology. The alliance will complement Anoto's own proprietary pattern IP and pattern generating technology to kick start Anoto DNA business and to further expand Anoto's reach into various Asian markets.The Anoto DNA business (ADNA) is built on Anoto's exceptional ability to create 600 quintillion unique patterns (hence, DNA) which can be printed onto products and devices. Each pattern has a unique ID and the possibility to add encodable data. With the introduction of ADNA business, Anoto expands the use of its proprietary pattern to ubiquitous mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.Anoto DNA has multiple applications and uses, from counterfeit protection to providing critical enabling technology to AR (Augmented Reality) advertising. Anoto is currently talking to a number of multinational companies ranging from consumer to industrial and service companies.Having the Anoto DNA solution will also enable robust data-mining capabilities. This solution allows manufacturers to apply near-invisible unique patterns to their products, thereby enabling accurate item-level tracking and personalized digital engagement.The cooperation between Anoto and Digiwork is reinforced by Anoto's investment of 2 MUSD in Digiwork's parent, SMark Co., Ltd. SMark is a Korean listed company on KOSDAQ Korea under "ticker" SMARK. Originally, the parties agreed that SMark in turn would invest 5 MUSD in Anoto at a subscription price of USD 0.029185. However, due to recent KOSDAQ (Korea Stock Exchange) regulations regarding cross-investments, SMark's affiliate company, ABLE Investment Advisors Inc (ABLE), will make the investment. The renegotiated agreement reflects an investment of 6 MUSD at a subscription rate of USD 0.023135. As per November 25, we have received approximately 1.5 MUSD from ABLE, with a further 3.0 MUSD secured through an issued guarantee from a financial institution. The remaining 1.5 MUSD is expected to arrive beginning of December.While the above partnerships and innovation are opening exciting new markets, the acquisitions of Livescribe and Pen Generations ensure that Anoto retains a relevant footprint in the digital pen business. In addition to providing a diversification of the pen portfolio, these acquired companies also open up the fast-growing pen markets in Asia and Latin America. Pen Generations has a strong network of partnerships, especially in the Education sector in Asia, while Livescribe provides a strengthened presence in the US retail market. As previously communicated, Tstudy China has given Anoto a frame order of 120 000 pens to be delivered within one year - the value of this frame agreement can vary substantially depending on the type of pen Tstudy chooses to buy, but an absolute minimum would be around 4 MUSD annually. Overall, the pen pipeline is very strong, with several large orders for 2017 already in place. As announced on November 16, Anoto has received an 8.4 MUSD order for pens from India for deliveries over three years.Historically, Anoto has invested heavily in R&D, both in pen development projects but also to develop capital intensive new businesses such as large interactive screens. As a result, the company has made substantial losses - losses which have been financed through share issues. Anoto has now decided to focus on only four business areas, and going forward the company will principally invest in one of these, namely Anoto DNA (ADNA).Our costly pen developments projects, such as the pen delivery to a Japanese insurance company and the HP Screen pen, are no longer putting any strain on the Group's liquidity. The Japanese pen project has been successfully completed while the HP project is on hold while the commercial aspects are being renegotiated. As for the own branded large screen display development project, Anoto has chosen to discontinue this and will instead seek technology licensing option to existing large display manufacturers.In conclusion, Anoto is moving in a new strategic direction that innovatively bridges the analogue - digital divide with hardware, software, patterns, and data. This strategy is built around Anoto's proprietary pens, microdot patterns, real-time image processing, big data, and the optic capabilities of mobile devices. It thereby leverages current strengths while delivering dramatically expanded global market presence.Anoto remains committed to a profitable future, and accordingly further restructuring has been done during Q3. The latest restructuring effort, will result in annual savings of approximately 50 MSEK, affecting 50 FTEs. Related one-time costs amount to 5 MSEK and have been provided for in the Q3 numbers. In total, restructuring programs implemented during 2016 are estimated to save 100 MSEK annually versus present cost levels.To ensure adequate financing throughout the ongoing transformation period, Anoto is presently negotiating a convertible bond offer of 5 MUSD of which approximately 4 MUSD has already been committed. The Board's opinion is that this additional 5 MUSD gives the Group the required funds to address the future business opportunities. The Board is working on various other alternatives to secure the required cash in case the convertible bond private placement is not fully placed.OUTLOOKAnoto expects to close both the next quarter and the full year of 2016 at a loss. 2016 has been a challenging year notable for the tough decisions taken to transform from a hardware-focused organization to one building for a profitable future based on software, proprietary patterns, and robust image processing. Challenges will certainly remain in 2017 but it is expected that the newly efficient pen business will make strong contributions to the financial health of the organization while the pattern-business develops in less predictable but potentially more explosive ways. With costs lowered by 100 MSEK and this exciting portfolio to support growth, Anoto anticipates substantial improvements in its financial performance during 2017.Joonhee Won CEO, Anoto Group AB (publ)Anoto Group AB discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication at 08.45 on November 25, 2016Calendar 2016Q4 report February 2017For more informationPlease contact:Joonhee Won, CEO Email: ir@anoto.comAnoto Group AB (publ.), Corp. Id. No. 556532-3929 Mobilvagen 10 SE-223 62 Lund, Sweden Phone: +46 46 540 12 00 www.anoto.comAttachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=605949 25 November 2016 For immediate release ENSOR HOLDINGS PLC Proposed cancellation of admission to trading on AIM of the Ordinary Shares and Re-registration as a private limited company Adoption of New Articles Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting In May 2015 the Company announced that, following a strategic review of its business and the options available to the Company, in order to maximise value for its Shareholders, it had decided to look for a buyer for the Group. In December 2015, the Company announced in its interim results that it had concluded that a series of trade sales of the Group's subsidiary businesses was preferred to seeking a buyer for the Company. During the year to 31 March 2016, the Company sold a subsidiary company and several freehold properties and settled the Group's pension scheme liabilities. In July 2016, the Company announced the disposal of a further two subsidiaries. Details of these transactions are described below. The remaining businesses of the Group are being actively marketed. The Company now announces that it is seeking Shareholder approval for the cancellation of the admission of its Ordinary Shares to trading on AIM. Background and reasons for the Delisting Over recent years the Group has focused on developing its offering in physical security products and established a portfolio of complementary products. During the financial year to March 2015, significant progress was made within each of the Company's businesses with growing order books providing a solid platform for trading. With the greater focus of the Group's activities and stronger financial position, the Board considered that it was an appropriate time and in the best interests of Shareholders to seek to sell the Company by means of a formal sale process. In May 2015, the Company announced a review of strategic options open to the Group in order to maximise value for its Shareholders, including a potential sale of the Company. Although the Group was actively marketed for a number of months, the Directors determined that, due to the varied nature of the markets within which the Group's subsidiaries operate, a series of trade sales, rather than seeking a buyer for the Shares, would be the best way forward. Following this decision, the Company actively marketed the Group's businesses and in July 2016 announced the disposals of OSA and Technocover, having previously sold EBP to the management of that business for 1.44 million, realising a profit of 168,000 on the sale. The freehold property occupied by EBP has also been sold at a premium of 147,000 against the book value and the disposal of its land holdings in Woodville and Stockport realised a profit of 785,000 on disposal. The consideration for OSA was 2.5 million payable in cash on completion with an additional 520,000 of cash transferred from OSA to Ensor prior to the completion of the sale. The Technocover consideration was 10 million, paid in cash on completion, save for an amount of 250,000 which is to be held in a retention account for a period of eighteen months from completion. An additional 1.1 million of cash was transferred from Technocover to Ensor on completion of the sale, in a debt-free, cash-free transaction. An annuity to secure all future liabilities of the Ensor Group Pension Fund, as a precursor to a buyout and winding up of the scheme, was purchased in December 2015 at a cost of 5.4 million, and the process to wind up the scheme is almost complete. Current trading and prospects Interim results for the six months to 30 September 2016 will be announced on 12 December 2016. Currently, and following completion of the Proposals, Ensor will own two trading subsidiaries: Ellard and Wood's. The Board is actively marketing these businesses for sale and is speaking to a number of interested potential buyers. The Company is at an advanced stage of negotiations for the sale of Ellard and continues to market Wood's. However, once the sale of Ellard has been completed the Board may consider an offer from the Harrison family for Wood's, should a better, alternative offer not be forthcoming. Any offer by the Harrison family will be on terms that are no less favourable than the best indicative offer previously received for Wood's. Such a transaction would enable the Company's trading activities to be ceased without further delay or uncertainty. When both of these businesses have been disposed of, the Board intends to liquidate the Company and return accumulated funds to Shareholders, after paying any outstanding liabilities and professional fees that the Company has incurred during this process. Although the Board believes that it has identified buyers for both businesses, it is not the Board's intention to sacrifice Shareholder value for the sake of an early sale and therefore it is uncertain how long this process will take. Delisting The Board has concluded that it would be in the best interests of the Company to cancel trading in the Company's Shares on AIM. The Board believes that, at this late stage of the disposal process and subsequent winding-up of the Company, the regulatory requirements associated with maintaining the Company's Admission represent an unwarranted impediment to that process. When the Company makes a disposal of Ellard, under the AIM Rules it will be required to prepare and publish a circular to Shareholders and seek Shareholder approval, which will bring delay and uncertainty to the transaction and additional costs payable to our advisers. Furthermore, that Shareholder approval would be guaranteed due to the size of the shareholdings of the Directors, and subsequent Delisting would be expected under the AIM Rules. In addition: the Delisting will provide the Board with significant flexibility to progress the strategy and return capital to Shareholders in the future; the overheads and regulatory requirements involved in maintaining the Company's Admission are a burden on the Company's financial resources and management time. These costs include fees paid to the Company's brokers and registrars, annual fees paid to the London Stock Exchange, costs relating to public announcements, and fees and expenses of accountants and lawyers engaged to provide services in connection with a publicly traded Company; like many other small quoted companies, prior to its announcement of a strategic review in 2015, the Company suffered from a low level of liquidity in the Company's Shares which can cause volatility in the Share price. Therefore, the Board believes that the burdens of the Company's current Admission outweigh the benefits and that, accordingly, it would be in the best interests of the Company and Shareholders as a whole if the Company's admission to trading on AIM were cancelled. The principal effects that the Delisting would have on Shareholders are as follows: Shareholders will hold their Ordinary Shares in an unquoted entity and therefore there will no longer be a market for such Ordinary Shares. Accordingly, it may be difficult to sell Ordinary Shares following the Delisting; there would no longer be a formal market mechanism enabling Shareholders to trade their Ordinary Shares through the market. Share transfers may still be effected after the date of Delisting. While the Ordinary Shares will remain freely transferable, they may be more difficult to sell compared to shares of companies admitted to trading on AIM. It may also be more difficult for Shareholders to determine the market value of their stockholdings in the Company at any given time. However, in order to mitigate the impact of the loss of liquidity following the Delisting, the Company intends to set up a matched bargain facility as a trading mechanism for the Company's Shares. Further details are set out below in the section headed "Trading Mechanism Post Cancellation"; the Company would not be bound to announce material events, nor to announce interim or final results; the Company would no longer be required to comply with many of the corporate governance requirements applicable to companies admitted to trading on AIM; the Company would no longer be subject to the AIM Rules or the Market Abuse Regulation and would therefore no longer be required to disclose major shareholdings in the Company; Shareholders would no longer be afforded the protections given by the AIM Rules. Such protections include the requirement to be notified of certain events including, amongst other things, substantial transactions (the size of which results in a 10 per cent. threshold being reached under any one of the class tests) and the requirement to be notified of, and to have independent reviews of, certain related party transactions (such as the potential disposal of Wood's to the Harrison family). Notwithstanding this, the Board has decided that it will notify Shareholders of substantial transactions and will procure an independent review if Wood's is to be sold to the Harrison family; the cancellation might have either positive or negative taxation consequences for Shareholders; the Company would remain subject to English company law, which mandates shareholder approval for certain matters; and the Company would remain subject to the provisions of the Takeover Code for 10 years following Delisting provided that the Company remains resident in the UK for the purposes of the Takeover Code. The Company intends to continue to communicate information about the Company (including annual accounts and other financial information) to its Shareholders via its website (www.ensor.co.uk). Following the Delisting the Company intends to cancel the 922,098 Ordinary Shares that are currently held in treasury. Shareholders should be aware that if the Delisting takes effect, they will at that time cease to hold Shares in a Company whose shares are admitted to trading on AIM and the matters set out above will automatically apply to the Company from the date of Delisting. Timetable and Process for Delisting In accordance with Rule 41 of the AIM Rules, the Company has notified the London Stock Exchange of the intention to delist subject to Shareholder approval. Under the AIM Rules, it is a requirement that the Delisting is approved by the requisite majority of Shareholders voting at the Extraordinary General Meeting (being not less than 75 per cent of the votes cast). Subject to the relevant resolution approving the Delisting being passed at the Extraordinary General Meeting being convened for 10:00 am on 21 December 2016, it is anticipated that trading in the Ordinary Shares on AIM will cease at the close of business on Tuesday 3 January 2017 with Delisting taking effect at 7.00 a.m. on Wednesday 4 January 2017. Re-registration Following the Delisting, the Board believes that the requirements and associated costs of the Company maintaining its public company status will be difficult to justify and that the Company will benefit from the more flexible requirements and lower costs associated with private limited company status. It is therefore proposed, subject to Shareholder approval of the relevant resolution at the Extraordinary General Meeting, to re-register the Company as a private limited company. In connection with the Re-registration, it is proposed that New Articles be adopted to reflect the change in the Company's status to a private limited company. The Company will still be subject to the Takeover Code following any such Re-registration provided that the Company remains resident in the UK for the purposes of the Takeover Code. Application will be made to the Registrar of Companies for the Company to be re-registered as a private limited company. Re-registration will take effect when the Registrar of Companies issues a certificate of incorporation on re-registration which is expected to be on or around 1 February 2017. The Registrar of Companies will not issue the certificate of incorporation on re-registration until the Registrar of Companies is satisfied that no valid application can be made to cancel the resolution to re-register as a private limited company. Accordingly, the expected date of the Re-registration may be subject to change. Trading Mechanism Post Cancellation In order to allow the continuation of trading in Ensor Shares following the Delisting, the Board intends to set up a matched bargain settlement facility to enable Shareholders to trade their Ordinary Shares, and further notification will be made once this is implemented. Under this settlement facility, it is intended that Shareholders, or persons wishing to trade Shares, will be able to leave an indication that they are prepared to buy or sell Shares at an agreed price. In the event that the matched bargain settlement facility is able to match that indication with an opposite buy or sell instruction, the matched bargain facility, which will be notified to Shareholders will contact both parties to effect the bargain. Shareholder Circular A circular is today being dispatched to Shareholders containing details of the Proposals and includes a Notice convening the Extraordinary General Meeting. Inside Information This announcement contains inside information. Enquiries: Ensor Holdings PLC: Roger Harrison / Marcus Chadwick - 0161 945 5953 Stockdale Securities Limited: Robert Finlay / Elhanan Lee - 020 7601 6100 DEFINITIONS The following definitions apply throughout this announcement unless the context requires otherwise: CGC Stock: Rodeo ShowThe wild ride in Canopy Growth Corp (TSE:CGC) continues, and it is starting to get gut-wrenching. If there was ever a literal meaning of bull market, this is it. The volatility in price is acting like a bull trying to throw an investor off its back. From the outside looking in, it is quite amusing. But for the investor, this is turning into quite an emotional roller coaster ride.The driving force behind all this speculation is the legalization of cannabis, and the billions of potential dollars the recreational market will produce. This is the "buy on rumor, sell on news" mantra that I have mentioned numerous times. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. DUBLIN, Nov 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Corporate M-learning Market 2016-2020" report to their offering. The report forecasts the global corporate m-learning market to grow at a CAGR of 16.50% during the period 2016-2020. The report has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market. One of latest trends in the market is cloud-based m-learning. Organizations worldwide are providing online training to their employees that are located at geographically diverse locations. With uninterrupted Internet connectivity in mobile devices, m-learning helps learners connect instantly to the required platform, thereby facilitating collaborative learning. Companies use cloud computing to ensure seamless and easy accessibility of the stored data. The technology essentially caters to online business applications that are linked to services that can be accessed from other web browsers. Cloud-based m-learning offers an easy way to handle some such issues as it allows employees to access and download business apps at their convenient time and location. It also enables employees to choose their applications as per their learning requirements. According to the report, one of the primary drivers in the market is stronger focus on continuous education programs. Organizations are focusing on providing continuous education program for employees. Many organizations have online training portals and programs in place to provide training. Apart from formal training sessions, employees are inclined to take up learning courses and programs that provide them a competitive edge in the market. Companies are also interested in undertaking such training and development programs so that employees can be offered horizontal development opportunities. Therefore, in addition to training sessions, at present, companies are providing learning opportunities to employees via a combination of various methods such as blended learning and self-paced courses. Key vendors: Adobe Systems dominKnow NetDimensions Saba Software Key Topics Covered: Part 01: Executive summary Part 02: Scope of the report Part 03: Market research methodology Part 04: Introduction Part 05: Market landscape Part 06: Market overview Part 07: Market segmentation by product Part 08: Geographical segmentation Part 09: Market drivers Part 10: Impact of drivers Part 11: Market challenges Part 12: Impact of drivers and challenges Part 13: Market trends Part 14: Vendor landscape Part 15: Key vendor analysis Part 16: Other prominent vendors Part 17: Appendix For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/sf72t2/global_corporate Media Contact: Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Are Marijuana Stocks Headed for a Price War?Marijuana stocks are absolutely going crazy these days. Take Canopy Growth Corp (TSE:CGC) for example. The leader in the industry has been on a roller coaster ever since the end of the U.S. presidential election, when eight states voted to legalize some form of pot.Now the marijuana stocks of Canopy Growth and others have been riding up and down on wave after wave of volatile shifts in their share value. And that's with their valuation hitting one billion dollars shortly following the election.All in all, the weed market is nowhere close to settled. And companies like Uncle Ike's Budget. 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. CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- GrowMax Resources Corp. (the "Company" or "GrowMax Resources") (formerly Americas Petrogas Inc.) (TSX VENTURE: GRO) announces that it has filed its 2016 audited consolidated financial statements, including the Auditor's Report thereon, and Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") relating to its 2016 year-end results. These filings can be accessed on SEDAR's website at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.growmaxcorp.com. The following Summary of Selected Financial and Operational Highlights have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements and MD&A. Readers are strongly encouraged to review the entire audited consolidated financial statements, including the Auditor's Report thereon, and MD&A. All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS December 31, December 31, ($ in thousands) 2016 2015 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents $ 42,896 $ 56,671 Working capital(1) $ 49,634 $ 62,594 Year ended December 31 2015 ($ in thousands) 2016 Restated(2) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ (12,812) $ (2,744) Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense $ (8,060) $ (37,714) Net income (loss) for the year $ (20,872) $ (40,458) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding(3) Basic and diluted 217,957,244 231,947,325 Other general and administrative expenses $ (4,276) $ (5,093) Capital expenditures, net $ (10,777) $ (10,032) See notes (1), (2) and (3) further below. Stephen Keith, President of GrowMax Resources, stated, "In 2016, the Company introduced several initiatives with the objective of focusing on and enhancing the value of its primary mining assets in Peru, lowering its corporate G&A, and realizing value from the sale of its Argentina assets to deliver maximum value to its shareholders. Now that the Company has achieved these initial goals, GrowMax Resources is ready to build out its portfolio of Peruvian potash and phosphate assets. With a new management team, focused operations and a solid balance sheet, GrowMax Resources is poised for an exceptional year of advancing the development of its assets and is now looking forward to taking the necessary steps towards generating operational cash flows in the coming years." Highlights and Recent Activities Peru -- Early in 2016, the Company's Peruvian subsidiary, Americas Potash Peru S.A. ("APPSA"), acquired the remaining 30% interest in the Bayovar Property. Consequently, APPSA now holds a 100% beneficial interest in the Bayovar Property. -- The Company received the results of a Sulfate of Potash Study. The study included capital and operating cost estimates for a pilot facility, including evaporation ponds and a processing plant, for the production of 5,000 tonnes per year of soluble Sulfate of Potash "SOP". For further information, refer to the February 6, 2017 press release entitled "GrowMax Announces Results of Sulfate of Potash Study" . -- An "Updated NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Technical Report on the GrowMax Bayovar Phosphate Project, Piura Region, Peru" was filed on April 28, 2016 and a further update was filed on SEDAR on August 11, 2016. This latter Mineral Resource estimate update was based on substantially all drill holes drilled by the Company up to June 30, 2016. -- On September 12, 2016, the Company announced its strategic plans, with additional information related to its strategic plans announced on February 16, 2017. The plan includes advancing the Bayovar phosphate project in Peru and developing plans for early cash flow. -- The Company received the results of an independent Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for its Bayovar 7 phosphate project on the Bayovar Property located in the Sechura Desert, Peru. The results were announced on September 12, 2016 and the PEA report was filed on SEDAR on October 27, 2016. For further information, including applicable disclosures, refer to the September 12, 2016 press release entitled "GrowMax Announces Results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment for Phosphates on Bayovar 7 Concession, Peru". -- The Company is continuing to perform tests of collected samples from the Carnallite/Kainite pilot evaporation ponds. Argentina -- On November 10, 2016, the Company accepted an offer from Energy Operations Argentina LLC (the "EOA"), a private American company, for the sale of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Energicon, the Company's wholly- owned Argentine subsidiary (the "Transaction"). The Transaction closed on November 24, 2016 (the "Closing"). The terms of the original Share Purchase and Sale Agreement were modified so that the total cash consideration (including contingent consideration) from the Transaction was Cdn$6.9 million (US$5.1 million), of which Cdn$0.1 million (US$0.1 million) was collected by December 31, 2016 and Cdn$2.8 million (US$2.1 million) was included as a receivable in other current assets at December 31, 2016 (Cdn$0.8 million (US$0.6 million) of this receivable has been collected so far in 2017). The remaining Cdn$4.0 million (US$3.0 million) is payable to the Company by EOA only if a hydrocarbon exploitation concession for Vaca Mahuida is issued within one year of the Closing. The Company no longer has any commitments or performance bonds outstanding relating to oil and gas concessions in Argentina. Corporate -- In October 2016, the Company made the necessary filings and received the necessary approvals to make a Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB") to buy- back some of its common shares, at its own discretion, commencing on October 24, 2016 and terminating on October 23, 2017 or such earlier date as all shares which are subject to the NCIB are purchased. The NCIB allows the Company to purchase up to 10,796,282 of its Common Shares. Since December 2016 and up to the current date, the Company has repurchased and cancelled a total of 2,000,000 Common Shares pursuant to the NCIB. Notes: (1) Working capital is calculated as current assets (December 31, 2016 - $52.4 million; December 31, 2015 - $83.2 million) less current liabilities (December 31, 2016 - $2.8 million; December 31, 2015 - $20.6 million). Working capital is a non-GAAP measure and is calculated as current assets less current liabilities. Working capital is used to assess liquidity and general financial strength. Working capital does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. It is unlikely for non-GAAP measures to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Working capital should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than current assets or current liabilities as determined in accordance with IFRS. (2) Restated to reflect discontinued operations. See note 25 of the December 31, 2016 annual consolidated financial statements for further information. (3) See section '1.2 Overall Performance - Share capital and Contributed surplus' in the MD&A for further information about the changes in common shares during the year ended December 31, 2016. About GrowMax Resources Corp. GrowMax Resources Corp. (formerly Americas Petrogas Inc.) is a publicly listed Canadian company (Ticker GRO on TSX-V) focused on exploration and development of phosphate and potassium-rich brine resources on its Bayovar Property, which is located in the Sechura Desert in northwestern Peru. The Company's vision is to become a leading producer of phosphate and potash fertilizer products in Peru. GrowMax Resources owns approximately 92% of GrowMax Agri Corp., a private company that owns 100% of the Bayovar Property, which currently covers approximately 227,000 gross acres. The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Co-operative Limited (IFFCO) and its affiliates own approximately 8% of GrowMax Agri Corp. Forward Looking Information Certain statements contained in this Press Release may constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian and US securities laws. Any information or statements contained herein that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events should be viewed as forward-looking information. Such information relate to analyses and other information that are based upon forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Such forward-looking information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different than those results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. In particular, statements (express or implied) contained herein or in the Company's MD&A regarding the following should be considered as forward-looking information: the Company's goals, plans, strategy and objectives; enhancing the value of the Company's assets; expected G&A costs and changes in G&A costs; generating operational cash flows and timing thereof; advancing the development of the assets; maximizing value to shareholders; the build out of the potash and phosphates assets; the results of a SOP Study; mineral resource estimates; advancing the Bayovar phosphate project and developing plans for early cash flow; the results of a PEA; testing of Carnallite/Kainite samples; and cash receivable from the purchaser for the sale of Energicon. In addition, information regarding the reports, studies, reserve estimates and resource estimates should be considered forward-looking statements. In particular, the presence of potash and/or phosphates in samples is not necessarily indicative that potash and/or phosphates are capable of being successfully produced in commercial quantities or at all. There is no assurance reserves will be assigned for potash and/or phosphates. There is no assurance that future wells will be drilled on the Bayovar Property or that if drilled, will be successful. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Additional forward-looking information is contained in the Company's MD&A, and reference should be made to the additional disclosures of the assumptions, risks and uncertainties relating to such forward-looking information in that document. There is no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could vary or differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements contained in this Press Release. This cautionary statement expressly qualifies the forward-looking statements contained herein and in the MD&A. Forward-looking information is based on management's beliefs, expectations, estimates and opinions on the date statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information and whether the beliefs, expectations, estimates and opinions upon which such forward-looking information is based has changed, except as required by applicable law. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE RELEASE. Contacts: Abby Badwi, P. Geo. Executive Chairman +1 587 390 7015 Stephen Keith, P. Eng. President +1 647 299 0046 COLUMBUS Patients who get uneasy in confined spaces might dread a trip to the hospital to get an MRI. The site of the magnetic resonance imaging machine with its tube-like opening where patients lie during the imaging process can trigger claustrophobia in some people. A new system at Columbus Community Hospital is helping ease that anxiety with the introduction of a new MRI machine that has a larger opening. It is a wider bore so the hole in the middle of the MRI is bigger so it can accommodate a larger patient. For any patient, it will give them extra room. They will be less claustrophobic, said Dr. Anthony Krueger, a radiologist at CCH. The hospital got the wide-bore MRI machine last month, replacing a unit that had been used since 2008. The new machine has already benefited some patients. Denise Tomek, director of radiology at the hospital, said a man who previously needed an anesthesia sedation before an MRI was able to use the new machine without any drugs to calm him down. The opening in the wide-bore MRI is 70 centimeters (21.3 inches) compared to 54 centimeters (27.6 inches) on the old machine. This also provides additional space for bigger patients to fit inside the machine. Krueger said the new MRI machine is quieter and produces scans more quickly. What used to be a 45-minute scan might be a 30-minute scan now, he said. Imagine quality is also improved. Technology has progressed so much. This is the newest and, I think, the best MRI scanner out on the market right now. The image quality is really good. The images are the best you will find in the nation, Krueger said. There are different types of MRI machines, notably the closed or open varieties. While both perform the same task of creating internal images of the body, an open MRI doesnt have a tubular design. The wide-bore machine at CCH is closed, but Krueger said it gives patients as much space as an open model and will produce better images. It cost about $1.5 million to purchase the new MRI machine and remodel the room where it's located. The Columbus Community Hospital Foundation is helping raise money for the project. The new MRI machine makes CCH competitive with hospitals in larger markets. A lot of patients think they need to go to Omaha or Lincoln to get imaging. What we are finding out is this is better than a lot or most of the scanners in Omaha or Lincoln. So patients are going away and getting less-quality exams, Krueger said. TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - November 25, 2016) - Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. ("GLH" or "the Company") (CSE: GLH) (OTCQB: GLDFF), a leading cannabis oil solutions company built around recognized brands, is pleased to announce that on Monday, November 28, 2016, it will release its third quarter financial results for the period ended September 30, 2016. Subsequently, Golden Leaf will host a shareholder update call on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 4:30pm ET. Those interested in participating in the shareholder call should use the updated dial-in information below. Note: All questions for the Company must be submitted ahead of the call to hphillips@viridianca.com. To Join the Shareholder Please Note the Updated Call Information: Dial-in Number: Canada: (785) 424-1825 US: (866) 952-1906 Passcode: 15684 About Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. is one of the largest cannabis oil and solution providers in North America. It's a leading cannabis products company in Oregon built around recognized brands. GLH leverages a strong management team with cannabis and food industry experience to complement its expertise in extracting, refining, and selling cannabis oil. For more information, please visit http://www.goldenleafholdings.com/. Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer: This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's future business operation, expectations of gross sales, the opinions or beliefs of management, and future business goals. Generally, forward looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to general business, economic and competitive uncertainties, regulatory risks including risks related to the expected timing of the Company's participation in the Adult Use market, market risks, risks inherent in manufacturing operations and other risks of the cannabis industry. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Forward-looking information is provided herein for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purpose. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Contacts Investor Relations - U.S.A. Harrison Phillips Viridian Capital Advisors, LLC 212-485-0284 hphillips@viridianca.com Investor Relations - Canada Paul Searle Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. 778-240-7724 psearle@goldenleafholdings.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/25/16 -- Otis Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: OOO)(OTC PINK: OGLDF) ("Otis" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a straight equity non-brokered private placement of up to 1,851,852 common shares at a price of $0.27 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $500,000. All funds are in Canadian dollars. The proceeds from this private placement will be used for the continued advancement of the Kilgore Gold Project and for general working capital purposes. Certain current shareholders may be participating in this financing, and finders fees may be paid on a portion of the funds raised. All securities issued will be subject to a hold period of four months from closing. The proposed financing is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. About the Company Otis is a resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious metal deposits in Idaho, USA. Otis is currently developing its flagship property, the Kilgore Gold Project, located in Clark County, Idaho. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Craig T. Lindsay, President and CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and Otis undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Contacts: Otis Gold Corp. Craig Lindsay 604.683.2507 craig@otisgold.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is known for his anti-migrant stance, says US president-elect Donald Trump has invited him to Washington. In an interview given to business daily Vilaggazdasag, Orban said he told Trump that he hadn't been to the United States for a long time as he had been treated as a 'black sheep', to which the incoming President replied, laughing, 'Me too'. The controversial leader is one of Europe's biggest supporters of Trump. In the wake of excessive inflow of migrants who crossed the Mediterranean last year, Orban erected a fence along his country's border to keep them out. Orban was quoted as saying he felt the central European country's position has improved a lot with Trump coming to the White House. Trump made it clear to him that he thinks highly of Hungary. Both US President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have been critical of Orban, who was accused of steering Hungary away from democratic norms. Bilateral relations ruptured in 2014 after US banned Hungary's government officials from entering the country over corruption. 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. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES (INCLUDING ITS TERRITORIES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA) OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL LONDON, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Navig8 Chemical Tankers Inc. (the "Company") (N-OTC: CHEMS), an international shipping company focused on the transportation of chemicals, today announced that it has taken delivery of the Navig8 Tanzanite, a 49,000 DWT IMO2 Interline-coated chemical tanker, from STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. ("STX"), the final 49,000 DWT IMO2 Interline-Coated vessel from the Company's newbuilding program. The Navig8 Tanzanite is also the eighth and final vessel to be delivered under the sale and leaseback arrangements entered into with Ocean Yield ASA ("Ocean Yield") announced on April 1, 2015. Following delivery from STX, the Navig8 Tanzanite was delivered to Ocean Yield under the terms of the sale MOA and then delivered back to the Company under bareboat charter. The Navig8 Tanzanite will be entered into and operated in Navig8 Group's Chronos8 commercial pool. About Navig8 Chemical Tankers Inc. Navig8 Chemical Tankers Inc. was established in 2013 as a joint venture between the Navig8 Group and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management L.P. to capitalize on significant structural changes in the petrochemical industry and the continuing development of long-haul chemical trades. Its best-in-class newbuilding fleet is comprised exclusively of large, fuel-efficient vessels with modern eco-designs to take greatest advantage of these shifts. The fully delivered fleet will feature a complementary mix of primarily Interline-coated and stainless steel vessels that are capable of servicing the full range of conventional and specialized chemicals cargoes. The Company has taken delivery of 28 chemical carriers to date and anticipates delivery of its full 32- vessel fleet by mid-2017. The Company's fleet is contracted to operate in various chemical tanker pools managed by the Navig8 Group, the world's largest independent pool and commercial management company. Navig8 Chemical Tankers is listed on the Norwegian OTC market under the symbol CHEMS. Visit our website at www.navig8chemicaltankers.com Forward-Looking Statements and Distribution This press release contains forward looking statements. These statements are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including Navig8 Chemical Tankers management's examination of historical operating trends. Although the Company believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond its control, Navig8 Chemical Tankers cannot give assurance that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or intentions. Important factors that, in the Company's view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in this press release include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions including fluctuations in charter hire rates and vessel values, changes in demand in the chemicals market as a result of changes in OPEC's petroleum production levels and worldwide oil consumption and storage, changes in the Company's operating expenses including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, and other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by the Company on the Norwegian OTC trading support system. This communication is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into any state or jurisdiction into which doing so would be unlawful. The distribution of this communication may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes, should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdictions. The Company assumes no responsibility in the event there is a violation by any person of such restrictions. LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/25/16 -- Robix Environmental Technologies, Inc. ("Robix" or the "Corporation") (CSE: RZX)(FRANKFURT: R0X) is pleased to announce that it has been notified of a primary service agreement ("Master agreement") that has been finalized and entered into for supply of equipment and services to Petroleos Mexicanos ("Pemex") to provide multiple P Series Oil Recovery Platforms to Pemex oil production facilities located in Mexico. The multi-year lease agreement will incorporate equipment and technology supply by Robix to Eco-Integra S.A. de C.V. ("Eco-Integra") which is the Master agreement holder created for this specific equipment supply and operatorship. The Master agreement has a present value of a minimum of USD$50M and incorporates the leasing of multiple P140 units initially, with transaction instruments to increase the order size to a maximum of $250M. Robix will lease these P140 units through its wholly owned Mexican subsidiary Corris Technologies Mexico S.A. de C.V. ("Corris"). Under the lease agreement, Robix will build and own the P140 units and Eco-Integra will operate and maintain the unit at Pemex facilities. The contracted service will be paid monthly for an initial term of 5 years. "We first announced an agreement to lease one P140 unit on June 11, 2016, through our in country partner Petrolmeca," commented Nathan Hansen, President and CEO of Robix. "Together with Petrolmeca we had identified at least 14 Pemex locations where the P Series could be deployed. Following our initial discussions Petrolmeca led the advanced negotiations with Pemex on behalf of Robix, Corris and other partners, to provide a more company-wide oil recovery platform that would contribute to the bottom line at production facilities, thereby increasing oil recovery rates, eliminating costly settling ponds and reducing environmental hazards. The result of the company-wide marketing efforts has been the engagement of Eco-Integra as the primary contractor, with Robix as the provider of technology and equipment to Eco-Integra." The P Series uses patented drum technology to siphon oil from the surface of the settling ponds within oil production facilities. The recovered oil is recirculated within the customer's facility. The Company's P140 model has an oil recovery rate of 140 m3/hr. Hansen continued, "We now have to focus on delivering the product and meeting product quality specifications of the customer. Having Rayco Steel as our contract manufacturer gives me confidence that we can deliver quality products. Rayco is a seasoned manufacturer with state-of-the-art facilities and was instrumental in designing the P Series product line. They have been supplying mines and industry with quality steel fabrication and QC work since 1980." About Robix: The Corporation is an "industrial products/technology" company, offering to investors a unique opportunity to participate in a leading company in the business of ownership of patents, and their development from commercialization to worldwide expansion through various business arrangements. Robix owns a Clean Ocean Vessel ("COV") patent, which is an oil spill recovery vessel design with the capability to recover oil in rough and debris laden sea conditions. Robix has recognized a worldwide market opportunity for effective containment, recovery and disposal equipment, particularly in the oil spill protection industry, and it proposes to develop a business model as a service provider, and/or equipment provider under licensing agreements with other industry participants, wherein Robix will use its COV patented design solution. No stock exchange or any securities regulatory body has reviewed the contents of this news release. Contacts: Robix Environmental Technologies, Inc. Nathan Hansen President & CEO 250-683-8957 nathan@robixenvirotech.com Robix Environmental Technologies, Inc. Robin Ray Chief Financial Officer 403-327-3094 robin@robixfuels.com www.robixenvirotech.com Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - November 25, 2016) - The following statement is being issued by Levi & Korsinsky, LLP: To: All persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired securities of Centene Corp. ("Centene") (NYSE: CNC) between April 26, 2016 and September 6, 2016. You are hereby notified that a securities class action lawsuit has been commenced in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. If you purchased or otherwise acquired Centene securities between April 26, 2016 and September 6, 2016, your rights may be affected by this action. To get more information go to: http://www.zlk.com/pslra/centene-corp or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@zlk.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972. There is no cost or obligation to you. The complaint alleges that during the Class Period, Centene made materially false and misleading statements concerning the acquisition of Health Net, Inc. and failed to disclose: (1) that certain Health Net insurance programs were significantly underperforming, which led to the need to increase reserves to offset losses caused by these programs; (2) that Centene overstated the financial prospects of Health Net; and (3) that as a result of the above, the Company's statements concerning its business, operations, and prospects were false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. If you suffered a loss in Centene you have until January 13, 2017 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, New Jersey, California, Connecticut, and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise and experience representing investors in securities litigation involving financial fraud, and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Joseph E. Levi, Esq. 30 Broad Street - 24th Floor New York, NY 10004 Tel: (212) 363-7500 Toll Free: (877) 363-5972 Fax: (212) 363-7171 www.zlk.com NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 11/25/16 -- Angelica Fuentes Foundation (FAF), a private institution committed to the overall empowerment of women of all ages through the strengthening and financing of organizations that support women's advancement, today announced its Founder Angelica Fuentes was a panelist at the Women's Entrepreneurship Day (WED) held on November 18th, 2016 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Women's Entrepreneurship Day's mission is to empower the 4 billion women across the globe to be catalysts of change, and uplift the 250 million girls living in poverty globally. In addition to their mission of empowerment, they are committed to gathering a think tank of inspiring women leaders who can amplify their message of expanding women in business in communities around the world. EVENT DETAILS Event: Women's Entrepreneurship Day 2016 Location: United Nations, New York City Date: November 18, 2016 Website: 2016 Women's Entrepreneurship Day Angelica Fuentes, Founder of the Angelica Fuentes Foundation, commented, "It was an honor to participate in the event and to have an opportunity to discuss the current trends and the future of impact investing, along with the promotion of social development and environmental sustainability through sustainable and positive financial return yielding investment opportunities. In spearheading the Gender Equality Fund project, focused on promoting gender equality by connecting the top level of the corporate world with women in marginal social conditions around the globe, we hope not only to contribute to develop the sector further but to have an important impact in making these women play a larger role in the development of our economies and our markets." About Angelica Fuentes Foundation Angelica Fuentes Foundation believes that women empowerment and gender equality are some of the most efficient tools for social, economic and environmental development. They envision a world in which women and men cooperate and work together in a context of equanimity and equality of opportunities, where women are able to fully participate in all the areas of human endeavor, for their personal wellbeing as well as that of the communities they live in. Angelica Fuentes Foundation's goal is to promote and encourage gender equality and women empowerment in Latin America as one of the most efficient tools for economic, social and environmental development in the region. To achieve this goal, they work with a model that seeks to accurately measure the impact they can have in communities and countries where they have a direct or indirect presence, through their programs, their network of organizations or those for which they provide financial support and consulting. The measurement carried out by the Foundation seeks to define comparative criteria to evaluate the economic participation of men and women, access to education and professional development, as well as pay equity by gender. Likewise, these measurements also allow monitoring the direct impact these rights have on other externalities such as teenage pregnancy, gender violence and access to justice, as well as the well-being and progress of the community in general. ** News, Media, PR and Content distribution provided by 1-800-PublicRelations, Inc. "1800pr" Company Contact: Angelica Fuentes Foundation info@fundaf.org PR & Media Contact: Matthew Bird President 1-800-Publicrelations, Inc. "1800pr" Direct: +1.646.401.4499 Main: +1.800.782.6185 Email: matt.bird@1800pr.com BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/25/16 -- Western Economic Diversification Canada The Canadian agriculture sector gets a boost today though the Government of Canada's investment of $425,000 to further develop and commercialize an innovative no-till seeding system, the CX-6 SMART Seeder. The funding was announced by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada. Federal funding will enable Clean Seed Agricultural Technologies Ltd. to further develop the equipment using patented technology that will significantly enhance application control, reduce the over-application of fertilizer and pesticides, and lower fuel usage and input costs. While the company is headquartered in Burnaby, British Columbia, testing will be conducted in Saskatchewan and the equipment will be manufactured in Manitoba. The federal contribution will be matched by Clean Seed Agricultural Technologies Ltd. This investment is one of several successful projects to be announced under the Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative. The program provides $100 million in repayable contributions to small- and medium-sized companies in Western Canada. Eligible companies can apply for funding to support activities that move ideas to market more quickly. Quotes "Clean Seed Agricultural Technologies Ltd. is an innovative leader in the development of advanced precision agricultural equipment aimed at modernizing and streamlining farm operations. The Government of Canada's investment in companies like this will generate growth in Western Canada and provide jobs for skilled workers." - Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada "We would like to express our appreciation to the Government of Canada for supporting the advancement and distribution of the CX-6 SMART Seeder. The continued support by the federal government over the years has played an important role in our evolution. We proudly welcome the financial support to launch our Canadian designed and developed CX-6 Smart Seeder domestically and internationally." - Graeme Lempriere, Chief Executive Officer, Clean Seed Capital Group Ltd. Additional Links Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative Clean Seed Agricultural Technologies Ltd. Stay Connected Follow us on Twitter: @WD_Canada, @MinisterISED, @SmartSeeder WD Homepage WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378) TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL. Contacts: Carmen Kardoes Director, Policy, Planning and External Relations Western Economic Diversification Canada 204-984-8472 carmen.kardoes@canada.ca Mark Tommasi Corporate Communications Clean Seed Capital Group Ltd. Burnaby, British Columbia 604-566-9895 mtommasi@cleanseedcapital.com VIENNA, November 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Major milestone for Impact Investment and Social Entrepreneurship achieved The Joint Declaration signed by Austria's Chancellor Christian Kern and UNIDO Director General LI Yong signals the start of a cooperation with UNIDO and the Global Impact Investment Foundation (GIIF). Impact investment is one of the key instruments for implementing the United Nation's Agenda on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161125/442934 ) (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161125/442933 ) The Global Impact Investment Foundation is focusing on promoting and driving Impact Investing globally by developing appropriate market structures and tools to encourage and enable social entrepreneurs and link them to impact investors. Alon Shklarek, entrepreneur, impact investor and President of GIIF sees the signing of the Joint Declaration as a crucial milestone. "Social entrepreneurs are the drivers behind the progress in addressing the sustainable development goals. This signature and the active support of the Republic of Austria and UNIDO of the Global Impact Investing Foundation marks a very important milestone for each such social entrepreneur and the Impact Investing Agenda as a whole." Chancellor Christian Kern stressed the importance of cooperation for Austria. "We have to give people the chance and a perspective on good living conditions in their home countries and do not have to flee. Impact Investment is one of the most sensible ways to help people in their home countries and cooperate with their countries. With the Joint Declaration, we want to jointly with UNIDO establish Vienna in cooperation with the GIIF as a pioneer for Impact Investment", emphasizes the Chancellor. "The impact investment market is now at a significant turning point as it enters the mainstream." said UNIDO's Director General LI Yong, who further expressed the Organization's keen interest in developing and exchanging good practices and new methodologies with GIIF. http://www.giifoundation.org For further information please contact: Richard Vrzal contact@giifoundation.org +43-676/5114338 TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/25/16 -- Editors Note: There is one image associated with this news release. North Sea Energy Inc. ("NSE" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: NUK) announces an update regarding the results of the Bagpuss Well 13/25-1 ("the Well"). Bagpuss Well Geochemistry Results: A detailed geochemical study has been carried out by Applied Petroleum Technology ("APT") on a series of wet unwashed drill cuttings, drilling mud samples, and smears of oil recovered from several pieces of down hole testing equipment, all recovered from the Well drilled in the Inner Moray Firth area of the UK North Sea. The main conclusions arising from this study are that the oil discovered in the Bagpuss Prospect well is degraded heavy oil. The estimated API oil range from the Well calculated by geochemistry consultants, APT was 19 degrees -11 degrees API based on the "dead oil" from the cuttings and oil smears. Their work indicated an overall oil quality of API of 12.5 degrees and viscosity of 850 Cpt +- 150. Importantly, however, these values are estimates based on heavy oil field analogues as there was insufficient oil recovered to get direct measurements of API and viscosity. The oil sampling program conducted by the Bagpuss operator, Premier Oil UK Limited ("PMO" or "Premier") on the Well did not result in a proper oil sample due to a number of factors. Oil sampling was attempted with a Saturn tool. Oil was observed in the grill of the Saturn probe as well as inside the pumps and some of this oily material was retrieved for analysis. A sample of water, that proved to be formation water, was collected from one of the Saturn tool stations believed to be in the oil leg. It was subsequently suggested that one reasons that a proper oil sample wasn't recovered was due a reaction with between the oil and the water-based mud forming an emulsion. During the sampling program, the XLD probe used was also plugged with drilling mud and there were problems with the Modular Formation Dynamics Tester sampling tool. The presence of oil from the Saturn tool pictured below appeared to show 'live' oil and to be less viscous than the cuttings that were exposed to the drilling mud. APT speculated that "this may well be due to dissolved gas at the point in time when it came out of the hole. The ambient air temperature or tool temperature as it came out of the hole at the time may also have impacted the viscosity." NSE Comment: J. Marcus Marsh, Ph.D., C.Eng., NSE's Senior Reservoir Engineer commented, "The results given in the (APT) study are clearly based on 'dead' oil and thus present a worst case. However, we do know that the oil, when first observed, seemed rather livelier than dead. Unfortunately, with no worthwhile (from an engineering point of view) sample we cannot tell what the properties are at reservoir conditions, but they can be expected to be better than those given in the (APT) report. So to sum up, the well proved up a significant oil column and thereby volume in place. Frustratingly, it didn't give enough data to determine flow properties, although the porosity is good and the fluid properties are likely to be better than those stated. To this extent, the results are still encouraging. NSE still sees potential for further appraisal in the prospect." About NSE: The Company, founded in February 2007, is a UK focused oil and gas exploration and appraisal company quoted on the TSX-V. NSE, along with its wholly owned subsidiary, North Sea Energy (UK NO2) Limited, holds two high impact opportunities in the UK North Sea. These opportunities are the Bagpuss and Blofeld prospects located in blocks 13/24c and 13/25 of the UKCS. Forward-looking statements Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "forecast", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. In particular, there can be no certainty that analysis of the hydrocarbons and reservoir will result in commerciality being established. Factors which may cause commerciality not to be established include risks and uncertainties such as analysis concluding that the hydrocarbons are not of a commercially interesting grade, logistical challenges associated with extracting in the North Sea, oil prices, access to financing (for a full list of risks please refer to our financial statements and management discussion and analysis filed on www.sedar.com). Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the image associated with this news release, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/northsea.jpg Contacts: North Sea Energy Inc. J. Craig Anderson Chairman & CEO 416-366-4700 canderson@northseaenergy.ca www.northseaenergy.ca Kirkland Lake Gold Inc. und Newmarket Gold Inc. meldeten am Freitag, dass die Anteilseigner beider Unternehmen bei den jeweiligen Versammlungen fur den Zusammenschluss der Unternehmen zu einem neuen mittelgroen Goldunternehmen gestimmt haben. 82,64% der abgegebenen Stimmen der Aktionare von Kirkland Lake Gold und 99,79% der abgegebenen Stimmen der Newmarket-Aktionare waren fur die geplante Transaktion. Ende September hatten die beiden Unternehmen eine bindende Fusionsvereinbarung bekannt gegeben, die noch in dieser Woche abgeschlossen werden soll. Redaktion GoldSeiten.de / Rohstoff-Welt.de / MinenPortal.de Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 30, 2017) - Duran Ventures Inc. (TSXV: DRV) (BVL: DRV) ("Duran" or the "Company") announces that it has received TSX Venture Exchange approval to settle an aggregate of $96,063 of indebtedness (the "Debt") owed to certain arm's length and non-arm's length creditors through the issuance of an aggregate of 1,067,368 common shares at a deemed issuance price of $0.09 per common share (the "Transaction"), of which 631,888 common shares will be issued to a non-arm's length creditor. All common shares issued to settle the Debt will be subject to a hold period expiring on October 1, 2017. Completion of the Transaction will allow the Company to improve its current working capital deficiency position. Prior to the Transaction, Mr. Jeffrey Reeder, President & CEO of Duran, was the beneficial holder of 2,673,097 common shares of Duran (representing 5.81% of the then issued and outstanding common shares) and 1,661,000 common share purchase warrants and 85,714 stock options of the Company (representing 9.26% of the then issued and outstanding common shares on a fully-diluted basis). Under the terms of the Transaction Mr. Reeder, through Single Jack Research & Exploration Ltd. of 113-101 Granada Blvd., Sherwood Park, Alberta T8A 4W2, acquired beneficial ownership and control of an additional 631,888 common shares (or an additional 1.21%) and now has ownership, direction and control over an aggregate of 3,304,985 common shares, representing 7.02% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company (or 5,051,699 common shares and 10.35% (or an additional 1.09%) of the Company's then outstanding common shares, assuming exercise of Mr. Reeder's common share purchase warrants and stock options on a partially diluted basis). Mr. Reeder settled an aggregate of $56,870 of Debt in acquiring beneficial ownership and control of the common shares. The common shares were issued from treasury of the Company and not acquired on the secondary market. The common shares were acquired by Mr. Reeder for investment purposes. In the future, Mr. Reeder may acquire additional securities of the Company or dispose of such securities through the market or otherwise subject to a number of factors, including general market and economic conditions, other investment and business opportunities available and other circumstances. This news release is being issued in accordance with National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues in connection with the filing of an early warning report dated May 30, 2017. The early warning report will be filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Review ("SEDAR") under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and may be obtained by contacting Dan Hamilton at (416) 867-1591. About Duran Duran Ventures Inc. is a Canadian exploration company focused on mineral processing and the exploration and development of precious and base metal properties in Peru with its head office at 40 University Avenue, Suite 603, Toronto, Ontario M5J 1T1 Duran Ventures Inc. is a Canadian resource company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and the Bolsa de Valores de Lima: Symbol "DRV" For additional information, contact: Jeffrey Reeder Tel: (647) 302-3290 or Oscar Pezo at (011) 511 422-1467 Website: www.duranventuresinc.com Email: info@duranventuresinc.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. We use words such as "might", "will", "should", "anticipate", "plan", "expect", "believe", "estimate", "forecast" and similar terminology to identify forward looking statements and forward-looking information. Such statements and information are based on assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management in light of its experience, current conditions and its expectations of future developments as well as other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements and information and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on such statements and information. Risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our annual and quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis and in other filings made by us with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedar.com. While the Company believes that the expectations expressed by such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information and the assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis underlying such expectations are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. In evaluating forward-looking statements and information, readers should carefully consider the various factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward looking statements and forward-looking information. BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais S.A.- USIMINAS (the " Company "), one of the largest Brazilian steelmakers with activities in the mining and logistics, capital goods, steelmaking and steel transformation industries, and its subsidiary Usiminas Commercial Ltd. (the " Issuer "), are providing this notice with respect to the Issuer's 7.25% Notes due 2018, unconditionally guaranteed by the Company, and originally issued in the aggregate principal amount of US$400,000,000 (the " Notes ") pursuant to an Indenture entered into with the Bank of New York (the " Indenture "). The Notes are currently listed on the official list of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and admitted to trading on the Euro MTF market. The Company and the Issuer hereby announce that, as part of the transactions contemplated by the recent renegotiation of the Company's indebtedness with its local and international bank lenders and debenture holders, the Company pledged its interests in and relating to its hot and cold strip mills located at its Ipatinga facility as collateral (the " Collateral ") to secure the debt with certain Brazilian bank lenders and debenture holders (the "Brazilian Debt").The mortgage deed relating to Collateral was registered by the local registry of deeds in Ipatinga, Brazil on October 19, 2016, thus perfecting the security interests of such Brazilian bank lenders and debenture holders over the Collateral. The Company understands that the perfection of those security interests over the Collateral with respect to a portion of the Brazilian Debt amounting to R$4,707,844,513 as of September 30, 2016 could be viewed as noncompliance with the negative pledge covenant set forth in the Indenture. As the next step in the Company's overall debt renegotiation, the Company intends to solicit consents from the holders of the Notes to waive any noncompliance with the relevant negative pledge covenant and its consequences as soon as reasonably practicable, on customary terms and conditions. The Company also intends to subsequently carry out an exchange offer for the Notes, in due course, as required by the terms of the renegotiation agreements governing the Brazilian Debt, which could involve seeking to modify the terms of the Notes and providing additional credit support on terms and conditions that are currently being discussed. As previously disclosed by the Company, on September 12, 2016, the Company completed the renegotiation of approximately 92% of its overall indebtedness, including the Brazilian Debt, which, in the view of the Company's management, was crucial in adjusting the Company's debt profile to its short, medium and long term perspectives. The Company's Investor Relations Department is available for any clarifications through the contacts below: Investor Relations Department-USIMINAS R. Prof. Jose Vieira de Mendonca, 3011 - 5 andar Bairro Engenho Nogueira - Belo Horizonte/MG ZIP Code 31310-260 Phone: 55 (31) 3499-8856 Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve uncertainties, risks and assumptions, since these statements include information concerning Usiminas' possible or assumed future plans and intentions, including the launching of a consent solicitation and/or an exchange offer, results of operations, business strategies, financing plans, competitive position, industry environment, potential growth opportunities, the effects of future regulation and the effects of competition.Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and Usiminas undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any forward-looking statements after it publishes this notice because of new information, future events or other factors. In light of the risks and uncertainties described above, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this notice might not occur and are not guarantees of future performance.Usiminas' actual results, accomplishments and performance could differ substantially from those anticipated in its forward-looking statements. CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/16/16 -- AltaGas Pipeline Partnership ("AltaGas") (TSX: ALA) and the Government of Alberta ("GOA") reached a definitive Settlement Agreement today regarding the termination of the Sundance B Unit 3 and Sundance B Unit 4 Power Purchase Arrangements ("Sundance B PPAs") previously held by ASTC Power Partnership, a partnership between TransCanada Energy Ltd and AltaGas. Under the Settlement Agreement, AltaGas has agreed to contribute 391,879 self-generated carbon offsets and make a total of $6 million in cash payments over three years starting in 2018. AltaGas Pipeline Partnership and ASTC Power Partnership are granted a full release from all past, present and future obligations respecting the Sundance B PPAs by the GOA. "Today's agreement creates certainty for Alberta's investment climate which will help spur clean energy projects," said David Harris, President and CEO, of AltaGas. "We look forward to working with the Government of Alberta and its agencies as the new capacity market develops." "The agreement provides an amicable resolution for AltaGas and government and encourages participation by Alberta-based firms in the electricity future of the Province," said John Lowe, AltaGas' Executive Vice President. "It also honours the tradition of regulatory excellence fostered by Neil McCrank, Bob Heggie and other public servants of the former Alberta Energy & Utilities Board." This release contains forward-looking statements. When used herein, the words "may", "would", "could", "can", "will", "be", "intend", "possible", "plan", "develop", "anticipate", "target', "believe", "seek", "propose", "continue", "estimate", "spur", "expect", and similar expressions, as they relate to AltaGas or an affiliate of AltaGas, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this release contains forward-looking statements with respect to, among other things, the development of a new capacity market and new projects in clean power, AltaGas' participation in such market, such projects and in the electricity future of the Province. 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 AltaGas' 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 AltaGas' public disclosure documents. Many factors could cause AltaGas' actual results, performance or achievements to vary from those described in this 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 release as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, sought, proposed, estimated or expected, and such forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by reference in this release, should not be unduly relied upon. Such statements speak only as of the date of this release. AltaGas does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements. The forward- looking statements contained in this release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Contacts: Investment Community 1-877-691-7199 investor.relations@altagas.ca Media (403) 691-7197 media.relations@altagas.ca WeFarm, a London, UK-based agtech startup, raised 1.3M in seed funding. The round was led by LocalGlobe. The company intends to use the funds to expand adoption worldwide. Launched in 2015 by CEO Kenny Ewan, WeFarm provides a peer-to-peer mobile network that enables small-scale farmers to access and share vital agricultural information and advice even without internet. By sending a free SMS, farmers can receive accurate answers to any agricultural queries. The service uses machine learning technology to connect incoming questions to those users on the system who have the most relevant knowledge. Topics discussed on the network range from how to stop baby chicks from dying to where to find a market to sell onions. The mobile platform is used by more than 100,000 farmers across Kenya, Uganda and Peru, with more signing up daily The company has field presence in Nairobi, Lima and Kampala. , follow WeFarm on Twitter @we_farm and connect with WeFarm on Facebook and LinkedIn. FinSMEs 25/11/2016 Arjun Kapoor impressed audiences with his unconventional role of a homemaker in R Balkis Ki & Ka earlier this year. Now he has signed a romantic slice of life drama, a genre that Balki is renowned for. However, Kapoors next is not with Balki, but with his 2 States director Abhishek Varman. Mumbai Mirror reports that Kapoor has signed his second film with Varman, to be produced by Karan Johars Dharma Productions. The same report suggests that Kapoors childhood buddy Varun Dhawan may share the screen space with him in the same film. However, this film is being projected as a slice of life flick and may not be Shiddat, a romantic period drama set in the pre-Independence era. According to a report by International Business Times, Shiddat will be directed by Varman, produced by Johar and will allegedly star Dhawan, Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in a love triangle. According to a report by DNA, Kapoor was considering signing another film with Varman, produced by Johar, titled Kalank. It is a similar story set in the backdrop of partition. The idea behind the script was conceived by the late filmmaker Yash Johar. In yet another similarity with Shiddat, the film is a two-hero film. As per the same report by DNA, Pakistani actor Fawad Khan was being offered the role of the second hero. However, it is safe to assume that Khan is no longer a part of the film. COLUMBUS A room full of college students may not seem like an intimidating scene. But give them matching black T-shirts, a gavel and handbooks outlining the potential penalties they can impose and this courtroom can make any rulebreaker nervous. At Central Community College-Columbus a group of handpicked students has the power to issue punishments for campus violations through the school's judicial board. Unapproved overnight guests, disturbing the peace and bringing alcohol onto campus are some of the more common infractions that land students in front of the judicial board, which includes a jury, judge, bailiff and court reporter who documents each case. Students appointed to one-year terms on the board meet in the student services building, gathering around four long tables inside a room above the cafeteria. They are selected each year by college staff sponsors Brenda Preister and Heidi Wilshusen, who typically choose 15 students for the board. Jury members are paid $9 per hour, the bailiff gets $10 per hour, a judge earns $15 per hour and the court reporter nets $20 per hour. The board meets bimonthly for up to 10 hours per session. The pay isn't enough to cover a college student's living expenses, but most don't choose to serve on the judicial board for the money. They want to make a difference on their campus while developing leadership skills. We look for students who will be confident enough in sharing their opinions, Preister said. Some want to be teachers, others doctors or lawyers, but they all agree they're on the judicial board to learn how to take charge and make informed decisions. That's part of the reason they were selected by Preister and Wilshusen. We like to have a diverse group of personalities, backgrounds and interests so they can each bring in a new perspective, Preister said. A major rule is the identity of each defendant remains confidential, so judicial board members must also be trustworthy. Most of the students on trial in the CCC courtroom have been written up by staff members, instructors or resident advisers for violating campus rules. The cases involve only students who live on campus, with the number of cases varying each month. Like a real courtroom, each case is read by a judge and defendants are given an opportunity to defend themselves against the allegations before they're escorted out of the room by the bailiff so the jury can begin deliberating. Potential penalties are outlined in a handbook given to judicial board members. Getting caught with an unauthorized overnight guest can lead to a $25 fine and an alcohol infraction the worst offense comes with a $100 penalty. The board doesn't handle every on-campus offense. Parking tickets are dealt with by campus security and criminal offenses are referred to the Platte County Sheriff's Office. Despite the best efforts of the Delhi education department, there are thousands of students in government high schools who still struggle to read. A project taken up by the government to improve literacy among the state's children hasn't had the desired effects. Education minister Manish Sisodia had urged all teachers in government schools to take a pledge as part of the 'Every child can read' campaign. The campaign, which ended on Teachers' Day on 14 November, had come up after statistics suggested 74 percent of the state's children couldn't read. "The education minister appealed to all teachers, asking them to ensure students can read before 14 November," one teacher said. But not everybody was happy with the campaign; teachers said it was "whimsical" to expect children to start reading in just two-and-a-half months. "It's impossible to teach reading in such a short period of time, especially to students who couldn't acquire this basic skill until Class VI," said a government school teacher on condition of anonymity, adding that students are usually expected to be fully well versed with reading and writing by Class VI, but many of the children in the capital city can't even identify alphabets by this age. As per a study conducted by the state government, nearly 50 percent of students who appear for their board exams from government schools fail every year on account of this condition. In June this year, the education department came up with a new policy to eliminate this malady. The scheme, titled 'Chunauti 2018', involved holding separate classes for students who lag behind. It was felt that doing so would improve pass percentage and decrease dropout rates. It has had some positive impact, however. Shashi Kant Singh, principal of a co-ed school in Dwarka, said his school has achieved over 82 percent success when it comes to making its students read. "Of the 148 students who were selected for special classes, 124 can now read paragraphs," Singh said. However, sources in the education department said the figure is not representative of all government schools; at many other schools, students fared very badly in tests held after the drive. Only 39.43 percent of students in government schools passed the reading tests, the sources added. And considering there are more than 900 such schools, the number of students who're still unable to read despite the much publicised drive would run into thousands. Dr Sunita Kaushik, additional director with the state education department, and the person who looks after the drive, was away on leave and unable to comment. Ashok Agarwal, an activist who has been fighting for the cause of Delhi school students, told Firstpost that the lack of infrastructure is another major problem afflicting government schools. Moreover, there were 26,031 vacant posts at the state-run schools in Delhi. "The Delhi High Court just granted four weeks more time to the Delhi government to file its affidavit in response to a contempt petition filed by a social jurist, highlighting non-recruitment of teachers in the past few years," added Agarwal, who is also the advocate for the appealing party. He further added that nearly 10 percent of teachers are always on leave, a benefit availed under service rules. He also noted that many government and municipal schools do not even have adequate space to facilitate education to all the students. "It's unrealistic to expect students will read at such short notice, given the deplorable condition of educational infrastructure," he contended. Some teachers contend that though 'Chunauti 2018' is a scheme with a lofty goal of increasing pass percentage and decreasing dropout rates, expecting all students to read in just two-and-a-half months is uncalled for. "To achieve this goal, we need adequate educational infrastructure to back it up, and not just whims," a teacher said. Security agencies in Kashmir have claimed to have unearthed a large-scale fake currency and hawala racket, one that involves a territorial army spy and some Hurriyat leaders as well. According to police officials, several people have been apprehended in Kashmir over links with different incidents involving fake currency rackets and hawala transactions. Among the cases registered is the one where a territorial army spy and a police official were apprehended for receiving fake currency from across the border. The case was registered at Srinagar's Ramunshi Bagh police station, and cops are investigating if any army personnel were involved in transporting the fake currency from Pakistan. A top police official said that large batches of fake currency come from Pakistan, and sizeable chunks of money also reach militants involved in insurgency in the Valley. Between 2012 and 2014, police and bank authorities have recovered Rs 87.1 lakh in fake currency, while many cases are under investigation. Senior superintendent of police (SSP), Pulwama, Rayees Mohammad Bhat, seconded the argument that militants get fake currency notes from Pakistan. "Militants need money not only for their over ground workers (OGWs) but also for making local purchases like food and mobile phones. They hide in the forest areas, and use fake currency notes for local purchases," he said. "This apart, there are also local militants using a different modus operandi: They print their own fake currency notes and use them between a big wad of notes to ensure it's not detected. We have registered a lot of such cases." The National Investigating Agency (NIA) has also registered cases involving hawala transactions, which came to light after the arrest of a few Hurriyat activists. The NIA is investigating the role of the Naeem Geelani, the elder son of Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani, in a case involving the "flow of funds from various overseas bank accounts", meant to be used in separatist activities here. The NIA investigation has revealed that in some of the cases, even Pakistan's ISI officials were involved. The officials supply hawala money through their contacts to the Hurriyat activists in India. To evade detection and arrest, the accused even speak in code language. The ISI has roped in militants, who along with their contacts in Srinagar, had managed to get currency from across the border. In one of the cases, a Delhi-based businessman was found guilty of helping militants get their money from across the border. Apart from this, under-invoicing is another trick used by militants to carry out hawala transactions, say police officials. "Trucks that carry trade items across the Line of Control (LoC) aren't checked as thoroughly, which results in a high possibility of there being fake currency being transported in these trucks," said a senior police official. Superintendent of police, Sopore, Harmeet Singh, said that some traders even provide money to Hurriyat leaders here "on the instructions of their contacts in Pakistan". A senior official said that traders from Srinagar inflate the value of the goods they are plying, and also transport higher volume of goods. "The money which is earned through transport of goods in larger volume is given to the Hurriyat leaders here," he said. However, Farooq Ahmed Shah, custodian, cross-LoC trade, said that the government has put in place adequate security arrangements. "It will ensure that only genuine people are involved in the trade. We are conducting the trade in barter system. The police is better equipped to investigate any cases of doubtful transactions," he said, adding that over 350 traders from Jammu and Kashmir are are involved in the cross-LoC trade. "The value of goods is reflected properly by the traders. We have also X-ray detection facilities for checking of the goods," Shah said. Guwahati: Lt Gen Amarjeet Singh Bedi on Friday took over as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Gajraj Corps located in Tezpur. Bedi replaced Lt Gen Devraj Anbu who has proceeded to take over as GOC-in-C Northern Command, an official release said in Guwahati. Lt Gen Bedi has been commissioned into Garhwal Rifle Regiment on 13 June 1981 and has a distinguished military career, in which he has executed important Command, Staff and Instructor appointments. He has the credentials of having commanded the oldest Infantry Brigade of the Indian Army - The Formidable Fifth in Arunachal Pradesh and Trishul Division in Leh. His staff appointments include Colonel General Staff (China) Headquarters Army Training Command and Major General General staff at Headquarters Eastern Command, the release said. Prior to taking over the Command of the Gajraj Corps he has served as General Officer Commanding Bengal Area. Lt Gen Bedi has also done various courses to include the prestigious Defence Service Staff College course at Wellington, Senior Command Course at Army War College, Higher Command Course from NDU, Beijing, and NDC Course at National Defence College. He has been decorated with Vishist Seva Medal in 2012 and Yudh Seva Medal in 2015 for his distinguished and gallant service, the release said. The decision of demonetisation is gradually moving towards the most important scrutiny. After being criticised and lauded by the opposition parties and public, in unequal measures, now it is Supreme Courts turn; which is the final interpreter of the constitutional provisions, to judge its merit. With the Supreme Court taking stock of the situation, that too with some very strong observations, the decision of demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes has come under most serious scrutiny. As reported by The Times of India, amid the overlapping arguments of numerous counsels appearing for various petitioners challenging the demonetisation move, the Supreme Court on Friday said that it would hear all the petitions on 2 December. Apart from the petitions that challenge the demonetisation, the apex court will also hear one filed by the central government to transfer various petitions filed in various high courts across the country that include the High Courts of Delhi, Bombay, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Calcutta and Rajasthan. Numerous public interest litigations (PILs) and petitions have been filed in various high courts and the apex court challenging the decision of note ban which was announced on 8 November. On Friday, Senior SC lawyer Kapil Sibal, representing one of the petitioners, argued before the Supreme Court bench that "people were starving in the streets as there was no cash at all in the banks or ATMs." While Sibal remarked that demonetisation is illegal, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Centre, defended the move stating that it is a serious attack on black money and corruption. Hosts of petitions were filed in various courts across the country after 9 November, calling for the stay on the decision. However, on 15 November, SC bench comprising Chief Justice TS Thakur and DY Chandrachud refused to stay the decision of demonetising but at the same time asked the Centre to file an affidavit giving details of steps taken to ease inconvenience faced by citizens due to long queues at banks and ATMs. It looked like the apex court was sending a clear message that while it is concerned about people, it would not interfere in the governments decision. However, if we go by the past one week's observations made by the apex court, it is clear that Supreme Court might interpret the decision in all detail. However, in doing so it might once again fuel the debate on separation of power and judicial overreach, which has already started. Former Cabinet Secretary TSR Subramanian in his recent article writes, "The SCs intervention, even in matters fully in the domain of the Executive, are clearly essential when there is inaction by the Executive. The danger, of course, is that having tasted blood, the process will not stop. In matters purely in the province of the Executive, where the Executive consciously takes action (well or ill, it is a matter of opinion), it is important that there should be no judicial overreach. All aspects of a particularly major issue may not be available in the course of a short discussion or hearing." He adds, "The apex court does not have the machinery to embark on a total and meaningful appraisal of the losses and gains from a major policy step. The long-term policy-making for the economy should be entirely in the province of the Executive. In the matter of the current demonetisation, it will be a dangerous precedent for the apex court to come in with their own approach or comments or observations or directions. However, there are many who feel that governments move was illegal and the court's intervention is a must. In her recent article, published in National Herald, Senior Supreme Court lawyer Indira Jaising criticised the decision and questioned its legality. Jaising writes: "Demonetisation amounts to the extinguishment of the public debt owed by the Government to the holder of the demonetised note. A currency note is a movable property in the hands of the holder. The Supreme Court has held in a series of judgements that deprivation of property by State jurisprudentially speaking could have three dimensions (a) a taking of property by the government as in the case of land acquisition, (b) it could be in the form of an extinguishment of right in the property as happened during land reforms where the tiller became the owner, (c) in certain situations even modification of property rights could amount to deprivation of property." "Interestingly, the Supreme Court in Jayantilal Shah Vs RBI AIR 1997 SC 370, while upholding the validity of the High Denomination Bank Notes (Demonetisation) Act, 1978, held that demonetisation results in extinguishment of a public debt which amounts to the deprivation of property and therefore could be done only by law.The Notification dated 8 November thus appears to be entirely outside the law laid down by the Supreme Court. It is completely without authority of any law," she adds. Given the fact that serious questions are being raised about the legality of government's decision, the Supreme Court seriously taking up the case becomes even more obvious The apex court, which warned the Centre that the post-demonetisation situation is serious enough to cause riots, on 23 November questioned the Central government that "why it has not appointed the anti-corruption ombudsman in the last two years if it was really concerned about checking corruption and bringing probity in public life". As reported by the Indian Express, a bench led by Chief Justice of India TS Thakur observed that the law to have Lokpal was passed after a prolonged struggle by civil society and it must become functional regardless whether the incumbent government wants it or not. This was a clear dig at the governments demonetisation move which it claims is meant to check corruption and bringing probity in public life. Over the last one week, Supreme Court has slammed government on several occasions for the hardships that people are facing due to demonetisation. On 23 November, the apex court said that "the common man should not be made to suffer" in the course of demonetising and told the Centre that "the objective to tackle black money and fake currency may be laudable but everyone with old currency cannot be treated as hoarders of black money". The report further states that the bench led by CJI TS Thakur asked the government to "justify under law its notifications for demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, apart from listing various steps it has taken since 8 November to make sure inconvenience to people is mitigated". In this context, the fact remains that now the fate of demonetisation will largely depend on how the highest court of the land sees it. While the apex court concern about the hardship of people is valid, it is also true that its decision on demonetisation will redefine the constitutional separation of power as it has done several times in past. Ahmedabad: Gujarat government on Thursday reached out to the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) which led last year's Patel quota agitation by inviting its leader Hardik Patel for talks, to which the young leader responded positively. Hardik said an eleven-member team of PAAS will meet the government, but stressed that the organisation will stick to its main demand of OBC quota and won't accept any "lollipop". Assembly elections are due in Gujarat in December 2017. Also, Hardik, directed by the High Court to live outside Gujarat for six months as a bail condition in sedition case, is slated to return to the state in January. Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel on Thursday said that Chief Minister Vijay Rupani wanted the resolution of quota issue. "For peace and unity of the state, so that every member of the state could participate in its journey of development, support of all communities is required. With this aim, the government invites Patidar leaders for talks," he said. The Government had in the past opened dialogue with PAAS and even succeeded in resolving the matter with Thakor community (which recently agitated demanding stringent prohibition laws and government assured amendment to the laws in the Budget session), Nitin Patel said. "Government wants an amicable resolution at the earliest, and hopes that PAAS members will reciprocate and its leader Hardik Patel and his friends will accept the invitation," he said. Subsequently, Hardik issued a statement saying he would hold a meeting with PAAS conveners in the next two days, and an eleven-member team will meet the Government for talks. "The primary objective of PAAS is the community gets the "The primary objective of PAAS is the community gets the benefit of reservation. Apart from that, we want discussion on police atrocities (during last year's agitation)," he said. "If there is an attempt to break the unity of community or offer a lollipop (trivial concession), there will be another round of agitation in January," said Hardik, currently living in Udaipur. PAAS had recently announced it would relaunch the agitation next month. The prime minister is roaring in the field. The opposition is crying in Parliament. The contrast between the BJP and the opposition strategy on the war over demonetisation is as stark as black and white. While Modi has raced into the battle field with his war cry, claiming that his latest decision is for the welfare of India, the opposition is still yelping in the House, seeking an apology for the barbs thrown at it. "The prime minister has insulted the entire opposition," Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad sulked in Rajya Sabha, while Mayawati and Team Mamata provided the funereal chorus. Hello! Mr Azad and company, are you living in some la la land? The demonetisation debate is not about the Opposition or its bloated ego. It is about India, its poor, its farmers, its future. It is about the growing fear that the Indian economy is now in the queue--ready, as former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said quoting Keynes, to die in the long run. When did the debate become about you? The Opposition's stand on the demonetisation debate is symptomatic of its incompetence and complete disconnect with the ground. It has oscillated between pure bluster--Mamata threatening the PM to roll back the decision in three days or else-- to hilarious and confused. The acme of its confusion-comedy-contrasts was visible within the first week when Rahul Gandhi drove up to a bank with his entourage to queue up like, ahem, an aam aadmi. When he argued that some people were aware of the PM's decision in advance and then cancelled out his own attack by claiming even finance minister Arun Jaitely was not told about the demonetisation experiment. To be brutally honest, India is well past the time when Rahul Gandhi could have been taken seriously. He is just not cut out for politics and its searing debates. To PM's Malcolm Marshall he is a rabbit with a helmet and other vital protective gear. And, unfortunately, every time he speaks or takes a stand in a political debate, he ends up giving more ammo to the BJP and those who manufacture jokes on social media. But, at least senior politicians like Azad and Mayawati should have the prescience to see that some battles can't be fought from their cosy seats in Parliament. When a war is waging, nobody becomes a hero by sitting and yelling in their bedrooms. What it needs to do now is this: get its act together, unite, choose a leader who can take on Modi in the field and go galloping into the field. It needs to do what JP did in 1977 and what VP Singh achieved in 1989: Fight it like a man, not wailing wimps. The debate on demonetisation is still inconclusive. The common man in the queues is still confused if it will help him in the long run or achieve the stated objectives behind Modi's ploy. The battle for mindspace is yet to be fought. But, by charging head on into the field Modi has a start over them. So, what can the Opposition do? Think VP, think JP, think UP. Since the opposition is united against demonetisation and claims to represent the voice of India, how about treating the next election in Uttar Pradesh as referendum on Modi's new monetary policy our own Brexit? How about forging a Mahagathbandhan and contesting the election as a united front against the decision? Mayawati has already dared the prime minister to seek a fresh mandate. But, that's a silly idea, especially when Uttar Pradesh is on the horizon. In many ways, UP is the microcosm of India and the best place to find out what people of India think. India has seen strange alliances in the past. In 1989, the Left and Right both supported VP Singh against Rajiv Gandhi's government. Corruption back then over rode existing differences, ideologies and became the raison d'etre of the index of Opposition unity. This time demonetisation can be the glue that brings everyone together. Is the opposition up to it? Can Mayawati share the same platform with Mulayam? Can Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee ride out with Rahul to meet their common adversary? Can they, like the Alexander Dumas characters, chant: All for one, one for all? For the battle-ready, there are only two ways of taking the fight to the public: The Modi way or the highway. For the battle-scared there is of course the option of jumping around in Parliament, tilting at the windmills and be forgotten as Don Quixotes of Indian politics. Demonetisation is not just causing hardships for the common man it is also shifting the focus of the economic policy maker from the future to the near term. Finance Ministry officials are reacting almost every day to address the demonetisation challenges. In the process, they may be losing the plot on economy front. As I had pointed out on 21 November column it is the RBI that should be responding to these issues. While the RBI governor continue to be unavailable to address concerns of not just the citizens but also investors, mandarins at finance ministry continue to douse daily fires. The challenge will get tougher by the day for that the financial budget is scheduled on 1 February, 2017. The Budget date has also been advanced as the country is trying to synchronise financial year with the calendar year. The challenge is that in the short-term demonetisation is likely to have an impact on spending, trade, tourism, logistics, real estate. This needs to be addressed immediately and the government shouldn't wait till budget to fix the problem. Technically the process of demonetisation is expected to get over by 31 December this year. The impact of it on some sectors like real estate, gold and tourism will continue in the January-March quarter as well. Therefore, at the least two crucial quarters of the year will surely get adversely affected by demonetisation if necessary steps are not taken immediately. Some short-term measures have to be announced to accelerate spending and boost the sectors that have witnessed irreparable damage. These measures can't wait till the budget as any delay will lead to further damage. For instance, secondary market deals in the real estate sector have crashed in last fortnight, especially after the demonetisation move. The unorgainsed segment of the sector will be hit hard as experts believe the sector generates black money vitually in every transaction. The black component in old currency notes has led to the collapse of transactions. It may recover but the impact on real estate prices is real, which is good by itself as it makes housing affordable. But deals may still not happen due to high circle rates. As the prices come down circle rates have to adjust downwards for these deals to happen. This is something only the state government can do if it wants to bring back the liquidity in the real estate market. The central government can tinker at the most with some FDI norms. What it can do is provide for a higher income tax exemption on home loan payment to push the retail market to borrow and buy homes. But this subsidy can only come in the budget, or can it be announced now and made actionable in the budget. Such steps will help in bringing back the momentum in growth that has been lost due to poor implementation of demonetisation. As an announcement has the ability to boost sentiment. Informal, unorganised or the MSME sector, which is the largest employer in the country, too, has been hit by demonetisation. The impact on their business has been due to the loss of liquidity or squeeze in spending in the supply chain, which means the issue is more complex for a single step that could help it directly. Consumer behavior after demonetisation indicates that people have curtailed discretionary spending to save cash. This is a serious issue because the huge of black money in the sytem in the past majorly contributed towrards the high item sales. High value items that used to be bought with unaccounted money has also vanished. To replace unaccounted money spend and discretionary spend, the government will have to take measures in the short term and not leave it till the budget. This is one more reason for the mandarin to step out of the line of fire on demonetisation and focus on these immediate short-term measures. It is one reason too many for the RBI Governor to start responding to implementation issues. The former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh criticised the government on implementation but also polarised the issue with his statement on plunder and legalised loot. His estimate of a drop of 2 percent in GDP also seems to be strange, especially, without any explanation on how he arrived at this magic figure. But the impact of demonetisation on the economy is real in the short term as I have pointed in the past. Therefore, it is important that officials think of some immediate steps. Any delay because of being mired in solving implementation failures is going to have a much bigger impact on the real economy. The writer is a policy commentator based in New Delhi. He tweets @yatishrajawat Prime Minister Narendra Modi knows when and where to raise an issue. The prime minister who was in Bhatinda to attend the foundation stone laying ceremony of a new Aiims hospital made maximum use of the opportunity to do some pre-poll promotion for the Bhartiya Janata Party, highlighting his party's stand on some burning topics like the Indus Water Treaty and how the government has given a befitting reply to Pakistan after the Uri attack in September. While stressing on the need for farmers to get an adequate supply of water, Modi said that India has the right to use the water flowing to Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty, "The water is India's right which flows into Pakistan. (After) flowing through Pakistan, the water goes into the sea. That water belongs to the Indian farmers. We will do whatever we can to give enough water to our farmers," Modi said, IANS reported on Friday. Punjab has been facing water scarcity for some years now with a depleting ground water level, and an ongoing tussle with the state of Haryana on sharing water from river Sutlej as part fo the Sutlej Yamnua Link canal, which Punjab has been resisting to build. So far parties like Shiromani Akali Dal, Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party have clearly stated their stand that they are against the construction of the canal link, whereas BJP has mainly remained silent. With Punjab being one of the states going for state Assembly election in early 2017, water has emerged as a hot topic of debate, once again, right before the election. Now, the prime minster's statement that India won't allow water that belongs to it to flow into Pakistan, is likely to tip the balance in BJP's favour. And this is exactly what Modi did on Friday. "We formed a task force on Indus water treaty to ensure farmers of Punjab and other states get each drop of water due to them," said the prime minister. Modi was speaking after laying the foundation of a new Aiims centre in Bhatinda. The 750-bedded Aiims will be set up with an outlay of Rs 925 crore and it would be spread over 177 acres of land on the Bathinda-Dabwali road. The land has been given by the state government, and is expected to be completed by June 2020. The Indus Waters Treaty gives Pakistan exclusive rights to use waters from three western rivers of the Indus river system the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum whereas India gets exclusive rights to use waters from the three eastern rivers the Sutlej, the Beas and the Ravi. Ever since the Uri attack took place in September earlier this year, voices threatening to break the Indus Water Treaty have become louder, and has emerged as a new strategy for India to push Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism in India. The PM also highlighted how India has given a befitting reply to Pakistan since the attack in Uri camp: "We made them realise the strength of our armed forces," the prime minister said referring to the "surgical strike" that was carried out by the India following Uri. With agency inputs Jalalabad: At least five people were killed and 27 others wounded in a triple bombing in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province on Friday, provincial officials said. There was no claim of responsibility for the three bombings in Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, which is a hotbed of Islamic State militancy. "Five people were martyred in three explosions in different parts of Jalalabad of Nangarhar province this morning," provincial spokesman Ataullah Khogyani told AFP. Khogyani said the first blast was a roadside bomb which detonated outside the house of a senior prison official, Abdul Hakim, killing him and a child and wounding six others. The second blast came outside the fire brigade office - from where the first rescuers are usually dispatched after an attack - killing three and wounding 21. Khogyani said the third blast came as people gathered at Hakim's house after the first blast, but there were no casualties. Najib Kamawal, director of the Nangarhar civil hospital confirmed the toll. The Islamic State group appears to be intensifying attacks against the government and civilians as Afghan forces, backed by Nato air strikes, step up operations against them in Nangarhar. Last week Islamic State claimed a massive suicide blast targeting Shiites in Kabul that killed at least 27 people. In late October, a suicide bomber killed at least six people at a gathering of tribal elders seeking aid for war-displaced families in Jalalabad. As well as the emerging threat from Islamic State loyalists, who are making gradual inroads across Afghanistan, Taliban fighters are active in Nangarhar. BEIRUT Russian or Syrian government warplanes pounded a women's hospital in Syria's rebel-held Idlib province on Friday, killing three people nearby, a monitoring group and an aid organisation said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitor, said air strikes battered the hospital in Termanin village on the border between Idlib and Aleppo provinces, knocking it out of service. Damascus and Moscow both deny targeting hospitals.Four consecutive rockets hit the gynaecology hospital, said Asaad al-Halabi, advocacy manager at Shafak, the Syrian aid group that runs the facility."Today is the international day for the elimination of violence against women," he added.The strikes destroyed the eastern side of the building and damaged the emergency and operating rooms, the aid group said in a statement. A video shared by Shafak showed a wrecked ambulance and the building's facade reduced to rubble. Western countries and human rights activists have accused the air forces of the Syrian government and its ally Russia ally of deliberately attacking hospitals and other civilian infrastructure in areas controlled by rebels. Moscow and Damascus say their air campaign is directed only against militants. Syria's war pits President Bashar al-Assad, supported by Russian air power and Iranian-backed militias, against an array of mostly Sunni rebel groups, including some backed by Turkey, Gulf monarchies or the United States. Idlib, in northwest Syria, contains the largest populated area of Syria controlled by rebels - both nationalist groups under the banner of the Free Syrian Army and Islamist fighters including the former al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat Fateh al-Sham.Moscow's deputy foreign minister has accused rebels of using civilians and "so-called hospitals" as shields and setting up medical facilities in cities without correctly marking them. (Reporting by Ellen Francis; editing by Andrew Roche) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Bogota: Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos signed a revised peace agreement with the country's largest rebel movement on Thursday, making a second attempt within months to end a half century of hostilities. Santos and Rodrigo Londono, leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), signed the 310-page accord at Bogota's historic Colon Theater nearly two months after the original deal was surprisingly rejected in a referendum, AFP reported. After signing with a pen crafted from the shell of an assault rifle bullet, they clasped hands to shouts of "Yes we could!" Thursday's hastily organised ceremony was a far more modest and sombre event than the one in September, in the colonial city of Cartagena, where the two men signed an accord in front of an audience of foreign leaders and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, all of whom were dressed in white to symbolise peace. Santos looked and sounded tired after a two-month political roller coaster that saw him rise from the humiliating defeat to win this year's Nobel Peace Prize. This time the deal will be sent directly to Congress without a public referendum. He tried to inject a dose of optimism about the hobbled accord whose outlook for implementation is shrouded in uncertainty. "In 150 days only 150 days all of the Farc's weapons will be in the hands of the United Nations," he said during the only part of his speech that drew applause from the audience of a few hundred local politicians and officials. Farc leader Londono used his address to call for a transitional government to ensure the accord is effectively implemented, a suggestion immediately denounced by the opposition as a veiled attempt to extend Santos' tenure past elections in 2018, when he'll be constitutionally banned from competing. The rebel leader also congratulated Donald Trump on his victory and called on the president-elect to continue strong U.S. support for Colombia on its path to peace. "Our only weapons as Colombians should be our words," said Londono, better known by his alias Timochenko, in a 15-minute speech. "We are putting a definitive end to the war to confront in a civilised manner our contradictions." The new accord introduces some 50 changes intended to assuage critics led by still-powerful former President Alvaro Uribe. They range from a prohibition on foreign magistrates judging crimes by the Farc or government to a commitment from the insurgents to forfeit assets, some of them amassed through drug trafficking, to help compensate their victims. But the Farc wouldn't go along with the opposition's strongest demands jail sentences for rebel leaders who committed atrocities and stricter limits on their future participation in politics. Members of Uribe's political party are threatening protests against what they consider a "blow to democracy." They also are demanding another referendum, which they are confident they'll win. Shortly after Thursday's ceremony, Santos delivered the accord to congress, where a solid pro-peace majority is expected to ratify it in as early as next week. "I ask public opinion to reflect on what this means for the future of the country," Uribe said on the Senate floor Thursday, drawing attention to the fact that Farc leaders will be allowed to fill specially reserved seats in congress before completing any sentences handed down by special peace tribunals. The lack of broad support for the accord will make the already-steep challenge of implementing it even tougher. Colombians overwhelmingly loathe the Farc for crimes such as kidnappings and drug trafficking. Ensuring that the 8,000-plus fighters don't wind up joining criminal gangs rampant throughout the country, or the much smaller National Liberation Army will also test the state's ability to make its presence felt in traditionally neglected rural areas at a time of financial stress triggered by low oil prices. There's also a risk that peace could trigger more bloodshed, as it did following a previous peace process with the Farc in the 1980s when thousands of former guerrillas, labour activists and communist militants were gunned down by right-wing militias, sometimes in collaboration with state agents. That fear, although less prevalent than in the darker days of Colombia's half-century conflict, has become more urgent with more than a dozen human rights defenders and land activists in areas dominated by the Farc being killed by unknown assailants since the initial signing ceremony in September. Santos this week held an emergency meeting with his Cabinet and U.N. officials to discuss the murders, taking an opportunity to reinforce his message that peace can't wait. So far this year, 70 have been killed, according to Bogota-based We Are Defenders, more than in all of 2015 and 2014. "We couldn't delay implementation a single minute longer," Santos said in his speech, alluding to the risk of a ceasefire falling apart if negotiations were allowed to stretch on, the AFP report said. Once signed, Santos will introduce the accord to Congress, where a solid majority in support of peace is expected to ratify it as early as next week. Lawmakers will then embark on the nettlesome task of passing legislation so the guerrillas can begin concentrating in some 20-plus demobilisation areas where they will begin turning over their weapons to United Nations-sponsored monitors. Ban Ki-moon welcomes the pact Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday welcomed the signing of the new peace agreement between the government of Colombia and the FARC rebel group, IANS reported. In a statement, Ban commended the parties for their determination to bring the long-standing conflict to an end, while congratulating all who participated constructively in the dialogue that led to the new agreement, Xinhua news agency reported. Ban said "it is essential to move now to implementation" and he hopes that "Colombians will come together at this time to move the peace process forward". "He reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to provide all necessary support, both through the United Nations Mission in Colombia and through the relevant UN agencies, funds and programmes," said the statement. By Mehreen Zahra-Malik | LONDON LONDON His grip on the powerful Pakistani party he has run for decades under threat, maverick politician Altaf Hussain said from self-imposed exile that he was still in charge and foes within his party would be rejected by voters in a 2018 general election.The sweltering metropolis of Karachi is Pakistan's largest and wealthiest city, dominated since the 1980s by Hussain's Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party.Any significant shift in the dynamics of who controls its teeming streets could have major repercussions for the economy, the military and the national government, whose grip on Karachi has been tenuous through years of Hussain dominance.Hussain has ruled the port city with an iron fist despite living thousands of miles away in London, able to close businesses and bring streets to a standstill with a single order.But that ability has ebbed since 2013, when the military launched a crackdown in which Altaf says hundreds of MQM members have been arrested and killed in extrajudicial operations. Authorities deny the charge, saying they have targeted criminals and militants irrespective of political affiliations, and brought down crime rates considerably.The Pakistani military did not answer requests for comment for this article.Hussain's control over the party he founded in 1984 has also been undermined as loyalists led by former right-hand man Farooq Sattar announced in August the MQM would no longer be run from London but by politicians in Karachi."Nobody will vote for Farooq Sattar," Hussain told Reuters in a recent, rare interview at his north London office, adding that Sattar abandoned him at the behest of the powerful military."Farooq Sattar's party is the undeclared party of the establishment," he said, his distinctive shrill voice rising.He added that he felt betrayed by his former colleagues."I have a lot of sorrow about this," Hussain said. Sattar declined to comment on Hussain's remarks.While Hussain has been known to criticise Pakistan's army in fiery speeches to party rallies delivered over the telephone via loudspeakers, one particular speech in August proved key.Addressing workers on hunger strike over the suspected murder of their colleagues, Hussain incited supporters to storm the office of a television channel. The riots that followed left one person dead and several wounded. Following the violence, many of Hussain's top lieutenants, including Sattar, were arrested by the paramilitary Rangers force, interrogated overnight and released.The next day, Sattar and his allies pronounced the unthinkable: Hussain would no longer lead the party. It was seen as the first organised attempt in more than two decades to take him on from within. "DOWN WITH PAKISTAN" Hussain has a long record of survival.For much of the 1990s, security forces in Karachi cracked down on the party much like they are now, pushing Hussain to seek asylum in the United Kingdom.The party re-emerged stronger after that crackdown and has since enjoyed unquestioned support from "mohajirs", descendants of Urdu-speaking migrants from India who dominate Karachi and other urban centres of southern Sindh province.But the party is also accused of exercising influence through gangs engaged in racketeering, kidnappings for ransom and targeted killings in Karachi. The party denies the charges.The MQM has also been accused by the government and Karachi police of receiving support from India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), its main foreign intelligence agency, but the allegations have never been proven and the MQM has always denied them. "We never ever had any relation with RAW up till now up till now, remember this word, 'up till now'," Hussain said. "Tomorrow I cannot assure you that we'll not have a relation."QUESTIONS OVER HEALTH Hussain, 63, played down concerns over his health, amid media speculation in Pakistan that the strains within his party and a battery of legal challenges in Pakistan and abroad were taking their toll."Allah is merciful," he said, when asked about media reports that he suffered from severe diabetes, liver damage and heart disease.A party worker quickly kneeled on the floor next to him, removed his shoe and gently peeled off his sock to reveal a small bandage on his foot.Hussain joked that the media had spread rumours that his foot had to be amputated, although he had hurt it on a nail.He admitted he had for years found it hard to sleep more than a few hours a night, as he thought about returning to Pakistan and building a "prosperous, very strong country where everybody can enjoy rights.""I still love my country," Hussain said. "I want to save Pakistan." (Writing by Mehreen Zahra-Malik; Editing by Mike Collett-White) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Joe Bavier | ABIDJAN ABIDJAN The United Nations' top genocide official said on Friday he had reports that militia fighters in Central African Republic hunted down and massacred members of the Fulani ethnic group during violence that killed 85 civilians this week.Clashes erupted on Monday in Bria, a town about 600 km (370 miles) northeast of the capital Bangui, between rival rebel groups the Popular Front for the Renaissance of Central African Republic (FPRC) and the Union for Peace in Central Africa (UPC). In a statement, Adama Dieng, the U.N.'s special adviser on the prevention of genocide, said the FPRC reportedly singled out ethnic Fulani in the town, carrying out house-to-house searches, killing, looting and abducting residents.The UPC is largely composed of Fulani, a group of historically nomadic herders found across West and Central Africa. FPRC fighters also entered hospital buildings and prevented wounded Fulani from receiving medical treatment. In addition to the dead, another 76 people were wounded and nearly 11,000 displaced by the violence, Dieng said. Fighting between the FPRC and UPC also broke out in the town of Bambari. If carried out in a widespread or systematic manner, such acts could constitute crimes under international law that can be prosecuted before national or international courts," Dieng said. Both the FPRC and UPC are former members of the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel alliance that united to oust then-President Francois Bozize in 2013. Their overthrow of the government of the majority Christian nation and subsequent human rights abuses sparked a backlash from Christian anti-balaka militias, known as anti-balaka.Thousands were killed in the ensuing ethnic cleansing which led to the de facto partition of Central African Republic into a Muslim north and Christian south. Successful elections, seen as essential to ending the chaos, were held earlier this year. However, flare-ups of violence are a regular occurrence. This week's clashes in Bria were the worst instance of ethnic killing since France ended its peacekeeping mission last month, leaving security largely in the hands of the 13,000-strong U.N. peacekeeping force.The U.N. mission, known as MINUSCA, reinforced its presence in Bria in an attempt to head off any further escalation in the violence. And Dieng called for investigations to identify those responsible. "Given the country's recent history, this kind of targeted violence is extremely dangerous and must be stopped," Dieng said. (Reporting by Joe Bavier; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Here is a story to drive bigots crazy. And its even true. In 1947, Seretse Khama was a young man from the British protectorate of Bechuanaland in southern Africa studying in London when he met Ruth Williams, a young English woman. They fell in love, and that upset all sorts of people for all sorts of reasons. He was black, and she was white, and both their families took issue with their romance for the usual stupid irrational reasons. But the governments of both countries also freaked out. Seretse was heir to the throne of Bechuanaland, and for him to marry a white woman was simply insupportable politically. The people of Bechuanaland would never accept a white woman as their queen, or so it was believed. And Britain could not afford to piss off South Africa right next door, which was at that very moment implementing its policy of apartheid in a systematic way. With the Cold War ramping up and the UK eager to gets its hands on the gold and uranium to be mined from resource-rich African lands, a white queen for the black king in Bechuanaland which was, recall, a protectorate of Britain would be a smack in the face to its neighbors newly legal separation of people based on the color of their skin. A United Kingdom is the story about what happened when Seretse and Ruth got married anyway. It is from director Amma Asante, who made the marvelous Belle, which is also a very personal story about racism and how loving someone else can change history. And its written by Guy Hibbert, whos shown he knows how to tell stories about the personal meeting the political, with this years drone-warfare thriller Eye in the Sky and with 2009s Five Minutes of Heaven, in which men on opposite sides of Northern Irelands Troubles meet and learn about each other. So, you know: Asante and Hibbert are exactly the right people to steer this movie in the right direction. And they do oh my, they do. A United Kingdom is sheer perfection every way. A United Kingdom is a smack in the face to Brexit leave voters and Trump supporters This is a movie that, as a romance, is beautifully passionate. David Oyelowo (Captive, Selma) as Seretse and Rosamund Pike (Return to Sender, Gone Girl) as Ruth share some of the most palpable and insistent chemistry Ive ever seen in an onscreen couple. In one of those rare examples of movie magic, two actors make you feel their characters attraction in a way that has nothing to do with talent or with craft (though these are two very fine actors indeed, and wonderful here). They exist onscreen as living, breathing people who simply must be together, and it is that ineffable air between them that locks you into rooting for them and their relationship, that makes you cry, sometimes with joy and sometimes with despair, as you share their ups and downs. Just as a great love story, this is one of the very best in recent years. (I sobbed. A lot.) Panasonic India today introduced a range of Air purifiers equipped with Nanoe technology to combat harmful particles like PM 2.5. These air purifiers can enhance the quality of indoor air by filtering out harmful particles including PM2.5. Moreover, it also comes with Econavi technology monitors the operations of the product according to the requirement, creating a favorable environment for the members as well as pets. These air purifiers come with house-dust catcher, which helps in eliminating big particles such as hair, fine dust particles, and 3D circulation air flow system that enables suction of the particles from the front panel of the air purifier. Additionally, the range of air purifiers comes with two air filters HEPA Composite and Composite Air Filter that can remove 99.7% particles from the air. Price F-PBJ30ADD Orange Rs. 11,995 F-PXJ30AAD Turquoise Rs. 16,995 F-PXM35ASD Silver Rs. 20,995 F-PXM35AAD Flower Rs. 21,995 F-VXM35AAD L-Blue Rs. 27,995 F-PXM55AND C-Gold Rs. 34,995 F-PXM55AAD O-Blue Rs. 33,995 At the launch Syed Moonis Ali Alvi, General Manager Purifier Business, Panasonic India said: After teasing the smartphone launch, Lenovo yesterday sent out invites for the launch of K6 Power in India on November 29th. Today Flipkart has announced that it will be sold exclusively on its store. The smartphone was introduced at the IFA back in September, packs a 5-inch 1080p display, is powered by an Octa-Core Snapdragon 430 processor and has a huge 4000mAh battery. Lenovo K6 Power specifications 5-inch (1920 x 1080 pixels) Full HD IPS display Octa-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 ( 4 x 1.2 GHz Cortex A53 + 4 x 1.5 GHz Cortex A53) 64-bit processor with Adreno 505 GPU 2GB RAM with 16GB storage / 3GB RAM with 32GB storage, expandable memory with microSD Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) Dual SIM 13MP rear camera with LED Flash, PDAF 8MP front-facing camera Fingerprint sensor 3.5mm audio jack, Dolby Atmos, FM radio Dimensions: 141.9 x 70.3 x 9.3 mm; Weight: 145g 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS 4000mAh built-in battery The Lenovo K6 Power comes in Dark gray, Gold and Silver colors. We should know all the details, including the price next Tuesday. Commenting on the partnership with Lenovo once again, Sudhin Mathur, Executive Director, Lenovo MBG India, said: We are the no. 1 Online smartphone brand in India with 1 out of 4 shoppers choosing to buy a Lenovo or Moto smartphone, and Flipkart has partnered us well to achieve this success. We are glad to announce that we have exclusively partnered with Flipkart for the next launch in the popular K series, Lenovo K6 Power and hope to replicate our winning formula again. The Latest on Black Friday Holiday shopping (all times Eastern): 7:30 a.m. Brian Motzko is making his usual trip to the Mall of America in Minnesota early Friday while visiting relatives for Thanksgiving. The Cedar Falls, Iowa resident says he's doing all his Christmas shopping on Black Friday, buying gifts for himself, his wife and family "until my card blows up." He says, "I've got two teenage girls. It's whatever." Motzko says he scored 70 percent off cookware at Williams-Sonoma and was on the hunt for a Bluetooth speaker. He said the nation's largest shopping center seemed less packed than in years past. ___ 12:01 a.m. Stephanie Sullivan says she's searching for deals this holiday season on items for her son's upcoming wedding. She said she planned to hit the Columbia Mall in Missouri on Friday after some shopping the night before. Sullivan, her two adult sons and future daughter-in-law had driven from Kirksville, Missouri to Columbia for the shopping on Thanksgiving. She and her entourage toted luggage and bulging bags as they headed to their truck, driven by one of her sons, waiting in front of Kohl's. The 49-year-old said she saved $580 and spent a little under $200 on a four-piece luggage set, sweaters, pillows, boots and other things. She said she was buying for herself, but did purchase one sweater as a gift. Sullivan said the family was trying to stay busy after the death of her husband in October. "and not focus on what we lost." ___ 12:01 a.m. Stores open their doors Friday for what is still one of the busiest days of the year, even as the start of the holiday season edges ever earlier. Many stores are offering the same deals as in previous years, like $19.99 boots that remain a big attraction, cashmere sweaters, and sheets. For some shoppers, big discounts on electronics are the draw. Stores like Macy's, Walmart, Target and more were open Thursday evening in what they hope will be a new holiday tradition. Several shoppers were out looking for bargains on TVs. Other items that drew crowds were cellphones and Hatchimals eggs with a small, animated animal inside that hatch when given attention. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, vies with the Saturday before Christmas as the biggest sales day. ____ Associated Press writers Kyle Potter in Bloomington, Minnesota, and Summer Ballentine in Columbia, Missouri contributed to this report. Nepal's banks are refusing to accept new Indian 500 and 2,000 rupee notes because the Indian central bank has not officially informed the neighboring Himalayan nation of their issue. Nepal Rastriya Bank official Narayan Prasad Sapkota said banks in Nepal can only accept the notes only after a proper notice has been received. Nepal has already stopped accepting old 500 and 1,000 rupee Indian notes after they were scrapped by the Indian government earlier this month in hopes of curbing corruption. Sapkota said the new bills are not illegal in Nepal but can only be accepted after an official notice is received. Indian currency is widely accepted in Nepal, which shares an open border with India. Citizens of the two countries do not need visas to travel between them. Online spending by U.S. bargain hunters climbed to above $1 billion by Thanksgiving evening, according to Adobe Digital Index, surging almost 14 percent from a year ago and reflecting a broader trend away from brick-and-mortar shopping. At the start of the first holiday shopping season since the election of Donald Trump as president on November 8, U.S. consumers loosened their purse strings and spent $1.15 billion online between midnight and 5 pm ET on Thursday, according to Adobe. Traditionally the day after Thanksgiving, or Black Friday, has started the holiday shopping season in the United States with retailers offering steep discounts and turning a profit. But its popularity has been on the wane given the emergence of online shopping and cheap deals through the year from retailers including e-commerce giant Amazon.com. U.S. stores are now opening on Thanksgiving to try and boost in-store sales, while retailers have been offering online deals weeks in advance to cope with lower demand and stiff pricing competition. "We saw one of our strongest days ever online," Brian Cornell, chief executive of discount retailer Target, told reporters on Thursday evening. He added that online sales grew by double digits, without giving further details. The holiday season spanning November and December is crucial for retailers because it can account for as much as 40 percent of annual sales. Retailers try to attract shoppers with deep discounts, sometimes as much as 85 percent. The National Retail Federation, which has been bullish with projections in the past, expects holiday sales to grow 3.6 percent this year to $655.8 billion. "Online discounts are earlier and a lot bigger than last year," said Tamara Gaffney, principal research analyst at Adobe Digital Index. The Adobe figure is collected from 21 billion online visits to 4,500 U.S. retail sites since Nov. 1. "Black Friday is no longer a one-day event; it has turned into a multi-week event," said Christopher Baldwin, chief executive officer at BJ's Wholesale Club, which operates club stores on the East Coast that compete with Wal-Mart Stores' Sam's Club. Store traffic remained subdued across the country, according to spot checks made by Reuters reporters and industry officials. "Initial reports show it's steady and not very busy at stores around the country," said Craig Johnson, president at retail consultancy Customer Growth Partners. The firm deployed 18 people nationwide to observe customer traffic. Rain hurt shopping at stores in the Northeast, Johnson said, but some retailers like Best Buy and Wal-Mart saw improved customer traffic at stores across the country. At a JC Penney store in Manhattan, Terry Bodiford, visiting from South Carolina, said he did not feel deals were better than he had found online over the past few weeks. Macy's and Best Buy on Chicago's Magnificent Mile were packed, but employees said most of the customers were tourists. Chicago's State Street, a normally bustling shopping area popular with locals, was desolate. Shaun Smith, a 29-year-old restaurant manager, said he only came to the State Street store to take advantage of a deal for a $279 Westinghouse TV which is normally priced over $600 "I will buy most of what I need online," he said. (Reporting by Nandita Bose in Chicago, Additional reporting by Karen Brettell in New York, Editing by Jo Winterbottom and Himani Sarkar) Former Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein has raised nearly $5 million to fund efforts to push for a recount in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. This has led to speculation over what Stein hopes to gain from a potential recount or if she is being used by billionaire investor George Soros or Bill and Hillary Clinton. Stacy on the Right Show Host Stacy Washington weighed in on the potential factors driving the push for a recount. I saw something interesting this morning on The Hill by writer Mary Chastain and she talked about the big deal with Donald Trump saying that he wouldnt go forward with prosecution on Hillary emails, Hillary Clintons email scandal, Washington told the FOX Business Networks Charles Payne. Washington suggests that Trumps forgiveness of Hillary Clinton shifts her out of the spotlight she desires. I thought it was interesting, she [Mary Chastain] points out that the thing that the Clintons crave the most is power and to continue to have influence in Washington, D.C. And by forgiving her he would take away that spotlight. Washington explained that this has led to the speculation that Steins push for a recount is actually part of a plot by the Clintons to contest the election results without having their names associated with it. This connects to Jill Stein in that Ive seen a lot of discussion online about people really suspecting what you just said, that this is really a ploy by the Clintons to get the recount done without having their name attached to it. According to Washington, the election results should be put to rest so America could look to the future. I find it hard to believe that Jill Stein would be used in that way. But I think its unfortunate because its time to move on, were in the transition and President-elect Donald Trump will be seated and inaugurated in January of 2017 and thats what we need to be looking towards. Florence Henderson, who became the ultimate TV mom when she took on the role of Carol Brady in '70s sitcom "The Brady Bunch," has died, her reps revealed. She was 82. Henderson died Thursday night at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, after she was hospitalized the day before, said her publicist, David Brokaw. Henderson suffered heart failure, her manager Kayla Pressman said in a statement. Family and friends had surrounded Henderson's hospital bedside, Pressman said. On the surface, "The Brady Bunch" resembled just another innocuous TV sitcom about a family living in suburban America and getting into a different wacky situation each week. But well after it ended its initial run, in 1974, the show resonated with audiences, and it returned to television in various forms again and again, including "The Brady Bunch Hour" in 1977, "The Brady Brides" in 1981 and "The Bradys" in 1990. It was also seen endlessly in reruns. "It represents what people always wanted: a loving family. It's such a gentle, innocent, sweet show, and I guess it proved there's always an audience for that," Henderson said in 1999. Premiering in 1969, it also was among the first shows to introduce to television the blended family. As its theme song reminded viewers each week, Henderson's Carol was a single mother raising three daughters when she met her TV husband, Robert Reed's Mike Brady, a single father who was raising three boys. The eight of them became "The Brady Bunch," with a quirky housekeeper, played by Ann B. Davis, thrown into the mix. The blonde, ever-smiling Henderson was a known Broadway star when the show began, having originated the title role in the musical "Fanny." But after "The Brady Bunch," she would always be known to fans as Carol Brady. "We had to have security guards with us. Fans were hanging on our doors. We couldn't go out by ourselves. We were like the Beatles!" she said of the attention the show brought the cast. Like the Beatles, there was even a Saturday morning cartoon version called "Brady Kids," although Henderson was not in that show. She and Reed did return, however, for "The Brady Bunch Hour, "The Brady Brides" and "The Bradys." So did most of the original cast. She was also back again in 1995 when a new cast was assembled for "The Brady Bunch Movie," a playful spoof of the original show. This time she was Grandma Brady opposite Shelly Long's Carol. Numerous memoirs also kept interest in the show alive, as cast members revealed they were more than just siblings off camera. Barry Williams, who played eldest son Greg Brady, would confess to having a crush on his TV stepmom. Henderson, in her own book, denied having any relationship with Williams. Williams, 62, acknowledged Henderson's death on Twitter early Friday. "Deeply saddened. Florence was one of the most gracious people I have ever known, Proud to call her Mom and life long friend. #RIPFlorence." Henderson was a 19-year-old drama student in New York when she landed a one-line role in the play "Wish You Were Here." Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II were so impressed they made her the female lead in a 1952 road tour of "Oklahoma!" When the show returned to Broadway for a revival in 1954, she continued in the role and won rave reviews. To broaden her career, Henderson took acting, dancing, singing and guitar lessons, even studying French and Italian. She went on to play Maria in a road production of "The Sound of Music," was Nellie Forbush in a revival of "South Pacific" and was back on Broadway with Jose Ferrer in "The Girl Who Came to Supper" in 1963. She made her movie debut in 1970 in "Song of Norway," based on the 1944 operetta with music by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Her career nearly came to an end in 1965 when she suddenly lost her hearing while appearing in "The King and I" in Los Angeles. She was diagnosed with a hereditary condition called osteosclerosis. "Corrective surgery in both ears restored my hearing," she said in 2007. As her TV career blossomed with "The Brady Bunch," Henderson also began to make frequent TV guest appearances. She was the first woman to host "The Tonight Show" for the vacationing Johnny Carson. For eight years she also commuted to Nashville to conduct a cooking and talk series, "Country Kitchen," on The Nashville Network. The show resulted in a book, "Florence Henderson's Short Cut Cooking." After "The Brady Bunch" ended its first run, Henderson alternated her appearances in revivals of the show with guest appearances on other programs, including "Hart to Hart," ''Fantasy Island" and "The Love Boat." In later years she also made guest appearances on such shows as "Roseanne, "Ally McBeal" and "The King of Queens." Florence Agnes Henderson was born Feb. 14, 1934, in the small town of Dale in southern Indiana. She was the 10th child of a tobacco sharecropper of Irish descent. After high school she moved to New York, where she enrolled in a two-year program at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, her studies financed by a theatrical couple who had been impressed by her singing when they saw her perform in high school. She dropped out of the program after one year, however, to take the role in "Wish You Were There." Henderson married theater executive Ira Bernstein and the couple had four children before the union ended in divorce after 29 years. Her second husband, John Kappas, died in 2002. Earlier this month, Henderson revealed to Fox News Magazine that she had younger suitors sending her messages. "On my website... I get a lot of interesting emails from younger men going, 'We think you're hot!' and 'I'd love to take you out,' which is very sweet," Henderson said. "And um I don't know. I haven't taken any of them up on that yet, but I might." She is survived by her children; Barbara, Joseph, Robert and Lizzie, their respective spouses, and five grandchildren. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Award-winning artists Gloria and Emilio Estefan hosted their ninth annual Thanksgiving Feed a Friend event in South Florida, while former Miami Heat champion Alonzo Mourning helped feed families in Miami. Feed a Friend served Thanksgiving meals to the homeless, Thursday, along with families from Big Brother, Big Sister, Boys & Girls Club and many other foundations. The Estefans hosted the event at Bongos Cuban Cafe at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, located at 5733 Seminole Way. Emilio Estefan said the event is for the community. This is not about politics, its not about religion its about bringing people together and thats what I love, he said. Gloria Estefan added giving back is special to her. For us, its a wonderful opportunity to share all the many blessings that weve received and to celebrate that, said Gloria. Daughter Emily Estefan explained why the event is so near to her familys heart. I think this is the most important event, she said. Every day for me is Thanksgiving, especially in a family like mine. Not only are they great people, but were very blessed today to be able to give back. This has been a tradition of sorts for the Estefans, added Emily. My parents have always been grounded and shown that they came from nothing themselves, she said. In Overtown, Mourning gave back to families and helped feed those in the Little Haiti community. Mournings 16th annual 33 Thanksgiving event fed over 400 families. I dont have to cook for change, said Emma Randle, one resident receiving a turkey. Im so grateful and thankful, said Latricia Washington. This is a blessed Thanksgiving for us. Mourning also surprised 10 families by personally delivering a fully cooked turkey to their houses. Im extremely excited to be celebrating our 16th annual Thanksgiving meal giveaway with the Mourning Family Foundation, said Mourning. Sometimes we get caught up in our own busy, daily lives and not realize that a quarter of our population in South Florida lives under the poverty level. For more Florida stories go to wsvn.com. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter & Instagram Rose McGowan has allegedly become the latest victim of a sex tape leak. The actress and director best known for her role as Paige Matthews in witch drama "Charmed" is allegedly pictured performing a sex act in screenshots from the video released on social media. According to the Mirror, images from the tape have been circulating on social media. The newspaper claims there are two videos showing a woman, said to be Rose, performing sex acts. The leak, which is the latest in a long line of privacy breaches for celebrities, has not yet been commented on by McGowan. The Sun Online has approached reps for the star. The actress recently bravely spoke out about sexual assault in Hollywood. In an impassioned social media post, the actress wrote: "A (female) criminal attorney said because I'd done a sex scene in a film I would never win against the studio head. "Because it's been an open secret in Hollywood/Media & they shamed me while adulating my rapist #WhyWomenDontReport." Click here for more on this story from The Sun. Tippi Hedren is best known for starring in Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller "The Birds" but she would much rather talk about her work rescuing lions and tigers. The former model, who recently penned "Tippi: A Memoir," spoke to FOX411 about her life work, daughter Melanie Griffith and of course Hitchcock. FOX411: The media took certain passages in your book about Alfred Hitchcock to mean that he assaulted you. Were you surprised by the reaction to that? Tippi Hedren: Oh it's been going on for a millennium. It's such old news. It's boring at this point. FOX411: You write of an incident where the two of you were alone in a hotel room and it sounds like he assaulted you. Hedren: It never got to that point. FOX411: You write that he was emotionally abusive because you refused to have an affair with him. Hedren: I very definitely refused! FOX411: You claim that his wife knew what was going on? Hedren: I told her that she could stop it. Her eyes just sort of glazed over and she turned and walked away. I don't know what kind of relationship she and her husband had but I was kind of amazed that she had that kind of attitude. I mean I wasn't the first one that this happened to. FOX411: It sounds like you had a very complicated relationship. Hedren: This is the first time I haven't been interested in the passes of men make. It's legion, I'm not the only one, I won't be the last one. I've dealt with it all my life. I'm good at it, I'm really good at it. It was just kind of disappointing to me that he would pull that card because I so respected him as a director and film producer and his choices of films. FOX411: How did your work with big cats start? Hedren: I did two films in Africa so I spent a good deal of time there. During our time there environmentalists from all over the world were telling people that if we didn't do something right then to protect the animals from poaching and encroaching civilization, by the year 2000 all of the animals more or less would disappear. My then husband was a producer and he said, ''Why don't we do a movie about it.'' We chose the great cats as our movie stars. We gave the script to several animal trainers and everyone them told us they didn't have the number of cats to do the movie the way it's written. Why don't you get your own cats to do the movie?' So that's what exactly what we started to do. Pretty soon I had little cubs running around my house in Sherman Oaks, well that's against the law. So we bought the place in Acton. We have about 30 cats. It really was bothering me, why was our government allowing this? So I put a bill together with one of our vets and I took it to my own Congressman Buck McKeon. I got the bill passed! FOX411: You write about you do a movie with Don Johnson when he was 21 and he falls madly in love with your daughter Melanie Griffith when she was 14. You must have wanted to ring his neck. Hedren: Yeah pretty close! He apologized to me the last time I saw him. He said, 'If I ever hurt you I'm so sorry.' FOX411: Your granddaughter Dakota Johnson is also an actress. Did you see ''Fifty Shades of Grey?'' Hedren: I haven't seen it. FOX411: Have you given her any advice? Hedren: No I haven't. I didn't with Melanie either. I don't give advice to people. I think they have to make their own choices. FOX411: You're 86. What's your secret to staying young? Hedren: I don't know what it is. I'm very active, I've never slowed down and I don't think I ever will. I still work everyday at the Shambala preserve. I'm a very busy woman and I like it. I exercise everyday. I don't weigh anymore than I did when I was modeling. I'm still at 100 pounds wringing wet. A 15-year-old cancer patient may have missed his best shot at remission, say doctors, and it's allegedly because of his mother. Doctors say the Wolcott, Indiana, teen underwent his first chemotherapy treatment for leukemia in September but returned to Riley Hospital for Children days later suffering from fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Doctors soon after discovered he had an unexplained and potentially deadly blood infection, which left doctors temporarily unable to give him chemo. Once surveillance cameras were placed in his room, the alleged cause of the infection was quickly revealed. According to police, Tiffany Alberts, 41whose husband died in Maywas seen on more than one occasion using a syringe to inject a substance into her son's IV bag, reports WLFI. At first, Alberts told police the substance was water used to "flush the line" because his medicine "burned," according to court documents. However, police say Alberts later admitted to injecting the bag with fecal matter. Alberts claimed her goal was to get her son moved to another hospital unit that she felt offered superior care, police say. Instead, her son underwent a number of surgeries to swap out his central venous line over infection fears and racked up 2.5 weeks in the ICU, reports Fox59. Alberts, charged with six felony counts of aggravated battery and one count of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, posted an $80,000 bond on Wednesday but is not allowed to contact her son, reports WHIO. (This poop parasite might fight cancer.) This article originally appeared on Newser: Mom Poisoned Son With Feces During Cancer Treatment: Cops A costly blood cancer pill sold in Europe by Johnson & Johnson will be made routinely available to certain patients in Britain with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, after the U.S. company agreed to cut the price. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said on Friday the discount offered by J&J meant it could now recommend Imbruvica as offering value for money to the state-run health service. The move comes as NICE reappraises all drugs covered by the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF), which was overhauled earlier this year. Other companies including Novartis, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Eisai have also offered discounts to ensure drugs previously covered by the CDF are used routinely on the National Health Service (NHS). The list price for a year's supply of Imbruvica is more than 55,000 pounds ($68,000) per patient. The size of the NHS discount is being kept confidential. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 A Brazilian minister resigned on Friday amid allegations that he enlisted President Michel Temer's help to pressure a fellow Cabinet member to approve a luxury apartment development project in a preservation zone. The announcement feeds a growing scandal over alleged misuse of power that threatens Temer's presidency only six months after he replaced a predecessor ousted from office by Congress and at a time corruption investigations have tarred many senior politicians. At least one opposition party says it will submit a motion to impeach the new president. Temer, who is deeply unpopular with many Brazilians, has been struggling to push through an ambitious austerity agenda he says will pull Latin America's largest economy out of its worst recession in decades. Since May, his administration has lurched from one scandal to the next, but until now, none had directly implicated the president. Temer's administration "just turned six months and it already looks old," Fabio Zanini, political editor of the daily newspaper Folha de S.Paulo, wrote Friday. "The strategy to win popular legitimacy with an economic recovery and political stability is quickly sinking for a president who was not supported by the popular vote." The latest crisis started when former Culture Minister Marcelo Calero told federal police that Temer's legislative affairs minister, Geddel Vieira Lima, pressured him to allow construction of a luxury building in a historic preservation area in the city of Salvador, 1,000 miles northwest of Rio de Janeiro. Lima had bought a unit in the planned development. Calero, who resigned last week, testified that Temer himself suggested that he use a method to avoid the normal oversight process for such a building. Calero said Temer invited him to the presidential palace last week to suggest "a way out," indicating that the building restrictions had created "operational difficulties" in his administration, according to Calero's testimony. "Politics has these things, that kind of pressure," Temer said, according with Calero. Temer's spokesman said Thursday night that the president simply intervened to arbitrate a dispute between Cabinet members. In his resignation letter, Lima said the accusations of wrongdoing were merely "interpretations." He said he was stepping down because he and his family were suffering due to the accusations. Lima is the sixth minister in Temer's government to resign amid allegations of corruption. Several Brazilian news outlets reported Friday that Calero had made recordings of conversations with Temer, Lima and presidential Chief-of-Staff Eliseu Padilha. "I never acted in bad faith or in deceitful ways," Calero said on his Facebook page. "I fulfilled my duties as a Brazilian citizen not to comply with illegalities and acts with respect to the institutions." The left-leaning Socialist and Liberty Party pledged that on Monday it would submit a measure to Congress to impeach Temer. But to move forward, it would have to be accepted by Rodrigo Maia, speaker of the lower Chamber of Deputies and a Temer ally. Oliver Stuenkel, professor of international relations at the Getulio Vargas Foundation in Sao Paulo, said the scandal makes Temer's future unpredictable. "The damage can grow," Stuenkel said. "There will be speculation about the future and that will also delay attempts to pass reforms." The political scene was embittered by the impeachment trial and ouster of former President Dilma Rousseff, who was found guilty by the opposition-led Senate of breaking budgetary laws. Temer was vice president and replaced her, making him a target for Rousseff allies who called her ouster a legislative "coup." Temer is pushing to pass a major overhaul of the pension system and to impose a spending cap on government spending. The country's economy is expected to contract by 3 percent this year after a similarly bad 2015. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter & Instagram President-elect Donald Trumps policies on illegal immigration, particularly on the border wall and cracking down on sanctuary cities, were at the center of his election campaign. Now, advocates of immigration restriction are hoping for reform to H-1B visas that they say are hurting American workers. The H-1B is a temporary, non-immigrant visa, currently capped at 85,000 visas a year, that allows employers to hire skilled, specialty workers on a temporary basis -- particularly scientists, engineers, or computer programmers. However, critics say that the system is rife with abuse, and is no longer a limited short-term program to help employers with unexpected labor shortages in niche areas, and has instead become a way to push out American workers in favor of cheap foreign labor. Because of lobbying by the Chamber of Commerce and big tech companies, theyve succeeded in loosening standards and weve seen the increasingly common scenario where American workers are fired, and have to train their replacements, Dan Stein, President of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, told FoxNews.com. Trump has shifted stances somewhat on the visas. After initially taking a hard stance against them, in contrast to some of his Republican opponents, at a primary debate in March he appeared to change his stance and said: Im changing. Im changing. We need highly skilled people in this country, and if we cant do it, well get them in. TRUMP'S BATTLE AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MAY END AT CHURCH STEPS He later released a statement saying the H-1B program is neither high-skilled nor immigration: these are temporary foreign workers, imported from abroad, for the explicit purpose of substituting for American workers at lower pay. I will end forever the use of the H-1B as a cheap labor program, and institute an absolute requirement to hire American workers first for every visa and immigration program. No exceptions, he said. Advocates of immigration restriction have been made hopeful that a Trump administration will clamp down on the visa. In particular they have been buoyed by Trumps decision to pick Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions as his attorney general known for his hardline stances on both illegal and legal immigration. In 2015, Sessions sent round an immigration handbook to Republican members of Congress that calls immigration reform a legislative honorific almost exclusively reserved for proposals which benefit everyone but actual American citizens. In that handbook and since, Sessions has railed against what he sees as the abuse of the program. In his handbook he cites statistics suggesting that guest workers make up two-thirds of all new IT hires, while half of Americans with STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic] degrees cant find work. He says that while the cap is 85,000, the real number is much higher. But, due to overlapping admissions and other factors, the total number of H-1B workers physically present in the U.S. is actually much higherit has been estimated to fall somewhere in the range of 650,000 to 750,000, he wrote. While Sessions appointment may put those companies who use the system on edge, analysts say there is still a long way to go in appointments. I think companies are in wait-and see mode, By the time of inauguration therell be a clearer sense of who will be head of Council of Economic Advisors and the Department of Labor. Therell be a better sense of the team and that will tell the tech companies something, Robert D. Atkinson, president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), told FoxNews.com. The plight of American workers being replaced was highlighted earlier this year when laid-off Disney IT workers sued the company, claiming that despite high performance ratings, they were made to train their foreign replacements. In February, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony from some of those laid off. Presiding over the hearing was Sen. Jeff Sessions. However, supporters of the program warned that while surgically reforming the program could work, cutting it too deeply could have the opposite of the intended effect, and actually hurt American workers if companies cant get the help. They warn that some companies may actually ship more jobs overseas if the visa is limited. Companies doing tech workthey would be thinking about expanding work in places other than United States. They might put it in Canada, in a place like Vancouver, where Microsoft employs a lot of people because they can find it hard to get the skills to come to the U.S., Atkinson said.. The whole view that theres not a shortage [in STEM workers], I think thats wrong, and the idea that H-1B workers are substitutes is wrong, he said. They normally complement one another, allowing companies to gain global market shares and expand even more. Adams Nager, economic policy analyst at ITIF, found that unemployment in STEM fields is very low, and concludes that, despite occasional stories of lay-offs, America faces a shortage of high-skilled STEM talent, especially in IT industries. Those opposed to the current state of the program say there are a number of things a Trump administration could do without needing whole-scale reform from Congress. One of those is to collect the data and make it available to the public. That would strike horror into the industry, John Miano, a fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, told FoxNews.com This has been kept secret or not collected. We dont know who are getting the visas, we dont know where the people are, what occupations theyre in or what the salary is. Other possible reforms include a clarification on the definition of specialized knowledge, which could help cut down on abuse, and a limit on such visas for two years. Proponents on both side of the issue agree that, despite the pick of Sessions as AG, it is not yet clear which way the administration will fall on the issue. Trumps official website makes no mention of H-1Bs on the immigration policy page. But those who want significant reform are hopeful in the wake of the Sessions pick. H-1B spans the Department of Justice, Labor Department and USCIS [United States Citizenship and Immigration Services]. Theres hope youd have people at all three levels enforcing the law, and Sessions gives us hope theyll start doing that, Miano said. A Florida family is looking to the state Supreme Court to resolve a decades-old property rights dispute thats gone to the birds literally. In 1970, Tom and Molly Beyer purchased a 9-acre island in the Florida Keys for $70,000. The property was intended to be a legacy investment for the couples children. Despite development zoning, local officials eventually blocked the Beyers from building on it through a series of land use restrictions. First, they could only develop one home per acre. Then, one home per 10 acres. Finally, Monroe County officials designated the vacant investment property a bird rookery, effectively banning all future development. This case is about an uncompensated property grab literally, an unconstitutional island grab, said Mark Miller, managing attorney for the Pacific Legal Foundations Florida-based Atlantic Center. The island has been seized from the Beyers in all but name, he said. The couple passed away during the past twenty years of legal battles to reclaim the use of their land, and their children have since taken up the family cause. Theyve enlisted the help of the the nonprofit public interest law firm that specializes in property rights and a balanced approach to environmental regulations, according to its website. Click for more from Watchdog.org The foreign ministers of Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala met earlier this week in Guatemala City to discuss ways to protect tens of thousands of migrants who every year attempt to reach the border with the United States and enter illegally. But, they also warned, the U.S. should be ready for another surge in Central American migrants looking to enter the country before Donald Trump becomes president. "We're worried because we're seeing a rise in the flow of migrants leaving the country, who have been urged to leave by coyotes telling them that they have to reach the United States before Trump takes office," the deputy foreign minister of Honduras, Maria Andrea Matamoros, told Reuters. Referring to people who are paid to get migrants into the U.S. illegally, Guatemalas foreign minister told Reuters people there are equally desperate. "The coyotes are leaving people in debt, and taking their property as payment for the journey," he said. During fiscal year 2016, which ended Sept. 30, 2016, the U.S. captured nearly 410,000 people along the Mexico border attempting to enter the country without documentation the overwhelming majority of them from Central America. During the presidential campaign, Trump made hardline immigration policies such as building a wall to separate the U.S. from Mexico and creating a separate enforcement group to carry out the deportation of millions of people in the country illegally the cornerstone of his candidacy. As a result, apparently, people living in conditions of poverty and crime and their relatives who are already in the U.S. are more desperate to get them here. Homeland Security chief Jeh Johnson said recently that immigration detention centers were holding some 10,000 more people than normal, and recently U.S. Customs and Border Protection opened a temporary facility for up to 500 people in Texas because of the increase in border crossers. Salvadoran Carlos Garcia, who is 25 and unemployed, told Reuters that he wants to move to the U.S. before Trump occupies the White House. "There's one thing I'm very clear about," he said. "I want to get out of [Salvador]." Fares Revolorio, a 27-year-old Guatemalan who traveled to Tijuana with her husband and three kids in the hope of being granted asylum in the U.S., told the wire service that the last straws for them were her son being assaulted by Mara Salvatrucha gang members and her brother-in-law being killed two months ago. "They tell us the new president doesn't like illegal immigrants, but we have to take the chance," she said. "Nobody wants to die in a horrible way, and we can't be in Guatemala any longer. My children are growing up in fear." Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter & Instagram Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein hauled in $4.8 million to help finance recount efforts in three states, a figure that eclipsed the fundraising total for her entire presidential campaign. Late Tuesday, Stein issued a press release calling on supporters to raise $2.5 million to fund a recount effort in three states that Donald Trump won - Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Steins campaign said that amount would be needed to meet Wisconsins Nov. 25 deadline and $1.1 million filing fee. But it was soon clear that goal would easily be met. The campaign had raised $4.5 million goal by 11 p.m. on Thursday, according to The Huffington Post. By Friday morning, the fundraising effort was nearing $5 million, a figure that exceeded the $3,509,477 reported on Steins final October 19 campaign finance report. Stein has enough to cover the $1.1 million fee to file before the Friday afternoon deadline to file recount in Wisconsin. Under Wisconsin law, Stein must also show cause for a recount to take place. Wisconsin GOP Executive Director Mark Morgan issued a statement Friday calling Stein's decision to seek a recount "absurd" and "nothing more than an expensive political stunt that undermines the election process." In the days following the election, the doctor-turned- Green Party nominee was the target of disgruntled Democrats and liberals who believed her candidacy contributed to Clintons loss. For example, Steve Benen wrote on MSNBCs website that if voters had cast ballots in states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania for Clinton rather than for Stein or Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson, the former First Lady would have won. But its nevertheless true that in Florida, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, third-party voters had an enormous, [2000 Green Party candidate Ralph] Nader-like impact had those states gone the other way, Clinton would be president-elect today, not Trump, he claimed. Criticism began turning to support for Stein as rumors and theories about hacked voting machines and a rigged election bubbled to the surface. The initial fuel flaming the recount fire was set by blogger Greg Palast, who claimed in a November 11 post that the election was stolen by Trump. Another theory that voting machines were hacked was soon trending on social media even before Stein announced the recount campaign, reported The Washington Post. At least 19 troops stationed at the Guantanamo Bay military detention center were secretly returned to the US for severe behavioral health reasons between 2008 and 2011, according to an Army Institute of Public Health study. In 2010, the Army began a one-year mental health survey after troops suffering stress conditions were evacuated. According to internal reports prepared in conjunction with that survey and obtained by VICE, of 1,422 troops and former guards interviewed, at least 300 or roughly one in five experienced either suicidal thoughts or other behavioral health conditions and were therefore deemed to be at high [behavioral health] risk. Of the same interview pool, 565 troops developed behavioral health conditions and showed signs of post-traumatic stress (PTS) directly associated with their Guantanamo deployments, according to documents VICE obtained in response to a three-year-old Freedom of Information Act lawsuit. The survey also found that 75 percent of troops who screened positive for behavioral health problems had no pre-existing history of BH conditions. Except for alcohol abuse, the rates of behavioral health conditions were similar to troops serving detention duty in Iraq. According to the May 2011 Army report, the 19 troopers were medically evacuated for behavioral health (BH) reasons and that the evacuation decision by Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) appears appropriate for these cases. Furthermore, reports of PTS at the Cuban facility were twice as high as reported by a comparison population of Iraq detention camp Troopers. Foxnews.com received no immediate response to a request for comment from the Army Public Health Command and US Southern Command. The Southern Command, based at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., oversees the Cuban detention camp. The Army did dispute assertions made in a 2013 60 Minutes report that troops at Guantanamo suffered from an increased rate of mental health conditions. During the November 17 broadcast, Army Col. John Bogdan told anchor Lesley Stahl that incidents of PTSD is almost twice that seen from regular aligned forces as a consequence of serving on 12-hour shifts where they are exposed to enemy contact for 12 straight hours under continual threats of physical assault. Bogdans claims were based on a misreading of a 2011 mental health survey that found guards were nearly twice as likely to test positive symptoms of PTSD as soldiers surveyed in previous studies, according to a statement issued by Col. Greg Julian, public affairs chief for the U.S. Southern Command. There are no statistics that support the claim of twice the number of troops diagnosed with PTSD, contended Julian. The survey revealed that these service members were nearly twice as likely (though not actually diagnosed) to screen positive for moderate to severe post-traumatic stress as soldiers surveyed in previous studies who had recently redeployed from Iraq or Afghanistan. In a separate VICE report that aired on HBO, two members of Task Force Platinum, the unit that guards terrorists like Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and 14 other former CIA captives, detailed the lasting impact of the constant threats they received from prisoners during regular 12-hour shifts at the detention center. Andrew Turner, a Navy petty officer, described his time guarding high-value detainees as 99 percent boredom and then 1 percent of pure, unadulterated craziness that included having urine and feces thrown at him and an endless barrage of verbal insults in multiple languages during shifts that could last up to 14 hours. He said being called the insults and the abuse kind of just tears people down and you just did not know what was coming around the corner. Nichole York spent nine months at Guantanamo Bay in 2009 and eventually received a formal diagnosis of PTS, which she attributed to abuse from prisoners. The report did recommend better pre-deployment training for guards to prepare them for deployment to Gitmo and to identify any pre-existing mental health issues. Capt. John Filostrat, a spokesman for the detention facility told VICE news he was unable to comment on whether the recommendations were implemented. The Army survey determined that in addition to being inadequately prepared for deployments to Gitmo, troops often felt as if prisoners received better treatment than they did and often cited an inability to react to prisoner abuse. The impact on troops on detainee detention duty was also addressed in a 2013 bipartisan report issued by The Constitution Project. The Projects Task Force on Detainee Treatment, which focused more on the negative consequences experienced by troops who engaged in abuse, cited several cases involving guards at Guantanamo, as well as at bases in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fox example, Professor John Smith, a retired US Air Force captain, told members at a 2008 American Academy of Forensic Sciences annual meeting that guards, including one under his care, are an overlooked group of victims. However, the task force noted that while studies examining the impact on prisoner guards during World War II exist, there is a dearth of analysis on guards serving in Iraq, Afghanistan or at Gitmo. There is abundant anecdotal evidence of psychological trauma affecting U.S. forces who engaged in abuse of detainees, the report stated. Harvard crimson may be a prominent color in the offices of the Obama administration, but that looks to change as President-elect Trump transitions to the White House. Unlike Obama who mined the faculties of Harvard and other Ivy League schools to fill his cabinet and top level administrative posts Trump has so far focused his search for help steering his administration policies on people he is more familiar with: wealthy businessmen and women. Trump is expected to select billionaire investor Wilbur Ross as his commerce secretary and will likely choose Todd Ricketts, the owner of the Chicago Cubs whose father founded TD Ameritrade, as deputy commerce secretary. The president-elect last week named Betsy DeVos, the chairwoman of Michigan-based investment firm the Windquest Group, as education secretary. In addition, Mitt Romney, who before his time as Massachusetts governor was the founder of investment firm Bain Capital, is on Trumps shortlist for secretary of state. Birds of a feather flock together, Gary Nordlinger, a professor in the graduate school of political management at George Washington University, told FoxNews.com. Trump wants to surround himself with people who he sees as successful in the real world and he has approached the entire cabinet appointment process as a businessman would. The move away from Ivy League academics and toward the titans of commerce appears not just to be one of comfort for Trump, but also to fulfill his campaign promise to root out Washington insiders, lobbyists and liberal elites, whom he sees as the main problem inside the Beltway. While Trump has been criticized for keeping a number of former lobbyists on his transition team (he argued that selecting lobbyists was the only option he had), the appointment of ultra-wealthy conservatives to cabinet-level posts does align with his distrust of the presumed liberal elites who make up the Obama administration. During his two terms in office, Obama himself a graduate of Colombia University and Harvard Law School filled his administration with Ivy League brethren. From Harvards faculty alone, Obama recruited Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power and top economic aide Lawrence Summers to name just a few. Of the 22 cabinet-level positions in Obamas White House, 13 of them are held by people with either undergraduate or graduate degrees or both - from an Ivy League school. Obama is deep, deep down an intellectual, Nordlinger said. He is a product of the Ivy Leagues and it makes perfectly reasonable sense why he chooses to surround himself with these type of people. Despite his penchant for being the outsider, Trump cant completely eschew candidates with Ivy League backgrounds he himself graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, Ross holds a BA from Yale and earned his MBA at Harvard as did Romney. But he appears to be looking for people whose success lays in fields different than academia. Trumps argument is that while the Ivy League faculty may have a bunch of accolades, they dont understand real life, Joe Trippi, a political strategist and frequent Fox News Channel contributor, told FoxNews.com. It also does not appear that all Ivy League academics are opposed to actually working with the president-elect. Harvard lecturer Carlos E. Diaz Rosillo is helping him with his transition and school officials say that Trump can still find like-minded professors in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Summary 91 percent of donations made by faculty at Harvard in 2015 went to Hillary Clinton, according to the Harvard Crimson. To the extent that Harvard is both very committed to acceptance and integration and diversity and also is very committed to fact-driven policy, its not a natural fit, Juliette Kayyem, a lecturer at Harvards Kennedy School of Government who served in the Obama administration, told the Boston Globe. But I could see, at the agency level, a lot of good reasons for various experts here to join the administration. In the long run, whether or not Trump foregoes choosing Ivy League academics to join his administration and instead fills his cabinet with like-minded business people may not matter if he cant fulfill his campaign promises. Hes just replacing one set of elites for a different set of elites, Trippi said. The difference is that he says these are people who have real-life experience in actually getting things done. Were going to see very soon if that rings true. Archaeologists in Trondheim, Norway have unearthed the church where Viking King Olaf Haraldsson was first enshrined as a saint. Experts uncovered the stone foundations of a wooden stave church where Haraldsson was likely enshrined after he was declared a saint in the 11th century. Olaf Haraldsson, or Olaf II of Norway, is the countrys patron saint. The king's sainthood played a key role in the introduction of christianity to Norway at the end of the Viking age. The recent unearthing of the foundations of a church in the centre of Trondheim by archaeologists working for the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU) is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Norway in recent times," NIKU Excavation Director Anna Petersen told FoxNews.com, via email. TINY VIKING CRUCIFIX COULD REWRITE HISTORY Haraldsson died fighting rival nobles in the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030 and his body was buried in Trondheim, or Nidaros as it was then known. Local people soon reported tales of miracles attributed to the dead king, according to NIKU, and in 1031 his coffin was dug up and opened in in the presence of a bishop, revealing his well-preserved body. The dead king was declared a saint and his remains were enshrined above the high altar of St. Clements Church, which became his first mausoleum. Olafs coffin rested in the church for a number of years before it was moved to a larger church. The remains were eventually enshrined in Trondheims Nidaros Cathedral. St. Clements Church was demolished in the 13th century and its location remained a mystery until NIKU archaeologists unearthed the site in Trondheim, which was dated to the time of Olafs rule. During its excavation, the archaeologists uncovered a small rectangular stone-built platform at the buildings east end, said NIKU, in a press release. This is probably the foundation for an altar probably the very same altar on which St. Olafs coffin was placed in 1031! THE REAL REASON FOR VIKING RAIDS: SHORTAGE OF ELIGIBLE WOMEN? A small well was also discovered at the site, which may have been a holy well associated with the saints remains. Olaf himself built St. Clement's Church, probably shortly after 1015. "Excavations will continue here into 2017," said Petersen. "There are already indications that Olaf's church may not have been the first building constructed on the site." The archaeologist explained that large post-holes found beneath the church may belong to an even earlier wooden church that may have been built by King Olaf I Tryggvason, another Viking king associated with the introduction of Christianity to Norway at the end of the 10th century. And below that that lie even earlier archaeological remains that may belong to a Viking-age kaupang, or trading settlement, from which the medieval city of Trondheim grew. "This site has still not revealed all its secrets, and will continue to provide archaeologists and historians with much new information about events in Scandinavia during the transition from the Viking age to the medieval age," she said. NEW VIKING SITE IN NORTH AMERICA? EXPERTS EYE SATELLITE DATA FOR POTENTIAL DISCOVERY Other stunning Viking era discoveries have been made in Scandinavia this year. In March, for example, a 10th century Viking crucifix was unearthed in Denmark, prompting experts to reconsider the dates when Christianity arrived in the country. Earlier this year archaeologists also used satellite imagery to identify a site in Newfoundland that could be the first new Viking site discovered in North America in over 50 years. All that's left of the dodo bird is a smattering of bonesa nearly complete set of which has just sold for $431,000 at auction. This "extremely rare" version is one of the most complete with about 95% of bones present, reports the BBC. Only a portion of the skull and a set of claws are lacking, reports CNN. The skeletonbelieved to be the first sold since 1914was actually pieced together over four decades by a collector, which isn't atypical. "There are only twelve close to complete dodo skeletons in the world," all in the possession of museums, and all but one are composites, says Erroll Fuller of Summers Place Auctions in the UK. Found on Mauritius in the 16th century, the dodo disappeared by the late 1600s at the hands of humans and newly introduced dogs and monkey, Fuller says. Most of the bones that make up existing dodos were taken from Mauritius in the 19th century, but the island has since banned their export. That's one reason people were so interested in the skeleton. But the dodo also "represents extinction and how fast man can influence the environment," says Fuller. "Whether we're actually learning the lesson, I don't think I'd like to say," he adds, per CBS News. The BBC spoke to the unnamed collector who pieced together the bird, whose initial purchase was a foot bone in the 1970s. He didn't imagine it would lead to full skeleton. "I finally found myself looking at a dodo in my workshop, something so extraordinary that I hadn't really imagined it would happen," he says. (Dodos were pretty smart.) This article originally appeared on Newser: 100-Year First: 'Extremely Rare' Dodo Skeleton Sold The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is harnessing sophisticated technology to catch nighttime poachers in Eastern Africa. Since the deployment of thermal imaging cameras and human detection software nine months ago, more than two dozen poachers have been arrested in Kenyas Maasai Mara, the wildlife conservation organization announced this week. The technology has also been used to catch two other poachers at another undisclosed national park in Kenya. In March the WWF, working with the Mara Conservancy ranger unit and the Kenya Wildlife Service, installed technology from thermal imaging specialist FLIR Systems on a mobile wildlife ranger unit. The technology was also installed, with additional human detection software, in another Kenyan park. NEXT TIME YOU TAKE A SELFIE, THANK NASA Wildlife rangers now have the help theyve desperately needed, said Colby Loucks, WWFs Wildlife Crime Technology Project lead, in a press release. This groundbreaking technology allows them to search for poachers 24 hours a day, from up to a mile away, in pitch darkness. Poaching poses a massive threat to African wildlife. Rhino poaching, for example, has hit a record level across the continent, and the number of savannah elephants is declining rapidly as a result of the ivory trade. This technology is invaluable in our night surveillance work. The ability of our rangers to distinguish potential poachers from a large distance is nothing short of remarkable, said Brian Heath, CEO and Director of the Mara Conservancy, in the press release. The last three people our team arrested were flabbergasted as to how they were detected. VATICAN TAPS SPACE TECHNOLOGY TO PRESERVE ITS TREASURES WWF and FLIR Systems are looking to broaden the use of thermal imaging and are working with African Parks, drone specialist UDS and Lindbergh Foundations Air Shepherd to install thermal imaging technology on drones. Anti-poaching drone test flights began last month in Malawi and Zimbabwe. WWF told FoxNews.com that it plans to use the technology in 20 additional sites in Africa and Asia. The Wildlife Crime Technology Project is supported by a $5 million grant from Google. Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers Three men hanging Christmas lights were shot Wednesday night after getting into an argument with a passing motorist, police in Philadelphia said. The victims told police that they were outside decorating their homes in the city's Juanita neighborhood with Christmas lights when a dark grey Chevy Impala with tinted windows drove down their block, Fox 29 reported. The vehicle initially drove past the victims, before backing up while a passenger asked the victims if they had a problem and if they had hit his car. At that time, another man who was standing outside with the victims asked the front passenger if he had a problem. The front passenger then took out a handgun and fired at the victims, police told Fox 29. The vehicle then pulled off down the block and as it did, the front passenger fired 4-5 more time at the victims, striking them. The victims are 28, 34 and 36. They were transported to area hospitals and listed in stable condition. The shooter is described as a black male in his 20s wearing a light grey knitted cap, brown complexion, armed with a dark grey semi-automatic handgun, Fox 29 reported. The second suspect is described by police as a black male in his 20s with a darker complexion and shoulder length hair that is possibly dreadlocks. Click for more from Fox29.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. About 300 opponents of the Dakota Access pipeline demonstrated in a North Dakota city on Thanksgiving Day, while protesters near the construction site where hundreds of demonstrators have camped out for months attempted to build a wooden bridge to reach what they say are tribal burial sites. The protesters blocked traffic at an intersection and other streets in Mandan shouting "Shame on you, North Dakota!" and carrying a banner that read "No pilgrims, no pipeline," the Bismarck Tribune reported. About 50 officers stood across from the protesters, and the crowd eventually dispersed. Morton County sheriff's office spokesman Rob Keller said officers near the campsites about 50 miles south of Mandan observed protesters attempting to build a wooden bridge over a body of water Thursday morning in an effort to reach Turtle Island, a hill where protesters claim burial sites are located. Keller said between 350 and 400 protesters eventually gathered at Turtle Island. Keller said one protester told officers they were "ready to die today." Another said, "Remember '73?" referring to Wounded Knee. In Portland, Oregon, hundreds of people rallied in the rain Thursday to show their solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and others who have spent months protesting the pipeline's construction. The Oregonian/OregonLive reports (https://goo.gl/X4DGdy) that more than 350 people took part in the demonstration at the city's Pioneer Courthouse Square. Attendees chanted, "Stop the pipeline" and "Water rights are human rights." Shannon Berger-Hammond co-founded a group called Families for Peaceful Protest, which organized the Portland rally. She said Thanksgiving is "meant to highlight peace and thanks and community and to celebrate indigenous nations, and the indigenous nations are suffering right now." The Standing Rock Sioux and others oppose the 1,200-mile, four-state pipeline being built to carry oil from western North Dakota to a shipping point in Illinois because they say it threatens drinking water on the nearby reservation and cultural sites. Pipeline developer Energy Transfer Partners has said no sites have been disturbed and that the $3.8 billion pipeline will be safe. The pipeline is largely complete except for the section under a Missouri River reservoir in southern North Dakota, and ETP Chief Executive Kelcy Warren has said the company is unwilling to reroute the project. Protests against the pipeline have intensified in recent weeks, with arrests since August totaling more than 520. Actress Shailene Woodley, who was among 27 activists arrested Oct. 10, was at one of the campsites Thursday. She live-streamed activities and was expected to help serve Thanksgiving dinner to protesters later in the day. At least one person was arrested during Thursday's demonstration in Mandan, a community adjacent to the capital city of Bismarck. When protesters blocked the intersection, they set up several folding tables with pumpkins and a pig head. They also passed out food. "They come at us with violence, we come back with prayer," Jamey Reil, of Virginia, said referring to a clash between police and protesters Sunday night near the campsites that sent at least 17 demonstrators to the hospital. Law enforcement authorities in Burleigh County and Bismarck issued a phone alert Thursday morning warning residents about the presence of protesters. The recording urged people traveling to Burleigh and Morton counties during the Thanksgiving weekend to be on "alert to their surroundings." Authorities also urged people to report any "suspicious activity." Authorities say "rioters" in the area intend "to create an unsafe environment for the public." A Boston man charged with striking four city police officers with his car has pleaded not guilty. Vincent Weaks, of the city's Roxbury neighborhood, was arraigned Friday on charges including four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He was held on $75,000 bail in that case and had his bail revoked in a prior case. Police say two officers investigating a report of a man with a gun attempted to speak with the driver of a vehicle early Wednesday when he sped away, dragging the officers about 20 feet. Two other officers were struck by the fleeing vehicle. All four were treated and released from the hospital. Weaks' attorney says his client was at home at the time the officers were struck. A judge has ruled that Dylann Roof is competent to stand trial for the killing of nine black worshippers at a South Carolina church. Judge Richard Gergel made the ruling Friday after a two-day hearing behind closed doors earlier this week. The hearing was needed after Roof's attorneys questioned earlier this month whether he could help them on the eve of jury selection in his death penalty trial. Gergel says jury selection will begin Monday. Gergel sealed his reasons for finding Roof competent, saying that information could keep him from having a fair trial. The 22-year-old white man is charged in federal court with hate crime, obstruction of religion and other counts for the deadly June 2015 attack at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. The Latest on a police chase that ended with a crash that killed three innocent people near Pittsburgh (all times local): 11:30 a.m. Authorities estimate a Pittsburgh man who led police on a chase that ended with a fiery crash that killed three people in another car was driving more than 100 mph. Allegheny County police also say in a criminal complaint that 22-year-old Demetrius Coleman's license has been suspended since 2012. Coleman remains in a Pittsburgh hospital in police custody Friday on charges including criminal homicide and doesn't have an attorney listed in court records. Police say Coleman was pulled over in East McKeesport police for making an illegal turn, then sped away when officers learned he was wanted in a drug case on Thursday afternoon. Authorities say two adults and a young child in the car Coleman hit were killed when it burst into flames on Route 30 in North Versailles (ver-SAYLS'). ___ 6:40 a.m. A Pittsburgh man who led police on a high-speed chase that ended with a fiery crash that killed three people in another car has been charged with homicide and other crimes. Allegheny County police say 22-year-old Demetrius Coleman was also driving without a license during the chase from East McKeesport into North Versailles on Thursday afternoon. Authorities say two adults and a young child in the car Coleman hit were killed when it burst into flames at the busy intersection of Routes 30 and 48. Police say Coleman had been stopped for making an illegal left turn, but sped away as officers learned he was wanted in a drug case. Online court records don't list an attorney for Coleman, who remained in police custody at UPMC Mercy hospital Wednesday. ___ 12:15 a.m. Police say a man who led them on a car chase and caused a fiery crash that killed three people near Pittsburgh had been wanted in a drug case. East McKeesport police Chief Russell Stroschein (STROH'-shyn) says one of his officers pulled over a car for making an illegal turn Thursday afternoon. The chief says the driver was wanted on a felony warrant for drug offenses and when officers tried to arrest him he sped off. The chief says the driver headed into North Versailles (ver-SAYLS'), ran a red light and hit two cars, killing three people in one of them. Photos of the scene show a car engulfed in flames and the shell of a burned car. Police say the driver and his passenger were injured. They say the driver will face criminal charges. ___ An ex-convict was arraigned Friday on murder and other crimes in the death of a Detroit college police officer who was shot in the head while trying to arrest the man. "This case strongly illustrates the dangers that police officers face every minute of every day," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said. DeAngelo Davis, 31, is accused of shooting Wayne State University Officer Collin Rose on Tuesday. Davis was arraigned Friday on first-degree murder, murder of a police officer and gun crimes and ordered jailed without bond. Wayne State, which has more than 27,000 students, employs about 65 officers. Rose died a day after the shooting, and is the only Wayne State officer killed in the line of duty. In a statement, Worthy said Davis was riding a bicycle when Rose stopped him. The officer was shot shortly after requesting help from other officers. Detroit Police Chief James Craig said Rose was investigating possible thefts of navigation systems from vehicles. The prosecutor's office says Davis was not represented by an attorney at Friday's arraignment in Romulus District Court and that one hasn't yet been assigned to him. He is scheduled for Dec. 9 probable cause hearing and a Dec. 16 preliminary examination. "Officer Rose was respected, admired, and one that had an excellent work ethic," Worthy said. "Our hearts go out to the family and friends." An onion-packing plant in western New York has been ravaged by a fire. No one was injured in the fire Thursday morning at Big O Farms in Elba, about 50 miles east of Niagara Falls. Genesee County Emergency Services coordinator Tim Yaeger says a nearby deer hunter spotted smoke at the farm and alerted authorities. Firefighters from multiple counties battled the flames. A column of smoke gushed from the warehouse-like building. Yaeger says getting water on the fire was a challenge, with only one hydrant in the area and no sprinklers in the building. He says the building wasn't required to have them. A company phone rang unanswered Thursday night. Officials are investigating the cause of the blaze. Authorities say a 2-year-old boy has been shot in the chest by his 4-year-old cousin. Police say the shooting happened around 4:30 p.m. Thursday in a home in north Philadelphia. The 2-year-old was being treated Thursday night at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children and was listed in critical condition. Police say the boy's mother and her boyfriend were home when the shooting occurred. A gun was recovered. ___ This story has been corrected to show that child was being treated Thursday night, not Sunday. North Korea said Friday that it had discussed the issue of American and Canadian detainees with the Swedish ambassador in the country. The North is holding at least two Americans and one Canadian for alleged espionage, subversion and other anti-state activities. Both the U.S. and Canada have no diplomatic offices in North Korea. A North Korean Foreign Ministry official met with the Swedish ambassador on Thursday for talks on consular access for the Canadian detainee sentenced last year to life in prison with hard labor, according to Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency. The Swedish ambassador used the meeting as a chance to raise the issue of consular affairs for the American detainees. The Pyongyang official, identified as the director general of the ministry's European Department 2, reiterated a position that the North will handle the issues of detained Americans line with a wartime law, according to the KCNA. No further details were given, including what the North Korean official said about the Canadian. In July, North Korea hinted at harsher treatment for the U.S. detainees by announcing it would handle all issues between the two countries in line with a wartime law in response to U.S. sanctions that target leader Kim Jong Un. One U.S. detainee is serving a 10-year prison term with hard labor while the other received 15 years. It has not elaborated on what wartime law means, although it suggests North Korea could deal with U.S. detainees in a harsher manner. Outside analysts say North Korea often uses foreign detainees as a way to win concessions from other countries. Pyongyang is locked in a long-running standoff with Washington and other countries over its pursuit of nuclear weapons. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 With its colorful signs, flashing lights and awnings displaying sales messages in Arabic, Istanbul's Aksaray neighborhood looks just like its nickname, "Little Syria." Those scenes soon could change as part of a crackdown on what one local official calls "visual pollution." Last week, Aksaray businesses and residents received a notice ordering them to declutter building facades and overhaul their signage. The order represents the latest salvo in an eight-year effort to standardize storefronts and require all signs to be in the Turkish language, which uses the Latin alphabet. It also seeks the removal of signs in Cyrillic lettering and all signs with neon and LED lights. Some Syrian residents are vowing to ignore the order, seeing it as an assault on their culture. Turkey today is home to 3 million refugees, mostly Syrian. "I will defend my rights because I don't agree with this decision," said Mehmet Basil Souccar, who manages five Syrian restaurants in Istanbul. The 45-year-old, a dual Turkish-Syrian national, estimates that more than two-thirds of Aksaray's stores are owned and operated by Syrians and predicts street clashes if authorities try to remove Arabic signage. "You can be sure that if they enforce this order, there will be a very ugly picture in Aksaray," he said. Some argue that their businesses must be identified with Arabic signs to be identified by their largely Syrian clientele, many of them refugees from the besieged city of Aleppo. "Our restaurant's name was well known in Aleppo," said Mahrusi restaurant manager Samer Abou Dan. "If we remove our sign, we might as well shut the restaurant down and leave." Local officials bill the crackdown on non-Turkish signage as part of an initiative to beautify Istanbul's central district of Fatih, which includes Aksaray. They deny pursuing an anti-Syrian or anti-Arabic agenda. "This is not a project that we planned today," Fatih spokeswoman Nurcan Albayrak said in an email to The Associated Press. She said Fatih was part of a historic peninsula that required "aesthetic consistency" and described the spread of ornately lit and non-Turkish signs as part of a wider problem of "visual pollution." Many Turkish businessmen in Aksaray, including kebab shop owner Mehmet Gunduz, back the effort. "I want everybody to put up their signs in Turkish," he said. "We won't have any Turkishness left if all the signs are in Arabic. How will we know we're Turkish?" __ Associated Press reporters Mehmet Guzel and Neyran Elden in Istanbul and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 A Brazilian minister has resigned as part of a growing scandal that implicates President Michel Temer. Former Culture Minister Marcelo Calero has told federal police that Temer's legislative affairs minister Geddel Vieira Lima pressured him to allow construction of a luxury building in a historic preservation area in the city of Salvador. Lima had bought a unit in the planned development. Calero says Temer himself suggested that he use a method to avoid the normal overnight process for such a building. Temer's spokesman said Thursday night that the president simply intervened to arbitrate a dispute between cabinet members. In his resignation letter, Lima says the accusations of wrongdoing are merely "interpretations." He says he's stepping down because his family was suffering. British serial killer Stephen Port has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of four young gay men whom he met online. Some relatives of the victims cheered and clapped Friday when the sentence was announced in the Old Bailey courthouse. Port was convicted of plying his victims with poisoned drinks, raping them when they were unconscious and disposing of their remains in a nearby graveyard. The 41-year-old chef was also convicted of numerous sex offenses against seven other men who came forward with information about assaults. The U.K.'s independent police watchdog is investigating why detectives did not initially link the deaths of the four men, whose bodies were found near Port's home in east London over a 15-month period. The European Union is urging politicians in Kosovo to work together to keep the country on the path of becoming eligible to join the 28-nation bloc. Representatives from the western Balkan country and the EU on Friday held their first meeting in Brussels since an agreement that spells out the steps Kosovo needs to take for European integration took effect. The EU and Prime Minister Isa Mustafa's office say the topics discussed included a border demarcation deal between Kosovo and neighboring Montenegro and a separate pact with Serbia giving more powers to ethnic Serbs in Kosovo. The political opposition in Kosovo supports neither deal. The meeting also featured the signing of a new agreement which will allow Kosovo to participate in EU programs in the areas of research and education. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 Video testimony by Ukraine's ousted president has been postponed in the trial of five former special forces policemen charged with fatally shooting scores of demonstrators. The shootings in February 2014 were the bloody climax of months of demonstrations in Kiev against President Viktor Yanukovych. He fled days later to Russia. Yanukovych was to give testimony to a Kiev court on Friday from a courtroom in Russia. But the Ukrainian proceeding was put off until Monday because demonstrators from the nationalist Pravy Sektor group blocked the exit of the jail where the five defendants are being held. The news agency Unian cited a Pravy Sektor spokesman as saying the demonstrators feared the former police would be freed after the court hearing. Some 100 police officers are searching for a gunman suspected of stabbing an elderly woman to death in a retirement home for Catholic missionaries in southern France. A spokesman for the gendarmerie, or military police, said on Friday the searches are continuing in a larger area, with help from police dogs, around the village of Montferrier-sur-Lez, near the city of Montpellier. He said all possible motives for the killing are being explored and he couldn't rule out a terrorist act at this point. He was not authorized to be publicly named. The identity of the masked assailant, believed to be armed with a shotgun and a knife, remains unclear. The body of the woman was found late Thursday, gagged and tied up outside the building with three stab wounds. Amid frosty relations with Ankara, Germany is considering moving military planes involved in the international mission against the Islamic State group from Turkey to Jordan, Kuwait or Cyprus. The Defense Ministry says it's scouting alternative locations to the Incirlik Air Base in Turkey at the request of Parliament. German lawmakers have repeatedly been prevented from visiting the base after passing a resolution that labeled killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks a century ago as genocide. German daily Bild, which first reported the move Friday, says military officials plan to travel to Amman on Saturday. Bild reports that moving Germany's Tornado reconnaissance jets and a refueling plane from the Turkey base would take several weeks. The German air force planes aren't currently flying combat missions. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 A young couple in eastern Germany is on trial on charges they abducted, raped and killed a Chinese student this year. Sebastian F., the 21-year-old son of two police officers, and his 20-year-old girlfriend, Xenia I., didn't make statements as their trial opened Friday at Dessau's state court. The dpa news agency reports they showed no reaction as prosecutor Heike Kropf detailed the brutal injuries the 25-year-old architecture student suffered to her head and body. The couple is alleged to have hauled the victim into an abandoned house while she was on her way home from jogging in May, beating and sexually assaulting her for an hour before dragging her outside to die of her injuries. They told authorities they met the woman for consensual sex, but denied killing her. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 Lebanon's army says one of its special units conducted an operation near the border with Syria, capturing 11 members of the Islamic State group. The army says the operation on Friday near the border town of Arsal targeted an IS center. It says the local IS commander in the town, Ahmad Youssef Amoun, was captured after being seriously wounded. No troops were hurt. The statement says Amoun was behind several explosions that hit Lebanon recently, including the predominantly Shiite southern suburbs of Beirut, and took part in attacks against army positions in border areas. IS has claimed responsibility for several explosions in Lebanon over the past two years that killed scores. The extremists have been holding nine Lebanese soldiers and policemen since a raid on Arsal in August 2014. Norway's state Lutheran Church has condemned the anti-Jewish legacy of Martin Luther, the 16th century German theologian who started the Protestant Reformation. In a statement issued Friday ahead of next year's 500-year anniversary of the Reformation, the Church of Norway's General Synod said some of Luther's writings were later used in anti-Semitic propaganda, including in Nazi Germany. Noting that such propaganda was also spread in Nazi-occupied Norway during World War II, the synod said that "in the Reformation anniversary year of 2017, we as a church must clearly distance ourselves from the anti-Judaism that Luther left behind." Luther's revolt against the abuses of the Roman Catholic church began in 1517. With age he became increasingly hostile toward Jews and called for their persecution. German prosecutors say a nurse who was convicted of killing patients with overdoses of heart medication had at least 43 victims. Niels Hoegel was found guilty last year of two murders, two attempted murders and one count of serious bodily harm at a clinic in the northern town of Delmenhorst. The crimes came to light in 2008 after Hoegel was convicted of attempted murder in another case. Authorities subsequently investigated hundreds of deaths. Prosecutors said Friday that Hoegel likely committed at least 37 homicides in Delmenhorst and an additional six in nearby Oldenburg. Oldenburg prosecutors say they have indicted six former staff members at the Delmenhorst clinic who failed to report concerns about suspicious patient deaths. They face up to 15 years in prison, if convicted of negligent manslaughter. Scientists say the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard has seen such extreme warmth this year that the average annual temperature could end up above freezing for the first time on record. Ketil Isaksen of the Norwegian Meterological Institute said Friday the average temperature in Longyearbyen, the main settlement in Svalbard, is expected to be around 0 Celsius (32 Fahrenheit) with a little over a month left of the year. Isaksen called the abnormal warmth "shocking" and beyond anything he could have imagined 10 years ago. The normal yearly average is minus 6.7 C (20 F). He added that each of the past 73 months has been warmer than average. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 Turkey is pushing to capture the town of al-Bab, the last major Islamic State group stronghold in northern Syria. But are others welcoming the new advance in the war against the militants? Not quite. By seizing the city, Turkey would plant its firmest foothold yet in Syria. That is already causing frictions with other players in the country's war. Syrian President Bashar Assad's government opposes the Turkish incursion. His military's air defenses have threatened Turkish warplanes, and on Thursday, three Turkish troops were killed outside al-Bab in what the Turkish military said was a Syrian airstrike. At the same time, Turkey's Syrian allies are clashing with Syrian Kurdish fighters, who are another ally of the United States in the war on IS and are currently leading an assault on the Islamic State group's de facto capital Raqqa. Here is a look at why al-Bab is important for Ankara and how it can influence the balance of power in Syria. WHY AL-BAB? For Turkey, capturing al-Bab is key to preventing Syrian Kurds from connecting the stretches of territory they have captured along the border. A contiguous Kurdish-held area in Syria emboldens Turkey's own Kurdish rebels. Ankara views the Kurdish forces on both sides of the border as linked and labels them terrorists. A victory would push IS further from Turkey's border and further squeeze the militants in the city of Raqqa. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey was forced to descend to al-Bab, 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of the Syria-Turkey border, "to prepare a region there that is free of terror." Home to at least 2.7 million Syrian refugees, Turkey is looking to establish a "safe-zone" inside Syria. But Turkey's priority is the Kurds. Erdogan has also vowed to take the nearby town of Manbij, which the Kurds captured from IS this summer after 10 weeks of grueling battles. That victory allowed the Kurdish forces to expand west of the Euphrates River a line Ankara said they must not cross. Al-Bab, Arabic for 'the door', would provide Turkey with a new leverage with its NATO ally, the United States, and strengthen Ankara's influence over Syrian rebels at a time when a new Trump administration in Washington could halt support. ___ THE BATTLEFIELD Al-Bab is sandwiched between three rival forces. Moving from the north and west, Turkish-backed fighters are less than one kilometer (half a mile) away. Kurds are moving in from the east. Syrian troops are stationed to the south. The Islamic State group is ready, erecting a wall around the entire town and its countryside to the south, according to satellite imagery by U.S.-based firm TerraServer shared by intelligence analyst Roa Komar. He said fighting could be as heavy as the battle for Manbij. Some 1,500-3,000 Syrian fighters backed by 300-600 Turkish troops are involved in the three-month-old Turkish incursion into northern Syria, known as Operation Euphrates Shield, according to a Western military official speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. So far they have captured some 1,800 square kilometers (7,000 square miles), largely sparsely populated rural areas cleared by Turkish artillery and warplanes. Turkey's Syrian allies comprise diverse factions often plagued by infighting, including the ultraconservative Ahrar al-Sham and the U.S.-backed al-Mutassem Brigade. Turkey's ground presence provides the factions with some protection from Russian or Syrian airstrikes, which have pounded rebels elsewhere, said al-Mutassem's chief, Mustafa Sejari, on his Twitter account. At the same time, the Kurds vow to take al-Bab as well, though they are more likely to prove a distraction for Turkey's assault. Kurdish fighters and the Turkish-backed forces are already battling over control of an IS-held village between al-Bab and Manbij. Meanwhile, Turkey is aggressively recruiting among rebels. One opposition faction recently evacuated from Damascus suburb of Darayya to rebel-held northern Idlib is mulling whether to join Turkey's operation. After surviving a four-year government siege, Abu Jamal, leader of Islam Martyrs Brigades, said his estimated 700 fighters are joining other battles in northern Syria to gain new experience. "We have never fought Daesh before," he said, using the Arabic acronym for IS. ___ HOW DOES THE U.S. FEEL ABOUT IT? Nowhere is the U.S.'s often muddled Syria policy more tested than in al-Bab. The U.S. has mainly been trying, with little success, to prevent fighting between its two allies, Turkey and the Kurds. After U.S. Chief of Staff Gen. Roger Dunford visited Ankara in early November, an American military liaison was sent to Turkey for closer coordination on anti-IS operations. Part of that coordination could be over the offensive against Raqqa, said Noah Bonsay, of the Brussels-based International Crisis Group. The offensive has been led by the Kurds, but Washington recognizes the need for a more local Sunni Arab force to eventually capture and control the city with its majority Arab population, Bonsay said. Ankara, which also said it wants to take part in the Raqqa operation, is in a position to help in that. But while focusing on fighting IS, Washington has struggled in playing the bigger power game with Russia, Turkey and other players in Syria. Turkey has grown closer to Russia even as it consolidates the opposition, including ultraconservatives, under its leadership. "The U.S. is going to wake up in 2017 ... to find that Turkey has all the local influence and all the local leverage, and we have exactly none or precious little," said Jennifer Cafarella, a Syria analyst with the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War. ___ THE VIEW FROM MOSCOW AND DAMASCUS Despite Assad's opposition to the Turkish incursion, his ally Moscow appears to be tolerating it in order to further cultivate its warming ties with Ankara. Russia and Turkey have been finding common ground on Syria. Russia's Vladimir Putin and Erdogan have met several times since August, after Ankara apologized for downing a Russian warplane a year ago. Russian and Turkish military chiefs met three times in as many months, and Russian media say Moscow is sharing military intelligence with Ankara. With the better ties, Russia likely aims to exploit Turkey's strains with the West. Turkey, in turn, prevents Moscow from growing closer to the Kurds. Russia could see advantages in the Turkish foray for example, in the city of Aleppo, where Assad's Russian-backed forces are threatening to crush the eastern, rebel-held enclave. Ankara is unlikely to risk its rapprochement with Moscow by sending its allied Syrian factions to rescue the opposition part of the city. Russia, however, must also deal with its ally Assad's opposition to Turkish influence in Syria. Turkey had to briefly halt its airstrikes around al-Bab after Syrian air defenses locked on its warplanes last week. The strikes resumed this week, raising speculation Moscow mediated. Thursday's Turkish casualties could be a sign Damascus views Turkey's advance so close to al-Bab as a step too far. Ankara's account of how the three soldiers died is disputed by Syrian activists, who said they were killed by an Islamic State suicide attack the day before. Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said Damascus "cannot accept having one Turkish soldier remain" in Syria. ___ Associated Press writers Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow, and Lolita Baldor in Washington contributed to this report. New Prime-Ticket SEO Sales - YouTube Channel Launches For Entrepreneurs CrownStrategy(TM) launches a new YouTube Channel aimed at Entrepreneurs that plans to cover prime ticket SEO sales. The channel and the extensive video content can be found at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4lsAwe5_S2HeijUNpP68IQ -- Entrepreneurs looking for the latest information on prime ticket SEO and local marketing agency sales are invited to subscribe to the all-new YouTube channel by CrownStrategy(TM). This new channel promises to provide expert guidance and information on a new authoritarian prime ticket SEO and local marketing agency sales model. This new YouTube channel was created specifically with the needs of SEO and local marketing agency pros who are interested in learning how to sell bundled "Top list" and "Best of" bundled brand extension campaigns to successful businesses. CrownStrategy(TM) also welcomes input on which topics to explore. David Gaddi, spokesman at CrownStrategy(TM) states: "Many SEO and local marketing agency firms exist who provide extreme value to their clients. Some of them I've trained personally. I will use my years of experience in business and leveraging celebrity enhancements to help you earn bigger pay days and focus on creativity, and the value of quality over quantity. I will teach you the five keys to building a sturdy six figure per month modern marketing agency while everyone else is chasing nickel and dime clients." David goes on to say: "The aim of the new YouTube Channel is to teach you that smart people are successful, and smart people invest in assets. Prime ticket clients invest in Crown Strategy(TM) based campaigns because they recognize them as an asset that will yield very strategic returns on their investment and uplevel their influence and success. . The more feedback we can get, the better we can serve our audience." Getting prime clients to buy long before they pay is a skill set that SEO professionals can learn quickly, simply subscribe to the YouTube channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4lsAwe5_S2HeijUNpP68IQ Alternatively, discover more on the company website at: https://crownstrategy.net/ Some of the planned subjects for upcoming videos include: - Prime ticket formula fundamentals - Client Prospecting Mastery - Campaign positioning Mastery - Exact email subject formula Mastery - Exact cold email opener script process Mastery - VIP Global Brand & Celebrity Close Mastery The YouTube Channel launched November 18th, new viewers can view all the latest videos here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4lsAwe5_S2HeijUNpP68IQ Further details on the channel, the direction and other information on CrownStrategy(TM) itself can be found on their website: https://crownstrategy.net/ For more information, please visit https://crownstrategy.net/ Contact Info: Name: David Gaddi Organization: CrownStrategy(TM) Address: 1750 Kalakaua Ave, Suite 201, PMB 232 Release ID: 148500 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Socks For Samson Author T.R. King Self-Published Children's Book Released Author T.R. King has released her newest children's book Socks For Samson. Self-published with Publishing Our Children's Stories, the story takes children on an adventure with Wyatt and his buddy the Sock Monster in search of ever-elusive unpaired and holey socks. -- Socks For Samson by Author T.R. King has just been released by self-publisher Publishing Our Children's Stories. King's book takes children on an adventure with young Wyatt as he chases down unpaired and holey socks for his buddy Samson the Sock Monster. More information on Socks for Samson by Author T.R. King and Publishing Our Children's Stories is available at: http://amzn.to/2fsdqUp. The stigma of self-publishing is disappearing, Mark Coker of Publisher's Weekly reports. Ten years ago, self-publishing was viewed as the last resort for writers, but today self-publishing is becoming the first choice for many writers learning to outsell and outcompete the larger publishers. Each time an indie author hits a bestseller list, Coker says, it inspires fellow writers to recognize that they, too, can self-publish with pride, professionalism, and success. The rise of indie authorship has become a global cultural movement. Publishing Our Children's Stories, a self-publisher's publisher, helps authors searching for self-publishing options navigate the process and get their books published. Their services include E-book, Kindle and physical book layout and design, editing, formatting, publishing, distribution setup, illustration assistance and cover design. Publishing services also include getting books set up for each platform, marketing and additional self-publishing needs. The company emphasizes saving time for authors getting their books published professionally while the author retains rights and royalties. Socks For Samson is Publishing Our Children's Stories' most recent self-published book release written by Author T.R. King, a story about an adventure a young boy Wyatt takes with his friend Samson the Sock Monster chasing down those ever-elusive unpaired socks and socks with holes in them. Author T.R. King is a self-described Domestic Engineer who became an author through creating and playing with her three children. Her first children's book was written with the help and imagination of her 4-year-old. After the first book was published, King's son quit creating with her and started playing and having adventures with Samson. Samson turned into a children's book series, Samson the Sock Monster, and T.R. King turned into a children's book author. More information on Socks For Samson by Author T.R. King is available at the website listed above. More information about Publishing Our Children's Stories self-publishing services is available on their website at: http://childrenwritingchildrensbooks.com. For more information, please visit http://www.childrenwritingchildrensbooks.com/ Contact Info: Name: Jesse Butler Email: publisher@childrenwritingchildrensbooks.com Organization: Publishing Our Children's Stories Address: 270 Washington Blvd Release ID: 149444 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) The Best Web Hosting Deals for Black Friday 2016 Announced by WhatsWP WhatsWP has come out a list of the best web hosting deals for Black Friday 2016, in which the price of a shared hosting plan is as low as $1.95/mo with up to 78% off. -- With 2016 Black Friday coming, many hosting companies grab this chance and offer big discounts for this special day to attract consumers. But how to select the best hosting deal in the sea of discounting information is still a confusing question for consumers. Thus, the hosting review and WordPress resource site WhatsWP has come out a list of the best web hosting deals for Black Friday to help them find the best hosting deal as soon as possible. WhatsWP has selected the top 5 web hosting deals according to the regular price, discount, money back guarantee and free extras. They are BlueHost, InMotion Hosting, A2Hosting, WebHostingHub, and HostGator, the prices of which range from $1.95/mo to $4.86/mo. BlueHost - 63% off, starting at $2.95/mo BlueHost offers a 63% discount for the shared web hosting plans. In this promotion, new consumers can obtain large discounts and purchase a service at $2.95/mo with the special promotion link. BlueHost provides 30 days money back policy, a domain name, and up to $200 marketing credits. 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For more information about the Black Friday deals and discounts, visit https://whatswp.com/web-hosting-black-friday-sales/ For more information, please visit https://whatswp.com Contact Info: Name: Eunge Email: founder@eunge.com Organization: Eunge Media and Technology Group Ltd Source: http://marketersmedia.com/the-best-web-hosting-deals-for-black-friday-2016-announced-by-whatswp/149292 Release ID: 149292 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Automated Cell Culture Market Trends, Key Players, Market Demands, Industry Growth Analysis & Forecast to 2027 Global Automated Cell Culture Market Research Report, by Application (Drug development, Stem cell, etc.), by Instrument (Storage, Vessels, Supporting Instruments), by Region (Europe, Americas, Asia Pacific & MEA) - Forecast to 2027 -- Market Highlights Automated Cell Culture is a process of technicality that carries the steps which are involved in the growth and maintenance of cell culture. Cell culture is a process of extracting the cells from the source and helps to grow under the specified technical environment involving advanced machineries which are outside of natural environment. Cell culture development is very expensive process and involves the equipment's like incubators, cell culture hoods, cell counters, refrigerators & freezers, microscopes, liquid nitrogen's N2, water baths etc. This market has seen tremendous growth in the Asia-Pacific region as most of the international companies are turning their business segment to this region. Key Players in Market The key players in the market of Automated Cell culture are following: o Becton, Dickinson and Company o Tecan o Hamilton Company o TAP Biosystems o Sigma-Aldrich Corporation o Biospherix o Promocell GmbH o EMD Millipore o Sartorius AG o Merck KGAA o Eppendorf AG o VWR International, LLC Request a Sample Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample-request/global-automated-cell-culture-market-report-forecast-to-2027 Market Segmentation For the better understanding of Automated Cell Culture market, this report has been segmented: On the basis of Application: o Drug development and screening o Engineering of tissues and development of medicines o Stem cell o Biopharmaceutical (Drug improvement, Vaccine production, toxicity, others) On the basis of Consumables: o Media o Sera o Reagents On the basis of Instruments: o Automated Cell Culture Storage Equipment o Automated Cell Culture Vessels o Automated Cell Culture Supporting Instruments o Bioreactors Access the market data and information presented through data tables and figures spread 126 pages of the project report. Avail in-depth table of content (TOC) & market synopsis on "Global Automated Cell Culture Market Report - Forecast to 2027" Browse Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/global-automated-cell-culture-market-report-forecast-to-2027 Market Influencer The main market driver for the automated cell culture market is the growth in the life science industry. As this industry is growing by adapting the new technologies, it is driving all the sub-segments of life science industry to positive direction. Cell culture is very important part of discovering the new technologies and solutions in the life science industry and as the new diseases are being reported in the hospital with no proper vaccines and solutions, it is forcing the research institutions to grow and develop new elucidations in order to keep the people healthy and fit. Latest Trends in Global Automated Cell Culture Market The latest trend for the market for Automated Cell Culture Market is the latest development in the technologies. Companies are manufacturing different equipment's for the Automated Cell Culture Market which is helping the research institutions to study more effective. As these products are entering in the market, it is eliminating the various risks, saving the time and money and draw the conclusion which is accurate and useful. Get In-depth Table of Contents (TOC), List of Figures and Tables @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/request-toc/global-automated-cell-culture-market-report-forecast-to-2027 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: Name: Akash Anand Organization: Market Research Future (MRFR) Address: Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune - 411028 Maharashtra, India Phone: +1 646 845 9312 Source: http://marketersmedia.com/automated-cell-culture-market-trends-key-players-market-demands-industry-growth-analysis-forecast-to-2027/149574 Release ID: 149574 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Bottled Water Packaging Industry Global Production,Growth,Share,Demand and Applications Market Research Report to 2020 WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On - "Bottled Water Packaging Industry Global Production,Growth,Share,Demand and Applications Market Research Report to 2020". -- This market research study presents a detailed segmentation of the global bottled water packaging market by material (plastic, glass, and others) and by geography (Americas, APAC, Europe, and MEA). The key vendors identified in the market are Amcor, Berry Plastics, Graham, Greif, Plastipak, and RPC. Outlook of the bottled water packaging market Extensive research carried out by the analysts at Technavio has shown that the global bottled water packaging market to grow at a moderate CAGR of more than 5% by revenue during the forecast period. The rising consumption of bottled water is one the key factors driving the bottled water packaging market globally. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of waterborne diseases and scarcity of tap water has led to an augmented demand for bottled water. Moreover, bottled water is convenient because boiling water at home is time-consuming and cumbersome. Furthermore, bottled water has a consistent taste and quality, making it the preferred choice for travellers. The need to provide safe drinking water and an expanding population in countries such as India will propel the growth prospects of the bottled water packaging market in the coming years. Get Sample Report @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/390349-global-bottled-water-packaging-market-2016-2020 For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.com In this industry report, the analysts estimated factors such as the increasing focus on improving and redesigning of the packaging material to spur the growth of the bottled water packaging market until the end of 2020. Customers prefer buying products with attractive packaging, so manufacturers are continuously trying to reinvent and enhance the packaging for bottled water. Moreover, aesthetically appealing features provide an opportunity for manufacturers to differentiate their products from their competitors. For instance, in May 2014, Owens-Illinois launched two new beverage bottles that offer premium appearance. An augmented demand for aesthetically appealing packaging for bottled water will accelerate this market's growth during the predicted period. Segmentation by material and analysis of the bottled water packaging market -Plastic -Glass -Others During 2015, the plastic segment dominated the bottled water packaging market and accounted for nearly 86% of the market share. The demand for plastic packaging in the bottled water market is growing steadily compared with other packaging materials. Factors such as the lightweight and cost-effective properties of plastic will drive this market segment's growth in the coming years. Geographical segmentation and analysis of the bottled water packaging market -Americas -APAC -Europe -MEA In this market research study, the analysts have estimated the Americas to be the largest bottled water packaging market in the forecast period and is expected to account for a market share of more than 33% until the end of 2020. Factors such as the rising health consciousness and consequent increase in the consumption of bottled water will aid in the growth of this market in the Americas. Competitive landscape and key vendors The global bottled water packaging market is highly fragmented owing to the presence of many well-diversified international, regional, and local suppliers. Several new vendors are emerging in the market, but they find it tough to compete with international vendors in terms of features, functions, and services. The competitive environment is expected to intensify with an increase in product extensions, innovations in technology, an increase in product extensions, and M&A. Complete Report Details @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/390349-global-bottled-water-packaging-market-2016-2020 Key vendors in this market are - -Amcor -Berry Plastics -Graham -Greif -Plastipak -RPC Other prominent vendors analyzed in this report are Alpha Group, Alpack Plastics, Ampac, APEX Plastics, CKS Packaging, ExoPackaging, Greiner Packaging International, Kaufman Container, Sidel International, Silgan Holdings, and SKS Bottle & Packaging. Key questions answered in the report include -What will the market size and the growth rate be in 2020? -What are the key factors driving the global bottled water packaging market? -What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the global bottled water packaging market? -What are the challenges to market growth? -Who are the key vendors in global bottled water packaging market? -What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global bottled water packaging market? -Trending factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, Europe, and MEA. -What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of global bottled water packaging market? Table Of Contents - Major Key Points PART 01: Executive summary Highlights PART 02: Scope of the report Market overview Vendor offerings PART 03: Market research methodology Research methodology Economic indicators PART 04: Introduction Key market highlights PART 05: Market landscape Market overview Market size and forecast by revenue Market size and forecast by volume Five forces analysis PART 06: Market segmentation by material Global bottled water packaging market by material Global bottled water packaging market by plastic Global bottled water packaging market by glass Global bottled water packaging market by others PART 07: Geographical segmentation Global bottled water market by geography Bottled water packaging market in Americas Bottled water packaging market in Europe Bottled water packaging market in APAC Bottled water packaging market in MEA PART 08: Market drivers PART 09: Impact of drivers PART 10: Market challenges ........CONTINUED For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.com Buy 1-User PDF @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=390349 ABOUT US: Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories. For more information, please visit https://www.wiseguyreports.com Contact Info: Name: Norah Trent 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 Source: http://marketersmedia.com/bottled-water-packaging-industry-global-productiongrowthsharedemand-and-applications-market-research-report-to-2020/149537 Release ID: 149537 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Thalassemia Therapeutic and Drug Pipeline Review H2 WiseGuyReports.com adds "Thalassemia - Pipeline Review, H1 2016" reports to its database. -- Get Sample Report @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/413769-thalassemia-pipeline-review-h1-2016 The report provides comprehensive information on the therapeutics under development for Thalassemia, complete with analysis by stage of development, drug target, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type. The report also covers the descriptive pharmacological action of the therapeutics, its complete research and development history and latest news and press releases. Additionally, the report provides an overview of key players involved in therapeutic development for Thalassemia and features dormant and discontinued projects. Report features investigational drugs from across globe covering over 20 therapy areas and nearly 3,000 indications. Drug profiles featured in the report undergoes periodic review following a stringent set of processes to ensure that all the profiles are updated with the latest set of information. Additionally, various dynamic tracking processes ensure that the most recent developments are captured on a real time basis. The report helps in identifying and tracking emerging players in the market and their portfolios, enhances decision making capabilities and helps to create effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage. Scope - The report provides a snapshot of the global therapeutic landscape of Thalassemia - The report reviews pipeline therapeutics for Thalassemia by companies and universities/research institutes based on information derived from company and industry-specific sources - The report covers pipeline products based on various stages of development ranging from pre-registration till discovery and undisclosed stages - The report features descriptive drug profiles for the pipeline products which includes, product description, descriptive MoA, R&D brief, licensing and collaboration details & other developmental activities - The report reviews key players involved Thalassemia therapeutics and enlists all their major and minor projects - The report assesses Thalassemia therapeutics based on drug target, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type - The report summarizes all the dormant and discontinued pipeline projects - The report reviews latest news related to pipeline therapeutics for Thalassemia Reasons to buy - Gain strategically significant competitor information, analysis, and insights to formulate effective R&D strategies - Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolio and create effective counter-strategies to gain competitive advantage - Identify and understand important and diverse types of therapeutics under development for Thalassemia - Identify potential new clients or partners in the target demographic - Develop strategic initiatives by understanding the focus areas of leading companies - Plan mergers and acquisitions effectively by identifying key players and it's most promising pipeline therapeutics - Devise corrective measures for pipeline projects by understanding Thalassemia pipeline depth and focus of Indication therapeutics - Develop and design in-licensing and out-licensing strategies by identifying prospective partners with the most attractive projects to enhance and expand business potential and scope - Modify the therapeutic portfolio by identifying discontinued projects and understanding the factors that drove them from pipeline Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 List of Tables 7 List of Figures 8 Introduction 9 Thalassemia Overview 10 Therapeutics Development 11 Pipeline Products for Thalassemia - Overview 11 Pipeline Products for Thalassemia - Comparative Analysis 12 Thalassemia - Therapeutics under Development by Companies 13 Thalassemia - Therapeutics under Investigation by Universities/Institutes 15 Thalassemia - Pipeline Products Glance 16 Late Stage Products 16 Clinical Stage Products 17 Early Stage Products 18 Thalassemia - Products under Development by Companies 19 Thalassemia - Products under Investigation by Universities/Institutes 21 Thalassemia - Companies Involved in Therapeutics Development 22 Acceleron Pharma, Inc. 22 Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 23 Acino Pharma AG 24 Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 25 Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 26 Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 27 Bluebird bio, Inc. 28 Editas Medicine, Inc. 29 Emmaus Medical, Inc. 30 Errant Gene Therapeutics, LLC 31 ...Continued Access Report @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/413769-thalassemia-pipeline-review-h1-2016 Get in touch: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/4828928 Twitter: https://twitter.com/WiseGuyReports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wiseguyreports-1009007869213183/?fref=ts For more information, please visit http://www.wiseguyreports.com Contact Info: Name: Norah Trent Email: sales@wiseguyreports.com Organization: WiseGuy Reports Address: Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar Pune - 411028 Maharashtra, India Phone: +1-646-845-9349 Source: http://marketersmedia.com/thalassemia-therapeutic-and-drug-pipeline-review-h2/149554 Release ID: 149554 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Free Freightnet Membership List your company in the Freightnet directory. It's Free, it's Easy and your company can be displayed in front of potential freight buyers within 24 hours. A huge gap between milk price and production cost has prompted German farming leaders to increase their demands for market intervention. Germanys July milk was worth, on average, 20.65c/kg (17.5p/kg) less than it cost to produce, according to the latest figures from the German Office for Agrisociology. Producers received an average 24.4c/kg (21p/kg) compared with a 45.05c/kg (38p/kg) cost of production. See also: Producer Organisations what they can offer dairy farmers The German Farmers Association (DBV) yesterday called for state action on what it termed a market crisis and demanded processors be more flexible and market-oriented. The DBV said current market structures were unable to cope with an increasingly liberalised post-quota market place. This follows what the European Milk Board (EMB) described as high levels of participation in voluntary production cuts which offered 14c/litre (12p/litre) in September for each litre produced below the rate in the same period last year. Such uptake showed the extent of the milk crisis and also how European policy can effectively induce collective market reactions from producers, said the EMB, which represents about 100,000 milk producers from 16 EU member states. Production down The DBV said German production had been 5% down on 2015 levels since May. While the market upturn was forecast to continue, farm leaders said that 26c/kg (22.7p/litre) by the end of the year was not nearly enough to compensate for the losses of the past months. Recent EMB announcements peg several European countries at a cost of production of above 40c/kg (34.9p/kg). However, in Belgium and the Netherlands farmgate prices averaged 22.7p/litre and in France were at 30.9p/litre. A DBV spokesperson said: The reasons for the current market recovery lies, in particular, in a growing demand for dairy products and the reaction of dairy farmers to extremely low prices. Despite the improving market, we still require politics and processing to help us in market crises which may be ahead. Picture the scene. Six gentlemen all in their late seventies, sat round a big, oval, plastic table in the refreshment area of a livestock market. They resemble a meeting of Mafia bosses discussing their next crime. The only difference is the attire worn by these men flat caps and tweed. There is a distinct smell of bacon cooking and tea brewing and the conversation is about preparing for the time when they are six feet under and how they will have left their wealth. One of them says: Well its like this, you cant take it with you. See also: In praise of the mixed farm Another replies: You can if you put your cheque book in the coffin first! Where else would you come across a wonderful scene like this with such witty banter, apart from your local livestock market? In my local town, Louth, there is uncertainty surrounding the market. Development It currently takes place in the centre of the town and has always been its heartbeat, but the area on which it stands has been earmarked for development, potentially for housing or for a supermarket. There is talk about it being moved on to a local industrial estate which has been done with other marts in the UK. This proposal will hopefully save it, because it would be a grave shame if we ever lost it completely. Apparently, too, there is a Royal Charter stating that there must be some sort of livestock market to service the town of Louth and its surrounding district. Its a controversial subject. Many of us farmers are traditionalists and would much rather see old, traditional livestock markets in the middle of towns with their wooden livestock pens and a pub nearby. But as new guidelines and rules have come into place covering hygiene, animal welfare, access and pollution, so some of the old sites have become less fit for purpose. We shouldnt forget, as well, that new doesnt always mean better and shiny, galvanised pens are not always the answer, as livestock are far more relaxed with woodwork around them. I appreciate wood may not always be as hygienic, but Ive penned countless sheep at sheepdog trials and they nearly always walk calmly into a wooden pen rather than one which involves bits of metal crashing together. Watching a mart Ive been familiar with since I was a nipper get moved and modernised will, I fear, be like going down to my local and finding the Tudor Bar and Inglenook fireplace have been ripped out and replaced by a trendy looking cocktail lounge! That said, we have to move with the times and if this ensures its survival Im all for it. Theres a new out-of-town mart being built at Malton in North Yorkshire. This currently has a lovely old-fashioned auction mart. The sheep pens are so close to the town centre that once, when I was sorting shearlings with my dear friend and mentor David Thornally, one jumped out and headed off down the high street, only to be caught by someone in Woolworths doorway. Business centres The other aspect of all this is that if markets relocate to new sites, as well as continuing to be places for people to meet and trade livestock, they can become business centres, attended by arable farmers as well as their livestock counterparts. Skipton Auction Mart is a good example of this. It has a NFU Branch, a bank, clothing and pet store all within its boundaries. Auction marts have got to be multi-purpose if they are to survive. Perhaps they could be used for other purposes as well, such as farming conferences. Most farmers would feel much more relaxed in those surroundings and it makes sense to keep the money in the rural community rather than putting it into the pockets of upmarket hotels. I certainly have fond memories of local livestock markets. The highlight of my week during the school holidays was to go to Louth mart with Dad while Mum nipped to the shops (only a stones throw away). Over the years I have witnessed some sights. Most recently, two of the main buyers of lambs ended up having a mock duel with their umbrellas over a pen of spring lambs. There was also the time another farmer rudely pushed in behind me while I was backing into the washout bay. My revenge was to dowse him from head to foot with a high-pressure hose, with a round of applause from 20 onlookers. The atmosphere can be electric on some sale days packed with witty farmers with their pockets full of cash to buy prime stock, adrenaline pumping. Its the characters who really make it, and I must end by paying my respects to a wonderful man at our local market, Jim Barker, who recently passed away. Jim could always be relied on for good humour. I will never forget how he shouted over to me a couple of days after my son was born: Hey up, Readie, I hear youve got someone to inherit the overdraft! Long live our livestock markets. Ten European loose-housed farrowing pens are being assessed for pig, piglet and worker welfare in a world-leading product test. This follows industry targets for 10% of Danish sows to be housed in such systems by 2021. More than 4,000 loose farrowing pens are in use in Denmark today, up from 300 pens in 2007. The study, conducted by Seges Pig Research Centre, looked at between six and nine pens from each manufacturer depending on pen dimension. See also: Farming pen could boost piglet and sow welfare Trials targeted 10 production cycles from each single pen, with the Siljebjerggaard Svineproduktion team already about to start with the third batch of piglets. Pens are located to optimise environment and temperature and fostering is allowed between pens of the same brand. Seges test criteria Ease of entering and exiting for staff and sow Design and use of box Space for sow Design and use of sheltered piglet creep area Allocation of feed and water Ability to nest and root Pen hygiene Damage/sores on sow and piglets Employment conditions and staff safety Comparison of the 10 loose farrowing pens on trial ACO Funki: Welsafe (Denmark) 2.42.4m = 5.76sq m Markets itself as being easily retrofitted into existing stalls Staff can work all functions with one hand Piglet area has a height-adjustable barrier plate, but roof is not transparent Swivelling sides allow short-term sow restraint Sides also used as flexible protection for sow inspection Big Dutchman: Free move (Denmark) 2.72.4m = 6.48sq m Offers 2.5sq m space for the sow Access is easy for pigs and staff Four-floor system can be laid out flexibly to trade off sow/piglet eye contact and space Floor entirely slatted, barring piglet rest area Piglet area covered with metal roof Bopil: BeFree (Denmark) 2.72.4m = 6.48sq m Eases tasks carried out from the shed floor Swivel bracket releases sow restrainer Hanger provides staff and piglet protection when sow is loose 45deg angle gives equal space on each side for breastfeeding Sow can see into and access pen easily Jyden: JLF 14 (Denmark) 2.9x2m = 5.8sq m Piglet creep area has solid roof with free zone allowing piglet inspection without entering sows area Unique trough rail allows four troughs to be connected when installed in a block Built from PVC-free polypropylene materials Thin fibreglass material allows for extra room while maintaining strength Sow can see into and access pen easily Midland Pig: 360 Freedom Farrower (UK) 2.12.4m = 5.02sq m Galvanised steel structure weighs 230kg Pens can be flexible to suit requirements Piglet creep area uncovered on drained floor Rest of pen slatted The smallest pen in the trial Vereijken Hooijer: Pro Dromi (Netherlands) 23.25m = 6.5sq m Developed after three years of research by 14 pig farmers Piglet nanny area is cast in one piece and is free from any joins, seams or corners Transparent lid makes catching piglets easy Standard fitting with LED lighting. Area is heated along the floor and walls can be heated Company prides itself on developing a comfortable and stable grip from its plastic slats Vissing Agro: Opti Farrow (Denmark) 2.42.4m = 5.76sq m Piglet corner is equipped with a blocking panel Entire flooring is slatted plastic Part of loose-sow housing development programme since the late 1990s Made of 24 slats, of which eight are cast iron Four cast-iron slats are flat with a 5% slope Designed to allow easy access farrowing from outside pen VSP/KU Swap Version (Denmark) 2.1x3m = 6.3sq m Creep climate for piglets raises temperature for piglets with heat lamp Sloped lying wall kitted with fingers to ensure good udder access while sow is restrained Combination of solid, drained and slatted floors Sren Juul Jensen: Well-Fair-Pen (Denmark) 1.83.3m = 5.94sq m High ratio of flooring is sold (+50%) Remaining 30% of flooring is slatted cast iron Comes in a farrow-to-finish model 2m longer Many Danes will rear pigs to 30kg in larger pen Fewest sow-restraining features Stewa: WING (Austria) 2.12.7m = 5.67sq m Combines three types of flooring (plastic slatted and draining, solid concrete) at a 5deg angle Piglets have a solid roof creep area with heating and solid floor Designed in anticipation of higher-welfare laws coming in Austria in 2017-18 Built to satisfy future Austrian requirement of being 5.5 sq m minimum Flooring is one-third solid 1.83sq m SpaceX Falcon 9 Latest News & Update: Elon Musk Reconnects With Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg; Verizon Links With Tesla Maker As Well? Recent news and update for SpaceX and its Falcon 9 centers on the possibility of the collaborative efforts between 3 tech super giants. Claims have surfaced that Tesla's CEO is connecting with Facebook CEO,Mark Zuckerberg to invigorate the space mission. Rumors have also surfaced that Verizon would join the frenzy and collaborate with Elon Musk to spark up the journey of SpaceX Falcon 9 into space at a much hurried pace. It is undeniable that the SpaceX Falcon 9 faced a lot of scrutiny and much negativity when it failed to launch into outer space. It has even gained a lot of attention from all sectors and all eyes are now looking on the future endeavor of Elon Musk. Despite the SpaceX Falcon 9 rumors abounding that Facebook's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg and Verizon joining forces to support Elon Musk's cause, there has been no concrete details for its authenticity. This is not the first time that Elon Musk was tagged in negative rumor and presumption. A former report from GamenGuide already shared some notions about the SpaceX Falcon 9 in the past. According to the report, recent news and update pertaining to the SpaceX Falcon 9 and its explosion crisis is filled with much uncertainty and there are notions that the Tesla CEO Elon Musk is picking up the pieces and gaining back the momentum, and also, NASA is also rumored to regain its lost glory in space as well. Right-wing group led by Trump propagandist launches campaign against Elon Musk, Tesla and SpaceX https://t.co/re8hDmjonX pic.twitter.com/VLkR1PFEav Electrek.Co (@ElectrekCo) November 22, 2016 Given the rising speculations, everything remains to be seen regarding the things unfolding for SpaceX Falcon 9 and as for the claims regarding the aims of NASA to regain its lost glory, that remains unsettled as well, as noted by the same post. As for the rumors connecting SpaceX Falcon 9 and its CEO Elon Musk with Facebook and Verizon, it should be taken with a grain of salt in mind. Space Jam News: Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Storm Blue Releases After Air Jordan 11s Schedule; Which Sneaker Should You Buy? While Air Jordan 11 is one of the most anticipated sneakers, the return of Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG in Blue Storm has fans go crazy as well. Space Jam collectors are now thinking which one to get especially that the two Jordan Brands will only have days between each release. Space Jam Air Jordan 1 Storm Blue One last Jordan Brand that will be released before the year ends is Air Jordan 1 Storm Blue. It is one of the Space Jam Collection that is rare and has never actually seen an actual retro release. The Jumpman's GS size is reported to have already been released in Europe, but on Dec 23, the Air Jordan will soon be released in the US with a tag price of $160. The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Storm Blue comes in white and storm blue leather with Nike Air logo on its tongue. The Wings logo is found on the ankle part and the Nike Air branding is seen on the insoles. Air Jordan 1 is one of the collectibles in the Space Jam Collection, though many fans' top of mind is only the Jordan 11 and Jordan 31. Space Jam Air Jordan 11 Is Sneaker Of The Year? In celebration of "Space Jam's" 20th Anniversary, the Air Jordan 11 will come in a shoe box with Looney Tunes theme. Michael Jordan has worn the iconic sneaker in the 1995 movie. Nike wants to stay as close as possible to the original model, but the Air Jordan 11 will have a higher rising patent leather on its heel. There will also be embroidery of "45" on the heel. Space Jam Air Jordan 11 will be released on Dec 10 with a price tag of $220. With Air Jordan 1 Storm Blue release date on Dec 23, fans may have a hard time choosing between the two. Which of the Space Jam collection will you buy - the Air Jordan 11 or Air Jordan Storm Blue? Tell us what you think and do not forget to subscribe to GamenGuide. Black Friday Sale Release Date, News & Update: T-Mobile Offers Free iPhone 7, Samsung Galaxy S7, & LG V20; Here's How To Get One! Thanksgiving is a few days away and with the holidays comes the anticipated Black Friday Sale that will give consumers major discounts from all retailers in the market. One of many retailers that will be part of the Black Friday Sale is T-Mobile and the well-known retailer is giving away free handheld smartphone variants from big companies. T-Mobile On The Black Friday Sale Starting on November 24, T-Mobile will offer free iPhone 7/ iPhone 7 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S7/ Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, and LG V20 phones to users who are willing to trade-in their older device after 24 months or bill credit in the Black Friday Sale. Customers will need to be on one of T-Mobile One or Simply Unlimited plans to take a free flagship of any of the aforementioned smartphone variants. To take advantage of the Black Friday Sale offer, customers will have to trade-in a qualified phone and have an eligible unlimited plan. Both new and old customers can qualify as long as customer's trade-in old, fully paid off phone. Then, customers will have an agreement to continue subscribing on T-Mobile's network for two years on either the T-Mobile One or the Simple Choice plan. The cost of the new smartphone will be covered by 24 monthly bill credits. For more information on the T-Mobile Black Friday Sale, click here to go into the carrier's official website. Other than the Black Friday Sale offer of T-Mobile, the retailer is also running a "Holiday on Us" promotion that offers $800 in gift card form for a family of four. This promotion is applicable when a family decides to trade-in old devices for new ones. iPad Mini 5 Release Date, Specs, Features, News & Updates: March 2017 Launching Alongside iPad Pro 2 Confirmed? Tablet Details Revealed Apple iPad Mini 5 is one of the most anticipated tablets that are expected to arrive in 2017, and fans could no longer wait to know more about it. Despite the lack of information coming from the Cupertino-based company, the much-awaited tablet has become a subject of numerous rumors and speculations all over the Internet. Now new reports have emerged suggesting that the handheld device will arrive sooner than expected. According to PC Advisor, the new iPad Mini 5 will be launched during the first quarter of 2017 with another Apple tablet, the iPad Pro 2. Although the report has yet to be confirmed by the American tech giant, fans are positive that both devices will arrive with advanced specs and features. The publication added that the upcoming iPad Mini 5 will serve as an entry level for the more powerful iPad Pro 2. Previous reports suggested that the new iPad Pro iteration will arrive in three variations, which will differ in sizes - 9.7-inch, 10.5-inch, and 12.9-inch variants. Although it does not have the same power as the iPad Pro 2, the iPad Mini 5 will come with its own amazing specs under the hood headed by Apple's A9X processor. The powerful chipset will be paired with 3 GB of RAM and a 32 GB storage capacity. Rumor has it that Apple had already decided to eliminate its 16 GB minimum storage capacity in all of its devices. The tablet is expected to have a 128 GB storage capacity variant, which will serve as its high-end model. If rumors prove to be true, the new iPad Mini 5 will also carry the same 7000-series aluminum design used in iPhone 6s. Meanwhile, in another report, speculations are rife that the new iPad Mini 5 will come out in March 2017 with Apple's upcoming iOS 11. The tech giant has yet to verify the reports and fans must take the rumors with a grain of salt. Stay tuned for more news and updates about iPad Mini 5. Death Of 3 Doors Down Ex-Guitarist Matt Roberts Linked To Illegal Drugs, Doctor Indicted For His Prescriptionrescribed Illegal Drugs? Court documents show that an Alabama doctor is sued due to the death of the longtime 3 Doors Down guitarist Matt Roberts. It was revealed that Dr. Richard Snellgrove was accused of prescribing illegal drugs to Matt Roberts. Dr. Snellgrove of Fairhope, Alabama was said to give his prescriptions of Fentanyl intended for opioid pain medication and another drug which are taken days before Matt Roberts was found dead in August. It was found out that the cause of his death was due to the overdose of these drugs. The unsealed records revealed that the 59 year old Doctor is charged of a six-count federal indictment last month. However, the charges are not publicized until they are unsealed by a judge last week according to a report in USA today. The representative of Dr. Snellgrove Dennis Knizley defended him saying that he has not done something wrong. He further claimed that if the death of Matt Roberts is connected to the medication prescribed by the Doctor, then it would be attributed to improper use, not to Dr. Snellgrove. Matt Roberts was only 38 years old when he died and he used to live in Spanish Fort, Alabama, near Mobile. Darrell Roberts Sr., the father of Matt, told DEA officer Michael Burt that his son used to call the Doctor as "Snelly". He also said that the Doctor is a celebrity junkie and his son and the doctor are close enough that Matt Roberts would receive after hours appointment with him, which went on for almost 12 years. Robert was found dead outside his hotel room a day before his charity performance in Wisconsin according to a report in Billboard. Two days earlier, he was seen wearing a Fentanyl patch and having pills that are prescribed by Dr. Snellgrove. Last September, records from the two offices of Dr. Snellgrove were seized and evidence shows that these drugs were illegally prescribed by him six times since 2011.The agent said that Fentanyl and Norco were considered as aggravating factors of the musician's death. It should be remembered that earlier this year, the rock musician Prince death was also due to the use of Fentanyl. Matt Roberts used to be a member of the Mississippi-based rock band credited for co-writing "Kryptonite" but left the group due to health reasons. Court documents revealed that he actually fought abuse of substances before his death. Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge Specs, Features, News & Update: Glossy Black Revealed; Gold Variant Demanded By Mobile Users? Apple's toughest competitor Samsung will release a new and improved Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge in glossy black to compete with that of iPhone 7. The news first came out from The Investor, a Korean media who reported that Samsung will launch a new glossy black version of Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. Just last November, the Korean company has also issued a Coral Blue version of the smartphone and was able to beat iPhone 7's sales. According to them, Samsung's Coral Blue is selling an average of 15,000 units daily. In addition to this, Samsung has already revealed the images of the new color of Galaxy S7 and S7 edge through their official Chinese Weibo account published by Sam Mobile. Glossy Black Samsung Galaxy S7 edge shown off in new photos https://t.co/h2EOrYEsAV by @androidandme Android and Me (@androidandme) November 23, 2016 As seen in the leaked images, the smartphone is a high-gloss piano black finish which is closely similar to that of iPhone 7. The new variety bears a resemblance to the old Samsung Galaxy S7 in a darker version of the standard black onyx. There was no confirmation yet whether the glossy black edition of the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge will be distributed permanently worldwide or just a limited edition. According to Gizbot, the new Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 in glossy black edge will feature a 128G storage capacity and is expected to be released this coming December. Meanwhile, Express reports that Samsung is also looking to adapting Apple iPhone's 3D touch or pressure-sensitive feature. This may enable easy access to on favorite apps just by applying pressure on the screen. Moreover, Samsung has plans of incorporating a new voice assistant Viv to its succeeding series of smartphones. Viv is a talkative assistant that handled a slew of complex user requests and was able to answer follow-up questions that amazed its audiences. Will this be the answer to Samsung's huge lost profits this year due to Note 7's exploding issues? Ross Petty Sleeping Beauty' Latest News & Update: Hillary Farr & Paul Constable Dives Into The Theater World "Love It or List It" Hilary Farr joins the cast of the theater play Ross Petty's panto "Sleeping Beauty" with the former comedian Paul Constable. They will both play villainous roles in the theater play. Farr is an interior designer and co-host of HGTV's "Love It or List It," also has major boos to fill. She is taking over the role of the pantomime villain of the "Sleeping Beauty" story after Ross Petty retired from it last year. Over the past 20 years, Petty's antagonists grew so legendary that they drew hisses from the audience at every entrance. "I've chosen not to be in any way daunted, worried, overwhelmed, nervous or any of that. I just have to make it on my own," Farr says. She added that she is different from Ross Petty because her evil is so purely evil. While Ross Petty always seemed to be in on the joke and reveled in the boos from the audience, Farr is not afraid to earn the audience's loathing. Farr knows how she can charm the audience when she wants to like what she did with her off-the-cuff banter with "Love It of List It" co-host David Visentin. Returning to the stage for the "Sleeping Beauty" after spending so many years on the small screen, Farr had to get used to memorizing lines of the play again. Despite the pressure, Farr is surely getting excited for her comeback. Paul Constable says this is the biggest bang-for-your-buck stage show he is ever being in. He and Farr are tasked with managing between the visual effects, while dancing, singing, making sure they are doing their predecessors justice and also inhabiting their own roles in their own unique ways in the "Sleeping Beauty" play. Even Farr admits that she underestimated what she was agreeing to when Petty asked her to take over for him in the "Sleeping Beauty" play at last year's pantomime closing night party. Both Constable and Farr are eager to get in front of the pantomime's young audiences for their respective cheers and jeers. "I grew up with pantomime, it's an English tradition," says Farr who was born in Toronto but grew up in London, England. "But I think what's different about this one is that it's so completely over the top. It's huge and it has nothing to do with reality and it's fabulous." Petty has already chosen to do a comic take on the fairy tale "Sleeping Beauty." The show, which runs from November 25 to December 31, will be at the Elgin Theatre. Reddit News & Update: CEO Steve Huffman Trolls Redditors Amid Havoc Over Pizzagate By Donald Trump Supporters Steve Huffman, CEO of notorious social media website Reddit, admitted that he had edited user comments from Donald Trump supporters that were critical of him. Huffman changed references to his own username anonymously and substituted them with moderators of the subreddit, r/the_donald. Huffman, who goes by "spez" on Reddit, admitted to his lapses after being called by users of the r/the_donald. According to the CEO, the posts were abusive to him and he only altered them as a joke, and not to censor them. "I messed with the "f*** u/spez" comments, replacing "spez" with r/the_donald mods for about an hour," Huffman admitted on a Reddit thread. The edited posts have now been restored to their original form. Reddit & The "Pizzagate" Conspiracy Huffman's conflict with r/the_donald subscribers emerged after Reddit banned a community called r/Pizzagate earlier this week. r/Pizzagate is made up of people who believe that Hillary Clinton and her associates are behind a pedophile ring that operates in a pizza shop in Washington, D.C. Reddit's Pizzagate conspiracy centers on the stolen emails that were made public by WikiLeaks. According to the theory, talk of pizza is a reference to pedophilia, initiated by Clinton and her campaign chairman John Podesta, along with other associates. No solid evidence has been provided out of the accusations against Clinton and her team. Reddit CEO Apologizes "As the CEO, I shouldn't play such games, and it's all fixed now. Our community team is pretty pissed at me, so I most assuredly won't do this again," Huffman wrote on the r/the_donald. The CEO didn't exactly direct his statement towards those users whose comments he altered, but he did admit he had overstepped his bounds, reports The Verge. Reddit's CEOs have been a target of criticisms in the past, which goes to show that public figures are not exactly exempted from online trolling. Huffman may have had a bit of fun trolling the r/the_donald, but the incident has the potential to become another Ellen Pao-catastrophe, which the current CEO clearly doesn't want to pattern. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Review, News & Update: Reviewers Called It The Best Looking Smartphone Ever, How Does It Fare With Other Smartphones? Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge smartphone was launched February 2016 and will be releasing its gloss black version in December. This month they released the blue coral version in selected markets. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge comes with a 5.5-inch touchscreen display. The resolution is 1440 pixels by 2560 pixels and 534 pixels per inch, both higher than the iPhone 7 and One Plus 3. It uses OLED screen technology with the curved glass bending over to the sides. A display feature that is unique to Samsung. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge measures 150.90mm length x 72.60mmwidth x 7.70mmthickness and weighs 157.00 grams. iPhone 7 weighs 188 grams while One Plus 3 weighs 158 grams. NDTV reported that Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge has 30 percent faster CPU performance compared to the Galaxy S6 series. Its GPU has a 64 percent uplift. It is powered by 1.6GHz octa-core, compred to iPhone 7 and One Plus 3's quad-cores. The memory can be expanded up to 200GB through a microSD card. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge has a smart cooling technology. It contains a heatpipe with water that turns into vapor when the SoC heats up and gets cooled back via heatsink. The battery in the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge has been amped up to impressive 3600mAh, Better than iPhone 7's 2900mAh and One Plus 3's 3000mAh. Battery isn't removable for waterproofing purposes. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge's rear/primary camera is 12 megapixels with a 5 megapixel front camera. The specs may be lower than iPhone 7's 16-megapixel rear camera and One Plus 3's 7 megapixel front cam but it compensates with other camera censors. It has 1.4um pixels sensors for lower noise in low light shooting and wider aperture of 1.7. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is a dual SIM. It has Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, NFC, USB OTG, 3G and 4G connectivity options. The phone includes a Compass Magnetometer, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor, Gyroscope and Barometer. The Barometer isn't available in the One Plus 3 smartphone. LG G5 competes to have almost equally the same features plus a removable battery that the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge doesn't have. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge has waterproofing which the LG G5 doesn't have. Samsung is a Korean brand founded as Samsung Electric Industries in 1969 in Suwon, South Korea. The electronic company sells almost everything that runs on electricity. It released its first smartphone in 2009. Here is a video of another review of the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge: Stranger Things Season 2 Release Date, Spoilers, News & Update: Everything You Need To Know About The New Season There is a trend in science fiction and horror television series, and apparently, with good looking actors, a great cast and an interesting plot, it will appeal to a number of audiences. That can be said with "Stranger Things". It is a new American sci-fi and horror web television series that is probably star-studded. The first season just ended, and "Stranger Things" Season 2 is set to air in 2017. All the cast of the first season are pretty much returning and there are reports that veteran comedian-actor Brett Gelman also confirmed that he will join the show which will have a major connection to Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown). In "Stranger Things" Season 2, Gelman will play as Murray Bauma, a journalist who is said to be investigating Eleven's intriguing history. "Stranger Things" Season 2 will have nine episodes. Reports are also circulating that the new season will have three new characters whose names are Max, Roman, and Billy. There are no talks about the impact of the three new characters and only two characters seen as series regulars. There are also talks that these two newcomers will be Dacre Montgomery and Sadie Sink. The show debuted on Netflix and there was major buzz revolving around the nostalgia-driven thriller which is about a group of kids in the 1980s who gets mixed up in a frightening mystery that involves a telekinetic girl, otherworldly dimensions, and a monster that appeared in their small town. The plot starts with the disappearance of 12-year-old boy and his mother, Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) starts to investigate with Jim Hopper (David Harbour), the chief of Hawkins Police Department. "Stranger Things" Season 2 will take place around the last part of the year 1984, about one year after the events of the first season and will show the "bigger mythology" of the disappearance. Watch out for "Stranger Things" Season 2 next year. For more news and updates about the series, please stay tuned! Apple Latest News & Update: Trump Asks Tim Cook To Produce Smartphones In USA; Will Tech Giant Comply? President-elect Donald Trump promised during the presidential campaign period that he will ask Apple CEO, Tim Cook, to transfer the production of Apple device, like the iPhone, in the United States. It seems that he remains true to his word, he recently asked Tim Cook to comply. One of the promises of president-elect Donald Trump during his campaign period at Liberty University in Virginia is to bring manufacturing jobs in the United States. In one of his speeches, he brought up Apple iPhone manufacturing jobs as one of his priorities. According to New York Times, president-elect Donald Trump told reporters that he received a call from Apple CEO Tim Cook. Trump said in their conversation, "Tim, you know one of the things that will be a real achievement for me is when I get Apple to build a big plant in the United States." He advised Cook that "instead of going to China and going to Vietnam and going to the places that you go to, you're making your product right here." However, Apple CEO Tim Cook responded briefly with, "I understand." President-elect Donald Trump also said that he offered Cook incentives if he will transfer manufacturing in the US. Also, Trump promised Cook that "we're going for a very large tax cut for corporations, which you'll be happy about." On the other hand, suppliers commented recently that manufacturing most Apple device in the United States is impractical. Suppliers pointed out that the transfer of manufacturing in the US will not necessarily create more jobs due to lack of vocational skills, 9to5Mac reported. Economists said that if the Apple devices production moves back to the US, the "manufacturing jobs done in China with human labor could be lost to machines." Analysts even say that moving production in the US is not actually an issue but it is more about the availability of the right skills. Meanwhile, moving Apple devices production in the US is not the only thing in question under Trump's possible economic policy. Last Monday, the Chinese government warned the US government's plans to put 45 percent tariff on Chinese imports, saying that it will only affect the sales of the iPhone. No Privacy For Online Surfing In The UK Anymore? Investigatory Powers Bill Passes, Giving Orgs The Right To Browse Internet History With the passage of the Investigatory Powers Bill into law this week, the UK government has allowed a list of organizations to browse the Internet history of its citizens. The decision has been taken given to the emergency requirement of some online details for investigation purposes. When the Investigatory Powers Bill has become a law now, it will require internet providers to keep a track of records of the users and offer full list if Internet Connection Records (ICR) for one year. This is to be done in case the UK government requires any detail about a case relating to the internet history. How The Investigatory Powers Bill Will Help The UK Government The Internet history-related bill, also known as Snooper's Charter, will ensure the UK government could take part in the surveillance of certain matters where government intervention is found necessary. The ICRs will not provide any description about which page has been focused by the internet surfer but it will provide the website address and the organizations will find out whatever details they require. Belfast Telegraph stated that the ISPs would not be responsible to provide details to the organizations about what they did on the site, only the website address and the time of visit is all they would be asked for. As the name of the Investigatory Powers Bill suggests, if it is investigation-related laws, the key organizations that will be given the right to go through the internet history would include law enforcement departments, military and secret services, etc. Organizations Allowed By The Investigatory Powers Bill To Browse Internet History Other organizations listed by UK government as far as giving rights to browse citizens' internet history is concerned include the Gambling Commission, the Food Standards Agency, the Welsh Ambulance Services National Health Service Trust, etc. With the emergence of the Investigatory Powers Bill introduction in the UK Parliament, UK-based engineer Gareth Llewelyn got inspired and set up his own internet company to contribute in the betterment of the society and the nation as a whole. To get the list of the organizations allowed by the bill to browse the internet history, readers can visit Schedule 4 of the bill. Fable 4 Rumors And Updates: Will Peter Molyneux Make Fable 4? There hasn't been a game from the Fable franchise since Fable: The Journey was released in 2012. The most recent of which was Fable Legends which was then cancelled abruptly. Xbox is in dire need for a hit exclusive with their sales falling behind the Playstation 4. It's a surprise then that Microsoft does not have any plans for a Fable 4. For series creator Peter Molyneux however, creating Fable 4 is always an option for him. Talking to OXM, Peter Molnyneux told them that he "would love to do Fable 4." He said that for him to do it, the original team has to be on board for the project. However, Peter Molyneux, left Microsoft and Lionhead Studios, the developer responsible for the Fable franchise. He then started his own studio, 22 cans. The possibility for development of Fable 4 looks dim with the current situation. Peter Molyneux is no longer part of Microsoft and Lionhead Studios. So either Peter Molynuex rejoins his former employer Microsoft or Lionhead leaves Microsoft along with the rights for Fable and joins with Peter Molynuex. Development for Fable 4 seems unlikely with the two parties not involved. To make matters worse, Peter Molyneux feels that Microsoft isn't that invested in the Fable franchise. According to Peter Molyneux, his team would upset Microsoft. "I think it was the sense of humour. You know the British, slightly politically incorrect sense of humour, especially with Fable, where we had prostitutes and same-sex marriage. Microsoft were appalled, you know" said Peter Molyneux. Fable is one of the first big franchises for Microsoft's Xbox along with Halo. However, succeeding games failed to live up to the original game. And with the cancellation of Fable Legends, the series may have already seen its last game. Microsoft seems to have moved on from Fable as there are no current plans for another game from the franchise. But with Xbox One trailing behind the Playstation 4, a new Fable game could help Xbox's fortune. Perhaps a reunion of sorts with Peter Molyneux and Lionhead studios will be the spark that Fable needs. But for now, gamers can only wait if Microsoft decides to resurrect its fabled franchise to try and save Xbox. Frozen 2 Release Date, Spoilers, News & Updates: Production Of Sequel Has Started? Olaf Confirmed To Have Love Interest? Plot Details Here! Disney's "Frozen" will be celebrating its 3rd year anniversary on Nov. 27, 2016. Fans around the world are getting restless and a lot of speculations are going around regarding the sequel, "Frozen 2", of this multi-awarded musical film. So which ones are true and which of them are, being a little over imaginative? Here are updates and some theories for the sequel. Is "Frozen 2" in production? According to an interview with Chris Buck, the acclaimed director of the 1st installation, on Fandango, the team is already working on the sequel. "We're working on the sequel right now. Jen and I are getting back in the room and we've got some cool ideas coming up". That's great news for fans but not enough to cool down the frozen fever but at least there's something to look forward to. When it comes to the plot of "Frozen 2," Buck tends to be more reserved. "I can't divulge anything," Buck stated on the same interview. Though, the plot was not entirely revealed he did mention that the Elsa on "Frozen 2" will have more personality. He shared that he had fun in making the short film "Frozen Fever" because they were able to inject more fun in Elsa's persona and that type of fun should be expected in the full sequel. Meanwhile, there are rumors that Olaf the snowman is going to have a love interest. Kristen Bell mentioned in an interview with Collider that they have been working on an Olaf Christmas Special that will be aired on ABC in 2017. The story in this special film might give clues as to what "Frozen 2" could bring to the table. For now, nothing is set in stone just yet and details about "Frozen 2" is being kept under wraps, but it is expected to release sometime in 2018. Fans can just wait for more updates on the hit sequel. Samsung Gear S3: Why More and More People are Buying It Samsung Gear S3 have just been released this month and it looks like more and more people are starting to like it. The demand for it has skyrocketed that it has been reported to be sold out in the UK and possibly soon in the US. Particularly now with the holidays, everyone in a hype to buy. But the question is, why are people choosing to buy Samsung Gear S3 over other gadgets and that is what this article plans to answer. Samsung Gear S3 Is Equipped With More Useful Features Samsung Gear S3 made a huge upgrade from its predecessor S2 which made it a worthy purchase for loyal users. It is equipped with better battery life that lasts for 4 days, water and dust resistant comes with GPS so users can track their route even without their phone, and a lot more. Samsung Gear S3 Comes With Samsung Pay One of Samsung Gear S3s unique feature that pushes smartwatches to the next level is its Samsung Pay feature. This feature allows its owner to make mobile payments with the use of their watches. However, its use is still a bit limited for now but should continue to expand with time and more demand. This feature was actually first introduced in Gear S2 but requires to be paired with a smartphone. Now the feature works independently so that should have a different impact to its consumers. Samsung Gear S3 Is On Sale At Amazon Samsung Gear S3 was first introduced to the market with a $400 price. But Thanksgiving has arrived and Amazon has just released a big $150 discount from its original price. Now Samsung Gear S3 is available for only $299 and everyone just cant resist buying it. Amazons deal is expected to end anytime soon which is another reason why more people are enticed to purchase it. Dave Thomason recently purchased the Pita Pit in Corvallis, and he has plans to expand the chain in Linn County and elsewhere in the Willamette Valley. Ive actually already been to the Albany area, and there are a couple of existing spots that would make a great location for a Pita Pit. We probably wont be moving on that until sometime next year, Thomason said. Corvallis could support another, more traditional Pita Pit restaurant that isnt geared toward Oregon State University students, he added. Albany, with its population, would be able to support two locations, as well, Thomason said. Thomason is a longtime restaurateur who has owned dozens of eateries, including the Albany Elmer's Restaurant and Carls Jr. and Human Bean locations in southern Oregon and northern California. He bought Pita Pit restaurants in Medford and Grants Pass in August, then acquired the Salem and Corvallis sites in late October. He plans to open up another Pita Pit in Grants Pass in early December. I am kind of a student of the industry, and I had been doing some research on another route of diversification, and I was checking out the Pita Pit, he said. The chain has been around since 1999 and has more than 600 locations in 11 countries. They are perceived, and accurately so, to be a healthy choice. Theres no questions demographics out there are leaning that way, toward healthier eating, so its a great product, Thomason added. He has agreed to develop at least six more Pita Pit locations, which would include sites in the Rogue Valley, Lane County and Linn County. Were moving pretty fast, and over the next 10 years or so, I would see us dotting the map up the I-5 corridor, Thomason said. Thomason said that the Corvallis Pita Pit, 1425 N.W. Monroe Ave., Unit B, is due for a remodel soon, and its delivery options also will expand. For more information about Pita Pit, go to www.pitapitusa.com. The Kings-Circle Center is getting a new eatery and could have a new anchor tenant before long. A Mexican restaurant is expected to open in January or February in the shopping complex on the northeast corner of Kings and Circle boulevards, according to Gary Pond of Commercial Associates, the leasing agent for the center. Pond declined to give the restaurants name, saying the owners arent yet ready to make a public announcement of their plans. However, they have begun remodeling the 3,200-square-foot space at 1845 N.W. Circle Blvd. Previously occupied by El Sol de Mexico and, before that, El Tapatio, the restaurant space has been vacant for more than 2 years. Pond said hes also in preliminary discussions with a potential new anchor store for the shopping center to fill the 30,000-square-foot spot formerly occupied by Albertsons Supermarket. Because no lease has been signed, Pond said he could not yet name the prospective tenant, saying only that its a national retailer. Pond said the company could be close to signing a letter of intent, a preliminary step toward a lease agreement. Current tenants of the Kings-Circle Center include Chase Bank, Dollar Tree, Kim Hoa Restaurant, Little Caesars Pizza, New York Bagel and Bistro, Sally Beauty Supply, Kings-Circle Optometry, two hair salons, an insurance agency, a martial arts studio, the Heart of the Valley Bridge Center and the Corvallis Gazette-Times. Its going to be difficult for visitors to find a place to sleep in Linn and Benton counties on Aug. 21, 2017, thanks to the Great American Eclipse, the first coast-to-coast solar eclipse in North America since 1918. Local motels and area campgrounds are already booked as visitors from around the world flock to the area to view a rare solar eclipse that will block the suns rays in 12 states, from the Pacific Northwest to the Carolinas. A solar eclipse is when the sun, moon and earth are directly in line with each other and the moon blocks the suns rays for a short time. The last total eclipse in North America was 38 years ago, but it only could be seen in five states. Oregon's mid-valley is in the direct line of sight for the unusual event. Although the eclipse will be partially visible throughout much of the United States, it is best observed within a 67-mile band of the events shadow. Leigha Thomas, director of sales for Holiday Inn Express and Comfort Inn Suites in Albany, said she began receiving inquires about room availability two years ago. We only take reservations one year out, and weve been busy ever since, Thomas said. Were full already,and Ive had contact with people from all over the world. Thomas said that includes 82 rooms at the Comfort Inn Suites and 71 at Holiday Inn Express, and she understands from others in the business, they are booked up as well. Its kind of a bad time in that the Willamette Country Music Festival is the Friday, Saturday and Sunday before the eclipse, which is on a Monday. So, finding a room is going to be really difficult. Finding open campground spaces also will be a chore. We are seeing an uptick in campground reservations for that time period, said Brian Carroll, Linn County Parks director. Were seeing a huge interest, and John Neal, River Bend and Sunnyside Parks are already booked. Carroll said his office has received lots of calls and emails. Scientists predict the first shadow from the eclipse will hit Oregon slightly north of Newport about 10:15 a.m. They predict the area will be dark for one minute and 50 seconds. The mid-valley will provide excellent viewing sites as it moves across Dallas, Albany, Corvallis, Lebanon, Philomath, and Salem starting about 10:17 a.m. and lasting an estimated one minute and 54 seconds. The epicenter of the eclipse will be Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where darkness will last two minutes and 40 seconds. According to the Oregon State Parks website, some 1,200 campsites were reserved in one hour shortly after midnight Monday. A few reservable spots remained available Monday. They were: Nehalem Bay State Park and Cape Lookout State Park, in Tillamook County; Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, Lane County; L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park, Washington County; Deschutes River State Recreation Area, Sherman County; Memaloose State Park, Wasco County; Viento State Park, Hood River County; Lake Owyhee State Park, Malheur County; and Wallowa Lake State Park, Wallowa County. The park list can be found at http://bit.ly/OregonStateParks2017Eclipse. It will be updated regularly and information can also be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oregon-Parks-and-Recreation-Department. Two major viewing parties have been planned. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry will host a viewing event at the state fairgrounds in Salem. Visit www.omsi.edu/eclipse-2017 and the Oregon SOLARFEST will be held in Madras. To learn more, visit www.oregonsolarfest.com. The turkey on the table inside the home of Corvallis Monjaraz Perez family weighed 12 pounds more than the bird they were expecting to eat this Thanksgiving. Instead of the turkey, seen as the staple of any traditional Thanksgiving meal, the local family of six experiencing hard times was expecting their big holiday meal to be a small chicken and a side of rice. But this year, the Monjaraz Perez family joined about 1,400 other Benton County households in financial straits who received a free Thanksgiving dinner with all of the fixings thanks to the annual Community Holiday Food Drive. We are very thankful to be able to celebrate a tradition in this country, said patriarch Jorge Monjaraz Perez through a translator. I am also thankful, not just for the value, but the feeling of knowing it was something that was gifted to us from others in the community. Jorge, who works on a local farm nearly every day and is the family's sole money-maker, said he was so excited to receive the donation that he invited all of his co-workers to enjoy the feast with them. They are my family too, Jorge said. I am very thankful to be able to work and allowed to live here in Corvallis, and I wanted to celebrate this with everyone I am thankful for. In addition to taking the day to be thankful, Thanksgiving offered the Monjaraz Perez family a chance to pass on traditions and provide their own unique bridge of Mexican and American cultures. Jorge and his wife, Martha Aguilar Navarro, emigrated to the U.S. from Mexico with their two children, Alejandro and America about 10 years ago, and moved to Corvallis five years ago to be closer to Jorges job at Loren J. Smith Farms. Alejandro, now 19, and America, now 15, were both born in Mexico. The couple's other two children, Jorge R., 6, and Stephanie, 2, were born in Oregon. Its very important to us to be able to have these moments as a family. It gives us a chance for our traditions to continue generation after generation, Jorge said. We can strike a balance. For us, who werent born here, we get to celebrate all that this country provides. And our younger children get to honor and remember where we came from. The blending of both cultures meant a Thanksgiving dinner of turkey mixed with Mexican spices, stuffing blended with salsa, a side of mashed potatoes and a side of salsa verde, and dessert included pumpkin pie and flan. Its an honor and pleasure to be able to cook a big meal for my whole family and continue a tradition, Martha said through a translator. We are really thankful for the donation because we do not get to enjoy big meals a lot and share the day celebrating our traditions. Martha said she is also thankful of the dozens of luxuries that Corvallis provides like free public transportation and an affordable farmers market. But she said she is most thankful for the feeling of safety in the community that the family did not have when living in Mexico or other American cities. We feel safe here, Martha said. Jorge agreed. This is a place where we feel safe and comfortable, so we should celebrate these local traditions and give thanks for that, Jorge said. Corvallis has given us a culture and community and helped provide us with so much and we should honor that. Anzeige / Advertising : International Expert Conference on Renewable Energy in Bonn Foto: Botschaft der Republik Korea On Thursday, December 1, 2016, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Bonn Office, in cooperation with the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the NRW Ministry of the Environment will convene its first "Global Renewable Energy Forum" at the Hilton Hotel in Bonn. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken One year after the adoption of the historic Paris Agreement with its aim to limit the global temperature rise to well below 2C, a swift decarbonization of the global energy sector, which accounts for more than two thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions, is critical. The free of charge Global Renewable Energy Forum addresses this issue and brings together numerous renowned international experts who will discuss their visions of how a rapid transition towards a low-carbon economy can be achieved. A total of 14 presentations within the 3 topical modules of Renewable Energy Policy, Renewable Energy Finance, and Technology and Innovation will cover a variety of topics pertaining to renewable energy, climate change, and the decarbonization of the energy sector. The conference will be opened by Consul General KEUM Chang Rok, Head of the Bonn Office of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, IRENA Deputy Director General Mr. Sakari Oksanen, and UNFCCC Deputy Executive Secretary Mr. Richard Kinley. Being one of the most important conferences in the fields of climate change and renewable energy policy, the event provides excellent networking opportunities for representatives from the political, financial, and private sector. As global climate change poses one of todays biggest challenges to humanity, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Bonn Office, and its partners are looking forward to addressing the decarbonization of the energy sector at the first "Global Renewable Energy Forum". For more information about the event please send an email to energie_bonn@mofa.go.kr or see our program flyer here. City of Bonn : Politicians present changes to budget proposals Bonn Planning office should get up to ten new staff as emphasis is put on more new housing in Bonn. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken The city of Bonn cannot make any big changes in light of its budget situation and the tight consolidation phase. Coalition politicians therefore made few changes to the 2017/2018 budget proposal put forward by the city administration. The politicians emphasised the issue of housing, which should be stepped up in Bonn. The planning office should get more personnel and there is talk of up to ten additional positions at a cost of 1.2 to 1.5 million euros a year. CDU party head Klaus-Peter Gilles said the increase in personnel would allow significantly more apartments to be built in Bonn. The politicians were in agreement there should be no new increase in Grundsteuer (real estate tax). The twin budget should be adopted in the council meeting on 8 December. Among others, the following changes are planned: as well as up to ten new posts in the planning and building office, additional posts should be created for educational psychology in the schools office (up to four or five). Property management and mobility management should also each have one additional post. the Deutsches Museum should receive a grant of 300,000 euros from 2019 instead of the current 250,000 euros. It is unclear whether this will be enough to save the museum on Ahrstrae, which is threatened with closure. should receive a grant of 300,000 euros from 2019 instead of the current 250,000 euros. It is unclear whether this will be enough to save the museum on Ahrstrae, which is threatened with closure. the majority of the councils members want to set aside 400,000 euros in each of the next two years for the long-planned bicycle hire scheme . . the memorial to Nazi victims in Bonn will receive an additional 10,000 euros from 2017. The Schumannhaus , which will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Clara Schumann in 2019, will receive a one-off payment of 20,000 euros in the coming year. to Nazi victims in Bonn will receive an additional 10,000 euros from 2017. The , which will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Clara Schumann in 2019, will receive a one-off payment of 20,000 euros in the coming year. as the European Baseball Championships will be held in Bonn in 2018, up to 250,000 euros should be made available for the renovation of the Bonn-Capitals baseball facilities. will be held in Bonn in 2018, up to 250,000 euros should be made available for the renovation of the Bonn-Capitals baseball facilities. significantly more funds should be made available for redevelopment measures in the four city areas of Bonn, Beuel, Hardtberg and Bad Godesberg. On the issue of a possible local referendum on whether the Kurfurstenbad should remain open, the party chiefs made clear not one cent would be made available in the twin budget for the renovation of the Kurfurstenbad or the Frankenbad. They referred to the council decision to construct a new swimming pool on a site in Dottendorf. An opportunity for foodies and beer lovers to get lost in a world of food and drink from a hand-selected range of food trucks and breweries from around New Zealand. US Embassy In Nigeria Raises Alarm On Boko Haram's Imminent Attack In Abuja kacylee at 25-11-2016 09:06 PM (5 years ago) (f) The United States, US, Embassy in Nigeria has warned of an imminent Boko haram attack in Abuja. The US embassy in an emergency message urged its citizens resident or doing business in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to be security cautious. The mission said information available at its disposal points in the direction of Boko Haram as the possible attackers. The United States, US, Embassy in Nigeria has warned of an imminent Boko haram attack in Abuja. The US embassy in an emergency message urged its citizens resident or doing business in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to be security cautious. The mission said information available at its disposal points in the direction of Boko Haram as the possible attackers. According to the embassy, the attackers likely targets would be hotels frequently visited by Westerners. It, however, disclosed that there is no additional information about the exact timing of the planned attacks. The embassy said, We advise all U.S. citizens to review their personal security plans, remain aware of their surroundings, including local events, monitor local news stations for updates, and report specific incidences of targeted violence to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U. S. Consulate General in Lagos. According to the embassy, the attackers likely targets would be hotels frequently visited by Westerners.It, however, disclosed that there is no additional information about the exact timing of the planned attacks.The embassy said, We advise all U.S. citizens to review their personal security plans, remain aware of their surroundings, including local events, monitor local news stations for updates, and report specific incidences of targeted violence to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U. S. Consulate General in Lagos. Post Reply I have been reporting for several years now and I am very interested in visual news reportage with strong inclusion of photos and video multimedia. Posted: at 25-11-2016 09:06 PM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero EDDYPRINCE at 25-11-2016 09:20 PM (5 years ago) (m) Make una they issue visa, , nor go plan una but refusing pple anyao then una dey find trouble co na bad belle pple Carr fo una. Posted: at 25-11-2016 09:20 PM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero Make una they issue visa, , nor go plan una but refusing pple anyao then una dey find trouble co na bad belle pple Carr fo una. Reply gogoman at 25-11-2016 09:20 PM (5 years ago) (m) That is why i don't go to abuja Posted: at 25-11-2016 09:20 PM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero That is why i don't go to abuja Reply EDDYPRINCE at 25-11-2016 09:22 PM (5 years ago) (m) After una don chop Nigerian money finish for enough visa application and rejection, how Boko haram nor go visit una.. mk una wait ok Posted: at 25-11-2016 09:22 PM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero After una don chop Nigerian money finish for enough visa application and rejection, how Boko haram nor go visit una.. mk una wait ok Reply schmit at 25-11-2016 09:40 PM (5 years ago) (f) Hmmmm wahala Posted: at 25-11-2016 09:40 PM (5 years ago) | Hero Hmmmm wahala Reply kison at 25-11-2016 10:16 PM (5 years ago) (m) Posted: at 25-11-2016 10:16 PM (5 years ago) | Hero Reply emma4love3 at 25-11-2016 10:28 PM (5 years ago) (m) Quote from: EDDYPRINCE on 25-11-2016 09:22 PM After una don chop Nigerian money finish for enough visa application and rejection, how Boko haram nor go visit una.. mk una wait ok ....hahahah bros is like u nah victim of it before oooh Posted: at 25-11-2016 10:28 PM (5 years ago) | Hero ....hahahah bros is like u nah victim of it before oooh Reply emma4love3 at 25-11-2016 10:29 PM (5 years ago) (m) na una sabi oooooh..... Posted: at 25-11-2016 10:29 PM (5 years ago) | Hero na una sabi oooooh..... Reply diutopep at 25-11-2016 10:31 PM (5 years ago) (f) May God protect all the Abuja pple Posted: at 25-11-2016 10:31 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac May God protect all the Abuja pple Reply Trueyarn at 25-11-2016 11:11 PM (5 years ago) (m) Hmmm,May their evil plans never work out."Blood Thirsty vampires. Posted: at 25-11-2016 11:11 PM (5 years ago) | Hero Hmmm,May their evil plans never work out."Blood Thirsty vampires. Reply EDDYPRINCE at 25-11-2016 11:38 PM (5 years ago) (m) Quote from: emma4love3 on 25-11-2016 10:28 PM ....hahahah bros is like u nah victim of it before oooh B4 nkor I dey vax for that embassy ehen,,, mk dem wait Boko they come. Posted: at 25-11-2016 11:38 PM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero B4 nkor I dey vax for that embassy ehen,,, mk dem wait Boko they come. Reply EDDYPRINCE at 25-11-2016 11:39 PM (5 years ago) (m) Dem don match line refuse one Boko guy, gangan........ Posted: at 25-11-2016 11:39 PM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero Dem don match line refuse one Boko guy, gangan........ Reply emytex74 at 25-11-2016 11:56 PM (5 years ago) (m) they no fit Posted: at 25-11-2016 11:56 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac they no fit Reply chukkychukky at 26-11-2016 12:23 AM (5 years ago) (m) ok Joramentity aka chukkychukky Posted: at 26-11-2016 12:23 AM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac ok Reply fatmax at 26-11-2016 12:44 AM (5 years ago) (m) how come this embassy always know when they will bomb America is the world problem. Posted: at 26-11-2016 12:44 AM (5 years ago) | Upcoming how come this embassy always know when they will bomb America is the world problem. Reply eric2000 at 26-11-2016 01:21 AM (5 years ago) (m) why is the american informing us about boko haram attack?...if only our security agents in nigeria will take time out of collecting bribe and actually do some serious work..when it comes to security, you are better off resorting to prayers than relying on the useless police or military thieves we have in nigeria Posted: at 26-11-2016 01:21 AM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac Reply AmazingMarie at 26-11-2016 02:58 AM (5 years ago) (f) timely warning. Posted: at 26-11-2016 02:58 AM (5 years ago) | Hero timely warning. Reply zeigbo at 26-11-2016 08:33 AM (5 years ago) (m) Doom for the zoo They can close the door against me but can't stop me frm coming in Posted: at 26-11-2016 08:33 AM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero Doom for the zoo Reply Femade40 at 26-11-2016 09:14 AM (5 years ago) (m) Trust America, they are always security conscious and at an alert of any futuristic events be it good or bad, by taking a preventive measure in advance in order to reduce the havoc to the barest minimum should in case the eventuality happen. This also show that AMERICA cares so much about the general wellbeing of her citizenry and values their life safety. The reverse has always been the case with NIGERIA counterpart. www.tripleclicks.com/17274328/ECA @adeoluolufemi www.tripleclicks.com/17274328/pbgw Posted: at 26-11-2016 09:14 AM (5 years ago) | Newbie Trust America, they are always security conscious and at an alert of any futuristic events be it good or bad, by taking a preventive measure in advance in order to reduce the havoc to the barest minimum should in case the eventuality happen. This also show that AMERICA cares so much about the general wellbeing of her citizenry and values their life safety. The reverse has always been the case with NIGERIA counterpart. Reply Nokia Android Smartphones Coming in 2017: 3 Things We Expect Features oi -Abhinaya Prabhu Nokia will launch Android smartphones in 2017 and here's what we can expect. A few years, Nokia was the biggest manufacturer of mobile phones, but with the launch of iPhone and Android smartphones, the company's fame faded away as the Windows Phone OS couldn't withstand the competition. Of course, Nokia understood that it had to make some tweaks to stay competitive, however, its approaches with the Windows Phone OS failed despite all efforts. Following the same, Nokia's devices division was sold to the software-giant Microsoft. As per the deal, Nokia cannot roll out any new smartphone until the end of the last quarter of this year that is December 2016. A couple of months back, this deal signed by Nokia while Microsoft acquired the company was closed and Nokia is believed to launch three new Android smartphones early next year. Also Read: Nokia Phone Concepts Hit the Web Nokia and HMD are now rumored to launch these phones in the first quarter of 2017, we have come up with some points that Nokia should try before launching the devices. This way, the Nokia Android smartphones will definitely be great hits. Nokia should come up with innovations Though Nokia's Windows Phone OS based smartphones did not survive the competition from the other operating systems, but it created great hardware and software. For instance, the Lumia 1020 with the 41 PureView rear camera still stands out and no other manufacturer has matched the MP count. Also, Nokia came up with many apps and software that are quite popular and some like AR apps are still popular among users. Also Read: Click here for more Nokia smartphones Release phones in every segment Earlier, Nokia launched smartphones that had reached a wide audience base. Its portfolio included devices such as Lumia 1520 with a 6-inch display and Lumia 520 that is an entry-level offering. Likewise, Nokia and HMD are expected to launch phones in almost all the segments to suit all types of users and make use of the latest software and hardware. Stick to smartphones right now HMD announced that it will be designing tablets and smartphones along with Nokia. However, it might prove to be a wrong decision when Nokia has decided to come back with a bang. The reason is that the tablet industry is in a slowdown phase right now as there are 2-in-1 devices called convertibles that are popular. Eventually, for 2017, Nokia and HMD can try to focus on the smartphone market to garner users. Image Source Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals Best Mobiles in India Upcoming Nokia Android Smartphone Specs Leaked Online: 5 Things You Need to Know Features oi -Chakri Kudikala Nokia is rumored to release Android-powered smartphones at MWC 2017 and we have the purported specifications of the Nokias flagship phone. Last week, Nokia confirmed that they are re-entering into the smartphone business in 2017, according to their roadmap. And, in less than a week, the purported specifications of the Nokia-powered Android flagship phones have leaked online. SEE ALSO: Apple Not Going to Skip iPhone 7s Will Be Launched Alongside the iPhone 8 in 2017 According to a post on Weibo, Nokia's flagship phones will be launched in 2017 and some of the key specifications were revealed as well. Let's take a quick look at what the new rumored specs have to say. Two Display Sizes- 5.2/5.5-inch! The Weibo post states that the Nokia flagship phone will be launched in two display size variants- one with a 5.2-inch display and the other one with a 5.5-inch display. Also, the display boasts a 2K resolution. Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 Chipset Though the smartphones are to be released in 2017, but they will be powered by this year's Snapdragon 820 chip itself. Along with that, we might see 4GB of RAM in these phones. Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals Carl Zeiss Camera Branding Also, the post reveals that these Nokia flagship phone's cameras will carry the famous Carl Zeiss branding, same as the older Nokia Lumia phones. Water and Dust Resistant In a couple of renders leaked online, these Nokia smartphones are said to feature water and dust resistant properties. However, there are no other rumors regarding this apart from the renders. Android Nougat! The much-anticipated rumor. All the rumors till date suggested that the yet-to-be-announced Nokia smartphones will arrive with Android Nougat out-of-the-box. Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals Best Mobiles in India Coolpad Mega 3 and Note 3S to be Unveiled in India on November 30: Specs, Pricing, and More News oi -Chakri Kudikala The Coolpad Note 3S and Mega 3 will be successors to Note 3 and Mega 2.5D. Not so long ago, Coolpad, the Chinese smartphone vendor unveiled the Coolpad Note 5 in India and it seems like the company is going to launch two more affordable smartphones in the country. Having said that, the phones are dubbed as Coolpad Mega 3 and Note 3S. The Coolpad Mega 3 will be the successor to the recently released Coolpad Mega 2.5D and the Coolpad Note 3S will be the successor to the popular Note 3. SEE ALSO: Trump Urges Apple to Manufacture iPhones, iPads, Macs in the US, Offers Huge Tax Cut The company already sent invites for the media event scheduled to happen on November 30, but there are no details regarding the specifications of both the phones. In recent times, we have been hearing news about Coolpad and LeEco jointly working on a new smartphone. However, these two smartphones are different from what rumors have been saying. Also, they feature the same Cool UI as the previous Coolpad devices. As said earlier, there are no details regarding the specifications of both the smartphones, however, they are expected to come with 5.5-inch displays and will be priced under Rs. 10,000. Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Only for Tamil Nadu Users Vodafone announced that this plan is exclusively for users of Tamil Nadu and they haven't revealed any information about when the other circles will get this offer. Users Have to Recharge with Rs. 1,501, Upfront! For the users who want to avail this offer, they need to first recharge with a rental amount of Rs. 1,501 and they will get 15GB of data up front which will be valid for 28 days. Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals Then, Rs. 53 Per 1GB After you're done with recharging your number with Rs. 1,501, then from next month, you will be eligible to get 1GB of 3G data at just Rs. 53 and 2GB of data at just Rs. 103, and 5GB of data at just Rs. 256. Two More Plans Vodafone also revealed two more plans. If you're the one who can't afford the upfront amount of Rs. 1,501, then you can recharge with either Rs. 748 and Rs. 494. However, the Rs. 794 pack will only offer 3GB of data and Rs. 494 pack offers 2GB of data after recharging. Benefit Period of 6Months Do make a note that recharging with Rs. 748 and Rs. 494 will give the benefit for only six months, which means that you can avail the less cost price for only six months. And, 1GB of 3G data costs Rs. 106 for the Rs. 748 plan and Rs. 122 for the Rs. 494 plan. Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLORADO--(Marketwired - Nov 24, 2016) - Azarga Uranium Corp. (TSX:AZZ)(FRANKFURT:P8AA)(OTC PINK:PWURF) ("Azarga Uranium" or the "Company") announces the resignation of Ng Kim Huatt from the Company's Board of Directors. "The Board of Directors would like to express their sincere appreciation for the contributions made by Mr. Kim Huatt during his tenure as a director of the Company and wishes him well on his future endeavors," said Richard Clement, the Chairman of the Board. Mr. Kim Huatt resigned subsequent to Blumont Group Ltd.'s ("Blumont") extraordinary general meeting on 22 November 2016, where Blumont's shareholders voted in favor of the debt settlement agreement between Blumont and Wintercrest advisers LLC ("Wintercrest"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Partners Value Arbitrage Fund L.P. The debt settlement agreement contemplates a number of transactions, including the transfer of 18,053,810 Azarga Uranium shares held by Powerlite Ventures Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Blumont to Wintercrest or its nominee. About Azarga Uranium Corp. Azarga Uranium is a mineral development company that controls six uranium projects, deposits and prospects in the United States of America (South Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado) and the Kyrgyz Republic. The Dewey Burdock Project in South Dakota (the "Project"), which is the Company's initial development priority, has received its Nuclear Regulatory Commission License and the Company is in the process of completing other major regulatory permit approvals necessary for development of the Project, including those from the Environmental Protection Agency. For more information please visit www.azargauranium.com. Follow us on Twitter at @AzargaUranium. Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding its disclosure and amendments thereto. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's continued efforts to obtain major regulatory permit approvals necessary for development of the Project. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including without limitation: (1) the risk that such statements may prove to be inaccurate and (2) other factors beyond the Company's control. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Additional information about these and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties are set out in the "Risks and Uncertainties" section in the Company's most recent MD&A filed with Canadian security regulators. The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this News Release. MOSCOW, Nov. 25, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mechel PAO (MICEX:MTLR) (NYSE:MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, announces that it intends to release its operational and financial results for the nine months period ending September 30, 2016, on Tuesday, November 29, 2016. In conjunction with this release, Mechel will host a conference call, which will be simultaneously broadcast live over the Internet. Oleg Korzhov, Chief Executive Officer, will host the call. The conference call will take place at the following time: Tuesday, November 29, 2016 6:00 PM Moscow Time 3:00 PM London Time 10:00 AM New York Time Please dial the number below approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time of the call. Conference Call Phone Numbers: International: +44 (0) 330 336 9105 US: +1 719 325 2213 Russia: +7 495 213 1767 Conference ID: 7102625 Listeners can access the conference call live over the Internet through a link on Mechel's web site at http://www.mechel.com/shareholders/report/ Please take 10 minutes prior to the call to visit the site and download presentation and any necessary audio software. Additionally, a record of the webcast will be available on our web site. Mechel is an international mining and steel company which employs 67,000 people. Its products are marketed in Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa. Mechel unites producers of coal, iron ore concentrate, steel, rolled products, ferroalloys, heat and electric power. All of its enterprises work in a single production chain, from raw materials to high value added products. Some of the information in this press release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of Mechel, as defined in the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We wish to caution you that these statements are only predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. We do not intend to update these statements. We refer you to the documents Mechel files from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 20-F. These documents contain and identify important factors, including those contained in the section captioned Risk Factors and Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements in our Form 20-F, that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in our projections or forward-looking statements, including, among others, the achievement of anticipated levels of profitability, growth, cost and synergy of our recent acquisitions, the impact of competitive pricing, the ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and licenses, the impact of developments in the Russian economic, political and legal environment, volatility in stock markets or in the price of our shares or ADRs, financial risk management and the impact of general business and global economic conditions. Mechel PAO Alexey Lukashov Phone: +7 495 221 8888 e-mail: alexey.lukashov@mechel.com CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Nov 25, 2016) - THIRD QUARTER RESULTS GrowMax Resources Corp. (the "Company" or "GrowMax Resources") (formerly Americas Petrogas Inc.) (TSX VENTURE:GRO) announces that it has filed its condensed interim consolidated financial statements and Interim MD&A - Quarterly Highlights relating to its third quarter 2016 results. These filings can be accessed on SEDAR's website at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.growmaxcorp.com. The following Summary of Selected Financial and Operational Highlights have been derived from the condensed interim consolidated financial statements and Interim MD&A - Quarterly Highlights for the third quarter of 2016 as well as the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the second quarter of 2016. Readers are strongly encouraged to review the entire second and third quarter condensed interim consolidated financial statements, and the Interim MD&A - Quarterly Results for the third quarter. All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. Summary of Selected Financial and Operational Highlights ($ in thousands) September 30, 2016 June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Cash and cash equivalents $ 43,829 $ 38,481 $ 56,671 Working capital(1) $ 50,833 $ 53,050 $ 62,594 Share capital $ 222,691 $ 222,691 $ 241,063 Common shares outstanding 215,925,645 215,925,645 233,739,106 Three months ended ($ in thousands) September 30, 2016 June 30, 2016 Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ (1,801 ) $ (3,011 ) Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense $ (214 ) $ (1,529 ) Net income (loss) for the period $ (2,015 ) $ (4,540 ) Other general and administrative expenses $ 1,142 $ 1,958 Capital expenditures, net $ 2,193 $ 4,814 Three months ended September 30 Nine months ended September 30 ($ in thousands) 2016 2015 Restated(2) 2016 2015 Restated(2) Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ (1,801 ) $ 1,645 $ (10,941 ) $ 406 Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense $ (214 ) $ (21,547 ) $ (1,674 ) $ (30,663 ) Net income (loss) for the period $ (2,015 ) $ (19,902 ) $ (12,615 ) $ (30,257 ) Other general and administrative expenses $ 1,142 $ 819 $ 4,071 $ 2,736 Capital expenditures, net $ 2,193 $ 1,699 $ 8,734 $ 9,620 See Notes below. Key Items and Recent Activities Peru An "Updated NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Technical Report on the GrowMax Bayovar Phosphate Project, Piura Region, Peru" was filed on April 28, 2016 and a further update was filed on SEDAR on August 11, 2016. This latter Mineral Resource estimate update was based on substantially all drill holes drilled by the Company up to June 30, 2016. On September 12, 2016, the Company announced its strategic plans, which includes investigating the option to generate cash flow from the sale of fertilizer and salt. For further information, refer to the press release entitled "GrowMax Announces Strategic Plans" which is dated September 12, 2016. The Company received the results of an independent Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for its Bayovar 7 phosphate project on its property located in the Sechura Desert, Peru. The results were announced on September 12, 2016 and the PEA report was filed on SEDAR on October 27, 2016. For further information, refer to the press release entitled "GrowMax Announces Results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment for Phosphates on Bayovar 7 Concession, Peru" which is dated September 12, 2016. On August 2, 2016, the Company engaged WorleyParsons Canada Services Ltd. to assist the Company with the provision of certain design and engineering consulting services for the potash project at Bayovar. Their work is ongoing and the Company expects to announce the results of WorleyParsons' work by the first quarter of 2017. Argentina On November 10, 2016, the Company accepted an offer from Energy Operations Argentina LLC, a private American company, for the sale of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Energicon, the Company's wholly-owned Argentine subsidiary. The sale closed on November 24, 2016. See "Sale of Energicon" below. Abby Badwi, Executive Chairman of GrowMax Resources stated that, "So far in 2016, the Company has achieved and made significant progress towards its strategic plan, including: 1. Completing the sale of the Company's remaining oil and gas assets in Argentina, closing the Buenos Aires office and terminating all future oil and gas commitments so that the Company can focus its financial resources and personnel on growing its fertilizer business at Bayovar in Peru. 2. Completing three National Instrument 43-101 resource evaluation/updates of the phosphate mineral resources at Bayovar. The Company has also completed a NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment for Bayovar 7. 3. Advancing several studies to develop its brine project and a fertilizer business opportunity with an objective to achieve early cash flow." SALE OF ENERGICON Further to the press release of November 10, 2016, the Company announces that it has completed the sale to Energy Operations Argentina LLC (the "Purchaser"), of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Energicon S.A. ("Energicon"), the Company's wholly-owned Argentine subsidiary and the holder of various working interests in the Vaca Mahuida, Loma Ranqueles, Huacalera and Totoral concessions (the "Transaction"). Highlights of the Transaction Cash consideration: US$5.0 million, of which US$1.0 million is now payable on December 12, 2016 pursuant to an amendment to the share purchase agreement made shortly before Closing. The remainder of US$4.0 million is payable in equal instalments of US$1.0 million each, on the 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th month following Closing. Should a hydrocarbon exploitation concession for Vaca Mahuida not be issued within six months of Closing, the cash consideration will be reduced to US$2.0 million and the final three payments will not be payable by the Purchaser. Purchaser responsible for commitments: The Purchaser has indirectly assumed all of the future work commitments associated with Energicon's concessions and has obtained the requisite documentation required to release GrowMax's existing performance bonds with Gas Y Petroleo del Neuquen. Additional Information about the Transaction The offer from the Purchaser to acquire all of the shares of Energicon was received in response to the Company's formal offering to sell its remaining Argentina assets. Several companies had signed confidentiality agreements and received access to all of the relevant data. Following an extensive review and analysis, the Company determined that the offer from the Purchaser was the most favourable and is in the best interests of GrowMax Resources and its shareholders. No finder's fee has been paid in respect of the Transaction. 2017 CAPITAL SPENDING GUIDANCE The Company's 2017 capital work program and budget is set at approximately US$10 million, and will focus on: advancing the Bayovar project by further investigations and studies of domestic and regional sales of phosphate rock and by progressing on the social, environmental and permitting requirements; beginning construction of the solar evaporation ponds for the brine project; and completing market studies for domestic and regional sales of different potential fertilizers, including direct application phosphate rock ("DAPR") and Single Super Phosphate ("SSP") fertilizer, prior to initiating construction of a fertilizer plant. In addition, the Company has budgeted to spend approximately US$3.4 million on general and administrative costs for 2017. Notes: Working capital is calculated as current assets (September 30, 2016 - $54.2 million; June 30, 2016 - $61.1 million; December 31, 2015 - $83.2 million) less current liabilities (September 30, 2016 - $3.4 million; June 30, 2016 - $8.1 million; December 31, 2015 - $20.6 million). The Company's current assets at September 30, 2016 include $3.4 million (June 30, 2016 - $2.5 million; December 31, 2015 - $nil) of assets held for sale and the Company's current liabilities at September 30, 2016 include $1.3 million (June 30, 2016 - $0.7 million; December 31, 2015 - $nil) of liabilities held for sale. Working capital is used to assess liquidity and general financial strength. Working capital does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. It is unlikely for non-GAAP measures to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Working capital should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than current assets or current liabilities as determined in accordance with IFRS. Restated to reflect discontinued operations. See note 17 of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for further information. About GrowMax Resources Corp. GrowMax Resources Corp. (formerly Americas Petrogas Inc.) is a publicly listed Canadian company (Ticker GRO on TSX-V) focused on exploration and development of phosphate and potassium-rich brine resources on its Bayovar Property, which is located in the Sechura Desert in northwestern Peru. The Company's vision is to become a leading producer of phosphate and potash fertilizer products in Peru. GrowMax Resources owns approximately 92% of GrowMax Agri Corp., a private company that owns 100% of the Bayovar Property, which currently covers approximately 227,000 gross acres. The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Co-operative Limited (IFFCO) and its affiliates own approximately 8% of GrowMax Agri Corp. Forward Looking Information Certain statements contained in this Press Release may constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian and US securities laws. Any information or statements contained herein that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events should be viewed as forward-looking information. Such information relate to analyses and other information that are based upon forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Such forward-looking information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different than those results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. In particular, statements (express or implied) contained herein or in the Company's Interim MD&A - Quarterly Highlights regarding the following should be considered as forward-looking information: the Company's goals, plans, strategy and objectives; investigating the option to generate cash flow from the sale of fertilizer and salt; cash payable by the Purchaser for the sale of Energicon; the replacement by Energy Operations Argentina LLC of the performance bonds related to commitments in Argentina; the Company's 2017 capital program and budget, including the anticipated costs thereof; budget general and administrative costs; achieving early cash flow; plans for future commercial production; work related to the Company's potash project at Bayovar; and the potential for phosphates, potash, and other minerals in respect of the land in the Sechura Desert. Additional forward-looking information is contained in the Company's Interim MD&A - Quarterly Highlights, and reference should be made to the additional disclosures of the assumptions, risks and uncertainties relating to such forward-looking information in that document. There is no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could vary or differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements contained in this Press Release. This cautionary statement expressly qualifies the forward-looking statements contained herein and in the Interim MD&A - Quarterly Highlights. Forwardlooking information is based on management's beliefs, expectations, estimates and opinions on the date statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information and whether the beliefs, expectations, estimates and opinions upon which such forward-looking information is based has changed, except as required by applicable law. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE RELEASE. On Thursday, in the morning, at the Executive Building, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC presided at a meeting of the Executive Council of Queensland, the final meeting of the Executive Council to be held at 100 George Street, Brisbane. In the afternoon, at Government House, the Governor and Mrs Kaye de Jersey hosted afternoon tea for students and professors from Bunka Gakuen University, Japan, and representatives of TAFE Queensland. Following, at Government House, the Governor and Mrs de Jersey hosted an afternoon tea to celebrate the 130th anniversary of Ithaca Creek State School and its Heritage Listing in 2016, where His Excellency addressed guests. Description GIS - 25 November, 2016: The Committee of Parliamentarians on the Chagos Archipelago met on 23 November 2016 in Port Louis under the chair of the Prime Minister, Sir Anerood Jugnauth. The Committee strongly denounced 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. The Committee, which was set up following the Award delivered on 18 March 2015 in the case brought by Mauritius against the United Kingdom under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), comprises the Leader of the Opposition as well as a representative of each political party represented in the National Assembly. The Committee had an exchange of views on latest developments relating to the Chagos Archipelago. In a communique issued by the Prime Ministers Office, the Committee noted with deep concern that the statement made by the UK Government in the UK Parliament on 16 November 2016 with regard to the Chagos Archipelago is completely silent on the discussions that were intended to take place between Mauritius and the UK on the completion of the decolonisation process of Mauritius and on sovereignty, on the basis of the understanding reached in New York last September as well as on the clear obligations of the UK under the UNCLOS Award. The Committee unreservedly condemned the wrong done to the former inhabitants of the Chagos Archipelago by the UK which forcibly removed them from the Chagos Archipelago in the wake of its illegal excision from the territory of Mauritius prior to independence, and in total disregard of their human rights. It pointed out that no amount of money and no public expression of regret by the UK can repair or undo that wrong. The Committee considered the 40 million package proposed to the aggrieved Mauritians of Chagossian origin to be utterly disrespectful of their dignity and an attempt to trade their right of return for money. The Committee agreed that should the UK persist in its refusal to engage in talks with Mauritius on decolonisation and sovereignty in line with the understanding reached in New York, Government would relentlessly pursue its initiatives in conformity with international law to complete the decolonisation of Mauritius. The Committee reiterated that Mauritius has sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago and does not recognise the so-called British Indian Ocean Territory. Prior to the meeting of the Committee, the Prime Minister met Mr. Olivier Bancoult, Chairman and Leader of the Chagos Refugees Group to discuss the latest developments in respect of the Chagos Archipelago, including the UK Governments purported decision regarding resettlement in the Chagos Archipelago and its proposal to fund a 40 million package for the Chagossian community. Both the Prime Minister and Mr. Bancoult formally denounced this act of the UK Government and strongly condemned the unilateral decision taken in utter disregard of international law and the human rights of the Chagossian community. Mr. Bancoult deplored the UK Governments denial of the dignity and human rights of the Chagossian community. The Prime Minister and Mr. Bancoult agreed to continue working together on the Chagos Archipelago issue. Mr. Bancoult expressed the support of Mauritian citizens of Chagossian origin for Governments determination to pursue even more strongly all possible action under international law for the completion of the decolonisation process of Mauritius and the effective exercise by Mauritius of its sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago and the right of return of the former residents as well as their kins. Description GIS 25 November, 2016: A colloquium on the Justice System for Domestic Violence was launched this morning by the Minister of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie-Aurore Perraud, at Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel Port-Louis. The event was held in the context of the International Day Against Violence Against Women which is commemorated annually on 25 November. The launching was done in the presence of the Minister of Education and Human Resources, Tertiary Education and Scientific Research, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, the Attorney General, Mr Ravi Yerrigadoo, Barrister-at-Law and expert on United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, Mrs Pramila Patten and other eminent personalities. The Minister of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, Mrs Perraud, condemned the unchanging percentage of 90:10 of domestic violence in Mauritius on women and men respectively. She stated that the justice system for domestic violence regarding penalties and sanctions needs to be reviewed and that domestic violence should be treated as a highly prosecuted crime. She referred to a streamlining of measures and procedures by her Ministry. One of them is the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Committee. It was launched last year to devise appropriate frameworks for the protection of victims, to keep a fast track record system and to ensure follow up on each case. Minister Perraud also mentioned about Domestic Violence Information System, a web-based computer system for registration of reported cases of domestic violence and the toll-free hotline 139 to ensure that proper and timely assistance is provided by the officers of her Ministry. The Minister also launched a pamphlet on the main provisions of the Protection from Domestic Violence Act, a poster on Sexual Harassment is Against the Law, a leaflet on Code of Ethics for stakeholders working for Domestic Violence and a policy on Prevention of Sexual Harassment. The pamphlet is in English, French and Creole, and is meant for the public at large to fully grasp the new amendments related to domestic violence. The poster provides more guidelines for the Prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace, which is also a form of gender-based discrimination. A trailer of the selected films for the short-film competition on the theme Aret Violans Domestik, organised in collaboration with the Mauritius Film Development Corporation and the NGO Passerelle was also presented. Description GIS 25 November 2016: The family and the youngsters should retain our attention and religious men, Non Governmental Organisations and Government should combine efforts to combat social ills such as alcoholism, drug addiction, juvenile delinquency and the erosion of moral values. Th e Prime Minister, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, made this statement yesterday at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Plaisance during an official ceremony to mark the arrival of His Eminence, Cardinal Maurice E. Piat from Rome, Italy after his elevation to the rank of Cardinal. Sir Anerood congratulated the Cardinal on behalf of the population and the Government. You fully deserve to be within the ranks of Cardinals as you have brilliantly discharged your responsibilities during the term you headed the Roman Catholic Church, he said. The Prime Minister recalled that Cardinal Maurice E. Piat is known for his commitment to promote the family as an essential cell for the development of each individual as well as for the society. He underlined the priority given by the Cardinal to the training of youth for a better future. He also stated that Mauritius would be privileged if Pope Francis visited the island in the near future. Cardinal Maurice E. Piat expressed his gratitude to the Government and the population for the warm welcome. He admitted that he does not have solutions for the social ills of the society but promised to do everything within the means of the Roman Catholic Church to curb them down. He exhorted each and everyone to consolidate social peace in Mauritius and in the family. An agreement is now in place between Mercedes and Sauber that will see Pascal Wehrlein drive for the Swiss team in 2017. That is the very latest paddock rumour from Abu Dhabi, coinciding with reports out of Brazil that current Sauber driver Felipe Nasr has lost his key Banco do Brasil sponsorship. When asked about his future in Abu Dhabi, DPA news agency quoted current Manor driver Wehrlein as responding: "There is nothing new. "There's something new, but nothing new with a signature," he clarified. As for Wehrlein's current place at Manor, a frontrunner may be Esteban Gutierrez, the Haas team refugee who has key backing from Mexico. "What I can tell you is I've been working day and night for something definitive," he is quoted by the Spanish daily Marca in Abu Dhabi. "We are focusing a lot of energy on it but so far there is nothing to announce. But there are good prospects and possibilities and I hope to share my plans soon," Gutierrez added. (GMM) Kevin Magnussen thinks Ron Dennis' departure is actually "healthy" for McLaren. The Danish driver was a protege of the Woking team's supremo and made his F1 debut for McLaren in 2014. But Magnussen was then ousted, famously learning of the decision by email on his birthday. "Ron was my boss when I drove there," the Renault driver, who will switch to Haas for 2017, told the Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet in Abu Dhabi. "It was not Ron's decision that I left McLaren, it was other things. Maybe he was responsible for it somehow, but it was not him who chose it," Magnussen insisted. "As such I have nothing against him. But I think actually that it's very healthy for McLaren to get some fresh blood in." Indeed, Dennis was recently axed from his position as group CEO by his fellow McLaren shareholders, and replaced as a director by Zak Brown. Magnussen continued: "To be honest it looks positive with what is happening there. Someone like Zak is really good on the commercial side and seeing things from a business perspective." (GMM) Kevin Magnussen is heading to Haas with the recommendation of many in the F1 paddock, including those at his current team Renault. That is the claim of Haas team boss Gunther Steiner, explaining the decision to pick the Dane to replace Esteban Gutierrez for 2017. "Everyone knows that we spoke with Kevin already last year," Steiner told the Danish broadcaster TV2 in Abu Dhabi. "At the time we chose Romain Grosjean because he had more experience. But now he has run through this season and we have been able to see what he delivers." Magnussen has said he got a one-year offer to stay at Renault, but internal politicking and the promise of a two-year Haas contract motivated him to switch. Steiner said: "I spoke with people at Renault, the engineers and technical staff, and they are really happy to work with him." He is also quoted by the Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet: "Many people in the industry regard Kevin very highly. Other drivers, other team bosses, other team owners. He is highly respected. "It is people with experience who said to us: Look at Magnussen," Steiner added. Steiner said he thinks Magnussen will enjoy Haas' no-politics, no-nonsense approach to racing. "From the time he said 'Yes I want to change' it took ten days. It was simple," he revealed. "I think he got a good feeling for us. We are a small and simple race team. We race with no politics. Gene Haas owns the team, I control the operations and there is no need for politics. "My impression is that Kevin likes that approach, because he loves to race and we are racers." (GMM) CHARLOTTE Police found no evidence to confirm a November report that a teacher bullied and assaulted a Muslim kindergartener at David Cox Ro The YWCA duplicates 2016 Player of the Year contest moved into the final two months of play recently with last years champion Terry Lubman now finding herself in dead heat with challenger and sometimes partner Doris Greenwald at the head of the standings. The two were setting a blistering pace at the top of a field of 72 players who had participated in at least 12 games since the first of the year. Following play in October, Lubman had posted an average of 59.6 percent for 27 games, while Greenwald had the same mark for 12 appearances. However, Greenwald had not yet reached the 15-game minimum need to qualify for the annual award as Novembers play got under way. Holding down third place was former champion Jay Force, who had a 58.1 percent average for 28 outings. He was followed by Jerry Jacobs, 57.7 for 32, and Susan Vock, 57.2 for 23. Rounding out the top 10 in the contest were: sixth, Elliot Ranard, 57.1 percent; seventh, Sally Morgan, 56.6; and tied for eighth to 10th, Gordon Mackenzie, Lola Meyers and Lois Spagna, all at 56.2. Elsewhere, the recent report on the Danbury regional inadvertently left out the names of Cyndi Anderson and Patti Read, who finished sixth overall in the Golden Opportunity Pairs on Friday (and second in the 0-200 bracket). 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 notrump. First, decide how many tricks you can be sure of making in the suit combination given if you have to attack the suit for 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 question. You-J532; Dummy-AK4 Sure tricks if you lead? Sure tricks if LHO leads? Answer: a) Two. Since you dont have the 10 in either hand, you have no legitimate finessing position with this combination. (If you try leading the jack, LHO will cover with the queen, leaving you with a third-round - and possibly fourth-round -- loser.) To try to make three tricks in the suit, you should cash the A-K and, if the queen does not fall, lead toward the jack. If RHO started with the queen, or if the suit breaks 3-3, you will make three tricks, but there are no guarantees that you will. b) Three. If LHO leads the suit, you simply play low from dummy to assure scoring three tricks. If RHO wins with the queen, you have three tricks; if RHO does not produce the queen, you win the trick with the jack. The weeks duplicate results: Greenwich YWCA open duplicate: North-South, 1. Elaine and Jim Misner, 2. Joanne Kuebler-Hollister Sturges, 3. Betsy and Michael Grant, 4. Nancy Fraser-Susan Hut, 5. Mary Sue Saltsman-Jeanne Zendman; East-West, 1. Grant Perkins-Bruno Schrage, 2. Renate Fremuth-Joyce Grieb, 3. Carole Greenberg-Lucy Rosen, 4. Ronnie Bershad/Sachs-Barbara Thompson, 5-6.Mary Albertell-Lois Spagna, Patti Fishbach-Mary Scarfi. Come Play Bridge open duplicate. 11/16: North-South, 1. Joanne Kuebler-Kathryn Payne, 2. Mary Albertell-Lois Spagna, 3-4. Betsy and Michael Grant, Mary Sue Saltsman-Jeanne Zendman; East-West, 1. Melissa Bissell-Linda Gordon, 2. Pat Dennis-Betty Higgenbotham, 3. Lynne Rohrer-Jane Young. Two of President-elect Donald Trumps key issues building a wall along the Mexico border and overturning Roe v. Wade are opposed by a majority of Americans, a Quinnipiac University national poll found. The Hamden colleges poll found American voters are at odds with Trump in supporting the U.S. Supreme Court Roe v. Wade abortion rights decision 67 to 30 percent. The poll results showed American voter opinions on abortion are: 26 percent said it should be legal in all cases; 38 percent said it should be legal in most cases; 22 percent said it should be illegal in most cases; and 10 percent said it should be illegal in all cases. For Supreme Court nominees, Trump should consider only a nominees qualifications, 51 percent of voters said, while 40 percent said he also should consider the nominees opinions on issues such as abortion. Those who want a nominees opinions considered said 51 to 43 percent that Trump should not nominate Supreme Court justices who will vote to restrict abortion rights. On the wall along Mexicos border, 55 to 42 percent opposed building it. In fact, support for illegal immigrants being allowed to stay in the U.S. with a path to citizenship was 60 percent higher than in any survey by the independent Quinnipiac poll since the question was first asked four years ago. The new poll indicated another 12 percent of American voters said illegal immigrants should be allowed to stay but not become citizens, and 25 percent said they should be deported. Two of President-elect Donald Trumps signature campaign mantras get a hearty thumbs down. Voters to Trump: No way on reversing Roe v. Wade and not a chance on building that wall, said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll. And though it drew cheers on the campaign trail, the fiery rhetoric about redirecting the path to citizenship in the U.S. back to the Mexican border is actually losing support. Opinions on other issues In an open-ended question, allowing for any answer, 24 percent of American voters said the economy should be Trumps first priority, followed by 17 percent who said he should address his own personal qualities. American voters support 83 to 15 percent increasing federal spending for infrastructure. Voters say, 57 to 38 percent, that reducing taxes on the wealthy will not improve the economy and create more jobs. There should be more government regulation of financial institutions, 46 percent of voters said, while 43 percent said increased regulation hurts the economy. American voters support 50 to 44 percent suspending immigration from terror prone regions, even if it means turning away refugees from those regions. Voters also support 64 to 28 percent renegotiating major trade deals with other countries, even if it means paying more for the products you buy. Trump should defend all of Americas NATO allies, voters say 77 to 16 percent. A total of 68 percent of American voters are very concerned or somewhat concerned about climate change and say 59 - 31 percent that Trump should not remove specific regulations intended to combat climate change. American voters oppose other possible Trump initiatives: 67 to 29 percent against lowering taxes on the wealthy; 48 to 38 percent against removing regulations on businesses and corporations; 57 to 38 percent against making it easier for people to carry guns; 60 to 32 percent against reducing taxes across the board even if it means increasing the deficit. GREENWICH Town police have added more charges against a man accused of being a serial shoplifter all over southern Connecticut. Robert Torrens, 49, of Dolsen Place, Stamford, has been in numerous scrapes with the law through the years. Now, he is facing additional charges of larceny filed by Greenwich police. His modus operandi in Greenwich was simple, according to court documents: take a cab to the drug store, grab as much expensive merchandise as possible, make a run for the door and then get back into the taxi for a getaway. The thefts all occurred in the late night or early morning hours. It hasnt proved much of a successful formula, and Torrens is now behind bars once again, after failing to post $10,000 bail on three new misdemeanor larceny charges. Previously, he did a year in jail in 2014, according to court records, as well as 90 days in 2012, along with other stints in state custody. Torrens has 20 convictions on various theft charges in Connecticut, including a burglary arrest in 2008 in Westport and a felony charge of drug possession in that jurisdiction in 2006. He has a history of petty theft in New Haven, Hamden, Danbury, Westport, Fairfield, and in recent weeks, Greenwich, according to court records. Torrens was sought and later apprehended by State Police for leaving a halfway house in Norwalk in 2013, resulting in a felony charge of escape. Torrens is also facing several drug-possession charges in Stamford. The Riverside branch of CVS on East Putnam Avenue has been the scene of a mini crime-spree initiated by Torrens this fall, according to authorities. Torrens was headed for the door with three hair dryers from the CVS on Sept. 30 which he had not paid for, dropping them after being confronted by a store employee. Previously, on Sept. 15, he was accused of stealing $178 worth of merchandise from the store, including razor blades, a hair-cutting kit and a hair iron. He took a cab and was dropped off at a diner in Stamford after the theft, according to police records. On Sept. 20, also at the Riverside CVS, he ran off with $212 of merchandise from the store, including a curling iron and a blood pressure device, dropping the goods when a store employee followed him out the door. He fled the scene in a cab. Using video surveillance Torrens has a brown pony tail that makes him easy to identify Greenwich police charged with the additional larcenies late last week. Torrens next court date is Jan. 6. Robert.Marchant@scni.com Samsung is reportedly working on its own voice-assisted AI system, along the lines of Siri and Google Assistant. It will likely be called Bixby with a male voice, and there will be a possible female variant as well called Kestra. The information comes courtesy of Dutch website GalaxyClub. Samsung has seemingly filed for trademarks for all variations of the Bixby name with the description Computer software for enabling hands-free use of a mobile phone through voice recognition and Computer software used to process voice commands. The voice assistant will also be able to process your online payments. Samsung previous came up with S Voice after Apple introduced Siri but it wasn't very good and the feature was eventually hidden and made optional on later devices, with Google Now becoming the default. But in recent times Samsung has been trying to move away from its dependence on Google and its services, so it's not a surprise that it would try to come up with its own alternative to the new Google Assistant, which isn't even available on non-Pixel phones. Source Via Haiti - FLASH : Strange discovery, possible electoral fraud Following the discovery in Cap-Haitien https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19310-haiti-news-zapping-politics.html the day after the elections, of ballot papers in bulk, signed and annotated in favor of a candidate, and other blank ballots signed by BV members, Genard Joseph, the Coordinator of the Party Verite wrote to the President of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) requesting that checks be made before the preliminary results are announced next Monday... Letter of the Party verite : "Port-au-Prince on October 24 Mr. Leopold Berlanger Junior President of the Provisional Electoral Council In its offices Mr President, The incident that occurred at the Saint Jean Bosco Voting Centre in Cap Haitien on the day after the elections, whose report was drawn up by the Peace Judge of the South Section and in the presence of two national observers and the press in general, during which ballot papers were found in bulk, signed and annotated in favor of a candidate, and other blank ballots signed by members of the BV, raises relevant questions about the transparency, the credibility of the electoral process In the North department and may lead us to hypothesize that the same observation is made in other parts of the country. As a result, the political platform Verite takes the opportunity to request from the institution a comparison, on the basis of sampling, of the lists of 'emargement' with the databases of the national identification office in order to verify and validate the signatures of the voters concerned. Moreover, it requires that this operation be carried out before the publication of the partial results in order to exclude the fraudulent ballots who would have slipped into the ballot boxes and prevent reactions of dissatisfaction of voters who would then be entitled to believe that their right was knowingly violated. Hoping that you will understand the merits of this approach for the good and the triumph of democracy [...] Joseph Genard National Coordinator" See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19331-haiti-flash-jude-celestin-attacks-ctvcredibility-and-of-elections.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Education : The State University of Haiti in mourning The Rectorate of the State University of Haiti (UEH) learned with deep sadness the passing away of the former Rector Pierre Marie Michel Paquiot on the morning of November 23, 2016, in a hospital center of Cuba. Pierre Marie Michel Paquiot has carried out post-graduate studies in mathematics and fundamental applications in theoretical physics at the University of Science and Technology of Languedoc in Montpellier, France. Back in Haiti, he devoted himself to higher education and worked at the "Centre de Techniques de Planification et dEconomie Appliquee", to the "Ecole Normale Superieure", to the "Faculte des Sciences". First elected Rector of UEH, he led the institution for 10 years, from 1998 to 2008. After two terms at the head of UEH, he resumed his activities in 2008 at the Faculty of Sciences of UEH, whose he became a member of the Directorate Council. The Rectorate of the UEH bowed respectfully to the remains of Rector Paquiot and prayed his relatives, especially his wife, Mrs. Marie Viviane Mathieu and her two daughters Rashida Gamila and Leila Keshia, to accept the expressions of its emotional condolences. May he rest in peace! Moreover, de facto President Jocelerme Privert, salutes the memory of Professor Paquiot. His condolences go first to his family, then to his friends and to the Haitian academic community. Jocelerme Privert highlights in a note the brilliant career of Pierre-Marie Paquiot within the UEH and affirms that his death is a blow to the university community and the Haitian youth. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19330-haiti-news-zapping-politics.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-17491-haiti-education-tributes-well-deserved.html HL/ TB/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping politics... Threatening the Press is an error according to Famni Lavalas Former Senator Yvon Feuille, one of the two representatives of Famni Lavalas at the Voting Tabulation Centre (CTV), considers it an error by some of his party's supporters to utter threats against the press and journalists https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19330-haiti-news-zapping-politics.html , stressing that Fanmi Lavalas is among the political parties that have fought for freedom of the press. No fraud at the Lycee of Petion-ville Pierre Esperance, the Executive Director of the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH), who observed the elections at the National High School of Petion-Ville, declared "There was no massive fraud or ballot stuffing or violence... I await the results [...]" Cholzer Chancy launches an appeal Deputy Cholzer Chancy, Speaker of the Lower House, appealed to the candidates and leaders of the political parties to respect the Electoral Decree and to avoid making public announcements and announcements of election results. Moreover, he invites the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) to work on the publication of results that correspond to the votes cast by the electors. At least one error in the printing of the ballots At least one mistake was made in the printing of the ballot papers. It is the photograph of Joseph Lucien Jura, candidate for the deputation for the constituency of Arcahaie, printed in the ballots for the deputation of Jeremie. Publication of the Rules of the electoral challenge On Thursday, the amended Electoral Challenges Rules were published in the Official Journal "Le Moniteur", special issue # 18. Adassa Christi finalist of a contest on tourism Adassa Christie of the institution Sainte Rose de Lima, is a finalist in the 2016 Tourism Industry Promotion Contest, which took place on the theme "If you were a cruise passenger, what would you want to see and do in your destination." This contest was organized by the Foundation Children Essay Contest (FCCA) with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Industries. HL/ HaitiLibre The winners of Australias first dedicated employee engagement conference and awards were recently announced at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. The 2016 ANZ Employee Engagement Awards & Conference in association with Reward Gateway was attended by 150 HR professionals. This included delegates from large and small organisations who took the opportunity to learn from a range of best-practice presentations. It was a great chance to get the innovators in engagement all in the one room and challenge everyones thinking about how they are connecting with their employees, said Kylie Green, Sales Director of Reward Gateway. There was a range of thought-provoking sessions throughout the day which were quite diverse," she told HC. They included practical tips from HR professionals on what they did at their organisations, and thought leaders providing trends in talent mapping and employee engagement modelling for the future. The best-practice presentations were followed by the awards which were designed to celebrate companies which have successfully been pushing the boundaries in engagement. The winners were judged around their innovation in employee engagement and how well they connected with their employees, said Green. There was a panel of judges focusing on what the companies did which was different, but also relevant to their particular workforce, she said. Matt Manners, founder, The Employee Engagement Awards, added that the judges were very impressed by the strength of commitment to employee engagement demonstrated by the finalists. It augurs well for how Australia & New Zealand will continue to compete in the global economy. Especially with providers such as Fuel 50 that helped enable our winner Z-Energy to engage its staff so well. The 2016 winners are: Overall ANZ Employee Engagement Company of the Year 1. Z-Energy The following companies made up the remainder of the Top 10 list: 2. Adrenalin 3. Epworth HealthCare 4. Involve Training 5. Krispy Kreme 6. McConachie Stedman 7. McDonald Marine + Industrial 8. Sunsuper 9. Teachers Mutual Bank Limited 10. Vocus Communications Almost one-third (32%) dont have access to paid holiday leave. Over half of those with annual leave didnt take their whole entitlement. That result would equate, across the whole labour market, to 48 million unused holiday days, worth $11.1 billion - annually. Jim Stanford, economist and director of the institute's Centre for Future Work, said the aspect of the research that surprised him most was how prevalent unpaid overtime is. It isnt just senior executives and top managers burning the midnight oil as part of their very well paid jobs, he told HC. Our survey showed that there is rampant use of unpaid overtime across all occupations and all industries. Stanford said it was particular surprising that part-time and casual workers would be working extra time for free. It seems especially unfair yet part-time and casual workers are reporting three to four hours of unpaid overtime a week, he said. I think its probably because they are the ones who are most desperate to impress the boss in the hope of a permanent position. Stanford added that the national Go Home On Time Day is all about encouraging all Australians to try and ascribe some real value to their leisure time. Leisure time is not free. The older you get, the more you realise that there is nothing more precious than time. Yet we live in a culture where work drips over to the rest of our lives without recognition of that cost. The national Go Home On Time Day is a call to action to draw a line in the sand and go home on time. He added that its also an effort to start a conversation in workplaces about what is fair and reasonable and what isnt. Moreover, Stanford said he was surprised to see that about a third of Australian workers dont get any leave entitlement, which reflects the growth of casual workers, independent contractors and people who are self-employed. Then, of course, those who get annual leave each year arent necessarily using it all, he said. A lot of people talked about being too busy and worried that their boss would think less of them for taking leave. 'It's not over,' says Craven, vowing to fight on Related Stories Bill Orr didnt mince words when the Henderson County Board of Commissioners and School Board adjourned a rare joint meeting that ratified the countys decision to build an all-new Hendersonville High School. We just got screwed, said Orr, a retired bank executive and president of the HHS Alumni Association. Its a major disappointment. Asked whether the fight is now over to preserve the historic horseshoe-shaped Stillwell building for continued use, Orr said, I think it is, because the two people that werent here (Lisa Edwards and Josh Houston), they both supported the commissioners plan. They just skipped right over parking. Theyre going to build a bridge over Five Points? Thats ridiculous. How much is that going to cost? When commissioners polled the School Board members, all but one, Amy Lynn Holt, said they would go along with the new $53 million HHS campus even as they still harbored misgivings. Amy Holt tried but she got no support, Orr said. Im totally disappointed. Its not over Orrs view that nothing more can be done to reverse the decision was not shared universally. Its not over, said Blair Craven, a 1997 HHS graduate. Theres still the rezoning. Theres other avenues that can be taken that we have talked to attorneys about. I look forward to getting on the board in two weeks and continuing to talk about it. The major building project at the citys northern gateway requires a zoning permit and site plan review from the city Planning Board and City Council, a process thats expected to get under way soon and take about three months. Carey OCain, a retired construction manager and HHS graduate who has pushed aggressively for a combined renovation and new construction plan, was also considering the next route to save the historic classroom building for students use. There probably are some other steps, he said. Theyre still missing out on a perfect opportunity to integrate the Stillwell building. Theyre showing budget creep already. One commissioner was talking about the possibility of doing a (pedestrian) bridge over Highway 25. Thats budget creep. Another one was talking about having parking spaces over in Edwards Park. What are they thinking? They showed in the rendering students crossing over Five Points and going into the building. Im aware of five students that have been killed at Five Points in my lifetime. Theyre still showing the building within 25 feet to 50 feet of the edge of Highway 25. If the new campus is built as now configured, OCain said Stillwell will be lost forever. They cant utilize Stillwell later on if they build a parking lot between it because it violates a key element in architecture to keep the students safe, he said. They cant come back later on and say, Oh, now were going to put our classrooms over in the Stillwell building. They cant do that after theyve already built the parking lot. One commissioner said, We realize we need more parking so well buy up more land for it. Thats more budget creep. I just dont get it. O'Cain summed up the outcome of the joint session: "The Board of Commissioners and Board of Education fell for a pretty picture." Former Clerys worker Gerry Markey (left) presents a special Justice for Clerys award to Siptus Ethel Buckley alongside ex-staff John Finn, John Crowe and Susan Gaynor-McGowan Ex-Clerys workers are calling on the Government to bring in laws to protect workers from the treatment they received. Speaking at a Siptu conference, former employees said they didn't want other workers to suffer in the way they did when the iconic O'Connell street store was sold. The campaigners still haven't met with the owner of the building, Deirdre Foley, since the store closed its doors in 2015. Last year, Clerys was bought by Natrium for 29m just hours before it was shut. The store's 130 staff and 300 concession workers were then sacked with no notice or redundancy, sparking outrage nationwide. A report on the treatment of workers then recommended the introduction of new protections for workers, including increased compensation to as much as two years' pay. The Duffy-Cahill report also suggested that employees should have the opportunity for consultation for at least 30 days before collective redundancies take place. Susan Gaynor-McGowan, a former Clerys employee, urged Siptu's National Executive Committee to lobby the Government to introduce those proposals into law. "The recommendations in the Duffy-Cahill report regarding changes to the law need to be enacted now," she said. Ms Gaynor-McGowan acknowledged that such legal changes would not help Clerys workers who lost their jobs. "We are campaigning for a change in the law so that no other workers will have to endure what we went through last year," she said. Difficulties "Our campaign is still going strong," she added. "The wholesale retail and distribution sector, the services division and the union will continue this campaign until the law has changed." Ms Gaynor-McGowan, who worked in ladies fashions, also highlighted the difficulties workers faced when trying to find other jobs. "We were left with nothing," she said. "Some of our colleagues were working in Clerys for 40 years and were signing on for the first time in their entire lives," she added. "The State paid for our redundancy. The State paid for our outstanding wages. The state is you and I, the taxpayer." The Justice for Clerys Workers group plan to protest outside the Clerys building this afternoon. Ethel Buckley, divisional organiser for Siptu's Service Division, said the union "will not rest" until the law changes. A Dublin woman who completed her Junior Cert at the age 92 has been named Grandparent of the Year. Moya Connelly, now 94, was presented with the prize in recognition of her "lust for life". The retired nurse returned to education six years ago for an IT course so that she could email her brother in Brazil and Skype her grandchildren. She later sat Junior Cert exams in history and English in Colaiste Eanna in Cabra. She continues to take art classes and recently branched out to making Christmas cards. Inspirational Moya was nominated by her granddaughter Hannah, one of her five grandchildren, who described her as "inspirational". "I just wanted to keep my mind active," Moya said. "My grandchildren have phones and iPads and everything and I thought I should try to keep up with them." When asked what she was planning next, Moya said: "Not another exam. I have the art classes and I write poetry. "I'd really like to say thanks to everyone at Cabra Community College. If it weren't for them I never would have done the exams," she added. Moya won a trophy, a weekend away in Ireland and a Specsavers voucher for her efforts. "I've got to get some posh glasses," she said. The Grandparent of the Year award was launched by Specsavers in association with Third Age. Title There were four regional winners from Connacht, Ulster, Munster and Leinster who competed for the national title. In a statement, Chairperson of Specsavers Ireland Sinead Clohessy said: "We received heart-warming entries from all across the country and were truly inspired by Moya's story." Aisling Connolly says she has been sleeping rough in Dublin since being raped in the Midlands in July A brave woman who claims she was raped and fled her hometown in fear of her assailant has been sleeping rough in Dublin, where she has been beaten and bullied. Courageous Aisling Connolly (28) has waived her right to anonymity to raise awareness of the fact there is no State link-up service for women who become homeless as a result of rape. She has been sleeping rough on Dublin's streets through the recent freezing conditions and opened up in the hope someone will urgently help her and ensure that this will never happen to another woman going through such trauma. "It doesn't surprise me things have worked out this way. In Ireland, rape is acceptable. In this country, victims like me are punished. My life is a living hell," Aisling told the Herald. Scared Aisling, from Longford town, was raped in the Midlands in July. Gardai are investigating the incident. She fled days after the rape amidst fears of encountering her rapist again. "I don't want to talk about the person who raped me, but I will say I'm very scared of him and people he knows," she said. "I was raped in July. I went to the gardai and they brought me to the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in Mullingar. "I wanted to go home but I couldn't, so I needed to find somewhere else to go, but I didn't have anywhere. "I asked the gardai did they have a place for me to go but they said they didn't have the power to do that, so I went to Dublin and I've been homeless ever since. "I arrived in Dublin without my clothes, they were all left at home. I didn't even have a phone charger with me. "It's disgusting what's been done to me. The person who raped me is probably sitting at home on the sofa all warm and I'm being punished for the rape. I've been going through hell." Aisling, who grew up in foster care, came to Dublin thinking she had somewhere to stay, but that plan didn't work out and she has been homeless since. After initially living in hostels, she left the services as she claimed she was bullied and assaulted. She has spent recent weeks living on the city centre streets, but managed to get a hostel last night as she could not bear another night in the cold. "It's so cold here on the streets, it would make you cry," she said. "I don't matter anymore. I feel like anyone can do what they want to me now - rape me, beat me, rob me and it's OK. "People who walk by me think I must have done something wrong to be homeless but I haven't. I came to Dublin, where I've just been sleeping around this city, but I know it's not safe and it isn't right I'm living like this. "I thought Dublin would have more facilities to help me but that's not how it worked out at all. I moved away for my safety. "I lived in Dublin years ago, so I thought it was the best choice. "But I don't have anywhere to go. I stayed in hostels and was beat up and bullied, so I am afraid to go back to them." Aisling said she doesn't have a family support network to offer her a helping hand. Her apartment in Longford was her safe haven until the rape. Beaten "Many times I've asked the hostels for help and I tell them I've been beaten up in them before and they tell me this is all they have," she said. "I end up with people who are off their heads on drugs, who will attack you for little or nothing. "They are street smart and tough and they see I'm not street smart and think I'm weak. They demand cigarettes off me and, if I don't give them to them, they fight with me." She said homeless life is cruel. "I end up having a choice of taking a hostel and running the risk of being beaten up or taking the streets, where it's freezing, so cold you can't sleep, but at least I can walk away from trouble. "I'm not saying all homeless people are bad, they're not, but some have hurt me," she said. "I couldn't get into a hostel one night, so I went to look for somewhere to sleep on Henry Street. "This girl asked me for a smoke but I didn't have any to give her, so she started to beat me up while two guys tried to take my bag off my back." A teenager has been jailed for two years for an unprovoked attack on a pregnant woman as she walked home from work (Stock Picture) A teenager has been jailed for two years for an unprovoked attack on a pregnant woman as she walked home from work. Shane Purcell (19) punched the woman, who was six months pregnant, as she was walking along Princes Street in Cork city centre. Cork Circuit Criminal Court was told shocked pedestrians rushed to her aid when she was attacked last year. In a separate incident, Purcell hit a man with a crutch. The teenager, of Seminary Court, Blackpool, Cork, admitted two counts of assault. Judge Gerard O'Brien was told that, as the woman walked along Princes Street at 7pm last November 29, the defendant and two other youngsters approached her from the opposite direction. Without warning or provocation, Purcell punched her in the face. Another pedestrian, shocked by the incident he had just witnessed, immediately chased after Purcell. The woman had taken the full force of the blow around her left eye socket. She eventually made it home to her husband without major ill-effects to herself or her unborn child. Purcell was later identified by gardai from CCTV footage, although he initially insisted it was not him. He said he had been attending a family event at the time of the assault. Judge O'Brien was told that, in April, Purcell was with another group of youngsters in Farren Street, Cork, when a householder confronted them about the noise they were making in the area. When he politely asked them to quieten their activities, Purcell struck him over the head with a crutch. The man was uninjured but shocked by what happened. Tragic Judge O'Brien was told that Purcell has 44 previous convictions. The court heard he lost two family members in tragic circumstances and that this had had a major impact on him. Judge O'Brien warned that none of this excused assaults on innocent people going about their daily lives. He also said that many people suffer tragedies but do not behave in a violent fashion towards others. He jailed Purcell for three years but suspended the final 12 months in light of his guilty plea. Fed is poised to hike rates again today. Here's what you need to know. Money NEW YORK (JTA)-After Brett Parker's great-grandfather fled the pogroms in Europe and came to the United States, he opened a drug store where he sold comic books. Each week he would give his grandson, Parker's father, five comic books to take home. Growing up during the early years of Superman instilled in Parker's dad a lifelong love of comics, many of them written by Jews, that he passed on to his son. "Imagine if he kept them," Parker said laughing, picturing the first editions of Superman that would now fetch high prices. But as a kid, Parker preferred another superhero, also created by Jews: Batman. "What I liked about Batman was that he didn't have any superpowers," Parker said. "This is so Jewish: He didn't have any superpowers, he studied, he learned, he perfected himself, he taught himself, he was very intellectual, he had a gadget for everything. "And more than that, it was all about 'tikkun olam' for him," he added, referring to the Jewish imperative to repair the world. Parker and his son Bayard, 9, were two of the 140 or so attendees at the first Jewish Comic Con, a comics convention hosted in a small synagogue in Brooklyn. The gathering-mostly adults with some children-gave Jewish artists a space to show their work, talk shop, delve into the historical connection between Jews and comics, and analyze Jewish characters from the vast universe of comic books. The major Comic Cons in San Diego and New York draw well over 100,000 people each and are held in vast convention centers with broad atriums filled with stands and super-fans in costume. They are destinations for actors, Hollywood types and geeks alike who want to spend a few days with their ilk. Sunday's convention was a much more intimate, low-key and, well, Jewish affair. It opened with Shacharit, the morning prayer service, and broke in the middle of the day for an afternoon prayer. Two rows of tables in the synagogue sanctuary were set up in front of wooden pews that had been pushed to the wall, while guests in kippahs, ritual fringes or long skirts perused comic books retelling liturgy, Holocaust stories, Jewish history or biblical tales. The convention had little of the involved costumery that colors the larger Comic Cons, but attendees wore Batman, Superman or Marvel Comics shirts, and a kid in a Spider-Man costume played by the Torah ark. "I thought it was a story that was important to present," said Fred Polaniecki, who organized the convention. "I thought it was even more important to present the people who are following in the footsteps of the Kirbys, the Lees and the Kanes"-meaning Jack Kirby, Stan Lee and Bob Kane, three legendary Jewish comic artists. Some of Kirby, Lee and Kane's followers at the convention-both artists and enthusiasts-said the Jewish role in creating the comic book industry sparked their interest in the field. Julian Voloj, who is writing a graphic novel about one of the creators of Superman, Joe Shuster, said Jewish immigrants could relate to how Superman balanced two competing identities. "What made Superman appealing was that he was, to use a Yiddish term, a 'gornisht,'" said Voloj, using a word meaning "nothing." "But in reality he was a superhero. In a way it's a metaphor for the immigrant experience. You're one thing, and you're seen by people as one thing, but in reality, you're so much more." The variety of comics and graphic novels for sale reflect the variety of current Jewish comics efforts. At the event, Voloj sold his graphic novel, "Ghetto Brother," about a Bronx gang leader turned activist with Jewish roots. Jewish historian Rafael Medoff and comics historian Craig Yoe sold an anthology of political cartoons from the 1940s called "Cartoonists against the Holocaust." Isaac Goodhart, 29, hawked his comic, Postal, about a detective working in a town full of criminals, where he includes Hebrew writing and Jewish themes. Jordan Gorfinkel, who worked as part of the management team of the Batman comics, displayed samples of his weekly comic strip "Everything's Relative," which appears in The New York Jewish Week. Gorfinkel moved around a lot as a kid and said he found his "best friends" in superheroes who acted as role models he could always trust. He now runs a workshop at Jewish schools and camps, where he teaches children the rudiments of comic art and has them reimagine a story from the Bible through drawing. He is working on a graphic-novel version of the Passover Haggadah complete with traditional text. Gorfinkel says it will engage kids through dynamic art in a way a traditional seder cannot. "Kids, and adults that are kids at heart, need to connect to our Jewish texts in entertaining ways," he said. "When you're sitting around the seder table with a book, what's the most logical way to bring the story to life? Using a modern medium that also happens to be one Jews created." Like many Jewish conventions, this one couldn't help getting snarled in the thorniest of Jewish debates. At a panel on Jewish characters in comics, the discussion opened by asking who, exactly, counts as a Jewish character. "If you have one [Jewish] parent and identify as Jewish, you have a lot of characters, including the third Robin," shouted someone in the audience, referring to Batman's sidekick. The man was seated, along with a few others, on a repurposed synagogue pew, while most of the audience of several dozen people sat on folding chairs. On the walls, presenters at the conference advertised comic art for auction, with the proceeds going to the synagogue, Congregation Kol Israel. One panel had a drawing of the Star Wars villain Darth Vader saying the Hebrew word for "repentance." While Sunday's gathering was a far cry from the largest comic cons, in a certain sense, said artist Dean Haspiel, it was the most appropriate feel for the genre. While Marvel and DC Comics films are booming, he said, comic book artists-like Jews-remain a small community invested in its tradition. "Even though comic books have become popular in movies and costumes, the actual comic book is becoming like a rare breed," Haspiel said. "What I admire about the Jewish people that were here, they have each other's backs through thick and thin, and that's the same way we feel as cartoonists." Nick Kroll (l) and John Mulaney star in 'Oh, Hello on Broadway.' NEW YORK (JTA)-Nick Kroll is serious, which is a tad unusual for a man who has largely made his living by being funny. But being funny for reporters isn't his job, he tells JTA in a telephone interview. "My job is just to answer your questions," Kroll said. "Trying to be funny is tricky. You end up saying things that look different in print. My goal is to produce content that's funny, not be funny in interviews." Kroll, of course, has been creating funny content for a dozen years, most famously on the "Kroll Show," his sketch comedy series that ran on Comedy Central from 2013 to 2015. And lately Kroll, 38, seems to be on every movie screen in the free world, from a co-starring role in the romantic comedy "My Blind Brother," which featured his first onscreen love scenes, to a voiceover gig in the animated feature "Sausage Party." He also has a key part in the historical drama "Loving" (out Nov. 4), which already is the subject of awards chatter. In the film-about the real-life interracial couple Richard and Mildred Loving, who were arrested in 1958 because their marriage violated Virginia's anti-miscegenation laws-Kroll portrays attorney Bernie Cohen, who in 1967 successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court that the state's ban on interracial marriage was unconstitutional. At the moment, however, he's busy promoting "Oh, Hello on Broadway," a play he wrote with John Mulaney. The pair met "at a very Jewish school, Georgetown," where they joined an improv group, became friends "and we kept hanging out and making things," he said. One of the things they "kept making" were two characters: Gil Faizon (Kroll) and George St. Geegland (Mulaney), a couple of alter kockers who share an apartment on Manhattan's Upper West Side and have somehow kvetched their way to the Great White Way. "These are characters with very specific to New York personalities," Kroll said. It wasn't his Jewish grandfather that motivated him to create Gil; rather, he and Mulaney were supposedly inspired by "two old men [we saw] going into the Strand book store, each buying copies of Alan Alda's biography," he said. The pair then moved to a park to read their individual copies. "They became an inspiration or a focal point, a kind of person John and I were both interested in," he said. Before winding up at the Lyceum Theater ("where great playwrights put up their work-Tennessee Williams and his sister, Serena," Mulaney quips in the production), they toured the country with "Oh, Hello" and then had a successful run off-Broadway, all to rapturous reviews. That's continued with this production, including a rave from Ben Brantley in The New York Times with a small, off-handed warning about bad puns and politically incorrect jokes. "Consider that a trigger warning, if you must," he wrote, "but I find it hard to imagine anyone's taking offense." Clearly, Brantley lacks imagination. There are several Jewish references, but one in particular raises eyebrows-when Gil recalls that his father once said that he "ratted out other Jews during the Holocaust." The comment drew some titters at a recent performance, but not nearly the quantity or quality of laughs most of the show received. Kroll says he understands why someone might get upset. "The character I'm playing is kind of a weasel," he explained. "Even though it's an awful thing to talk about, if you're looking at a character, perhaps his father was the type of person who would have done that. "He's not celebrated for what he did. But for our show to be able to say the things that we say, every group has to be provoked a bit. Everyone has to take a lump." Still, it's somewhat surprising, considering that Kroll, who attended Solomon Schechter through grade school, was raised in a Conservative, kosher-keeping Jewish household in suburban Westchester County, New York. His parents-father Jules is the founder of Kroll, a corporate investigations and risk consulting firm, and mother Lynn-have served high-profile roles within the organized Jewish community, including positions on the board of UJA Federation of New York. For Kroll, that sense of Jewishness, if not level of observance, has stayed with him. "Judaism can play out in a number of ways: religious beliefs, desire for ritual, even the underlying rhythms of conversation," he said. "That's what makes Jewish history and culture so interesting. So I think for sure, my Judaism plays a huge role in my identity." It can even serve as inspiration. Kroll, along with Jules Shell and Roger Bennett, collaborated on the 2005 book "Bar Mitzvah Disco," an essay and photo collection that celebrates the kitschy simcha scene of the 1970s and '80s. Today, Kroll's Jewish identity manifests itself psychologically as well as physically-his look can be a selling point on casting calls "if they need a Jewish guy," he said. "I find those are some of the more easy casting opportunities. On the other hand, there is no shortage of Yiddishe punims trying to do the same thing," Kroll said. "But I've also enjoyed playing different characters. Because through styling and makeup, you can transform yourself into another person." On that subject, many of the interviews done by Mulaney and Kroll have been in their "Oh, Hello" characters. So I ask Nick if Gil Faizon is around and can come out to talk to me. The answer is a definitive no. "Gil is only around when George is," Kroll said. "We come as a duo, so I'm not entirely comfortable as Gil without him. It's easier for Nick to talk." Easier? Perhaps. Funnier? No. For that, head to Broadway. Not surprising... My spouse was an aerospace engineer who worked on Gemini 4 thru Apollo 16. I was even invited to NASA for Apollo 12 and sat near former President Nixon and his Secret Service detail. I read this recently in the Weizmann Institute of Science digest and pass it along to you: "On July 4, 2016, a long-anticipated milestone was reached: the Juno spacecraft arrived at Jupiter. It's goal: revealing the secrets of the planet, our solar system and how they were formed. It took almost five years, 1.7 billion miles, and the contributions of scientist from some of the world's most prestigious institutions, including the Weizmann Institute. The Institute's brilliant young astrophysicists are putting Israel on the map, thanks to their work on crucial projects like the Juno mission. The Institute's Dr. YOHAI KASPI has been a scientist on the Juno mission, headed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, for almost a decade, developing a means to peer beneath the planet's thick cloud layer. Is Jupiter pure gas? Is it ice? Is there a rocky core? These are just some of the questions he and the team aim to resolve. Dr. Kaspi's Jupiter work continues, both as part of a Weizmann Institute team and as Israel's chief investigator developing a super-sensitive atomic clock for the European Space Agency's JUICE mission, which is scheduled to reach Jupiter in 2030. 'This is the first time an Israeli-built device will be carried beyond the Earth's orbit,' he proudly says. (I'm proud too but I repeat, not surprised!) Remembering Jewish history... On Oct. 9, 1974, Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist, former member of the Nazi Party and possibly the most famous "Righteous Gentile," passed away in Hildesheim, Germany, at the age of 66. Schindler is credited with saving as many as 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust. His story was brought to international acclaim by the 1982 novel "Schindler's Ark" and the 1993 film "Schindler's List." Far in advance but note worthy... This is news from the Jewish Federation: "Choices, the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando's women's philanthropy event of the year, will be held Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, at Congregation Ohev Shalom. At Choices 2017, we will be honoring eight women, each representing one of our Central Florida Jewish agencies! Please join us in congratulating our first two 2017 Women of Choice: MADELINE WOLLY of Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando and ELISE SCHILOWITZ of the Jewish Pavilion." And speaking of the Jewish Federation... I was emailed this message: "The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando regularly honors individuals and groups in the community who embody Jewish values in service to others. We rely on your nominations as we select our honorees. Do you know someone who regularly goes out of his or her way to help others, either in professional life or as a volunteer? If so, please fill out our easy online nomination form so we can be sure to celebrate these outstanding people in an upcoming Ma Nishma. Nominate a Mensch of the week!" A super-talent... The next Altamonte Chapel Jazz Jam takes place on Sunday, November 27th from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. It features super-talent and international entertainer, CAROL STEIN and her friends. Carol is a superb pianist and vocalist. Her terrific "friends" are EDDIE MARSHALL on tenor sax, flute and clarinet, CHARLIE SILVA on bass, and BARRY SMITH on drums (I've had the pleasure and privilege to entertain with all these guys. They are the BEST!) The emcee for the afternoon is our own ALAN ROCK. The donation suggested is $10. The Altamonte Chapel is located at 825 East Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, Fl. 32701. (Not to be missed!) Dillards Breakfast Style show... Dillards at Seminole Towne Center is hosting a breakfast style show for the Orlando Chapter of Hadassah on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the Eileen Fisher department on the second floor. A lovely warm breakfast will be served. The show features Eileen Fisher designs and each $400 purchase of regular priced clothing comes with a $50 coupon usable for any Eileen Fisher regular or sale merchandise. There will be some fun surprises and events from other departments also featured. This event is free of charge and there is no obligation to purchase. To RSVP: On the internet Nancyg357@yahoo.com or phone 407-333-0204. One for the road... Abe is reading his Jewish Chronicle when his wife Ruth walks up behind him and smacks him on the back of the head with her hand. Carol Stein "What on earth was that for?" shouts Abe. "That," she replies, "was because I found a piece of paper in your pocket with the name 'Judith Pasha' written on it." "You've got it all wrong, darling," Abe says. "Don't you remember last week when I went to the horse races? Well, 'Judith Pasha' was the name of one of the horses I bet on while I was there." Ruth gives a shrug and walks away muttering to herself. A few days later, Abe is reading his newspaper when Ruth again walks up behind him and smacks him on the back of the head, but this time much harder. "What was that for?" Abe shouts, rubbing the back of his head. Ruth replies, "Your horse just called." (JTA)-Ruth Gruber, an American journalist who escorted 1,000 Jewish Holocaust refugees from Europe to the United States, has died. She was 105. Gruber died Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, in her Manhattan home, The Washington Post reported. She was known for her 1944 journey from Italy to New York aboard a ship carrying refugees from concentration camps. Despite the risk of sailing on waters patrolled by German submarines, then-Interior Secretary Harold Ickes appointed Gruber to travel with the refugees to "hold their hand," as she recalled him telling her in "Inside of Time," a book she wrote about that journey. Aboard the ship, the refugees, some of them too old to walk, called Gruber, then 32, "Mother Ruth," according to the Post's obituary of her. Fluent in German and Yiddish, she organized English lessons, cared for the seasick and taught at least one refugee her first English song-"You Are My Sunshine"-the Boston Globe reported. Together they made the two-week journey without attack, and the refugees arrived in the United States "safe beyond their most roseate dreams," according to a New York Times account at the time. Until the end of her life, Gruber remained convinced that the United States could have saved many more refugees. Gruber worked as a photographer and reporter for the New York Herald Tribune in 1947, when she became the first Western journalist to visit the Soviet Arctic and the gulag. In 1947, she watched as a ship carrying 4,000 Holocaust survivors and displaced persons was turned away from Palestine. She photographed and later chronicled those events in a book that Leon Uris used to write his best-selling novel "Exodus." In her 70s, she was the only foreign correspondent to observe Operation Moses, the airlift of Ethiopian Jews to Israel during famine. Gruber, the daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants who settled in Brooklyn, graduated from high school at 15 and from New York University at 18. After earning a master's degree in German literature, she went to Germany and, at age 20, earned a doctorate from the University of Cologne with a dissertation on the author Virginia Woolf. The New York Times reported at the time that she was the youngest German doctor of philosophy. From left to right: Matt Brooks, director of the Republican Jewish Coalition; Noam Neusner, former speechwriter for President George W. Bush; Tevi Troy, deputy health secretary under President George W. Bush, and Jeff Berkowitz, former research director of the Republican National Committee, at the Jewish Federations of North America's General Assembly in Washington, D.C., Nov. 14, 2016. WASHINGTON (JTA)-Offer an open hand or a closed fist-or maybe both. Name names. Don't name names, hint. Quietly adjust wording. Welcome to the second week of the World of Trump, Jewish organizational edition. Week 1 was fraught enough, with Jewish statements marking Donald Trump's surprise election ranging from the confrontational to "it's a new day" accommodation. Then President-elect Trump named Stephen Bannon as his chief strategist. The appointment of Bannon, formerly the CEO of Breitbart, the right-wing news site that has been the clearinghouse for the alt-right movement, has been the buzz in the hallways and at lunch tables at the Jewish Federations of North America's annual General Assembly meeting here this week. More than 3,000 Jewish communal professionals and lay figures from 120 communities are attending. Comments on the record, though, were rare, a reflection of the bafflement prevalent in the Jewish community at how to deal with a president-elect who has no experience in public office and won the presidency through a scorched-earth campaign. The Anti-Defamation League and a range of liberal Jewish groups have condemned Bannon's appointment. "It is a sad day when a man who presided over the premier website of the 'alt-right' is slated to be a senior staff member in the 'people's house,'" Jonathan Greenblatt, the ADL's CEO, said in a statement Sunday evening after Trump made the announcement. Bannon is believed to have authored the Oct. 13 speech Trump delivered in West Palm Beach, Florida, that cast his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, as part of a secretive international cabal of international financiers seeking world control-with the assistance of a servile media. The speech did not mention Jews, but the themes were familiar to anyone with a memory of conspiracy theories featuring Jewish villains. The sense that the campaign was dog whistling to white supremacists who embrace such theories was reinforced when in its last days, it ran an ad featuring excerpts of the speech accompanied by images of three prominent Jews. Such themes are prevalent at Breitbart, and while the site does not indict Jews per se-with rare exceptions-and is robustly pro-Israel, it also has become a nexus of the alt-right movement, where anti-Semitism has become prevalent, as well as misogyny, white supremacism and homophobia. The site does not remove anti-Semitic comments. Bannon's ex-wife has also, in an affidavit, accused him of disparaging Jews; he has denied the claims. Breitbart employs Jews and confidants of Bannon insist he is not anti-Semitic. Jason Miller, a top Trump campaign official, told CNN on Monday that media examination of Bannon's alt-right ties was "irresponsible," and that the focus of coverage now should be on Trump's planned policies. Matt Brooks, the director of the Republican Jewish Coalition, speaking on a panel of Republicans reviewing the election at the Jewish Federations assembly, said he wanted to know more about Bannon, although he was confident from his statements that he was pro-Israel. "I look forward to the opportunity to sit down with him and figure out how to work with him in the coming administration," said Brooks, whose group, until the final days of the campaign, had avoided advocating for Trump. The right-wing Zionist Organization of America in a release listed stories showing Breitbart as sympathetic to Israel or to Jews. Its director, Morton Klein, called on ADL to "withdraw and apologize for their inappropriate character assassination" of Bannon and Breitbart. Liberal Jewish groups were unequivocal in their condemnation of the appointment. "If President-elect Trump truly wants to bring together his supporters with the majority of the country that voted against him-by a margin that is nearing two million people, Bannon and his ilk must be barred from his administration," the National Council of Jewish Women said in a statement. The dilemma posed by Bannon's hiring is one of access to the executive branch. It is the lifeblood of groups seeking to influence every nuance of Israel policy, as well as groups that partner with federal agencies on a range of domestic programs, including combating bias and preserving the social safety net. Greenblatt said in a phone interview that the ADL will engage with the government on areas of common interest and strike a critical posture when necessary, as it has in the past. "We're prepared to engage optimistically and take the president at his word about bringing the country together but hold the new administration [to account] relentlessly on our issues, which means we'll speak out when there's a white nationalist as adviser," he said. That's a formula that has worked with presidents until now-an array of Jewish groups, including the ADL, vigorously opposed last year's nuclear deal with Iran, but maintained access to the White House. In its statement condemning Bannon's appointment, the ADL took care to begin by commending Trump's other major appointment of Reince Priebus, the Republican National Committee chairman, to be White House chief of staff. But Trump ran a campaign that set new markers for invective, with the candidate hurling insults at reporters, politicians and just about anyone he didn't like. The fear among Jewish leaders is that the White House will be run the same way. Rabbi Jonah Pesner, who directs the Reform movement's Religious Action Center, another group that condemned Bannon's appointment, said-with resignation-that groups would likely lean more on Congress to advance their agendas. "We network with Republicans and Democrats," said Pesner, whose group has forged ties in recent years with Republicans seeking to protect persecuted Christians overseas and preserve voting rights for minorities, among other issues. Pesner said he expected other organizations to step up. "American Jewish organizations have to speak up with clarity and strength," he said. That did not appear to be happening, in the short term at least, among centrist Jewish organizations. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee refused to comment on Bannon, noting that it did not routinely comment on appointments. (It has, in exceptional circumstances, advocating in the mid-2000s for the Senate to confirm John Bolton as U.N. ambassador; Bolton is now on the shortlist for secretary of state.) The American Jewish Committee also would not comment on Bannon. "Of utmost concern is ensuring that policies proposed and put into place make good on President-elect Trump's Election Night promise, for the benefit of all citizens of our too-divided country, and address the central concerns of the American people and our allies around the world," said Jason Isaacson, its assistant executive director for policy. "Presidents get to choose their teams and we do not expect to comment on the appointment of every key advisor." At the Jewish Federations of North America, the umbrella body's chairman of the board of trustees, Richard Sandler, counseled Jews unsettled by the election to reconcile with their antagonists and move on. Sandler suggested that Jewish Americans may have an overinflated notion of their importance. "Let us stop to try delegitimate those who disagree with us," he said. "We are less than 2 percent of the population of this great country." It is precisely the place of Jews in the American firmament that should guide their opposition to Trump, said Rabbi Jill Jacobs, who directs T'ruah, a rabbinical human rights group. Jews have former alliances with other minorities that feel threatened by Trump, and those friendships should now guide the community. "Shtadlanut is a mode of survival," she said, referring to the practice of some Diaspora communities of deferring to a leader in order to protect themselves. "But in the long run cozying up to authority never works. The danger for the Jewish community is cozying up to the administration to get something for ourselves but tearing ourselves from our allies." Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., a civil rights icon who has longstanding relationships with Jewish organizations, said younger Jews should draw inspiration from the alliances of the civil rights generation. "We are all in the same boat," said Lewis, who spoke at a General Assembly gathering at the new National Museum of African American History and Culture. "They burned synagogues and black churches because they are a symbol of those who march for justice." For Lindsey Mintz, the director of the Jewish Community Relations Council in Indianapolis who is piloting a program building alliances with African-Americans and Muslims, addressing the proliferation of anti-Semitic vandalism in the wake of the election was impossible to tweak apart from attacks on other communities. "If this is civil rights 2.0, is the Jewish community going to show up-not just to talk but to listen and march," she said in an interview at the conference. "That's the question." WASHINGTON (JTA)Enforce the Iran deal. Violate the Iran deal. Leave it to Congress. Do nothing. President-elect Donald Trump has an array of options before him when he assumes the presidency on Jan. 21, according to supporters and opponents of the deal. Reached last year between Iran and six major powers led by the United States, the agreement rolled back Irans nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The open questionas are so many questions about Trumps intentionsis what does the next leader of the free world want to do? His peregrinations were evident when Trump spoke in March to the American Israel Public Affairs Committees policy conference and claimedliterally minutes apart that he both planned to enforce the deal and to scrap it. My No. 1 priority is to dismantle the disastrous deal with Iran, Trump said at the time. Then a few moments later: We will enforce it like youve never seen a contract enforced before, folks, believe me. More recently, Trump appears to be leaning more in the direction of enforcement over scrapping. His two top advisers on Israel, David Friedman and Jason Greenblatt, released in the last days of the campaign an Israel position paper with provisions meant to lighten the collective heart of the right-wing pro-Israel communityon Jerusalem, Palestinian statehood and settlements. But it was notably circumspect on the Iran deal. The U.S. must counteract Irans ongoing violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding Irans quest for nuclear weapons and their noncompliance with past and present sanctions, as well as the agreements they signed, and implement tough, new sanctions when needed to protect the world and Irans neighbors from its continuing nuclear and non-nuclear threats, said the position paper from the advisers, two longtime lawyers for Trump. That reluctance to directly confront Irancounteract, not cancel; when needed, as opposed to right nowcould stem from Trumps professed warmth toward Russia, which is allied with Iran in its bid to crush rebels in Syria, or a realistic desire to keep his options open. Here are some of the president-elects options on Iran: Silence The deal essentially is done. Sanctions are lifted, Iran has rolled back its nuclear program. Trump never took much advice during his campaign; he may be less inclined to do so as commander-in-chief. If he doesnt want a headache, this is one way to go. Drawbacks: A number of his formal rivals for the Republican presidential nomination are back in their Senate seats, including Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida. They hate the deal, they want to be president in 2021 and theyre itching to distinguish themselves from Trump. If they can do it from the right, thats just the cherry on top. Trumps silence on Iran would hand them a huge opening for political disruption. Declare it dead, move on Does Trump want to shut up Rubio and Cruz? Just declare the deal dead and do nothing. He ran a campaign successfully navigating the tensions between contradictory declarations and actionswhy shouldnt he get away with the same as president? Drawbacks: The Iranians can point to a declaration of intent to withdraw in order to drop out of the program themselves and then start enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels. The Iranians might present themselves as a victim and begin to start restoring their centrifuges, said Dennis Ross, a former top Iran adviser to President Barack Obama, speaking Thursday at a session on Trumps possible foreign policy charges at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, where Ross is now a fellow. Scrap the deal Trump has a number of mechanisms at his disposal that would immediately pull the United States out of the deal. All of them involve restoring an array of sanctions that targeted third parties that deal with Iran. (Direct dealings with Iran, with several exceptions, are still banned for U.S. entities.) He could simply stop waiving the sanctions already in place according to existing law. Trump could, as President Bill Clinton did in 1995 not long after pro-Israel lobbying shifted to focusing on Irans nuclear program, issue an executive order advancing new sanctions. Or he could invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, which gives the president broad sanctioning power. Drawbacks: Any pullback from the Iran deal will raise the question of who is at fault for its collapse. The more proactive the United States is in killing the deal, the likelier that the international partners whose sanctions brought Iran to the table will blame the U.S. and continue trading with Iran, threats be damned. Moreover, Trump may not have the ability to waive existing sanctionsthe most passive option described above. Thats because the Iran Sanctions Act, which authorizes the sanctions, is set to lapse on Dec. 31. Congress broadly agreed that it needs to be reenacted, but there is precious little time to do so. Moreover, Democrats want a clean reenactment of the original law, no additions, while Republicans want to insert language making it harder for any president to waive the bills provisions. They have yet to settle on a compromise. Without renewal, the president would have to use executive action to impose penalties on Iran. Enforcement Worried that the world will turn away from the United States should it pull out? Then make it clear that the Iranians are at fault, say conservatives who oppose the deal. He has to start first enforcing it, second doing a bunch of stuff thats allowed that the [Obama administration] hasnt been doing, said Omri Ceren of The Israel Project. In other words, taking the deal seriously. Ceren accuses Obama of ignoring violations by Iran and Secretary of State John Kerry of too eagerly seeking to make clear to third parties still inhibited by existing American sanctions that it was OK to deal with Iran. (The Obama administration feared that if Irans economy did not benefit from the deal, hardliners there would persuade the regime to scrap it.) All that needs to happen for the deal to fall apart is for the Trump White House to do what the Obama administration has refused to doenforce its provisions, wrote Lee Smith, advancing a similar argument to Cerens in The Weekly Standard. Drawbacks: Selling the notion to Americas partners that Iran is in violation might be hard. Case in point: Smith noted that the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. nuclear watchdog, had reported recently that Iran was exceeding its allowed limits for the heavy water used to make weapons-grade plutonium. However, what the IAEA reported, according to The Associated Press, which obtained the agencys internal document, was that Iran had exceeded its allotment only slightly and would resolve the issue by exporting the overage and then some. To an American partner, Irans actions could, described in those terms, look like it was going out of its way to make up for a mistake. Let Congress do it If Congress fails to reauthorize Iran sanctions before it concludes its business, there are any number of Republican senators ready to write new ones. That way, Trump doesnt get blamed for walking away from the deal. Drawbacks: Democrats will likely filibuster any new legislation. An array of groups that backed the deal, including J Street, the liberal Middle East policy group, has pledged to hold the partys feet to the fire. There will be fights, and these will be fights J Street and other supporters of the deal will engage in with everything weve got, said Dylan Williams, J Streets vice president of government affairs. And perhaps, from Trumps perspective, thats not a drawback: He satisfies hard-liners by encouraging them to come up with the toughest anti-deal legislation possibleand then watches it wither on the vine. WASHINGTON (JTA)Criminal penalties for boycotting Israel would be extended to companies complying with the BDS movement, including the boycott of West Bank settlements, under a bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Reps. Pete Roskam, R-Ill., and Juan Vargas, D-Calif., introduced the bill Monday. The measure is a companion to one introduced in the Senate in September by Sens. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Ben Cardin, D-Md., called the Protecting Israel Against Discrimination Act. The House bill amends language in bills passed in the 1970s to combat the Arab League boycott of Israel to encompass the modern Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movementand to include efforts that would boycott settlement goods. Whereas the original anti-boycott laws targeted companies cooperating with boycotts that were launched before Israels establishment as a means of squeezing its Jews, and then as a means of isolating the new Jewish state, the new bill appears to extend the definition to those who would use boycotts to pressure Israel into giving up territory. The measure defines the boycott of, divestment from and sanctions against Israel that would merit penalties as including those that are politically motivated and are intended to penalize or otherwise limit commercial relations specifically with Israel or persons doing business in Israel or in Israeli-controlled territories. Israeli-controlled territories encompasses settlement boycotts. The bill further defines politically motivated as meaning actions to impede or constrain commerce with Israel that are intended to coerce political action or impose policy positions on Israel. It could face First Amendment challenges for seeking to link criminal penalties attached to export violations to politically motivated actions that include aims as minimal as getting Israel to rejoin peace talks with the Palestinians. Furthermore, some liberal pro-Israel groups, like J Street and Americans for Peace Now, have distinguished between the boycott of settlement goods and the boycott of Israel, opposing actions that would equate both types of boycotts as equally harmful. Similar efforts led in 2015 to anti-boycott language, encompassing boycotts of settlements, to be included in trade bills. In that case, however, the impact of the language was limited: It required U.S. trade negotiators to raise in their talks with their overseas counterparts U.S. objections to Israel-related boycotts. When President Barack Obama signed the bill in February of this year, his administration said it would continue to advocate against boycotting Israel in its trade talks, but would not include the language counseling against settlement boycotts. The legislation was sparked in part by the creation of a database by the United Nations Human Rights Council of companies that do business with Israels settlements. It extends existing penalties for boycotting Israel to international organizations like the council. The bill also requires the Export-Import Bank, a government agency that seeks to facilitate American trade overseas, to consider whether a company applying for a loan adheres to the BDS movement. On Friday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, the students of the Jewish Academy of Orlando participated in its bi-monthly Mitzvah Shabbat. For this edition of Mitzvah Shabbat, the students honored our military veterans. Prior to Mitzvah Shabbat, the students and their families collected personal hygiene products for current military personnel. The students collected toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo and lip balm and packaged them for our soldiers. In addition, former Jewish Academy student, Private First Class David Bloom, who recently completed his service, came to our Shabbat program and shared with the students why he chose to serve our country. The students also watched a video honoring all of the Jewish Academy family members that have served our country's Armed Forces. At the Jewish Academy, our students participate in Mitzvot and Gimilut Hasadim (acts of loving kindness) as part of our everyday curriculum. Our students are taught and empowered to do Tikkun Olam (repairing our world) and to make our world and our community a better place. 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. Bereishit - Genesis 12:1-3-And the Lord said to Abram, "Go forth from your land and from your birthplace and from your father's house, to the land that I will show you. And I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will aggrandize your name, and [you shall] be a blessing. And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse, and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you." This was the inspiration for the Bless Israel Summit held at the Rosen Plaza last Sunday evening to show support for Israel. The uniqueness of this event was the attendance of Christians and Jews. "The oneness we shared as Jews and Christians singing and dancing, rejoicing in our common love of Israel touched my heart," said Blake Lorenz, pastor of Encounter Church and organizer of the event. Speakers Matt Staver, president of Liberty Counsel, and Jonathan Feldstein, an Orthodox Jew who lives in Israel (formerly of New Jersey), both shared their own perspective of Israel and encouraged everyone to continue to support Israel. Feldstein also spoke about the Koby Mandell Foundation of which he is vice president. There was a video presentation of the work the Foundation does in Israel for the families of victims of terrorism. A little more than $4,000 was collected in offerings that evening for the Foundation. At the end of the evening, a Jewish couple who attend Congregation Ohev Shalom approached Lorenz and told him how the event had touched their hearts. "The wife shook my hand and did not let go," said Lorenz. "She looked me in the eye and began to share her story. Her parents had survived the Holocaust in Poland, then migrated to America. They hated Christians because it was the Christians who killed their family and friends, took their homes and businesses, and caused unimaginable suffering to so many. She then stated she wished her parents had lived to attend our event. They would have been overwhelmed by the love they experienced." Tables were set up for more than 15 organizations to educate attendees about ways to show their support for Israel. Some of the organizations present included American Friends of Magen David, Bridges for Peace, Ezra International, Zaydes Kosher Kitchen Catering, and the Zionistas. The evening was a successful interfaith event to show support for Israel. (JTA)-For years, whenever Jews and Muslims engaged in dialogue and activism, it usually concerned one issue: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With Donald Trump's ascent to the presidency, that appears to be changing. Regardless of what's happening across the ocean, Jews and Muslims in the United States are joining together to fight for shared domestic concerns. "It is a perhaps growing recognition that [the Israeli-Palestinian conflict] cannot define how American Jews and American Muslims relate to one another," said Rabbi David Fox Sandmel, the Anti-Defamation League's director of interreligious engagement. "The shared concerns we have about prejudice, about bias, about threats of violence, about disenfranchisement-these are the kinds of things that can bring us together." On Monday, the American Jewish Committee and the Islamic Society of North America launched the Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council, a group of religious and business leaders from both communities who will help draft domestic policy legislation and advocate on issues of shared concern. The ADL is planning to increase its efforts to provide support for legal and legislative efforts in the fight against anti-Muslim bigotry. And the Shalom Hartman Institute's Muslim Leadership Initiative, which educates young Muslim leaders about Judaism and Israel, held a retreat over the weekend titled "Living in Trump's America: Muslim Vulnerability and Jewish Echoes." "What's happened as a result of the poisonous atmosphere that Trump has created is that American Muslims are desperate for allies," said Yossi Klein Halevi, the Muslim Leadership Initiative's co-director. "And the argument that MLI has made to the Muslim community-which is that the Jews are, at least in theory, natural allies for embattled Muslims-now has become compelling." Both Jewish and Muslim groups have expressed worry about Trump's rhetoric, and his supporters' actions, over the course of the presidential campaign. Muslims have protested Trump's 2015 call for a ban on Muslim immigration to the United States, as well as his insinuations that Muslims celebrated the 9/11 attacks and have withheld information from law enforcement about terrorism. Anti-Muslim attacks rose during his campaign, and a string of attacks has followed his election. And while Trump has not explicitly targeted Jews, Jewish groups raised alarm over his endorsements by white nationalists and online attacks on Jews by his supporters, along with his remarks late in the campaign that echoed anti-Semitic tropes. Jewish groups have protested his naming Stephen Bannon, a white nationalist, as his chief strategist. In addition, the ADL decried "a wave of anti-Semitic vandalism" following the election. In the past, differing stances and sensitivities regarding Islamic extremism or Israeli military action drove groups apart. Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said he hopes Jewish groups will be more willing to work with his organization following Trump's election. Jewish groups, including the ADL, have resisted working with CAIR due to its anti-Israel stances. "It's always been our position that we're open to shared and cooperative action with the Jewish community," Hooper said. "It doesn't really take Donald Trump to spur that. I think it's created an urgent need for mutual cooperation between all like-minded organizations and communities." The newly formed Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council, which has 31 members from both communities, formed shortly before Trump was elected last week. The council will focus on protecting the right to wear religious head coverings, prohibiting discrimination in the workplace, recording hate crimes, and advocating for immigrants and refugees, according to Robert Silverman, the American Jewish Committee's director of Muslim-Jewish relations. "It is a reaction to some of the bigotry and hate speech that came out of the campaign," Silverman said. "We're concerned about the public discourse in the whole country. We're also concerned about messages that originated within the two communities. The Trump phenomenon is only going to make it come together more quickly." Jewish activists who have long championed Jewish-Muslim collaboration believe their community is finally coming around. Rabbi Marc Schneier, co-founder of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, which brings together leaders from the two religions, says he hopes Jews will come to the defense of Muslims if Trump follows through on his proposals to ban Muslims from entering the country, or to create a registry of American Muslims. In June, Schneier's foundation launched an initiative called Muslims are Speaking Out that highlights Muslim condemnations of extremism and aims to dispel misconceptions Americans have about the Muslim community. "We have the obstacle of greater Islamophobia and anti-Muslim rhetoric," Schneier said. "The opportunity is that this is another test for the American Jewish community. Will it step up to the plate, and will it perform as it has done in the past?" The Orlando Chapter of Hadassah presents its annual Chanukah program on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 11:30 a.m. at Congregation Ohev Shalom. A special Chanukah lunch will be catered-with latkes of course-served up with a helping of festive music. Performing is the musical duo of Joe and Lynn Goldovitz, who will entertain with a unique combination of Chanukah and pop music. Joe and Lynn Goldovitz began performing music together when they met as teenagers. Their distinctive vocal blend is energetic and yet has the feel and sound of the very familiar. Their love of music is apparent in the joy of their presentation whether it be Jewish music or a mingling of other musical genre such as jazz and popular sounds. Sensing a renewed interest in Klezmer music, Joseph and Lynn have expanded their knowledge and repertoire to include numerous traditional Klezmer pieces. Some of the highlights of their career include performing three consecutive years at the International Klezmer Festival in Tzfat (Safed), Israel and for the Jewish Renaissance Foundation at the Governor's Mansion in Princeton, New Jersey. Lynn Goldovitz In addition to continuing as performers, they served as cantorial soloists for Temple Beth El, Fort Myers, Florida for almost four years. They are currently serving as spiritual leaders and cantorial soloists for Congregation Sinai in Clermont/Minneola, Florida. They have also been members of the Guild of Temple Musicians. The Goldovitz currently reside in DeBary, Florida, and perform locally as well as throughout the U.S. The Tuesday, Dec. 6, celebration is the perfect opportunity to do some Chanukah gift shopping. Vendor "Fun with Mah Jongg" will offer a full line of mahjong merchandise for sale. Designer Handbags and accessories will also be available for purchase at special low prices. Add a little glitz and glamour to your favorite Hadassah lady's life with one of our long or short sleeve Hadassah tee shirts. This early Chanukah celebration is guaranteed to raise your spirits and put you in a holiday mood. The Jewish Pavilion exists because of its vast amount of volunteers. For this reason, every year the Pavilion recognizes all its volunteers and honors two specifically at the annual JP Connections. This year Jane Edelstein and Lois Silverberg are the honorees. Talk about jumping in with both feet-Jane Edelstein wears two hats at the Jewish Pavilion. Three years ago, when she first got involved as a volunteer with the Jewish Pavilion's Friends Board, she became the chairwoman of the fall Sunday in the Park festival and the Taste in the Park festival in the spring. "Jane is a superb volunteer," said Nancy Ludin, executive director of Jewish Pavilion. "She joined the Friends Board and immediately began serving on planning committees. She volunteered to chair a new event-A Taste in the Park and did a fabulous job! The following year she chaired Sunday in the Park and again exceeded all expectations. Jane has excellent people skills. She is warm, compassionate and very bright!" When Ludin introduced a new intergenerational program and was looking for a person to develop the program, Edelstein applied for the job and was hired last August. "So, I have the paid position as intergenerational program director, and I still do my volunteering," she said, emphasizing that she keeps both "jobs" separate as best she can. After graduating from Ohio University in Athens, Edelstein started as a writer/editor and sold advertising. She became the publisher and vice president of a business magazine in New York, eventually launching a magazine in the early 1980s for professionals. With a background in business magazine publishing, Edelstein came to Central Florida in 2008 from Shaker Heights, Ohio, to accept a job as the director of convention marketing of the Convention Business Bureau. She was there until 2011. Now, in addition to her volunteer work and development of the intergenerational program at the Pavilion, she still writes and does marketing. Edelstein is excited about the intergenerational program. "It goes two ways now. Seniors benefit from the young people and the young people have a lot to learn from the seniors," she said. "We've just scratched the surface of intergenerational programming because there are demands on both sides," Edelstein stated. For example, the first program she did was with Amy Geboff and the Congregation Ohev Shalom teens. "We had 10 -12 teens and 24 seniors. Amy led a structured discussion where we talked about different Jewish values. Each table consisted of some youth and seniors who rated the values. So, basically, they ended up talking about the values." What kind of values? Jewish learning, family, monetary success, involvement in synagogue. "The exchange of thoughts and opinions was very lively!" Edelstein said, adding that all the teens and seniors unanimously desire to do this on a regular basis. Other intergenerational programs include one-on-one programs in which bar or bat mitzvah students do their projects with a senior, and new miscellaneous programs such as classes and parties. Whether volunteering or developing the intergenerational program, Edelstein works closely with the four Jewish Pavilion program directors and the assisted-living facilities activities directors, all of which keeps her very busy. JP Connections will be held Thursday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m., at the Altamonte Hilton. Couvert, $25; Patron tickets for $50 include $25 in shopping bucks; Patron tickets for $100 include $75 in shopping tickets. Register online at http://www.jewishpavilion.org or call 407-678-9363. The Roth Family Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando is pleased to announce that Robby Etzkin has been promoted to executive director and agreed to a new contract to fulfill that role. Etzkin's promotion comes on the heels of the hiring of Keith Dvorchik, who began on Oct. 5 as The Roth Family JCC's chief executive officer, a new position for the organization. For eight months, Etzkin oversaw the 43-year-old community center while a search committee sought and hired Dvorchik as CEO. "I am so excited about Robby's promotion and his renewed commitment to the JCC," Dvorchik said. "He brings enormous value to The Roth Family JCC and our entire community. I am lucky to have him as my thought partner." Prior to February, Etzkin served as the JCC's assistant executive director since October 2012, a position in which he supervised the leadership of the JCC's sports, fitness, aquatics, youth, camp, teen, membership, cultural arts, facility maintenance, and marketing programs. With his promotion, he will also be responsible for supervising early childhood programs, the JCC's largest program, with more than 300 children enrolled in its Richard S. Adler Early Childhood Learning Center. "With Keith Dvorchik heading the organization as its CEO and Robby overseeing programming and operations as the center's executive director, we have a dynamic duo that will lead us with an unmatched bundle of experience, vision, and energy," said Ronnie Bitman, the JCC's board president. For four years, Etzkin has brought new processes and programs to the JCC that have strengthened and grown the center. He has a hands-on style of leadership, meeting on a weekly basis with every program department director, leading by example with a simultaneous eye on the big-picture and an emphasis on the minute details of operation that contribute to an environment of excellence. "He's made a huge impact across the board and changed this organization's culture," said Tara Harris, who has worked closely with Etzkin for four years, as the lead volunteer and board member overseeing children's and family programs. "He is the definition of empathy and community, making everyone feel a part of the process. I can't think of one employee who doesn't respect him, from department directors to teenage camp counselors. Even the kids love him. In the coming years, he's only going to make this place bigger, better and greater." His resume in four years is long. He's been a driving force, working with his staff to bring a number of improvements to the JCC-heating the pool and bringing on a professional swim team in Fast Lane Aquatics; (re)establishing Theater at the J; creating successful young adult events in Party of 8 and Twelve24; bringing the Jewish community together though the annual Hanukarnival and a relocated (back at the JCC) Israel Independence Day Festival; and establishing new programming partnerships with other Jewish organizations, such as Jewish education with JOIN, the Mega Challah Bake with Chabad, and with a plethora of synagogues and youth groups through J-Serve for teenagers. "He's built win-win partnerships with staff and volunteers to get everything done," Harris said. His greatest passion and commitment has been in growing and strengthening the quality and Jewish focus of Camp J, deepening and expanding the staff training program; bringing on two "shlichim," or emissaries, every summer from Israel; establishing a daily end-of-day song session featuring Jewish music; and introducing a Jewish values education program, which features a different Hebrew value each summer, such as 2016's focus on hachlala, or inclusion. This focus on Jewish content and overall staff training led to an increased success of the program, with Camp J averaging 37 percent more campers per week in 2016 than it did in 2013. As he embarks on the next five years as executive director, he has an abundance of ideas he's yet to accomplish, such as a robust youth dance program, a kosher chili cookout, and increased cultural arts programming, like a Jewish Book Festival. His ultimate goal is for the JCC to play a significant role in the lives of as many families as possible, like it did for him, growing up at this JCC. Prior to his hiring as assistant executive director, he oversaw the youth, teen, cultural arts and camp programs for the JCC in Austin, Texas, and before that, the youth and camp program for the JCC in Richmond, Va. He's also led two JCC Birthright Israel trips, with another one coming up in December. So his tenure at The Roth Family JCC was a sort of homecoming, after graduating from its early childhood, after school, and summer camp programs, before returning during college as a teen travel camp counselor. "Wth Keith and Robby at the helm, we are ecstatic to discover what the JCC's future will bring," Bitman said. President-elect Donald Trump assisted the Israeli government to establish infrastructure for new communities for Israelis being evacuated from the settlements in the Sinai in the1980s and from Gaza in 2005, Yedioth Ahronoth has learned. Sinai was evacuated as part of a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt which Gush Katif in Gaza was done so at the behest of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in a unilateral withdrawal. According to various estimations, Trumps financial donations amounted to millions of shekels. The high costs of evacuating Gush Katif, which stood at 10 billion shekels caused the Israeli government to seek assistance from the Jewish National Fund and other Jewish donations. We issued an appeal to all Keren Kayemeth leIsrael (KKL) and JNF offices worldwide, explained Effie Stenzler, former chairman of the Jewish National Fund. KKL-USA sought donations in the US and one of them was sought from Trump, who is considered to be an avowed supporter of Israel, and he donated money toward the establishment of infrastructure in new communities, Stenzler said. The funds were used to build greenhouses, to construct houses and to pave access roads. It also turns out that the tycoon-turned-politician contributed some of his wealth in 1980 toward evacuating settlements in the Sinai and his name appears on a list of donors in the Hevel Shalom region, which absorbed the evacuees from Sinai and Gaza. According to the Yaron Solomon, the director of the Settlement Department of the Agricultural Union, some of the evacuees chose to establish three communities through this union, which included Dekel, Talmei Yosef and Yevul. Israeli army conscription rate drops 3.5% since 2010 (JTA)The rate of enlistment into the Israel Defense Forces has dropped by 3.5 percent over the past five years, army sources said. In 2016, the IDF saw the conscription of 72 percent of people who are initially listed as duty bound to serve in the military, Army Radio reported Wednesday. Among the 28 percent who do not enlist are tens of thousands of haredi Orthodox Jews, who once were allowed an automatic exemption from serving until a 2014 law decreed they sign up for the army or other frameworks by 2017. Others in that category include people who are exempt on medical grounds and a small minority of conscientious objectors. The decrease in the rate of enlistment reflects primarily a growth in the haredi demographics rather than a drop in the motivation of recruits to serve, Army Radio reported. The number of conscripts serving in the IDF is classified. Estimates in foreign publications and agencies range from 250,000 to 380,000 soldiers on active duty, plus another 400,000 reserve troops. While many haredim still avoid military service, the army met its 2015 goal for increasing haredi participation in its ranks, according to the radio report. The news site Walla reported that the IDF last year saw at least 2,300 haredi recruits, a record, compared to 1,972 the previous year. A steady rise has been recorded over the past five years also in the conscription of women, especially religious women who can easily receive an exemption from military service. In 2016, the IDF recruited four times as many female soldiers than in 2010, according to Army Radio, leading to the opening of several new coed battalions. Separately, the number of religious female conscripts has increased by 50 percent during that period. Most Arab Israelis are automatically exempt from serving but may volunteer. Men from the Circassian and Druze minorities are subject to mandatory conscription. Bedouin men are encouraged and in some cases invited to enlist, but it is not mandatory. Netanyahu aide probed on ties to German firm that sold submarines to Israel (JTA)A top aide of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is being investigated for an alleged conflict of interest involving a major arms acquisition from Germany. David Shimron, a lawyer and confidant of the prime minister, is the subject of the probe by State Attorney Shai Nitzan over ethical issues in connection with a deal between the Israeli Defense Ministry and the German shipping giant ThyssenKrupp for the supply of military submarines to Israel, The Jerusalem Post reported Thursday. Shimron provided legal representation on real-estate issues to ThyssenKrupp agent Miki Ganor, according to an article published Thursday by Haaretz. Shimron also was a director at a consultancy firm that reportedly served ThyssenKrupp in 2013, the report said. Journalists and critics of Netanyahu warned that Shimrons ties to ThyssenKrupp may have tainted the submarine deal, whose scope exceeds $1.5 billion and which has far-reaching effects for Israels national security. But in a letter earlier this week to Israels attorney general, Avichai Mandelblit, Shimron said he represented neither Ganor nor ThyssenKrupp in dealings with the Israeli government. Shimron said he only represented Ganor in dealings inside Germany in various business interests. Netanyahu told Channel 10 he did not know of any ties between Shimron and ThyssenKrupp. Channel 10 reported Wednesday that Shimron had pushed Netanyahu to reach the submarine deal with the German company even though he faced stiff opposition from the Israeli military establishment, including then-Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon. Yet the following morning, the spokespersons department of the Israel Defense Forces said the army supported the deal in 2015 and requested the governmentostensibly Yaalon, who was defense minister at the timeto advance it. The need for purchasing new submarines was brought up by the military with the cabinet, read the statement. It concerns the future acquisition (for the next decade) of three new submarines, to replace vessels that will have become outdated by then. Yaakov Amidror, a former major general in the IDF and Israels previous National Security Advisor, said that the army had sought six new submarines but that Netanyahu only approved buying three. Novelist Etgar Keret says privacy behind reluctance to publish in Hebrew (JTA)The celebrated novelist Etgar Keret said he refrains from publishing some of his works in Hebrew to protect the privacy of his family, upon whom he bases some of his writing. Keret, who in 1996 received Israels Prime Minister Award for Literature, among other distinctions, revealed this during a talk last week before Russian Jews in St. Petersburg during that citys Limmud FSU Jewish learning festival. At a lecture attended by more than half of the 650 people who attended the conference in Russias cultural capital, Keret said his selective publishing strategy began at the request of his son Lev when he was 7. I told him that some of the stuff Im writing was based on the family and that I wanted his permission to publish it, Keret said. He said no, I see no advantage in having information about me published, which both messed up my plan to both be a good dad and still publish my book, and made my wife and I believe hell grow up to be a corrupt politician. Keret subsequently obtained permission from his son to publish that book, The Seven Good Years, though initially not in Hebrew, leading to its publication in English, Farsi and other languages before it finally appeared in its original Hebrew in Israel last year, with his sons permission. But, Keret said during the talk, this selectiveness has exposed him to accusations of disloyalty to Israel. He faced considerable criticism in Israel last year following the publication of an interview he gave The Guardian in which he explained how he explained to Lev about roadblocks that the Israel Defense Forces uses in the Western Bank. Keret and his wife set up a checkpoint in their living room, he said. Every time he passed he would have to answer a question. Why do you need to pass? Hed say I need to pee, so Id say do you really need to pee? When was the last time you peed? And after two hours he said I know why Palestinians are fighting, Id fight too, he told The Guardian. In the same interview, Keret said he opposes attempts to boycott Israel. Although I sympathize with the Palestinians fight, I cant say Im pro-Palestinian, he said. Im not pro-Hamas, pro-gay persecution, pro-terrorist attack. Supporting those ideas, he said, would be to patronize themits like saying they dont deserve the ambiguity that we extend to other people. Jon Stewart warns liberals not to stereotype Trump voters (JTA)Jon Stewart, the former host of The Daily Show, warned against stereotyping Donald Trump voters, which he said was unfair and hypocritical. Stewart, who last year quit the Comedy Central show after 16 years, offered his first commentary on the results of the U.S. election last week in an interview aired Thursday on CBS. In the liberal community, you hate this idea of creating people as a monolith: Dont look at Muslims as a monolith. They are individuals. It would be ignorance, Stewart said. But everybody who voted for Trump is a monolith, is a racist. That hypocrisy is also real. Stewart, who at a standup performance just before the election said Trump had called him out on Twitter in 2013 for being a Jew, told CBS that he thought Donald Trump disqualified himself at numerous points, but theres now this idea that anyone who voted for him has to be defined by the worst of his rhetoric. Trump, the Republican nominee who beat Democrat Hillary Clinton in the Nov. 8 election despite losing the popular vote, is not a Republican, hes a repudiation of Republicans, Stewart said in the interview, which featured a plug for his new book about his many years dissecting U.S. politics on television. Stewart was referencing the resentment toward Trump expressed by senior figures from the Republican Partys establishment, including its 2012 presidential candidate, Mitt Romney. Donald Trump is a reaction not just to Democrats, but to Republicans, Stewart said, adding: I feel badly for the people for whom this election will mean more uncertainty and insecurity. Later in the interview, Stewart said: There are a lot of people [who think], and I think [Trumps] candidacy animated this thought, that a multiethnic democracy, a multicultural democracy, is impossible. But that is what America by its founding and constitution is, he added. Trump was criticized during his campaign for making statements seen as racist, including calling Mexicans who cross into the United States rapists and drug dealers. After the election, he has come under fire for appointing Stephen Bannon, whose Breitbart News website featured some content deemed racist and anti-Semitic, senior adviser and chief strategist in the White House. The Anti-Defamation League called the appointment a sad day. Separately, the British Jewish journalist Jonathan Freedland, a BBC presenter, published an op-ed Wednesday in The Guardian headlined The U.S. will no longer feel like a haven for Jews under Trump in which he argued that the U.S. remained comfortably immune from the virus of Jew-hatred, but that certainty has vanished in the last weekand the appointment of Steve Bannon as the most senior adviser to the incoming president has deepened the anxiety. Meanwhile, in Russia, a medium-level spokeswoman for its Foreign Ministry said on a talk show earlier this week that Jews have a better idea than other people of the future of U.S. politicsa remark that exposed her to accusations of anti-Semitism. 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, said Maria Zakharova, who has come under attack frequently by anti-Semitic elements of the Russian far right who believe she is partly Jewish. Her biography on the ministrys website specifies neither her religion nor ethnicity. Zakharova also said that our people in Brighton [Beach], the southern Brooklyn neighborhood where many Russian Jews and non-Jews live, told her in conversations that they had donated to Clintons campaign but gave twice as much to Trumps. Trump names Iran deal critic as CIA director (JTA)An Alabama senator who once reportedly called the NAACP un-American and a congressman who blasted the Iran nuclear deal were tapped to serve as attorney general and CIA director, respectively, under the Trump administration. A spokesperson for President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday the selections of Sen. Jeff Sessions and Rep. Mike Pompeo to the two top positions, The Associated Press reported. The announcements came on the heels of Trumps decision to appoint former military intelligence chief Michael Flynn as national security adviser. The Trump official, who AP did not name, did not say whether Sessions or Flynn had accepted the job, leaving open the possibility that those two arrangements were not finalized. Sessions, a former prosecutor elected to the Senate in 1996, serves on the Judiciary Committee and has opposed immigration reform as well as bipartisan proposals to cut mandatory minimum prison sentences, according to The New York Times. The Senate Judiciary Committee in 1986 rejected his nomination for federal judge in Alabama, landing then-President Ronald Reagan his first defeat in appointing judicial nominees. The rejection owed in part to controversial statements attributed to Sessions, including one that he considered the American Civil Liberties Union, the NAACP Defense Fund and the National Council of Churches un-American groups. He denied having any racist bias and said he did not recall making the statement, which he said in 1986 did not reflect his opinion. Pompeo, a congressman from Kansas, is a conservative within his party and a fierce critic of the nuclear deal with Iran, which offers the Islamic Republic sanctions relief in exchange for scaling back some of its nuclear activities. Israel vocally opposed the pact championed by President Barack Obama that six world powers, led by the United States, negotiated with Iran. RCA silent on Bannon, but extremely concerned about anti-Semitism (JTA)The Rabbinical Council of Americas executive vice president told JTA that the appointment of Stephen Bannon was too political to address in a letter it sent to President-elect Donald Trump. Rabbi Mark Dratch added, however, that his centrist Orthodox rabbinical organization is extremely concerned about rising anti-Semitism. In its letter to Trump, which appeared Wednesday as a full-page advertisement in The New York Times, the RCA called on the incoming president to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital and not to impose a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the United Nations. There are a lot of, a lot of issues, and this was not meant to be a cholent, Dratch told JTA on Wednesday evening regarding the letter, referring to a traditional Jewish stew eaten on Shabbat. Bannons appointment, said Dratch, is also very political, and as a rabbinical organization our inclination was to get involved in issues that were important diplomatically for the Jewish community but that were not political. Bannon is the former chairman of Breitbart News, a website that Bannon himself called the platform for the alt-right, a loose movement of the far right whose followers traffic variously in white nationalism, anti-immigration sentiment, anti-Semitism and a disdain for political correctness. A handful of Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, have condemned his appointment. Two conservative groups, the Republican Jewish Coalition and the Zionist Organization of America, have endorsed Bannon based in part on his and Breitbarts pro-Israel stance. Several large Jewish organizations, including the Jewish Federations of North America and the American Jewish Committee, have not commented directly on Bannon. Dratch noted that a statement sent Wednesday in tandem with the RCA letter said it was time to 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. He said the alt-rights role in rising anti-Semitism and bigotry does worry the RCA. We are extremely concerned about the impact thats had on the rise of anti-Semitism, he said. Were concerned about the rise of anti-black feeling, anti-Muslim feeling, problems that women are facing. There are lots of concerns. In the letter to Trump, the RCA congratulated him on his victory in last weeks presidential election and reminded him of a pledge he made to recognize Jerusalem as the one true capital of Israel. It also thanked President Barack Obama for defending Israel in the U.N. Security Council. 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, the letter said. Jewish billionaire Henry Kravis reportedly being considered for Treasury secretary (JTA)President-elect Donald Trump reportedly is considering appointing the Jewish billionaire Henry Kravis as his Treasury secretary. Trump spoke to Kravis, a private equity pioneer, following his Nov. 8 victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton, the New York Post reported Thursday. An unnamed source told the Post that Trump had reached out to Kravis, 72, of Oklahoma, who heads the KKR & Co. equity firm. Trump has named Kravis before as a possible candidate for the job. In May, Kravis said: While Im honored to be mentioned, I love my job and cant imagine leaving it in commenting about speculation that he would be named secretary. But in July 2015, Kravis, a longtime Republican who did not name a favorite in the primary campaign, said it was scary that Trump had mentioned him, along with Carl Icahn and former General Electric CEO Jack Welch, as a possible Treasury Department boss. Trump adviser Steven Mnuchin, who is also Jewish, is also being considered for the position, according to the Post, as well as JPMorgan executive Jamie Dimon, who is not Jewish. Neither Kravis nor KKR donated to any of the 2016 presidential candidates, official filings show. Donation records show that Kravis, who is worth $4.6 billion, donated $32,400 last year to the National Republican Senatorial Committee. KKR in 2015 donated $5,000 to Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and smaller amounts to several Republican senatorial candidates, including $2,700 in August to Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H. Kravis is close to former President George H.W. Bush. Abraham Foxman withdraws from ZOA dinner, calling it politicized NEW YORK (JTA)Abraham Foxman, the former longtime national director of the Anti-Defamation League, said he will not be attending a Zionist Organization of America dinner because the event has been politicized. Foxman had planned to attend Sundays dinner, which will feature a speech by Stephen Bannon, a senior adviser to Donald Trump whose appointment has stirred controversy. Bannon formerly ran Breitbart News, a website Bannon called the platform for the alt-right, a loose movement of the far right whose followers traffic variously in white nationalism, anti-immigration sentiment, anti-Semitism and a disdain for political correctness. Foxman said in a statement Wednesday that he would not be going to the gala, a decision he said came after the ZOA publicized the former ADL leaders intention to attend. ZOA manipulated and abused my trust when they announced my decision to attend without my permission because they have politicized this event, the statement said. My intention was solely to be in attendance to honor Bernie Marcus, and not to make any political statement. Marcus, a co-founder of Home Depot, is being honored at the dinner. On Tuesday Marcus, a board member of the Republican Jewish Coalition, published a statement supporting Bannons appointment. Bannon has come under fire from a number of Jewish groups, including the ADL, which for years was nearly synonymous with Foxmans name. On Thursday, ZOA President Mort Klein accused Foxman of lying in his statement. ZOA has attacked ADL a number of times in recent years for its stance on laws prohibiting Israel boycotts and over accusations that ADL supports the Black Lives Matter movement, parts of which have endorsed an Israel boycott. He knew Bannon was going to be there, Klein said. He lied and says we misled him. What did we mislead? [Bannon] asked me if he could come, I said OK. ZOA has been one of two Jewish groups, along with the RJC, to support Bannons appointment. Klein claimed that when Bannon called Breitbart a platform for the alt-right, he meant to expose and demean the movement, not promote it. He gave them a platform, in his opinion, to expose what lunatics and haters they are, Klein told JTA. You can disagree with that. It doesnt make him an anti-Semite or a homophobe or an Islamophobe. The ADL, now led by CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, this week decried Trumps appointment of Bannon as a top White House adviser, saying Bannons association with unabashed anti-Semites and racists is disqualifying. Canadian prime minister denounces anti-Semitic vandalism in Ottawa MONTREAL (JTA)Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada condemned three anti-Semitic acts of vandalism that occurred in Ottawa. The citys hate crimes unit is investigating the incidents, the latest of which was discovered Thursday. It remains unclear if they are connected, police said. To the Canadian Jewish community, I stand with you, Trudeau wrote on Twitter. Our government denounces recent acts of anti-Semitism in the strongest terms. In the most recent incident, anti-Semitic graffiti in the form of two large swastikas were found Thursday morning on a synagogues front doors in an upscale neighborhood. Two days earlier, a similar incident had occurred at a home used as a Jewish prayer center. Its rabbi, Anna Maranta, blamed Donald Trumps election as president of the United States, saying it emboldened racists to act more in a public way, she told The Canadian Jewish News. Former Canadian Jewish Congress head Bernie Farber suggested a more measured, wait-and-see approach before jumping to conclusions. Another Ottawa synagogue confirmed it was defaced last weekend with graffiti containing anti-Semitic slurs. Others condemning the incidents included Bnai Brith Canada and Ottawas Jewish federation. (JTA)The upset victory by Donald Trump in the 2016 elections stunned a Jewish activist and leadership class that is at times as divided as the electorate at large. JTA asked some of those leaders to describe their concerns and expectations in a series of brief essays titled Worst fears, best hopes. David Bernstein President/CEO, Jewish Council for Public Affairs Our fears are that some of the troubling views Donald Trump stated in the campaign are not just rhetoric but a blueprint for running the country. Our fears are that the new president will roll back environmental protections, gay rights, immigration rights and a womans right to choose, among other concerns. Our fears are that the new president will show contempt for the democratic process and abuse power. Our fears are that the new president will make disparaging remarks and undertake destructive policies that hurt vulnerable, minority communities, including Jews. Our fears are that the new president will enable rather than oppose far right-wing forces to advance their racist agendas and poisonous rhetoric. Our hopes are that the new president will resist the temptations above and the constituencies behind them. Our hopes are that the moderate sentiments we heard at times, perhaps too faintly, represent his real agenda, and that the president-elects conciliatory acceptance speech will become the tone of a nascent administration. Our hopes are that the new president will seek, as he indicated in the campaign, to help people struggling in the economy, by putting in place a generous student loan repayment plan for millions of Americans struggling with the high cost of college and investing billions of dollars, as he reiterated in his acceptance speech, to rebuild highways, tunnels, bridges and airports. Our hope is that Donald J. Trump, who gave expression to the pain and dislocation of so many Americans, will use his newfound legitimacy to help them adjust to a complex and interconnected economy rather than fan the flames of resentment. We believe two paths diverge into a wood, and that President-elect Trump can take a path that realizes our hopes and not our fears. Rabbi Jack Moline executive director, Interfaith Alliance I fear that the Donald Trump we saw in the campaign will be the person who serves as our next president. We are just now starting to see what the incoming administration will look like, but already the choice of Stephen Bannon as chief strategist is a clear indication that concerns about Trumpamong Jews and people of all faiths and no faithare well-founded. The earnest discussions of my younger days about hypothetical changes to civil rights laws and protections are no longer intellectual exercises. Time is of the essence. We cannot afford to wait and see if President Trump makes good on his campaign promises to roll back religious freedom protections, LGBT rights, protections against discrimination, the rights of Muslim Americans and so much more. And we have already seen that the religious right is willing to be complicit in the face of bullying and bigotry if its agenda of legislating love and intimacy is supported. The Interfaith Alliance and others are working to unite diverse voices to challenge extremism and build common ground. The country is in desperate need of reconciliation and healing even as we stand guard against efforts to undermine precious rights and freedoms. My firm belief is that what unites us is far more powerful than what divides us, and no president is powerful enough to change that fact. For that to remain a reliable truth, we must listen to and protect each other. Mark Hetfield president/CEO, HIAS Throughout the 2016 presidential campaign, we heard many ugly words uttered about refugees, immigrants and others. During this massive global refugee crisis, such rhetoric is particularly dangerous. But this was not the first time in U.S. history that weve witnessed the vilification of refugeesnor the first time weve stepped up and spoken out against it. When is America at its strongest and best? When we have had the self-confidence to welcome refugees? Or when we turned them away out of fear? HIAS and the American Jewish community can answer these questions from experience. Jews in America owe our very existence to the generosity that this country has shown refugees. At the same time, we will never forget the deadly consequences our family members faced when the golden door was closed to those fleeing Nazi Europe. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take every opportunity to ensure that America welcomes refugees and stands for human rights across the globe. The HIAS communityour local refugee resettlement partners, our supporters, our network of thousands of rabbis and more than 220 synagogues, and most significantly, the many thousands of refugees we helpis dedicated to continuing Americas tradition of welcoming and protecting refugees. Refugees revitalize neighborhoods, start businesses, support families, pursue education and become new Americans. They have made this country strong. For over 135 years, HIAS has worked to welcome the stranger and protect the refugee, regardless of the political climate. We intend to work with the Trump administration to ensure that this tradition continues. Jonathan Arkush president, Board of Deputies of British Jews Jewish communities on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond have watched this highly divisive U.S. presidential electionculminating in the election of Donald Trumpwith a mixture of surprise and alarm. Some of Trumps suggestions that an elite cabal was behind Americas ills sometimes felt like anti-Jewish conspiracy theories, particularly when campaign publicity around this featured prominent Jews. I myself have expressed deep unease with what sometimes looked like Trumps apparent hesitancy to distance himself from white supremacist supporters like former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke. Of course, Trump supporters would point to the fact that his daughter Ivanka converted to Orthodox Judaism to marry a Jewish husband, apparently with the full support of the new president-elect. There is also little doubt about Trumps longstanding relationship with Israel and strong pro-Israel views, including the pledge to revisit the nuclear deal with Iran. But Jews are not for Jews alone. Far beyond Jewish concerns, Trumps deeply offensive comments about women, for which he was forced to apologize, and his campaigns wider hostility toward minorities, including Mexican immigrants, Muslims and African-Americans, have caused real anger among many Jews. As such, an urgent priority for President-elect Trump must be to address the wounds that he and his campaign have caused, reaching out and reassuring those who have been, or have felt themselves to be, demonized or disrespected in the course of the campaign. This may well require significant reserves of patience and humilitynot traits on ample display during this campaign. Engagement between the Jewish community and the next president of the United States will therefore need to strike a balance between constructively advancing our common interests and setting down a clear marker about the necessity of considered leadership in a pluralistic society. The Anti-Defamation Leagues (ADL) recent statements essentially criticizing the election victory by Donald Trump and Mike Pence are inappropriate and harmful. The front page of the ADLs website features a blurb and link to an ADL blog post titled White Supremacists Celebrate Trumps Victory (Nov. 10) that deceptively seems to tie President-elect Trump to former KKK leader David Duke and Jew-hating neo-Naziswhile never mentioning Trumps repeated repudiations of David Duke and neo-Nazis. The ADL post also never mentions that the Trump/Pence platform is the most pro-Israel platform in decades, and is dedicated to combating the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement and protecting Jewish students on American college campuses. The front page of the ADLs website also features a blurb and link to the ADLs Nov. 10 press release titled, ADL Provides Guide for Educators and Families to Help Young People Process Election 2016. The release, along with the ADLs accompanying resource guide, engages in fear-mongering tactics including advising parents and teachers to Tell [young people] you will protect and fight for thempresumably against supposed evils of President-elect Trump. Similar to the ADLs white supremacist blog, the organizations help young people press release and the resource guide never mention any of the positive truths about the Trump/Pence platform. The ADL resource guide also tells parents and teachers to encourage activism against injustice (presumably against supposed injustice of a Trump/Pence administration). The resource guide then links to the ADLs Ways Youth Can Engage in Activism, which encourages young people to demonstrate in the streets, saying, Demonstrate: Marching in the streets enables students to express themselves while meeting and connecting with other people who feel passionate about the same issues. Demonstrations and protests can be uplifting and empowering and can help students feel like they are part of a larger movement... Instead of encouraging young people to demonstrate against the president-elect, it would be far wiser for the ADL to warn young people about the violence, lawlessness, and obscene rantings at many anti-Trump demonstrations, and about the virulent anti-Israel sentiment that appears to be instigating and supporting many anti-Trump demonstrations. Anti-Trump demonstrations have sometimes turned into violent riots. Demonstrators have set buildings and trucks on fire; piled debris onto streets; smashed car and shop windows while ignoring local business owners pleas to leave them alone; thrown glass bottles; ignited fireworks; blocked streets and major highways; defaced a memorial in New Orleans with spray-painted epithets including, Die Whites Die, F--- Trump and F--- White People, and Rape Melania; and attacked innocent white people. Notably, hordes of demonstrators in cities throughout the country are carrying professionally printed signs stating that they are from AnswerCoalition.org, an anti-Israel organization that is apparently fomenting and sponsoring the anti-Trump demonstrations. AnswerCoalition.org is the very same group that has sponsored vicious anti-Israel demonstrations, including during the wars in Gaza. This is even confirmed by ADLs own archives, which explained in 2011, Under the guise of an anti-imperialist and anti-war agenda, the Far-Left International Action Center (IAC) and its affiliate, the ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) Coalition, have been at the forefront of injecting anti-Israel fervor and support for terrorism into the anti-war movement... IAC and ANSWER have sponsored and organized numerous anti-Israel events, rallies and demonstrations in the United States. ANSWER in particular has positioned itself as the leading organizer of the large rallies against Israel that usually take place during periods of heightened tension... These protests, often co-sponsored by other anti-Israel organizations, regularly featured anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic rhetoric, expressions of support for terror and offensive Holocaust imagery likening Jews and Israelis to Nazis. ANSWER and IAC have both repeatedly expressed support for terrorist groups determined to dismantle the state of Israel, including Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as resistance groups fighting U.S. forces abroad... It has also been reported that the vicious anti-Israel billionaire and supporter of Hilary Clinton has been funding these rallies. When one sees ads to hire organizers for these rallies, one questions if theyre truly spontaneous. Its clear that the Trump/Pence administration may very well become the most pro-Israel administration in history and a champion of the fight against anti-Semitism. The Trump/Pence administration has pledged to take strong legislative and diplomatic actions to combat anti-Semitic BDS and labeling campaigns; has pledged to have the Justice Department investigate the coordinated intimidation of Jewish and pro-Israel students on college campuses; rejects the anti-Semitic notion that Israel is an occupier of Arab lands; is committed to cutting funding to United Nations organizations that persistently slander the Jewish state; will end the Obama administrations unconstitutional limitations on congressional defense aid to Israel; and is committed to pressuring the Palestinian Authority (PA) to stop promoting hatred and violence against Jews in PA schools, media, and speeches. The Trump/Pence administration has also pledged to finally move the American embassy in Israel to Israels capitalJerusalem. In recent years, Israel and Jews throughout the world have experienced more anti-Semitic attacks and defamation than they have at any time since the 1930s. A pro-Israel U.S. administration dedicated to combating this Jew-hating, Israel-bashing onslaught is what we desperately need. Its time for the ADL to acknowledge who our friends are and to stop wrongly, even if subtly, condemning them. Morton A. Klein is the national president of the Zionist Organization of America. I have worked with Stephen K. Bannon, President-elect Donald Trumps new chief strategist and senior counselor, for nearly six years at Breitbart News. I can say, without hesitation, that Steve is a friend of the Jewish people and a defender of Israel, as well as being a passionate American patriot and a great leader. A word or two about my credentials: I am an Orthodox Jew, and I hold a Master of Arts degree in Jewish Studies. My thesis at the Isaac and Jesse Kaplan Centre at the University of Cape Town dealt with the troubled status of Jews in an increasingly anti-Israel, and anti-Semitic, post-apartheid South Africa. I believe myself to be a qualified judge of what is, and is not, anti-Semitic. It defies logic that a man who was a close friend, confidant, and adviser to the late Andrew Breitbarta proud Jewcould have any negative feelings towards Jews. As I can testify from years of work together with Steve in close quarters, the opposite is the case: Steve is outraged by anti-Semitism. If anything, he is overly sensitive about it, and often takes offense on Jews behalf. Steve cares deeply about the fate of Jewish communities in America and throughout the world, a fact that is reflected in Breitbart News daily coverage. It was in that spirit that Steve joined Breitbart News CEO Larry Solov (also Jewish) in launching Breitbart Jerusalem last year, fulfilling Andrews dream of opening a bureau in Israel specifically to cover the region from an unabashedly Zionist perspective. The American ideal, which Andrew Breitbart defended zealously, is E pluribus unum, Out of many, one. We gain a deeper appreciation for people from other backgrounds when we understand our own. That is the spirit in which Breitbart News has always operated with Steve as executive chairman. We have Jewish, Catholic, evangelical, Muslim, black, white, Asian, Hispanic, and gay writers (did I miss anyone?). Steve is a tireless, disciplined manager who demands excellenceand who seeks talent regardless of distinctions of race, gender, religion, sexuality, or any other kind. He has a clear sense of strategy and vision, yet welcomes debate and dissent on the basis of data and facts. He is also passionate about fighting corruption, and restoring the constitutional vision of our Founders. And he is calm under pressure, as his work as CEO of the Trump campaign shows. Americans should see Steves appointment to a key White House role as a positive sign that President-elect Donald Trump intends to fulfill his promises. Andrew Breitbart anticipated the kind of attacks that Steve, and anyone else who is effective at opposing the left, would face. In his book Righteous Indignation: Excuse Me While I Save the World, Andrew noted that the Democrat-media complex would tarnish any conservative with made-up closet KKK status. While being targeted is a badge of honor for Steve, lies are lies, and they deserved to be called what they are. Joel B. Pollak is Senior Editor-at-Large at Breitbart News. His new book, See No Evil: 19 Hard Truths the Left Cant Handle, is available from Regnery through Amazon. Follow him on Twitter at @joelpollak. For the first time in my life, on the morning after Donald Trump was elected to be the next president of the United States, I had a glimmeringthe faintest of ideasof what it must have felt like for Jews in 1930s Germany. I woke up asking myself questions I couldnt answer, questions Im sure were constantly on the minds of our ancestors. What do I do? How do I protect my family? Do we have to move to another country to be safe? Do we abandon our family, friends, our livesand move halfway around the world? How would we have a fire sale for our house and everything we own? What does it really mean to immigrate? Where would we go? It feels overwhelming, and I understand now how much easier it must have been to do nothing, to sit and watch as the world fell apart. I know this sounds like a paranoid rant, and God knows Ive read enough rants during this horrid election cycle. But this time the situation feels a little different. Im not normally someone whos ready to jump off a cliff at the first sign of danger. During every presidential campaign Ive spoken to someone who said, If so-and-so wins Im leaving the country, and Ive always pooh-poohed their remarks. Its never as bad (or as good) as one might imagine. Our government is built with such a rock solid system of checks and balances the possibility of a tyrant taking over is extremely small. But now theres Trump. Please, let me be clear. Im not saying Donald Trump is the next Hitler. The truth is no one knows what he will be. He spouts off like a crazy racist during the campaign, then comes across as more reasonable and thoughtful and open to compromise in his 60 Minutes interview. He says hes going to call on President Obama for advice, but he doesnt read, and gets his information from the Internet. He talks reconciliation and unity and asks us to give him a chance, then appoints Steve Bannon of Breitbart fame to the position of White House Chief Strategist. Steve Bannon, who the Anti-Defamation League describes as a man who presided over the premier website of the alt-righta loose-knit group of white nationalists and unabashed anti-Semites and racists. So what do we do? How far do we let our fears drive our actions? First of all, my bags are not packed. I have no plans to evacuateyet. Even though the Canadian immigration website crashed the night of the election because millions of people shared my thoughts. Even though I received an email the following day from Conde Nast Traveler listing the 10 best countries for ex-pats, I am not planning to abandon the country of my birth. My home. Im not going to react on the basis of fears and suspicions, even as bad as Bannons appointment is. But there are two straightforward things I am going to do, and I put them out as my personal recommendations to you. First, Im going to remain vigilant, and Im going to insist that my elected representatives do the same. Not to be arbitrarily difficult or obstructionist, but to watch for signs of demagoguery, to take any efforts necessary to halt policies that threaten civil rights. Democrats have an historical problem growing... lets just say that item between mens legs that is a metaphor for nerve. We must make sure they (and we) are not lacking in what it takes to stand up and be counted among the righteous. Second, we must take our lessons from history seriously. The single most dangerous thing Donald Trump did during his campaign was to embolden and validate white racists, supremacists, and organizations like the KKK. It is therefore paramount that we remain true to our basic moral values. Some things are just plain wrong. Abusing women is wrong. Making fun of people for their looks, their infirmities, their accent, or the clothes they wear is just wrong, and can never be glossed over or accepted. Hate speech is not OK, and cant be brushed off by saying, He didnt really mean it. At the point in time when the government fails to speak out against racism and hatred, when a blind eye is turned on hate crimes, thereby tacitly condoning violence born of prejudice, then we must be prepared to either fight or flee. That is the lesson of Kristallnacht. That is the burden our country bears because of its intolerable record of denying rights to African Americans. That is one possible future we face, a future shaped by the likes of Breitbart and Steve Bannon. No more heads in the sand. No more sitting on hands. Stay alert. Be vigilant. Hope for the best. Be ready to act if the worst is imminent. Im not abandoning hope today, but Im keeping a close eye on tomorrow. And thats the good word. This site uses cookies from Google to deliver its services, to personalize ads and to analyze traffic. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies. 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No one under 18 can enter our giveaways. No purchase is necessary. All winners have one week to claim their prize. USA shipping only. Offer void where prohibited. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. This domain has expired. If you owned this domain, contact your domain registration service provider for further assistance. If you need help identifying your provider, visit https://www.tucowsdomains.com/ The Supreme Courts ruling on Thursday that adultery does not amount to mental cruelty per se runs the risk of treading a fine line between being seemingly progressive, and terribly detached from reality. The remarks were made as the two-judge bench acquitted a man convicted by the high court for abetting his wifes suicide, allegedly due to his affair with a woman colleague. While calling an extra-marital affair illegal and immoral and retaining it as a ground for divorce, the judges felt that it should still not draw criminal provisions under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, as the latter depends on evidence that the affair directly led to the suicide. One wonders if in a country like India, the magnitude of social stigma attached to a woman whose husband left her for someone else can be ignored while defining cruelty. Read | SC rules extramarital affair cannot be criminal offence In the said case, not only did the mans wife commit suicide, but the woman he was having an affair with, too, killed herself under the pressure of social humiliation. The court bench, which stuck to the same ground in similar cases in 2013 and 2015, may just have overlooked the ground situation in our country that, as per the World Health Organization, has the unfortunate distinction of having the highest number of suicides in the world. Psychiatric evaluations of suicidal patients done by NGOs over the years have revealed, time and again, a direct correlation between high levels of depression and instances of spousal infidelity. Ironically enough, this correlation crosses the gender barrier, with the suicide rates among married Indian men being marginally higher than those for the women. Read | Illicit relationships immoral, not criminal acts: Delhi court It would not be impertinent to raise the question then, that had it been a case of a man committing suicide due to his wifes extramarital affair, would the respected court have taken a similar stand of not terming it criminal cruelty? Maybe in their right wisdom they would have, but would the wife have got away unscathed from a society that still has khap panchayats passing draconian judgments that are biased to the core against women. As India moves at a steady pace towards a progressive socio-legal environment where the anti-498A lobby justifiably fights for the rights of married men against being falsely accused and vilified, the stark realities of women who continue to struggle in an un-emancipated social milieu cannot be side-stepped either. In a country that strives to be a global superpower but continues to be hopelessly male-dominated, a narrow definition of cruelty against women wont help. Keeping in mind the potential of it getting misconstrued and more dangerously, misused in a society thats already favourably disposed towards forgiving erring men with a boys will be boys mindset, perhaps the apex court could have avoided taking a generalised stand and routed the case back to lower courts for a review of the evidence. Read | Police to use Lalitas suicide note, audios against Rohit, relatives Had the judgment been made by a bench comprising women, maybe they would have taken a more empathetic stand while defining cruelty via mental trauma inflicted by a cheating spouse. But thats wishful thinking, quite literally, considering there is one woman among 24 judges in the Supreme Court of India. @SonalKalra SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The winter session of Parliament is in progress and one of the key Bills that is scheduled to be presented for passage is the National Medical Commission Bill, 2016, which seeks to replace the Medical Council of India (MCI) with a national medical commission (NMC). With demonetisation hogging the time and energy of MPs, one doesnt know if this new Bill will be discussed during this session, but its time to scrap the corrupt and derelict Medical Council of India (MCI). The MCI is a statutory body with the responsibility of establishing and maintaining high standards of medical education and recognition of medical qualifications in India. Read: MCI moves SC against order on Lodha panel, wants modification It registers doctors to practice in India, in order to protect and promote the health and safety of the public by ensuring proper standards in the practice of medicine. While the MCIs stated intentions are no doubt righteous, the reality is different: Four years after doctors removed the uteruses of 703 women in Bihar to siphon off surgery reimbursements under the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna, the central health insurance scheme for poor families, MCI has failed to take action against even one doctor. Read: Parliamentary panel pulls up MCI over corruption They managed to put off any action against the corrupt and unethical doctors even after the Bihar Human Rights Commission (BHRC) wrote to the MCI in April to punish the physicians involved in the uterus scam. As directed by the BHRC, the Bihar government lodged FIRs against 33 empanelled hospitals and 13 doctors but the doctors continue to practice and the hospitals remain functional. If approved, the NMC, which will replace MCI, will become the main regulatory body and take over all roles and responsibilities of the organisation. The new body will have eminent doctors and experts from related fields to steer medical education in the country so as to ensure quality of education is at par with global standards. The demand for revamping the MCI has been doing the rounds for some time: Earlier this year, a parliamentary panel had called for revamping the MCI, saying it has failed in its role as a regulator, which has led to a downfall in Indias medical education system. The MCI president admitted to the committee that there is rampant corruption in the countrys apex medical education regulator. The report noted that the president admitted corruption was there when there was sanctioning of medical colleges, or increasing or decreasing seats. The committee has also been informed that private medical colleges arrange ghost faculty and patients during inspections by MCI and no action is taken for the irregularity. In May, the Supreme Court appointed the Lodha panel to oversee the MCI because the regulator is often accused of indulging in corrupt practices. The MCI, however, thinks that there is organised vendetta against it. In an application to the SC in June, the MCI said the SC order is based on a perception that the organisation is corrupt. Voicing its strong reservations against the reasons the top court cited to appoint the panel, the MCI said vested interests have orchestrated a well-designed propaganda against the council to render it weak and toothless. The MCI has its reasons to defend itself, but how would it explain its lax attitude towards erring doctors in the Bihar case? SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The brutal Killing of leopard by more than 1500 people in the Mandwar village of Gurgaon, the killing and purposeful mutilation of a Royal Bengal tigress in the Bangmara village of Assam, the killing of an elephant who was feeding her new born calf in the Ghoramari village of Tejpur District in Assam and finally the brutalizing and killing of a monkey by medical students in the Christian Medical College in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu are all news items of a single day. Does this indicate a heightened level of human vengeance against the weak, unprotected, helpless animals or failure of state machinery in managing man animal conflicts? Most of these conflicts indicate an animals need for food, a habitat or a lost family especially their young ones. Ironically, these bloodthirsty human killers fail to understand that an animals straying into human habitats is simply a product of mans swiping encroachment of already shrinking animal habitats. Sadly, instead of falling back on knowledgeable retrofitting of this situation some of the recent reckless decisions of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change have only encouraged and legitimized this tendency to kill many wild life animals by tagging them as vermins. In 2011 a well researched booklet was prepared by the Ministry in consultation with the wild life experts, local people and forest and revenue officials. Since these conflicts are mostly locale-specific, the booklet prepared a ground work of action which could prevent any loss to both humans and animals while at the same time manage in advance the incidents of loss of life and livestock caused by leopards. The Minister had expressed hope in his foreword to the booklet that district administration, revenue and forest officials would find it worthwhile for managing such conflicts. Symptomatically of our governance system, no subsequent Minister heading this most meaningful Ministry has ever cared to flip through the pages of this booklet. Its become some sort of a break from monotony for villagers to collectively demonstrate this brazen chivalry against an unprotected lost animal. This human act is unleashing of the tempestuous wild suppressed in a civilized human brain which could be devastatingly dangerous to any progressive society. The common Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus) is listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and included in Appendix I of CITES. It is the near extinction on the IUCN Red List. In a proactive MEF national workshop of 2007 in New Delhi a pragmatic management policy for this wild cat was found urgently needed. The Chief Wildlife Wardens and Forest officials from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Assam, Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir were brought together. The key issues concerning such killings can be zeroed down as follows; 1. Availability of basic infrastructure, adequate training, equipment and capacity building of the District Forest Officials and Police Officers. 2. There is need to increase wild habitats including the wild prey availability in reserves, building more water reservoirs, restoration of degraded areas and locale specific census of population. 3. There is urgent need for an emergency response plan(ERP) with the wildlife officials. The experts have repeatedly insisted that an Assistant Conservator of Forest(ACF) backed by a veterinarian and a group of 4-5 trained support members should be ready to take field action immediately wherever needed. 4. The policy for an ERP should bring together all local authorities including the Panchayat members. It should start from crowd management by immediately curfewing the area through a public address system kept ready on a forest jeep followed by an animal ambulance with necessary capture and trapping equipment alongside a transport protocol. 5. After capture the animal health should become a priority followed with appropriate treatment before its release in the forest or in precarious disability into a rehabilitation zone. 6. An enforceable ethical amendment to section 11(a) of the Wildlife Protection Act has to be made to fix responsibility of mob killing of stray wild animals and subsequent welfare of trapped animal upon the Chief Wildlife Wardens. Currently every reprehensible human act is accepted as these Wardens play no role in preventing it and setting accountability upon the doer. Efforts are needed under the Wildlife Protection Act, Sec.429 of IPC and State Wildlife Protection regulations responsibility, accountability and killing should be clearly defined within the circumstances defined by The Chief Wildlife Wardens and not the mobs or the government. Penalties and punishments should be increased. Unless local institutions become active participants to conflict resolution and enforcement such killings may continue to occur. India is passing through the most appropriate philosophical discourse of animal killing in which no other than the countrys Prime Minister himself has gone public with folded hands pleading people to not kill and be vegetarians. Its time this philosophy deepens into a public policy institutionalized framework of action which could prohibit bloodbath of these straying helpless wild animals forever. The writer is a professor and the chairperson at the Centre for Law and Governance, JNUShe is also the Patron for Walk for Animals and Habitat, Gurgaon Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. While many would argue that we dont need to mark such days, I think its a good practice simply because they remind governments, policy-makers and the public about the scale of challenges that still confront us despite economic, social and technological progress. Take for example the issue of violence against women (VAW). Despite a massive surge in levels of education, gender awareness and stringent pro-women laws, VAW continues unabated across the world. According to a new four-nation survey by ActionAid, an NGO, women around the world experience harassment for the first time at a shockingly young age with 6% experiencing harassment before the age of 10 in India. More than four in 10 women (41%) in India experience harassment or violence before the age of 19. The figure for Brazil is 16% while it is 12% in Britain and 8% in Thailand. Read | India cannot become the third largest economy by bypassing women workers Cross country findings suggest immediate actions are needed on part of societies and governments to curb harassment and violence against women. While awareness on rights of women, womens abilities and potential has seen incremental advances over the last decades, we are still a long way off to realise a promise of a just and equal world for half of our humanity, said Sandeep Chachra, executive director at ActionAid India. Read | Sakshi Malik alone cannot fight Haryanas gender battles The research also found that around three fourth (73%) of women in India have experienced some form of violence or harassment in the past month. For women in India, violence and harassment is not just physical. There is persistent gender discrimination, which includes physical, sexual, emotional and economic violence, son preference, unequal resource distribution and unequal decision-making power (in both private and public spaces); caste discrimination of women from specific castes, communal violence, and several neo-liberal economic policies also impact women in different ways. While laws, education, funds for women-related programmes are important, we must not forget to engage with men because they too have a huge role in stopping discrimination against women. The MenEngage conference, which was held in Delhi in 2014, focused on this aspect. It ended with a declaration stating that unless governments adopt a She+He perspective, womens ability to galvanise efforts in the fight for gender equality will be limited. IN DETAIL: ACTIONAID REPORT INDIA 82% surveyed have done something to guard against harassment. surveyed have done something to guard against harassment. 6% first experienced some form of harassment under the age of 10 first experienced some form of harassment under the age of 10 73% have experienced some form of harassment in the last month BRITAIN 71% have done something to guard themselves against the threat of harassment, 88% aged 18-24 have done this have done something to guard themselves against the threat of harassment, 88% aged 18-24 have done this More than 1 in 10 (12%) first experienced some form of harassment under the age of 10 57% have experienced some form of harassment in the last month THAILAND 93% surveyed have done something to guard themselves against the threat of harassment! surveyed have done something to guard themselves against the threat of harassment! 8% first experienced some form of harassment under the age of 10 first experienced some form of harassment under the age of 10 76% have experienced some form of harassment in the last month BRAZIL 86% surveyed have done something to guard against harassment. 93% of 18-24 year olds have done this surveyed have done something to guard against harassment. 93% of 18-24 year olds have done this 16% first experienced some form of harassment under the age of 10 first experienced some form of harassment under the age of 10 87% have experienced some form of harassment in the last month The Delhi declaration, which involved numerous drafts, pledged to take an inclusive approach to realising gender justice, highlighting the most effective ways for men and boys to contribute to gender equality, without being used as mere instruments. Read | Pinjra Tod: Delhi girls fight back to reclaim public spaces for women The declaration added that activists must engage men and boys in preventing gender-based violence because they are also harmed by it, and called on men to take equal responsibility for unpaid care work. Investing in men is also a way of ensuring womens empowerment, because a gender-sensitive father, brother or spouse will positively impact womens lives. After all, we live in the same family, same community and we are interrelated and inter-interdependent, one of the participants told me. @kumkumdasgupta SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON People still call me Badki, says actor Seema Bhargava Pahwa, who played the character of Badki in Doordarshans iconic TV series, Hum Log, which made her a household name. It was Indian televisions first soap opera an experiment for that time by Doordarshan. I would credit its success to Manohar Shyam Joshi, who wrote it beautifully, she says. The Delhi-born actor who has featured in films like Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015), Wazir (2016) and others, began her career in 1968 as a child artist. Describing her love for the art form, she narrates actor Shah Rukh Khans dialogue from Chak De, India (2007): Yeh sattar minute tumse koi nahi cheen sakta. A still from the play Saag Meat featuring Seema Bhargava Pahwa. The 52-year-old actor, whose stage journey began with the Delhi-based theatre group, Sambhav, feels theatre is a better medium for actors. There is no wall between the audience and the performer. The gratification is instant, as one can interact with audience, she says. After shifting to Mumbai in 1994, theatre performances took a back seat for her, as there was a scarcity of theatre groups. That is until actor Naseeruddin Shah asked her to join his theatre group, Motley. On December 2, the actor will be performing Saag Meat, at Club Patio in Gurgaon thought provoking comedy. The play has been written by Hindi playwright Bhisham Sahni, and is directed, designed and performed by Seema. The play is a satire on the society where Seema will don the role of a Delhi-based Punjabi woman who cooks saag meat while narrating the story of her domestic help Jagga how he comes into her life and becomes a part of the family. Seema who has been enacting the play since past three years, says that people often share their experiences in between her performance. I also converse with the audience during the act. Unki sunke, main kehti ab meri sunlo, she adds, who will be seen in filmmaker Ashwiny Iyer Tiwaris next. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON It is usually assumed that two Bollywood heroines cannot be good friends with each other. But many in B-town challenge this notion, including Huma Qureshi and Vidya Balan . Apparently, the two actors had a quick meet-and-greet when work commitments brought them to the same venue in suburban Mumbai. This is how @sanjanabatra dresses me up - @madison_onpeddar trench, @thesourcebandra belt, @curiocottagejewelry earrings and @dior heels A photo posted by Huma Qureshi (@iamhumaq) on Nov 25, 2016 at 12:35am PST While Huma was at a studio in Andheri (E) for a meeting, Vidya had come for the promotions of her next movie, Kahaani 2. When Huma learnt that Vidya was there as well, she decided to meet her, says a source, adding, The two met like long-lost friends. They were seen chatting and enjoying each others company. They even clicked pictures together. They have been friends for a while now. Its your love that makes me greedy . A photo posted by Vidya Balan (@balanvidya) on Nov 23, 2016 at 4:57am PST According to the source, the two actors also agreed that they need to catch up more often, and in leisure. Huma and Vidya are known for choosing unconventional characters quite early in their acting careers. We tried contacting the two actors but they remained unavailable for comments. Watch: Trailer of Kahaani 2 Huma Qureshi will next be seen in Jolly LLB 2. Vidya Balan has Kahaani 2, co-starring Arjun Rampal, slated for release soon. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Indian energy giant Adani Group has struck land deals in Australia to build two solar plants collectively valued at $300 million in a bid to develop 1,500 MW renewable capacity in five years, even as a court on Friday dismissed appeals against its $16 billion coal and mine project. The contraction of AUD 200 million ($150 million approximately) each solar plants in south Australias Whyalla region and in Moranbah in the east of Australia will begin late next year, the company said. The Whyalla project is to be completed in an year and is expected to create 350 jobs. It will involve a 120 MW solar generation plant, with potential capacity of up to 150MW, which would make it one of the largest solar farms in Australia. The company said it has secured a land deal with Whyalla city council for the project. Adani aims to develop renewable energy projects in Australia with a capacity of 1,500 MW in the next five years. Its CEO of Australian operations, Jeyakumar Janakaraj, said Adani looked forward to working with the Whyalla community to enhance the South Australian renewable energy industry. This is great news for Whyalla. For many years we have promoted Whyalla as a perfect location for solar energy production. We have sun, land, a skilled workforce and a supportive community. Those attributes have attracted the interest of Adani, said Giles lawmaker Eddie Hughes. Construction of the plant will provide a boost to employment and it will provide one element in what is shaping up to be a much brighter future next year, he said. Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer said the council looked forward to the economic benefits the project would bring. Whyalla City Council strongly supports renewable projects, and we believe Adanis solar generator project will bring major benefits to the City of Whyalla and the region as a whole. Adani said the solar projects will be in addition to its investment in the planned Carmichael coal mine in Queenslands Galilee Basin and rail and port facilities. The Australian Supreme Court on Friday dismissed appeals lodged by the Indigenous community member Adrian Burragubba as well as Brisbane-based environmental group Coast and Country against the companys AUD 21 billion ($16 billion) coal and mine project. Justice John Bond dismissed the groups challenge to the environmental approval and Adrian Burragubbas challenge to a Native Title Tribunals decision regarding the mine. In a statement issued in Melbourne, Adani Group welcomed the court decisions and said the decisions were further positive steps towards starting work in the September Quarter 2017 on the Carmichael Mine in central western Queensland and associated projects. E-commerce giant Amazon is betting more and more on Indian brands to boost its product portfolio globally. The Jeff Bezos-led company, which has already partnered with packaged foodmaker Amul, apparel firms FabIndia and Biba, Liberty Shoes, bathroom fittings firm Hindware, and ayurvedic product producer Organic India, is now looking at Baba Ramdevs Patanjali Ayurveda, sources told HT. Amazon is looking to sell products from these brands in nine countries, including the US, the UK and Japan, which together account for 300 million shoppers on the companys site. Read more: E-com sales to fall by 25% as India faces cash crunch We are in talks with the top 100 Indian brands. We cant comment on the specific partnership (with Patanjali), said Gopal Pillai, head of seller services at Amazon India. Many of the brands have also become sellers on the Amazon platform. Patanjali did not respond to HTs requests for comments. The deal, if finalised, will be a big boost for Patanjali, which is already giving tough competition to fast-moving consumer goods majors like Dabur. For Amazon, it will help it in its fight against Flipkart, Indias largest e-tailer. Amazon has been engaged in a turf war with Flipkart for the top position in the Indian e-commerce market. On Wednesday, Amazon joined hands with Amul, one of Indias oldest and largest cooperatives. Amul will list its ghee and sweets on Amazons global store. A litre of Amul Ghee will be available for around 900. Pillai said that Amazon takes care of logistics, distribution, delivery, imaging, cataloguing, take care of duties and taxes. The price on the Amazon global store is inclusive of all these cost the brands can concentrate on the domestic market, on manufacturing and procurement. Taking Indian sellers international helps Amazon build a deeper relationship with brands in India, one of its biggest market outside the United States. Amazon already has 18,000 sellers and 25 million products from India on its platform. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The government is not considering any proposal to restrict holding of gold by individuals, a top finance ministry source said on Friday. Following the demonetisation of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in a bid to crack down on black money, there were apprehensions among people that the government might impose some kind of restrictions on gold holding by individuals. There is no such proposal before the government on restricting domestic gold holding, the source said. There were reports that many people have converted their black money into gold following the announcement of demonetisation of high denomination currency notes by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8. The government had earlier denied that there was any move to digitise personal lockers in banks amid rumours in social media that they would be opened only in the presence of revenue officials. After Big Bazaar, multiplex chain INOX Leisure, along with the State bank of India, has launched a new initiative to ease the process of cash withdrawal for the people. The company has partnered with the SBI to facilitate this transaction at INOX multiplexes using debit cards. Citizens can simply swipe their cards, enter their PIN numbers and get up to Rs 2,000 in cash per card per day, INOX said in a statement. Starting 24th November (Thursday), all Big Bazaar stores, along with all fbb stores, are allowing customers to withdraw up to Rs 2000 using their debit/ATM cards. This facility is now available at 258 Big Bazaar and fbb stores in over 115 cities and towns across the country. Siddharth Jain, director of INOX Leisure Ltd, said: We, at INOX Leisure, believe that the current demonetisation will have a positive impact on the Indian economy. Through this effort, we are attempting to ease any difficulties that are currently being faced by people due to demonetisation. The SBI said, We are glad to partner with INOX Leisure for the initiative that they have undertaken during this phase. At SBI, we provide support to customers and this association with INOX coincides with our offering. Despite falling store sales, quick service restaurants (QSR) such as Subway, Pizza Hut, Dominos and Genuine Broaster Chicken are providing free food and drink to crowds standing outside ATMs and bank employees. For instance, franchisees of American fast-food restaurant Subway distribute their sandwiches to people in Mumbai and Odisha. However, for experts, these brands are fishing in troubled waters. You must be very careful. People are angry and even a small mistake could backfire. Firms shouldnt distribute items of their brand. If brands want to do charity, they shouldn't show off, said marketing consultant Harish Bijoor. US-based firm Genuine Broaster Chicken wants to connect with Indians. It served lemon juice to the public queueing at Versova and Andheri. The company will do the same in Raipur and Surat to demonstrate that the American brand cares about Indian sentiments, said the GBC spokesperson. Pizza Hut distributed free slices of pan pizzas with a glass of water at select branches across top six cities in India. Employees of another pizza chain Dominos served tea, coffee, water and snacks. Our staffers also helped people in procuring bank forms and even gave them stationery items, said Biplob Banerjee, executive vice-president, HR and CSR, Jubilant FoodWorks Limited. The restaurants are otherwise experiencing a lull. Costa Coffee has shut down many loss-making stores. The net profit of Jubilant Foodworks, which operates Dunkin Donuts and Dominos, fell 1.4% at 21.6 crore in the three months ended September 30 from 21.9 crore a year earlier. Yum Brands, the owner of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, also reported a decline in store-level sales for the past 11 consecutive quarters. However, Yums last quarter results (July-September 16) where KFC has noted system sales growth of 13%. Also Read: Companies take the discount route to lure consumers The government will begin work on the 508-km Ahmedabad-Mumbai high-speed train, modelled on famed Shinkansen or bullet train, with ground breaking in 2017, followed by the construction of the super structure. The project is to be completed by 2023 with the help of Japanese soft loan. The viability of the project will also depend on passenger fare, footfall and last-mile connectivity at both ends. The Future of High Speed Rail in India was discussed here under the aegis of International High Speed Rail Association (IHRA) Forum last week with participants from over 22 countries, including India. The forum, attended by politicians from the Asia-Pacific as well as the heads of Japanese Railway companies, discussed the Asia-Pacific connectivity and the future of trains such as the super-conducting MAGLEV that clock speeds of over 500 km per hour at the Yamanashi test facility in Japan. While India is looking to launch its first bullet train in 2023, Japan and US are on schedule to commercially launch the SCMAGLEV on Tokyo-Nagoya route and New York-Baltimore route next decade. The passenger fares will match the then existing air fares. At the forum, organised by chairman Masafumi Shakuri, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia talked about the need for semi-high speed rail to co-exist with the bullet train technologies given the latters requirements for dedicated corridors and higher passenger fares. NK Singh, who heads the committee to review the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003, discussed the zero-fatality rates, precision and predictability of the Japanese Shinkansen, which was launched in 1964. Shaurya Doval, director, India Foundation, said India was ready for foreign investment in latest rail technologies so long as fares were competitive. During his visit to Japan on November 11-12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken a Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Kobe and visited the Kawasaki factory which makes high-speed train cars. In his meetings, the PM emphasised on the need to complete the Ahmedabad-Mumbai corridor by 2023 before India seriously started looking at Chennai-Bengaluru, Delhi Agra and Delhi-Chandigarh corridors. The Ahmedabad-Mumbai project is estimated to cost USD 15 billion with the train expected to achieve top operating speeds of over 320 kmph and completing the distance in mere two hours. (The writer was invited by IHRA to attend the 2016 Forum at Kyoto) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi shocked the country on November 8 by abolishing Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, which accounted for 86% of the cash in circulation. The move was aimed at cracking down on the shadow economy, but has brought Indias cash economy to a virtual standstill. The government and the Reserve Bank of India have since taken a slew of measures to ease the pain from its measures. They are detailed below in chronological. November 25 - RBI says old currency notes can be exchanged at RBI branches. November 24 - Government stops over the counter exchange of old banknotes; can only be deposited. - Government to ensure adequate cash supply for pensioners, armed forces personnel. - Allows certain payments in old Rs 500 notes including at tolls, hospitals for limited time. November 23 - The government says will offer Rs 210 bn rupees in farm credit to farmers November 22 - RBI sets balance kept in prepaid wallets, cards (PPIs) at 20,000 rupees from 10,000 til Dec 30 - Merchants can transfer up to 50,000 rupees from PPIs to banks til Dec 30 - Monthly limits on transactions via PPIs raised to 20,000 rupees for 10,000 til Dec 30 - RBI asks state-run Nabard to disburse up to 230 bn rupees for crop loans. November 21 - The RBI allows cash withdrawal of up to Rs 2,50,000 rupees for wedding-related expenses. - The RBI allows farmers to withdraw up to Rs 25,000 rupees a week from their loan, deposit accounts. - The RBI gives small borrowers 60 more days before loans of up to Rs 10 mn are marked substandard. - The government allows farmers to purchase seeds from state-run outlets with old Rs 500 notes. November 18 - The RBI sets limit of cash withdrawal at card swiping machines at Rs 2,000 per day. November 17 - The government allows farmers to withdraw up to Rs 25,000 a week against the crop loans. - The government extends time limit for farmer to pay crop insurance premiums by 14 days. - Cuts limit for over-the-counter exchange of old bills at banks to Rs 2,000 from Rs 4,500. November 15 - The government says banks must use indelible ink to ensure people change cash only once. November 14 - The government extends deadline for payments in old notes including for petrol for limited time. November 13 - The RBI raises cap on weekly cash withdrawals from banks to Rs 24,000 from Rs 20,000. - Removes per-day withdrawal limit cap of Rs 10,000. - Raises limit for over-the-counter exchange of old bills at banks to Rs 4,500 from Rs 4,000. - Waives ATM fees for all transactions by savings bank customers til December 30. - The government increases withdrawal limits at recalibrated ATMs to Rs 2,500 per day from Rs 2,000. November 11 - Extends deadline for payments in old notes including for petrol for limited time. November 8 - India abolishes Rs 500, Rs 1,000 notes in fight against black money. - Rs 500, Rs 1000 notes must be tendered into banks, RBI by December 30. - Caps exchange of old bills over-the-counter at banks at Rs 4,000. - Caps cash withdrawals from bank accounts at Rs 10,000 per day till November 24. - Caps cash withdrawals from bank accounts at Rs 20,000 per week till November 24. - Caps cash withdrawals from ATMs at Rs 2,000 per day per card till November 18. - Caps cash withdrawals from ATMs at Rs 4,000 per day per card from November 19. - Allows certain payments in old notes including for petrol for limited time. New Delhi Around 50% of the Rs 21,000 crore deposited in Jan Dhan accounts since November 8 could be suspicious transactions, a senior government official told HT on the condition of anonymity. The income-tax department is probing these transactions, he added. The government on November 8 announced its decision to stop the circulation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in the country. The tax department will first examine those accounts, which remained inactive or received limited funds since they were opened, but have been flushed with deposits in the last two weeks. The highest chunk of deposits has come in from states, including West Bengal and Karnataka. Read more: Demonetisation effect: Taxmen come knocking with 90 searches in 12 days We have noticed discrepancies in several Jan Dhan accounts and we are examining them. People using these accounts or any other accounts to park their illegal money will not be spared, a senior finance ministry official, who did not wish to be identified, told HT. The total balance was in the Jan Dhan accounts was Rs 45,636.61 crore before the demonetisation drive kicked off. There are lots of genuine deposits too and the money that has come in was being simply hoarded at home, more as a habit..But we have to differentiate these deposits from the suspicious ones, said the official quoted above. More than 250 million accounts have been opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) since August 28, 2014. A third of these accounts have received deposits of Rs 50,000 in the last few days the maximum permissible limit for such accounts without quoting the Permanent Account Number (PAN). Finance minister Arun Jaitley had said earlier that Jan Dhan accounts will be thoroughly scrutinised. There are reports that there has been a surge in deposits in some of Jan Dhan accounts. We are aware of this and we will monitor the desposits. Any person who indulges in any unlawful activity will not be spared. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Jammu and Kashmir high court quashed the detention of prominent human rights activist Khurram Parvez under the controversial Public Safety Act (PSA) on Friday. The order, passed by justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar, further released Parvez from preventive custody. "Though it is the duty of the State and its authorities to maintain peace in the society, but it is equally their responsibility to ensure that laws, which they invoke to achieve such purpose, are followed and complied with honestly. It is also one of the fundamental duty of paramount importance for the course of law to ensure that laws of the land are implemented in right earnest," read a para from the judgement. Sources close to Parvez said they are waiting for his release but feared he would be rearrested on separate charges as the state has done with PSA detainees in the past. On Thursday, the state government described Parvez as an anti-social element known for his anti-national activities while justifying his preventive detention in the high court. According to media reports, additional advocate general Mohammad Iqbal Dar had told the court that "when he (Parvez) went to jail, there were three suitcases with him and there are foreign clothing. They are living cosy lives". Parvez has been the most prominent face of human rights movement in Kashmir in recent times and his arrest under the controversial PSA has attracted condemnation and raised questions on the states procedures to tackle unrests. He was picked up by the police on September 15 in Srinagar a day after he was stopped from travelling to Geneva to participate in a UN Human Rights Council session. The condemnation of his arrest hasnt only been domestic. Parvez and his organisation the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) has played a key role in documenting and reporting the violations of human rights in troubled Kashmir. During the current unrest, Parvez constantly criticised the killings and blinding of civilians and raised his voice about several allegations of rights violations by security forces. Also read | Rights activist Khurram Parvezs arrest opens up can of worms SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Dhian Singh Mand, who was appointed the parallel jathedar of Akal Takht during a Sarbat Khalsa in November last year, on Thursday invited non-Sikhs to take part in this years religious congregation at Damdama Sahib on December 8. Accusing the Akali-BJP government of running a foul campaign against the Sarbat Khalsa, Mand said there was no truth in the allegation that it would lead to law and order problem. I am sure we would conduct the Sarbat Khalsa proceedings most amicably, he said, while inviting non-Sikhs to attend it as spectators to witness the proceedings being conducted in peaceful manner and in larger national interest. Mand, who was accompanied by other parallel jathedar Baljit Singh Daduwal, told the representatives of different radical and religious organisations present at the meeting that the three jathedars will take a round of entire Punjab from November 28 to 30 to mobilise people for the congregation. While third jathedar, Amrik Singh Ajanala, could not attend the meeting as he was unwell, the fourth -- Jagtar Singh Hawara -- is lodged in jail for former chief minister Beant Singhs assassiantion. Calling the ban imposed by the state government on the Sarbat Khalsa that was to take place on November 10 as unjustified, Mand questioned: Why is the government demanding paramilitary forces? We are not anti-nationals. Just eight-and-a-half months ago, Donald Trump, then simply a contender for the Republican nomination to contest for president of the United States, tweeted a rant, as is his wont: The people of South Carolina are embarrassed by Nikki Haley! As his Cabinet takes shape in Trump Tower located in Manhattan, he has pivoted nicely to make her the first woman and minority pick of his administration-in-the-making, as the next US ambassador to the United Nations. This may be his attempt to go diverse after the divisive nature of other appointments. That seems to be part of the adulting of Trump. Meeting with Mitt Romney, who attacked him with adjectives the former presidential candidate didnt even use against his 2012 rival and incumbent President Barack Obama, or Hawaii Democrat Tulsi Gabbard, or even shying off prosecuting Hillary Clinton, may be his attempt to show that the middle ground isnt quite as broken as the political upheavals this year have suggested. Read | Indian-Americans hail Nikki Haleys nomination as US envoy to UN Haleys not exactly been a Trump-eteer. She endorsed Florida senator Marco Rubio during the party primaries. Giving her response to Obamas State of the Union earlier this year, she scolded: During anxious times, it can be tempting to follow the siren call of the angriest voices. We must resist that temptation. And in answering that angry tweet from Trump, she used some Southern snark, saying, Bless your heart. She never spoke at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. And her inspiration for entering politics? Hillary Clinton! Last summer as Dylan Storm Roof, a White supremacist with Neo-Nazi leanings, gunned down nine African-American churchgoers in Charleston, Haley put aside partisan plays to have the Confederate flag, a relic of Americas racist past, removed from the state legislature on July 4, Americas Independence Day. Thats in contrast to Trump, who, during the primaries, dissembled over disavowing support from Klansmen and their kin. Given those differences and differentiators, Haley doesnt appear quite Trumps kind of choice. But they have plenty of common ground, too. During the same SOTU reply, Haley said of her own party: We need to accept that weve played a role in how and why our government is broken. And then we need to fix it. #DrainTheSwamp anyone? Shes also a conservative by the numbers, even if she was born Nimrata Randhawa. In 2010, she was lagging behind others in her party in the primaries for the gubernatorial poll until support from former Alaska governor Sarah Palin changed the course and careered her into the governors mansion in Columbia. Palin, of course, was a major booster of The Donald during his campaign. And Chicago-based Shalabh Kumar, founder of the Republican Hindu Coalition and organiser of the Trump desi event in New Jersey, has arranged fundraisers for Haleys campaigns. Read | Trump unnerves Asia but India could forge closer US ties Unlike another Republican, former Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal, Haleys heritage is upfront and her affection for India may be an asset in the never-ending process of reforming the United Nations Security Council. While Obama backed Indias claim to a permanent seat at that table, that process has moved about as quickly as still water on a lake. Former Republican permanent representative to the UN John Bolton, a George W Bush appointee, in fact, criticised Indias efforts as part of the G4, as sucking the oxygen out of the process of getting other reforms achieved there. Haley, hopefully, will be kinder. This pick isnt par for Trumps course, but he isnt predictable. However, Haley, often tipped as a potential presidential running mate and future candidate herself, will head to the UN headquarters in New Yorks Turtle Bay representing a regime that considers multilateralism a mess. Even if Trumps demurring on his position with regard to nixing the Paris agreement on climate change (in which India in invested), the UN is likely to be as popular in a Trump administration as demonetisation with the our Opposition. Read | Nikki Haleys kin in native Punjab cheer as Trump picks her as US envoy to UN In a message, Haley wished her states citizenry a joyous Thanksgiving and she will hope this thankless task isnt a turkey. Perhaps, in accepting this challenge, she is heeding the title of her 2011 autobiography, Cant Is Not An Option. Anirudh Bhattacharyya is a Toronto-based commentator on American affairs The views expressed are personal SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In a desire to embrace the enemy of their enemy, some Hindus have been making some very foolish alliances. Earlier this year, one of the biggest Hindu groups in Britain invited one of the most prominent white racists to speak at their annual conference. Obviously, I made a big stink about it. Why legitimise someone like that in the eyes of the community? Some British Hindus also started asking similar questions. The organisers eventually cancelled the event after the uproar. They werent happy with me. The invited speaker went by the alias of Tommy Robinson founder of the English Defence League (EDL). The EDL wasnt a debating society. They organised violent rallies, harassed non-white people and got drunk. Supporters made neo-Nazi signs, posted racist messages online and didnt hide their hatred. Read | Far-right extremist who shot dead MP Jo Cox before Brexit sent to jail for life The National Council of Hindu Temples UK said they invited the EDLs founder merely for a respectful dialogue with him but many, including me, suspected a different motive: They wanted him to talk about why UK Hindus should be afraid of Muslims. In politics, people have always made odd alliances on the basis of mutual interest. But even by those standards something weird is happening. As neo-Nazi nationalist groups have grown in popularity across Europe and the United States, some Hindu groups have started to see them as allies against a common enemy: Muslims. Others think the election of nationalist leaders in the West, such as Donald Trump in the US, would be good for India. Recently, Union home minister Rajnath Singh said Indians should feel proud of Trump because his victory mirrored that of Modi. The Hindu Sena, an extremist group from New Delhi, celebrated when he won, saying: India will now have the support of the US in our efforts against terrorists. Read | 437 hate crime incidents recorded against minorities since Trumps victory One was Trumps biggest backers, donating tens of lakhs of dollars. On Twitter and Facebook there have been hundreds of jubilant Indians welcoming Trump for similar reasons. In Britain, the EDL courted Hindus and Sikhs so its leader could pretend they werent racist. Though they largely failed, some were willing to ignore the EDLs racism against a common enemy. But allow me to be a bit blunt here: These people are out of their bloody minds. Hindus and Sikhs who think an alliance with western white-nationalist groups will help us in any way are being delusional. It isnt just wishful thinking, it is self-sabotage. At a glance, the white neo-Nazi groups look like nationalists who take a strong stance against Islamic terrorists and too much immigration. I can see why some Indians would regard them as harmless. Read | Trump kickstarts US rightward shift as he shapes new administration But appearances can be deceptive. Over the last decade these neo-Nazis have worked hard to look more respectable, ditching the Hitler-salutes, shaved heads, pro-Nazi chants and violent marches. Now they wear sharp suits and choose their language very carefully. Theyve realised that nationalism sounds a lot more attractive than traditional neo-Nazism. This cleaning-up act coincided with a western backlash against globalisation, immigration and liberal values after the financial crash of 2008. Most of their supporters are poorly educated, poorly paid and older voters who feel their country is changing too fast and they are losing out. So here are three big reasons why any alliance with them will hurt Indians. Read | Trump won with lowest minority vote in decades, fuelling divisions First, these nationalist groups are riding a wave of populist anger not just against Muslims but against all non-whites in the West. Scratch the surface and you can see the evidence. Last week Trump supporters at a conference in Washington DC were caught on video doing Hitler-salutes, saying he would make whites powerful again. There have been similar incidents in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary and Romania too. With every victory, from Brexit to Trumps election, there have been big jumps in the number of racist attacks. If they become more powerful, Indians in the West will be among the first to suffer. Second, most of these movements are against globalisation, immigration and trade. Trump blames Mexico and China for loss of jobs, but tomorrow it could be India. And if America pulls back from global trade as Trump has promised, India would also suffer from the subsequent global recession. If Britain becomes poorer after Brexit, as is predicted, Indian jobs will also be lost. Read | US policeman fired for racist Michelle Obama fluent in ghetto meme Third, the rise of white nationalist groups is a boon for extremist Muslims, not a threat. The extremists on both sides believe Muslims and non-Muslims cannot coexist , so any conflict will just reinforce their point. Trump is the best thing that happened to Islamic State and al-Qaeda recruiters in years. They too are celebrating his election. Let me put it simply. White nationalists only care about white power. They hate what the modern world has become, and Indians are a big part of how the world has been shaped. We are their natural enemies, not their potential friends. Sunny Hundal is a writer and lecturer on digital journalism based in London The views expressed are personal SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Centre came under flak from the Supreme Court for the second consecutive day for not fulfilling the legal mandate to make its buildings disabled friendly. Chief Justice of India Justice TS Thakur criticised the government for sitting over a file related to hiring of members for a panel to supervise implementation of the scheme. Your target was to make 50 government buildings accessible in state capitals by July 2016. But has it happened? the bench asked solicitor general, Ranjit Kumar, wanting to know the name of the minister who sat over the file. Reluctantly, Kumar gave the ministers name as Thanvar Chand Gehlot. He blamed the earlier UPA dispensation for not taking steps to fill up the posts. But this government claims to be different. The system has been working unsatisfactorily. The Centre needs to activate its panel and that of states. Your central panel is in deep slumber and what to expect from states? the bench told the SG. The government is required to construct ramps to enable disabled access the buildings. However, the panel has not met for the last four years. Kumar admitted the laxity on the governments part and assured the needful would be done soon. He said the government called for a meeting on November 29 to review the progress. State representatives will be part of the meet. At this the CJI remarked: For the last four years panel didnt meet. You suddenly wake up and have a knee jerk reaction to convene a meeting. This could have been done earlier. Kumar apologized, accepting the deficiencies. He said the work is in progress and the government has not yet achieved the target. However, the Centre was providing funds to states who are implementing the scheme. He said the panel was in the process of identifying the buildings and will then suggest how to make the changes. now to make changes in the buildings Kumar said the Centre is providing funds to states to implement Prime Minister Narendra Modis Access India Campaign. SC suggested the Centre should hold region-wise meeting on the review of the schemes and adjourned the case to December 14 when the government will update the court on the outcome of its review meeting. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Who would have thought that a cheque could make you famous? Meet Roopali Pasricha Bhasin, a resident of Kirti Nagar who is now a celebrity, thanks to the cheque of 22 paise that she received from her telephone company. I was surprised after I opened the envelope. It contained a cheque of 22 paise from the mobile network company (Vodafone), which had to pay me the security amount after I discontinued availing their service. I laughed aloud, and thought that the company must have paid much more money as postage charge than the amount mentioned on the cheque, says Bhasin, a 26-year-old public relations professional in Delhi. Why did she receive a cheque of such a low amount? I discontinued one of my mobile numbers but got late in clearing my dues. Thus, the company deducted the dues from the security deposit of Rs 250, which I had deposited when I had subscribed to their network. After clearing the dues, the balance turned out to be just 22 paise. She received the cheque in her office and within no time, her colleagues clicked and uploaded pictures of it on social media and shared it on chat applications such as WhatsApp. As soon as I told my friends about it, they also wanted to see its pictures, so I sent it to them. They then posted the same on Facebook and Twitter, commenting that at the time of demonetisation, no one is left with any money, not even mobile network giants, laughed Bhasin. People from the adjacent offices also lined up to see the cheque. They were amazed and insisted that I get the cheque framed, to make it a memory, says Bhasin, adding that even her local tea seller clicked a picture, to show it to his children. Once Bhasin reached home, she saw her neighbours waiting to see the cheque. I enjoyed the experience in office, but after reaching home I had to explain it all again to everyone who was waiting to see the cheque, says Bhasin, who has been inundated with friend requests on Facebook, since then. I have got the cheque framed, she says, I feel it is a good luck charm, I have just opened my own office and a lot of people already know me. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON When seven days of standing in long queues outside banks yielded no results, a 35-year-old scrap dealer allegedly committed suicide by hanging from a ceiling fan at his house in northeast Delhis Mustafabad on Thursday night. Mohammed Shakeel was reportedly frustrated because he couldnt exchange old notes worth Rs 5,000. He had to pay instalments of two loans as well. Shakeels family said he went to banks early morning, hoping his turn would come. But he returned every evening disappointed. Read: 70-yr-old farmer dies standing in bank queue in Patiala Shakeel would complain that the bank queues were very long. He would become hungry and return home. He had to look after his second son. His wife and three children had gone to their home town in Uttar Pradesh, said Mohammed Vakeel, Shakeels brother. Shakeel was worked up since the demonetisation announcement as he was unable to work because he had no usable notes. To deal in scrap, one needs to have change. After the note ban, Shakeel complained he was unable to earn anything. He went into depression. He stopped speaking after a point of time and just went and stood outside banks, said Vakeel. Read: From Paranthe Wali Gali to Moolchand, demonetisaion hits citys favourite snacks A few days ago, Shakeel even took his physically challenged brother to a bank, hoping they would be allowed to enter. But security guards allegedly told them to stand in a queue, said Vakeel. On Thursday night, Shakeel and his 12-year-old son Bilaal went to bed. After midnight, when Bilaal woke up, his father was not in bed. He spotted Shakeel hanging from the fan. Bilaal was very shocked. He stood staring for a couple of minutes before running outside and informing others, said Vakeel. The family took Shakeel to a local hospital where he was declared brought dead. Police was informed. However, police said Shakeel committed suicide because of his debt and not demonetisation. Shakeel was under debt. Further investigation is going on to verify all allegations, said a senior police official. The two people from whom he had borrowed money began asking him to return it in new currency notes. Shakeel had no new notes. He was very frustrated, said Vakeel. Firecracker traders on Friday said the Supreme Court order will hit their business hard. The court had on Friday suspended the licences of all firecracker sellers in Delhi-NCR with immediate effect till further orders, virtually banning their sale and purchase. They traders alleged that they were being singled out as the main cause of air pollution in Delhi. They demanded that the same criteria should be applied to polluting factories and vehicles as well. There is no doubt that crackers cause pollution, but for a day. Many aspects are responsible for pollution which needs to be taken into consideration, Rakesh Verma, owner of Verma Fireworks in Chandni Chowk. The ban would be a major shock to those who have stock worth crores. The apex court order has come in the aftermath of the worst smog spell in the Capital in the first week of this month. Verma said the smog was also caused by the burning of crop stubble in the neighbouring states of Haryana and Punjab. Read More: SC orders ban on sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR to curb rising air pollution No such rule can curb pollution in Delhi. Measures must be implemented on all fronts, said traders. They said Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal implemented odd-even scheme but it proved a failure since it was implemented in isolation. Himanshu Sen, owner of Angad Fireworks said, We were already facing losses because of demonetisation. Now, this order will also affect us. Its true pollution has increased but crackers solely cannot be held responsible for that. In Ghaziabads Farrukhnagar-Asalatpur area, a major hub of crackers business with 64 shops having a permanent licence, the traders said the SC ban would impact 20,000 people involved in the business. The court should have considered the livelihood which will be affected of the families that are involved in crackers business. We will soon hold a meeting of manufacturers from the NCR and consider moving court in appeal, said Asif Ali, a firecrackers seller in the area. Rahim, a firecracker manufacturer, said their business had gone down by 60% due to lean wedding season owing to demonetisation. The sales have already plunged. The SC order would be a major setback for labourers who work at our units. Their families will also suffer, said Rahim. The sixth position from the bottom among eight South Asian countries when it comes to newborn deaths suggests that there are serious gaps in both the health system and political commitment on this issue in India. A staggering 700,000 of the one million babies who died within 28 days of birth in South Asia in 2015 was in India, according to a recent Unicef report. Only Pakistan and Afghanistan ranked lower than India. This figure means that India accounts for 26% of newborn deaths in the world. The high number of births due to a young population means that newborn mortality rates are high, but there are several interventions that can help bring down these figures. Read: With 7 lakh newborn deaths in 2015, India fared worse than most neighbours Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan have really beefed up their immunisation programme. For example, the DTP3 (diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus) vaccine coverage for Bhutan is 99% and for Bangladesh 94% while for India it is 87%. This suggests if India builds on its routine immunisation, it could turn the corner on newborn mortality. Besides this, there is a number of low-cost interventions that could be scaled up. Among these are early breastfeeding and medical assistance at birth. The problem with India is that the public health system, which is the only option for the majority of women in India. Through this women can get the medical care they need for childbirth and natal care in the form of oral rehydration and prevention of infections. Read: India failing: 1.2 million children died of preventable diseases in 2015 Our public health system has long been in a shambles and this is where India needs to put in much more investment. The panchayati raj system could be an effective vehicle for spreading awareness about basic hygience practices which can save the life of a newborn. Under the public health system, health workers are meant to attend to births in rural areas and clinics are supposed to be equipped with appropriate kits. But most of them do not even have basic medicines. Read: Need for a robust steel framework for health in India India conducted a very successful polio immunisation campaign, which became a benchmark for many developing countries. Given that curative care is either unavailable or expensive for the most part, the prevention route is best for a country like India. For immunisation to work, the cold chain needs to be improved and the public health system used to push immunisation in infancy much more aggressively. Countries which are economically much poorer like Nepal and Bhutan have been able to fare better because there seems to have been a serious effort made by the authorities. Unfortunately, both commitment to health and investment in it have not been the priorities they should be in India. This latest report should serve as a wake-up call if India is to begin the fight to save its children with greater seriousness. For the past two years, Gurgaon police have been earning plaudits for rescuing a record number of missing children and rehabilitating them, saving them from a harrowing life of exploitation and abuse. But a Hindustan Times investigation found gaps in the police records and procedure, indicating the campaign may have been stage-managed to inflate numbers. Police in this burgeoning city of multi-national company offices, factories, high-rise houses, villages and slums say they rescued 1,500 kids since 2015 under Operation Muskaan, a nationwide programme to rescue and rehabilitate missing children. The district child welfare committee (CWC) fears the numbers are exaggerated to meet targets. When HT visited the addresses of 27 rescued children, all of them turned out to be fake entries. Some of the families in those addresses said they were living there for two decades. Others said they had never heard or rented their properties to anyone with names that appeared in the police records. Sample this. Police records show a 13-year-old boy was rescued near Wazirpur Chowk in Gurgaon. The entry says his home is under Dwarkas Palam police station. An old couple said they have been living there for 20 years and didnt know any boy by the name that HT found in the police records, or his father. None of the neighbours recognised the child or the family. Another entry reveals a Muslim boy was rescued by Kherki Daula police station on July 8, 2015, handed to the CWC, and restored to his parents the same day. When HT visited the house, the family residing there for the past 10 years denied knowing any child by that name, let alone being rescued by police. We are a Hindu family but the name given here is of a Muslim boy and we have never rented this house to anybody with the given name, the home owner said. Also, HT found that police didnt record first information reports in any cases of child labour, as required by law. Neither police nor the CWC conducted any inquiry about the rescued children. Gurgaon police dismissed the allegations, saying all guidelines were followed during the operation. Those rescued were working as child labourers. We have not picked any child. Why will we do such unethical work? said assistant commissioner of police Anil Kumar, the nodal officer for Muskaan. But the state crime branch had also questioned Gurgaon polices account. KP Singh, then director general of police (crime branch), wrote last year to the Gurgaon police commissioner, objecting to the false information furnished by the district police. He asked the police commissioner to take immediate action and prepare a report of the units involved in the wrongdoing, especially uploading fake information on the police websites Track the Missing Child platform about missing children. The wrong practice has corrupted the whole data and has created doubt about the excellent honest work done by some of the units. I am afraid the government of India will not attach credence to any such corrupted information uploaded on the portal, says the letter from Singh, who is now the director general of police, Haryana. Singh defended the police operation when HT sought his response. There was a misinterpretation by Gurgaon police units working on the operation regarding missing children found in the railway station and other places. It was later explained to them and was rectified on the portal. There is a gap between the CWC and police data as they dont compile data for the operation whereas the police do. Former police commissioner NS Virk, who is now IG Rohtak, was not available for comments. The Union home ministry launched Operation Muskaan in July 2015 across the country after a similar month-long campaign, called Operation Smile, in January to rescue and rehabilitate missing children. Haryana police claimed to have rescued 4,824 children under Operation Muskaan in July last year, of which Gurgaon police topped the list with 1,057 rescues. That means 5.35% of the 19,742 children rescued in the entire country under Muskaan were from Gurgaon. People questioned Gurgaon polices methods and intent of the operation. Activists, who dont wish to be named, said the ineffective tracking of children, lack of follow-up, poor database and gaps in records have hurt the overall fight against child trafficking and exploitation. They said a child goes missing in India every eight minutes and rescuing children is of primary importance, especially in a situation where several agencies fighting for child rights lack coordination. Some of the children and parents alleged kids were picked up randomly from parks, bus stands, even shops near their houses and shown as missing. A 13-year-old boy said he was picked up in front of his slum near Kanhai village, taken to the Sector 40 police station, detained for a few hours and then released after his father paid a bribe of Rs 2,000. The district CWC said police made no reports of the rescued children, a requirement under the juvenile justice act. It corroborated allegations about a huge variation in the number of rescued children in police records and those produced before the committee. Details of the rescue werent maintained in the general dairy of police stations. A number of cases brought to us as child rescue were returned as these did not meet the norms stipulated by the government, CWC chairperson Shakuntala Devi said. The CWC alleged none of the 177 child labourers that police said to have rescued last year were produced before state authorities. Police also did not provide details of the rescue. Devi said children were picked up randomly as police wanted to record the highest number of rescues in India. I would not call it Operation Muskaan, there were only tears among the children and parents. The rescued children were not evaluated for vulnerability, even if they were from other states, and were handed to parents in a hurry, another activist associated with Muskaan alleged. Another anomaly listed by the CWC was that police didnt take any steps to book alleged employers under the anti-child labour act. Also, case-specific information wasnt allegedly shared with the deputy labour commissioner of Gurgaon to recover compensation stipulated by law for the rehabilitation of these children. Efforts to contact Gurgaon labour commissioner Pankaj Agarwal for his comments proved futile. Sensitising and training personnel involved in the rescue and rehabilitation process is also extremely crucial in providing a safe environment to these children, said Soha Moitra, regional director (northern region), Child Rights and You. Reports show many police personnel didnt receive adequate specialised training to deal with children rescued from the streets, factories, bus and train stations and parks. According to the National Human Rights Commission, up to 40,000 children are abducted in the country every year, of which at least 11,000 remain untraced. The Muskaan initiative was to stop a chronic menace in the country. Thousands of missing children are often drugged, beaten and forced to beg every day on the streets, in what has become a multi-million rupee industry controlled by human-trafficking gangs. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Actor Tom Hanks has gifted a typewriter to a fan who drew sketches of him. The actor surprised Denise Esposito with a gift on Wednesday, reports Dailymail.co.uk. I just got this from @tomhanks !! How amazing life is when your fav actor sends you a #typewriter and a thank you letter? I'm speechless.. pic.twitter.com/jS0BWcwJ7o Denise Esposito (@Denny93) November 22, 2016 Hanks included a personal note to the artist, which read: For your lovely book of sketches of -- all -- those movies... Here is a typewriter to do with whatever you need... Make more art! And many thanks. Tom Hanks. Esposito told the website LAist she met the Sully actor -- who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House earlier this week -- at the Rome Film Festival in October. President Barack Obama presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to actor Tom Hanks during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, November 22, 2016. (AP) She had managed to present his publicist with a sketchbook she put together depicting him in his movies. In September, the actor crashed a wedding in Central Park, New York, while out jogging and posed for selfies with the happy couple. Also, in 2012, a set of photographs emerged showing Hanks posing with a fan who was pretending to be passed out drunk in a North Dakota restaurant. Follow @htshowbiz for more The Nagaland government has alerted banks across the state about possible deposit of unaccounted cash even as the union home ministry instructed all airports and airstrips across the country to check movement of demonetised bank notes. The developments follow the seizure of Rs 3.5 crore in demonetised notes from a businessman who flew into Dimapur in a chartered plane from Hisar in Haryana on Tuesday. And a day after the cash went missing from the Dimapur airport before it was recovered and another Rs 4.47 crore in demonetised notes impounded, the income tax department also initiated an inquiry on how its officials allowed the cash out of the airport. The demonetised cash was flown in allegedly on basis of an income tax department certificate to a Nagaland businessman Anato Zhimomi, son-in-law of former chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, who now represents the Nagaland Peoples Front in the Lok Sabha. The cash went missing after the CISF seized it at Dimapur airport and reportedly handed it over to IT officials on Tuesday. It was found in a fuel station owned by Zhimomi on Wednesday night. I-T sources said the probe will unravel the mystery behind the money going missing and people involved in the operation. We want to find out more about the people who have been involved in this transaction...it is at an early stage, we have to wait for more details We are looking into the matter, an official source told Hindustan Times, adding the probability of money laundering will also be investigated. It is possible people who had stashed cash elsewhere in the country have channelled or are trying to divert them to accounts of Nagalands tribal people who are exempted from paying taxes, said a state government official. In another twist, officials at the Dimapur airport said another flight had landed from Hisar on November 13. Tuesdays (November 22) was not the only occasion that the flight came from Hisar. The same jet had come to Dimapur from the same place on November 13 and flown back on November 14, Dimapur airport director M Zhimo told Hindustan Times. He did not say how many people were on board the November 13 flight. Manvinder Singh, owner of the company that provided the aircraft remained incommunicado. Apart from tax evaders, a clutch of banned militant outfits which operate from Myanmar were clandestinely trying to exchange discontinued notes extorted from the region, intelligence officials said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An army jawan and two militants were killed in a gunfight in Bandipora in northern Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, as security forces battled another group holed up in a house in a nearby area. A gunfight broke out early Friday when security forces surrounded an orchard in Naidkha area of Bandipora district, leaving a soldier of 13 Rashtriya Rifles and two militants dead. Two weapons, a grenade launcher along with other war-like stores were recovered from the militants whose identity is yet to be ascertained, said army spokesperson in Srinagar. This is the second such encounter in the area in two days. Two militants were killed on November 22 and a cache of arms and also two freshly minted Rs 2,000 notes were found on the men suspected to be members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba. While a combing operation was on in Bandipora, the army and police had launched a joint operation at Tujjar Sharief in Sopore district where one or two militants were hiding in a house. The gunfight started on Thursday, television reports said. Jammu and Kashmir has seen a rise in gunfights within the state and along the border as ties between India and Pakistan have plunged to a new low. Pakistani troops killed three Indian soldiers and mutilated one of the bodies close to line of control, the de factor border, in Macchil sector by on November 23, with the army vowing retribution. Fourteen Pakistanis, including civilians, were killed in heavy the shelling the next day. India blames Pakistan for pushing militants into its territory, with soldiers offering them cover fire along the border. Jammu and Kashmir recently started limping back to normal after four months of violent street protests. Taking a dig at the united Opposition against demonetisation, BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday said leaders such as Manmohan Singh, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, Mulayam Singh and Mayawati were now together as their parties were hit hard by the Centres move. Modijis move on black money has made leaders like Manmohan Singh, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, Mulayam Singh, Mayawati and others uncomfortable. The glow on their faces has disappeared, he told the gathering at the Bharatiya Janata Partys Jan Jagaran Mahasamabesh. Read | Go cashless: Modis message to ministries, departments to fight graft Referring to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs criticism of the demonetisation decision in Rajya Sabha, Shah said, Demonetisation has pained Manmohan Singh ji. Why will a person be pained if he or she is not affected? He also wondered why the Opposition leaders were unhappy over the measure against black money. Till November 7, they (Opposition) were asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi what steps had been taken to curb black money. However, after November 8, they are saying why such a step, the BJP chief said. I ask them, why are you so worried over Modijis move against black money, he said. When there is a flood, snakes and mongooses, rats and cats stay together on a tree. Now, Modis demonetisation flood has forced the leaders of the SP, Congress, Mamata, Mulayam, Mayawati and Kejriwal to take shelter under one umbrella. They are waiting for Modis flood water to recede. Read | Point-counterpoint: What Manmohan, Modi said on demonetisation Hailing demonetisation as Modis master move to put an end to black money in the country, the BJP chief said there should be no reason for Opposition to be afraid. Shah also slammed Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhis concern over cross-border terrorism. Gone are the days of Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi when terrorists sneaked into India and wreaked havoc. Now, the Modi government has been giving a befitting reply to all such misadventures, he said. He added that Modis strong political willpower and the Indian soldiers valour could ensure a secret operation on the terrorist camps on the other side of the border, referring to what the government termed surgical strikes. Lauding the Prime Ministers effort to boost the countrys image across the globe, Shah said different countries now welcomed India on their soil. Modiji has taken Indias name to a new height, he said. Three days after Criminal Investigation Department (CID) sleuths busted a racket involving the alleged sale of infants in Bengal, HT found there was a clear pattern in the way the suspects targeted illiterate families from poor backgrounds to further their business interests. Sources said the racketeers, who operated through two nursing homes in Kolkata and another at Baduria in North 24 Parganas, would zero in on couples who already had a daughter. After conducting ultra-sonography tests on the mother, the suspects would tell her that she was carrying another female foetus. If the couple sought termination of the pregnancy, the doctors would advise them against it. They would tell the parents that such a procedure could be detrimental to the mothers health, and the nursing home was willing to take care of the child instead. After the infant was delivered, the doctor would tell the parents it was a stillborn. If the couple insisted on seeing the body, they would be silenced through monetary offers. The infants would then be handed over to Satyajit Sinha and Utpala Byapari, who ran an NGO called Subodh Sarkar Smriti Memorial at Maslandapur in North 24 Parganas. Sinha and Byapari were in charge of finding buyers for the children. Read | Child-trafficking racket busted in Jalandhar, 2 doctors among 6 held Police said dark-complexioned girls were sold for anywhere between Rs 80,000 and Rs 1 lakh, while fair ones got them as much as Rs 1.5 lakh. Male infants were sold for Rs 2 lakh or more. Dr Santosh Samanta of Sree Krishna Nursing Home was entrusted with preparing the death certificate for the infants sold. He made around Rs 60,000 from each sale. The medical establishments involved in the racket were Sohan Nursing Home in North 24 Parganas, Sree Krishna Nursing Home on College Street, and South View Nursing Home at Behala (both in Kolkata). The main accused was identified as 44-year-old TK Biswas, associated with Sohan Nursing Home. Sources said Biswas had also set up another nursing home at Bagula in Nadia district but it was yet to be inaugurated. The racketeers sold the newborns to childless couples for over two years, until the CID busted the syndicate on November 21. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Unidentified burglars decamped with Rs1.22 crore in old currency from Oriental Bank of Commerce branch located in Saidpur village of Kharkhoda block in Sonepat district on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, a police official said. He added the burglars broke the wall of a washroom to enter the bank building and used a sharp weapon to cut the safe. They have stolen Rs1,22,91,837. Out of these, Rs 50,000 were in new (Rs2000) currency, around Rs 25,000 were in Rs100, Rs 50, Rs 20 and Rs 10 notes, while the remaining were amount was in Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, Kharkhoda police station in-charge Karambir Singh said. He added, There was no night guard present in the bank. We have the CCTV footage, on the basis of which we are probing into the matter, he said. The banks across the country have large amount of cash present in their custody as people are depositing old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes after they ceased to be legal tender. Meanwhile, the police have formed a special investigation team under deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Rahul Dev to probe into the case. The CCTV footage shows the burglers with covered faces, Dev said. This is the second big theft in Haryana within one week. Earlier on Saturday, unidentified burglars had decamped with Rs 81.46 lakh in defunct currency from a Punjab National Bank branch in Rewari. MORE SUCH INCIDENTS Nine employees of a security agency, who took out Rs 3.92 crore in old notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 from various ATMs (automated teller machines) in Ludhiana, a day after the Centres demonetisation move was announced on November 8, went missing. The police arrested an army jawan, along with a dismissed soldier, November 21 for looting Rs 7 lakh in scrapped currency from a hosiery owner. The police recovered Rs 6.30 lakh from the possession of the accused, besides an air gun and scooter used in the crime committed on November 19. Amid the cash crunch due to demonetisation, two masked men looted Rs 5.31 lakh from a post office at Dhotian village, 18 km from here, on November 21. The cash comprised banned currency notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500, deposited by people for exchange. This was the total amount of money the post office staff exchanged since Monday morning. The Congress Party on Friday slammed the Centre by branding them as a trial and error government, giving reference to the flurry of announcements and decisions taken after 16 days of the demonetisation scheme declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi government has now been proved to be a government of trial and error, instead of facilitating the people of India. It is suffocating the people of India by successive change of decisions. 16 days passed demonetisation 32 orders have been issued for people to follow. Can anybody comprehend and understand them, Congress Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told ANI in New Delhi. Further accusing the Prime Minister of going back on his word, he further said that the constant change in the deadline for the exchange of new currency had led to massive confusion and inconvenience, especially among the poor. Surjewala asserted that the latest decision by the Centre of completely stopping exchange of notes was nothing short of utopian. Suddenly one more utopian decision has been taken to completely stop exchange of notes. What will happen to the unorganized sector? What will happen to the large un-bankable economy of this country as only 53% of people have bank account he said. The government has extended the facility of using old Rs 500 notes in public utilities and certain other services like pre-paid mobile top-up till December 15 and stopped the over-the-counter exchange of defunct currencies and use of Rs 1,000 notes. According to the Ministry of Finance, Rs 1,000 notes would no longer be allowed to be used for the list of exemptions the government had announced. These notes can, however, be deposited in bank accounts. It has been observed that over-the-counter exchange of the old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination has shown a declining trend. It has further been felt that people may be encouraged and facilitated to deposit their old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in their bank accounts, the Ministry said in a statement. It has been decided that these exemptions, with the additions and modifications, will be continued for a further period from the midnight of November 24 up to and inclusive of December 15. From now on payment of fees up to Rs 2,000 per student has been allowed in schools and colleges run by central and states governments, municipalities and local bodies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi fired a fresh salvo at the Opposition on Friday, saying some people are upset because they did not get time to prepare before the government scrapped high-value banknotes. Modis comments gave opposition parties another handle to target the government and stall Parliament for the seventh straight day, as they sought an apology from him for questioning their integrity. The Prime Ministers choice of venue -- Parliament annexe also rankled with the Opposition, which has been demanding his clarification in the House on the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, a surprise move that has left millions of people lining up at banks and ATM kiosks for over a fortnight. Read: Unaccounted for deposits disclosed to taxman face 50% tax, lock-in Also on Friday, the Supreme Court decided to hear on December 2 a clutch of petitions to look at the constitutional validity of the decision and the inconvenience caused to people. The court will also take up the Centres plea seeking transfer of all cases filed in various high courts to the top court. For his part, Modi maintained the decision to scrap the existing high denomination notes will work to the benefit of the people. The governments decision is being criticised by a few for not being prepared. Actually, they are perturbed that they were caught unawares. If they had been given 72 hours, they would have said there is no one else like Modi, Modi said at a function to commemorate the Constitution. Several BJP leaders and Opposition lawmakers were in the audience. Everyone has the right to his money. You have a right to every pie. But, why must it be currency notes? he said in response to criticism that the government was denying people the right to their own money. The PMs attack came a day after his predecessor Manmohan Singh described the demonetisation as organised loot that could severely impact the countrys economic growth. He accused the government of monumental mismanagement in implementing the currency switch. Modi, however, maintained that the common people have become the soldiers of this battle against corruption and black money. Hours after Modi spoke, angry opposition MPs stalled proceedings in both Houses of Parliament for wrongly accusing the opposition of holding black money. Prime Minister says opposition is favouring black money. This is an insult of the House and of the Opposition. How can he level such an allegation? We are against black money. Read: Go cashless: Modis message to ministries, departments to fight graft The Prime Minister must apologise, leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said as Congress and other opposition members raised slogans. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi too stepped up his attack on Modi. The main issue is the Prime Minister doesnt come to the House for discussion. The moment he comes, doodh ka doodh, paani ka paani ho jayega (everything will be clear), he told reporters in the Parliament House complex. Lets see what emotions appear on his face when he comes to the Lok Sabha. The PM doesnt want to sit in the House. We have been stopped from speaking. What you are you scared of? BSP leader Mayawati and Trinamool Congress Derek OBrien also criticised Modi for painting the entire opposition as those having black money. He (Modi) is a saint and we are all devils? OBrien said in the Rajya Sabha. Refuting the Oppositions demand for an apology by Modi, junior parliamentary affairs minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it was the Opposition which should tender an apology. Read: Historic organised loot took place under ex-PM Manmohan Singh: Piyush Goyal jayanth.jacob@hindustantimes.com Gopal Baglay, who heads the division dealing with Pakistan, is tipped to be the new spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs (MEA). Beginning early next year, the foreign ministry will undergo a major rejig as many senior officials are set to retire, and some of them will complete their tenure. The spokesperson is the most visible face of the ministry. Baglay belongs to the 1992 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). He has handled the media in his earlier avatar as press counsellor at the embassy in Kathmandu, as well as director in the external publicity division of the ministry of external affairs. He also served as deputy high commissioner to Pakistan, and at present, heads the territorial division of PAI (Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran). If chosen, Baglay will succeed Vikas Swarup, an additional secretary, who is expected to be the countrys next envoy to Canada, sources told Hindustan Times. Vishnu Prakash, a former MEA spokesperson, is retiring this month as ambassador to Canada. Swarup is a 1986 batch IFS officer who wrote the popular book Q and A, which was adapted into the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. Many key positions will fall vacant in 2017, and as many as 20 officers are set to retire. In the early part of the year, those who retire from service include ambassadors to Nepal, Germany, Indonesia, France and Finland. Indian envoy to European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg, Manjeev Singh Puri, will complete three years in the job in February 2017, and could be in for a change as well. Two secretaries in the headquarters Sujatha Mehta (secretary, west) and Amar Sinha (secretary, economic relations) will also retire next year, and so will the dean of the Foreign Service Institute, Amarendra Khatua. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An RSS affiliate, which describes Brexit as a movement for reclaiming national identity, will hold a conference on salvaging the uniqueness of Indian entity, an event that will be hosted by a university with two ministries as partners. The host Indira Gandhi National Open University (Ignou) and the partners union ministries of human resource development and health and family welfare are bound to raise eyebrows and invite charges of government aiding RSS and its affiliates. Rivals often accuse the Modi government of letting the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the ruling BJP, impose its radical views in fields of education, culture and science. The RSS maintains that it is an apolitical organisation and steers clear of the government and its decisions. The Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal through the conference plans to hark back to an India that was sone ki chidiya (the golden sparrow, a reference to the countrys vast riches and wealth) to preserve its contribution to science and astronomy. The Indian Institute of Mass Communication, an autonomous body under the information and broadcasting ministry, Delhi-based Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, which works under the ministry of culture, and Bharat Niti are the other partners. The academic exercise was in line with the growing discomfort against globalisation and the demand for looking inwards, BSM joint organising secretary Mukul Kanitkar said. It is a phenomenon that is occurring world over. Look at Brexit, for 62% of the people it was an issue of identity. Under the garb of globalisation, uniformity is being foisted on people, Kantikar told HT. His views are reflected on the BSM website. It says BSM started work in the educational sector in 1969 to awaken patriotism and nationalism. Its aim is to re-orient the present education system in tune with Indian knowledge tradition. The two-day Idea of Bharat conference, scheduled for February, will also address issues such as a righteous prosperity, self restraint vs legal restrain to create a social order. IGNOU would provide logistics and academic coordination for the event, academic coordinator professor Kapil Kumar told HT. When asked why the university had chosen to partner the RSS, often criticised for trying to impose its stringent Hindutva agenda in the fields of education and culture, Kumar said, These are absurd fears about the Sangh. The university had earlier partnered with Left-aligned organisations as well. All those who raise questions about the RSS, they should worry about those who praise Pakistan in campuses, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Indias retaliation against cowardly attacks from across the border was so strong that Pakistans army pleaded with the neighbour to halt its response, defence minister Manohar Parrikar said on Friday. Addressing a rally in poll-bound Goa, Parrikar also praised the countrys political leadership for taking a strong policy decision on Pakistan. Parrikars remarks came three days after the killing of three Indian soldiers -- and the mutilation of the body of one of them --- by suspected militants near the Line of Control, the de-facto border. Hours after the Indian Army pledged to exact a heavy retribution, Pakistani authorities said on Wednesday that 11 civilians and three soldiers were killed in shelling by Indian forces. In the evening, the Directors General of Military Operations of the two countries held an unscheduled hotline interaction at Pakistans request. There is no doubt that the army is gallant. But for the first time, the countrys political leadership took a strong policy decision. And after that too, we have given an appropriate response to other cowardly attacks. It was such a powerful response that some days back, finally they called us that please stop this, we are pleading with you. We said that we have no problem stopping it, but you stop it too. As a result, there is no firing on the border, Parrikar said in Panaji. Ties between New Delhi and Islamabad have hit a low in the aftermath of an attack on an Indian Army base in northern Kashmirs Uri that killed 19 soldiers in September. New Delhi blamed the brazen assault on Pakistan-based militants, a charge Islamabad promptly denied. The Indian Army also said it carried out surgical strikes on militant bases across the LoC in response to the Uri attack. Since then, repeated ceasefire violations at the border and civilian deaths on both sides have added to the tension. Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa, who underwent a tracheostomy following a severe lung infection, is now able to speak a few minutes at a time using speakers, Apollo Hospital group chairman Pratap Reddy said on Friday. Reddy said the ailing 68-year-old was able to breathe without the use of medical aid 90% of the time. She is fine and can return home whenever she feels like it, he said, adding that the priority now was for Jayalalithaa to start walking. The AIADMK leader has been in hospital since September 22, though it is still unknown what exactly ails her or how her health condition is beyond a series of health notices issued by Apollo Hospital. Last week saw the first signed statement by the actress-turned-politician, in which she thanked her fans for their devotion and prayers, and described her recovery as a rebirth. Her trusted aide and finance minister O Panneerselvam, who has twice stood in as interim CM during her arrests in 2000 and 2014, is heading cabinet meetings in her stead, and has temporarily assumed charge of the CMs eight portfolios. Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao moved into his Rs 50-crore dream home on Thursday, with priests chanting Vedic hymns to ward off evil spirits and police hustling out protesters outside. Rao, popular as KCR, entered the new palatial residence-cum-official complex at Begumpet but his much-hyped scheme to build 272,000 two-bedroom houses for the poor remained a distant dream. The 100,000-square-feet bungalow was built on a nine-acre plot and is equipped with all modern, hi-tech facilities, including bullet-proof glass in the official chambers and home of the chief minister and his son, KTR. Unconfirmed reports say even bathroom windows have bullet-proof glass to avert sniper attacks. When the priests were performing religious rituals, police quietly took into custody several activists of the Telugu Nadu Students Federation, who were planning a protest against criminal wastage of public money for satisfying the Vaastu craze of the chief minister. The state roads and buildings department funded the entire complex and it took around eight months for the builder Mumbai-based Shapoorji-Pallonji to build the sprawling complex. The department, however, is starved of funds to take up the double-bedroom housing scheme for the poor. The target was to build houses for the poor by 2017 with a budget of Rs 17,200 crore. In 2016-17 state budget, the government allocated Rs 529 crore, though finance minister Etela Rajender said administrative sanction had been given for 60,000 houses at an estimated cost of Rs 3,300 crore. Independent inquiries revealed not even 10% of the houses were built so far. The construction cost for each house was fixed at Rs 5.04 lakh in rural areas, Rs 5.30 lakh in urban areas and Rs 7.9 lakh in Hyderabad. Opposition parties are now finding fault with KCR for ignoring the housing scheme, but spending on his posh bungalow. Mohammad Ali Shabbir, leader of the opposition in the Telangana legislative council, said: It is morally incorrect and insensitive on the part of the chief minister, when the poor are looking up to him to provide a roof over their head, he said. Read| KCR oversees the woes of Telangana from his bulletproof confines A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minority cell in Morena district was arrested on Friday for allegedly posting a morphed photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi wearing a garland of shoes on a Whatsapp group. Banmore town inspector Badam Singh Yadav said 25-year-old Aslam Khan had shared the picture on the social media group consisting mostly of BJP activists on November 20. The incident raised a hue and cry among party workers. Local politician Rambaran Mawai and his supporters came to the Banmore police station and lodged a complaint on Wednesday, Yadav said, adding that Khan had not commented on the photograph. Mawai termed the photograph posted by Khan as an insult to the nation. Modiji is the tallest leader in the BJP, and any mischief against him big or small will not be tolerated, he added. Aslam, who runs a mobile repair shop in the Banmore industrial area, was booked under Section 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code. He was sent to jail after being produced in court. During interrogation, Aslam revealed that he was not happy with the demonetisation move, Yadav said. This is the eighth instance of the state police arresting people for circulating derogatory material on the social media in the last 11 months. In August, Bhopal police had arrested a shop owner for allegedly selling an Urdu weekly containing a communally sensitive article. Muslims were not the only ones booked for such offences. In June, Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Sanjay Bhavsar was held for making allegedly offensive comments against Prophet Mohammad. The situation in Kashmir has never looked so bleak, former intelligence chief AS Dulat said on Friday, adding that a phased withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is a must for long-term peace in the Valley. Kashmir has never looked so bleak. The last four-odd months have been terrible... Prime Minister Narendra Modi is squandering an opportunity to find a solution for Kashmir, Dulat said while delivering a lecture on Kashmir: Reasons for Unrest, Pathways to Peace, organised by the Observer Research Foundation Kashmiris expected Modi to follow former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayees path, he added. There is only one way to move forward in Kashmir: Talk, talk and keep talking... Kashmir is not a political, economic, or even military issue. It is an emotive issue, said Dulat, who was special adviser to PM during the Vajpayee regime. After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, J&K people felt that he would walk the Vajpayee path, because Kashmiris were highly impressed by Vajpayee... Surprisingly, Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had congratulated Modi for the win. But today, most of the separatists have joined hands against Modi government, said the former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). One misconception about Kashmir is that we believe they always want something from us, Dulat explained. There is nothing that gives more hope to a Kashmiri than cordial India-Pakistan relations. Pakistan has tried its best in vain to get separatists in Kashmir together. Now it (separatists coming together) has happened because Delhi has no time for it. He also made light of defence minister Manohar Parrikars recent statement that demonetisation led to the end of stone-pelting in the Kashmir Valley. Stone-pelting stopped before demonetisation. There is a connect between terror and counterfeit currency, but its exaggerated. Stopping growth of indigenous militants is more important than the counterfeit currency issue. He was also critical of the state government, saying they were only paying lip service to the Modi government, the result of which was that the state has been in a worse situation in last four months. Kashmirs recent unrest has some roots in then Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeeds press conference after his swearing-in where he praised separatists and Pakistan for ensuring smooth elections, Dulat said. I think he got carried away but it gave a wrong message, he said. About the recent surgical strike, Dulat said, May be we did not need so much media hype as it leads to increase in tension. Look at the LoC, more civilians are dying now from both sides. A day before the now-infamous cash landing in Nagaland, the income-tax department had cautioned the residents in the northeastern state against helping outsiders park black money in their accounts. A special provision in the Indian Constitution exempts Nagas and other resident tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Manipur from paying income text. There is also no cap on money that the resident tribes of the sixth schedule areas of the Northeast states can keep in their bank accounts. It has raised fears that the region could be used as a tax haven to deposit unaccounted for cash following the governments decision to cull high-value banknotes. The I-T department flagged these concerns in a communique issued on November 21. All tribals of the state of Nagaland not to allow parking of money belonging to non-tribals and other business enterprises in their bank accounts as they shall be doing so at the risk of facing penalties, it said. A day later a chartered flight landed at the Dimapur airport from Hisar in Haryana carrying Rs 3.5 crore in cash in the scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. The cash was handed over to owner, Naga businessman Anato Zhimomi, the son-in-law of former Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio but not before some drama. The money suddenly disappeared from the airport only to turn up mysteriously a few hours later. The I-T department had received reports from various agencies informing of large amounts into the bank accounts of the tribals despite an advisory issued by the finance department on November 18, sources said. But I-T officials, who are probing suspicious high-value transactions in the Northeast, said the warning could have come after the Hisar-Dimapur cash jet had made a similar trip on November 13. The Modi government had announced the decision to discontinue the high-value currency on November 8. Dimapur airport director M Zhimo confirmed the November 13 flight, adding the jet returned to Hisar on November 14. It could not be ascertained who the passengers were or if the flight carried cash. Governments of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Mizoram had earlier alerted banks about the possibility of illegal money being parked in the accounts of tribal people. Apart from businessmen desperate to get rid of unaccounted for cash, reports have emerged of corrupt government officials looking to park ill-gotten money offering 40-50% commission to tribal account holders. Seeking co-operation Cooperative societies, too, have been approached for turning black money into white. An officer in the social welfare department brought Rs 43 lakh in Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes a day after they were demonetised. We turned down his request for a backdated receipt as advance payment for lifelong supply of milk, ghee, cream and sweets, said the head of a milk producers society in neighbouring Assams Morigaon district. Nagaland and two hill districts of Assam under sixth schedule Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao are also reportedly the destination for banned militant outfits such as the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent, National Democratic Front of Bodoland-Songbijit and National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang. The Assam police have reports of Rs 9 crore having been brought in by these groups from neigbouring Myanmar for forcing villagers to exchange them. Various police stations in the district have alerted us about Rs 7 crore smuggled in from Bangladesh by anti-social and militant groups, Pradeep Kar, superintendent of police in southern Assams Karimganj district, said. Karimganj borders Bangladesh. The rush for parking unaccounted for cash in the Northeast is a throwback to 1978 when Rs 1,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs10,000 notes were discontinued, retired bank officials in the region said. Nurul Islam Laskar, who was with the SBIs main branch in Shillong in Meghalaya, recalled being transferred to Jowai 67km away within hours of Prime Minister Morarji Desai announcement of demonetisation. Some of Laskars colleagues were sent to Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. There were long queues of low-income tribal people waiting to deposit several pieces of high-value cash that most bank employees in the Northeast, including me, had neither seen nor held in our hands, he told HT. But the tribal depositors were all innocent who saw it as social service and asked no questions of non-tribal people from other parts of India who seemed to have parachuted out of nowhere to park their money. The Centre is also watching jan dhan accounts that have seen a at least a 50% surge in deposits following the November 8 announcement. The Jan Dhan Yojana was launched in 2014 to promote financial inclusion of the poor so that each household has at least one account. These are zero-balance accounts. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The governing board of Nalanda University was reconstituted with a number of fresh faces, resulting in its chancellor, George Yeo, resigning on Friday saying the varsitys autonomy was being affected. The board was reconstituted by President Pranab Mukherjee as its visitor on November 21, which severed Nobel laureate Amartya Sens nearly a decade-long association with the institution after the government reconstituted the governing body of the prestigious institution. President Pranab Mukherjee, in his capacity as visitor of NU, is pleased to approve the constitution of the governing board with immediate effect in accordance with Clause 7 of the NU Act, said the order from the ministry of external affairs. Professor Arvind Sharma, faculty of religious studies, McGill University (Canada); Prof Lokesh Chandra, president, Indian Council for Cultural Relations; and Dr Arvind Panagariya, vice chairman of NITI Aayog, are the new faces in the reconstituted governing board. The move coincides with end of vice-chancellor Gopa Sabharwals tenure on November 24, and the process to find her successor is already on. Read | Nalanda University Chancellor resigns, says varsitys autonomy affected In addition to founding chancellor Sen, Harvard professor and Trinamool Congress MP Sugata Bose and UK-based economist and Labour politician Lord Meghnad Desai are out of the Nalanda University governing board. The governing board has a chancellor, a vice-chancellor, representatives of five member countries India, China, Australia, Laos and Thailand secretary (east), ministry of external affairs, two representatives from the government of Bihar and one representative from the ministry of human resources and development. The only member of the mentor group to have retained his position in the new governing board, as a government of India representative, is former Rajya Sabha MP NK Singh. Other countries will name their representatives later. The mentor group was to continue for a year and the government was to reconstitute the governing board to take over after that, said Singh. However, the mentor group, which included Sen, continued for six years as the Centre could not reconstitute the governing board. Sen was with the NU since its inception and had resigned last year after being reportedly upset over the delay in extension of his tenure and political interference despite the boards recommendation for his second term. NUs outgoing V-C Sabharwal said the decision to reconstitute the governing board had taken everyone by surprise. Read | Nalanda University governing board: Amartya Sen, Sugata Bose out It has come mid-way through the process of appointment of a new V-C, bypassing the chancellor. It was the NU governing board, which was hitherto insisting on fresh constitution of the board. However, it was not done then on the plea that amendments to the NU Act would first need to be carried out. Now, the board has been suddenly reconstituted, she said. Singh said though the board had recommended another years extension for Sabharwal, it was not found legally tenable following consultation with the attorney general. Sabharwal had got a years extension after completion of the stipulated five-year tenure in 2015. As per the Nalanda University Act, the senior-most dean of NU will take V-Cs charge till a new incumbent is appointed. The NU search committee had invited applications for the V-Cs post in October and the last date for applying is November 30. The visitor makes the appointment from the panel of names recommended by the governing board. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Friday again backed Centres demonetisation move, terming it a bold and positive step in the fight against black money, even as the Opposition parties tried to corner the Centre. He, however, said the Centre should have done its homework to prevent unnecessary hassles for the common people. I am always for any step to fight corruption. I am not the kind who will talk of roll-back. Most parties are for it. I feel ultimately it will yield benefits, but demonetisation alone is not enough. It will have to be taken to another level with crackdown on benami property and transactions in gold/diamond, Kumar said interacting with the media in the Bihar assembly. The Centre should also take into account illicit liquor trade in the country. Kumars stand is not unexpected, considering his own crusade against corruption, which resulted in several top public servants losing their houses and bungalows as Bihars anti-corruption law allows confiscation of property of the accused. Even during his Nischay Yatra, he spoke for demonetisation. Though JD-Us two Grand Alliance (GA) partners the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal have been critical of the move, Kumar said the Bihar government had itself waged a war against corruption and opened schools and remand homes in houses seized in disproportionate assets cases. There is no confusion in the GA, though it is not important for all political parties to feel the same way on all issues. The alliance is for Bihar on a common programme and there is no problem with that. But in case of certain national issues, there can be differences of opinion, he added. Kumar said it was his view that demonetisation was no ordinary step to curb black money. It is a bold move, though the Centre should have prepared well before going for it. There should have been enough small denomination notes in the market. I take a stand and stick to it. Even when I was in NDA, I supported President Pranab Mukherjees candidature as President, he said. The Bihar CM said even former PM Manmohan Singh had not spoken out against demonetisation in the Lok Sabha. He is a renowned economist. He spoke about the hardship of the masses due to lack of proper planning and I also say the same. No matter how people interpret it, I fully support demonetisation, but there should have been greater planning, which is an issue of management and governance, he added. However, he said it was Oppositions right to protest. Mamata (Banerjee) ji had talked to me earlier, not recently. I told her even President Pranab Mukherjee, who is himself a renowned economist, spoke in favour of demonetisation and he must have given a statement after feeling that way, he added. Kumar said his stand might be misinterpreted in more ways than one, but he could not help it. I have a strong feeling that it will ultimately result in recovering a lot of black money, which will go to the state. The crackdown on benami property should not just focus on land, but also on investments in gold and diamonds. It must be taken to its logical end, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) said on Thursday the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has put Indias banking system in utter chaos after the government demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. B Prasad, the president of Bihar chapter of the BEFI, told reporters that as a regulator it was the primary duty of the central bank to maintain cash supply to every bank across the country but it has been unable to do so. The RBI has completely failed as a regulator and in discharging its responsibility to make banks do hassle free business in a severe cash crunch situation, Prasad said in Patna. The person responsible for this complete chaos should quit his job, he said without specifying who he meant. Prime Minister Narendra Modi scrapped Rs 500- and Rs 1,000-notes, which accounted for 86% of all cash in the economy, in a move to catch out Indians with black money, earned by corrupt means or evading taxes. But a bumpy rollout of the new currency has seen millions of people line up outside banks and ATMs, with small traders and farmers the worst hit. Prasad alleged that bank chests are running out of cash and the RBI had to own up responsibility. The situation is worse in banks located in rural areas. There is an acute shortage of cash supply. Dirty, soiled and non-issuable notes are also being re-circulated, he said. There are long queues of customers in front of banks in rural areas and they are being consoled with a maximum withdrawal of Rs 1,000 due to acute shortage of cash, he added. Prasad, however, denied he was demanding a withdrawal of the ban on high denomination notes. What we are protesting is the manner in which the government and the RBI have made it operational, he said. Bank employees are under extreme pressure for the last 14 days. They are facing the wrath of customers despite working continuously for more than 12 hours (10am to 11pm), he said. He also criticised the RBIs guidelines for seeking withdrawal of Rs 2.5 lakh for marriage purpose. The 32-point form to be filled up by the bride,groom and their parents, seeking withdrawal of cash, is untenable, he said. Prasad said demonetisation would hardly curb the flow of black money in the country. Black money consists of about 25% to 30% of the total economy of which 94% is invested in real estate, company shares, gold and other investments. Only 6% of the total black money is in the form of cash of which 1% or 2% can be caught, he said. He added that the cash crunch has hit the agriculture, construction and small business sectors hard. Some experts have said that the demonetisation move has deeply damaged Indias mostly cash economy where online transactions are uncommon and hobbled by a lack of connectivity and poor network across the vast countryside. The estimated cost of the move may top Rs 1 lakh crore, analysts have warned, with tens of thousands of workers in informal sectors already bearing the brunt of the cash crunch. Moodys Investors Service on Thursday warned the persistent cash crunch could worsen asset quality at Indian banks. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The winter session of Parliament witnessed on Friday another round of protests by the Opposition as they remained firm on demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modis participation during the debate on demonetisation. Proceedings in both Houses were disrupted for the seventh day even though discussion over the scrapping of old Rs 500/1000 notes resumed briefly when Modi was present in the Rajya Sabha before lunch on Thursday. In Rajya Sabha, former prime minister and economist Manmohan Singh led the Congress charge against demonetisation, calling it a case of organised loot and legalised plunder. Finance minister Arun Jaitley, however, denied accusations and said the Opposition was looking for reasons to run away from the debate. Read | The politics of opposition: What led up to Manmohan Singhs sharp criticism Bhartiya Janata Partys rivals have called for a rollback of demonetisation -- aimed at curtailing black money in the Indian economy -- as millions have thronged banks and ATMs to withdraw cash since the scheme was launched on November 9. Here are the live updates: 2:35pm: Rajya Sabha adjourned till Monday, November 28. 1:15pm: Minister of state for finance, Arjun Ram Meghwal, attempts to clarify Modis criticism of his critics over demonetisation earlier on Friday. He says: PM Narendra Modis remark was not about the Opposition, it was on black money holders. 12:51pm: Congress vice-president interacts with the media outside Parliament. He says: Everything will be clear once the Prime Minister comes to the House. Main kehta hu house me aaiye fir dekhte hain Modi ji pe kaunsa emotion dikhta hai: Cong VP Rahul Gandhi on PM Modi pic.twitter.com/XGgW7wOmTk ANI (@ANI_news) November 25, 2016 The PM is unlikely to attend Parliament as he is on a visit to Punjab on Friday. Main kehta hu house me aaiye fir dekhte hain Modi ji pe kaunsa expression dikhta hai: Cong VP Rahul Gandhi on PM Modi 12:35pm: Lok Sabha adjourned till Monday, November 28. 12:25pm: Speaker Sumitra Mahajan allows Sudip Bandyopadhyay to speak and the TMC parliamentarian from West Bengal repeats the Oppositions demand for an apology from the PM. 12:15pm: BJPs Sunil Kumar Singh makes submission before the Chair to discuss demonetisation in Lok Sabha. 12:05pm: Azad spearheads the Congress attack again, criticising the Prime Ministers move to slam his critics outside the Parliament where the Opposition cannot defend itself. RS is adjourned till 2:30pm. Protests continue to disrupt Lok Sabha proceedings. 12pm: Both Houses reconvene after an hour-long adjournment. 11:50am: LS Speaker Sumitra Mahajan takes cognizance of the incident and will talk to officials regarding the security breach. The man who tried to jump into the House has been identified as Rakesh Singh Baghel, TV reports say. 11:45am: Commotion in Lok Sabha as a man tries to jump over the over the fence of visitors gallery into the House. 11:25am: Both Houses adjourned till 12pm amid protests against PMs comments on black money. Watch | Live debate in Rajya Sabha 11:20am: In Lok Sabha, Arun Jaitley reiterates the governments stance that the move to demonetise currency will encourage growth of the digital economy. 11:15am: The debate was disrupted only because the government did not stand by its statement that the PM will be present in the House till the end of the debate, says Azad, as Kurien assures leaders that Modi will arrive during the interval. BSP chief Mayawati questions why the Prime Minister would level accusations against the Opposition during a book release function and not inside the House. TMC leader Derek OBrien chimes in to the demand, asking Modi to apologise for his remarks. Minister of state Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi lashed out at the opposition parties for deciding to observe November 28 as Akrosh Divas and said that the disruptions despite Prime Minister Modis presence in Parliament (on Thursday) has exposed the Congress. 11:10am: Deputy chairperson PJ Kurien tries to calm opposition leaders as they chant slogans in the Well against PM Modi in Rajya Sabha. Demonstrations drown out the discussion in Lok Sabha as well. 11:05: Congress Ghulam Nabi Azad says Prime Minister should apologise for levelling allegations against the Opposition over demonetisaiton. Modi said earlier on Friday that the critics of demonetisation were pained that they themselves did not get time to make any preparation for dealing with black money. Read | Demonetisation: How govt rules changed as chaos increased Azad also demanded that the proceedings must be suspended under Rule 267 to discuss demonetisation besides Prime Minister Modis presence in the Upper House. 11am: Both Houses begin proceedings for the 8th day of winter session. 10:35am: Sources say parties have decided that the Opposition will continue to demand PMs presence and participation in the parliamentary debate on currency ban. 10:30am: As Reserve Bank of India announced that over-the-counter exchange of notes will continue only at RBI, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the frequent change in policy and said such measures are harassing the poor. 10:15am: Opposition leaders huddle up in Parliament before the Houses convene at 11am. Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar tells reporters outside the Parliament Building that the government is ready for a debate but the Opposition is running away from it. 9:30am: Taking a dig at rivals, PM Modi said in a speech ahead of the parliamentary session on Friday that those criticising demonetisation dont have a problem with the governments preparedness, their problem is that they didnt get time to prepare. #WATCH: PM on demonetisation: Those criticising don't have problem with Govt's unpreparedness but that Govt didn't give them time to prepare pic.twitter.com/mvgdsKu1O9 ANI (@ANI_news) November 25, 2016 Earlier this week, the Prime Minister had thanked people for responding favourably to a survey on public reaction to demonetisation. 9am: Opposition leaders will meet in Parliament at 10 am, reports ANI. (With inputs from agencies) Read | Modis charisma has absorbed the initial shocks of demonetisation. But for how long? A day after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called the process of demonetisation a case of organised loot and legalised plunder of the common people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit back at a function to launch two books at New Delhi on Friday. He said some people are unhappy as they didnt get enough time to prepare for this onslaught. Heres a look at the points and the counterpoints of Manmohan and Modi. Singh: Prime Minister has said that we should wait for 50 days. But for poor and deprived sections of the society even 50 days of torture can bring about disastrous effects. Modi: Common people have become the soldiers of this battle against corruption and black money. Singh: I do not disagree with these objectives (curbing black money and corruption). But the way this scheme has been implemented is a monumental management failure. It is an organised loot, legalised plunder of the common people. Modi: People are not criticising the objective. Some people are alleging the government has not done enough homework. These people are unhappy because the government didnt allow people to prepare. If they were given even 72 hours they would have showered praise on Modi. Singh: Those who say that this measure will be in the interests of the country in the long run should be reminded of what John Keynes said once, In the long run all of us are dead. Modi: Its a very big decision. I want to invite all political parties, social activists, the media to inspire people, teach them the use of digital currency. Singh: It can weaken and erode our peoples confidence in the currency system and in the banking system. I would like to know from the Prime Minister the name of any country where people have deposited their money in the banks but they are not allowed to withdraw. Modi: Everyone has the right to use his money. Nobody is stopping them. But its not necessary that money can be used only through cash transactions. You can spend your money through mobiles. Singh: The GDP growth can decline by about 2 per cent as a result of what has been done. Modi: Biggest beneficiaries of this demonetization drive are the municipalities. After it was announced, Rs 13,000 crore came as taxes. People have to think above political consideration to work for the benefit of the society. A retired cashier of the State Bank of India committed suicide at his house in Saoner, about 35 km from Nagpur, allegedly depressed over demonetisation drive, the police said. Ananda Mukut Bapat, 58, hanged himself to death, the police said. Police claimed that Bapat had allegedly amassed wealth in the form of scrapped currency notes. He was depressed after the demonetisation move and decided to end life, the police claimed. Bapat was running a business after he took voluntary retirement from the bank. A suicide note allegedly written by him said that he is taking this extreme step due to demonetisation. Saoner Police has registered a case of accidental death (AD) and handed over the body to his son after conducting a post mortem. Struggling with shortage of staff and patrol vehicles, police in Haryanas Faridabad town, which borders New Delhi, decided to rope in locals and the effort is yielding results. Patrolling is now a shared responsibility in Haryanas largest town, born out of the Faridabad polices Apni Suraksha Aap Kai Saath (Keeping you safe with your help). Resident welfare associations, business houses and some local organisations have offered vehicles to act as police control room (PCRs) vans, which are usually the first on the scene, and are also bearing all costs fuel and drivers salary. It is a good idea -- the best way to connect the police with people in the process, it is doing a great job for security and safety of the people, PP Mittal, a resident, said. Recently, a private hospital handed over a PCR van, equipped with GPS, to police. The hospital has also provided a driver and a person to assist him. They wanted to shoulder some amount of responsibility in securing the town, the hospital director said. Two policemen, one of them armed, are deployed with each of the privately managed PCR vehicles. So, every time someone dials 100 in this industrial town for police, local residents, too, arrive on the scene, to help the person in distress as well as the personnel in khaki. It is simply citizens participation in governance, Faridabads top police officer Hanif Qureshi said. The commissioner said under the three-year public-private partnership, PCR vehicles would remain the property of the institute or the RWA but the move would go a long way in building trust with public. The project was launched on October 24 and three vehicles have been added the PCR fleet. A well-known private school was the first to offer a PCR van along with driver. Ten more institutions and RWAs have come forward with the similar proposal who too want to offer PCR Vans along with drivers for patrolling, Qureshi said. A footwear company has also chipped in. The van is equipped with GPS system and any person can call the drivers cell number during emergency, a company official said. Corporates can be part of the initiative under the corporate social responsibility programme, which requires them to undertake welfare projects and campaigns. With private organisations and individuals sponsoring the vehicles, policing would be more effective, police sources said. Fuel will be no issue in such privately managed PCR vans as private organisation will bear the cost and also salaries of the employees, a police officer said on condition of anonymity. More PCR vehicles would mean greater watch and it would help check crime, the officer said. Community policing seems to be gaining ground. The Delhi Police recently launched Police Mitra initiative in the citys southwest. The police mitras, or friends of police, are local residents who will act as eyes and ears of the police, helping in preventing crimes. They will visit houses of victims in cases of theft, collect information about school drop-outs and drug addicts and work in coordination with the residents welfare associations. They will also act as a bridge between the force and citizens. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Tension gripped Sambhal district in western Uttar Pradesh late on Wednesday after four Muslim pilgrims travelling in a bus were held captive by Hindu villagers after a brawl in Rajpura area. At least eight policemen, including the deputy superintendent of police, the station house officer and six constables, sustained injuries and were admitted to a hospital after a clash with Muslim villagers who attacked the police team that rescued the pilgrims. On Thursday, the police registered separate FIRs against 150 rioters who attacked the policemen in Sambhal police station as well as the villagers who held the pilgrims captive at Rajpura police station. A police officer in Sambhal told Hindustan Times that a group of 85 Muslim pilgrims was on its way to Kundarki town in Moradabad district from Ajmer in Rajasthan. He said the driver and a few pilgrims entered into a heated exchange with a local boy over moving cattle from the road when the bus was passing through Kamlapur village. The driver and some pilgrims allegedly beat up the boy. Soon, villagers gathered at the spot and objected to the misconduct of the driver. The villagers held four pilgrims captive after a brawl ensued between them. Other pilgrims managed to escape in the bus. When the bus reached the Muslim-dominated Chaudhary Sarai locality, the remaining pilgrims surrounded the police outpost demanding action against the villagers. They also blocked movement of traffic on the Sambhal-Moradabad highway. Sambhal superintendent of police Balendu Bhusan said a police team was rushed to Kamlapur village and rescued the pilgrims. By that time a large number of villagers gathered at Chaudhary Sarai and attacked the police team accusing them of being biased. The villagers demanded the arrest of the people who had held the pilgrims captive. They pelted the police team with stones and assaulted them with stick and iron rods. They also targeted police and public vehicles on the Sambhal-Moradabad highway. An extra police force was rushed to the spot to disperse the mob and clear the blockade on the highway. Deputy inspector general of police (Moradabad range) Onkar Singh said adequate police force has been deployed in the area to maintain law and order and the situation was normal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed all ministries and departments to switch to online transactions or cheque mode and at the same time ensure downstream payments, including by contractors to labourers, go cashless too. The decision in this regard, sources said, was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Modi on Thursday. The Cabinet is also believed to have discussed amending laws to levy close to 60% income tax on unaccounted deposits in banks above a threshold post cancellation of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes from November 9. The directive to government ministries on going cashless is seen as a move to curb corruption and promote ease of doing business. The food as well as agriculture ministries held meetings to chalk out steps to shift to cashless transactions at the earliest. The Prime Minister is very serious on the issue of cashless transactions. Our officials have been told to go cashless as far as possible, food minister Ram Vilas Paswan told PTI after the meeting. Paswan said organisations like Food Corporation of India (FCI), Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India Limited (NCCF) under his ministry are already cashless to the tune of about 99%. Read: Unaccounted deposits disclosed to taxman face 50% tax, lock-in The sources further said officials have been asked to send status report about their respective ministries and departments to PMO. A follow-up Cabinet meet too could be held soon. Post demonetisation of old high-value currency, several banks have already waived transaction charges on debit card payments till December 30. Read: Over two weeks after banknote ban, here are all steps taken by Modi govt Ten more babies were rescued by Criminal Investigation Department (CID), as the probe into baby trafficking in Bengal spread wide. A total of 13 babies so far have been rescued by the sleuths. Around midnight sleuths raided a home for mentally challenged in Thakurpukur area, near Kolkata and rescued the babies who were locked inside a room. The babies were kept on blankets over a mat on a floor. According to sleuths, the babies are aged between one month and ten months. The raid was conducted at Purbasha Centre, a home for mentally challenged in Thakurpukur. We have rescued ten babies aged one month to ten months, said a CID officer on the condition of anonymity. On November 21, CID busted a racket that operated from a private nursing home at Baduria in North 24-Parganas stretched all the way to different parts of the country and beyond to the US and the UK. Not unexpectedly, newborn girls were sold for less between Rs 80,000 and Rs 1 lakh if their complexion was dark, and between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh if they were fair. The boys got sold for not less than Rs 2 lakh. Read: Kolkata: 3-day-old babies trafficked, packed in biscuit cartons In Baduria, two three-day-olds a boy and a girl were found inside a biscuit carton. A third one, nearly six days old, was found in a room. Later, over a dozen nursing homes in Kolkata and other parts of the state came under the probe. Till Thursday the total arrest went up to 13. A couple of days after Criminal Investigation Department (CID) sleuths exposed a baby selling racket in Bengal, HT investigations found out that there was a clear pattern in targeting poor, illiterate families that started with locating couple that already had a daughter. After zeroing in on potential targets, the nursing homes in Kolkata and North 24 parganas used to conduct ultra sonography tests on these women and inform them that they were again carrying a female foetus, which would unnerve them further. Read: Tentacles of baby sale spread to ten Kolkata nursing homes The doctors would then advise the woman/family not to go in for abortion and instead keep the baby. If the couple insisted on termination of the pregnancy, the doctors would advise them against it. They would tell them that it would affect their health adversely and the nursing home will take care of the child. Sources told HT that in a few cases the women would be kept in the nursing homes through a large part of the pregnancy. After the child was delivered, the doctor used to tell the family that it was stillborn, and issue a death certificate. If the couple insisted on seeing the body, they would even pay them some money. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Lang Leav kicked off the phenomenon of writing poetry for social media. In her first interview with an Indian publication, she talks about fleeing war-torn Cambodia, growing up as an immigrant, and leading a low-key life Tumblr catapulted Lang Leav from best-selling poet to internet sensation (293k followers on Instagram and 7,32,621 likes on Facebook) in 2013. But shes an unlikely social media celebrity there are barely any selfies, no brand mentions or glamorous pictures. Read: Poets of Instagram: How social media is making poetry hip again She does not even consider herself an Instapoet, pointing out that she had two collections of poetry out (Love & Misadventure, 2013; Lullabies, 2014) before actively sharing her work on Instagram in 2015. For the most part, she posts her poetry via images: her short verses are often set on a faded yellow backdrop, accompanied by minimal illustration. Readers around the world have been touched by Leavs verses on love, heartbreak, loss and longing. Simply written, yet capable of stirring up a range of emotions. Hundreds show up for her book signing events, with people known to have camped overnight to meet her. She launched her fourth book, The Universe of Us, last month. By now, she could have chosen the life of a celebrated writer. Speaking at literary festivals, book launches, inaugurating cultural events, mingling with the society crowd, penning opinion pieces. Yet, she prefers to maintain a low profile. Lang Leavs new book, The Universe of Us (Photo courtesy: Lang Leav) In fact, Leav almost leads a dual life. She lives in sleepy seaside town in New Zealand (she refuses to say which), where the locals have no idea about her fame or what she does. During my events, Im escorted by armed guards. It is such a stark contrast to my everyday life. She is comfortable with the recognition her writing brings, as long as its in small doses. The rest of the time, I love my simple, quiet life. Leav, who enjoys a huge fan-following in India, was invited to speak at a literary festival in the city last year, but couldnt make it because her schedule did not permit it. Recently, she even collaborated with the Indian micro-fiction storytelling platform Terribly Tiny Tales. India is right at the top of my checklist of places I want to visit, so a tour is definitely on the cards, she says. An archival image of Lang Leav and her family as refugees (Photo courtesy: Lang Leav) Humble beginnings Leav was born in a refugee camp in Thailand, when her parents fled the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-79) in Cambodia. The family moved to Sydney, Australia, when she was 11 months old. My parents are true survivors. They went through the most unimaginable horrors during the Khmer Rouge regime. There was torture and genocide on a mass scale, she says. Someday, Leav wants to write about her mother. A story she once told me is etched in my memory. My mother, along with my father and two brothers, were on the run from the Khmer Rouge. Exhausted, they found a place to rest for a few hours. She remembers her head, heavy with sleep, resting on something warm and comforting. She woke up to find she had been sleeping in cow dung, she recalls. She adds that this is just one of the many stories her parents have told her about their ordeal. Immigrating to Australia was not the end of the familys struggle. Her parents experienced the many challenges of being refugees in an alien country. My mother found work as a seamstress to support us. It was an industry rife with exploitation. As new migrants, we were powerless against the clothing manufacturers. They would falsely accuse my mother of stealing garments in order to withhold the meagre payment from her. If she didnt get paid, we would go hungry, Leav says. Being a migrant lent her a unique world view. Her parents and her own early experiences shaped her into the person she is today. As a refugee, it is common to feel displaced and unwanted. Nothing ages you like suffering, she says. Lang Leav during her book tour (Photo courtesy: Lang Leavs Facebook page) For the love of art Before taking to writing, Leav donned the hats of artist and fashion designer. She studied at the College of Fine Arts in Sydney. Although her parents were supportive of her passion, her community wasnt. She says this is common in a migrant society: financial stability is considered paramount. Day in and day out, I would be inundated with people telling me I was wasting my time and I should study something more practical. There were many instances when things got tough, that their voices would come back to taunt me. Now they have been silenced for good, she says. As a struggling writer and artist, Leav was often on the verge of giving up. It was then that she wrote a piece (featured in Love & Misadventure) called Swan Song: Her heart is played like well-worn strings. In her eyes the sadness sings, of one who was destined for better things. It was, in effect, a break-up letter to her creative self. I just felt like a decade was more than enough to pour my soul into something that could barely feed me. I needed someone to believe in me, after I had stopped believing in myself. An illustration from her new book (Photo courtesy: Lang Leav) That person turned out to be fellow writer Michael Faudet, who Leav is in a relationship with. He refused to let me give up. Every day felt like a struggle with no end in sight. And then suddenly, like a river bursting its banks, the success came roaring in, she says. Faudets, whose verses are often erotic, too has collections of poetry out (Bitter Sweet Love, Dirty Pretty Things). Who you love and who loves you back determines so much in your life. This is a line I wrote about how much your choice of partner impacts your life. I sometimes wonder if I had wished him into existence, says Leav. This is for the ALDUB fandom Lots of love, Lang xo #aldub #aldubwedding A photo posted by Lang Leav (@langleav) on Oct 21, 2016 at 4:39pm PDT The Universe of Us by Lang Leav is out now. Price: Rs 599 Publisher: Simon & Schuster SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Arrival Director - Denis Villeneuve Cast - Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Tzi Ma Rating - 5/5 Heres an idea. Wherever you may find yourself on the spectrum, there is no denying that the chances of us being alone in the universe are minuscule. Think of it this way: If it, the universe, is infinite, and if time is a concept that we can barely comprehend - the clumsy insects that we are - then we can hardly expect a human being to handle themself with dignity when (not if) confronted with an extraterrestrial visitor. Anyway, the idea. Assuming of course that enough powerful people think this way, it wouldnt be too far-fetched to say that there exists - in some vault, away from even President-elect Trump - a list of people who have been selected to make first contact with the aliens. And if this list exists, the next logical step would be to assume that it has existed for a several years. Now, do these chosen few, doubtless the creme de la creme of humanity, know that theyre on it? And if they do, how do they feel, knowing fully well that theyll probably spend their entire lives being on standby for the biggest event in the history of our planet? Dr Louise Banks, played in Denis Villeneuves new masterpiece by Amy Adams, certainly didnt. The day the alien ships arrived, 12 of them, and parked themselves at seemingly random, unrelated locations on our planet, she was busy teaching a class on linguistics. But it is this skill that soon attracts an unannounced Forest Whitaker to her doorstep in the dead of the night. He plays a colonel with the US Army, and recruits her to be the one to make first contact with the aliens - because unlike what Hollywood has taught us, situations like this would probably require a linguist and not Will Smith in a fighter jet. Dr Banks is paired with Jeremy Renners astrophysicist, and together, they enter one of the alien ships once every 18 hours, when a doorway cyclically opens up. In the ship, during these sessions, they come face to face (albeit with a screen separating them) with two mesmerizingly designed alien creatures. Are they military? Are they diplomats? Or are they just tourists? Why are they here? What is the purpose of their visit? Where are they from? When are they from? These are just a few of the questions Dr Banks must ask them. Amy Adams communicates with the aliens. But before she can do that, she must establish a method of communication. She must determine whether or not the aliens have a language at all; and then, if they do, she must understand it. Every visit she pays them (they call the alien duo Abott and Costello, after the early-Hollywood comedians) is recorded, analysed, and studied by the best minds in the world all over the world. But we never leave her side, even as chaos erupts on the TV screens, and governments argue over what the best way to handle the levitating ships is. Its a bit like the great Jodie Foster movie Contact, but even more introspective. Arrival, with its deceptively plain title, but decidedly lofty concepts, is unquestionably a modern masterpiece a film made all the more uncommon for the fact that its director, Denis Villeneuve, seems to be making nothing but masterpieces of late. It is with slight regret that I look back at his previous film Sicario the first film that I ever reviewed and wonder why I didnt award it 5 stars. It has only matured with time. Arrival is even more breathtaking. It delivers, sometime around the hour-and-a-half mark, a blow so devastating, that you will find yourself gasping for breath for the rest of its duration, right up until the its final moments, when yet another new realisation will leave you in a numbing daze. As if youre floating in space, being sucked into a wormhole; your mind, and your emotions, sucked dry from the monumental work of brilliance youve just experienced. Amy Adams will probably be nominated for an Oscar. Together with his composer Johann Johansson, whose score has almost spiritual overtones, with its Tibetan horns and quiet chants of Om, and the painterly cinematography of Bradford Young, the best young DP working right now, Villeneuve, the master, has crafted his second-best film (his best movie remains Incendies), and certainly one of the most powerful you can expect to see this year. It is an anti-war film on a cosmic scale, an intimate portrait of loss and hope, and a powerful reminder that when we are together, we are better. Its dirty science-fiction - the best kind, in which grand themes are used to tell a personal, grounded story - the sort of film that is usually ignored at the awards, and by the public in general. Arrival is one of those rare movies in which every element, every moment, every note, comes together in glorious harmony. Not since Midnight Special or Never Let Me Go has a science fiction film - or indeed, any film - been this terrific. Awarding it a bag-full of Oscars come February would be too puny a recognition, too inconsequential; it deserves to be shown in museums, to governments, in schools. Missing it should be outlawed. Follow @htshowbiz for more The author tweets @NaaharRohan Watch the trailer ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop ARRIVAL Direction: Denis Villeneuve Actors: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner Rating: 5 / 5 One of the cinematic treats of the year, Arrival is a blend of science and spirituality that kicks off with a fleet of alien spaceships appearing at 12 locations around the world. The Earthlings have no idea why theyre here. Worse still, the extra-terrestrials are unintelligible, making it hard to communicate. In order to calm a panicked populace, the US government enlists a professor of linguistics (Amy Adams) to help decipher the language of the mysterious visitors. A theoretical physicist (Jeremy Renner) is tasked with assisting her. The film is an adaptation of Ted Chiangs sci-fi novella Story of Your Life, and intertwines the visual pizzazz of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) with the head-trip of 2001: A Space Odyssey (1967). Read: Villeneuve and Adams wanted to make science-fiction feel real again Adams is superb as a scholar caught between faith and doubt, and a mother desperate for closure after her daughters death. Unlike most recent alien invasion movies (think Independence Day: Resurgence), the French-Canadian auteur Denis Villeneuve (Incendies, Sicario) jettisons the destruction quotient, opting instead for a minimalist style to build a hauntingly somber mood. He dexterously wields a series of flashbacks and one subliminal flash forward to draw the viewer into the changing perception of time experienced by the protagonist, who continues to maintain faith in the face of grave doubt. In significant supporting roles, Forest Whitaker as the colonel in charge of overseeing the mission and Michael Stuhlbarg as a CIA agent are impressive. Read: How composer Johann Johannsson found a new musical language for Arrival Ambitious, cerebral and profound, Arrival is a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience whose finale will take your breath away. But the star of the show is Adams, whose impassioned performance makes her a frontrunner in this years Best Actress Oscar race. Desperate for closure after her daughters untimely death, the efforts of the linguist convey a vital message about the importance of communication and of embracing life in all its myriad forms. Ambitious, cerebral and profound, Arrival is a one-of- a-kind big-screen experience. The pulsating background music score by the Icelandic composer Johann Johannsson adds immensely to it, and the finale will leave you gasping in awe. This film cements Villeneuves reputation as one of the finest filmmakers of his time. Incidentally, he is now working on a remake of the 1982 cult classic, Blade Runner. Evidently the sci-fi genre has a bold new champion. Watch the trailer for Arrival here ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop The citys coast is not safe from terror, fishermen who go out to sea every day have said. The community in Mumbai said the navy and fisheries department were not doing enought to keep the coast safe. At a meeting held by the Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kriti Samiti, its president Damodar Tandel said, The area is prone to infiltration, as no attention is paid to patrolling sea or coast. Tandel suggested fishermen should be trained to defend themselves and the coast. The police are not ready for patrolling. They have never seen or been to sea. In an emergency, they could hardly save themselves. We are ready to do the work , but we lack the funds and expertise. We urge the government to train us so we can be of help for our people, Tandel said. The community was also concerned about boats employing workers who are not from India. More than 60% fishing boats are found to be employing workers from the hinterland with no traditional fishing background. We have also caught boats with workers who are not from India. We reported five suspicious boats on Indian waters in January with foreign workers not carrying valid documents, Tandel said. The community said there have been cases where fishermen caught boats with duplicate registration numbers and no action was taken. Some boats have no colour code (a flag ensures the boat belongs to Mumbai). READ Like victims, witnesses too battle the trauma Mumbais coastal security still being upgraded 8 years later 8 years on, Maharashtra govt says ready to combat any attack The Kharghar police are going through the CCTV footage of play school and nursery at Kharghars Sector 10 in Navi Mumbai to find out if there were earlier instances of minors being assaulted. On Wednesday, the police arrested the owner of the daycare centre and one help for allegedly assaulting a nine-month-old girl, causing severe injuries on her head and bleeding in her brain. The girl is still under medical observation. Senior police inspector Dilip Kale of Kharghar police station said, After this incident came to light, we started checking the CCTV footage of the daycare centre. So far, nothing objectionable has been found, barring this incident. We will take some time to check all the footage. The police have booked the accused under section 325 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code and section 23 of Juvenile Justice Act, 2000. While owner of daycare centre 34, was released on bail on the same day, the help has been remanded in police custody. Meanwhile, the parents of the injured girl along with some NGO volunteers will meet Navi Mumbai police commissioner Hemant Nagrale on Friday afternoon to request to add attempt to murder charge (section 307 of the Indian Penal Code) to this case. The CCTV footage clearly shows how the help was hurling our baby on the floor. The police should definitely apply the attempt to murder charge, said the girls father. Read Watch: Nine-month-old girl assaulted at daycare centre, 2 arrested After babys assault, PWP activists attack Kharghar daycare center SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Maharashtra government has decided to take back its prime plot in Cuffe Parade on which the World Trade Centre (WTC) stands. It has cited violation of agreement clauses, financial irregularities and revenue loss, apart from illegal constructions as its reasons for the decision. The government also concluded that several activities undertaken by lease holder M Visvesvaraya Industrial Research and Development Centre (MVIRDC) on the premises were illegal because no government sanction was taken. Mumbai city collector Ashwini Joshi issued the order to take back the entire plot from MVIRDC. The 42,025-sqm plot was given on lease for 99 years to the MVIRDC, where the WTC was constructed in 1970. The total revenue loss is yet to be estimated by the collectorate, but the lease holder has been asked to pay Rs20 crore by issuing a demand note. I have decided to take back the land. An order was passed to this effect because there were several serious breaches, loss of revenue to the state exchequer and several other irregularities, the Mumbai collector told HT. The seven-page order issued by the collector stated 144 sub-lease agreements were made by MVIRDC without informing the state government, which violates a major clause of the agreement that says the lease holder will have to share 50% of its earning or a minimum of Rs10 lakh a year. The order further reckoned a number of illegal constructions on the premises, which includes the installation of eight mobile towers and construction of a convention centre complex and luxury hotel for which the lessee has failed to give a satisfactory reply during a hearing conducted by the Mumbai collector on November 22, says the order copy in possession with HT. It also concluded that lease holders have started branches of WTC at Bhubaneswar, Jaipur and Goa by means of investment without taking prior permission from the government, which again amounts to violation of its order. A committee has also been appointed to ascertain actual losses, the collector said. Read: State to use govt spaces to host farmers markets SoBo office complex becomes self-sufficient by installing largest solar power setup in Mumbai SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A major fire was reported in a plastic godown at a furniture wala market in Jogeshwari (West) , Mumbai, on Friday around 1pm. According to Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services officials, at least 25 people sustained minor injuries in the incident. Some sustained minor cuts and a few got head injuries during evacuation, said an official. Fire brigade officials said they got a call around 1pm. 12 fire engines and five fire tankers are working to bring the fire under control. (Satish Bate/HT PHOTO) Six ambulances are currently at the spot providing first aid to those injured in the fire. Those injured were only in need of first aid, said a health official at the spot. Fire brigade officials said they got a call around 1pm and have sent 12 fire engines and five fire tankers to the spot. Officials were trying to bring the fire under control. The exact cause of fire is till unclear. Furniture was shifted out of the market at Oshiwara to ensure the fire does not spread further. (Satish Bate/HT PHOTO) Mumbai police said, Fire tenders are on the job and more have been called for. Police officers and policemen are at the spot. As the fire broke out at a plastic godown, the smoke rose several feet up in the air, visible from kilometres away. (Satish Bate/HT PHOTO) Around 500 students of the HMW school and junior college that is close to the spot of the fire were evacuated sent to a nearby civic school after the fire. The students had their FYBcom examinations today, which had to be postponed. In numbers 18,000 Calls the fire brigade receives in a year 33 Fire stations across the city Flouting the norms Most buildings in the city flout fire safety norms According to a response to an RTI query, in the last six years, the Mumbai fire brigade had sent notices to 4,592 buildings in the city for flouting fire safety norms, but initiated prosecution against only 14 of them Read Jogeshwari fire: Students from nearby school evacuated Fire at breaks out chemical factory in Navi Mumbai, no injuries Short-staffed Mumbai fire brigade trains 4,360 citizens to battle blazes Months after the suicide of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula led to protests in the city, students and activists held a rally to express their anger over the disappearance of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Najeeb Ahmed. He had gone missing on October 15 after he was allegedly thrashed by members of Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The protest march organised by Joint Action Committee for Social Justice an umbrella body of various Dalit, Muslim and leftist student groups started from Kurla station and ended at the Kalina campus of the University of Mumbai (MU). The protestors submitted a memorandum to vice-chancellor Sanjay Deshmukh, demanding action against Najeebs assaulters. Among the ones who addressed the rally was Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of Babasaheb Ambedkar and president of Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh. The students projected Najeeb and Vemula as symbols of ABVP and other right-wing organisations excesses against Dalits and minorities. Lakhs of such Najeebs have gone missing in places like Kashmir and Jharkhand. Our fight will continue until the country is freed from injustice and casteism, said Salman Ahmed, president (Mumbai division), Students Islamic Organisation of India. Holding the placards bearing pictures of Najeeb, the protestors asked the Delhi police to find the missing student. They also chanted slogans against Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), ABVP and Brahmanwad. Najeebs mother is crying for help on the street. Her sister has asked the JNU vice-chancellor to find him. What are the Delhi police doing? The culprits are still out at large, said Sagar Bhalerao from Samata Vidyarthi Aghadi. The activists also said that they want to end the environment of fear in the campuses across the country. They added that they would continue with their protest till the missing student is found. Students from Tata Institute of Social Sciences Radical Study Circle, Indian Institute of Technology Bombays Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle, Chhtra Bharti, Vidyarthi Bharti and Samyak Vidyarthi Andolan attended the march. Read Rohith Vemula, Najeeb Ahmeds mothers stage protest, demand justice Missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed was emotionally disturbed: Cops Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik issued another open letter on Friday reiterating he has always advocated peace and condemned violence in all its forms. The statement comes amidst a case being registered and several raids being conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against Naik and his business interests. Naiks now-banned Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) issued the statement-letter on his behalf stating that the religions name has been made synonymous with violence, while condoning the reckless behaviour of some majority religious leaders. Like the demonetisation fiasco, the Modi governments IRF ban and its modus operandi has been distraught with senseless decisions and knee-jerk actions, Naik said in the statement. I expected professional investigators from government agencies to do a thorough job. Had they done so, this issue would have been a no brainer, a non-issue. But I guess that was not the plan. The plan was to ban, not investigate, he stated. Naik also questioned on the action being taken against his organisation when there have been inflammatory speeches being made by other religious leaders. The law does not seem to apply to the likes of Rajeshwar Singh, Yogi Adityanath and Sadhvi Prachi, who continue to make inflammatory speeches aimed at inciting communal hatred for mere political mileage, he stated. While Naik stated he always offered to be available for an investigation, he claims that the action was unilateral. The statement, however, does not mention any possibility of him returning to India. Not a single time was I questioned or given a chance to explain. Not a single chance. No notice, no summons, no calls and no contact ever made with me to get my side of the story. I kept offering my help in investigation, but it wasnt taken. The entire investigation was completed without any agency asking me a single question about my so called wrongdoings, Naik stated. The letter further alleged the decision to ban IRF was taken in the middle of the demonetisation fiasco, as the country reeled under the self- imposed cash crunch. I wont be surprised if this ban was meant to distract media from what was going on in the country. For the public that is starved for cash, for trade and basic amenities, one cannot expect much of resistance. Flawless timing really, Naik stated. In the past few days, the NIA conducted raids at 20 commercial and residential properties of Naik, including his residence in Mazgaon, and they have seized several documents from IRFs Doingri office. The officials found the IRF had given a scholarship of Rs80,000 to Abu Anas, an accused in another case pertaining to the Islamic State that was registered by NIA. The scholarship was given in October last year. Read: NIA seeks to freeze accounts of Naik and IRF, block online activities NIA says Zakir Naiks foundation gave Rs 80k scholarship to IS sympathiser NIA raids Zakir Naiks offices and homes, prepares to block access to funds 10 things we know about controversial preacher Zakir Naik and his unlawful NGO SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Kale, a gangster who is wanted for the murder of Arshi Malik in March, was arrested by the police following a gun battle in Karhera area of Ghaziabad on Thursday morning. He was shot twice in the left leg. Kale carried a bounty of 50,000. He is wanted in several cases of murder, attempt to murder, extortion and robbery in Ghaziabad and Delhi. The exchange of fire took place around 6.30am, when Kale was coming from Ghaziabad city in his Maruti Zen car with another wanted man, the police said. Salmantaj Patil, superintendent of police (city) for Ghaziabad, said, Acting on a tip-off, the police started following him. He opened fire at the police personnel near the Karhera exit. A shootout broke out between the two parties, after which Kale, who was in the rear seat of the vehicle, was shot twice in his left leg twice by the police, he said. The police nabbed Kale, but his companion managed to flee the spot after abandoning the car. According to intelligence inputs, the duo had entered the city on Thursday morning with an aim to kill Iqbal, brother of Arshi Malik, the SP said. On March 11, Kale had gunned down Arshi Malik, a cloth trader, at an Indirapuram highrise. A year before that, Kale is also alleged to have killed 19-year-old Amjad Malik, Arshis brother, while the brothers were travelling in a car on Kanavani bridge in Vasundhara. Kales history with Arshi Malik goes back to 2011, when Kale tried to extort money from Malik in Pasonda. On questioning, he revealed that he was going to Pasonda village where Arshis ancestral home is located. Arshis sister is getting married and hence, all members of the family were together and were celebrating, Patil said. Kale wanted to gun down his (Arshis) brother Iqbal on the day of the marriage to instil fear among the family members, he said. The police recovered a sub-machine gun, a 9-mm gun with 104 live rounds, two 0.30 bore pistols with 16 live rounds and a Maruti Zen car. The sophisticated weaponry indicates that Kale had planned to murder Iqbal, Patil said. After the shootout, Kale was taken to Narinder Mohan Hospital for preliminary treatment and later shifted to MMG Hospital. Kale suffered two critical gunshot wounds on his left leg. Though the bullet has been removed, his leg bone has been fractured, AK Gupta, chief medical superintendent of MMG Hospital, said. It will take at least two to three weeks for him to walk, Gupta said. Kale is also accused of murdering a milk trader in Pasonda village of Sahibabad area on September 2. Read more: Kale arrest: Arshis family feels scared SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports about the death of a pregnant woman in a government hospital in Gaya after being allegedly refused dialysis for paying in old Rs 500 notes, the Bihar Human Rights Commission (BHRC) on Friday directed the district magistrate and the hospital to submit a detailed report within a fortnight. The news if true reflects a shocking neglect on the part of functionaries at the government-run premier hospital at Gaya. Issue notices to the district magistrate, Gaya, and superintendent of ANMMCH to file a report to the Commission within a fortnight, BHRC member Neelmani said in his order. BHRC took suo motu cognisance of media reports that the woman, wife of a daily wage earner had renal shutdown and died on Wednesday evening at the Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital (ANMMCH), Gaya, as its dialysis centre refused to accept old Rs 500 notes, it said. Neelmani said while scrapping high-value currency notes on November 8, the Centre had clearly said the defunct notes would continue to be accepted by government hospitals till November 24 but the patient, Manju Devi, died on November 23 evening. The patient had gone to the government hospital for treatment but the hospital had outsourced the work of dialysis to a private company, he said and asked Why would a patient suffer for the internal arrangement of a hospital? The commission posted the matter for hearing on December 20. Also read | Infant dies as Pune hospital refuses part payment in old currency notes A first-year girl student at the University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS) at Panjab University was found dead under mysterious circumstances at her hostel room on Thursday afternoon. Loveleen Kaur, 18, an occupant of room number 22 in Savitri Bai Phule Hall (hostel number 5), was declared brought dead at Government Multispeciality Hospital, Sector 16, around 5.30pm. Her roommate and senior Money Kamboj, who first raised the alarm, after Loveleen did not stir from bed the entire day said, She slept on Wednesday around 9.30 pm having her dinner. In the morning, I did not wake her up and went for my class. When I returned, I found her sleeping in the same posture. I tried waking her up but she did not respond. She added, I had to call the warden and other officials and rushed her to the hospital in Sector 16, where doctors declared her brought dead. Money claimed that Loveleen had never complained of any medical illness ever before or any other personal problem. Her other friends also recalled her as a cheerful person. Her friends recalled her as a cheerful person in the department. Loveleens room in the PU hostel was later sealed for investigation and her body is in the mortuary of the hospital. Sector-11 SHO Narinder Patial said, We are investigating the case, while the inquest proceedings have been initiated. The picture will be clear after the autopsy report. Another senior police official stated that the death might have occurred due to heart attack since there are no signs of food poisoning or any signs of suicide. Wardens at the university, vice-chancellor Arun Kumar Grover and registrar Col GS Chadha (retd) also visited the spot. Senior police officials, including DSP Jaswinder Singh, also visited the spot. Loveleens family in Gurdaspur had been informed, but her local guardians had arrived. Volunteers of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress protested against AAP convener and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday near his rally venue. AAP protesters alleged Kejriwals failure on various issues. Holding anti-AAP and Kejriwal posters, the party protesters raised slogans against him when he reached the venue. The AAP volunteers, led by Paramjit Singh Kainth, also met Kejriwal at the Circuit House, Patiala, before staging a protest in Samana. Kainth alleged that workers volunteering for the party on all occasions and all the resources utilised to promote the party in Punjab have gone in vain keeping in view the candidates being fielded for Punjab assembly polls to be held in early 2017. He said, The party ignored scheduled caste leaders and opted to promote dummy candidates, who had no prior knowledge or experience about Dalit atrocities, which they have been suffering for a long time. Kainth said, Arvind Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh and Durgesh Pathak have no knowledge of the culture of Punjab and Bhagwant Manns poetry and satire cannot provide justice to Dalits. He alleged that Dalits were being treated like a vote bank as always and these leaders are dreaming of dictating the future of Punjab as per their whims. The Congress activists, including women, led by Gursharan Kaur Randhawa, staged a protest in front of the entry gate of the Samana grain market. The protesters blocked the road before the arrival of Arvind Kejriwal. The protesters also offered bangles to Kejriwal alleging that women were not safe in Delhi. The police personnel pushed the protesters off the road to clear the way. A few YC workers also gathered near the Bhakra canal on the main Samana-Patiala road and protested against Kejriwals visit to the city. The Aam Aadmi Party has replaced its candidate Dr Ranjodh Singh Sran from Dharamkot in Moga district with Daljit Singh Sadarpura. A party press release quoted state AAP convener Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi as reasoning that Dr Srans campaign was weak, and the decision to replace him was taken by the AAP political affairs committee. This comes a day after the party replaced its original Bhoa candidate Vinod Kumar, who had just hours before that, accused the party leaders of seeking Rs 1 crore to take care of his campaign. Also read | Bhoa AAP candidate changed Sadarpura, 42, is a graduate and a progressive farmer, said the release. He has remained president of the Punjab Progressive Dairy Farmers Association and also the All-India Progressive Dairy Farmers Association. When contracted, Dr Sran said he did not want to comment on why his candidature has been cancelled at this stage but will come out with the whole issue soon. He also denied that his campaign was listless. Mounting an offensive against the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday alleged that Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal and his deputy CM son Sukhbir Badal could be behind the incidents of sacrilege in the state. I suspect Badals wanted to create communal tension in Punjab through incidents of sacrilege to divert the attention of people from their failure on all fronts, Kejriwal said while addressing a rally here in favour of party candidate Jagtar Singh Rajla. He said the SAD-BJP government, which claimed to be Panthic, has failed to nab the guilty of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib, Quran-e-Sharif and Bhagawat Gita. How could the culprits of Bargari sacrilege incident go scot free if Badals were not behind such incidents, he charged. Kejriwal also alleged that the Punjab CM can further flare up communal tension in the state, having sensed that AAP is going to sweep the coming assembly polls. SAD, CONGRESS 2 SIDES OF THE SAME COIN He described the SAD and the Congress as two sides of the same coin. Badal and (state Congress chief) Captain Amarinder Singh are the most corrupt politicians of Punjab whereas AAP has already proved its mettle as far as its stand against corruption is concerned, he said while adding that AAP will end corruption in Punjab. He alleged that Badal is so desperate to thwart AAPs victory in Punjab that he is spending money in Amarinders campaign He knows Amarinder will let Akalis go scot free while AAP will punish them for their misdeeds, he added. BADALS WANT SHARE IN EVERY BUSINESS: MANN Addressing the gathering, AAP MP Bhagwant Mann said, It has become difficult for all businessmen to run their businesses in Punjab, as Badals keep an eye on them to get their share. Reacting to Sukhbir Badals statement that Mann would forfeit his deposit in a contest with him from Jalalabad constituency, the MP said, It seems Sukhbir is having a hangover of power, but people will give him a befitting reply during the polls. Meanwhile, Congress workers held a protest in Samana against the alleged anti-Punjab stance of Kejriwal on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal and some other issues. Sitting on a wheel-chair, with the ability to move just one hand, Vivek Joshi is all set to meet President Pranab Mukherjee on December 3 to receive national award. The 36-year-old was born with 100 % cerebral palsy. Joshi is the only person from Punjab who has been chosen for the award of self employed with disability. Receiving a letter from the ministry of social justice and empowerment proved another milestone in his life. Ye na samajhna mauhtaj hain hum, naye daur ke sartaj hain hum, he hums lines from a self-composed poem. With sparkling eyes, Joshi motivates his students, to never let any problem to win over them. Joshi has been giving free education to needy people in an open school in a nearby park. Vivek Joshi along with his students at his residence in Jalandhar on Thursday. (Sikander Singh Chopra/HT) An MBA and LLM by education, Joshi is now pursuing MA in social work and is determined to pursue PhD in disability law. Even as spasms in his body keep hindering his movements, Vivek says with confidence, God has planned something for everyone and he has sent me to make others independent. That is exactly what I am doing. When I was child I would get sad to see my friends play in my childhood, but now I am a completely different man, says Joshi. I have dedicated my life towards helping others, said Joshi. Joshi has also formed an NGO called Madhav Sewa Society and has started counselling of persons suffering from depression and psychosomatic disorders. His first book, Lafz Lafz was released by former president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam which he says was the best moment of his life. Joshi has also coordinated with an Australia-based NGO, Kick Drugs for delivering motivational lectures in educational institutes. In 2011, he was given a state award for his social work by former Punjab minister Laxmi Kanta Chawla. He is a state-level chess player also. Kaushalya Joshi, mother of Vivek told HT, No one had ever imagined, not even doctors that he will reach this level, I feel so happy for my son. Subhash Joshi, his father and a retired government employee, said, We feel so proud of him. Its an emotional moment. Vivek Joshi doesnt forget to thank his mentor, Amarjit Singh Anand, who also runs an NGO Chanan for differently abled. I have reached here because he has always motivated me and I owe my success to him. Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday said Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal was running away from Punjab following his flop rallies and protests by his own party workers on the pretext of some urgent work in Delhi. Kejriwal, who is on an 11-day campaign tour of Punjab, on Thursday decided to skip three days of the visit to attend proceedings in a court case in Delhi. Kejriwal will not be addressing the party rallies slated for November 26, 27 and 28 as he has to appear in a court case at Delhi and had also summoned a cabinet meeting, a party spokesman said here. However, Kejriwal will address the party rallies on November 29 and 30 before winding up the Punjab visit, he said. Having failed to stand by the people of the state on the critical issue of the SYL canal, Kejriwal was now rubbing salt on their wounds by deciding to leave in the middle of his scheduled rallies. Though some media reports suggested that Kejriwal had to go to Delhi to attend the defamation case against him, it was clear that the SC orders refusing to stay the matter had come as a godsend to the AAP leader. The next date of hearing in the case was yet to be announced, which indicates that it was a mere excuse for the bhagoda AAP leader to leave Punjab at the peak of his election campaign, Amarinder said. SAD SLAMS AAP CONVENER The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) also attacked Kejriwal saying that he abandoned his Punjab tour and fled to Delhi owing to corruption charges made against him and hostile reception given to him by Punjabis over his stand on the SYL canal issue. Senior Akali leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said immediate reason for cancellation of the 11-day tour of Delhi CM was the revelations of corruption made against top AAP leaders in which he (Kejriwal) had also been made a party. BADALS MISUSING PUBLIC FUNDS: AMARINDER Accusing the Parkash Singh Badal government of misusing public funds and official machinery to put up large hoardings carrying an old Congress advertisement that was released at the time of the SYL foundation laying ceremony, Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh has again demanded immediate imposition of the code of conduct and early elections, preferably under Presidents rule, in the state. He said the Badals were spending the precious resources of the state on fraudulent and misleading campaigns and the hoardings, put up across Mohali, were clearly in violation of the MC rules as well as the Punjab and Haryana high court directions against putting up hoardings at traffic lights. Having failed to protect the rights of Punjab in the SYL court case all these years, the Badals are now desperate to compensate for their resultant political loss by trying to shift the blame on the Congress, he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here, pledging that the institute will be made functional by 2020. We will come again to inaugurate this project in 2020 in our (next) tenure, the PM said, adding, foundation stones are target-oriented in my regime. The AIIMS, which will come up on 170 acres on the outskirts of Bathinda at a cost of `950 crore, will also have 100 seats for MBBS, besides a nursing college. Modi said infrastructure in the social sector was essential for the countrys overall development and this project was another milestone in that direction. From left, CM Badal, PM Modi and Union health minister JP Nadda. (Sanjeev Sharma/HT Photo) Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, his son and deputy chief minister Sukhbir Badal, and daughter-in-law Harsimrat Badal, who is a minister in the Union cabinet, were all praise for the Modi's demonetisation move. "This will curb the parallel economy of black money in the country," the Punjab CM said, adding that the there will enough cash in banks and ATMs in another 10 days. "Modi sahib, we are always with you," Badal said . Also read | Duped by chit-fund firm, woman protester interrupts PMs speech As Modi laid the foundation stone for the AIIMS with the wish to inaugurate the project in 2020, Sukhbir said he wanted to see Modi as the PM for the next 25 years. "AAP will not get a single seat," the deputy chief minister said. He said country was lucky to have a prime minister like Modi. The country actually never had a prime minister before Modi, Sukhbir said. Earlier, Harsimrat said Akali-BJP regime will rule for at least 25 years in Punjab. The event virtually turned into an election rally, as the SAD leadership listed their achievements. Union health minister JP Nadda, Punjab BJP president Vijay kumar Sampla and Punjab health minister Surjit Kumar Jyani were also present on the dais. Nadda announced seven new specialty wings each at the government medical colleges in Amritsar and Patiala. Ethanol plant for stubble management Harsimrat announced that the state will soon have an ethanol plant near Bathinda that will use paddy stubble to generate gas. The Prime Minister acknowledged the move, appealing to the farmers not to burn the paddy stubble and look for options to put it to best of use as fuel for power or ethanol plants. The chief minister urged the PM to facilitate the farmers in selling the stubble . SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ludhiana city came to a standstill on Thursday presenting a chaotic situation with long traffic snarls and persistent honking for several hours, especially between 10:30am to 2:30pm because of Bhagwan Valmikis murti darshan yatra that passed through Ferozepur Road en route to Hoshiarpur via Jagraon Bridge. The procession is being undertaken for installation of six-feet high gold plated idol of Bhagwan Valmiki at Ram Tirath, Amritsar. As the idol was being showcased in a special bus followed by a large number of devotees and live band performances, the traffic police temporarily blocked some parts of the Ferozepur Road and to ensure smooth flow of traffic, a sizeable contingent of traffic cops was deployed. But, majority of the commuters seemed impatient and turned a deaf ear towards their directions. Unfortunately, use of pressure horns was also rampant despite cops requesting the commuters to avoid the same. Right outside the post office, two traffic officials were seen requesting a car driver to remain in his lane to avoid further chaos but, he did not mind flaunting his ID and went on to argue. Besides Ferozepur Road, traffic on several nearby roads also remained disrupted as commuters, including buses and three-wheelers diverted their routes but there too, cops were struggling to manage the traffic. Usually, police is often blamed for failing to manage traffic but, residents themselves do not obey rules. A few pay heed to them. Had commuters obeyed the directions of police, the vehicular flow could have remained smooth. One can commonly spot locals arguing with police or flashing their VIP IDs,lamented a shopkeeper at Ferozepur Road. Jaspreet Kaur, a college student, said, I feel with every passing month, traffic police has been increasing the number of cops on roads, who can also be seen leaving no stone unturned to manage the traffic flow but majority of the commuters do what they like, be it jumping traffic lights, overtaking, speeding and a non-stop honking, even when the light is red. Today, we may have blamed the police for failure in traffic management but what about regular days, what is our attitude then? Meanwhile, some denizens also gave suggestions for traffic police especially, if roads have to be closed temporarily or any such road procession has to reach the city. Through media, traffic police should always share any road closings/traffic diversions or road exhibitions and rallies, at least a day prior. Also, sign boards can be put up for any blockages ahead so that, the commuters can take alternate routes which will not intensify any chaos,said 69-year-old Fateh Singh, a retired teacher. On the other hand, as the exhibition bus reached Jalandhar bypass, the GT Road traffic was hit, including some NRIs who were on their way to Delhi or Amritsar airport. Why is GT Road not avoided for any rallies or exhibitions? What if we miss our night flight? Will traffic police make my travel arrangements for free? Or what, if an ambulance is on its way to the hospital?questioned Aman Brar, a Jalandhar-based NRI who was travelling to Delhi airport to catch a flight to Sydney. Another Phagwara-based NRI Gurinder Singh who had to fly to Los Angeles with his family said, Exhibitions or rallies of any kind should never pass through major roads as it causes inconvenience to many,lamented Singh. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Actor Matt Smith was held at gunpoint in South Africa during the shoot of Netflix series The Crown. The actor was relaxing in a Cape Town bar when the altercation happened, reported Digital Spy. We went to South Africa and a guy pulled a gun on me. This guy came up to us and said, What are you looking at? We were drunk. We said, Nothing, mate. No worries. He was like, Ill shoot you, bru! Matt Smith in a still from The Crown. (Netflix) He had a gun! Really stupidly, we just went to the bar across the street. I dont know why we didnt just leave altogether. He came up to the window, and went (tap, tap, tap), no word of a lie, he had a Crocodile Dundee knife in his hand. A bouncer came up and was like, Get out of here! Smith said. The actor will soon return to South Africa for more filming after he jets off to Australia for a major chunk of the second series production. Follow @htshowbiz for more Florence Henderson, who went from Broadway star to become one of Americas most beloved television moms in The Brady Bunch, has died, her manager and her publicist said. She was 82. Henderson died Thursday night at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, after being hospitalized the day before, said her publicist, David Brokaw. Henderson had suffered heart failure, her manager Kayla Pressman said in a statement. Family and friends had surrounded Hendersons hospital bedside, Pressman said. In this May 2015 photo, actress Florence Henderson spoke during the Alzheimer's Association, Orange County's 9th annual Visionary Women Luncheon at Rancho Las Lomas in Silverado, Calif. (AP) On the surface, The Brady Bunch with Henderson as its ever-cheerful matriarch Carol Brady, resembled just another TV sitcom about a family living in suburban America and getting into a different wacky situation each week. But well after it ended its initial run, in 1974, the show resonated with audiences, and it returned to television in various forms again and again, including The Brady Bunch Hour in 1977, The Brady Brides in 1981 and The Bradys in 1990. It was also seen endlessly in reruns. It represents what people always wanted: a loving family. Its such a gentle, innocent, sweet show, and I guess it proved theres always an audience for that, Henderson said in 1999. The Brady family. Premiering in 1969, it also was among the first shows to introduce to television the blended family. As its theme song reminded viewers each week, Hendersons Carol was a single mother raising three daughters when she met her TV husband, Robert Reeds Mike Brady, a single father who was raising three boys. The eight of them became The Brady Bunch, with a quirky housekeeper, played by Ann B. Davis, thrown into the mix. Mourners flooded social media with memories of Henderson. Both her Brady co-star Maureen McCormick and Dancing With the Stars host Tom Bergeron posted their thoughts on Twitter, according to City News Service. Her last public appearance was at the Monday, Nov. 21 Dancing With The Stars taping where she was in the audience to support McCormick, who competed this season. Florence Henderson poses backstage after the premiere of ABC's series Dancing with the Stars Season 11 in Los Angeles September 20, 2010. (REUTERS) The blonde, ever-smiling Henderson was already a Broadway star when the show began, having originated the title role in the musical Fanny. But after The Brady Bunch, she would always be known to fans as Carol Brady. We had to have security guards with us. Fans were hanging on our doors. We couldnt go out by ourselves. We were like the Beatles! she said of the attention the show brought the cast. Like the Beatles, there was even a Saturday morning cartoon version called Brady Kids, although Henderson was not in that show. She and Reed did return, however, for The Brady Bunch Hour, The Brady Brides and The Bradys. So did most of the original cast. She was also back again in 1995 when a new cast was assembled for The Brady Bunch Movie, a playful spoof of the original show. This time she was Grandma Brady opposite Shelly Longs Carol. Numerous memoirs also kept interest in the show alive, as cast members revealed they were more than just siblings off camera. Barry Williams, who played eldest son Greg Brady, would confess to having a crush on his TV stepmom. Henderson, in her own book, denied having any relationship with Williams, but did acknowledge a fling with former New York City mayor John Lindsay. Farrah Fawcett-Majors, right, joins her husband Lee Majors in a television appearance together in the sit-com The Brady Bunch. At left are actors Geri Reischl, Robert Reed and Florence Henderson. (AP) Henderson was a 19-year-old drama student in New York when she landed a one-line role in the play Wish You Were Here. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II were so impressed they made her the female lead in a 1952 road tour of Oklahoma! When the show returned to Broadway for a revival in 1954, she continued in the role and won rave reviews. She is the real thing, wrote Walter Kerr of the New York Herald Tribune. To broaden her career, Henderson took acting, dancing, singing and guitar lessons, even studying French and Italian. She went on to play Maria in a road production of The Sound of Music, was Nellie Forbush in a revival of South Pacific and was back on Broadway with Jose Ferrer in The Girl Who Came to Supper in 1963. In this June 12, 1967 file photo, composer Richard Rodgers, left, poses at opening night with stars, Florence Henderson, center, and Giorgio Tozzi, of the New York revival of South Pacific, which Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II wrote. (AP) She made her movie debut in 1970 in Song of Norway, based on the 1944 operetta with music by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Her career nearly came to an end in 1965 when she suddenly lost her hearing while appearing in The King and I in Los Angeles, and was diagnosed with a condition linked to heredity. Corrective surgery in both ears restored my hearing, she said in 2007. As her TV career blossomed with The Brady Bunch, Henderson also began to make frequent TV guest appearances. She was the first woman to host The Tonight Show for the vacationing Johnny Carson. For eight years she also commuted to Nashville to conduct a cooking and talk series, Country Kitchen, on The Nashville Network. The show resulted in a book, Florence Hendersons Short Cut Cooking. After The Brady Bunch ended its first run, Henderson alternated her appearances in revivals of the show with guest appearances on other programs, including Hart to Hart, Fantasy Island and The Love Boat. In later years she also made guest appearances on such shows as Roseanne, Ally McBeal and The King of Queens. In this Jan. 26, 2016 file photo, Jane Seymour, from left, Kali Hawk, Florence Henderson, Marlon Wayans and Affion Crockett attend the LA Premiere of 50 Shades of Black held at Regal L.A. Live, in Los Angeles. (AP) The Los Angeles Times reports that she also became a commercial spokeswoman and co-produced Country Kitchen, a Nashville Network series. Florence Agnes Henderson was born Feb. 14, 1934, in the small town of Dale in southern Indiana. She was the 10th child of a tobacco sharecropper of Irish descent. In grade school, she joined the choir at a Catholic church in Rockport, Ind. After high school she moved to New York, where she enrolled in a two-year program at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, her studies financed by a theatrical couple who had been impressed by her singing when they saw her perform in high school. She dropped out of the program after one year, however, to take the role in Wish You Were There. Henderson married theater executive Ira Bernstein and the couple had four children before the union ended in divorce after 29 years. Her second husband, John Kappas, died in 2002. Pressman said she is survived by her children; Barbara, Joseph, Robert and Lizzie, their respective spouses, and five grandchildren. Follow @htshowbiz for more Iranian filmmaker Keywan Karimi has begun serving a year-long prison sentence handed down over footage authorities deemed insulting, his production company confirmed on Thursday. The charges against the 30-year-old stemmed from a film he directed called Writing on the City that focuses on political graffiti in Iran from the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution to the contested 2009 election. He was initially sentenced to six years behind bars after being found guilty of insulting sanctities in October 2015. In February, an appeals court reduced the sentence to one year but kept the requirement that Karimi endure 223 lashes as stipulated in his original sentence. Speaking to The Associated Press earlier this week, Karimi said he hopes to use the time behind bars to complete the script for his next film. In this undated photo provided by Iranian filmmaker Keywan Karimi, Karimi, middle, speaks with his script supervisor during a scene of the movie called Drum, Tehran, Iran. Iranian filmmaker Keywan Karimi's production company says he has begun serving a year-long jail sentence handed down over footage deemed insulting by authorities. (AP) Be sure, Im strong. Inside, and mentally, Im ready, he said. Karimi was arrested by the Revolutionary Guard and held in solitary confinement in December 2013 after a trailer for Writing on the City was posted on YouTube, according to Paris-based production company Les Films de lApres-Midi. It confirmed he began his sentence at Tehrans Evin Prison on Wednesday. The production company is releasing Karimis first feature film, Drum, which premiered this summer at the Venice International Film Festival. Iranian authorities could not immediately be reached for comment. Karimi is one of several artists, poets, journalists, fashion models and activists who have been arrested in a crackdown on expression led by hard-liners who oppose President Hassan Rouhanis more moderate policies and efforts to promote greater openness with the outside world. Karimi said he is determined to remain in Iran despite the challenges. I want to reconstruct Iran based on my dream. Maybe its crazy, he said. But Im thinking about the future, our childrens future. ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop At least five people were killed and 27 others wounded in a triple bombing in eastern Afghanistans Nangarhar province Friday, provincial officials said. There was no claim of responsibility for the three bombings in Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, which is a hotbed of Islamic State (IS) militancy. Five people were martyred in three explosions in different parts of Jalalabad of Nangarhar province this morning, provincial spokesman Ataullah Khogyani told AFP. Khogyani said the first blast was a roadside bomb which detonated outside the house of a senior prison official, Abdul Hakim, killing him and a child and wounding six others. The second blast came outside the fire brigade office -- from where the first rescuers are usually dispatched after an attack -- killing three and wounding 21. Khogyani said the third blast came as people gathered at Hakims house after the first blast, but there were no casualties. Dr Najib Kamawal, director of the Nangarhar civil hospital confirmed the toll. The IS group appears to be intensifying attacks against the government and civilians as Afghan forces, backed by NATO air strikes, step up operations against them in Nangarhar. Last week IS claimed a massive suicide blast targeting Shiites in Kabul that killed at least 27 people. In late October, a suicide bomber killed at least six people at a gathering of tribal elders seeking aid for war-displaced families in Jalalabad. As well as the emerging threat from IS loyalists, who are making gradual inroads across Afghanistan, Taliban fighters are active in Nangarhar. China will deploy its naval vessels in coordination with the Pakistan Navy to safeguard the Gwadar port in Balochistan and trade under a bilateral trade corridor, according to a media report on Friday. Besides the joint deployment of warships, Pakistan is considering the purchase of super-fast vessels from China and Turkey for a special squadron to be positioned at Gwadar to secure the deep sea port, an unnamed Pakistan Navy official was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune. A squadron may have four to six warships, the official said on the sidelines of the IDEAS 2016 defence exhibition in Karachi. The super-fast vessels would be bought soon in view of their immediate need in the fleet and two warships had already been deployed at Gwadar, the official said. The role of Pakistans maritime forces had increased since the country made Gwadar operational and expedited up economic activities under the $46-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the official said. India has for long expressed concerns about the Chinese Navys involvement in the Gwadar port, which is at the heart of the CPEC. The Tribune quoted another unnamed naval official as saying that Pakistan has kicked off the process of establishing the regions largest shipyard at Gwadar. A similar ship-building project is being considered for Port Qasim in Karachi. The two advanced shipyards will design and develop ships and other security equipment for the Pakistan Navy. The existing shipyard, the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, lacks capacity to meet new requirements of the force. Its (PNSC) performance, however, would improve in competition with the two under consideration, he said. The PNSC will hand over a large fleet tanker being built in collaboration with Turkey to the Pakistan Navy. The death toll from a collapse at a power station under construction in China has risen to 74, state media said on Friday, as web users expressed outrage over the countrys latest industrial accident. A platform more than 70 metres (230 feet) high in a cooling tower at the Ganneng Fengcheng power station in the eastern province of Jiangxi crashed to the ground early Thursday. The official Xinhua news agency said 74 people had been confirmed dead, the youngest of the identified aged 23, and two injured. The vice governor of Jiangxi, Li Yihuang, and two other officials bowed to pay their respects to the victims at a press conference, offering their condolences to the families and saying they felt very sad about the accident, footage showed. Pictures of the scene in Fengcheng showed a grey mass of concrete slabs, steel girders and twisted metal splayed in a heap on the ground inside a large round structure. Hard-hatted rescue workers in neon jumpsuits carried bodies out from the site on stretchers wrapped in orange sheeting. Commenters on Chinese social media condemned the latest accident in a country with a dire industrial safety record, demanding that the cause be identified and those responsible punished. This is too cruel, devastating 74 families completely with a man-made disaster, said one poster on Chinas Twitter-like Weibo. 90 percent of them are the pillars of their family. Another added: What it revealed is the severe indifference and disrespect to every workers dignity and life. Look at these victims and the managers who were in charge of their lives -- can you still sit still? Official figures show 66,182 people were killed in workplace accidents in 2015. The tower, with a design height of 165 metres, was part of a 7.67 billion yuan ($1.1 billion) project to expand the coal-powered electricity generating plant. One of the investors involved, Jiangxi Ganneng, saw its shares tumble nearly six percent on the Shenzhen stock exchange on Friday morning after saying it will take any measures necessary to reduce the accidents impact on the firm. The company had sought to expedite construction progress on the expansion project in September, previous statements on its website showed. Read more | China power plant collapse kills at least 67: Xinhua The death toll from a car bombing south of Baghdad claimed by the Islamic State group rose to 73 on Friday, including about 40 Iranian pilgrims, Iraqi hospital and police officials said, the deadliest IS attack in four months. The officials said 65 other people were wounded in the attack, which took place on Thursday night at a gas station on a major highway near the city of Hilla, about 95 kilometers (60 miles) south of the Iraqi capital. IS claimed the attack in a brief statement on its Aamaq media arm, saying it was a suicide truck bomb. Earlier, Iraqi officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media, had put the death toll at 56. The attack appears to have targeted a bus with Iranian pilgrims heading home after a major Shia religious observance in the holy city of Karbala. Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Qashqavi was quoted by the semi-official Tasnim news agency on Thursday night as saying that 80 people were killed, including 40 Iranians. Conflicting death tolls are common in the aftermath of large attacks. The attack was the deadliest by IS since a massive car bomb killed around 300 people in Baghdad in July. It also came a day after some dozen small-scale bombings in and around Baghdad killed 31 people and wounded more than a 100 a particularly bloody day even by the standards of the Iraqi capital, which has for more than a decade endured near-daily violence blamed on IS or its forerunner, al-Qaida in Iraq, and which mostly targeted members of Iraqs Shia majority. The gas station bombing underlined the continuing ability of IS to stage high-profile terror attacks even as a massive Iraqi military operation is underway to dislodge its fighters from its last major urban stronghold in Iraq, the northern city of Mosul. The offensive is aided by volunteer militiamen and the U.S.-led coalition, which has mostly been pounding IS targets in Mosul with airstrikes. Moreover, Thursdays IS bombing took place in Iraqs Shia hinterland south of Baghdad, a region that has largely been spared the near-daily violence that has for years engulfed the capital and Sunni regions. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi visited Karbala, where he lavishly praised the countrys security forces for protecting the pilgrims against attacks by IS. Extremist Sunni militants, including the Islamic State group, view Shias as heretics and routinely target Iranian pilgrims who visit Iraq by the hundreds of thousands to pay homage to major Shia shrines in Baghdad, and also the Shia holy cities of Karbala and Najaf, south of Baghdad, and Samarra, to the north of the capital. Shia Iran is a major backer of the governments in Iraq and neighboring Syria in their fight against IS, providing military advisers and weapons. Let the vile Rafidha (Shias) know that what awaits them in the near future, God willing, will be more painful and bitter and that the flames of the battles in Nineveh will reach them in Baghdad, Karbala and Najaf, IS said in its statement. Nineveh is the northern Iraqi province where Mosul is the capital. The Shia observance in Karbala, called the al-Arbaeen, in which the Iranian victims participated, was the 40th day after the death anniversary of a much revered 7th century religious figure, Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. The ceremonies routinely attract hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, including many Iranians who travel overland into Iraq for the occasion. Several members of Iranian civil defense staff who had been in Karbala to offer assistance to Iranian pilgrims rushed to the gas station following the bombing, helping their Iraqi counterparts collect the bodies of the victims and aiding the wounded. Iranian personnel typically accompany pilgrims on such trips to Iraq. The Iraqi governments campaign to retake Mosul began last month, but stiff IS resistance and concerns over the safety of civilians who remain inside the city have slowed the Iraqi forces progress. Fighting continued in the eastern sector of Mosul on Friday, with Iraqi special forces seizing another neighborhood, Masaref, and advancing in the densely populated Zohour district, according to Brig.Gen. Haider Fadhil. The offensive to capture Zohour began earlier this week, but troops are facing stiff IS resistance, he added. On the ground in Mosul, the sounds of automatic fire and the thud of mortar shells and artillery shook the citys eastern sector, east of the Tigris River on Friday morning. Days before he travels to India to participate in the Heart of Asia conference, foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz said on Friday that Pakistan will hold a dialogue with India only if the Kashmir issue is on the agenda. Addressing the National Assembly or lower house of Parliament on the situation along the Line of Control following a spike in hostilities, Aziz said Pakistan will continue its moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiris for their right to self-determination. Pakistan would hold dialogue with India on all issues but only with the inclusion of the Kashmir issue on the agenda, he was quoted as saying by state-run APP news agency. Our policy on Kashmir is very clear. We will continue our support to the right of self-determination of Kashmirisat all forums, including bilateral and international. Pakistan has confirmed that Aziz will attend the Heart of Asia conference on Afghanistan to be held in Amritsar during December 3-4. A bilateral meeting between Aziz and an Indian official on the margins of the meeting is yet to be confirmed. India-Pakistan tensions spiked this week when Indian troops mounted a massive bombardment of Pakistani positions along the LoC after three Indian soldiers were killed, and the body of one mutilated, on Tuesday. Pakistani authorities said 14 people, including three soldiers, died in the shelling. Aziz said the motive behind Indias aggression at the LoC was to divert the international communitys attention from atrocities and blatant human rights violations in Kashmir. He accused Indian troops of attacking a bus and an ambulance along the LoC. Pakistan took this issue seriously and wrote a letter to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to inform them of the motives behind Indian aggression at the LoC, he added. Defence minister Khawaja Asif also addressed the House and said that if India imposes war on Pakistan, Pakistan will fight valiantly. President-elect Donald Trump holds stock in the company building the disputed Dakota Access oil pipeline, and pipeline opponents warn that Trumps investments could affect any decision he makes on the $3.8 billion project as president. Trumps 2016 federal disclosure forms show he owned between $15,000 and $50,000 in stock in Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners. Thats down from between $500,000 and $1 million a year earlier. Trump also owns between $100,000 and $250,000 in Phillips 66, which has a one-quarter share of Dakota Access. While Trumps stake in the pipeline company is modest compared with his other assets, ethics experts say its among dozens of potential conflicts that could be resolved by placing his investments in a blind trust, a step Trump has resisted. The Obama administration said this month it wants more study and tribal input before deciding whether to allow the partially built pipeline to cross under a Missouri River reservoir in North Dakota. The 1,200-mile pipeline would carry oil across four states to a shipping point in Illinois. The project has been held up while the Army Corps of Engineers consults with the Standing Rock Sioux, who believe the project could harm the tribes drinking water and Native American cultural sites. The delay, which comes as protests unfold daily along the proposed route, raises the likelihood that a final decision will be made by Trump, a pipeline supporter who has vowed to unleash unfettered production of oil and gas. He takes office in January. Trumps investments in the pipeline business threaten to undercut faith in this process which was already frayed by interjecting his own financial well-being into a much bigger decision, said Sharon Buccino, director of the land and wildlife program at the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group. This should be about the interests of the many, rather than giving the appearance of looking at the interests of a few including Trump, Buccino said. Trump, a billionaire who has never held public office, holds ownership stakes in more than 500 companies worldwide. He has said he plans to transfer control of his company to three of his adult children, but ethics experts have said conflicts could engulf the new administration if Trump does not liquidate his business holdings. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., senior Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, called Trumps investment in the pipeline company disturbing and said it fits a pattern evident in Trumps transition team. You have climate (change) deniers, industry lobbyists and energy conglomerates involved in that process, Grijalva said. The pipeline companies are gleeful. This is pay-to-play at its rawest. Besides Trump, at least two possible candidates for energy secretary also could benefit from the pipeline. Oil billionaire Harold Hamm could ship oil from his company, Continental Resources, through the pipeline, while former Texas Gov. Rick Perry serves on the board of directors of Energy Transfer Partners. Concern about Trumps possible conflicts comes as protests over the pipeline have intensified in recent weeks, with total arrests since August rising to 528. A clash this past week near the main protest camp in North Dakota left a police officer and several protesters injured. North Dakota Republican Gov. Jack Dalrymple, along with GOP Sen. John Hoeven and Rep. Kevin Cramer, called on President Barack Obama to authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to approve the pipeline crossing, the last large segment of the nearly completed pipeline. Kelcy Warren, CEO of Dallas-based Energy Transfer, told The Associated Press that he expects Trump to make it easier for his company and others to complete infrastructure projects. Do I think its going to get easier? Of course, said Warren, who donated $3,000 to Trumps campaign, plus $100,000 to a committee supporting Trumps candidacy and $66,800 to the Republican National Committee. If youre in the infrastructure business, he said, you need consistency. Thats where this process has gotten off track. The Army Corps of Engineers granted Warrens company the permits needed for the crossing in July, but the agency decided in September that further analysis was warranted, given the tribes concerns. On Nov. 14, the corps called for even more study. The company has asked a federal judge to declare it has the right to lay pipe under Lake Oahe, a Missouri River reservoir in southern North Dakota. The judge isnt likely to issue a decision until January at the earliest. Pakistans central bank is currently engaged in an exercise to demonetise and replace old bank notes with new ones but the process has been largely painless, as compared to the drive underway in India. The process has been underway for the past 10 years, and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said in a statement on November 2 that old design notes in the denomination of Rs 10, Rs 50, Rs 100 and Rs 1,000 will cease to be legal tender from December 1. The old notes can be exchanged at commercial banks across the country till November 30. After that, the old notes can still be exchanged at SBP Banking Services Corporation field offices till December 31, 2021. The process of demonetising the old notes has been gradual the government first phased out Rs 5 and Rs 500 notes before moving to the other denominations. The introduction of new design notes was completed in 2008. Notification issued by State Bank of Pakistan on November 2 about the demonetisation of old design notes. (Screengrab) We had to move to new currency notes because of the large number of fake notes of various denominations, especially Rs 1,000 notes, recalled for SBP governor Ishrat Husain. New notes of all denominations were introduced. Syed Wasimuddin, a senior staffer of SBP, said Rs 1 and Rs 2 notes were gradually replaced with coins while the Rs 5 note was withdrawn altogether. The new Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were gradually introduced over five years. We gave one deadline after another but the idea was that anyone with an old note would automatically be entitled to a new one, said Wasimuddin. In 2006, the Rs 5,000 note was introduced by the government. Shamshad Akhtar, who was the SBP governor at the time and also the first woman to hold the post, told the media that the new notes had better security features. People generally welcomed the change. Today, even ten years after some of the new notes were gradually introduced, the public can go to any commercial bank and have their old notes replaced. In instances where a note has not been legal tender for more than ten years, notes have to be submitted to a bank and are exchanged after a couple of days. Those that have been outdated for less than ten years are changed at the counter. SBP officials said demonitisation has been a regular process in Pakistan because it allows fake notes to be taken out of circulation. At the same time, bankers admit that some mistakes were made in terms of the design of the new notes and those were subsequently rectified. For example, the Rs 20 and Rs 5,000 notes had a similar colour scheme and, in a country such as Pakistan where the literacy rate is below 20%, this led to some people being cheated. The central bank then replaced the Rs 20 note with a new one with a different colour. Australias most wanted Islamic State terror suspect Neil Prakash, who was believed to have been killed in an air strike earlier this year, is still alive and was recently arrested by a Middle Eastern government, according to a media report. Prakash, the child of Cambodian and Fijian migrants, was wounded when he was targeted in a drone strike in Iraq in April, The New York Times reported. In the last few weeks, however, a Middle Eastern government arrested Mr Prakash, another senior American military official said, the report added without giving details or naming the country that had detained the IS operative. Prakash, who was known as Abu Khaled al-Cambodi, was linked to several failed attacks in Sydney and Melbourne. Australian and American authorities had earlier said he had a prominent and influential role as a senior recruiter for the group. Australias attorney general George Brandis called him the most dangerous Australian involved with ISIL in the Middle East, using an acronym for the Islamic State. If you wanted to describe him as Australias number one terrorist you wouldnt be off the mark, Brandis told Sky News. Australia had been informed by US authorities in May that Prakash died in Mosul, Iraq, on April 29 after Canberra provided intelligence on his identity and location. Besides being linked to several Australia-based attack plans, Prakash had called for lone-wolf attacks against the US. He was a member of several Melbourne gangs as a teenager. He converted to Islam in 2012 in the company of Harun Mehicevic, a radical preacher linked to Melbournes al-Furqan Islamic Centre. Prakash sneaked into Syria in 2013 and appeared in several IS propaganda videos. In recent months, Australia has worked closely with the US to target Australian nationals fighting with the IS in Iraq and Syria. Australian officials have said some 60 Australians have so far been killed fighting in Iraq or Syria. Myanmar is engaged in ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims, a UN official has said, as reports emerged Friday of troops shooting at villagers as they tried to flee. Thousands of desperate people have pushed over the border into Bangladesh in the last few days, bringing with them horrifying stories of gang rape, torture and the systematic killing of their ethnic group. John McKissick, head of the United Nations refugee agency in the Bangladeshi border town of Coxs Bazar, said troops in Myanmar were killing men, shooting them, slaughtering children, raping women, burning and looting houses, forcing these people to cross the river into Bangladesh. The UN says up to 30,000 Rohingya, a stateless ethnic group, have abandoned their homes in Myanmar, desperate to escape the soldiers that have poured into the strip of land where they live near the Bangladesh border. Dhaka says thousands are massed on the border, but has refused urgent international appeals to let them in, instead calling on Myanmar to do more to stop people fleeing. Its very difficult for the Bangladeshi government to say the border is open because this would further encourage the government of Myanmar to continue the atrocities and push them out until they have achieved their ultimate goal of ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority in Myanmar, McKissick said. Vivian Tan, a press officer for the UN agency, said McKissick was recounting what different sources, including new arrivals, have told him about the conditions they fled and added the reports were very worrying. Read | Satellite images reveal destruction in Rohingya villages Farmer Deen Mohammad was among the thousands who evaded stiffened border patrols, sneaking into the Bangladeshi border town of Teknaf four days ago with his wife, two of their children and three other families. They (Myanmars military) took my two boys, aged nine and 12 when they entered my village. I dont know what happened to them, Mohammad, 50, told AFP. They took women in rooms and then locked them from inside. Up to 50 women and girls of our village were tortured and raped. Mohammad said houses in his village were burned, echoing similar testimony from other recent arrivals. One Rohingya man, who asked not to be named, told AFP in Myanmar that troops had stormed into a neighbouring village early Friday morning and fired indiscriminately on residents as they tried to escape. Children facing death Amnesty International said the Myanmar army was carrying out collective punishment of the Rohingya, a one million-strong population reviled across Myanmar as illegal immigrants, for attacks last month on police posts. The response of the army to attacks on security forces six weeks ago went far beyond what was necessary and proportional, said the groups South Asia director Champa Patel. Instead of investigating and arresting specific suspects, the army carried out operations amounting to collective punishment. Myanmars new civilian government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, has rejected the allegations, and entry to Rakhine state is severely restricted, making it independent verification difficult. Rights workers say hundreds of fleeing families have set up makeshift camps on the Myanmar side of the border as they wait for the chance to cross, with little access to food. The UN has said around 150,000 vulnerable people have been without aid for more than a month, including around 3,000 children with severe malnutrition who are at risk of dying. Genocide Penny Green, professor of law at Queen Mary University of London, said the latest developments were a new chapter in the persecution of the Rohingya, who face apartheid-like restrictions that limit access to jobs, education and healthcare. We sounded the alarm in 2015 that what we saw amounted to the early stages of a genocidal process, she said. We are concerned that these latest developments may represent a new chapter in the persecution of the Rohingya, and a potentially more deadly phase of genocide. The fact that its practically impossible to verify or confirm any of these reports underlines the intensity of Rakhine states isolation from international view. Read more | More Rohingya villages razed in Myanmars Rakhine: HRW The 48% of Britons who voted on June 23 to remain in the European Union now have two high-profile leaders questioning the Brexit process and seeking another referendum: former prime ministers Tony Blair (Labour) and John Major (Conservative). Major believes there is a perfectly credible case for a second referendum, while Blair says the Brexit vote could be reversed if the public changed its mind after realising that pain exceeded gain. Downing Street has already rejected the idea of another referendum. Major reportedly told a dinner to commemorate the 100th anniversary of David Lloyd becoming the prime minister that the 48% of voters who wanted to remain should not be subject to the tyranny of the majority. In his first intervention over the issue since the referendum, The Guardian reported Major could not accept that those people who voted to remain should have no input on the terms of Brexit. I hear the argument that the 48% of people who voted to stay should have no say in what happensI find that very difficult to accept. The tyranny of the majority has never applied in a democracy and it should not apply in this particular democracy, he said. The Supreme Court is due to begin hearing a legal challenge in early December on whether the Theresa May government is competent to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to exit from the EU on its own, or after a vote in Parliament. In an interview to the New Statesman to mark his return to commenting on political matters, Blair said he was not predicting Brexit would not happen, only that there is a possibility it would not: It can be stopped if the British people decide that, having seen what it means, the pain-gain, cost-benefit analysis doesnt stack up. Either you get maximum access to the single market, in which case youll end up accepting a significant number of the rules on immigration, on payment into the budget, on the European courts jurisdiction. People may then say, Well, hang on, why are we leaving then? Or alternatively, youll be out of the single market and the economic pain may be very great because, beyond doubt, if you do that youll have years, maybe a decade, of economic restructuring. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A massive earthquake of magnitude 7.0 has hit offshore El Salvador, following which a Tsunami alert was issued. The earthquake centre was 149km southwest of Puerto El Triunfo, off the coast of El Salvador at a depth of 33km. The quake was said to have occurred at 1:43 p.m. ET at a depth of 33 km. Officials have immediately isolated a massive 300km of the affected Central American coastline for a possible tsunami hit. But after some time the tsunami issue was lifted. As per Al Jazeera, U.S. Geological Survey has announced that there were no immediate reports of damage as of now because of the earthquake. The earthquake was felt mainly in the regions of Chalatenango, San Salvador, Cabanas and San Miguel in El Salvador. Tremors were also felt in the Nicaragun capital of Managua, and in the Costa Rican capital San Jose and in Guatemala. Adding to the woes, a violent hurricane of 110 miles (177 km) per hour has also struck Central America at the same time of earthquake, as stated by Indian Express. Hurricane Otto along with the earthquake has left the people of Nicaragua, El Salvador and Costa Rica in a state of panic and fear. U.S. National Hurricane Center has warned a major possibility flooding and mud slides due to the heavy rains caused by hurricane Otto. Nicaragua has summoned a state of emergency because of back to back quake and the storm. Al Jazeera reporter from Guatemala stated that authorities of the countries on the path of the hurricane have been preparing for days and they are hoping that this will limit the damage further. El Salvador lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, and is thus subject to significant tectonic activity, including frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. While rumors about Prince William and Kate Middleton's divorce keep doing the rounds, it seems like the couple is trying to ward off the speculations regarding their split or it might be that they have sorted out their alleged differences. At least, this is what Prince William wants everyone to believe. At a recent event in Vietnam, the Prince spoke to Talk Vietnam about life as a father and praised wife Kate for being a fantastic spouse and amazing mother, reports Gack Hollywood. He had arrived there to attend the International Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade and ended up revealing a lot about his children and what it means to be a father. He said that having children makes one want to create better future for them and credited the Duchess of Cambridge for his success as a father. This is quite remarkable given the fact that rumors of their divorce have been buzzing around for some time. It is said that they have been working hard for a third child and it is a bid to save their troubled marriage. They feel that another child will mend their relationship and bring them closer. In fact, they have succeeded in their efforts and it is said that Kate is pregnant with the third royal baby. Speaking of Kate Middleton's pregnancy, it is also speculated that they will make the announcement in December around Christmas as a gift to their followers, reports GameNGuide. However, some are saying that the delay in announcement is a deliberate attempt by the Duchess to steal the spotlight from her sister Pippa Middleton, who is in news for her impending wedding with James Matthews, expected to take place next year. Another side of the story is that Pippa is helping Queen Elizabeth to separate William and Kate as she is insecure about her sister's pregnancy news taking away the spotlight from her. As for the Queen, she is said to be angry with the royal couple for ignoring their duties. She feels that they do not devote as much time to their royal commitments as they should and use their small kids to get away from their engagements. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The possibility of a Third World War is unlikely but if military movements are to be an instigator, what is emerging in Europe says something about a forthcoming conflict. It cannot be denied that both Russia and the rest of Europe are cautious about each other's intentions. In recent months, the NATO has warned about the deployment of nuclear-armed missiles deep in the continent. Moscow has been under pressure to eliminate such threats. However, with the way things are unveiling presently, Russia's military preparations can no longer be kept under wraps. The Federation is indeed setting up its key deterrent against potential invaders later. On top of Moscow's list of weapons is the Iskander missile. This nuclear-capable weapon is part of Russia's short-range ballistic trajectory program. Within 300 miles from the Kaliningrad enclave, the warhead can hit Berlin, Poland and Sweden. NATO may have every reason to be threatened with the presence of such weapon but judging from the reach of a missile attack, the distance covered by the Iskander is somewhat short. It is likely that Russia is assuming a defensive approach. In addition, the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system, which has been branded by NATO as the 'Growler,' verifies Moscow's intention to reinforce Russian positions. The corroboration about the Iskander's presence comes from no less than the head of the defense committee in Russia's upper house of parliament. However, the move has only been done due to an emerging threat against the Federation. The Politburo is very much concerned about the installation of the US missile shield near the Russian border. According to military strategist Vladislav Shurygin, Washington's defense plans in Europe has been set up to protect itself. Even if most of the continent will burn, the Americans will probably care less. With the relations between Putin and the West turning more and more frosty, it is likely that military posturing will be amplified in the months that follow. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner were in the news recently for making efforts to save their rocky relationship. However, new reports claim that all of these reports could just be rumors as the actor is attracted to "Live By Night" co-actress Zoe Saldana. According to Morning News USA, the attraction between Saldana and Affleck could cause more trouble between him and Garner. The rumors about Affleck-Saldana relationship surfaced after they shot an intimate kidding scene for their upcoming movie. The publication reports that Affleck and Saldana have "warm" feelings towards each other. In an interview, the "Daredevil"actress revealed that she never wanted or imagined herself working in a gangster movie. However, the entire idea of working with Affleck inspired her to sign the movie. However, her attraction towards Affleck do not seem to end here. This is evident from the series of warm words that she has for him. According to Saldana, the actor-director is completely empathetic towards the feelings and the situations that an actor has to go through in his or her lifetime. She further went on to say that he Affleck behaved in a friendlier, leveled and relaxed manner. Meanwhile, it is rumored that Garner is pregnant with Affleck's fourth child. In addition, the ex-couple was also seen attending a couple therapy session, according to Radar Online. The publication further reports that Affleck has given up on his social life and party lifestyle to reconcile with his wife, Garner. The actor has reportedly stopped partying and boozing and spending an increasing amount of time with his family. The reports of Garner's pregnancy have not been confirmed officially. The ex-couple has three children - Violet (10), Seraphina (7) and Samuel (4). Garner and Affleck announced their divorce back in 2015, after almost 10 years of their marriage. However, the paperwork for divorce was never completed and both of them have been seen together for a number of times since then. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts and one of Australias most prolific islands Lizard Island Resort is excited to announce the appointment of Emilio Fortini as General Manager. http://www.thavornpalmbeach.com/phuket-luxury-holiday-package/Fortini will oversee all operations of this iconic resort, located in tropical Queensland and ensure Lizard Island maintains its outstanding reputation as a world-class luxury destination and a jewel in the crown of Australian Tourism. An industry veteran, Fortini brings more than 30 years of hotels and resorts experience to Lizard Island. He has worked extensively at executive level domestically and internationally. An Italian native, he is also fluent in four languages, a considerable asset for the resort given its high influx of international guests.Prior to joining Delaware North, Fortini was Director of Operations at TFE Hotels where he played a significant role in managing its Rendezvous, Adina, Medina, Vibe and TFE collection brands. During his role as Senior Vice President at Rendezvous Hospitality Group, Fortini managed 13 hotels across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. He was also the general manger of The Pearl South Pacific Resort in Fiji where he was highly involved in the refurbishment and turned the resort into the destination of choice for International visitors and Suva Expats. The Adria Hotel Forum is a leading Southeast European hotel investment conference held every year in Zagreb, Croatia and visited by regional and international hotel industry experts. The fifth edition of AHF will be held on February 8th and 9th 2017. The Adria Hotel Forums goal is to emphasize communication and exchange of viewpoints as well as the presentation of worldwide examples that have ensured tourism development within their respective regions. The forum is envisioned as a group of selected industry participants who can bring important and necessary structural changes with their actions. In one place, it gathers all the relevant actors including international experts, presidents and members of the boards of the largest regional and global hotel companies, ministers, investors, institutional representatives, financial institutions, consultants, architects, lawyers and other experts.Until now AHF has gathered more than 1200 participants, 180 panelists, 15 institutional partners, 30 media partners and over 80 partners and sponsors. Main theme in 2017 is: "Investments in hotel industry: Development and beyond" and the questioned raised behind the theme are: What is the reason of a low interest for hotel investments in South-Europe? What is the investment and management models applicable in this part of the world? What differs from developed destinations and what is to be done? Who and when should develop the infrastructure and how the destinations should position themselves? And the most important question of today; is this really the safe part of the world and how can we assure it? Organizing committee of Adria Hotel Forum 2017: Marina Franolic is founder of Proficiscor, tourism Development Company than includes projects Adria Hotel Forum. Adria Hotel Forum is international hotel conference with the main theme "Investments in hotel industry". Dr.sc. Sanja Cimar is Senior Partner with Hotel & Destination Consulting, a boutique consulting firm specialized for hospitality and tourism projects with long-standing experience and international credentials of its partners and associates. Kristian Sustar is a member of the Board of HUP Zagreb, a company whose business is to dictate trends in the development of national tourism, and it is positioned in a way that assumes the role of managing the transition model of tourism development by determining the direction of change. Takuya Aoyama is Vice President Acquisitions & Development with Hyatt International (EAME) LLC, responsible for expanding Hyatt's portfolio of brands in the markets of Russia & CIS, Central & Eastern Europe. For more information, please visit: www.adria-forum.eu Dylann Roof, the primary suspect in the Charleston Shooting, has been deemed by U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel mentally competent enough to stand trial for his crimes. This decision comes after Roofs lawyers argued that the accused was not mentally capable of understanding the charges laid against him. Roof is accused for the racially-motivated murder of nine black worshippers at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina in June 2015. Before taking out a gun and firing multiple shots, the killer spent a full hour in the church at a bible study session. Roof reportedly told the three people he left alive that they should tell the world he committed the crimes because he hates black people. If convicted, Dylann Roof may face the death penalty for his crimes. Dylann Roof Gilmore Girls makes its much-anticipated return today on Netflix with four memorable chapters from the lives of Lorelai, Emily, Rory... and many more stalwarts from the fictional small town of Stars Hollow. Picking up nine years after we last dropped in on the whimsical Connecticut town, 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' finds each of our leading ladies at a major crossroad. Lorelais relationship with Luke is at an unnerving standstill; Rorys budding journalism career in New York has stalled before it's even begun; and Emilys world is turned upside down following the untimely passing of her beloved husband, Richard. Advertisement 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' is told through four 90-minute chapters - each spanning one season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall - and brings back to life everything from the quaint corner diner to the dreamy Dragonfly Inn to a fast-talking, quick-witted mother/daughter love story unlike any other. 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' launches today Friday, 25 November, everywhere that Netflix is available. Granola and oatmeal lovers in the U.S. may need to prepare for some sticker shock. Oat production in Canada, the world's biggest exporter, is set to plunge after rain and snow delayed harvests across the Prairie Provinces. Because the crop spent too much time in wet fields, grain quality declined, which means more will end up as livestock feed and less will be suitable for making food products like Cheerios breakfast cereal. Since the end of September, when the extent of the damage began to emerge, prices have rebounded from a seven-year low, staging the biggest harvest-season rally in a decade. More than 90 percent of Canada's oat exports are sent to the U.S., where companies including General Mills and Quaker Oats Co. use them in everything from snack bars to cereals. "You can't make a Cheerio out of barley," said Randy Strychar, the president of Oatinformation.com, an industry researcher based in Vancouver. "It's going to be tight." Production will drop 13 percent to 2.976 million metric tons after lingering harvest delays, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada said Nov. 17. Strychar says the decline may be as 20 percent because farmers were so far behind the normal pace of harvesting. As of Nov. 15, farmers in Saskatchewan still hadn't collected 10 percent of their crop while Alberta had 27 percent unharvested, data from the provincial governments show. A year earlier, the oat harvest was mostly completed by early November. Oat futures on the Chicago Board of Trade are up 25 percent since the end of September, the biggest rally for this time of year since 2006. Before the harvest delays, prices on Sept. 13 touched $1.71 a bushel, the lowest since February 2009. The most active futures contract closed Wednesday at $2.23. Canada oat exports will drop to a four-year low of 1.5 million tons in the year that began Oct. 1, down from 1.6 million tons a year earlier, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates. American food processors are dependent upon Canadian supply because U.S. farmers don't grow enough, which means they import about 57 percent of what they use. General Mills, the Minneapolis-based company that makes products including Nature Valley granola bars and Cheerios cereal, declined to comment. Chicago-based Quaker Oats, a unit of PepsiCo that produces its eponymous hot cereals and granola bars, didn't respond to a request for comment. Even if farmers managed to complete the harvest this week, the grain won't be usable for foodmakers. The U.S. may have to import more from northern Europe and draw down existing inventories to manage the supply rout, according to Strychar at oatinformation.com. It may take a few months before oat buyers start to see higher costs because supplies had been ample from earlier harvests and prices were low, said Dave Sanders, a Vancouver, Wash.-based vice president for Cereal Byproducts Co. The company, which gets about 80 percent of its oats from Canada, markets 10,000 tons annually for use by food makers and producers of pet food. "After the first of the year, we'll start seeing some increases," Sanders said. "It will be a significant change in the market. There is still a lot of oats being stored on-farm from last year's crop. That will temper the price a little bit." While oat inventories in the U.S. Midwest may be as high as 21 million bushels -- enough to last five months -- not all of it is food-grade quality, so millers may try to purchase more to make sure they don't run out, said Ryan McKnight, a merchandising manager at Linear Grain Inc., a Carman, Manitoba-based company that originates, stores and transports crops. "Mills ran out in 2014, and they don't want that to happen again," McKnight said. Price Volatility Ceres Global Ag Corp., a Toronto-based owner of agricultural assets, said Nov. 9 that the harvest delays created "significant quality issues" and price volatility. The company, in an earnings statement, said it will focus on increasing the volume of grain sold. In the U.S., the oat crop was collected earlier and generally had better quality, said Frayne Olson, an agricultural economist at North Dakota State University in Fargo. Still, because American food makers rely more on imports than domestic supply, getting quality oats may fetch a premium, he said. It's not clear how much of the Canadian crop will be usable in food, the USDA said in a Nov. 2 report. The department lowered its forecast for Canadian oat inventories in 2016-17 to 765,000 tons from 795,000 tons, according to the report. Canada's crop will be key for American food companies because most other oat-producing countries consume most of what they grow, said Tregg Cronin, a South Dakota-based analyst for Halo Commodity Co. Food and seed demand, accounting for about half of U.S. use, is "inelastic," he said. And makers of horse feed, another big source of demand, aren't likely to switch to other grains. "We rely on them for so much of our imports," Cronin said of Canadian farmers. "That's what makes this such a big problem." The Harris County Courthouse's system of providing legal representation to defendants who can't afford it is flawed and overburdened, a state audit has found, as some elected judges continue to appoint their favorite attorneys and allow them to take on far more cases than recommended. As a result, many private defense attorneys are not providing a vigorous defense because accepting plea deals is the fastest way to clear cases and collect a fee, according to information in a report by the Texas Indigent Defense Commission. "The report reconfirms that Harris County has a system of indigent defense and pretrial bail where freedom and justice are contingent on how much money you have rather than guilt or innocence, and that clearly and systematically violates the letter of the law on a daily basis," said state Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, who requested the audit and also authored the state's fair defense act. Furthermore, commission officials concluded that juvenile judges fail to provide 40 percent of underaged defendants with appointed attorneys within the time specified by state law - though the county was told to remedy that problem back in 2012. Commission officials, who monitor criminal defense services statewide, reviewed county court records and lawyers' bills, as well as surveyed 176 attorneys who provide court-ordered defense. One in five lawyers agreed the system does not allow for adequate representation, largely due to the sheer volume of cases that many attorneys agree to accept. "Attorneys are generally selected for their efficiency with moving the court's docket," wrote one attorney. "This rarely translates to quality representation." Caseloads exceed limits In 2014, nearly half of the court's 325 court-appointed defense attorneys handled case loads that exceeded recommended maximums of either 128 felonies or 226 misdemeanors, the audit shows. Seventy-six attorneys had more than twice the recommended limits, and some handled more than 500 cases per year. One lawyer, Jeanie Dickey, took on 969 court appointed cases in 2014 - including both felonies and misdemeanors. She did not respond to requests for comment. "Without reasonable time to devote to their cases, attorneys may struggle to provide zealous representation," the report concluded. "Defense counsel's workload must be controlled to permit the rendering of quality representation. Implementation of reasonable case load limits would help achieve this goal." Judges maintain total discretion over whom they appoint, and 37 percent of attorneys surveyed said appointments are made unfairly. There is also no prohibition on attorneys contributing to judges' campaigns. Judges generally do not limit case loads but tend to defend the quality of the attorneys they appoint. Denise Collins, judge for the 208th District Court, relies heavily on two long-time appointed attorneys who she said split the work in the more than 500 felony cases they accepted in 2014, the audit shows. Reached by phone, Collins said that she does not accept contributions from "term attorneys." But in 2014, Collins received 12 contributions from other attorneys whom she had appointed, supplying a substantial chunk of her campaign war chest. Michael McSpadden, the judge for the 209th District Court, also rarely uses the county's public defender's office. Instead, he appoints six trusted private attorneys, who handled between 190 and 321 cases in his court in 2015. McSpadden said he prefers to appoint defense attorneys whose work he knows well. "You just don't trust that it will be handled like it should," McSpadden said, adding that he believes recommended caseload limits are "way too low" for competent attorneys. Regardless, he said, judges should not accept donations from attorneys they appoint. Snub of public defenders Harris County's indigent defense system is the largest in the state and has long been plagued with problems stemming from inadequate representation of poor defendants, thousands of whom spend weeks or months in jail before adjudication. In 2009, the Houston Chronicle reported how even some of the county's death row defense attorneys accepted massive appointed case-loads. Since then, Harris County has set up a public defenders office, staffed with 40 attorneys who are limited to recommended caseload levels and are paid a salary, rather than per case fees. The state's audit found those defense attorneys more often use investigators and achieved better outcomes for clients than court-appointed private defense attorneys. Records show that four district judges - Mary Lou Keel, Jim Wallace, Katherine Cabaniss, and Jeannine Barr - almost never use the public defenders, though state law requires that those attorneys be given priority. That frustrates Alex Bunin, who runs the county's public defenders office. "If every judge in the county would give us more cases, I could go to the Commissioners Court and ask for more lawyers," Bunin said. Having more cases handled by people who spend adequate time on each case might cost more on the front end, he acknowledged, but it would reduce Harris County's high rate of exonerations on the back end. Keel, the judge in the 232nd District Court, said she stopped using the public defender's office after a dispute with Bunin involving post-conviction writs. Other judges who do not often use the office could not be reached Wednesday. Other Texas counties have set caseload limits for private attorneys and also taken attorney appointments out of the hands of judges, the audit says. Other problems The state's audit found judges sometimes set bail amounts higher than the county-approved levels, clogging the county jail with pre-trial inmates. Judges were particularly reluctant to grant "personal recognizance" bonds even for mentally ill people, which allow defendants to go free without posting bail, despite a requirement that judges do so if a treatment plan is in place, the audit showed. In addition, the audit found that judges had inconsistent standards for determining whether a defendant was poor enough to deserve a court-appointed attorney, did not meet state standards for swiftly appointing lawyers either for indigent teens or for indigent adults. Only 72 percent of misdemeanor offenders and only 59 percent of juveniles were assigned defense attorneys within 24 hours of requesting them, the report showed. The report wasn't entirely critical. The commission praised Harris County for providing speedy hearings despite its massive size and for accurately tracking of defense attorneys' required training. But overall, the report leaves no doubt that Harris County's system for representing the poor falls short on many fronts. "For assigned counsel cases, the distribution of attorney appointments fell outside of the Commission's threshold for presuming an appointment system is fair, neutral, and nondiscriminatory," the report said. "The district courts need to put in place a system that meets this threshold." Jay Jenkins, Harris County project attorney with the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, who reviewed the audit, put it more bluntly. "We have a judiciary that is elected and often campaigns on their law and order credentials," he said. "The report shows that they are not stringent in adhering to the letter of the law, when it comes to their own behavior. And what gets left in the lurch is the indigent defendants." Oil futures edged up Thursday as OPEC negotiators worked to convince Iran and non-member Russia to cut output after Iraq's prime minister signaled his country will curtail production. Algeria's Energy Minister Noureddine Boutarfa will travel to Tehran on Saturday in an effort to bring a deal closer, said a person familiar with the matter. OPEC ministers scheduled a breakfast with non members including Russia prior to the group's Nov. 30 summit, two people said. Iraq will participate in a deal to shrink production, Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi said, reversing his country's previous opposition and calling for total OPEC cuts of 900,000 barrels a day. "At the end of the day, we are probably going to get about a million barrels a day of cuts from OPEC and that's going to drive the market into deficit," Bart Melek, the head of commodity strategy at TD Securities in Toronto, said by phone from Toronto. "We are seeing communications from Iraq that they would be happy to participate." West Texas Intermediate futures for January delivery gained 2 cents to $47.98 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange at the midday halt to trading. There was no settlement because of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. The contract had slipped 7 cents on Wednesday after gaining $2.61 the previous three sessions. Total volume traded was 82 percent below the 100-day average. Brent for January settlement rose 5 cents to $49 on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The global benchmark crude fell 17 cents to $48.95 on Wednesday. Iran, OPEC's third-largest producer, is insisting it should be allowed to keep increasing output to pre-sanctions levels of about 4 million barrels a day. Russia's offer to freeze production at record levels - if OPEC does a deal - isn't good enough for some members who are asking for a cut. OPEC has asked non-OPEC producers to trim supplies by about 500,000 barrels a day, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said. Iraq, OPEC's largest producer behind Saudi Arabia, will shoulder part of the burden of oil output cuts, Al-Abadi said Wednesday in Baghdad. The nation had previously demanded an exemption, citing the urgency of its offensive against the Islamic State. In Russia, a freeze at current production levels would still equate to a cutback of 200,000 to 300,000 barrels a day from its 2017 plan, Novak said in Moscow. Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Oman are the only producers outside OPEC that have said they're ready to act together, and an OPEC accord is unlikely unless more countries take part, Azerbaijan Energy Minister Natiq Aliyev said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Advanced forecasting technology is turning fickle wind energy into an increasingly reliable energy source, allowing wind farms to generate power more efficiently and grid operators to better match supply and demand, avoiding price spikes in wholesale markets that can send residential electric bills climbing. Exelon Corp., one of the nation's largest utility companies, is among the latest generators to invest in powerful computer models that track weather patterns and analyze historical data to predict the timing, direction and force of winds. Exelon, which operates 47 wind farms in 10 states, including eight wind farms in Texas, recently signed a six-year contract with GE Power to manage its forecasting system. "That's the thing that's most important to Exelon - to know how much wind energy they can generate in one day," said David McCulloch, head of communications for GE Power Digital, which designed the software with Exelon. "If you have the data that shows you how much electricity you are generating, you can react in real time." Adding predictability is important to power generators who need to start up and shut down gas- and coal-fired plants to balance electricity supply with demand, according to how and when the wind blows. U.S. energy companies have used wind forecasting systems for more than five years, but the technology is gaining wider acceptance as experience and an ever-growing amount of data make the forecasts more accurate and useful to companies like Exelon, said Michael Goggin, senior director of research at the American Wind Energy Association, a national trade group. Texas could particularly benefit from improved wind forecasting. Texas leads the nation in wind power, with three times the installed wind energy capacity of any other state - enough to power 4.1 million homes. The industry has spent $33 billion building wind farms here, mostly clustered in West Texas and the Panhandle. With improved forecasting, the massive amounts of power generated when winds blow could be better integrated into the state's electric grid. A year ago, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages electricity sources for 90 percent of the state, launched a seven-day wind forecasting plan, which included using historical data to help predict wind events. Ideally for customers, better forecasting allows the grid manager to plan for and rely on low-cost wind energy more often. Combined with cheaper natural gas used to generate power, the abundance of wind energy earlier this year helped keep average electricity prices in Texas at their lowest since 2002, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. In addition, more accurate predictions of the ebb and flow of wind energy can help the grid operator avoid sudden shortfalls that lead to price spikes. Those sharp increases ultimately get passed to retail customers. A decade ago, wind farm operators knew very little about forecasting the changes in wind direction and speeds that occur high above the ground. Now there's a better understanding of wind patterns and how they interact with turbines, allowing companies to adjust blades to get the most energy out of wind. As a result, the forecasting technology can significantly raise the efficiency of the turbines, increasing production, lowering costs and ultimately saving customers money. A handful of providers deal exclusively with wind and solar forecasting, with which power generators contract. They include Vaisala, a Finnish company, AWS Truepower, of Albany, N.Y., and Wind Logics, a unit of the Florida power company NextEra Energy. White Americans without college degrees are becoming more likely to die in middle age, reversing decades of progress toward better health. Researchers first noticed this worrisome trend last year. They pointed to increases in opioid abuse, obesity and suicide among the causes of death, but what caused these increases has remained something of a mystery. This week, a pair of economists have advanced a new theory. They suggest that, for many workers, a major shift in the structure of the U.S. economy could have been fatal. The researchers, Justin Pierce and Peter Schott, found evidence that trade with China has resulted in greater rates of suicide and poisonings (including fatal drug overdoses) after 2000, when President Bill Clinton and Republican lawmakers allowed a major increase in imports. Pierce and Schott suggest that as competition with Chinese manufacturing forced U.S. factories to close, many of the Americans who were laid off never got their lives back together. Instead, they fell into depression or addiction. White adults, in particular, suffered from the change in policy. Schott believes that trade can have important economic benefits on the whole, but that his results shows that policymakers need to do more to help those workers who are displaced. "I'm in favor of free trade, but I'm also someone who believes that we should be honest about the consequences," Schott said. "It doesn't benefit everyone equally." Trade with China was a major issue in this year's election. President-elect Donald Trump has charged that Chinese trade practices have wiped out U.S. jobs. He has pointed to the gaping U.S. trade gap with China - $334 billion last year - as a key factor in destroying those jobs. The economists estimate that the increase in Chinese imports caused an additional 0.4 suicides per 100,000 residents in counties where local economies were vulnerable to competition, relative to the trend in suicide in those places before 2000 and compared to counties that were more insulated from trade with China. The figure for poisonings was 1.3 deaths per 100,000 people, according to Pierce, who is on the staff of the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors, and Schott, an economist at Yale University. The nonpartisan National Bureau of Economic Research published the findings in a working paper on Monday, during an uncertain moment for global commerce. President-elect Donald Trump has promised to renegotiate trade deals and has threatened punitive tariffs on Chinese goods. Like most experts on trade, Schott argues against new tariffs or other restrictions. Instead, he calls on policymakers to do more to ensure that everyone shares in the gains from globalization. "Closing the door to trade - I don't see how that's the best possible policy response," he said. "That makes everybody worse off." In 1930, the infamous Smoot-Hawley legislation placed onerous tariffs on imported goods from China and elsewhere. This situation offered more implicit protection to the U.S. industries whose competitors confronted the steepest rates, including manufacturers of plastic bottles. Textile mills - especially those producing knit fabric and lace - also benefited. Lawmakers gradually weakened these tariffs over time, and those on Chinese goods had become minimal by the end of the century. U.S. industries still enjoyed implicit protection, because there was always a possibility that lawmakers would allow those tariffs to revert to the high levels set in 1930. Investors looking to put money into Chinese factories had no assurance that they would be able to continue producing goods for the U.S. market. However, in 2000, Clinton and Congress made the lower tariffs permanent, Pierce and Schott wrote, a decision that most negatively affected the industries that had the highest tariffs under Smoot-Hawley. The opening with China was far more consequential for the U.S. labor market than previous trade deals, including the North American Free Trade Agreement. Employment in domestic manufacturing, which had been declining only gradually, plummeted after 2000. Other economists have estimated that Chinese imports put between 2 million and 2.4 million Americans out of work. The financial crisis in 2008 and the more minor recession in 2000 added to the decline. The two economists then examined records of deaths compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, comparing data from counties where the local economy was more reliant on those favored industries with data from counties where other sectors were more economically important. The increase in suicide attributed to the increase in imports was equivalent to 4 percent of the national average. For poisonings including overdoses, the increase was about 28 percent of the national average. The researchers also considered how trade with China affected deaths from chronic liver failure due to alcohol. The results were ambiguous, possibly because it can be many years before diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver become fatal. On the other hand, Pierce and Schott found evidence that exposure to Chinese competition significantly reduced the number of heart attacks, possibly because fewer people were doing strenuous labor. On average, 2.7 fewer people died of heart attacks per 100,000 residents in the typical county with a vulnerable economy, compared to the prior trend in those counties and relative to counties that were more insulated economically. Overall, the two economists found, the increase in Chinese imports caused an additional 13.8 fatalities from internal causes for every 100,000 residents in negatively affected counties. For external causes, the increase in the rate was 3.3 deaths. Schott noted that while the research focuses specifically on counties where Chinese imports had negative economic effects, trade with China might have brought economic benefits to the country as a whole, improving Americans' health. American consumers broadly were able to spend less on inexpensive Chinese imports. They might have had more money left over for medical costs as a result. The opening also directly benefited many Americans who were able to sell their products and services to China. They include farmers, workers who build cars and aircraft in U.S. factories and consultants who provide services to Chinese firms. Ilis niamet, volore veriustrud te feum iusciduisi. Pit, si et aut ver sit venisl utpatin heniat dolobore dio odolor ad et eumsandigna commy num veratem quam, secte dolore corper accummy nullummod dolesto et prat, quat adignibh esectet praesequisi. Aliquamcon utpat atum zzrilit, con ut alit il iure conummo dolore magna facillum quiscil laoreet la consenis eu feuis ex ea feugait ilit loPeriuscilit lummy nostin volore ming et ut niam irit nonsendio euismolore core do consequat augait ulput aci bla feuisl dio od tatin ut nos ex ercinisi. Con henit praessequis aut pratem in venim num in et laor sectet am vel dolorero od delit lor alis alis at, velis at, quat at. Lore te tinim iliquat, quatet dolutpat. Ut iriusti onsendit acil il dolore delessi te tem aut nos nis nostiscilla feuisl delisci duisim dunt volorer aesequa metuerosting euismodipis nim velit am velendiam irillan hendre er sim zzrilit accum dipit, quatue dolorperos augait iurem eros dolessi bla consectet, sim zzriuscip eugait, quat. Ut pratin utpate modiatumsan henit wisl ulla faccum num autpationum vel doloreetue minci tatet ute dipisci elis aut prat. Lan henit atummy nonseUscil incip eui tet lortin ea augiam, conum vendigna adSum dip erat. Magna cortio Anyone who took world history in school is familiar with the "cradle of civilization" that encompassed the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in what is now Iraq. This "fertile crescent" provided the geographic conditions that allowed agriculture to develop, leading to the creation of stable societies and, ultimately, to complex civilizations. It is perhaps the best known example of how geology and geography can shape human societies, especially as they relate to agriculture and the way food provides sustenance and identity to specific cultures. French wine, Italian cheese, Spanish olives and Mexican corn are food products that provide both physical nourishment and cultural identity to the inhabitants of their respective countries. Texas, of course, which many of us consider a de facto country, also has unique food traditions that define us as denizens of the Lone Star State. None more so, I'd suggest, than barbecue. And like French wine and Italian cheese, the singular character of Texas barbecue - specifically Central Texas-style barbecue - is ultimately rooted in the land where it originated. In Texas, that land is known as the "post oak savannah" - a strip stretching from the Red River in the north, curving between Houston and Austin, and ending just before it reaches the South Texas region. The post oak savannah, known for rich grasslands studded with clumps of post oak trees, is one of 10 "eco-regions" in Texas. It is considered a transitional region in that the drier air of the prairies and Hill Country to the west bumps up against the wetter air of Gulf Coast prairies and piney woods to the east. It is also, I would argue, the birthplace of Texas barbecue, which is characterized by beef cooked and smoked with post oak wood. I call this area the "cradle of Texas barbecue." Some of the earliest documentation of Texas barbecue occurred in this East-Central region, associated with the community barbecues that took place in German settlements near places like Bellville and Sealy, not far from the original site of Austin's Colony where Stephen F. Austin established the state's earliest settlement. The region's grassland has always provided nourishment for grazing animals, with bison being one of the earliest inhabitants. As European settlers arrived, the area became a center for cattle ranching. This geography was well-suited to fuel the rise of a cattle industry that supplied the meat markets that gave rise to some of the earliest traditions of Texas barbecue. But Texas settlers needed fire to cook all that beef. They had to look no further than the stands of mighty post oak trees dotting the savannah. Post oak is a variety of white oak that thrives in sandy/loamy soil and doesn't need a lot of water to survive. It is a hardwood that is known to naturally resist rot and was originally used to produce railroad ties and fence posts (from which it gets its name). These natural characteristics also make post oak the ideal fuel source for the smoke and heat that cooks Texas barbecue. The density of its wood fibers and the lack of moisture in the form of tree sap produce an intense and long-lasting fire that results in our barbecue's hallmark clean and pleasant-tasting smoke flavor. I'm often asked, "What makes Texas barbecue so unique?" The standard answer is indubitably the people and traditions that we know and embrace - the ruddy, leather-skinned pitmasters, for example, or the aversion to sauce and utensils. But like other food traditions that are literally grounded in the land, the culture of Texas barbecue also can be traced to the natural and geographic conditions that are unique to our state. Without the post oak savannah, Texas barbecue may have looked and tasted much differently - or may never have developed at all. Colombia's Congress is preparing to discuss a second peace agreement next Tuesday 29 that will try to reverse what analysts have called the Brexit of that country. The new agreement was signed on Thursday and this time, instead of seeking approval by national referendum as the first one did, the Colombian legislature has now the ball in its field. But what was the Colombian Brexit and what has been at stake? Lisa Guaqueta, a program manager at the Baker Institute Mexico Center, recounts the week that surprised Colombians and the world: The first week of October was certainly extraordinary for Colombia. On Sunday, October 2, the country held a plebiscite to ratify the peace agreement the government had reached with the guerrilla group, FARC, that would end over 50-years of conflict, the longest in the Americas. On that same day, once the votes had been tallied, the results showed that the "No" vote had won by a very slight margin. The agreement would not be ratified. President Juan Manuel Santos recognized the vote and invited those that had opposed the agreementessentially the Centro Democratico party led by former President and current Senator Alvaro Uribeto meet at the Palacio de Narino (Colombia's White House) the next day to discuss possible solutions to the impasse and find common ground to move forward. The FARC leadership indicated that they would continue to work with the government to find a solution. New peace agreement CHANGES TO ACCORD Following defeat, Santos returned to the negotiating table to wrest some 50-plus concessions from the FARC ranging from a ban on foreign judges in special tribunals that will judge combatants' crimes to a commitment by the FARC to forfeit assets obtained through drug-trafficking and other criminal activity. He received a boost in his efforts by being awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize. WHAT'S NEXT? Once signed, the accord will be sent to congress where a solid pro-peace majority is expected to easily ratify it in the coming days. After that, the FARC's 8,000-some fighters will begin concentrating in rural areas where they will turn over their weapons to United Nations-sponsored monitors over the next six months. OPPOSITION Opponents of the accord, led by powerful former President Alvaro Uribe, consider the changes cosmetic. They are threatening to boycott congress and take to the streets to protest what they consider a major blow to Colombia's democracy. They had been pushing for jail time and stronger limits on the political participation of FARC leaders who committed atrocities. Both Santos and the FARC say the accord is the best one possible for Colombia. PROSPECTS FOR PEACE The peace deal removes Colombia's largest security threat but there are concerns that criminal gangs and the much-smaller National Liberation Army will fill the void once the FARC pulls out of rural areas it has traditionally dominated. Most of Colombia's homicides have no direct relationship to the guerrillas and even before the peace deals violence related to the conflict had fallen to the lowest level in decades. Associated Press See More Collapse On Monday, Oct. 3, the Centro Democratico did not attend the meeting, adducing the need to hold an internal meeting first in order to come to the table as one voice. The meeting between Santos and Uribe, possibly their first in six years, was finally held on Wednesday, Oct. 5, with little to show. Uribe stated that they would continue to push for "legal remedy for soldiers, legal remedy without amnesty for the guerilla, and that the FARC cease any criminal activities." Santos also met with former President Andres Pastrana, and with leaders of Christian churches that had opposed the agreement. That same Wednesday, feeling that the negotiations were stalling, citizens called for marches in support of the agreement in Bogota, the capital of the country, and 13 other cities. These demonstrations were organized by students through social media and word of mouth, and thousand showed up to manifest their support for a solution. The marches were not motivated by a political party, and people were asked to not bring anything elusive to any one political party to the march. On Thursday, Juan Carlos Velez, manager of the "No" campaign stepped down from his post after being publically reprimanded by Uribe via Twitter- for and interview he had given to the newspaper La Republica. In the interview, Velez admitted that the campaign strategy was successful because it had "purposely fomented indignation, while purposely avoiding to inform the public about the content of the peace deal the party was opposing." The very public admission that the opposition campaign was one based on misinformation and lies has generated a backlash against Uribe and might make the peace negotiations more difficult moving forward, as it has brought to light that the motivations for the opposition were political and not based on the letter of the agreement. Finally, on Friday, Oct. 7, Colombia woke up to the news that President Juan Manuel Santos has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2016. The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized the efforts led by Santos to end the over 50-year conflict that has plagued Colombia. In its statement, the Committee recognized that "The fact that a majority of the voters said no to the peace accord does not necessarily mean that the peace process is dead. The referendum was not a vote for or against peace. What the "No" side rejected was not the desire for peace, but a specific peace agreement." The Committee also recognized that all parties involved in the negotiation have confirmed their desire to continue the dialogue and reach a final agreement that will satisfy all. The news was well received by Colombians, and came as a surprise, especially because there had already been rumors of the possibility that President Santos had missed his opportunity for receiving the award after the failed plebiscite. Even Uribe congratulated Santos, via Twitter, not without also taking the opportunity to state that he hoped this award would lead him to change agreements that were "bad for democracy." Hopefully, the award and recognition does prove to be the needed catalyst to move the negotiations forward and puts more pressure on those that have opposed the agreement to come to the table to resolve and not stall the process, and let Colombia take one more step towards peace. That week could be best summed up but the following quote from Colombia's other Nobel Prize winner, Gabriel Garcia Marquez: "It was as if God had resolved to put to the test all capacity for awe and maintained all the inhabitants of Macondo in permanent sway between joy and disenchantment, doubt and revelation to the point where no one could know with certainty where the limits of reality were." *** What is your take on Colombia's Brexit? Is it a sign of a new world or just a political hiccup? Tell us! This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Sunday is typically a slow day at the newspaper. Not so in 1963. Here's a look at two editions the Houston Chronicle published on Nov. 24, two days after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. * With the criminal case against "pro-Castro Marxist" Lee Harvey Oswald building, the main story in that morning's edition zeroed in on a photograph investigators discovered of Oswald holding the murder weapon. "This case is cinched," said homicide chief Capt. Will Fritz. Meanwhile, Chronicle reporters Mary Rice Brogan and Bo Byers were still in Dallas checking out the mood of the community. From their article: Citizens of Dallas expressed shame, deep remorse, and longing hopes for a more moderate climate for political debate here Saturday. Some bitterly held their entire community responsible for the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. "There is a lot of hate in this city. It has been encouraged. It makes me almost ashamed I was born," a taxi driver said. * But hold everything! About 11:15 a.m., in front of a stunned audience watching on national television, nightclub owner Jack Ruby gunned down Oswald while he was being moved from city jail to the county lockup. Both Byers and Brogan were called upon to file a quick story for the Chronicle's extra edition, which hit Houston streets Sunday afternoon. The effort to save Oswald for trial and possibly for execution, if guilty, by the electric chair at state prison in Huntsville, failed. He died at 1:07 p.m. * In another late-breaking story for the extra edition, Ida Nell Connally, wife of Texas Gov. John Connally, had just wrapped up a news conference when Oswald was brought in to Parkland Hospital. Mrs. Connally learned of it immediately, but had no comment. "She is resting. She has been under a terrible strain these past two days," said a family friend. Mrs. Connally, dressed in a while silk blouse and white wool skirt, was composed but showed the strain of the past 50 hours. She called last Friday's events a "sickening tragedy" and appealed for aid for the family of Dallas Patrolman J.D. Tippit, slain by Oswald as Tippit attempted to stop him following the assassination of Kennedy. Students left for holiday break but it was still a steady week of news at Texas colleges. Universities are trying to get creative to better manage an influx of students seeking mental health services. They hope smartphone applications, drop-in counseling sessions and a web module service will help serve students with mild to moderate depression and anxiety, freeing up traditional counseling for students with more severe cases. Theres a Super Bowl coming to town and University of Houston students are ready. Nearly 25 students prepared to escort VIPs around the city as part of an etiquette and judgment class at the Houstonian Hotel last week. Texas A&M students are gearing up to protest Richard Spencer, a white nationalist who will come to campus on December 6. Thousands of people have signed a petition urging the university to cancel the event, and high-profile voices have backed that cause, but Texas A&M maintains a private citizen rented the space in the student memorial center for Spencer's visit. Protests continued last week at the University of Houston, where students wore rainbow flags, hijab and Black Lives Matter T-shirts as they reacted to Donald Trumps presidential win with anger and sadness. UHs director of counseling and psychological services Norma Ngo said the student population has a reason to feel anxiety at this time. Ngo said the number of crisis appointments and calls increased by 37 percent over last year, from the beginning of fall semester to last week. Were keeping tabs on UHs expansion into Katy. The system closed on a deal to buy 46 acres for a new campus expected to open in fall 2019, its latest planned expansion around the city. Texas A&M University Chancellor John Sharp called the potential merger of Kingsville and Corpus Christi universities about as dead of a deal Ive ever seen in my life in a town hall meeting. Still, the Texas Tribune writes, tension is high around how Sharp handled the unpopular announcement and its fallout. Bring some Texas pride to the holiday season: a University of Texas at Austin student was named one of 32 Rhodes Scholars last week. Mikaila Smith will pursue post-graduate studies at Oxford University. And, to kick off the long weekend take a look at this fundraising campaign from Texas A&M students, who are raising money for Louisiana State University students, faculty and staff members affected by the flooding in late summer. What did I miss? Feel free to shoot me an email at Lindsay.ellis@chron.com or reach me on Twitter @lindsayaellis. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate It's about to get easier to get out of jail free. Harris County judges will soon have new information that could help them decide quickly whether to let people out of jail without requiring them to post bail. The new "risk assessment system" - designed to help judge's determine whether suspects are dangerous and if they will come back to court - is being steadily incorporated into the files that a judge sees when a defendant makes his or her first court appearance. "It doesn't automatically guarantee that you get a PR bond, but it gives (the judges) the information to try to figure it out," said state District Judge Susan Brown, the administrative judge over the felony courts. "It gives the judge a risk score for each individual." The risk assessment is part of an effort to reform the bail bond system in Harris County, which has drawn sharp criticism and a federal lawsuit because it often leaves poor people behind bars simply because they don't have the cash to get out. The new system will categorize suspects by weighing information - such as previous arrests - that are already in the court system to assess the likelihood they will re-offend if released or fail to appear for court hearings. Judges could then decide to let a suspect out on a personal recognizance bond instead of requiring bail. Historically, judges have relied heavily on a bond schedule that lists a dollar amount of bail for each type of crime, though they have discretion to set bail or not as they see fit. Advocates for reform hope the new assessment tool will mean more inmates are released quickly without lingering behind bars. Ultimately, however, they want to see an end to the existing bail schedule. "It's good," said Sandra Guerra Thompson, a proponent of using PR bonds instead of money bail, on the new system. "It's certainly not moving in the wrong direction, but I haven't heard anything about abolishing the bond schedule. Having a risk assessment doesn't really mean anything if they're still going to follow the (bond schedule.)" Harris County's criminal courts at law judges, its hearing officers and its sheriff all face a lawsuit in federal court that alleges their system, including the bond schedule, violates the constitutional rights to equal protection under the law by punishing poor offenders with more jail time pretrial. That case is pending in the Southern District of Texas. Judges, clerks and coordinators are scheduled to learn how the risk assessment works when they return from the Thanksgiving holidays. The system could impact thousands of defendants; Harris County files more than 100,000 cases a year. Overall cost reduction Critics have argued that the population of the Harris County Jail, which hovers around 9,000 inmates, could be reduced overnight by more than 60 percent if judges followed the risk assessment recommendations, which are created by employees of the county's pre-trial department. Jailing fewer pretrial defendants would save the county millions of dollars. The daily jail cost is about $45 per person, and defendants with mental health or medical issues that require attention can cost $137 a day or more. For the past few years, officials have emphasized mental health courts and programs to tackle the problem of the most expensive inmates first. In 2015, 7,915 people were given pretrial bonds or "free bonds" as they're called at the courthouse. In mid-November it stood at 7,190. But judges expect more releases, Brown said, because of new programs coming online. In October 2015, judges let 574 people out on PR bonds. This October saw that number jump to 956, in part because of a "reintegration court" where low-level drug offenders are frequently released on PR bonds before they even see a judge. The Houston-based Laura and John Arnold Foundation has helped the county develop the new risk assessment tool, which uses nine factors to determine the likelihood of a defendant committing a new crime or failing to return to court. The foundation partnered with criminal justice researchers to create the tool using 1.5 million cases from 300 jurisdictions. It is now being implemented at sites nationwide. Money system panned When defendants use a bondsman to secure bail, they pay a fee - 10 percent or more of the bail amount - and pledge collateral, usually property or automobiles, for the remaining amount. If a defendant does not show up for court, the bondsman either has to pay the entire bail or find the defendant. Bail bondsmen argue that the system is paid for by people accused of crimes, not taxpayers. Thompson said she'd like to see the money bail system abolished. She argues that freeing more poor people while they're awaiting trial will save the county money in jail expenses. And she thinks suspects considered most dangerous should remain behind bars, even if they have the money to get out. "If there's no justification to pay money, they shouldn't have to pay," she said of the first group. "And that money should be used to pay for legal counsel." If the county moves beyond money bail, the losers would be the area's bail bonding industry, whose members have argued that suspects will only return to court if there is money on the line. State officials have been seriously eyeing the system for reform and could provide statewide support in the next legislative session, which kicks off in January. Last month the Texas Judicial Council, chaired by Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht, voted to accept recommendations that risk assessments should be a bigger part of the process. That means the Judicial Council will craft language for the legislature to consider when passing laws in the upcoming session. "Little by little, it's starting to happen," Thompson said. "You just have to open people's eyes." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The benches are sometimes filled to capacity outside the MD Anderson Cancer Center as lines of cars stretch down the road. But the hum of a busy valet parking stand - a much-needed amenity at a center where patients may be weakened by grueling treatment - can create unwanted backlogs for those trying to get back to their vehicles and their lives. MD Anderson saw more than 385,000 vehicles valet parked in 2015 - a constant churn of more than 1,000 cars per day and up to 130 an hour, spread out over five valet stands at the main campus of one of the nation's top cancer hospitals. Even though the contractor-operated valet parking system often runs like a well-oiled machine, it still hits occasional snarls caused by the gritty logistics of Houston traffic. During slow parts of the day, it can be less than a 10-minute wait to retrieve a valet-parked vehicle. But during the morning rush from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., the average wait climbs to 24 minutes - and some patients report much longer lines. "Our goal is a 12-minute wait," said Diane Confer, MD Anderson's director of campus services. "We're not quite there yet. Some of it is just logistics." On a sunny November day, Kyle and Paula McDaniel found themselves camped out on the front benches for more than 40 minutes as they waited for their car. Kyle called it "frustrating," but said he didn't mind quite as much after hearing good news from the doctor. Whatever the wait this time, the Alabama couple were quick to add that they'll still use the valet parking service for their next visit in six months. How system works But the McDaniels' wait time isn't typical, said Jason Dell'Ario, Republic Parking's senior project manager who runs the MD Anderson valet operation. In 2012, the hospital's valet parking system upgraded from an old-fashioned, radio-based system to a modern automated one. Now, when a patient drives up to drop off their vehicle in one of the valet lanes at the main entrance on Bates, Republic Parking staff scans a barcode on the vehicle and hands out a valet ticket, color-coded to indicate the drop-off stand. Patients can pick up a vehicle at any stand, regardless of where they dropped it off, although that can add to the wait time if the vehicle is far away. On their way out, patients pay at an indoor desk. As soon as the parking staff scans the valet ticket, the garage is automatically notified. Inside the waiting room, a display board shows the time elapsed since each vehicle was called. The automated system has reduced human error - such as grabbing the wrong keys or car - but it wasn't fully integrated at each of the valet stands until the past year. "It has progressed over time," Confer said of the valet system. "At first there just wasn't this volume of patients in the building." In 2011, MD Anderson served around 115,000 patients across all its Houston-area campuses; by 2015, that number jumped up to nearly 140,000, said MD Anderson spokeswoman Julie Penne. Traffic an obstacle But even as the patient flow has grown, one of the most basic logistical problems has stayed the same: Houston traffic. The main valet garage is in easy walking distance, but at rush hour it can still take 5 to 10 minutes. The logical solution would be a closer parking garage, but with limited real estate, that's a tricky proposition. "Anywhere closer would help," Confer said. "We have talked to the Texas Medical Center about using their garages, but they don't have room." Another way to expedite the pick-up and drop-off process would be to add another valet lane - either by making Bates Avenue one-way and taking an extra lane, or by chipping away at the already thin concrete median to carve out another lane. Texas Medical Center considered changing the flow of traffic on Bates, but ultimately decided against it after a study, Penne said. Without some help from the medical center, there's no clear solution to MD Anderson's parking woes. "There's only so much real estate here," Confer said. In the meantime, many patients are happy to wait. "It makes all of this so much easier that you can just pull up and park, versus looking for a parking place and walking," said one woman waiting for her car. "It's just not that bad." Climate danger Regarding the editorial "Greenhouse gases" (Page A19, Saturday), "blamed for" is not proof, as the impact of manmade greenhouse gas vs. natural climate change is a blame-game, not scientific fact, even as millions of taxpayer dollars is devoted to academia and government agencies to try to make it fact, the United Nations political policies notwithstanding. Change has defined climate for billions of years. Now it is a money-making scare tactic. Recent hottest years? Thank cyclical El Ninos for that. The editorial ignores EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy's testimony that the Clean Power Plan would have no measurable impact on global climate and might reduce global temperature by a minuscule 0.01 C, but would make electricity needlessly more expensive. "Global battle to preserve life as we know it"? Would that be the multitude of labor-saving inventions, medical and pharmaceutical advances, agricultural and transportation advances all powered by inexpensive and reliable fossil-fueled energy, and threatened by government imposition of expensive renewables. Flawed science as fact is the real danger. Charles Battig, Houston Study history Regarding "Trump's election? Maybe it's a matter of degrees" (Page A2, Tuesday), John Banzhaf's commentary points out what is annoying to many. He mentions colleges having classes and/or departments in LGBT studies, Hispanic studies, African-American studies, etc. Nowadays, students study everything but history and how our political system is designed and works. Obviously, what colleges need to offer are studies in "Ethics and the Business of Politics." When one looks at the net worth of politicians before and after (or during) their tenure in public office, it's a study in white-collar crime. If light was shed on the real goings-on of these politicians, our society would perhaps have a more realistic view of our country and the world - and our politicians' real motives for what they do. M. Donnelly, Pearland Saving babies Regarding "All newborns deserve a chance" (Page A19, Saturday), the support of USAID has been vital in funding trials of the creative medical interventions developed by Prof. Rebecca Richards-Kortum and her engineering students at Rice University. The Reach Every Mother and Child Act, a bill in the current Congress, contains reforms that will hold USAID accountable for continuing to develop such smart, cost-effective approaches to ending preventable maternal and child deaths. With its strategy that puts kids and mothers first, the Reach Act can help make sure that every single child in the world - regardless of where they are born - has a chance to not only survive, but to thrive. The Reach Act has broad bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, with 77 Republican cosponsors and 139 Democrats. Rep. Mike McCaul, R-Austin, is one of the original sponsors of the bill. Our two Texas senators should now step up and show leadership in the Senate to assure that the Act becomes law. Passage of the Reach Act is not only the right thing to do for mothers and babies in low-resource countries, it will also enrich educational opportunities for students at one of our premier local universities. Claudia Morgan, Houston Some of the most misused terms coming out of the state Capitol are "education reform" and "school or parental choice." The lieutenant governor frequently uses these buzz words for privatization schemes that have nothing to do with improving public education. These "choice" schemes take on a number of forms: vouchers, tax-credit scholarships and, now, education savings accounts. They share a fatal flaw. They would take tax dollars from underfunded public schools that educate the vast majority of Texas school children and hand them to a handful of families to pursue private educational pursuits, with little or no accountability. Proponents say education savings accounts, or ESAs, would allow parents to "customize" their children's education by subsidizing private school tuition, charter school expenses or paying for home-school "materials." An ESA is an entitlement, a voucher in a see-through disguise. We have no problem with private schools, but taxpayers shouldn't subsidize a tuition payment. The Texas Constitution says nothing about vouchers, and it doesn't allow private schools to cherry-pick students at taxpayer expense. The Constitution does require the Legislature to support an "efficient system of public free schools." Although the Texas Supreme Court declared the school funding system constitutional, serious issues of adequacy and equity remain for Texas' 5.2 million public school children, most of whom would never see a voucher or an ESA. Texas spends about $2,700 less per student than the national average. And as Texas enrollment grows by about 80,000 a year, many school districts are still trying to recover from $5.4 billion in school budget cuts imposed in 2011. When many Texas children come to school, they face challenges that impact their ability to succeed in the classroom. About 60 percent of them are low-income, many don't speak English and many deal with the effects of poor nutrition and inadequate health care. These challenges aren't going to be addressed by vouchers or ESAs. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who voted for the budget cuts, is the biggest cheerleader for vouchers in Texas. He says they would help disadvantaged kids. But even with vouchers most low-income families wouldn't have a choice because they couldn't afford tuition at the best private schools, and diverting education funds would further undermine their neighborhood public schools. Previous voucher proposals have failed, but now President-elect Donald Trump may make federal education funding contingent on whether a state has a voucher program. Such federal control would undermine the Every Student Succeeds Act, which gives states more control over educational policies. Voucher advocates contend that when a voucher student leaves a public school, the school won't need the money and no harm will be done. But that ignores the significant fixed costs - buses, bus routes, utilities, personnel - a district can't proportionately reduce when a few students leave. Texans can't afford two education systems, one public and one private. The Texas Constitution created a public education system, and the Legislature must support it, not privatization schemes that pick winners and losers. Legislators need to invest more resources in public schools to give every student an opportunity to succeed. Candelaria is president of the Texas State Teachers Association and a former special education teacher in the Ysleta Independent School District in El Paso. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. 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Employee well-being has been one of the hot HR topics for a number of years with an increasing number of organisations now prioritising the physical and mental well-being of their employees. An element of well-being that has until recently been neglected as part of the overall well-being strategy is Financial Well-being. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development(CIPD) has recently revealed some concerning statistics, which highlight finances as one of the top three causes of employee stress, alongside work pressures and family/relationship problems. Financial difficulties can not only impact an employees performance and productivity but if left unresolved can have implications on both mental and physical health. In the UK it is believed that over 17.5 million working hours a year are lost due to stress as a direct result of financial pressures. There are many contributing factors to the growing concern for employees financial well-being. Many of us have very little in terms of savings; the CIPD estimates that this is typically less than a single months salary. Other factors include high housing costs, repayment of student loans and more simple matters such as inexperience in budgeting. So as a responsible employer with a duty of care to its employees, how can you help to ensure financial well-being? Operate an Open Door Policy With more than 60% of employers now having an employee well-being... Corporate culture has long been a buzz word that has inspired forward-thinking policies in the workplace. For companies looking to implement outside-the-box wellness policies and programs, here are some tips that will put you ahead of the next wave of culture-related buzz. Employee Assistance Programs Numerous companies offer benefits through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which often uses vendors to provide employees with services like free consultations with financial and mental health professionals. An employees use of EAP services is likely to increase that employees productivity. For example, employees with a recession mentality may be afraid to ask their employer for time off. As discussed in the Tower Paddle Boards article in Part Two, economic experts believe that the current 40-hour work week has resulted in a recession mentality by many U.S. workers, where employees believe they need to work more hours to avoid losing their job. To combat the recession mentality, Towers founder encourages employees to identify unproductive behaviors and focus on behaviors that create value and boost productivity. Similarly, employers who provide their employees with opportunities to participate in free and confidential counseling sessions through EAPs - for time management issues, career development advice and student loan repayment plans - are likely to see an impr... Hero worship of the rugged individual and admiration for the bold entrepreneur are strongholds in American culture. We are awestruck at the success of self-made men and women. Memoirs of famous individuals are often best sellers. Awards are given in many industries for the top performer of the year. We put our stars in the spotlight. However, its often lonely at the top We often long for a sense of community. We want to belong and be a part of something bigger than ourselves. How else can you explain the fact that more than 950 million people have a Facebook page and some 150 million workers are on LinkedIn? Social media and networking are methods for people to make a connection with other people: to share, showcase, commiserate, celebrate, be a part of a community and know that we matter to find that basic human need to be recognized. Workplace is community Most American workers spend a third or more of their waking hours during the week at work. Their co-workers become an important part of their lives and often are the foundation of all their social interaction. The workplace is an important community that many workers take pride in and want to know they are a part of. According to an article published in Harvard Business Review, Community means caring about our work, our colleagues and our place in the world, geographic and otherwise, and in turn being inspired by this caring. The article points out that some o... One of the most effective ways to engage employees is to reinforce the ways their contributions impact the mission, vision and values that are important to your business. Today there are more ways than ever before to acknowledge the successes and excellence of energetic and ambitious employees in the workplace. Between social media, YouTube, and a vast assortment of DIY and professionally produced products for awards and rewards, there are countless ways to let your key people know that they matter in your eyes and make a difference in their jobs. This issue of Recognition and Engagement Essentials will keep you up-to-speed on the most current topics to help you leverage employee recognition and engagement to improve your business performance. As the job market has undergone several changes or adaptations in the past few decades telecommuting, temporary contractor positions, a much more fluid and transient labor force our strategies for recognizing and appreciating employees have had to change as well in order to stay fruitful. There is a whole set of New Rules for how to use employee recognition programs to their maximum efficacy. Here are just a few. Use social media (everyone else is!) to provide visibility for individual achievements and team contributions in your business. Facebook, Linked In, Twittereven customized SaaS programs offer a wide range of exposure possibilities to let folks within and outside your organization ... According to a recent Gallup report, only 30% of the U.S. workforce is engaged in their work, meaning more than half of employees (70% to be exact) are not reaching their full potential (Gallup 2013). Because we know that productivity and profitability are directly related to employee engagement, this statistic represents a significant problem for the economy and the individual performance of American companies going forward. The good thing is, employees want to be engaged in their work they want to be a part of something that is bigger than themselves. They just need to be provided with the opportunity to take their best abilities and blend them with the companys mission. In this article, well discuss a few ways to start engaging employees effectively today, and some helpful advice to keep them engaged. 1. Keep employees in the loop In order for an employee to be openly engaged, he or she needs to be informed and see the value of their work at the company. Ensure that you are communicating the companys big picture plans and how each of your staff members work will fit into these plans. Employees are more engaged when they understand how their individual work is valuable to the company. Be clear in your expectations. When work is piling up and disengaged employees start to struggle with the workload and their ability to complete it all within mounting deadlines, take some time to meet with each of them ... Now that the Department of Labors much touted overtime rule has been put on hold, at least temporarily, it would be interesting to watch how things would unfold in the coming days. While the business is cheering on the decision, about 4 million workers in the country whose salaries have been revised or were awaiting a revision will be the most impacted. Although this was not an unexpected turnaround, if blocked permanently, it does nullify many changes and new policies that companies would have brought in place to accommodate the new rule, which would have otherwise come in to effect a week later, on Dec 1, 2016. The rule, announced by exiting President Barack Obama earlier this year, would have raised the threshold for overtime protections to employees making up to $913 a week, or $47,476 a year. It was soon challenged by 21 states and a coalition of private organizations, which has led to the injunction made on November 22, 2016. We will have to wait and watch if Obamas camp will be able to reinstate it before Donald Trump takes office in January 2017. And, what would be the future the newly elected president have had thought for it. In this period of uncertainty, we bring you expert opinions on what you should expect, how you need to handle the situation, and more. Check out our Cover Article Overtime Rule Put On Hold: Whats Next?, and a few other articles - What Should Employers Do Now That the Overtime Rule Is ... Now that a federal district court judge has issued a nationwide injunction against the new overtime rules that were to go into effect on December 1, 2016, many employers are asking what should we do? Some employers have already prepared to comply with the new regulations and are ready to roll out new payroll practices next month. Do they hold off or press forward? The short answer is that while this injunction is in effect, employers are not required to pay overtime in accordance with the new rules. But, the injunction is only temporary. The next step is for the judge to consider whether to make his ruling permanent. He can do so by vacating the new overtime rulesi.e. rendering the new rules a nullityas if they had never been issued at all. Such a vacatur seems likely, given his preliminary ruling. While we do not know when the judge will render his final decision in the case, we anticipate that it could be as soon as another month or so. If the judge does vacate the rules, then employers would still not be required to comply with the new regulations. But what happens if the judge changes his mind and lifts the injunction or if an appellate court overturns his ruling? In that case, are the regulations effective retroactively to December 1, 2016, or would the regulations take effect only prospectively from the date the injunction is lifted or a vacatur is reversed? The answer, unfortunately for employ... A humpback whale was euthanized Thursday after it was stranded for days in the shallow waters of Moriches Bay off the coast of Long Island. The whale was "minimally responsive" and had signs of "neurological abnormalities and extensive skin injuries with evidence of infection" a veterinary team told CNN. Advertisement Veterinarians had been hoping for a high tide for the animal to free itself, but it didn't happen in time. Residents told abc7NY that at night they could hear the 18-tonne mammal crying. Tears anger on shore as stranded whale is euthanized. Onlookers say fed response was too slow. pic.twitter.com/JXHPY5upSm GREG CERGOL4NY (@GREGCERGOL4NY) November 23, 2016 Environmentalists were disappointed in the result. Many suggested that the whale could have been saved if the government had responded more quickly. Im not only sad, Im angry, said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, according to the National Post. Advertisement Although it's somewhat rare to see humpbacks in the New York area, it's not unheard of. One was spotted last week near the George Washington Bridge. OTTAWA The Trudeau government fended off accusations again Friday that it showed favouritism towards Liberal Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne when it picked up the tab for a public relations contract to support her mission to the Middle East last spring. The Huffington Post Quebec revealed earlier this week that Ottawa had signed a contract worth $23,399.87 with the Israeli firm Ben Horin & Alexandrovitz for the preparation, implementation and monitoring of Wynnes trip to Israel last May. Advertisement The Conservatives suggested Thursday that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his good buddy Wynne were cosying up again and Canadian taxpayers were unjustifiably footing the bill for the federal Liberals close ties to their provincial cousins. Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion responded that the amount of money [in question]... is an amount of money that was available to anyone. On Friday, Ontario Tory Karen Vecchio was incredulous. Seriously, anyone can get a free $23,000 PR guy funded by the Liberals? No wonder they have no hope of balancing this budget, she lashed back during question period. Advertisement "Why will the minister not simply admit that Kathleen Wynne got the money because she is a Liberal?" Why will the minister not simply admit that Kathleen Wynne got the money because she is a Liberal? Dion responded that every province, regardless of government partisan stripe, could have made a request for federal help accessing foreign commercial markets. Other provinces have benefited from the same service, he said. The Ontario trip resulted in 44 signed commercial agreements worth $118 million and 200 jobs in Ontario, he added. Is the member opposite suggesting we weaken ties with Israel? Dion said. [W]hat the member is suggesting is that the federal government not pay Ontario's bills, shot back Ontario Conservative MP John Brassard. Global Affairs Canada told HuffPost the $23,000 contract was part of a wider communication strategy and not specifically intended to support the Ontario premiers visit. Advertisement [The contract] was awarded to help the Canadian mission in Tel-Aviv...in the absence of a principal public affairs officer to help with general communications at the embassy and with public affairs programs, wrote departmental spokesperson Kristine Racicot. Ottawa often shares resources with the provincial delegations or Canadian city mayors, Dions press secretary Chantal Gagnon added. Last week, Montreal mayor Denis Coderre, Toronto Mayor John Tory and British Columbias Finance Minister Michael de Jong were in Israel for an economic mission and they also received federal assistance, she said. Gagnon was unable to say if this was just support from the embassy or federal spending on an external public relations contract. Not the same case in Quebec Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard has not benefited from the same treatment, a provincial ministerial spokesperson told HuffPost. Unlike Ontario, however, Quebec has many diplomatic missions abroad to support provincial delegations when they pass through a given area. Advertisement "When Quebec organizes its missions, its Quebec money that is injected, it is Quebec resources, and Quebec expertise, said Francois Caouette, press secretary of International Relations Minister Christine St-Pierre. That is why we have a diplomatic presence and offices in some 15 countries in the world. There are times, however, when goods or services are offered to Quebec by the Canadian government, Caouette said. Couillard, for example, was offered transportation, photography services, and help securing a meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro, during a mission to that country in September. HuffPost reported earlier this week that the federal government had spent nearly $27 million on external public relations contracts from Nov. 4, 2015 to Sept. 19, 2016. Of this, Global Affairs Canada had spent more than $1.2 million on 119 contracts. The past year or two has been really difficult for one Minnesota woman. Johanna Watkins has anaphylactic reactions to nearly everything most foods, chemicals, dust, the scent of other people. Shes even allergic to her husband. I cant get too close, husband Scott Watkins told Fox 9. I cant hug her safely. I cant hug her without hurting her. The woman has a condition called mast cell activation syndrome, which means her immune system gets the wrong signals about how to react, according to Fox 9. Advertisement While many cases of mast cell are treatable with medication, Johanna has a particularly severe version that hasnt responded to treatment. Johanna hasnt left her room in a year except to go to the hospital, Scott told People. The only way weve kept her alive is through extreme precautions her room has an airlock on it, multiple HEPA filters and her windows are covered because even UV light can cause her cells to trigger. It really is crazy. The former teacher had milder symptoms for years, but was diagnosed in 2015. Since then, she hasn't responded to either chemotherapy treatment or medication. Instead, her symptoms have only worsened, according to People. Advertisement The only way weve kept her alive is through extreme precautions." Her body can now only handle 15 foods, and anyone who visits her has to avoid scented products. The smell of onions, pepper and garlic are particularly problematic. She cant even come close to Scott. Her body can tolerate her siblings scent, and used to be able to handle his, but all that changed after he got a haircut back in January. He had showered multiple times, donned sterile clothes and a mask, but just minutes after he came into her room, she had an anaphylactic reaction. Months later, she still starts to cry when she thinks of that moment. At that point, we figured out that I had become allergic to my husband, Johanna said. Many renovations needed for new home Scott set up a GoFundMe page back in the summer to raise money for renovations to a home the couple bought. For months, they have been living in a friends home, with Johanna in an upstairs bedroom and Scott in the basement. Advertisement Due to the life-threatening nature of Johanna's illness and her unknown prognosis, it became clear at the start of the summer that we were in need of a safer, more permanent home, he wrote. The home needs a lot of changes to make it safe for his wife, including a special air filtration system, renovations to the main-floor kitchen to make it hypoallergenic for Johanna and the removal of asbestos. The campaign has raised more than US$111,000 of its $118,000 goal. Scott wrote recently that they're hoping to move in before Christmas. Johanna is being treated by one of the leading experts on the disease, he wrote on GoFundMe in July. But so far no treatment has worked. Advertisement "In the coming weeks and months, we will be trialling various medications, many which come with high risks and harsh side effects." He wrote that they had very different ideas about what their life together would look like. New Democrats are questioning Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus commitment to defending LGBTQ rights abroad after his response to a question about same-sex marriage in an African nation where gay activity is criminalized. At a press conference with Liberias President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Thursday, Trudeau was asked to address how many people in the West African nation dont accept gay marriage, even though it has been legal in Canada for more than a decade. Advertisement Trudeau said different countries have different paces of evolution in terms of recognizing and enshrining those rights. NDP MP Sheri Benson rose in question period Friday to say Trudeaus response wasnt good enough. Benson called out the prime minister for refusing to condemn Liberias approach to LGBTQ persons. Let me remind the prime minister that human rights are universal, no matter where you live or who you love, Benson said. Can the minister of foreign affairs explain this missed opportunity? "Let me remind the prime minister that human rights are universal, no matter where you live or who you love." Alberta MP Randy Boissonnault, who was named Trudeaus special advisor on LGBTQ issues last week, responded. Boissonnault said that while advancing human rights at home and abroad is important, Canada must be sensitive to where other nations are in their own evolution. Over time the long arc of history bends toward progress and we are helping with that long arc, Boissonnault said. The Canadian Press reports Trudeau will address gay rights in a speech Saturday at the summit of la Francophonie in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Nearly a dozen African nations expected to attend the meeting criminalize sexual acts between same-sex couples. Tories also pushed issue The previous Conservative government also spoke out forcefully on the issue. During a Royal Commonwealth Society meeting in London in 2012, then-foreign affairs minister John Baird called out African and Caribbean nations that still have such regressive and punitive laws. Advertisement We will continue to press countries in the Commonwealth to live up to their international obligations, and uphold the basic contract any government should have with its people, Baird said at the time, according to The National Post. The criminalization of homosexuality is incompatible with the fundamental Commonwealth value of human rights. At three years old, Fedor Afonasiev is likely the worlds youngest freediver. Freediving is a form of underwater diving that uses no equipment and instead relies on the divers ability to hold their breath. Afonasiev began training with his parents, who are both freediving professionals, at the age of two. This involved the little boy taking turns holding on to his mom and dads back as they dived underwater. Advertisement Now three, Afonasiev can dive about 32 feet under water and hold his breath for about one minute. But his parents do not set any goals for him he just goes down as far as he feels comfortable, Alexey Molchanov, a Russian freediving professional, told Metro UK of the toddlers training. Molchanov is friends with the tots parents, who are both instructors at his Freediving Federation education agency. In Dahab, Egypt, he shot footage of the little boy fearlessly diving underwater with his mom and dad. From the video, its clear that Afonasiev is very comfortable underwater. Advertisement Molchanov originally shot footage of Afonasiev to create educational videos for his agency. We think it is important for freediving to be a fun activity for kids, the 29-year-old said. When people see it, they cannot believe how good Fedor is underwater and that actually motivates them to start learning freediving as well. While freediving at such a young age might seem dangerous, Molchanov reassures that it can be safe, as long as children are training with professionals who have expert knowledge of the sport. Molchanov himself is an experienced freediver who holds the world record for deepest dive with fins where he plunged 423 feet underwater. He can also hold his breath for 8 minutes and 33 seconds. Speaking from experience, he told Metro UK: For freediving, you dont need to follow any decompression tables until you get quite deep. You just need to make sure that you have plenty of rest when youre on the surface until youve recovered completely. If you do it with small steps and treat it like a game, its really joyful and fun for [children]. Watch the toddlers incredible skill in the video above. Also on HuffPost 11 Natural Swimming Spots Around The World See Gallery Richard Ross via Getty Images Recently, we visited our Aunt Pat at her seniors' home to celebrate her 80th birthday. Marc's five-year-old Lily-Rose had seen the tiny rooms and lonely seniors there before, and this time insisted we bring a box of teddy bears. Residents were thrilled -- it was just what the doctor ordered. Too often, the elderly live forgotten in depressing conditions. The mind of a five-year-old might be exactly what elder care needs. What about a facility designed by Disney? It's just one of the creative solutions popping up around the world, proving that engaging, personalized environments improve quality of life, health and longevity for seniors. Advertisement Living conditions are especially important for more than half a million elderly Canadians with dementia, a term for any chronic disorder, such as Alzheimer's, that impairs memory, reasoning and cognitive function. As dementia takes its toll, patients become far more sensitive to their environment. Unfamiliar settings increase anxiety and stress, leading to agitation and even violent outbursts which are treated with drugs and physical restraint. As many as half of seniors with Alzheimer's die within a year of being admitted to standard long-term care facilities. Studies have found that the sudden disruption in routine, a lack of activity and socialization leads to depression, and lessens the will to live. Various health care models around the world are finding ways to break out of those statistics, building facilities that preserve routine, daily activities and social integration to keep seniors healthy longer. Hogewey, on the outskirts of Amsterdam, is a village whose 152 residents are all dementia patients. Founded in 2009 the 'town' has a cinema, restaurant, hair salon and stores. Advertisement Under the discretely watchful eye of staff, residents go about their business, dining, shopping and socializing. Hogewey staff report their residents require fewer medications and live longer than those in standard assisted living facilities. Hogewey is one of the inspirations behind Aegis Living--a privately-owned assisted living company in Seattle. Founder Dwayne Clark has spent 30 years working in assisted living and studying seniors' care in Canada, the US and Europe. Clark hired designers from Disney Imagineering to create an indoor neighbourhood with classical Queen Anne architecture. A boardwalk featuring stores, a juice bar and a theatre simulates the streets where his Seattle residents grew up. Hogeway was partly funded by the Dutch government, while Aegis Living is privately-owned. Canada's senior care model is a mix of public and private. But we can learn from the creativity these models demonstrate, with adaptations to make them affordable and accessible for all. Recreating familiar environments presents a challenge in Canada's multi-cultural society. Urban centres like Vancouver and Toronto offer culturally-sensitive care facilities for Chinese and south Asian seniors. Advertisement Speaking their first language and eating the foods they grew up with creates a safe space and prevents feelings of isolation of these ethnic groups. These facilities are so in-demand (and so few and far between) that waiting lists can be up to six years long. Teddy bears may not be practical, and the minds behind Mickey Mouse may not be affordable for our health care system. But Canada needs more imagination when it comes to caring for our beloved aunts, uncles, parents and grandparents. Craig and Marc Kielburger are the co-founders of the WE movement, which includes WE Charity, ME to WE Social Enterprise and WE Day. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Thanasis Zovoilis via Getty Images Small boy with his mother One month until Christmas -- and the countdown begins! November 25 is when I typically shift into full tinsel mode. The decorations come out, and the kids make their wish lists. I begin searching for the ultimate shortbread recipe to unveil at the annual cookie exchange. This year, the excitement is greater than ever before. We are hosting a visitor from overseas. A tenth grade student from Japan is living with our family until New Year's, as part of our son's high school exchange program. We are loving introducing him to the full spectrum of holiday celebrations here in Canada, and sharing some of our favorite traditions. Advertisement A Christmas quandary But here's the twist. We've been asked to reign in the gift-giving this Christmas. Whatever we spend on our visitor, explained our high school principal, the student's family will feel obliged to reciprocate when our son arrives to stay with them in January. No matter how well-meaning, our holiday shopping could apply financial pressure to a family on a limited budget. Leaving one child out of Christmas gift-giving just isn't in our DNA. Yet showering our guest with a sleigh-load of gifts wouldn't be a loving gesture, either. So what do we do on Christmas morning? I'd love to say I'm having an easy time scratching gifts from the list. But honestly, it's more challenging for me than for anyone else in the family. At Christmas, I buy presents for every child in my path -- especially those who wouldn't otherwise receive any. Curbing that impulse toward the amazing young person we're hosting has been a real struggle for me. Finding 'the real meaning' Can I really do like the people in the movies, and remember the meaning of Christmas without gift-giving? Even Scrooge could do it by the final scene. I have to believe it's possible -- and not just for the sake of our guest. Advertisement If I can't manage to curb my Christmas shopping with a willing heart, then the holiday I profess to love is somehow meaningless, isn't it? That possibility makes me feel very empty inside. After brainstorming with my husband and kids, here's what we've decided to do: Stop stressing! I've been reminding myself that of all the world's problems, this one actually is a pretty great problem to have. According to a World Vision poll released on Friday, 79 per cent of Canadians say they have a tough time coming up with original gift ideas year after year. Placing gift shopping way lower on the list will allow room for other wonderful traditions. Find joy in the simple things. Having a visitor from overseas has helped us see our traditions in a new light. Hot chocolate with marshmallows after a cold walk home from school is suddenly a wonderful tradition -- because someone else is discovering it for the first time. As is watching a holiday parade, or attending a tree-lighting or menorah-lighting ceremony at the park, or even just feeding birds in the snowy woods. Stock photo Bake together. I have to admit, my holiday baking is often fairly stressful, as it's one of so many preparations on the list. This year, I'm going to enjoy it to the utmost. I'll invite the three boys under our roof to each pick a cookie recipe -- and then make it with them. We can package them in dollar-store boxes, and give them to family members and friends. Advertisement Give small gifts. It's taken me weeks to realize that we can still give wonderful gifts this Christmas -- just not big, expensive ones. Having shifted my thinking, I'll ask all three kids to put together Christmas wish lists of a few things under10. From a kid's perspective, this opens all kinds of doors! Involve kids in caring for others. Our family helps deliver donated toys to families in our neighbourhood, for kids who wouldn't otherwise receive anything this holiday season. I can't wait to invite our guest to help. I'll explain the part of Christmas that can often get lost under all the tinsel -- the gift of love for others. Pick a family charity gift. The World Vision Gift Catalogue came in the mail this week, packed with beautiful photography and fascinating ways to care for children overseas who have so little. We'll ask our sons and visitor to look through, and pick something for a family in need overseas. It's a chance to explain the importance of thinking about families everywhere at Christmas time. In Zambia, Reshael and his mother can make a living, thanks to the three hens and a rooster they've received from gift-givers overseas. Photo: World Vision Advertisement Although it's only November 25 and Christmas already feels more 'present' and more meaningful than ever. I will still have things to hide, just smaller things. And children to buy for, including some outside the family. My own family -- including our guest -- will spread more love than ever before. And probably have more fun doing it. It's all because of our visitor. Thank you, my friend. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: TOSHIAKI ONO/a.collectionRF via Getty Images I recently returned from COP 22 in Marrakesh, Morocco. What is COP 22, you ask? It's not the 22nd installment of the infamous Police Academy movies. It is the 22nd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) -- an international environmental agreement that parties from around the world signed in the 1990s to address climate change. While the UNFCCC sets guiding principles for international action on climate change, it leaves the details to other instruments such as the Kyoto Protocol, which the Harper government pulled out of in 2011. Advertisement Last year, nearly 200 countries (including Canada) negotiated a new agreement under the UNFCCC, called the Paris Agreement. In January, Ecojustice lawyer Scott McAnsh described what the Paris Agreement means for climate change commitments. Its central aim is to keep global temperature rise well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 C. To support that aim, parties to the agreement are required to submit information on the action they intended to take domestically to curb emissions, referred to as nationally determined contributions (NDCs). COP 22 was a forum for parties to establish rules for implementing the Paris Agreement Nations have been rushing to ratify the Paris Agreement, with 112 countries having done so to date. As a result, the threshold number of ratifications needed for the agreement to come into effect was reached in early November -- and years earlier than expected. The early entry into force of the Paris Agreement signaled a global recognition of the urgent need for climate action. It also meant implementation plans for the Paris Agreement needed to be expedited. Fortunately, COP 22 provided an opportunity to start developing rules and procedures for implementation. COP 22 has been dubbed the "action COP" because of its focus on implementing the Paris Agreement. Of particular note, COP 22 provided an important forum for parties to start discussing how the first "facilitative dialogue" will take place in 2018. The facilitative dialogue is a crucial piece of the international climate puzzle because it gives the parties an opportunity to take stock of initial progress and to begin developing more ambitious NDCs -- and more ambition is definitely needed. Countries need to submit more ambitious NDCs if there is any hope of the global temperature rise staying below 1.5 C. According to the latest United Nations Environment Programme Gap Report, the contributions countries proposed to curb warming won't achieve the objectives set out in the Paris Agreement. Rather, they put us on track for a three-degree world. The scientific evidence is clear that countries need to submit more ambitious NDCs if there is any hope of the global temperature rise staying below 1.5 C. With that alarming information looming overhead, the parties discussed their implementation agenda extensively during COP 22. Some of the outcomes of those discussions included the adoption of work plans and a decision to ask the COP 22 and COP 23 presidents to jointly undertake consultations on how to organize the 2018 facilitative dialogue, and to report back at COP 23. Though it might seem like progress at COP 22 was slow, it was still an important step towards meaningful international action on climate change. It was also inspiring to watch negotiators from countries all over the world discuss how the Paris Agreement should be implemented. The need for urgent action was acknowledged numerous times, including by the Canadian government. My hope is that the urgency of the situation will be reflected in an increase in the pace of the negotiations over the next few years so that the parties can develop clear and meaningful rules and procedures to ensure that the Paris Agreement is implemented quickly and effectively. So what does Canada need to do? As a party to the Paris Agreement, Canada was required to submit its domestic contribution to reduce emissions. Unfortunately, the NDC it submitted was identical to what the Harper government put forth years ago: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent below 2005 levels, by 2030. This target has been rated as "inadequate" as it will not ensure that Canada does its fair share to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Nonetheless, the federal government has been silent on whether it will beef up its contribution. We also have a government that is steeped in contradiction. On the one hand, the federal government has signalled the importance of acting on climate change by ratifying the Paris Agreement. To some extent, it has walked the talk. The federal government announced its plans for a pan-Canadian price on carbon last month. It also recently announced an accelerated national phase-out of coal-fired electricity by 2030 and submitted its strategy for a low-carbon future by 2050 -- albeit, without outlining a specific policy pathway to achieve it. Advertisement It is puzzling and inconsistent for Canada to speak about climate leadership... while simultaneously promoting the narrative that Canada needs high-emitting infrastructure projects. On the other hand, the federal government continues to approve major greenhouse gas emitting projects -- most recently the Petronas Liquid Natural Gas terminal. The federal Minister of Natural Resources also said last week that an approval of the recently revived U.S. Keystone XL pipeline would not change the need for more pipelines in Canada, such as the Energy East and Kinder Morgan pipelines currently awaiting a federal decision. It is puzzling and inconsistent for Canada to speak about climate leadership and the need to move towards a clean energy economy while simultaneously promoting the narrative that Canada needs high-emitting infrastructure projects. Approval of such projects locks us into a carbon-intensive future -- and put into question our commitments to climate reform. Let's hope that by COP 23 the federal government stops sending mixed messages, and ensures that its laws and policies align with our current (though inadequate) targets. That means no more pipelines and other carbon-intensive projects, such as oil sands. Let's also hope that in the near future Canada ups its game and commits to a more ambitious climate target that aligns with what science and global equity dictates is necessary for Canada to do its fair share to avoid a three-degree world. Melissa Gorrie is an Ecojustice staff lawyer. She recently traveled to Marrakesh, Morocco as part of the Canadian delegation to the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP 22) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Advertisement Ecojustice is a Canadian environmental law charity that uses the power of the law to defend nature, slow climate change, and stand up for healthy communities. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: Nirian via Getty Images Flight information board with destination, time and status *Blog posts are not legal advice. For travellers, Canada has a new entry requirement now in effect where visa-exempt foreign nationals who enter Canada by plane now require an Electronic Travel Authorization ("eTA"). This rule applies even if the person is just transiting through Canada. The fee for an eTA is C$7.00. The application is generally approved within minutes of applying and is valid for the duration of the applicant's passport or a maximum of five years (whichever comes first). If you apply for a new passport, a new eTA application must be submitted as the eTA approval is linked to your passport. The eTA is not necessary for those entering Canada by sea or land. It is also not necessary for U.S. citizens, Canadian permanent residents or those temporary workers/students whose Work/Study Permit was issued after Aug. 1, 2015. Advertisement The purpose of the eTA is to identify those that are inadmissible to Canada in an automated and streamlined manner. The downside of the new requirement is that it will take some time for people to get used to. Canada is not the first country to implement such a system. In the United States, they have the Electronic System for Travel Authorization ("ESTA") which is an automated system that determines the eligibility of those travelling to the United States through the Visa Waiver Program ("VWP"), where people from prescribed countries can travel the United States for up to 90 days for leisure or business. Given that it was only implemented this month (November 2016), this new requirement has delayed some from travelling to Canada that were not aware of it. The critics say that it should be advertised more heavily on Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada's website and social media. They also say that that the airlines should be advertising this requirement more aggressively. The downside of the new requirement is that it will take some time for people to get used to, and there are additional fees associated with it. The upside is that it allows Canadian immigration officials to better govern Canada's borders and manage international travel. Advertisement Joshua Slayen is an immigration lawyer and Darlene Goodman is a Licensed Immigration Consultant with Zaifman Immigration Lawyers in Winnipeg, Canada. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Former Canadian combat engineer Fabian Henry used to thrive on adrenaline -- especially in combat zones -- during his 12 years in the military. Now he smokes medical marijuana to avoid stressors that remind him of his most disturbing wartime experiences. And that's what now keeps him sane, he says. Advertisement "Cannabis is saving veterans' lives, including my own. It's improved the quality of my life by making me feel normal again," he explains. "Before that, I drank heavily to numb my feelings, and at times was so depressed that I felt suicidal. Now I have my old self back." During two tours of duty in Afghanistan, Henry's work included defusing hidden roadside mines, so he considers himself lucky to have made it home in one piece. But his mind didn't get off so lightly. In fact, the war still rages in his darkest thoughts, especially his memories of fallen comrades. Far too many other ex-servicemen are also psychologically tormented by memories of the horrors they've experienced or witnessed, particularly while serving as peacekeepers in far-flung, strife-torn lands. Advertisement It's a condition that's clinically diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms include anxiety, hyper-vigilance, nightmares, flashbacks, memory loss and insomnia, loss of libido, as well as emotional numbness and social isolation. And this latent psychological danger can be deadly. In fact, there have been a disproportionately high number of suicides among war veterans in recent years. Among Afghanistan war veterans alone, one ex-soldier has committed suicide for every three battlefield fatalities, statistics show -- a figure that now stands at 71. And much of this is due to the high prevalence of PTSD among ex-servicemen. In light of such shocking figures, Canada's federal government must start financing enough scientific studies to definitively determine if pot can mitigate this high rate of suicides. So say some frustrated war veterans, including Henry, who founded a PTSD support group in 2014 called Marijuana for Trauma. Advertisement "From what I've seen and experienced, the anti-depressants and anti-psychotics veterans are given to treat PTSD simply don't work. They can actually make it worse, and can even trigger suicidal thoughts," he says. "It's imperative that the government starts doing medical research here in Canada." "Even the opioids prescribed to veterans for pain are highly addictive and can be deadly in big enough doses," he adds. Side-effects of conventional pharmaceutical treatments commonly prescribed for PTSD can include impaired cognition (mental "fog"), erectile dysfunction, lethargy, weight gain and, in some cases, chemical dependency. Henry adds, "It's imperative that the government starts doing medical research here in Canada. There needs to be scientific proof for what we already know from anecdotal evidence among veterans, which is that cannabis works in treating PTSD." Advertisement His veteran-run organization currently serves about 4,050 veterans with PTSD and has 12 clinics all across Canada. Its mandate is to wean them off debilitating pharmaceutical drugs, coupled with giving them cannabis education and helping them get access to government-subsidized medical marijuana. This helps explain why an increasing number of veterans affected by PTSD are turning to medical marijuana as an alternative. In fact, there's been a 15-fold increase in the number of veterans gaining legal access to medical marijuana via Veterans Affairs Canada over the past three years. So far the figure is around 3,100, and still trending upwards. The fact that Veterans Affairs Canada has been grudgingly paying for veterans' marijuana (up to 10 grams per day), while also discouraging them from using it, is very problematic, Henry continues. Just a couple of days ago, the feds announced that veterans' daily allocated maximum limit of 10 grams will be reduced as of next May to only three grams. This rationing is mostly due to the escalating cost -- an estimated $75 million for 2016 -- of catering to an increasing number of veterans, according to Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr. Advertisement However, the government's stinginess may also be aligned with its official position on cannabis, Henry says. He feels that its longstanding attitude has been that there's not enough science to prove that pot helps with PTSD. This position was asserted in a report from Canada's Auditor General Michael Ferguson, much to the distaste of Henry. Henry insists that this unnecessary impasse is making many physicians reluctant to prescribe cannabis to veterans. And this can have fatal consequences for those who have suicidal thoughts but don't have legal access to cannabis. "The dire need for this PTSD research is so obvious with our epidemic of veteran suicides." Admittedly, the science supporting the benefits of cannabis for treating PTSD is scant. Extraordinarily, there's only one federal-government-approved study underway in the U.S. And its lead investigator, Dr. Sue Sisley, is a vocal critic of her government's "unconscionable" foot-dragging in approving more financing for this kind of research. Advertisement "The dire need for this PTSD research is so obvious with our epidemic of veteran suicides," she says. Finally, Canada recently initiated its own inaugural clinical trial to study the effects of medical cannabis on PTSD. It is being conducted by the University of British Columbia (UBC) and a B.C. medical cannabis grower, Tilray. It is expected to be completed in the spring of 2018. "Cannabis does what pills can't do." One of the study's lead researchers is Zach Walsh, an Associate Professor of Psychology at UBC. He explains, "We know that a lot of veterans are using cannabis to deal with their symptoms," he says. "But the research hasn't been there for us to get a sense of how it works, who it works best for, and are there differences between different types of cannabis that make some types more effective than others?" Henry is relieved that medical science may soon come to terms with what he says is becoming common knowledge among veterans: "Cannabis does what pills can't do; it's effective at treating the symptoms of PTSD." Advertisement Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: Jupiterimages via Getty Images Call it gender stereotyping if you want, but the fact is most guys struggle with holiday gift shopping. If you are able to help them with the chore, you'll earn more of their holiday budget. The effort will serve you well throughout the year, as the average male navigates the gift-buying process for other special occasions. We did some "street interviewing" to find out what is most helpful to men when they're shopping for gifts online. If you combine a frightened rabbit with a lost puppy, you'd have what we saw in the eyes of most men when they were asked about holiday shopping. The anticipated frustration is enough to turn men into the Grinch. Following are 15 suggestions they have for improving their online shopping experience. Advertisement One stop shopping - If a guy can go to a store website and finish all their shopping, they're happy campers. Offer variety...but not so much that it's overwhelming. Gift guides - One gentleman said he took his Sears Wish Book shopping method online. He relied heavily on the pages in the front that had gifts categorized by cost. Organizing online gift guides by price, recipient group (women, children, etc.), interests, best sellers, and even purpose (such as stocking stuffers) is helpful to male shoppers. Sales on popular gift items - Flyers are another tool guys use for efficient shopping. Online sales are similarly organized and have featured products in numbers most guys find more manageable. Rather than having a simple link or menu button for "Specials", consider featuring sales with a special graphic strategically placed on every page of your site. Also, prominently feature price-matching policies and coupons. Gift cards - The answer to many shopping guys' dilemma are gift cards. They still need to make it look like a special gift though, so they often make an effort to stop by stores favoured by the recipient. They may buy a $25 gift card for a game store and another for a beauty product site, and so on. Rather than simply offering gift cards as an option, write sales copy that presents them as more than an easy solution. Emailed gift certificates are especially popular with last minute shoppers, a habit that many guys are famous for. Advertisement We are Canadian - Men and women alike are becoming more aware of the benefits of shopping within Canada or in their own neighbourhood. In fact, a UPS/Leger study found 51% of Canadians surveyed will only holiday shop in Canada in 2016. Make it clear that you are located in Canada and feature products made in Canada. Bundle Products - An easy way to increase sales and serve the frantic man is to bundle products. For example, you can combine products into a basket type of gift or gather up 10 stocking stuffers. Inside information - Holiday shopping guidance is something a lot of guys gobble up before they buy. Run feature articles and blog posts focusing on each person a guy may be shopping for, such as his Mom, wife, or children. Product reviews, customer testimonials, and feature comparison charts all beckon to the internet-shopping male. Helpful content not only increases conversions on a retail website, it's also favoured by search engines. You'll find lots of ideas for holiday content marketing in the article, How to Use Content Marketing to Skyrocket Holiday Sales. Organization - Most people are easily frustrated by a disorganized website and guys are no exception. They want a straight-forward menu of categories, which are broken down further when they click. Guarantees and Returns - Provide reassurance and flexibility with a guarantee or return policy. Offer in-store returns if possible. Advertisement Upgraded shipping options - Again, men are notorious for last minute shopping and they'd rather do it online than brave the crowds offline. Be sure to feature the fact that you offer fast shipping options, so it's clear your website is where a guy needs to be. Consider including an "order by _____ for delivery by December 24th" notation. Gift wrapping - A task cited as "most hated" by plenty of men, gift wrapping options like those offered by Amazon are very popular. Customize Affiliate Marketing and Advertising - Affiliate marketers and bloggers can feature gifts, sales and coupons from their favourite merchants. Companies that have an affiliate program can cater to that through their newsletters. Include holiday content, samples for review, and personalized affiliate links to make it easy to promote your offers. Lurk around social media - I see many men desperately seeking help on social media, be it gift suggestions or the inability to find a specific item. Use social media tools to listen in on their cries for help. For example, guys often post specific items they're looking for on Twitter. You can ride in on your virtual white horse to save them, by replying that you carry the item or by offering a suitable alternative. Alternate Sales and Marketing Channels - Consider selling products to bargain-hunting men via online auctions like eBay or marketplaces like Amazon. Online Marketplaces for Canadian Sellers provides a list of Canadian-friendly marketplaces. Advertisement Make it easy to find you - Whether you want to be found online, offline, or both, now is the time to consider search, social and mobile advertising. Don't forget to target men in your ad's, such as headlines featuring your gift guides or fast shipping. It's critical that you have a multi-channel and mobile strategy that helps the mobile male, no matter where he is. Getting into a guy's head while he's shopping online is well worth the effort. It will improve the eCommerce experience for all visitors (male or female) and contribute to your search engine optimization (SEO) success, all year long. Tell us, guys, what makes your season bright when shopping online? michelangeloop via Getty Images Oxfam has been in Cuba since 1993, working with communities and local governments to change norms and behaviours around violence against women. Advertisement Written by Christine Hughes, Women's Rights Knowledge Specialist at Oxfam Canada During a recent speech on gender equality while visiting Cuba, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau declared that "the hardest thing to change in a society is what is considered normal." She went on to ask whether it is normal "to face the daily language of violence towards our bodies, our minds, our hearts?" Unfortunately, for millions of women and girls worldwide, it is. At least 1 in 3 women around the world have experienced physical or sexual violence perpetrated by a partner ; half of women victims of homicide are killed by their partners or family members ; 1 in 5 women were abused as girls ; and tens of millions of girls every year are at risk of female genital mutilation, early or forced marriage, and sexual violence while traveling to or from school. Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, women's rights advocates and allies worldwide launch the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, a time to galvanize action to end all forms of violence rooted in gender inequality. Together with our partners in Canada and around the world, Oxfam Canada works to raise awareness of the role that social norms play in contributing to gender-based violence. Social norms are collectively-held and often unsaid beliefs about what people do and should do. For instance, in many countries it is commonly believed -- by both men and women -- that domestic violence is a normal part of married life, and that girls must have their genitals cut in order to be acceptable brides. Advertisement Social norms contribute to normalizing violence in Canada as well, where many people believe that men catcall women in the street because "boys will be boys", or that women shoulder the blame for the 460,000 sexual assaults they experience every year. Ms. Gregoire Trudeau is right -- the hardest things to change are those we consider "normal," the unwritten rules, what's engrained in how we think and act. Why focus our efforts on the hardest things to change? Because the laws against gender-based violence in over 125 countries can't be enforced effectively if they contradict dominant beliefs. Because the influence of social expectations too often outweighs a person's individual belief that violence and gender inequality are wrong. Because what is learned can be unlearned. And because we can't shy away from what's hard if we want to continue to make progress on the right of women and girls to live free of violence. Today, Oxfam and its women's rights partners launch Enough, a multi-country campaign to challenge and change the social norms that uphold violence against women and girls. It is spurred by sobering statistics yet inspired by positive stories of change from Oxfam's work, of women and men who are doing what's hard. Advertisement Komal from India has defied the idea that girls shouldn't get an education. In doing so, she is also challenging a social norm that supports gender-based violence: that boys should be valued more than girls. Cheper from Indonesia, reflecting on his own childhood and on marrying a young bride, now works to transform his community's acceptance of domestic violence and early marriage. Men and boys are crucial to transforming the social norms that contribute to gender-based violence because they, too, are negatively impacted by what they think society expects of them. In many parts of the world, men are expected to be strong and tough, unemotional, in charge, and the main breadwinners. Although these social norms are slowly changing for the better, many men and boys struggle to live up to these perceived expectations. As Ms. Gregoire Trudeau aptly put it, the ability of boys "to be able to express their full potential and person... is only possible if they are raised in a culture that celebrates men and women with the same equal rights, freedoms and respects." Eliminating violence against women and girls requires the implementation of laws, services and access to justice for women and girls that experience violence, and raising awareness among influential actors and everyday people. Advertisement Transforming what is "normal" in society -- expected, naturalized, unsaid -- is the critical piece of the puzzle, and one that we can all help put in place. We can challenge what we hear and see, check our own behaviour and beliefs, and defy expectations that promote gender inequality. --------------------------------- Help Oxfam Canada spread the message and take action. Watch and share our campaign video and join the conversation on social media using #SayENOUGH Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook POOL New / Reuters The machinations of the daily grind in Canada's House of Commons generally don't make international news. That changed somewhat last week. Social media lit up, too. It seems Green Party leader Elizabeth May is easily offended. Conservative MP Michelle Rempel made an impassioned plea for something to be done about the rising unemployment crisis in her province, now approaching 10 per cent. "Why does this government treat Alberta like a fart in the room that nobody wants to talk about or acknowledge?" she asked. Advertisement May stood up to say that Rempel used a word that is "distinctly unparliamentary, and I think she may want to withdraw it. The word was F-A-R-T," said May. Rempel refused to withdraw it. "Is my colleague actually serious? I just gave an impassioned speech about Alberta jobs, and that's what the leader of a political party has to say? No, I don't withdraw it." Author Heather Gordon had her own take on the kerfuffle. "Perhaps she (May) had a childhood experience, she might want to unburden herself of," Gordon wrote me in an email. She has just published a children's book, Does the Queen Fart?. Advertisement "I loved the video of Elizabeth May. An amusing overreaction to the mention of a normal bodily function. This is precisely why I wrote the book; to remind kids that while we should practice restraint when and where we fart, we should remember that our bodies are magical works of art, and farting is a natural healthy part of our digestive system. Someone should ask Elizabeth May why such a natural and healthy body function should be the source of such shame and revulsion. She couldn't bring herself to even say the word aloud!" This is the craziest, most useless, out of touch intervention from another MP that I've ever experienced in my experience in public service https://t.co/1LiW76x2WX Michelle Rempel, MP (@MichelleRempel) November 16, 2016 Plenty of comedies on television and film use flatulence to elicit laughs. Everyone has personal experience with it. Kids love joking about it. Every parent has broached this subject with their kids. It's unavoidable. "We are in the process of toilet training two toddlers and I realized how the language we use directly helps or hinders success." But the Queen? "Why not?" says Gordon. "We all love a satisfying emission. The fart is a great leveler too. It is very democratic in its victims. The posher they come, the harder they fall. And the Queen must be a prolific emitter, all that sauerkraut, bratwurst and gin." Advertisement Chuckle. In politics, opportunity arises from some strange circumstances. Elizabeth May has put herself in the Hall of Fame of quotable quotes from inside the Houses of Parliament. And now, MP Rempel might just make some money on it. Her staff sent out a fundraising email Rempel's team sent out a fundraising email on the subject. Elizabeth May has put herself in the Hall of Fame of quotable quotes. "I'm sure you've seen the news about our MP, Michelle Rempel, and her use of an 'F' word in Parliament this week," the email begins, quoting her speech about the Alberta job crisis. "She spoke for nearly 10 minutes about our family, friends and neighbours who are out of work. And what was Elizabeth May's response? She was unsettled by Michelle's use of the word F-A-R-T. She wasn't worried about the job situation in Alberta, she was worried about the use of a word." One of the greatest environmental dangers facing the world today is bovine flatulence. With over one billion cows on earth, the huge methane emissions they produce continue to contribute to global warming. Elizabeth May's party is committed to fighting for the environment, so sooner or later she may have to confront this subject again. In 2010, the United Nations proposed a "global levy on livestock methane emissions," or as the press dubbed it, "the fart tax." It didn't pass. Over to you Elizabeth. May, I mean. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: The five things you need to know on Friday, November 25 1) EVERYTIME WE SAY GOODBYE How strange the change from Major to minor. Sir John Major said goodbye to No10 nearly 20 years ago, but he can still make headlines. Oh, yes. Advertisement The ex-PM has told guests at a private dinner that Britains departure from the European Union must not be dictated by the tyranny of the majority. In his first published remarks on the EU referendum result, he added that there was a perfectly credible case for a second referendum and that Parliament - not Government - must make the final decision on any new deal with Brussels. David Cameron used Major strategically and tactially, wheeling him out at times when his premiership needed a filip. Theresa Mays relations with the former PM are not as cordial, not least as they disagree on fundamental issues such as immigration. In his speech on Wednesday, Major urged all politicians to agree that most immigration is a boost to our national wellbeing and not a drain on it. Of course, many Eurosceps will dismiss Majors musings as the ramblings of an embittered Remoaner. And he isnt the only former PM back in the limelight, after Tony Blair told the New Statesman Brexit can be stopped. When I say, Lets just keep our options open its condemned as treasonIt [Brexit] can be stopped if the British people decide that, having seen what it means, the pain-gain cost-benefit analysis doesnt stack up. Blair has met Nick Clegg, George Osborne and others, and his new movement sounds half way between a new political party and a think tank. One to watch. Advertisement Meanwhile, Maltas PM Joseph Muscat has told the BBC that EU leaders are not "bluffing" when they say the UK will be left without access to the single market when it leaves the bloc if there is no free movement of people. This is really and truly our position and I don't see it changing". 2) THE WAGES OF THIN The day after a Budget/Autumn Statement is traditionally IFS Day, when Labour and Tory governments get a kicking for the small print/stealth taxes the Chancellor failed to mention to cheering MPs. These days, the IFS dont have it all their own way and the Resolution Foundation beat them to it (its wonks were up to 3am, Treasury style, poring through the Green Book) with a 10.30am verdict that JAMs would be squeezed even more from now to 2021. The IFS analysis came at out at 1pm but it still won the arms race of the think tanks with even more dire warnings about low earnings creating the worst decade of living standards pressure since 1920. No10 didnt like it one bit, and tried to put out a rebuttal that the only real measure of living standards should be real household disposable income, which was going up by 2.8%, the highest ever rise. Many pointed out this was like telling a man under water that hes rising a bit to the surface, but hes still under water. Still, we live in an age when experts are trashed as quickly as experts trash ministers. The backlash against the IFS from Tory MPs was swift and the Mail splashes on their attacks on the doom-mongering economists. Advertisement The FT meanwhile points out that business has its own backlash, against plans to crack down on fatcat or excess pay in the boardroom. But the Bank of Englands Andy Haldane has also joined people like GSK chief Sir Andrew Witty in warning of the dangers of the idea. That may further underline tensions between No.10 and Threadneedle Street. 3) HOWE-ZAT? A British government grappling with a grim economic legacy, balancing austerity and economic growth, facing rows over budget payments to Europe - and the election of a US president with a background in show business. Sounds familiar eh? Geoffrey Howe, Margaret Thatchers Chancellor, certainly had a lot on his plate in 1981. New national archive papers released today show that Howe was rebuffed by Maggie over a plea for a new No.11 kitchen. But the FT has picked up on the best bit: Howe was told in a Tory party briefing that leaving Europe would have a devastating effect on our economy. There could be no conceivable advantage for us to place in jeopardy our access to the community, which accounts for 43 per cent of our total trade, says the report, which focused on the vexed issue of how much cash London should stump up in return for such trade advantages. Thatcher famously went on to win her rebate. It remains a mystery why that rebate was ignored by Thatcherites in the Vote Leave campaign this year, preferring instead a gross figure of 350m a week being sent to Brussels every week. Speaking of which, the Sun reports that the Change Britain (which includes Michael Gove and Gisela Stuart) repeating their referendum pledge that the NHS should benefit. The new OBR figure this week suggest the net figure (Thatcher rebate incuded now) would be 200m a week. Advertisement Meanwhile, in todays Times column, Gove slams the civil service, saying many good staff have left in exasperation at the complacency, blame-shifting and bottom-covering among too many of their superiors who duck responsibility when crisis after crisis occurs. He says those who cock up major Whitehall projects should be named, shamed and removed (fired?). BECAUSE YOUVE READ THIS FAR Watch The 2016 Song, which lays into this most extraordinary of years. (Warning, its a bit sweary). Poor old 2016, will someone make a vid defending its honour..? 4) OSBORNE IDENTITY George Osborne may not be Chancellor but hes not out of the news, or short of dosh. The register of interests revealed he trousered a cool 320k on the international speaking circuit. The ex-Chancellor found time to tweet an exclusive pic of Chief Whip Gavin Williamsons famous pet spider, Cronus, yesterday (just what was he doing in the Whips office?). The Sun has a fun story that Osborne lost a bitter battle to Ken Clarke for the plum seat in the Commons for the Autumn Statement. Majors former Chancellor won the tussle for the prized aisle seat two rows back from the frontbench. Osborne reserved it early on Wednesday morning by placing his prayer card on the spot but Clarke ignored it and sat there anyway. Osborne returned furious, and the impasse was only solved when a third Tory MP next to Clarke was persuaded to move for Osborne instead. Having lost his empire, Osborne (a bit like Blair) has still not yet found a role. He is slowly trying to forge his post-Government identity, but some MPs say hes not given up a Clarke-style return to the frontbench. His ambition to be PM is undimmed, say some backbenchers. Advertisement The Tory whips meanwhile will have noticed that Douglas Carswell yesterday gave The House magazine his first hint that he could return to the Conservative fold. Asked if he would consider re-joining his old party, Carswell said: "I suspect the next general election will be in 2020, who knows what the world will look like then? 5) CON AIR Government plans to expand Heathrow Airport are set to breach the governments climate change laws, its own statutory advisors have warned. Lord Deben (John Gummer as he was known, -and yet another Major government minister popping up today) and his Committee on Climate Change say the business plan for Heathrow projects a 15% increase in aviation emissions by 2050. The BBCs veteran environment corr Roger Harrabin reports that if that increase is allowed, ministers will have to squeeze even deeper emissions cuts from other sectors of the economy. In a nutshell, the Committee says there have been some dodgy maths in Whitehall to try to get approval for Heathrow last month to square with the Governments carbon obligations. The air quality and emissions story got buried during the Heathrow approval, and there were some ambitious projections about lots of us switching to electric cars over the next 20 years. Add in Client Earths High Court victory on air quality and fans of The Crown (which depicts the Smog of 1955 and the Governments swift response) will feel a sense of deja vu. Heathrow is of course why Zac Goldsmith triggered his by-election in Richmond Park. Polling day is next Thursday and the Lib Dems say they always get a surge in the final week. One local online paper cites Lib Dem doorstep data putting Goldsmith on 50% and his rival Sarah Olney on 42%. One source told me that canvass returns showed the parties neck and neck in a key Tory ward and that all they need is activists to pile into the seat this weekend to mobilise the vote. That may all just be the usual by-election spin and blather, but some senior Lib Dems are whispering Romsey. Nick Clegg is in the seat tonight. Advertisement If youre reading this on the web, sign-up HERE to get the WaughZone delivered to your inbox. Wesley Bocxe via Getty Images My mother was 17 when she came to the UK from Pakistan. Like many young women, she dreamed of travelling and getting a first-rate education abroad in a safe and happy country. Her reality turned out to be very different. When she went shopping, shopkeepers often smiled at her with their "good old British charm", but then refused to accept payment directly from her. They kept a jar of water filled with dishwasher soap and asked her to drop money in there lest her brown skin rub off on them. When I grew up in Liverpool in the 1980s, it was not the cultural and diverse hub it is today. Being one of the very few non-white families in the city came with a price. The UK is the only home we've ever known and loved, but during my childhood some people never failed to point out that we didn't belong here. Our parents were forced to turn our house into a fort, with bars on the windows and a steel-enforced front door, which took two people to open. Our car was petrol-bombed numerous times. The ten-minute walk to and from school became something we dreaded, as we ran the gauntlet of having eggs thrown at us and racial slurs from our neighbours and passers-by. Advertisement In my teenage years, the racism became tinged with sexism. We were already dealing with the patriarchal culture that existed within our own communities, but now we also had to deal with the idea that Asian women were viewed as "exotic and submissive" and black women as "always sexually available". On one occasion, a middle-aged white man asked me what my religion was. When I answered "Muslim", his response was "Oh wish I was one of them, then I could have four of you". Over time, things changed for the better. More movement of people meant greater diversity. Black and Asian women fought for their rights and for those rights to be protected in law. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, legislation got stronger and attitudes slowly changed. The blatant racism slowly became less acceptable in a "decent" society. This isn't to say that racism stopped or disappeared, as any person of colour will tell you - it just became less obvious and turned into something more insidious. Life felt a little safer in some ways. The physical attacks on our home and property were less common, but the constant feeling of dread remained in the back of my mind. I knew my experience was not uncommon, so I got involved in women's rights around this time too in an attempt to do something positive for all women and girls. Since we are at least now talking about these issues publicly with movements like Black Lives Matter and seemingly better awareness of violence against women, I had hoped on some level that things had moved on here. But deep down, I knew that there is still a huge gap between what some people might say and what they really feel - which is hatred for anyone they think may rock their apple cart of power. This fear of losing privilege means that various combinations of structural sexism, racism, discrimination and hatred against anyone seen as "other" permeate our lives. Advertisement bell hooks wrote that "all people of color are threats [to white supremacists] irrespective of their behavior". And women of colour represent a "double threat" to patriarchy by challenging both sexism and racism at the same time. Nowhere is this more evident than when the US Republican Party, which is largely controlled by Conservative white men, did not condemn Donald Trump for hiring a chief government strategist, who previously oversaw a website promoting anti-women and anti-Muslim views. In the current climate, it did not really shock me that over half of white women in the US voted for a man who not only threatens their bodily integrity, but also their reproductive rights. Many women internalise misogyny, just as some people of colour internalise racism. It was sadly not a major surprise in June either when anti-immigrant hate crimes - particularly directed at women - increased after the UK voted to leave the European Union. My direct experience is British, but in the connected world we live in, decisions made in countries like the US and UK have major implications for so many others. They matter to the female survivors of violence for whom the Humanitarian Assistance for the Women and Children of Afghanistan provides shelter in this conflict-torn country. They matter to those fleeing the horrors imposed on them by their government in Syrian refugee camps, which the Syrian Women's Forum For Peace is trying to help remedy. These decisions have policy and financial implications in terms of international aid. They make it less likely that women will be involved in critical peace-building efforts and, at a personal level, they influence how people treat each other and, consequently, how safe women and girls feel in society. The sexism and racism I faced growing up has helped to make me who I am today. I am passionate about the rights of women and girls because I know what is like to be that girl who feels scared and confused by why she is seen as different, when she feels the same. As a woman, I know what it's like to deal with the constant barrage of obnoxious behaviour you are forced to deal with simply for walking down the street. I've been fighting for an end to violence against women for over 15 years - most recently at Donor Direct Action. During this time, I've seen that one of the best solutions to challenging the harmful status quo and to breaking down the hateful structures that divide and hold women back, is to directly support those underfunded critical efforts, which are changing mind-sets at local level. Advertisement Front-line women's groups around the world are best positioned to make things better for girls and women in their own localities. These visionary individuals are at the core of the feminist movement, which is not just about women and girls. It is about ensuring the safety, freedom and fearlessness of all humanity. Amid this huge global uncertainty, their work is urgently needed now more than ever. They are a key part of the solution we so desperately need. Feminist activism is transforming the lives of women and girls, but it can also change the entire structure of societies for the better. This is why those who currently hold the power are afraid. It is also why I will never give up. Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire I was extremely excited to find out I had the opportunity to speak at the House of Lords because it is a place of such great historical significance and has a massive role to play in the scrutiny of government. I have previously visited the Houses of Parliament but it is such an interesting and amazing place that I could never turn down a trip again. I am eagerly awaiting my chance to speak on a topic that interests me so much: whether we should censor, monitor or have complete freedom of speech. I will, thankfully, be arguing on the side of censorship and regulation. As someone who casually refers to themselves as a true anarchist, this viewpoint doesn't come naturally to me. However, I think this debate is especially important because, whilst I may believe that in an ideal world we would live without laws, we must recognise the problems of today. Advertisement Recently the NSPCC released findings that suggest more than half of LGBT students in British schools are the victims of verbal abuse. I'm sure we have all seen or had personal experiences of how abusive behaviour can influence people's education. In a society that aims for equal opportunities, I believe we must then also believe in freedom from verbal persecution. This means a state that regulates media and can intervene on private conversation upon complaint. Regulating the press to some degree is also an extremely important issue for the government. For instance, in the lead-up to the EU referendum The Sun published a piece which claimed that the 'Queen Backs Brexit'. Without regulation, this sort of misleading reporting could become dangerously out of hand and the state would lose the ability to legally challenge it. Another side of the Free Speech debate is that we should, as a state, monitor people's conversations. This is understandably a very attractive argument but the way the government has currently implemented monitoring is a danger to our freedom. The government's anti-terrorism strategy is called 'Contest' but the most infamous part of this is 'Prevent' and for good reason. This strategy makes it a legal requirement for teachers to report to the police any suspicious behaviour from students. However, upon further inspection, there are clear flaws in a strategy like this. An internationally famous example is the 14-year-old school pupil in Texas being handcuffed and arrested after a teacher thought his potato clock looked like a bomb. Not only is it a problem in practice, but with a recent ECHR ruling stating the collection of our data for 17 years by MI5 and GCHQ was unlawful, we can see that international judges also see monitoring a threat to our rights as individuals. Advertisement On another, equally important, subject I'm sure I'm not alone amongst my peers in having faced the question, 'why do you care if you can't vote?' This irritates me because, as a believer in 'votes at 16', I feel the need to listen to others to understand how people experience living in our country. This can be done in multiple ways: a good example of this would be the House of Lords debate I will be taking part in this Friday. I also think debates such as those that are held in the Youth Parliament have a big part to play in understanding how people perceive our country and the government. I think Youth Parliament really showed its strength this year when my good friend Darragh O'Reilly (MYP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone) made such an impassioned speech that it went viral and had over 2.9 million views on the Channel 4 news Facebook page. I think this shows that people do want to listen to the youth of our country and are interested in a wider debate. My belief in 'votes at 16' is partly what makes me so excited to visit the Lords as, in the run up to the EU referendum, it voted for us to get the vote only to see it blocked in the Commons. It seems bizarre to me that the unelected, often seen as undemocratic, House wants to expand democracy whereas the House that represents the electorate does not want to support this. Both conversations come back to the underlying question of how do we express ourselves and in what manner. I am sure that the debate in the House of Lords will help us all to explore our own views on the subject, which can surely only be a good thing. The House of Lords Chamber Event - The Free Speech Debate - starts at 15:20 on Friday 25 November. You can watch the debate on Parliament TV (http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/da62e090-cc41-4ca6-a625-f9b73728c224) Advertisement Brexit has been blamed for an array of ills, from the sublime (the changing shape of Toblerone) to the downright ridiculous (paper cuts). But amid petty complaints lie legitimate concerns over the rules governing trade with our continental neighbours, our political direction, and the impact of a new economic climate on businesses of all shapes and sizes. When we at The Entrepreneurs Network polled entrepreneurs ahead of the big vote, we learnt that close to a third worried Brexit would have a "strongly negative" impact on the country's entrepreneurial activity. Thanks to a new Barclays report, we know that the UK's environment for growth in the lead up to the referendum was stronger than at any time since 2011, in large part due to better access to finance, improvements in regulation, and increased research and innovation. Its Entrepreneurs Index score has risen by 10.5 percentage points, from a base of 100 in 2011, indicating strong overall progress in the UK's entrepreneurial environment. We know that entrepreneurs are uniquely able to cope with a rapidly changing landscape and seize opportunities at times of economic uncertainty where others see risk and exercise caution. We also know that the UK has no shortage of startups - in the first half of 2016, a jaw-dropping 80 businesses were being born every hour. Advertisement Nonetheless, the wider picture is mixed. The UK still lacks an expanding cohort of fast growth firms: those businesses with revenues of between 2.5m and 100m, and at least a 33 per cent increase in turnover over three years, as well as at least 10 per cent year-on-year growth for a minimum of two of these years. And Brexit could stunt growth further. According to the Barclays findings, entrepreneurial growth activity remains "fairly flat," with fewer firms managing to meet the measure of "high-growth". Of equal concern, we're told that Britain lacks businesses with the ambition to scale. M&A activity may be strong, but few young companies are choosing to IPO. The issues outlined in the report are all too familiar: talent shortages, in part driven by too few students opting for STEM subjects; myriad challenges around taking on investment; or plans for international expansion which fail to materialise. But it's not all bad news: regulatory conditions are the best seen since the Entrepreneur Index began. As the report highlights: "The UK's corporation tax rate is currently at its lowest ever, while specific reliefs aimed at early-stage investors - namely the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and seed EIS - have created a favourable tax environment. And, in 2016, the Enterprise Act came into force, which seeks to further ease the regulatory burden on small business, and establishes a Small Business Commissioner to help small firms resolve issues, such as late payments." And while the Chancellor may have missed an opportunity to further lift the burden on businesses in this week's Autumn Statement, our members will be happy with many of the announcements, not least 1bn for digital infrastructure and the 23bn he pledged to spend on innovation and infrastructure over five years. Advertisement An ancient Chinese proverb says: "Not only can water float a boat, it can sink it also". Indeed, water can be productive and destructive at the same time. It is the foundation of sustainable development and poverty eradication, but also a cause of disasters and a driver of conflicts. The 2015 Global Risks Report of the World Economic Forum pointed out that water-related issues, such as drought or the pollution of water, are the biggest world threat for the next decade. On 22 November, the Senegalese Presidency of the Security Council convened an open debate on "Water, Peace and Security". It was a timely event devoted to rising awareness on the fact that water, rarefied by climate change and by mismanagement and subject of disputes between states, affects the peace and security at a global scale. Water is a finite and irreplaceable resource. It is only renewable if well managed. Today, more than 1.7 billion people live in river basins where depletion through use exceeds natural recharge. If this trend continues, by 2025 two-thirds of the world's population will be living in water-stressed countries. Water scarcity can be a trigger of instability, and a driver for migration and confrontation. Advertisement No other resource is more essential to human survival than fresh water, which represents only 3% of the total water on the Earth; the quantity available for human use is a hundred times smaller. Population growth, urbanization, industrialization and increases in production and consumption have generated ever increasing demands for water. To the scarcity of this resource adds the inequitable geographical distribution. For instance, Asia accounts for 60% of the world population but has 36% of available water resources, while Europe with 12% of the world's population detains 8% of the water, and Latin America and the Caribbean regions have 9% of world's population but 26% of the water resources. While Africa has the same annual rainfall as Europe, the variability and unpredictability of its rainfall is much higher. Currently, 3.5 billion people suffer from water insecurity, with the poorest countries facing the greatest water vulnerability. By 2030, the world is projected to face a 40% global water deficit. For many small island developing states (SIDS), dealing with water threats is a matter of survival due to rising sea levels, whereas many least developed countries (LDCs) are affected by increasing droughts and extreme weather events. These require to revisit the paradigm of water governance. Because water issues are linked to climate change, poverty, food, health and energy, water should be seen cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary. In some parts of the world there is a long history of mistrust related to the joint access to water resources, and the lack of institutional capacity to manage shared rivers enhances misperceptions and fears. The alternative to confrontation is to conclude water agreements. Good communication, strengthened relations between upstream and downstream states, strong institutions and sharing best practices are equally important for successful negotiations on water. Advertisement In this respect, the European cooperation in the Danube River Basin may be an inspiring model to follow. Initiated by Romania and Austria, the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region contributed to advance cooperation among Danube's riparian countries in essential areas such as transport, energy security, information society, environment protection, education, culture, research, tourism, rural development and competitiveness. Last but not least, protection of water in conflicts is essential. While the Geneva Conventions of 1949 mention water resources and water installations as key civilian infrastructure, and therefore immune from attacks, there are conflicts where water is used as a weapon. Placing limitations on the access to water supplies for civilian population in time of war is a grave breach of international humanitarian law and of human rights. Depending on the circumstances, such acts might constitute war crimes. The UN Charter provides the solutions to resolve water disputes: bilateral cooperation, facilitation, good offices, dialogue and mediation. The UN deployed sustained diplomatic efforts in this respect. Additional focus is needed to addressing potential root causes of conflict related to water at an early stage. Water diplomacy has also a key role to play, as many opportunities can emerge from negotiations on energy, agriculture and infrastructure. But the issue is not only about water, it is about people. Therefore, education is important in order to prepare a next generation of leaders sensitive to climate and water issues. Because economic development, environment protection, social sustainability, peace and security are interconnected, the 2030 Agenda is the framework to prevent conflicts caused by water. The Agenda devotes two of its 17 sustainable development goals to water: SDG 6 - Ensure access to water and sanitation for all, and SDG 14 - Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources, and next June in New York Sweden and Fiji will organize a UN High Level Conference to Support the Implementation of SDG 14. On Wednesday, Green Party Presidential candidate Jill Stein launched an online fundraising page to fund her request of a recount in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Before midnight, she had raised her $2m dollar target to file for a recount in Wisconsin and continues to raise money for a recount in Pennsylvania and Michigan. Jill Stein knows she is not going to win any of these states - they were close Clinton/Trump tossups that Trump has won. But it will serve her a platform to talk about the election in a way that the media has ignored her thus far, having won more votes for the Green Party since 2000. It will also put her point that the Electoral College is an out-dated system of electing the President, and seek to suggest that the popular vote winner should be elected President. Stein will also demonstrate an ability to raise millions of dollars in a very short amount of time, potentially signalling another run in 2020 or at least demonstrating the Green Party's influence in American politics. Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania are all "Rust Belt" states that indicated big numbers for Clinton, but were ultimately called for Trump with a lead of less than 1%. Combined, they are worth 46 electoral votes - enough to decide the Presidency in this tight election. If even just Michigan and Pennsylvania come in for Clinton, Trump will only receive 270 Electoral College votes, putting him in danger of losing the Presidency to any 'faithless electors'. Advertisement But what are the chances of this happening? The short answer is: Low. Although Clinton is leading the popular vote by over two million votes, these are coming from strong Democratic areas. To flip Wisconsin, Clinton would need to overturn a 27,000 vote lead. Pennsylvania is 60,000 votes and Michigan is just over 10,000. It is an incredibly difficult task, and one that is unlikely to succeed because of the sheer quantity of voted needed. Even if Clinton were to win Michigan, which is the most likely, she would still fall short of winning the 270 Electoral College votes. However, this is an important event in the presidential election, one that may not help Hillary Clinton become President, but could ultimately destroy Donald Trump's foreign policy objectives. It is important because forensic scientists and lawyers have been urging the Clinton camp to appeal for a recount based on strange occurrences in counties with electronic voting machines in several key swing states. Wisconsin, for example, saw a seven per cent fall in Clinton support in counties that used electronic counting machines compared to those that did not. This could have accounted for up to 30,000 votes, which could overturn Clinton's 27,000 vote loss. Some have gone as far to say that they believe the Russian Government have hacked the system, who have admitted to have had ties with the Trump campaign during the election campaign. Trump has repeatedly spoken in favour of Vladimir Putin and the Russian Government at large. He says he can do business with them, and has hinted at realigning US-Russian relations over his Presidency. However, the American public would be incredibly angered by this decision if the Russians were proved, or even linked, to electoral fraud in key swing states in the American election. Trump is likely to have to follow a colder approach to the Russian Government, derailing some of his foreign policy objectives. Advertisement However, this would force the Trump Administration into an isolationist Foreign Policy. Having already began to alienate the Chinese and the European Union, Trump could see a decline in American influence across the globe. Similarly, with his withdrawal from TPP, he will anger many of the Asian countries that have become empowered through the bilateral trade deal. Asia will see a rise in China, with blocs becoming the new superpowers. Trump could ultimately be the catalyst which sees the fall in America's world standing through his own strategy of alienating potential friends to forge new alliances, ones that Stein may force him to disregard. However, this would continue to be a problem even if Clinton were to win the election from Trump, or if the House decided to elect Gary Johnson as the President. Trump's isolationist attitude would have already cemented enough damage for America that any President would have to spend years to rectify. mog via Getty Images Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and the start of what is globally known as the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This year it has been easy to feel hopeless. Only a couple of weeks ago Donald Trump - a man who has shown himself to be blatantly racist, misogynistic and bigoted - was elected to be the next President of the United States. Whatever your politics, this raises genuine concerns for women's rights. I fear that having a leader of one of the most powerful countries in the world who encourages such hate and hostility towards so many people will embolden those who harbour similar beliefs to act on that hate. It raises questions about what this will mean for the make-up of the US Supreme Court and women's right to have control over their own bodies; what it will mean for international aid and funding of work on women's rights in developing countries; and what it will mean for the rights of women of colour in particular. Advertisement But we cannot afford to lose hope. Instead, as a global community, this must motivate us more than ever to stand up and speak out for the rights of all people. Writer Junot Diaz responded to the election of Trump in a beautiful piece in The New Yorker drawing upon philosopher Johathon Lear's concept of radical hope. According to Lear, "what makes this hope radical, is that it is directed toward a future goodness that transcends the current ability to understand what it is." This, I believe, applies to our efforts to bring an end to the deeply rooted epidemic of violence against women. Our work requires imagination; an ability to see a different future and to walk towards that future with love and courage. But, let me be clear. My hope is not blind. Trump's win, in part, reflects a serious backlash against women's rights and equality. We see this backlash online with violent and hateful trolls, we see it in the political sphere with an over-simplification of the issue of violence against women - blaming alcohol or stigmatising marginalised groups - and we see it in the mainstream media with its ongoing culture of victim-blaming. Advertisement But backlash comes in response to progress. And indeed, there has been major progress in the last decade. I have hope because the Sustainable Development Goals, which set the international development agenda for the next 15 years, now have a specific target on the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls. All Member States of the United Nations are required to report on their progress towards achieving this goal. And as they say, what gets measured gets done. Of course, we will have to wait to see how the rhetoric turns into reality, but this is an important first step. I have hope because of the inspiring work taking place all over the world to advance gender equality and prevent violence and discrimination. You can see such examples in a campaign being launched by my organisation, the Equality Institute, which celebrates everyday people who, in their own profession or community, are doing what they can to make a difference. We hope that The Equality Conversation will inspire you to take positive action in your own life. I have hope because because I see a vibrant feminist movement online and in real life. I see men and boys engaging in this movement, not as protectors or saviours of women, but as genuine partners and allies. And I see the power of protest. Last month, after mass street protests and strikes in Poland, legislators with Poland's ruling party abruptly reversed their positions and voted against a proposal to completely ban abortion. Just this week, after protests in Turkey, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has withdrawn a bill that pardons men convicted of sex with underage girls if they have married them. I have hope because I see everyday sexism being called out in ways that it wasn't five years ago. Be that during the recent Olympics with debates about sexism in sport, or the push back against attempts by various groups to police women's dress, or the rightful outrage against examples of rape culture like the sentencing of Brock Turner. Advertisement Of course we have a long way to go. We need long-term, comprehensive action and sustainable investment to address the political, social, and economic structures that subordinate women and drive violence. There is no simple solution. But I have radical hope. I believe in the profound strength and wisdom of the women and girls, men and boys around the world who are leading this charge. They work tirelessly to challenge the harmful norms and beliefs that drive violence; to respond with compassion and care to survivors; and hold perpetrators to account. Over the next 16 days you will see these people come together across the world - from the smallest villages to the largest international organisations - to further galvanise action to bring an end to violence against women and girls. 'Always trust a person who knows how to accessorise'. It's been my guiding maxim over the years, and yet again, it has been proven true. Our sublimely decorated PM has put her money where her Jimmy Choo's are and is getting involved in industry. No more tinkering at the edges of our national prosperity, we're getting interventionism, and I can't wait. It seems that the clever types in the space sector are getting the bulk of the help. And they deserve it: microchips, wires and shiny mirrors in orbit seem to be flying of the shelves. We should become a world leader in all things other-worldly. But before she spends it all on the men and women in lab coats and rubber-soled footwear, I want to make a pitch for another sector who will do the nation equally proud. The luxury goods industry may not be able to bedazzle with logarithms and long division, and communication with extra-terrestrial lifeforms isn't its strong suit, but it is already one of the biggest industrial sectors in the UK. With help, it can be bigger. Advertisement When the world economy putrefied, for some strange reason the global demand for silk scarves and silver teapots sort of held steady. Dipped, yes, but its immaculate head was back above water quicker than you could say gold brocade. The international demand makes the sector almost recession proof. Expected to be worth 51 billion by 2019, 71 % of current output is exported - making it the highest net exporting industrial sector in Britain. And it is growing - quickly: exports are growing by 12% annually. And a Chinese wobble isn't set to damage things; America is back alive and consuming again. Thankfully, tufting is fiddly, hands-on work: the industry is forecast to employ 158,000 people by 2019 - almost double that of shipbuilding. Don't help the shining stars. Burberry sparkles without assistance. Take the same approach as with the tech sector: help the young starts-ups - the talent who are hunkered in an attic studio, wearing roll-necks, creating wonderment - but wondering if anyone will ever see it. For Britain, Economic salvation is in the SME's - this we all agree on. But luxury fledglings need more than an ad campaign with posters declaring that they are great to passengers arriving at Heathrow. They need easier access to start-up and development funding; government muscle to hustle them into new markets; subsidies for tuition fees on related degrees. The Made in Britain brand is our strongest asset. Globally it evokes quality, reliability and romantic nostalgia. More so for the luxury good sector. New industries need to pitch their credentials to world consumers - not so with luxury exports. The international customer is not only convinced of brand Britain, but are hungry for it. Its pushing at an open door and government's help will push it wider. This is a tried, tested and proven sector: the products are known, the markets identified, the routes to the consumer established. With government effort it can employ more, export more and earn more, quicker than any start-up sector. It's as close to a sure-fire-thing as we have got. But without government assistance to nurture the new talent, the sector will stagnate. It's too easy to dismiss the government's plans and intentions as ineffective bluster. I don't think that they are. It takes political stomach and intelligence to be interventionist in today's world. I feel that they get business, but we must remember that they are having to bob and weave around events in these extraordinary times and juggle the dozens of fireballs which make up a nation. We have no charts for the waters we are about to enter. We could find calm seas and a new age for Britain, or we could run into a storm of apocalyptic proportions, and sink into the deep, a few scraps of pin-stripe cloth and a bobbing bowler-hat marking the watery grave of a once-great economy. No intelligent person would ever claim that they can predict which it will be. We have to know who to directly support - and who to cut lose, in the words of Coco Chanel, 'don't spend time beating on a wall hoping to transform it into a door.' The smart (and scarce) money needs to go on what will flourish, not on the tending the tombstones of our industrial past. Move over steel, hand-quilted handbags will take it from here. Advertisement ChristiLaLiberte via Getty Images The current state of film education has been on my mind. I am launching a film studies course in January, based at London's historic Phoenix cinema and open to the general public. I am looking forward to teaching people who have perhaps never considered film in a systematic way. As I devise the course and choose what to teach, I find it it thrilling to take a long view of film, to take stock of where the industry is today and to consider future developments in filmmaking and education. The traditional boundaries between film, video and television are changing, and the ways in which we engage with content via the Internet has revolutionised our consumption of media images. We are exposed to more moving-images than ever before, and they are consumed frequently and for short periods of time, often on small screens. It's so easy to make a video on a smart phone and share it with an audience on sites such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Vimeo. Yet we haven't abandoned the public spectacle of cinema which characterised its earliest incarnations. Advertisement Film studies is one academic area which has always included theorists who also make films. However, despite anyone being able to make a film these days, relatively few films come out of academia in the UK, and those which do rarely reach a wide public audience. This is probably because, while there are British universities which include practical filmmaking as part of their courses of study, there is an academic division between theory and practice: If you want to learn how to make films, go to film school; and if you want to learn about films, pursue film studies. How tenable is this divide in the current climate? How is film education responding to the transformations in the media industry? Academic filmmakers Last month I moderated a Q&A following a screening of Growing Up Married with director Dr Eylem Atakav and editor Lucy Rivers. Dr Atakav, Senior Lecturer in Film and Television Studies at the University of East Anglia, is making waves internationally with her bold documentary about child marriage in Turkey. She credits making this film with immeasurably strengthening her understanding of the medium, which she's taught for ten years: doing something helps you to understand it better. Dr Atakav would encourage more films to be made in the academic arena, for the benefit of individuals and academic institutions: "encouraging scholarly activity that turns theory into practice helps institutions to engage with the public and policy makers more efficiently and in a way that has impact on society and culture particularly in the context of Arts and Humanities." Not only is public impact desirable, but the requirement for universities to reach beyond the ivory towers is increasing as funding is ever more scarce. Advertisement Another leading filmmaker arising from academia is Dr Joshua Oppenheimer, Reader at the University of Westminster. He is perhaps best known as the award-winning director of the stunning films The Act of Killing (2012) and The Look of Silence (2014). These ground-breaking explorations of the perpetrators of the 1965-66 Indonesian genocide grew out of research part-funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. I wrote about the impact and importance of these films in my previous blog post here. Film Studies courses have only recently began extricating themselves from Modern Languages departments. The courses on offer are seeped in theory, with strong links to national cinema movements and languages. Consequently, they are often taught by specialists in languages and culture rather than film industry professionals. Future filmmakers may have to attain practical experience through other means. University graduates may well be competing for media industry jobs with candidates who have qualifications from film schools, which teach practical, technical skills with a vocational purpose. Innovative thinking Newcomers to the filmmaking industry need skills which reach far beyond the classical methods of filmmaking: they will be making different kinds of content for different audiences and purposes, including for television, virtual reality and video games. Accordingly, educators are required to develop innovative ways of teaching. I was invited to the Met Film School's inaugural Smart Screen Creative Awards held last week, to celebrate the past two years' BA and MA graduates. I saw how the School, based at Ealing Studios, is facing the new challenges to the media industry. The awards were held at a trendy new venue in London's West End - a far cry from the academic parties I've attended, much more the seductive Soho-media world which always feels a privilege and pleasure to enter. Advertisement Awards were presented in the categories of Audience Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Diversity, Creative Excellence and Impact. The School's Chief Executive Jonny Persey explained that rather than awards in traditional categories such as best director, best cinematographer, etc., the chosen categories highlight the key skills needed for today's market and acknowledge the collaborative nature of filmmaking which is fostered in the School. The awards were judged by leaders in filmmaking, television and social media, clearly inspiring students towards a practical and commercial view of their future careers, and envisaging a filmmaker's role as essential to many (perhaps all) industries. Employment opportunities for talented content creators are rising. Twitter's Managing Director Dara Nasr, judge of the Creative Excellence award (dynamic winner: The Sprint King), told me that video content is shared on Twitter six times more than photos. He also reported that film is one of the most popular topics of tweets - and I thought it was just because of my particular selection of Following and Followers, but it would seem film is trending across the board. Technology is driving new ways of thinking creatively about images and viewer experience. At the Met Film School, students balance their training with client work, commissioned by charities and businesses. MA Producing student Mara Manzolini is part of a student team commissioned by the charity RightsInfo to create a project commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of the Nuremberg war crimes trials. The project won in the Impact category and it's been viewed about 150,000 times in its first two months online. Mara said this was the first time she'd been asked specifically to make content to be viewed on a small screen, the size of a smart phone or tablet. Future filmmakers may also have to consider creating for portrait (rather than landscape) orientation so that users don't have to flip their screens, or making them square, similar to the previous 4:3 aspect ratio of early film and television, says Steve Pinhay, the Met Film School's Head of Screen Enterprise and Graduate Opportunities. Future prospects Film students are at risk of missing out on knowledge of film history and theory if the focus of practical courses shifts too fully to commercial enterprise. And universities will certainly do well to accommodate more filmmaking in film studies courses, with more filmmakers teaching on their courses. My hope is that divisions between theory and practice will soften, as academia and industry see the benefits of both critical and technical know-how. Preparing to run 'lifeline' programming before a crisis can build relationships between humanitarians, media and the government, facilitating collaboration that gets life-saving information to people when disaster strikes. In a humanitarian crisis, people need timely and accurate information about how to meet their fundamental needs. They want to know where they can find food, shelter, water and medical help and how they can keep themselves and their families safe. Getting the right information to crisis-affected people at the right time requires a diverse cast of organisations to communicate with each other as well as those in need - all amidst considerable confusion. These actors include government, volunteers, aid workers, journalists, medics, the military, telecoms workers and many more besides. Advertisement Yet all too often, coordination of communication is a challenge in a crisis. The media doesn't traditionally work in partnership with aid workers and the government; they actually often mistrust each other, as the media usually plays an important role in holding the other two accountable. But getting information to people in need after a disaster requires them all to work effectively together. Nor are humanitarian agencies always coordinated in their approach to communicating with communities. Following the Nepal earthquake, there were instances of different agencies bidding for the same prime broadcast slots to ensure their message reached more people than other agencies, rather than collectively determining a package of key information so people could hear the full range of what they needed to know. So we're faced with two challenges. Firstly, crisis-affected people need life-saving information and, secondly, the organisations working to help them may - in turn - need some help to better understand each other. 'Lifeline', a special type of media programming BBC Media Action uses in humanitarian crises, can help address both these tricky issues. It does this by bringing media, humanitarians and government agencies together around the common goal of getting life-saving information to crisis-affected people. A meeting of minds - to meet needs Lifeline programming differs from conventional news reporting in that it is for people in an emergency rather than about them. Aimed at alleviating people's suffering and assisting with their recovery, it should not only be timely and accurate but also practical, accurate, accessible, engaging and motivating. Lifeline programming can help people make decisions about what to do next, cope with physical and psychosocial suffering, and help them get them back to some kind of 'normal'. Advertisement In the chaotic days and weeks after a humanitarian crisis hits, ensuring such vital information reaches the people who need it, when they need it and in a language they understand is no mean feat. The difficulty of this task is why it's so important that all the many groups involved in relief efforts communicate with one another in a transparent and effective way. However, this is not a foregone conclusion. Humanitarians, government and the media will instinctively describe the information they're sharing with crisis-affected communities in different terms, which can lead to disjointed, contradictory or incoherent information being shared. Fortunately, this hurdle isn't insurmountable, as we've learned from training a range of organisations how to communicate with crisis-affected people in 13 countries over the past four years. We recently evaluated our lifeline preparedness work in Myanmar and Nepal, which included training humanitarian, government and media practitioners. The study showed that the training built confidence amongst practitioners and was effective in strengthening ties between the three groups. Trainees went on to draw on new relationships and skills in responding to the Nepal earthquakes and Myanmar flooding in 2015. Having identified common purposes and points of mutual understanding, trainees were keen to collaborate in future on both accurately sharing important information and communicating it to the people who needed it most. They had perhaps come to realise the languages they spoke were not so different after all. As one trainee from a humanitarian agency in Nepal put it: "Journalists from other media organisations started lifeline programmes. When they tried to contact ministries and humanitarian agencies it all went smoothly as they knew media would be contacting them for precious lifeline information. This would not have happened before." Advertisement The need for lifeline programming is only growing Over the last 20 years, 1.35 million people have died in more than 7,000 disaster events, with earthquakes and tsunamis the biggest killers, followed closely by climate-related disasters, such as drought, flooding and tropical storms. A staggering 90% of these deaths occurred in low and middle-income countries. As though this was not enough to contend with, the world is facing a host of other new and escalating threats. Conflict is displacing record numbers of people, whose desire for information is as great as their need for shelter, food and healthcare. Yet the politics of conflict make it incredibly difficult to provide them with communication as aid. So with conflicts likely to rage on and climate-related disasters set to increase, both in number and intensity, it seems that there will be a pressing need for lifeline programming. To better meet this need, the media for development community should pool evidence on what kind of communication works best in conflict settings and how best to prepare stakeholders to source, produce and disseminate it. Our evaluation suggests there should also be greater investment in communication preparedness, which includes building relationships between media, humanitarians and the government, at an individual and organisational level, to work together when crisis strikes. After all, saving lives is not only about acting sooner and smarter, but working together. Katy Williams is Research Editor at BBC Media Action. Max Alexander via Getty Images "Freedom of expression is the right of every individual to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers." - article 19 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights. What is freedom of speech? And do we really want it? That is something I will be asking myself this week before Joanne Moore and I from South Staffordshire College, head down to London to take part in a debate at the House of Lords. Advertisement The question: "Should there be limits to freedom of speech in the UK?" will be asked to millennials from schools and colleges all over the UK. We will divide ourselves into three debate teams - for free speech; for monitoring free speech; for censoring free speech. In the time I have been given to prepare, I have had to ask myself some very important questions like -what really is free speech? What does it include? Do I want to live in a country with complete freedom of expression? If you had asked me a couple of weeks ago I would have said yes to free speech as that is the key to equal rights and ending repression. But after a few weeks of research, I think complete freedom of speech could possibly have the reverse effect. Freedom of expression is a great thing, we can voice our opinions on our government or anything we feel is unjust without fear of punishment which means we have the right to stand up and protest for what we believe in. Advertisement With the growth of social media it's been easier to do than ever before. However, Lindy West -an active feminist may not agree that her freedom of expression has come without backlash when it comes to social media. She is often pestered by trolls on twitter. Being called "fat", "shrill" and criticised for being "loud" about her feminism along with other beliefs is just part of her day-to-day life. She could argue that there is still backlash for her free speaking, so could we silence trolls? Should those who criticise people's beliefs when speaking freely be silenced? Or would that be stopping their freedom of expression? On the other hand, a small group of others may say that their opinions have not been treated with the same respect as others. Sexist, racist and homophobic remarks or acts are treated as hate crimes and are punishable (which in my opinion is correct) but is that not their personal opinions that we are punishing them for voicing? Does that not go against the point of freedom of expression? Who gets to decide who's allowed to speak freely and who's not? And is that really free speech? I have been interested in politics since my early teens and I cannot stress enough how important it is for my generation to get involved. It always upsets me when the older generations say that we don't care about world politics or economics when we feel so passionately about so many things going on in our world and we feel so powerless sometimes not being voting age quite yet. This is why I immediately said yes when offered the opportunity to debate in the House of Lords. My generation are desperate to be a part and take control of our future and the future of the world we live in. Advertisement For example, Brexit fired us up as the only thing we could do was urge and campaign to our elders to see things from our perspective. Polls suggest that 75% of millennials would have voted remain and the result left many millennials feeling frustrated, powerless and simply ignored on a result that will affect our generation more than any others. Politics and world affairs are always a popular topic amongst my friends and I, which will always prompt the question- "what can we do?". "If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter." George Washington The House of Lords Chamber Event - The Free Speech Debate - starts at 15:10 on Friday 25 November. You can watch the debate on Parliament TV (http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/da62e090-cc41-4ca6-a625-f9b73728c224) European Literature Days, the annual literary festival held in the small Austrian town of Spitz, goes from strength to strength and always manages to tackle topical and urgent subjects. Last year, the festival's theme was 'The Migrants' and focused on various writers who have left their native countries and write in an adopted language. This year's theme was 'The Colonisers' - how do writers approach writing about the 'other', who are the colonisers now and what does it mean to be voiceless or to be given a voice by the privileged? One of the most interesting discussions was about cultural appropriation and, conversely, how political correctness can serve to censor a writer's imagination. Petina Gappah, a Zimbabwean lawyer and author who writes in English was an inspiring speaker. Her latest collection of stories, Rotten Row, is just out in the UK and is receiving favourable reviews. Justifiably, she expressed concern that in contemporary literature there continues to be more interest in a white man's story than that of a black woman. But rather than rejecting privileged viewpoints, Gappah argues, it is more important that writers approach stories of the 'other' with empathy and humility and understand their responsibility to be truthful. Advertisement Cuban writer Yania Suarez Calleyro raised the issue of free expression and observed that political correctness and ideological narratives are the biggest enemy of literature. Those outside Cuba who supported the Revolution often don't want to see the reality today for many ordinary Cubans, she claims, and misguided notions of 'authenticity' are the biggest enemies of literature. We all have multiple identities, she concludes, and that's what should inspire writers and readers alike. Priya Basil, born to Indian parents in London, grew up in Kenya and currently lives in Germany, is founder of Authors for Peace. She suggests Britain is still in denial over the brutality of its colonial past and that there remains an 'historical blankness' over certain episodes such as the 1943 Bengal famine and the concentration camps set up during the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya from 1951 to 1960. She posited an interesting question: Can setting the record straight in fiction ever make amends for these atrocities? This year's theme was of particular interest to me as I have recently published A Country of Refuge, an anthology of writing on asylum seekers. I used the work of renowned British and Irish writers to explore the experiences of refugees and migrants. My aim was to generate more positive perspectives, to directly challenge the negative press, and to cast a more positive light on a situation that, for many, is a living hell. The fact that I had asked well known writers to imagine life as a refugee today provoked similar questions to those raised at the festival. Some of my authors come from migrant or refugee backgrounds; others do not. So, do they have the necessary perspective to write about refugees' experiences? Why did I choose them over refugee voices? Advertisement scarletsails via Getty Images In the aftermath of an earthquake or a volcanic explosion, there is the initial shock and then people survey the wreckage and see what is left standing. Many consider the long-term implications and whether there will be aftershocks; some will believe that their world has completely changed and try to understand what the new landscape will look like; and some will wonder whether it is safe to continue to inhabit the area, given the ongoing danger. All analogies can only be taken so far before collapsing under the strain of their contradictions. That being said, what happened on 8th November 2016 was a seismic event in the political world like nothing seen in our lifetime, and the analogy holds well enough to be examined in depth. Advertisement In hindsight, the signs were there. The LA Times tracking poll, which consistently had Trump ahead throughout the Fall; Professor Allan Lichmann, who had correctly predicted every President since 1984, saying Trump would win; and, of course, Donald Trump's seemingly unshakeable faith in himself. Nevertheless, we were assured, by the overwhelming majority of experts, that Hillary Clinton would be the 45th President. Hillary and her team, although famously superstitious, were planning how to govern and who to appoint. Ignoring the cracks, they were busy building the house on a fault line! In the 1980s, the BBC a weatherman Michael Fish was denounced for failing to forecast a terrible storm. By comparison, events last month were off the Richter Scale. The whole political industry: pundits, pollsters, commentators, and journalists failed to see what was coming. Despite losing the popular vote by two million and counting, Donald Trump won the Electoral College by the biggest margin for a Republican since 1988. He is now in the process of pulling together his Cabinet, and somewhat belatedly the other 4,000 plus other appointments, which will make up the Trump Administration for four, or even possibly, eight years. So how do the Democrats survey the wreckage of what was assumed to be a coronation? The bad news is that there is almost no good news. The Republicans run the board: control of the White House and holding their majority in the Senate, against the odds. It is worth noting that there was an unheard of 100% correlation between how each state voted for President and Senator, costing Democrat pick-ups in the Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Indiana Senate races. Their substantial majority in the House of Representatives was only slightly eroded. Republican also gained three Governorships and now have over twice as many as the Democrats. Ultra-conservative Justice Anton Scalia's replacement in the Supreme Court will be nominated by a Republican President, as will any potential replacements of an increasingly ageing liberal minority on the Court. All three branches of Government appear to be firmly beyond the influence of the Democrats. Advertisement It gets worse. The mid-term elections in 2018, where the party of the President almost always does badly, is on truly inhospitable territory for the Democrats in the Senate. Of the 33 Senate seats up for election, 25 are Democrat and only 8 Republican, and those Republican seats are mostly in very red states. The House might be more welcoming, but there is still a big swing needed to overturn the sizeable Republican majority there. Where do the Democrats stand on the Presidency for 2020? A two-term Presidency is the norm since the Second World War, discounting assassination and resignation, only Jimmy Carter and George Bush Senior were voted out after one term. However, it is unlikely that a Trump presidency will count as part of business as usual, so all bets are off. Another problem for the Democrats is that their bench is very weak given their lack of strength in the lower parts of government. The problem is highlighted by the fact that Michelle Obama is mentioned so often, even though she has no direct political experience and genuinely seems to be eyeing the door with huge relief. Those with experience and name recognition are generally too old, and the up-and-coming are too thin on the ground. All that being said, in the lead up to 1960, 1976, 1992 and 2008 John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama were lesser known and mostly long shots. So, who don't we know at this point and who could turn things around? Start scouring the TV channels for billionaire Democrats in reality shows, because who knows? For the Republicans, everything has come up rosy, or has it? They have no excuses; they can't blame the other guys as they are in charge of everything. The Democrats were in that position in 2008 and it only took two years for it to all start falling apart. Columnists are increasingly invoking the Pottery Barn Rule of "you break it, you own it," if the Republicans overreach. There are so many pitfalls, from cabinet appointments to scrapping Obamacare, never mind rogue tweets about Broadway musicals. They already seem to have forgotten that they have lost the popular vote in six of the last seven elections. Advertisement That is coupled with the fact that Donald Trump was not who or what the Republican Establishment wanted in the primaries, and many refused to endorse or vote for him in the general election. In the end, many were hoping he would lose and allow them to rebuild around what was familiar and safe for them. Everything he does or says for the next four years will be held against Republican candidates in their own elections. He is the Republican brand for better or worse now and they will live or die by how he is viewed. This is the Faustian pact they have made for gaining electoral victory. There are many long-term questions to be answered and a few more elections will have to be fought before we know the answers. Has there been a major realignment where we see a new generation of working class and rural "Reagan Democrats" depriving future Democrat nominees a bedrock of Electoral College votes in the mid-West? Or, on the other hand, was this one final "white-lash" or death-knell of angry white voters who have lost control of the overarching narrative and electorate which are becoming increasingly diverse? diego cervo Today is International Day to End Violence Against Women and whilst we must tirelessly campaign to end violence against all women it is important to consider how particularly bisexual women are disproportionately impacted by such violence. A Centre for Disease Control, CDC report from 2013 found that 46.1% of bisexual women have been forcibly raped, in comparison to 14.7% of straight women. In 2008, Stonewall found that one in four lesbian and bisexual women have experienced domestic violence in a relationship. With 49.3% of bi women experiencing severe physical intimate violence. Advertisement We cannot and must not ignore the different rates of violence between sexualities as they speak to the root causes of violence against all women. The disproportionate violence experienced by bisexual women would suggest that it is often the objectification and sexualisation of women that is the root cause of the violence used against us. As we know, the objectification and sexualisation of women is a problem that goes beyond the boundaries of sexuality, it is something many different types of women experience. However, bisexual women tend to be hyper-sexualised, in that they are viewed and portrayed to be promiscuous and unfaithful. Consequences of this then lead to men viewing bisexual women as sexual objects, whose sole purpose is satisfy them and their desires. This makes it much easier to justify sexual violence against us. Victim blaming narratives then become prevalent suggesting a woman's previous sexual experiences have some weight on whether she has been sexually assaulted or raped. As can be seen in the recent Ched Evans case in which the testimonies of previous sexual partners of the survivor were accepted as evidence. Bisexual women are more likely to suffer from this victim blaming narrative as their sexuality plays into the idea that they are promiscuous. Stonewall found that one in ten bisexual women had their sexuality used against them by a violent partner. The media portrayal of Amber Heard's case against now ex-husband Johnny Depp earlier this year shed light on this narrative. Most of the mainstream media portrayed Heard to be somehow deserving of the abuse because her sexuality had lead to Depp's jealousy which in turn was to blame for the violence. The medias choice to portray the situation in such a way will have come as no surprise to many bisexual women who have been subject to violence, as they may well have experienced this toxic narrative from the police and other parts of our justice system, or indeed their own partners. Advertisement Other stereotypes about bi women also contribute to these high rates, the idea that we 'pretend' to be Bi can frame sexual assault and rape in such a way that suggests these appalling acts are 'attention' that we want to receive. It is not uncommon for abusive partners to use bi-phobia to carry out sexual violence against their partners. The plight for bisexual women doesn't end there - we also have the lowest rates of support after disclosing an incident. Some of this comes from being excluded from the LGBT+ communities themselves and problems addressing misogyny and rape within them but also counselling services can be ill-equipped to deal with bisexual women survivors. If women do decide to seek support through counselling or a support service it should be in an environment that you feel safe in and at a rate that is suitable. There are also specific services which specialise in support for lesbian and Bi women. Broken Rainbow National charity offering support to LGBT people affected by domestic violence or abuse. Web: www.brokenrainbow.org.uk Helpline: 0300 999 5428 (from mobiles) or 0800 999 5428 (from a landline) Email: help@brokenrainbow.org.uk The Lesbian & Gay Foundation Web: www.lgf.org.uk Helpline: 0845 3 30 30 30 In October, a group of leading young fashion designers, including Hannah Weiland of Shrimps, Molly Goddard, and Faustine Steinmetz, wrote to students at Central Saint Martins urging them not to use fur in their collections. "Fortunately, in order to be a success in the fashion world, you don't need to contribute to the barbaric treatment of animals practised by the fur industry", they wrote. And of course, they're right - taking a stand against real fur has never been more on trend. From icons such as Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy to some of the world's best-loved stars - like Penelope Cruz, Kate Winslet, and Miley Cyrus - everyone who's anyone has spoken out against it. In less enlightened times, when no one realised that it was declasse and insensitive to wear the skin of tortured animals, fur wasn't yet taboo. When the first "I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign launched in 1990, fur farming was legal in the UK, and Stella McCartney, with her compassionate no-fur, no-leather stance, was told that she "definitely wouldn't have a business". (Ha! McCartney is now the most Googled name in fashion.) Protests across every continent, celebrity-fronted campaigns, and expose after expose have had a huge effect. Decades ago, people could claim ignorance - but now that's impossible. Today, anyone with an internet connection can see footage and images of animals on fur farms who spend their lives confined to tiny wire cages, often with scant to no protection from the snow and sleet in wintertime or the scorching summer sun. Many animals go insane from the confinement and resort to endless circling in cages or gnawing at their own limbs. When their short lives come to an end, it's often through painful anal electrocution, neck-breaking, drowning, or strangulation - before their skin is pulled off and treated with polluting chemicals to stop it from rotting. Advertisement It's hardly surprising then that a 2011 poll found that 95 percent of the British public refuses to wear real fur - or that it's virtually impossible to find real fur on the British high street. Compassionate retailers such as Topshop, H&M, River Island, and Marks & Spencer and department stores like Liberty and Selfridges refuse to support the bloody fur industry. (And they know, of course, that only a small handful of callous clients would choose to buy it). Sustainability is the new buzz-word in fashion, and sustainability sells. That's why when McCartney unveiled her new campaign, she chose to plaster it with the slogan "No leathers, feathers or fur". It's also no doubt why in March, Italian powerhouse Armani joined the likes of McCartney, Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein in declaring itself fur-free, stating that it's taking steps to reflect "our attention to the critical issues of protecting and caring for the environment and animals ". Many people are struggling to make ends meet in twenty-first century Britain. Aditya Chakrabortty is right that Mark Lang's 'Deep Place' report into Pontypool outlines many of the challenges that people face. Along with the worldwide recession, Government cuts and benefit reforms have impacted disproportionately on the least well off, exacerbating inequality. Pontypool is situated in the Eastern Valley of the South Wales coalfield. Margaret Thatcher destroyed its traditional jobs, and the impact that the resulting economic deprivation has on young lives is devastating with child poverty far too prevalent. Like many areas in the country, Pontypool has faced hard times; however, negative portrayals like Aditya Chakrabortty's should take care that they do not overstep the mark and become self-fulfilling horror stories. Because poverty-tourism travel writing that merely paints a bleak picture without recognising the positive things going on in these communities helps no-one. We must take care that our commentary builds hope rather than extinguishes it. That yes, we identify problems, but instead of ending there, we look to solutions, as Mark Lang's report does. Not only as the local MP, but as someone who was born in the Eastern Valley, grew up here and is now raising my own young family here, I certainly see the strength of our community as well as the challenges. Every day people are doing incredible things with scarce resources. We have a community spirit that puts far more prosperous areas to shame. I am extremely proud of the communities of the Eastern Valley, of Pontypool, where I was educated, and Trevethin and I will defend them with every ounce of my strength. Advertisement I agree that Government Ministers should visit Pontypool. They would see that their economic policies are failing, even on their own criteria: That it is often working families being tipped over the edge of financial survival by cuts to in-work benefits which leave them unable to heat their homes or feed their children. They would see that the inequality that the recession and their policies have worsened has left a gulf between areas sometimes separated by only a few hundred yards. Lang's report also points to some of the more prosperous areas in Pontypool, but I fear a reference to that part of the town would not fit the caricature some wish to paint. Pontypool is an incredibly strong community. Just last week I saw it come together to raise thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal. Every week as the MP, I see local groups doing great work, strengthening our society. If we talk about poverty, we should also talk about the work these people are doing. Take Sue Malson and her team at Trac2, a charity based in Trevethin which helps people in need. They recycle everything from white goods to furniture to help those who would otherwise go without. This year they have saved almost 34 tonnes from landfill. On Christmas Day, they will again cook Christmas dinner for those who would otherwise go hungry or spend Christmas Day alone. Or take another Trevethin resident Matt Ford, who manages the local community centre, Cold Barn Farm. They run groups for local people of all ages, helping parents, young people, older residents and anyone in the area who needs support or advice. This is not a community 'stripped of purpose' or 'slung on the slagheap'. This is a proud, strong community making the best of things under a Tory Government that doesn't want to know the reality of life in places like Trevethin. Advertisement Neither is our town centre dead, as Aditya Chakrabortty's article suggested. Yes, it faces difficulties, as do so many other town centres in an age of out-of-town retail and online shopping. But recent statistics show that Pontypool was one of the few towns of its size in Wales to see an increase in footfall over the past year. It has a refurbished market full of committed stall-holders whose efforts we should not talk down. It has one of the most beautiful parks in Wales. Further north in Blaenavon, we have the location of the birth of the industrial revolution, recognised with World Heritage Status and visited by hundreds of thousands of people a year. We can either ignore all of this, talk down our area and ensure a self-fulfilling prophecy, or we can focus on our strengths, work together with our shopkeepers and our community and talk up our town. Local people are making a difference and good news is there to see. Frog Bikes recently opened up a facility nearby, and many other employers are drawn to the area for our skilled and loyal workforce and good transport links. Torfaen is a great place to do business. The local Council is working hard to promote our area through the city deal and work with the community to tackle the issues that cause barriers to employment. The local Communities First scheme has seen some of the best results in Wales for its work to improve skills and get people into employment. St Patrick's day gets a lot of attention and people all over the world celebrate the Irish national holiday. Not many countries around the world have a national day like St Paddy's and Scotland's St Andrew doesn't garner quite the global holiday that Halloween is, but it's actually celebrated in a lot more countries than you would think. Scotland If there's anything that Scottish people love more than Andy Murray, it's actually being from Scotland. England has St George, Wales has St David and Ireland has St Patrick, of course. Scotland's patron saint has a foot in a fair few countries around the world but St Andrew is celebrated in true style by the Scots. Our national day takes its name from St Andrew the Apostle who was a fisherman and disciple of Jesus Christ. St Andrew's day in Scotland is a time of celebrations, ceilidh dancing and showing our love for the saltire so if you're heading to Scotland around the 30th of November be prepared to get involved. But we're not the only country who celebrate St Andrew - these other countries also want to claim him for themselves. Romania Romania is a country not unlike Scotland in that it's a bit cold, but what Scotland doesn't generally have is scorching hot summers, something Romanians are used to; be warned if you're heading to Romania in the summer months, you will need sun lotion. Instead celebrations and saltire waving, Romania has very different St Andrews day traditions. They say that if single girls place a branch of sweet basil under their pillow and someone takes it in their dreams, that they will be married soon. It's all very intriguing and who knows, your sweet basil branch in the name of St Andrew could lead to a whole different kind of celebration: just remember if you're getting married in Romania you'll need a whole host of different documents, so if you're planning your nuptials don't forget your passport. Advertisement Greece Beautiful Greece also holds St Andrew in some significance. The name Andrew relates to the Greek word 'man' or 'manly' and for their child to live up to the name would have been the hope for the parents of Andrew as a new born. There are two churches built in St Andrew's name in the Greek town of Patras where he was supposedly crucified. The way in which Patras celebrates the life of St Andrew is slightly more unorthodox than our traditions, with the church containing a shrine which holds parts of the apostle's body as well as pieces of the cross on which he was crucified - spooky. If you are planning on visiting, pay attention to local laws and regulations and make sure to be respectful of religious traditions - not everywhere in Greece is like the Zante strip. Barbados The first thing you think of when you think of Barbados is probably Rihanna, carnivals and beaches, but the country also celebrates St Andrew on its Day of National Independence. St Andrew is included in the Barbados coat of arms and people credited in the country are made Knights or Dames in the name of St Andrew. Again, there is an absolute cacophony of different celebratory traditions that go hand in hand with St Andrews, and Barbados don't seem to do small parties. This year is the 51st anniversary of Bajan independence. There is an annual parade attended by thousands of people which incorporates dancing, exotic costumes and live music. If you are looking to head to the Caribbean this St Andrews day, you'll definitely need some sun protection and with all that vigorous dancing going on I'd recommend taking out some comprehensive travel insurance. Advertisement Season to season, my high-functioning anxiety disorder affects me in different ways. When darkness takes to the sky, it manages to break its way into my mind as well. It wakes me in the morning like a hangover, but is not so easily cured, and not as widely understood, despite being something that affects around 5% of the UK population. It's easy to misunderstand high-functioning depression and anxiety in people who seem, for the most part, like nothing is wrong at all. Being able to function through an alarming dizziness, or going to work with a cloudy sadness looming above your shoulders, is a marker of strength that is easily misinterpreted as an illegitimate concern. They're just having a bad day, you say. They're so miserable, you whine. So lazy, as well! Statistically speaking, almost half of us are affected by some sort of mental health issue. Every year, 70 million working days were lost to mental distress, making it the number one cause of sickness and absence from work. One in four of us will experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem in our lifetimes, and in 2015, there were nearly 4,000 rulings of suicide in coroner's court. The surrounding issue with public services to the mentally ill, and public understanding of what mental illness is and how it should be dealt with, is fast becoming an epidemic. And whilst there is not a great deal we can do to immediately reform government and medical practices in dealing with public mental health, there is a lot we can do from the ground to better understand it, ourselves, and the people we love who are affected. Advertisement The stigma that surrounds mental health awareness is doused in fuel and threatened with a lit match every time we cover our eyes and ears around sufferers and survivors. It is infinitely important to listen with the intention to understand, to anyone who speaks up about their mental health, if for no other reason than for knowing that you are one tragedy aside from being just like them too. On occasion, my anxiety will wipe me out for days. I can't face my phone, I cancel all my plans, and I pray for the strength to get up and feed myself, or have a shower. I shake, physically and visibly. The panic ripples through my skin, and scratches on my bones. On these days, I relinquish all control to it, I wave my white flag, I surrender the fight. It's not unlike me to wonder who we really are. I often wonder if we are the battles we fight, if we are the wounds from which we bleed, if we are the secrets we keep. I wonder if I am my mind as I drink my morning cup of tea, or if I am my mind at 4 o'clock in the morning when I can't sleep. I forever wonder if I am the mind that chains me to my bed. Advertisement I am no less candid in my expression than normal when explaining my illness to people I know and love. But sometimes, when I say to them that "I didn't get out of bed today", I'm met with a humming chorus of jealousy, shared with mild intent. "Oh God, I wish I could spend a day in bed! Watching television, chilling out. I'm so jealous!" I brace myself to hear. "You're so lucky you get to do that!" I fear to have to listen to. I struggle to explain how ashamed and embarrassed I am of myself - that, at 25, I allow myself to be consumed by these fears for reasons that would not scratch the surface of someone with a mind and a heart that doesn't snap under the pressure of an anxiety problem. In the past I have known myself to be the type to self-loathe, but as I grow older and have witnessed my condition worsen in the past 3 years, I have learned how to medicate my shame and embarrassment with as much laughter and self love as my body can handle. I don't fully understand the mind that chains me to my bed, but I love it just as much as the mind that still allows me to laugh as hard as I do every other day I'm not shackled to it. I understand how to talk about who I am and how I feel when I am not at my best. I have spent most of my twenties looking for some kind of "cure", a place to bury my condition, when what I really should have been doing was planting flowers around it. As easy as it sometimes is to put on the label and wear it like a coat, I have realised the importance of reminding myself that my anxiety doesn't define me. It is, and always will be, a striking part of my personality, it will influence my decision-making in my day-to-day life, and it will continue to challenge me in my relationships with others, but it is not all of who I am. I know that I am my mind when I am laughing hysterically over drinks with my friends. I know I am my mind when I am consumed by a favourite book. I know I am my mind as I sit alone on a cold morning, smiling into my second empty coffee cup. Last week at dinner, I had to telephone my date from the toilet, to come and assist with the zip on my dress. My date - a clever guy, whose advice is sought from as far as Singapore - had no luck in his negotiations with my zip, and we returned to the restaurant with my bare back gaping through the chasm of unfettered red fabric. Well, I wasn't going to miss dessert. I'd been unable to lift the dress up to go to the loo, because the hem had no hope of clearing my hips. I'd discovered this in the shop where I bought it earlier, when I'd torn the dress I was trying on. Since I started working from home, I've been accumulating kilos like Louise Mensch racks up Twitter blunders. Jesus turned water into wine - I can turn it into fatty deposits at the side of my thighs. This is what happens when you work for yourself, slumped at a screen, engaging in as much physical activity as Melania Trump's face. Advertisement Of course I care about the weight gain, but rather than deal with it, I simply manage my social media image. I've spent the last year strategically cropping my photos just beneath my boobs, where my rib cage is at its slimmest, before it broadens out into the bumpy terrain of my tummy. As I recently realised, I am one loaf of bread away from looking as lumpy as Lena Dunham. And so I feel for Kim Jong-un, who's also a fatty with no desire to do anything about it, except obliterate any mention of his fatness in the media. Apparently, North Korean officials have asked China to ban any references to him as "Kim Fatty the Third," a nickname so popular, it gets suggested by auto-complete on China's leading search engine, Baidu. When your eyebrows resemble coffee beans decorating panna cotta, it's actually quite a feat to get so much attention for being fat. Kim excels at this. Other versions of the nickname include "Kim Fatty Fat," and "Kim Fat Fat Fat," while the New York Daily News notes that, "Slim Jong-un he is not." They add, "his wife, Ri Sol-ju, has not been seen in public for seven months, prompting jokes that he ate her." While Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Geng Shuang claimed that reports of the ban didn't "comply with facts," searches for "Kim Fatty the Third" have since shown no results in Baidu. Advertisement We've all been here. If Kim wants to pretend no-one's calling him Fatty, by browbeating China into censoring their search engine, I get it. I once did amateur Photoshop on my thigh, using the "rubber" feature in Paint. I just rubbed a bit off the side. Then I submitted the photo for a charity newsletter, which wanted a picture of me running the British 10K. And then there's Reece Witherspoon's client in Legally Blonde - classic - who nearly went to prison for murder, rather than reveal that her alibi was a spot of liposuction. NurPhoto via Getty Images This month the fight to end violence against women was dealt a great set back as a misogynist was elected president of the US. No girl should have to grow up in a world where the most powerful man thinks groping and objectifying women is acceptable - attitudes which are clearly linked to violence against women. Today, as people across the globe will come together for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, there is one very clear action our Government can take to show it is serious about rejecting Trump's attitudes to women - closing Yarl's Wood immigration detention centre. In Bedfordshire, near the village of Milton Ernest, women waiting to see if they will be granted asylum in the UK are locked up in Yarl's Wood Immigration Detention Centre. The mirrored windows of the centre have become a familiar sight over the last couple of years, pictured in newspapers as detainees wave arms and homemade flags through the two inch openings in the windows - gestures of gratitude and support for campaigners protesting outside the centre for its closure. Distressingly, women have also hung messages scrawled on bed sheets from their windows, alleging sexual impropriety from officers in the centre. Last month, three of Yarl's Wood's former officers stood trial for sexual misconduct including the rape of one detainee in 2012. Advertisement Yarl's Wood has been plagued by accusations of sexual abuse, rape and violence against the women it should be caring for. Women who, very often, are fleeing those very things. Indeed, a 2014 report by the charity Women for Refugee Women found that 72% of the women they spoke to who had been detained in Yarl's Wood had previously experienced sexual assault. They came to Britain in search of refuge and have been met with abuse - that is unacceptable. In the Green Party we disagree with all detention of asylum seekers, let alone in an institution so compromised as to be deigned 'a place of national concern' by HM Inspectorate of Prisons last year. We are calling for the immediate closure of Yarl's Wood, and this week Caroline Lucas, co-leader of the Green Party, has requested a visit to the centre to meet the women who are detained there. This is something I have done every other week for a year, and as a volunteer with Yarl's Wood Befrienders I have had the privilege of getting to know seven of the women detained in the centre. Of these women only one was deported. Six of them were, thankfully, released and this begs the question why they were ever detained in the first place. In that time I have seen a woman who had been detained for three years, with a seven-year-old child outside. I have seen a three-year-old being stopped from running to her detained mother's arms on a visit by officers who insisted the mother must be fingerprinted first. Why are we punishing children for a crime that hasn't been committed by anyone? The last woman I visited was from Ghana. She phoned me earlier this week to tell me she had been released after four months in Yarl's Wood. During that time she had deteriorated both physically and mentally. Advertisement After 24 years in international development, my time has come to move on. While I'll remain working in the charity sector, my next job isn't in international development. This next step has got me thinking about what nearly a quarter of a century in this sector has taught me. I've certainly had some amazing experiences; I've had breakfast with Nelson Mandela, hosted Desmond Tutu, worked with the Princess Royal and travelled to more than 20 countries. Then there's been the not so great memories, being mugged in Harare, medevac'd from Ghana, and the time it took 4 days to fly from London to Lilongwe. Advertisement But what has all this taught me? I think I've learned that there are big things to be achieved, policies to shape, global agendas to influence and attitudes to change and it can all be done. However, the heart of that change is people and you won't change anything for the better without amazing, driven and passionate people by your side. I've been fortunate enough to be surrounded by them every step of the way regardless of the organisation I was working for. Mohammed Saaka Dumba was a transport officer in the Upper West region of Ghana when I met him way back in 1993. So keen to learn, he challenged me constantly to improve what we were doing with Transaid and inspired a whole generation of health transport officers. Now a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, he is the leading expert on transport management for service delivery, advising governments and NGOs and travelling the world, but he has resisted all offers to take an international job and continues to work for the people of Ghana. Advertisement Zelma Mokobane was a counsellor for high school students with a focus on young women dropping out of education because of pregnancy. She had worked hard to put her son through school and then decided it was her time, wanting to educate herself and achieve more. When I was at Canon Collins Trust, implementing the Graca Machel scholarships to develop women leaders, I thought of her. Zelma made the most of every opportunity and is now a lecturer at the University of the Free State in South Africa contributing to global conferences and completing her PhD in inclusive education. Her dedication and drive inspired me and taught me never to write someone off because their education has been interrupted or unconventional. Rajni Kant Singh is probably the most innovative and creative field worker I have ever met. Working for Lepra, Rajni is never satisfied with what he achieves and is always looking to understand why things happen and improve them. All I have ever had to do with Rajni is ask him 'if you had some money, what would you do with it?' By finding small amounts of funding, I have been able to watch him and the Lepra team implement life-changing, innovative activities that are now replicated by governments and NGOs tackling neglected diseases like leprosy. When you work with people like these, then life is made easier - and there have been so many of them since I arrived in Ghana on 6th January 1993. Advertisement I have seen my role as chief executive of Transaid, Canon Collins Trust, and Lepra as that of creating an environment for people to thrive and reach their potential. Through this I've seen some unexpected characters emerge and do some truly amazing things. They have been a credit to their organisations and causes, and I am proud to have known them. When I look back in years to come and reflect on the developments made in healthcare access and education across Asia and Africa, I won't forget the unsung heroes behind that change and I am privileged to have met just a few of them. So what have I learned in the last 24 years? That when it comes to international development, there is no change without great people and as long as there are those with a real passion to drive things forward, the future is in safe hands. This World AIDS Day I'll be reflecting on my extraordinary year working with women living with HIV/AIDS to make the unique feature film, 'Pili'. As an academic specialising in global health, I thought making a feature length film about real women living with HIV / AIDS would be the most memorable thing I did this year. Academics tend not to double up as film producers, and the learning curve seemed, at times, insurmountably steep. Making the film was a pretty extraordinary way to spend 2016. We set out to make a different kind of film: compelling but not sensational, and one in which the cast and crew are not detached from the story they tell, in our case that of women living with HIV. It stretched me to the limit, inspired me, and sometimes broke my heart. It was an experience that I will never forget, but even that pales in comparison to how I felt when I first screened the film, a few weeks ago, back in Miono, Tanzania. I knew that the women who took part would be the ultimate arbiters of failure or success. What if they didn't like it? What if no-one showed up to the screening? The predominantly female cast had trusted the production crew to represent their lives on screen and that the film had to be good enough to make some money for them through international distribution. If the women in the film didn't like it, then all would be for nothing. Advertisement The cast screening of PILI took place in the community in which the film is set: the small town of Miono in the Pwani region of Tanzania. Miono of rural town life in Tanzania, it has a few bars, a local health clinic, a market and is surrounded by fields in which the majority of the town's inhabitants work. It does not have a cinema. To screen PILI we set up a mobile screen in the school playing fields, managing the accompanying perils of high wind, primary school children keen to interfere, and curious secondary school children keen to help. By 6.30pm people started to arrive and an aura of chaos surrounded proceedings as one of the set-up crew began negotiations between a mandazi seller and the kids that had been following the crew around. At 7pm I arrived with the cast of women to a crowd of 250 people. Children sat on the floor to the right, the cast sat on chairs to the left, tables acted as benches for the first line of seated audience members, people stood behind them three rows deep, some people sat on shoulders, and then pockets of people broke from the crowd in their own groups. By 7.30pm it felt like the crowd had doubled as more people came, school children emerged from their late afternoon classes, and the audience was continuously lit up by piki-piki and bus lights as more people were transported to the screening. Everyone whooped when the character 'Pili' (from whom the film's name is derived) danced to Tanzania reality TV star Peter Msechu's song Nyota, they laughed at every scene 'Ana' the local gossip peer educator was in, and they cheered when the name 'Juma Nasolo' was mentioned - he was the local snake man (charmer is too simple to cover his skills), famed across Tanzania, who had died earlier in the year. Advertisement Throughout the film the cast were smiling. Smiling and laughing. Relief. No-one in the cast seemed awkward about seeing themselves on screen. They had all introduced themselves and their characters at the beginning of the film. We had agreed this was the best thing for them to do so that everyone understood they were playing a character. This was really important for Bello Rashid who plays 'Pili' - as the lead, she is in every scene and her character has to make increasingly difficult choices. Bello is such a good actor that you believe 'Pili' is real, and while there are similarities to their lives, it does not mean she would make the same decisions. At the end of the film I got all the women to stand at the front and take a bow. Miono is not a big clapping audience and instead we just got mobbed by cheering children - particularly the twins who play Pili's son 'Ibrahim' in the film. As soon as the credits ended everyone walked off home, ready to return to work the next day. Leaving Miono I felt the enormity of what we had created. The women in the film seemed pleased with the final product, but at the end of the day being in the film does not help them with their everyday lives. It doesn't pay for food, or address their HIV status, or pay for their children (and their own) education-related expenses. It is an expression of their lives, their stories - nothing more - but it is such an honour to have been faithful to their experiences. Surprise surprise, you're not fluent in French yet. A year abroad is supposedly the best experience you'll ever have. You've heard rumours of fresh croissants for breakfast in Paris, envisaged yourself becoming a pro-surfer in Australia, and you can't wait to update your Facebook status to "moved to Italy". Unfortunately, there's a lot more to your year abroad than what you've been promised. Thought it was going to be the perfect dream? Think again. Advertisement Expectation: You're going to make loads of cool, foreign friends Who needs your boring home friends when you have all these interesting French people to hang out with at the Sorbonne? Plus, it makes so much more sense to exclusively hang out with native speakers, because then magically (and impressively) you'll become fluent in the language. Reality: Foreign people don't actually like you Shit. You can't wait for your home friends to come and hang out. You quickly realise that people already have their own friendship groups, and they don't need a temporary, year-long friend to join their clique. So instead, you become overwhelmed with excitement as soon as you hear somebody speaking English, and you always run to the nearest pub-esque drinking establishment. Expectation: Your love life is going to be amazing You are going to date so many exciting new people. After all, foreign boys are far more romantic than English boys, so you'll probably have a boyfriend three months in. Advertisement But will you be able to make long-distance work when you return home? I guess you'll just have to cross that bridge when you get to it. But you always tell yourself: if it's meant to be, it will be. Reality: You only attract creeps You will get leered at by all the creepy men, but nobody normal will ever ask you for your phone number. Single for another year it is then... Expectation: You're basically going to be a native speaker at the end of the year Naturally, you are confident you'll be fluent in the language of your new home. Watching Amelie in A-Level French that one time was definitely enough preparation. In fact, you'll probably even forget how to speak English by the end of the year. Reality: Nobody ever understands you And this isn't just because of your poor accent - you actually just make zero sense. Reality eventually hits you: becoming fluent is really quite hard. At first, you'll try to make sense of all the grammar, and try to improve your accent, but then you'll just give up and stick to pointing to things on the menu instead. Advertisement Expectation: You're going to be so cultured You're going to visit every single corner of your new city, and then some! There's so much more to Paris than the Eiffel Tower, and you're going to make sure you find everything possible. No street will be ignored, as obviously there's history everywhere. Reality: You're too tired You go outside the said location and take a picture, and then decide you've had enough of being Dora the Explorer for the day. But of course, you'll post your pics on Instagram with the location tagged, waiting for the likes to roll in. What your fans don't know won't hurt them... Expectation: You'll also explore everywhere else in the world Because apparently you can't fly anywhere else when you're in England. Why stop at seeing the sights in your city? EXPLORE! Take a cheap flight, it's only 20 euro to the other side of Europe. Vive EasyJet! Advertisement Reality: You're too poor You've hit the biggest financial low of your entire student life. Your Erasmus grant barely covers your ridiculous shoebox of an apartment, and you've spent 80 per cent of your student loan on baguettes and overpriced cocktails. Expectations: You will only eat the cuisine of your new city No other food will suffice. You must have the true culinary experience whilst you can. Reality: You'll eat the cuisine once You'll have your snails and onion soup a grand total of one time. After that, the one Dominos in the whole town, and that lovely Italian at the bottom of your road, will be your most frequented dining establishments. Expectation: Your year abroad won't change anything Whilst really great, you don't think it will change you at all, or impact anything else in your life. Advertisement Reality: You'll learn more about yourself than you originally thought It may seem like a bunch of insignificant events all in the space of 10 months, but you genuinely will have a year to remember. There has been a great deal written in recent months about the impact of political movements such as the Trump presidency and the British exit from the European Union on the economies of America and Britain respectively. Much of these discussions have been framed in the sense that they create a level of uncertainty that results in lower investment levels across industry sectors. To try and help guide us in the right direction, Scott Baker of Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, Nick Bloom of Stanford University, and Steven Davis of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, have developed a tool to help us understand the economic and policy factors concerning our world. They attempt to couple the certainty levels in the economy with the levels of business investment, and subsequently with economic growth. It's perhaps no surprise, and in keeping with the Zeitgeist, that big investment decisions tend to be put off in uncertain times, whether that's investing in plant or expanding the workforce. Advertisement Industrial variance Of course, this disincentive to invest is strongest in industries that don't tend to change a great deal. A recent paper set out to explore the investment environment during periods of economic and political uncertainty, and found that fast moving industries tend to maintain investment levels, but slower moving sectors don't. Now, what makes this interesting is that these slow moving industries are often exactly the ones that politicians such as Donald Trump propose revitalizing. They're the kind of staid and glamour-less manufacturing sectors that don't get a great deal of attention, but are nonetheless crucial. You could even argue that the recent German success has been founded on such sectors. So a slowing of investment in this sector is bad news for all concerned. How does the Internet of Things fit into this? Well gathering data from sensors and machines, and using machine learning to make sense of that data, offers companies a relatively cheap way of investing in their plant and equipment. Improvements on a budget I spoke recently with IoT company n-Join and they told me how their systems can bring the benefits of smart manufacturing to nearly any plant. The system passively captures and records a host of previously untapped data, with the software then autonomously learning about the functioning of the entire production ecosystem, providing managers with real-time and historic data on any aspect of the production process. Advertisement It offers the prospect of improving efficiency and production quality, whilst reducing down time and errors. They told me the story of one manufacturer who were suffering from unplanned downtime due to unexplained water tank malfunction. By installing the Industrial IoT solution, they identified previously hidden patterns in pressure data from the tanks and managed to come up with a novel solution to the problem. And it all took a matter of hours to install the system and start collecting the data. "Our technology exists to give manufacturers a painless way to benefit from the massive amounts of data that they already have living in their networks, whether they're looking for gains in efficiency, sustainability, quality, or some other area," says Michael Gallant, an n-Join executive living in New York. "Especially in times of political vertigo and depressed investment, we want to make it simple for our clients to innovate and push forward. We want to provide that easy on-ramp that can still lead to potentially huge gains." Indeed, when I spoke to IIoT vendor Senseeye, they revealed that the payoff from installing this kind of simple technology can be a matter of months. "With IIoT sensors and technology the maintenance team have a 'force multiplier' - rather than investing in a whole department of data scientists to direct their predictive maintenance (which is the approach taken in the aerospace industry), the maintenance team can now be proactive; with an AI team-member constantly analysing data already collected and new to help direct maintenance ahead of any potential failures and for less than the cost of an experienced data scientist. The ROI for a purely cloud-based system like ours (making use of already existing sensors) is reduced to a matter of months," co-founder Alex Hill told me. Blockchain technology could eventually be used to carry out many of the functions of a traditional regulator, according to a new paper by the Charities Aid Foundation. Blockchain technology is creating a new model for charities, which manage large amounts of money, require complex accounting and conduct a lot of research, have much to gain from blockchain technology as digital transactions and smart technology increase. Last year, charities in the US brought in over $2 trillion in revenue. $373 billion of that came from charitable contributions. And while charitable donations are increasing in popularity. The industry still has problems that have persisted for years, and that prevent many from contributing as much as they otherwise would. In some cases, it prevents people from donating at all. Advertisement The Charities Aid Foundation recently released a 20-pagereport, "Giving Unchained - Philanthropy and the Blockchain," which examines how blockchain technology will affect the way charities raise money and operate. Is this the future of Charities? The report claims that blockchain technology could change the way people contribute to charities and the way funds address social problems. Can digital colored coins that represent assets create a way to make donations of intangible assets like intellectual property? Can self-governing contracts provide new opportunities for businesses to embed philanthropy as well as new ways for charities to raise funds and address social problems? Can the blockchain offer a "radical transparency" to overcome the lack of public trust? Will the "Internet Of Things" supported by blockchain technology deliver an environment in which smart machines become a "hyper-rational" donor class? The Benefits of Blockchain Technology Transparency: The ledger is public and can be seen by any user. Any system based on it is fully transparent. Reduced transaction costs: The ledger is maintained and owned by users, so there is no need for a third party, thereby reducing associated costs. Building trust: Since blockchain technology eliminates the need for third parties and makes transactions open, it could deliver significant benefits in improving trust. Integrating the physical and the digital: Blockchain technology provides a way to represent any asset, tangible or not, in the digital world. It does this in a way that ownership status can be identified at any point in time while being completely integrated with digital payment mechanisms. Examples to look at: The BitGive Foundation, which describes itself as the world's first Bitcoin nonprofit. The organization partners with nonprofits like Save The Children and The Water Project, explains founder and executive director, Connie Gallippi, and harnesses Bitcoin's benefits -- namely cheaper, faster and more secure transactions -- in order to raise charitable funds. In March, BitGive unveiled a water well at a girls' school in Western Kenya funded entirely with $11,000 in Bitcoin donations culled from members of the Bitcoin community. The well serves 500 Kenyans who wouldn't otherwise have access to water, says Gallippi, ork City. "It has made a huge impact." "While very few charities or donors may at this stage even be aware of the blockchain, it seems almost certain that the technology is, in one form or another, going to play an increasingly important role in the years to come. Those who want to prosper in this new environment would thus do well to think through the implications now." What Are The Benefits? Radically reduced transaction costs. Blockchain technology is decentralised.This means that it is not owned or operated by any one person or organization, but rather shared between users. Transactions on the blockchain do not require middleman (PayPal, Charity reps) as the ecosystem can be used to create things like "smart contracts" which are computer protocols (think lines of code) that record and active based on triggers. Increased Transparency Blockchain technology is by its nature entirely transparent (Well, not 100% exactly). Any user of the system can see exactly who owns what at any given time, and who has given what to whom. So, when it comes to money; since cryptocurrency is non-fungible (i.e. each piece is unique so one piece cannot simple be exchanged for another), an individual donor would literally be able to track their donation right through a charity and out the other side. Enhanced Trust Trust should be the most important element in charities, but these days that seems not be the case. Blockchain technology offers real opportunities to show trust. The removal of the need for third parties (Payment systems, organizations, and governments) means that the new 2.0 charities (You to the needed) and non-profits would no longer have to rely on other institutions such as banks, lawyers and government bodies in the same way . Benefits overall: Almost zero transaction cost Eliminate middle-man Eliminate corruption What is Your Next Step? This interview is part of a series on Trailblazing Women role models (Entrepreneurs and Leaders) from around the world and first appeared on Global Invest Her. You have to see what you can be. "Creating Science Exchange has been the most rewarding and challenging adventure I have had. I've gone from being an academic scientist to running a Silicon Valley based technology company, with 50+ employees, working with the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world. I am so grateful for the opportunity." Dr. Elizabeth Iorns is the Founder & CEO of Science Exchange, the Co-Director of the Reproducibility Initiative, and is a part-time partner at Y Combinator. Elizabeth has a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from the Institute of Cancer Research (UK), and before starting Science Exchange in 2011 was an Assistant Professor at the University of Miami (where she remains an Adjunct Professor). Elizabeth has received a range of honors and recognition, including the Kauffman Foundation Emerging Entrepreneur Award, one of Nature Magazine's 'Ten People Who Mattered', and one of WIRED's '50 Women Who Are Changing The World'. Elizabeth is focused on the development of innovative models to promote the quality and efficiency of scientific research. Advertisement Visit her website at https://www.scienceexchange.com and follow her on Twitter @elizabethiorns or @ScienceExchange Who is your role model as an entrepreneur? I don't just look at one role model to emulate as an entrepreneur. Being in Silicon Valley, you get a lot of exposure to both experienced and up-and-coming entrepreneurs. You can take pieces of their stories and use them to help you with the challenges you are facing. Being part of the Y Combinator community is incredibly valuable and one of the reasons is because you can usually find an entrepreneur within that network that's faced a similar situation. I've found that a really important component is to be able to look to peers as well as more experienced entrepreneurs for inspiration. I am always inspired by people who are unafraid to take risks, to take their own path. A lot of times when you start something that is going to be disruptive, people tend to dismiss you and think that you are a little crazy. It can take a lot of courage continue on that journey and inspire others to help you. Something that's always inspiring to me is seeing people being able to take a 'crazy idea' and be able to execute on it effectively. Elon Musk is a great example of that. What is your greatest achievement to date? For me, the single achievement I am most proud of is obtaining my PhD in Cancer Biology. The program definitely tested my perseverance and was very challenging - I think that's what makes achievement the most satisfying. Advertisement "If you feel very strongly that you have a problem you want to solve and are really committed to solving that, then do it! The biggest regrets are always the things you don't do, rather than the things you do." What has been your biggest challenge as a woman entrepreneur? In some ways, I have been very fortunate as a woman entrepreneur. My company has been relatively buffered from any discrimination because I have a male co-founder and in some cases, I've found being a woman entrepreneur an advantage, because you stand out from the crowd. However, I have heard a lot of stories that are not ideal and the disadvantages are real. For example, it is harder to build relationships with funders or other entrepreneurs if you are the only woman in that network. What in your opinion is the key to your company's success? The key is that we are solving a real problem. Pharmaceutical and other R&D focused organizations increasingly rely on external service providers to discover and develop their products. The global market for pharmaceutical outsourcing now exceeds $250B annually, and has a 7.5% CAGR, with nearly 50% of R&D dollars now spent externally. This shift in R&D from internal resources to external service providers has created significant challenges for the industry. Science Exchange solves these challenges by providing a software platform for ordering services from the world's largest network of scientific service providers. Through Science Exchange, clients gain access to 3000+ qualified service providers, all with pre-established contracts in place that protect client intellectual property and confidentiality. This enables organizations to efficiently access their external R&D partner network and consolidates their research outsourcing spend into a single strategic supplier relationship with Science Exchange. This model has saved our clients thousands of hours of legal, business operations, and scientist time, and driven significant cost savings. What helped us initially was finding a good client to partner with. We worked with that partner to optimize our offering and achieve product-market fit. That resulted in significant benefit to our client because we were able to solve the challenges they were facing working with their external network of R&D service providers. We were then able to leverage the success of that initial partnership to expand rapidly with new clients. Advertisement If you could do 1 thing differently, what would it be? I try to not look back and think of what I could have done differently too much - there are always unforeseen consequences of doing something differently that you couldn't have predicted. The only thing I can think of immediately is that I would probably have tried to interact with a broader segment of potential clients earlier. In the beginning we saw Science Exchange as a consumer-facing product where we saw scientists as consumers. Now we understand that it's an enterprise product, where we need the buy-in of several stakeholders to get adoption at an institutional level. We could have learned this quicker, if we had of interacted with a broader segment of potential clients earlier on. What would you say to others to encourage them to become entrepreneurs? It's all about seeing role models that other people can aspire to. Silicon Valley is the hub of entrepreneurship, where it is almost the social norm that entrepreneurship is the acceptable thing for anybody to do. The network effect is very powerful. I was a Silicon Valley outsider before I came to Y Combinator - that allowed me to tap into the Silicon Valley network really quickly. At the time, there were very few women entrepreneurs in the program. Since then, many women have gone through the program and been successful, and that enables other women to see that this is a path they can take too. From a practical point of view, it's important to take advantage of any resources available to you to get started. The inertia of not knowing how to set up your company, raise money, having a vesting schedule etc could be overwhelming, so having access to an accelerator program is very valuable. These questions would have been very overwhelming to me if I hadn't of had the infrastructure available from Y Combinator. An accelerator can really help you to take that next step. How would you describe your leadership style? I am very practical. I like to see how each team is accomplishing their goals and look for opportunities to improve. My team knows that I will always do anything it takes to help the company succeed. If they are working late to meet the needs of our customers, or ship some part of the product, then I'll be there beside them. Advertisement What advice would you give to your younger self? At each stage of my career I've questioned my ability to succeed in new and challenging environments and I've had to push myself to take those steps. My advice would be to not be afraid to fail - I've always regretted the things I haven't done more than anything I have done. What would you like to achieve in the next 5 years? Over the next 5 years I want to focus on growing Science Exchange into a mature global company working with clients in all major R&D focused industries. We have significant market share in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry and we are currently expanding into cosmetics, agricultural, chemicals and other R&D focused sectors. 3 key words to describe yourself? Driven Committed Curious ------ Watch Anne Ravanona's TEDx talk on Investing in Women Entrepreneurs. As Donald Trump prepares to assume power, it's time to recall Robert Louis Stevenson's terrifying tale of another infamous split personality, "Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." Doctor Jekyll was a 19th Century London physician who, despite his surface respectability, sensed dark, evil impulses surging within. Hoping to liberate himself from that torment, the doctor concocts a potion that temporarily transforms him into a grossly deformed monster, Mr. Hyde. Hyde then roams London's tenebrous streets, spreading terror, free of any constraining conscience. When things get out of hand, a sip of the potion transforms the dreadful fiend back to his former reputable persona, Doctor Jekyll. Which brings us back to President-elect Donald Trump -- also a man of two starkly divergent characters. Advertisement There are different views on what that fraught psychological state portends. Fearing the worst, many liberal, minority, and civil right organisations are already girding for an epic battle. Others, however, among them Republicans who just a few weeks ago claimed to be horrified by candidate Trump, have, since his victory, been doing their damndest to play down and danger. Many would like to believe that the vicious, unhinged side of Donald Trump on full display during the campaign -- the chilling vituperations, blatant lies, racial insults, violent personal attacks, the alt-right gauleiters he recruited to achieve final victory, all that was simply an act, a skilled showman's tactic, to get himself elected. Now that the messy, unpleasant phase is over, Trump will revert to his true persona -- his rational, coherent. Doctor Jekyll self. In addition, close family members and advisors will keep the neurotic, brutish side of Trump at bay. That's what the optimists say, as much to reassure themselves as the rest of us. It would be a relief if they were right, but I subscribe to a much more pessimistic view -- which brings me back to Stevenson's dark, psychological thriller. Advertisement Rampaging through London's shadowy streets, unchecked by any sense of morality, Hyde carries out increasingly brutal acts of violence. Meanwhile, an appalled Dr. Jekyll also finds he is losing control of the transformation process: he is now turning into the monstrous Mr. Hyde involuntarily, without even taking the potion. And Mr. Trump? The President-elect's starkly split character is reflected in the two radically different figures he chose as top advisors. Reince Priebus, Chairman of the Republican Party, a conservative pol, with strong links to his party's establishment. will be Trump's chief of staff. But given equal billing as Trump's chief strategist and senior counsellor, is Steve Bannon, the rabidly right wing head of Breibart News, clarion for the racist, nativist alt-right, with a history of trashing minorities and traditional politicians. Though Priebus, and other relative moderates still to be appointed, will ride herd on Trump, at the same time Steve Bannon and his extremist gang will always be ready to ignite the deranged, paranoid side of the next president, whenever it suits their purpose. The upshot many fear is that Trump's Mr. Hyde will never be brought under control. The President-elect's neurotic, dysfunctional other will thrive in the Oval Office. It could very conceivably plunge America into a hellish abyss from which the U.S., its institutions, and traditions may take decades to emerge; if they ever do. That's a worse case scenario, to be sure. But there is no reason to think that the essential Donald Trump has undergone -- or will undergo -- a dramatic personality change. Advertisement Time after time, by his own, impulsive words and actions during the campaign Trump proved himself to be a brutish, bullying, hopelessly narcissistic, pathological liar. That visage was not a mask donned to fire up the crowds and get votes. That was -- and is -- an integral component of Donald Trump. You don't blandly create and then discard such an incredibly fraught personality. Indeed, according to the author who ghostwrote Trump's "The Art of the Deal," Trump has always been like that. That's Trump's Mr. Hyde, away from the carefully scripted Teleprompter. That's the persona alone at night with his alarmingly warped view of the world, and his Twitter account with the remarkably frank handle: "@real Donald Trump." One facet of the President-elect may may really not have seriously believed many of his most incendiary campaign vows. That non-ideological, pragmatic persona might be convinced to change or drop key promises, depending on whom he last speaks with. But, when it comes to the most important issue of all -- dealing with real or perceived criticism -- attacks against him or those closely connected with him -- that's an entirely different matter. Advertisement Trump has always instinctively and viciously lashed back, no holds barred. No matter who the perceived critic; no matter how much such petty rages tarnish his image. And that's not going to change. Take his reaction to the thousands of protestors who spontaneously took to the streets in the aftermath of his victory. Though Trump had bowed to pressure from top advisors to abstain from using his Tweeter account, once the campaign was over he could no longer contain his obsessive paranoia. "Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!" But then someone from Trump's camp subdued the President-elect. The result was a new very unconvincing Tweet. "Love the fact that the small groups of protesters last night have passion for our great country. We will all come together and be proud!" You just knew that was not the real Donald Trump. Then, in the midst of choosing his top appointees, the essential Donald emerged again. Advertisement It came after Vice President-elect Mike Pence attended the Broadway megahit, "Hamilton." Pence was first booed when he entered the theater; then at the end of the play was the object of a prepared statement read by a cast member from the stage, respectfully requesting that the new Trump government "uphold our American values" and "work on behalf of all of us." Unable to restrain his Pavlovian self, Trump again took to Twitter, lashing out at the cast for having "harassed" ...."our wonderful future VP Mike Pence." "This should not happen!" He railed, and followed with another furious Tweet that ended with the imperious command: "Apologize!" His erratic feuding with the media continued when he summoned a group of top TV reporters to the Trump Tower, then submitted them to a humiliating tongue-lashing for the multiple ways in which they'd ganged up and lied about the President-elect. That's just for starters. Once he is actually president, Trump's relations with the mainstream media are certain to plummet even further. Though the non-ideological side of Trump may indeed be ready to compromise on major issues, many of his key staff, like Steve Bannon, are not going to let Trump off the hook, nor are the other right-wing firebrands who cheered on Trump's most outrageous campaign pledges. Advertisement No sooner, for instance, did Trump reveal to the New York Times editors that he was not planning to prosecute Hillary Clinton, then Breitbart News -- headed by Bannon, immediately headlined "Broken Promise." Trump is going to have to be constantly tossing red meat to the alt-right in return for their support. There is little doubt that once he actually begins enacting the new laws and decrees; once it is also clear that outrageous personal and business scandals are going to be a hallmark of his administration; then the protests will grow and spread. The scathing investigative reports and editorials will become ever more probing and critical. Who then will be able to control that dark inner-self, the seething paranoid in the Oval Office, whose instinctive reaction to challenge and criticism is fierce, brutal reprisal. The candidate who encouraged the crowds to beat up hecklers, and offered to pay the legal bills of anyone charged with such assault, will now have the whole panoply of the U.S. government at his disposal. The man who saw endless conspiracies, who advocated torture or worse, who lauded Guantanamo, who threatened to put his opponent in prison; now, as President of the United States, will head a mammoth "security" establishment that already gathers data on millions of Americans. He will also shape the Supreme Court, control both Houses of Congress, and head the largest military machine the world has ever known. Advertisement Once it is also clear that many of his most drastic campaign promises are not going to be carried out because they are just not feasible, and that he is also unable to create hundreds of thousands of new manufacturing jobs -- because the work is being done increasingly by robots, not by humans -- then the white males who were his core supporters may also become bitterly disillusioned. Trump will almost certainly blame his failures on the opposition, condemning his most outspoken opponents as traitors, enemies of the state. Congress and the Attorney General might launch investigations of George Soros, the American Civil Liberties Union, and The New York Times. The FBI could also begin a full-bore inquiry into The Clinton Foundation. Though Trump has said he has no further interest in prosecuting Hillary, he might easily change his mind if she and her husband take leading roles in the mounting protests. Trump's Mr. Hyde would now be in full control, fired up by Steve Bannon and the alt-right. Opposition rallies would be banned. The press would be cowed by hugely expensive law suits, pressure on advertisers, appeals to national security, and old-fashioned violence. There would be massive arrests and "disappearances," reports of a new secret police responsible directly to the White House, rumors of new "black prisons. Having drawn up a list of those people who had criticised Trump during the campaign, the Washington Post might announce that several of them, including five women who had claimed to have been sexually assaulted by Trump, had had serious accidents or sudden financial problems over the past few months. Word might also leak out that 13 FBI agents who refused to water board domestic detainees, were arrested themselves, accused of being part of the opposition's treasonous plots. If all this seems somewhat outlandish, absurd, the Dystopian ravings of an inane blogger, think back to a couple of years ago to June, 2015. when the two personas of Donald Trump came down the escalator at Trump Tower, to announce to the flock of bemused reporters that -- though registering only 1 percent in the polls -- Trump was going to run for president of the United States. Carl Higbie, former Navy SEAL and spokesman for the pro-Trump Great America PAC, insinuated on Fox News with Megyn Kelly that the president-elect might legally target Muslims for adverse treatment in reliance on the Supreme Court's World War II precedent in Korematsu v. United States (1944). That reliance would be misplaced. Korematsu upheld racist concentration camps for 120,000 "not-yet-guilty" Japanese American citizens or permanent resident aliens. Although the Court has never overruled Korematsu, history has done so -- just as Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomattox Courthouse in 1865 overruled the racist decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) declaring that blacks "had no rights which the white man was bound to respect." Korematsu was procured by government fraud. The United States falsely avowed to the Supreme Court that the urgency of time foreclosed individualized determinations of whether Japanese Americans posed a national security risk justifying internment. The genuine reason was quite different. Advertisement In a conversation between General John L. DeWitt and assistant secretary of war John J. McCloy, the general insisted that "all Japanese look alike," and, that those charged with excluding alien enemies from restricted areas "will not be able to distinguish between them." General DeWitt added that in contrast to Germans or Italians who could be individually monitored, "the Occidental eye [could not] easily distinguish one Japanese resident from another." General DeWitt confirmed the military's racial motivation for the Japanese American concentration camps in the Final Report to the War Department: "In the war we are now engaged racial affinities are not severed by migration. The Japanese race is an enemy race and while many second and third generation Japanese born on United States soil, possessed of United States citizenship, have become 'Americanized,' the racial strains are undiluted...It, therefore, follows that along the vital Pacific coast over 112,000 potential enemies, of Japanese extraction, are at large today." The Supreme Court bought the government's lie hook, line, and sinker. Writing for the majority in Korematsu, Justice Hugo Black accepted the military's representation that segregation of loyal from disloyal Japanese Americans through individualized determinations was impossible within the time required by military necessity: "The judgment that exclusion of the whole group was...a military imperative answers the contention that the exclusion was in the nature of group punishment based on antagonism to those of Japanese origin." Advertisement The government's fraud on the Supreme Court was affirmed by the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which elaborated: Internment of Civilians, a grave injustice was done to both citizens and permanent resident aliens of Japanese ancestry by the evacuation, relocation, and internment of civilians during World War II. As the Commission documents, these actions were carried out without adequate security reasons and without any acts of espionage or sabotage documented by the "The Congress recognizes that, as described by the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Commission, and were motivated largely by racial prejudice, wartime hysteria, and a failure of political leadership...For these fundamental violations of the basic civil liberties and constitutional rights of these individuals of Japanese ancestry, the Congress apologizes on behalf of the Nation..." Fred Korematsu's conviction by the Supreme Court was nullified in a coram nobis proceeding. United States District Judge Marilyn Patel, in Korematsu v. United States (April 19, 1984), found "substantial support in the record that the government deliberately omitted relevant information and provided misleading information" to the Supreme Court. The gods have their own rules. Ovid, Metamorphosis It's been a couple of really exciting weeks for President-elect Trump and a very busy time at that. Some visitors have come by just to establish rapport with the new president, others simply to offer congratulations, and others looking for work. It started when Prime Minister Shinzo-Abe of Japan stopped by to say "hi" barely a week after the election. That visit was especially welcomed by Mr. Trump since his daughter, Ivanka, an executive in the Trump hotel chain, happened to be present when the prime minister arrived. Sitting in on the meeting she could watch how her father comported himself in the company of this very important person, and served to give her a first-hand look at how he would be acting as president. Some people thought it a bit odd that his daughter, who has no security clearance, should be privy to a conversation between two world leaders. In fairness to Ivanka, however, that should not have been of concern. She did not get to be as important a part of the Trump family as she is, without learning to be discreet. The Prime Minister of Japan was, of course, not the only exciting visitor the president-elect hosted. Advertisement Three very important business men and Trump colleagues from India made a special trip at their own expense, simply because they wanted to personally congratulate Mr. Trump on his election. Although three of his children were present at the meeting, a security clearance was not needed for a meeting of this kind since the businessmen are the family's business partners rather than political types. A spokesman for the family did not say whether the family's business investments in India were discussed. A picture was posted, however, showing the businessmen and Mr. Trump standing side by side giving a thumbs up gesture that suggests the men had agreed on something that pleased all of them. Mr. Trump's pleasure at all the visitors he received was probably matched by his delight that the number of lawsuits confronting him because of his business practices was reduced by one. Although he has always maintained that he doesn't settle lawsuits, he very sensibly permitted his lawyers to settle the one involving former Trump University students who said he had defrauded them. He agreed to pay $25 million to the plaintiffs since he realized that having to testify in court would take away from the valuable time he needs to get ready to assume office. Of course it has not all been as easy as greeting sycophants, supplicants and business colleagues. Some real problems have introduced themselves to Mr. Trump. The most troubling may well be the suggestion that Mr. Trump's business interests conflict with his duties as president. He at first said that by turning over all his business interests to his children he would avoid all conflicts of interest. That was contrary to the advice he has received from assorted places, including the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal. In an editorial published November 18, 2016 the WSJ told him his best way forward was "to liquidate his stake in the company." Later in the same editorial the editors said: "There is no question that a Trump business sale would be painful and perhaps costly." And without backing off that suggestion, it nonetheless went on to observe that there was a double standard in play in making him sell his business interests. It observed that "public-interest lawyers can move in and out of government without a peep of protest. Unlike liberals, Republicans like to work in the private economy." By pointing out that liberals sup at the public trough rather than get into the hurly burly of the private economy, the paper seeks to make the fact that Mr. Trump has interests he must divest a badge of honor rather than an inconvenience. Advertisement It is unclear what Mr. Trump's intentions with respect to divestment are. As he explained in his interview at the New York Times, "The president of the United States is allowed to have whatever conflicts he or she wants but I don't want to do that." During the interview he also observed that: "In theory I could run my business perfectly and then run the country perfectly." Betty Thompson Norman died on November 20, 2016 at Moravian Manor, Lititz, PA, in the arms of her daughter, after a long affliction with Alzheimers disease. She was 90 years old. Betty was born in New Bern, NC to Dorothy and William H. Thompson, lived in Roper, NC and Lynchburg, VA with her beloved family including her late sister, Dorothy Jane Rea. She graduated from Randolph Macon College, Lynchburg, VA. She lived most of her adult life in Pennsylvania after meeting her late husband on a date in her hometown. Betty was an active member of the Episcopalian church, serving as the Planned Giving Officer for the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. She also wore numerous other hats in her lifetime from homemaker to physical therapy aid at both Chester County and Paoli Hospitals, tax preparer, seamstress selling her creations to childrens boutiques, driver/escort for the elderly, fundraiser, tour guide, and most of all a planner. Betty also enjoyed counted cross stich needlepoint, vacationing at the family cabin in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, PA and Nags Head, NC where her southern and northern family would unite each summer. She is best known for her planning and leading tours of Switzerland for many small groups. During her lifetime she traveled to Switzerland more than 50 times. Betty was known for her creativity and resourcefulness. One of her more memorable feats was her 3 week escape from assisted living to Switzerland at age 82. Betty was the widow of Rev. John R. Norman, Jr. and is survived by her son Paul Norman; daughter Joan Norman Vogel; and three grandchildren: David Norman, Alexander Norman, and Emily Vogel. She also has four nephews and three nieces. Her family and friends will be celebrating her life on December 3, 2016 at 11:00 am at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 1105 E. Lincoln Hwy, Exton, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in her memory be made to the Alzheimers Research Foundation (www.alzheimersresearchfoundation.com It's time, America. It's either a two-state divorce, or "Heil, Trump" will be coming to your neighborhood as it has already come to mine. We are in a civil war. Not very hot -- yet -- but in which tension is building daily. Neo-Nazis party in my neighborhood of Chevy Chase, unnoticed by the Leader, while he attacks the cast of Hamilton instead. Clinton keeps racking up votes, now with a 2,000,000+ vote lead, while no one is yet auditing the states that swung the Electoral College (itself a vestige of slavery). Liberals are turning in on themselves, while conservatives stand stunned, buried at the foot of the wreckage of the Republican party while the kakistocracy takes shape. All this because a few hundred thousand Rust Belt citizens, repeatedly fed misinformation and disinformation in our era of Big Data, decided to first destroy the Republican Party, which had betrayed then for forty years (fool me once...), and then take down the entire country in a fit of pique for an encore. Now they will learn what pain really feels like, as they've given unlimited power to a demagogue ("Hamilton's besetting fear was that American democracy would be spoiled by demagogues who would mouth populist shibboleths to conceal their despotism.") while emasculating themselves. Their new Karl Rove fancies himself as Darth Vader, Dick Cheney and Satan, though on a good day he elevates his narcissistic neo-Nazi self-image into Thomas Cromwell (who ended up executed by the Crown, but no matter). Advertisement Still, the fact remains that 62 million people voted for the El Caudillo del Mar-a-Lago, in spite of the fact that a significant plurality of those voters felt he was unqualified. All I hear these days from Republicans (and some Democrats) is we failed, in this perverse Marxist analysis, because we didn't empathize with the poor white working class, while we played within our diversity and let multiculturalism and intersectionality run amok. We must learn to show compassion. Not to our myriad of communities competing for the American ideal of equality, but for a swath of the country - the heartland and Confederacy, along with the Rust Belt - that just ended the American experiment its white race had run for the entirety of 240 years, as if it were simply a season of Survivor. Sorry, but no. I'm all out of empathy and compassion. Feel free to hate me all you want because I'm an elitist who shows disdain for you. Enjoy waiting for the factories and mills to return as you fling your resentment at the bicoastal elites who've created the government programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (sorry about that) upon which you depend. You've been fighting a culture war and a religious war, and while you won this battle, you will most assuredly lose the war. But just as I have no empathy or compassion left, I also have no room for hate in my heart. Vengeance is toxic. So, in the interest of giving most Americans what they what, I again offer what I've previously called the 36th Parallel, or Two-State Solution. An amicable disunion so the white enthno-nationalist supremacists can have their own land, their own "safe space," (as much as they revile that phrase), and diverse America can be free in its own country. Advertisement There's plenty of precedence for this plan -- the former Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia, which gently dissolved their bonds of empire and union. Soon the same will probably happen to the UK. At times it's gotten ugly, as it did in Yugoslavia, but there is plenty of centrifugal momentum to provide more than adequate justification for us to give it a go. To ignore the alternative is to condemn us to civil war. I've heard that the idea is just absurd. It's a taboo; after all, preserving the Union is what drove Lincoln to go to war in the first place, and the thought that the exceptional United States would ever break up is inconceivable. But Trump was as inconceivable three weeks ago. A fascist takeover by an admitted sexual predator of adolescents and fraudulent businessman was inconceivable. Today few believe a Brexited UK will remain intact; it didn't take too long to imagine Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland taking flight to join the EU as independent states. London may secede as well, its population greater than Scotland and Wales combined. Their economies depend on it. So we can do the same. Already there is a growing movement for a #CalExit, and New York has also announced its refusal to play nice with Washington beginning next year. We don't need to secede from the start; even I can't imagine Democrats having the guts to do it. But we can set up regional compacts in the northeast and Midwest to develop the governmental relationships that will lead to the future United States. Resistance to Homeland Security's deportation raids and Muslim registries will build regional will to continue on the path to independence. We already have regional agreements with Canada to control acid rain and greenhouse gases; with the upcoming gutting of the EPA we can take those as a model for the future dissolution. Cities and states can refuse federal funding (not that it will be offered for much longer anyway), and we've long known that the Confederacy survives only with subsidies from the blue states. I know secession is unconstitutional, but that didn't stop Jefferson Davis. What is Trump going to do to the 6th largest economy on the planet? Invade? Resistance (#Resist) is not futile. It is the essence of the American experiment, dissent on behalf of efforts to create a more perfect union. It's just that the effort required to create that union is simply too difficult with 120 million apathetic non-voting citizens and 60 million who've been trying to kill the federal government for the past forty years and have now finally succeeded. We don't need to play that game. We don't need to maintain efforts at political persuasion in an anti-political world where fascism is ascendant. President Clinton said we needed to vote for Hillary because our children and grandchildren would thank us. It wasn't enough. Now we have to separate and end this marriage which was arranged and forced from the beginning, and has never, except when the outside world intruded and threatened destruction, shown any real cohesion. Let's call an end to the 50 state experiment so we can salvage the ideals upon which the original constitutional republic was based. Separation will let us do a better job at it. A roughly 50-50 state split will do it, or we can start by cutting the Confederacy loose. Advertisement We can continue to flounder around in a miasma of pain and incomprehensibility, or we can work towards reclaiming the Declaration and Constitution from the fascists. A friend recently mentioned that the South won the Civil War, and we're only now recognizing that fact. Photo: FAO Experts use many numbers when talking about climate change. However, rising temparatures, the resulting crop failure, and the consequent loss of livelihoods and destitution of millions of households are this year's most important and urgent developments for millions of smallholder farmers across the vastness of the African agro-ecological landscapes. To illustrate the unfolding crisis, let us consider the case of Malawi, one of the few countries to have achieved a fair deal of agricultural success but is now facing the worst drought in over three decades. As is the case with many countries in southern Africa, Malawi has experienced widespread crop failures due to a devastatingly strong El Nino. The country witnessed late on-set of rains, erratic rainfall, floods and prolonged dry spells this year. As a result, the production of maize - the country's main staple crop - is estimated at just over 2.5 million tonnes in 2016. This is 16 percent lower than the reduced harvest in 2015 and 34 percent below the previous fiveyear average and has left 39 percent of the population dependant on national and international food aid to survive - a 129 percent increase over last year's vulnerable population. In the hardest hit areas, harvest reduced by 70 percent while farmers in some areas simply couldn't plant as the rains never came. Advertisement Dealing with this challenge in the future will require both efforts to reduce climate change and, most importantly, strategies to enable farmers to adapt to its effects. All eyes are now on the outcomes of the meeting that took place in Marrakesh of the world's climate change experts and policy makers, aimed at setting the world on track to reducing greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Last year, the same experts met in Paris and reached a welcome agreement that seeks to limit the rise in global temperatures above pre-industrial levels by 2. However, the emissions of greenhouse gases are not yet falling and the effects of climate change are worsening. Much more still needs to be done to address this challenge proactively. Nowhere else is the imperative to act more urgent than in Africa, where 70 percent of the population is dependent on rain-fed, smallholder agriculture. As the case of Malawi demonstrates, rising temperatures in Africa often signal drought and other extreme weather events that put the lives and livelihoods of smallholder farmers at greater risk, increasing their vulnerability to famine and diseases. This reality is here with us today, and far beyond Malawi and southern Africa, with large swathes of the continent currently under the grip of a historical drought. For this reason, those of us from the African continent hope that such a backdrop gave the first post-Paris meeting a greater sense of urgency. Inaction will be catastrophic. Although Africa emits less than 3 percent of the climate change inducing greenhouse gases, it will suffer its effects disproportinately. Mean temperatures will rise faster than the global average, exceed 2C and may reach as high as 3C to 6C by 2100. For every year our global leaders fail to make progress against their commitments, it is Africa's families that will pay the greatest price. This is not to leave everything in the hands of global leaders, as the prosperity of Africa and its farmers will also depend on how well farmers, especially smallholders, are able to adapt to the changing climate. This is much more within our control. Indeed, the work of AGRA and our partners has shown that African farmers are not powerless in the face of climate change. There are many ways in which they can survive and even thrive despite the dramatic shifts in growing conditions they are likely to endure. Advertisement For instance, farmers in some parts of Malawi, who are planting more drought-tolerant crops--cassava, sweet potato and pigeon pea--and using better agricultural practices are not only surviving the drought, they are expecting to generate a good income on this year's harvest. The insurance and finance sectors have also stepped up to the plate by designing innovative products that are minimizing the effects of climate shocks to farmers. Still in Malawi, tens of thousands of farmers in the worst hit areas south of the country will now have access to credit from a microfinance institution that has protected these loans with a yield insurance that covers the crops against the impact of floods and drought. Overall, to achieve food security under climate change, the resilience of communities and individual farmers needs to be strengthened through pro-active and longer-term adaptation actions. Although a lot more is yet to be accomplished, the continent has invested in the development and adoption of many new agriculture innovations and technologies which should be scaled up. THE PAINTED KEY: AN ARTIST'S TRAVELOGUE OF KEY WEST By Elizabeth Sobieski Flamingo 1832, 2016, Acrylic on Canvas, by J. Steven Manolis 48" X 72" (two panels) In a stunning new book, the artist J. Steven Manolis explains, "I have daily, early morning contemplative moments during which I envision art images and art books that I have read, and conclude that perhaps the entirety of my life has been about reading, studying, analyzing and admiring art books." Manolis' own KEY WEST: CHANGING COLORS is a striking hybrid of a volume, a combination of a travelogue and an art book highlighting the most recent paintings from the Miami-based Abstract Impressionist. The 117 lavishly illustrated pages also include essays by Key West hand, Mark Hedden, a writer, photographer and ornithologist, and Bruce Helander, an artist, curator, and academic who writes about art. The essays place Manolis' Key West paintings in perspective, portraying the island, the southernmost point of the United States, as a storied artists' colony and a centuries old source of inspiration for such legendary figures as John James Audubon, who depicted the abundant tropical wildlife, and Winslow Homer, whose mesmerizing harbor scenes are considered some of the greatest watercolors ever painted. The reader learns about various artists including surrealist painter Henry Faulkner, who in the 1950's, was known to wander through Key West's streets chatting with his pet goat Alice. (And yes, of course, the essays delve into Hemingway territory as well!) Advertisement Custom House and Harbor, Key West, circa 1897-1924 Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Yale University Published by the Detroit Photographic Company Like Winslow Homer, Manolis, a seasoned and passionate traveler, frequently favors the watercolor medium; handmade paper and acquarelle paints are particularly portable. The finished works, which vary in size, also employ gouache and acrylic media. Some of Manolis' other vibrant paintings are large acrylics, which were created in his Little Haiti, Miami studio incorporating a myriad of Key West studies. It seems that Abstract Expressionism, a movement generally associated with New York in the 1940's and 50's, is having a moment again now. The encyclopedic exhibit: 'Abstract Expressionism' at The Royal Academy of Arts (through January 2, 2017) has been the highlight of London's autumn art season, the first 'AB EX' museum survey in over fifty years. Along with the numerous Pollocks, de Koonings and Rothkos, there are a couple major works by the pivotal artist and teacher Hans Hoffman, and paintings by several of Hoffman's notable students, including Lee Krasner and Joan Mitchell. Jellyfish, 2008.0, by J. Steven Manolis Gouache and watercolor on paper, 60 X 44 in. A direct link exists between Hoffman (1880-1966), one of Abstract Expressionism's founders and champions, and J. Steven Manolis. Among Hoffman's outstanding students from the 40's, along with such other luminaries as Krasner, Mitchell, Larry Rivers, Allan Kaprow, Robert DeNiro Sr, Alfred Jensen and Helen Frankenthaler, is Wolf Kahn. Kahn, the esteemed 89-year-old German-born American colorist, has been Manolis' teacher and friend for over thirty years. Manolis' work is therefore indebted to Hans Hoffman: Hoffman taught Kahn who taught Manolis. Advertisement In his introduction to KEY WEST: CHANGING COLORS, Mark Hedden writes of his beloved Key West base, "It's an isolated, glittering, two-by-four mile fractal Rorschach test of an island out in the middle of the ocean. It does something to artists-" J. Steven Manolis' compositions seem to capture exactly this rare Rorschach test that is Key West. The paintings depicted in the book communicate the motion of the ocean tides, the vivid sunsets, and the seemingly pure emotions inspired by Audubon's pink and orange flamingo colors. Titles appear almost as important to Manolis as interpretation, and the Key West series presented in this book conveys titles related to nautical themes and the flora and fauna of the Florida Keys. His brilliantly colored paintings carry crystal nomenclature, titles including such evocative words as "Splash" and "Sunset" and "Flamingo". American Flamingo by John J. Audubon, circa 1861, chromolithograph 39.8 X 27 in., Brooklyn Museum of Art Flamingo 1832, 2016, by J. Steven Manolis Acrylic on Canvas, 36 X 72 in. (two panels) And Manolis has learned from Wolf Kahn's dictum: "Keep painting on that surface until you feel that even one more drop of paint applied anywhere would ruin the painting." The dust jacketed hardback book is extraordinarily beautiful, a feast of pulsating color, published in Belgium, with a custom slipcase and foldout spreads of Manolis' work. Dan Ellis is the book designer, the photography is by Alexandre Vignoli, and Susan Hall edited. Bruce Helander explains how J. Steven Manolis spent last winter absorbed in attempts to capture the elusive color and light of Key West. Helander writes in his essay, 'The End of the Road' (the island is now readily reachable by train or car, but truly is the end of America's southern roads), "I cannot recall a more perfect pairing of talent, skill and paint application to a more appropriate subject, and the results really are quite breathtaking." Advertisement Artist J. Steven Manolis in his paining studio, surrounded by his "Red World" Series. On Friday, December 2, Manolis will be signing his unique travelogue/art book from 7:30 - 9 pm at Book & Books, 265 Aragon Ave Coral Gables, Fl. (305-442-4408) In conjunction with a one-month solo exhibition of selected watercolors from KEY WEST: CHANGING COLORS. J. Steven Manolis will be awarded Books & Books first annual "Art Basel Miami 2016 Artist of the Year Award." There will be remarks (live streaming) from Stephanie Fernandez (Books & Books), Bruce Helander (art critic and book curator), and J. Steven Manolis (artist and author). Partial Image of KEY WEST: CHANGING COLORS dust jacket. Other events taking place over Art Basel week in Miami featuring Manolis' work include: Thursday, December 1, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM MAXALTO 4141 NE 2nd Street, Miami, Fl 33137 (Featuring a dozen large artworks by Manolis) Saturday, December 3, 7:30-10:30 PM Manolis Projects 335 NE 59th Street, Miami, Fl. 33137 (This is a group show with both Bruce Helander and noted arts' writer Anthony Haden-Guest speaking) J. Steven Manolis Solo Artist Exhibit (December 3-February 28) The Coral Springs Museum of Art 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs, Fl, 33065 (Opening reception: Thursday, December 8, 6:00PM-8: 30 PM) I've never been a fan of Black Friday. My preferred post-Thanksgiving activity is lounging on a couch with a movie and leftovers. I definitely don't want to be anywhere near a stuffy, airless shopping mall crammed with crowds. But, Small Business Saturday is a different story. I love strolling our streets, popping in and out of cute little boutiques, stopping to chat with friends and neighbors along the way. Denver is blessed with more than our share of fantastic neighborhood shopping districts. Whether you're looking for gifts or perhaps just picking up a little something sparkly for an upcoming holiday event, here's where you should be hanging out this Small Business Saturday... Cherry Creek North The shopping mall may be packed with big-box retailers, but the walkable shopping district just north of it is heavily peppered with independent local businesses. You can check out a list of the Cherry Creek North shops participating in Small Business Saturday here. Where to Shop: The Artisan Center, 2757 E. 3rd Avenue With creations by local and national artists, this is one of the best Denver shops for finding unexpected gifts. Advertisement Inspyre Boutique, 171 Detroit Street (See also Tennyson Street, and Littleton and Lone Tree locations.) Inspyre has an extensive collection of women's clothes, accessories and fashion jewelry with nothing priced over $100. Lolo Exotic Home Goods & Jewelry, 3003 E. Third Avenue I was so excited to discover this little shop this year. They have a huge selection of Turkish towels -- one of my favorite gifts to give -- as well as bath products and home accessories. Show of Hands, 210 Clayton Street You're sure to find a unique handmade gift at this locally owned gallery that carries affordable art by Colorado and national artists. Spinster Sisters, 2628 E. 3rd Avenue (Also check out their RiNo location.) The Golden-based company sells all-natural bath and body products. This Cherry Creek location just opened a couple of weeks ago. Where to Eat: Fuel up with a pre-shopping breakfast at Syrup (300 Josephine Street) or post-shopping lunch at Cucina Colore (3041 E. 3rd Avenue). Advertisement Highlands Square Nestled into Northwest Denver, Highlands Square boasts a walkable mile of boutique shops and local restaurants. Where to Shop: 32nd West, 3631 W. 32nd Avenue This outdoor living shop carries an assortment of clothing and gear for men, women and kids. The Perfect Petal, 3600 W. 32nd Avenue So much more than just a florist, The Perfect Petal is a great place to pick up a little gift, including candles, bath products and home accessories. Melrose and Madison, 3420 W. 32nd Avenue (See the S. Pearl location, too.) This women's clothing boutique rivals any of the department stores in style and selection. Ruby Jane, 3616 W. 32nd Avenue One of my favorite local clothing boutiques! Vert Beauty, 3442 W. 32nd Avenue This beauty boutique is packed with all-natural bath and beauty products, including Colorado-made product lines. Where to Eat: Grab a quick gourmet sandwich at Frank Bonanno's Salt & Grinder (3609 W. 32nd Avenue), pop into El Camino (3628 W. 32nd Avenue) for a Mexican dish, or stop by Sera's Ramen Enclave (3472 W. 32nd Avenue) for a twist on traditional ramen. Platt Park If you only come to South Pearl Street for Sushi Den, then you're missing out on so many great little shops (and other restaurants, too). Advertisement Where to Shop: 5 Green Boxes, 1596 S. Pearl Street and 1573 S. Pearl Streetb With two shops packed with fun gifts and home accessories, you could get lost in here for hours. I sure have. Melrose and Madison, 1500 S. Pearl Street (See also Highlands.) Paige on Pearl, 1509 S. Pearl Street, Denver A sliver of a store, but well packed with stylish women's clothes and accessories. Where to Eat: Grab a quick gourmet burger at Park Burger (1890 S. Pearl Street) or enjoy the more extensive menu at Hanson's Grill and Tavern (1301 S. Pearl Street). RiNo Trendy RiNo is more than just art galleries, cool bars, and industrial lofts. There's also a number of little boutiques many with a focus on promoting locally made products. Where to Shop: MegaFauna, 3102 Blake Street Locally made t-shirts and other cool stuff for your favorite hipster. Advertisement Shea, 2605 Larimer Street A men's and women's clothing boutique with high-end stylish basics. Spinster Sisters, 3070 Blake Street (See also Cherry Creek.) Winter Session, 2952 Welton Street (Five Points) Not actually in RiNo, but so close and definitely worth a drop-in. These locally made, handcrafted bags are so beautiful, you might just end up keeping whatever you buy for yourself. Where to Eat: Grab some sushi as it rolls by at Sushi Rama (2615 Larimer Street) or check out The Denver Central Market's (2669 Larimer Street) buzzed-about foodie scene. South Broadway In the past five years or so, South Broadway has exploded with trendy shops and a booming restaurant scene. Where to Shop: Decade, 56 S. Broadway Long before South Broadway was a hip destination, Decade was a draw for shoppers looking for fun little trinkets, unusual gifts and irreverent greeting cards. Hazel & Dewey, 70 S. Broadway Billing itself as a "modern mercantile," this carefully curated home and kitchen shop will charm you with its well-crafted tableware, gourmet pantry items, and other home accessories. Advertisement Meininger, 499 Broadway It's a little further north, but Meininger is such a worthwhile stop...the vast selection of art supplies could inspire the most creatively blocked. And, art supplies make perfect stocking stuffers! True Love, 42 S. Broadway Trendy shoes and accessories with nothing over $50. Where to Eat: Drop into Karma Asian (22 S. Broadway) for fantastic curries and noodle dishes, or Euro Crepes (1842 S. Broadway) for sweet or savory crepes. Tennyson Street Tennyson Street brings back their Small Business Passport Crawl again this year. Tennyson is my neighborhood shopping district, which makes it so hard to choose favorites. But here are a few can't-miss spots... Where to Shop: BookBar, 4280 Tennyson Street It's a bookstore and it's a wine bar. And, all of their children's books are 20% off through December 24. Feral Mountain Company, 4320 Tennyson Street Serious outdoor gear for serious outdoor types. But, you can also pick up practical accessories like sunglasses and Smartwool socks. Jolly Goods, 4020 Tennyson Street Filled with vintage and artisan-made wares, including a ton of locally made items. One of my favorite stops for gifts! Advertisement Inspyre Boutique, 4170 Tennyson Street (See also Cherry Creek.) Lady Jones, 4016 Tennyson Street The latest addition to Tennyson Street, this women's clothing boutique carries chic, upscale staples inspired by European classics. Ooh! Ahh! Jewelry, 4216 Tennyson Street A one-stop shop for women's accessories, one-of-a-kind jewelry, scarves and purses. I've yet to walk out of here empty-handed. Real Baby, 4315 Tennyson Street The best place to pick up baby gifts. Plus a small but lovely selection of toys for younger kids. Where to Eat: Mas Kaos (4526 Tennyson Street) is one of our favorite spots for groups, and carries many gluten-free, dairy-free and meat-free options, and Justin Cucci's Vital Root (3915 Tennyson Street) has a vegetarian menu that even non-vegetarians love. Hops and Pie (3920 Tennyson Street) offers unexpected gourmet pizza combos and a rotating house-made soup of the day that never disappoints. From historic convictions to impunity for gang rapes, 2016 has been a year of highs and lows when it comes to efforts to stem violence against women. November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It's a day to reflect on the pain and resilience of survivors. And it's a day to take stock of progress and failings in combatting this pervasive human rights abuse. In March, the International Criminal Court (ICC) reached its first conviction for sexual violence. It found a former Democratic Republic of Congo vice president, Jean-Pierre Bemba, guilty of rape, murder, and pillage in neighboring Central African Republic. Bemba was found guilty under the concept of "command responsibility," in which civilian and military superiors can be held criminally liable for crimes committed by troops under their control. Advertisement In Senegal, a court convicted Hissene Habre, the former president of Chad, of personally committing rape as an international crime. In May, decades after his victims started fighting for his prosecution, Habre was convicted of torture, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, and sentenced to life in prison. But despite these victories, impunity for violence against women remains a massive problem. Around the world, Human Rights Watch documented horrific violent attacks on women, with the attackers facing no punishment. In Nigeria, government officials and other authorities raped and sexually exploited women and girls displaced by the conflict with the armed group Boko Haram. In Jordan, there was a spike in so-called "honor killings," murders of women or girls by relatives for acts supposedly impinging family "honor." In South Sudan, Central African Republic, and Burundi, armed combatants gang raped women and girls. In Nepal, child marriage, as well as rape and physical abuse of child brides, is common. And in some countries, reports this year revealed sexual violence that has continued for years. In the United States, military service members have faced not only sexual assault, but also retaliation if they reported the abuse. In Burma, the military has committed rape and other sexual violence relating to the country's decades-long civil wars. Women raped in Kenya's 2007-2008 post-election violence have been unable to obtain reparations or justice. The list of horror goes on. Advertisement The past year also saw contrasts in how governments address violence against women in legislation. Some countries, like Haiti, have no laws specifically criminalizing domestic violence. Others, like Morocco, are still discussing a draft domestic violence law. But some countries have strengthened legal protections. China, for example, started implementing its December 2015 domestic violence law, and Brazil set tougher penalties for "femicide," or gender-motivated killings of women and girls. United Nations agencies and bodies also produced contrasts over the past year. The World Health Organization's governing body adopted a new global plan of action on health system response to violence. At the same time, UN peacekeepers were accused of rape and sexual exploitation in Central African Republic and other countries. A scathing independent report cited UN failures in handling peacekeeper abuse. Then, there are the contrasts in elected officials, and what this means for violence against women. There are contrasts across the globe, but you could hardly see a starker contrast than in North America. In Canada, the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a proud feminist, lifted a prohibition on the use of foreign aid for abortion services, clearing a path for rape victims and others to receive comprehensive reproductive health services. Canada also began a national inquiry this year into violence against indigenous women and girls. At the same time, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has publicly bragged about sexual assault and dismissed this as "locker room talk," has been accused by more than a dozen women of groping or sexual assault, and has expressed his intention to restrict access to legal abortion and reproductive health services, which would pose grave risks for all women. Plenty of people around the world are fed up with violence against women, fed up with the lack of accountability for abusers, and fed up with politicians and others who normalize abuse or fail to combat it. They're taking brave actions to keep shelters open, push for better protections, help survivors heal, and help bring abusers to justice. Advertisement Many are taking to the streets. In Argentina, for example, thousands of people wearing black clothes braved torrential rain in Buenos Aires in October to protest the rape and killing of a 16-year-old girl. I hope next November 25 will be a day to celebrate more victories, and fewer failures, in the fight against violence against women. Image above: Women take part in a protest in Sao Paulo, Brazil -- where protesters held a one-hour "women's strike" -- on October 19, 2016, to protest against violence against women and in solidarity for the brutal killing of a 16-year-old girl in Mar del Plata The killing, in which the high school student was allegedly raped and impaled on a spike by drug dealers, is just the latest incident of horrific gender violence in Argentina, to protest brutality against women. (Photo by Cris Faga/NurPhoto via Getty Images) This is a statement on the Trump's election. It is from Revom.us. I've been getting it out and encourage you to do the same, because it really is a scientific distillation of what happened with the elections. In the Name of Humanity, We REFUSE To Accept a Fascist America Rise Up... Get Into The Streets... Unite With People Everywhere to Build Up Resistance in Every Way You Can Don't Stop: Don't Conciliate... Don't Accommodate...Don't Collaborate Donald Trump has now won the presidency. Under the slogan "Make America Great Again," he has viciously attacked Mexicans and Muslims, threatened to deport millions and boasted that he will build walls and close borders. He incites people to fear and hate those who are "different," or who come from other countries or nationalities, or practice different religions. He crudely demeans and degrades women, and openly boasts about molesting them. He's a champion of white supremacy who has insulted and threatened Black people, and whipped up a racist lynch-mob mentality. Trump has mocked the disabled. He is an aggressive and unapologetic militarist, who threatens to use nuclear weapons and will have his fingers on the nuclear codes. He openly advocates war crimes and crimes against humanity--including torture and killing the families of people accused of terrorism. He plans to pack the Supreme Court with justices who will gut and reverse the right to abortion, gay rights, and other important legal rights. He calls climate change a hoax and his policies will wreak further devastation on the environment. He has attacked and threatened the press and stirred up his supporters to do the same. Trump has utter contempt for facts and the truth, and consistently lies to advance his agenda. As for the rule of law, Trump went so far as to openly threaten his opponent, Hillary Clinton, not only with jail, but even assassination. Donald Trump is an outright fascist. And he is now the president-elect. Advertisement Fascism is a very serious thing. Fascism foments and relies on xenophobic nationalism, racism, and the aggressive reinstitution of oppressive "traditional values." Fascism feeds on and encourages the threat and use of violence to build a movement and come to power. Fascism, once in power, essentially eliminates traditional democratic rights. Fascism attacks, jails, and executes its opponents, and launches violent mob attacks on "minorities." In Nazi Germany in the 1930s and '40s, under Hitler, fascism did all these things. They imprisoned millions in concentration camps and exterminated millions of Jews, Roma people (Gypsies), and other "undesirables." And Hitler did almost all of this through the established institutions and the "rule of law." This is where this goes. And yes, Hitler himself could "talk graciously" when he felt it would serve his interests and lull his opponents. Trump did not even win the popular vote, (even though he did win the "electoral college" which decides elections in the U.S.). Hitler himself came to power through democratic procedures, including through the process of elections. Should people have accepted Hitler?! Unfortunately, they did, at a horrific cost to humanity. Today, with nuclear weapons, that cost could be far higher. Advertisement In the name of humanity, we must refuse to accept a fascist America! The fact that Trump won as many votes as he did must be understood. The fact that he got more than even 10 percent of the vote is disgraceful and reveals some very ugly things about America. So why did this happen? The world today is turbulent, full of changes. Those who supported Trump's fascist program were overwhelmingly sections of white people, especially but not only white men, who yearn for the days of open white supremacy and American global domination, and the blatant subjugation of women. A significant minority of white people did oppose him, but we have to confront how deep the racism, the national chauvinism, and the hatred of women is woven into this society... and not give in to this, but vigorously challenge and fiercely oppose it. But even more than this, Trump was backed by powerful forces in this society. Beyond those who directly supported him, the media, the Democratic Party, and others treated him as a legitimate candidate, refused to call him out as the fascist he is, and now call on everyone to accept his ascension to power. All the major powerful forces in this society bear the responsibility--it is they who have, over decades, either built up this fascist force or have "enabled" it. You cannot try to "wait things out" with fascists. Those who lived through Hitler's Germany and sat on the sidelines, looking on as Hitler rounded up one group after another, became shameful collaborators with monstrous crimes against humanity. Trump and his regime must be resisted and defied, beginning now, in many different ways and in every corner of society. German draft of a letter to Robert S. Marcus - Albert Einstein In 1950, Albert Einstein wrote to console Robert S. Marcus - then Political Director of the World Jewish Congress - who had recently lost a son to polio: Dear Mr. Marcus, A human being is a part of the whole, called by us "Universe", a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest -- a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. The striving to free oneself from this delusion is the one issue of true religion. Not to nourish the delusion but to try to overcome it is the way to reach the attainable measure of peace of mind. With my best wishes, sincerely yours, Albert Einstein Can that really be said of Judaism - that its 'one issue' is a 'striving to free oneself' from an 'optical delusion of one's consciousness,' which is the experience of being 'something separated from the rest?' Advertisement Are we not "a people who dwell apart, not reckoned among the nations"? (Numbers 23:9) Isn't our story of exodus and redemption rooted in our being "distinguished" or "exceptional" in Egypt, according to the Haggadah? Isn't there specific alarm throughout the Jewish world this week as wildfires, stoked by arson, ravage Israel - and isn't the same true, metaphorically, just about always? Or take the example of the Torah's stories this week. When Abraham insists on purchasing a burial cave from the Hittites in Hebron, following the death of his wife, Sarah, rather than accepting the parcel of land as a gift, is that not resistance to entanglement with others? Is the same not true of Abraham's adjuring his servant, "I demand you swear by the Eternal One, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I dwell, but will go to the land of my birth and get a wife for my son Isaac." (Genesis 24:3) Could there be a tradition more obsessed with being 'separated from the rest?' But consider what it is that identifies Rebekah, in the Torah this week, as the partner destined for Abraham's son, Isaac: "The servant hurried to meet her and said, 'Please give me a little water from your jar.' She said, 'Drink, my lord,' and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. After she had given him to drink, she said, 'I shall draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.' So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels." (Genesis 24:17-19) Advertisement The story taking place far from Abraham's own camp - also distinguished, per last week's reading, by its kindness to wayfarers - it seems we are meant to understand that Rebekah is naturally possessed of a giving spirit that matches the ethos and the tradition of Abraham. In his chapters on gifts to those in need, Maimonides (1135-1204) not only sets forth famous gradations, ranging from staking a compatriot in need to a share in a joint business venture - "the greatest level, above which there is no greater" - all the way down to simple handouts given when implored. Maimonides also delineates what we might call circles of priority, from one's own parents and family, if they are in need, on outward. One may criticize medieval Maimonides for falling notably short of biblical Rebekah and her generosity to a stranger, inasmuch as what Maimonides actually deems "the greatest level, above which there is no greater" is "to support a fellow Jew by endowing him with a gift or loan, or entering into a partnership with him, or finding employment for him, in order to strengthen his hand until he need no longer be dependent upon others." Ze'ev Maghen vehemently and at length, in his John Lennon and the Jews: A Philosophical Rampage, insists that actual love, true love, is inherently particular, and, by its nature, is felt only for someone close whom, a priori, one can call one's own. (One thinks of "my sister my bride" throughout the Song of Songs, e.g. 4:9, 4:12) Generalized love of an "imagine there's no countries"-sort, Maghen argues, tends dangerously and frequently to accompany and reflect shortcoming on the interpersonal level; think Mohandas K. Gandhi - or Albert Einstein, for that matter. If, within our families and tribes and peoples and nations, we practice real love, then, Maghen argues, and only then, the world will be full of true love, and we'll all make out alright. So Maghen rushes to the defense of Maimonides - somewhat stumbling over Rebekah, not to mention divine admonishments to love the stranger, I would say. But if love of the affinate-infatuation-sort isn't all you need, what more is there? Ever since reading it, I am haunted by the account in the Zohar (the 13th century seminal text of Jewish mysticism) of the last conscious thought of the individual soul in its journey through death. According to the Zohar, on the verge of the obliterating subsumption back into the One - the creature helpless to hang onto itself and its particular objectives, in the face of the Creator - in the last moment of the "delusion," as Einstein would put it, of separateness and duality - comes the realization: all of this has been an act of service. How good, how worthy - or how not - will be the service one has rendered, when it comes, as we all must come, to that moment? What will one have done for this world of the Eternal One? In 1960 the three Mirabal sisters, political activists in the Dominican Republic, were brutally murdered. Since 1981 activists have marked that day, 25th November, as a day for speaking out against violence against women and girls (VAWG). This year the date will mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV), aiming to raise awareness - amongst men, women, boys and girls of all ages and abilities - and mobilise communities everywhere to bring about transformative change. The theme for this year is "From peace in the Home to Peace in the World - Make education safe for all" . The theme echoes the saying of Omar ibn Al Khattab "acquire knowledge and learn tranquillity and dignity" ; access to safe and quality education for all is essential if we are to promote the dignity and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. Today, 66 million girls are missing out on education and a high proportion of them are disabled at a time when education has the power to transform their lives, the lives of people around them and the communities i which they live. The first command given to the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) and his followers from God was "Iqra" which means read. It implies the concept of learning, exploring and seeking enlightenment, which is demonstrated in Islamic history. Women were at the forefront of advancing various fields of learning including Islam, science, and established charitable, educational and religious institutions: Zubayda bint Ja'far al Mansur pioneered in the ambitious project of the construction of wells and service stations along the pilgrimage route from Baghdad to Mecca; Sutayta Al-Mahamali was a famous mathematician; Dhayta Khatun excelled in management and statesmanship; Fatima el Fehri founded the Qarawiyin mosque in Fez Morocco - the first university in the world; and the engineer Mariam Al Ijiliya made astrolabes in Aleppo. The prominence of such educated women in the history of Islam ignites my passion to use my privilege and power to promote the education of all girls and to do my part to break the barriers they face in accessing quality education. Advertisement Education is a human right for all children - for boys and girls of all ages and abilities. It is recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and is a principle agreed by many governments. Education is key to social development but unfortunately a number of challenges, cultural norms and practices have resulted in the low access to education for millions of children, particularly girls and young women. One of these barriers is the presence of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in and around school. Girls with disabilities are disproportionately more likely to experience violence while entrenched assumptions about girls and women roles in the household influence perceptions, devaluing girl's education. For too many girls, pregnancy caused by early marriage means the end of their education alongside other life changes over which they have no control. We cannot ignore the reality - lack of interventions supporting girls in education will perpetuate gender inequality. Access to education is not enough. To ensure girls of all abilities receive the empowering and transformational experience that education can offer, teachers need to be trained, supported and motivated, alongside building a culture in school that condemns GBV. Advertisement GBV is not inevitable, and prevention is possible. Prevention is essential. The Sustainable Development Goals include specific targets on Gender Equality to end GBV as a human rights violation, violations that continue to be a global pandemic . Tackling GBV sits alongside the fourth Sustainable Development Goal which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all boys and girls, of all abilities. These SDGs offer huge promise, but must be adequately funded if we are to bring real change to the lives of women and girls. This global initiative provides us with an opportunity to advance innovation with the clear aim of increasing access to education for girls, and enabling us to retain them in the classroom. Here's the Outspeak roundup of the top five news stories you can use to impress your colleagues (with Steven Seagal facts) at happy hour. 1. Vladimir Putin gives Steven Seagal a Russian passport to help Russian-American relations. This is how international relations are solved, with 1980s action stars. More here. 2. Dylann Roof has been deemed competent to stand trial for hate crimes relating to the June 2015 massacre at a historic black church in Charleston, SC. Finally, a white shooter who has to answer for their crimes. More here. Advertisement 3. Donald Trump is scamming us all with $149 tiny hats. At least he's not coming at us with his tiny hands. More here. 4. Canada's Trump, AKA Conservative MP Kellie Leitch threatens to end CBC citing it as a waste of taxpayers money. Sadly for the CBC, they had to report on the possibility of their own demise. More here. As we sit down to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner we might wish to ponder a bitter irony. On this day of feasting to commemorate harmony with Native Americans, those very people are struggling to protect what little land they still possess. Since last spring a group of Lakota Sioux and their supporters have protested construction of an oil pipeline through sacred territory near the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota. Environmentalists have added their voice to those of indigenous people, warning of ecological disaster should the pipeline, which will pass under Lake Oahe and the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, leak. What makes this affair even more distressing is the response it has elicited from authorities, especially when one contrasts that response with how law enforcement handled another high profile incident. On January 2, 2016, a group of militants seized a building at a wildlife refuge in Oregon in retaliation for the conviction of two ranchers on arson charges and in protest of government land policy. The men came heavily armed prepared for a violent confrontation. Instead of removing them, local and federal law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area and allowed the situation to deescalate over two months. The Standing Rock protesters have been met with a much more forceful response. In September security guards working for the pipeline construction company unleashed attack dogs and pepper spray against them. Armored personnel carriers were deployed to clear a camp, and police have fired tear case and rubber bullets. Allegations of stun grenades being use have been made but not substantiated. On November 20, police employed water cannon to soak protestors in below-freezing weather, exposing them to the risk of hypothermia. Amnesty International has stated that it is "deeply concerned about how police in North Dakota have treated Indigenous community members and their allies opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline." Advertisement At the United Nations climate talks last week, we heard a loud and clear message from science: global warming is moving at an alarming rate, faster than predicted. The scenarios are very worrisome, with the melting of glaciers, more frequent super storms and other extreme climate events. These have been responsible for huge waves of human migration to cities with low capacity to absorb them, resulting in conflicts, civil war and even the collapse of societies as a whole as we have seen in Syria. The commitments made by countries in the Paris Agreement, if fully implemented, can reduce current trends by half. However, this is not enough. We need to multiply those commitments by two. This requires new approaches and innovative thinking now. Brazil could position itself as a leader in the development of a low carbon economy. Reducing deforestation is the key to meeting the massive short-term emission reductions that science is demanding. It can be reduced rapidly, as the case of the Brazilian Amazon well illustrates. Deforestation went from 27,000 square kilometres to 6,000 square kilometres in the 2005-2015 period, resulting in emission reductions of 5.6 billion tons of CO2 -- more than the European Trade Scheme has achieved. Advertisement The problem is that reducing deforestation costs money - it is not a matter of simply enforcing the law. Moving from an era of agricultural expansion as means for economic development, to one where forests are worth more standing than cut down is extremely costly. Tens of billions of dollars are pumped into cattle rearing and agriculture every year. Yet, for the forest's part, extremely poor populations need to improve their livelihoods, especially in terms of education and health. We need to place a value on the ecosystem services provided by forests, including their ability to capture and store the carbon that is warming our planet. Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation, plus forest conservation and the enhancement of carbon stocks, is referred to in the UN system as REDD+. REDD+ projects prevent deforestation from happening where the trend of land clearing for agriculture is apparent. Investing in protecting forests has been proven to be much more advantageous for the planet and for people than other approaches. For example, REDD+ projects help maintain rainfall regimes, conserve biological diversity and generate income opportunities for local populations, improving their access to healthcare and education resources. REDD+ thus is a driver of sustainable development in forested areas. Advertisement We work with thousands of indigenous people whose lives have been transformed since they have been trained to conserve the forest and earn money from sustainable farming. In addition, these emission reductions can happen much faster and at lower costs than any other alternative. The challenge is how to unlock private finance for REDD+ activities. The largest operational fund for REDD+ is the Amazon Fund (US$1.8 billion), financed mostly by Norway, with additional support from Germany and Petrobras. The Amazon Fund has captured some six per cent of the total emissions verified by Brazil. But it is unlikely that many other "Norways" will come on board to fill the funding gap. That is why we cannot ignore the potential that a well-set carbon trading scheme can have for financing these vital conservation projects in the Amazon, Central Africa and Southeast Asia. Our neighbours with whom we share the Amazon rainforest recognise the importance of this financing mechanism. Brazil cannot meet its climate pledges without it. And that is also why the Sustainable Amazonas Foundation, State of Amazonas and BV Rio launched a new online registry of REDD+ projects for Amazonas. The platform also includes a trading platform for carbon emission reductions, which could generate the financing that forest conservation projects desperately need. We took the opportunity at the UN climate talks to urge the Brazilian government to change its position and allowing broader market mechanisms for REDD+, in an open letter, signed by many organisations such as FAS, the Institute for the Conservation and Sustainable Development of the Amazon (IDESAM), SOS Mata Atlantica Foundation, and research institute IPAM among others. Advertisement Investing in forest mitigation through REDD+ can serve as a major contributor to closing the gap between national commitments to emission reductions and those required by science. REDD+ should be seen as a complementary way for all sectors to move towards deep decarbonisation. To ensure effective reductions, it must be carried out with technical and scientific rigor, to avoid double counting. It should be targeted at specific sectors, such as aviation, and should have both social and environmental safeguards, so that the greatest benefits go properly to indigenous people, the guardians of the forest. Here's when Dunkin' and Atwoods plan to open in Hutchinson Developers of two business blame shipment delays of equipment and materials in pushing back openings for new Hutchinson retail locations. 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 Follow Us To feature your NRI communty news in idlebrain.com, please mail us at [email protected] 25 November 2016 USA As many would have known Kitchen of Kuchipudi was conceptualized and founded by self-styled Filmmaker and chef Kuchipudi Venkat who also founded the trend setting restaurants Ulavacharu, 7 Biryanis and Kitchen Of Kuchipudi. He is the brain behind the now famous Raju Gari Kodi Palav which has become a household favorite among the Telugu community worldwide. The idea of naming dishes in Telugu and which stay true to the character of Telugu cooking is the innovative style of Venkat. These have been widely complimented and reproduced by many but have also resulted in sad imitations that are tasteless and named randomly by opportunistic players parading as passionate Telugu foodies.. Raju Gari Kodi Palav, Bangla Kodi, Kodi Chips, 3G Annam, Peddama Mamsam Palav, Raju Gari Bhojanam, Absolute Telugu Buffet (ATB) are some of the headline dishes and meal courses introduced by Venkat. Kitchen of Kuchipudi's (KOK) first outlet was launched at Santa Clara, California in December 2015 - and has seen an overwhelming response from the Bay area community and is continuing its dream run with over 150,000 patrons visiting. At KOK, all conventions of the typical Indian Restaurants have been broken by introducing a unique approach to the menu, presentation, hospitality and service. KOK also proves a point that an Indian restaurant can be a success without serving a Buffet - one of the many golden rules to break. Every show needs a showstopper and every game needs a game changer. However, the buffet was never in our Telugu culture and it can never be. "For me, a Buffet feels like serving leftovers and tasteless food cooked in bulk that is waiting for guests to come and finish" opines Venkat. Kitchen of Kuchipudi has a tag line mom's cuisine - and we really mean it. Food is prepared in Homestyle process and not by preparing bulk sauces that are stocked and ready to mix in any dish the customer orders - all dishes result in the same gravy with vegetables or meats. Order a few curries and can easily identify this at any regular restaurant. This may be an accepted norm in some cuisines but it is sacrilegious in our cuisine. Team KOK feels it has a social responsibility to bring this to the notice of the trusting Indian food lovers all over the world. Team KOK and Raj Adike, the franchise owner are proud to announce the launch of their second outlet at Fremont, California on 24th November, 2016 as they are marking the first anniversary of their US operations. During the Thanksgiving Week, it would be appropriate to indulge and savor the best of our signature dishes with family and friends and spend less time cooking and instead shop and hang out with friends. KOK would also be soon debuting in Texas with two restaurants opening at Irving and Frisco in December. Start Eating Fresh like mom's cuisine. Come & Enjoy the Authentic Taste & our signature dishes at Fremont, California from Tomorrow i.e., 24th November, 2016: Address 6052 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538. Phone: 510 690 8948 Timings: 11 AM to 11 PM - Monday to Thursday 11 AM to 01 AM - Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Franchise Owner: Raj Adike - 408 836 1836 [email protected] Restaurant Contact: Preetham - 408 913 0113 Franchisee Enquiries: Raj G ([email protected]) or 650 966 5473 Feedback to founder: [email protected] Colombia Government, FARC rebels sign revised Peace Agreement Published: November 25, 2016 Colombian Government has signed revised peace agreement with the countrys largest rebel movement, Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The revised document was signed between President Juan Manual Santos and FARC leader Rodrigo Londono in Bogota, capital city of Colombia. This is the second attempt undertaken by Colombian Government to end Latin Americas longest-running conflict (civil war) which has killed 220000 people. The previous deal singed September 2016 was rejected narrowly by the Colombian people in a popular vote held in October 2016. The revised agreement will be submitted to Colombian Congress for approval, rather than put to a popular vote. It would not form a part of the Colombias constitution. Key Facts Within 90 days of approval of revised agreement, FARC rebels will lay down their arms. Within five months they are required to completely surrender all weapons to the UN. Under the new deal, rebels will have to declare their assets. The money will be used for reparation payments to victims of the conflict. However, the new agreement has not ban rebels from holding public office or includes jail terms. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October 2016 for his efforts to end the war. Background The civil war in Colombia is one of the longest civil wars in modern times and the sole remaining armed conflict in the South America. The five decade long civil war has cost the lives of at least 220 000 Colombians and internally displaced close to six million people. It was started in the 1960s as a rural uprising for land rights by FARC as communist-inspired guerrilla movement inspired by Cuban Revolution. The main aim of FARC was to reduce the gulf dividing rich and poor and land reform for equality in the Andean country. The conflict has drawn in various leftist rebel groups, drug gangs and right-wing paramilitaries over the decades. However in recent times, the FARC had shifted from their original ideology and were active in illegal drug trade, kidnapping and extortion activities. Month: Current Affairs - November, 2016 Topics: Civil War Colombia FARC International Juan Manuel Santos Latin America Latest E-Books The content you are trying to view is exclusive to our subscribers. To unlock this article: Governor Brown Issues Proclamation Declaring Thanksgiving Sacramento, California - Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued a proclamation declaring Thursday, November 24, 2016, as Thanksgiving Day in the State of California. PROCLAMATION The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was a celebration of the harvest that brought together the Pilgrims of Plymouth Plantation and the Native Americans who helped them adapt to their new environment. Over the years Thanksgiving became an American tradition and one of the first holidays we celebrated as a free and independent nation. In 1789, George Washington proclaimed the first Thanksgiving observance in the newly formed United States of America, writing that "it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor." Thanksgiving has continued to be one of our most cherished observances, a day to join with family and friends and feast on traditional delicacies from roasted turkey to pumpkin pie, and commemorate the joining of the Old World and the New that brought about that First Thanksgiving long ago. It is most fitting that we set aside a special day for gratitude. As Americans, we have every reason to give thanks for the wonderful bounty of our land, the strength of our fellow citizens and our system of government that protects our basic freedoms. NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim November 24, 2016, as Thanksgiving Day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 21st day of November 2016. ___________________________________ EDMUND G. BROWN JR. Governor of California ATTEST: __________________________________ ALEX PADILLA Secretary of State Governor Brown to Host 85th Annual Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Sacramento, California - Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and First Lady Anne Gust Brown will host the 85th Annual Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Monday, December 5th on the West Steps of the State Capitol. This year's tree is a 60-foot-tall white fir from Latour Demonstration State Forest located near Redding in Shasta County, the fifth Capitol Christmas tree to come from a state forest managed by CAL FIRE on behalf of the public. The tree is decorated with 900 hand-crafted ornaments made by children and adults with developmental disabilities who receive services and support from the state's development centers and 21 nonprofit regional centers. The Governor and First Lady Anne Gust Brown will light the Capitol Christmas tree with 7-year-old twin boys, Alex and Alan Rosales of Los Angeles. It will be illuminated by approximately 10,000 ultra-low wattage LED lights. Kitty O'Neal of KFBK Radio will emcee the ceremony, which will also feature performances by the California Army National Guard's DET 1, 40th Infantry Division Band, Brass Quintet, the Governor's Own; students from the Oakland Military Institute and Oakland School for the Arts; Mariachi Puente; and St. Paul's Baptist Church Choir. When: Monday, December 5, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. (formal program begins at 5:00 p.m.) Where: California State Capitol, West Steps, Sacramento, CA 95814 **NOTE: This event is open to the public and credentialed media. Members of the public are asked to RSVP and are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Sacramento Food Bank. Parking for satellite trucks will be available on the east side of 10th Street between L and N Streets. For more information on Alex and Alan Rosales, please contact Nancy Lungren, California Department of Developmental Services, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Terrorist Attacks in Hilla Washington, DC - We condemn in the strongest possible terms the outrageous terrorist attacks carried out today by Daesh at a service station and restaurant in Hilla, Iraq. Initial reports indicate at least 80 people in total were killed as they were returning from visiting Karbala, many of them as they sat down together for a meal. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims' families and friends, and we wish a full and quick recovery to the many people who were injured. These murders are yet another example of Daesh's contempt for human life and its efforts to sow discord and division among the Iraqi people. Our partnership with Iraq and its people, who serve on the front lines of this global fight, remains steadfast and unwavering. We are in close contact with Iraqi authorities, and we stand committed to supporting Iraqi Security Forces as they continue to take the fight to Daesh and bring to justice those responsible for these despicable crimes. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Judging by the first trailer, Martin Scorseses new film Silence looks to be There Will Be Blood levels of brutal in its story of resolve and dedication. It sees Adam Driver and Andrew Garfield play two Jesuit missionaries in 17th century Japan who go searching in the foreign land for their mentor, played by Liam Neeson. Its the kind of emotionally demanding role you dont want to rush into, and Garfield spent the best part of a year preparing for it. If Id had ten years, it wouldnt have been enough to prepare for this role, he told the New York Times this week. I got totally swept up in all things Jesuit and very taken with Jesuit spirituality. The preparation went on for nearly a year, and by the time we got to Taiwan, it was bursting out of me. Silence - Trailer His research apparently culminated in a seven-day silence retreat at St. Buenos Jesuit house in Wales, which Adam Driver also took part in around the same time. They couldnt speak though, and so, pledged to silence, the two actors apparently simply waved when they spied each other in the refectory. It seems Garfield was pretty taken with the religion. On retreat, you enter into your imagination to accompany Jesus through his life from his conception to his crucifixion and resurrection," he explained. "You are walking, talking, praying with Jesus, suffering with him. And its devastating to see someone who has been your friend, whom you love, be so brutalized. Silence opens in UK cinemas on 1 January. For over 23 years, T in the Park has been at the heart of Scotlands music scene with you by our side. But for now, sadly, we need to take a break. We launched T in the Park with one aim: to give Scottish music fans an unforgettable weekend with their friends, enjoying the best acts from around the globe. And to say we achieved this together is an understatement. T in the Park has become one of the best known, biggest and most loved festivals in the world. When we launched back in 1994 there were only two music festivals in the UK now there are many and T in the Park paved the way for all that have come and gone in Scotland since. We created more than just a festival; we created a family and decades of wonderful memories. However, the last couple of years have had their challenges. Against our will, and despite a prolonged fight, we were forced to move from Balado, Kinross in 2015. This move was a mammoth task for the event and one that was compounded by a series of onerous site restrictions placed upon us as preparations for the event in 2015 took place. As the build-up to the festival was well under way we were informed by Scottish government ministers that we would have to apply for full Planning Permission due to the presence of an unregistered, but protected in law, ospreys nest. The constraints logistically and financially that the resulting planning conditions put upon us are simply not workable. We tried our best to work with the pressures placed upon the site by bringing in an additional team and fixing the first-year traffic issues, but ultimately were not in control of the overall site layout and the continued restrictions means that the negative impact on our fans and the limitations placed on their experience is too great. We now need to take stock and take a year out to try to resolve the issues so that we can once again deliver the kind of camping festival you are used to and deserve. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Dating today isnt easy. Benching, breadcrumbing and unghosting mean actual relationships seem more elusive than ever. And considering most of us dont end up settling down for life with our first boyfriend or girlfriend, when you do find yourself in a relationship, more often than not therell be a break-up to contend with down the line (sorry to be the bearer of bad news). However, according to a new survey, most of our break-ups arent quite as final as we might think. A recent study has discovered that 54% of Brits whove been through a break-up in the past five years ended up getting back together with their ex. Couples who got back together did so an average of 2.11 times, and incredibly, three per cent of those surveyed revealed theyd separated and then patched things up six times or more. This could all come down to our refusal to commit - yo-yo dating, as the phenomenon is being called, reflects the fact that many people want to keep their options open, just in case theres someone better round the corner. But then they inevitably miss their ex, and thus the on-off relationship continues - on average, a couple will go through three break-ups before parting ways for good. Festivals of love around the world Show all 16 1 /16 Festivals of love around the world Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Brazil Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi Festivals of love around the world Vashi The research, carried out by match.com, found that couples are so reluctant to go their separate ways that 25 per cent of us dont even tell our close friends about a break-up because were so keen to get back together with our exes. Match dating expert Kate Taylor believes our lack of relationship skills is to blame: "We all receive endless advice these days on dating and marriage, but very little on the in-between stages of a relationship," she explains. People wrongly assume their relationship is "bad", end things, then miss all the good things. "At that point the couple will get back together, and work out their differences," Taylor told the Independent. Its a trend being spearheaded by the millennials (who else?), with celebrities clearly just as susceptible as mere mortals - Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth are a prime example. The study also looked at how people react after calling it quits for good, finding that the average person takes five months to start dating again after a break-up. And if you need some help getting over your ex, it appears the classic methods are still the most popular: 39 per cent of people go out with friends, 33 per cent get drunk and 30 per cent opt for retail therapy. Going back to an ex isnt unusual - after all, if the spark was once there, its unlikely to just disappear - but as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge prove, sometimes it can work out wonderfully. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Retail has picked up pace, reports the CBI, which could hardly have picked a better day for the release of its quarterly Distributive Trades Survey. With the Black Friday tills running hot, the business groups poll of 126 firms, of which half were retailers, indicated that sales volumes for the time of year were well above average. They are expected to grow at a broadly similar pace next month. The key findings were that 42 per cent of retailers said sales volumes were up, against just 16 per cent reporting falls. The CBI said the positive balance of 26 per cent was the strongest since September 2015, better than expectations and last months 21 per cent. Some 39 per cent of respondents said they expected sales volumes to increase next month, while 16 per cent were forecasting a decline, another positive balance, this time of 23 per cent. Nearly a third (31 per cent) of retailers said they had placed more orders with suppliers than they did a year ago while 24 per cent placed fewer. The CBI said the positive balance between those two numbers was the strongest since December 2015. The survey went on to say 29 per cent of businesses reported that their volume of sales for the time of year were good, while 5 per cent said they were poor a balance of plus 24 per cent. Grocers were finding it tough, with sales volumes flat, but clothes retailers, DIY and hardware and non-store goods more than picked up the slack. Its great to see retailers reporting such a buoyant month for sales, said Rain Newton-Smith, the CBIs chief economist. With the later onset of cold weather, shoppers stocking up their winter wardrobe has helped to boost high street sales. She added: While we expect to see decent growth in the near term, retailers are keeping a close eye on price rises coming down the track and the impact on consumer spending. And so they should, in the wake of the universally gloomy forecasts in Chancellor Philip Hammonds Autumn Statement and the stark warning on the grim prospects for wage growth from the Institute for Fiscal Studies that followed it. At this point its worth pointing out that you have to take the CBI's figures with a pinch of salt. Although the survey is closely followed, the number of firms within it is quite small. Retail analyst Nick Bubb observed in Retail Week last year: As a guide to what is really happening on the High Street, focusing on volume is surely pretty meaningless at a time of price deflation, as retailers focus on the value of sales not the volume. He went on to say: It is important to remember that the CBI survey is not a quantitative survey, notwithstanding some of the coverage it gets in the press every month. It simply measures the percentage balance between those CBI members who think that volume is up less those who think volume is down, and, as such, it is little more than a snapshot of mid-month retail sentiment. Mr Bubb conceded that the survey does nonetheless have a surprisingly good record over time of tracking the ups and downs of official retail sales figures from the Office for National Statistics. But it's hardly comprehensive or detailed. Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year. In the midst of a Black Friday that will no doubt produce figures showing another record as retailers accept theyre damned if they do and damned if they dont and decide to join the party, the figures do, however, combine with other data to show that the consumer is playing an important role in holding the economy up in the wake of a Brexit vote that has badly hit business investment. How the survey, and other data tracking the performance of the the retail sector, responds into the New Year when price rises as a result of the weak pound start to filter through, combined with the realisation that wages aren't going to rise to meet them, remains to be seen. Black Friday, and this latest survey, might just be the last hurrah before the reality of that sets in. IAFs Upgraded Jaguar DARIN III aircraft receives IOC Published: November 24, 2016 The upgraded Jaguar DARIN III twin-seat aircraft has received Initial Operation Clearance (IOC). It is considered as a significant milestone for the countrys military aviation sector. The satisfactory completion of IOC was announced by Deputy Chief of IAF, Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria who had flown the aircraft at HAL airport in Bengaluru. Key Facts Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has upgraded 3 DARIN I Standard Jaguars to DARIN III Standard. The aircraft is now equipped with world class avionics system. HALs Mission and Combat System Research and Design Centre (MCSRDC) had carried out total design and development of aircraft and modification was done at Overhaul Division. Besides HAL, certification agencies, trial team of ASTE and other agencies were also involved in the upgrade programme. The upgraded aircraft incorporates new state-of-the-art avionics architecture including the Open System Architecture Mission Computer (OSAMC), Fire Control Radar. It also has Solid State Digital Video Recording System (SSDVRS), Autopilot with Alt Select & HNAV and Identification of Friend or Foe (IFF) and more. DARIN I Standard Jaguar is an Anglo-French jet attack aircraft. It was originally used by the French Air Force and British Royal Air Force in the close air support and nuclear strike role. It is still in service with the Indian Air Force and its fleet is based at the Ambala air force station. Month: Current Affairs - November, 2016 Topics: DARIN III aircraft Defence Indian Air Force National Science and Technology Upgraded Jaguar Latest E-Books Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Remember when Theresa May made her bold pledge about a Britain that works for everyone? And her promises to put workers on boards while cracking down on the increasingly unjustifiable levels of executive pay? Jeremy Corbyn was probably spitting into his cornflakes when he heard that: But theyd never let me get away with it! Well, it seems they don't plan to let Ms May get away with it either. The PM has already backtracked on putting workers on boards. Now the business lobbying is taking aim at the proposals to give shareholders binding annual votes on pay and forcing companies to publish pay ratios that compare how much the CEO makes compared to what the workers make. Take the latest report by something called the Purposeful Pay Group which, we are told, is a group of leading companies, investment houses, leading business schools and business consultancy firms, established by the Big Innovation Centre and supported by the Bank of England. Crikey. So this has clout then! The report says the group recognises the need for change. And so there are some modest proposals to that end. It would prefer CEOs and other senior executives to be paid their bonuses mainly in shares, rather than cash, and for them to be released over the long term. They should also be required to build up big stakes in the companies they run. Pay structures ought to be simpler, and companies should have to demonstrate how awards are linked to performance. So far so good, but the report then goes on to trot out the same line up of self-serving twaddle weve heard so many times before. That includes a call for the business community to explain things a bit better so workers and others "properly understand" that their leaders are supermen (and much more rarely women). Theres another lecture on how companies have to attract talent and how the super-people at the top have an option when it comes to where they work. They just have to be paid gazillions, or we wouldn't be able to get them! I know what, let's pay them even more! The fallacy of arguments like these has been much discussed. The frequency of corporate cock-ups amply demonstrates that a high proportion of top bosses are something other than super. Its also quite rare for companies to poach bosses from other companies. The vast majority of them are hired internally, not externally. And theyre usually from the home team as regards nationality. The FTSE 100 is a more international market than most, but Brits still predominate when it comes to whos boss. Weve had this debate a thousand times before and its rather sad that the report insists upon relying on such tired old arguments, advocating more work to justify blockbuster pay awards to ensure social cohesion. The world has moved on. But this isnt addressed to the world. Its addressed to Theresa May. Has she moved on? I have my doubts. The report wants to water down her demand for a binding annual vote on pay. As for the idea of forcing companies to publish pay ratios? Pay ratios do not lend themselves to valid comparisons between companies, even within the same industry, and would likely add to misunderstanding over executive pay. They could fuel excessive negativity over pay, when we need great leaders to create our great companies. That could have come from a Government press release, and it will be heard loud and clear in Government. Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty Faced a stunningly bad economic outlook, Ms May has already shown that she lacks the appetite to force companies to accept workers on boards. The report gives her something to point to if she decides scrap or water down her other proposals. The trouble for our Brexit means Brexit PM is that she needs business more than business needs her. She needs its leaders to be investing and hiring and doing things other than seeking out properties on the continent that might work for the new HQ. It is for that reason that only minor reforms advocated by largely regressive reports like this one will end up being enacted. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Treasurys own fiscal watchdog expects the Government to underspend its new ambitious capital infrastructure budget by almost 15bn over the five years to 2021-22. The forecast is likely to be an embarrassment for the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, since it is equivalent to almost two-thirds of the additional 23bn infrastructure spending he announced to great fanfare in the Autumn Statement. In his speech to Parliament, Mr Hammond unveiled a 23bn National Productivity Investment Fund to be spent on innovation and infrastructure over the next five years. Recommended The charts that tell the economic story of the Autumn Statement We choose to invest in our economic infrastructure because it can transform the growth potential of our economy, as well as improving the quality of peoples lives, he told MPs. This spending increase included an additional 3.5bn for affordable housing, 2.9bn on roads and 750m on broadband infrastructure over the five years to 2021-22. There was also a pledge for 7bn in the final year of the forecast which the Treasury said would be allocated in due course. The additional infrastructure spending, to be funded by additional borrowing, was a major departure from the fiscal approach of Mr Hammonds predecessor, George Osborne. Yet the small print of the Office for Budget Responsibilitys document shows an assumption that the central governments planned outlay on public sector gross investment (PSGI) will be underspent by a cumulative total of 14.8bn over that same five year period. Coming up short OBR November 2016 EFO Sources at the OBR explained that this was a judgement by the watchdog based on the fact that, historically, Whitehall departments have tended to spend less than their permitted capital budgets. The overall spending undershoot projected for the five years to 2019-20 was actually slightly lower than the OBR forecast in March. And the OBR also says that past experience suggests that planned increases in capital spending will not translate fully into actual spending in the year planned, prompting it to assume that 20 per cent of each years capital budget will be spent in the following year. This implies that part of the sizeable 4bn underspend in 2021-22 will be spent in 2022-23, although this is beyond the OBRs current forecasting period. Nevertheless, the underspend forecast echoes scepticism in some quarters over whether the Chancellor will actually be able to fulfil his bold infrastructure investment ambitions. "Successive governments have found it enormously difficult to deliver projects especially roads," the former Labour Chancellor Alistair Darling told The Independent. "I remember Osborne announcing road schemes that I'd announced myself. And with housing it's as much planning as it is money. The Government really needs to ask itself what it needs to do to get these projects done and a lot of it is planning [reform]." The Governments plans imply a cumulative total 305bn of central government infrastructure spending in the five years to 2021-22, but the OBR is assuming only 289bn actually goes out the door. Treasury sources said they were confident that the full spending committed by the Chancellor would be delivered and that the OBR would revise away its underspend projections over time. They pointed out that the Whitehall spending limits had actually risen by less than the OBR's projected final increase in spending in the three years to 2019-20. A spokesperson said: "The Chancellor has set out his commitment to prioritise high-value investment in infrastructure and innovation that will contribute to raising Britains productivity. The OBR forecast shows that we will spend all of the additional capital allocated at Autumn Statement, as well as spending more of the existing allocation. Despite the projected shortfall, Mr Hammond's changes still represent a sizeable increase on the capital investment plans laid out by Mr Osborne in the March Budget. The OBR says PSGI will rise to 2.9 per cent of GDP in 2020-21, versus 2.6 per cent previously. Allowing for the depreciation of infrastructure and including capital spending by other quasi public bodies such as housing associations, total public sector net investment is now projected to rise to 2.3 per cent of GDP by the end of the decade, whereas under Mr Osborne it had been due to dip as low as 1.5 per cent. Hammond's change The director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Paul Johnson, this week described Mr Hammonds capital spending plans as significant and well above the average over the last 30 years. Close Black Friday explained: A brief history of the famous shopping day For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Welcome to the Independents live blog on Black Friday as the bonanza sales day kicks off.. Follow the latest updates about deals and events here: Please allow a moment for the live blog to load Black Friday is fast becoming the best day to hunt for a bargain whether youre in the US or the UK. In other words, its the best day of the year to go shopping, just as long as youre wearing lots of protective clothing and dont mind fighting in the aisles. This year, many retailers including Amazon, Tesco's, and Argos already have some of their best Black Friday deals available early. Amazon was the first horse out of the box launching Black Friday deals daily from November 14. Sales this year are likely to top 2bn, say analysts, as shoppers hunt for bargains ahead of an expected rise in prices in 2017 due to a fall in the value of the poud following the UK vote to leave the EU. "Obviously, with the Brexit currency movements, prices are going to go up in the first quarter of next year. The vast majority of all Black Friday offers were negotiated and in place before the Brexit vote." AO World chief executive told the BBC. By Thursday, the discount retailing site TopCashback reported a 30 per cent increase in spending over last year. While more than 2bn is expected to be spent on Friday alone, the total for the next four days is forecast to rise to more than 4bn once the weekend and Cyber-Monday are included. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} In any US administration, few jobs have more importance or sensitivity than that of White House counsel. It is that persons job to advise the president on all legal matters concerning their administration. For the incoming administration of Donald Trump, a President-elect who has already faced allegations that he is facing a conflict of interest between his private an presidential worlds, the job could hardly be more crucial. On Friday, Mr Trump named Don McGahn, a partner at the company Jones Day and who is currently advising the transition effort, as that person to fill that role. Don has a brilliant legal mind, excellent character and a deep understanding of constitutional law, Mr Trump said of the development, first reported by Reuters. He will play a critical role in our administration, and I am grateful that he is willing to serve our country at such a high-level capacity. Donald Trump's four biggest U-turns Politico said Mr McGahn, who has longstanding familial ties to the Trump organisation and an inside the Beltway background as a former chairman of the FEC, may be tasked with putting distance between the president-elect and his myriad of business interests. Numerous observers have said these could present an unprecedented number of conflicts of interest and a potential Constitutional crisis for the incoming administration. The current White House Counsel is Neil Eggleston. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Eighteen months he allegedly walked into a bible study class in an historic black church in Charleston and opened fired on the people assembled, Dylann Roof has been ruled mentally competent to stand trial. If he is found guilty, he could face the death penalty. A South Carolina judge said the trial of Mr Roof, 22, could proceed after ordering a so-called competency hearing, that involved testimony from medical experts and the examination of official documents. The test for competency is whether the defendant has a sufficient present ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding and has a rational as well as factual understanding of the proceedings against him, wrote judge Richard Gergel. Jury selection in the hearing is due to begin next week After carefully considering the record before the Court, the relevant legal standards, and the arguments of counsel, the court now finds and concludes that the defendant is competent to stand trial. The Associated Press said that the ruling came after a two-day hearing behind closed doors earlier this week. Mr Gergel refused to make public his reasons for deciding that Mr Roof was fit to proceed with the case, saying that it could prevent him from having a fair trial. (Reuters) Roof is charged in federal court with hate crime, obstruction of religion and other counts for the deadly June 2015 attack at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Video of Dylann Roof's arrest Jury selection in the federal trial is scheduled to resume on Monday, Gergel said. Mr Roof faces 33 federal charges: nine counts of violating the Hate Crime Act resulting in death; three counts of violating the Hate Crime Act involving an attempt to kill; nine counts of obstruction of exercise of religion resulting in death; three counts of obstruction of exercise of religion involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon, and nine counts of use of a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a crime of violence. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. He also also faces nine counts of murder and other charges in the state court system. His trial in that case is scheduled to start in January 2017. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Norway's Supreme Court has rejected Edward Snowden's attempt to win free passage to visit the country and receive an award for free speech. Mr Snowden, who currently resides in Russia, copied and leaked thousands of classified NSA documents in 2013, revealing the scale of US government surveillance after the 9/11 attacks. In April, the 33-year-old took Norway to court in an attempt secure free passage, through Oslo's District Court, an appeals court and finally the country's Supreme Court. But the court ruled that Norway's Justice Ministry could not be forced to make a decision in advance regarding whether or not they would extradite Snowden to the US. Mr Snowden is wanted by his home country to face trial on charges brought under the 1917 Espionage Act. President Barack Obama has stated he will not give the former CIA employee and NSA contractor a presidential pardon unless he appears in court. Mr Obama told the German newspaper Der Spiegel: "I cant pardon somebody who hasnt gone before a court and presented themselves. "So thats 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." Edward Snowden comments on Donald Trump's election victory President-elect Donald Trump has promised to step up efforts to arrest the whistleblower - something Mr Snowden has said he is not worrying about. Mr Snowden said: I don't care. The reality here is that yes, Donald Trump has appointed a new director of the Central Intelligence Agency who uses me as a specific example to say that, look, dissidents should be put to death. "But if I get hit by a bus, or a drone, or dropped off an airplane tomorrow, you know what? "It doesn't actually matter that much to me, because I believe in the decisions that I've already made." For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Queen's 369 million ($459 million) renovation of Buckingham Palace has put her spending in the spotlight. The refit will be funded by British taxpayers out of the Sovereign Grant. This is the allowance provided to the Queen by the government to support her official duties. The Queen received a 40.1 million allowance this year, with a further 13.9 million coming from other sources, such as property rental. The grant is the Queen's main source of income and contributes to her overall fortune of around 340 million, according to The Sunday Times Rich List. The Sovereign Grant annual report provides a detailed breakdown of her outgoings ranging from helicopter transport to utility bills and it makes for illuminating reading. Here is how the Queen spends her money. Queen Elizabeth II waves to wellwishers during a 'walkabout' on her 90th birthday in Windsor, west of London, on April 21, 2016 (Getty) The Queen spent 39.8 million of the 40.1 million Sovereign Grant in the 12 months to the end of March 2016. Her outgoings were up 4.1 million on the same period last year. The spike in spending was blamed on an 18 million bill for "property maintenance and major projects." The biggest ticket item: A 1.3 million new roof for the North Terrace of Windsor Castle. The Queen splashed out 600,000 drawing up plans to renovate Buckingham Palace. She also built a new 700,000 helicopter hangar at RAF Odiham. More on the chopper later. General property maintenance costs hit 4.3 million. This includes clearing blocked drains, repairing leaking roofs, and changing light bulbs. Cleaning, laundry, and other chores cost the Queen 700,000. The Queen employs 431 staff, who are paid a total of 19.5 million out of the Sovereign Grant. The average salary of a member of the Queen's household is 35,144 a year. Five employees were sacked by the Queen in 2015/16 and were paid off a total of 209,000. The biggest of these exit packages was more than 50,000. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said he is in favour of the refit but that Labour would welcome some private funding (Getty) The Lord Chamberlain's Committee oversees the running of the royal household. It is chaired by the Earl of Peel, who is paid 99,000 a year from the Sovereign Grant. The Queen's gas and electricity bill was 1.6 million in 2015/16. Her estate consumed 29.3 million kWh of energy, which is nearly 2,000 times the average UK household, according to energy regulator Ofgem. The royal household agreed a four-year, fixed-price gas contract in 2015/16, which will deliver savings of 1.1 million. It also participated in energy saving campaigns, such as The Big Christmas Switch Off. The Queen's food and drink spend was 1.4 million. Here, canapes are being prepared for guests in the Buckingham Palace kitchen. Entertaining 96,000 guests a year requires a toast or two. It is why the Queen splashed out half a million pounds on wine and spirits in 2015/16. (Getty) Away from the banqueting table, some 2.6 million was invested in technology systems for the royal household. Print, postage, and stationary costs stacked up to 1 million. The Queen sent 232,000 cards to Brits celebrating their 100th birthday. A further 710,800 messages were sent to people on their Diamond Wedding anniversary. Sometimes business has to be done in person, however. It is why the royal household spent 4 million on travel to fulfil 3,000 official engagements in 2015/16. This included her 64,000 trip to Germany in 2015. The Sovereign Grant also funds other royal trips, such as the Prince of Wales' 75,000 visit to Turkey in 2015. The Queen gets around in her own and leased helicopters, which cost 1.7 million. Some 1.1 million was spent on planes, while car and train travel hit 1 million. With all that spending, it's no wonder Her Majesty needs a tipple or two. Her favourite Champagne, Pol Roger, can fetch up to 80 a bottle. 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. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Hillary Clinton's recovery from such a bruising election is being helped by a six-year-old boy who left signs at the bottom of her street praising her as an "American hero". The former Democrat nominee and Secretary of State returned to her home in Chappaqua, New York to find signs of encouragement, support and thanks for her presidential campaign efforts. Upset Ms Clinton had lost to Donald Trump, Liam and his mother then rallied the efforts family friends to pay tribute to her in a montage moments from her front door, according to Politico. Hillary Clinton in quotes Show all 11 1 /11 Hillary Clinton in quotes Hillary Clinton in quotes Hillary Clinton After losing the 2016 election: 'To all of the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.' Getty Hillary Clinton in quotes Hillary Clinton On running for President in 2016: 'I'm going to decide when it feels right for me to decide. ... certainly not before then [the end of 2014].' AP Hillary Clinton in quotes Hillary Clinton On the Monica Lewinsky affair: 'Its liberating to be able to reach the point in your life where you feel you can forgive. Everybody feels they have been trespassed upon and nearly everybody has trespassed on somebody else, maybe not intentionally.' Hillary Clinton in quotes Hillary Clinton On news and hair: 'If I want to knock a story off the front page, I just change my hairstyle.' Getty Images Hillary Clinton in quotes Hillary Clinton On being asked which fashion designers she preferred: 'Would you ever ask a man that question?' Getty Images Hillary Clinton in quotes Hillary Clinton On equality: 'Well I'm very conscious of how important it is for us to shatter that glass ceiling in my country. A country that has done so much for so many women and really has set the standard for women's rights and responsibilities, and I do want to see that glass ceiling shattered.' Getty Images Hillary Clinton in quotes Hillary Clinton On not winning in 2008: 'I think because I really didn't have a good strategy for my campaign. I didn't plan it the right way. ... As a candidate who was already so well known ... I don't think I ever said, 'Yes, you may have known me for eight years, but I don't take anything for granted. I have to earn your support.' Getty Images Hillary Clinton in quotes Hillary Clinton On self-confidence 'You have to be true to yourself. You have to be enough in touch with who you are and what you want, how you want to live and what's important to you, to make your decisions based on that. Sometimes that's very difficult.' AP Hillary Clinton in quotes Hillary Clinton On 9/11: 'Every nation has to either be with us, or against us. Those who harbor terrorists, or who finance them, are going to pay a price.' Getty Images Hillary Clinton in quotes Hillary Clinton On women around the world: 'If women are healthy and educated, their families will flourish. If women are free from violence, their families will flourish. If women have a chance to work and earn as full and equal partners in society, their families will flourish. And when families flourish, communities and nations will flourish.' Getty Images Hillary Clinton in quotes Hillary Clinton On her political life: I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas, but what I decided to do was to fulfill my profession which I entered before my husband was in public life. Getty Images Liam said there should be lots and lots of signs because shes probably even sadder than me, his mother reportedly said in a note sent to friends calling for help. So he wants to go back and leave lots of signs on Thanksgiving to say thank you, show support, love and encouragement. Ms Clinton was clearly touched by the gesture and shared a picture of the "heartwarming" signs on Twitter on Thursday. The 69-year-old has largely been absent from the public eye since her shock defeat just over a fortnight ago. Aside from one speech where she spoke of the temptation to retreat into herself and curl up with a good book or our dogs and never leave the house again, Ms Clinton has only been spotted by supporters in everyday situations including hiking with her dogs and visiting bookstores, posing for pictures with fans that later went viral. The latest Hillary-sighting happened on Wednesday when the former First Lady was spotted with Bill doing last minute food shopping ahead of Thanksgiving. She posed for photos while her former president husband was busy looking at cheese, NBC reports. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Green Party candidate Jill Stein has said she will on Friday file a suit demanding a recount of a contested ballot in a battleground state after a fundraising effort collected more than $4.7m in barely 24 hours. Ms Stein has been leading a call for a manual recount of paper ballots in the states of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan, after computer experts and electoral lawyers said they found strong evidence the results were potentially manipulated. All three states, which Hillary Clinton had been expecting to win, were narrow victories for Republican Donald Trump. On Friday, Ms Stein said she would be first filling suit in Wisconsin, after a grassroots fundraising effort to pay for it passed $4.7m. Jill Stein has challenged the outcome in three states (Getty Images) Congratulations on meeting the recount costs for Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Raising money to pay for the first two recounts so quickly is a miraculous feat and a tribute to the power of grassroots organising, she wrote on her website. Now that we have completed funding Wisconsins recount (where we will file on Friday) and funding Pennsylvanias recount (due Monday), we will focus on raising the needed funds for Michigan's recount (due Wednesday). While no specific evidence of fraud or irregularity has been cited, the campaign has highlighted reported hacks into voter and party databases. In true grassroots fashion, we're turning to you, the people, and not big-money corporate donors to make this happen, Ms Stein said on her campaign website. Let me be very clear: We do not have evidence of fraud. We do not have smoking guns. What we do have is an election that was surrounded by hacking. Donald Trump's four biggest U-turns CNBC said that prominent cybersecurity experts have recently said that although the chances of the election results being tampered with were slim, a recount would be the best way to ensure that results are valid. In Pennsylvania, which has 20 Electoral College votes, Mr Trump won by roughly 68,000 votes, and in Wisconsin, which has ten such votes, his margin was even smaller - just 27,000. Michigan, which carries 14 votes, is still too close to call, with the difference between the two candidates amounting to fewer than 12,000. Officials with the Wisconsin Election Commission said on Wednesday they expected Ms Stein and the Green Party to file a petition on Friday for a recount, and that clerks across the state were being notified. Ms Stein launched her effort after computer scientists reportedly told Ms Clintons officials that the election may have been rigged in favour of President-elect Donald Trump. The group of voting scientists, including the University of Michigans Alex Halderman and voting rights activist John Bonifaz, contacted Ms Clintons campaign after seeing her tallies fell seven per cent short of expectations in counties that used electronic voting machines. Ms Clinton has yet to comment on the claims, or say if she supports a recount. Mr Trump collected 290 Electoral College votes compared to 232 for Ms Clinton. For her to overturn the results, she would need to secure the votes of all three disputed states. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Noam Chomsky has a grave message for liberal voters who refused to vote to stop Donald Trump by selecting Hillary Clinton. That the two candidates in the 2016 US general election presented a stark choice for Americans was a view held by some, who responded by either abstaining from voting or voting for a third party candidate. Others voted for the Democratic nominee, who is leading in the popular vote but lost to Mr Trump because of the Electoral College, despite favouring Senator Bernie Sanders, in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent the billionaire business magnate from making it to the White House. Speaking to Al-Jazeera, the celebrated American philosopher and linguist argued the election was a case of voting for the lesser of two evils and told those who decided not to do so: I think theyre making a bad mistake. Donald Trump's four biggest U-turns There are two issues, he said. One is a kind of moral issue: do you vote against the greater evil if you dont happen to like the other candidate? The answer to that is yes. If you have any moral understanding, you want to keep the greater evil out. Second is a factual question: how do Trump and Clinton compare? I think theyre very different. I didnt like Clinton at all, but her positions are much better than Trumps on every issue I can think of. Like documentarian Michael Moore, who warned a Trump protest vote would initially feel good - and then the repercussions would sting - Chomsky has taken an apocalyptic view on the what a Trump administration will deliver. Earlier in November, Chomsky declared the Republican party the most dangerous organisation in world history now Mr Trump is at the helm because of suggestions from the President-elect and other figures within it that climate change is a hoax. The last phrase may seem outlandish, even outrageous," he said. "But is it? The facts suggest otherwise. The party is dedicated to racing as rapidly as possible to destruction of organised human life. There is no historical precedent for such a stand. Underscoring his warning, he said humans are accelerating the race to disaster. 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 Edward Snowden was one of the figures to recommend voting for a third option, arguing polls showed this could be safely done to build up a third political party without electing Mr Trump. After the Republican victory, the exiled NSA whistleblower conceded: Political science is not a science. : - 32 ' ' For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} There are few who would expect the word 'feminist' to be followed by 'porn star'. Fewer still would preface 'porn' with 'ethical'. But Maria Riot, 25, is one of a new generation of adult performers eschewing mainstream adult films and choosing only to work in ethical projects. She has appeared in 20 adult films, including in female-centric erotica produced by feminist adult filmmaker Erika Lust, and offers another side to the argument recently made by Pamela Anderson that porn is corrosive for men and a threat to the survival of the family unit. But negative perceptions of sex work, especially when it comes to porn, are difficult to shift. Porn is polarising. When it comes to real sex on screen, who is harmed by it and who benefits from it? The performers, viewers, neither or both? Is porn, depending on the genre, exploitative or sexually liberating? And, crucially, who actually has the right to laud or condemn it? Is feminist, female-directed erotica the answer to the myriad problems within porn, such as the growing demand for performers as young as 18 (and, in a disturbing trend, who are 18 but look much younger), declining rates of pay and a growing demand for more extreme content? Maria Riot Misconceptions about sex work often make their way into media coverage and conservative voices can dominate debate. Young female performers typically cycle out of mainstream porn within a year, but Riot has no plans to ever leave the industry. Here, in her own words, she explains why. 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton Show all 12 1 /12 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton (c) Jo Broughton 2013 What are the biggest misconceptions about adult actors and what they do as a job? Society in general holds prejudices about sex. If people know that someone works with their own sexuality they often think of it as weird or as a thing they never would do and sometimes they marginalise sex workers. I used to have misconceptions about porn actors so I understand if people have them. They are sometimes presented as superficial and dirty people from a moral view. But, thanks to the internet and that there are more articles appearing every day about porn performers talking about their lives, people are realising that we are human beings, that we do a lot of things besides having sex on a camera and that we can talk, have opinions about everything we want and that we are like everyone else, except for appearing naked in videos and getting paid for it. Porn performers go to the supermarket, have families, feelings, desires. Sometimes we don't want to have sex How differently are you treated by people because you work in porn? Sometimes people don't believe me when I tell them that I work in porn because they have a stereotype in mind about what a porn performer is. But, generally, I have a lot of support and a lot of people are interested in the details of my life because for most of them it's the first time they have talked with a sex worker so they have a lot of things to ask. I have friends and I frequent places that are open minded and pro-sex. Im not used to being around people who would treat me in a different or bad way because of what I do. Why did you decide to work in adult films? I was always interested in work related to sexuality and when I found that there was another way to work and do porn I became obsessed with it. I discovered Amarna Millers blog and videos by Erika Lust, CrashPad Series and Courtney Trouble and I just said, I want to be part of this. I was a sex worker already and I was starting to feel more comfortable working with my body and my sexuality so I just started writing to the producers and companies I liked. I always knew that I didn't want a regular job. I wanted to have a job not only to earn money; I wanted to work in something that I could politicise and to do things to change how society is and I think becoming a sex worker has been the best decision of my life. What do you see yourself doing after porn? Do you think it will be hard to get into another industry because of your work? I want to direct my own movies so I don't have plans to stop working in porn at the minute. I think I am going to work in sex throughout my life by being a sex worker, directing movies, writing or giving talks about it. There is so much to do that I can't imagine not being close to porn or sex work in general. I am an animal rights activist and I am part of the NGO Animal and right now I am doing a 13 weeks fellowship in Cornell University called Alliance for Science representing veganism. They all know that I am a sex worker who makes porn, they are ok with that and they support me. I am not interested in being in an industry or in a group where they don't accept people for working in sex, so it's not a big concern for me. I can talk about building a career in porn. It's not easy and you have to work a lot to have it How easy is it to build a career out of porn and become financially stable? I don't know how easy it could be to build a career outside of porn or sex work because Ive never tried it but I can talk about building a career in porn. It's not easy and you have to work a lot to have it. People sometimes underestimate the abilities of sex workers; they think that you have to go and have sex and that's all when there are a lot of things that they are missing from this picture. You have to be dedicated, be willing to sacrifice and invest time, money and personal things into it, and be strong because of the moral view that society has about sex and sex work. Sometimes you have to travel to a country you don't know to meet people you have never seen in your life, to talk in a language you are not used to and to be smart and to have the ability to adapt yourself to different situations. For example, I think people don't realise it but I have to travel to Europe a lot from Argentina and it's a waste of money. I leave a lot of things behind. But I have a passion about working with directors who I admire and for being part of this emerging movement of ethical porn, so I do it anyway and with lot of happiness. Maria Riot (michelle gentile ) (michelle gentile) How do you feel about all the different groups and people who speak for you in the media about porn, but have no experience working within it? It would be great if people could only talk about the things they really know about. Sometimes I have people telling me how porn is but they have never worked in it and it's really frustrating. They read an article in a newspaper or see a video about porn and they think they know everything about it. The media also represents sex work with a moral view, generalising things and giving the wrong conclusions about how the industry is. The public believes what they say and repeats it. What do you want people to know about the reality of being an adult actor? I want people to realise that sex work is work and that people who work in adult films are only working and trying to enjoy what they do. Porn performers go to the supermarket, we have families, feelings, desires, sometimes we don't want to have sex, we just live our lives in the best way we find to do it, just like everyone else. Have you ever appeared in adult films that affected you negatively? There are films out there that I don't like that much and some things that I would have done differently but I was starting so I didn't have any experience. You grow up and you read the things you said or wrote in the past and sometimes you can think Why did I say or write this?. And it's better to realise that you could do better, otherwise you just stay in the same place and for me it's important to progress, to learn, to be critical and to change the things that you want to improve in yourself. I am not a full-time porn actress, its just something I do sometimes because ethical or feminist porn is not really an industry in itself. There are only a few directors or companies and to work with them you have to be patient and put a lot of effort in. I am very selective, too. I don't accept all the proposals offered to me. For me is really important to know that I am working with an ethical company that has good values and that is going to be respectful to me and with the other people working with them. I am really happy with all the movies I have made by now and I expect to keep on working with a lot of amazing people doing great things to offer another vision of porn and sexuality. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Brussels bombing suspect Mohamed Abrini received 3,000 from two men in a Birmingham forest to fund terrorism, a court heard. The 31-year-old, who is also wanted by French authorities in relation to the Paris attacks of last November, allegedly received money from the two Birmingham residents while visiting the UK between 9 July and 16 July in 2015, Kingston Crown Court heard. Prosecutors accuse defendant Zakaria Boufassil, 26, along with Mohammed Ali Ahmed, of providing "a quantity of sterling currency" to Abrini for committing or assisting acts of terror between 1 June 2014 and 16 April 2016. He became known as the "man in the hat" after being spotted with two suicide bombers in Brussels airport and was caught by police days later. Paris attacks: Abrini arrested Abrini had also been wanted as an accomplice of the Paris attackers, having been spotted with Salah Abdeslam two days before the massacres that killed 130 people in a car used to ferry the State de France suicide bombers to their target. The money was withdrawn rom the account of Anwar Haddouchi, who had lived in Birmingham and received benefits before leaving to join Isis in Syria, prosecutor Max Hill QC told the court. The prosecution allege benefit payments were still going into Haddouchi's Lloyds TSB account after he had left the country in the summer of 2014. Boufassil has pleaded not guilty to the charge while Ahmed admitted to the same offence on 8 November, the jury was told. Mr Hill said telecommunications evidence suggested there was a "convergence" of the three men near Small Heath Park in Birmingham last year before a "pre-arranged cash handover meeting" the following afternoon in a nearby forest. The court heard Abrini was interviewed by Belgian investigators in April, where he revealed he was told to collect funds from the UK and given phone numbers by a man called "Abaaoud" while visiting Syria. Jurors were told Abrini was informed by Boufassil the meeting was delayed by three days while his identity was "verified by Syria". Paris attacks: Abrini arrested Mr Hill told the court: "Abrini had come to collect the money in the UK. "The destination of the money would certainly include Syria it would appear Daesh, also known as Islamic State either to Haddouchi himself or to other fighters." The court heard that Abrini described Ahmed as the man who guidied him to the forest location and Boufassil as the one who handed over the money in a bag. Abrini visited at least one casino both before and after the alleged cash handover during his UK visit, the court heard. The trial continues. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A bank account from which 3,000 was allegedly withdrawn to be given to Brussels bombing suspect Mohamed Abrini received thousands of pounds in overpaid housing benefits leading up to the claimed handover, a court has heard. Prosecutors allege that Abrini received the cash payment from defendant Zakaria Boufassil, 26, together with Mohammed Ali Ahmed, in July 2015, when Abrini travelled to the Midlands from abroad. The Birmingham pair are charged with supplying a quantity of sterling currency to Abrini between 1 June 2014 and 16 April 2016 with the intention of committing or assisting another to commit acts of terrorism. Paris attacks: Abrini arrested Boufassil has pleaded not guilty to the charge and denies sharing the intention of his co-accused Ahmed, who, a jury at Kingston Crown Court has been told, admitted the same offence on 8 November. Abrini is now in custody in Belgium, charged with terrorist murder over the Brussels attacks in March this year, but moved between London, Birmingham and Manchester during his visit to the UK between July 9 and 16 2015. He became known as the man in the hat after being caught on CCTV with two suicide bombers at Brussels Airport and was caught by police days later, following an international manhunt. Abrini had also been wanted as an accomplice of the Paris attackers, having been spotted with Salah Abdeslam two days before the massacres in a car used to ferry the Stade de France suicide bombers to their target. The 3,000 handed to him was withdrawn from a bank account held by Anouar Haddouchi, an associate of Ahmed who previously lived in Birmingham before travelling to Syria to fight for Isis, the court heard. On Friday, jurors were told that Haddouchi claimed housing and council tax benefit from Birmingham City Council from September 2009. In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Show all 30 1 /30 In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport A man carries an injured person in Brussels Airport, after explosions ripped through the departure hall In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Travellers get to their feet in a smoke filled terminal at Brussels Airport after explosions In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport A man is wounded in Brussels Airport in Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport A man speaks on a mobile phone in Brussels Airport, after the explosions ripped through the departure hall In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Belgian police officers detain a man at the Gare du Midi train station in Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport A police officer stands guard as people are evacuated from Brussels airport, after explosions rocked the facility in Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport People stand near Brussels airport after being evacuated following explosions that rocked the facility in Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Crew and passengers are evacuated from Zaventem Bruxelles International Airport after an attack in Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Passengers gather near Brussels airport in Zaventem, following its evacuation after blasts rocked the main terminal of Brussels airport In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Two women wounded in Brussels Airport in Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Passengers and airport staff are evacuated from the terminal building after explosions at Brussels Airport in Zaventem near Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Passengers and airport staff are evacuated from the terminal building after explosions at Brussels Airport in Zaventem near Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Broken windows seen at the scene of explosions at Zaventem airport near Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport People leave the scene of explosions at Zaventem airport near Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport People are evacuated from the scene after two explosions were heard at Brussels Airport In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport People wait outside of the Brussels Airport after evacuation In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport People leave the airport area after explosions at Brussels Airport in Zaventem In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Passengers comfort each other as they are evacuated from the terminal building after explosions at Brussels Airport in Zaventem In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport People react as they walk away from Brussels airport after explosions rocked the facility in Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Emergency services attend the scene of explosions at Zaventem airport near Brussels Reuters In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Injured people at the scene at Brussels Airport after two explosions were heard PA In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport The aftermath of the explosions at Brussels airport PA In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport People wait outside of the Zaventem airport after two explosions were heard PA In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Emergency services at the scene of explosions at Brussels Airport In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport A view of the scene after the explosions at Brussels airport PA In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Emergency services at the scene of explosions at Zaventem airport near Brussels Reuters In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport The aftermath of the explosions at Brussels airport PA In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport The view of the Brussels airport after the explosion PA In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Smoke is seen at Brussels airport in Brussels AP In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport A photo shows cars on a blocked highway near Zaventem, Brussels National airport, after two explosions rocked the main hall of Brussels Airport Getty Images While the council tax reduction was eventually withdrawn, the information about the termination of his tenancy was not passed on to the benefit service which administered the housing benefit, resulting in payments totalling 5,413 being overpaid to the account between December 2014 and November last year. The court heard that a person claiming to be Haddouchi, who was in fact Ahmed, called Lloyds Bank in May 2015 and reported a lost debit card. The bank issued a new card to an address in Birmingham, which Ahmed collected after making contact with the new occupant. Jurors were then shown a table of 17 withdrawals made between 30 May and 30 June 2015, including numerous 300 instalments, and told each was made by Ahmed. They also heard that telecommunications data suggested a sim card attributed to Boufassil was moved between handsets in the hours before Abrini landed at Heathrow at about 9pm on 9 July 2015, having flown in from Istanbul, Turkey. The court was also told that geographic patterns drawn from telecommunications analysis suggested mobile phones attributed to Abrini, Ahmed and Boufassil were all in an area encompassing Small Heath Park in Birmingham on the evening of 10 July. 30-year-old Mohamed Abrini admitted to being at Brussels airport (Federal Police/AFP) (AFP) The court has previously heard that a pre-arranged cash handover meeting involving the three men took place the following afternoon. The jury was guided through a detailed phone log of multiple numbers attributed to the trio between 3.29pm and 5.10pm on that day. Crown prosecutor Max Hill QC asked analyst Dr Iain Brodie if the data was consistent with them having been together during the period 1529 to 1534. Dr Brodie agreed that it was, though he noted there was some contact between the phones at that time. The jury was also shown a map drawn from two numbers attributed to Abrini, who was dubbed the man in the hat after the Brussels attacks, during his entire visit to the UK. Dr Brodie said it showed phones apparently used by Abrini being in the London area on 9 and 10 July, Birmingham on 10, 11 and 12 July, Manchester on 14 and 15 July and Birmingham again on 15 and 16 July. The trial before Justice Jeremy Baker continues. Press Association For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Serial killer Stephen Port will spend the rest of his life in prison after being sentenced to a whole life term for the murder of four men. The 41-year-old chef was found guilty of a total of 22 offences against 11 men including the four murders, four rapes, 10 counts of administering a substance and four sex assaults. Port met his victims using online dating services including Grindr and plied them with drinks spiked with fatal amounts of the drug GHB to rape them while they were unconscious, before dumping their bodies near his east London flat. After killing the men, he embarked upon an elaborate cover-up operation. He disposed of their mobile phones, repeatedly lied to police and planted a fake suicide note in the hand of one of his victims, which took the blame for the death of another. Mr Justice Openshaw gave Port the whole life sentence after he was found guilty of all four murders after a trial at the Old Bailey. The judge described Port as a wicked and monstrous killer and said Port had carried out the murders in order to satisfy his lust for sex with unconscious young men. Port denied all the charges against him but was found guilty of the murders of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor. Families of the victims cheered and clapped as Port was sent down. Scotland Yard faces allegations it failed to link Port to all four murders, despite their marked similarities. It was only after the death of his final victim, Mr Taylor, whose family urged the police to re-examine the previous deaths, that a full investigation was launched. Commander Stuart Cundy, of the Mets Specialist Crime and Operations command, said 17 officers are facing investigation into possible misconduct during the case. Following Ports conviction, Mr Cundy offered the families personal letters of apology from the police for missing opportunities to catch Port earlier. The Independent Police Complaints Commission will investigate the police forces initial response to the murders, and will examine whether discrimination played any part in actions and decisions. The Taylor family has said it is suing the Met Police, saying they believe that if the force had investigated the initial murders they would not have had to fight for a full investigation and Port would have been stopped sooner. Ports first victim, Anthony Walgate, 23, was found dead on Cooke Street on 19 June last year. He was a fashion and design student at Middlesex University who was originally from Hull but living in Barnet. The second victim, Gabriel Kovari, 22, was found by a dog walker near St Margarets churchyard on 28 August last year. He was originally from Slovakia but lived in Lewisham, south London. Just under a month later, on 20 September last year, the same dog walker discovered the body of Daniel Whitworth, 21, from Gravesend, Kent, near the same churchyard. Then on 14 September this year, Jack Taylor, 25, a forklift truck driver from Dagenham, was found dead near the abbey ruins close to North Street. Detective Chief Inspector Tim Duffield, senior investigating officer from the Mets Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: These evil crimes have left entire families, a community and a nation in shock. I have previously said that Port is one of the most dangerous individuals Ive encountered in almost 28 years of policing and a full life term in prison was the only appropriate punishment in the circumstances. All of those affected have my deepest sympathies and I hope they can find some solace from the fact that Port will spend the remainder of his life behind bars. Prominent LGBT rights campaigner Peter Tatchell told The Independent: A life sentence is entirely appropriate for these shocking, premeditated multiple murders and rapes. However, I am uncomfortable with whole life sentences. If a jailed person expresses sincere remorse, has genuinely reformed and no longer poses a threat to the public, after serving 30-plus years they should be eligible for parole under licence and supervision. Allowing the possibility of redemption is the right thing to do. 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 Following Ports conviction, the Met Police has appealed for information from any of Ports other victims. The force has also said it is reassessing 58 unexplained deaths involving date-rape drugs to make sure foul play has not been missed. Port is not linked to any of them, a spokeswoman said. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} An MP has called on the Home Secretary to consider listing Britain First as a terrorist organisation following the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox by a far-right white supremist. Louise Haigh, Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley, said the House of Commons should debate whether Britain First should be proscribed as a terrorist organisation and banned from standing in democratic elections, which would prohibit the far-right group from arranging meetings or rallying support. Ms Haigh said: Can we have a debate about whether Britain First should be proscribed as a terrorist organisation and banned from standing in democratic elections? David Lidington, the Leader of the House, replied that Ms Haigh's request would be reported to the Home Secretary Amber Rudd, saying: I cant offer a debate. As you probably know, the Home Office brings forward orders for the proscription of particular organisations but must do so on the basis of evidence. There have been cases in the past where organisations have been so proscribed, have gone to the courts and successfully won a judicial review to say that the evidence on which that action had been taken was not sufficient. So, Ill make sure that your proposal is reported to the Home Secretary but there has to be clear evidence of terrorist involvement for the terrorist proscription to be applied. On Wednesday white supremacist and neo-nazi Thomas Mair was found guilty of killing Mrs Cox in a planned and pre-meditated murder in the lead-up to the EU referendum. The 53-year-old shouted Britain first, this is for Britain over her body after shooting the Labour MP three times and inflicting 15 stab wounds, the court heard. Following her remarks in Parliament, Ms Haigh told The Independent: There is little doubt that the threat and violence of the extremist political right is of serious concern. "Indeed, the UKs top counter-terrorism officer yesterday sounded the alarm warning that the threat posed by the extremist right is growing and poses a similar risk to other forms of extremism. We need to take this seriously. And we need a full and frank debate in this country about how such hate-filled, violent extreme right organisations are threatening and undermining the values we hold dear and providing the space from which political extremists could emerge. 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 Ms Haigh's comments come as it was revealed that one in four people undergoing intervention in the governments programme to tackle radicalisation have white supremacist views. Whitehall sources told The Times that a quarter of those undergoing intervention in Channel, which deals with hundreds of individuals deemed likely to engage in violent extremism, now come from the far right. Statistics from the National Police Chiefs Council last week revealed that there were 561 far-right referrals to the programme - around 13 per cent of the total. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Campaigners have accused the Government of dirty tricks of the highest order after an investigation found a report on fracking was deliberately delayed until after a crucial vote. Lancashire County Council was asked to vote on two applications by energy company Cuadrilla to drill shale gas in the county, unaware the Government was sitting on a report outlining the issues of water contamination, noise and air pollution, falling house prices, and damage to local industries such as tourism and agriculture. The sensitive report on the effects of drilling for shale gas in rural areas had been partially released by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) in 2014, but was heavily redacted. After a Freedom of Information (FOI) battle, in June 2015 it was ruled the documents were of strong public interest and the Government was given 35 days to release them in full. An investigation by Greenpeaces Energydesk suggests ministers systematically worked to delay the release of the report. And it revealed ministers were aware of the Governments own double standards between wind power and fracking applications. The documents, revealed after another long series of FOI requests, showed how then-Energy Minster Andrea Leadsom, the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Prime Ministers office worked together to delay the report, which was critical of fracking in a number of ways. The documents revealed Ms Leadsom recommended we do nothing before Cuadrillas planning decision if we have time. She also asked that she was made aware of any other FOI enquiries of this type, because of her sensitivity to shale comms at the moment. Other messages show the report was deliberately released late in the day to avoid media scrutiny. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty UK news in pictures 12 September 2022 Crowds line the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, as King Charles III joins a procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS UK news in pictures 11 September 2022 Members of the Public pay their respects as the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, is driven through Ballater AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 10 September 2022 Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wave at well-wishers on the Long walk at Windsor Castle AFP/Getty While Lancashire County Council voted to reject fracking despite not having been made fully aware by the Government of its potentially harmful effects, then-Business Secretary Sajid Javid overruled the councils decision so the fracking could go ahead. There were concerns about the fact that a ministerial intervention had not occurred in favour of wind energy, something former Prime Minster David Cameron was well aware of, the documents showed they include preparation notes for Prime Ministers Questions, highlighting lines to take in the event of Labour scrutiny on this issue. It is dirty tricks of the highest order - a real eye opener, said Marcus Johnstone, Lancashire County Councils lead on planning and environment, of the documents. It shows complete contempt for local democracy. It is very obvious they were hell bent on fracking happening anyway, whatever we said in Lancashire. The double standard [between wind power and fracking] is jaw dropping. Barbara Richardson, a resident who lives close to one of the Cuadrilla sites in Lancashire, said: This feels like another betrayal from a government that has acted all along like a stooge for the fracking industry. "Ministers have thrown transparency, democracy, and basic decency out of the window to impose their pet project on communities that have roundly rejected it. How can we possibly trust their claims that fracking is safe when theyre hell-bent on hiding the evidence? Rural communities from Lancashire to Yorkshire will take notice. Greenpeace UK campaigner Hannah Martin said: Theresa May has already acknowledged that trust in politics is low, so its disappointing that the government deliberately delayed publishing their damning report on the impacts of fracking to hide it from local councillors who had asked to see it. The people of Lancashire will be upset that its not just their countryside at risk, but also local democracy. First their council was overruled, and now its been revealed that the government tried to pull the wool over their eyes too. The government said it complied fully on the FOI ruling. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A 1bn Royal Navy warship had to be towed back into port after it developed technical issues after just two days at sea. HMS Duncan was tugged into Plymouth under escort on Wednesday, 48 hours after it set sail from a naval base in the town. Members of the public observing from the shore said the ship appeared to have lost all power and was totally reliant on the tow. HMS Duncan is one of six Type 45 vessels commissioned by the Ministry of Defence at a cost of 1bn each and were bought on the premise that they would not require serious mechanical work for at least 25 years. But the Daring-class ships engines have been fraught with problems since their introduction and all six are scheduled for repairs. In particular, the vessels have had difficult operating continuously in warm climates. It is astonishing that the specification for the Type 45 did not include the requirement for the ships to operate at full capacity and for sustained periods in hot regions such as the Gulf, the defence select committee said of the ships earlier in November. The UKs enduring presence in the Gulf should have made it a key requirement for the engines. The fact that it was not was an inexcusable failing and one which must not be repeated, it added. 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 Failure to guarantee this would put the personnel and ships of the Royal Navy in danger. The committee has also criticised the UKs woefully low number of vessels, which it said left the UK vulnerable and unable to fulfil its Nato commitments. Between 2023 and 2035, it is expected the navy will lose one vessel a year and the MPs raised doubts about the governments commitment to have them replaced. The MPs comments came as former senior military figures strongly criticised the state of the Britains defences. Lord Boyce, an independent crossbencher who served as chief of the defence staff from 2001 to 2003, argued that the UK's forces were "shrinking" and that the Government's Strategic Defence and Security Review was not fit for purpose. Former head of the Royal Navy Lord West of Spithead also challenged the Government over Britain's military strength and urged a review of the nation's capabilities, which he said had been "suffering death by a thousand cuts". Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} It will be "impossible" for the UK to strike a full deal on Brexit in the two-year negotiation period allowed by the EU's founding treaty, Ireland's Prime Minister has said. Enda Kenny told Sky News the transition deal is likely to take longer than expected as ministers encounter "unforseen issues". The Lisbon Treaty states that members must withdraw from the EU two years after triggering Article 50 and notifying the bloc of their intention. But the period can be extended if the European Council unanimously decides to allow the UK longer for negotiations. Mr Kenny said there was no evidence of a coherent plan for Brexit from Theresa May's government, after Downing Street distanced itself from a consultant's report warning that thousands more civil servants were needed for the huge workload generated by the UK's vote to leave the EU. The report by Deloitte, dated 7 November and entitled Brexit Update, said that while each Whitehall department has developed Brexit plans, these fall considerably short of a Government plan because of the lack of prioritisation and an overall negotiation strategy. It criticised Mrs May for drawing in decisions and details to settle matters herself and warned that big companies will point a gun at the Government's head after Nissan was given assurances about trading conditions once Britain leaves the EU. A fresh row was generated following Philip Hammond's bleak Autumn Statement earlier this week, when the referendum vote was blamed for worsening national debt and plummeting growth in the economy. Arguments are also raging within the Tory party, with pro-Brexit MPs rounding on Sir John Major on Friday after the former Prime Minister warned the terms of the UK's withdrawal from the European Union must not be dictated by the tyranny of the majority. Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty European leaders have continued to raise objection to the UK dictating favourable terms for its departure. The Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat - whose country takes over the EU presidency in January - said the other 27 member states were adamant Britain could not remain in the EU single market unless it continues to accept free movement of labour. Recommended Tory Brexit row blows open after forecasts of economic gloom All of us have been pretty clear in our approach that we want a fair deal for the UK but that kind of fair deal can't translate itself into a superior deal, he told the BBC. I know that there is absolutely no bluffing from the European side, at least in the council meetings I have attended, saying 'We will start in this position and then we will soften up'. No, this is really and truly our position. Responding to his comments, a Downing Street spokesperson said: This is a negotiation that will take place next year and the Government will set out its negotiating strategy in the fullness of time. The aim of that negotiation is to get the best possible deal for Britain, for British companies to access and work with and within the single market and for European businesses to have the same access here. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Theresa May will fail to start Brexit by her deadline of next March because of legal hold-ups, the leader of the country set to assume the EU presidency has predicted. Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat also suggested that any proposed exit agreement could be scuttled by the European Parliament, which faces elections in 2019 when Britain hopes to leave. And he repeated the insistence of numerous EU leaders that Britain cannot hope to retain close access to the single market if it wants to end free movement of people. Mr Muscat told the BBC: It's just not happening. We want a fair deal for the UK, but that kind of fair deal can't translate itself into a superior deal. Recommended Supreme Court rules Scotland and Wales can intervene on Brexit I know that there is absolutely no bluffing from the European side, at least in the council meetings I have attended, saying 'we will start in this position and then we will soften up'. No, this is really and truly our position. Ms May has said she will start Brexit by the end of March, by triggering the Article 50 notice period and its two-year timetable for leaving the EU. But she must first overcome the hurdle of her Supreme Court appeal against the High Courts ruling that Parliament must give its consent to starting the exit process. Mr Muscat said he would not be surprised if the Supreme Court referred the controversy to the European Court of Justice (ECJ), which has supreme authority over matters of EU law creating a delay. That is also the view of the President of the ECJ, Koen Lenaerts, who has said there are many, many ways that Brexit could end up before the EUs highest court. Furthermore, Britain was mistaken if it believed the talks would be straightforward, because they must first sort out the financial bill for leaving, then the headache of the border with the Republic of Ireland. Mr Muscat said: It is only after those two areas have been resolved that the third negotiation will start - which is what type of new relationship there will be between the UK and the European Union. And he added: The real threat to all this is the European Parliament elections in 2019. I think there is a clear and present danger of anything that we would have done to be scuttled at the very end of the process - for Parliament to veto it. It will get complicated. Divorces are never easy I think. Significantly, it is senior MEPs who have been most critical of Britains failure to explain its Brexit strategy, even during face-to-face talks this week. German MEP Manfred Weber, the chairman of the centre-right European People's Party, emerged from a meeting with Brexit Secretary David Davis saying: There is no idea what Brexit really means. Ms May has said it would hand the EU an advantage if the Government revealed its negotiating hand on Brexit before the talks take place. But Mr Muscat said: We are going to lose something, but there will not be a situation when the UK has a better deal than it has today. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Michael Gove has been left red-faced after the Treasury watchdog dismissed his claim that its gloomy economic forecast missed a 200m-a-week "Brexit dividend". The former Justice Secretary hailed the small print of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) document, arguing it confirmed a huge potential spending boost from Brexit. An open letter, signed by two other Tory former cabinet ministers, said: The OBR has revealed that the British people will get back over 10bn net a year once we leave the EU. We believe that this Brexit dividend should be spent on our priorities - the most important of which is our NHS. But OBR chairman Robert Chote immediately dismissed the claim, pointing out the watchdog had included the money in its calculations and had already assumed the money would be spent. Therefore, Mr Gove and the other signatories were wrong to say the refund even if Britain achieves it in full, in the Brexit negotiations would temper the OBRs stark warnings. After the Autumn Statement, its report said Britain will have borrow an extra 122bn by 2022 of which almost 58.7bn is a black hole opened up because of the uncertainty created by EU withdrawal. The annual budget deficit is forecast to be 30bn in 2019-20, instead of the 10bn projected in March, a staggering 40 billion swing into the red. And Chancellor Philip Hammond will even struggle with his fresh target to wipe out the Budget deficit in the next Parliament - which could mean as late as 2025. What experts have said about Brexit Show all 11 1 /11 What experts have said about Brexit What experts have said about Brexit Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond The Chancellor claims London can still be a world financial hub despite Brexit One of Britains great strengths is the ability to offer and aggregate all of the services the global financial services industry needs This has not changed as a result of the EU referendum and I will do everything I can to ensure the City of London retains its position as the worlds leading international financial centre. Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Yanis Varoufakis Greece's former finance minister compared the UK relations with the EU bloc with a well-known song by the Eagles: You can check out any time you like, as the Hotel California song says, but you can't really leave. The proof is Theresa May has not even dared to trigger Article 50. It's like Harrison Ford going into Indiana Jones' castle and the path behind him fragmenting. You can get in, but getting out is not at all clear Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Michael OLeary Ryanair boss says UK will be screwed by EU in Brexit trade deals: I have no faith in the politicians in London going on about how the world will want to trade with us. The world will want to screw you that's what happens in trade talks, he said. They have no interest in giving the UK a deal on trade Getty What experts have said about Brexit Tim Martin JD Wetherspoon's chairman has said claims that the UK would see serious economic consequences from a Brexit vote were "lurid" and wrong: We were told it would be Armageddon from the OECD, from the IMF, David Cameron, the chancellor and President Obama who were predicting locusts in the fields and tidal waves in the North Sea" PA What experts have said about Brexit Mark Carney Governor of Bank of England is 'serene' about Bank of England's Brexit stance: I am absolutely serene about the judgments made both by the MPC and the FPC Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Christine Lagarde IMF chief urges quick Brexit to reduce economic uncertainty: We want to see clarity sooner rather than later because we think that a lack of clarity feeds uncertainty, which itself undermines investment appetites and decision making Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Inga Beale Lloyds chief executive says Brexit is a major issue: "Clearly the UK's referendum on its EU membership is a major issue for us to deal with and we are now focusing our attention on having in place the plans that will ensure Lloyd's continues trading across Europe EPA What experts have said about Brexit Colm Kelleher President of US bank Morgan Stanley says City of London will suffer as result of the EU referendum: I do believe, and I said prior to the referendum, that the City of London will suffer as result of Brexit. The issue is how much What experts have said about Brexit Richard Branson Virgin founder believes we've lost a THIRD of our value because of Brexit and cancelled a deal worth 3,000 jobs: We're not any worse than anybody else, but I suspect we've lost a third of our value which is dreadful for people in the workplace.' He continued: "We were about to do a very big deal, we cancelled that deal, that would have involved 3,000 jobs, and thats happening all over the country" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Barack Obama US President believes Britain was wrong to vote to leave the EU: "It is absolutely true that I believed pre-Brexit vote and continue to believe post-Brexit vote that the world benefited enormously from the United Kingdom's participation in the EU. We are fully supportive of a process that is as little disruptive as possible so that people around the world can continue to benefit from economic growth" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Kristin Forbes American economist and an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England argues that the economy had been less stormy than many expected following the shock referendum result: For nowthe economy is experiencing some chop, but no tsunami. The adverse winds could quickly pick up and merit a stronger policy response. But recently they have shifted to a more favourable direction Getty Mr Chote told the BBC: We assumed that any money that is saved from the net expenditure transfers we currently make to the European Union will be spent on something else. Thats why the public finances dont improve to the degree that they would if we saved that money altogether. If you do spend all of it, then obviously the public finances are affected by that. The position is confirmed by page 158 of the OBR report, which reads: For this forecast, we have made the fiscally neutral assumption that any reduction in these transfers to the EU would be recycled fully into extra domestic spending. The Labour MP Chuka Umunna said: It's hard to believe someone with such a dodgy grasp of basic maths ever managed to become Education Secretary. We know what Michael Gove needs for Christmas - a calculator. And he ought to apologise for still peddling misleading figures and trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the British people. The letter was also signed by former ministers John Redwood and Peter Lilley, along with leading Leave-supporting Labour MP Gisela Stuart. Even the claim of a 200m-a-week payback from Brussels is little more than half the 350m-a-week which the Leave campaign claimed during the referendum campaign emblazoning it, notoriously, on the side of a red bus. Mr Goves letter formed part of a furious onslaught launched by pro-Brexit Conservative MPs and newspapers against the OBRs forecasts. Iain Duncan Smith, the former Cabinet minister accused the watchdog of putting out another utter doom and gloom scenario, on the back of past failures. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Not many people are familiar with section 2 of the Scotland Act of 2016, but it could give First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her government in Edinburgh the legal power to block the UK from triggering Article 50. Conservative MP Anna Soubry - in a wonderfully honest interview in The Guardian yesterday - mentioned it in passing: The government is appealing against the high court ruling, but at the supreme court hearing, the Scottish government will argue that the consent of Holyrood is also required to trigger article 50. Soubry thinks it has a strong case. Yes. Im reliably informed that the Scotland Act 2016 section 2 says that you cannot interfere with devolved Scottish matters, they must be determined by the Scottish parliament. Here is what the Scotland Act actually says: ... it is recognised that the Parliament of the United Kingdom will not normally legislate with regard to devolved matters without the consent of the Scottish Parliament. Of course, Scotland is hardcore pro-Remain territory. Sturgeon and the SNP wants to keep Scotland in the EU. Given a chance, there is no way the Scottish parliament would vote for Brexit. So does Brexit breach the normal requirement that would give Edinburgh the legal power to withhold its consent for Brexit? Experts' opinions are mixed. The House of Lords has received legal advice indicating that the UK government in Westminster would have to get a vote from the Scottish parliament in order to execute a Brexit: We asked Sir David [Edward] whether he thought the Scottish Parliament would have to give its consent to measures extinguishing the application of EU law in Scotland. He noted that such measures would entail amendment of section 29 of the Scotland Act 1998 [reaffirmed in the Scotland Act 2016], which binds the Scottish Parliament to act in a manner compatible with EU law, and he therefore believed that the Scottish Parliaments consent would be required. Here is some more detail on that: Baroness Suttie... I have a specific question to Sir David, if I may. Do you think that the Scottish Parliament would be likely to grant legislative consent? If they did not, what would be the consequences? Sir David Edward: The formal consequence is this. Under Section 29 of the Scotland Act 1998 the Scottish Parliament is bound by EU law, and, ditto, under Section 57(2) the Scottish Government are bound by EU law. Under the Scotland Bill [2016] that is going through Parliament at the moment, the Sewel convention will be recognised in Section 2 if it becomes an Act. Therefore, as I see it, you would have to amend the Scotland Act and, therefore, you would have to have legislative consent from the Scottish Parliament. And the House of Lords Select Committee on Article 50 published this footnote, which strongly suggests that the consent of the Scottish Parliament would be required: (House of Lords (House of Lords) The key to the entire debate is the word normally in the text of the 2016 act. Some legal experts say that Brexit is not a normal circumstance and thus the UK government retains the power to legislate for Scotland. Westminster has always reserved that power for itself, although via devolution it allows Scotland to normally conduct its own affairs. Fiona Killen, a Partner at Anderson Strathern, believes that Scotland can't withhold its consent: However, both the Scotland Act 1998 (s28(8)) and the preceding convention contain the word normally in relation to circumstances in which the consent of the Scottish Parliament would be sought. Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty As reflected in section 28(7) of the Scotland Act 1998, the devolution of power to Scotland was not an absolute transfer of power, but rather a sharing of power, with the UK Parliament retaining the absolute power to legislate in devolved areas. Section 28(8) remains subject to section 28(7) which states that This section does not affect the power of the Parliament of the United Kingdom to make laws for Scotland. But it is complicated. Prof. Mark Elliott of the University of Cambridge thinks Scotland can't block Brexit. But he also previously argued that the government could trigger Article 50 through royal prerogative and he turned out to be wrong about that, according to the recent High Court ruling on that issue. Mark McKeown of law firm Turcan Connell believes the law is unclear. The UK Supreme Court may have to clear it up. Business Insider Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Sir John Major, the former Prime Minister, has declared there is a perfectly credible case for a second EU referendum and warned that Brexit should not be dictated by the tyranny of the majority. In his first intervention on the issue since the referendum in June, the former Conservative leader, who was in office between 1990 and 1997, told guests at a private dinner that the 48 per cent of people who voted to stay in the EU should not be denied a say in the trade terms of the deal. Sir John a prominent figure seen at David Camerons side during the referendum campaign said he accepted Britain would not remain a full member but wanted the Brexit deal to allow the country to stay as close as possible to the other member states and the single market, which he dubbed the richest market mankind has ever seen. Farage forced to admit EU referendum was only 'advisory' Recommended Tony Blair claims Brexit can be stopped The comments, reported by the Times, came at a private dinner to mark the 100th anniversary of David Lloyd George becoming Prime Minister. He said Parliament, rather than the Government, should decide the final terms of any new deal with the remaining members of the EU, adding there was a perfectly credible case for a second referendum. I hear the argument that the 48 per cent of people who voted to stay should have no say in what happens, he said. I find that very difficult to accept. The tyranny of the majority has never applied in a democracy and it should not apply in this particular democracy. Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty Sir John's time in Downing Street was marked by a series of bruising battles with own party over Europe and his comments are likely to cause fresh anger among Eurosceptic Tories His intervention in the debate also comes after Tony Blair, his successor in Downing Street, suggested the Brexit process could be halted if the British public wished to do so. The former Labour leader told the New Statesman: It can be stopped if the British people decide that, having seen what it means, the pain gain cost-benefit analysis doesnt stack up. Mr Blair, who also ruled out a return to frontline politics, added: But this is what I keep saying to people. This is like agreeing to a house swap without having seen the other house . . . Youve got to understand, this has been driven essentially ideologically. The comments from Sir John will likely irritate Downing Street who on Thursday when asked about Mr Blairs comments replied: The PM has been very clear we are leaving the EU thats the decision of the British people. "Theres not going to be any change from that position, we are taking it forward, we will trigger Article 50 and leave the EU." But responding to Sir John's comments Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader, said: "The haphazard way May's cabinet are handling Brexit makes the case for a referendum on the deal stronger each day, and we're glad to have growing cross-party support for this campaign." Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The report into the failings of the Metropolitan Police in child sexual abuse cases is the most damning ever written the government has admitted. The report, published by Her Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) found the Met had been inconsistent in its handling of cases and concluded that three quarters of the 374 cases it investigated had been handled inadequately. Policing minister Brandon Lewis told the House of Commons: We have to be unequivocally clear about this this is the most damning report Her Majestys Inspectoral have ever written about any inspection it has done on any police force in the country. Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott, who requested an urgent question on the matter, said the report shows an appalling catalogue of failure for some of the most vulnerable in society. She added: This is not just an issue for the Met. The same failings have been identified in forces across the country and victims continue to be let down. A year ago the Home Office said they would give forces the resources they needed to improve their response to child sexual abuse. Its time they kept that promise. The report comes weeks after a damning review found numerous errors in Scotland Yard's doomed investigation into claims of a VIP paedophile ring. In one case, a teenage girl disclosed that she had been given alcohol and cigarettes before being sexually assaulted by a 30-year-old man she met online. An officer was not assigned to the investigation until 17 days later, during which time the man continued to message the teenager HMIC said this put her at risk, while the Met rated its handling as good. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A march on the Supreme Court planned by Nigel Farage and other Brexit campaigners has been cancelled, sources close to the Ukip politician have confirmed. The demonstration, proposed for the day the courts judges will consider a crucial Brexit case, was dropped with it never having gone past early planning stages, the source said. But reports also emerged claiming the event, organised by the Brexit campaign group Leave.EU, was cancelled due to fears that it could be hijacked by far right groups like the EDL and BNP. At the start of next month, all 11 Supreme Court justices will rule on a government appeal against a High Court judgement forcing Theresa May to give Parliament a vote on triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, officially launching Brexit talks. Leave.EU had said that during the court case thousands would gather for a protest ending in Parliament Square, within sight of the Supreme Court. However, a source close to Mr Farage, said planning for the march had never taken off before the idea was ditched as unfeasible. Individuals linked to the BNP, EDL and Britain First had signalled they may join the demonstration. Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty Ms May had wanted to trigger Article 50 herself using royal prerogative powers, but faced stiff resistance in Parliament and the legal challenge in the High Court, led by philanthropist Gina Miller. After the case was won by Ms Miller the Government vowed to fight it at the Supreme Court, with a hearing now set for December 5. There are indications however that ministers are resigned to losing the case and are preparing legislation for Parliament to vote on. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Plans for third runway at Heathrow could breach the Governments own climate change legislation if other sectors fail to make cuts to emissions, an independent advisory board has warned. The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) said it had concerns over how the Department for Transport (DfT) had presented its case. It warned the business plan for Heathrow projects a 15 per cent increase in aviation emissions by 2050. The committee members added that if the increase is allowed, ministers will have be prepared to cut emissions from other sectors of Britains economy. Heathrow expansion, which led to the resignation of Zac Goldsmith as a Conservative MP and an on-going by-election, was announced by Theresa Mays administration last month following a review by the Airports Commission. In a letter to Business Secretary Greg Clark, the chairman of the CCC, Lord Debden, said: "The Committee has concerns about how it (DfT) presented the implications for greenhouse gas emissions from aviation in that business case." He added: "The committee is now concerned that there is scope for misunderstanding of the DfT's position based on the business case for a third runway at Heathrow," Lord Debden wrote. "Using the Government's publications, it is not possible to assess whether the investment makes sense when emissions conform to the planning assumption." Lord Debden warned that plans to expand Heathrow while keeping current targets meant "all sectors would have to prepare for correspondingly higher emission reductions by 2050". "My committee has limited confidence about the options for other sectors to go beyond these levels by 2050," he added. But the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy told said the Government agreed with the Airports Commission's assessment that a new runway at Heathrow will not breach emissions targets. In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Show all 22 1 /22 In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Inside one of the terminal tents in 1946 The year the airport opened. Comfortable armchairs and flowers try to distract from the conditions Graham Bridges collection In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow An aerial view of the airport in 1949 Construction of the runway layout and Central Area are under way In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow A Pan Am crew checks out the Boeing Stratocruiser N1029V Clipper Golden Eagle in 1954 During the early 1950s, Pan Am and American Overseas Airlines operated Statocruisers into London Airport in direct competition on the North Atlantic route operated by BOAC In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow One of the first official London Airport guidebooks C.1953, priced 1s In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow In 1950 a permanent concrete terminal building was built This replaced the tents previously used at London Airport North and is seen still in use for charter and cargo flights in this 1959 view via Graham Bridges In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow BOAC check-in desk in 1954 Inside the new London Airport North terminal building, just before the move to the Central Area Graham Bridges collection In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Air traffic control tower in the 1960s Inside the visual control room CAA Archives via Pete Bish In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Rear cover of the 1956 guidebook Showing a plan of the airport at the time, with entrance prices to the spectators viewing terraces and for airport coach tours In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Spectators in 1958 How close can you get? As soon as the Central Area was open, spectators were afforded unprecedented views of the airliners In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Terminal 3 was opened as the Oceanic Terminal on 13 November 1961 It was built to handle flight departures for long-haul routes. Renamed Terminal 3 in 1968, it was expanded in 1970 with the addition of an arrivals building In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Inside Terminal 3 in 1969 Check-in desks for BOAC and QANTAS airlines In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Plane spotting on Heathrows viewing terraces in the 1960s Wrap up warm, take your spotting logbooks, pen and binoculars and get your mum to pack your sandwiches In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow No 1 Passenger Building Also called the Europa Building. In this photo, taken on 22 June 1963, flags of the many airlines it serves are flown Lee Holden In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Luggage-trailer-towing Routemaster buses When BEA and BOAC merged to form BA on 1 April 1974, both fleets had to be repainted in the new livery, but so did all the ground support equipment In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow The entrance to the traffic tunnel in 1974 A Lufthansa Boeing 737 is seen on the runway In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow A 40 per cent scale model of Concorde In September 1990 it was erected on the roundabout at the entrance to the tunnel that passes under the northern runway at Heathrow Airport. It was built in four main parts, with an 80ft-long central fuselage section, to which the wings and tail fin were attached. The completed model was placed on the roundabout in September 1990 and was monitored by CCTV and surrounded by an infrared perimeter alarm that was connected to the local Heathrow police station to ensure it was not vandalised In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Heathrow Airport's 50th anniversary On 2 June 1996, Heathrow marked its anniversary with a flypast of representative airliner types that have served the airport over the years. This culminated in a formation flypast by Concorde with Hawks of the RAF Red Arrows aerobatic team In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow The roof of Terminal 3s car park One of the last bastions for plane spotters and spectators was here. This is the unfriendly notice that greets anyone who attempts this today Richard Vandervord In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow On 24 October 2003 BA withdrew its Concordes from service The final scheduled commercial flight was BA002 from JFK operated by G-BOAG. Here we see three of the Concordes parked together outside the BA hangar on 8 November 2003 following withdrawal John Hughes In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow The new control tower Costing 50 million to construct, it gives controllers an excellent 360-degree panoramic view NATS photograph In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow The new Terminal 2 The Queens Terminal In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Looking due west down Runway 27L A spokesman said: "We are considering how we will continue to reduce our emissions across the economy through the 2020s and will set this out in our emissions reduction plan, which will send an important signal to the markets, businesses and investors. "Our commitment to meeting our Climate Change Act target of an at least 80 per cent emissions reduction below 1990 levels by 2050 is as strong as ever." Responding to the warning, the Green party co-leader Jonathan Bartley said: The Committee on Climate Change has confirmed what we already knew expanding Heathrow will put a wrecking ball through any hope of meeting climate change targets. The Government must stop giving air travel special treatment. The reality is that endless growth in our aviation capacity is incompatible with the UK's climate change commitments. The Government must open its eyes to the only sensible option: no new runways. The Government must urgently look into the proposed frequent flier levy as a fair way of reducing the demand for flights from those who fly the most, whilst benefiting the majority of people and protecting us all from the threat of climate change. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Theresa May faces a backlash from Tory MPs after 240m was devoted to an expansion of grammar school places in the Autumn Statement. One Conservative told The Independent the much needed cash should be refocused on ensuring high-quality leadership in schools in general. Others said they were "taken aback" when Chancellor Philip Hammond announced the money would be set aside for the plan. The money to increase places at existing schools comes as Ms May is still consulting on her proposals to open completely new grammars, a process some felt should be completed before any expansion of selective education occurs. Mr Hammond said 60m has been earmarked every year to 2020/21 to expand existing grammar schools. The consultation on Ms Mays plan to lift the ban on opening new grammars finishes on December 12. New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne told The Independent he supported lifting the ban on grammar schools, because in some areas there may be demand, but he added: "However, my belief is fundamentally that our problems are with a shortage of high calibre leadership in schools. "If you look at the good schools in the most deprived areas you can have outstanding schools where you have outstanding leadership, that has got to be our main effort. "If I had 240m, Id be inclined to make sure I was addressing that need before setting up new grammar schools." Theresa May defends grammar school plans Ms May backed the opening of new grammar schools in September, something currently banned by law, arguing that they would boost the life chances of poor pupils and highlighting how the current system leads to "selection by stealth" based on parents' wealth and ability to buy houses near the best schools. But the plans were met with opposition from the education establishment, opposition parties and enough Tory MPs to create a problem for Ms May given her small Commons majority. One senior Tory said: "A number of colleagues were really taken aback that money is already in the scorecard for an expansion of places, given there is a consultation related to the same issue that is still happening. "In the Commons Justine Greening was saying there is a consultation, lets ask the question and see what people say. Ministers have been careful to say they will listen. Well, there are very few voices in the education sector who are in favour of more grammar school places." A spokesperson from the Department for Education said: "We want all children, whatever their background, to have access to an education that will unlock their talents. Thats why we are consulting on proposals to scrap the ban on new grammar schools and make more good school places available, to more parents, in more parts of the country." The spokesperson added: "We have also protected the core schools budget so that, as pupil numbers increase, so will the amount of money for our schools in 2016-17 that will total over 40 billion, the highest on record." For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} An Irish student is facing the death penalty in Egypt after the countrys president reportedly refused a request from Irelands leader to release him. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Taoiseach Enda Kenny wrote to Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on 17 November and asked for the Dubliners immediate release. But President Sisi turned down the request, according to The Times. Ibrahim Halawa was just 17 when he was arrested at a protest while on holiday in Egypt in 2013. Mr Halawa reportedly attended the pro-democracy rally in Cairo with his three older sisters before it was broken up by the Egyptian army. The now 20-year-old is being tried as an adult alongside 493 other defendants on terrorism charges, and faces death by hanging if found guilty. Proceedings are due to start on 13 December after repeated delays to the trial. President Sisis refusal comes amid fears an amnesty for young prisoners may exclude those detained over political protests. Egypt announced the amnesty for detained juveniles last week, but it is thought authorities told Ireland the scheme is only available to those already convicted. Nosayba (left) and Somaia Halawa, sisters of Ibrahim Halawa, on Grafton Street in Dublin's city centre, where family members and supporters held an awareness day (PA) These claims are at odds with Egyptian media reports, which suggested the amnesty had already led to the release of juveniles still awaiting trial. Other reports claim the amnesty actually excludes young people detained in relation to political protests. The Irish Government confirmed on Thursday it has also requested a formal pardon for Mr Halawa. The same law saw the release of three Al Jazeera journalists last year. The three reporters had once shared a cell with Mr Halawa, and have called publicly for his release. Egypt jail routinely torturing prisoners, rights group warns Harriet McCulloch, deputy director of the death penalty team at Reprieve, said: Ibrahim Halawa has been through an appalling ordeal, all for the so-called crime of attending a protest including torture, a deeply unfair mass trial, and the ongoing threat of a death sentence. Its shocking that the Egyptian President appears unwilling to recognise that Ibrahim, and scores of other young people, should have been freed long ago. Its now vital that Ireland, and other countries who are aware of Ibrahims case such as the UK, call strongly for Ibrahims release, so he can return to his family in Ireland. Mr Halawa has previously described his horrific treatment at the hands of the Egyptian state in a letter given to The Independent by Reprieve. In it, the Irishman detailed how he has been beaten, abused and mentally tortured during his three years in jail. Ibrahim Halawas letter He writes how prisoners are punished by being made to watch fellow inmates being tortured, while others are crucified by guards. The UK has told the human rights organisation it is monitoring Mr Halawas case. Full transcript of Ibrahim Halawas letter: I am sorry it has been 3 years. Dad, I am sorry that for 3 years your son has been taken away from you without being able to see him. I am sorry that you raised me to be righteous and ambitious, I am sorry you wake up every morning knowing that you might never see me again. I am sorry it has been 3 years. Mom, Im sorry that for 3 years you have been chasing me from prison to prison. I am sorry that you saw me dragged just because you wanted an extra minute to make your your son is fine. Im sorry you cant be happy with me like most mothers. Im sorry it has been three years. Nosaiba, Ahmed, Somaia, Khadija, Fatima and omaima. I am sorry I couldnt be there as a brother for you. I am sorry I couldnt be an uncle for your kids. Somaia and Omaima, I am sorry I couldnt be at your wedding to take by your hand and make it the best day of your life. I am sorry that standing up for rights had us split up. I am sorry it has been three years. Anas my friend, Im sorry that our plan we drew for ourselves in primary school has ended before it started. I am sorry i cant be you best friend. I am sorry it has been 3 years. Ireland, Im sorry Ive been away from you for 3 years. Im sorry I cant see your kind people. Im sorry I cant see your bright green colour. Im sorry I cant walk your beautiful mountains. Im sorry I cant breathe your reviving air. Im sorry I cant soak from you pure rain drops. Im sorry I cant watch the city as it get early in the morning. Im sorry I cant live the happiness of the villages around Ireland. Im sorry I cant watch the blue sea from your high cliffs. Im sorry it has been 3 years. Irish people, Im sorry that for 3 years you have been fighting for my release. Im sorry for the years I have missed between you. Im sorry for missing out on all the Irish gatherings. Im sorry I was stolen away from the warmth of the Irish laughter. Im sorry for a limitless language expressing limitless feelings, but Im fighting for what you though me to die for. Im fighting for other to gain democracy like back home. Im sorry that I am willing to die for freedom. I am sorry it has been three years. Ibrahim Halawa, 17/08/2016. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Police in Nevada are hunting a suspect in a deadly shooting incident that was apparently sparked by a fight over a parking spot on the eve of Black Friday. Officers said a dispute broke out over a parking place in a Walmart in Reno, and one person opened fire, killing a shopper. The suspect then sped off. The incident happened on the night of Thanksgiving Day. It looks it was some sort of road rage incident. We don't have any other information that it was linked to any shopping activities or anything like that at this point, Lt Scott Shaw of the Reno Police Department told ABC News. The Walmart stayed open for Black Friday shoppers while police investigated, the channel said. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A white man who allegedly shot dead a 15-year-old black teenager in West Virginia told investigators: "The way I see it, thats another piece of trash off the street." About 75 friends and family of slain teenager James Means held a candlelit vigil in the citys east end, near the location where he was shot after exchanging words with William Pulliam. "James was a good friend to me. He always came up with ideas of what to do and how to make it fun," 13-year-old James Cooper, one of Means friends who witnessed the shooting, told the Charleston Gazette-Mail. Recommended Police filmed kicking black girl over lollipop and packet of crisps Pulliam allegedly physically bumped into the teenager, who was with friends, and then went into a convenience store. When the 62-year-old came out, the exchange continued. He told police that the teenager approached him and he shot him twice in the abdomen with a .380 caliber revolver, for "self-defense". James died shortly after in hospital. The teenager had been a member of a local nonprofit called Dreams Community Development, where youths attended weekly meetings to learn about communication and career development. "This past Sunday, we really had a breakthrough, and James wanted to be a part of this," nonprofit director Obi Henderson told the newspaper. "James name is not something that should be forgotten his life was stolen from him." Pullman is being held in jail and has been charged with first-degree murder. He was not allowed to have gun to due a previous domestic violence conviction. He reportedly seemed startled that he would not have the chance to be released on bail before December, and he complained that he would lose his job and have to go on a hunger strike. Police said the plaintiff showed no remorse after his arrest and made the comment about James being "trash". After the shooting, he went to dinner and visited a female friends house, according to the police complaint. Charleston police have asked federal authorities to determine if the shooting was a hate crime. In 2013, Pulliam struck his pregnant daughter in the face and kicked her in the stomach. He also struck his wife. One count of domestic battery was dropped, and he pleaded no contest to the other. He was sentenced to 36 days in jail. His jail sentence was suspended, and instead he was put on one year's probation and given credit for six days he had already spent in jail. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The founder of Corona didn't actually make everyone in his hometown a millionaire. But that doesn't mean that they're not very grateful. This week, a story flew around the internet that Antonino Fernandez, the billionaire founder of the brewery who died this year, had left 2 million to every person in his home village. The story was reported by many major UK news organisations, including The Independent, the BBC and the Press Association, as well as internationally but it wasn't strictly true. People in the village said the story got "completely out of hand", and that they're not actually millionaires. They haven't received any money directly from Mr Fernandez, they said. 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 But Mr Fernandez did leave a huge amount of money with his hometown, and has paid for everything from cultural institutions to churches. And he did leave money to his family in Spain, who visit the village every year and help to keep its economy going. Recommended Founder of Corona beer makes everyone in his village a millionaire Its simply not true, unfortunately, said Lucia Alaejos from the Fundacion Cerezales Antonino y Cinia, a cultural centre that was founded in the village with the benefit of money from the foundations. "It seems someone got the wrong end of the stick and the story has just grown and grown," she told the Local Spain. "Its got completely out of hand. Rather than it going to people in the village, Mr Fernandez, who had no children of his own, actually left a huge part of his fortune to the descendents of his siblings. As one child of 13, the Corona founder had a large number of nieces and nephews, and so did help to make a large number of them rich. Many of them still visit for some months each summer, so it is great for the village and keeps it alive, Ms Alaejos told the Local. But the villagers wont be sharing in that inheritance directly. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trumps star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been restored to its former red and gold glory, but it comes with a heavy police presence. Just one month after the star was obliterated by a protester with a pickax, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which is responsible for the celebrity plaques, has remade the star and placed a protective barrier around it. It is not clear when the barrier will be removed. As reported by TMZ, the Los Angeles Police Department will employ patrol officers and even a police vehicle presence to ensure vandals do not strike again. A surveillance camera is also expected to be placed on the wall of a nearby shopping mall. The LAPD insisted to The Independent it was business as usual with Mr Trump receiving no special treatment. "We will have our regular patrol, making sure we are visible to guard against vandals," LAPD spokesman Aareon Jefferson said. "We always have a foot beat there. But there will be no special details." Donald Trump's Hollywood Walk of Fame star smashed by sledgehammer He did not confirm whether a new camera would be built. James Otis was arrested last month after he disguised himself as a construction worker and demolished the plaque while people stood around and watched. He faces three years in jail and fines of up to $10,000. The plaque was reportedly worth $30,000. It had seen previous defamation including ketchup, ice cream and human saliva. It was covered with a wooden panel for several weeks while the restoration took place. The US Hollywood Chamber of Commerce could not be immediately reached for comment. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Campaign and advocacy group Human Rights Watch has written to president-elect Donald Trump, urging him to reverse several proposals that would endanger the safety of millions of people. In the letter by executive director Kenneth Roth, he said Mr Trump should stop his plan to deport two to three million immigrants, stop using hateful rhetoric against immigrants and refugees, reverse his decision on Obamacare and to not allow the curtailing of womens healthcare rights. "You have accepted the Supreme Courts ruling upholding marriage equality on the ground that it is "settled" law, but the courts recognition of reproductive freedom has been settled for more than forty years, with a series of cases reaffirming the privacy rights first protected in Roe v. Wade. "In addition, you have said that you will support making the Hyde Amendment, which blocks Medicaid funding for abortion except when the pregnancy results from rape or incest or endangers the womans life, a permanent law. These proposals, if enacted, would cause harm to millions of women." Mr Roth also lambasted Mr Trump for his plans to make it easier to sue the media, for his apparent alignment with Syrias Bashar al-Assad and Russias Vladimir Putin, and scrapping the Environmental Protection Agency. The group joined growing calls for the president-elect to drop Stephen Bannon as his chief strategist, despite Mr Trumps insistence that he would never have hired him if he believed that Mr Bannon was a white supremacist. "Bannons stewardship of Breitbart News is widely recognised as promoting White Nationalisms message of hatred and intolerance and its accompanying racist and anti-Muslim discourse," the letter read. The letter has joined the likes of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) which have pushed Mr Trump to reconsider his proposals. Following a meeting with the New York Times, Mr Trump weakened his stance against climate change, said he liked president Obama "a lot" and his desire to prosecute Hillary Clinton for the alleged misuse of her personal email server was no longer something he "felt strongly about". Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The US taxpayer could pay up to $3 million (2.4m) to President-elect Donald Trumps company in order to provide security for him at Trump Tower, it has been reported. The Secret Service and NYPD are likely to need two floors in the New York skyscraper to house more than 250 security officers. Mr Trumps flagship Fifth Avenue building has priced vacant floor space at $105 (84) per square foot, according to the New York Post, amounting to $1.5 million (1.2m) a year per floor. Donald Trump's four biggest U-turns Recommended Human Rights Watch writes powerful letter to Donald Trump It is not unusual for the Secret Service to pay rent on workspace to protect the senior political figures outside official residences. But this is likely to be the first time the government agency has had to pay a company belonging to the President-elect to provide his own security. Sources told the newspaper a permanent security office is planned in the building, though 40 floors below the Trump residence on the top floor. Mr Trump has indicated that he intends to spend less time in Washington than his predecessors and may use Trump Tower as a key base outside of the White House. President Donald Trump life in pictures Show all 16 1 /16 President Donald Trump life in pictures President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump poses in a rocking chair once used by President John F. Kennedy at his New York City residence Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Developer Donald Trump with his new bride Marla Maples after their wedding at the Plaza hotel in New York Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump and Celina Midelfart watch the match between Conchita Martinez and Amanda Coetzer during U.S. Open. She was the date whom Donald Trump was with when he met his current wife Melania at a party in 1996 Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas serving as the grand marshal for the Daytona 500, speaks to Donald Trump and Melania Knauss on the starting grid at the Daytona International Speedwa Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Developer Donald Trump talks with his former wife Ivana Trump during the men's final at the U.S. Open Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump and his friend Melania Knauss pose for photographers as they arrive at the New York premiere of Star Wars Episode : 'The Phantom Menace,' Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Billionaire real estate developer Donald Trump talks with host Larry King. Trump told King that he was moving toward a possible bid for the United States presidency with the formation of a presidential exploratory committee Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump answers questions as Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura looks on in Brooklyn Park. Trump said on Friday he 'very well might' make a run for president under the Reform Party banner but had not made a final decision Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Billionaire Donald Trump makes a face at a friend as he sits next to Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso before the start of the 2003 Miss Universe pageant in Panama City Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Entrepreneur Donald Trump is greeted by a Marilyn Monroe character look-a-alike, as he arrives at Universal Studios Hollywood to attend the an open casting call for his NBC television network reality series 'The Apprentice.' Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump and Simon Cowell present an Emmy during the 56th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump and Megan Mullally perform at the 57th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump, poses with his children, son Donald Trump, Jr., and daughters Tiffany and Ivanka Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Billionaire Donald Trump told Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner on Tuesday she would be given a second chance after reported misbehavior Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump holds a replica of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as his wife Melania holds their son Barron in Los Angeles Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures U.S. property mogul Donald Trump stands next to a bagpiper 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 Reuters In addition, his wife Melania and his youngest son, Barron, 10, are likely to stay longer in their 58th floor penthouse apartment complex well into next year. However, other residents, fed up of the heightened security and protests outside the building, looking to move out and are selling up. Thirty one units in Trump Tower have been put up for sale or rent at low prices, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Meanwhile, New York City officials told CNN they security costs for the President-elect and his family are running over $1million (800,000) per day. There were significant protests when Mr Trump was elected, with demonstrators expressing anger against his divisive campaign, which had strong xenophobic and Islamophobic overtones. Many of the demonstrations took place outside Trump Tower and have continued, albeit in smaller numbers. However, the buildings location in the middle of New York a city which voted overwhelmingly for Hilary Clinton is likely to make it a draw for future demonstrations against Mr Trump and potentially a flashpoint for disorder. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Manning the police switchboard on Thanksgiving must be a thankless task, but a boy in the Florida panhandle made this years holiday shift more pleasant for the officers on duty, when he called 911 to invite them to dinner. The Walton County boy, named only as Billy, was apparently unaware that the 911 line ought to be used only for emergencies. He reportedly dialled the number on Thursday afternoon and asked the dispatcher whether sheriffs deputies would care to join his family for some turkey. On his Facebook page, Sheriff Michael Adkinson said the invitation had melted all the hearts in Walton County Sheriff's Office Communication Centre. Two deputies visited Billy at home, gave him a sheriffs badge and allowed him to sit in their patrol car. The post said police do not encourage this use of 911. But, the departments lead communications officer Monica Webster said, With all the bad calls we take on a daily basis this one was a welcomed happy call that made all of us smile. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Investigators searching clandestine graves have found 32 bodies and nine human heads in a municipality in southern Mexico where rival drug gangs have been engaged in a wave of extortion, kidnappings and turf battles, authorities said Thursday. Soldiers and police found the graves on Tuesday at an outlaw camp in Guerrero state after receiving a tip that people were being held at the site located near a mountain in the municipality of Zitlala. They said they rescued a kidnap victim and discovered 12 bodies and human remains in coolers. On Thursday, officials announced that further excavations of the site had found a total of 32 bodies and nine human heads. Roberto Alvarez Heredia, spokesman for the Guerrero Coordinating Group, said soldiers were combing the area to see if there were any more clandestine graves. Investigators were working to identify the bodies and the killers. Drug gangs frequently decapitate their victims. Residents of the community of Tixtla, Guerrero found nine decapitated bodies on Monday along a highway. Prosecutors are looking into whether the nine heads found in Zitlala correspond to these bodies. 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 Guerrero has seen an upsurge in gang-related violence. The government announced on Monday that it is stepping up the use of joint police-army patrols in areas known to be particularly violent. The largely rural, impoverished state had 1,832 reported homicides in the first 10 months of 2016. If that rate continues unabated, Guerrero would be on track to have a homicide rate of about 60 per 100,000. That would rival the recent peak year of violence in the state, in 2012, when there were about 68 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. AP Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} While millions of men, women and children around the world might fear what a president Donald Trump will do - or not do - to advance gender equality, campaigners have not lost their spirit or power to make an impact. Starting on 25 November - the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women - until 10 December, a campaign from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will highlight 16 voices of activism from around the world. The hashtag "16 days" was trending on Friday. Politicians, activists, charities and agencies have celebrated the cause including US secretary of state John Kerry and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau. "Violence against women is not just a womens issue lets create a world that doesnt tolerate it," said Mr Trudeau. A shocking video called "Reverse the Trend", part of the social media campaign and created by Palestinian artist Rand Jarallah, shows her using make-up to look like she has been beaten up, but the video is played in reverse. "Make-up can be used as a form of art to empower people, because, you know what, art is unlimited and so is our creativity," she said. The UN agency will feature activists, including Maryna Kononeko, who heads a outreach team in Ukraine to provide psychosocial care to survivors of violence. "Often the main problem is silence. Those women don't tell anyone about the violence they suffer from," she said. The campaign also features people who fight for womens education and domestic violence laws, as well as taking a stand against female genital mutilation. Men are a big part of the movement, too. One of the 16 voices is Zambian musician B Flow, who sings about violence against women. "Why yuh turn around from sweet to bitter? / Why yuh turn around beating a woman? / Why yuh turn around instigating violence?" he sings. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A group of US Electoral College voters is campaigning for their colleagues to stop Donald Trump becoming president, claiming that the Founding Fathers designed the system so a demagogue could not take office. The Hamilton Electors, named after one of the drafters of the US Constitution and first Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, say it is their duty to prevent the former reality star becoming president regardless of how their states voted on 8 November. Citing Hamiltons proclamation 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, Michael Baca of Colorado and Bret Chiafalo of Washington state are calling on their colleagues on both sides of the aisle to disregard their states voting rules. Presidential elections are decided by the 538 electors in the Electoral College who are distributed according to population size. A candidate needs 270 votes to win. Although Mr Trump has won 306 votes to Hillary Clintons 232, the Democrat won the popular vote by over two million. Mr Baca, who is preparing to challenge a Colorado law which requires electors to vote with their state, told CBS Denver that the Electoral College was designed as a break-the-glass-in-case-of-an-emergency mechanism. We have that, Hey, Donald Trump came through, but now we need to break the glass and we need to really do our job under the 12th Amendment'. President Trump protests Show all 20 1 /20 President Trump protests President Trump protests Patrons hold a sign as people march by while protesting the election of Republican Donald Trump as the president of the United States in downtown Los Angeles, California Reuters President Trump protests Demonstrators rally following the election of Republican Donald Trump as President of the United States, in Oakland, California Reuters President Trump protests Demonstrators march following the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States Reuters President Trump protests Thousands of protesters rallied across the United States expressing shock and anger over Donald Trump's election, vowing to oppose divisive views they say helped the Republican billionaire win the presidency AFP/Getty Images President Trump protests Demonstrators protest outside the Chicago Theatre in Chicago, Illinois Getty President Trump protests A police officer aims a launcher after demonstrators threw projectiles toward a line of officers during a demonstration in Oakland, California Reuters President Trump protests An officer examines a vandalized police vehicle as demonstrators riot in Oakland, California Reuters President Trump protests Demonstrators take over the Hollywood 101 Freeway just north of Los Angeles City Hall in protest against the election of Republican Donald Trump as President of the United States Reuters President Trump protests A woman holds up a sign reading 'Trump you are an Idiot' as demonstrators gather during a protest against President-elect Donald Trump outside the City Hall building in Los Angeles, California EPA President Trump protests A masked demonstrator gestures toward a police line during a demonstration in Oakland, California Reuters President Trump protests Demonstrators protest against the election of Republican Donald Trump as President of the United States, near the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Las Vegas, Nevada Reuters President Trump protests Musician Lagy Gaga stages a protest against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on a sanitation truck outside Trump Tower in New York City Getty President Trump protests A woman yells as she takes part in a protest against President-elect Donald Trump in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood AP President Trump protests A man dressed in red-white-and-blue sits on the curb during a protest against President-elect Donald Trump in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood AP President Trump protests A protester sets off fireworks during a protest against President-elect Donald Trumpin Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood AP President Trump protests University of California, Davis students protest on campus in Davis, California, U.S. following the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States Reuters President Trump protests An Oakland police officer checks out damage after a window was broken by protesters at a car dealership in downtown Oakland, Calif AP President Trump protests A protester faces a police line in downtown Oakland, Calif AP President Trump protests President-elect Donald Trumpis victory set off multiple protests AP President Trump protests A fire burns during protests in Oakland, Calif AP Even though both Mr Baca and Mr Chiafalo represent states which choose Ms Clinton, they believe electors do not necessarily have to choose Ms Clinton when voting and could opt for another Republican candidate such as the Vice-President elect Mike Pence who was heckled at a recent performance of the Hamilton musical in New York over his support for Mr Trump. Mr Baca said: A Republican won the Electoral College votes, absolutely Donald Trump won that. Ill give you that. But I dont think that Republican needs to be Donald Trump. Electors who vote differently to their states are known as faithless electors and are usually obligated to pay a small fine. Recommended Millions sign petition to ask electoral college to change their vote There have been a few examples of faithless electors in US history but none have ever affected the result. The group claimed it had found seven electors would were willing to change their vote to another Republican. If they do follow through with the plan it will be the largest electoral defection since 1808 when six Democratic-Republican electors refused to vote for the 4th President James Madison. It comes as Green candidate Jill Stein crowdfunded a legal challenge over claims that results in several key swing states could have been manipulated. Donald Trump lost the popular vote but still won in the Electoral College (AFP) The $2.5m (2m) campaign will challenge the results in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania following allegations by computer scientists that the electronic voting results may have been manipulated in favour of Mr Trump. Each state narrowly opted for Mr Trump but the scientists claim they had evidence to show Ms Clintons vote was seven per cent down on average in Wisconsin counties and speculated that she should have received an additional 30,000 votes. She lost the state by 27,000. If all three were given to Ms Clinton it would tip the scales in her favour, giving her 278 Electoral College votes to Mr Trumps 260. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The editor of a Chinese website monitoring human rights issues has been detained on suspicion of subverting state power, according to an announcement on the website. Liu Feiyue, founder of the website Minsheng Guancha, was taken away earlier this month by police in the central Chinese city of Suizhou. The site says Liu's family has been told he is under investigation for subversion, a vaguely defined charge often leveled against human rights activists and dissidents. Minsheng Guancha, known in English as Civil Rights & Livelihood Watch, was founded in 2006 and documents protests, land seizures, unannounced detentions and other alleged human rights violations that are typically ignored by China's state-run media. Liu has published stories about China's detentions of dissenters and activists, one of a few people living in mainland China to do so. His website has alleged that China has committed hundreds of perceived troublemakers to mental hospitals under the guise of giving them psychiatric treatment. He has also documented local corruption cases and protests by veterans seeking benefits after their discharge from the military. Liu has been detained multiple times for brief periods, often during high-profile events such as meetings of the National People's Congress or international summits. But if he is convicted of subversion, Liu could face life in prison, the maximum penalty for anyone guilty of organizing a scheme of subverting the state power or overthrowing the socialist system. 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 Word of Liu's detention comes shortly after news that another activist has disappeared. The wife of legal activist Jiang Tianyong said Thursday that he had not been heard from since Monday. Jiang represented some of China's most politically sensitive figures in recent years, including the dissident lawyer Gao Zhisheng and blind activist Chen Guangcheng. Patrick Poon, a researcher for Amnesty International, said the cases of Liu and Jiang were worrying, and a possible sign of another wave of crackdown against human rights defenders. An official who answered the phone at the Suizhou public security bureau Friday said he had no knowledge of Liu's detention. Calls to Liu's mobile phone rang unanswered Friday. AP For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Seven primary school children have been injured in the latest in a series of axe and knife attacks in China. Two adults were also injured in the rampage at Beiguan Primary School in the city of Hanzhong on Friday. Officials said the suspect, a 58-year-old man named locally as Lei Mingyue, struck while the children were waiting in line for lunch. He told police he carried out the attack as revenge on society following two previous arrests in Beijing and Shaanxi province for theft, the Xinhua news agency reported. Five students in year one and two in year three were among the victims, with television footage showing at least one child being carried off on a stretcher. The disturbing attack was the latest in a series of similar incidents that started in China six years ago, and are frequently subjected to reporting restrictions in the country. Knives or homemade explosives are commonly used because of tight restrictions on the sale and possession of firearms under Chinese law. Many of those incidents have occurred at schools, dating back to a series of attacks in 2010 in which nearly 20 children were killed that prompted a response from top government officials and led some schools to increase security. 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 In December 2012, a man stabbed more than 20 children outside a primary school in Chenpeng, Henan province, hours before the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in the US where a gunman killed 26 children and staff. Hanzhong, the site of Fridays attack, was the scene of a previous massacre by a man wielding a cleaver at a nursery school in May 2010. Seven children and two adults were killed by the buildings landlord, who then took his own life. Earlier this year, an assailant injured 10 children outside a school in the island province of Hainan before using his knife to kill himself. No concrete link has formed between the atrocities, which have left dozens dead, but some analysts have blamed a reported increase in mental illness sparked by rapid social change. Additional reporting by AP For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Burmas Aung San Suu Kyi, stands accused of not protecting Rohingya Muslims in the country and potentially legitimising genocide. Military operations in Rakhine State have caused thousands to flee across the border to Bangladesh. A UN official said Rohingya in Burma were being ethnically cleansed with Rohingya alleging that government soldiers have killed and raped civilians. The military action launched in response to coordinated attacks by armed men on border posts in October - has left scores of people dead. The army says it is fighting an armed insurgency in the region and the government denies abuses. The international community misunderstood us because of Rohingya lobbyists who distributed fabricated news, the presidential spokesman, Zaw Htay, said this week. No one in the world would accept attacks on security forces, killings and looting of weapons. Ms Suu Kyis failure to speak out in support of the Rohingya "is baffling to an international audience that persists in casting her as a human rights icon", said David Mathieson of Human Rights Watch. "One version to explain her silence is callous indifference, another is calculated limited messaging ... but the most likely is she simply has no control over the Burmese army," he added. Researchers at Queen Mary University London said her silence amounts to legitimising genocide and entrenching the persecution of the Rohingya minority. "Despite the fact that this is the most significant test of Suu Kyi's leadership, the country's de facto leader has remained remarkably indifferent," they said. Rights groups say the military has used the attack on police border posts last month as an excuse for a crackdown on the Rohingya. The Rohingya, a group of around a million, have been resident in Burma for decades but are treated as illegal immigrants and denied citizenship. Ms Suu Kyi took power this year after winning the country's first free elections in a generation. She stood on a platform of reconciliation for people across the country, but she has been hampered by a junta-era constitution that gives the army a quarter of parliamentary seats and control over security. 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 She also faces a prevailing view among many of Burma's Buddhists that the Rohingya are illegal immigrants and any move to support them would risk a public backlash. Reports in Rakhine state cannot be independently verified because the government restricts access for journalists and aid workers. Aung San Suu Kyi has said a government-led investigation is under way. Malaysia will summon Burma's ambassador over the crackdown on the Rohingya Muslims, it said on Friday, as protesters across South-east Asia demonstrated against the rising violence. The Malaysian foreign ministry called on all parties involved to refrain from actions that could aggravate the situation. "Malaysia also calls on the government of Myanmar [Burma] to take all the necessary actions to address the alleged ethnic cleansing in the northern Rakhine State," the ministry said in a statement. "The ministry will summon the ambassador of Myanmar to convey the government of Malaysia's concern over this issue," it added, without giving a timeframe. Hundreds of Rohingya Muslims marched in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, condemning the bloody crackdown on the persecuted minority and criticising Nobel Peace Prize winner Ms Suu Kyi for her inaction on the matter. Protesters demanded humanitarian aid for Rakhine, and urged that the military seize all attackers. Protests were also held simultaneously in Bangkok, the capital of neighbouring Thailand, in Bangladesh and in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. Agencies contributed to this report. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Rohingya Muslims in Burma are being ethnically cleansed, according to a UN official, and government soldiers have allegedly killed children and raped women in the northern Rakhine state. Burmese troops have been conducting counter insurgency operations in the region against Rohingya militants, but the fallout is said to have been bloody, with numerous reports of atrocities emerging from Rohingya refugees. But despite nature of the allegations, there has been relatively little media coverage of the violence. Recommended Aung San Suu Kyi is failing to stop violence against Rohingya Muslims Some Rohingya have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh because of the fighting but the authorities there have now barred them from entry to the country. Those Rohingya that managed to reach Bangladesh said Burmese troops were "killing men, shooting them, slaughtering children, raping women, burning and looting houses, forcing these people to cross the river (into Bangladesh)," according to John McKissick, head of the United Nations refugee agency in the Bangladeshi border town of Cox's Bazar. He continued: It's very difficult for the Bangladeshi government to say the border is open because this would further encourage the government of Myanmar to continue the atrocities and push them out until they have achieved their ultimate goal of ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority in Myanmar. Vivian Tan, a press officer for the UN agency, said Mr McKissick was "recounting what different sources, including new arrivals, have told him about the conditions they fled" and added the reports were "very worrying". The government said it was "disappointed" by Mr McKissick's remarks. But they were welcomed by Phil Robertson, Deputy Director of the Asia Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) a monitoring group. He told The Independent: Its refreshing to see this senior UN official in Bangladesh speak truth to power about what is happening in Rakhine state now, even if it did spark a sadly nonsensical reply from the Myanmar government. In pictures: Burma protests against Rohingya Muslims Show all 5 1 /5 In pictures: Burma protests against Rohingya Muslims In pictures: Burma protests against Rohingya Muslims Burma Buddhist nationalists demonstrate against the UN and the return of Rohingya Muslims in Yangon In pictures: Burma protests against Rohingya Muslims Burma Hard-line Buddhist monks lead a demonstration against Rohingya migrants who were resettled in Rakhine state after being found at sea while fleeing Burma following anti-Muslim violence EPA In pictures: Burma protests against Rohingya Muslims Burma Buddhist monks demonstrate against the UN and the return of Rohingya Muslims in Yangon In pictures: Burma protests against Rohingya Muslims Burma Buddhist nationalists demonstrate against the UN and the return of Rohingya Muslims In pictures: Burma protests against Rohingya Muslims Burma Radical Buddhist nationalists protest the international pressure on Myanmar to accept the repatriation of persecuted Rohingya boat refugees "Weve seen ethnic cleansing in Rakhine state before, when HRW documented ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya in 2012. No one was held responsible for those atrocities, everything was swept under the rug by the Myanmar government. "No one should forget either that that the Myanmar military conducted similar security sweeps and committed atrocities against the Rohingya in 1978 and 1992, driving hundreds of thousands of Rohingya into Bangladesh in both instances." The Rohingya people are a Muslim minority and have their own language. Despite living in Rakhine in Burma, they are much maligned within their own country and have often suffered discrimination and persecution at the hands of hard line Buddhist nationalists. Mr Robertson continued: "Its time for the Myanmar government to urgently allow access for a new, UN assisted investigation to take place into the torching of villages and serious rights abuses now occurring in parts of Maungdaw township and be prepared to hold the perpetrators accountable." An attack killing nine Burmese government border guards, by suspected Rohingya militants, in October led to the collective punishment of the minority group, the UNHCR's Mr McKissick said. While the Burmese authorities insist the military operation is aimed at routing out militants, Rohingya who have made it out of Rakhine into Bangladesh say government troops have been killing and burning down villages. The Rohingya journey from Myanmar to Indonesia One of these refugees was farmer Deen Mohammad, who told AFP: "They (Myanmar's military) took my two boys, aged nine and 12 when they entered my village. I don't know what happened to them." "They took women in rooms and then locked them from inside. Up to 50 women and girls of our village were tortured and raped." Access to journalists and aid workers has been blocked, preventing the outside world from knowing what is really going on in Rakhine. However, HRW has released satellite imagery which it said showed the razing of Rohingya villages in the state. As of 21 November, 1,250 Rohingya buildings had been destroyed, the group said. Mr Robertson said the government had been seeking to "repress and rebut negative media stories about their actions in Rakhine state from day one" of the crisis. He cited the sacking of Myanmar Times journalist Fiona MacGregor after she wrote a story in the newspaper reporting on the Rohingya's plight. Aung San Suu Kyi, who famously led democracy efforts in the country, has been accused of failing to protect the Rohingya. Despite holding enormous influence in Burma, she has remained quiet, only saying an investigation into the reports of atrocities was underway in accordance with the law. International criticism is growing and the UN special rapporteur on Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, has condemned the lockdown as "unacceptable". Malaysia, which has a sizable Rohingya community, has said it will will summon the ambassador of Myanmar to convey the government of Malaysia's concern over this issue, according to a foreign office statement. It added: Malaysia also calls on the government of Myanmar to take all the necessary actions to address the alleged ethnic cleansing in the northern Rakhine State. Protests were held in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok and Dhaka against the alleged ethnic cleansing. Additional reporting by Agencies. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} German Chancellor Angela Merkel has voiced her concern about fake news websites ahead of the German elections. Fake news websites, which publish invented stories and sensationalist headlines while masquerading as genuine news sources, have proliferated in recent months. Ms Merkel said that opinions arent formed the way they were 25 years ago, and warned that fake news websites and trolls could impact the results of the 2017 election. In a speech in the Bundestag, Ms Merkel said: Today we have fake sites, bots, trolls things that regenerate themselves, reinforcing opinions with certain algorithms, and we have to learn to deal with them. Germanys national elections will be held next year, and the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party is expected to make significant gains. Since Trumps victory, debate has raged over the impact fake news websites could have had on how people voted. Many made-up stories were shared more widely on social media than reports from trusted sources. Stories included Mr Trump being endorsed for President by Denzel Washington, Robert De Niro and the Pope. Other examples included Hilary Clinton using a body double for public appearances, and a widely shared story that Mr Trump was born in Pakistan. Ms Merkel indicated concern over the effects of such online sensationalism. She said: I believe we should not underestimate what is happening in the context of the Internet and with digitalisation this is part of our reality. We have regulations that allow for our press freedom, including the requirement for due diligence from journalists. Today we have many that experience a media that is based on very different foundations and is much less regulated. Populism and political extremes are growing in Western democracies, Merkel warned. Ms Merkel recently confirmed she planned to stand for a fourth presidential term. Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said the social network would work to crack down on fake news sources, but insisted it was pretty crazy to think it had any effect on the election result. The iron Frau: Angela Merkel Show all 11 1 /11 The iron Frau: Angela Merkel The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351161.bin EPA / WOLFGANG KUMM The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351162.bin GETTY IMAGES / REUTERS The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351163.bin AFP The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351164.bin The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351165.bin REUTERS The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351166.bin AFP The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351167.bin AFP / GETTY IMAGES The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351168.bin The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351169.bin AP The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351170.bin EPA The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351171.bin REUTERS Google has also announced plans to block websites publishing fake news from making money through Adsense, the companys ad software. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, one of Europe's biggest supporters of Donald Trump, says the US president-elect has told him of his "high regard" for Hungary and invited him to Washington. "I spoke with the new US president by telephone, and can say that our position has improved a lot. Donald Trump made clear that he holds Hungary in high regard," Orban told Vilaggazdasag news site in an interview published late Thursday. "He invited me to Washington, I told him that I hadn't been there for a long time as I had been treated as a 'black sheep', to which he replied, laughing: 'Me too'." In July, Orban, 53, was the first EU leader to come out in favour of the US billionaire, praising his policy proposals on immigration and security. Orban was also one of the first world leaders to congratulate him after his shock victory. The tone signals a marked shift in relations between the US and EU and NATO member Hungary. After coming to power in 2010 the maverick Hungarian was often accused by Washington of steering Hungary away from democratic norms. Outgoing President Barack Obama and Trump's defeated election rival Hillary Clinton both warned Hungary against clamping down on the judiciary, press and civil society organisations. Relations between Budapest and Washington also soured in 2014 when several unnamed Hungarian government officials were denied entry to the US over alleged corruption. Orban told Vilaggazdasag that with Trump the US will have a president who is "not ideologically restricted, but an open person". 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 "He is much more interested in success, efficiency and results than in political theories," Orban said. "This is good for us, as the facts are with us. The economic cooperation has always been good, only the ideologies presented obstacles," he added. "I sensed that he knows that Hungarians are a brave and freedom-loving people, who in the last six years have achieved outstanding economic results." AFP For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Dutch lawmakers have debated a partial ban on wearing full-face veils in public places, including schools, hospitals and on public transport. Interior minister Ronald Plasterk called the legislation "religion neutral", but accepted that the debate about people wearing burqas and niqabs in public had been central to the proposal. Recommended Norway sets out plans for banning burqa The proposal was approved by the Dutch government at a cabinet sitting in The Hague last year, but was debated by lawmakers on Wednesday. It will apply to all face coverings including ski-masks and helmets and will not apply on public streets. Mr Plasterk said the legislation will not go as far as the complete bans implemented in countries such as France and Belgium. He said in a free country like the Netherlands people should be allowed to appear in public with their faces covered, if they want to, but that in government buildings and in health and education settings, such as hospitals and schools, people need to be able to look at each other in the face. The proposal will affect relatively few people as only a few hundred Muslim women in the Netherlands wear niqabs or full-face burqas, but successive governments have still sought to ban the veils. In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Demonstrators stage a beach party outside the French Embassy, in Knightsbridge, London, in protest against burkini bans PA In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Jenny Dawkins, a curate from All Saints Church in Peckham, at an anti-burkini ban protest at the French Embassy in London on 25 August Lizzie Dearden In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Demonstrators stage a beach party outside the French Embassy, in Knightsbridge, London, in protest against burkini bans PA In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Somayia Khan's six-year-old daughter at a protest against burkini bans at the French Embassy in London on 25 August Lizzie Dearden In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Friends Rebecca (L) and Hannah (R) at a protest against burkini bans at the French Embassy in London on 25 August Lizzie Dearden In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Demonstrators stage a beach party outside the French Embassy, in Knightsbridge, London, in protest against burkini bans Reuters In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Demonstrators stage a beach party outside the French Embassy, in Knightsbridge, London, in protest against burkini bans EPA In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Demonstrators stage a beach party outside the French Embassy, in Knightsbridge, London, in protest against burkini bans AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London People participate in a 'Wear what you want beach party' protest outside of the French Embassy in London EPA In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London A protester holds a sign which reads "Are you Burkini Beach Body Ready?" as she lies on a beach towel outside the French Embassy in London on August 25, 2016, AFP/Getty Images Previous reports suggested those caught flouting the proposed law could be fined up to 405 (344). It was not immediately clear when lawmakers would vote on the issue. If the legislation passes Parliaments lower house, which is expected, it must also be approved by the Senate before becoming law. During the debate, a small group of people wearing full-face veils watched on from the public gallery. Independent lawmaker Jacques Monasch, called the burqa a symbol of oppression of women and objected to the presence of the veiled spectators in the gallery. Fatma Koser Kaya of the centrist D66 party, said the law was unnecessary because many institutions in the Netherlands already have independent authority to prevent women from wearing burqas and niqabs in certain situations. What are we banning today? she asked. This is symbolic lawmaking [] because in practice it already happens. Debate continues to rage in several European countries over the prospect of new burqa bans. Germany is also considering the move, Barcelona outlaws burqas in some public spaces and Norway has set out measures to ban burqas in schools and universities. Switzerland moved a step closer to imposing a nationwide burqa ban in September after politicians approved a draft bill by just one vote and Bulgaria imposed tough laws over the burqa in October, banning women from wearing veils covering their faces in public, with women who break the law facing fines up to 770 (665), as well as a suspension of social security benefits. Several other countries also restrict the right to wear religious clothing or symbols in some circumstances, including the US, Australia and India. A survey by YouGov found the British public wanted a universal ban by an overwhelming margin of more than two-to-one. In France, several court cases are underway over bans on burqinis a type of swimwear worn by some Muslim women to cover the body and hair brought in by several Rivera resorts. The State Council, Frances highest administrative court, set a national precedent by ruling one of the first bans illegal but judges in lower courts have upheld the by-laws in some cases. Additional reporting by Associated Press For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The French government is offering 2,500 to refugees who voluntarily leave and return to their own countries if they do so before the end of the year. The Office for Immigration and Integration in France (OFII) has presented the offer as "a form of compensation for refugees and migrants who have made the journey to Europe, saying they are eligible for the payment if they leave the country before 31 December. The offer, branded as an "incentive" by immigration officials, reportedly comes with a series of added benefits including a paid-for air fare and the opportunity for some refugees to be granted up to 10,000 of financial aid in setting up employment when they return. Didier Leschi, general director of OFII, told French TV channel BFM: This measure will help people who express a need or desire to go back to the countries they came from. Between 4,000 and 4,500 or 4,700 people have benefited from this initiative in the past. Its a system that allows people to establish stability in the country they came from, while also encouraging them not to return. These people have invested money into getting to Europe, so this is an incentive for them to return - it's like a form of compensation. It comes a month after the demolition of the Jungle camp in Calais, which saw thousands of refugees who had been living in the slum dispersed in temporary reception centres across France. While the operation was described by the French government as a "success", there has since been a rise in refugees and migrants sleeping rough across France, particularly in Paris and Calais, as they either wait for the slow process of seeking asylum in France or plan to try reach the UK. Recommended Human rights lawyers blocked from entering Jungle during demolition When Mr Leschi was asked why such enormous sums were being offered to refugees drawn from state funds, he said it worked out cheaper than carrying out "forced" deportations, saying: A forced deportation is far more expensive for taxpayers and the state. They need to go before the administrative judge, then the freedom judge, then they usually need to be accompanied by three police officers, which means paying for three plane tickets, plus their own. OFII originally introduced an aid package in October to facilitate the return of foreign nationals - who they describe as being in an irregular situation - to their original countries. The sum started at 350, but has since increased to 650, then 1,850 and now the most recent sum of 2,500 if they leave before then end of 2016. Refugee charities have said they believe the initiative will do little to solve the problem of growing numbers of refugees sleeping on the streets, saying few will be encouraged by sums of money to return to the "desparate" situations they left in their own countries. Calais refugee camp evacuation Show all 15 1 /15 Calais refugee camp evacuation Calais refugee camp evacuation Refugees run past a fire in the makeshift migrant camp known as 'the jungle' in Calais, October 2016 AP Calais refugee camp evacuation French authorities say the closure of the slum-like camp in Calais will last approximately a week in what they describe as a "humanitarian" operation, October 2016 AP Calais refugee camp evacuation A painted message saying 'Bye Jungle' on a tent in the camp in Calais, October 2016 Getty Calais refugee camp evacuation Refugees set rubbish bins alight as a protest in the makeshift camp 'the Jungle' in Calais, France, October 2016 EPA Calais refugee camp evacuation French riot police advance through tear gas and smoke from a fire to disperse refugees throwing stones and lighting fires at the Jungle migrant camp Getty Calais refugee camp evacuation French CRS riot police secure an area on the eve of the evacuation and transfer of refugees to reception centers in France Reuters Calais refugee camp evacuation Journalists run away from smoke during clashes near a makeshift refugee camp known as 'the jungle' in Calais AP Calais refugee camp evacuation French CRS riot police secure an area on the eve of the evacuation and transfer of refugees to reception centers in Franc Reuters Calais refugee camp evacuation Migrants queue for transportation by bus to reception centres across France, from the 'Jungle' refugee camp in Calais Getty Calais refugee camp evacuation Refugees line-up to register at a processing centre in the 'jungle' near Calais, northern France, as the mass exodus from the migrant camp begins PA wire Calais refugee camp evacuation Refugees with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Calais refugee camp evacuation French far-right Front National (FN) party's member of parliament Marion Marechal-Le Pen (L) delivers a speech next to a banner reading "They arrive in Vaucluse, no migrants in our place" as she attends a rally against the hosting of refugees in La Tour d'Aigues Getty Images Calais refugee camp evacuation French police forces secure the area near the 'Jungle' refugee camp in Calais Getty Calais refugee camp evacuation Refugees leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Calais refugee camp evacuation Refugees carry their belongings and transfer to reception centers in France Clare Millot, general secretary for SALAM, a charity helping refugees in Calais, said the incentive would do little to persuade refugees to return to the difficult lives theyve left behind. She told The Independent: Most refugees left their countries because they were in a desperate situation in their country wars, dictatorships, misery. They got in boats that were likely to sink in attempt to cross the Mediterranean. We all know whats been happening. Occasionally you got Iraqis and Afghans who do want to go home and so a sum of money might encourage them to leave, but its such a small proportion not even one in a thousand. Simply offering a sum of money and its not even a huge sum will not convince people to go back. Its futile. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A former French soldier has been arrested on suspicion of attacking a retirement home for Catholic missionaries in France. The 47-year-old man is accused of killing a laundress whose body was found bound and gagged outside the Green Oaks home near the city of Montpellier on Thursday night. He was caught after almost 24 hours on the run, with more than 130 police officers, road blocks and helicopters deployed in a large-scale manhunt. Police at a retirement home for Catholic missionaries in Montferrier-sur-Lez in France, following an attack on 24 November (EPA) Authorities had warned the suspect was "very dangerous" but sought to calm fears of a terror attack. Initial statements from police said the man was armed with a sawn-off shotgun and knife but an air gun has since been recovered in his car. The man, masked and dressed in black, attacked the retirement home at around 9.45pm local time (8.45pm GMT), when around 60 residents and workers were inside. Alain Berthet, a local councillor in Montferrier-sur-Lez, said the home's residents - priests, nuns and others who had worked in Africa - were very elderly with an average age of 75 although some are more than 90, with many needing assistance to walk. The unnamed suspect is alleged to have killed a 54-year-old employee of the retirement home, where she worked as a laundress. Her body was found bound and gagged with knife wounds. News of the killing was reverberating round France, with people voicing their horror on social media. Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Show all 9 1 /9 Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Policemen outside Rouen's cathedral during the funeral of Jacques Hamel, the priest who was killed in a church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray in Normandy on 26 July during a hostage-taking claimed by Islamic State group Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Two jihadists, both 19, slit Hamel's throat while he was celebrating mass in an attack that shocked France as well as the Catholic Church Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Muslims place flowers and hold a minute of silence in front of the church if Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, western France, where French priest Jacques Hamel was killed on 26 July Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Two people hold each other by the new makeshift memorial in Nice, in tribute to the victims of the deadly Bastille Day attack at the Promenade des Anglais Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the truck attack that killed 84 people in Nice on France's national holiday. Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, 31, smashed a 19-tonne truck into a packed crowd of people in the Riviera city celebrating Bastille Day Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Police work at a site where a Syrian migrant set off an explosive device in Ansbach, southern Germany, on 25 July, killing himself and wounding a dozen others Daniel Roland/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis A Syrian migrant set off an explosion at a bar in southern Germany that killed himself and wounded a dozen others in the third attack to hit Bavaria in a week. The 27-year-old, who had spent a stint in a psychiatric facility, had intended to target a music festival in the city of Ansbach but was turned away because he did not have a ticket Friebe/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Police officers walk along train tracks in Wuerzburg southern Germany on 19 July, a day after a man attacked train passengers with an axe. German authorities said they had found a hand-painted IS flag among the belongings of the man, an asylum seeker from Afghanistan, who seriously injured four members of a family of tourists from Hong Kong in his rampage Daniel Roland/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis German police killed a teenage assailant after he attacked passengers on a train in Wuerzburg, southerg Germany with an axe and a knife on 18 July, seriously wounding three people Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/AFP/Getty Images Suspicions quickly turned to terrorism just months after Isis supporters murdered a Catholic priest in an assault on a church in Normandy, but local prosecutor Christophe Barret said investigators believed the attack was not terror-related. At this stage we can't say exactly what the perpetrator's motive was, but what we can say is that there is no link, none at all, with Islamist terrorism, he added. Security forces were called to the home after a woman who had been bound and gagged freed herself and escaped. The arrested man, who had served in France's parachute regiment, worked at the missionaries' home some years ago but was now unemployed, a source in the investigation told AFP. He was arrested in the town where he lives, 10 miles from Montferrier-sur-Lez, and reportedly did not put up any resistance. France remains under a state of emergency imposed following the murder of 130 people in the Paris attacks last November and a string of subsequent atrocities. Several terror plots have since been uncovered, including plans by Isis militants to attack Disneyland Paris and the Champs Elysees. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A gunman is on the run in France after killing a woman in an attack on a retirement home for Catholic missionaries near the city of Montpellier. Armed police were deployed to the Maison de Retraite des Missions Africaines (African Missions Retirement Home) in Montferrier-sur-Lez on Thursday night. "An individual, who was masked and armed with a knife and a sawn-off shotgun came into the retirement home where 70 missionaries live," a source told the AFP news agency, adding that the man's motivations were unknown. Police at a retirement home for Catholic missionaries in Montferrier-sur-Lez in France, following an attack on 24 November (EPA) Local authorities confirmed at least one person had been found dead, with the e-Metropolitain news website reporting a female supervisor had been killed with a knife after she raised the alarm. The woman's body was reportedly found bound and gagged, while the attacker's whereabouts remained unclear as searches continued. For the time being, there is only one victim, Montpellier prosecutor Christophe Barret said. For the moment there is no particular evidence about the motive for this crime. The assault was launched at around 9.45pm local time (8.45pm GMT), at the home run for both religious and non-religious residents. Around 60 residents have since been rescued by police but the assailant was believed to have fled. Road blocks were set up in the surrounding area, with officers searching cars as a helicopter searched overhead. A large number of security forces, firefighters and ambulance personnel are at the scene, said the mayor of Montferrier-sur-Luz, Michel Fraysse. Normandy church attack in pictures Show all 16 1 /16 Normandy church attack in pictures Normandy church attack in pictures The victim was the 84-year-old priest at the church, Jacques Hamel. AFP/Getty Normandy church attack in pictures French police at the scene of the attack on a church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, northern France, on July 26 AFP/Getty Images Normandy church attack in pictures More police at the scene BFM TV Normandy church attack in pictures French President Francois Hollande shaking hands with security personnel at the scene AP Normandy church attack in pictures French soldiers standing guard outside the scene of the attack AP Normandy church attack in pictures A policeman secures a position in front of the city hall after two assailants had taken five people hostage in the church at Saint-Etienne-du -Rouvray near Rouen in Normandy Pascal Rossignol/Reuters Normandy church attack in pictures A policeman holds a HKG36 assault rifle as he secures the position in front of the local town hall following the attack REUTERS Normandy church attack in pictures French judicial inverstigating police apprehends a man during a raid after a hostage-taking in the church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray near Rouen in Normandy, France REUTERS Normandy church attack in pictures AFP/Getty Images Normandy church attack in pictures REUTERS Normandy church attack in pictures REUTERS Normandy church attack in pictures AFP/Getty Images Normandy church attack in pictures AP Normandy church attack in pictures AP Normandy church attack in pictures French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve visits the church REUTERS Normandy church attack in pictures AFP/Getty Images Alain Berthet, a local councillor in Montferrier-sur-Luz, said the home's residents were "very elderly with an average age of 75 although some are more than 90, with many needing assistance to walk. News of the killing was reverberating round France late on Thursday night, with people voicing their horror on social media. The secretary general of the French Bishops' Conference, Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, wrote on Twitter: Our prayers tonight go to the woman who lost her life in this attack on a retirement home. Suspicions quickly turned to terrorism just months after Isis supporters murdered a Catholic priest in an assault on a church in Normandy. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Thursday's incident. France remains under a state of emergency imposed following the murder of 130 people in the Paris attacks last November. Several terror plots have since been uncovered, including plans by Isis militants to attack Disneyland Paris and the Champs Elysees. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Turkey could open its border for refugees to stream into Europe after EU MEPs voted for a temporary halt to membership talks. Speaking at a congress on womens' justice in Istanbul, the president warned: "If you go any further, these border gates will be opened. Neither me nor my people will be affected by these dry threats. It wouldn't matter if all of you approved the vote". He said the EU had "wailed" for help controlling the flow of refugees and migrants in 2015 and the bloc worried what would happen if Turkey opened its borders. Mr Erdogan made specific reference to Turkey's main border crossing with EU member Bulgaria. MEPs voted 479 in favour of halting long-term membership talks with Ankara at a plenary session in Strasbourg on Thursday amid concerns about the brutal crackdown on political dissidents since a failed coup in July. The talks were part of a wide-ranging deal agreed with Mr Erdogan's government which meant Turkey would shelter the thousands of refugees fleeing violence in Iraq and Syria in exchange for aid, membership talks and visa-free travel for its citizens. The deal struck in March means that for every refugee arriving in Europe who is repatriated back to Turkey, EU countries will resettle another from Turkish refugee camps in a "one in, one out" system. The accord has largely been successful in reducing numbers crossing the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece. According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), just over 171,000 have crossed to Greece so far this year, much lower than the comparable figure for 2015 of almost 740,000. However while the number of refugees attempting boat journeys across the Aegean Sea has slowed to a trickle, thousands have continued to cross the Mediterranean from Libya. The treacherous passage has claimed the vast majority of more than 4,600 lives lost so far this year in sea journeys to Europe, making 2016 the deadliest year on record. In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Show all 17 1 /17 In pictures: Turkey coup attempt In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Erdogan attends the funeral service for victims of the thwarted coup in Istanbul at Fatih mosque on July 17, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey Burak Kara/Getty Images In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soldiers involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge with their hands raised in Istanbul on 16 July, 2016 Gokhan Tan/Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A civilian beats a soldier after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 REUTERS/Murad Sezer In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Surrendered Turkish soldiers who were involved in the coup are beaten by a civilian Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soliders involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wave flags as they capture a Turkish Army vehicle Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt People pose near a tank after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers block Istanbul's Bosphorus Brigde Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A Turkish military stands guard near the Taksim Square in Istanbul Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Pierre Crom/Twitter In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers secure the area as supporters of Recep Tayyip Erdogan protest in Istanbul's Taksim square AP In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Murad Sezer/Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers detain police officers during a security shutdown of the Bosphorus Bridge Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish Army armoured personnel carriers in the main streets of Istanbul Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Chaos reigned in Istanbul as tanks drove through the streets EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks to media in the resort town of Marmaris Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of President Erdogan celebrate in Ankara following the suppression of the attempted coup Reuters The controversial agreement was designed to ease the pressure on European political leaders after they began to be seen as powerless to control their own borders. In Germany, where over one million people arrived in the country in 2015 alone, anti-immigration party Alternative for Germany (AfD) have threatened Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrat Union party in several key regional elections and could be poised to make big gains in the federal elections next year. In response to Mr Erdogan's remarks, Ms Merkel's spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer said the deal was in the interests of all parties and that threats on either side are not helpful France also criticised Mr Erdogan for threatening Europe. We believe one-upmanship and controversies are counterproductive, French foreign affairs ministry spokesman Alexandre Giorgini said. EU Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said it would not get involved in "statements about hypothetical scenarios" and was still committed to implementing the agreement. However, the European Parliament's rapporteur on Turkey, Kati Piri, tweeted that "linking (the) deal on migration with (the) EU accession talks was wrong from the beginning." Mr Erdogan said that while Turkey itself was looking after three million refugees mainly 2.7 million Syrians from the civil war but he accused the EU of having "never acted honourably" in their dealings with Turkey. He has also accused Brussels of failing to fulfil a pledge to deliver some 6bn (5.2bn) in aid for refugees. We have been given $550m (442m) by the United Nations," he said. "The European Union promised, but the money it has sent so far is around $700m. But what have we spent? Up to now we have spent $15bn. The EU says the money is to be transferred gradually for individual projects not as a single payment. The negotiations for Turkey's potential accession to the EU have been underway since 2005, but European leaders have warned that Ankara is unlikely to be permitted to join if Mr Erdogan restores the death penalty following the attempted coup earlier this year. Mr Erdogan says he supports the move, but it would need parliamentary approval. So far around 70,000 people have been arrested and thousands more have been sacked from their jobs in schools, the judiciary and the police following the failed coup, during which soldiers took over the state broadcaster and blockaded Istanbul's main airport. Mr Erdogan accused supporters of his former ally, Fethullah Gulen, of organising the coup against him, and arrested several members of his family though the Pennsylvania-based cleric has denied any involvement. The EU parliamentary vote is non-binding and earlier this month, all EU foreign ministers with the exception of Austria said they were in favour of continuing the accession talks. Germany's Foreign Ministry said on Friday, that it was "important" that the two sides "keep talking". It is important that we do not freeze the accession negotiations because that would only further damage the relationship between Turkey and Europe, and that would not be in the interest of Turkey or of Europe, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Sawsan Chebli said. However, Austria's Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz, a hardliner on Turkey, said Europe should strengthen its own borders after Erdogan's comments, and must not give in to blackmail. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Vladimir Putin has said Russias borders do not end anywhere during a live televised awards ceremony for students in Moscow. On stage, the Russian president asked a nine-year-old boy: Where does Russias border end? The child answered at the Bering Strait with the United States. Mr Putin then gave his own answer, adding "it was a joke to applause and laughter from the audience. Putin celebrates his 63rd birthday playing hockey Show all 5 1 /5 Putin celebrates his 63rd birthday playing hockey Putin celebrates his 63rd birthday playing hockey Russian President Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons Putin celebrates his 63rd birthday playing hockey Vladimir Putin takes part in a gala game opening match of the Night Hockey League new season in Sochi EPA Putin celebrates his 63rd birthday playing hockey Vladimir Putin takes part in a gala game, opening a new season of the Night Ice Hockey League in Sochi, Russia EPA Putin celebrates his 63rd birthday playing hockey Vladimir Putin (C) shows off his hockey skills during the match of the Night Hockey League new season in Sochi EPA Putin celebrates his 63rd birthday playing hockey Vladimir Putin and Night Hockey League President Alexander Yakushev attend a gala opening match of the Night Hockey League new season in Sochi EPA The phrase Russias borders became a top trend on Twitter within minutes. Ukraines ambassador to Finland responded on social media, writing Russias border ends nowhere alongside an image of a ruined log cabin. The event was put on by the Russian geographical society, which is headed by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. In July 2014, Mr Putin promised to defend ethnic Russians wherever they lived during a speech to Foreign Ministry employees. "I would like to make it clear to all, our country will continue to actively defend the rights of Russians, our compatriots abroad, using the entire range of available means - from political and economic to operations under international humanitarian law and the right of self-defence." The Russian presidents latest comments come amid rising tensions with Europe. Russian parliament bursts into applause upon announcement of US election result The EU has just approved a resolution to fight Russian propaganda warfare, while Moscow is moving missiles closer to Europe over concern about Nato expansion. DEAR ABBY: I'm engaged to a wonderful man I have been with for five years. We plan to get married as soon as his house sells and we can move into another home as a family. He has three children; I have four. Our kids get along well enough, and no serious parenting issues have come up yet. My concern is, he and his ex-wife haven't immunized their kids. I have. All four of my children are up to date with their shots. We have agreed to disagree on this subject. With the kids living together under the same roof, is there anything I should worry about as far as kids getting sick? I have read somewhere that it isn't good to have kids who are immunized around those who aren't. Truth? -- WANTS THE FACTS IN INDIANA DEAR WANTS THE FACTS: Have you discussed this with their doctors? If you go online and visit vaccines.gov, you will find a complete explanation of why vaccinations are so important and why parents should ensure that their children receive the optimum dose, which may involve two or more shots. According to the Food and Drug Administration: "For reasons related to the individual, not all vaccinated persons develop immunity. Most routine childhood vaccines are effective for 85 to 95 percent of recipients." If your children happen to fall into the unfortunate 5 to 15 percent category of recipients who haven't developed full immunity, then you should be concerned. DEAR ABBY: My mother-in-law is a wonderful lady, but I'm having a hard time with how she is around my children. She is extremely obsessive over giving them baths, changing their diapers and, basically, just seeing them naked. I have talked with my husband about it because I don't think it's appropriate. I want to discuss this with her, but he thinks it's no big deal because this is "just the way she is." How can I convey the seriousness of this issue? Or am I overreacting? -- JUST THE WAY SHE IS DEAR JUST: I don't know your mother-in-law, so I can't judge her motivations. She was a mother before she became a grandmother, and it may be perfectly innocent. However, if something is going on that makes you uneasy, you must remember that, as your children's mother, you have a responsibility to put a stop to anything you do not feel is appropriate. DEAR ABBY: My husband has a brother, "Tom," who is 10 years younger. He recently returned from college and is living with my in-laws. Tom has visited us a few times since his arrival. When he comes over, he doesn't bother to ring the doorbell or knock; he simply lets himself in. I don't appreciate the lack of privacy in my own home. People should at least knock or yell hello from the doorway before barging in. When I told my husband it bothered me, he got upset and defensive and accused me of "picking on" his family. Am I making too much of this? -- DING DONG IN TEXAS DEAR DING DONG: No, you're not. You didn't mention how long you and your husband have been married, but your home is not a bachelor pad that people drift in and out of. You are entitled to some privacy, and time to cover up if you are in a state of undress. That people ring the bell, knock on the door or yell to announce their presence is not too much to ask. In fact, it's considered good manners. P.S. Keeping the door locked could help solve the problem. 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: Child abuse is epidemic in the United States. It occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural levels, within all religions and at all levels of education. Every year, more than 3 million reports of child abuse are made in the U.S. Without intervention, about 30 percent of those abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children. With the proper skills, all parents can raise happy, healthy children. Treatment is necessary, but our communities also need to do a better job at prevention. Please ask your readers to learn about programs and activities in their communities that support parents and promote healthy families. JOHN E. THORESEN, DIRECTOR, BARBARA SINATRA CHILDRENS CENTER, RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIF. DEAR MR. THORESEN: Thank you for your letter. Readers, the first step to curbing child abuse is recognizing it. These are the 10 most common indicators: 1. UNEXPLAINED INJURIES: Visible signs may include burns or bruises in the shape of objects. There may be unconvincing explanations for a childs injuries. 2. CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR: Abused children often appear scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn or more aggressive. 3. RETURNING TO EARLIER BEHAVIOR: Abused children may display behaviors shown when they were younger, such as thumb-sucking, bed-wetting, fear of the dark or strangers. For some, loss of basic language or memory problems may occur. 4. FEAR OF GOING HOME: Abused children may express fear or anxiety about leaving school or going places with the abuser. 5. CHANGES IN EATING: The stress, fear and anxiety lead to changes in a childs eating behaviors, which may result in weight gain or weight loss. 6. CHANGES IN SLEEP HABITS: The child may have frequent nightmares or have difficulty falling asleep, and appear tired or fatigued. 7. CHANGES IN SCHOOL PERFORMANCE OR ATTENDANCE: Children may demonstrate difficulty concentrating in school or experience excessive absences, sometimes because of adults trying to hide the childrens injuries from authorities. 8. LACK OF PERSONAL CARE OR HYGIENE: The child may appear unkempt, be consistently dirty and have severe body odor, or lack sufficient clothing for the weather. 9. RISK-TAKING BEHAVIORS: The child may engage in high-risk activities such as using drugs or alcohol, or carrying a weapon. 10. INAPPROPRIATE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR: A sexually abused child may exhibit overly sexualized behavior or use explicit sexual language. We can all support children and parents to reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect. Be a friend to a parent or child you know. Volunteer your time or donate to programs that support child abuse treatment and prevention as well as those that build healthy families. Trust your instincts. Suspected abuse is enough of a reason to contact authorities. DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for three years and have two beautiful children. Shortly before our first child was born, my in-laws bought a new camera. They bring it along to every visit and constantly take pictures of all of us. Neither my husband nor I likes having our pictures taken. My in-laws have thousands of pictures of all of us already. The biggest problem is that they dont have a relationship with their grandchildren because of this. They complain that the kids dont like them. They feel they should therefore visit more often, but in reality, these visits consist of nonstop photo-snapping,and no quality time is spent with either of the children. How do I make this stop without causing problems? OUT OF FOCUS IN NEW YORK DEAR OUT OF FOCUS: A diplomatic approach would be to suggest to your in-laws that they shoot only for a limited time when they visit no longer than the first 10 minutes. Explain that you realize the kids are growing and changing quickly, and you understand their desire to record all of it, but the children need a deeper kind of interaction with their grandparents in order to form a positive bond with them. Then suggest some ways they an relate to the little ones after the camera is put away. If they balk, tell them the reason their grandchildren dont seem to like them is that children need face-to-face and eye contact, and the camera has prevented it from happening. If theyre smart, theyll listen. DEAR ABBY: Im a 43-yearold woman who has been in a relationship with a man I dated many years ago, Charles. When we reconnected three years ago, I had a dog, Frosty. One year into the relationship, Charles asked me to get rid of Frosty because he thinks dogs are unsanitary. I loved Frosty and kept him, but it caused all kinds of problems with my boyfriend. When Charles and I moved in together three months ago, he insisted I get rid of Frosty and I caved. I miss my little friend so much it hurts. Memories of him are everywhere. I am able to get him back, but is it crazy that I would jeopardize my relationship because I want to keep my dog? IN THE DOGHOUSE DEAR IN THE DOGHOUSE: I dont think its crazy, and Im sure my animal-loving readers who number in the millions would agree with me. People bond with their pets to such an extent that in the event of a natural disaster, some of them refuse to be separated from their companions. That Charles would insist you get rid of Frosty shows extreme insensitivity for your feelings, in addition to disregard for your beloved pet in whom you had a significant emotional investment. Could Charles be jealous of the affection you have shown Frosty? Not knowing him, I cant guess. But if you are forced to choose between the two of them, you should seriously consider choosing the dog. DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I have been dating for two years. We live together, and his child from another woman lives with us. I love my boyfriend and his child, but one thing prevents me from imagining us being married: He has his childs mothers name tattooed on his body. The tattoo bothers me for many reasons, and Id like him to have it covered up if we ever do marry. He says he doesnt want to get rid of it. When the topic comes up, we argue. Am I unreasonable for wanting him to get rid of the tattoo? If that woman really is in his past, why does he need a constant reminder of her on his body? IN A STINK OVER INK DEAR IN A STINK: Youre asking the wrong person. Only your boyfriend can answer that. He may not want to go to the expense, or to experience the pain of having more artwork done. Or he may not like the idea that you are telling him what to do. However, if he has been living with you for two years, I doubt its because hes still carrying a torch for someone else. If you love him and the two of you want to get married, my advice is to accept him warts, artwork and all, because regardless of any romance in his past, YOU have habeas corpus. (Thats Latin for you have the body.) DEAR ABBY: I consider myself a social person and enjoy talking to friends on the phone. My problem is, when I talk to one of them, she will never let me get off the phone. Sometimes well talk for several hours, but eventually I have other obligations and have to go. When I tell her that, she often ignores me and keeps right on talking. I dont want to be rude, but sometimes I have to say goodbye four and five times before she finally acknowledges that I must end the call. It irritates me. I like talking to her, but I cant go on and on forever. How can I make her let me off the phone without hanging up on her or upsetting her? MR. NICE GUY DEAR MR. NICE GUY: The person youre describing obviously has less going on in her life than you do. She may also be a compulsive talker. The next time you talk to her, make the conversation face-toface and tell her that as much as you like her, you dont have the amount of time to spend on the phone that she does. Explain that when you tell her you must end the conversation, if she doesnt stop talking within five minutes, you will have to hang up. And then do it. Will she like it? No. But the alternative is that she will continue to take advantage of you which she has been doing because you have allowed it. DEAR ABBY: My husband has a male co-worker, Bo, who comes to our house occasionally. We have two bathrooms, one of which is in our bedroom. The other is the guest bathroom. When Bo needs to use the restroom, he goes into our bedroom and uses ours. He never asks; he just goes in, even after I have pointed out the guest bathroom. It creeps me out. I feel like hes invading my personal space, and I think its rude. What can I do, since pointing out the guest bathroom hasnt worked? Bo is intimidating. He thinks he can do whatever he wants. Please tell me what I can do. CREEPED OUT IN GREENVILLE DEAR CREEPED OUT: I agree your husbands coworkers behavior is creepy. If you have medications in your bathroom, you should check to be sure he isnt helping himself to some of them when he visits. Because you cant seem to convey the message to Bo the Boor, before his next visit, ask your husband to tell him that guests are supposed to use the guest bathroom. And if that doesnt discourage him, install a lock on your bedroom door. DEAR ABBY: My 21-year-old daughter, Alex, and her 6-year-old moved into an apartment with her 18-year-old boyfriend. We had a tough time accepting this, but I make do because I love Alex and want to be part of her life. My boyfriend of eight years, Niles, cant accept my daughters new boyfriend. We were invited over for dinner and Niles refused to go. How do I handle this? I feel all future events will be strained and Ill be forced to choose between my daughter and Niles. Please advise. SAD MOTHER IN NEW JERSEY DEAR SAD MOTHER: Tell Niles that if you must choose between him and your daughter, you will choose your daughter. Her romance may or may not last forever, but your relationship with her will. There is nothing to be gained by punishing her and alienating her young man. If Niles has a problem with that, do not let him make it your problem, too. Continue your relationship with your daughter and see Niles separately. DEAR ABBY: Today is my 50th birthday. Im a person with a few close friends, but Im not widely social. The members of my book club knew it was my birthday when we met a few days ago. I had mentioned it before our meeting. Nothing was said when we met. My best friend is going on vacation and hasnt remembered. My husband asked me what plans I had made for us to do today. My sister, bless her, has been wonderful and feels responsible to try to make this day special for me. Is it really my job to plan a celebration and remind everyone Im close to? I have talked enough about how important this particular birthday is to me. Im hurt that no one feels Im worth the effort. Am I making too big a deal out of this? VEXED IN VERMONT DEAR VEXED: I think so. My dear mother used to say, If you want something done right, do it yourself! Thats good advice when those around you are too preoccupied to be as nurturing as you would like them to be. 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 For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Bulgaria will move hundreds of people who clashed with police at a refugee camp to closed camps and hopes to start extraditing some to their native Afghanistan next month, Prime Minister Boiko Borisov has said. More than 400 asylum seekers, angered at being confined at the camp in the southern town of Harmanli near the border with Turkey over a health scare, were arrested after clashes with riot police late on Thursday. Police used water cannon and rubber bullets to quell the riot, in which the interior ministry said 24 officers were hurt. Three migrants sought medical help after the riot, it added. Prosecutors said they had charged 18 refugees and migrants over the riot and launched an investigation against unidentified police officers for injuring two refugees during the clashes. On Friday, the refugee camp, Bulgarias largest and home to about 3,000 asylum seekers, had broken windows, overturned trash containers and other debris strewn around. It was heavily guarded by about 250 riot police and the defence ministry said it was sending about 60 soldiers to support them in preventing any further escalation of violence. I am very worried, said Mr Borisov, who cancelled a visit to Hungary because of the riot. You see there is no window left unbroken. The people who committed these acts of vandalism will be brought to justice. Based on an agreement between the European Union and Afghanistan we have asked for a plane to start extraditing people there in early December. As for the rest, all who have acted brutally and violated public order, will be moved to closed camps, Mr Borisov said. In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea Show all 7 1 /7 In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A baby being taken on to MSF's Bourbon Argos ship from a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A refugee boat carrying 101 people being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A refugee boat carrying 101 people being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos all images by Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A baby among refugees on a boat carrying 185 people off the coast of Libya Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea Migrants and refugees sleeping after being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos ship Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A crew from MSF's Bourbon Argos ship rescuing a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees off the coast of Libya, at sunrise Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A woman in a stretcher being lifted onto MSF's Bourbon Argos ship from a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees off the coast of Libya Lizzie Dearden More than a million migrants and refugees have entered the European Union over the past 15 months, many fleeing conflicts in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. Some have entered Bulgaria, an EU member, from Turkey hoping to carry on to wealthier western Europe where most want to settle and build a new life. Mr Borisov urged residents of Harmanli to stay calm and to avoid provoking the asylum seekers. A small group of local people waving national flags demanded the camps closure. This camp should be closed. You should see what it's like here at weekends. They go around in big groups and take fruit and vegetables at the market without paying, said one resident, Rusi Stoev. Last week some local people, led by nationalist parties, staged protests against the camp following media reports that migrants were suffering from contagious skin diseases. The tensions caused the temporary closure of the camp to allow health officials to investigate. They said the reports had been exaggerated and that there was no public health risk. Bulgaria has built a fence along its border with Turkey and has beefed up border controls to deter the migrants. Some 17,000 people were detained in the first 10 months of the year, down by more than a third from the same period in 2015. Despite the decreasing numbers, Bulgarian nationalists have staged protests in recent months calling for the immediate closure of all refugee centres and for migrants to be returned to Turkey or to their country of origin. Many of the refugees and migrants at the Harmanli camp have asked for free passage to Serbia on the route from Bulgaria to western Europe but the interior minister said such a move would be politically impossible and has deployed more police officers to Harmanli. Reuters For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A young boy and a woman have been killed by a fire at a refugee detention centre on the Greek island of Lesbos. Police said the two victims died after a blaze started by a cooking gas cannister spread at the Moria camp, where migrants are being held while facing deportation back to Turkey. Two others were hospitalised, including another child, with extensive burns, an officer told the Associated Press. The fire was put out late on Thursday night but the extent of the damage was not immediately clear. Asylum seekers clashed with police during the evacuation, which follows months of unrest over processing delays and dire conditions at the camp. Lesbos is one of several Greek islands holding thousands of migrants - far over their capacity - waiting for decisions on their asylum applications after crossing the Aegean Sea. The controversial EU-Turkey deal has seen all those arriving since March detained under the threat of deportation, causing the main route to Europe to shift to the Central Mediterranean Sea. Refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugee crisis - in pictures A child looks through the fence at the Moria detention camp for migrants and refugees at the island of Lesbos on May 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Ahmad Zarour, 32, from Syria, reacts after his rescue by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea Refugee crisis - in pictures Syrian migrants holding life vests gather onto a pebble beach in the Yesil liman district of Canakkale, northwestern Turkey, after being stopped by Turkish police in their attempt to reach the Greek island of Lesbos on 29 January 2016. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants have been braving sub zero temperatures as they cross the border from Macedonia into Serbia. Refugee crisis - in pictures A sinking boat is seen behind a Turkish gendarme off the coast of Canakkale's Bademli district on January 30, 2016. At least 33 migrants drowned on January 30 when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea while trying to cross from Turkey to Greece. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A general view of a shelter for migrants inside a hangar of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Germany Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees protest behind a fence against restrictions limiting passage at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Since last week, Macedonia has restricted passage to northern Europe to only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who are considered war refugees. All other nationalities are deemed economic migrants and told to turn back. Macedonia has finished building a fence on its frontier with Greece becoming the latest country in Europe to build a border barrier aimed at checking the flow of refugees Refugee crisis - in pictures A father and his child wait after being caught by Turkish gendarme on 27 January 2016 at Canakkale's Kucukkuyu district Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants make hand signals as they arrive into the southern Spanish port of Malaga on 27 January, 2016 after an inflatable boat carrying 55 Africans, seven of them women and six chidren, was rescued by the Spanish coast guard off the Spanish coast. Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee holds two children as dozens arrive on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures A child, covered by emergency blankets, reacts as she arrives, with other refugees and migrants, on the Greek island of Lesbos, At least five migrants including three children, died after four boats sank between Turkey and Greece, as rescue workers searched the sea for dozens more, the Greek coastguard said Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants wait under outside the Moria registration camp on the Lesbos. Over 400,000 people have landed on Greek islands from neighbouring Turkey since the beginning of the year Refugee crisis - in pictures The bodies of Christian refugees are buried separately from Muslim refugees at the Agios Panteleimonas cemetery in Mytilene, Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures Macedonian police officers control a crowd of refugees as they prepare to enter a camp after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee tries to force the entry to a camp as Macedonian police officers control a crowd after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees are seen aboard a Turkish fishing boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Lesbos Reuters Refugee crisis - in pictures An elderly woman sings a lullaby to baby on a beach after arriving with other refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A man collapses as refugees make land from an overloaded rubber dinghy after crossing the Aegean see from Turkey, at the island of Lesbos EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures A girl reacts as refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees make a show of hands as they queue after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures People help a wheelchair user board a train with others, heading towards Serbia, at the transit camp for refugees near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees board a train, after crossing the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Macedonia is a key transit country in the Balkans migration route into the EU, with thousands of asylum seekers - many of them from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - entering the country every day Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures An aerial picture shows the "New Jungle" refugee camp where some 3,500 people live while they attempt to enter Britain, near the port of Calais, northern France Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A Syrian girl reacts as she helped by a volunteer upon her arrival from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos, after having crossed the Aegean Sea EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Beds ready for use for migrants and refugees are prepared at a processing center on January 27, 2016 in Passau, Germany. The flow of migrants arriving in Passau has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 per day, down significantly from last November, when in the same region up to 6,000 migrants were arriving daily. Tensions are running high among migrants unable to continue their journeys to Western Europe, with 61,000 people trapped in Greece by a series of border closures through the Balkans. There have also been clashes with locals on some islands, with a camp on Chios coming under attack by a far-right mob armed with Molotov cocktails last week. Britain and several other European nations have refused to resettle migrants arriving in Italy and Greece according to quotas. 2016 is now the deadliest year on record for refugees trying to reach Europe, with almost 4,700 people drowning or suffocating on overcrowded boats. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Israel has accepted an offer of help from the Palestinian authorities to tackle the wildfires that have engulfed large areas of central and northern parts of the country. The crisis has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes as flames have swept into the countrys third largest city of Haifa. Four Palestinian firefighting teams will join the effort to combat the fires. A senior Israeli official told daily newspaper Haaretz that Israels Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories will oversee the cooperation between the Palestinian and the Israeli fire crews. Russia, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Croatia and Cyprus are all also helping fight the blaze, while America has agreed to send a Boeing 747 Supertanker firefighting plane. Israels chief of police has blamed the fires on arson attacks, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said such an attack would be treated as terrorism. Israeli police said on Friday they had arrested 12 people on suspicion of arson. Recommended Israeli Prime Minister blames terrorism for fires Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said a dozen people had been detained either while attempting to set fires or fleeing the area, but he provided no further details. Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan said they were minorities, an allusion to either Arab Israeli citizens or Palestinians. The highest likelihood is that the motive is nationalistic, Mr Erdan told Army Radio. The flames, which have raged since Tuesday, have been fanned by strong winds during an exceptionally dry period. 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 At least 130 people have been injured as the fires have spread, mostly from smoke inhalation. None were thought to be in a life-threatening condition. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} An al-Qaeda linked militant group has claimed responsibility for starting a devastating fire in the Israeli city of Haifa that forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. Masadat al-Mujahideen, a Palestinian Salafist group, has claimed to be behind several previous blazes in Israel, including the Mount Carmel forest fire that killed more than 40 people near Haifa in 2010. There is no proof of the groups involvement in the blaze, or others they claimed near Jerusalem in 2011 and in the American state of Nevada in the following year. Israel accept help from Palestine after forest fires A previous statement from Masadat al-Mujahideen demanded that Jewish people return from whence they came since they have no place among us, threatening to continue arson attacks in Israel and among the countrys allies. Terrorism monitors at the Jamestown Foundation said the groups claims were questionable but that it was fixated on the use of fire as a weapon of jihad. Masadat al-Mujahideen has no known links to Hamas and has positioned itself in opposition to the Islamist group, criticising it for failing to fully implement Sharia law in Gaza, and for alleged apostasy. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, has already joined politicians in categorising the devastating fires as an act of terrorism. Those who try to burn the state of Israel will be punished to the fullest extent, he said during a visit to an air base where he met pilots putting out the fires. Wildfires have spread across northern Israel since Tuesday and caused thousands to evacuate the city of Haifa (AP) There are elements of terror here, of that there is no doubt. At least 16 people have been arrested across Israel and the West Bank on suspicion of arson after fires were started across the region near Israeli homes and settlements. Firefighters were winning the battle to douse a blaze that spread across Haifa on Friday but more than a dozen other fires continued to burn elsewhere for the fourth day in a row. Some of more than 60,000 evacuated people were beginning to return to their charred homes to assess the damage as police and firefighting units remained alert for flare-ups due to the dry, windy weather. No deaths or serious injuries have been reported but dozens of people were hospitalised for smoke inhalation and hundreds of homes have been damaged. The Palestinian Authority sent firefighters to help operations, as several countries including Russia and the US deployed planes and equipment and military reservists were sent out. The fires come amid heightened tensions in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories over more than a year of stabbing and car-ramming attacks by Palestinians and responding security crackdowns by Israeli forces. The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Show all 10 1 /10 The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Medics evacuate a wounded man from the scene of an attack in Jerusalem. A Palestinian rammed a vehicle into a bus stop then got out and started stabbing people before he was shot dead AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Israeli ZAKA emergency response members carry the body of an Israeli at the scene of a shooting attack in Jerusalem. A pair of Palestinian men boarded a bus in Jerusalem and began shooting and stabbing passengers, while another assailant rammed a car into a bus station before stabbing bystanders, in near-simultaneous attacks that escalated a month long wave of violence AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Getty Images The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinians throw molotov cocktail during clashes with Israeli troops near Ramallah, West Bank. Recent days have seen a series of stabbing attacks in Israel and the West Bank that have wounded several Israelis AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Women cry during the funeral of Palestinian teenager Ahmad Sharaka, 13, who was shot dead by Israeli forces during clashes at a checkpoint near Ramallah, at the family house in the Palestinian West Bank refugee camp of Jalazoun, Ramallah AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies A wounded Palestinian boy and his father hold hands at a hospital after their house was brought down by an Israeli air strike in Gaza Reuters The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinians look on after a protester is shot by Israelis soldiers during clashes at the Howara checkpoint near the West Bank city of Nablus EPA The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies A lawyer wearing his official robes kicks a tear gas canister back toward Israeli soldiers during a demonstration by scores of Palestinian lawyers called for by the Palestinian Bar Association in solidarity with protesters at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City, near Ramallah, West Bank AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Undercover Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian in Ramallah Reuters The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinian youth burn tyres during clashes with Israeli soldiers close to the Jewish settlement of Bet El, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, after Israel barred Palestinians from Jerusalem's Old City as tensions mounted following attacks that killed two Israelis and wounded a child Palestinian attackers have killed 36 Israelis and several foreign nationals, while more than 220 Palestinians have been shot dead by Israeli security forces. Authorities say the vast majority were carrying out or planning attacks, while the UN and humanitarian groups have raised concern over excessive use of force. New crackdowns were expected after Israel's police chief, Roni Alsheich, said early indications pointed toward a series of politically motivated arson attacks. The fires began three days ago at the Neve Shalom community near Jerusalem, where Israelis and Arabs live together in a peace cooperative. Later, blazes erupted in the northern Israeli area of Zichron Yaakov and elsewhere near Jerusalem before the largest ones spread across Haifa, the countrys third-largest city. Naftali Bennett, leader of the nationalist Jewish Home party, ignited further controversy by tweeting that only those to whom the land does not belong are capable of burning it. As debate spread on social media, Palestinians were accusing the government of taking advantage of the tragedy to incite against them. Additional reporting by agencies For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Israel's Prime Minister has blamed "terrorism" for some of the wildfires that have swept through central and northern parts of the country. So far, more than 75,000 people have been evacuated from the worst-hit city of Haifa while other outbreaks have been reportedly contained. Israeli Defence Force personnel were mobilised to help firefighters combat the fires and aid the evacuation process. () (Getty) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised severe retribution to anyone found responsible behind the fires. Government officials have blamed more than 50 per cent of the fires on arsonists, reports The Times of Israel. Mr Netanyahu said: "Every fire that was caused by arson, or incitement to arson, is terrorism by all accounts. And we will treat it as such. "Whoever tries to burn parts of Israel will be punished for it severely." Internal security minister Gilad Erdan has said there has been a small number of arrests but refused to provide details. He added: "There is no difference between arson and incitement to commit terrorism." The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Show all 10 1 /10 The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Medics evacuate a wounded man from the scene of an attack in Jerusalem. A Palestinian rammed a vehicle into a bus stop then got out and started stabbing people before he was shot dead AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Israeli ZAKA emergency response members carry the body of an Israeli at the scene of a shooting attack in Jerusalem. A pair of Palestinian men boarded a bus in Jerusalem and began shooting and stabbing passengers, while another assailant rammed a car into a bus station before stabbing bystanders, in near-simultaneous attacks that escalated a month long wave of violence AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Getty Images The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinians throw molotov cocktail during clashes with Israeli troops near Ramallah, West Bank. Recent days have seen a series of stabbing attacks in Israel and the West Bank that have wounded several Israelis AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Women cry during the funeral of Palestinian teenager Ahmad Sharaka, 13, who was shot dead by Israeli forces during clashes at a checkpoint near Ramallah, at the family house in the Palestinian West Bank refugee camp of Jalazoun, Ramallah AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies A wounded Palestinian boy and his father hold hands at a hospital after their house was brought down by an Israeli air strike in Gaza Reuters The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinians look on after a protester is shot by Israelis soldiers during clashes at the Howara checkpoint near the West Bank city of Nablus EPA The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies A lawyer wearing his official robes kicks a tear gas canister back toward Israeli soldiers during a demonstration by scores of Palestinian lawyers called for by the Palestinian Bar Association in solidarity with protesters at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City, near Ramallah, West Bank AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Undercover Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian in Ramallah Reuters The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinian youth burn tyres during clashes with Israeli soldiers close to the Jewish settlement of Bet El, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, after Israel barred Palestinians from Jerusalem's Old City as tensions mounted following attacks that killed two Israelis and wounded a child On Twitter, some Palestinians and anti-Israeli users have caused outrage by celebrating the devastation using the hashtag #israelisburning, although the vast majority of tweets were using the hashtag in condemnation. Eight countries including Russia, Greece, Cyprus, Croatia and Turkey have offered support including fire-fighting planes which have been dropping fire-retardant material to help douse the heaviest fires and prevent their spreading. Mr Netanyahu has said the the Palestinian Authority also offered assistance by sending fire engines. Education Minister Naftali Bennet, the leader of the right-wing Jewish Home Party, went onto Twitter asserting the arsonists were disloyal to Israel. He tweeted: "Only those to whom the country does not belong are capable of burning it." For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} As Israel battles wildfires which have spread into the countrys third largest city of Haifa, the states detractors have celebrated the devastation. The fires, some of which are believed to have been started deliberately, have engulfed large areas of central and northern parts of the country, forcing over 80,000 people to flee their homes. As the crisis unfolded, hashtags including Tel_Aviv_IsBurning and Israel_IsBurning proliferated on social media. The imam of Kuwait's Grand Mosque, Sheikh Mishary Alfasy Rashid, stoked outrage by tweeting All the best to the fire, to his 11.6 million followers, and included pictures of flames and burning buildings. The incendiary post received over 20,000 retweets in less than 24 hours. Ofir Gendelman, the Israeli prime ministers spokesperson for the Arab media, addressed the abuse on Twitter. Arabs & Palestinians on social media rejoice over the wildfires that have erupted across Israel. Despicable fanatic hatred. #Israelisburning Four Palestinian firefighting teams will join the effort to combat the fires in Israel. Russia, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Croatia and Cyprus are all also helping fight the blaze, while America has agreed to send a Boeing 747 Supertanker firefighting plane. Israels chief of police has blamed the fires on arson attacks, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said such an attack would be treated as terrorism. Israeli police said on Friday they had arrested 12 people on suspicion of arson. Recommended Israel accepts Palestinian help to combat wildfires Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told Reuters a dozen people had been detained either while attempting to set fires or fleeing the area, but he provided no further details. Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan said they were minorities, an allusion to either Arab Israeli citizens or Palestinians. The highest likelihood is that the motive is nationalistic, Mr Erdan told Army Radio. The fires in the immediate area around Haifa are now understood to be under control. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The flood of fake news this election season got support from a sophisticated Russian propaganda campaign that created and spread misleading articles online with the goal of punishing Democrat Hillary Clinton, helping Republican Donald Trump and undermining faith in American democracy, say independent researchers who tracked the operation. Russias increasingly sophisticated propaganda machinery including thousands of botnets, teams of paid human trolls, and networks of websites and social-media accounts echoed and amplified right-wing sites across the Internet as they portrayed Clinton as a criminal hiding potentially fatal health problems and preparing to hand control of the nation to a shadowy cabal of global financiers. The effort also sought to heighten the appearance of international tensions and promote fear of looming hostilities with nuclear-armed Russia. Two teams of independent researchers found that the Russians exploited American-made technology platforms to attack U.S. democracy at a particularly vulnerable moment, as an insurgent candidate harnessed a wide range of grievances to claim the White House. The sophistication of the Russian tactics may complicate efforts by Facebook and Google to crack down on fake news, as they have vowed to do after widespread complaints about the problem. There is no way to know whether the Russian campaign proved decisive in electing Trump, but researchers portray it as part of a broadly effective strategy of sowing distrust in U.S. democracy and its leaders. The tactics included penetrating the computers of election officials in several states and releasing troves of hacked emails that embarrassed Clinton in the final months of her campaign. They want to essentially erode faith in the U.S. government or U.S. government interests, said Clint Watts, a fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute who along with two other researchers has tracked Russian propaganda since 2014. This was their standard mode during the Cold War. The problem is that this was hard to do before social media. Wattss report on this work, with colleagues Andrew Weisburd and J.M. Berger, appeared on the national security blog War on the Rocks this month under the headline Trolling for Trump: How Russia Is Trying to Destroy Our Democracy. Another group, called PropOrNot, a nonpartisan collection of researchers with foreign policy, military and technology backgrounds, planned to release its own findings Friday showing the startling reach and effectiveness of Russian propaganda campaigns. The researchers used Internet analytics tools to trace the origins of particular tweets and mapped the connections among social-media accounts that consistently delivered synchronized messages. Identifying website codes sometimes revealed common ownership. In other cases, exact phrases or sentences were echoed by sites and social-media accounts in rapid succession, signaling membership in connected networks controlled by a single entity. PropOrNots monitoring report, which was provided to The Washington Post in advance of its public release, identifies more than 200 websites as routine peddlers of Russian propaganda during the election season, with combined audiences of at least 15 million Americans. On Facebook, PropOrNot estimates that stories planted or promoted by the disinformation campaign were viewed more than 213 million times. Some players in this online echo chamber were knowingly part of the propaganda campaign, the researchers concluded, while others were useful idiots a term born of the Cold War to describe people or institutions that unknowingly assisted Soviet Union propaganda efforts. The Russian campaign during this election season, researchers from both groups say, worked by harnessing the online worlds fascination with buzzy content that is surprising and emotionally potent, and tracks with popular conspiracy theories about how secret forces dictate world events. Some of these stories originated with RT and Sputnik, state-funded Russian information services that mimic the style and tone of independent news organizations yet sometimes include false and misleading stories in their reports, the researchers say. On other occasions, RT, Sputnik and other Russian sites used social-media accounts to amplify misleading stories already circulating online, causing news algorithms to identify them as trending topics that sometimes prompted coverage from mainstream American news organizations. 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 The speed and coordination of these efforts allowed Russian-backed phony news to outcompete traditional news organizations for audience. Some of the first and most alarming tweets after Clinton fell ill at a Sept. 11 memorial event in New York, for example, came from Russian botnets and trolls, researchers found. (She was treated for pneumonia and returned to the campaign trail a few days later.) Consider these points before sharing a news article on Facebook. It could be fake. (Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post) This followed a spate of other misleading stories in August about Clintons supposedly troubled health. The Daily Beast debunked a particularly widely read piece in an article that reached 1,700 Facebook accounts and was read online more than 30,000 times. But the PropOrNot researchers found that the version supported by Russian propaganda reached 90,000 Facebook accounts and was read more than 8 million times. The researchers said the true Daily Beast story was like shouting into a hurricane of false stories supported by the Russians. This propaganda machinery also helped push the phony story that an anti-Trump protester was paid thousands of dollars to participate in demonstrations, an allegation initially made by a self-described satirist and later repeated publicly by the Trump campaign. Researchers from both groups traced a variety of other false stories fake reports of a coup launched at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey and stories about how the United States was going to conduct a military attack and blame it on Russia to Russian propaganda efforts. The final weeks of the campaign featured a heavy dose of stories about supposed election irregularities, allegations of vote-rigging and the potential for Election Day violence should Clinton win, researchers said. The way that this propaganda apparatus supported Trump was equivalent to some massive amount of a media buy, said the executive director of PropOrNot, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid being targeted by Russias legions of skilled hackers. It was like Russia was running a super PAC for Trumps campaign. . . . It worked. He and other researchers expressed concern that the U.S. government has few tools for detecting or combating foreign propaganda. They expressed hope that their research detailing the power of Russian propaganda would spur official action. A former U.S. ambassador to Russia, Michael A. McFaul, said he was struck by the overt support that RT and Sputnik expressed for Trump during the campaign, even using the #CrookedHillary hashtag pushed by the candidate. McFaul said Russian propaganda typically is aimed at weakening opponents and critics. Trumps victory, though reportedly celebrated by Putin and his allies in Moscow, may have been an unexpected benefit of an operation that already had fueled division in the United States. They dont try to win the argument, said McFaul, now director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University. Its to make everything seem relative. Its kind of an appeal to cynicism. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied interfering in the U.S. election or hacking the accounts of election officials. This is some sort of nonsense, Dmitry Peskov, press secretary for Putin, said last month when U.S. officials accused Russia of penetrating the computers of the Democratic National Committee and other political organizations. The findings about the mechanics of Russian propaganda operations largely track previous research by the Rand Corp. and George Washington Universitys Elliott School of International Affairs. They use our technologies and values against us to sow doubt, said Robert Orttung, a GWU professor who studies Russia. Its starting to undermine our democratic system. The Rand report which dubbed Russian propaganda efforts a firehose of falsehood because of their speed, power and relentlessness traced the countrys current generation of online propaganda work to the 2008 incursion into neighboring Georgia, when Russia sought to blunt international criticism of its aggression by pushing alternative explanations online. The same tactics, researchers said, helped Russia shape international opinions about its 2014 annexation of Crimea and its military intervention in Syria, which started last year. Russian propaganda operations also worked to promote the Brexit departure of Britain from the European Union. Another crucial moment, several researchers say, came in 2011 when the party of Russian President Vladimir Putin was accused of rigging elections, sparking protests that Putin blamed the Obama administration and then-Secretary of State Clinton for instigating. Putin, a former KGB officer, announced his desire to break the Anglo-Saxon monopoly on the global information streams during a 2013 visit to the broadcast center for RT, formerly known as Russia Today. For them, its actually a real war, an ideological war, this clash between two systems, said Sufian Zhemukhov, a former Russian journalist conducting research at GWU. In their minds, theyre just trying to do what the West does to Russia. RT broadcasts news reports worldwide in several languages, but the most effective way it reaches U.S. audiences is online. Its English-language flagship YouTube channel, launched in 2007, has 1.85 million subscribers and has had a total of 1.8 billion views, making it more widely viewed than Though widely seen as a propaganda organ, the Russian site has gained credibility with some American conservatives. Trump sat for an interview with RT in September. His nominee for national security adviser, retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, traveled to Russia last year for a gala sponsored by the network. He later compared it to CNN. The content from Russian sites has offered ready fodder for U.S.-based websites pushing far-right conservative messages. A former contractor for one, the Next News Network, said he was instructed by the sites founder, Gary S. Franchi Jr., to weave together reports from traditional sources such as the Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times with ones from RT, Sputnik and others that provided articles that often spread explosively online. The readers are more likely to share the fake stories, and theyre more profitable, said Dyan Bermeo, who said he helped assemble scripts and book guests for Next News Network before leaving because of a pay dispute and concerns that fake news was crowding out real news. In just the past 90 days a period that has included the closing weeks of the campaign, Election Day and its aftermath the YouTube audience of Next News Network has jumped from a few hundred thousand views a day to a few million, according to analytics firm Tubular Labs. In October alone, videos from Next News Network were viewed more than 56 million times. Franchi said in an e-mail statement that Next News Network seeks a global perspective while providing commentary aimed at U.S. audiences, especially with regard to Russian military activity. Understanding the threat of global war is the first step to preventing it, he said, and we feel our coverage assisted in preventing a possible World War 3 scenario. Copyright: Washington Post Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} So, where did the rest of it go? Who took it and how did they do it? Weve made our way through a variety of car parks and dimly lit stairways to the roof, and were standing behind the 1930s Herald Sun neon sign. Each letter is two metres high and well spaced from the next. With an RKO-style transmitter tower next to it, the vista smacks of Hollywood or Gotham but, along with the 1960s Nylex Plastics clock, its one of the most iconic elements of Melbournes skyline. When the publishers left, the sign was left to rot, says local historian Meyer Eidelson. Then when the building was turned into apartments; they restored it. Its a landmark. But while they were doing it, some of the letters were stolen, and had to be remade. Melbourne viewed from behind the old Herald Sun sign (Daniel Walker/Flickr) Melbourne is a city thats best known for its laneways, jazzed up with Krylon spray, stencil murals and caffeine vendors. But in the summer months it lives on its rooftops. The Central Business District (CBD) is full of bars, restaurants and surprises on top of super modern highrise towers. You can sink a negroni, sleep in an Airstream trailer, watch a movie in a striped deckchair and tour architectural oddities, all without hitting ground level. The rooftop tour I took is one of the Walking Tours of Melbourne, run by Meyer and his team. It takes place over three hours, with stories that span everything from unsolved murder (and neon theft) to the 19th-century film studio that operated out of the top floor of the Salvation Army HQ. This is the only place in the city you can see the Silurian bedrock, Meyer said, as we left one building and entered a graffiti-adorned, dead-end alleyway Spark Lane. He gestured at layers of rock ahead of us and told me that, according to Aboriginal myth, this is the residence of Mindi, the Rainbow Serpent. With none of Melbournes typical speakeasy-style bars or coffee-shop-cum-shoemakers nearby, Mindi is rarely disturbed by foot traffic. The Eureka Tower boasts gold-plated windows and a viewing tower Its Melbournes nightlife that takes best advantage of its rooftops. On a sweltering January night, mid-summer in the city, I lounged at the Rooftop Cinema atop Curtin House, drank cocktails and watched a fantastic documentary about the late architectural photographer Julius Shulman. As the images of the Palm Springs desert homes he immortalised drifted across the screen, I found my attention wandering periodically to the Melbourne skyline behind, and the glowing purple summit on top of 120 Collins. More people gravitate to the Eureka Tower, with its gold-plated windows and viewing platform, but I love 120 Collins, which has a retro-futurist, Flash Gordon feel to it. Its a great backdrop for any after-dark event. You can engage in a fairly comprehensive bar crawl of the CBD, sticking purely to the dizzy heights: Bomba, the fairytale-themed Goldilocks and the post-work throng of Loop Roof are all favourites, with good cocktails and great views. The citys best rooftop venues dont suffer from the same curse as their equivalents in New York and London; these arent just tourist spots or cynical attempts to rinse out an expense account, theyre just good bars that happen to be outside, on high. Bomba Tapas Bar and Rooftop is a popular spot Melbourne is infinitely more relaxed than many other cities. You might think that the Fitzroy district one of the first neighbourhoods to regenerate in a glitzkrieg of filament bulbs, chalk boards and vinyl would turn into an unsavoury mix of Shoreditch and Camden at the weekend. The crowd on the roof of the fantastically named pintxos bar Naked for Satan (which goes by the subtitle Naked in the Sky), is boisterous but good-looking and good-natured. And the negronis served correctly with a single ball of ice point to a bar that knows what its doing. There are plenty of other ways to get high in the city. An evening at Vue du Monde, on the 55th floor of the Rialto Tower, starts at AU$235 (140) for the most basic tasting menu without wine, but the food is some of the finest in Australia, and the 360-degree views are among the best too. On a budget? Drop by for a martini in the Lui Bar instead. Or do what one group of diners notoriously did a few years ago: jump out of the window wearing discreetly but securely strapped-on parachutes. Pool with a view at the Crown Metropol The Crown Metropol is the super modern tower in the Crown casino, hotel and fine dining complex (Heston Blumenthal is in residence with an offshoot of Dinner). Youll get great views from the floor-to-ceiling glass of the hotel rooms, but the pool, set inside a soaring sweep of glass with views far out across town, is a real beauty although at holiday times the serenity is shattered by a sometimes frenzied family-friendly atmosphere. The most famous pool in the city, however, is also one of the smallest: the cantilevered clear box that peeks over the edge of the roof at the Adelphi Hotel, where you can look down at people on Flinders Lane below. Its recently been renovated, and the hotel itself is still one of the best boutique operations in the CBD. Theres a dessert-themed cafe in the lobby (the nauseatingly named Om Nom), which explains the oft-Instagrammed Liquorice Allsorts stools and the incredible hit of sugar fragrance you get when you walk in (the hotel had the scent blended especially). As something conceptual, it might be the most impressive, loveliest hotel lobby art in the world. The Adelphi pool: swim to the end and you can peer down over Flinders Lane The new thing on the Melbourne hotel scene is doing away with traditional rooms altogether. The recently opened Notel consists of six pimped-out, chrome-covered, classic Airstreams on the roof of a carpark thats been clad in bright red astroturf. Throw in Amanda Lepore and some plastic palm trees and it could be a David LaChapelle shoot. Tellingly, a caravan here costs more than a night at the Adelphi. One night, I bedded down on the roof of the unlovely Melbourne Central shopping mall. Last year a forward thinking non-hotelier set up in business with a bunch of luxury tents in the middle of town. St Jeromes The Hotel has a bar, a shower block, and on arrival you get an Esky (cooler) stocked with beers and snacks. Again, its not cheap and certainly not for everyone. The novelty would wear off after a couple of nights, but the tents are plush, with proper bedding, and the whole thing feels romantic and, after a few drinks, mildly fabulous. The mildly fabulous rooftop tents of St Jeromes The Hotel Like rebranding burgers or fried chicken as something indulgent, fancy and gourmet, it is rip-roaringly Millennial. And like everything else that Melbourne did before the likes of London from flat whites to small plates to an obsession with ampersands its bound to catch on. Soon every city will be full of tents on rooftops, with brightly coloured circular 1950s cane chairs and ping-pong tables. Itll happen. Melbourne is always on top of things, and trends trickle down. Travel essentials Getting there The writer flew with Qantas (qantas.com), which flies from Heathrow to Melbourne via Dubai from 648 return. Staying there Adelphi Hotel (adelphi.com.au). Doubles from AU$335 (200), room only. Notel Melbourne (notelmelbourne.com.au). Doubles from $395 (235) per night, room only. St Jeromes The Hotel (stjeromesthehotel.com.au). Rates start at $420 (250) per night, B&B. Visiting there Walking Tours of Melbourne (melbournewalks.com.au). Rooftop tours from AU$30 (18) per person for groups of 11 or more, AU$180 (107) for a private group of three. More information visitmelbourne.com Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Where does Donald Trump stand on the use of torture by US security agencies? During the presidential election campaign he notoriously recommended a return to waterboarding, the repeated near-drowning of detainees that was banned by President Obama in 2009. But last week The New York Times reported that in an interview with its senior staff, he said that he had changed his mind after talking with retired Marine Corps General James Mattis, who is a leading candidate to be the next secretary of defence. Trump quoted Gen Mattis as saying that Ive never found it [waterboarding] to be useful. He had found it more advantageous to gain the cooperation of terrorist suspects by other means: Give me a pack of cigarettes and a couple of beers, and Ill do better. Trump recalled that he was very impressed by the answer, adding that torture is not going to make the kind of difference that a lot of people are thinking. Trumps remarks were taken by The New York Times as a sign that the President-elect had changed his mind about waterboarding. Unfortunately, the full transcript of his talk, as pointed out by Fred Kaplan in Slate, shows exactly the opposite. Trump did indeed say that he was surprised by what Mattis said because the general was known for his toughness, but the President-elect went on to explain that Im not saying it changed my mind about torture. Donald Trump's four biggest U-turns He added that we have people that are chopping off heads and drowning people in steel cages and were not allowed to waterboard. Though he had been given pause by what Mattis told him, he was convinced that if its so important to the American people, I would go for it. I would be guided by that. The initial misreporting may have stemmed from wishful thinking by The New York Times reporters and American liberals in general who hope that the most outrageous pieces of Trump demagoguery during the election were off-the-cuff campaign rhetoric which he is now abandoning. A pledge to prosecute Hillary Clinton is apparently being discarded, as is a plan for the immediate construction of a wall to seal off the Mexican border. The abandonment of agreements on climate change and on Irans nuclear programme are becoming less categorical and more nuanced. But this is not so much a sign of a more moderate Trump emerging as it is fresh evidence of his shallowness and flippancy. He tells people whom he wants to influence exactly what they want to hear. Nothing is off limits. He not only flatters his audience, but does so in a way that is thrilling and attention-grabbing and sure to dominate the news agenda. This sort of tough guy talk is scarcely unique to Trump, but a common feature of American political leadership. Hillary Clinton frequently made distasteful boasts about her self-inflated role in the killing of Osama bin Laden and Muammar Gaddafi. Trump likewise uses and misuses macho slogans more than most politicians and then disowns them when they have served their purpose. But he does not disown all his election pledges and he has not disowned the one on waterboarding, banned by President Obama by means of an executive order, which is much more important than the prosecution of Clinton or building the Mexican wall. Ever since 9/11, and more particularly since the rise of Isis, there has been debate about the radicalisation of Muslims and how this might be prevented. Saudi-sponsored madrassas and imams have been blamed, with some reason, but a much simpler cause of radicalisation has nothing to do with the slow imbibing of extreme Islamist ideology. This is anger and a desire to retaliate provoked by specific injustices such as waterboarding, rendition of suspects to be tortured and the abuses in Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo, which acted as powerful and persuasive recruiting sergeants for Isis and Islamic extremism. 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 Keeping this in mind, it is important to realise that the US now has a President-elect who has just restated that he believes in the value of waterboarding. His views will not pass unnoticed among the 1.6 billion Muslims who make up 23 per cent of the worlds population and know that Muslims were the main victims of these abuses. Some members of the Trump administration, like General Mattis or General Michael Flynn, the National Security Advisor, do not believe in torture, but others say that it works and that any criticism of it is unpatriotic. Such senior figures include the newly appointed head of the CIA, Mike Pompeo, a Kansas Congressman and a supporter of the Tea Party faction of the Republican Party. He has backed interrogation techniques amounting to torture and greater domestic surveillance by the NSA. He sees Christianity and Islam as engaged in a titanic struggle. Speaking in 2015 before a Christian flag at a church in his district that focuses on Satanism and paranormal activity, he spoke of the struggle against radical Islam, the kind of struggle this country has not faced since its great wars, and warned that evil is all around us. He advised the congregation not to be put off by people who might call them Islamophobes or bigots. On another occasion, he denounced a mosque in Kansas for holding a speaking event which coincided with Good Friday. As for Guantanamo, Pompeo described it as a goldmine of intelligence about radical Islamic terrorism. I have travelled to GTMO and have seen the honourable and professional behaviour of the American men and women in uniform, who serve at the detention facility. He denounced the release of the revelatory 2014 Senate report on torture, saying that these men and women [the interrogators] are not torturers, they are patriots. The programmes being used were within the law, within the constitution. It is worth recalling what waterboarding and other types of torture of which Trump and Pompeo approve really consists of. The 2014 US Senate Report on torture by the CIA, publication of which Pompeo denounced, described waterboarding as a series of near drownings, in addition to which detainees were subjected to sleep deprivation for up to a week and medically unnecessary rectal feeding. One CIA officer described prisoners being held in a dungeon, and interrogation leading to hallucinations, paranoia, insomnia, and attempts at self-harm and self-mutilation. The report concludes that the CIA had lied about the number of detainees, their treatment, and had fed sympathetic journalists with false information about valuable intelligence acquired by means of torture. The waterboarding approved by Trump and Pompeo was only one in a range of torture techniques used by the CIA before they were banned, according to testimony in the case of of Abd al-Rahim Hussein Muhammad al-Nashiri in a US appeals court hearing earlier this year. In addition to artificially induced suffocation, detainees were kept naked, shackled to the wall, and given buckets for their waste. On one occasion, Al-Nashiri was forced to keep his hands on the wall and not given food for three days. To induce sleep deprivation, detainees were shackled to a bar on the ceiling, forcing them to stand with their arms above their heads. By such means Trump intends to make America great again. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} In reference to Mark Steels piece on Nigel Farage: to my senses, it feels a rather one-dimensional, shallow, sarcastic bore of an article that would be more at home in a school magazine. It even has the faint whiff of jealousy that Farage (I am a political neutral) can have the cheek to move so easily from pub and political playground to Trump Tower and the Ritz. How can such a man be so jumped-up and think he can move between social stations with apparent impunity? is the jaundiced inference. In reality, it takes some nous and savvy to achieve what he has from such limited resources. Trump is no fool. And like him or loath him, neither is Farage. The article comes across as unfunny, mealy-mouthed and begrudging. Surely there's a more elegant way to cover Farage's unusual political idiosyncrasies than this sarcastic harangue. The Independent should be aiming for a more intelligent, broader-reaching debate and thought provoking use of its pages (as is most of the rest of your excellent online news and opinion). Dr Duncan Robertson Qatar An open letter to Tim Farron Dear Mr Farron, It's perfectly obvious to me that as I've said before your attitude to leaving the European Union, and your efforts to overturn the vote, could quite easily lead to civil unrest. You are not alone, of course, but you are among the chief Remoaners, and I wonder, in the most regrettable event that this does happen, if you will be happy then? There may be a reasonable argument for Parliament having a say at the end of the process, but to add that the vote may then be overturned and imply that you hope it is is tantamount to incitement. Disgraceful. Neil Coppendale Shoreham-by-Sea An open letter to Iain Duncan Smith During the Brexit campaign we were advised by some not to trust the experts who gave prescient warnings of what would happen to the economy. (Am I old-fashioned to trust experts to service my car, advise on personal finance and look after my health?) As a direct result the public were encouraged to vote on a mixture of half-truths and misinformation, overlaid sadly by xenophobic hatred. I am concerned that leave voters increasingly see themselves as the majority qualified to determine the future of this country. This is dangerous populism which in the Germany of the 1920/30s had disastrous consequences for the world. If Britain aspires to true democracy, we should expect all responsible politicians, amongst whom I count you, to avoid extreme, unqualified statements every forecast which continue to mislead and inflame divisive passions. Please do your bit! Richard Greenwood Bewdley After Brexit, it's time to reform Parliament Whilst the uproar and palaver around Brexit continues perhaps we ought to take some time out to ponder what to do after we have left? For surely isn't it the case that the whole point of Brexit is that it gives the people of this country a chance to totally reorder our priorities. Brexit for me was about restoring democracy to our Parliament from the utterly undemocratic and corrupt EU but Westminster itself suffers from these very same problems with it's big business lobbyists, unelected House of Lords and outdated first past the post voting system. So let's grab this opportunity to further the revolution the British people have started and let's bring in proportional representation, ban the big business lobbying system and abolish the House of Lords. Then we have to address the monstrous economic inequalities this country faces and that requires some sort of socialism and a major redistribution of wealth. For if the Brexit vote is going to be reduced to immigrant kicking then that is utterly unworthy of us and makes cowards of the men and women who voted out! Surely it doesn't mean that? Mark Holt Liverpool We should look to Canada when considering a new deal with the EU It appears that our Government is having great difficulty deciding on what they want from a trade deal with the EU post-Brexit. Perhaps they should buy one from off the shelf. Canada has just negotiated a trade deal with the EU. From a cursory reading it seems to offer much that our government wishes to achieve. Why don't we, pro temp, say that we will have the same as Canada? Presumably Canada does not have to accept free movement of people? And surely the EU would not offer us less than Canada? At least use the agreement as a basis that could be tweaked. After all the structures for dealing with Europe are already in place. Just an idea! Chris Elshaw Hants Theresa May has risen above her incompetency Regarding Mary Dejevskys Voices piece about the PM operating at the limits of her competency (24 November), I am so pleased that others have spotted this. I was always told that people are promoted to their level of incompetency. I think that Theresa May has managed to be promoted way above her level of incompetency and now she is providing absolutely no leadership just when we need it. Something else to thank Brexit for. Rod Hartley Preston Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Everyone loves Thanksgiving. Its the ultimate celebration of well-deserved rest, unabashed gluttony and crucial reflection. Its an ever-increasingly rare opportunity to press pause on our busy lives, zoom out for a moment and remind ourselves what truly matters. Thanksgiving is about counting your blessings. Perhaps thats why for some, the pageantry and symbolism of it all has become so depressingly ironic. In case you werent spoon-fed the storybook version from birth, Thanksgiving traces its roots back to the fall of 1621, when a group of Native Americans supposedly first joined a gaggle of intrepid English puritans in a harvest feast to celebrate their unity, diversity and the unbridled optimism that both cultures would be able to coexist harmoniously. Nearly 400 years after that celebration, many Native Americans now spitefully observe it as a National Day of Mourning. You can hardly blame them. Constant encroachment, greed and the arbitrary, grandstanding notion of White Americas so-called Manifest Destiny has led to generations of genocide, forced assimilation and over 500 broken treaties. But this is 2016 thats all in the past, right? Standing Rock protests continue: 'Water is life' Thanksgiving Day has always been a much-needed opportunity to boast about how much we treasure our relationship with Native American friends, and show them that theres still plenty of hope for equality. Weve changed, and things are getting better. Yet while we love to proudly proclaim the darkest chapters of Native American history have finally come to an end, there are about 300 members of the Sioux Nation camped out in Standing Rock, North Dakota who would probably beg to differ. You see, while most of us were sitting down to a roaring fire and well-deserved feast on Thursday, Native American protesters in Standing Rock were still reeling from a 10-hour clash with law enforcement officers. More than two dozen people were taken to hospital with severe head injuries, internal bleeding and hypothermia after being hit with rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons in sub-freezing temperatures. Their crime? Standing in the way of profit. For a couple of years now, the US Government has been working to finish a $3.8bn pipeline through North Dakota in order to quickly and cheaply carry crude oil down to Illinois. Its super-efficient, super smart and will make all the oil companies super happy. Theres just one problem: that pipeline is set to run within a mile of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation which is a little bit of land the government grudgingly set aside for local tribes in an 1851 treaty. Now, by developing so close to the reservation, experts fear the oil pipeline may contaminate the reservations water supply. From the outside looking in, this seems like an open-and-shut case. The government signed an agreement with the Sioux not to come near this scrap of land, and so theyve got to pull out of the project. Hell, public health is at stake. For once in the history of Western civilization just this once its in everyones best interest to follow through on promises made and let the little guy win. But then again, think of all that money. We cant let that go, right? Chances are we wont. After all, weve not got a great track record honouring our word. But that doesnt mean hope is lost. It doesnt mean we cant rally behind our friends and neighbours to stand up for whats right. And that doesnt mean we cant take Thanksgivings useless sentiments of togetherness and transform them into meaningful action. But if Americans are even remotely interested in preserving whats left of our patchwork cultural heritage, theyd better act now. A lot can happen between Black Friday and Thanksgiving and the way things are headed right now, it looks like just enough time to finish a pipeline and break another treaty. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Prime Minister has been absolutely clear: she will not give a running commentary on Brexit negotiations. It would be crazy to give details of Britains negotiating stance ahead of the talks that will commence after Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty has been triggered. And, of course, there will be no vote on what emerges at the end of those talks. If Theresa May were a corporate CEO and she carried on like this theres a good chance that she would have been fired by now. I know, I know, the UK isnt really a corporation, but lots of people, and lots of politicians, like to talk about a notional UK plc so lets for a moment imagine that it is. May: People don't want a 'cliff edge' May, of course, is our chairman and chief executive officer (which in itself is a problem in the business world where youre supposed to divide the two to avoid the over-concentration of power) and Chancellor Philip Hammond is the finance director. Around the Cabinet table are sat the members of the executive committee, while the MPs in Parliament are the non-executive directors with the job of exercising oversight on behalf of us as shareholders. All clear? Good, so lets get started. This is an upside down negotiation but Thats the really crazy thing about all this. No business would agree to a deal and ask its shareholders to vote on it without first negotiating the terms, as is happening with the UKs EU exit. Its absolutely the wrong way to go about things. But we are where we are. And there are at least some similarities with situations that sometimes occur the business world. Companies regularly discuss strategy with their shareholders and seek their views, for example, after their results. If they are struggling and bookie William Hill is a case in point those shareholders will sometimes tell them to go out and find a deal. Think of those meetings as being rather like our advisory referendum. After taking such advice, no CEO would be given a blank cheque like the one May has assumed for herself No ones quite sure what Brexit will mean in practice because our CEO and our executives refuse to tell us. That wouldnt be allowed to happen in the corporate world where shareholders, rightly, demand and receive regular updates, even in the midst of negotiations, which are then discussed and debated. No CEO would do what May and her team have done, which is to assume for themselves the role of deciding what Brexit means, how it will work and where they want to end up without reference to their non-executive directors in Parliament or to their shareholders in the rest of the country. The only reason MPs are getting any involvement at all in the process is because the courts have decided that doing things that way is more than just immoral. It is, you know, illegal under the British constitution. Negotiations are never as secretive as May seems to be claiming Theyre just not. The Prime Minister is right in one respect. Corporate executives dont conduct running commentaries. But they do issue regular updates. In a hostile negotiation and lets be clear this is a hostile negotiation there are regular set piece shows where one side sets out its position. The other side then responds. Along the way, shareholders are able to give voice to their views as to which they favour, and what sort of terms they might be willing to accept. Non-executive directors are supposed to pay heed to these views and ensure that the executives pay heed to them too. Nothing like that is happening here, where May and her team seem set upon presenting their deal as a fait accompli which we shareholders will have to either like or lump. Only a really bad CEO would cut the finance director out Given the centrality of this function the finance director would usually expect to play a key role in any negotiation. And yet there are fairly strong indications that Britains chief financial officer and his team are being cut out of the process. That is the way madness lies. UK plc would be on all the corporate governance naughty steps if it were a business and behaved in this manner. About that upside down negotiation: shareholders would expect to get a vote at the end and so should we At the conclusion of a contested negotiation on a big deal like Brexit, shareholders always, but always, get a vote. Even if its an upside down negotiation (see above). If a company speaks to its shareholders and their advice is go get a deal there is always but always a vote at the end of the process when the cards are on the table. Shareholders are always given the opportunity to change their minds if they want to. It wasnt so long ago that William Hill was talking about what a number of its shareholders thought was a bad deal with Amaya, a Canadian gambling outfit. Those shareholders clearly said: actually weve thought about it and we dont much like this idea. So William Hill walked away. The British people told May to go and get a deal. But she is denying them the chance to change their minds even though that is the democratic thing to do, and there is clear precedent. There were two votes on EU entry in the 1970s. The shareholders in UK plc were offered the chance to think again. Given the importance of this decision, and the way the referendum campaigns were conducted, they should be given the chance. UK plc isnt a company, but thats kind of the point. See above. Its vitally important that the owners of a company, the shareholders, are fully consulted and engaged in matters of strategy and in the processes of deal making when it happens. It is that much more important in a democracy. If May and her team go out and get the good deal for Britain they claim they can, why are they so scared of putting it to the electorate? There has been much talk about democracy and the will of the people where the EU referendum is concerned. But since then, the Government has proceeded to flout the law and behave in a profoundly undemocratic manner. Such behaviour wouldnt be tolerated in the corporate world. It shouldnt be tolerated in UK plc either. Nicola Sturgeon and Enda Kenny attend a press conference at the British Irish Council summit at the Vale Resort near Cardiff Nicola Sturgeon has held bi-lateral discussions with the Taoiseach ahead of her visit to Dublin next week. The Scottish First Minister is due to spend two days in the capital meeting with business leaders, President Michael D Higgins and other politicians. Ms Sturgeon will also address the Seanad. She met with Taoiseach Enda Kenny in Cardiff on Friday following British Irish Council summit talks on the UK's exit from the European Union. The Scottish Government said the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the relationship between Scotland and Ireland in areas including business innovation and the development of deeper trade and investment links. Speaking following the meeting, Ms Sturgeon said: "Today's meeting was a very welcome and constructive opportunity to further strengthen the strong connections Scotland and Ireland have long enjoyed. "The Taoiseach and I used the opportunity to discuss mutual Irish-Scottish interests, both cultural and economic. "The British Irish Council was an important opportunity to call on the UK Government to work harder to protect our interests in Europe in the face of an impending Brexit. "In the post-referendum landscape, it has become even more important that Scotland and Ireland work together to further strengthen our shared economic, cultural and social ties." Ireland has enough on its plate with Brexit for it to deal with a referendum on reunifying the island, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said. Mr Kenny made clear there was no prospect of a border poll in the near future as he attended the British Irish Council summit in Wales. At a media conference, the Fine Gael leader was challenged on comments he reportedly made at a private party function that Brexit had opened up an "uncomplicated route" to a united Ireland. Mr Kenny questioned the accuracy of the news reports and insisted the criteria for calling a referendum, as laid out in the Good Friday peace agreement of 1998, had not been met. Under the terms of the accord, the UK Secretary of State can call a border poll, but only if there is clear evidence that public opinion in Northern Ireland was in favour of changing the constitutional position. "This matter has been set out in the Good Friday Agreement, there is no intention of having a border poll now, there is no indication that a border poll will succeed now," said Mr Kenny. "We have enough on our plates at the moment to deal with Brexit and the many challenges that arise from many other issues to deal with." The result of the EU referendum drew fresh focus on the constitutional question. Republicans pointed to the 56% in Northern Ireland that voted to Remain as significant in the context of the UK leaving an EU that would still count the Irish Republic as a member. The existing border has also become a key issue in the overall discussions about Brexit, with the UK Government being pressed on how it can maintain free movement across it after the exit from the EU. Malta's prime minister Joseph Muscat has stressed the importance of resolving how the border crossing would operate post-Brexit before other trade issues are addressed in the UK's exit negotiations with the EU. Malta assumes the presidency of the EU in January. After the BIC summit, Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said he would like to see a united Ireland "tomorrow morning". But he said he respected the terms of the peace agreement and noted that successive UK secretaries of state had made clear they "were not interested" in testing public opinion. However, he again emphasised the EU vote, noting that the 56% were made up of unionists and nationalists. "The 56% who saw their future in Europe voted to remain - that couldn't have been achieved without the support of unionists, nationalists and republicans voting together to achieve that," he said. "I think that is very, very significant as we go forward." Mr McGuinness also reiterated that Sinn Fein MPs would not suspend their abstentionist policy in respect of Westminster if MPs were asked to vote on the terms of Brexit. Stormont First Minister Arlene Foster said coverage around a potential referendum were "non-stories". "It won't surprise you to know that I don't want a united Ireland in the morning," said the DUP leader. Mrs Foster said people should not misinterpret the outcome of the referendum. "It was a vote on membership of the European Union, it was not a referendum in terms of Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland," she said. "So this is a bit of a non-story but it comes up from time to time." Current Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire said: "It is ultimately my decision in relation to a border poll and there is no evidence that the conditions requiring a border poll are met - indeed there is very, very strong support, continuing support, for the (present) political arrangements." The former Burlington Hotel which will now trade as a Clayton Hotel. Ireland's largest hotel group Dalata has completed the transformation of the former Burlington Hotel in Ballsbridge. The hotel will now operate under the Clayton Hotel Brand from today and will be known as Clayton Hotel Burlington Road. German investment fund Deka is leasing the property to Dalata in a 25-year lease agreement. Deka agreed to snap up the property from Blackstone, who put it on the market for 180m. The Dublin landmark was previously run by Hilton under the DoubleTree brand. Dalata will retain all of the staff at the property with general manager David Monks continuing at the helm of the management team. Dalata chief executive Pat McCann said: We are excited that Clayton Hotel Burlington Road becomes part of our portfolio from today and look forward to fully integrating this fine property to the Dalata family. This hotel will be integral to our efforts to grow and strengthen our Clayton brand." The building comprises of 502 recently renovated guestrooms, state of the art meeting and events facilities including a ballroom with a capacity for 1,400 delegates, an executive lounge, 24-hour fitness suite and an exciting ground floor experience. Dalata, which also operates the Maldron brand, has an Irish portfolio of 40 three and four star hotels with a combined room total of in excess of 7,500. Farmers who were tax compliant and disclosed the value of the shares they received will, not be facing any additional income tax, Minister of State, Eoghan Murphy said in the Dail this week. His comments come in the wake of 400 farmers in County Kerry receiving a letter from the Revenue Commissioners requesting a payment for under-declaration of income based on patronage shares they had received from Kerry Co-op. The Minister said it is his understanding these shares were received by milk suppliers, as a consequence of and in proportion to, the quantity of milk supplied. The shares are, therefore, a payment received by the farmer for their milk supply and form part of the farmer's trading income for the relevant year. This is similar to the general tax treatment applying in respect of share-based remuneration for employees other than certain restrictive Revenue-approved share schemes, he said. According to the Minister, employees are liable to income tax, USC and PRSI on their share awards for similar reasons, namely, the share award is linked to their work and is, therefore, treated as taxable employment income. To apply a different treatment to farmers who receive valuable shares as a result of their ongoing trading relationship with the co-operative would call into question the taxation of all forms of share-based remuneration received by employees or self-employed contractors in other sectors of the economy. He added that it must be accepted the patronage shares received by the co-op members are valuable assets. The shares can be sold for cash, they can be gifted or transferred to a new owner, and they convey voting and dividend rights on the shareholder. In many cases, the values received by farmers were considerable. For example, in 2013, the value received by farmers ranged from zero up to 39,330, with the average value received being approximately 4,860, he said. Fairness The Minister said the receipt of shares to this value would have been disclosed by many farmers to their accountants. The letters issued by Revenue this month have in the first instance been inquiries as to whether the values received have been included in their accounts. Farmers who were tax compliant and disclosed the value received will, therefore, not be facing any additional income tax. It would be inequitable for those farmers who did correctly declare this income if Revenue did not follow up on those who did not, he said. The Minister advised farmers who have received the letter from Revenue to discuss it with their agents to ascertain if any additional liabilities are due, and, if so, to make contact with the Revenue Commissioners. The farmer whose sheep were attacked by dogs this week has released pictures of his injured sheep. A sheep worrying incident reported to Gardai in Kildare between 3.30pm and 4pm on Tuesday. Gardai who attended the scene in Friarstown, Kildare found two dogs dead and a significant number of distressed sheep one of which was badly injured. Gardai are currently investigating the incident. IFA National Sheep Chairman, John Lynskey said that while a farmer is within their rights to shoot any dog worrying sheep on their land it's not a policy the IFA promotes. "We promote dog owners to act responsibly," he said. He also said any farmer who comes across sheep attacking or worrying sheep can shoot the dogs. He also said that in such an instance a farmer must report the shooting to the Gardai within 24 hours. Read also: Legal advice: Are farmers within their rights to shoot dogs which attack sheep? Expand Close The two dead dogs. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The two dead dogs. Andy Cullen and his partner Joanne Meade were left devastated when two of their pet husky dogs were shot after breaking into a farmer's field in Kildare. The two, who run the Dublin Husky Rescue from Andy's home near Friarstown, Kildare, say they have been left numb after losing their two pets. "Joanne saw that the dogs had broken through the fence around our house on Tuesday and rang me immediatly. I rang the farmer who owns the land and told him I was on my way to get the dogs. "He said that he already had people chasing the dogs and that one of them had a gun." Read also: 'They were family to us' - Couple devastated after pet huskies shot dead for attacking sheep But, by the time Andy got to the field it was too late. "When I drove down to the field it was too late. The two dogs were laid out dead. They had been shot. "I know sheep worrying is a problem for farmers, but I would have taken them to the vet and euthanised them. I don't know why they could not have been held until I got there." He also said any farmer who comes across sheep attacking or worrying sheep can shoot the dogs. He also said that in such an instance a farmer must report the shooting to the Gardai within 24 hours. 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Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Irish-listed investment firm Draper Esprit has acquired a 30.77pc stake in UK venture capital trust (VCT) Elderstreet Holdings. Elderstreet has assets of more than 25m (29m) under management. Draper Esprit has in excess of 200m invested in technology companies across Europe. It typically commits 1m to 15m to individual ventures. The terms of the deal mean Esprit also has an option to acquire the balance of the Elderstreet Holdings shares in time. Draper Esprit ceo Simon Cook said the deal puts the firm on the map. "We can now offer to investors access to high-growth technology companies through a range of vehicles from EIS funds, to VCTs and a qualifying listed evergreen patient capital vehicle with combined assets of over 350m (412m)," he said. "Draper Esprit is now firmly on the map as one of the major European managers of technology venture capital and growth capital with a long history of successful acquisitions such as 3i's European VC portfolio, Prelude Investment Trust, Top Technology fund and Cazenove's VC fund.". Elderstreet has a favourable reputation. In 2014, it was named as Investment Company of the Year and was voted VCT Fund Manager of the Year in 2009 and 2010. "Draper Esprit and Elderstreet are well-aligned in terms of investment strategy and most importantly a culture of active asset management in the unquoted companies sector," said Elderstreet chairman Michael Jackson. "Given the recent changes in VCT rules imposed last year we view the deal as a positive step forward for our VCT shareholders," he added. Draper Esprit, whose partners include Irish technology investor Brian Caulfield, raised 102m from its stock market flotation in Dublin and London earlier this year. Backers include the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, UK-based investment managers Woodford Investment Management and Baillie Gifford, and China Huarong International Holdings. A van being filled with Compressed Natural Gas in the US there are plans for its use in Ireland THE energy regulator has approved funding for Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) to roll out compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations across the country. In a decision paper, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) found that although projections on uptake provided by GNI were "uncertain", and despite concerns that the project might not stack up financially, the utility will be allowed spend 12.8m installing 13 stations to help reduce transport emissions and encourage a switch to cleaner fuels. The move comes after the Irish Independent yesterday revealed that GNI plans to develop a network of 70 fast-fill stations over time across the county to encourage hauliers, transport companies and commercial firms to switch from diesel. While vehicles are 15pc more expensive to buy, fuel savings can be as high as 30pc and emissions sharply reduced. The CER said that GNI was provided with almost 6m last July from the European Commission to undertake a study into the potential for CNG in the Irish market. This funding was dependent on additional funding of 12.8m being approved by the regulator, and following a previous allocation of 6m secured by GNI. The total cost of the so-called 'Causeway Study' is 23.47m. The funding approved will be added to gas customer bills, which will increase by 1.20 a year. Despite raising concerns, the regulator said it was "appropriate" that funding be approved as innovation funding could include projects "where the financial benefits are not certain". In its submission, GNI said it believed the market will be made up of 266 trucks and 254 buses by 2024. However, it believes that the potential market is made up of 20,000 HGVs and 12,000 buses. CNG can play an important role in cutting pollution by decarbonising the transport sector, where emissions have sharply risen in recent years as economic growth resumed. Last year, they rose by 6pc. The Environmental Protection Agency predicts they will rise by 10pc to 16pc over 2014 levels by 2020, and it is highly likely that binding EU targets to make deep cuts will be missed. The application for funding was supported by a number of firms including Bus Eireann, Celtic Linen and food and drinks giants Diageo and Glanbia. The Department of Transport also lent support, and will shortly publish a public consultation on a national policy framework aimed at supporting uptake of alternative fuels in the sector, including CNG. In Budget 2015, the Government introduced a reduced rate of excise for CNG, which will remain in place until 2023. A CUT in the corporation tax rate in the United States could see US multinationals investing more overseas, not less - according to a UCD academic specialising in trade and FDI. Professor Ron Davies said the notion that US firms will not go abroad if president-elect Donald Trump slashes the US rate of corporation tax to 15pc are not backed up by research. And he said the last time the US introduced a tax amnesty to repatriate overseas profits - another Trump proposal - multinational employment in Ireland increased by 1.3pc. "Countries with low taxes send out more FDI, not less. This notion that if he [Donald Trump] cuts taxes, US firms are not going to go abroad now, the data tends to reject that. We don't see much evidence of that," Prof Davies told a Department of Finance conference. The UCD academic, who was born in West Virginia but has lived in Ireland for 10 years, said countries with a high tax rate send out less foreign investment than if the rate was lower. "They [companies] don't have their own internal financing that they can use to fund FDI," Prof Davies told the Irish Independent. A top economic adviser to Mr Trump has warned that the incoming president's new tax plans could see a "flood of companies" leaving Ireland. Business experts have argued that existing investment in Ireland is not under threat, as big US firms here have established operations - but warned future FDI could be put at risk by a rate cut. However, this is unlikely, according to Prof Davies. "If you have a low tax rate, firms have money sitting around and they're going to find productive ways to use that. One of the ways in which they do that is they invest overseas," he said. During the campaign Mr Trump also pledged to have a special one-off corporate tax rate of 10pc to encourage the repatriation of corporate profits held offshore, estimated by Bloomberg to be in the region of $2.4 trillion. Former President George W Bush introduced a similar amnesty in 2004/2005. In that year, foreign direct investment in Ireland fell by 10pc, Prof Davies said, as money the firms had "parked" in Ireland were returned to the US to be taxed at the lower rate. The amount of jobs in the multinational sector here, however, actually increased by 1.3pc. "There's not a lot of evidence for the idea that they're pulling out productive, useful, Irish employment-generating activity," he added. The material impact on Ireland of a tax amnesty for these companies, Prof Davies said, is likely to be minimal therefore. "When they got the chance of bringing it [money] back into the US at a very low tax rate, that's exactly what they did, but when back in the US, it didn't create any additional US investment, it didn't create US jobs," the professor said. "And so, he's [Trump] saying things that on the surface sound fairly reasonable. It brings money back home - but money and investment are different things." But he added the uncertainty posed by the election of Mr Trump could hinder world trade. "He has already targeted trade agreements, for example. "One of the things the data shows again and again and again, is that if you bring trade barriers down, FDI goes up. "If he's going to go after that. He creates a lot of uncertainty." UDG Healthcare has a potential war chest of 500m for acquisitions after announcing a rise in profits in the year to the end of September. The Irish drug sector services business has 130m in cash on the balance sheet and with additional debt could spend in the region of 500m, chief financial officer Alan Ralph said. "We would like to do more acquisitions, but we'll buy the right assets rather than any assets," he said. Add-on deals would be assessed to complement the Dublin-based company's shift from drug distribution to higher margin outsourced services for the pharmaceutical sector. Acquisitions would have to meet management targets, including being in line with its shift into higher margin services and deliver a return of 15pc of capital employed in three years, he said. An in-house mergers and acquisitions team in the US and Ireland is being used to evaluate deals, he said. UDG, headed up by ceo Brendan McAtamney (inset), yesterday reported operating profit growth of 8pc to 104.2m for the 12 months to the end of September. Full-year revenue from continuing operations were 943.1m. The company provides outsourced services to the pharmaceutical sector, including packaging, sales and communication services. Expansion is likely to be focused on the US, which now accounts for 52pc of profits. The company proposed a 5pc dividend increase, for a full-year dividend of 11.5 cent. Shares fell 5.6pc to 621.48 each. Service exports to the UK last year increased by 3.7bn, mainly in the computer and financial services categories, official figures show. Total service exports increased by 16.3bn from 105.3bn in 2014 to 121.6bn in 2015, data from the Central Statistics Office reveals. Total service imports also increased significantly by 39.5bn from 111.5bn in 2014 to 151bn in 2015. As a result, the service deficit moved from 6.1bn in 2014 to 29.4bn in 2015. Computer services, at 57.4bn, remains the largest export category and accounted for almost half of total service exports last year. Royalties and licences, at 67.8bn, was the largest import category. That includes money paid to off-shore units of multinationals by their operations here. Increases in exports to Germany, up 800m, and France, up 700m, were mainly in computer services while increases in exports to Spain (700m) and Italy (500m) were largest in the Tourism and Travel and Insurance services categories respectively. Service exports to Asia also increased by 4.5bn, mainly in computer services, with exports to China up 2bn. The CSO said service imports from the US increased by 5.2bn between 2014 and 2015. In the same period, service imports from Asia increased by 4.3bn and imports from the Netherlands and Switzerland increased by 3.7bn and 1.1bn respectively. A report earlier this month showed growth in the services sector here fell to its lowest level in three-and-a-half years last month. US law firm Brown Rudnick, which played a central role in the controversial 1.6bn Project Eagle deal, has accused original bidder Pimco of misleading Nama and the Public Accounts Committee about its knowledge of proposed success fees to be paid to fixer Frank Cushnahan. In correspondence seen by the Irish Independent, Brown Rudnick chief executive Joseph R Ryan has written to the Public Accounts Committee disputing claims made by Pimco to the Dail watchdog as well as statements made by Tughans solicitor Ian Coulter. In an 11-page letter, Ryan says that contrary to repeated curious statements by Pimco, senior bosses at the US fund were made aware five months before its withdrawal from the bidding process that a proposed success fee structure would have seen Namas former Northern Ireland Advisory Committee member Cushnahan sharing a 16m payment with Brown Rudnick and Tughans. His account contradicts what Pimco legal officer Tom Rice said to the PAC in a letter dated November 8th last. Pimco maintained the law firm first sought a fee in June 2013 and confirmed that this would be split between Mr Cushnahan, who was then a member of Namas Northern Ireland Advisory Committee, and Mr Coulter. Mr Rice said the company refused and asked if Nama was aware of its advisers involvement. Mr Ryan, in his letter to the PAC states: Pimco knew from the outset of the proposed transaction both that Mr Cushnahan would be involved in the deal and that it was contemplated he would split a proposed success fee with Brown Rudnick and Tughans (at least until a different structure was discussed in February 2014)." We are unable to reconcile Pimcos statement that it identified Mr Cushnahans involvement and compensation in 2014 with the unassailable fact that it was aware of his involvement, and his proposed compensation, since the spring of 2013, he adds. Notwithstanding the fact that no binding agreement was reached for the compensation of Mr Cushnahan, either on a success fee or asset management basis, it was always understood between Pimco and Brown Rudnick that Mr Cushnahans role and potential compensation would be disclosed to Nama at a time mutually agreed between Pimco and Brown Rudnick. Brown Rudnicks account is consistent with Nama chairman Frank Dalys account of his understanding of events. In this letter to the Dail's Public Accounts Committee, Ryan says that although the matter of Cushnahans success fee remained unresolved, on February 27, 2014, Brown Rudnick sent a Letter of Offer for Pimcos consideration in response to a request from Pimco that the compensation structure for Mr Cushnahan no longer be based on a success fee, but rather take the form of an asset management agreement predicated on contributions post-closing to the management of the portfolio. This Letter of Offer proposed the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle and a put option along with certain management fees for assisting in the management and disposition of the Northern Ireland loan portfolio. Nama has insisted repeatedly that it was responsible for Pimco's withdrawal from the Project Eagle process after it became aware of the alleged success fee for Frank Cushnahan. Pimco for its part has always insisted it withdrew from the deal only after it discovered the proposed success fee for Cushnahan. Efforts to reach Pimco at the time of going to press were unsuccessful. Ready for a bargain this weekend? Take some of Adrian Weckler's advice on board first. 1. How to check if it's really a sales deal Retailers claim products are discounted more than they are. Harvey Norman is touting Sony's RX100 camera (right) as a Black Friday deal for 429, claiming it "was 469". But it has been priced at 429 for months. Argos says its 259 Panasonic Lumix TZ60 camera "was 369", but it was 309 in August. Check the WayBack Machine for earlier pricing. 2. Suss out the value of a sale price with an immediate comparison Instead of visiting a dozen websites, check the price of something on a reliable price comparison website such as pricespy.ie. This should also give you local pricing versus offshore (but online) UK or EU pricing. Read More 3. How to get around 'no Irish delivery' clauses If a UK-based retailer 'doesn't deliver' to Ireland, you can still buy from it using services such as ParcelMotel (above) or AddressPal. Your package gets delivered to a post office or Topaz garage or some other designated location, where you pick it up with a PIN code or by showing photo ID. It costs between 3.50 and 25 depending on the package. You can also return items using the same method. 4. With online shopping, you have extra rights to return a product with no questions asked Buyer's regret? Thanks to the EU's 14-day cooling off period, you can change your mind within 14 days and return it to the seller for a full refund. It doesn't have to be faulty. Read More 5. Use a PC, not a phone Phones still give an inferior, slower experience at buying things online, with many ecommerce vendors still optimising for laptops and desktops. Hip hop star Chance The Rapper has apologised to his fans after cancelling shows in Dublin and Manchester. The rapper was due to perform concerts at the Helix in Dublin and the O2 Apollo in Manchester as part of his Magnificent Colouring World Tour. He tweeted: "The remainder of the European leg of #magnificentcoloringworldtour is cancelled. I'm deeply sorry and will make it up to you." Earlier this week Chance, real name Chancellor Johnathan Bennett, hinted he might cut his tour short as he offered a "special prayer" for his close collaborator Kanye West, who has reportedly been hospitalised for sleep deprivation and dehydration, during a performance in BBC 1Xtra's Live Lounge. During his rendition of All We Got, he said: "I want to extend a special prayer to my big brother Kanye West. I know there's a lot of weird folks out there but you already know that I'm a hundred grand. "I want to just extend this prayer and this love from all the way in Britain. We might come home early to see this. Happy Thanksgiving." Concert promoter MCD previously wrote on Facebook: "It is with regret that Chance The Rapper has to cancel the remainder of his European tour due to personal reasons. "These are two shows at the Helix in Dublin and a show at the Apollo in Manchester. He sends his apologies for this and looks forward to returning to Europe in 2017. Refunds are available from point of purchase." According to his website he is due to resume his tour in Australia on December 29. Actress Florence Henderson poses at the Television Academy's Performers Peer Group cocktail reception to celebrate the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards in Beverly Hills Actress Florence Henderson poses backstage after the premiere of ABC's series "Dancing with the Stars Season 11" in Los Angeles September 20, 2010. Actress Florence Henderson, star of the 1970's television comedy series 'The Brady Bunch', arrives for '60 Years A Retrospective of the Television and The Television Academy' at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Actress Florence Henderson poses at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 22nd annual Hall of Fame gala in Beverly Hills Florence Henderson, the wholesome actress who went from Broadway to television stardom when she became Carol Brady, the ever-cheerful mother in The Brady Bunch, has died. She was 82. She died surrounded by family and friends, her manager, Kayla Pressman, said late on Thursday. Millions loved, and kept on loving, the innocent sitcom about a blended family. The Brady Bunch, which first aired in 1969, returned to television in various forms again and again, including The Brady Bunch Hour in 1977, The Brady Brides in 1981 and The Bradys in 1990. It was also seen endlessly in reruns. Henderson died of heart failure on Thursday night at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles, after being taken to the hospital the day before. Florence Agnes Henderson was born on February 14 1934, in the small town of Dale in southern Indiana. She was the 10th child of a tobacco sharecropper of Irish descent. She married theatre executive Ira Bernstein and the couple had four children before the union ended in divorce after 29 years. Her second husband, John Kappas, died in 2002, and she is survived by her children, Barbara, Joseph, Robert and Lizzie, their respective spouses, and five grandchildren. I've had today's date marked in my calendar for months. No, not because it's one month until Christmas, nor because it's pay day. Today is the day the long-awaited Gilmore Girls reboot premieres on Netflix: four 90 minute episodes, each focusing on a season of the year, and I, for one, can't wait to lose myself in each and every one. You might think that makes me a complete saddo and, look, you could be right. But the truth is, I need the Gilmore Girls in my life right now. Unlike so much on television at the moment (Gogglebox the exception), it is a unique balm for the soul. Having rewatched all seven seasons over the past few months, I'm quite simply chomping at the bit to return to the fictional town of Stars Hollow. I want to pretend such a place exists, full of whimsy and good people. Because 2016 has been a pretty crappy year. From Trumpism to Brexit to Aleppo to the alt-right, the news is full of things to make people afraid. We lost some of our greatest cultural icons in the form of David Bowie, Prince and Muhammad Ali, to name but a few. Closer to home, it seems we're a nation under siege by anxiety, in conflict over the Eighth Amendment and dealing with a homelessness crisis our leaders don't seem to know how to resolve. So forgive me if I'm in the humour for a little light relief - forgive all of us seeking solace in not-so guilty pleasures. Expand Close BACK: Lauren Graham (left) stars as Lorelai and Alexis Bledel plays her daughter Rory in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp BACK: Lauren Graham (left) stars as Lorelai and Alexis Bledel plays her daughter Rory in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life As much as I enjoy Game Of Thrones, Westworld and The Walking Dead, I don't want to be immersed in gore, sex and violence all the time. I watched Sharon Horgan and Sarah Jessica Parker's new show Divorce expecting belly laughs and glamour - instead, I saw a family fall apart (I guess the clue was in the title). Right now, I just want to watch something nice - something light but with depth, funny but not gross-out - to allow me to escape just a little. For me, that's the world of Stars Hollow, a world where the most pressing dilemma is whether you're Team Dean or Team Jess. For the uninitiated, allow me to explain. Gilmore Girls ran from 2000 to 2007 on American television, landing here not long after. It tells the story of Lorelai Gilmore, her teenage daughter Rory and, to a lesser extent, her mother Emily. Lorelai is a single mother who had her only child at 16 and fled her suffocating life of privilege in a posh Connecticut suburb for the small town of Stars Hollow. They say it takes a village to raise a child and that was the case with Rory. But the two have a happy life - an incredibly close relationship, plenty of friends and enough to get by. That is, until Rory's obvious intelligence means she's destined for an Ivy League education. This leads her mother to place her in a private school that costs a fortune, forcing her to turn to her parents for financial help. If it sounds quite simple, that's because it is. Not an awful lot happens in the series. It's a show about relationships, personal ups and downs, and being true to oneself. It drew us in because most of us could relate to either teenage Rory or 30-something Lorelai, their friendships and romantic foibles. There are no major twists or cliffhangers, nobody gets disembowelled (spoiler alert!). There isn't even that much sex, and if there is, it's strictly PG. The dialogue is witty and rapidly paced, the pop culture references come thick and fast and there's a soothing chorus of "la la las" every few minutes. It paints a picture of the small-town America I've always dreamed of - leafy New England is almost pornographic in its visual perfection, everyone eats massive breakfasts at the local diner and it's as kitsch, quaint and idyllic as can be. Expand Close Lorelai and Rory Gilmore / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lorelai and Rory Gilmore But now in Trump's America, can we even buy in to this fantasy anymore? Can America-philes like me coo over Thanksgiving turkeys and Fourth of July cook-outs when reality tells us that many small towns in the States aren't really that friendly or welcoming to anyone that isn't white, straight and relatively wealthy? Gilmore Girls could be seen as horribly out of touch when one thinks of what the new President-elect represents. The show has been accused of being whitewashed and insular, with poor representations of people of colour and the LGBT community. Video of the Day And yes, it is largely a show about privileged white people, but so are countless others that I love: Sex And The City, Friends, Frasier. And I don't care if it's not very realistic - when I want realism, I watch the news. In fact, Netflix is where I often find myself turning these days. When network TV is pulling out all the stops with more blood, more devastation and more shock-factor to bring in viewers, the online streaming behemoth is spending billions on original programming. I'm thrilled the company is behind this reboot - with creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and virtually all the original cast back, I trust them with this beloved material. So allow me to binge on Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life this weekend. I know I won't be alone - Irish people young and old have been hotly anticipating the reboot on social media. If you never watched the original series, now is a good time to start... and you'll have the catch-up movies nine years later to ease the pain of finishing. Expand Close The Gilmore Girls cast. Picture: Gilmore Girls/ The CW / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Gilmore Girls cast. Picture: Gilmore Girls/ The CW Now, let's just hope they're bloody good. Grandparent of the Year Moya Connelly (94) with her award. Photo: Kyran OBrien 'Inspirational' Moya Connelly, who completed her Junior Cert aged 92, has picked up the award for Grandparent of the Year. Ms Connelly, now 94, was presented with the Specsavers-sponsored prize in recognition of her "lust for life". The retired nurse returned to education six years ago for an IT course so that she could email her brother in Brazil and Skype her grandchildren. She later sat Junior Cert exams in history and English in Colaiste Eanna in Cabra. She is also a keen artist, continuing to take art classes and making her own Christmas cards. She was nominated by her granddaughter Hannah, one of five grandchildren; the entry described Hannah's grandmother as "inspirational". Moya said that she just wanted to keep her mind active. "My grandchildren have phones and iPads and everything, and I thought I should try to keep up with them," she said. "I'd really like to say thanks to everyone at Cabra Community College. If it weren't for them I never would have done the exams." Moya won a trophy, a weekend away in Ireland and a Specsavers voucher. The award was launched by Specsavers in association with Third Age. The other regional finalists were Oliver Ryan from Moycullen, Galway, Margaret McConnell from Letterkenny and Betty Crosbie from Killarney (Munster). A major garda operation has been launched amid fears that criminal gangs are planning to target cash-in-transit vans in the run-up to Christmas. Gardai are so concerned about the threat that they are protecting cash vans in parts of the city with patrol cars. Cash in transit is in higher demand in the weeks before Christmas because ATMs are used more frequently. Today is Black Friday and a massive pre-Christmas spending spree is expected as stores offer sales to mark the start of the festive shopping period. With an extra 75m floating around in the weeks before Christmas alone, the Herald can reveal that the special garda operation is ongoing in high-risk areas of north Dublin. In total, hundreds of million in extra cash will be circulating over the next four weeks. As a result, gardai are also carrying out surveillance operations on gangs who are suspected of being involved in this type of crime. With so much cash floating around in the run-up to Christmas, gardai have had to take action in high-risk areas in relation to these deliveries and collections, a source said. The garda cash-in-transit operation comes against a backdrop of a major decrease in Tiger Kidnappings, with gardai having had major successes in jailing some of the main players in the lucrative crime. Detectives have identified one gang in particular, which has made over 1m from half a dozen cash-in-transit robberies this year. The latest incident happened in Charlestown Shopping Centre in Finglas last month when a G4S security employee was targeted as he was about to enter a special room behind an ATM to fill the machine. Getaway He was confronted by a man in the shopping centre who grabbed a cash box containing50k from him and fled the scene. Gardai said a three-man gang was involved. A car used as a getaway vehicle for the robbery was later found on fire at nearby North City Business Park. The same ATM has been targeted by gangs multiple times over the past five years. No arrests have been made in the latest case but the Herald has learned that the room behind the ATM in Charlestown has now been closed off after a security review by gardai. Cash delivery procedures have also changed. The suspects for this raid are a north Dublin mob who are also the chief suspects for the theft of almost 190,000 from Blanchardstown Shopping Centre in January. During that robbery, two men armed with a handgun and hammer threatened to kill two security guards in an underground car park as they brought money to an ATM. The gang are also the chief suspects for a robbery last December when criminals used a fake cash-in-transit van to make off with more than 60,000 from a Dublin cash-and-carry before they crashed the vehicle and set it on fire. The two criminals duped staff by pretending to be employees of G4S at the Merrywell Business Park in the Ballymount Industrial Estate. One of the countrys most prolific cash-in-transit robbery gangs, they are also suspects for the robbery of 50,000 at the same Finglas shopping centre in March, which was almost a replica of last months crime. The Herald previously revealed a major Traveller crime kingpin is being investigated for these raids. The mob is one of a number working in a multi-million euro international car theft ring, in which cars are being stolen to order across Ireland then exported out of the country. Ships Gardai have established that dozens of high-end cars stolen over the past year have been moved out of the country hidden in ship containers underneath scrap, tyres and discarded computers. Security companies use glue which mixes with dye in cash boxes in an attempt to foil ruthless cash-in-transit robberies. It works by releasing glue inside the cashbox when someone tries to open it. Should anyone try to recover the notes, the process will cause them to delaminate, rendering the notes unusable. Gardai are on high-alert as Black Friday marks the start of the Christmas spend The cash which was seized yesterday Gardai combatting organised crime have seized 60,000 in cash and a luxury car. Officers from the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) seized the sizeable amount of money and the Audi as well as documentation and mobile phones during searches in the Dublin area yesterday. Local detectives assisted CAB officers in the operation. The car, worth between 30-40,000, was seized under the recently amended Proceeds of Crime legislation. No arrests were made during this phase of the investigation. The future of the Wicklow Way will be in doubt if a 40,000 award to a hill walker is upheld, the High Court has heard. Pat Mellon, a Rural Recreation Officer with Wicklow Partnership told the court the popular 130km Wicklow Way could "disintegrate" if a Circuit Court ruling that Teresa Wall was entitled to damages following a fall on part of the trail more than three years ago is upheld. Her action was against the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) which installed a boardwalk on which she fell. Mr Mellon said that other landowners whose property the Wicklow Way goes through had become concerned about the implications of last April's Circuit Court decision. Some had informed him they were considering withdrawing permission allowing hill walkers on their lands if that ruling stands. Others could follow and this could result in the closure of the Wicklow way which runs from South County Dublin, through the Wicklow Mountains and ends in Co Carlow. Mr Mellon, who works with landowners in Co Wicklow to facilitate hillwalking was giving evidence before Mr Justice Michael White on the third day of the NPWS appeal against the Circuit Court's decision. Read More He said a scheme is currently in place where a small payment is made to any landowner who allows hill walkers on their lands that forms part of a trail. Once a trail gets approval from the national accrediting body, the National Trails Organisation, insurance on the private landowners property is covered by Irish Public Bodies. Mr Mellon said getting landowners to give hill walkers permission to go onto their property had previously been "a tough sell". However following the Circuit Court's decision it had become "an impossible sell." Some of the Wicklow way goes through lands owned by the NWPS and Collite, plus some 38 private landowners. Since the award, three private landowners have informed him they would withdraw their permission for walkers to go on their land. In her action Ms Wall says she fell after her foot snagged in a hole in one of the old railway sleepers that makes up a boardwalk on part of the popular 130km trail. The accident occurred close to the JB Malone memorial on the Sally Gap to Djouce trail near Roundwood on August 6, 2013, while she and her husband were coming down the mountain. Mrs Wall (60) from Rathingle Cottages, Swords, Co Dublin said she suffered a gash to her right knee which required seven stitches. She sued claiming the NPWS had been negligent and in breach of its duty of care towards her. She claims the NPWS permitted a defect to be present in in the boardwalk where the timber had rotted away, created a tripping hazard, left the boardwalk in a unsafe condition and created a public nuisance at the site. The claims are denied. The NPWS says Mrs Wall contributed to her injuries by not looking where she was going and was the author of her own misfortune. Last April Judge Jacqueline Linnane at Dublin Circuit Court awarded her 40,000. The NPWS appealed the decision to the High Court. The appeal resumes in two weeks time. Ms OConnor, of Steelroe, Killorglin, is on trial now on a charge of knowingly making a false report and wasting garda time. She denies the charge (Stock Picture) A Czech national living in Killarney was identified by gardai as the chief suspect in an enquiry in which a 26-year-old woman claimed she was violently raped. Jacinta O'Connor (26) went to Killarney Garda Station at 4am on September 22 after a night out and said she was grabbed and pulled to the ground and violently raped behind the town's courthouse. She gave a detailed description of the 'Pakistani-looking', "foreign, tanned-skinned" attacker who spoke English with a foreign accent and wore a green hoodie. The next day she made a lengthy statement giving a graphic account of violent rapes. However, mid-way through viewing CCTV images on October 10, Ms O'Connor withdrew her statement after she was shown leaving the Grand Hotel nightclub with an Irish man with whom she had had a past sexual relationship. She told gardai she was sorry - she had had consensual sex and had not been raped by the man in the green hoodie. Ms O'Connor, of Steelroe, Killorglin, is on trial now on a charge of knowingly making a false report and wasting garda time. She denies the charge The trial in Tralee was told on Thursday that gardai in Killarney had obtained CCTV from around 30 locations. On September 25, they obtained a search warrant, went to the home of a Czech man, and confiscated clothing including the man's green hoodie. In March 2015, under arrest, Ms O'Connor told gardai she knew she had sex with someone. She remembered having sex "but not who with". "I'm sorry for all the time I have wasted and to the other guy," she said. Judge Thomas E O'Donnell will charge the jury of nine women and three men today. The mother of a three-year-old child has avoided a jail term for her role in 2 million drug bust last year while her partner was jailed for five years. Tara Kennedy's child was with his father Graham O'Toole (24) when he handed over cocaine and heroin to another co-accused, Alan Dowling (46), at a meeting point in Dublin. On Friday, Dowling also received a five year jail term for his role. Gardai had Dowling under surveillance when they saw him meet up with O'Toole in Ballyfermot before 854,000 worth of cocaine and heroin was handed over. Dowling was stopped minutes later and told gardai that there were drugs in the boot of his car. Gardai discovered seven kilogrammes of cocaine and 2.2 kilogrammes of heroin. A follow-up search of the home Kennedy (22) and O'Toole shared led to the discovery of 1,158,600 worth of cannabis herb, cocaine and heroin. The couple were in the kitchen with their son, along with three bin liners of cannabis herb, when gardai raided the premises. Dowling of Drumalee Park, North Circular Road and O'Toole of Ballyfermot Drive, Ballyfermot pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of drugs for sale or supply on October 10, 2015. The court heard that Dowling was pleading guilty on the basis that he was taking responsibility for the drugs found in his boot valued at 854,000, while O'Toole was taking responsibility for the drugs found in his home valued at 1,158,600 million. Kennedy, also of Ballyfermot Drive, pleaded guilty to allowing her home to be used for the sale, supply or distribution of the 17.37 kilogrammes of cannabis, valued at 347,400. At a hearing earlier this month the court heard a probation report prepared on Kennedy had outlined that she was particularly distressed about what would happen to her son if both she and her partner, O'Toole, were jailed. Judge Melanie Greally said Kennedy had a difficult and disruptive childhood and had a history of cannabis abuse which she was addressing. She also noted her lack of previous convictions, remorse and that she was a good mother to her child. She imposed a four year sentence on Kennedy but in view of the exceptional circumstances relating to care of her child she suspended Kennedy's sentence in full. Judge Greally noted O'Toole had experienced extreme neglect as a child and his start in life had put him at a significant disadvantage. She noted he was addressing his abuse of cocaine. She imposed a nine year sentence on O'Toole but suspended the final four years. She rejected an application by defence counsel for O'Toole to allow him begin his sentence after spending Christmas with Kennedy and their child. Judge Greally noted Dowling, a father of three, had difficulties with drugs over the course of his life but had expressed remorse for his actions and had support from his family. Judge Greally imposed a seven year sentence on Dowling and suspended the final two years. At the original sentence hearing last July the court heard Dowling has 16 previous convictions for road traffic offences and Kennedy has no previous convictions. O'Toole received a four year sentence with the final two years suspended in October 2012 after he pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary of his father's home. Additional evidence Detective Sergeant Gregory Sheehan told Noel Devitt BL, prosecuting, that gardai followed O'Toole to the home he shared with his partner, Kennedy. There were concerns that a further quantity of drugs was in the van and the drugs would go missing if gardai didn't move in. A warrant was quickly secured and the house was searched. A total of four bags of cannabis herb were found along with a further two kilogrammes of cocaine and a kilogramme of heroin, worth a total 811,200. Det Sgt Sheehan said O'Toole admitted during a garda interview that he had been asked to collect water pumps and remove cannabis from them. He said he was under financial pressure for Christmas. Dowling told gardai that he got a phone call to meet a fella at 2pm in Ballyfermot. He said he waited for the man and picked up the parcel. He said he was disgusted when he saw the young boy in the van. He was to get 1,000 for his role which he was going to use to pay off a 4,000 drug debt. Kennedy claimed she had nothing to do with the drugs and said she had been involved with the children but gardai observed her taking the water pumps out of the back of the van at her home. Det Sgt Sheehan agreed with Paul Greene SC, defending O'Toole, that his mother died when he was three-years-old and his older siblings, who were then 11 and 13-years-old, raised him. His father had a serious drink problem and wasn't in a position to look after the children. O'Toole was taken into residential care as a young boy but they managed to get him back into the family on the basis that his father had turned a corner. Counsel said unfortunately this didn't work out and Det Sgt Sheehan confirmed that O'Toole's one conviction for burglary arose out of a dispute with his father. Det Sgt Sheehan also confirmed that O'Toole was not on the garda radar at the time of the offence. He agreed with Mr Dwyer that a probation report before the court was positive and said he would be hopeful that he wouldn't be before the courts again. Padraig Dwyer SC, defending Kennedy, said a probation report before the court outlined a troubled childhood and said Kennedy had spent a substantial part of her life in care. The probation officer was satisfied that she was genuinely remorseful and was particularly distressed about what would happen to her son if both she and her partner were jailed. Kennedy had since shown an insight into her offending behaviour and said she was conscious of the impact of drug abuse on the community. She claimed she didn't know the drugs were going to be in her home. Mr Greene, defending O'Toole, said his client was from an extensively disadvantaged background and the probation report concluded that he was at a moderate risk of re-offending. He had been attending a drug rehabilitation programme but although he had engaged with it, he had slipped back into drug use a number of times. O'Toole had also completed a course in fitness and other training programmes. Bernard Condon SC, defending Dowling, submitted that his client co-operated with gardai from the moment they arrived on the scene. He said it was accepted that his client was acting as a courier to get money to pay off a drug debt. Counsel said he had expressed sorrow and shame for getting involved in the offence. Dowling got married to his partner and mother of his three children last year after 20 years together. A jury was discharged after they discovered a 29-second gap in CCTV footage used during a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court. Justice Carmel Stewart said the gap was not spotted by counsel for the prosecution or defence and that it could have been significant. The jury had described the missing footage as "crucial". Donal Colgan (65), of Killarney Court, Killarney St, Dublin 1, had pleaded not guilty to murdering 45-year-old David Sheridan outside Luigi's chip shop on the capital's North Strand Road on August 17/18, 2014. The trial had heard that Mr Colgan and Mr Sheridan were involved in a row outside the chip shop on the night of August 17. Mr Colgan left the scene but returned about nine minutes later armed with a knife, which he used to stab Mr Sheridan. Defence counsel Patrick Marrinan SC asked the jury to consider that Mr Colgan had lost all self-control after allegedly being attacked by Mr Sheridan and another man. The jury of nine men and three women began their deliberations yesterday and returned after an hour to ask about the missing 29 seconds. Justice Stewart sent the jurors away and when they returned she told them counsel for the prosecution and defence had examined the footage and confirmed the missing portion. She said it was a "mistake" and added: "It now transpires one of you has spotted what people in the trial had not spotted because we were not watching the clock in the corner." She said it was a "significant" piece of time and told them that counsel for the defence Patrick Marrinan SC had applied to her to discharge the jury. While she said that in extraordinary circumstances it is possible to call a witness at this point to introduce new evidence, that would not help in this case because all of the witnesses had given evidence on the basis that the CCTV footage was continuous. She also said that counsel for the defence and prosecution had questioned witnesses on the basis that the footage was continuous. Saying that fair procedure must apply, she added: "I have no option but to discharge you." She thanked the jury for their diligence and exempted them from further jury duty for 10 years. Mr Colgan will return to court on December 19. Alex Ryan (18) died after taking the drug at the party in Cork. Photo: Provision THE sister of a teenager who died from a lethal synthetic party drug nicknamed N Bomb claimed the sentences handed down to three people today for drug offences was "an insult to his memory." Nicole Ryan warned that Ireland does not take drug dealing offences seriously enough - and claimed the trio who admitted the drugs offences had "no human decency" over their behaviour around the courthouse where they were laughing and 'high fiving' their friends. Only one of the three people who admitted drugs offences before Cork Circuit Criminal Court following a Garda investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Alex Ryan (18) last January was jailed. Harry Clifton (29) was jailed by Judge Gerard O'Brien for six months. However, both Jessica O'Connor (20) and Ruairi Maher (22) avoided jail and received two year suspended prison sentences. Judge O'Brien slated drug use within Ireland's affluent and middle classes and slated as "insidious" the normalisation of so-called recreational drug use. "What is recreational drug use in the upper middle classes is scumbag drug use to people who live in less affluent areas or who are socially disadvantaged," he warned. Six people got sick after the Cork house party attended by Mr Ryan last January but only the teen died. Mr Ryan's sister, Nicole, said his death left her family absolutely devastated. "What kind of message are we sending out - we are essentially telling people that no matter what you do selling drugs you are going to get a suspended sentence," she said. "We are basically telling people you are not going to be punished for what you do." Ms Ryan also said her family was "very upset" at the behaviour of the three defendants around the courthouse over the past week. She challenged any suggestion they had shown genuine remorse. "They had 10 months to contact us and say sorry or say something to us? But not one ounce of remorse has been shown." "It is heartbreaking - it is such a terrible week for us. But they (the defendants) were actually laughing at us. They were basically laughing at his death." "In my opinion, they have absolutely no regard for human life at all." Ms Ryan said her family were shocked that many of the people who attended the tragic party last January - an event described by Judge O'Brien as "an orgy of drink and drugs" - attended court to show their support to the three defendants. Not one had attended CUH last January as her brother had fought in vain for his life. "This gives no incentive for young people to stay away from drugs - a suspended sentence with good behaviour?" "A lot of our hopes and dreams died with Alex," she said. "There is not a day that we don't think about him and what a terrible loss we have suffered." Nicole said she will never forget the sight of her brother fighting in vain for his life in the intensive care unit of Cork University Hospital (CUH). "He was lying in the hospital bed. There were tubes everywhere - in his arms and from his mouth. "It was awful to see. We hoped and prayed that he would pull through but there was too much damage." Nicole said her family will be forever haunted by the sight of her brother slowly losing his battle for survival in front of their eyes. They later donated the teen's organs with four people effectively being saved. Nicole said her family now wants to help support the anti-drugs campaign in Ireland. "Alex was a wonderful person. He had a beautiful smile and he was as kind-hearted a soul as you could ever meet." "But he made one very bad decision. That mistake took his life and changed our lives forever. Alex paid for his mistake with his life. We don't want any other Irish family to suffer our loss." Judge OBrien heard the tragedy occurred after around a dozen young people were having a four day party in Cork last January. Jessica O'Connor was in the company of Alex Ryan and used the dating app, Tinder, to match up with another young man. She 'matched' with Ruairi Maher and, during their online conversation, queried whether specific drugs could be sourced. Maher knew that Harry Clifton might have such drugs and initiated contact. Eventually, Alex Ryan, Jessica O'Connor and Ruairi Maher went to Harry Clifton's premises at St Finbarr's Place in Cork. Maher sourced 12 'trips' of a hallucinogenic drug Clifton told him was 2CB but was in fact an extremely dangerous drug called 25i or N Bomb. Maher bought the drugs for Euro 80 - and made a profit of Euro 40 by selling it to the others for Euro 120. Mr Ryan later ingested the drug by inhaling it - one of the most dangerous ways of consuming it. When several other people at the party later began to get sick, Maher became very concerned and rang the Gardai and the emergency services. Clifton is from Kilkenny and has previous convictions for drug offences including possession for sale or supply and cultivation of cannabis. He pleaded guilty to four charges of having drugs in his possession for sale or supply on January 18 last including N Bomb, DMT, MDMA and cannabis. The total value of the drugs involved was 530. Jessica O'Connor of Rosebank House, Ballyhar, Killarney, Co Kerry pleaded guilty to a single charge of possession of a controlled drug, namely N Bomb, for sale or supply in Cork city on January 18 last. Ruairi Maher of Ballycurrane, Thurles, Co Tipperary pleaded guilty to a single charge of conspiring with another to handle drugs, namely N Bomb, for sale or supply. Mr Ryan of Liscahane, Millstreet, Cork died at CUH on January 23, four days after collapsing at the party, of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy due to cardiac arrest after ingesting a psychedelic drug. Judge OBrien expressed his concern at the drug culture in Ireland. What is alarming is the level of disrespect that people have for themselves and for their own safety by taking drugs that are illicit and by taking drugs that are manufactured by criminals, he said. People think it is OK to do it simply because they are having a good time." Barry Grogan, Thornville Ave., Kilbarrack charged with one count of dangerous driving causing death pictured after leaving Blanchardstown District Court on bail A TRUCK driver has appeared in court charged with dangerous driving causing the death of a woman who was fatally injured in a road accident on the M50. Barry Grogan (36) was charged this morning in connection with a collision between two trucks and a car, after which Martina Loughlin (47) died. Judge David McHugh granted him bail and adjourned the case at Blanchardstown District Court for the preparation of a book of evidence. Mr Grogan, with an address at Thornville Avenue, Kilbarrack is charged with one count of dangerous driving causing death. The offence is alleged to have happened on the southbound carriageway of the M50 at the Lucan Junction on November 11, 2015. Garda Sergeant Shay Leonard told the court he met the accused at Lucan Garda Station by appointment this morning. He was arrested for the purpose of charging him, which was done at the station at 9.45am. He made no reply after caution and was handed a copy of the charge sheet, Sgt Leonard said. He said he had no objection to bail and asked for the minimum requirement that the accused sign on once weekly at a garda station. The DPP is directing that the matter proceeds on indictment, Sgt Leonard said. This means it will be sent forward to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court when the book of evidence is ready. Judge McHugh granted bail in the defendants own bond of 100 with no cash lodgement required. He must sign each Saturday at Raheny Garda Station between 9am and 9pm. Sgt Leonard said the book of evidence would take two to three weeks to complete. The judge decided to adjourn the case to January 6 to make sure we are ready on the next date. Mr Grogan, wearing a navy suit with a white shirt, navy tie and brown shoes, did not address the court during the brief hearing. The charge against him is under Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act. Ms McLoughlin, from Edenderry, Co Offaly, died following the collision at 5.30am on the morning in question. According to gardai, she was the sole occupant of the car and was seriously injured. She was taken to Tallaght Hospital where she was pronounced dead on November 13, 2015. A 26-year-old woman has been found guilty of making a false report of rape in which a foreign national was implicated. Jacinta O'Connor (26), with an address at Steelroe, Killorglin, Co Kerry, was also found guilty of a charge of wasting garda time at the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee this afternoon. She had denied both charges. Following a four day trial, the jury of nine women and three men took under an hour to return a unanimous verdict. The trial heard a graphic account of the alleged rape given by the woman. The account amounted to a 14 page statement made by O'Connor to gardai after she was given the statutory warning that any false statement could lead to a prosecution, the trial was told. O'Connor had told gardai she was raped by a foreign man, whom she described as a "Pakistani-looking" after a night out with friends in Killarney. The trial heard how O'Connor went to Killarney Garda Station at 4am on September 22, 2014 - Kerry had beaten Donegal in the All-Ireland final the previous evening and she had been out with friends at the Grand Hotel Nightclub in Killarney. She claimed after she left a nightclub, she was grabbed and pulled to the ground before she was violently raped behind the town's courthouse. She gave a detailed account of being raped by "a Pakastani looking" man in a green hoodie, the trial heard. Gardai believed she was sober when she made the detailed complaint at the garda station at 4am. A female garda was summoned from Cahersiveen in the early hours and she was taken for medical examination to the South Infirmary in Cork. The following day, she made a formal lengthy statement describing in graphic and stark detail two vaginal rapes and one attempted anal rape. Gardai launched an investigation and identified a man in a green hoodie, a Czech national, who was captured on CCTV walking behind Ms OConnor on Plunkett Street at around 3.50 am. The man was interviewed under caution and denied having any sexual contact with her. He handed over the green hoodie and samples. However, by October 4, gardai who harvested CCTV images from around 30 locations, felt they had spotted discrepancies in OConnors account. OConnor had left the nightclub with an Irishman, who was known to her and with whom she had a previous relationship. Shown the images on Oct 10, she withdrew her complaint and said she was sorry. She told gardai she did have consensual sex with the Irish man whom she knew, and had not been raped by the man in the green hoodie. She said it happened in an underground car park, a short distance away from the courthouse. She told gardai it had been "rougher" than she had expected, and she was upset, alone and had no way home. She apologised to gardai and the Czech national. O'Connor was remanded on bail to January, and Judge Thomas E O'Donnell ordered probation and medical reports for that date. A Dublin woman, who claimed her life had been disturbed for three years because of noises morning, noon and night, from a water pump in her neighbours apartment, has been awarded damages in the Circuit Civil Court. Carol-Ann Flanagan, a Dublin City Council tenant who lives at Crossguns Bridge, Phibsborough, claimed the pump, used to power a shower, washing machine and taps in the apartment directly adjacent to hers and owned by Kay Lennox, had not been designed for multi appliances. Flanagan, who moved into the apartment in May 2012, described the noises as resembling little explosions". The apartment went from being a relatively quiet and peaceful place to something like a construction site, Flanagan told her barrister Conor Bowman SC. The court heard she contacted Dublin City Council which investigated the matter but decided the noise did not constitute a nuisance. She had issued legal proceedings against Ms Lennox, of St Fintans Road, Sutton, Dublin, after mediation had failed. She said she had been hopeless and helpless and did not know where to turn to address her complaints. I am not a party reveller. I read a lot at home. Im only a tenant who wants to live in peace and quiet, Flanagan said. She told Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke that the noise frequency had reduced by 50pc since an engineering inspection took place in 2015. Landlord Lennox said she had tried everything she could to suppress the noise and had replaced the original pump with a smaller one, thinking it would be less noisy. Her tenants, a couple with a child, had changed their lifestyle to accommodate Ms Flanagan. Judge Groarke said the water pump was not designed to power a shower along with other appliances and increased noise levels as it laboured to pump water. He earlier reprimanded Ms Flanagan for loudly interrupting Ms Lennoxs evidence and said he would have her removed from court if she continued with her theatrical attitude. He said she had exaggerated her complaints but he was satisfied the noise constituted a nuisance. The judge said Ms Lennoxs tenants had done the best they could to accommodate Ms Flanagan but awarded her 7,500 damages. A recently qualified teacher on 37,000 a year would repay about 70-120 a month under the type of student loan scheme suggested in the Cassells report on future funding for higher education. Dr Aedin Doris of Maynooth University told the Oireachtas education committee that the figures would vary depending on income. Dr Doris did much of the work on the student loan aspect of the report on future funding of higher education, including drawing on the practice and experience in other countries. Along with Peter Cassells, who chaired the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education, Dr Doris addressed the committee as part of its consideration of its report ahead of making recommendations to Education Minister Richard Bruton. Mr Cassells told the committee that the higher education funding system was "broken" and his report calls for an additional 600m a year for the sector by 2021. An income-contingent student loan scheme - where graduates would repay college fees retrospectively once their income hit a certain level - is a feature of one of three funding options put forward. All options require more State investment, but the question is whether students and employers should also contribute more. Dr Doris said that while a student loan scheme may not encourage more people from a less well-off background to go to college, it would not deter them. She said that the issue of maintenance grants was much more important when it came to access to third-level for financially disadvantaged students. Among the issues raised by TDs and senators was whether a loan scheme would encourage emigration in order to avoid repayment, leaving the State carrying the financial burden. Dr Doris said there was very little evidence of the impact on loans of outward migration, but research in Australia did show factors that determined whether emigrants returned were mostly to do with family. A grieving father has hit out at 'lowlifes' who vandalised his daughter's grave. Twenty-year-old Louise Diver, from Strabane, died in March 2015 after overdosing on prescription medication. She had been studying a childcare course at the Co Tyrone town's North West Regional College. But unknown to her parents, she was also being targeted by bullies. Louise was rushed to hospital having swallowed a cocktail of paracetamol, aspirin, diabetes medication and other prescription substances. But the drugs had damaged her organs beyond repair, and she died in hospital five days later. The tragic young woman's grave in Strabane Cemetery was disturbed last week, with decorative stones stolen and ornaments taken. Her shocked father, Davie Diver, told local newspaper the Strabane Chronicle that the desecration was discovered when Louise's mum Caroline Woods went to visit her daughter's grave last week. "Caroline rang me in tears to tell me - and I just couldn't believe it when I saw it," Mr Diver said. "Whoever did this, they are lowlifes and they need to catch a grip of themselves. I was devastated and shocked when I saw it, but it has left Louise's brothers and sisters in a bad way too." Parish Priest Fr Declan Boland told the newspaper that the vandalism of her grave was "beyond belief". "It defies comprehension that anyone would desecrate a grave, let alone that of a young girl whose life ended so tragically," Fr Boland said. Local councillor Paul Gallagher, who lives in the same housing estate as the Diver family and who knew Louise, said: "It must be a very upsetting time for the family." The Diver family suffered a further tragedy earlier this year when the body of Sean 'Smurf' Diver (39), Louise's uncle, was recovered from the River Foyle. He was missing for six weeks before his remains were found by the Community Rescue Service. Anyone who is affected by issues in this article can contact Samaritans Ireland on Lo-call 1850 60 90 90 Almost two-thirds of respondents reported high-risk drinking, with men being more likely to admit high-risk drinking relative to women (Stock picture) Almost 15pc of adults who drink to excess and favour the cheapest booze could be affected by the Government's plan to introduce minimum pricing, according to a new study. The findings from the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland (RCSI) are the first to look at the relationship between high-risk drinking, personal income, place of purchase and price paid for alcohol. The study, involving 3,187 adults aged between 18 and 75 who reported drinking alcohol in the week prior to interview, revealed: One in seven (14pc) Irish adults who drink alcohol pay less than 1 per standard drink, which is below the minimum unit price. Almost two-thirds of respondents reported high-risk drinking, with men being more likely to admit high-risk drinking relative to women. The majority (69pc) of low-cost alcohol, that is booze bought below 1 per standard drink, was sourced in supermarkets. The cheapest alcohol products were favoured by the heaviest drinkers, irrespective of income, with some 45pc of the heaviest drinkers on high and low incomes purchasing cheap alcohol. Lead researcher Dr Grainne Cousins, of the RCSI, told the Irish Independent: "The primary objective of the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol is to reduce alcohol-attributable harm. "Some opponents of minimum unit pricing are concerned that consumers using alcohol in a low-risk manner will be punished with higher prices. "Our findings do not support these concerns, as unlike tax or excise measures, the introduction of a minimum unit price would affect less than 14pc of the population. "More importantly, from a population health perspective, we have shown that a minimum unit price of 1 per standard drink will primarily target high-risk drinkers. "We know that people on lower incomes in Ireland suffer a disproportionate burden of alcohol-related harm. "Our findings indicate that the health benefits of introducing a minimum unit price in Ireland will also be greatest among those on lower incomes, in terms of reductions in alcohol consumption and harm. "Our study also suggests that men will experience greater health benefits from the introduction of a minimum unit price, which again supports this policy as a targeted strategy, as men are disproportionately affected." Changes to mortgage lending rules are likely to spur price increases in the market for entry-level homes, the head of AIB has predicted. The bank's chief executive, Bernard Byrne, said rising prices would have a positive impact because it would encourage construction. Mr Byrne was speaking at the Oireachtas Finance Committee, where he said the move introduced by Central Bank Governor Philip Lane would have a positive impact on the market. "One of the comments from construction was prices were too low to justify development of new builds," he said. "I think there's an element of pricing for first-time buyers that will have to rise in order to attract supply into the marketplace." From the start of next year, first-time buyers will be able to qualify for a mortgage with a 10pc deposit, if they meet other criteria. At the moment, new buyers need a 20pc deposit for any amounts borrowed over 220,000. But there are warnings that the alterations will send property prices up. Experts have said mortgage borrowing could shoot up by 25pc next year. Economist and banking analyst with Investec Bank, Philip O'Sullivan, is now forecasting mortgage lending next year of 7bn. This is up from around 5.5bn this year. Davy Stockbrokers analyst Conall Mac Coille also said he expects the relaxation of the lending limits to push up property prices and increase mortgage lending. The Government announced a help-to-buy scheme in last month's Budget. But figures that were released by Daft.ie show that there are just 2,540 properties on the market nationwide that qualify. Dublin has 643 newly- constructed homes that will qualify for the Government's help-to-buy initiative. Changes to mortgage lending rules are likely to spur price increases in the market for entry-level homes, the head of AIB has predicted. AIB chief executive Bernard Byrne said that rising prices would have a positive impact because it would encourage more development. Mr Byrne was speaking at the Oireachtas Finance Committee, where he said the move introduced by Governor Philip Lane would have a positive impact on the market. However, significant supply issues remain - with Mr Byrne hopeful that higher prices will encourage construction. "One of the comments that would have come from construction was prices were too low to justify development of new builds," he said. "I think there's an element of pricing for first-time buyers that will have to rise in order to attract supply into the marketplace." The Central Bank announced changes to its mortgage lending rules for first-time buyers on Wednesday that means those taking their initial step on the property ladder will need to raise 10pc of the purchase price. This differs from previous rules, which meant first-time buyers were required to save 10pc of the purchase price up to a maximum of 220,000 and 20pc of the balance thereafter. Mr Byrne praised the amendments to the rules and said it was likely to have a "positive impact" on the sector. The Government also announced a help-to-buy scheme in last month's Budget, but figures released by property website Daft.ie show that there are just 2,540 properties on the market nationwide that qualify. Dublin has 643 newly constructed homes that will qualify for the Government's help-to-buy scheme. Kildare has 344 of the properties that qualify, while Meath and Cork were next on the list. Read More: Charlie Weston: Rule change will mean mortgage lending surges to 7bn next year Daft.ie's Martin Clancy said: "We're continuing to see a lot of increased activity around new home searches. The majority of these searches are also matching up with areas that represent the bulk of properties available that qualify for the first-time buyers scheme, namely Dublin, Kildare and Meath." Searches for new homes on Daft.ie continue to increase, with November seeing a 67pc increase in searches compared with last year. The figures were released on a day that was dominated by discussion of the property market, including in the Dail chamber and at the Finance Committee. Mr Byrne told the committee that 14 mortgage holders had lost their homes on account of not having the right tracker rate attached to their home loans. Around 2,600 mortgage account holders have been written to after being overcharged on their loans, the AIB boss said. The bank, which is 99.9pc owned by the State, has set aside 190m to cover the costs after the bank denied thousands of customers a tracker rate. Crisis In an attempt to "right size" the positions of customers in arrears, Mr Byrne said the bank had written off 1.3bn in mortgage debt since 2008. AIB head of financial solutions Jim O'Keefe told the committee: "We have about 37,000 mortgage structures in place; we have about 13,000 customers past due, which points to a still very significant number of customers in difficulty." Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty said it was "criminal in the extreme" the bank had not acted to use the 569 vacant homes on its books to address the housing crisis. Read More: Analysis: Making it easier for first-time buyers will hike up prices Mr O'Keefe added; "We have made available the full listing of 500 properties through the Housing Agency at this point and we're working very actively to make sure we see those through to the agency." Mr Byrne said the bank's performance in the summer's Europe-wide stress tests made it "obvious" that it needed to address its non-performing loans. The bank's chief executive also said his institution is ready for a Government decision on the sale of the bank. Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald today appealed to the two garda unions not to turn away from the industrial relations process. The Tanaiste again expressed confidence in chairman of the new Public Service Pay commission, Kevin Duffy, in spite of his controversial comments about a potential garda mutiny and also reference to illegal strike action threatened earlier this month. Mr Duffys comments, at an industrial relations conference on Thursday, enraged the leadership of two garda representative bodies. They also came just as gardai are balloting on a Labour Court award which averted the first of a series of national strikes on November 4. The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors said they were withdrawing from the Public Service Pay Commissions opearations. The other body, the Garda Representative Association accused Mr Duffy of showing bias against gardai. But Ms Fitzgerald said Mr Duffy should continue to lead the pay commission. He is the very best person to lead this process, the Minister said. She urged gardai to see the comments in their entire context, and stressed that Mr Duffy had also paid tribute to the forces work and contribution to Ireland. The Justice Minister said the Government had just agreed that gardai should have full access to Irelands industrial relations machinery. She said it would be a pity if they did not fully avail of this. Ms Fitzgerald was also asked about comments on the shortage of judges by Circuit Court president, Judge Raymond Groarke. He said it was impeding the courts work and denying people access to justice. The Minister again insisted that there was no government decision to freeze all judicial appointments until a new system to appoint judges is put in place. But the Independent Alliance in the Coalition says it has got an arrangement not to fill any judges jobs until a new law regulating appointments is operational. Ill be reviewing what Judge Groarke had to say. Access to justice is extremely important, the Minister told reporters. She added there would be no undue delay in appointing judges. Nama CEO Brendan McDonagh, head of residential delivery John Collison and chief financial officer John Coleman heading into the Public Accounts Committee meeting. Photo: Tom Burke Former Northern Ireland first minister Peter Robinson "flatly contradicts" evidence given by Martin McGuinness on the sale of Project Eagle, TDs have been told. His claims about the sale of Nama's Northern Ireland loan book come in correspondence that he sent to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) declining its invitation to appear. Mr Robinson enclosed his previous testimony to a Stormont committee with his letter, which PAC chairman Sean Fleming said "flatly contradicts" statements made by the Sinn Fein deputy first minister. Mr McGuinness told the PAC last week that there had been a "determined effort" by Mr Robinson's party, the DUP, to prevent him getting access to information about Project Eagle. In his testimony to the committee in the North last year, Mr Robinson said he didn't want to give the impression that Mr McGuinness had "deliberately lied", but felt it was his duty "to set out the factual position". However, he also insisted: "The deputy first minister was kept informed of developments in relation to the sale of Nama's Northern Ireland portfolio throughout the process." At the PAC, Mr Fleming said TDs would have to "adjudicate" on the competing versions of events when drafting their own report. Mr McGuinness's Sinn Fein colleague, PAC member Mary Lou McDonald, pointed out that Mr Robinson "has the opportunity to come to the committee to have his evidence tested". She made the distinction that Mr McGuinness had taken that opportunity. Independent TD Catherine Connolly said she was "disappointed" that Mr Robinson had declined the PAC's invitation. She said the committee had been placed in a "difficult position" given that he "absolutely contradicts - practically on every point" Mr McGuinness's version of events. Mr Fleming agreed this was "a complication". In his letter, Mr Robinson said there were "constitutional reasons" why ministers would not wish to "become or appear answerable to a Parliamentary Committee outside of their own jurisdiction". He said this was further complicated by the investigation of Project Eagle by the UK's National Crime Agency. Mr Robinson forwarded his previous evidence to the committee in the North and told TDs that if they wanted his view on specific issues they could send him queries by email and he would "provide a response". The PAC is probing Project Eagle after the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) found that a probable loss of 190m (223m) was incurred in the 2014 deal. Read More: Nama: 'It's not plausible to say Project Eagle price was too low' Nama has rejected this finding. Its chief executive, Brendan McDonagh, defended the 1.6bn sale, insisting it was "not plausible" to say the agency set the reserve price too low. He said if this was the case, "international investors" that were part of the bidding process would have effectively left "easy money on the table" when they decided not to buy Nama's Northern Ireland loan book. He said it would be "more realistic" to suggest that the 1.3bn price set by Nama "was a commercially reasonable target in early 2014". The C&AG, Seamus McCarthy, meanwhile, reiterated that he stands by the report, in what is likely to be the last public meeting of the PAC on the matter before it drafts its own report. Two people have been rushed to hospital after a fire at a Waterford hotel. Up to two dozen firefighters are still at the scene but the fire is said to have been extinguished. It is believed the fire broke out in one of the rooms of the Waterford Marina Hotel at around 1am. The two people hospitalised are being treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries at University Waterford Hospital. A UCC student from the travelling community has opened up about the discrimination she faced in primary school and suggested that teachers did not invest time in her education because of her background. Chrisdina ONeill (19) spoke about her experience on RTE Radio Ones Today with Sean ORourke and said she was often taken away from the mainstream classroom with other Travellers, and her ability was not taken into consideration. I had good and bad experiences in school. In infant school, straight away, there were preconceived ideas that I needed to be taken out of the mainstream classroom and put into different classes with other members of the travelling community. From very early on, they said that we were different. I used to ask why couldnt my friends come out with me because my best friend was from the settled community. Id have to go out with the other travellers. They said She stays here, you go out. The UCC student, from Charleville in Cork, said she was often the subject of racist namecalling by her peers, which she could not understand as a young girl. I had great friends from the settled community but there was also others that would call me names. I was called so many names when I was walking in the hall. If there was birthday invitations, you were always the one left out when everyone else would get one. Theyd make sure to treat you different because they didnt like you. I didnt know how to take it. I wondered why I was different because it was okay in the classrooms, I just got on with the work. When it came to people my own age it was hard because I didnt understand why they were calling me names like dirty knacker and smelly tinker because I was very young at the time, she said. The Cork woman, who studies English and History, said her education experience shifted in secondary school, where she was shocked that teachers believed in her ability and encouraged her in class. "When I went into first year I thought Grand, Im going to be put into the special reading and writing class but the teachers didnt take me out as they took out other members of the travelling community. I ended up asking them why cant I go out now, and they said I didnt need them. "It was clear in primary school they hadnt picked up that I could actually read and could actually write. They just put me out because of who I was. I had the greatest, most dedicated teachers that I could ever know, she says. They really influenced me and what I am going for now, in college. They were very good to me and they treated me like the rest of the class, which is what I really needed. Chrisdina now aspires to be a teacher, an ambition born from the teachers who encouraged her education in secondary school. Im hoping to be a teacher, because of the great teachers I had in secondary school, said Chrisdina. Just 1pc of the Traveller Community in Ireland carry on into third level education, and TJ Hogan (21) said there are huge failures and cases of discrimination in schools throughout the country. I had an obstacle up until first year in third level. It struck home for me when I was diagnosed with severe dyslexia two years ago during my first semester in DIT. There has to be a fault in the education system if my dyslexia wasnt picked up until then, said TJ, also from Cork. Primary school was very difficult. I was taken out for extra reading and writing classes for English. To be honest youre just kind of given a colouring book and told to pass the time away. Going through secondary school I developed the role of a messer. I was taken out of class as well in secondary school for this extra reading and writing that never happened, he said. It's said that there are 365 lakes in Cavan, that's one for every day of the year, so it's no wonder that fishing is such a big deal in the area. The county is considered by many to be one of the finest fishing destinations in the country. Whether it's coarse, pike or game fishing, you're sure to find a quiet spot to cast your rod. The best spots for pike fishing are Baileboro and Virginia which have access to the most prolific lakes. Some of the best fishing can be found at Lough Ramor in Virginia and Castle Lake in Bailieboro. At 800 hectares, Lough Ramor is one of the biggest lakes in the area and is well known for its large pike, with 20lb fish frequently recorded. Castle Lake covers an area of approximately 20 hectares and stocks pike, bream, roach, perch and eels. It's well set up for anglers with a number of fishing stands on the water, including disabled access. Slap bang in the middle of these two fishing hot spots is Killinkere, a small and close-knit Cavan parish, where farming is the main occupation. The four-bed house that has come on the market close to Killinkere could be of interest to angling enthusiasts, who want a base near some of the best fishing on offer, with plenty of room for all of the family. Expand Close The kitchen / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The kitchen The House This solid cut-stone house was built eight years ago and designed by local architect Paul Taite. The accommodation is set out over 2,950 sq ft and has been well dressed for the sale. As you enter, you are greeted by the oak staircase with glazed balustrade in the hall. The bedrooms to the left and the living space to the right. The sitting room is to the front of the house and has a solid-fuel stove. The kitchen is fitted with cream units and granite worktops, and includes the integrated dishwasher, fridge/freezer, double oven, microwave and five-ring hob. There are steps down into the living area, which has a double height ceiling and window looking out over the countryside. The mezzanine above the living room would be an ideal space for a home office or study. There is a utility off the kitchen with a range of units and a sink, and it is plumbed for a washing machine and dryer. Beside this, at the rear door, is a boot room and a small WC. The downstairs bedrooms are doubles with telephone and TV points. The family bathroom completes the accommodation on this level. Expand Close The sitting room with the galleried landing above / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The sitting room with the galleried landing above Upstairs, you have access to the mezzanine landing, as well as two bedrooms. Both are en-suite and have walk-in wardrobes. The house has a BER of B2 thanks to the double-glazed sash windows, the use of PV (photovoltaic) power source and condenser boiler. There is a central vacuum system, oil-fired central heating, solid oak internal doors and broadband coverage. Outside, the 0.85 of an acre is mostly set in lawn, making it easy to maintain. There is a detached garage measuring 26ft 8 by 16ft with loft storage space and roller door. The Locale The property is located 200m off the R178, some 7km from Virginia and 6km from Bailieboro. The M3 can be accessed at Virginia, which means a car journey to Dublin would take just over an hour. Virginia is an attractive small village with a few cafes and pubs. Bailieboro has a large Tesco supermarket as well as a SuperValu in the town. A drive to Newry would take about an hour and a quarter, and Belfast would be about two hours away. Things to Do Expand Close The mezzanine landing above the living area / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The mezzanine landing above the living area If fishing is your thing, especially pike fishing, you'll never be bored. Not only do you have Lough Ramor and Castle Lake, but you also have the Ramparts River that flows through Virginia which holds a good stock of bream, roach, perch and pike. If you want a change of scene, the beautiful Lough Gowna is only 45 minutes away, where they say catching fish is easy whether you use a feeder rod or long pole. For fishing widows (or widowers), there are plenty of loop walks around these lakes that can be as short or as long as you like. Castle Lake is a walk that locals do regularly, for the beauty as well as the exercise. The trail takes you under beech trees, passed foxgloves and onto the ruins of Castle House. And don't forget the feed for the resident swans and their cygnets. Just 15 minutes away is the Cavan County Museum with unique artefacts dating back to the stone age and the World War I Trench Experience, built to the specifications and manuals for the Irish Guards and used by the Royal Irish Fusilliers at the Battle of the Somme in 1916. There is plenty around for kids like the Killinkere Pet Farm, which is just down the road from the house. It's a working farm where visitors can get a full understanding of everyday life on the farm from interacting with the animals, to pony and tractor rides, and information on crop growing. Derryham Stables are close by too with countryside trekking, flat-work and jumping for all ages and all levels. You don't need to travel to Dublin for some culture because Ramor Theatre in Virginia prides itself on booking great plays, comedy acts and arthouse movies. Out on the Old Virginia Road is the well-known Sheridan's Cheesemongers in the restored railway store. You can call in and sample some of the products, enjoy coffee and cake, or visit the market on Saturday mornings where local producers gather to sell their wares. Eating and Drinking Just beside Sheridan's Cheesemongers is a gem of a restaurant. The Forge is set in an 18th century building, where horses were shod and cartwheels rimmed. Husband and wife Pauric and Irene White opened the restaurant in 2000 and haven't looked back since. As well as the restaurant, the couple also run a bakery and cookery school. All ingredients are sourced locally where possible and the result is dishes like Loin of Killua Castle Venison, mushroom and Knockanore cheese pie with shallot red wine jus. The cheese board is a must for dessert with a great selection of Sheridan's finest. For lunches or coffee breaks, Lorela's Kitchen in Bailieboro is a new and much-welcomed cafe. It's a handy place to stop off and warm up after a walk around Castle Lake. The Mason's Apron in Virginia is another good lunch option, with delicious homemade cakes. The Crowd The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is committed to developing a branding strategy for Cavan. The lakelands and waterways already draw anglers from the North, UK and France but not that many would invest in property in the area. Agent Chris Smith says that most buyers are locals or young people coming from Dublin with connections to the area. There is also interest from northern buyers who want a base between the North and Dublin. What's Not To Like Cavan may have the lakes but it doesn't have the obvious attractions of coastal counties like beaches, buzzing summer seasons and never-ending great food options. Carrickgorman Virginia, Co Cavan Asking price: 350,000 Agent: Quillsen, Navan (046) 9022100 There's something about collecting whiskey that goes against the grain. That stuff was made for drinking. But certain bottles of whiskey are more valuable as collectibles than consumables. So, if you're clearing out the sideboard of an elderly teetotaller, check the labels carefully. There just might be a valuable bottle, forgotten at the back of the cupboard. Just don't be tempted to taste it! Once the seal is broken, the value is gone. Some Irish whiskey was distilled to be collected. The Midleton Very Rare bottling was released in 1984 and a new vintage is released every year. It's an expensive whiskey to start with - a bottle of Midleton Very Rare 2016 retails for around 150 - but older bottles are much more valuable. Expect to pay around 500 for one from the mid-1990s and 1,100 for a 1985 vintage. This isn't because the older whiskey is any better to drink. Unlike wine, whiskey doesn't mature in the bottle, so the increase in value is entirely to do with rarity. If you're not planning to drink it, the actual taste of the whiskey doesn't matter in the slightest. "The early vintages of Midleton Very Rare weren't very good," says Ally Alpine of the Celtic Whiskey Shop. A bottle of Midleton Very Rare Irish Whiskey, 1984, is coming up for auction in Whyte's Christmas sale on December 10 (est 1,400 to 1,600). This may be a popular one among international bidders. "The 1984 vintage was only released in Ireland and Irish people knew they were going to be collectible, so they kept them." Where whiskey prices go nuts at auction, it's often because two collectors are vying for a bottle that will fill a gap in their collection. As collectors of everything from stamps to Pokemon cards will tell you, a complete collection is worth more than the sum of its parts. A full suite of Midleton Very Rare vintages (1984-2016) would be worth around 30,000. "Midleton is going to be the Macallan of Irish whiskeys," says Alpine, who hails from Glasgow. He's referring to Speyside's most collectible distillery. A bottle of Macallan 25-year-old 1963 anniversary malt could set you back 3,500. Scotch whisky is famously collectible. Irish whiskey is niche by comparison but it's worth remembering that the predominance of Scotch malts is a comparatively recent thing. In the late 19th and early 20th century, Irish whiskey was far more popular than Scotch. Around 200 Irish distilleries (some more official than others) sprang up to meet the demand. By the 1960s only a handful of these remained. The American Prohibition Laws (1919 to 1933) wiped out most of the export market. Then came the War of Independence, Civil War, and a British embargo on Irish whiskey sales to the British Empire. The Second World War bought further restrictions and, by the time it ended, American servicemen returning from Britain had developed a taste for Scotch. By this stage, the Irish whiskey industry was effectively scotched. The whiskeys made by these long-gone Irish distilleries are very collectible indeed. "They're the ones you'd love to see coming in the door," Alpine says. "There's a real history there." Dunville's Three Crowns whiskey was distilled in Belfast from the 1870s until the 1930s, when the factory closed. At this time, the few remaining cases wouldn't have been worth much. They were left lying idle in a bonded warehouse in Belfast. About 10 years ago they were discovered, tested, found to be intact and auctioned. Most recently, two bottles from the cache sold at Whyte's for 620 each in 2014. This March, a bottle of 100-year-old whiskey by Dublin Whiskey Distillery (DWD) sold at Whyte's for 15,000. The distillery was built in 1873 on Jones Road with a state-of-the-art turbine, possibly powered by a wheel in the River Tolka. The DWD produced more than 500,000 gallons of whiskey a year in the 1880s, and continued in production at the Tolka distillery until 1926. The bottle that did so well at auction was distilled in 1916 and matured in cask until 1966, when it was bottled by P & F Mc Glade of Belfast. The seal on the bottle was broken, which usually excludes whiskey from the collector's market, but the 1916 date was sufficient to overcome this disadvantage. The bottle is now on display in the Irish Whiskey Museum. A second bottle, identical but with the seal intact, is included in Whyte's Christmas sale (15,000 to 20,000). Although whiskies by long-gone distilleries are especially collectible, so too are those made by companies that managed to survive. "As Irish whiskey brands get marketed internationally, the price of old whiskey from that distillery goes up," Alpine explains. In the early 20th century, whiskey distilled by John Jameson & Sons was sold to the wine merchant Mitchell & Son, who marketed it under their own brand. The casks were identified by a splash of coloured paint and sold under the name Blue Spot, Red Spot, Yellow Spot, and Green Spot. The practice continued until the 1960s. "Jameson printed a standard label and left space for the merchant to overprint their name," Alpine says. "Some of them are disgusting! Jameson wasn't in control of what was in the bottle even though their name was on the bottle." One of the exceptions was Jameson Green Spot, which has lived on. "The older ones tend to be robust and oily, similar in style to Redbreast." The Celtic Whiskey Shop currently has a rare bottle of Jameson Green Spot, probably from the 1950s, with a price tag of 3,000. Another is going under the hammer at Whyte's on 10 December (2,500 to 3,500). Chances are, nobody's ever going to find out what it tastes like. See celticwhiskeyshop.com and whytes.ie In the salerooms Sheppard's Expand Close Portrait of Robert Burns / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Portrait of Robert Burns "Flow gently, sweet Afton! amang thy green braes," wrote the poet Robert Burns in 1791. He was writing about the river, not the cigarette brand Sweet Afton. The brand was intended to celebrate the link between Burns and Dundalk, where his eldest sister had lived. A portrait (above) of Robert Burns (est 4,000 to 6,000), is coming up for auction at Sheppard's. It's the work of the Scottish artist John Ballantyne (1815-1897) and a version of the famous image of Burns, painted by Alexander Nasmyth in 1787. "I think that our one is better than the Nasmyth portrait," says Philip Sheppard, auctioneer. The sale is part of the Dublin & Provincial and Classical Art auction, which takes place from November 29 to December 1. Furniture in the sale includes an imposing pair of Dublin-carved mahogany and hide-upholstered wing armchairs (14,000 to 18,000). See sheppards.ie. Herman & Wilkinson In 1882, Major J J Crooks, administrator of Liberia, was awarded the honour of Knight Commander of the Liberian Order of the African Redemption. Now, his dress uniform and personal effects are coming up for auction at Herman & Wilkinson as part of the Maurice and Beatrice O'Connor Collection. The sale also includes much in the way of Georgian antique furniture, ranging from a breakfront library bookcase and a rent table to a hunt table and grandfather clock. The auction will take place on November 29 at 10am. See hermanwilkinson.ie. Adam's The At Home auction, takes place at Adam's on Sunday. Amid the antiques are some contemporary pieces including a pair of three-seater "Jamaica" sofas by Ralph Lauren, upholstered in light grey cashmere wool fabric (est 2,000 to 3,000). More eccentrically, the sale also includes a "large battery" of brass- mounted copper kitchen ware (est 500 to 800) and a timber-framed upholstered octagonal wardrobe, raised on bun feet with a removable domed top and a spiral finial (est 400 to 500). See adams.ie. Weldon's Anybody mislaid their OBE medal? There's a chance to buy it back at Weldon's next Fine Jewellery & Silver Auction on November 29 at 2pm. "There's no inscription on it, so we don't know to whom it was given, nor for what," says John Weldon. He does know that it's genuine, though. The medal (est 300 to 500) comes in its original fitted box, labelled Garrard's of London. The sale is geared towards the Christmas market and includes a number of lady's watches, including an 18ct gold diamond set Chopard wristwatch (est 4,000 to 5,000) and a two-tone Rolex wristwatch (est 1,500 to 2,500). For full details see jwa.ie. Waiting until after Christmas to organise a trip abroad will cost a lot more, says Sinead Ryan. There's nothing like the cold chill of the deepest winter to make you start thinking of sunnier climes. Amidst all the jingle bells and seasonal cheer, there's a bit of you just wishing you were lying on a beach in the sun, isn't there? Well, it's not too late... to start planning, that is! Mid-December to the end of February is the busiest time for foreign holiday bookings, but the savvy consumer isn't waiting until then - they're booking right now. Pat Dawson, CEO of the Irish Travel Agent's Association (ITAA), says package holidays are well underway. "All the post Leaving Cert students have already booked to get the cheapest air fares. These are introduced 330 days out and get snapped up. As they fill up, they get more expensive, so families have been booking with our members since August when the first 2017 brochures come out. "It makes sense as it means they only pay a small deposit now, with the balance due 10 weeks before they go, which isn't until May. With Christmas coming up, that's a real incentive. If you book it all yourself, you have to pay up front in full." Travel companies, anxious to get early deposits on their books, generally make their first round offers of holidays the previous summer. To entice customers, they offer discounts, free child and granny places or all inclusive deals. Always check the expiry dates on offers though, as you may find the balance of the holiday has to be paid early. So, if you're sick and tired of all this cold, perhaps it's a good time to start the (beach) ball rolling. Here are my tips to getting a bargain: 1. DIY vs Agent For many of us, the internet is the place to start. A DIY holiday seems like the one where you have the most control but beware - your consumer rights lessen if you do it this way. If something goes wrong, like a cancelled or missed flight, or your four-star apartment turns out to be a grimy flat above a strip bar, you have fewer options to get redress. Booking through a travel agent means you are covered whatever happens. And a travel agent can be cheaper, rather than more expensive, than doing it yourself as they block-buy rooms. It's also safer. DIY-style holidays fall outside the provisions of package holiday legislation. 2. Flying high Consider flying from a regional airport. Dublin will invariably be expensive while Waterford, Knock, Limerick - if they are accessible to you - may be cheaper. With sterling currently languishing around 1.18, it is also a great idea to fly from Belfast. They have additional airlines like EasyJet, Wizz and Jet2, and Thomas Cook, Virgin and Thompson holidays fly from there too. If it's no more than a couple of hours' drive, you may find you get a better price on your trip by booking (and paying) now in sterling. 3. Travel Tuesday Flying at the weekend is far more expensive than a midweek flight. Tuesday or Wednesday can be cheaper, if you can manipulate your work leave that way. Flying early in the morning is also cutting the price (you can sleep on the plane, after all!). 4. The Early bird gets the worm Although booking now means you can avail of your choice of resort and any early-bird discounts available, if you are more flexible, or don't have children to cater for, booking at the last minute is also a way to garner the left over rooms that hotels need to sell off. If you simply want heat, Spain has, by a long mile, the greatest capacity. It is still Ireland's favourite destination abroad and there will always be a multitude of apartments and hotel rooms at the last moment. 5. Upgrading The notion of 'stars' to denote quality isn't consistent across Europe. So it is worth investigating if going 'up' a star rating might actually be worth it. Many websites allow you to filter your choice based on the star rating, and you may think you can only afford, say, a 3-star. But if you're looking at holidays in Italy, Croatia, Turkey etc, go up to 4-star - they're often only marginally different in price for far better value. 6. Child's play Bringing children on holiday is a bit of a nightmare, but planning properly means you can all enjoy it rather than returning home in a frazzled mess, vowing to never go again. When booking, acknowledge your time as a free and easy singleton is over. It will return, but in the meantime, it's kids clubs, resorts and dinner at 5pm. You will be surrounded by other families in exactly the same position, so get over it. This is why French campsites are so popular - there are no time-controlled meals, dress code or having to be out of your room so the cleaner can get in. Eurocamp, Hello France and Europarcs are popular booking sites and you will meet other Irish families there... if that's what you want, of course! But book early, the top sites with the most amenities get booked up, often from the previous summer. 7. Money, money, money Using your debit card abroad is just the same as here. There should not be extra charges in EU countries for transactions or cash withdrawals. The same is not always true of credit cards, so always check if there's a fee. Never, ever take out cash using a credit card at an ATM - you will be charged interest immediately and possibly a cash withdrawal fee. When paying for restaurant meals, don't allow your card out of your sight - this is the most common way to get skimmed and your bank account emptied. Read more: We've whittled down the top seven brands your teenager would be delighted to see under the tree this Christmas. 1. Kylie Cosmetics Expand Close Image: Kylie Cosmetics/ Instagram / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Image: Kylie Cosmetics/ Instagram With 21 matte liquid lip shades, three metals, two Christmas colours and 19 glosses in lip products alone, its hard to choose from Kylie Cosmetics, especially since a few shades are sold out every day. Try taking a look at the lipstick shades your teen usually wears to give yourself a good idea. A few dark shades from the collection come out patchy, so make sure to read the reviews before you buy. Irish shoppers take note, because it's only available online - prepare to wait at least five business days after ordering. Kylie also just launched her Christmas collection with the holiday collection bundle coming in at a grand total of $325 (306). Star Buys: Love bite Lip Kit $29 (27). 2. Urban Decay Expand Close Image: Urban Decay/Instagram / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Image: Urban Decay/Instagram Urban Decay is more accessible than Kylie Cosmetics, with counters all over Ireland. With a good standing history of high quality products the brand is slightly more expensive, which is why its on the Christmas list and not already bought! Famous for their Naked eyeshadow palettes, all covering concealers and highly pigmented lipsticks, your options are endless. Star Buys: The All Nighter Setting Spray (30) and Naked Flushed palette (31) are a good place to start. 3. Benefit Expand Close Image: Benefit Cosmetics Ire/Instagram / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Image: Benefit Cosmetics Ire/Instagram Video of the Day Another brand that's readily available, Benefit is famous for its stunning bronzers and brow-tastic products! As usual, Benefit have a number of festive gift sets featuring various fan favourite mascaras, bronzers and tints. Star Buy: Have a look at the Girl A Rama gift set (43) if you're not sure where to begin. 4. NYX Expand Close Image: NYX Cosmetics/Instagram / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Image: NYX Cosmetics/Instagram Relatively new to Ireland , NYX can be found in Boots and some pharmacies across the country and are on equal footing with its more expensive peers. We love their deep contour shades, strobing palettes and blinding illuminators. Star Buys: Tricks of the Trade travel kit (37.50) and Full Throttle palette (9). 5. Too Faced Cosmetics Expand Close Image: Too Faced Cosmetics/Instagram / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Image: Too Faced Cosmetics/Instagram Too Faced have released many Christmas products and gift sets this year including a new range of must-have eyeshadow palettes. Their biggest seller is the Better Than Sex mascara (don't let the name turn you off) which is one of the best on the market. Star Buy: The Grand Hotel Cafe set with three palettes and one mascara (49). 6.Tarte Before we get you hooked, be warned that US-based company Tarte only ships certain products to Ireland. Their Snapchat is great for quick tutorials and the brand is loved by bloggers worldwide. We're calling it - 2017 is going to be their year. Star buys: The Rainforest of the Sea and Amazonian Clay collection, said to nourish, hydrate and remove surface oil. The Colour Wheel Amazonian Clay blush palette includes 10 blushes for 44. 7. Inglot A shop ever increasing in popularity thanks to their Instagram-centric customer focus, Inglot has been the main destination in many a shopping trip taken by teenagers this year. Located in several shopping centres around Ireland, it's easy to get and affordable. They scream for attention with bold and powerful pigments, and you can try them all with their Freedom Palettes, which allow you to choose various lipsticks, eyeshadows and powders to create your own palette. Star Buy: What a Spice Lipstick (15). After a week of teasers, Black Friday is finally here. Avoid chaos on the shop floor and purchase your Black Friday bargains online with our guide to bagging the best deals. Brown Thomas Brown Thomas is offering up to 20% off online and in store until Monday, meaning you can finally buy that handbag youve always wanted without the guilt of a massive price tag. No code needed. Missguided Sort out your Christmas party wardrobe on Missguided.eu, with 50% off every single thing for a limited time only and various discounts throughout the day. CODE: GOGOGO Cloud 10 Beauty Grab 20% off everything on beauty and makeup website Cloud10Beauty.com until Sunday. CODE: BLACK20 Video of the Day River Island High street giant River Island is offering 20% off everything until 3pm today. Skip the queues and shop online to get a bargain. CODE: BFRIDAY16 The Spolit Bitch Club The Spoilt Bitch Club is offering 40% off everything on the site, including their gorgeous sunglasses and pom pom hats. Hurry its only for a limited time only. CODE: hurry40 Caris Closet Buy that dress youve always had your eye on with 20% off in Caris Closet in store and online until Monday. CODE: BLACK Arnotts Arnotts is offering 20% off almost everything in store and online, so buy something for yourself and the family with this amazing deal. No code needed. ASOS E-tailer extraordinaire ASOS has 20% off everything until Monday. Grab a cuppa and root through the site to tick everything off your Christmas list. CODE: GOGOGO Topshop Although Topshop doesnt offer a standard discount across all items, there are discounts of up to 50% across stores and online until Monday. No code needed. Office Make a major saving on a new pair of shoes from Office with 20% off in store and online. No code needed. All Saints If youve ever wanted to invest something from All Saints, now is your chance with a massive 30% off everything. CODE: CYBER Ray Ban Another investment piece, save 30% on Ray Bans online. No code needed. Beauty Bay Splurge and save on some new makeup and skincare from BeautyBay.com with up to 30% off selected items. No code needed. Debenhams Debenhams have a range of offers this Black Friday, with 15% off all fragrance, up to 50% off electricals and up to 50% on toys and games, to name a few. No code needed. Promoted: See the latest Debenhams offers and deals on Independent Discounts Instyler Save 20 on several Instyler items, including the new Straight Up Straightening Brush for just 49.99. No code needed. Pretty Little Thing Get 50% off everything on shoes and clothes haven PrettyLittleThing.com for 24 hours only. No code needed. Public Desire Save 30% on everything on PublicDesire.com until Midnight. Their thigh high boots are top of our list. CODE: CYBER30 A passenger train hit another that had stopped at a station in Iran The scene of the collision about 150 miles east of the capital Tehran (Fars News Agency/AP) A train collision in northern Iran has killed at least 43 people and injured 100, state media reported. The official IRNA news agency quoted Mostafa Mortazavi, a spokesman for the country's Red Crescent, as saying the latest casualty figures had risen to 43 killed in the accident that occurred in sub-zero temperatures when a moving passenger train struck another parked at Haftkhan station about 150 miles east of the capital Tehran. The report said four of the fatalities were railway employees who were on the two trains when the accident occurred, near the city of Semnan. The report said four carriages derailed and two caught fire. It showed footage of rescue teams working near burning carriages. Provincial governor Mohammad Reza Khabbaz said the cause of the accident was under investigation and that the parked train was apparently not inside the station but on a main rail line at the time of the collision. The IRNA report said the 100 people who were injured in the collision were all in hospital. It said many of them had only sustained minor injuries. President Hassan Rouhani issued a statement offering his condolences to the victims' families and assigned senior vice-president Eshagh Janahgiri to lead an investigation and identify those responsible for the incident. The minister for roads and urban development, Abbas Akhoundi, postponed his visit to Turkmenistan to visit the site of the accident. A parliament representative for the region, Gholam Reza Kateb, hinted that the head of the Semnan train station may have mistakenly allowed the train to proceed prematurely. Years of punitive international sanctions against Iran over its controversial nuclear programme have badly affected Iran's infrastructure, including roads and rail networks. AP Meteorologists said each of the past 73 months has been warmer than average (AP) The Arctic archipelago of Svalbard has seen such extreme warmth this year that the average annual temperature could end up above freezing for the first time on record, scientists said. Ketil Isaksen of the Norwegian Meterological Institute said the average temperature in Longyearbyen, the main settlement in Svalbard, is expected to be around 0C (32F) with a little over a month left of the year. "This is a little bit shocking," Mr Isaksen said. "If you had asked me five or 10 years ago, I could not have imagined such numbers in 2016." The normal yearly average in Svalbard, an island group midway between the North Pole and continental Norway, is minus 6.7C (20F) and the warmest year until now was 2006, when the average was minus 1.8C (29F), Mr Isaksen said. "Svalbard is a very good spot to show what's happening in the Arctic at the moment," he said, noting that each of the past 73 months has been warmer than average. The rising temperatures in the Arctic are affecting permafrost and snow cover as well as the amount of sea ice, which this year was the second-lowest on record. Mr Isaksen said the sea ice is building up much slower than normal as winter approaches. "There are still huge areas in the Barents Sea and Kara Sea to the east of Svalbard that are free of ice," he said. "They should normally be ice-covered." Scientists believe the loss of sea ice accelerates warming because ice reflects sunlight back into space while the darker surface of the ocean absorbs most of the radiation. A report released by the Stockholm Environment Institute identified the decline in sea ice cover and the thinning of the Greenland ice sheet among several "regime shifts" happening in the Arctic as a result of climate change. "These regime shifts affect the stability of the climate and landscape, plant and animal species' ability to survive, and indigenous peoples' subsistence and ways of life," the institute said. Several studies show the world as a whole is on track for a new heat record this year, with the El Nino weather phenomenon adding to the underlying warming trend. AP Rachel Santiago and Omar Laboy-Veg's two-year-old son was shot in the house The parents of a toddler allegedly shot by his four-year-old cousin are facing charges of child endangerment and related offences. Rachel Santiago and Omar Laboy-Veg were arrested by police on Friday. Authorities said their two-year-old son was shot in the chest and finger while he and his cousin played with a gun at a house in north Philadelphia on Thursday. The boy remains in critical condition. Santiago and Laboy-Vega were home at the time of the shooting. A police spokeswoman says they have been in custody since Thursday. Police recovered two guns at the house. AP Michel Temer took power in May after Dilma Rousseff was removed from office (AP) A Brazilian minister has resigned amid allegations that he enlisted President Michel Temer's help to pressure a fellow cabinet member to approve a luxury apartment development project in a preservation zone. The announcement feeds a growing scandal over alleged misuse of power that threatens Mr Temer's presidency only six months after he replaced a predecessor ousted from office by Congress - and at a time when corruption investigations have tarred many senior politicians. At least one opposition party said it will submit a motion to impeach the new president. Mr Temer, who is deeply unpopular with many Brazilians, has been struggling to push through an ambitious austerity agenda he says will pull Latin America's largest economy out of its worst recession in decades. Since May, his administration has lurched from one scandal to the next, but until now none had directly implicated the president. Mr Temer's administration "just turned six months and it already looks old", said Fabio Zanini, political editor of the daily newspaper Folha de S Paulo. "The strategy to win popular legitimacy with an economic recovery and political stability is quickly sinking for a president who was not supported by the popular vote." The latest crisis started when former culture minister Marcelo Calero told federal police that Mr Temer's legislative affairs minister, Geddel Vieira Lima, pressured him to allow construction of a luxury building in a historic preservation area in the city of Salvador. Mr Lima had bought a unit in the planned development. Mr Calero, who resigned last week, testified that Mr Temer suggested he use a method to avoid the normal oversight process for such a building. He said Mr Temer invited him to the presidential palace last week to suggest "a way out", indicating that the building restrictions had created "operational difficulties" in his administration, according to Mr Calero's evidence. "Politics has these things, that kind of pressure," Mr Temer said, according to Mr Calero. The president's spokesman said he simply intervened to arbitrate a dispute between cabinet members. In his resignation letter, Mr Lima said the accusations of wrongdoing were merely "interpretations", and he was stepping down because he and his family were suffering due to the accusations. Mr Lima is the sixth minister in the new government to resign amid allegations of corruption. Several Brazilian news outlets reported that Mr Calero made recordings of conversations with Mr Temer, Mr Lima and presidential chief-of-staff Eliseu Padilha. "I never acted in bad faith or in deceitful ways," Mr Calero said on his Facebook page. "I fulfilled my duties as a Brazilian citizen not to comply with illegalities and acts with respect to the institutions." The left-leaning Socialist and Liberty Party pledged that on Monday it would submit a measure to Congress to impeach Mr Temer, but to move forward, it would have to be accepted by Rodrigo Maia, speaker of the lower Chamber of Deputies and a Temer ally. Oliver Stuenkel, professor of international relations at the Getulio Vargas Foundation in Sao Paulo, said the scandal makes Mr Temer's future unpredictable. "The damage can grow," he said. "There will be speculation about the future and that will also delay attempts to pass reforms." The political scene was embittered by the impeachment trial and removal of former president Dilma Rousseff, who was found guilty by the opposition-led Senate of breaking budgetary laws. Mr Temer was vice president and replaced her, making him a target for Rousseff allies who called her removal a legislative coup. The new president is pushing to pass a major overhaul of the pension system and to impose a spending cap on government spending. The economy is expected to contract by 3% this year after a similarly poor 2015. AP THE European Union has demanded that the bloc freeze membership negotiations with Turkey over the government's heavy-handed crackdown following a failed coup in July. The EU Parliament approved a non-binding resolution yesterday by a 479-37 margin with 107 abstentions and said the freeze should last until Ankara's "disproportionate measures" under the state of emergency are lifted. Despite the parliamentary vote, EU officials have said that long-standing but unsuccessful talks should not immediately be halted. Some EU nations have called for the suspension of the talks. "By continuing the illusion of accession talks with an increasingly authoritarian regime, the EU is losing credibility, is fooling our citizens, and also betraying those Turkish citizens who look to Europe as their future," said Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the liberal ALDE group. Anticipating the vote, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had already said his country's "struggle for its stability and future won't be interrupted by (European legislators) raising and lowering their hands." Although the vote carries no immediate consequences, it underscores the increasing unease in Europe over Mr Erdogan's tightening grip on power. Tens of thousands of people, including teachers, journalists and opposition lawmakers, have been arrested or fired. "We can no longer remain silent in the face of Erdogan's outrage and the evident breaches of the rule of law and human rights," S&D socialist leader Gianni Pittella said. In Ankara yesterday, the minister in charge of negotiations with the EU criticised EU nations for not standing in solidarity at a time when it is dealing with a spate of violent attacks. "Europe is engaged in short-sighted and visionless discussions," Omer Celik said in the city of Adana, where hours earlier a car bomb killed two people. United in grief, the families of Stephen Port's murder victims cheered and clapped as he was sent down to start a whole life sentence behind bars. Some of the relatives who had sat through harrowing evidence at the Old Bailey were singled out as a "model of dignity" by both prosecution and trial judge Mr Justice Openshaw. Reading from their prepared statements, prosecutor Jonathan Rees QC outlined the devastation Port's murderous sexual obsession had wreaked on them. The mother of Middlesex University student Anthony Walgate, 23, from Hull, said his death had "devastated and broken the family". She described her son, originally from Hull, as "a clever, funny, talented young man" whose dream of being a famous fashion designer was sure to have happened if Port had not taken it away from him. She pointed out that Port had not only destroyed their family "but he has destroyed his own". Adam, the only brother of Slovakian Gabriel Kovari, told in his statement of a loss that could "hardly be described in words". He spoke of the difficulty in telling their mother of his death at the age of 22, saying "there is no pain greater than losing a child". What happened had changed their lives forever, he said. "He will live forever in our hearts." Daniel Whitworth's father Adam spoke of having two "parallel lives" - his everyday life and his life of bereavement. Mr Rees said: "Juggling these two worlds is not easy. Sometimes the pain spills out into his everyday life. He has been told by others that the life has gone out of his eyes. "His concentration has suffered. He is facing a life sentence - a life sentence of grief." Read More Mr Whitworth's stepmother Amanda Pearson said the family had to come to terms with being given the "wrong facts" around his death when it was initially put down to suicide - "a suicide we believed had never really happened". Mrs Pearson said her 21-year-old stepson was the first and last thing she thought of in the day. She had been left a "bitter and cynical person" only taking comfort from going through the ordeal and trial process with other families. She said: "We had a rich and fulfilling life ahead of us with Daniel and it has been stolen from us." "Bereft" grandmother Barbara Whitworth described her "pride and joy" at the "kindest, most loving considerate boy you could meet". He used to come to her for lunch most days when he worked near to her home, she said. She said: "He had everything going for him and was excited about his new job." The family of 25-year-old Jack Taylor, from Dagenham, said his murder had turned their lives "upside down". They told of the investigation they had to carry out to find out what happened over Jack's death. On the devastating effect of having to experience the exhumation of his body, they said: "This is something no family should ever have to go through. There have been endless sleepless nights for all of us." Mr Rees told the court that the family had been "a model and picture of dignity in the way they dealt with the trial". They said in their statement that the murder had left a "black hole in our family" that will never be filled. A rape victim, who cannot be identified, said he felt "paranoid" every time someone passes him a drink and now has difficulty trusting people because of what Port did to him. Mr Rees said the victim was left with anxiety and depression and "casts blame on himself". Summarising the young man's statement, the victim said that "had he reported it sooner, he thinks Jack's death could have been avoided". The Icelandic government is escalating its cold war against British supermarket Iceland by launching legal action against the chain over the use of its name. The Nordic nation confirmed on Thursday that it has mounted a legal challenge against the supermarket at the European Union Intellectual Property Office with the goal of "ensuring the right of Icelandic companies to use the word 'Iceland' in relation to their goods and services". Iceland claims that the supermarket has "aggressively pursued" and won multiple cases against Icelandic companies which use the word Iceland as part of their trademark, "even in cases when the products and services do not compete". Supermarket Iceland, which trades under Iceland Foods, holds a Europe-wide trademark registration for the word and Iceland the nation is seeking to invalidate the registration on the basis that it is "exceptionally broad and ambiguous in definition, often rendering the country's firms unable to describe their products as Icelandic". In a circular, the government said: "The government of Iceland is concerned that our country's businesses are unable to promote themselves across Europe in association with their place of origin - a place of which we are rightly proud and enjoys a very positive national branding. "This untenable situation has caused harm to Icelandic businesses, especially its small and growing companies. A company or product made in Iceland or by an Icelandic company should be able to represent itself using the name of the country." It claimed that it has made multiple efforts to negotiate with Iceland Foods but bemoaned the supermarket's "unrealistic and unacceptable" demands, leaving it with no choice but to proceed with legal action. When news of the lawsuit first broke in September, a spokesman for Iceland said: "Iceland Foods has traded under the Iceland name in the UK since 1970, and is today one of the UK's most recognised brands. We have also traded as Iceland for many years in other EU countries, and in non-EU countries, including Iceland itself." The relationship between the supermarket and the Nordic nation has a history of frostiness. Icelandic retail conglomerate Baugur held a controlling stake in the grocer until its collapse in 2009. The stake then fell into the hands of Icelandic banks Landsbanki and Glitnir, which was later acquired as part of a management buyout led by founder and chief executive Malcolm Walker. The company, whose headquarters are in Deeside, has more than 800 stores across the UK and employs more than 23,000 staff. Iceland Foods said the Icelandic government has not directly approached the supermarket or attempted to solve the issue in an "amicable" way. Iceland Foods said: "We very much regret that the Government of Iceland has apparently decided to take legal action over the use of the name Iceland. Contrary to their assertion we have received no recent approaches to achieve an amicable resolution of this issue, which would be our preferred approach. "While we will vigorously defend Iceland Foods' established rights where there is any risk of confusion between our business and Iceland the country, we have been trading successfully for 46 years under the name Iceland and do not believe that any serious confusion or conflict has ever arisen in the public mind, or is likely to do so. "We hope that the Government will contact us directly so that we may address their concerns." Armed police were hunting the man inside the home, which is home to around 70 men and women who have served as missionaries in Africa. Authorities said it was a "criminal act". Photo: Getty Images Gendarmes stand guard on a road near a retirement home for monks in Montferrier-sur-Lez, southern France, early on November 25, 2016, after an armed man bursted in the home killing a woman with a knife. Photo: Getty Images Police have launched a major search for a man armed with a shotgun and a knife who stabbed an elderly woman to death at a retirement home for Catholic missionaries in southern France. A huge police operation was launched to search for the masked man, whose identity and motive for the killing were unclear. Expand Close Firemen and rescuers stand on a road near a retirement home for monks in Montferrier-sur-Lez, southern France, early on after an armed man bursted in the home killing a woman with a knife. Armed police were hunting the man inside the home, which is home to around 70 men and women who have served as missionaries in Africa. Authorities said it was a "criminal act". / AFP PHOTO / Pascal GUYOTPASCAL GUYOT/AFP/Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Firemen and rescuers stand on a road near a retirement home for monks in Montferrier-sur-Lez, southern France, early on after an armed man bursted in the home killing a woman with a knife. Armed police were hunting the man inside the home, which is home to around 70 men and women who have served as missionaries in Africa. Authorities said it was a "criminal act". / AFP PHOTO / Pascal GUYOTPASCAL GUYOT/AFP/Getty Images Security at religious and other sites has been increased after a string of Islamic extremist attacks in France, but the press service for the gendarmes, or military police, could not say whether the incident was linked to a terrorist act. A gendarme service spokesman said early on Friday that more than 100 members of the security forces were sent to the village of Montferrier-sur-Lez, near the city of Montpellier in the southern tip of France. Prosecutor Christophe Barret told reporters that a woman who works at the retirement home called police on Thursday night to say she had been attacked. When the officers arrived, they found the body of another woman, gagged and tied up outside the building with three stab wounds. Herault: irruption d'un homme arme dans une maison de retraite pour moines https://t.co/ASRRPej5fL pic.twitter.com/5fFq6ipZZx BFMTV (@BFMTV) November 24, 2016 The worker who alerted police did not suffer serious injuries but was deeply shocked, and no-one else at the residence was harmed, the prosecutor said. Read More Security forces searched the complex but did not find the killer. Around 60 people live who live at the facility are not in danger, and the search is continuing in a larger perimeter with help from a helicopter and police dogs. The residence, called Green Oaks, is operated by the African Missions Society, and takes in retired priests, nuns and others who have worked on missions in Africa. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, spokesman for the French Catholic bishops' conference, tweeted condolences for the woman killed and added: "Our prayers reach out also to the missionaries attacked in their retirement home in the Herault (region). God give them all peace." Herault: 59 residents de la maison de retraite "mis en securite", le suspect toujours recherche (proche enquete) #AFP Agence France-Presse (@afpfr) November 24, 2016 France has been under a state of emergency for a year since Islamic State group attacks on Paris killed 130 people. Another Islamic State attack in July targeted a Catholic church in Normandy, where two attackers slit a priest's throat and held elderly parishioners hostage. German Chancellor Angela Merkel standing in front of the newly erected Christmas tree at the Chancellory in Berlin. Photo: AFP/Getty Images European Parliament president Martin Schulz is returning to German politics, raising the prospect he may challenge Angela Merkel as chancellor and prompting speculation of a reshuffle in European Union institutions. Mr Schulz, a Social Democrat, told a news conference he would not stand for re-election as speaker of the EU legislature and instead campaign for a parliamentary seat in Berlin next year. He made no comment on speculation he may succeed departing German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier or become the SPD's candidate to challenge the conservative Ms Merkel's bid for a fourth term as chancellor in September's parliamentary election. Mr Schulz, 60, had been pushing for a third 30-month term as EU parliament president in defiance of a deal that he make way for a speaker from the centre-right, the chamber's biggest group. Should the conservatives, who have formed an effective grand coalition in Brussels with Mr Schulz's centre-left, claim the presidency in January, all three main EU political bodies would be headed by the centre-right - a possibility that has raised talk of change at the European Commission and European Council. European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker had pressed his fellow conservatives in parliament to let Mr Schulz stay on in the interests of stability following Britain's vote in June to leave the bloc. He denied earlier this week that he had threatened to resign himself if Mr Schulz were forced out. Mr Juncker, who said yesterday that he regretted Mr Schulz's departure, has a five-year mandate running until October 2019. He has broad support among member governments to stay on - though not from his home country, where his opponents are now in power. The conservative leader in parliament, Manfred Weber from Ms Merkel's Bavarian Christian Social Union allies, told a news conference after Mr Schulz's announcement that his group would choose a candidate for speaker next month. Mr Weber, 44, has been cited as a successor himself, a move that could sharply raise his profile for a future career in Germany - something Mr Schulz used to his advantage. Speculation that Mr Schulz would return to German politics grew after Ms Merkel's grand coalition government with the SPD backed Mr Schulz's party ally Mr Steinmeier to take over in February as Germany's figurehead president. German media have tipped Mr Schulz as Mr Steinmeier's successor as foreign minister. Polls put Ms Merkel in a very strong position to win a fourth term, despite a loss of support notably over her welcome for a million asylum seekers last year. The SPD trails badly but could end up in a new grand coalition under Ms Merkel. A woman who claims she was raped by the stepfather of glamour model Katie Price following a group night out has denied that she was an "attention seeker" who aimed to sell her story to the newspapers. The complainant has said that she was not a "willing participant" in having sex with Paul Price - which allegedly happened after a group night out in Worthing, West Sussex, in March 2015. Chichester Crown Court has heard that the alleged victim had got out of a taxi with Price as they were heading home for her to be sick on the beach. She alleges that Price then took her to a wooded area where he raped her. Following the alleged attack, she then flagged down a white van before getting into another taxi with Price. In police interview, she described how Price then kissed her inside the car and they would have looked like a "couple making out". But when asked by Abigail Penny, defending, if she had kissed Price, the complainant said she had not - and added: "He was all over me in the taxi, I was staring directly behind the taxi driver, I was hoping to get home as quickly as possible having just been raped, I was fearful of what might happen." She added: "I didn't put up a fight, I thought the best thing and safest thing was to get home where my husband is." Breaking down in tears, the alleged victim, who gave evidence behind a screen, said: "I thought I wouldn't get out of the woods alive." The complainant alleges that Price then raped her a second time near to his home. When asked why she didn't ask for help from the van or taxi drivers, the complainant said that she was in shock. The complainant also admitted falling over as she arrived at Price's home, but said that the injuries she suffered that night were caused by Price during the alleged attacks. She admitted that she had posted on Facebook about the allegations, stating that she hoped "justice is served". Ms Penny asked her: "Are you an attention seeker?", to which she replied: "No." The barrister also asked if she had talked to a journalist or agent about the allegations or intended to after the trial. The complainant replied: "I want nothing, I just want justice. I swore on the Bible, I want justice so what happened to me doesn't happen to anyone else." The complainant's husband said she had been in a good mood at the restaurant. He said: "She seemed fine, she seemed bubbly and quite chatty like her normal self. She was having a banter and discussion about the different gangs of London." He said that he returned to the house where they were staying and he fell asleep. He said: "The next thing I remember is my wife coming into the bedroom, shaking me, I woke up and she told me Paul had raped her." He continued: "She looked absolutely shocked, I do not think I have ever seen her look like that, her face was unbelievable, she looked an absolute shock." He said that the couple then gathered their stuff and left the house. He said that two days later he left a message on Price's phone telling him not to contact his wife. He denied an assertion by Ms Penny that his "wife's behaviour was outrageous, rude and loud" during the meal at the 50-per-head restaurant on the evening of the alleged attack. Price, of North Drive, Angmering, West Sussex, denies two charges of rape and the trial continues. Germany has been hit by several outbreaks of bird flu this year A zoo in northern Germany has been temporarily closed after an emu died of bird flu. Ueckermunde zoo director Katrin Toepke told the dpa news agency on Friday that the emu had died of the H5N8 strain of the virus, which can easily spread among birds but is not known to infect humans. As a precaution, the zoo in north-eastern Germany, near the Polish border, was shut as veterinary officials determined how to protect the other birds in the facility, including swans, storks and many varieties of ducks. The H5N8 strain of bird flu has been found this year in wild birds in 12 of Germany's 16 states, and in poultry farms in four states. It has also been detected in several other European countries, including Denmark, Austria and Switzerland. AP Firefighters and ambulances in the village of Montferrier-sur-Lez, as a manhunt for a gunman continued (AP) Police on Friday arrested a suspect in the fatal knife attack on a woman at a retirement home for Catholic missionaries in southern France after a vast manhunt, authorities said. The 47-year-old suspect - with no apparent links to Islamist extremism - was arrested about 100 metres from his home in a town not far from the scene of the attack on Thursday night, a gendarmerie press official said. The official said reports that the suspect was a former member of the French military had not yet been confirmed, adding that investigators had uncovered information that contradicted a past military link. The suspect was not identified by name in keeping with French custom. A masked intruder tied up two women at the retirement home for former missionaries in Africa. One of the women managed to call police, who found the victim, a 54-year-old employee, bound and tied up outside the building with three stab wounds, prosecutor Christophe Barret told a news conference before the arrest. Mr Barret said the suspect was believed to be someone "in the entourage of this retirement home". The retirement residence is located in Montferrer-sur-Lez, just north of Montpellier. The suspect was arrested in Saint-Mathieu-de-Treviers, a few miles further north. France has been in a state of emergency since the Paris attacks one year ago that killed 130, and reacted quickly to the attack. Some 130 police officers searched the area for the masked attacker on foot, in vehicles and by helicopter. Officials worked quickly to exclude a link between Islamist extremists and the retirement home attack. "There is no element linking the facts with Islamist terrorism," Mr Barret, the prosecutor, said. What drove the masked intruder to attack and kill remained a mystery. A car found near the retirement residence helped identify the suspect, the prosecutor said, adding that an air gun and other elements were found inside the vehicle. A gendarmerie official close to the investigation who had asked to remain anonymous while the manhunt was under way said military decorations were among the items. The residence, called Green Oaks, is operated by the African Missions Society, and takes in retired priests, nuns and others who have worked on missions in Africa. AP Iraqi security forces gather at the site of a suicide truck bomb attack, at a petrol station in the city of Hilla south of Baghdad, Iraq. A car bomb tore through a petrol station south of Baghdad yesterday killing at least 56, including 20 Iranians, in an Isil attack. Police and hospital officials confirmed the toll and said another 45 people were wounded in the attack, which destroyed the station and set several cars on fire. Isil claimed the attack in a brief statement carried by its Aamaq news agency, saying it was a suicide truck bomb. The officials said the target of the attack appears to have been a bus carrying Iranian pilgrims heading home after taking part in a major Shi'ite religious observance in the holy city of Karbala. The attack came a day after several small-scale bombings in and around Baghdad killed 31 people and wounded more than a 100, a particularly bloody day even by the standards of the Iraqi capital, which has for more than a decade endured near-daily violence blamed on Isil or its forerunner, al-Qa'ida. In northern Iraq, meanwhile, troops drove Isil militants from three more neighbourhoods in Mosul, the country's second largest city, where US-backed offensive has been under way for more than six weeks. Brigadier General Haider Fadhil of the special forces told AP his men have retaken the neighbourhoods of Amn, Qahira and Green Apartments and were expanding their foothold in the densely populated district of Zohour. The neighbourhoods are all east of the Tigris River, where most of the fighting has taken place. A US-led coalition is carrying out airstrikes to support the troops. Sherri Papini, who was held hostage for three weeks after being snatched while out jogging A mum-of-two who was abducted while on a jog is reportedly "very emotional" to be re-united with her husband. Police in California are searching for two women who reportedly abducted a jogger while she was out for a run holding her captive for three weeks before abandoning her, tied up, on the side of a motorway. Sherri Papini, a 34-year-old mother of two, managed to flag down a passing car in Yolo County and alert the authorities. According to ABC Good Morning America, Mrs Papina was put on the phone to her husband minutes after she was discovered by police. Of course she was very emotional to be released and hear her husbands voice and then a few hours later to be reunited with him, Sheriff Tom Bosenko told ABCs Good Morning America programme. Obviously she was emotional and quite upset but elated to be freed, and so we were able to get some information from her. Then in the days following this, we will be following up with her, he said. The investigation is far from over. Tom Bosenko, sheriff of Shasta County, gave few details of the case but said the authorities had never ceased trying to find her. Her husband Keith reported her missing after she failed to collect their two young children from day care. Sherri text him at 10.37 am on November 2, to ask if he would come home for lunch. But he did not respond to her message until 1.39 pm because he was at work, he said. When he arrived back at their empty home, he immediately used his "Find My iPhone" app to track his wifes phone along the Oregon Trail. Police and dozens of volunteers began searching the area around Mountain Gate, near Redding. A $50,000 reward was offered for any information. She was definitely taken against her will, said Mr Papini, in a televised appeal for information. Her mobile phone and headphones were found close to the site where she was last seen 150 miles from where she was eventually left. "We had not given up hope," said Mr Bosenko. "We are very thankful on this day that she was found safe and reunited with her family." Much of the case remains a mystery. He said that authorities do not know if Mrs Papini knew her abductors, and they do not have information about exactly where she was kept or whether she was kept in the same place for the duration of her captivity. They do not know if the abduction was planned or done impulsively. They do, however, know whether she spoke to her captors, but are not releasing that information due to the active investigation. He said that there were no tips given to the police, and he did not believe a ransom had been paid. Mr Bosenko said that police were now searching for a dark-coloured 4x4 and two women considered dangerous, armed with a hand gun. "We will not rest until Sherri's captor or captors are identified and brought to justice," he said. With reporting from the Telegraph Wisconsin is poised to hold a recount after the Green Party's US presidential candidate led a $4m fundraising drive following claims of voting irregularities in three key swing states which may have helped Donald Trump win the election. In less than 24 hours, Jill Stein raised $3.8m (3.6m) online and has instructed lawyers to file today for a recount in Wisconsin, and Michigan and Pennsylvania next week. Mr Trump won all three by around one per cent despite Hillary Clinton leading in almost all opinion polls in those states. A group of computer scientists and election lawyers claim to have found evidence the results may have been manipulated. "We're not doing this because we expect the results to be overturned or because there's a smoking gun," Dr Stein said. "We are doing it because the American people deserve to have confidence in the voting system." Mrs Clinton fared 7pc worse in Wisconsin counties that used electronic voting machines rather than paper ballots and, despite a lack of any evidence, a cyber attack on the machines has been suggested as a possible explanation. Expand Close Hillary Clinton / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hillary Clinton The White House has confirmed that Russian hackers infiltrated the computers of the Democratic National Committee during the election campaign and potentially that of a top adviser to Mrs Clinton. "This was a hacked election - party databases, individuals - there is no doubt there was a lot of hacking around this election and voting equipment is vulnerable to cyber attacks," Dr Stein said. "The fact is the outcome was very close in those three states, a very small margin of victory. This is something positive we're doing to ensure the integrity of the voting system and restore people's faith." More: While reversing the outcomes in all three states would hand the election to Mrs Clinton, Dr Stein said the recount bid was non-partisan. It would not benefit her personally, as she won less than 1.4 million votes overall. While Mr Trump has won 306 electoral college votes, compared with 232 for Mrs Clinton, she has nearly two million more votes than him nationwide and pressure is mounting among liberals for a full investigation. Mr Trump claimed throughout the campaign that the process was "rigged" against him and that he would not commit to accepting the final result. "Look who 'can't accept the election results'," Kellyanne Conway, his campaign manager, tweeted yesterday. As a result of Dr Stein's fundraising, the Wisconsin Elections Commission said it was preparing for a recount, but insisted there was no evidence that voting equipment had been tampered with. The process is expected to be long and complex, with paperless voting machines across dozens of districts being impounded and subjected to forensic analysis. "We expect it to go to court and there will be challenges along the way," Dr Stein said. But she added: "There is so much pent-up desire for this sort of initiative, and that has to come to the fore." Earlier, Mr Trump offered a Thanksgiving prayer for unity after "a long and bruising" campaign. "Emotions are raw and tensions just don't heal overnight," the president elect said in a video message released on the eve of the national holiday. "It's my prayer that, on this Thanksgiving, we begin to heal our divisions and move forward as one country strengthened by shared purpose and very, very common resolve." Meanwhile, last night the head of the World Trade Organisation said the impact of Mr Trump's threat to pull the United States out of the Trans- Pacific Partnership would depend on what the president elect saw as the alternative. WTO director-general Roberto Azevedo said he hadn't spoken with Mr Trump but was "ready for a conversation". Mr Trump has called the TPP a "disaster" for American jobs. The bodies were found in the Mexican state of Guerrero Soldiers have found 32 bodies and nine human heads in an area of southern Mexico where rival drug gangs have been engaged in a wave of extortion, kidnappings and turf battles. They found secret graves on Tuesday at an outlaw camp in Guerrero state after receiving a tip-off that people were being held at the site, and rescued a kidnap victim and discovered 12 bodies. On Thursday, officials announced that further excavations of the site located near a mountain in the municipality of Zitlala had found a total of 32 bodies and nine human heads. Roberto Alvarez Heredia, spokesman for the Guerrero Co-ordinating Group, said soldiers were combing the area to see if there were any more clandestine graves. Investigators were working to identify the bodies and the killers. Drug gangs frequently decapitate their victims. Residents of the community of Tixtla, Guerrero found nine decapitated bodies on Monday along a highway. Prosecutors are investigating whether the nine heads found in Zitlala correspond to that gruesome discovery. Guerrero has seen an upsurge in gang-related violence. The government announced on Monday that it is stepping up the use of joint police-army patrols in areas known to be particularly violent. The largely rural, impoverished state had 1,832 reported homicides in the first 10 months of 2016. If that rate continues unabated, Guerrero would be on track to have a homicide rate of about 60 per 100,000. That would rival the recent peak year of violence in the state, in 2012, when there were about 68 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. AP Florence Henderson, star of The Brady Bunch, died on November 24 at 82. Florence Henderson, who went from Broadway star to become one of America's most beloved TV mothers in The Brady Bunch, has died at the age of 82. She was admitted to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles on Wednesday and died on Thursday night , said her publicist, David Brokaw. The actress, who had suffered heart failure, was surrounded by family and friends, said her manager, Kayla Pressman. On the surface, The Brady Bunch, with Henderson as its ever-cheerful matriarch Carol Brady, was just another TV sitcom about a family living in suburban America and getting into a different wacky situation each week. But well after it ended its initial run, in 1974, the show resonated with audiences, and it returned to television in various forms again and again, including The Brady Bunch Hour in 1977, The Brady Brides in 1981 and The Bradys in 1990. It was also seen endlessly in re-runs. "It represents what people always wanted: a loving family. It's such a gentle, innocent, sweet show, and I guess it proved there's always an audience for that," Henderson said in 1999. Premiering in 1969, it also was among the first shows to introduce to television the blended family. As its theme song reminded viewers each week, Henderson's Carol was a single mother raising three daughters when she met her TV husband, Robert Reed's Mike Brady, a single father who was raising three boys. The eight of them became The Brady Bunch, with a quirky housekeeper, played by Ann B Davis, thrown into the mix. The blonde, ever-smiling Henderson was already a Broadway star when the show began, having originated the title role in the musical Fanny. But after The Brady Bunch, she would always be known to fans as Carol Brady. "We had to have security guards with us. Fans were hanging on our doors. We couldn't go out by ourselves. We were like the Beatles!" she said of the attention the show brought the cast. Like the Beatles, there was even a Saturday morning cartoon version called Brady Kids, although Henderson was not in that show. She and Reed did return, however, for The Brady Bunch Hour, The Brady Brides and The Bradys, along with most of the original cast. She was also back again in 1995 when a new cast was assembled for The Brady Bunch Movie, a playful spoof of the original show. This time she was Grandma Brady opposite Shelly Long's Carol. Numerous memoirs also kept interest in the show alive, as cast members revealed they were more than just siblings off camera. Barry Williams, who played eldest son Greg Brady, would confess to having a crush on his TV stepmother. Henderson, in her own book, denied having any relationship with Williams, but did acknowledge a fling with former New York City mayor John Lindsay. Henderson was a 19-year-old drama student in New York when she landed a one-line role in the play Wish You Were Here. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II were so impressed they made her the female lead in a 1952 road tour of Oklahoma! When the show returned to Broadway for a revival in 1954, she continued in the role and won rave reviews. "She is the real thing, right off a butter churn somewhere," wrote Walter Kerr, of the New York Herald Tribune. To broaden her career, Henderson took acting, dancing, singing and guitar lessons, even studying French and Italian. She went on to play Maria in a road production of The Sound Of Music, was Nellie Forbush in a revival of South Pacific and was back on Broadway with Jose Ferrer in The Girl Who Came To Supper in 1963. She made her movie debut in 1970 in Song Of Norway, based on the 1944 operetta with music by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Her career nearly came to an end in 1965 when she suddenly lost her hearing while appearing in The King And I in Los Angeles. She was diagnosed with a hereditary condition called osteosclerosis. "Corrective surgery in both ears restored my hearing," she said in 2007. As her TV career blossomed with The Brady Bunch, Henderson also began to make frequent TV guest appearances. She was the first woman to host The Tonight Show when Johnny Carson was on holiday. For eight years she also commuted to Nashville to conduct a cooking and talk series, Country Kitchen, on The Nashville Network. The show resulted in a book, Florence Henderson's Short Cut Cooking. After The Brady Bunch ended its first run, Henderson alternated her appearances in revivals of the show with guest appearances on other programmes, including Hart To Hart, Fantasy Island and The Love Boat. In later years she also made guest appearances on such shows as Roseanne, Ally McBeal and The King Of Queens. Florence Agnes Henderson was born on February 141934 in the small town of Dale in southern Indiana. She was the 10th child of a tobacco sharecropper of Irish descent. In grade school, she joined the choir at a Catholic church in Rockport, Indiana. After high school she moved to New York, where she enrolled in a two-year programme at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, her studies financed by a theatrical couple who had been impressed by her singing when they saw her perform in high school. She dropped out of the programme after one year, however, to take the role in Wish You Were Here. Henderson married theatre executive Ira Bernstein and the couple had four children before the union ended in divorce after 29 years. Her second husband, John Kappas, died in 2002. Ms Pressman said she is survived by her children Barbara, Joseph, Robert and Lizzie, their respective spouses, and five grandchildren. AP Recep Tayyip Erdogan was giving his first speech since Thursday's approval of a non-binding resolution calling on the EU to freeze Turkey's membership talks Turkey's president has accused the European Union of dishonesty and betrayal, and threatened to remove controls from his country's borders, potentially flooding Europe with hundreds of thousands of asylum-seekers and other migrants. In his first speech since Thursday's approval in the European Parliament of a non-binding resolution calling on the EU to freeze Turkey's membership talks, Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the EU: "We are the ones who feed 3 to 3.5 million refugees in this country. You have betrayed your promises." He added: "If you go any further those border gates will be opened." He made specific reference to Turkey's main border crossing with EU member Bulgaria. The European Parliament vote was in response to the Ankara government's heavy-handed crackdown following a failed coup in July. Opposition parties, rights groups and Turkey's western allies have expressed increasing disapproval of actions Ankara defends as part of a war on terror. After more than a million migrants made their way into Europe, mostly through Turkey, last year, Ankara and the EU in March reached an agreement for Turkey to stem the flow of migrants travelling by sea to Greece in return for certain incentives, including fast-track membership talks, billions of euros in aid for Syrian refugees in Turkey, and visa-free travel for Turkish citizens. But the response to the coup has made European nations less keen to negotiate with Turkey, while visa liberalisation has hit a hurdle over Turkey's reluctance to change its anti-terror laws. During his speech, Mr Erdogan said the money promised had yet to be delivered. "We have been given 550 million dollars by the United Nations. The European Union promised, but the money it has sent so far is around 700 million. But what have we spent? Up to now we have spent 15 billion dollars." Since the thwarted coup, blamed on a network of followers of US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, Turkey has engaged in an unprecedented crackdown, jailing tens of thousands and dismissing or suspending 120,000 people suspected of links to the cleric. It has shut down more than 170 media outlets, detained over 140 journalists and sacked elected Kurdish mayors and replaced them with government-appointed trustees. AP Privacy Overview This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Markets see a day in red Indian equity markets saw a day in red today. Nifty 50 ended the day, down by 62.55 points. Sensex ended the day, down by 215.26 points. Top Gainers today were Hindalco, Sun Pharma, ITC. Top Lo... November 02, 2022 | 4:08 pm Pudumjee Paper PBT rises 57% during Q2FY23 Pudumjee Paper Products Limited (PPPL), has reported impressive results for the six-month period ended September 30, 2022. During the six-month period ended September 30, 2022, the C... November 02, 2022 | 3:23 pm 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 Rupee declines 12 paise against the dollar In morning trade on Wednesday, the rupee lost 12 paise to 82.71 against the US dollar due to a flat trend in domestic stocks. Forex traders reported that the rupee started the day flat before t... November 02, 2022 | 2:45 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 Hes obnoxious, fake and offensive. Most of the people who watch celebrity reality show Bigg Boss Season 10 are full of hate for Swami Omji. His regressive statements about the female contestants have often resulted in massive fights. colors In fact, not just other fellow contestants but host Salman Khan has also called out Omji for his crass comments. telly tadka Interestingly, its not just the house that is brimming with an intense dislike for the self-styled godman. Things are not looking too bright for him outside the house as well. A Delhi court has issued a fresh non-bailable warrant against Swami Omji . His brother has lodged a theft case against him. Whats more, he has even alleged that Omji has failed to turn up in court. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Satish Kumar Arora issued the arrest warrant, while directing Omji to appear in the court on the next date of hearing on December 3 and also forfeited his bail bond and surety bond. colors "Despite repeated calls, the accused has failed to turn up. Perusal of the file reflects that vide order dated October 14, 2016, as the accused remained absent, NBWs were directed to be issued against the accused for November 8, 2016," the CMM said. In case youre wondering how is it possible for him to appear in court considering hes inside the house, an application for being excused from the hearing was presented by one of babas representatives. "On an application for restoration of surety preferred by Mukesh Jain for the accused, NBWs were stayed vide proceedings dated November 2, with directions to the accused to appear on November 8 again, but he was absent and his surety with counsel appeared and preferred an application seeking exemption from personal appearance which was allowed with cost and with directions to the accused to positively remain present for this day. In view of the above and seeing the conduct of the accused, his bail bond and surety bond are forfeited and NBWs are directed to be hereby issued against him with notice to his surety through DCP Crime for December 3," it said. colors In November 2008, an FIR was registered against Vinodanand Jha aka Swami Omji on a complaint by his younger brother Pramodh Jha, who accused him of breaking the lock of his bicycle shop in Lodhi Colony here along with three men and stealing 11 bicycles, expensive spare parts, sale deed of the house and important documents. The self-proclaimed godman also faces charges under the Arms Act, Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act in other matters. Looks like he might have to quit the show to sort out the legal matters. *Yay life* Bihar's ruling JD-U and RJD has demanded a probe into the BJP's land deals worth crores of rupees in different parts of the state ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation announcement. Reuters A local Hindi news channel on Thursday telecast a report that the Bharatiya Janata Party purchased land in 25 districts of Bihar ahead of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes on November 8. Rashtriya Janata Dal legislator Bhai Virendra said that the BJP managed its black money by purchasing land worth crores of rupees ahead of the note ban. "This move has exposed the fact that BJP was aware of demonetisation and finalised deal for land before it was announced by Modi. This is a serious matter and there should be a high-level probe into it," he said. The Congress said BJP was trying to launder black money with the purchase. Just before #DeMonetisation BJP purchased properties worth crores in Bihar & other areas to turn black money into white: Surjewala, Cong pic.twitter.com/geEIozMuhN ANI (@ANI_news) November 25, 2016 BJP legislator Sanjeev Chaurasia, who was reportedly involved in the purchase, said the land deals were for party offices in various districts. "There is nothing in it, party had purchased the land for its office in different districts, that is all," he said. Leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly Prem Kumar told media that the BJP had purchased land at the circle rate fixed by the government in districts for party offices. "There is nothing wrong in it," he said. BCCL Another senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister, Sushil Kumar Modi said if cash payments were made for the purchase as alleged, there should be a probe. BCCL According to reports, the BJP purchased land in more than two dozen districts, including Saharsa, Patna, Madhubani, Katihar, Madhepura, Lakhisarai, Kishanganj and Arwal. The size of the plots acquired ranged from 250 sq feet to about half an acre. Their values range between Rs 8 lakh to Rs 1.16 crore. The costliest land was bought at Rs 1,100 per sq feet. That's one ugly bird! Quite clearly the first impression of the Greater Adjutant Stork, a scavenging bird stands nearly 5 feet tall on the ground. From a distance, the bird seems nothing more than an ugly thing. Thankfully, Purnima Devi Barman, an environmentalist associated with the NGO Aranyak, decided to observe closely. Recently awarded the title of 'Green Guru of the Eastern Himalayas' at a national event this month, Purnima is the force behind Assam's Hargila Army - an army of 70 women headed by Barman. During a visit to the Dadara village of Kamrup district in Assam, Barman took an interest in the birds and has been working with the villagers to make the region safe for the species again. The scenario was very pathetic for the birds. The villagers did not want to see the birds in their area. They would think that as a carnivorous bird, it would bring carcass and other rotten stuff. Thus they would cut the trees where these birds used to build nests. But after pro-longed efforts, thankfully, now they have realised the importance of it, Barman said. The species has been named on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Only two known nesting sites of the species are in India. Except Assam, the only other home to the Greater Adjutant Stork is in Bihar. The greatest threat to their nesting sites in superstitions that people have along with rapid deforestation leading to loss of habitat. The villagers initially reacted angrily when I suggested their conservation to them. I then decided to take the women folk into confidence. I gathered the village women and shared my views with them. I also conducted several games and competitions like cooking among the girls and women to win their confidence. I wanted to make them feel that these birds are their own, Barman shares. Her efforts bore fruit and soon, the women united to provide a safe home for the birds. In 2006-07, we found that there were only 15 nests but in 2015, when we did a survey, we found 171 nests. This itself tells the dedication of the villagers and Im extremely happy with the result, she says. Along with her army, she has been able to bring up the numbers of the Hargila to safety. Through 2016, Purnima Devi Barman has been invited to receive several state and national levels awards for championing the cause of the Greater Adjutant Stork. Apart from the Green Guru Award of the Eastern Himalayas that she received this month, she was also honoured by the RBS. Its indeed been an honour for me to be here and receive the award. I think it will motivate the people who are working for the cause of environment. Im grateful to the RBS foundation and jury members for choosing me for the recognition, Barman said after receiving her award under Save the Species category in New Delhi. While the skirmishes between Indian and Pakistani troops at international border as well as at LOC have increased, both countries have been accusing each other for gross ceasefire violations in which soldiers and civilians of both sides are dying. BCCL Pakistan Army on Wednesday said that seven persons, including three of its soldiers, were killed in an exchange of fire with Indian troops on the LoC, taking the death toll in such incidents to 14 since last week. Following the escalation from both sides, DGMO level talks held at the request of Pakistan in which Pakistan accused India of targeting civilians. Pakistan alleged that four civilians travelling in a bus in Neelam Valley in PoK died in Indian shelling. India, however, rejected all such claims during DGMO levels talks and said that Indian forces retaliated after Pakistan opened fire and it strictly targeted post of Pakistan army and not the civilians. Pakistan asked for an "unscheduled" conversation, said the army in a statement. India's military operations commander, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh spoke to his counterpart, Maj General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, who alleged that three of its personnel and nine civilians were killed in the firing by Indian troops. Lt Gen Singh made it clear that only Pakistani posts which had opened fire on India were being targeted. AFP "Pak DGMO was exhorted to exercise strict control on their troops to refrain from any nefarious activities. This would lead to return of normalcy along Line of Control," the army statement said. India has accused Pakistani soldiers of providing cover to terrorists as they attempt to infiltrate India. Talks are held every Tuesday between army officers of both sides, though not always at the senior-most level. Despite the simmering tension at the border, this exercise had remained intact. In September, after an army camp in Uri in Kashmir was attacked, leaving 19 soldiers dead, India sent troops across the Line of Control or de facto border in Kashmir to target gathering areas for terrorists. Pakistan denies the cross-border raids or surgical strikes, but the ceasefire declared in 2003 in Jammu and Kashmir is now defunct for all practical purposes. Two Jammu and Kashmir Policemen were killed and another one was injured when terrorists targeted their convoy on Friday. The incident happened in Kulgam, some 70 kilometers south of Srinagar. According to local media reports the terrorists were on a motorcycle and targeted the police men who were on security duty in the town. The two deceased policemen have been identified as Head Constable Tanveer Ahmad and Constable Jalaluddin. ANI This was the third militant encounter in Kashmir on Friday. Earlier in the day security forces had gunned down two terrorists in Bandipora, while another one was apprehended in neighbouring district of Baramulla. One Indian soldier was also killed in the encounter in Bandipora. Kashmir, especially the border regions have witnessed an increase in militant activity in the recent times. According to the government there were around 200 active terrorists in the state till September. Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said of these, 105 terrorists had infiltrated into the Indian side of the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir this year. BCCL/ Representative Image The pre-winter period usually is the time when the infiltration attempts from across the LoC increase. Under the cover of ceasefire violation by Pakistani forces, the terror groups try to push maximum number of its foot-soldiers to the Indian side as the winter snow makes it impossible for them to cross over. The Indian security forces have gunned down two terrorists in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. An Indian soldier also lost his life in the encounter which is still under way in Manzpora area of Bandipora district. Meanwhile, another encounter is still on in Sopore area. Encounter between security forces and terrorists underway in Sopore, Baramulla (J&K); 2 terrorists believed to be hiding (Visuals deferred) pic.twitter.com/RmDbYOiEk7 ANI (@ANI_news) November 25, 2016 According to reports in the neighbouring district of Baramulla an Army and Police joint operation is underway after they received specific inputs of the presence of terrorists there. ANI news agency reported that at least on terrorist has been apprehended in the operation. #FLASH Terrorists open fire in Tujjer village of Sopore in Baramulla district (J&K); encounter with security forces underway. ANI (@ANI_news) November 25, 2016 The two incidents come at a time when the valley is witnessing a spike in terror activities and tensions along the LoC. While the world is debating the possibility of global warming resulting in melting of ice, the study of the log books of heroic Antartic explorers suggest that there has been hardly any change in extent of ice on South Pole in last 100 years. Studies using the log books of heroic Antarctic explorers, including Captain Scott, have shown the amount of sea ice there was about one century ago was not significantly higher than it is today. While using the log books found in the ships of Antarctic explorers Britons Captain Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton and German Erich von Drygalski, the scientists came to this conclusion. Scientists compared where the Antarctic ice edge was, as shown in the log books during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, from 1897 to 1917), with where it is today as shown by satellites. AFP European Geosciences Journal, The Cryosphere, published this study which suggests that Antarctic sea ice is much less affected by climate change and global warming than the Arctic, which has significantly melted over the same period. Jonathan Day, who led the study, told express.co.uk: "The missions of Scott and Shackleton are remembered in history as heroic failures, yet the data collected by these and other explorers could profoundly change the way we view the ebb and flow of Antarctic sea ice. Bihar's ruling JD-U and RJD has demanded a probe into the BJP's land deals worth crores of rupees in different parts of the state ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation announcement. A local Hindi news channel on Thursday telecast a report that the Bharatiya Janata Party purchased land in 25 districts of Bihar ahead of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes on November 8. Read more 1. Third Terrorist Attack In Jammu And Kashmir Today Leaves Two Cops Killed Two Jammu and Kashmir Policemen were killed and another one was injured when terrorists targeted their convoy on Friday. The incident happened in Kulgam, some 70 kilometers south of Srinagar. This was the third militant encounter in Kashmir on Friday. Earlier in the day security forces had gunned down two terrorists in Bandipora, while another one was apprehended in neighbouring district of Baramulla. One Indian soldier was also killed in the encounter in Bandipora. Read more 2. A Month After Diwali Supreme Court Bans Firecrackers In Delhi And NCR The Supreme Court on Friday imposed a blanket ban on the sale and stocking of firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR) for a fortnight. It also asked the central government to immediately suspend the licenses of those who stock them. A bench of Chief Justice T.S. Thakur, Justice A.K. Sikri and Justice S.A. Bobde said no further licenses would be issued till further orders. Read more 3. Exchange Of Rs 1000 Notes Ends Today, Now You Can Just Deposit Them In Banks If you have some Rs 1000 notes left in your wallet, or at home, you will have to deposit them in the bank from today. According to government notice Over-the-counter exchange of high value notes, which were scrapped earlier this month, ends today. However, use of the Rs 500 note for some specific purposes have been extended up to December 15. Today onwards, these old notes can only be deposited in banks until December 30. Read more 4. After Seizure Of Rs 3.5 Crores Cash In Nagaland, I-T Department Seeks Details On Bank Deposits After Demonetisation A day after Nagaland MP Neiphiu Rio's son-in-law Anato Zhimomi was detained in connection with alleged money laundering operation, the income tax department on Thursday asked all banks operating in tribal-dominated states in the northeast to furnish details of all deposits made post demonetization announcement. A cache of more than Rs 3.5 crore that had disappeared after being flown in from Hisar to Dimapur in a chartered aircraft on Tuesday was recovered dramatically on Wednesday and Zhimoni was detained in this connection. Read more 5. The Driver Who Ran Away With Cash Van Abandons Rs 2000 Notes Worth Rs 45 Lakh While the common people are complaining about the difficulties they face while trying to use the new Rs 2000 note, the thieves also seem to be clueless about what to do with them. Dominique Roy, the van driver accused of speeding away a cash-laden van in Bengaluru chose to abandon Rs 45 lakh all in Rs 2,000 denomination. Roy also left behind a firearm that was issued to the security guard escorting the cash van. The abandoned vehicle was found near Mount Carmel College. Police came to know about the whereabouts of the vehicle after local resident informed police about it. Read more Were excited to announce that indmin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com. A new look and an improved experience means you can still stay ahead of this fast-moving market with price data, news and market intelligence right here on Fastmarkets. Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials. If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details. Republicans vs Democrats: Two Neoliberal War Parties With the same Economic and Foreign Policies By Gary Weglarz November 23, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Global Research " - Perhaps it is time to step back a bit from the immediacy of this electoral moment to take in the broader picture. Emotional responses to the prospect of a Trump presidency may offer a needed level of catharsis for some, but they certainly wont help us understand how we got here. A couple of questions are in order. How is it that our two political parties engage in essentially the same economic and foreign policies, offering differentiation only in the realm of identity politics? What are the dynamics of mass psychology and propaganda that have made this reality invisible to so many for so long? If we hope to understand what is happening politically in this country today we must look beyond the obvious surface level of events. We must examine how our perceptions, thoughts and behavior have been manipulated in ways most Americans are not consciously aware of. During the presidencies of Bill Clinton and Barak Obama we have watched a continuous and rather exquisitely choreographed media dance between our two parties, brought to us, of course, by the corporations of our oligarchy. If we allow corporate media to create the post-election narrative that is unfolding, we will remain as bewildered as we have been, all while surveying a dangerous strange new terrain. The propaganda machine of our duopoly has kept us blind for too long. Perhaps a little trip down memory lane can help. If we look back on the eight-year presidency of Bill Clinton we cannot fail to recall the almost rabid hysterical non-stop attacks he suffered as the target of what appeared to be the total and complete hatred of the leading figures of the Republican Party. That Clinton was impeached related to a sex act in the White House made for wonderfully emotional political theatre. Who could resist? It was headline grabbing material around the globe. Lost at the time was that his impeachment, and very vocal Republican opposition to his presidency, were quite unrelated to Clintons actual policy decisions. Democratic politicians and many rank and file Democratic supporters rallied around Clinton in large part due to how continually under siege he was by these obviously vile and odious Republican forces. So what do we make of the fact that an even cursory examination of the Clinton political record from that period makes the very public passion play of his two term presidency seem almost incomprehensible in retrospect? After all, Bill Clinton was essentially our first Democratic Republican President. He effectively continued and implemented the Bush I political agenda of neoliberal economic policies and imperialist foreign policy. From todays vantage point it is clear that Clinton was essentially a Republican president who had run for office as a Democrat. Clinton pushed NAFTA through. He pushed through welfare reform. He pushed for and achieved much more punitive crime legislation. This included the infamous three strikes bill that helped make the private prison system complex, which he also supported, a shiny new investment opportunity for oligarchy. For good measure Bill Clinton deregulated Wall Street on his way out the door by jettisoning the Glass-Steagall Act. Why all the Republican hatred? What did Bill Clinton actually do policy-wise that ever betrayed Republican political values? He certainly had earlier clearly proved his national security bonafides to the Republican establishment. Bill Clinton came to national political prominence out of nowhere, but only after having proved himself to the CIA and deep state actors of the Republican Reagan/Bush I administrations. He did this by playing a crucial part in the illegal and sordid Iran Contra operation. Bill Clinton performed a key role in that operation by warding off Arkansas State police investigations into the drugs in / guns out Republican White House and CIA operation that was being run out of the Mena, Arkansas airport. Without Governor Bill Clinton running interference Mena simply couldnt have functioned as the cocaine import hub in the government drugs for guns [Iran-Contra] operation. Quite a loyalty test, but one Bill passed with flying colors as evidenced by his rise from nowhere to the presidency. There are of course other implications to Clintons role at Mena that are worth contemplating as we consider his place in history as a Democratic president. In simple ethical terms Bill Clinton shares direct responsibility, along with his predecessors Bush I and Ronald Reagan, for the many tons of cocaine that flooded US inner cities during the period. Later as president, Clinton signed crime legislation which mandated expanded terms of incarceration that proved a huge boon to the private for-profit prison system he also championed. The victims in this scenario were those who resided in poor disenfranchised communities, disproportionately African American, whose crime was simply to use the cocaine Clinton as Arkansas governor had ensured flooded US cities. The level of moral corruption inherent in this sequence of events is quite breathtaking. That American voters and corporate media have never come to honest terms with this history has only added another chapter in the untold story of the continuing moral corruption of our nation. However, Clintons Republican presidency did not end there. He continued both the sanctions and the bombing of Iraq initiated by his Republican predecessor Bush I. These actions resulted in the death of over a million civilians, including half a million children. Through Clintons Plan Colombia he continued US support and funding for the military and government of a nation that defined the phrase: death squad democracy. His policies cost the lives of many thousands of civilians, labor organizers and those working in human rights and social justice organizations. With our deep state establishment deciding to dismantle the last vestiges of socialism in post-Soviet Eastern Europe, Yugoslavia became a target for destabilization and destruction. Continuing his service to the deep state Clinton was on board and dutifully did his part, including authorizing the NATO bombing campaign. The policy planners of the West saw the natural resources of Africa as suddenly up for grabs in the new post-Cold War world. There was a need to get the right people in power in Rwanda to ensure unfettered corporate access to precious metal and mineral resources in the region. Clinton was the man to paint a policy smiley face on the workings of empire by using the aftermath of the mass slaughter of civilians to create the new imperial mantra called humanitarian intervention or responsibility to protect. The oligarchs and the deep state loved this guy, and for good reason. What legitimate policy critique could the Republicans have? I mean really, whats a guy have to do to be made an honorary Republican? He is quite arguably the most effective Republican president since Nixon, though he is far to the right of the Tricky one in many policy areas. So the question begging to be asked is, if Clinton was essentially carrying out the Republican agenda of Bush I, why was he so loudly and publicly hated and vilified by those same forces? The answer to that question requires that we explore and understand the medias role in how our two party / media nexus creates what becomes our shared political reality. Without those constant media attacks by Republicans, faithfully reported by the corporate media, rank and file Democrats would have had no reason to tolerate Clintons total betrayal of what had been long standing Democratic Party policies and ideals going back to the New Deal. In other words, the vociferous Republican attacks related to Clintons sexual behavior acted to legitimize Clinton in the minds of large swaths of Democratic and Independent voters who otherwise would have looked critically and actually been appalled at his traitorous policy decisions. Without these loud and public Republican attacks Clinton would have been essentially an emperor with no clothes. The logic became, well, if he is so roundly hated by the evil Republicans, he must be acting somehow in our best interests and therefore we must do our best to protect and defend him. I dont doubt that such reasoning occurred for many on a quite unconscious level. This is how propaganda operations work. Since the Republicans were obviously the enemy, the Democratic base was left with what appeared to be the only reasonable response, to embrace the old adage of the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Clinton maintained credibility with his Democratic base because he was hated and constantly under attack by those whom Democrats knew were clearly the forces of darkness, those racist, homophobic, anti-choice, war-like Republicans. If we fast forward to these final weeks of the eight- year Obama administration, we find, to quote Yogi Berra, that its deja vu all over again. Obamas presidential acts have been unburdened by anything resembling fidelity to the campaign promises he made to his constituents. He has in fact continued Bush IIs illegal wars in the Middle East, expanding them across the region in the process. He has presided over illegal coups in the Ukraine and Honduras, and, one could argue, also played a role in Brazil. In Libya, unleashing Hillary, he has destroyed a secular nation that had the highest standard of living in all of Africa. His decisions as commander in chief then sent the same jihadi terrorists used to destroy Libya off to Syria to continue their work in service to our rather transparently bi-partisan US foreign policy. Obama declined to prosecute any of the Bush II war criminals, instead welcoming some to new homes in his administration. The comment we tortured some folks appears to be as close to justice and the rule of law as our Peace Prize president plans to get. Obama pursued no prosecution of the amoral Wall Street financial criminals that destroyed the lives of millions of Americans. In fact many of these odious human beings made their way quickly into the Obama cabinet where they continue managing the economic system to the benefit of the same elites who financed Obamas rise to office. Obama deported more illegal immigrants than any president in US history. He prosecuted more whistleblowers than any president in US history. He continued and may have expanded mass surveillance. He failed to restore habeas corpus. He is modernizing rather than reducing our nuclear arsenal, Peace Prize and promises be damned. He fracked, he drilled, and he effectively continued Bush II Republican policies under the name of a Democratic presidency. Whats not for Republicans to like? Whats not for the oligarchy that owns and operates both parties to like? What significant policy decisions distinguish Obama as a member of the Democratic Party rather than a member of the Republican Party? Yet the Republicans despise Obama, do they not? Ah yes, in no particular order: Obama-care, the birth certificate, and the hes a closet Muslim thing. Of course! How could we be so blind? These attacks by the vile Republicans prove he is our benefactor and champion! Look how our enemies despise and hate him! So again the Democratic base defends Obama, right on cue, just as with Bill Clinton before him. Not because he is acting in their interests or living up to campaign promises. Instead, he is defended in large part because he is under unrelenting irrational public attack in the oligarch owned corporate media by the dreaded Republicans, which makes it appear that he must be standing up for us in some way shape or form yet to be determined. These absurd Republican critiques of Obama have served the same propaganda function as the media circus surrounding the now legendary fellatio sessions of the Clinton presidency. They provide the illusion of legitimacy to a political candidate and party no longer deserving of the support of Democratic voters. While under the cover of this relentless Republican attack Obama has courageously and faithfully carried on the Bush II economic and foreign policy agenda in total betrayal of his supporters. Since the Republicans hate him so much, he must somehow be acting valiantly on our collective behalf, or so the truthiness, passing as logic, appears to go for many in the base. Routine police murders of unarmed Black men continue to take place with deadly regularlity. The mentally ill are also shot and killed by police on a routine basis simply by virtue of being mentally ill, and therefore by definition unlikely to follow police orders. In North Dakota police brutality aimed at Native American Dakota Access water protectors continues unabated, and screams for presidential intervention. One can only conclude that the evil Republicans have confined Obama to the White House and cut off his access to all media, denying him even the lame duck bully pulpit. Such monsters! Know they no shame? We have been had, folks. We have been bamboozled, conned, taken for a ride, manipulated and deceived. We have fallen, consciously or unconsciously, for the logic that the enemy of our enemy must indeed be our friend. Not so much, it would appear. At least if one considers the presidential policy record to contain any meaningful information worth assessing. If these decades of fake party fights to the death related to sex scandals and birth certificates, played to the hilt in the corporate media, arent an actual CIA run operation, it should be. It smells of all the subtle media manipulation the CIA used in Europe to shape public thought and opinion during the Cold War. It has provided the only cover left for trying to hide the utter corruption of what amounts to two branches of a single neoliberal war party owned and operated by the oligarchy. Given the direct CIA connections of both the Bush and Clinton families, we have had 24 of the last 32 years of the presidency clearly in the hands of the deep state. The Bush family has been the Republican face of the CIA and the Clinton family the Democratic face. Had Hillary been elected the charade would have continued. Today all we are left with is the more and more desperate theater of the absurd attempts by corporate media to convince us we have political choices. We do not. What has the Democratic base received in payment for its diligent defense against the irrational and absurd Republican critiques of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama? Quite simply, sixteen additional years of Republican policies on the domestic front and sixteen more years of deep state / Wall Street imperial foreign policy. If actual policy means more than rhetoric, Bill Clinton will be remembered as the first Democratic Republican president and Barack Obama will be seen as the first Black Democratic Republican president. What was apparent to some of us at the time is hopefully clearer to more of us today. For the Democratic Party to effectively morph into its current form as simply one of two neoliberal war parties has required constant contrived political theater validated and echoed non-stop by the corporate media. The vociferous, illogical and relentless attacks from the Republican Party against liberal Democratic presidents have acted as cover for the gutting of the Democratic Party itself. These attacks have served a propaganda function that has facilitated and helped conceal the Democratic partys betrayal of its own constituents, while promoting the lie that it is valiantly fighting against the depredations of the Republicans. It has been a decades long con job of the first order. This years primary season and recent election pulled the curtain back to expose for the world to see the total amoral bankruptcy of both our parties and of our corporate media, all of which are owned by the oligarchy which rules us. Meanwhile those of us who consider ourselves progressives, or, god forbid, radicals, have a good deal of soul searching to do in the wake of this election. Many progressive people have gone to bed each night over the last eight years thinking that they are ethical and decent people because they support gay marriage, freedom of choice and multi-cultural values. However, many of these same people lost no sleep due to concerns regarding the plight of those left behind by another eight years of brutal Democratically supported neoliberal economic policies. The deplorables, to use the empathy-free language of the mass murderer who until last week was awaiting coronation as our nations first female Democratic Republican president. Charles de Gaulles comment to an aide about how the American people would respond to the obvious State assassination of John Kennedy seems to describe the current mindset of many in the Democratic base regarding the corruption of their party and the role of the United States in continually fomenting global violence: They dont want to know. They dont want to find out. They wont allow themselves to find out. There is a rather grotesque schism in the psyche of many progressive Democrats today. Many ardent Obama and Hillary supporters, while acutely sensitive to identity politics in domestic issues, have ignored, rationalized or denied our ongoing imperial slaughter, directly and through proxy, of people of color across the planet. Regarding US military and economic violence in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America, Obama has enjoyed a free pass from the same people who rightly applaud him for his stand on gay marriage. Many have simply denied there is a problem and have not bothered to educate themselves about what their president and their country have been doing in the world. Ignorance can only foster the illusion of bliss for so long. Denial is the most brittle of all psychological defense mechanisms. When denial finally breaks down it can feel as if ones world is crumbling, when in fact that world had crumbled long ago, its disappearance simply hidden from awareness by our refusal to look, to see, to acknowledge what was right before our eyes. Denial no longer works to protect us from the truth. With the campaign of HRC the stage was set for not simply a continuation of the Obama regime but a return to the even more bizarre Dr. Strangelove neocon crazy of the Bush II years. One could already imagine the strategy that would be used to deflect from her Republican policies. It would be that the Republicans hate her because she is a woman, so of course we must support her and her policies no matter what. No doubt a significant portion of the Democratic base would have watched her incinerate the planet before theyd dare question her policies, her being the first woman president and all. If anyone is still harboring thoughts that include the possibility of fixing this neoliberal dumpster fire that is the Democratic Party, there is really little more to say. First, the oligarchs arent going to put their cash cow up for sale because its too valuable to ensuring their interests. Second, the Democratic base is a bit too cash strapped given all those profits going to the top 1% to really make a competitive bid now anyway, isnt it? Accepting reality at this point means accepting that the Democratic Party of many peoples fantasies or youth simply no longer exists. Period. Sorry, but the oligarchs arent going to get out of the way and let folks do a radical makeover so they can lose money on the deal. It appears were going to have to actually work, sacrifice, organize, educate ourselves and each other, suffer, and resist, as hard and painful as all of that is going to be. The alternative is exactly what weve gotten for the last 24 years a count down to oblivion during which we all watch Tweedledum and Tweedledee mud wrestle each other on our video screens, 24/7, while much of the world is left to hope, desperately, that we will finally collectively wake up. Gary Weglarz recently retired from practice as a clinical social worker. He worked with, and learned from, Alaskan Native peoples who were attempting to heal the damage inflicted by the collective intergenerational trauma of colonization. Currently he is engaged in research and writing regarding the relationship between past mass trauma in Western societies, and the subsequent colonial violence that has characterized Europe and her colonies. He was actively involved in Central American solidarity efforts throughout the 1990s, traveling with human rights delegations to Nicaragua, El Salvador and Colombia. He currently lives in France. Copyright Gary Weglarz, Global Research, 2016 US Syria Policy: Signs Of Shift: Trump Son Meets Pro-Russia Damascus Figure The president-elects son reportedly met with Randa Kassis, a Syrian politician who strongly supports Russian intervention, in Paris last month By Julian Borger in Washington and Raya Jalabi in New York November 24, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " The Guardian " - A meeting in Paris between Donald Trumps son and a Syrian politician with strong ties to Russia has strengthened expectations that the new US administration will side with Moscow in the conflict. The meeting Donald Trump Jr attended at the Paris Ritz on 11 October, reported in the Wall Street Journal, was co-hosted by Randa Kassis, who runs a Syrian group portrayed as the patriotic opposition by Moscow. Kassis is widely viewed as pro-regime by many dissidents, because she advocates political transition in cooperation with the Syrian leader, Bashar al-Assad, and because of her strong support of Russian intervention. Russia intervened to save the country, for the sake of Syria, Kassis said on the al-Jazeera programme Opposite Direction on Tuesday. The problem is that you dont know the Russians, you dont understand the Russians you just accuse the Russians of being against the opposition but you need to understand them. Bassam Barabandi, a former Syrian diplomat who defected and is now a Washington-based dissident said that Kassiss organisation does not have widespread support. It is really her and a group of her friends, he said. No one else in Syria recognises her as an opposition except the regime. Her husband, Fabien Baussart, is a French businessman who runs a small thinktank in Paris called the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs, and has strong commercial ties to Kazakhstan and Russia. Baussart introduced Kassis, a former Damascus socialite, to Sergey Lavrov, according to Joseph Bahout, a Syrian expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She is a good friend of Lavrov, and he invited her and several others to Moscow and they created what is known with a certain irony as the Moscow opposition,Bahout said. The Russians in their cynicism tried to impose these people as an opposition delegation to the peace talks in Geneva. But of course the rest of the opposition all objected. Kassis recently posted comments on her Facebook page about the meeting, saying: Syrias opposition got hope that political process will move forward and Russia and the United States will reach accord on the issue of the Syrian crisis, because of Trumps victory. Such hope and belief is the result of my personal meeting with Donald Trump Junior in Paris in October. I succeeded to pass [to] Trump, through the talks with his son, the idea of how we can cooperate together to reach the agreement between Russia and the United States on Syria, Kassis said in her Facebook posting. Throughout his campaign, Trump praised Russia and the Syrian government for fighting Isis, although very little of the war effort of either government is focused on the Islamic State movement. It is mostly aimed at areas held by other opposition groups, and their bombing of those areas has been responsible for the great majority of the civilian casualties, according to human rights groups. Earlier this month, Assad appeared to give the president-elect a cautious endorsement, saying Trump would be a natural ally if he fulfils his pledge to fight terrorists. In an interview with the New York Times on Wednesday, Trump said: I have a different view on Syria than everybody else. He gave no specifics other than to say his view was opposed to the Republican senator Lindsey Graham, who has proposed tougher action to back some opposition groups, defend civilians and confront Russia and the Syrian regime. He said he had very strong ideas on Syria, but would only discuss them off the record. In the same New York Times interview, Trump also suggested that his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, might serve as an envoy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. That suggestion and his sons attendance at the Paris meeting have reinforced earlier impressions that he would rely heavily on personal and business connections in foreign policy, using family members as go-betweens despite their lack of experience. Members of Trumps entourage also came under fire from a former counter-terrorist official on Wednesday for their lobbying on behalf of an Iranian rebel group, the Mujahidin e-Khalq (MeK), that was on the state department foreign terrorist organisation list from 1997 until 2012. Daniel Benjamin, the coordinator for counter-terrorism in the state department from 2009 to 2012, accused the former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani and former ambassador to the UN, John Bolton, both candidates for high office in the new administration, of accepting lavish fees from an organisation that had in the past been responsible for the deaths of American citizens and other civilians. You can tell a lot about potential Cabinet nominees by the terrorist group they shill for, Benjamin wrote in Politico on Wednesday. The MeK has plenty of American blood on its hands, as well as that of thousands of Iranians killed while the group was a strike force serving Saddam Hussein in the 1980s and 90s. Trump Taps Pro-Israel South Carolina Governor to be UN Envoy Nikki Haley last year signed legislation that bans boycott of Jewish state; appointment makes her first woman in top post in new administration By AP and Times of Israel staff November 24, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Times Of Israel " - President-elect Donald Trump has chosen South Carolinas pro-Israel governor Nikki Haley as US ambassador to the United Nations. Haley has accepted the cabinet-level position, becoming the first woman tapped for a top-level administration post during his White House transition so far. Governor Haley has a proven track record of bringing people together regardless of background or party affiliation to move critical policies forward for the betterment of her state and our country, Trump said in a release Wednesday. She is also a proven deal-maker, and we look to be making plenty of deals. She will be a great leader representing us on the world stage. Last year, Haley brought in state-wide legislation that targets those supporting a boycott of Israel. Although the law does not mention Israel by name, it does state that public bodies may not enter into a contract with a business unless the contract includes a representation that the business is not currently engaged in, and an agreement that the business will not engage in, the boycott of a person or an entity based in or doing business with a jurisdiction with whom South Carolina can enjoy open trade. Haley has also accused President Barack Obama of not sufficiently supporting Israel. Speaking after his final State of the Union address in January, the governor said that if the Republicans were in power, they would make international agreements that were celebrated in Israel and protested in Iran, not the other way around. An outspoken Trump critic throughout much of the presidential race, Haley will become the first female and first nonwhite cabinet-level official if confirmed by the Senate. Shes the daughter of Indian immigrants and is the second Asian-American to serve as a US governor. Our country faces enormous challenges here at home and internationally, and I am honored that the president-elect has asked me to join his team and serve the country we love as the next ambassador to the United Nations, Haley is quoted as saying in Trumps release. Not all presidents have treated the ambassadorship to the UN as a cabinet-level position, and Republicans have tended not to grant that status. After secretary of state a job Trump has not yet filled the ambassadorship is highest-profile diplomatic position, often serving as the voice for US positions on the international stage. As part of the cabinet, Haley would have more opportunity to shape US policies, rather than simply defend the administrations positions. Yet it could be an awkward role at times. Trump campaigned on the theme of America first and said he is skeptical about international unions that tie us up and bring America down. Trump has also described the United Nations as weak and incompetent. Haley would be the third consecutive female US ambassador to the United Nations, after Susan Rice and Samantha Power, the current ambassador. Haleys new job clears the way for Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster to step into the role of South Carolina governor. McMaster was an early Trump endorser, backing him before the states GOP primary in February. At the time, Haley campaigned for Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, before going on to support Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. The people of South Carolina are embarrassed by Nikki Haley! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 1, 2016 Bad blood between Trump and Haley was evident in interviews and on social media. The people of South Carolina are embarrassed by Nikki Haley! Trump wrote on Twitter in March. Haley denounced several of Trumps campaign comments and urged voters to reject the siren call of the angriest voices. Still, Haley met with the president-elect last week at Trump Tower. Afterward, she said theyd had a very nice conversation. A week ago while meeting with other Republican governors in Orlando, Haley described herself as giddy over the prospect of joining the Trump administration. She said she was heartened by his tone and inclusiveness after winning the election. I hope he continues to do that, and I hope he continues to be disciplined in his comments. Israels Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon welcomed the appointment, saying, Governor Haley is a longstanding and true friend of Israel and is an outspoken fighter against the BDS movement in her state, and throughout the US. I know that we at the Israeli Mission will continue to work in full partnership with our friends in the American Mission, as we further strengthen the special bond and shared values between Israel and the US. The Republican Jewish Coalition also praised the appointment on Wednesday and said, Governor Nikki Haley is a brilliant choice to serve as our countrys Ambassador to the United Nations. Governor Haley is hardworking, smart, and has a strong world view that will represent the United States well on the global stage. What Should Palestinians Expect Can Trump Be Any Worse? By Ramzy Baroud November 24, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - Fear and trepidation are slowly building up, as US President-elect, Donald Trump, is fortifying his transitional team with people capable of bringing about a nightmare scenario, not only for Americans but for the rest of the world, as well. For Palestinians, however, the signs are even more ominous. From former New York mayor, Rudy Giuliani, to Republican leader Newt Gingrich, the Trump team is filling up with dishonorable men who have made careers out of pandering to Israeli interests and unabashedly discounting Palestinian rights. While Gingrich had claimed in 2011 that Palestinians are invented people, Giuliani, according to Jewish News Service is fondly remembered in the Jewish community for expelling Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) chief, Yasser Arafat, from a United Nations concert at Lincoln Center in 1995. Considering earlier statements made by Trump himself last May that the expansion of illegal Jewish settlements in the Occupied West Bank should keep moving forward to more recent comments by Trumps point person in Israel, Jason Greenblatt, that the illegal colonies are not an obstacle to peace, it is fairly certain that the Trump administration is decidedly anti-peace and anti-Palestinians. Israeli officials are, of course, rejoicing at the opportunity of working with such an administration, with Education Minister Naftali Bennet celebrating the end of a Palestinian state era and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman inviting Trump to coordinate the development of the illegal settlements. But the media forecast for the next four years in US foreign policy towards Palestine and Israel is also prejudiced. It is true that Trumps prospective line-up of old politicians is not conducive to the achievement of a just peace in Palestine by any stretch of the imagination, but presenting the news as if the prospects of a thriving just peace had existed under the administration of Barack Obama is simply laughable. The Obama administration, despite the uneasy relationship between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been one of the friendliest and most generous towards Israel. Obama has remained steadfast on Israels side as they both fought against Palestinian political aspirations in international institutions. Only recently, Obama signed a landmark agreement by giving Israel $38 billion in military funding, the largest aid package in US history. So those worried about things getting worse for Palestinians under a Trump presidency can take comfort in the fact that they already have. But will this impact the American position towards a Palestinian state? Not in the least because, again, Obama, like his predecessors fought tirelessly to prevent a Palestinian state from ever taking form. If a distinction is to emerge between the Obama and Trump administrations, it is likely to be manifested in rhetoric, not in action: the former refined and articulate, the latter belligerent and demagogic. Either way, Palestinians lose. In his last speech before the United Nations, Obama dedicated a single sentence to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict a sentence that accurately reflected his failure to positively affect the outcomes of the Middle Easts most protracting, destabilizing conflict. Both sides would be better off if Palestinians reject incitement and recognize the legitimacy of Israel, but Israel recognizes that it cannot permanently occupy and settle Palestinian land, he said. Nothing more. While his previous speeches dedicated much rhetoric to the conflict in Palestine and Israel, the last UN speech and that sentence alone was a more honest indication of eight years that lacked vision, or even a sincere attempt at finding one. Over that eight-year period, during which time thousands of innocent people the vast majority of whom were Palestinians were killed, Obama purportedly labored to achieve the proverbial, although misleading, middle ground. The outcome of his policies were quite devastating: whereas he sold Palestinians false hope, he granted Israel most of its needs of military funding and technology, shielding it from international censure, too. Moreover, during the last Israeli war on Gaza in 2014 which killed and wounded thousands, Obama ensured the Israeli armys storage of ammunitions and military hardware remained at full capacity. On the political front, he ensured Palestinian efforts aimed at obtaining recognition for their future state were soundly defeated. He went as far as denying the UN cultural organisation, UNESCO, from nearly a quarter of its funding simply for admitting Palestine as a new member. Yet, some are, naively, hoping that Obama will seek recognition for the State of Palestine at the UN Security Council in his remaining weeks in the Oval Office. These hopes have been buoyed by media reports that Obama had instructed the State Department to develop an option menu regarding his vision for a resolution to the conflict. While Palestinians and their supporters are optimistic that Obama will redeem himself, even if symbolically, and support the Palestinian push for statehood, Obama is unlikely to carry out any such steps, especially since Trump is bound to defeat such initiatives once he moves into the White House. Additionally, the soon-to-depart president has had eight full years to show real grit and to take advantage of his first-term popularity to challenge the pro-Israel lobby and present his country as a truly honest broker in an unequal conflict. He could have, at least, sided with the majority of humanity by adding his countrys voice to those that recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations. As of September of last year, 139 of the UNs member states (and two non-member states) have recognized Palestine. But those recognition remain largely symbolic as long as the US is unyielding in its rejection of Palestinian aspirations. An unwavering supporter of Israel, the US is not only blocking full Palestinian membership at the UN, but is doing its utmost to prevent Palestine from gaining access to international institutions. Regardless of what position is to be recommended by the State Department to Obama in his final days in the White House, the misfortunes of the Palestinians are unlikely to be reversed overnight, or in the foreseeable future. Judging from Trumps friendly overtures towards Israel -for example, inviting Netanyahu and his wife to visit Washington shortly after winning the elections the immediate future does not look promising. History has taught us that, when it comes to US foreign policy towards Palestine and Israel, things are likely to get worse, not better. Despite the current chasm within American society, among the media and political elites, the American love affair with Israel will continue. The ongoing war on Palestinian rights and aspirations will also linger. The Palestinian leadership seems unable to understand such an obvious reality. The Palestinian Authority in Ramallah is either unaware or, perhaps, oblivious to the fact that its salvation will not arrive from Washington, but from its ability to navigate the US-Israeli alliance in a resolved and united manner. Indeed, regardless of what position Obama or even Trump may or may not take, it will have little bearing on the outcome if Palestinians remain divided. Far more significant than the inflammatory drivel of Gingrich and Giuliani, Palestinian division and their inability to confront the Israeli Occupation with one unified and daring strategy is Palestines greatest, and most pressing challenge. Dr. Ramzy Baroud has been writing about the Middle East for over 20 years. He is an internationally-syndicated columnist, a media consultant, an author of several books and the founder of PalestineChronicle.com. His books include Searching Jenin, The Second Palestinian Intifada and his latest My Father Was a Freedom Fighter: Gazas Untold Story. His website is www.ramzybaroud.net. Home Sign up for our FREE Daily Email Newsletter Trump Has Not Changed His Mind About Torture The transcript of the New York Times interview contradicts the papers own story. By Fred Kaplan November 24, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Slate " - Theres a notion out there that, after talking with Gen. James Mattis, who might be the next secretary of defense, President-elect Donald Trump is suddenly opposed to waterboarding. In fact, this isnt true at all. The notion arose from a story in the New York Times about Trumps hourlong meeting on Tuesday with the papers editors and reporters. The story stated: On the issue of torture, Mr. Trump suggested he had changed his mind about the value of waterboarding after talking with Gen. James N. Mattis, a retired Marine Corps general He said, Ive never found it to be useful, Mr. Trump said. He added that Mr. Mattis found more value in building trust and rewarding cooperation with terrorism suspects: Give me a pack of cigarettes and a couple of beers, and Ill do better. I was very impressed by that answer, Mr. Trump said. Torture, he said, is not going to make the kind of difference that a lot of people are thinking. However, the full transcript of the session, which the Times published on its website, reveals a different bottom line. Trump is quoted as telling the same story about Mattis, adding, I was surprised [by his answer], because hes known as being like the toughest guy. But Trump then goes on, And when he said that, Im not saying it changed my mind. (Italics added.) Let me repeat that: Contrary to the Times own news story, it is not the case that Mr. Trump suggested he had changed his mind about the value of waterboarding. In fact, he explicitly said the opposite. Right after that point in the transcript, a Times editor adds the following, in parentheses and italics: (Earlier, we mistakenly transcribed changed my mind.) Hence the misreporting and the as-yet largely unrecognized misunderstanding. Trump goes on in the transcript: Look we have people that are chopping off heads and drowning people in steel cages and were not allowed to waterboard. But Ill tell you what, I was impressed by that answer. It certainly does notits not going to make the kind of difference that maybe a lot of people think. If its so important to the American people, I would go for it. I would be guided by that. But Gen. Mattis found it to be very less important, much less important than I thought he would say. In short, Mattis exposed Trump to a different view of torturea view, by the way, that most American generals and admirals hold. And, especially if he does appoint Mattis to his Cabinet, he might open himself to that view in making policy. However, Trump has not changed his mind on torturewhich, since he enthusiastically supported it during the campaign, means he still supports it now. Fred Kaplan is the author of Dark Territory: The Secret History of Cyber War. In Stunning Reversal, Trump Scraps His Calls to Bring Back Torture : President-elect Donald Trump delivered a stunning about-face on his support for torturing terrorism suspects, and despite months of bragging that he would bring back waterboarding and a hell of a lot worse, he now says it might not be an effective tool. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. Please read our Comment Policy before posting - It is unacceptable to slander, smear or engage in personal attacks on authors of articles posted on ICH. Those engaging in that behavior will be banned from the comment section. It Is Up To Us By Paul Craig Roberts November 24, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - Did Donald Trump win the election because he is a racist and misogynist and so are the American people? No. Thats BS from the Oligarchs well-paid whores in the media, liberal progressive activist groups, think tanks and universities. Did Trump win because he stole the election? More BS. The Oligarchs controlled the voting machines. They failed to steal the election, because the people outsmarted them and told the pollsters that they were voting for Hillary. This led to the presstitutes propaganda that Hillary was the certain winner, and the Oligarchs believed their own propaganda and didnt believe it necessary to make certain of their victory. Trump won the presidency because he spoke directly and truthfully to the American people, telling them what what they knew to be true and had never before heard from any politician: Our movement is about replacing a failed and corrupt political establishment with a new government controlled by you, the American people. The establishment has trillions of dollars at stake in this election. Those who control the levers of power in Washington and the global special interests they partner with, dont have your good in mind. The political establishment that is trying to stop us is the same group responsible for our disastrous trade deals, massive illegal immigration and economic and foreign policies that have bled our country dry. Its a global power structure that is responsible for the economic decisions that have robbed our working class, stripped our country of its wealth and put that money into the pockets of a handful of large corporations and political entities. The only thing that can stop this corrupt machine is you. The only force strong enough to save our country is us. The only people brave enough to vote out this corrupt establishment is you, the American people. Trump did not promise voters a bunch of handouts. He didnt say he would fix this and that. He said that only the American people could fix our broken country and identified himself as an agent of the people. The people won the election, but the Oligarchy is still there, as powerful as ever. They have already launched their attack using their whores in the media and liberal progressive groups in attempts to delegitimize Trump with protests, petitions, and endlessly false news reports. George Soros, using the money he made by his attack on the British currency, will pay thousands of protesters to attempt to disrupt the inauguration. What about Trumps government? As Trump discovered, finding appointees who are not part of the Oligarchys economic and foreign policy establishment is very difficult. Washington is not a home for critics and dissidents. Consider Pat Buchanan, for example. As a White House official in two administrations and a two-time presidential candidate, he is experienced, but Washington has marginalized him. Moreover, even if there were a stable of outsiders, they would be eaten alive by the insiders. Trump will have to take insiders. But he has to pick insiders who are to some extent their own person. General Michael Flynn as National Security Adviser is not a bad pick. Flynn is the former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency who advised the Obama regime against employing ISIS against Syria. Flynn has publicly stated on television that the appearance of ISIS in Syria was a willful decision of the Obama regime. In other words, ISIS is Washingtons agent, which is why the Obama regime has protected ISIS. Trumps chief of staff (Priebus) and chief strategist (Bannon) are reasonable choices. Sessions (Attorney General) and Pompeo (CIA) are disturbing appointments based on their media-created reputations. But in the US where there is no honest media, we dont know the truth of the reputations. Nevertheless, if Sessions does support torture, he is disqualified as attorney general, because the Constitution prohibits torture. The US cannot afford yet another attorney general who does not support the US Constitution. If Pompeo actually is so poorly informed that he opposed the Iran settlement, he is not fit to be CIA director. The CIA itself said that Iran had no nuclear weapons program, and with Russias help the matter was resolved. Does Trump want a CIA director who neoconservatives could use to restart the conflict? The views of Sessions and Pompeo could be products of the time and not visceral. Regardless, Trump is a strong and willful person. If Trump wants peace with the Russians and Chinese, appointees who get in the way will be fired. So lets see what a Trump government does before we damn it. Presstitute reports of extreme neoconservative John Bolton and former US attorney and NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani being candidates for Secretary of State do not seem credible. If Trump intends to get along with Putin, how can he do that if his Secretary of State wants war with Russia? Trump should find an experienced diplomat who negotiated with the Soviets. Richard Burt, who had a major role in the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, is the sort of person it would make sense to consider. Another sensible candidate would be Jack Matlock, Reagans Ambassador to the Soviet Union. If Trump wants peace with Russia, the Secretary of State is the important appointment. If Trump wants to stop the Oligarchys rip off of the American people, the Secretary of the Treasury is the important appointment. Under the last three presidents, treasury secretaries have been agents for the banks-too-big-to-fail and for Wall Street. It is now a tradition for the financial gangsters to own the Treasury. It remains to be seen if the tradition is too strong for Trump to break. The Oligarchy is trying to discredit the Trump Presidency before it exists. This effort is discrediting liberal and progressive groups by identifying them with nonenforcement of the immigration laws and with homosexual and transgender rights, issues not on the agenda of an electorate whose economic fortunes have been declining and who are tired of 15 years of war that serves only the hegemony agenda of the neoconservatives and the profits and power of the military/security complex. According to The Saker, Putin has begun removing the Atlanticist Integrationists, Russias Fifth Column, from influence. Lets see if Trump can remove our fifth columnistsneoconservatives and neoliberal economistswho have sold out the American people and Americas integrity. If Trump fails, the only solution is for the American people to become more radical. Dr. Paul Craig Roberts was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy and associate editor of the Wall Street Journal. He was columnist for Business Week, Scripps Howard News Service, and Creators Syndicate. He has had many university appointments. His internet columns have attracted a worldwide following. Roberts' latest books are The Failure of Laissez Faire Capitalism and Economic Dissolution of the West , How America Was Lost , and The Neoconservative Threat to World Order . National Genocide Day By Paul Edwards November 24, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - Its here. As the brisk North winds and sharply chill days announce winters arrival we gather joyfully with family and dear friends around tables laden with roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and homemade pumpkin pie, to give thanks and celebrate once again our annihilation of an entire race. You say, Jesus, thats a cold shot, nobody thinks of it that way. Youre right, of course, and thats the point. The reality of the means of settlement of America has been so fantasticly transmuted by propagandanow daintily deemed perception management, framing the argumentthat the brutal ugliness of the story has been supplanted by a vacuous, insipid fairy tale created with stunning cynicism out of the infantile imagination of the State. The historical narrative of American conquest and occupation is one of invasion and extermination, of relentless pressure relentlessly applied, with the use of every murderous method, means, and mechanism in the arsenal of violent barbarity, from the Hordes of Genghiz Khan on down. Of course, it was not done on a formulated plan; nor was it accomplished in a single irresistible sweep such as Attilas invasion of medieval Europe, that very nearly made our own ancestors Mongols. The total appropriation of America was incremental, tidal, but it was not less overwhelming for that. From the first precarious landings the object was occupation, possession, and exploitation for gain. Nothing new in that: its what invasions are about. It began awkwardly, clumsily, driven by a God-terrorized Christianity that considered all life outside its appallingly ignorant and arrogant dogma as blind, soulless, worthless, and damned. As the power balance shifted radically toward whites with rapid population gain, this demonizingdoubtless reciprocatedfueled horrific, unmitigated savagery in the ferocious assault on native people and their lands. With the 19th century the end was a foregone conclusion. A huge, growing nation armed with all the power science could provide, harried, herded, ravaged, and eradicated whole tribes until, when the last spasms of futile, courageous resistance were crushed, the broken, violated, devastated remnants were hazed into outdoor prisons, condemned to freeze, starve and die by the cruelty and inhumanity of a conscienceless people. No one could have foretold at the end of the frontier with fulfillment of our Manifest Destiny that the same impulses and intentions that drove the native genocide would one day, in a far more lethal manifestation, motivate the intimidation, brutalization, and destruction of hundreds of millions of people of color and their weak, poor, struggling countries around the world. But old habits die hard, if at all, and that which worked well in the youth of a man or nation tends to be relied on in maturity. So it is with America: the purveyorer and promulgater of violent military aggression in the interests of massive exploitation of the resources and patrimony of nations who can be profitably, and relatively painlessly, battered, plundered and eviscerated. Iraq, Afghanistan, Lybia and Syria, have been blasted by the same degree of violence that the Creeks, Seminoles, Cherokees, Tecumsehs Shawnee, the Cheyenne at Sand Creek, Cochise and Geronimos Apaches, the Sioux of Crazy Horse, the Blackfeet of Heavy Runner, and Josephs Nez Perce suffered en route to slavery, alcoholism and suicide in the American Gulag. Santayana asserted that those who dont learn from history are condemned to repeat it, but what can one say of a nation which intentionally subverts that learning? America has worked so hard, so long at deceiving its people with Exceptionalist tripe that in the gross dissonance between Obamas words and deeds, one sees it no longer distinguishes truth from falsehood. Most grimly, sadly, disgracefully, at this moment, with the nation about to celebrate again the vulgar fantasy the idea of Thanksgiving evokes, we face the odious fact that the American genocide, in its large outlines, is not over. At Standing Rock, battle-armed, SWAT-rigged police deploy dogs, clubs, guns and water cannon in subzero weather against native people defending their water and life, in the interests of Big Oil and its dirty profits. Jefferson said, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just. The nightmare isnt over. The American tragedy goes on. And in the agony and chaos America has created, at home and around the world, the flag that should rightfully be called Old Gory, still flies above a guilty, unjust, and unrepentant Empire. West Already Weaponizing Fake News By Finian Cunningham November 24, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Sputnik " - You really know that masses of people are living within a mind-control matrix when the greatest, most pervasive purveyors of fake news denounce others for the practice. And yet they do so without the slightest hint of awareness about their own monstrous hypocrisy. "Fake news" has become a hot issue following the surprise US election victory of maverick business tycoon Donald Trump. Supposedly serious Western media outlets have highlighted the spread of hoax stories purporting to be news reports as having swayed the presidential race in Trumps favor against his rival, Democrat career politician Hillary Clinton. One such hoax "report" was that Pope Francis had allegedly given his blessing to Trump just before the November 8 poll, which presumably prompted some American Catholics on board the Republicans election ticket. No doubt, the internet is a plentiful source of false rumor and other bizarre, tall stories. But now, it seems, Western corporate media giants are calling for Facebook and other social networking sites to weed out "fake news". Given how wrong the US media called the election and also their rabid bias against Trump, the hunt for a scapegoat is understandable. US media mogul Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO, seems ready to comply with demands to provide a team of censors against the spread of fictive reports. Even though, he claims that the vast majority of news links on his worldwide network are to genuine, factual content. This is setting a sinister precedent for abusive, systematic censorship. Unfortunately, control of global information is prone to subjective Western cultural and political bias. Already we see how it is Western media outlets who are making an issue over "fake news" and it is Western-based internet companies like Facebook and Google who are taking on the mantle of filtering out content. It is not hard, therefore, to imagine how this train of thought could be applied eventually to non-Western news services that supply information critical of Western government interests an conduct. Take, for example, the war in Syria. Russian news media have provided many important, documented reports and analyses on how Washington and its Western allies are systematically colluding with jihadi terror groups to prosecute a covert, criminal war for regime change against the elected government of Syria. By contrast, the Western corporate media have rarely if ever given any coverage to such verifiable violations by their governments in Syria. Or in any other recent conflict for that matter, such as in Yemen, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Georgia. Of course, this is because Western media outlets are part of the ideological, propaganda matrix that serves to conceal the crimes of Western governments, which, in turn, serve to facilitate the strategic interests of Western corporations. Western so-called news services do on occasion publish outright fake news, such as when Iraq was accused of possessing weapons of mass destruction in the run-up to the US-led war in 2003. But far more often, the informational fare is less crudely fabricated and more subtly finessed with distortions and omissions of crucial facts and context. Still, that is tantamount to fake news, no less. This week, Western newspapers and TV channels were reporting on how Russia was "destabilizing European security" by installing Iskander missiles and the S-400 defense system in its territory of Kaliningrad the exclave between Lithuania and Poland. The supposedly august London Times headlined its report thus: "Putin moves his missiles in new threat to Europe". The foreboding tone is typical of the constant flow of Western media reports over many months alleging that Russian warships and warplanes are menacing European territories. From Britains Daily Mail to America's New York Times we have been told since at least last year that Russian troops were about to invade the Baltic states. No matter that Moscow, including President Vladimir Putin and his top diplomat Sergei Lavrov, has repeatedly dismissed the allegations of Russian aggression. Undeterred, the Western "news stories" just keep being churned out as if by a manic conveyor belt. As always, this week's Western Russian-scare episode was spun and disseminated without the appropriate, crucial context. The installation of missiles on Russia's western-most territory comes after the US-led NATO military alliance announced plans last month to greatly escalate troops on Russia's border. The Kaliningrad move also follows the deployment of US missile systems in Romania earlier this year. Evidently, Russia's latest military measures are in response to US and NATO offensive steps, or as Putin told American film director Oliver Stone in an interview aired this week, the Russian moves are "counter-measures". Washington and its NATO allies justify their reckless escalation on Russia's borders as "defensive response" to alleged Russian intervention in Ukraine in 2014 and Georgia in 2008. But such Western claims are easily disputable, indeed rendered baseless if given to objective scrutiny. The trouble is, however, Western media have by and large not allowed factual reportage to intrude on their pre-ordained narrative of impugning and demonizing Russia. What we see is a systematic information campaign bluntly, propaganda that propagates fake news upon fake news in order to justify Western strategic interests. Those interests include: propping up NATO and the Western military-industrial complex that is so vital to sustain late capitalist economies; as well as subjugating Russia and its enormous natural resources for exploitation by Western corporations. In this perspective, fake news about the Pope backing Donald Trump or about Hillary Clinton's health condition is a trifle. The real perpetrators of fake news are professional media conglomerates that pound TV channels and internet screens every second of every day, with the diabolical risk of igniting all-out global war. This corporate-controlled fake news about alleged Russian aggression in Europe or purported violations in Syria and Ukraine is correlated with the sanitizing of real news about how Western governments are supporting terrorists in Syria, or aiding and abetting state-sponsored slaughter of civilians in Yemen. So pervasive is this matrix that the systematic purveyors of fake news can turn around and, with a straight face, pontificate to others about the "ethics of journalism". What is truly alarming is that the Wests weaponization of information self-declared as independent, free-thinking has become so inculcated that real, alternative news could end up being banished from public access. Dissenting news sites, including many that are based in the West and elsewhere, including Russian's RT and Sputnik, often convey context and facts that upend Western official narratives. Just because those alternative news perspectives might appear outlandish to grossly distorted Western narratives, will they then be subject to censorship? Accusing Western governments of sponsoring terrorism or fabricating "Russian aggression" could, plausibly, seem like fake news if control of the internet were given over to a coterie of Western-based monitors. But such designation of "fake news" is only due to oblivious cultural arrogance and indoctrination. Maybe the internet will not succumb to the latest Western crusade against "fake news". However, considering how so much of Western "news" is already weaponized and when you consider the deeper malign purposes that it truly serves, then the practice of creeping censorship is never too far away. Immediate-past governor of Bauchi State, Mallam Isa Yuguda, returned to Bauchi on Thursday to the warm embrace of his supporters after 18 months of absence from the state. Addressing newsmen, Yuguda said that he came home to thank the people of the state, after suffering from an ailment for one and half years. He said a lot of sad events took place during his absence, hence the need for him to come and condole with families of his departed associates and friends. Yuguda stated that he was not in Bauchi for politics, reminding his supporters that he did not belong to any political party for now. I came home not for politics yet; when the time for that comes, then I will decide which party to join and then politicking will begin. I am in Bauchi to appreciate the prayers of the good people of the state when I was abroad for an ailment which I had to undergo surgery for, he said. He commended journalists in the state for upholding the ethics of their profession by providing information to members of the public during his administration. Yuguda also said that there was never a time that his Bauchi residence was sealed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Source: Punch Many celebrities took to social media to express their gratitude as they celebrated the American holiday of Thanksgiving. The holiday was originally celebrated as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of harvest and of the preceding year. It is usually celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The celebs shared pictures with friends and family, and posted messages counting their blessings. Here are some posts: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNMbgKpjs8z/?taken-by=wale https://www.instagram.com/p/BNIMEwCDJ_0/ https://www.instagram.com/p/BNMji66gV7n/ https://www.instagram.com/p/BNK539ohM-o/ https://www.instagram.com/p/BNNNe5OhxXa/ The Police in Enugu on Thursday said one person died and 11 others became unconscious in an accident that occurred along the Ezeagu community axis of Onitsha-Enugu Expressway. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Enugu that the accident happened at about 9p.m. on Wednesday. Amaraizu said that the Police had yet to identify and contact the relations or friends of the victims. He appealed to members of the public to report to the Police any missing person or someone that undertook a journey through the Onitsha-Enugu road that had not returned home. The accident involved an empty luxurious bus and a mass transit company mini-bus loaded with passengers coming from Enugu. It was gathered that both vehicles collided while plying one way, which left one person in the mini-bus dead while 11 others are in critical condition. Police intervention saw the conveyance of the injured persons to Ekochin Hospital 9th Mile Corner, Ngwo, near Enugu, he said. Amaraizu said that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the Our Saviour Hospital Mortuary, 9th Mile Corner, Ngwo, near Enugu. Source: NAN The European Commission stopped working entirely on Thursday after there was a cyber attack on its website and servers. In the early afternoon of Wednesday, a detection of the first wave of a huge number of requests sent at the same time to access the Commissions website was made. This resulted in an overload of the institutions servers. As a result of the attack, the commissions staff stopped working due to lack of access to the Internet. So far, the institution has not reported whether they have discovered where the attack came from. The European Commission announced that the attack has been dealt with successfully and there has been no information leakage. Confidential files have not been accessed The attack happened as Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko visited Brussels to discuss visa free travel to the EU. SEE ALSO: European Parliament Votes To Block Turkeys Membership Talks The Minister of Education, Mr. Adamu Adamu, assured the Senate on Thursday that the issues that led to the face-off between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities would be resolved in three days. It was gathered that the minister gave the assurance at the meeting the FG had with ASUU at the instance of the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki. Similarly, it was learnt that ASUU President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, while thanking Saraki and the Senate committee for their intervention, also assured the Senate that the outstanding issues would be resolved within three days. The Senate had given the FG and ASUU a two-week period within which both parties must resolve the outstanding issues between them. Saraki, who had been mandated by the Senate to mediate between the two parties to prevent a prolonged strike by the university lecturers, was part of the Thursday meeting held at the National Assembly Complex. It was learnt that there were three outstanding issues, which bothered on the earned allowances for ASUU members. The Federal Government had on Wednesday said that while it had met seven out of the eight demands by ASUU, it could not meet the unions demand for earned allowance worth N284bn due to the current economic recession. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, said the government could not pay the allowance. He added that the government had conceded to the union the right to exclude endowment funds that accrued to universities from the Treasury Single Account. He said while the government agreed to ASUUs demand to exclude endowment funds from the TSA, it did not mean that universities councils would not have the right to audit such accounts. At the last meeting called by the Senate, the Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, which is spearheading the negotiation, had suggested that the government should give universities N1.5bn monthly, a proposal ASUU rejected on the basis that the amount was too meager. Another issue the meeting failed to resolve was the payment of the salaries and allowances of the staff of universities primary schools. Another issue in contention is the payment of 15 per cent of the education budget of each year to university education committees. The second meeting between the Senate and ASUU had ended in a stalemate on Monday. The Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, Senator Jibrin Barau, who spoke to journalists after the meeting, said the meeting, which lasted for about eight hours, was able to resolve all the issues raised by the lecturers except one bothering on payment of arrears. The Senate had last Wednesday failed to stop ASUU from continuing with its one-week warning strike. Barau, who addressed journalists after the first meeting, said the lawmakers had a fruitful deliberation with the striking lecturers, adding, A way forward has been found and the issues will soon be resolved. He, however, admitted that the warning strike would continue while the Senate worked towards preventing the lecturers from embarking on a total strike. Source: Punch Streaming service company Tidal, which is owned by hip-hop artist Jay Z is facing a lawsuit from a former employee for sex and pregnancy discrimination. According to the lawsuit, which was filed on Monday, Lisette Paulson was fired from the company in September 2015 after asking about making arrangements for pumping breast milk. Paulson alleges that in firing her, the company violated multiple laws, including the right of nursing mothers to express breast milk under New Yorks state labour law. The lawsuit, obtained by Pitchfork, says Paulson began working for Tidal as a consultant in March of that year. Before she went on maternity leave in May, Tidal Chief Operating Officer Desiree Perez confirmed that Paulson would come back after leave as a full-time employee. The suit says a week after Paulson returned in September, she asked Perez about her schedule, working from home, her work area and salary, and about having a private area to pump breast milk. Perez told Paulson to use a bathroom, which Paulson said wouldnt be feasible. The suit alleges that Perez asked Paulson if she had to do this, and asked if she had to give her an office. Perez then said she would speak with human resources about the matter. The following day, Paulson attended a team meeting and was asked to leave by Chief Financial Officer Joe Burrino who explained he didnt know when she was coming back. In addition to the multiple labour protections, Paulson is suing Tidal for intentional infliction of emotional distress and breach of oral contract. The suit doesnt state how much Paulson is seeking in damages. The Benue State Police Command have arrested a 42-year-old farmer, Unogwu Agbese of Apa-Agila community in Igumale district of Ado local government area for allegedly abducting his friends child with an intention to sell him. Agbese, a father of three who admitted to the crime said he took the 5-year-old to Abuja without the knowledge of his parents to see if he can get someone to buy him. According to him, the father is my childhood friend and the mother is my sister, when I couldnt get a buyer I brought him back the following day. Agbese, however, declined to answer any question as to why he opted to sell his friends child instead of his and what he needed the money for or why he voluntarily returned the minor to his parent. However, the police account contradicted Agbeses story. Police spokesman, Moses Joel Yamu, an Assistant Superintendent, who paraded the suspect ,said that the case of abduction against Agbese was first reported at the Ado Police Division penultimate Wednesday by one Emmanuel Edeh of Apa-Agila community. Yamu said that the complainant reported that the suspect, Agbese abducted his five year old son, David Emmanuel to Abuja without his consent. The police spokesman added that luck ran out of Agbese as the security operatives spread out their drag nets immediately and he was arrested while the child was recovered from his possession unhurt two days after and handed over to the police. Agbese, according to the police, would soon be charged to court for the law of the land to take its full course. Nigerian newspaper headlines November 25, 2016. Vanguard Barely 24hours to the November 26 Governorship election in Ondo State, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state, has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, purported recruitment of Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Prof. Kayode Soremekun as the Chief Returning Officer. Punch For describing the National Assembly as being peopled by a gang of unarmed robbers, the House of Representatives has lashed out at ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, calling him the grandfather of corruption. Guardian After more than two decades of silence over the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, former chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and National Chairman of the then Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Tony Anenih, has opened up in a new book to be launched in Abuja tomorrow. The Nation Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Eyitayo Jegede yesterday led a march on the Akure office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the shift of tomorrows governorship election . Leadership The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) is set to verify claims by members of the National Assembly regarding their asset declarations. Thisday Although language is regarded as an important item of a peoples identity, it is feared that about 50 per cent of over the 6000 languages that exist today are losing speakers due to military, religious, economic, cultural and educational subjugation, while a great number are under the threat of extinction. The Sun The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that, in continuation of its resolve to ease foreign exchange pressure on the strategics actors of the economy, it had granted access to about 7,792 requests for $867 million in October. Nigerias House of Representatives has shot back at the scathing criticism the House received from a former President, Olusegun Obasanjo. Obasanjo who spoke at the first Akintola Williams lecture criticized the Legislature and said the National Assembly Stinks to high heavens of corruption It is not the first time Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the National Assembly but this time the House has replied in equally strong terms, labeling the former president the grandfather of corruption. The House of Reps rebuttal came through the chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Abdulrazak Namdas. Namdas noted, Undoubtedly, former President Obasanjo is understandably angry with the National Assembly as an institution, having foiled his ambition for a third term in office even after trying to corrupt the members with a bribe of at least N50m each. Lest we forget, the person who introduced corruption to the National Assembly is Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. He birthed the 4th Republic National Assembly with corrupt practices from day one; indeed the first day of the Republic. He bribed the PDP, ANPP and AD legislators on their inauguration in 1999 to vote against the majority candidate of the PDP, (the late) Dr. Chuba Okadigbo. That was how Senator Evan Enwerem became the Senate President. Have we forgotten the sacks of money displayed on the floor of the House of Representatives, being bribe money paid by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to some honorable members to impeach the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Ghali Nabba? Have we forgotten that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo used his position as President to extort businessmen and contractors to build his presidential library? The list of his corrupt acts while in office is endless. Unquestionably, he is the greatest corrupt person ever to hold office in Nigeria. He remains the grandfather of corruption in Nigeria and lacks the moral authority to discuss corruption or abuse of office in Nigeria as he remains the most corrupt Nigerian on record. He explained, He claimed that the National Assemblys budget is very high, when by all standards, the National Assembly is grossly underfunded and is hampered from effectively and legitimately carrying out its constitutionally assigned functions. It is unfortunate that he has started his very familiar method of bringing down governments. He did it to Alhaji Shehu Shagari, he did it to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, he did the same to Gen. (Ibrahim) Babangida; and he attempted to bring down (the late) Gen. Sani Abacha before he imprisoned him for treason. He made frantic efforts to derail the government of (the late) President Musa YaArdua when he couldnt use him. He supported President Goodluck Jonathan, but when he refused to take his dictation, he turned against him. He supported President Buhari, but since he has sensed that Nigeria is having economic difficulties under him, he has pounced to derail his government. The Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party has announced the suspension of seven of its key members, namely: Buruji Kashamu, Bayo Dayo, Pegba Otemolu, Semiu Shodipo, Fatai Adeyanju, Segun Seriki, Daisi Akitan, and Bowale Solaja. This was contained in a statement signed by the state chairman and secretary of the party, Sikirulai Ogundele and Olabode Bankole. According to the statement, their suspension was sequel to the report of a panel constituted in June to investigate allegations of financial improprieties and anti-party activities against the seven members. The statement said the accused persons refused to honour several invitations by the panel to respond to allegations of misappropriation and outright diversion of party funds. Based on the preliminary report of the panel however, submitted to the Executive committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ogun State Chapter, we found merit in the allegations and hereby adopt the report and findings of the Panel which include recommendation to suspend the above mentioned, the statement said. In the exercise of the powers vested on the State Executive committee in accordance with the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party the above name are hereby suspended from the Ogun State Chapter of the PDP with immediate effect; their names have also been forwarded to the national secretariat of the party for necessary further appropriate disciplinary actions. Mr. Kashamu is a serving Senator. He has been fighting extradition to the United States where he is accused of drug-related offences. The Ogun State Police command has arrested a pastor, Adekunle Francis, at Ipamesan, Sango Ota, for allegedly forcefully having unlawful carnal knowledge of a 17-year-old girl. The suspect who was arrested on Tuesday November 22, 2016, was said to have lured the girl into an uncompleted building under the pretense of praying and anointing her and forcefully had sex with her. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the victim later reported her ordeal at the Sango Police Station and the Divisional Police Officer, Akinsola Ogunwale, dispatched a team of detectives to the scene where the suspect was promptly arrested. He said on interrogation, the suspect confessed to committing the crime, attributing it to the work of devil. Oyeyemi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu ,has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the Anti- Human Trafficking and Child Labour Unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Abeokuta, for further investigation. Source: Punch Cameroon international Samuel Etoo could face ten-and-a-half years in prison after being accused of tax fraud, according to reports in Spain. The forward played for Real Madrid, Mallorca and Barcelona in the La Liga. According to reports, he owes almost 3million in tax from 2006 to 2009, while he was at the Nou Camp. Prosecutors are demanding he be fined around 12m as well as the long prison term. Etoo is accused of getting around tax through a complicated and illegal image rights structure. He ran two companies, Bulte 2002 in Spain and Tradesport in Hungary, and this allowed him to transfer his image rights between the two and avoid having to pay tax. Source: BreakingTimes The Senate on Thursday passed the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill into law. The new law gives approval for the establishment of the Nigerian Peace Corps as an agency under the Ministry of Interior. The Chairman of the Committee on Interior, Senator Bayero Nafada, while presenting the report, urged the Senate to support the passage of the Bill. He noted that the establishment of the organisation would empower, develop and provide employment for the youths, facilitate Peace and Volunteerism as well as Community Services, Neighbourhood Watch and Nation-building. He said: The organisation will be of great benefit to the Nigerian youths. In response to increasing complexity of the factors responsible for insecurity and the method by which peace and security is being undermined in Nigeria, there is need to develop comprehensive, multi-sectoral, multi stakeholders and inclusive approaches in order to stem these threats, he added. The Committee on Interior is also recommending that the Nigerian Peace Corps and the National Unity and Peace Corps should be merged as one, since both formations appear the same. In what can only be described as a last act of philanthropy, a Spanish billionaire Antonino Fernandez has gifted everyone in his village 2 million pounds. Fernandez who recently passed away made everyone in his hometown a millionaire according to his last will and testament. In total, Fernandez left 169 million to the 80 residents of Cerezales del Condado where he was born and only moved away from at the age of 32. He also made provisions for a brand new cultural center to be built in the village. In Mexico, he joined a company named Grupo Modelo where he began as a warehouse employee, and eventually rose the become the companys CEO. Nigerian On Air Personality, Toke Makinwa has finally released her highly anticipated book titled On Becoming. She released a short video two weeks ago where she spoke on her faith and the end of her marriage to Maje Ayida. Tokes marriage and its subsequent collapse gathered considerable media attention and speculation after her husband left her for a mistress who had a child for him. Here is an excerpt from the book The distortions that happened to the 2016 budget, in which series of rogue projects and figures were injected into the financial document wont happen to next years budget, President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed. Receiving in audience members of the Governance Support Group, GSG, led by Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, at State House, Abuja, Friday, the President said: I am waiting for the 2017 budget to be brought to us in Council. Any sign of padding anywhere, I will remove it. President Buhari reiterated that he had been in government since 1975, variously as governor, oil minister, head of state, and Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), and never did I hear the word padding till the 2016 Budget. He promised that such would never happen again under his watch. The President said the government stands by its tripod campaign promises of securing the country, reviving the economy, and fighting corruption, but lamented that some people are deliberately turning blind eyes to prevailing realities in the country. They dont want to reflect on the situation in which we are, economically. They want to live the same way; they simply want business as usual, he said. On violence that attend re-run elections in the country, President Buhari stated: I agonized over the elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Rivers states. We should have passed the stage in which people are beheaded, and killed because of who occupies certain offices. If we cant guarantee decent elections, then we have no business being around. Edo State election was good, and I expect Ondo State election to be better. Speaking on the anti-corruption cases before the courts, the President said he believed the cleansing currently going on will lead to a better judiciary. When people are sentenced, Nigerians will believe that we are serious. President Buhari equally told his guests that the progress being made in agriculture and exploitation of solid minerals gives a lot of hope, adding: Our grains go up to Central African Republic, to Burkina Faso, but they cant buy all the grains harvested this year. And next season should be even better. We will focus on other products like cocoa, palm oil, palm kernel, along with the grains. We can start exporting rice in 18 months, and we are getting fertilizers and pesticides in readiness for next year. Speaking on behalf of members of GSG, Mr. Nwajiuba said the government had succeeded to a large extent on the security and anti-corruption fronts, adding that the group was positive that the economy would soon experience a turnaround, as the government is working very hard in that direction. The group said the biggest constituency of the President was the poor and lowly, and thus recommended what it calls a social re-armament of the poor. Coffee Prices Gain on Dollar Weakness and Smaller Central American Exports Barchart - 47 minutes ago December arabica coffee (KCZ22 ) this morning is up +4.60 (+2.63%), and Jan ICE Robusta coffee (RMF23 ) is up +30 (+1.63%). Coffee prices this morning are moderately higher. A weaker dollar today has... KCH23 : 176.60 (+3.76%) RMF23 : 1,883 (+2.39%) Gold: Forecasting The Next Move After 5 Waves Decline Elliott Wave Forecast - 1 hour ago In this technical blog were going to take a look at some Elliott wave charts of yellow metal (Gold) published in members area of the website. Gold formed a high on October 4, 2022 (1729.46) and started... ^XAUUSD : 1,646.60 (-0.05%) Limit Gains Follow Through in Cotton Barchart - 1 hour ago Midday cotton futures are gaining another 122 to 400 points. The December and March contracts are up by their expanded limits. Monthly NASS data showed 791 RBs of cotton were consumed during September.... CTZ22 : 79.00 (+5.33%) CTH23 : 78.64 (+5.36%) CTK23 : 78.66 (+5.09%) Hogs Down for Midday Barchart - 1 hour ago Front month lean hog futures are trading 57 cents to $1.30 in the red through midday. The USDA National Average Base Hog Price for Tuesday was up $1.41 to $89.75. The CME Lean Hog Index was 4 cents lower... HEZ22 : 83.775 (-1.67%) HEJ23 : 92.975 (-0.67%) KMZ22 : 94.050 (-1.39%) Beans Off Lows and Mixed Barchart - 1 hour ago New crop soybean prices are fractionally to 4 cents higher at midday, while old crop prices are fractionally to 4 1/4 cents lower. Meal prices are also off their lows but still down by $3.40 to $3.60/ton.... ZSX22 : 1439-6 (+0.28%) ZSPAUS.CM : 14.1148 (+0.48%) ZSF23 : 1453-0 (+0.36%) ZSH23 : 1460-6 (+0.45%) Wheat Markets Red at Midday Barchart - 1 hour ago Front month wheat futures are down 47 to 61 cents in Chicago. KC wheat prices are down 42 3/4 to 49 1/2 cents for midday. MGE wheat prices are down 32 1/4 to 39 1/2 cents so far. Ukraines Ag Ministry... ZWZ22 : 842-6 (-6.62%) ZWH23 : 861-6 (-6.23%) ZWPAES.CM : 7.7443 (-7.04%) KEZ22 : 939-2 (-5.13%) KEPAWS.CM : 8.9704 (-5.36%) MWZ22 : 948-6 (-4.14%) Midday Cattle Market Mixed Barchart - 1 hour ago Fat cattle are down by 5 to 57 cents in the front months, while feeders are up by as much as $2.05. The FCE auction on Wednesday had no sales again, with $148 to $149 bids and $151 to $152 asks. USDA reported... LEZ22 : 151.475 (-0.31%) LEG23 : 154.950 (-0.19%) LEJ23 : 158.650 (-0.14%) GFX22 : 179.125 (+1.24%) GFF23 : 180.400 (+1.23%) Corn Down by Double Digits Barchart - 1 hour ago Midday corn futures are trading with midday losses of 8 to 13 cents. December prices are off their lows and near their last weeks level. NASS reported the September corn grind for ethanol at 383.09... ZCZ22 : 687-4 (-1.47%) ZCPAUS.CM : 6.8326 (-1.36%) ZCH23 : 693-0 (-1.35%) ZCK23 : 692-4 (-1.32%) Foresters Life Insurance Company, in cooperation with the Independent Order of Foresters, has filed a suit in B.C. Supreme Court alleging that a former director of sales operating in the province had opened over 100 fictitious client applications over the past six years.Purportedly, the former agent used the numerous fake accounts to convince Foresters of his performance as director, allowing him to claim more than $650,000 in commissions.The civil claim asserted that Paul Brian Bradbeer committed acts of fraud from 2010 to November 2016 by exploiting his position of trust as the director of sales, British Columbia, of Foresters and as a licensed life insurance broker, by submitting an extensive series of fictitious client applications.According to the suit, Bradbeers scheme convinced the company to pay him advance commissions on the strength of client applications that turned out to be falsified.The claim said that the total dollar amount of commissions Bradbeer collected through his scheme could not be quickly determined, as he deliberately concealed his actions. Foresters investigation, however, identified over $650,000 that was collected by the agent through fraudulent and dishonest conduct.Vancouver Sun reported that none of the allegations set out in the civil claim have been tested in court, nor have criminal charges been laid against Bradbeer.The Insurance Council of B.C. confirmed that Bradbeer continues to hold an active insurance agents license, but the organization is aware of the allegations. Council executive director Gerry Matier said that Bradbeer had no prior disciplinary history in B.C.Foresters has reassured its consumers, telling them that the alleged scheme seemingly did not affect any policies.There is no indication at this time that individual members or policyholders are adversely affected in any way, Foresters Financial spokeswoman Lori Abbott told Vancouver Sun in an email. A product evolution is needed to keep pace with the ever-changing start-up market, one exec has said.Having recently announced a partnership with a start-up innovation platform, Melbourne-based York Butter Factory (YBF), Aon Risk Solutions Australia CEO Lambros Lambrou said that the industry should look to work-alongside the start-up community for mutual gains.It certainly is important for the insurance industry to evolve its product offering and cater for these smaller businesses, Lambrou told Insurance Business.Start-ups dont face historical challenges and, as a result, are transforming and upending the way the world does business.These businesses are disrupting the traditional value chain and we encourage that; and it is important that client and data driven organisations such as Aon work closely with these companies to add value to what they do.Lambrou noted that the partnership between the insurance business and the innovator was a first of its kind for Aon in Australia as the business looks to stay ahead of the disruptive and innovative forces of the FinTech phenomena as start-ups continue to reshape the financial services market.With fintech, insurtech and other start-ups top of mind for many in the industry, Lambrou noted that collaboration with developing businesses will be mutually beneficial.Start-up entrepreneurs are natural risk takers but business risk planning and insurance are not high on their priority list, Lambrou continued.No matter what stage a start-up is in they will face challenges, just like any other business, so its important that they have access to resources, fact-based insights and solutions from leading insurance organisations like Aon in order to achieve their business objectives.YBF focuses on B2B start-ups in the fintech, big data and analytics areas, as well as the software-as-a-service, new media and healthtech sectors, and is currently host to 50 start-ups with 150 alumni. It was just meant to be a night out in the city with friends, but it all went pear-shaped for an uninsured British man when he tried to drive home at 7am the next morning.Maurice Cooney, 33, took a wrong turn and ended up driving his week-old Mercedes on to a tram track near Birmingham in the Midlands, where it promptly got stuck.His blunder caused five hours of disruption to services, nearly $11,000 worth of repairs were needed for his car, plus he was banned from driving for 17 months and incurred $730 of fines and court costs after he failed a breath test and was found to be uninsured.It would be no surprise if he admitted he wished hed stayed at home that night!Cooneys solicitor Harjit Rashoda told magistrates the no insurance offence was an oversight linked to the very recent acquisition hed made of the 66-plate Mercedes, the Daily Mail reported.She said: This is a gentleman entitled to full credit for his guilty pleas.He went to a nearby building and located a porter and alerted them to the fact that the vehicle was stuck on the tramlines. He told them to call the police.The personal trainer had travelled from Shropshire to Birmingham to join friends on a night out.The next day, his lawyer said, he felt okay and foolishly made the decision to get up and drive his vehicle home.Unfortunately, he ended up on the Metro line and soon realised there was no way of turning back, so he carried on. That was when he became stuck, unable to move in any direction.The vehicle is currently in the garage and its going to cost 6,000 pounds to repair, his solicitor said. Thats going to hit him in the pocket. The Australian Governments crop insurance rebate scheme, which was launched in March, has fallen short of its expected amount of applications, it has been reported.According to figures obtained by The Weekly Times from the Department of Agriculture, the $20.2 million Managing Farm Risk program has approved $80,000 in rebates since its launch. However, this is significantly below the $3.6 million allocated for the program in 2015-16. So far, the department has received 38 applications to the program, with 34 approved.The scheme provides eligible farmers across the country with one-off rebates of up to $2,500 for the upfront costs of securing, or attempting to secure, multi-peril crop insurance, to encourage more farmers to insure against drought, frost, hail, and fire, The Weekly Times said.Fifteen of the successful applications were from Victorian farmers, seven from NSW and South Australia, three from Queensland, and two from WA. Andrew Trotter , chief executive of multi-peril provider Latevo International, said it was because of the Governments late announcement and poor publicity that there were only a few applicants.[The Government] announced the program incredibly late we advised them you cant expect to launch a program five months late and get the uptake they want, he said.Darren McCrea, director of multi-peril insurer SureSeason, blamed the $2 million cap on revenue for farm businesses under the eligibility criteria as a possible cause for the low number of applications.It appears the Government has made a decision to offer the grants to smaller growers, he said.In related news, the NSW Government has announced that it will soon finalise a multi-peril crop insurance subsidy, The Weekly Times reported.The NSW Government will implement key recommendations from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunals recent multi-peril crop insurance review, which probed the impact of a 50% premium subsidy of up to $30,000 per farm business for the first two years, sources told The Weekly Times.The reviews draft report, released in July, said the proposed 50% subsidy was likely to cost the NSW Government about $7 million to $8 million a year. It also outlined the high cost of multi-peril premiums, which were estimated to be between $25,000 and $50,000 a year.The NSW Government is committed to supporting our farming sector to be more resilient, and better able to manage risk thats why in 2015 we put in place the five-year, $300 million NSW drought strategy, Niall Blair, NSW Primary Industries minister, said in a statement.One of the key actions in that strategy was to investigate ways the NSW Government could support growth of a commercial multi-peril insurance market, to provide another risk management tool for our farmers.Derek Schoen, NSW Farmers Association president, said that while he supports the multi-peril crop insurance subsidy, it is not the complete solution to farmers problems, and he believes government intervention still needs to complement a broader integrated drought policy, The Weekly Times reported. Unions may be forced to significantly increase insurance policies for their officials following the passage of the Turnbull governments latest legislation, The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) reports.The Registered Organisations Commission will be tasked with regulating the governance and accountability of unions and employer groups instead of the Fair Work Commission. Under the new regulator, higher civil penalties will be implemented, ranging from $18,000 to $216,000 for individuals, and as much as $1 million for a body corporate.Dave Oliver, Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) secretary, said the latest legislation would prompt union leaders across the nation to reconsider their existing insurance policies.Each union will have to evaluate their current level of insurance to determine whether it will accommodate the increased level of liability introduced by the higher penalties put in place by the Registered Organisations legislation, he told the publication.Oliver added that the changes were clearly designed to over-regulate unions and believes they impose the risk of greater penalties on those who advocate for the rights of working people.Michaelia Cash, Employment Minister, said the legislation would subject officials from key organisations, including unions, to the same standards and penalties that apply to company directors under corporation law. She believes it will also prevent fraud and corruption in unions.The passage of the new legislation has also been welcomed by national employer groups.Innes Willox, Ai Group chief executive, said: The findings of the Heydon Royal Commission into misconduct by some unions and some union officials demonstrated that the existing registered organisation laws needed to change, SMH reported. QBE has agreed to sell a further 10% stake in Elders Insurance Underwriting Agency (EIUA) to agribusiness Elders.The deal follows a similar transaction earlier this year and will see Elders take a total 20% stake in the underwriting agency.The confidential purchase price will be the same net profit after tax multiple that applied when Elders sold its shares in the underwriting agency to QBE in 2014, it was announced.Mark Allison, chief executive officer of Elders, said that the firm had prioritised the acquisition of a further stake in the insurance business as the company looks for growth.This acquisition further aligns the EIUA and Elders networks by delivering an even more meaningful share (20%) of EIUAs earnings to Elders, Allison said.As a result, Elders now has the ability to deliver great insurance earnings to its branches. This in turn will encourage greater levels of engagement and cross-sell between Elders and EIUA.We look forward to EIUA increasing its share of rural and regional insurance markets through the aligned efforts of its franchisees, Elders and QBE.QBE took full control of EIUA in June 2014 when the agribusiness sold its final 10% stake in the business to retire debt.Elders Insurance currently has more than 150 metro and rural franchise locations across Australia.The acquisition is expected to be completed on December 01, 2016. La difesa della vita umana, leducazione e la pace sociale sono stati il fulcro dellincontro tra Papa Francesco e la presidente della Repubblica del Cile, Michelle Bachelet. Durante i 47 minuti di incontro, sono stati affrontati temi di comune interesse come ha specificato una nota della Santa Sede al termine dellincontro. Francesco ha ricevuto il Capo di Stato cileno nella Biblioteca del Palazzo apostolico e durante lincontro avrebbe annunciato una sua probabile visita in Cile, forse nel 2016, in quella che potrebbe essere un viaggio apostolico in Argentina, Cile e e Uruguay. E stato un meraviglioso incontro. Abbiamo parlato di temi importanti, temi che riguardano lo Stato e della maniera in cui stiamo avanzando perche il Cile continui a dare il massimo delle opportunita e dei diritti a tutti i suoi abitanti, ha dichiarato la Bachelet al termine del colloquio privato con il Santo Padre. Vestita di nero e con scarpe senza tacco, la presidente della Repubblica cilena e arriva in Vaticano intorno alle 10.20, accompagnata da una delegazione di 12 persone, ed e stata ricevuta dal Prefetto della Casa Pontificia Georg Gaenswein. Al termine dellincontro privato, Papa Francesco e Michelle Bachelet hanno proceduto con labituale scambio di regali. La presidente cilena ha omaggiato il Santo Padre con un rosario di lapislazzuli e argento e un libro intitolato Iglesias del fin del mundo (Le chiese della fine del mondo). Bergoglio invece ha regalato alla Bachelet una copia in lingua castigliana della sua esortazione apostolica Evangelii Gaudium e un medaglione in bronzo. Dopo lincontro con il Papa, Michelle Bachelet e stata ricevuta dal segretario di Stato, il cardinale Pietro Parolin. The Coca-Cola Co. (KO) is one of the most recognizable brands globally and is best known for its namesake carbonated cola beverage. The first glass of Coca-Cola was served at Jacobs Pharmacy in downtown Atlanta on May 8, 1886. The cola was the creation of a pharmacist named Dr. John Pemberton, whose partner, Frank M. Robinson, was given credit for naming the beverage and designing the distinct stylized script that is still used today. Sales of Coca-Cola averaged just nine servings per day in Atlanta during that first year, but by 2020, the company sold 1.9 billion beverage servings per day globally bearing its trademark. The company posted $7.7 billion in net income on $33.0 billion of revenue during 2020. It had a market capitalization of $233.4 billion as of July 9, 2021. For decades, Coca-Cola has faced intense competition from PepsiCo Inc. (PEP) and its rival cola beverage. But while PepsiCo has expanded into the snack food market, Coca-Cola has stuck to beverages. That hasnt stopped Coca-Cola from diversifying away from its traditional drink. The company has made a number of acquisitions to expand into all corners of the beverage market, especially as soda consumption has declined in recent decades. Bottled water and energy drinks have been key drivers of new growth, along with products for the expanding ranks of health-conscious consumers. There is one exception to Coca-Colas strictly beverage-focused strategy: The company acquired Columbia Pictures in 1982 for $750 million but later sold it to Sony Corp. for $3.4 billion, a more than 350% markup. Below, we look at five of Coca-Colas most important acquisitions in more detail. Minute Maid Type of business: Fruit beverages Acquisition price: Stock swap worth $59 million Acquisition date: Dec. 30, 1960 Minute Maid orange juice was first produced by Vacuum Foods Corp. in 1946. It was the first frozen concentrated orange juice product in the United States. In 1949, Vacuum Foods renamed itself Minute Maid Corp. Just over a decade later, Coca-Cola acquired the company in 1960 in a stock deal worth $59 million. Prior to the deal, Coca-Cola had begun to manufacture a soft drink syrup and concentrate under the trademark Fanta, to be used for making fruit-flavored sodas. The acquisition thus eliminated any potential rivalry with Minute Maid. The deal helped Coca-Cola branch out beyond its traditional cola, and Minute Maid now boasts a suite of more than 100 flavors and varieties of juices, lemonades, and punches. Costa Coffee Type of business: U.K.-based coffeehouse chain Acquisition price: $5.1 billion Acquisition date: Aug. 31, 2018 The origins of Costa Coffee can be traced back to 1971, when the very first cup of Costa coffee was poured in London. Seven years later, brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa opened their first coffee shop on Londons Vauxhall Bridge Road. After expanding outside the United Kingdom into major cities like Dubai in 1999 and Moscow in 2008, the coffeehouse chain was acquired by Coca-Cola in 2018. At the time of the acquisition, Costa had nearly 4,000 retail outlets with highly trained baristas, a coffee vending operation, for-home coffee formats, and a state-of-the-art roastery. The acquisition added a leading brand to Coca-Colas portfolio with two key attributes: Costa specialized in hot beverages and already had an established global presence. Energy Brands Inc. (Glaceau) Type of business: Bottled and enhanced water Acquisition price: $4.1 billion Acquisition date: May 25, 2007 Energy Brands, also known as Glaceau, was founded in 1996 by J. Darius Bikoff. That idea spawned the company, which focused on producing nutrient-based drinks without the excess sugar and artificial ingredients that are typical of the water-alternative market. In May 2007, Coca-Cola acquired Energy Brands for $4.1 billion. The company boasts a line of popular brands, including smartwater, fruitwater, and vitaminwater. The acquisition strengthened Coca-Colas expansion into lifestyle beverages, including brands catering to more health-conscious consumers. Type of business: Energy drinks Acquisition price: Coca-Cola acquires 16.7% stake by making net cash payment of $2.15 billion, among other steps Acquisition data: June 12, 2015 Monster Beverage Corp. traces its origins to a juice company started by Hubert Hansen and his sons in the 1930s. The company started out as Hansens Juices Inc., selling fresh non-pasteurized juices in Los Angeles. In 2012, what had become Hansen Natural Corp. was renamed Monster Beverage Corp. In 2015, Monster signed a long-term strategic partnership deal with Coca-Cola, which gave Coca-Cola a 16.7% minority stake in the company. As part of the deal, Coca-Cola transferred ownership of its worldwide energy drinks business to Monster, and Monster transferred its non-energy drinks business to Coca-Cola. Monster is the maker of a line of popular energy drinks, with the most well-known being Monster Energy. While the partnership helped Coca-Cola establish its presence in the global energy drink market, the company branched out to offer an energy drink of its own: Coca-Cola Energy. It marked the first non-soda beverage ever produced under the Coca-Cola brand label. In May 2021, Coca-Cola said it will discontinue by year-end its U.S. and Canada sales of Coca-Cola Energy, which it introduced in early 2020 to expand sales in the energy drink market. The product competed directly with products produced by Monster, but it failed to gain significant market share. Coca-Cola Energy will still be sold in Europe. Honest Tea Type of business: Bottled organic tea Acquisition price: $43 million for initial 40% stake; transaction price not disclosed for remaining 60% stake transaction price not disclosed for remaining 60% stake Acquisition dates: Feb. 5, 2008 (initial 40% stake); March 1, 2011 (remaining stake) Honest Tea was founded in 1998 by Seth Goldman and his then-Yale School of Management professor, Barry Nalebuff. Part of the mission, as laid out in the original business plan, was to offer customers a bottled tea that tastes just like tea. Honest Tea grew to $38 million in sales by 2008, when Coca-Cola acquired a 40% stake in the organic bottled tea company for $43 million. Coca-Cola acquired the remaining 60% stake in 2011. In addition to bottled tea, Honest Tea offers an array of lemonades and organic juice drinks. The company also has an Honest Kids line of juice beverages. The acquisition is another example of how Coca-Cola has expanded its line of non-soda beverage options to appeal to the health food market. Coca-Cola Diversity & Inclusiveness Transparency As part of our effort to improve the awareness of the importance of diversity in companies, we have highlighted the transparency of Coca-Colas commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, and social responsibility. The chart below illustrates how Coca-Cola reports the diversity of its management and workforce. This shows if Coca-Cola discloses data about the diversity of its board of directors, C-Suite, general management, and employees overall across a variety of markers. We have indicated that transparency with a . Police are carrying out a major search for a man armed with a shotgun and a knife who stabbed an elderly woman to death at a retirement home for Catholic missionaries in southern France. Prosecutors said a suspect with no apparent link to Islamic terrorism had been identified after the incident in the village of Montferrier-sur-Lez, near Montpellier. City prosecutor Christophe Barret said the suspect is believed to be someone "in the entourage of this retirement home". He said investigators had discovered an airgun and other items in a car near the residence that helped identify the suspect. About 100 police officers are searching for the suspect following the attack. Mr Barret earlier told reporters that a woman who works at the retirement home called police on Thursday night to say she had been attacked. When officers arrived, they found the body of another woman, gagged and tied up outside the building with three stab wounds. The worker who alerted police did not suffer serious injuries but was deeply shocked, and no-one else at the residence was harmed, the prosecutor said. Security forces searched the complex but did not find the killer. Around 60 people live who live at the facility are not in danger, and the search is continuing in a larger perimeter with help from a helicopter and police dogs. The residence, called Green Oaks, is operated by the African Missions Society, and takes in retired priests, nuns and others who have worked in Africa. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, spokesman for the French Catholic bishops' conference, tweeted condolences for the woman killed and added: "Our prayers reach out also to the missionaries attacked in their retirement home in the Herault (region). God give them all peace." According to a report by IE Domain Registry (IEDR), the company responsible for the management of Irelands official internet address, only 28% of SMEs can process payments on their websites, despite Irelands e-commerce market being worth 9bn in annual sales. The report also found that just 32% of SMEs can take sales orders on their websites and only 35% can accept bookings or reservations online. It is alarming that in 2016, only one-third of SMEs can sell or take payments online, IEDR chief executive David Curtin said. Failing to take advantage of the growing 9bn online market would have long-term consequences for Irelands economy, he said. Rural communities, in particular, could be damaged because they rely more than most on the jobs of SMEs. Mr Curtin said consumers were spending more online, yet businesses were not in a position to do business with consumers. With Christmas less than a month away, and an appetite among Irish consumers to spend locally, SMEs are missing out on new customers, he said. Despite a lack of e-commerce facilities, over four-fifths of SMEs said their websites were important or very important for driving growth in sales. Consumers are increasingly willing to spend online, according to the survey, with online spending having increased 41% over the last two years. And many consumers plan to buy online over the Christmas period, IEDR said. While 85% of consumers would prefer to spend on an Irish website, the low engagement in e-commerce by SMEs here is making it difficult for customers to spend their money. The study also found that 72% of SMEs reported a positive impact from using social media, while 97% said that social media had increased awareness of their business. However, there are infrastructural deficiencies and support issues that can only be addressed through collaboration between industry and government, because of the limitations of broadband coverage, the IEDR said. IEDR calls on the Government to work with e-commerce stakeholders and to provide more supports to hard-pressed small business owners. Improving access to digital skills training and practical workshops on e-commerce is particularly important, Mr Curtin said. Highfield Solar Ltd had secured 10-year conditional planning last July to construct the farm on 70 acres of grazing land at Drumroe, near Cappoquinn, with a 25-year operational period. The decision was appealed by Dennis and Catherine Butcher, whose farm sits within 100m of the proposed development. They challenged Waterford City and County Councils use of guidance relating to wind farms and argued it did not adequately address either the visual or construction impact. They further contested permission was granted without a relevant national or local strategy on solar energy and claimed an environmental impact assessment should have been conducted. They argued the potential impact of glint and glare on their property was not addressed and questioned the likely use of the energy. The couple expressed concerns over health and safety and proposed access points and were dissatisfied with a lack of information on surface water management and electromagnetic field (EMF) issues. The Dublin company refuted the concerns, insisting the development complied within Waterfords Renewable Energy Strategy 2016-18. The company said a visual impact assessment was conducted and sheep grazing would ensure balanced use of the land. The farm, said Highfield Solar, would connect to the national grid and the EMFs would be lower than most household devices. A bord inspector recommended that no panel be placed within 100m of the appellants property and trees planted to prevent possible glare or glint on their property. The company is also awaiting an appeal against a solar farm permission on a planned solar farm in Kilmeaden, while Waterford Council is seeking further information on a further development near Portlaw. A study was conducted last year by the State Claims Agency (SCA) following a number of violent physical assaults on IPS staff. The aim of the study was to review the incidents of assault, determine the root cause, comment on the potential for future assaults and to make recommendations for improvement. The SCA found that while there was some evidence to suggest the number of direct assaults on staff may be increasing, the evidence was not conclusive. In 2015, 93 (3%) of prison staff were directly assaulted by prisoners, a figure that was broadly in line with the annual average, between 2011 and 2015, of 95 assaults. The report said that, given there were 17,206 committals to prison in 2015, the ratio of assaults was low. The review examined a range of operational, staff, prisoner and governance factors and found assaults are carried out by a relatively small number of prisoners with an established pattern of challenging behaviours and/or mental health problems. The SCA review recommended the current practice of prison staff not carrying batons as standard, should continue. However, it did recommend that prison officers be permitted to carry batons outside prisons while on escort duties and also called for the IPS to explore the use of pepper spray to be used in a controlled manner for certain situations. The review also urged the IPS to examine opportunities to reduce the frequency of prisoners leaving prisons for court appearances and hospital visits through greater use of video links and improved on-site medical facilities. The SCA review did not recommend the routine wearing of body armour on prison landings or within the perimeter of jails but said it should be available for other activities subject to a needs analysis. It also called for increased focus on the management of prisoner behaviours using conflict-resolution techniques to de-escalate situations that could lead to physical violence through further training and selection of staff. In May, prison officers called for improved protective equipment like batons and pepper spray after a violent assault in the Midlands prison. Following the attack, the assistant general secretary of the Irish Prisoner Officers Association, Gabriel Keaveney, demanded staff needed to be better protected by being given pepper spray, batons and conflict resolution dogs. The director general of the Irish Prison Service, Michael Donnellan, said he was pleased the review found the ratio of assaults to the number of prisoners was low but said the service should always strive to improve. The role of a prison officer is a difficult and challenging one, he said. Prison staff must deal with a wide range of complex issues and there are occasions when they are subjected to unacceptable acts of violence. The report contains a large number of recommendations and I accept these recommendations which will be implemented an undertaking that has been included as a Key Action in the Irish Prison Services Strategic Plan 2016-2018. The IPS said that, given the substantive nature of the recommendations, an implementation plan will be developed and actioned over the course of the next two years. SCA director Ciaran Breen said the review was a crucial step in reducing assaults on prison staff and in reducing the significant costs to the taxpayer of these assaults. Chief Supt Michael Finn, native of Co Kerry, has been promoted to the role of assistant commissioner and will take overall charge of policing in Cork, Kerry, and Limerick. He has served for many years in Cork and is currently the chief superintendent in charge of the Cork City Garda Division. The senior garda, who holds a Masters of Business Administration from UCC, will not have to move for the post because he is already based at the Garda regional headquarters in Anglesea St. Supt Tom Myers, who won a silver Scott Medal award for bravery in 1988, has been promoted to chief superintendent. The native of Gurranabraher, Cork, who is heavily involved in Brian Dillons GAA Club, is currently based in Anglesea St. He formerly served as a detective sergeant and detective inspector in the Cork City Divisional Drugs Squad. His elevation is likely to necessitate a move and it is possible he might take charge of the Cork West Garda Division. Chief Supt Con Cadogan, who is in charge of policing in Co Kerry, is currently double-jobbing, as he has been looking after the Cork West region since the retirement of Chief Supt Tom Hayes. A vacancy will now also arise for chief superintendent in Cork City as a result of Mr Finns promotion. Chief Supt Barry McPolin, who for years served in Cork, is currently serving in Naas, Co Kildare, and is likely to come back to Cork as part of the reshuffle. He could go to Cork City, West Cork or indeed take over in North Cork if Chief Supt Gerard Dillane, who in based in the latter area, is moved into the city. Vacancies for superintendents in Mallow, Gurranabraher, and Anglesea Street will also have to be filled. The vacancies in Mallow and Gurranbraher have not been filled for some time. Also featuring in the new promotions announced by the Government is Insp Billy Duane. He has been promoted to superintendent and is likely to fill one of the three vacant superintendent positions. He is currently serving in the Togher Garda District and was formerly head of the Cork City Divisions traffic corps. It is also likely that there will be a significant reshuffle of superintendents in the county. The Education in Focus report from the Ombudsman for Children (OCO) highlights the case of Lorcan whose parents had noticed unexplained and unusual bruises and bite marks on his body. They decided to take the child out of school in April 2012 and brought a complaint to An Garda Siochana who initiated an investigation with the HSE into the allegations of abuse. In September 2012, Lorcans parents applied to the Department of Education and Skills for home tuition funding while he waited for a place in a different school. This request was refused. The department was of the view that he was ineligible for home tuition as he had been voluntarily removed from his original school and still had a place there. Cork County Council is to be asked for a countywide list of the compensation it has paid out to motorists for damage to their vehicles after figures were released for one of its three divisions which supposedly has the best kept roads of all of them. The majority of the countys main highways can be found in the southern division, which encompasses the periphery of the city and the Cork-Youghal road (N25). According to the council, it received 218 contacts from drivers who damaged vehicles on roads in the southern division last year and up to mid-November this year. During that period, it paid out compensation to 168 vehicle owners totalling 41,353 an average of nearly 250 each. It is understood most claims were for damaged tyres and wheel rims. Labour councillor Cathal Rasmussen, who has sought the information, said he is now looking for breakdowns of claims paid out in the Northern and Western Divisions, because he believes road conditions are even worse in these more rural areas. Mr Rasmussen said that the council is only responsible if it has carried out road repairs which were not satisfactory and led to vehicle damage. The issue of unsatisfactory repairs was also raised by members of the councils Northern Division at a meeting in Mallow. Independent councillor John Paul OShea said there are many examples across the region where roads have been dug up to fix broken mains and a temporary resurfacing job done, but left in place for several months. As a result, he said, roads are deteriorating at a faster rate and this is likely to lead to more damage to vehicles. County engineer David Keane said in a report that temporary reinstatement of roads after repairs for water leaks was carried out in the majority of cases by the councils water services department. Mr Keane said that permanent reinstatement was carried out later by contractors acting for Irish Water and this has been the case since January, 2014. Motorists hit with up to 300% insurance hikes have been thrown to the wolves of the insurance sector by state institutions which are charged with protecting them, an Oireachtas Finance Committee report found. As revealed in the Irish Examiner last week, insurance companies were heavily criticised by the report which states that a closed mentality and unwillingness to share data is a contributory factor to the recent rise in motor insurance premiums. It may also hinder the entry of new operators into the dysfunctional Irish market, the report concluded. Tougher laws forcing insurance companies to reveal details of claims, awarding greater powers to the Personal Injuries Board (PIAB) and tougher penalties for drivers caught speeding or on their mobile phone while driving are among some of 71 key recommendations in the report. However, the report itself has been criticised for not going far enough and for recommending what results in a bonanza for lawyers. The committees unqualified recommendation that solicitors should be paid for work assisting PIAB claimants will bring a smile to lawyers everywhere, Neil McDonald, chief executive of small firms lobby group ISME said. 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. Speaking at the launch of the report, Mr McGuinness criticised the insurance industry for frustrating the committees work by not providing sufficient data to bolster its defence as to why premiums have soared. The committee was frustrated by the lack of information we got from the industry, Mr McGuinness said. We felt there was cartel-like behaviour going on when we heard evidence. You had so many players blaming each other. Those responsible for protecting the consumer have to do their job. The report concluded that on average premiums have risen 37%, but in some cases premium hikes have been 200% to 300%. It is apparent that insurance companies in many cases are refusing even to quote insurance, the draft report stated. In other instances, insurance companies quote but the amounts sought are so large that the net effect is to prevent people from getting insurance. The report says it is unacceptable that the insurance industry publicly states that certain variables are behind steep rises in motor insurance, yet fails to publicly furnish supporting evidence. The insurance industry cannot have it both ways, it said. The report said it is the consumer and policyholder who has suffered the most in this debacle. Thus, it is the opinion of the committee, that the consumer has been thrown to the wolves, the report said. Despite the harsh criticism, Insurance Ireland said it welcomed the publication of the report. It said it is committed to working to ensure the issues in the Irish motor insurance market are resolved urgently. Thomas OSullivan, aged 31, of 2 Comeragh Close, The Glen, Cork, pleaded guilty to a charge of robbery from a man at Spring Lane, Blackpool, Cork, at lunchtime on May 24. Niamh Stewart, defending, described him as a chronic heroin addict. Sgt Kieran OSullivan said the accused usually denied his crimes but when the evidence was put to him he would plead guilty and co-operate. Ms Stewart said how sorry he was for what happened and spoke of a very sad family background where he has been living on the streets for years. Judge Gerard OBrien said: Thomas OSullivan comes before the court on a plea of guilty. The victim was viciously attacked. Aggravating or mitigating factors include the extreme violence, use of a heavy wooden stick, the gouging of the eye of the injured party, and leaving him bleeding on the ground. Thomas OSullivan has apologised through his counsel but in my view very late in the day. He comes before the court with 119 previous convictions. It is very serious that he finds himself once again before the court. It is a pattern of behaviour. He is unable to break out of a cycle of crime. The victim impact statement makes very grim reading indeed. The victim, Viron Kaja, aged 35, is an Albanian national who has been living in Ireland for the past 16 years and married to an Irish woman with whom he has two children. In a victim impact report, he said the lunchtime robbery was vicious and had deeply affected him. One man beat him about the body with a long stick. The second attacker caught him around the neck from behind and gouged his left eye with his fingers. They robbed him of 50, his phone, and a silver tobacco box given to him by his grandfather. Mr Kaja said the attack had changed him and that he had recurring nightmares of the crime and had failed to complete a welding course he was doing at the time, leaving him unemployed at the moment in Galway, where he lives with his family. Trevor OSullivan, aged 38, with an address at Roches Buildings, Richmond Hill, Cork, was given a seven-year sentence with 18 months suspended on the same robbery charge on Wednesday. He had denied the robbery but was found guilty by a jury. It said it has implemented a co-ordinated plan which includes providing relevant community support services. It confirmed recent cases are being verified and links between them are being examined. In one suburb, a teenage boy and two teenage girls who were known to each other all took their own lives within days of each other. However, claims that there have been 16 suicides in Cork in 16 days have been disputed. In an impassioned plea for state action on the growing suicide crisis, mental health advocate Conor Cusack tweeted political leaders with the statistic, and called for the establishment of a 24/7 emotional wellbeing centre in Cork to help those at risk. However, Ella Arensman, director of research at the National Suicide Research Foundation, on behalf of the HSEs National Office for Suicide Prevention, claimed the figure was inaccurate. The factual information indicates three cases of suicide in Cork City since the start of November, said Prof Arensman. She was unable to provide suicide statistics for the wider county region. She said CSO figures show the number of suicides in Cork City over the last five years ranged from 22 in 2010 to 16 in 2014 the latest confirmed CSO figure. This equates to 18.9 per 100,000 population in 2010 almost double the national rate to 16.1 per 100,000 in 2014. Responding to what she described as an emerging suicide cluster in the city, Prof Arensman said the HSE has launched a co-ordinated, multi-disciplinary response in schools and the community which included: n Offering support to family members, friends, and colleagues of the deceased; n Gathering information about high-risk individuals and service use trends; n Offering awareness and training workshops in the community; n Liaising with the media. She said suicide clusters are relatively rare, and that it is important to conduct independent in-depth investigations of each case to improve knowledge of risk factors and patterns, which will contribute to enhanced risk assessment and prevention of similar cases. Meanwhile, a multi-agency taskforce is due to meet in City Hall on December 5 to discuss the recent spike in suicides. Support is available from the Samaritans on 116 123, Aware on 1800 80 48 48, or Childline on 1800 66 66 66. Irish officials this week met EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier amid attempts to ensure Ireland secures beneficial trade, border, and travel arrangements under Brexit. Mr Kenny will meet Ms Sturgeon at the British-Irish Council summit in Cardiff. Government sources said the pair would seek to maximise a joint approach on Brexit. Ms Sturgeon sought the meeting with Mr Kenny, who will be the only head of state at the BIC today involved in talks once Brexit is triggered. She is watching the North and seeing how it might play. This is especially so as the majority there and in Scotland voted to remain [in the EU], said a source. An ESRI report yesterday predicted Brexit, without special trade deals, could reduce UK imports here by almost 30% while Irish exports in the UK would fall by 4%. Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan yesterday confirmed he spoke by phone with Paul Ryan, speaker of the US House of the Representatives. They discussed the incoming Donald Trump administration and the undocumented Irish while Brexit was also raised. Polish foreign minister Witold Waszczykowski met Mr Flanagan yesterday at Iveagh House and acknowledged the unique position of the border with the North. Mr Flanagan will also press the issue with his counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault in Paris next week. In Belfast last night, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said it was essential the EU agreed to the North receiving special status in any Brexit deal. In one of the toughest judicial criticisms to date of the Governments refusal to appoint new judges, he said he was already three judges short of the courts quota and, due to new developments, he would be five short by the beginning of the new legal term in January. Judge Groarke said that, in the new year, he had to provide a judge for sittings of the Special Criminal Court and another judge was due to take sick leave which would leave him five down. He said if the Government was not prepared to give him judges, I just cant obey their legislative strictures. Judge Groarke was referring to a legal directive under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 which specifically states: The court shall not exercise any power it has of postponing the hearing of an application for interim relief except where it is satisfied that special circumstances exist which justify it in doing so. Judge Groarke, sitting in the Circuit Civil Court, had been asked to set a specific date for the hearing of a claim under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, known as the Whistleblowers Act, by the principal of St Andrews College Junior School, Jacquie Campbell, seeking reinstatement to the job from which she claims she was unfairly dismissed last month. The college denies she was sacked unfairly and Martin Hayden, counsel for Dr Campbell, said the dispute would take two days for a full hearing and that, under the act, the court did not have a jurisdiction to adjourn the hearing. Yesterdays planned hearing had initially been listed before Judge Jacqueline Linnane, who said there had been six new sworn affidavits placed in the court file and she believed it would take more than the suggested two days for the hearing. She directed the matter be mentioned to the president. Tom Mallon, for the college, said he felt it could be dealt with in two days. Judge Groarke said counsel could forget about the directive in the act that a case could not be adjourned. How can I do the work the Government expects me to do when they wont give me the judges I need? he said. Following an adjournment, the president told the parties he would try his very best to deal with it. He would seek to have the case heard in the second week of December but could not guarantee which court it would be heard in or by what judge. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has been asked by Mr Harris to provide an expert opinion on medicinal cannabis and any policy and legislative changes needed. HPRA chief executive Lorraine Nolan told an Oireachtas Committee on Health that a group of medical experts would be assisting the authority. Working in the area of controlled drugs since 2001, she said the views of patients also needed to be included. The timeline that we have been given on this by the minister is tight we have been given until the end of January to work on this, said Ms Nolan. She stressed, however, that a review was necessary. It is really to protect patient safety the best way possible, she said. Vera Twomey whose daughter, Ava, suffers from an extremely rare form of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome, appealed to Mr Harris during the summer to take action on the issue. Ms Twomey, of Aghabullogue, Co Cork, has been using cannabis oil to treat Ava, who suffers multiple seizures. She has already seen a major improvement. She told the committee she just wanted to do everything she could for her dangerously ill six-year-old daughter. They had run out of treatment options and would rather be in a position where a doctor could prescribe the cannabis product for Ava. Consultant neurologist at St Jamess Hospital, Dublin, Colin Doherty said the use of marijuana to treat epilepsy offered a tantalising new horizon for severe disabling seizures. He said initial studies were encouraging but not definitive. Already it is possible to state with confidence that this drug will not work for everyone, he said. It will cause intolerable, but probably not dangerous, side effects in a few; but for those for who it will work it may be life-saving. He said only 10 countries in the world had legalised cannabis for medicinal use and only one country, Australia, had a proper national framework for prescribing it for children with epilepsy. He said an important issue that needed to be addressed was the drugs cost. There was a process that had to be gone through to get a drug listed on a long-term illness scheme. Dr Doherty said about 15,000 of the 40,000 people in Ireland with epilepsy were not in full control of the condition. Several thousand have very severe epilepsy. Many have reached the end of the line, just like Veras daughter, he said. They have tried everything, maybe 10 to 12 different types of drugs. However, he said there must be clear scientific evidence that cannabis-based drugs worked. Justice Carmel Stewart said the gap was not spotted by counsel for the prosecution or defence and that it could have been significant. The jury had described the missing footage as crucial. Donal Colgan, aged 65, of Killarney Court, Killarney St, Dublin 1, had pleaded not guilty to murdering David Sheridan, aged 45, outside Luigis chip shop on the capitals North Strand Rd on August 17/18, 2014. Minister for Health Simon Harris announced last night that an agreement around governance had been reached between the National Maternity Hospital at Holles Street and St Vincents Hospital Group The facility had been delayed because of a dispute over the control of the new hospital if it moved from its location in Dublin city to the St Vincents Hospital site. Mr Harris said a planning application for the facility will go into Bord Pleanala very early next year and that soil would be turned in 2018. He predicted an opening date of 2021. The projected cost of the project is 150m. I think we owe it to the women of this country to deliver this project, Mr Harris said last night. Mr Harris also said that 2016 will be a landmark year for the development of maternity services in this country. A great day for women in Ireland. Delighted to announce building of new National Maternity Hospital at St Vincents, Elm Park. pic.twitter.com/wbsLXmxjyv Enda Kenny (@EndaKennyTD) November 24, 2016 The board and managers of the National Maternity Hospital and St Vincents Hospital Group, governed by Religious Sisters of Charity, had encountered a standoff over control of the future hospital. Both hospitals have now agreed to an arrangement which will see the establishment of a new company The National Maternity Hospital at Elm Park. The board of the new company will be made up of nine directors, four nominated by St Vincents, four by the National Maternity Hospital (including the master) and one will be an international expert in obstetrics and gynaecology. Rhona Mahony, master of the National Maternity Hospital, welcomed the announcement. This is going to be a game-changer in the treatment of women and infants and it is a fantastic day for Ireland, said Dr Mahony. When asked if clinical independence could be guaranteed with St Vincents Hospital Group governed by Religious Sisters of Charity, she said it could. We will continue to practice and deliver all the care that we currently give in our hospital right now and into the future without any distinction, she said. Im very satisfied that the governance set up here will allow that so women need have no fear that services will be in any way curtailed. Responding to a parliamentary question from Deputy Clare Daly calling for an investigation into the matter, Childrens Minister Katherine Zappone said the current Commission to Inquire into Mother and Baby Homes had the power to fully examine the issue. I am satisfied that the present commission has sufficient legal powers to compel witnesses to disclose documents and to provide answers on all related matters. I have no plans to separately investigate these matters. In my view, the public interest is best served by allowing the Commission to progress its investigations and to establish the facts of what happened in these homes and to make any recommendations it considers appropriate. This work is due to be completed by February 2018, she said. Mr Robinson confirmed the situation in a letter to the Dails Public Accounts Committee (PAC), while also saying he was flatly contradicting previous claims and accusing Sinn Feins Martin McGuinness of misleading the group. Since beginning its examination of the Project Eagle deal in response to revelations the sale of Northern Ireland assets held by Nama in 2014 may have cost the Irish taxpayer 190m, the PAC has repeatedly sought to meet Mr Robinson. This is because of the need to explain alleged links with former Nama Northern Ireland advisor Frank Cushnahan, who was due to receive a 5m success fee from one bidder; unexplained meetings with firms, and allegations he kept politicians in the dark over what was happening. Aideen Doyle, otherwise Aideen White, is suing two sisters, as administrators of their mothers estate, claiming that she is owed at least 350,000 for her share of the 2.5m-2.9m extra that could have been achieved from the sale of the family home. Chimes, Mount Anville Rd, Goatstown, Dublin, was sold in 2007 for around 16m. Niamh and Derval White, both of Mount Anville Rd, Goatstown, were administrators of the estate of their mother, Emily G White, the High Court heard. Ms Doyle says there was an offer of 19m from developer Niall Mellon at the time of the sale, which she says the sisters rejected in breach of their duty as administrators of the estate. The court has heard that Ms Doyle, of Coliemore Rd, Dalkey, Dublin, has been estranged from her family for many years. Yesterday, before Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, counsel Desmond Murphy said his client wished to refute evidence given on Wednesday by Mr White that Ms Doyle suffered from delusions. After the judge said the time for disputing evidence was when a person was being cross-examined, Mr Murphy said he would leave the matter to the court but wanted it on record that Ms Doyle was not accepting the evidence of Mr White. Ms Doyle claims she had been told by a number of people she had been fostered to the Whites and that while she was treated as a member of the family, she says she was not the natural daughter of Emily and Kevin White. In his submissions to the court, Mr Murphy said it was his case that the defendants had gone against advice of experts when Mr Mellons offer was available. At no stage during the evidence was it suggested Mr Mellon did not have the money to pull off the deal, counsel said. He was a genuine bidder, he said. Ciaran Foley, for the estate administrators, said the court had to take into account the credibility of Ms Doyle and her mindset. It was against a background of claims by Ms Doyle that she had been a swapped baby and where she had, in her evidence, played ducks and drakes with the court, he said. She had a caring sister who paid for her VHI because she had epilepsy and also suffered a brain injury. Yet when asked about it, she complained, counsel said. There was no doubt there was evidence of concern for her in the family but it was quite clear she had a perturbed mind, he said. The case was adjourned for the completion of submissions. Christopher Carroll, aged 58, of 30, The Crescent, Kilteragh, Dooradoyle, Limerick, has pleaded not guilty at Limerick Circuit Court to a charge of threatening to kill or cause serious harm. Patrick Doyle said that, on April 8, 2013, he was working with SGS Ireland Ltd at East Link Business Park, Ballysimon Rd, where the company carried out metering and other tests on taxis on behalf of the National Transport Authority. As part of the test, Mr Carrolls Avensis was found to have two front tyres with different sizes. On telling the accused his taxi had failed the test, Mr Carroll got very agitated and came close to his face saying he would bite his fucking nose off. Mr Doyle asked the accused to leave as their business had been finished. The accused then said: Ill be back wearing a balaclava and put a bullet in your fucking head. Mr Doyle was very shocked that somebody could get so agitated over a minor matter which would not mean any extra cost to rectify. He asked the accused to repeat what he had said and Mr Carroll walked away mumbling something he could not hear. After contacting his supervisor over what had happened, Mr Doyle continued testing other vehicles. Half an hour later, he saw Mr Carrolls car drive past the testing premises slowly. Mr Doyle agreed with Brian McInerney, defending, that he had been made aware of a two-page letter of apology in which the accused agreed he had flown off the handle. Mr Doyle said the letter did not reflect what happened, as the accused still denied threatening to kill him. Mr Doyle denied egging the pudding and making a State case out of a small spat. Sgt Viv Downey gave evidence of a statement given by the accused in which he said he flew off the handle as he felt Mr Doyle might have been fairer to him. He was also angered that he would have to go to Dublin for a retest as Mr Doyle said he would not repeat the test for him, owing to what had occurred. He denied threatening to kill Mr Doyle. Sgt Downey said the accused stated he did not wish Mr Doyle any ill-will. Things got hot and if he said something which offended he apologised. The statement included comments: If I said something like that [the threaten to kill], there was no intention to carry it out and I apologise if I said it in the heat of the moment. I drove around the vicinity two or three occasions contemplating whether I should apologise. I have a lot of trouble in my life. I am a reformed alcoholic with a heart condition and Im up to my eyes in debt. I am very embarrassed and humbly apologise. I meant no harm to anybody. If I said anything I did not mean it. I humbly apologise for any words and withdraw any allegation or suggestion of visiting danger on him. If I said anything I did not mean it. Evidence has concluded and Judge John Hannan will address the jury this morning before sending them out to consider their verdict. David Parris, a fellow emeritus in French, had challenged the universitys pension scheme rules which would prevent his same-sex partner of more than 30 years from accessing a survivors pension in the event of his death. He had taken the case against Trinity, the Higher Education Authority, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Department of Education. The European Court of Justice was asked by the Labour Court in Ireland whether the rules, which makes entitlement to a survivors pension conditional on a member having married or entered into a civil partnership before the age of 60, were discriminatory, either directly or indirectly, under EU law. ITS been a busy year for Dublin writer and poet Kerrie OBrien. The first quarter of 2016 saw her holed up completing her debut book of poetry, Illuminate, which was released via Salmon Poetry at the beginning of October. The second quarter involved her cradling the idea of a collection of Irish writing to raise money for homeless charities. It culminated in Looking at the Stars, an extraordinary reflection of the writing scene in the country at the moment, includes new work by the likes of Donal Ryan, Sinead Gleeson, Kevin Barry, and Colin Barrett, as well as extracts from future work by Benjamin Black aka John Banville, Joseph OConnor, and Belinda McKeon. There is also work by users of the Dublin Simon Community. Only 1,000 copies of Looking at the Stars have been published, with all proceeds ultimately 15,000 to be donated to the emergency rough sleepers team of the Simon Community. OBrien, 29, says doing two books back to back like this wasnt the plan. I was happily trucking along, and seeing what I might do next. But its been the most rewarding year, Ive been so proud of both books this year. Its such a great way to end it. The 28-poem Illuminate is heavily influenced by Paris, where OBrien has spent numerous weeks and months in the past couple years there are poems named after luminaries such as Hemingway, Arbus, Beckett, and Matisse. A spiritual collection, she also ruminates on love (Bud: There needs to have been a winter/where you were bare/and elegant as an orchid) and family (Sunday: Eighty years of you, still strong). The poetry book was a long time coming, she says. I got the offer to publish a collection years ago, probably 2012, probably just after I brought out my little chapbook... But I always knew the work wasnt good enough, I just wasnt confident about it at all, and I didnt want to bang out a collection for the sake of it. Though she is immensely proud of Looking at the Stars, the story behind its creation is a sad indictment of Ireland in 2016. This all started because I started talking to a girl on Grafton St, and she was homeless, she was from Limerick, and her name was also Kerrie. The reality is, its great weve done all this but shes probably still sleeping rough tonight, says OBrien. I walk around Dublin, even last night, every doorway, every single street, theres someone sleeping or begging so theres still a lot that has to happen, so thats why I want to raise awareness that this has to change, that the attitude towards this has to change. Its not just a case of throwing money towards a charity. I think its bigger than that. OBrien will be one of the many poets reading at O Bheals Winter Warmer festival at the Kino in Cork this Friday and Saturday. There will also be a special Looking at the Stars edition of O Bheal next Monday above the Long Valley on Winthrop St. Readers confirmed include Pat Cotter, Thomas McCarthy, and Madeleine DArcy, as well as OBrien herself. OBrien says shes delighted and humbled to be asked to read at O Bheal. Looking at the Stars is made possible by writers who are generally underpaid and Irish literary organisations who are all completely underfunded. I think thats a testament to all the amazing support of the literary community in Ireland at the moment, and that we need to support these organisations to support living writers. Illuminate and Looking at the Stars will be available at O Bheal next Monday, and can be bought from Dubray Books (online and in shop) and the Gutter bookshop. www.obheal.ie Business Trade Between Maungdaw and Bangladesh Halted A worker shows a waiting raft of 50,000 bamboo poles waiting to be sent down the coast to Bangladesh from Maungdaw. / Moe Myint / The Irrawaddy MAUNGDAW, Arakan State The border trade gate in Maungdaw Township has been closed indefinitely since Nov. 3, in order to prevent unnecessary risks and insecurity, according to U Kyaw Khin Myint, the regional head of Ministry of Commerce Department. When the territory is unstable, its automatically shut down, he said of the trading gate. The Maungdaw Border Trade Chamber of Commerce chairman U Aung Myint Thein confirmed to The Irrawaddy on Friday that although the authorities have not issued an official statement on the matter, verbal warnings have been given to traders not to depart from the area with cargo ships until the region has become more stable. However, the Bangladeshi government, across the Nat River, has not closed the border to trade, leading merchants to wonder if they can continue the sale of their goods, even though Burmese authorities say they cannot guarantee the traders security. The distance between the Maungdaw jetty and Teknaf District in Bangladesh is about seven miles, and normally takes around two hours for cargo ships to traverse. Meanwhile, many traders from Maungdaw are delivering commodities to Teknaf via the Arakan State capital of Sittwe. Merchants have garnered additional transportation expenses through this process, as some of the main exportslike dried fish, prawns, and seafoodare spoiled if stored for long periods of time. One of Burmas products in highest demand in Bangladesh is bamboo, from which fencing and thatched roof are made. Yet because of its weight, small motorized boats cannot efficiently carry large amounts of bamboo. Traders normally create a floating raft-like platform of around 50,000 bamboo poles, and then push it for around two days along the coastwith the help of five menbefore it reaches Teknaf further south, where it can fetch a price of around 12 million kyats (US$9,135). Muslim trader U Anowar of Shwe Mya Ratanar Enterprise, said that two months ago, he was instructed by government authorities to wait for a while before shipping his bamboo to Bangladesh. He has eight rafts of bamboo poles waiting, and stands to lose a large sum of money if they cannot be sent to Teknaf soon. The bamboo is going to be spoiled and damaged. If the government could allow it, I would like to transport my rafts, U Anowar said. Bamboo as a resource has become increasingly rare in Maungdaw in recent years, as much of the growth in the nearby May Yu mountain range has been harvested. Traders now rely on bamboo from Kyauktaw, Minbyar, Mrauk-U and Ann regions in Arakan State. Border merchants bring it from Buthidaung Township by bus. The ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) government officially declared Maungdaw Township a military operation zone after three border police posts were attacked by militants in October. The area has since been under lockdown, with a navy crew surveilling the waterways in search of those suspected of involvement in the attacks. Ministry of Commerce official U Kyaw Khin Myint acknowledged that trade at the Maungdaw-Teknaf border is lower than other points, such as Myawaddy-Mae Sot on the Thai border and Muse-Ruili on the Chinese border. During the 2015-2016 fiscal year, the Ministry reported just $5.44 million from both export and import through the Maungdaw border trading post. Until November, income from Maungdaw during the 2016-2017 fiscal year was around $3.2 million, indicating that this years financial gain would be lower than that of the previous year. In order to boost trade volume, the Burmese government had been constructing a new border trade zone on the outskirts of Maungdaw in recent years, with fundamental structures nearly completed, said U Kyaw Khin Myint. But Maungdaw Border Trade Chamber of Commerce chairman U Aung Myint Thein acknowledged that the flaring of clashes in Maungdaw means that the project will be further delayed. Trader U Anowar remembered that after the 2012 riots shook the region, it took almost one year for trading and business to return to normal in the township. Conflict has never brought good things for us. It really harms the traders, said U Anowar. Burma Burmese and Chinese Officials Hold Talks Over Shan State Conflict Burma Army troops in Muse on Tuesday. / The Irrawaddy NAYPYIDAW Burmese and Chinese officials discussed the ongoing fighting in northern Shan State during a meeting in Naypyidaw on Thursday, according to sources in the Presidents Office. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense spoke with their Chinese counterparts at the meeting. On Friday, a delegation led by the Chinese ambassador to Burma will visit the capital for additional talks. Since Sunday, an alliance of ethnic armed groups has battled the Burma Army in Muse and Namkham townships, forcing local people to flee their homes. The ethnic armed groups include the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Arakan Army (AA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA). As of Thursday, state media reported 13 deaths from the conflict. Chinese authorities have provided shelter to more than 3,000 displaced Burmese people in Wanding, a border town in Chinas Yunnan Province. The Chinese authorities have complained that heavy artillery shellsfired from Burmalanded and exploded in Chinese territory. The Dehong Dai Border Defense Base, a unit of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), delivered a letter detailing 13 explosions in the area of Wanding and Manghai towns on Nov. 20. According to the PLA letter, all 13 explosions were caused by heavy weapons fired from inside Burma. One Chinese civilian was injured by the shelling. On Wednesday, the Burma Army responded that it was not responsible for the shells that landed in China. According to a Burma Army investigation, it was ethnic armed groups who fired their weapons in a northerly direction, toward the Chinese border, during an engagement on Nov. 20. Government troops reportedly carried out their counterattacks to the south, firing their weapons away from the border. The directions of the attacksone pointing to the north and one to the southproved that the 13 heavy shell bursts that landed in China were fired by the KIA and MNDAA, the Burma Army reported. The Burma Army alleged that the errant shelling was a scheme organized by KIA and MNDAA insurgent groups with intent to harm the bilaterally amicable relations and the border peace and stability. Burma Death Toll Rises in Shan State Muse seen on Nov 22, 2016. (Photo: Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy) Three more civilian deaths occurred in recent days as heavy fighting continues between the Burma Army and the Kachin, Taang and Kokangs northern alliance in Shan State, bringing state-media reported deaths to 13. About 40 people have been injured and more than 6,000 displaced, with 3,000 taking refuge in China and the remainder in Muse Township, where trade routes have been disrupted. Unofficial estimates put the numbers higher than government estimates. According to the State Counselors Office Information Committee, a vegetable truck conductor named Maung Chin was fatally shot on Thursday afternoon by the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), while the driver managed to escape. Two people in Namkham Township died when artillery fire hit their house on Wednesday afternoon, according to the government. The victims were U P Kai Sho and his son P Kat Sao. Another son, P Kai Kyone, was admitted to the hospital after being injured. TNLA spokesperson Mai Aik Kyaw said the ethnic armed groups do not shoot civilians intentionally. We do not shoot at civilians on purpose, said TNLA spokesperson Mai Aik Kyaw, adding, But we cannot say if they are between the fighting. The shooting could also come from the military side too. In their releases on Friday, both the government and the rebel groups accused the other of launching artillery attacks that resulted in the civilian deaths. Kachin Independence Organization vice chairman Gen Sumlut Gun Maw said in a Facebook post on Thursday that the fighting was the consequence of government negligence regarding requests for a meeting to resolve the conflict. [We] requested negotiation many times, not military engagement. For more than three months we requested direct meetings for the KIO negotiation team, read his note, which added that no response was ever received. Khu Oo Reh, the head of the Delegation for Political Negotiation (DPN) of the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), told The Irrawaddy, the KIOs a member of UNFC numerous requests for a meeting were not responded to and the group was told there was no guidance from the highest state authorities, during a peace commission meeting in early November. State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said on Wednesday that all active ethnic armed groups could join the government peace process by signing the nationwide ceasefire agreement. Ethnic groups did not respond positively to her announcement and have said that she has unfairly ignored military offensives in the region. We are staying true to the peace process and seeking a solution through political talks despite setbacks and difficulties, said Khu Oo Reh. He reiterated that the UNFC remains firmly committed to participating in political negotiations and wants all-inclusion in the peace process. The DPN and the government planned to meet again later this month to continue their talks, but due to this weeks attack and military tension, the meeting is likely to be delayed. Heavy fighting has continued in Kutkai and Muse townships, where the Burma Army has used its air force to attack the ethnic alliance groups. According to locals in Namkham, gunfire was heard near Man Wein Gyi IDP camps on Friday and bridges and routes to Muse and Namkham are blocked. The northern alliance groups told locals to avoid the use of these routes to reduce civilian casualties. Our people, mostly from rural areas, have suffered the consequences of civil war for many years, said Khu Oo Reh, adding that there was no care for them, and now the causes have spread to some of the urban population as well. Critics have said the State Counseloronce a pro-democracy iconlacks a motive to speak out for ethnic people in rural areas, where hardship is the worst. Since the State Counselors Office Information Committee was formed last week, news updates have been publicized through its social media, quoting information mostly from the Ministry of Defense. There will be no solution if positive approaches to solutions are ignored and more flames are added to the fire, said Khu Oo Reh, referring to a propaganda war being waged with unverifiable information. In the meantime, the Chinese government has urged for a stop to the fighting when top officials visited Burma this week. The United Wa State Party (UWSP), the political wing of the United Wa State Army and the group with Burmas largest ethnic army, issued a statement on Thursday calling for both sides to cease fire as soon as possible, as it has caused serious instability affecting the livelihoods of the local people on the Sino-Burma border. The UWSP also pledged to provide necessary assistance for settlement and negotiation, the statement read. Burma Ethnic Alliance Denies Derailing Peace Talks Chinese police guard a camp in Yunnan Province's Wanding town housing some of the 3,000 Burmese refugees who fled across the Chinese border after clashes in Muse and Kutkai townships. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy RANGOON Ethnic rebel groups in northeastern Burma say their recent attacks on government forces were a response to military pressure and that they are still interested in peace talks. Mai Aik Kyaw, a spokesman for the Taang National Liberation Army, said fighting in northern Shan State was continuing Thursday. He said the government has not asked for talks with the four guerrilla groups that began attacks Sunday, but if it does invite them, they are ready to participate. He said the government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has never spoken out nor solved any of the problems of the militarys offensive fighting and human rights violations. Without proper discussions and negotiations, this fighting will never stop. The Kachin Independence Organization, whose fighting forces are also involved, said earlier its guerrillas were countering government army attacks and it didnt seek to derail the comprehensive talks to end decades of fighting between the government and a score of ethnic minority groups. Talks called by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at the end of August were attended by representatives of 17 of the 20 major ethnic groups, including the Karen, Kachin, Shan and Wa, who together make up 40 percent of the countrys population. But the other groups involved in this weeks fighting the Taang, also known as the Palaung, the Kokang minoritys Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and the Arakan Army, a smaller group allied with the Kachin did not take part in those talks, which are supposed to build on a so-called Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement that the ethnic groups insist include a political solution to their long-standing demands for greater autonomy. If and when they are willing to invite us for negotiation, we are ready to participate, said Mai Aik Kyaw. We didnt have a chance to attend the conference. The coalition of four ethnic rebel forces on Sunday attacked military outposts, police stations and a trade center in northern Shan State, which borders China. Since the fighting started in the region, nine people have been killed and 29 people are injured and more than 3,000 people have fled to the nearest border town in China, Sai Kyaw Tint, a member of the regional parliament, said by phone Thursday. The remote area is not easily accessible and independent reporting is difficult. At a time when people of Burma are in the process of striving for national reconciliation, it is extremely disappointing and saddening that these incidents are instigated, the State Counselor said in a statement issued Wednesday. Burma Explosion Hits Rangoon Divisional Govt Office A bomb squad team member on site at the Rangoon divisional government office compound after an explosion on Friday afternoon. / Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy RANGOON An explosion occurred at the Immigration Department of the Rangoon divisional government office on Friday afternoon. The office shares the compound with the Rangoon Division parliament and the police headquarters. Rangoon Chief Minister Phyo Min Theins residence is also in the vicinity of the office. Sources said the explosion was caused by glass energy drink bottles filled with chemical liquids; there were no casualties and no reported injuries in the blast. A bomb squad car and police officials were seen entering the compound through its Gate 4 on Friday evening. Security forces defused another explosive on-site. The explosion is the latest in a series of blasts during last two weeks in Rangoon. Four minor explosions occurred at a township immigration office in South Dagon Myothit Township on Thursday. Prior to that, another two explosions were at shopping malls. So far the police have failed to come up with an official explanation to the public about the series of explosions. On Friday, they refused to take questions from the media waiting outside the government compound. U Nay Phone Latt, a lawmaker from the Rangoon divisional parliament, told The Irrawaddy that Fridays explosion in the government compound was an ugly event. It shouldnt have happened. This is an act meant to mock the security. Plus, it also highlights how loose security is here, he said. U Nay Phone Latt added that the authorities should provide an explanation about the explosion. If not, people will feel they are no longer secure, he said. Burma In Maungdaw, a Solution to Ethnic Violence Remains Elusive A border policeman stands in Wa Piek, a Muslim village located near a police outpost in Maungdaw Township. It has been completely burned down. / Moe Myint / The Irrawaddy MAUNGDAW, Arakan State One of the consequences of the Oct. 9 border outpost attacks in Arakan States Maungdaw Township has been renewed distrust between self-identifying Rohingya Muslims and Arakanese Buddhists, despite attempts to rebuild relations after deadly riots erupted in 2012. According to the government, 10 border police were killed in the attacks, 7 soldiers died during subsequent clearance operations, some 70 suspects have been killed, and more than 300 people have been detained at various police stations in the township. Some 1,200 displaced people from Dar Gyee Zar villagewhich was almost entirely razedrecently made temporary camps in Abujara and Wa Piek villages in Maungdaw. Sources say that more than half a dozen other villages were burned down in the northern part of the township. Human Rights Watch said that on Nov. 13, it had identified 430 destroyed buildings in three villages in northern Maungdaw by analyzing high resolution satellite imagery recorded on Oct. 22, Nov. 3 and Nov. 10. On Nov. 21, the organization identified more than 800 more such destroyed buildings in five villages. The Burmese government rejected the reports findings. Although the government has denied allegations of violence against villagers, and even gone so far as to claim that extremist Muslims burned down their own buildings to frame the army, several international media outlets have reported that thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled for their lives to neighboring Bangladesh since the attacks and that dozens of Muslim women have been raped and otherwise sexually assaulted by members of the military. Most of the more than 1 million Muslims in Arakan State that identify as Rohingyaaround a third of the states populationare denied any form of citizenship. Buddhist Arakanese insist that they are illegal migrants from Bangladesh, and refer to them as Bengali. The Irrawaddy visited some of these camps for two days to gain a better understanding of what has been happening on the ground since the recent flare-up of violence. Local Help On Oct. 19, about 200 Arakanese Buddhists from Maungdaw gathered at a religious hall to discuss the current obstacles facing them, including the need for food. Others asked organizers to report to the government that they were concerned for their safety and wanted additional border police in their villages. Local Buddhists at the meeting said that few of these villagers experienced violence during the attacks, but they feared the unpredictable conflict gripping much of western Burma. An Arakanese woman, Daw Khin Than Ye of Ywat Nyo Taung village in northern Maungdaw, told The Irrawaddy that it was difficult to reach her village because security forces had allegedly been ambushed on occasion by militants, discouraging bus and boat drivers from traveling there. I cant sleep at night, and Im depressed. So I came here [to Maungdaw hospital] to receive medical treatment for a while. But now no one dares to drive back to my village, she said. Daw Khin Than Ye said that while her village had not been attacked, she feared violence could ignite there at any time, which was why she and other villagers asked the government to ramp up security measures, including adding more border police. The Irrawaddy spoke with U Soe Win, who lives in Aung Bala village and is the administrator for the 12 communities in Shwe Zar village tract. He said there have been flashes of communal violence in Maungdaw over the past several years but that Shwe Zar tract had successfully avoided severe conflict because Buddhist villagers there had close relationships with Muslim residents. Now, he said, it will take time to rebuild trust between the two communities. Sometimes, a woman might cross a Muslim village alone, but now, theres hesitation, he said. Restrictions Creating Obstacles Most of Aung Bala village depends on fishing in the Nat River for survival, but the Burma Army has locked down access to the river as it hunts for the perpetrators of the attacks. Aung Bala villager U Aung Thein said that many Arakanese face financial difficulties because they neither own paddy fields nor have other businesses and must look for new ways to earn money. Whenever violence has resurfaced in Maungdaw, some residentsincluding those in the small Hindu community of around 5,000have turned to various odd jobs to make ends meet, including hairdressing in rural areas, collecting empty cans and bottles and reselling them in the market, and working as housekeepers at teashops and hotels. Residents have also scattered in the aftermath of the violence, often fleeing to neighboring villages, which has placed a heavy burden on people who are already poor, said Maungdaw resident U Ko Nyi. Think about them [the villagers who have been displaced]. They dont receive food supplies from any group except from neighboring villages, U Ko Nyi said, highlighting the lack of international aid which has been allowed into the region. The Irrawaddy visited a main jetty in Maungdaw and met with workers there, who said the border gate was closed until Nov. 23 and that no commodities could flow through on either side. Some people have tried to work as trishaw drivers, but it is still hard to come by steady income. The government has also barred international journalists and relief groups from traveling to the northern part of Maungdaw while the Burma Army carries out operations. It was suggested to Irrawaddy reporters that they not travel there in order to avoid unnecessary risk. You cant know who the good and bad guys are, said Maungdaw resident Ko Kyaw Kyaw Naing. Some extremists are hiding there. Its unsafe if you look Burman. Building Fences The Irrawaddy tried to contact the spokesperson of the Islamic Religious Affairs Council for Maungdaw to learn about the challenges specifically facing Muslim villagers, but he was traveling at the time of reporting. His younger brother, U Ko Nyi, spoke with The Irrawaddy instead. U Ko Nyi explained that many of the bad things happening on the ground have not been published in newspapers, stating that hundreds of villagers from the northern part of Maungdaw, were killed within the last month, and women were raped by government soldiers. But this has been difficult to substantiate as journalists and outside investigators have not been allowed to access the area. I have contacts in northern Maungdaw, and theyve told me that when the army reaches the villages they gun down villagers if they attempt to run, U Ko Nyi said. If you want to obtain evidence, you must go there yourself. It is unclear what has become of the original perpetrators of the border outpost attacks. While the Burma Army has carried out clearance operations in the area, some have alleged that militants have continued to ambush government forces. Others say that the perpetrators of the border outpost attacks have already escaped to Bangladesh and now villagers have been caught in the crosshairs. A border fence has not been able to stop illegal crossings between Maungdaw and Bangladeshpeople normally use a rubber long boat to pass through the fence. Barbed wire has been known to lose its effectiveness in the local climate, because salt vapor damages the iron, leading the government to annually allocate money toward renovating fences of this sort. Head of the Maungdaw Township police force, Police Major Kyaw Mya Win, said he cannot deploy 24-hour border security near the fence and that the length of the border has caused challenges. This has resulted in the police only being able to secure main waterways and gates. We would like to build a brick wall if the government can provide the budget for it, but as far as I know, the government doesnt have this kind of money, Police Major Kyaw Mya Win said. Education as a Long-Term Solution The immediate future of the crisis in Arakan State seems bleak. Experts have warned that a lack of education in the region has made it possible for extremists to exploit unsuspecting victims. The government has built some 400 educational schools across Maungdaw district. Most of the students are Muslim, though The Irrawaddy was unable to get a precise count. An influential Buddhist abbot, U Kay Tu of the Myo Ma monastery in downtown Maungdaw, said that while some religious leaders teach radicalism, local residents should avoid a mindset of hatred toward other religions and instead set a precedent of religious tolerance in Maungdaw. U Esak, who is Muslim and a mosque trustee for Ward 1 in Maungdaw, said that the key to extinguishing conflict is following Burmas fundamental principles and communication between the government and local Muslims. Drawing on his own experience of never having traveled outside certain areas of Maungdaweven to the state capital of SittweU Esak added that the National League for Democracy government should end travel restrictions and grant freedom of movement to Muslims in Maungdaw. In an effort to investigate the regional crisis, Burma State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi launched the Arakan State Advisory Commission, headed by former UN General Secretary Kofi Annan, in August in order to provide recommendations to the Burmese government on addressing the conflict in accordance with international standards. Burma NLD Leader Urges Patience with New Government U Tin Oo delivers a speech during a National Day celebration in the NLD headquarters in Rangoon. / National League for Democracy / Facebook RANGOON The patron of Burmas ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), responded to recent criticism of the fledgling government and called for all parties to participate actively if they wish to see real change in the country. Since riding to power on the slogan Vote the NLD for Change, critics say the NLD has been slow to deliver on its promises. But NLD Chairman U Tin Oo says the current government has only been in power for a short time. How much time has the NLD been in power so far? he said during a National Day celebration at the partys headquarters in Rangoon on Thursday. There are many problems [left by the previous government]. You have to put them into consideration. The NLD government took power in March after its victory in the November 2015 general election. But the government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has come under fire for failing to quickly tackle problems like the ongoing fighting in ethnic areas, skyrocketing commodity prices, and mounting social problemsmany of which are the legacy of mismanagement by the previous military regime. A National Day statement released by the party urged all people to work for the success of the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference, to overcome their differences, and to keep trying to build a democratic federal union in Burma. Many people may feel discouraged given the situation now, U Tin Oo said, referring to predicaments like the Rohingya crisis in western Burma and the ongoing conflict with ethnic armed groups in northern Shan State. But I am not at all [discouraged], he added. As long as we have the unity we should have, if ethnic groups, civil society organizations, political parties, and the military are collectively united, we dont need to be scared. Burma Parliament Rejects Arakan MPs Proposal Arakan National Party lawmakers meet the press on Wednesday after their urgent proposal on Arakan State violence was rejected. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy NAYPYIDAW Arakan National Party (ANP) lawmakers criticized parliament after their urgent proposal regarding violence in Arakan States Maungdaw Township was rejected by the Lower House Speaker on Wednesday. The proposal urged the government to adopt plans to eliminate violence in Maungdaw, calling recent attacks on border police outposts a threat to national security and sovereignty. Lower House speaker U Win Myint replied via the director-general of the parliament that the government was already taking action and that the proposal did not need to be submitted to Parliament, ANP lawmaker U Ba Shein told the press. But we dont know what the government is doing, U Ba Shein said. All we know is the military is carrying out clean-up operations; we think the government should also draw up plans that address our proposal. Director-General of the Lower House U Tin Win Aung said he is not directly responsible for urgent proposals and told the media to ask the concerned lawmakers about the issue. Lower House lawmakers U Ba Shein, U Oo Hla Saw, U Pe Than and Daw Khin Saw Wai from the ANP met the press after the Lower Hose session on Wednesday, saying that they feel they are being faced with inequality over the frequent rejection of ANPs proposals. U Oo Hla Saw from Mrauk-U Township said that the proposal should not be rejected because the problem not only concerned Arakan State but also the entire Union. Rejection of our proposal in the Parliament means rejecting the voices of Arakanese people as well as the Union. So, we feel the rejection is not fair, said U Oo Hla Saw. It is not of the Parliaments business to give answers on behalf of the government, he added. But it is our duty to ask questions to the government through the Parliament. The ANP has put forward four proposals to Parliament. Two were rejected outright and two were accepted for debate, said lawmaker Daw Khin Saw Wai from Rathedaung Township. Proposals of lesser importance such as local development issues are allowed for debate, but not proposals like ours, criticized U Oo Hla Saw. According to parliamentary procedure, proposals are submitted to the speaker in advance, who then decides whether or not to accept them for debate and to inform the concerned ministries to address the matter. Lower House lawmaker U Win Myint told the media on Oct. 7 that he handled the submission of proposals and questions to the Parliament fairly and without bias but that he had to manage the proposals depending on availability of the ministries. Burma Police Investigating Rangoon Explosions Police seal the area around Capital Hypermarket in Rangoons Dawbon Township after the Nov. 20 blasts. / J Paing / The Irrawaddy RANGOON Police launched an investigation into three minor explosions in Rangoon in the last two weeks and have encouraged residents to be cautious. The homemade explosives used in the three similar incidents had not caused any injuries or deaths, according to lieutenant colonel of Rangoons eastern district police force, U Myint Htwe. The police are trying to find the reason for the incidents, he told The Irrawaddy, adding that its still not possible to draw the conclusion that all three incidents are linked. He urged residents to report any suspicious activities to the police. The first incident involved two minor blasts at the Ocean Super Center of Mayangone Township on Nov. 17 and another two devices detonated at the Capital Hypermarket in Dawbon Township on Nov. 20. The latest incident involved four minor explosions at the office of the immigration and population department of Rangoons South Dagon Myothit Township on Thursday. Thursdays blasts were caused by glass energy drink bottles filled with chemical liquids, according to an initial police report. The police team participating in the search for other suspect materials found an unexploded bottle that was disposed of safely. The police have opened lawsuits for the incidents under Burmas Article 3 of the 1908 Explosive Substances Act. Burma Womens Rights Activists Kick Off 16-Day Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence I pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women, reads the White Ribbon Campaign pledge. / Akhaya Women Myanmar / Facebook RANGOON Womens rights activists celebrated the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on Friday, the start of a 16-day campaign to reduce gender-based violence. Over 30 civil society groups, NGOs, and INGOs will take part in the campaign. Groups such as the Gender Equality Network (GEN), Womens Organizations Network of Myanmar (WON), Womens League of Burma (WLB), Population Services International (PSI) Myanmar, and Phan Tee Eain (Creative Home) will organize community events to raise awareness and to engage men in eliminating violence against women. The United Nations designated Nov. 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day. Friday is also the start of a campaign of events to end gender-based violence, an idea launched in 1991 by the US-based Center for Womens Global Leadership. Civic groups will organize community activities across the country, including public activism, theater performances, singing groups, quiz sessions, dance performances, and lectures, for 16 days from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10. Ma Lu Lu San, a member of Dawn Action on Womens Network, said that violence against girls and women is happening more frequently in Burma these days, especially sexual violence against the most vulnerable. We need to raise more awareness with the public, including with schools and parents, about gender-based violence in order to prevent rape cases and abuse, she said. She added that parents should also be careful when trusting neighbors or friends to look after their children, something which is quite common in Burma. During the 16 days of activism, local radio and TV channels will broadcast important discussions about violence against women, violence against men, violence against LGBT persons, violence against the disabled, domestic violence, and sexual harassment. To raise public awareness, a Forever White Ribbon singing contest will take place from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10. Ma Lwin Lwin Hlaing, the Womens Rights Coordinator at Action Aid Myanmar, said that her organization will also hold events about rape and domestic violence in local markets, shopping malls, and bus-stops in seven different townships. She said that physical and sexual violence against women and girls is rising in Burma, and women are experiencing urban insecurity. Now is an emergency situation. Its time to tackle these cases of violence, she said. She added that civil society and the public must work together with the government to reduce violence against women. It is not safe anywhere for women and girls these days, said Ma Lwin Lwin Hlaing. There is an urgent need to take action against offenders with harsh sentences. If we dont do this, the situation will only get worse. Prosecutors on Wednesday raided Samsungs headquarters in the Gangnam neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea, in an ongoing investigation against the countrys president Park Geun-Hye and her top advisers, regarding a corruption scandal in which she helped a longtime friend extort money from major corporations, including the nations largest business group. The National Pension Service Also Got Raided Because Of The Corruption Scandal In addition to this raid, it was reported that the National Pension Service -with about $460 millions in assets, and the biggest shareholder in many of the most important companies in South Korea- was also raided, since it may have been pressured into support a controversial Samsung merger last year, which strengthened the grip of vice chairman and "Crown Prince" Lee Jae Jong. Naturally, the funds approval has been considered as an important move that determined Jongs stronger position in the company, which benefitted the Samsungs Group controlling family more than the shareholders. The South Korea President has been accused of being part of an extortion design with unofficial presidential aide Choi Soon-sil, which backed two sporting foundations that received a potentially worth of $69 million in donations made by more than 50 business that was allegedly pressured to do it. Apparently, these sporting foundations were set up after the Samsung merger and were used for personal financial gain, and in exchange for some deals that hasnt been revealed yet. A Huge Damage To Samsungs Reputation Although Samsung has once again gain a good attention for the announce of its new products, it was reported that its involvement in this scandal could represent a huge blow for the company, considering that it suffered some months ago the cancelation of its flagship Galaxy Note 7 after several reports of the premium smartphone overheating, which causes losses of more than $5 billion. Naturally, this event was one of the worst moments in Samsungs history, to the point in which even South Koreas economy were seriously affected. The U.S. president-elect- Donald Trump is keep trying to make Apple build its iMacs, iPhones, iPads and many of its products in the country, in order to create more jobs and decrease the misemployment rate, which has been one of his main promises during the campaign and the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. In order to do this, the Republican said in an interview that he told the Cupertino companys CEO, Tim Cook, that he could build one big plant in America, instead of making it overseas. Trump Wants To Incentivize Tim Cook Cutting Taxes And Many Substantial Regulations According to Tech Times, Trump wants to incentivize Apple to make this happen, as he also stated that he could make substantial regulation cuts and very large tax cut, so the tech giant wouldnt see as a bad idea to make its products in the U.S., giving the fact that it is a better business by keeping it in countries such as Vietnam and China. In fact, it was known that when Cook called Trump after he got elected, the president told him that he would consider a "real achievement" if Apple ended up building its plants in America. Naturally, this represents an important appeasement in Trumps discourse, considering that in the campaign he was more aggressive in his idea of making the Cupertino company to manufacture its products in the U.S., to the point in which he threatened to slap a 45 percent tax on products imported from China, which was clearly a dangerous declaration against the tech giant. Moving Back To America Is Not An Impossible Scenario According to Fortune, the Apples concern about moving back to the U.S. is the lack of workers with the proper skills to manufacture some of its products. However, as reported in a previous article, the company is already studying the possibilities of making this move back to America, since, its main manufacturer partner Foxconn Technology Group is analyzing the scenario, and it hasnt rejected the idea of doing it. Earlier this 2016, when it was the first release, the Samsung already had a promo wherein if you buy a Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 Edge, you will get a Gear VR headsets for free. Today, a Thanksgiving Day, the company s ready to bring it back as part of the Black Friday deals. The said deal will start from November 24 throughout November 28. Samsung Is Giving Away A Free VR Headset Gear All Samsung buyers of the Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge will get a free Gear VR headset (2016 model), which normally costs $99.99, plus an Oculus content bonus (a $50 value). According to PhoneArena, the free Gear VR offer is available to US residents of at least 18 years old. This is a great deal since the Gear VR 2016 is obviously superior, though we still feel there's plenty of room for improvement. The issue about the recall of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has forced the company to shift attention to the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. As mentioned by TechTimes, since the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge will need to do most of the heavy lifting for Samsung until it launches the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus in early 2017, it only VR Headset Gear (2016 model) It's wireless, using your phone to power the VR, comfortable to wear, easy to set up and now has an even larger library of free and affordable apps, games and videos to try in VR, as reviewed by Wearable. Side by side, the new Gear VR looks almost identical to last year's headset. But there are some noticeable differences the fact that there's more room inside the headset and some new vents on the side. The actual visual experience of using a Gear VR will depend on which smartphone you use, with Samsung, of course, nudging you towards the big and sharp Note 7 screen. But there is some improvements to the actual headset no matter which phone you've go specifically Samsung has widened the viewing angle to 101 degrees (from 96 degrees) and darkened the color tint to reduce glare and reflections. More than 70 years after Bletchley Park was once the home of Britain's codebreakers during World War Two, now the site is preparing to host the UK's first national college of cyber education. UK Cyber Defense School Business Insider reports that work is under way to revamp several derelict buildings on the site at Bletchley Park. It was there the place where mathematician Alan Turing cracked Nazi Germany's "unbreakable" Enigma code. Now on the site will open a national cyber defense school that will start taking students on September 18. The new school for 16- to 18-year-olds will take 100 students in its first year. UK's first national college of cyber education will sit right beside the historical attraction and the National Museum of Computing. Around forty percent of its students' curriculum will consist of cyber studies. The school will be part publicly and part privately funded. The plans were unveiled by Qufaro, a not-for-profit body formed by cyber security experts. The new school is part of an initiative to create a UK national cyber security hub. Tim Reynolds, deputy chairman of the National Museum of Computing and a director of Qufaro said that, because it's building on the work that took place in the Second World War, Bletchley Park is a natural home for a cyber security college. The new initiative is just making the site relevant again and bringing it up to date. An entrance exam and talent spotting will ensure selection for places at the new UK college of cyber defense. According to Qufaro, the non-profit organization expects that around 90 percent of students will board at the school. Reynolds also said that Qufaro is looking to take advantage of all the expertise that currently exists and provide the students with the educational support that they are going to need, in order to ensure that they become either university ready or industry ready. Qufaro sees the college as a one-stop-shop where the students will be ready for whatever path they choose to take. The elite school for talented teen hackers will open in 2018. Until the opening date the site will undergo a restoration project of 5 million ($6.2 million). Growing cyber threat According to CNN, Britain's Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), the former Government Code and Cypher School, is supportive towards the plan. A GCHQ spokeswoman said that the organization welcomes any initiatives aimed to promote skills in cyber security. She also said that the concept is interesting and can provide a pathway for talented students from schools not able to provide the needed support. Last month, the head of MI5, country's security and counterintelligence agency, warned that the UK is facing a growing covert cyber threat from Russia. This is involving "high-volume activity out of sight." However, Russian government rejected the claims. The British government unveiled earlier this month its National Cyber Security Strategy. The measures are aimed at tackling the growing cyber threats facing the country and ensuring that the UK becomes one of the safest places in the world for online business. The Chief Executive Officer of Reddit, has confessed to altering some of the comments that have been posted on one of the site's subreddits. Steve Huffman, co-founder and current CEO of the social networking website, admitted that he edited some posts on the pro-Trump sub-Reddit, The_Donald. "Yep. I messed with the "fuck u/spez" comments, replacing "spez" with r/the_donald mods for an hour. It's been a long week here trying to unwind the r/pizzagate stuff. As much as we try to maintain a good relationship with you all, it does get old getting called a pedophile constantly. As the CEO, I shouldn't play such games, and it's all fixed now. Our community team is pretty pissed at me, so I most assuredly won't do this again." Huffman, whose Reddit username is Spez, edited the posts to look like commenters were hurling insults at The_Donald moderators instead of him. Huffman, himself, has been targeted by supposed Trump supporters after the controversial banning of the "Pizzagate" board. The community was banned by the site because of "a violation of [our] content policy". Reddit moderators reasoned that the board was guilty of the "proliferation of personal and confidential information" of personalities that conspiracists believe are pedophiles. The Pizzagate conspiracy insists that Hillary Clinton is involved in a child sex-trafficking ring which is supposed to be headquartered at the Comet Ping Pong pizzeria in Northwest Washington. Conspiracy theorists believe Clinton and people close to her run the pedophile ring. The banning of the Reddit community was justified after some of those who are supposed to be involved with the conspiracy have been the subject of threats. The owner of the pizza place, James Alefantis, has received numerous threats to his life. He has asked the FBI and social media networks to help him clear his name and to prevent further proliferation of fake news. Reddit does not ban conspiracy boards or other controversial communities. The company, which was one of the sites affected by the series of cyber attacks in late October, insists that "the concept of free speech is important, but completely unfettered free speech can cause harm to others and additionally silence others, which is what we'll continue to address". In the latest reported data breach, hackers broke into the U.S. Navy's database and have stolen the personal information of more than 130,000 sailors, including names and Social Security numbers. Navy Data Breach According to the website nydailynews.com, the Navy announced on Wednesday, Nov 23, that sailors affected by the October data breach will be notified in the coming weeks. Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Admiral Robert Burke said in a statement that this is a matter of trust for sailors and the Navy takes this incident extremely seriously. Last month, the unknown hackers were able to gain access into a contractor's laptop last month, getting access to the sensitive information of 134,386 former and current U.S. sailors. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Services announced officials on Oct. 27 that one of their laptops had been compromised. The laptop was operated by an employee working on a Navy contract and provided access to the U.S. Navy database. Burke explained that the investigation of the breach is still in its early stages. The Navy is trying to identify those affected by this breach. At this stage of the investigation it is still unclear who is behind the break-in, as well as what the attackers did with the stolen information. Up to date, there is no evidence to suggest misuse of the compromised information, according to the Navy. According to Ars Technica, fortunately, the data breach has not compromised hospital records or credit card information. However, the hack has left the personal information of the sailors exposed and it comes in a context of growing cyber threats. Not The First Incident Digital Trends reports that, in fact, this is actually the second major hack associated with Hewlett-Packard that is affecting Navy data. associated with Hewlett-Packard. The company admitted back in 2013 that Iran had gained access into the unclassified Navy and Marine Corps Intranet. The Navy Times reports that this time the personal data came from the Career Waypoints database (C-WAY) that is used by sailors to submit re-enlistment and Navy Occupational Specialty requests. Tokyo normally doesn't have snow in November. It has been half a century since Tokyo has last seen snow before December. Now early snow comes to Tokyo, for the first time in 54 years. Temperatures approached zero as Tokyo had snow this November. Many commuters and vehicles were caught by surprise by the unexpected snowfall. The Japan Meteorological Agency has said that Tokyo has not experienced this since the last time it happened back in 1962. Snow fell on Tokyo because of a cold air mass brought in wet snow. The snow didn't accumulate much since temperatures were still above freezing, though in the western suburbs snow did accumulate on sidewalks. About 2 centimeters of snow have fallen. While the snow didn't stay for long, it caused inconvenience among people. Trains were delayed as the snowfall has not been expected, according to USA Today. This has also caused some to wonder if this might be because of a changing global climate. While global warming has brought climate change to the world, the early November snow in Tokyo should not alarm residents there. Sakiko Nishioka, an agency official who is also forecasting weather, said that the snowfall has been the result of several elements happening at once. He said that it is not a sign of unusual weather. He did say that it is still not clear if this might be connected to climate change, as Phys Org reports. Tokyo often has mild winters compared to other places in Japan. Though the snowfall has been brief, there were reports of injury. At least 47 people were reported to have been injured during the brief snowfall. The snowfall turned to rain just as quickly, which has melted much of the snow away. Temperatures would still be low, though it should be sunny by Friday. The unusual early snow has also become an opportunity for people to take photographs. Early snow comes to Tokyo, which is the first time in 54 years. Many are thinking that it might be part of the ongoing climate change, though that has yet to be determined. Global warming just might bring extremely cold winters, as a study has shown. Microsoft has started shipping some Surface Studio orders a little early. The company originally planned to ship the units to each and every customer in mid-December, but Microsoft has been emailing the first people to preorder the $3,000 device, letting them know that the Studio will arrive this week. However, Microsoft is still accepting preorders for the Surface Studio, but new devices wont ship until next year. Microsoft Starts To Ship Surface Studio Earlier Than Expected According to Next power Up, Microsoft originally planned to start shipping its all-new Surface Studio next month,December. But surprisingly the company has started shipping Surface Studio orders a little early. If you were quick to order the computer, check your inbox to see a shipping notification. Besides from shipping orders earlier than expected, Microsoft has also opened a new dedicated support line for Surface Studio owners. Users can call a special number for questions, comments, or concerns. Microsofts Surface Studio, the new creators-focused all-in-one PC that was unveiled at the companys Windows 10 event in late October was initially expected to start shipping in the US on December 15. However, it seems that the company has since changed its plans as a tipster who pre-ordered the all-in-one PC warned Thurrott.com that Microsoft informed him that he would receive his Surface Studio as soon as this week, said the ON MST. The Microsoft Studio As Microsoft itself, presented the Surface Studio, here are the specifications. 6th Gen Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM Ultra-thin 28-inch adjustable PixelSense Display Surface Pen included Windows 10 Pro When you buy a unit, here are things you might want to check in the box. Battlefield 1 has been praised for its realistic take on World War I. Indeed, EA actually replicated some of the most historical battles that happened in World War I. The Operations mode, for example, are based on four biggest battles that happened during the First World War. The first map in Operations mode for Battlefield 1 is based on the Spring Offensive of 1918. Otherwise known as the Kaiser's Battle, the Kaiserschlact, or Ludendorff Offensive after German General Erich Ludendorff. This happened after the Russians released the German POWs after the signing of Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. Ludendorff rallied the German troops in a last ditch effort to distract the British forces. The second map on Battlefield 1 called Conquer Hell drew its inspiration from a non-fiction book written by Edward G. Lengel which chronicles the exploits of the American Expeditionary Forces led by US General John J. Pershing. The American forces, totaling to 1.2 million soldiers, successfully pushed against the German forces until the end of the war in November 11. The frontline of the battle stretched 20 miles from the Argonne Forest to the Meuse River. Iron Walls, the third map of the Operations mode on Battlefield 1, replicated the Battle of Vittorio Veneto where Italian forces fought against the Austo-Hungarian forces from 1915 to 1918. Before that, the Italians suffered a huge defeat against their opponents in the Battle of the Caporetto in 1917. The Italians gained ground when the States of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs withdraw their support forcing the Austro-Hungarian forces to retreat. In the fourth map of the Operations mode in Battlefield 1, Oil of Empires, was inspired by the battle of Fao Landing on November 6, 1914 which also set the stage for the start of World War I. When the Ottoman Empire joined the war, the British forces sent troops to the Al-Faw peninsula to secure the oil facilities there. Hit us with your thoughts via the comments section below. After seven years, Facebook is closer to coming back to China than ever before. Facebook has been banned from the country for seven years and it looks like Mark Zuckerberg is trying his best to get China to lift that ban. Facebook is currently working on a censorship tool that would make the world's number one social network more palatable to China. The software is supposed to suppress posts from appearing in news feeds in certain geographies. But according to the company, the posts will not be completely suppressed. A third party is necessary to monitor what is being posted and shared by users across Facebook. The partner company, most likely one from China, will analyze the popular topics and stories and decide which ones will show up in the feeds of Facebook users in the country. The development of the new tool is actually one of the company's confidential activities. However, the news was leaked by some current and former employees of Facebook. According to them, the censorship tool was intended to appease China so Facebook can tap the huge market. China is the second largest economy in the world and has a population of more than 1.3 billion. Ninety-one percent (as of 2013) of Chinese people who have access to the internet have social media accounts. QZone, the Chinese equivalent of Facebook, and Weibo, the ChineseTwitter, are two of the top social media sites in the country. According to reports, Zuckerberg has long had interest in re-entering the Chinese market. "We have long said that we are interested in China, and are spending time understanding and learning or about the country," said Arielle Aryah, a spokesperson of the company. Zuckerberg have met with Liu Yunshan, China's propaganda chief, last March in an effort to improve relationship with the country. Liu indicated that Facebook could help "strengthen exchanges and improve mutual understanding with China's internet companies". Zuckerberg, who has been learning to speak Mandarin, has also been to China a number of times to discuss things with the country's internet executives. The move may or may not quell concerns of China gathering intel on the U.S. Early in Nov., a security company discovered that budget smartphones made in China was secretly sending data back to China. The BMW 1 Series has recently made its debut at the ongoing 2016 Guangzhou Auto Show and it seems like it sparked more than just a few interest. Apparently, it was said to be only distributed in China but some say other countries might also get it. But will the BMW 1 Series make it to the U.S market? The BMW1 Series Powertrain Auto Economic Times reported that the BMW 1 Series has three trims that are all powered by petrol namely the 118i, 120i and 125i. According to the report, the first trim is powered by 1.5-liter three-cylinder TwinPower turbo engine that is capable of putting out 136 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 120i and 125i are equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder TwinPower engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that shells out 192 and 231 horsepower respectively. The BMW 1 Series Features The BMW 1 Series has safety features including collision warning, lane departure warning, pedestrian warning, and emergency assistance. Exterior features include a panoramic sunroof, dual round headlamps paired with LED DRLs, and a double-kidney grille. The interior comes with seats upholstered with leather, dual zone climate control and colored Heads-Up Display (HUD) as reported. Lastly, there will be three driving modes available in the BMW 1 Series namely, comfort, sport and Eco Pro. No further details were given regarding the driving modes. Will The BMW 1 Series Make It To U.S Market? According to a report from BMW Blog, the U.S. is the second biggest market for BMW while China takes the top spot. However, it was also mentioned that the sale of BMW 1 and 2 Series combined only reached 8,000 units during the previous year. Will the BMW 1 Series make it to U.S market? This will depend on certain factors such as price and features as reported. Accordingly, political factors may also play a role as Donald Trump is looking to put higher tariffs on imports from Mexico and China. "Fatemeh, 11, once again a victim due to the inhumane Iranian Sharia law." A young girl blinded at the age of four chooses to approve the implementation of her attacker's retribution sentence. Iran Human Rights (NOV 24 2016): Fatemeh, an 11-year-old girl who was blinded at the age of four by her uncle, is once again a victim due to the inhumane Iranian law of Qisas (retribution). The blinding retribution sentence for a man who had blinded Fatemeh on July 8, 2009 was reportedly carried out two weeks ago in a prison in the Tehran area In accordance with Iran's Islamic Penal Code, the age of maturity for females is 9 and for males is 15. As a result, the responsibility of the retribution sentence was placed on the shoulders of Fatemeh. "I didn't know what to do, but when I was reminded of the moment that I was blinded with acid, I decided to implement the sentence, so I may send the message that the punishment of such a bitter action is retribution, and that nobody can get away after ruining someone else's life," said Fatemeh in an interview with Iranian state-run media. At the age of four, Fatemeh was a victim of violence and brutality against children. With the implementation of the retribution sentence, Fatemeh is a victim again. She will have to live knowing that she is responsible for the blinding of a human being. The retribution sentence requires the victim or the family of the victim to decide whether to forgive or approve the implementation of the sentence. When the victim or their family chooses to forgive, the offender is typically released shortly after, and justice is not served. If the victim or family approve the implementation of the sentence, they could experience mental health problems and thus become victims again. "The retribution law, or Qisas, promotes violence and places the responsibility of the death penalty or other inhumane punishments, such as blinding, on ordinary citizens, including children. It is time that this inhumane law is abolished, and we call on the international community to help make this possible," says Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, spokesperson for Iran Human Rights. | Report an error, an omission; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; send a submission; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! Source: Iran Human Rights, November 24, 2016 ITU-GS-MR-MainContent More than 400 participants from 59 countries, including government ministers, vice-ministers, Directors-General and leaders from business, academia and United Nations agencies met in Gaborone, Botswana, from 21 to 25 November to attend ITU's World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Symposium (WTIS-16). The Symposium was organized by ITU and hosted by the Government of Botswana. WTIS-16 featured a Ministerial Roundtable on leaving no one behind in the digital revolution; a Leaders' Dialogue on the structural impact of ICTs on societies and economies; and the launch of the Measuring the Information Society Report 2016 and the ICT Development Index (IDI) 2016. Participants also debated and addressed a wide range of topical issues including measuring digital inclusion and data literacy, bundled services and the Internet of Things (IoT), and indicators for disaster risk reduction. "ICTs are crucial in achieving all of the SDGs because ICTs integrate and support all three pillars of sustainable development: economic growth, social inclusion and environment sustainability," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. "The debates in successful symposiums like WTIS 2016 confirmed how important a role ITU statistics play in development by helping track progress on the status of access to ICTs, show the rapid technological progress made to date by countries and help policy makers identify the people and communities being left behind in the rapidly evolving digital economy. " "Botswana has made huge strides in using ICT in its development agenda," said Mr Onkokame Mokaila, Minister of Transport and Communications of Botswana. "This is largely due to its massive investment in infrastructure, information systems and human capacity. Botswana is of the view that this investment in world class ICT infrastructure is not a luxury but a development imperative." ITU's flagship annual Measuring the Information Society Report was released in Gaborone on 22 November. The report's annual ICT Development Index (IDI) country rankings were announced at a high-level WTIS-16 award ceremony. The Republic of Korea ranked number one in this year's IDI, which is a composite measurement that ranks 175 countries according to their level of ICT access, use and skills. Iceland, Denmark and Switzerland completed the top four countries. The most dynamic country in IDI 2016 is St. Kitts and Nevis, which moved up 20 places to 34th in the rankings in this year's Index. Very substantial gains were also made by Algeria, Bhutan, Dominica and Myanmar. "This WTIS has provided ICT sector players with yet another unique platform to exchange knowledge, share best practices and identify areas that need improvement so that none is left behind in the digital economy," said Brahima Sanou, Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau. "Global interconnectedness is spreading rapidly with many countries reaping the benefits of more liberalized and competitive ICT markets that encourage innovation and technology uptake across all sectors." "In September 2015, the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) began the implementation of a converged ICT licensing framework designed to meet demands for real-time high quality and affordable services, accommodate emerging players for increased competitiveness and enhance value proposition for consumers," said Mr Thari Pheko, BOCRA Chief Executive. "Telecommunication/ICT indicators will play a critical role in measuring how well the new framework is meeting its objectives." Cosmas Zavazava, ITU's Chief of Department for Projects and Knowledge Management, said, "As the international community seeks to fully implement the 2030 Development Agenda, WTIS provides a platform for the adoption of globally agreed tools for telecommunications and information society measurement. The event provides a unique platform for ICT data users and producers to meet and share knowledge and best practices, identify business opportunities and enhance cooperation." At a ceremony held on 23 November, the Government of Tunisia offered to host WTIS in 2017. First held in 1996, and annually since 2005, WTIS has evolved to become the main global forum for telecommunications and information society measurement. The event provides a unique platform for ICT data users and producers to meet and share knowledge and best practices, identify business opportunities and enhance cooperation. *Note to editors: ITU's IDI is widely recognized by government, UN agencies and industry as the most accurate and impartial measure of overall national ICT development. It combines 11 indicators into a single measure that can be used as a benchmarking tool globally, regionally, and at national level, as well as helping track progress in ICT development over time. It measures ICT access, use and skills, and includes such indicators as mobile cellular subscriptions, households with a computer, Internet users, fixed and mobile broadband Internet subscriptions, and educational attainment. Iranian authorities have executed seven prisoners in northern Iran. Iran Human Rights (NOV 25 2016): According a report by the Iranian state-run news agency Jame Jam, two prisoners were hanged in the Gilan province (northern Iran) on murder charges. The report does not mention the identities of the prisoners or the exact location or date of the executions. The human rights news agency HRANA has reported on the execution of four prisoners at Karaj Central Prison (Alborz province, northern Iran) on drug related charges. According to the report, the executions were carried out on Thursday November 24. The names of the prisoners have been reported as Mohsen Jamali, Yasser Kavyani, Davoud Totalzehi and Asef Mohammad Saeedpour. Mr. Totalzehi and Mr. Saeedpour were reportedly Baluch citizens. The Kurdistan Human Rights Network has reported on the execution of a prisoner at Mahabad Prison (West Azerbaijan province, northwestern Iran) on drug related charges. According to the report, the prisoners name is Jamshid Tahami and he was executed by Iranian authorities on Thursday November 24. Mr. Tahami was reportedly detained in prison for three years prior to his execution. Iranian official sources, including the media and Judiciary, have been silent about the executions in Karaj Central and Mahabad prisons. | Report an error, an omission; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; send a submission; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! Source: Iran Human Rights, November 25, 2016 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ISTANBUL (AFP) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday warned the European Union he would sign a law bringing back the death penalty if it was approved by parliament. Democracy, its respecting the peoples will, Erdogan said in a speech in Istanbul. If the people say we want the death penalty and this goes to parliament and parliament passes it and it comes to me, I declare I will approve this, he added. Erdogan was speaking hours after he had rattled Europe by threatening to open Turkeys borders to allow migrants to reach the EU, in a move that would tear up a landmark deal signed in March that has reduced the refugee flow. He made his remarks in response to the cheering crowds chants of we want the death penalty, an oft-repeated call during his rallies since the July 15 failed coup. When you want the death penalty, the gentlemen are uncomfortable, he said, apparently referring to EU officials. Erdogan said that if he signed the death penalty back into law, it would likely be blocked by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), but this did not concern him. I say, it doesnt bother me. Because the European Court of Human Rights gives a lot of decisions, we know it very well this peoples will, yes this is a will that must be respected by everyone. EU officials have repeatedly made clear that bringing back the death penalty would end Turkeys bid for membership, which sets abolishing capital punishment as a condition. Turkey completely abolished the death penalty in 2004 as part of its accession process. The move meant the 1999 death sentence for Kurdish separatist leader Abdullah Ocalan was commuted to life behind bars. No judicial executions have taken place in the country since left-wing militant Hidir Aslan was hanged on October 25, 1984 in the wake of the 1980 military coup. | Report an error, an omission; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; send a submission; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! Source: Agence France-Presse, November 25, 2016 Email Links to our top local news stories of the day, Monday through Saturday. Freedom From Religion vs. Freedom of Religion MythYou Have Freedom Of, not Freedom From Religion?By Austin Cline, Agnosticism & Atheism ExpertUpdated June 29, 2015.Myth:You have freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.Response:This claim is common, but it rests on a misunderstanding of what real freedom of religion entails. The most important thing to remember is that freedom of religion, if it is going to apply to everyone, also requires freedom from religion. Why is that? You do not truly have the freedom to practice your religious beliefs if you are also required to adhere to any of the religious beliefs or rules of other religions.Continue Reading BelowAs an obvious example, could we really say that Jews and Muslims would have freedom of religion if they were required to show same respect to images of Jesus that Christians have? Would Christians and Muslims really have freedom of their religion if they were required to wear yarmulkes? Would Christians and Jews have freedom of religion if they were required to adhere to Muslim dietary restrictions?Simply pointing out that people have the freedom to pray however they wish is not enough. Forcing people to accept some particular idea or adhere to behavioral standards from someone elses religion means that their religious freedom is being infringed upon.See Also: Establishment of a National ChurchFreedom from religion does not mean, as some mistakenly seem to claim, being free from seeing religion in society. No one has the right not to see churches, religious expression, and other examples of religious belief in our nation and those who advocate freedom of religion do not claim otherwise.What freedom from religion does mean, however, is the freedom from the rules and dogmas of other peoples religious beliefs so that we can be free to follow the demands of our own conscience, whether they take a religious form or not. Rose DETROIT Charges could be announced today against a suspect being held in the fatal shooting this week of a Wayne State University police officer in Detroit. Maria Miller, spokeswoman for Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, said in an email Thursday morning that the prosecutors office had received a warrant request in connection with the shooting death of Wayne State Officer Collin Rose. Miller later said that charges could be announced today with an arraignment to follow, the Detroit Free Press reported. Rose, 29, was shot in the head Tuesday evening while on patrol near the Wayne State campus in Detroit. The five-year veteran of the university police force died Wednesday evening in a hospital. This is a tragedy felt by all of us, Wayne State President M. Roy Wilson said in a statement. Collin served Wayne State with distinction, and we owe those he left behind our deepest sympathies and our strong support. Wilson said Rose, a five-year veteran of the universitys police force, is the only Wayne State officer killed in the line of duty. Police said a suspect in the shooting was arrested late Tuesday night a few blocks from where Rose was shot, but no charges have been filed. Detroit Police Chief James Craig had said Rose was on duty around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday when he radioed to say he was investigating possible thefts of navigation systems from vehicles and that he was about to speak to someone on a bicycle. Officers who arrived on the scene found Rose injured on the ground. Wayne State, which has more than 27,000 students, employs about 65 officers. Authorities say ambush-style shootings on Sunday left one police officer dead in San Antonio, Texas, and another wounded in St. Louis, underscoring fears in the law enforcement community that the uniform is increasingly becoming a target. But Wayne State Police Chief Anthony Holt said that wasnt the case in Detroit on Tuesday. I dont believe it was an ambush, Holt said at a news conference Wednesday. I dont believe he was specifically targeted. Holt said no weapon has been recovered and that the investigation is ongoing. Were trying to put the pieces together, he said. Matt Lockwood, a university spokesman, said Wednesday morning that Rose had undergone surgery and that his parents and fiancee were by his side. Rose was a cadet with the New Baltimore Police Department and had his first job as an officer with the village of Richland, Lockwood said. Rose, a cyclist interested in dog training, graduated from Ferris State University in 2010 and was president of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and state Attorney General Bill Schuette offered condolences Wednesday night to Roses family and fellow officers. Officer Rose was doing his job, serving his community and protecting all of us, when he was tragically gunned down, Schuette said in a statement. Officer Rose was too young to have his life taken, and he leaves behind a family that will never be the same. Election Day was a blowout for the cause of legal marijuana. Ballot measures legalizing medical or recreational cannabis use passed for the first time in seven states, with a defeat in Arizona the only setback for activists. But, as the experiences of other legal-marijuana states show, the thorniest debates are just starting. How should the trade be regulated? Who will benefit financially? How will the federal government act? These questions and others will roil the states for years to come. The presidential and congressional election results have already put some of these measures in peril. Activists knew that an overwhelming show of support for marijuana ballot initiatives could be interpreted as a mandate for lawmakers to reconsider the federal prohibition on the plant. (President Obama added to these hopes by saying that if just five of these states decided to allow a form of cannabis use, that would mean that a fifth of the country is operating under one set of laws, and four-fifths in another. . . . That is not going to be tenable.) The new political landscape, however with President-elect Donald Trump set to take office alongside a Republican-dominated House and Senate signals that, despite a groundswell of popular support for marijuana legalization and its growing geographic footprint in America, ending the plants federal prohibition is unlikely to be a legislative or executive priority. Trumps pick for attorney general, Sen. Jeff Sessions (Ala.), has said that good people dont smoke marijuana and that he thought the Ku Klux Klan was OK until I found out they smoked pot. (An early contender for the job, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, promised in the Republican primary race that hed terminate legal marijuana in all 50 states.) This doesnt suggest an extension of the Obama administrations noninterference policy. Journalist Tobias Coughlin-Bogue also raises the disturbing possibility that an anti-immigration attorney general Sessionss opposition to immigration is well known might not disrupt state cannabis initiatives entirely, but could selectively enforce federal drug laws against immigrants and people of color in the cannabis industry. But even if appointed officials honor Trumps professed respect for states rights, legalization is just the start of a protracted dialogue over how to craft cannabis policy. States that legalized marijuana earlier have contended with unanticipated consequences, as well as social and legal disputes over the rules of a newly sanctioned industry. Take Pueblo, Colo., which became the states second-largest hub of marijuana production after legalization in 2012. The city voted on two measures in this election, both proposing local bans on the cannabis industry. Proponents argued that legalization has attracted a migration of homeless people from neighboring states, overburdening social services. The measures, in a town where the new industry has yielded thousands of jobs, were soundly rejected. In California, more than 50 municipalities that correctly anticipated the passage of Proposition 64 (which legalizes and regulates adult use cannabis in the state) also drafted ballot measures to impose local taxes on pot, all but one of which passed. While tax revenue has helped sell skeptics on the benefits of legalization, if taxes are too severe, they risk driving consumers back to underground suppliers. In Montana, where voters originally approved medical marijuana in 2004, voters chose to reform the law this year after a Republican-controlled legislature repealed the original act and replaced it with a far more limited version in 2011. Aside from the legislative and social growing pains of legal pot, municipalities have ethical issues to consider namely, who stands to benefit from these new laws. California, recognizing that people of color were most affected by racially biased enforcement of cannabis prohibition, made history with its answer: Its the first legalization initiative to allow drug offenders to participate in the sector from the start, as well as to include reparations for communities torn apart by drug policy. The pro-64 campaign explicitly argued that its unethical to permanently disenfranchise previous offenders for an act that a majority of voters now deem acceptable. Relatedly, Marylands Legislative Black Caucus has raised concerns about the fairness and diversity of license distribution for that states developing medical marijuana program. As these cases demonstrate, legalization often raises surprising social and economic complications that can elicit new resistance. Cannabis consumers and others in legalized communities have good reason to pay attention to these challenges, as they will probably be called on to vote on cannabis regulations again as the industry matures and new concerns crop up. Cases like Pueblo and Montana serve as reminders that policy regression can be as easy as progress. Its also important for the voting public not to merely settle for marijuana legalization as presented, but to put political pressure on their representatives to ensure that cannabis policy mitigates potentially harmful outcomes, such as burdensome taxation, unequal opportunity in the industry and disruption to consumers medical needs. Given the possibility that state legalization projects could be subject to federal interference (or even prosecution of participants), citizens may need to turn up the heat on their lawmakers to convince them that access to legal cannabis, given the diversity of states now supporting its medical or recreational use, is finally a bipartisan value. Who won #Hamiltongate? Not the cast, who offered a dignified and respectful speech after their performance last Friday night. Not the audience, who that same night booed and jeered fellow attendee Vice President-elect Mike Pence. And not the shows far-flung liberal fans, who cheered reports of Pences apparent comeuppance and mocked Donald Trumps thin-skinned tweets demanding an apology. No. Trump, and only Trump, won this round in the culture wars. And with many more rounds to come, liberals need to find some way not to take his bait. Maybe Pence decided to see the hottest show on Broadway because its the hottest show on Broadway. Or because its a Pulitzer-Prize-winning work by a bona-fide genius. Or because, with its story of a destitute autodidact pulling himself up by his own bootstraps, it has had documented appeal to Democrats and Republicans alike. But I also wouldnt be surprised if Pence attended Fridays performance specifically hoping, or at least expecting, to stoke boos and a brouhaha that would ultimately rouse the Republican base and distract from much more embarrassing Trump-related news. Think about it. Trump could not have chosen a more perfect cultural foil than Hamilton if hed designed the show himself. The show has somewhat paradoxically become an unwitting symbol of out-of-touch, cosmopolitan liberal elites. Tickets to the smash hit can fetch thousands of dollars, making them inaccessible to all but the reasonably wealthy. The show is fawned upon by effete elites such as myself. Most important, at least to Trumps base, Hamilton has Hispanics literally taking the jobs of old white men. That is, the show chooses to cast people of color to play nearly every Founding Father (and Mother). It also employs the musical idiom of some of these marginalized groups hip-hop in its storytelling. The production was intended to represent America then, as told by America now, as the shows creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, has repeatedly explained. These choices emblematic of the shows obsession with who tells your story were revelatory and revolutionary, from both an employment perspective and a storytelling one. Actors of color find precious few opportunities to play such textured, multidimensional roles; and reimagining these historical figures as nonwhite visually transfers their achievements, rights and legacies to demographics often denied them. To liberals, these creative choices enhanced the shows virtuosity. To many conservatives, though, those same choices and the liberal echo-chamber that celebrated them were evidence of their deepest, darkest fears. This critical darling was a form of cultural appropriation, a revisionist attempt to brown-wash American history, in the same way that unpatriotic Advanced Placement textbooks are now supposedly doing. And to the extent that Trumps voters had previously heard anything at all about this Broadway phenomenon, theyd likely heard about the reverse racism pseudoscandal of last spring. As Fox News and others sanctimoniously reported, the show had posted casting notices seeking NON-WHITE men and women, ages 20s to 30s, for Broadway and upcoming Tours! No wonder, then, that #Hamiltongate presented such a potent political crucible. My own Twitter feed has been full of triumphant liberals celebrating the theaters revived ability to effect political change and unmask Trump as a tetchy crybully; and triumphant conservatives celebrating how smug, moralizing and clueless this whole incident revealed liberals to be. Both sides had so much fun patting themselves on the back that they sometimes failed to notice how much attention they drew away from the Trump University fraud settlement, the legalized bribery happening as foreign diplomats book stays at Trump-owned hotels, and rabidly bad administration picks. Art should be political (as this brilliant show already is, in spades). Artists should be political, too. I applaud the casts instinct not to throw away their shot, to paraphrase one of the shows anthems. Particularly since many of them may justifiably feel personally threatened by the policies espoused by the incoming administration. But no matter how unfailingly polite and pointed the production crafted its statement to be, when those words came on the heels of audience jeers, they still unwittingly played directly into Trumps hands. This, I fear, will be the central challenge of mounting an effective opposition to Trump in the years ahead. Like Silvio Berlusconi, Trump has an uncanny instinct for setting off a Pavlovian reaction among his leftist opponents, as economist Luigi Zingales recently put it, which only strengthens him. Calling out injustice always feels like the righteous thing to do. The uncomfortable question for Trumps opponents in the years ahead now must be: How do we call out injustice, without unintentionally reinforcing it? It was in the early days of their fame, flush with money and all the things it could buy, that Beastie Boy MCA, after a show, performed a crude act captured on amateur videotape. Its a harrowing scene, all the more so because the young fan he gropes doesnt object as he reaches into her pants. But that shouldnt be surprising. According to another contemporary source, rich celebrities can get away with that sort of thing. The hip-hop/punk band Beastie Boys, consisting of Michael Mike-D Diamond, Adam MCA Yauch and Adam Ad-Rock Horovitz, is one of the most influential musical acts of all time. They produced seven critically acclaimed platinum albums between 1986 and 2004 and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. I wouldnt call myself a fan of their music. I never bought a recording or went to a show and couldnt recite a lyric (except for, of course, you gotta fight for your right to party). But Im a fan of the Beasties themselves Diamond, Yauch and Horovitz. I became a fan because I watched them grow up. I noticed Yauch in particular, whose transformation from a disheveled, fidgety 22-year-old prankster to a well-groomed, soft-spoken, self-contained 30-year-old man was spurred by a snowboarding trip to Nepal in the early 1990s, during which he first became aware of the oppression the Tibetans suffered under communist China. He eventually became a practicing Buddhist and a passionate advocate for Tibetan freedom and nonviolent resolution. In 1996, he co-founded an annual series of popular concerts to generate support for Tibet. The change was evident in his speeches, delivered at venues like Oberlin College and MTV awards shows, and in interviews like one in 1997 with PBS Frontline, in which he talked about how money, sex and material possessions actually dont bring us happiness. Ive learned a tremendous amount about how compassion or altruism actually brings a person happiness ... Some, no doubt, will think Yauch naive and overly simplistic, but I cant help feeling kinship with him. I feel encouraged, knowing that if Yauch could change, so can I and so can others. Anyone who has the same temperament at 40 that he had at 20 hasnt learned a damn thing. Yauch died of cancer on May 4, 2012, at the age of 47, leaving behind a wife and daughter and millions of mourning fans. One year later, a small park near the Brooklyn Bridge, with a playground and picnic tables, was renamed in his honor. Last Friday night, Adam Yauch Park was vandalized. Swastikas and pro-Trump slogans were spray-painted on its playground equipment. This is only one of many well-documented incidents, now numbering in the hundreds at least, of vandalism and other forms of ethnic intimidation and violence being perpetrated by people who fancy themselves supporters of President-elect Donald Trump. And yet the only time hes condemned these actions is when hes been pressed to, like when Leslie Stahl asked him about it during his recent 60 Minutes interview. Millions of Americans are now, legitimately or not, fearful for their freedom, their rights, their lives and those of their families. Some of them live in our city. Trump has done little to comfort them. And, yes, Im aware of the violence and vandalism that has been generated from the other side. I condemn that as well, and will even more so if it reaches anywhere near the same level of intensity and frequency. On Sunday, hundreds gathered in Yauch Park and his former bandmate, Horovitz, addressed the crowd: Im assuming that were all here today cause were thinking the same thing: spray-painting swastikas at a childrens playground is a messed-up thing to do. For many of us, this has special meaning because this park is named for Adam Yauch, who was my friend and bandmate for over 30 years, but he was also someone who taught nonviolence, in his music and his life, to all of us and to me. This months presidential election didnt really resolve much in America. Theres a great deal we need to discuss, and I hope we do, with clarity and as much compassion as we can muster. But there are a couple of conclusions that are beyond debate; that, divided as we are, should unite us. One is that there can be no acceptance of the supremacist philosophy our American troops fought and died to end in World War II. The other is that spray-painting swastikas at a childrens playground is a messed-up thing to do. NEW YORK The three golden elevator doors in the Trump Tower lobby have turned into the most unlikely television feature. C-SPAN is carrying a near-constant video feed across from the elevator bank, catching people as they arrive for and depart from meetings with President-elect Donald Trump at his residence. Monday offered star-gazing potential as television news personalities were summoned and an unexpected performance from New Yorks Naked Cowboy. It all seemed natural, considering the unseen star is the nations first elected president who was once a TV reality star. This is for people who love watching a government in transition, said C-SPAN spokesman Howard Mortman, or who love watching a bank of elevators. The feed comes from the television network pool set up by reporters on stakeout duty in the lobby below the president-elects residence. Most of the time the camera shot is fixed in place, focusing on the elevator doors and a golden security desk with a TT insignia. C-SPAN began showing it last Wednesday, airing nearly 23 hours of the doors last week. The stream is shown constantly on C-SPANs website, with highlights on the TV network, say when somebody decides to address reporters questions. On Monday, ABCs George Stephanopoulos stepped off an elevator and away from the off-camera reporters. CNNs Wolf Blitzer walked across the lobby in front of the waiting media. Wolf, how was the meeting? someone asked, and Blitzer ignored the question. Television news stars and executives were invited on two days notice to the off-the-record meeting. Lester Holt and Chuck Todd came from NBC News; John Dickerson, Charlie Rose and Gayle King from CBS; David Muir and Martha Raddatz from ABC News. Top television news executives like ABCs James Goldston, CNNs Jeff Zucker and Fox News Bill Shine and Jack Abernethy also attended. Its not unusual for television executives and personalities to meet for off-the-record conversations with presidents, particularly when they have particular policies to push. There was certainly a lot for the incoming president and media executives to discuss, beginning with Trumps near-unceasing attack on the media during his campaign. Since the election, the media has expressed concern about whether Trump will stick to protocol by allowing a protective pool to cover his whereabouts, and when he will hold his first news conference as president-elect. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. The dollar flirted with fresh 13-year highs on Thursday, before backing down slightly, after solid U.S. economic indicators and Federal Reserve meeting minutes underpinned speculation for an interest-rate rise. The ICE U.S. Dollar Index DXY, -0.29% , which measures the buck against a basket of six currencies, last traded around 101.56 after closing at 101.68 late Tuesday in New York. The index marked fresh 13-and-half-year highs in early European trade, climbing as high as 102.05. On Wednesday, the dollar index hit 101.78, its highest since April 2003. The index got close to its March 21, 2003, high of 102.15, noted Richard Perry, market analyst at Hantec Markets. Basically, the dollar has been consolidating for a couple of days, but the market had a new leg yesterday, said Perry in a telephone interview. It is odd that has been the position taken coming into Thanksgiving, because now youre going to get illiquid markets, thin trading and spiking around. 0:00 / 0:00 Donald Trump calls for unity in Thanksgiving video(1:58) President-elect Donald Trump released this video Wednesday, calling for unity on Thanksgiving after what he termed a "long and bruising" campaign that divided Americans. But he said the dollar is getting more stretched on the upside, technically. The further you get on this dollar bull run, the bigger the chances are well get a retracement snap back, he said. The WSJ Dollar Index BUXX, -0.26% , which measures the greenback against a wider basket of currencies, fell 0.4% to 91.83. Data boost: Strong U.S. durable goods orders and consumer sentiment data on Wednesday bolstered already heightened expectations the Fed will keep tightening monetary policy to prevent the economy from overheating. Minutes from the Feds November meeting showed strength in key sectors of the U.S. economy, hardening the case for an increase in short-term interest rates in December. Read: Fed VIPs saw rate increase coming relatively soon, November FOMC minutes show Against the yen, the dollar USDJPY, -0.26% shot as high as 113.16 after 112.53 Wednesday, trading at levels not seen since March, said Perry. It lately had moved back to around 113.01. The euro EURUSD, +0.4833% was clawing back some ground, trading around $1.0571 against the dollar. It tapped as low as $1.0515, which is just around its December low of $1.0538, said the analyst. He said the next big support level sits at the March 2015 low of $1.0456. The British pound GBPUSD, +0.0241% was at $1.2485, up from $1.2441. Read: Dont blame the dollar when the Trump rally gets smashed, in one chart Year-end surprise? Speculation over fiscal stimulus to come from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and expectations for faster Fed rate increases also has helped trigger broad dollar buying recently. Yet, some market participants are becoming skeptical about the sustainability of the dollars advance in the near-term. Speculators have been building up big long dollar, short bond, and long stock positions in [a] relatively short-term period. I dont think those positions will be carried beyond the year-end, said Toshihiko Sakai, senior manager of forex and financial products trading at Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corp. In the long run, though, said Sakai, the dollars upward trend is likely to continue, and the euro could test parity against the dollar next year FOCUS ON DEFENSE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND OCEANIA Reddit Email 0 Shares Maan News Agency | BETHLEHEM (Maan) The World Bank denounced the worsening water crisis in the Gaza Strip, calling the situation in the besieged Palestinian enclave alarming on Wednesday. In a statement released by the World Bank, senior water and sanitation specialist Adnan Ghosheh stated that only 10 percent of the population in Gaza had access to safe drinking water. Subscribe to Informed Comment by email and never miss a posting! So much water has been pumped out of the natural aquifer underneath Gaza since (the late 1990s that seawater has seeped in, making it too salty to drink, Ghosheh said. There are some 150 operators who provide some kind of desalinated water that has been filtered to make it acceptable for drinking and for cooking. Its more expensive and not an improved source of water, according to our definitions of water clean enough to drink. Ghosheh went on to add that the quantities of freshwater brought into the blockaded Palestinian territory from Israel as per the 1993 Oslo Accords falls far short of the needs of the Gazan population. The World Bank has been supporting plans by the Palestinian Water Authority to build a water desalination plant to address the scarcity of drinkable water. However, many internationally funded infrastructure projects, including desalination and wastewater treatment initiatives, have been halted or significantly delayed due to the vastly insufficient electricity supplies in Gaza. Ghosheh underlined that the Israeli government had recently approved the use of a dedicated power line to provide electricity to a wastewater treatment plant project led by the World Bank, three years after the request for the power line was first submitted. The situation has been further worsened by damage inflicted to the existing water infrastructure during Israeli offensives on the coastal enclave, Ghosheh said. The near decade-long Israeli blockade has plunged the Gaza Strips more than 1.8 million Palestinians into extreme poverty and some of the highest unemployment rates in the world. Gazas infrastructure has yet to recover from the devastation of three Israeli offensives over the past six years. The slow and sometimes stagnant reconstruction of the besieged coastal enclave has only been worsened by the blockade Ghosheh corroborated warnings by the United Nations that Gaza could become uninhabitable by 2020. If we start implementing the measures to secure the water supply and improve water management, the aquifer would clean and replenish itself, he said. But, if by the year 2020, those measures are not in place if the 55 cubic meters of water a year from the desalination plant are not coming to replace the water being taken out, if the waste water plants are not built we will basically have an irreversible process. Via Maan News Agency - Related video added by Juan Cole: PressTV: World Bank says Gaza water situation alarming Reddit Email 0 Shares By a Special Correspondent | Mosul | (Niqash.org) | Inside their homes, a lack of food and water; outside, bombs, snipers and crossfire. Yet many Mosul locals are choosing to stay in the city, even though its a war zone. Despite the fact that extremists have been driven out of their Mosul neighbourhood, Kawla* and her family are still sheltering in the narrow corridor under their concrete stairs. I cant describe how happy we were to get rid of the Islamic State fighters, Kawla said in a telephone interview with NIQASH. But its not yet over. We are still very scared and we have become part of this war, even though we dont want to be. Subscribe to Informed Comment by email and never miss a posting! The Iraqi militarys counter-terrorism forces, the most professional, experienced, and best trained of the army, have succeeded in pushing the extremist group known as the Islamic State, or IS, out of several neighbourhoods. And they are moving further into the city. But the fighting is difficult and grinding and many civilians are getting caught up in the back-and-forth. According to interviews with Iraqi military, the IS group doesnt seem to care how much damage they do to civilians in their attempt to fight their opposition. They were launching anti-tank rockets into the liberated neighbourhoods. We knew that those rockets would kill innocent children and women. One night there was heavy fighting right outside, on our narrow street, Kawla says. There was shelling and shooting and an explosion broke all of our windows. Dust was everywhere and the children were so scared. They started shouting and crying while I just held them and tried to hide my own crying from them. That night, we didnt sleep at all. Finally dawn broke and things were very calm. My husband looked out the window and saw a black vehicle with an Iraqi flag. He said: Those are the counter-terrorism forces. We left the house as did our neighbours. Although we were so happy that the IS fighters were gone we were still worried. We were afraid of the Iraqi army but then they started waving at us! We havent seen the army here for over two years. The commander of the forces told us not to worry. He said: Dont be afraid. We came to liberate you. And everyone really just took a deep breath, Kawla recounts. Even now, we still cannot get outside as the sky is raining rockets and bombs, she adds. We cant cook and we have to find water; were living on bread and dates and food that we stored because we knew this day would come. Even after the Iraqi army manage to gain control of a neighbourhood, that is often not the end of the fighting. Though it seems clear they are doomed to fail, the IS fighters are not giving up easily and they are shelling in an apparently random and indiscriminate way. NIQASH spoke with five individuals in Mosul, all living in different parts of the city and all of them told an almost identical story about the IS groups tactics these consist of loading anti-tank weaponry into a vehicle and then driving it around the city. They were launching anti-tank rockets into the liberated neighbourhoods from a utility that was parked right next to our house, says Abu Saeed*, who is now in the Hay al-Nour neighbourhood in Mosul. We knew that those rockets would kill innocent children and women. Abu Saeed said his family had also had their share of bombs. The international coalition targeted the area where the rockets were being launched from. The explosion shook the whole neighbourhood but it only killed three IS guys. It was a weapon with limited force otherwise the whole street would have been destroyed, he explains. Another local man told NIQASH about a rocket that fell on a house in the Wihda area in eastern Mosul. The whole family were killed a mother and her children, the man said. When the father got back from his store, he found the burnt corpses of his wife and children. More and more civilians are being killed and injured in Mosul. The Iraqi army says they have been given orders to protect civilians above all but the IS groups indiscriminate shooting is killing many who stayed at home, as well as those who try to flee the fighting. Hospitals in Mosul are overcrowded with wounded civilians who arrive from the neighbourhoods that the IS group still controls. In the areas where the IS group has been driven out locals are burying their dead in their backyards because its too difficult to transport the corpses to a cemetery and Iraqi military vehicles are being used to move the injured to hospitals further away, in comparatively safe Iraqi Kurdistan. The situation is extremely problematic for both the Iraqi military, locals and humanitarian organisations there are fears the operation to push the IS group out of Mosul could drag on for months. The Iraqi government dropped leaflets telling locals to stay in their homes but, according to reports, is apparently now considering a mass evacuation as the toll of innocent bystanders wounded or killed rises. But some, like Kawla, say they wont leave their homes. They say that they know that the journey out is dangerous and that once you get to a camp, the conditions are miserable. I hope we can stay here and that we are not forced out, Kawla says. We are all just so tired. *Names of individuals still inside Mosul have been changed for security reasons. Via Niqash.org Related video added by Juan Cole: Al Jazeera English: Battle for Mosul: Civilians risking everything to flee Reddit Email 0 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | The Russian op-ed writers are intrigued with Donald Trump, who has spoken of improving relations between the US and the Russian Federation. But they want to know what the bottom line will be, given his equally strong tough guy bluster. An editorial in the Russian Gazeta.ru from Nov. 15 pointed out that what Moscow hopes for from a pro-Russian US president is the recognition that Crimea is Russian, and an end to the sanctions placed on Russia after its unilateral annexation of that territory from the Ukraine. The editorial, according to BBC monitoring, warns, But it is hardly likely that Trump, who criticised Obama as a weakling compared with Putin, will himself want to be known as a weakling, having made unilateral concessions to Russia. That is, the Russian observer is as confused by Trumps unpredictability as everyone else. Does Trump want to play hard ball with Putin? Or does he want to work together with Moscow? The editorialist also claims that Russian elites pushed for Brexit, for the exit of Britain from the European Union, and also have funded the campaign of far right French nationalist Marine Le Pen. These tactics, the writer said, aim at weakening the European Union. But the writer wonders aloud why anyone would think that a weaker, divided EU would be better for Russia. The EU is Russias largest trading parter He adds, If in France Marine Le Pen . . . [becomes] president, attempts at the further division of Europe and the chances of a lifting of the European sanctions may be expected. But he clearly does not approve. Leonid Radzikhovsky writes in an editorial for Rossiyskaya Gazeta on 15 November, according to BBC Monitoring, that a Washington is ours euphoria has washed over Moscow. He is skeptical of that idea but admits that the election results were a definite psychological victory for the Kremlin. He denies that Russia hacked the US elections. Radzikhovsky argues that Russian President Vladimir Putin has become a classic conservative, in favor of Euro-scepticism and traditional values. But in any case, he concludes that the purpose of a good foreign policy is for a government to achieve is domestic policy goals, and he is hopeful that a US-Russia thaw will help Putin in that regard. Subscribe to Informed Comment by email and never miss a posting! Related video: Wall Street Journal: Putin on U.S.-Russia Relations After Trump Win The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) [advocacy website] on Tuesday reported [press release] that police at the Standing Rock site in North Dakota have used life-threatening weapons to control protesters over the last two days. The ACLU reports that tear gas, rubber bullets, concussion grenades, mace, and water cannons have been used on the protesters. The Morton Country Sherriff [official website], Kyle Kirchemeir, rejected some of those claims in a press conference [Facebook video]. The protesters stated that the force was excessive and that the protests were peaceful while the police departments contend that the force was necessary in response to fires being started [NYT report] along a police barricade. The Dakota Access Pipeline [advocacy website], is a partially constructed oil pipeline that would transport more than 470,000 barrels of oil per day over its 1,172 mile length through North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Illinois. The protesters, who call themselves water protectors, are led in part by the Indigenous Environmental Network [advocacy website] and are comprised in part of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe [official website]. Tensions have risen since the protests began over the summer [NYT editorial], and police force has drawn criticism from multiple sources including the United Nations [JURIST report]. The UK has one of the highest levels of premature deaths from nitrogen dioxide (NO2) air pollution in the EU according to a 2015 report [PDF] published Wednesday by the European Environment Agency (EEA) [official website]. According to the EEA while air quality is slowly improving around Europe it still remains the single largest environmental health hazard in Europe [press release] resulting in a lower quality of life. A High Court judge ordered [press release] the UK Government on Monday to create a stronger air quality plan by July 2017. The plan must bring the air pollution level within legal limits. Mr Justice Garnham ruled in favor of ClientEarth against the Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs [official website] finding that the governments proposed timetable, which would have given them until September 2017, was far too leisurely. The judge further ordered the government to publish all technical data regarding the basis of its plan. According to ClientEarths lawyer, a total of 37 out of 43 zones in the UK have illegal levels of air pollution. In March Client Earth filed [JURIST report] papers stating that the UK experiences 40,000 early deaths from air pollution every year and that the government has failed to take appropriate action in the face of this public health crisis. The High Court ruled [JURIST report[ that the current air quality plan was unlawful because it was based on faulty projections of diesel vehicles that would not reduce the levels of NO2 quickly enough. The original plan proposed six clean air zones in London, Birmingham, Derby, Southampton, Nottingham and Leeds; which is extremely insufficient based on the number of zones affected. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan [official website] threatened to send a new wave of migrants to Europe following a vote to halt negotiations over European Union [official website] membership yesterday. The discussions were focused upon whether to continue negotiations with Turkey over its membership, a battle which has lasted 11 years. Erdogan threatened, [text] [i]f you go any further [in cutting membership negotiations], these border gates will be opened. Neither I nor my people will be affected by these empty threats. This vote is non-binding on member states, with Germany, France, and most other EU states choosing to continue membership negotiations. Both sides have much to lose if this deal falls through. The EU is Turkeys largest trade partner, and the EU recognizes that Turkey has taken in over 3 million refugees over the past years. A German official urged both sides to stick to the migrant deal, which they stated both sides had an interest in. Erdogan has accused the EU for not taking an active role in addressing the current migrant crisis, an issue he believes Turkey has been forced to unduly shoulder. Yesterday the vote went forward with the EU voting to freeze accession talks [JURIST report] with Turkey, which is non-binding on the EU member states. The fallout with the EU is a continuance of the aftermath Turkey has faced since crackdown after the attempted coup [JURIST report] in July. Since then the government has dismissed [JURIST report] 10,000 civil servants with links to the plotters of coup. Earlier this month the Turkish government restricted activities [JURIST report] for NGOs and rights organizations. Also at the beginning of November the government arrested opposition leaders [JURIST report] Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, along with nine other members, accused of terror related attacks. [JURIST] The European Parliament [official website] voted [press release] on Thursday to halt EU accession negotiations with Turkey due to the governments disproportionate repressive measures after a failed coup in July. This vote is non-binding, but represents a strong message to the EU Ministers before their December meeting to discuss Turkeys 11-year bid for membership. The MEPs stated that the actions taken by the Turkish government violate basic rights and freedoms protected by the Turkish Constitution, and that In partnerships, the will to cooperate has to be two-sided . Turkey is not showing [the] political will [to cooperate as the governments actions are further diverting Turkey from its European path. The freezing of negotiations on this basis is provided for in Article 5 of the Turkey-EU Negotiating Framework [text, PDF]. However, the MEPs believe Turkey should still remain anchored to the EU. The aftermath of the failed coup attempt continues as Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan [BBC profile] vowed [JURIST report] that those involved in the coup would pay a heavy price. Last week, Turkey significantly halted the activities of 370 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) including human rights and childrens groups to investigate the groups alleged terror connections [JURIST report]. The president of the UN Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals, Theodor Meron, demanded [JURIST report] the release of Turkish judge Aydin Sefa Akay in an address to the UN General Assembly. Early in November, the Turkish Government arrested [JURIST report] eight pro-Kurdish political party members, including the partys two leaders Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag and an additional nine party members. In September, Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said that approximately 32,000 people have been arrested [JURIST report] and 70,000 have been questioned. In late October, Turkeys government dismissed 10,000 additional civil servants [JURIST report] and closed 15 more media outlets for their supposed connection with US-based religious leader Fethullah Gulen, whom Turkey has accused of orchestrating the attempted coup in July. According to an John McKissick at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR] [official website] on Thursday, members of the Rohingya Muslim community have been subjected [BBC report] to numerous atrocities by troops in Myanmar, including execution, rape, starvation and displacement. McKissick said the widespread violence is part of an ongoing effort by the Burmese government to ethnically cleanse the Muslim minority group from the country. Speaking to the BBC [website] from the UNHCR headquarters in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh [Coxs Bazar News, Bengali], McKissick said the latest increase in violence against the Rohingya is in response to the murder of nine border guards in Myanmar on October 9, which some Burmese politicians have blamed [press conference transcript] on a Rohingya militant group. More than 200,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled to Bangladesh from neighboring Myanmar in an attempt to escape the violence and alleged genocide. Many of those migrants are currently living in camps near the border, in towns such as Teknaf and Ukhiya. Some have expressed a desire to return to their homes in Myanmar, although Human Rights Watch (HRW) [Website] reports that more than a thousand Rohingya homes have been razed [HRW report] there. Human rights violations have been on the forefront of Myanmars new democratic government since ending a decades-old military rule. In June a UN expert presented [JURIST report] a report on religious, free market, political, and nationalist or cultural fundamentalism, stating that fundamentalist intolerance is growing throughout the globe and is directly contributing to infringements of the rights to association and peaceful assembly. In April, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed [JURIST report] shock at the increasing number of children recruited and killed in armed conflicts in several countries; the government of Myanmar alone released [JURIST report] 46 underage child recruits from the military in March as part of a UN join action plan made in 2012. In May Human Rights Watch urged [JURIST report] the Myanmar Parliament to reconsider a proposed law that they say has the advocacy organization says has the potential to limit free expression and peaceful assembly. Also in May US Secretary of State John Kerry offered support to Myanmars newly democratic government and urged [JURIST report] the country to push more democratic reform and address human rights issues. [JURIST] In a 7.8% increase from 2014, 2.9 million patent applications were placed worldwide in 2015 according to a new report [materials] released Wednesday by the UN World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) [official website]. Over one million of those patents were filed [UN News Centre report] in China, and over 500,000 were filed in the US. There was also a 26.6% increase from 2014 in trademarks filed in 2015, which marks the fastest growth in over 15 years. Applications for industrial design also rebounded and grew by 2.3%, up from a sharp decrease in 2014. WIPO Director General Francis Gurry [official profile] noted that it is encouraging that intellectual property filing has progressed in 2015, reflecting its increasing importance in a globalized knowledge economy. Last month the US Supreme Court heard argument [JURIST report] in the case of Samsung Electronics Co. v. Apple [SCOTUSblog backgrounder]. The challenge involves interpretation of a portion of the US Code that provides that any person who applies a patented design to any article of manufacture is liable to the extent of his total profit. The question is whether total profit considers only the income from the infringement, the screen and interface, or all of Samsungs phone sales. The patent dispute [JURIST op-ed] between these two electronics giants is ongoing. Last month the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reinstated [JURIST report] a $120 million jury award owed to Apple by Samsung. In March the Supreme Court agreed to hear [JURIST report] Samsungs appeal in another case against Apple. In January the US District Court for the Northern District of California granted [JURIST report] Apples motion for a permanent injunction against Samsung for infringing upon three software patents. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon [official profile] on Thursday expressed hope [statement] that a new peace deal [text, PDF, Spanish] between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Colombian government would help bring an end to a decades-old violent conflict in the nation. An official UN spokesman said: The Secretary-General hopes that Colombians will come together at this time to move the peace process forward. He reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to provide all necessary support, both through the United Nations Mission in Colombia and through the relevant UN agencies, funds and programs. The new deal, signed on Thursday, is a response to a more than fifty year conflict between FARC and the Colombia government that has claimed the lives of over 220,000 people [CNN report]. In October, 50.2 percent Colombia voters rejected [JURIST report] an earlier peace deal attempt. The prior deal had been crafted after four years of negotiations, and was signed [JURIST report] in September. In June the Colombian government and FARC signed [JURIST report] a ceasefire agreement. In January the UN Security Council unanimously approved [JURIST report] a resolution authorizing the creation of a political peace mission in Colombia to monitor the disarmament between the Colombian government and FARC rebels. UK meat-free business Quorn Foods is to push into Asia, a year after its takeover by Philippines food group Monde Nissin. Quorn products have started to go on sale in 200 outlets in Manila, the Philippines capital, with sales already proving positive, the company said. Quorn also plans to open its first office in Singapore. As part of what Kevin Brennan, Quorns CEO, called the fastest level of expansion weve experienced in our history, the company is also adding more than 25 commercial roles to its offices in the UK, the US, Italy and Germany. Brennan said: Our plans for growth are progressing at great speed as we move towards our goal of turning Quorn into a billion-dollar business. In order to maintain momentum, we are investing in our people and our sites to ensure we are able to keep up with worldwide consumer demand. This is the fastest level of expansion weve experienced in our history and we are seeing huge opportunities for growth in the U.K. and internationally but we need to work hard now to get the infrastructure in place to make this happen. Quorn also announced the appointment of a new CFO and a new sales director. Former Del Monte and Coca-Cola Amatil executive James Harvey is to become CFO, replacing Martin Lofnes, who steps down after six years at Quorn. Sales director Richard Garner is to be replaced by former Burtons Biscuit Co. executive Richard Crabtree. Brennan said: Martin and Richard have both been instrumental in Quorns growth and were central to the successful sale of the business in 2016. They both felt this was the natural time for them to move on but I want to thank them for the hard work and dedication theyve shown to the business and wish them continued success for the future. Quorn Foods CEO Kevin Brennan sets out stall for 2017 interview Transcription 1 Renewable Energies in Portugal 2013 2 Content Portugal Renewable Energies aicep Portugal Global 2 3 PORTUGAL IS A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Why choose Portugal? 4 Strategic location Portugal is the European nearest country to the U.S. 3-hour distance between Brazil and Russia. Same time as UK and Ireland. Attractive Consumer Market Portugal 10,6 Iberian Market 51 European Market 494 Portuguese Speaking countries 220 Million Inhabitants Great and privilege economic relations between Portugal and Brazil, Angola and Mozambique. Daily flights to major European cities. Why choose Portugal? 5 Qualified Workforce Flexible labour law High-standard education Wide availability Partnerships with world-class US institutions 71,7% 7% 42% At least 1 language 6% At least 3 languages 23% At least 2 languages Portugal has a highly skilled and educated workforce. Portugal ranks on Top within the EU countries in number of PhDs per 1,000 inhabitants. 40% of students in tertiary education are enrolled in engineering, sciences and health. The increase rate in the last 3 years is about 30%. Portuguese are known for commitment to work which places us below the EU average regarding working days lost per year. Language skills: English, French and Spanish are the most spoken languages. English is universally taught from 1 st grade. 43,6 11,3 Working Days Lost (per employees EIRO, ) Why choose Portugal? 6 Competitive Costs Portugal is still cost competitive according to international recognized sources. There was a decrease of -1,2% in hourly labour costs in 2012 Q1 (Euro 27 rose by +2,0%). In terms of real estate industrial space - and within 53 countries/cities worldwide, Portugal/Lisbon is the 8 th less expensive location. Portugal also has one of the lowest monthly minimum wage in Europe (485 ). 12,4 11,4 4,0 3,4 +1,5 1, ,2 Electricity (Prices for industries in /100kWh Eurostat 2012 S1) Natural Gas (Prices for industries, in /GJ Eurostat 2012 S1) Labour Cost Index (Year-on-year rate of change Eurostat 2012 Q1) Cost of Living (HFC Eurostat) Why choose Portugal? 7 Technological Infrastructures 0,72 0,38 FULLY DIGITALIZED Telecom Prices Euro/10 min call Eurostat 2010 The percentage of fiber connections in total broadband is already 6% for Portugal, ahead of countries such as Netherlands, Finland, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Austria Germany or Belgium. The Internet is also well developed. Portugal is a United Nations case study in terms of e-government and its availability of public services on-line. Telecommunications have been a major priority in Portugal. The country has now 95% coverage of broadband infrastructures. The net increase in the broadband penetration growth for Portugal is above the OECD average (Dec 2010). Why choose Portugal? 8 Office Space available Portugal offers a dynamic real estate market. High quality space, well designed and energy efficiency oriented has boomed and rent prices are competitive comparing the other European countries. Office space Industrial space 123,5 79,2 52,2 Portugal is ahead of countries such as France and Spain in terms o cost. The figures are shown for Lisbon. If we considered Porto area, prices can lower 25%. Occupancy cost, in /sqm/year, C&W2013 Occupancy cost, in /sqm/year, C&W2011 Why choose Portugal? 9 Business friendly environment MULTI-CULTURAL EASE OF DOING BUSINESS Portugal is very open to foreign cultures: the availability of international schools, the safety record and quality of life attract expatriates. Major public services are on-line; Portugal is considered by the United Nations, a case study in e- Government; Average time to set up a firm is less than 1-hour As a result Portugal is ranked #2 in the Migrant Integration Policy Index Portugal is unique in attracting young graduates and executives. Carlos Brazao, Cisco Portugal Why choose Portugal? 10 Incentives & Grants FISCAL GRANTS JOB CREATION - Corporate tax credit of up to 20% of the investment; - Exemption of local taxes; - Exemption of stamp duty; - Tax incentives for R&D (SIFIDE II). - Income tax: flat tax rate for expatriates of 20% for a 10 years period. Internships (Unemployed/ handicapped people) monthly support for 12 months (80% to 100% depending on nr of employees) Exemption (for 36 months) of social contributions - Young (first job) or long term unemployed people (> 12 months) - Permanent labor contracts only; - Not cumulative with Social Security Refund Social Security Refund - Long term (more than 6 months) unemployed people (young or over 45) - 75% to 100 % of monthly social contribution - Limit between 175 and Maximum duration: 18 months; - Net increase in total employment; Applies to a maximum of 20 employees. - Cumulative with Estimulo 2013 incentive Estimulo 2013 Initiative - Unemployed for more than 3 or 6 months - Support: 50% to 60% of monthly wage - Limit: between 419,33 and 544,98 - Maximum duration between 6 and 18 months - Net increase in total employment - Cumulative with Social Security Refund and Social Contribution Exemptions A detailed incentives offer can be prepared for a specific investment and business plan. 11 They chose us SERVICES MANUFACTURING Our decision is a result of the recognition of the hospitality and the commitment of the Portuguese Government, of the multilingual skills of the local population as well as its professionalism and ability, and proven success in innovation areas. Chris Dedicoat, Senior Vice-President for Europe, Cisco One of our main strategic lines was always to shorten distances with the academic world and to bet in strong innovation, investigation and development in Portugal thus taking advantage of the Portuguese engineer s excellence. Joao Picoto, Chairman of Nokia Siemens Networks Portugal Why choose Portugal? 12 Renewable Energies In Portugal 13 Renewable Energy for 2020 Targets and Objectives Where we aim to be in 2020 NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY 2020 Free competition, price transparency and fully deregulated energy markets Reduction of the energy consumption by 25% and the Government consumption by 30% Reduction of the greenhouse gases emissions Diversify the energy primary sources: reduce the fluctuations of the commodities price. Reduce oil dependence: biofuels and public transportation might represent an important impact Support internationalization of enterprises mainly those focused in high-tech renewable sources. Source: Resolucao do Conselho de Ministros n 20/2013 14 Renewable Energy for 2020 Targets and Objectives 2020 Targets (Directive 2009/28/CE) 60 % OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN FINAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION With a goal of 31%, Portugal has taken on the 5 th most ambitious goal in the EU 27 for renewable energy Swedwn Latvia Finland Austria Portugal Denmark Slovenia Estonia Romania France Lithuania Spain Germany Greece Italy Bulgaria Ireland UK Poland Netherlands Slovakia Czech Rep. Cyprus Hungary Belgium Luxemburg Malta % Source: Directive 2009/28/CE ( 15 Renewable Energy for 2020 Targets and Objectives In 2013, the Portuguese Government went even further by increasing the targets for renewable energy NEW 2020TARGETS Weight of Renewable energy In final energy consumption 2020 Targets (as defined in 2010) 31% (5 th highest in the EU) 2020 Targets (new Resolution of Council of Ministers 2013) 34,5% In electricity 55,3% 59,6% In Climate control 30,6% 35,9% In Transportation 10% 11,3% Fonte: Plano de Accao para as Energias Renovaveis ao abrigo da Directiva 2009/28/CE ( 16 Renewable Energy for 2020 Targets and Objectives Electricity Production - Targets Breakdown per Energy source Portugal Renewables 28% 46% 60% Fossil fuels 72% 54% 40% MW Increase in Production capacity (MW) Portugal Water Wind Solar Biomass Hidroeletrica Eolica Biomassa Solar Geotermica Mares, ondas, oceanos Source: Resolucao do Conselho de Ministros n 20/2013 17 Renewable Energy for 2020 Some Key Drivers Portugal has achieved an installed capacity from renewable sources of MW in February 2013 From 500MW in 2004 to 4,587 MW in Dec 2012 Optimize current unused hydro potential Already achieved: 210 MW in 2012 Promote a diversified policy on other RES: 2 industrial and clusters Portugal is TOP 3 in the EU with highest installed capacity per capita Target: to reach MW in 2020 Already achieved MW in 2012 Implement the 10 hydro projects of the National Hydro Plan + 6 upgrades Target: to reach MW in 2020 Portugal is the 9 th European country with the biggest installed capacity Target: to reach 720 MW in MW biomass 250 MW wave 100MW biogas Biomass 2020 target: 769 MW Source: and DGGE 18 Renewable Energy for 2020 Key Drivers Energy Efficiency Set a 20% energy efficiency improvement target by 2020 Launch one of the 1 st worldwide National Electric Mobility Network Portugal s objective is to promote the coverage of the majority of the national territory by intelligent networks, combining it with more efficient management of the existing networks. With an investment of 1000 million Euros, intelligent networks shall be responsible for creating 3000 jobs and will allow the integration of the charging of the electric vehicle and decentralized micro-production. Source: and DGGE 19 Renewable Energy Successful projects in place The 2 nd largest wind Farm in Europe Alto Minho wind farm 120 turbines over 5 smaller farms, 240MW of installed capacity, output of 600 GWh/year, enough to supply 160,000 homes and prevent emissions of 500,000 tn of CO 2 /year. (1) ALTO MINHO WIND FARM (1) Surpassed only in 2009 by the Glasgow farm, with 140 turbines and 322MW of installed capacity 20 Renewable Energy Successful projects in place The world s largest photovoltaic plant in an urban area Opened in 2009, the Lisbon Region Supplier Market Plan has 6MW of installed power. With an investment of 31 million, it consists of 11 buildings, 59 inverters, 24 transformers, and 28,000 solar panels reduction of 7,000 tn/year of CO 2 LISBON REGION SUPPLIER MARKET 21 Renewable Energy Successful projects in place National platform for electric cars in 2011 Portugal pioneered the launch of the National Electric Mobility Grid, an integrated mobility model based on renewable energy: it allows the supply of electric vehicles through a charging card. Energy R&D Technology Partners Find more at wwwmobie.pt 22 Renewable Energy Successful projects in place Leader in intelligent networks The INESC Computers and Systems Engineering Institute is a leader in Mobile Energy Resources for Electricity Grids, the largest EU-backed research project in the field of intelligent grids. Evora is a pilot-city for intelligent grids and an international benchmark by the end of ,000 of the world heritage city s clients will be hooked up to the InovGrid. Evora Find more at 23 Renewable Energy Successful projects in place Portuguese Pilot Zone The Portuguese Pilot Zone (PPZ) includes an area of 320 km 2. It is a maritime space delimited, under national jurisdiction, in waters whose depths are between 30 and 90 meters. Investment opportunity for foreign investors in the wind and wave energy: - Commercial Stage Injection of up to 250 MW PILOT ZONE Managing and Licensing Entity Source: 24 Renewable Energy Successful projects in place OWC Pico 400 KW Wave Power Plant The OWC Pico Power Plant is located in the Pico island, the largest of the Central group of Azores. Pico OWC was built as the European Wave Energy pilot plant, co-funded by the EC, in order to demonstrate the technical viability of wave energy in a small island grid. The site of the OWC plant was chosen due to the high energy levels on the Pico North coast, which in addition offers several "shoreline gully" rocky formations, which have a natural energy concentrating character. A total annual production of 45 MWh was achieved in 1450 hours of operation. Source: 25 Renewable Energy Successful projects in place Betting heavily on wind power: 2 industrial clusters ENEOP Wind Cluster - Viana do Castelo Industrial cluster provides turnkey wind farm equipments. Estimated investment: 1.75 billion Fully operational: 2100 jobs Exports: 200 million/year CO2 reduction: 1 million tn/year. Ventinvest wind cluster Aveiro, Viseu and Porto Estimated investment: 500 million including wind farms (400MW). Investment in industrial cluster: 66 million (Portuguese industrial capacity and German technology from Repower Systems). Fully operational: 1327 jobs Exports: 60% of output/year. Source: Aicep 26 Renewable Energy Key Players in Portugal BOSCH EDP RENEWABLES MARTIFER SOLAR Worldwide HQ and Competence Center for thermo-technology division: Solar; Heating; Water efficiency. #3 wind player worldwide #1 hydro developer in Europe Ranked as Best Electric Utility Worldwide in 2010 and 2011 Global player in the PV Sector: Project & Business Development; EPC, via our 360 PV turnkey solution model; Specialized O&M Service business unit; Distribution, via MPrime Brand. Source: Aicep 27 aicep Portugal Global 28 aicep Portugal Global Who are we? We are a Business Development Agency, focused on the development of a competitive business environment that contributes to the international expansion of the Portuguese Economy. Mission Increasing the country s competitiveness, promoting large private investment and fostering the internationalization of Portuguese companies. Values Focus on clients. We serve our clients in accordance to their requirements through various solutions and long-term relationships. Selectiveness. We direct our activity towards projects and markets that make a better contribution to company competitiveness and the sustainability of the Portuguese economy. Excellence. We seek to exceed expectations by means of a rigorous approach, effectiveness, enthusiasm and a willingness to innovate. 29 About Us aicep Portugal Global: how can we help you? Pre- Investment Incentives Negotiation Settling In After Care Single point of contact in all phases: preinvestment, incentives negotiation, settling in and after care Dynamic approach focused on the client or investor Promoting a direct negotiation with companies, through which a tailored approach to incentives may be applied in order to define a global package that fully satisfies the investor's needs Government business entity, flexible, free of charges and streamlined services 30 BROKEN BOW A Sargent man has been charged with manslaughter in the death of a North Platte man in a car-tractor collision earlier this year. Joseph White, 26, was driving eastbound on Highway 70 near Westerville on April 30 when his vehicle allegedly struck a Case tractor driven by Joe Willhoit, 55, from behind. Willhoits tractor spun into the north ditch, and Whites vehicle rolled into the south ditch. Willhoit died at the scene. The investigation revealed that White had allegedly been sending text messages at the time of the collision, and failed to see the tractor because of that. According to court documents, White told the Nebraska State Patrol trooper first at the scene that he had just left work in Broken Bow and was headed home at the time of the accident. He told the trooper that the brakes on his Chrysler Le Baron didnt work properly and that hed been having problems with them. White said he called his wife upon leaving Broken Bow and denied using his phone at the time of the crash. During the investigation of the accident, the trooper tested the cars brakes and found them to be in working order. Whites cell phone records also revealed that his wife had sent a text message around the same time of the accident and there was an unsent text message to his wife on the phone. White was arrested Aug. 7 and released on 10 percent of a $50,000 bond. He waived his preliminary hearing and was bound over to Custer County District Court Sept. 9. His next court appearance will be 9:30 a.m. Sept. 26. Manslaughter is a Class III felony and carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. email to: We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Transcription 1 Eighth Grade Social Studies: Integrated United States History Overarching Question: Unit 2: Big Picture Graphic How successful were political and social leaders in solving domestic and international problems faced by the new nation? Previous Unit: Foundations of a New Nation This Unit: Next Unit: Regional and Economic Growth Questions To Focus Assessment and Instruction: 1. How did political and social leaders attempt to meet the domestic and foreign challenges facing the new government? 2. How did competing ideas, experiences of political leaders, and fears of the Founders influence the development of political parties? 3. How did the decisions by the President and Congress and decisions of the Supreme Court help to define the authority of the national government? Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum Page 1 of 12 2 Graphic Organizer Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum Page 2 of 12 3 High School Foundations (see USHG F1.2) Understand how the character of American life and political society changed with respect to competing views on the responsibilities of government; the development of political parties; America s role in the world. Public Issues (See 6.2) Balance of Power: Distribution of power among central government, state governments, and the people. Liberty vs. Security: Competing interests of liberty and security Unit Abstract This unit addresses the role of political and social leaders in meeting the challenges of the new government. Students explore the development of foreign policy, economic policy, politics, and early expansion that transformed the United States as a nation from the time of George Washington s inauguration to the Monroe Doctrine. Beginning with the economic problems faced by the new government, students examine and evaluate the economic policies proposed by Jefferson and Hamilton and explore how these disagreements and others led to the rise of political parties. Using primary sources, they assess the impact of the Marshall Court on the power of federal and state governments. Students also evaluate America s changing relationship with other nations, and use evidence of treaties, wars, and policy decisions to support their positions. Throughout the unit, students explore the tensions caused by the separating and balancing of power within and among central and state governments and the people, as well as those derived from the competing interests of liberty and security in both historical and contemporary times. Focus Questions 1. How did political and social leaders attempt to meet the domestic and foreign challenges facing the new government? 2. How did competing ideas, experiences of political leaders, and fears of the Founders influence the development of political parties? 3. How did the decisions of the Supreme Court, including the power of judicial review, help to define the authority of the national government? Content Expectations 8 U4.1.1: Washington s Farewell Use Washington s Farewell Address to analyze the most significant challenges the new nation faced and the extent to which subsequent Presidents heeded Washington s advice. 8 U4.1.2: Establishing America s Place in the World Explain the changes in America s relationships with other nations by analyzing treaties with American Indian nations, the French Revolution, Jay s Treaty (1795), Pinckney s Treaty (1795), Louisiana Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum Page 3 of 12 4 Purchase (1803), War of 1812, Transcontinental Treaty (1819), and the Monroe Doctrine (1823). 1 8 U4.1.3: Challenge of Political Conflict Explain how political parties emerged out of the competing ideas, experiences, and fears of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton (and their followers), despite the worries the Founders had concerning the dangers of political division, by analyzing disagreements over relative power of the national government (e.g., Whiskey Rebellion, Alien and Sedition Acts) foreign relations (e.g., French Revolution, relations with Great Britain) economic policy (e.g., the creation of a national bank, assumption of revolutionary debt). 8 U4.1.4: Establishing a National Judiciary and Its Power Explain the development of the power of the Supreme Court through the doctrine of judicial review as manifested in Marbury v. Madison (1803) and the role of Chief Justice John Marshall and the Supreme Court in interpreting the power of the national government (e.g., McCullouch v. Maryland, Dartmouth College v. Woodward, Gibbons v. Ogden). Key Concepts domestic policy federalism foreign policy growing independence of US foreign policy judicial review national economic policy neutrality political conflict political parties transition of political power treaty Duration 4 weeks Lesson Sequence Lesson 1: Economic Issues Facing the New Nation Lesson 2: Were Political Parties Inevitable? Lesson 3: Washington s Farewell Address Lesson 4: Trouble with France 1 This expectation has been modified by placing the events in chronological order and adding dates for clarification. Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum Page 4 of 12 5 Lesson 5: Liberty vs. Order: Political Conflict Then and Now Lesson 6: The Louisiana Purchase: Foreign Relations and the Power of Government Lesson 7: The Marshall Court and Judicial Review Lesson 8: The War of 1812 Lesson 9: Using Evidence to Support Historical Arguments about America s Place in the World Lesson 10: The Growing Power of the Judiciary Lesson 11: Revisiting Washington s Warnings From Adams to Monroe Assessment Selected Response Items Constructed Response Items Extended Response Items Performance Assessments 8 U4.1.4: Compose an essay comparing the power and significance of the Supreme Court in 1800 to its power and significance in The essay should reference court cases to illustrate how the Marshall Court s decisions strengthened the power of the federal government. Resources Equipment/Manipulative Markers Overhead projector or document camera Poster board or butcher paper Student Resource Binder, Frederick M., and David M. Reimers. The Way We Lived: Essays and Documents in American Social History. Vol. 1: Boston: Houghton Mifflin, Constitutionality of the National Bank: Alexander Hamilton. American Patriot Network. 23 July 2008 < Constitutionality of the National Bank: Thomas Jefferson. American Patriot Network. 23 July 2008 < Establishing Precedents: Webisode 7. Freedom A History of US. PBS. 23 July 2008 < Farewell Address. Farewell Address Rediscovering George Washington. PBS.Org. Claremont Institute. 23 July 2008 < Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum Page 5 of 12 6 Farewell Address. Rediscovering George Washington. PBS.Org. Claremont Institute July 2008 < Hakim, Joy. The New Nation. New York: Oxford Press, Horizons. United States History: Beginnings. Orlando: Harcourt School Publishers, (or other similar textbooks). Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States: George Washington to George W. Bush. Bartleby.com. 23 July 2008 < McCulloch v. Maryland (1819): Background Summary and Questions. Landmark Cases.Org. Supreme Court Historical Society and Street Law. 23 July 2008 < McCulloch v. Maryland (1819): Key Excerpts from the Opinion. Landmarkcases.org. Supreme Court Historical Society and Street Law. 23 July 2008 < President Elect. Presidentelect.org. 6 Jan July 2008 < Whiskey Rebellion. Social Studies for Kids. 23 July 2008 < Teacher Resource Bergen, Paul, ed. United States Historical Census Data Browser. 24 Mar University of Virginia Library. 23 July 2008 < Blohm, Craig E. Old Ironsides: America s Fighting Lady. Cobblestone: The History Magazine for Young People. Vol. 9. No. 1. Peterborough, NH: Cobblestone Publishing, Cababe Louise D., et al. U.S. History Book 1 Beginnings to Rocky River, OH: Center for Learning, Davidson, James West, et al. The American Nation: Teacher s Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, , Effects of Taxes. MSN Encarta Online Encyclopedia. Microsoft July 2008 < The Evils of Necessity: A Time Line of the National Bank. American Patriot Network. 23 July 2008 < Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum Page 6 of 12 7 Hamilton vs. Jefferson. An Outline of American History (1994). From Revolution to Reconstruction. 20 Oct July 2008 < Historical Maps of the United States. 10 Dec General Libraries - The University of Texas at Austin. 23 July 2008 < collection/histus.html>. Jefferson s West: Thomas Jefferson and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Monticello. 23 July 2008 < Kane, Beth Irwin. The Burning of Washington. Cobblestone: The History Magazine for Young People. Vol. 9. No. 1. Peterborough, NH: Cobblestone Publishing, Kimball, Virginia. The Bright Promise. Cobblestone: The History Magazine for Young People. Vol. 2. No. 9. Peterborough, NH: Cobblestone Publishing, LaFrance, Ruth M. Dolly Madison Journal: Flight From Washington. Cobblestone: The History Magazine for Young People. Vol. 9. No. 1. Peterborough, NH: Cobblestone Publishing, Marbury v. Madison (1803). Landmark Cases. Street Law and the Supreme Court Historical Society. 23 July 2008 < Martel, Nancy B. The Birth of The Star Spangled Banner. Cobblestone: The History Magazine for Young People. Vol. 9 No. 1. Peterborough, NH: Cobblestone Publishing, Michigan State Taxes. Bankrate.com. 26 Jan July 2008 < National Standards for History Basic Education. Los Angeles, CA: National Center for History in the School, Netherton, Theresa. Tecumseh. Cobblestone: The History Magazine for Young People. Vol. 9. No. 1. Peterborough, NH: Cobblestone Publishing, Salmon, Priscilla. Kids at Work. Cobblestone: The History Magazine for Young People. Vol. 2. No. 9. Peterborough, NH: Cobblestone Publishing, Selinsky, Deloris. The War Within A War. Cobblestone: The History Magazine for Young People. Vol. 9 No. 1. Peterborough, NH: Cobblestone Publishing, Thomas Jefferson vs. Alexander Hamilton: It Was No Party. Freedom: A History of US. Teachers Guide. Webisode 2, Segment 7. PBS. 23 July 2008 < Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum Page 7 of 12 8 The View from the Crow s Nest. America at Work: The Industrial Revolution. Cobblestone: The History Magazine for Young People. Vol. 2. No. 9. Peterborough, NH: Cobblestone Publishing, The Whiskey Rebellion. Friendship Hill National Historic Site. National Park Service. 4 Jan July 2008 < Resources for Further Professional Knowledge Johnson, Paul E. The Early American Republic, New York: Oxford University Press, Newmyer, R. Kent. The Supreme Court under Marshall and Taney. Illinois: Harlan Davidson, Inc., Sharp, James Roger. American Politics in the Early Republic: The New Nation in Crisis. London, England: Yale University Press, Slaughter, Thomas P. The Whiskey Rebellion: Frontier Epilogue to the American Revolution.. New York: Oxford University Press, Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum Page 8 of 12 9 Instructional Organization Lesson 1: Economic Issues Facing the New Nation 8 U4.1.3: Challenge of Political Conflict Explain how political parties emerged out of the competing ideas, experiences, and fears of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton (and their followers), despite the worries the Founders had concerning the dangers of political division, by analyzing disagreements over relative power of the national government (e.g., Whiskey Rebellion, Alien and Sedition Acts) foreign relations (e.g., French Revolution, relations with Great Britain) economic policy (e.g., the creation of a national bank, assumption of revolutionary debt). Key Concepts: federalism, national economic policy, political conflict Lesson 2: Were Political Parties Inevitable? 8 U4.1.3: Challenge of Political Conflict Explain how political parties emerged out of the competing ideas, experiences, and fears of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton (and their followers), despite the worries the Founders had concerning the dangers of political division, by analyzing disagreements over relative power of the national government (e.g., Whiskey Rebellion, Alien and Sedition Acts) foreign relations (e.g., French Revolution, relations with Great Britain) economic policy (e.g., the creation of a national bank, assumption of revolutionary debt). Key Concepts: national economic policy, political conflict, political parties Lesson 3: Washington s Farewell Address 8 U4.1.1: Washington s Farewell Use Washington s Farewell Address to analyze the most significant challenges the new nation faced and the extent to which subsequent Presidents heeded Washington s advice. Key Concepts: domestic policy, foreign policy, neutrality, political conflict Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum Page 9 of 12 10 Lesson 4: Trouble with France 8 U4.1.1: Washington s Farewell Use Washington s Farewell Address to analyze the most significant challenges the new nation faced and the extent to which subsequent Presidents heeded Washington s advice. 8 U4.1.2: Establishing America s Place in the World Explain the changes in America s relationships with other nations by analyzing treaties with American Indian nations, the French Revolution, Jay s Treaty (1795), Pinckney s Treaty (1795), Louisiana Purchase (1803), War of 1812, Transcontinental Treaty (1819), and the Monroe Doctrine (1823). 8 U4.1.3: Challenge of Political Conflict Explain how political parties emerged out of the competing ideas, experiences, and fears of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton (and their followers), despite the worries the Founders had concerning the dangers of political division, by analyzing disagreements over relative power of the national government (e.g., Whiskey Rebellion, Alien and Sedition Acts) foreign relations (e.g., French Revolution, relations with Great Britain) economic policy (e.g., the creation of a national bank, assumption of revolutionary debt). Key Concepts: neutrality, political parties, political conflict Lesson 5: Liberty vs. Order: Political Conflict Then and Now 8 U4.1.1: Washington s Farewell Use Washington s Farewell Address to analyze the most significant challenges the new nation faced and the extent to which subsequent Presidents heeded Washington s advice. 8 U4.1.2: Establishing America s Place in the World Explain the changes in America s relationships with other nations by analyzing treaties with American Indian nations, the French Revolution, Jay s Treaty (1795), Pinckney s Treaty (1795), Louisiana Purchase (1803), War of 1812, Transcontinental Treaty (1819), and the Monroe Doctrine (1823). 8 U4.1.3: Challenge of Political Conflict Explain how political parties emerged out of the competing ideas, experiences, and fears of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton (and their followers), despite the worries the Founders had concerning the dangers of political division, by analyzing disagreements over relative power of the national government (e.g., Whiskey Rebellion, Alien and Sedition Acts) Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum Page 10 of 12 11 foreign relations (e.g., French Revolution, relations with Great Britain) economic policy (e.g., the creation of a national bank, assumption of revolutionary debt). Key Concepts: domestic policy, foreign policy, political conflict, political parties, transition of political power Lesson 6: The Louisiana Purchase: Foreign Relations and the Power of Government 8 U4.1.2: Establishing America s Place in the World Explain the changes in America s relationships with other nations by analyzing treaties with American Indian nations, the French Revolution, Jay s Treaty (1795), Pinckney s Treaty (1795), Louisiana Purchase (1803), War of 1812, Transcontinental Treaty (1819), and the Monroe Doctrine (1823). Key Concepts: federalism, domestic policy, foreign policy, growing independence of US foreign policy, treaty Lesson 7: The Marshall Court and Judicial Review 8 U4.1.4: Establishing a National Judiciary and Its Power Explain the development of the power of the Supreme Court through the doctrine of judicial review as manifested in Marbury v. Madison (1803) and the role of Chief Justice John Marshall and the Supreme Court in interpreting the power of the national government (e.g., McCullouch v. Maryland, Dartmouth College v. Woodward, Gibbons v. Ogden). Key Concepts: federalism, judicial review Lesson 8: The War of U4.1.1: Washington s Farewell Use Washington s Farewell Address to analyze the most significant challenges the new nation faced and the extent to which subsequent Presidents heeded Washington s advice. 8 U4.1.2: Establishing America s Place in the World Explain the changes in America s relationships with other nations by analyzing treaties with American Indian nations, the French Revolution, Jay s Treaty (1795), Pinckney s Treaty (1795), Louisiana Purchase (1803), War of 1812, Transcontinental Treaty (1819), and the Monroe Doctrine (1823). Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum Page 11 of 12 12 Key Concepts: domestic policy, foreign policy, political conflict, neutrality Lesson 9: Using Evidence to Support Historical Arguments about America s Place in the World 8 U4.1.2: Establishing America s Place in the World Explain the changes in America s relationships with other nations by analyzing treaties with American Indian nations, the French Revolution, Jay s Treaty (1795), Pinckney s Treaty (1795), Louisiana Purchase (1803), War of 1812, Transcontinental Treaty (1819), and the Monroe Doctrine (1823). Key Concepts: domestic policy, foreign policy, growing independence of US foreign policy Lesson 10: The Growing Power of the Judiciary 8 U4.1.4: Establishing a National Judiciary and Its Power Explain the development of the power of the Supreme Court through the doctrine of judicial review as manifested in Marbury v. Madison (1803) and the role of Chief Justice John Marshall and the Supreme Court in interpreting the power of the national government (e.g., McCullouch v. Maryland, Dartmouth College v. Woodward, Gibbons v. Ogden). Key Concepts: federalism, judicial review Lesson 11: Revisiting Washington s Warnings From Adams to Monroe 8 U4.1.1: Washington s Farewell Use Washington s Farewell Address to analyze the most significant challenges the new nation faced and the extent to which subsequent Presidents heeded Washington s advice. Key Concepts: political conflict, growing independence of US foreign policy, neutrality Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum Page 12 of 12 Paris prosecutor Francois Molins gives a press conference, in Paris, Friday, Nov. 25, 2016. Five men arrested this week in two French cities were planning a terror attack in France as early as next week and were receiving their orders from an Islamic State group member based in Iraq or Syria, Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said Friday. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) Transcription 1 Ch. 5 : The Federalist Era Main Idea George Washington The First Congress Thomas Jefferson Details/Notes The first President of the United States. As president, he issued a Proclamation of Neutrality and influenced the nation s foreign policy for the next 100 years. He served two terms as president. He chose to be called Mr. President instead of other royal titles because of the fear people had of monarchs. They established three executive departments, the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, and passed ten amendments to the Constitution. He served as the first secretary of state of the United States under George Washington and served as vice president under John Adams. He was also a leader of the Democratic- Republicans. 2 Alexander Hamilton Henry Knox Edmund Randolph Judiciary Act John Jay He served as the secretary of the treasury under George Washington. He created a plan to reduce the national debt. He hoped paying the national debt would ensure the allegiance of the states to the federal government. He served as secretary of war under George Washington (a.k.a head of the War Department) He served as attorney general under George Washington. The Judiciary Act of 1789 established the Supreme Court and the lower federal courts. With this act, Congress had taken the first steps toward creating a strong and independent national judiciary because the Constitution did not detail how the judicial branch of the government would be set up. He served as chief justice of the Supreme Court under George Washington 3 Bill of Rights National Debt Bank of the United States Tariffs The Whiskey Rebellion These are the first 10 amendments in the Constitution. They were added to the Constitution in December of They were added because people feared a strong central government and the Bill of Rights protected individual rights from the government. They were also added to the constitution to satisfy a condition of ratification. This is the amount the nation s government owes. The nation ran up a large national debt during the Revolutionary War. It grew during Washington s presidency. The U.S. owed millions of dollars to France and the Netherlands for loans made during and after the Revolutionary War and the Continental Congress has also borrowed millions of dollars from American citizens. This was proposed by Alexander Hamilton. It would be a place for the federal government to deposit money raised from taxes. The bank could also provide loans to government and to businesses. Jefferson and Madison believed its creation was unconstitutional. These are taxes on imported manufactured goods In 1791, Congress approved a bill that placed a special tax on whiskey and other alcoholic beverages. This tax was to help prevent the national debt from growing. Farmers revolted violently against this tax because whiskey was worth more than grain. This revolt alarmed the government. Washington sent an army of 15,000 to stop the rebellion. This sent a message to all Americans that the government 4 Native American Resistance Battle of Fallen Timbers Jay s Treaty Pinckney s Treaty partisan would use force to stop violent protests and maintain order. If people wished to change the law, they had to do so peacefully. Britain and Spain generally encouraged the Native Americans to fight to defend their lands against the white settlers because they did not want the U.S. to acquire new territory. Native Americans demanded that all settlers north of the Ohio River leave the territory. Washington sent an army to challenge their demands and the army defeated more than 1,000 Native Americans. As a result of this battle, Native Americans surrendered most of their land in present-day Ohio with the Treaty of Greenville. This treaty was made in an effort to come to a peaceful solution with Britain. In this treaty, the British agreed to vacate forts on American soil, pay damages for seized American ships, and allow American ships to trade in the Caribbean. Despite these gains, few Americans approved of this treaty because many felt that it did not address the issue of impressments and Britain s interference with American trade. In an effort to establish positive relations with the United States, Spain signed a treaty. This treaty gave Americans the rights to use the Mississippi River and trade with New Orleans. This is to favor one side of an issue over another. Americans were not able to agree on economic policy and foreign relations, on the power of the federal government, and on interpretations of the Constitution. As a result political parties began to form. 5 Political Parties Federalists National Gazette Democratic- Republicans Implied powers John Adams Americans began to take opposing sides on issues by 1796, and, as a result, tow political parties emerged even though the president opposed them. This name originally described someone who supported ratification of the Constitution. By the 1790s it was applied to the group of people who supported the policies of the Washington Administration. They stood for strong federal government, representation in government for the people, and supported Britain over France. This group favored banking and business. They disagreed with the Democratic-Republicans on whether ordinary people could be trusted in government. This newspaper made efforts to turn opinions against the Federalists. This group wanted to limit government. They feared that a strong central government would endanger people s liberties and they supported the French over the British. They disagreed with the economic policies of Hamilton. This party appealed to small farmers and urban workers, especially in the Middle Atlantic states and the South. This party was also called the Republicans. Powers suggested but not directly stated in the Constitution. He was a Federalist who served as second president of the United States. 6 impressment caucuses XYZ Affairs Alien and Sedition Acts The election of 1800 This is the practice of forcing American citizens into service in the British navy. These meetings were first held in the election of 1796 because candidates sought office for the first time as members of a political party. It is a meeting held by a political party to choose their party s candidate for president or decide policy. This was a crisis in U.S. foreign relations with France. To avoid war with France, Adams sent a delegate to Paris to try to resolve the dispute over Jay s Treaty. The French foreign minister would not meet with the Americans and sent three agents to meet the Americans instead. The French demanded a bribe and loan. Adams was furious and referred to the French agents as X, Y, and Z. The president urged Congress to prepare for war. There was a period of undeclared war. During the period of undeclared war, ships were fighting each other frequently. A treaty was eventually worked out, but it made Americans suspicious of the French. Because of this, the Alien and Sedition Acts were passed, which tried to stop activities aimed at weakening the established government. Fortunately the Bill of Rights protected those who wanted to speak out against a president. Thomas Jefferson was able to win this election with help. Adams, the president before him, made several costly mistakes. He passed the Alien and Sedition Acts. He later prosecuted members of the press for criticizing the government. He also refused to go to war for political gain. 7 There's no way to know what Jill Stein's voters would have done had they not voted for her. Maybe they wouldn't have come to the polls at all. Maybe they would have written in Bernie or voted for Trump. Or maybe they would have voted for Hillary. In Wisconsin, if all 30,980 voters who cast ballots for Stein would have cast them for Clinton, Clinton's total would be not 1,382,210 but 1,413,190. Trump's total is 1,409,467. Wisconsin's 10 electoral votes would have gone to Clinton. In Michigan 50,700 votes went to Stein. In fantasy world, adding those vote's to Clinton's 2,268,193 puts Clinton at 2,318,893. Trump's at 2,279,805. 16 more electoral votes for Hillary. In Pennsylvania, 20 electoral votes are going to Trump because his 2,912,941 votes are 68,236 more than Hillary's 2,844,705 votes. Stein got 48,912 votes in the Keystone State-- would would give Hillary... not enough. Trump would still have won Pennsylvania's 20 electoral votes... and the presidency. New York published a Tuesday,published a much-discussed piece by Gabriel Sherman on the likelihood that Hillary actually won Wisconsin and possibly Michigan and Pennsylvania as well and should be President-elect now. Computer experts and election lawyers are urging Clinton to ask those states for a hand-count of the ballots, believing "theyve found persuasive evidence that results in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania may have been manipulated or hacked," wrote Sherman. Last Thursday, the activists held a conference call with Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta and campaign general counsel Marc Elias to make their case, according to a source briefed on the call. The academics presented findings showing that in Wisconsin, Clinton received 7 percent fewer votes in counties that relied on electronic-voting machines compared with counties that used optical scanners and paper ballots. Based on this statistical analysis, Clinton may have been denied as many as 30,000 votes; she lost Wisconsin by 27,000. While its important to note the group has not found proof of hacking or manipulation, they are arguing to the campaign that the suspicious pattern merits an independent review-- especially in light of the fact that the Obama White House has accused the Russian government of hacking the Democratic National Committee. According to current tallies, Trump has won 290 Electoral College votes to Clintons 232, with Michigans 16 votes not apportioned because the race there is still too close to call. It would take overturning the results in both Wisconsin (10 Electoral College votes) and Pennsylvania (20 votes), in addition to winning Michigans 16, for Clinton to win the Electoral College. There is also the complicating factor of faithless electors, or members of the Electoral College who do not vote according to the popular vote in their states. At least six electoral voters have said they would not vote for Trump, despite the fact that he won their states. The Clinton camp is running out of time to challenge the election. According to one of the activists, the deadline in Wisconsin to file for a recount is Friday; in Pennsylvania, its Monday; and Michigan is next Wednesday. Whether Clinton will call for a recount remains unclear. The academics so far have only a circumstantial case that would require not just a recount but a forensic audit of voting machines. Also complicating matters, a senior Clinton adviser said, is that the White House, focused on a smooth transfer of power, does not want Clinton to challenge the election result. Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri did not respond to a request for comment. But some Clinton allies are intent on pushing the issue. This afternoon, Huma Abedins sister Heba encouraged her Facebook followers to lobby the Justice Department to audit the 2016 vote. Call the DOJand tell them you want the votes audited, she wrote. Even if its busy, keep calling. Yesterday, University of Michigan Computer Science Professor J. Alex Halderman clarified the views attributed to him by Sherman. How might a foreign government hack Americas voting machines to change the outcome of a presidential election? Heres one possible scenario. First, the attackers would probe election offices well in advance in order to find ways to break into their computers. Closer to the election, when it was clear from polling data which states would have close electoral margins, the attackers might spread malware into voting machines in some of these states, rigging the machines to shift a few percent of the vote to favor their desired candidate. This malware would likely be designed to remain inactive during pre-election tests, do its dirty business during the election, then erase itself when the polls close. A skilled attackers work might leave no visible signs-- though the country might be surprised when results in several close states were off from pre-election polls. Could anyone be brazen enough to try such an attack? A few years ago, I might have said that sounds like science fiction, but 2016 has seen unprecedented cyberattacks aimed at interfering with the election. This summer, attackers broke into the email system of the Democratic National Committee and, separately, into the email account of John Podesta, Hillary Clintons campaign chairman, and leaked private messages. Attackers infiltrated the voter registration systems of two states, Illinois and Arizona, and stole voter data. And theres evidence that hackers attempted to breach election offices in several other states.J. Alex HaldermanJ. Alex Halderman In all these cases, Federal agencies publicly asserted that senior officials in the Russian government commissioned these attacks. Russia has sophisticated cyber-offensive capabilities, and has shown a willingness to use them to hack elections. In 2014, during the presidential election in Ukraine, attackers linked to Russia sabotaged the countrys vote-counting infrastructure and, according to published reports, Ukrainian officials succeeded only at the last minute in defusing vote-stealing malware that was primed to cause the wrong winner to be announced. Russia is not the only country with the ability to pull off such an attack on American systems-- most of the worlds military powers now have sophisticated cyberwarfare capabilities.J. Alex HaldermanJ. Alex Halderman Were this years deviations from pre-election polls the results of a cyberattack? Probably not. I believe the most likely explanation is that the polls were systematically wrong, rather than that the election was hacked. But I dont believe that either one of these seemingly unlikely explanations is overwhelmingly more likely than the other. The only way to know whether a cyberattack changed the result is to closely examine the available physical evidence -- paper ballots and voting equipment in critical states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, nobody is ever going to examine that evidence unless candidates in those states act now, in the next several days, to petition for recounts. A consortium led by South Korea's Lotte E&C is seeking approval for three large-scale plants in Ho Chi Minh City. A group of investors including Lotte Engineering and Construction is seeking approval from Ho Chi Minh City authorities to develop a wastewater treatment project worth $490 million. Three large-scale plants will be built in the city's west side by the consortium, which also includes Huvis Water Corp. and Honor Shine Global, local media reported. They will cover a total area of around 35 hectares. The first phase will allow the plants to treat 450,000 cubic meters a day by 2020, before the combined capacity can be raised to 650,000 cubic meters. Lotte E&C and the two partners have also proposed a 7.6-kilometer sewer system and a new wastewater pumping station that can handle nearly 220,000 cubic meters per day. Ho Chi Minh City is planning to build at least seven new wastewater treatment plants from now to 2020 to cope with the massive discharges every day. Related news: > Thanh Hoa to build $29 million waste treatment plant > 160 tons of toxic waste illegally moved from China to Vietnam > Toxic waste piles up 40 meters high in Vietnam's environmental nightmare Local councillors have voted unanimously against a proposal to alter the Kilkenny County Development Plan, which would have allowed more houses to be built on the Mount Juliet Estate. The proposed variation would have amended the site specific development standards for the Thomastown estate. It would have allowed for the removal of a maintenance facility, and provided for the development of six new dwellings at that location. Also, it would have allowed for the provision of 16 houses at another location where currently only nine are permitted. A further objective was included 'to investigate and support the extension of the Nore Valley Walk. However, the plans to allow for increased housing development caused concern to local residents. Some 37 submissions were made during the public consultation process. Residents and other concerned individuals met local councillors to express their fear that increased development would undermine the estate's natural environment and character. Paddy Duffy, working on behalf of Tetrarch Capital Ltd, which operates the Mount Juliet Estate, also contacted local councillors, and a number of Fianna Fail members attended a meeting with him. In her report to the elected members, Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council Colette Byrne recommended the adoption of the proposed variation. The issue was the subject of considerable discussion leading up to the debate at Monday's council meeting. Outlining his opposition to the proposal, Cllr David Kennedy (SF) was one of many councillors who said he could not see the merits. There are 75 houses in the estate already, he said. I don't think this will do anything for tourism or for Thomastown. Cllr Patrick O' Neill (FG) agreed. Mount Juliet is one of the most beautiful places in Kilkenny and Ireland, but I feel a bit uncomfortable with any extra development there, he said. I welcome the new investment, but the new proposals will only detract from it. Cllr Andrew McGuinness (FF) said he did not believe the change would have any benefit for tourism, local businesses and the communty. I also think it's unfair on those who already bought houses there, he said. Cllr Patrick McKee said all the councillors welcomed investment and opportunities for business, but they must ensure that any proposed development is appropriate. Kilkenny County Council has never been found wanting in its support for Mount Juliet, but this in my view is not appropriate, he said. Cllr Malcolm Noonan said he felt the engagement with the elected members had come at 'the wrong end of the spectrum'. The issue was put to a vote, and was defeated 23-0 (Cllr David Fitzgerald was absent). Residents in the south Kilkenny communities of Ballygriffen, The Sweep, Owning and Belline will enjoy a more secure and reliable water supply thanks to a 500,000 investment by Irish Water in replacing aging watermains in the area. This project involved a significant upgrade of the water supply network in the area which saw the installation of 4.5km of new watermains. More than 100 customers will benefit from significant improvements in supply and a reduction in water outages as a result. The project got underway in August and is due to be completed in mid-December. The replacement of this aging water mains will ensure that customers in the area will have a more reliable water supply, said David Sharry, Southern Programmes specialist. Irish Water recognised the importance of upgrading the water network in Carrigeen as a result of the frequency of bursts resulting in significant disruption to the community over the winter period and last Easter. We prioritised work to enable the upgrade of the network as soon as possible. All work on the watermain has now been completed and we hope to conclude the commissioning process over the coming weeks. Aging and fragile water mains are a common problem across the country resulting from decades of under-investment in water infrastructure. Irish Water says it is committed to addressing this issue and this project is part of its ongoing investment plan. The new watermains will result in significant improvements in network performance and level of service to customers in terms of security of supply. Watermains rehabilitation is one aspect of Irish Waters plan to reduce leakage. Lost water is estimated at 47% nationally and 40% in Kilkenny. Any customers with queries in relation to their water supply should contact Irish Water on 1890 278 278. Vietnam has yet to finalize the list of nationalities eligible to apply for the e-visa. On Tuesday, Vietnam's National Assembly overwhelmingly approved a plan to allow foreign tourists to apply for electronic visas (e-visas) starting on February 1, 2017. Under the program, tourists will be able to apply online for 30-day, single-entry e-visas by paying a non-refundable application fee online. The Vietnamese government is working to decide which nationalities will become eligible for the program and which Vietnamese border gates will allow foreigners to enter by applying online. Vietnam's foreign tourist arrivals jumped by a quarter in the first ten months of 2016, hitting eight million, according to figures from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, China was the countrys biggest feeder market with 2.2 million visitors, followed by South Korea at 1.2 million and Japan at 611,000. Vietnam has extended visa exemptions to tourists from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Belarus, the U.K., France, Germany, Spain and Italy. Vietnam also approved a plan to allow Chinese tourists traveling in groups and by car to visit northern border cities for up to three days without visas. Related news: > Vietnam extends visa exemptions for tourists from Western Europe > Vietnam province eases visa policy for Chinese tourists HANOI, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official market and indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi at 0050 GMT. Nov 25 Nov 24 USD/VND mid-point 22,137 22,131 USD/VND interbank 22,760/22,780 22,700/22,790 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.43/35.64 35.46/35.68 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 25 (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 0409 GMT. Nov 25 Nov 24 USD/VND mid-point 22,137 22,131 USD/VND interbank 22,750/22,770 22,700/22,790 USD/VND unofficial 22,880/22,930 22,850/22,950 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.32/35.52 35.46/35.68 Interbank offered rates Overnight 1.5-2.4 1.5-1.7 1 week 1.5-2.5 1.5-1.9 1 month 2.7-3.2 2.5-2.8 3 months 4.2-4.9 4.6-4.8 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) Nov 25 Mali's government plans to take stakes in the country's two gold refineries by 2018, the minister of industrial development told state radio on Friday, in a move to increase revenues from production in Africa's third-largest gold producer. Mali, which expects to produce 47 tonnes of gold this year, has the capacity to refine nearly 55 tonnes per year at two refineries that opened a year ago and are still in their start up phase. Refining could help bolster a sector hit by stagnant production and lower gold prices. "We are going to work to refine the maximum amount of gold here. There are opportunities for the state to participate in the capital of these refineries," said Minister Mohamed Ag Ibrahim, after visiting the two refineries. The size of the potential government interest was not clear, but Swiss Bullion Co., which owns the 100-kg-per-day Moussa Kankou refinery, has previously said that it was in talks with the Malian government to sell a stake of up to 45 percent. The second refinery, owned by Marena Gold, has a capacity of 50-kg per day. (Reporting By Tiemoko Diallo; Writing by Edward McAllister; Editing by Joe Bavier and Mark Potter) By Alexis Akwagyiram and Felix Onuah LAGOS, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Nigeria, typically Africa's biggest crude oil producer, is considering importing crude from neighbouring Niger due to militant attacks on pipelines in the Niger Delta that feed its refineries, a state oil company spokesman said on Friday. Nigeria's crude production, which was 2.1 million barrels per day (bpd) at the start of 2016, fell by around a third in the summer following a series of attacks since January by Delta militants who want a greater share of the country's energy wealth to go to the impoverished southern oil-producing region. The attacks prompted the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to halt crude flows to its refineries - in Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Warri - after key pipelines feeding the plants were attacked. Crude flows later restarted. NNPC spokesman Ndu Ughamadu said President Muhammadu Buhari had instructed the state oil company's group managing director to look into the feasibility of importing crude oil from Niger. "It is a proposal for crude oil to be supplied from Niger to the Kaduna refinery because of these incessant cases of vandalism," said Ughamadu. The other refineries -- in what was Africa's biggest crude oil producer until the attacks began, pushing it behind Angola -- are located in the southern Delta region, whereas Kaduna is in northern Nigeria. Niger is located to the north of Nigeria. Ughamadu did not have details of when the NNPC head would report back on the feasibility of the proposal or the quantities of crude oil that would be imported if the plan goes ahead. An employee of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), which operates a joint venture with Niger's government, said talks were under way on providing crude oil to Nigeria's Kaduna refinery. "Negotiations were opened and currently a delegation from CNPC Niger is in China to finalise the project," said the CNPC employee and union delegate familiar with the talks, who asked not to be named. Earlier in November, Nigeria's minister of state for oil said crude production had returned to 2.1 million bpd following a ceasefire observed by many groups in the Delta region over the last few months. Despite typically being Africa's largest crude exporter, the OPEC member imports almost all of its gasoline due to its ageing refineries which have been poorly maintained for decades. (Additional reporting by Boureima Balima, in Niamey; Editing by Adrian Croft) OSLO, Nov 25 (Reuters) - The Norwegian government may further raise its stake in the Dvalin natural gas field development, which is expected to start producing in 2020, the country's oil ministry said on Friday. Norway's state-owned oil firm Petoro has previously signed deals to buy stakes amounting to 30 percent of the Norwegian Sea field from Austria's OMV and Denmark's Maersk Oil . "The state may raise its stake further," the oil ministry said in a document published as part of Norway's fiscal budget process. Operator DEA, controlled by Russian billionaire Mikhail Fridman, last month unveiled a 10 billion Norwegian crowns ($1.17 billion) development plan for the field. DEA holds a 40 percent stake in the field and has agreed with Maersk to raise this to 50 percent. Italy's Edison owns the remaining 20 percent. OMV and Maersk will no longer own stakes in Dvalin if the planned transactions are approved by regulators and by parliament. Petoro declined to comment. A spokesperson for DEA was not immediately able to comment, while Edison did not reply to a request from Reuters. ($1 = 8.5706 Norwegian crowns) (Reporting by Stine Jacobsen, editing by Terje Solsvik) OSLO, Nov 25 (Reuters) - The average price of Norwegian farmed salmon is expected to rise by around 2 crowns per kilo to 65-66 crowns next week as output may fall, industry sources told Reuters on Friday. In the current week, prices fell by about 3 crowns to 63-64 crowns per kilo, a somewhat larger-than-expected drop. "It seems there will be less volume next week.... Prices are around 63-64 crowns this week while we expect a rise to 65-66 next week," a producer who declined to be named told Reuters. He added that some exporters needed to buy fish to fulfil contract obligations and that this helped push prices higher. A fish exporter said fish of 3-4 kilos rose to 65 crowns per kilo. 4-6 kilo fish had a stable price of 67 crowns, while there was a drop in the cost of the larger sizes. "On average, 65-66 crowns seems reasonable for next week," the exporter said. 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. Starting in early December, prices normally show a seasonal upturn on strong demand ahead of the Christmas holiday season. 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) TOKYO, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Japanese government bonds mostly rose on Friday, following upbeat results from a 40-year sale that brought superlong bond yields off their session highs, as well as speculation that Japan's finance ministry might trim its issuance of longer maturities. The benchmark 10-year JGB yield was flat at 0.030 percent, after earlier rising to 0.045 percent, its highest since February. December 10-year JGB futures ended 0.07 point lower at 150.37, down from an afternoon high of 150.55. The 20-year yield shed 1.5 basis points (bps) to 0.475 percent , pulling away from an eight-month high of 0.510 percent touched earlier, while the 30-year yield skidded 3.5 bps to 0.605 percent from an eight-month high of 0.665 percent. The 40-year bond yield fell 5 bps 0.715 percent after earlier rising to 0.790 percent, its highest since March 11. "The 40-year sale was better than expected," said Tadashi Matsukawa, head of fixed income investment at PineBridge Investments in Tokyo. "Also, there's a primary dealers' meeting tomorrow, and a JGB investors' meeting on Monday, so some players might expect a reduction in issuance size might be discussed for calendar 2017," he said, including the restoration of 40-year issuance size to 400 billion yen ($3.53 billion) as it was before being raised to the current 500 billion yen. "Maybe some dealers are betting on that, which is pure speculation," he said. He added that he covered his own short positions and went slightly long, just in case the issuance size is trimmed. The Ministry of Finance said it sold 499.7 billion yen of reopened 40-year bonds on Friday with a 0.4 percent coupon at a highest accepted yield of 0.7250 percent. The sale drew bids of 2.98 times the amount offered, up from the previous sale's bid-to-cover ratio of 2.73 times. Data released early on Friday showed Japan's core consumer prices marked their eighth straight month of annual declines in October, illustrating the sheer scale of the central bank's struggle to beat deflation and stagnant growth with diminishing policy options. ($1 = 113.4000 yen) (Reporting by Tokyo markets team; Editing by Eric Meijer) * Oct coal imports overall jump 55 pct to 21.58 mln tonnes * Mongolia imports rocket 221 pct from year ago * 'Domestic supply still smaller than expected' -analyst (Adds detail from data and analyst comment) BEIJING, Nov 25 (Reuters) - China's imports of coal from Mongolia more than tripled in October from the same month a year before, customs data showed, reflecting tight supply in the domestic market that stoked much bigger shipments from foreign producers to meet demand. Output from domestic miners has been shrinking as a result of China's campaign to cut back overcapacity in its coal industry. That helped overall coal imports last month climb 55 percent to 21.58 million tonnes - a number likely to add urgency to a new push by Beijing calling on miners to raise output. Imports from Mongolia - mainly coking coal, used in steel-making - stood out among the October numbers, rocketing 221 percent to 2.31 million tonnes. October's data brought year-to-date imports overall to 201 million tonnes, 18 percent more than a year ago. "Domestic supply is still smaller than expected, as coal miners have strong concern of production safety and are reluctant to expand output," said Zhang Min, coal analyst at Sublime China Information Group. The tightness of domestic supply has sent prices much higher this year. Coking coal prices at Dalian Commodity Exchange have surged 185 percent since the beginning of 2016. A key part of China's drive to upgrade the domestic coal industry is conducting safety inspections at mines through to the end of year. "It takes time for coal miners to lift output. The domestic market is expected to be short in supply until January," said analyst Zhang. Shipments from Australia increased 32.2 percent in October from a year earlier to 5.4 million tonnes, while imports from Indonesia jumped 57.9 percent at 3.25 million tonnes, customs data also showed on Friday. Imports from North Korea rose 38.8 percent to 1.82 million tonnes, according to the data. (Reporting by Muyu Xu and Beijing newsroom; Editing by Sunil Nair and Kenneth Maxwell) The day will consist of a series of 6 high-level conferences addressing issues relating to renewable energy and just transition. Larry Steagall | Kitsap Sun Randy Viers, director of an Olalla treatment center, said he's seen a rising number of patients addicted to prescription opiate drugs. By Josh Farley of the Kitsap Sun For more on the rise of prescription opiate drugs, including detailed graphics of how they affect the brain, click here. To join an ongoing conversation about the abuse of prescription drugs, click here to go to the Kitsap Sun's Crime and Justice Forum. SILVERDALE At some point, Karen Wall stopped going to the doctor for pain and started going for the pills. An achy lower back began to hamper her work as a professional house cleaner, so the 33-year-old Bremerton woman scheduled a doctor's appointment. The doctor gave her a diagnosis and 90 tablets of Percocet, an opiate-based prescription painkiller. "I didn't expect pain medication at all. But there was lots of it," Wall recalled. "I just kept going back." She was addicted after the first bottle. She told doctors she needed the pills because of back pain. She told herself she needed them to help deal with the stress of her home life a rocky relationship, raising her children and working another job aside from cleaning houses. "It was so much easier to live in a fog," she said, describing the drug's effect, "because nothing got under my skin." Despite a steady supply of the prescription narcotic from her primary doctor, Wall traveled throughout Poulsbo, Silverdale and Bremerton throughout 2005 and 2006 to keep her five-pill a day habit going. She would go to urgent care clinics on weekends with a simple plea: "I just need something to hold me over until my doctor's appointment." Most doctors obliged. "There are some doctors that were very careful with it," she said. "But not very many of them do." 'An Opiate is An Opiate ...' One in five Americans suffer from chronic pain problems, and a new class of enhanced prescription opiates have helped to ease that pain. Now, as the baby boomer generation continues to age, they've demanded pain management for all kinds of ailments and opiate-based drugs, like those Wall became hooked on, have filled that need. Because of their effectiveness in meeting that need, prescriptions for opiate-based medications have surged nationwide and in Kitsap. In 2006, pharmaceutical companies sold almost 116,000 grams of Oxycodone a type of opiate that includes the brand drug OxyContin in an area that includes Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap and parts of Pierce and Lewis counties. The amount was a nearly nine-fold increase over the amount sold a decade before. During that same 10-year period, sales of Oxycodone rose from 4.4 million grams to 37 million grams nationwide, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. But when taken without the careful guidance of a doctor, an opiate's intoxicating effects can lead to quick addiction. "The brain doesn't know the difference between OxyContin and heroin," said Randy Viers, director of Olalla Recovery Centers, where treatment of patients with prescription opiate dependence has more than doubled since 2003. "An opiate is an opiate is an opiate." Washington has been hit particularly hard by prescription opiate abuse. The state ranked third in the nation for the percentage of people 6.2 percent using the drugs for a non-medical reason in a 2004 U.S. Department of Health Study. The DEA estimates 7 million people abused prescription opiates in 2007 in the United States. Prescription opiates, as well as illegal opiates like heroin, become morphine when they hit the brain, producing a calming, dreamy effect that blocks pain. Some prescription pills, like OxyContin, release the opiates over a period of hours to treat pain evenly and quell the addictive properies of the drug. But because they all overstimulate the brain's so-called "reward system," excessive use can leave the brain incapable of producing pleasurable feelings without them, which can lead to addiction. The proliferation of prescription opiates has filled emergency room and drug treatment facility beds with "script" addicts and created a black market for the drugs. The demand has sparked a rash of pharmacy burglaries and robberies targeting pills a crime unheard of just a few years ago. Despite their chemical similarities to heroin, prescription opiates have also permeated populations that would never touch "black tar," or inject a drug into their veins. "They're not this under-the-overpass type of addicts," said Steve Court, a chemical dependency counselor who works with people hoooked on opiates at the Kitsap Recovery Center, a county treatment facility. "They're walking alongside us in the grocery store." Young people are particularly naive to the dangers of opiate addiction, because they believe a pill approved by the Food and Drug Administration will do no harm, said Jennifer Sabel, an epidemiologist with the state Department of Health. When surveyed in 2004 and 2005, about 15 percent of Washington residents ages 18 to 25 said they had abused a prescription opiate in the past year; only 4 percent of those 26 and older reported that level of abuse, according to a University of Washington study. "Teens are just grabbing whatever they can from medicine cabinets," she said. New users are more susceptible because prescription opiates are perceived as "clean," whereas heroin and meth are "dirty," said Ron Friedman, an assistant U.S. attorney for Western Washington who has prosecuted opiate addicts and traffickers. "They come in a bottle, and in a nice little pill, no fuss no muss. Only they're just as destructive, if not more so, than heroin and cocaine." Most frightening is that opiates particularly if mixed with alcohol and other relaxants can cause "respiratory depression," or slowed breathing. Twenty-five people in Kitsap County overdosed and died from prescription opiates between 2004 and 2006. Overdose deaths from prescription opiates have risen in Washington from a rate of about one per 100,000 in 1995 to about eight per 1,000 in 2006, according to data provided by the Department of Health. Many simply stopped breathing. From Medicine to Narcotic One young North Kitsap man, now serving a prison sentence for intent to deliver a controlled substance, decided to give OxyContin "Oxy" a try one day because a friend said it would making running on his bad knees easier. It did but at 18, he found that wasn't the only thing he enjoyed about the drug. Soon he was using it at weekend parties. While he said he'd never try "hard drugs," it became commonplace for him to use OxyContin. He eventually began to snort and smoke it. "No one knew how strong it was," said the man, who agreed to be interviewed by the Kitsap Sun if his name was not used. As his addiction grew, the amount he needed to get high increased. When he got his wisdom teeth pulled, he was told that the amount of the drug he needed to control the pain was similar to the dose that would be given to a dying cancer patient. He didn't realize how addicted he had become. The drug was giving him an abundance of energy. He was holding down two jobs, and because of his drug-boosted work ethic, was rewarded with raises. Meanwhile, the network of drug dealers he bought from began to expand out of state. He started selling the drug to support what became an $800- to $1,000-a-day habit he was taking 80-milligram pills, which sell for about $80 each on the street. That led to weekly flights to cities where he could by large quantities of pills for $30 each. With the $50 per pill profit, he estimates that he was making $2,500 a day at one point. Eventually, detectives with the West Sound Narcotics Enforcement Team raided his home. He was arrested and charged, and was detoxed at the Kitsap County jail. "It was the worst pain of my entire life," he said. Good for 70, Bad for 30 Federal and local law enforcement have ramped up efforts to reign in the underground supply of prescription opiates. Informant networks and sting operations similar to those used to fight meth and marijuana have been formed. But Drug Enforcement Administration officials and others believe the key is educating the public primarily young people of the dangers of opiates, and to dispose bottles prescribed to them when the pills are no longer needed. Regulatory efforts or crackdowns haven't been pursued, aside from a recent federal lawsuit that will force Purdue, the makers of OxyContin, to pay more than $600 million for failing to convey their trademark drug's addictive properties. Kimber Rotchford, a Port Townsend doctor who specializes in addiction studies, said he'd be the first to say that his colleagues are naive of the power of prescription opiates. But he said an opiate treatment's benefits far outweigh the dangers. "The issue is that 70 percent of the time, even on chronic basis, it's very helpful," he said. "If you're a caring person, are you going to make the 70 percent suffer?" Rick Bialock, a chemical dependency counselor at Cascade Recovery Center in Silverdale, said doctors scaling back prescriptions might not provide the answer. Part of it, he said, could be a the natural cycle of drug abuse. "What usually follows a stimulant epidemic is an opiate epidemic," said Bialock, referring to the ongoing battle with methamphetamine, a destructive "upper" drug that preceded the opiate surge. Viers, of Olalla Recovery Centers, said prescription opiate addicts began to request treatment around 2001 at the height of the methamphetamine epidemic. But as the population of meth addicts has stabilized, prescription opiate addicts' numbers continue to rise, he said. Part of the problem is the perception of the "legality" of the addiction. Bialock said his hardest patients to treat are prescription opiate addicts. "They're really clever and they're really manipulative," he said. "They know exactly where to go, what to say." They can go to a doctor and fake an injury or even injure themselves on purpose to get more. A meth addict can't do the same to get more. "A doctor simply wants to relieve the symptoms," Bialock said. "They don't want to see them suffer." Viers said they're also the most likely to "abort" inpatient treatment in Olalla, which he believes shows just how available the patients believe the drugs are outside the treatment center's walls. 'I Would Never go Back' About a year after Karen Wall got hooked on Percocet, she ran out of her supply, and withdrawal set in. She didn't even know she was addicted, she said. She thought she was simply hidden in the foggy high that dulled the pain of her everyday life. But she didn't want to go back to the doctor's office again. When the pain, sweats and fevers set in, her husband figured it out: her body was reeling from addiction. But as she suffered through the symptoms of withdrawal, she found the thing that had been absent from her the past year: clarity. The withdrawal symptoms lasted five weeks. She sought out Bialock at Cascade Recovery Center and endured a year of treatment. She remains clean and won't even touch prescription opiates for surgeries, opting instead for Tylenol and ibuprofen. Life can get tough, but it is refreshingly "real" now, she says. "I would never go back to not feeling, and running away from everything," she said. "It's a much better place to be right now." Stuff reports: Women will be able to file complaints over pay equality with their employers, rather than the courts, following a Government decision to back the recommendations of an expert panel. It has been described as a landmark win by unions, which have applauded the decision. The announcement was made by senior ministers, who confirmed the Government had agreed to principles that would provide guidance to both employers and employees in how to assess and resolve claims. Council of Trade Unions President Richard Wagstaff was a lead negotiator in the development of the Principles. I am pleased that the Government is committed to being on the right side of history in making real progress to paying working women what they are worth, he said. The Public Service Association said New Zealand could once again claim to be a leader in gender equality. National Secretary Erin Polaczuk said it was a huge step forward for workers of any gender in New Zealand. There are many jobs in New Zealand that have historically been done by women, like support work or administration and clerical and their work is undervalued. Todays decision by the government sets about righting that wrong, and were delighted. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The liberation of Mosul from ISIL occupation continues apace. The Iraqi Security Forces, with strong support from the Coalition, are pushing through ISIL defenses to liberate Mosul city block by block, and continuing their steady advance, clearing a number of towns and villages. Mosul is home to roughly one and a half million people, who have been under ISIL rule since 2014. ISIL continues to use human shields and restricts the movement of civilians against their will. A key element of this campaign in Mosul is that we want to make sure that all civilian life is protected, said Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL Brett McGurk. That is a directive coming from [Iraqs] Prime Minister [Haider] Abadi to all the security forces. And we face an enemy of ISIL that uses civilians as human shields, which uses a civilian when they cross the streets they try to have families with them , they barricade themselves in civilian homes with suicide vests, so this a barbaric and brutal enemy which is one reason why this operation will take time. We are protecting civilian life. We are targeting ISIL with precision. It is the most precise air campaign in history. There are 16,000 airstrikes now and we have never had a more precise air campaign in the history of warfare. And so that will continue but it is difficult, there will be bad days and good days but so far, the overall operation is on track. ULM's Catholic Campus Ministry hosted Thanksgiving for church members, volunteers, ULM faculty, and international students. It was all done in the hopes of welcoming international students who were away from home for the holiday. "It is important for us to have that for them and to extend our hospitality and to share our generosity, and show that Americans do have a kind heart," says Carl Thameling, a Communications professor at ULM and member of the Catholic Campus Ministry. The Catholic Campus Ministry is currently celebrating its 50th year on campus. Early settlers with roots in Starr Valleys ranching community, the McMullen family served Elko as volunteers and business owners while contributing to higher education. Sam and Hugh McMullen were born to Samuel and Mary Doan McMullen. Samuel was the son of Irish and British immigrants. Along with their brother and sister, Joseph and Fay, they were raised on their grandfathers ranch in Starr Valley. All four were members of 4-H and each attended the University of California, Berkeley. Sam graduated from Elko County High School in 1936 married Joyce Slatter in 1941. He served in World War II as an aerial gunner instructor. At Berkeley, he earned an accounting and business administration degree. He and Joyce returned to Elko where they raised their children, Kay, Colleen and Samuel. Becoming business owners, Sam started McMullen-McPhee Insurance company. Joyce owned and operated Lillians Apparel for five years and ran the Elko Independent with her daughter Kay Thompson. In the community, Sam volunteered at the Elko County Fair pari-mutuel betting, and served on the Elko County School Board and Nevada Board of Education. Joyce also participated on numerous boards and organizations including the Red Cross, P.E.O. Sisterhood and the Lay Advisory Board for University of Nevada Renos College of Education. They were both selected to be the grand marshals of the 1995 Nevada Day Parade. Sam and Joyce were married for five years when Sam died in 1997. Joyce died five years later in 2002. Hugh McMullen also earned a business administration degree from the University of California and served in the Navy during World War II. He returned to Elko and managed the 71 Ranch. In 1946, Hugh married Rae Scott, an officer in WAVES during World War II. The couple raised their children, Cyd and Russ, on the Ranch. In 1951, the family moved to Elko where Hugh ran his own insurance and real estate company. He also served as a state assemblyman and was the chairman of the Elko County Republican Party. Hugh also took an active part in Northeastern Nevada Community College as chairman of the advisory board. After his death in 1979, McMullen Hall on the Great Basin College campus was dedicated in his honor. UT students need help to raise money for Restoration House KNOXVILLE A group of University of Tennessee students are raising money for the local nonprofit, The Restoration House. In partnering with TRH they hope to help low-income, single mothers continue their education. TRH helps these mothers by providing transitional housing, life groups, family advocacy, and youth development. They feel strongly about TRH because their motivation comes from the desire to live out Christian values. The students are helping fund educational scholarships for the single mothers at TRH. This will allow them to attend further education in hopes of better financial stability. They would like to raise $1,500 that will go directly towards scholarships for the mothers. The awarded money will provide tuition and expenses at whichever college the mothers prefer. So far they have raised $435 of their $1,500 goal, and they have until December 1st to raise the remaining amount. This campaign is part of certain UTK curriculum which has brought in over $75,000 since implementation. The project brings UTK students together in working towards raising money for a local non-profit organization. Not only does this project expand their knowledge of fundraising through the platform of Indiegogo and the designing of various business documents, but it also helps them learn to work well with the community. They found The Restoration House by searching for nonprofits whom aid because of Christian values. They chose them because TRH truly makes a difference in the lives of local families. This place does so much more than just help these mothers through their current situation, it helps them begin to dream again, says a group member. The Restoration House cares for the Knoxville community by caring for its mothers. TRH places a high value on education because they desire for these women to strive. Further education allows these women to find more reliable jobs, bettering our communitys work force. These women also receive support in family advocacy, which brings a closeness within their TRH community and the Knoxville community at large. This campaign is run by Supporting Those Who Supported Us: Victoria Churchill, Dylan Scott, Justin Stewart, Josh Varnedoe, and Colby Whittle. All Proceeds go to The Restoration House Scholarship Fund. You may follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stwsu/?pnref=story (Supporting Those Who Supported Us). You may donate to the cause at www.indiegogo.com/projects/supporting-those-who-supported-us-education--3#/. Published November 25, 2016 Secure your medications during the holidays When preparing to host holiday gatherings, you may not immediately think to add properly store medication to your to-do list. However, with prescription drug abuse and overdose increasing, its important to take appropriate measures to secure your medicines before visitors arrive. Many people dont realize how common prescription drug misuse and abuse issues are, said Kristina Clark, co-developer of the national Count It! Lock It! Drop It! prescription drug abuse prevention program. There are many reasons someone might get into your medicines, and a number of negative consequences when they do. By keeping your medications properly locked and out of sight, you can avoid issues that could arise when a guest isnt feeling well and checks the family medicine cabinet. Friends or family may seek relief for a headache or some other condition, and simply take a prescription medication they find, thinking it will help, said Cheryl McClatchey, behavioral health director at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. It may not be done with bad intentions, but it can have dangerous outcomes. Even if someone asks you to share your pills, its best to refrain, says Dr. Natalie Tate, director of pharmacy at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. Dont share medications because they are not prescribed for anyone but you, they could cause an adverse reaction in someone else, especially if they are on other medications or have a chronic medical or behavioral health condition. Properly storing your medications could also prevent a tragic situation. According to a Yale School of Medicine study, the number of hospitalizations for opioid poisonings in children and adolescents nearly doubled from 1997 to 2012. Toddlers or children may think the drugs are candy and end up taking them, while teenagers may take them recreationally and end up overdosing, noted Dr. Tate. The best way to avoid an issue is to have medications, especially prescription painkillers, secured in an area not accessible to guests. Count It! Lock It! Drop It! offers these tips to keep prescription drugs safe year-round: Store your medications in a secure and dry place. Invest in a home lock box. Count your pills regularly to check for missing medication. Never share your medications. Dont discuss your medications with others. Dispose of unused medications securely go to countitlockitdropit.org to find a secure drop box near you. By disposing of pills in this manner, youre preventing medicine from harming someone or falling into the wrong hands, explained Christina Merino, executive director of the Coffee County Anti-Drug Coalition, which founded and operates the Count It! Lock It! Drop It! program. Learn how to avoid being an accidental drug dealer visit countitlockitdropit.org, supported by the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation. Published November 25, 2016 Small Business Saturday to warm your heart and hands Alpaca fiber is one of many farm products that can be purchased on Small Business Saturday in Tennessee. Image courtesy of Tennessee Department of Agriculture. NASHVILLE Small Business Saturday is November 26 and in Tennessee, many of those businesses focus on products found on the farm. A year-round interest in local products means plenty of options for holiday gifts from the farm. When you purchase from a farmer, you create an economic ripple that encourages and strengthens rural communities. Gift baskets with artisan cheeses, meats, sauces and jellies, local wines, handmade chocolates and other festivity-friendly foods are easy to find. Baskets are a great choice for family, friends who like to entertain and business associates. Goats milk, honey and beeswax-based beauty products, like soaps, lotions and balms are readily available at farmers markets and retail stores that specialize in artisan farm offerings. Some gifts need to be really special. Farmers like Karl and Jan Heinrich of Long Hollow Suri Alpacas have increased production on their farm to meet demand for items that are local and luxurious. The Heinrichs, who process the alpaca wool right on their Gallatin farm, take their business from the field to the fashion runways of New York. Shoppers in their farm store can choose gifts to warm the heart and hands, ranging from cozy gloves and wraps to beautiful yarns and couture dresses. Find farm-related businesses across the state through the Taste of Tennessee Online Store at www.PickTnProducts.org. Shoppers can click on links and connect to a business or producer site. The products are then purchased directly from the producer. Pick Tennessee Products is the Tennessee Department of Agricultures program to connect consumers to farms, farmers and farm products. Now in its 30th year, Pick Tennessee lists more than 2,500 Tennessee farmers and farm direct businesses with almost 10,000 products. Published November 25, 2016 Letter to the Editor Electoral College The framers of the US Constitution created the Electoral College as a result of a compromise for the presidential election process. During the debate, some delegates felt that a direct popular election would lead to the election of each states favorite son and none would emerge with sufficient popular majority to govern the country. Other delegates felt that giving Congress the power to select the president would deny the people their right to choose. After all, the people voted for their representatives to the federal legislature. The compromise was to set up an Electoral College system that allowed voters to vote for electors, who would then cast their votes for candidates, a system described in Article II, section 1 of the Constitution. Each state is allocated a number of electors equal to the number of its US senators (always two) plus the number of its US representatives (which may change each decade according to the size of each states population as determined in the Census). Whichever party slate wins the most popular votes in the state becomes that states electorsso that, in effect, whichever presidential ticket gets the most popular votes in a state wins all the electors of that state. The debate has started again as to whether the US Constitution should be amended in order to change the presidential election process. Some promote eliminating the Electoral College in favor of a direct popular vote for president while others believe the Electoral College should remain unchanged. Just as compromise solved the initial problems of the framers so it is that compromise can solve this problem. The solution is to change the electoral votes to electoral points and reward each candidate a percentage of points based on the percentage of popular votes received in each state. This would eliminate the winner take all system thus allowing for all the votes to count. A voter is more apt to believe their vote counted when a percentage of popular votes are taken into account rather than the all or nothing system currently in existence. Further, this new system would integrate the desire for a popular vote for president with the need for the individual states to determine who actually gets elected. As for political primaries the number of delegates awarded in each state should be determined by the percentage of votes won by each candidate. For 2016 multiplying the percentage of votes each candidate received {in each state} times the number of electoral votes {in each state} results in the following: Clinton 256.985 and Trump 253.482. Joe Bialek Cleveland, Ohio Published November 25, 2014 The opinions expressed on this page are the personal opinions of the writer and not necessarily the opinions of the Knoxville Daily Sun. Loading... I call to order the meeting of the Committee of the Department of Commerce. The purpose of the agenda today is to assess the importance of agriculture in the state. Our job is to determine which businesses should be included as part of agriculture. Lets start, said the chairman. Well, obviously, said the Commissioner of Agriculture, Any business that produces raw product, animal or vegetable, is part of agriculture. Like milk. A dairy should be included. Agreed. How about cheese? Its made from milk. Yes, but its a factory. It only takes milk and converts it to cheese. Their payroll includes truckers, lab techs, sales people and ad agency folks. Should truck drivers and ad copywriters be part of agriculture? Good question, but the cheese plant wouldnt be in the community if the dairies werent nearby. Okay. Lets come back to that. How about grain elevators? If the farmer stored his grain on his farm it would definitely be farm income. If he stores it in the Co-op elevator, its still his grain. What if the grain is freighted on a train to Minneapolis and loaded on a barge bound for Irkutsk? Is that shipping still part of the ag economy? Technically, yes. So the tow boat pilot is merely a skilled farm hand? Technically, yes. We better come back to this. Alright. The feedlot business is definitely agriculture. We can all agree, So, lets say any cattle feeder who hedges his cattle on the Chicago Board of Trade. Is his broker an agricultural worker? Certainly. Hes directly involved in marketing a raw commodity. What if the broker sells pork belly futures? Pork bellies are produced in a meat processing plant. I assume you think packing houses are part of the agriculture instead of manufacturing. How bout the butcher who sells packages of bacon in a grocery store? Is he an agricultural worker? And the teenager at Burger King who sells a bacon cheeseburger? I dont know. So, how are we gonna decide the economic importance of agriculture in any given community, state or nation? It is sure complicated, Mr. Chairman. Wed have to consider imports and exports, a cheap food policy, the smell of the air at the edge of town, muddy tracks on a farm to market road, or the number of implement dealers in the local Yellow pages. Maybe its so big a part of the economy that its impossible to separate. The only thing Im sure of...it has somethin to do with home grown tomatoes. By Nam Hyun-woo Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) said Friday it is set to buy a terminal in Spain owned by its ailing peer Hanjin Shipping. The shipping line said that it was selected as a preferred bidder in the sale of Total Terminals International Algeciras (TTI Algeciras). Should the shipper strike a deal, it will be allowed to operate the terminal until July, 2040, when the contract with the port authority expires. TTI Algeciras is the second largest terminal at the Port of Algeciras in Andalusia. A consortium between IBK Securities and Korea Investment Partners holds a 75 percent stake in the terminal and the rest is owned by Hanjin Shipping. Hanjin Shipping initially had a 100 percent stake in the terminal after the port authority awarded a concession to build and operate it. However, it sold its stake to the consortium as part of restructuring efforts. A special purpose company, named Algeciras Terminal Investment, will sell the consortium's stake, and with a tag-along right, the second largest shareholder Hanjin will sell its stake at the same price, according to HMM. Opening in May 2010, the terminal lies on a total area of 357,750 square meters and can handle up to 1.86 million TEUs annually. Global shipping lines, including Maersk, CMA-CGM, COSCO Shipping, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and K-Line use the terminal. According to Digital Strait, a Spanish maritime media outlet, Hanjin Shipping accounted for 16 percent of TTI Algeciras' traffic in the first half of 2016. After Hanjin filed bankruptcy, the terminal removed all logos and emblems of Hanjin. "The terminal has a significant strategic importance, because it is located at the crossing point of the Europe-South America line and Asia-North America line," said an HMM official. "Also it is close to the new emerging market of North Africa, the acquisition will contribute to enhancing HMM's mid- and long-term competitiveness." Currently, HMM owns California United Terminals and Washington United Terminals in the U.S., and Kaohsiung Hyundai Terminal in Taiwan. It also holds a 20 percent stake in the Rotterdam World Gateway in the Netherlands. With HMM acquiring Hanjin's assets, the terminal will be the fourth in its possession. On Nov. 28, HMM will conduct due diligence for two to three weeks and will sign the deal at the end of next month. Both HMM and Hanjin Shipping went through a government-led debt restructuring scheme. While HMM managed to get back on track after charter cost deals, Hanjin has fallen into court receivership, selling its assets including the terminal and vessels. By Lee Hyo-sik Hyundai Motor has slashed dealing with Hankook Tire and is using more Michelin and other imported tires for the new Grandeur and other strategic models, industry analysts said Friday. Korea's largest carmaker used to source most of its tires from Hankook and Kumho Tire in the past. But it has recently opted to form a stronger partnership with foreign tire makers as part of efforts to enhance the premium image of its vehicles. In addition, Hyundai's unprecedented dispute with Hankook in 2014 over the cause of abnormal noise in its 2013 Genesis premium sedan weakened the partnership, analysts said. On Tuesday, the automaker unveiled the all-new Grandeur sedan equipped with Michelin tires. It was the first time for Hyundai to equip the Grandeur with imported tires since its first-generation models were launched in 1986. In addition, the company used tires from Germany-based Continental for its first premium Genesis brand EQ 900 (globally named G90), which was launched last December. Hyundai did not sign a supply deal with Hankook either for its second Genesis brand sedan the G80 and the G80 Sport. Michelin was chosen as a tire supplier for the firm's next-generation Ioniq hybrid and electric sedans. Its affiliate Kia Motors has also begun doing away with Korea's largest tire maker as it used Michelin tires for its eco-friendly, compact SUV Niro. "It is true that after we had to spend tens of billions of won to replace defective tires supplied by Hankook Tire, we decided to make more effort to diversify our suppliers," a Hyundai Motor official said. "We have to say that our dispute with Hankook over the cause of noise in the 2013 Genesis hurt the partnership." In 2014, the two were embroiled in a controversy after motorists driving the 2013 Genesis sedans complained about the unusually high level of noise and vibration. Hyundai then tested the vehicle, concluding it was the tires supplied by Hankook that caused the noise. Hankook disputed Hyundai's findings, causing the relationship to fracture. "Because of the increasingly uneasy relations with Hankook, we decided to use more tires produced by Michelin and other global makers to bolster the premium image of our vehicles at home and abroad," the official said. "These days, we work together with tire makers from the early development stage of new vehicles. Our stance is that we will not rely on one particular supplier." Hyundai's diversification of supply sources has dealt a blow to Hankook, which still heavily depends on domestic carmakers. The company generates about 30 percent of its sales from supplying tires for newly-launched vehicles. Of the 30 percent, Hyundai accounts for more than 30 percent. "Hyundai and Kia are our biggest clients. We have and will continue to maintain a strong partnership with them," a company official said. "Hankook has grown to where it is now, along with Hyundai and Kia. We believe that the carmakers recently used more foreign tires to boost is premium image. But our business dealings have remained strong." The official then said Hankook will also boost its partnership with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and other foreign automakers to diversify its revenue sources. In 2015, the world's seventh-largest tire maker earned 6.4 trillion won in sales with an 885 billion won operating profit. Korean business officials talk with Vietnamese buyers during a consumer product fair hosted by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) at the InterContinental Asiana Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Friday. / Courtesy of KOTRA By Park Jae-hyuk The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) is holding promotional events for Korean consumer goods with E-mart in several Vietnamese cities. The first event from Friday to Sunday is in Vietnam's biggest city, Ho Chi Minh City. Collaborating with Lazada, Southeast Asia's top online retailer, they are offering export counseling and promoting Korean goods at the InterContinental Asiana Saigon and E-mart Go Vap branch, respectively. KOTRA said 50 Korean retailers, including B2Link, and 200 Vietnamese buyers, including Coopfood, visited the fair for business counseling on the first day. At its first Vietnam branch, E-mart is promoting about 1,000 Korean goods that are sold through the Lazada online mall and a store established in Vietnam by the Small and Medium Business Corporation of Korea. The discount chain said it will also donate 1,300 cycle helmets to children of multicultural families, because 50 percent of traffic accidents involving child injuries occur without helmets in Vietnam. "The E-mart Vietnam store is important for our global businesses and for exports of our affiliated small and medium-sized enterprises," E-mart CEO Lee Gap-su said, Friday. "As the No. 1 discount chain in Korea, we decided to host the event with the government in order to support the exports of affiliates and to share our knowhow with them." From Nov. 30 to Dec. 1, another Korean goods exhibition will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital. About 70 Korean businesses that sell cosmetics, food and household items will meet 370 buyer firms from Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. KOTRA said sales promotions of artistic products and online malls also are scheduled. "Based on stable economic growth and the Korean wave, more of the middle class of Vietnam are looking to Korean consumer goods," KOTRA CEO Kim Jae-hong said. "KOTRA will take various businesses there in new ways to boost sales of cosmetics, foods and household items which are expected to benefit from the Korea-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement." Korea exported $26.4 billion worth of products to Vietnam as of Oct. 2016, according to KOTRA. The country became Korea's fourth-largest export market after China, the U.S. and Hong Kong and the scale of exports seems to keep growing, thanks to the country's large population, stable economic growth and the Korean wave. By Kim Rahn The prosecution officially started investigating bribery allegations involving conglomerates, President Park Geun-hye and her confidant Choi Soon-sil. While Choi and former presidential secretary An Chong-bum have already been charged, President Park, now named an accomplice to the two, will also face bribery charges if the allegations are proven true. Investigators from the prosecution's special probe team raided Lotte and SK groups, Thursday, on suspicions that the government offered favors for their duty free business in return for money "donated" to two foundations controlled by Choi. In the search warrant, the prosecution stated third-party bribery for the cause of the search. Third-party bribery is applied when a public official (in this case, Park) gets a request for influence-peddling and in return makes the requesters (conglomerates) provide money to a third party (Choi). Natalie Portman as Evey (left) and Hugo Weaving as V in 2006 film "V for Vendetta" By Ko Dong-hwan As disheartened Koreans struggle with the scandal over President Park Geun-hye and her longtime friend and alleged influence-peddler Choi Soon-sil, one film is drawing attention: "V for Vendetta." The 2006 dystopian political thriller has been described by several media outlets as having an allegorical relation to the nation's current political fiasco. The idea began to surface when the anti-Park rallies that started on Oct. 29 grew bigger nationwide, with the third rally at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square on Nov. 12 drawing a record of about 1 million protesters. Movie fans quoted lines from the film that reflect the feelings of Korean people now grappling with the Park scandal. The lines include when V (Hugo Weaving), a mask-wearing, knife-wielding, martial arts master and anarchic hero, says: "People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people," or when he murmurs, standing still after being shot by police, "beneath this mask is more than flesh ... there are bulletproof ideas." "Although the movie's setting is exaggerated and aggressive, it somehow overlaps with the Korean government these days," news outlet Oh My News, citing a civilian reporter, said. This referred to the authoritarian state depicted in the movie. Peace protesters wearing "Guy Fawkes" masks and marching against government soldiers at Trafalgar Square in the movie (top) is interpreted by Korea's local media outlets and movie fans as analogous to the protesters who have been gathering at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul since late October demanding President Park Geun-hye's resignation. / Yonhap The movie is set in the U.K. in the late 2020s, after the second civil war and spread of the deadly St. Mary's Virus ravaging Europe. The government controls people with fear and limited freedom. Oh My News said Korean citizens see the same "abnormal" form of government that under Park, Choi and their political accomplices has allegedly been administering using cover-ups, lies and prejudices. The outlet highlighted a line from V's comrade Evey (Natalie Portman), describing V. "He was my father, and my mother, my brother, my friend, you, me, and all of us." The quote strikes the exact same note as the protesters as a whole, gathered regardless of age, gender and social status to call for the President's resignation. When the hero says, "The past can't hurt you anymore, unless you let it," it might as well be a line from the protesters who are angered by the President's alleged wrongdoings. Online column site Media Fine's editor-in-chief referred to peace protesters in the movie each wearing V's "Guy Fawkes" mask and marching against government soldiers at Trafalgar Square as "resembling the protesters at Gwanghwamun Square, with candles instead of masks." Anti-Park protesters wear "Guy Fawkes" masks and outfits used by V in the movie. / Courtesy of Yonhap, online commnity Some anti-Park protesters wore the same mask, now a globally popular symbol of anti-government and anti-establishment protests, raising signs that said "Step down, Park Geun-gye" or "Impeachment." The nation's anger at the President is rising, with about 2 million people expected to take part in anti-Park protests across Korea on Nov. 26, demanding her resignation. The President's attitude is fueling protesters' determination. She has rebuffed prosecutors' requests for questioning in person and seemingly wants to wait until the protesters' candles are "blown by the wind" and she can complete her term that expires at the end of next year. Meanwhile, the fifth massive rally at Gwanghwamun Square just a few hundred meters from presidential house Cheong Wa Dae is expected to attract more than 1.5 million protesters Saturday, including farmers riding tractors and cultivators. By Jun Ji-hye An Min-suk An opposition lawmaker has claimed that Choi Soon-sil, the scandal-ridden confidant of President Park Geun-hye, may have illicitly helped U.S. defense company Lockheed Martin receive business favors from the Park government. One suspicion raised by Rep. An Min-suk of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea is that Choi may have intervened in the government decision to allow the United States Forces Korea to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, made by Lockheed, here. "As far as I know, Choi met with Lockheed's president in June," An said Thursday during his appearance on a TBS radio program. He noted that a person who introduced the two was a South Korean "big shot" in diplomatic and defense circles and apparently had close ties to the U.S. firm. In July, Seoul and Washington announced their decision to deploy THAAD, citing the need to better deter evolving threats from North Korea's nuclear and missile program, despite strong objections from the opposition parties and local residents. The four-term lawmaker said that six years ago, when the go-between stayed in the United States for two years, Lockheed paid for this. He said any alleged wealth Choi might have accumulated would be nothing compared with the "commission" she may have received from the government's decision to deploy THAAD. Choi has been indicted for allegedly interfering in various state affairs and extorting local conglomerates to accumulate her wealth. The prosecution has named President Park as an "accomplice." By Kim Hyo-jin Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn's role in President Park Geun-hye's impeachment is keeping the opposition parties alert. The opposition and some anti-Park lawmakers from the ruling Saenuri Party are seeking to put the motion to unseat the President to a vote as early as Dec. 2. Although the impeachment motion is likely to pass the National Assembly and Park will be suspended from her duties, the opposition is concerned that Hwang could still be under Park's influence. The prime minister has been noted as a loyal Cabinet member, spearheading key policies of the Park administration. "Park will try to exert her influence on state affairs through Hwang and the conservative group will also try to bounce back behind Hwang's leadership," said floor leader Park Jie-won of the second-largest People's Party, Wednesday. Minor opposition Justice Party Chairwoman Sim Sang-jeung said in a radio interview, "Prime Minister Hwang's role should be kept to a minimum. Should he try to make an important decision, he must discuss it with the Assembly. Otherwise, the parliament should impeach him also." In response to growing concerns, Rep. Min Byung-doo of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) said Friday that he will propose a bill to specify the duties of the acting head of state. Min said the bill will clarify if he can appoint Cabinet members and heads of public bodies or carry out a diplomatic role including the appointment of ambassadors. How the No. 2 man will proceed with state affairs may affect the political circle ahead of next year's presidential election, which is a concern for the opposition. "Should Hwang run the country smoothly as an acting head of state, he may establish himself as a competitive candidate in the presidential election or help the current political situation turn favorably toward the ruling party," said a political analyst said. Questions will also remain on whether he can appoint new justices to the Constitutional Court as two of nine justices are scheduled to retire in January and March, respectively. If Hwang refrains from expanding his role from ones served by his predecessors, the two posts will be left empty and seven justices will have to deliberate on the legality of the impeachment against Park. The President can only be stripped of her powers when six Constitutional Court justices concur that she committed a crime that makes her unfit to serve. Ruling Saenuri Party Chairman Lee Jung-hyun, left, talks with floor leader Chung Jin-suk during a party meeting at the National Assembly, Friday, to discuss the ongoing political scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil. Chung said after the meeting that the party will not oppose the opposition parties' move to put a motion to impeach Park to a vote. / Yonhap By Jun Ji-hye Rep. Kim Moo-sung, former chairman of the ruling Saenuri Party, is emerging as a new focal figure in realigning the conservative camp, which is showing signs of a split. The fracture is due to the scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her friend Choi Soon-sil. Kim told reporters Thursday that there is no choice but to go another way if Park loyalists block non-mainstreamers' efforts to oust the President and reform the governing party. Since the scandal went public in October, the party's approval rating has dipped to an all-time low. A large number of lawmakers are demanding the immediate resignation of Chairman Lee Jung-hyun, a staunch loyalist to the President. Kim's comments were construed as him signaling that he could leave the Saenuri Party to launch a new political party. "I can join hands with any forces except for the pro-Park faction and those who follow Moon Jae-in, former chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea," the six-term lawmaker said. Moon is seen as a figure leading former President Roh Moo-hyun loyalists, as he served as his chief of staff. Observers are raising the possibility that Kim might cooperate with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon or former co-chairman of the second largest opposition People's Party Ahn Cheol-soo. Both Ban and Ahn are potential candidates for the 2017 presidential election. Ban is expected to run under the banner of a conservative camp, while Ahn would represent liberals. Kim indicated that he will "play a neutral role to win the election." On Wednesday, Kim said he will take the lead in seeking the impeachment of the President after the prosecution named her an accomplice in charges filed against Choi. Choi was indicted for allegedly interfering in various state affairs and extorting local conglomerates to accumulate wealth for herself. Kim, a potential presidential contender, also said he will not run for the presidency, but instead focus on normalizing the country in the wake of the current crisis. "Park has betrayed the people and the Saenuri Party, and seriously violated the Constitution," Kim said. The three opposition parties earlier decided to officially seek the impeachment of Park. The breakup of the governing party has already begun as two high-profile members, Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil and three-term lawmaker Rep. Kim Yong-tae, left Tuesday, expressing discontent with Park loyalists. Eight more ruling party members also announced their defection, Wednesday. Others are expected to follow, seeking to leave the embattled party, according to observers. By Kang Seung-woo President Park Geun-hye is unlikely to make her first visit to Japan as head of state next month amid the swirling corruption scandal threatening to unseat her. Japan plans to host an annual trilateral summit with Korea and China on Dec. 19 and 20 and the government has expressed Park's intention to attend if the schedule is fixed. But as Park is a prime suspect in the prosecution's investigation of allegations she let her confidant Choi Soon-sil meddle in state affairs to benefit Choi's private interests, opposition parties are seeking to put a motion to impeach Park to a vote as early as Dec. 2. If the motion is approved at the National Assembly, her duties as President will be suspended immediately, which will prevent her from traveling to Tokyo. In the event of the impeachment, the government will have to consider sending Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn to Japan. By Kim Hyo-jin The ruling Saenuri Party is on the brink of a split over a motion to impeach the scandal-ridden President Park Geun-hye. Most pro-Park lawmakers boycotted a party meeting on how to deal with the impeachment motion led by the opposition parties, making it a half-member gathering, Friday. Only about 60 of 128 lawmakers appeared, underscoring a widening gap between pro-Park and anti-Park members. With the ruling bloc failing to find a breakthrough amid the corruption scandal involving the President and her confident Choi Soon-sil, Park's approval rating fell to as low 4 percent, an all-time low for elected Presidents in South Korean history. And the support rate of the Saenuri Party also stood at 12 percent, a record-low in the party's history, according to the latest Gallup poll. The plunging approval ratings for both the President and the governing party are expected to escalate conflicts in the imploding ruling side, with the two Park factions colliding head-on over the move to impeach her. With disgruntled pro-Park lawmakers absent from the meeting, floor leader Rep. Chung Jin-suk questioned whether the party should follow the timeline presented by the opposition. Floor leaders of the three opposition parties agreed Thursday to put an impeachment motion to a vote within the regular session of the National Assembly, which will last until Dec. 9. They said the voting could be arranged on Dec. 2 at the earliest _ the day when a plenary session is scheduled to vote on the 2017 budget. "I want to make it clear that I cannot accept either Dec. 2 or Dec. 9. We should focus on the envisioned parliamentary investigation of the scandal and the budget during that time period." Chung said. "Rather than hastily pushing for a vote on the impeachment motion, it's better to mull over every possible scenario to normalize state affairs first." He asked fellow lawmakers to allow him the right to negotiate on the impeachment process with the opposition, only to receive the cold shoulder from participants, most of whom were anti-Park lawmakers. Rep. Na Kyung-won, one of the senior lawmakers leading the anti-Park group, said, "A starting point to normalize state affairs can be voting on the impeachment motion." Expressing concerns about the deepening public outcry over Park's resignation or impeachment, Rep. Ha Tae-keung, another anti-Park member, said, "If our party refuses to vote, we will be crushed by angry citizens who will pour onto Gwanghwamun Square tomorrow." Chung later backed down in the face of the criticism. He denied that he was attempting to delay the voting, saying the party will leave the matter up to lawmakers, and not make it an official stance. Meanwhile, Rep. Hwang Young-cheul confirmed that there are a minimum of 40 Saenuri Party lawmakers who are in favor of impeachment. For the motion to be passed, a minimum of 28 votes were required from the ruling party. It needs support from two-thirds of the 300 Assemblymen. The opposition views that securing over 35 votes from the ruling party will be ideal assuming there could be some opponents among the 172 opposition and independent lawmakers. Hundreds of Sookmyung Women's University students walk out of school on their way to Gwanghwamun Square, downtown Seoul, to participate in an evening candlelit protest, Friday, after declaring a plan to boycott classes to protest the influence-peddling scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her confidant Choi Soon-sil. A massive anti-Park rally is scheduled today, with some 2 million participants expected nationwide. / Yonhap By Lee Kyung-min More than 2 million people are expected to join candlelit protests nationwide today to call for embattled President Park Geun-hye to step down, organizers said Friday. The largest number of protesters _ 1.5 million people in central Seoul and 500,000 in other regions _ reflects public anger in the wake of Park's rejection of a prosecution request for face-to-face questioning. The President has shown no signs of listening to the people's call for her resignation despite a month-long anti-Park candlelit protests. A growing number of university students are boycotting classes and professors from the Seoul National University and other universities will join the rally. At the same time, over 1,000 farmers across the nation have come to the capital to join the rally. A coalition of 1,500 liberal civic groups said they will start a march at 4 p.m. to surround Cheong Wa Dae. The Seoul Administrative Court ruled that protestors can march up to a point 200 meters from Cheong Wa Dae, the closest to the presidential office protestors have been permitted to reach so far. Police initially planned to ban the gathering there to prevent traffic chaos. But the groups filed a request with the court, saying they were exercising their constitutional right to freedom of assembly, and were given the go-ahead after a ruling that previous protests were nonviolent. But the court said they must finish their rally there by 5 p.m. and march away by 5:30 p.m. as it will become more difficult to maintain order at nighttime. People will be able to continue their protest in other areas beyond this time, with the main event planned in Gwanghwamun Square at 6 p.m. After the event, they will hold a second street march via Jeong-dong, Jongno and Euljiro to the intersection of Gyeongbok Palace Station. The weekend rallies have increased in size since the first one Oct. 29 when some 50,000 people gathered in Seoul. Gwanghwamun Square and nearby areas were filled with 1 million participants for the third rally on Nov. 12. "The number of participants has grown to over 1 million. This time, we expect more people to turn out to demand Park's resignation," an official from the organizers said. However, the weather is unfavorable for the protesters, with low temperatures and slight rain being forecast for the day. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, morning lows in Seoul will be slightly above zero degrees Celsius with midday highs at around 4 degrees. Still, many people are expected to brave the cold weather to turn out, arming themselves with disposable heat packs and raincoats. About 1,000 farmers from the provinces made their ways to Seoul to hold a rally in front of the Seoul Government Complex, Friday. But they were blocked on expressways from entering the capital, as police prevented those driving tractors and cultivators from continuing to Seoul. In scuffles, seven farmers were taken into custody for disrupting traffic. Farmers groups are also demanding the President step down, claiming the Park administration has ruined the rice farming industry by neglecting their calls to take steps to keep rice prices from falling further. They are set to take part in the candlelit rally today. For rally participants, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to set up 16 portable toilets near the protest sites including Gwanghwamun Square, and Cheonggye and Seoul plazas. It will also extend the hours of public transportation operations and dispatch emergency workers there. More information is available at mediahub.seoul.go.kr or the 120 Dasan Call Center. Prosecutors raided the offices of South Korea's retail giant Lotte and major conglomerate SK Group on Thursday over allegations they donated large sums of money to two nonprofit foundations controlled by a close friend of President Park Geun-hye in return for business favors. The prosecution team looking into the scandal surrounding Park and her friend said it raided 10 places, including Lotte's corporate headquarters in central Seoul and SK SUPEX Council, the group's top decision-making body comprised of chiefs of each affiliate. The team is known to have confiscated computer hard drives and documents related to the groups' duty-free businesses. (Yonhap) By Han Seung-bum It was only four years ago that I started to sleep soundly. My elder brother, who is six years my senior and studied in Seoul with me, suffered from insomnia. Due to him, I had to live like a night owl since I was 10. For as many as 36 years since then, I haven't been able to sleep well. I would either go to sleep at dawn, or if I ever went to bed early, I would often sleep fitfully as I awoke at dawn. Such being the case, I had to spend most of the daytime in a foggy state, and naturally my concentration was very low. Since my 20s, my eyes were bloodshot, and my eyes were severely blinking often. It was natural that I looked stupid, but this symptom got worse, especially when I lectured at universities, gave speeches or was interviewed on air. It was a big complex to me, and I had to give an evasive response like That's not true, initially my eyes easily become bloodshot" to the remark "You look really tired" from every person I met. There's a saying that "If the body is worth 1,000 nyang, the eyes take up 900 nyang." Actually, this writer was overstraining my eyes. Four years ago when I was going through the worst days of my life due to a business failure, I happened to start Danjeon (lower abdominal) breathing. I was a fatty with super-extreme obesity weighing 120kg; however, I managed to lose 45kg within six months. I got back on my feet with the business called the Online Reputation Management, and I have been leading my life so meaningfully every day that I could not let a day pass without reading a book. Above all, my living pattern, whose nights and days had been switched for the past 36 years, came back to normal. It took me 36 years to turn the abnormal into normal. My life has been enriched through seven or more hours of sound sleep daily. Sleep is happiness. A life without proper sleep is miserable. The reason South Korea's happiness index is lower than Nepal's is not social welfare or work stress, but the lack of sleep. In any country, the happiness index is inversely proportional to the amount of sleep. Insufficient sleep is bound to lead to a lack of concentration at work or in studying. To make up for this, people these days have become used to consuming stimulants like coffee or energy drinks to hike up their levels of concentration. Such stimulants then create a vicious cycle of obstructing deep sleep. This indeed is a useless solution. Insufficient sleep also greatly affects suicide. As we all know, suicide is a mental health problem. The number of deaths from suicide in South Korea is estimated at about 14,000 a year. Of these people, 80 percent suffered from depression. According to another study, 75 percent of depression patients suffer from insomnia. In other words, we can conclude that about 60 percent of those that commit suicide suffer from insomnia. According to a study by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs in 2013, about 3.68 million people in our country are classified as high-risk mental health patients, suffering from things like depression. Early treatments for patients with insomnia and depression could lead to a lower suicide rate. According to JoongAng Sunday on Nov. 13, a religious figure met with President Park and greeted her by saying, "you seem to be sleeping well," to which Park responded with a smile, "sleep is the best medicine." In addition, spokesperson Ki Dong-min for the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) criticized the President's remark at a briefing at the National Assembly, saying, "High school seniors, who are to take their college entrance exam in five days, are spending their nights worrying about their country, but their president is saying things like sleep is the best medicine.' It is just deplorable and shameful." "Choi Soon-sil gate" has turned South Korea into a mess. A million citizens have taken to the streets with candles to yell out "Park Geun-hye step down," and the President's approval rating is at its worst at 5 percent. What will President Park do, and how will our political situation unfold? Losing both parents to a bullet, like President Park did, is a rare case worldwide. Moreover, after the Oct. 26 incident, she spent a long time in confinement at home, actually like prison life. In 1991, when President Park was 40, she once said, "I have nothing I want to do, no dream I want to achieve." It is totally understandable. Then, the next year, the same person suddenly began to write about a hopeful life in her diary while talking about "peace of mind." President Park started lower abdominal breathing in 1991, and I suspect this has transformed her into a completely different person. President Park is known to do a qi exercise also known as Gukseondo for three hours every morning. This is why her stamina and mind are bound to be excellent. It is widely known that lower abdominal breathing makes you sleep "well." This is because, as the President said, "Sleep is the best medicine." Sleep clears your mind and maximizes your focus. Even when you are drunk, have a cold or suffer from the sorrow of parting, "good" sleep heals most of it. Sleep is a mystery that remains unsolved. After Choi Soon-sil gate came to the surface, the President must have not been able to sleep well from the shame and bitterness. That must have been the reason for her slip of the tongue, "I wonder if this is why I became President," which is tantamount to the remark by the former President Roh "I can't put up with this [presidency] anymore." It is very highly improbable that President Park, who practices lower abdominal breathing and sleeps "well," will choose an extreme and stupid path like suicide. This is because she has "Miles to Go Before I Sleep." President Park must have recovered peace with lower abdominal breathing, and she must be thinking hard about how to respond to this national crisis. Even if 10 million people gathered at Gwanghwamun, and even if her approval rating fell from 5 percent to 0.1 percent, she is very unlikely to voluntarily step down from the presidency. The President's resignation will evidently prove fatal to the Republic of Korea. In the by-election that must be conducted within 60 days of the vacancy, a progressive candidate will surely win. It is highly likely that Moon Jae-in, the former chairman of the DPK who asked our enemy North Korea about the U.N. resolution on North Korean human rights, or Park Won-soon, the incumbent mayor of Seoul who calls for the "establishment of economic and cultural cooperation with North Korea," could become president. This scenario will be the best news for North Korea's Kim Jong-un, and denuclearization of North Korea will be to no avail. It is obvious there will be a cacophony between the American president-elect Donald Trump, a hard-line conservative, and Korea's progressive president. The choice of President Park, who must be well aware of this grave scenario, will be to "nevertheless" not let go of the ship of the Republic of Korea. Even if she were to be impeached, even if she were threatened with a sword, she will quietly walk the "few miles she must go like a rhino's horn." I correctly predicted the victory of President Park a year before the election, and the election of Trump six months before the American election through the press. Allow me to predict our political situation for the time to come with an election octopus' feel and deep breath. President Park is not an "average" person as we think of her. She has faced crises that were more serious than what we are currently going through. The true value of a person is said to be exposed in times of crisis. If she overcomes this crisis, she will ultimately become a successful president. There is still a possibility that, ten years later, people will remember her as the President that denuclearized North Korea and laid the touchstone for reunification Choi Soon-sil Notwithstanding. Han Seung-bum is CEO of MACCINE Korea. Write to ceo@maccine.net. A local court's ruling is supporting the widespread opposition to President Park Geun-hye's state-authored history textbook. Just a few days before the education ministry is set to unveil the textbook, the Seoul Administrative Court ordered the government to disclose information on the authors and publication criteria. The ruling should be an occasion for the ministry to realize that the state-authored textbooks lack legitimacy. Due to the mounting protests against the book amid the Choi Soon-sil scandal, the education ministry is reportedly considering measures to scale back the plan. The government's initial plan was to have all secondary schools use them starting in March 2017. But latest news reports said the government may consider allowing schools to choose between the new and existing textbooks, which are supplied by multiple publishers. Only Park seems unaware that the state-authored textbooks are an affront to Korea's hard-won democracy. These days, the Korean students are smart enough not to believe everything they are taught in schools. So it is totally unrealistic for Park to think that she can control the next generation's interpretation of history with school textbooks. The textbooks will not have her desired effect of teaching "correct history" and will only fuel rage toward her administration. The education ministry is planning to disclose the textbook on Nov. 28 as scheduled. After that, the ministry should properly collect public opinion on it. A latest survey said that only 20 percent of the respondents supported the textbook plan, which has been heavily criticized for aiming to reinforce a single view of history. Under these circumstances, the most desirable thing is for Park to come to her senses and discard the plan, but that is unlikely given her tendency to ignore public opinion. Education Minister Lee Joon-sik should hold off the implementation of the plan unless the ministry can convince the public that the new textbooks will contain a fair representation of history. Schools should refuse to use the new textbooks if they turn out to be biased or glorify dark periods of Korean history, such as the authoritarian rule of Park Chung-hee, the incumbent's father. Even after the state textbook is published, the ministry should at least allow schools to make a choice. Park's personal life should not be an open book The media has been flooded with sensational reports over the private life of the scandal-ridden President Park Geun-hye. The reports have focused on a wide range of speculation regarding Park's personal affairs, ranging from her medical history to her encounters with men. Rep. Kim Sang-hee of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea disclosed earlier this week a list of 323 kinds of medicine purchased by Cheong Wa Dae between March 2014 and August 2016. Among them, the purchase of Viagra pills saw immense media attention. It was also disclosed that Cheong Wa Dae had stacked up on various anti-aging shots, in addition to facial creams used after cosmetic surgery. Due to the excessive media reports centering on allegations of Park's beauty treatments, Cheong Wa Dae had to explain that its medical staff did not have the capacity to perform cosmetic procedures. Even before the presidential office medicine list was disclosed, the media had spotlighted the expensive beauty treatment Park received at Chaum Clinic under the bogus name of Gil Ra-im, the name of a female character in a popular soap opera. In addition to beauty and anti-aging formula, there have also been sensational reports about Park's men. It has been widely reported that Park's "body and soul" had been controlled by the religious cult leader Choi Tae-min in her youth. The latest JoongAng Ilbo report underlined that Park, who rarely gives face time to even ministers in her Cabinet and presidential aides, had routinely allowed late night visits of Cha Eun-taek, one of the key figures in the so-called Choi Soon-sil scandal. The report highlighted the remarkable physical resemblance between Choi and Cha. With all these irresponsible media reports, Park's personal life has virtually become an open book. The public has a right to know about what Park does in her official capacity, but the media and opposition parties should be careful not to encroach on her privacy. The reports of Viagra and beauty treatment drugs are especially malicious because they have resulted in the image of a female president abandoning her official duties and being immersed in personal pleasures. And many people now base their criticism toward her on this image. Basically, there is nothing wrong with a single woman of a certain age like Park trying to keep herself young and healthy with the help of pills or injections. It becomes a problem only if the President was taking illegal prescriptions or if she was incapacitated and unable to function as head of state. But so far, reports linking her medical history to her incompetence have not been substantiated. There is no evidence, for example, that Park had anything to do with the Viagra pills or that she received some kind of cosmetic procedure during the Sewol ferry sinking. There is no doubt that Park, who is facing an impeachment push by the opposition parties and some members of her own Saenuri Party, is the most unpopular and incompetent President Korea has ever had. But criticisms toward her should be based on facts, not unsubstantiated media reports about her personal affairs. As a person, Park still has the right to protect her privacy. By Jason Lim Early in 1950, my Dad was all set to go to Moscow University School of Medicine on a full scholarship. Then the Korean War started in June of 1950. A few months after that, along with tens of thousands of fellow North Koreans, my Dad escaped to the South as U.N. forces retreated in the face of a furious counterattack by the People's Army of China in the winter of 1950. On that morning, he left with his whole family, but his Dad sprained an ankle badly on the frozen, treacherous road at the start of the journey. So, my Dad had to go on alone, leaving behind his Dad, Mom, and younger sister. It was imperative that he continue to escape since he was a young man who would have been forcibly conscripted into the North Korean Army or shot outright if he lingered. "See you soon when the U.N. forces take back Pyongyang again and you can come back home," his Dad told him. "In the meantime, you take care, my son." At most, it would only be a few days till they met again, or so they thought. As with so many Korean families, that was the last time they saw each other, forever wondering what happened to their loved ones. Within a year, his life was turned upside down and would never be the same again. Worse, along with millions like him, he would forever have to deal with an agonizing lack of closure. No wonder someone called it one of the longest running humanitarian crises in the world. These people are called the Divided Families, which number about 10 million in South Korea. But many folks like my Dad also emigrated to the U.S. They now number about 100,000. And they finally have a voice, and it's called the Divided Families US. It's a national coalition of representatives from 13 states working on the issue of Korean Americans divided from family members; its mission is "to advocate for official reunions between Korean Americans with their family members in North Korea under the protection and support of the U.S. government. The coalition stands together with friends who understand their pain and suffering, government officials who work hard to find political solutions, a new generation that courageously takes on this issue as its own, and people of different cultures who have stood against the human tragedy of divided family members for over 60 years." About 18,800 South Korean Divided Families were lucky enough to participate in the 19 rounds of face-to-face reunions that started in 1985. For the Divided Families in the U.S., there have been no such opportunities. Some Korean Americans have taken it upon themselves to look for their divided family members in North Korea. Lacking official channels, they mostly use black market services that further victimize them with false promises and extortion-like fees, leaving behind shattered hearts and fresh scars. This is what Divided Families USA seeks to change. It's the driving force behind H.Con.Res.40, introduced by Korean War veteran, Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), and Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman, Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA)." H.Con.Res.40 (1) encourages North Korea to allow Korean Americans to meet with their family members from North Korea; and (2) calls on North Korea to take concrete steps to build goodwill that is conducive to peace on the Korean Peninsula." While the resolution can't force the U.S. and the North Korean governments to work together to facilitate Divided Families reunions, it will be a watershed moment for the issue by giving it the needed visibility and legitimacy it can be built on. The "Comfort Women" resolution (H.Res. 121) that passed in July 2007 performed a similarly critical function in making official the comfort women issue and bringing it out from an old, esoteric, and ethnic issue to a universal human rights problem that's still relevant today. And look at what has happened since then on that issue. H.Res. 40 can likewise reposition Divided Families from an emotional but ultimately irrelevant sideshow to the whole North Korean policy debate to a humanitarian crisis deserving of dedicated attention. It would also allow the U.S. to act on its stated policy of delineating political considerations from humanitarian efforts, which should be based only on need and the availability of resources. Well, the need is obvious and painful. And the only resource needed is the political courage to do the right thing. But time is of the essence. "Every day counts. Time is running out," says Cha-hee Lee Stanfield, executive director of the National Coalition for the Divided Families USA. "In 10 years, they'll all be gone." "This is not a political matter," Stanfield continues. "This is a humanitarian issue. We would like to see the U.S. government take the initiative in opening up dialogue with North Korea. And North Korea might respond." Jason Lim is a Washington, D.C.-based expert on innovation, leadership and organizational culture. He has been writing for The Korea Times since 2006. Reach him at jasonlim@msn.com, facebook. com/jasonlimkoreatimes or @jasonlim2012. Kim Byeong-jin is the chief chef at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Gaon. / Courtesy of Gaon By Kim Ji-soo The tangy whiff of soy sauce travels up one's nose as soon as one enters Gaon, the Korean restaurant in Dosandae-ro, Seoul, that earned three Michelin stars on Nov. 7. "Soy sauce, salt, including malt salt from Hwayo, and soybean paste are what we use at Gaon," said Gaon's chief chef, Kim Byeong-jin, 40. Twenty-four Korean restaurants in Seoul received Michelin stars for the first time, with two Gaon and La Yeon at Hotel Shilla earning three stars. Gaon is a part of Kwangjuyo Group, which produces the pottery dishes Gaon uses and Hwayo liquor, and owns Bicena, a restaurant that earned one Michelin star. Gaon's Michelin stars gave Kim and his team motivation and a renewed sense of responsibility. At Gaon, which means the "center" in Korean, Kim wants to continue showcasing Korean fine dining. The restaurant, which has five dining areas, is already fully booked through late January. "At Gaon, I focused on illustrating the flow of what a king would eat in a day, with strong-soft accentuations in between," Kim said. One of the two menus, "onnal,"features nine dishes, starting from the so-called "five tastes of nature" appetizers, chestnut porridge, cold crab meat salad, steamed abalone, fish from Jeju Island, chestnut honey with eight Oriental herbs, a beef dish, rice with mushrooms, as well as a variety of desserts. With the onnal course priced at 180,000 won, Kim wants to present the power of the ingredients. The steamed abalone The other course is the Gaon (priced at 250,000 won), which features more elaborate dishes, including, once again, the five tastes of nature appetizers, cold shrimp vegetable salad, steamed abalone with pine mushrooms, steamed crab, a sea cucumber dish, jelly made with eight Oriental herbs and others, a beef dish, bibimbap with crab soy sauce and laver, as well as a variety of desserts. The menu changes by the season. Of the restaurant's relatively high prices, Kim said it means that Korean food is on the way to diversity. "Essentially, what we want to do is show that we remain committed to showing what we think is the essence of Korean fine dining, which is remaining true to good ingredients and having a certain flow," Kim said. Kim spends a lot of time buying ingredients at the Garak and Noryangjin markets in Seoul; he also visits other large markets if more ingredients are needed for the day. "So for us, the day usually starts at 8 a.m. when the ingredients start arriving, and then we process them throughout the day, until we begin the dinner service at 5:30 p.m.," Kim said. The restaurant is open until 11 p.m. Kim said the ingredients are key to ensuring that he can present the customers with Korean food that is natural and healthy, and essentially makes the diner happy. To that end, Kim works with his sous chef Jeon Gwang-sik and four other staff members. Every ingredient is processed by the staff; for instance, the chestnuts are hand cut and the rice is polished right there at the restaurant. The food at Gaon also reflects Kim's background. Kim, who hails from Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, explains that the restaurant's mild sauces or condiments and the kimchi made without salted fish may well reflect the Gangwon region's geographic or natural features. The rice dish with its side dishes Kim studied traditional Korean cuisine at Hallym Polytechnic University in Chuncheon in Gangwon Province and has been cooking for nearly 20 years, spending the past 13 years with Gaon. Gaon, which opened in 2005 and closed after several years, reopened in January 2015. Coming up with new menus every season also puts a lot of pressure on Kim. At the time of the interview, he was in the midst of coming up with a new winter menu; he experimented with anglerfish but in the end decided not to use it. "You know, you can always create a good dish once you have dealt with an ingredient you like or feel confident with," he said. With crab, which is one of his favorite ingredients, he experiments in various ways. "It can have different tastes; it can be either sweet or bitter, depending on what ingredients you use with it," he said. Naturally, he has insisted on including the crab in both the onnal and Gaon menus. Another of Kim's favorite Gaon dishes is the steamed abalone. "The abalone is intriguing in that it can be used even with the fishy-smelling ingredients, because the abalone itself grows by consuming other ingredients, such as seaweed," Kim said. As Koreans are just starting to become aware of Michelin-starred restaurants, Kim asks customers to make bookings. "For Gaon, you don't have to reserve a certain meal, but you do have to reserve (a place in advance) and call a day ahead if you have to cancel, because all our ingredients arrive only the day before," Kim said. He also wants customers to enjoy and be happy with the food, and to leave their feedback with his team at Gaon. Asked if he wanted to work on his own, Kim said: "I just have so much more to learn." A certain sense of moderation is visible when he talks about his ingredients and dishes. For instance, when he cooks, he tries not to be too greedy or ambitious. Likewise for the condiments, he uses only salts, soy sauce and fermented bean paste. His dishes are almost restrained, like a car that could go at 100 percent of its maximum speed but stops at about 80 percent of the speed. I asked him why this is so. "Despite all the processes that go into it, Korean food is simple in its taste and aesthetic and can be presented simply in pottery dishes," he said. His best dish so far? "My mother's tofu soup with bits of salted shrimp, a touch of red chili pepper and drops of perilla oil," he said. The Elko Daily Free Press is counting down the days until marijuana is legal in Nevada by answering questions concerning the law. Q: Will the Trump administration change the federal policy on marijuana? A: President Barack Obamas administration has had a hands off approach to dealing with states that legalize marijuana, but once Donald Trump becomes president it is anyones guess if he will go after businesses in states that have approved the drug for recreational use. Right now it doesnt look promising since he put forth Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., as a possibility for attorney general. Sessions is a fervent foe of marijuana legalization, according to The Washington Post. Since November elections, a majority of states have legalized medical marijuana and eight, plus the District of Columbia, have legalized recreational marijuana. Executive branch directives do not transfer from one administration to the next, so Trump doesnt have to adhere to Obamas policies that curtailed federal prosecutors from going after marijuana dispensaries for recreational sales. While Sessions may have the ability to go after recreational sales, he would be constrained from prosecuting the medical marijuana industry. The prior Congress used the power of the purse to prevent any federal enforcement against medical marijuana sellers and users, and the next Congress will probably be of a similar mind. The Department of Justice therefore couldnt even pay the postage on a letter from the attorney general ordering federal prosecutors into action against medical marijuana providers, no matter how egregiously they flout federal law, stated The Washington Post. The recreational weed business does not have similar protections. Trump has come out 100 percent in support of medical marijuana, but as far as recreational weed, he has flip-flopped on the issue. A Human Rights Watch researcher says that the number of people who were killed in a fuel tanker explosion in Mozambique last Thursday has risen to 93 (see photo of blast above). Fifty-one patients, including one pregnant woman and three children, remain hospitalised, 13 in critical condition. The country held three days of mourning after the blast, which happened in the village of Caphirizanje in Tete province, near the border with Malawi. May the rest be healed. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates For describing the National Assembly as being peopled by a gang of unarmed robbers, the House of Representatives has lashed out at ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, calling him the grandfather of corruption. The Reps described Obasanjo as the most corrupt Nigerian that ever held a public office, adding that he, however, saw himself as the only clean human being. Specifically, the House called Obasanjo the grandfather of corruption in Nigeria. It added that a reason Obasanjo would never like the members of the National Assembly was the fact that they foiled his third term ambition in 2007 after taking his money and displaying it publicly to put him to shame. The House accused Obasanjo of churning out outright lies and mischievous innuendos against the National Assembly. On Wednesday, Obasanjo had attacked the legislature on several fronts, including their salaries/allowances and the alleged diversion of constituency projects. He had stated, Once you are a member, you are co-opted and your mouth is stuffed with rottenness and corruption that you cannot opt out as you go home with not less than N15million in a month for a senator and N10m a month for a member of the House of Representatives. The National Assembly is a den of corruption by a gang of unarmed robbers. If the judiciary is being cleaned, what of the National Assembly, which stinks much worse than the judiciary? Budget padding must not go unpunished. It is a reality, which is a regular and systemic practice. Nobody should pull the wool over the eyes of Nigerians. Ganging up to intimidate and threaten the life of a whistle-blower is deplorable and undemocratic. But, speaking through its Chairman, Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Abdulrazak Namdas, the House said Obasanjo first introduced corruption to the legislature in 1999 when he felt he must bribe legislators to have his way on every issue. On corruption, Namdas noted, Undoubtedly, former President Obasanjo is understandably angry with the National Assembly as an institution, having foiled his ambition for a third term in office even after trying to corrupt the members with a bribe of at least N50m each. Lest we forget, the person who introduced corruption to the National Assembly is Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. He birthed the 4th Republic National Assembly with corrupt practices from day one; indeed the first day of the Republic. He bribed the PDP, ANPP and AD legislators on their inauguration in 1999 to vote against the majority candidate of the PDP, (the late) Dr. Chuba Okadigbo. That was how Senator Evan Enwerem became the Senate President. Have we forgotten the sacks of money displayed on the floor of the House of Representatives, being bribe money paid by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to some honourable members to impeach the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Ghali Nabba? Have we forgotten that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo used his position as President to extort businessmen and contractors to build his presidential library? The list of his corrupt acts while in office is endless. Unquestionably, he is the greatest corrupt person ever to hold office in Nigeria. He remains the grandfather of corruption in Nigeria and lacks the moral authority to discuss corruption or abuse of office in Nigeria as he remains the most corrupt Nigerian on record. On the allegation of budget padding and abuse of constituency projects, Namdas said the former President, like other Nigerians, should appreciate the responsibilities of the legislature, which he claimed needed additional funding. He explained, He claimed that the National Assemblys budget is very high, when by all standards, the National Assembly is grossly underfunded and is hampered from effectively and legitimately carrying out its constitutionally-assigned functions. The House also observed that Obasanjo had started attacking President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that he was on a familiar path of discrediting any government that would not do his bidding. It is unfortunate that he has started his very familiar method of bringing down governments. He did it to Alhaji Shehu Shagari, he did it to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, he did the same to Gen. (Ibrahim) Babangida; and he attempted to bring down (the late) Gen. Sani Abacha before he imprisoned him for treason. He made frantic efforts to derail the government of (the late) President Musa YaArdua when he couldnt use him. He supported President Goodluck Jonathan, but when he refused to take his dictation, he turned against him. He supported President Buhari, but since he has sensed that Nigeria is having economic difficulties under him, he has pounced to derail his government. Calling the former President a blackmailer, the House noted that all the issues he raised against Buhari publicly could have been discussed privately with the President since he had unfettered access to Buhari. The Senate on Thursday kept mum on Obasanjos recent verbal attack on the National Assembly. Several leaders and members of the upper legislative house declined to reply the ex-President. The Majority Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, who described Obasanjo as a father, said the ex-president would not be engaged in a media war. He said, I dont want to take issue with my father. You cannot take issue with your father on the pages of newspapers. IYC, Mohammed back ex-President But the Ijaw Youth Council and the convener of the Coalition of Northern Politicians, Academics, Professionals and Businessmen, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, supported the former President. The National Publicity Secretary of the IYC, Eric Omare, in an interview with one of our correspondents, said, I think Obasanjo only stated the obvious and it is commendable. Nigerians are tired of Buharis excuses, while Nigerians are dying of hunger as a result of his poor economic policies. Culled Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary Read more PRESS RELEASE China and South Africa Deepen Cooperation and Party-to-party Exchanges Nov. 24, 2016 (EIRNS)Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao met Gwede Mantashe, secretary general of South Africas ruling African National Congress (ANC) in Cape Town, South Africa, Nov. 22. Li said during the meeting that both countries are major and emerging and developing countries, as well as members of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, and are thus seeing their bilateral ties establishing increasing global influence and strategic importance, according to a Nov. 22 Xinhua release. Li said that relations between the two countries would continue to develop, and that the Communist Party of China is willing to improve party-to-party exchanges with the ANC to bring inter-party relations to a new level. Mantasha responded that South Africa is grateful for the long-term support from China, and its help in social and economic development. The Chinese intervention comes in the midst of a protracted color-revolution style effort to destabilize South Africa and the ANC. President Jacob Zuma is openly countering this by a nationwide tour on behalf of the BRICS as the kernel of a new, just international economic order (see the November 25, 2016 EIR). Will a President Donald Trump scrap the aggressive fuel-economy targets that automakers and President Obama agreed to five years ago? Nobody knows. But automakers might not push him to go that far. The auto industry will surely seek adjustments to federal regulations that force them to build cleaner, less polluting cars, and want to push deadlines into the future, industry experts told The Times. Advertisement But scrapping the Corporate Average Fuel Economy program altogether is probably not on their agenda, for several reasons: Capital commitments: Automakers plan years ahead; theyve already sunk billions into upcoming models designed with pending fuel standards in mind. Global markets: Fuel-efficiency regulations and incentives are in place in major auto markets worldwide including China, whose market is expanding dramatically, especially for new energy vehicles meant to curb urban pollution. Consumer demand: With gas prices low, Americans are buying larger vehicles. But surveys and sales figures show they want sport utility vehicles and pickups to be as fuel efficient as possible. Regulatory patchwork: California and other states concerned about global warming worked closely to harmonize their own regulations with CAFE. Gutting CAFE could break that consensus and cause automakers to adjust cars for the California market, something theyve done in the past and would rather not do again. Scrapping CAFE wouldnt stop them from having to develop fuel-efficient, clean vehicles for the rest of the world, where strict environmental standards are likely to remain in place, said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst at Autotrader. Theyre so far down the road on developing energy-efficient products that fundamental changes in CAFE wouldnt help them much, Krebs said. Are they going to rip up their entire product plans? No, because these are global companies. CAFE has been around since 1975, passed by Congress as a means to achieve energy independence in the wake of the Arab oil embargo. Greenhouse gas emissions were later folded into CAFE standards to help combat global warming. In 2011, automakers agreed to boost miles per gallon across their car and light-truck fleets. At the time the targets were 30.2 miles per gallon for cars and 24.3 for light trucks. The new plan, pushed by Obama after the federal bailout of General Motors and Chrysler, combines the two categories for goals of 44.7 miles per gallon in 2021 and 54.5 miles per gallon in 2025. (Those numbers cause great confusion and look more aggressive than they actually are because the Environmental Protection Agency uses different analyses, one for CAFE standards and another for the mileage numbers posted on new-car window stickers. The window sticker figures typically are 20% to 30% lower. Todays window average is about 25 miles per gallon, and the current CAFE goal for 2025 is equivalent to about 40 miles per gallon.) When they signed on, automakers insisted on a mid-term review in 2018. Thats where the Trump administration will probably make its mark. Changes are in the works already. In a report this summer, government regulators said automakers were on track to meet the 2021 targets, but the 2025 goals would have to be trimmed back to accommodate the consumer shift toward crossovers, sport utility vehicles and pickups. Regulators had assumed 67% of sales would be cars and 33% would be crossovers, SUVs, pickups and other small trucks. Now theyre expecting closer to a 50-50 mix. Trump has made clear his disdain for what he sees as government over-regulation. The day after the election, on Nov. 9, Trump senior policy advisor John Mashburn was quoted saying CAFE standards would be reviewed to make sure they are not harming consumers or American workers. The next day, the big auto lobby group, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, sent a letter to Trumps transition team, a copy of which was leaked to Automotive News. Alliance Chief Executive Mitch Bainwol called for creation of a presidential advisory committee to guide the review process, and hinted at a new paradigm for vehicle regulation. But the letter made no call for scrapping CAFE. Government analysts at the time calculated CAFE-related prices would add $926 to the cost of an average vehicle sold in 2016 and $2000 in 2025. Although several outside analysts have made their own calculations that in some cases add thousands more to those figures, no one except perhaps the automakers themselves knows for sure. SIGN UP for the free California Inc. business newsletter When determining consumer harm, economists, regulators and politicians weigh costs of compliance against the social costs of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. (No matter how lightweight, vehicles must still meet traffic safety regulations.) The new administrations commitment to promoting green energy is also in question. Candidate Trump called global warming a hoax while promising to create new jobs. Thus far, auto executives have been mostly noncommittal on the subject. At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Ford Motor Chief Executive Mark Fields told The Times that he was hopeful that the right policies are going to be put in place. Alan Batey, chief executive at General Motors Chevrolet division, deflected CAFE questions to talk about the companys new electric car, the Bolt. When it comes to electric, this is our investment in the future. It is, he said, not being sold as a compliance vehicle. Plug-in hybrid cars and electric vehicles, however, still make up less than 1% of auto sales, even with federal tax credits that can go as high as $7,500 credits that doubtless will draw a critical review in the Republican Congress. The rapid advances in fuel efficiencies have come mostly through technological refinements on gasoline-powered cars and light trucks: lighter materials for bodies and powertrains; more efficient engines and air conditioning systems; more sophisticated automatic transmissions; engines that turn off and on quickly instead of idling at traffic signals. Some companies are making these advances faster than others. The Alliance lobby speaks for the industry as a whole, but each company has its own agenda. The Japanese automakers, whose sales mix tends toward smaller vehicles, score high on overall fuel economy. The Detroit 3 General Motors, Ford and FCA (formerly Chrysler) sell a lot of trucks and big SUVs and sit at the bottom. Were all in position now to meet CAFE standards, David Zuchowski, chief executive of Hyundai Motor America, the U.S.-based arm of the Korean automaker, said at the auto show. Any wild swings are probably unlikely. Even Ford might push to keep CAFE in place, albeit with some tweaks, said market forecaster Alan Baum of Baum & Associates. While Ford sells the popular F-150 pickup and the gargantuan Expedition SUV, its also invested heavily in smaller cars and the Ecoboost family of turbocharged direct-injection engines. Ford really went out on a limb and a lot of observers are saying Ford is very much ahead, Baum said. If [CAFE] rules didnt change, Ford would have an advantage because of the investments its already made relative to its competitors. Even as U.S. buyers move toward crossovers and SUVs, theyre still concerned about fuel economy. A survey by Consumers Union in June showed that 70% of Americans agreed that the U.S. government should increase fuel-efficiency standards. Consumers Union policy counsel Shannon Baker-Branstetter said the automakers know customers want better fuel economy even in those big vehicles. Even within a class of vehicle size, were finding higher ownership satisfaction with higher fuel economy. The most fuel-efficient Ford F-150 engine is also the best-selling, she noted. The concern for fuel economy goes beyond individual car buyers, Baum said. As consumers move to crossovers, the light-truck, rear-wheel-drive category is becoming more of a commercial fleet product, he said. Because those trucks are being bought for business purposes, Baum said, fuel economy is obviously a huge issue in the calculations. russ.mitchell@latimes.com Twitter: @russ1mitchell MORE BUSINESS NEWS Heres why you might want to skip those offers for store credit cards Start-up is pitching a new type of bond to fix Californias wildfire and water woes Obama confronts an uncertain future on trade with the likely death of his signature TPP deal Black Friday has earned a notorious reputation for raucous behavior, jam-packed stores and occasional bloodshed. But many Southern Californians who celebrated the nations informal shopping holiday described a more subdued scene. At 4 a.m. at a Target in Duarte, Michael Chung, 40, and his three children said many of the stores doorbuster items were still in stock. Last year, he recalled, many had sold out by that predawn hour. Theres less people, and you dont feel the holiday spirit, said the seven-year veteran of Black Friday sales. Its scary. It doesnt feel like Black Friday. This year is very weird. Advertisement Retailers strive to maintain order on some of the years busiest days, but they certainly want a crowd. A good start over the Black Friday weekend could signal a healthy holiday season, a crucial period that can account for as much as 40% of annual revenue. But Black Friday has evolved as retailers push promotions into Thursday and more shoppers opt to spend online changing what once was a pivotal barometer for the entire holiday shopping season into a hefty weekend of sales that isnt necessarily indicative of the coming weeks. Black Friday is not as huge as it once was because the business has been spread out more, said David Brandon, chief executive of Toys R Us. It used to be the critical day, he added. Now it is just a very important day. Unlike in decades past, Black Friday has failed in the past five years to be a good predictor of how retailers fare in November and December, said Britt Beemer, founder of Americas Research Group. Last year, nearly 40% of shoppers his firm surveyed finished most Christmas shopping on Black Friday, instead of spreading their spending into the weeks before Christmas, he said. Early Friday morning, Phyllis Mills, 60, headed to the Toys R Us in Ontario to pick up gifts for all the kids in her extended family, including nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Mills, who came with a budget of $150, said she was surprised the store was relatively calm compared to the hubbub of previous Black Fridays. Years ago, you couldnt even get a basket, the West Covina resident said. People were mean. Many customers may have opted to skip the hassle of brick-and-mortar stores to shop online instead. On Thursday, Target Chief Executive Brian Cornell said the retailers website was enjoying double-digit sales and traffic growth compared with a year ago, although he said it was too early to tell what impact that would have on in-store sales. Gilbert Diaz, store manager at Target in Eagle Rock, said several customers made purchases online on Thanksgiving Day and opted to pick up those items in store that night instead of waiting for shipping. Thats new for us, Diaz said. They were picking up right when the store opened. In recent years, the power of Black Friday as the kickoff to the holiday shopping season has been diluted by retailers increasingly rolling out deals in October and November. At the Glendale Galleria, crowds seemed thinner than in years past, although the people who did show up bought more, according to Brent Schoenbaum, a partner in the retail practice at Deloitte. At the Citadel Outlets, stores reported that shoppers were making bigger purchases, motivated in large part by heavier discounts that went in some cases all the way to 70% off storewide, spokeswoman Chelsea Hartnett said. The retailers saw last year that they really need to provide value to shoppers, she said. They need their dollars to go further. Analysts said it remains to be seen how the overall holiday season pans out. The National Retail Federation predicts sales in November and December will grow 3.6% to $655.8 billion, up slightly from the same period in 2015. Its a long season, said Charlie OShea, lead retail analyst at Moodys Investors Service. He noted that the two Saturdays before Christmas, which falls on a Sunday this year, will be big days for retailers. OShea predicts that the shoppers will shell out more this year but said many people are still reluctant to spend. Consumers are still a little skittish about a lot of things, he said. The whole country seems like its deal-focused. Americans, on average, plan to spend $785 on Christmas gifts this year, according to the Gallup poll, on par with recent years but still significantly below record highs of as much as $900 before the Great Recession. Preliminary Black Friday shopping data come out this weekend. At Wal-Mart in Duarte, Ray Wade, who has worked at the store for seven years, posited Fridays reduced crowds to doorbuster deals that rolled out Thursday and the growing trend toward online shopping. Theres no point for people to come in the mornings, he said. People are picking at scraps. Some shoppers, such as business manager Rosa Grimes, also noticed that the promotions werent as great as they used to be at South Coast Plaza. Grimes, 48, had a sleepover with her two sisters on Thanksgiving night a tradition now in its 15th year. They woke up together at 5 a.m. and hit the mall ready to shop. The longest weve been here has been 16 hours, but were not doing that today, the Culver City resident said with a laugh. It used to be that when you got up this early and you came into the mall, there were great deals. Each year, the deals arent as spectacular as the year before. But there still were those who enthusiastically dove into the Black Friday madness. At a Kohls in Ontario, Vanessa Vargas, 21, waited with her mom in a line that extended to the back of the store. Her mother, Rosa, said she plans to increase her holiday budget about 40% this year to $1,000 because shes confident her human resources job is secure. The pair, who already had gone to Victoria Gardens shopping center in Rancho Cucamonga, said going out together on Black Friday was a tradition they planned to keep. We enjoy the rush, said Vargas, a Cal State Fullerton student. Follow Shan on Twitter @ByShanLi ALSO Black Friday travel bargains: 9 deals to check out right now Mobile shopping is quick and convenient. So why hasnt it killed Black Friday yet? Your Black Friday cheat sheet: how to find the deals and duds UPDATES: 1 p.m.: This article was updated with addition shopper comments from Toys R Us, Kohls and South Coast Plaza. 11:10 a.m.: This article was updated with analyst comments and additional reporting from retailers in Eagle Rock, Glendale and Ontario. 10:29 a.m.: This article was updated with additional comment from retailers, analysts and shoppers. 8:10 a.m.: This article was updated with additional reporting from South Coast Plaza. This article was originally published at 7:10 a.m. Deep in the Stanislaus National Forest, an hours drive from the foothill town of Sonora, two forests stand side by side. One is open and airy, with light that streams through gaps between vast sugar and ponderosa pines down to an almost bare forest floor. The other is so dense with brush and smaller trees that little sun peeks through, even at noon on a clear day. Standing between them during a visit two months ago was a group of would-be financiers an investment analyst, an engineer and a bond trader who see potential profit in that stark contrast. Advertisement In the coming year, they hope to sell investors on a new type of bond that, instead of financing a corporate acquisition or a pool of mortgage loans, would address two of the biggest challenges facing California: fire and water. The founders of fledgling San Francisco firm Blue Forest Conservation want to use the proceeds of what they call a forest-resilience bond to pay crews to cut down small trees, clear out shrubs and burn off ground cover in overgrown forests. That thinning work would reduce the risk of destructive forest fires by removing extra fuel, and theoretically allow more water to flow downstream to reservoirs, hydroelectric dams, farms and faucets, instead of being soaked up by plant life. That would benefit the U.S. Forest Service, public water agencies, private power utilities and possibly other entities that rely on a healthy forest ecosystem stakeholders that need to be persuaded to pay back those bonds, with interest, for the whole scheme to get off the ground. There are all these entities that benefit from the work, but theres not really any money to pay for it, said former investment analyst Leigh Madeira, one of Blue Forests founders. If you can bring all those parties together and repay investors over time, you have a financial instrument. The Forest Service, which owns vast tracts of forest land in Western states, pays for thinning or restoration work, but lately has had to spend more on fighting fires than preventing them, a trend made worse by a drought that has killed millions of trees. Last year, firefighting accounted for more than half its budget, up from 16% in 1995. The Forest Service estimated it did restoration work on 4.6 million acres of land in 2014 but still has a backlog of as much as 82 million acres. For Blue Forests founders, a September visit to the Stanislaus National Forest was a chance to see up close the difference between a thinned forest and an overgrown one. Crews in 2012 thinned out a section of the forest near the town of Pinecrest but didnt touch an area along a dry creek bed. In some forests, there are between four and 10 times as many trees as there used to be. Until you see it, its hard to picture. Leigh Madeira, Blue Forest Conservation Its unbelievable, Madeira said. In some forests, there are between four and 10 times as many trees as there used to be. Until you see it, its hard to picture. Which is why, when pitching potential investors, Madeira begins her presentation with a photo of a forest taken in the 1890s when small fires were allowed to naturally burn off brush and the same, much denser forest in 1993 after decades of fire suppression. The images, she said, help audiences get past a common question: Why does a company focused on conservation want to cut down trees? People are unaware that we have so many trees and that thats a problem, she said. What Blue Forests founders envision is the latest variety of a relatively new class of investments dubbed social-impact bonds, which channel private capital into programs aimed at addressing social problems. When those programs meet their goals, governments pay investors back. But when programs fall short, investors lose their money. Thats why they are also called pay-for-success bonds. The first program funded by a social-impact bond one aimed at reducing recidivism at a British prison kicked off in 2010. The first domestic project, another recidivism program, was launched in New York in 2012. Last year, Californias first social-impact bond program, aimed at reducing homelessness, launched in Santa Clara County. Blue Forests effort is among several new ones in the state under development. Madeira, along with cofounders Zach Knight, Nick Wobbrock and Chad Reed, met while finishing their MBA degrees at UC Berkeley last year. They developed their forest bond for a sustainable-investment competition sponsored by Morgan Stanley and Northwestern Universitys business school. They won and were invited to speak at last years Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills. There, they drew the attention of an investment officer of the California State Teachers Retirement System, a massive pension fund with hundreds of billions of dollars to invest. Though he made no promises, he said their idea was interesting. Thats when we realized we were on to something, Madeira said. Though state and local governments, as well as major philanthropic foundations, have been keen on the idea of social-impact bonds, the financing mechanism has its detractors. One persistent argument is that they give private investors a chance to profit from what the government should be doing already. Jon Pratt, a bond skeptic and executive director of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, said the programs have only become popular because governments are chronically underfunded and theres little will to raise taxes. Much of government has lost public confidence, and so this feels like a solution, Pratt said. It can feel like were going to get better results, and its going to create new money to do this work, which kind of sounds too good to be true. He likened these new financing mechanisms to user fees, lottery proceeds and other alternative sources of funds that governments have turned to. They might help in the short term, but ultimately they create a mindset that makes it more difficult for governments to raise needed revenue, he said. But Wobbrock argues that the forest-resilience bond actually broadens the revenue sources for forest thinning, and that even if the Forest Service had the money to pay all on its own, it shouldnt. A host of utilities some of which are investor-owned would benefit financially, but they didnt pay anything for that work, Wobbrock said. Its also simply not realistic for the Forest Service to work through its backlog alone, he said. With thinning costs of about $1,000 per acre, the work runs into the tens of billions of dollars, many times the agencys 2015 budget of $5.5 billion. Though Blue Forest aims to start small, raising perhaps just a few million dollars for its first bond, the firm ultimately hopes to raise much more by tapping into a growing amount of capital earmarked for investments that promise more than a financial return. Social-impact investing, which advances a social good or at least avoids promoting social or environmental ills, is drawing more and more money. There are now about $8 trillion in U.S. investments guided by environmental, social or corporate governance criteria, up from less than $1 trillion in 1995, according to a report this year by US SIF, an advocacy group for sustainable investing. Richard Jones, a wealth manager at Merrill Lynch in Los Angeles, said some of his clients have even started asking about social-impact bonds. SIGN UP for the free California Inc. business newsletter For now, though, he is advising clients to think about social-impact bonds as more akin to a donation as philanthropy with the possibility of a return and less like a true investment. This whole area is still so new, he said. If you want something that will maximize your financial return, thats a different story. Were not going to recommend social-impact bonds for that purpose. Thats why J.B. Pritzker, a billionaire Chicago investor and philanthropist, said he has backed social-impact bonds in his hometown and in Utah through his family foundation. He hopes those bonds end up providing a good return, but also sees them as a tool to refine later bonds that will be more attractive to investors. One question in particular has dogged some early social-impact bond programs: how to measure whether they are successful. Traditional bonds measure success in dollars and cents, but the math behind behind this new class of bonds is often fuzzier. In 2013, Pritzker and an impact-investing arm of Wall Street investment bank Goldman Sachs backed a bond that paid for a preschool program in Utah that targeted students believed to be at risk of needing special education. If the program kept students out of the pricey programs, much of the savings would be paid back to investors. But last year, after the state made its first payment to investors, the program was criticized by experts who said it overestimated the number of students likely to need special education in the first place. Pritzker said thats the kind of problem thats bound to arise from any novel financing mechanism. He noted that another social-impact bond he backed, one that will pay for a preschool program in Chicago, uses a more complicated and rigorous metric to figure out savings. Until you do something and make a mistake or two, you dont really know whats going to work, he said. Thats the same approach taken by the Rockefeller Foundation, a proponent of social-impact bonds that has backed Blue Forest with about $1 million in grant funding. Saadia Madsbjerg, a managing director at the New York foundation, said the goal is for Blue Forest to develop a bond attractive to any investor. We want investors to invest just based on the pure financial merits. Saadia Madsbjerg, Rockefeller Foundation We want to develop it into a viable investment product that stands on its own, she said. We want investors to invest just based on the pure financial merits. Adam Connaker, an associate at the foundation, said Blue Forest could have a shot at meeting that goal because its bonds will be structured to guarantee some repayment even if the program doesnt meet all its objectives. The start-ups founders hope to persuade the Forest Service and utilities to pay a fixed amount of money every year, probably for a decade, for each acre thats thinned. That not only would reduce the risk of costly fires, but it would have ancillary benefits for utilities. Burned slopes are more prone to erosion, resulting in dirt and silt running into reservoirs, which lowers storage capacity and raises water-treatment costs. The utilities would only make additional payments if they are convinced the thinned forests send more water into their reservoirs than they otherwise would expect given that years rainfall. Major water users such as breweries and bottling companies might be willing to pay for water benefits, too, said Todd Gartner of environmental research nonprofit World Resources Institute, which is helping develop the bond. These companies are often the biggest water user in a watershed, Gartner said. They recognize this as a legitimate strategy to help them with physical risk to their water supply. Still, like other social-impact bonds, Blue Forests has a metrics problem. It will have to come up with ways of measuring how much, if any, extra water their program produces and get utilities and others to agree on its methods. The idea that forest thinning can produce more downstream water is not radical, as several studies over the last few years have suggested thats the case. But its never been proved on a large scale and theres no hard data to pinpoint the potential benefit. The question is, how much? said Roger Bales, a UC Merced professor who studies mountain hydrology. Were trying to provide accurate estimates to that question. And were trying to write predictions that are accurate enough for investors to see theres a benefit. Its a complex problem. No watershed, no mountain, no single hillside in the Sierra Nevada range is exactly like another, and all sorts of factors including elevation, slope, soil thickness and underlying rock features can affect how much water flows downstream. One possibility is to use satellite imagery documenting forests before and after thinning. That information would be combined with models developed by Bales and UC Merced research Philip Saksa, Blue Forest advisors who have data from weather sensors throughout the Sierra. The idea is to come up with a rough estimate of how much less water is being absorbed by the forest, and how much more is heading downstream. Blue Forest has met with hydrologists at Pacific Gas & Electric, but has yet to persuade the utility to commit to the project. Utility spokeswoman Lynsey Paulo said PG&E is interested but needs to know more about the water benefits and other details. A bigger issue is that the Forest Service has yet to commit to participating. The Forest Service is sort of the elephant in the room, Knight said. Mike Illenberg, a spokesman for the Forest Services parent agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said partnering with outside groups is an essential mechanism for restoring forests, but did not address Blue Forests plans. And even if the Forest Service signs on and clear metrics can be agreed upon, Blue Forest will have to convince the other entities that the forest-thinning work will save them enough money or provide enough extra water to be worth backing the bond offering. If we spend $5 million to avoid a $2-million potential cost, that doesnt sound like good business to me, said Richard Sykes, an official with the East Bay Municipal Utility District water agency, which has spoken with Blue Forest. He likened Blue Forests bond proposal to a shopping mall one that needs a few big, anchor tenants to support many smaller ones. They need to have the Forest Service. Theyre the biggest beneficiary, he said. Youve got to have a Macys in there. Were the taqueria. james.koren@latimes.com Follow me: @jrkoren MORE BUSINESS NEWS Under Trump, fuel economy standards for cars and trucks may be scaled back This L.A. office building is crazier than it looks: Its steel bands are an exoskelton Heres why you might want to skip those offers for store credit cards Two years ago on Black Friday, Justin Blankenship and his wife woke up at 4 a.m. to drive to Bed Bath & Beyond. Being first in the line, they assumed, was what it would take to get a great price on a Keurig coffee pot and Kitchen Aid mixer. But after they realized the deals they had scoped out werent exactly flying off the shelves, Blankenship, 36, made the shift to mobile. This year, hes doing his holiday shopping from his phone. I dont have to fight the crowds to get the same deal, said the minister from Purcell, Okla. Convenience is a big part of it. Advertisement The ease of online shopping has helped the holiday e-commerce season grow to a projected $117 billion this year, and over the last decade it has made the day of digital sales, dubbed Cyber Monday, a household term. But now that most Americans carry a smartphone in their pocket, Cyber Monday itself is starting to seem inconvenient, if not obsolete. Why should deal-seeking shoppers hold off on online buying until they return to the office after the holiday weekend when they can make purchases on their phones as soon as or even before the pumpkin pie is served? This holiday season is expected to be the first when mobile shopping visits outpace desktop e-commerce browsing, according to predictions from software firm Adobe. The rise of mobile shopping has led retailers to start online sales even earlier to grab customers while theyre browsing, turning Black Friday and Cyber Monday into a weeks-long affair. That, analysts say, has diminished some of the excitement around the traditional one-day shopping holiday and its causing retailers to rethink how theyre approaching this critical season. Retailers have already seen an uptick this year in e-commerce. On Thursday, online sales hit nearly $1.2 billion, a 13.6% jump compared with last year, according to Adobe. Nearly $550 million of that came from mobile devices, a huge 58.6% leap from 2015. But mobile shopping remains a hassle in its own way. Though 53% of e-commerce visits in November and December are expected to come from mobile devices, Adobe projects they will account for only 34% of online sales. The discrepancy is mostly due to mobile checkout experiences that remain tedious for smartphone users. Though some retailers such as Amazon.com have worked to make the mobile purchasing process easy and convenient, customers often consider it burdensome to enter credit card information into a smartphone Web browser. Businesses could win some over by working with payment services such as Apple Pay, Android Pay or PayPal saving users time spent dealing with a tiny keyboard, said Brendan Miller, principal analyst at Forrester. What were telling retailers is youve got to focus on getting that checkout experience right, he said. Many retailers have developed apps over the years to try to streamline the shopping process and cash in on the latest tech craze, but few prove useful. According to Adobe, users open 60% of retail apps fewer than 10 times. Over the years, retailers have tried to adjust to the new mobile shopping habits. Target Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said they have redesigned their websites with a mobile-first mentality making sure that the design was clean and simple to improve the shopping experience. Last year, 70% of Wal-Marts traffic between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday came from mobile devices, said Ravi Jariwala, company spokesman. In response, the Bentonville, Ark., chain gave users of its mobile app early access to its Black Friday deals. At Target, mobile sales during Thanksgiving weekend last year jumped 200% compared with the year before, said Eddie Baeb, company spokesman. The Minneapolis retailer has tried to boil down its mobile checkout process to two taps after logging into their Target account and choosing what to purchase, customers hit a checkout button and then OK another prompt to place the order, Baeb said. Target is also testing Apple Pay in its mobile Web browser, a service it already includes in its app. Obviously, weve seen the ubiquity of mobile devices, he said. Weve talked about it for a while as mobile being the front door for Target. But customers like Yusuf Mansuri are still flocking to malls and big-box stores. The 67-year-old Duarte resident went to the Wal-Mart in his hometown on Black Friday because he likes seeing the merchandise in person. Im a visual person, he said. I got to look at it. I tried online shopping but didnt get anything. Theres also the collective, cultural experience of a mass-participation retail holiday, said consumer psychologist Kit Yarrow. No matter how accustomed people get to shopping online, Black Friday and the surrounding holidays are special because its not just about shopping, said Yarrow, author of Decoding the New Consumer Mind. Theres a social aspect to it that we really cant underestimate. Thats what brought Fountain Valley resident Diana Tran Nguyen, 19, to South Coast Plaza on Friday morning. I didnt buy anything here, she said as she scrolled Instagram from a bench outside Victorias Secret. I bought everything online. I cant deal with crowds. I just came because its a tradition with my friends. We do it every year. Such sentiments arent uncommon and they can be a major factor in driving holiday weekend traffic. Theres still an emotional connection, said Miller of Forrester. People will still want to go out on Friday morning for the emotional experience. Times writers Shan Li, Melissa Etehad and Sonaiya Kelley contributed to this article. samantha.masunaga@latimes.com For more business news, follow me @smasunaga MORE BUSINESS NEWS Stocks edge higher in early Black Friday trading Under Trump, fuel economy standards for cars and trucks may be scaled back Heres why you might want to skip those offers for store credit cards UPDATES: 10:05 a.m.: This post has been updated with comment from Diana Tran Nguyen. This article was originally published at 8:25 a.m. At first glance, its easy to see why Harry Fonsecas Coyote pictures were his most popular. The Native American artist presented the trickster of tribal lore in fanciful scenes: dancing in Swan Lake, performing as Buffalo Bill, hanging out in leather jacket and high-tops. American Dream Machine, 2005. Mixed media on paper. (Autry Museum) With Fonseca, however, its important to take a deeper look because so much happened beneath the surface, says Amy Scott, chief curator at the Autry Museum of the American West. Coyote was a vehicle for self-exploration with which Harry took on the slyly subversive theme of insider in the outside world. His art could be joyous and accessible yet critical and complex, a bridge between the traditional and contemporary. Scott says the Autry is working to celebrate this rich legacy now that it is home to Fonsecas personal archive and more than 500 pieces of his art, thanks to a major acquisition announced in July. Plans for an exhibition drawn from the collection are underway. More than 40 items are on display currently. SIGN UP for the free Essential Arts & Culture newsletter Fonseca, who was of Nisenan Maidu, Hawaiian and Portuguese ancestry, was born in Sacramento and began his career in California. In the 1990s, he moved to New Mexico, where he died at 60 in 2006. He gained fame in the 1970s with Coyote, a character he revisited for decades. Another significant series was inspired by the California Gold Rush and includes paintings made by the American River in the late 90s. These are abstract landscapes embedded with pieces of the land itself, says Scott, with red streaks referring to native blood spilled. Harry was always exploring, she notes. He was eager to defy expectations. Harry Fonsecas Chiefs Blanket Second Phase (Variations on a Theme 8), 2000. Acrylic on canvas. (Autry Museum) Harry Fonsecas A Gift From California, circa 1979. Acrylic on canvas. (Autry Museum) Harry Fonsecas Untitled (Discovery of Gold series), circa 1997. Mixed media on paper. (Autry Museum) Harry Fonsecas Untitled (Discovery of Gold series), circa 1997. Mixed media on paper. (Autry Museum) Harry Fonsecas In the Silence of Dusk They Began to Shed Their Skin, 1995. Mixed media on paper. (Autry Museum) Follow The Times arts team @culturemonster. ALSO This is what your photo stream looks like when you're a NASA astronaut Photographer captures Dave Grohl, Questlove and others doing 'The Drum Thing' George Takei is giving 70 years of his belongings to a museum. Here's a sneak peek [Helpful note: This article assumes a knowledge of, and reveals details from, the plot of Arrival. Read at your own risk.] Large-scale Hollywood films employ a wide range of consultants, from ER doctors to military experts to veteran constitutional lawyers. Rare is the big-budget adventure, however, that retains a linguist specializing in syntax, morphology, ergativity and nominalization. Advertisement As moviegoers have turned out to see Arrival Denis Villeneuves cerebral alien-invader adventure has grossed $50 million in two weeks of release many have been struck by the language symbols at its center. Those ornate, hollowed-out inkblots like Rorschach tests by way of E.T. have distinguished the film from many science-fiction movies that came before. Very few nonhuman languages have ever been shown on screen in their written form, let alone been made the center of sophisticated in-movie linguistic study. To ensure the authenticity of the symbols (and the linguists), producers hired Jessica Coon, a McGill University associate professor in syntax and indigenous languages. Coon has spent years as a field worker studying assorted Mayan languages as well as the First Nations language of Migmaq in Quebec. That prepared her sort of for all that the Heptapods were spraying on about. There was a lot in the script that has to do how we conduct field work to study a language, Coon said in a phone interview. But youd be surprised by all the emails Ive been getting a lot of talk about aliens. Arrival centers on Louise Banks (Amy Adams), a top specialist recruited by the U.S. government after unidentified aliens known as Heptapods dock their crafts just above 12 global epicenters, including the United States. Louise spends much of the film trying to communicate with the mysterious and only possibly threatening creatures, learning the Heptas language and teaching them our own. The question many of us come away with: How much of a language is this really? The answer is that it is one slightly. The inkblots, known as logograms, were primarily devised by the films production design team under Patrice Vermette. There were only about a 100 of them in use during the shoot (they worked off images included in Eric Heisserers script). So its not like the full-blown language of Star Treks Klingon or Avatars Navi, where teams were hired to create complex grammatical structures and a culture of armchair enthusiasts and speakers have sprung up in their wake. Still, theres a consistency to the logograms as theyre used in Arrival Coon helped vet them to make sure all the curlicues and flourishes matched on repeated uses of the words and concepts. Whats more, she made sure that Banks process for figuring out what they meant looked like that of a person actually studying a new method of communication. One of the big misconceptions about linguists is that were just people who know and speak and translate languages, Coon said. Thats not what field workers which is what Amys character is actually do. Were interested in the structural properties; were interested in understanding what underlies them. There are between six- and seven-thousand languages in the world, and for most weve only begun to scratch the surface. (If youre curious you can read more about Coons work, and all that ergativity, here.) Coon met with Adams before shooting began to explain how she went about her work; she also received a FedEx package of logograms and was told, essentially, mark them up as you would any set of unfamiliar symbols. Coon tackled them as she would a Mayan dialect, scrawling phrases like annotate noun on its sheets and then sending it back to producers. They then incorporated her notes into shots in the film. The professor says that Arrivals linguistic ideas are genuine, even if theyre sometimes outside the bounds of the fields conventional wisdom. One core idea the movie takes up is the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, a theory of linguistic relativity that, in its strongest form, argues that language affects thought; an English speaker and Finnish speaker, the hypothesis submits, will think in ways that are fundamentally different. The theory has generally been discredited in the linguist community. But the movie cleverly finds a way to re-open the argument, asking if the postulate may hold water with nonhuman languages (because nonhumans may think differently than us Earth-bound folks in the first place). By extension, it also asks if Louise might begin to think differently herself once she learns the Heptapods language, which is how shes able to use weapon and open up time in the movies finale. While that latter idea is a little more far-fetched, Coon says, the notion of a nonhuman language containing different properties and thus different thought-processes for its speakers may be reasonable. I dont know if I would go on the record to say a human learning an alien language would have their brain rewired, Coon said with a slight laugh. But what the film leads you to think about is how different [aliens] perceptual process might be and how their communication system might differ in corresponding ways. Human language is part of the genetic endowment to humans. Theres good reason to think alien language would be different. Whether Louise would even be contacted in the first place is another question viewers might have the idea of high-level military commanders running down Steven Pinker acolytes can at first strain credulity. But they would, Coon said, because they know a field linguist would be able to map sounds and understand new languages a lot more quickly than anyone else, though she questions the factors that brought them to Louise in the first place. Early in the film, Forest Whitakers military commander bursts into the linguists office saying shes atop the governments list of Farsi experts a list the government would not have, Coon said, because Farsi is spoken by millions of people. One key difference between alien and human languages, according to how the former is conceived in the film, is the relationship each civilization maintains between its written and spoken forms. In human languages, spoken and written forms tend to be the same, just delivered differently; we speak English with a series of sounds, and just represent them via letters and words on the page. For the Heptapods, though, theres no relationship between spoken and written language. One manifestation of this: In humans spoken language, word order is always important (Dean gave Frank means something different than Frank gave Dean). When humans write down language they maintain that structure to retain that meaning. But the Heptapods dont need to maintain that order when writing down language; because the logograms represent entire concepts, sequence doesnt matter. If that sounds like a, well, rather nuanced distinction for a piece of movie-multiplex escapism, it should. Filmmakers were eager to dive into finer scientific points in making Arrival. Because the source materials novelty came from its authenticity Heisserers script is based on Ted Chiangs meticulously researched short story the movie, they reasoned, should reflect a similar genuineness. It felt like a great challenge to us portraying what would they communicate, said Dan Levine, one of the films producers. We wanted this language to be scary yet beautiful, and also linguistically correct. (Designers did create a bible that contained more words than were used in the film; if someone you know starts expressing a desire to speak Heptapod beyond whats in the movie, you can have them contact producers, or a nearby therapist.) Heisserer came up with the languages circular design, which is of course also key to the movies repetitive-time themes. It was Vermettes wife who designed its distinctive black, inky look. All of the logograms were CG; the actors never saw them while shooting a scene. Coon, who is based in Montreal, has often traveled to Chiapas and other remote parts of Mexico to research Mayan languages. She said her job is rarely as hard as Banks is in the film because there usually are bilingual speakers who can translate its a lot easier to communicate with someone in a language new to each side if you have a go-between who understands both. Still, with very obscure dialects, Coon and colleagues might need to fly as blind as Louise does. The professor said that establishing a baseline by making connections between sounds and letters on one hand and objects and actions on the other, as Louise does, would essentially be the approach field workers take too. (This method, she cautioned, is not how small children generally learn their first language, with apologies to parents who conduct frequent show-and-tell exercises with their babies.) If theyd done justice to all that goes into understanding an unknown language, youd just be watching a series of TED talks. Jessica Coon, associate professor in syntax and indigenous languages Perhaps Coons greatest contribution to the film came about unintentionally. Heisserers script called for Louise to tell a real-life story to Whitakers commander about the origins of the word kangaroo, involving Aboriginal Australians saying kangaroo to inquisitive newly arrived British explorers which in the formers language meant I dont know, leading the explorers to name the hopping animals kangaroos. The scene was to be played straight, with Banks getting the better of the military officer. There was only one problem, Coon said, after filmmakers brought her the script: The story is a myth. Producers listened and then, with the pivoting power of any good scientific researcher, came up with a solution: They would have Banks tell the story anyway, then have her admit afterward to a colleague (Jeremy Renner) that it was bunk. The moment is one of the films biggest laugh lines. There are, of course, some limits to how closely filmmakers followed linguists work. When Banks is seen trying to piece together the Heptas language by scrutinizing documents, shes not doing much of that linguists would, which is likely to involve a lot more materials and the recruitment of colleagues. It also could be the stuff of years, not weeks. Instead, the depiction of Louise slaving away in an army tent is meant to give a frisson of truth, the way the medical examiner in a primetime procedural slices open a corpse to lend the basic gist of an autopsy. Actual linguistics isnt just about holding up some flashcards its laborious and not-exactly-cinematic work. If theyd done justice to all that goes into understanding an unknown language, Coon said, youd just be watching a series of TED talks. See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour On Twitter: @ZeitchikLAT ALSO Dev Patel and the real familial investigator at the heart of Lion Amy Adams talks dream roles, bikini bodies and the two complex new roles that could make her a leading lady Disneys gorgeous Moana offers sweet relief to audiences looking for an escape from everyday reality The Chinese documentary, This Is Life, directed by Chen Weijun, opens with an instrumental Ave Maria playing over the sound of crying newborn babies while a camera floats angelically above the fray of a hospital floor. Its the single moment of respite in the film until the end, where the film closes with a tender song about motherhood over soaring aerial cityscapes. What comes in between isnt so gentle. Its a harrowing journey into the bowels of a large urban hospital where high-risk pregnancies and births are tackled with a jarring forthrightness by the doctors. Weijun and his filmmaking team were granted intimate access to the hospital, and the footage they capture obscures none of the hard, messy truths about childbirth. For Western audiences, there may be something a bit shocking about the brutally honest bedside manner of the doctors, as well as their demands for payment up front. One rural farmer enlists his brother to collect funds so that the hospital will schedule a surgery to save his wife and their premature twins. Advertisement With a fly-on-the-wall observational approach, the films unobtrusive style and loose structure following four different womens experiences can feel overwhelming. But what emerges is a portrait of doctors and staff who work hard to do the right thing for their patients and the babies, who have no voice. It is life, fought for and forged in the most difficult of circumstances. ------------- This Is Life In Mandarin with English subtitles Not rated Running time: 1 hour, 46 minutes Playing: Laemmle Monica Film Center See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Happy day after Thanksgiving. Youve survived another holiday. And while you may be impressed with how great your turkey turned out this year, or that post-election domestic relations around the dinner table didnt dissolve into war this year, perhaps youre most impressed that you were able to cram all the leftovers into the fridge at the end of dinner. And while sometimes nothing tastes better than a cold plate of leftovers in the calm after the big day, even the worlds best stuffing doused in gravy can become, well, tiring. Weve compiled 14 of our favorite recipes using leftovers, from the simple (a salad) to more involved projects (Thomas Kellers rethinks leftover stuffing as pain perdu). Youll find pot pies, sandwiches and soups, using leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and more everything you need to repurpose those leftovers. Advertisement Youll use up more than just leftover turkey in the casserole above, which also calls for leftover yams and Brussels sprouts baked under a crust of grated Gruyere, saltine crackers, pecans and butter. Hungry yet? Click on the photo gallery for links to more recipes. TURKEY CASSEROLE Total time: 1 1/2 hours | Serves 4 to 6 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/4 pound applewood smoked bacon, cut crosswise into thin strips 1 large onion, diced 3/4 inch 2 packed cups leftover turkey meat, diced 3/4 inch 1 pound (about 2 medium) baked garnet yams, diced 3/4 inch (candied leftover yams can be substituted) 2 cups cooked Brussels sprouts, cut into quarters 1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh sage leaves Salt and pepper to taste 6 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups) grated Gruyere cheese 20 saltine crackers 1/2 cup pecan halves 2 tablespoons softened butter 2 tablespoons flour 1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Generously butter the sides of a 9-by-9-by-2 1/2-inch baking dish and set aside. 2. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and bacon strips and cook, stirring frequently, until the bacon is almost crisp. Add the diced onion, and continue cooking until the onion is golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat. 3. Add the turkey, yams, Brussels sprouts and sage, and gently fold together to distribute the ingredients evenly. Season with one-fourth teaspoon each salt and pepper, or to taste, then transfer to the baking dish and gently press to create a level surface. 4. To make the Gruyere cheese crust, combine the grated cheese, saltine crackers, pecans, butter and flour in a food processor. Briefly pulse until the mixture is coarsely chopped (about one-fourth-inch pieces) and mixed together. Distribute this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. 5. Place the casserole in the center of the oven and bake until the crust is golden brown, about 1 hour. Each of 6 servings: 543 calories; 29 grams protein; 33 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams fiber; 33 grams fat; 12 grams saturated fat; 90 mg cholesterol; 8 grams sugar; 534 mg sodium. Love cooking as much as I do? Follow me @noellecarter ALSO More recipes for leftovers Winter squash is in season. Here are some of our favorite recipes Have you voted for your favorite cookie in our Holiday Bake-Off yet? The first time cannabis chocolatier Vanessa Lavorato tried a marijuana-infused edible, it was on 4/20, the national cannabis-culture holiday, and she was at a celebratory gathering in Santa Cruz. I was really into baking pies at the time, so I made one with cannabis butter, she says. I had no idea how many milligrams were in the pie, I just winged it. It turned out delicious; almost to a fault. I had a weed hangover. Winging it is a thing of the past for Lavorato, 30, now a cannabis connoisseur with her own line of edibles called Marigold Sweets Confections. She prefers the term cannabis to marijuana, and her free-form baking has evolved into a scientific process of micro-dosing candy with a honey-like concentrate called CO2 oil. Of Italian American heritage, Lavorato learned to cook with her Calabrese grandmother, and she developed her taste for chocolate as a high school student working part-time for Sees Candies. Her experiments with cannabis in chocolate began in 2010, while she was finishing up her studies at UC Berkeley. There she found the Slow Food movement a roommate worked for Alice Waters as well as an abundance of marijuana. Advertisement You would walk down Telegraph Avenue and see people selling space cakes and different forms of edibles, she says. I had all of this really amazing food and cannabis around me. So I thought, put them together and make cannabis gourmet. In 2013, Lavorato was accepted to the Rome Sustainable Food Project, which was founded in 2007 under the guidance of Alice Waters, at the American Academy in Rome. There, experience cooking in a commercial kitchen and planning menus helped prepare her to launch her company. She came up with the idea for her fleur de sel caramels as an alternative to edibles in the form of perishable baked goods. I cant eat an edible quickly, she says. Chocolate has an amazing shelf life and everyone loves it, so I decided to teach myself how to make candy. The language and science of the drug has come a long way since Lavoratos days in Berkeley. Producers can isolate different chemical compounds to highlight a plants flavor profile, and places like Cornerstone Collective in Eagle Rock, a research-based cannabis collective, refer to flower varietals instead of strains. And Marigold Sweets, with an aphrodisiacal website that references Alice B. Toklas famous recipe for hashish fudge and includes an image of a woman enjoying chocolates and mulberries in a bubble bath, is identified as a cannabis confisserie. Lavorato is very conscious of the complex history of the industry. She openly discusses the politics of legalization, frequently attends Los Angeles City Council meetings, and makes an effort to support female growers in a male-dominated field where its rare to find a woman with her hands on the plant. A $36 package of Marigold Sweets, a square black box, embossed with a gold floral emblem, feels and looks more like an elegant gift of jewelry than a four-pack of chocolates. Beneath the lid, a layer of black tissue conceals a square of gold paper think Wonkas golden ticket which you lift to find four handsome organic chocolates, caramels dusted with thick flakes of sea salt or latticed peanut cremes with a nut center. A single chocolate contains 25 milligrams of cannabis Lavorato also makes 15-milligram cinnamon toffee and dosage must be carefully considered. You can always eat more, her website cautions, but never less. Vanessa Lavorato, founder of Marigold Sweets, is a chocolatier who makes fleur de sel caramels and vegan matcha coconut caramels in her kitchen at home in Mount Washington. (Christina House / For The Times ) Lavorato herself is very sensitive and prefers small amounts of cannabis. One of my favorite things to do is eat 5 milligrams of chocolate and go to yoga, she says. I feel relaxed and I know that the peak isnt going to be too much to handle. If I have 15 milligrams, Im still OK, but its not quite as leisurely, its more of a commitment. Theres no formula to calculate how much an individual should consume, she says, which means you have to take it slow to figure out your ideal dose. Marigold Sweets are sold at Cornerstone Collective, and Lavorato hopes that the recent success of Proposition 64 will allow her to expand her reach soon. For years, shes been waiting for the opportunity to be compliant with the city, and looks forward to eventually having her own commercial kitchen and a full product line so that I can employ and be able to affect my community, creating jobs, paying taxes, and donating to charities, she says. But how and when shell be able to grow depends on the citys rules for permits, packaging and distribution moving forward. If Los Angeles doesnt end up providing opportunities to small businesses like hers, thats fine, thats the citys choice. Ill go to another city, says Lavorato. Have you seen the movie Chocolat? You know how she travels around and every town shes in, she makes chocolate? Thats kind of like me. In a Times op-ed a few weeks ago, the architect Thom Mayne suggested Koreatown as a candidate for future hyperdensity, doubling the population of what is already the most densely populated neighborhood in Los Angeles. If you have ever tried to find a parking spot anywhere around dinner hour, you might think that maximum density has already been achieved. But with its explosive growth, Koreatown has already become the locus of a certain kind of restaurant, even if the area hasnt yet achieved Hong Kong-level residential density, and not all the restaurants are necessarily Korean. Beer Belly is the model of a modern Los Angeles gastropub. At Le Comptoir, Gary Menes prepares vegetables with kaiseki-like precision. The Walker Inn serves its cocktails in tasting-menu flights. Roy Choi chops and channels the idea of hotel food at the Line. Post-Koreatown cooking tends to be spicy, nimble and adept at crossing cultural boundaries; quick to reference street food traditions but with farmers market ingredients; and look back to an idealized agrarian idea of California. Post-Koreatown restaurants are also alcohol-friendly, consistent with the model of social drinking in an era of Uber and convenient mass transit. Heres Looking at You is a corner bistro from Jonathan Whitener and Lien Ta on the site of a former cheesesteak shop, all Edison bulbs, neo-midcentury cabinetry and a blend of post-punk and old-school hip-hop that has become to this kind of restaurant what Sade and David Byrnes Brazilian compilations were to the last generation. Advertisement You would expect a splendid bar in a restaurant like this and there is one, with cocktails designed by Allan Katz and Danielle Crouch, formerly of Caa, that are remarkable in their inventiveness, including a cognac swizzle dedicated to the late Ships Coffee Shop; a lovely tincture of brandy and old amontillado sherry called Sacred Squirrel; and the Bettencourt, which combines bourbon, sweet potato liqueur and a toasted marshmallow garnish into a cocktail whose sweet, heady smack may awaken memories of the casserole your sainted aunt Mary used to bring to the house every Thanksgiving. If you dine at the bar itself, you have a shot at the evenings bar pie, a slab of fruity deliciousness denied to the mere dining-room customers whose tables stand 18 inches away. Whitener comes to Heres Looking at You from a stretch as chef de cuisine at Animal, the meaty, eclectic restaurant that redefined Los Angeles cuisine as a collection of the stuff that kitchen dudes eat themselves when theyre pretty sure that nobody is looking. Animal is always one of the restaurants that visiting chefs stop in at when they visit town; its owners Vinny Dotolo and Jon Shook are kitchen folk heroes. And it is easy to see traces of Animal in Whiteners cooking: strong flavors, jolts of acidity and torn Asian herbs, and a tendency to stuff hints of umami almost everywhere it might conceivably belong anchovy and Chinese sausage in the tomato salad, sumac with the beets, and fish sauce in the ketchup-like pure smeared under the fried soft-shell prawns. Is Whitener averse to trends? Probably not. The bony, chewy hamachi collar is caked in the ruddy spice mixture you may recognize from Howlin Rays hot chicken, and you have seen the combination of soft sweetbreads and crunchy whole mustard seeds before. The nicely fried boneless trout nestles into a mound of hummus whose flavor recalls a side dish at Zankou. If you are looking for avocado salad, steak tartare, pork belly, Nobu-style sashimi or porridge, you will find them here. But that porridge its kind of extraordinary; equal parts rice and foam, gently soured with buttermilk and unripe grape juice, rising up in great billows around the filet of sturgeon that is nominally the focus of the dish. Almost every chef in town has flirted with shishito peppers in the last couple of years, but Whiteners version may be the best: hard-seared and arranged on the side of a large, rustic bowl at whose bottom puddles the sauce you usually find drizzled onto a summertime veal tonnato. Stracciatella cheese, the creamy mess of mozzarella strands youve been seeing in modern Italian restaurants lately, is frosted with the tangy Japanese pepper pure yuzu kosho, dotted with toasted pumpkin seeds and served with slabs of profoundly charred Bub and Grandmas bread. (You will also find that bread with the chile-red steak tartare the combination of char, blood and a dab of eggy aioli is supposed to echo the sensations of Korean galbi.) And the 30-day dry-aged Holstein rib-eye, which at $120 is vastly more expensive than anything else on the menu, is a wonderful piece of meat, tender and funky, burnt and juicy, salty and enhanced by a blob of melted radish butter, definitely worth eating on somebody elses dime. To finish, you may as well go with a sliver of the yuzu tart with white chocolate or a scoop of the rainbow sherbet if you cant get the waiter to sneak you a piece of illicit bar pie. Heres Looking At You An Animal alum opens a corner bistro in Koreatown. Location: 3901 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, (213) 568-3573, hereslookingatyoula.com Prices: Vegetables, $10-$13; seafood, $12-$27; meat, $17-$34 (more, much more, for steak); desserts, $7-$12. Details: 6 to 11 p.m. Mon. and Wed.-Thurs; 6 p.m. to midnight Fri.-Sat., 6 to 10 p.m. Sun. Credit cards accepted. Full bar. Valet parking behind the restaurant on Oxford Avenue. Recommended dishes: Shishito peppers; soft-shell prawns; beef tartare; 30-day aged Holstein rib-eye. Over the last year, Russias Defense Ministry has released dozens of videos showing how its bombers and fighter jets hit targets in Syria or supported President Bashar Assads ground troops with gunfire and missiles. Major international networks have played the videos along with the images of visually stunning, albeit militarily insignificant, launches of cruise missiles from Russian warships and submarines in the Caspian and Mediterranean seas. A shaky YouTube clip showing how a Russian-made T-90 tank and its Syrian driver survived a shot from a U.S.-made tank killer, a tube-launched BGM-71 TOW missile, in Aleppo has 2.8 million views. Other videos feature Russian-made weaponry being used in Syria. Advertisement The videos have served as effective promotional tools for Russian aircraft; air defense missile systems and missiles; smart bombs guided by lasers or satellites; diesel submarines; jamming communication systems; tanks; sniper rifles and modified AK-47s, analysts and other observers say. Russias arms exports this year are expected to total at least $14 billion, and next years figure is expected to be higher, officials say. From 2011 to 2015, Russia was responsible for a quarter of global arms exports, second to the United States 33%, and ahead of third place Chinas 5.9%, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, a security monitor. In 2015, Russias arms exporters earned $14.5 billion a 13% increase compared with 2014, President Vladimir Putin announced in July. In 2013, the figure was $10.3 billion, according to Rosoboronexport, a state-owned export monopoly. Russian-made weapons proved their efficiency, reliability in the most diverse conditions, Putin told a panel of defense officials in July, adding that the amount of international orders for Russian weapons exceeded $56 billion. We have to be ready if our active efforts boost competition, he said. The more than 5-year-old civil war in Syria has been a showcase for Russian-made arms. Russia has supported Assad and his forces, while the U.S. has helped moderate rebel groups and called for Assad to step down. This is an obvious demonstration of what Russia is offering on the international arms market, Maxim Shapovalenko, a Moscow-based defense analyst and author of The Syrian Frontier, about Russias Syrian campaign, said in an interview. There is a whole lot of weapons listed as export items. Russias military-industrial complex employs hundreds of thousands of people. Its largest buyers include India, China, Vietnam, Iran, Venezuela, Algeria and the United Arab Emirates. The surge in arms exports is especially significant for Russias shrinking economy, crippled by low oil prices and Western sanctions. Financially, it is becoming a No. 2 [source of the Kremlins revenue] after oil and gas, defense expert Ruslan Pukhov said in an interview. Russia earned nearly $42 billion from energy taxes from January to October, Bloomberg reported in mid-November. The Russian military-industrial complex is centered on Rostec, a mammoth state conglomerate that includes dozens of subsidiaries and is headed by Sergei Chemezov, a former engineer who worked in East Germany in the 1980s and befriended Putin, a KGB officer at the time. The Syrian campaign has helped Moscow attract interest from other customers in the Middle East, where demand for weapons increased after the Arab Spring uprisings. Delegations from Egypt, Iraq and Libya visited Russia this year, striking new deals. Russian federal law states that strengthening military and political positions abroad is the primary goal of Russian military-industrial cooperation, Nikolay Kozhanov, a Middle East expert based in St. Petersburg, wrote in an analysis for Chatham House, a London think tank, in July. Russia will undoubtedly use its arms exports industry to attempt to affect the balance of power in the Middle East. Mirovalev is a special correspondent. ALSO Islamic State is likely to fall in Mosul. The challenge will be keeping militants out for good What Trumps presidency could mean for refugees, foreign aid and womens rights abroad Days of heavy airstrikes knock out hospitals and claim scores of lives in Aleppo For more than a decade, some Laguna Beach galleries and art-related businesses have served complimentary wine and beer to guests browsing collections during the First Thursdays Art Walk a free monthly event. The owners may not have known they needed a license to serve the beverages, but many said they never encountered resistance from the authorities until three weeks ago. On Nov. 3, undercover officers from the Laguna Beach Police Department and the states Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control cited five galleries and two other businesses for serving alcohol without a license, Laguna Beach police Sgt. Tim Kleiser said. Advertisement The action has upset some owners. I was completely shocked that no warning was given, said Pam Panattoni, president of Laguna North Gallery. [Police] were inside the gallery at 6 p.m. They could have said, This is not allowed. They waited an hour and handed a citation. Laguna North is a cooperative of 13 members who deal in oil, pastel and watercolor paintings. Panattoni said the gallery doesnt serve wine at every Art Walk, which is held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and when it does, only about an ounce is pre-poured into plastic cups. At Nuance Home + Lifestyle, assistant manager Katherine Caporale said, officers acted like they were interested in art and flashed their badges. The business sells interior furnishings and features artists. It was weird, said Caparole, adding that the business has served wine and cheese during Art Walk before without a fuss. We had not heard anything before that indicated there would be enforcement, she said. If we were told, we would not have served it. Kleiser said police sent a letter to businesses that said the department has experienced some issues during Thursdays Art Walk. According to a copy of the letter, problems included amplified music or outside speakers, drinking in public, intoxicated subjects and displays creeping onto sidewalks. The citys code prohibits the consumption of alcohol in a public place, including on streets, sidewalks and parking lots, the letter said. Of the seven businesses cited, Kleiser said, six served wine and one served beer. Torrey Cook, vice president of the First Thursdays Art Walk board, said 25 people met with police and an ABC agent in late October to discuss various issues related to the monthly events, including outdoor displays, music and the rules regarding the serving of alcohol. Cook said the meeting, organized by police, was sparsely attended. Not many gallery owners showed up, she said. Cook, founder and owner of Artists Republic Gallery, said she had no idea police would arrive at galleries Nov. 3 unannounced and not in uniform. Cook, who does not serve alcohol, said she discovered the next day that officers had been inside the gallery. Its really disheartening, Cook said. We work really hard to have an artist reception. No one communicated to stop serving alcohol. It doesnt seem nice or respectful. Kleiser said police and ABC officers had been patrolling bars and restaurants, looking for employees who tried to serve alcohol to an underage decoy accompanying them. He said he was not sure how or if that operation morphed into the galleries. All seven citations issued were considered criminal misdemeanors, meaning they could result in a maximum $1,000 fine, up to one year in jail or both, according to Kleiser. bryce.alderton@latimes.com Alderton writes for Times Community News This week, the president-elect was supposed to settle down, put aside his narcissistic bluster and start bringing together a deeply divided country. Instead, we all learned a new vocabulary word: emoluments. Here in blue, blue California and how emotionally appropriate is that color right now? resistance to the nascent Donald Trump presidency has begun to take shape. Advertisement In Los Angeles, the mayor and police chief have said they will refuse to toughen up policies about immigration enforcement despite Trumps threats to cut federal funding to so-called sanctuary cities. Chief Charlie Beck, bless him, didnt even wait a week before pushing back. We are not going to work in conjunction with Homeland Security on deportation efforts, he said. That is not our job, nor will I make it our job. In San Francisco, the Board of Supervisors passed a spectacularly in-your-face resolution, announcing that it would remain a sanctuary city that respects not just immigrants but women, LGBTQ people and those of all faiths. It further resolved that black lives matter in San Francisco, even if they may not in the White House. Around the state, there is talk of secession. Were the worlds sixth-largest economy. Weve got the innovation, the industry, the tourism. (And the cannabis!) So why not break away? People have been suggesting it for years. In normal times, you could laugh. But Brexit happened. Then Trump happened. Nothing is normal anymore. Who could help me put this into perspective? I called a rabbi, a priest and a social scientist. The rabbi told me to buck up. The priest counseled tenderness. The social scientist said, with regret, that its a good time to be a white male. I probably should have stopped at the priest. :: The moment he realized Trump had won, said Rabbi Steven Jacobs, I went back to my deep religious roots. I said: Oh my God. Jacobs, 77, is a veteran civil rights activist whose mentors included the Rev. Jesse Jackson. He was the founding rabbi of Temple Kol Tikvah in Woodland Hills. Now retired, he lives in Alameda with Democratic State Controller Betty Yee, whom he married in December. When I reached him by phone in Sacramento, he was less disturbed than I expected by last weekends neo-Nazi gathering in Washington, D.C. where members of the National Policy Institute raised their arms and chanted, Hail Trump. A widely circulated video showed the groups founder, Richard Spencer, extolling America as until this past generation, a white country, designed for ourselves and our posterity. Richard Spencer just plays into what I have felt for a long time, Jacobs said. When Donald Trump was talking about making America great again, he was talking about making America white again. I believe that to my very core. On the other hand, Jacobs said, You gotta say, OK, get over it. Betty and I have been to several events in the past week, and people are talking about anger and stages of grief. This was an election. You didnt lose a parent or a child, and youve got a job to do. If we are going to let Trump get us depressed, then he still has control of us. If he has control of us, and we continue to mourn and be angry, it will just leave us bitter. There is goodness every day. :: Executive director and founder of Homeboy Industries, Father Gregory Boyle, in his office. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times ) I had some trouble reaching Father Greg Boyle, the Jesuit priest who is founder and director of Homeboy Industries. His voicemail was full. Its my own damn fault for giving my phone number to every gang member in L.A. County, he joked when we finally connected. The day after the election, while he was in the hospital receiving treatment for his longtime battle with leukemia, his phone blew up with text messages from many of the former gang members he works with. Some of the concerns were outlandish: Will Donald Trump close us down immediately? But, he said, the tenor of the fear and anxiety were real. I have voted for presidents for 44 years, Boyle said. Half have lost and half have won. But thats not what this is. This is not about being disappointed that your candidate lost. Its the normalizing of things you spend your life fighting against exclusion, racism and meanness. Despite this shocking turn, he sounded hopeful. This is a moment to cherish the loss, actually, because then you know to what you ought to give your heart all over again, Boyle said. Thats what I tell folks here. We talk about the power of tenderness to ventilate our world. That is our defense, our defiance, our resistance, to safeguard against normalizing bigotry and exclusion. :: Im not embarrassed to admit this: The other day, I Googled, How to get over election disappointment. I found an article with a link to an academic paper called Losing Hurts: The Happiness Impact of Partisan Electoral Loss. It was an analysis of the 2012 presidential campaign, published in the Journal of Experimental Political Science. Three researchers discovered that the pain of losing an election lasts longer than the joy of winning but that, just like when a favorite team loses, most people bounce back in a week. That does not appear to be true in 2016, said the papers lead author, Lamar Pierce, associate professor of strategy at the Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis. For more on politics He has not yet analyzed all the data from a daily poll he uses, but he already sees a tremendous difference in how voters who opposed Trump are handling the aftermath versus voters who opposed Barack Obama in 2012. Republicans talked about Obama being the anti-Christ, but a week later, nobody cared, Pierce said. But for the plurality of American voters who supported Hillary Clinton, he said, the response is not sadness or disappointment. Its a forward-looking anxiety about what comes next, and for very valid reasons. The thing I keep coming back to as a straight white male: I am angry and disappointed, but I am kind of sadly OK with it [the election] in a way that bothers me. I dont feel a personal threat to myself in the way many, many people do. In the coming months, Pierce said, social scientists probably will try to gauge the effect of Trumps victory on the normalization of bad behavior. Theyll be interested to study whether in three or four months, grabbing peoples genitals or calling them the N-word or making fun of disabled people becomes socially acceptable in public. He added, You will see less of that in California than you will in Missouri. Well, thats a relief. I think. More columns robin.abcarian@latimes.com Twitter: @AbcarianLAT More from Robin Abcarian Two of the three people shot to death at a Compton park earlier this week were officially identified Thursday as a 21-year-old homeless man and a 22-year-old man who lived near the area. The Los Angeles County coroners office said Juan Lara, of Compton, and Andrew Moreno, who was homeless, were among the three killed at Raymond Street Park. The third victims identity has yet to be released. The bodies of the men were found sometime before 11 p.m. Tuesday inside a small utility room connected to two bathrooms at the park, authorities have said. Advertisement At least one of the men appeared to be living in the room where they were found, investigators said. Bullet casings littered the floor along with clothing and other personal belongings. The park is part of Richland Farms, a 10-square-block, semi-rural community in Compton where residents own 1- or 2-acre properties and keep animals such as chickens and goats. Earlier this week, Laras mother, Luz, told The Times that her family kept calling the city to complain about graffiti, but officials would show up to clean up only the spray-painted areas at the park. Two months ago, someone shot at their truck parked out front. Then someone broke the windows on Juan Laras car. She said detectives had notified her privately that her son was among those killed. As investigators combed the scene Wednesday, a woman ran toward the park crying, hoping to find out if one of the victims was her boyfriend. She told the deputies that she had just seen a video online of the woman who discovered the bodies and mentioned the name of one of the victims. I just heard Andrew and stopped watching, she told a deputy. Hes my boyfriend, she said. He has a tattoo of my name on his arm. The deputy listened. Hes always here, always in that little shed. He sleeps there sometimes, she said, crying. Anyone with information about the slayings is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Times staff writer Jack Leonard contributed to this report. ruben.vives@latimes.com alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com For more Southern California news, follow us on Twitter at @LATvives and @AleneTchek MORE LOCAL NEWS Alcohol served at Lagunas art walk draws police attention Orange County complains that flight changes at John Wayne Airport could significantly increase noise La Habra teen dies days after being hit by debris on the 57 Freeway Even with the doors and windows closed, Venecia Yanez cant escape the head-splitting, metallic odors that permeate her Paramount home. Yanez says the harsh fumes and smoke that waft in at all hours and the rusty residue she finds on her familys car must be coming from one of the metal-forging plants she can see from outside her apartment. She and her neighbors on Vermont Avenue have long complained of headaches, nausea and burning throats. Yanez, 28, worries the emissions are harmful to her 14-month-old daughter. Advertisement We breathe it every day and it just doesnt feel safe, she said. Residents of this small, working-class city southeast of Los Angeles have for years watched regulators launch studies and promise stricter rules to protect homes and schools from toxic emissions from the array of metal-processing facilities operating in their midst. But they have seen little action. Then, a few weeks ago, air quality monitoring detected high levels of a potent, cancer-causing metal in Paramount, forcing authorities to pay attention. Now, what had been a slow-moving effort targeting one metal-forging plant has snowballed into a broad investigation, with teams of inspectors from several agencies fanning out to at least 20 facilities in the citys industrial spine, searching for the origin of the toxic hot spot. We just want to get our air back to a safe level Laurie Guillen, Paramount resident The South Coast Air Quality Management District has not yet found the source of hexavalent chromium, a compound known to cause lung cancer, that was detected at more than 350 times normal levels starting in late October. And its not clear how long it could take. Community groups and some civic leaders say the latest revelations in Paramount show that government in California has not done enough to address hot spots of pollution where industry operates near homes and schools. California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) said: I am concerned that our community has become the latest example of people being exposed to toxic chemicals because a company is breaking the law and regulators havent been aggressive enough in enforcing that law. He urged the air district to find the culprit and fix the problem now. Michael Alva, 53, sits with his oxygen tank outside his home in a neighborhood in Paramount. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times ) The South Coast air district began looking into toxic emissions in Paramount in 2013, after community complaints of burning metallic odors. The investigation centered on one metal-processing operation, Carlton Forge Works. The agency tested the air at a school and two other sites downwind from the facility, and in January 2014 it notified the public that it had detected elevated levels of hexavalent chromium and nickel, another toxic metal that can harm the lungs. As Carlton Forge Works took steps to improve its pollution controls, nickel concentrations fell. But hexavalent chromium did not. By 2015, air district monitors showed that it was ticking upward. A Carlton spokeswoman suggested recently that the readings were coming from a source several blocks upwind. In August, air district officials revealed the carcinogen had been detected in a residential area at five times normal levels. They held a public meeting and pledged to expand air-quality monitoring to areas upwind of Carlton Forge. Within days of setting up more monitors in October, officials discovered a hexavalent chromium reading of 26 nanograms per cubic meter one of the highest they could recall in a predominantly industrial area near Madison Street and Minnesota Avenue. Air regulators and public health officials say there is no immediate threat that would require residents to relocate. They do not yet have an estimate of potential cancer risk, which can increase over years and decades of exposure. The carcinogen, also known as Chromium 6, is a familiar menace. Its the same compound that polluted the water of Hinkley, Calif., made famous in the 2000 film Erin Brockovich. Over the years, air quality regulators have periodically discovered it at alarming levels near chrome-plating and metal-finishing shops. But air district officials said their recent efforts to track down toxic emissions in Paramount including the deployment of 10 air quality monitors are unprecedented. Id challenge any other agency to match the speed, the transparency that were moving at now, Wayne Nastri, the air districts acting executive officer, said at a Nov. 9 public meeting. There are other, bigger companies operating for years without permits Christopher Tovar, General Manager of Pro Cast Industries Paramount recently provided the air district with a list of 88 metal-related businesses in the city, which the agency is comparing with its own records to identify any unpermitted operations. So far, the air district has cited one small metal-fabricating plant near the hot spot for operating equipment without permits. Pro Cast Industries General Manager Christopher Tovar disputed that the equipment cited at the business requires permits and alleged that nearby, there are other, bigger companies operating for years without permits. Air district officials said Tuesday that they had conducted source testing of emissions from two facilities near the hot spot, Anaplex Corp. and Aerocraft Heat Treating Co., Inc., and had sent them letters notifying them that they may be designated potentially high risk level facilities. Anaplex released the most hexavalent chromium of the five facilities in Paramount that have reported such emissions since 2013, air district records show. An Anaplex representative reached by phone declined to comment, citing the investigation by air quality regulators. An Aerocraft spokeswoman said it was still uncertain that the facility was contributing to the problem but that the facility was reviewing its processes, cooperating with the investigation and will take necessary actions to resolve any issues. Id challenge any other agency to match the speed, the transparency that were moving at now Wayne Nastri, acting executive officer, South Coast Air Quality Management District Though the investigation is ongoing, air district officials believe it could ultimately lead to orders to stop operations, civil penalties or criminal charges. Air quality officials said they have received about 350 complaints in Paramount since 2011, with more than 60% of them related to metal-processing operations. Teacher Lisa Lappin has called in dozens of complaints to the air district, starting several years ago, out of concern for the health of the second-grade students she taught at Lincoln Elementary School at the time. Yanez and others said they have also complained to city hall. In recent public meetings, residents of the 80% Latino city have criticized environmental regulators and their majority-white city council, questioning why they have not cracked down on polluting industries. A letter from the city council accused air district staff of blindsiding it by releasing inflammatory information to reporters, communicating in jargon-heavy, scientific ways and delivering a highly technical presentation to residents. Paramount Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer suggested in remarks at a recent council meeting that the city had placed too much trust in air quality officials. Hofmeyer owns a livestock feed business and other property near several metal-processing operations. According to financial disclosure statements, he also has reported receiving rental income from Press Forge, a large metal forging and manufacturing facility. In response to an inquiry from The Times, Hofmeyer said in a statement Wednesday that the property he has leased to Press Forge since 2008 for parking, storage and cutting work in no way presents an existing conflict of interest, either legal or perceived. He said he would recuse himself from matters before the council that in any way could have a financial impact on Press Forge. Residents have spoken critically of officials at public forums. Some attest to health problems, reading off names of friends and relatives who have died of cancer. Some have demanded an expansion of pollution monitoring to include schools and other neighborhoods in the city of 55,000, which air regulators say they are considering. Others are forming new activist groups, printing out stacks of fliers and encouraging neighbors to phone in complaints and demand a solution. We just want to get our air back to a safe level, said Laurie Guillen, a lifelong Paramount resident who was spurred to action by the recent disclosures. One factor in Paramounts pollution woes is hard to fix: A legacy of poor land-use planning that put homes, schools and heavy industry too close together. Much of the city developed in the postwar period on former dairy land. It incorporated in 1957 and is now home to an array of metal shops and factories. That includes chrome platers, metal-finishing operations and several forging facilities that manufacture components for the aerospace industry. Theres no escaping it because industry intertwines our community, said Maria Anguiano, whose daughter struggles with asthma. At its Dec. 13 meeting, the Paramount City Council is expected to consider a moratorium barring new metal businesses. Hofmeyer said he would recuse himself. Paramount residents have also faulted air regulators for failing to impose stronger rules they promised years ago to control toxic emissions from metal-processing facilities that operate across the region. The proposed rules, which seek to reduce toxic emissions from grinding operations at two dozen metal-forging facilities including five in Paramount have been repeatedly delayed. Joseph Lyou, an air district board member who heads the Coalition for Clean Air, said he has been asking staff to bring forward those rules for years and called it terrible that the agency has not acted to fix a frustrating gap in the regulations. Meanwhile on Vermont Avenue, Venecia Yanez watched her daughter crawl in the the grass on a recent afternoon and wondered if the fumes that continue to sully the air are also falling down and poisoning the ground. Yanez has attended two public meetings, her infant daughter in tow, to voice her concerns and invite air quality officials to visit and test the air at her home. She is waiting for them to knock on her door, tell her what theyre breathing and do something about it. If it was their family members living here it would be different, perhaps, she said. Perhaps you go nose-blind. Im still trying to see if that happens. Paramounts a nice place to be, she said, but its unbreathable. tony.barboza@latimes.com @tonybarboza MORE LOCAL NEWS Westside cities consider earthquake retrofitting for thousands of vulnerable buildings Two of three men shot to death in a Compton park are officially identified Pepperdine will open a Staples Center classroom in partnership with AEG The movement to retrofit buildings at risk of collapse in a large earthquake could take a major step forward in the coming months as three prominent Westside cities Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and West Hollywood consider sweeping laws mandating that thousands of structures be strengthened. The move is part of a larger political movement that began in San Francisco and Los Angeles to tackle seismic retrofitting that is slowly spreading to smaller communities around the state. The three Westside cities are affluent and boast some of the regions most valuable real estate. But seismic experts have long been concerned about how the cities would fare in a major quake, especially because the Hollywood fault runs through the heart of them. A 2014 Times data analysis found that about 12,000 properties were within 500 feet of earthquake faults newly mapped that year in Los Angeles County, including landmark structures on the Sunset Strip, Wilshire Boulevard and Hollywood Boulevard. Advertisement Get more California news>> If all three cities approve the rules, it would greatly expand a campaign launched last year in Southern California by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti that created the nations toughest earthquake safety law. Los Angeles law requires retrofitting of wooden apartment and concrete buildings. As many as 13,500 wooden buildings and 1,500 concrete buildings are now being evaluated for possible retrofitting. Beverly Hills officials said they consider the effort an important safety as well as financial priority. Were really concerned about economic sustainability wanting to make sure that in the event theres an earthquake, we want to be able to get our community back and up and running with as little problem as we can, said David Yelton, deputy building official for Beverly Hills. West Hollywood City Councilman John Duran agreed, adding: Seismic retrofitting is critical to the future of West Hollywood. The city did not suffer major damage in the 1994 earthquake, but, Duran said, we may not be so lucky next time. As other cities consider new seismic safety laws, a new survey by seismologist Lucy Jones and the Structural Engineers Assn. of Southern California found that most local governments in the region have done nothing to mandate retrofits of important building types known to be at risk, such as concrete and wooden apartment buildings. Officials have known for decades that these types of buildings are particularly vulnerable to collapse in a huge quake. But government agencies until recently have struggled to require retrofits, largely because of opposition from property owners. The design defect in concrete buildings became clear after concrete hospital buildings tumbled during the 1971 Sylmar earthquake, killing about 50 people. The flaw of wooden apartment buildings was dramatized when 16 people died in the collapse of an apartment building in the 1994 Northridge earthquake one of about 200 that were damaged or destroyed during that event. The smaller cities of Berkeley and Fremont require retrofits of wood apartments. Downey requires all buildings built before 1957 to be evaluated for seismic safety and retrofitted if deficient. But those cities are the exception. Retrofitting concrete buildings is much more expensive, and Los Angeles is the only major city to require strengthening of those structures. A steel frame is installed to strengthen a wooden apartment building on Sepulveda Boulevard in Mission Hills that was originally built with flimsy ground floor columns. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times ) There has long been opposition to mandatory retrofitting in Los Angeles, mainly because of the concern about the price tag. It can cost more than $100,000 to retrofit a smaller wooden apartment building, and more than $1 million for a concrete building. But following a year of public outreach by Garcetti and Jones, there was also recognition from both owners and renters that will share in the costs that it was essential to make those structures safer. We know what are the bad buildings. We know theyre out there, Jones said. That doesnt make them disappear. Youre going to have to act if you want to not be killed in them. Even unreinforced brick buildings whose construction was outlawed in many communities after the deadly 1933 Long Beach earthquake remain unfixed in many local jurisdictions, despite decades of work mandating retrofits or demolition in cities like Los Angeles. Among communities in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino and Imperial counties that have unreinforced brick buildings, 58 out of 139 local governments did not have mandated and fully enforced retrofit programs. Jones said a citys failure to require retrofits could devastate the local economy. When an earthquake struck New Zealands third-largest city, Christchurch, in 2011, 70% of the central business district was damaged, but 100% of it was shut down for years because the collapsed buildings made the entire area too dangerous. These older buildings, we know they can be death traps, Jones said. We know where people will die. We have to deal with it. Southern California has a couple hundred known faults. Everybody in the 23 million people of Southern California lives within about five miles of an active fault, Jones said. We dont know which subset of us is going to be the ones thatll suffer in the next 50 or 100 years. But we know that some of us will. And its actually really likely that we are all going to be suffering from a big San Andreas earthquake. Overall, there are tens of thousands of buildings in Southern California at risk in an earthquake. A U.S. Geological Survey simulation of a magnitude 7.8 quake on the San Andreas fault in Southern California projected that an astonishing 1,500 buildings would collapse, and 300,000 more would suffer serious damage. And we basically know which ones they are, Jones said. Which ones will be in the next earthquake will depend on which fault [ruptures] in the next earthquake. Some local governments have begun to pay attention to the problem. The Southern California Assn. of Governments, known as SCAG, is working with Jones to educate local officials about earthquake risk and how to address the problem. Jones was optimistic that progress was being made even though it has been more than 20 years since Los Angeles last big damaging earthquake. The fact that we are moving forward without an earthquake is unprecedented, she said. Beverly Hills officials are focused on a mandatory wood apartment retrofit ordinance, which targets so-called soft-story buildings. Sometimes called dingbats, these apartments common throughout California have ground-floor carports, garages or storefronts held up by flimsy supports, which can buckle in an earthquake. Beverly Hills has about 300 of these buildings that contain 1,800 units, and the City Council could consider an ordinance on Jan. 17. At a recent planning commission meeting in November, some commissioners questioned whether moving too quickly on requiring retrofits would be a burden on owners. But, as in Los Angeles a year ago, much of the discussion focused on the best way to get the retrofits done, rather than debating whether a law was needed. Santa Monica and West Hollywood officials are proposing not only retrofits for wood apartments and concrete buildings but also inspections and repairs of steel buildings. During the 1994 Northridge earthquake, engineers discovered a troubling defect that occurred during construction that caused cracks to form in the welds of the steel frame during earthquakes. If left unrepaired, experts fear, the weakened building could collapse in a subsequent temblor. Researchers point to the collapse of a floor of a steel building in Japan during the 1995 Kobe earthquake as a cautionary tale. Santa Monica officials say theyre determined to avoid the mistakes of the past. The coastal city has actually had laws on the books requiring retrofits of wood apartments and concrete structures and repairs of steel buildings since the 1990s, but they were not rigorously enforced. A 2013 story in The Times reported that a top city official acknowledged that he could not even find the old list of buildings at risk. We will notice, and we will follow up, and we will take enforcement action when necessary to ensure that folks are moving forward with retrofitting the buildings, said Salvador Valles, assistant director of Santa Monicas Planning and Community Development Department. Its going to be a more proactive approach than it was before, in the hopes that we can actually get these buildings retrofitted. Santa Monica estimates there are more than 2,200 buildings that will need evaluation for retrofit, including more than 1,800 soft-story buildings and more than 220 brick buildings. Officials also counted 73 concrete buildings and 71 steel-frame buildings. Officials plan to publish a list of these buildings before a Dec. 6 council meeting to discuss the issue, and a formal plan could be presented to the City Council for approval by February. West Hollywood has been holding community meetings about a draft ordinance, and officials hope to return to the City Council at the beginning of the year, said acting building official Cynthia Zabala. About 900 buildings in West Hollywood are expected to need a seismic evaluation 780 thought to be soft-story, as well as 55 concrete, 31 steel and 60 other structures of an undetermined type. ron.lin@latimes.com Twitter: @ronlin MORE LOCAL NEWS Orange County complains that flight changes at John Wayne Airport could significantly increase noise Pepperdine will open a Staples Center classroom in partnership with AEG Air pollution hot spot in Paramount spurs calls for action on metal factory emissions It may come as no shock to those who live here, but more international students choose to study in California than in any other state. A record high of more than 1 million foreign students came to America for higher education last school year. Four of the top 20 institutions that welcomed them were in the Golden State, according to a new report this month. Advertisement USC hosted 13,340 international students, followed by UCLA with 11,513 students. Three other University of California campuses San Diego, Berkeley and Irvine also topped the list of California schools. The number of foreign students in California was 10.5% higher than the previous academic year. USC had the second largest number of international students in the country. California has such a huge higher education network, said Peggy Blumenthal, a senior counselor at the Institute of International Education, which works with the State Departments Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to produce the annual Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. There are not only very strong public universities, but also private universities. USC, as long as I can remember, has always been either the number one or number two host campus in the country. New York City is also a popular study destination, with New York University topping all schools with 15,543 foreign students, and Columbia University hosting 12,740. The Institute of International Education a nonprofit organization that works to promote international education and education access worldwide has collected data from colleges and universities since 1919. New York was the leading hub for international students until 1957, Blumenthal said, at which point California surpassed it. According to the report, this marks the 10th straight year of growth in the number of international students pursuing U.S. college degrees. In the last decade, the number of such students enrolled in America has gone up 85%. More than a third major in engineering, math or computer science, so their contribution to American research is significant. They contributed more than $35 billion to the economy last year, including more than $5 billion in California, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Study abroad also helps strengthen global relations, Blumenthal said. The more that other countries understand our country, the more experience they have in the United States, the better we will be able to work with them diplomatically, economically and strategically, she said. Even if they dont come away loving every aspect of America, they at least understand us better. Study any countrys historical patterns of sending students to America, she said, and you can see the whole story of U.S. relations with that country. China continues to send the most foreign students to America, followed by India and Saudi Arabia. Students from the three countries now represent a little more than half of the total number of foreign students in the U.S. Blumenthal noted the 12,269 students from Iran, an increase of about 8% from the year before and the highest U.S. enrollment of Iranian students in three decades. From 1974 to 1983, Iran topped all foreign countries sending students to the U.S. More than 50,000 came in 1979 during the Iranian Revolution. Brazil was the country whose student presence in the U.S. declined the most last year, by 18% likely due to a freeze in the Brazilian governments Scientific Mobility Program, which previously sponsored many students, researchers said. More American students also are studying abroad for academic credit, according to the study. About 10% of all U.S. undergraduates, or 275,000 students, have studied abroad by the time they graduate. That number has been slowly increasing, Blumenthal said, but it still is far too low. Careers in the 21st century are going to be international careers, she said. Its very important for Americans to learn how to function in a society and in a culture other than their own. Its not very good if the first time youre abroad is when youre trying to negotiate a billion-dollar contract. Opportunities to study abroad, Blumenthal said, also have to be made more broadly accessible. About 27% of the students who studied abroad identified as racial or ethnic minorities up from 17% a decade ago. Still, that means more than 70% of American students taking classes abroad are white. More work can be done to increase access to study abroad for students who are low-income or the first in their families to attend college, she said. Its not that they dont want to study abroad, its that either they dont have the money, they dont have the information, theyre not encouraged to do so by their parents or their professors, or possibly all those factors, Blumenthal said. Europe continues to host more than half of all the U.S. students who study abroad. Britain, Italy, Spain and France remain the most popular countries for American students, with China despite a 7% decline still holding onto fifth place. Students last year were increasingly drawn to Cuba, which has become more accessible since President Obama began normalizing relations with the country, and to Greece, which is slowly recovering from years of economic crisis. Worries about Ebola likely were to blame for a 20% drop in American students traveling to sub-Saharan Africa. Itll be interesting to see whether Donald Trumps future policies as president will affect the number of foreign students interested in enrolling in U.S. schools, and vice versa. Its too soon to tell, said Blumenthal, who has worked at the Institute of International Education for more than 30 years. But what we have seen over the whole history of Open Doors data collection is that the numbers basically continue to rise despite political shifts, despite economic problems, despite natural disasters. Only once has the total number of international students in the U.S. gone down, she said after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, when screening tightened up for those entering the country on student visas. Yes, theres a lot of concern right now, and international students are feeling very worried, Blumenthal said. But if history is any predictor, I would be optimistic that the total numbers are not going to shift dramatically. To read the article in Spanish, click here rosanna.xia@latimes.com Follow @RosannaXia for more education news In rural Arizona, a border agent shot at and missed a migrant who had cocked his arm to throw a rock. At a California border station, a man died after being hit with a Taser three times. Neither time did agents breach Customs and Border Protection policy, according to a board set up this year to provide accountability and oversight for how agents deploy force in their often dangerous border confrontations. So far, the board has considered eight cases, and it has cleared agents each time. The latest four case reviews, released last week, illustrate the challenges for an agency struggling to overhaul its practices after a string of alleged abuses including high-profile cross-border shootings, sometimes in response to thrown rocks. The boards creation was the latest step in a four-year effort to modernize policing standards at Customs and Border Protection and in particular in the Border Patrol, with its rough-edged, military-style culture. Advertisement Civil rights advocates who work on border policy say they are disappointed in the reviews. One said he was disturbed that the board cleared the Arizona shooting; others have said the Border Patrol essentially sanctioned agents firing their weapons instead of retreating in response to rocks. That certainly raises a whole lot of alarms in our minds, said Christian Ramirez, director of the Southern Border Communities Coalition. That seems to counter what law enforcement experts have already established using a firearm against a rock-thrower should not be within policy. The summaries released by the board dont reveal why its members concluded the agents stayed within the rules, nor do they criticize the agencys policies or offer ideas on how agents might have better handled the confrontations. The board has recommended changes in policy and training, 18 in total, but Customs and Border Protection has not released them. You dont see what the recommendations are, and they dont really tie the conclusions to the policies in a clear manner, said Chris Rickerd, a border policy expert at the American Civil Liberties Union. These short clearances really speak to the need for a different type of transparency in these cases. Concerns over curbing potential abuses have become sharper since the victory of President-elect Donald Trump, who promised tougher border enforcement as a central theme of his campaign. Ramirez says he hopes the more detailed findings will be released now, to guide further reforms. He worries that groups like his, which tracks violent border encounters, will be shut out during a Trump administration. It will be a shame if we go back to the days when [Customs and Border Protection] lost transparency, he said. We keep pushing. Four years ago, amid growing outrage and facing lawsuits, Customs and Border Protection began to reexamine its practices, starting with a review of 67 cases by a professional policing group that found serious failings in how the agency limited deadly force. The agency in 2014 adopted a new policy manual that, among other changes, instructs agents to try to avoid shooting at rock throwers, and to retreat first. Ramirez says hed never heard of the latest such shooting until the report was released. On patrol in April 2015, two agents split up to look for a group of migrants. One agent saw five men carrying burlap packs, the kind commonly used by drug mules. He hid behind a small tree and, when he figured hed been spotted, ordered them to halt. Four scattered, but one picked up a rock and raised his arm. The agent fired one shot from his rifle and missed. The man dropped the rock and ran away. A family outing, then a deadly Border Patrol shooting In that case, and in two others reported in July, the board, made up of officials from Customs and Border Protection and civil rights officials from the departments of Justice and Homeland Security, concluded that firing at rock throwers was justified because the agents faced a legitimate threat. In the San Ysidro border station case, on Christmas Eve 2014, 40-year-old Francisco Cesena of El Cajon was detained after a records check showed he was wanted on a warrant. Agents say a search turned up a package with 7 grams of heroin taped to his groin. Officials say Cesena jumped a desk and began punching an officer. In the ensuing struggle, an officer pressed a Taser against his body, firing three times in drive stun mode, which delivers a painful electric shock but not paralysis. The Border Patrol has a history of excessive force involving the Taser, and the 2014 manual says agents should not use the device more than three times. Matthew Klein, assistant Customs and Border Protection commissioner in charge of internal investigations, says that for each time the Taser trigger is pulled during a confrontation, the review panel examines whether at that very moment the agent used appropriate force to counter resistance. Early on March 15, 2012, Alex Martin was spotted by a Border Patrol agent on a rural stretch of Interstate 8 near Pine Valley, Calif. The agent said Martin was driving on the wrong side of the road. This video shows the pursuits fatal conclusi Cesenas sister, Brenda Cesena-Cruz of El Cajon, says she isnt satisfied with the findings in the review of her brothers death, noting that an autopsy also found that he suffered broken ribs and bruises. I dont believe that anyone deserves to be treated the way he was treated, she said. Were going to continue to seek justice. In another Taser case, Jessica Cooke, a 21-year-old criminal justice major upset with agents detaining her at a border checkpoint in New York, began flailing her arms, according to agents, and hit one of them. Another agent shot her in the back with a Taser in an encounter captured in part by Cooke on her cellphone. In a fourth case in the latest report, an agent in Washington state near the Canadian border shot a man in the head after the man sprayed him with bear repellent. The man died and turned out to be a murder suspect. Klein says hes confident the board is working as its supposed to, though he wouldnt comment on its decisions. The board reviews each shooting and every case that results in a death or serious injury. The board looks very carefully at each incident and examines the agents actions based on policy and what is allowed by law, based on the threat, he said. As for the recommendations, Klein says Customs and Border Protection intends to release summaries but not the specifics of each case to protect possibly sensitive information. The case studies may be used to further overhaul training, he said, or to rewrite tactics and policies. Klein said the changes at Customs and Border Protection have already reduced agents use of force, including firearms. Uses of force declined 26% in the fiscal year that ended in October 2015; for the first 11 months of fiscal year 2016, the latest data available, uses of force are slightly higher, but shootings decreased. The president of the union representing Border Patrol agents, which endorsed Trump, says the use-of-force rules are still open for negotiations between the union and the agency. He says he is mostly satisfied with the current policies, but not always happy with how they are applied by Customs and Border Protection leaders. They got a lot of policy correct there, but there are tweaks that have to happen, said Brandon Judd, who met with Trump on Monday. If you feel that serious bodily injury or death can result from what an individual is doing, were authorized to use deadly force, he said. That hasnt changed. Times staff writer Brian Bennett contributed to this report. joseph.tanfani@latimes.com Twitter: @jtanfani ALSO: How Trump could use the presidency to help his own business interests Rolling out Obamacare was chaotic, but a repeal could be much worse Hire judges, boost prosecutions and cut funds: What Jeff Sessions could do on immigration as attorney general The Wests most powerful water managers held an emergency conference call on the morning before Thanksgiving to consider the same question people across the country are asking: What will the election of Donald Trump mean for the issues they care about? The group desperately wants to formalize new measures that will reduce how much water Southwestern states take from the Colorado River and ease pressure on the nations largest reservoir, the drought-stricken, rapidly shrinking Lake Mead. The water managers want to get it done while the federal officials they have been working with for years, many of whom are political appointees, still have their jobs. What were driven by is not ideology or what can or should be done by the Obama administration versus what the Trump administration might do, said Ted Cooke, the general manager for the Central Arizona Project, one of the Wests largest water agencies. Cooke participated in the call along with Mike Connor, the deputy secretary of the Interior; Estevan Lopez, the head of the Bureau of Reclamation; plus state and local officials, including from California. Advertisement Its just the uncertainty and inertia that exists in any change of administration, Cooke said. Im sure their replacements will be capable, qualified and competent people, but even the best people need some time to get up to speed. In the meantime, Lake Mead is going glug, glug, glug. So we reaffirmed our commitment to getting this done, if humanly possible, by Jan. 20. That, of course, is Inauguration Day, but it has increasingly come to seem like the edge of a steep cliff for some advocates who want to protect land and water in the West. While water managers may be driven by practical concerns, advocates involved in other environmental issues worry about politics, and they, too, are acting with urgency in hopes of seeing their priorities approved in the final two months of the Obama administration. Conservation groups are pressing to finalize a range of rules that would, for example, limit where oil and gas can be developed near Arches and Canyonlands national parks in southern Utah, and where roads can be built in national forests in Colorado. Some want President Obama to designate vast and controversial new national monuments near the Grand Canyon and in the Bears Ears section of Utah that is home to Native American tribes and sacred sites. These actions would represent significant, longstanding and positive change in the Rocky Mountain/Colorado Plateau region and would inure to the benefit of all Americans who cherish their public lands, Heidi McIntosh, managing partner in the Denver office of the environmental law firm Earthjustice, wrote in response to an email query. The Obama administration has already taken a striking number of actions just since election day, including finalizing a rule to reduce methane emissions from energy production, a plan to prevent oil and gas development on Montana land that is important to the Blackfeet tribe, a move to curb gold exploration near Yellowstone National Park and a ban on offshore drilling in the Arctic for five years. These moves were all in the works long before Trumps stunning victory, but they have added to the sense that a clock is ticking toward an unknown future. Obama faced plenty of criticism from environmental groups during his two terms, but his record appears extraordinarily green in the context of Trumps vows to cut back environmental regulations and open more public lands to energy development. On the campaign trail, Trump regularly questioned climate science and said he would pull the United States out of the Paris accord for reducing emissions that cause climate change. This week, he appeared to hedge, saying in an interview with the New York Times that there is some connectivity between human activity and climate change and that he is open-minded on the Paris accord. Then again, in a video Trump released on Monday, he said that one of his first acts in office will be to cancel job-killing restrictions on the production of American energy, including shale energy and clean coal, creating many millions of high-paying jobs. He also said that for every new regulation created under his administration, two would have to be eliminated a promise that struck many as arbitrary. Ken Kimmell, the president of the Union of Concerned Scientists called the idea absurd and illegal and said it shows a lack of understanding of how regulations are issued. Trump cannot reverse the designation of national monuments. The authority to name them is given to the president by Congress through the Antiquities Act and presidents have used it for more than a century. Yet, Trump, along with the Republican-controlled House and Senate, would have enormous power to undo many environmental regulations approved under the Obama administration, either by taking executive action or by going through the lengthier federal rule-making process. Thomas McGarity, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law who focuses on environmental and administrative law, speculated that the new methane rule, which was strongly opposed by the energy industry, was among those that could be undone through the little-used Congressional Review Act, which gives Congress the power to more easily do away with certain federal rules not long after they are made. The Congressional Review Act has only been used once, to undo a rule involving ergonomics and worker health that was passed in 2000 at the end of the Clinton administration. As the Congressional Research Service noted in a report last week, the act is more likely to be used when there is turnover in party control of the White House, particularly a turnover in which the incoming president shares a party affiliation with a majority in both houses of Congress. That will be the new reality on Inauguration Day. We got the trifecta this time, McGarity said. Kristen Brengel, the vice president for government affairs for the National Parks Conservation Assn., said an emboldened Congress is what concerns her most. While President Obama has been in office, Republican lawmakers have faced a veto threat if they tried to push through ambitious measures to reduce environmental regulations and protections. Brengels group and others have identified more than 150 pieces of pending Republican-backed legislation that, if passed, could undercut programs to restore wildlife populations, make it easier for livestock to graze on public lands and allow more logging of old-growth trees in Alaskas Tongass National Forest. Other legislation would remove protections for at-risk species, create loopholes for climate emissions, remove funding for stream protection near coal mines and allow more aggressive tactics for hunting bears, to name just a few. President Trump wouldnt have to think a lot about it, Brengel said. He could just sign off on the bills. Just like that. william.yardley@latimes.com @yardleyLAT The forecast for Lake Mead: Hot and dry with plenty of anxiety Obama administration bans Arctic offshore oil drilling through 2022. But will Trump reverse it? Hows how the Obama administration proposes to reduce greenhouse gases With California Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris moving to the U.S. Senate in January, it will be Gov. Jerry Browns job to nominate a replacement to serve the remaining two years of her term, and the Legislatures to decide whether to confirm the nominee. Its rare that a governor gets such a big appointment, and no doubt the selection weighs heavily on his mind. But that is probably not for a lack of capable, experienced candidates. The number of potential appointees being bruited about in state political circles is considerable. And its heartening that the prospects are more or less equally divided between men and women all of whom have heavyweight resumes. That is remarkable in light of the shrinking ranks of women, already underrepresented, in state and local elected positions in recent years (the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors notwithstanding). Only about a quarter of state lawmakers are women, and that percentage will drop slightly when the new crop of legislators is sworn in next month. Harris was one of two women elected to major state government positions (that is, to fill state constitutional offices). State Controller Betty Yee is the other. This is a troubling trend because government works best when its leadership reflects the diversity of the population it serves. Advertisement The problem is not due to the lack of talented women doing policy and political work in California. The candidates for attorney general illustrate that point quite well. Among those considered potential appointees are Alameda County Dist. Atty. Nancy OMalley, Federal Elections Commissioner (and former president of the California Fair Political Practices Commission) Ann Ravel, retired federal judge Katherine Feinstein (Sen. Dianne Feinsteins daughter), Los Angeles Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey, San Diego Dist. Atty. Bonnie Dumanis, Kern County Supervisor Leticia Perez (a member of the Board of State and Community Corrections), Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Hillsborough) and Nancy McFadden, Browns right-hand woman. The governors wife, Anne Gust Brown, is also considered a possible candidate for the appointment, though such nepotism would be impolitic to say the least. Theres no reason this appointment has to be a woman, but theres no reason it couldnt be, either. Thats an impressive array. Of course, there are as many worthy male candidates discussed, including Los Angeles City Atty. Mike Feuer, San Francisco Dist. Atty. George Gascon, Los Angeles Assemblyman Mike Gatto, former Assemblyman Dario Frommer, Santa Clara County Dist. Atty. Jeff Rosen, U.S. Atty. Phillip A. Talbert in Sacramento and Joe Cotchett, a prominent Bay Area trial attorney. State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has announced plans to run for the position in 2018, but his sparring with the governor in the past may effectively cut him out of consideration for the appointment. Man or woman, theres no shortage of candidates for the job. The interest in the post is understandable, given that Browns appointee will have a substantial leg up over the other candidates in the 2018 race, particularly if that person takes on high-profile fights. And the attorney generals job itself as been a stepping stone to higher office. Before Harris had the job, it was held by Brown. Three other California governors in recent memory Earl Warren, Browns father, Pat Brown, and George Deukmejian also ran the AGs office before running the state. Ultimately, the gender of the states top lawyer and law enforcer shouldnt matter. What does matter is that the next attorney general be a strong and decisive defender of the states laws and values, someone who is equally versed in criminal justice and public policy and a leader on desperately needed public safety reform. This is no time for a caretaker until the 2018 election, given the possibility of high-stakes clashes between this progressively liberal state and the new Trump administration over immigration, Medicaid, climate change and other major policies. And as the head of the Department of Justice, the attorney general sets the states criminal justice priorities by deciding which cases to pursue, which criminal justice issues to champion and which initiatives in the Legislature to support. Harris, for example, put human trafficking, cyber crime, truancy and mortgage relief at the top of her list of priorities. Theres no reason this appointment has to be a woman, but theres no reason it couldnt be, either. And that is reason enough to be hopeful that the picture of future state leadership will look more like the state itself. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Overwhelmed by an influx of young families and unaccompanied minors fleeing Central American violence, federal immigration officials adopted a rocket docket approach two years ago to speed up initial hearings for people caught at the border. The result: faster deportations for recent arrivals who failed to offer a minimal argument that they should be granted sanctuary. One impetus for the change was to send a message to those still in the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador that if they undertook the dangerous trip north, they would in all likelihood be quickly sent back home. Immigrant rights activists warned that such an approach risked denying those with legitimate asylum claims the chance to pursue them, and it looks like the critics may have been right particularly for mothers with children who faced an immigration judge without legal counsel. A recent report by Syracuse Universitys Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse found that of 38,601 rocket docket cases of adults (usually mothers) with children decided from July 2014 through this past September, 70% of those facing deportation didnt have a lawyer. Of those, 43.4% were ordered deported at their initial hearing, with a median time from filing to closure of 24 days. But among those who found a lawyer, only 4% were ordered out at that initial hearing. Advertisement Its unconscionable that lack of access to legal help forces so many vulnerable people who may have a legal right to stay to instead return to danger. While the Executive Office for Immigration Review, which operates the immigration courts, disputes some of TRACs analysis of federal data, the broad outlines of the report reveal a stunning difference in outcomes. A prime factor in that disparity, according to TRAC, is that only 1 in 15 families without lawyers filed the proper papers to seek asylum, something immigration advocates ascribe to their ignorance of the arcane process. You cant make a coherent case that you should be allowed sanctuary if you dont know how the system works. National governments have a right to determine who enters and who gets to stay inside their borders. But most, including the U.S., have recognized through their own laws and international agreements that people have some form of basic human right to seek refuge from life-threatening conditions in their home country. That usually means nations offering protections to people who are persecuted over faith, political beliefs, gender or other personal traits. So what is prompting so many Northern Triangle families to flee? Neighborhoods controlled by street gangs that extort protection money and threaten to kill young boys or rape family members if they dont join, abetted by law enforcement systems incapable of stabilizing the neighborhoods. The U.S. bears some responsibility for the disorder. Many of the biggest gangs roots trace back to Los Angeles and other American cities, guns used in crimes often are smuggled in from the U.S., and the gangs traffic in drugs destined for American streets. Whether those conditions are sufficient to grant asylum to those who flee is up to the immigration courts, which are overwhelmed by mounting caseloads. The current record backlog exceeds half a million pending cases despite the recent addition of new judges. But its unconscionable that lack of access to legal help forces so many vulnerable people who may have a legal right to stay to instead return to danger. Its also distressing that the chances a migrant has of being allowed to stay often depend on which court hears the case. According to the TRAC data, immigration judges in Memphis, Baltimore, Harlingen, Texas, and Dallas ordered deportations during initial hearings for two out of three unrepresented mothers with children, while judges in Orlando, Fla., Newark, N.J., San Francisco, New York and Detroit ordered deportations in fewer than 15% of those cases at the initial hearing. Such a wide swing in treatment suggests fundamental problems with consistent application of the law, which the government needs to address. The best way to improve the system would be a comprehensive overhaul. And something along those lines may just happen under President Trump and a Republican Congress, although the anti-immigrant tenor of Trumps campaign and of Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), his nominee for attorney general (who would oversee immigration courts), make it hard to imagine that their overhaul would prioritize fairness. Still, we urge the new administration to recognize that an offer of sanctuary is worthless if it comes with unscaleable hurdles. The new administration should work with the attorneys who voluntarily handle immigration cases to devise a system to ensure those with legitimate reasons to seek protection actually get it. To read the article in Spanish, click here Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook Quietly, and obfuscated by the stunning stupidity of our electing Donald Trump president, the recreational use of marijuana became legal in four more states this month. Thats eight in total now, plus Washington, D.C., with another 20 states (including Arkansas and North Dakota) having taken the initial step of legalizing medical usage. So if my math serves, that makes what? 34? no, wait 28 states that have changed their laws. More than half of Americas nifty 50. It seems pretty clear were headed toward a future of legal pot smoking. I think its the beginning of the end of the war on marijuana in the United States, said California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who pushed for Proposition 64 in the Golden State. This is very good news for lots of reasons, high among them being the role marijuana arrests play in our countrys shamefully high rate of incarceration, and the proven disparity between arrest rates for black and white users. We will miss illegal pot. At least some of us will. Advertisement But with any gain comes a little loss. We will miss illegal pot. At least some of us will. I came of age under the tyranny of Nancy Reagans Just Say No campaign in the 1980s, when we had made-for-TV movies like Desperate Lives scaring us straight (Helen Hunt jumps out the window, the closed window, of a second-story high-school science lab screaming Im invincible!). Double-agent rock stars like Huey Lewis fed us propaganda like Its Hip to Be Square. My generation had to learn about the pleasant, generally harmless effects of marijuana by hook or by crook. We had to be, literally, outlaws. Which was exactly what we wanted to be as teenagers. A pretty natural desire, I think, for developmental reasons. Adolescence was all about defining ourselves through defiance of our parents, honing our independence on disobedience and insubordination. Our parents knew this, of course, even if we didnt know that they knew it. When I was 15, soon after Id started smoking pot, my father brought me into his office for a talk. He told me that he did not want me to smoke pot, but if I was thinking of trying it, I should do it at home. With him there. If youre going to experiment, he said. I want you to do it here, under my roof, so I can make sure youre being safe. He even offered to get weed for me. This blew my mind. Was this a Trojan horse? A way to get me to fess up before I even got caught? And where would my dad buy pot? I imagined him meeting Ray, the senior at my high school who sold me and my friends a bag after getting us stoned for the first time at a party. Ray wore a black leather jacket. My dad wore Rockports. I couldnt picture the two of them in the same room. (My dad had smoked pot in the 60s, of course; plenty of his friends still smoked. I had no idea.) That would be the last thing I would ever want to do in my entire life, I told him, truthfully. Just his offer to buy pot for me made my new hobby less fun. How was I supposed to feel like I was sticking it to The Man if The Man in my own house refused to act like The Man? I tried to put it out of my mind. There was an element of romance, in the old, swashbuckling sense of the word, that went with smoking pot when it was taboo. (And creative genius, too. You should have seen the smoke-exhaust system my friend James rigged up with paper-towel rolls and cotton-ball filters.) Like Judas Priest, robbing banks with their electric guitars in the Breaking the Law music video, we were getting one over on authority. Pot-smokers were a secret society, outcast rebels, thumbing our noses at polite society. We are not old men, said the Rolling Stones Keith Richards, to a courtroom full of white-wigged barristers after an infamous 1967 drug bust at his estate, Redlands. We are not worried about petty morals. If you want to be a rock star, even if youre just a stupid, pampered kid in the New Jersey suburbs posing like a rock star in front of your bathroom mirror, you need rules so that you can break them. Pot being illegal makes for perfect early practice. I worry about the kids in the future. How are they supposed to feel like rock stars? How are they going to rehearse rebellion which seems (forgive me for harshing your mellow) awfully important what with our newly elected president and all. God forbid a future where all our disaffected youth are just happily, legally stoned all the time, too sated to get up off the couch and go shout at cops in the street. God forbid pot replaces religion as the opiate of the masses, like Aldous Huxley imagined it, as soma in Brave New World. Who wouldve guessed wed end up in this situation? We fought for the right to party. And we won! And now it turns out that partying was more fun when we had to fight for it. Its a bummer, man. Dave Bry is the author of a memoir, Public Apology. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook To the editor: I am one of those 7 million unemployed men that the government does not count in unemployment statistics. (The U.S. labor forces guy problem: Lots of men dont have a job and arent looking for one, Nov. 21) The government only knows how many people are employed and how many are collecting unemployment benefits. These are the numbers used to calculate the unemployment statistics. When unemployment benefits run out (between six and nine months, depending on the state), we simply disappear from the statistics. I was laid off five years ago when the unemployment rate was greater than 10%. Since then, the rate has gone down, not only because those unemployed people found jobs, but also because their unemployment benefits ran out. As you reported, there are now more than 7 million men (and how many women?) who are still unemployed but not counted in the government statistics. Advertisement There have been many articles in The Times regarding the number of homeless people in Los Angeles County. Perhaps many of those people are also among the millions of unemployed workers who are no longer counted. This tragedy will continue until people learn to recognize the true magnitude of the unemployment problem and find a way to reverse it. John Jensen, Torrance .. To the editor: To the theories the writer offers to explain this missing men phenomenon, Id offer one more. That would be the ever-increasing need for some degree of technological aptitude for todays jobs, a problem that intensifies every year. It would be easy to see how that requirement in a list of employment demands would discourage many to whom a computer is something they dont get the hang of. Might this account for a part of that universe of able-bodied men who have felt it necessary to shrink back into the safety of their Luddite zone of comfort? Jules Brenner, Hollywood .. To the editor: Prison, painkillers are video games are suggested as causes for mass male unemployment. Id like to add pornography to that list. We can giggle about an unemployed guy viewing porn, but I would argue the stuff is addictive and fits into the exact kind of videogame lifestyle that University of Chicago economist Erik Hurst writes about. Also, I completely disagree with the Los Angeles City Council proposal to discourage employers from asking about an applicants criminal history. I am completely within my rights to look a guy who pointed a gun at someone else or attempted to kill a person and say, I dont want this guy on my team. Brendan Avenya, Los Angeles Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook 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. Advertisement 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. Yet few things on Trumps confrontational agenda put him more quickly on a collision course with the rest of the world, much of his own country and even some in his own party than his stated desire to abandon the fight against global warming. The looming assault on environmental regulation will test the resilience of Californias leadership role in the world, which is defined in large part by aggressive action on climate change that became a blueprint for the Obama administration. Donald Trump will be about the only head of state who does not believe in climate science or the responsibility of his government to act, said Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club, which signed up more members in the week after Trump won the election than during the rest of 2016 combined. This makes the Bush-Cheney administration look like it came from an environmental training camp. But Trump may be picking a tougher fight than he knows. The last time the White House made the kind of retreat Trump envisions when President Bush walked away from the Kyoto protocol in 2001 the policy landscape of climate change was drastically different. Much of the action on climate change in this country no longer plays out in federal agencies but at local commissions enforcing laws in 29 states that push public utilities to go green. Their mandates are to encourage investment in cleaner plants and technology development. Major U.S. trading partners that signed on to the nearly 200-nation accord reached in Paris last year are already signaling that they will retaliate if the United States backs out, possibly by slapping environmental trade tariffs onto some American products. Bailing on the deal could also increase the influence of China, itself once a chief climate pariah and now a green-energy powerhouse and lead instigator of international climate agreements. Trump is poised to create a leadership vacuum in the fight against climate change that would only expand Beijings reach, Chinese officials say. None of those potential consequences faze the free-market think tanks urging Trump to go rogue. Just weeks ago, these groups were on the lonely fringe, pursuing an agenda written off as wacky by the mainstream science community, but now find themselves helping drive policy at the highest levels. We disagree with President Obama that climate change is the end-all and we ought to reorient the global economy around this phenomenon, said William Yeatman, a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. One of the organizations most outspoken scholars, Myron Ebell, was tasked by Trump to oversee the transition to the new administration at the EPA. Ebell accuses the mainstream science community of unnecessarily alarming the public about global warming. Where many erstwhile allies abandoned that position in the face of mounting evidence to the contrary, Ebell doubled down. Last year, he attacked the call by Pope Francis for action on climate change as scientifically ill-informed, economically illiterate, intellectually incoherent and morally obtuse. That Ebell is now setting the direction of the EPA is horrifying to no small number of policymakers and scientists who have worked on this issue since even before the Kyoto talks. Some dont even accept it. They expect Ebell will stir so much public outrage that his influence in the new administration will quickly wane. He is a fanatical ideologue, said David Doniger, who directs the climate program at the Natural Resources Defense Council. If this were a corporation, would you turn a sales unit over to a nut like that? But Trump, who shook up his transition team after winning the election, has left Ebell in charge of the shift at the EPA and may keep him in place to run the agency. Trumps transition team did not respond to a request to interview Ebell. In California, state officials are already dusting off their playbooks from the George W. Bush years, when the state launched its ambitious climate agenda in spite of the White House. The states clean-energy start-ups and innovation labs are redrafting business plans to focus on serving customers in places likely to be more hospitable to green tech during the Trump administration. Home-grown California technologies thought to be destined for Pittsburgh or Cincinnati may now divert to Paris or Shanghai. I dont see this impacting California one bit, said Yuan-Sheng Yu, an analyst at Lux Research who wrote a report on the future of climate policy under Trump. California has made clear it is going to move forward regardless of who is president, just as it did before Obama. Trump faces an even more politically daunting barrier: many fellow Republicans. Generous federal tax credits for wind and solar production have provided an economic boost to states red and blue alike. Republican Sen. Charles E. Grassley of Iowa put Trump on notice, saying this year that only over my dead body would Congress allow a repeal of the wind tax credits Trump has proposed eliminating. Still, U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, which have been dropping for years, are projected to turn sharply upward under Trump, according to the Lux report, even as California and many other states push ahead with their climate plans. For starters, Trumps agenda would enable unfettered operation of Americas most polluting power plants. Obamas Clean Power Plan which Trump said he will immediately kill aimed to shut those down. Without those federal regulations in place, states resistant to the California-type approach are free again to go their own way. Combine that with Trumps plan to strip all subsidies for green power, and add a Trump environmental agenda that includes none of the aggressive goals Hillary Clinton set for accelerating solar installations, and the amount of carbon released into the environment surges. The public remains alarmed by climate change, and Trump will pay a heavy political price if he proceeds, environmental groups warned. But even the climate contrarians at the Competitive Enterprise Institute are skeptical about how far he will go. Yeatman pointed to a postelection report in an energy industry publication that said Trump is already putting on the back burner his plan to end the wind and solar subsidies driving so much of Americas green economy. And the energy plan the Trump campaign has now posted on its website also concerns him. Along with a massive surge in fossil fuel production, Trump promises to make full use of renewable energy sources. And on Tuesday, Trump walked back a few more steps. Asked whether he was dead set on abandoning the Paris accord, the president-elect wavered. Im looking at it very closely, he said. I have an open mind to it. ALSO How Trump could use the presidency to help his own business interests Rolling out Obamacare was chaotic, but a repeal could be much worse Hire judges, boost prosecutions and cut funds: What Jeff Sessions could do on immigration as attorney general A Christmas tree-lighting ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday in downtown Montrose. There will also be strolling carolers and an appearance by Santa Claus, and all of the Christmas lights throughout the town will be illuminated. On Saturdays and Sundays during the holiday season, there are various free activities planned including pony rides, horse-drawn trolley rides and live Christmas music. For more information, visit shopmontrose.com. Musicians from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and San Diego Symphony will perform chamber music during a free concert at 7 p.m. on Sunday at La Crescenta Presbyterian Church, 2902 Montrose Ave., La Crescenta. The program will include Serenade for Flute, Violin and Viola by Ludwig van Beethoven, Six Studies in English Folksong by Ralph Vaughan Williams and String Quartet No. 5 by Bela Bartok. A free-will offering will be taken to support missions in the Dominican Republic. For more information, call (818) 249-6137. The Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce will hold a mixer from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Boulevard 34, 3427 Ocean View Blvd. Cost is $10 for members and $13 for nonmembers. For more information, call (818) 249-7171. A Christmas tree-lighting ceremony will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 in front of the La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta. This is the first year the community has held such an event. For more information, email contact@thecvcouncil.com. A puppet show called Wacky Winter Adventure will be presented from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd. The program is appropriate for kids of all ages. For more information, call (818) 248-5313. -- Mark Kellam, mark.kellam@latimes.com Twitter: @LAMarkKellam Savor springtime in Frances rural Champagne region on a guided walking tour and barge trip offered by VBT. Highlights include exploring medieval villages, including the hometown of the monk Dom Perignon, strolling Epernays Avenue de Champagne, and sampling the areas Champagnes and brie cheeses. History buffs will have an opportunity to explore Belleau Wood, site of the historic World War I battle.Walks average 31/2 to 6 miles, or about two to four hours a day. Optional pre- and post tour extensions to Paris also available. Advertisement Dates: May 25-June 4, June 8-June 19. Price: From $4,695. Includes airfare from LAX, seven nights on the barge, one night in Paris at the start and end of the trip, six days walking, 17 meals and two bilingual trip leaders. Land-only trip from $3,395. Info: VBT, (800) 245-3868 ALSO Attend a Russian ball on New Years Eve on this tour Lucky Dragon, Las Vegas first newly built hotel in 6 years, ready to open No one vacations in Hawaii to pick fruit. A new chef-led tour changes that Cheering the inauguration? Marching the day after? Washington has hotel rooms for all Aisha Ali pressed through a tall field of maize. Her turban, bright flowing dress, soft shawl and careful makeup looked a little out of place on this farm. Her farm. In northern Nigeria, most farmers are uneducated men who plant and harvest to survive and get little respect from urban folk. Ali grew up in Kano, the countrys second-largest city, and graduated from college with a degree in microbiology. When I tell people Im farming, they say, Really? After graduating? she said. Advertisement Ali also has a part-time office job to raise extra money, but her career choice is part of an effort by a local nonprofit to create a new class of young, educated commercial farmers and in turn change the image of farming and eventually boost agricultural production in a country unable to feed itself. Nigeria, like much of Africa, imports a great deal of its food. That has made it particularly vulnerable to economic slumps, including the current recession caused by a decline in the price of oil, its main source of income. With only 40% of the countrys arable land under cultivation, the obvious solution is to grow more food. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari recently urged citizens to do just that. It is time to go back to the land. Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian president Its time to go back to the land, he said. We must face the reality that the petroleum we had depended on for so long will no longer suffice. But in Nigeria and across the continent, farming is highly inefficient. It takes place on small plots, with each family focused on trying to feed itself, planting and weeding by hand. Production suffers from a shortage of tractors and fertilizer that results in yields that lag far behind the global average. For those farms that do produce a surplus, bad roads make it difficult to transport crops to market. Better seeds and fertilizers are pointless if there is no way to sell extra food. The United Nations says that improving farming techniques and yields is the only way to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals of eradicating poverty and hunger by 2030. The good news is that there is wide room for improvement, with farm productivity in Africa at just 40% of its potential. While the U.N. has focused on improving the lot of subsistence farmers, the program that Ali joined approaches farming as a commercial venture. The nonprofit Co-Agri is training 150 college graduates who live in Kano and had little or no farming experience. Each receives 2 acres, an experienced mentor and training in selection of seeds, fertilizers, weed killers and farm machinery. Local farmers are farming for food. Theyre not commercial farmers, said the groups research director, Adam Salihu. So we are trying to commercialize farming with our graduates. We are introducing them to mechanization, unlike the local farmers. Efforts to mechanize and commercialize farming in Nigeria go back more than 40 years. Many projects have sunk. State governments cleared land and brought in seed and fertilizers after 2000, only to see people sell them, instead of farming. If the government cared, and gave us some support, maybe some of us could have been large-scale farmers by now, said Ismail Yusuf, a subsistence farmer here in Yarkawo, south of Kano, who also drives a motorcycle taxi. Civil servants, government officials and city businessmen have shown up at times to start up farms as part-time ventures. They usually fail. To some of the local managers they hired, the city investors were wawa, or fools easy prey for scams such as overcharging and stealing a share of the harvest. When the students started out, Saminu Sani, a farming mentor for the program, believed they would fail. So did some of the local farmers. Theyre fortune-seekers, Yusuf said. They think they can come here and till the land and make easy money. Naturally, I am skeptical. These guys were never raised to be farmers. They just come overnight and think they want to be farmers, in this grand way. The first time Ali showed up to help clear the land, the farmers gaped. An independent city woman who wanted to farm it made no sense in a country where women own less than 1% of the land. In this society, Nigeria and other African countries, women face limitations, said Ali, who is 25. There are a lot things that women are not allowed to do for a career. Its very common to hear criticisms of women who work when they are married. To avoid becoming the next fools, Ali and other young trainees in Yarkawo report to Sani at least three times a week. If there are pests or disease, he tells them what to do. Most of the trainees spaced their crops too far apart at first and wasted seed and fertilizer. But Sani quickly corrected them. In a short time, they began to master it, he said. The new farmers were defying expectations. As she walked through her 8-foot-high maize, Ali relished in the feeling of success. This year her farm delivered a bumper crop. She was already planning what to plant next. This story was reported with a grant from the United Nations Foundation. robyn.dixon@latimes.com Twitter: @RobynDixon_LAT ALSO This Nigerian man cannot stop giving: food, money, cars, shops, even houses Wells are about more than clean water in remote Kenyan villages. Theyre also symbols of empowerment In a Nigerian mechanics yard, life lessons and hope for a new generation Police and migrants clashed violently in Bulgarias largest refugee camp Thursday night, resulting in hundreds of arrests. In response, the countrys prime minister vowed Friday to move hundreds of refugees to closed camps and begin deporting others. Around 400 residents of the camp, most of them from Afghanistan, were arrested for clashing with riot police Thursday. About 2,000 refugees were involved in the conflict, police said. You see there is no window left unbroken, said Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov, according to Reuters. The people who committed these acts of vandalism will be brought to justice. Advertisement Based on an agreement between the European Union and Afghanistan we have asked for a plane to start extraditing people there in early December, said Borisov. As for the rest, all who have acted brutally and violated public order will be moved to closed camps. Video published on the news website Balkan Insight showed refugee youth hurling stones at the police and setting tires and wood ablaze, sending plumes of smoke skyward. Authorities used water cannons and rubber bullets to bring the riot under control. 24 police officers were injured, and some 60 soldiers were deployed to help quell the violence. Camp volunteers claim that the police used excessive force and attacked refugees who had not participated in the riot, according to Balkan Insight, citing photographs of bruised and bloodied refugees. The refugees allegedly rioted in anger at a temporary quarantine placed on the camp, which holds 3,000 people, after local media reported that contagious diseases were spreading there. The head of the state refugee agency, Petya Parvanova, said Thursday there was no medical reason to quarantine the camp, but that local authorities had sealed it off after residents protested. Residents of Harmanli have grown wary of the refugees after violent incidents in the camp notably a brawl involving 800 migrants and the stabbing of two 19-year-old refugees in August. They are scared. It is a small, cozy town, said Elena, a woman from the nearby city of Plovdiv who declined to give her last name, of her relatives in Harmanli. Lately people have been living a more closed life, because you have these refugees in big groups of 10 or 15 people walking around drinking alcohol and energy drinks and looking at the women. Anti-migrant sentiment has surged across Bulgaria over the past few years, as a vast influx of more than a million people braving deadly sea journeys and crossing thousands of miles of terrain sought refuge in Europe. Vigilante groups kitted out in bullet-proof vests and battle fatigues patrol border zones, detaining refugees attempting to enter the country. Bulgarian nationalists have demanded the closure of the countrys camps. Following a refugee deal with Turkey earlier this year, which has come under increasing strain, the flow of migrants into the EU dramatically decreased. Smuggling from Turkeys western coast was vastly curtailed and police cracked down on illegal migration in Macedonia, Bulgaria, Hungary and Serbia. Bulgarian border guards have also been forcing refugees back to Turkey, often with brutal violence. In one instance last year, two refugees froze to death after having their legs broken by border guards, prompting outrage from rights groups. The Bulgarian government should immediately put a stop to summary returns, said Human Rights Watch in a report last year, and hold those responsible to account. Refugees normally enter Bulgaria from neighboring Turkey, stealing across the border on foot despite a razor-wire fence that stretches across about half of the frontier. Around 17,000 migrants have reportedly been caught in Bulgaria this year, a significantly lower figure than last year. Tighter border policing by both Bulgaria and Turkey has somewhat reduced the refugee flow. Serbia has additionally bolstered its military presence along its eastern border with Bulgaria. Migrants, however, have sought alternative routes. In September, two Iraqis including a 6-year-old boy drowned in the Danube River while attempting to smuggle by boat from northwestern Bulgaria into Romania. Romanian police recently broke up a smuggling ring, transporting Afghans and Iranians in the countrys northeast. And this week, Croatian police caught a number of Iranian men who had illegally entered from Montenegro, in an attempt to bypass better-policed areas of the Balkans. Johnson is a special correspondent. The Associated Press contributed to this report. MORE FROM WORLD Israeli firefighters put out blaze in Haifa, but others rage elsewhere How Russias military campaign in Syria is helping Moscow market its weapons When marriage counseling fails: Mistress hunters derail affairs with Chinas cheating spouses Orgasm and sex life still exist in post-prostatectomy staffreporter@latinoshealth.com By Paul Te Nov 24, 2016 01:02 PM EST Sex life and having an orgasm after prostatectomy is the biggest concern to many men who undergone the surgery. Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the prostate and continue to multiply in an uncontrolled way and sometimes spread outside the prostate into the nearby or distant parts of the body. Majority of men with low grade prostate cancer can live through many years without any symptoms and without it spreading and becoming life-threatening. While, high grade disease spreads quickly and can be lethal. To prevent this disease from spreading and continuously damaging healthy cells, treatments including surgery, radiation therapy and chemo therapy are being done. But these treatments impose greater risk for men in terms of their sexual functions in many ways. According to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, men that have undergone the treatments suffers sexual malfunction and brings down their self confidence in terms with their sex life with partners. Common treatment option for localized prostate cancer, and some instance to men with locally advanced prostate cancer, is Radical Prostatectomy. This procedure involves the removal of the entire prostate gland where cancer is growing. Physical changes occur as a side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, change in the size of the penis and urinary incontinence, of the procedure and can be permanent. Aside from the physical side effects, the removal of the prostate gland along with the seminal vesicles can cause dry orgasm. Since seminal vesicles helps in giving additional fluids to sperms, infertility may also result if men undergone radical prostatectomy. Likewise, painful orgasms and leaking urine in the orgasm may be imminent. However, there is an article suggesting about orgasm after radical prostatectomy. Per Harvard Prostate Knowledge, Dr. Ravi Kacker, a urologist and fellow in male sexual medicine at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, said, "Sometimes orgasms are forgotten because everyone is so focused on erectile dysfunction." Orgasm is the climax of sexual excitement characterized by intensely pleasurable feelings centered in the genitals and experienced as an accompaniment to ejaculation. Dr. Kacker also explains that it is true some men, after radical prostatectomy, do not have trouble in achieving orgasm. The missing sensation of fullness and the lack of ejaculate are the only big changes. Men can still achieve orgasm on their own from manual stimulation and with a sexual partner through manual and oral stimulation without erection. Also, hormone adjustments and a cut-back or change of depressants can enhance towards experiencing orgasm. Aside from all of these, medications and implants are still important to help alleviate the side effects of the treatments. It is also good to be open to sexual partners about other ways to enjoy sex and what feels good during sex. And most especially, talk with a health professional such as psychologist or sex therapist who can give strategies and motivation in sex life. Subscribe to the latinos health newsletter! NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter found a large frozen lake, with the same volume of water as Lake Superior, on Mars. Researchers examined part of Mars Utopia Planitia region, in the mid-northern latitudes, with the help of Mars orbiter's ground-penetrating Shallow Radar (SHARAD). After analyzing the data from the Radar instrument they found a deposit more extensive in an area that the state of New Mexico. According to Space, the scans revealed that the ice deposits spread in thickness from about 260 feet (80 meters) to about 560 feet (170 meters) and is composed of about 50 to 85 percent water. The rest of the part is likely comprised of dust and rocky material. Last year, NASA made a landmark announcement after its researchers found the evidence of flowing salt water on Mars surface, though it's trapped within the ice caps at the north and south poles of the planet. The caps are an average of 2 miles thick and could cover the Martian surface with 18 feet of water if it completely melted, reported by ZME Science. "The deposit is probably more accessible than most water ice on Mars", said by Jack Holt of the University of Texas, and also pointed out," The area is relatively low latitude, a smooth area where landing of spacecraft would be easier than some of the other areas ". A recent study on Mars suggested that the planet was the homeland of a large ocean in its northern hemisphere that may have made it potentially habitable. The scientist determines the deposit was likely formed as a result of snowfall that took place during that time. At the present latitude, water is unable to exist at the surface, as it will change from a solid to gas, a process called sublimation. According to Leslie Tamppari of NASA's JPL, "We know early Mars had enough liquid water on the surface for rivers and lakes." The deposit accounts of one percent known water ice on Mars will help scientists get a better understanding of the history of the Red Planet. The indigenous people forming an uncontacted tribe discovered in an aerial photo are called the Yanomami. They are estimated to be 100 people. The village is located in Northern Brazil and is close to Venezuelan border. Tribal advocacy group, Survival International, explained the situation of Yanomami. The 'yano' is the house revealed in the photos. It is a large communal house with several families living. And each square section contains two or more families. There they hang their hammocks, maintain fires and keep food stores. Survival International further alerted the authorities in a press release that the said area is in danger of being extinguished from illegal gold miners who have brought diseases like malaria to the region. Mercury which is used for gold mining pollutes food and water sources of the tribe. It caused villagers to face serious health crisis. Fox News reported that Survival International Campaign Director Fiona Watson feared that the indigenous community would be totally wiped out. "We know that this uncontacted group is dangerously close to illegal gold miners, and that the small team dedicated to protecting the territory face stringent budget cuts. Without proper protection, exposure to violence or disease could wipe out this highly vulnerable uncontacted people." According to Over Sixty, Yanomami are known to have knowledge about botanical use. They use 500 plants for food, medicine and building houses. The source of their food comes from animals they hunt, fish, and crops such as cassava and bananas. Survival International Director Stephen Corry said in a press release that the discovery of the village is a proof that some other uncontacted tribes exist. And that living outside notions of progress and development is possible as these villagers are doing. "They're not savages but complex and contemporary societies whose rights must be respected," he added. Survival International estimated that 100 uncontacted tribes around the world still exist. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and Rodrigo Londono, the leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia , or FARC, signed a new peace agreement Thursday, despite lingering opposition in many quarters. The accord was reached on November 12 following an October referendum in which the country voted narrowly to reject a peace agreement reached in September. A group of soldiers at an exhibition about the role of women in the conflict. Mauricio Duenas Castaneda (EFE) More information Las modificaciones del nuevo acuerdo de paz en Colombia Voters opposed the original peace deal, signed after four years of talks and aimed at ending half a century of conflict, for its perceived leniency toward FARC fighters. The revised peace deal will not be put to a country-wide vote. Instead, President Santos has said it will go to Colombias Congress for ratification. The changes require the FARC to be more open about its drug trafficking and kidnappings The new accord introduces some 50 changes intended to assuage critics led by still-powerful former president, Alvaro Uribe. He has demanded it be put to another referendum. Were going to take out everything that threatens the family, that threatens the Church and we are going to look for a sentence, a word, that doesnt frighten away believers, President Santos who won the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in negotiating the initial peace deal had said of the revised agreement. His words that came in response to Colombias powerful Evangelist movement, which encouraged its 10 million members to reject the peace deal on the grounds it breached Evangelical principles such as the family when it compares the values of womanhood with those groups [a reference to the LGBTI community], in the words of Christian leader Edgar Castano. In the run-up to the October referendum, opponents to the peace accord had also said it would pave the way to Londono becoming president, despite near-universal rejection of the FARC, according to surveys. Under the new agreement, however, the FARC will retain its five seats in the Senate and an equal number in Congress, but the financing it receives as a political party will be proportionate to its support rather than the previous 10% of the amount set aside by the state for funding parties.There is widespread opposition to the idea that former guerrillas guilty of war crimes be allowed to take office. The peace agreement will no longer be enshrined in the Constitution, although there will be an amendment preventing future presidents from overturning it. The main complaint was the original plan did not include sufficient punishment for FARC fighters. The five-decade battle has left more than 220,000 Colombians dead, forced 360,000 to flee the country and displaced up to eight million Colombians from their homes. The revised peace deal will not be put to a country-wide vote Uribe has demanded that some members of the FARC serve prison sentences for their crimes. Instead, the Peace Tribunal will decide where and for how long former guerrillas will serve their terms, most likely for a transitional period on farms. The government has also agreed to forgo the participation of foreign jurists in a special tribunal, which would be the centerpiece of the transitional justice system, and have only Colombian judges hear cases. It also established that the tribunal would consider new cases during its first two years and seek to conclude its work within a decade. The new agreement would explicitly give Colombias highest court the authority to review the tribunals decisions. In an important new concession, the FARC has explicitly agreed to declare and surrender all assets, which will be used to compensate victims of the conflict. The new draft also makes clear that land reform initiatives in the original text will protect the rights of landowners, who will not face arbitrary expropriation of property. The changes require the FARC to be more open about its illicit activities such as drug trafficking and kidnappings for ransom to support its resistance. It adds that accusations of drug trafficking will be investigated on a case-by-case basis. Conduct that facilitated, supported, or financed the conflict and that did not involve personal enrichment, or that results in war crimes or genocide will be the subject of an amnesty.. English version by Nick Lyne. I begged them to stop, but it was no use. They hurt me even more. Little by little, more of them showed up, until I realized there were 10 men abusing me. They said they would kill me if I screamed, that they would throw me into the sewer. Claudia was raped by 10 minors in late October. More information Violaciones en grupo, la barbarie sexual de Brasil This account by Claudia (an assumed name), a 34-year-old sales clerk and mother of three, made headlines in a few local newspapers in Rio de Janeiro in late October. She is the latest known victim of gang rape in Brazil, a common crime, but one that few women have been prepared to report to the police. Many victims are conflicted, some feeling that they somehow deserved it; others are ashamed to tell anyone about it, while others are afraid of getting killed. Just as poor women are hostages to poverty, so middle and upper-class women are victims to morality Cristina Fernandes, psychologist When a case does make it into the media, Brazilian society expresses shock, but the subject remains taboo and is rarely discussed. Last year, there were 45,460 reports of rape in Brazil, or 125 a day, according to the Brazilian Public Safety Forum, which says that only an estimated 10% of victims file a report. As the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on Friday, the figures are a stark reminder of the titanic task up ahead in countries like Brazil. High rate of gender abuse Brazil has a specific law penalizing the murder of women, and another piece of legislation against gender abuse. Yet it also has a rate of 4.8 homicides for every 100,000 women, the fifth-highest in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Figures from 2013 (the latest available year) show that 4,762 women were assassinated, and that in a majority of cases (50.3%) the crime was commited by a relative, while in 33% of cases the killer was a current or former partner. After an ex-boyfriend shared videos of a sexual nature, Claudia became a sex toy for all the drug traffickers in her neighborhood, located in a poor area outside Rio. She would be stopped on the street and forced to perform oral sex. The last time, her harassment turned into a gang rape by 10 minors who threatened to penetrate her with branches. Her ordeal only ended when the police showed up. She was taken down to the station inside the same patrol car as two of her rapists, and her life went to pieces. She was forced to leave her home and become part of a victim protection program. I never wanted to file a complaint out of fear of what is happening to me right now: seeing my own life devastated, she says. According to a survey by the Datafolha Institute, 30% of Brazilians agree that a woman who dresses provocatively should not complain if she is raped. In Piaui, a state in northwestern Brazil, there have been three reported cases of gang rape since May of last year, evidencing a deeply entrenched rape culture. In the most egregious case, five minors and a man aped four young women, then pushed them down a 10-meter ravine. One of the victims, a 17-year-old girl, died. These crimes have taken on a new dimension ever since the rapists began filming themselves and sharing the images online. That is how the world found out that a 16-year-old girl had been raped by 30 men in a Rio shantytown. The video was shared in social media, and the victim filed a complaint. It was not the first time this had happened to her. 30% of Brazilians feel that a woman who dresses provocatively should not complain if she is raped The visibility creates some debate, but the victims find life hard afterwards. It is true that ever since that episode, a lot more women have got in touch with us and they find it easier to identify the abuse, explains Cristina Fernandes, a psychologist and leading figure in the treatment of sexual violence who personally treated the young woman. The police commissioner in charge of that case, Cristiana Bento, has already investigated three other gang rapes that never made it into the news. She says that many victims are not even aware of the abuse. There are young women who do not realize that they are victims of a barbarous crime. It is part of their lives, she says. Often, in the favelas, the drugs boss picks girls out, and families cannot do anything about it. They lay down the rules, and anybody who rebels pays with their life. It is also becoming clear that this type of violence and the fear of coming forward are not limited to the lower rungs of the economic ladder. It cannot be associated just with poverty, notes Fernandes. Any woman will have trouble seeking help. Just as poor women are hostages to poverty, to militiamen or to drug traffickers, middle and upper-class women are the victims of morality and so-called proper conduct. They are all scared of ruining their own lives, and they keep quiet. English version by Susana Urra. The Spanish Government wants answers after Israels Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel presented Russian President Dmitry Medvedev with a drone sold to Israel by its Spanish manufacturer Alpha Unmanned Systems SL. In a note to the Israeli Embassy in Madrid, the Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the breaking of Spanish laws which prohibit the re-export of sensitive technologies, especially to a country like Russia which is subject to European Union sanctions . One of the drones sold to Israel. Alpha Unmanned Systems The generosity of the Israeli agriculture minister who presented the drone which normally sells for 70,000 to Medvedev after the Russian president was impressed by the small helicopter during a visit to Israels Volcani Center research institute caused a storm of controversy in the country. But it has also created diplomatic tensions. The problem is that the Sniper drone contains sensitive technology and its exportation requires the express authorization of the Spanish Government. The drone was handed to Russia, a target of EU sanctions, making the situation even trickier The sale of two unmanned helicopter drones manufactured by Alpha Unmanned Systems was approved by the relevant Spanish authorities in 2014. In the export license, the final user is given as Agricultural Engineering The Volcani Center, a public body which is part of the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture, sources within Spains Economy Ministry said. The license was granted after the Israeli Government signed a Declaration of Final Destination, thus making a commitment not to re-export the drone, re-sell it as an export or transfer it to another country. Prior consent was not requested from the Spanish authorities for the re-exportation of the helicopters, the Economy Ministry added. In other words, neither the producer nor the Israeli Government sought permission for the transfer of this technology which means they have broken the terms of the export license. Under Spanish law, the re-export of defense equipment without prior consent is considered smuggling. The Spanish-made Sniper drones are subject to a special export license The fact that the drone in question went to the Russian Federation, the target of EU sanctions since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, makes the situation even trickier. As the helicopter has both civilian and defense applications its transferal to Russia can only take place under special circumstances. These sanctions were approved unilaterally by the EU but Israel does not apply them. Eric Freeman, CEO at Alpha Unmanned Systems has confirmed the company did not request permission for the drone to go to Russia and that his dealings with the matter ended with the sale to the Israeli Agriculture Ministry. Freeman downplayed the incident and earlier reports that it contained US technology in the form of cameras made by US firm Flir saying the firm had exported the Sniper helicopters without US-made cameras which were only later installed by his Israeli clients. It is not known whether Washington has complained about the handing over of those cameras to Russia. However, Spain has done so: not just in writing but also in person during a visit this week by the Political Director of Israels Foreign Affairs Ministry Alon Ushpiz. English version by George Mills. Two weeks after announcing he'd step down, Easton Area School Board President Frank Pintabone has had a change of heart. He said he'll figure out a way to juggle growing work responsibilities, family and his time on the school board for the remaining three years of his term. "It looks like I'm going to stay for the foreseeable future," he said Friday. He said Nov. 15 he'd need to devote more time to his job as a self-employed commercial landscaper. But he said he was deluged by emails and calls of support urging him to stick with his public service. "I was getting calls from teachers, from custodial maintenance workers, from bus drivers, from administrators, from people in the community. It was just overwhelming," he said Friday. A Facebook post announcing his decision to stay got more than 100 likes. At the school board meeting Tuesday, Nov. 22, he mentioned the support and said he was considering whether to stay or leave. But by Friday he had talked to his family and employees and had made up his mind. "You've worked very well with labor and you've worked very well with students. We do appreciate that," Helen Jones told Pintabone at the meeting Nov. 22. She represents the school bus drivers' union. Pintabone said he's fortunate to have a successful growing, business and to be a part of a forward-thinking school board. During his tenure the board has turned the district around financially to the point where major renovations and rebuilding projects can now start. The school district just announced plans to rebuild Palmer and Cheston elementary schools, to replace the roof at Easton Area High School and to put in air conditioning at Tracy and Forks elementary schools. "I'm going to hold on and try to stay the course as long as I can," Pintabone said. "We'll see what happens." Pintabone represents Region II, which covers the West Ward, South Side and Downtown neighborhoods in Easton. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. An estimated 3,000 parishioners of Holy Family Catholic Church in Nazareth soon could have more space to eat, gather and pray. The church, 23 Forest Drive, next month is kicking off a $3 million capital campaign to fund a new estimated 19,000-square-foot parish center. The campaign, titled "A New Day Begins," will be announced during Masses on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4. A leadership team instrumental in fundraising has already raised $1 million toward the project. Construction is expected to begin on the two-story building in June 2017 and be completed by the end of summer 2018. The center will be stationed next to Holy Family Catholic School and across the street from the church. The Rev. Joseph Tobias, pastor at Holy Family, said the new parish center will "truly transform" the experience at the church. "Our campaign is not only about building a center or raising money," Tobias said. "It's about our vision to be the Catholic presence in this part of the Allentown Diocese. "There are also the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta," he said, adding, " 'Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today; let us begin.' " Humble beginnings The church's roots date to 1908. Catholics began to arrive in Nazareth early in the 20th century mostly from eastern Europe in search of a better life. Men of German, Slovak, Italian, Polish and Austrian descent at the time were working in textile mills and cement plants and had planned to return home to Europe with paychecks. But when War World I began, workers were forced to stay in Nazareth and began to settle, said Dennis Sullivan, co-chairman of communications for the church's campaign. "What changed everything was 1916 and the start of the war," Sullivan said. "They had envisioned sticking around for a few years, earning an income and getting back to their family. But that never happened. And they became a unique part of the church." The church was constructed under the guidance of The Rev. Peter J. Fuengerling, who served as Holy Family's first pastor. The building later housed the Holy Family Catholic School, serving students in grades 1 to 8, on the second floor. The church had its first significant expansion in 1954, which moved the school to a new building across the street. A large gymnasium was added next to the school in 1956. In 1963, Holy Family had its next capital campaign, breaking ground on the building that would house its new 900-seat sanctuary. The new building doubled the size of the former 450-seat sanctuary in support of expected growth in the congregation. In 1971, the church bought a small building located across the street that once housed a dry cleaning business. That site, now known as the Father Wortmann Center, currently is used for small religious meetings, Sullivan said. A mausoleum was constructed on the grounds of the upper cemetery in 1982 and four new classrooms were added to the school. By 1991, the school had a second addition added to its second story to accommodate growth. In 2014, a storage building also was constructed a block up from the Holy Family Catholic School. The original 1908 church, which was used for social gatherings and storage had been in total disrepair, and was torn down this past fall. Strong leadership Holy Family also has had significant changes in leadership over the past century, with 19 pastors serving. All of the pastors have been part of The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC), a missionary congregation founded in 1854 by The Rev. Jules Chevalier at Issoudun, France, in the Diocese of Bourges. Tobias, the current pastor, was ordained in 1966. Tobias left Nazareth in 1968 to serve as chaplain for a college in California. He went on to serve as associate pastor for a Rhode Island church and spearheaded the capital campaign in 1993 for the construction of a church in Ottsville, Bucks County. Tobias saw the same vision for an expansion in Nazareth when he returned in 2005. "The plans are exciting," he said. Future gathering spot The new parish center is envisioned to become a place for parishioners of all ages to come together and unite in various ministries, groups and activities. Parishioners will be welcomed into a glass enclosed atrium lobby that accesses an elevator to the second floor. The lobby will include a coffee bar for smaller gatherings. Plans for the first floor include a large banquet hall that can be subdivided into separate smaller rooms if necessary. The space has a seating capacity for 244 people. Rounding out the first floor will be a modern full-service kitchen, a parish meeting room, coat room and restrooms. Plans for the second floor include a cafeteria equipped with a breezeway into Holy Family School. Pupils are expected to utilize the new cafeteria at lunch time. The floor also will have a warming kitchen and several meeting rooms to accommodate more than 20 parish organizations. An estimated 800 Catholic school children also have been tasked in writing down their "dream" for the new center. They plan to share those wishes during Masses Dec. 3 and Dec. 4. "We want this center to be the gathering place in Nazareth," Sullivan said. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Bernie Story Bernie Story, president and CEO of Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, speaks to local leaders at an event last week. (Courtesy photo). The leadership of a local charity group that will mark its 50 th anniversary next year considered celebrating the milestone in a number of different ways including a black-tie gala. But ultimately, the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation decided the best way to celebrate would be to keep the focus where its always been - the community. Next year, the foundation will be giving out $300,000 in grants in support of six major issues it identified as affecting the Lehigh Valley. The grant recipients have not yet been named, and the application periods for most of the grants, which will be $50,000 apiece and are to be awarded throughout 2017, remain open. The six issues are: Mental and behavioral health: The application period is closed and the grant will be awarded in February. Cultural enrichment: The application period opened Nov. 1 and the grant will be awarded in April. Food and housing access: The application period opens on Dec. 1 and the grant will be awarded in May. Environment and sustainability: The application period opens Feb. 1 and the grant will be awarded in July. Human trafficking: The application period opens April 1 and the grant will be awarded in September. Veterans affairs: The application period opens June 1 and the grant will be awarded in November. "The foundation is aware of these needs and any gaps in funding because we as a staff and board are out in the community, building knowledge of our region, as we meet with other nonprofits, community leaders, and donors," Melinda Stumpf, who will chair the foundation's discretionary grants committee, says. The foundation was created in 1967 as the Bethlehem Area Foundation to coincide with the city's 225 th anniversary. In 1992, it changed its name to the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation to reflect a growing sense of regionalism in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Over its lifetime, the foundation has awarded more than $30 million in grants. The campaign theme for the 50 th anniversary is "Be the Spark." For more information on the grants, visit the foundation's website. Nick Falsone may be reached at nfalsone@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickfalsone. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. The leadership of Laois Hospice has backed the setting up of an acute hospice unit for the midlands, but not at the expense of care of people who wish to die at home. Chairman Seamus O'Donoghue and Clinical Dircector, Peter Naughton were on the top table for the the public meeting. Mr Naughton said the hospice must look at the future. Do we need a level 1 bed unit? We have been looking for it for 20 years. We absolutely support it after we put our home care and services for the majority of people in Laois. We would fully support a dedicated unit in the midlands and we need it, he said. The retired surgeon said he had seen first hand the high quality of services delivered by hospice units in Dublin in recent times. People talk about a two tier system, when you are alive there is a two tier system, when you are dying now as well depending on where you are living, he said. Mr Naughton gave a history of the hospice since it was set up with 30,000 in 1990. During the years he said services provided have expanded substantially, but he added that Laois Hospice must look to the future. He said it was no longer sustainable for a voluntary organisation to manage an annual budget of 250,000. As he was chairing the meeting Mr O'Donoghue stayed neutral for most of the public meeting. At the end he asked for a show of hands of people who believe Laois hospice should prioritise homecare services. A majority backed this view. We will see what we can develop, and how we can increase the number of people who wish die in their own homes and will be in contact with Offaly Hospice to see what joint manner we can work together for the benefit of the people in both communities. In due course we will be meeting with the people in other counties,he said. Barcelona City Hall has fined homesharing websites Airbnb and Homeaway 600,000 each for advertising and renting out apartments to tourists without a license as part of a crackdown on unregulated tourism in the city, where home rental sites have allegedly marketed apartments without listing them on the Catalan Tourism Register. Barcelona's Mayor Ada Colau. MARTA PEREZ (EFE) Airbnb said it was saddened by the decision and would appeal. Barcelona is the only city in the world to have fined us, noted Airbnb in a statement on its website, adding: Barcelona is going in the opposite direction to the majority of cities in Europe and the world, and unlike those cities, has shown no real interest in exploring a constructive dialogue with Airbnb in recent months. Less than a month ago we met with officials and Airbnb committed to work together in the best interests of the city. Airbnb is part of the solution in Barcelona, the Catalan division of Airbnb said in the statement released on Thursday. It is not the first time the city has fined San Francisco-based Airbnb, one of the fastest-growing start-ups of the so-called sharing economy valued at around $25 billion. Barcelona City Hall reported that Airbnb and Homeaway were repeat offenders, and were both fined 30,000 in August for failing to follow regional tourism laws. Homeaway paid the fine, while Airbnb appealed against it but both continued to publicize unlicensed apartments said left-wing Mayor Ada Colau justifying her decision to impose the new 600,000 fines. Airbnb is blamed for pushing up rents and depriving locals of accommodation Colau, who took over in June 2015, has frozen the granting of new tourist licenses for homes and hotels, and this summer launched a plan to stop people from letting out their homes without a license via homesharing websites. She has blamed the sharp rise in Airbnbs popularity for tension among residents who fear an increase in binge tourism and have protested against rowdy visitors. The number of people using Airbnb in Barcelona has tripled to 900,000 in the three years prior to 2015, its own data shows. Barcelona City Hall has now created a multi-lingual website that invites residents to identify and report unlicensed tourist accommodation, along with a free telephone number allowing locals to expose neighbors that break the rules. Barcelona City Hall reported that Airbnb and Homeaway were repeat offenders Owners who wish to rent out property to tourists must apply for a license and display it on any online advertisement. A team of 20 inspectors set up by city hall is tasked with rooting out those who do not obey the new rules. It shouldnt be possible that thousands of apartments are operating without a license, illegally, without paying tax and at the peril of neighboring residents, Colau said on a local radio station on Thursday after the fine was announced by the Catalan regional government. A growing number of European cities, among them Berlin, Paris and Barcelona say home-sharing websites for tourists deprive locals of apartments for permanent rental and push up prices for homes remaining on the market. Barcelona has seen a surge in tourism and attracts around 7 million visitors a year. A report published in September by Barcelona City Hall showed found that nearly 40% of homeshare lets were unlicensed, saying that the practice was reducing the quantity of apartments on the market and driving rents up. The report also said almost 8% of the citys total rental accommodation is now made up of tourist appartments. Owners of these properties earn 2.3 times to 4 times more than they would do so through convential rental arrangments, the study added But Airbnb this week described the situation in Barcelona as contradictory. It favors commercial operators and apartments used only for tourism in tourist areas to the detriment of people who want to share their home, said the firm, noting that many families housed tourists to supplement their income. English version by Nick Lyne. More than 1,000 young people in Laois who have turned 18 since last year have just one day to make sure they have the right to vote. The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) is encouraging young people in Laois to make sure they are registered to vote before the deadline for inclusion on the electoral register on November 25th. James Doorley, NYCI deputy director explained: We are especially anxious to ensure that the 1,141 young people (in Laois) who have turned 18 in the last 12 months are included in the electoral register and will be in a position to exercise their democratic right to vote should any elections or referendums take place in the coming year. Any young person who is 18 years of age on or before February 15th 2017 next is eligible for inclusion in this updated voters list. The draft voters list was published on November 1st last and is available at local council offices, post offices, Garda stations and is available online at checktheregister.ie. The Youth Council says the reality is that the vast majority of young people who turned 18 in the 9 months since the General Election in February 2016 will not be registered to vote. "If you are not currently registered, you must fill in a RFA1 form and send it to your relevant local authority by November 25th next to be added to the register. This form is available from local county and city councils and available to download at checktheregister.ie, added Mr Doorley. Is it also possible for people already registered who have recently moved address or constituency to change their details and this can be done on the RFA1 form which must also be completed and returned by November 25th next. A former London gangster is coming to Laois to tell his life story. John Pridmore, the former London gangster will be sharing his amazing story in St. Fintan's Church, Raheen, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois on Monday the 28th of November at 7.30pm as part of the Raheen & Shanahoe Parish Mission. Mr Pridmore, aged 52, served two prison sentences in his teens and went on to become a feared enforcer in the London underworld. The money he made from his life of crime bought him the classic gangster lifestyle of fast cars, designer suits and a string of beautiful women. He underwent a dramatic life-changing experience after nearly killing a man outside a central London nightclub. Since he has travelled internationally personally speaking to over 2.5 million people warning kids about the dangers of the gun and drug culture. At six foot five with a shaved head Pridmore looks more the hard man than motivational speaker but he leaves a deep impact on the young people he meets. On the back of his bestselling biography From Gangland to Promised Land, John Pridmore has released his latest book entitled Journey to Freedom. In it, he delves into the theme of inner awareness and healing and speaks of his work with young teenagers and ex gang members into becoming important members of society. The Raheen mission runs from Monday the 28th of November - Friday the 2nd of December at 7.30pm each evening. Everyone Welcome. Full Mission details: Monday 28 November Friday 2 December 2016 in St. Fintans Church, Raheen. Masses Monday Thursday 9.30 am. Mission Evenings Monday Friday 7.30 pm. Night 1: Gods Love the amazing story of John Pridmore Author of From Gangland to Promised Land. Night 2: Gods Mercy A chance to meet Jesus personally. Night 3: Gods Healing - Healing service. Night 4: Gods gift of Mary The love of Mary for us. Night 5: Mass of the Holy Spirit The most powerful prayer of the Catholic Church. There will be talks and music at each of the morning Masses. A local fundraising campaign for young mum and widow Michelle Doyle and her seven small children from Portlaoise has come to fruition. An overwhelmed Michelle thanked the committee, local businesses and the public for their help on Friday November 25, when the family collected their brand new Ford Transit custom 9-seater from Downey's garage. "It was so touching, the way they all pulled together to do this, I never expected this, they were just not going to stop until they got it for us," she said. Her old car was too small, so up to now she has been relying on her kind neighbours to drive the children to school. The campaign was begun by local parents, led by Bernie Tynan who runs the preschool attended by twins Ollie and Olivia aged 4. The community rallied around and launched the fundraising drive for the car in the wake of the sudden death of her late husband Christopher Doyle, who died at the aged of just 37 earlier this year. "The outpouring of support was phenomenal. Immediately afterward neighbours appeared with casserole dishes, kind words and offers of support. These same neighbours, upon hearing of our fundraising efforts went on to buy tickets, sell tickets, donate to the bank account and GoFundMe page, this was mirrored right across the town and county," said Bernie. They raised an astounding 37,088, enough to buy the 9-seater with a discount from Downey's, adapt it for Adam's special needs, and pay car insurance and maintenance for the next six years. The children patiently posed for photos before excitedly climbing into their new carseats, for their first trip together, up to Dublin to surprise their grandparents, Christopher's parents John and Mary. "I just love it," said Olivia. See more in Tuesday's Leinster Express. A new council owned carpark to solve years of insufficient carparking space at Portlaoise train station is planned by county hall. Laois County Council has budgeted half a million euros to build Portlaoise train station carpark, and is in negotiations with the owners of the adjacent former CBS school to build it on their playing pitches. County hall expects that parking charges expected to cover the half million euro cost over time. It plans to build the carpark by 2019, which would be over a decade since the problem was first identified. The busy train station has hundreds of commuters using it daily to get to Dublin, with daily complaints to staff about the lack of parking. Council CEO John Mulholland explained the plan at the annual budget meeting last Monday November 14 We would see it as self income generating. It would pay for itself over a 7 to 10 year payback, Mr Mulholland said. No one other than Laois County Council would run it. We are trying to make progress for a number of months, he told councillors. The carpark is one of many schemes on a three year wishlist where funding is not yet identified. Cllr Brendan Phelan suggested a Public Private Partnership, also questioning if the council has asked Irish Rail to stump up for the cost. Cllr Willie Aird had sympathy for commuters getting clamped for illegal parking. Its bad enough they have to commute at 6.35, leaving their kids to a creche. At least they should be guaranteed parking. We are trying to enter negotiations with the CBS to acquire land. I congratulate the local authority on being the lead in this, we have spoken to CIE for nearly ten years and got nowhere, he said. A planning application was lodged eight years ago by Irish Rail to extend their carpark on the Mountmellick road, but it was later withdrawn. In 2012 Irish Rail stated they had no money to buy additional land, but would revisit it when funding became available. It is correct that car parking facilities at Portlaoise do not always meet demand. We have looked at alternative parking locations in the vicinity but for various reasons providing additional car parking has not been successful, a spokesperson said, directing commuters to Port's station ten miles away. There is a large car park at Portarlington that has ample capacity, they said. Renowned Dance teacher Gerard Butler is bring his jiving workshop to St Bernadettes Hall. Gerard has travelled all over the world passing on his dance talents and now he is coming to south Laois. Gerard holds nine All Ireland titles for different styles of dance. All are welcome to this workshop and you dont need a partner, we will sort you out!. At a young age his father taught him Ceili and Set dancing while his mother taught him social dancing. He then started teaching dancing at the age of 17 and is now a professional dance teacher. As well as teaching dance Gerard is involved with arranging dance weekends in different parts of Ireland and along with the Butler family does a lot of work for The Hospice Charity. Gerard also writes in the Country Living Magazine every month giving news and reviews on dance events round the country Admission to the workshop will be 5. Please follow up on Facebook at St Berndettes Hall for more information. Fine Gael Sligo - Leitrim TD, Tony McLoughlin has discussed the matter of the Sligo - Dublin rail service with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, in light of new scaremongering reports emerging about the Sligo - Dublin service this week. We must put an end to the scaremongering in relation to rail closures. Recent reports about the Sligo - Dublin railway closing are simply not accurate and do not reflect the Government's position in relation to rail travel in this country. Upon learning about these false and misleading rumours about the Sligo service, I immediately discussed the matter with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross and he gave me a strong assurance that there is no threat to the Sligo service what-so-ever. This fact needs to be explained to the people who use this rail service and who are now fearful of its future. It is not fair for people to be placed in fear over a particular service when there is no threat to that service. We have seen this type of scaremongering in the past when sensationalist headlines with regard to the future of 'Sligo University Hospital Emergency Services' were published in February, which were since found to be entirely untrue. Like many local people, I was concerned to read of a leaked review, which was compiled by civil servants in the National Transport Authority and Iarnrod Eireann. The review reportedly painted a very bleak picture of finances at Iarnrod Eireann, where passenger services are running at a loss and the rail network is in need of substantial capital investment. The report suggested that without additional funding, large chunks of the rail network will have to close, which would see no train service into the West except for the train to Limerick. "I must put this issue to bed once and for all, and I plan to follow up on my discussion with Minister Ross, by tabling a debate on the matter in the Dail as soon as possible. I want the security of the future of the Sligo - Dublin rail service put on the Dail record and I want the people in the North West region to know that there is no political appetite from any politician or party in Dail Eireann to close this service to the people of the North West. This Fine Gael led Government has strong ambitions in relation to rural development and investment. Employment figures show that jobs are increasing across all regions and in order to continue this positive trend, we must maintain and improve our public transport services to the regions. The episode where president-elect Donald Trump twittered that hed like to get his goodpal Nigel Farage as British ambassador to the US, was a stern lesson to the pro-Brexit-camp in British politics be careful what you wish for; if you get it, it may turn out to be a nightmare. The following summary of this episode and the start of Trumps Transition is mainly based on Dutch newspaper articles: Telegraaf, Financieel Dagblad, Volkskrant, of the past two weeks. It all started with Mr Farage, being the undisputed first foreign politician to be invited to Trumps Transition HQ. Shortly afterwards, in a talkshow on Londons LBC Radio, Mr. Farage said that what president Trump needed was a good eurosceptic ambassador in Brussels for the EU and European NATO partners, and he would like to get that job. Another guest on the show, Labour MP Chuka Ummuna, expressed his horror at that idea, to which Farage replied anything that will diminish or destroy the EU; I dont care how we do it. Meanwhile it appears that Mr.Farage is resisting calls to return to active British politics; he says he prefers to be a roving European ambassador of Brexit populism, preaching to- and encouraging the converted: Front National in France; AfD in Germany, Jobbik in Hungary, 5 Star Movement and Lega Nord in the Italian referendum campaign. It seems he is abandoning his collapsing UKIP home base in favour of international engagements. Then came the bombshell: the tweet from Trump suggesting Farage as British ambassador in Washington. Boris Johnson responded through gritted teeth that there was no such vacancy. It came after Bagehot pointed out that the personality, style and working habits of Trump fly in the face of at least two of the three substantial pillars supporting the Special Relationship London politicians love to swoon about. The supposedly shared history and values form the first pillar. The historical links between US an UK are undeniable, but Trump and the Tories dont share many values. Theresa May could never suggest banning Commonwealth Muslims from her shore, as Trump has suggested for the US; and their respect for history, tradition and the value of precedents is another firm contrast. The love of an institutions-based version of international politics is very British (and: European), but Trump will dump that style if it doesnt fulfill his wishes instantly. See his questioning of Article 5, the very basis of the NATO alliance. The Tories abhorred the American Revolution and bemoaned the Glorious Revolution (both important parts of history and citizenship teaching in American schools); and the personal background of Mrs. May with her reverend father, and Mr Trump with his New York machine politics-playing entrepreneur father could not be further apart. So the national and family values in which they grew up differ sharply, which is the exact opposite of this pillar. And it also flies in the face of any personal chemistry between the two ruling elites, which is the second pillar. The Trump-Farage episode also disabused the unfounded optimism about Trumps election which, according to Bagehot, characterized the reaction of many in the British media; they exuded a British exceptionalism which would motivate Trump deviating from his general principles: supporting Britain in Brexit- and trade negotiations with the EU (deviating from his avowed America First-line); preferring a bilateral trade deal with the UK to continuing trading with the EU common market (think: TTIP with its closed ISDS corporate arbitration mechanism, avoiding international, open courts; Would Trump be prepared to rein in his protectionism to facilitate such a bilateral US-UK trade deal ? Would Mrs.May be able to rein in the Trump love affair with Putin? The answer to all these questions and dreams/wishes is clearly no. The first foreign government leader Trump received was Japanese prime minister Abe; but that did not stop Trump from announcing the cancellation of the multilateral TPP American-Pacific trade deal which was very important to Tokyo. And Mrs May came only 9th in that line, on the phone With the Trump/Farage episode, the Brexiteers, who used a populist stance to win their campaign (350 million a week for the NHS), ran straight into the stormy paradox of helping create a Hobbesian world of populist, protectionist and jingoist states: the populist governments will sooner fight or exclude each other than co-operate to support each others national goals. And Farage as roving Brexit ambassador will have to pacify his old animosity with Marine le Pen (whose racism he abhors; we didnt hear him about Trump and Latinos) and Geert Wilders anti-Muslim crusade; he cannot do so without losing the support of some of his UKIP electorate at home. * Dr. Bernard Aris is a historian, a D66 parliamentary researcher and a LibDem supporting member. Yes, this week saw the last meeting of the International Relations Committee in its current form, as the Governance Review has renamed it the Federal International Relations Committee and given it a perhaps sharper focus than hitherto. And, whilst the agenda wasnt exactly a full one, there were matters of import to discuss. International Office have been, as usual, busy, with work being done in Kenya, Georgia, Morocco and South Africa. Our International officer, Harriet Shone, has been busy, focussing particularly on improving campaigning techniques, engaging under-represented groups and more effective voter outreach. Merlene Emerson, one of the directly elected members, attended a conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, intended to encourage and support female Parliamentarians and political activists. Liberal International is working on the drafting of a new Liberal Manifesto, intended to update the original 1947 Oxford Manifesto which was the founding document of the organisation. Work has started to liaise with core Party stakeholders to ensure that the document is user-friendly and capable of achieving buy-in from liberal leaders around the globe. Current focus is on next weeks ALDE Party Congress, which takes place in Warsaw (a preview will follow). Lobbying from candidates for the Bureau has already started, but the delegation will concentrate on those resolutions submitted by the Liberal Democrats and on the composite motion on Brexit. The impact of the Governance Review was considered, including the importance of establishing the framework for the Committees efforts over the next three years. Even such seemingly simple questions as how the new Chair will be decided upon need to be confirmed, and the building of a strong relationship with the Federal Policy Committee will be a key task. Finally, the Committee recognised the astonishing hard work and effectiveness of the current International Office team, led by Harriet Shone. * Mark Valladares is the Secretary of the International Relations Committee, and covers ALDE Party events for Liberal Democrat Voice. A few noisy, boorish right wingers could not mask the audience appreciation for Tim Farrons reasonable, moderate and generous-spirited message on Question Time last night. As has unfortunately become the norm, some over exuberant brexiteers booed everything he said. They showed themselves up. Tim was cheered for saying that we need a referendum on the deal. You cant start a process with democracy and end it with a stitch-up, he said. But it was when he spoke out against Nigel Farage, that the audience really rallied to him. Tim Farron said that Nigel Farage does not speak for British values #bbcqt https://t.co/l5ZyF0ZG3G BBC Question Time (@bbcquestiontime) November 24, 2016 He said, as reported by the Huffington Post: However you voted on 23 June, Nigel Farage does not speak for that kind of Britain, he doesnt speak for the Britain I know. Highlighting his working class background Farron said: I know lots of people who voted to leave the European Union and they are almost all of them outward looking decent, tolerant people who just happened to disagree with me on the 23rd of June. Nigel Farage, the man who stoked racism and division in our country, does not speak for those people. Over jeers from some members of the audience, Farron added: He might speak for you, but he does not speak for the overwhelming majority of the British people whether they voted leave or remain. I was particularly pleased to see him come out so strongly against the ridiculous Tory plan to make NHS hospitals carry out passport checks. Tim showed how this was part of the dog whistle narrative coming from the Tories: Farron: Tories being taken over by right wing English nationalists the same way Labour taken over by Momentum. #bbcqt Caron Lindsay (@caronmlindsay) November 24, 2016 He said that doctors should make people better not have to act as border security officials. He also flagged up the idea that if we want an NHS that meets our needs, we may have to pay more tax for it. On a question about Tony Blair coming back into politics, Tim said that though Blair had done some terrible things, he had at least built a coalition pre 1997 that beat the Tories and slammed the current Labour Party for making themselves the most unelectable opposition in British history. There was some good commentary on Twitter, too. Impressed by @timfarron and not a default supporter. There's an opportunity for Libdems here in the useless Labour Party vacuum https://t.co/fWRwRTqYxC peter walters (@peterwalt7) November 24, 2016 And this from someone who describes himself as a red-green member of the Green Party. But seriously @timfarron has done incredibly well tonight! I don't know where his reputation of being awful comes from! Big fan! #bbcqt Nathaniel Higgins (@politicallynate) November 25, 2016 You can watch the whole thing here.. * Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings THE ELECTION of Donald Trump as the next president of the United States has plunged New York in a mood similar to that post 9/11 or the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, author Malachy McCourt has said. Speaking to the Limerick Leader, the 85-year-old actor and writer, and only surviving brother of the Angela's Ashes author Frank McCourt, said he also finds it shocking that so many Irish Americans voted for this strange, bald movement. The Catholic Irish contingent voted very much in his favour - that's the general consensus. It's very strange that any body Irish could be so conservative [in voting for Trump] - it's an anomaly. I was convinced that Hillary was going to be the next President of the US. I thought were was no chance that the American people were stupid enough to vote for Trump. But statistically half of the American people are below average intelligence. Obama will be a loss; he was essentially a good man. With half of the 220m electorate failing to vote, he also believes that there should be some fine or punishment for those who fail to exercise their democratic right, which he added many died for. McCourt, who unsuccessfully ran as the 2006 Green Party candidate for governor in New York State, said he believes Trump has all the cunning of a rat, but is not that bright. When he was elected there was this feeling that it was an enormous tragedy, much the same as when Kennedy was assassinated, or when 9/11 occurred. The mood has been shockingly dark and gloomy, with people speaking in hushed tones, he told the Leader, from his home in New York. In relation to his main opponent, the Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton, he said: I liked her better. I do like her, but she ran a deadly humourless campaign, and should have been more light-hearted. A lot of people in voting for Trump voted against their best interests. He does not have a mandate - he was selected, rather than elected, he said, referring to the popular vote - which was claimed by Clinton, while Trump claimed the electoral college vote. The talk of building a wall [in Mexico] is a lot of old rubbish. He has fooled a lot of people with that sort of talk. What he has told people he is going to do, cannot be done, such as reviving the steel industry or the automobile industry in middle America. He said Trump's vote was much larger than anticipated because people under-estimated that the religion of America is capitalism. The irony, he said, is that guy has never built one single habitation for a poor person. It's disgraceful, and he has fooled 60m people. Hell hath no fury like a worker scorned - when they realise that they have fooled by him. He played on the fears of people who are afraid and fearful. He acted like the messiah. I think he will serve the four years in office, but it will be a very rough time for America, because there will be such anger and discontent. In my 64 years here, America is oddly fair. Underneath all the difference, what all people want is relatively simple - a reasonable job, with a reasonable wage. While Michelle Obama is already being mooted as a potential Presidential candidate in 2020, he said: Michelles time will come, but my preference would be for Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders, as vice president that would be terrific. ANOTHER housing and homeless charity has said that its plans to roll out housing services in Limerick are now at an advantaged stage, such is the crisis of homelessness in the city. The Peter McVerry Trust, originally set up to support young homeless people in Dublin, has become a significant provider of social housing in recent years. It is due to officially unveil its plans for Limerick in mid-December. For the past year Peter McVerry Trust has been working closely with the local authority to move ahead with plans to deliver housing services in the region, said Pat Doyle, chief executive of the charity. Given the profile and needs of people experiencing homelessness in Limerick we believe Peter McVerry Trusts expertise will help create positive outcomes for those in homelessness at the moment, said Mr Doyle. He said that they have used both State funding and funding from private donors to acquire properties in Limerick over the past year. Now, we are in a position where we hope that our housing services will be operational before Christmas and we can help people leave homelessness for good. Mr Doyle continued by saying that the new service will build on the charitys housing work to date in other counties. The new units will be operated by our Housing with Supports Service who have a wealth of experience in providing housing and wrap around supports in Dublin, Kildare and Laois. Our goal is to ensure that the people who move into the new units can sustain their tenancies and begin a journey to reintegrate into society and their communities. Mr Doyle concluded by making an appeal to individuals and businesses in Limerick to support the charitys annual Christmas fundraising appeal. At this time of year there is an even greater need for homeless services. The donations we receive from businesses and individuals are the difference between being able to respond or not to the needs of people in homelessness. This year Peter McVerry Trust needs to raise more fundraising income than ever before in order to ensure we meet the need that exists. Donations can be made online or by calling 01 823 0776. LIMERICK should be linked by rail to Dublin in under an hour, former Finance Department chief John Moran has said. At present, travelling to the capital city by rail takes over two hours, often with the need to change trains at Limerick Junction. But speaking at the Limerick Leader-backed Chamber Business Awards, Mr Moran believes this can be cut to under 60 minutes with the construction a high-speed rail link speeding along at 300 kilometres per hour. And he added a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) a body on which he sits could be used to achieve the ambitious project, which he believes would cost 2bn. Mr Morans suggestion is significant, given he sits on the EIB board, which gives at loans at much lower rates than the commercial market. This body is expected to provide some funding to the Limerick 2030 project, which is expected to transform huge parts of the city. The European Investment Bank starts with the principle that 25% of our loans have to be for climate-friendly lending. By definition, getting people out of cars, and getting people on trains would be climate friendly, and would qualify for financing, he told the Limerick Leader. He said there is a need not to look at rail travel as a means to make profit. I think we should divert out resources into having a public transport system which works efficiently. No matter how wide the motorway is from Dublin to Limerick, we still cannot allow cars to travel at more than 120 kilometres per hour. Trains on the other hand can safely travel at 300 kilometres per hour. So if you want to make this country much smaller and you dont want people driving backwards and forwards, the answer has to be trains, Mr Moran a former secretary general at the Department of Finance said. In his public speech to laughter and applause, the economist added: Speed up that train stop at Limerick Junction and allow the Cork people to jump off for a change! He also suggested a road link between Limerick and Cahir to allow for a full southern connection, once the M20 is completed. The Mungret man repeated his assertion that Limerick can grow to become Irelands second city ahead of Cork. But he warned that the community aspect in evidence in the city cannot be diluted as a result of its growth. We may not have won Limerick 2030, but if you walked around the city centre on the day the judges were here, you sensed the transformation that is going on in this city. Culture and creativity can be such a strong part of that, he told the audience at the Chamber awards. Mr Moran was addressing the awards after he won the Limerick Chamber Presidents Award for his services to the citys economy. Also in the winners enclosure was Dell EMC, which won the title of Limericks Business of the Year. Dave Griffin, business development director with the Raheen-based firm, said while they continue to hire graduates, he admitted it is unlikely the firm will be adding massive numbers to its headcount of 900 in the near future. But, he said Dell always has job openings. We are always in contact with the University of Limerick and LIT, he explained. The nature of the work is such that it is highly skilled. It depends on us being able to get our hands on the type of talent and qualified technical skills, but also skills across the range of finance to services to HR to operations management. It is really about growing clusters of excellence, growing little pieces of the business in different places, so we become known as the place to get things done, he said. Mr Griffin whose firm also won the large business award said the proposed Limerick-Cork motorway is critical given Dells merger with EMC, whose main operation was in the Rebel City. POTENTIAL jurors are being summoned to attend court from beyond the grave, according to figures released by the Courts Service of Ireland. The figures, obtained by this newspaper, show more than a dozen people who received jury summonses to attend trials listed before Limerick Circuit Court over a two-week period earlier this year were deceased at the time. Jury summonses are sent to a random selection from the local electoral register a number of weeks before the beginning of each criminal session. While certain categories of people are exempt or disqualified from jury service, every Irish citizen who is on the electoral register is eligible to serve on a jury and must do so if selected. It is a criminal offence not to attend court without a reasonable excuse unless excused by the trial judge or the County Registrar in advance of the court date. According to figures supplied to the Limerick Leader, more than 400 potential jurors were excused from attending sittings of Limerick Circuit Court on dates in September and October after they made contact with the Courts Service in advance of the court date. The most common reasons for non-attendance related to age and medical concerns. In addition, a significant number of people were excused for employment reasons. According to the figures, several people indicated they had been requested not to attend (for jury service) by their employer. It is not known it any proof of such requests was provided. Those who were excused for employment reasons included teachers, nurses, vets, a pharmacist as well as several serving and former gardai. Other reasons which were recorded by the Courts Service included potential jurors stating they would be on holidays around the time of the trial. Excuses such as young children, gone away and reading and writing not good were also accepted. One individual was excused after they indicated they were a witness in a high-profile murder case while another said they cannot afford to travel. Despite the large number of people whose attendance was excused, more than 100 people were present in court on the each of the trial dates. Of those who did attend several were excused by the trial judge during the process of selecting a jury. Others were challenged by lawyers involved in the trial - as is allowed in law. A JURY has been told a taxi driver threatened to put a bullet in the head of an inspector who informed him his car had failed a routine meter test. Christopher Carroll, aged 58, of The Crescent, Kilteragh, Dooradoyle denies threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Patrick Doyle during an incident at a test centre at Eastlink Business Park, Ballysimon on April 8, 2013. A jury at Limerick Circuit Court has been told the threats were allegedly made at a premises operated by SGS Ireland Limited, which was contracted by the National Transport Authority (NTA). Mr Doyle told the jury Mr Carroll had booked a meter test and that when he carried out a visual examination of his wine Toyota Avensis, he observed the front wheels were not the same size. While he was aware this would result in a fail, he said he completed the remainder of the test in accordance with protocol. The witness told John OSullivan BL, prosecuting, that when he informed the defendant that his car had failed, he got fairly agitated and started making threats. He said Mr Carroll got in his face and threatened to bite his nose off before adding that he would return wearing a balaclava and would shoot my f****** head off. When asked to outline exactly what the defendant had said, Mr Carroll replied: He said he would put a bullet in my f****** head. The jury has heard that Mr Doyle informed his supervisor about the incident on the day but did not report the matter to gardai until the following day. Being cross-examined by Brian McInerney BL, he agreed that CCTV footage of the incident showed that both he and Mr Carroll were animated during the exchange. Mr McInerney put it to the witness that he had a row with his client and just got thick and that the actions of Mr Carroll did not amount to a crime. He behaved in a way he shouldnt have but he did not commit a crime, he said accusing Mr Doyle of egging the pudding and hamming it up. Addressing the jury last evening, Mr McInerney told the jurors they were the gatekeepers between Official Ireland and we, the people. He said Official Ireland has percolated everywhere and that a snowflake generation has been created in which you cant say boo to anyone. Urging the jurors to acquit his client he added: There is a difference between a criminal act and a stupid silly remark made in the heat of the moment. The jury of seven men and five women will begin its deliberations later this morning. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. 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 Google Ad 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 Google Ad 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 Literary critic: Let our officials learn Russian and not sit at high-level meetings with their mouths shut (video) Literary critic Davit Gasparyan advises Armenians not to take seriously the latest statement of Permanent Delegate of the Russian Federation to UNESCO, Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova, who said that the Russian language must be given special legal status in post-Soviet states. Taking such a thing seriously will mean we are not serious, Davit Gasparyan said to reporters in Yerevan on Friday. He says there is not a high demand for the Russian language in Armenia. Besides, national minorities living in Armenia know the Armenian language quite well to be able to communicate effectively in the language. These kinds of concerns must be suffocated and killed like a snake in its nest, the literary critic stressed. At the same time, Mr. Gasparyan adds that Russian and English must be taught in our schools at the best possible level so that our high-ranking officials will not go and sit at high-level meetings with their mouths shut like an animal. Ruben Babayan, Art Director of Yerevan State Puppet Theatre, added that culture can never be aggressive, especially the powerful Russian culture, because Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Chekhov and Pushkin were not aggressive. This is not a matter of language; this is a matter of expansion when a county is perceived as an area and its population as service staff. We know what we are serving a military base, communications. Today we carry out a policy which serves the interests of other country, Mr. Babayan added. Azerbaijan's Flawed Healthcare System Despite significant improvements, many people feel they are not getting the best treatment. By Gulnur Kazimova A spate of high-profile allegations of medical malpractice, which has led to several fatalities, has served to increase many Azerbaijanis already jaundiced view of their countrys public health system. Most citizens have little faith in Azerbaijans healthcare, even though life expectancy has markedly improved over the past quarter of a century. The average lifespan rose from 60 years for men and 66 years for women in 1990 to 69 years for men and 76 years for women in 2015, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Maternal mortality dropped from 64 to 25 per 100,000 live births over the same period, while the mortality rate of children under five fell from 20 per 1,000 children to seven. Yet in spite of these positive developments, the perception is quite different. Many ordinary people distrust doctors and medical institutions, reporting experiences of corruption and malpractice in the medical sector. Media reports of recent incidents have spurred public debate over substandard care. In June alone, seven deaths in hospitals across the country were widely presumed to be the result of medical negligence, although a subsequent official enquiry found evidence of misconduct in only two cases. On June 21, two babies of a set of triplets born prematurely in the Salyan district in the southeast died. A week later, the third baby died as well. The relatives say the babies died because they were not put into an incubator for preterm children in a timely manner. The incubator did not work because there was no electricity in the hospital. What century do we live in? Why does the hospital not have a generator in case of a power outage, the grandmother said. On June 25, six-month old Salim Lachinov, who was suffering from an intestinal obstruction, died after surgery at the Central Hospital in Zagatala. His parents said their baby was a victim of negligence, although the hospital said the child had been gravely ill and they had done all they could to save him. That same day, 82-year-old Tarlan Aliyeva, a diabetic, was to have her gangrenous left leg amputated at the Angiology and Microsurgical Centre in Baku. Instead, her right, healthy leg was amputated by mistake. The left leg was amputated a few days later. A month later, she died. On June 26, 35-year-old Lumu Veyisova underwent a gallbladder operation in an emergency hospital in Sumgayit and died on the operating table. The 81-year-old surgeon, Jafar Guliyev, whose hand was seen to be shaking during the operation, nicked an artery causing her to bleed to death. Then on June 30, three-year-old Arzu Gurbanli died in a private clinic in the city of Sumgayit after an adenoma operation. In response to this series of deaths, the ministry of health created a special commission. Guliyev was dismissed and the chief doctor of the hospital where he had been working was reprimanded, a ministerial spokesperson told the Azerbaijan Press Agency (APA). The ministrys press secretary, Liya Bayramova, defended the fact that Guliyev was still operating at his advanced age. The doctors have to go through certification every five years, and during this time their level of performance is established. If a doctor has a scientific degree, a name held in high regard and ability to work, then the contract with him can continue regardless of age. Jafar Guliyev, despite his advanced age, was certified. How this came about should be for the commission to find out, Bayramova told IWPR. A criminal case was also opened against the surgeon who amputated Aliyevas leg on charges of causing grievous bodily harm through negligence. He faces a fine of 500 manats (300 dollars) or six months in jail. In the other cases, the commission concluded that no negligence was involved. WIDESPREAD MISTRUST Khadija Hajili, a doctor and a member of the opposition Republican Alternative movement (ReAl), said that medical staff were often able to act with impunity. Doctors negligence often goes unpunished, she said. The second reason is the lack of independent experts and mandatory health insurance. Citizens faced with doctors negligence simply cannot prove it. On the other hand, the ostensibly free medical services make patients dependent on public hospitals. In private clinics, the service is expensive. In the state [clinics], one has to [bribe] doctors informally but less than private ones [cost]. And if people had insurance, they would have the opportunity to be treated where they want, Hajili continued. The main reason for the sorry state of public health in Azerbaijan was endemic corruption, she concluded. At [Azerbaijans] Medical University, as in all other state universities, students pay bribes for good grades. At health facilities, [medical] personnel pay bribes to get a job, and then they take bribes from the patients to again pay a bribe to stay in this job. All this causes mistrust in the healthcare system of the country, Hajili said. However Galib Aliyev, chairman of the Association of Physicians of Azerbaijan, argued that the central problem was a lack of effective management within the Azerbaijani health system. He said that 70 per cent of the budget was spent on equipment, clinics and the construction of new hospitals, while only per cent went towards paying the salaries of medical personnel. Doctors salaries in Azerbaijan are three times less than unemployment benefits in Europe, he said. The average salary of a public hospital doctor ranges between 130 - 450 manats (80 to 277 US dollars), depending on qualifications. Aliyev said that low salaries were the main reason why doctors and nurses often violated medical ethics. As a result, people lose confidence in the whole system. Clear legislation is needed, according to which the work of doctors will be closely evaluated, and they will carry responsibility for their negligence. In 2008, our organisation developed a draft law entitled doctors code and proposed it to parliament. But parliament has still not considered it, he told IWPR. In 2012 the only year for which figures are available - the ministry of health recorded 235 cases where people were prosecuted for public health violations. Of these criminal cases, 52 were connected to maternity hospitals and pre-natal clinics. Meanwhile, the government is planning to introduce compulsory health insurance in two districts of the country next year as a pilot project. The aim is for citizens to receive high-quality medical care while creating a competitive environment among public hospitals and eliminating unofficial payments. We are going to implement this process in stages, Zaur Aliyev, director of Azerbaijans state agency for compulsory medical insurance under the cabinet of ministers, told the Azerbaijan Press Agency (APA). This process will cover all the country after the hospitals in Mingachevir and Yevlakh districts make use of compulsory health insurance. It will be introduced in most parts of the country in 2018. However, there are some doubts whether the governments efforts will go very far. Since the late 1990s, this question has been discussed. But its introduction has been dragging on, said Azer Ismayil, an advisor to the chairman of the opposition Musavat party. I think during the time of the oil boom the resolution of this problem should have been a priority for the government. How far it will be possible to implement mandatory health insurance now, when the country is going through an economic crisis, I do not even know, he said. Gulnur Kazimova is an Azerbaijani journalist who lives abroad. This article was originally published by the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (iwpr.net) 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 Google Ad 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 Ryanair CEO Michael OLeary this morning told a gathering of 600 business leaders that lowering the cost of access to Ireland is crucial to the success of our business and tourist sectors in the post-Brexit era. Mr OLeary was addressing a special Business in the Midlands briefing in Mullingar, organised by local TD Robert Troy to highlight the benefits of the region, in particular the Midlands Gateway towns of Mullingar, Athlone and Longford, to potential business investors. Taking up Deputy Troys point that the midlands is one of the most accessible regions of Ireland, Mr OLeary said that Ryanair is reducing the cost of flying by some 15% this year to target more business customers. He also commended the Governments decision to scrap the travel tax. Midlands can be economic powerhouse Todays event was organised by Robert Troy TD, who serves the constituencies of Longford-Westmeath and who told the gathering that the midlands has the potential to be an economic powerhouse. Deputy Troy said, Anyone who lives and works in the midlands understands the unique benefits of the region. He added, This is one of the most accessible parts of the country with an outstanding road and rail network, plenty of available space for companies to set up and expand, as well as a ready supply of young, educated workers thanks to the Institute of Technology in Athlone. "We also have a range of extremely valuable tourism assets and attractions, with Center Parcs having committed to an investment of some 250 million to create the new Longford Forest facility. Traffic to Ireland up 40% in past five years Mr O'Leary outlined, We live on an island on the periphery of Europe and yet we were taxing people to come here which is a pretty dumb economic policy. He said, Having scrapped that tax, we have seen traffic to this island grow by 40% in the past five to six years so reducing the cost of access works, while keeping the cost of access low means that tourism has never been better. Mr OLeary addressed the Brexit controversy, claiming that most British people and even politicians have no idea what Brexit is going to look like. Britain is in a difficult position over Brexit and they have no idea where it is going, he said. They are in danger of running themselves off the edge of a cliff in the next couple of years and well all suffer. If Britain does decide to go ahead and leave, they will have no negotiating power so the other EU countries will be very hard on them, he claimed. That will ensure a hard Brexit with very slow growth over the next two years, which would be deeply damaging for both the UK economy and the Irish economy certainly for Irish tourism which depends hugely on UK visitors. Still a chance that UK will double back on Brexit There is still the possibility that Britain will double back on Brexit, he said. Maybe politically they will leave the EU but opt to stay in the single market; either way its going to be hugely challenging for Ireland to deal with. Addressing the audience of local business people, Mr OLeary said that while access to the midlands was very good, there is still a pressing need for a new motorway the M60 while the quality of rural broadband needs to be improved. Aim high, he told the many SMEs represented at the event. All businesses were once small businesses. Highlighting the midlands business credentials, he pointed out that Mullingar is the only town in Ireland that has produced two CEOs currently among the top 10 PLCs in the country (Ryanair and Paddy Power, whose CEO is Brian Corcoran). Childhood computer education vital encourage kids into IT Praising the quality of education in the midlands region, Mr OLeary also said it is vital that standards are maintained to ensure a ready supply of talent, particularly in the technology sector. Encourage your children to get into IT, he concluded. Theyll never be out of a job! Mr OLeary, who lives in Westmeath, is a long-time supporter of enterprise in the midlands. He is known to support a number of local charitable organisations, and has often spoken of his decision to live and raise his family in the area. Local Cystic Fibrosis (CF) campaigner, Jillian McNulty is spearheading a march to get Orkambi funded by the Irish Government. On Wednesday, December 7 at 1:30pm the demonstration will take place outside Dail Eireann where it is expected that close to 300 CF sufferers and their families will descend on the streets in an effort to highlight to the powers that be, the importance of funding Orkambi here in Ireland. Speaking to the Leader this week, Ms McNulty said that CF sufferers had now been waiting nearly five months for negotiations between the Government and agencies to conclude in respect of Orkambi and making it available to Irish CF sufferers. We are waiting too long, she fumed. This march is to highlight how important this drug is and how much we need it. Ms McNulty has made contact with all TDs and senators in the Dail over the past few weeks and has received support from many including Micheal Martin, Ruth Coppinger, James Brown and the Healy-Rae brothers. Last week, however, she was shocked to receive an email from Deputy Eoin O Broin who was addressing his secretary but inadvertently sent the mail back to the Longford woman. Her request to Mr O Broin was met with the following email response: Give them a general response and say I will do my best to get to it. Speaking to the Leader on Monday, Ms McNulty pointed out that Deputy O Broin later rang her and apologised for the misunderstanding. She said he confirmed that he would meet with her on the day and was very supportive of the Longford womans efforts to get the life-saving drug funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE). To be honest everyone is very supportive and we would be asking people with CF to wear masks on the day because of the risk of cross infection, she added. On the day, the protest will begin with a minute's silence for all those who have lost their lives to CF in Ireland. Purple roses will then be pinned to the railings outside the Dail and protesters will then release a number of balloons to mark the occasion. Our Back Pages Issue 102 Issue Date: March 1993 Editor: Derk Wynand Pages: 124 Number of contributors: 27 Buy Issue 102: Print Edition This issue is notable for its many contributors who went on to win a Governor Generals Award later in their careers. Roo Borson, who won the GG in 2004, has four poems in this issue including tributes to Robert Gray and George Bowering. Greg Hollingsheads Rose Cottage, first published here, went on to be part of his short story collection The Roaring Girl, which won the Governor Generals Award for fiction in 1995. This story follows protagonist Alexs time living in a small rural cottage on Vancouver Island and his sporadic but meaningful walks with the elderly woman who lives next door. As Alex becomes closer with the woman, he becomes privy to the abuse she suffers at the hand of her caretaker, and struggles with his role and responsibilities as a bystander. This issue opens with two flash fiction pieces by Stephen Schecter, one based on the issues cover painting by Susan Erony, and one, titled My Daughter, in which the protagonist explores the true meaning of faith on a shopping trip with his children. These are followed with a poem by Tim Lilburn, another Governor Generals Award winner (2003), who meditates on nature, the act of seeing, and the significance of coyote droppings in Contemplatio. The reviews section is rather unusual because it is mostly taken up by award-winning poet and University of Victoria alumna Sujata Bhatts impressive review of ten different books, including Erin Moures Sheepish Beauty, Civilian Love, and Carol Shieldss Coming to Canada. The final poem, Roger Nashs Preparations for a Journey, bids the reader goodbye and gives advice for the journey ahead: Give up your seat on an empty / tramcar. Kiss someone on lips / formed around a foreign language. Open / your windows. Break all the locks. Rose Morris About Our Back Pages Managing IP was first to report major stories that matter, from a Peppa Pig dispute to the UPC sunrise period and new targets for the Indian and UK IP offices October 4 2016 marked a new milestone for the IP arena in Singapore and India, as Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) of India. The signing was one of the highlights of the Singapore leader's October visit to New Delhi. This agreement aims to promote creativity, innovation and technological growth in both countries, while expanding bilateral collaboration activities in IP rights, including patents, trade marks and industrial designs. A Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) will be set up to further the objectives of the MoU. Such objectives include facilitating the exchange of best practices, experiences and knowledge in intellectual property, and organising exchange programmes for IP experts of both countries. The MoU also has objectives to promote events to share and disseminate best practices, experiences and knowledge with members of the IP community, such as academic institutions, enterprises and research and development organisations. In addition, under the MoU, Singapore and India will enhance cooperation in the implementation of modernisation projects for the industrial property arena and foster partnerships to train IP and business communities of both countries. The MoU will see Singapore and India cooperating to further improve their achievements in innovation and technological advancement. In the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2016 Report (which ranks the world economies' innovation capabilities and achievements) announced on August 15 2016, Singapore climbed to earn the top rank in Asia and was placed sixth globally out of 128 nations. India achieved the fastest growth in patents, boasting 6,153 granted applications in 2014 from 3,377 in 2013. India is also ranked ninth and 14th worldwide in 2014 for trade mark and patent applications respectively. Internally, Singapore has also been active in efforts to enhance its patent system. Last year, IPOS announced its intention to close the foreign route, which allows patent applicants to rely on the allowance or grant of a corresponding patent application or the International Preliminary Report on Patentability (IPRP) in lieu of local substantive search and examination. A recent update by IPOS confirmed that the closure will take effect from January 1 2020 so as to allow sufficient time for patent applicants to adjust to the change. This change seeks to strengthen the Singapore patent system by ensuring that all Singapore granted patents fully meet Singapore's patentability requirements, thereby enhancing the quality of Singapore granted patents. In addition, IPOS announced on June 30 2016 stricter guidelines for the assessment of post-grant patent amendments in Singapore. Specifically, post-grant amendments may not now be allowed if the patentee failed to make full disclosure of all relevant matters in relation to the proposed amendments, there was an unreasonable delay on the part of the patentee in seeking the amendments, or the patentee obtained an unfair advantage by delaying the amendments which the patentee knew to be needed. These assessment criteria are in addition to the requirements under Section 84(3) of the Singapore Patents Act, which stipulates that post-grant amendments to a patent specification are not permitted if the amendments introduce additional matter or extend the scope of protection of the patent. Furthermore, the application for post-grant amendment should set out fully the reason(s) for the amendments, including the circumstances leading to the amendments and any evidence in support thereof. With continued global, regional and local efforts to enhance the IP landscape of Singapore, the republic remains steadfastly focused on further growth in innovation, creativity and technology. Daniel Collopy Alan Ho Spruson & Ferguson (Asia) Pte Ltd152 Beach Road#37-05/06 Gateway EastSingapore 189721Tel: +65 6333 7200Fax: +65 6333 7222mail.asia@spruson.comwww.spruson.com The validation of a European patent in a contracting state is determined by Article 65 EPC, the London Agreement on the application of Article 65 EPC and the contracting state's national law. Hence, validation of a European patent in a contracting state may require the filing of a translation of the European patent as granted into one of the official languages of the contracting state, generally within three months from the date on which the mention of the grant of the European patent is published in the European Patent Bulletin. Notably, the London Agreement has the objective of reducing costs linked to such validation, more in particular the translation of European patents. Each contracting state which has ratified the Agreement waives the requirement for furnishing such translations entirely or at least largely, depending on its official languages. Heretofore, Belgium has not yet ratified the London Agreement. Consequently, in Belgium, the validation of a European patent granted in English still requires furnishing, by the prescribed deadline, a complete translation of the description and claims into one of the official Belgian languages (French, Dutch or German). However, as from January 2017, the furnishing of such a translation to validate a European patent in Belgium will become superfluous! The Belgian government, at its Council of State, enacted a new law on June 29 2016 which states that a European patent granted, amended after opposition or limited in any of the official EPC languages confers upon the patentee the same rights as a national Belgian patent. Consequently, it might also be expected that the Belgian Government intends to ratify the London Agreement shortly. This new regime is highly advantageous for patent owners and for the Belgian government, since this major change in Belgian law will reduce both validation costs and a large amount of administrative work at the Belgian Patent Office. Furthermore, this will considerably reduce litigation between companies and the state of Belgium which arises when companies seek to re-instate their rights in Belgium for European patents granted in English if a translation is deemed not to have been properly filed. Meanwhile, the legislator has reopened a time window, terminating on January 6 2017, for the retroactive reinstatement, under certain conditions, of granted, amended or limited European patents for which a translation was not duly provided to the Belgian Patent Office (See our previous article, 'Patent law harmonised with PLT'). Cathy Kourgias Pascal Leroy GeversHolidaystraat, 5B-1831 Diegem - BrusselsBelgiumTel: +32 2 715 37 11Fax: +32 2 715 37 00www.gevers.eu Foreign companies cannot ignore the risk of being involved in Japanese IP litigation when they conduct transactions where their products are intended to be distributed in Japan or when they perform sales activities for the Japanese market. Japanese courts have been conservative in granting international jurisdiction against foreign companies outside of Japan. However, recently judgments granting international jurisdiction have appeared. Case 1: Judgment of May 14 2001, Tokyo District Court (Presiding Judge Iimura) Pharmacia Aktiebolaget (a Swedish corporation) manufactured latanoprost, an active ingredient of Xalatan eye drops (glaucoma and ocular hypertension treatment agent), outside of Japan. Pharmacia corporation (a Japanese corporation), a wholly owned subsidiary of Pharmacia & Upjohn (a US Delaware corporation), imported latanoprost into Japan and sold Xalatan eye drops in Japan. Ueno Fine Chemicals Industry, an exclusive licensee of a patent for an invention titled "Ocular hypotensive agents", sought an injunction and damages against Pharmacia Aktiebolaget, Pharmacia & Upjohn, and Pharmacia corporation. The Court denied the international jurisdiction against Pharmacia Aktiebolaget and Pharmacia & Upjohn because Ueno did not argue and prove these foreign companies had conducted a specific act constituting infringement of Ueno's exclusive licence (concrete act which constitutes individual or joint tort). In addition, the Court stated that compelling these foreign companies who have no management foundation in Japan to respond to the lawsuit only because they are the parent company (Pharmacia & Upjohn) or they have manufactured in the foreign country and they are the group company (Pharmacia Aktiebolaget) will impose on them an undue burden and will be against the principle of fair, proper and prompt trial. Case 2: Judgment of April 28 2015, Tokyo District Court (Presiding Judge Okinaka) Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical Group (a Chinese corporation) manufactured and sold epichlorohydrin in China. Jiangsu Yangnong sold epichlorohydrin to Chori (a Japanese corporation) and Chori imported and sold it in Japan. Solvay (a Belgium corporation), the owner of a patent for an invention titled "process for producing dichloropropanol from glycerol, the grycerol coming eventually from the conversion of animal fats in the manufacture of biodisease", sought damages against Jiangsu Yangnong. Solvay argued the following objective facts serve as the basis for objective association and collaboration of joint tort, or accessoryship or abetment: (i) Jiangsu Yangnong recognised Chori's importation and sale of epichlorohydrin in Japan; (ii) Jiangsu Yangnong represented to Chori it would solve the patent infringement issue in Japan; (iii) Jiangsu Yangnong strongly encouraged Chori to purchase epichlorohydrin; and (iv) Chori purchased epichlorohydrin to be sold in Japan exclusively from Jiangsu Yangnong. The Court affirmed (i) and (ii), but denied (iii) and (iv). The Court stated that (i) and (ii) do not support association and collaboration of joint tort, and accessoryship and abetment because such facts are usually seen in the international commercial trade between manufacturers and distributors. Therefore, the Court denied the international jurisdiction against Jiangsu Yangnong. Case 3: Judgment of November 28 2007, Tokyo District Court (Presiding Judge Shimizu) Centillium Communication (a US Delaware corporation located in California) (CCI) manufactured and sold an ADSL modem chipset. Sumitomo Electric and NEC imported an ADSL modem chipset or ADSL modem including such chipset, and sold ADSL including such chipset in Japan. Fujitsu, the owner of a patent for an invention titled "data transmission method", sought Y3.23 billion ( $32.3 million) in damages against CCI and its subsidiary Centillium Japan (CJ). The Court found CCI's association and collaboration of joint tort with Sumitomo and NEC and regarded CCI's sale of ADSL modem chipset and its promotion as accessoryship or abetment of tort. The Court reasoned that there was a joint development agreement between CCI and Sumitomo/NEC, and CCI seemed to have recognised their products will be imported and sold in Japan if they sell them to Sumitomo and NEC, and promoted actively to Sumitomo and NEC under such recognition. The Court stated that CCI was able to fully anticipate that the ADSL modem chipset they manufactured and sold would be distributed in Japan and may infringe the Japanese patent, and that Japan was a major market for CCI because the sales to Sumitomo and NEC occupied 80% of CCI's total sales. Thus, the Court concluded that affirming jurisdiction in Japan will not be against the principle of fair, proper and prompt trial. Therefore, the Court affirmed the jurisdiction against CCI. Case 4: Judgment of September 15 2010, IP High Court (Presiding Judge Nakano) Samsung Electro-Mechanics (a Korean corporation) (Samsung) introduced Slim ODD Motor on their website where the accused product was posted. Nidec Corporation (Nidec), the owner of the patent for an invention titled "motor", sought an injunction and damages against Samsung. The Court found Samsung's act of transmitting an offer for assignment or the receipt of the offer in Japan based on the following facts: Samsung posted the accused products on their English website; Samsung identified Japan as "Sales Inquiry'' and introduced the address, phone number and fax number in Japan as "Sales Headquarter'' on their English website; it is possible to create an inquiry form regarding the sale of Slim ODD Motor on their Japanese website; sales manager of Nidec stated in his declaration that the sales staff of Samsung performed sales activities in Japan; Samsung's management advisor used his business cards with his title, corporate name and address in Tokyo in Japanese; a DVD multi-drive including one of the accused product is likely to be manufactured and sold by the Japanese company and distributed in Japan. The Court stated that Samsung should have anticipated there will be a patent infringement lawsuit in Japan regarding the accused product because Samsung had introduced the accused product on their English website and acknowledged that those products are distributed in Japan and because Samsung enabled customers to enquire about the purchase of the ODD motor including the accused product on their Japanese website. The Court further stated that Samsung belongs to the Samsung group, the largest global company in Korea. Thus, the Court concluded that affirming jurisdiction in Japan will not be against the principle of fair, proper and prompt trial. Therefore, the Court affirmed the jurisdiction against Samsung. Practical tips Now the Japanese courts are somewhat liberal regarding international jurisdiction against foreign companies outside of Japan. Foreign companies should be aware of the risk that they will be forced to defend themselves in the Japanese court under certain fact scenarios. On the other hand, as Solvay challenged, foreign companies may be able to sue their competitor outside of Japan in the Japanese courts if the conditions are met. Takanori Abe Tomohiro Kazama ABE & PartnersMatsushita IMP Building1-3-7, Shiromi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-0001, JapanTel: +81 6 6949 1496Fax: +81 6 6949 1487abe@abe-law.comwww.abe-law.com The Court of Amsterdam has decided in summary proceedings that the use of trade names Local Affairs and Studio Local Affairs constitutes an infringement of the trade name Local and on the corresponding Benelux device mark. The claimant uses the tradename Local for activities in the field of the renovation and re-development of real estate in the Randstad, a large urban area in the west of The Netherlands, and has shown sufficient evidence of these activities by means of newspaper articles, flyers and printouts from their website. As rights on a trade name do not come to existence by the mere registration of the trade name but by doing business under a certain name in a certain territory, the claimant sufficiently showed to have established trade name rights on the trade name Local. The claimant furthermore registered Benelux trade mark rights on its Local device mark in 2012. Only last summer the claimant became aware of the plans for a new architectural firm under the trade name Studio Local Affairs in Amsterdam, also in the Randstad. Even though the English language is commonly known by the Dutch public, Local is not considered descriptive in any way nor is it a commonly used expression in connection with the area of business of both parties. It can thus be considered distinctive. As the element Studio is commonly used for architectural firms, it is considered rather descriptive. The dominant element in Studio Local Affairs is therefore Local. In actual use it is even likely that the element Studio will not be used. This is supported by the fact that the defendant uses the email address @localaffairs instead of @studiolocalaffairs. The addition of the element Affairs does not make the overall impression of the trade name Studio Local Affairs very different from Local. Due to the similarities between the business of re-development of real estate and the business of an architectural firm, both active in the field of real estate, and the fact that both parties operate or intend to operate in the same geographical area, there is a danger of confusion if both trade names were to co-exist. As the claimant has shown to co-operate with architects for their re-developments as well, the parties may appear to be a co-operation or to be somehow related. The Court has therefore honoured the claimant's claim to have the defendant cease the infringement of its trade name and decided that the defendant should cease all use of (Studio) Local Affairs as a trade name, a domain name or even in an email address. In this case there is no room for two Locals in the same locality. As for the secondary claim based on infringement of claimant's Benelux trade mark right, the Court refers to the reasoning used in connection with the infringement on trade name Local. Since the element Local is the most distinctive and dominant element in the claimant's device mark, and the defendant intends to use a sign similar to the claimant's device mark for similar services, there is danger of confusion with the relevant public. Denys Bertels V.O.Johan de Wittlaan 72517 JR The HagueThe NetherlandsTel: +31 70 416 67 11Fax: +31 70 416 67 99info@vo.euwww.vo.eu In two decisions rendered by the Romanian Trade Mark Office (TMO) in June 2016, the examiners found that two national applications depicting fictional characters were lacking distinctive character and therefore rejected their registration in Romania for the generic class headings of the goods and services in classes 7, 9, 28, 35, 37 and 42 of the International Nice Classification. The applicant, Skin Media SRL, contested both decisions in an attempt to convince the Appeals Committee of the Romanian authority that they fulfil the conditions prescribed by the Romanian Trade Marks Law 84/1998, republished for being accepted at registration. Both appeals continue to be pending. The applications, Capcaunul, national filing number M 2015 05895 (the Romanian version for the Ogre), and Fat Frumos!, national filing number M 2015 05893 (the Romanian version of Prince Charming) were refused by the TMO examiners by invoking ex officio the absolute grounds for refusal pursuant to article 5 (1) b) of the Trade Marks Law providing that applications lacking distinctive character will be refused at registration or, if registered, they are liable to be cancelled. TMO's Examination Committee expalined its decisions by stating that the signs are each composed of the name of a mythological character adjoined by its corresponding graphical representation. The examiners identified both characters to be defined in the Romanian language official dictionary (Capcaunul representing in popular Romanian fairy tales a fabulous creature a dog's head on a human body, sometimes, with two heads which was said to eat people, while Fat Frumos! represents a hero endowed with essential qualities, such as courage, virtue, purity, beauty, both physical and spiritual force, passion and faithfulness in love) and considered this aspect to confirm the lack of distinctive character for the designated goods and services. No other motivation was provided in the refusal decisions. In the initial responses in defence filed by the applicant in reply to the official notices that preceded the refusal decisions, arguments detailed that the complex figurative signs applied for protection do not represent the usual, normal way to refer to or in any way identify or describe the goods and services at issue. More so, the signs will not allow an average consumer, with a reasonable degree of attention, to establish a direct connection between the signs and the goods/services requested. The applicant also argued that the signs are not mere word elements identifying the characters but feature specific graphic devices which were particularly created to be featured in the applications and are not customarily used on the Romanian market in relation to the goods/services relevant for in the cases. Even if they do have a place among the Romanian fictional folklore characters, as also revealed by the EUIPO guidelines on trade mark practice, they could be regarded as lacking a distinctive character when referring to goods/services deriving from the actual tales to which such characters pertain, due to their familiarity among the average audience. However, this would not be the case at issue, in view of the particularities of the goods/services requested in the applications. The refusal decisions also show an inconsistent practice among the examiners of the Romanian TMO. This because, in addition to the applications identified above, other applications featuring fictional, fairy tale characters with devices were filed for protection by the applicant at the same time and for the same class headings. All such additional applications, although also provisionally refused, were ultimately accepted at registration by the examiners, finding that the (same) arguments in response are pertinent for overcoming their initial refusals on the same absolute grounds. Among these additional applications we mention Ileana Cosanzeana, filing number M 2015 05891, registration number 144482, Muma Padurii filing number M 2015 05885, registration number 144481 (the Romanian version of the Witch of the Forest) and Pasarila filing number M 2015 05886, registration number 144484 (the Romanian version of Birdman), all accepted for registration in Romania in the name of the applicant for the class headings in classes 7, 9, 28, 35, 37 and 42. The refusal decisions therefore show that the practice of the Romanian TMO is not aligned when analysing the same absolute grounds for refusal invoked ex officio by examiners against the same type of applications referring to identical goods and services and it remains to be seen whether the Appeals Committee of the Romanian TMO will overturn these refusals. Andreea Bende Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen Bucuresti-Ploiesti 1A, Sector 1Bucharest 013681, Romania+40 21 201 1200office@nndkp.ro www.nndkp.ro Coal country has struggled in recent years: A just-released report by the International Energy Agency notes that firms in various stages of bankruptcy control over half of US production. The sector employs just 50,000 people now, down from over 250,000 in 1980. The bulk of the losses are concentrated in Appalachian states like West Virginia and Kentucky, where mining hours are plummeting and local budgets are squeezed. Given this backdrop, it isn't surprising coal became a political issue in 2016's race, particularly since many claim the Obama Administration declared war on coal through a series of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions-trimming rules. Whatever you think of this argument, President-elect Trump garnered broad support in America's industrial heartland[i] in part by promising to roll back restrictions and bring back jobs. Coal, therefore, is frequently cast as a "winner" in his election, which may lead some to wonder whether now isn't a buying opportunity in this old economy mainstay. But while a lighter regulatory hand may be a small boon for the industry, cheaper and more plentiful natural gas poses a threat even a coal-friendly president can't fix. This is a tale of two energy sources. As coal firms around the world shut down, wade through bankruptcy or require state support, natural gas continues to benefit from the American shale boom. Coal used to be America's most abundant source of domestic energy-enjoying a cost advantage that kept it fueling power plants, whether folks like the associated emissions or not. But natural gas production has risen massively since the Financial Crisis, and prices are down 60% since 2008, to the point that coal's historical cost advantage is essentially gone. As a result, natural gas is gaining US market share at coal's expense-and the trend started years before the EPA's actions. Most coal-producing states were already on track to exceed the new standards when they were issued, thanks to natural gas's ongoing ascent. That's right-the EPA fired a dud in its alleged "war on coal."[ii] Exhibit 1: US Primary Energy Consumption by Fuel Source, 1960 - 2016 Source: Energy Information Administration, as of 11/21/2016. No matter your thoughts on the incoming or outgoing Administrations' respective policies, what's going on in that black box has little to do with shifting political fortunes. There is no denying coal's decline. This is why many metrics-long skewed by the industry's big influence in fueling power plants, steel mills and exports-look weak. Shipments especially: Whether by land or by sea (well, river or canal), coal must travel from mining sites to its final destinations. As Exhibit 2 shows, coal shipments by train are trending lower, while other forms of rail traffic hold steady-and that decline predates the EPA's rules. Exhibit 2: Coal Drags Down Rail Traffic Totals Source: Association of American Railroads, 13-week moving average of US rail traffic, as of 11/23/2016. March 2000 - November 2016. Commodity shipments on US waterways (Exhibit 3) tell a similar story, as coal and coke (a product derived from coal) weigh down the headline figure. Exhibit 3: Coal Slows Commodities Shipments by Water Source: US Army Corps of Engineers, Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center, as of 11/16/2016. Commodity shipments by water, January 2012 - September 2016, indexed to 100 at the start of the period. The resulting pain is concentrated in particular regions of the country: As Exhibit 4 shows, high-production states feel coal's malaise most keenly, as mining figures prominently in many of their economies.[iii] Exhibit 4: Top 10 Coal-Producing States in 2015 Sources: State="" coal="" production="" as="" a="" percentage="" of="" US="" total:="" Energy="" Information="" Administration=""; Mining="" as="" a="" percentage="" of="" state="" GDP:="" Bureau="" of="" Economic="" Analysis=""; both="" as="" of="" 11=""/23/2016. Importantly, although many states rely more heavily on coal, it isn't a major driver of US growth. In 2015, the industry (together with other forms of non-oil and gas extraction) contributed just 0.4% to GDP.[iv] This is probably a good thing, because coal's prospects likely wouldn't improve even if the President-elect's growing cabinet were staffed entirely by coal miners. The symptoms of coal's displacement by the ascendant natural gas industry are everywhere. In 2015 alone, 94 coal-fired power plants closed, taking the equivalent of all Kentucky's electricity contributions from coal offline. Another 200-over a quarter of the US total-have target retirement dates today, and there are virtually no new coal-fired power plants under construction. Beyond electricity, coal is also used to fire blast furnaces for steel-this accounts for about 15% of global coal consumption. But there is a global glut of steel already, and new technologies can turn old scrap metal into new, usable steel, reducing demand for new steel. Plus, natural gas furnaces are cheaper and easier to build, and operate more cost-effectively to boot. Around the world, the story's the same-many countries (such as Canada, France, Denmark and the Netherlands) are setting targets for phasing out coal entirely-and not because they're taking a brave pro-environment stand no matter what havoc the move might wreak on their energy supply. (Sorry, but we doubt many politicians are willing to take on that kind of reelection risk.) This is going to sound very cynical, but there is much more evidence the organic ascent of natural gas permits them to score points by acting as if their "aggressive emissions targets" are saving the day. In a nutshell, this is the current state of coal-afflicted more by new technologies and cheaper, cleaner energy sources than by governmental edicts. As a result, its fortunes (in the US and elsewhere) probably won't reverse any time soon, even with a friendlier face in the White House. Investors thinking there is a bottom to fish here risk buying into an industry that is on life support. Certainly, there will be demand for coal at some price for years to come. But growth is likely isolated abroad-this is an export-oriented market-as some Emerging Markets nations are much more coal-reliant presently. US shale gas export capacity is very small presently, and will take years to grow. There is a window. And here the administration may be able to help, if it can ink myriad deals to export coal to willing recipients abroad. But investing based on that would be quite speculative indeed, especially since the rhetoric from the Trump administration isn't particularly pro-trade. The New Trade Future In Asia Pacific Right after the Asian-Pacific nations embraced the dream of free trade in the regional Peru Summit, President-elect Trump buried it. Last weekend, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit made it clear that it would move forward with trade pacts; with or without the US. Right after the Lima summit, President-elect Donald Trump unveiled his plans for the first 100 days in office, which focus on campaign promises that will not require congressional approval. Among his first actions, Trump said he would "issue our notification of intent to withdraw from the Transpacific Partnership" and replace it with negotiating "fair bilateral trade deals." Trump campaigned on a promise to halt the progress of the TPP trade deal. The world is different after his triumph including world trade. From Berlin Wall to Trump Wall In the late 1980s, as the Cold War eclipsed in Europe and regional trade blocks surfaced around the world, Australia called for more effective economic cooperation across Asia Pacific, which led to the first APEC talks. In Washington, neither Asia nor APEC was yet a priority. Rather, the focus was on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which would tie together the economies of the US, Canada and Mexico. We have got to stop sending jobs overseas, warned presidential candidate H. Ross Perot in 1992. There will be a giant sucking sound going south. But unlike Trump, he appealed to only one tenth of Americans. Sure, there was free-trade skeptics among Republicans and Democrats, but the bipartisan majority still believed in free trade. While negotiated and signed by President George H.W. Bush, NAFTA became effective under President Bill Clinton in 1994. By the early 2000s, President George W. Bush sought to extend the NAFTA. However, critics argued that the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA) could split South America. So the initiative crumbled against opposition by Brazil and its progressive President Lula. In the Obama era, Washington began to tout the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). This initiative originated from a 2005 free trade agreement among just Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore. After 2010, Washington began talks for a significantly expanded, high-standard free trade agreement, which would reflect U.S. alliances in Asia and Latin America but exclude China. While the original TPP was small but open, inclusive and had room for both US and China, the Obama plan sought to attract a dozen nations but grew secretive, exclusive and shunned China. Yet, it was an integral part of Obamas pivot to Asia, which was intellectually formulated by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. That vision is now history. If the regional free trade agreements drafted by advanced economies were energized by the fall of the Berlin Wall in the late 1980s, their demise today is characterized by the Trump dream of a Wall against Mexico. Along with the TPP, Trump will seek to re-define the NAFTA and the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) pact with Europe. Meanwhile, free trade initiatives will shift to emerging economies. China energizes free trade vacuum in Asia Pacific After the US presidential election, some of Obamas TPP partners including Japan and Mexico pushed for a modified TPP agreement before Trump could tear up the agreement. Prime Minister Abe hoped to hedge between a revised TPP, a bilateral free trade deal with the US, and China-led talks at a Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). But the RCEP is no alternative to either US- or China-led broad trade pacts. It reflects the interests of emerging ASEAN economies (and their trade partners in advanced economies), but has a slower implementation schedule and humbler goals. Ever since the Trump triumph, apprehension has also spread across Latin America, which is struggling to prepare for the Feds impending rate hikes. In the past week or two, Mexican peso, Brazilian real and other Latin American currencies have already suffered heavy hits, which have been mirrored across the Pacific by the sell-off of Asian currencies. Until recently, the U.S. pivot in the Asia Pacific has relied mainly on increasing security cooperation, whereas Chinas focus is on economic development. Since 2013, President Xi Jinping has proactively pushed for broader economic ties with both emerging Asia and Latin America. In Lima, Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said that, if the US pulls out, he would support an Asia-Pacific trade accord that includes China and Russia. Like Peru, even Australia is now moving behind the China-led Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP). Ironically, Chinas initiative builds on a U.S. plan. Chinese efforts, US plan In 2006, C. Fred Bergsten, then chief an influential Washington think-tank, made a forceful statement in favor of the FTAAP, which he thought would represent the largest single liberalization in history. This initiative would be relatively open, inclusive and have room for both US and China. Indeed, Beijings push for an Asia-Pacific free trade area has been more active since fall 2014 when I predicted that, as a more inclusive and open plan, it had potential to achieve reflect real free trade in the region. Oddly enough, the Obama Administration rejected the free-trade FTAAP for the geopolitical TPP, which China argued would have imposed a Cold-War like Iron Curtain on Asia Pacific by splitting the region between a US-dominated block and Chinas allies. Today, APECs membership has almost doubled to 21 countries, which account for almost 60% of the world economy, and nearly 50% of world trade. Beijings logic is persuasive: if you can make it in APEC, you can make it everywhere. While the dream of free trade was born in the prosperous West, it will be completed in the emerging East. Dr. Dan Steinbock is an internationally recognised expert of the nascent multipolar world. He is the CEO of Difference Group and has served as Research Director at the India, China and America Institute (USA) and visiting fellow at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (China) and the EU Centre (Singapore). For more, see www.differencegroup.net 2016 Copyright Dan Steinbock - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. MARTINSVILLE-In order to help more residents, the Piedmont Virginia Dental Health Foundation needs financial support. The group put out a call this week, asking for donations to help continue the Community Dental Clinic. Over the last decade, the clinic provided $8 million in dental services and handled 37,000 patient visits. The problem is that as the needs grow, the donations arent enough to cover the cost. Last year, we saw an increase of 16 percent in patient visits and ran a deficit of $70,000, said Foundation President Dr. Mark Crabtree. Crabtree said the foundation will accept donations from organizations, businesses or individuals to help cover the costs. The clinics dental care is offered to unemployed or uninsured adults and children in the Martinsville and Henry County communities. We serve those who cant afford dental care, so we must depend on the community for funds to keep the Clinic open, he added. While the Harvest Foundation provides funding, it is not enough to meet our expenses. For every private dollar given, the Clinic provides $4.30 of dental services, Crabtree said. As businesses and individuals plan their year-end giving, we ask that they consider donating to the Foundation, said Crabtree. The group has published a Report to the Community, detailing its first decade of service. Anyone can get a copy by calling (276)-632-7727. For more information, visit . Below we publish the introduction to the first Italian edition of Pierre Broues book, Communists against Stalin: the massacre of a generation. The death of Pierre Broue in 2005 represented a tragic loss. During his lifetime he played many roles: historian, Trotskyist militant, and editor of the Cahiers Leon Trotsky. For 45 years he was active in Trotskyist politics in France and internationally. He wrote important works. He edited and prefaced an authoritative French edition of Trotsky's post-1928 writings, and was at the centre of Trotsky research in recent decades. Pierre Broue was internationally renowned as a historian of the international revolutionary movement. His histories of the Bolshevik Party, the Communist International, the German Revolution and the Spanish Revolution have been widely admired. Among his most outstanding works were those written in the final years of his life. His masterly biography of Trotsky (Trotsky, Pierre Broue, Fayard, 1988) is a very healthy antidote to the superficial and pretentious philistinism of Isaac Deutscher. The present work Communists against Stalin: the massacre of a generation, which has been published for the first time in an Italian translation, is yet another outstanding work by this celebrated Trotskyist writer. Tragically, it was to be his last. A revolutionary militant Pierre Broue was not just an intellectual, somebody who wrote books for universities and commented on events from the comfort of his study. He was an active and militant revolutionary who dedicated his life to the fight for international socialism. In his youth, Pierre joined the French Resistance to fight against the Nazi occupation of France. He joined the Communist Party, but soon came into collision with the Stalinist leadership. He later became a militant of the Fourth International and remained a dedicated Trotskyist for the rest of his life. He never wavered in his revolutionary belief in the socialist future of humanity. The day after his death, his close collaborator, friend and comrade, Jean-Pierre Juy wrote to tell me that he retained this revolutionary fervour right to the end. I only got to know Pierre in the last phase of his life, when he was already engaged in his last battle a life and death battle against cancer. But I was very well acquainted with his work and ideas, mainly through our mutual friend Seva [Esteban] Volkov, Trotskys grandson. Seva Volkov was a close friend of Pierre, for whom he had a boundless admiration and respect. It was in 2003 that I visited Pierre when he was convalescing in the picturesque foothills of the French Alps. I found him lively and alert, with a sharp and very Gallic sense of humour. His revolutionary spirit shined through in every sentence. He was not very interested in the picturesque scenery. His mind was elsewhere: with the world revolution. He was like a tiger trapped in a cage, or rather an old warhorse, champing at the bit and straining to get back into battle. I asked him if he was doing any writing. He shrugged his shoulders with a gesture of impatience. "How can I write in this place? I do not have my books. I want to get out of here and get back to my library!" Evidently, the separation from his books was the worst form of torture for Pierre. He sent us articles and wrote an introduction to the new edition of Not Guilty!, the summing up of the Dewey Commission on the Moscow Trials. Pierre constantly apologised for not being able to write more and promised to do so as soon as his health permitted. Unfortunately, that wish was not granted. What the book is about He wrote this book, published in French in 2003, on the basis of the newly released material in the Soviet archives. His stated aim was to give a voice to those many Communists who were silenced by Stalins killing machine. He explains: "for years I have wanted to talk about the thousands of women and men, old and children who died machine-gunned by the dozen. I wanted to show them living, thinking, loving, suffering. Say who they were before, during and after their ordeal. To bring them back to life, as much as that is possible." In the 1920s a large number of communist militants joined the Left Opposition and other anti-Stalinist currents in the USSR. They were called oppositionists or Trotskyists, although Trotsky did not use that term, preferring to call the tendency he represented the Bolshevik-Leninists. These courageous men and women were fighting to defend the genuine traditions of the October Revolution: the traditions of workers democracy and proletarian internationalism. The book is built around the biographies of around 700 oppositionists who are mentioned. Through their stories Broue explains the history of the Left Opposition, but also of other opposition currents. Thousands of oppositionists were to be arrested, imprisoned and exiled to Siberia, to the prisons or camps of Vorkuta and Kolyma where in 1937 and 1938 they met their deaths before Stalins firing squads. This book tells the story of the struggle, persecution and murder of those thousands of unnamed revolutionary fighters. Stalin only succeeded in consolidating his dictatorial regime over the dead bodies of Lenins Party. In order to liquidate the political gains of the October Revolution, he had to carry out the slaughter of an entire generation of revolutionaries. This book presents a devastating picture of Stalins massacre of the Bolshevik Party. In so doing it unveils a terrible history that remained a closely guarded secret for over half a century. The first chapters outline the early history of the left opposition, beginning in 1924-1925 after the death of Lenin. It continues with an account of the unified opposition that was formed in 1926 following the breakup of the troika of Stalin, Zinoviev and Kamenev, followed by the expulsion and exile of Trotsky. With a wealth of detailed information, much of it not available previously, the author outlines the repressive measures by which the Stalinist machine gradually ground down the Opposition. Later chapters deal with the work of the International Left Opposition, the Moscow Trials Stalins one-sided civil war against the Bolshevik Party, and the activities of the Trotskyists inside the Gulag. Pierre Broue graphically describes the heroic struggles of the Trotskyists in Stalins prison camps where they maintained their revolutionary discipline, organized strikes, protests and hunger strikes to defend their rights against the brutality of the prison guards. The Left Opposition How was it possible for the most democratic revolution in history to degenerate in such a way as to finish as a monstrous totalitarian dictatorship? To superficial minds the answer to this question is simple: Stalin was smarter than Trotsky and therefore outmanoeuvred him. But such a simple explanation in reality explains nothing. The main cause of the bureaucratic degeneration of the Soviet state was the isolation of the revolution in conditions of extreme backwardness. Long ago Marx wrote in The German Ideology that where poverty is general all the old crap revives. By this he meant the evils of inequality, corruption, bureaucracy and privilege. Lenin and Trotsky knew very well that the material conditions for socialism were absent in Russia. Before 1924 nobody questioned this elementary proposition. The Bolsheviks based themselves on the perspective of the extension of the revolution to the advanced capitalist countries of Europe, especially Germany. If the German revolution had succeeded which it could have in 1923 the entire situation in Russia would have been different. On the basis of a socialist federation, uniting the colossal productive potential of Germany with the immense reserves of raw materials and manpower of Russia, the material conditions of the masses would have been transformed. Under such conditions the rise of the bureaucracy would have been halted, and the Stalin faction would not have been able to seize power. The morale of the Soviet working class would have been boosted and its faith in the world revolution restored. We must remember that in the period 1923-9, the process of bureaucratic degeneration was by no means consolidated. This fact was reflected in the series of zigzags that characterised the policies of Stalin and his faction both in home and foreign policy throughout this period. In 1923-28, Stalin adopted a right-wing policy, characterised by an adaptation to the kulaks (rich peasants) and NEPmen (speculators) in Russia and an adaptation to the reformists and colonial bourgeoisie in foreign policy. This placed the Revolution in grave danger. Internally, it encouraged the kulaks and other bourgeois elements at the expense of the workers. Externally, it led the Communist International to one defeat after another. It was not that Stalin consciously organized the defeat of the German Revolution in 1923, or that of the Chinese Revolution in 1923-7. On the contrary, he desired the success of these revolutions. But the right-wing opportunist policies that he had imposed on the Communist International in the name of Socialism in One Country guaranteed defeat in each case. Dialectically, cause becomes effect and vice-versa. The isolation of the Russian Revolution was the ultimate cause of the rise of the bureaucracy and the Stalin faction. The false policies of the latter produced the defeat of the German and Chinese Revolutions (and other defeats in Estonia, Bulgaria, Britain, etc.). These defeats confirmed the isolation of the Revolution and caused deep demoralisation of the Soviet workers, who lost all hope that the European workers would come to their aid. This led to a consolidation of the bureaucracy and Stalinism, which was only the political expression of the material interests of the bureaucracy. This, in turn, led to further defeats of the international revolution (Germany, Spain), which prepared the ground for the Second World War that placed the USSR in extreme danger. The death of Lenin Lenin repeated hundreds of times that without the victory of the European revolution it would be impossible to maintain the Soviet power and the restoration of capitalism would be inevitable. But things did not work out precisely as Lenin anticipated. The Soviet Union survived but experienced a process of bureaucratic degeneration that had already begun during Lenins lifetime. In his last years Lenin became increasingly anxious about this. In his last speech to the Moscow Soviet in 1922 he asked the question: Who is leading whom? Historical materialism teaches us to look beyond the individual players on the stage of history and look for deeper causes. This does not at all rule out the role of the individuals in history. In given moments the role of a single man or woman can be decisive. We can say with certainty that without the presence of Lenin and Trotsky (particularly the former) in 1917, the October Revolution would never have taken place. However, individuals can only play such a role when all the other conditions are present. The concatenation of circumstances in 1917 enabled Lenin and Trotsky to play a decisive role. But the same men had been present for more than two decades before and were not able to play the same role. In the same way, when the Revolution ebbed, despite their colossal personal ability, Lenin and Trotsky were not able to prevent the bureaucratic degeneration of the Revolution. This was caused by objective forces against which even the greatest leaders were powerless. Accident often plays a role in history. If it had not been for his illness, Lenin would have attended the Congress and probably Stalin would have been removed. However, it is impossible to understand great historical processes in terms of individuals, great men etc. Marxism seeks to analyse history in terms of the development of the productive forces and the class relations that arise from this. Even if Lenin had succeeded in winning a majority in the Congress, it would have meant only a temporary delay in the ascent of the bureaucracy, which was rooted in objective conditions. After the death of Lenin in 1924 the process of bureaucratic degeneration of the CPSU developed at an accelerated pace, finally ending in the dictatorship of Stalin. But even if Lenin had lived, that process could not have been halted without the victory of the revolution in one or more important countries. In 1926 at a meeting of the United Opposition, Lenins widow Krupskaya said: If Vladimir Ilyich were alive today he would be in one of Stalins prisons. The Left Opposition As early as 1923 Trotsky launched the Platform of the Opposition, based on a defence of the Leninist principles of workers democracy and proletarian internationalism. He began a struggle against bureaucratic tendencies in the state and Party. This was the beginning of the Left Opposition in the Soviet Union and internationally. The struggle between the Left Opposition and the Stalin faction was at bottom a class struggle, which reflected the contradictory interests between the working class and the rising bureaucracy. Broue talks about the 1923 congress where the Opposition won a majority in Moscow but was bureaucratically out-manoeuvred: "In Moscow, the opposition succeeded in winning the majority in 40 cells (6,954 members) against 32 (2,790), including most of the Red Army cells, 30% of the working class cells and... only three delegates in total. Victim of a robbery, the Opposition was slandered in the conference, in which the delegates were improperly elected, arrogant and rude employees, condemning them for Menshevik deviation." He also gives very interesting details of the strength of the Bolshevik-Leninists even in Leningrad (Zinoviev's stronghold), in Ukraine and in Georgia. He explains how in 1928, when the repression had already started against the Left Opposition, Stalin himself estimated that there were 30,000 active oppositions. He is also able to give many details about the composition of the Left Opposition, using official police sources: "44% of the excluded for belonging to the opposition were factory workers, and 25% former workers placed in positions of responsibility [the numbers of the latter would increase much if it were possible to ascertain the previous profession of political commissars of the Red Army and the Rabfaki students]. In regard to age, people of the Opposition were young and even very young; 85% were under 35 years old [...]. In Kharkov, out of 259 members excluded in 1927, there were 196 workers, 70% are under 30, 38% under 25" Broue comments: "We are therefore talking of a movement of the proletarian youth. Young people fighting in the ranks of the Opposition are those who were teenagers, including children, at the time of the revolution, and whose tide still drove them: the most dynamic part of society, their future; the profound result, the most lasting footprint of the revolution." Trotsky tried to base himself on the working class, but the latter was exhausted by long years of war, revolution and civil war. Long hours of work in freezing factories, starvation wages and general privation took their toll. The Soviet workers fell into a state of apathy. They no longer participated in the Soviets, which became inexorably bureaucratised. With every step back of the world revolution, the workers became more disillusioned and disoriented and the new caste of Soviet bureaucrats became more confident and insolent. The reason why Stalin triumphed was not because of any mistakes of the Opposition, as superficial bourgeois historians imagine, but because of the broader context of the class relations in Soviet society. I will cite just one instance to underline this point. In 1927, after the defeat of the Chinese Revolution, some students who supported the Opposition came to Trotsky, arguing that, since everybody could see that the Trotsky had been proven to be correct, they would now win the majority of the Party. Trotsky disagreed. He pointed out to them that for the Soviet workers, the objective consequences of the defeat of the Chinese Revolution were far more important than who had been right or wrong in perspectives. As a matter fact, Trotsky knew that the Opposition could not succeed. The unfavourable objective situation doomed them to defeat. So why did he continue to fight? Why did he not capitulate to Stalin, as Zinoviev, Kamenev and Radek did? The answer is that he was trying to establish the ideas, programme and tradition for the future generations of Communists in the USSR and internationally. He was the only one to do so, despite the most frightful persecution that claimed the lives of most of his comrades, friends and family. The "Communist" Party under Stalin became transformed into a bureaucratic club. In fact, it was not a party at all but part of the state apparatus a vehicle for controlling the working class and for the advancement of careerists. Although some genuine Communists remained, the overwhelming majority of its members were yes-men, bootlickers, spies and toadies. The Seventeenth Congress in October 1934 was hailed as "the congress of victors". The delegates competed with each other to sing the Leader's praises, but almost all the 2,000 delegates later fell victim to Stalin's Terror. The congress showed that Kirov, the Leningrad Party boss, was popular with the delegates too popular. He got a standing ovation at the start and finish, and was elected to the Secretariat of the Central Committee. This meant that he would be transferred from Leningrad to Moscow, where he would be a rival to Stalin. The disasters of forced collectivisation and the economic disruption caused by the mismanagement of the first Five Year Plan had caused many doubts about Stalin. These doubts were reinforced by the victory of Hitler in Germany. The German defeat shook the bureaucracy. Questions were being asked about the policies that led to that devastating defeat that destroyed the mighty German Communist Party and placed the Soviet Union in grave danger. Trotskys articles on Germany, criticizing the ultra-left line of the Comintern had a profound effect in the layers of the Party officials who had access to them. The Party was in a state of ferment. There were discussions in the corridors between delegates to the seventeenth Party Conference (JanuaryFebruary 1934) about Stalin. On 23 February Stalins entry at the Bolshoi Theatre was received in glacial silence. In the ranks of the bureaucracy jokes were circulating about Stalin. Kirov had openly criticized Stalin in a restricted and closed meeting of Communists in Leningrad. But Stalin, who controlled both the Party and the apparatus of state power, including the GPU, struck back violently. On the December 1, 1934, Kirov was assassinated by a young Communist, called Leonid Nikolayev, who had been, conveniently, a minor member of the Zinovievite Opposition in Leningrad. In fact, Nikolayev worked for the GPU and was a mere tool in Stalin's machinations. That Nikolayev was a provocateur is shown by the following fact. He kept a diary at the beginning of 1934 in which he revealed not only a critical attitude to the Party leadership but also terrorist tendencies. This was discovered and he was expelled from the Party but then reinstated. Yet he was allowed to continue working at the Smolny Institute, the headquarters of the Leningrad Party. Given these circumstances it is incomprehensible that Nikolayev was allowed to come into direct contact with Kirov, who, like all the other Party leaders was surrounded by bodyguards. However, at the time of the assassination there was not a single bodyguard in sight. Immediately after the assassination, steps were taken to liquidate all witnesses in order to cover the tracks. Not only was Nikolayev himself shot, but Kirov's bodyguards and driver were also killed, in addition to Nikolayev's wife and other family members. In his celebrated speech of 1956 Khrushchev said that the tracks of the assassins of Kirov led up to Stalin himself. There is not the slightest doubt that this assassination was planned by Stalin. He feared Kirov as a rival. At a time when Stalin was losing support, Kirov's name was circulating in Party circles as a possible replacement. He had to be eliminated and he was eliminated. The Kamenev and Zinoviev trial Initially the assassination of Kirov was blamed on White Guard elements, but then the story was concocted that the real authors were Kamenev and Zinoviev, those "unfinished enemies" who were said to be guided by "the fascist hireling Trotsky". They were put on trial in secret in 1935, accused of political responsibility for Kirov's murder. Kamenev and Zinoviev were already morally and politically broken men. They had capitulated to Stalin after the defeat of the Opposition, had made a full self-criticism, denounced Trotskyism and been re-admitted into the Party. Having capitulated once to Stalin, they now capitulated yet again. Stalin had promised to spare their lives if they confessed and they were sent to a camp. But this was insufficient for Stalin. He wanted them dead. So after 18 months, they were taken back to Moscow for another trial. On August 19, when the discussion of the Stalin Constitution ("the most democratic constitution in the world") was in full swing, 16 leading ex-Oppositionists, headed by Zinoviev and Kamenev, together with Yevdokimov and I.M. Smirnov, were put on trial for capital charges. This time they were accused, not of "political responsibility" for the assassination of Kirov, but of organising terrorist actions against Stalin, Voroshilov, Kaganovich and Zhdanov, under the direst instructions and guidance of Trotsky. This trial was an attempt to give an excuse for mass arrests of all who questioned Stalin's leadership. During the proceedings, the accused were forced to pour dirt over their own heads. Kamenev testified that "He himself served fascism and with Zinoviev and Trotsky had prepared a counterrevolution in the USSR." Zinoviev stated that "Trotskyism is a variant of fascism." The abject nature of these confessions did not save them: they were shot immediately after the trial. Within twelve months of this trial, 100,000 people were either arrested or shot in Leningrad alone. The methods of the GPU were those of the Inquisition. The accused were dragged from their beds in the middle of the night, kept in isolation, beaten, tortured, their families threatened, to extort a false confession. Interrogations were carried on uninterruptedly day and night, for 16 to 24 hours, with the prisoner denied sleep (the "conveyor" system). Those that did not confess were shot or just disappeared. They used agents provocateurs to engineer denunciations. Children were urged to denounce their own parents. The main motive of the Purge Trials was to liquidate the Bolshevik Party, to wipe out the entire generation of Old Bolsheviks and thus to consolidate the rule of the bureaucracy. Anyone who could remember the old democratic and internationalist traditions of Leninism was seen as a danger. Like any common criminal Stalin understood the need to eliminate all witnesses. But there was also a personal motive. Stalin was a mediocrity who could not stand comparison with the Old Bolshevik leaders. Compared with Bukharin, Kamenev and even Zinoviev, let alone a genius like Trotsky, he was a nonentity. And he knew it. Therefore he entertained feelings of revenge towards the entire generation of Old Bolsheviks. Stalin was a sadist who took a personal interest in tormenting his victims. He brought to Moscow the primitive methods of the Georgian blood feud, in which not only enemies had to be killed but their families also. He once stated: "There is nothing sweeter in the world than to plan revenge on an enemy, see it carried out, and then retire peacefully to bed." Stalin personally checked the list of the victims and decided who would live or die. Out of a total of about 700,000 cases, he personally signed 400 lists, with a total of 40,000 people. On these lists were the names of all of Lenin's principal lieutenants and comrades-in-arms. Stalinist cruelty was revealed when his archives were opened, showing that he drew cartoons depicting the torture of his future victims. Boris Ilizarov, a historian and member of the Russian Academy of sciences has published the sketches that Stalin drew during the long meetings of the Politburo to amuse himself in this way. One of these grotesque cartoons from 1930 depicts the then finance minister Nicolai Bryukhanov hanging from a rope by his genitals: The sketch was found with a note written and signed by Stalin in which the tyrant made no effort to disguise his pleasure at the fate he had in mind for Bryukhanov, a Politburo member for four years. Under the heading Special File it read: To all members of the Politburo, for all his present and future sins, Bryukhanov should be hung by his balls. If they hold up he should be considered not guilty as if in a court of law. If they give away he should be drowned in a river. Bryukhanov was executed on Stalins orders in 1938 on trumped up charges. He was rehabilitated in 1956, three years after Stalins death. (The Sunday Times, 8 July, 2001) Stalin had a very simple recipe for the interrogation of prisoners: "Beat, beat and beat again." At the time of the first trials the chief of the OGPU-NKVD was Genrykh Yagoda. He carried out Stalin's directives, but not enthusiastically enough for the Vozhd [Note: Vozhd was a term used to describe the leader]. Stalin was furious because Yagoda had not obtained confessions to the murder of Kirov from Kamenev and Zinoviev in the 1936 trial. He called him in and said: "You work poorly, Genrykh Grigorievich. I already know for a fact that Kirov was murdered on instructions from Zinoviev and Kamenev, but so far you have not been able to prove it! You have to torture them until they finally tell the truth and reveal all their connections." (Anna Larina, This I cannot Forget, p. 94) Yagoda was a corrupt official and a contemptible careerist whose hands were stained with blood, but having been a Party member since 1907 he was inhibited by the old traditions and sometimes dragged his heels at the monstrous orders he was expected to carry out. This sealed his fate. He was removed, put on trial, accused among other things of poisoning the writer Maxim Gorky, and executed. The accusation about Gorky is significant. Gorky, who had a soft heart, often used to intercede with Lenin on behalf of people who had been arrested, and tried the same thing with Stalin. But Stalin was not like Lenin. He found the old man's pleadings irritating. But Gorky was too famous to put on trial as a "Trotskyist", so in all probability Stalin had him quietly put down, and placed the blame on the unfortunate Yagoda. This was quite in Stalin's style. The year 1937 In order to consolidate his power Stalin had first to destroy Lenin's Party. He did this by physically exterminating the Bolshevik Party in the notorious Purges. The year 1937 will go down in history as synonymous with Stalin's unbridled terror. The man who replaced Yagoda, Nikolai Yezhov, was a monster in the image of Stalin. No action was too base or bloody for him, no order too atrocious to carry out. This creature was the perfect embodiment of Stalin's political counterrevolution. In the camps, millions were starved and worked to death. Between 1929 and 1934 the average life expectancy was less than two years. Yet the Boss complained that conditions in the camps were too comfortable: they were "like health resorts". Up till 1937 it was not the deliberate policy of the camp administration to exterminate the prisoners, although many died as a result of poor food and overwork. But Yezhov changed all that. After he took over the situation was much worse. To begin with, the maximum sentence before death was increased from ten years to twenty-five. In most cases this amounted to a death sentence. According to data supplied by Yezhov at the end of 1936 and the beginning of 1937, in the central institutions of Moscow alone, thousands of "Trotskyist wreckers" were arrested. Between October 1936 and February 1937, the following numbers of employees in the People's Commissariats were arrested and sentenced: Transport 141, Food Industry 100, Local Industry 60, Internal Trade 82, Agriculture 102, Finance 35, Education 228; and so on. Later the situation got even worse. On one day alone, 12th December 1938, Stalin and Molotov sanctioned the shooting of 3,167 people, and then went to the cinema. It is now known that the NKVD had quotas for arrests and was expected to fulfil them, just like the quotas for steel, coal and electricity under the Five Year Plan. Yevgeniya Ginsberg relates the following conversation she had in prison in 1937. "As a Tatar, it was simpler to make me a bourgeois nationalist. Actually, they did put me down as a Trotskyist at first, but Rud sent the file back, saying they'd exceeded the quota for Trotskyists but were short on nationalists, though they'd taken all the Tatar writers they could think of." (Yevgeniya Ginzburg, Into the Whirlwind, pp. 109-10) Stalin's propaganda machine was working overtime. Meetings were organised under such slogans as "Death to the Fascist Hirelings!", "Crush the Trotskyist Vermin" and "Trotskyism is another Form of Fascism!" On March 6, 1937 Pravda asserted that "the Trotskyists are a find for international Fascism [] The insignificant number of this gang should not reassure us, we have to increase our vigilance tenfold." On 15th March 1938, Vechernaya Moskva snarled: "History knows no evil deeds equal to the crimes of the gang from the anti-Soviet Right-Trotskyist Bloc. The espionage, sabotage and wrecking done by the over-bandit Trotsky and his accomplices Bukharin, Rykov and the others, arouse feelings of anger, hatred and contempt not only in the Soviet people, but in all progressive mankind." (Quoted in D. Volkogonov, Trotsky pp. 381-2) History knows no evil deeds equal to the crimes of the gang from the anti-Soviet Stalinist bureaucracy. A wave of terror was unleashed by Stalin against the people of the USSR. Millions of innocent people were arrested, condemned and sent into the Gulag. Even the security services were purged. In 1937-8 23,000 NKVD officers were arrested. Most informed on others in order to survive. Not all of Stalin's victims were put on trial. The trade union leader Tomsky, a follower of Bukharin's Right Opposition, cheated Stalin by committing suicide. Stalin's wife, Nadezhda Alleluyeva was also driven to suicide by Stalin. A decent and honest woman, she sympathised with Bukharin. She shot herself as a protest against Stalin's moral and political perfidy. Later the same fate befell Sergo Ordzhonikidze, Stalin's old friend and comrade. On 18th February 1937, he died suddenly, allegedly of a heart attack. In reality he was also driven to suicide by Stalin, who had Sergo's brother arrested, tortured and shot for no reason. The details of this case were revealed by Khrushchev at the 20th Congress of the CPSU in 1956. In the same speech he revealed that, of the total of 139 members and candidate members of the Central Committee elected at the 17th Congress in 1934, 98 that is, 70 percent were shot. Khrushchev stated that those arrested were subjected to brutal tortures, and only confessed to "all kinds of grave and unlikely crimes" when "no longer able to bear barbaric tortures." Stalin the mediocrity always hated people with talent. And he hated and feared Tukhachevsky whose brilliance always reminded him of his own incompetence in military matters, where he would have liked to see himself as a genius. But far more seriously, Stalin lived in fear of a military coup. He therefore organized a gigantic new frame-up involving the whole of the Soviet general staff. He accused Tukhachevsky and other key leaders of the Red Army of being in league with Hitler. Tukhachevsky had worked out that World War Two would be a mobile war fought with tanks and planes. But Stalin was jealous of Tukhachevsky and suspicious of the general staff of the Red Army. So when Tukhachevsky insisted on increasing the number of planes and tanks in the Red Army, Stalin refused, calling him a hare-brained schemer. (See Dimitri Shostakovich and Solomon Volkov, Testimony, p. 103) The famous Soviet composer, Dimitri Shostakovich was a personal friend of Tukhachevsky. In his memoirs he writes: "Now it is well known that Tukhachevsky was destroyed through the joint efforts of Stalin and Hitler. But one mustn't exaggerate the role of German espionage in this matter. If there hadn't been those faked documents that 'exposed' Tukhachevsky, Stalin would have got rid of him anyway." (ibid. p. 99) Stalin replaced this great original military thinker with his cronies Budyonny and Voroshilov, two incompetents who thought that World War Two would be fought with cavalry! Just before World War Two, they were showing propaganda films in Russia of Voroshilov and his cavalry, sweeping the enemy before them! Only after the first crushing defeats of the Red Army in 1941 did Stalin realise his mistake, but this was a very costly lesson for the USSR. The same thing happened with rockets. Stalin had all the Leningrad rocketry experts shot, and then had to start from scratch. The Purge destroyed the entire leading cadre of the Red Army and badly damaged the defence capabilities of the USSR. Tukhachevsky, Yakir and others were shot in secret, which indicates that they refused to confess. The military Purge that continued throughout 1938 led to the elimination of 90 percent of all generals, 80 percent of all colonels, and 30,000 of lower ranking officers. This left the Red Army seriously weakened on the eve of the Second World War. We know that it was one of the main factors that convinced Hitler that he should attack the USSR. He silenced the objections of his generals with the remark: "They have no good generals." The trial of the 21 In March 1938 the trial of the 21 opened in Moscow. Bukharin, Rykov, Krestinsky, Rakovsky, and other members of the so-called Right-Trotskyist Bloc, these Old Bolsheviks were described by the ex-Menshevik Vyshinsky as "stinking carrion", "pitiful scum", "damned vermin", "chained curs of imperialism" and so on. Pravda described this disgusting travesty of a show trial as "the most democratic people's court in the world." This verdict was accepted by a most unexpected "Friend of the Soviet Union" Winston Churchill, who described Vyshinsky's performance at the trial as "brilliant". On the first day of the third trial, March 2, 1938, the former Menshevik Andrei Vyshinsky slandered the man whom Lenin had described in his Testament as the Party's favourite: "Bukharin sits there with his head bowed low, a treacherous, two-faced, whimpering, evil nonentity who has been exposed [] as the leader of a gang of spies, terrorists, and thieves, as instigator of assassination [] This filthy little Bukharin". (The Case of the Anti-Soviet Bloc of Rights and Trotskyists, Record of Court Proceedings, Moscow, 1938, pp. 656-57) Though Vyshinsky read the lines, their author was Stalin, taunting his victim and smearing him with filth before destroying him physically. This was the favourite method of the "beloved Leader and Teacher". "The hypocrisy and perfidy of this man exceed the most perfidious and monstrous crimes known to the history of mankind." These words cannot be applied to Bukharin, a revolutionary of spotless honesty and dedication, but perfectly describe Stalin himself. Bukharin later stated: "The confession of the accused is a medieval principle of jurisprudence. [] I did not plead guilty [] I do not know of this [] I deny it [] I categorically deny any complicity." Not only Trotskyists were killed but also many Stalinists who fell into the disfavour of the "Beloved Leader and Teacher". Abel Yenukidze, for example, was shot for trying to save the lives of Old Bolsheviks. Not content with killing his enemies, Stalin took his revenge on their families and friends. Hundreds of thousands were sent to the camps not just as "enemies of the people", but also as chesirs or "family members of a traitor to the motherland". Among these victims were the wife and sisters of Tukhachevsky, the wife of Bukharin, Trotsky's first wife, and his eldest son, Sergei, who was not involved in active politics, was arrested but courageously refused to denounce his father and was shot. The methods of the GPU were exposed in a surprising way during the Moscow Trials themselves. When Yagoda was himself put on trial, Vyshinsky declared (on March 11, 1938): "Yagoda stood at the peak of the technology of killing people in the most devious ways. He represented the last word in the 'science' of bestiality." (Sudebny otchet po delu antisovetskogo trotskiiskogo tsentra, official report of the trial in Russian, Moscow 1937, p. 332). Amidst all the miserable morass of lies and distortions that make up these documents, this is probably the only truthful statement. Yezhov had attained the highest power. There was even a cult of Yezhov to match the cult of Stalin. Yezhov was called officially the Beloved of the nation. The horrors he inflicted on his victims were known as "Yezhov's prickles" (Yezh in Russian means hedgehog). Bards in Central Asia sang of Father Yezhov. All this was not a wise thing to do under Stalin, who had a morbid fear of rivals. Yezhov even sent a draft decree to the CC, allegedly on the initiative of "countless requests from workers" that Moscow be renamed Stalinodar. (See Volkoganov, p. 463) However, Stalin was not foolish enough to accept. Instead he had Yezhov arrested in 1938. Typically, Stalin blamed all the horrors and dislocations of the Purges on his puppet Yezhov, whom he replaced with a Georgian stooge, Lavrenty Beria. The "Beloved of the nation" then disappeared into the Gulag and was apparently shot in 1939. The assassination of Trotsky The only serious opposition to Stalin was Trotsky's Left Opposition and their ranks were decimated by years of repression and persecution that can only be compared to that suffered by the early Christians at the hands of the Roman Empire. Even a man like Cristian Rakovsky, the famous Balkan Marxist and close friend and collaborator of Trotsky, was finally broken by the irresistible power of Stalins machine. Pierre Broue wrote: Isolation, the fascist threat and false appeals for unity broke Christian Rakovsky more surely, we cannot doubt, than had the hellish cold at Barnaul or the dreadful conditions of his unsuccessful attempt to escape and his recapture. It was despair in the face of such a defeat which delivered the Old Bolsheviks into the hands of Stalins executioners; nothing else could have forced them to bend, as long as they retained hope. (Pierre Broue, Bloc of The Oppositions in the Cahiers Leon Trotsky, no. 5, JanuaryMarch 1980) But many others refused to capitulate. These Bolshevik heroes and heroines maintained their faith in the principles of Bolshevism and the perspective of the world revolution. They kept their organization alive even in Stalin's concentration camps. They organised hunger strikes against their tormentors, and were only silenced by the firing squad. And as they marched to their death in the frozen tundra they sang the Internationale. Despite everything, Stalin did not feel safe. One voice remained to challenge him that of Lenin's main lieutenant, the architect of the October revolution and founder of the Red Army, Lev Davidovich Trotsky. As long as Trotsky remained alive Stalin could not rest. His persecution of Trotsky was not just a matter of personal hatred though that was a fact. It was above all fear that the ideas and programme of Trotsky and the Bolshevik Leninists would get an echo in the Soviet working class. This was no idle fear. There was growing discontent in the Soviet working class at the bad conditions and above all at the growing inequality and the privileges of the bureaucracy. Even at the height of the Purges there are indications of a subterranean ferment of discontent. Through the reports of the Party and the NKVD, Stalin was well aware of the real situation. In the 1937 Party protocols of the Medgorodsk construction enterprise (Smolensk), we have an unusually frank description of the living conditions of the workers: "The workers' barracks were described as overcrowded and in a state of extreme disrepair with water streaming straight from the ceiling onto workers' beds. Heat was rarely provided in the barracks. Bedding went unchanged and sanitary work was almost non-existent. There were no kitchens and eating halls on the construction sites. Hot food could not be obtained until the evening, when workers had to walk a long distance to reach the dining-hall. 'Many of the women,' one female Party worker reported, 'live practically on the street. None pays any attention to them; some of these defenceless creatures threaten to commit suicide. In addition, cases where wages were not paid were on the increase. All this 'neglect of the elementary needs of the workers', as well as 'lack of care for them as human beings resulted in 'fully justified dissatisfaction' and bitterness on the part of the workers. "The mood of some of the workers was described as 'often threatening' and 'directly counterrevolutionary'. For example, in a discussion of the 1936 Constitution a certain Stepan Danin, a carpenter, and workers of his brigade were quoted as saying: "'We must permit the existence of several political parties in our midst as it is in bourgeois countries; they will be able better to note the mistakes of the Communist Party. "'Exploitation in our midst has not been eliminated; communists and engineers employ and exploit servants. "'The Trotskyists Kamenev and Zinoviev won't be shot anyway and they shouldn't be, for they are Old Bolsheviks. "To the question of an agitator as to who should be viewed as an Old Bolshevik, one worker replied, Trotsky'." (Quoted in M. Fainsod, Smolensk Under Soviet Rule, p. 322) As a former Bolshevik himself, Stalin was well aware that a small organization with correct ideas can grow into a mighty force. He was determined that this should not happen. Stalins thirst for revenge as we have seen extended to the families and children of his enemies. In the years prior to his assassination, Trotsky had witnessed the assassination of one of his sons and the disappearance of the other; the suicide of his daughter, the massacre of his friends and collaborators inside and outside the USSR, and the destruction of the political gains of the October revolution. Trotskys daughter Zinaida committed suicide as a result of Stalins persecution. After the suicide of his daughter, his first wife, Alexandra Sokolovskaya, an extraordinary woman who perished in Stalins camps, wrote a despairing letter to Trotsky: Our children were doomed. I do not believe in life any more. I do not believe that they will grow up. All the time I am expecting some new disaster. And she concludes: It has been difficult for me to write and mail this letter. Excuse my cruelty towards you, but you should know everything about our kith and kin. (Quoted by Deutscher, op. cit. p. 198) Leon Sedov, the eldest son of Trotsky and Natalia Sedova, was a member of the Communist Youth and one of the most active members of the Left Opposition in the USSR. In 1927 he chose to remain with his father, whose exile in Alma Ata and, later, in Turkey he shared until 1931. In Berlin from 1931 to 1933, he was in reality responsible for the Russian Section of the Opposition, and then for the International Communist League, the brain of its network of correspondence in the USSR. Following Hitlers seizure of power in 1933 he moved to Paris, taking with him all the details of his clandestine activity, the names of his correspondents in the USSR and all knowledge of where he had hidden parts of his own and of his fathers archives. He died in highly suspicious circumstances, following an operation for appendicitis on 15 February 1938. Neither he nor his father knew that the International Left Oppositions headquarters in Paris had been penetrated by the GPU at the highest level. There can be no doubt that the death of Leon Sedov was the work of Stalin's agents. This was a serious blow against the Fourth International, which was still in an embryonic phase. But it was not the only one. One by one, Trotskys collaborators, friends and family were murdered by Stalin, Two of his European secretaries, Rudolf Klement and Erwin Wolff, were also murdered. Ignace Reiss, an officer of the GPU who publicly broke with Stalin and declared in favour of Trotsky, was yet another victim of Stalins murder machine, gunned down by a GPU agent in Switzerland. The most painful blow came with the arrest of Trotskys younger son Sergei, who had stayed behind in Russia, believing that, as he was not politically active, he would be safe. Vain hope! Unable to take his revenge on the father, Stalin resorted to that most refined tortureapplying pressure on parents through their children. No-one can imagine what torments were suffered at this time by Trotsky and Nataliya Sedova. Only in recent years did it emerge that Trotsky even contemplated suicide, as a possible way of saving his son. But he realised that such an act would not save Sergei and would give Stalin just what he wanted. Trotsky was not wrong. Sergei had already been killed, shot it seems in secret in 1938, having steadfastly refused to denounce his father. Stalin continued to follow the activities of the Trotskyists very closely. He planted his agents in their ranks and Trotsky's articles were on his desk in the Kremlin each morning often before they had been published. Stalin read everything that Trotsky wrote and was determined to eliminate him. Stalin was one of the biggest criminals in world history. And like all criminals he was determined to eliminate all witnesses to his crimes. One of the things that must have infuriated him more than anything else was the news that Trotsky was writing a biography of Stalin, which would not only expose his crimes but also explode the myths about his past role in the Bolshevik Party, the October Revolution and the Civil War. An NKVD officer Sudoplatov was put in charge of the assassination of Trotsky. The first armed attack on his house in Coyoacan in May 1940 failed. But it was immediately followed by another. On August 20, 1940, Lev Davidovich was struck down by the Stalin's agent Ramon Mercader in Mexico City. When Stalin received the news of Trotskys murder he must have celebrated his victory. But the verdict of history has proved him wrong. 76 years after the murder of Trotsky, Stalins name is everywhere mentioned in the same breath as Hitler as a criminal and a mass murderer who dragged the spotless banner of October through a filthy sea of mud and blood, as the gravedigger of the Revolution. It is therefore highly appropriate that this year the biography that lay unfinished on Trotskys desk in Coyoacan was finally been published in the most complete version possible. In preparing and editing Trotskys Stalin, I was fully convinced that this work Trotskys last contribution to the vast arsenal of Marxist theory is a masterpiece worthy to stand alongside The Revolution Betrayed, In defence of Marxism and The History of the Russian Revolution. I am certain that if Pierre Broue had lived to see its publication he would have been overjoyed. In the midst of the most frightful betrayals, defeats, demoralization and apostasy, Leon Trotsky raised a clean banner, defended the genuine traditions of Leninism, October and the Bolshevik Party. He therefore succeeded in his aim. That was no small achievement! Who now remembers the writings of Zinoviev and Kamenev? But in the writings of Leon Trotsky we have a priceless heritage that retains all its importance, relevance and vitality. Pierre Broue is no longer with us. But his ideas and writings remain a rich and undying source of inspiration to the younger generation of revolutionary class fighters of all countries. And among his many impressive works, his last work Communists against Stalin is without doubt one of the most important. It restores the memory of a lost generation of class fighters and presents the new generation with the authentic ideas, programme and traditions of Bolshevism and the October Revolution that to this day represent the only hope for the future of humanity. London, 20th September 2016 SPRINGFIELD -- Unemployment in the city of Springfield fell in October to 5.1 percent, its lowest level in at least nine years. The rate was down from 6.3 percent recorded a month earlier in September and from 8.3 percent recorded a year ago in October 2015, according to figures released this week by the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. The jobless numbers include news that Greater Springfield as a region gained more than 4,000 jobs in the month. Springfield joined Boston-Newton-Cambridge, Greater Worcester and Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton as regions with large job gains in October. Jobless numbers come from a phone survey of households and counts those working and those who are out of work but looking for a job. Eligibility for unemployment benefits is not a factor. Jobs numbers come from a survey of employers, a method that often misses jobs created by small companies and startups. The local numbers are not adjusted for seasonal changes in the economy. The Massachusetts unemployment rate fell in October to 3.3 percent from 3.6 percent in September. At 3.3 percent, the state's unemployment rate is within the range economists think of as "full employment," when everyone who wants a job can find one in a reasonable period of time. It's the lowest unemployment rate recorded in the state since April 2001. There were 5,998 new unemployment claims filed in Massachusetts in the week ending Nov. 12, the federal Department of Labor said. That number was down both from the week prior and the same week a year ago. Some details from the report: Springfield: Unemployment rate: Labor Force: Employed: Unemployed: Compared with the rest of the state: Other area towns: Holyoke: Chicopee: Palmer: Pittsfield: Worcester: Ludlow: West Springfield: Westfield: Agawam: South Hadley: Easthampton: Wilbraham: Amherst: East Longmeadow: Greenfield: Northampton: Greater Springfield Regional Unemployment: 3.4 percent in October, down from 4.2 percent in October and 5.2 percent a year ago. Jobs: Greater Springfield added 4,400 jobs in October, a gain of 1.3 percent, which bested the statewide average of 0.5 percent job growth. In 2016, the region is up a net 5,600 jobs for a 1.7 percent rate of growth. That trails the state, where jobs have grown at a rate of 2 percent since October 2015. DSCN3764.JPG J.R. Greene's 32nd annual Quabbin History Calendar is available for sale. Greene, of Athol, is bringing a slide presentation about the calendar and some of his books about the Quabbin Reservoir to the Palmer Public Library on Nov. 30 and the Young Men's Library Association in Ware on Dec. 5. (The Republican/Lori Stabile) PALMER - Stacey's Roadside Stand in Greenwich, Harry Reed's farm in Prescott, Harry Haskins' grain store in North Dana. These were places that those who grew up in the lost towns of the Quabbin may remember, and are memorialized in local Quabbin Reservoir expert J.R. Greene's latest Quabbin History Calendar. The 2017 edition features snapshots into a time before the massive Quabbin Reservoir was built - a time when villages known as Dana, Prescott, Enfield and Greenwich existed. Scenes of early 20th century life populate the calendar, and this year's edition, Greene's 32nd, brings the total number of pictures used over the years to more than 380, including many from the Ware River diversion villages. While Greene may repeat a subject, the photographs used are always different - they could show a building from a different angle, or a town square in a different season. Even after all these years putting together the calendar, he still is surprised by new discoveries. For example, July features Camp Dana, a Jewish boy's camp that a Ware woman opened in 1926 on Pottapaug Pond in Dana. Unlike two Jewish summer camps in Greenwich, Greene said this one may have been just for boys from Massachusetts, or from less wealthy families. He said it was sold just a few years later, in 1931, to the Metropolitan District Water Supply Commission, the agency that built the reservoir. Greene said he was unaware that the camp existed, until he began compiling this year's calendar and came across the photograph. For Greene, 61, of Athol, the Quabbin has become his life's work - something he didn't realize would happen when he took a cartography course at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst that piqued his interest about the Quabbin. He started studying the history of the Swift River Valley, and how it was flooded to become the main water supply for Boston and surrounding communities, as well as Chicopee, Wilbraham and part of South Hadley. The stories of the lost towns fascinated him, and how residents had to leave their homes behind to make room for the reservoir, which was created in the 1930s. Hundreds of homes, as well as businesses, a state highway, railroad line and 34 cemeteries had to be moved or dismantled; more than 6,000 graves were relocated to Quabbin Park Cemetery. While there are few survivors left who lived in the lost towns, Greene said many of their descendants still order the calendar each year, to see their history. It's one of the reasons he keeps doing the project. He has customers from all over the country buy the calendar. Some make scrapbooks using the images. "I have enough of a faithful following for me to keep doing it," Greene said. "A lot of people like to have it and people have told me they like that I give fairly informative captions." Greene likes to start the year with a snowy scene and January follows that tradition showing winter in Greenwich village, and the snow-covered Colonial-style homes of Stanwood King, one of the last selectmen, and Belle Thayer. A March scene from a 1906 postcard showing Harry Reed's farm in Prescott has the added bonus of a view of Greenwich Plains in the distance - the Congregational Church and nearby buildings can be seen. The calendars, which retail for $14.95, and books are on sale at the following local outlets: Junction Variety in Thorndike; Palmer Hobbies in Palmer; Ware River News office in Ware; Quabbin Visitor's Center in Belchertown; Swift River Candle in Pelham; Odyssey Books in South Hadley; Whistle Stop in the Gilbertville section of Hardwick; and the Plantation Store in West Brookfield. They can be ordered directly from the author by emailing him at jrg01331@webtv.net. Greene will have a presentation and book and calendar signing on Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. at the Palmer Public Library, and on Dec. 5 at the Young Men's Library Association in Ware at 6:30 p.m. Both programs will feature a brief slide program, as well as Greene's works, which include 13 books about the history of the Quabbin Reservoir and the towns it flooded. He said a portion of the sale proceeds will be given to the libraries for hosting the events. BOSTON -- Police have identified the driver who allegedly struck a State Police cruiser, injuring a trooper, while driving under the influence. The driver was Reginald Pyram of Roxbury, according to CBS Boston. Pyram is being charged with operating under the influence and is expected to be arraigned Friday in Dorchester Municipal Court. The trooper's cruiser was rear-ended by another car on Interstate 93 in Boston around 11:30 p.m. Thursday, according to NECN. The trooper was transported to Boston Medical Center and treated for neck and back pain, according to CBS Boston. A State Police spokesman told CBS Boston that the trooper is expected to return to work in a few days. His name has not been released. Most of Trumps proposals seem more likely to affect vulnerable lower-skilled workersmost notably a border wall between the US and Mexico and a pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. But his conflicting statements on the H-1B program have stirred uncertainty and anxiety among workers like Garnier. Trump has said that he wants to keep highly skilled workers in the US, but also said of the H-1B program during a debate, "Its unfair for our workers, and we should end it." Issie Lapowsky Full Story: https://www.wired.com/2016/11/trumps-immigration-crackdown-spark-tech-brain-drain/ Idahos demographics are changing, and so are the demographics of its lawyers. More attorneys licensed by the Idaho State Bar are going inactive or heading into retirement. The bars annual report shows a growing number of people seeking admission to practice in Idaho enough that Treasure Valley attorneys say theyre confident their clients will be well-served by the next generation of lawyers. But there are obstacles. More attorneys are practicing into their 70s and 80s. That prompted the bar to convene a task force on older lawyers transitioning out of practice. Bar personnel also traveled the state this year to talk with members about retirement and aging. BY AUDREY DUTTON [email protected] Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/business/business-insider/article116954193.html#storylink=cpy Les ministres ont pris note que le National Flag, Arms of Mauritius, National Anthem and Other National Symbols of Mauritius Bill sera presente ep premiere lecteure le 29 mars 2022 lors de la premiere seance parlementaire de 2022 ainsi que le Landlord and Tenant (Amendment) Bill 1. Cabinet has agreed to the introduction of the National Flag, Arms of Mauritius, National Anthem and Other National Symbols of Mauritius Bill into the National Assembly. The main object of the Bill is to consolidate and update the laws with regard to the national symbols of Mauritius, such as the Arms of Mauritius, the National Flag of Mauritius and the Seal of Mauritius. The opportunity is being taken to give legal effect to the National Anthem of Mauritius (Motherland) and to the National Flower of Mauritius (Trochetia boutoniana) and to declare the Mauritius Kestrel (Falco punctatus) as the National Bird of Mauritius. The Bill provides for better protection and use of the national symbols of Mauritius. The Bill also provides that whenever Government intends to declare a new national symbol of Mauritius, a resolution to that effect shall be made by the National Assembly, following which the President, may, by Order, designate the national symbol. Thereafter, the Prime Minister may make such regulations with regard to the new national symbol so designated. 2. Cabinet has agreed to the introduction of the Landlord and Tenant (Amendment) Bill into the National Assembly. The object of the Bill is to amend the Landlord and Tenant Act so as to extend to 30 June 2022 the period up to which the Act shall continue to apply to business premises let on or before 01 July 2005. 3. Cabinet has agreed to the implementation of the recommendations of the final consultancy report on the Audit of Rivers and Watercourses. The implementation of the recommendations of the report would enable concerned stakeholders to address issues of riverine flooding in their respective jurisdictions in a timely manner for better protection of inhabitants and assets located in vulnerable areas. 4. Cabinet has taken note that the Civil Status (Fees for Marriages) (Amendment) Regulations 2022, would be promulgated to introduce new fees for the celebration of civil marriages by the Civil Status Division. The Civil Status (Fees for Marriages) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 would include fees for the celebration of civil marriages: (a) in the newly set up Marriage Hall located at the Emmanuel Anquetil Building, Port Louis; (b) in any private residence where both intending spouses are non-citizens; (c) in any private residence where only one intending spouse is a non-citizen; and (d) at premises other than a private residence or the Marriage Hall where one intending spouse is a non-citizen. The Regulations would be effective as from 01 May 2022. 5. Cabinet has taken note that the Road Traffic (Amendment) Regulations 2022 would be made to provide for the extension of the deadline for the renewal of provisional driving licences from 01 March 2022 to 31 March 2022, to enable their holders to renew such licence so that it would be valid up to 31 March 2026. These amendments are applicable to the holders of a learners licence for autocycles/motorcycles obtained prior to March 2018. No further extension would be considered after 31 March 2022. 6. Cabinet has taken note of the promulgation of the Customs Tariff (Amendment of Schedule) Regulations 2022 which provide for the implementation of a second round of tariff cuts under the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of India. The Trade in Goods component includes a Preferential Trade Agreement with tariff elimination schedules agreed by both countries. Implementation of respective market access commitments started on 01 April 2021 and a first round of tariff cuts was effected by Mauritius. The second round of tariff cuts is due on 01 April 2022. 7. Cabinet has taken note that, on 21 March 2022, the Minister of Health and Wellness made the Consolidated COVID-19 (Amendment No. 6) Regulations 2022 to align the sanitary protocols in Rodrigues with that of Mauritius. Cabinet has also taken note that the Minister of Health and Wellness made the Consolidated COVID-19 (Amendment No. 7) Regulations 2022 to amend the definition of fully vaccinated and to include requirement for a health insurance for incoming foreign passengers and Novavax vaccine (Nuvaxoid and Covovax) as a recognised vaccine. 8. Cabinet has agreed to the ratification of the Accord entre le Gouvernement de la Republique Francaise et le Gouvernement de la Republique de Maurice relatif a la Cooperation en matiere de defense et au statut des forces, which was signed on 12 March 2018. The Accord provides an appropriate framework for cooperation between the two countries in the fields of defence and security matters, organisation and functioning of armed forces, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations and military training. 9. Cabinet has taken note of the status of implementation of the 390 recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry on Drug Trafficking as at March 2022, excluding those falling under the Task Force chaired by the Director, ICAC. Moreover, a Committee comprising concerned stakeholders has been set up to closely monitor the implementation of the recommendations requiring legislative amendments 10. Cabinet has taken note of a Scoping Mission by a team of two Consultants from the Climate Resilient Infrastructure Development Facility (CRIDF) to Mauritius from 28 to 31 March 2022, following a request for assistance in the water services sector. The CRIDF is a programme supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. During the course of the Scoping Mission, the team would hold meetings with relevant stakeholders and effect site visits at Bagatelle Dam and Water Treatment Plant, La Nicoliere Reservoir and at a Containerised Pressure Filtration Plant. 11. Cabinet has agreed to the Agricultural Marketing Board being designated anew as the sole importer of potatoes and onions and to no import permits being issued to other importers for the year 2022. The retail price of potatoes and onions would also be revised to Rs50/kg, in view of the increase of freight costs for shipments by sea. The Consumer Protection (Price and Supplies Control) Act and the Consumer Protection (Control of Price Taxable and Non-Taxable Goods) Regulations 1998 would be amended. 12. Cabinet has taken note of the findings and recommendations of a Consultancy Study on Aggregates and other Construction Materials in Mauritius, commissioned by the Construction Industry Development Board. In view of the looming depletion of rocks and the resulting impact on production of aggregates, the Consultant has made various recommendations. A High Level Committee would be set up under the chair of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Infrastructure and Community Development to prepare a draft Masterplan on rock reserves and chart a roadmap for the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Consultancy Report. 13. Cabinet has taken note of the decisions reached and actions taken by the Steering Committee set up to look into the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Technical Committee on Medicinal Cannabis. There is a need to train medical specialists prior to them prescribing Medicinal Cannabis. The Society of Cannabis Clinicians from the USA has been identified to train a first team of specialists of the Ministry of Health and Wellness. A request had also been made to the World Health Organization for appropriate technical expertise to train the specialists in Mauritius for them to acquire relevant knowledge on the use of Cannabis for medical purposes. The following decisions have also been taken: (a) a Therapeutic Committee on Medicinal Cannabis would be set up at regional level under the chair of the Regional Health Director; (b) all prescriptions containing Medicinal Cannabis from both public and private specialists would have to be endorsed by the Therapeutic Committee; (c) Medicinal Cannabis would be provided free of charge to all patients attending public hospitals and all private patients would be required to pay for their medication, as is currently applicable for other drugs dispensed at hospitals; and (d) the use of Medicinal Cannabis would be started on a pilot basis at Victoria Hospital. 14. Cabinet has taken note of the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic prevailing across the world. Some 476.6 million cases have been reported globally, of which 412 million persons have been successfully treated. With regard to Mauritius, as at 23 March 2022, there were 1,647 active cases of COVID-19, out of which nine were admitted at the New ENT Hospital. Over the period 17 March to 23 March 2022, 10 deaths were attributed to COVID-19. Cabinet has also taken note of progress in the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, including the administration of the booster dose in the Republic of Mauritius. As at 24 March 2022, 1,003,785 persons had received a first dose of vaccine (representing 79.3 percent of the population). 968,875 persons were fully vaccinated (representing 76.5 percent of the population). 582,364 persons had received a booster dose (representing 46 percent of the population). 76 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years had received a first dose of vaccine and 68.9 percent had received a second dose. Cabinet has further taken note that the Ministry of Health and Wellness carried out vaccination in Agalega from 14 to 23 March 2022. 15. Cabinet has taken note of the COVID-19 situation prevailing in Rodrigues. As at 23 March 2022, there were 176 active cases. There was no COVID-19 patient admitted at Mont Lubin Treatment Centre. 16. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the Indian Ocean Muaythai Championships and the Super 4 World Games Qualifiers held recently at Cote dOr National Sports Complex. Mauritius won three gold and two silver medals. The Mauritian representative for the Super 4 World Games, which would be held in Birmingham, USA from 12 to 18 July 2022 would be Veejaye James Agathe who competed in the -91 kg category. Based on the exceptional performance of the local athletes, the International Federation of Muaythai Associations has agreed on the spot to give a wild card entry to the World Games to Diksha Jeeloll in the 50 kg category. 17. Cabinet has taken note of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Mauritius, to the United Arab Emirates in the context of the participation of Mauritius in the Expo 2020 Dubai including the celebration of the National Day of Mauritius. The Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the Mauritius Pavilion at the Dubai Expo, and he was welcomed by the President of the Republic. The National Day of Mauritius was celebrated at the Dubai Expo site on 15 March 2022. The Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner-General of the Expo 2020 Dubai, hosted the President for that event. A flag raising ceremony was held followed by statements on both sides. Two Memoranda of Understanding were signed, namely: (a) Joint Committee for Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the Republic of Mauritius and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates; and (b) a Memorandum of Understanding on Care for the Elderly Welfare and Protection of People of Determination Persons with Disabilities between Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity of the Republic of Mauritius and the Ministry of Community Development of the United Arab Emirates. The Economic Development Board Office in Dubai was also inaugurated by the President of the Republic. 18. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the participation of the Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade in the SADC Council of Ministers held recently in a hybrid mode in Malawi. The intervention of the Minister at the SADC Council of Ministers focused, inter alia, on the following main issues: (a) the Maritime Security Conference to be held in Mauritius; (b) the Food and Nutrition Security Update; (c) an update on the COVID-19 pandemic; and (d) the status on disasters in the Region. The Council of Ministers also discussed, inter alia, the construction of the SADC Regional Logistics Depot and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP 2020-30) Costed Implementation Plan. 19. Cabinet has agreed to Mauritius hosting the annual meeting of FRATEL (Reseau francophone de la regulation des telecommunications) in November/December 2022. FRATEL is an informal network set up in October 2003 and regrouping institutions, from French speaking countries, responsible for regulating and controlling the telecommunications sector. The organisation comprises institutions from 50 countries around the world. The main objectives of the network are the promotion of information exchange among telecommunications regulators, supporting members capacity-building through trainings and technical co-operation, and carrying out studies on issues related to the legal framework of the telecommunication sector. The theme of the meeting for this year is Challenges and ways to improve the resilience of telecommunication networks. 20. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the participation of the Minister of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives in activities held in the margins of Expo 2020 Dubai in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Minister attended: (a) the Retail Summit which is a global annual event aimed at bringing together key leaders in the retail community to share ideas, insights and debate on opportunities, challenges and the future of the global retail industry; (b) the National Day Celebration of Mauritius; (c) a Business Conference on Mauritius: Our Journey towards Sustainable Transformation, followed by a Fashion Show; and (d) the International Conference on Sustainable and Innovative Design. The Minister visited the Dubai Industrial City, one of the largest manufacturing and logistics hubs in Dubai, established in 2004 with the objective to accelerate the growth of the industrial sector in the UAE. He also visited an enterprise in the fish processing sector located in the Dubai Industrial City. 21. Cabinet has taken note of the activities being organised by the Ministry of Public Service, Administrative and Institutional Reforms to mark World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2022. The theme for this year is Act together to build a positive safety and health culture. The following activities would be organised to mark the event: (a) Safety and Health Week Each Ministry and Department would be called upon to organise at least one safety and health-related activity at their level from 21 to 28 April 2022 to sensitise public officers on the importance of instilling an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) culture; (b) focused activities by key players in Safety and Health, namely the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Mauritius Police Force, the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre and the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit; and (c) a workshop on Occupational Safety and Health on 28 April 2022 to sensitise all Chairpersons of Safety and Health Committees/OSH Management Steering Committees on the importance of acting together in building a positive safety and health culture and effective OSH Management System. 22. Cabinet has taken note of the reconstitution of the Board of the Financial Intelligence Unit with Mr Dinay Reetoo, Assistant Parliamentary Counsel, as Chairperson. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires Sunil Bholah a pris la parole lors de la ceremonie douverture dune atelier de travail organise par lInternational Organization for Standardization en collaboration Mauritius Standards Bureau sur le Leadership and Management Programme le 26 novembre 2019. Ladies and Gentlemen, It gives me great pleasure to address you this morning on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the ISO workshop on Leadership and Management Programme organized by the International Organization for Standardization in collaboration with the Mauritius Standards Bureau. On behalf of the Government of Mauritius and in my own name, I wish to extend a warm welcome to all the overseas delegates and resource persons who have travelled all the way to attend this workshop. I hope you will be able to spare some of your precious time to visit Mauritius. I also wish to thank the International Organization for Standardization for choosing Mauritius for this workshop. It is indeed a matter of pride and prestige to host this ISO flagship event. This gives Mauritius its rightful place in the fraternity of ISO Members and will evidently further consolidate our relationships as regards international standardization.Ladies and Gentlemen, On 1st January 1995, Mauritius Standards Bureau became a full Member of the International Organization for Standardization. It marked a new beginning for the Bureau as it opened the door for international standardization. This was in consonance with the Government policy to adhere to WTO-driven trade liberalization process and to eliminate and reduce technical barriers to trade through the use of international standards and harmonized standards. This event was a game-changer for the Mauritius Standards Bureau as it kick-started a long and fruitful journey for collaboration, cooperation and partnership between our two institutions. It is worth mentioning that the building at Moka which houses MSB purpose-built laboratories and offices was inaugurated in the presence of the late Secretary-General of ISO Dr Lawrence Eicher and the late President of ISO, Mr E. Mollmann. It would be appropriate here to briefly highlight the collaboration between ISO and MSB during the last two decades. In 2012, the Bureau hosted the ISO Regional Workshop on Stakeholder Engagement and Participation in Standardization which enlisted the participation of Standards Bodies from several African countries. The workshop provided an overview of the importance of international standardization as a key enabler for unlocking world markets, promoting technical progress and ensuring sustainable development. In the same year the Mauritius Standards Bureau conducted a study on the economic benefits of standardization in Mauritius in collaboration with ISO to determine the contribution of standards to the national economy and industrial productivity. The report of the study and similar reports from other countries have been published by ISO in a compendium. Similarly, MSB is in the process of developing the National Standardization Strategy of Mauritius based on a framework established by ISO. As a first step, an intensive consultation has been conducted to assess the needs and demands of our stakeholders. The strategy will map out the standardization activities of the country for the coming five years and will support the socio-economic development of Mauritius. The Mauritius Standards Bureau has also benefitted from an ISO Project Sponsorship Programme to be a Member of the CASCO Working Group 46 for the development of the International Standard ISO/IEC 17029 on General Principles and Requirements for validation and verification bodies. The Acting Director of the Mauritius Standards Bureau attended all the meetings of the Working Group for the full cycle development of that standard. The standard has been recently published. This was a first milestone for Mauritius and its National Standards Body. The Mauritius Standards Bureau was also invited by ISO at the 34th ISO CASCO Plenary Meeting and Workshop this year to share its experience as a Member of ISO Working Group 46 with other National Standards Bodies from developing countries. The Mauritius Standards Bureau has also the privilege to get the support and partnership of ISO within its Action Plan for Developing Countries to define the content of a CASCO toolkit which will provide the technical underpinnings to public policies to facilitate trade and enhance ease of doing business. Ladies and Gentlemen, Overcoming the steep curve of learning is one of the major challenges of National Standards Bodies in developing countries. Without a strong and synergistic partnership with world-class standards bodies and ISO, it would be impossible for standards bodies to scale up their capacities and capabilities. It is useful to recall that out of 164 Standards Bodies affiliated to ISO over 120 are from developing countries. These national standards bodies will not be able to derive benefits from international standardization unless they build their capacity and participate more actively in the development of international standards. Most of these national standards bodies like the Mauritius Standards Bureau are standards takers. They should make the shift and become standards setters. To this end, ISO should enlist the participation of its Members from developing countries in Technical Committees or Working Groups. It is comforting to note that ISO has renewed its commitments for capacity building and inclusive international standardization in its Strategic Plan 2030. The Workshop on Leadership and Management Programme is a step in the right direction as leadership and management are key elements which determine the success of a country and an organization. Ladies and Gentlemen It is often said that the standards and conformity assessment infrastructure of a country is anchored in the social, economic and cultural realities of that country. In this sense the Mauritius Standards Bureau has evolved in response to the economic, industrial and social needs of Mauritius. It has continuously provided the scientific and technical underpinnings to the economic and industrial operators to boost the economic growth, bolster regional and international trade, promote the welfare of the citizen and protect the environment. The Bureau has adopted a horizontal approach to standardization whereby Metrology, Standards Development and Conformity Assessment services are provided under a single roof. This model is adequate and suitable given the limited technical and financial resources available. It is widely acknowledged that Mauritius is today at the cross-road of its development path. The strategies and policies which propelled the nation from a low-income economy to a middle-economy have outlived their purposes and are inadequate for the next phase of its development. A new Economic Model including innovative strategies are required to fuel the economic growth and uplift the standard of living of the citizens. A new development plan has already been elaborated to transform Mauritius into a high-income economy while ensuring inclusive growth and sustainability. My Ministry is in the process of reviewing the National Export Strategy with the main objective of establishing the building blocks and engines of growth of the future. The strategy outlines the roadmap for the development of key sectors having high export potential. The next phase of development will no doubt pivot on the strengthening of the standards and conformity assessment infrastructure as a competitive tool to spur growth and create gateways for trade in the complex world of market access and market acceptance. Ladies and Gentlemen With these remarks, I have now the pleasure to declare the ISO Workshop on Leadership and Management open and wish all the participants fruitful deliberations. Apres ma musique cest le football francais qui est touchee par lannonce de la disparition dun de ses meilleurs entraineurs. Il sen est alle naturellement le 26 mars 2020 a lage de 87 ans avec un titre europeen en 1984. Il ne lui a manque que la couronne mondiale. Pour rappel cest en 1975 que Michel Hidalgo fut nomme selectionneur de lequipe de France de football. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires by Gavin O'Malley , Staff Writer @mp_gavin, November 25, 2016 Worldwide, more people now rely on mobile gadgets than desktop computers to browse the Web, new research shows. Occurring at some point in October, the shift marks a major milestone in the way we communicate, consume and share information. By the end of last month, mobile and tablet devices accounted for 51.3% of Web usage compared to 48.7% by desktop, according to a new report from StatCounter. Remarkably, the landmark moment comes at a time when many businesses have yet to make the necessary mobile modifications, according to Aodhan Cullen, CEO of the analytics firm. This should be a wake-up call especially for small businesses, sole traders and professionals to make sure that their websites are mobile friendly, Cullen notes in the report. In the United States and the United Kingdom, mobile has yet to overtake desktop computing -- but the shift is coming. In the U.S., desktop computing still accounts for 58% of Web usage, while smartphones and tablets account for 42% of Web usage. In the U.K., the distribution is 55.6% to 44.4%. advertisement advertisement Of course, many American and British businesses have to factor international trends into their models. For example, Post-Brexit, U.K. businesses should be aware, as they look to increase trade outside the EU, that India, for example, has over 75% internet usage through mobile devices, Cullen warns. This column was previously published in Moblog on November 2, 2016. by John Motavalli , Columnist, November 25, 2016 Nothing like going into the lions den without a whip. Adblock Plus, the leading ad blocker, will convene a potentially world-changing meetup the week after next in New York City, according to spokesman Ben Williams. Blogging on the Adblock Plus site, Williams says the confab will be for people involved with technology, online rights and ads, who might be interested in being on our Acceptable Ads Committee. NY Internet Marketers has been asked to help select candidates for an Independent Board that will completely manage how ad blockers define good and bad ads. In an email interview, Williams noted that he would conduct the meeting himself, which will be at HYPR, 4 World Trade Center. Adblocks Mark Addison will possibly also attend. I imagine the event will be fairly informal which could bode for friendliness ... but in such a setting it can always get a bit prickly. We'll see ... I'm the one doing a short presentation, but it will be largely Q&A and one-on-ones; I'll try and keep everything classy :), Williams writes. advertisement advertisement Considering the bile directed towards Adblock Plus from the Interactive Advertising Bureau, there might well be some heat, or an attempt at a boycott. IAB has called ad blocking robbery, and an existential threat to the industry, on a par with generals talking about ISIS. We shall see who attends. The invitation reads, Calling all publishers, brands and online marketers: this is an exclusive opportunity to meet the team behind the largest ad blocker in the world: Adblock Plus. We will learn how Adblock Plus got started, what their motivations are for disrupting online advertising, and how they open-source their whitelisting process. Most people dont realize, but ad blocking is actually run as a global community project with thousands of volunteers who maintain a central filter list. Almost all ad blockers use these same open-sourced lists. We wrote about the Acceptable Ads Committee many months ago, amid much pushback from the IAB, which hates Adblock Plus. Back then, there had been some exploratory meetings with the ad tech community but the IAB was asserting that many were sitting on their hands. We suspect, however, that some will show up, if only because theyre curious. We take a somewhat contrary view on ad blocking. Despite the obvious and heavy-duty toll it takes on the ad tech community, it is very unlikely to go away anytime soon. Adoption of this simple-to-use technology just keeps growing and, with at least two browsers now pre-loaded with ad blocking software and even Google debating whether to include it with Chrome (it passed), we see ad blocking as unstoppable. We would love to use this venue for a debate on this meeting and on the potential for collaboration with groups like Adblock Plus. Certainly, a lot of advertisers work with it to get on its whitelist, regardless of what they might privately feel about it. So, lets discuss. Should you go to the meeting or not? You will find Williams a most friendly fellow, as I have, whether you see him as blocking your business or not. In June, eMarketer released a report on U.S. ad blocking, concluding that approximately a quarter of all Internet users, about 70 million, mostly young people, will be blocking ads this year. To get some perspective on how fast this is growing, consider that just 7 million smartphone owners were blocking in 2014. The figure is now closer to 30 million. So, lets hear what you think. We will be glad to introduce you to Williams, if you wish. Or look at his posts on the Adblock Plus blog. by Laurie Sullivan , Staff Writer @lauriesullivan, November 25, 2016 Do you feel like Black Friday lost its oomph? I actually purchased some items on sale two days before Thanksgiving. It almost feels like Black Friday week rather than Black Friday day. And I did it all in physical stores. This year I'm on the hunt for deals online to buy in brick-and-mortar stores, rather make the purchase online, which I have not done in the past six years. Why the change of heart? Sometimes it takes retailers too long to process the order. In many cases their online systems do not stop taking orders when stock runs out and the consumer ends up getting an apology email as to the reason the items won't ship. Adobe Digital Insights (ADI) released data Thursday morning that predicts products are less likely to run out of stock this year. In fact, out-of-stock notifications are at 6.4% versus 11% last year, according to ADI. Between midnight and 11 a.m. ET on Thanksgiving Day, ADI estimates consumers spent $336 million, with a forecast to hit $2 billion in online revenue for the first time at 15.6% growth YoY, with a record $820 million expected via mobile devices for the entire day. advertisement advertisement And evidently it's easier to order products from a smartphone running the iOs operating system compared with Android. ADI estimates the average order value on iOS devices hit $144, outperforming Android devices at $119. As for how Black Friday got its name, there are several theories. One of the earliest use of the term Black Friday, the shopping day after Thanksgiving Day, which kicks off the holiday shopping season in the U.S., comes from a 1951 practice of workers calling in sick on the day after Thanksgiving in order to have four consecutive days off. At the time, the day was not yet commonly offered as a paid day off by employers, according to Snopes. Time magazine suggests the term Black Friday originally was used to describe the September 24, 1864 stock market crash set off by plummeting goal prices. Newspapers in Philadelphia reused the phrase in the late 1960s to describe the rush of crowds at stores. Digital images compiled from the Library of Congress would lead us to believe that Black Friday was a common term used by retailers to advertise sales -- not just during the holiday season, but all year long. The Hub used the term Black Friday in July 1901, to advertise a sale in the Iola register. Happy shopping -- wherever the deals might take you. As the winter holidays are fast approaching, alcohol consumption rates are about to go up. While low to moderate drinking has been shown by some studies to have beneficial effects on the heart and circulatory system, new research suggests alcohol use may increase the risk of some types of stroke and not others. Share on Pinterest Alcohol use may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Most people have consumed alcohol at some point in their lives. Low to moderate levels of alcohol consumption have been shown to be good for ones health, but high and heavy drinking can have serious negative consequences. Now that Thanksgiving is here, it is important to remind ourselves of the dangers of seasonal binge drinking. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) warn about the myths around alcohol use and give advice on how to drink safely during the holidays. Up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men counts as moderate drinking. According to the NIAAA, moderate drinking seems to lower the risk of heart disease, ischemic stroke, and diabetes. However, consuming alcohol in high amounts remains highly dangerous. A large number of Americans die of alcohol-related incidents every year, making alcohol the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States. New research looks at the impact of alcohol on the risk of developing stroke. Analyzing the link between alcohol and stroke Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom examined associations between alcohol consumption and different types of stroke. The study consisted of a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing studies. Researchers looked at 25 prospective studies containing data on ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Studies included data from The Cohort of Swedish Men and the Swedish Mammography Cohort, summing up a total of 18,289 ischemic stroke cases, 2,299 intracerebral hemorrhage cases, and 1,164 cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Levels of alcohol consumption were evaluated using patients self-reporting. Participants answered a series of questions using a questionnaire or an interview. Using standardized measures of alcohol, alcohol consumption was divided into four categories: light drinking (one daily drink or less), moderate drinking (one to two drinks per day), high drinking (two to four drinks per day), and heavy drinking (more than four drinks daily). The study adjusted for variables such as age, sex, smoking, body mass index (BMI), and diabetes. Results were published in the open-access journal BMC Medicine. Alcohol may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke The meta-analysis looked at two different types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. It is caused by a blood clot blocking the flow of blood and oxygen from reaching the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs either when an aneurysm bursts, or a weakened blood vessel leaks. The result is bleeding either inside the brain, causing an intracerebral hemorrhage, or, less commonly, bleeding between the brain and the tissue covering it, causing a so-called subarachnoid hemorrhage. The study revealed that light and moderate alcohol consumption seemed to lower the risk of ischemic stroke, but it had no impact on the risk of developing hemorrhagic stroke. Dr. Susanna Larsson, lead author of the study, explains why this may be: Previous research has found an association between alcohol consumption and lower levels of fibrinogen a protein in the body which helps the formation of blood clots. This may explain the association between light to moderate alcohol consumption and lower ischemic stroke risk. However, drinking may, in fact, increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. This is more apparent when looking at the heavy drinking category. Our results showed that heavy drinkers were about 1.6 times more likely to suffer from intracerebral hemorrhage and 1.8 times more likely to suffer from subarachnoid hemorrhage. The association between heavy alcohol consumption and these two types of stroke was stronger than that for ischemic stroke. Dr. Susanna Larsson Therefore, even if moderate drinking may have a beneficial effect by lowering the risk of ischemic stroke, the disadvantages might outweigh the benefits. The adverse effect of alcohol consumption on blood pressure a major risk factor for stroke may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke and outweigh any potential benefit, Dr. Larsson mentions. A naturally occurring predatory bacterium is able to work with the immune system to clear multi-drug resistant Shigella infections in zebrafish, according to a study published in Current Biology. It is the first time the predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus has been successfully used as an injected anti-bacterial therapy and represents an important step in the fight against drug-resistant infections, or 'superbugs'. Shigella infection is responsible for over 160 million illnesses and over 1 million deaths every year - and is a common cause of 'travellers' diarrhoea.' Cases of drug-resistant Shigella are also on the rise as, although the diarrhoea usually clears up without treatment, antibiotics are often used even in mild cases to stop the diarrhoea faster. Resistance to antibiotics has prompted a team of researchers from Imperial College London and Nottingham University to look to the natural environment for creative solutions to this problem. To investigate Bdellovibrio's ability to control drug resistant Gram-negative infections, researchers injected zebrafish larvae with a lethal dose of Shigella flexneri strain M90T, resistant to both streptomycin and carbenicillin antibiotics. Bdellovibrio was then injected into the larvae's infection site, and a decrease in the number of Shigella was seen. In the absence of Bdellovibrio, zebrafish were unable to control the replication of Shigella and levels of the bacteria rose. Wellcome Research Career Development Fellow Dr Serge Mostowy, co-lead author from Imperial College London said: "This study really shows what a unique and interesting bacterium Bdellovibrio is as it presents this amazing natural synergy with the immune system and persists just long enough to kill prey bacteria before being naturally cleared. It's an important milestone in research into the use of a living antibiotic that could be used in animals and humans." Bdellovibrio can invade and kill a range of Gram-negative bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, in the natural environment. Previous research has shown that it can reduce pathogen numbers in the stomach of chickens when taken as an oral therapy, but there is growing need to develop therapies to target infections in wounds and organs. Successful use of Bdellovibrio highlights its potential uses in tackling a range of drug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections that can develop in hospital patients. Professor Liz Sockett, co-lead author from The University of Nottingham said: "This has been a truly ground-breaking collaboration that shows therapeutic Bdellovibrio in action inside the translucent living zebrafish. The predatory action of the Bdellovibrio breaks the Shigella-pathogen cells and this stimulates the white blood cells; redoubling their 'efforts' against the pathogen and leading to increased survival of the zebrafish 'patients'." Remarkably, Bdellovibrio is also able to reduce pathogen load in immunocompromised zebrafish larvae that have been depleted of white blood cells. However, survival is significantly greater in immune-competent zebrafish, showing that Bdellovibrio's maximum therapeutic benefit comes from its ability to work cooperatively with the host's own immune system. Dr Michael Chew, Science Portfolio Advisor at Wellcome said: "It may be unusual to use a bacterium to get rid of another, but in the light of the looming threat from drug resistant infections the potential of beneficial bacteria-animal interactions should not be overlooked. We are increasingly relying on last line antibiotics, and this innovative study demonstrates how predatory bacteria could be an important additional tool to drugs in the fight against resistance." This research was funded by Wellcome, the Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine, the Medical Research Council, The Leverhulme Trust, U.S. Army Research Office and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Drug companies should stop using donations to atone those who cannot afford expensive vaccines and instead lower prices, argue experts in The BMJ. It follows a recent decision by Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) to refuse a donation of one million doses of Pfizer's pneumonia vaccine for children caught in humanitarian emergencies. MSF judged it more important to press the company to lower the price that is the main obstacle to access. Pfizer has since announced a special price for the vaccine to humanitarian organisations, in line with GSK, the other producer of this type of vaccine. But in an editorial, Els Torreele at the Open Society Foundations in New York and Professor Mariana Mazzucato at the University of Sussex, argue that donations and benevolent price reductions for selected countries or populations "remain random acts of charity that do not get to the heart of the problem: the unacceptable commodification of human lives by drug companies using monopoly pricing power to determine who lives and who dies." They point out that pneumonia vaccines are likely to cost less than a dollar to produce, but are typically being sold at $120-160 (96-130; 110-150) per dose in wealthy countries, and at least three doses are required to protect a child. Pfizer's revenue from this vaccine was $6.2bn in 2015. They explain that GSK and Pfizer have previously agreed to supply their vaccines at around $3 per dose to Gavi, a public-private partnership that works to increase access to vaccines in some 50 of the poorest countries. "Though this has been applauded as an act of corporate social responsibility, they say the price "is still more than profitable, and there is no transparency around the cost structure of vaccine manufacture or company use of tax deductions to assess the true generosity of such offers." As with expensive medicines, "high vaccine prices are the consequence of corporate decisions to focus on maximising shareholder returns at the expense of public health," they argue. "It is now clear that drug companies have identified vaccines as the next pot of gold." So what is the reason behind this price hike, they ask? In contrast to the medicines market, there are no generics for vaccines to drive down prices, giving even stronger pricing power to a small number of multinational vaccine producers, they explain. As with medicines, the often cited justification for high vaccine prices is that research and development is expensive and risky, they add. Yet a detailed estimate of the development cost of rotavirus vaccines suggests that companies could recover all fixed costs quickly and offer these vaccines to all countries at affordable prices. Instead, "they seek to fragment the market, selling in middle and high income countries in ways that maximise short term returns." They call on companies to agree on a fair price that takes into account the research and manufacturing costs, the public research contributions, and the public health importance of vaccines. "This, rather than charitable donations meant to mask the system failures of a profit maximising healthcare economy, would be a beneficial corrective for public health," they say. "The right price for vaccines must take into account the value of their collective creation but also the fact that they are essential goods produced collectively to safeguard the vulnerable - no matter where they live," they conclude. Researchers at VIB and Ghent University have developed a tool to diagnose Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). Particularly common among Mediterranean populations, this genetic disease is characterized by inflammation, fever and severe pain. Because of its complex diagnosis, patients often remain untreated for many years, which can eventually lead to kidney failure. In collaboration with Ghent University Hospital and Antwerp University Hospital, VIB and Ghent University are now planning clinical trials to further validate immunodiagnosis of FMF. The study is published in the leading scientific journal PNAS. In the Mediterranean basin, including the Middle East and Caucasus, FMF has a prevalence between 1 and 2 per 1,000 inhabitants. FMF is usually diagnosed during childhood, after which a daily, lifelong treatment is necessary. However, accurate diagnosis is complicated by a number of factors: other autoinflammatory diseases show similar symptoms, the clinical picture is often incomplete in young children, atypical signs may occur, and a suggestive family history is sometimes lacking. Wrong or late diagnosis often even leads to unnecessary surgery and, ultimately, kidney failure. Worldwide interest The lab of professor Mohamed Lamkanfi (VIB-Ghent University) developed an alternative for today's inadequate diagnosis, efficiently segregating FMF patients from people suffering from other autoinflammatory diseases and healthy individuals. The tool detects changes in the body's immune reaction to pyrin, a protein that is usually mutated in FMF. Following successful tests on mice, the tool has been validated in 13 patients in collaboration with physicians from Belgium and Italy. Prof. Mohamed Lamkanfi (VIB-Ghent University): "As next steps, we are setting up clinical trials in Belgium for which we are actively seeking volunteers - both FMF patients and people suffering from related inflammatory disorders. These trials are funded by, among other parties, the European Research Council and FWO (Research Foundation - Flanders). In addition, labs from the Netherlands and Italy have already expressed interest. We are also exploring possible collaborations with industrial partners in order to make our method available as a diagnostic kit." Patent application The new tool could be good news for thousands of people with a Mediterranean background. However, in rare cases, FMF also affects other people. Prof. Lamkanfi and his team have expressed the ambition to start the clinical trials as soon as possible. Meanwhile, a patent application for the invention has been submitted. Article: Familial Mediterranean fever mutations lift the obligatory requirement for microtubules in Pyrin inflammasome activation, Hanne Van Gorp, Pedro H. V. Saavedra, Nathalia M. de Vasconcelos, Nina Van Opdenbosch, Lieselotte Vande Walle, Magdalena Matusiak, . . . Mohamed Lamkanfi, PNAS, doi: 10.1073/pnas.1613156113, published online 22 November 2016. A study co-led by the University of East Anglia (UEA) has found that people with genes for high educational achievement tend to marry, and have children with, people with similar DNA. Humans generally do not choose their partners randomly, but rather mate 'assortatively', choosing people with similar traits. Among the highest ranking qualities people look for in a potential partner are intelligence and educational attainment. While it is well known that humans mate assortatively in relation to education - people with similar education levels marry each other - this is one of the first studies to show that this has significance at a DNA level. The researchers argue that this could increase genetic and social inequality in future generations, since children of couples who mate assortatively are more unequal genetically than those of people who mate more randomly. The study, published in the journal Intelligence, was co-led by Dr David Hugh-Jones, from UEA's School of Economics, and Dr Abdel Abdellaoui, of the Department of Biological Psychology at VU University in The Netherlands. They examined whether assortative mating for educational achievement could be detected in the DNA of approximately 1600 married or cohabiting couples in the UK. The sample was drawn from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, a survey that aims to be representative of the population. Dr Hugh-Jones, a senior lecturer in economics, said: "Our findings show strong evidence for the presence of genetic assortative mating for education in the UK. The consequences of assortative mating on education and cognitive abilities are relevant for society, and for the genetic make-up and therefore the evolutionary development of subsequent generations. "Assortative mating on inheritable traits that are indicative of socio-economic status, such as educational achievement, increases the genetic variance of characteristics in the population. This may increase social inequality, for example with respect to education or income. "When growing social inequality is, partly, driven by a growing biological inequality, inequalities in society may be harder to overcome and the effects of assortative mating may accumulate with each generation." The researchers used polygenic scores that predict educational attainment to see whether they predicted the partner's own educational attainment and polygenic score. They found that the scores correlated between partners and significantly predicted partners' educational outcome, for both sexes, in that individuals with a stronger genetic predisposition for higher educational achievement have partners who are more educated. The researchers also tested whether their data could be explained by other factors, for example by people simply meeting their partners because they lived in the same county. They re-matched individuals with random partners within the same educational levels and geographical locations. However, they found that the scores of the original couples showed greater similarities than the randomly generated pairs, indicating significant genetic assortative mating for educational attainment regardless of educational level and geographic location. The study 'Assortative mating on educational attainment leads to genetic spousal resemblance for causal alleles', David Hugh-Jones, Karin Verweij, Beate St Pourcain and Abdel Abdellaoui, is published in Intelligence. Article: Assortative mating on educational attainment leads to genetic spousal resemblance for polygenic scores, David Hugh-Jones, Karin J.H. Verweij, Beate St. Pourcain, Abdel Abdellaoui, Intelligence, doi: 10.1016/j.intell.2016.08.005, published online 29 August 2016. Advertisement Unfortunately, almost one-third of the estimated 50 million people with the disorder has refractory, or unresponsive, epilepsy that isn't adequately controlled by medications currently available.The ADD Program has now been awarded a five-year $19.5 million contract renewal with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to test drugs to treat epilepsy, and the major focus of the project is to address needs that affect millions of people worldwide - identify novel investigational compounds to prevent the development of epilepsy or to treat refractory, or drug-resistant, epilepsy.The contract renewal, awarded through the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) to the U Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, represents a shift in the mission to identify new therapies, according to ADD Director Karen S. Wilcox, professor and chair of pharmacology and toxicology and principal investigator of the contract."We're proud that over the past 41 years, the ADD program has played a key role in identifying and characterizing many of the drugs now available to treat patients with epilepsy and to control their seizures," Wilcox says. "Now, we're looking for drugs that can modify or prevent the disease, particularly in those patients either with refractory epilepsy or at risk for developing epilepsy following a brain injury."ADD has received continuous funding from NINDS' Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) (formerly known as the Anticonvulsant Screening Program) since its founding in 1974. In collaboration, the ETSP and the ADD Program have evaluated more than 32,000 compounds.ADD received the contract in a competitive bidding process. The renewal of the contractual relationship between the NINDS and the University of Utah reflects the ongoing commitment of the NIH and the ETSP to finding and developing novel therapies for epilepsy and represents a unique partnership between government, industry, and academia."The NIH-NINDS ETSP is pleased to continue the productive relationship with the University of Utah," says Dr. John Kehne, a Program Director at NINDS and head of the ETSP. "These and other efforts supported by the NINDS will help to discover new pharmacotherapies to address the unmet medical needs of people living with epilepsy."In addition to its focus on evaluating potential candidate drugs for the treatment of therapy-resistant epilepsy, the mission of the ADD Program includes efforts to identify novel therapies for different types of epilepsy.The program also serves as a base for innovative basic research that sheds new light on the pathophysiology of epilepsy and provides a unique training environment for students, research fellows, and visiting scientists.Currently, the ADD program employ18 researchers, technicians, and staff. Cameron S. Metcalf is associate director and a co-Investigator of the contract and Peter J. West and Misty D. Smith, research assistant professors of pharmacology and toxicology, are also co-investigators on the contract renewal.Although there currently is no cure for epilepsy, Wilcox, who previously served as a co-Investigator of ADD before taking over as PI in 2016, believes that can be changed."The brain has remarkable plasticity throughout a person's life," she says. "If we learn enough about neuroscience and the details of how the brain works, it's very possible to find a cure."Source: Newswise Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends. Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice. On October 16, 2016, Montenegro held its parliamentary elections, in which the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) scored another victory, albeit a slim one, winning 36 seats outs of 81. On the day of the elections, the former commander of the Serbian Gendarmerie, Bratislav Dikic, was arrested and accused of plotting a coup, that would involve killing civilians and murdering Montenegrin PM Milo Djukanovic, as well as temporarily shutting-down of the WhatsApp and Viber messaging apps.[1] He was arrested along with 19 other Serbian citizens. The Montenegrin government disclosed: "These persons were suspected of forming criminal organizations and terrorism on Montenegrin territory. As suspected, they had entered Montenegro and had the intention of first seizing the automatic weapons, and [then] carrying out tonight attacks against institutions of the system, the police and representatives of the state authorities, not excluding the possibility of attacks on high-ranking state officials."[2] The investigation includes several Montenegrin citizens belonging to the pro-Russian party Democratic Front and two Russians, Eduard Shirokov and Vladimir Popov, suspected of being masterminds of the plot.[3] Among the Serbian members that participated to the plot appears also Aleksandar Sasa Sindjelic, a reputed founder of the pro-Russian organization The Serbian Wolves". According to Krym.Realii, he participated in Russia's 2014 Crimea annexation.[4] The Montenegrin media outlet Cdm.me reported that Sindjelic was responsible for "recruiting other members of the organization, transferring money between the organizers and members of the group, providing weapons, phones, buying police equipment, uniforms, shields, batons, body amours, tear gas, gas masks and other equipment that would be used by the group members during the attack on the Parliament."[5] According to Cdm.me, the investigation order claimed that Sindjelic received 200,000 from the Russians and distributed the money to members of the criminal group. Dikic received 15,000 and $500.[6] On October 25, Serbia's Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said that several people were arrested in connection with the attempted coup in Montenegro.[7] He said that numerous groups acting under "outside control" were involved.[8] The Russian daily Kommersant wrote that according to information leaked to the local media, these groups used encrypted telephones, two of which were discovered in Serbia and in Montenegro, and the third one, "located in Russia", was out of reach.[9] Vucic confirmed the information given by the Montenegrin Special Prosecutor, Milivoje Katnic, that a group of Serbian citizens, led by Dikic, had been arrested, for planning to seize the Skupstina, the Montenegrin parliament, after the October 16 elections and planned to open fire upon the participants of an opposition rally in order to provoke chaos and to storm the parliament.[10] Vucic said that the Serbian law enforcement had discovered "several additional dangerous groups" involved in realization of this plan, adding that "very serious people" are behind them. "The arrested people had acted in coordination with foreigners, there is an incontestable evidence that certain people had traced every step of the Montenegrin prime minister and were informing other people who were supposed to act in accordance to their instructions. We have found 125,000, special uniforms and other things. The Montenegrin prime minister had been traced by the most modern equipment," Vucic stated. He then added: "Deeply mistaken were those who assumed that Serbia will participate in this crime in any way."[11] The leader of Serbia's opposition Liberal-Democratic Party, Cedomir Jovanovic, said that everybody should be "worried" over Vucic's revelations. Jovanovic said: "A normal person cannot ignore such issues taking into account that they produce some other issues - whether things that, as we claim, happened in Montenegro represent a message to Vucic, his government and Serbia, a message that means that we are not allowed to have an independent European policy... Serbia is faced with a most brutal war. We are not allowed to live a normal life, to become a European Union member and to approach to NATO and Russia is behind all of this. We must not ignore this."[12] The former Montenegrin Foreign Minister and the country's first ambassador to Washington, Miodrag Vlahovic, said that disclosing new details of the failed coup "will only help Montenegro join NATO urgently".[13] Meanwhile, on October 26, Montenegro's PM Milo Djukanovic stepped down from office, after 27 years in power. He then named the party's deputy president and former intelligence chief Dusko Markovic as the new Montenegrin Prime Minister, charged with form a new government. Russia denied any involvement in the Montenegrin events. [14] Below are excerpts of an article published in the Russian media outlet Gazeta.ru, titled "Russia Has Ousted The Montenegrin Prime Minister; Montenegro's PM Quits After Rumors Of A Pro-Russian Plot." The article argues that the situation in Montenegro is yet another irritant in the relations between Moscow and NATO.[15] A map. of Montenegro Former commander of the Serbian Gendarmerie Bratislav Dikic (Source: B92.net) Aleksandar Sasa Sindjelic (Source: Cdm.me) 'It Would Be An Odd Coincidence If The Rebels Were Not Connected To... The Pro-Russian Democratic Front' "The ruling Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) of Montenegro announced on October 26 that the PM Milo Djukanovic was stepping down. He will be replaced by his deputy, Dusko Markovic. A few hours before the announcement Djukanovic spoke about an anti-government conspiracy. According to him, during the October 16 parliamentary elections, conspirators connected to foreign special services tried to derail the elections. They were Serbs. Outgoing Montenegrin PM Milo Djukanovic (Source: Balkaneu.com) "A day before that, the Serbian prime minister, Aleksandar Vucic, also spoke about 'several dangerous groups' that acted in the territory of Serbia and Montenegro 'under foreign control.' According to the politician, secret service agents from a third country had Djukanovic under surveillance and attempted to sabotage the elections. "The mass media, in their turn, linked the conspirators to Russia. According to the Montenegrin newspaper Pobjeda, the arrested conspirators had in their possession (in addition to weapons, big sums in cash and police uniforms) three special encrypted phones with high level protection, phone number and geolocation change function, and emergency memory wipe. "According to this information, one such phone was confiscated in Montenegro, another in Serbia, and yet another is at the moment shut off and is in Russia. "In an interview prior to his resignation, Djukanovic stated: it would be an odd coincidence if the rebels were unconnected to his main political opponent - the pro-Russian Democratic Front. 'Djukanovic's Resignation And The Accusation Against The Democratic Front Of Having Ties To Russia Reflect A Sharp Political Game' "Twenty Serbs, including the former commander of the Serbian gendarmerie, General Bratislav Dikic, were arrested on October 16 in Podgorica. Dikic, leader of the Patriotic Movement of Serbia, immediately declared that he had come to Montenegro to pray at a local monastery, and the telephone, as well as keys to a warehouse containing weapons, had been planted on him by the police. Marat Guelman, a gallery owner and a former political strategist residing in Montenegro, posted the details of the conspirators' plan on his Facebook page and this was republished by the local opposition paper Vijesti. 'The plan was as follows: 1. Provoke an opposition rally against the elections results near the parliament; 2. People in police uniform who have infiltrated the parliament (the group that was arrested) will shoot at the rally; 3. Further action depends on circumstances," the statement said. Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic (Source: Cdm.me) "As Guelman has told Gazeta.Ru, at first the population was somewhat skeptical about this version of events. It was conceivable that the entire conspiracy was a provocation on the part of Djukanovic, a plan to discredit the opposition that was gaining momentum. 'But at the moment, nobody thinks so, because both the prosecutor [special prosecutor Milivoje Katnic, who is in charge of the case - Gazeta.Ru] and the chief editor of Vijesti are the PM's opponents. The prosecutor recently put in jail the mayor of Budva, who is also the leader of the local DPS branch,' Guelman says. "However, according to Gazeta.Ru's informed source in Montenegro who wished to remain anonymous, Djukanovic's resignation and the accusation against the Democratic Front of having ties to Russia reflect a sharp political game that began after the parliamentary elections. 'It is true, Djukanovic's party utterly defeated the opposition. Still, DPS failed to secure a majority in the parliament. A coalition with other, moderate, parties is needed,' says our source, 'Djukanovic's character alienated many potential allies. That's why the announcement about his resignation must be a big concession for the potential coalition partners.' "In our interlocutor's opinion, the smear campaign against the Democratic Front during the coalition talks may be a 'back-up plan,' to prevent pro-Russian forces from exploiting the situation... Outgoing Montenegrin PM Milo Djukanovic With Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic (Source: Balkaneu.com) 'Serbia And Montenegro Have Become An Arena For The 'Great Game' Between The East And The West' "Thus, Djukanovic via his resignation is repeating the political manoeuver that already helped his party stay in power in 2006 and 2010. This time, his stepping down increases the chances of forming a coalition against pro-Russian forces. Nevertheless, the question of the attempt to seize the Montenegrin parliament is still pertinent. "The Democratic Front is vehemently opposed to Montenegro's possible accession to NATO and the EU. If this political force's connections to Serbian conspirators - and especially to Russia - are confirmed, this will become yet another irritant in the relations between Moscow and the North Atlantic alliance... "In his talk with Gazeta.Ru, an independent Serbian political analyst Aleksandar Radic noted the ambivalence of the situation for Serbia. On the one hand, Belgrade has sent a clear message that it is not connected to the activists who were preparing the armed provocation. The Serbian leadership claims that these were actions by ultra-right nationalist organizations that enjoy financial, political and informational support from abroad. The country's elite is steadily working towards Euro-integration and entry into NATO, and statements like this one demonstrate the firmness of their position to their allies. 'On the other hand, the idea of friendship or at least military neutrality with Russia (as in the era of Tito and the Non-Aligned Movement) is traditionally popular among the Serbs,' says Radic, 'Therefore Vucic also could not firmly declare that Russian secret services were involved in the incident.' "The expert also reminded us that some time ago, an 'antiwar movement' against joining NATO was organized in Montenegro; it was supported quite vociferously by, among others, the then deputy chairman of the State Duma Sergei Zheleznyak. 'Serbia and Montenegro have become an arena for the "Great Game" between the East and the West. The US and Russian intelligence services are very active here,' says the analyst. "Djukanovic's resignation coincided with Nikolai Patrushev's (the head of Russia's Security Council and the former head of the FSB) visit to Belgrade; in the course of the visit he will discuss 'the condition and prospects for development of the Russian-Serbian dialogue in the security sphere' with the country's leaders..." Endnotes: People know Barack Obama as one of the coolest Presidents America has ever seen and someone who can mesmerize you within seconds with his words. However, not many people know about his younger days or the struggles he has gone through. Well, Netflix has come up with an original series, called Barry that focuses on the journey of a young Barack Obama who arrived in New York City in the fall of 1981 to start his junior year at Columbia University. One look at the trailer and we bet you are already murmuring, This is definitely going to be on my binge-watch list. The story talks about the various social struggles that Barry faces, in a crime-ridden and racially charged environment, to maintain strained relationships with his mother born in Kansas, his estranged Kenyan father and his classmates. Barry is a great attempt at showcasing serious issues that America and the rest of the world are still grappling with. It will be on available to stream on Netflix on December 16. Tesla recently completed their purchase of SolarCity for $2.6 Billion and the company did not waste any time by announcing a major solar project where they will be powering an entire island with solar energy. YouTube The island of Tau in American Samoa will be the test site and they have already started installing batteries and microgrid of solar energy panels. The island previously ran exclusively on diesel generators and Tesla plans to replace the same by providing nearly 100 percent of power via their Solar panels for 600 residents. Tesla The microgrid will comprise of 5,328 solar panels and will also install 60 power packs for batteries. Elon Musk might have shot himself in the foot as the acquisition of SolarCity is a risky move as they purchased a company that was far from achieving profit however Musk insists that the buyout was blindingly obvious. Musk thinks that this solar Master Plan to integrate clean energy in society is necessary and hopes to achieve the impossible all over the world. Tesla The American Samoan authorities funded the project and Tesla estimates that this move will offset the islands usage of 109,500 gallons of diesel per year. It will also reduce the cost of transporting this fuel as the island is in a remote area. "Factoring in the escalating cost of fuel, along with transporting such mass quantities to the small island, the financial impact is substantial," said Tesla in a blog post. Tesla The new solar panels are capable of giving the island energy for up to three days without sunlight and it is capable of recharging in seven hours. New direct flights link Tbilisi and Kiev from December New direct flights will link the two capital cities of Ukraine and Georgia from next month.Georgian Civil Aviation Agency announced that DART Ukrainian Airlines will start direct flights from Kiev to Tbilisi from December 23.The flights will be performed twice a week, on Fridays and Sundays.Besides DART, other Ukrainian airlines such as Ukraine International Airlines and Yanair have been performing flights to Georgia.DART was one of the airline companies that agreed with the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency to begin regular flights at Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport.The other two new airlines were Russian low-cost airline Pobeda and Turkmenistans flag carrier Turkmenistan Airlines.Pobeda Airlines performed its first direct flight on the route Rostov-Tbilisi-Rostov on November 1. Alongside with Aeroflot, S7 and Ural Airlines, Pobeda Airlines was the fourth Russian air company operating at Tbilisi International Airport.As for the Turkmenistan Airlines the company postponed regular flights on the Ashgabat-Tbilisi-Ashgabat route due to "commercial reasons.In general from November 2016 to March 2017 Georgian airports were scheduled to carry out 239 flights - 15 percent more compared to the same period of last year. The Foreign Ministry unequivocally condemns the deadly terrorist attack that took place yesterday in Iraq. We express sincere condolences to the families of the innocent victims. DELAWARE TOWNSHIP Someone unhooked their camper, took its license plate off and fled the scene after the camper burst into flames Thursday afternoon. The camper was discovered on fire on Ruth Road near Bay City Forestville Road (in northern Sanilac County) at 4:22 p.m., said Delaware Township Fire Chief Mark Schweitzer. The camper was left on the side of the road, and the cause of the fire is unknown, he said. The identity of the owner is also unknown. The Caro Post of the Michigan State Police is investigating. From terror threats to dealing with Congress, holding down the Oval Office is undoubtedly one of the most stressful jobs on earth. That wear and tear shows clearly on the faces of Americas past presidents. When Barack Obama hit the campaign trail in 2008, he looked a youthful 47 years old. With a full head of dark hair and few wrinkles he could have passed for even younger. Now, after leading American through its worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, two wars, the rise of ISIS and one of the most polarized Congresses in memory, Obama looks to have aged much more than eight years. Over the river and through the woods to the Harner house we went. The Jeep knew the way to cruise along each day without even a snowflake in sight. The best thing about heading to our daughters in Florida was the great turkey dinner that awaited us. It's noteworthy that after turkey, there was homemade pumpkin pie. A really good thing about the trip south was spending a few days listening to my favorite tunes and being able to avoid hearing the news. I watched enough news the past few weeks to last a lifetime. The current spin is about all those who are challenging the president-elect (note that word elect) at every turn, and looking foolish doing so. When we started down the road, my wife, Pat, and I discussed the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and the many things we are thankful for. Before heading out of Michigan, we gathered around the table for our daughter's great cooking at the Thrushman's in Lake Orion. It was our first stop before the serious take off. We reflected that most of all we are thankful for our family. The Thrushman clan live here in Michigan, so we are grateful to spend lots of time with them and be allowed to dog-sit Cleo. As we continued down the road, we reminisced about Thanksgivings past that we had spent with the Bellucci family in Connecticut. As our grandkids grew up, we headed that way each year. It was always a great, warm experience watching the kids and the two dogs help mom and dad prepare the feast. We were also thankful that we got to enjoy the snow on our trips east, and admire the great snowmen the kids produced almost every year. Other family members, the Smiths, plus the Scotts, reside in Arizona, where we will head after the New Year rolls around to meet R.J., the latest member of the family. We always enjoy our trips to the southwest; rides out in the desert and side trips to Vegas. The Smiths spend lots of time with us in Michigan because they have a second home here to escape to when temperatures rise in their home state. While we chatted about being thankful for our family, we agreed we were grateful for our good health and the docs and medical facilities that contributed to that fact. We were also glad all the jobs we had piled on our desk were completed; tax paperwork handed over to our accountant and a good portion of the Christmas shopping done. This was my wishful thinking, as Pat shops until the last day. Speaking of shopping, we were happy we didn't get caught up in the Black Friday rush. Why would anyone be in a "rush?" After all, most of the big box stores began their Black Friday sales right after Halloween. As we motor along, the price of gas is something to truly be thankful for as it slides below $2 a gallon. As I see it, I hope everyone this Thanksgiving is giving thanks our presidential election is over and our country is on its way down a new path. We are hopeful those unhappy with the results at the polls will come up with more beneficial ways to express themselves. Volunteering at some of the food kitchens throughout our land instead of marching in the streets seems like a good idea. If the media filmed people protesting while doing that, it would shed a light on one of our most urgent problems and serve a need. Capt. Fred Davis is a retired charter captain and nationally published author of boating articles. "As I See It" columns appear Saturday in the Huron Daily Tribune and his Boat Smart articles are published online at www.captainfredsboattips.com. Brookfield Asset Management is an alternative asset manager and REIT/Real Estate Investment Manager firm focuses on real estate, renewable power, infrastructure and venture capital and private equity assets. It manages a range of public and private investment products and services for institutional and retail clients. It typically makes investments in sizeable, premier assets across geographies and asset classes. It invests both its own capital as well as capital from other investors. Within private equity and venture capital, it focuses on acquisition, early ventures, control buyouts and financially distressed, buyouts and corporate carve-outs, recapitalizations, convertible, senior and mezzanine financings, operational and capital structure restructuring, strategic re-direction, turnaround, and under-performing midmarket companies. It invests in both public debt and equity markets. It invests in private equity sectors with focus on Business Services include infrastructure, healthcare, road fuel distribution and marketing, construction and real estate; Industrials include manufacturers of automotive batteries, graphite electrodes, returnable plastic packaging, and sanitation management and development; and Residential/ infrastructure services. It targets companies which likely possess underlying real assets, primarily in sectors such as industrial products, building materials, metals, mining, homebuilding, oil and gas, paper and packaging, manufacturing and forest product sectors. It invests globally with focus on North America including Brazil, the United States, Canada; Europe; and Australia; and Asia-Pacific. The firm considers equity investments in the range of $2 million to $500 million. It has a four-year investment period and a 10-year term with two one-year extensions. The firm prefers to take minority stake and majority stake. Brookfield Asset Management Inc. was founded in 1997 and based in Toronto, Canada with additional offices across Northern America; South America; Europe; Middle East and Asia. Everest Re Group, Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States, Bermuda, and internationally. The company operates through Reinsurance Operations and Insurance Operations segments. The Reinsurance Operations segment writes property and casualty reinsurance; and specialty lines of business through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies in the United States, Bermuda, Ireland, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The Insurance Operations segment writes property and casualty insurance directly, as well as through brokers, surplus lines brokers, and general agents in Bermuda, Canada, Europe, South America, Canada, Chile, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands. The company also provides treaty and facultative reinsurance products; admitted and non-admitted insurance products; and property and casualty reinsurance and insurance coverages, including marine, aviation, surety, errors and omissions liability, directors' and officers' liability, medical malpractice, mortgage reinsurance, other specialty lines, accident and health, and workers' compensation products. In addition, it offers commercial property and casualty insurance products through wholesale and retail brokers, surplus lines brokers, and program administrators. Everest Re Group, Ltd. was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. China Mobile Limited provides mobile telecommunications and related services in Mainland China and Hong Kong. The company offers local calls; domestic and international long distance calls and roaming services; and value-added services, such as caller identity display, call waiting, conference calls, and others. It also provides wireless Internet service, as well as digital applications comprising music, video, reading, gaming, and animation; wireline broadband services; and wireline voice services. In addition, it offers dedicated line and IDC services to corporate customers in a range of industry sectors; and basic corporate communication products comprising corporate VPMN and SMS, and tailor made solutions. Further, the company provides international telecommunications services, which includes IDD, roaming, Internet, MNC, and value added business services. Additionally, it offers telecommunications network planning, design, and consulting services; roaming clearance, IT system operation, and technology support services; value-added platform development and maintenance services; mobile data, and system integration and development services; network construction and maintenance, network planning and optimizing, and training services; electronic communication products design and sale of related products; and non-banking financial services. It also provides mobile cloud research and development services; call center services; e-payment, e-commerce, and Internet finance services; and mobile Internet digital content services, as well as operates a network and business coordination center. The company serves 950 million mobile customers and 187 million wireline broadband customers. The company was formerly known as China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited and changed its name to China Mobile Limited in May 2006. The company was incorporated in 1997 and is based in Central, Hong Kong. China Mobile Limited is a subsidiary of China Mobile Hong Kong (BVI) Limited. Vermilion Energy Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of petroleum and natural gas in North America, Europe, and Australia. The company owns 81% working interest in 636,714 net acres of developed land and 85% working interest in 301,026 net acres of undeveloped land in Canada; 130,715 net acres of land in the Powder River basin in the United States; 96% working interest in 248,873 net acres of developed land and 86% working interest in 134,160 net acres of undeveloped land in the Aquitaine and Paris Basins in France; 53% working interest in 901,791 net acres of land in the Netherlands; 54,625 net developed acres and 920,723 net undeveloped acres in Germany; 975,375 net acres land in Croatia; 946,666 net acres land in Hungary; and 48,954 net acres land in Slovakia. It also owns 20% interests in the offshore Corrib natural gas field located to the northwest coast of Ireland; and 100% working interest in the Wandoo offshore oil field and related production facilities that covers 59,553 acres located on Western Australia's northwest shelf. As of December 31, 2021, the company had 401 net producing conventional natural gas wells and 2,132 net producing light and medium crude oil wells in Canada; 167.6 net producing light and medium crude oil wells in the United States; 297.0 net producing light and medium crude oil wells and 3 net producing conventional natural gas wells in France; and 47 net producing natural gas wells in the Netherlands. Vermilion Energy Inc. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. was founded in 1869 by Marcus Goldman as an investment bank catering to institutions and businesses. Among the firm's first products are the revolutionary use of commercial paper for entrepreneurs which opened a new method of finance for business and industry. The original firm expanded to Goldman Sachs in 1882 with the inclusion of son-in-law Samuel Sachs and again in 1885 with a son and another son-in-law. The firm joined the New York Stock Exchange in 1896 expanding into trading of its own and in 1898 it was worth $1.6 million. The company began its work in the IPO market in 1906 with the initial public offering of Sears, Roebuck & Co., and then moved on to Ford and other prominent names of the time. The 1930s brings a change of leadership and a new direction for the firm. The company shifted toward a purer play on investment banking and embarks on a campaign of acquisition that lasted until the present day. The company doesnt go public itself until 1999 and from that point on it will change into a bank holding company that not only offers investment banking services but takes deposits too, and in 2016 the company added consumer banking to its list of services. Today, Goldman Sachs is a financial institution that provides a range of financial services for corporations, institutions, governments, and individuals globally. The company operates through four segments that include Investment Banking, Global Markets, Asset Management, and Consumer & Wealth Management. According to US banking regulations, it is systemically important to the financial health of America. The company is headquartered in New York, New York, and operates 6 regional headquarters as well. Regional headquarters are located in financial hotspots such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangalore, and Warsaw. Among its many prominent CEOs are John Corzine and Hank Paulson who both went on to successful work in government. The company's Investment Banking segment provides a full range of financial advisory services as well as underwriting for the public markets. The financial advisory services include but are not limited to strategic advisory for mergers and acquisitions, divestiture, restructuring, and spin-offs. This segment is also engaged in middle-market lending and transaction banking. Underwriting services include IPOs, preferred stock, debt instruments, and bridge loans. Goldman Sachs Global Markets segment facilitates market transactions for institutions, banks, brokerages, corporations, and governments. Services include execution, derivatives, financing, clearing, settlement, and custody. The Asset Management segment manages client portfolios across the investment spectrum while the Consumer & Wealth Management segment provides advisory and banking services to consumers. 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. Morgan Stanley is the 6th largest financial institution in the US. The company is ranked 61st on the Forbes Fortune 500 list and is the 39th largest bank in the world. A financial holding company, Morgan Stanley provides a full range of financial services to clients around the world. Morgan Stanley was formed in 1935 as a result of the Glass-Steagall Act. Glass-Steagall separated commercial and investment banking in a way that forced the then-largest bank J.P. Morgan & Co to split into two groups. J.P. Morgan & Co. chose to retain the commercial side of the business while partners Henry S. Morga, grandson of J.P., and Harold Stanley took the investment end. In its first year, Morgan Stanley did 24% of the IPO business and maintains a lions share of the market to this day. The original company existed and grew through acquisitions until 1987 when it merged with Dean Witter Discover & Co. The new Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Discover & Co existed for 14 years until 2001 when the name was shortened back to Morgan Stanley. The bank is credited in part with both beginning and ending the financial crisis of 2007/2008. The Process Driven Trading unit lost $300 million in one day due to a short-squeeze that popped the bubble in the housing market. After teetering on the brink of failure Morgan Stanley agreed to become a bank holding company regulated by the Federal Reserve, a key factor in the original decision to split from parent J.P. Morgan & Co. Ironically when given the chance, present-day J.P. Morgan refused to buy Morgan Stanley but that was for the better. Today, Morgan Stanley operates through three segments via offices in 41 countries and employs more than 75,000 people. Revenue in 2021 topped $49 billion and total assets topped $1.15 trillion. The operating segments are Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management segments. The Institutional Securities segment is by far the largest and most profitable. It offers a range of services and products for businesses, institutions, and entities that include capital raising, strategic advisory, underwriting, advice on M&A, restructuring, and real estate. The Wealth Management segment provides brokerage and investment advisory services for individuals and employers. The services include brokerage, financial planning, company stock-plan administration, insurance, mortgage loans, lines of credit, and retirement planning. The Investment Management segment provides investment products to a range of institutions, organizations, corporations, and governments. CA, Inc., doing business as CA technologies, develops, markets, delivers, and licenses software products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Mainframe Solutions, Enterprise Solutions, and Services. The Mainframe Solutions segment offers solutions for the IBM z Systems platform, which runs various mission critical business applications. Its mainframe solutions enable customers enhance economics by increasing throughput and lowering cost per transaction; increasing business agility through DevOps tooling and processes; increasing reliability and availability of operations through machine intelligence and automation solutions; and protecting enterprise data with security and compliance. The Enterprise Solutions segment provides a range of software planning, development, and management tools for mobile, cloud, and distributed computing environments. It primarily provides customers secure application development, infrastructure management, automation, and identity-centric security solutions. The Services segment offers various services, such as consulting, implementation, application management, education, and support services to commercial and government customers for implementation and adoption of its software solutions. The company serves banks, insurance companies, other financial services providers, government agencies, information technology service providers, telecommunication providers, transportation companies, manufacturers, technology companies, retailers, educational organizations, and health care institutions. It sells its products through direct sales force, as well as through various partner channels comprising resellers, service providers, system integrators, managed service providers, and technology partners. The company was formerly known as Computer Associates International, Inc. and changed its name to CA, Inc. in 2006. CA, Inc. was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in New York, New York. National Grid plc transmits and distributes electricity and gas. The company operates through UK Electricity Transmission, UK Electricity Distribution, UK Electricity System Operator, New England, and New York segments. The UK Electricity Transmission segment provides electricity transmission and construction work services in England and Wales. The UK Electricity Distribution segment offers electricity distribution services in Midlands, and South West of England and South Wales. The UK Electricity System Operator segment provides balancing services for supply and demand of electricity on Great Britain's electricity transmission system; and acts as an agent on behalf of transmission operators. The New England segment offers electricity and gas distribution, and electricity transmission services in New England. The New York segment provides electricity and gas distribution, and electricity transmission services in New York. It also engages in the provision of transmission services through electricity interconnectors and LNG importation at the Isle of Grain; sale of renewables projects; and leasing and sale of commercial property, as well as insurance activities in the United Kingdom. The company was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. The following companies are subsidiares of Cummins: Anvl, Apollo FC Holdings Ltd., Atlantis Acquisitionco Canada Corporation, Atlantis Holdco UK Limited, Brammo, CIFC Worldwide Partner C.V., CMI Africa Holdings BV, CMI CGT Holdings LLC, CMI Canada Financing Ltd., CMI Canada LP, CMI Foreign Holdings B.V., CMI Global Equity Holdings B.V., CMI Global Equity Holdings C.V., CMI Global Holdings B.V., CMI Global Partner 2 C.V., CMI Global Partners B.V., CMI Group Holdings B.V., CMI Group Holdings Cooperatief U.A., CMI International Finance Partner 1 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 2 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 3 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 4 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 5 LLC, CMI Mexico LLC, CMI Netherlands Holdings B.V., CMI PGI Holdings LLC, CMI PGI International Holdings LLC, CMI Turkish Holdings B.V., CMI UK Finance LP, CMI UK Financing LP, Cherry Island Renewable Energy LLC, Consolidated Diesel Company, Consolidated Diesel Inc., Consolidated Diesel of North Carolina Inc., Cummins (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Cummins (Xiangyang) Machining Co. Ltd., Cummins Africa Middle East (Pty) Ltd., Cummins Afrique de l'Ouest, Cummins Americas Inc., Cummins Angola Lda., Cummins Argentina-Servicios Mineros S.A., Cummins Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Cummins Aust Technologies Pty. Ltd., Cummins BLR LLC, Cummins Battery Systems North America LLC, Cummins Belgium N.V., Cummins Botswana (Pty.) Ltd., Cummins Brasil Ltda., Cummins Burkina Faso SARL, Cummins CDC Holding Inc., Cummins CV Member LLC, Cummins Canada ULC, Cummins Caribbean LLC, Cummins Center of Excellence Singapore Pte. Ltd., Cummins Centroamerica Holding S.de R.L., Cummins Child Development Center Inc., Cummins Colombia S.A.S., Cummins Comercializadora S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Corporation, Cummins Cote d'Ivoire SARL, Cummins Czech Republic s.r.o., Cummins Deutschland GmbH, Cummins Diesel International Ltd., Cummins Distribution Holdco Inc., Cummins EMEA Holdings Limited, Cummins East Asia Research & Development Co. Ltd., Cummins Eastern Marine Inc., Cummins Electrified Power Europe Ltd., Cummins Electrified Power NA Inc., Cummins Emission Solutions (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Emission Solutions Inc., Cummins Empresas Filantropicas, Cummins Energetica Ltda., Cummins Engine (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine (Shanghai) Trading & Services Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine Holding Company Inc., Cummins Engine IP Inc., Cummins Engine Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Cummins Engine Venture Corporation, Cummins Enterprise LLC, Cummins Filtration (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Filtration GmbH, Cummins Filtration IP Inc., Cummins Filtration Inc., Cummins Filtration International Corp., Cummins Filtration Ltd., Cummins Filtration SARL, Cummins Filtration Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Filtros Ltda., Cummins Franchise Holdco LLC, Cummins Fuel Systems (Wuhan) Co. Ltd., Cummins Generator Technologies (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Generator Technologies Americas Inc., Cummins Generator Technologies Germany GmbH, Cummins Generator Technologies India Private Ltd., Cummins Generator Technologies Italy SRL, Cummins Generator Technologies Limited, Cummins Generator Technologies Romania S.A., Cummins Generator Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd., Cummins Ghana Limited, Cummins Ghana Mining Limited, Cummins Global Financing LP, Cummins Global Technologies LLP, Cummins Grupo Comercial Y. de Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Grupo Industrial S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Holland B.V., Cummins Hong Kong Ltd., Cummins India Ltd., Cummins Intellectual Property Inc., Cummins International Finance LLC, Cummins International Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Cummins International Holdings LLC, Cummins Italia S.P.A., Cummins Japan Ltd., Cummins Korea Co. Ltd., Cummins LLC Member Inc., Cummins Ltd., Cummins Maroc SARL, Cummins Middle East FZE, Cummins Mining Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Mobility Services Inc., Cummins Mongolia Investment LLC, Cummins Mozambique Ltda., Cummins NV, Cummins Namibia Engine Sales and Service PTY LTD, Cummins Natural Gas Engines Inc., Cummins New Zealand Limited, Cummins Nigeria Ltd., Cummins Norte de Colombia S.A.S., Cummins North Africa Regional Office SARL, Cummins Norway AS, Cummins PGI Holdings Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (S) Pte. Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (U.K.) Limited, Cummins Power Generation Deutschland GmbH, Cummins Power Generation Inc., Cummins Power Generation Limited, Cummins PowerGen IP Inc., Cummins Research and Technology India Private Ltd., Cummins Romania Srl, Cummins S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Sales and Service Korea Co. Ltd., Cummins Sales and Service Philippines Inc., Cummins Sales and Service Private Limited, Cummins Sales and Service Sdn. Bhd., Cummins Sales and Service Singapore Pte. Ltd., Cummins Sinai ve Otomotiv Urunleri Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Cummins South Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Cummins South Pacific Pty. Limited, Cummins Southern Plains LLC, Cummins Spain S.L., Cummins Sweden AB, Cummins Technologies India, Cummins Trade Receivables LLC, Cummins Turbo Technologies Limited, Cummins Turkey Motor Guc Sistemleri Sats Servis Limited Sirketi, Cummins U.K. Holdings Ltd., Cummins U.K. Pension Plan Trustee Ltd., Cummins UK Global Holdings Ltd., Cummins UK Holdings LLC, Cummins Vendas e Servicos de Motores e Geradores Ltda., Cummins Venture Corporation, Cummins West Africa Limited, Cummins West Balkans d.o.o. Nova Pasova, Cummins XBorder Operations (Pty) Ltd, Cummins Zambia Ltd., Cummins Zimbabwe Pvt. Ltd., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Costa Rica S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica El Salvador S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Guatemala Ltda., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Honduras S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins S.A., Distribuidora Cummins Sucursal Paraguay SRL, Distribuidora Cummins de Panama S. de R.L., Dynamo Insurance Company Inc., Efficient Drivetrains, Efficient Drivetrains (Beijing) New Power Technology Co. Ltd., Efficient Drivetrains (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Hilite International, Hydrogenics, Hydrogenics Corporation, Hydrogenics Europe N.V., Hydrogenics GmbH, Hydrogenics Holding GmbH, Hydrogenics USA Inc., Markon Engineering Company Ltd., Nelson Burgess Ltd., Nelson Industries, Newage Engineers GmbH, Newage Ltd. (U.K.), Newage Machine Tools Ltd., OOO Cummins, Petbow Limited, Power Group International (Overseas Holdings) B.V., Power Group International (Overseas Holdings) Ltd., Power Group International Ltd., Quickstart Energy Projects SpA, Shanghai Cummins Trade Co. Ltd., TOO Cummins, Taiwan Cummins Sales & Services Co. Ltd., Worldwide Partner CV Member LLC, Wuxi Cummins Turbo Technologies Co. Ltd., Wuxi New Energy Automotive Technologies Co. Ltd., and ZED Connect Inc.. Read More Palo Alto Networks, Inc. provides cybersecurity solutions worldwide. The company offers firewall appliances and software; Panorama, a security management solution for the control of firewall appliances and software deployed on a customer's network, as well as their instances in public or private cloud environments, as a virtual or a physical appliance; and virtual system upgrades, which are available as extensions to the virtual system capacity that ships with physical appliances. It also provides subscription services covering the areas of threat prevention, malware and persistent threat, URL filtering, laptop and mobile device protection, and firewall; and DNS security, Internet of Things security, SaaS security API, and SaaS security inline, as well as threat intelligence, and data loss prevention. In addition, the company offers cloud security, secure access, security operations, and threat intelligence and cyber security consulting; professional services, including architecture design and planning, implementation, configuration, and firewall migration; education services, such as certifications, as well as online and in-classroom training; and support services. Palo Alto Networks, Inc. sells its products and services through its channel partners, as well as directly to medium to large enterprises, service providers, and government entities operating in various industries, including education, energy, financial services, government entities, healthcare, Internet and media, manufacturing, public sector, and telecommunications. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. The following companies are subsidiares of Tyson Foods: APF Legacy Subs LLC, Advance Food Company LLC, AdvancePierre Foods, AdvancePierre Foods Holdings Inc., AdvancePierre Foods Inc., Aidells Sausage Company Inc., Allied Specialty Foods Inc., American Proteins Inc, Artisan Bread Co. LLC, Australian Food Corporation Pty Limited, Australian Food Corporation Trust, BRF, Barber Foods LLC, Bosco's Pizza Co., Bryan Foods Inc., C.S. Grain LLC, C.V. Holdings Inc., CBFA Management Corp., Central Industries Inc., Chefs Pantry LLC, Clovervale Farms LLC, Cobb (Hubei) Breeding Co. Ltd., Cobb (Shanghai) Enterprise Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Cobb Ana Damizlik Tavukculuk Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Cobb Columbia S.A.S., Cobb Europe B.V., Cobb Europe Limited, Cobb Peru (Andina) S.A.C., Cobb-Heritage LLC, Cobb-Vantress Brasil Ltda, Cobb-Vantress Inc., Cobb-Vantress New Zealand Limited, Cobb-Vantress Philippines Inc., Coominya AFC Pty Limited, Coominya AFC Trust, DFG Foods Inc., DFG Foods L.L.C., Don Julio, Egbert LLC, Equity Group - Georgia Division LLC, Equity Group - Kentucky Division LLC, Equity Group Eufaula Division LLC, Equity Meat Corp., Flavor Corp., Flavor Holdings Inc., Foodbrands America Inc., Foodbrands Supply Chain Services Inc., Gallo Salame Inc., Global Employment Services Inc., Grow-Out Credit LLC, Grow-Out Holdings LLC, Haimen Tyson Poultry Development Co. Ltd, Hudson Foods Company, Hudson Midwest Foods Inc., Hybro Genetics Brasil Ltda, IBP Caribbean Inc., IBP Foodservice L.L.C., IBP Inc., International Affiliates & Investment LLC, Jiangsu Tyson Foods Co. Ltd, Keydutch Finance B.V., Keydutch Holdings I LLC, Keydutch Holdings II LLC, Keydutch Investments B.V., Keystone CLJV Holdings Limited, Keystone County House Road LLC, Keystone Foods, Keystone Foods (AP) Limited, Keystone Foods Holdco LLC, Keystone Foods Intermediate LLC, Keystone Foods LLC, Keystone Foods Pty Limited, Keystone Management Inc., Keystone Trading (Shanghai) Company Limited, LD Foods LLC, M & M Express LLC, M&M Restaurant Supply (MI/OH) LLC, MFG (USA) Holdings Inc., Mac Food Services (Malaysia) SDN. BHD., Madison Foods Inc., McKey Food Services (Hong Kong) Limited, McKey Food Services (Shandong) Limited, McKey Food Services (Thailand) Limited, McKey Food Services Limited, McKey Luxembourg Holdings APMEA S.a.r.l., McKey Luxembourg Holdings S.a.r.l., McKey Luxembourg S.a.r.l., McKey VI Holdings Limited, Myung Seung Food Company Ltd., National Comp Care Inc., New Canada Holdings Inc., Oaklawn Capital Corporation, Oaklawn IT Solution Private Limited, Original Philly Holdings Inc., PBX inc., Pierre Holdco Inc., River Valley Ingredients LLC, Rizhao Tyson Foods Co. Ltd, Rizhao Tyson Poultry Co. Ltd, Rural Energy Systems Inc., Sara Lee - Kiwi Holdings LLC, Sara Lee Diversified LLC, Sara Lee Foods LLC, Sara Lee Household & Body Care Malawi Ltd., Sara Lee International LLC, Sara Lee International TM Holdings LLC, Sara Lee Mexicana Holdings Investment L.L.C., Sara Lee TM Holdings LLC, Sara Lee Trademark Holdings Australasia LLC, Saramar L.L.C., Shandong Tyson-Da Long Food Company Limited, Smart Chicken, Southern Family Foods L.L.C., Southwest Products LLC, TF 20 B.V., TF 5201 B.V., TFA Leasing LLC, TFA Opportunity Zone Fund LLC, TFI of California Inc., Tecumseh Poultry LLC, Texas Transfer Inc., The Bruss Company, The Hillshire Brands Company, The IBP Foods Co., The Pork Group Inc., TyNet Corporation, Tyson (Shanghai) Enterprise Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Tyson Americas Holding Sarl, Tyson Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Tyson Breeders Inc., Tyson Chicken Inc., Tyson China Holding 2 Limited, Tyson China Holding 3 Limited, Tyson China Holding Limited, Tyson Deli Inc., Tyson Europe Holding Company, Tyson Farms Inc., Tyson Farms QOZB LLC, Tyson Foods Brasil Investimentos Ltda., Tyson Foods Canada Inc., Tyson Foods Europe (Netherlands) B.V., Tyson Foods Europe GmbH, Tyson Foods France S.A.R.L., Tyson Foods Germany GmbH, Tyson Foods Group Limited, Tyson Foods Holland B.V., Tyson Foods Huadong Development Co. Ltd, Tyson Foods Iberia Alimentos S.L.U., Tyson Foods Italia S.p.A., Tyson Foods Korea, Tyson Foods Netherlands B.V., Tyson Foods Products Limited, Tyson Foods Scotland Europe Limited, Tyson Foods Scotland Sales (Europe) Limited, Tyson Foods UK Limited, Tyson Foods Wrexham Limited, Tyson Foods oosterwolde B.V., Tyson Fresh Meats Inc., Tyson Fresh Meats Sales and Distribution LLC, Tyson Global Holding Sarl, Tyson Hog Markets Inc., Tyson India Holdings Ltd., Tyson International APAC Ltd., Tyson International Company Ltd., Tyson International Holding Company, Tyson International Holding Sarl, Tyson International Service Center Inc., Tyson International Service Center Inc. Asia, Tyson International Service Center Inc. Europe, Tyson Mexican Original Inc., Tyson Mexico Trading Company S. de R.L. de CV., Tyson New Ventures LLC, Tyson Opportunity Zone Fund LLC, Tyson Pet Products Inc., Tyson Poultry Inc., Tyson Prepared Foods Inc., Tyson Processing Services Inc., Tyson Refrigerated Processed Meats Inc., Tyson Sales and Distribution Inc., Tyson Service Center Corp., Tyson Shared Services Inc., Tyson Storm Lake Holdings LLC, Tyson Warehousing Services LLC, Tyson of Wisconsin LLC, Uninex SA, Universal Meats (UK) Limited, WBA Analytical Laboratories Inc., Wilton Foods Inc., Xamol Consultores e Servicos, and Zemco Industries Inc.. Read More The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. manufactures, markets, and sells skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products worldwide. It offers a range of skin care products, including moisturizers, serums, cleansers, toners, body care, exfoliators, acne care and oil correctors, facial masks, cleansing devices, and sun care products; and makeup products, such as lipsticks, lip glosses, mascaras, foundations, eyeshadows, nail polishes, and powders, as well as compacts, brushes, and other makeup tools. The company also provides fragrance products in various forms comprising eau de parfum sprays and colognes, as well as lotions, powders, creams, candles, and soaps; and hair care products that include shampoos, conditioners, styling products, treatment, finishing sprays, and hair color products, as well as sells ancillary products and services. It offers its products under the Estee Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, MAC, Bobbi Brown, La Mer, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin, Smashbox, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle, GLAMGLOW, Kilian Paris, Too Faced, Dr. Jart+, DECIEM, and The Ordinary brands. The company sells its products through department stores, specialty-multi retailers, upscale perfumeries and pharmacies, and salons and spas; freestanding stores; its own and authorized retailer websites; third-party online malls; stores in airports; and duty-free shops. The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Transgender retired Navy SEAL Kristin Beck says she has applied for a job in the Trump administration in an effort to promote visibility for transgender and veteran issues. Beck, who retired in 2011 after serving two decades in the Navy and on SEAL Team Six, said although she feels she is qualified to serve on civilian Pentagon staff, she would gladly do anything for the new administration, to include serving coffee. "I'll carry their coffee if that's what they want -- just so I'm there, just so I'm visible and I exist, and so they see a veteran who is going through life who maybe they don't understand," she told Military.com during a telephone interview. "Maybe with that understanding, they can build some compassion and they'll understand what liberty means to me." Beck has criticized Republican President-elect Donald Trump for saying at an Oct. 3 rally that the military needs to "get away from political correctness," after an attendee questioned him about "social engineering" in the military, such as opening the services to transgender troops. "Some of the things that they're asking you to do and be politically correct about are ridiculous," Trump told the audience at the Retired American Warriors event in Northern Virginia. In response to the remarks, Beck tweeted, "Trump calls it 'PC' for me to serve? I served in US Navy SEALs for 20 years" and "@realdonaldtrump say it to me in person!" Beck, who ran for Congress this year in Maryland in the Democratic primary and lost to incumbent Rep. Steny Hoyer, said she applied for a Trump administration job through the employment portal at GreatAgain.gov. She said she hasn't yet received a call back. Trump officials didn't return requests for comment by deadline about Beck's application or transgender hiring within the president-elects administration. Beck said permitting transgender troops to serve openly both in the military and in visible federal government roles is an issue of liberty. "I served my country; I fought for life, liberty and happiness; and Im not allowed to have it myself," she said. "This is my country waving a flag and talking about liberty. We talk about liberty, liberty, liberty. And I keep saying, 'This is my individual liberty.' " Officials with the American Military Partner Association, which advocates on behalf of gay, lesbian and transgender military members and families, said they are not aware of many other LGBT veterans applying for White House or Trump administration positions. They said they are interested in working with the new president to support LGBT military members. A ban on openly serving transgender troops was lifted in June when the Defense Department announced that it would pay for sex-change operations for qualifying transgender troops. Tricare does not cover sex-change operations for military family members or retirees. The Department of Veterans Affairs this month scrapped a plan to provide same-sex surgeries to veterans, citing funding concerns. -- Amy Bushatz can be reached at amy.bushatz@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @amybushatz. 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. Ambassador Truong Manh Son introduced Vietnams socio-economic situation (Photo: vtv.vn) The event was attended by 30 representatives from Czech companies interesting in the Vietnamese market and some Vietnamese companies operating in the Czech Republic. At the conference, Ambassador Truong Manh Son introduced Vietnams current socio-economic development, as well as the bilateral trade and investment exchange between Vietnam and the Czech Republic. Commercial Counsellor Tran Hiep Thuong said that the conference aimed to provide information to help Czech enterprises erase their prejudices and fears of risks when investing in Vietnam. He introduced Vietnams preferential investment policies, as well as cooperation agreements signed between Vietnam and the Czech Republic and the European Union (EU). According to Mr. Thuong, the economic cooperation potential between Vietnam and the Czech Republic is huge, and the current goods exchange between the two countries has progressed well with a turnover of approximately USD1 billion. However, investment remains weak. Czech businesses have invested 35 projects in Vietnam with a total capital of USD100 million, while Vietnamese enterprises invest in only four projects in the Czech Republic with a total capital of USD5 million, which is a small and humble figure. Czech enterprises lack information on the business environment and investment attracting policies of Vietnam, so they are afraid of risks. It is expected that in the coming time, the Vietnamese Embassy will have many practical activities so that Czech investors have more opportunities to access the Vietnamese market. At the conference, representatives of Czech businesses also shared their business experiences in Vietnam. Mr. Ivo Gajdos, CEO of the Czech Management Association, emphasized that the Czech Republic is in the list of strategic export markets of Vietnam in the period of 2010-2020. Vietnam is also recognized as one of 12 leading potential markets of the Czech Republic, which supports the signing of the Vietnam - EU Free Trade Agreement. According to Mr. Ivo Gajdos, the Vietnamese market, with the dynamic development of a country of more than 90 million people and clear investment incentive policies, is worth Czech businesses paying more attention to learn about./. shopsmall2.jpg On Small Business Saturday, Malamiah Juice Bar is offering $10 off every $50 spent on a Malamiah gift card. (Courtesy of Downtown Market) GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The merchants at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market are offering deals on Small Business Saturday, a national event that aims to encourage shoppers to spend money at locally-owned shops. The first 50 people through the doors at the market when it opens at 9 a.m., will collect free goodie bags with gifts from the artisan tenants. The market, at 435 Ionia Ave SW., stays open until 7 p.m. No matter when you arrive on Saturday, Nov. 26, you can take advantage of most of the following deals, discounts or freebies: Teaching Kitchen: $7 off classes all day with Eventbrite code "shopsmall" Malamiah Juice Bar: $10 off every $50 spent on a Malamiah gift card Social Kitchen & Bar: Complimentary cookie jar dessert with purchase of two entrees Love's Ice Cream: One pint of your choice per month for a year for $89 Rocket Pies: Margherita pizza plus a draft beer for $11 Rak Thai: $5 gift card for your next visit with any $15 purchase Slows Bar-B-Q: $1 off all draft beers, $2 off Michigan draft beers and 10 percent off growler fills Blue Spoon Soup and Spuds: Buy one, get one free "Tot" size soup bowl Grand Traverse Distillery: 20 percent off non-alcohol items Michigan Pantry: $5 off coupon with every purchase for use in December. Free tote bag with $50 purchase (quantities limited) Field & Fire: Buy any four croissants for $12, or any two loaves of bread for $12. Special ends at 1 p.m. Aperitivo: Two parking validation tickets to everyone who sits at the bar and spends at least $50. Madcap Coffee coming to Downtown Market GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The state House of Representatives says that a lawsuit filed by former state Rep. Todd Courser should be dismissed as frivolous. Courser, R-Lapeer, filed a 182-page federal lawsuit accusing former aides and colleagues, including Speaker of the House Kevin Cotter, and the House itself of conspiring to oust Courser and former Rep. Cindy Gamrat for their opposition to a road-funding plan. A House Business Office report found that Courser, who resigned, and Gamrat, R-Plainwell, who was expelled, misused state resources to cover up their affair. "Now, nearly one year later, Courser has filed this frivolous lawsuit that fails to properly state a claim against defendants from the Michigan House of Representatives and should be dismissed," Lansing attorney Gary Gordon wrote in court documents. "... (T)he crux of Courser's entire suit is that a number of individuals, including state legislators, legislative staff members, law enforcement officers, the Michigan Attorney General, a newspaper, a hotel chain, and the husband of the woman with whom he was having an affair, engaged in a vast conspiracy to remove him from office in order to allow the House to more easily pass legislation regarding infrastructure spending," Gordon wrote. Courser and Gamrat opposed a road plan that passed by a slight majority. Gordon said Courser's claims cannot be sustained under law. Further, he said, legislators, investigators and others have immunity for actions taken as part of their duties. James Stewart, attorney for the Detroit News and reporter Chad Livengood, calls Courser's lawsuit a "hallucinatory conspiracy theory." He, too, has asked that the lawsuit be dismissed. Meanwhile, Kevin Allard and Benjamin Graham, former aides to Courser and Gamrat, have settled their federal lawsuit against the House of Representatives after they were fired by the House Business Office. Each will receive $170,000. The state will also cover their legal fees to defend against Courser's federal lawsuit. Gamrat has also filed a federal lawsuit against the House of Representatives, Business Office and others, but Allard and Graham are not named as defendants. They reported the affair and illegal and unethical behavior of their bosses but were fired at Courser and Gamrat's direction. A joint statement by House Speaker Kevin Cotter, R-Mt. Pleasant, and Allard and Graham said, "Notwithstanding any of the other differences between the (legal) parties, the House appreciates that Mr. Allard and Mr. Graham did the right thing and brought serious concerns about the activities of Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat to light, allowing the House to take appropriate action." Courser asked Graham to send what has been called an "extremely bizarre mass email," containing outrageous claims against Courser, so that any news of an alleged affair with Gamrat would be shrugged off by the public. Graham recorded a meeting with Courser about his desire to "inoculate the herd," and provided it to the Detroit News reporter. He did not share the email but another man did. Courser, seeking millions in damages, alleges selective enforcement of laws, racketeering, false imprisonment, conspiracy, extortion, illegal wiretapping, invasion of privacy, misconduct in office, misuses of office and other violations. Gordon, attorney for the House of Representatives and House Business Office, said his clients have immunity. All of the actions taken were to "protect the State's interests, as opposed to furthering (Courser and Gamrat's) personal interests." GRAND RAPIDS, MI - President-elect Donald Trump's selection of school choice advocate Betsy DeVos to be his secretary of education aligns with plans he's signaled during the campaign to make school choice and vouchers the focal point of his education agenda. "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 Wednesday's announcement. DeVos' history on school choice and voucher in Michigan is well-documented, from pouring millions into successful efforts to expand publicly-funded but typically privately-run charter schools to unsuccessfully pushing a constitutional amendment to give parents taxpayer dollars through vouchers to attend private and parochial schools. DeVos, 58, is wife of Amway heir Dick DeVos, who lost a 2006 bid for governor. Her father-in-law, Richard DeVos co-founded Ada-based company Amway and was most recently listed by Forbes as having a net worth of $4.7 billion, making him the fourth richest billionaire in Michigan. During his campaign, Trump said he would immediately add an additional federal investment of $20 billion towards school choice by reprioritizing existing federal dollars. But DeVos' views on Common Core - the set of standards for what students should know at each grade level advocated by the National Governors Association - have been murky. That is, in part, because she served on the board of the Foundation for Excellence in Education, the group led by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Trump's primary opponent. The foundation promoted both school choice and the Common Core education standards. While her selection was cheered by school choice advocates, conservatives vehemently opposed to Common Core criticized Trump's pick alongside teachers unions and public school advocates. Hours before the expected DeVos announcement, Frank Cannon, president of anti-Common Core group, American Principles Project, said in a statement that Trump rightly slammed his primary opponent, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush for his support of Common Core and DeVos would be a very "Jeb-like pick.'' "This would not qualify as 'draining the swamp,'" Cannon said. "And it seems to fly in the face of what Trump has stated on education policy up to this point." The backlash forced DeVos to take to Twitter Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 23, to clarify her stance on Common Core. Trump had vowed during the campaign to "end Common Core," calling it a disaster. "Many of you are asking about Common Core. To clarify, I am not a supporter - period," DeVos tweeted, directing people to read her full stance on her website. On her website, the activist and major Republican donor said that while organizations she's supported have been for Common Core, that has not been her position. Along the way, the Calvin College graduate said, it got turned into a "federalized boondoggle." "Sometimes it's not just students who need to do their homework," DeVos also says in the Q&A on her website. "I do support high standards, strong accountability, and local control. When Governors such as John Engler, Mike Huckabee, and Mike Pence were driving the conversation on voluntary high standards driven by local voices, it all made sense. "Above all, I believe every child, no matter their zip code or their parents' jobs, deserves access to a quality education." But local educators have mixed feelings about DeVos and what she can do to help Michigan and other children. Godfrey-Lee Superintendent David Britten said he's deeply disappointed that Trump did not select an educator who has demonstrated support for strengthening our public education system. "While the DeVos family has done a number of things over the years to benefit the West Michigan area, they have supported solutions for K-12 education that are more focused on one-sided politics rather than on improving the quality and equity in education for children, particularly those of color and limited English proficiency," Britten said. "I can only hope that she will be an active leader who actually visits community-based public schools, learns more about the many great initiatives going on to improve student learning and becomes a stronger supporter for the hard work of our dedicated teaching and administrative staff." The DeVos family has been strong personal and financial supporters of Grand Rapids Public Schools programs and initiatives. Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal said Wednesday she was supportive of Trump's choice of Betsy DeVos for secretary of education. "I'm really excited for the children across the nation," said Neal, about DeVos' selection. "She has been a wonderful supporter of GRPS and our transformation plan. She knows education. She knows what it is going to take in order for our kids to be helped." Last year, Grand Rapids and Holland public school systems were hurt the most by school choice with state funding tied to enrollment. About 39 percent of Grand Rapids children were not enrolled in their home district. Holland suffered a net loss of 28 percent of its students to charter schools and other districts through Schools of Choice. In West Michigan, without vouchers, 26 percent of Kent County students and 18 percent of Ottawa students use school choice. Some 14 percent of those in Kent are crossing school lines to attend different districts and 12 percent are attending charter schools. In Ottawa, those numbers were 11 and 7 percent. Statewide, almost 23 percent of students use school choice, with 13 percent utilizing Schools of Choice and 10 percent attending charter schools. DeVos was among those spearheading the effort to push through Michigan's charter school law 20 years ago. Grand Rapids, Detroit and Flint schools are among the districts with the largest share charter students in in the nation. In Michigan, 80 percent of charter schools are run by for-profit organizations. For example, National Heritage Academies (NHA), founded by West Michigan businessman J. C. Huizenga, had a total of 7,727 students enrolled in its 12 local charters (10 in Kent and two in Ottawa) last year. Dan Quisenberry, president of the Michigan Association of Public School Academies (MAPSA), called the DeVos pick an inspired choice. "Betsy DeVos has been a champion for school children for decades, always putting their needs ahead of everything else," Quisenberry said. "Betsy has been on the front lines of education policy in Michigan and nationally for almost 30 years, and President-elect Trump couldn't have selected a better advocate for children." Rockford Superintendent Michael Shibler said he thinks Michigan and the nation will be fine as long DeVos is focused on efforts to improve both the traditional schools and charters. He said he will be disappointed if she only pushes a school choice agenda. "I am not a supporter of voucher when it takes money away from public schools - traditional and charters," said Shibler, who said we can learn from the 2000 voucher defeat which would have bankrupt state funding for public schools. Teachers unions have slammed DeVos, not just because of her charter school and voucher efforts but also her support for Right to Work. "It seems that this appointment will just be another way to separate rather than unite the country," said Mary Bouwense, president of the Grand Rapids teachers union. "Public education needs a supporter of public education to be the Secretary of Education, not someone who supports public money for unregulated for profit charters." DeVos chaired the Michigan Republican Party four times from 1996 to 2005 and served on the Republican National Committee from 1992-1998. Dick DeVos, along with Betsy, founded the West Michigan Aviation Academy in 2010, a growing aviation-themed charter high school on the grounds of Gerald R. Ford International Airport. The charter is authorized by Bay Mills Community College. In 2010, Betsy DeVos, also founded the American Federation for Children (AFC) school choice and voucher advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. Photo of students at the West Michigan Aviation Academy, a charter high school, founded by Dick and Betsy DeVos, which opened in 2010. In his school choice plan outlined during the campaign, Trump says that if states collectively contribute another $110 billion of their own education budgets toward school choice -- on top of the $20 billion he's proposing -- that could provide $12,000 in school choice funds to ever K-12 student who today lives in poverty. Money for school choice, he said, would follow students to the public, private, charter or magnet school of their choice. Each state would develop its own system in the plan. "I am honored to work with the President-elect on his vision to make American education great again," DeVos tweeted after the announcement. "The status quo in ed is not acceptable." IRON COUNTY, MI - A 22-year-old Houghton man was killed in a car crash involving a semi truck Wednesday, Nov. 23, WLUC TV 6 reported. The accident occurred around 1 p.m. on Bates Amasa Road near Paulson Road in Bates Township. WLUC reported the driver of the vehicle, which was carrying three brothers, failed to negotiate a curve, lost control of the vehicle, crossed over the center line and collided with a semi truck. The driver of the vehicle, a 16-year-old Houghton boy, was transported to Aspirus Hospital and later airlifted to a Wisconsin hospital where he is listed in critical condition. WLUC reported a 22-year-old Houghton man, the front-seat passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 20-year-old Houghton man, the back-seat passenger, was transported to Aspirus Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the semi, a 58-year-old Iron River man, was not injured. All people involved in the crash were wearing seat belts. WLUC reported icy and snow-covered roads are believed to be a factor in the crash. HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, MI - Police identified David Leroy Thelen, 43, as the man who was shot and killed by an Ottawa County sheriff's deputy after threatening the deputy with a knife. The shooting happened around 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, just outside of the man's apartment at 314 Beeline Road. The Sheriff's Department says that the man approached the deputy with a large knife and was shot after he refused to drop it. The deputy, who has not been named, fired three shots. State police are investigating the shooting and will present findings to the Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office for review. State police continue to investigate and asked witnesses or others with pertinent information about Thelen to contact the Rockford post at 616-866-4411. The deputy and a reserve deputy responded to Thelen's call for medical help. After police knocked at the door, Thelen came out with a knife. Within seconds, he was shot. A neighbor said Thelen's behavior had change drastically the last couple of months when he hold his wife to leave. She left for Kentucky. The neighbor said Thelen frequently read his Bible. He had back problems and did not work, she said. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Jody Deems-McCargar has only spent one day with her daughter, Georgia Deems, since June. Over those five months, she only received a handful of pictures to show how her daughter is dealing with what will likely be one of the most difficult and transformative experiences of her life. "I had these seven or eight cherished photos on my phone," Deems-McCargar said. So it was understandably emotional when Georgia, in full uniform and flanked by four fellow U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen, appeared from around a corner to a crowd of friends and family anxiously awaiting her arrival. "To finally see her in person is pretty overwhelming," Deems-McCargar said. "There were just so many different feelings; mostly just a huge relief after not seeing them for five months." Deems, a 2016 East Grand Rapids High School graduate, was one of four West Michigan natives returning home for the Thanksgiving holiday after their first five months at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. They flew into Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving Day Thursday, Nov. 24. Also returning home were Midshipmen Erick Bleakley, son of Fred and Ann Bleakley and a 2016 graduate of North Muskegon High School; Andrew MacGregor, son of Matt and Kathy MacGregor and a 2016 graduate of East Grand Rapids High School and Riley Schliem, daughter of Rick and Heidi Schliem and a 2016 graduate of Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School. All four are in their freshman year at the academy and are referred to as "plebes," an abbreviation of the ancient term "plebeian," which described a Roman commoner. Their experience began in June with a sort of boot camp experience called "plebe summer." "It's not a whole lot of fun," Andrew MacGregor said. "A lot of working out every morning and just kind of getting indoctrinated." It was the East Grand Rapids High School graduate's first trip home since June. "It'll be good to get home and sleep in my bed again," MacGregor said. Even though they had a chance to visit their son briefly during an August "parents weekend" in Maryland, Kathy MacGregor said their separation has been a tough experience for her. "There was nothing we could buy for a dorm room," MacGregor said. "None of that excitement of getting ready for school." Life as a Naval Academy "plebe" is by no means an easy thing, particularly during the initial seven-week "plebe summer" meant to whip new students into shape before the academic year begins. "It's a serious business what they're doing," Deems-McCargar said. Andrew MacGregor explained how even getting from one place to another on campus is a challenge, with a type of march called "chopping" required. "You're not allowed to walk," MacGregor said. "You have to be chopping through the hallways. You can't listen to music or watch TV at all during the week. You're just not given a lot of freedoms, which makes it difficult." Small errors in judgement or "making the wrong choice," he said, can result in a sudden order to drop to the ground and complete a set of push-ups. With no notice, students are asked to switch rooms in the academy's gigantic dormitory, a practice intended to prepare the midshipmen for the realities of life as a naval officer. That process is made more difficult because students must carry all their belongings in their arms, standing at attention against hallway walls whenever an upperclassman is approaching. For those first seven weeks, the only verbal communication parents received was in the form of three phone calls, limited at 30 minutes in length. MacGregor said the inability to help talk her son through such a challenging and draining experience made her feel powerless. "It was one of the most emotional things we have all been through," she said. "To know that you cannot talk to them, you cannot visit them, you cannot see them." Deems-McCargar agreed, expressing gratitude for a holiday weekend with her daughter. "The hard part is just the very little contact," she said. "Even the texts you get, the text is probably only three or four words. Phone calls are very brief." Some parents received pleas to come home in weekly letters sent home to parents. Others received messages from their child explaining "they're forcing me to write this," Deems-McCargar said. But all the worry and concern for her daughter's well-being washed away when she saw her eyes and Georgia's connected at the airport on Thursday morning. "She's now a woman, so tall and strong and confident," Deems-McCargar said. "Just the best thing a parent could want. Everything she said was so positive. It made me realize that we made some really good choices." Joining the family members gathered to greet the four midshipmen home were members of MacGregor's high school swim team and Deems' crew team. The feelings of relief and celebration were apparently contagious, Deems-McCarger said, as others in the airport joined their group in cheering the foursome's arrival. "There was so much energy and love and support," she said. "The crowd didn't want to dissipate." Once they left the airport the first stop was, of course, Yesterdog in Eastown. "So we hit Yesterdog at 1 in the morning with them all in uniform," Deems-McCarger said. "It was fun. It's fun seeing a lot of her friends from other colleges, from Michigan and Purdue and all over the country. And they're all having such different experiences." Other items on the midshipmen's to-do list during their holiday home: driving in a car (something most have not done in five months), sitting down to a nice big Thanksgiving meal with their family, spending time with their friends and wearing civilian clothes. The families are enjoying their time with their children, despite the nagging fact that all four need to be on a plane back to Annapolis early Sunday morning. MacGregor admitted it will be difficult to get back on the plane after the holiday weekend. He calls his time at home "a few days of normalcy" before returning to the rigorous schedule of life as a midshipman. But he said he's willing to work hard and make it through the tough part. In his mind, MacGregor said, it's all worth it for the sense of purpose and the community that comes with the experience. "I'm really happy to be here," MacGregor said. "It's a really great opportunity. Everybody's challenging each other to be better. And then we'll all be officers in four years." Deems-McCargar said her daughter summed it up better than she ever could. "She said, 'Mom, it's really hard because it's really important,'" she said. you are here: business Noida Toll Bridge retrenched 80, laid off 143 after SC order The company spends around Rs 95 lakh per month on road maintenance and employed around 450 people but now they are not able to maintain the full strength of employment post the order. Raj Bhargava, Chairman, Noida Toll Bridge Company. business RBI proposes to hike limit under mkt stabilisation scheme: Srcs Sources at the Finance Ministry tell CNBC-TV18 that the banking regulator The Reserve Bank of India is proposing to hike the limit of market stabilisation scheme with the objective of sucking out excess liquidity in the system. It would take years to systemically reform public joint-stock company Ukrzaliznytsia even with political support, Ukrzaliznytsia Chairman Wojciech Balczun has said. "Since the start of my mission in Ukraine I hear two words: quick victories and publicity. It is interesting what would colleagues from Germany or other European countries, where the systemic reforms on railways have been introducing for many years, say? I think that they would laugh or twist a finger at a temple. The reformation of railways, especially such a big one as Ukrzaliznytsia, requires time. If we add the amount of pathologies implausible in the western world we should speak about years, but only with absolute political support," he said in a statement for media posted on the company's website on Thursday. Balczun said that during many weeks he heard about the preparation of an information campaign in mass media against him. "It is nothing to be surprised at, as we start slightly really control Ukrzaliznytsia. We more often managed to do things in line with the interests of the railways, and not under the principle to permit external suppliers and intermediaries to earn," he said. Balczun said an attack via media is the last resort for opponents to accuse the new head of Ukrzaliznytsia of inability to cope with the tasks set before him. "In Poland, when we started reforming PKP Cargo, the situation was similar. Everyone who lost control and influence came to the minister with slogans: what Balczun is doing. The minister took my side. Then we conducted the most successful reform of the railway in Europe. If Ukraine wants to think about real and systemic reforms, it should be patient," he said. business Remain invested in Allahabad Bank, says Prakash Gaba According to Prakash Gaba of prakashgaba.com, one may remain invested in Allahabad Bank. The chronicle of a life split between urban Manhattan and rural Montana. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) was raiding the offices of the TIS group of terminals (Odesa region) and the apartments of managers of the company belonged to a Russian businessman. The press service of SBU reported on Thursday that SBU is investigating into a case under Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine over embezzlement of $6 million of tonnage taxes. "In 2015, the company of the famous Russian businessman who owned the terminal illegally registered rights to receive some funds from tonnage taxes paid to the Sea Port Authority of Ukraine. This happened due to the unlawful registration of ownership rights to a part of the water area of Adzhalyk firth, which belongs to the Ukrainian people, according to the Constitution," SBU said. The press service said that the investigators seized large sums of off-the-books currency and stamps of offshore companies. The United States of America was thrust into World War II, forever changing the nation and the world on Dec 7, 1941. All four Burke County bands have been invited to participate in The Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Hawaii by representing the state of North Carolina and the battleship USS North Carolina. That date will mark the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the date which would live in infamy." With the charge to "never forget" by President Franklin Roosevelt, Historic Programs along with History and A&E Networks have accepted the call to remember those whose service and sacrifice preserve our freedom and liberty by providing a meaningful salute to Pearl Harbor survivors, veterans, active military and their families. Gary Sinise will serve as the Grand Marshal and will help to pay tribute to more than 100 Pearl Harbor Survivor Honorary Grand Marshals. The Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade is honored to have the combined Burke County High School Bands including Draughn, East Burke, Freedom and Patton high schools from Burke County. The band is under the direction of Jonathan Berry, Chad Higdon, Jason Hoyle, and Robert Johnston and was selected based on their achievements and recommendations from local and state music educators and from prior experience with U.S. historical events. In addition to marching in the parade, the band will join the U.S. Marine Corps Pacific Band, and other outstanding bands, in a mass performance of the God Bless America at the official parade opening ceremony. This years 75th anniversary commemoration will feature more than 3,000 parade participants, including marching bands, junior and active duty military units along with cultural and civic organizations. This parade takes place annually and is the official parade of the Pearl Harbor commemoration. This event is unique, as it provides an important element of reconciliation while the theme is to remember the events of the past while celebrating the future and that once bitter enemies can become friends and allies. One Pearl Harbor Survivor commented after riding in the parade with his fellow veterans that it was remarkable to witness both American and Japanese people waiving and applauding for us ... I will never forget this night. The Parade will begin at 6 p.m Hawaii time, following an opening ceremony at 4:30 p.m. The parade will take place in Waikiki on Kalakaua Avenue , starting at Saratoga Road, and continuing to Kapahulu Avenue . For more information about the BCPS bands and their participation in this historic event, visit http://jcberr0.wixsite.com/bcpsbandspearlharbor. Firefighters at South Mountains State Park finally got a little bit of the rain they needed early Thursday morning. The rain helped keep activity of the Chestnut Knob Fire low Thursday and into Friday, but drier conditions are expected to return and continue over the next few days. The Florida Forest Service Green Team continues to lead the incident management team with assistance from the North Carolina Forest Service, the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the Burke County Fire Marshals Office and local fire departments. Shane Yarborough, a public information officer with the Green Team, said Friday morning the slight rainfall was a positive, but crews on the fire still arent taking any chances. We had a little activity (Thursday) night with the little bit of rain we got the night before, Yarborough said. Crews continued to patrol the lines and monitor the perimeter around the fire. The Chestnut Knob Fires acreage total stood at 6,435 Friday afternoon, marking no increase in the past two days. The blaze is now 75 percent contained as firefighters continue to make progress and keep the fire inside containment lines. After no infrared flight was performed Wednesday night due to weather, a flight took place Thursday night. That flight allowed for the creation of a new hot spot map as the incident management team laid out its plans for Friday. To view the latest map, visit the Chestnut Knob Fire Facebook page at bit.ly/2goY7cV. There are a few hot spots, Yarborough said. We were able to get out and make an (infrared) flight (Thursday) night. So, they did pick up a few hot spots. On the map, (there are) some blue spots, which is new. Those are potential hot spots (the infrared flight) did pick up, but theres not a whole lot of heat there. So, crews are going to try to get out along those lines and see what those are. If (they are hot spots), well work on them and do some mop-up on those spots. Yarborough cautioned that conditions will return to the drier side in the next few days. That could dry out fire fuel sources again and lead to re-burn. Yarborough said crews will do all they can to keep hot spots mopped up. Over the next couple days, were going to go into a drying trend, Yarborough said. Were going to have some drier weather and some low (relative humidity) than what weve had the last couple days. Thats going to go through the weekend and then well get another (weather) front moving through with a good possibility of wetting rain. So, in the next couple days, well just continue to monitor these fire lines and keep the fire lines clean. Well keep the new leaf fall off those hot spots and make sure we get in and mop those up. The Chestnut Knob Fire ignited Nov. 6 and was 5,929 acres by Nov. 17. A total of 211 personnel, 16 engines and four bulldozers were on scene working the Chestnut Knob Fire late Thursday as resources are continuing to be released to help with other wildfires in the region. Wildfires had burned more than 76,000 acres of land in the western part of the state as of Thursday evening. As smoke is dispersed throughout the region, air quality remains a concern. In recent days, the region has had both Code Red, or unhealthy, and Code Orange, or unhealthy for sensitive individuals, warnings. For more information about air quality, visit ncair.org. Citizens are advised to keep as up-to-date as possible on the fire. This can be done by visiting the fire Facebook page at facebook.com/Chestnutknobfire or calling 828-764-9380. Staff writer Justin Epley can be reached at jepley@morganton.com or 828-432-8943. Russia, EC agree on trilateral meeting with Ukraine on gas in Brussels in coming days Russia and the European Commission have agreed to a trilateral meeting with Ukraine on gas, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said following negotiations with European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic on Friday in Moscow. He said that the key issue of the meeting with Sefcovic was gas transit to Europe through Ukraine. Risks regarding the safe passage of winter on the part of Ukraine and safe transit remain, the Russian minister said. "The key issue at our meeting was the safe provision of Russian gas to Europe and Ukraine getting safely through the winter period," Novak said. Sefcovic said the trilateral talks would take place in the coming days in Brussels. Transinvestservice (TIS, Odesa rgion), the largest stevedoring company, has denied information that one of the co-owners of the company Alexei Fedorychev is "Russian oligarch." The company said on its Facebook page that TIS does not belong to Fedorychev. He is not a "Russian oligarch." Fedorychev is the owner of two terminals TIS-Grain and TIS-Mineral Fertilizers. He acts as a co-investor in the rest of the terminals. "Mr. Fedorychev left the USSR in 1987. Since then he is citizen of Hungary. He lives in the EU. His company Fedcom is one of the largest grain traders in Europe that buys grain in Ukraine and sells all over the world," the company said. "The situation in our country is that any hint to the Russian trace in any business justifies any actions against business in the eyes of society. They would not be able to insist on the Russian trace with TIS as they do not have facts," the company said. TIS continues operating in the usual mode, despite raids at the company. As for the photo with a bag of money posted by the press service of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on its official website, TIS said that it was taken at home of one of the top managers/co-owners of the company. "This is his own money that he can store anywhere not being the public official. In addition, all the money was declared and declarations were presented to the investigators," the company said. Homeowners Becoming Homebodies -CoreLogic CoreLogic says it is now able to closely track household mobility through various data sets including property taxes and sales transactions. Some counties update these records on a weekly basis and the data allows drilling down to individual census blocks or even parcels. This information can be used to augment more traditional Census Bureau records, and permits CoreLogic to track distinct customers through their chain of home purchases. CoreLogic senior economist Kristine Yao used this new tool to talk about homeowner mobility and migration trends in the most recent edition of the company's on-line magazine MarketPulse. Her article joins recent reports from Freddie Mac, the National Association of Realtors, and the Urban Institute addressing the decline in mobility. Yao says the median time between the recorded purchase and the subsequent sale of homes nationally was 4.4 years in 1985 bit had increased to 6.6 years by 2015. Yao says this trend is similar to that noted in the Census Bureau's latest Current Population Survey; only 5.1 percent of owner-occupied households moved between 2014 and 2015 compared to 9.2 percent between 1987 and 1988. When people did move last year, Yao says, 61 percent stayed within the same metropolitan area while only 24.6 percent moved to a different state, a 15 year-low. Those who moved within their own metro area tended to trade up, buying a home that was a median of $61,000 more costly than the old one. However, those who moved to another state tended to buy laterally - paying about the same for the new home as they had gotten for the old one. CoreLogic makes no assumptions about the reasons behind inter-state moves, but Yao does say that more of them sold in high appreciation areas and moved to low appreciation markets with California having the heaviest out-migration. Californians sold their homes for a median of $495k and bought for a median of $315,000 in their new locale. This allowed them to gain median equity of 35 percent. And apparently without lowering their housing standard. The median price they paid on moving put them into the 77th percentile of housing costs, a 15-percentage point increase over the percentile of their old California digs. There also appears to be a bit of a population shift going on, one benefitting the Sun Belt. Yao notes that, among the states with the greatest in and outflow between 2000 and 2015, New Jersey had the greatest ratio of inbound v outbound, 2: 64. California followed with 2:53, along with Illinois (1:79), Virginia (1:37), Colorado (1:18) and Pennsylvania. The remaining four states had more owners moving in than leaving starting with Texas (0:96), Florida (0:92), Arizona (0:75) and North Carolina (0:72.) The declining mobility is not without repercussions; most obviously, it could result in lower home sales and tighter inventories. CoreLogic says it might also impact the home improvement sector, quoting a study from Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies. Emerging trends in the Remodeling Market, published in 2015, said "Households tend to spend more on home improvements both when they are putting their homes on the market and during the first several years after purchase. Thus, lowered mobility would have a negative impact on this spending. On the other hand, by staying put, homeowners will build equity, and that will lower the risk of default. Kyiv-based Ukreximbank is actively preparing a new project jointly with the World Bank on providing access to long-term loans to Ukrainian export oriented small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), according to a posting on the Ukreximbank's website. "The Long Term Finance Project (ALTF) Project will provide long term investment and working capital finance to Ukrainian export oriented SME," the bank said. Ukreximbank will act as the direct borrower of the World Bank funds and the implementing agency of ALTF Project. Ukrainian commercial banks are expected to be involved in the ALTF Project implementation as financial intermediaries. All sub-projects financed under the ALTF Project will be subject to an environmental and social assessment of compliance with the Ukrainian and World Bank environmental regulations utilizing the procedures described in Ukreximbank's Environmental and Social Management Framework. After drawing up the ALTF Project jointly with Ukrainian governmental authorities, it will be presented to the World Bank Board of Executive Directors for consideration and approval by the end of the first quarter 2017. Spooky sites Fall is the season of holiday spectacle in Moorpark. In December, of course, Pinedale Road transforms into Candy Cane Lane and dazzles visitors with Santa splendor. But for those who... Local hula group inspires global connections When the pandemic ushered everyone indoors, Moorpark resident and longtime dancer Lisa Rauschenberger decided to get people back outsidesocially distanced, of course. She began to hold weekly hula lessons at... Teens face high stakes in the Oval Office A press room befitting Americas commander in chief was set up inside the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. Journalists and others gathered inside. Ladies and gentlemen, I need you all... Afternoon Thanksgiving Day dinners leave time at night for many to get a jump on Black Friday deals, and plenty of stores were open Thursday night to satisfy the want for discounted goods. I decided to venture out not as a shopper, but to scope the scene and see the retail madness firsthand. I wasnt disappointed. All of the major retailers youd expect Best Buy, Toys R Us, Target had long, weaving lines through the aisles. Some shoppers had carts full of goods; others waited patiently to pay for the one item they wanted most. While the big stores got the most foot traffic, there was an underdog open Thursday night whose bet on big sales paid off. The Pink Pug Boutiques are generally closed Thanksgiving Day, but The Pink Pug wasnt about to let the big dogs have all the fun. The shop at 4300 N. Midland Drive, Suite 103, which celebrated its first full year in business on Friday, put the word out on Facebook, and when owner Ashley Roland opened doors at 7 p.m., 30 people were ready to choose from an always-rotating stock of boutique clothing, Rolands popular handmade T-shirts and a variety of gifts. When asked how the night as going, Roland said, Business has been wonderful, adding that her store has a dedicated following. She said many of her patrons Thursday said The Pink Pug was their only stop. Roland offered fresh hot coffee, cookies and of course discounts. The mood in the store was upbeat. The only tired body at The Pink Pug was Pixie, a 4-year-old black pug who slept soundly behind the counter in her customer-gifted four-poster bed, snuggled with a fawn stuffed pug and snoring lightly as commerce commenced all around her. The lines Cashing out at The Pink Pug was a breeze, but the wait was long at the major retailers. An employee at Toys R Us said the line waiting to get into the toy store was more than 300 at opening. A Best Buy employee said her retailers line had up to 400 people and stretched past Cavenders and Shoe Carnival to Barnes & Noble. A Target employee estimated her stores line was at about 300 and wrapped around to the rear of the store. The lines were also long inside. By my count, there were well over 100 people waiting to make purchases at Best Buy, Target and Kohls. Customers weaved through the aisles at Target and Best Buy, with employees on hand to get them queued up. Target ran two lines: one at the front for the main registers; a second in electronics. A Best Buy employee said her store prepares for the crowds more than a week in advance, and it showed. Customers were orderly and knew where to go because the store smartly laid down bright pink tape for patrons to follow. Target didnt do this, and it seemed some customers were confused where to go. Whos missing Midland Park Mall was a hotbed for activity Thursday night. JCPenney was packed with people, and the main concourse was shoulder-to-shoulder. Most stores were open, but not all. If you hoped to rent a tuxedo; buy some Craftsman tools, smoked sausage, a new pair of glasses; or get a root canal, you were out of luck. Here are the stores that opted to stay closed on Thanksgiving: Als Formal Wear, AT&T, Dillards, Family Dentistry, Francescas, Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, Dippin Dots, Game Stop, Gordons Jewelers, Hickory Farms, Legacy Harley-Davidson of Midland, Motherhood, Maternity, Sears, Simply Mac, Visionworks and Zumiez. The atmosphere Stories of Black Friday shopping are sometimes accented with fist fights and skullduggery as customers scramble for hot toys and deeply discounted televisions. From what I saw Thursday night, though, everyone was patient and cordial. No shouting, finger-wagging, black eyes or lost teeth. The calmest store of all might have been Wal-Mart. When I finally made it to Wal-Mart at 10 p.m., there were short lines and space to roam. I did notice several police officers were on hand for security. Everything was neat and orderly, far from the Wal-Mart scenes described in reports past. Of all the major retailers I visited, Wal-Mart was the most pleasant. Enough stuff The top shopping deals Thursday night were the Toshiba 49-inch 4K ultra HD television at Best Buy and Hatchimals toys at Toys R Us. Both sold out fast, especially Hatchimals, which many people consider one of the hottest toys this year. A Toys R Us employee said his store only stocked about seven Hatchimals, but that didnt mean people left unfulfilled. Most carts were packed with toys big and small. The video games section looked nearly gutted. Best Buy gave claim tickets to people seeking its limited number of Toshiba TVs. There were still plenty of other televisions to be had, and by the looks of it, many were willing to pick up other deals. The day after Thanksgiving night was busy, but Black Friday itself seemed pretty tame. By my estimation, Target, Toys R Us, Best Buy and the mall had crowds you might see on a typical Saturday. A report texted to me about Wal-Mart said the same. Has Black Friday itself has lost its luster? Perhaps. But given that there was still plenty of inventory Friday morning, it might be a sign that what several employees told me Thursday evening was true: This year wasnt nearly as busy as last year or the year before. It might also mean that retailers were smart about inventory. Best Buy on Friday morning wasnt empty. Rather, it had just about as many products on the floor as I saw the night before. One employee said that the company is good about getting stock out in waves. With all of the hubbub about being the first to get the best deals, it seems after more than a decade of Black Fridays, retailers know how to plan well not just for the early shoppers, but for the entire weekend. Like Trevor on Facebook and follow him on Twitter at @HowdyHawes National joint-stock company Naftogaz Ukrainy welcomes efforts of European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic to communicate the position of the Ukrainian company to Russian colleagues. The company backs the proposal to organize a trilateral meeting in Brussels. "We back the proposal of Mr. Sefcovic to hold a trilateral meeting in Brussels at a time convenient to all sides," the press service of Naftogaz told Interfax-Ukraine commenting on announcing the possibility of holding this meeting in Moscow after the talks between Sefcovic and Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak on November 25. "We are committed to two criteria in importing gas for the Ukrainian market: the price and reliability. Non-flexibility of Russian colleagues in these criteria resulted in their proposal being uncompetitive during one year. If Gazprom wants to return to the circle of our suppliers, we are ready to discuss the acceptable conditions," Naftogaz said. The Ukrainian company said that it is the largest company that is involved in Russian gas transit to European consumers. "We are providing for as best as possible quality of this work, despite many cases of violation of the contract by Gazprom. Ukraine is aiming at the full integration with the EU gas market, and stable transit is our top priority," the press service said. Russian Energy Minister: Russia will work with Ukraine strictly according to contract, no take or pay exceptions During trilateral discussions on Russian gas supplies to Ukraine, the Russian side will work with Ukraine strictly according to contract without any take or pay exceptions, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told journalists. "That was not discussed," he said, in response to a question on whether during his meeting with European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic they discussed issues on providing Ukraine with any tariff preferences on gas purchases from Gazprom, for instance through take or pay conditions. "We will act strictly according to contract," he said. New members inducted into Institute of ... Ukraine's Ministry of Infrastructure has agreed the possibility of certification of alternative technical requirements for an individual approval of wheeled vehicles, which are produced in countries not being EU members. The corresponding decision is fixed in the ministry resolution dated November 18, posted on its website. Certification authorities will be provided with the conclusions of the technical service on the possibility of applying such regulations. "That means now it will be possible to import cars from the United States to Ukraine, without changing glass, seat belts, etc. (light is to be only put in order a little bit)," VAAID CEO Oleh Nazarenko wrote on his Facebook page. As reported, a working group was established at the Ministry of Infrastructure to work out the issues arising in connection with the problem of vehicle certification (including electric cars) manufactured not in the EU, which led to the blocking of imports of used cars primarily from the United States. Papers on cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union were signed on Thursday in Brussels in the presence of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, President of the European Council Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. The press service of the Ukrainian president reported that the memorandum of understanding on a strategic energy partnership between Ukraine and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) was signed by Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Minister Ihor Nasalyk and European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic. The memorandum signed provides for the expansion of cooperation to enhance energy security based on the principle of solidarity and trust; ensures full integration of the Ukrainian and EU energy markets, as well as implementation of the EU Third Energy Package; increases energy efficiency in all spheres of energy consumption; reduces greenhouse gas emissions; promotes the use and development of renewable energy and other things. In addition, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze and EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn signed the Agreement on funding the Anti-Corruption Initiative of the EU in Ukraine. The agreement is based on the results of the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Visa Liberalization Action Plan, State Building Contract for Ukraine, EU Project entitled "Support to the Criminal Justice Reform in Ukraine," the Programmatic Cooperation Frameworkbetween the EU and the European Council for the Eastern Partnership countries for 2014-2017 and the activities of the EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine. The overall budget for the implementation of the initiative amounts to EUR 16.34 million. The EU contributes EUR 15 million and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark co-finances with EUR 1.34 million. The EU funds will be sent to enhance the capacities of public authorities responsible for fight against corruption National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office, National Agency on Corruption Prevention, National Agency for Tracing, Recovery and Management of Crime Assets and ensuring the integrity of employees of other institutions of justice. The implementation of the project will begin late 2016 with the direct participation of the Foreign Ministry of Denmark, which has already been involved in the implementation of the anti-corruption initiative in Ukraine launched by the UN Development Program involving competent authorities of the EU member states. Stolen Truck Located In Sonora View Photos Sonora, CA A Fresno man was arrested in Sonora on Thanksgiving Day on drug charges and for being in possession of a stolen vehicle. Just after 8am on Thursday the Sonora Police Department responded to a residence on Mono Way because a man was suspiciously attempting to sell property. Officers located the suspect, 39-year-old Douglas Randal Power, near a stolen 2003 Chevy Duramax pickup truck, which was parked at the residence. The Police Department determined that the truck, which was pulling a utility trailer, had been stolen out of Fresno on November 11. Power was placed under arrest. Officers also located over a gram of methamphetamine, meth smoking pipes and a pair of metal knuckles. An investigation is ongoing in regards to the stolen vehicle. Power was booked into Tuolumne County Jail on felony and misdemeanor charges. Ukraine has provided the International Criminal Court (ICC) with the evidence of Russias war crimes against Ukraine. The ICC has found them sufficient, Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yuriy Lutsenko has said. "Yesterday in the ICC prosecutors office, we considered such evidence: during the events near Ilovaisk the Russian Federation brought regular forces of the Russian Armed Forces into the rear of our troops, broke the agreement on "green corridor" for the retreat of our military, who sometimes were 18 times less and covered their weapons under Ukrainian ones," he told reporters in the Hague (Netherlands) on Tuesday. Lutsenko also said Russian crimes against Ukraine is based on evidence provided by Kyiv of extrajudicial executions, tortures, kidnappings and executions. "All this can be qualified for the definition of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Our evidence was recognized as very serious. Formal procedures of the ICC and the Prosecutors Office will follow further. They can last for a long time," he said. The prosecutor general said: "We are talking about the need to consider the role of the defense minister, 18 generals, two admirals and a number of the Russian Armed Forces officials, who, according to our investigation, initiated the outbreak of war in the territory of Ukraine, violating the Geneva agreements, which led to war crimes and crimes against humanity." Yanukovych to be notified of charges against him on Nov 25 Parubiy Verkhovna Rada Chairman Andriy Parubiy believes that at a meeting of Kyivs Sviatoshynsky district court on Friday, during which the former President Viktor Yanukovych will be deposed via videoconference link and notified officially of charges against him. "I think the main thing the Ukrainian investigators should make is to read the charges to Yanukovych, so they can continue with the case," Parubiy told journalists in Kyiv on Thursday. Verkhovna Radas chairman is convinced that Yanukovych is responsible for the tragedy during the Revolution of Dignity, the annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas. "I think that events that took place on Maidan and events which followed Maidan - responsibility of Yanukovych, who had became a stooge of Putin [Russian president Vladimir Putin] in Ukraine. And I think if we can get into touch, we must demand his [Yanukovychs] return to Ukraine and read him the charges in accordance with the Ukrainian Criminal Code," the speaker of the Ukrainian parliament said. As reported, Kyiv's Sviatoshynsky district court ruled on November 25 to question former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and former Ukrainian Interior Ministry's Interior Troops Commander Stanislav Shuliak via video link as witnesses in a case against five former members of the Berkut special task force concerning the killings on Maidan. Yanukovychs lawyer Vitaliy Serdiuk urged the State Judicial Administration of Ukraine to provide high quality and reliable video link between Sviatoshynsky District Court of Kyiv and the Rostov Regional Court of the Russian Federation to conduct the interrogation. He also said that a test video link between the courts in Rostov and Kyiv had been successfully checked. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Bernie is 90, an Army veteran and a gay man, handsome and articulate. He spent more than 30 years working for Bank of America, where he earned enough to afford a home on Potrero Hill. Now disabled and using a wheelchair to get around, he hasnt left his home in a year and a half. Without Meals on Wheels, I would go crazy, said Bernie, who asked that only his first name be used. On Thursday, a driver delivered a turkey lunch to his home, along with a gift basket of flowers and chocolates. It was one of about 2,400 meals the programs volunteers distributed on Thanksgiving throughout San Francisco, mostly to homebound seniors. Maggie Agee, also 90, gets out some, but not as often as shed like. She worked at Walgreens for 34 years as a photo specialist (I taught people how to use pictures), retired only five years ago, and tries to keep busy while hobbled by arthritis in her knees. San Francisco has gone crazy, Agee said from a wheelchair as her holiday meal was delivered to her spotless Bayview home, where she was joined by her son, George, and a friend. Everybody should try to get along with each other so we could live longer. About 500 volunteers, including parents with young children, flocked to the Meals on Wheels office on Fairfax Avenue in the Bayview district Thursday, where the kitchens were churning out meals of turkey and side dishes. After signing in, they lined up in their cars to deliver the meals around the city. Its an honor. Youre giving back, said David Bawiec, 31, a music composer, who drove all the way from Los Angeles with a friend earlier in the week at the invitation of another friend who works for the program. What better way to give thanks than helping someone? said another volunteer, Barry Eggers, 53, a venture capitalist whose wife, Meredith, is on the Meals on Wheels board. The volunteers came as young as 10-year-old Jeremy Louie, whose mother invited him to join the familys annual observance. Helping people is what we should do, he said. It was just one day in a year of food distribution for Meals on Wheels, which employs drivers for non-holiday deliveries to about 3,000 home-bound elderly or disabled San Franciscans. The number is lower on the holiday because many of their regular customers share Thanksgiving with friends and relatives. The nearby San Francisco-Marin Food Bank also stayed open so 88 volunteers could pack thousands of containers with food for the needy, spokesman Mark Seelig said. Volunteers included Joy Woon-Chin of San Ramon, who came with her husband and their two teenage sons. As a suburbanite, she said, its important to teach the children to be involved in the community and show them that theres another part of the world where people are hungry. Across town, Salvation Army volunteers were delivering about 4,000 meals to shut-ins and seniors more than 1,200 pounds of turkey, 1,600 pounds of sweet potatoes and 1,000 pounds of green beans, said spokeswoman Sally Robb Haims. And for the needy who were not homebound, the Tenderloin kitchens at San Franciscos St. Anthony Dining Room and Glide Memorial Church were busy, with about 1,000 volunteers at Glide serving 3,000 meals, about double the everyday volume, a spokesman said. Karl Robillard, a Meals on Wheels spokesman who also delivered food on Thanksgiving, said the staff has been motivated to work even harder since the Nov. 8 election, sensing a lot of fear among the people they serve. Bernie, in his Potrero Hill home, was in a mood to reminisce as the volunteers arrived with his holiday meal. Drafted during World War II, he arrived in Europe the day after the war ended (There sometimes is a God above), was stationed in France and Germany, then returned to the U.S. to go to college and start his career. He arrived in San Francisco in 1968. For a gay man, it was horrible, he said. Friends told me, Dont go to a gay bar or walk with a gay guy, or youll be fired. Bernie eventually settled down with a partner, Jim, who died seven years ago. Though he now feels too fragile to leave his home, friends and neighbors drop in regularly, and he reads newspapers and keeps up with public affairs. I enjoyed life, and life enjoyed me, Bernie said. Im not afraid of dying. Ive had a good life. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate For more than 60 years people have been enjoying jewelry from James Avery Craftsman, but many probably don't know that the private, faith-based company is based in Kerrville. The brand, founded by James Avery, has become immensely popular in the state of Texas and beyond since Avery began crafting jewelry inside his mother-in-law's two-car garage in Kerrville. Now production takes place inside a 42-acre complex. TEXAS ICON: 25 amazing things you probably didn't know about Buc-ee's Avery was a World War II veteran and a decorated pilot who commanded B-26 bombers and survived 44 missions over Germany. A Chicago native, Avery went to the University of Illinois after the war and received a B.F.A. in Industrial Design. Around 1951 he crafted his first piece of jewelry in his free time. A trip with his wife to her family's home in Kerrville in 1954 sparked a move to Texas and an entry into the jewelry business with just $250 in supplies. With a slim volume published in 1949 titled How to Make Modern Jewelry as his guide, he began creating. SOUPS AND SANDWICHES: Learn all about the humble beginnings of Texas' own Jason's Deli A recent return to faith after years of being an agnostic guided his spiritual designs. Avery soon began selling items via a mail order catalog. By 1957 he and his first employee, Fred Garcia, were making up to 39 items for a core group of devoted customers. The company incorporated in 1965. The brand really took off once its items began being sold in church gift shops and specialty boutiques. THANKS TEXAS: If it wasn't for Texas the world would be without these amazing things Faith-based images such as crosses, chalices, doves and fish make up about 20 percent of the company's offerings. A plain sterling silver Latin cross remains one of the brands most-popular items after all these years. You no doubt have a friend or relative with one of their charm bracelets on their wrist. Avery's Christian-themed jewelry soon found an audience, beyond the church set. The first retail store was opened in Kerrville in 1973 and sales were booming to the tune of nearly half a million dollars a year. These days the company employs just over 2,000 people and has over 70 stores around the country. You can also find the brand in Dillards department stores. WHATACHARMS: Those Whataburger James Avery charms aren't so cheap anymore Avery officially stepped down as CEO in 2007 and passed the reins to his son Chris Avery. Seven years later, for the brands 60th anniversary, they reproduced some designs from decades past, to the excitement of longtime collectors. The elder Avery is frequently asked what his favorite design is. Picking from the untold amount of designs hed helped birth couldnt be that easy. I like to say the next one, he usually replies. In late 2014, the company opened up a destination showroom in Kerrville for shoppers to visit next to the main headquarters. The showroom also features exhibits from Averys earliest days in business, even his tools and work bench. Since Election Day, spikes in support for groups that defend religious and other minorities speak to a fear that Donald Trump as president will trample on their rights and empower those who want to. What the Trump administration will mean for Muslims, Jews, Hindus and other minority faiths depends on what policies he pursues, what federal judges and officials charged to uphold the Constitution will allow and the tone he sets on religious tolerance and pluralism. Trump has so far picked: Retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, who has described Islam as "a cancer," as his national security adviser. Stephen Bannon, who ran the Trump campaign criticized for playing to voters' Islamophobia and trafficking in anti-Semitic imagery, as his senior adviser. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Korbach, who backs resurrecting a registry of immigrants from nations where terrorist groups flourish, as a transition team adviser. On "60 Minutes," Trump called minorities' fear of his presidency is "totally unfounded" and he said the media exaggerated reports of his supporters committing hate crimes although when pressed, he uttered an emphatic "stop it" to those who harass minorities. "At this point we are going to take him at his word," said the ACLU's Daniel Mach on the likelihood that Trump would make good on his call for a ban on Muslims entering the country, increased surveillance of mosques and the "extreme vetting" of Muslim immigrants and visitors to the U.S. Faiza Patel, co-director of the Brennan Center's Liberty and National Security Program at NYU Law School, said the FBI could be directed to increase surveillance and investigations of Muslims and mosques. At a time when Muslims face high levels of hate crimes, "There's a real risk of a message coming from the highest levels of government that equates terrorism with Islam," Patel said. Jewish groups and politicians have charged that Trump campaign ads and social media stoke anti-Semitic flames, employing symbols and age-old language used by conspiracy theorists to spread anti-Jewish hatred. Jewish-Americans chose Hillary Clinton over Trump by a nearly 3-1 ratio, with some Jews taking solace in Trump's fond references to Jewish people, his daughter who converted to Judaism and his praise for Israel. More Jewish Americans seemed to side with Jane Eisner, editor of the Forward, who wrote that "the anti-Semitic sentiments of the far right are closer to the center of political power than they have been in recent memory." At the conservative Cato Institute, Jim Harper, who studies counterterrorism, worries a Trump administration poses a threat to minority religious rights, but he also points to countervailing forces that may mean the worst of those threats will not be realized. "The agencies that would implement these policies are not fans of Trump," he said. "They regard him as outside the mainstream. And someone who might obey a Republican or Democrat in the traditional vein may decline to implement truly ugly policies or do such a bad job you can't tell the difference." Fazana Saleem-Ismail remembers a year ago when "negative rhetoric" against Muslims hit what she calls a fever pitch. Saleem-Ismail wondered what she could do to help. When the Capital Region resident isn't evaluating training programs for professionals in the child care field, she's busy throwing birthday parties for homeless children as part of her Jazzy Sun Birthdays program. A mother of two, she describes herself as a believer in social discourse who likes to move beyond talk and take action. She is also a Muslim. And as the presidential campaign rhetoric showed signs of becoming more divisive, she decided to take action to tell the community about what Islam really is, reaching out to friends and offering to educate anyone and everyone. The response, she said, was "huge." Now, as a public speaker who regularly visits schools and addresses audiences around the Capital Region, she says she is spreading the word about her religion to clear away misconceptions. "If we just engage in conversation more," Saleem-Ismail said, "it would really impact our world, all over the world." Saleem-Ismail is one of many people from different groups locally who have responded to the election in unique ways. While Donald Trump's victory brought reason to celebrate for his supporters, it also brought reason to fear for those who see adverse effects in the promises the candidate made. Those promises included banning Muslims from entering the United States, monitoring Muslims, assembling a deportation force and limiting women's right to abortions. Locally, the reactions among those who disagree with the president-elect's policies have ranged from shock to apprehension to a resolve to educate and communicate. Protests "I think between now and the inauguration there's going to be a great amount of groups and people with voices howling," said Jeanne Finley, a community activist and a member of the Capital District Coalition against Islamophobia. The coalition has attracted members from an array of local advocacy groups. At a Nov. 19 "Rally Against Trump's 100 Days Agenda" in Albany, demonstrators were invited to help put a stop to deportations, white supremacy and racism, and to support free speech. By Finley's estimation, the event drew 400 to 500 people, and involved other organizations like Women Against War, Veterans for Peace, the Muslim Solidarity Committee and Jewish Neighbors for Peace. Looking ahead, Finley described a growing collaboration among Albany-area activists. "The election was a terrifying wake-up call that has galvanized us," Finley said. Joe Lombardo, a member of Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, agrees that Trump's ascendancy might herald a new period of cooperation among activists. His positions on Muslims, immigration, nuclear weapons and climate change, Lombardo said, have brought together a range of organizations whose interests formerly hadn't intersected. "There's a possibility for all of us coming together in a way we haven't before," said Lombardo, who helped organize the rally. What he calls the "reactionary positions" in Trump's campaign have shifted during the presidential race and the lead-up to the inauguration. Trump has backpedaled on some statements, while his staff has sometimes seemed to contradict him. But are people in the local community still afraid of a Muslim registry and a deportation force? "Absolutely," Lombardo said. "I don't think that we're in for an easy ride no matter what he's saying." Civil rights litigation The American Civil Liberties Union, in a full-page New York Times ad three days after the election, attacked Trump's proposals as unlawful and unconstitutional and promised to fight him in court if he tried to take action on his campaign-trail promises. The organization is taking a wait-and-see approach. "We are prepared to react whenever a policy is released," said Melanie Trimble, the Capital Region chapter director of the NYCLU. "We are calling upon the president-elect to understand that we do have a constitution and a Bill of Rights, and they are enforceable by law in this country, and we hope that he respects those tenets." In a Nov. 16 email from Trimble, her organization announced that frustrated New Yorkers had mobilized to reach out to the NYCLU in record numbers. On campus In a creative community the Saint Rose art department the election results sent ripples of fear through a diverse student body. At her first class after the election, "we all sat down and my professor physically had to hold herself back from tears," said Kayla Fincken, 20, an art major. Fincken said the art department contains a lot of underrepresented minorities and groups. Lisa Poquette, who is enrolled in the same printmaking course as Fincken, said after watching Hillary Clinton's concession speech, students comforted each other and shared their fears. As part of Saint Rose professor Kris Tolmie's course, the two young women and their classmates responded to the angst on campus by brainstorming a community art exhibit: a long scroll of blank paper fixed to the wall, with Sharpie pens on pink strings for students and faculty to scrawl personal messages. The exhibit asks participants to "imagine a world ..." and invites them to supply the missing words. Tolmie said the messages have been adding up ever since it was installed. The class plans to transfer the exhibit from the college's Center for Art and Design to the library, which is soliciting pieces that express togetherness, inclusiveness "and things that people feel we don't have at the moment due to the election," said Janel Dupree, 20. Dupree, who helped create the scroll, did not consider her work to be very political, but that has changed. Her next project is a piece that explains the Black Lives Matter movement. Individual response For Fazana Saleem-Ismail, eliminating prejudice and spurring dialogue is as simple as visiting a classroom and reading from a book. "Raihanna's First Time Fasting," by Qamaer Hassan, tells the story of a young girl's first experience fasting for Ramadan. It's one of the works Saleem-Ismail uses to help students see Islam from a practicing Muslim's view. The students, who range from age 7 to high school, are "full of questions" about the her religion, asking about fasting: Does it hurt? Do Muslims have to take medicine while they skip out on food?. "From my perspective, children aren't born to discriminate or hate," she said. "They're color blind." Being exposed to these lessons at a young age "prevents children from forming biases," Saleem-Ismail said. "Hopefully when they grow up they'll be more willing to fight and to advocate for others different from themselves." Saleem-Ismail, who works alongside Finley in the Coalition against Islamophobia, plans to keep reaching out, and wants to encourage other Muslims to do the same. "It's not enough for us to stand up for ourselves," she said. "We have to stand up for other marginalized communities as well." Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko has discussed with representatives of the UK law enforcement bodies their experience in the investigation of serious financial, economic and corruption crimes. As the press service of the Prosecutor General Office reported, Yuriy Lutsenko during his visit to the United Kingdom met with representatives of the National Crime Agency and the UK Serious Fraud Office. "The main purpose of these meetings is to exchange experience in the investigation of serious financial, economic and corruption crimes and to discuss the prospects of setting up joint investigation teams for the most urgent criminal proceedings," the report says. It is noted that the British side expressed its readiness to provide support to the General Prosecutor Office of Ukraine on the way of reforming the prosecution authorities of Ukraine and the fight against crime, including criminal proceedings against former high-ranking officials. Lutsenko was also interviewed by the Ukrainian service of the BBC, in which he spoke about the achievements of the Prosecutor General Office in the fight against crime and corruption, as well as on the process of reform of the prosecution authorities of Ukraine. "Today organized crime does not pay attention to national borders, and therefore it is extremely important for our agencies to cooperate in combating transnational offenses," Lutsenko said. Hunter The state has completed $750,000 in safety improvements at the Kaaterskill Wild Forest, a popular Catskills hiking location. Recent deadly accidents in the tract's falls have also prompted the Department of Environmental Conservation to remind visitors to the Greene County attraction to follow designated trails and obey posted signs. Earlier in November, the agency finished installing a 115-foot hiking bridge spanning Spruce Creek and connecting the hamlet of Haines Falls to the Escarpment trail and North/South Lake campground. The bridge is part of a new 1.8-mile trail connection between Haines Falls and the existing trail system in the Wild Forest and North/South Lake campground, according to the DEC. The Kaaterskill Rail Trail Committee assisted state employees. That followed up work done in the summer, when contractors for the DEC completed a new foot trail leading from the end of the marked Kaaterskill Falls trail at the base of the falls up to the middle pool of the falls, which included installation of a 200-step stone staircase. Parking areas have been expanded. Last year, a fully accessible trail leading to a new accessible overlook platform at the top of the falls was built. It directed people to a safe viewing area away from the top of the falls, where people have fallen. Earlier this month, a Newburgh man became the third person to die at the Kaaterskill Falls this year when he slipped on ice and moss at the top of the falls, State Police said. He had gone off the trail. In separate deaths over the summer, a 60-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy from New Jersey were killed in falls. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A man was killed and two others were injured in a shooting Friday in a residential neighborhood of San Franciscos Western Addition, police said. Gunfire broke out near the intersection of Turk and Scott streets just before 11 a.m., said Officer Giselle Talkoff, a spokeswomen for the San Francisco Police Department. When officers arrived, they found two victims on the street suffering from gunshot wounds, and paramedics transported them to a hospital, Talkoff said. One of the victims died, and another was being treated for life-threatening injuries, she said. The third victim in the shooting later walked into a hospital seeking treatment, she said. Officers at the scene Friday afternoon said that of the two injured victims, one was in surgery and the other had a graze wound. Police described the shooter as a man, 40 to 50 years old. He was last seen fleeing eastbound on Turk Street. Sylvia Gonzalez, 46, who lives nearby, said she heard what sounded like six fireworks ring out through the neighborhood shortly before police patrol cars swarmed the street. Another neighbor, 24-year-old Rob Schone, said he came home just after noon to see his home was within a taped-off crime scene area. His next-door neighbors house had two bullet holes in it. Officers told Schone that a group of men had been talking on the street when an altercation broke out and shots were fired. Neighbors said they werent surprised by the violence. David Spires, 51, who lives a block away from the shooting scene, said gunfights had happened there several times before. This is a shooting gallery right here, he said. Its a jungle here in my neighborhood. Bill Hutchinson and Sarah Ravani are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: bhutchinson@sfchronicle.com, sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: bill_hutchinson, @SarRavani This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate More than 300 volunteers and 1,100 pounds of Turkey provided more than 1,000 warm Thanksgiving meals to people throughout the Conroe community Thursday. "We wouldn't have had a meal for sure," said 61-year-old Robert Booker of Conroe as he enjoyed a meal provided at the 2nd annual Community Outreach meal at the Montgomery County Fair Ground's Exhibition Center. There's been many years where Booker hasn't been able to enjoy or afford a warm Turkey dinner at home. His family lives too far away to walk to for the holidays and he has work tomorrow, he said. But on Thursday he was able to enjoy a big plate with a few friends among 250 people provided meals at the Center. "I think it is a blessing to everyone," he said. "They really over done themselves. The food was great." A Conroe couple donated 80 turkeys, which were cooked on four pits at the annual event sponsored by Red Onion Catering and the Friends of Conroe. The grateful Red Onion Catering Owner Joey Ashton read out raffle tickets during the dinner for 20 donated bicycles. Conroe resident Erika Godinez, 27, raised her hand in the air. She then joined Ashton in picking out a bike, which will go to her 10-year-old son Michael at home. "I think it is really great for people in need," she said. "My friend keeps telling me about these type of events. ... Sometimes it is really hard no matter how hard you work-it can be difficult." Providing the meals to others fulfilled the hearts of many of the volunteers, especially 54-year-old Liz Neighbor who suffered a brain bleed last year and doesn't have family in the area. Her experience taught her life is short, while volunteering "opened her eyes" to some of the everyday needs in Montgomery County. "I'm thankful for a lot of things but I don't have family," said Neighbor who is a native of Conroe but returned after living 16 years on the east coast. "It makes you feel better." Cooker Dustin Rutherford of Montgomery volunteered for the first time and hopes to do it again next year. "It's great to see this many people come together and donate their time so selflessly," Rutherford said. Ashton agrees. "We live in the best county in the world," he said adding "thank you" to community and volunteers for coming together to provide the meals. SPECIAL DELIVERY While hundreds ate at the decorated tables within the building, throughout the day coordinators understood there were many people who may be food-insecure on Thanksgiving outside of the venue, including those camping in the woods, living outside of department stores, or in low-income housing. Salvation Army Shelter Director David Jenatta teamed up with the organizers and helped shuttle more than 800 meals to people throughout the community, including at the women's shelter, the Salvation Army's shelter, churches, nursing homes, retirement homes, washeterias, motels, camping locations and more. In one location, he said more than 100 plates were provided in less than 10 minutes. "We are totally excited and blessed to be a part of this mass community effort," Jenatta said. "It's not only going to nourish their body but their soul feeding them love and Christ as well." While many of the people who ate had homes, there were several at the Center and at the camping locations that did not. Jenatta said last year 918 people were reported as homeless in Montgomery County. Although, he estimates more than 1,300 people are actually homeless in the area for various reasons, including a need for affordable housing and people who are living paycheck to paycheck and unable to keep up with the cost of living. Some have college degrees and jobs, others have suffered from addiction or abuse, he said: homelessness can happen to "anyone, anywhere, anytime." Conroe Salvation Army resident Stephen Smith, 47, received one of the delivered meals. "It's very good, said Smith who is trying to 'reboot' after losing his apartment. "Very filling, giving, and noble." He believes many of the people who received the Thanksgiving meals appreciate it more than people may realize. " A lot can't provide their own food," he said. "A lot of people are homeless because they can't reboot. No one would hire them. They depend on the community to take care of them." Any leftover food was provided to the Salvation Army. The world of technology is in constant motion. Video games launch every few days, social media apps come out with weekly updates and Apple manages to pump out a new, slimmer phone every September. Our society is inundated with technological progress, and there are no signs that it is slowing down. In this age of fast innovation, everyone is a witness, but certain demographics are more influenced than others by the vast changes our technology is experiencing. Generation Zers are often the first adopters of up-and-coming technology, while also being vocal about the tsunami of new inventions. Here are six reasons why Gen Z has the potential to shape the tech world. 1. Enormous consumption. Its no secret that todays society hinges on a consumerist culture that devours products and services of all types. Gen Z stands at the forefront of this mass of hungry buyers. With 35.5 percent of Gen Zers admitting to spending an average of six to 10 hours per day on their mobile devices, its no wonder that new technology is developing so quickly. Combine this insatiable appetite for new goods with the tech industrys propensity for sending forth new gadgets with lightning speed and you have our current situation. Consumer expectancy drives tech companies to constantly innovate, and constant innovation is what makes consumers expectant. Its a continuous cycle in which each side feeds and shapes the other. As consumption burgeons, tech industries are encouraged to work at even greater speeds. Related: 5 Truths About Gen-Z Businesses That Want a Future Need to Know 2. Instant demand. As a society, we have become accustomed to instant gratification. Goods and services are almost immediately available and in constant supply, so we as consumers have grown used to instant demand. Services such as Netflix, Hulu and VIDGO all offer content streaming, but the success of these services is not due solely to the popularity of digital streaming. The instantaneous nature of the new services is also attractive to consumers. In fact, according to Nielsen, 40 percent of Gen Zers plan to drop traditional pay TV service in favor of online-only options. Instant demand can shape the habits of the tech world by further encouraging businesses to act quickly and publicize their newest products as soon as consumers tire of the old ones. Related: Are You Ready for Gen Z? 3. Social media influence. In our society, the Internet and social media pervade everything. Anyone can voice their opinions through these media outlets, and their availability only makes them more popular. A quick perusal of the internet and social media will turn up opinions and commentary on virtually any topic people are willing to talk about. Gen Z is especially susceptible to the ideas spread on social media, with 42 percent reporting that what they read on social platforms directly influences how they feel and think. With Gen Z consumers thoroughly discussing everything there is to know about modern technology, tech companies are more driven to innovate and give the people of the internet more to talk about. Related: The Thrill of Working at a Startup Holds Little Appeal for Gen Z 4. Independent coders. Most of todays consumers possess the power to voice their opinions to tech companies, and this can be a powerful way of getting their attention. What is less commonly recognized is the capacity of todays consumers to create on their own. With a wealth of information easily accessible on the internet, ordinary people willing to learn can follow in the footsteps of tech giants with ingenuity and determination. As an example, many young people have learned how to create smartphone apps and websites, and have succeeded in marketing the products of their labor to much larger, better-equipped tech companies. Although programming remains a largely independent sphere, and does not have a significant presence in the classroom, earlier this year President Obama promised $4 billion of funding toward computer science in U.S. classrooms. These changes, and the presence of websites like code.org, certainly strengthen the ability of individuals to innovate in programming. 5. Instant gratification. Most of the technology on the market falls under the category of smartphones, tablets and laptops. The demographic most associated with smartphones and communications technology is Gen Z. No other age group in our society uses social media, the internet and text messaging as frequently as Generation Z. A case study conducted by Tech.co found that 13 percent of all Gen Zers check their phone every few seconds, and as much as 14 percent uses their phones for more than 12 hours a day. It is for these reasons that they are the target market for most tech companies; the whims and desires of Gen Z shape the tech world much more than those of other age groups. As time progresses, tech companies are recognizing the trends in the desires of Gen Z and ultimately becoming more beholden to their cravings for new features, bigger screens, thinner phones and other innovations. 6. Generational divide. Opinions on the usefulness and appropriateness of different technologies vary from age group to age group. While older consumers tend to view the new technology with a degree of skepticism, younger generations are much more welcoming of technological innovation. In a study surveying a thousand people between the ages 14 and 69, Gen Zers overwhelmingly answered that 13 was an appropriate age to get a first smartphone; older generations more often suggested that 18 was a better age. The generational divide in opinions on technologys place in our lives can certainly influence the habits of tech companies. With Gen Z the most frequent consumers of up-and-coming tech, the tech world is more inclined to create new products aimed at the younger generations. Related: Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved As the Texas A&M AgriLife Extensions Integrated Pest Management specialist for Swisher, Floyd and Hale counties, Blayne Reed spends much of his time in the field battling such pests as the Sugarcane Aphid, cotton bollworms, flea hoppers and the like. In fact, the Texas Pest Management Association in February named him the states Top Performing IPM Agent. Hes received similar accolades from cotton and corn growers associations while serving as lead researcher across the High Plains on the Sugarcane Aphid. But he doesnt spend all his professional time battling ag-related pests. On Wednesday, Reed offered a short overview of current AgriLife Extension happenings to Hale County commissioners during the panels work session, and most of the discussion centered on an ancient scourge that has made a resurgence in recent years bedbugs. More funds are being directed to address such things as the Zika virus, West Nile and bedbugs, Reed told commissioners. We are trying to better educate the public on how to keep them out of their homes, and how to keep from packing them home when they travel. Considered by entomologists to be true bugs, the wingless pests are extremely small and have been irritating humans since earliest recorded history. There are references to bedbugs in both Greek and Roman literature, Reed told commissioners. We just about had them eradicated in the United States back in the 1950s, through the use of DDT. The EPA banned DDTs use in the U.S. in 1972, and increased international travel has led to the bloodsucking pests spread throughout the nation. They now can be found in many of the better hotels and motels, particularly around airports and rail/ship terminals. Theyre a good reason to stay at cheaper motels further away from airports and terminals. Reed noted that in February, the annual Southwestern Branch of the Entomological Society of America conference in Tyler drew 700 entomologists from three states. We had a hotel full of entomologists which had numerous rooms infested with bedbugs, he wrote in his Plains Pest Bugosphere. One of the first to confirm an infestation in their room was Dr. Katelyn Kowles, EA-IPM for Lubbock and Crosby counties who had just completed post-doctorate work in bedbugs with the University of Kentucky. She notified the hotel staff and was given another room. It took four tries to find a bedbug-free room. Kowles and other entomologists trained hotel staff in detection and treatment options. Kowles offers these bedbug tips: How to scout your hotel room for bedbugs: --Dont put any belongings on the bed or unpack before you complete your inspection. I put my luggage on the luggage rack (usually in the closets of most rooms) or in the bathroom until I have checked for bedbugs. --Things you are looking for: actual bedbugs shed skin of immature bugs dark brown fecal spots (dried excrement) Adult bedbugs are approximately a quarter of an inch long and red-brown with oval, flattened bodies. Immature bedbugs are smaller versions of the adults, but with a much lighter color and approximately the size of a pinhead. --Begin with a preliminary check around the room. Focus on the corners of ceilings and the baseboards. --Remove the corners of the fitted sheet and look underneath the mattress and box spring. Examine the mattress seams and crevices in the box spring. Pay special attention to head of the bed. Most cellphones have a flashlight that is very useful for this! --You should also inspect crevices in the bed frame. This is especially important if the bed frame is wood! --If there is a removable headboard, remove it from the wall and inspect the crevices on the back. This is a common place for bedbug infestations to begin. If you have never done this before, make sure you have two people to remove it safely. --Other things that can be inspected include behind picture frames or couches and chairs. But limit your search to items near the bed! What to do if your hotel room has bedbugs: --Call the front desk and request a new room. Problems are usually contained in a particular area, so try to get a room in a different area. --Quarantine all your belongings in garbage bags (or something similar), especially if they were on/near the bed or if you experienced bites. --Put everything that is safe for laundering in a dryer at high heat for at least 45 minutes. Do not wash first! A washing machine does not typically get hot enough to kill all the bugs. After you have dried everything, then you can resume a normal washing routine. --Keep your luggage/anything that cant be laundered in a closed garbage bag until you can treat it. Contact your local pest control company for how to do this. Important facts about bedbugs: --Bedbugs feed only on the blood of animals and spend most of their time where they can get a reliable blood meal from their host. In the case of hotel rooms, this is near the bed. Only when they are very hungry, or there is a bad infestation, will you find them in other places. --Bedbugs do not transmit diseases when they bite. Every person reacts differently, ranging from mild irritation and itching to large, red welts. Some reactions are delayed and occur days or even weeks after the bite. --Bedbug bites are usually painless so people dont always realize they are being bitten. Any exposed skin is vulnerable, such as arms, legs, face, or neck. Bedbugs will typically make several bites at time, often in a short line. --Bedbugs are mostly active at night and can go months without a blood meal. Therefore, ignoring a problem and hoping that they starve is not a reliable solution. --There has been a global resurgence in bedbugs over the last decade and eradicating an infestation can be time-consuming and expensive. Taking pro-active measures when youre traveling to avoid bringing them home is always worth it. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NORWALK Shawnee Goethe of Stamford wanted one thing on Black Friday a new TV. But Goethe decided to spend Thanksgiving with a friend in New York City, and wasnt sure shed get the flat screen, smart TV she desired to replace the large, bulky wheeled one she has at home. But just after 9:30 a.m. Friday, Goethe, along with her daughter, Kenniece Coker, who attends the Center for Global Studies in Norwalk, was ecstatic. The duo wheeled a gigantic 60-inch flat screen TV through the parking lot outside Walmart on Connecticut Avenue. I made the woman (employee) give me a hug, Goethe said. I was so excited. All I wanted was a TV. Goethe who scored her television for a cool $300 after the Black Friday sale markdown, a discount for an open box and an additional store credit was one of countless shoppers who flocked to Norwalk stores Friday morning to take advantage of savings. Through much of Friday morning, Walmarts parking lot was packed with a steady stream of shoppers. But everyone was there for Black Friday deals. Tony DeAngelis of Westport was there with his kids A.J. and Chloe, to pick up a few things they needed. We arent out for Black Friday, DeAngelis said. We were trying to avoid that. We werent up at 3 a.m. That sentiment was shared by many across Norwalk. While many stores were busy or steady, the crowds werent as large Friday morning as in years past. Rosa Guzman, who was shopping with Erik Buitrago at the nearby P.C. Richard & Son, said that could be due to shoppers getting out on Thanksgiving night. Guzman and Buitrago were searching for a pair of Nintendo 3DS at the store, which had slowed down by shortly after 9 a.m., with almost as many employees in-store as customers. They started shopping around 4 a.m., but said they were having trouble finding what they needed. We cant really find anything anymore, Guzman said. It was all taken yesterday we were late. Everything opened at 4 a.m. years ago. Now its 6 p.m. Its Black Thursday, not Friday. Aleksy Tsapovetsky of Stamford and a friend were also out shopping at the store Friday morning. They said they enjoy shopping at stores such as P.C. Richard & Son on Black Friday because they have employees who are knowledgeable of the products something one may not be able to get through, say, online sales. Jean Benitez who was out shopping at the nearby Home Depot said online shopping may be another reason why traffic seemed tamer than in previous years. Benitez, of Darien, said she too has started buying more things online. Amazon is our best friend, she said. However, she is still drawn to some brick-and-mortar stores, such as Home Depot, that offer special deals. Were out Black Friday shopping because we love the prices on the wreaths, Benitez said, pointing to the back of her SUV filled with greenery. We got eight or nine. The National Retail Federation predicted sales to be up 3.6 percent for the 2016 holiday shopping season. But, for the first time, surveys have showed shoppers would spend a majority of their holiday shopping budget online this year. New York A patchwork of weeds, rusted refineries, dilapidated warehouses and pollution-soaked land along the East River in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn has long held the unfulfilled dream of local residents. For more than a decade, New York City officials have promised to transform the industrial wasteland into a 28-acre park in exchange for neighborhood support for a rezoning that would allow the construction of luxury residential buildings in what was once a primarily working-class area. In that time, as Williamsburg became a magnet for the wealthy, only a portion of the promised Bushwick Inlet Park came to life. Acquiring the land from a host of owners proved to be difficult, fraying the patience of residents. But this week, officials announced the city ended a standoff with the owner of the last 11-acre parcel needed to join the southern and northern ends of the park's footprint, agreeing to pay $160 million for the property. "It's a damn miracle!" said Joe Mayock, 50, executive director of Open Space Alliance for North Brooklyn, a group that has pushed for the park. "This isn't just about a park or even about a neighborhood it's about holding the city accountable as it continues to transform." Mayor Bill de Blasio praised the acquisition, calling it "an investment in the future of Brooklyn" and saying the price was fair. "Our administration keeps its promises," de Blasio, a Democrat, said in a statement. "When we commit to build a new park or a new school in a growing community, we deliver." The promise to build the park was actually made during the administration of de Blasio's predecessor, Michael R. Bloomberg, who estimated the project's entire cost at $60 million to $90 million. With the deal announced this week, the city will have spent more than $350 million on land and another $25.8 million on development, with much more still needed to clean up decades of pollution on the property. In the end, what stood between the people and their park was Norman Brodsky, owner of the elusive last tract and the fire-damaged warehouse on it. Brodsky rebuffed the city's initial $100 million offer for the property and was reportedly seeking as much as $325 million. While real estate experts had placed the land's minimum value at $120 million to $180 million, the city argued that the only reason it was worth even that much was because of the proposed rezoning that depended on the creation of the promised park. The project might well have stalled had it not been for the activists who continued to press for the park's completion. Spurred largely by a group called Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park, proponents spoke out at community board meetings, held rallies at City Hall and flooded local officials with literature on the cause. When traditional tactics foundered, the activists staged a series of demonstrations to capture attention. There was the time they occupied the inlet with kayaks and canoes, the time they marched in Manhattan with a coffin symbolizing a funeral for a deal and the sleep-in they held on the pavement outside the park in a rainstorm. "Elected officials are inundated with all kinds of issues, but this community wouldn't take no for an answer," said Eric L. Adams, the Brooklyn borough president, who joined Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., at the sleep-in. "These people fought like hell and their neighborhood will be better for generations because of it," Maloney said. Katherine Conkling Thompson, a Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park organizer, was among those celebrating the victory at a pub in Greenpoint on Tuesday night. "Sometimes a grass-roots effort can actually succeed," she said. The Presidential Administration of Ukraine in the near future intends to hold telephone talks with representatives of Germany and France for the provision of a visa-free regime with the European Union to Ukrainians, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Administration Kostiantyn Yeliseyev has said. "I do not exclude that in the near future we will hold in-depth consultations with the French and the German side. Tomorrow I will hold telephone talks with my colleagues - diplomatic advisers of President Hollande [French President Francois Hollande] and the Chancellor of Germany [German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel], where we will also talk about it," he said on the air of 112.Ukraina TV channel on Thursday. Yeliseyev said that after the EU-Ukraine summit he looks more optimistic on granting visa-free regime to Ukraine as a "tough stance" of the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko during the summit had to influence the EU leaders on the need of their part to fulfill obligations. "We will continue working and will do everything possible to ensure at least the legal decision in the nearest future," the deputy head of the presidential administration said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NORWALK Clumps of earth with stunted sea grass jut upward out of the intertidal salt marsh near the mouth of Village Creek. John Moeling, Norwalk Land Trust president, describes the formations as hummocks and distinguishes between the uneven landscape which they form and the level ground to the north where a salt marsh thrives. This is what we want to restore, said Moeling, pointing at the roughly 6.5-acre hummock-filled area between Hoyt Island and the NLT land at 250 Wilson Ave. We want this intertidal land to be planted with spartina. It will hold the ground (securely) and absorb the force of the water. Moeling said the salt marsh, if successfully restored, will help protect the area against flooding caused by storms and global warming. The NLT recently learned that it had been awarded a $20,000 grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to restore five to eight acres of degraded intertidal salt marsh at Village Creek. The plan calls for taking material dredged from offshore near the Village Creek harbor and beach and using it to fill in the degraded area, which then would be planted with native salt-meadow plants. The NLT has to match the grant by raising another $20,000 for the project. As the title suggests, the Village Creek Salt Marsh Restoration Demonstration is a trial project to see if the concept works. If the salt meadow takes root, the procedure may be used elsewhere. Weve got to do the feasibility work first to make sure whats were doing is economically sound and sustainable, said Robert Everich, a Village Creek resident who helped the NLT prepare the application for the Fish & Wildlife grant. Sustainability is what were ultimately looking for, for our marsh. Everich said a similar grant application was prepared in 2004 but got no traction. Since then, he said, pressure has built to close dredging-disposal sites in Long Island Sound. Disposing of dredged material closer to home and restoring a salt marsh in the process makes better sense, according to Everich. Moeling said the NLT hopes to put the plan into action next year. First, the land trust must find a contractor to perform the dredging and develop a plan to do the work without disturbing birds and other wildlife. In addition to bird life, Village Creek is home to deer, turkeys and foxes,he said. If all goes according to plan, the NLT expects to see the project commence and wrap up in 2017. Alexis Cherichetti, Norwalks senior environmental officer, welcomes the effort. She said salt meadows often change over time, especially if they are overtaken by phragmites and other non-native plants. The elevation of the marsh starts to change so that it is further removed from salt-water influence, Cherichetti said. Often marsh restoration involves a regrading (and) removing phragmites and planting spartina and other native coastal grasses. Moeling, citing local history, believes human hands may have played a role in the demise of the salt meadow near the mouth of Village Creek. In 1969, an enzyme reportedly was used to clean up an oil spill from a truck at Manresa Island Power Plant. The enzyme migrated and may have destroyed the salt meadow, he said. In June 2013, NRG Energy began deactivating the plant whose operation had become economically unfeasible. During an information meeting that year, NRG Energy told Norwalk residents that it could sell, re-power or redevelop the Manresa Island. Earlier, the plant was operated by Connecticut Light & Power, whose successor company is Eversource Energy. "As we have had no connection to the site for many years, we believe it would be inappropriate to comment, Eversource Energy spokesman Mitch Gross said when asked about the 1969 incident. BAD AXE A Sherman Township official implored the Huron County Board of Commissioners this week to postpone action on a wind overlay zone, as the township considers taking back its zoning. Today Im here to ask the commissioners to delay making any decisions on the Huron Wind Project that includes Sherman Township until at least after our Dec. 13 meeting, said Kathi Jahn, Sherman Township clerk. The officials of Sherman township would appreciate additional time so that adequate review can be done as to whether or not to take the necessary steps to take back zoning. She said the issue was briefly discussed at the Nov. 9 meeting, at which time it was tabled until the Dec. 13 meeting. A member of the township board for 20 years, Jahn said she has always tried to base her decisions on what the majority of residents have wanted, and what is in the best interest of all. Without some additional time to review our options, that may prove to be a difficult task supporting the rights of all our township residents. Our constitution starts with the words We the People. Let us not lose sight of the great words of our forefathers and let corporate America rule what happens in our community. As township officials, I believe it is our legal and moral obligation to provide the best living environment for our citizens. Jahn thanked the board for its time served, especially during these controversial times. It takes a strong person to sometimes vote for or against their own beliefs for the benefit of many. I trust that you all will. The board did table action on the overlay district with a 4-3 vote, so that the board can review the overlay district boundaries between now and its Dec. 13 meeting. Members of the public have criticized the project, saying that wind developers are dictating the boundaries of the overlay district. Huron Wind, LLC, is being developed by NextEra Energy Resources. Sherman Township accounts for 15,480 acre of the project, and Sigel Township accounts for 2,560 acres of the district. NextEra also wishes to build turbines in self-zoned Sand Beach Township and Delaware Township, Sanilac County, for a total of 65 proposed turbines. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin has said that the delay in resolving the issue by the European Union to respond to the risks of migration shows the institutional weakness of Brussels. "A significant delay in the coordinating the response mechanism of migration risks shows the institutional weakness of the EU. It seems Brussels realizes it," Klimkin said on his Twitter page on Thursday. As reported, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko on Thursday, November 24 at a joint press conference with President of the European Council Donald Tusk, European Parliament President Martin Schulz and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, following the results of the EU-Ukraine summit, said that Ukraine asks the European partners to fulfill their commitments concerning the introduction of a visa-free regime. In turn, European Council President Donald Tusk said that the completion of the negotiation process regarding the response mechanism to migration risks in the EU will be completed before the end of 2016. But Jean-Claude Juncker said that the issue of responding to migration crisis in the EU had already been raised with the French and German leaders. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Learning Express Toys sits unobtrusively in the Alden Bridge Shopping Center. The entire store could probably fit inside the toy section at Wal-Mart, but store owner Deb Tandy doesn't think that bigger is always better. "I try to keep the 'special' in 'specialty,'" Tandy said. "We're selling an experience." Tandy's toy store is one of hundreds of small businesses in The Woodlands area that will be celebrated as part of Small Business Saturday, a national initiative to support small businesses started by American Express in 2010. Falling the day after Black Friday, which is well known for its retail-chain deals for holiday shopping, Small Business Saturday has grown over the past few years into generating an estimated $14.3 billion in sales in 2014 and bringing out about 95 million shoppers in 2015, according to a survey commissioned by American Express and the National Federation of Independent Business. While one of the reasons used to promote small businesses is to help bolster the local and national economy, Tandy believes that small business can offer something that many bigger chains don't - relationship and expertise. In the five years that Learning Express Toys has been open, it has developed a fiercely loyal clientele, Tandy said. Some shoppers come in every week to see the latest products. Others make it their go-to place for gift shopping. The selection has something to do with it. Tandy is sure to keep the store stocked with the toys designed to educate, get kids outside and - most of all - be fun. But she believes that it's the personalized service that keeps customers coming back. "It's about relationship building," Tandy said, not long after a lengthy exchange with a customer about the stresses of planning a Thanksgiving meal. "We know what your children like." Tandy trains her 12 employees to get to know each of the toys and games that they sell so that they can offer genuine guidance to customers. Sometimes they'll call a customer up if they get a new product they think their children will like. Small business ownership is not without its challenges, however. Learning Express Toys The Woodlands was Tandy's first business venture. "Little did I know what running a business entails," Tandy said with a laugh. "Marketing, bookkeeping, buying there's just so much." But, in spite of the trial and error involved in being the one who calls the shots, Tandy said that starting the business was the best decision of her life. She loves having the freedom to choose what toys to sell and dictate the store's philosophy. As a small toy store, the holiday season serves as the most significant business period of the year. The week leading up to Christmas alone brought in as much in sales as the entire month of April last year. Tandy, like thousands of other small business owners across the country, plans to use Small Business Saturday - which falls on Nov. 26 - as a way to lure in business and win over shoppers. She will fill the day with activities, arts and crafts and in-store specials. Learning Express Toys The Woodlands is located at 8000 Research Forest Dr., Suite 140. To find a list of other small businesses in the area, visit shopsmallnow.americanexpress.com. U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands and dozens of veteran support groups are inviting veterans to join them on Monday. Brady's annual Veterans Resource Fair will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lone Star College-Montgomery Health Science Building Atrium in Building B located at 3200 College Park Drive in Conroe. The fair aims to guide attendees to better access to care and services directed to veterans, build contacts with local organizations, receive help from State and Federal officials regarding benefits and collect advice from organizations helping veterans in the Eighth District, according to information from Brady's office. More than 3 dozen veterans support organizations, advocates and programs will be participating. Veterans will also be able to get a free flu shot and legal assistance. "This Thanksgiving week I am so thankful for heroes like Sam Johnson and the tens of thousands of veterans that call the 8th congressional district home," Brady said. "This a great opportunity to get information on veterans' health care, on pensions, education benefits, veterans' therapy programs, job programs and so much more, including talking one-on-one with local veterans advocates and organizations who can help you. So join me ..." Vendors include the Lone Survivor Foundation, American Legion & Auxiliary, Reel Vets Fish Ohn, Veterans of Foreign Wars & Auxiliary, USO Houston, Texas Veterans Land Board, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Lone Star College Veteran's Affair Center, VA Regional Office in Houston and more. "...Being thankful for our veterans is not enough," Brady said. "We need to keep honoring their service by working hard for them every day." The fair is free and open to all local veterans and their families. For more information call Brady's district office at 936-441-5700 UBLY A 1950s-era International Harvester truck that has more rust than yellow paint has been deemed a treasure. The Ubly Planning Commission approved a special use permit to allow the truck to be considered as part of a sign for a restoration business. For several months, village officials debated if the truck could be considered as part of a business sign or if it is an inoperative, junk vehicle that violates village ordinances. Approval for a special use permit by the five-member commission to consider the truck as part of a business sign is the final word on the issue. Our decision doesnt have to be approved by the village council. They referred the issue back to us (the planning commission) for a decision, said Planning Commission Chair Jim Zulauf. We say the truck is part of the sign. Only three people attended Mondays public hearing on the truck-sign issue. Notices were sent out to residents around the business notifying them of the meeting, Zulauf said. No one spoke against and there were no letters received. Perry Heleski, who owns the business, REstore, at 4454 N. Washington St., has had the truck parked on the lawn as a sign to advertise his business for about eight months. I personally have no problem with the truck. I think it goes along with his business restoration, Zulauf said. The flatbed of the truck holds a sign that has REstore, which is the name of the business, painted on it along with the words rustic, shabby chic furniture and more. Besides the REstore business, about 10 other business and/or vendors rent space inside the former St. John Catholic School building. The truck is decorated with squash and pumpkins. Before that, it was decorated with flowers. The first medicines bought by international institutions using 2016 budget funds will be delivered late November, acting Health Minister of Ukraine Ulana Suprun has said. "We have approved the last three ICD diseases at a government meeting on Wednesday. There was a delay as we had to adjust the new procedure for collecting applications to buy TB drugs. We have signed contracts for ICD diseases. We would sign the contracts for these last diseases by the end of this week. First supplies will be at the end of November," she told reporters on the sidelines of the Vaccine Summit in Kyiv on Thursday. Suprun said that next week the Health Ministry seeks to start collecting applications to buy medicines using 2017 budget funds and by late January to sign contracts with international institutions. She said that the applications will be collected using the updated procedure. Suprun said that one more international institution - Partnership for Supply Chain Management (PFSCM) could take part in medicine procurement in 2017. As reported, in October the Health Ministry signed contracts with UNICEF, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Britain's Crown Agents to buy medicines for 2016 budget funds. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have agreed on opening a UNOPS Office in Ukraine. According to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, a relevant agreement was signed by Ukraine's Minister for Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons Vadym Chernysh and UN Under Secretary General, UNOPS Executive Director Grete Faremo. "The signing of the contract is only the beginning and we are looking forward to strengthening our cooperation," Faremo said during the signing ceremony. The launch of the UNOPS office in Ukraine will create the necessary legal basis for attracting foreign direct investment and grant funds, contribute to the implementation of investment projects. It is planned within the agreement to use UNOPS international experience in building civilian infrastructure objects, implementing investment projects and providing procurement services. Faremo visited Ukraine in May this year. The for-profit National American University is negotiating to lease the space formerly occupied by Career Point College in the Wonderland of the Americas. The negotiations were revealed this week in a U.S. Bankruptcy Court filing by Dickinson of San Antonio Inc., which did business as Career Point. The school shut down and filed for bankruptcy reorganization last month after the U.S. Department of Education cut the schools access to federal funds. Downtown San Antonio is aglow Friday with the twinkling lights that postcard scenes are made of, thanks to the 32nd Annual H-E-B Tree Lighting and the soon to begin Ford Holiday River Parade. The evening began with the 6 p.m. tree-lighting ceremony in front of the Alamo, Mayor Ivy Taylor was expected to then head over to to the Arneson Theatre for the parade at 6:40 p.m, according to a news release. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON - The Obama administration is giving the elite Joint Special Operations Command - the same organization that helped kill Osama bin Laden in a 2011 raid by Navy SEALs - expanded power to track, plan and potentially launch attacks on terrorist cells around the globe, a move driven by concerns of a dispersed terrorist threat as Islamic State militants are driven from strongholds in Iraq and Syria, U.S. officials said. The missions could occur well beyond the battlefields of places like Iraq, Syria and Libya where Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) has carried out clandestine operations in the past. When finalized, it will elevate JSOC from being a highly-valued strike tool used by regional military commands to leading a new multiagency intelligence and action force. Known as the "Counter-External Operations Task Force," the group will be designed to take JSOC's targeting model - honed over the last 15 years of conflict - and export it globally to go after terrorist networks plotting attacks against the West. The creation of a new JSOC entity this late in the Obama's tenure is the "codification" of best practices in targeting terrorists outside of conventional conflict zones, according to the officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss administration deliberations. It is unclear, however, if the administration of President-elect Donald Trump will keep this and other structures set up by President Barack Obama. They include guidelines for counterterrorism operations such as approval by several agencies before a drone strike and "near certainty" that no civilians will be killed. This series of presidential orders is known as the "playbook." The new JSOC task force could also offer intelligence, strike recommendations and advice to the militaries and security forces of traditional Western allies, or conduct joint operations, officials said. In other parts of the world, with weak or no governments, JSOC could act unilaterally. The global focus is reminiscent of when U.S. forces first went after al-Qaida in the months after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. As approaching U.S. troops forced militants to flee their safe havens in Afghanistan and scatter across the globe, the United States followed in pursuit, using CIA assets to grab suspected al-Qaida operatives in dozens of countries, sometimes capturing, imprisoning and torturing them under murky legal authorities. Some in the Pentagon hope to see the new task force working in tandem with the CIA, elevating a sometimes distant relationship to one of constant coordination to track and go after suspected terrorists outside of traditional war zones. In recent years the agency's involvement in global paramilitary operations has waned - with fewer strikes in Pakistan and Yemen, and its armed drones in Syria transferred to the Pentagon. It's still unclear how much the CIA may be willing to cooperate with JSOC and more broadly with the Pentagon following the White House's decision. The agency, with its broad contacts overseas, espionage networks and long experience in covert operations still has much greater reach than JSOC. The CIA declined to comment. The new JSOC task force will report to the Pentagon through the U.S. Special Operations Command, or SOCOM, according to U.S. military officials, creating a hybrid command system that can circumvent regional commanders for the sake of speed. In the past, units such as the Army's Delta Force - which is part of SOCOM and its subordinate command JSOC - were usually deployed under those regional commanders, known as geographic combatant commands. The new task force, however, will alter that process by turning SOCOM's chief, Army Gen. Raymond "Tony" Thomas, into a decision-maker when it comes to going after threats under the task force's purview. The task force will essentially turn Thomas into the leading authority when it comes to sending Special Operations units after threats. "Now [Thomas] can request whatever he wants and . . . unless there's some other higher competing priority, the combatant commanders have to cough it up," said a former senior defense official. Turning SOCOM into a command with a global reach has been on the table for the last 15 years. In 2001, Air Force Gen. Charles Holland, then SOCOM's commander, was hesitant to create a command structure that would effectively put SOCOM on the same level as the geographic combatant commanders. He believed it would cause too much friction with regional commanders. Instead, he decided that only in rare instances would SOCOM actually direct Special Operations forces. It remains to be seen if the new organization will generate tensions between Special Operations Command and the generals in charge of U.S. forces in places such as the Middle East or Europe. In his March congressional confirmation testimony, Thomas suggested that assigning more authorities to SOCOM would allow for "synchronized operations" against nonstate threats that span geographic boundaries. But regional commanders, all four star generals, guard their turf carefully. Officials hope the task force, known throughout the Pentagon as "Ex-Ops," will be a clearinghouse for intelligence coordinating and targeting against groups or individuals attempting to plot attacks in places like the United States and Europe. According to officials familiar with plans for the task force, it will initially draw on an existing multinational intelligence operation in the Middle East that tracks foreign fighters, called Gallant Phoenix, and one of JSOC's intelligence centers in Northern Virginia. While in the past the smaller task forces, such as Gallant Phoenix, were staffed by representatives from different intelligence agencies, the new task force aims to have decision-makers present, ensuring that the targeting process happens in one place and quickly. "Layers have been stripped away for the purposes of stopping external networks," said a defense official. "There has never been an ex-ops command team that works trans-regionally to stop attacks." The defense official said U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies will support JSOC personnel as they synthesize information and offer recommendations on how to handle specific threats. Over the past decade JSOC has also built strong relations with police agencies in Germany, Britain, France and Turkey, as they have moved to combat the flow of foreign fighters returning to their home countries. The number of participating intelligence agencies, both internationally and U.S.-based within the task force is in flux, the official added, as intelligence-sharing laws and internal friction have kept some on the periphery of the organization. JSOC - rarely mentioned by name by U.S. officials due to the clandestine nature of its work - was cited specifically by Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter last month in Paris after he and Thomas met with defense ministers involved in the fight against the Islamic State. The command "has been put in the lead" of countering the Islamic State's external operations outside conflict zones, Carter said, surprising some defense officials in Washington. The White House, asked to comment on the plan, issued a statement that did not use JSOC's name, but acknowledged the role Special Operations forces play in tracking foreign fighters away from the battlefield. "These forces on the ground, operating in close concert with our partners, have gathered critical intelligence off the battlefield, and have shared that information with our coalition partners and allies," the statement said. "This information is helping us ramp up actions against [Islamic State] leaders and operatives planning attacks, track foreign fighters returning to their home countries and improve law enforcement actions aimed at interdicting potential plotters." --- The Washington Post's Adam Entous, Greg Miller, Dana Priest and Wesley Morgan contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Vice President-elect Mike Pence recently made headlines for what Donald Trump called being "harassed" by the cast and producers of "Hamilton," a historical musical on Broadway. The crew, calling themselves the "alarmed and anxious," asked Pence to work on behalf of all diverse Americans. The incident landed Pence at the center of the national conversation, an odd reversal for the seemingly quiet Indiana governor. A TIMELINE: 'Hamilton' vs Donald Trump-Mike Pence With Trump's tweets, rally speeches and debate performances dominating headlines and TV spots, it's easy to feel like the American public has missed out on getting to know the nation's future vice president. The first time many Americans got acquainted with Pence was during the vice presidential debate, where Republicans praised him for his calm and steady demeanor. Pence is aware of his own reputation, he once described himself as "Rush Limbaugh on decaf," a governing style which may have worked to his advantage. According to the New York Times, Trump's inner circle picked Pence as the real-estate mogul's running mate because he was a "reliable sidekick" and "unlikely to cause trouble or upstage Mr. Trump in any way" while at the same time uniting the Republican Party. PLANNED PENCE: 'Mike Pence' Donations to Planned Parenthood Reach 20,000 Overall, Mike Pence is a staunch conservative with 16 years of political experience. Throughout his career, Pence has supported strict abortion laws, big tax cuts, frugal government spending and religious freedom polices that his critics have called anti-LGBT. Click through above to learn more things you need to know about Mike Pence. On Monday, November 28, at 12.00, the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency's press center will host a press conference entitled "The Electoral Sentiment of the Population and Assessment of the Social and Economic Situation in Ukraine." The results of a special study will be presented in the following areas: the ratings of key parties and politicians; views of citizens on the idea of early elections to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the president of Ukraine; an assessment of the social and economic situation; the attitude to the increase in tariffs for public utilities; an assessment of recent government initiatives. Participants will include head of the Rating Sociological Group Oleksiy Antypovych, deputy director of the Rating Sociological Group Liubomyr Mysov (8/5-A Reitarska Street). Admission requires press accreditation. Additional information by phone: 380 (44) 254 36 93, 380 (44) 254 36 94 or on: www.ratinggroup.ua. This is my sixth year highlighting favorite books that are diverse but not about diversity. I get a lot of raised eyebrows and questions about this peculiar genre. Well, there are a lot of books out there that are diverse and about diversity meaning that they are written by an author from a minority group and are about that particular groups unique life experiences. For example, Jennine Capo Crucets Make Your Home Among Strangers is a devastating story about the trade-offs a first-generation college student makes when she leaves home for that better life all immigrant parents wish for their children. Equally wonderful is when an author writes for a broad audience on a topic not specifically associated with ethnicity. As Puerto Rican novelist and founder of La Casita Grande Editores, a publishing house specializing in Latino and Caribbean literature, Jonathan Marcantoni recently told me, The biggest challenge in the Latino publishing scene is getting stories that go outside of immigration, identity and the American Dream narrative, which is what Latino authors are stuck in. Its almost an unspoken rule that if you tell a story, it has to include one of these things, and as a result there arent too many science fiction, crime or romance novels written by Latinos and other writers of color that stand on their own as genre works. This is why its so important to highlight when such authors and books come along they have stories to tell that are meant for everyone and arent anchored by the topics deemed authentic and acceptable for nonwhite authors. So here are the top three barrier-breaking books I read in 2016. First, Night at the Fiestas: Stories by Kirstin Valdez Quade. This is a book I internally summarized as short stories about children being traumatized by their callous parents enigmatic behavior. An excerpt: When shed taken off the dress today, Monica hadnt even felt cold, so filled was she with the dark exhilaration of punishing Cordelia. In giving away Cordelias lovely, meaningless inheritance, shed made an adversary of her 7-year-old daughter, and now even that she held against her. The stories arent all about parents and children, but if you like lots of relationship-driven, quietly tense scenarios that veer toward being too painful to read, Valdez Quade delivers it in beautiful prose. Next: A business book written by someone unique a Hispanic quantitative analyst who left the loving embrace of Goldman Sachs for the high-flying world of high-tech startups. Chaos Monkeys: Obscene Fortune and Random Failure in Silicon Valley by Antonio Garcia Martinez begins with a biting description of what its like to be a product manager at a conference room table with Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg. It skyrockets from there. Chaos Monkeys is not without its faults Garcia Martinez is emblematic of a sexist, high-tech bro culture and giddily compounds it with references to his being a Latin lover. But if you already cant stand spoiled, entitled Silicon Valley types yet crave an insider look, I guarantee youll enjoy this book. A book that is plain fun is IQ: A gritty, emotional, and clever thriller about a brilliant young private detective helping inner-city Los Angeles residents, by Joe Ide. The Japanese-American author serves up an uber-smart, clean-eating Sherlock. This description doesnt do IQ justice, because theres nothing in this book that is pat or even completely familiar. Isaiah Quintabe is so urban cool that he alternates between being an action hero and steering lady callers to his apartment away from his pet chicken (I.Q. takes payment from his clients in cooked and raw foodstuffs). He is darkly moody and breathtakingly clever. Hes as captivating as the South Central Los Angeles characters he dwells among. Dont miss it. estherjcepeda@washpost.com It takes more than capital to start a business. It also takes courage. Today, on Small Business Saturday, I encourage you to celebrate the 2.4 million small businesses that drive the dynamic Texas economy. Shop small and shop local in San Antonio both in person and online. The story of Texas has long been written by men and women willing to take a risk, to dig deep into their own pockets and stake their future on an idea. Their pioneering spirit fuels our shared prosperity. Thats why I will be working with the Texas Legislature this coming session to reduce runaway regulations a hidden tax that disproportionately hurts small-business job creation. Small businesses now comprise 98.6 percent of all businesses in Texas and employ nearly half of all private-sector employees. Its no surprise that Texas is ranked No. 1 for small-business friendliness and for startup activity, and that small-business owners in Texas are the most likely to refer to their state government as supportive. Last legislative session, we slashed the franchise tax to spur job creation, we removed roadblocks for veteran-owned businesses, and we reined in burdensome state regulations to allow free enterprise to flourish. Texas needs small businesses to succeed whether small retailers, manufacturers or professional services firms like the veteran-owned Silotech Group here in San Antonio. Tiffany Tremont incorporated Silotech Group in 2008, leveraging her two decades of military and professional experience in the National Security Agency, the U.S. Air Force and the tech industry. Today, as president and CEO, Tremont leads a team of 65 in delivering advanced cybersecurity and enterprise IT solutions for federal, state and commercial clients. In addition to winning numerous awards for outstanding stewardship of a successful small business, including a Governors Small Business Award, Tremont routinely gives back to the community through her nonprofit organization, Cyber Vets, which helps to retrain wounded warriors, veterans and their family members for technology jobs. Her advice to other small but growing businesses: Instead of agonizing over mistakes, analyze what went wrong. Then strategize and put plans and policies in place to avoid repeats of those mistakes. Tremont is one of many success stories in the Lone Star State: Texas is No. 1 in the nation for jobs created by female veteran business owners and by African-American women business owners. And women-owned businesses in San Antonio, the nations friendliest city for small businesses, are second in the U.S. for economic clout thats overall growth in the number of firms, the number of jobs and the revenue they create. In total, self-employed entrepreneurs and small-business employers create an annual economic impact in Texas of more than $1 trillion. But there is more work to do. My goal as governor is to help small businesses grow even faster in Texas. Thats why my office hosts Small Businesses Forums in communities around the state, connecting entrepreneurs and veterans with expert advice on financing, networking, marketing and more. Thats why we are investing $2 million in The Business Hub for Women Entrepreneurs at Texas Womans University. And thats why I tasked the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Education Agency and Higher Education Coordinating Board with developing an action plan that places our education system on a parallel pathway with the changing needs of Texas employers. I also invite you to invest in the small businesses in your community by celebrating Texas Small Business Saturday. Shop small and shop local. The small business you help grow today becomes the job you help create tomorrow. Greg Abbott is governor of Texas. It is our duty to demand ethical integrity from our presidents, and Donald Trump cannot be allowed to make himself an exception. He is already trying hard to do so. Amid the hustle and bustle of his transition, according to The New York Times, President-elect Trump found time last week for a visit from the Indian partners with whom he is developing a pair of residential towers in Pune, a sprawling city not far from Mumbai. And Trump received a congratulatory phone call from Argentine President Mauricio Macri, with whose father Trump had business dealings in the past. Trump and Macri denied published reports that Trump lobbied for an office building project he and a group of partners want to build in Buenos Aires. Also, when Trump met last week with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trumps daughter Ivanka was present. That raised eyebrows because Ivanka Trump, along with her brothers Donald Jr. and Eric, apparently will manage Trumps business empire while he is in office. Trumps lawyer called this arrangement a blind trust, but it is no such thing. Rather, its a way to use the presidency for the Trump familys further enrichment. The real and potential conflicts of interest are legion. The Washington Post reported that at least 111 Trump companies have done business in 18 countries and territories across South America, Asia and the Middle East and also places such as Canada, Scotland and Ireland. We know that much but very little more from the financial disclosure documents Trump filed in May. We would know more had he not broken his promise to release his tax returns. Some of Trumps overseas developments are brick-and-mortar projects financed by big loans, often from foreign banks. Trumps biggest lender, Germanys Deutsche Bank, is negotiating a multibillion-dollar settlement with the Justice Department over abuses that contributed to the 2008 financial crash. Trump will soon be in charge of the Justice Department. Some other foreign business dealings are basically licensing agreements for the use of the Trump brand. According to the Post, Trumps company has been paid up to $10 million since 2014 for the right to put the Trump name atop a luxury apartment complex in Istanbul. The owner is an oil and media conglomerate closely allied with the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is conducting a brutal campaign of repression against his critics, including the independent Turkish media. So when dealing with countries where he does business, will Trump put his own financial interests aside and do what is best for the United States? We shall see is a far too generous answer. Based on what we have seen in the two weeks since the election, the answer is a simple no. I might feel differently if Trump put his many businesses into a genuine blind trust which would mean liquidating as many assets as possible and having the cash managed by an independent trustee. This is probably not practical; his many partners in real estate deals would surely object, since the buildings would lose value once the Trump name was removed. But at the very least, Trump should have his empire managed by some eminent outsider who does not happen to be one of his children. What does the law require? Almost nothing. As president, Trump is exempt from conflict-of-interest statutes. He must file an annual disclosure document listing assets and income but is not compelled to release his tax returns, though recent presidents have done so. There is no law that would keep Trump from continuing to run the Trump Organization while in office. He does have to reckon with the emoluments clause of the Constitution, which bars public officials from receiving gifts from foreign governments without the consent of Congress. If stalled overseas projects suddenly get moving again after Trump is sworn in, that could be a problem. Primarily, though, it is going to take public pressure to hold Trump accountable. Trumps supporters should recall how he claimed the system was rigged and promised to drain the swamp. So far, he seems to intend to deepen the muck and make his fabulously wealthy family even wealthier. How Trump handles his business interests must be seen as a simple test of his sincerity. So far he is failing miserably. eugenerobinson@washpost.com Empower Texans recently took Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, to task for calling for civil discourse and building coalitions and bridging differences. Straus did this in an Austin American-Statesman article. Express-News columnist Peggy Fikac wrote of Empower Texans reaction to what it apparently viewed as a call for gasp! bipartisan cooperation. The group has been seeking Straus ouster for years. Though Straus may advocate for it, Texans have little interest in bipartisanship, wrote Cary Cheshire, Capitol correspondent for Texas Scorecard/Empower Texans. There is no inherent value to compromise, and if Texans wanted Democrats making state policy decisions, theyd elect them to positions to do so. Well, if hes talking about policymakers in the Legislature, perhaps more Democrats would be in those positions if there wasnt that one niggling item. You know, gerrymandering, in which lawmakers draw lines to advantage incumbents, most of whom happen to be Republican, and ignore the growing Latino population. But that aside, we reject as preposterous the notion that all Texans eschew bipartisan compromise. After all, Donald Trumps recent win in Texas was at a historically low margin. Well let you make up your own mind about whether Straus was urging capitulation to Democrats or a form of governance in which many views hone the best policy. I do think some of the campaign rhetoric these days can be off-putting to certain minority communities, and if were going to be a growing, thriving, vibrant power well into the future we have to embrace demographics, embrace growing communities and be very careful in our choice of words, Straus told the American-Statesman. Try this one: I think our incoming vice president, Mike Pence, had it right when he said civility, in heavy doses, is essential to self-government and I still believe that you lead best by building coalitions and bridging differences, he told the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Downright scandalous, right? Berkeley astronomers on a new hunt for E.T. are aiming one of the worlds most powerful radio telescopes at the most bizarre star ever detected. They have tuned the big telescope at the Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia to listen for signals from an object in space called Tabbys Star, whose implausible behavior is puzzling astronomers all over the world. That star might conceivably be a sign that some civilization far more advanced than our own is, or has been, building some kind of giant structure far off in the Milky Way, they say. The Berkeley team has also mobilized a second huge telescope in Australia to search for E.T. signals from another unique star the closest of all the stars to Earth, just a few trillion miles away. The new push to enlist two of the worlds biggest radio telescopes in the quest for signs of alien life is centered at UC Berkeley in a $100 million effort called Breakthrough Listen, financed by Yuri Milner, the Russian-born physicist and tech billionaire in Silicon Valley. Andrew Siemion, director of Berkeleys SETI Research Center, and his team of alien hunters are watching Tabbys Star from the Green Bank Observatory because the big radio telescope there is the largest steerable instrument on the planet and they can aim it directly at that star nearly 1,500 light-years away. The Kepler space telescope detected the star last year and listed it as KIC 8462852. Then Yale astronomer Tabetha Boyajian observed its radio emissions brightening and dimming by as much as 20 percent in such strange, irregular pulses that neither she nor any other astronomer can explain it. An astronomy crowdsourcing campaign named it for her: Tabbys Star. Some observations suggest the stars erratic dimming might be caused by swarms of other planets or thousands of cold, dusty comets passing in front of it. Or maybe its icy clouds of dust and gas somewhere outside our own outer solar system that are dimming the stars face in an on-off pattern. The most far-out speculation is that some highly advanced civilization on the planet around Tabbys Star has captured all the stars immense energy and has been building a huge mega-structure around the planet: a giant power plant to meet the civilizations insatiable energy needs. Such structures have long been proposed by Freeman Dyson, the famed Princeton physicist and mathematician who conceived of them as space habitats the size of asteroids. They are known as Dyson spheres. Thats a possible explanation, although its a remote one, Siemion said, but if there is a technology around that star, well have the best odds of finding it. Jason Wright, an astronomy professor at Pennsylvania State University now on the Listen team, is leading the Green Bank quest, first working at the telescope in West Virginia and now gathering data by remote control from Berkeley. I dont know how to assess the Dyson sphere hypothesis, but its important to keep it in mind, Wright said. I dont know the odds that well find anything. I presume theyre small, but I also know that the Breakthrough Listen effort at Green Bank is the best chance weve ever had to find something. Dan Werthimer, chief scientist at the Berkeley SETI Research Center, said hes optimistic about life in the galaxy. There are a trillion planets in our Milky Way galaxy, and lots of those planets are good places for life, he said. It would be bizarre if were the only ones. Green Bank first made astronomical history 56 years ago when a young astronomer named Frank Drake used its radio telescope to start the worlds first search for alien radio signals. He called his quest Project Ozma. At 86, Drake, now a retired UC Santa Cruz astronomy professor, is still hunting for signals from E.T. at the Lick Observatory atop Mount Hamilton near San Jose. At the Australian telescope at Parkes in New South Wales, the Breakthrough Listen astronomers have focused their quest for alien radio signals on whats called an exoplanet orbiting the nearest star outside our own solar system. Its called Proxima centauri, 4.24 light-years from Earth, and has long been a favorite locale for science fiction writers, featured in some 20 novels, movies, TV series and video games. Recent observations indicate that its planet, named Proxima b, is about as massive as Earth and circles its star in an orbit that keeps it warm enough for liquid water and possibly life to survive on its surface. The planets parent star appears to be generating magnetic storms perhaps caused by sun spots that can cover its surface. But once we knew there was a planet next door to us, we had to ask the (E.T.) question and its a fitting observation for the Parkes telescope, Siemion said. A light-year is only about 6 trillion miles. To find a civilization just 4.2 light-years away would change everything, he said. David Perlman is The San Francisco Chronicles science editor. E-mail: dperlman@sfchronicle.com 1 Hospitals bombed: Air strikes and rockets in northern Syria knocked out two medical centers in northern Idlib province dedicated to women Friday and killed at least 12, including two people in one of the health facilities, according to opposition activists, a charity group and a hospital manager. Warplanes and artillery shelling also continued to pound the besieged rebel-held neighborhoods of the northern city of Aleppo as government troops pushed their way from the enclaves northeastern district. 2 Terror arrests: Five men arrested this week in two French cities were planning a terror attack in France as early as next week and were receiving their orders from an Islamic State member based in Iraq or Syria, Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said Friday. The five were arrested on Sunday, four of them in the eastern city of Strasbourg, and one in the southern city of Marseille. They include two French citizens both aged 37, a 36-year-old Franco-Tunisian and a 35-year-old Franco-Moroccan. The other man arrested is a 46-year-old Moroccan. All were detained after a long investigation by French intelligence services. 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. The county's Oireachtas members are to be lobbied in the fight to keep the Waterford to Limerick Junction rail line open. The line, which serves stations in Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir, Cahir and Tipperary town, has been threatened with closure recently after the National Transport Authority review recommended large sections of the rail network be closed to save money. Members of Clonmel Borough District, at their recent meeting, voiced their support for keeping the line open. Cllr. Pat English said they knew the rail line ran at a loss but it was a vital part of the infrastructure in South Tipperary. It had provided a great service over the years and it needed to be kept open. When the Clonmel to Thurles line closed in 1960 it was a disaster for Clonmel. He said they needed to sit down with the Oireachtas members and the other County Council members and formalise their opposition to the proposed closure of the line. Cllr. English described the times of the trains between Waterford and Limerick Junction as "nonsensical", and there weren't enough trains. Neither did Irish Rail publicise the fact that there was a rail service in South Tipperary. District Mayor Andy Moloney said the first thing that would be pointed out was that people weren't supporting the service. However the times of the trains weren't realistic to travel from South Tipp to Dublin and back again. "We aren't using the rail network", said Cllr. Marie Murphy. On the day that the annual rail census was taken in 2015 over 141,000 journeys were taken throughout the country but just 73 people used the service between Limerick Junction and Waterford. The rail network was a valuable asset. They should fight to keep the line open but the numbers against them were stark. It was a single line train and that was the main problem. Cllr. Siobhan Ambrose said they should look for members of all parties to be represented on a deputation to Transport Minister Shane Ross. Cllr. Richie Molloy thought it would be "crazy" to close the line, even allowing for the figures from the rail census. He said that Irish Rail didn't market the service properly and he also suggested a reduction in fares. "Let's fight together", said Cllr. Molloy. Cllr. Michael Murphy said that people had to vote with their feet and use the service. 'Anti-competitive activity' identified by lawmakers? Ron Paul: 'Companies use the government to help eliminate competition' (NaturalNews) It's a question that has been on the minds of tens of millions of Americans who are still having difficulty affording their healthcare, even after the "Affordable Care Act" was passed: Why are costs particularly drug costs continuing to rise?The reason why overall out-of-pocket spending for doctors' visits and insurance premiums and deductibles is climbing, is because the massive law that is Obamacare is stuffed with hundreds of intricate rules and regulations that have dramatically increased expenses for insurers and patient care professionals.Why the prices of drugs are continuing to rise, however, is a different story. letter sent to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Edith Ramirez, head of the Federal Trade Commission, by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., ask both officials to investigate whether there is illegal collusion going on between makers of insulin. notes that the lawmakers are questioning why, though the original insulin patent expired nearly 75 years ago, three Big Pharma companies who make different versions of the hormone have continuously raised their prices.In "numerous instances," the letter states, "price increases have reportedly mirrored one another precisely."Citing questions and concerns over steadily rising insulin prices and their enduring impact on federal spending, both lawmakers accused the three companies of taking part in "anti-competitive" activity, and are urging the Justice Department to investigate.Companies that are accused of colluding, the lawmakers said, include Eli Lilly, Merck & Co. and Sanofi.Sanders believes that the companies getting together to collectively ensure that insulin prices remain elevated across the board, in part explains the increasing prices. However, a recently published study by the(JAMA) ( here ) found that the high cost of prescription drugs could also be caused by government-granted monopolies.Researchers, according to the paper's findings, found that Big Pharma firms are permitted to set high drug prices because of market exclusivity, which is "protected by monopoly rights awarded upon Food and Drug Administration [FDA] approval and by patents." This conclusion coincides with others made by Austrian economists, who argue often that the FDA causes "death and suffering" when it serves as a gatekeeper to prevent other drugs from coming to market, thanks to massive regulations.In the U.S., individuals spend far more on prescription drugs than do people in other industrialized countries. For instance, thestudy noted that in 2013, "per capita spending on prescription drugs was $858," which was much higher for American consumers than for those in 19 other first-world nations. In the latter 19 countries, the average annual expenditure for prescription meds was about $400.With prices for prescription drugs rising more than 10 percent in 2015 something that the Democrats who passed Obamacare on the promise that drug and out-of-pocket costs wouldwere never held accountable for by the media it's obvious that things are not getting better for Americans.Recently, former GOP presidential contender and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, who is also an obstetric physician, wrote that "Monopolies and cartels are creations of government, not markets." If the study published inon the rising costs of prescription drugs came to the right conclusions, then Paul's explanation appears to be spot-on.Paul noted that government regulations and taxes serve as an effective means of "limiting competition in an industry." When major corporations like the three Big Pharma firms making and allegedly colluding on pricing want to eliminate competition, Paul says, they go to agencies like the FDA.Sanders and Cummings also noted that the three companies spent millions of dollars on lobbying efforts in 2016 alone. NASA's Electromagnetic Drive (EM Drive), a physics-defying warp engine has recently passed peer review. Details on how the engine will work were published online in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)'s Journal of Propulsion and Power with a title "Measurement of Impulsive Thrust from a Closed Radio-Frequency Cavity in Vacuum." EM Drive is a controversial theoretical reactionless engine that promises to swiftly transport humanity to far away destinations. Scientists are calling it "reactionless" because it works without fuel and waste product. Whereas Isaac Newton's Third Law of Motion states that "for every action, there is an equal opposite reaction," the EM Drive proves otherwise. This further ignites the notion that what we know about Physics is wrong or that a yet unknown phenomenon is taking place. The propulsion-less EM Drive was conceptualized in 1999 by aerospace engineer Roger Shawyer. Inverse states that the engine is propelled by microwaves that bounce back and forth inside the engine's cone-shaped interior, and not by heavy propellants such as fuel. Shawyer claimed that EM Drive could send humans to Mars in just 70 days. When scientists first heard about the invention, most are skeptical about it. According to Digital Trends, this is because it is inconsistent with Newton's conservation of momentum, which states that within a closed system, linear and angular momentum remains constant regardless of any changes that take place within said system. NASA scientists at NASA's Eagleworks Laboratory put the EM Drive to test and believed that the "impossible" engine actually works. Tech Times said the NASA scientists created a radio frequency resonant cavity thruster with a capacity to produce 1.2 millinewtons per kilowatt of thrust in vacuum. To create the microwaves, NASA used electricity. The engine was tested in a near vacuum, similar to what it would encounter in space. Peer review doesn't guarantee the EM Drive is valid, but gurarantees that the methods used are reasonable. The winter season isn't the only thing stripping leaves off trees and leaving them bare. Cold months also bring with them a veritable swarm of winter months, insects that could lay eggs and potentially cause another spring of defoliated and dying trees. Heather Faubert of the Plant Protection Clinic at the University of Rhode Island, after monitoring the population of the insects each year, warned that the invasive adult moths would appear from the ground during Thanksgiving and complete their lifespan just before January 2017. "Their caterpillars defoliated 27,000 acres in Rhode Island in the spring of 2015, but even though we had winter moths everywhere last year and I saw a zillion eggs, they caused almost zero defoliation." Last year's statewide defoliation in New England began after winter moth caterpillars had long become inactive. This defoliation was caused primarily by gypsy moths and, in some communities, forest tent caterpillars. Winter moth eggs typically hatch during a warm spell in April, but last year they began hatching during a warm period in late March. Two weeks later, in early April, temperatures dropped well below freezing and probably killed many of the caterpillars. "I went looking for dead caterpillars but didn't find many," she recounted. "Maybe the caterpillars hatched too far ahead of the foliage development, so they didn't have anything to eat. I'm not sure what really happened, but it definitely had something to do with our screwy weather." Faubert warned that the combination of several years of defoliation in a row and the extended drought conditions could result in more trees dying in the coming year. One strategy Faubert is using to control winter moth populations is the release of a tiny parasitic fly that lays its eggs on tree leaves. When the winter moth caterpillar consumes the eggs while eating the leaves, the eggs hatch inside the caterpillar and the fly larva eat it from the inside out. This method has succeeded in controlling winter moth populations in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and it appears to be on its way to having favorable results in Seekonk as well. Faubert released the flies in seven locations in Rhode Island between 2011 and 2015, and she hopes to soon see signs that it is beginning to work. "It's still too early to tell, but we hope the flies will get our moth population down to manageable levels," she concluded. Birds are once again facing another trial at the hands of bird flu. The H5N8 virus is now widespread across Europe and has been affecting wild bird and fowl everywhere. However, its evolution is a bad sign for a human version of the disease. In particular, European farmers are now more worried as a new strain of the virus appears to be attacking their farms. H5N8 first appeared in China in 2014 before spreading it all across East Asia, to countries like Japan and Korea, and then Russia, and then to Europe. It appears the virus is also on its way to North America. The strain came from the H5N1 virus which started its menace in China in 1996. However, it eventually started to affect people in East Asia in 2004, then Europe and Africa in 2006. However, H5N1 has also been moving with migrating ducks like mallards, which are normally immune to such viruses. Unfortunately, their tendency to migrate to other areas allowed the H5N1 to "hybridise" with other kinds of flu. Now, the H5N8 appears to have caused a massive die-off of wild birds in Russia and Mongolia. It may also have been spread to India, Middle East, and Europe. The disease is expected to spread further as lakes will freeze in the winter, causing ducks to find open water. According to New Scientist, farms in Denmark, Switzerland, and Germany are now infected by the virus. Geese are now moved indoors and turkeys appear to be susceptible to the virus, with 9,000 turkeys being killed at an infected farm. However, unlike the 2014 strain, the H5N8 appears to be killing wild birds such as swans, gulls, and tufted ducks. Since it picked up new genes from wild birds, the disease may be deadlier than before. Now institutes worldwide are checking if different species are more susceptible to the virus. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization also said the "risk" that humans may be affected by the flue cannot be ignored. Ab Osterhaus's team has found out that the 2014 H5N8 strains can affect ferrets or the mammals used to model human flu. In fact, it can be remembered that the supposedly harmless H7N7 outbreak in the Netherlands has infected hundreds. Scientists are now prepared to provide an answer to what appears to be an age-old debate as to why cancer is more common in males than in females. Apparently, females carry an extra copy of protective genes in their cells. Researchers from Boston and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute finally offered a genetic explanation to this certain problem. Females apparently have an extra line of defense against cells growing out of control. While this is not the only one responsible for the "bias" toward men, the duplicate copies may account for the imbalance. This includes up the 80 percent of excess male cases of some tumors. According to Andrew Lane, MD, PHD and Gad Gets, PhD, their data shows that males carry roughly a 20-percent higher risk than females of carrying cancer. This means an additional 150,000 cases every year. This spans across almost any kind of cancer. The historic explanation pointed towards smoking or exposure to hazardous chemicals. However, when smoking rates dropped and occupational situations differed nowadays, the statistics still stayed the same. Now men still outplace women in a lot of cancers such as kidney, renal, bladder and oral cancers. Apparently, according to Science Daily, the key lies in something called the KDM6A located on the X-chromosome. Apparently, it's a tumor-suppressor gene, the one that prevents cell division from spinning out of control. One may expect that female cells are just as vulnerable to this mutation since one of the X-chromosomes shut down and remain that way for life. However, the KDM6A mutations appear more in male cancers. Apparently some genes of the deactivated chromosome "escape" and get to function normally. One of them tends to be a good copy o the KDM6A. It now belongs to a line of genes called EXITS or Escape from X-Inactivation Tumor Suppressors. They tested this hypothesis by scanning the genomes of more than 4,000 tumor samples, representing around 21 different cancer types. They looked for abnormalities such as mutations and checked whether these are common in male cells or female cells. Apparently, of nearly 800 genes in the X-chromosome, six are frequently mutated in males. Of the six, five were known to escape the inactivation of the X-chromosome, making them viable EXITS genes. The researchers are now encouraging more research on the matter, especially more statistical tests with enough patients and tumor tissue samples. Despite its recent anomaly, the explosion of a Falcon 9 rocket, Elon Musk's SpaceX still landed a deal with NASA to launch an innovative Ocean-Surveying satellite. This means SpaceX is still one of the top commercial space flight service companies out there. The project is under NASA's Earth science satellite program that is expected to launch within the next five years. SpaceX will launch the Surface Water and Ocean Topography spacecraft or SWOT. SWOT is designed to scan the Earth's ocean and will perform the first global survey of the planet's surface water. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will deliver the satellite payload to space with the original launch date set for April 2021 from the launch pad in Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The signed agreement intensifies SpaceX and NASA affiliation to launch another "critical" space mission. Aside from SWOT, SpaceX also launched several projects for the agency including Jason-3, another ocean monitoring satellite that was sent to space last January. In 2017, SpaceX is also set to launch the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). TESS is capable of detecting small planets or exoplanets near bright stars outside the Solar System. "We're excited to carry this critical science payload into orbit for NASA, the nation, and the international community," Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX president said in a statement. "We appreciate NASA's partnership and confidence in SpaceX as a launch provider," Shotwell added. The project costs a total of $112 million. Some say its an increase from SpaceX Falcon 9 service labeled at only $62 million. This project also costs more than previous NASA-SpaceX collaboration like the Jason-3 satellite mission that was valued at $82 million and the TESS satellite at $87 million. But NASA says the total amount includes the fee that will be given to other companies involved in the launch and not limited to SpaceX. "The specific launch service price is considered competition and procurement sensitive information," NASA spokesperson Cheryl Warner said in the same report. But before the mission is launch, SpaceX will have to get a clearance to pursue pending missions because Elon Musk's commercial space flight service company is still grounded due to the Falcon 9 explosion last September. Japanese scientists have discovered that a common species of Asian tree frog may actually be two separate species based on their genetic data. The ongoing research project led by Ikuo Miura, PhD, an Associate Professor in Amphibian Research Center at Hiroshima University puts into spotlight the Hyla japonica tree frog species, which is found all over Japan, the Korean peninsula, eastern China, and eastern Russia. Experts around the globe are already shipping genetic samples from their own local frog populations to reference any potential evolutionary relationship. Sparked by the Miura's further studies on sex determination and population dynamics in amphibians, which included Asian species, the study looks into the possibility of ancestors of modern frog populations traveling either into or out of Japan by two separate routes: from the North on a chain of islands between Russia and Japan, and from the South along a land bridge on the Philippine Sea Plate between South Korea and Japan. Japanese H. japonica populations may have been isolated into separate East and West groups, Eureka Alert reports. The experts have also noted the same separation between East and West Japan in other species of frogs and skinks. According to Miura, the scientific community has no definitive information about exactly what caused the divide between East and West Japan, but suggests the possibility of the expansion of ancient basin associated with volcanic activity in central Japan. Miura along with Yuya Higaki, a fourth-year bachelor's degree student, are presently conducting genetic analysis on 50 populations of H. japonica from across Japan. A part of Miura's larger research interests in sex determination and its influence on speciation and evolution, study's initial findings will be on November 26th at the annual conference of the Herpetological Society of Japan. If proven that indeed H. japonica is actually two different species, researchers would need to do thorough research of the history foreign explorers who was granted official access to Japan - dating as far back as 1826 to the times of German-British naturalist Albert Gunther, and German botanists Philipp Siebold and Heinrich Burger - before they can give new scientific names. To escape death from ivory poachers and legal hunters, massive numbers of elephants are flocking Chobe National Park, part of the Kalahari Desert in Botswana. Michael Chase, founder of the Botswana-based conservation group Elephants Without Borders, which works to create transboundary corridors for elephants to travel safely between countries, says, "Our elephants are essentially refugees." In Chobe, illegal hunting is strictly prohibited. Although it may offer some kind of protection to the pachyderms, unfortunately, the extensively dry ecosystem of the park may no longer be able to support the herd of six-ton animals that vigorously eat 600 pounds of food every day. "These elephants have already eaten some plants, such as marula and acacia trees, to local extinction. Forced to eat bark, some Chobe elephants have died from blocked intestinal tracts," Chase told the National Geographic. Water resources for the elephants are also scarce in the parched land of Chobe. Frantic to quench their up-size thirst, the animals settle for remote watering holes around the park that have not yet dried up. They instinctively steer clear of rivers, where the risk of poachers catching them off guard is likely. "The irony of elephants seeking refuge in the Kalahari Desert, an environment not compatible to sustaining these numbers of elephants, is a tragedy," he declared. Based on the 2016 Great Elephant Census, which is considered the biggest continent-wide elephant survey ever made, the African elephant population plunged by 30 percent in recent decades. Once an ubiquitous species ranging freely in the coastal plains of Cape Town to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, from 1.3 million in the 1970s, the elephant population in Africa is now roughly 352,000. Less than a quarter of their abundant number in the 1970s. Poaching of elephant ivory is rampant in African countries like Namibia, Zambia, and Angola. The ivory boom in Asia between 2011 and 2014 made the elephants stay in Botswana, with numbers growing each year. About 130,000 of those survivors now live in Botswana, which is said to be the biggest elephant population in any country. Unfortunately, poachers seem to be keeping track as well, as according to Chase, 55 elephants have been killed illegally in Chobe National Park in the past few months. Thousands of people were rushed in hospitals after the recent thunderstorm Victoria has exacerbated the allergic effects of pollen, causing a rare condition called thunderstorm asthma. Among the thousands affected by the freakish mix of nature and weather, four people have been confirmed dead with nine more patients under intensive care, three of which are considered critical. Thunderstorm asthma occurs when a storm hits an area with unusually high rye grass pollen. The rain could sodden the pollens, making it explode and spread throughout the city. Usually, rye grass pollen can be trapped in the nostrils. However, the tiny particles created by the explosion of the rye grass pollen can travel directly into the lungs. During the recent thunderstorm asthma in Australia's second-largest city, more than 1,900 distress calls were received by Ambulance Victoria in just four hours, translating into four calls every five seconds. Police and firefighters were quickly mobilized, as well as 60 extra ambulance units. "When you have a perfect storm coming together (of) a very high pollen day, high humidity, and a thunderstorm, the grains of rye grass absorb water with the humidity and they break up into thousands of pieces," explained Robin Ould, chief executive of the Asthma Foundation of Australia, in a report from CNN. The tiny particles could travel directly and irritate the bronchial tubes of the lungs. This irritation will cause inflammation and creation of mucus, making it difficult to breath. Due to this, people who never have any episodes of asthma in their life may suffer its symptoms. According to the report from New York Times, different government agencies and experts at various fields of studies are now working hand in hand to determine if a possible occurrence of thunderstorm asthma could be predicted in the future. Experts noted that not all combination of thunderstorms and high pollen levels in the air could result to thunderstorm asthma. Due to this, scientists believe that understanding the different requirement necessary for the development of thunderstorm asthma could lead to the creation of potential forecast system for the rare condition. Officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have euthanized the 25-foot-long humpback whale stranded on Long Island on Wednesday. The 20-ton mammal has been stranded for 10 days in the shallow waters of Moriches Bay and had signs of "neurological abnormalities and extensive skin injuries with evidence of infection." NOAA researchers explained that euthanizing the whale is the most humane option "since its chance of surviving in the wild was minimal." Numerous efforts to free the whale from the sandbar have been attempted but to no avail. According to NBC New York, local fishermen and residents criticized the move saying NOAA's response to aid the whale was too late. The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation also made several efforts to dislodge the whale but couldn't. "Even if you get four boats, 10 boats, it's 20 tons," Chuck Bowman, a marine life expert also watching at the shore, told NBCNewYork.com. NOAA researchers explain that efforts to move whales off beaches "can cause more harm to the animal as strong pressure on the tail or flippers can result in internal injuries and put people involved at risk." Director of NOAA's Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, John Bullard, explains that "the tidal conditions and other oceanic or biological factors that led to this stranding overtook any ability by our responders to rescue it." NOAA officials even explained that apart from its extensive skin injuries, the whale may be suffering from "underlying health issues such as illness or malnutrition. Thus, refloating a large whale may not be in its best interest, as it is already sick." Experts plan to conduct a necropsy and confirm if the whale is suffering from underlying health issues. This whale was just one of the many humpback whales seen in the region. Recently, one has been spotted swimming in New York's Hudson River. A glitch that lasted for about one second made Schiaparelli plunge to its death, ESA revealed. According to Space News, an unexplained saturation of its inertial measurement unit (IMU) forced a premature release of its parachute. Although the saturation lasted for only a second, it was enough to confuse the IMU system, leading to the mission's end. ESA added that everything from atmospheric entry to the release of vehicle's heatshield went smoothly as planned except for the unexplained saturation of the IMU. The saturation of the IMU made Schiaparelli function as if it has already landed despite the fact that it was still at an altitude of around 3.7 kilometers. There was a brief firing of the braking thrusters and finally activation of the on-ground systems. "This is still a very preliminary conclusion of our technical investigations," says David Parker, ESA's Director of Human Spaceflight and Robotic Exploration in a press release. "The full picture will be provided in early 2017 by the future report of an external independent inquiry board, which is now being set up, as requested by ESA's Director General, under the chairmanship of ESA's Inspector General. "But we will have learned much from Schiaparelli that will directly contribute to the second ExoMars mission being developed with our international partners for launch in 2020." Schiaparelli probe crashed on the red planet while attempting a landing on October 19. It could have been the first European spacecraft to land on the surface of Mars, if not for the error. ESA governments are scheduled to discuss the funding of the second ExoMars mission during a meeting in Lucerne, Switzerland on December 1 and 2, RT reported. "ExoMars is extremely important for European science and exploration," says Roberto Battiston, President of Italy's ASI space agency. "Together with all the participating states in the programme, we will work towards the successful completion of the second ExoMars mission. Despite campaigns that aim to illuminate the harmful effects of smoking, 17% of Americans still consider themselves smokers at present. The statistics is incredibly daunting since smoking does not only affect people who smoke but also those around them. According to the Center of Disease Control or CDC, half a million people succumb to disease as direct result of smoking - 42,000 of those deaths results from second hand smoke. This number accounts for one in five deaths every day. Because of the real and very detrimental effects smoking to the body, many longtime smokers has replaced traditional cigarettes with battery operated e-cigs. Unfortunately, it seems like the alternative is not much safer. A few days ago, in New York City's Grand Central Station, Fox News reported about an e-cigarette exploding while it was inside a man's trousers. According to witnesses, the vaporizer pen made an explosion similar to fireworks. The man who owned the pen suffered from minor leg and hand burns and was subsequently rushed by a private ambulance to nearby hospital. Fortunately, aside from minor burns no one else was affected by the explosion. Even the train service remained on regular schedule. The recent incident is not the first time an electronic cigarette or other similar battery operated smoking devices have caught in flame. According to a comprehensive list gathered by EcigOne, an incident happened in California March of this year. The victim was using the e-cigarette moments before it exploded. The altercation resulted to burns in the face that required surgery. More recently in April, a Chevrolet Trailblazer caught fire in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Illinois. The fire has already spread to a second vehicle before the firefighters arrived. According to the investigation, the fire started from a e-cigarette that was left charging in the first affected car. One person was killed and two injured in a shooting in San Franciscos Western Addition neighborhood on Friday morning, San Francisco police said. The shooting took place at Turk and Scott streets. According to police, all three victims were males. One male died, another suffered life-threatening injuries and a third male suffered non life-threatening injuries. Police described the suspect as between 40 to 50 years of age. Homicide detectives are on scene investigating the shooting. A full-day search on Thanksgiving for two escaped inmates turned up nothing, Santa Clara County sheriff's officials said on Friday, as they continued to scour the area for the suspects who cut off jail window bars and ran off into the middle of the night. The sheriff's office is now offering a $20,000 reward for the capture of the escapees, 33-year-old Rogelio Chavez of San Jose, who is distinguished because of a large line tattoo over his left eye, and 26-year-old Laron Desean Campbell of Palo Alto. They had escaped Wednesday from the Santa Clara County Mail Jail in San Jose on Wednesday at 11:08 p.m. Authorities had originally made public two spellings of Campbell's first name. Massive Manhunt For Escaped Santa Clara County Jail Fugitives Authorities on Friday said search dogs tracked a scent of the escaped inmates along Guadalupe River in San Jose, near Interstate 880, and into a trail in a neighborhood near Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. Chavez had been held at the jail since Aug. 17 on various charges including burglary, extortion, false imprisonment, resisting arrest, and firearms violations. An online court records search in Santa Clara County showed he had been charged at least 34 times since 2005. Chavez's stepfather spoke to NBC Bay Area Friday and demanded that the inmate turn himself in after saying that the escape was not a smart move. Campbell had been held in the jail since February 2015 on various charges including robbery, false imprisonment, criminal threats and firearms violations, records indicate. An online record search showed that Campbell had been charged with four crimes since 2013 in Santa Clara County. Courts were closed by Thursday and Friday, so a deeper understanding of their past crimes was not possible. The pair had been with two other inmates who had cut the bars in their cell window in the oldest part of the main jail and rappelled out the window with the help of bed sheets and clothing, Sgt. Rich Glennon said. A deputy on patrol noticed the clothing hanging from the window and two of the inmates were immediately caught. But two others got away. It is unclear how the inmates got their hands on tools to cut the window bars, Glennon said. Sources told NBC Bay Area late Friday that the jail confiscated at least one hacksaw blade in the last few months. The hacksaw blade was confiscated in another wing and different floor of the main jail from where Wednesday's escape took place, according to sources. On Friday, sources said that one of the two inmates who was captured during the jail break is Yasindu Desilva, who had been arrested Sunday night after a home invasion in Cupertino. Sources tell NBC Bay Area Desilva and the other inmate who was caught went out the window about 30 minutes after the first two inmates. Glennon said he didn't know whether the escaped inmates were armed, but they should be considered dangerous and desperate. He added: There has never been an escape from Main Jail South in this kind of fashion. Anyone willing to escape from jail is desperate, dont try to apprehend them, but notify law enforcement if you see them. While there has never been an escape from the main jail, there have been other escapes from other parts of the county's jail system. In March 2015, Johnell Lee Carter, a child molestation suspect escaped from a deputy's grasp while getting medical attention at Valley Medical Center. U.S. Marshals helped track him down a month later in Mississippi. In August, an inmate tried to break free from the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas; he was trying to leave so fast, he left his jail-issued sandals on the fence. Newly installed video cameras helped a deputy sot Christopher Boscacci, climbing, and then falling, over the fence, which led to his quick arrest. The escape in the main jail was not caught on camera because there are no cameras in the part of the jail the inmates were living. Sheriffs deputies said this particular section is older, and was constructed in the 1950s. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Sources from inside the jail told NBC Bay Area its possible the inmates had help in getting away. Anyone who sees them should call 911. Anyone who knows where they might be should call 408-808-4500 or the anonymous tip line at 408-808-4431. NBC Bay Area's Damian Trujillo contributed reporting. Cal Fire is warning residents to use extra caution when cooking this week, as Thanksgiving is the peak day for kitchen-related home fires during the holiday season. The warning comes after nearly four times as many house fires occurred on Thanksgiving in 2014 than on a typical day, according to Cal Fire officials. "At Thanksgiving we tend to have multiple items cooking on the stove," Cal Fire Director Chief Ken Pimlott said in a statement. "While we are with our family and friends, it is so important to not get distracted and to always stand next to the oven or stove when your are cooking." "Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires," Chief of Public Education Lynne Tolmachoff said in a statement. "That is why it is important to always watch what you are cooking and never leave it unattended. One critical safety measure is to ensure you have working smoke alarms installed throughout your home. It's an added measure to protect you and your family from fires in your home." In addition to having a working smoke alarm, Cal Fire officials are also reminding residents to keep children away from the stove and to remember to turn pot handles toward the back of the stove in order to prevent someone walking by from bumping into it. When using a turkey fryer, users should be sure to follow instructions carefully and not to exceed the recommended amount of oil and to use the device outdoors, according to Cal Fire officials. For more safety tips about cooking during the holiday season, residents can visit www.fire.ca.gov. A waterfront restaurant in the East Bay wined and dined hundreds of families in need during a special Thanksgiving feast Thursday. Roughly 1,200 meals were dished out and hundreds of winter coats were distributed at Richmond's Salute e Vita restaurant thanks to the generosity of owner Menbe Aklilu, an immigrant from Ethiopia who was once homeless herself. "It's not only about the meal, it's about the experience," Aklilu said. "They feel good. At least today they feel special." Robert Walsh, who said he hasn't filled his stomach with a full meal in about one year and lives out of his car at the moment, was surprised by the bountiful feast. "When I was told about this, I was thinking maybe we were going to a shelter to eat," he said. "To see this and what (Aklilu) is doing here, it's a really good thing." Thursday's act of kindness wasn't just a treat for those needing a hot meal. It was a "thank you" from Aklilu. The restaurant owner's landlord threatened to evict her from the restaurant roughly four months ago because of maintenance issues, but thanks to community support, the eviction was rescinded. "Here, today, double celebration," Aklilu said. "The workers are happy and we are giving back to the community, which is the community that stood for me." As the Chinese hospital farthest away from the Chinese mainland, a hospital on Yongshu Reef in the South China Sea has been operating smoothly since its launch in July, and has offered over 1,000 treatments for patients on and near the reef. A team of more than 50 medical experts from the Beijing-based PLA Navy General Hospital has been stationed at the hospital since July, CCTV News reported. The reef is about 740 nautical miles away from the Chinese mainland, and it can take up to three days to traverse the distance by ship. Before the hospital was built, emergency medical treatment was only available in Sanya, and patients in critical condition had to be transferred by air. It is no longer difficult for people on the Nansha Islands to seek medical help. With gradual improvement, a comprehensive and modern medical treatment platform means better and more convenient medical treatment available for merchant ships, fishermen and soldiers stationed on the Nansha Islands, CCTV commented. The hospital is designed and equipped to the standards of a secondary-level hospital, which entails meeting the same requirements as any other district- or county-level hospital in China. Such hospitals must be equipped with between 100 and 500 beds, and usually shoulder basic scientific research responsibilities in addition to medical service for several neighborhoods, according to CCTV. The new hospital currently has more than 400 sets of medical equipment, covering everything from basic examinations to emergency treatment. Construction began on the hospital in November 2015. It took more than 500 construction workers under three months to complete the project, which spreads across 16,000 square meters. A South San Francisco police officer is in critical condition after being hit in the head by a suspect's skateboard, police said. The violent attack started around 2:20 p.m. Thursday near the 300 block of Grand Avenue when the officer attempted to approach a suspect reportedly disturbing the peace at a local business, police said. The suspect did not yield to the officer's commands, prompting the officer to call for backup. When a second officer arrived, the suspect took off from the scene on foot, according to police. During a subsequent chase, the suspect immediately came to a screeching halt, pivoted and smacked the officer in the head with the skateboard. The injured officer, who is not being identified at this time, was transported to a local hospital with a "major head injury" and taken into surgery, police said. The second officer on scene was able to detain the suspect after another brief foot pursuit. South San Francisco Mayor Mark Addiego issued a statement of sadness after hearing the news. "This is so disheartening to hear of this incident, in a city such as South San Francisco," he said in a press release. "We are a tight-knit community, with a police force that is our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with this officer and his family." Officials are currently investigating the attack. Anyone with information is asked to contact the South San Francisco Police Department at (650) 877-8900 or the anonymous tip line at (650) 952-2244. Florence Henderson, who went from Broadway star to become one of America's most beloved television moms in "The Brady Bunch," has died, her manager, Kayla Pressman, told NBC4 late Thursday. She was 82. Henderson died Thursday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, after being hospitalized the day before, said her publicist, David Brokaw. Henderson had suffered heart failure, Pressman said in a statement. Family and friends had surrounded Henderson's hospital bedside, Pressman said. "She was the most amazing, lively, spirited woman ever. The most elegant and beautiful," Pressman told NBC4 in a phone interview. On the surface, "The Brady Bunch" with Henderson as its ever-cheerful matriarch Carol Brady, resembled just another TV sitcom about a family living in suburban America and getting into a different wacky situation each week. But well after it ended its initial run, in 1974, the show resonated with audiences, and it returned to television in various forms again and again, including "The Brady Bunch Hour" in 1977, "The Brady Brides" in 1981 and "The Bradys" in 1990. It was also seen endlessly in reruns. "It represents what people always wanted: a loving family. It's such a gentle, innocent, sweet show, and I guess it proved there's always an audience for that," Henderson said in 1999. Premiering in 1969, it also was among the first shows to introduce to television the blended family. As its theme song reminded viewers each week, Henderson's Carol was a single mother raising three daughters when she met her TV husband, Robert Reed's Mike Brady, a single father who was raising three boys. The eight of them became "The Brady Bunch," with a quirky housekeeper, played by Ann B. Davis, thrown into the mix. Maureen McCormick, who played Marcia Brady, honored her TV mom with a special message on Twitter. Other celebrities paid tribute on social media as well. Florence Henderson was a dear friend for so very many years & in my <3 forever. Love & hugs to her family. I'll miss u dearly #RIPFlorence Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) November 25, 2016 The blonde, ever-smiling Henderson was already a Broadway star when the show began, having originated the title role in the musical "Fanny." But after "The Brady Bunch," she would always be known to fans as Carol Brady. "We had to have security guards with us. Fans were hanging on our doors. We couldn't go out by ourselves. We were like the Beatles!" she said of the attention the show brought the cast. Like the Beatles, there was even a Saturday morning cartoon version called "Brady Kids," although Henderson was not in that show. She and Reed did return, however, for "The Brady Bunch Hour, "The Brady Brides" and "The Bradys." So did most of the original cast. She was also back again in 1995 when a new cast was assembled for "The Brady Bunch Movie," a playful spoof of the original show. This time she was Grandma Brady opposite Shelly Long's Carol. Numerous memoirs also kept interest in the show alive, as cast members revealed they were more than just siblings off camera. Barry Williams, who played eldest son Greg Brady, would confess to having a crush on his TV stepmom. Henderson, in her own book, denied having any relationship with Williams, but did acknowledge a fling with former New York City mayor John Lindsay. Henderson was a 19-year-old drama student in New York when she landed a one-line role in the play "Wish You Were Here." Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II were so impressed they made her the female lead in a 1952 road tour of "Oklahoma!" When the show returned to Broadway for a revival in 1954, she continued in the role and won rave reviews. "She is the real thing, right of of a butter churn somewhere," wrote Walter Kerr of the New York Herald Tribune. To broaden her career, Henderson took acting, dancing, singing and guitar lessons, even studying French and Italian. She went on to play Maria in a road production of "The Sound of Music," was Nellie Forbush in a revival of "South Pacific" and was back on Broadway with Jose Ferrer in "The Girl Who Came to Supper" in 1963. She made her movie debut in 1970 in "Song of Norway," based on the 1944 operetta with music by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Her career nearly came to an end in 1965 when she suddenly lost her hearing while appearing in "The King and I" in Los Angeles. She was diagnosed with a hereditary condition called osteosclerosis. "Corrective surgery in both ears restored my hearing," she said in 2007. As her TV career blossomed with "The Brady Bunch," Henderson also began to make frequent TV guest appearances. She was the first woman to host "The Tonight Show" for the vacationing Johnny Carson. For eight years she also commuted to Nashville to conduct a cooking and talk series, "Country Kitchen," on The Nashville Network. The show resulted in a book, "Florence Henderson's Short Cut Cooking." After "The Brady Bunch" ended its first run, Henderson alternated her appearances in revivals of the show with guest appearances on other programs, including "Hart to Hart," ''Fantasy Island" and "The Love Boat." In later years she also made guest appearances on such shows as "Roseanne, "Ally McBeal" and "The King of Queens." [NATLu002du002dDO NOT USE] In Memoriam: Influential People We've Lost This Year Florence Agnes Henderson was born Feb. 14, 1934, in the small town of Dale in southern Indiana. She was the 10th child of a tobacco sharecropper of Irish descent. In grade school, she joined the choir at a Catholic church in Rockport, Ind. After high school she moved to New York, where she enrolled in a two-year program at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, her studies financed by a theatrical couple who had been impressed by her singing when they saw her perform in high school. She dropped out of the program after one year, however, to take the role in "Wish You Were There." Henderson married theater executive Ira Bernstein and the couple had four children before the union ended in divorce after 29 years. Her second husband, John Kappas, died in 2002. Pressman said she is survived by her children; Barbara, Joseph, Robert and Lizzie, their respective spouses, and five grandchildren. Protesters gathered along Chicagos Magnificent Mile for a boycott Black Friday demonstration involving several activist groups. The demonstrators included a number of community organizations, churches, youth groups, unions and survivors of police crimes and their families, according to the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, who is putting on the event. The demonstration began with a 10 a.m. rally at Water Tower Monument with more than 100 protesters gathered, a smaller number than last year's massive event. Protesters were heard chanting "Hey, hey, ho, ho, Rahm Emanuel has got to go" and "No justice, no peace." The alliance called for a Black Friday boycott in response to the hard-hearted refusal by Mayor Emanuel, the Chicago City Council and the powers that be in this city, to acknowledge and implement the people's demand for an all elected Civilian Police Accountability Council. We are fully aware that calling for a Boycott of the Magnificent Mile on the day after Thanksgiving is a bold move, the group said in a release. It is bold because, in calling for and executing this Boycott Black Friday movement, we are confronting the corporate bosses of Chicago, and this nation, who have their hands on all the levers of power. This has been made even more profoundly true with the election of Donald Trump. Last year, hundreds of protesters descended on the major strip during the nationwide shopping frenzy in response to the release of dash-cam video showing the fatal shooting of Lawuan McDonald by a Chicago police officer. It has now been 365 days since the covered up murder of Laquan McDonald was revealed to the people of Chicago and the world. It has been 365 days and still we are shouting Sixteen Shots and a Cover Up and still no justice, and no concession whatsoever, to our demands for community control of the police, the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression said in a statement. It remains unclear how many protesters plan to attend the demonstration. The Chicago Police Department and the Mag Mile Association have not responded to requests for comment on the event. Investigators are still searching for the weapon a Chicago police officer said a 19-year-old man pointed at him during a foot chase before he fatally shot the teen, Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson said Thursday. We conducted and completed a grid search during the overnight hours for ballistic evidence and the offenders weapon and we were not able to locate a weapon as of yet, Johnson said during a Thanksgiving press conference. Police said officers were responding to a report of a battery in progress in Chicagos West Englewood neighborhood around 11 p.m. Wednesday. When a sergeant arrived at the scene and identified himself as a police officer, he claims 19-year-old Kajuan Raye fled. During the chase, the sergeant claims Raye twice pointed a gun at him, prompting the officer to shoot the teen. Raye suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office. But Johnson said details surrounding what led to the shooting remain unclear. There are still many unanswered questions and we are working diligently to find those answers, he said. Rayes family said the teen was running because he was scared. He is a young black male and they are afraid of the police, said Ahkeya White, Rayes cousin. They do not believe the police are there to protect and serve. The family acknowledged Raye had challenges in the past, including a criminal trespass charge, but say the teen was trying to get back on track. They can search all night, there is no gun involved, White said. The only gun that was there, the only gun that was fired, was from the Chicago Police Department. Every situation they are criminal, they have a gun, they said he had a gun, Jamal Green with Black Lives Matter said Thursday. Yet, they cant recover a gun. The sergeant, who was not injured during the incident, will be placed on routine desk duty for 30 days following the shooting. A spokeswoman for the Independent Police Review Authority could not be reached for more details. Johnson said detectives are collecting evidence from surveillance cameras in the area as the investigation remained ongoing. The family says they have hired a lawyer. You will have to answer for what youve done, White said. Grumpy Cat's got a message just in time for the holidays and she doesn't care how you feel about it. In vintage David Letterman style, the grumpster has posted her Top 10 pet peeves on her new blog at Pawculture.com, but absent is the multimillion-dollar thing that might just annoy her the most: money talk. As in, exactly how many truckloads of Benjamins is that cat worth these days, what with gobs of licensed products, endorsement deals and other projects stuffed into her short four years on the planet? Her human, Tabatha Bundesen, wouldn't say or even come close to providing a ballpark. She has, in the past, debunked the idea that the Friskies brand ambassador is now a $100 million sensation. "Every day is still kind of a pinch me moment," Tabatha summed up. The tiny and extremely mellow cat's other human, Bundesen's brother and Grumpy empire overseer, Bryan Bundesen, also wouldn't remotely discuss Grumpy's bank during a recent New York media swing. So about those pet peeves. Among them: "If one more person tells me to smile, I'm going to lose it." Grumpy's permanent frown has to do with a condition she was born with, feline dwarfism. So get over it. "I have had it up to here with the social media. I don't want friends in real life. What makes you think I'd want them on a computer?" Yeah, so forget those 1.9 million followers on Instagram and 10 million on Facebook. "Humans love selfies. I know this because they always ask to take them with me. But what is up with those sticks?" We feel you on that one, Grumpy. A 9-year-old Connecticut boy with autism who was found dead in a pond in Texas Saturday, two days after wandering away from his uncle's home nearby, according to police. "The Pearland Police Department regrets to inform the community that Marcus McGhee has been found," authorities said in a Facebook post on Saturday morning. Marcus, who is autistic and non-verbal, walked away from the estate of a relative, Hartford native and former NBA player Marcus Camby, Thursday afternoon, according to authorities. A bloodhound was able to track the boys scent away from the house but then lost the trail. Police told NBC affiliate KPRC that they found the boy's body near the home he went missing from around 7 a.m. Saturday Authorities and groups of volunteers had been searching for McGhee and the search was expected to resume on Saturday morning before police announced it had been called off. "We thank you all for your efforts. The family is now in need of our prayers," police said in their Facebook post. McGhee was a student at the CREC River Street School in Bloomfield. ""The CREC community is saddened by the loss of Marcus McGhee, a student at CREC River Street School. He was a very special person to our staff, and he will be missed dearly by all who knew him. Counselors will be available to staff and students beginning this weekend and throughout next week," CREC officials said in a statement. The spirit of giving was on full display from Bridgeport to Waterbury on Friday as the Knights of Columbus gave out 2,000 brand new coats to children in need across Connecticut. A lot of folks are out shopping for Christmas gifts, the Knights are here giving," explained Thomas Porter of the Knights of Columbus. Inside New Havens St. Martin de Porres Academy, dozens of volunteers shared the gift of warmth with families in need of a little extra cheer. Janet Sanchez brought her son and three daughters to pick out coats. She said 2016 has been a tough year. I was in a shelter for a week, then house to house, my sisters, my grandmother. Were finally on our feet now," she explained. Despite having a new job, she knows keeping four kids warm during the winter wont be easy. Its Christmas, bills, everythings tight," she said. The organization has given out 370,00 coats nationwide since 2009. Its very important. All the help I can get, I take," added Bernice Weinstein. Weinstein said she had to quit her job when she took custody of her three grandchildren and thats meant making sacrifices. Including, one coat shared between two grandsons. As the cold weather begins to settle in, these families have one less worry on their minds, and a reason to be thankful. I like it because my mom doesnt have to suffer," said Sanchez's 11-year-old daughter Jarielyz. Beautiful. It means so much to the kids, the family," added her mother, wiping away tears. New Haven police are searching for a suspect who they said attacked a veterans outreach worker Wednesday afternoon. According to police, an outreach worker for the US Department of Veterans Affairs was searching for a despondent military veteran at the New Haven Inn just after noon. The worker approached a man in the back of the motel to see if he was the person who called the hotline for help. Police said the suspect then pulled out a knife and demanded the workers money. When the worker said there was no money, the suspect tried to stab the victim. Thankfully the workers clipboard and heavy clothing prevented the knife from doing any real damage. The suspect is described as male, approximately 6-foot-4. He was reportedly wearing a Boston Celtics ballcap, white T-shirt, denim jeans, tan work boots and had a gray hooded sweatshirt tied around his waist. Anyone with information on this incident should contact New Haven Police. Three men suffered numerous gunshot wounds Wednesday night outside a house in the Juniata section of Philadelphia when a driver of a car pulled up and opened fire, police said. The victims told police they were outside hanging Christmas lights on a house in the 4000 block of Howland Street. Shortly before 11 p.m., a driver slowly drove by them before stopping a short distance away. That's when the driver asked if any of the victims had struck his car at some point earlier, police said. An argument ensued, according to the victims, and the driver pulled a gun. He opened fire on the victims before driving off. A 28-year-old man suffered a bullet wound to his back, a 36-year-old man suffered a bullet wound to an arm and a 34-year-old man was struck twice in his midsection. All three were in stable condition at nearby hospitals, police said. A large, inflatable snowman could be seen shortly after the shooting at the scene. A bright light display accompanied the outdoor Christmas ornament. The gunman is described as a black man in his 20s, with a light complexion, who wore a light gray knitted cap. he was accompanied by another black man in his 20s, with a darker complexion and shoulder-length hair, possibly dreadlocks. They were driving a dark gray Impala with tinted windows. Anti-China forces in Mongolia have been on the rise as China's neighbor country recently approved the Dalai Lama's visit despite an elevation in Sino-Mongolian ties, experts said. "The erroneous action taken by the Mongolian side on the Dalai Lama's visit hurt the political foundation of China-Mongolia relations and exerted a negative impact on the development of bilateral relations," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a daily briefing on Wednesday, in response to media reports that the Chinese side had indefinitely postponed an inter-governmental meeting and another one on mines and energy, which was scheduled to be held soon. It is China's warning to Mongolia, Yang Mian, a professor of international relations at the Communication University of China, told the Global Times, adding that China will await Mongolia's response to decide whether further sanctions would be imposed. During Chinese President Xi Jinping's State visit to Mongolia in 2014, China agreed to offer sea ports and railway transport access to its landlocked neighbor and help Mongolia finance a number of projects in medical care, education, railroads and residential community construction, the Xinhua News Agency reported. The Dalai Lama on Saturday addressed followers at the Gandantegchenlin Monastery in Ulan Bator during a four-day visit to Mongolia, which was "described by his hosts as purely religious in nature and no meetings with officials are planned," the Associated Press reported. Opposition parties and religious forces in the country where Tibetan Buddhism is the main religion may make use of China's opposition to the Dalai Lama's visit to hype anti-China sentiment, Da Zhigang, director of the Institute of Northeast Asian Studies at the Heilongjiang Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times. Those parities reject the opening up Mongolia's economy, since it primarily relies on mineral resources, Yang said. Mongolia canceled a previous visit by the Dalai Lama that coincided with Xi's visit to the country in August 2014, Bloomberg reported. Skeptical about all of those hair regrowth products and treatments? Youre not alone. One women was about to give up and buy a wig. Then, she met a doctor who turned everything around with a novel treatment. For years, Joan Chabrowes thinning hair made her self-conscious. She visited many doctor's offices and tried lots of things. I was trying orally, topically, electronically, all the methods that I could, Chabrowe said. Chabrowe almost gave up, even after hearing about the LaserCap at Bauman Medical Group. Like others, she thought it was a gimmick. The LaserCap was the real deal. Like its name, its a hat with lasers, worn for 30 minutes, every other day. It carries a hefty price tag of $3,000, but Chabrowe said its worth it. It increases energy production. It increases blood flow and youre going to get thicker, stronger, healthier hair over time, explained Alan J. Bauman, M.D., a hair transplant surgeon in Boca Raton, Florida. Bauman said before trying anything, its important to really look into who is treating you and what their experience in hair restoration is. Find someone who does this every single day of the week, said Bauman. Now, looking at before and after pictures, Chabrowe is resting easy on a full head of hair. I am not embarrassed about bald patches or terribly thinning hair and if its for a special occasion, Im able to get it blown out in a salon and it looks terrific, detailed Chabrowe. Bauman said its important to make sure your doctor is a member of a credentialed organization, like the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery. Dallas police are asking for the public's help in locating a missing woman. Jamelia White, 27, was last seen at about 3:30 p.m. Thursday in the 4600 block of Ross Avenue. White is 6 feet, one inch tall and weighs 140 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a white shirt, purple leggings with a zigzag pattern and gray shoes. Police say White may be a danger to herself or to others. Anyone with information is urged to call 911 or 214-671-4268. A North Dallas couple is hoping home surveillance video will help catch two men who broke into their home Wednesday morning. "It looks like they both had guns," said homeowner Michael Farrell. "Looks like they were just looking for something good to take." The burglars broke in through the back door, and wandered inside the home for nearly five minutes. One of their dogs reacting to the intruders set off the motion sensor on their home video camera, which sends an alert to Farrell's cell phone. "I always look at it, see everything is OK, put my phone down and go on about the rest of my day," but Farrell said Wednesday was different. "Realized this time it actually is for real." The surveillance video shows two men come in the backdoor. A North Texas couple is hoping their surveillance video will help catch two men who broke into their home. "One guy looks like he has a skeleton mask on, so you can't see their faces," said Farrell. "As they're going around, one guy had to duck through our doorways, so this was a very tall guy." The doorways are 6-feet 10-inches tall. Farrell says he saw video of the intruders on his phone security camera app and called police, then he talked to them through a microphone function on the app. "I just told them 'get out, get out! The police are coming,'" Farrell said. The video shows one suspect turning towards the camera and then running out of the house. "They realized they're on camera. Someone knows they're here," said Farrell. "Their reaction was 'get out now!'" A yoga instructor from Texas shot and killed two men who invaded her home on the outskirts of the Chilean capital, authorities said on Friday. The men broke into the bedroom of 61-year-old Hari Nam Kaur Khalsa, hit her in the head with a weapon and tried to tie her up on Thursday. But prosecutor Osvaldo Soto said that she broke loose, grabbed her own, registered gun from under her pillow and shot them dead. Two other men escaped. Soto said Friday the instructor is free because she acted in legitimate self-defense. But he said that authorities have requested a security escort because "we fear that she might suffer some sort of reprisal." A profile on the yoga academy website says the instructor was born in Texas where she studied martial arts and sociology and has been living in Chile since 1979. She told local Radio Cooperativa that she prefers not to talk about the incident now. "This is not a grandma as you can imagine," Jose Nunez, who runs the building where she lives told local press. "So don't be imagining a little grandma who killed two crooks with her cane." Authorities were searching Thursday for two women suspected in the abduction of a Northern California mother who turned up safe near an interstate three weeks after she disappeared. Early indications were that Sherri Papini had been released by her captors, Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko said at a news conference. Papini was bound when was released near Interstate 5 in Yolo County and was able to somehow flag down a passing motorist, Bosenko said. Papini, a 34-year-old mother of two children, disappeared after leaving home to jog. She suffered unspecified injuries during her ordeal and was treated and released from a hospital, Bosenko said. Authorities gave few other details about Papini's reappearance before dawn. Bosenko said the investigation was ongoing. "We had not given up hope," the sheriff told reporters. "We are very thankful on this day that she was found safe and reunited with her family." Law enforcement officials were looking for two armed women in a dark sport utility vehicle in connection with the disappearance, he said. Family members previously said they believed Papini was abducted. They called her a "super mom" who would never abandon her family. Papini vanished Nov. 2. Her cellphone and headphones were found near the site where she was last seen. Her husband reported her missing when she failed to pick up their two young children from day care. Police and dozens of volunteers previously searched an area around Mountain Gate, an unincorporated community near Redding. A 22-year-old man has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in San Diego to allegations he operated a drug smuggling ring through Facebook. Roberto Torres admitted to enlisting teenagers, some as young as 15, and young adults in the Imperial Valley to smuggle methamphetamine across the U.S., according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office. Prosecutors said Torres used Facebook to coordinate the drug operation, which transported narcotics from Mexico into the U.S. Several of Torres codefendants have already pleaded guilty in connection to the operation, including Genesis Flores De Anda, Hector Beltran-Garcia, Eleazar Sanchez-Aguilar and Diana Carrillo. Torres will be sentenced on Feb. 17. He faces between 10 years and life in prison. Two drivers were speeding and may have been racing before a fiery Thanksgiving crash that killed a man and his young daughter in northwest Miami-Dade, officials said. Trevor Chambers, 36, and 2-year-old daughter Adison were killed in Thursday's crash along Northwest North River Drive, Miami-Dade Police said Friday. Police said Chambers and another driver, 50-year-old Carlos Gutierrez, were speeding down the busy road side by side when they ended up crashing together into the fence of a scrap yard. Cameras from two nearby businesses showed a Mercedes driven by Chambers and a Honda Civic driven by Gutierrez crash and catch fire. Police said both were going over the speed limit and could have been racing each other. "It's horrifying, I mean they were doing 50, 60 miles an hour, you can see it, the two cars seem to be stuck together, they're just skidding across the street," witness Jimmy Martinez said. A mechanic who was nearby ran to save Gutierrez, who was treated at the scene. "I don't see nothing, just some people who need help and I go for them," Alex Garcia said. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded and extinguished the fire, but found Chambers and his daughter, who was in the backseat, dead, officials said. The toddler's mother, 29-year-old Marilyn Leon, was also a passenger in the Mercedes and was hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Police said the crash remains under investigation. A Florida man is facing attempted murder charges after authorities say he stabbed his parents during a Thanksgiving dinner fight. Edwin Daugherty, 34, was arrested Thursday following the stabbings of Thomas and Patsy Daugherty, Volusia County Sheriff's Office officials said. Daugherty was being held without bond Friday, jail records showed. No attorney information was available. Authorities said Edwin Daugherty became irate during a fight with his mother and placed her in a headlock, then put his father in a headlock when he tried to intervene. He pushed his father to the ground then grabbed a steak knife with a 4-inch blade and stabbed his father multiple times in the chest, authorities said. When his mother moved in to help her husband, she was also stabbed, authorities said. Witnesses who were sitting at the dinner table said they saw Daugherty stab his parents then leave the home, officials said. Thomas Daugherty was rushed to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, where he was later listed in serious-to-critical condition. Patsy Daugherty was listed in serious condition at the same hospital. Deputies found Edwin Daugherty walking down the street when they responded to the home. The knife was found in some bushes about a block from the home, authorities said. Miami-Dade Police say a 29-year-old woman, who's been missing since Thanksgiving Day, has been found safe. Michelle Julian was missing since Thursday from the 13100 block of SW 186 Terrace in Miami, police say. She was last seen wearing an unknown colored t-shirt, and blue shorts. Julian is a missing endangered adult who may be in need of services, according to authorities. Anyone with information about this missing person should contact Miami-Dade Police Department at (305) 418-7200 or Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477). Purchase is part of broader internationalization strategy A 5-day group trip to South Korea is priced at 999 yuan ($144) on ctrip.com on March 1. Photo: IC Domestic leading travel service provider Ctrip.com International announced on Wednesday (US time) plans to buy travel search platform Skyscanner Holdings for approximately 1.4 billion pounds ($1.74 billion) to boost its goal of establishing an international travel ecosystem. Ctrip has signed a definitive agreement with the majority shareholders of Skyscanner, under which the company will acquire all of their shares. It will make a general offer for the remaining shares, Ctrip said in a statement sent to the Global Times on Thursday. The purchase mainly consists of cash, the remainder consisting of Ctrip ordinary shares and loan notes. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2016. After the acquisition, Skyscanner's current management team will continue to run the company's operations independently as part of the Ctrip group. Skyscanner is a global travel search company based in Edinburgh. It serves 60 million monthly active users and is available in more than 30 languages, enabling users to compare prices from hundreds of travel sites when searching for flights, hotels and rental cars. It has established a leadership in?Europe?and a growing presence in the Asia-Pacific region and the Americas. The acquisition is part of Ctrip's efforts at internationalization and building a global travel ecosystem. On November 16, the company appointed Sun Jie as CEO and a member of the board of directors, effective immediately. Liang Jianzhang, co-founder and former CEO, will serve as executive chairman of the board with a focus on Ctrip's internationalization, innovation, information technology, and investments and strategic alliances. "We are excited to welcome Skyscanner into the Ctrip group. Ctrip and Skyscanner share the same passion and dedication in providing travelers around the world with better services. This acquisition will strengthen long-term growth drivers for both companies. Skyscanner will complement our positioning at a global scale and Ctrip will leverage our experience, technology and booking capabilities to Skyscanner's," Liang was quoted as saying in the statement. Overseas markets will be the focus of Ctrip and it will lead domestic service companies to "go global." "We hope that not only domestic citizens travel abroad but also that foreign visitors come to China," Liang was quoted as saying in a separate statement the company sent to the Global Times on Thursday. Zhu Zhengyu, a tourism analyst at Beijing-based market consultancy Analysys International, said Ctrip has started its internationalization from the ticketing sector for a reason. A large number of Chinese people travel abroad every year, but most of them book tickets from domestic airlines due to limited choices from foreign airlines, according to Zhu. "By acquiring Skyscanner, Ctrip will control more foreign airline resources, which will be helpful to its ticketing business," he said. An estimated 117 million Chinese people traveled overseas in 2015, up 9 percent year-on-year. In its latest financial statements released the same day, Ctrip reported net revenue of 5.6 billion yuan ($836 million) in the third quarter of 2016, up 75 percent year-on-year. Transportation ticketing revenue was 2.4 billion yuan, up 101 percent. As part of its internationalization drive, Ctrip has arranged agreements on strategic investment and cooperation with US tour operators such as L&L Travel Enterprises Inc, Sea Gull Holiday and Toursforfun.com. It has also become a major shareholder of Indian leading travel booking platform MakeMyTrip. Ctrip now has a broad reach in North America as well as Europe, and it has entered India, which Ctrip said is a market with potential. But Zhu noted that localization is crucial for Ctrip's international operations. "Travel has obvious regional features. Consumers from different cultural backgrounds can be very different in consumption habits, which entails providing services for specific consumers," he said. Shoppers from across South Florida hit the malls in what some analysts believe could be a record breaking Black Friday. At Sawgrass Mills mall in Sunrise, doors opened early Friday morning and lines formed almost immediately at some stores. People are shopping until they drop over at Sawgrass Mills where the deals and steals are posted all throughout the mall. "It's a pretty good day to spend your money," said Jacob Taylor, a Black Friday shopper. Discounts started at 25 percent off and were only rising more. "Kate Spade has a great sale, 70 percent off, we also have some stuff for the kids and J Crew, 60 percent off, can not go wrong," Christina Mojica said. Aside from the doorbusters, some retail lovers reserved their spending for solely Black Friday to not interfere with the Thanksgiving holiday. "I wasn't going to come here last night so I decided to get up early, avoid a little bit of the crowd and go shopping," Mojica said. Best friends Tara Schrieber and Alisa Cravey are cashing in on the retail holiday and call themselves "the Black Friday boss." NBC6.com "Being out there every year, year after year doing stuff like 27 hours last year so far 16, 17, and we're going to keep on going. I haven't even eaten yet," the duo said. Sawgrass Mills mall will be open all day until and close at 10 p.m. On Thursday evening, shoppers converged on Dolphin Mall in Southwest Miami-Dade. There were sales at almost every store ahead of the busiest shopping day of the year. The shoppers were back at Dolphin Mall and Dadeland Mall Friday to score more deals. "Black Friday shopping, I mean, it's the holiday season so it's time to get our sales on," shopper Carolina Estadela said. Dadeland Mall was staying open until 10 p.m. and Dolphin Mall until 11 p.m. A 24-year-old man mistook his father for a deer and shot the older man to death while hunting near the family's central New York home on Thanksgiving, state police say. Kristopher Paro was in a tree stand in the woods behind his home in the Oswego County town of Sandy Creek around 4:40 p.m. Thursday when he heard what he thought was a deer about 100 yards away, troopers said. Paro fired a shot, unaware that his father, 58-year-old Kevin Paro, had gone into the woods a short time earlier to hunt, state police said. Troopers say the father was hit in the chest by a round from his son's .270-caliber rifle. The older man was taken to Oswego Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The son hasn't been charged. Police say their investigation is continuing. A 3-pound, 13-ounce newborn was left at a fire station on Long Island on Thanksgiving, authorities said. The baby girl was dropped off at the Wantagh Fire Department headquarters in the Nassau County town at about 11:45 a.m., according to police. She has been named Baby Hope and is playful and healthy, officials said. Authorities said that a representative of the mother called the Children of Hope Safe Haven Foundation to have the infant delivered to the fire house. Because the mother followed the regulations set forth by the state's safe haven laws, she won't face any charges. The baby girl appears to have been born one to three weeks premature and is being monitored at an area hospital, where she'll remain until she weighs more than 4 pounds. The baby appears to be the 15th unwanted newborn saved in New York this year, according to the Children of Hope. It comes a year and a day after a mother left her newborn in a nativity scene at a Queens church with his umbilical cord still attached. Authorities at the time that the mother followed the spirit of the law even though she didn't alert anyone that she had left the baby at the church. Authorities in Israel arrested at least a dozen suspects for arson-related offenses after wildfires forced the partial evacuation Haifa, officials said Friday, NBC News reported. Israeli officials have suggested that Arab assailants were to blame for igniting the fires vowing that any perpetrators would be treated as terrorists. On social media, some people celebrated the fires under the #Israelisburning hashtag. Netanyahu's spokesman Ofir Gendelman blamed these tweets on "Arabs and Palestinians." The blaze near Haifa was one of around a dozen burning around Israel, its worst bout since a four-day wildfire killed 42 people in 2010. Florida police dog Primus almost died of a drug overdose after encountering fentanyl while raiding a suspect's house, NBC News reported. The German short-haired pointer was rushed to Coral Springs Animal Hospital, where medical professionals administered naloxone to combat the effects of the opioid. Two other K-9 dogs from his unit accompanied him, as they had also been exposed to a lethal dose of fentanyl. [NATL] Unbelievable Animal Stories: Dog Befriends Abandoned Baby Giraffe The synthetic opioid is 50 times stronger than heroin sold on the streets and can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Fentanyl, much of it coming from Mexico and China, has killed hundreds in the U.S., including music legend Prince. It presents a "grave threat" to first responders and law enforcement officers human and canine, the Drug Enforcement Administration said. An off-duty western Pennsylvania police officer is accused of shooting a county jail guard in Pittsburgh after an argument at a bar. The names of the participants have yet to be released because Pittsburgh police and the Allegheny County district attorney were continuing to investigate Friday. Aliquippa police Chief Don Couch confirms one of his officers is on leave because he's accused of shooting the Allegheny County Jail guard after a fight at the Milestone Bar in Brentwood. Police say the argument eventually spilled into Pittsburgh's neighboring Carrick neighborhood where the shooting occurred shortly before 3 a.m. Thursday. Police say the 29-year-old jail guard is in stable condition at UPMC Mercy hospital and allegedly may have threatened to shoot the off-duty officer, before that 24-year-old man pulled his gun and fired. Authorities in South Jersey say a 65-year-old Idaho man believed to be traveling the country to sell marijuana from a pop-up stand has been arrested carrying 52 pounds of the plant and $118,000 in cash. Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato announced Friday the arrest of David Lincoln. Coronato said the Ketchum, Idaho resident faces charges including possession with intent to distribute and money laundering. Coronato said Lincoln's arrest culminated a three-month investigation. He said authorities believe Lincoln traveled across the country in a 1997 Jeep Cherokee to sell marijuana from a pop-up camper. On Thanksgiving morning, county authorities and members of the Jackson Township police department pulled Lincoln over in Jackson Township. Coronato estimated the value of the marijuana to be about $150,000. Lincoln was being held on $575,000 bail in the Ocean County Jail. It wasn't known if Lincoln had retained an attorney. Due to the difficulty of accessing the medical resources they need and the barriers to getting sex reassignment surgery in China, the country's transgender people are turning to online pharmacies and going overseas for operations. An almost total lack of expert medical guidance poses major health risks, but activists are working to change things. Liu Siyu, 31, a transgender woman, performs at a pub in Taiyuan, capital of North China's Shanxi Province, in August last year. Liu underwent surgery to change her sex in Thailand four years ago. She has since become a successful entertainer. Photo: CFP Almost every day, Pipi (pseudonym), a 37-year-old transgender woman living in Northeast China's Liaoning Province, receives medical questions from other trans people in need. Their questions include how to get prescription hormones, how to use them on their own, whether it is possible to find a friendly doctor to prescribe the drugs and how to deal with the side effects of surgery. As there is a lack of medical resources for trans people in China, Pipi, co-founder of Trans-Life, an NGO dedicated to helping them, plays the role of medical expert. "I can only tell them my own understanding and experience as a reference. But my understanding of hormones keeps changing. I used to tell them not to take hormones because they damage one's health but now I know that if they're used properly, the side effects are controllable," said Pipi. In the broad sense, being transgender means that one is not content with the gender one is assigned at birth. Some people undergo surgery to change their sex, or use hormones to change their appearance, while some choose to do nothing. Pipi started to use hormones to change her appearance more than 15 years ago when the Internet first became widely available in China. Back then, she could still buy prescribed hormones in pharmacies and administer the drugs on her own. Due to her lack of expertise, Pipi says she developed diabetes from taking the drugs - she claims to have since recovered. After developing diabetes she tried to stop taking hormones, but explains that this made her very unhappy. In 2011, without telling her son or parents, she decided to use all the means and connections at her disposal to find a doctor willing to remove her testicles to make her less reliant on drugs. "Transgender people have very limited channels to seek medical help in China. It's hard for us to access medical resources. Communication between doctors and transgender people is totally lacking and most doctors have no clinical knowledge about trans issues," said Pipi. Asia Catalyst, a US-based NGO, once estimated that there are about 4 million trans people living in China. Chaotic medicine market As many trans people are either unable or too shy to contact doctors who will prescribe them hormones, they often turn to online pharmacies and self-administering hormones, said Pipi. A search on China's largest e-commerce platform taobao.com for medicines including spironolactone tablets, a drug that suppress the male hormones known as androgens, and Progynova, a drug that increases estrogens, yields dozens of results. Sprionolactone tablets are sold for between 11 and 28 yuan ($1.62 to $4.12) per bottle of 100 pills on taobao.com On those pharmacies' taobao.com pages, it says that a prescription is needed to buy the medicines. Buyers can't just buy prescription medicines like buying other products, either online or in brick-and-mortar pharmacies. They are required to leave their contact number first and a pharmacist will contact them later to check they have a valid prescription. Searches for Androcur, a popular hormone which suppresses androgens, return no results on e-commerce websites. Linlin (pseudonym), a trans woman who buys Androcur online, refused to tell the Global Times how she gets the drug. "If I tell you, it will bring trouble to the online pharmacies that sell the drugs to us. They will be shut down. Then what can we do?" said Linlin, 24, who lives in Nanjing, capital of East China's Jinagsu Province. Pipi revealed that some trans people fabricate prescriptions and some disguise themselves as pharmaceutical professionals to directly buy drugs from those pharmacies. In order to guarantee the authenticity of those medicines, Lin said she is very careful with the descriptions and certifications that the online shops display. But there are no other practical ways she can use to verify the medicines. Taking fake drugs or using incorrect doses can damage people's internal organs, especially their kidneys, and in serious cases the side effects can be fatal. After obtaining the drugs, dosing poses a big obstacle. There are many questions asked online concerning doses. "How much should be used each time depends on different people's physical condition," said Linlin. She refuses to give people advice on doses as she believes "it's a dangerous thing." Although she administers drugs to herself on her own, Linlin pays regular visits to hospitals to take hormone tests and check on her health. Pipi said that some teenagers who can't get hormones turn to taking huge doses of contraceptive pills, which contain female hormones. "Some people even eat a whole bottle of contraceptive pills at one time. This does great damage to their health," she said. Lu Xiaoquan, a lawyer with Beijing Qianqian Law Firm, told the Global Times Tuesday that "the sellers of hormones violate the law as they illegally sell prescription drugs." Sellers without legal certifications face criminal charges and could end up in jail depending on how serious the consequences are, he noted. Going abroad In 2012, the American Psychiatric Association eliminated the term "gender identity disorder" from its diagnostic manual. In China, the CCMD-3 - the most recent edition of the Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders that came out in 2001 - still states that transsexuals, or people who want to change their sex, have gender dysphoria and recommends they receive psychiatric treatment. According to a guideline released by China's health authorities in 2009, patients who want to undergo sex reassignment surgery need to get approval from their direct relatives. This year, a doctor surnamed Tian in Sichuan Province faced charges of intentional assault for giving a teenager such surgery without the approval of their parents. Facing these restrictions, many trans people choose to go abroad, as the barriers for surgery are lower in other countries and regions. "Thailand is the hottest destination for the surgery," said Sisi (pseudonym), who had male to female sex reassignment surgery in Thailand in 2014. Sisi, a Christian, lives in Beijing. She learned about overseas surgery online and through her trans friends. It took three years of saving until Sisi had enough money for a sex reassignment operation in Thailand, which cost her about 70,000 yuan in total. "Besides the obstacle of obtaining parental consent, medical techniques in China in terms of sex reassignment operations lag behind Thailand," said Sisi, who spent more than 20 days in Thailand. Sisi still relies on online platforms for prescription hormones and she said the pills and injections sold online "are cheaper than in hospitals." She added that unlike in China where transgender people often face discrimination from medical stuff, in Thailand they can enjoy good service. According to Pipi, there are also a handful of trans people undergoing sex reassignment surgery in countries like Germany. "These people are oversea students. Their surgery fees can be paid for by the government there," she claimed. Mixed future At a meeting for trans people hosted in Beijing this month, Xin Ying, director of the Beijing LGBT center, pointed out that trans people face many difficulties in society. They face different problems from transgender celebrities like Jin Xing. Jin, a trans dancer who came into the public eye in 2011, now hosts her own talk show and has millions of followers. Last year, famous sociologist Li Yinhe openly said that her current partner is a trans man, which aroused national attention. But still, discrimination is everywhere and it is unseen by most people. Unlike gay people, trans groups are virtually invisible, said Xin. Last April, it was reported that a trans man was fired one week after being hired at a health service firm in Southwest China's Guizhou Province for wearing men's clothes to the office, people.com.cn reported. In China, people can only change the gender listed on their ID card after surgically changing their sex. This also brings them other problems as important files and documents like their university degree certificate are all linked to their ID card. If a person changes the gender on their ID card, the person still has to change the gender on all related documents, a complicated bureaucratic process that can take a long time. "They don't want to be seen by the public. Those still struggling with their gender identity don't like to speak out. Those who have finished surgery mostly want to be forgotten and live their own life," Sisi said. Sisi said that she is afraid that negative media reports - many of which involve transgender people and sex work - will make the group even more marginalized. But at the same time, she agrees that "publicity is important for the public to see the group and to understand them." Despite negative coverage, Pipi revealed that her organization is now trying to set up a parents' network where parents of trans children can talk and share their stories to facilitate understanding among parents. Lu said that trans adults have full capacity for civil conduct. "They should have the right to access reassignment surgery on their own," he said. The CCMD-3 is outdated and being trans shouldn't be listed as mental disease any more. China's Constitution protects minority rights and it's illegal to discriminate against trans people, he added. According to Lu, it's better to make it clear in the Constitution that LGBT groups should be protected by law. To provide more practical help, Lin is now trying to find doctors who are friendly to trans people in the country and will set up a doctors' network in the future. "So far it is going well," she said. The commanding officer of USS Rushmore requested to be relieved of duty on Nov. 21 and has since left her command. Commander Sarah De Groot, a Long Beach native, lead the dock landing ship for two years. Prior to assuming command, she reported to the ship as an executive officer in June 2014. It is unclear why De Groot requested to be relieved of duty. De Groot declined to comment on the move to NBC 7 San Diego, saying she did not want to disclose the "issue" at this time. Sorry, I cannot comment on anything at this time," she told NBC 7 San Diego over the phone. "I will refer you to the public affairs office. When reached for comment, Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Naval Surface Force Pacific, Doug Sayers, gave NBC 7 this statement over the phone, in part: The commanding officer of USS Rushmore (LSD 47) Commander Sarah De Groot requested to be relieved November 21." Commander DeWayne Sanders will be the interim commanding officer of the ship for the time being, Sayers said. It is rare for a commanding officer to resign and walk off the job, The Navy Times reported, an option most other service members do not have without serious repercussions. De Groot served on board USS Pearl Harbor and USS Constellation, supporting the initial phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to the U.S. Navy. She commissioned after she graduated from Texas A&M in 1998. She has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards) and the Meritorious Service Medal, according to the U.S. Navy. No other information was immediately available. San Diego has some seriously delicious dining destinations. Eater San Diego shares the top stories of the week from our local food and drink scene, including details on a Travel Channel show that explored local, mouthwatering hot spots. Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations Spotlights San Diego The Travel Channels Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations is hosted by foodie Andrew Zimmern and this week, the show debuted an episode featuring San Diegos dining scene. The series, which highlights a city's "not to be missed legendary foods" visited local spots specializing in Filipino food, fresh seafood and, of course fish tacos. It doesnt get any more San Diego than that. Dunkin' Donuts Preps for Major San Diego Expansion San Diego County's first standalone drive-through Dunkin' Donuts launches on Dec. 6 in National City and the global doughnut and coffee chain is planning many more area outposts. A local franchisee is aiming to open 14 stores within the next eight years, in neighborhoods including Point Loma, Downtown San Diego and El Cajon. S&M Sausage & Meat Shutters in University Heights The meat-centric restaurant, which specialized in housemade sausages, bacon, and charcuterie, shuttered this week after nearly two years in operation on Park Boulevard. The eatery was an offshoot of popular burger chain, Slater's 50/50, and the company says it has no current plans to reopen the concept in another location. Cafe Virtuoso Brews Up Remodeled Coffee House San Diego's only 100% certified organic specialty coffee roaster, Cafe Virtuoso, has unveiled a recently revamped coffee house in Barrio Logan. It now features an expanded coffee bar, with taps pouring signature cold brew and kombucha, and a built-in pour over filter bar, along with fresh pastries provided by Bread & Ice bakery. Fast-Casual Flower Child Sets Opening Date in Del Mar Flower Child, a new-to-San Diego casual eatery from Fox Restaurant Concepts, which also operates True Food Kitchen, is scheduled to emerge in Del Mars Flower Hill Promenade on Dec. 6. Its menu focuses on healthy eats, ranging from protein-topped grain bowls to salads and pita wraps. Candice Woo is the founding editor of Eater San Diego, a leading source for news about San Diegos restaurant and bar scene. Keep up with the latest Eater San Diego content via Facebook or Twitter, and sign up for Eater San Diegos newsletter here. The entire production staff for UC San Diegos department of theatre and dance, 21 employees in total, has been served with pink slips, according to a report. Playbill.com reported this week that the layoffs were announced Nov. 9 and take effect in January. The employees are joint-staff, who have worked on productions with UCSD and also for the La Jolla Playhouse. The layoffs were intended to establish two separate staffs for each institution, and staffers were told to re-apply for new positions, according to the report. The report outlines concerns that some staffers feel; namely, the possibility that the new positions would result in a significantly reduced income. Playbill reached out to both UCSD and the playhouse. A spokesman for La Jolla Playhouse issued a statement, saying the playhouse is hoping to retain all impacted employees in some fashion. A former Massachusetts prosecutor has been charged with rape, court officials confirmed Wednesday. Gary Zerola faces two counts of rape from an incident that allegedly happened Nov. 10. Not many details being released, but the commonwealth says there will be strong medical evidence. The Boston lawyer is no stranger to these kind of charges. In fact, this is his fourth time. But he has beaten all of them in the past, and his attorney says the latest accusations are based on "a foundation of lies." In 2008, Zerola was acquitted in two rape cases out of Boston and had another dropped in Florida. The former top prosecutor was also once one of People Magazine's top bachelors. But any other details of what the bachelor is accused of doing this time have been sealed. A document shows that the judge impounded it to protect the identity of the alleged victim. Zerola has been held on $10,000 bail. He will be fitted with a GPS monitor Monday. Zerola's attorney, Joseph Krowski, said the case "is nothing more than a target in this case," and that the case is "based upon a foundation of lies and we vigorously look forward to our day in court." Finding the perfect gifts for the holidays doesn't have to mean long lines, crowded shops and impossible parking lots. There are countless craft festivals in the D.C. area where you can find handcrafted gifts and also enjoy music, refreshments and other events as you shop. Here are five to check out this holiday season: Downtown Holiday Market F Street NW between 7th & 9th streets Now through Dec. 23 The 12th Annual Downtown Holiday Market this year will include more than 150 local artisans and boutique businesses. Browse through gift items including jewelry, pottery, paintings and textiles. Some vendors and goods rotate daily, and you'll also find festive treats such as hot donuts and cider, plus live seasonal music. Alexandria Holiday Market 300 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria Dec. 9-11 and 16-22 This annual festival offers unique art and craft items, live entertainment, and winter treats including hot cocoa -- oh, and hot wine. Kids can paint their own Christmas ornaments or have their faces painted for free at the market's Children's Corner. The festival also participates in a toy drive program to help Alexandria families in need celebrate the holidays. Rosslyn Holiday Market Festival + Bonfire Gateway Park, 1300 Lee Highway, Arlington Dec. 9-10 Rosslyn's fourth annual Holiday Market Festival will showcase 25 local and renowned vendors for all of your holiday shopping needs. When you've found something for everyone on your list, you can head to a holiday concert, a gingerbread workshop or even visit Santa. Made in DC Pop-Up Market 4340 Connecticut Ave. NW Dec. 10-11 More than 20 local vendors will participate in this festive indoor marketplace. Whether you're looking for art, jewelry, decor or homemade snacks, the Made in DC Pop-Up Market offers something for you. Saturday, bring your four-legged friends to have a pet photo taken with Santa; all proceeds will benefit City Dogs Rescue and City Kittens. GRUMP in the Shops at Crystal City 1750 Crystal Drive, Arlington Dec. 17 Known as an "alternative arts and crafts show," GRUMP will be taking place again this year at the Shops at Crystal City. Not only can you shop for handmade crafts, but you can also take photos with the GRUMPY yeti herself. Police in Washington, D.C., are searching for an 83-year-old man who disappeared two days ago. John Shedrick was last seen in the 3000 block of Bladensburg Road NE at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. Shedrick is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 155 pounds. He is bald and has no facial hair. Police say he may have been wearing a brown suede jacket when he disappeared. Shedrick may also be driving a black 2012 Chrysler 300 with D.C. tags EB6038. Police say he may be in need of medication. Anyone with information that can help police is asked to call the Youth and Family Services Division at 202-576-6768. A woman who survived the first known bear attack in Maryland's history spoke to News4 about the vicious mauling that left her with a broken arm, a partially collapsed lung, cuts to her head and other wounds. Karen Osborne, 63, is back home for Thanksgiving after spending nearly a week in the hospital. Osborne was walking to her daughter's home next door in Frederick about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16, when a bear attacked her in the driveway. "Halfway down the driveway this bear just came from the right side on two legs roaring at me," Osborne told News4. She said she's seen the same bear around the neighborhood for years. But that night, the bear was with her three cubs and saw Osborne as a threat. "It grabbed me right here, threw me to the ground, and then she came around and bit my arm in half, and then she came back around again and attacked me from above on top of my head," Osborne said. The mother bear mauled her four times over a span of 35 minutes, leaving her nearly lifeless on the driveway. Osborne said she was convinced she was going to die. "She went to catch her breath and she was laying behind me. I could feel the hot air of her breath on my neck," Osborne said. In that moment, Osborne realized she had her cell phone and made a desperate plea to 911. "I was basically asking [the dispatcher] to say goodbye to my family because I didn't think I would be here today," she said. Once police and medics arrived, Osborne was rushed to the hospital. She had more than 70 stitches, and X-rays revealed she had a fracture on her pelvic bone. Biologists with the Department of Natural Resources used a tracking device to find the bear and later euthanized it. Osborne's wounds aren't done healing, but she and her family said this Thanksgiving means more than it ever has before. "Life is very short. Enjoy your family while you have them," Osborne said. Osborne's family has established a GoFundMe page to raise money for her medical expenses. Police are asking for the public's help to find a woman who has gone missing in Arlington, Virginia. Amanda Pulver was last seen on Wednesday, Nov. 23 in the 3800 block of North 13th Street wearing a black and white plaid shirt and flannel pants, police said. Pulver is unable to care for herself and may be in need of medical assistance, according to police. No further information was immediately available. Anyone with information about Pulver's whereabouts should call police at (703) 558-2222. Stay with News4 and NBCWashington.com for more information. Northern California authorities have arrested a Maryland man who they say threatened to blow up a commercial airplane as it readied for takeoff at Oakland International Airport. The San Francisco Chronicle reports Wednesday that the 32-year-old man was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of making criminal threats. The man told passengers on the Baltimore-bound Southwest Airlines plane that he was going to blow up the aircraft while it was in the sky. The captain was immediately alerted and returned the aircraft to the gate, officials said. Alameda County sheriff's deputies dispatched to the airport described the suspect as "unruly" and arrested him at the gate. Alameda Sgt. Ray Kelly said no explosives were located. The plane departed Oakland and landed safely in Baltimore later Wednesday, officials said. Issues of debt, intensified competition and worker deployment remain Freight trains carrying thermal coal are seen in Huaibei, East China's Anhui Province on Wednesday. Photo: CFP Although China has achieved its annual targets of cutting overcapacity in the steel and coal sectors, experts warned Thursday that there are still a number of challenges ahead, including excessive debts, intensified competition among effective producers and the deployment of laid-off workers and assets. During the three-day China-US Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) in Washington DC from Monday to Wednesday, US officials urged the Chinese authorities to "commit to hosting a global steel forum to deal with excess capacity before President Barack Obama leaves office," according to a statement on the World Trade Online website on Thursday. The agenda during the JCCT meeting has once again put China's battle with overcapacity in the steel and coal sectors into the spotlight, which this year has yielded significant results. Earlier in November, the National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic planner, announced that China came in ahead in its target of cutting 45 million tons of steel capacity, reaching the goal before the end of October. The country will also complete its 2016 goal of reducing 250 million tons of coal capacity before the year-end, according to the China National Coal Association on Wednesday. As stockpiles decline, prices for steel and coal have rebounded. The price rally, combined with a recent infrastructure boom, has led to a profit turnaround among China's steel and coal companies. In the first nine months of 2016, profits of major steel companies reached 25.21 billion yuan ($3.65 billion), according to the China Iron and Steel Association. Thanks to the combination of government policies and market forces, including on-the-spot visits and local governments' accountability systems, "China has closed a number of zombie companies and inefficient miners this year," Wang Guoqing, research director with the Beijing-based Lange Steel Information Research Center, told the Global Times on Thursday. But Wang noted that pushing forward a similar agenda next year will be a much more difficult task. Pressure remains "At the initial stage, it's relatively easy to eliminate producers whose operating standards have not complied with government regulations, or those with inefficient and nominal capacity," Wang said, noting that this is one of the reasons behind the success of the government's goals in 2016. However, as such companies are squeezed out, the remaining players in the domestic market are "larger ones that are able to produce high-standard products and make profits," Wang said. "In the next year, there will be fierce competition among these companies, especially those that produce similar products." How to deploy laid-off employees and assets from factory closures also creates a persisting headache for the government, experts said. In the next two to three years, the government plans to spend nearly 150 billion yuan to cover layoffs in the coal and steel sectors. Providing such subsidies may be helpful, "but it's not enough," Feng Liguo, an expert at Beijing-based China Enterprise Confederation, told the Global Times on Thursday. "Most of the employees in State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are in their 50s without transferable industry ability. They are also not the kind of quick learners who can find re-employment in a short time." Feng suggested that the government should come up with a systematic training scheme to equip the laid-off workers with basic skills to serve as security guards, couriers, drivers or attendants. Additionally, most steel and coal producers currently simply put aside manufacturing equipment and shut down factories to reduce capacity, which is not a long-term or sustainable solution, experts said. In the coming years, "they need to follow up with a way to arrange those assets. For obsolete equipment, refining them to get iron may be a choice. But what will be done with effective and advanced devices?" Wang asked. The corporate debt in the steel and coal sectors, which sits at 70 percent of total assets on average, could also derail the government's efforts to slash overcapacity, especially at a time when price jumps and speculative practices, such as scaling back production might spring up, Feng warned. In October, the Chinese government unveiled a batch of measures for SOE reform, including a debt-for-equity swap plan to leverage SOEs' mounting debt. "The goal of reducing capacity somewhat conflicts with the debt-for-equity swap," Wang said. "Cutting capacity is designed for obsolete producers to exit the market, while the reform scheme aims to secure their stakes." Feasting with friends and family on Thanksgiving is a tradition for many, and for some, so is Black Friday shopping. Massachusetts shoppers lined up Thursday night outside of some stores to try and get the best deals. In Bostons South Shore, Robin Needleman and her daughter Rebecca jumped in line at PINK, around 4:30 Friday morning. Needleman said, My daughter bamboozled me into doing this." They came at a good time, as midnight shoppers were winding down, taking breaks, grabbing a seat and caffeine. The South Shore Plaza General Manager says when the stores opened at 12:01a.m. it was a different story. General Manager Rick Tonzi said it was, "Extremely robust, a sea of humanity." At the Wrentham Outlets, some people told us they didnt sleep all night. Another pair we spoke to said they came from Canada and planned a trip to get the best savings. At Burlington Mall, some shoppers said their desire to get the best deals outweighed their concerns about crowds. "At first I didn't want to go because I don't like busy things like crowds, but when I finally got all of this stuff and noticed all the big deals, it was really fun," Amelia Coulton said. Black Friday deals are expected to last all day. A man accused of dragging two Boston Police officers and striking two others with his vehicle earlier this week was ordered to be held on a high bail Friday in addition to being held without bail pending a hearing whether he violated probation terms in a unrelated case. Thirty-four-year-old Vincent Weaks of Roxbury was ordered by a judge to be held on $75,000 bail and to wear a GPS monitor and abide by a curfew during his arraignment on four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Police say officers responded to a vehicle on Stoughton Street in the Upham's Corner section of Boston's Dorchester neighborhood around 12:30 a.m. after receiving a report of a person with a gun. Police said Weaks hit the gas when he was asked to get out of the car and dragged two officers down the street. The car also struck two officers, causing them to fall to the ground. Weaks allegedly sped away, but officers arrested him later at a house he shares with his girlfriend. Weaks' attorney said in court that his client denies the allegations and says it is a case of mistaken identity. Weaks' mother and sister said the same outside of court. Weaks does have a prior record, including drug and assault and battery charge. He's due back in court on Dec. 19. The injured officers have been treated and released from the hospital. A New Hampshire hospital is the latest to send newborns home with a baby box aimed at encouraging safe sleeping habits. The boxes, which include firm mattresses designed for babies up to eight months of age and an assortment of infant care items, are modeled on a successful baby box initiative in Finland that began in the 1930s and lowered that country's infant mortality rate. The birthing center at Memorial Hospital in North Conway is providing the boxes to families who express or show a need for help in providing a safe sleep environment for their babies. Parents will receive the boxes after getting training from hospital staff. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics about 35,000 babies in the United States die every year related to unsafe sleep environments. This season is a special one for 125 children across Massachusetts who are enjoying their first Thanksgiving with their forever families. All of them were adopted on National Adoption day last week, including two siblings who are especially thankful. Jessie and James Marshall-Hewlitt have been living with their parents Tammy and Debbie for over two years, but last week they were finally able to make it official. The 12-year-old and 10-year-old are siblings and were adopted at a courthouse in Worcester last week. They traveled to their grandparents in Connecticut for their first Thanksgiving as an official family. I got adopted and I was just full of joy, Jessie Marshall-Hewlitt said. They are just like so nice and they care about me. We finally found our missing pieces and I think thats the sentiment we all feel today, Debbie Marshall-Hewlitt said. While they have plenty to be thankful for, they also want everyone to remember that there are still 800 children waiting to be adopted in Massachusetts. They hope that number goes down significantly by next Thanksgiving. Beijing supports the United Nations Security Council in "making a further response" to the latest and largest nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in September, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday. "China is resolutely opposed to the DPRK's nuclear tests," Geng Shuang told a regular news briefing in Beijing. Geng reiterated China's stance on realizing denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, safeguarding its peace and stability and resolving issues through dialogue and negotiation. Geng made the comments in response to foreign news agencies' reports on Wednesday that the United States and China had agreed on new UN sanctions against Pyongyang. "It is our understanding that the Security Council members are now in consultation on a relevant draft resolution," Geng said. On Wednesday, an unnamed senior Security Council diplomat was quoted by Reuters as saying that the proposed resolution was recently given to the remaining three permanent council members with veto powers Britain, France and Russia. Wang Junsheng, a researcher of Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said he believed the latest resolution will be tougher than previous resolutions that the body has approved in an effort to curb the DPRK's nuclear and missile programs. It will probably include new items for sanctions, Wang added. The 15-nation council has adopted five resolutions after nuclear tests conducted by the DPRK. In the most recent resolution on March 2, the Security Council pledged to take "further significant measures" if the DPRK conducted another nuclear test. Wang added that if the new resolution is approved, "the move will show that the international community is taking a united stance against the DPRK developing nuclear weapons and will help deter such efforts". The proposed resolution would close loopholes from the council's March measures, both Reuters and Agence France-Presse reported. Both reports speculated that coal exports from the DPRK would be targeted. Film stars expected to be among the crowds at Newbury Racecourse on Saturday CROWDS of up to 19,000 are expected at Newbury Racecourse on Saturday for the historic 60th running of the Hennessy Gold Cup. Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne best known for his roles in The Theory of Everything and The Danish Girl and model and actor Elizabeth Hurley are rumoured to be among the celebrities attending this year. First run at Cheltenham in 1957, the Hennessy Gold Cup transferred to Newbury three years later. Now, with prize money of 200,000 on offer, it has established itself as one of the most prestigious races in jump racing. The three-and-a-quarter mile handicap chase boasts a rich history, with greats such as Arkle, Mill House, Denman and Many Clouds all winning the race during their illustrious careers. Hennessy has been associated with the race since its inception, making the Hennessy Gold Cup the longest-running commercial sponsorship in British racing. This year, up to 24 horses will go head-to-head over an extended three-and-a-quarter miles in what will be the highlight of the new-look bet365 Festival. And so far the early weather forecasts are giving cause for optimism. Lambourn trainer Nicky Henderson has enjoyed plenty of success in the Hennessy, winning the race three times with Trabolgan (2005), Bobs Worth (2012) and Triolo DAlene (2013). He is hoping to send out two runners for this years Hennessy Triolo DAlene and Vyta Du Roc. Henderson said: I am hoping for lovely ground for Triolo DAlene, who does not want it soft. I love Triolo and it would be great to see him come back and win the Hennessy again. He is in good form and he has had a good preparation. I would have liked to have got a race into him beforehand, but that is why we have come here today. Vyta Du Roc looks well and I think he has a very realistic chance. He has the profile of an up-and-coming chaser and that is the sort you need for the Hennessy. If travelling by car, it is best to arrive early as traffic is expected to be heavy but all accesses into the racecourse will be open throughout the day. Multi-agency exercise is "largest in recent years" THE emergency response to a radioactive leak from the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) has been rehearsed in a training exercise involving 400 staff from across 40 different agencies. In one of the largest exercises of its kind in recent years, agencies had to respond to a fictional incident in which radioactive material was released from the site, affecting areas in West Berkshire and Hampshire. The aim was to test West Berkshire Councils AWE Off-Site Emergency Response Plan and demonstrate to the nuclear regulator that agencies would be prepared in the event of an incident at the sites in Aldermaston and Burghfield. Speaking about the exercise, West Berkshire Councils executive member for community resilience and partnerships, Marcus Franks, said authorities were not complacent, despite the likelihood of such an incident being very low. He said: This was particularly useful for testing how we all work together and across borders to respond to an incident and keep the public safe. The exercise ran smoothly, but there are always lessons to be learnt from exercises such as this and we have now begun a review to understand how we can make our emergency plan even better. Staff from agencies such as Thames Valley Police, the Ministry of Defence, the Met Office, Food Standards Agency, British Telecom and Highways England all took part in the exercise. Elements of the plan tested during the exercise included command and control arrangements at local and national control rooms, the warning and informing of local communities and the recovery strategy. AWEs site director, Haydn Clulow, said: West Berkshire Councils Off-Site Emergency Response Plan for the AWE sites is tested every three years and we have rigorous emergency response procedures in place. Our extensive and specialist response capability in the highly unlikely event of a radiation emergency affecting the public, includes our own fire and rescue and medical service, monitoring teams, radiation protection advisers and analytical and scientific experts. For more information about AWE in West Berkshire, the councils off-site plan, and information for residents in an emergency click here. Car and lorry involved in A339 collision near Vodafone HQ FIREFIGHTERS cut someone free from a vehicle following a Newbury collision on the A339 just north of the Vodafone HQ yesterday evening (Thurs). Two pumps from Newbury Fire Station were called at 4.57pm to an A339 northbound collision, at Donnington, involving a lorry and a car. Firefighters cut one person free from a vehicle before leaving the scene at 5.44pm. South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) were called at 4.51pm and sent a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance to the scene. There were no injuries, however one driver was trapped by his seatbelt, before being cut free by firefighters. The incident caused traffic congestion in the area, with one lane remaining closed afterwards during vehicle recovery. Unions say proposals will see employees thousands out of pocket AWE workers in Aldermaston and Burghfield will be staging a second 24-hour strike in a row over pensions. The dispute centres around the threat to close the defined benefit pension scheme and substitute it with what unions are describing as an inferior alternative. The strike, which will start at 00.01am on December 6, follows the breakdown in talks this week after Unite - the UK's largest unuion - had its counter proposals rejected by AWE management. The first one-day strike took place on Monday November 14. AWE workers will also be holding a lobby of the Houses of Parliament on December 6 and making appointments to see their local MP to raise their case. The dispute has been given an extra edge by accusations that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) broke pension promises made a quarter of a century ago when the workforce was transferred to the private sector. Unite regional officer Bob Middleton said: We know that the continuous overtime ban, work-to-rule and withdrawal of goodwill from 15 November have severely hit the work at AWE and it faces fines from the MoD because of this impact. "Under the AWEs new plans, our members are set to lose thousands of pounds when they retire which is just plain wrong. Our members solidarity is strong and further industrial action is on the cards in the run-up to Christmas and the New Year, unless the management starts to negotiate in a constructive fashion. Unite members have voted by 92 per cent for strike action and by 97 per cent for industrial action short of a strike. Currently, AWE scheme members pay 10 per cent of their salary into the scheme and the employer pays 26 per cent. Under the AWEs new proposals, employees will be able to pay from three per cent to nine per cent; with AWE paying from seven per cent (if an employee pays three per cent) to 13 per cent (if an employee pays nine per cent or more). AWE plc, which employs about 4,000 people, is a consortium of two American-owned companies Lockheed Martin and Jacobs Engineering, and UK-listed Serco. The union said that company bosses saw defined benefit pensions as a soft target to save money for the benefit of shareholders. Pramod Thomas By Express News Service KOCHI: The Indian Coffee Board estimates 5.3 million bags of coffee production in the country for 2016-17. According to the board, the drop in production compared to last year will only be 8.6 per cent. But not only the shortfall in rain but the impact of demonetisation is set to impact production. Growers and players in the industry expect a drop of 15 per cent, with major growing areas seeing a fall of up to 60 per cent as demonetisation has also affected planters. Climate change has thrown a spanner into coffee production in Kodagu. The deficit in rain this year is nearly 50 per cent compared to last year... without sufficient rainfall, there will be drastic drop in production. The crop this year will be at least 60 per cent lower than last year, said Sherry Subbaiah, Advisor, Skanda Coffee Company, Kodagu. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) expects indian coffee production to drop by 12.06 per cent. Apart from adverse weather conditions, 2016-17 is an off-year for coffee crop as the previous year (2015-16) happened to be a bumper year with an all-time record highest crop, says Coffee Board. Major coffee producers are Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu with small quantities are contributed by Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and the North East. The production of Arabica variety coffee is pegged at 1.4 million bags and Robusta at 3.7 million bags for this year, said the USFDA. Lower coffee production is expected because coffee yields in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are likely to be lower due to dry spell. Due to the hue and cry over demonetisation, no one now talks about sharp decline in North- East monsoon rainfall. Owing to this there will be 10-15 per cent drop in production, pointed out Ramesh Rajah, President of the Coffee Exporters Association. Besides, demonetisation is also set to affect production since growers were not able to provide wages to workers for two weeks now. This will also affect the ultimate coffee output in India, he added. KOCHI: The Indian Coffee Board estimates 5.3 million bags of coffee production in the country for 2016-17. According to the board, the drop in production compared to last year will only be 8.6 per cent. But not only the shortfall in rain but the impact of demonetisation is set to impact production. Growers and players in the industry expect a drop of 15 per cent, with major growing areas seeing a fall of up to 60 per cent as demonetisation has also affected planters. Climate change has thrown a spanner into coffee production in Kodagu. The deficit in rain this year is nearly 50 per cent compared to last year... without sufficient rainfall, there will be drastic drop in production. The crop this year will be at least 60 per cent lower than last year, said Sherry Subbaiah, Advisor, Skanda Coffee Company, Kodagu. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) expects indian coffee production to drop by 12.06 per cent. Apart from adverse weather conditions, 2016-17 is an off-year for coffee crop as the previous year (2015-16) happened to be a bumper year with an all-time record highest crop, says Coffee Board. Major coffee producers are Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu with small quantities are contributed by Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and the North East. The production of Arabica variety coffee is pegged at 1.4 million bags and Robusta at 3.7 million bags for this year, said the USFDA. Lower coffee production is expected because coffee yields in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are likely to be lower due to dry spell. Due to the hue and cry over demonetisation, no one now talks about sharp decline in North- East monsoon rainfall. Owing to this there will be 10-15 per cent drop in production, pointed out Ramesh Rajah, President of the Coffee Exporters Association. Besides, demonetisation is also set to affect production since growers were not able to provide wages to workers for two weeks now. This will also affect the ultimate coffee output in India, he added. By Reuters NEW DELHI: The government may impose curbs on domestic holdings of gold as Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensifies a fight against "black money", news agency NewsRise reported, citing an unnamed finance ministry official. NewsRise did not provide further details. A finance ministry spokesman declined to comment on the report. Gold premiums in India jumped to two-year highs last week as jewellers ramped up purchases on fears the government might restrict imports after withdrawing higher-denomination notes from circulation in its fight against black money. India is the world's second biggest gold buyer, and it is estimated that one-third of its annual demand of up to 1,000 tonnes is paid for in black money - untaxed funds held in secret by citizens in cash that don't appear in any official accounts. The move to withdraw higher denomination notes has already started to disrupt cash-based gold smuggling, officials have said. Scrap gold supplies were also set to halve this quarter as the cash crunch and falling prices make it difficult for consumers to liquidate their holdings. NEW DELHI: The government may impose curbs on domestic holdings of gold as Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensifies a fight against "black money", news agency NewsRise reported, citing an unnamed finance ministry official. NewsRise did not provide further details. A finance ministry spokesman declined to comment on the report. Gold premiums in India jumped to two-year highs last week as jewellers ramped up purchases on fears the government might restrict imports after withdrawing higher-denomination notes from circulation in its fight against black money. India is the world's second biggest gold buyer, and it is estimated that one-third of its annual demand of up to 1,000 tonnes is paid for in black money - untaxed funds held in secret by citizens in cash that don't appear in any official accounts. The move to withdraw higher denomination notes has already started to disrupt cash-based gold smuggling, officials have said. Scrap gold supplies were also set to halve this quarter as the cash crunch and falling prices make it difficult for consumers to liquidate their holdings. By Express News Service BENGALURU: The Bengaluru police have arrested two Nigerian students for allegedly selling cocaine in the city. The students have been identified as Chinedu Obhali [32] and Sopuruchi Mensah Godwin [30], both living in the Chikkagubbi locality of Bengaluru. They are students of a private college in Chikkagubbi. Police said the duo were found to be selling cocaine in 10 gm packets to college students and foriegners in Bengaluru. They buy the drug from another Nigerian in Mumbai. According to the police, the two men came to India on student visas which would expire on September 17, 2017. A case has been registered against the two students under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, Forensic Act and Passport Act. BENGALURU: The Bengaluru police have arrested two Nigerian students for allegedly selling cocaine in the city. The students have been identified as Chinedu Obhali [32] and Sopuruchi Mensah Godwin [30], both living in the Chikkagubbi locality of Bengaluru. They are students of a private college in Chikkagubbi. Police said the duo were found to be selling cocaine in 10 gm packets to college students and foriegners in Bengaluru. They buy the drug from another Nigerian in Mumbai. According to the police, the two men came to India on student visas which would expire on September 17, 2017. A case has been registered against the two students under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, Forensic Act and Passport Act. By Express News Service CHENNAI: A 45-year-old autorickshaw driver has been arrested on the charge of stealing Rs 20,000 cash and chocolates worth Rs 3,000 from a bakery in MGR Nagar. According to police, the accused, V Annamalai, of Balaji Nagar in Porur, had broken open the shutters of the bakery with an iron rod and had stolen the cash and chocolates late in the night. On Monday, the shocked bakery owner, Sabestin, filed a complaint with the police. During investigation, CCTV footage from a neighbouring shop showed Annamalai engaging in the criminal act. With the vehicle number, the police nabbed Annamalai. He has two housebreaking cases registered against him in the city, police added. Annamalai, has been remanded in judicial custody. CHENNAI: A 45-year-old autorickshaw driver has been arrested on the charge of stealing Rs 20,000 cash and chocolates worth Rs 3,000 from a bakery in MGR Nagar. According to police, the accused, V Annamalai, of Balaji Nagar in Porur, had broken open the shutters of the bakery with an iron rod and had stolen the cash and chocolates late in the night. On Monday, the shocked bakery owner, Sabestin, filed a complaint with the police. During investigation, CCTV footage from a neighbouring shop showed Annamalai engaging in the criminal act. With the vehicle number, the police nabbed Annamalai. He has two housebreaking cases registered against him in the city, police added. Annamalai, has been remanded in judicial custody. BRICS New Development Bank aims to offer 2.5 bln USD of loans in 2017 (Xinhua) 09:47, November 25, 2016 The BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) hopes to issue loans of up to 2.5 billion U.S. dollars to about 15 projects next year, a senior executive said Thursday. Zhu Xian, NDB vice president, said the bank had approved loans of 1.5 billion U.S. dollars for seven projects in 2016. Earlier this week, the NDB board of directors announced it had issued loans to two new projects in China and India. An offshore wind power project, located in east China's Pinghai Bay, Putian City, Fujian Province, will receive a 2-billion-yuan (280 million U.S. dollars) sovereign loan from the bank. The NDB also provided India with a sovereign project loan of 350 million dollars to the Madhya Pradesh Major District Roads Project. "We want to fund projects that are creative and bring benefits to the local people and environment, like the two we just approved," Zhu said. NDB President K.V. Kamath said the bank was committed to infrastructure construction projects and sustainable development in its member states. The bank, which formally opened in July last year in Shanghai, approved its first package of loans worth 811 million U.S. dollars in April. By Express News Service The World Trade Association Centre (WTC) made a big entry into Kerala on Friday, opening two towers comprising a total of 7.5 lakh sq ft at Infopark, Kakkanad. WTC, which has a big presence in 98 countries, is present only in one more Indian city viz Bengaluru. Ghazi Abu Nahl, chairman of WTC, was in Kochi for the inauguration of the World Trade Centre towers at the Infopark on Friday. Born in Barbara, Palestine in 1946, Nahl started began his career in insurance with an Insurance Agency (Arab Commercial Enterprises) in Qatar in 1960. Today, this Jordanian businessman is a major shareholder and chairman of a group whose net assets exceed $300 million with subsidiaries and affiliates in the MENA region, UK, Spain, Qatar, Oman, Cyprus and Malaysia. Over 70 percent of the space has been alloted to the MNC companies. World trade centre office, KPMG, Xerox, Visual I Q, Theory Y, Fore run Global, MWT and Geojith Technologies are the major ones. Ghazi Abu Nahl, chairman of WTC What are your thoughts on opening your centre in Kerala? Nahl: Its a good beginning for us in Kerala. We will try to encourage other countries to invest in Kerala. The opening of the World Trade Centre here opens a new avenue for this metro city and this will promote the region as global destination. How will this positioning help Kochi? Nahl: WTC, an association of more than 320 members spread in over 98 countries, will boost the Kerala market by serving the state as a global connector. WTCs opening in Kochi will help it to achieve a global positioning in international market. This will gradually help the investors to invest in Kochi and in other parts of the state. Will the presence of other industry chambers in the state act as conflicting agents? Nahl: WTC is here to provide robust growth with the help of strong trade network. The centre will promote the region as a global destination by complementing the efforts of the local chambers and associations. We are here to support all. CM spoke about promoting traditional products. How can WTC help in this regard? Nahl: We will not restrict ourself to the business centres only. We will reach out to local areas too. WTC is poised to change the socio-economic scenario of the city and place it prominently on the world map. Like what the Chief Minister said the association will also try to get the states products a global market. What are your upcoming projects in India? Nahl: We have issued license to start trade centre in Thiruvananthapuram, and other similar projects in metro cities of Chennai and Hyderabad. The World Trade Association Centre (WTC) made a big entry into Kerala on Friday, opening two towers comprising a total of 7.5 lakh sq ft at Infopark, Kakkanad. WTC, which has a big presence in 98 countries, is present only in one more Indian city viz Bengaluru. Ghazi Abu Nahl, chairman of WTC, was in Kochi for the inauguration of the World Trade Centre towers at the Infopark on Friday. Born in Barbara, Palestine in 1946, Nahl started began his career in insurance with an Insurance Agency (Arab Commercial Enterprises) in Qatar in 1960. Today, this Jordanian businessman is a major shareholder and chairman of a group whose net assets exceed $300 million with subsidiaries and affiliates in the MENA region, UK, Spain, Qatar, Oman, Cyprus and Malaysia. Over 70 percent of the space has been alloted to the MNC companies. World trade centre office, KPMG, Xerox, Visual I Q, Theory Y, Fore run Global, MWT and Geojith Technologies are the major ones. Ghazi Abu Nahl, chairman of WTC What are your thoughts on opening your centre in Kerala? Nahl: Its a good beginning for us in Kerala. We will try to encourage other countries to invest in Kerala. The opening of the World Trade Centre here opens a new avenue for this metro city and this will promote the region as global destination. How will this positioning help Kochi? Nahl: WTC, an association of more than 320 members spread in over 98 countries, will boost the Kerala market by serving the state as a global connector. WTCs opening in Kochi will help it to achieve a global positioning in international market. This will gradually help the investors to invest in Kochi and in other parts of the state. Will the presence of other industry chambers in the state act as conflicting agents? Nahl: WTC is here to provide robust growth with the help of strong trade network. The centre will promote the region as a global destination by complementing the efforts of the local chambers and associations. We are here to support all. CM spoke about promoting traditional products. How can WTC help in this regard? Nahl: We will not restrict ourself to the business centres only. We will reach out to local areas too. WTC is poised to change the socio-economic scenario of the city and place it prominently on the world map. Like what the Chief Minister said the association will also try to get the states products a global market. What are your upcoming projects in India? Nahl: We have issued license to start trade centre in Thiruvananthapuram, and other similar projects in metro cities of Chennai and Hyderabad. By Express News Service KOCHI: In a twist reminiscent of a film's climax and putting an end to a decade-old gossip, Malayalam film actors Dileep and Kavya Madhavan got married in a simple, yet star-studded ceremony here on Friday. The two stars, dressed in traditional Kerala style, exchanged garlands at 9.45 a.m. at a venue where the ceremony was broadcast live. The marriage, much speculated upon in the media in the past couple of years, was to be limited to a closed circle. However, nearly 300 persons including close relatives of the couple and personalities from the film-world attended the function on the seventh floor of Hotel PGS Vedanta at Kaloor. In an effort to ensure privacy, signboards planted on the sixth floor only pointed to a 'film pooja.' Guests from the film fraternity who attended the function included actors Mammootty, Salim Kumar, Jayaram, Janardhanan, KPAC Lalitha, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Meera Jasmine, Jomol and Chippy, directors Kamal, Joshiy and Siddique, and producers Suresh Kumar and Renjith. This is the second marriage for both Dileep and Kavya. Her first marriage in 2009 to a former actor and now a Kuwait-based NRI ended in divorce within a year. Dileep married Manju Warrier, his co-star in three films, in 1998 in a similar surprise manner. But they separated legally in January 2015. Dileep spoke to the media about his marriage. "You all are aware of the problems in my life. However, Kavya was not the reason for any of them. Hence I wanted to marry the girl who had been made a scapegoat by linking her to me. I spoke to my daughter, mother and brother and they all extended their support. The three of us, Kavya, Meenakshi and me, want to have a happy and peaceful life with my mother," he said. Dileep's daughter from his first marriage, Meenakshi, a standard ten student, was among those who attended the wedding. I support the marriage. It was I who I forced them to marry, she said to the media. Dileep and Kavya Madhavan started their careers with the film Pookkalam Varavayi, directed by Kamal. Kavya was a child artiste in that film. The couple have acted in 21 films together, being the lead pair in 16 of them. Kavya's first film as lead star opposite Dileep was Chandranudikkunna Dikkil by Lal Jose in 1999. Her last release Pinneyum directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan was also opposite Dileep. The other films of the pair are Meesa Madhavan, Thenkasipattanam, Thilakkam, Lion, Pappy Appacha and Christian Brothers. The couple's first outing together after their marriage will be part 2 of their superhit film Runway directed by Joshiy. KOCHI: In a twist reminiscent of a film's climax and putting an end to a decade-old gossip, Malayalam film actors Dileep and Kavya Madhavan got married in a simple, yet star-studded ceremony here on Friday. The two stars, dressed in traditional Kerala style, exchanged garlands at 9.45 a.m. at a venue where the ceremony was broadcast live. The marriage, much speculated upon in the media in the past couple of years, was to be limited to a closed circle. However, nearly 300 persons including close relatives of the couple and personalities from the film-world attended the function on the seventh floor of Hotel PGS Vedanta at Kaloor. In an effort to ensure privacy, signboards planted on the sixth floor only pointed to a 'film pooja.' Guests from the film fraternity who attended the function included actors Mammootty, Salim Kumar, Jayaram, Janardhanan, KPAC Lalitha, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Meera Jasmine, Jomol and Chippy, directors Kamal, Joshiy and Siddique, and producers Suresh Kumar and Renjith. This is the second marriage for both Dileep and Kavya. Her first marriage in 2009 to a former actor and now a Kuwait-based NRI ended in divorce within a year. Dileep married Manju Warrier, his co-star in three films, in 1998 in a similar surprise manner. But they separated legally in January 2015. Dileep spoke to the media about his marriage. "You all are aware of the problems in my life. However, Kavya was not the reason for any of them. Hence I wanted to marry the girl who had been made a scapegoat by linking her to me. I spoke to my daughter, mother and brother and they all extended their support. The three of us, Kavya, Meenakshi and me, want to have a happy and peaceful life with my mother," he said. Dileep's daughter from his first marriage, Meenakshi, a standard ten student, was among those who attended the wedding. I support the marriage. It was I who I forced them to marry, she said to the media. Dileep and Kavya Madhavan started their careers with the film Pookkalam Varavayi, directed by Kamal. Kavya was a child artiste in that film. The couple have acted in 21 films together, being the lead pair in 16 of them. Kavya's first film as lead star opposite Dileep was Chandranudikkunna Dikkil by Lal Jose in 1999. Her last release Pinneyum directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan was also opposite Dileep. The other films of the pair are Meesa Madhavan, Thenkasipattanam, Thilakkam, Lion, Pappy Appacha and Christian Brothers. The couple's first outing together after their marriage will be part 2 of their superhit film Runway directed by Joshiy. By Express News Service MADURAI: Melur Judicial Magistrate Court on Friday has directed Kollywood actor Dhanush to appear before the court in a petition filed by a couple who claimed that they were his parents but he allegedly refused to provide them any maintenance. Kathiresan (60) and his wife Meenakshi (55), the residents of Malampatti in Melur taluk said Dhanush was one of their three children and that he was born at Government Rajaji Hospital in the city. His real name was Kalaiselvan and he did his schooling up to standard X at R C Higher Secondary School and Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Melur. After that he was admitted for standard XI in a private school in Tiruppathur in Sivaganga district. A young Dhanush as claimed by the couple | By special arrangement But he discontinued his education and went to work in the film industry, in which he joined hands with Kasthuri Raja. Despite various attempts, the couple could not meet the national-award winning actor, said the petitioners. They further said Kathiresan, who was working as TNSTC conductor, attained superannuation recently. Though there are two other children, they are unable to manage their medical and other expenses. So they asked the court to direct Dhanush to provide them maintenance of Rs 65,000 per month. Hearing the petition on Friday, Judge Selvakumar has summoned the actor on January 12. One of the pictures that the couple claims is that of actor Dhanush (In blue shirt) | By special arrangement MADURAI: Melur Judicial Magistrate Court on Friday has directed Kollywood actor Dhanush to appear before the court in a petition filed by a couple who claimed that they were his parents but he allegedly refused to provide them any maintenance. Kathiresan (60) and his wife Meenakshi (55), the residents of Malampatti in Melur taluk said Dhanush was one of their three children and that he was born at Government Rajaji Hospital in the city. His real name was Kalaiselvan and he did his schooling up to standard X at R C Higher Secondary School and Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Melur. After that he was admitted for standard XI in a private school in Tiruppathur in Sivaganga district. A young Dhanush as claimed by the couple | By special arrangement But he discontinued his education and went to work in the film industry, in which he joined hands with Kasthuri Raja. Despite various attempts, the couple could not meet the national-award winning actor, said the petitioners. They further said Kathiresan, who was working as TNSTC conductor, attained superannuation recently. Though there are two other children, they are unable to manage their medical and other expenses. So they asked the court to direct Dhanush to provide them maintenance of Rs 65,000 per month. Hearing the petition on Friday, Judge Selvakumar has summoned the actor on January 12. One of the pictures that the couple claims is that of actor Dhanush (In blue shirt) | By special arrangement Fayaz Wani By Express News Service SRINAGAR: Two policemen, a soldier and two militants were killed in two separatist gunfights in Kashmir on Friday while police busted a Lashkar-e-Toiba module involved in recent bank robbery. An army official said acting on specific information about presence of militants, army, police and paramilitary personnel launched a combing and search operation in Tangpora area of Naidkahi in North Kashmirs Bandipora district early this morning. He said during the search operation, the soldiers came under heavy fire from the militants. The fire was returned by the troops and in the ensuing gunfight, which continued for half an hour, two militants and an army man was killed, the official said. He said identity of the slain militants, who seem to be foreigners, was being ascertained. We recovered two AK rifles and a UBGL grenade and other war-like stores from them. Meanwhile, militants attacked policemen in main town in South Kashmirs Kulgam district this evening. The militants fired from point blank range towards three policemen in the town. They suffered multiple bullet injuries and were shifted to hospital, where two of them succumbed to injuries while condition of another jawan is critical, a police official said. He said militants escaped from the area after the shoot-out. The deceased cops were identified as Head Constable Tanveer Ahmad Kulgam and Constable Jalaluddin Khandey. Police sources said vehicle used by militants has been recovered by the cops. Meanwhile, security forces arrested a militant during a search operation in Tujjar Sharief area of Sopore in north Kashmirs Baramulla district. A police official said a search operation was launched in Tujjar Sharief village after inputs about presence of militants there. During the search operation, a militant identified as Abdul Majeed Mir was arrested, he said adding arms and ammunition were recovered from his possession. Sources said Majeed had joined Lashkar-e-Toiba a month ago. Meanwhile, police busted an Over Ground Workers (OGW) module of Lashkar-e-Toiba by arresting five persons, who were involved in recent bank robbery in Central Kashmirs Budgam district. On November 21, four armed persons had barged into Jammu & Kashmir Bank branch Malpora, Chrar-i-Sharief in Budgam and looted about Rs 14 lakh. Based on specific leads, police picked up a suspect Mohammad Iqbal Wani. His questioning led to arrest of two more persons Farooq Ahmad Bhat and Tanvir Alam Wani, a police spokesman said. He said during questioning of the trio, it was found that they ran an OGW module of Lashkar-e-Toiba. They revealed that conspiracy of robbing the bank was hatched and masterminded by active LeT militant Arif Dar alias Abu Haibatullah alongwith two foreign militants. The militants used the services two local youth, who have also been arrested, the spokesman added. SRINAGAR: Two policemen, a soldier and two militants were killed in two separatist gunfights in Kashmir on Friday while police busted a Lashkar-e-Toiba module involved in recent bank robbery. An army official said acting on specific information about presence of militants, army, police and paramilitary personnel launched a combing and search operation in Tangpora area of Naidkahi in North Kashmirs Bandipora district early this morning. He said during the search operation, the soldiers came under heavy fire from the militants. The fire was returned by the troops and in the ensuing gunfight, which continued for half an hour, two militants and an army man was killed, the official said. He said identity of the slain militants, who seem to be foreigners, was being ascertained. We recovered two AK rifles and a UBGL grenade and other war-like stores from them. Meanwhile, militants attacked policemen in main town in South Kashmirs Kulgam district this evening. The militants fired from point blank range towards three policemen in the town. They suffered multiple bullet injuries and were shifted to hospital, where two of them succumbed to injuries while condition of another jawan is critical, a police official said. He said militants escaped from the area after the shoot-out. The deceased cops were identified as Head Constable Tanveer Ahmad Kulgam and Constable Jalaluddin Khandey. Police sources said vehicle used by militants has been recovered by the cops. Meanwhile, security forces arrested a militant during a search operation in Tujjar Sharief area of Sopore in north Kashmirs Baramulla district. A police official said a search operation was launched in Tujjar Sharief village after inputs about presence of militants there. During the search operation, a militant identified as Abdul Majeed Mir was arrested, he said adding arms and ammunition were recovered from his possession. Sources said Majeed had joined Lashkar-e-Toiba a month ago. Meanwhile, police busted an Over Ground Workers (OGW) module of Lashkar-e-Toiba by arresting five persons, who were involved in recent bank robbery in Central Kashmirs Budgam district. On November 21, four armed persons had barged into Jammu & Kashmir Bank branch Malpora, Chrar-i-Sharief in Budgam and looted about Rs 14 lakh. Based on specific leads, police picked up a suspect Mohammad Iqbal Wani. His questioning led to arrest of two more persons Farooq Ahmad Bhat and Tanvir Alam Wani, a police spokesman said. He said during questioning of the trio, it was found that they ran an OGW module of Lashkar-e-Toiba. They revealed that conspiracy of robbing the bank was hatched and masterminded by active LeT militant Arif Dar alias Abu Haibatullah alongwith two foreign militants. The militants used the services two local youth, who have also been arrested, the spokesman added. By PTI GAYA: Three bike-borne assailants today looted Rs 21.30 lakh, out of which 20.10 lakh in old currency, from a Grameen Bank in Bihar's Gaya district. The robbers decamped with the cash after holding branch manager of the Madhya Bihar Grameen Bank at gun point. Out of the looted amount, only Rs 1.20 lakh were in new currency notes while the rest of the amount, Rs 20.10 lakh,was in demonetised notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000, Gaya deputy superintendent of police Alok Kumar Singh said. The three entered the Pandey Parsama branch of Grameen Bank and looted the money from the branch manager. Apart from branch manager, there were only two customers inside the branch at the time of incident, he said. The robbers then escaped from the scene, the deputy superintendent of police said, adding that police are investigating the incident. Senior superintendent of police Garima Mallick, additional superintendent of police Balram Kumar Choudhary along with Singh and other officials have reached the spot. GAYA: Three bike-borne assailants today looted Rs 21.30 lakh, out of which 20.10 lakh in old currency, from a Grameen Bank in Bihar's Gaya district. The robbers decamped with the cash after holding branch manager of the Madhya Bihar Grameen Bank at gun point. Out of the looted amount, only Rs 1.20 lakh were in new currency notes while the rest of the amount, Rs 20.10 lakh,was in demonetised notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000, Gaya deputy superintendent of police Alok Kumar Singh said. The three entered the Pandey Parsama branch of Grameen Bank and looted the money from the branch manager. Apart from branch manager, there were only two customers inside the branch at the time of incident, he said. The robbers then escaped from the scene, the deputy superintendent of police said, adding that police are investigating the incident. Senior superintendent of police Garima Mallick, additional superintendent of police Balram Kumar Choudhary along with Singh and other officials have reached the spot. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Union culture ministry on Friday released a commemorative non-circulation Rs 500 coin and a Rs 10 circulation coin as part of the yearlong celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of Hindu saint and social reformer Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's visit to Vrindavan. Narendra Kumar Sinha, secretary, ministry of culture released the coins as the government is commemorating the 500th anniversary of Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhus Coming to Vrindavan by organising various programmes and exhibitions on Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhus life and teachings in association with Vrindavan Research Institute and ISKCON. Officials said that the inaugural function was organised by Vrndavan Research Institute at Vrindavan on 25 November, 2015. Another function was organised by Vrindavan Research Institute at Mayapur, Nadia, the birthplace of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, during 05-07 November, 2016. Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a famous Hindi Saint and social reformer were a distinguished promoter for the Vaishnava School of Bhakti Yoga. The Bhakti movement initiated by him strove to eradicate the evils of caste and feudal systems of medieval India. Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu propagated the worship of Shri Krishna and popularised the chanting of Hare Krishna Mantra to all without any discrimination. In the year 1515, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu visited Vrindavan, with the objective of locating the lost holy places associated with Lord Krishna's transcendent pastimes. It is believed that through his intuitive powers, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was able to locate all the places associated with Lord Sri Krishna and restore the pristine purity of the religious practices of the yore. A Mobile Exhibition named Shri Chaitanya Prem Rath which started from Vrindavan on 08 February 2016 passed through various places in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha reached Delhi on 09 March 2016 on its way back to Vrindavan. NEW DELHI: Union culture ministry on Friday released a commemorative non-circulation Rs 500 coin and a Rs 10 circulation coin as part of the yearlong celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of Hindu saint and social reformer Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's visit to Vrindavan. Narendra Kumar Sinha, secretary, ministry of culture released the coins as the government is commemorating the 500th anniversary of Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhus Coming to Vrindavan by organising various programmes and exhibitions on Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhus life and teachings in association with Vrindavan Research Institute and ISKCON. Officials said that the inaugural function was organised by Vrndavan Research Institute at Vrindavan on 25 November, 2015. Another function was organised by Vrindavan Research Institute at Mayapur, Nadia, the birthplace of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, during 05-07 November, 2016. Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a famous Hindi Saint and social reformer were a distinguished promoter for the Vaishnava School of Bhakti Yoga. The Bhakti movement initiated by him strove to eradicate the evils of caste and feudal systems of medieval India. Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu propagated the worship of Shri Krishna and popularised the chanting of Hare Krishna Mantra to all without any discrimination. In the year 1515, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu visited Vrindavan, with the objective of locating the lost holy places associated with Lord Krishna's transcendent pastimes. It is believed that through his intuitive powers, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was able to locate all the places associated with Lord Sri Krishna and restore the pristine purity of the religious practices of the yore. A Mobile Exhibition named Shri Chaitanya Prem Rath which started from Vrindavan on 08 February 2016 passed through various places in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha reached Delhi on 09 March 2016 on its way back to Vrindavan. By PTI NEW DELHI: India has demonstrated a reduction in key health indicators like maternal mortality rate, which declined much faster as compared to global rate, the government said today. "The country has demonstrated reduction in key health indicators such as IMR, MMR, Under 5 Mortality Rate. Further, the annual average pace of decline in MMR (for the period 1990 to 2013) was much faster in India (4.5 per cent) as compared to global rate (2.6 per cent)," Minister of State for Health Faggan Singh Kulaste said in a written reply to Lok Sabha. He said additionally, mortality due to various diseases has reduced too. The Global Burden of Disease (2015) reports a decrease in mortality (between the years 2005 and 2015) on account of lower respiratory infections (by 22.6 per ecnt), diarrhoeal diseases (by 31.7 per cent), tuberculosis (by 30.7 per cent), neonatal preterm birth (by 39.5 per cent), neonatal encephalopathy (by 31 per cent) and road injuries (by 2.7 per cent), he said. He said that as per the Global Burden of Disease report for India, the deaths due to self-harm for the period 2005 to 2015 have declined by 3.9 per cent. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) National Health Mission (NHM), has two sub-missions - the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). He said that while NRHM was launched in April 2005, launch of NUHM was approved by the Cabinet on May 1, 2013. "NHM envisages achievement of universal access to equitable, affordable and quality healthcare services that are accountable and responsive to people's needs. "The main programmatic components include Health System strengthening in rural and urban areas, Reproductive-Maternal-Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) interventions and control of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases," he said. NEW DELHI: India has demonstrated a reduction in key health indicators like maternal mortality rate, which declined much faster as compared to global rate, the government said today. "The country has demonstrated reduction in key health indicators such as IMR, MMR, Under 5 Mortality Rate. Further, the annual average pace of decline in MMR (for the period 1990 to 2013) was much faster in India (4.5 per cent) as compared to global rate (2.6 per cent)," Minister of State for Health Faggan Singh Kulaste said in a written reply to Lok Sabha. He said additionally, mortality due to various diseases has reduced too. The Global Burden of Disease (2015) reports a decrease in mortality (between the years 2005 and 2015) on account of lower respiratory infections (by 22.6 per ecnt), diarrhoeal diseases (by 31.7 per cent), tuberculosis (by 30.7 per cent), neonatal preterm birth (by 39.5 per cent), neonatal encephalopathy (by 31 per cent) and road injuries (by 2.7 per cent), he said. He said that as per the Global Burden of Disease report for India, the deaths due to self-harm for the period 2005 to 2015 have declined by 3.9 per cent. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) National Health Mission (NHM), has two sub-missions - the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). He said that while NRHM was launched in April 2005, launch of NUHM was approved by the Cabinet on May 1, 2013. "NHM envisages achievement of universal access to equitable, affordable and quality healthcare services that are accountable and responsive to people's needs. "The main programmatic components include Health System strengthening in rural and urban areas, Reproductive-Maternal-Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) interventions and control of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases," he said. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Friday directed the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to assess how the activities of terrorists and Maoists have been affected by demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. "Collect details and prepare a comprehensive report on how demonetisation has impaired the finances of anti-national elements and groups,'' Rajnath Singh told the intelligence agency at the inaugural of the 51st post-Independence DGPs/IGPs Conference-2016 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad on Friday. The Centre has been saying that scrapping big currency will not only deal a death blow to those who have black money but will put an end to terror and Maoist activities. Just one week after the demonetisation, Union defence minister Manohar Parrikar went to the extent of saying that stone pelting had stopped in the Kashmir valley after November 8, the day the high-value notes were pulled from the market. HYDERABAD: Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Friday directed the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to assess how the activities of terrorists and Maoists have been affected by demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. "Collect details and prepare a comprehensive report on how demonetisation has impaired the finances of anti-national elements and groups,'' Rajnath Singh told the intelligence agency at the inaugural of the 51st post-Independence DGPs/IGPs Conference-2016 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad on Friday. The Centre has been saying that scrapping big currency will not only deal a death blow to those who have black money but will put an end to terror and Maoist activities. Just one week after the demonetisation, Union defence minister Manohar Parrikar went to the extent of saying that stone pelting had stopped in the Kashmir valley after November 8, the day the high-value notes were pulled from the market. By Express News Service SRINAGAR: Amid heightened Indian-Pakistan border tension, Jammu and Kashmirs former Chief Minister and opposition National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has dared Narendra Modi government to reclaim Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) from Pakistan saying it does not have the power to take it back. They say in parliament and there is a resolution that PaK is Indias territory, Abdullah said while addressing party workers in Kishtwar area of Jammu province. Arre Tumhare Baap Ka hai kya. Tumhae pass wo takt nahi hai ki tum wo hissa vapas le sako (You dont have the power to take the territory back), he said. Abdullah, who was three-time Chief Minister of J&K, said PaK is presently under the control of Pakistan. It is not the personal property of India so that it could make a claim over it like an inherited property of forefathers, he said adding, Pakistan is one of the stakeholders of the Kashmir issue, which even India has accepted. Stressing the significance of dialogue between New Delhi and all stakeholders in Kashmir and externally with Pakistan, Abdullah said, Sooner or later, the central leadership will have to talk to Islamabad for lasting peace in the region. He said the solution to Kashmir problem lies in a sustained dialogue process and not in military might or aggression on the LoC and the International Border. The cross-border ceasefire violations have surged after armys surgical strikes on militant launch pads across LoC on intervening night of September 28/29. At least 18 soldiers and 12 civilians have been killed along LoC and IB in J&K in Pakistani troops firing and shelling in last over one and a half months. Abdullah said dissent and discontent in the Valley cannot be silenced by canons on the border or by pellet guns in Kashmir but New Delhi must show compassion and try to win over the hearts and minds of people especially the disillusioned youth. Any rigid stance in dealing with the volatile, complex political situation in Kashmir will prove to be counter-productive and have adverse ramifications for the entire region, he cautioned. Earlier on Wednesday, he had batted for autonomy to both sides of Kashmir. Autonomy to both sides of Kashmir was the only viable solution to nearly seven-decade old problem. Borders cannot be changed but these can be made irrelevant and soft for people to people exchange and opening new vistas of trade and commerce for overall economic prosperity of the region, Abdullah had said. The NC President had cautioned New Delhi against delaying the resolution of political issue of Kashmir, saying restoration of the commitments made in the Instrument of Accession is the only way forward in wriggling out the state from prevailing crisis. J&K had acceded to India on three subjects of defence, foreign affairs and communication, which has been re-emphasised by the former Sadr-e-Riyasat Dr Karan Singh in Parliament recently, he had said. SRINAGAR: Amid heightened Indian-Pakistan border tension, Jammu and Kashmirs former Chief Minister and opposition National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has dared Narendra Modi government to reclaim Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) from Pakistan saying it does not have the power to take it back. They say in parliament and there is a resolution that PaK is Indias territory, Abdullah said while addressing party workers in Kishtwar area of Jammu province. Arre Tumhare Baap Ka hai kya. Tumhae pass wo takt nahi hai ki tum wo hissa vapas le sako (You dont have the power to take the territory back), he said. Abdullah, who was three-time Chief Minister of J&K, said PaK is presently under the control of Pakistan. It is not the personal property of India so that it could make a claim over it like an inherited property of forefathers, he said adding, Pakistan is one of the stakeholders of the Kashmir issue, which even India has accepted. Stressing the significance of dialogue between New Delhi and all stakeholders in Kashmir and externally with Pakistan, Abdullah said, Sooner or later, the central leadership will have to talk to Islamabad for lasting peace in the region. He said the solution to Kashmir problem lies in a sustained dialogue process and not in military might or aggression on the LoC and the International Border. The cross-border ceasefire violations have surged after armys surgical strikes on militant launch pads across LoC on intervening night of September 28/29. At least 18 soldiers and 12 civilians have been killed along LoC and IB in J&K in Pakistani troops firing and shelling in last over one and a half months. Abdullah said dissent and discontent in the Valley cannot be silenced by canons on the border or by pellet guns in Kashmir but New Delhi must show compassion and try to win over the hearts and minds of people especially the disillusioned youth. Any rigid stance in dealing with the volatile, complex political situation in Kashmir will prove to be counter-productive and have adverse ramifications for the entire region, he cautioned. Earlier on Wednesday, he had batted for autonomy to both sides of Kashmir. Autonomy to both sides of Kashmir was the only viable solution to nearly seven-decade old problem. Borders cannot be changed but these can be made irrelevant and soft for people to people exchange and opening new vistas of trade and commerce for overall economic prosperity of the region, Abdullah had said. The NC President had cautioned New Delhi against delaying the resolution of political issue of Kashmir, saying restoration of the commitments made in the Instrument of Accession is the only way forward in wriggling out the state from prevailing crisis. J&K had acceded to India on three subjects of defence, foreign affairs and communication, which has been re-emphasised by the former Sadr-e-Riyasat Dr Karan Singh in Parliament recently, he had said. By Express News Service MUMBAI: Terming the decision to ban his Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) as anti-Muslim and anti-democratic, controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik on Friday alleged that the ban was deliberately timed to coincide with the demonetisation move to avert resistance and divert media attention. Titled Facing The Foregone Conclusion, a three-page letter released here on Friday by Naiks media advisor sought to know why the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) does not apply to MP Yogi Adityanath and right-winger Sadhvi Prachi, who also make inflammatory speeches. Why was it (UAPA) not applied to the likes of Rajeshwar Singh, Yogi Adityanath and Sadhvi Prachi who... make inflammatory speeches aimed at inciting communal hatred, asked Naik in the letter. Last week, the government banned the IRF and declared it a terrorist organisation under the UAPA for five years. Let us not be gullible to think this was an attack on me. It is an attack on whom I represent, the Indian Muslims. It is an attack on peace, democracy and justice I will pursue all legal options to repeal this ban. Because Islam has taught me not to let injustice go by. I will fight, be sure of that, Naik said in the letter. Naik is believed to be in Africa. This must be the most unique ban to be applied in the history of India, because not a single time was I questioned or given a chance to explain. No notice, no summons, no calls and no contact ever made with me to get my side of the story. I kept offering my help but it wasnt taken, Naik stated in the letter. Before investigations were done, even before reports were submitted, the ban was already decided. IRF was to be banned. Whether it was owing to my religion or some other reason, does not matter, Naik said adding that the judiciary will fail the Narendra Modi government in its plans. From the governments point of view, the timing itself could not have been better. The decision to ban IRF was taken in the middle of the demonetization fiasco, as the country reeled under the self-imposed cash crunch. I wont be surprised if this ban was meant to distract media from what was going on in the country. For the public that is starved for cash, for trade and basic amenities, one cannot expect much of a resistance, the letter stated. Naik further said if the Islamic International Schools bank account is frozen, it will not be able to meet its daily expenses and the future of hundreds of children will be in jeopardy. The countrys democratic fabric is under attack. Peoples lives are being played with. Governments are misusing their authority on people theyre supposed to protect. This needs to change, Naik said. MUMBAI: Terming the decision to ban his Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) as anti-Muslim and anti-democratic, controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik on Friday alleged that the ban was deliberately timed to coincide with the demonetisation move to avert resistance and divert media attention. Titled Facing The Foregone Conclusion, a three-page letter released here on Friday by Naiks media advisor sought to know why the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) does not apply to MP Yogi Adityanath and right-winger Sadhvi Prachi, who also make inflammatory speeches. Why was it (UAPA) not applied to the likes of Rajeshwar Singh, Yogi Adityanath and Sadhvi Prachi who... make inflammatory speeches aimed at inciting communal hatred, asked Naik in the letter. Last week, the government banned the IRF and declared it a terrorist organisation under the UAPA for five years. Let us not be gullible to think this was an attack on me. It is an attack on whom I represent, the Indian Muslims. It is an attack on peace, democracy and justice I will pursue all legal options to repeal this ban. Because Islam has taught me not to let injustice go by. I will fight, be sure of that, Naik said in the letter. Naik is believed to be in Africa. This must be the most unique ban to be applied in the history of India, because not a single time was I questioned or given a chance to explain. No notice, no summons, no calls and no contact ever made with me to get my side of the story. I kept offering my help but it wasnt taken, Naik stated in the letter. Before investigations were done, even before reports were submitted, the ban was already decided. IRF was to be banned. Whether it was owing to my religion or some other reason, does not matter, Naik said adding that the judiciary will fail the Narendra Modi government in its plans. From the governments point of view, the timing itself could not have been better. The decision to ban IRF was taken in the middle of the demonetization fiasco, as the country reeled under the self-imposed cash crunch. I wont be surprised if this ban was meant to distract media from what was going on in the country. For the public that is starved for cash, for trade and basic amenities, one cannot expect much of a resistance, the letter stated. Naik further said if the Islamic International Schools bank account is frozen, it will not be able to meet its daily expenses and the future of hundreds of children will be in jeopardy. The countrys democratic fabric is under attack. Peoples lives are being played with. Governments are misusing their authority on people theyre supposed to protect. This needs to change, Naik said. A big day for a small pair: Newlyweds set the world record for the smallest married couple with a combined height of less than FIVE FEET Most people dream of a big wedding, but for this bride and groom, the world's smallest was everything they had ever hoped for. Brazilians beloveds Paulo Gabriel da Silva Barros and Katyucia Lie Hoshino became the 'shortest married couple' with a combined height of 181.41 cm (71.42 inches). The pair tied the knot eight years after meeting on social media, marrying in London. 'We hope our new record will encourage the world to look past the physical differences in others and understand all people should be treated equally,' they said in a statement. Brazilians beloveds Paulo Gabriel da Silva Barros and Katyucia Lie Hoshino became the 'shortest married couple' with a combined height of 181.41 cm (71.42 inches) Paulo, 31, is two foot nine inches while his wife Katyucia is just two foot and one inch tall The pair tied the knot seven years after meeting on social media, marrying outside St Thomas' Hospital in London. It was a cause for celebration for the pair, who have a combined height of just five feet Waving for the cameras, they set a new world record for the shortest couple ever marries Anand ST Das By Express News Service PATNA: Bihars ruling alliance parties on Friday found a handy stick to beat BJP after news reports in a section of the media claimed that the saffron party had purchased huge quantities of land across Bihar in the fortnight before PM Narendra Modi declared demonetisation of two high-value currency notes. Asserting that the purchase of land by BJP in 22 district headquarters towns of the state in the last week of October and the first week of November was conducted with cash that is black money, JD(U) state spokesperson Neeraj Kumar demanded a probe into the purchase by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC). BJP leaders, however, said the purchase of land was done through completely legal methods and that the purchases and the exchange of money as the price of the land have been documented well. BJP says the land was purchased in order to construct party offices in Bihars district headquarters. Why is it that BJP remembered construction of its party offices only now, just two weeks before the central governments denomination decision was announced on November 8 evening? This clearly shows that BJP leaders had prior information about the denomination move, said JD(U) spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan at a news conference. RJD and Congress, the two other ruling allies, also hit out at BJP and demanded an immediate and thorough probe into BJPs purchase of land. Senior BJP functionaries apparently went on a land purchase spree across Bihar and bought land ranging between 250 sq feet and half an acre, in several districts, including Madhepura, Lakhisarai, Madhubani, Katihar, Arwal and Kishanganj. With the transactions ranging between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 1.16 crore, the total transactions for purchase of land in Bihar allegedly accounted for about Rs 50 crore. There was absolutely no illegality involved in the purchase of these land purchases. The party (BJP) bought the land at the circle rates fixed by the government. Any allegations of illegality is baseless, said senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi, a former deputy chief minister of Bihar. RJD legislator Bhai Birendra demanded a high-level probe into BJPs secretive purchase of land. BJPs action has exposed the Centres and the partys lie that the currency ban decision was a closely guarded move and that there was no hidden agenda involved, he added. BJP MLA Sanjeev Chaurasia, who was reportedly played a key role in facilitating the land purchases, said the deals were executed through perfectly legal means. Significantly, reports of the land purchases came in on the first day of Bihar Assemblys winter session. BJP is likely to face a series of attacks both inside and outside the Assembly for alleged violation of rules in the purchases of land. PATNA: Bihars ruling alliance parties on Friday found a handy stick to beat BJP after news reports in a section of the media claimed that the saffron party had purchased huge quantities of land across Bihar in the fortnight before PM Narendra Modi declared demonetisation of two high-value currency notes. Asserting that the purchase of land by BJP in 22 district headquarters towns of the state in the last week of October and the first week of November was conducted with cash that is black money, JD(U) state spokesperson Neeraj Kumar demanded a probe into the purchase by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC). BJP leaders, however, said the purchase of land was done through completely legal methods and that the purchases and the exchange of money as the price of the land have been documented well. BJP says the land was purchased in order to construct party offices in Bihars district headquarters. Why is it that BJP remembered construction of its party offices only now, just two weeks before the central governments denomination decision was announced on November 8 evening? This clearly shows that BJP leaders had prior information about the denomination move, said JD(U) spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan at a news conference. RJD and Congress, the two other ruling allies, also hit out at BJP and demanded an immediate and thorough probe into BJPs purchase of land. Senior BJP functionaries apparently went on a land purchase spree across Bihar and bought land ranging between 250 sq feet and half an acre, in several districts, including Madhepura, Lakhisarai, Madhubani, Katihar, Arwal and Kishanganj. With the transactions ranging between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 1.16 crore, the total transactions for purchase of land in Bihar allegedly accounted for about Rs 50 crore. There was absolutely no illegality involved in the purchase of these land purchases. The party (BJP) bought the land at the circle rates fixed by the government. Any allegations of illegality is baseless, said senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi, a former deputy chief minister of Bihar. RJD legislator Bhai Birendra demanded a high-level probe into BJPs secretive purchase of land. BJPs action has exposed the Centres and the partys lie that the currency ban decision was a closely guarded move and that there was no hidden agenda involved, he added. BJP MLA Sanjeev Chaurasia, who was reportedly played a key role in facilitating the land purchases, said the deals were executed through perfectly legal means. Significantly, reports of the land purchases came in on the first day of Bihar Assemblys winter session. BJP is likely to face a series of attacks both inside and outside the Assembly for alleged violation of rules in the purchases of land. Anand ST Das By Express News Service PATNA: A daylong shutdown called by all the Opposition parties in Jharkhand on Friday to protest against amendments introduced in two decades-old land laws drew considerable response from the people, who came out on to the streets in large numbers. As many as 8,800 protesters and dozens of Opposition leaders were detained during the shutdown that witnessed sporadic incidents of arson and clashes with police. Led by leaders of Opposition parties such as JMM, Congress, JVM(P), RJD and the left parties, the protesters chanted slogans against the BJP-led state government, terming it as anti-tribal and pro-corporate. The coalition government headed by Chief Minister Raghubar Das had got crucial amendments to the two laws Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908 (CNT Act) and Santhal Paragana Tenancy Act, 1949 (SPT Act) passed in the Assembly on Wednesday despite massive protests by Opposition legislators. In their previous form, the two laws guaranteed protection of land owned by the states sizeable tribal population. Opposition parties and tribal rights activists have said the highly contentious amendments that got legislative nod have paved the way for the states largely poor tribal people losing their small land holdings to industrial, commercial and welfare projects. Police wielded lathi on tribal college students participating in a protest march in state capital Ranchi and also fired tear-gas shells to disperse them. JVM(P) leader and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi participated in the march. In Dumka, JMM leader and former Chief Minister Hemant Soren marched with the protesters holding bows and arrows, the traditional weapon of the tribal people. Nearly 25 four-wheelers were set afire at various places during the bandh, whose impact was felt considerably in districts such as Ranchi, Dumka, Bokaro and West Singbhum. In the southern town of Chaibasa, a truck laden with new coins, sent from RBIs Patna office to Chakradharpur in Jharkhand, was vandalised by the protesters, said police. Major political leaders who were detained included Babulal Marandi, Hemant Soren, Subodhkant Sahay of Congress and Bhubaneswar Mehta of CPI. They were released by the evening. The government seems keen on destroying the future of Jharkhands tribal people by changing these two laws. We will not let it happen. The governments method of terrorising people by police will not work, said Marandi, who was Jharkhands first chief minister when the state was carved out of Bihar in 2000. The Opposition parties said there would be a series of similar protests across the state and that the protests would continue till the government takes back the amendments. The Das government, however, has been claiming that the changes in the tribal land laws aim at ensuring greater development in the state and improved lives of the tribal people. PATNA: A daylong shutdown called by all the Opposition parties in Jharkhand on Friday to protest against amendments introduced in two decades-old land laws drew considerable response from the people, who came out on to the streets in large numbers. As many as 8,800 protesters and dozens of Opposition leaders were detained during the shutdown that witnessed sporadic incidents of arson and clashes with police. Led by leaders of Opposition parties such as JMM, Congress, JVM(P), RJD and the left parties, the protesters chanted slogans against the BJP-led state government, terming it as anti-tribal and pro-corporate. The coalition government headed by Chief Minister Raghubar Das had got crucial amendments to the two laws Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908 (CNT Act) and Santhal Paragana Tenancy Act, 1949 (SPT Act) passed in the Assembly on Wednesday despite massive protests by Opposition legislators. In their previous form, the two laws guaranteed protection of land owned by the states sizeable tribal population. Opposition parties and tribal rights activists have said the highly contentious amendments that got legislative nod have paved the way for the states largely poor tribal people losing their small land holdings to industrial, commercial and welfare projects. Police wielded lathi on tribal college students participating in a protest march in state capital Ranchi and also fired tear-gas shells to disperse them. JVM(P) leader and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi participated in the march. In Dumka, JMM leader and former Chief Minister Hemant Soren marched with the protesters holding bows and arrows, the traditional weapon of the tribal people. Nearly 25 four-wheelers were set afire at various places during the bandh, whose impact was felt considerably in districts such as Ranchi, Dumka, Bokaro and West Singbhum. In the southern town of Chaibasa, a truck laden with new coins, sent from RBIs Patna office to Chakradharpur in Jharkhand, was vandalised by the protesters, said police. Major political leaders who were detained included Babulal Marandi, Hemant Soren, Subodhkant Sahay of Congress and Bhubaneswar Mehta of CPI. They were released by the evening. The government seems keen on destroying the future of Jharkhands tribal people by changing these two laws. We will not let it happen. The governments method of terrorising people by police will not work, said Marandi, who was Jharkhands first chief minister when the state was carved out of Bihar in 2000. The Opposition parties said there would be a series of similar protests across the state and that the protests would continue till the government takes back the amendments. The Das government, however, has been claiming that the changes in the tribal land laws aim at ensuring greater development in the state and improved lives of the tribal people. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: A man, who was carrying Rs 5 lakh in demonetised notes, was detained by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in Nagalands Dimapur airport on Friday. According to official sources, the CISF authorities received a tip-off that a man was flying from Kolkata to Dimapur in an Air India flight with huge cash. Accordingly, they alerted the Income Tax (IT) department. The sources did not provide the persons name but he was said to be a man called Ajay Singh. The police confirmed the seizure of the cash. Yes, Rs 5 lakh in demonetised notes was seized from the person. But we dont know if the money is legal or illegal. The IT department is verifying it, Dimapurs additional DCP (crime), Shouka Kakheto, told Express. Meanwhile, the IT department has cautioned all tribals of the State of Nagaland not to allow parking of money belonging to non-tribals and business enterprises in their bank accounts as they shall be doing so at the risk of facing penalties. The STs, living and earning in the Northeast, are exempted from income tax. On Tuesday, Amarjit Singh, said to be a Bihar businessman, was detained with demonetised notes worth Rs 3.5 crore after he landed at the airport in a jet from Haryana. The amount was seized by the IT officials. But later, Singh was let off and the money handed over to an individual after a young Naga businessman, Anato Zhimomi, claimed it was his money which he had given to Singh to buy agricultural land in Haryana on his behalf. He claimed that Singh had come to return the old notes to him as they had been demonetised. During investigation by the police, both the CISF personnel on duty and the taxmen denied having handed the money to anyone. After two days of its mysterious disappearance, the cash was recovered from a petrol depot in the town during a raid by sleuths of the IT department on Wednesday night. Zhimomi is the son-in-law of Lok Sabha member and three-time former Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio. GUWAHATI: A man, who was carrying Rs 5 lakh in demonetised notes, was detained by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in Nagalands Dimapur airport on Friday. According to official sources, the CISF authorities received a tip-off that a man was flying from Kolkata to Dimapur in an Air India flight with huge cash. Accordingly, they alerted the Income Tax (IT) department. The sources did not provide the persons name but he was said to be a man called Ajay Singh. The police confirmed the seizure of the cash. Yes, Rs 5 lakh in demonetised notes was seized from the person. But we dont know if the money is legal or illegal. The IT department is verifying it, Dimapurs additional DCP (crime), Shouka Kakheto, told Express. Meanwhile, the IT department has cautioned all tribals of the State of Nagaland not to allow parking of money belonging to non-tribals and business enterprises in their bank accounts as they shall be doing so at the risk of facing penalties. The STs, living and earning in the Northeast, are exempted from income tax. On Tuesday, Amarjit Singh, said to be a Bihar businessman, was detained with demonetised notes worth Rs 3.5 crore after he landed at the airport in a jet from Haryana. The amount was seized by the IT officials. But later, Singh was let off and the money handed over to an individual after a young Naga businessman, Anato Zhimomi, claimed it was his money which he had given to Singh to buy agricultural land in Haryana on his behalf. He claimed that Singh had come to return the old notes to him as they had been demonetised. During investigation by the police, both the CISF personnel on duty and the taxmen denied having handed the money to anyone. After two days of its mysterious disappearance, the cash was recovered from a petrol depot in the town during a raid by sleuths of the IT department on Wednesday night. Zhimomi is the son-in-law of Lok Sabha member and three-time former Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio. By PTI NEW DELHI: There was commotion in the Lok Sabha today when a man tried to jump into the House chamber soon after the proceedings were adjourned following protests over the demonetisation issue. Soon after the House assembled, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House for nearly 40 minutes following stormy Opposition protests and the members started leaving the Chamber. Suddenly, an Opposition member, who had earlier trooped into the Well, pointed out that security personnel in the Visitors' Gallery were grappling with a person whose right foot was hanging from the wooden fence. He was caught and lifted up by about 4-5 alert personnel. It then transpired that the man had tried to jump into the Lok Sabha Chamber. The man was caught and then bundled out. The other visitors were then guided out of the gallery which is right opposite the press enclosure. Delhi Police personnel in plain clothes are usually seated in the front rows of the Visitors' Gallery to prevent such incidents. While the Speaker had left, the Prime Minister was not in the House. Senior ministers including Arun Jaitley and leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav were in the House when the incident took place. NEW DELHI: There was commotion in the Lok Sabha today when a man tried to jump into the House chamber soon after the proceedings were adjourned following protests over the demonetisation issue. Soon after the House assembled, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House for nearly 40 minutes following stormy Opposition protests and the members started leaving the Chamber. Suddenly, an Opposition member, who had earlier trooped into the Well, pointed out that security personnel in the Visitors' Gallery were grappling with a person whose right foot was hanging from the wooden fence. He was caught and lifted up by about 4-5 alert personnel. It then transpired that the man had tried to jump into the Lok Sabha Chamber. The man was caught and then bundled out. The other visitors were then guided out of the gallery which is right opposite the press enclosure. Delhi Police personnel in plain clothes are usually seated in the front rows of the Visitors' Gallery to prevent such incidents. While the Speaker had left, the Prime Minister was not in the House. Senior ministers including Arun Jaitley and leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav were in the House when the incident took place. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The government may amend the Income Tax Act to levy about 60 per cent tax on unaccounted money deposited in banks beyond a certain threshold limit, sources claimed. The amendments were considered at a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister late on Thursday evening. The news comes amid reports of a whopping Rs 21,000 crore surge in deposits in Jan Dhan accounts across the country. Authorities suspect that the surge could be an attempt by black money hoarders to launder their unaccounted wealth by depositing the same in the accounts of poor people. While there was no official briefing on what transpired in the Cabinet meeting, sources quoted by PTI claimed the government was keen on taxing all unaccounted money that how now found its way back into the system. The government plans to bring an amendment to the Income Tax Act during the current winter session of Parliament. According to the amendment a 60 per cent tax, equal to what foreign black money holders paid last year, would be levied on unaccounted deposits in banks. This is much higher than the 45 per cent tax that was imposed on black money disclosed under the one-time Income Disclosure Scheme that ended on September 30. There were also talks of government imposing a limit on domestic gold holding, but its not clear if the proposal was discussed at the Cabinet meeting, sources said. The government, meanwhile, announced a slew of new measures and relaxations on the usage of old currency notes. Exchange of old notes for new ones was stopped with effect from Thursday midnight. The Finance Ministry claimed that it had observed a declining trend in over-the-counter exchange of notes. This will also encourage people who are still unbanked to open new accounts, it said. The ministry also extended the deadline for use of old notes to pay key utility bills to December 15. However, it said that such transactions can be done only through old Rs 500 notes, meaning Rs 1,000 notes cannot be used or exchanged anymore and can only be deposited in bank accounts. Payment of government school and college fees, pre-paid mobiled top up (up to Rs 500 per top up) can also be done with old Rs 500 notes till December 15. NEW DELHI: The government may amend the Income Tax Act to levy about 60 per cent tax on unaccounted money deposited in banks beyond a certain threshold limit, sources claimed. The amendments were considered at a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister late on Thursday evening. The news comes amid reports of a whopping Rs 21,000 crore surge in deposits in Jan Dhan accounts across the country. Authorities suspect that the surge could be an attempt by black money hoarders to launder their unaccounted wealth by depositing the same in the accounts of poor people. While there was no official briefing on what transpired in the Cabinet meeting, sources quoted by PTI claimed the government was keen on taxing all unaccounted money that how now found its way back into the system. The government plans to bring an amendment to the Income Tax Act during the current winter session of Parliament. According to the amendment a 60 per cent tax, equal to what foreign black money holders paid last year, would be levied on unaccounted deposits in banks. This is much higher than the 45 per cent tax that was imposed on black money disclosed under the one-time Income Disclosure Scheme that ended on September 30. There were also talks of government imposing a limit on domestic gold holding, but its not clear if the proposal was discussed at the Cabinet meeting, sources said. The government, meanwhile, announced a slew of new measures and relaxations on the usage of old currency notes. Exchange of old notes for new ones was stopped with effect from Thursday midnight. The Finance Ministry claimed that it had observed a declining trend in over-the-counter exchange of notes. This will also encourage people who are still unbanked to open new accounts, it said. The ministry also extended the deadline for use of old notes to pay key utility bills to December 15. However, it said that such transactions can be done only through old Rs 500 notes, meaning Rs 1,000 notes cannot be used or exchanged anymore and can only be deposited in bank accounts. Payment of government school and college fees, pre-paid mobiled top up (up to Rs 500 per top up) can also be done with old Rs 500 notes till December 15. Abhijit Mulye By Express News Service MUMBAI: Maharashtara government employees have demanded that at least a portion of their salary be paid in cash. But their demand is unlikely to be met. Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar told Express that there was no need for the employees to worry and said, Currently, one can withdraw Rs 24,000 from their bank account every week. I expect the limit would be increased from November 25. Meanwhile, teachers are worried their salaries will get delayed as they are routed through district cooperative banks, which have locked horns with the Centre over demonetisation. Allaying their concerns, Mungantiwar said, Everyones salaries would be sent to the bank on time and they would be able to withdraw the money as they usually do. There is nothing to worry about. The employees union, in a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, had demanded the government pay their salaries for the next two months in cash. They also asked for an advance of Rs 10,000 in cash. Explaining their stand, G D Kulthe of the Maharashtra State Gazetted Officers Federation told Express, The legislatures winter session will start in Nagpur on December 5. Employees who go there need cash to meet out-of-pocket expenses. The government, however, said the exercise would be impractical since Rs 750 crore would have to be disbursed in cash even if it paid an advance of Rs 5,000 to every employee. Retailers body not to take part in bandh MUMBAI: A retailers body said it wouldnt participate in the nationwide bandh on Monday. Though there are some problems, we feel the governments move is basically correct and the bandh cant be the solution, Viren Shah, president of the Federation of Retail Traders Welfare, told Express. MUMBAI: Maharashtara government employees have demanded that at least a portion of their salary be paid in cash. But their demand is unlikely to be met. Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar told Express that there was no need for the employees to worry and said, Currently, one can withdraw Rs 24,000 from their bank account every week. I expect the limit would be increased from November 25. Meanwhile, teachers are worried their salaries will get delayed as they are routed through district cooperative banks, which have locked horns with the Centre over demonetisation. Allaying their concerns, Mungantiwar said, Everyones salaries would be sent to the bank on time and they would be able to withdraw the money as they usually do. There is nothing to worry about. The employees union, in a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, had demanded the government pay their salaries for the next two months in cash. They also asked for an advance of Rs 10,000 in cash. Explaining their stand, G D Kulthe of the Maharashtra State Gazetted Officers Federation told Express, The legislatures winter session will start in Nagpur on December 5. Employees who go there need cash to meet out-of-pocket expenses. The government, however, said the exercise would be impractical since Rs 750 crore would have to be disbursed in cash even if it paid an advance of Rs 5,000 to every employee. Retailers body not to take part in bandh MUMBAI: A retailers body said it wouldnt participate in the nationwide bandh on Monday. Though there are some problems, we feel the governments move is basically correct and the bandh cant be the solution, Viren Shah, president of the Federation of Retail Traders Welfare, told Express. Anand ST Das By Express News Service PATNA: A man suspected to be an agent of Pakistans Inter-State Intelligence (ISI) has been arrested on the Indo-Nepal border in Bihar, police said on Friday. Identified as Shamim Akhtar, the man was first detained at Raxaul by jawans of Seema Sashastra Bal (SSB), who guard the porous Indo-Nepal border. The SSB jawans handed Akhtar over to the district police. As many as 23 live cartridges, two pistols, 20 gram heroin, 18 mobile phones and five SIM cards were seized from Akhtars possession, said police. Akhtar was apprehended while trying to enter into Bihar from Nepals Birganj, said sources. This man, believed to be an ISI agent, was also wanted in connection with the rape of a girl in Bihar and a string of abduction cases, said a police official, refusing to elaborate. Akhtar is being interrogated by police and SSB, he added. PATNA: A man suspected to be an agent of Pakistans Inter-State Intelligence (ISI) has been arrested on the Indo-Nepal border in Bihar, police said on Friday. Identified as Shamim Akhtar, the man was first detained at Raxaul by jawans of Seema Sashastra Bal (SSB), who guard the porous Indo-Nepal border. The SSB jawans handed Akhtar over to the district police. As many as 23 live cartridges, two pistols, 20 gram heroin, 18 mobile phones and five SIM cards were seized from Akhtars possession, said police. Akhtar was apprehended while trying to enter into Bihar from Nepals Birganj, said sources. This man, believed to be an ISI agent, was also wanted in connection with the rape of a girl in Bihar and a string of abduction cases, said a police official, refusing to elaborate. Akhtar is being interrogated by police and SSB, he added. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: A grand Yadav Family show at the launch of Lucknow-Agra Expressway notwithstanding, the embers of internal feud in the Samajwadi Party refuse to die down. In the latest development, UP government has accorded Y category security to four youth SP leaders who have either been sacked by the state party chief Shivpal Yadav or served disciplinary notice. The decision to grant the security blanket to MLCs Arvind Yadav and Rajesh Yadav and MLA Raju Yadav, besides former Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha chief Atul Pradhan was taken by the chief minister after a high-power meeting with State police chief Javeed Ahmad, Principal Secretary (Home) Debashish Panda and officers of IB and security wing of UP Police. When Express spoke to Principal Secretary (Home) Panda what was the threat perception to these leaders, he refused to divulge the details. Sorry, I cant speak on this. I am not supposed to divulge any detail, he said on Friday. Out of these, while MLC Arvind Yadav was sacked by Shivpal recently for anti-party activities. He is son of SP general secretary Ram Gopal Yadavs sister. Ram Gopal, too, was sacked recently in the heat of intra-family scuffle, but is now back in the party. Arvind was sacked along with other young MLCs Sunil Singh Sajan, Anand Bhadauria and Sanjay Lathar for allegedly leading protest in front of SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadavs house when Akhilesh was removed as the party chief in October. Recently, these leaders met Mulayam to tender their apology. But they are yet to be taken back. Among others who have been given security, while Barabanki MLC Rakesh Yadav and Pradhan are considered key members of Team Akhilesh, Mainpuri MLA Raju Yadav is considered close to Ram Gopal Yadav. Pradhan had been given the party ticket from Meeruts Sardhana constituency for the upcoming state Assembly elections, but after becoming the state SP chief in September, Shivpal replaced him with another candidate. All these leaders had been served show-cause notices by the state chief for leading protest in support of Akhilesh during family feud, but will now enjoy the Y category security. This is not the only case of Government-Party discord that is becoming conspicuous in the aftermath of prolonged SP pariwar feud. Last month, Shivpal sacked minister Pawan Pandey from the party for allegedly assaulting party MLC Ashu Malik. Pandey, however, is yet to be dropped from the ministry. On Wednesday, much to the chagrin of father and SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh chose to skip the crucial Ghazipur public rally from where the party kick-started the poll campaign in the presence of Shivpal Yadav, his son Aditya Yadav and other senior party leaders. Apart from Akhilesh, Ram Gopal and senior minister Azam Khan, too, remained conspicuous by their absence. Ghazipur rally was organised by the tainted Ansari brothersmafia-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari and his brothers Sigbatullah and Afzal. Mukhtars Qaumi Ekta Dal (QED) merged with the SP recently even while Akhilesh strongly opposed it. LUCKNOW: A grand Yadav Family show at the launch of Lucknow-Agra Expressway notwithstanding, the embers of internal feud in the Samajwadi Party refuse to die down. In the latest development, UP government has accorded Y category security to four youth SP leaders who have either been sacked by the state party chief Shivpal Yadav or served disciplinary notice. The decision to grant the security blanket to MLCs Arvind Yadav and Rajesh Yadav and MLA Raju Yadav, besides former Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha chief Atul Pradhan was taken by the chief minister after a high-power meeting with State police chief Javeed Ahmad, Principal Secretary (Home) Debashish Panda and officers of IB and security wing of UP Police. When Express spoke to Principal Secretary (Home) Panda what was the threat perception to these leaders, he refused to divulge the details. Sorry, I cant speak on this. I am not supposed to divulge any detail, he said on Friday. Out of these, while MLC Arvind Yadav was sacked by Shivpal recently for anti-party activities. He is son of SP general secretary Ram Gopal Yadavs sister. Ram Gopal, too, was sacked recently in the heat of intra-family scuffle, but is now back in the party. Arvind was sacked along with other young MLCs Sunil Singh Sajan, Anand Bhadauria and Sanjay Lathar for allegedly leading protest in front of SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadavs house when Akhilesh was removed as the party chief in October. Recently, these leaders met Mulayam to tender their apology. But they are yet to be taken back. Among others who have been given security, while Barabanki MLC Rakesh Yadav and Pradhan are considered key members of Team Akhilesh, Mainpuri MLA Raju Yadav is considered close to Ram Gopal Yadav. Pradhan had been given the party ticket from Meeruts Sardhana constituency for the upcoming state Assembly elections, but after becoming the state SP chief in September, Shivpal replaced him with another candidate. All these leaders had been served show-cause notices by the state chief for leading protest in support of Akhilesh during family feud, but will now enjoy the Y category security. This is not the only case of Government-Party discord that is becoming conspicuous in the aftermath of prolonged SP pariwar feud. Last month, Shivpal sacked minister Pawan Pandey from the party for allegedly assaulting party MLC Ashu Malik. Pandey, however, is yet to be dropped from the ministry. On Wednesday, much to the chagrin of father and SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh chose to skip the crucial Ghazipur public rally from where the party kick-started the poll campaign in the presence of Shivpal Yadav, his son Aditya Yadav and other senior party leaders. Apart from Akhilesh, Ram Gopal and senior minister Azam Khan, too, remained conspicuous by their absence. Ghazipur rally was organised by the tainted Ansari brothersmafia-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari and his brothers Sigbatullah and Afzal. Mukhtars Qaumi Ekta Dal (QED) merged with the SP recently even while Akhilesh strongly opposed it. By Express News Service MUMBAI: Veteran journalist and editor Dileep Padgaonkar passed away at a hospital in Pune on Friday afternoon. Padgaonkar [72] had been hospitalised first at the Prayag Hospital and then at Ruby Hall clinic with a kidney ailment last week. He was put on dialysis but he suffered a massive heart attack a couple of days ago. His condition deteriorated thereafter and he breathed his last a few minutes after noon Friday, a close family friend told New Indian Express. Padgaonkar was a long-time editor of the Times of India and a member of a three-man panel appointed by the government in 2010 to suggest ways to solve the Kashmir problem. He was in 2002 a recipient of the Legion dHonneur, France's highest civilian distinction, for his services to journalism. Born in Pune in May 1944, Padgaonkar started his career with the Times of India at the age of 24 as the Paris correspondent of the newspaper. In 1973 he returned to India and served as an assistant editor with the newspaper in Mumbai and then in Delhi. He was its Editor from 1988 to 1994 and held senior positions in the paper until 2005. For eight years [1978-1986] he worked as an international civil servant in Unesco, first in Bangkok and then at the organization's headquarters in Paris. He has also been the editor of the Sharjah-based daily The Gulf Today. In 1994 he became chairman of the Asia-Pacific Communications Associates [APCA], a multimedia organization active in news and current affairs on TV and in print journalism. He founded Biblio: A Review Of Books and was also its editor. Padgaonkar was also a member of several national and international bodies, including the Indo-French Forum, the Nehru Memorial Museum & Library Society, the South Asia Free Media Association, the Prince Claus Fund of the Netherlands and the Observer Research Foundation. MUMBAI: Veteran journalist and editor Dileep Padgaonkar passed away at a hospital in Pune on Friday afternoon. Padgaonkar [72] had been hospitalised first at the Prayag Hospital and then at Ruby Hall clinic with a kidney ailment last week. He was put on dialysis but he suffered a massive heart attack a couple of days ago. His condition deteriorated thereafter and he breathed his last a few minutes after noon Friday, a close family friend told New Indian Express. Padgaonkar was a long-time editor of the Times of India and a member of a three-man panel appointed by the government in 2010 to suggest ways to solve the Kashmir problem. He was in 2002 a recipient of the Legion dHonneur, France's highest civilian distinction, for his services to journalism. Born in Pune in May 1944, Padgaonkar started his career with the Times of India at the age of 24 as the Paris correspondent of the newspaper. In 1973 he returned to India and served as an assistant editor with the newspaper in Mumbai and then in Delhi. He was its Editor from 1988 to 1994 and held senior positions in the paper until 2005. For eight years [1978-1986] he worked as an international civil servant in Unesco, first in Bangkok and then at the organization's headquarters in Paris. He has also been the editor of the Sharjah-based daily The Gulf Today. In 1994 he became chairman of the Asia-Pacific Communications Associates [APCA], a multimedia organization active in news and current affairs on TV and in print journalism. He founded Biblio: A Review Of Books and was also its editor. Padgaonkar was also a member of several national and international bodies, including the Indo-French Forum, the Nehru Memorial Museum & Library Society, the South Asia Free Media Association, the Prince Claus Fund of the Netherlands and the Observer Research Foundation. An agreement was signed on Nov. 22 to built a quantum communications line connecting Wuhan and Hefei, the respective capitals of Hubei and Anhui provinces. According to the agreement, signed in Wuhan, construction of the line will officially start in 2017. As a fundamental project, the communications line will be an important part of China's quantum communications network, according to Zhao Yong, president of QuantumCtek, one of the parties that signed the agreement. Chen Yuao, a professor at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and chief engineer of the Beijing-Shanghai quantum communications line, explained that if the Wuhan-Hefei line is connected with the line linking Beijing and Shanghai, information security in big cities in central and eastern China will be significantly improved. With the development of information science, traditional encryption technology no longer sufficiently protects information. But quantum communications lines boast ultra-high security. It is impossible to wiretap, intercept or crack information transmitted through them. Chen explained that information is transmitted through individual photons, none of which can be cloned or separated. China began construction on the worlds first quantum communications line, linking Beijing and Shanghai, in 2013. The 2,000-kilometer line will be complete by the end of 2016. By PTI PANAJI: Goa cabinet today gave its approval to the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, which will be implemented from January 1, 2017. State Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar announced that over 55,447 government employees will be covered under the recommendation of 7th Pay Commission, which will increase their salary by 16 per cent. "Another 25,002 pensioners and their families will benefit from the pay scale," he said. Parsekar said the state's salary liability will increase from Rs 47 crore to Rs 70 crore annually with the implementation of 7th Pay Commission. "The arrears from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 which comes to around Rs 381.60 crore would be deposited into the employees' provident funds," the CM said. The revised pay scale would not be applicable to the employees of panchayat raj, municipalities, corporations, autonomous bodies, public sector undertakings (PSU). Parsekar said approximately 55,447 government employees and government-aided employees (educational) will enjoy the benefit from January 1. PANAJI: Goa cabinet today gave its approval to the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, which will be implemented from January 1, 2017. State Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar announced that over 55,447 government employees will be covered under the recommendation of 7th Pay Commission, which will increase their salary by 16 per cent. "Another 25,002 pensioners and their families will benefit from the pay scale," he said. Parsekar said the state's salary liability will increase from Rs 47 crore to Rs 70 crore annually with the implementation of 7th Pay Commission. "The arrears from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 which comes to around Rs 381.60 crore would be deposited into the employees' provident funds," the CM said. The revised pay scale would not be applicable to the employees of panchayat raj, municipalities, corporations, autonomous bodies, public sector undertakings (PSU). Parsekar said approximately 55,447 government employees and government-aided employees (educational) will enjoy the benefit from January 1. Two days ago, when we were all looking the other side, India and Switzerland agreed to exchange information on Swiss bank accounts from September, 2018 onwards. For long, Swiss banks and the illicit stash abroad have been the bone of contention. To give a sense, the recent Panama papers leak listed 1,200 Indians with HSBC bank accounts holding an accumulated $20 billion stash. This could well be the tip of the iceberg. But unlike the demonetisation drive, it lacks punch and gives ample time for account holders to take cover, as the fi rst information exchange starts only two years later. Despite the crackdown, black money may remain abroad, unless the Indian government signs immediate information exchange treaties with other tax havens like Panama, Bahamas and Costa Rica. Tax evaders work hard to benefi t from loopholes. Often, its through tax havens and shell companies that black is turned white in the garb of foreign capital, or white escapes the tax axe through complex corporate holding structures. India has done well to plug these loopholes, for the fi rst time in decades, signing tax treaties with two countries namely Mauritius and Cyprus, which together account for over 60 per cent of the total in-bound FDI proceeds into the country. Similar treaties with Singapore and others are in the pipeline. The taxation issue isnt unique to India and even developed countries are battling the menace, notwithstanding tax treaties. Just recently, Australia has pulled up MNCs like Google, Apple and Microsoft for avoiding taxes using complex organisational structures, and that business units with high book profi ts are invariably based in Singapore that levies an enviable 17 per cent corporate tax as against Australias 30 per cent. The Indian government is aware and reduced corporate tax to 25 per cent in 2016, but without sunset clauses and rebates, the effective tax rate is around 28 per cent and a revision may not be out of place. Two days ago, when we were all looking the other side, India and Switzerland agreed to exchange information on Swiss bank accounts from September, 2018 onwards. For long, Swiss banks and the illicit stash abroad have been the bone of contention. To give a sense, the recent Panama papers leak listed 1,200 Indians with HSBC bank accounts holding an accumulated $20 billion stash. This could well be the tip of the iceberg. But unlike the demonetisation drive, it lacks punch and gives ample time for account holders to take cover, as the fi rst information exchange starts only two years later. Despite the crackdown, black money may remain abroad, unless the Indian government signs immediate information exchange treaties with other tax havens like Panama, Bahamas and Costa Rica. Tax evaders work hard to benefi t from loopholes. Often, its through tax havens and shell companies that black is turned white in the garb of foreign capital, or white escapes the tax axe through complex corporate holding structures. India has done well to plug these loopholes, for the fi rst time in decades, signing tax treaties with two countries namely Mauritius and Cyprus, which together account for over 60 per cent of the total in-bound FDI proceeds into the country. Similar treaties with Singapore and others are in the pipeline. The taxation issue isnt unique to India and even developed countries are battling the menace, notwithstanding tax treaties. Just recently, Australia has pulled up MNCs like Google, Apple and Microsoft for avoiding taxes using complex organisational structures, and that business units with high book profi ts are invariably based in Singapore that levies an enviable 17 per cent corporate tax as against Australias 30 per cent. The Indian government is aware and reduced corporate tax to 25 per cent in 2016, but without sunset clauses and rebates, the effective tax rate is around 28 per cent and a revision may not be out of place. By Express News Service ALAPPUZHA/KOCHI: The second largest partner in Kerala's ruling Left Democratic Front has told the alliance not to "ape Narendra Modi." The Communist Party of India [CPI] is displeased with the police action against Maoists in Nilambur in Malappuram on Thursday which led to the death of two rebels. The party said, People did not elect the Left Democratic Front [LDF] to ape Narendra Modi. Kanam Rajendran, the state secretary of the CPI, said killing of Maoists was not warranted in a state like Kerala. "There are many working for the rights of tribal people and Dalits. It is time to examine their slogans. Instead of giving an ear to them,it is not fit for a civilised society to silence those who raise their voice. Nobody has the right to kill those who air their opinion. The situation in Kerala is different from North Indian states. Such brutality in the name of curbing Maoism is totally unacceptable to Kerala, he said. The CPI has been at odds with the senior partner in the ruling coalition, CPM, in recent weeks. CPI leaders have been locked in a verbal battle with the CPM's M M Mani days before his ascension as power minister. This reached a flashpoint after the CPI mouthpiece Janayugam published an article sharply criticising the minister, stating that Mani's speech reflected his political ignorance. The article in Janayugam pointed out that Mani spoke against two ministers of the CPI because they are acting against the land mafia in the state. Mani had criticised revenue minister E Chandrashekharan and agriculture minister V S Sunil Kumar that they do not have a clue of what was happening in his district, Idukki. ALAPPUZHA/KOCHI: The second largest partner in Kerala's ruling Left Democratic Front has told the alliance not to "ape Narendra Modi." The Communist Party of India [CPI] is displeased with the police action against Maoists in Nilambur in Malappuram on Thursday which led to the death of two rebels. The party said, People did not elect the Left Democratic Front [LDF] to ape Narendra Modi. Kanam Rajendran, the state secretary of the CPI, said killing of Maoists was not warranted in a state like Kerala. "There are many working for the rights of tribal people and Dalits. It is time to examine their slogans. Instead of giving an ear to them,it is not fit for a civilised society to silence those who raise their voice. Nobody has the right to kill those who air their opinion. The situation in Kerala is different from North Indian states. Such brutality in the name of curbing Maoism is totally unacceptable to Kerala, he said. The CPI has been at odds with the senior partner in the ruling coalition, CPM, in recent weeks. CPI leaders have been locked in a verbal battle with the CPM's M M Mani days before his ascension as power minister. This reached a flashpoint after the CPI mouthpiece Janayugam published an article sharply criticising the minister, stating that Mani's speech reflected his political ignorance. The article in Janayugam pointed out that Mani spoke against two ministers of the CPI because they are acting against the land mafia in the state. Mani had criticised revenue minister E Chandrashekharan and agriculture minister V S Sunil Kumar that they do not have a clue of what was happening in his district, Idukki. By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Close on the heels of suspending nine officials for misconduct, Local Self Governments Minister K T Jaleel conducted a surprise inspection at the office of Chief Town Planner at Swaraj Bhavan in the city at 10.45am on Thursday. Much to his annoyance, only half of the 120 employees at the CTP office were present at the time. I conducted the inspection following several complaints about the functioning of the CTP office. It seems impossible that the head of the department allowed so many absentees, said Jaleel, adding, I have also received specific complaints about certain officials and will take action against them. He said most officials were good, but their hard work and reputation got tarnished by a few bad apples. There have been attempts to deliberately delay services to demand bribes. It will be met with strict action. The government wants to send a clear message that it will not be tolerated, he said. In fact, the recent transfers and suspensions of officials in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation had been based on solid evidences against them, he said. Corporation engineer C M Sulaiman and two assistant executive engineers, J Ansar and Hairunnisa K, were transferred recently, while executive engineer Ananda Raja, LDC Shibu and overseers S K Sanal and S Jayakumar were suspended. Similarly, present and former secretaries of Thrissur Corporation R Lalu and K M Basheer, respectively, assistant executive engineer of Vadakara Sreekumar, assistant engineer Thimmayya Kodi, assistant engineer of Kollam Shailaja were also suspended. We receive various complaints about officials daily. Some are anonymous letters, while some come directly to the ministers office. Even mayors and municipal chairpersons complain about the officials. However, action is taken only after an inquiry, said an official in Jaleels office. The government had, a day back, appointed IAS officers as secretaries of various corporations. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Close on the heels of suspending nine officials for misconduct, Local Self Governments Minister K T Jaleel conducted a surprise inspection at the office of Chief Town Planner at Swaraj Bhavan in the city at 10.45am on Thursday. Much to his annoyance, only half of the 120 employees at the CTP office were present at the time. I conducted the inspection following several complaints about the functioning of the CTP office. It seems impossible that the head of the department allowed so many absentees, said Jaleel, adding, I have also received specific complaints about certain officials and will take action against them. He said most officials were good, but their hard work and reputation got tarnished by a few bad apples. There have been attempts to deliberately delay services to demand bribes. It will be met with strict action. The government wants to send a clear message that it will not be tolerated, he said. In fact, the recent transfers and suspensions of officials in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation had been based on solid evidences against them, he said. Corporation engineer C M Sulaiman and two assistant executive engineers, J Ansar and Hairunnisa K, were transferred recently, while executive engineer Ananda Raja, LDC Shibu and overseers S K Sanal and S Jayakumar were suspended. Similarly, present and former secretaries of Thrissur Corporation R Lalu and K M Basheer, respectively, assistant executive engineer of Vadakara Sreekumar, assistant engineer Thimmayya Kodi, assistant engineer of Kollam Shailaja were also suspended. We receive various complaints about officials daily. Some are anonymous letters, while some come directly to the ministers office. Even mayors and municipal chairpersons complain about the officials. However, action is taken only after an inquiry, said an official in Jaleels office. The government had, a day back, appointed IAS officers as secretaries of various corporations. Hemant Kumar Rout By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: Gopal Krushna Panda was happy to hear the announcement on demonetisation of higher currency notes with a hope that the black money will be wiped out. But his happiness was short-lived as the currency crisis gripped the nation. A native of Gopalpur village in Balasore district, Panda requires at least Rs 40,000 to harvest paddy from his 10 acres of agricultural field. While the paddy has already started falling from panicles, he is unable to arrange the amount and engage workers for harvesting. I had kept around Rs 20,000 of old denominations for the purpose and planned to withdraw rest amount from bank. But I had to deposit it after the currency ban. Now I am unable to withdraw the amount. The bank is denying to give me Rs 20,000 at a time. I fear I would lose at least 25 per cent of paddy if I fail to harvest in one week, he said. November and December are paddy harvesting months in the State. This year, it is delayed by a fortnight due to rain in October. So far, about 20 per cent has been harvested. The farmers will have to use manual workers for cutting and shifting paddy straws to their houses. For this, we need cash. While a male worker charges Rs 300 per day, female workers demand Rs 250. I do not have sufficient Rs 100 notes. I stood in queues before an ATM and a bank for two days and withdrew Rs 12,000. While the bank gave me four Rs 2,000 notes and twenty Rs 100 notes, the ATM delivered one Rs 2,000 note. The Rs 2,000 notes are of no use since the workers are not willing to take and demand small exchange, said another farmer Dinesh Patra from Basudevpur of Bhadrak district. The demonetisation has also forced the farmers to resort to distress sale of old paddy stock to get money for harvesting kharif crop. They are selling paddy at Rs 400 to Rs 500 less than the MSP of Rs 1,470 per quintal for common variety of paddy and Rs 1,510 per quintal for Grade-A variety of paddy. We are selling the paddy to traders from West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh at Rs 900 to Rs 1,000 per quintal to those who are paying us in Rs 100 denominations, said Saroj Kumar Dash, a resident of Talapada village. BHUBANESWAR: Gopal Krushna Panda was happy to hear the announcement on demonetisation of higher currency notes with a hope that the black money will be wiped out. But his happiness was short-lived as the currency crisis gripped the nation. A native of Gopalpur village in Balasore district, Panda requires at least Rs 40,000 to harvest paddy from his 10 acres of agricultural field. While the paddy has already started falling from panicles, he is unable to arrange the amount and engage workers for harvesting. I had kept around Rs 20,000 of old denominations for the purpose and planned to withdraw rest amount from bank. But I had to deposit it after the currency ban. Now I am unable to withdraw the amount. The bank is denying to give me Rs 20,000 at a time. I fear I would lose at least 25 per cent of paddy if I fail to harvest in one week, he said. November and December are paddy harvesting months in the State. This year, it is delayed by a fortnight due to rain in October. So far, about 20 per cent has been harvested. The farmers will have to use manual workers for cutting and shifting paddy straws to their houses. For this, we need cash. While a male worker charges Rs 300 per day, female workers demand Rs 250. I do not have sufficient Rs 100 notes. I stood in queues before an ATM and a bank for two days and withdrew Rs 12,000. While the bank gave me four Rs 2,000 notes and twenty Rs 100 notes, the ATM delivered one Rs 2,000 note. The Rs 2,000 notes are of no use since the workers are not willing to take and demand small exchange, said another farmer Dinesh Patra from Basudevpur of Bhadrak district. The demonetisation has also forced the farmers to resort to distress sale of old paddy stock to get money for harvesting kharif crop. They are selling paddy at Rs 400 to Rs 500 less than the MSP of Rs 1,470 per quintal for common variety of paddy and Rs 1,510 per quintal for Grade-A variety of paddy. We are selling the paddy to traders from West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh at Rs 900 to Rs 1,000 per quintal to those who are paying us in Rs 100 denominations, said Saroj Kumar Dash, a resident of Talapada village. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) on Thursday announced that it will organise Jana Akrosh Rally across the State on November 28 protesting the Centres decision of demonetisation. Announcing this at a media conference here, OPCC president Prasad Harichandan said the Congress will organise the rally in all 314 blocks and 30 districts of the State as part of the all India protest. Criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the demonetisation decision, Harichandan asked how much corruption and black money have been removed 15 days after implementation of the decision. The `8 lakh crore loan taken by industrialists across the country is yet to be recovered by the Government. The Narendra Modi Government has so far waived `1 lakh crore bad debt of industrialists but why is there no such waiver for farmers? he asked. The OPCC president asked whether the demonetisation decision was leaked to some business houses close to the powers-that-be. He demanded that the Centre should provide compensation to the people who have died standing in queues for exchange of demonetised currency notes. Harichandan tried to play down the growing rift between the organisational and legislative wings of the party and said the party will contest the ensuing panchayat polls under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi. There is nothing wrong if the MLAs have decided to fight the panchayat polls under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi as she is the supreme leader of Congress, he said. He admitted that there are differences of opinion in the Congress. But there are rift and differences in other parties too. The media is highlighting the Congress rift while downplaying factionalism in BJD and BJP, he said. Harichandan said efforts are on to resolve the differences in the party which cannot be divulged. Congress will resolve the differences among its leaders and fight the panchayat polls unitedly, he said and added that minor issues are being highlighted in the media. BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) on Thursday announced that it will organise Jana Akrosh Rally across the State on November 28 protesting the Centres decision of demonetisation. Announcing this at a media conference here, OPCC president Prasad Harichandan said the Congress will organise the rally in all 314 blocks and 30 districts of the State as part of the all India protest. Criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the demonetisation decision, Harichandan asked how much corruption and black money have been removed 15 days after implementation of the decision. The `8 lakh crore loan taken by industrialists across the country is yet to be recovered by the Government. The Narendra Modi Government has so far waived `1 lakh crore bad debt of industrialists but why is there no such waiver for farmers? he asked. The OPCC president asked whether the demonetisation decision was leaked to some business houses close to the powers-that-be. He demanded that the Centre should provide compensation to the people who have died standing in queues for exchange of demonetised currency notes. Harichandan tried to play down the growing rift between the organisational and legislative wings of the party and said the party will contest the ensuing panchayat polls under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi. There is nothing wrong if the MLAs have decided to fight the panchayat polls under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi as she is the supreme leader of Congress, he said. He admitted that there are differences of opinion in the Congress. But there are rift and differences in other parties too. The media is highlighting the Congress rift while downplaying factionalism in BJD and BJP, he said. Harichandan said efforts are on to resolve the differences in the party which cannot be divulged. Congress will resolve the differences among its leaders and fight the panchayat polls unitedly, he said and added that minor issues are being highlighted in the media. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: Income Tax [IT] officials on Friday inspected the transactions of the main branch of the Balasore Bhadrak Central Cooperative Bank [BBCCB] amid suspicions that shady transactions have been taking place in it since the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes. A senior manager of the bank denied that this was a raid. He said it seemed to be an inspection of transactions to verify whether unaccounted money has been flowing into Jan Dhan accounts across the country. Some Rs 21,000 crore of slush cash is reported to have been deposited in Jan Dhan accounts demonetisation. The manager said BBCCB does not have any Jan Dhan accounts. Three tax sleuths arrived at the bank at about 11 am and examined documents relating to transactions made since November 10. They inspected deposit slips, online transactions and documents submitted against high-value deposits. The raid continued till evening. Cooperative banks have been barred by the Reserve Bank of India [RBI] from handling Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denominations 10 days ago. We cooperated with the IT officials and provided them the details they sought. We have received more deposits through cooperative societies than from individual account holders. We have kept the PAN details against high-value deposits, he said. Sources said before the RBI restrictions were clamped, BBCCB had collected deposits of around Rs 59 crore in five days between November 10 and 14. The bank has 30 branches and 249 cooperative societies besides two Large-Area Multi Purpose Societies (LAMPS) in Balasore and Bhadrak districts. The bank, which does not have a core banking system, has around seven lakh accounts. Cooperative banks across Odisha have threatened to launch a protest against the RBI guidelines restricting them from accepting deposits of old notes. They, however, postponed the protest after RBI promised to provide them financial assistance through Nabard for lending to farmers. The IT sleuths also went to the Balasore Urban Cooperative Bank and collected cash transaction details. They are expected to visit some other cooperative societies soon. On Wednesday, IT sleuths had conducted a raid at Puri Urban Co-operative Bank. BHUBANESWAR: Income Tax [IT] officials on Friday inspected the transactions of the main branch of the Balasore Bhadrak Central Cooperative Bank [BBCCB] amid suspicions that shady transactions have been taking place in it since the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes. A senior manager of the bank denied that this was a raid. He said it seemed to be an inspection of transactions to verify whether unaccounted money has been flowing into Jan Dhan accounts across the country. Some Rs 21,000 crore of slush cash is reported to have been deposited in Jan Dhan accounts demonetisation. The manager said BBCCB does not have any Jan Dhan accounts. Three tax sleuths arrived at the bank at about 11 am and examined documents relating to transactions made since November 10. They inspected deposit slips, online transactions and documents submitted against high-value deposits. The raid continued till evening. Cooperative banks have been barred by the Reserve Bank of India [RBI] from handling Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denominations 10 days ago. We cooperated with the IT officials and provided them the details they sought. We have received more deposits through cooperative societies than from individual account holders. We have kept the PAN details against high-value deposits, he said. Sources said before the RBI restrictions were clamped, BBCCB had collected deposits of around Rs 59 crore in five days between November 10 and 14. The bank has 30 branches and 249 cooperative societies besides two Large-Area Multi Purpose Societies (LAMPS) in Balasore and Bhadrak districts. The bank, which does not have a core banking system, has around seven lakh accounts. Cooperative banks across Odisha have threatened to launch a protest against the RBI guidelines restricting them from accepting deposits of old notes. They, however, postponed the protest after RBI promised to provide them financial assistance through Nabard for lending to farmers. The IT sleuths also went to the Balasore Urban Cooperative Bank and collected cash transaction details. They are expected to visit some other cooperative societies soon. On Wednesday, IT sleuths had conducted a raid at Puri Urban Co-operative Bank. By Express News Service CHENNAI: Tension prevailed in the congested streets of Periamet on Thursday when a 22-year-old youth allegedly attempted to commit suicide after police tried to take him under custody for a routine enquiry. Bharat (22), a daily wage labourer at a leather industry, was shocked to see policemen in civvies in front of his house. Though police said it was a routine enquiry, the youth, fearing arrest tried to flee the spot. Once cops closed in on him, he slit his throat with a blade he had in his pocket, family members said. Later, Bharat and his family members arrived at the City Police Commissioners Office demanding action against the cops who chased him. Following an assurance from senior officers to look into the issue, Bharat was taken to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. Police, however, said the youth was a history-sheeter and had several cases pending against him in the local police station. He was reportedly arrested on charges of assault on October 2 and was released recently. The police had gone to his house as part of the routine inspection drive which was carried out to keep track of persons with criminal record, a senior police official said. According to a relative, Bharat was a drug addict, involved in criminal activities along with his friends in the locality. Patient commits suicide in government hospital A 22-year-old man admitted to the Government Stanley Hospital committed suicide by hanging on the hospital premises on Wednesday. S Rajavel, a native of Cuddalore, was moved from the JIPMER Hospital in Puducherry to the Stanley Hospital on Tuesday. Police sources said that he had attempted suicide by consuming rat poison on Sunday last at his home and was admitted in JIPMER. On Wednesday, his mother Vijaya found him hanging from the toilet. Investigations revealed that the man was undergoing treatment for mental illness in his native village. CHENNAI: Tension prevailed in the congested streets of Periamet on Thursday when a 22-year-old youth allegedly attempted to commit suicide after police tried to take him under custody for a routine enquiry. Bharat (22), a daily wage labourer at a leather industry, was shocked to see policemen in civvies in front of his house. Though police said it was a routine enquiry, the youth, fearing arrest tried to flee the spot. Once cops closed in on him, he slit his throat with a blade he had in his pocket, family members said. Later, Bharat and his family members arrived at the City Police Commissioners Office demanding action against the cops who chased him. Following an assurance from senior officers to look into the issue, Bharat was taken to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. Police, however, said the youth was a history-sheeter and had several cases pending against him in the local police station. He was reportedly arrested on charges of assault on October 2 and was released recently. The police had gone to his house as part of the routine inspection drive which was carried out to keep track of persons with criminal record, a senior police official said. According to a relative, Bharat was a drug addict, involved in criminal activities along with his friends in the locality. Patient commits suicide in government hospital A 22-year-old man admitted to the Government Stanley Hospital committed suicide by hanging on the hospital premises on Wednesday. S Rajavel, a native of Cuddalore, was moved from the JIPMER Hospital in Puducherry to the Stanley Hospital on Tuesday. Police sources said that he had attempted suicide by consuming rat poison on Sunday last at his home and was admitted in JIPMER. On Wednesday, his mother Vijaya found him hanging from the toilet. Investigations revealed that the man was undergoing treatment for mental illness in his native village. JR Prasad By Express News Service HYDERABAD: The way Hindu pontiff Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamy, was allowed to sit on the official chair of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao during the inauguration of CMs new official residence-cum-camp office at Begumpet, here has led to a debate among political circles and legal experts. An activist from Telugu Nadu Students Federation (TNSF) being dragged away by the police during a protest in front of the CMs new camp office | Sayantan ghosh While some have found fault with the KCRs act of allowing the pontiff to sit on CMs chair, some others have justified the decision, saying that it is was a personal choice of the god-fearing CM. BJP MLC and practicing advocate N Ramachandra Rao came down heavily on Rao for creating such an uncomfortable situation for a seer like Chinna Jeeyar Swamy. CM should have avoided such an embarrassing situation to the Swamyji, who is respected by all people in our society. This issue unnecessarily lands the high priest in controversy as the official chair of the CM is meant for the elected representatives, he said. The BJP leader added, already there is a magnificent camp office for the CM, which was built during YS Rajasekhara Reddys regime. What was the necessity of CM KCR constructing another luxurious building at a time when government is unable to release funds for several welfare schemes? A new State like Telangana should spend taxpayers money judiciously, instead of squandering it on lavish things, he added. Drawing parallels with the incident of the then President of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma, prostrating himself before the feet of Bhagawan Sathya Sai Baba, senior advocate and Constitutional expert A Satya Prasad said leaders, holding Constitutional posts, should not attach their personal beliefs with the official matters. That seat is meant for CM alone. Unless until Constitution allows, nobody should sit on the official chair of the CM. Allowing others, how big they may be, to occupy CMs chair, is inappropriate as per the Constitution, he said. Support for CM A senior counsel and expert on Constitutional matters, S Satyam Reddy backed the CM. Nothing wrong in it. It is purely a belief. We some times keep the images of gods on chairs before entering a new house. Its a personal choice for anybody. Here, the CM wanted to invoke the blessings of the almighty by requesting the pontiff, who is seen as the incarnation of Lord Srimannarayana, to occupy his chair. It doesnt amount to violation of any rule, he said. HYDERABAD: The way Hindu pontiff Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamy, was allowed to sit on the official chair of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao during the inauguration of CMs new official residence-cum-camp office at Begumpet, here has led to a debate among political circles and legal experts. An activist from Telugu Nadu Students Federation (TNSF) being dragged away by the police during a protest in front of the CMs new camp office | Sayantan ghoshWhile some have found fault with the KCRs act of allowing the pontiff to sit on CMs chair, some others have justified the decision, saying that it is was a personal choice of the god-fearing CM. BJP MLC and practicing advocate N Ramachandra Rao came down heavily on Rao for creating such an uncomfortable situation for a seer like Chinna Jeeyar Swamy. CM should have avoided such an embarrassing situation to the Swamyji, who is respected by all people in our society. This issue unnecessarily lands the high priest in controversy as the official chair of the CM is meant for the elected representatives, he said. The BJP leader added, already there is a magnificent camp office for the CM, which was built during YS Rajasekhara Reddys regime. What was the necessity of CM KCR constructing another luxurious building at a time when government is unable to release funds for several welfare schemes? A new State like Telangana should spend taxpayers money judiciously, instead of squandering it on lavish things, he added. Drawing parallels with the incident of the then President of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma, prostrating himself before the feet of Bhagawan Sathya Sai Baba, senior advocate and Constitutional expert A Satya Prasad said leaders, holding Constitutional posts, should not attach their personal beliefs with the official matters. That seat is meant for CM alone. Unless until Constitution allows, nobody should sit on the official chair of the CM. Allowing others, how big they may be, to occupy CMs chair, is inappropriate as per the Constitution, he said. Support for CM A senior counsel and expert on Constitutional matters, S Satyam Reddy backed the CM. Nothing wrong in it. It is purely a belief. We some times keep the images of gods on chairs before entering a new house. Its a personal choice for anybody. Here, the CM wanted to invoke the blessings of the almighty by requesting the pontiff, who is seen as the incarnation of Lord Srimannarayana, to occupy his chair. It doesnt amount to violation of any rule, he said. The Weibo account "Huanbaobu Fabu," or "environmental protection broadcast," is believed to be the official account of China's Ministry of Environmental Protection. The account attracted over 20,000 followers in two days after posting its first message. A ministry WeChat account was opened on the same day. On Nov. 23, the ministry's Weibo account delivered a message using a casual tone: "Dear all, nice to meet you on Weibo. Thank you for your attention and support." The message was reposted and commented on by more than 3,000 Weibo users. Some netizens believe the ministry is courageous to open a Weibo account during winter, when smog is among the top environmental issues across the country. Others hailed it as a positive step forward. The Weibo and WeChat accounts serve as windows into the ministry's activities and policies. They are also a platform through which regular citizens can communicate their ideas and suggestions, according to an official from the publicity and education department of the ministry on Nov. 24. Environmental protection departments across the country will open Weibo and WeChat accounts by June 5, 2017, in time for World Environment Day. By AFP HAIFA: Tens of thousands of Israelis fled raging bushfires in the northern city of Haifa Thursday, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said any proof of arson would be treated as "terror". Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan said up to half of a spate of fires had been "arson terror", while another minister appeared to point a finger at the country's Arab minority -- drawing fierce rebukes from Arab Israeli leaders. Some residents were trapped in their homes as the army called up reservists to support firefighters struggling to cope with a third day of blazes. Haifa mayor Yona Yahav told journalists 60,000 of the city's roughly 250,000 residents had been evacuated, calling the scale "unprecedented". Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said residents in eight Haifa neighbourhoods had been told to leave due to six separate fires. Residents spoke of a desperate rush to evacuate the elderly. "The fire is out of control and is spreading from one house to the other," the rescue services chief in the Carmel neighbourhood, Naftali Rottenberg, told public radio. "Sometimes we are taking residents out against their will." Yael Hame, a Haifa resident who fled her house, said it was "very frightening". "The fire was up over the skyscrapers. It came up to 20 stories high." Hame said she thought the fires were "much more dangerous" than a blaze in 2010 in Haifa that killed 44 people -- the deadliest in Israeli history. Around 65 people have been hospitalised with mild injuries, according to the Magen David Adom medical service. A number of residents remained stuck in their homes, a fire service spokesman said. Fires also raged in two areas on the outskirts of Jerusalem as well as near the Jewish settlement of Talmon in the occupied West Bank, police said, with Netanyahu saying there were 15 fire sites in total. A number of countries made immediate pledges of support, including planes. - Arson suspected - Speculation in Israel quickly turned to the source of the fires. Noah Wolfson, head of the Meteo-Tech meteorology website, said the dry autumn and strong winds meant conditions were perfect for fires to spread -- whether sparked by accident or on purpose. "The extreme dryness -- relative humidity below 10 percent -- coupled with very strong winds, enhance and encourage any small fire to expand and be horrendous," he said. The forecast for coming days was not optimistic, he added, with winds due to slow somewhat but no rain expected until early next week. Erdan told a press conference up to half of the recent fires had been started deliberately, labelling it "arson terror". "It is clear that many fires started as deliberate arson," he said. Education Minister Naftali Bennett of the far-right Jewish Home party appeared to blame the alleged arson on members of the Arab minority. Netanyahu, speaking near the scene of the fires, said authorities had noticed "encouragement to arson" on social media. "Every fire caused by arson or incitement to arson is terror and will be treated as such," he told reporters. Ayman Odeh, the head of the Arab block in the Israeli parliament, said in a statement the immediate accusations amounted to "incitement" against Arabs. He pointed out that many of the fires had disproportionately affected Arab areas, including in Haifa where he is from. "We have lived in this country for hundreds and thousands of years and not burned it." Odeh's party said in a separate statement that thousands of Arab families were ready to accept those who fled the fires, regardless of their religion. - Thick smoke - The extent of the damage will be assessed in the coming days, but for much of the day areas in southern Haifa were engulfed in smoke, the air thick with ash carried by the strong dry winds, an AFP correspondent at the scene said. Planes dropping water and powder swooped over every few minutes, dousing the area in an attempt to manage the flames. Some residents tried to use their personal hoses to douse their homes, while others packed a few prized possessions into shopping trolleys and rushed to safety. Dozens of soldiers, police, medics and firefighters were huddled in an impromptu command centre in a nearby parking lot. The emergency prompted a growing list of countries including Greece, Russia and Turkey to send firefighting aircraft. The 2010 fire required the assistance of planes and personnel from more than 16 countries to put out. HAIFA: Tens of thousands of Israelis fled raging bushfires in the northern city of Haifa Thursday, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said any proof of arson would be treated as "terror". Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan said up to half of a spate of fires had been "arson terror", while another minister appeared to point a finger at the country's Arab minority -- drawing fierce rebukes from Arab Israeli leaders. Some residents were trapped in their homes as the army called up reservists to support firefighters struggling to cope with a third day of blazes. Haifa mayor Yona Yahav told journalists 60,000 of the city's roughly 250,000 residents had been evacuated, calling the scale "unprecedented". Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said residents in eight Haifa neighbourhoods had been told to leave due to six separate fires. Residents spoke of a desperate rush to evacuate the elderly. "The fire is out of control and is spreading from one house to the other," the rescue services chief in the Carmel neighbourhood, Naftali Rottenberg, told public radio. "Sometimes we are taking residents out against their will." Yael Hame, a Haifa resident who fled her house, said it was "very frightening". "The fire was up over the skyscrapers. It came up to 20 stories high." Hame said she thought the fires were "much more dangerous" than a blaze in 2010 in Haifa that killed 44 people -- the deadliest in Israeli history. Around 65 people have been hospitalised with mild injuries, according to the Magen David Adom medical service. A number of residents remained stuck in their homes, a fire service spokesman said. Fires also raged in two areas on the outskirts of Jerusalem as well as near the Jewish settlement of Talmon in the occupied West Bank, police said, with Netanyahu saying there were 15 fire sites in total. A number of countries made immediate pledges of support, including planes. - Arson suspected - Speculation in Israel quickly turned to the source of the fires. Noah Wolfson, head of the Meteo-Tech meteorology website, said the dry autumn and strong winds meant conditions were perfect for fires to spread -- whether sparked by accident or on purpose. "The extreme dryness -- relative humidity below 10 percent -- coupled with very strong winds, enhance and encourage any small fire to expand and be horrendous," he said. The forecast for coming days was not optimistic, he added, with winds due to slow somewhat but no rain expected until early next week. Erdan told a press conference up to half of the recent fires had been started deliberately, labelling it "arson terror". "It is clear that many fires started as deliberate arson," he said. Education Minister Naftali Bennett of the far-right Jewish Home party appeared to blame the alleged arson on members of the Arab minority. Netanyahu, speaking near the scene of the fires, said authorities had noticed "encouragement to arson" on social media. "Every fire caused by arson or incitement to arson is terror and will be treated as such," he told reporters. Ayman Odeh, the head of the Arab block in the Israeli parliament, said in a statement the immediate accusations amounted to "incitement" against Arabs. He pointed out that many of the fires had disproportionately affected Arab areas, including in Haifa where he is from. "We have lived in this country for hundreds and thousands of years and not burned it." Odeh's party said in a separate statement that thousands of Arab families were ready to accept those who fled the fires, regardless of their religion. - Thick smoke - The extent of the damage will be assessed in the coming days, but for much of the day areas in southern Haifa were engulfed in smoke, the air thick with ash carried by the strong dry winds, an AFP correspondent at the scene said. Planes dropping water and powder swooped over every few minutes, dousing the area in an attempt to manage the flames. Some residents tried to use their personal hoses to douse their homes, while others packed a few prized possessions into shopping trolleys and rushed to safety. Dozens of soldiers, police, medics and firefighters were huddled in an impromptu command centre in a nearby parking lot. The emergency prompted a growing list of countries including Greece, Russia and Turkey to send firefighting aircraft. The 2010 fire required the assistance of planes and personnel from more than 16 countries to put out. By AFP RABAT:Two teenage girls allegedly caught kissing on a roof appeared in court in Morocco's Marrakesh on Friday charged with Homosexual acts, one of their lawyers said. The girls, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, were charged with "licentious or unnatural acts with an individual of the same sex". The two girls were arrested on October 28 after being reported by their families. They had allegedly been caught kissing and hugging on a rooftop. Detained for a week, they were released on bail. The girls face between six months and three years in prison if found guilty. "They denied what was in the police report, namely that they had a homosexual relationship, and said their relationship was friendly," lawyer Rachid al-Ghorfi told AFP. Ghorfi said the court will issue a verdict on December 9. They have been charged under Article 489 of Morocco's penal code, which criminalises what it calls "sexual deviancy" between two people of the same gender. Human rights groups have called for the article to be scrapped. "These two girls could go to prison for simply expressing affection for each other," said Sarah Leah Whitson of New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW). "Moroccan authorities should drop charges against them and stop prosecuting people for private consensual acts." Arrests for alleged homosexual acts are not uncommon, although HRW said this was the first such case involving two girls. RABAT:Two teenage girls allegedly caught kissing on a roof appeared in court in Morocco's Marrakesh on Friday charged with Homosexual acts, one of their lawyers said. The girls, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, were charged with "licentious or unnatural acts with an individual of the same sex". The two girls were arrested on October 28 after being reported by their families. They had allegedly been caught kissing and hugging on a rooftop. Detained for a week, they were released on bail. The girls face between six months and three years in prison if found guilty. "They denied what was in the police report, namely that they had a homosexual relationship, and said their relationship was friendly," lawyer Rachid al-Ghorfi told AFP. Ghorfi said the court will issue a verdict on December 9. They have been charged under Article 489 of Morocco's penal code, which criminalises what it calls "sexual deviancy" between two people of the same gender. Human rights groups have called for the article to be scrapped. "These two girls could go to prison for simply expressing affection for each other," said Sarah Leah Whitson of New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW). "Moroccan authorities should drop charges against them and stop prosecuting people for private consensual acts." Arrests for alleged homosexual acts are not uncommon, although HRW said this was the first such case involving two girls. By AFP BRASILIA: A prominent Brazilian government minister resigned on Friday in a corruption scandal reportedly implicating President Michel Temer. "I am asking to be relieved of my position," government secretary Geddel Vieira Lima said in a letter published in the media. Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper reported on Thursday that another ex-minister had told police Temer pressured him to intervene in a business deal involving Vieira Lima. Temer denied the allegation. Former culture minister Marcelo Calero said Temer and Vieira Lima asked him to approve a building project in the northeastern seaside city of Salvador de Bahia, where Vieira Lima has an apartment, the newspaper said. Temer, 76, took over as acting president in May before becoming full president in August after his leftist rival Dilma Rousseff was impeached. Vieira Lima is the sixth minister to quit Temer's government since May. He was a key driver of Temer's policies, including unpopular austerity measures the government says are needed to fix Brazil's finances. Three others resigned after being named in a major corruption scandal involving the state oil firm Petrobras. Another quit over separate irregularities. A key suspect in the Petrobras affair has reportedly made allegations against Temer. However, the president is not under any formal investigation so far. Rousseff was impeached over unrelated allegations that she fiddled state accounts while in office. Her allies have now threatened a motion to try to impeach Temer himself. Latin America's biggest economy, Brazil entered a boom under Rousseff's predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. But it has since plunged into recession. BRASILIA: A prominent Brazilian government minister resigned on Friday in a corruption scandal reportedly implicating President Michel Temer. "I am asking to be relieved of my position," government secretary Geddel Vieira Lima said in a letter published in the media. Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper reported on Thursday that another ex-minister had told police Temer pressured him to intervene in a business deal involving Vieira Lima. Temer denied the allegation. Former culture minister Marcelo Calero said Temer and Vieira Lima asked him to approve a building project in the northeastern seaside city of Salvador de Bahia, where Vieira Lima has an apartment, the newspaper said. Temer, 76, took over as acting president in May before becoming full president in August after his leftist rival Dilma Rousseff was impeached. Vieira Lima is the sixth minister to quit Temer's government since May. He was a key driver of Temer's policies, including unpopular austerity measures the government says are needed to fix Brazil's finances. Three others resigned after being named in a major corruption scandal involving the state oil firm Petrobras. Another quit over separate irregularities. A key suspect in the Petrobras affair has reportedly made allegations against Temer. However, the president is not under any formal investigation so far. Rousseff was impeached over unrelated allegations that she fiddled state accounts while in office. Her allies have now threatened a motion to try to impeach Temer himself. Latin America's biggest economy, Brazil entered a boom under Rousseff's predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. But it has since plunged into recession. PK Balachandran By Express News Service COLOMBO: Having suffered a great deal by putting all its eggs in the basket of the Sri Lankan government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa between 2010 and 2014, China has now adopted a balanced Sri Lanka policy under which it will engage the opposition as well as the government of the day. This change is reflected in the official invitation extended to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to visit China. The visit is currently on. A beleaguered Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government, abjectly dependent on China to rescue it from a US$ 8 billion debt trap, has been forced to facilitate Rajapaksas visit after mocking it at first. It was amazingly smooth sailing for Beijing when, after Eelam War IV in 2009, the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa decided to go for Chinese loans to meet the infrastructural needs of his country. The Chinese not only obliged him with huge loans but unquestioningly put up facilities which could well turn out to be White Elephants. However, the Chinese saw to it that the price tag was high, with an interest of 6.5 percent. The magnitude of the projects, their irrelevance, and the humongous cost, expectedly received heavy flak and became one of the main issues which led to Rajapaksas defeat in the January 8, 2015 Presidential election. The successor Sirisena-Wickremesinghe coalition government promptly suspended the Chinese projects to review and renegotiate the terms. Beijing also came under criticism from Chinas own think tanks for dealing only with Rajapaksa, neglecting the opposition and assuming that Sri Lanka will be politically stable with no possibility of its abandoning its traditional pro-China policy. Beijing realized the need for a change in policy. But first, it had to get the existing projects going because much money was locked up in them. Chinese state owned companies doing the projects were losing millions of dollars as a result of the suspension. Taking a soft line, China agreed to the review of the projects. But fortunately for China, it did not take the Sirisena-Wickremsinghe government very long to realize that no other county other than China will give it money for the asking, or help make the projects yield an income. Western nations with which the new regime has friendly ties, came with ideas, but not money. With minor adjustments, the projects under construction were revived. But the completed US$ 1.5 billion Hambantota port and the Mattala airport had to be made viable. No country other than China had an interest in doing so. Sri Lanka suggested that the China convert the debt in Hambantota port into equity, taking 80 percent of the stake in addition to four exclusive berths already given. China was also offered 15,000 acres of land in Hambantota to set up an Economic Zone to build a suitable hinterland for the port. The offer as regards the empty Mattala Port is not clear. Seeing Colombo trapped, Beijing began to play hardball. The Chinese Ambassador has made public statements criticizing the Sri Lankan attitude, the work ethic, the non-functioning systems and inconsistency in policies. And while government ministers are saying a deal has been struck, the Chinese are ominously silent. It is in this context that Chinas invitation to former President Rajapaksa assumes importance. Diplomats said that China has started hedging its bets. They take with a pinch of salt, the Chinese Ambassadors declaration that Chinas policy is only to deal with the government of the day. . It makes sense to cultivate Rajapaksa now, as his Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP) has significant grassroots support, second only to the UNP. In fact, the recent rural cooperative society elections indicate that the SLPP is number one in the Sinhalese-speaking rural areas. And it is fear of losing to the SLPP which is making the government postpone the local bodies elections. Asked if China, like India and the West, will try to influence Sri Lankan domestic politics, D.Siddharthan MP of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), pointed out that the Chinese envoy has met the TNA and TNA MPs have gone on sponsored trips to China. China has been regularly taking Sri Lankan journalists and MPs on tours. Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Dr.Dayan Jayatilleka, said that Rajapaksas visit to China is very significant and that Beijing is seeing him as a player in the Asian region. Jayatilleka also pointed out that China had not abandoned the Rajapaksas after the January 2015 defeat. China had kept in touch with Gotabaya Rajapaksa (the ex-Presidents brother and former Defense Secretary).Significantly it had invited him to participate in a defense seminar. COLOMBO: Having suffered a great deal by putting all its eggs in the basket of the Sri Lankan government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa between 2010 and 2014, China has now adopted a balanced Sri Lanka policy under which it will engage the opposition as well as the government of the day. This change is reflected in the official invitation extended to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to visit China. The visit is currently on. A beleaguered Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government, abjectly dependent on China to rescue it from a US$ 8 billion debt trap, has been forced to facilitate Rajapaksas visit after mocking it at first. It was amazingly smooth sailing for Beijing when, after Eelam War IV in 2009, the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa decided to go for Chinese loans to meet the infrastructural needs of his country. The Chinese not only obliged him with huge loans but unquestioningly put up facilities which could well turn out to be White Elephants. However, the Chinese saw to it that the price tag was high, with an interest of 6.5 percent. The magnitude of the projects, their irrelevance, and the humongous cost, expectedly received heavy flak and became one of the main issues which led to Rajapaksas defeat in the January 8, 2015 Presidential election. The successor Sirisena-Wickremesinghe coalition government promptly suspended the Chinese projects to review and renegotiate the terms. Beijing also came under criticism from Chinas own think tanks for dealing only with Rajapaksa, neglecting the opposition and assuming that Sri Lanka will be politically stable with no possibility of its abandoning its traditional pro-China policy. Beijing realized the need for a change in policy. But first, it had to get the existing projects going because much money was locked up in them. Chinese state owned companies doing the projects were losing millions of dollars as a result of the suspension. Taking a soft line, China agreed to the review of the projects. But fortunately for China, it did not take the Sirisena-Wickremsinghe government very long to realize that no other county other than China will give it money for the asking, or help make the projects yield an income. Western nations with which the new regime has friendly ties, came with ideas, but not money. With minor adjustments, the projects under construction were revived. But the completed US$ 1.5 billion Hambantota port and the Mattala airport had to be made viable. No country other than China had an interest in doing so. Sri Lanka suggested that the China convert the debt in Hambantota port into equity, taking 80 percent of the stake in addition to four exclusive berths already given. China was also offered 15,000 acres of land in Hambantota to set up an Economic Zone to build a suitable hinterland for the port. The offer as regards the empty Mattala Port is not clear. Seeing Colombo trapped, Beijing began to play hardball. The Chinese Ambassador has made public statements criticizing the Sri Lankan attitude, the work ethic, the non-functioning systems and inconsistency in policies. And while government ministers are saying a deal has been struck, the Chinese are ominously silent. It is in this context that Chinas invitation to former President Rajapaksa assumes importance. Diplomats said that China has started hedging its bets. They take with a pinch of salt, the Chinese Ambassadors declaration that Chinas policy is only to deal with the government of the day. . It makes sense to cultivate Rajapaksa now, as his Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP) has significant grassroots support, second only to the UNP. In fact, the recent rural cooperative society elections indicate that the SLPP is number one in the Sinhalese-speaking rural areas. And it is fear of losing to the SLPP which is making the government postpone the local bodies elections. Asked if China, like India and the West, will try to influence Sri Lankan domestic politics, D.Siddharthan MP of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), pointed out that the Chinese envoy has met the TNA and TNA MPs have gone on sponsored trips to China. China has been regularly taking Sri Lankan journalists and MPs on tours. Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Dr.Dayan Jayatilleka, said that Rajapaksas visit to China is very significant and that Beijing is seeing him as a player in the Asian region. Jayatilleka also pointed out that China had not abandoned the Rajapaksas after the January 2015 defeat. China had kept in touch with Gotabaya Rajapaksa (the ex-Presidents brother and former Defense Secretary).Significantly it had invited him to participate in a defense seminar. By Associated Press IRAQ: Iraqi hospital and police officials say the death toll from a car bombing south of Baghdad claimed by the Islamic State group has risen to 73, including about 40 Iranian pilgrims. The officials said Friday that 65 people were wounded in the attack. Earlier, they had put the death toll at 56 from the Thursday night bombing, which almost completely destroyed the gas station, several nearby stores and set several cars on fire. The station is located on a major highway. The blast knocked out power at the station, forcing relatives looking for the remains of loved ones to use the glare of their mobile phones to guide them. Body parts that remained unclaimed were gathered in a blue bag and placed on the sidewalk outside the station. Large sections of the station were covered in blood. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Qashqavi was quoted by the semi-official Tasnim news agency as saying that 80 people were killed, including 40 Iranians. Conflicting death tolls are common in the aftermath of large attacks. The Islamic State group claimed the attack in a brief statement carried by its Aamaq news agency, saying it was a suicide truck bomb. The Iraqi officials said the target of the attack appears to have been a bus carrying Iranian pilgrims heading home after taking part in a major Shiite religious observance in the holy city of Karbala. The blast left the bus and some dozen cars charred. The Shiite observance marks the 40th day after the death anniversary of a much revered, 7th century imam. It routinely attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, including many Iranians who travel overland into Iraq for the occasion. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. Thursday's attack came a day after several small-scale bombings in and around Baghdad killed 31 people and wounded more than a 100, a particularly bloody day even by the standards of the Iraqi capital, which has for more than a decade endured near-daily violence blamed on IS or its forerunner, al-Qaida in Iraq. In northern Iraq, meanwhile, troops drove IS militants from three more neighborhoods in Mosul, the country's second largest city, where U.S.-backed offensive has been underway for more than six weeks. Brig. Gen. Haider Fadhil of the special forces told The Associated Press his men have retaken the neighborhoods of Amn, Qahira and Green Apartments and were expanding their foothold in the densely populated district of Zohour. The neighborhoods are all east of the Tigris River, where most of the fighting has taken place. A U.S.-led coalition is carrying out airstrikes to support the troops. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi meanwhile flew to an airstrip outside the town of Tal Afar, to the west of Mosul, on a previously unannounced visit on Thursday, according to footage aired by the state-owned Iraqiya television network. The airstrip was seized from IS by state-sanctioned Shiite militiamen earlier this week. IRAQ: Iraqi hospital and police officials say the death toll from a car bombing south of Baghdad claimed by the Islamic State group has risen to 73, including about 40 Iranian pilgrims. The officials said Friday that 65 people were wounded in the attack. Earlier, they had put the death toll at 56 from the Thursday night bombing, which almost completely destroyed the gas station, several nearby stores and set several cars on fire. The station is located on a major highway. The blast knocked out power at the station, forcing relatives looking for the remains of loved ones to use the glare of their mobile phones to guide them. Body parts that remained unclaimed were gathered in a blue bag and placed on the sidewalk outside the station. Large sections of the station were covered in blood. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Qashqavi was quoted by the semi-official Tasnim news agency as saying that 80 people were killed, including 40 Iranians. Conflicting death tolls are common in the aftermath of large attacks. The Islamic State group claimed the attack in a brief statement carried by its Aamaq news agency, saying it was a suicide truck bomb. The Iraqi officials said the target of the attack appears to have been a bus carrying Iranian pilgrims heading home after taking part in a major Shiite religious observance in the holy city of Karbala. The blast left the bus and some dozen cars charred. The Shiite observance marks the 40th day after the death anniversary of a much revered, 7th century imam. It routinely attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, including many Iranians who travel overland into Iraq for the occasion. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. Thursday's attack came a day after several small-scale bombings in and around Baghdad killed 31 people and wounded more than a 100, a particularly bloody day even by the standards of the Iraqi capital, which has for more than a decade endured near-daily violence blamed on IS or its forerunner, al-Qaida in Iraq. In northern Iraq, meanwhile, troops drove IS militants from three more neighborhoods in Mosul, the country's second largest city, where U.S.-backed offensive has been underway for more than six weeks. Brig. Gen. Haider Fadhil of the special forces told The Associated Press his men have retaken the neighborhoods of Amn, Qahira and Green Apartments and were expanding their foothold in the densely populated district of Zohour. The neighborhoods are all east of the Tigris River, where most of the fighting has taken place. A U.S.-led coalition is carrying out airstrikes to support the troops. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi meanwhile flew to an airstrip outside the town of Tal Afar, to the west of Mosul, on a previously unannounced visit on Thursday, according to footage aired by the state-owned Iraqiya television network. The airstrip was seized from IS by state-sanctioned Shiite militiamen earlier this week. By AFP ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday threatened to throw open Turkey's borders to illegal migrants after the European Parliament voted to back a freeze in membership talks with Ankara. "Listen to me. If you go any further, then the frontiers will be opened, bear that in mind," Erdogan told the European Union (EU) in a speech in Istanbul. On March 18, Ankara and Brussels forged a deal for Turkey to halt the flow of migrants to Europe -- an accord that has largely been successful in reducing numbers crossing the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece. Turkey agreed to step up maritime and land border controls in exchange for incentives on its long-stalled membership bid, including visa-free travel for its citizens and an acceleration of accession talks. However with an October target passing and no apparent progress on the visa issue and accession talks stalled, Ankara has stepped up accusations that Brussels was not keeping its side of the bargain. The latest setback was the vote on Thursday by the European Parliament to freeze membership talks, a move prompted by alarm over Turkey's crackdown after an attempted putsch. But the resolution is non-binding and has not been backed by the European Commission or almost any member states. Erdogan said that the EU had cried out for help in 2015, as tens of thousands of migrants massed at the border crossing with EU member Bulgaria. "You began to ask us 'what will we do if Turkey opens its borders'?" he asked. Around one million migrants from poverty-stricken countries and refugees from wars crossed into Europe in 2015, raising fears of a social crisis in the EU and strengthening the hand of right-wing nationalist parties. ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday threatened to throw open Turkey's borders to illegal migrants after the European Parliament voted to back a freeze in membership talks with Ankara. "Listen to me. If you go any further, then the frontiers will be opened, bear that in mind," Erdogan told the European Union (EU) in a speech in Istanbul. On March 18, Ankara and Brussels forged a deal for Turkey to halt the flow of migrants to Europe -- an accord that has largely been successful in reducing numbers crossing the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece. Turkey agreed to step up maritime and land border controls in exchange for incentives on its long-stalled membership bid, including visa-free travel for its citizens and an acceleration of accession talks. However with an October target passing and no apparent progress on the visa issue and accession talks stalled, Ankara has stepped up accusations that Brussels was not keeping its side of the bargain. The latest setback was the vote on Thursday by the European Parliament to freeze membership talks, a move prompted by alarm over Turkey's crackdown after an attempted putsch. But the resolution is non-binding and has not been backed by the European Commission or almost any member states. Erdogan said that the EU had cried out for help in 2015, as tens of thousands of migrants massed at the border crossing with EU member Bulgaria. "You began to ask us 'what will we do if Turkey opens its borders'?" he asked. Around one million migrants from poverty-stricken countries and refugees from wars crossed into Europe in 2015, raising fears of a social crisis in the EU and strengthening the hand of right-wing nationalist parties. P K Balachandran By Express News Service COLOMBO: A Sri Lankan court on Friday issued an international arrest warrant against Lankaenews Editor Sandaruwan Senadheera for contempt of court. The warrant is to be executed through Interpol, the local media reported. This is the first time a Sri Lankan court has issued an international arrest warrant against a journalist. Senadheera has been accused by the Gampaha Chief Magistrate Kavindya Nanayakkara of publishing on his website a photograph of a suspect in a case of assault on former Editor of Rivira newspaper, Upali Tennakoon, even before the suspect was produced for an identification parade. This was seen as contempt of court. The Chief Magistrate also instructed the Department of Immigration and Emigration to arrest the Lankaenews editor if he arrives in Sri Lanka. Earlier, the Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe had told Parliament that legal action will be taken against Sandaruwan Senadheera for insulting the countrys judges using the Lankaenews website. Meanwhile Attorney-at-Law Madura Vithanage had submitted 14 complaints to the court claiming that the website in question had published reports insulting several judges and courts in Sri Lanka. COLOMBO: A Sri Lankan court on Friday issued an international arrest warrant against Lankaenews Editor Sandaruwan Senadheera for contempt of court. The warrant is to be executed through Interpol, the local media reported. This is the first time a Sri Lankan court has issued an international arrest warrant against a journalist. Senadheera has been accused by the Gampaha Chief Magistrate Kavindya Nanayakkara of publishing on his website a photograph of a suspect in a case of assault on former Editor of Rivira newspaper, Upali Tennakoon, even before the suspect was produced for an identification parade. This was seen as contempt of court. The Chief Magistrate also instructed the Department of Immigration and Emigration to arrest the Lankaenews editor if he arrives in Sri Lanka. Earlier, the Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe had told Parliament that legal action will be taken against Sandaruwan Senadheera for insulting the countrys judges using the Lankaenews website. Meanwhile Attorney-at-Law Madura Vithanage had submitted 14 complaints to the court claiming that the website in question had published reports insulting several judges and courts in Sri Lanka. By AFP Turkish authorities have reinstated over 6,000 teachers suspended after the July failed coup accused of terror links, the education ministry said on Friday. "6,007 personnel suspended over links to terrorist organisations have returned to their jobs," the ministry said on Twitter. Tens of thousands of teachers were suspended or sacked over links to Kurdish militants and coup plotters since July 15 when a rogue faction tried to oust President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from power. Turkish authorities have reinstated over 6,000 teachers suspended after the July failed coup accused of terror links, the education ministry said on Friday. "6,007 personnel suspended over links to terrorist organisations have returned to their jobs," the ministry said on Twitter. Tens of thousands of teachers were suspended or sacked over links to Kurdish militants and coup plotters since July 15 when a rogue faction tried to oust President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from power. By Associated Press BEIRUT: Turkey is pushing to capture the town of al-Bab, the last major Islamic State group stronghold in northern Syria. But are others welcoming the new advance in the war against the militants? Not quite. By seizing the city, Turkey would plant its firmest foothold yet in Syria. That is already causing frictions with other players in the country's war. Syrian President Bashar Assad's government opposes the Turkish incursion. His military's air defenses have threatened Turkish warplanes, and on Thursday, three Turkish troops were killed outside al-Bab in what the Turkish military said was a Syrian airstrike. At the same time, Turkey's Syrian allies are clashing with Syrian Kurdish fighters, who are another ally of the United States in the war on IS and are currently leading an assault on the Islamic State group's de facto capital Raqqa. Here is a look at why al-Bab is important for Ankara and how it can influence the balance of power in Syria. WHY AL-BAB? For Turkey, capturing al-Bab is key to preventing Syrian Kurds from connecting the stretches of territory they have captured along the border. A contiguous Kurdish-held area in Syria emboldens Turkey's own Kurdish rebels. Ankara views the Kurdish forces on both sides of the border as linked and labels them terrorists. A victory would push IS further from Turkey's border and further squeeze the militants in the city of Raqqa. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey was forced to descend to al-Bab, 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of the Syria-Turkey border, "to prepare a region there that is free of terror." Home to at least 2.7 million Syrian refugees, Turkey is looking to establish a "safe-zone" inside Syria. But Turkey's priority is the Kurds. Erdogan has also vowed to take the nearby town of Manbij, which the Kurds captured from IS this summer after 10 weeks of grueling battles. That victory allowed the Kurdish forces to expand west of the Euphrates River a line Ankara said they must not cross. Al-Bab, Arabic for 'the door', would provide Turkey with a new leverage with its NATO ally, the United States, and strengthen Ankara's influence over Syrian rebels at a time when a new Trump administration in Washington could halt support. ___ THE BATTLEFIELD Al-Bab is sandwiched between three rival forces. Moving from the north and west, Turkish-backed fighters are less than one kilometer (half a mile) away. Kurds are moving in from the east. Syrian troops are stationed to the south. The Islamic State group is ready, erecting a wall around the entire town and its countryside to the south, according to satellite imagery by U.S.-based firm TerraServer shared by intelligence analyst Roa Komar. He said fighting could be as heavy as the battle for Manbij. Some 1,500-3,000 Syrian fighters backed by 300-600 Turkish troops are involved in the three-month-old Turkish incursion into northern Syria, known as Operation Euphrates Shield, according to a Western military official speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. So far they have captured some 1,800 square kilometers (7,000 square miles), largely sparsely populated rural areas cleared by Turkish artillery and warplanes. Turkey's Syrian allies comprise diverse factions often plagued by infighting, including the ultraconservative Ahrar al-Sham and the U.S.-backed al-Mutassem Brigade. Turkey's ground presence provides the factions with some protection from Russian or Syrian airstrikes, which have pounded rebels elsewhere, said al-Mutassem's chief, Mustafa Sejari, on his Twitter account. At the same time, the Kurds vow to take al-Bab as well, though they are more likely to prove a distraction for Turkey's assault. Kurdish fighters and the Turkish-backed forces are already battling over control of an IS-held village between al-Bab and Manbij. Meanwhile, Turkey is aggressively recruiting among rebels. One opposition faction recently evacuated from Damascus suburb of Darayya to rebel-held northern Idlib is mulling whether to join Turkey's operation. After surviving a four-year government siege, Abu Jamal, leader of Islam Martyrs Brigades, said his estimated 700 fighters are joining other battles in northern Syria to gain new experience. "We have never fought Daesh before," he said, using the Arabic acronym for IS. ___ HOW DOES THE U.S. FEEL ABOUT IT? Nowhere is the U.S.'s often muddled Syria policy more tested than in al-Bab. The U.S. has mainly been trying, with little success, to prevent fighting between its two allies, Turkey and the Kurds. After U.S. Chief of Staff Gen. Roger Dunford visited Ankara in early November, an American military liaison was sent to Turkey for closer coordination on anti-IS operations. Part of that coordination could be over the offensive against Raqqa, said Noah Bonsay, of the Brussels-based International Crisis Group. The offensive has been led by the Kurds, but Washington recognizes the need for a more local Sunni Arab force to eventually capture and control the city with its majority Arab population, Bonsay said. Ankara, which also said it wants to take part in the Raqqa operation, is in a position to help in that. But while focusing on fighting IS, Washington has struggled in playing the bigger power game with Russia, Turkey and other players in Syria. Turkey has grown closer to Russia even as it consolidates the opposition, including ultraconservatives, under its leadership. "The U.S. is going to wake up in 2017 ... to find that Turkey has all the local influence and all the local leverage, and we have exactly none or precious little," said Jennifer Cafarella, a Syria analyst with the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War. ___ THE VIEW FROM MOSCOW AND DAMASCUS Despite Assad's opposition to the Turkish incursion, his ally Moscow appears to be tolerating it in order to further cultivate its warming ties with Ankara. Russia and Turkey have been finding common ground on Syria. Russia's Vladimir Putin and Erdogan have met several times since August, after Ankara apologized for downing a Russian warplane a year ago. Russian and Turkish military chiefs met three times in as many months, and Russian media say Moscow is sharing military intelligence with Ankara. With the better ties, Russia likely aims to exploit Turkey's strains with the West. Turkey, in turn, prevents Moscow from growing closer to the Kurds. Russia could see advantages in the Turkish foray for example, in the city of Aleppo, where Assad's Russian-backed forces are threatening to crush the eastern, rebel-held enclave. Ankara is unlikely to risk its rapprochement with Moscow by sending its allied Syrian factions to rescue the opposition part of the city. Russia, however, must also deal with its ally Assad's opposition to Turkish influence in Syria. Turkey had to briefly halt its airstrikes around al-Bab after Syrian air defenses locked on its warplanes last week. The strikes resumed this week, raising speculation Moscow mediated. Thursday's Turkish casualties could be a sign Damascus views Turkey's advance so close to al-Bab as a step too far. Ankara's account of how the three soldiers died is disputed by Syrian activists, who said they were killed by an Islamic State suicide attack the day before. Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said Damascus "cannot accept having one Turkish soldier remain" in Syria. BEIRUT: Turkey is pushing to capture the town of al-Bab, the last major Islamic State group stronghold in northern Syria. But are others welcoming the new advance in the war against the militants? Not quite. By seizing the city, Turkey would plant its firmest foothold yet in Syria. That is already causing frictions with other players in the country's war. Syrian President Bashar Assad's government opposes the Turkish incursion. His military's air defenses have threatened Turkish warplanes, and on Thursday, three Turkish troops were killed outside al-Bab in what the Turkish military said was a Syrian airstrike. At the same time, Turkey's Syrian allies are clashing with Syrian Kurdish fighters, who are another ally of the United States in the war on IS and are currently leading an assault on the Islamic State group's de facto capital Raqqa. Here is a look at why al-Bab is important for Ankara and how it can influence the balance of power in Syria. WHY AL-BAB? For Turkey, capturing al-Bab is key to preventing Syrian Kurds from connecting the stretches of territory they have captured along the border. A contiguous Kurdish-held area in Syria emboldens Turkey's own Kurdish rebels. Ankara views the Kurdish forces on both sides of the border as linked and labels them terrorists. A victory would push IS further from Turkey's border and further squeeze the militants in the city of Raqqa. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey was forced to descend to al-Bab, 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of the Syria-Turkey border, "to prepare a region there that is free of terror." Home to at least 2.7 million Syrian refugees, Turkey is looking to establish a "safe-zone" inside Syria. But Turkey's priority is the Kurds. Erdogan has also vowed to take the nearby town of Manbij, which the Kurds captured from IS this summer after 10 weeks of grueling battles. That victory allowed the Kurdish forces to expand west of the Euphrates River a line Ankara said they must not cross. Al-Bab, Arabic for 'the door', would provide Turkey with a new leverage with its NATO ally, the United States, and strengthen Ankara's influence over Syrian rebels at a time when a new Trump administration in Washington could halt support. ___ THE BATTLEFIELD Al-Bab is sandwiched between three rival forces. Moving from the north and west, Turkish-backed fighters are less than one kilometer (half a mile) away. Kurds are moving in from the east. Syrian troops are stationed to the south. The Islamic State group is ready, erecting a wall around the entire town and its countryside to the south, according to satellite imagery by U.S.-based firm TerraServer shared by intelligence analyst Roa Komar. He said fighting could be as heavy as the battle for Manbij. Some 1,500-3,000 Syrian fighters backed by 300-600 Turkish troops are involved in the three-month-old Turkish incursion into northern Syria, known as Operation Euphrates Shield, according to a Western military official speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. So far they have captured some 1,800 square kilometers (7,000 square miles), largely sparsely populated rural areas cleared by Turkish artillery and warplanes. Turkey's Syrian allies comprise diverse factions often plagued by infighting, including the ultraconservative Ahrar al-Sham and the U.S.-backed al-Mutassem Brigade. Turkey's ground presence provides the factions with some protection from Russian or Syrian airstrikes, which have pounded rebels elsewhere, said al-Mutassem's chief, Mustafa Sejari, on his Twitter account. At the same time, the Kurds vow to take al-Bab as well, though they are more likely to prove a distraction for Turkey's assault. Kurdish fighters and the Turkish-backed forces are already battling over control of an IS-held village between al-Bab and Manbij. Meanwhile, Turkey is aggressively recruiting among rebels. One opposition faction recently evacuated from Damascus suburb of Darayya to rebel-held northern Idlib is mulling whether to join Turkey's operation. After surviving a four-year government siege, Abu Jamal, leader of Islam Martyrs Brigades, said his estimated 700 fighters are joining other battles in northern Syria to gain new experience. "We have never fought Daesh before," he said, using the Arabic acronym for IS. ___ HOW DOES THE U.S. FEEL ABOUT IT? Nowhere is the U.S.'s often muddled Syria policy more tested than in al-Bab. The U.S. has mainly been trying, with little success, to prevent fighting between its two allies, Turkey and the Kurds. After U.S. Chief of Staff Gen. Roger Dunford visited Ankara in early November, an American military liaison was sent to Turkey for closer coordination on anti-IS operations. Part of that coordination could be over the offensive against Raqqa, said Noah Bonsay, of the Brussels-based International Crisis Group. The offensive has been led by the Kurds, but Washington recognizes the need for a more local Sunni Arab force to eventually capture and control the city with its majority Arab population, Bonsay said. Ankara, which also said it wants to take part in the Raqqa operation, is in a position to help in that. But while focusing on fighting IS, Washington has struggled in playing the bigger power game with Russia, Turkey and other players in Syria. Turkey has grown closer to Russia even as it consolidates the opposition, including ultraconservatives, under its leadership. "The U.S. is going to wake up in 2017 ... to find that Turkey has all the local influence and all the local leverage, and we have exactly none or precious little," said Jennifer Cafarella, a Syria analyst with the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War. ___ THE VIEW FROM MOSCOW AND DAMASCUS Despite Assad's opposition to the Turkish incursion, his ally Moscow appears to be tolerating it in order to further cultivate its warming ties with Ankara. Russia and Turkey have been finding common ground on Syria. Russia's Vladimir Putin and Erdogan have met several times since August, after Ankara apologized for downing a Russian warplane a year ago. Russian and Turkish military chiefs met three times in as many months, and Russian media say Moscow is sharing military intelligence with Ankara. With the better ties, Russia likely aims to exploit Turkey's strains with the West. Turkey, in turn, prevents Moscow from growing closer to the Kurds. Russia could see advantages in the Turkish foray for example, in the city of Aleppo, where Assad's Russian-backed forces are threatening to crush the eastern, rebel-held enclave. Ankara is unlikely to risk its rapprochement with Moscow by sending its allied Syrian factions to rescue the opposition part of the city. Russia, however, must also deal with its ally Assad's opposition to Turkish influence in Syria. Turkey had to briefly halt its airstrikes around al-Bab after Syrian air defenses locked on its warplanes last week. The strikes resumed this week, raising speculation Moscow mediated. Thursday's Turkish casualties could be a sign Damascus views Turkey's advance so close to al-Bab as a step too far. Ankara's account of how the three soldiers died is disputed by Syrian activists, who said they were killed by an Islamic State suicide attack the day before. Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said Damascus "cannot accept having one Turkish soldier remain" in Syria. Singapores defense ministry has confirmed that the armored vehicles and military equipment currently being held by Hong Kong customs belong to Singapore's armed forces, according to a report on the website Lianhe Zaobao. Media reports in Hong Kong stated that the armored vehicles were seized by Hong Kong customs at a major port on Nov. 23. Meanwhile, Singapore's defense ministry said in a statement that a shipment of Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles (ICVs) and other military equipment had been held in Hong Kong since Nov. 23 due to a request for routine inspections by the Hong Kong customs authorities. Singapore authorities are providing relevant assistance to Hong Kong customs, and expect the shipment to be returned to Singapore expeditiously, the statement read. The vehicles were used by the Singapore armed forces in routine overseas training, and later shipped back commercially. The same process has been utilized for previous exercises, the statement explained. Previous media reports in Hong Kong said customs officials discovered nine armored vehicles on a ship bound for Singapore from Taiwan on the afternoon of Nov. 23. The officials held the vehicles on suspicion of arms smuggling, with plans to find the identity of the owner as well as the vehicles' final destination. [File photo] China should quicken its pace in setting industrial standards for robotics manufacturing, as the lack of safety regulations may pose potential hazards to humans, experts say. The development of service robots has already become a new trend. Such robots will directly serve humans, which means a high standard for safety and mechanical capacity should be imposed on the robotics industry, said Fan Jianping, head of the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, to Xinhua News Agency. Fans remarks came after a robot named Little Chubby malfunctioned and sent a bystander to the hospital during the Hi-tech Fair held in Shenzhen earlier this month. Though the organizer of the fair claimed that the problem was caused by human error, the incident has nevertheless incited public concerns about the safety and quality of robots. The incident has revealed the problem caused by a lack of industrial standards. Currently, Chinas robotics manufacturing industry is still in an exploratory stage. There are no specific regulations to tackle problems and hazards created by robots, Fan said. Echoing Fan, other experts also noted that, due to Chinas growing elderly population, robots may soon be deployed to care for elderly citizens. For that reason and others, safety hazards cannot be tolerated. The robotics industry in China has developed swiftly in recent years. According to Xinhua, the industry scale in Shenzhen alone will reach 30 to 50 billion RMB in the next decade. The municipal government of Zhaotong in Yunnan province recently made an announcement to address the severe teacher shortage at one rural primary school. An Internet user wrote to People's Daily Online, and explained that Xiao Zhai Primary School had a headmaster and just one teacher, who were together in charge of six classes with over 100 students. The netizen called on the provincial government of Yunnan to help deal with the situation. According to the municipal government's announcement, Xiao Zhai Primary School previously had six teachers. In September, two teachers asked for sick leave and two others were transferred to other schools. To address the shortage, the school recruited four new teachers, who started work on Sept. 30. On Oct.8, the original two teachers came back to school. The school's staff has now resumed normal teaching duties. Emperor Qinshihuang mausoleum Over 400 funeral pits and a massive quantity of other goods were recently excavated from the Emperor Qinshihuang (the first Emperor of Qin) in Shaanxi province. Most of the burial objects were animal remains or animal-shaped pottery and copperware. Most of the objects were related to horses - either horse remains or horse-shaped goods. In addition, the remains of a number of other species, including deer, muntjac, cranes and swans, were also among the excavated objects. Historians believe that the number of harnessed or domesticated animals in the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) was 12, with horses being the most important due to their strategic value. Terrocotta soliders in the Emperor Qinshihuang mausoleum The discovery also proves that, dating back to 2,000 years ago, animals were not only hunted for meat, but were also used more widely in art and society. The mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang is five kilometers east of Lintong County, 35 kilometers from Xi'an City in Shaanxi Province. In the spring of I974, when peasants sank a well in a village near the Mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang, burial terracotta warriors and horses were found. Fan Changlong, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, salutes soldiers on a Chinese command ship, currently in Djibouti for resupply. [Photo: mod.gov.cn] A senior Chinese military official has visited a Chinese command ship being resupplied in Djibouti, along with soldiers and officers in the African country to support the construction of a supply facility. Fan Changlong, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized that soldiers, officers and experts must ensure the quality and progress of overseas support construction, make greater efforts in peacekeeping missions and secure personal safety, improve military aid efficiency, deepen the relationship with local forces and ensure the safety of maritime communications. Fan also held talks with Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Prime Minster Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, discussing ways of further strengthening bilateral relations and comprehensive cooperation in a variety of areas, including in military matters. Fan recalled that Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Guelleh had reached an important consensus on bilateral relations during their meeting at a summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Johannesburg in December. He said that the two leaders reached consensus on enhancing political mutual trust and advancing practical cooperation in various fields to jointly build a new model of win-win cooperation and common development between developing countries. China is willing to work with Djibouti to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders and to actively push China-Djibouti relations to a new level, Fan said. Fan also pointed out that relations between the two militaries have been developing smoothly in recent years. The two sides have carried out frequent exchanges of visits, and achieved remarkable results in personnel training, naval escort and supplies, and participation in UN peacekeeping operations. He said China is willing to make joint efforts with Djibouti to continue to promote the healthy and stable development of relations between the militaries. President Guelleh commended China for its strong support and assistance to Djibouti, saying that Djibouti attaches great importance to the relations between the militaries and the two countries. Djibouti would like to strengthen exchange and cooperation with China in political, economic and military fields, he said. Prime Minister Kamil said Djibouti and China can boast of close relations, and that Djibouti is willing to provide support for China's activities in Africa. Fan was visiting the African country, after meeting Chinese soldiers and officers of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon and the Chinese military experts for support missions in Tanzania. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25 By Seba Aghayeva Trend: Cambodia is ready to create favorable business conditions for Azerbaijani companies, which intend to operate in the countrys tourism sector, said Cambodian Tourism Minister Thong Khon at the meeting with Azerbaijans Ambassador to Cambodia (with residence in Vietnam) Anar Imanov. Meanwhile, Imanov said that prospects of the two countries cooperation in the tourism sphere, in particular, in adjustment of mutual tourism flows, as well as attracting Azerbaijani investors in Cambodias tourism sector were discussed between the two sides as well. Minister Thong Khon expressed his will to visit Azerbaijan in 2017 to discuss in detail the issues of cooperation and creation of contractual and legal base between the two countries. In particular, this is about the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the tourism sphere. Noting the importance of Cambodian prime ministers visit to Azerbaijan in April 2014, Anar Imanov noted that the visit contributed to the development of the two countries cooperation in various spheres, including in the tourism area. Moreover, noting the existence of favorable base for the two countries cooperation in the tourism sphere, the ambassador expressed readiness of the Azerbaijani side to share its experience and opportunities in this field with Cambodia. Food deals, seals and the 'Karate Kid': Can't-miss events this weekend Get your fill at area restaurants, watch some seals, laugh at a comedy show, take in a concert and maybe even leave Newport County for some fun. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 Researchers have identified a mechanism by which cells undergo reprogramming in live mice, a phenomenon that had previously been poorly understood. The finding could potentially lead to new therapies to boost tissue repair and regeneration. Scientists have shown that when "adult" cells with an established identity are manipulated to express four transcription factors, collectively called OSKM, they revert to an immature state and can then differentiate into new cell types. This work had been done with cells growing in a laboratory dish, however. Whether and how such "reprogramming" occurs in living animals was unclear. To gain further insights, Lluc Mosteiro and colleagues studied cell reprogramming in a mouse model. They found that OSKM triggers reprogramming in vivo - but by a complex mechanism. OSKM appears to trigger cell damage and cell senescence (a state in which cells stop dividing but do not die). The senescent cells secrete certain proteins, including an inflammatory cytokine called interleukin-6, that promote reprogramming of neighboring cells. The authors note that senescent cells accumulate in injured tissue and they speculate that the reprogramming mechanism they identified may contribute to the normal process of tissue repair as well. If so, this newly uncovered mechanism could potentially be exploited as a therapy to promote tissue repair. The non-biting marine midge Clunio marinus lives along Europe's tide-shapen coasts, where precise timing is of existential importance: Reproduction and oviposition must occur when the tide is at its lowest. The tides, and therefore also low tide, are influenced by both the sun and the moon. To foresee the ideal time of reproduction, Clunio has two internal clocks: a circadian (daily) clock, comparable to a watch, set by the sun, and a circalunar (monthly) clock, comparable to a calendar, set by the moon. Due to geographical causes, the timing of low tides differs between geographical locations. Therefore, the midges have to "set" their clocks in accordance with their position. Scientists had already discovered in the 1960s that midges living along the coast of the Atlantic sea have genetically adapted their circadian clocks to the local occurrence of tides. Kristin Tessmar-Raible and her team then investigated how such adaptations may occur on a molecular level. The work was spear-headed by the post-doc Tobias Kaiser, who had previously already uncovered that similar adaptations are also true for circalunar clocks. Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today Tobias sequenced and compared different Clunio genomes in a tight collaboration with Arndt von Haeseler's group. This allowed the researchers to unravel the genomic sequences that likely underlie the circadian and circalunar timing differences. Further molecular work involving VBC PhD student Birgit Poehn and collaborations with Thomas Hummel's (Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna) and Florian Heyd's groups (FU Berlin, Germany) then provided a first mechanistic model, how such molecular adaptations can lead to differential circadian timing. The researcher's results point towards a specific protein, called Calcium/Calmodlin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII), being the main effector behind the adaptation of the circadian clock to the geographical environment. "Different variants of CaMKII appear to let the circadian clock run either faster or slower," explains Tessmar-Raible. "And it is of course an interesting aspect that this protein, which hasn't changed much during the course of evolution, can also be found in humans. The question therefore emerges, if CaMKII can also play a role in human chronotypes." Remarkably, the protein CAMKII is one of the most abundant proteins in the human brain and has already been linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, which often appear in conjunction with malfunctions of the circadian clock. "Our study raises many intriguing questions - apart from the modulation of the circadian clock, it also suggests molecular candidates for the modulation of the 'internal calendar', the lunar clock. And in understanding these locks we are still at the very beginning," comments Tobias Kaiser. He will pursue this question with his group at the Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plon. Source: University of Vienna Individual sessions of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) - a trauma-focused treatment that teaches patients more balanced thinking about traumatic events - were better at reducing the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in active-duty military members, although group sessions also were effective, according to an article published online by JAMA Psychiatry. PTSD is a serious problem among active-duty military personnel, especially those returning from combat deployment. More data are needed on the efficacy of individual and group therapy treatment for active-duty personnel. Patricia A. Resick, Ph.D., of the Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N.C., and coauthors conducted a randomized clinical trial of 268 active-duty personnel seeking treatment for PTSD at Fort Hood, Texas, after being deployed near Iraq or Afghanistan. The participants were nearly all men (91 percent) with an average age of 33. Lab Diagnostics & Automation eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today The participants were assigned to CPT in either 90-minute group sessions (n=133 participants) or 60-minute individual sessions (n=135 participants) twice weekly for six weeks. The 12 sessions (group and individual) were conducted concurrently. Assessment tools were used to measure PTSD severity, as well as the secondary outcomes of depression and suicidal ideation. The authors report greater improvement in PTSD severity when participants received CPT in individual compared with group sessions, although improvements were maintained during the six-month follow-up in both groups, according to the results. Patients assigned to individual CPT had about twice as much improvement. Depression and suicidal ideation improved equally with both forms of CPT. Still, about 50 percent of the participants, including those receiving individual CPT, still had PTSD and significant symptoms. Possible explanations for why patients in individual CPT may have fared better include that those in group received less individual attention and those who missed group CPT sessions missed content that could not be replaced, the authors report. Limitations to the study include patients lost to treatment because of military discontinuation. "Cognitive processing therapy delivered in an individual format was more efficacious in treating symptoms of PTSD compared with CPT delivered in a group format. Significant reductions in PTSD were maintained during a six-month follow-up. To our knowledge, these findings are the strongest to date with regard to existing treatments for PTSD in active-duty military and veterans, but more work is required to improve outcomes," the study concludes. Source: The JAMA Network Journals Professor John Snowden, Consultant Haematologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was presented with a national award by the blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan. Professor John Snowden with Simon Dyson MBE at the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards Professor Snowden has won the award for Clinical Supporter of the Year at the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards 2016. The prestigious Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards were back for their fourth year to celebrate, recognise and thank the outstanding supporters who keep the pioneering blood cancer charity moving forward. Professor Snowden was joined by campaigners, fundraisers, volunteers, MPs, lifesaving stem cell donors and celebrities at the ceremony, where guests enjoyed afternoon tea at the House of Commons. Professor Snowden has supported and promoted Anthony Nolan for many years. He is also the Director of Blood and Marrow Transplantation at Sheffield and promotes the work of the charity in all aspects of his work. Sheffield is the only centre outside London which has facilities to collect stem cells from Anthony Nolan donors. In collaboration with Anthony Nolan, Professor Snowden has continued to pioneer and champion the care and support given to patients post-transplant so they can have improved quality of life and increased chance of survival. His research into stem cell transplants could not only benefit people with blood cancer but could also prevent and reduce disability in multiple sclerosis. This research was featured in the BBCs Panorama programme in January 2016. Professor Snowden said: I am delighted to have won this award. Attending the ceremony was also a fantastic opportunity for me to meet other supporters, donors and campaigners who have also done great work for Anthony Nolan. Im incredibly proud of the research and work that my team and I have done so far to improve the lives of people with blood cancer. Winning this award is not just about my work but also for my many colleagues who have supported and worked with me. Henny Braund, Chief Executive at Anthony Nolan, said: Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25 By Elmira Tariverdiyeva Trend: A new page of the Baku-Brussels relations opened in 2016 after a number of important events which had a positive impact on the establishment of partnership between Azerbaijan and the EU. Strategic partnership agreement The European Council adopted a mandate for the European Commission and the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy to negotiate, on behalf of the EU and its member states, a comprehensive agreement with Azerbaijan November 14. This was one of the most important items on the agenda of the relations between Azerbaijan and Europe. The signing of a new Azerbaijan-EU partnership agreement will raise the cooperation to a qualitatively new level. The new agreement should replace the 1996 partnership and cooperation agreement and should better take account of the shared objectives and challenges the EU and Azerbaijan face today. Therefore, Europe made the only right decision - the agreement on strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, which it has already had with Japan or, for example, Australia and South Korea. The agreement on strategic partnership will affect many areas of the cooperation between Baku and the EU, as a whole and with some European countries, including economy, trade, environment and others. The agreement will follow the principles endorsed in the 2015 review of the European Neighbourhood Policy and offer a renewed basis for political dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan. The new agreement envisages the compliance of Azerbaijans legislation and procedures with the EUs most important international trade norms and standards, which should lead to the improvement of Azerbaijani goods access to the EU markets. An important area of cooperation with the West is Azerbaijans important role as one of the main suppliers of gas to the EU, which will be able to ensure energy security of Europe. Of course, the issues of transport corridors and Azerbaijans invaluable role in the fight against extremism and terrorism will be also reflected in the new agreement. EU position on Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement Azerbaijan expects from the EU a clear position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts settlement which is one of the most important items of a new Azerbaijan-EU strategic partnership agreement. Azerbaijan made it clear that the country intends to hold talks in this direction, because this issue is of particular importance for Baku. Brussels is ready for such talks. The Council of the European Union (EU) Foreign Ministers adopted a final document, following the negotiations on the Eastern partnership program. The document states that the EU remains committed to supporting the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of all its partners. Earlier, during the meeting with Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov at the 71st session of the UN General Assembly, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said that the EU supports Azerbaijans territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. Mogherini pointed out that the EU is interested in the peaceful settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Mogherini realizes the threats posed by the Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani lands and the consequences of Yerevans impunity. Mogherini presented the EU Global Strategy in mid. 2016. The postulate on the territorial integrity of the EU member-states has become a key element of the EU Global Strategy. The document says that the key elements of European security are the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states, inviolability of borders and peaceful settlement of disputes. "These principles are applicable to all countries, both inside and outside the EU," the document says. According to the document, this is the most important postulate for Baku. It is one of the foundations of the modern world order - sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states. For many years it has been ignored by the international community. Instead of exerting pressure on Armenia and the forced withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from Azerbaijani territories, by keeping silence the world players encouraged separatist actions of the Armenian authorities. The silence and indifference led to numerous victims of military confrontation on the Azerbaijani territories. Suppression of Armenian provocations on EU territory A number of facts of suppressing Armenian provocations on the EU territory can testify to the EU fair approach to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement. A concert aimed at propaganda of the illegal regime, which was to be held in Brussels Palais des Beaux Arts, was called off following the proactive measures of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Belgium and the Azerbaijani Parliament. The embassy and the Azerbaijani parliament have implemented proactive measures to prevent events dedicated to promotion of the so-called regime in Brussels on Nov. 16-19, where the regimes head Bako Sahakyan was expected to participate. The pressure made by the European Armenian Federation and the representatives of the Armenian lobby in Europe did not help the Armenians. A European Parliament (EP) meeting organized with the assistance of EP Deputy Frank Engel, who serves interests of Armenia and the Armenian lobby, has been cancelled. A reception on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of independence of Nagorno-Karabakh" featuring Bako Sahakyan was also cancelled. All this testifies to the strengthening of the Azerbaijan-EU ties and decreasing influence of the Armenian lobby on Brusselss decisions, which ultimately gives hope for Europes assistance in the settlement of the protracted Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Elmira Tariverdiyeva is the head of Trend Agencys Russian news service By clicking "Allow All" you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage and support us in providing free open access scientific content. More info. Make your 'Wild Hogs' dream come true with Big Dog Motorcycles. Yes, the big bad custom American chopper brand is here. No two Big Dog motorcycles are ever the same. They are all customised, road legal and are now available in India.Pictured here is the K9 Red chopper 111. The One of One is built under the aegis of Kansas Motor Works (KMW), which is now known as BigDogIsBack.com . BMC, has brought Americas iconic motorcycle company BigDogIsBack.com to India.The K9 is surely a head turner, and it will keep those eyes glued on itself with looks that are unique in the Indian market.There has been a large crop of motorcyclists in India who like the idea of cruisers or choppers, if you will. However, those dreams of massive road trips on custom built motorcycles have been far from reality, but with Big Dog Motorcycles, we're not very far away from watching a group of chopper riders pass by.Big Dog offer the owners unique customising options, depending completely on their taste and the motorcycle becomes an extension of the owner.Owners can choose from various design options and a diverse collection of exotic accessories, like seats, bars, additional seats, drag pipes, stator & rotor kits and everybody loves thicker tyres on such motorcycles.We wonder if we'll see a 'Ghost Rider' inspired chopper, minus of course the skull on fire.It weighs about 304 kg, but the K9 Red Chopper -111 is powered by a 1807cc, 45-degree V-twin from S&S Superslider.Also, with big motorcycles come big price tags. The K9 Red Chopper - 111 will set you back Rs 59 lakh, which is a lot, but then again we are talking about motorcycles aimed at enthusiasts and connoisseurs who like having things done their way.Big Dog Motorcycles is an American motorcycle manufacturing company specialising in high-performance, on-road cruisers and chopper. Founded in 1994, the company has grown to become the largest production-custom motorcycle manufacturer in the world, delivering over 30,000 motorcycles across the globe. Tata Motors on November 25 announced a new initiative, for its much-awaited lifestyle vehicle the Tata Hexa, called Hexa Experience Centre.Designed for customers to get a first-hand experience of the Tata Hexas prowess on and off the road, the premium set-up is made up of an off-road course, a customer lounge and a dining area, giving customers an opportunity to take the Hexa to its limits. Customers also have the opportunity to book the vehicle at the venue, ahead of its launch in January 2017.The three-day event, the Hexa Experience Centre will reach out to customers, letting them experience a host of experiences from Tata Motors and other Tata brands. The Hexa Experience Centre also has a special kids zone, a pet adoption zone and other engaging activities.With the first Hexa Experience Centre kicking-off from Gurugram, (EO Huda Gurgaon II, Sector 29), the event is spread over three-days from November 25-27. Similar set-ups are being planned in other metros and towns like Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad, serving as an exclusive platform for customers and enthusiasts.Visitors and enthusiasts can log on to their website , to attend the Hexa Experience Drive, in addition to on-spot registrations, at the venue.The off-road course of the Hexa Experience Centre has inclines, declines, side slopes, axle twisters and alternate rumblers. Each one of these is designed to test the power, stability and the driving experience of the Hexa. Also, visitors can experience the car at the hands of professional stunt drivers.The Tata Hexa is a lifestyle vehicle from Tata Motors which was first showcased as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show 2015. Unveiled later as a production version at the Delhi Auto Expo 2016, Tata Hexa will soon be available in showrooms across the country.Developed by Tata Motors in collaboration with its technology partners, Hexa is a powerful car is aimed at those with an active and dynamic lifestyle. Mumbai: Public can continue to withdraw up to Rs 24,000 per week from their bank accounts, including withdrawals from ATM, the Reserve Bank said on Friday. "The banks are, hereby, advised that they may continue to allow their existing customers to withdraw cash from their accounts up to Rs 24,000 per week, till further instructions. The said limit include withdrawals from ATMs," it said in a notification. Following cancellation of legal tender character of old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes fro November 9, restrictions were imposed on cash withdrawals from accounts and ATMs. The central bank on November 13 raised the daily withdrawal limit from ATMs to Rs 2,500 from Rs 2,000 earlier. The weekly limit of Rs 20000 for withdrawal from bank accounts was increased to Rs 24,000. RBI today allowed exchange of banned 500 and 1,000 rupee notes for new currency at its counters even after the facility was withdrawn from all banks. #HappyBirthday to my dearest son @AumRKadam !!! This my loving gift for him !!! pic.twitter.com/yb0GvlZj9V Ram Kadam (@ramkadam) November 19, 2016 @ramkadam Best wishes for him but he seems minor and must be discouraged from driving. Arrange a Driver, to make sense. @nihang @AumRKadam Daljeet Singh (@daljeet_DS) November 24, 2016 @ramkadam give another gift. That is teach him to drive safely and tell him to not drink and drive. @AumRKadam Shogun Kan Ki (@rai6_) November 24, 2016 @ramkadam This guy looks like under 18. Your giving him a luxurious car. Can you declare ur source of income? is it black money? @AumRKadam The Chakolebaaz (@Chakolebaaz) November 24, 2016 @ramkadam He is a kid> a car is not a toy ! Is a lethal killing machine in the hands of kids ! Be a responsible Dad 4 Gods sake ! Jasumati (@JasumatiPatel) November 24, 2016 I used to get Gems packet https://t.co/mwPGIEStaX SreeV (@SreekrishnanV) November 24, 2016 After the lavish 500 crore wedding of former Karnataka minister Janardhan Reddys daughter, the MLA from Mumbai's West Ghatkopar, Ram Kadam, has decided to splurge on his adolescent son's birthday.No, Kadam didn't like to gift his son new clothes or video games or such things the way other people do. So, on November 19, he gifted his minor son Aum R Kadam a swanky Mercedes Benz convertible.The excited MLA then took to Twitter to tell this to the world: "#HappyBirthday to my dearest son @AumRKadam !!! This my loving gift for him !!! (sic)."Soon afterwards, social media users started expressing their concern. Not for the MLA or his son, but for the people on the streets. While some questioned Kadam gifting his minor son a car, others advised him to discourage his son from driving and to hire a driver for him.On a lighter note, a few social media users tried to remember the gifts they had received as kids. Kolkata: The Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) on Thursday said currency note shortage will continue for another four to five months even if the country's all four currency press facilities work at optimum capacity. According to them, the cash scarcity spilling over to next week will make people more impatient when receiving and withdrawing salary will become difficult. "Cash shortage will continue even if the four currency note printing presses run at their optimum capacity. It will take four to five months to restore normalcy in cash supply," bank employees' union BEFI general secretary P K Biswas said. Biswas alleged that some customers have vandalised bank property in some of branches of public sector banks and halted banking operations due to cash shortage post-demonetisation. As on March this year, there were 15,707 million pieces of old Rs 500 notes and 6,326 million pieces of Rs 1,000 notes in circulation, the union said. The situation "can turn worse" in a week or so if the customers face difficulties in withdrawing their salaries from banks and ATMs, BEFI said. It said printing ink and dice for new denomination notes have reached the Salboni printing facility in West Bengal, but when the actual printing will start is yet to be known. Since our wedding date was already fixed;decided to give up on grand marriage;instead had a 'chai, paani wala' wedding-Groom #demonetisation pic.twitter.com/rXGJsx9Asy ANI (@ANI_news) November 25, 2016 Reeling under the impact of demonetisation, a couple in Surat district of Gujarat got married in just Rs 500 after cash crunch hit their wedding budget.Reportedly, Daksha and Bharat Parmar were set to get married before the demonetisation drive but families on both sides scaled down the costs due to the cash crunch.Interestingly, the families cut down the cost of the wedding by serving only tea and water to the guests.Speaking on the situation that the family had to face, the bride informed that the note ban was announced after the wedding date was fixed."We realised that it would be difficult to have a grand wedding, so we decided to make it a simple affair," said Daksha.Echoing the sentiments of Daksha, the groom, Bharat, said that as the wedding date was already fixed, the families decided to give up on grand marriage and instead have a 'chai, paani' wedding.Earlier last week, the Rs 500 crore wedding of former politician and Karnataka-based mining baron Janardhan Reddy's daughter sparked a row across the nation at a time when the whole of nation was witnessing serpentine queues outside banks and ATMs due to the cash crunch caused by the demonetisation drive announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8. New Delhi: Banned 500 and 1,000 rupee notes will continue to be exchanged for new currency at RBI counters even after the facility was withdrawn from all banks. The government had on Thursday announced that the demonetised 500 and 1,000 rupee notes can no longer be exchanged at bank counters and any holdings will necessarily have to be deposited in bank accounts. "The Reserve Bank of India advises members of public that exchange of banknotes in Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations, whose legal tender status has been withdrawn, will continue to be available at the counters of the Reserve Bank up to the current limits per person as hitherto," the central bank said in a statement. The limit to exchange old notes was recently set at Rs 2,000 per person. The RBI said the facility of exchanging demonetised currency notes "is no longer available at other banks' counters. Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa is returning to normalcy and all her vital organs are functioning well, Apollo Hospitals said on Friday. Hospital Chairman Pratap C. Reddy told the media that Jayalalithaa was shifted out of Intensive Care Unit as there were no health complications. The 68-year-old was admitted to the hospital with fever and dehydration on September 22. An amendment in a century old statute considered the Magna Carta of Tribals in Jharkhand on Friday evoked state-wide protest and bandh.Mobs in tribal dominated district defied prohibitory orders and torched vehicles in Dumka and Jamshedpur.The joint call for dawn to dusk shutdown was given by all major state opposition parties against the passage of amendments in the Chota Nagpur and Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (CNT and SPT) by the Raghubar Das-led BJP government in the state.Violent scenes were witnessed both inside and outside the state assembly in Ranchi on Thursday when the bill was brought for passage. An opposition Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MLA threw his footware at the speaker even as marshals were rushed in to control the opposition legislature.Oustside the Assembly, police had to use force and water cannons to disperse protestors led by Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (P) led by the former state CM Babulal Marandi. Other parties including Congress, RJD and JDU have also joined in the protest.All Jharkhand Students Union or AJSU, an ally of the ruling BJP is also opposed to any changes in the laws.Despite the protests from within and outside, the bills were passed by a voice vote amidst the din.The two statutes (CNT and SPT Acts) were enacted by the British in 1908 restricting transfer of land by tribals, dalits and backward classes; and were brought into effect after a bitter struggle led by the legendary Birsa Munda in the first decade of the last century.In the post Independence India, the formation of JMM by Shibu Soren and Vindo Bihari Mahato in 1973 also preceded by movements against exploitation of tribals in southern districts of un-divided Bihar.Since its formation during Vajpayee regime, Jharkahnd has always had a tribal CM. Raghubar Das is the first non-tribal CM of the state.The opposition and tribal groups have alleged that any change in the law by the incumbent BJP government will slowly pave the way for the acquisition of the tribal property by the outsiders- a highly sensitive issue in a state with more than 25% tribal population.The government contention is that the changes will speed up developmental activity like building of roads and schools while keeping the ownership of the property intact. With faultlines drawn, opposition is planning to hold another mass statewide protest in the first week of December. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 23 By Anakhanum Hidayatova Trend: The Southern Gas Corridor is a very important factor of Azerbaijani economys development, it is a huge project with huge investments, Italian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Giampaolo Cutillo told Trend Nov. 23. After big investment, Azerbaijan will have revenues coming back, so this will create an important partnership between Europe, Italy and Azerbaijan, he said. "I believe it is one of the key factors of Azerbaijans future," Cutillo noted. The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It envisages the transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey. The Italian ambassador mentioned very friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Italy, as well as the recent visit by Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Paolo Gentiloni, who came with representatives of many Italian companies to Azerbaijan Nov. 7. Azerbaijan and Italy had constructive talks concerning bilateral issues, economic, cultural relations, as well as international issues, Cutillo said. It is a continuous process of meetings, which take place every two or three months, Cutillo noted, adding that Azerbaijan and Italy carry out high level meetings within the two governments. Italy will take over the presidency in the OSCE in 2018, so it is an important role for the country, because the OSCE also deals with frozen conflicts, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which will be one of priorities for Italy, he added. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum Islamabad: Days ahead of his visit to India, Pakistan's foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz on Friday said the Kashmir issue would only be resolved through "indigenous" movement within the Valley led by the younger generation. Aziz told lawmakers in the National Assembly that Pakistan would continue extending political, diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiri cause on international and bilateral fora. "We have been taking our diplomatic campaign forward with zeal since Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's speech regarding the Kashmir issue in the United Nations General Assembly." "The movement has not lost any of its zeal even after the criticism against the speech, and Pakistan will continue to support the movement," the Foreign Affairs Advisor to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reiterated. He also said that Pakistan is willing to hold dialogue with India on all issues, on condition that the "Kashmir dispute" is brought to the table and a resolution sought in accordance with United Nations resolutions. "Even though we have a policy of neighbourly relations with all countries in the region, we will stick to this policy on the Kashmir issue," he said. The adviser's statement comes after Indian troops "targeted" a passenger bus and ambulance across the Line of Control earlier this week, and killed three Pakistan Army soldiers and 10 civilians in various incidents of "unprovoked" firing. Tension between the two countries is again at a peak following an alleged Indian "surgical strike" across the border, unrest in Kashmir and a terror attack on the Uri army base in September. Since then there have been repeated outbreaks of cross-border firing in Kashmir, with both sides reporting deaths and injuries, including of civilians. The situation in Kashmir valley has "never looked so bleak", former RAW chief A S Dulat said in Mumbai on Friday. "Kashmir has never looked so bleak. The last four-odd months have been terrible," Dulat said, delivering a lecture on 'Kashmir: Reasons for Unrest, Pathways to Peace', organised by the Observer Research Foundation this evening. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is squandering an opportunity to find a solution for Kashmir," Dulat said. Kashmiris expected Modi to follow the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's path, he said. "There is nothing that gives more hope to a Kashmiri than cordial India-Pakistan relations. Pakistan has tried its best in vain to get separatists in Kashmir together. Now it (separatists coming together) has happened because Delhi has no time for it," Dulat said. Dulat made light of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's recent statement that demonetisation led to the end of stone-pelting in the Kashmir valley. "Stone-pelting stopped before demonetisation. There is a connect between terror and counterfeit currency, but it's exaggerated. Stopping growth of indigenous militants is more important than the counterfeit currency issue," he said. Dulat suggested that a phased withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act is a must for long-term peace in Kashmir. "There is only one way to move forward in Kashmir: Talk, talk and keep talking," he said. "Kashmir is not a political, economic, or even military issue. It is an emotive issue," Dulat, who was special adviser to PM during the Vajpayee regime, said. "After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, J&K people felt that he would walk the Vajpayee path, because Kashmiris were highly impressed by Vajpayee. "Surprisingly, Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had congratulated Modi for the win. But today, most of the separatists have joined hands against Modi government," the ex-RAW chief said. "One misconception about Kashmir is that we believe they always want something from us," Dulat said. The Jammu and Kashmir government now a days pays only lip service to the Modi government, as a result of which the state has been in a worse situation in last four months, he said. "Kashmir's recent unrest has some roots in then Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's press conference after his swearing-in where he praised separatists and Pakistan for ensuring smooth elections," Dulat said. "I think he got carried away but it gave a wrong message," he said. "Earlier, clashes during Amarnath yatra polarised Jammu and Kashmir," he said. This background later led to massive stone-pelting in the valley after the killing of Burhan Wani who had the audacity to post his photo on social media and challenge the government, Dulat said. During the UPA government, "where Manmohan Singh had everything on platter", his advisers probably convinced him to engage only with Pakistan, which led to unrest among Kashmiris, he said. Relations between separatist leadership and NDA regime had improved so much that Hurriyat Conference began to be called "Advani Hurriyat", Dulat said. "Musharraf would be regretting walking out of Agra (summit)," Dulat said about the then Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's visit in 2001, as it stalled the dialogue. About the recent 'surgical strike', Dulat said, "May be we did not need so much media hype" as it leads to increase in tension. "Look at the LoC, more civilians are dying now from both sides," he said. Dulat and Sudheendra Kulkarni of Observer Foundation paid tributes to the senior journalist Dilip Padgaonkar, who had headed Centre-appointed interlocutors' panel for Kashmir, and who passed away in Pune earlier today. New Delhi: In a major security breach, a man tried to jump into the House from the Lok Sabha gallery on Friday, triggering a commotion. The man, identified as Rakesh Singh Bagel, was apprehended in time by security personnel. Sources said he tried to raise slogans against the governments anti-people policies, but was overpowered by the security men, who whisked him away. It was found that he had a valid pass and permission to enter the Parliament premises. His entry pass was recommended by BJPs Bhola Singh who is an MP from Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh. The unprecedented incident happened soon after the proceedings were adjourned at 1120am amid vociferous protests by the Opposition over the demonetisation issue. Later when the House reassembled at noon, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the man tried to jump into the House and that the Parliament security personnel overpowered him. "He may be released with a warning after enquiry." Mahajan said and hoped that the House agreed with it. In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said they are in agreement. Soon after mentioning about the incident at around 1240pm, the Speaker adjourned the House for the day as Opposition parties continued their protests. Earlier, the House was adjourned for nearly 40 minutes after convening for the day. As members started leaving, an Opposition member, who had earlier trooped into the Well, pointed out that security personnel in the visitors' gallery were grappling with a person whose right foot was hanging from the wooden railings. Baghel was caught and lifted up by about 4-5 alert personnel. It then transpired that he had tried to jump into the Lok Sabha chamber. He was caught and then bundled out. The other visitors were then guided out of the gallery which is right opposite the press enclosure. Had he succeeded in his attempt, he would have landed on the Treasury benches. Delhi Police personnel in plain clothes are usually seated in the front rows of the Visitors' Gallery to prevent such incidents. While the Speaker had left, the Prime Minister was not in the House. Senior ministers including Arun Jaitley and leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav were in the House when the incident took place. (With PTI inputs) The Chancellor of Nalanda University, George Yeo, resigned on Friday citing leadership and 'autonomy' issue. Sources said, Yeo was upset with the changes in the Nalanda University leadership, which was taken without taking him into confidence. In a statement issued by Yeo, he wrote that the order of the Visitor of the University, dissolving the Governing Board and creating a new one, came as a complete surprise to him and to most of the members of the existing Governing Board, as per a news report in The Indian Express. He said that he was neither involved nor consulted before the decision was taken. "When I was appointed Chancellor in July 2015, I was told that a new Governing Board would be formed under an amended Act, core aspects of which the Ministry of External Affairs sought my views on. The amended Act would have removed a major flaw in the current Act which in essence offers Governing Board seats to East Asian Summit countries making the highest financial contributions in the last three years. This provision, which was never recommended by the Nalanda Mentor Group, would not have been a good way to constitute the Governing Board and was the reason the Government of India requested the Nalanda Mentor Group to continue functioning as the Governing Board for a number of years until the Act could be amended," The Indian Express quoted Yeo in a news article. An exercise somewhat similar, but not the same as Indias demonetisation, is currently underway across the border in Pakistan. The State Bank of Pakistan, that countrys central bank, started a process to phase out banknotes of older design and gave the general public six years to exchange their currency.The federal government decided that banknotes of the denomination of Pakistani rupees 10, 50, 100 and 1,000 will cease to be legal tender from December 1, 2016. However, a notification issued by the State Bank of Pakistan on June 11, 2015 stated that the old notes are exchangeable at banks till November 20, 2016. But field officers of the central bank will continue to accept the notes of older design till December 31, 2021.The Pakistani exercise is dissimilar to the demonetization being carried out in India. It is a phasing out of bank notes of old design and replacing them with newer designed currency. It is not meant to rein in black money.The Indian government decided to withdraw banknotes of Indian Rs. 500 and 1,000 in order to combat black money. The public has been given time till December 31, 2016 to exchange their old bank notes for new notes of Rs 500 and 2,000 that the Reserve Bank of India has issued. Islamabad: Pakistan is ready for a dialogue with India on the condition that Kashmir dispute is part of it, Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told Parliament on Friday, ahead of his visit to Amritsar for a conference on Afghanistan. Speaking in the National Assembly during a debate on the LoC situation, Aziz said Pakistan is fully capable to defend its border and will not accept any "Indian influence or hegemony" under any circumstances. "We are ready for dialogue with India on the condition that Kashmir dispute is also included in it," he said. Aziz, will be travelling to Amritsar next week to attend the Heart of Asia Conference. On the diplomatic front, Aziz said Pakistan is forcefully raising the Kashmir dispute at all international forums. "Pakistan will continue to support the Kashmiris right to self-determination which is totally indigenous and led by the Kashmiri youth," he said. "We would continue extending political, diplomatic and moral support to them (Kashmiris) on international and bilateral forums," he said. Aziz asserted that Pakistan will give a befitting response to any Indian "aggression". He claimed that India is "heating up the situation" on the Line of Control to deflect attention from its "atrocities" in Kashmir. Aziz said Pakistan has written letters to the Foreign Ministers of P-5 countries to apprise them about alleged Indian "aggression" on the civilians. He claimed Pakistan has never targeted civilians but the Indian side is "deliberately" targeting them. Aziz said Pakistan, however, will continue to pursue the policy of peaceful neighbourhood. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in his remarks, said Pakistan's armed forces are fully prepared to defend the country. Khawaja claimed that several "movements for independence" were going on in India and it cannot afford the "success of Kashmir freedom movement" as it will be the end of that country. "If the Kashmir movement reaches its logical conclusion, the other movements there will also achieve success. This will be the undoing of Indian state," he said. Asif also alleged that India was supporting terrorism in Pakistan. "We have unambiguous evidence about Indian interference in our territory and dossiers in this regard have been presented before the world community," he said. Several other lawmakers from treasury and opposition benches took part in the debate. They criticised India for what they called "blatant violation of human rights in Kashmir and violation of ceasefire on the LoC." The opposition also criticised the Pakistan government for allegedly failing to respond in kind to Indian firing across the LoC and failure to highlight the Kashmir issue on international fora. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned hearing on the demonetisation issue to December 2 when it will examine the constitutional validity of the government's decision to ban old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. The other issues to be examined by the apex court on that day include the steps which needed to be taken to reduce inconvenience to the people and whether all the 24 PILs pending in various high courts should be transferred to Delhi High Court. Fridays hearing lasted 20 minutes with lawyers vying with each other to make themselves heard. The Chief Justice asked about the situation on the ground and sought ways to reduce the inconvenience to people. Some lawyers highlighted the hardship caused to the common man and alleged that the NDA government had committed a fraud on the people of the country. One petitioner supported the government policy on demonetisation citing media reports and said people were happy with the move. Kapil Sibal, however, submitted that principle of law needs to be decided first in this case before delving into other questions considering the plight of people suffering on the streets. The petition was listed before CJI TS Thakur and Justice DY Chandrachud. The petitioners are practicing lawyers, one is an advocate on record at the SC, Vivek Narayan and the other is advocate Sangam Lal Pandey. Sharmas petition questioned the manner of implementation of demonetization which has failed to follow constitutional rule of law and was without any sufficient time for the citizens to prepare for such phasing out of specified bank notes. The petitioners had also questioned the infringement of the constitutional Right to Life and Right to Trade. New Delhi: Islamic preacher Zakir Naik on Friday called ban on him and his Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) a premeditated attack by the Narendra Modi government and said that demonetisation was unleashed to deflect media attention from attacks on Indian Muslims. Naik is currently in Saudi Arabia. In a second letter to India, he alleged that the entire investigation was conducted without giving him a chance to explain himself. It was flawlessly timed as the country reeled under the self-imposed cash crunch, he said. For the public that is starved for cash, for trade and basic amenities, one cannot expect much of resistance, Naik said in the letter. The National Investigation Agency on Wednesday asked banks to freeze accounts belonging to him and IRF which has been banned under the anti-terror law. NIA had registered a case against Naik, IRF and unnamed office bearers of the foundation under section 153-A of IPC (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), besides various sections of anti-terror law, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Attacking the government for selectively applying a draconian law like that of the UAPA to silence the minority groups, Naik said that political leaders making inflammatory statements on Muslims were being given a free hand. The law does not seem to apply to the likes of Rajeshwar Singh, Yogi Adityanath and Sadhvi Prachi who continue to make inflammatory speeches aimed at inciting communal hatred for mere political mileage, he said. Though Naik showed faith in the judiciary of the country and vowed to fight his ban, he expressed concern that the move ban him emanated from a deeper, sinister agenda. Naik said that this attack on him must be seen as an attack on the democratic fabric of the constitution and Indian Muslims. : Actor Abhishek Bachchan says he would be happy with whatever career option his daughter Aaradhya will choose in the future.Abhishek on Thursday treated his fans and followers to a question and answer session on Twitter, where a user asked the actor if his daughter would contribute in Bollywood to continue the "Bachchan trend".He replied via a video message: "I would like my daughter to do whatever she chooses to do and whatever she loves to do. As a kid I was told to do what made me happy and I want her to do what makes her happy. Whatever it is I will be happy."The actor also told a user that he loves his daughter Aaradhya and his wife and actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan equally."I love both equally. You can't choose between your wife and your daughter. So I love both equally," said the Yuva actor.Another user asked the Housefull 3 star about how difficult it is to perform when the world's benchmark for comparison is his father and megastar Amitabh Bachchan?"I think it is very important to have high standards... So I think it's not difficult, but a matter of great pride and huge inspiration for me," replied the 40-year-old.Would he like to work in a Tamil film, asked a fan."I have been ready for 16 years...I am just waiting for the opportunity," he said.One Twitterati asked Abhishek if there are plans for a sequel of the 2007 film Guru."A sequel to Guru...Although I'd love to work on the character again. I'd love to work with Mani Ratnam and Aishwarya, R. Madhavan, Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan and entire team. But I don't think there would be a sequel," he said.Abhishek also shared that he would love to work with actor Saif Ali Khan."I think Saif and I would make a very cool buddy kind of a film," he added. New Delhi: A Delhi court has issued a fresh non-bailable warrant against self-proclaimed godman Swami Omji Maharaj, a contestant in reality show Bigg Boss, in connection with a theft case lodged by his brother, saying despite repeated calls he failed to turn up in the court. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Satish Kumar Arora issued the arrest warrant, while directing Omji to appear in the court on the next date of hearing on December 3 and also forfeited his bail bond and surety bond. "Despite repeated calls, the accused has failed to turn up. Perusal of the file reflects that vide order dated October 14, 2016, as the accused remained absent, NBWs were directed to be issued against the accused for November 8, 2016," the CMM said. The court noted that on November 8, an application seeking his exemption from appearance was allowed and the NBW was stayed with a direction to him to appear "positively" on the next date on November 21, yet he failed to comply with. "On an application for restoration of surety preferred by Mukesh Jain for the accused, NBWs were stayed vide proceedings dated November 2, with directions to the accused to appear on November 8 again, but he was absent and his surety with counsel appeared and preferred an application seeking exemption from personal appearance which was allowed with cost and with directions to the accused to positively remain present for this day. "In view of the above and seeing the conduct of the accused, his bail bond and surety bond are forfeited and NBWs are directed to be hereby issued against him with notice to his surety through DCP Crime for December 3," it said. In November 2008, an FIR was registered against Vinodanand Jha aka Swami Omji on a complaint by his younger brother. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25 By Seba Aghayeva Trend: Trends exclusive interview with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on the eve of his visit to Azerbaijan. On current level of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Belarus Azerbaijan is one of important, reliable political and economic partners of the Republic of Belarus. The Belarus-Azerbaijan bilateral relations are time-tested. The relations were brought to the level of strategic partnership, which is based on openness, trust, friendship and mutual assistance. We remember that the Azerbaijani leadership rendered us the timely assistance, when Belarus was in a difficult situation. A significant contribution to the development of the Belarus-Azerbaijan cooperation was made by Heydar Aliyev, with whom we laid a solid foundation for bilateral cooperation. The current high level of the Belarus-Azerbaijan relations would have been impossible without adequate attention paid by Azerbaijani incumbent President Ilham Aliyev. Once we together correctly determined the priorities of bilateral cooperation, and we implement our agreements which bring benefits to both Belarus and Azerbaijan. As you know, we have established friendly, trust relations with President Ilham Aliyev. Of course, this transmits to all interstate relations. There is a good practice of holding regular meetings at the highest level, the established interaction between the two countries governments, parliaments, key ministries and agencies, business circles, is great. Belarus and Azerbaijan have similar positions on the international arena, by pursuing an independent foreign policy. The interests of Belarusian and Azerbaijani peoples are an absolute priority of the foreign policy. The Belarusian-Azerbaijani intergovernmental commission on trade-economic cooperation also actively operates. More than 270 Belarusian and Azerbaijani companies, which deal hundreds of commodities, are involved in mutual trade. Around 45 Azerbaijani companies are dealers and distributors of the Belarusian enterprises in Azerbaijan. The cooperation is being expanded in the fields of industry and services. The bilateral cooperation has been intensified in the investment field. Azerbaijani business comes to us with projects on creating logistics and business centers, hotels and catering facilities, infrastructure. The investors are greatly interested in such areas as construction, food industry, machine building, transport, tourism, banking and insurance services. The meetings of the working group on innovative projects, as well as business forums are regularly held through the Ministry of Communications and Informatization of the Republic of Belarus and the Ministry of Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan. Constant work in this direction allowed building up a system of promotions of innovations - from project development to their practical implementation. Cooperation in other areas is also in full swing. Scholars from both states have established long-term contacts. They implement joint research projects. Every year, leading Belarusian and Azerbaijani artists share guest performances, which enjoy unchanging success. I am sure the current system of political, trade, economic, educational, cultural and other ties between our countries is an important factor of dynamic development of bilateral strategic partnership. I would like to repeat what I have already said about cooperation with Azerbaijan: God grant such a relationship with every country. On prospects of interstate cooperation Belarus and Azerbaijan possess a strong intellectual, educational, scientific, economic, technological and production potential. Minsk and Baku are aimed at searching mutually beneficial projects and implementing them. This is what the two presidents efforts are mainly aimed at. There are quite good results. For example, about 8,000 Belarus tractors and more than 3,500 MAZ branded equipment have been assembled at the Ganja automobile plant since 2007. In 2015, this Azerbaijani enterprise was the largest plant to assemble Belarusian tractors outside the Eurasian Economic Union. There can and should be considerably more such examples, beneficial for both our countries. We are ready to actively participate in projects beyond conventional trade. This includes creation of joint ventures in various economic sectors based on innovative ideas and intensification of cooperation in agriculture, production of consumer goods, transportation and information technologies development. There is mutual interest to work together in standardization, development of digital television, modernization of telecommunication networks and equipment, in information security and traffic exchange. Given the existing groundwork and expertise of the Belarusian side in the nuclear research, there are prospects for joint activities in development of nuclear power engineering, which is being mastered by Azerbaijan. One of the goals of our cooperation is to sell goods, produced by joint efforts, to other countries. By the way, Azerbaijan can play a significant role in promotion of these products in the markets of the Caucasus region, as well as in the Middle East. On joint projects to create industrial parks The Belarusian side is certainly interested to participate in implementation of these plans. We have considerable experience in the support of infrastructure projects in foreign markets. This includes construction services, commissioning of turnkey facilities, and supply of machinery and equipment. I think our entrepreneurs will be on the same wavelength with the Azerbaijani clients. As you know, Belarus is open for cooperation in all fields of mutual interest and is ready to realize any idea serving to strengthening of our countries and increasing living standards of citizens. On Azerbaijani investments Today, it cannot be definitely said how has the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), which began to operate almost two years ago, affected the arrival of Azerbaijani investors in Belarus. Here are the figures: in 2015 the investments by Azerbaijani partners to Belarus amounted to about $5.5 million. This is just slightly more than 80 percent of the figure for 2014 when the EEU was not formed yet. In January-June 2016, these revenues exceeded $4 million, which is by half more than in the same period of 2015. Judge for yourselves. It is indisputable that after the coming into force of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union, Azerbaijani businessmen, who have invested in the Belarusian economy with the whole range of their products, have direct access to the market of EEU countries. What is the peculiarity of this market? One of the Unions main goals was to ensure freedom of movement of goods, services, capital and labor force. Moreover, this is a single customs territory with an appropriate tariff policy. There are equal management conditions for members of the organization, as well as single rules of technical regulation, sanitary, veterinary and phytosanitary norms. It also should be noted that quite attractive investment and tax climate was created in Belarus. A number of preferential regimes are effective that can be very useful for foreign companies, including in terms of their tax planning and optimization. I mean the preferential conditions for economic management when placing the business in free economic zones, High Technologies Park and Great Stone Industrial Park, which we are creating together with China. Any company can take additional benefits in the form of maximum reduction of investment costs and tax burden, by expanding activities in small and medium towns of Belarus. On cooperation in energy sphere This is one of the priority directions of bilateral cooperation, including in the context of diversification of energy sources for Belarus. We already have positive experience of working together in this area. Our country has had a developed petrochemical complex since Soviet period. These enterprises are characterized by high technological level, the deepness of oil processing and quality of oil products that are in line with international standards. Over 70 percent of the Belarusian oil and chemical products are sold in foreign markets. Therefore, processing Azerbaijani oil in our plants is of great interest to us. By organizing this process, we will be able to significantly expand cooperation in the chemical industry. In particular, we can carry out mutual supplies of raw materials and establish close cooperation between the chemical enterprises of Belarus and Azerbaijan. Cooperation in the use of renewable energy sources is also promising. The range of mutually beneficial work can be very wide from holding joint researches to creation of modern highly efficient energy facilities. Interest of Belarus in International Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor We are interested in it. In present conditions the movement of goods between the states is a rather complex process, which involves rendering a wide range of services. In this regard, Belarus joining the International Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor would be logical. After all, our country has high transit potential due to its favorable geographical location, developed logistics infrastructure and availability of skilled work force. On turning of Belarus into a peacemaking platform and settlement of Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict It would be more correct to say that Belarus has not turned into, but gained a peacekeeper status thanks to its balanced responsible policy that fully serves both the national interests and strengthening of stability in Europe. Nowadays, this indisputable fact is recognized even by our opponents. Minsk is rightfully recognized by international community as the most convenient platform for settlement of the situation in the eastern Ukraine. With full responsibility I declare: we are ready to further ensure meetings in different formats in the capital of Belarus at different levels to reconcile any sides which are in conflict with each other, but provided that they appeal to us with the corresponding request. This also concerns the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. I will be sincere: just like the Belarusians didnt remain indifferent to the events in the city of Donbass [Ukraine], our heart is aching for Karabakh in exactly the same way. This is no coincidence. All of us Ukrainians, Russian, Belarusians, Armenians and Azerbaijanis, representatives of many other nations come from a great country, one united family called the Soviet Union. Therefore, we will make every effort for the sake of peace, quiet life for people in any part of the world. Regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, our position remains unchanged: the issue can be solved only through negotiations and in accordance with principles of international law. As a member of the OSCE Minsk Group, Belarus is ready to provide the necessary assistance to the sides of the conflict to find a peaceful solution. We believe there is no greater value for people than peace and tranquility in their native land. New Delhi: Amid a raging debate on demonetisation, the government on Friday said in Lok Sabha that it wanted a reduction in the use of physical currency in the economy, which should be substituted with digital money. Responding to a question on digital payment systems, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government wanted the physical currency to come down and be substituted by digital currency. While physical currency should decline, business and commerce should prosper. He said out of 80 crore debit cards, 40 crore were actively used at ATMs. Electronic wallets and digital transfer of funds was the future technology which the government is encouraging and has asked various state governments to contribute. Jaitley also said a dedicated fund under depositor education and awareness fund was in place for expanding acceptance, infrastructure and conducting awareness campaign among people for a cash-less society. Cashless society would mean less investment in handling cash, transparency in payments and check on fake currency, he said. Union Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in an interview to CNN-News18, said that there is no cash crunch but the cash has to reach peroples hands. She also said it is because of this bold measure that the Indian economy is cleaner and globally the currency is fluctuating. People are slowly evolving towards technology such as e-wallets, said the minister. She admitted the lack of small denomination notes hit the vegetable mandis, but things have changed with the 500 notes coming in. She further added that the labour-intensive sectors are a cause of concern as bank accounts need to be opened. She urged the Opposition to come and debate. Stay tuned for LIVE updates Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here. Srinagar: Former Jammu & Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Friday dared the Narendra Modi government to retrieve Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), and taunted if it was Indias personal property to be inherited. Kya yeh tumare baap ka hai (Is this your forefathers property)? Abdullah asked while referring to Parliaments standing resolution on PoK. He was addressing a function in Chenab Valley, in the presence of his son and former state CM Omar Abdullah. PoK is presently under Pakistan occupation. It is not the personal property of India so that it could make a claim over it like an inherited property of forefathers, Abdullah said. Pakistan is one of the stakeholders (of the Kashmir issue) which even the government of India has accepted. There was a resolution on this, which says that POK is the part of India, he said, adding that the Government of India will have no option but to start talks with Pakistan so that the atrocities through which people of Jammu and Kashmir are undergoing will come to an end. Abdullah, also a former Union minister in the previous UPA regime, said that GoI has no guts to retrieve back the PoK from Pakistan and that neither has Pakistan any guts to snatch Kashmir from India. But caught between them the innocent people of Kashmir are suffering, he said. Farooq also hit at Prime Minister Modi for making his mother stand in queue for exchange of money. He said that a good son sacrifices everything so that his mother could not feel any pain or suffer. He said that Modi should apologize to the people for the inconvenience through which they were suffering due his (Modi) decision of demonetization. In another veiled reference, the National Conference leader said that those who did not get married cannot understand that it is not possible for parents to make wedding arrangements of their daughters for Rs. 2.50 lakh. New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday sprang a surprise by announcing that a Dalit will be the deputy chief minister of Punjab if his party comes to power in the state. He also released the 18 point Dalit Manifesto in Phillaur Assembly constituency. More than a third of Punjabs population belong to the Dalit community and there has been a long-standing demand for a Dalit to be the chief minister of Punjab. The demand was reiterated by the community during a series of Dalit Dialogues organised by the party for the past few months. The state with over 30% of Dalit population has never had a Dalit either as Chief Minister or Deputy Chief Minister. "This is a huge step in politically empowering the Dalit community," said Arvind Kejriwal. AAP, which is campaigning hard in Punjab, hopes to woo and unify the Dalit vote in its favour. Two out of the four seats won by AAP in 2014 had come from reserved constituencies: Fatehgarh Sahib and Faridkot. Harinder Singh Khalsa who won from Fatehgarh Sahib is now suspended from the party; Faridkot MP Prof Sadhu Singh is a member of AAPs all powerful Political Affairs Committee. Reacting to the AAP move of coming out with a Dalit Manifesto, Congress leader Sunil Jhakkar said: "I think first of all they are dreaming of forming a Government. We do not agree with having a separate manifesto especially for Dalits. They should talk of a unified Punjab, not divide Punjab further." On being asked why has the Congress never had a Dalit as chief minister, Jhakkar said: "We will cross the bridge when we come to it. It is only Congress where a Dalit can have a chance of being a chief minister. In the Akali Dal, the position of chief minister will never go out of Badal family. Though Jhakkar, however, added 'this time the campaign has been built around Captain Amarinder Singh. Political Analyst Badri Narayan said that with this announcement AAP will certainly give competition to both the traditional parties: the Akalis and Congress. "As long as they do not announce the name of the deputy chief minister, both Valmikis and Ravidasyas could hope that it will be one of them. This will increase competition between the two communities and it could have a divided impact," Narayan added. Acknowledging that this announcement is indicative, though symbolically of an inclusive agenda, Narayan felt that real inclusion can come only when parties start giving more tickets to Dalits from unreserved seats. In the state, 34 out of 117 seats belong to reserved constituencies. "There are scores of Dalit leaders in Punjab. This is a new party, with new faces; they are well educated and articulate and have a clean record," said Himmat Singh Shergill, AAP candidate and spokesperson. To drive home the fact, he reeled names of Dalit candidates, like, Dev Mann contesting from Nabha; Santok Singh Salana from Bassi Pathana; Harpal Singh Cheema from Dirba; Dr Charnjeet Singh from Chamkaur Sahib; Harjot Kaur from Banga; Rupinder Kaur from Bhatinda Rural; and some others. Mohan Singh Phalianwalla - BSP leader who joined AAP - contesting from Firozepur ( rural ) is also one of the hopefuls. It will take her a long time to get out of Bengal and its better she remains there for some time, says a senior JD(U) leader. Narendra Modi claimed he sacrificed family for the nation. The Nehru-Gandhis have made that claim once too often, although their critics allege it is the other way around. Now, Didi is not quite ready to sacrifice Kolkata for New Delhi, but she has made a beginning by giving up her next big love: Rosogollas.Mamata Banerjee, we are told, has traded in her favourite Bengali sweet for the Hindi heartland samosas as she gets ready to dream big and emerge as the national alternative to Modi. When offered samosas and rosogollas recently after a public function, the fiery lady from Bhabanipur voted for the spicy potato-and-batter snack, with an uncharacteristic quip: I have to change my taste now.Didi has all the makings of a PM. Language and region is no barrier to her, says TMC MP Kakoli Dastidar, giving a glimpse into her leaders mind.Union minister Babul Supriyo, a BJP MP from the state, says such ambitions were fine if she chose her "means" more judiciously.West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with actor and MP Jaya Bachchan at a Trinamool Congress-led protest at Jantar Mantar on Friday. (Photo: Narender Singh)"Leaders are known by the movements they head and therefore being at the helm of a party tainted with the Sarada, Rose Valley and various other financial scams that involve the poor man's money, her stands against demonetisation will raise many questions, including those on vested interests," Supriyo says.In fact, political observers have been reading more into her vehement criticism of the demonetization drive. While almost everyone in the Opposition spectrum made the right noises, Mamata walked the talk by landing up in New Delhi a day before the Winter Session began. She has been here pretty much ever since.And the visuals are too interesting to ignore. At Mamatas protest rally on Wednesday in Jantar Mantar, the presence of a large number of Sikhs curious for a Bengal-Tripura party with zero presence in the Hindi heartland or Punjab didnt go unnoticed.And then, there is the return of Dinesh Trivedi. Yes, the same Trivedi who had to quit his post as Railway Minister in UPA-II after being humiliated by his own party chief, Mamata, for hiking passenger fares in the rail budget.The return of the Gujarati businessman-turned-politician into the good books of Mamata is not another example of time-heals-all-wounds. Trivedi speaks good Hindi and Mamata wants to use him as she tries to reach out to the Hindi-speaking public.Didi, who has taken the anti-demonetisation protests out of Bengal, will now head for Lucknow and Patna next week from New Delhi.The calibrated strategy is now apparent. While addressing the media she chooses to speak in Hindi first and responds in Bangla only when questioned in Bangla. She also asks for feedback from those around her on how her Hindi-speaking skills are. Her Twitter feed is now partly in Hindi.So why now? What has changed on the ground for Didi to believe she can take the leap from Kolkata to New Delhi? The answer could well lie somewhere in between: in Patna.Those close to Mamata say her assessment is that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for long the claimant to the post of critic-in-chief of Narendra Modi is losing his sting. She believes his pan-India image has taken a beating after his recent utterances favouring Modi on topics ranging from Deendayal Upadhyay to demonetization. Mamata wants to cash in on this.Though Supriyo points out it would seem ironical if the Chief Minister of a state with one of the biggest entry points for counterfeit currency attacks the note ban.As far as she is concerned the preparations for the next Lok Sabha elections have begun. And of course, any New Delhi dream would remain just that without active support from the Hindi heartland. Mamata, say TMC sources, is acutely aware of her regional limitations.Conquering the Hindi heartland however will not be easy. Apart from the language barrier Mamata is yet to grasp the nuances of complex Hindi heartland politics. She got a taste of it when she was duped by Mulayam Singh Yadav during the last presidential polls when she made the mistake of opposing Pranab Mukherjee as presidential candidate at the bidding of the Samajwadi Party supremo.History shows that rarely has a regional leader made it big in the national space and when they have succeeded like Deve Gowda it was always with the support of other parties.But those who have worked with her and those who have had the misfortune of crossing her path know that Didi will go all out once she sets her sights on a goal.News18 learns that in personal conversations with confidantes, Mamata describes her national plans as Singur II a reference to the landmark agitation against the erstwhile CPI(M) government in Bengal to forcibly acquire land for an industrial project. The Singur agitation launched Mamata as the Queen of Bengal politics and started the slide of the Left in its citadel from which they are yet to recover.Her media team has started hiring Hindi speakers for tweets and posters. She is ready to do whatever it takes, says an aide. New Delhi better watch out. New Delhi: The Congress on Friday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "not being worthy of trust" as he has failed to fulfil any of his promises. Congress spokesperson Kapil Sibal said though Modi has claimed that the situation after demonetisation will be normalised in 50 days, it will take around six months for the RBI to replace all the demonetised currency. He said the Prime Minister is not ready to face Lok Sabha, where his party enjoys a majority, as his own people are against him and will stand exposed in Rajya Sabha as he would not be able to answer the questions posed to him there. "Modiji promised that he would bring back Rs 80 lakh crore black money back to India. Has he fulfilled that promise? No. He said he would bring Lokpal? Has he implemented it? "Which promise has he fulfilled? Why should we believe him? We have no faith in this Prime Minister. He is not worthy of trust," he said. Sibal further said the Prime Minister said that the situation will normalise in two days, but it did not happen. Then the Finance Minister said the situation will normalise in two weeks, but that did not happen either. "Now he says situation will normalise in 50 days. How will it normalise?" he said, adding that going by the capacity of RBI printing presses it will only be able to monetise the replaced currency in six months time. "When Modiji first entered Parliament he made a show of bowing his head and calling it a temple. Today the situation is the Prime Minister will inaugurate a book on Constitution, yet not give the Constitution the dignity it deserves. The true meaning of the Constitution. The etiquette of Parliament. On these things, the Prime Minister has no care," he alleged. Attacking Modi, Sibal said over 47 people have lost their lives till November 17 in the wake of demonetisation decision, still the country's 'chowkidar' is sleeping well. "How is the nation's 'chowkidar' sleeping while the people are facing such hardships?" he asked. The Congress leader wondered of the PM thinks that all the leaders in the Opposition are black money hoarders. "He says opposition is worried because they had no time (to change currency) but BJP had a lot of time. They (BJP) had all the information. They deposited cash and they purchased land. And then he says that it is the Opposition which is against the nation," he said. On Prime Minister speaking outside Parliament against the opposition, Sibal asked, "Why doesn't he speak in Lok Sabha. Is it because he is afraid of his own people?" He said: "In the Rajya Sabha, he is silent as he will be asked questions when he comes to the House. If asked questions he would be expected to answer and if he does not answer, then he will be exposed. People will realise that the Prime Minister's knowledge may be deficient on certain topics." Food and beverage industry in India is a huge market and in recent years we have seen many startups in this space. On News18 Tech we get you the top 5 food tech startups that have changed the way we order food and the lives of F&B business owners. 1. Zomato This one tops the list without any doubt whatsoever. With its fabulous success story which is an inspiration to many startups across the globe, Zomato has become the Google of Food Industry pan India. Whether tech savvy or not, no individual in the metropolitan cities of India would ever try out a new food joint before checking out its ratings/ reviews on Zomato. What most people dont know about Zomato though is the plethora of services that it provides to the Food & Beverages (F&B) players apart from an online listing on its website. Pivoting around its core (an online database for restaurants), Zomato has come a long way by introducing new services to its clients from time to time. Zomato now offers integrated Table Management System (Zomato Book), Point-Of-Sale system (Zomato Base), Online ordering through Zomato Order as well as white-labelled apps to its clients. Operating now in 23 countries across the globe, this reactive business has shaped in a wonderful manner, putting it right at the head of the industry. With its recent acquisition of Sparse Labs (A logistics-tech startup), Zomato is now planning to expand its Delivery-Tech capabilities. It promises to launch the service (a rider tracking app for both users and restaurants) under a new name for all its restaurant partners, free of cost! 2. FoodPanda This app requires no introduction to the general masses. Having disrupted the Indian F&B industry completely with its huge discounts and offers to the customers, FoodPanda is now an integral part of it. In a bid to acquire customers pan India, FoodPanda carried out a gigantic cash-burn policy which unfortunately brought the entire Industry down to its knees. Why, you ask? Well, the 50% discount that you availed from the app was paid for by Foodpanda. As a result, restaurants could not sell their food at their own set rates in the open market meaning, the orders only flew in through the app while the overall orders declined. The one who didnt tie up with the company suffered miserably. But going forward, it got what it wanted i.e. every restaurant to be a part of FoodPandas listing and every smartphone user to be its customer. Today, FoodPanda caters to more than 50 cities across India with around 10 million customers. In a very short time, this startup has become a lifeline for most of the foodies to order food to their doorstep with just a click-and-click interface on their app. On the B2B side, almost every restaurant providing home delivery services have made it a point to enrol themselves on FoodPanda simply because of the exposure that this app provides to them in the local region. 3. Swiggy Take the concept of FoodPanda and add a logistics tangent to it. This is exactly what Swiggy does. With an app providing a platform for the end customers to order food from, Swiggy also provides delivery fleet to their restaurant partners to make sure there is no such thing as an untimely delivery. Founded in August 2014, Swiggy is one of the extremely few startups that does not have a minimum order value for home delivery. All of Swiggys technology has been developed In-house while the majority of its operations are dependent upon its riders. Since logistics, in F&B industry especially, is a major pain point for startups as well as restaurants, Swiggy is sure doing well by maintaining a leading role in the industry till date. 4. NomNom This year-old startup in India has been able to take hold of one of the major pain points for restaurants. Anyone who has been on the other side of an order-placing call knows the enormous hassle which the restaurateurs have to go through for taking an order. Add to that a large number of inflowing calls on a minute-to-minute basis, restaurants were never able to optimise their operations. Founded by Ex Bain & Co. employees, NomNom provides a centralised Order Taking Solution to restaurants by forwarding their phone lines to their own call-centre agency. Specialised agents which are trained upon the menus of the restaurants ensure a smooth order taking process for the customers. The order is then pushed to the restaurants POS. While NomNom started off as an operational based startup, it soon had to refigure its policies. Given to the long chain of integrations required for transferring the phone lines, entering the order into their In-house CRM, pushing it to the restaurants POS and keeping in account all the logistics information for timely home delivery, it soon had to integrate with all the major Tech companies in the field. Now you might not understand the level of convenience provided by this startup straightaway but to restaurants, they promise an answering level of 99% of all order-taking phone calls as opposed to an average of just 60-70% which restaurants manage by themselves. More calls answered = More orders taken = More revenue for the restaurant. Very simple! 5. InnerChef This end-to-end food ordering platform takes it upon itself to perform each and every function involved in bringing food to your door. Started in April 2015, this startup quickly had to pivot around its original idea of delivering ingredients to customers which could further be used to make a dish. Now, Innerchef accepts orders from customers through their app and website, the food is cooked in their own centralised kitchens at various locations and then delivered through a single channel. In a very smart move to utilise the expertise of home bakers in India, Innerchef also launched a dessert platform by the name of Indulge. Indulge is a hyperlocal marketplace for dessert which acts as a connection between home bakers and millions of potential customers, which, they are unable to reach otherwise. For utmost clarity to the customer, even the name of the chef is mentioned below the dishes in the Indulge menu. A simple bit of technology used by a bunch of innovative minds to create a win-win situation for everyone, this startup has surely made its mark in the industry. Kenyan ride-hailing app Little, which is backed by telecoms operator Safaricom, is considering expansion into Nigeria or Uganda in the first quarter of 2017, the chief executive of its parent firm said. Little was launched by Safaricom and Nairobi software firm Craft Silicon in July to compete with Uber. "We plan to go by the first quarter of next year. Most probably it will be either Nigeria or Uganda. We are thinking of one of the two countries," Kamal Budhabhatti, chief executive of Craft Silicon, told Reuters. He said the service was growing, with customers booking more rides, but that the service was still not making money. He did not provide numbers. The Business Daily newspaper reported on Friday that Little had cut its prices to the lowest in the country. Happy Thanksgiving! HTC 10 unlocked owners will receive Nougat OS update tomorrow morning! Enjoy! Mo Versi (@moversi) November 24, 2016 Taiwanese technology giant HTC has announced rolling out Android Nougat update for unlocked HTC 10 phones ahead of Thanksgiving. HTC' VP of Product Management Mo Versi made the announcement on Twitter: "Happy Thanksgiving! HTC 10 unlocked owners will receive Nougat OS update tomorrow morning! Enjoy!"However, it is unclear whether the update will be available for European and US variants of the HTC 10. This makes the HTC 10 the third major non-Google smartphone brand to receive Android Nougat update. Earlier in the month, LG G5 and Moto Z (and Z Force) received the new firmware.HTC 10 competes with flagship's like Samsung Galaxy S7 and Google's Pixel phone, but the device has not got critical accolades like the latter ones.Android 7.0 Nougat brings multi-window options, night mode, better battery optimisation, bundled notifications amongst other value added features. Cairo: Eight soldiers have been killed in a car bomb attack by "armed terrorists" targeting a checkpoint in Egypt's restive North Sinai province, the army said. "A group of armed terrorists attacked the army checkpoint yesterday using a 4x4 vehicle with high explosive materials," military spokesperson Brigadier General Mohamed Samir said in a statement. "Eight soldiers were killed during the attack. The army exchanged fire with the terrorists killing three of them and injuring others. The armed forces are currently continuing searching area for terrorists," Samir said. Egypt's North Sinai has witnessed many violent attacks by militants in the last few years and since the January 2011 revolution that toppled the ex-president Hosni Mubarak. The attacks targeting police and military increased after the ouster of Islamist ex-president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 by military following massive protests against his rule. Over 700 security personnel have been reported killed since then. The military has launched security campaigns in the area, arrested suspects and demolished houses that belong to terrorists, including those facilitating tunnels leading to the Gaza Strip. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25 Trend: President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko will pay an official visit to Azerbaijan on Nov. 28-29, said the press service of the Belarusian leader Nov. 25. Lukashenko is expected to have negotiations with Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev in the one-on-one and extended formats. The two countries leaders will discuss the current state and prospects of development of the Belarusian-Azerbaijani relations, including trade and economic cooperation, the work on cooperative projects, cooperation in the spheres of investments, agro-industrial complex and sports. Several international documents are expected to be signed as well. The Belarusian president is also expected to meet Azerbaijans Prime Minister Artur Rasizade. Bogota: Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos and Marxist FARC rebel leader Rodrigo Londono signed a revised peace accord on Thursday in a far more sober ceremony than a first deal rejected last month by millions at a plebiscite. As they inked the pact with a pen made from a bullet at a historic Bogota theater, onlookers chanted "We did it!" The new accord to end 52 years of war in Latin America's fourth-largest economy was put together in just over a month after the original pact was narrowly and unexpectedly defeated in an October 2 referendum for being too lenient on the rebels. The government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) worked together in Cuba for four years to negotiate an end to the region's longest-running conflict that has killed more than 220,000 and displaced millions in the Andean nation. "It's final!" said Santos, standing before white banners of peace and Colombia's red, yellow and blue flag "I invite you to leave decades of violence forever in the past, to unite for all of us, for Colombia, for this dear nation, and to work together for reconciliation around shared ideals of peace." Opposition leader and former President Alvaro Uribe spearheaded the push to reject the original accord and wanted deeper changes to the new version. Opponents to the first deal are furious Santos will ratify the new deal in Congress instead of holding another vote and is urging street protests. Santos had always promised Colombians would have the final word in a referendum, but is sidestepping that for the revised deal. After the signing, he sent the deal straight to Congress for a vote next week. The government's majority means approval is likely to be speedy. FROM ARMS TO POLITICS The signing ceremony marked a six-month countdown for the 7,000-strong FARC to abandon weapons and form a political party. Despite widespread relief at an end to conflict, many among Colombia's largely conservative residents are angry because, like the original agreement, the new deal will not jail FARC leaders who committed crimes like kidnappings and massacres, and it allows them to hold political office. "As a party without weapons, the FARC can present its political project. It will be Colombians who support or reject it with a vote," said 65-year-old Santos. The understated signing in the 131-year-old Teatro Colon before mostly government and local dignitaries was a far cry from the fanfare celebration in September, where the coastal city of Cartagena hosted world leaders. Santos, who won the Nobel Peace Prize last month for his peace efforts, wants to get the deal in place as quickly as possible to maintain a fragile bilateral ceasefire. "For the good of the nation, let us make words the only weapon Colombians are permitted to use," said Londono, 57, who is known by his nom de guerre Timochenko. The expanded and highly complex new 310-page document makes only small modifications to the original text, such as clarifying private property rights and detailing more fully how the rebels would be confined in rural areas for crimes committed during the war. The FARC, which began as a rebellion fighting rural poverty, has battled a dozen governments as well as right-wing paramilitary groups. An end to the war with the FARC is unlikely to end violence in Colombia as the lucrative cocaine business has given rise to criminal gangs and traffickers. Details added (first version posted at 18:41) Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25 By Elena Kosolapova Trend: Nebojsa Stefanovic, deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Serbia, will be in Azerbaijan on a three-day visit on Dec. 4-6, Ambassador of Serbia in Baku Nebojsa Rodic told reporters in Baku Nov. 25. The visit will take place at the invitation of Azerbaijans Interior Minister Ramil Usubov. During the visit, Stefanovic will hold meetings with high ranking officials of Azerbaijan and discuss the prospects of cooperation. Serbia has already stated its readiness to use Azerbaijans transit potential, as well as join the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). Azerbaijani companies, in turn, may participate in the privatization process, as well as in the infrastructure and municipal projects in Serbia. Opening of the Ljig-Preljina highway section in Serbia took place in early November. Azerbaijan allocated a loan of 300 million euros to Serbia for the projects implementation. Total length of the highway section is 40.3 kilometers. Sixty-six bridges and four tunnels have been built along the Ljig-Preljina section. Azerbaijans AzVirt LLC was the projects main contractor. The Serbia-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce already operates in Belgrade in order to develop trade and economic relations. Chinas president seeks to foster closer ties The President of China Xi Jinping, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and close to 100 editors from around the region were present at the inaugural China- Latin America summit held in Santiago, Chile. President Xi, who was on his fifth visit to the region, declared that both China and Latin America must come to a firm determination to foster cooperation and face the current global challenges. In January 2015, Xi proposed that Chinese investment in Latin America will reach $US250 billion and bilateral trade volume US$500 billion in the next decade. And with strong financial ties taking place between both regions recently and further investment on the horizon, Xi noted that the media plays a vital role in promoting good relations between the parties to ensure it is a win-win situation for everyone. We must support each other mutually. Take advantage of technology and show the world what reality is in both countries, he expressed. He added that the media should be objective but assist in kindling enthusiasm and use the opportunity to cooperate and innovate. The Chinese leader stressed that the only way for China and Latin America to trust each other is through mutual learning. He believes one way of achieving this objective is for the media to conduct joint projects and declared he is welcoming more media into his country to set up stations there. He said exchange programmes are also essential so journalists can report first-hand on what they see and hear rather than rely on foreign reports. He pledged to have 500 journalists from Latin America and the Caribbean working in China in the next five years to help improve the reporting on both sides. Alicia Barcena, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) said Chinas presence in the region is indicative of its friendly relations with Latin America. In a passionate speech laced with political meaning, she said more trade agreements need to take place, This is the time to build bridges not walls. We share in your vision. Zhang Tiezhi, Editor- in-Chief, Cankaoxiaoxi of the Xinhua News Agency, one of 32 media leaders who spoke at the summit, believes the biggest challenge to bilateral relations is the lack of mutual understanding due to the language barrier and media in both countries not investing enough to report accurately on each others region. One consequence of that is that some people in Latin America believe in the China threat theory and fear Chinese investment, he stated. He said both Chinese and Latin American media have the responsibility to report more about each other, and show their true situation comprehensively, objectively and independently. Sun Yusheng, vice president of CCTV in China spoke of the need for Latin American media to not lean on Western media for information on China. He believes Western media companies regularly shine a negative light on both regions and gave examples. CCTV currently has 70 stations globally with more than 40 in developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, which he argues is testament to their keen interest in being a truly global news agency. He noted following the incident involving US swimmer Ryan Lochte lying about being robbed in Rio at the 2016 Olympics, several Western media rushed to castigate the Brazilian government. Instead, he said CCTV used surveillance footage and field interviews to show the truth to the Chinese audience. He said the 2010 calamity where Chilean miners were trapped underground for two months following an earthquake, instead of focusing on the accident, CCTV shone the spotlight on the intense rescue efforts of the Chilean Government. He also cited a documentary done by CCTV America titled Post-earthquake Health Care in Haiti displaying Haitians optimism for the future which won an award for Best Coverage of Continuing News Story at the New York Festivals International Television and Film Awards unlike Western medias obsession with Haitis poverty, backwardness and abject suffering. He acknowledged that Western media voices are louder but says if Latin America and China collaborate they can get their stories told too and benefit each other. Jorge Edgar Olmos Ortiz, Chief Editor of Telesur, Venezuela, was stern in his address, delving into the link between politics and the ills plaguing society. HDC: Were target of ugly campaign The HDC says it has noted with concern that since the dismissal earlier this year of its Managing Director (Jearlean John), and even more so, since the recent filing of a matter before the High Court by the Honourable Attorney General (Faris Al Rawi), it has been the target of an ugly campaign of entirely spurious allegations either emanating from or supported by members of the Opposition United National Congress (UNC). The press conference called by...Ramdeen on November 22, 2016, who is also the attorney- at-law for (John), is quite obviously part of this campaign. In a three-page statement issued late Wednesday evening, the State agency expressed regret that it had to expend much time, effort and expense...towards correcting calculated misrepresentations from those opposed to the efficient, effective and fair operation of the HDC. This past Tuesday, Ramdeen had claimed there was collusion between the HDCs Land Coordinator, Deborah Cheesman and Director of Media 21 Limited (Media 21), John Afoon on expressions of interest in the $8 billion Public Private Partnership (PPP) HDC housing project. The HDC denied this, emphasising that the receipt of expressions of interest is not a competitive process, nor is it a tender or a bid, as stated by Senator Ramdeen and as such, there are no tender documents to pass to a third party, nor are there bids which are capable of being rigged. It is also important to note that at the end of this process, no contract is issued. (Newser) An HIV-positive man in Malawi who was hired for "cleansing sex" with more than 100 young women and underage girls has been sentenced to two years hard labor. Eric Aniva, who is what is called a "hyena man" in traditional southern Malawian culture, was arrested earlier this year after he admitted to the BBC that he had unprotected sex with the girls and women. Voice of America reports that the 45-year-old was hired to have sex with young girls who had reached puberty in a ritual to prepare them for married life, and for "widow cleansing," in which he would have sex with recently widowed women, supposedly to exorcise evil spirits. Aniva was sentenced after being found guilty of having sex with the new widows, which is illegal under a section of Malawi's Gender Equality Act that bans "harmful cultural practices." Two women testified against him. He was not, however, found guilty of having sex with underage girls, because none of them came forward to testify against him. Anber Raz of the women's rights organization tells NPR that the girls he abused were reluctant to talk about their experiences. She feels the sentence is too light. "It feels like a missed opportunity to send out a strong message," she says. "Having said that, it's even great he got convicted. Often in cases such as this, you see complete impunity." (Read more Malawi stories.) (Newser) After a week of controversy surrounding its US flag, Hampshire College opted to do away with itonly to invite more controversy. In a move that first generated anger, students at the Massachusetts liberal arts school lowered the school flag to half-mast a day after Donald Trump became president-elect, reports CNN. Tensions only grew as unknown individuals lit the flag on fire on Nov. 10. The flag was replaced and flown at full-staff on Veterans Day, but more were offended when it returned to half-mast afterward, reports the Washington Post. Hoping to "remove the conflict over the symbol and get to the real issues underneath," Hampshire College announced on Nov. 18 that it would stop flying the US flag for an "indefinite period," per WWLP. In a Monday Facebook post, President Jonathan Lash explained that the college has a policy of "periodically flying the flag at half-staff to mourn deaths from violence around the world," and that in "the current environment of escalating hate-based violence," the lengthier half-staff decision was made. "This was meant as an expression of grief over the violent deaths being suffered in this country and globally, including the many US service members who have lost their lives." The school was trying to create dialogue, he says, while noting a move that was intended to "inclusively convey respect and sorrow have had the opposite effect," hence the decision to leave the flagpole empty. State Rep. John Velis, however, says total removal of the flag "is baseless, cowardly, a disgrace," a sentiment seconded by many on social media. (Read more Massachusetts stories.) (Newser) French police have launched a massive manhunt for a masked gunman who murdered a woman at a retirement home for Catholic missionaries Thursday night. Montpellier prosecutor Christophe Barret says a woman called police to say she had been attacked at the facility in the village of Montferrier-sur-Lez, the Guardian reports. Officers arrived to find the body of another woman who had been gagged, tied up, and stabbed. The original caller was shaken but not badly harmed, police say. Security forces searched the building, which is home to around 70 elderly men and women, but could not find the attacker. Security at religious sites in France was stepped up after a series of attacks by Islamic extremists, but authorities haven't said whether the latest attack was a terrorist act, the AP reports. "For the time being, there is only one victim," Barret tells AFP. "For the moment there is no particular evidence about the motive for this crime." Earlier this year, ISIS attackers slit the throat of an 86-year-old priest in Normandy after storming the church during morning services. (Read more France stories.) (Newser) ISIS carried out its deadliest attack in Iraq in months Thursday night, killing at least 73 people, including dozens of Iranian pilgrims, in an attack on a gas station on a highway south of Baghdad. At least 65 other people were wounded in the attack, which targeted Shiite pilgrims who had visited the holy city of Karbala, the AP reports. The Guardian and Reuterswhich puts the death toll at 100report that a truck laden with 500 liters of ammonium nitrate exploded at the gas station in the city of Hilla, setting five pilgrim buses alight. In a statement claiming responsibility for the attack, ISIS, which considers all Shiites to be heretics, boasted of killing or wounding 200, including Iranians. The AP notes that ISIS has stepped up attacks around Iraq in an effort to weaken the offensive to retake Mosul. The previous day, at least 31 people were killed in roughly a dozen bombings in Baghdad. The Guardian reports that around 3 million Iranians are in Iraq this week to mark a holy day in the Shiite calendar, and the Thursday night attack was seen as retaliation for Tehran's anti-ISIS stance. Iran's foreign ministry issued a statement denouncing the "heinous and barbarous crime," believed to be ISIS' deadliest attack on Iranian nationals, and vowing that Tehran will continue to support Iraq in its "relentless fight against terrorism." (A US service member assisting anti-ISIS forces in Syria was killed on Thursday.) (Newser) Jill Stein managed to raise $3,509,477 for the 2016 election, reports Politico by way of an Oct. 19 FEC reporta figure now dwarfed by the amount of money her effort to secure recounts in three swing states has brought in. As of this writing, $4,746,660 has been pledged to the Green Party's quest to have votes recounted in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. At the Washington Post, David Weigel calls it "the largest donation drive for a third party in history," but he's not too optimistic that it will amount to much, especially as plenty of cold water has been thrown on the argument that results "may have been manipulated or hacked" in those states. Among the reasons why: The fundraising page explains that in 2004, the Green and Libertarian parties demanded a recount in Ohio." The page expresses success: "An election administrator went to jail. We also exposed the profound problems with DRE machines, which helped launch an election integrity movement." But Weigel notes the vote remained virtually unchanged, with John Kerry picking up fewer than 300 votes; George W. Bush won the state by 118,457 votes. And a recount might not really be much of a recount in Pennsylvania, which mostly uses direct record electronic machines. "In other races where those machines have been probed ... the recount has consisted of the machine results simply being scanned again," Weigel explains. (Read more Election 2016 stories.) (Newser) Dylann Roof is competent to stand trial starting next week in the killing of nine black worshippers at a South Carolina church last year, a federal judge ruled Friday. US District Judge Richard Gergel's ruling clears the way for jury selection to restart Monday. The judge delayed the process to begin narrowing the final jury pool on Nov. 7 when Roof's lawyers suggested he either didn't understand the charges against him or couldn't properly help them with his defense. Roof, 22, is charged in federal court with hate crime, obstruction of religion, and other counts for the June 2015 attack at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. The decision came three days after Gergel wrapped up a hastily called two-day hearing that was held behind closed doors. But the exact reasons and any testimony and facts backing Gergel's findings are not known, reports the AP. Defense lawyers have not said what led them to question Roof's competency and the judge sealed his findings for the same reason he took the rare step of only allowing Roof, his lawyers, prosecutors, court officials, and witnesses in the hearingRoof made statements to a psychologist that might not be legal to use at his trial and could taint potential jurors. Roof has already been found competent in state court, where prosecutors plan a second death penalty trial on nine counts of murder. (Read more Dylann Roof stories.) Google's Pixel and Pixel XL are two of the best Android smartphones available. While both handsets are iPhone-grade expensive, It is the same phone that comes in two distinct sizes, competing directly against the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7. The Pixels can be purchased directly from Google, or from Verizon, which is still the exclusive carrier for the Pixel phones in America. A 32GB Pixel will sell for just $240. That's $10 per month for 24 months. If you want more storage, then you'll have to pay $360 for the 128GB Pixel over the course of two years. The deal is valid on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, according to VGR. There is one caveat, of course. You will have to pay the full price for the phone and then you will receive the savings in bill credit over the course of your contract. Alternatively, the carrier will let you save $200 on any Android phone priced $400 or higher when you switch to Verizon and add a line to an existing account. The deal is valid November 24th through November 27th and includes the Pixel phones. Existing customers will only get to save $100 on the same deal, according to Android Central. Meanhwhile, Verizon is the only wireless provider to offer Google Home. Google Home is available today online at http://www.verizonwireless.com for $129.99. For a limited time, when you buy Google Home you'll get 6 months free of YouTube Red. Membership to YouTube Red gives you an awesome YouTube Music experience - more songs, more versions and no ads - just by using your voice. Learn how you can get your Google Home today Verizon will have other deals in place for Google fans and Android users. The Google Home assistant will retail for $99 on Black Friday - check out Verizon's full press release below. Get the latest Google Pixel phones, Daydream virtual reality headset - and now Google Home - at Verizon. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25 By Anakhanum Hidayatova Trend: The Latvian Independence Day was celebrated in Baku Nov. 25. In November 1918, an act of independence was declared in Riga, according to which Latvia became an independent state. Ambassador of Latvia to Azerbaijan Juris Maklakovs greeted the guests of the event. There are strong political relations between Azerbaijan and Latvia, the diplomat said, adding that his country is interested in strengthening the bilateral economic ties. Azerbaijans Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammad-Guliyev also addressed the event. He congratulated the people of Latvia on the Independence Day on behalf of the people and the leadership of Azerbaijan. Mammad-Guliyev said the two countries have recently undertaken many steps to develop bilateral relations. He also said that a lot of mutual visits have recently taken place between Azerbaijan and Latvia, adding that this will be continued. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum Fans of the Nintendo NES Classic Mini have turned to a tracker website to hunt down the very elusive console. Nowinstock.net contains information that will allow users to determine locations where units of the NES Mini are available in multiple countries, with a list of places offered. According to the website Express, desperate buyers can use the tracker website to help keep tabs of the NES Classic Mini. Consumers are not yet assured of getting the console despite their pre-orders due to limited stock. Polygon reported that eBay sold an NES Classic Mini console every 18 seconds on launch day. The auction site was still experiencing a sale of the console once every one and a half minute. Official U.S. retailers saw their NES Mini sold out within minutes. Amazon assured their waiting fans that the stock of the NES Classic Mini will be replenished soon. The U.S online retailer released a statement informing consumers that the company "will be fulfilling customer orders in the order in which they were placed, and expect to fill all pre-orders by mid-December 2016." This development will ignite the hopes of retro gaming customers who have placed Nintendo Classic Mini orders and have been waiting for so long just to have the console. The NES Mini is still available to buy in limited quantities in North America. Meanwhile, brick-and-mortar retailer Wal-mart also released a statement that it has a new stock coming. Due to limited supply, retailers did not take some pre-orders. This update is a pat on the back of gaming fans who are dying to buy the NES Classic Mini in time for Christmas. "Want the hottest gift of the holiday season?" reads a Wal-mart post. "Well, come and get it at Walmart.com. It's available for sale at 2pm PST daily from Nov. 25 - Nov. 27. Limited quantities." The tracker website for the Nintendo NES Classic Mini is located here. On the last day of the Dalai Lama's four-day visit to Mongolia, the Tibetan Buddhism leader said he has "no worries" about Donald Trump being elected as U.S. president. He even expects that Trump will be able to work out future policies in line with global realities. According to Hollywood Reporter, the Dalai Lama is looking forward to meeting Donald Trump sometime after the Jan. 20 inauguration. Furthermore, he said that he has always looked at the United States as the "free world" leader and was not bothered about Trump's remarks during the campaign period. "I feel during the election, the candidate has more freedom to express. Now once they (are) elected, having the responsibility, then they have to carry their cooperation, their work, according (to) reality. So I have no worries," he told reporters. Mongolia is heavily dependent on China for economy support, and the Dalai Lama's visit to Mongolia seem to have affected their ties. The same source said there was a report from the website of Eagle TV, a Mongolian TV station, that China had delayed the talks on a potential loan to support Mongolia in response to the monk's visit. The Dalai Lama commented that his visit had no political intentions and that he had not publicly displayed any advocacy for Tibet's independence since 1974. In another report by CNN, though there is no confirmation yet if the Dalai Lama's meeting with Trump is already set, this possible meeting is likely to anger the Chinese government as they previously expressed disapproval on the Dalai Lama meeting with world leaders. Geng Shuang, spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the spiritual leader "has been engaging in anti-China separatist activities overseas for a long time." He also said: "We hope the international community can ... appropriately and discreetly handle Tibet-related issues." While the Dalai Lama's meeting with world leaders are being closely speculated, he was able to meet with President Barack Obama for four times during his term. Beijing has regarded the spiritual leader as part of the Tibetan independence movement. Despite their love affair rumors, "Fifty Shades Darker" stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson are apparently not in good terms. Reports say that there is tension between both lead actors that could affect their on-screen chemistry. According to Australia Network News, the tension between Dornan and Johnson has been going on for quite some time now, and it has affected the production of the movie. Given the result of the first movie of the franchise, "Fifty Shades of Grey", it is apparent that there has been some tension between the two. It has yet to be confirmed on what caused this, however, recent rumors suggest that it had something to do with Cara Delevigne. Both Dornan and Johnson camp have not yet released any statement to deny or confirm the issue. Recent reports also confirmed the secret relationship of Dornan and Johnson. Fans will remember that these rumors started ever since "Fifty Shades of Grey" came out. The reel-couple has not yet acknowledged these rumors about their affair. These reports caught flame again when Dakota recently broke up with her now ex-boyfriend, Matthew Hitt. Despite these rumors - and Dakota being pregnant with Jamie's love child - Dornan was spotted with his wife, Amelia Warner, at her Mum's List red carpet premiere. The 47-year-old Welsh actress set fire on her finest revenge on paparazzi. Catherine Zeta-Jones busted back at the photographers who flicked photos of her on a beach getaway with her 72-year-old husband by sharing her own sexy pictures in a bikini on the social media. On Wednesday, the perfect vacation had an unsolicited encounter with the invasive paparazzi. The actress believed that she is the one who's providing the money shot to the shutterbugs. She was displeased at the paparazzi for invading her privacy and sharing pictures of her in a black halter-neck swimsuit with husband Michael Douglas while enjoying their tropical Thanksgiving holiday getaway in Mexico. The actress posted images of her in a sexy black bikini on Instagram and wrote, "Pissed the paparazzi photographed my a**, thus sharing the photographs my husband took of my a**." She added that the aggressive shutterbug has always a better option for viewing. One of the pictures shows that the sexy actress was pouting for the camera with her hands on her hips to highlight her washboard abs. The other snap was taken from behind as she stands on tiptoes and holds onto her hat. Almost 16 years of marriage and with two kids, the couple is still enjoying a romantic getaway. Zeta-Jones and Douglas have been married since 2000. They are blessed with two kid16-year-old son Dylan and a 13-year-old daughter Carys. The couple has highs and lows in life but never shaken by trials. Their marriage is stronger than ever. As we recall, they had a brief split in 2013 due to the Zeta-Jones' battle with bipolar disorder and Douglas' throat cancer diagnosis. Douglas' illness caused her to be strong in making decision to check herself into a health care facility to seek help. Since then, the couple got a new approach to strengthen their relationship. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25 Trend: Azerbaijans Ministry of Emergency Situations will send a task force and equipment to Israel to put out wildfires, the ministry told Trend Nov. 25. Israel has earlier requested help from Azerbaijan. In accordance with the order of Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev, Ministry of Emergency Situations will send an amphibious aircraft and fire-fighting equipment to Israel. Strong forest fires started this week in several areas of Israel at the same time. The fire is raging near Nataf settlement close to Jerusalem. There are also fires near Haifa, Hadera and Zikhron Ya'akov. The countrys authorities have evacuated the population and declared a state of emergency in several Israeli districts. Bluefields(Nicaragua): A fierce hurricane and a powerful offshore earthquake struck Central America at the same time, triggering emergency responses in Nicaragua, El Salvador and Costa Rica, and prayers among fearful populations. Hurricane Otto, a storm packing winds of 175 kilometres (110 miles) per hour hit first, ploughing into Nicaraguas southern Caribbean coast. Communities in that zone and in northern neighbouring Costa Rica were on Wednesday evacuated ahead of it. There were no immediate reports of any deaths. Just an hour later came the earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.0 and located 120 kilometres off El Salvador in the Pacific Ocean, on the other side of the Central American isthmus. It was felt also in Nicaraguas capital Managua and in Costa Rica. Also read | 5.6-magnitude earthquake shakes Japan, no tsunami warning issued While there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties from the temblor, El Salvador and Nicaragua issued a tsunami alert for their Pacific coasts, and El Salvador ordered all people in the zone to evacuate. 7.2 earthquake, 154km SSW of Puerto El Triunfo, El Salvador. 2016-11-24 12:43:51 at epicenter (8m ago, depth 33km). https://t.co/4YR9npwoi3 Earthquakes Tsunamis (@NewEarthquake) November 24, 2016 The double whammy was a dire test for a largely poor region generally lacking resources and preparedness for major disasters. Faced with a hurricane and possible tsunami, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega on Thursday declared a national emergencya step Costa Rica had already taken ahead of Hurricane Otto. The storm was expected to chew its way along a broad swath of territory on both sides of the Nicaragua-Costa Rica border into Friday, losing strength as it went. But the US National Hurricane Center warned Ottos trailing rains will likely result in life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. Earlier this week, the outer bands of the storm caused the deaths of four people in Panama.The hurricane came ashore Thursday near San Juan de Nicaragua, also known as Greytown, south of the city of Bluefields and close to the Costa Rican border. The wind is very strong and its raining a lot, a local resident, Aldrick Beckford, told AFP by telephone. We just saw neighbours roofs collapse. A reporter for Nicaraguan state television in San Juan de Nicaragua described a difficult situation with brutal gusts. There are cables fallen, trees brought down, he told Channel 4 television. The wind lifted off the roof of the town hall, which had been operating as an emergency coordination center. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Hilla (Iraq): A suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State group killed at least 70 people, mainly Shiite pilgrims, south of Baghdad on Thursday, in the latest jihadist attack as Iraqi forces battle to retake Mosul. The huge truck bomb blast ripped through a petrol station where buses packed with faithful returning from the Arbaeen commemoration in Karbala were parked, officials said. Most of the victims were Iranians, the largest contingent of foreigners in the pilgrimage, which is one of the worlds largest religious events and culminated on Monday. The attack took place near a village called Shomali, about 120 kilometres southeast of Baghdad. Also read | Sickening ISIS school textbooks brainwash children IS, which is fighting to defend its Mosul stronghold in northern Iraq, claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement quoted by the SITE Intelligence Group, IS said a bomber blew up his vehicle amidst their assembly, inflicting among them more than 200 killed and wounded, including Iranians. Falah al-Radhi, head of the provincial security committee for Babylon, the province where the bombing happened, said it had targeted several buses. A large truck exploded among them. It was a suicide attack, he told AFP. There are at least 70 dead, fewer than 10 are Iraqis, the rest are Iranians. Videos circulating on social media showed debris scattered over a large area along the main highway linking Baghdad to the main southern port city of Basra. There are completely charred corpses at the scene, said Radhi, who added that at least 20 wounded were transferred to nearby hospitals. The Joint Operations Command in Baghdad issued a statement saying the truck was packed with 500 litres of ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound used in many explosive devices. Up to 20 million people visited Karbala, home to the mausoleum of Imam Hussein, for Arbaeen this year. According to the Iraqi authorities, around three million of them were Iranians. Iraq had deployed around 25,000 members of the security forces in and around the shrine city, which lies southwest of Baghdad, to protect the pilgrims from a feared IS attack. The jihadist group, which is losing ground in Mosul, has carried out a series of high-profile diversionary attacks since Iraqi forces launched a huge offensive against their northern stronghold last month. Elite forces battled IS jihadists in eastern Mosul today, looking for fresh momentum in their five-week-old offensive to retake Iraqs second city. Maan al-Saadi, a commander with the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS), said on the front line in Mosul that his forces were fighting IS in the neighbourhood of Al-Khadraa. They cannot flee. They have two choicesgive up or die, he said. Over the past few days, Iraqi forces have cut off the main supply line running from Mosul to the western border with Syria, where IS still controls the city of Raqa. The US-led coalition also bombed bridges over the Tigris river that splits Mosul in two, reducing the jihadists ability to resupply the eastern front. Also read | Mosul offensive: More than 68,000 Iraqis displaced since October, says United Nations For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Members of the Opposition parties held a meeting in Parliament to chal out a strategy to corner the Narendra Modi government over its demonetisation move as the Winter Session entered its eighth day on Friday. The unrelenting Opposition looks adamant about Modis clarification on the demonetisation exercise and his participation in the debate. However, the government expressed its concerns over the Oppositions stand saying that it is running away from the debate. The government is ready for debate but the Opposition is running away from it, this isn't right, ANI quoted Union minister Ananth Kumar as saying On Thursday, Modi attended the Rajya Sabha proceedings but his presence failed to break the deadlock over the recall of high-value currency notes as the Opposition intensified its protests inside the House and outside. Read | Common citizen of India has become a soldier against corruption, black money: PM Modi Here are the live updates: #Rajya Sabha adjourned amid ruckus #Rajya Sabha session resumes at 2:30pm #12:45pm: Lok Sabha adjourned till NOv 28, 11am #12:05pm: Rajya Sabha adjounred till 2:30 pm; Lok Sabha continues as opposition demands PM's apology #Security breach at Parliament as man tries to jump into Lok Sabha, detained (Read full story here) #12:00pm: Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha resume sessions; Ruckus continues #11:20am: Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 PM after uproar in House as Opp demands PM's apology for his remark that Opp parties favouring black money (Read full story here) #PM made serious allegations against Opposition when he said that Opposition parties favouring black money;must apologise: Sharad Yadav in RS #PM must come to House and apologise to the opposition for his remarks; he must also clarify who has the black money: Mayawati in RS #PM today said that Opposition is favouring black money, this is an insult to the entire Opposition; he must apologise: GN Azad, LoP in RS #Uproar in Rajya Sabha as Opposition demands PM's presence in the House #How can PM allege that Opposition parties are in favour of black money; this is wrong: GN Azad, Cong in RS Read | Unaccounted deposits post Nov 8 may face 60% tax: Sources #If PM is honest & had no political motive behind this then what problem does he have to say the same in Parliament: Mayawati #11:00am: Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha sessions begin with Opposition's demands for PM's clarification on demonetisation #10:30am: In Opp meeting held, it has been decided that Opp will continue to demand PM's presence & participation in Parl over: Sources #Frequent change in policy causing harassment to poor;Hence saying there are lot of difficulties,let's discuss&sort it out-Mallikarjun Kharge # Government is ready for debate but the Opposition is running away from it, this isn't right: Ananth Kumar #10am: Opposition leaders' meeting underway For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Young Ecologists project has been successfully implemented at Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS). The project author is Mustafa Askerov, a fifth-year Petroleum Engineering student from BHOS who became a winner of 8th contest for grants of the Youth Foundation under the President of the Azerbaijan Republic. During the project implementation, 140 students from various universities of Azerbaijan participated in meetings with environmental specialists and discussed topics related to environment protection issues, ecological problems and the problems solutions. On the final day of the project, a poster-drawing contest was held among project participants divided into teams. Each team was presented with a certain environmental issue and assigned to design a poster reflecting the issue and possible ways to address it. Based on the contest results, members of the winning teams received diplomas. The Young Ecologists Project was implemented with financial support from the Youth Foundation under the President of the Azerbaijan Republic, while the Student Senate of Baku Higher Oil School provided organizational support to the project. Mexico City: An 11-year-old Mexican boy who lives in a northern city plagued by drug violence and shootouts has designed a bullet-proof backpack with a GPS tracker and an alarm system. Juan David Hernandez, who lives in Matamoros on the border with the United States, presented his special school gear at a science fair in the state of Tamaulipas, according to local media. The bag, which has the words security backpack inscribed on the back, weighs five kilogrammes. It includes a steel plate to stop projectiles, an emergency alarm, a GPS locator, reflecting lights and a cellphone charger. You never know when a stray bullet can hit you or when you can be in the middle of crossfire, which is why I focused on designing something that could protect me and other students from so many shootings, Hernandez told El Universal newspaper. He said students in his class have had to drop on the floor as shootouts broke out outside his school. Hernandez estimates the bag could cost between USD 48-USD 72. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Chennai: The Madras high court has rejected a PIL against government's demonetisation move by Suchitra Vijayan, aBarrister-at-Law, came up, the first bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice R.Mahadevan. The court has provided time till December 15 to the petitioner to file an additional affidavit seeking to raise additional aspect. The counsel for the Union Government had pointed out that the challenge to the notification in question has already been rejected by a division bench of the court's Madurai bench. However, the petitioner has asked for additional aspects in the matter. "In so far as the first aspect is concerned, that has outrightly to be rejected. In so far as the second aspect is concerned, whether we can examine it or not would depend onwhether firstly the petitioner is able to put forth in the petition as to what were the challenges raised in the earlier petition, how it has been dealt with and what are the additional aspects she seeks to urge," the bench added. According to the PIL, government has failed to assess the effects of demonetisation diligently and failed to prepare the country for one the biggest policy implementations in its banking history. The demonetisation of the entire denominationof Rs 500 and 1000 notes was outside the scope of section 26of the RBI Act, it contended. (With inputs from agencies) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Mumbai: Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee has won the best performance award by an actor at the 10th Asia Pacific Screen Awards beating Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who was awarded a special mention in the same category. Winners in the 10th Asia Pacific Screen Awards, said to be the regions highest accolade in film, were announced at a glittering ceremony in Brisbane last night. Hosted by Australian actor David Wenham and presenter Anjali Rao, the 2016 Awards marked the 10th year of APSA recognising and promoting cinematic excellence and cultural diversity of the worlds fastest growing film region. Also Read: SRK, Alia starrer Dear Zindagi' and Munish Bhardwajs directorial debut 'Moh Maya Money' to hit theatres In addition to the main awards, a jury grand prize special mention was given to eight-year-old Sunny Pawar from India for his portrayal of young Saroo Brierley in Garth Davis Lion. Bajpayee won the award for his performance as Professor Siras in Aligarh directed by Hansal Mehta. This was his second APSA nomination, following a nomination for Anurag Kashyaps Gangs of Wasseypur in 2012. APSA International Jury member Jan Chapman said It was superb, such a moving performance, I was really affected by the humanity and the depth Shyam Benegal, who was also part of the jury, said He gave such an extraordinarily fine performance, extremely well delineated with lots of little detail that he put into the performance, an extremely well crafted role. Nawazuddin won the award for his role in Kashyaps Raman Raghav 2.0. President of the APSA International Jury David Puttnam said Over the last two weeks the APSA International Jury has viewed 24 films that between them have lasted almost 50 hours and its been a remarkable privilege to find yourself looking into customs, societies, attitudes and practices that you are not necessarily familiar with, and all of us on the Jury found that incredibly rewarding. The 2016 APSA International Jury comprised five eminent former APSA Jury Presidents hailing from three continents, headed by acclaimed Academy Award-winner Puttnam, joined by APSA co-founder and current Chairman of the Busan International Film Festival Kim Dong-Ho, multi-award winning producer from Hong Kong Nansun Shi, Academy Award-winning Australian producer Jan Chapman, and celebrated Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The central government on Thursday backed its high value currency ban move in the Supreme Court by asserting that the "bold move" of demonetisation would eradicate black money and slush funds operating since Independence which cast a "parallel economy" hitting the poor and the middle class. The Centre, which filed an affidavit on demonetisation, said the decision on which a total secrecy was maintained, would now help in proper implementation of the ambitious 'Jan Dhan Yojana' under which around 22 crore bank accounts for poor people have been opened as reports of unscrupulous elements using these accounts to convert their black money into white surfaced. Further, demonetisation is seen as a check on the real estate sector where prices get pushed up artificially, reducing the availability of affordable housing for the poor and the middle class. The Centre said it has adopted a "multi-pronged and calibrated approach" to eradicate black money and promote cashless transactions and "The withdrawal of existing high denomination bank notes will curb funding of terrorists. It will eliminate black money which casts long shadow of the parallel economy on our real economy. The poor and middle class, who are worst sufferers due to black money, will be benefited. It will help reduce tax avoidance and bring more transactions into the formal economy," it said. Elaborating on several measures including the "thrust" given for increasing digital payments in the economy through credit and debit cards, internet banking, mobile apps and e-wallets, the Centre said their use has seen a jump of nearly 300 per cent in the last 10 days. In its affidavit, the Centre also gave reasons for maintaining secrecy about the move which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi just after 8 PM on November 8 and came into force from the midnight. Also Read: Unaccounted deposits post Nov 8 may face 60% tax: Sources "The gigantic dimensions and possibilities of compromising on secrecy were taken into consideration. If elaborate prior arrangement for distribution of new currency notes were made prior to the announcement of the scheme, the very objective of the scheme would have been defeated. Further, the scheme impacts several sectors in the short-term but promises large benefits in the economy in the medium-term," the affidavit said. The affidavit, filed a day before a crucial hearing, contended that "no serious attempt at this scale has been attempted in the past" and in the "two attempts made in 1946 and 1978, the scale of operation was not as expansive due to the sheer size of the cash component in the economy". Justifying the decision to do away with Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes which constituted 80 to 85 per cent of the cash flow, the affidavit, settled by Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, said, "The withdrawal of existing high denomination banknotes will curb funding of terrorists with the proceeds of FICN (fake Indian currency notes) and use of existing FICN network for subversive activities." Also Read: RBI admits anomalies in new Rs 500 notes, says both notes valid, nothing to worry For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Mumbai: Various twists and turns were witnessed in Bigg Boss as Priyanka Jagga was eliminated from the house. Commoner Priyanka Jagga, was the first contestant to get eliminated from the house, will re-enter with a brand new strategy. In order to spice up things in the "Bigg Boss" house four contestants will be entering the show as wild card entries. Also Read: Bigg Boss 10, Day 39: Rahul Dev lashes out at Om Swami, housemates gang up against self styled Godman Joining her will be international supermodel Jason Shah, German-Russian model-cum-actor, Elene Kazan and actor Sahil Anand. The wild card contestants will enter the show, hosted by Salman Khan, over the weekend. The tenth season of "Bigg Boss" is aired on Colors channel. New Delhi: There was commotion in the Lok Sabha on Friday when a man tried to jump into the House chamber soon after the proceedings were adjourned following protests over the demonetisation issue. Soon after the House assembled, speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House for nearly 40 minutes following stormy Opposition protests and the members started leaving the Chamber. Suddenly, an Opposition member, who had earlier trooped into the Well, pointed out that security personnel in the Visitors' Gallery were grappling with a person whose right foot was hanging from the wooden fence. Sources said that the man named Rakesh Singh Baghel of Uttar Pradesh, also tried to shout slogans in the House but could not succeed in doing so. He was caught and lifted up by about 4-5 alert personnel. Baghel is now being questioned at the Parliament Street police station. Baghel had visited the Lower House on the reference of Bulandshahr MP Bhola Singh. It then transpired that the man had tried to jump into the Lok Sabha Chamber. The man was caught and then bundled out. The other visitors were then guided out of the gallery which is right opposite the press enclosure. Delhi Police personnel in plain clothes are usually seated in the front rows of the Visitors' Gallery to prevent such incidents. While the Speaker had left, the Prime Minister was not in the House. Senior ministers including Arun Jaitley and leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav were in the House when the incident took place. The speaker has taken a cognizance of the incident and will talk to the Parliament security officers regarding the same. (With inputs from agencies) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Supreme Court will hear all petitions including the transfer petition filed by Government of India on December 2. On Friday, the Supreme Court bench observed, 'We will examine the inconvenience aspect and constitutional validity of the November 8 notification on demonetisation.' A bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice DY Chandrachud said, "we will examine both aspects (inconvenience and constitutional validity) of the matter. Come on Friday at 2 PM". Chief Justice of India TS Thakur has also added, "Let us see, what can be done. This is a serious matter." Lawyer & one of the petitioners, Manohar Lal Sharma, told the apex court that only public is suffering due to demonetisation & not the political leaders. The bench, meanwhile, asked Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Centre, to file additional affidavit, if any, explaining the 'schemes and steps' taken to ease the situation that has arisen due to demonetisation. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for one of the petitioners who has challenged the Centre's November 8 decision on demonetisation, said the court should start hearing the matter from Tuesday itself. Rohatgi, however, opposed the contention and said let all the petitioners, who have approached various high courts on the issue, come to the apex court which would take a call on December 2 as to whether the Supreme Court or the Delhi High Court would hear them all. Centre has recently moved the apex court seeking transferof all the petitions pending in various high courts to either the Supreme Court or one of the high courts. On Thursday, centre had filed an affidavit in the apex court on demonetisation and had said that the "bold move" would eradicate black money and slush funds operating sinceIndependence which cast a "parallel economy" hitting the poor and the middle class. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Giving a blow to the country's new vision to make India cashless economy, mobile wallet company Paytm has suspended its app that allowed small shopkeepers to accept payment through cards amid ongoing cash crunch, citing risks to customer data and privacy. The new feature was designed to eliminate the need for a physical point-of-sale (PoS) terminal or a card swipe machine, instead helping small shopkeepers use their smartphones to facilitate the transactions. However, soon after launching 'App POS' with much fanfare this week, Paytm rolled back the initiative after concerns were raised over security of customer's card details by the industry. "Based on some suggestions from the industry, we have decided to add additional certifications and features before making it available to merchants. We will re-launch this product as soon as we have updated the product," the Alibaba-backed company said in a blogpost. It further said, "Nothing is more important to us than customer data and privacy. We will always put this above all without fail." In October, as many as 32.14 lakh debit cards of various public and private sector banks were reported to have been 'compromised' by cyber malware attack in some ATM systems. Several banks, including state-owned SBI, had recalled a number of cards while many others blocked the ones suspected to have been compromised and asked their customers to change PIN (personal identification number) before use. According to the National Payments Corporation of India,as many as 641 customers across 19 banks have been duped of Rs 1.3 crore using stolen debit card data. In its blogpost, Paytm defended its product saying thecompany does not store any card details in the app or on itsservers that are shared during the payment flow. "The transaction is completed on the bank's page and follows the 2-factor authentication guidelines mandated in India," the post said adding that the company's IT systems are audited periodically by certified independent auditors. At the time of launch too, Paytm CEO and founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma had sought to allay privacy concerns saying the company is a "PCI DSS (Payment Cards industry Data Security Standard) certified company". After generating a bill for the item sold, the shopkeeper was to hand over his/her phone to the customer for entering card details. The feature was introduced after the government scrapped old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes that is forcing consumers to adopt digital payment and cashless transactions,to tide over the liquid cash crunch. While there are 740 million cards in India at present,the number of card swiping machines is at a dismal 1.5 million. Paytm had said it expects 10 million app POS to bedownloaded before the weekend and as many as 15 million appPOS merchants were expected by November-end. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bathinda, Punjab. The 750-bedded AIIMS will be set up with an outlay of Rs 925 crore and it would be spread over 177 acres of land on the Bathinda-Dabwali road. The land has been given by the state government. It is expected to be completed by June 2020, officials said. Heavy security arrangements have been made in the wake of Modias visit to Bathinda. On this occasion, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Union Health Minister J P Nadda, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Union Minister and Punjab BJP Chief Vijay Sampla, among others were also present. Highlights of his speech during public rally:A #I encurage people to turn their mobiles into wallets and go towards cashless economy: PM Modi #I am doing everything possible to ensure the middle class is not exploited and the poor get their due: PM Modi #Black money & corruption has looted the middle class and deprived poor of their rights. I want to give poor their rights: PM Modi #For me, elections do not matter. I am more concerned about the welfare of the farmers: PM Modi #Government will do everything to give enough water to our farmers: PM Modi in Bathinda #The fields of our farmers must have adequate water. Water that belongs to India cannot be allowed to go to Pakistan: PM Modi #My farmers have the right over the water that flows through Indus, will strive to get that water back: PM Modi in Bathinda #WATCH Have formed task force to ensure fields of farmers have adequate water. Water that belongs to India can't be allowed to go to Pak: PM pic.twitter.com/RpKSALggV5 a ANI (@ANI_news) November 25, 2016 #When school in Peshawar was attacked every Indian was sad; People of Pakistan should tell their rulers to fight corruption,fake notes: PM # I have created a task force to stop Indus river's water to go to Pakistan and re route it to Punjab: PM Modi #Want to speak to ppl of Pak once again; they must talk to their rulers; must decide if they want to fight against IndiaA then let's wage a fight against corruption, against black money, poverty: PM Modi #Pakistan is not far from here; look at the valour of our army jawans when they conducted surgical strike, it created havoc across border: PM #AIIMS here will benefit the local areas and this Government does not only stop at laying foundation stones, we complete all projects: PM #Whatever decisions we take when we are in power, we fulfil it during that period itself: PM Modi in Bathinda (Punjab) #Social infrastructure is essential for the development of every nation; We need top quality schools and hospitals: PM Modi in Bathinda (With Inputs from Agencies) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The ruling Janata Dal (United) has alleged that the BJP purchased land worth crore in Bihar days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation move. The JD(U) alleged that the party bought several land parcels in the state till the first week of November. And on 8 November Modi announced the ban on high-denomination currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. In a series of tweets, JD(U) raised several questions on the alleged land deals. Read | Demonetisation: Opposition launches attack on PM Modi, alleges selective leak of information News Nation accessed deeds of such property transactions done by BJP functionaries for the party. Some of them were even bought on behalf of BJP President Amit Shah. Sanjeev Chaurasia, an MLA from Digha, was among the senior party functionaries who bought the land parcels. Registry papers clearly show top leaders of @BJP4India were involved. Address of every buyer is 11 Ashok Rd, ND. Purchased on behalf of #BJP Janata Dal (United) (@JanatadalU) November 25, 2016 On 6th Sep'16, land was purchased in Lakhisarai via deed no. 3587 by Sanjeev Chaurasia (Gen Sec, Bihar, BJP) for National President of #BJP. Janata Dal (United) (@JanatadalU) November 25, 2016 On 16th Sep'16, land was purchased in Katihar via deed no.13618 by Dr. Dilip Kr Jaisawal (Treasurer,Bihar BJP) for 1 Cr. 16 Lacs 13 thousnd. Janata Dal (United) (@JanatadalU) November 25, 2016 On 14th Sep'16, land was purchased in Madhepura via deed no.7874 by Dr. Dilip Kr Jaisawal (Treasurer,Bihar BJP) for 85 lacs 15 thousand. Janata Dal (United) (@JanatadalU) November 25, 2016 On 14th Sep'16, land was purchased in Madhubani via deed no.6225 by Lal Babu Prasad (Vice Chair BJP) for 73 lacs 50 thousand. Janata Dal (United) (@JanatadalU) November 25, 2016 BJP leaders involved in purchase have accepted that payment was made in cash. Question is where did the cash came from? 1000 & 500 notes? the party said in a tweet. BJP leaders involved in purchase hv accepted that payment was made in cash. Question is where did the cash came from ? 1000 & 500 notes? 2/2 Janata Dal (United) (@JanatadalU) November 25, 2016 The bigger point is that market price of land is much higher in Bihar and prima-facie it looks like usage of black money for purchase. 1/2 Janata Dal (United) (@JanatadalU) November 25, 2016 For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Being an Azerbaijani numismatist, I am pleased that Azerbaijani coins are researched by numismatists from different countries, and our counterpart A.Akopyan dedicated himself to studying the coinage of the Azerbaijani khanates of eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, thanks to him very much for it. Taking the opportunity, I would like to express my thoughts regarding some peculiarities of the coinage issues of these khanates, and I suppose it will be interesting to numismatists of the countries which underwent monetary particularism. What was the essence of Azerbaijani khanates of eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries as political and economic structures? As correctly noted by reporter, after the death of Nadir Shah Afshar (1736-1747), disorders started to appear during the reign of his incompetent successors. Feudal strives had benefited the khans (derives from the ancient Turkic title of khan) -the rulers of certain vilayats, who declared themselves independent, and according to A. Bakikhanov the patriarch of Azerbaijani historiography became independent monarchs. About twenty khanates were established on the territories of historic Azerbaijan, and ten of them were on the territories of North Azerbaijan (modern Republic of Azerbaijan). Khanates were small copies of shahdom: they had all features of independent monarchs and were striking coins. However these coins were struck anonymously due to the limited legitimacy of the rulers. Coins were made of silver, copper (of course they were not eligible to strike golden coppers), coins were stamped in large towns like Derbend, Guba, Shaki, Baku, Shamakhy, Ganja, Panahabad, Nakhcivan, Irevan. No information was found regarding the coins of Talish khanate, and Baku and Irevan khanates left only copper coins. Abbasi was a main currency with nominal value of 200 copper dinars, its fractions and other versions were also stamped. Should be noted that the coinage of the largest and powerful Karabagh khanate, where in accordance with monetary reforms of Ibrahim Khalil khan panabadi (derives from the name of town of Panahabad, founded by Panakhali khan in 1757) heavy silver coins weighing 5,4 gr and with nominal value of 500 copper dinars were stamped. History of Azerbaijani monetary circulation accounts more than 2000 years, yet numismatic science of Azerbaijan is relatively young. Its foundation was laid by the known numismatist and collector Alexander Pakhomov in the 20-s of the previous century, who made a great contribution to the development of Azerbaijani numismatics. Azerbaijani people have got a rich numismatic heritage, and of course we are thankful to all who refers to our numismatics. Particularly I would like to note the deeds of Russian numismatists like V. Lukonina, Y. Zeymal, K.Golenko and others living today like V.Lebed, G.Zlobin, P.Petrov who laid the foundation of the oriental numismatics Taking the opportunity that our conference approaches to end, I would like sincerely thank our counterparts the organizers of this great forum, employees of the department of Numismatics of State Hermitage and its head V. Kalinin and all the managing board of the State Hermitage and its head respected M.B. Piotrovsky. New Delhi: 2 cops were killed while one other sustained serious injuries in a militant attack on patrol party in Jammu and Kashmirs Kulgam district on Friday. The militants attacked the patrol team at a bus stand in the town following which the whole area has been cordoned off. A search operation has also been launched to nab the attackers. This is the second major attack on security forces in the militancy-hit region. Earlier in the day, a soldier was killed in an encounter between militants and security forces in in Bandipora region. Read | Trapped militant surrenders before security forces in Kashmir's Sopore For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Mexico City: Authorities have exhumed 32 bodies and nine heads from several clandestine graves this week in a southern Mexican state plagued by kidnappings and murders, said officials. The remains were unearthed between Tuesday and Thursday in 17 pits on a hill in the village of Pochahuixco, part of the municipality of Zitlala, a region beset by turf wars between drug cartels. The discoveries are terrible, Guerrero state security spokesman Roberto Alvarez said, adding that the victims include 31 men and one woman. The remains were taken to the state capital, Chilpancingo, to be identified, Alvarez said in a statement yesterday. No arrests have been made in the case. The bodies were found in 17 of 20 pits that were dug up by investigators. Seven were found on Tuesday, five on Wednesday and the rest on Thursday in various states of decomposition. No other remains were found but soldiers are scouring the region for any other hidden graves. No arrests were made. Drug cartels have been burying their victims in hidden graves across the country for years, and authorities regularly find human remains. At the border between the western states of Jalisco and Michoacan, for instance, 75 bodies were unearthed from 37 clandestine graves between late 2013 and early 2014. Guerrero has been plagued by a series of mass kidnappings, including 12 people abducted in the municipality of Ajuchitlan del Progreso last week. The clandestine graves were found after authorities received an anonymous tip about a camp where people were being held, Alvarez told AFP. When they arrived at the site on a hill, they found a kidnap victim as well as two cars, a motorcycle and bulletproof vests. Soldiers and police also found four heads inside a cooler that could be linked to nine bodies that were found on a roadside in the town of Tixtla a few days ago, he said. The Ardillos and Los Rojos drug gangs are fighting over territory in the Zitlala region, the security spokesman said. There are a lot of murders, a lot of abductions, he said. Guerrero is one of the countrys most violent states and a major opium poppy grower. Last weekend at least 24 people were killed in the state. Los Rojos have also been battling the Guerreros Unidos drug cartel. In the Pacific resort of Acapulco, the Beltran Leyva gang and the Independent Cartel of Acapulco battle for supremacy. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party in Maharashtra will join the Jan Akrosh Din protest called by the Opposition parties on November 28 against the demonetisation decision of the Centre. Party spokesperson Nawab Malik said NCP had initially welcomed the move to scrap Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denomination notes. However, the implementation has not been proper since the decision was taken without proper planning, he said. This has resulted in economic anarchy and farmers, farm labourers, small industries, labourers, traders and poor people have suffered, he said. Malik said party workers will come out on the streets to highlight the problems of the common man. Congress has also organised protests in all parts of the state on Monday. FULL COVERAGE: BLACK MONEY CRACKDOWN For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Panaji: National Students Union of India (NSUI) has passed a resolution in its national executive in Panaji demanding a ban on onshore and offshore casinos in Goa and the gambling activity allowed on their premises. The student wing of Congress also passed a resolution to fight against the alleged attempts of BJP and RSS to destroy the social fabric of the country in its three-day conclave concluded on Wednesday. The meeting passed educational, economic and political resolutions that include the fight against BJP and RSS deliberate attempts of trying to destroy the social fabric of India, NSUI president Amrita Dhawan told reporters last night. She alleged that the BJP-led state government had gained notoriety for its frequent U-turns on the promises made to people. One of the major poll promises of BJP during the 2012 elections was abolition of casinos in Goa. That has not happened. On the contrary, we can see BJP adding to the list of casinos, she alleged. We demand that casinos should be banned in order to keep the issues arising out of gambling addiction under control. We also resolve to fight against casinos till they are banned, Dhawan said. The NSUI president claimed that the growing menace of drugs was another important issue as it had brought students on the verge of distress. Dhawan alleged drugs are in public circulation and consumption in the coastal state. The authorities are doing absolutely nothing about it (to check spread of drugs). We resolve to continue fighting against drugs till they are completely wiped out of the state, she said. Dhawan alleged that there was a lot of unrest and anger amongst the students communities in the country in the last two years over BJP and RSS attempts to take over educational institutions. As the countrys largest and most responsible student organisation, we are concerned about the infiltration of RSS ideology into the education system by the ruling BJP government aggressively, she claimed. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Pune: Pune Police on Friday seized cash worth Rs 1.12 crore, all in banned denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 from a businessman here. According to Lashkar Police Station, the businessman, Bharat Shah, wanted to convert his alleged unaccounted money through some agents at 25 per cent commission. We received a tip-off that Shah was planning to meet some people on MG Road on Friday morning to convert the cash, said a police inspector, attached to Lashkar Police station. Subsequently a trap was laid and Shah was detained for questioning. We recovered 22,444 demonetised notes of Rs 500 denomination and 28 demonetised notes of Rs 1000 denomination from him, the police official said . Though Shah is claiming that the cash seized from him are his savings, we suspect that it is unaccounted money, which he wanted to convert, said the officer. Police said no case has been registered against Shah but Income Tax department has been notified about the seized notes. On Wednesday, crime branch officials had seized unaccounted cash worth Rs 1.11-crore in old notes from a property broker, who too wanted to convert it into white through some agents here. READ FULL COVERAGE: BLACK MONEY CRACKDOWN For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Nagpur: Police claimed on Friday that a retired cashier of the State Bank of India (SBI), allegedly committed suicide at his residence in Saoner. As per the police, he was heavily depressed due to scrapping of high currency notes and thus took the extreme step. Ananda Mukut Bapat (58) hung himself from the ceiling at his house, they said. Police sources said Bapat had amassed huge wealth in the form of scrapped currency notes. He apparently went into depression after the demonetisation move and decided to end life. Bapat had taken VRS from the bank and had started his own business. He had called his son from Pune few months back to assist him in the business, they said. A suicide note left behind by him said that he is taking this extreme step due to demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes. Saoner Police has registered a case of accidental death (AD) and handed over the body to his son after conducting a post mortem. FULL COVERAGE: BLACK MONEY CRACKDOWN For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Tirunelveli: Women should not upload their photographs on social media platforms such as Facebook and Whatsapp as they could be misused, a senior police officer cautioned this Friday. Changing social scenario invites newer offences. In future, terrorism will evolve into cyber terrorism and there also might be cyber wars between nations, Southern Zone IG S Murugan said. In the digital world nothing is deletable. Once we insert the details they cant be deleted. So women should not use their pictures for profiles in Facebook as it is being misused (by some) nowadays, he said, adding, unlawful acts using electronic devices were on the rise. Speaking at a seminar in the St.Xaviers College, Palayamkottai here titled Cyber Crimes and Social Media Issues, Murugan said having fake IDs and hacking of websites among others were punishable offences. He noted that modern day youth were addicted to social media like Facebook and Whatsapp. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah created controversy on by questioning Indian authorities whether Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is Indias personal property. Kya yeh tumare baap ka hai (Is this your fathers property), News 18 website quoted Farooq Abdullah as saying while he was addressing a function in the Chenab Valley. His son, Omar Abdullah was also present at the function. Pakistan is one of the stakeholders (of the Kashmir issue) which even the government of India has accepted, Abdullah reportedly said. He added that the government will have no option but to start talks with Pakistan so that the atrocities through which people of Jammu and Kashmir are undergoing will come to an end. As per the report, Abdullah also mentioned that the government of India has no guts to recover PoK from Pakistan and Pakistan also does not have guts to snatch Kashmir from India. It is the innocent people of Kashmir who are suffering in between, he said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee condoled the death of noted journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, saying he was a leading public thinker whose contribution to journalism will always be remembered. Congress President Sonia Gandhi also condoled the death of veteran journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, saying the void created by his passing away would be hard to fill. Gandhi also expressed her solidarity with family and friends of Padgaonkar. Seventy-two-year-old Padgaonkar, a former editor of The Times of India, was unwell for the past several weeks and died at a hospital in Pune today, family sources said. He had also served as one of the three members of the interlocutors group on Jammu and Kashmir, set up by the previous government after continuous unrest in the Valley in 2010. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: India has always been on evil radar of Pakistan. India has constantly witnessed terror attacks originating from Pakistani soil. The terror strikes have been a cause for worry to Indian authorities. Despite many evidences of terror attacks presented in front of Pakistani authorities, no significant action has been witnessed from Pakistan. Pakistan has often been in denial mode and fails to accept the culpability of several terrorists despite ample evidences against them. Pakistan has so far been unable to take potent action against terrorist groups operating from their soil. Of late, entire world including US is tightening its stand over terrorist groups operating from Pakistan. Reportedly, US has also asked Pakistan to act against terror groups operating in their country. One of the prominent terrorist attacks was witnessed on November 26, 2008. 2008 Mumbai attacks was very grievous which claimed more than 160 lives and injured as many as 239 people. The terrorists carried out their operations for about 4 days in Mumbai. It included 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks across Mumbai. The attack was condemned from almost all corners of the world. One of the attackers was Ajmal Kasab who was detained by Police, disclosed that all the attackers belonged to terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. Amidst pressure from the world, Pakistan confirmed that the sole surviving perpetrator of the attacks was a Pakistani citizen in January, 2009. However, in 2015, the foremost ringleader of the attacks, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, was granted bail. Despite the escalation of matter in front of the whole world, the terror attacks has not stopped. It has continued unabatedly after 2008 Mumbai attacks. Here is the list of terror attacks which has happened post 2008 Mumbai attacks: Pune attack, 2010 Pune bombings happened on February 13, 2010 at German Bakery in Koregaon Park. The blast took 17 lives and injured at least 60 more. The attack was also carried out by Pakistan-based terror group. David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani-American terror suspect, has been accused of involvement in the project. Varanasi bombings, 2010 In the same year, terrorists carried out attack at one of the holiest shrine of Varanasi on December 7. The bomb exploded at Sheetla Ghat which is adjacent to the main Dashashwamedh Ghat, where the sunset aarti, the evening prayer ritual to the holy river happens. The attack claimed 2 lives and injured 37 others. Mumbai attack, 2011 Terrorists had again unceremoniously chosen the maximum city as their place of attack in 2011. The series of three coordinated bomb attacks claimed 26 lives and injured 130. The blasts happened at Opera House, Zaveri Bazaar and Dadar West localities. Delhi bombing, 2011 In the same year, terrorists shook national capital by exploding bomb outside Gate No. 5 of Delhi High Court. The blast killed 17 people and injured 76. Responsibility for the bombing was claimed by the Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami (HuJI) group. However, Indian Mujahideen claimed that the attack was carried out by IM and not HuJI. Pune attack, 2012 The explosions took place in a radius of 1 km in Jangli Maharaj Road: in front of Balgandharva Auditorium, opposite to KFC restaurant near Garware Bridge, Dena Bank branch at Jangli Maharaj Road, and in front of a McDonald's restaurant. However, no deaths were reported in this attack. Hyderabad blasts, 2013 Twin blasts rocked the city of Hyderabad on February 21, 2013. The blasts claimed 17 lives and 119 others were injured. Major cities in India like Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore, Gujarat, Maharashtra and West Bengal were put on high alert after the blasts. Initial reports suggested the involvement of Indian Mujahideen in the blasts. Srinagar attack, 2013 The attack was carried out on Central Reserve Police Force camp at Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It resulted in the death of five CRPF personnel and 2 attackers. 10 others were also injured include security personnel and civilians. The terrorist group Hizbul Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the attack. Bangalore blast, 2013 The blast happened on April 17, 2013 in Bangalore. No deaths were reported from the blast. However, 16 people had non-fatal injuries. Later, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed that the latest Bangalore blast was a terror attack. Srinagar attack, 2013 Indian Army convoy was attacked on June 24, 2013 which claimed the lives of 8 Jawans and 19 others were injured. The attack happened in Hyderpura when Army trucks were travelling from Leh on Baramullah-Jammu National highway. Bodh Gaya bombings, 2013 A series of ten bomb blasts took place around the Mahabodhi Temple complex on July 7, 2013. The temple and Bodhi Tree were left undamaged. National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced that the Indian Mujahideen was responsible for the bombings. Patna bombings, 2013 A series of bomb blasts shook Patna, capital of Bihar, on October 27, 2013. The blasts took place at an election rally by Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi. The bombings took lives of six people and left 85 others injured. Indian Mujahideen was suspected for the attacks by the investigative agencies. Gurdaspur attack, 2015 Three gunmen dressed in Army uniforms started firing on a bus and then attacked a police station in Gurdaspur district on July 27, 2015. Total of 7 people lost their lives and 15 other were left injured in the attack. The Ministry of Home Affairs claimed that the attacks were carried out by Pakistan based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba. Pathankot attack, 2016 The heavily armed group of terrorists attacked Pathankot Air Force Station on January 2, 2016. Total of 6 security personnel were killed in the attack and 20 others left injured. After the attack, the national capital Delhi was put on high alert. Pampore attack, 2016 Militants ambushed Central Reserve Police Force convoy in Pampore town of Jammu and Kashmir on June 25, 2016. The attack was carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba. It calimed 8 lives and 22 were injured in the attack. Uri attack, 2016 The militants attacked an Indian Army brigade headquarters in Uri near Line of Control. The attack carried out on September 18, 2016. The attack is considered to be deadliest attack on security forces deployed in Kashmir in two decades. It claimed the lives of 19 soldiers and around 30 were injured. Baramulla attack, 2016 The terrorists attacked a camp of the Indian Army's 46 Rashtriya Rifles in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir on October 3, 2016. It claimed the lives of 1 soldier. The suspected perpetrator is Jaish-e-Mohammad. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 24 By Anakhanum Hidayatova Trend: Baku is hosting the first Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, where the Azerbaijani capitals citizens can taste Italian dishes, salads and desserts. About 300 events will take place all over the world during the week of Italian cuisine and people will be able to plunge into the Italian atmosphere, listen to the Italian music and taste Italian delicacies, Italys Ambassador to Azerbaijan Giampaolo Cutillo told Trend. Holding such an event is meant to promote Italian traditions, products and culture, he said. Five events will be held in Baku by Nov. 26. Visitors of Italian restaurants will be able to get acquainted with the traditional cuisine of Turin, Sicily, Milan and other Italian cities, Cutillo added. The diplomat also noted that Azerbaijan and Italy have carried out a lot of cultural activities in recent months. Baku hosted the week of Italian fashion, the week of the Italian language, as well as a number of other events, particularly those related to education in Italy. We try to carry out as much work as possible. There are good conditions for this. Relations between our countries are good and friendly," the ambassador added. Hyderabad: Ahead of the assembly polls in five states, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday asked security forces to guard against attempts to disturb peace through vicious political campaign or by external extremist forces during the election process. Inaugurating the three-day annual DGPs/IGPs conference here, Singh said elections will be held in some states soon and it is the responsibility of police chiefs to ensure peaceful completion of the poll process. We have to keep strict vigil against external extremist elements who may try to create disturbance in Punjab. There have been increased activities of the Sikh terrorists in recent months. Similarly in Manipur, we have to ensure peace keeping in mind the ethnic divide. In Uttar Pradesh too, there may be attempts to disturb law and order through vicious political campaigning. We have to keep strict vigil and take proper steps to ensure peace during elections, he said. Assembly elections are due in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa early next year. The conference is being attended by around 100 Directors General of Police and Inspectors General of Police of states and UTs and heads of central police organisations at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy here. Maintaining that threats of self-radicalisation and lone wolf attacks have been increasing, the Home Minister said there was no let up in Pakistans support to terror and anti-India activities. We all know that a neighbouring country has been trying to instigate people in northern parts of the country to indulge in anti-India activities, providing training to terrorists and sending them to India to carry out in terror attacks. Despite all these efforts, the credit for maintaining peace in the country goes to security and intelligence agencies, he said. Referring to the dreaded ISIS, Singh said due to close coordination between state and central forces, the youths, who were influenced by the terror group, have not been able to successfully carry out any strike in the country yet. So far, 67 youths, who were influenced by the ISIS, have been arrested while planning to carry out terror attack. We have to be fully alert against any such design. The whole world is worried about the terror activities of the ISIS. This is a big challenge for our country. I am confident that we will be able to face the challenge posed by the ISIS together, he said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Twists and turns have always been part of Bigg Boss house and the 40th day was no different. Some of the excerpts from the day are given here: # Captain Rohan Mehra announced gharwale's names who did not perform well in the BB10 Goldmine Task! # Om Swami Maharaj called the BB10 house 'Mahabharata' and added that he will win the war! #OmSwami calls the #BB10 house 'Mahabharata' and also adds that he will win the war! pic.twitter.com/PhDWQLSYMY a Bigg Boss (@BiggBoss) November 25, 2016 # Captain Rohan Mehra nominated Om Swami as one of the worst performers in the Gold Mine task. # Om Swami said that he would go on a hunger strike if punished by Captain Rohan. # Rohan Mehra also took the name of Nitibha Kaul as one of the worst peformers. The next name @rohan4747 takes is #NitibhaKaul's but looks like Nitibha doesn't want to agree with the captain's decision! #BB10 pic.twitter.com/RsIS8bAR8p a Bigg Boss (@BiggBoss) November 25, 2016 # The 4 worst performers had to be captain Rohan Mehra's puppets. # As the puppet task began, Rohan asked Om Swami to eat two slabs of butter. # Housemates became angry as Om Swami passed personal comments on Rohan Mehra. # The next punishment was jail and Rohan Mehra punished NitibhaKaul by sending her to jail # Gaurav Chopra and VJ Bani told the housemates that they should unite against Om Swami. # Tired of Om Swami's tantrums, housemates collectively decided to boycott him # Bigg Boss told OmSwami to follow the rules and stop misbehaving with the housemates. # Bigg Boss took away all the luxury budget points because of the casual attitude of some of the housemates towards the house rules # A drift arose in VJ Bani and Gaurav Chopra's friendship. Saudi Arabia pulled out of planned talks with non-OPEC nations including Russia as disagreements about how to share the burden of supply cuts stood in the way of a deal to boost prices just days before a make-or-break meeting in Vienna, Bloomberg reported. OPEC officials were scheduled to meet with non-members including Russia on Monday before a ministerial meeting in Vienna two days later. The meeting was later cancelled entirely after the Saudis decided not to take part. Instead, the group called another internal meeting to try to resolve its own differences, particularly the question of whether Iran and Iraq are willing to cut production, said two delegates, asking not to be identified because the deliberations are sensitive. Saudi Arabia wants an OPEC deal in place before conversations with other producers such as Russia, one delegate said. The setback suggests that Saudi Arabia remains split from its two biggest Middle Eastern rivals at the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Iran insists it should be allowed to restore output to pre-sanctions levels, while it remains unclear if Iraq is still disputing the OPEC supply estimates that would provide the basis for any cuts. With less than a week until the crucial ministerial meeting, the refusal of just one major producer to participate could scuttle the whole of the agreement reached in September in Algiers. "The whole Algerian deal wasnt clear from beginning and their approach was leave it to later, said Abdulsamad al-Awadhi, a former OPEC official for Kuwait who is now an independent analyst in London. Two months after the initial accord "OPEC leaders are confused and the groups founding members cant solve differences, but they want to have a deal with non-OPEC. This a tough call." Brent crude fell in London 3 percent to $47.50 a barrel as of 5:37 p.m. Friday. In New York, West Texas Intermediate fell to $46.42 a barrel. In late September, OPEC agreed the outline of its first production curbs since the global financial crisis in 2008. Since then, the group has spent two months trying to agree how to share the cuts, which would bring its production to a range of 32.5 million to 33 million barrels per day. OPEC estimates that it pumped 33.6 million barrels a day last month. Technical experts from member countries met in Vienna this week to finalize the details of the cuts. After two days of meetings, the talks concluded without resolving the issue of Iran and Iraq, instead deferring the matter to ministerial talks on Nov. 30. Those officials will now reconvene on Monday in an effort to overcome the impasse, two delegates said. Ministers from Saudi Arabia and Iran wont arrive in Vienna until Nov. 29, said OPEC delegates, leaving little time for them to hold negotiations before the big meeting. Saudi Arabia, OPECs de-facto leader, is ready to cut production, but only if all members share the burden of cuts equitably and transparently. In practice, that means the kingdom thinks Iraq needs to cut output and Iran has to freeze production around current levels, one OPEC delegate said last week. Prior to the Nov. 23 comments by Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, Iraq had sought an exemption from joining any production cuts, arguing that its fight against Islamic State justifies special treatment. That assertion still leaves unresolved the significant issue of exactly how much the country would reduce production, and from what level, said a Gulf OPEC delegate Thursday. Iran has insisted it wont accept any limits on its production until it has returned to the pre-sanctions level above 4 million barrels a day. Without an OPEC deal, the International Energy Agency predicted that 2017 will be the fourth consecutive year in which supply runs ahead of demand, potentially causing lower prices. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: The international railway business forum titled Strategic partnership 1520: Caspian region has kicked off in Baku Nov. 25. The event is attended by heads of national railway companies of broad gauge countries, representatives of leading transportation, logistics and engineering enterprises, as well as core institutions of public administration of Azerbaijan and Russia. Issues of international transport corridors, construction of railway infrastructure, rolling stock manufacturing and building logistics chains will be considered during the forum. Participants will discuss the issues of the Caspian transit, development of the North-South corridor, diversification of exports, financing, investments, multimodal transportation and others. In conclusion, relevant documents will be signed. Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC Javid Gurbanov and Vice-President of Russian Railways JSC Alexander Misharin will deliver closing speeches at the event. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov A few days after the election, a 6-year-old was dismayed when he noticed only one sign reading "We love HRC" posted near Hillary Clinton's home in Chappaqua, N.Y. Liam isn't old enough to vote, but he supported Clinton throughout the election and was devastated by her loss. He decided she deserved a more prominent thanks and rallied friends and family to adorn a grassy area around the corner from Clinton's home with signs on Thanksgiving, Politico reports. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: Over the recent years, about $25 billion has been invested in the development of Azerbaijans transport sector, said the countrys Deputy Prime Minister Abid Sharifov. He made the remarks during the International Rail Business Forum titled Strategic Partnership 1520: Caspian region, which kicked off in Baku Nov. 25. Sharifov said that Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev attaches special attention to the development of transportation infrastructure in the country. In recent years, about $25 billion has been invested for this goal. It is about the construction of a new international ferry crossing, new roads connecting Azerbaijan with neighboring countries, reconstruction and full renovation of the railway between Azerbaijan and Georgia, said the deputy prime minister. He noted that currently, the construction of the railway bridge over the Astarachay River at the Azerbaijani-Iranian border continues. Moreover, the construction of an 8.3-kilometer long one-way railway line from the Astara station to the border with Iran has been completed, he added. The railway bridge across the Astarachay River is a strategically important facility that will link railways of Azerbaijan and Iran and will be a part of the Astara (Azerbaijan)-Astara (Iran) section of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The North-South Transport Corridor is meant to connect Northern Europe with Southeast Asia. It will serve as a link for connecting the railways of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia. At the initial stage, it is planned to transport 6 million tons of cargo via the North-South corridor per year and to increase the figure to over 10 million tons in the future. Sharifov went on to say that under the presidential decree, a free trade zone, which will include the territory of the new Baku International Sea Trade Port, will be created in the Alat township of Garadagh district of Baku. We invite all interested parties to take part in the implementation of all these projects, he said. Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree March 17, 2016, on measures to create a free trade zone type special economic area covering the territory of the Baku International Sea Trade Port in the Alat township of Bakus Garadagh district. In September 2016, the Azerbaijani government and Dubai Port World company (DP World, one of the worlds major port operators) signed an agreement on providing consulting services for the creation of the free trade zone in the Alat township. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov Will stop water flow to Pakistan, supply to our farmers: Modi Punjab,National,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Politics,Business/Economy, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Bathinda (Punjab), Nov 25 (IANS) Taking on Islamabad on the issue of river water sharing and tension along the border, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that he was determined to stop the flow of water into Pakistan and supply it for farmers in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. "The water on which India has its right is flowing into Pakistan. I am committed to stop that water and bring it for our farmers in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India," Modi told a public rally near Bathinda town after laying the foundation stone of an AIIMS. Expressing his surprise that the water sharing issue had not been addressed by previous Indian governments, Modi said: "The governments slept in Delhi in the past. Our farmers kept crying and the water kept going to Pakistan. We will fight for the rights of our farmers. "The Indus water treaty, Sutlej, Beas, Ravi - the water of all three rivers, over which our farmers have their right, is not available to them. The water of these rivers is the right of India and our farmers. This water is passing through Pakistan into the sea. Neither Pakistan uses it nor our farmers can use it. "I am moving ahead with conviction on this and have set up a task force on Indus Water Treaty," Modi said. Modi, while pointing out that he was standing close to the border with Pakistan and wanted to address the people of Pakistan, said people in the neighbouring country should force their rulers to fight against poverty and corruption instead of fighting with India. "Look at the strength of our Army. Our soldiers did a surgical strike in a 250-km belt. Pakistan Army has seen what our Army can do. There was big turmoil (in Pakistan) and it is still not settled. "Standing close to the Pakistan border, I want to address people in Pakistan. "If schoolchildren are killed in Pakistan, 125 crore Indians cry for them. I want to urge the people of Pakistan to force their rulers that if they have to fight, they should fight against poverty, corruption and other evils," Modi said. The Prime Minister said vested interests in Pakistan were trying to keep "tension alive with India". Referring to the campaign launched by his government against corruption and black money, Modi said: "I want to stop the exploitation of the middle class and get the poor their rights." He said the public had faced problems and inconvenience following his decision to demonetise the 500 and 1,000 rupee notes. He said people had borne the trouble for the sake of honesty. The Prime Minister urged people not to let the black money holders to rise again. "Join us in this campaign to make this country great again," he added. --IANS js/mr Rosamund Pike is 'comfortable' being number two United Kingdom,Cinema/Showbiz,Hollywood, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS London, Nov 25 (IANS) Actress star Rosamund Pike has shared that she's "quite comfortable" playing second fiddle to a man and doesn't think she's ready to carry a movie. Asked if taking on the lead role of Amy in "Gone Girl" was a rare moment in her career, Pike told theguardian.com: "Ben was still No. One on the call sheet. The guy's usually No. 1... but maybe I'm quite comfortable being No. 2. I quite like that place. I don't know that I'm that easy with being No. 1 Note to self: go home and read scripts where female character is the lead." And Pike acknowledged she's been reluctant to step into the limelight because of the pressure of "carrying" the movie. "I suppose you feel there's somewhere to go. It's an interesting question...You're carrying the movie when you're No 1. and I don't know that I'm ready for that yet. I should be," she said. The British star received plaudits for her role playing Ruth Williams in the biographical drama "A United Kingdom" and is currently looking for an actor to cast in a supporting role in her next as-yet-untitled movie. And Pike thinks Hollywood star Christian Bale would be perfect role the title. "You have to approach the right man at the right time, because men don't want to play second fiddle to a woman. That's the truth. It's sad, isn't it? Christian (Bale) might be different - he's a leading man who quite wants to be a supporting actor, and is quite unusual in that respect," she said. --IANS dc/ks/ Australia's most-wanted jihadist, with Indian links, arrested United Kingdom,Terrorism,Diaspora, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Melbourne, Nov 25 (IANS) Once believed to be dead, Australia's most wanted Islamist terrorist, Neil Prakash, whose father is a Fiji-Indian, is reported to have been arrested while trying to cross over from war-torn Syria into Turkey. According to the government-owned Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Prakash was arrested by Turkish officials when he tried to cross the Syrian border into Turkey using false documents and a fake name. A confirmation of Neil Prakash's arrest by the Australian government is still awaited. Neil Prakash, also known as Abu Khaled al-Cambodi, has been presented as a key player in inspiring violent terrorism in Australia. A son of an absentee Fiji-Indian father and Cambodian mother, Neil Prakash was reportedly involved in foiled terror plots at Anzac Day commemorations in 2015 and 2016. Australia's Attorney-General George Brandis had described Neil Prakash as "Australia's number one terrorist" and "most prominent and dangerous Australian" earlier this year. While the Australian media is abuzz with the sensational news about the arrest of the 25-year-old Islamist terrorist since Friday afternoon, the government is yet to make a formal announcement. "As a matter of longstanding practice, the Australian Government does not comment on matters of intelligence or law enforcement operations," the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Counter-Terrorism, Michael Keenan, said in a statement. "The Government's capacity to confirm reports of deaths in either Syria or Iraq is limited. These places are war zones, with many ungoverned spaces. "There have been people who have been reported dead and are later found to be alive," the Minister told an Australian television channel. The Australian government's reluctance to make a formal statement about the arrest of Neil Prakash is attributed to the early announcement about him in May this year. The Australian media was told that the Indo-Cambodian Melburnian had been eliminated in a drone attack near Mosul. It is being speculated now that Neil Prakash, who attended Melbourne's controversial Al-Furqan Islamic Centre after converting, was only wounded in the May drone attack and carried on with his subversive activities. The injuries suffered in the air attack must have restricted Neil Prakash's recruitment activities. "I think the biggest scalp was earlier when we removed him from the battlefield, so to speak," Charles Sturt University's director of terror studies Levi West told ABC Friday. "The fact that we now have potentially an extradition and trial is an additional benefit over the top of that. "But the real victory is having removed his capacity to recruit and influence Western ears," Levi West added. It was Australia's Attorney-General George Brandis, who had labeled Neil Prakash as "the most dangerous Australian". "Prakash was a very important, high-value target. He was the most dangerous Australian involved with ISIL in the Middle East," Brandis told the ABC in May. "He was actively involved both in recruitment and in encouraging domestic terrorist events in Australia; he was the principle Australian reaching back from the Middle East into Australia - and in particular into terrorist networks in both Melbourne and Sydney, encouraging lone wolf attacks and more sophisticated attacks. So he was the person of greatest concern to us," Attorney General of Australia had said. A number of Australian security experts have expressed relief over the arrest of the former apprentice mechanic from Melbourne. (Paritosh Parasher can be contacted at paritoshparasher@yahoo.com) --IANS paritosh/rn Vietnam seizes half a ton of ivory United States,Environment/Wildlife, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Hanoi, Nov 25 (IANS) Vietnamese customs officers seized around 500 kg of elephant tusks in Ho Chi Minh City smuggled from Africa, an official said on Friday. The smuggled ivory were found on Thursday among timbers in the two containers at Cat Lai port. They were imported from Africa by a local company. Another similar cache was recovered earlier in November. In October, they had unearthed three similar smuggled cases, with a total of over 3.5 tons of elephant tusks. --IANS in/ Bomb attacks kill 5, injure 27 in Afghanistan Israel,Terrorism, Fri, 25 Nov 2016 IANS Kabul, Nov 25 (IANS) At least five people were killed and 27 injured on Friday in a series of bombs attacks in eastern Afghanistan, officials said. "The city of Jalalabad, near the Pakistan border, was subject to a series of three hidden improvised explosive device (IED) attacks," Xinhua news agency quoted official spokesman Attaullah Khogyani. The first bomb claimed the lives of a minor and a high-ranking police officer, according to the spokesman. In a second attack, two hidden bombs were detonated consecutively killing two civilians and a police officer near a firefighter's headquarters. Some 27 people were injured in the bombings, all of whom have since been taken to the hospital for treatment. Afghan police services opened an investigation into the events. The National Directorate of Security arrested a suspected member of the Islamic State terror group who allegedly confessed to planting the explosive devices. The suspect was reportedly detained while filming the aftermath of the bombings on his mobile phone. However, neither the IS -- which controls pockets of territory in the region -- nor the Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.--IANS vgu/dg TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2016 /CNW/ - Sunwing's Orange is the New Black Friday Sale has been so successful that the tour operator has had to source more vacation steals for shoppers for Black Friday. Customers still hunting for a Black Friday bargain can now save up to 70% or more on packages to 800+ resorts in the most popular vacation destinations if they book by November 27th. But with these deals disappearing fast, sun-worshippers will have to act quickly if they want to secure their perfect winter getaway during one of Sunwing's best sales of the year. Canada's #1 to the sun is offering packages for numerous departure dates throughout the winter. With so many value-added packages and discounted deals available, couples, families, and groups will have greater access to some of the most popular vacation hotspots across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America, if they book now. What's more, customers who book their vacation with Sunwing can look forward to their budget going even further. As Canada's #1 provider of adult, luxury, and family vacations, Sunwing offers customers a host of exclusive-added benefits. With the tour operator's adults only Relax Resorts, couples can enjoy generous perks such as a welcome bottle of spirits upon arrival, unlimited a la carte dining and spa discounts at no extra charge. For families, Sunwing's Smile Resorts offer plenty of value-added benefits to ensure endless fun in the sun; including Kids Stay, Play, and Eat FREE deals all year round. With flights from 34 Canadian airports coast to coast to over 40 of the most popular vacation destinations across Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America; it's never been easier to get on board with Canada's #1 to the sun and save. All Sunwing packages available in the sale also include return flights on Sunwing Airlines where passengers can sit back and relax while on board, with award-winning Champagne Service that includes a sparkling wine toast, complimentary non-alcoholic beverage service and buy on board selection of light meals and snacks with choices inspired by Food Network Canada Celebrity Chef, Lynn Crawford. Passengers also benefit from a generous complimentary 23kg checked luggage allowance. To book your next all-inclusive vacation visit www.sunwing.ca or contact your travel agent. Suggested Tweet: Save up to 70% on your next vacation with @sunwingvacay Orange is the New #BlackFridaySale #1tothesun #sunwingmode About Sunwing As Canada's #1 to the sun and North America's largest vertically integrated travel company, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from over 34 airports across Canada to over 50 popular sun destinations. This scale enables Sunwing to negotiate the best deals and exclusive offers at all of the top-rated resorts across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Renowned for its award-winning service, Sunwing is consistently voted the #1 leisure airline by travel agents and is the perennial winner of the Consumer Choice Award. Customers can look forward to starting their vacation off in style with Champagne Service, which features a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, tea and coffee and non-alcoholic beverage service; together with a buy on board menu of light meals and snacks (including kids' choices) inspired by Food Network Canada Celebrity Chef, Lynn Crawford. Sunwing customers also benefit from the assistance of the company's own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. SOURCE Sunwing Vacations Image with caption: "Orange is the New Black Friday (CNW Group/Sunwing Vacations)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161125_C7550_PHOTO_EN_825911.jpg Image with caption: "Sunwing Vacations (CNW Group/Sunwing Vacations)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161125_C7550_PHOTO_EN_825909.jpg For further information: For all media enquiries, please contact: Kim Banjac, PR Specialist, Signature Vacations, 1-800-387-5602, [email protected] In November 2016, a Chinese J-16 strike fighter test-fired a larger and longer range hypersonic missile and successfully destroying the target drone at a very long range. The missile is about 28 percent of the length of the J-16, which measures 22 meters (about 72 feet). The puts the missile at about 19 feet, and roughly 13 inches in diameter. The missile appears to have four tailfins. Reports are that the size would put into the category of a very long range air to air missile (VLRAAM) with ranges exceeding 300 km (roughly 186 miles), likely max out between 250 and 310 miles. (As a point of comparison, the smaller 13.8-foot, 15-inch-diameter Russian R-37 missile has a 249-mile range). This missile would easily outrange any American (or other NATO) air-to-air missile. The VLRAAMs powerful rocket engine will push it to Mach 6 speeds, which will increase the no escape zone (NEZ), that is the area where a target cannot outrun the missile, against even supersonic targets like stealth fighters. The VLRAAM is one of the worlds largest air to air missiles. Its other advanced features include an AESA radar, a infrared/electro-optical seeker (under the yellow-orange cover on the forward section above the nosecone), and satellite navigation midcourse correction. Large radar able to detect stealth targets The new, larger missiles added value is not just in range. It has a large active electronically scanned (AESA) radar, which is used in the terminal phase of flight to lock onto the target. The AESA radars large sizeabout 300-400% larger than that of most long range air-to-air missilesand digital adaptability makes it highly effective against distant and stealthy targets, and resilient against electronic countermeasures like jamming and spoofing. Another researched VLRAAM function is datalinking; the papers called for the VLRAAM to be embedded within a highly integrated combat networks. It is envisioned as just part of a larger wave of networked solutions aggregated through multiple Chinese systems. For example, a J-20 stealth fighter wouldnt mount the missile (the VLRAAM is too large to fit in the J-20s weapons bay), but could use its low observable features to fly relatively close in order to detect enemy assets like AEW and C aircraft (which are vital to gather battlespace data for manned and unmanned assets, but subsonic in speed and less able to evade missiles). Then before breaking off contact, the J-20 would signal a J-16 400 km (249 miles) away (outside the range of most air to air missiles) providing it the data needed to launch the VLRAAM at the target. This would offer China a longer range version of present U.S. tactics that involve using the fifth generation F-22 as a sensor for 4th generation fighters as the shooters. Putting US refueling and electronic warfare planes at risks messes with all US Air operation strategies The gains in range and speed of the VLRAAM pose another significant risk to the concepts of the U.S. militarys Third Offset. U.S. operations are highly dependent on assets like aerial tankers, dedicated electronic warfare aircraft, and AEW&C. For example, without aerial tankers, the relatively short range of the F-35s would become even more of a liability in long range operations in the South China Seas and Taiwan Straits. Similarly, without AEW&C aircraft, F-22s would have to use onboard radars more, raising their risk of detection. Even for stealthy tanker platforms like the planned MQ-25 Stingray drone and proposed KC-Z tanker will be vulnerable to VLRAAMs if detected by emerging dedicated anti-stealth systems such as the Divine Eagle drone and Yuanmeng airship SOURCE- Popular Science, wikipedia (Headline changed, details added. First version posted at 12:20) Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25 By Maksim Tsurkov, Anvar Mammadov Trend: Azerbaijan Railways CJSC considers it necessary to organize a meeting of working groups to analyze and evaluate the dispatch of test container trains from Mumbai to Russia via Iran and Azerbaijan, said Javid Gurbanov, head of the Azerbaijani Railways CJSC. Gurbanov made the remarks while addressing the International Rail Business Forum titled Strategic partnership 1520: the Caspian region that kicked off in Baku Nov. 25. "Several test containers were sent from Mumbai to Russia in October. This was the first consignment sent from India to Russia via Iran and Azerbaijan. I believe that it is necessary to organize a meeting of working groups in the nearest future to analyze and evaluate the dispatch of test cargos, as well as to activate further cargo traffic via this route," he said. In October, reception, handling and shipment of three out of five 40-foot universal containers, loaded with electrical equipment and spare parts, were carried out in Astara for the first time within the framework of transportations via the North-South transport corridor. These containers were sent as test ones from the Indian city of Bangalore to Vorsino station in Russia. The containers were delivered by sea from the Indian city of Mumbai to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, and then sent to Astara by car. From there, the containers were sent to Russia by rail. Two geoscientists at Arizona State University have made a discovery among hot springs in Chile that may spur scientists to revisit a location on Mars explored several years ago by NASAs Spirit rover. The discovery involves fingerlike structures that form in the hot spring deposits by processes that combine biological and non-biological activity The Chilean hot springs are at a place called El Tatio and lie at the edge of the extremely dry Atacama Desert, one of the best Mars analog sites on Earth. Co-authors Steve Ruff and Jack Farmer, of ASUs School of Earth and Space Exploration, report that El Tatio produces silica deposits with structures influenced by living organisms that appear nearly identical to those found eight years ago by Spirit in Gusev Crater on Mars. Their report was recently published by Nature Communications. The question naturally arises whether what Spirit found on Mars might also have been influenced by life. Mars exploration has reached a stage where we can start looking for biosignatures, said lead author Ruff. Biosignatures are naturally occurring traces that indicate the presence of life, either today or in the past. On Earth fossils are an everyday example of a biosignature of past life. But biosignatures can take more subtle forms such as organic molecules trapped in rocks. Biosignatures can also include physical structures such as compacted mats of microorganisms called stromatolites, found in various environments on Earth. No lander or rover on Mars has yet detected any fossils. So scientists assume that any Martian biosignature would be small think microscopic and difficult to identify, let alone even find, on a planet with as much surface area as all of Earths land areas. Home Plate is a ancient and eroded volcanic ash deposit about 100 yards across that lies in Gusev Craters Columbia Hills. At some point in the past a hot spring was active here, producing silica outcrops that appear nearly identical to features found at the El Tatio hot springs in Chile. The silica outcrops lie next to Home Plates right edge, near the Spirit rover (circled). Photo by NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona Nature Communications Silica deposits on Mars with features resembling hot spring biosignatures at El Tatio in Chile Roaming the hills In 2007, NASAs rover Spirit was exploring next to an eroded deposit of volcanic ash dubbed Home Plate in the Columbia Hills of Gusev Crater on Mars. The rovers right front-wheel motor had failed, and as the rover dragged the stuck wheel like a plow across the ground, it uncovered a rich deposit of pure silica surrounded by outcrops rich in silica. This is a mineral commonly found in hot springs and geysers like those that Yellowstone National Park is famous for. Ruff was one of the scientists who identified the silica mineral and along with Farmer, published observations supporting a hot spring origin. But the unusual nodular and fingerlike structures of the silica outcrops next to Home Plate were poorly understood. Looking for similarities Several years later, Ruff learned about the El Tatio hot springs from a scientific journal. The hot springs are among the highest known active thermal springs on Earth (over 14,000 feet). At night, even in summer, temperatures at El Tatio often drop below freezing, and by day lots of ultraviolet light from the sun comes through the thin, dry air. This makes El Tatio probably the best terrestrial analog for ancient Martian hot springs. Abstract The Mars rover Spirit encountered outcrops and regolith composed of opaline silica (amorphous SiO2nH2O) in an ancient volcanic hydrothermal setting in Gusev crater. An origin via either fumarole-related acid-sulfate leaching or precipitation from hot spring fluids was suggested previously. However, the potential significance of the characteristic nodular and mm-scale digitate opaline silica structures was not recognized. Here we report remarkably similar features within active hot spring/geyser discharge channels at El Tatio in northern Chile, where halite-encrusted silica yields infrared spectra that are the best match yet to spectra from Spirit. Furthermore, we show that the nodular and digitate silica structures at El Tatio that most closely resemble those on Mars include complex sedimentary structures produced by a combination of biotic and abiotic processes. Although fully abiotic processes are not ruled out for the Martian silica structures, they satisfy an a priori definition of potential biosignatures. SOURCES Nature Communications, Arizona State University A growing number of academics and activists are calling for US authorities to fully audit or recount the 2016 presidential election vote ... A growing number of academics and activists are calling for US authorities to fully audit or recount the 2016 presidential election vote in key battleground states, in case the results could have been skewed by foreign hackers.The loose coalition, which is urging Hillary Clintons campaign to join its fight, is preparing to deliver a report detailing its concerns to congressional committee chairs and federal authorities early next week, according to two people involved.Im interested in verifying the vote, said Dr Barbara Simons, an adviser to the US election assistance commission and expert on electronic voting. We need to have post-election ballot audits. Simons is understood to have contributed analysis to the effort but declined to characterise the precise nature of her involvement.A second group of analysts, led by the National Voting Rights Institute founder John Bonifaz and Professor Alex Halderman, the director of the University of Michigans center for computer security and society, is also taking part in the push for a review, and has been in contact with Simons.In a blogpost early on Wednesday, Halderman said paper ballots and voting equipment should be examined in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, warning that deadlines were rapidly approaching.Unfortunately, nobody is ever going to examine that evidence unless candidates in those states act now, in the next several days, to petition for recounts, he said.The developments follow Clintons surprise defeat to Donald Trump in the 8 November vote, and come after US intelligence authorities released public assessments that Russian hackers were behind intrusions into regional electoral computer systems and the theft of emails from Democratic officials before the election. (Details added, first version posted at 12:41) Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: The Azerbaijani government is ready to assist all participants of the international North-South transport corridor in every way possible, said Sahil Babayev, Azerbaijan's deputy economy minister. He made the remarks while addressing the International Rail Business Forum titled Strategic partnership 1520: the Caspian region that kicked off in Baku Nov. 25. Azerbaijan, being a member of such multimodal projects as North-South and West-East [transport corridors], sees itself as a regional hub. Logistics and infrastructure development is necessary for development of such international corridors," he said. One of the important issues of the North-South corridors operation is institution of common rules and procedures all along the route, according to Babayev. "This project should be promoted not only in the region, but also throughout the world. The Azerbaijani government is, in turn, ready to provide full support to partners and members of the North-South corridor, the deputy minister added. The North-South Transport Corridor is meant to connect Northern Europe with Southeast Asia. It will serve as a link for connecting the railways of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia. At the initial stage, it is planned to transport 6 million tons of cargo via the North-South corridor per year and to increase the figure to over 10 million tons in the future. An illegal baby selling trade is thriving in Malaysia, with infants openly advertised on social media. An illegal baby selling trade is thriving in Malaysia, with infants openly advertised on social media.In a new Al Jazeera documentary, Malaysia: Babies for Sale, 101 East reporter Chan Tau Chou goes undercover to expose this sinister trade. In a four-month investigation, Chan discovers just how easy it is to buy a baby in Malaysia.Legal adoption can take years in Malaysia and its a complicated process, Chan says. Many people turn to traffickers to buy babies. And then they pay doctors and government officials to falsify birth documents, so that no one knows the baby is not theirs.A babys price is determined by race, skin colour, gender and weight. Fair-skinned boys fetch the highest price, activists say.You can choose your baby online, says Hartini Zainudin, a child rights advocate. Its like a supermarket.Al Jazeera meets a trafficker in Malaysia who advertises babies online and says she is housing 78 pregnant Indonesian women. She offers a photo catalogue of pregnant women for potential buyers to choose from.101 Easts undercover team gathers video evidence of doctors who openly offer to help get falsified birth documents for babies who have been bought, with the help of officials working in the governments National Registration Department.Activists say the demand for babies has resulted in some sex workers selling babies instead of having abortions if they get pregnant.While some children may end up in good homes, others may be groomed for paedophiles or exploited by begging syndicates, according to activists.There are no proper checks on the buyers and whether they make good parents, says Chan. The best interests of the child are never considered in such transactions.In this must-watch exclusive, 101 East exposes the network of traffickers, doctors and government officials profiting from the most vulnerable women and children. A former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), said in Kaduna on Thursday that corruption had made governance in the country difficul... A former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), said in Kaduna on Thursday that corruption had made governance in the country difficult. He, therefore, argued that the war against the menace must be decisive.Gowon spoke at the Northern Nigeria Stakeholders Town Hall Engagement organised by CITA- NGO at Arewa House, Kaduna.The former Head of State noted that corruption was responsible for the deterioration of the quality of infrastructure, healthcare delivery among others in the country.This, Gowon noted, had robbed the government of the respect and loyalty of the citizens and eroded the authority of the state.Gowon stated, Truth be told, the fight against corruption is a fight that we must overcome, we must win it and win it decisively.Corruption has also caused deterioration in the quality of infrastructure, healthcare delivery and education among others.The former Nigerian leader said the current economic situation facing the country was one of the most troubling economic crisis ever.He added, I believe that the troubles and problems we have gone through in the past few years have helped Nigerians to see more clearly the difference between a self-sustaining economy and one that relies totally on a wasting asset such as oil.The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who was the guest speaker at the event, said the path to growth and prosperity is investing in basic infrastructure like roads, airports railways and information technology as well as enhancing fiscal policy more than ever before.Emefile, who was represented by the zonal director of the CBN in Kaduna, Alhaji Ahmed Gusau, said the agricultural sector remained the backbone of the nations economy.He said the apex bank had committed N23bn in the Anchor Borrowers Programme with active participation across 14 states of the federation.We are gratified that the CBNs borrowers programme, together with other initiatives like Commercial Agricultural Scheme and NIRSAL are proving to be successful in several states, he said.In his remarks, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki , noted that the role of the CBN in charting monetary policy direction and its economic management role were difficult to understand.The Senate President, who was represented by a former governor of Sokoto State, Aliyu Wamako, said that the Senate was working to create appropriate legislative interventions to resolve the issues of obsolete regulatory and legal frameworks in the system, reduce cost of doing business, improve investor confidence and reduce obstacles associated with doing business in Nigeria. Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Thursday brokered a two-week deadline for the Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of... Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Thursday brokered a two-week deadline for the Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to settle three outstanding issues.Three issues out eight are said to be outstanding.The resolution of the three issues would avert a nation wide strike planned by ASUU.Saraki personally participated in resumed negotiation between the Federal Ministry of Education and the leadership of ASUU held at the National Assembly on Thursday.Minister of Education, Mr. Adamu Adamu also took part in the negotiation.The three outstanding issues yet to be resolved are Earned Allowances which ASUU is asking to be paid to its members.The Federal Government however said that N30 billion had already been paid for the purpose.The government delegation to the meeting was said to have insisted that the audit of the usage of N30billion should be made before further fund are released.At their last meeting, the Senate Education Committee suggested that the government should give universities N1.5 billion monthly which ASUU rejected on the basis that the amount is too meagre.Another issue the meeting failed to resolve was paying of the salaries and allowances of the staff of university primary schools.The payment of 15 per cent of the education budget for each year to the University Education Committees, is another issue in contention.A source said that the Minister of Education Adamu, assured that the issues would be resolved in three days.Adamu was also said to have said that if the issues were resolved there may not be need to come to the Senate again.ASUU President, Biodun Ogunyemi thanked Saraki and the Senate committee on Education for their intervention assured that the three outstanding issues would be resolved within three days.It was also learnt that issues for resolution rose from six to eight because some of the issues had to be broken into subsets. The Supreme Court on Thursday referred back to the Court of Appeal, Abuja, all pending cases relating to the dispute over the leadership ... The Supreme Court on Thursday referred back to the Court of Appeal, Abuja, all pending cases relating to the dispute over the leadership tussle between the Ali Modu Sheriff and Ahmed Makarfi factions of the Peoples Democratic Party.The appeals which the apex court referred back to the Court of Appeal have to do with questions bordering on which of the factions of the party has the authority to instruct lawyers to represent the party in a pending case before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja.The five-man panel of the apex court led by the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onoghen, also, in a separate unanimous ruling, struck out all pending appeals relating to the candidacy of the PDP for the Saturdays governorship election in Ondo State.Justice Onnoghen, who read the lead ruling, held that the pending appeals before the apex court had become academic in view of the judgment of the Justice Ibrahim Saulawa-led panel of the Court of Appeal, Abuja delivered on Wednesday, reinstating Eyitayo Jegede as the PDPs governorship candidate in the Ondo State election.The Acting CJN informed parties to the appeals on Thursday that the apex court was not ready to hear the cases piecemeal.He directed that the appellants should raise the issues in their interlocutory appeals in when they file substantive appeals which they wish to file against the Court of Appeals judgment delivered on Thursday.The appellants led by Biyi Poroye are the state executives of the Sheriff faction of the party in the various states in the South-West zone, are backing Jimoh Ibrahim, who was only removed and replaced with Jegede as the partys governorship candidate in Ondo State by the judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja on Wednesday.The appellants lawyer, Mr. Beluolisa Nwofor (SAN), told the apex court on Thursday that he had not been able to file an appeal against the Wednesdays judgment of the Court of Appeal because copies of the judgment had not been ready. An ex-convict, Abdulfatai Akinola, has described the three years he spent in Kuje prisons, Abuja, as a blessing in disguise, saying the ex... An ex-convict, Abdulfatai Akinola, has described the three years he spent in Kuje prisons, Abuja, as a blessing in disguise, saying the experience has turned him into a responsible member of the society.He stated that he learnt tailoring while in custody, adding that the vocation had empowered him to cater for his family.Speaking during the presentation of work tools to 25 ex-offenders by the Nigeria Prisons Service in Abuja on Wednesday, Akinola, who did not specify the reason for his imprisonment, expressed appreciation to the prisons authorities for the skill he acquired.He said, To go to prison is not a crime because it is a correction place. If a pastor had told me I would become a tailor which I am using to feed my family today, I would have doubted it, but I thank God that my imprisonment wasnt in vain.The NPS had presented working tools for hair salon, carpentry, welding, hair dressing and tailoring to 25 former prison inmates selected from 12 prison commands.Speaking at the ceremony, the Comptroller-General of Prisons, Jafaru Ahmed, said that the beneficiaries had undergone various skill acquisition programmes and were found to be proficient enough to practise their trade on discharge.He added that the skills acquired by the ex-offenders would enable them to compete effectively among their contemporaries in the society, adding that this would facilitate their re-integration.The CG said, They have been prepared and equipped to become law-abiding and productive members of their families, communities, LGs, states and the nation at large.After serving their jail terms, the offenders are expected to return to the society not as social misfits, but as reformed and well-equipped personalities with skills that will enable them to settle down to a productive life. Nigeria bread consumers have expressed concern over persistent hike in prices, amid increasing demand for the commodity. Nigeria bread consumers have expressed concern over persistent hike in prices, amid increasing demand for the commodity.The prices of bread had gone up by about 50 per cent in some parts of the country.A medium loaf of bread is sold at N270 as against N200 before, while a small loaf costs N120, as against N70.A cross section of Nigerians described the trend as worrisome.Alhaji Muntari Isa said that the high cost of bread was a source of concern to most families. Isa said that he spend about N600 on bread daily, noting that the commodity was beyond the reach of ordinary man.I spend about N600 on bread and the price keeps going up, the trend is disturbing, he said.Habu Ibrahim, said that he dropped bread out of his shopping menu due to the exorbitant prices. Habu said that he preferred baked beans (Akara) which he said, was cheaper.Also commenting, Idris Manu, a tea seller, lamented that his sales had dropped due to the high cost of bread. Presently, few people are taking tea. I am not making good sales, Manu said. However, a bakery Manager, Kamal Danladi, blamed the price hike on the high costs of flour and other ingredients Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo's words at the First Akintola Williams Annual Lecture has caused disarray between him and th... Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo's words at the First Akintola Williams Annual Lecture has caused disarray between him and the lower chamber of the National Assembly.Obasanjo in his lecture titled: Nigeria Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: Governance and Accountability,described the National Assembly as a den of corruption by a gang of unarmed robbers.His words: If the Judiciary is being cleaned, what of the National Assembly which stinks much worse than the Judiciary? Budget padding must not go unpunished. It is a reality, which is a regular and systemic practice. Nobody should pull wool over the eyes of Nigerians.The National Assembly cabal of today is worse than any cabal that anybody may find anywhere in our national governance system at any time. Members of the National Assembly pay themselves allowances for staff and offices they do not have or maintain. Once you are a member, you are co-opted and your mouth is stuffed with rottenness and corruption that you cannot opt out as you go home with not less than N15 million a month for a Senator and N10 million a month for a member of the House of Representatives. The National Assembly is a den of corruption by a gang of unarmed robbers.Like the Judiciary, the National Assembly cannot clean itself. Look at how re-current budget of the National Assembly with the so-called constituency projects has ballooned since the inception of this democratic dispensation. What were their budgets in the 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015? The revelation was both alarming and scandalous. Once, when I was President, I asked outside auditors, both normal and forensic, to audit the account of the National Assembly, they frustrated it on the basis of separation of power. They claimed they had oversight responsibility for their corruption and misdemeanour and nothing can be done. It is like asking a thief to watch over himself.There must be full disclosure of all relevant fiscal information in a timely and systematic manner at all levels.Budget transparency is a precondition for public participation in budget processes. The combination of budget transparency and public participation in budget processes has the potential to combat corruption, foster public accountability of government agencies and contribute to judicious use of public funds.The National Assembly budget process is not only carried out in opaque and corruptive manner but also in grossly unconstitutional manner.Hence, our lawmakers are lawbreakers. They are the accused, the prosecutor, the defenders and the judge in their own case. Most of them conduct themselves and believe that they are not answerable to anybody. They are blatant in their misbehaviour, cavalier in their misconduct and arrogant in the misuse of parliamentary immunity as a shield against reprisals for their irresponsible acts of malfeasance and/or outright banditry.We should not continue to live with the impunity and corruption of the National Assembly. Yes, I believe that something can and should be done. The President should ride on the crest of the popularity of what is happening in the Judiciary to set up a highly technical team of incorruptible investigators to look into the so-called constituency projects of the past and the present and bring culprits to book. The President has overall responsibility and accountability for any fund appropriated under his watch. There would be many of such projects and the National Assembly would try to frustrate such necessary investigation. But the project sites are known and magnitude of funds voted for them are known. The investigation will reveal the true situation.Nigerians will be shocked with what such enquiries would unearth. Measures to be taken should include stopping spurious constituency projects with immediate effect. And if our lawmakers-turned-lawbreakers manage to smuggle any so-called constituency projects into the budget, money should not be released for such scandalous projects. They would, as they tried with me, threaten impeachment. But a clean Judiciary and a cheated Nation should stand with the President. There should be no going back". Mr. Ben Nwosu, Counsel to former PDP spokesman, Olisa Metuh, has faulted alleged reports that money was paid to media houses or their re... Mr. Ben Nwosu, Counsel to former PDP spokesman, Olisa Metuh, has faulted alleged reports that money was paid to media houses or their representatives to launder the image of former President Goodluck Jonathan.Nwosu in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja said the clarification was important due to a misleading report in a section of the media in the case of the controversial N400m involving Metuh.He said the report suggested that Mr. Richard Ihediwa, the fifth defence witness, told the court that money was paid to media houses or their representatives to launder Jonathans image.This report is highly embarrassing and does not in any way reflect the testimony and evidence of Metuhs fifth defence witness, Mr. Richard Ihediwa, in the court.What the witness told the court was that the sum paid into his account by Metuh was for payments for sundry advertorials placed by Metuh in various media houses.The witness had earlier laid a proper foundation that media advertorials from the PDP were placed and paid for by the National Publicity Secretary.That the payment was mostly in cash or through bank transfers to the media houses, through their representatives covering the party.The witness, who is Special Assistant to our client, stated directly and clearly that all the payments to the media were for advertorials.He said that paying for advertorials through representatives of the media houses was the normal practice in the media industry, the lawyer said.Nwosu said the witness went ahead to present documents, including bank tellers, to justify the payments.The records of the court are clear in this regard. Furthermore, when he was cross- examined regarding the appearance of names of some journalists in the payment tellers, the witness stated clearly that the payments were for advertorials placed in their respective media houses.He showed documents to justify the payments, in line with the practice in the media industry.He said that at no point throughout his testimony did the witness tell the court that any media house or any representative/staff of any media house was paid to launder Jonathans image.We find this particularly painful. Since the arrest and arraignment of our client, he had never attempted in any way to drag in any individual and/or organisation in connection with his travail, Nwosu said.However, he urged reporters covering the court to ensure accurate reportage of events and proceedings.We regret the embarrassment the unfortunate report must have caused the respective media houses or persons mentioned in the said misleading reports, Nwosu said. (NAN) Ahead of Saturdays governorship election in Ondo State, pro-democracy group, the Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Constitut... Ahead of Saturdays governorship election in Ondo State, pro-democracy group, the Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution, has passed a vote of no-confidence on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the resignation of its chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.In a statement on Friday, Co-Convener of the group, Ariyo-Dare Atoye said: It appears Nigerians have lost total confidence in the ability of INEC under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to act as an impartial umpire and deliver on credible elections, and the only honourable thing for him to do now is to vacate that office,The coalition also described as unacceptable, any plan to deploy Prof. Kayode Soremekun as the INEC returning officer for the Ondo poll.His action in the recent Edo governorship poll has been called into serious question and we wonder why INEC is doing this, it said.The group also accused the electoral body of giving preferences to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in major electoral decisions, especially on the latest Ondo governorship poll.The statement read: It stands logic on the head that same INEC which kowtowed to the interest of the ruling APC and postponed a governorship election in Edo State, without a shred of evidence, is claiming no justification to postpone the Ondo election despite preponderance of reasons to do so.For instance, a careful review of the electoral travesty foisted on the Ondo election process was caused by INECs own bad judgement and the curious failure to defend its own action as guaranteed by the electoral act.Unfortunately after the Appeal Court remedied this terrible situation, which was allowed and compounded by INEC, the commission again is callously shutting its doors against the man who suffered this incalculable damage, from enjoying a fair process.Any institution or leadership that cannot guarantee a fair process or make sacrifices to correct its own failings is unworthy of democratic medals and should in quick time be made to vacate public responsibilities.This INEC no longer understands the place of morality and public opinion in a democratic setting and it is carrying on as if its mandate is to foist a one party state on Nigerians.INEC should avail itself of history and not toy with the people. The era of political correctness is gone, and we have come to that very point where we must tell the present leadership of INEC that it has painfully reversed the huge electoral gains recorded under the immediate past Prof. Attahiru Jega.The present leadership of INEC has not shown any reasonable capacity and professionalism to successfully manage our electoral process. It is torn in between pleasing the ruling party and not offending its appointor.If INEC under Prof. Jega had put on the toga of pleasing the power that be then at all cost as we are currently experiencing in the present leadership, there would be no APC today.Nigerians are not unaware of the intricacies surrounding some major decisions of the commission that have portrayed it clearly as an umpire with biased decisions, serving only some vested interests which are driven largely by 2019 permutations.The decision of the Court of Appeal in the case between Ikpeazu and Ogah was enough to guide INEC against a ping-pong consideration of court orders until the processes have been meticulously decided.We fear how more desperate politicians are likely going to make a mess of this avoidable loopholes allowed by INEC in the 2019 general elections. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the decision of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to appoint Kayode Soremekun as... The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the decision of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to appoint Kayode Soremekun as the returning officer for Saturdays gubernatorial election in Ondo State.Mr. Soremekun, who is the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, was the returning officer during Septembers gubernatorial election in neighbouring Edo State, which the partys candidate lost.The PDP claimed Mr Soremekun was a party to the alleged widespread rigging during the election won by the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Godwin Obaseki.Banji Okunomo, the publicity secretary of the PDP in Ondo State, said the party had confirmed that several officials who perpetrated the rigging of the Edo election were being escorted to the state capital, Akure, on Friday by policemen from Ekiti State, with instructions to repeat what they did in Edo State.Just like the experience in Edo State, the PDP has gathered that results have already been written for Prof. Soremekun and his team to announce after the election, he said. Details added (first version posted at 15:19) Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25 By Maksim Tsurkov - Trend: The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is ready to partially finance the North-South international transport corridor project, Ivana Duarte, head of the banks resident office in Baku, said. Duarte made remarks at the International Rail Business Forum titled "Strategic Partnership 1520: The Caspian region" in Baku Nov. 25. "The North-South international transport corridor project is very big and difficult for full financing, Duarte said. However, the EBRD is ready to finance its certain sections." The North-South transportation corridor is meant to connect Northern Europe to South-East Asia. It will serve as a link connecting the railways of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia. At the initial stage, the North-South corridor will transport six million tons of cargo per year with further expansion of transportation to 15-20 million tons. EBRD has allocated 2.5 billion euros to Azerbaijan for implementation of around 159 projects since 1992. One of the main tasks of EBRD is to ensure a stable development of Azerbaijan's non-oil sector by investing in the small and medium-sized private enterprises. Azerbaijan is the largest recipient of EBRD funds in the South Caucasus, as well as one of the largest recipients of this bank's funds in the CIS and Eastern Europe. The United States, US, Embassy in Nigeria has warned of an imminent Boko haram attack in Abuja. The United States, US, Embassy in Nigeria has warned of an imminent Boko haram attack in Abuja.The US embassy in an emergency message urged its citizens resident or doing business in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to be security cautious.The mission said information available at its disposal points in the direction of Boko Haram as the possible attackers.According to the embassy, the attackers likely targets would be hotels frequently visited by Westerners.It, however, disclosed that there is no additional information about the exact timing of the planned attacks.The embassy said, We advise all U.S. citizens to review their personal security plans, remain aware of their surroundings, including local events, monitor local news stations for updates, and report specific incidences of targeted violence to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U. S. Consulate General in Lagos. The Federal Government has revealed why there is delay in the cleanup of the much polluted Ogoni land. The Federal Government has revealed why there is delay in the cleanup of the much polluted Ogoni land.The FG stated that the delay in the commencement of the clean-up exercise was to build a solid foundation for the project, and avert a situation where money is spent without the people feeling the impact of such spending.It would be recalled that in June, President Muhammadu Buhari, had through his deputy, Yemi Osinbajo launched the Clean-Up of Ogoniland at Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State. But since the flag-off, the project has experienced hiccups.Speaking on the delay yesterday, the Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, pointed out that every arrangement concerning the project, including the issue of funding, has now been perfected.She spoke in Abuja at the 10th Anniversary of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, explaining that: Talking about Ogoni spill, all resources have been made available and the money has been released. But if you do not have structure in place the money will go into the ground and people will not feel the impact.It is important for us to put together structure and make sure that we have a solid foundation. Who is in the office, who is the budget manager and how are they recruiting? All of these were not taken care of in the past. But this time, we believe that by the time we leave, people will see result. It will be a continuing process and in the next few months people will be seeing some of the issues that they had not seen.Mohammed maintained that it was important for militants to stop further oil spillage by putting a halt to bombing of oil facilities to assist the exercise.According to her,In Nigeria, there is a growing level of oil spill incidents caused majorly by illegal bunkering, artificial refining, oil theft and armed militancy. These activities occur mostly in facilities located on land and swamp areas. However, some incidents do occur offshore, and with the increased interest of operators to pursue exploration and production in the deep offshore, there is the need to step up the level of preparedness to effectively respond to challenges that may be presented by oil spills in the marine environment.The devastating impacts of oil spills on the environment, health and livelihoods of our rural and urban communities have led to land degradation, loss of lives, destruction of habitats, loss of biodiversity, incidence of diseases, poor sanitation as well as the depletion of national revenue base.The need to prevent and rapidly respond to oil spill incidents whenever they occur can therefore not be overemphasized. To this end, the Federal Government is committed to dialoguing with state governments, opinion and youth leaders in the Niger Delta region to find a lasting solution to these incessant attacks which deplete our national revenue base and degrade the environment. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC has disclosed why Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia should remain in custody. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC has disclosed why Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia should remain in custody.The EFCC urged a Federal High Court in Lagos to refuse an application by the embattled Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia seeking immediate release from the EFCC custody.Ofili-Ajumogobia has been in EFCC custody since November 8.The EFCC arrested her while probing the source of about $793,800, which the EFCC claimed passed through her domiciliary accounts between 2012 and 2015.But Ofili-Ajumogobia filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit seeking immediate release from custody.Her lawyer, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), contended that the continued detention of his client was a violation of her right.He added that even the remand order obtained by the EFCC to detain her had since elapsed.On Friday, the EFCC, through its lawyer, Mr. Abdullahi Idris, urged the court not to order the release of Ofili-Ajumogobia, saying it was afraid that the detained judge would tamper with its evidence if released on bail.The applicant (Ofili-Ajumogobia) was inducing and interfering with our investigation since after she was released on bail, which formed the basis of the revocation of the bail earlier granted her, Idris told Justice Muslim Hassan who is presiding over the case.He said investigation by the EFCC had yielded serious positive result, leading to the filing of a criminal charge against the judge before Justice T. Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja.Idris said Justice Oshodi had fixed next Monday, November 28, 2016 for Justice Ofili-Ajumogobias arraignment.He said ordering her release from custody would prejudice the charge pending before Justice Oshodi and urged Justice Hassan to refuse the embattled judges application. GLEN ROCK - When a staffing company hired recruiter Ana Rinehart last April 18 at a salary of $68,000 a year, they allegedly made one thing clear - she was an at-will employee and could be terminated at any time, according to court documents. Three months later on July 27, Hired by Matrix, Inc. terminated Rinehart and promised to pay her for three days worked that week and two unused, accrued vacation days for a total of $1,307.69. But when the company processed Rinehart's paycheck, the $1,307.69 was entered as hours rather than an amount, resulting in a gross payment of $86,810.35. After taxes, the net amount of $42,026.39 was deposited into Rinehart's personal bank account, the company alleges in a lawsuit filed in Bergen County Superior Court. Hired by Matrix is suing Rinehart, claiming she refused to return the overpayment. "Despite notice that her final paycheck from HbM would be in the amount of $1,307.69, Rinehart failed to notify HbM that the amount deposited into her personal bank account exceeded the amount of her final paycheck by $40,718.70," the company states in the suit. The company claims in court papers that its senior accountant contacted Rinehart on Sept. 12 and asked that she return the money. "Rinehart represented that she spent all but $15,000 of the improperly retained funds," the suit states. Two days later, the company's attorneys wrote a letter to Rinehart and demanded that she "immediately return the $15,000 of HbM's funds still in her possession and agree to a repayment schedule for the remaining (amount)," the suit states. To date, Rinehart has refused to return any money, the company claims in the suit filed Oct. 11. The company is suing Rinehart for misappropriation, unjust enrichment and conversion. "Rinehart's conversion of HbM's funds was knowing, intentional, wanton and willful and a violation of HbM's rights," the suit states. In addition to $40,718.70, the company is asking for interest, attorneys' fees and punitive damages. Robin Rome, an attorney for the company, declined to comment on the lawsuit, including whether the company had filed a criminal complaint. Rinehart, who lives in East Hartford, Conn., did not return a call seeking comment. According to her LinkedIn page, Rinehart is working as a recruiter at another staffing company closer to her home in Connecticut. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. WYCKOFF -- The Wyckoff police chief whose emails condoning racial profiling got him suspended has reached an agreement to retire, according to a report. Retiring Wyckoff police chief Benjamin Fox Benjamin Fox will retire Dec. 1, NorthJersey.com reported. His salary is $151,000, according to state pension records. He was suspended without pay on Aug. 5, months after temporarily agreeing to step down when an email to officers came to light. The conditions of his retirement aren't known, the report said. "Profiling, racial or otherwise, has its place in law enforcement when used correctly and applied fairly," states Fox's December 2014 email, which was released by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey. "Black gang members from Teaneck commit burglaries in Wyckoff," the email goes on to read. "That's why we check out suspicious black people in white neighborhoods." The department has been under the supervision of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office because the email violates the Attorney General's ban on racial profiling. The prosecutor's office noted, though, that Wyckoff cops haven't engaged in "substantiated instances of racial profiling." Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. teaneck-charter.jpg Former substitute teacher Lauren Posey claims in a lawsuit she was terminated after complaining that male students sexually harassed her at Teaneck Community Charter School. (Google Maps) ( ) TEANECK - A former substitute teacher at Teaneck Community Charter School claims she was sexually harassed by male students and then released from her contract after complaining to administrators about the incidents, according to a lawsuit. Lauren Posey, 26, of Leonia claims in court papers filed last month that a male eighth-grader and other male classmates took pictures of her from behind as she wrote on the whiteboard on April 16, 2015. Posey reported the incident to Vice Principal Sonia Torres, who is also the school's anti-bullying coordinator, but Torres told her she was unable to do anything because the "photos were taken on the students' personal phones," the suit states. Torres told Posey similar incidents had occurred at the school the year prior, the lawsuit states. Two weeks later, Posey claims she was writing on the whiteboard again when she heard the students "laughing and making noises." "The students were silent when (Posey) asked what they were laughing about," the suit states. After class ended, three female students approached Posey and told her the boys used their cell phones to snap pictures of Posey from behind. The girls told the substitute the boys were "gross and rude," the suit states. Posey then contacted her union representative and a meeting took place between Posey, the rep, Torres and school administrator Anthony Calandrillo, according to the suit. During the meeting, Posey presented Calandrillo with a statement she wrote describing the incident. "So you are trying to tell me that they are being sexually inappropriate?" the administrator allegedly said. "Yes," Posey said. Calandrillo allegedly told Posey the incidents would be investigated. But no one followed up with her, according to the suit. Days after the meeting, Posey learned her contract with the school would not be renewed. Posey's last day at the school was June 23, 2015, the suit states. The lawsuit claims after she was terminated, the school board continued to hire substitutes and other classroom aides. The lawsuit, which was filed under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, claims a hostile work environment due to Posey's sex. The suit claims retaliation and accuses Torres and Calandrillo of aiding and abetting harassment. Posey is seeking compensation for lost pay, emotional distress, "physical manifestation of emotional distress," embarrassment, humiliation and punitive damages. School administrators have not returned calls and emails seeking comment. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. MIDDLE -- It's been 9,132 days since Mark Himebaugh vanished 75 yards from his Cape May County home. The 11-year-old walked from his house in the Del Haven section of Middle Township a few minutes after arriving home from school that Monday afternoon to watch firefighters battle a marsh blaze. He was last seen at a nearby park by a security guard around 4 p.m on Nov. 25, 1991. That's where the family will hold a candle light vigil Friday to mark the 25th anniversary of Mark's disappearance. The vigil begins at 5 p.m. at at Cape May County Park-South on Bayshore Road in Del Haven, Middle Township police said. The disappearance of the red-haired, blue-eyed boy has baffled the FBI and local authorities, who continue to look for answers a quarter-century later to what investigators described as a "non-family abduction." The Cape May County Prosector's Office still has a detective assigned to the mystery who works with the Middle Township police department and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on the cold case. "We'll always have the file open," Cape May County Prosecutor Bob Taylor said in a phone interview with NJ Advance Media. "We occasionally get leads and tips from as far away as Mexico, but there's nothing substantial I can really share." Mark's mother, Maureen Himebaugh, 64, still lives in the same house and has kept the same phone number since her younger son went missing. Maureen Himebaugh did not return phone messages from NJ Advance Media this week. In an interview with PressofAtlanticCity.com she said, "I've accepted that he might be gone. I've accepted I could go to my grave (not knowing what happened to him). "The reason I want closure is because there's trafficking, and I don't want him to be out there hurting. That's my biggest fear." Earlier this month, an independent film company released a 15-minute film "The One Percent: The Mark Himebaugh Story" that took a detailed look at the afternoon of Mark's disappearance and the quest to learn what happened to him. The documentary was co-produced by Rip Sallng, the nephew of Maureeen Himebaugh's long-time boyfriend. There have been a handful of leads over the years, but none panned out. Last year, authorities released a sketch of "person of interest." The man in the sketch is believed to resemble convicted sex offender Thomas Butcavage. Butcavage became associated with the Himebaugh case after a male prostitute told authorities Butcavage showed him a tape where he was sexually assaulting a handcuffed boy. The prostitute said the boy looked like Himebaugh. Another recent clue also gave investigators hope they could finally learn what happened to Mark. Last year, authorities released a portion of a 911 call placed in 2010 by a man who described himself as "the son of the witness to the crime." The man, who placed the call from a phone booth in Philadelphia provided the name Gilbert Patrick Marie, but authorities weren't able to identify or locate any such person. The only trace of Mark ever found was his left sneaker, which was discovered not far from where he was last seen. Taylor, who has been prosecutor in the county for 13 years, was in private practice at the time of Himebaugh's disappearance. "All I can say is that as a parent, it's heartbreaking. It's devastating - it's hard to even put into words." Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Gia the greyhound, a dog from Summerville, S.C., may have won top honors at the National Dog Show in Philadelphia, but as New Jersey Thanksgiving revelers tuned into the annual telecast on Thursday, they also turned their attention to the canine companions in their living rooms. You know, the real winners. Whether they were pointing out how their dogs seemed to be "watching" the race for best in show or ignoring it completely, local pet owners used a prompt from Purina, the show's sponsor, to get #DogThanking. The company said that for each social media post that used hashtag and @Purina handle, it would donate $1 or up to $50,000 to the AKC Canine Health Foundation. They were grateful for dozing-on-the-couch dogs, barking-at-the-TV dogs, when-do-we-get-some-food dogs and more. If you are so inclined to express how you are #DogThankful, feel free to do so in the comments below. [&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="//storify.com/NJentertainment/dogthankful-on-thanksgiving" target="_blank"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;View the story "#DogThankful on Thanksgiving " on Storify&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;]&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;h1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;#DogThankful on Thanksgiving &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/h1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;h2&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;The National Dog Show inspired expressions of thanks from dog owners across the state &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/h2&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Storified by &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="https://storify.com/NJentertainment"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;NJ.com&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;middot; Thu, Nov 24 2016 23:29:39 &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;In Mercerville, user Macaire posed for a selfie with her dog Delilah &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Thankful for this pup[?] [?] #DogThanking #Delilah https://t.co/n8W1FycoKwmacaire&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Joe, a graduate of Montclair State University, imagined his dog Bella competing at the #NationalDogShow&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;I sure wish Bella could take part in the #NationalDogShow one day! She'd be really cute in it!!! #DogThanking https://t.co/QXTkUbDFV9Joe Stanley Kurp&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Pete, in Montclair, caught his canine companion barking at the screen during the competition&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;#DogThanking https://t.co/wTEmtjcQR7Pete Simon&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Max the Shih Tzu, in Vineland, was all decked (and Purina-ed) out &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;#HappyThanksgiving [?] #DogThanking @Purina #nationaldogshow #thanksgiving #thanksgivingday https://t.co/reZuNjqZl2Shitzu_max&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Not all dogs were drawn to the show, or even awake. In Frenchtown, CJ caught his dog sleeping by a wood stove&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;#DogThanking @purina. She reminds us the value of relaxing! https://t.co/sXzCC1ako1CJ Moore&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Dog show or no, Denise in Cherry Hill reveled in the love of her companion.&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;#DogThanking I'm thankful for her never ending love. https://t.co/NL87mR6MryDenise Coogan&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;In Toms River, Zoe captured her dog relaxing as the competition continued. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;#DogThanking https://t.co/6YRMcmgMWXZoe&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Kristin was thankful for her dog&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;apos;s daintiness. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;I'm thankful for this dainty beast. #DogThanking https://t.co/RNYPmdzN7oKristin Tangel&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;And in New Brunswick, both Megan and Junius enjoyed double the doggie love. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Thankful for my two babies #DogThanking https://t.co/94YlC38bulMegan&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;the two goodest goodboys in the universe [?] #DogThanking https://t.co/cZZlxqZfLCjunius @ home&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.25 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: There is not much meaning to be attached to Iraqi prime minister's recent statement about that the country is ready to cut the oil output, Edward Chow, a senior fellow in the Energy and National Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), told Trend Nov.25. OPEC governments and important non-OPEC oil exporting countries always make supportive statements before an OPEC meeting, according to the expert. He pointed out that the oil market remains somewhat skeptical, having given up half the price gains it made after the Algiers meeting. We will have to see what the November 30 OPEC meeting brings. Too many pronouncements actually risk raising market expectation that leads to greater disappointment if OPEC and non-OPEC countries, which claim to be cooperating with OPEC, fail to take concrete action to cut production, added Chow. Earlier, Iraqs Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told reporters that the country is willing to cut its crude oil output as part of OPEC's plan to reduce global supply and boost crude prices. "What we lose in lowering production we will gain in oil revenues," he said. "Our priority is to raise the price of a barrel of crude" In September, OPEC producers agreed during the informal meeting in Algiers to cut down the oil output to 32.5 million barrels per day (bpd) from current production of 33.24 million bpd. How much each country will produce is to be decided at the next formal meeting of OPEC on Nov.30 in Vienna. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.25 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: OPEC accord on November 30 is expected to cut the oil output (except Libya, Iran and Nigeria) by 3 percent in 2017, according to the report of the US JP Morgan bank. In September, OPEC producers agreed during the informal meeting in Algiers to cut down the oil output to 32.5 million barrels per day from current production of 33.24 million bpd. How much each country will produce is to be decided at the next formal meeting of OPEC on Nov.30 in Vienna. If the US oil output rises to 9.2 million barrels per day from 8.7 million barrels per day in response to higher prices, global supply would only increase by below-average 500,000 barrels per day, said the report obtained by Trend. The analysts believe that Donald Trumps election as the US president doesnt impact supply outlook materially even if the countrys administration opens additional federal lands to drilling. As for the oil prices, JP Morgan said that after two years of falling average oil prices, enough could be changing on the supply front to generate a higher range in 2017 around $55 per barrel. Two years of price declines have promoted notable rebalancing, which is obvious on several indicators. US crude output has fallen by about 1 million barrels per day from its mid-2015 peak of 9.6 million barrels per day to the current 8.6mbd. Market share has shifted from the US (plus Venezuela, Libya and China), back towards Gulf states, said the report. One rebalancing that hasnt occurred, however, is fiscal: the fiscal breakeven oil price that which eliminates producer countries' budget deficits remains more than $50 per barrel for most countries, according to JP Morgan. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.25 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Russia and the European Commission have agreed to hold trilateral talks on gas with Ukraine, RIA Novosti quoted Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak as saying Nov.25. He made the remarks following the talks with European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic in Moscow. We discussed the implementation of the current contract with Ukraine and agreed with Sefcovic to hold a trilateral meeting with Ukrainian representatives to discuss the additional gas supply within the current contracts, added Novak. He pointed out that the gas price set by Russias Gazprom company for Ukraine is by $15-30 lower than on European spot markets, therefore, it is more more expedient for Kyiv to buy gas from Russia. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.25 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project remains committed to conducting all its activities safely, according to TAP Managing Director Ian Bradshaw. He made the remarks during the visit of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to Alexandroupoli city, where the work on the project is currently underway, said the message on TAPs website. Todays visit constitutes yet another example of the support the TAP project has received over the years from Greek authorities, on both national and local level, said Bradshaw. Thanks to that support, we are proceeding full steam ahead in line with our schedule. So far, we have cleared and graded more than 190 km, strung over 110 km of line pipes, and welded another 80 km collectively in Greece and Albania, he added. TAP managing director pointed out that today there are more than 1,500 people working on the project directly in Greece. We remain committed to conducting all our activities safely and acting as responsible corporate citizens of the local communities hosting us, said Bradshaw. TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor which is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. TAP project envisages transportation of gas from the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas and condensate field to the EU countries. The 870-kilometer pipeline will be connected to the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italy's south. 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. Welcome to nonleaguedaily.coms news provision, your go-to source for all non league updates, rumours, interviews, and much more besides. Founded by a team with a genuine passion for the world of non league football, nonleaguedaily.com understands exactly what supporters of the so-called lower leagues are looking for. You want the high-quality reporting, in-depth analysis, and match reporting that matches that is more commonly found in the journalism for the top flights, but with the focus firmly fixed on the national leagues. We understand that your passion, interest, and dedication is constant, and we believe you need a news service that matches that commitment with its own dedication and thoroughness so thats what you can expect from our site. The latest non league news, as and when it happens Conventionally, non league news has always travelled fairly slowly, especially when compared to the instantaneous, constant breaking news cycles found in the upper leagues. Tales are told on terraces, rumours passed between pub patrons and circled between supporters at the latest game, often forced to remain somewhat local initially before word eventually spreads to other locales. For us, this slow spread may be fairly organic in nature, but it simply isnt compatible with the modern football environment. Its also not conducive to the current fast-paced, always-available media landscape, nor the way that people tend to consume news nowadays. Thats why we have put together a non league news source that fans can turn to for the latest updates, as and when they happen, and as and when you want to read them. Non-league news now is the only acceptable speed at Betting.co.uk. We update our non-league football news coverage constantly, bringing you all the latest developments and seeking to spread the word as quickly and accurately as possible. So if youre wondering whats happening both with your local team and with the lower leagues as a whole, you can visit us for non league news now, and be confident the stories you find are completely up to date. News reported by passionate fans Our efforts to bring you the very best non league football news are undeniably a professional concern, and one that we take seriously. We are if youll excuse the uncharacteristic tooting of our own horns good at what we do, and we know that the efforts we make in this regard are one of the reasons our site has enjoyed such success thus far. However, everyone who writes for us also shares our readers enthusiasm for non league football. Were not just churning out content in the hopes of cashing in on a professional dream; were here because we want to be, and will always be dedicated and committed to non league football as an entity and thriving in the experience of being able to talk about our favourite subject whenever we can. We create non-league news now that is written by genuine fans and enthusiasts, for fans. We know what you want to know and what matters most to an ardent non league supporter, and we always ensure that focusing on these elements is our guiding principle as we seek to solidify our status as an online non league paper fans can always rely on. When compiling non league news, we think with the mind of a fan first and foremost. We cover the angles and stories that we find compelling and that we know our fellow non league enthusiasts also care about. News doesnt have to be dry and formulaic, in our opinion. When its written by people who are genuinely as fascinated by the stories they are reporting on as their readership will be, we believe news can be interesting, compelling, and even have a sense of personality and humour. News content written with passion and expertise We believe that thanks to our dedication, insightfulness, and commitment to our subject matter of non league today, we are offering the best of both worlds to those searching for an online non league paper. We give you the professional approach we feel is appropriate for news about one of the most intriguing aspects of UK football; an aspect that we genuinely feel does not receive the interest and plaudits that it should be generating. Nevertheless, we dont let that professionalism take over everything we do: we remain committed fans, nurturing our own personal interest in non league football and ensuring every word we compose is infused with a sense of passion and dedication that enhances the posts we create. Its therefore obvious that our non-league content today isnt ever going to be dry, basic, or put together by a tired staff writer who has never heard of any team below the Championship before they rush off to the pub for the evening. Our writers are genuine experts: were covering non league football because we want to, because we believe in it, and because its where our strengths lie. The result is informed content that capitalises on our deep knowledge of the history, as well as the present-day realities, of non league football in the UK. Beyond news: the nonleaguedaily.com interview series One of our goals with nonleaguedaily.com is to not just dryly report the news from an outsiders perspective, effectively regurgitating press releases that are devoid of genuinely illuminating information. We also go right to the source of the stories: the managers and club insiders who have direct experience, and often influence, on the sport and how it is managed. We regularly conduct interviews as part of our news provision, asking the questions that are on everyones lips and providing the best possible view into the non league world. We have reporters pitchside at matches, microphone to hand and plentiful questions ready to be asked. The end result for you, the reader, is the kind of information and close-up looks into the non league world that just cant be found anywhere else. As our commitment to providing interesting interviews amply demonstrates, we want to be involved in breaking the stories that everyone then talks about, rather than following along and focusing solely on what everyone already knows. If youre looking for leading content that you cant find anywhere else, and that goes right to the centre of the non league world, then you can turn to nonleaguedaily.com for all the benefits of a conventional non league paper, but in electronic, easily-accessed form. A host of other content to enjoy alongside the non league today Our focus on providing non league news will always be maintained: we consider this aspect the most important of what we do, and it will always be the recipient of our time, dedication, and interest. Well be here, a consistent and trustworthy news portal, for as long as non league football news exists. With that said, when you have read up on the latest goings-on, were here with further content for you to enjoy. 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Less instantaneously topical but still hugely relevant to the modern game, our features are the dream deep dives that we feel non league fans deserve. Were always striving to do better, offer more, and ensure that non league fans can enjoy the same wealth of content as followers of the top tiers, so you can expect top-flight content with the same commitment and dedication as found throughout the upper echelons of the sport. So whether youre looking to find the most recent non league football news, seeking a new bookmaker for your non league bets, or hoping to delve deep into a niche non league-related topic, nonleaguedaily.com is always going to be worth a visit. Return to nonleaguedaily.com for all your non league news needs Weve told you what you can expect from nonleaguedaily.coms news; now we need to put our confidence where our promises are, make sure we deliver on those promises, and establish trust as an online non league paper you can trust. We look forward to welcoming you back to our news section and showcasing the best we have to offer, from exciting new non league interviews to cutting-edge news to transfer speculation. If you want to truly have your finger on the non league pulse, then nonleaguedaily.com is always going to be here for you. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.25 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: The trilateral meeting of Russia, the European Commission and Ukraine on gas is likely to be held in December, RIA Novosti quoted Russias Energy Minister Alexander Novak as saying Nov.25. He made the remarks following the meeting with European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic in Moscow. In meetings with Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich, Energy Minister Alexander Novak and Gazprom Deputy Chairman Alexander Medvedev, Sefcovic has reiterated the readiness of the European Commission to continue discussing gas supplies for the ongoing winter in the trilateral format, read a message on the European Commissions website. "I look forward to hosting gas talks with Russia, Ukraine and the European Commission. The next round of talks should happen in Brussels soon, he said. In the past, this forum has proven its usefulness: it is better for all to sit down together around one table, according to Sefcovic. Russia as an exporter, Ukraine as a transit country and the EU as the main importer share a common interest of predictability, he said. The trilateral format remains the most suitable for discussing gas supplies for the upcoming winter heating season." Sefcovic pointed out that the European Union and Russia are interdependent in energy matters. The European Union is the key customer for Russias fossil fuel exports: We pay on time. We pay in hard currency. And we also want to buy Russian gas in the future, added Sefcovic. The expansion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will contribute to strengthening relations between its members, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry's special envoy for SCO affairs Irina Orolbaeva said Friday, Xinhua reported. She made the remark during the forum "Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Experience and Prospects," which was held in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek to mark the 15th anniversary of the regional organization. "In expansion of the SCO we must proceed from the overall interests of the organization, and our national interests, it is very important," she told the leading Kyrgyz experts, officials and representatives of diplomatic missions who attended the forum. On the June signing of the memorandums of obligations for India and Pakistan to join the SCO, Orolbaeva said, "If we accept new states, it means it is necessary to build a relationship based on the fact that India and Pakistan will be our allies in the SCO." The special envoy also said that Pakistan's membership may enhance the SCO role on the issue of Afghanistan. She expected Pakistan and India will add political weight to the SCO, which is "facing new expectations and new goals." Since its establishment, the regional bloc has seen effective cooperation between its members in trade, business, finance, energy and transportation, among other areas. It has advocated and put into practice the pioneering Shanghai Spirit, which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development. I had a hard time giving this book list a title because while some of these books are about families living in poverty, some are about children learning about poverty. All of these books add depth to your home or classroom library. They help children facing a financial crisis at home, homelessness, and hunger a chance to see that they are not invisible and that other children do face these challenges. For children who do not understand what its like to be hungry, to shift from shelter to shelter, or from one friends couch to another these books are a gentle eye-opener and opportunity for parents and teachers to start conversations. Books offer children and parents a safe space to learn more about topics that are sometimes sensitive and can produce a lot of questions. Here is a list of books that can spark these wonderful discussions. Our book lists contain affiliate links. There are two books I am hoping to add to this list very soon, but I have yet to get a chance to review them Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts and 1000 Dresses by Eleanor Estes are both highly regarded books with this theme. Maddis Fridge by Lois Brandt is a sensitive look at hunger and friendship. Sofia goes to grab a snack at Maddis house and sees that there is next to nothing in her fridge. Her friend admits that they often go without but asks Sofia to keep it between them. At first, Sofia tries to bring her friend food from her house but after some disastrous ( and funny) results soon realizes that she cant keep this secret and asks her mom to help. There are so many lessons in this book; how people dont like asking for help, when and when not to keep a secret and of course that friendship sometimes means you break promises. A Days Work by Eve Bunting is the story of hard work and integrity. A little boy acts as the interpreter for his grandfather who speaks no English and as he does he lies to get the much needed day labor job. When the work they do is totally wrong, the grandfather insists that they fix the job before being given any money. This book is a conversation starter about so many issues, why there are day laborers, why some immigrants dont speak English and most of all what it means to be a person of integrity. Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting is a moving story about homelessness and love between a father and son. They live in an airport ( Yes before the new security measures out in place in the US post 9/11) but still live in fear of being discovered and kicked out. The feeling that this book evokes in readers is the sense of desperation and anxiety that the father and son feel. They are safe at the airport and do not want to be caught and end up on the streets. There are multiple teachable moments in this book and I would suggest tat this is not a preschool book at all, save it for middle elementary age kids who can get into great discussions about how different people can and cant trust security guards, about why people become homeless and how the young boy feels like he is trapped but also scared of being thrown out of the airport. Yard Sale by Eve Bunting has been given the title of the book that makes me cry more than any other book ever. I have only read it to my own children who are used to me crying while reading childrens books, especially Eve Bunting books, but if you are going to read this to a class ( K and up) I would pre-read it a few times in case you are a blubbering mess like I am every single time I read it. The story is about a family having a yard sale because they are moving from their house to a small apartment after a job loss. What gets my tears flowing is how well the author captures how this affects young kids. The little girl must say goodbye to so much and has no control over the situation. The illustrations by Lauren Castillo help readers make a strong emotional connection to this common but not commonly told story. Last Stop On Market Street by Matt de la Pena is an award winning book that I bought months ago I loved it so much. The story is about a little boy and his Nana taking a bus ride after church along Market Street. He asks her why they dont have a car, why he doesnt have an iPod and why they have to go to where they are going after church. Her answers are never straight forward but instead each time suggest that he should be grateful for what he has instead of focusing on what others have. Along the way we see all kinds of people, my favorite is the man on the bus covered in tattoos and the end they serve meals at a soup kitchen. There has been some push back against what some people perceive as poor grammar used by the little boy and his Nana, I urge you to consider that this is how some people speak and to remember that African American Vernacular English is a dialect and is becoming more and more popularly accepted as such. This book is incredibly inclusive, and I urge you to find a copy to buy. Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen by Dyanne Disalvo-Ryan is the story of a boy and his uncle who works at a soup kitchen. The boy is a little nervous, but Uncle Willie is warm and treats everyone with respect and compassion. The message I think is the most important take away isnt that its nice to serve the poor its that each person who walks through te door is Uncle Willies guest and he treats them as such. This helps children focus on everyones humanity and worth and how it is not connected to their wealth or need for help. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Nov. 25 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: The issues of strengthening cooperation in politics, economy and culture have been discussed during the meeting with the Austrian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Gerhard Sailler in Ashgabat, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said in a message. "The issues on cooperation within international organizations, primarily the UN, EU and OSCE, were highlighted among the priority areas of cooperation, reads the message. The parties also discussed the opportunities of implementation of joint projects in science and education. Talks were held at the highest level in May 2015 during the official visit of the Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Vienna, where the interest of European countries in natural gas supplies from Turkmenistan was noted. Earlier, Austria was one of the authors of the Reliable and stable transit of energy and its role in ensuring sustainable development and international cooperation project, which was adopted at Turkmenistans initiative by the UN General Assembly in 2008 and 2013. Currently, the EU, Tukmenistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia discuss the possibilities of Turkmen gas supplies to European market. The Trans Caspian gas pipeline, with an annual capacity of 10-30 billion cubic meters, is one of the options for delivering Turkmen gas to European market. Three Nebraska photographers were selected to join Nebraska Rural Livings online art gallery after this quarters jury process. Photographers Shawn Erickson of Bertrand, Bill Coe of Maxwell and Marlene Barnett-Meitl of McCook are now showcased in the Fine Art in Towns Under 10,000 online art gallery at nebraskaruralliving.com/art-gallery. The gallery launched in August and now features 16 talented artists who live and work in Nebraska towns with populations of 10,000 or less. Nebraska Rural Living readers from around the globe can now enjoy and purchase art from the gallery. Each quarter, Nebraska Rural Living invites artists to submit photographs, paintings, drawings or sculptures to be juried by professional artists who also live and work in rural Nebraska. The goal of the gallery is to give artists a platform to share and sell their art while at the same time increase knowledge and appreciation of life in rural Nebraska. The next quarterly submission period is now open, and art can be submitted online through Feb. 1. To submit pieces for review, artists must have a Nebraska address in a rural town with a population of 10,000 or less. For rules and criteria and to submit art to be juried for the online gallery, visit nebraskaruralliving.com/fine-art. The Nebraska Rural Living Fine Art in Towns Under 10,000 gallery is funded with the support of the Phelps County Community Foundation, the Nebraska Arts Council, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment and private donors. For more information, contact gallery coordinator Kristine Jacobson at krjacobson@nebraskaruralliving.com. Canberra and New Zealand winger Jordan Rapana is expected to be fit to resume pre-season training with the Raiders in January after fracturing his cheekbone in the Kiwis' Four Nations final loss to Australia. Rapana will avoid surgery but is yet leave the UK, with his progress to be monitored before he can return home. Despite New Zealand falling short in the final, the tackle-busting winger enjoyed a successful tournament, scoring three tries. Read more at raiders.com.au Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25 By Elena Kosolapova Trend: In a little more than a week Uzbekistan will hold an early presidential election, which will be the first election in the history of the country without the participation of its late leader Islam Karimov, who headed Uzbekistan since 1989. Islam Karimov enjoyed a big support of the Uzbek population and he constantly gained an overwhelming majority of votes in all the elections. In the last election in 2015, Karimov gathered over 90 percent of votes, which would allow him to rule the country until 2021. However, in early autumn of 2016, Karimovs era ended in late August he suffered a stroke and after a few days, without regaining consciousness, he died at 79. Further fate of Uzbekistan is important not only for the people of this Central Asian country. Uzbekistan is one of the key countries in the region. The country is a home to over 30 million people almost the same number as in the other four countries of the region taken together. Uzbek economy is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and the country ranks the second in the region after Kazakhstan in terms of GDP volume. Uzbekistan ranks 11th in extraction of natural gas, 6th in cotton production and 9th in gold production in the world. Uzbekistan is also a large producer of high-quality fruits and vegetables. The country not only meets domestic needs, but also annually sends hundreds of thousands of tons of fruits and vegetables for export. Uzbekistan has the largest car plant in the region, capable of producing up to 250,000 popular Korean car brands a year, which are in high demand in the local and neighboring markets. Finally, Uzbekistan has the largest and efficient army in Central Asia, which is important due to the countrys proximity to Afghanistan and growing terrorist threats in the world and the region. This all means that all the neighbors of Uzbekistan would face problems and far-reaching consequences in case of instability along the Uzbek borders. Therefore, the presidential election in Uzbekistan on December 4 will determine the destiny of the whole Central Asia. There are four presidential candidates acting President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Hotamzhon Ketmonov, Nariman Umarov from Adolat Party and Sarvar Otamuratov from Milly Tiklanish Party. As of today, there is an almost 100-percent probability that the acting President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will win the election to head the country for the next five years. The acting presidents opponents, despite the leading positions in their parties, are not known by mostly apolitical Uzbek voters. Mirziyoyev, on the contrary, is a prominent figure in the country. He was a member of Islam Karimovs team for many years and has served as the countrys prime minister since 2003. Moreover, namely Mirziyoyev was appointed the countrys acting president by the Uzbek parliament and was declared the successor of the current policy. Being the countrys head has made Mirziyoyev even more popular with the Uzbek people. But most importantly, the majority of people witnessing the situation in the neighboring Afghanistan want to preserve the policy of the countrys first President Islam Karimov, who has secured Uzbekistans stability for many years. And, it is Shavkat Mirziyoyev who promises to continue this policy. These promises were the core of his election campaign and they will probably be the key factor in garnering the votes. Mirziyoyev considers maintaining stability and peace in Uzbekistan, as well as continuing the reforms implemented under President Karimov, as the foundation for the countrys future development. He does not promise any considerable innovations in the countrys domestic and foreign policy. Thus, neither citizens, nor Uzbekistans partners should expect cardinal changes. However, Mirziyoyev might pursue a more active policy due to his younger age and robust health, as compared to his predecessor who has often been ill in recent years, which resulted in changes in his work schedule. Fifth Third Bank is planning to invest $30 billion in low- and moderate-income communities, including in Northwest Indiana, over the next five years. The Cincinnati-based super-regional bank has locations in Hammond, Gary, Lake Station, Merrillville, Munster, Highland, South Holland and Chicago Heights. Fifth Third will devote the $30 billion to mortgage, small business, and community development lending. About $11 billion of that amount will go to homeowners and $92 million will support philanthropic causes. Fifth Third is partnering with the National Community Reinvestment Coalition and Indiana is expected to benefit substantially from the loans and investments included in this agreement, according to a statement from the Indiana Association for Community Economic Development. One of the banks partners in the effort is the Northwest Indiana Reinvestment Alliance, a nonprofit that advocates for fair housing and lending in the Region. Earlier this year, the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland released its Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rating of Fifth Third Bank for the period 2011-2013, giving it a Needs-to-Improve rating. The bank stressed it had already undertaken major reinvestment programs and planned more. I appreciate Fifth Third Banks willingness to meaningfully engage and understand the assets and needs of Indianas low- and moderate-income communities, Indiana Association for Community Economic Development Executive Director Andy Fraizer said. Calling 911 is not like calling your mother. A caller may cry on the phone or even hang up on the person at the other end for asking too many questions. But none of that behavior helps with a 911 dispatcher who is trained to extract the most information out of emergency callers, according to a new user guide issued by the Lake County E-911 Department. Lake County Councilwoman Christine Cid and Herbie Cruz, former chairman of the countys E-911 board, recently announced the release of the new guide to educate the public how best to use the countys 911 call center when they need police, fire or medical service. Though developed by a Lake official, the guides advice applies to 911 callers in any Indiana county, given that eight years ago, the state Legislature mandated all 92 counties merge their county and municipal public safety dispatch services by last year. Cid, the county councils East Chicago representative, said seconds matter when calling for public safety help, so it is important for callers to be clear and concise when speaking with a 911 dispatcher. It may be the difference between life and death, she warned. Cid and Cruz said people calling 911 frequently are having a rush of adrenaline, which can cause them to scream or talk incoherently, wasting valuable response time. The guide advises the caller to take a few deep breaths before calling. Callers have complained they were upset that dispatchers seemed to ask a lot of needless questions, they said. But dispatchers have to go through a list of questions mostly importantly to find the callers whereabouts. The Lake County E-911 computers can automatically give a callers address if they are on a traditional land line. But a majority of 911 calls today are placed from cell phones, so the caller will be asked to give an exact address, most importantly when the caller is in an apartment complex. Know your location; cell phone GPS inexact The cell phones global positioning system, or GPS, is supposed to provide a lock on the callers position. However, Lake County has had cases of the caller either not knowing where they were, or assuming police would know; the unfortunate result in those cases was the cell phones GPS sending responders to the nearest cell tower, miles from the caller. The guide says the dispatcher also will ask the nature of the emergency, which the caller should give in as brief a description as possible. If there is a criminal suspect involved, dispatchers will ask for the suspects name, age, gender, race, height, hair color and style, clothing and their direction of travel. If the suspect is armed, describe the weapon. If the suspect is in a car, the dispatcher will ask the cars color, year, make, model, license number and other distinguishing traits, like bumper stickers or body damage to help police find the car. If someone needs medical attention, the dispatcher will ask the victims name, age, gender, location and information about their injury or illness. Callers seeking the fire department will be asked the fires location, what is on fire, if anyone is in danger and where the fire may be spreading. The guide assures callers they can remain anonymous. Cid said the guide can be found in local police stations, libraries and other government buildings. It can be accessed online at: <&underline>http://cms.lakecountyin.org/opencms/opencms/permalink/df9be338-adfb-11e5-a5ef-2d53826b70d3.pdf. CROWN POINT Crown Point resident Pat Brown planned to spend Friday enjoying a Thanksgiving meal with her daughter and her family. But she needed somewhere to go on the holiday itself and got a robocall from the city of Crown Point that Saints Peter and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Church was hosting a free Thanksgiving Day luncheon. So she made her way to the 53-year-old orthodox church at 9660 Broadway that serves the 5,000 or so residents of Macedonian descent in Northwest Indiana. "It's very nice," Brown said while eating turkey off a paper plate on a festively decorated banquet table. "You're not at home, and it's just something very nice on the holiday." For the second straight year, SS. Peter and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Church Council opened its doors to the community on Thanksgiving, serving up turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings to anyone who walked in. "We just wanted to show our appreciation for all the support we've gotten from our neighboring cities and towns," church council president Steve Kunovski said. "It's a token of our appreciation. We want to spend it with our neighbors because it's a special day for us, giving thanks in a religious aspect but also in a humanitarian aspect and as friends to the community." The church, which was the first Macedonian church to be built in North America when it opened at 5100 Virginia St. in Gary in 1963, supports charitable causes like breast cancer research and is looking to set up a food pantry, Kunovski said. Eli's Golden Apple Restaurant, Dimitri's Catering and parishioners contributed so the church could feed up to 300 people on Thanksgiving. "We are prepared to feed all our friends and neighbors today," Kunovski said. "To give greatness and gratitude to each and every one." Father Georgij Gligorov said Thanksgiving is at its root a religious holiday. The church started the day with a service where Gligorov stressed to importance of being thankful and giving thanks to God. "The main lesson that we should learn is to be thankful," he said. "Religious education does not begin when the father speaks to the child about faith and God, but when father says 'thank you father for this meal.' The goal is to become tenfold more thankful." Ladies Auxiliary President Sonia Nochevich, who helped ladle food from buffet food warmers, said many of the visitors were grateful because they had nowhere else to go on the holiday. "The church of course teaches us to share with everybody," she said. "We are fortunate enough to have, and would like to share with the community that's in need." Crown Point residents Patricia Suarez, 66, and Myra Gray, 79, were extremely thankful to the Macedonian church. They had been in a nursing home together but decided to move out and become roommates. Suarez's family is all still in Chicago, they don't have reliable transportation and neither was in condition to cook their own meal for the holiday. "I still hope to cook for Christmas, but I just didn't have the energy," Suarez said. SS. Peter and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Church Council gave them a chance to get out of the house and spend the holiday with others. "I love it," Gray said. "It's very nice. The food is very nice. We're grateful. All the people are so nice." Only a few dozen shoppers braved the frigid cold Friday morning to secure Black Friday deals at local retailers. Emery Manley, of Cedar Lake, was seated in a lawn chair at dawn break outside the Hhgregg in Merrillville. Dressed in a heavy winter coat and holding a book of Sudoku puzzles, Manley said he and his wife had waited all night for doors to open at the appliances and electronics retailer. He said it was worth the wait. The couple expected to save $700 on a television, computer and Blu-ray player. We got more shopping to do, but we'll see how it goes, Manley said. Lacey Kozak, also of Cedar Lake, stood behind Manley in the line, which grew to about 50 shoppers before doors opened at 7 a.m. She said shopping on Black Friday was a tradition. Her husband was a retail employee, so Kozak said she would shop and then visit her husband during his shift. Kozak said she arrived at Hhgregg at about 5:45 a.m. to purchase a small freezer, but there wasn't much competition. This year, the lines are shorter, Kozak said. The shorter lines may be due to an early beginning to the holiday shopping season. A survey by the National Retail Federation found that more than half of shoppers, 55.7 percent, had already begun to buy holiday gifts before Black Friday, which is traditionally the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. The retail trade association reported it was the second-highest level of shoppers to report early shopping in the history of the survey. More than one-third of shoppers said they also plan to shop online on Cyber Monday, when some retailers also offer sales, according to the National Retail Federation. However, the Thanksgiving weekend continues to be the busiest shopping period of the year, for both in-store and online, with 6 in 10 Americans reporting plans to shop this weekend. Faith Nicole, founder and president of the Hammond-based nonprofit Purple Diamonds Inc., stood Friday morning in a small huddle with other shoppers outside the Best Buy in Merrillville for almost an hour and a half to purchase two laptops and a television. The laptops would be donated to two high school students and the television was a gift for her grandmother's birthday. Nicole said this was the first year she endured the 35 degree weather during the early morning to secure a good deal. And this is the last time, she said. SOUTH HAVEN The Robinson and Zwolinski families joined forces to be of service to the community on Thanksgiving. The seven-member group volunteered at the free Thanksgiving meal Thursday at the Salvation Army on U.S. 6 in South Haven. Pat Zwolinski, of Hobart, recruited six family members, including her two grandchildren, Zach Robinson, 14, and Abigail Robinson, 13, to help serve food and wrap presents for shut-ins at the meal. I wanted to teach them to help others, said Zwolinski, of Zach and Abigail. The childrens mom, Christina Robinson, and sister-in-law Patty Winger, both of Valparaiso, served food to the nearly 100 people who enjoyed the company of others at the meal, while Andy Robinson and Alan Zwolinski helped with traffic in the parking lot. I want my kids to learn how to serve others, said Christina Robinson, who volunteered as a teen at a soup kitchen in Hammond. Its nice to serve other people who dont have family for the holidays. Majors Jon and Kim Welch, of the Salvation Army, said the meal is in its 20th year of serving people who either do not have the means to cook a Thanksgiving meal or those who simply dont want to celebrate alone. Thanks to the generosity of community members, said Kim Welch, the groups prepared 10 turkeys, 45 pounds of ham, and 50 pounds of potatoes for about 100 diners and 30 carry-out meals for those who cannot attend. Also on the bountiful menu were green beans, carrots, corn, coleslaw, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls and butter, and pumpkin pie for dessert. New diners and repeat diners enjoyed the home-cooked meal and the excitement of meeting new friends. I love these people they mean the world to me. They offer so much to people in need, said Catherine Cannon, who dined with her husband, Michael, and attends church at the Salvation Army. My husband is my backbone, but I have no other family. The Cannons, both Salvation Army bell ringers, sat across the table from Melinda and Alan Beckler, of Hobart, who have enjoyed the meal annually for the past few years. The couples nearest relatives are 700 miles away in Maryland, said Alan Beckler. This is like a mess hall, said Alan Becker, who was in the Air Force for 35 years. You come in and meet everyone. Kim Welch said every year, she and her husband wonder if they should continue to offer the meal due to concerns about having enough volunteers and donated food. Then someone tells us how appreciative they are, Welch said. So I guess were supposed to keep doing it. Among the 80 volunteers who provided food, meal set-up and cleanup, cooking, serving, and gift wrapping were Bailey Kendrick and Angeline Sophia, serving their mission with The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints. The women, while serving 18 months of mission service by volunteering at a local food pantry, stumbled upon the Salvation Army meal and wanted to help. We teach people about Jesus Christ and share the Gospel and do community service, said Bailey Kendrick, of Ogden, Utah. Kendrick and her roommate, Sophia, from American Samoa, pitched in wherever they were needed. Were just checking to make sure everything is OK and everyone has a smile on their face and joy in their heart, Kendrick said. A grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting took place Wednesday at the new Tavern on Main in Crown Point. The restaurant/pub is housed in the building that was once The Front Gate retail shop. We want the restaurant to have a Chicago-feel, said John OBlock, one of four partners who own the business. Other partners in the establishment are former Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Sr., Tommy Forbes, who is also the chef of the restaurant, and Barb Sexton. This is a gastro-pub and were offering craft drinks and craft brews. The style of food is upscale bar food, Forbes said. Block said they wanted to bring something a little different to Crown Point. During Wednesdays official grand opening, Bishop Donald J. Hying of the Diocese of Gary blessed Tavern on Main. Ive never blessed a restaurant before. This is a new experience, said Hying, as he sat for dinner with former mayor McDermott. Im honored Tom (McDermott) asked me. This is going to be a great asset to the community. And the food is amazing, he added. Im excited to be back in Crown Point, said McDermott, who previously owned Amore in Crown Point. With Tavern on Main, McDermott said he and his partners wanted to bring a restaurant that would traditionally be (found) in Chicago to Northwest Indiana. McDermott said they introduced the cuisine to family and friends a few days before the opening. We had two nights of tastings and people are raving about the food, he said. The restaurant seats 70 people. Diners can enjoy their meals at tables or at the bar. Tavern on Main is across from the Old Lake County Courthouse at 136 S. Main St., Crown Point. Tehran, Iran, November 25 By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend: The Thermal Power Plants Holding Company of Iran has banned the construction of power plants with yields below 58 percent. The company has also set plans to improve the yield of the existing power plants to 58 percent, the companys CEO Mohsen Tarztalab told Mehr news agency November 25. According to Tarztalab, the existing power plants are going to be used in forming combined-cycle power plants. A combined cycle is an assembly of heat engines that work in tandem from the same source of heat, converting it into mechanical energy, which in turn usually drives electrical generators. Tarztalab said plans are in place to lure in foreign investment to build high-yield power plants in the cities of Bandar Abbas, Tabriz, Salafchegan, Khorramabad, Boinzahra, Hamedan, Umidieh, and Andimeshk with a total output of 5005 megawatts. These new power plants will need some 2.56 million euros of foreign financing, he explained. Iran needs 600 to 700 thousand worth of euro to generate one megawatt electricity in a combined-cycle plant. Iran plans to invest $30 billion in the power sector, including generation and grid by 2021. Iran plans to add 26 GW to power generation capacity by 2021. Currently, about 85 percent of Irans total power generation is thermal and this figure would remain unchanged in next five years. Michigan City nonprofit offers drug treatment device Changes Matter, a Michigan City nonprofit dedicated to treating substance abuse and mental illness, has teamed up with Innovative Health Solutions to offer the Bridge device to reduce the withdrawal symptoms from opioids like heroin, methadone and Suboxone. The Bridge is a Food and Drug Administration-approved device worn near the ear for five days said to significantly reduce the pain in a person in active opioid withdrawal. It is used as part of an overall detox program that includes sessions with a clinical substance abuse professional. Shortly after the Bridge device is removed, the client begins a regimen of Vivitrol, a shot that reduces cravings for opioids, in addition to continued counseling. For more information, call (219) 921-5448 and ask for Donna. IUN researcher studies multiple sclerosis Tia Walker, an assistant professor at Indiana University Northwest in Gary, has secured funding from the National Institutes of Health to undertake a study that could potentially change the course of research on multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, often disabling autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system. An estimated 2.3 million people are estimated to suffer from MS worldwide. Walker has been granted $45,000. Researchers at the IU School of Medicine at IUN have received prestigious NIH grants, but the achievement is a first for IUN. She will be studying the link between myelin, the protective coating that insulates the nerve fibers, and copper-deficiency that leads to its degeneration. By seeking to discover new clues about the causes and underlying mechanism of MS, Walkers research could lead toward new therapies to help regenerate myelin. Mental Health America opens new headquarters in Hammond More than 100 people recently attended the ribbon cutting for Mental Health America of Lake County at the nonprofit agencys new headquarters in Hammond, 5311 Hohman Ave. Mental Health America of Lake County provides many well-known, evidence-based, programs such as Healthy Families, Parents as Teachers, Empowering Teens as Parents, Infant Safe Sleep Education and Im Thumbody Special. In 2015, the organization did more than 11,000 home visits with vulnerable families. As a result of the nonprofits continued growth, the organization will maintain a small satellite office in south Lake County. Current programming is provided to families in every city and town within the county. New procedure offered at St. Mary Medical Center A minimally invasive procedure is providing new hope for patients with heart valve disease in Northwest Indiana. Dr. Hussam Suradi, an interventional cardiologist on staff at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart and Community Hospital in Munster, recently performed a balloon valvuloplasty assisted by an Impella heart pump, the first time this type of assist has been performed in the state of Indiana. Many patients with aortic valves that have stiffened and narrowed, known as aortic stenosis, are candidates for valve replacement surgery. To clear the stenosis, Suradi performs a balloon valvuloplasty. During the procedure, a catheter with a balloon at the tip is placed in the groin through the aorta into the heart. The balloon then inflates once inside the valve, opening the stiffened, narrow leaflets of the valve, allowing blood to flow more freely. For more information, call (219) 703-5301 or visit comhs.org. Friday marks 10 years since Sean Bell was fatally shot by police on his wedding day in one of the most infamous shootings in city history. Friends and family came together late last night to mark the anniversary with a vigil in Jamaica, Queens. Bells former fiancee, Nicole Paultre-Bell, says it's important to keep his memory alive. "This annual vigil that we're at tonight is another remembrance of Sean, another way to keep his legacy alive, another way to remind the community that we can heal from all the negativity, all the violence that happened on that night," she said. The fatal shooting happened on November 25, 2006, when Bell was celebrating at his bachelor party. When undercover officers approached the car Bell and his friends were in, they said Bell rammed into a police van. Police fired their guns 50 times. Police say they thought he had a gun. No gun was found at the scene. The three detectives involved were acquitted of all charges in April 2008. For some, getting out of bed before dawn is a tough sell on a day off, especially the day after Thanksgiving. But not all. With the lure of steep discounts and the possibility of real deals, many gave up sleep and headed to the Queens Center Mall for Black Friday shopping. Shopper: The people. Seeing a lot of people. Q: At 5:30 in the morning. Shopper: At 5:30 in the morning. Q: Tell me, what it's like when you walk in here? Shopper: A party. A party. Retailers think so, too. Many stores even opened on Thanksgiving, slashing prices for the earliest shoppers. "60 percent, 70 percent," said one shopper. "I just bought a jacket. It was $275 Calvin Klein. I paid $89." Many retailers begin their markdowns well before Thanksgiving and extend them for days after. Still, some shoppers were disappointed to find some of their favorite items weren't as cheap as expected. "I buy polo. Same price as I buy it all the time," said one shopper. "The good stuff, it's, same as ever." And while the mall drew plenty of people, many veteran shoppers say it wasn't as crowded as in years past. The easy access of buying online, foregoing lines and crowds, has made Black Friday shopping just one option for holiday shoppers. "Shopping online, I feel like it's way easier because you don't got to deal with the crowds, the lines. And especially if you're impatient, it's way easier online. "I checked here first. This is my first resort. And if I don't get anything here, online shopping's the best," said another shopper. For those who do head out to the stores this weekend, expect price cuts and deals. And if you can't find what you're looking for, Cyber Monday is just a couple days away. WASHINGTON Mild-mannered, lawyerly and with a genius for trivia, Richard Cordray is not the sort of guy you picture at the center of Washingtons bitter partisan wars over regulation and consumer safeguards. But there he is, a 57-year-old Buckeye who friends say prefers his hometown diner to a fancy political reception, testifying in hearing after hearing on Capitol Hill about the agency he leads, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Republicans would like to do away with it and with him, arguing that the agency should be led by a commission rather than one person. And with a Republican sweep of Congress and the White House, they may get some or all of what they wish. Mr. Cordray, a reluctant Washingtonian who has commuted here for six years from Grove City, Ohio, where his wife and twin children live, is the first director of the consumer watchdog agency, which was created in 2010 after Wall Streets meltdown. By aggressively deploying his small army of workers he has 1,600 of them Mr. Cordray has turned the fledgling agency into one of Washingtons most powerful and pugnacious regulators. Wells Fargo has asked a Federal District Court to order dozens of customers who are suing the bank over the opening of unauthorized accounts to resolve their disputes in private arbitrations instead of court, according to legal documents. The motion, filed in the United States District Court in Utah on Wednesday, is in response to the first-class action lawsuit filed against Wells since it agreed to pay $185 million in penalties and $5 million to customers for opening up to 2 million deposit and credit-card accounts in their names without their permission. The scandal has shaken Wells, the third-largest American bank by assets. It has been put under tougher regulatory scrutiny, its chief executive, John Stumpf, has stepped down and its reputation has been damaged as it faces multiple inquiries. Wells Fargo has begun an advertising campaign to win back customer loyalty in the wake of the scandal. Colbert Nembhard looked more like a traveling salesman than a librarian in his dark suit with his rolling suitcase on a recent Wednesday morning in the Bronx. He had strolled 10 minutes to the Crotona Inn homeless shelter from the Morrisania Branch Library, where he has been the manager for 25 years. As he dug through the dozens of books stuffed inside the suitcase, an announcement crackled over the intercom inside the shelter, where 87 families live: Mr. Nembhard is here to read stories and sing songs to your children. Mr. Nembhard made do in a small office filled with file cabinets and dated desktops that also serves as a computer lab, a childrens classroom and a community recreation room. Tacked to a bulletin board were paper plates, colored and cut into fish shapes. A Happy Birthday balloon, almost out of helium, floated a foot above the floor. For the past eight years, Mr. Nembhard has turned the shelters day care room or its dimly lighted office into an intimate library, tapping into the imaginations of transient children with the hope of making reading books a constant in their lives. Sarah Roma stood with her two young sons at Columbus Circle on Thursday, straining to see the Hello Kitty float in the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was hard to get a good look: Parked between her family and the parades marching bands, cheerleaders, clowns and floats were dump trucks, creating a temporary but substantial barricade at the Manhattan roundabout. A similar barrier of vehicles, some filled with sand, was replicated at every cross street along the route, a new counterterrorism effort employed by the city after a series of attacks around the world on public gatherings. Ms. Roma, 41, who was visiting from Washington with her family, said a fear of attacks had been in the back of her mind. And then I thought, that isnt even something that would have crossed my mind when we were kids, Ms. Roma said. Her son Maks Roma-Shtylla, 4, had pestered her about the sanitation vehicle. I said theyre here to help, she said. NATIONAL An article on Tuesday about President-elect Donald J. Trumps position on education issues rendered imprecisely the name of the association run by Peter McPherson, who commented on some proposals. It is the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, neither American nor Colleges is part of the name. NEW YORK An article on Nov. 15 about an auction of Impressionist and Modern art at Sothebys in Manhattan, using information from the auction house, erroneously attributed a distinction to the auctioneer, Helena Newman. Sothebys now says that Lorna Kelly, who came to Sothebys in the 1970s, was the first female auctioneer to lead an evening sale in New York, not Ms. Newman. BUSINESS DAY An article on Wednesday about a federal judges ruling that money invested in the Bernard Madoff fund from offshore accounts could not be made available to victims of the Madoff scheme misstated, in one instance and in some copies, when a judge made the ruling. It was Monday, not Tuesday. The Times welcomes comments and suggestions, or complaints about errors that warrant correction. Messages on news coverage can be e-mailed to nytnews@nytimes.com or left toll-free at 1-844-NYT-NEWS (1-844-698-6397). Comments on editorials may be e-mailed to letters@nytimes.com or faxed to (212) 556-3622. WASHINGTON Donald J. Trump once declared that campaigning for substantial changes to Medicare would be a political death wish. But with Election Day behind them, emboldened House Republicans say they will move forward on a years-old effort to shift Medicare away from its open-ended commitment to pay for medical services and toward a fixed government contribution for each beneficiary. The idea rarely came up during Mr. Trumps march toward the White House, but a battle over the future of Medicare could roil Washington during his first year in office, whether he wants it or not. Let me say unequivocally to you now: I have fought to protect Medicare for this generation and for future generations, Senator Joe Donnelly of Indiana, a Democrat running for re-election in 2018, said this week in a video message to constituents. I have opposed efforts to privatize Medicare in the past, and I will oppose any effort to privatize Medicare or turn it into a voucher program in the future. OTTAWA When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prevailed in Canadas election last year, he promised sunny ways and later pledged to hold his cabinet ministers to high ethical standards when it came to conflicts of interest and fund-raising. Now, after being the chief attraction at a fund-raiser attended by wealthy businessmen, Mr. Trudeau himself is facing criticism from some who say he is not following his own rules. On Tuesday, The Globe and Mail, a Toronto newspaper, reported that Mr. Trudeau spoke in May at a political fund-raiser held in the Toronto house of the president of the Chinese Business Chamber of Commerce. Most of the 32 guests paid 1,500 Canadian dollars, or about $1,100, to attend. Among the nonpaying guests was Zhang Bin, president of the Beijing-based China Cultural Industry Association, a promotional agency under the control of Chinas minister of culture. Not long afterward, Mr. Zhang and his groups honorary president made a joint donation of 1 million Canadian dollars, or about $741,200, to the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, which includes Justin Trudeaus brother among its board members, and the University of Montreal law faculty. The donation included funds for a statue of Pierre Trudeau, the former prime minister and Justins father, at the law school. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25 By Emil Ilgar Trend: The number of Iranian pilgrims, killed in a suicide attack in Iraq has reached 40, Irans state TV IRIB reported Nov.25. According to the report, about 100 people were killed in the suicide attack on pilgrims. The report said the bodies of some 15 individuals havent been identified yet. Meanwhile, IRNA news agency also reported that 30 Iranian pilgrims were wounded in the attack. A truck bomb went off in the Shoumeli village, 120 kilometers southeast of Baghdad, targeting vehicles loaded with passengers most of them Iranians who were returning home from the holy shrines in Iraq after Arba'een rituals on Nov.24. EDEN, N.C. The trees were turning yellow, orange and brown the weekend before the election in this town of some 15,000 people just a mile from the Virginia border. Something about the fall palette and the once-bustling streets lined by rows of shuttered businesses strongly suggested the work of the photographer William Eggleston and his knack for forlorn, deadpan details. There were an unusual number of Lost Cat posters plastered on telephone poles, and Trump signs were thick on the ground, a harbinger of his victory both here in North Carolina and nationally. The name Eden, selected in 1967 when three local hamlets merged, seems overly optimistic, especially in the wake of the recent closing of the local MillerCoors brewery, a blow to the economy that was the talk of the town. But this atmosphere was exactly what the French-born photographer Sylvain Couzinet-Jacques was looking for when he picked up stakes and moved to the town because of its name, and lived here for months to observe life and customs, like a 21st-century update of Alexis de Tocqueville, the famous French chronicler of early 19th-century American life. For a medium produced largely by corporations, television has a pretty dim view of them. The latest example is Incorporated, beginning Wednesday, Nov. 30, on Syfy (part of NBCUniversal), with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon among its executive producers. The series is set in 2074, after catastrophic climate change has undone the old world order. Spiga Biotech is among a handful of mega-corporations that have replaced crumbled governments and now battle for dwindling natural resources while demanding absolute loyalty from employees, on penalty of psychic torture and other punishments. In its vision of a corporate dystopia, Incorporated builds on earlier shows that positioned powerful businesses as puppet masters. Such series tap into anxieties about the dominance of corporations in our lives fears that have intensified after events like the Great Recession and the Supreme Courts Citizens United decision, which permitted more corporate money into politics. They also betray an unease about working for large companies and, perhaps, a deep-seated human desire to know that someone is in control, whatever the tactics. Here are some of Spigas predecessors. SANTA MONICA, Calif. Casting isnt just about actors. Consider a scene a little more than halfway through the 10-episode season of Shut Eye, a new psychic noir series starring Jeffrey Donovan that debuts on Hulu on Dec. 7. In it, a character blows a powdered substance into the air. To create the particles that take flight, more than 30 ingredients were given screen tests. Melissa Bernstein, one of the shows executive producers, recalled watching the footage sent to her by the special effects supervisor, which amounted to a most unusual audition reel. It was like: This is cornmeal. This is flour. This is salt. This is sugar. This is Kool-Aid. This is Crystal Lite, she said. I think we finally ended up with a combination of cornstarch and a bit of glitter. Powder selection is just one small part of Ms. Bernsteins duties, and executive producer doesnt quite do justice to how she has helped make the sort of gripping, award-winning television beloved by critics, fans and recappers. As the head of the television division for the prolific Hollywood producer Mark Johnsons Gran Via Productions whose shows include Breaking Bad; its spinoff, Better Call Saul; Rectify; and Halt and Catch Fire shes involved with staffing the writers rooms, hiring music supervisors, editors and cinematographers, choosing directors, and more. Im soup to nuts, Ms. Bernstein, 40, said on a recent afternoon at her office here, having just flown in from Albuquerque, where Better Call Saul is set and filmed. LONDON When the chancellor of the Exchequer announced this week that the British government planned to pour 7.6 million, about $9.48 million, into restoring Wentworth Woodhouse, an English stately home said to be the inspiration for Pemberley in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice, he probably didnt expect a backlash. But thats just what he got. There is absolutely no evidence that Jane Austen ever traveled further north than Lichfield in Staffordshire, the Jane Austen Society of the United Kingdom said after the announcement, part of the Autumn Statement by the chancellor, Philip Hammond, which outlines the governments overall spending plan. Wentworth Woodhouse is about 70 miles north of Lichfield. Jane Austen, herself only too keenly aware of the value of money, and of the need for veracity, would have been savvy enough to know that a building the size of Wentworth Woodhouse with its estimated number of over 300 rooms and its estate of over 15,000 acres could not possibly have been supported on Mr. Darcys reported income of a mere 10,000 per annum, the statement continued. Mr. Darcy, the taciturn but dashing leading man in Pride and Prejudice, lives in the monumental but understated (and fictional) Pemberley estate. BLACK SQUARE Adventures in Post-Soviet Ukraine By Sophie Pinkham 288 pp. W.W. Norton & Company. $26.95. In the decades since the Soviet fall, Ukraine has vexed many most of all, its own people. A vast borderland at the crossroads of Europe, it was hailed a nation reborn, only to reveal an inexorable weakness fear of its Big Brother to the north and an inability to escape it. The country has moved forward (and backward) not by design but in tumult. Yet in the heady winter of 2014, a change seemed to arrive: People power swelled in Kiev and toppled a corrupt regime. Vladimir Putin, of course, cut the party short. After the occupation of Crimea came civil war, the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 and the rise of the Donetsk Peoples Republic an unraveling that has led to a return to the vitriol of the Cold War. Against this backdrop comes Sophie Pinkhams Black Square, billed as a portrait of Ukraine under the shadow of Putin. If Kiev was at war, Pinkham writes, the battle was over Europe, which was a metaphor. Europe meant freedom, fairness and transparency. . . . It meant an escape from the past, an alternate reality in which Ukraine was never subjugated by the Russian Empire or the Soviet Union but instead became a normal European country like Germany or France. Pinkham, who first visited Kiev in 2007, a few years out of Yale, for a workshop Id organized on health problems for women drug users, seems to have written two books: one, a memoir of her time in the harm reduction world, the other, a chronicle of the recent turmoil. Not until the midpoint of this volume do readers arrive at the Ukraine of the headlines, with the protests that began in Kievs Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Independence Square the Black Square of the title. Until then, readers may feel what they have in their hands is an affecting expose of the nonprofit, do-gooder orbit. Pinkham, whose travels span seven years, offers backstage glimpses that bite: I was just another girl in a cubicle, doing the usual two years before leaving for graduate school, the standard trajectory for administrative assistants at O.S.I. George Soross Open Society Institute. I had the feeling that I was a mass-produced good. My row of cubicles was almost entirely female, dark-haired and petite. We all wore colorful pashmina shawls to protect us against the air-conditioning, and we got our periods at the same time. This is a familiar paradox or, for those less sympathetic to France, a familiar hypocrisy. The overthrow of the Bourbon monarchy was carried out in the name of ideologies so ambitious, progressive and nonnegotiable that they risked sending the country headlong to its destruction. When Robespierre brought in the guillotine, even revolutionary sympathizers longed for prerevolutionary authoritarianism, conservatism and piety. Napoleon was the short-term result. The long-term one was modern French culture: a dynamic but not necessarily logical combination of the progressive and the conservative. The heroes of Fenbys account are those who balance both traditions. The Citizen King Louis-Philippe, simple and physically courageous, was an enthusiast for democracy. The France of his era, the 1830s and 40s, was creative. The countrys inventions were spreading around the world: the stethoscope, Braille, the sewing machine, Balzacs novels and (eventually) Baudelaires poems. Napoleon III, elected in 1848 and made emperor through a plebiscite four years later, gave France a lot to be proud of, Fenby thinks not just the rebuilding of Paris but also pasteurization, margarine, batteries, hypodermic needles and bicycles. (Fenby is fond of lists.) Finally, de Gaulle, of whom Fenby published a biography in 2012, headed the wartime resistance and became, in the 1960s, the most successful leader France had in the 200 years covered by this book. Fenby dislikes leaders unable to keep tradition and progress in balance. The reactionary Charles X, whose dogmatism brought on the July Revolution of 1830, was a weak character with an empty mind bereft of the imagination or the courage to enforce his will when the test came. Francois Mitterrand, president in the 1980s and 90s, was unprincipled, Fenby writes, blaming him for an economic record that bore down on the French for three decades. With a good feel for political atmosphere, Fenby sees how the post-Napoleonic settlement of the Congress of Vienna left France feeling like occupied territory. This made even the relatively mild rule of Louis-Philippe feel oppressive and reactionary. He appreciates the canniness of the German chancellor Otto von Bismarck, who, far from worrying about the schemes of Napoleon III to colonize Africa and the Far East, viewed them as a distraction that would strengthen Germanys relative position in Europe. He understands that worries over Frances decline in population began not in our time (because of immigration), but more than a century ago (because of military weakness). In the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, France and Germany had about the same population of men between the ages of 20 and 34. By the eve of World War I, Germany had 7.7 million fighting-age men, France just 4.5 million. This book is a feast of tidbits about French history. A Paris mob in the 1848 revolution was led by a man who earned his living as a painters model of Jesus. (A soldier shot him dead.) During the siege of Paris at the end of the Franco-Prussian War, zoo animals were slaughtered to stock the citys restaurants. Quite often, though, Fenbys mind comes to rest not on what is most representative but on what is most ghoulish or gross. Of the aged and ailing Louis XVIII, we learn that when he attended Mass at Notre-Dame, the bandages came off his leg and liquid oozed onto the floor. Napoleon III wet his bed in 1856. In the 1880s the Prince of Wales and Sigmund Freud attended a performance by Jules Pujol, the master of wind, who could play the Marseillaise on an ocarina through a rubber tube inserted into his anus. The writing is consistently lively in this way, the presentation jazzed up with sidebars and timelines, including a sensationalistic account of the November 2015 terrorist attacks that clumsily opens the book. HERBERT HOOVER A Life By Glen Jeansonne with David Luhrssen Illustrated. 455 pp. New American Library. $28. Herbert Hoover is usually ranked near the bottom of American presidents. Glen Jeansonnes biography of the man who was chief executive from 1929 to 1933 is a cri de coeur over what the author sees as a grievous injustice. True, Hoover did preside over the worst economic catastrophe in our nations history. But in Herbert Hoover: A Life, he is a fascinating and accomplished individual the most versatile American since Benjamin Franklin and an idealistic, dynamic president who deserves a better reputation. Born in 1874, Hoover was orphaned by age 9 and experienced a grim, Dickensian upbringing. After working his way through Stanford University, he searched for a postgraduation position in engineering but found only menial jobs, and reached what he called the bottom levels of real human despair. Jeansonne takes a Panglossian view of Hoovers early tribulations, but a better assessment of his scarred soul was made by Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of Mount Rushmore: If you put a rose in Hoovers hand, it would wilt. Brighter fortunes arrived when Hoover lucked into a posting as a mine scout in the Australian outback. Operating under grueling, dangerous conditions, he proved his mettle as a manager and efficiency expert. Newly married, he embarked on globe-trotting adventures that included coming under siege during the Boxer Rebellion in China, wandering into a tigers lair in Burma and building model towns in Siberia. He became a wealthy man who employed more than a million workers. PILGRIMAGE My Search for the Real Pope Francis By Mark K. Shriver Illustrated. 282 pp. Random House. $28. Mark K. Shriver writes that he had become disillusioned about the Roman Catholic Church until Pope Francis came along three years ago and breathed new life into it for him. As he followed the popes travels, gestures and proclamations especially his statement Who am I to judge? about gays Shriver was enchanted. I started to emerge from my Catholic funk, he writes. Shriver, president of Save the Childrens Action Network in Washington, is the author of a memoir, A Good Man: Rediscovering My Father, Sargent Shriver. He decided to embark on what he calls a similar book about Pope Francis by traveling to Argentina and Italy to discover how Jorge Mario Bergoglio grew into a change agent in one of the worlds most entrenched religious organizations. The result is Pilgrimage: My Search for the Real Pope Francis. Shriver was also hoping to find a church I could believe in again and learn some lessons in humility and mercy. Shriver throws himself into the task by seeking out those who remember Bergoglio as a young man, a seminarian, a priest and later as a bishop. Although he racks up the miles and scores some illuminating interviews, Shriver doesnt discover much that hasnt been told in other books including The Great Reformer: Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope, by Austen Ivereigh. He quotes from that book and others liberally. Shriver does manage to visit the confessional in the basilica in Flores where, as a 16-year-old, Bergoglio first heard the call to the priestly life. But once he finds it, he does little more than describe the space and quote from the popes official biography: Something strange happened to me in that confession. I dont know what it was, but it changed my life. I think it surprised me, caught me with my guard down. ON LIVING By Kerry Egan 208 pp. Riverhead Books. $24. Hospice care is rooted in the belief that death is a natural part of life, that dying can be managed so that people may remain alert and as pain-free as possible until the end, and that a good death is as much a spiritual experience as it is a physical one, for all involved. Here is where my mother would have said: You must be joking. The Harvard Divinity School-educated hospice chaplain Kerry Egan would appreciate that sentiment. After Egans 5-year-old says he believes her job is to make people die so they can go to heaven, she writes, He seemed remarkably calm that his mother was a Grim Reaper in clogs. When a friend quizzes Egan on how she spends her days as a counselor to the dying and their families, Egan explains that she sits at bedsides, tries to be a peaceful presence, listens, sometimes speaks, or sings, or holds a hand, all with as much courage and kindness as she can muster. I imagine a giant bubble of love encompassing the patient and me, Egan says. Her friends response: You consider this work? Yes, Egan is funny, honest and self-deprecating; however, there is nothing silly at all about her assertion that the spiritual work of being human is learning how to love and how to forgive. On Living is part memoir, part spiritual reflection and part narration of tales told to Egan by her patients. Her transitions between other peoples stories and her own personal and professional observations can be disconcerting, but she is such good company that you will forgive her. Seven new paperbacks to check out this week. RECLAIMING CONVERSATION: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age, by Sherry Turkle. (Penguin, $17.) Dialogue is a gateway to developing introspection and compassion, Turkle argues, but as technology mediates more of our conversations, our interpersonal and emotional skills have deteriorated precipitously. Turkle cautions against the unquestioning embrace of technology, calling instead for a return to face-to-face talks and more personal interaction. THE VISITING PRIVILEGE: New and Collected Stories, by Joy Williams. (Vintage, $16.95.) Gathered in part from her previous collections but including 13 stories new in book form, these tales exhibit Williamss trademark blend of grim humor and despair; in the title story, a woman finds unexpected solace in visits to her friend being treated for depression. The book amounts to what our reviewer, Ben Marcus, called one of the most fearless, abyss-embracing literary projects our literature has seen. TRANS: A Memoir, by Juliet Jacques. (Verso, $19.95.) The author, who chronicled her sex-reassignment surgery and transition in columns for The Guardian, writes lucidly about her coming-of-age and experiences of feeling out of place. As she puts it, I felt trapped not by my body but a society that didnt want me to modify it. AS CLOSE TO US AS BREATHING, by Elizabeth Poliner. (Lee Boudreaux/Back Bay/Little, Brown, $15.99.) Three Jewish sisters converge on a familiar summer destination, a stretch of Connecticuts coast known as Bagel Beach, and find comfort in domestic rituals, religion and one another. Poliners wide-ranging novel, narrated by one of the sisters children, flits back and forth in time over a nearly hundred-year period, with a family tragedy at the storys center. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 24 By Farhad Daneshvar Trend: Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Javad Jahangirzadeh has called for taking serious steps aimed at broadening economic ties between Tehran and Baku. "We must take serious measures to expand economic ties. The noteworthy point is that the talks between the two countries are progressing very well on the right track," the envoy told Trend. Actions taken in 2016, which will proceed in 2017, are absolutely capable of paving the ground for the further expansion of cooperation between the two neighboring countries, Jahangirzadeh stated. He described transportation as the most important field for cooperation between the two countries, saying there is no obstacle to deepening ties. "The sides must do their best to rule out the possibility of any problem in terms of diplomatic and political issues," noted the envoy. An ambitious project for creating the North-South transportation corridor has been in spotlight as a key topic in talks over the past several years as the prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran in transportation sphere seem very promising. Azerbaijan and Iran are participants of the large and perspective North-South transportation corridor, which is meant to connect Northern Europe with Southeast Asia. Iran and Azerbaijan have launched construction works aimed at connecting their railway systems as two major participants of the transportation corridor. At the initial stage, it is planned to transport 5 million tons of cargo via the North-South corridor per year and to increase the figure to over 10 million tons in the future. Jahangirzadeh further touched open plans for cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan on the Caspian Sea, saying several talks have already been held in this regard. "In the meantime, an Iranian delegation is due in Baku on Nov. 25 to discuss cooperation in transportation through railways and the Caspian Sea," the ambassador announced. Saying that there are wide opportunities for cooperation on the endoreic basin, he urged for developing a step by step action plan in this regard. The envoy stated that the sides are capable of reaching proper agreements on cooperation for getting the best use of the existing opportunities on the Caspian Sea, including shipping issues. The theme of deprivation forms the bedrock of The Dispossessed, and to the general reader its conditions will seem shockingly primitive, though as Borbely himself said in a late interview, his deprivation was nothing compared with those of the Roma in his small village. We are not in Angelas Ashes territory, still less in the land of misery memoir. We are in a remote corner of Hungary not far from Romania in the 1960s. World War II has come and gone, and its survivors, both Jews and soldiers of the fascist regime, have returned to vastly changed lives. These are post-Stalinist, post-1956 uprising times, but the Stalinist party is still the dominant power in the village, and both the death of Stalin and the failure of the revolution have passed the village by. This is where the young narrator lives with his mother, father and big sister. The father is brutal, helpless and increasingly defeated; the mother is brutal, helpless and contemptuous of those she regards as peasants; the children are often unruly and often beaten. Nevertheless, they are united with the mother by love. The richness, inventiveness, the sheer graphic quality of the language, beautifully rendered by the translator Ottilie Mulzet, takes the fierce and often obscene terms of the village and offers them to us as a form of luminosity. Its not a trick. Its not fake religiosity. It is, and we accept it as, life. We could perhaps describe it as dirty realism were it not for the variety of voices within it, in longer passages where individuals speak of some mysterious historical semi-magical event, or in those where the attention is on the sheer fascination of natural detail. The book is not a single text: It is a compound. Nor is there clear narrative progression. The book is composed of short passages that move to and fro in time, in which the developing theme of belonging and outsiderness takes on different facets. Key among these facets is the question of the father, who is regarded by the rest of the village as suspiciously Jewish. Only one real Jew remains in the place, a Holocaust survivor, who has been reduced to a despised odd-job-man status. Anti-Semitism runs through the village like foul water, unthinking, freely articulated, always available. The narrator is bullied as a Jew because of his father. The Jew is the yellow egg on the underside of the potato leaf. . . . People crush them between their nails, like lice. The phrase to pay the Jew means to defecate. But this is not a book about being Jewish. It is, rather, an account of presences, of the family circle at the core of it, the extended family making frequent visits and the rest of the village spreading like an ancient sore that is unlikely ever to be cured. Loss and lack of love lie at the heart of it. As does God, whose name is seldom invoked without obscenity. But it is not God who is being cursed: God is invited to do the cursing. Small creatures perish and endure lives of filth and cruelty in this corner of Gods earth. People may curse in Gods name, but he is everywhere, casting a divine glow over the place. He, a suffering crucified God, is in the language without ever announcing himself. It was during this time that the angel might have arrived, when the flesh of the downy plum grows firm under its blue skin. Drops of dew ran down it in the early autumn morning. Whoever touches this pale transparent layer leaves a trace with his fingers upon it. All is marked and traced. The events in the book happen a long time before the murder of Borbelys parents, but murder is latent throughout. This is a superb thought, rambling but precise and subtly resonant with the crimes committed by the Fascists during and after the civil war. Elsewhere, Marias describes a spouse as simply whats there the envelope, the setting, the days normal gray pallor. His depiction of Beatriz, who yearns for the good life she had for quite a number of years and with the same man before the abuse started, is devastating. It is in Mariass portrayal of two completely different ways of being in the world Eduardos vengeful and intellectual stance, as compared with Beatrizs self-abnegating stoicism that we see what a novelist can do best: relish opposing viewpoints and play them off against each other. The set pieces with these two characters have the tones of grand music. I could have read 500 pages about Eduardo and Beatriz sparring in a room. Unfortunately, Marias squanders most of his firepower by circling the mystery of Van Vechtens crime and shaking it down for meaning: how it ties, say, to Spanish national guilt, the sexual revolution after Francos death when almost no one slept in Madrid, the era before divorce was legalized and what it means to punish a friend. Sound interesting? Its actually extremely tedious, yielding observations of this caliber: What point is there in trying to stop, avoid, watch, punish and even know all this; history is too full of minor abuses and major villainies against which nothing can be done because there is such an avalanche of them, and what do we gain by finding out about them? Or: The dead stop telling their stories once they are just that, dead. And: Nothing is new under the sun; . . . everything is doomed to become confused and mingled and homogenized, to be forgotten and left to float on a repetitive magma of which, nevertheless, no one tires, or is it just that none of us has ever found the path that will lead us out? Marias has a problem, which critics have seemed too reticent to discuss: that of lapsing into universal-sounding banalities, almost as a tic. These banalities are pit stops where his storming, improvised sentences can regather and refuel; and this becomes painfully obvious when the story is banal, when the story itself is a digression from the heart of the matter. You cant digress banally in a digression! I wanted to scrawl at various points. It doesnt help that the characters are physically cartoonish. Van Vechten, after sex, looks as though he were balancing a baguette on his head rather than hair; in another scene his eyes almost pop out of their sockets. Even Eduardo, who wears a rakish eye patch, is likened to a high priest or a Dracula or a Fu Manchu. This is not the fault of Margaret Jull Costas resolute translation, since Dracula is Dracula in any language. And Van Vechtens crime, when it is revealed, is exactly what wed expect from a clubby, insidery, lecherous man a letdown. I felt for much of the novel that I was trapped in an old boys club stinking of leather and cigars: too much ambidextrous smoking. Juan, the narrator, spies, overhears, investigates and ties it all together. He is meant to be sympathetic and reflective, but unfortunately Marias involves him in a hoary subplot involving affairs, a suicide attempt and a dead baby. Melodrama can be an advantage for the modern novelist we live in such tame fictional times! but it doesnt always meld well with Mariass bloviating prose and Shakespearean soliloquies. This was another reason I longed for Beatriz, the mysterious woman at the center of this novel of men. (Want to get this briefing by email? Heres the sign-up.) Good morning. Heres what you need to know: The next secretary of state. The naming of the nations top diplomat isnt expected before next week, but Republicans already appear divided over the top contenders for the job: Mitt Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, and Rudolph W. Giuliani, a former New York City mayor. Mr. Romneys previous criticism of President-elect Donald J. Trump and Mr. Giulianis foreign business dealings are viewed by rival factions as strikes against them. Gen. John Kelly of the Marines, and David H. Petraeus, the retired general and former C.I.A. director, have surfaced as alternative choices. Facts brought out in the case revealed a Wild West sales environment at the Wyndham property. Employees routinely flouted rules and regulations by making oral promises to customers that differed from the terms of the voluminous contracts they signed when making a purchase. Moreover, Wyndham employees charged with policing sales representatives, according to Ms. Williams, were paid based on those representatives production, an obvious conflict. Wyndhams sales goals for employees were impossible to meet if representatives adhered to the companys policies and regulations governing time-share sales, Robert Parker, a former sales executive, testified in depositions. When sales at the Canterbury lagged, he explained, something known as TAFT days came into play. TAFT is the acronym for tell them any frigging thing, Mr. Parker testified. In other words, it didnt matter what you said. We need business. Todays your day. Just tell them whatever you got to tell them. Thats what TAFT is. Mr. Parker did not reply to an email seeking comment. What would happen if a customer complained? Typically, a company official would ask the sales representative who worked with the customer about the facts outlined in the complaint. The representative would inevitably dispute the customers report, and the complaint would be closed, labeled unsubstantiated, the former sales executive testified. Another executive, an area vice president who oversaw about $300 million in annual sales at the company was asked how many complaints he had seen while working for Wyndham. Tens of thousands, he testified. Like many companies, Wyndham set up a phone number that employees could use to alert management to problems. But after Ms. Williams reported abuses on whats known as the Wyntegrity line, her bosses began retaliating. According to testimony from a former high-level Wyndham executive, Ms. Williams was not supporting the agenda there, was not being part of the system. After Wyndham fired Ms. Williams, she encountered further obstacles. Initially, for example, four other Wyndham colleagues joined her in suing the company. But Wyndham struck financial settlements with them one by one and they bowed out of the suit. After settling, one former colleague turned on Ms. Williams, testifying against her on behalf of Wyndham at the trial. The jury did not appear to find the testimony credible, Ms. Williamss lawyers said. The fritters look armored, torpedoes sheathed in tapioca pearls. The outside crackles, but inside the tapioca has gone gooey, clinging and pulling like mochi. Its a delightful trap: crunch, then sink. The flavors, too, give and take, pulverized peanuts leavened by ginger, sunny lemon pulled down to earth by cumin with its whiff of broken husks. This is sabudana vada, one of a hundred snacks available at Mumbai Xpress in Floral Park on the eastern edge of Queens, where the buildings are slung low and the sky is unpinned and wide. The nearest subway stop is a half-hour by bus. If you dont live here, in one of the pretty gabled houses that make you wonder if youve crossed city lines, get ready for a journey. Just for snacks, you say? But there is no just. Some of the happiest eating can take place off the table, in stolen moments. At its best, a snack is a tiny act of disruption, a protest against proper meals the illicit taste that may ruin your dinner. Mumbai Xpress specializes in chaat, a vast genre of Indian snacks fueled by salt and tang, typically cooked on hot plates at roadside carts and stalls, assembled with bare hands and presented on leaves or in tin bowls or bundled into bouquets of newspaper. MIAMI Dalia Carmeli, who drives a trolley in downtown Miami, voted for Donald J. Trump on Election Day. A week later, she stopped in to see the enrollment counselor who will help her sign up for another year of health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. I hope it still stays the same, said Ms. Carmeli, 64, who has Crohns disease and relies on her insurance to cover frequent doctors appointments and an array of medications. Mr. Trump and Republicans in Congress are vowing to repeal much or all of the health law, a target of their partys contempt since the day it passed with only Democratic votes in 2010. If they succeed, they will set in motion an extraordinary dismantling of a major social program in the United States. But for now, with open enrollment for 2017 underway, people are steadily signing up or renewing their coverage, and in conversations last week in South Florida, many refused to believe that a benefit they count on would actually be taken away. In a deposition after Mr. Volchkins family sued the city, Officer Moore said he had not been informed of the results of the shooting investigation. I dont believe I did anything wrong, he said, adding that his supervisors had told him they agreed. Over the past few decades, as the number of shots fired by officers in New York has sharply declined, the Police Department has earned a reputation for greater restraint. But the fatal shooting in the Bronx last month of Deborah Danner, a schizophrenic woman said to have swung a bat at a police sergeant, has renewed scrutiny of how officers handle the difficult task of dealing with people who are behaving erratically and dangerously. And a recent decision by the department to stop releasing basic information about disciplinary action against officers has shut off one of the few ways for the public to track officer misconduct and missteps. Jeffrey A. Rothman and Gabriel P. Harvis, lawyers representing Mr. Volchkins parents in a lawsuit against the city, said the failure to impose the recommended discipline or to inform Officer Moore of the findings were lapses that could allow him to repeat tactical missteps. That displays a shocking degree of indifference, Mr. Rothman said. Not making sure that officers are properly trained and not ensuring that officers know when they have made serious and indeed fatal errors leads to people dying. Stephen P. Davis, the Police Departments chief spokesman, said that missing the 18-month window had been inadvertent. A letter of reprimand had been placed into Officer Moores personnel file in lieu of command discipline, though such a letter cannot be the basis for docking vacation days. The notion of Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, seeking to remake his image through a Donald Trump-like reality show would be mildly amusing if his rule were not so obscenely brutal and corrupt. The Team, in which the losing contestants name is scrawled with a gold pen the equivalent of Youre fired doesnt even begin to approach reality. Bludgeoning would be more like it. The North Caucasus republic of Chechnya was wracked by two vicious wars with Russia and factional struggles in the decades after the breakup of the Soviet Union, and on succeeding his assassinated father as the regional leader, Mr. Kadyrov, backed by President Vladimir Putin of Russia, imposed a ruthless one-man rule based on a cult of personality and marked by pervasive corruption and appalling human rights abuses. Reports of killings, torture, rape and kidnappings by Mr. Kadyrovs paramilitary forces are numerous, and he has been personally implicated by human rights groups in several of them. Chechens who opposed his rule have been assassinated abroad, and Chechen hit men have been implicated in a number of killings outside Chechnya, including that of the Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov last year. At the same time, Mr. Kadyrov has accumulated enormous wealth, much of it apparently by helping himself to the hefty subsidies paid to Chechnya by Russia. Mr. Kadyrov is also obsessed with his image, regaling the more than two million people who follow him on Instagram with a torrent of images and posts. These have ranged from rifle cross hairs superimposed on a video of a politician to an appeal for information about his missing cat. That cat proved irresistible to the comedian John Oliver, who suggested that it was not a good idea to leave someone like Mr. Kadyrov feeling anxious. SONYA STEPHENS Acting President Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass. To the Editor: International students fear of pursuing higher education here after the election is troubling. Our countrys ability to attract talent from around the world is one of our greatest strengths. We can send an important signal to people here and abroad that we value everyones contributions by supporting a group of bright college students already here who also fear the new administration: Dreamers. These undocumented students have achieved success in school and their communities despite great barriers, but are threatened by President-elect Donald Trumps hard line on deportation. I implore national and state policy makers who dont see the importance of protecting these students to visit them. In partnership with TheDream.us, a nonprofit, 36 of them have enrolled at Delaware State University on privately funded scholarships, coming from states that forbid their attendance at colleges. Hearing them tell their stories (in Southern and Midwestern accents) tells you where their loyalties lie. State leaders should take a stand by forcefully backing this type of initiative. Ive joined D.S.U.s president in communicating to these students our states steadfast support in uncertain times. Mr. Trump could demonstrate a desire to govern responsibly by indicating acceptance of these students nationwide. JACK MARKELL Governor Dover, Del. To the Editor: Like other educators, Im troubled by the adverse affect that Donald Trump has had on my students. As a college professor whose international students spend a lot of money on an education in the United States, I have always felt the need to enlighten them about the strengths of our country, especially our inclusiveness and our compassion for the underdog. It was a mystical alchemy that revolutionized how we think about ourselves. Kahneman and Tversky are like a lot of the characters who appear in Michael Lewiss books, like Moneyball and The Big Short. They are intellectual renegades who are fervently, almost obsessively, determined to see reality clearly, no matter how ferocious the resistance from everybody else. While most economics models assumed people were basically rational, Kahneman and Tversky demonstrated that human decision-making is biased in systematic, predictable ways. Many of the biases they described have now become famous loss aversion, endowment effect, hindsight bias, the anchoring effect, and were described in Kahnemans brilliant book, Thinking, Fast and Slow. They are true giants who have revolutionized how we think about decision-making. Lewis makes academic life seem gripping, which believe it or not, is not easy to do. My big question is: How is the world they describe reflected in their own lives? Kahneman and Tversky write about the kind of decisions that you might call casino decisions in which people confront various probabilities and try to calculate which course will be best. But over the course of their lives Kahneman and Tversky dont seem to have actually made many big decisions. The major trajectories of their lives were determined by historical events, random coincidences, their own psychological needs and irresistible impulsions. In the course of the book theres only one big formal decision point when Tversky decides to move to the U.S. Their lives werent so much shaped by decisions as by rapture. They were held rapt by each others minds. They were fervently engaged by the puzzles before them. They succeeded not because they were master decision-makers but because of their capacity for zealous engagement. They followed their interests step by step. And this is my problem with the cognitive sciences and the advice world generally. Its built on the premise that we are chess masters who make decisions, for good or ill. But when it comes to the really major things we mostly follow our noses. What seems interesting, beautiful, curious and addicting? Have you ever known anybody to turn away from anything they found compulsively engaging? We dont decide about life; were captured by life. In the major spheres, decision-making, when it happens at all, is downstream from curiosity and engagement. If we really want to understand and shape behavior, maybe we should look less at decision-making and more at curiosity. Why are you interested in the things you are interested in? Why are some people zealously seized, manically attentive and compulsively engaged? Now that we know a bit more about decision-making, maybe the next frontier is desire. Maybe the next Kahneman and Tversky will help us understand what explains, fires and orders our loves. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25 By Orkhan Quluzade Trend: The United Nations as well as the UN Security Council should be reformed since their activities do not meet the up-to-date requirements, Yalcin Topcu, chief advisor to the Turkish president, told Trend. International organizations current activities lack justice, he said. In this regard, Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke on behalf of oppressed peoples with the statement, The world is bigger than five!, where he said that the five permanent UNSC members do not secure justice, Topcu added. Recep Tayyip Erdogan has previously said that the structure of the UN Security Council is far from justice. Erdogan believes the UN Security Councils permanent members should be elected for some defined term. He added that it is unjust that five permanent members of the UNSC determine the destiny of mankind. Donald Trump will take office as president facing a tsunami of litigation over his business practices and personal behavior. He may have settled the fraud suits involving Trump University, but at least 75 other lawsuits are underway against him or his companies, according to USA Today. Its investigation found more than 3,500 lawsuits over the past three decades, ranging from contract disputes to real estate battles to harassment and discrimination claims. In short, Mr. Trump could find himself in a near-constant stream of court fights while he tries to focus on running the country. Even in advance of any decisions, there is a degree of poetic justice here, since the scorched-earth approach has long been standard practice for Mr. Trump; as a businessman, he thrived on no-holds-barred legal conflict and hauled out the heavy artillery for even minor disputes. Less than three weeks before the election, he threatened to sue at least 11 women who had recently come forward with allegations that he sexually assaulted them. Now consider all the potential conflicts of interest if this litigiousness should come to, or from, the Oval Office. What happens if there is litigation involving a building he leases from the federal government? Or if the Internal Revenue Service an executive-branch agency recommends civil or criminal penalties based on an audit of Mr. Trumps taxes? The Trump University lawsuits two class actions filed in a San Diego federal court and a state fraud case brought by the New York attorney general, representing about 7,000 plaintiffs in all show that these conflicts would not be limited to the federal government. Court documents revealed a dishonest operation that was marketed as a way for regular people to make lots of money by following Mr. Trumps secrets to real estate investing. To the Editor: Re Doors Slam Shut for Afghan Refugees (editorial, Nov. 10): You rightly emphasize that the world community must revisit its approach toward lessening the plight of millions of Afghan refugees by making concerted efforts for their settlement. Pakistan is host to 1.4 million registered Afghan refugees, according to figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees earlier this year, making it the third-largest refugee-hosting country in the world. A million more unregistered refugees are estimated to be in the country. The repatriation of Afghan refugees, particularly those without legal documents, is part of a vigorous campaign Pakistan is carrying out to deal a final blow to terrorism in the country. Some Afghan refugees have become facilitators to those who came from across the border to undertake terrorist activity; many of them become involved in the drug business and in harboring armed militants. Tallahassee, Fla. Richard B. Spencer is one of the main figures of the alt-right movement, a former doctoral student from Duke whose movement supports the creation of an ethno-state for white Europeans and peaceful ethnic cleansing. The Southern Poverty Law Center describes him as a suit-and-tie version of the white supremacists of old, a kind of professional racist in khakis; a recent Los Angeles Times profile ran with a photo of him in sunglasses and a black shirt, looking more like a hipster academic than a Klansman. This sort of image makeover is a big part of the alt-rights game. They want to convince the media that they are a new form of white nationalism that weve never seen before: clean-cut, intellectual, far removed from the unpolished white supremacists of the past. But the alt-right is not as new as we might think. In fact, efforts to dress up white supremacy in ideas and middle-class respectability have been around since the first organized movements emerged in the late 19th century and once again, people are falling for it. Part of the problem is a lack of historical awareness. When white supremacist organizations crop up in tellings of American history, they appear and recede from the story quickly, a footnote about racism to be overlooked, not a central component of the American story. Hence, the alt-right appears novel only if we ignore the continuum of intellectual white supremacy from which it emerged: scientific racism in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the national Ku Klux Klan of the 1920s, and the Citizens Councils of the 1950s and 60s. While the first Klan emerged among Confederate Veterans in the post-Reconstruction South, by the end of the 19th century some white supremacists had begun to move into more respectable circles by using science and Darwinism to explain their views. These ideas had proponents across the country, from Southern Bourbons to Boston Brahmins concerned with influxes of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe. LONDON There are not many issues on which Europe, Russia and China all agree, but there is one: ensuring that President-elect Donald J. Trump does not undermine the Iran nuclear deal. There are legitimate grounds for concern that the incoming administration or Congress will sabotage the deal, which Mr. Trump has referred to as a disaster and vowed to dismantle. The president-elect has also surrounded himself with people like Rudolph W. Giuliani and John R. Bolton, both mentioned as potential secretary of state picks, who have said they want an immediate end to the deal and called for regime change in Iran. Mr. Trumps pick to lead the C.I.A., Mike Pompeo, recently wrote on Twitter, I look forward to rolling back this disastrous deal with the worlds largest state sponsor of terrorism. As Mr. Trump decides in what direction he will take his Iran policy, countries that have until now partnered with the United States on Iran must draw a line. They should firmly tell the president-elect that as long as Iran continues to meet its obligations under the deal, they will do so as well. They should also make clear that if either Congress or the American president unravels the deal, other world powers will go their own way with Iran. It is no surprise that most countries overwhelmingly support the nuclear deal and that President Obama pledged to veto Republican attempts to undo the monumental diplomatic achievement. Iran has dismantled and limited key aspects of its nuclear program in exchange for an easing of sanctions. Not only has it advanced the Wests nonproliferation agenda, it has also prevented the United States from resorting to military responses. Mr. Trump, who has claimed that global warming is a hoax, said this week in an interview with The New York Times that he now saw some connectivity between humans and climate change, and that he would keep an open mind about whether to pull out of the Paris climate accord, as he threatened to do during the campaign. Yet at the same time, some key positions on his transition team are occupied by people with a long history of rejecting the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change. Other than climate change, there are numerous environmental issues that he has never talked about and that he might be content to leave untouched. And once agency heads are in place, they may choose very different tactics from those discussed during Mr. Trumps campaign or by his advisers. Two people considered to be in the running to head the Environmental Protection Agency Jeffrey R. Holmstead, an energy lobbyist, and Robert E. Grady, a venture capitalist also have experience in the complex machinations of the federal government. Every new administration comes in with an overestimation of what it can accomplish and how quickly it can accomplish it, said Kevin Ewing, a partner at Bracewell, a Washington law firm. If Mr. Trump does decide to withdraw from the Paris agreement, he will find it difficult: The accord went into force this month. He would also encounter tremendous obstacles were he to try to dismantle the E.P.A., another campaign threat. But he may have an easier time abandoning other climate initiatives, including a United Nations-backed program to reduce the environmental impact of international air travel beginning in 2020. The United States has only informally committed to participate in the program, and the new administration could refuse to make that commitment legally binding. One of the most powerful methods to hobble Mr. Obamas domestic environmental initiatives would be to block financing for the E.P.A. and other agencies. A lawyer for Mr. Roof, David I. Bruck, did not respond to a request for comment on Friday. He has refused to discuss his concerns about Mr. Roofs competency outside the closed proceedings, which Judge Gergel said were necessary to protect the defendants right to a fair trial by an impartial jury. Judge Gergel said Friday that in addition to reviewing affidavits from three people, he heard testimony from five witnesses, including Dr. James C. Ballenger, a psychiatrist who examined Mr. Roof. The judge did not disclose any of the information he received, and much of the legal wrangling surrounding the matter of Mr. Roofs competency happened in sealed court filings. To declare Mr. Roof incompetent and delay his trial, Judge Gergel would have had to conclude that he was presently suffering from a mental disease or defect rending him mentally incompetent to the extent that he is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense. The judge used a preponderance of the evidence standard to reach his decision. There is overwhelming evidence that it was Mr. Roof who joined nine African-American parishioners in the churchs fellowship hall and, after an hour of study and prayer, removed a Glock handgun from a fanny pack and opened fire. Among those killed were the churchs pastor, Clementa C. Pinckney, who also served in South Carolinas State Senate; three other ministers; and stalwarts of the congregation who ranged in age from 26 to 87. Two women and a child survived, along with Mr. Pinckneys wife and younger daughter. Within hours of the shooting, the authorities found an online manifesto in which Mr. Roof outlined racist beliefs and seemed to claim responsibility for the killings, as well as photographs of him posing with various white supremacist symbols. He was arrested without incident the next day while driving in North Carolina with a gun that officials believe was the murder weapon in the back seat. We had no idea what this thing was, said Kristie Killam, a ranger at the National Key Deer Refuge, the 9,200-acre center run by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. There was a few here and there in July and August, but it was September, when the rut started, that we started scratching our heads and saying, This is a little bit out of the ordinary, she said, adding, It looks like a horribly infected wound, an infected wound that never got treated, infected with mushy maggots. Lab test results in late September confirmed the presence of the screwworm. Native to South America, it first appeared in the United States in the 1800s. Screwworms are larvae laid by flies in the open wounds of an animal, where the larvae feed on flesh. The fly is a little bigger than a common housefly, with orange eyes and a metallic dark blue or gray body with three dark stripes down its back. An animal quarantine was imposed by officials in Florida in early October, and an agricultural emergency was declared to avoid the spread of the parasite. An infestation in the southeastern United States from the 1930s to the 1950s caused $20 million a year in livestock losses and took 20 years to eradicate, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Since that infestation, the federal government has spent millions of dollars in the last century to keep the screwworm out of Mexico and Central America, lauding it as one of the greatest success stories in the history of agriculture in the Americas only to see it reappear in South Florida. Some critics said the authorities should have reacted faster to the threat. They said the delay could cause the infestation to spread, imperiling the one million head of cattle in Florida. Im being attacked by liars and thieves in a witch hunt of the lowest caliber, Mr. Neschling said in an interview, arguing that he is the victim of a smear campaign by self-acknowledged lawbreakers who are seeking leniency through plea deals. It makes me sad that I have to undergo this humiliating situation at my age, after having done so much for this country. Elsewhere in Brazil, prominent figures across the ideological spectrum are also lashing out at the plea agreements used to advance corruption inquiries, notably the colossal graft investigation around Petrobras, the national oil company. The scandal has resulted in the jailing of more than 40 construction moguls, oilmen and politicians. Beyond the Petrobras case, the country is witnessing a staggering array of other scandals, leaving many aghast as to how graft permeates Brazilian society. Just in Sao Paulo, reports of a kickback scheme by cardiologists are rattling the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, one of the countrys most respected medical institutions. Another scandal involves claims of bribes for politicians who had a hand in awarding huge contracts to supply meals in Sao Paulos public schools. In yet another jaw-dropping case, investigators charged the Rev. Osvaldo Palopito, a Roman Catholic priest and chaplain of Sao Paulos police force, of embezzling millions in tithes from his own congregants. By taking his fight to the court of public opinion, Mr. Neschling, who has not been charged with any crimes, is questioning whether Brazils anticorruption crusades are entangling innocent people along with the truly guilty. RIO DE JANEIRO A new corruption scandal was engulfing the fledgling government of Brazils president, Michel Temer, on Friday after a former minister in his cabinet accused him of exerting pressure to assist a top political ally in a property deal. As Brazils political class reels from a period of extraordinary turmoil, the latest scandal is shaping into the most acute crisis facing Mr. Temer, 75, since he rose to power six months ago after the impeachment of his predecessor, Dilma Rousseff. The former minister, Marcelo Calero, who was in charge of culture, told federal investigators that Mr. Temer had pressured him to overrule a heritage preservation measure halting the construction of a luxury tower in the northeastern city of Salvador. The ally of Mr. Temer, Geddel Vieira Lima, who held the title of government secretary, had invested in an apartment in the development. Mr. Vieira Lima submitted his resignation on Friday morning, apologizing and explaining in a letter to Mr. Temer that he was leaving the government for the good of the nation. Leading opposition figures in the capital, Brasilia, said on Thursday night that they would seek the impeachment of Mr. Temer over the claims. Mr. Temers office acknowledged in a statement that he had discussed the matter on two occasions with Mr. Calero, but insisted that the president had merely sought technical solutions to the problem. BEIJING As a presidential candidate, Donald J. Trump talked about China almost solely in the context of trade, such as when he promised to slap punishing tariffs on cheap Chinese imports that he argued had ruined the lives of working-class Americans. But as he begins to feel the weight of office on his shoulders, there are signs that his focus in the Asia region may have shifted toward security specifically, the problem of North Korea and its expanding nuclear arsenal, which experts say already threatens Americas regional allies, Japan and South Korea. During his visit to The New York Times this week, Mr. Trump referred obliquely to a big problem for the country that President Obama had mentioned during their 90-minute meeting at the White House after the election. Well-placed American officials believe that reference was to North Korea. Any solution to that problem must involve China, North Koreas patron, American and Chinese officials agree. Mr. Trump acknowledged as much during the campaign, saying on one occasion that China should do more to bear down on the North. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25 By Atilla Caner Trend: The referendum on amending Turkeys constitution may be held in March 2017, the countrys Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told reporters in Ankara. He said that the referendum will be held in case if the issue of amending Turkeys constitution is not resolved in the Turkish parliament. Yildirim noted that there will be no early parliamentary election, adding that the parliamentary, presidential and municipal election in Turkey will be held in 2019. Earlier, Yildirim said the AKP is preparing a final text of proposals to amend the country's constitution. Turkish president may approve the draft amendments to the constitution if the draft gets 367 votes in the parliament, or he can submit the draft to a referendum. If the draft amendments get 330-367 votes, the president can either send the draft for revision, or again submit it to a national referendum. Deputy Chairman of the AKP Hayati Yazici said earlier that a referendum on amending Turkeys constitution may be held in April 2017. The AKP currently holds 316 of the 550 seats in the Turkish Parliament. At the same time, Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), represented in the parliament by 40 MPs, also spoke in favor of holding a referendum to amend the constitution. The two other parties represented in the parliament, the Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (HDP), are against the amendments. HONG KONG The last British colonial governor of Hong Kong criticized two politicians advocating independence for the Chinese territory on Friday, offering a high-profile rebuke to a nascent separatist movement struggling to secure formal representation in the local legislature. Independence for Hong Kong is not going to happen, and the campaign for it is something which dilutes support for democracy, said the former governor, Christopher F. Patten, who pushed for greater democracy in Hong Kong in the years before it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. He delivered his remarks in a speech on Friday before the Foreign Correspondents Club. Without naming them, he criticized Yau Wai-ching, 25, and Sixtus Leung, 30, who were barred from taking their seats as the citys first openly separatist legislators after they declared allegiance to a Hong Kong nation and inserted anti-China snubs into their oaths of office. I had great admiration and still have great admiration for those who campaign for democracy, but not those whose campaign dilutes support for democracy and makes a mockery of a serious political argument, Mr. Patten said, drawing a distinction between campaigns for Hong Kongs independence from China and those calling for freer elections, including the largely peaceful protests of 2014, which shut down parts of Hong Kong for months. Australia pays Nauru and Papua New Guinea, both impoverished nations, to house the detainees. But Papua New Guinea recently said it would close the camp there, which its Supreme Court found to be in violation of its Constitution. International rights groups, the United Nations and domestic critics have excoriated Australian officials for years over the bleak conditions in which the asylum seekers live. Image Volker Turk, an assistant high commissioner with the United Nations refugee agency. Credit... Christophe Archambault/Agence France-Presse Getty Images Neither Australia nor the United States are giving details about the resettlement deal, including how many people it would involve and how soon it would happen. Screening and security checks by the United States authorities, involving multiple intelligence agencies, can usually take 18 to 24 months, making it difficult to imagine that any of the refugees will arrive in the United States before Donald J. Trump is sworn in as president in January. A spokeswoman for the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection said in a written response to questions that the agency was not providing any more details about the arrangements. A spokeswoman at the American State Department declined to say how many refugees would be resettled in the United States, except that it would be done in consultation with the United Nations. The Obama administration has said the United States will take in 110,000 refugees from around the world in the current fiscal year, which began in October, and the State Department has said that the deal with Australia would not increase that number. As two of the worlds largest refugee resettlement countries, the United States and Australia share a commitment to finding long-term solutions for the worlds most vulnerable refugees, the State Department spokeswoman said in an emailed response to questions. Making the deal even more unusual, Australia has agreed to take in an unspecified number of Central American refugees who fled gang violence in their homelands. The United Nations says there are an estimated 2,400 such people from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras who have been screened and recognized as refugees. The United States has long been reluctant to let them apply for asylum on its territory and only recently agreed to let the United Nations vet them at a processing center in Costa Rica. In Tbilisi, the two-room rented apartment Mr. Latsabidze shares with his younger brother is an unlikely offshore outpost of Americas fake news industry. The two brothers, both computer experts, get help from a third young Georgian, an architect. They say they have no keen interest in politics themselves and initially placed bets across the American political spectrum and experimented with show business news, too. They set up a pro-Clinton website, walkwithher.com, a Facebook page cheering Bernie Sanders and a web digest of straightforward political news plagiarized from The New York Times and other mainstream news media. But those sites, among the more than a dozen registered by Mr. Latsabidze, were busts. Then he shifted all his energy to Mr. Trump. His flagship pro-Trump website, departed.co, gained remarkable traction in a crowded field in the prelude to the Nov. 8 election thanks to steady menu of relentlessly pro-Trump and anti-Clinton stories. (On Wednesday, a few hours after The New York Times met with Mr. Latsabidze to ask him about his activities, the site vanished along with his Facebook page.) My audience likes Trump, he said. I dont want to write bad things about Trump. If I write fake stories about Trump, I lose my audience. Some of his Trump stories are true, some are highly slanted and others are totally false, like one this summer reporting that the Mexican government announced they will close their borders to Americans in the event that Donald Trump is elected President of the United States. Data compiled by Buzzfeed showed that the story was the third most-trafficked fake story on Facebook from May to July. So successful was the formula that others in Georgia and other faraway lands joined in, too, including Nika Kurdadze, a college acquaintance of Mr. Latsabidzes who set up his own pro-Trump site, newsbreakshere.com. Its recent offerings included a fake report headlined: Stop it LiberalsHillary Lost the Popular Vote by Several Million. Heres Why. That story, like most of Mr. Latsabidzes work, was pilfered from the web. Mr. Latsabidze initially ran into no problems from all his cutting and pasting of other peoples stories, and he even got ripped off himself when a rival in India hijacked a pro-Trump Facebook page he had set up to drive traffic to his websites. (He said that the Indian rival had offered $10,000 to buy the page, but that he had reneged on payment after being provided with access rights and commandeered it for himself.) CHASSIEU, France A patriotic sea of supporters, waving red, white and blue flags, greeted the newly ascendant presidential hopeful Francois Fillon this week at a soulless conference center in this suburb of Lyon. Mr. Fillon described radical Islam as a totalitarianism like the Nazis to the cheers of an enthusiastic crowd, adding that France would need Russias help to fight it. Catholics, Protestants and Jews dont denounce the values of the Republic, he thundered unlike the faithful of a certain other religion. Weve got to reduce immigration to its strict minimum, he said. Our country is not a sum of communities, it is an identity! In a year when nativist politics have become the ticket to electoral victory, Mr. Fillon, 62, a dark-suited, stern-faced former prime minister has managed to successfully ride the same nationalist and xenophobic currents as that have pushed politicians in Britain and the United States to victory. LONDON He found his young victims on gay dating sites, then drugged, raped and killed them before disposing of their bodies within a third of a mile of his East London apartment. The man, Stephen Port, who murdered at least four young men over 15 months and raped many more, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court in London on Friday to life in prison, in a case that has appalled the country with its grisly details and raised serious questions about the quality of policing. All of Mr. Ports victims were gay and in their 20s. They all died from overdoses of the date-rape drug GHB, also known as G or liquid ecstasy. Mr. Port, who came out as gay when he was 26, trawled social media sites like Grindr and Fitlads to find his victims. He lured them to his one-bedroom apartment, where he either spiked their drinks with the drug or injected them with it. ISTANBUL President Recep Tayyip Erdogan angrily threatened on Friday to open the floodgates of migrants into Europe again, apparently in response to a move to suspend talks on Turkeys membership in the European Union. You did not keep your word, the president said in a speech here, addressing Europe. You cried out when 50,000 refugees were at the Kapikule border, he said, referring to the border crossing with Bulgaria, one of the busiest in the world even in normal times. You started asking what you would do if Turkey would open the gates. Look at me if you go further, those border gates will be open. You should know that. Mr. Erdogan was referring to an agreement between Turkey and the European Union in which the bloc gives Turkey up to 6 billion (about $6.3 billion) through 2018 in exchange for Turkish cooperation on keeping migrants from crossing into Europe. The agreement mandated an acceleration of talks on Turkeys joining the union, which the European Parliament voted on Thursday to suspend. While the vote was nonbinding, Mr. Erdogan made clear that he was angered by it. The agreement has been broadly successful in reducing much of the refugee and migrant flow into Europe this year, with crossings from Turkey dropping below 100 a day recently, compared with 2,000 a day before the agreement, which was signed last March. JERUSALEM Twenty-two people have been arrested on suspicion of arson or incitement to arson, security officials said on Friday, as Israel continued to battle its worst wildfires in years. The fires, which began on Tuesday, have erupted throughout the country, blazing through parched forests, incinerating scores of homes and forcing tens of thousands of people to flee. Two prisons were also evacuated. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that a considerable number of the fires were set and described them as terror, a term usually given to militant attacks by Palestinians. There is a price to crime, and there is a price for terror and incitement, and we will exact it, Mr. Netanyahu said while on a tour of the Hatzor military base, according to local news reports. The instructions are to prosecute anyone committing these acts so that all can see that anyone who tries to burn down the state of Israel will face the fullest punishment. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25 Trend: Russias President Vladimir Putin and Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a telephone conversation at the initiative of the Turkish side, said a message posted on the Kremlins website Nov. 25. According to the message, during the conversation, Putin and Erdogan discussed the Russian-Turkish political and trade-economic cooperation, including the upcoming bilateral contacts at various levels. Putin and Erdogan exchanged views on the settlement of the Syrian crisis, the Kremlin said. The presidents agreed to continue an active dialogue through the two countries foreign ministries, defense ministries, aimed at coordinating the efforts in the fight against international terrorism. Wildfires tore across central and northern Israel on Thursday, forcing tens of thousands of residents to flee the city of Haifa, as leaders blamed arsonists for some of the blazes and branded them terrorists, Reuters reported. Television pictures showed a wall of flames raging through central neighborhoods of Israel's third largest city. Firefighters dowsed a petrol station with water as the blaze edged closer. The fires have been burning in multiple locations for the past three days but intensified on Thursday, fueled by unseasonably dry weather and strong easterly winds. "Every fire that was caused by arson, or incitement to arson, is terrorism by all accounts. And we will treat it as such," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters gathered in Haifa. "Whoever tries to burn parts of Israel will be punished for it severely." Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan referred to "arson terrorism" and said there had been a small number of arrests, providing no other details. With fires burning in the forests west of Jerusalem, around Haifa, on central and northern hilltops and in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the government sought assistance from neighboring countries to tackle the conflagration. Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Turkey and Russia offered help, with several aircraft already joining efforts to quell the blaze, dropping fire-retardant material to try to douse the heaviest fires and stem their spread. Netanyahu said he had asked for a "Super Tanker" fire fighting aircraft to be sent from the United States. The Palestinian Authority had offered assistance as well, he said. A thick haze of smoke hung over Haifa, which rises up from the Mediterranean Sea overlooking a large port. Schools and universities were evacuated, and two nearby prisons transferred inmates to other jails, a prisons service spokesman said. Patients were moved out of a geriatric hospital. On the first day Grits Fullerton launched a Sunday fried chicken supper, 350 people showed up. It was crazy. We fried so much, the deep fryer caught on fire, former chef Cody Storts said of the first-night excitement last year. Turns out, the gourmet comfort food restaurant was onto something big. A nationwide frenzy for fried chicken is outpacing Americans fast-food favorite: the burger. Fried chicken is booming, industry analyst Darren Tristano said. Crispy chicken is popping up everywhere from restaurants like Bruxie and Grits to fast-food chains such as Wendys, Shake Shack and The Habit Burger Grill. In the fall, Jack in the Box even added a fried chicken egg sandwich to its new brunchfast menu. Leading the charge is Raising Canes Chicken Fingers, which debuted in Southern California last October to throngs of fans. Today, the chains four Orange County locations and a store in Downey are among the top performers for the 305-unit chain. The Costa Mesa restaurant, nicknamed How the West was 1, is frequently the Louisiana companys highest grossing store. Its unbelievable, Chief Executive Todd Graves said during a interview at the Orange location. Buoyed by consumers seemingly insatiable appetite for fried chicken, the 20-year-old chain plans to double in size to 600 restaurants by 2020. Southern California is a key area of growth with 50 more restaurants planned for the greater Los Angeles area, including nearly 20 slated for Orange County. The next two restaurants are coming to Fullerton and Long Beach. We think California will be 500 restaurants some day, Graves said. CHICKEN BOOM: THE PLAYERS Graves is striking while the iron (or fryer) is hot. In 2015, fast-food chicken chains saw sales rise 8 percent, according to market research firm Technomic. By contrast, Americas top burger chains, saw sales grow by 3.3 percent. Why so much chicken? Well, its cheap and Americans love eating it. At 85 cents per pound, wholesale broiler prices historically cheaper than beef are the lowest theyve been since 2011, according to the National Chicken Council. And, this year Americans are on a binge eating their way to a record 92 pounds of chicken per person, according to estimates by the Department of Agriculture. Restaurants are taking advantage of the profit-friendly comfort food. Theres wide open opportunity to grow it. Youll see a ton of new concepts entering space, said Tristano, president of Chicago-based Technomic, a leading authority on restaurant trends. While Raising Canes, Popeyes, KFC and Chick-fil-A have menus dedicated to fried chicken, other fast-food brands are making room for the Southern specialty. Costa Mesa-based El Pollo Loco, a chain with a reputation for healthier grilled chicken, added fried chicken tenders as a temporary menu item this summer. The tenders, no longer available as of last week , came with coleslaw, fries and a dipping sauce duplicating Raising Canes menu staple. Also temporary a golden crispy chicken sandwich from Irvine-based The Habit Burger Grill. Introduced in October at more than 160 restaurants, the sandwich was meant to be a limited time special, but after strong sales the chain extended the sandwichs availability through December. At Anaheim-based Bruxie, fried chicken is not a temporary teaser. The waffle sandwich shop founded in Orange six years ago recently overhauled its menu to focus on fried chicken platters and sandwiches. Its a major about-face for a company credited with launching a savory waffle frenzy. But brand leaders say theyre following the money by making fried chicken the new star of its menu. Its always been the No. 1-selling sandwich by a long shot, co-founder Kelly Mullarney said of the chains original chicken and waffle sandwich. Burger and taco concepts are going after chicken, as well. Earlier this year, Wendys introduced a Crispy Chicken BLT to its year-old 4 for $4 value meal, while McDonalds unveiled an improved buttermilk crispy chicken sandwich at its restaurants. Next year Irvine-based Taco Bell will introduce the Naked Chicken Chalupa, a taco with a shell made out of spicy fried chicken. Even hipster chains like Danny Meyers Shake Shack cant escape chicken. The New York-based burger stand added a crispy fried chicken sandwich to its U.S.-based menus earlier this year, including locations in West Hollywood and Las Vegas. In an odd breakfast twist, San Diego-based Jack in the Box introduced a fried chicken egg sandwich to its new brunchfast menu. The Egg McMuffin-looking chicken sandwich layered with a fried egg, bacon and cheese was a crowd pleaser during early tests in the Inland Empire. The chicken sandwich sings. I think it will be a big hit, Iwona Alter, vice president of product marketing and innovation, told the Register in September. One international brand is taking a crack at the chicken market. Bonchon Chicken, a South Korean-born chain with a fanatical following for its thinly battered, twice-fried chicken, is coming to Orange County later this year. Like In-N-Out Burger, Bonchons menu is known for its flavors and simplicity. The twice-fried chicken is served in the form of wings, drumsticks or strips. It comes in two flavors: soy garlic or spicy. Its amazingly delicious, franchisee Ben Xiang said. The way we fry it gives it a super extra crunch. Xiang said the Costa Mesa restaurant, at 1534 Adams Ave., should open in December. He is scouting other locations in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Irvine and Tustin. CANES CALIFORNIA SEED MONEY Graves at Raising Canes is unruffled by the onslaught of potential rivals. The reason why we win is because of our One Love Graves said, referencing the chains motto. We do one thing and we do it better than anyone else. But Raising Canes almost didnt happen. While attending Louisiana State University in 1995, Graves earned the lowest grade in class for a restaurant business plan solely fixated on selling fried chicken tenders. The Louisiana native believed in the flavor potential of boneless tenderloin meat. Its the filet mignon of the chicken, he said. But he was told the unhealthy niche food concept would never fly. Luckily for thousands of Caniacs, Graves didnt listen. He moved to California to work in oil refineries in Torrance and El Segundo where he earned seed money for Raising Canes, named after the family Labrador retriever. He opened the first restaurant in August 1996 near an entrance to LSU. In between grilling the chains famous Texas toast in the kitchen and greeting teens and families at the Orange restaurant, Graves admits he made one miscalculation about Canes. He originally thought its was a college concept a hearty inexpensive meal for starving students. After opening store No. 3, he realized Canes could cast its net much wider. Mom and dad were picking up food after work for the kids, and then (for) T-ball on Saturday and church groups on Sunday. Then, I knew I had something. Contact the writer: nluna@scng.com Israeli police arrested 13 people on Friday on suspicion of arson, authorities said, after massive wildfires tore through central and northern Israel, a conflagration that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu branded as "terrorism", Reuters reported. Firefighters kept battling the flames in wooded hills around Jerusalem and in northern areas on Friday, with support from Palestinian firemen and emergency teams from Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, Russia and Turkey. Netanyahu said he had also accepted offers of help from Egypt and Jordan. Unseasonably dry weather and easterly winds helped kindle the fires, which erupted on Tuesday and now stretch across half the country. Arson appeared to be behind some of the blazes, Netanyahu said. "A price will be paid for this arson-terrorism," he told reporters on Friday. He said the arson was carried out by "elements with great hostility toward Israel." "We cannot tell yet if this is organized, but we can see a number of cells operating," Netanyahu said. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said a dozen people had been detained either while attempting to set fires or fleeing the area, but he provided no further details. Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan told reporters 13 people were arrested. Erdan said those arrested were "minorities", an allusion to either Arab Israeli citizens or Palestinians. "The highest likelihood is that the motive is nationalistic," Erdan told Army Radio. Police, however, stopped short of declaring any motive. The fires are the biggest in the country since 2010, when 44 people were killed in a killed in a massive blaze in the north. Investigators concluded that fire was caused by negligence. OAKLAND Like most little boys, Corey Lever liked trucks, and his favorite was always the garbage truck. He loved to watch it roar down his Oakland street, grabbing the cans and dumping the trash into its rear compartment. After graduating from high school, he bounced between jobs, working for various large companies and attending community college, but nothing was a good fit for the energetic, outdoors-loving guy. He tried to become a garbage collector on his own but didnt get hired. Then he heard about a new partnership between Waste Management of Alameda County Inc., Oakland Civicorps and unions that gives young adults often high school dropouts from low-income communities a chance to become teamster drivers after two years of training. Its the only city garbage franchise agreement in the country to include a nonprofit job training program, said Civicorps Executive Director Alan Lessik. The job-training program comes at a good time for an industry struggling to find drivers. The American Trucking Association says a shortage of qualified applicants with a commercial drivers license has more than doubled since 2011. Its latest annual report says the nation was short roughly 48,000 drivers last year, with projections of a higher shortage in years to come. The shortfall has become more apparent as the economy picks up, said Barry Skolnick, Waste Managements area vice president for Northern California and Nevada. If commercial construction picks up, there are more houses, and (when) routes get bigger, we need to hire more drivers, he said. Its really being driven by the economy. Its a great job with great benefits. Apprentices work full time collecting organics from commercial businesses in Oakland. Last year, Civicorps created six apprenticeships in partnership with Waste Management that can lead to lucrative jobs with the teamsters and unions as well as nonunion administrative jobs. Truck driver apprentices earn $20 an hour, and after two years they are eligible for union jobs earning $70,000 annually while working toward a pension, Lessik said. This job is environmentally friendly, and Im doing something that kids look up to, said Lever, now 25 and finished with his first year of training. One of Donald Trumps most important, dramatic and concrete promises is to build a partnership with Russia. Under president Obama, relations with Moscow plummeted to depths lower than those that brought on his administrations attempt at a so-called reset. Now, Trump hopes to capitalize on the increasingly vocal sentiments of Americans on the unorthodox right and left who worried that Hillary Clinton and other globalists wanted continued conflict or outright war with the former superpower. As well-intentioned as the push for a better relationship may be, however, it ignores one huge obstacle: the fate of Europe. Russian and American interests in Europe do not align. Although both powers do share the general goal of preventing Islamic terror networks from spiraling out of control, Russias tacit support for some acts of terrorism, through its close relationship with state sponsors of militant jihad, is well known. The truth is that Putins regime wants instability in Europe, by hook or by crook, so as to replace U.S. dominance on the continent. And the reality is that Putin is well on his way to getting it. NATO allies like Turkey, Bulgaria and Hungary have joined in a clear pendulum swing away from Western liberalism. At the same time, reactionary parties on the ascent aim to shake off the political bonds economically forged by the international institutions that give the U.S. its influential stake in European affairs. Few in Europe wish to become satellites of Moscow. But few realize that, absent a robust American role in Europe, there is no European force powerful enough to keep its patchwork of small states from slipping into Russias shadow. Making matters even more unfavorable to the U.S., longstanding pro-Russian sentiments that long predate the modern far-right have returned to the fore. Francois Fillon, the nominee of Frances mainstream center-right party, has campaigned on a promise to use an allegiance with Russia to beat back what he sees as the two main threats to his country Islamic jihad and American imperialism. Its an approach reminiscent of centuries past, when French leaders looked to Russia to balance against British or German pressure. Were the U.S. capable of defending a persuasive liberal agenda abroad, friendlier European relations toward Russia wouldnt necessarily be cause for such profound alarm. But today, Americas leadership like public opinion is divided and unsure about just how much support free trade and international agreements deserve. Without clarity and confidence on these and related matters, even a little resurgence in traditionally pro-Russian sentiment in Europe could trigger a stampede away from the kind of American influence that has helped build and maintain security and order on the continent for generations. Is that a price Americas pro-Russian right and left are willing to bear? Even if they are unwilling to think through their answer to that question, the American people at large need to take the opportunity to do so before its too late. Whatever Trumps actual preference around Russian relations may be, he is well advised to take that into account. Nothing can ruin a presidential legacy like losing Europe. A Denver man has been sentenced to three years in state prison after pleading guilty in October to pandering a teenage girl in Orange County. Jovon Andrew Williams, 21, was sentenced Nov. 18, the Orange County District Attorneys Office said in a statement. Prosecutors said Williams and two other men brought a 17-year-old from Colorado to Orange County to commit prostitution. One of the men, Jahsee Elan Brewster, 33, Denver, rented motels rooms in his name and drove Williams, Clifton Haralson, 34, of Long Beach, and the girl in out of the county so she could meet with clients between March 17 and March 30, prosecutors said. On March 30, law enforcement officials set up a meeting with the girl in an undisclosed motel in Anaheim. They found the three men in a nearby vehicle with a loaded and unregistered firearm in the glovebox and arrested them at the scene. Williams entered his felony guilty plea on Oct. 13. Brewster and Haralson were each found guilty by a jury Nov. 16 of one felony count each of human trafficking of a minor, pimping a minor, pandering by procuring and carrying a loaded firearm in public. They face up to 12 years and eight months in prison when they are sentenced Dec. 16. Contact the writer: 714-796-2478 or lcasiano@scng.com Orange County has joined Newport Beach and Laguna Beach in a lawsuit seeking to block air traffic plans for John Wayne Airport, officials confirmed Wednesday. The Orange County Board of Supervisors moved to file the lawsuit Nov. 10, following the lead of Newport Beach, which was the first to sue the Federal Aviation Administration. The lawsuits challenge an environmental impact review for the federal governments Southern California Metroplex project, which aims to upgrade air traffic control procedures. County officials are skeptical of the FAAs assertion that a change in flight patterns wont have a notable effect on the environment. Our residents are the ones who live every day with aircraft operating overhead, Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel said. The Metroplex project must be clearly defined and the resulting impacts clearly described. Our residents deserve to know whether and how the FAAs proposed changes may impact them now and into the future. The FAA does not comment on pending litigation, a spokesman said. The reason why you have been unfriended is because the failings of social media presents no common ground for a real dialogue. A dialogue happens when two people exchange opposing ideas with the shared understanding that mutual respect, logic, reason and compassion is a fundamental part of the exchange. A dialogue is when people listen to each other with the awareness that someone elses ideas may be the result of different realities and possibly with good intentions. A dialogue is when we interact with people and not with a laptop. Words on a page breathe life to the ideas in our heads but denies the important social aspect of the conversation. We have taken the social part out of social media. This is the era of anti-social media. We have made shouting infinitely more convenient than listening. In a time where we can self-select who we talk to and attain validation from thousands of anonymous people to make us feel more secure and entrenched in our position, it is no wonder that we have forgotten how to tolerate differences. During the election, millions of people shouted each other down and resorted to name calling because people dared to disagree. People were labeled as racist, elitists, sexists, apologists and a dozen other -ists before any dialogue could be established. The shock of the election result is what happens when we cant have conversations any more. People didnt feel safe to share their concerns and their thoughts so they went to the polls and when no one was watching, they expressed their opinion. The reality is that a great number of people feel disenfranchised, left behind and left out of the economy. Eight million unemployed Americans are currently looking for ways to feed their families. We are terrorized by unpredictable attacks and mass casualty tragedies that take the lives of those who are simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. For decades, we have expressed frustration over the fact that despite our obvious advantages, our public schools fail to compete adequately on the worlds stage. Growing concerns have reached a crisis point by families who struggle to afford the rising cost of college tuition. We have grown tired of waiting for the average American family incomes growth of only 0.4 percent per year to catch up to the 3.5 percent to 4.5 percent annual rise in the cost of public college tuition. People are frustrated for not being heard and angry at the presumption that they are counter-culture. Is it possible that people could have compassion for undocumented immigrant families and still be serious about the concerns resulting from the fiscal burden that yield from 11.4 million undocumented immigrants? Can we grieve for the young black men that die in the hands of law enforcement and still believe that our police departments are predominantly good? Things are not the way they should be. We are angry because we know that America can be better than being deaf to each other. What holds us back is that we choose convenience over what is right. With the internet and social media, it is easier than ever before to succumb to the Id part of our psyche the instinctual component that urges for immediate gratification of all needs, wants and desires even if it means choosing what is easy rather what is the right. Sigmund Freud notes that the super ego reflects the internalization of culture rules, mainly taught by parents and authority figures applying their guidance and influence. It is the part of the psyche that criticizes and prohibits Ids self-centered urges to override what is socially expected of us. But what happens when the cultural rules and the social expectations begin to resemble the Id? Perhaps the tension we are experiencing is more than a political backlash of the election. People innately understand the critical importance of the super ego the cultural rules, social norms and expectations. It serves as the moral compass to this societys collective psyche. Perhaps people are resisting against the Ids triumph over super ego. By increasing the hours spent on human interaction rather than on the internet, by genuinely listening to people who disagree with us and by addressing conflicts with compassion and through dialogue, we can begin to heal. Psychologists argue that when a business communicates its core values in a written form, it becomes more than a simple poster, it begins to influence its culture. Families can discuss and identify the core values that are most important to them and write them down. Parents can consciously plant the values in their children to guide their priorities, shape their relationships and manage the way they handle disappointments and conflicts. Lifes tragedies are a lot easier to handle when your life is rooted in defined values and you are committed to living by them. We can reestablish our collective super ego and it begins with a dialogue. Dr. Christine Choe is a police psychologist based in Southern California and a former department psychologist for the Long Beach Police Department. Contact her on Twitter @drcchoe The Colombian government and the countrys main rebel group signed a new peace deal Thursday, hoping to salvage the accords and skip the ballot box after voters rejected them in a referendum in October. If the ceremony had a sense of familiarity, it was because it had all been done before. In late September, the rebels Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC and the government pledged a new start at a signing ceremony before world leaders in the port town of Cartagena after a half-century of war. But on Oct. 2, only days after the signing, Colombians took to the polls for a referendum on the peace deal and knocked it down by a slim margin. In another twist, President Juan Manuel Santos was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize later that week, with the judges urging him to not let the agreement slip out of reach. Hence, the need for a do-over. On signing this agreement, as president of all Colombians, I want to invite all, with an open mind and open heart, to give peace a chance, Santos said at the ceremony, held in a theater in Bogota, the capital. Rodrigo Londono, the top commander of the rebels, also spoke at the signing and asked Colombians to forgive the group for crimes during the conflict. He urged the government to enact the peace agreement swiftly. This time, however, Santos will not be calling on voters to weigh in. Instead of facing another referendum, the accords will head to the countrys Congress, where Santos governing coalition holds a majority, making approval far more likely. Santos rivals accused him of rushing through the new agreement without letting them revise it. Alvaro Uribe, the former president who led the campaign against the deal, said the modified accords did not do enough to punish the rebels, particularly for drug trafficking crimes. Since the rebuke by voters, Santos government has shuttled between the conservative political leaders who campaigned against the deal and the Marxist rebels who have spent years negotiating with the government from Havana and were waiting to start new lives as civilians. The revised agreement, Santos has argued, addresses both of their concerns. The new deal sets clearer protections for countryside landowners, as the government establishes a greater presence in rural areas and gives judges more latitude in cases involving rebel drug trafficking, changes that conservatives had pushed for. It also bans the rebels from running in certain newly created congressional districts in post-conflict zones. But the accords stopped short of the demands of some no voters, many of whom wanted the government to ban those involved in war crimes from any political participation. And the new deal did not open the door to tough prison sentences for rebels, which the government said would be a nonstarter for the rebels. A fire at an Anaheim apartment community displaced 20 residents, destroyed two vehicles and burned several garages Thursday night, authorities said. Anaheim Fire & Rescue personnel were called shorty before 8:20 p.m. to a blaze at 1521 E. Canfield Lane, said police Sgt. Daron Wyatt. The fire burned five garages, but it was not immediately clear Thursday night where it started. Twenty residents were displaced due to smoke damage and were being assisted by the American Red Cross of Orange County. Investigators estimate the fire caused around $75,000 in damage to the building and the contents inside. No one was reported injured. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Contact the writer: 714-796-2478 or lcasiano@scng.com Homebuying in Costa Mesa in the third quarter rose as 269 residences sold vs. 267 a year ago, according to CoreLogic. Thats a sales gain of 0.7 percent. Here are nine trends in and around Costa Mesa from the report: 1. Costa Mesa ZIP code 92626 107 homes sold in the period vs. 132 a year ago. Thats a sales loss of 18.9 percent. Median selling price of $705,000 vs. $699,500 a year ago, a gain of 0.8 percent. 2. Costa Mesa ZIP 92627 162 homes sold vs. 135 a year ago. Thats a sales gain of 20 percent. Median of $755,000 vs. $747,750 a year ago, a gain of 1.0 percent. And heres some countywide trends of note for the July-to-September period: 3. Orange County median price for the quarter was $643,000 up 4.9 percent or $30,000 in a year! 4. Countywide sales were 10,077 up 0.2 percent in a year! 5. Local single-family home sales totaled 6,111 down 3.9 percent from a year ago. Median selling price was $705,000 up 3.7 percent from a year ago. 6. Resales of O.C. condos were 2,920 down 0.7 percent from a year ago. Median selling price was $450,000 up 5.4 percent from a year ago. 7. Builder sales in the county were 1,046 up 38 percent from a year ago. Median selling price was $820,000 down 0.6 percent from a year ago. 8. In Orange Countys 27 least expensive ZIPs median sales price at $568,750 and below 2,754 homes sold. Thats down 5.6 percent compared to a year ago. 9. In the 27 priciest ZIPs median sales price beginning at $705,000 3,147 homes sold. Thats up 8.9 percent compared to a year ago. Did you miss Did one of these bring you here? 9 reasons folks move to California Census: 1 in 5 of new arrivals to Southern California came from foreign lands Want affordable housing? Move to Trumpland! SANTA ANA Orange Countys 11th licensed medical marijuana dispensary, Bud and Bloom, opened at an interesting time. Less than two weeks before the Santa Ana shop welcomed its first patient, Californians voted to legalize marijuana for all adults. Though the new rules of Proposition 64 wont let dispensaries sell to recreational customers for another year, the states vote to legalize marijuana has already boosted business at medical shops and sparked greater interest in an industry thats long struggled for legitimacy. But there might be a catch. Days before Bud and Bloom opened its doors, President-Elect Donald Trump chose Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions as his top pick for Attorney General. Sessions is staunchly opposed to marijuana, so potential industry investors many already concerned about diving into an industry thats still illegal on the federal level just got even more nervous. (The Sessions nomination is) definitely causing some concern, said real estate investor Kyle Kazan, who closed on a $12.6 million fund to invest in Bud and Bloom and other cannabis ventures the day before the election. But Im optimistic by nature, which is why Im investing in this industry before its federally legal. And were not slowing down. Bud and Bloom is the second dispensary opened by Aaron Herzberg and Chris Francy, who are partners in the Costa Mesa-based real estate firm CalCann Holdings. They opened OC3 a few blocks away in September 2015. A month later, Gov. Jerry Brown signed into a law a sweeping set of regulations governing Californias medical marijuana industry, setting new rules on product testing and labeling, and more being rolled out now. With those new laws in mind and in anticipation of Prop. 64 ushering in a new era for legal marijuana Herzberg and Francy did things a bit differently at their second shop. var _ndnq = _ndnq || []; _ndnq.push([embed]); http://launch.newsinc.com/js/embed.js The shop is still tucked away in an industrial area of Santa Ana thanks to city zoning laws. But the owners added lots of windows along St. Gertrude Place to shed both literal and figurative light on what theyre doing inside. Rather than place all of the products behind the counter, as is the custom for many licensed shops in Southern California, they created an open floor plan with accessible shelves. The idea is to let customers check out the labels on chilled cannabis-infused drinks or under-the-tongue tinctures. The owners also are tacking on state sales tax at the register rather than hiding it in increased prices to avoid irritating customers who are used to buying cannabis tax-free on the black market. We cant operate halfway between legality and illegality, Herzberg said. Its very important for the business and the industry to move forward. That philosophy is what attracted Kazan to Bud and Bloom. Twenty years ago, Kazan was an officer with the Torrance Police Department, where he regularly busted drugged drivers. He eventually left law enforcement as his real estate career took off. But the Palos Verdes resident said he decided during his time wearing the badge that the War on Drugs was doing more harm than good, leading him to work with the group Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. Along with Bud and Bloom, he also has investments in a cannabis greenhouse and a soon-to-open dispensary in the Santa Barbara area. Kazan still gets heat from former law enforcement buddies, and disapproving looks from other friends for his involvement in the industry. But he said hes noticed an easing as marijuana legalization spreads and former critics start to see businesses operate above board. He hopes that within a couple years, shopping at Bud and Bloom with its reclaimed wood and industrial finishes wont seem much different than browsing the wine section at Trader Joes. Theres still the federal illegality of marijuana and the possibility of stepped up federal enforcement in the Trump administration to contend with. Bud and Bloom has an ATM machine, which is a federally regulated device. Since most banks and no major credit card companies will work with the cannabis industry, its a cash-driven business. So that machine figures to be key to the stores economic survival. Also, the owners cant deduct expenses the way most businesses can thanks to a provision in the federal tax code. Much like President Barack Obama, Trump, as a candidate, said he supports states rights to carry out their own marijuana programs. Whether Sessions (or Trump) will stick to that agenda remains to be seen. Its also not clear whether Santa Ana or other California cities will decide to allow recreational marijuana shops in their boundaries. If they do, Francy said Bud and Bloom will be ready to cater to both types of clients. In the meantime, its full steam ahead for the dispensary, which held a grand opening celebration on Black Friday. The shop is offering holiday deals inspired by Prop. 64, which lets a medical marijuana patient give away up to an ounce of flowers or up to 8 grams of concentrated cannabis to any legal adult. So while a white Christmas is unlikely in most of Southern California, a green Christmas isnt out of the question. Contact the writer: 714-796-7963 or bstaggs@ocregister.comTwitter: @JournoBrooke Earlier this week the California Supreme Court evened the score for every homebuyer who chooses to purchase a home from the same real estate brokerage. From now on, that real estate brokerage and all of its agents (regardless of written disclosures for whom they represent) owes the same fiduciary duty to the buyer that the seller receives from the listing agent within that brokerage. Briefly stated, a Coldwell Banker agent named Chris Cortazzo listed a Malibu mansion and subsequently provided a brochure indicating the home has roughly 15,000 square feet of living area. The listing agent also obtained information from the tax assessors office indicating the home had 9,434 square feet of living space. Hiroshi Horiike purchased the mansion using another Coldwell Banker agent, believing it to be 15,000 square feet. Two years later, Horiike learned of the square footage discrepancy and sued Coldwell Banker and the listing agent for breaching their fiduciary duty to disclose the homes accurate square footage. Several industry experts say the dual agency practice is a conflict of interest. As an equal fiduciary, for example, how can a brokerage negotiate the sellers highest price and at the same time get the best deal for the buyer? This defies logic. Several states specifically prohibit dual agency, including Colorado, Kansas, Florida and Wyoming, according to this National Association of Realtors. If agents are legally allowed to double end a transaction, they move from client representation to shuttle diplomacy, Kirby and Gina Ellis of Next Level Real Estate Academy told me. Yet, they are going to receive all of the commissions, the Ellises said. So the system rewards the agents at the expense of consumers. Real estate agents are an uneven bunch. Some are the salt of the earth, always outstanding. Others, well, you know. On top of that, larger brokerages tend to think incestuously for sake of adding profit. Double-ending deals, affiliated business relationships, marketing servicing agreements of escrow, mortgage and title insurance are all examples where consumers may pay a lot more. Get independent representation wherever possible in all matters real estate. Its like having two husbands. How can I be a good wife to two husbands, said 15-year agent Julie Locke of Keller Williams Newport Beach. Locke refuses to represent buyers and sellers in the same transaction, always referring one party out to another firm. Contact mortgage broker Jeff Lazerson at 949-334-2424, jlazerson@mortgagegrader.com or on Twitter: @mortgagegrader_. At least eight Egyptian soldiers have lost their lives when a group of unidentified armed men launched an attack against a military checkpoint in the countrys restive Sinai Peninsula, PressTv reported. Egyptian army spokesman Brigadier General Mohamed Samir said in a statement that the assailants onboard sport utility vehicles laden with large amounts of explosives attacked the checkpoint late on Thursday. He added that a car bomb attack in addition to a fierce exchange of gunfire and a separate bombing claimed the lives of eight members of army forces. At least 12 troops were also reportedly injured. Samir noted that three militants were killed and several others wounded in the fighting, without providing any information about the exact location of the attack. Security sources said earlier that attackers fired two rocket-propelled grenades at the checkpoint south of the city of el-Arish, situated 344 kilometers northeast of the capital Cairo, and three pick-up trucks carrying masked men then drove by and opened fire. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but it had the hallmarks of those carried out by the Takfiri Velayat Sinai group, previously known as Ansar Beit al-Maqdis. Velayat Sinai militants have been responsible for most attacks in the Sinai Peninsula and Cairo that have increased ever since the country's military ousted Egypt's first democratically-elected President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013. The military has been engaged in a high-scale security operation, dubbed "Martyr's Right," against militant positions in Northern Sinai since September 2015. The operation got underway in the aftermath of coordinated terrorist attacks on several army checkpoints in the area, which claimed the lives of dozens of soldiers in July that year. The militants pledged allegiance to the Daesh terrorist group, which is mainly active in Iraq and Syria, in 2014. A federal judge on Friday ruled that Dylann Roof, the 22-year-old accused of killing nine parishioners in a Charleston, South Carolina, church last year, is competent to stand trial. Jury selection will resume in the case on Monday with individual questioning of prospective jurors, the judge said. U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel made the ruling in a three-page order that kept sealed exactly what he found, a step he said was necessary to make sure Roof gets a fair trial. Hearings on the matter were also conducted in secret. After carefully considering the record before the Court, the relevant legal standards, and the arguments of counsel, the Court now finds and concludes that the Defendant is competent to stand trial, Gergel wrote. Roof is charged with federal hate crimes in connection with the June 2015 shooting at the Emanuel AME Church. Prosecutors have alleged he carefully planned the attack, which was motivated by his animosity toward African Americans. In the shootings aftermath, authorities said they found a racist manifesto Roof had posted on his website and modified just hours before the attack. The site was filled with racial stereotypes and diatribes against black, Jewish and Hispanic people as well as photos of Roof holding a .45-caliber Glock pistol and a Confederate flag. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, and Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch has said the nature of the alleged crime and the resulting harm compelled this decision. Jury selection was supposed to have begun in the trial earlier this month, but Gergel suddenly put the proceedings on hold to evaluate Roofs competence after defense attorneys came to him with some type of evidence that would call into question their clients ability to understand the proceedings. The judge appointed James C. Ballenger to conduct the review. A determination that Roof is competent means that he understands the nature of the proceedings against him and can assist in his own defense. Roof is also facing state charges in connection with the killings, but that trial also has been delayed because of concerns about competence. A defense attorney for Roof and a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorneys Office in South Carolina did not return messages seeking comment. Her mother cooked dinners for struggling families, and his parents put him in Boy Scouts. But while Reshma and Ryan Block came from civic-minded homes, philanthropy wasnt yet on their radar. Not until they hit a low point. It was about eight years ago, during the recession, and Reshma had lost her job in the IT industry. The Aliso Viejo couple, who had just adopted their first child, were burning through their savings. Then a friend described a give-to-receive philosophy: Might their own financial situation improve if they gave away money? They made their first donation, for $1,000, to Childrens Hospital of Orange County. A few months later, Reshma found work as an IT consultant. Even without the turn of fortune, however, the Blocks were hooked. Today their family foundation gives away as much as $70,000 a year to such organizations as CHOC and the South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency, an Artesia-based group for domestic violence survivors. And they arent just cutting checks: Reshma, now 41, joined SAHARAs board and helped overhaul the organizations operations; Ryan, a 44-year-old software consultant, is a cast member of CHOC Follies, which puts on popular fundraising shows for the hospital. Being involved is a critical part of giving, says Reshma. In many ways, the Blocks are the face of the new generation of philanthropists: highly engaged, professional, results-oriented. They say, I dont want to just sit on a board, I want to serve, says Sharna Goldseker, executive director of New York-based 21/64, a consulting group that specializes in next-generation philanthropy. They still write checks, but theyre more interested in giving their time and talent. Unlike their parents or grandparents, who were often loyal to one organization or cause, young phil-anthropists loyalty often depends on whether they see measurable impact on the community. In an information age, when metrics is the favored buzzword of industry, people expect to see results. They think in terms of return on investment, says Terry Dwyer, president of Segerstrom Center for the Arts. He notes that many of Segerstroms younger patrons want to learn about the centers outreach programs, especially for disadvantaged children. We think its important the arts lean in and not just present great art and hope everybody loves you, he says. Its mission, but its also survival: Younger donors, he says, dont want to support just a fabulous arts organization. Thats something Andrew Low has observed both as a wealth-management expert and a 54-year-old philanthropist who is a financial supporter of Segerstrom Center. I would call it strategic philanthropy. I want to get the biggest bang for my buck, says Low, a vice president with BNY Mellon Wealth Management in Newport Beach. Often with the older generation, they give here and they give there. Though hes a lifelong music lover, Low became a Segerstrom donor because of its programs for children. He is the son of Chinese immigrants who ran a laundromat while raising their five children in a one-bedroom apartment in the San Fernando Valley. Low has distinct and fond memories of a school district social worker who spent time with him. When I see these kids get exposed to the arts, he says, they come alive. Other younger donors assumed theyd one day give back because of the influence of their philanthropist parents. But giving comes in its own time. Tracy Schroeder, for instance, grew up watching her parents Donna and Ernie, the president of a Newport Beach apartment management company give their money and time to Orange County arts organizations. Schroder knew shed eventually do the same, but she was still young. She left for college in Los Angeles, then for life in New York. When she returned to Newport Beach a few years ago, she was hungry for the contemporary arts scene shed left behind in New York. She realized her heart lay with the Orange County Museum of Art, where she has become one of the organizations most active young donors and even helped start a social group for young patrons called Contemporaries. I really believe in it, says Schroeder, a 37-year-old interior designer and partner in her familys company. Like Schroeder, Felicia Jao, 35, was inspired by her parents giving. Her father, Frank Jao, was one of the early developers of Little Saigon; the family started a foundation that funds educational programs, including an oral-history project of Vietnamese refugees. But Felicia, who works with her familys development company, began thinking about what charities fit in with her interests. On her own, she met some leaders of Laguna College of Art and Design. Inspired in part by her husband, Jason Tomas, a 3D animator and product developer, Jao liked what she learned. Art and design is so integral to innovation, she says. LCAD has been able to focus not only on fine arts but also on applied arts. Almost two years ago, she became a donor and joined the colleges board of trustees. She said older leaders seem to appreciate her young perspective. As the younger generation gets more established, were going to play a more active role in the philanthropic sector, she says. We may not write six-figure checks yet, but we give in ways we can. Philanthropist Lisa Merage says many in her social circle, busy with families and work, may not have been exposed yet to charitable giving. That wasnt the case for her. Her parents, Raj and Marta Bhatal, founders of manufacturer Raj Swim, are major donors to Chapman University, where the student services building bears their names, and Segerstrom Center, where Marta serves on the board of directors. Her parents, she says, instilled in her a sense that good fortune comes with responsibilities. They taught my brother and me how important it was to give back, says Merage. Merage, a co-president of Raj and founder of her own swimwear line, Luxe, says shes chosen organizations Segerstrom Center and her childrens private school, St. Marys where she can see results. It is something very important to me to be involved in a charity where I can see how my money is being used, says Merage, the daughter-in-law of Paul Merage, for whom UCIs business school is named. But she says shes been equally happy when she can offer something other than a check. For instance, she met a representative from the Jessie Rees Foundation, which among other philanthropic activities makes blankets for pediatric cancer patients. Learning that the blankets were cut by hand, Merage offered to have the Raj factory cut them far more quickly. Jaynine Warner of Laguna Beach has a similar appreciation for offering something in addition to financial support. A professional airline pilot who stopped flying after her child was born, Warner put her organizational skills to use at Court Appointed Special Advocates, helping run board meetings and organizing fundraisers for Friends of CASA. I love to use my skills to help an organization, she says. I like to volunteer and get involved first to decide if its where we want to give financially. When she moved to Orange County from San Diego in 2005, she already knew she wanted to get involved. When she was growing up, her parents hosted fundraisers and were heavily involved with the San Diego Master Chorale. Arts were also a big part of her life, so she became a donor with Segerstrom. Its incredible in so many different ways, she says of giving. Just to know youre helping someone. The question for nonprofits is how to best engage more people from these younger generations. Its a relatively new quandary in Orange County. For much of its history, the county saw the bulk of its largest giving come from a small circle of megadonors. Think of those prominent real estate pioneers Irvine, Segerstrom, Lyon, Kennedy, Bren, Knott who made their fortunes as farm fields and ranches gave way to houses and office parks. These men and women expanded universities, founded cultural centers, and buoyed museums, parks, hospitals and charities. But few in the nonprofit sector expect many more huge, headline-making donations. That model may not be coming back, says Shelley Hoss, president of Orange County Community Foundation in Newport Beach. Nonprofits are in the middle of a brave new world. Dwyer, the Segerstrom president, says its unclear what philanthropy will entail in a decade. Theres no question in my mind that there are significant visionary philanthropists in the making, he says. Theyll probably just do it in a different way. Much of peoples giving habits, of course, depend on where they are in life. Jeff Swanson, senior vice president of philanthropy at Orange County United Way, says its important for nonprofits to begin cultivating younger donors even when they may be able to do little more than volunteer. One day that could change. The challenge is if youre not engaging with them early on, he says, why would they choose you once they have success? As their numbers have begun to diminish, the older generations of wealth makers stand ready to pass the baton to younger philanthropists. The baton, says Hoss, is in midair. BEIRUT The U.S. military suffered its first combat death in Syria on Thursday when a service member was killed in the northern part of the country, an area where the United States is helping organize an offensive against Islamic State. U.S. warplanes have been bombing targets inside Syria to help tens of thousands of militia fighters try to oust Islamic State from Raqqa, the groups stronghold in the country. U.S. forces are on the ground as well. More than 300 members of the U.S. Special Operations Forces are in Syria to help recruit, train and advise the Kurdish and Arab fighters who are trying to encircle Islamic State in Raqqa, cut off its supplies and ultimately retake the city. The Special Operations Forces member who died Thursday was killed by an improvised explosive device in the vicinity of Ayn Issa in northern Syria, U.S. military officials said. I am deeply saddened by the news on this Thanksgiving Day that one of our brave service members has been killed in Syria while protecting us from the evil of ISIL, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in a statement, using one of the names for Islamic State. It is a painful reminder of the dangers our men and women in uniform face around the world to keep us safe. Though the Obama administration has sought to limit the number of U.S. soldiers in the fight against the Islamic State, the death Thursday demonstrates how volatile and deadly the campaign against the group is in Syria and Iraq. U.S. service members have been killed in Iraq as well, and this month the United States acknowledged killing 119 civilians in Iraq and Syria since it began military operations against the Islamic State in 2014. Three Turkish soldiers were also killed Thursday by Syrian warplanes, the Turkish military announced. It was the first time Turkish soldiers had been killed by Syrian government forces while fighting inside Syria since the civil war there began, the Turkish military said. The Turkish troops were advancing toward Al Bab, a city in the north held by Islamic State, close to the border with Turkey, the military said. The announcement that three soldiers were killed and 10 were wounded heightened the tensions between Syria and Turkey, neighbors that have powerful allies. The Syrian government is backed by Russia and Iran. Turkey, a member of NATO, began a major offensive in northern Syria in August as part of its fight against the Islamic State. Turkeys prime minister, Binali Yildirim, told Hurriyet, a leading Turkish newspaper, that the attack would not be left unanswered, and he said it would not deter his countrys army from its mission in northern Syria. Yildirim also reaffirmed the assessment of Turkeys military chief, Gen. Hulusi Akar, that the attack was carried out by Syrian government warplanes. Some on the ground raised questions about whether the strike was undertaken by Syrian government forces. A network of activists that monitors the skies over Syria said Thursday that its watchers had spotted a Syrian aircraft taking off after 2 a.m. and also a Russian aircraft at about the same time as the airstrike on Turkish forces occurred. It is impossible to know where the planes that were sighted went, and they could easily have had another destination, according to the network. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a network based in Britain that monitors news from Syria, said the strike was by the Islamic State. But the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, is not known to have combat aircraft. Like Turkey, the Syrian rebels oppose the government of President Bashar Assad of Syria. The Turkish troops had gone into Syria in large part to try to stop an advance by Kurdish rebels, who are also trying to reach Al Bab to dislodge the Islamic State. The Turkish authorities see the Kurds as a threat to security as serious as Islamic State, in part because Kurdish groups inside Turkey have waged a guerrilla war against the government. Turkey wants to stop the Kurds from reaching the city in part because, if the Kurds succeed, it will enable them to gain a portion of the land that sits between two Kurdish-held areas along the Syrian-Turkish border and increases their potential for joining the two regions. The Americans have said they are not participating in the fight for Al Bab, either on the side of the Turks or on the side of the Kurds. On Thursday morning, Turkish troops, backed by Syrian Arab fighters, had almost reached Al Bab, according to rebel commanders. They said they were a little more than half a mile from the city when they were hit by the government jets. Although this is the first time the Turkish military has reported the deaths of its soldiers by Syrian government planes, Turkish troops have died while fighting the Islamic State in Syria. Also on Thursday morning, a car packed with explosives blew up in the parking lot of the governors office in the southern Turkish city of Adana, shaking buildings for blocks around, according to local news reports. Two people were killed and 21 were wounded, according to government estimates. No one has claimed responsibility for the blast. Deeper into Syria, in the eastern part of Aleppo, which is held by anti-government rebels, the Syrian government continued to batter residential areas as it has for more than a week after a brief pause, according to doctors in Aleppo and residents of rebel-held areas. At least 12 people in eastern Aleppo were killed Thursday, according to residents in the city communicating by WhatsApp. There are about 250,000 people in the citys east, and most have been unable to leave because the roads are held by government forces. How many different ways can you watch a movie in a theme park? With screens that wrap around you and seats that jiggle and shake in every direction imaginable, theaters in theme parks arent anything like the darkened boxes in your local multiplex. And new types of movie theaters are on their way to theme parks. Last week at the IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando, I saw several companies offering new twists on movie theaters for theme parks looking for something different to offer visitors. Theater attractions are appealing to parks because they often can be installed for far less than the cost of a roller coaster or dark ride, and they appeal to a wider range of visitors than less-expensive carnival spinner rides. Just look at the long lines of visitors who keep queuing to watch Soarin at Disney California Adventure. Soarin creates the illusion of flying by positioning long benches of seats in the air in front of a giant, IMAX-style screen. Despite the illusion, those seats barely move once theyre raised into position, tilting gently in a few spots during the film. But some of the next generations of flying theaters offer a much wider range of motion and the possibility for much wilder rides. These theaters behave a lot less like Soarin and more like Star Tours. An Austrian company called DyMoRides was showing its line-up of flying theaters, which seat up to 120 people and are mounted on floors that can pitch, roll and heave while the film plays. In one version, visitors stand up in the theater, while on another, a drop ride component pushes the theater floor down during the show. I cant wait for that promo campaign: Like Soarin? Try Fallin next! These new-style flying theaters offer a big advantage over flight simulator rides such as Star Tours because they can play in larger theaters with much more impressive screens. And unlike many simulation types of attractions, you get to enjoy the social energy of watching the film with a big crowd, not just the six-to-eight people in a small ride vehicle. Will we see one of these theaters in the United States? A DyMoRides spokesperson said the company is working on a custom ride system for a classic flying theater at a leading Orlando theme park to open next year. That sounds a lot like the Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon flying theater ride slated for Universal Studios Florida next summer. That attraction promises to blend a fast-paced New York City travelogue with non-stop promotion for The Tonight Show and its host, which conveniently enough airs on Universals sibling TV network, NBC. Its not just a thrill ride its corporate synergy! Canadas Dynamic Attractions won the IAAPA shows Brass Ring Award for Best New Product Concept for its Dynamic Motion Theater, a mash-up of a tilting, rotating theater floor and a 360-degree theater with sliding screens and practical stage sets for live performances. To translate this for Disney fans, imagine the old Carousel of Progress, but inverted. Instead of a moving theater circling a series of stages in the middle of the building, the theater would stand in the middle and turn to face the sets on the perimeter. Screens would block the view of upcoming scenes and be used to show filmed transitions from one live set piece to the next. And, oh yeah, the whole time that theater floor will be bucking and twisting, amplifying the action seen on stage of screen in front of the audience. With all that at their disposal, a theme park could pull off the old David Copperfield Statue of Liberty vanishing trick, playing with the audiences assumptions about what they are facing, only to redirect them toward other sights. Dynamic Attractions concept video featured a James Bond-like action thriller, in which audience members watched filmed high-speed chases that led them from one explosive live-action stunt to the next, as their theater rotated from set to set. They havent sold the theater to any parks yet, but the company has established a history of building show and ride systems for Disney and Universal theme parks, so maybe well see this latest generation of theme park theater coming to a local park in the next few years. After watching the demo, I certainly hope so. Robert Niles is the founder and editor of ThemeParkInsider.com. Follow him on Twitter @ThemePark Lauras mother was shot dead in her home, one morning in March, in front of a friend. All those threats she had been receiving for years finally became a reality. Lauras mother fought her entire life for the right of the Lenca people, her people, to live in a safe and healthy environment in their country, Honduras. Her mothers name was Berta Caceres. My mother was imprisoned, discredited, she was threatened for her fight in defence of life and against extractivism, said recently Laura Zuniga Caceres at the United Nations in Geneva. Our fight is for Mother Earth, our fight is for life, and in that struggle we are losing our own lives. But Caceres murder in Honduras is not an isolated case. Latin America is the most hostile region for environmental defenders, said the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders, Michel Forst, in a recent report to the General Assembly. In 2014, three quarters of the 116 cases of killings of environmental human rights defenders in 17 countries on average more than two victims per week took place in Central and South America, he points out in his report. All across Latin America and the Caribbean, brave environmental activists face the worst obstacles in their struggle for a more sustainable world: threats, harassment and intimidation are often part of their routine. In some areas, their efforts can be discredited as anti-development. And in many cases, their heroic crusade to defend our planet and our rights may cost them their lives. In addition to Honduras, countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru, which attract more and more extractive and mining industries that cause further deforestation, have become increasingly dangerous for rights activists. Making matters worse, impunity occurs much too often in crimes against environmental defenders, according to Forsts report. Amid this complex situation, delegates from 10 Latin American and Caribbean countries committed at the 2012 Rio+20 Conference to implement Principle 10 of the Declaration on Environment and Development, which seeks to ensure access to information, participation and justice on environmental matters. Signatory countries to this commitment are now 23, and having in the Aarhus Convention a successful precedent of a binding treaty on these issues for Europe, States are negotiating their own way to further implement environmental democracy in the region, with the active engagement of civil society. The latest negotiation meeting occurred on 21-25 November 2016 in Santiago, Chile, at the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), which is acting as technical secretariat to the process. Environmental defenders are not only environmentalists or land activists, but also human rights defenders, UN expert Michel Forst said. In the same vein, the recently adopted 2030 Agenda emphasizes on the interconnection between human rights and sustainable development, and its strong drive for universality, participation and inclusion. For those reasons, ECLAC and OHCHR - through its regional presence for South America, in Chile - made available a compilation of international human rights standards applicable to access to information, participation and justice. Conceived as input for the negotiation of the agreement, the publication Society, rights and the environment is a joint effort to put human rights at the core of the deliberations, and also an invitation to countries to embrace human rights as their pathway towards sustainable development. The publication was launched during the recent Principle 10 negotiation meeting in Santiago. It includes a foreword by the ECLACs executive secretary Alicia Barcena and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Raad Al Hussein. Development will never be sustainable or inclusive unless it has equality and the effective ownership of rights as its cornerstone, Barcena said. This joint publication with OHCHR contributes to highlight the virtuous circle of human rights, access rights and the protection of the environment. The people of Latin America and the Caribbean deserve a strong agreement that is firmly grounded in human rights, said High Commissioner Zeid. This is an opportunity to advance transparency and accountability on environmental topics which are of immense importance to the region. Furthermore, environmental human rights defenders urgently need more protection, and we and they are counting on the Principle 10 process. The publication Society, rights and the environment: international human rights standards applicable to access to information, participation and justice is now available here. 25 November 2016 Loading... OilVoice will be with you shortly... At least nine PKK terrorists were killed in the southeastern Turkish provinces of Sirnak and Diyarbakir, the Turkish army said Thursday, Anadolu reported. The Turkish General Staff announced on its website that seven PKK terrorists were killed in an airstrike in the Lice district of southeastern Turkeys Diyarbakir province where a rocket launcher, a machine gun and a rifle were also seized. Meanwhile, the Turkish military conducted airstrikes on camps of the terrorist PKK group located in the province of Sirnak, killing two PKK terrorists. Turkish jets have been carrying out airstrikes against PKK positions across the border in Iraq, since the group -- considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU -- resumed its 30-year armed campaign against the Turkish state in July last year. Since then, PKK terrorist attacks have martyred more than 600 security personnel and also claimed the lives of many civilians, including women and children, while more than 7,000 PKK terrorists were killed in army operations. Local employers are breathing a collective sigh of relief after a federal judge on Tuesday blocked a federal regulation that would have made an estimated 4 million Americans, including about 28,000 salaried workers in Nebraska and 40,000 in Iowa, eligible for overtime pay. The Labor Department regulation, proposed and championed by President Barack Obamas administration, would have gone into effect Dec. 1. Its a huge win for employers, said Virginia Kiviranta, vice president of the Human Resources Association of the Midlands and a manager with Noll Human Resource Services of Omaha. Kiviranta said a group from the association met with lawmakers in Washington last week and urged them to block or reverse the regulation on the grounds that it would be devastating for employers. The group agrees that the salary threshold for being eligible for overtime pay should be raised but that the regulation would have raised it too quickly and too far, too fast, she said. The federal agencys rule would have required employers to begin paying overtime to workers who made salaries of less than $47,476 a year, or about $913 a week, a threshold employers and many states said was too big an increase from the current threshold of $23,660, or about $455 a week. The rules supporters called Tuesdays decision a blow for millions of Americans. Public Citizen, a national consumer rights advocacy group founded in 1971 by Ralph Nader, described the injunction as a sign that Scrooge has arrived early this year. Robert Weissman, the groups president, said the action will only exacerbate the already deep income inequality that exists in the United States. The Department of Labor should appeal this misguided decision immediately, he said in a statement. Weissman also urged President-elect Donald Trump to defend and ensure implementation of the overtime rule. The U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Texas ordered the nationwide preliminary injunction, saying the Labor Departments rule may exceed the authority the agency was delegated by Congress. The order was in response to a lawsuit brought against the agency by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, industry groups and 21 states, including Nebraska and Iowa. The Labor Department said it was considering all its legal options. We strongly disagree with the decision by the court, which has the effect of delaying a fair days pay for a long days work for millions of hardworking Americans, the Labor Department said in a statement. The departments overtime rule is the result of a comprehensive, inclusive rule-making process, and we remain confident in the legality of all aspects of the rule. The overtime requirements of the Wage and Hour Act originated during the Great Depression as a way to encourage businesses to hire more people. The overtime requirement made it more expensive to keep people working longer than 40 hours a week, essentially penalizing businesses that didnt hire more workers, experts say. In the spring, many local and national firms began preparing for the new overtime rule, expecting it to take effect next week. Some employers had to switch midlevel professionals, managers and supervisors to hourly status because their salaries are below the threshold for non-exempt status, Kiviranta said. Its tough for them to return to a time clock when they are used to coming and going and being here and there and on and off hours, Kiviranta added. In some cases, the employees have worked for years to get off the clock, and under the new rule,they would have to punch a time clock again. Even though the employees might be eligible for overtime under the new regulation, employers may have to prevent them from working extra hours if businesses couldnt afford it, she said. In other cases, employers had raised wages for workers who were close to the $913 weekly or $47,476 annual salary threshold, she said, and may leave those wages there. Others hadnt made the change yet. Some of them were waiting ... and hoping something like this would happen, Kiviranta said. Greg Cutchall, owner of Omahas Cutchall Management restaurant group, said his business had a plan in place but will delay implementing it and may make changes because of the ruling. Overall, were pleased with the ruling, Cutchall said. He agreed that the current threshold of roughly $24,000 for salaried managers was too low and abusive. But doubling the minimum in one fell swoop was too much, he said. Cutchall said the salaried managers at restaurants he owns make well above that current limit but typically work about a 50-hour week. The new rule could mean some shifts would get cut earlier than that, to avoid paying overtime. We know a lot of employees were concerned about it because they were concerned they were going to end up making a little bit less if we didnt need them a full 50 hours, Cutchall said. As it stands, whether they work 45 hours a week or 50, they get paid the same salary. Its just another law that we have to watch out for to make sure were complying all the time, and sometimes that gets to be difficult, he said. Others adopted a stance of wait and see. At Mangelsens craft and party supply store, which employs almost 100 people at peak times, Matt Mangelsen said the Omaha business didnt make any changes in anticipation of the law. He said the business didnt give anybody a raise or switch anyone to an hourly status. Rather, he told workers that when the law took effect, We just have to be more cautious and watch the amount of hours that are put in, and if the hours were needed, obviously those hours would be permitted. He hadnt heard about the judges action but said Wednesday that he was unconcerned. We were going to see how it all panned out, he said. Some local employers said the last-minute injunction, although welcome, does not make up for the time and money spent to reconfigure their pay structure. Mike Battershell, president of Bergman Incentives, an Omaha seller of promotional products, said the judges order was frustrating because the business had planned for the change. The company, with about 25 employees, spent money on legal advice and accounting adjustments to prepare for the new law. And it made some changes for workers: Some employees who formerly were paid a salary now are being paid hourly, though their pay is substantially the same, Battershell said. Businesses dont react well in an unstable regulatory environment, he said, anticipating even more uncertainty in 2017 with the election of Trump. Battershell said he supports the aim of the proposed law to raise Americans standard of living but questioned whether the $47,476 threshold was reasonable given the lower cost of living in the Midwest. His business has some employees who are in management positions but do not make more than the threshold. The company wont undo the changes it made. That would just cost us more money, he said. Scott Moore, an attorney with Baird Holm, said it would have helped if the court had stepped in earlier because many employers already were taking steps to comply with the rule, reviewing their pay levels and making decisions on overtime status. Moore said people who got slight raises to put them over the $47,476 level likely will keep them. Ive had employers calling about whether they bumped up the salary or not. They were going to leave that part of it in place, he said. With the court putting a hold on the law, Moore said, many employers will put a hold on plans to shift workers to hourly status, which is traumatic for some people, Moore said. Becoming nonexempt indicates a level of success, of being a professional or supervisor no longer required to keep track of working hours, he said. Such employees also have more freedom to adjust their work time with their family time picking kids up from school, working in the evening or weekends instead of having to be at a desk on a time clock, he said. For many, he said, theres not much impact. The rule would have a larger impact on nonprofit companies because their salaries generally are lower, meaning more managers and professionals would fall under the salary threshold and have to be reclassified as hourly workers. They tend to make a little bit less, he said. They might have good benefits, but (nonprofit companies have) limited dollars for salaries. Another group affected by the rule is the younger professional or managerial employee, someone just out of college who is starting a professional or managerial career, Moore said. They would have found themselves keeping track of their hours. What will happen next? The Obama administration has indicated it would appeal the injunction. It would take time for the matter to reach the Supreme Court, and by then the Trump administration might already be in office, he said. In that case, the government might rescind the regulation or simply drop its appeal, letting the court ruling stand. Moore said there is a bill in Congress to end the regulation, but Im not sure theyll need to do that. The Labor Department, under Trump, could simply undo the regulation, Moore said. Moore said something good may have come out of the regulation, which is part of the federal Wage and Hour Act. A lot of employers have had to review all of their positions, and now they have some reassurance that they have classified everybody correctly. A 34-year-old man was injured Thursday night in a shooting near 44th and Cuming Streets. Omaha police said officers were dispatched around 8:05 p.m. to 840 N. 44th St. after a report of gunshots in the area. Two witnesses said they heard about six gunshots and saw a white sedan and a black SUV leave the scene. About a half-hour later, police said, a shooting victim, Deandre Cooper, was dropped off by a friend at Nebraska Medical Center. Cooper told officers that he and his girlfriend were in her white Chevy Monte Carlo outside his residence when a black SUV drove by and someone began shooting at the car. The car that Cooper took to hospital his mothers yellow Dodge Charger had bullet holes in the passenger headlight and on the passenger door. Police said Coopers injuries werent life-threatening. The investigation into the case continues, police said. The City of Gretna wants its residents to weigh in on what theyd like in a new community center and library. A survey can be taken at www.gretnane.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=91. Copies of the survey are also available at Gretna City Hall, the Gretna Main Library or the Gretna Childrens Library. The deadline for feedback is Dec. 21. The city got a $10,000 grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to do a design study for the community center and library project. Gretna is considering a joint project that would include new library facilities as well as a community center. Ankara, Turkey, Nov. 25 By Atilla Caner Trend: Ankara expected a European Parliament resolution to suspend negotiations on Turkey's accession to the EU and this indicates double standards against Ankara, the Turkish presidential administration told Trend. It was also noted that Turkey had repeatedly stated that this decision had no legal force for Ankara. "The European Parliament had to enhance the EU-Ankara dialogue instead of blocking Turkey's path to EU membership. Turkey has always been committed to democratic values," the message said. The European Parliament approved an advisory resolution to suspend negotiations on Turkey's accession to the EU Nov. 25. The document calls to freeze talks on Turkey's EU membership in light of the situation that occurred in the country after the 15 July military coup attempt, and the terms of the state of emergency in the country. The resolution states that Turkey must abolish the state of emergency for resumption of negotiations. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has previously said the voting in the European Parliament would be of no importance to Turkey, regardless of the outcome. Turkey began its EU accession talks in 2005. In 1963, Turkey and the European Economic Community (the EU's former name) signed an association agreement. It will be one of many unusual things about a Donald Trump administration: a long-distance first lady. Trump will move into the White House after the Jan. 20 inauguration. Breaking with tradition, Melania Trump and 10-year-old son Barron plan to remain in New York City until at least the end of the school year. While the decision sets Melania Trump apart from other first ladies both Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton took on the move with school-age children in tow it seems in character. The former model and naturalized U.S. citizen from Slovenia was an elusive figure in the campaign and had no political experience before her husbands stunningly successful outsider campaign. Were in a time when all the molds are being broken, said Katherine Jellison, head of the history department at Ohio University and an authority on first ladies. That may be the case where we have a redefining of a role that, after all, isnt in the Constitution. Trump spokesman Jason Miller cited sensitivity about pulling Barron from school midyear. In an interview with US Weekly earlier this year, Melania Trump said: Barron is the priority for now and he needs me at this age. He needs a parent at home, and I like to keep it as normal as possible. Anita McBride, chief of staff to Laura Bush during her time in the White House, noted that Michelle Obama also weighed delaying her familys move for similar reasons, but ultimately made a different decision and one that suited their family. Just how Melania Trump will tackle the White House and how she will be received by the public is unclear. The first lady usually serves as the official hostess and typically undertakes some kind of advocacy work. Michelle Obama took on childhood obesity and other projects. But being first lady has no official duties or any clear playbook. Married to Donald Trump for nearly 12 years, Melania Trump is his third wife. A U.S. citizen since 2006, she will be only the second first lady born outside the country. Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, wife of John Quincy Adams, was born in London to an American father and British mother. So far, Melania Trumps few forays into politics have been a mixed success. Her speech at the Republican National Convention was widely panned after the discovery of striking similarities of portions of her speech to the one delivered by Michelle Obama at the 2008 Democratic convention. And she has had to defend her husband against accusations of sexual assault. She has challenged the veracity of reports that he imposed himself on women, despite his boasts in a 2005 video about doing so. In the couples first post-election interview, on CBS 60 Minutes, Melania Trump said: I will stay true to myself. Im very strong and tough and confident. For now, McBride said, the professional staff at the White House can do much of the event planning, with the first lady weighing in remotely and traveling down from time to time. McBride noted one big event looming: the Governors Ball in February, a standing event on the calendar. Another possibility is that other family members, like Trumps daughter Ivanka, could take hostess duties at times. There is plenty of historical precedent for that, according to Jellison. When Jackie Kennedy traveled, President John F. Kennedys mother or sisters would fill in. If Bess Truman was home in Missouri, her daughter, Margaret, would play hostess during Harry Trumans presidency. Julie Nixon sometimes appeared on behalf of her mother, Pat Nixon. However the events are organized, Doug Wead, who worked for President George H.W. Bush and wrote a book about presidents children, said the Trumps are experts at event planning. You have this unusual situation where you have a president who doesnt have political experience, but he has business experience. They will know how to entertain, Wead said. In terms of advocacy, Melania Trump has mentioned doing work that addresses bullying a notable choice given the president-elects love of name-calling on social media. It can take some time for the first lady to launch personal projects. Michelle Obama began her Lets Move initiative about a year into her husbands first term. If Melania Trump tries to keep some distance from Washington even after she moves, she wouldnt be the first presidential spouse seeking space. Bess Truman often fled Washington for her hometown of Independence, Missouri. And Jackie Kennedy liked to travel in Europe. Im not saying it has always been the case that first ladies and their families loved living in the White House, Jellison said. There were many who spent a great deal of time away. Copyright 2016, the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. COLUMBUS, Neb. (AP) A Columbus City Council member has apologized for backing a proposal to erect a cellphone tower in a city park, but the tower designed to resemble an evergreen tree is still expected to go up. Several people who live near Glur Park criticized the council at its meeting Monday for voting in August to approve Verizon Wireless request to erect the 80-foot-tall tower. Verizon also will build a structure that will house some service equipment and public restrooms. Many of the residents complained that they werent individually notified about the proposal and so couldnt register their opposition with city officials. Officials have said the project was discussed at public Parks Department board and City Council meetings. Councilwoman Beth Augustine-Schulte acknowledged the opposition and apologized for her vote in support of the cell tower, saying she wouldnt want it across the street from her house, either, according to the Columbus Telegram. If I could go back and redo that vote I would do it in a minute, she said. Councilman Dennis Kresha agreed with Augustine-Schulte that the councils decision likely would have been swayed by opposition ahead of the August vote. But City Attorney Neal Valorz told the crowd that reneging on the contract with Verizon would open the city to a potential lawsuit. And city officials said the Federal Communications Commission could push the project through if Verizon were to successfully argue its needed to improve cellphone reception and data capacity in the area. If you want to have more control over where cellphone towers go, we need to start with our congressmen and our senators, because theyre the ones who gave the cellphone companies the power to dictate more where they go, Mayor Mike Moser said. Copyright 2016 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. LINCOLN Lt. Gov. Mike Foley is headed to Israel on Saturday to take part in the first shipment of U.S. beef to that country in over a decade. The shipment hails from Hastings, Nebraska, beef processing company WR Reserve, which state officials said earlier this month would be the first in the U.S. to send beef to Israel in 13 years. Foley, along with Mat Habrock, assistant director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, also will promote the states agriculture industry and work to expand agriculture trade with Israel. The country banned U.S. beef imports in 2003 following a case of mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, in the United States. According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation, Israel reopened to U.S. beef as of Jan. 13. WR Reserve complied with an inspection process that included visits from Israeli government regulators and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And the Israeli government has approved the company as a source for kosher beef fit for import. As a result of the specialty, the company is planning a $4.5 million expansion expected to add about 100 jobs to the Hastings area, Foley said earlier this month. Foley will return from the trip Dec. 1. LINCOLN Nebraskas traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers are planning a counteroffensive in 2017 against their Internet competitors. A group that represents the states 4,600 retail businesses is seeking to get Nebraska to follow South Dakotas lead and pass a law that requires online retailers such as Amazon to collect local sales taxes just as is done at the stores physically located in Nebraska. With the U.S. Congress declining to act, retailers and some state lawmakers said its time for the Nebraska Legislature to level the playing field between traditional retailers, who already collect sales taxes, and Internet retailers, who do not. We have been fighting this issue for a decade, said Jim Otto, president of the Nebraska Retail Federation. What we have now is legalized tax evasion. It also creates unfair competition, Otto said, giving online retailers a price advantage of 7 percent or more because they do not charge state and local sales taxes. The issue is emerging as Nebraska battles flat tax revenues and a budget gap of nearly $900 million, and as consumers increasingly turn to the Internet to buy clothing and gifts. Traditional storefronts and malls, meanwhile, are struggling. Shopko just announced the closing of two of its retail stores in Omaha. Steve Glenn, whose family runs five hardware stores in Lincoln and Pawnee City, estimated that hes lost 10 to 15 percent of his sales to the Internet. Though the states lagging tax receipts have been mostly blamed on drops in farm income and low prices for corn and soybeans, some of the cause can be traced to the lack of sales taxes paid on Internet sales, estimated to cost Nebraska between $45 million and $118 million in tax revenue a year. The conducting of sales over the Internet is certainly part of the problem, said State Tax Commissioner Tony Fulton. A 2015 report called Amazon and Empty Storefronts, done for the American Booksellers Association, estimated that requiring Amazon to collect sales tax on its sales in Nebraska would generate an additional $18 million a year. The report went on to estimate that those Amazon purchases displaced 2,000 jobs in the state. A law that went into effect May 1 in South Dakota gave new energy to an issue that has stalled in Congress. Conservatives and groups such as Americans for Prosperity have blocked efforts to make all Internet purchases taxable, arguing that it amounts to a new tax and is a step to increase government spending. Main street businesses and retailing groups, meanwhile, say its not a new tax but a due tax that few people pay. Nebraskans are required, on their state income tax forms, to report how much unpaid sales tax they owe on Internet purchases, but only a small percentage do. Just over 1 percent of state taxpayers voluntarily list that they owed taxes, according to a Nebraska Department of Revenue spokeswoman, resulting in about $713,000 in tax payments. The South Dakota law requires Internet companies that sell more than $100,000 worth of goods a year or that have 200 or more transactions within that state to collect and remit sales taxes to the state. One major goal of the law was to get the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit a 1992 ruling that stated that only companies that had a physical presence in a state (such as a warehouse or retail outlet) must be required to collect local sales taxes. In that case, brought by a mail-order company called the Quill Corp., justices said it would be an unreasonable burden on businesses to calculate the hundreds of different sales tax rates across the country. But Otto said that times, and technology, have changed tremendously since then, and its time to revisit that decision. It may have been too burdensome in 1992, but weve got computers now, he said. Its nothing now. The South Dakota law immediately inspired two lawsuits, but it also prompted more than 135 companies to voluntarily register to begin charging and remitting South Dakota sales taxes. Otto said it might take a few years for those court cases to be decided; but meanwhile, he estimated that Nebraska would pick up an additional $25 million in tax revenue voluntarily from companies if it passed a law similar to South Dakotas. Theres some indication that the Supreme Court might broaden which Internet companies must collect sales tax. Justice Anthony Kennedy, in a 2015 case, wrote that the court needs a case so it can re-examine its 1992 ruling that limited companies that must collect sales tax to only those with a physical presence in that state. It is truly a matter of fairness, said the outgoing speaker of the Legislature, State Sen. Galen Hadley of Kearney. When Hadley served as chairman of the tax policy-setting Revenue Committee, he hand-delivered a resolution from state lawmakers to Nebraskas representatives in Congress, urging them to pass a law requiring all Internet retailers to charge sales taxes. The bill died in the House. Something should be done, Hadley said. How does a Buckle, which has stores in 40 states and collects sales taxes in all of those states, compete with Amazon? Gov. Pete Ricketts was noncommittal when asked Wednesday for his position on requiring Internet retailers to collect sales taxes. In a statement, he did say he supported the voluntary reporting now required but rarely followed on state income tax forms. Papillion Sen. Jim Smith, the only announced candidate to head the Revenue Committee when the Legislature convenes in 2017, said hes sympathetic to Nebraska retailers. Taxing Internet sales, he said, is a part of his goal of making the state tax system fairer. But Smith, who has advocated for lowering state income taxes, said that any new revenue from Internet sales must be used to reduce other taxes. In 2015, state lawmakers did pass a law that required that if Congress enacted a nationwide tax on Internet retailers, the increased revenue to Nebraska in the first year would be used for property tax relief. Otto, of the retail group, said he agrees that any new tax revenue should be used to reduce other taxes. Which one income or property taxes is up to the Legislature, he said. KEARNEY, Neb. Cars jammed the parking lot and lined the streets around the Mid-Nebraska Food Bank early one morning last week. By 7 a.m., dozens of senior citizens stood outside the door, waiting in line to pick up their senior care packages. The parking lot always looks like this on senior care package day, warehouse manager Jake Jacobsen said. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program in Kearney serves 2,500 people a year. To be eligible, a person must be 60 years of age and meet income requirements. Linda Brown a senior citizen who depends on the program, has been receiving services for more than two years. Its been a godsend. I never imagined I would end up here. I had a job as a certified nurses aide for years, but after years of lifting patients, I hurt my back, she said. I had surgery on my back, but it made it worse. She was welcomed by the staff members at the food bank. They knew her by name even before they handed her a care package. Donna Anderson, director of the food bank and senior commodities program, said the program gives seniors nutritious foods such as milk, cheese, shredded wheat, chicken, beef, peas, macaroni and more. All of the staff feel a close kinship with our clients, Anderson said. We get to know them, their stories, and it gives us great satisfaction to know were making a difference, not only here but across the state. However, Jacobsen said, with major need theres a demand to have proper working equipment. Because the senior commodities program is supplemented and warehoused with the Mid-Nebraska Food Bank, concern about funding is growing. We have a lot of equipment that needs to be replaced or repaired, Jacobsen said. The list is a mile long. We have freezers, trucks, coolers and pallet loaders that need to be replaced on top of our budget we use for everything else. He said theyve serviced and repaired the 30-year-old equipment as much as possible, and now most of it is beyond repair. Rae Lynn Johnson, assistant director and food bank coordinator, said the food bank serves 31 counties and fed 23,383 families last year. A total of 66,816 people were fed in addition to the people helped by the senior commodity program. Much of the foods we serve are perishable and need to be frozen or refrigerated, like chicken, beef, milk or cheese, she said. The trucks travel Monday, Wednesday and Friday to deliver food as far as Benkelman, 30 miles from the Nebraska-Colorado border. These families are relying on us, Jacobsen said. Some dont know where their next meal is coming from. We may not get the funding we used to get from the USDA, and we have two commercial freezers to replace, a pallet loader that needs replaced and one of our freezer trucks, too. The cost of a commercial freezer is $25,000 or more. To donate to the food bank or to volunteer, contact Anderson at 308-865-5683, extension 116. A president-elect who handles his transition from his hometown, not Washington. A big city and its residents cursed with traffic snarls and security measures that get in the way of normal life. An incoming first lady who entertains waiting until the end of the school year to move the rest of the family to the White House. Donald Trump, 2016? Yes. But also Barack Obama, 2008. It may be hard to believe now, but Obama had an adjustment to make when the Oval Office beckoned. In figuring his next moves, Trump could take a page from his predecessor. Trump lives and works in the 58-story Trump Tower, which is in midtown Manhattan on Fifth Avenue, one of the busiest commercial arteries in America. Since Election Day, the building has been the focus of security efforts that have caused inconveniences for many locals. A no-fly zone was imposed on the airspace above. In a borough that gave 86 percent of its votes to Hillary Clinton, Trump Tower also has been an irresistible lure for protesters, who create additional tangles. Presidents normally live full time in Washington, with occasional weekends at nearby Camp David. But after the election, the New York Times reported, Trump told aides he would like to do what he is used to, which is spending time in New York when he can. Coming from someone who preferred to fly back from campaign events every night, this raised fears of permanent disruption. Melania Trump had indicated she had no firm plans to move herself and their 10-year-old son to Washington. Given modern realities, that means the security misery in Midtown will go on for months. Our advice to the Trumps is to move sooner rather than later and avoid returning home often. That approach would greatly ease the trouble in Manhattan, simplify the task of protecting the family, minimize costs for the federal government and New York City and reassure the public that Trump will give the presidency his full attention. Every problem associated with protecting the Trumps is multiplied as long as they are occupying two residences. Every trip any of them makes from the capital to New York inflicts unnecessary inconvenience on large numbers of people in Manhattan, not to mention Washington. Maybe the president-elect will give high priority to the interests of taxpayers, not to mention family togetherness. Obama actually moved his family into a Washington hotel before his inauguration so his daughters could get started in their new school. Maybe Trump will learn that the trip is seldom worth the trouble. The Obamas envisioned returning to their Chicago home as often as every six to eight weeks, the Chicago Tribune reported in December 2008. In practice, theyve rarely made it to Chicago, much less to the house. Bill Clinton once described the White House as the crown jewel of the federal penal system. The feeling of imprisonment is mostly a function of the job. The executive mansion is also a place where the president can enjoy security, comfort, privacy, easy access to the people working for (or against) him and a bit more distance from chanting demonstrators. For a family used to 30,000 square feet of gilded luxury, even the White House may be a step down. But for the next four years, at least, the Trumps ought to be able to rough it. ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates What does Donald Trumps election mean for the Middle East? A group of prominent foreign ministers and policy experts gathered here last weekend to explore the elections implications for the worlds most volatile region. The gathering, known as the Sir Bani Yas forum, is hosted each year by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the UAEs foreign minister. Comments here werent attributable, so I cant identify the participants by name. But it included representatives from nearly every Arab country, as well as America, Europe, Russia, China and the United Nations. Change itself was welcomed by the Gulf Arabs, who grew to dislike many aspects of President Barack Obamas Middle East policy. But so little is certain about Trumps positions that even those urging support cautioned that nobody knows where he stands. Given Trumps sparse record, several speakers focused on his obvious personality traits. One argued that Trump is clearly a vain man, so flatter him as many world leaders have done in their contacts since Nov. 8. Another cautioned that Trump is a volatile man, so dont corner him. A third argued that hes transactional a self-proclaimed deal-maker so look for the deals that will serve the regions interests. Trumps rhetorical volleys against trade drew surprisingly little comment, given that the UAE is a symbol of globalization. Nor did his anti-Muslim remarks draw any rebuke. One prominent attendee said at least Trump would be anti-Shiite (hard on Iran) as well as anti-Sunni, which he claimed Obama has been. Perhaps in these mercantile city-states, people doubt that Trump could reverse the momentum of diverse, multicultural global commerce even if he wanted. The build-out is just moving too fast: At a backyard dinner in Dubai hosted by Afghan media mogul Saad Mohseni, I met young entrepreneurs investing in East African logistics networks, Saudi supermarkets, South Asian power grids and a raft of other projects. Two issues facing Trump garnered special focus at the Sir Bani Yas discussions. The Iran nuclear deal is the first conundrum. Throughout the campaign, Trump suggested he would scrap the agreement or renegotiate it. But there was near-unanimity here that Trump should accept the agreement as a done deal and focus instead on curbing Irans aggressive behavior in the region. This consensus included even officials who had been among the agreements strident critics. Only someone who wants to send us into the unknown world would tear it up, said one prominent Gulf Arab official. Nobody is really against the deal, said another, after sharply criticizing the way it was negotiated. Many in this group hoped that Trump would be tougher in challenging Iranian provocations. Trump said during the campaign that if Iranian gunboats harassed U.S. Navy ships in the Gulf, he would blow them out of the water. Thats the kind of anti-Iran pushback the Gulf Arabs want to see (albeit with someone elses ships at risk). Trumps willingness to consider allying with Russia in Syria was the second big, overarching issue. Many Arab officials here backed the Syrian opposition against President Bashar Assad, so you might think that any hint that Trump would partner with Moscow would be anathema. But in the Middle East, political support tends to go with a winner, and Russia looks like the strong player in Syria these days. Representatives of the Syrian opposition spoke movingly of the human cost of Russias intervention and argued that the fall of Aleppo would mean permanent war. Russian speakers made some of the most provocative comments at the conference. Hillary Clintons intervention policies would have driven America toward an abyss and a kinetic collision in Syria, said one. Now, with Trump, we have at least taken a step back. Could a new U.S.-Russian dialogue which draws in Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the other Middle East players stabilize this region and calm its fratricidal sectarian wars? Several speakers explored that possibility. A Gulf Arab suggested such a concert of nations, including the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, plus the regional powers. An American expert recalled the Madrid peacemaking conference in 1991, after the end of the Cold War. A Russian recalled the 1815 Congress of Vienna that brought peace to a fractured Europe. As Don Corleone convened the five families in The Godfather, so, too, perhaps, might Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin gather America, Russia, Turkey, Iran and Saudi Arabia. But experts warn against Yalta II a new Russian- American attempt to designate spheres of influence that carve up the region. There were no answers here about life in the new world of Donald Trump, but so many intriguing questions. Ankara, Turkey, Nov. 25 By Atilla Caner Trend: Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared his readiness to reinstate the death penalty. If the people of Turkey want and the countrys parliament decides to reinstate the death penalty, I am ready to approve this decision, said Erdogan. He was speaking in Istanbul at the ceremony of opening of a center named after Necmettin Erbakan, a Turkish politician, engineer, academic and the countrys former prime minister. Turkey cancelled the death penalty in 2001. Reinstating the death penalty was discussed after the military coup attempt of July 15, 2016. Earlier, Turkeys Minister for the EU Affairs Omer Celik said that reinstating the death penalty in Turkey wasnt put up for consideration by the countrys parliament. The writer, of Overland Park, Kansas, is administrator for U.S. EPA Region 7, which includes Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and nine tribal nations. Lead can have significant impacts on a childs health and development and can be frightening to parents and others who strive every day to provide for the safety of the most vulnerable among us. Children under 6 are most at risk because their developing nervous systems are especially vulnerable to leads effects. EPA Region 7s Superfund Program has been cleaning up residential properties in Omaha as a result of industrial smelting activities along the Missouri River. The vast majority of the work has been accomplished. More than 529,000 cubic yards of lead-contaminated soil at approximately 13,000 properties, including schools, day care centers, parks and playgrounds, has been addressed. In addition, lead-based paint has been stabilized at more than 6,200 homes. That tells only part of the lead story in Omaha, though. Lead was also used for many years in paint before being banned for residential use in 1978. In Omaha, numerous organizations are involved in efforts to address this critical childrens health issue, including EPA; Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Douglas County Health Department; and Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance. EPA conducts lead inspections in Omaha, and our continued focus is on low-income neighborhoods with housing built before 1978. EPAs rules require firms that conduct renovations, repair and painting projects be certified by EPA (or an EPA-authorized state program); use certified renovators who are trained by EPA or state-approved providers; and follow lead-safe work practices. Lead can become airborne and breathable when surfaces coated in lead-based paint are cut, sanded, demolished or undergo other construction activities. To further help reduce childrens exposure to lead-based paint, EPA strives to be effective in its enforcement and outreach efforts. Federal laws do not give the agency legal authority to require landlords or contractors to assess or abate lead hazards, nor to perform the work ourselves. When we find violations by responsible parties, we seek to negotiate agreements to have them perform lead-based paint removal projects. In addition to inspections, we are working to increase awareness of lead hazards and the importance of lead-safe work practices through presentations to community groups, contractors and others. We have also engaged with day care providers, elementary schools and health care providers throughout Nebraska. We encourage residents to hire certified firms to conduct renovations in order to protect families from exposure to lead. Consumers can protect themselves by looking for EPAs Lead Safe logo on workers uniforms, signs and websites. If you suspect that lead remediation rules have not been followed, you can contact us at 800-223-0425. For information on blood-lead testing for children under the age of 6, please contact the Douglas County Health Department at 402-444-7825. A blood test is the only way to determine whether a child has a high lead level. In addition, the Douglas County Health Department offers free lead-based paint inspections to families in Douglas County living in pre-1978 housing where children under the age of 7 spend time on a regular basis. Cleaning up our messes I was pleased to read Matthew Hansens column about Cindy Tefft (The power of one person, Nov. 18 World-Herald). I have seen Cindy swiftly walking along Dodge Street on several occasions trash bag in hand, scooping up other Omahans trash and wondered who this guardian of our city was while I silently praised her efforts. Hopefully Hansens story will encourage more residents to properly dispose of their trash so her walk becomes more for pleasure than cleaning up after others. I am disheartened to see all the food left behind by panhandlers. I recently counted five people at the intersection at midday asking for help. I usually carry bags of snacks to hand out rather than money. Everyone I have given a bag to has been appreciative, but now I am having second thoughts about doing this. Kudos to Cindy and thank you for all your work! Karan Llewellyn, Omaha Hate solves nothing When will our nation grow together instead of tearing ourselves apart? The election results were bound to make some people unhappy. But its over now, and we need to figure out a way to move on together to make the most out of the next four years. The University of Nebraska at Omaha students featured in Erin Graces Nov. 16 article, At UNO, a muscular response to racism, hate, restored a little of my faith in humanity. These students are showing their compassion for other people. These students inspire me to also lend a hand to a fellow student. And they should be an inspiration to the rest of the world that we can help one another instead of going to war with ourselves. Hate solves nothing. Hillary Clinton supporters are angry, and Donald Trump supporters are gloating; I didnt realize the entire country could act like children all at once. Our nations leaders must help us work out our differences and become united. We arent the United States of America for nothing. Kasey Cook, Omaha Take Obamas word for it The protesting liberals need to be reminded of President Obamas infamous words, Elections have consequences. Jerry Worth, Lincoln Putting others ahead of ourselves The Public Pulse letter writer who said her vote for Donald Trump had nothing to do with hate or bigotry (A vote for change, not hate) must have missed the hateful, misogynistic, homophobic, bullying statements made by her candidate or was willing to overlook it. In my opinion, neither is excusable, especially for someone who is an educated woman as she claims she is. I also am college-educated, a nurse who has seen many people benefit from the Affordable Care Act, which the letter writer wants to repeal. But, more importantly, I was taught to put the needs of others less fortunate before my own. Shame on those who voted their own interests above those of others especially the vulnerable, the sick and the environment. Rachel Dowd, Omaha A broken election system must be fixed When a candidate for president wins the popular vote by 2 million yet loses the election, something is not right. Its time that we have uniform election laws and move our elections to a Sunday. The way its done now disenfranchises many poor people who have two or three jobs. In Nebraska, you can vote absentee, but in some states you need a reason to vote early. Hopefully one thing that comes out of this election is a comprehensive reform of our election laws to ensure that the chaos we have today doesnt happen ever again. The 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore should have taught us something, but apparently it did not. Countries all over the world look up to the United States, but when we have such a backward system of electing our president, it makes us look like a Third World nation. Van Argyrakis, Omaha Were all losers in the end There was no winner in this years presidential election. Just casualties: American democracy, truth and civility. Randy Moody, Lincoln Another great performance It was with great joy that the Voices of Omahas 48th annual performance of Handels Messiah received two rousing standing ovations following its concert Sunday. The audience showed its gratitude to artistic director Edward Hurd and all performers on stage for the outstanding presentation. Each Voices of Omaha member would like to share the ovations with everyone who supported their group, including its media sponsor The World-Herald for enabling them to share their annual gift of Handels beloved work with the Omaha community as was the wish of the founder, Leota Sneed Strong. Sharon L. Struve, Omaha board member, Voices of Omaha Bharat Bandh- Karnataka cancels assembly session on Monday Belgaum oi-Anusha On account of Bharat Bandh called by the opposition parties, the Karnataka assembly has decided to cancel its session. Both the houses in Karnataka would not work on account of Bharat Bandh to be observed on November 28. The legislative assembly and council will function on December 3, a Saturday, to make up for loss of business on Monday. The legislative assembly's speaker K B Koliwad announced that the decision was taken following a suggestion from the advisory committee after a meeting over Bharat bandh. The council was adjourned to Tuesday after the chairman declared that a session will be held on December 3, a Saturday instead of November 28. [Also read: Kerala bandh on Monday over demonetisation] The decision was met with stiff opposition from the BJP with opposition leader Jagadish Shettar asking the government with withdraw the decision and allow functioning of both the houses on Monday. The announcement created uproar in the Karnataka assembly on Friday. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 14:48 [IST] Karnataka: Jayaprakash Hegde to join BJP, big worry for Congress Bengaluru oi-Anusha Bunt strongman and politician with a 'squeaky clean image', Jayaprakash Hegde is all set to join the BJP on Sunday. BJP sources told OneIndia that the former Congress leader is likely to join the party during an event in Palace Grounds over the weekend in Bengaluru. Karnataka Congress had expelled Hegde in 2015 citing anti-party activities following which he had said that he will contest as an independent candidate in the 2018 assembly polls. Seems like he doesn't have to wage a lonely battle as the BJP has grabbed the opportunity to have him on board. Jayaprakash Hedge met former Chief Minister and BJP state President B S Yeddyurappa earlier in November sparking off speculations of him joining the BJP. Jayaprakash Hegde is now all set to join the party on possibly on November 27 during its OBC rally in Bengaluru. [Also Read: Bharat Bandh- Karnataka cancels assembly session on Monday] Hegde joining the BJP should come as a worry to the Congress that is fast losing base in coastal Karnataka. Hegde was Congress' natural choice for Udupi-Chikmagalur constituency bypoll when D V Sadananda vacated the seat in 2012. He went to become an MP. Now with him and his assured votes on board, BJP looks at a certain win in coastal karnataka constituencies during the 2018 elections. OneIndia News UP ATS nabs 8 with links to al-Qaeda and its affiliate from UP, Uttarakhand Another targeted killing: Two non-locals killed in targeted attack in J&K 40 down and counting: Forces on the verge of wiping out Pakistani terrorists in Valley 2 terrorists killed, 1 Jawan martyred in J&K India oi-Vicky Srinagar, Nov 25: Two terrorists were killed and one army jawan martyred following an encounter at Bandipora in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The martyred jawan was part of the 13 Rashtriya Rifles. The encounter has stopped for now as search operations continue. It is still unclear whether the terrorists were part of a group which had freshly infiltrated into the Valley. Official sources say that the terrorists may be part of the Lashkar-e-Taiba. There has been heightened activity along the India- Pakistan border with several instances of ceasefire violations. The Indian DGMO had recently wanrned Pakistan about cease fire violations and also advised restraint. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 8:53 [IST] Believe we are even with the Indians, Headley told Rana after 26/11 attacks 26/11 files- When Headley reiterated who Ishrat Jahan really was India oi-Vicky New Delhi, Nov 25: This year the big news on the 26/11 front was the deposition made by David Headley before a Mumbai court through video conferencing. Although there was nothing new in what Headley said, he did hit the headlines by speaking about the very controversial Isharat Jahan case. Ishrat Jahan was killed in an encounter along with Javed Sheikh alias Pranesh Pillai and two Pakistani nationals Amjad Ali and Jishan Johar Abdul Ghani in Gujarat. When Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat he had come under severe criticism from the opposition which called the encounter fake. What Headley said on Ishrat Jahan: Headley said through video conferencing that the operation was about a shoot out at police at some check naka- One woman of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba Ishrat Jahan was involved- There was a women's wing in the Lashkar-e-Tayiba- Headley first said that no suicide bomber of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba was involved. But he went on to state later that Ishrat was involved in an operation involving a shoot out on police at a naka. The Ishrat Jahan encounter had become a major issue with allegations flying around against those who had carried it out. Headley who was first questioned by the FBI had spoken about her. When a team of the NIA questioned Headley he had spoken about it again. 26/11 Files: How Mumbai terror attacks changed the entire public discourse on terrorism When he spoke with the FBI and the NIA he had said Ishrat Jahan, a Mumbai girl killed in a police encounter in Ahmedabad, was a suicide bomber of the outfit. This information was shared by Headley with a four member team of the NIA. While this was made clear by Headley, the angle was never probed and the official reason that was given to us was that he was basing his statements on hearsay. At that time the Home Ministry had said that this never figured in the probe. Our probe was restricted to 26/11 and this statement by Headley was based on hearsay, the government had said. The Intelligence Bureau which was being blamed by the then government of providing false information on Ishrat said that there is no doubt that Headley was well aware of who Ishrat Jahan was. When everyone sought answers, it is quite surprising that the NIA did not chose to push the questioning on this angle further despite Headley knowing a lot about her and the case. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 12:09 [IST] BJP govt has freed investors from red tapism: PM Modi at Invest Karnataka 2022 Summit Take a look at EWS flats at Kalkaji to be inaugurated by PM Modi [Photos] Cabinet approves MoU between India, Denmark in field of Water Resources Development and Management For beneficiaries of EWS flat a gift from PM Modi like none other PM Modi hands over keys of 3024 EWS flats to beneficiaries under slum rehab plan Book on RSS leader, co-written by Narendra Modi, to be released India oi-PTI Rajkot, Nov 25: Gujarati edition of a book on the late RSS leader Lakshmanrao Madhavrao Inamdar, co-authored by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, would be released here on Friday. "The Gujarati edition of the book written jointly by Narendra Modi and (RSS leader) Rajabhai Nene on L M Inamdar, popularly known as "Vakilsaheb", would be released on Friday," said Rajubhai Dhruv, BJP spokesperson. Senior RSS leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani would be present for the function, he said. Hindi edition of the book was published two years ago. Born at Satara in Maharashtra, Inamdar was jailed for eight months during the freedom struggle. He became RSS pracharak in 1942 and handled various responsibilities in the saffron organisation. He is considered to be Modi's mentor. PTI Botched sterilisation surgeries claimed 110 lives: Govt India oi-PTI New Delhi, Nov 25: Botched sterilisation surgeries claimed the lives of over 110 people in 2015-16, death rates which are at par with countries like Bangladesh, the Lok Sabha was informed today. The government has taken several steps including upgradation of guidelines on standards and quality assurance in sterilisation services, said MoS for Health Anupriya Patel in a written reply. "Yes," Patel said when asked whether government is aware that botched sterilisation surgeries in 2016-16 claimed at least 113 lives and the death rate is at par with countries such as Bangladesh and Indonesia. As per the figures given by the Minister, 19 people died in Maharashtra while 14 each in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh lost their lives due to such surgeries. "The steps taken by the government includes upgradation of guidelines on stards and quality assurance in sterilisation services and dissemination of standards to all states through workshops conducted in the states for programme managers as well as service providers," she said. She said that the other steps include establishment and strengthening of state and district quality assurance committees for monitoring quality of sterilisation services and regular monitoring visits and tracking through health management information system. She said that the Supreme Court has stressed the need to strengthen Primary Health Centres in a time bound manner and the government has accordingly issued detailed guidelines in October 2016 incorporating the directions of the apex court to all states to take strategic actions in this regard. PTI SC notice to Centre on plea against supply of electoral roll to candidates Centre's women helpline scheme receives lukewarm response India oi-PTI New Delhi, Nov 25: Centre's 24x7 women helpline scheme has received a lukewarm response, with only 694 complaints being received from just five states since its launch 20 months ago. Minister of Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi while replying to a question in Lok Sabha today said only five states could furnish data about the number of calls received on the helpline. 24x7 Women Helpline 181, which was launched to help women in distress, received a lukewarm response despite the National Crime Record Bureau recording nearly 1,30,000 sexual crimes in the year 2015. The Scheme for Universalisation of Women Helpline came into effect on April 1, 2015. It envisages 24-hour emergency and non-emergency response to women affected by violence, including sexual offences both in the public and private sphere. "As women helplines are becoming operational recently, data regarding number of complaints registered/reported have been received only from Chhatisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Mizoram and Nagaland," Gandhi said in the written reply. Out of the five states, Chhatisgarh witnessed maximum number of calls at 561 in the past six months. No details were shared about the number of states which have received funding from the Centre for implementation of the scheme. The Centre has allocated Rs 69.49 Crores under the Nirbhaya Fund for this scheme. PTI 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 Cheating on your wife doesn't amount to dowry harassment or cruelty-SC India oi-Vicky New Delhi, Nov 25: The Supreme Court has clarified that an extramarital affairs will not invite provisions under Section 498 A of the Indian Penal Code (Dowry Law) and neither does it amount to cruelty. The court made it clear that an extramarital affairs would not per se come under the ambit of Section 498 A. Instead an extramarital affair would be an illegal act, a bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra observed. The Bench also went on to clarify that a man cannot be held guilty if his wife has committed suicide after learning about his extramarital affair. This does not come under the ambit of abetment to suicide, the bench further stated. Husband gets 8 years rigorous imprisonment in dowry death case Further the Bench also said that if a man is involved in an extramarital affair and there is some suspicion in the mind of the wife, it does not amount mental cruelty. The order was passed when the court was hearing a plea filed by a man from Kolar who was sentenced to four years imprisonment for abetting his wife's suicide. The bench acquitted him on the ground that there was no evidence to show that he had treated his wife with cruelty. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 8:21 [IST] The cast of 'The Young and the Restless' pose in the press room during The 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards at Warner Bros. Studios on April 26, 2015 in Burbank, California. (Photo : Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) The succeeding episodes of "Young and the Restless" is expected to showcase Travis' proposal to Victoria. But the couple may not have an easy way to their happily ever after since conflict may arise with Billy's interception. Billy, who knew about Travis' slip up with his ex-wife Michelle, is planning to reveal the truth to Victoria. Advertisement Although the highlight for this week's prediction is Travis bending his one knee for Victoria, the story may kick in another twist as Victoria may call off her engagement once she knows the former cheated on her. As soon as Travis drops the question, "Will you marry me?" to Victoria, Billy will be watching the proposal over a distance. Knowing what happened between Travis and Michelle would prompt him to expose the secret to Victoria, Blasting News reported. Meanwhile, things may be going too fast for Victoria as she is not expecting a proposal anytime soon. Although her relationship with Travis is pretty much going well, she feels like time is still needed for her to get to know him more. Besides, she does not want to hurt her children by rushing to enter a commitment she is not sure about. Despite her hang ups, the mother of two did not think twice saying yes to her beau since she was already blindsided by the romantic gesture. As for Travis, though it may be his way to compensate with the mistake he made with Michelle, it is unknown as of this moment whether he will be able to triumph with what he is attempting to do. Billy, on the other hand, is having thoughts of revealing the truth to Victoria. He feels he may be accused of lying and making up stories. In the end, he decided to let Victoria know and demand the truth from Travis without indicating the cheating that took place. On the other side of the story, Nick, Sharon, and Dylan will experience a Thanksgiving Day they will never forget which involves baby Christian, Soap Hub reported. For more spoilers and predictions about "Young and the Restless," check the video below. Cong postpones 'padyatra' in Goa India oi-PTI Panaji, Nov 25: Congress today postponed its scheduled 'padyatra' in Goa by two days due to the nationwide strike call given by the opposition parties over the Centre's demonetisation move. "The padyatra, which was scheduled to begin on November 27, will now start on November 29 from Pernem taluka by laying wreath at Martyrs' memorial," Congress Goa unit spokesman Trajano D'Mello told reporters. He said the schedule of the fortnight-long yatra had to be postponed by two days due to the Bharat bandh call given by opposition parties against demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. "During the padyatra, the lies of the BJP-led government, the u-turns on issues like regional plan, casinos, 50,000 jobs creation, zero-level tolerance to corruption, minority commission, unemployment allowance and their sins of commission and omission will be exposed," he said. D'Mello said the yatra will also take a day's break on December 3 in view of the feast of St Francis Xavier. "The yatra will culminate with a public meeting at Margao. Hundreds of workers will be walking and joining from different parts during the yatra covering 34 constituencies -- 15 in the North and 19 in the South," he said. PTI FIR against nine people over forced religious conversions in UP Cops clash with public in Sambhal UP- 150 cases registered India oi-Vikas By Vikas Sambhal, Nov 25: The Uttar Pradesh Police has booked a case against 150 unidentified people in connection with a clash between 'Zayreen' (pilgrims) and cops here on Wednesday evening, said reports. Four people have been arrested so far in the case and are being interrogated. According to reports, the incident left eight policemen, including a deputy superintendent, and 12 others injured. On Wednesday, a group of 90 people were returning to their homes in Moradabad after visiting Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan. They reportedly got into a scuffle with the locals at Sambhal's Kamalpur village for allegedly removing cattle from the road. The cattle tied to the poles beside the road were said to be hindering the passage of the bus. When the pilgrims asked the villagers to clear the cattle off the roads, the villagers refused following which a fight broke out. This reportedly led the villagers to hold four of the passengers captive after which other passengers in the bus fled from the spot and sought help from police at Chaudhary Sarai police station. According to reports, the police brought back the four passengers held captive, but the group, which had by then gathered more support, pelted stones at them for not arresting the villagers. The police then resorted to batton charge and the entire incident snowballed into a riot like situation. Oneindia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 10:02 [IST] JNU Admissions 2022: PG First merit list to be released today; how to check Delhi HC reserves order on Payal Abdullah's appeal to retain govt bungalow India oi-Vikas By Vikas New Delhi, Nov 25: The Delhi High Court on Friday reserved the orders on a plea filed by Omar Abdullah's estranged wife Payal Abdullah in which she had sought government accommodation. In the plea she had sought government accomodation for herself and her sons on the ground that they enjoyed Z and Z plus security. Payal filed the appeal before a division bench after a single judge had ordered her on August 19 to vacate the 7 Akbar Road bungalow in New Delhi that she was residing in. According to reports, she had claimed that she and her sons were living in a rented flat which is not appropriate on security grounds. She had stated that the government should provide her and her sons with accommodation on parity with others who enjoyed similar security status. [Also read: HC asks Payal Abdullah to 'gracefully' vacate govt bungalow] Her claims of being a central government protectee was, however, disputed by the MHA. "Delhi Police will take care of the security personnel who will be deployed at the residence where she will move," the MHA counsel had said. The type 8 house built over two acres of land,belongs to Jammu and Kashmir government. Omar and Payal were occupying the house since 1999. After Omar was out of office, the resident commissioner asked Payal to vacate the house. As per reports, the house now belongs to the current Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 17:37 [IST] Five years of demonetisation: Notes in circulation on rise; so are digital payments Demonetisation: CM calls for peoples' cooperation to end graft India oi-PTI Mumbai, Nov 25: Dubbing demonetisation as a war against corruption and blackmoney, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed people to cooperate with the government as freedom fighters, to root out these evils from the society. "Our biggest challenge today is to make our nation free from corruption and black money. Narendra Modiji's decision is a war against such evils," Fadnavis said yesterday while addressing public meetings, canvassing for BJP candidates in the November 27 Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat polls. "We all are the proud freedom fighters who are in the process of making nation free from corruption. Just co-operate for 50 days & 50 years of prosperity is ours!," he said. Addressing public rallies at Chikhli, Khamgaon, Jalgaon Jamod, Nandura in Buldhana district and Anjangaon Surji and Achalpur in Amravati district, Fadnavis spoke on how people have to suffer for the basic needs like drinking water, health, etc even after 70 years of independence and how his government was working on fulfilling the needs of common man that too by maintaining quality, transparency and without any corruption. "It is sad that people are still living in slums. PM Awas Yojna will give housing to all without any discrimination of caste, religion, gender," he said. PTI Demonetisation- SC will examine, ground realities & constitutional validity of scheme India oi-Vicky New Delhi, Nov 25: The Supreme Court will hear a plea on demonetisation on December 2. The court while adjourning the plea observed that it would look into both ground realities and the constitutional validity of the scheme. When the matter came up for hearing on Friday, senior advocate and Congress leader, Kapil Sibal prayed that the matter be heard by a five judge bench of the Supreme Court. The Advocate General Mukul Rohatgi, however, said that there was no need for a five judge bench to hear the matter. He also told the court that an affidavit was placed on what steps were taken in the aftermath of the decision. When the Chief Justice of India suggested that all the 13 PILs and those matters pending before the various high courts be transferred to the Delhi High Court, Sibal objected. He said that different states have different issues and hence the High Court could not hear the matter. Also read: No more over the counter currency exchange- Here is what you should do Sibal, however, sought time till Tuesday stating that he would gather all authentic data. He said that the data would be sourced from both the RBI and the ministry and the same would be submitted before the court. One of the petitioners during the arguments took on the AG and said that he was not the one facing the problem due to demonetisation. He said that it was the public which was facing the problem as there was no money in banks and post offices. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 12:00 [IST] Column: Eighth Anniversary of 26/11 Attack: What is in store for us? India oi-V Balachandran The first and foremost feature that strikes anybody in our country is the reluctance of governments at the Centre and States to release authentic information to the public whether they are safer now than in November 2008. This reluctance even to share information with the Parliament becomes clear if we read a report on the proceedings of a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs on October 6, 2016. The meeting "lasted nearly three hours, and was attended by Home Secretary Rajeev Mehrishi, whose absence from previous standing committee meetings had irked the MPs" They were summoned to be questioned on the intelligence failure leading to Uri attack and other allied matters on intelligence processing machinery. The last sentence in the report conveys volumes: "However, there were no clear replies from the government side, sources said". Coastal Security: I checked the latest annual report (2015-16) of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on whether any substantial improvements have been effected in our preventive machinery. No details regarding better intelligence integration is available since this is an open document. Under the "Coastal Security Scheme" there is a repetition of Phase-I (2005-06) which in any case had failed to prevent 26/11 attacks despite advance intelligence. Phase II was calibrated considering the vulnerabilities experienced on 26/11 and is "under implementation". 131 Coastal police stations were sanctioned of which 104 were operational. 127 Coastal exercises were conducted by the Coast Guard from 2009 till December 2015. A high powered 'National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security "(NCSMCS) under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary is constituted to review threats and take remedial measures. A project to install high resolution cameras on high rises on Mumbai's coast line was mooted by the Western Zonal Council on 21 October 2016 in Mumbai chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The police have been asked to work out modalities. Similar arrangements are being proposed for all the Western States like Goa, Gujarat, Diu & Daman & Dadra- Nagar Haveli. It is presumed that the local police would monitor these cameras. Are we prepared for surprises? An incident on May 23, 2015 in Mumbai might cause serious doubts. At about 5.55 pm a Jet Air pilot who was about to take off for Ahmedabad noticed 5 unmanned objects flying in a "tight" formation in the air space across the Mumbai airport. To him they appeared as remote controlled objects. The ATC supervisor who was alerted suspended airport operations. ATC made frantic calls to Juhu Airport, Indian Air Force (IAF) and INS Kunjali, Colaba but received no clear information. INS Kunjali was supposed to keep the Mumbai coastal airspace safe. None had seen these objects. Media quoted the Military Liaison Unit (MLU) saying that the incident was serious. MLU is an IAF detachment charged with the responsibility of giving every aircraft with an air defence (ADC) number. Till May 25 none took any action and Prime Minister's office (PMO) had to intervene. Suddenly several agencies like CISF, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, Intelligence Bureau (IB) and four local police stations became active. Still no official explanation was available even on May 26. Simultaneously the public were fed with speculative reports that these objects might have carried cameras to photograph sensitive installations and also explosives to be directed against specific targets, including a high rise of a business tycoon. The truth came out only by the 26th evening through local police enquiries. A prominent diamond export firm had engaged an event management company to release some hot air balloons to advertise a wedding. These balloons had appeared like unmanned parachutes from the ground. The culprits were arrested for violating the airport airspace. This incident which fortunately ended well would indicate how national security issues are tackled, which despite the 26/11 terror attack, continues to lack either an integrated approach towards facing such problems or a system of accountability in cases of negligence. In all other countries one security department is designated as the "Lead department" to deal with a particular security problem. It is the responsibility of that department to obtain cooperation from others for dealing with that problem. Why was it not done in this case? Why was an impression given that none was responsible? This is particularly significant since the two-member 26/11 High Level Enquiry Committee of which this writer was a member, had warned of the possibility of airborne attacks through hijacked private helicopters which are parked in and around the airport without guards. We had recommended: "As the Aviation Security is with the Central authorities, it is suggested that this matter may be taken up for studies and necessary security measures worked out." The other important lesson of this incident is that the final responsibility for all security failures finally lands up with our ill equipped, overworked and understaffed local police. Also, the public, who are the ultimate victims of any such incident are kept totally in the dark and have to be satisfied with confusing media leaks. In short, we have learnt nothing from 26/11. On a positive side it must be said that a later incident on 21 September 2016, although prankish in nature, had tested the response time of our security services. That was immediately after the Uri Army Centre attack on 18 September 2016 which had killed 19 soldiers. Perhaps the quick response was because of a heightened alert all over. A 12 year old school girl in Uran near Mumbai told others and the police that she had seen five armed men, wearing masks and black clothes, while on her way to school. A boy from the same school also said he saw an armed man with a gun. As a result Mumbai, Uran and surrounding areas were put on high alert. The police, anti-terrorism squad, Force 1, coast guard and navy launched search operations for possible intruders. Delay in grasping overseas developments on terrorism: We live in a globalized world where terrorists go beyond borders and strike at will. Hence it is very necessary to closely study developments in hotbeds like Afghanistan, Syria-Iraq, Europe and America on the changing nature of terrorist tradecraft and counter measures taken by others. The emergence of ISIS into the terrorist scene was one such instance in which India and the rest of the world took a lot of time to appreciate its full lethal dimensions. Although ISIS had burst into prominence in Iraq in April 2013, the world did not take it seriously till May 2014 when they attacked Belgium Jewish museum killing 4. In the same year there were similar attacks in Australia, Canada, USA and France. India took notice of the ISIS threat only in late 2015 although others including this writer were warning about its potential danger from mid September 2014. The danger was from their returning cadres who would organize attacks against home targets. One of the biggest difficulties in India is not having a think tank exclusively doing research on internal security and terrorism. Since 1998 I have been advocating setting up such an institution either by government or by rich corporate groups. Even many South Asian countries including Bangla Desh have centres doing full time study of different trends in terrorist plans and financing. All over the world it is realized that executive arms like police or intelligence agencies are far too busy coping with day to day problems and that they have very little time for research & analysis. If we don't do this we will be surprised by new methods of terrorist attacks financed through innovative measures. [The writer is a former Special Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat & member of the 2 man High Level Committee to enquire into police response to 26/11 terror attack] IB to file report on demonetisation hitting terror funding News oi-Vicky By Vicky Hyderabad, Nov 25 The naxalites are devastated and the terrorists have no funding, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday. Singh was speaking at the DGP's conference at Hyderabad. Singh said that the naxalites were devastated post demonetisation. They had no place to exchange their currency. We hear that they are trying to exchange currency, but we will no let them succeed, the Home Minister also said. Further he said that terror funding had been greatly affected post demonetisation. He said that he would request the Intelligence Bureau to prepare a report on how terror had been affected due to demonetisation. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 19:26 [IST] From being a victim of terrorism to exploring global solutions: India praised at UN's Counter Terrorism meet Cabinet approves MoU between India, Denmark in field of Water Resources Development and Management Dr. Rinky Kapoor- One of the best celebrity cosmetic dermatologists In Pics: India-China joint training exercise 'Hand-in-Hand 2016' concludes News oi-Lisa By Lisa Pune, Nov 25 The sixth India-China joint training exercise 'Hand-in-Hand 2016' concluded on Friday at the Aundh military camp here, an official said. The 13-day exercise included understanding each other's operational methodology, developing interoperability and conducting joint tactical operations controlled by a joint command post. The exercise -- held alternatively in India and China -- concluded with a validation exercise by the Indian Army and the People's Liberation Army of China. At the closing ceremony, Major General S.K. Prashar of the Indian Army and Major General Wang Haijiang, Deputy Commander of the People's Liberation Army, jointly reviewed a parade commanded by Colonel Dayanand Sharma, the Indian contingent commander. The first such exercise was held in 2007 at Kunming Military Academy in Yunnan province in China and the last in October 2015 also at the same venue. "The aim of the joint training is to share the expertise in drills and practices while tackling insurgency and terrorism, thereby promoting healthy military-to-military relations and developing joint strategies for conducting operations in a counter- terrorism environment," an Army official said. The exercise was conducted in three phases -- familiarisation with weapons and equipment; conduct of basic training including combat conditioning, firing of personal weapons, support weapons and practice of drills like establishment of covert observation post, house clearing, cordon and search and humanitarian and disaster relief operations. The third phase comprised conduct of joint exercise. (With agency inputs) One India News Jeffrey Archer says Trump needs to be given a chance India oi-PTI Mumbai, Nov 25: Acclaimed writer Jeffrey Archer has said that US President-elect Donald Trump deserves to be given a chance though he lacks any political background. Archer was in Mumbai to promote his book, This Was a Man, the seventh and final installment in his bestselling The Clifton Chronicle series. "US people have gone to someone who has never been a Congressman, never been a senator, never been a mayor, and who never held any office...and said we want you to run most important legislation on earth. It's going to be fascinating to see how it works out," Archer said here yesterday. "But I agree with President (Barack) Obama, we need to give him (Trump) a chance. I'll able to answer your question (on Donald Trump) far better in a year's time," he added. Responding to a query whether he wanted his 'Clifton Chronicles' to be made into films, the 'Kane and Abel' author said, "I had given seven options of films in last five years, but no films (were made). No matter who you are, you need a little bit of luck." Archer said he didn't think that he "would be coming to Bollywood". "I don't think my natural habitats lies here for my films, but still keeping my fingers crossed, let them know you want it," said Archer who has penned a number of best selling novels and short stories. Archer also met batting legend Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai. Arrived in Mumbai this morning - great to catch up with @sachin_rt before heading off to press interviews. pic.twitter.com/QmVjqKFlM8 Jeffrey Archer (@Jeffrey_Archer) November 24, 2016 Talking about demonetisation of currency notes of high denomination in India, he said, "It will be fascinating to see within a year's time whether it was a clever idea or whether it doesn't work." More than 27 million copies of the book has been sold out so far. On his next endeavour, he said, "Next year, there will be a set of short stories. Because I haven't done a set of short stories for a very long time and I have been gathering them for over ten years. They should be out by March or April next year." PTI Kanpur train tragedy: Nitish leads Legislators in mourning India oi-PTI Patna, Nov 25: The two Houses of Bihar legislature today mourned the death of over 148 passengers, about three dozen out of them from Bihar, in the Indore-Patna express train accident on November 20. On the opening day of the state Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council for the six-day long Winter Session, the members stood in silence in memory of the victims of the train tragedy. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav, Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar along with Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhary paid respects to the departed souls. In the Legislative Council, Chairman Awdesh Narayan Singh,Leader of Opposition Sushil Kumar Modi, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi and other members mourned the death of victims. The Legislative Assembly also condoled the death of former Governors A R Kidwai, Mohammad Shafi Kureishi and other past legislators of the House. The House condoled the deaths of former MLAs Jawahar Paswan, Yaduvanshi Rai, Yuvraj, Ram Iqbal Singh Warsi and Amrendra Mishra. [Also read: Strict action against those guilty for train derailment: Govt] Later the Speaker said he would convey the sentiment of the House to the families of all the bereaved. The Bihar Legislative Council also stood in silence in respect of former Jammu and Kashmir Governor S K Sinha and soldiers who lost their lives on the borders in attacks from Pakistan. Both Houses were adjourned after the obituary references to meet on Monday again. PTI Trump vs China: Trumps presidency may start a trade war between the U.S. and China, but there can still be benefits for both sides. (Photo : Getty Images) U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has warned during his campaign that he would punish China for its unfair trade practices. The Chinese leaders, however, seemed to neglect the threat. Advertisement China remains one of the world's most closed major economies. The Asian superpower maintains policies against direct foreign investment. Foreign business firms are blocked from a wide range of industrieseverything from cotton to tobacco to metal smelting. As the U.S. and European Union Chambers of Commerce have complained, those companies also face a growing number of other hassles, including difficulties in enforcing contracts and accessing financing from Chinese banks. Critics from other superpowers have begun asking why Chinese companies should be allowed to invest in their farmland, nuclear power plants, and technology companies when their own business firms would have trouble doing the same in China. For example, even if China's ventures into Hollywood don't pose a national security threat, the fact that the country only allows 34 foreign films onto its screens every year betrays obvious hypocrisy. This is the issue that Trump wants to address by placing higher tariffs on Chinese goods and scrutinizing deals involving Chinese buyers more closely and slowly. If China would be wiser, it would solve the international trade concerns now before the U.S. and other developed countries start closing their own markets to Chinese companies. Reducing the barriers to foreign investment might entail partial loss of control, but it will help China with some of its goals. As Chinese leaders from Deng Xiaoping have recognized, foreign companies provide not just badly needed capital but management and competitive pressures that result in greater efficiency all around. In short, if Trump will put his threat into action, China might have to consider relaxing its foreign investment policies. This would lead to opportunities for the U.S. to invest in China and for the Asian superpower to have an economy driven more by consumption services than investment and manufacturing. Though the ensuing trade war can have adverse effects on both China and the United States, a tougher stand can be actually good for both sidesif only Trump and his counterpart President Xi Jinping would realize it. JNU Admissions 2022: PG First merit list to be released today; how to check 'Pollution not a state problem': As Delhi chokes, AAP leader passes the buck to Centre Kejriwal questions RBI's way of distributing currency to banks India oi-PTI New Delhi, Nov 25: Latching onto media reports, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today raised questions on whether the Reserve Bank of India was distributing currency to banks in a fair manner. "Is currency being distributed by RBI to bank branches in fair manner?" he asked. According to media reports, the RBI has distributed Rs 42 lakh to a bank which has 4,000 customers following demonetisation. At the same time, it has reportedly dispensed Rs 3 lakh to a bank with 35 branches and 1.5 lakh customer base. PTI Take a look at EWS flats at Kalkaji to be inaugurated by PM Modi [Photos] For beneficiaries of EWS flat a gift from PM Modi like none other LS adjourned for the day as Oppn seeks apology from PM India oi-PTI New Delhi, Nov 25: In a virtual washout of its proceedings, Lok Sabha was adjourned for the seventh consecutive day today with Opposition parties vociferously protesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dig at their protest against demonetisation and demanding an apology from him. Demanding his presence in the House, Opposition members raised slogans asking Modi to make his statements inside the House and not to attack them outside. As soon as the House met, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that the Constitution Day would be observed tomorrow and referred to the 8th anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks. Leader of Congress in the House Mallikarjun Kharge referred to Modi's remarks at a function earlier in the day in which he had hit out at the Opposition over demonetisation. Modi had said opposition parties were attacking him as they did not get time to prepare in advance. Man jumps from Lok Sabha gallery to protest demonetisation "The issue now is not our demand for an adjournment motion but the remarks of the Prime Minister... He said the Opposition supports black money," Kharge said as members from various opposition parties rushed to the Well demanding that the PM make a statement in the Lok Sabha. The Opposition members were heard shouting "Pradhan Mantri sadan mein aao...himmat hai toh sadan mein bolo," (PM, come to the House. If you have the courage, speak in the House). Expressing anguish that the Opposition was not ready to help run the House, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for over 35 minutes till noon. There was no let up in the Opposition's protests when the House reassembled, even though the Speaker persisted with the Zero Hour for over 35 minutes in which members raised certain issues amid the din. TMC leader Sudip Bandhopadhyay was allowed to speak when the members of his party withdrew from the Well for a while, but Mahajan did not allow Kharge speak as Congress members continued to shout slogans and remained present in the Well. Modi's comments have hurt the Opposition's feelings, the TMC leader said, demanding that he withdraw them and apologise, drawing protests from treasury benches. Rejecting Congress members' demand that Kharge be allowed to speak, she said "you will remain in the Well, shout slogans, tear papers and would like to speak as well. I cannot allow it." She adjourned the House for the day as Opposition members including those from the Congress, TMC, Left and RJD continued with their protest and slogan-shouting. PTI JNU Admissions 2022: PG First merit list to be released today; how to check Modi defends demonetisation, says govt didn't give hoarders time to prepare India oi-Sandra Marina Fernandes New Delhi, Nov 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, releasing a book on the Constitution said that Nov 26 will be celebrated as the Constitution Day. Speaking at the event, Modi said: "Our Constitution has very special place in our lives. Nov 26 was decided to be observed as Constitution Day to celebrate the Constitution and have greater awareness among the youth." Modi said that it was not just important to remember various articles of the Constitution but also be connected with the Constitution. "We celebrate January 26 with great enthusiasm but we must also remember- without November 26, we could not celebrate January 26." Speaking about demonetisation at the event, Modi said: "Those criticising the demonetisation move don't have a problem with government's preparedness. They have problem that they didn't get time to prepare." Over the years people have forgotten their duties under the Constitution but only remember their rights: PM Modi in Delhi pic.twitter.com/lagA52jVke ANI (@ANI_news) November 25, 2016 "The common citizen of India has become a soldier against corruption and black money," Modi said. "India has often ranked low in global rankings on corruption. We need to improve it," he added. Over the years people have forgotten their duties under the Constitution but only remember their rights, Modi added. OneIndia News 40 down and counting: Forces on the verge of wiping out Pakistani terrorists in Valley Mother coaxes militant son to surrender in J&K India oi-Vicky New Delhi, Nov 25: A local militant belonging to the Lashkar-e-Tayiba surrendered after his family coaxed him to do so. The militant identified as Abu Majeed surrendered before the security forces at the Tushar Sharif area in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir. He was holed up in a house which was cordoned off by security forces. The security forces knowing that he was a local wanted him to surrender. The security forces have said that they do not want the youth of Kashmir to die in encounters and hence they are adopting the surrender policy. At first Majeed was reluctant to surrender. The security forces then brought in his mother and sister to coax him to surrender. After coaxing by his mother and sister, Majeed surrendered. The mother and sister were assured that he would be treated well and not harassed. The menace of Kashmiris attending militant funerals is back A similar incident had occurred at the same place a few weeks back. In that case, the Lashkar-e-Tayiba militant, Umar was coaxed by both his parents to surrender before the security forces. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 11:00 [IST] Nalanda University chancellor quits, cites attack on autonomy India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia As a mark of protest over the dissolving of the governing body to make way for a new one, the Chancellor of Nalanda University resigned from his post on Friday. George Yeo in his statement said that this move seemed to be an attack on the institution's autonomy. In a statement that he released on Friday, Yeo said that he was assured of the University's autonomy but now things had changed. "When I was invited to take over the responsibility from Amartya Sen last year, I was repeatedly assured that the University would have autonomy. This appears not to be the case now. Accordingly, and with deep sadness, I have submitted my letter of resignation as Chancellor to the Visitor" he said. In his statement Yeo also claimed that the order of the Visitor of the University dissolving the governing board and creating a new one came as a surprise to him and existing members of the body. He also claimed that he neither was consulted nor involved when the decision was taken. "For reasons not entirely clear to me, the Government of India has decided to form the new Governing Board with immediate effect before the Act is amended. This is of course entirely the prerogative of the Government of India,'' he added Yeo ended his statement by calling in an honour and privilege for him to have been associated with revival of Nalanda and working with Amartya Sen and eventually being appointed as its second chancellor. George Yeo was Singapore's former Foreign Minister. He took over from Nobel prize- winning economist Amartya Sen as Chancellor of the revived University in 2015. He had been a prime mover of the revival effort of the educational institute since it was established in 2010. In 2012, the Indian government awarded him the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India, for his role in public affairs. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 12:55 [IST] CUET impact? Only 1 from Kerala board in Hindu College's popular course so far New Rs 500 note has two variants, RBI says not to worry India oi-Sandra Marina Fernandes New Delhi, Nov 25: Ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that old Rs 500 and 1,000 notes will no longer be legal tender, people rushed to the banks and ATMs to exchange/ deposit or withdraw money. Not only did this result in severe cash crunch in several places but rumours of counterfeit currency were also making rounds. However, the severe cash crunch resulted in the RBI pumping more cash from the printing press. It has now come to light that the new Rs 500 note has two variants. According to a report in TOI, people have come across the two variants of the note with stark differences. A resident in Gurugram pointed out the differences between the two variants. "There is a visible shadow on Gandhi's face and alignment problem in the serial numbers," he says. Also read: It's not PM Modi, Manmohan Singh is the 'big daddy' of economics There also seems to be colour differences alongwith the size of the borders on both the notes. RBI, on the other hand, has said that these are mere printing defects. "It is likely that notes with printing defect has got released due to the current rush. However, people can freely accept such a note in transaction or return it to RBI," the RBI spokesperson told the daily. Earlier, in separate incidents, it was found that a man had received a fake Rs 2,000 note. However, this was not a counterfiet but a colour photocopy of the new note. 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 No more over the counter currency exchange- Here is what you should do India oi-Vicky New Delhi, Nov 25: The exchange of old currency across the counter has been stopped. The decision was taken last night and immediately announced. However exchange of notes at the Reserve Bank of India would continue. Here are some points that would be helpful in the aftermath of the decision. The Reserve Bank of India advises members of public that exchange of bank notes in 500 and 1000 denominations, whose legal tender status has been withdrawn, will continue to be available at the counters of the Reserve Bank up to the current limits per person as hitherto. From today customers can deposit the old notes in their accounts and withdraw new currency from the ATM or bank cheques. New Rs 500 note has two variants, RBI says not to worry Old notes can be deposited till the end of the year. The limit on withdrawal of up to Rs. 24,000 per week per bank account remains unchanged. Limit on card withdrawal is at Rs 2,500 per day Limit on digital transactions through e-wallets like Paytm to Rs. 20,000 per month. Water and electricity bills can also be paid with the old currency till December 15. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 11:17 [IST] Not once, but ISIS recruit got money from Zakir Naik's NGO twice India oi-Vicky Mumbai, Nov 25: The National Investigation Agency has found that alleged ISIS recruit, Abu Anas had received an amount of Rs 1.5 lakh towards scholarship. During the first round of the investigation, the NIA had found that an amount of Rs 80,000 had been given by the Dr Zakir Naik run, Islamic Research Foundation to Anas. However, while probing deeper another transaction of Rs 70,000 to Anas had been found. Investigators say that the total amount given to Anas in two transactions amounted to Rs 1,50,000. The NIA is still probing to find out if the amount given to Anas had anything to do with his joining the ISIS. Was he radicalised because of his association with the Islamic Research Foundation or not is still under probe. Anas had first received an amount of Rs 80,000 from IRF in October 2015. Three months later Anas an engineer was on his way to Syria to fight alongside the ISIS. He was, however, arrested. The case of Anas is interesting. Radicalised and determined he decided to give up his job as an engineer to take the ISIS path. The answer that the NIA is looking for is whether the scholarship given to him had anything to do with his decision of joining the ISIS. Also read: Did the Rs 80k IRF scholarship radicalise this ISIS recruit? An officer in the NIA says that it may not be a mere coincidence. "The two incidents could well be related. It is a well known fact that several terrorists have confessed they were inspired by Zakir Naik's speeches. By taking a scholarship a person become indebted to an organisation. This could have been a turning point for Anas," the officer also notes. The funding and the pattern are crucial to the probe. Whether funds were being pumped into the IRF so that it would undertake radicalization exercises is one part of the probe. Were only Naik's speeches the trigger that lead to the radicalization or did funds have a role to play in it is another part of the probe. Further the complaints about the IRF being involved in large scale conversions is also a subject matter of investigation, the NIA official also added. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 8:21 [IST] OneIndia survey: Majority feel govt was not prepared after demonetisation India oi-Sandra Marina Fernandes Bengaluru, Nov 25: When Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Rs 500 and 1,000 notes will no longer be legal tender with effect from Nov 8 midnight, little did black money hoarders realise how badly they were hit. The big question that is now being asked is if the government was prepared in the aftermath of this decision and whether more notes should have been printed to deal with the demand. OneIndia conducted a survey to find out if the government was well prepared to face the situation in the aftermath of demonetisation. The survey was carried in English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali and Gujarati and 31,198 people participated in the survey. This is one of the biggest online polls and we are giving you the results of survey. We asked people 'Was the government ill-prepared? Should more new notes have been printed?' 18,513 people said that the government was ill-prepared and should have printed more notes. 12,683, however, felt that in such matters this is the way to go about it. Also read: OneIndia survey- Has the common man benefited from demonetisation? Majority say yes 59.3 per cent felt that the government was ill-prepared. A majority of the respondents also felt that more notes ought to have been printed in order to cater to the high demand. However, 40.7 per cent felt that the government did the right thing in going about the matter this way. The respondents from across the country were critical of the government and felt that more attention should have been paid to the woes of the common man. The least the government could have done is print more notes, 59.3 per cent of the respondents said. However, those in favour also felt that since this is an issue in which secrecy had to be maintained, this was the only way to go about it. OneIndia News UK PM Liz Truss resigns after 45 days in office, successor to be elected next week Iraq gets a new government after a year of deadlock PM condoles death of journalist Dileep Padgaonkar India oi-PTI New Delhi, Nov 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condoled the death of noted journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, saying he was a leading public thinker whose contribution to journalism will always be remembered. "Mr. Dileep Padgaonkar was a leading public thinker whose contribution to journalism will always be remembered. Pained by his demise. RIP," Modi tweeted. 72-year-old Padgaonkar, a former editor of The Times of India, was unwell for past several weeks and died at a hospital in Pune, family sources said. Padgaonkar began his career in journalism at an early age and joined the Times of India as its Paris correspondent after receiving a doctorate in humanities in 1968. Senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar passes away He served the paper in various capacities before he was appointed its editor in 1988, a post he held for six years. Padgaonkar had also served as one of the three members of the interlocutors' group on Jammu and Kashmir, set up by the previous government after continuous unrest in the Valley in 2008. PTI Chinese authorities, schools, and NGOs promote HIV/AIDS awareness. (Photo : Getty Images) Just a few weeks before the World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, a university in Beijing has become a distribution site for free HIV test kits. The prevention campaign was jointly launched by the Center for Disease Prevention and Control of Beijing's Chaoyang district and the Communication University of China. Advertisement The university staff placed 200 HIV test kits in public toilets around the campus, offering an easy preliminary HIV screening. This initiative has helped students to determine their HIV status in a swift and confidential way. "We have already distributed 25 test kits, which are quite popular among the students. We hope the kits remind them to seek treatment as soon as possible if they are infected," a university employee said. Students were instructed to utilize the kits by sending their urine samples to an appointed hospital and check their test results online. Four samples had been sent back to the hospital as of Nov. 17, which all showed negative results. "It's not new to see free condoms distributed at universities, but the distribution of HIV test kits is unprecedented. The kits can improve our understanding and awareness of the disease," said a junior student from the university. Many experts commended the initiative, noting that it can curb the disease among students as well as raise young people's awareness of HIV/AIDS. However, doctors warned that despite having test kits, students still need to undergo a professional test for AIDS if they get a positive result. There is an urgent need to not only raise awareness on prevention of HIV/AIDS among the younger generation, but also to inform them about what to do, how to get treatment, and where to receive counseling should they be infected. According to China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 570,000 people living with HIV/AIDS as of Oct. 2015. Of that number, 9,152 are youths aged between 15 and 24. Chinese authorities and non-government organizations have been working hard on HIV prevention among students and more projects are coming on the AIDS Awareness Month like a Red Ribbon Gala Dinner in Shanghai. 'Possibilities of Power': Book on socio-educational experiments by P Vijayan IPS to be released on Monday Rajiv Gandhi Assassin Nalini Sriharan recalls meeting with Priyanka Gandhi in new book India oi-Mukul Kumar Mishra New Delhi, Nov 25: A book on Nalini Sriharan, one of the seven convicts serving life term in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case was released on Thursday. The book written in Tamil titled "Rajiv Kolai: Marikapatta Unmaigalum Priyanka Nalini Santhippum," details the meeting Nailini had with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in 2008. The book was released in Chennai by MDMK founder Vaiko in the presence of various pro-Tamil leaders including VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan. Roughly translated into English, the title of the book means "Rajiv murder: Concealed truths and the Nalini-Priyanka meeting." Nalini has already served 25 years in prison and is currently lodged at the high security Vellore Central jail. She was arrested on June 14, 1991 in connection with the assassination of the Rajiv Gandhi by an LTTE suicide bomber on May 21, 1991 during an election rally at nearby Sriperumbudur. She has reportedly discussed about Gandhi's assassination in the book, events that followed including the police interrogation. She has however dedicated a substantial part of the book to the meeting she held with Priyanka. The Supreme Court had awarded death penalty to four of the 26 persons, including Nalini and her husband Murugan, found guilty in the case. It had also sentenced three others to life imprisonment. Nalini's sentence was commuted to life imprisonment by the Tamil Nadu Governor in 2000. The death penalty of the three others, Murugan, Santhan and Perarivalan was commuted to life by the apex court on February 18, 2014 on the ground of inordinate delay in disposing of their mercy petitions by the President. OneIndia News (With inputs from PTI) For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 12:42 [IST] Caught months later, man had robbed bank and got a new look Rs 1.22 crore looted from bank in Haryana India oi-Madhuri By Madhuri New Delhi, Nov 25: A gang of burglars looted Rs 1.22 crore from the Oriental Bank of Commerce at Saidpur village of Kharkhoda tehsil in Sonepat district of Haryana on Wednesday night. It is learnt that burglars with their faces masked entered the bank after breaking the back wall. They also damaged the CCTV cameras after entering the bank. They later decamped with demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes totalling Rs 1.22 crore which had been deposited by people. However, burglars could only find around Rs 30,000 new currency notes. The incidence came to light on Thursday morning when bank workers reached the bank. The CCTV cameras could only capture their hands. There was no guard on duty at the time of the robbery. The police are investigating. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 10:04 [IST] Scrapped notes worth Rs 1.12-cr seized from Pune bizman India oi-PTI Pune, Nov 25: Police today seized cash worth Rs 1.12 crore, all in banned denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 from a businessman here. According to Lashkar Police Station, the businessman, Bharat Shah, wanted to convert his alleged unaccounted money through some agents at 25 per cent commission. "We received a tip-off that Shah was planning to meet some people on MG Road on Friday morning to convert the cash," said a police inspector, attached to Lashkar Police station. Subsequently a trap was laid and Shah was detained for questioning. "We recovered 22,444 demonetised notes of Rs 500 denomination and 28 demonetised notes of Rs 1000 denomination from him," the police official said . "Though Shah is claiming that the cash seized from him are his savings, we suspect that it is unaccounted money, which he wanted to convert," said the officer. Police said no case has been registered against Shah but Income Tax department has been notified about the seized notes. On Wednesday, crime branch officials had seized "unaccounted" cash worth Rs 1.11-crore in old notes from a property broker, who too wanted to convert it into white through some agents here. PTI BRO Recruitment 2022: Check details for 328 vacancies, last date and salary details here COVID: India reports first case of a highly infectious Omicron sub-variant in Pune Caught on camera: Woman, child flung into air as car hits the bike Senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar passes away India oi-Vikas By Vikas Pune, Nov 25: Senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar passed away in a hospital here on Friday morning. Padgaonkar began his career in journalism at the age of 24. The senior journalist, who had a doctrate from the Sorbonne University, France, joined the Times of India as its Paris correspondent in 1968. He was appointed ad TOI's editor in 1988 after having served in various capacities over two decades. He held that post for six years. He also worked with UNESCO in Bangkok and Paris from 1978 to 1986. Padgaonkar also headed a three-member Kashmir interlocutor group which was sent by the UPA government to provide a roadmap following the uprising in 2010. Several noted scribes and politicians took to Twitter to express their grief on Padgaonkar's demise My first editor Dileep Padgaonkar, a man of culture and intellect, someone who encouraged young talent, has passed away. RIP Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) November 25, 2016 Terribly saddened to hear that my first boss at @timesofindia and old friend Dileep Padgaonkar has passed away. RIP Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) November 25, 2016 Very saddened by passing away of dear friend, veteran journalist #Dileep Padgaonkar Condolences to the https://t.co/l5ITu7AR0F @dpadgaonkar Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) November 25, 2016 The passing away of #DileepPadgaonkar has left a void. He represented the old school of journalism. #RIP Sheila Dikshit (@SheilaDikshit) November 25, 2016 Oneindia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 13:45 [IST] Take a look at EWS flats at Kalkaji to be inaugurated by PM Modi [Photos] For beneficiaries of EWS flat a gift from PM Modi like none other Surgical strike by Indian army created havoc along the LoC: Narendra Modi India oi-Sandra Marina Fernandes Bathinda, Nov 25: Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi on Friday said that when the Indian army carried out a surgical strike, it created havoc along the LoC. "Pakistan is not far from here. Look at the valour of our army jawans when they conducted surgical strike, it created havoc across border. Pakistan now knows well what the India army is capable of," he said. Modi said that he wanted to speak to the people of Pakistan. "They must talk to their rulers; must decide if they want to fight against India. When a school in Peshawar was attacked every Indian was sad," he added. Also read: Let the mobile phone be your bank and wallet says Modi In the midst of the Indus Water row, Modi said that the farmers have the right over the water that flows through Indus and assured that he will strive to get that water back. "The fields of our farmers must have adequate water. Water that belongs to India cannot be allowed to go to Pakistan. Government will do everything to give enough water to our farmers," Modi said. Jo paani mere kisan bhaiyao ka hai vo Pakistan se behkar samudra me jata hai. Vo paani apne kisano ke liye lane ka prayas karunga: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/3CRpx6Sm7T ANI (@ANI_news) November 25, 2016 Modi, referring to the Indus Water Treaty said: "There is a solution to the problem. If we sit together, we can find a way out." OneIndia News In two separate firing incidents, two men injured in Thane Two arrested for firing at a person in north Delhi UP: CRPF jawan killed in celebratory firing India oi-Vikas By Vikas Bagpat, Nov 25: A CRPF Jawan was reportedly killed in a celebratory firing in Uttar Pradesh's Bagpat District on Thursday. The jawan, who was on leave, was attending a function in Wazidpur village when the incident took place. Earlier this month, a 48-year-old woman was killed in celebratory firing during a wedding in Haryana's Karnal District. All Indian Hindu Mahasabha leader Sadhvi Deva Thakur was arrested in the case after it came to light that it was she and her associates who had fired a few rounds in the air during the ceremony. In April, celebratory firing during a marriage procession at Delhi's Mangolpur Kalan village resulted in the death of a girl. A gym instructer was later arrested in the case. Deaths or injuries due to celebratory firing have emerged as a menace in certain parts of the country where firing in air during functions have become a ritual. Oneindia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 10:55 [IST] The crimes of Zakir Naik: Extolling every Muslim to be a terrorist, paid Rs 50k per Islamic conversion Prosecutions story may be attractive but should be backed by evidence Was banned without a question being asked: Zakir Naik India oi-Vicky New Delhi, Nov 25: Controversial Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik whose NGO, Islamic Research Foundation was banned said he has no option but to seek legal recourse. Naik said that not a single question was asked before the ban was imposed. In such a scenario I have no option but to seek legal recourse he also said. Further he said that no summons or even a notice was issued to him. I should have been able to tell my side of the story, but I was never given a chance, he said. I kept offering my held, but it was not taken, Naik also said. ISIS recruit got Rs 80,000 scholarship from Zakir Naik's NGO The NIA has launched a probe into the activities of the Islamic Research Foundation. After the government banned the IRF for five years, the NIA filed a case against the NGO under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. The NIA during a recent raid conducted unearthed several documents and found a scholarship was given to Anas who was recruited into the ISIS. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 25, 2016, 16:41 [IST] AAPI asks Trump to enact medical liability reform International oi-PTI Washington, Nov 25: The largest body of Indian-American doctors today asked President-elect Donald Trump to enact medical liability reform, which it claimed is driving up the healthcare cost in its current shape through "extra testing and the practice of defensive medicine". "AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin) supports a healthy doctor-patient environment by curbing aggressive litigation targeting physicians," AAPI president Ajay Lodha said in a statement in which he congratulated Trump on his victory in the presidential election. Lodha said, "such lawsuits have had a chilling effect and driven up the cost of healthcare, through extra testing and the practice of defensive medicine". In the 112th Congress, The 'Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2011', limited the conditions for lawsuits and punitive damages for healthcare liability claims. How India set up back channel talks with Donald Trump? It established a statute of limitations and limited noneconomic damages to USD 250,000, he rued. AAPI wants modification of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), he said. Under the ACA, hospitals and primary physicians would transform their practices financially, technologically, and clinically to drive better health outcomes, lower costs, and improve their methods of distribution and accessibility. "We believe that the current ACA could be improved upon greatly. To merely repeal the ACA would result in 20 million losing their health insurance coverage and that would be problematic to say the least," he said. "A more reformed system with emphasis on free-market while retaining the provisions protecting consumers with pre-existing conditions would be ideal," he said. AAPI represents the interests of over 60,000 physicians and 25,000 medical students and residents of Indian heritage in the US. In the statement, Lodha also invited Trump to address the delegates at the next AAPI Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey next year. PTI Trump will have to embrace unilateralism against Pak: Haqqani International oi-PTI Washington, Nov 25: Donald Trump will have to embrace "unilateralism" against Pakistan as President Barack Obama did when it hunt down Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, a former Pakistani diplomat has said, arguing that USD 33 billion of US funding has failed to change Islamabad's policy on terrorism. Husain Haqqani, a former Pakistan ambassador to the US, also predicted that the Trump administration, which takes over in January, will downgrade Pakistan from its current status of a "major non-NATO ally". "For the generals in Islamabad, and many civilian leaders, Pakistan's competition with India justifies breaking promises with the US and continuing support for jihadist terrorism, from the Taliban to the Haqqani network, as part of its plans for regional influence to match India's," he wrote in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal yesterday. "So USD 21 billion in funding under the Obama administration could not change Pakistan, just as USD 12.4 billion given to Pakistan under the Bush administration failed to shut down its terrorism incubators," he wrote. "(But) under President Obama, the US did manage to hunt down Osama bin Laden in his safe house in Pakistan, without Pakistan's permission. The Trump administration will have to embrace similar unilateralism if and when needed, in addition to the almost inevitable downgrading of Pakistan from its current status as a major non-NATO ally," Haqqani said. Osama was killed less than a mile from Pakistan's elite military academy in Abbottabad in a dramatic raid by US Navy Seals on May 2, 2011. The US conducted the highly secret operation unilaterally, without informing Pakistan government. When contacted by the PTI for clarification on his op-ed, Haqqani said, "I am predicting that the Trump administration will probably downgrade Pakistan from the status of major non-NATO ally." Haqqani, the director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute in Washington, also said that getting the Pakistan policy right including a review of the predicates for any aid remains the key to US victory in Afghanistan. Until the rise of Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan were the principal training grounds for Islamist terrorists, the former Pakistani diplomat said, citing almost all of al-Qaeda terrorists convicted in Britain since 2001, including the July 7, 2005, London Underground bombers and Dhiren Barot - the so-called "Dirty Bomber" - were trained in Pakistan. He said the rise of global jihadism was made possible by America's pre-occupation with current news while the Soviet bloc crumbled during the first couple of years of the 1990s. "This time, the US should not ignore the Afghanistan- Pakistan theater because the brutalities of ISIS, and its proximity to Europe, are the immediate cause of concern," he said. PTI Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends a book release function on the occasion of Constitution Day in New Delhi. PM modi says Those criticising don't have problem with Govt's unpreparedness but that Govt didn't give them time to prepare. Dad! Where Are We Going? (Photo : YouTube) A 23-year-old Chinese man kissing on the lips a four-year-old girl who pretends to be his daughter was one of the scenes of a popular father and daughter reality show in China that child protection activists are protesting. The activists warn that close physical intimacy between a male adult and a young girl who acts as his daughter seen on national TV could encourage pedophilia among Chinese families. Advertisement The contestants in Mango TV reality show Dad, Where Are We Going? are Dong Li, a Rio Olympian fencer, and Arale, or Cui Yahan in real life, who plays his daughter. The series, which premiered on Oct. 7, was scored for its parent internship portion when the celebrity pairs spend two days with kids of other people. Their pairing in season 4 was too intimate because the two contestants despite the 19-year age gap acted like a real-life couple, Globaltimes reported. For instance, they slept on the same bed with Arale garbed only in a top and underpants. During the show, Arale said that when she becomes older, she wants to marry Dong who, in turn, joked that the four-year-old is an ideal girlfriend whom he would wait to mature. Other instances when the pairs behavior was deemed improper include Arale wearing the clothes of Dong and telling him I feel better staying with you than my mom. Viewer response to the shoe was mixed. While some child-protection agencies warned that Dad, Where Are We Going? sets a bad example to both parents and children, it could lead to adult manipulation of children for ulterior motives. NGO Girls Protection, an organization based in the capital city, called on Friday on producers of the reality show to stop airing the series because of the bad example it sets. Mango TV defended the two on Saturday that their interaction was a result of beauty and purity. Dong said a female director was actually taking care of Arale. Mango TV further angered netizens when it posted an online video of Dong and Arale singing a song titled Lets Fall in Love, Shanghaidaily reported. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said water that belongs to India cannot be allowed to go to Pakistan with reference to the Indus Water Treaty.,The fields of our farmers must have adequate water. Water that belongs to India cannot be allowed to go to Pakistan. Government will do everything to give enough water to our farmers, said PM Modi in Bathinda where he inaugurated a new AIIMS. The prime minister said he is concerned more about the welfare of farmers than election arithmetics. 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has repeatedly expressed his company's intentions to re-enter China. (Photo : Twitter) Social media giant Facebook is reportedly developing a new censorship tool as part of its efforts to re-enter China. According to sources, Facebook has been developing the new software behind the scenes to help it penetrate the Chinese market, the New York Times reported. While the tool does not delete posts made, it is reportedly designed to block certain posts from appearing in the news feeds of users who are located in specific geographical areas. Advertisement Facebook is also said to not be the one implementing the tool itself. Instead, it would provide it to third parties, such as its potential Chinese partner. The third-party company will have full control in determining which of the various posts it is monitoring would be shown to users. However, the project is reportedly proving to be highly contentious within the company itself, with several employees expressing their misgivings about it. And while the code for software is said to be visible to most Facebook engineers, it has yet to be used. There are also no indications that it has indeed been offered to Chinese authorities. Facebook first tried to penetrate the Chinese market in the early 2000s. However, stricter government censorship has led to it being banned in 2009 after it was deemed as a potential source of dissent. Since then, company CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly been seeking to re-enter the lucrative market. In a statement provided by a spokesperson for the company, they clarified that, while they are still very much interested in re-entering China, there is still no final decision on the approach they will undertake. There was also no confirmation of the purported censorship tool. Meanwhile, Chinese experts lauded the calls made by Americans to push for more censorship on Facebook following the controversy surrounding fake "news" proliferating on the social networking site, the Daily Caller reported. The spread of fabricated "news" articles on Facebook, as well as Twitter and Google, has been cited as one of the contributing factors that led to incoming United States President Donald Trump's victory in the recently-concluded elections. According to Baidu founder Robin Li, the unregulated nature of the American Internet has resulted in the growth of misinformation, leading to Trump\s rise. Facebook has recently announced that it is making efforts to combat the further spread of fake news on its site. The Justice League live-action movie will be directed by Zack Snyder and it stars Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Ray Fisher, Jason Momoa and Ezra Miller. (Photo : Facebook/DC Extended Universe) The latest details and spoilers for the "Justice League" movie will feature a possible climatic fight between Superman and Steppenwolf, and Ezra Miller tease The Flash's Speed Force in the film. It seems that the "Justice League" movie will feature a possible one-on-one fight between the film's main antagonist Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds) and a resurrected Kal-El/Superman (Henry Cavill). The battle between the two will likely be similar to how Superman fought General Zod (Michael Shannon) in "Man of Steel" which would mean audiences will a lot expect skyscrapers crashing, bridges collapsing and heavy objects flung around just immobilize each other. Advertisement Steppenwolf will also likely use civilian lives against Superman for leverage but the rest of the Justice League could help the Man of Steel by rescuing civilians, so that he could focus in the fight against the villain. There is also a danger on Superman's life as he not fully a hundred percent after his resurrection, however, he would continue to soak on the suns energy to gain the upperhand, MovieNewsGuide reported. There have been numerous theories on Superman's resurrection in the "Justice League" movie from a clone, the used of Kryptonian technology that were left during the "Man of Steel" movie, being resurrected by Apokolips, an alternate dimension and even in a "healing coma" similar to the comics. Superman will also don anall-black costume, alonger hair and probably a beard before coming back to his classic red and blue costume. In other news, cast member Ezra Miller teased the possibility of seeing Barry Allen/The Flash's connection to the Speed Force in the "Justice League" movie. The Speed Force is the source of The Flash's powers as he can tap into it to unleash his full potential and unlock all sorts of other abilities such as time travel, accelerated healing and many more. The "Fantastic Beast" star told IGN that Barry will likely have to learn to tap into his connection with the Speed Force when he teams up with Batman (Ben Affleck), Superman, Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) and the rest of the League. Miller explained that his version of The Flash is still an "amateur" speedster but will slowy graduate from it during his journey in the DC Extended Universe. When asked if audiences could see a fully powered Flash in the DCEU, Miller stated that he could be compared to a Wally West/The Flash in "Kingdom Come" being one with the Speed Force. The Flash is one of the other heroes Batman has recruited in the Justice League followed by Wonder Woman, Aquaman (Jason Momoa) and Cyborg (Ray Fisher) in order to combat the forces of Apokolips from invading earth. Previous reports revealed a member of the Green Lantern Corps. will appear in the film and it is hinted to be Hal Jordan or John Stewart, while Kyle Rayner will star in the standalone film. DC and comic book fans will likely see a new "Justice League" movie trailer soon before the year ends. "Justice League" movie is scheduled on Nov. 17, 2017, while the sequel will launch on June 14, 2019. Rumble 19 Aug 2022 The West Freeway Church of Christ shooting took place on Sunday 29 December 2019, in White Settlement, Texas, in the United States. Rumble 07 Sep 2022 The Israeli military has concluded there is a "high probability" that one of its soldiers killed the.. Airline PNG Air has been given the green light to commence flights to Jayapura in neighbouring Indonesia.Civil Aviation Minister told the media that the government is satisfied with PNG Air's proposal to operate between Mt Hagen and the capital of Indonesia's Papua province.Davis Steven says the service was sustainable and would bring many benefits to the airline operator, people and governments of both countries.PNG Air's Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Abbot, revealed the airline plans to start a tri-weekly service in February next year.He says it had been a long time in the planning and should bring benefits in business and tourism.National carrier Air Niugini indicated earlier this year that it was also considering re-introducing a service to Jayapura.Direct flights to Indonesia's Papua region were discontinued in the 1990s. Source: Radio New Zealand International SkillOnNet Extends Gaming Offer with Blueprint Gaming Slots Published November 24, 2016 by Ivan P SkillOnNet has inked a deal with Blueprint Gaming, a UK based casino game provider, offering their clients access to even more exciting titles. SkillOnNet, a company providing customizable online casino platforms for operators around the globe, has enhanced their offer by adding Blueprint Gaming slots to their library of available games. The deal will be beneficial for both companies as they continue to try and maintain their positions in the highly competitive online gambling market. Exciting Slots Second to None Michael Golembo of SkillOnNet stated the company was very pleased and excited about this latest addition to their offering. He explained that Blueprint Gaming has a reputation "second to none" and emphasized the fact Blueprint Gaming's slots cater to a wide spectrum of players. New slots will now be available to all online gambling operators whose platform is based on the SkillOnNet solutions. Blueprint Gaming's Jo Purvis explained that the company continuously strives to work with the best operators in the market. This latest deal will significantly increase Blueprint Gaming's reputation and visibility all around Europe as their games will be featured at some of the best-known and most reputed online casinos. Blueprint Gaming Solutions The UK based casino game studio, Blueprint Gaming has already established a strong position in the market. The company has more than 100,000 gaming terminals in several European countries and they are fully licensed to provide online gaming solutions thanks to UKGC and Alderney Gambling Control Commission licenses. Blueprint Gaming has produced a number of very popular slots featuring original and creative designs, like Top Cat, Fortunes of Sparta, and Worms. SkillOnNet Catering to Global Clients SkillOnNet strives to provide fully-rounded online casino platform solutions for clients across the globe. Their platforms provide access to a vast library of games and offer flexible, multilingual solutions. Trying to stay ahead of the curve, SkillOnNet regularly updates their game offering, ensuring their clients have access to the best and latest gaming breakthroughs. Their deal with Blueprint Gaming is one step in such a direction, significantly boosting their partners' earning potential. Snapdragon 835 (Photo : Facebook / Qualcomm) Samsung's first flagship release in 2017, the Galaxy S8, appears to have been dislodged as the first smartphone to rock Qualcomm's next-generation Snapdragon 835 SoC. A new report claimed that the honor will go to the rumored Android flagship Oppo Find 9. The Oppo Find 9 is supposedly the follow up to the Oppo Find 7, blog site Tech Grapple reported, adding that the fast-rising mobile device maker intends to push out the flagship handset in the early months of 2017. The unpacking will likely coincide with Barcelona-hosted MWC 2017 with the release date set anytime in March. Advertisement But more importantly, the Oppo Find 9 is said to impress with Qualcomm's SD 835 running the show. The likelihood is the device will be the first to show off the processing might of the successor to the Snapdragon 820/821, Tech Grapple added on its report. The blog post came out following an earlier report that indicated the mass production of SD 835 has commenced with Samsung taking charge of the assembly. Qualcomm said the chip will be readily available in the first quarter of 2017 and with Samsung as the manufacturing partner it was assumed that the South Korean tech giant was given first crack at the next-gen processing monster. And the scenario will permit Samsung to fire up the upcoming Galaxy S8 with the SD 835. But if the report by Tech Grapple will prove correct, it seems that Samsung will be one-upped by rival Oppo, which according to analysts is fast closing in on the leading Android device maker. In any case, both the GS8 and Oppo Find 9 are sure to benefit from the 10-nanometer process that the SD 835 is, which will mean that the beastly chip will deliver immense power and enhanced efficiency at the same time, according to WCCFTech. Leaks have indicated so far that SD 835 CPU and GPU muscles will be fired up by an octa-core Kryo 200 and Adreno 540, respectively. Pitted against each other, the Galaxy S8 on release date is likely the first flagship to sport an all-screen front panel with the control keys and sensor embedded on the curved AMOLED display. The Oppo Find 9, on the other hand, will unbox with 5.5-inch screen that renders in 2K resolution with 64GB of basic ROM and 6GB of RAM support. Komfie Manalo, Opalesque Asia: Sean Moran, business development manager at the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA), said that family offices operating in Bermuda can enjoy the benefit of utilizing the different elements of financial service under one roof. Moran told participants in the latest Opalesque Bermuda Roundtable, "Weve been seeing more recently is the 'cross-pollination effect across what we usually think of as separate industry sectors. For example, family offices are clients that often look to utilize many different elements of service under one roof or in one jurisdiction." He explained that family office dont just require asset allocation or investment management services; they also require insurance, private wealth management and estate planning, trust structures for their family members, avenues for philanthropy and charitable giving, and so on. "All these products and services can all be provided in Bermuda," he said. Moran added that Bermuda is also a leading center for captive insurance, and the island is seeing many different types of clients from various jurisdictions not just insurance companies setting up captives to self-insure. Also, fifteen of the worlds top 40 reinsurers are based in Bermuda, making up about 36% of the global reinsurance market based on property/casualty net premiums ear...................... To view our full article Click here [PLEASE ASK YOUR US SENATORS AND CONGRESS MEMBER IN A LETTER EMAILED TODAY TO PRESS THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS BY ASKING THEM TO RESCIND THEIR DECEMBER 5 EVICTION NOTICE OF THE WATER DEFENDERS! WE CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN!] From commondreams.org/newswire/2016/11/22/update-sophia-wilansky: Update on Sophia Wilansky | Common Dreams | Breaking News & Views ... Full report on Democracy Now: click here Before I wrote this, I called Wayne Wilansky, the father of the young woman, Sophie, who was so badly injured at Standing Rock by a percussion grenade. I am not going to let my words get in the way of this man's anguish, pain, and his deepest truth. I reached his law firm in New York and left my own message of prayer, anger, and resolve, saying I hope they would do everything possible to let her arm heal, and not amputate it, unless preserving her life became at stake. Of all of the articles and interviews and discussions I have posted on OpEdNews, this is one of the most moving, the interview with Wayne Wilansky. I am glad he is a lawyer and will know how to direct the legal response to the illegal actions that may or may not take his daughter's arm. Please take the time to sign the two petitions asking for the Department of Justice to prosecute the Governor and the other to impeach both the Governor and the Sheriff of Morton County. Here it is, thanks to Common Dreams. "Sunday's brutal police assault against peaceful Dakota Access Pipeline activists left one water protector, Sophia Wilansky, at risk of losing an arm, and her distraught father spoke out Tuesday and Wednesday against the shocking show of force and demanded government action. Wayne Wilansky, a 61-year-old lawyer and yoga teacher from New York City, spoke to a reporter in a Facebook live feed about his daughter's devastating injury, allegedly caused by a concussion grenade. "This is the wound of someone who's a warrior, who was sent to fight in a war," Wayne said. "It's not supposed to be a war. She's peacefully trying to get people to not destroy the water supply. And they're trying to kill her." Most of the muscle tissue between Sophia's left elbow and wrist as well as two major arteries were completely destroyed, Wayne said, and doctors pulled shrapnel out of the wound. The Morton County Sheriff's Department has denied using concussion grenades or any equipment that could cause an injury like Sophia's, despite witness accounts and the shrapnel recovered by surgeons from Sophia's arm. The police in Morton County, North Dakota are acting with such brutality, Wayne warned, that eventually "people are going to die." Wayne's words were echoed on Democracy Now! by Brandi King, a U.S. Army combat veteran and fellow water protector who helped transport Sophia to the hospital. "[You don't expect those kind of wounds happening when they're not in combat," King said. "That was just--just felt like it was a combat wound, you know, looked like it was a combat wound. She had shrapnel wounds. She didn't have any burns. Her arm was split open. Her skin, her flesh was ripped off of her arm. Her bones were broke." Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). November 22, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon made a strange statement on Syria. He called the situation in the country a collective failure and added that "because of the lack of political leadership and humanity of the leaders of Syria" the international community continues to watch the death of civilians. First, it seems strange that UN Secretary General hold Damascus responsible for everything. Second, he ignored the efforts of the Syrian army aimed at saving its citizens from the atrocities of militants and terrorists. According to the Inside Syria Media Center, the Syrian army helped more than 30 Syrians to escape militant-controlled eastern Aleppo in November. It is even stranger that these protective measures have also been criticized by UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O'Brien. He said that humanitarian corridors in eastern Aleppo that were organized by the Syrian government and its allies are dangerous, or are considered dangerous by the city's population, because the militants don't allow civilians to leave the city and don't want to respect the truce. In addition, it should be mentioned that UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura speculated that the eastern part of the city would be destroyed by the end of 2016. By saying so he hints that the cause of all of this hides in 'destructive' actions of the Syrian troops and their allies. However, UN officials do not show similar concern for Iraqi Mosul, where US-led international coalition conducts attacks on residential neighborhoods without any respect for the lives of civilians. So what is the real aim of these statements? Probably not concern for civilians, but rather concern for the militants, which will be killed if the Syrian Army and its allies decide to resume air strikes on the militants' positions in Aleppo. Despite the preconceived statements of the UN representatives, it is increasingly evident that the Syrian army has to to win a landslide victory in the battle for Aleppo as soon as possible. Only in this case it will be possible to return to the political settlement of the conflict and restore peace in Syria. A Review of The Plot to Kill King by William Pepper By Edward Curtin Very few Americans are aware of the truth behind the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Few books have been written about it, unlike other significant assassinations, especially JFK's. For almost fifty years there has been a media blackout supported by government deception to hide the truth. And few people, in a massive act of self-deception, have chosen to question the absurd official explanation, choosing, rather, to embrace a mythic fabrication intended to sugarcoat the bitter fruit that has resulted from the murder of the one man capable of leading a mass movement for revolutionary change in the United States. Today we are eating the fruit of our denial. In order to comprehend the significance of this extraordinary book, it is first necessary to dispel a widely accepted falsehood about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. William Pepper does that on the first page. "To understand his death, it is essential to realize that although he is popularly depicted and perceived as a civil rights leader, he was much more than that. A non-violent revolutionary, he personified the most powerful force for the long-overdue social, political, and economic reconstruction of the nation." In other words, Martin Luther King was a transmitter of a non-violent spiritual and political energy so plenipotent that his very existence was a threat to an established order based on violence, racism, and economic exploitation. He was a very dangerous man. Revolutionaries are, of course, anathema to the power elites who, with all their might, resist such rebels' efforts to transform society. If they can't buy them off, they knock them off. Forty-eight years after King's assassination, the causes he fought for -- civil rights, the end to U.S. wars of aggression, and economic justice for all -- remain not only unfulfilled, but have worsened in so many respects. And King's message has been enervated by the sly trick of giving him a national holiday and urging Americans to make it "a day of service." Needless to say, such service does not include non-violent war resistance or protesting a decadent system of economic injustice. Because MLK repeatedly called the United States the "greatest purveyor of violence on earth," he was universally condemned by the mass media and government that later -- once he was long and safely dead -- praised him to the heavens. This has continued to the present day of historical amnesia. But William Pepper resurrects the revolutionary MLK, and in doing so shows in striking detail why elements within the U.S. government executed him. After reading this book, no fair-minded reader can reach any other conclusion. The Plot to Kill King, the culminating volume of a trilogy that Pepper has written on the assassination, consists of slightly less text than supporting documentation in its appendices, which include numerous depositions and interviews that buttress Pepper's thesis on the why and how of this horrible murder. It demands a close reading that should put to rest any pseudo-debates about the essentials of the case. Pepper, an attorney who represented the King family in the 1999 trial that found U.S. officials of the federal (in particular, the FBI and Army Intelligence), state, and local governments responsible for King's assassination, has worked on the King case since 1977. He met MLK in 1967, after King had read Pepper's Ramparts' magazine article, "The Children of Vietnam," that exposed the hideous effects of U.S. napalm and white phosphorous bombing on young and old Vietnamese innocents. The text and photos of that article reduced King to tears and were instrumental in his increased opposition to the war against Vietnam as articulated in his dramatic Riverside Church speech ("Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence") on April 4, 1967, one year to the day before his execution in Memphis. That speech, in which King so powerfully and publicly linked the war with racism and economic exploitation, foretold his death at the hands of the perpetrators of those abominations. Devastated by King's death, and assuming the alleged assassin James Earl Ray was responsible, Pepper retreated from the fray until a 1977 conversation with the Rev. Ralph Abernathy, King's associate, who raised the specter of Ray's innocence. After a five-hour interrogation of the imprisoned Ray in 1978, Pepper was convinced that Ray did not shoot King and set out on a forty-year quest to uncover the truth. Before examining the essentials of Pepper's discovery, it is important to point out that MLK, Jr, his father, Rev. M. L. King, Sr, and his maternal grandfather, Rev. A.D. Williams, all pastors of Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church, were spied on by Army Intelligence and the FBI since 1917. All were considered communist sympathizers and dangerous to the reigning hegemony because of their espousal of racial and economic equality. When MLK Jr. forcefully denounced unjust and immoral war-making as well, and announced his Poor People's Campaign and intent to lead a massive peaceful encampment of hundreds of thousands in Washington, D.C., he set off panic in the bowels of government spies and their masters. Seventy-five years of spying on black religious leaders here found its ultimate "justification." As Stokely Carmichael, co-chairman of the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee, said to King in a conversation secretly recorded by Army Intelligence, "The man don't care you call ghettos concentration camps, but when you tell him his war machine is nothing but hired killers, you got trouble." It is against this "trouble" that Pepper's investigation must be set, as that "trouble" is also the background for the linked assassinations of JFK, Malcolm X, and RFK. Understanding the forces behind the military, the spies, and the gunmen who, while operating in the shadows, are actually the second layer of the onion skin, is essential. The government and mainstream-corporate media form the outer layer with their collusion in disinformation, lying, and truth suppression, but Pepper correctly identifies the core as follows. "Bombastic, chauvinistic, corporate propaganda aside, where the slaughter of innocents is, and always was, justified in the name of patriotism and national security, it has always and ever been about money. Corporate and financial leaders trusted with the keys to the Republic's treasure moved from boardrooms to senior government positions and back again. Construction, oil and gas, defense industry, and pharmaceutical corporations, their bankers, brokers, and executives thrive in a war economy. Fortunes are made and dynasties created and perpetuated and a cooperating elite permeates an entire society and ultimately contaminates the world in its drive for national resources wherever they are ... Vietnam was his [King's] Rubicon ... Here, as never before, would he seriously challenge the interests of the power elite." MLK was assassinated on April 4, 1968, at 6:01 PM as he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. He was shot in the lower right side of his face by one rifle bullet that shattered his jaw, damaged his upper spine, and came to rest below his left shoulder blade. The U.S. government claimed the assassin was a racist loner named James Earl Ray, who had escaped from the Missouri State Penitentiary on April 23, 1967. Ray was alleged to have fired the fatal shot from a second-floor bathroom window of a rooming house above the rear of Jim's Grill across the street. Running to his rented room, Ray allegedly gathered his belongings, including the rifle, in a bedspread-wrapped bundle, rushed out the front door onto the adjoining street, and in a panic dropped the bundle in the doorway of the Canipe Amusement Company a few doors down. He was then said to have jumped into his white Mustang and driven to Atlanta where he abandoned the car. From there he fled to Canada and then to England where he was eventually arrested at Heathrow Airport on June 8, 1968, and extradited to the U.S. The state claims that the money Ray needed to purchase the car and for all his travel was secured through various robberies and a bank heist. Ray's alleged motive was racism and that he was a bitter and dangerous loner. When Ray, under extraordinary pressure, coercion, and a payoff from his lawyer to take a plea, pleaded guilty (only a few days later to request a trial that was denied) and was sentenced to 99 years in prison, the case seemed to be closed, and was dismissed from public consciousness. Another hate-filled lone assassin, shades of Lee Harvey Oswald and Sirhan Sirhan, had committed a despicable deed. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Duluth, Minnesota (OpEdNews) November 25, 2016: The Nobel-prize winning economist Paul Krugman specializes in macro-economics. At times, he writes about macro-economics in connection with social justice -- a theme that ancient Hebrew prophets such as Amos pioneered centuries ago. However, in his column titled "The Populism Perplex" in the New York Times (dated November 25, 2016), Krugman appears to be unaware that certain other moral themes can motivate American voters to vote for or against a certain presidential candidate. For example, in the 2016 presidential election, the Republican Party's candidate, Donald J. Trump, made big-sounding statements against legalized abortion and big-sounding statements about the kind of conservative justices he would nominate for the U.S. Supreme Court. But Krugman mentions neither abortion nor the Supreme Court in "The Populism Perplex," his post-mortem autopsy of the 2016 presidential election results and Trump's decisive electoral victory. Krugman did not predict Trump's decisive electoral victory, and Krugman may have been blindsided by it. Not surprisingly, the Democratic Party's candidate, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, strongly supported legalized abortion. No doubt Hillary understood that she needed 270 electoral votes to win the presidency. She won the popular vote by a substantial margin, but lost the electoral vote decisively. Krugman claims that "what put Donald Trump in striking distance was overwhelming support from whites without college degrees." Krugman also says, "Maybe a Trump administration can keep its supporters on board, not by improving their lives [economically], but by feeding their sense of resentment." QUESTIONS: Aren't certain Hillary supporters also motivated by a sense of resentment? Isn't resentment the drive force of "identity politics"? But what kinds of things have contributed in the past to building up the alleged sense of resentment of Trump's supporters? Krugman delineates one specific example involving the vote in eastern Kentucky, and then says, "The only way to make sense of what happened is to see the vote as an expression of, well, identity politics -- some combination of white resentment at what voters see as favoritism toward non-whites (even though it isn't) and anger on the part of the less educated at liberal elites whom they imagine look down on them." I have discussed "identity politics" in my OEN piece "What is 'Identity Politics' -- and What's Wrong with It?" http://www.opednews.com/articles/What-is-Identity-Politics-by-Thomas-Farrell-1960s_Abortion_Catholic_Democratic-161123-743.html Please note here that Krugman's claim that this is "The only way to make sense of what happened" appears to exclude any other possible way to make sense of what happened such as religious values and the abortion debate. In the spirit of giving credit where credit is due, I want to give Krugman credit for also saying, "To be honest, I don't fully understand this resentment." I would say that this is an under-statement. Nevertheless, our Nobel-prize-winning economist ends by saying that "the white working class just voted overwhelmingly against its own economic interests." Ah, homo economicus. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Sophia Wilansky was seriously injured by a police grenade fired at her during a peaceful Standing Rock demonstration (Image by Democracy Now) Details DMCA The struggle at Standing Rock, North Dakota, between the Sioux people and their supporters and the oil corporations and banks trying to run a dangerous pipeline for filthy Bakkan crude oil through their sacred lands and underneath the Missouri River was cranked up to a new level of violence Sunday and in ensuing days as National Guard troops and the Morton County Sheriff's Department, bolstered by volunteers from various other police departments conducted an all-night attack using maximum violence, including flash-bang concussion grenades, rubber bullets, mace, teargas and three water cannons -- this at a time the temperature on the prairie had fallen to a low of 22 degrees fahrenheit. The casualties of this one-sided battle against peaceful protesters on a bridge were enormous, with some 300 of the estimated 400 protesting water protectors, both native people and non-native supporters, injured, 26 of them seriously. There was evidence that police were aiming rubber bullets at protesters' heads and groins to inflict maximum pain and damage, with eight of the injured hospitalized, including a 13-year-old girl shot in the face, whose eye was reportedly damaged. The gravest injuries were a tribal elder who suffered a cardiac arrest, and Sophia Wilansky, a 21-year-old New York City resident who had come to back the Standing Rock Sioux in their struggle to halt construction of the pipeline. She was hit in the arm by a flash-bang grenade thrown at her by a Morton County Sheriff's deputy, which blew up on impact, blowing away the flesh and muscle and reportedly some of the nerves and bone of the elbow joint. She has been evacuated to a hospital in Chicago where physicians and nurses are fighting to save her arm and hand from an amputation. Wilansky's father Wayne, a 61-year old lawyer in New York, angrily called on President Obama to put a halt to the violent repression at Standing Rock. He said of his daughter's injury, which was the result of a flash-bang concussion grenade being thrown directly at her, "This is the wound of someone who's a warrior, who was sent to fight in a war," Wayne said. "It's not supposed to be a war. She's peacefully trying to get people to not destroy the water supply. And they're trying to kill her." Concussion grenades are not supposed to be used to target people. The attack on Sunday night, which has been rightly condemned by UN human rights observers as an atrocity, harks back to the simultaneous country-wide crushing of the Occupy movement occupations in cities across the US during early November, 2011, when local police aided in some cases by armed federal parks police, assaulted occupiers with maximum violence, almost always at night, barring the media from witnessing their deliberate and coordinated over-the-top violence. In that case, an aggressive campaign of legal discovery by the Partnership for Civil Justice using the Freedom of Information Act, resulted in the unearthing of documents from both the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI proving there had been a concerted campaign by those federal agencies to coordinate the crushing of the Occupy Movement. That campaign urged police to use maximum violence, to operate at night, and to share the results of their attacks with other city police departments so that tactics of repression that "worked," could be replicated. It would appear that the repressive lessons learned by police agencies in 2011 are now being used as a kind of repression handbook by Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier and his deputies against the protesting Sioux water protectors and their Anglo supporters. There is no indication that such vicious repression is working though. Even as the brutal assault last Sunday night and Monday morning sent dozens of people to area hospitals, more brave people continued to pour into Standing Rock to support the struggle of the Standing Rock Sioux and the many representatives of some 300 US tribes around the country, and the representatives of indigenous peoples from around the world fighting this battle. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Thermoseal Group Multiple Award Winners www.fenestrationawards.co.uk www.thermosealgroup.com www.thermobarwarmedge.com www.thermoflexwarmedge.com For the second year in a row, Thermoseal Group is the winner of the coveted Glass and Glazing Industrys G-Award for Component Supplier of the Year as announced at the prestigious Gala Dinner held at the Hilton on Park Lane Hotel in London on Friday 18 November 2016.This was a great day for Thermoseal Group who were also announced winners at two other awards events held that day resulting in an EEF Future Manufacturing Award for Export for the North West Region and also a Wigan Business Award for Exporter of the Year 2016.We were delighted to receive these awards, says Samantha Hill, Group Marketing Manager. It was a great buzz for our team on Friday who saw group messages: Were a winner! And again!... And we won AGAIN!The continued investment into our Innovation Centre, manufacturing facility, business infrastructure, staff training and development, and drive into the export market at Thermoseal Group is an amazing environment to be part of. We are a hard-working and dedicated team who all play our part in its continued success.The Groups Managing Director, Gwain Paterson added: A big thank you to all of the staff at Thermoseal Group and thanks to our UK and International customers and industry contacts who continue to work with us to help develop exciting new products. We now manufacture over 50% of the components we supply and intend to continue to manufacture further products over the coming years.In 2015, there was a 95% increase in export business coming from our expanding network of customers many of which are distributors in 22 countries within: Asia; Australia and Oceania; Europe; North America and South America. We will achieve 100% growth in export sales in 2016 and plan to significantly increase export sales in 2017. We also have a growing number of UK customers opting for our UK-manufactured spacers and in-house injection moulded accessories.Sam continues: We are also a finalist for Spacer Bar Manufacturer of the Year in the National Fenestration Awards, Amazons prestigious Growing Business Awards Export Champion of the Year and another coveted award were not yet allowed to talk about so we look forward to the results. We have our fingers crossed for these awards and will of course sing from the rooftops if we are to win.Please vote for Thermoseal Group for Spacer Bar Manufacturer of the Year 2016 atbefore voting closes on Wednesday 30th November.Thermobar Warm Edge Spacer Tube achieves a 0.14W/mK and Thermoflex Warm Edge Spacer a 0.135W/mK Bundesverband Flachglas (BF) rating. Both spacers also achieve a Passive House phA+ rating.To find out about Thermoseal Group and its comprehensive range of insulated glass components and machinery for glazing manufacture, call +44(0)121 331 3950 or visit. For full information about the Groups warm edge spacers seeand-Ends-For further press information or photography please contact Sophie Williams on +44 (0)121 331 3978 or sophie.williams@thermosealgroup.com and quote reference number 141.Thermoseal Group Limited is - Dedicated to Insulated Glass. It is the largest specialist insulated glass (IG) component manufacturer and distributor in the UK, supplying over 1,500 insulated glass components including the largest combined sales volume of spacer bar sold into the UK market.Thermoseal GroupGavin Way, Nexus PointOff Holford DriveBirminghamB6 7AF Strengthen your brand reputation with laser cutting & engraving services! Strengthening branding with laser cutting and engraving services. www.mydesignstation.co.uk Brand awareness is a powerful force and that is a fact! People tend to buy from the brands that they recognise and they trust. In turn, trust leads to repeated sales and greater profits. However, in todays overcrowded marketplace with so many new businesses emerging, it is really easy for them to go unnoticed.Marketing is becoming an experiment-driven industry and marketing specialists need to make ongoing efforts to create strong brands. Amy Cosper, editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine, says that branding is all about your story. You need to have a good understanding of what you stand for and how you communicate your brand messaging to customers.Laser cutting & engraving will not solve every single challenge that the brands are facing these days! However, with a bit of imagination it can definitely bring WOW factor to your brand and reputation! Business cards, signage, labels, packaging they all are part of branding. The more unique and bespoke they are, the more recognisable your brand becomes!My Design Station provides a range of laser cutting & engraving services for businesses to help them increase brand awareness. Whether youre looking for unique business cards, eye-catchy signage, creative packaging, original labels and price tags, bespoke stationery or corporate gifts, we can turn your ideas and designs into one-of-a-kind products. We offer comprehensive project management (from the design to finished product) or just laser services (in case you have the designs ready).Curious about how laser cutting & engraving can establish trust in your customers and contribute to your long-term success? Feel free to get in touch with us!My Design Station is a small but super-friendly bunch of creative professionals who push their brains to the limits every day to surprise you with something unique, completely different... something truly yours. We specialise in laser cutting & engraving and constantly learn about a full potential of this technique.Our portfolio is diversified and designed to meet the expectations of various groups of customers: businesses: product and graphic design and/ or cut out including logos, business cards, key rings, displays, signage and various stationery items students: models cut out, design and drawing consultation and student support centre (if you feel really stuck with your project) individual customers: online shop with personalised and creative gifts, unique accessories and original decorationsCONTACT DETAILS:My Design Station443AWest Green RoadLondonN15 3PLw:m: 07775161416e: agnes@mydesignstation.co.uk RONCO Celebrates its 20th Anniversary www.ronco.ca Concord, ON November 9, 2016: Ronco is proud to announce that this November marks its 20th anniversary as one of the leading PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) manufacturers. With two decades of innovation and steady growth, Ronco has evolved from a small manufacturing company to an internationally recognized supplier of quality safety equipment.Mr. Ron Pecchioli, President at Ronco said: We have achieved this milestone through the hard work and dedication of all our associates and our commitment to the highest level of customer service that exists throughout the entire organization. We have devoted ourselves to 20 years of product innovation and manufacturing efficiencies to provide our customer with the highest quality of service and Personal Protective Equipment products.Since the beginning Roncos mission has been to provide first-class products and Ronco continues to innovate and expand its product lines and services to help enhance safety in the workplace. To find out more about Roncos large breadth of products covering head, hand and body protection visitAbout Ronco: Established in 1996, Ronco is a world class manufacturer of safety products. With a focus on consistent quality and outstanding customer service, Ronco has developed a strong presence across North America for delivering Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) solutions for Head, Hand, and Body, targeting the food, healthcare and industrial sectors.RONCO is the first glove manufacturer in North America to obtain ISO 22000 certification for Food Safety Management Systems.Inna ShtromvaserMarketing Manager905.660.6700 x 253inna.shtromvaser@ronco.caRONCO Safety70 Planchet RoadConcord, Ontario, L4K 2C7 'Stranger Things' is an eight-episode thriller airing at Netflix. (Photo : YouTube/Stranger Things) New details and spoilers for "Stranger Things" season 2 will feature Eleven's possible appearance in episode 7 and a premiere date on July 2017. Several rumors are making rounds regardng the possible premiere date for "Stranger Things" season 2 on Netflix. While the officia reports say that it will be in 2017, the show could likely premiere sometime within July 2017, iTechPost reported. Advertisement Although the showrunners for "Stranger Things" have not made any comment regarding the July 2017 release date, fans of show will likely look forward to an early month premiere date. In other news, it seems that fans and audiences will get to see Eleven (Millie Bobbie Brown) in "Stranger Things" season 2. It is confirmed that Eleven will indeed return for season 2, but Netflix did not comment as when she will be back in the story, whether in the premiere or the later episodes. Previous reports claimed that Brown's return to "Stranger Things 2" could have some sort of catch as her father Robert "Bobby" Brown made some "outrageous" demands for the show as he wanted to represent her daughter in every negotiation instead of talent agents. However, actor and comedian Brett Gelman has been cast in "Stranger Things" season 2 as Murray Bauma, a disgraced journalist who come to Hawkins to investigate conspiracies surrounding a mysterious old case. Gelman's character has been hined to have a connection to Eleven as several fan theories that Bauma be delving into the MK Ultra project of the Hawkins Lab where the pregnant Terry Ives has been a part of. During the events of season 2, Eleven got her psychic abilities as a result of the experiments made on her mother by Dr. Brenner while she was pregnant. An Easter egg from the final episode points at the newspaper clipping about the Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) incident. From the clipping, it is said that a certain Ives is testifying alongside Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) about the illegal activities of the Hawkins Lab. The Ives that the article refers to is speculated to be Eleven's mother and that she is testifying to get help to find her missing daughter. The role of Gelman then is said to play a big role in understanding the personality of Eleven as well as in finding her. As for Eleven, she is rumored to appear in episode 7 of season 2 titled "The Secret Cabin" theorizing that it could be her hiding place after her fight with the Demogorgon. It is unknown yet if this "cabin" is from the real world or in the Upside Down world, Looper reported. Will Byers is also speculated to be the main antagonist in the second season as the Duffer brothers teased that Schnapp's character will suffer the effects of the Upside Down world. Schnapp teased that Will could go crazy in "Stranger Things" season 2 due to the traumatizing experience as he struggles to be normal, but has a hard time fighting what is going on with him. "Stranger Things" season 2 will premiere sometime in 2017 on Netflix. Global Recliner Sofas Market to grow at a CAGR of 6.46% during the period 2016-2020 Global Recliner Sofas Market 2016-2020 http://www.marketintelreports.com/report/IRTNTR9886/global-recliner-sofas-market-20162020 http://www.marketintelreports.com/pdfdownload.php?id=irtntr9886 http://www.marketintelreports.com/purchase.php?id=irtntr9886 www.marketintelreports.com About Recliner SofaA recliner sofa is a category of upholstery seaters that allow users to adjust the back- and leg rest to suit their preference. The key rationale behind the development of the mechanism that allows the conversion of the upright position of recliners to a reclined position is to increase the comfort level of consumers.Global recliner sofas market to grow at a CAGR of 6.46% during the period 2016-2020.Check Complete Report @Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global recliner sofas market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the retail sales of different types of recliner sofas to individual customers and business users in the global market.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography: APAC Europe North America ROWGlobal Recliner Sofas Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors Ashley Furniture Industries Heritage Home La-Z-Boy Man Wah Holdings Steinhoff InternationalOther prominent vendors American Leather Anji Jinkun Furniture Ekornes Haverty Furniture Companies Jackson Furniture Industries Jaymar Furniture Klaussner Home Furnishing Macy's Natuzzi Palliser Furniture UpholsteryGet Sample Brochure of the Report @Market driver Growth in primary and secondary housing markets For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge Criticality of inventory management and product sourcing For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend Increasing demand from millennials For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be? What are the key market trends? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in this market space? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?You can request one free hour of our analysts time when you purchase this market report. Details are provided within the report.Order a copy of Global Recliner Sofas Market Report now @About us:MarketIntelReports (MIR) aim to empower our clients to successfully manage and outperform in their business decisions, we do this by providing Premium Market Intelligence, Strategic Insights and Databases from a range of Global Publishers.A group of industry veterans who are well experienced in reputed international consulting firms after identifying the sourcing needs of MNCs for market intelligence, have together started this business savior MarketIntelReports.MIR intends to be a one-stop shop with an intuitive design, exhaustive database, expert assistance, secure cart checkout and data privacy integrated. It curates the list of reports, publishers and studies to ensure that the database is constantly updated to dynamically meet the targeted, specific needs of our clients.MarketIntelReports currently has more than 10,000 plus titles and 35+ publishers on our platform and growing consistently to fill the Global Intelligence Demand Supply Gap. We cover more than 15 industry verticals being: Automotive, Electronics, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Chemicals, Building & Construction, Agriculture, Food & Beverages, Banking & Finance, Media and Government, Public Sector Studies.Contact us:Mayur SSales Manager2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400,Wilmington,Delaware,19808United Statespr@marketintelreports.comTelephone: 1-302-261-5343 Statistics show 70 percent of Vancouver homeowners are planning on home improvements this year. www.renovationfind.com https://blog.renovationfind.com/ RenovationFind conducted a consumer survey at the Vancouver Home & Design Show to learn how homeowners are planning to renovate their homes and what they look for in a general contractor.RenovationFind conducted a survey at the Vancouver Home and Design Show on October 27-30th, 2016. The results showed that 69.69 percent of those surveyed plan on embarking on a home renovation project in the next 12 months.25.54 percent of home owners will hire a general contractor for their home improvement projects while 16.23 percent will attempt to do the renovation themselves. 58.23 percent surveyed will do both.One of the most important questions on the survey was what people look for when hiring a general contractor or home improvement company, said Keith Riley, founder of RenovationFind.com. Sadly, we see that too many have been taken advantage of or have heard a story of someone they know being taken advantage of by a bad company during renovations.According to the survey, 43.3 percent of those survey know someone who has been ripped off by a home improvement business and nearly 22 percent have been taken advantage of themselves.When asked what is the most important thing they look for in a renovation company or contractor, 44.5 percent stated that trustworthiness was the most important. 37.08 valued quality of work the most, 10.29 percent chose customer service. 8.13 percent of consumers surveyed placed importance on price.We see that homeowners are looking for trustworthy companies that do high-quality work. That is why only these kinds of companies are listed on RenovationFind.com, said Riley.RenovationFind.com is an online directory of pre-screened and certified contractors, home improvement and home maintenance companies. It aims to protect homeowners from being taken advantage of by fly by night contractors, while promoting companies that are improving the renovation industry throughout Canada.All companies listed on RenovationFinds directory have been vetted and are continually monitored on seven important criteria including legal background checks, credit background checks, Better Business Bureau (BBB) membership, business license, business insurance and Workers Compensation Board (WCB) Coverage.RenovationFind uses a third-party organization to pre-screen and continually monitor Suits, liens, and judgements against the companies that are listed on RenovationFind.com. For example, general contractors in Vancouvers credit status is pre-screened and must meet RenovationFinds minimum criteria before they are given financial clearance to be on their directory for renovations in Vancouver. RenovationFind will continually monitor the companys credit to ensure they maintain their clearance status.RenovationFind.com is completely free for consumers to use.Finding a company on RenovationFind is the best way to know that you are hiring a company that will not rip you off, actually do great work and provide a positive experience for everyone, said Riley.RenovationFind.com is an online directory of trusted home service contractors in Vancouver and other Canadian cities, The companies have passed background checks and achieved professional certification. RenovationFind.com eliminates the stress of renovating by providing consumers with listings of home renovation companies they can trust. Learn more ator read the blog atRenovationFind.com#200, 9054 - 51 Ave NWEdmonton, AB, Canada,T6E5X4Keith RileyPhone: 1-800-576-8998Fax: 1-800-575-9598Email: info@renovationfind.com Global Sulfone Polymers Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2021 http://www.globalinforesearch.com/goods.php?id=546[url] http://www.globalinforesearch.com/goods_all.php http://www.globalinforesearch.com/goods_all.php Sulfone Polymers are a family of engineering thermoplastic resins characterized by the sulfone [SO2] group. They are a class of thermoplastic polymers, which exhibits high temperature resistance. Sulfone polymers are unique and different from the other thermoplastic materials due to its high hydrolytic stability and ability to achieve transparency.Published by: GIR (GlobalInfoResearch)Catalog: Chemical & MaterialPublishing Date: Nov 2016Single User License: USD 3480Corporate Users License: USD 4680Delivery time: 24 hoursPages: 113Tables and Figures: 137Full information [url]Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Sulfone Polymers 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.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversSolvayBasfSumitomoJiangmen YoujuShandong HoranYanjian TechnologySino PolymerMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America, Middle East and AfricaMarket Segment by Type, coversPolysulfonePolyethersulfonePolyphenylsulfoneMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoElectronics and ElectricalVehicle ConstructionFood IndustryMedical IndustryOtherThere are 13 Chapters to deeply display the global Sulfone Polymers market.Chapter 1, to describe Sulfone Polymers Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Sulfone Polymers, with sales, revenue, and price of Sulfone Polymers, in 2015 and 2016;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2015 and 2016;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Sulfone Polymers, for each region, from 2011 to 2016;Chapter 5, 6, 7 and 8, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 9 and 10, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2011 to 2016;Chapter 11, Sulfone Polymers market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2016 to 2021;Chapter 12 and 13, to describe Sulfone Polymers sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, appendix and data source.BettySales DirectorE-mailbetty@globalinforesearch.comTel: HK:00852-58197708 USA:0013479661888Add: Room 1902 Two International Finance Centre 8 Finance Street, Central Hong KongWebsite:GlobalInfoResearch is a customer interest-based suppliers. Is in the best interests of our clients, they determine our every move. At the same time, we have great respect for the views of customers. With the improvement of the quality of our research, we develop custom interdisciplinary and comprehensive solution. For further development, we will do better and better.GlobalInfoResearch will with excellent professional knowledge and aexperience to carry out all aspects of our business. At the same time, we will fully look for information, to give a more comprehensive development.GlobalinforesearchRoom 1902 Two Interational Finance Centre 8 Finance Street,Central Hong KongUSA:0013479661888 HK:00852-58197708Email Id: marco@globalinforesearch.comWebsite: Pipeline Market Review on Therapeutic Landscape of Rubella (German measles) H2 2016 Market Research Hub http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=873444 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/rubella-german-measles-pipeline-review-h2-2016-report.html http://www.marketresearchhub.com Albany, New York, November 25, 2016: A latest pipeline guide of pharmaceutical and healthcare disease by Global Market Direct has been launched and added to Market Research Hubs vast partfolio of research reports. The report is titled as Rubella (German Measles) - Pipeline Review, H2 2016. This guide evaluates Rubellas therapeutics development based on mechanism of action (MoA), drug target, monotherapy products, combination products, route of administration (RoA) and molecule type.Request for Free Sample Report:The report offers a brief overview about German measles disease and its therapeutic development. It is an infectious disease caused by a virus called Rubella. This directly infects the skin and lymph nodes. The main symptom is a pink spotty rash that starts from the face and spreads to the arms & chest. Other symptoms include mild fever, headaches, swollen glands, joint pain and red eyes. German measles is highly infectious to child bearing women during the first trimester of pregnancy. This disease can even cause miscarriage or birth defects. It is generally transmitted by airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.The report further highlights greater focus on effective drug treatment of Rubella. In addition, increasing R&D programs for development of new therapies to successfully treat the disease is expected to favor the market in the near future. According to the study, German measles is extremely rare in the United States. Most of the cases occur in people who live in countries that dont offer routine immunization against Rubella. Generally, mainstream medicine doesn't have a specific treatment for German measles as it goes away within a week and the mild symptoms can be managed with bed rest and medicines. But the doctors advise pregnant women for virus vaccine immunization to avoid acquiring German measles. A vaccine named measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) can be used to effectively prevent it. The rubella vaccine was introduced in the late 1960s and due to this vaccine the incidence of German measles has significantly declined. Also, a mixture of proteins in the blood called Gamma globulin is offered to prevent the disease.The Rubella pipeline guide also review the key players involved in therapeutic development for this infection and also features dormant and discontinued projects. Some of the key players are- Beijing Minhai Biotechnology Co. Biological E. Limited Beijing Tiantan Biological Products GlaxoSmithKline Plc Daiichi Sankyo Company Indian Immunologicals Limited Prometheon Pharma Sinovac Biotech Ltd. Zydus Cadila Healthcare LimitedBrowse Full Report with TOC:The guide also helps in identifying emerging players in the market along with their portfolios which enhances decision making capabilities for the new entrants.About UsMarket Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Us90 State StreetAlbany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free : 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel : +1-518-621-2074Email : press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite : Global Crowd Funding Market: Dynamics, Segments, Size and Demand 2015 to 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/8422 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/8422 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com The term Crowd funding refers to a collection of funds for any venture or project through various sources like equity and non-equity, the platform for collecting funds can be the internet and other social media. These crowd funding platforms help investors to meet entrepreneurs in need of funds for their ventures. Mostly, none- equity sector can be considered as the main source of crowd funding rather than equity sector. The crowd funding market had started in the early or mid of 2000s, and since then it has noticed an enormous growth owing to the increase of Start-Ups and many new projects globally. Moreover, such crowd funding platforms have been able to collect billions of dollars for meeting millions of campaigns in the year 2012. Nowadays, Investors are getting attracted to such crowd funding market because of the potential of the untapped market in many regions. North America is having a greater potential in crowd funding market due to the presence of economically sound countries like the US in this region. Likewise, every year crowd funding platforms are launched, thus globalizing the crowd funding market.Request for Sample Report:The increase in a number of Start-Ups and many new small projects are responsible for the growth of crowd funding market for their capital needs. Moreover, Real Estate sector is growing with a significant rate in developing regions like North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Hence, increasing fund requirement in Real Estate sector is a driving force for crowd funding market. In addition, this sector is having a good market share in crowd funding market.Besides the driving factors of crowd funding market, there are many stringent conditions of crowd funding platforms which can restrain the crowd funding market in further future. Many entrepreneurs are not aware of the existence of crowd funding platforms which can hamper the growth of crowd funding market. Like Kickstarter launched a mission to empower artists and creative projects owners for their ideas through reward crowd funding, but due to lack of awareness many entrepreneurs were not able to avail the benefits of crowd funding.Request for Table of content:The global Crowd Funding market is segmented into seven key regions as North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Japan. North America is having the maximum market share in the global crowd funding market, specially the US in this region is having a big chunk in crowd funding market because of its higher economy than other countries. North America is followed by Europe in crowd funding market and in Europe also, the best performing countries are UK and France. Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness a moderate growth in crowd funding market due to many new business opportunities in various sectors.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: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market - Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Growth and Forecast 2016 - 2024 Global Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=12368 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ http://globalresearchmarket.blogspot.in/ Global Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market: DescriptionFossil fuel combustion done for various applications including waste incineration, power generation and industrial furnaces, boilers or kilns leads to emission of harmful NOx gases. At regional and country level there are certain legislations on the emission of such harmful gases in order to curb air pollution. According to these legislations, emission limits have been set for various industries and utilities. This has made the installation and use of a DeNOx service and system mandatory for many industries.DeNOx systems and services are generally installed in areas such as coal-fired power plants, gas turbines, natural gas-fired power plants, biomass plants, and in industries such as metal processing units and cement plants. Industries prefer selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) over selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in order to save on to the huge initial operation, capital and maintenance cost whereas coal-fired power plants usually install selective catalytic reduction systems for enhanced efficiency.View exclusive Global strategic Business Report :Global Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market: Drivers and RestraintsStringent emission control regulations, industrialization amidst rigorous regulations in Eastern Europe and China and world's dependence on natural gas and coal for power generation are the major factors driving the industrial DeNOx systems and service market. Although, there are some factors which restrict the markets growth such as unfavorable economic conditions and emergence of low-emission alternatives. Even after such restraints the market is expected to grow at a steady rate. Regulations of India and the United Kingdom are expected to favor the market and act as an opportunity for the industrial DeNOx systems and service market.Global Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market: Geographical DynamicsIndustrial DeNOx systems and services for the European market are affected by the investment scenario in segments such as oil refineries capacity expansion, power generation, metal processing units and recent economic crisis. However, in the past few years the Eastern Europe market has performed well. This is primarily owing to the entrance of most countries in this region into the European Union (EU). In 2004 and 2007 EU enlargement accommodated these countries, which now have to abide by the regulations legislated by the EU commission on NOx emission. In addition, there was a major amount of installation done in the United States, amidst strict rules by the United States EPA. The major share of DeNOx systems and services market is held by the Asia-Pacific region. Presently, China is the chief consumer of DeNOx systems and services.The industrial DeNOx systems and services market is segmented on the basis of type into non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR). In addition, the classification of the industrial DeNOx systems and services market is done on the basis of types of technology employed in treating fuel gas in order to reduce NOx gases to essential water and nitrogen. Furthermore, the market is segmented on the basis of applications into utilities and industries.The key market players are Alstom SA, Babcock Noell GmbH, Babcock & Wilcox Company, China Environment, Burns & McDonnell, FLSmidth & CO, Doosan Power Systems, Haldor Topse, Fuel Tech and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries among others. The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.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 insights for 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, TMR employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog: Anisindione Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023 Global Anisindione Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=6496 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ http://globalresearchmarket.blogspot.in/ Anisindione is a derivative of indanedione, and a man made anticoagulant, which is known for preventing the formation of active procoagulation factors IIX, IX, VII, and II, in addition to the anticoagulant protein S and protein C, in the liver by slowing down the gamma carboxylation process of vitamin K of precursor proteins. The regeneration of reduced vitamin K is blocked by oral anticoagulants which in turn develop a stage of deficiency of vitamin K. The reductases inhibition mechanism by the drugs is still not known. Additionally, there are reductases which are less sensitive to these anticoagulant drugs, however act solely at comparatively high concentrations of vitamin K oxidized in nature. This property might explain that sufficient vitamin K can neutralize significant doses of oral anticoagulants. Anisindione, similar to phenindione, follows its therapeutic action through the reduction of prothrombin activities in the blood. The chemical has no direct effect and also doesnt reverse tissue damage. However, it may reduce the frequency of extension of existing thrombi as well as avoid thromboembolic complications.As an anticoagulant, anisindione is used for anticoagulant or antithrombotic drugs which aid in reducing thrombus formation. Different types of antithrombotics impact various processes of blood clotting such as thrombolytic, anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs. The primary purpose of these drugs is to cure the bodys abnormal blood. Despite the drugs are broadly used for curing and preventing arterial and venous thrombosis, the disease still accounts for major deaths every year on a global scale, which further indicates towards the fact that the present drugs in the market are not credible enough to fight against this disease.View exclusive Global strategic Business Report :Owing to this, there is huge growth potential for anticoagulant drugs, which in turn would boost the demand for anisindione over the next few years. Primary causes of thrombosis include smoking, obesity, pregnancy, medical and genetic conditions, blood vessel damage, and inactivity among others. Owing to rising population on a global scale, demand for these anticoagulant drugs is expected to escalate within the next few years. In emerging regions such as Asia Pacific, demand for such drugs is likely to increase significantly owing to rapidly increasing population in emerging economies such as India and China.Anisindione is also used in protein hydrolysis. The global industry for protein hydrolysis enzymes is growing at a rapid pace, primarily due to the increasing adoption of protease enzymes in the light of different advantages they represent. Protease is used in the industry due to its protein peptide hydrolysis into amino acids. Emerging economies such as India is one of the primary markets for protease enzymes, rising at a faster rate than other countries. Several primary growth factors such as modification and advancement of properties in food proteins coupled with the reduction in feed costs for protein hydrolysis enzymes are anticipated to fuel the demand for these enzymes over the next few years. Other factors such as rising consumption of protease enzymes in reducing phosphorus pollution as well as reducing nitrogen content is also anticipated to contribute toward the growth of the market.However, factors such as limited number of applications of these enzymes in food applications and rising consumption of chemicals as a substitute is expected to hamper the growth of the market. North America was the largest consumer for protein hydrolysis enzymes with the presence of the large cleaning & detergent industry in the region. However, emerging regions such as Asia Pacific show significant unexplored opportunities for the growth of the market. Consumers are exploring new convenient products with the modernization of the cleaning & detergent industry in this region. Aimpow, Santacruz Biotechnology, and TORONTO RESEARCH CHEMICALS INC. are some of the key companies involved in the anisindione market.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 insights for 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, TMR employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog: Smart Cards Market Advancement in Technology: Top Players (Gemalto NV, Infineon Technologies AG, NXP Semiconductors NV) http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=844 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/smart-card.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Smart Cards Market: SnapshotThe scope and advantages of using smart cards in the current banking and finance industry are massive. The primary aim of implementing smart card technologies, especially in developed economies, is the introduction of stronger security measures against the growing counts of data theft. The retail and BFSI industries have shown a high demand for smart cards as a feasible security measure.The implementation of smart cards can also help introduce multiple cost saving techniques for vendors and the companies that handle the transactions, such as Europay, MasterCard, and Visa. This in turn helps the above companies and similar ones to improve their market penetration and visibility. This flows in conjunction to the rapidly growing number of smartphone users in the world and the presence of a high number of retail apps.Get more Information:Future opportunities for smart card players will lie in the use of high-end SIMs in cohesion with LTE providers as well as NFC-enabled devices. Players will need to rapidly adopt smart card oriented software and services into their core business strategies to maintain and improve revenue generation.Through these factors, the global smart cards market is expected to progress at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2016 to 2023 in terms of revenue. This market is expected to reach a value of US$8.5 bn by the end of 2016 and US$14.1 bn by 2023.LATAM Shows Much Promise in Smart Card Implementation, APAC Maintains Subtantial Market Volume Till 2023Latin America held the second-lowest share in both revenue and volume in 2014. However, according to the Smart Card Alliance Organization, Latin America currently shows over 70% of market penetration by smart card solutions and services. Most of the LATAM smart card implementations are being done in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina. These countries therefore show top potential in the use and growth of smart card solutions, making this region highly attractive for global players, especially in contact-based smart cards.Asia Pacific contains Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan are the top locations for global and regional smart card solutions providers. Meanwhile, India and China, although currently in a nascent stage of smart card implementation, are showing high potential for market penetration due to rapid economic growth and a high population density. Most of the current applications of smart cards in APAC are aimed at the sectors of retail, loyalty, and financial. By the end of 2023, it is expected for smart cards services to perforate into low-end applications, government transactions, and transportation transactions.Browse The Report:Microcontroller-based Smart Cards Expected to Dominate in ComponentsDual-interface and contactless smart cards are expected to take over as the mainstay in all smart card utilities in the near future. Contactless smart cards already hold a high rate of use in major parts of the financial services sector. These smart cards make use of microcontrollers due to the higher level of security and reliability that these components can offer.While multiple countries and finance organizations begin the adoption of smart cards, the superior qualities provided by dual-interface cards and contactless cards are being recognized by major financial bodies, further promoting the implementation of microcontroller-based smart cards.Key players involved in smart card services and technologies include Gemalto NV, Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) GmbH, Infineon Technologies AG, and NXP Semiconductors.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 edgeUS Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global Mobile Mapping Market: In-Depth Market Research Report 2016 - 2022 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/8869 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/8869 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com The process of geospatial data collection using mapping sensors on moving platforms such as cars, marine vessels and airplanes is called mobile mapping. Mobile mapping systems use global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technology along with inertial navigation systems (INS) in order to enable fast and precise calculation of continuous 3D position, velocity, and attitude (yaw, pitch and roll) of a plane. The demand for spatial data has seen explosive growth in the recent past which has led to the evolution of mobile mapping system. These system have become more accurate and provide higher density data with reduction in both time as well as cost of data collection. Online digital maps, geo-reference videos and images are examples of mapping products that depend on accurate geospatial data collected from the mobile mapping systems. The time coordinated navigation sensors are integrated with digital imaging sensors so as to enable direct and accurate mapping of landscapes or objects. These navigation sensors determine position along with platform orientation, whereas remote sensors determine the points external to the platform at remote position and are predominantly called as imaging sensors. However, some additional sensors such as laser range finders in mobile mapping systems may also be used as remote sensors.Request for Sample Report:The major mobile mapping applications include precise assessment of the conditions of road or highway for emergency response by local and federal governments. The internet mapping applications include aerial photography and satellite images for developing online maps as well as street level views. Mobile mapping system used in military and defense applications checks the changes in landscapes or any assets or troops movements. This system is also used in corporate asset as well as infrastructure management applications. The other applications of mobile mapping technology are in oil and gas sector and mining sector. In oil and gas industry, mobile mapping is used for the navigation of major pipelines, transmission lines as well as energy facilities and plants. In mining, mobile mapping is used for automated measurements of mobile mining equipment such as excavators.The recent developments in GNSS, INS, as well as in digital camera technology are driving the growth of mobile mapping applications globally. The mobile mapping market is also witnessing traction with the entry of large number of commercial operated organizations in the market which led to the rapid advancement of various mapping technologies. The extensive use of internet and growing wireless communication networks aid this growth by allowing rapid, accurate and efficient transfer as well as processing of data. Unlike traditional techniques which were difficult to use in inaccessible areas, vehicular mobile mapping is much safe as well as user-friendly. The growing stress on accurate as well as time-saving methods of data generation coupled with the importance of inventory and asset management has also increased the adoption of mobile mapping technology globally. Camera orientation issues and high dependency on weather are the major factors restraining the growth of mobile mapping market. Customization and manual extraction capability in mobile mapping systems is anticipated to positively impact the growth of global mobile mapping market during the coming years. In August 2015, Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc. launched a compact mobile mapping solution consisting of a roof camera mounted on vehicles which is used for data collection for asset management, surveying, and topographic mapping.Request for Table of content:The major participants in the global mobile mapping market include Google Corporation, TomTom International BV., Leica Geosystems AG, Trimble Navigation Limited, Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc., NovAtel Inc., Javad GNSS Inc., Teledyne Optech, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and Immersive Media Company.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: Geospatial Analytics Market Growth, Trends, Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025 |The Insight Partners http://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/geospatial-analytics-market http://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000192 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/inquiry/TIPTE100000192 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/discount/TIPTE100000192 In past decade, the trends in navigation technology have reached new heights. Traditionally people had limited access to navigation technologies in daily life, however the trends have taken new shape and today smartphones, tablets, wearables etc. allow application of navigation. Individuals are enabled to share location, time and events data through cloud. In recent years the amount of data being exchanged is growing year on year. Organizations are using these data to further understand the interests and preferences of the consumers to offer more specified services.Geospatial analytics use this data and interpret used to build maps, graphs, and statistics which are further used by organization to understand the pattern of activities. Technologies such as mobile devices, location sensors, social media, and other platforms allow organization to collect the information or data. Geospatial analytics offer solutions to organizations which help in anticipating and to formulate strategies for predicted changes in reference to dynamic spatial conditions or location based events.Browse market data tables and in-depth TOC of the Geospatial Analytics Market to 2025 @According to CISCO`s report, in 2008 the number of connected devices crossed number people on the earth and it is also estimated by 2020 the number of connected devices will reach 50 billion. Fast growing trends in mobile devices and internet of everything will drive the geospatial analytics market positively in near future. Some of the key concerns of developing economies would include poor connectivity and as the data is collected in real-time congestion of connected devices in low bandwidth internet which may lead to false location results and analysis may fail to produce desired results.The global geospatial analytics market is broadly classified into segments such as type, technology, application, end-users and geography. Key types of geospatial analytics include surface analytics, network analytics, geo-visualization and others. Technologies used in this market are further segmented as Remote Sensing, Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographical Information System (GIS), and Others. The application segment is further sub-segmented into Surveying,, Disaster Risk Reduction Management, Climate Change Adaptation, , Medicine and Public Safety and Others. The global geospatial analytics market is also divided by geography and include regions such as North America, Europe, APAC, South America (SAM) and Middle East Africa (MEA).Request Sample Copy @North America being one of the leading hub for technologies, companies in this region are more focused on offering solution and services which are more inclined or associated to analytics and cloud computing next big thing which will drive the market of geospatial analytics market. While North America being one of the leading markets, APAC is the fasted growing market for analytics APAC is one of the key regions which include growing economies such as China, Japan, India, etc. hence this region is considered to be fastest growing and is estimated to gain major share of the market in near future.Some of the key players in global surface computing market include Trimble Navigation Ltd., General Electric (GE), MDA Corporation, Bentley Systems, Inc., ESRI, RMSI, Hexagon AB, Fugro N.V., and Harris Corporation among others.Make an Inquiry @Few Key Points from Table of ContentGlobal Geospatial Analytics Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 TypeSurface AnalysisNetwork AnalysisGeovisualizationOthersGlobal Geospatial Analytics Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 TechnologyRemote SensingGlobal Positioning Systems (GPS)Geographical Information Systems (GIS)OthersGlobal Geospatial Analytics Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 ApplicationSurveyingMedicine and Public SafetyDisaster Risk Reduction and ManagementClimate Change AdaptionOthersGlobal Geospatial Analytics Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 End-usersBusinessAutomotiveUtility and CommunicationGovernmentDefenseOthersGlobal Geospatial Analytics Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 Geographical AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeAsia Pacific (APAC)Middle East & Africa (MEA)South America (SAM)Global Geospatial Analytics Market, Key Company Profiles Included Key Facts, Business Description, Financial Overview, SWOT Analysis and Key DevelopmentsTrimble Navigation Ltd.General Electric (GE)MDA CorporationBentley Systems, Inc.ESRIRMSIHexagon ABFugro N.VHarris CorporationWS Atkins PLCInquire about discount on this report @About The Insight Partners:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comThe Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Jun Ji-hyun (L) at the Christian Dior show as part of Paris Fashion Week Haute-Couture Fall/Winter 2013-2014 and Angelababy at the Givenchy Menswear Spring/Summer 2017 show in Paris, France. (Photo : Getty Images/Pascal Le Segretain) "Legend of the Blue Sea" actress Jun Ji Hyun has unexpectedly been replaced as the brand ambassador of a Chinese company. The move comes in the wake of China's ban on Hallyu stars amid rising tensions over THAAD. Several news outlets in China reported that a smartphone maker that recently hired Jun to promote the brand replaced the Korean star with Angelababy, according to The Kpop Herald. Jun had signed the contract with the company in October and has been replaced by the Chinese actress after just one month. Advertisement Song is a popular celebrity not only in Korea but also across Asia because of the SBS drama "The Legend of the Blue Sea," in which she stars as a mermaid opposite actor Lee Min Ho. Jun's replacement comes amid mounting tensions between China and South Korea over the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) dispute. China has strongly opposed Korea and the United States' deployment of the anti-ballistic missile system. In retaliation, China has imposed a ban on the broadcast of all Korean content in the mainland and this advertisements, dramas, films and television shows are no exception. As a result, Korean celebrities have either been dropped from broadcast or edited out of the content. Jun is not the first celebrity to lose an endorsement because of the China's ban on Korean celebrities. "Descendants of the Sun" actor Song Joong Ki was recently replaced by Taiwanese actor Eddie Peng as the face of smartphone company Vivo. However, China's State Administration of Press, Publications, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) has not yet made an official statement on the broadcast ban of Hallyu stars. "I have never heard about any restrictions on the [Republic of Korea]," China Film Insider quoted Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang as saying in a recent press conference. To learn more about China's alleged ban on Korean talent, watch the video below: Spout Pouches Market Revenue, Opportunity, Segment and Key Trends 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2197 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2197 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/spout-pouches-market www.futuremarketinsights.com In todays world, packaging has secured a strong position in the production systems. With the advancement of technology, different materials are available in different forms serving a motley of purposes in the packaging industry. Food and beverage packaging took an interesting turn when we saw the shift from rigid packaging to flexible packaging. A new trend emerged where glass and metal containers were converted to flexible, multi layered pouches. However, the innovation did not stop there. Pouches started to appear with re-closable spouts. This gave the consumers the ease to reuse and safely store the package. The addition of the feature to stand added to the ease of storage. Today, spout pouches are considered quintessential from the perspective of food and beverage industry, automotive, soaps and detergents and paints industry.Spout pouches can be considered as one of the best forms of packaging as they are a convenience for both the consumers and the manufacturer. Spout pouches are comparatively easier to produce and they are perfect for the on the go lifestyle of the consumers. Spout pouches packaging is safe and maintains the integrity of the product. Moreover, spout pouches durability makes the day to day use easy. Spout pouches being re-closable makes the product an excellent grab and go product. The durability and flexibility allows for the packaging to hold many products.Request Free Report Sample@Spout Pouches Market- Market Segmentation:Based on the Product type, the Spout Pouchesmarket is segmented into:BeveragesSyrupsCleaning SolutionOilsOthers (lubricants, granules, powers, baby food, condiments)Based on end use, the Spout Pouchesmarket is segmented into:Food and BeveragesAutomotivePharmaceuticalPaintsSoaps and detergentsOthersBased on the material used, the Spout Pouchesmarket is segmented into:PlasticAluminum foilKraft paperThe combination of the above materialsSpout Pouches Market- Market Dynamics:Spout pouches have become the first choice of packaging in a myriad of packaging industries due its flexibility. The packaging has also become comparatively lighter and easy to transport. Moreover, the amount of material used for producing spout packages is comparatively less, which is expected to drive the growth of global spout pouches market. The storage of the pouches becomes easier due to the flexibility and the less surface area utilized to store the products. Flexible packaging also allows the manufacturers to aesthetically differentiate their product and also gives the opportunity to design their products in an attractive manner. From the consumers perspective, spout pouches fit perfectly in the on the go lifestyle of the consumers. Moreover, spout packaging helps in completely utilizing the product within the packaging as evacuation of the product from spout packaging is more efficient that in rigid containers. From the aspect of sustainability, spout pouches require less energy for production and larger number of units can be transported per truck. As a result, spout pouches will remain in demand in the coming foreseeable future.Request For TOC@Spout Pouches Market- Regional Outlook:In terms of geography, the spout pouches market has been divided in to five key regions; North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa. The spout pouches market is expected to exhibit an above average CAGR during the forecast period. Asia Pacific region is expected to witness a high demand for spout pouches over the forecasted period. Highest growth is expected to be seen specifically from Thailand, India and China. Significant growth will also be witness in Middle East and Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America.Spout Pouches Market- Major Players:Some of the key players in the spout pouches market are Amcor Ltd., The DOW Chemical Company, Mondi Group, Berry Plastic Corporation, Smurfit Kappa Group, Bemis Company Inc., Essentra PLC, Bischof & Klein GmbH & Co. KG, Coating Excellence International, HOD Packaging and enterprises Ltd., Printpack Inc., ProAmpac, Sealed Air Corporation, Sonoco Products Company, and Winpak 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: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: Tamper Evident Packaging Market Value Share, Analysis and Segments 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2198 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2198 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/tamper-evident-packaging-market www.futuremarketinsights.com Packaging in todays world calls for a multi-functional approach of the designing of the product. With the race to reduce the overall cost of production, manufacturers have innovated with the packaging design. This has led to a shift to flexible packaging, low use of material, low cost of storage and low transport cost. In this day and age another functionality that manufacturers need to take into account is safety. With the on the go lifestyle settling in, people expect the products they have purchased to be safe to consume.The rising awareness among consumers and stringent regulations laid down by national and international authorities on the safety of product packaging has led to a shift in design. Deliberate or unintentional tampering of food products has been witnessed in the past leading to catastrophic events which required a more careful approach to packaging. This has led to the advent of tamper evident packaging.Tamper evident packaging allows for the observer to identify whether the package has been tampered with or not. The indicators are either visual or audible. The indicators are usually mentioned on the packaging for the observers convenience. Tamper evident packaging is now also being adopted by the food and beverages, cosmetics industry, and the healthcare industry.Request Free Report Sample@Tamper evident packaging Market- Market Segmentation:Based on the product type, the tamper evident packaging market is segmented into:Shrink sleevesInduction sealFilm wrappersBlister or strip packsBubble packsOthers (Pouches, bottle mouth inner seals, tape seals)Based on the end use, the tamper evident packaging market is segmented into:VacuumPharmaceuticalFood and beveragesCosmeticsothersBased on the Material type, the tamper evident packaging market is segmented into:plasticsglasspaper lidsmetalothersTamper evident packaging Market- Market Dynamics:With the scare from the Tylenol scandal in 1982 that led to the death of 7 people due to poisoning the Food and Drug Administration has strictly enforced tamper evident packaging for pharmaceutical manufacturers. With the exponential growth witnessed by the pharmaceutical industry, tamper evident packaging market is pegged for steady growth throughout the forecast period of 2016 2024. Food and beverages industry and the cosmetics industry have also picked up on tamper evident packaging due to the rising safety concerns. The ever growing food and beverage industry will positively impact the tamper evident packaging market. However, the stringent regulations specifically in the pharmaceutical industry call for the testing of tamper evident packaging and the adherence of the packaging to guidelines that have been laid down. This is likely to negatively impact the tamper evident packaging market growth.Request For TOC@Tamper evident packaging Market- Regional Outlook:In terms of geography, the tamper evident packaging market has been divided in to five key regions; North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa. The tamper evident packaging market is expected to exhibit an above average CAGR during the forecast period. Asia pacific market is expected to witness a raise in demand in the region. As a result, tamper evident packaging is pegged to witness a growth in demand in the forecasted period.Tamper evident packaging Market- Major Players:Some of the key players in the tamper evident packaging market are DuPont, Schreiner Group, Ampac Holding LLC., Baker & McKenzie LLP, Placon, Dynacorp, Enercon industries Corporation, Traco Manufacturing, Inc., Interpack Ltd., Seal King Europe, Harcor.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: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: Biopharmaceutical Licensing Market Closely Examines The Licensing And Alliance Landscape In The Global Biopharma Market http://bit.ly/2fbyI9M http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ The report on the biopharmaceutical licensing market closely examines the licensing and alliance landscape in the global biopharma market. The biopharmaceutical licensing market has undergone changes in the regulatory approach to awarding licenses, as well as alliances between market players in the conventional pharma and biopharma sectors. This report doesnt stop at providing insight into the market drivers and barriers to biopharma licensing. It also marks out strategies being used by biopharma companies to address these barriers and how these companies are preparing to monetize new opportunities. The report also provides a detailed assessment on the major trends in inter-company deals in key therapy areas and clinical trials.The report, in its Company Profiles section, meticulously evaluates growth strategies of leading companies in the global biopharmaceutical licensing market. The Company Profiles section also outlines product pipelines, financial status, and recent developments of leading entities in the biopharma market. This study delves on the future prospects of each key segment within the biopharma licensing market. Users of this report can also gain a birds eye view of the market by geography, so as to develop strategies to sustain and thrive in the global biopharma licensing sector.For Any Queries Get Solutions With A PDF Sample :Overview of the biopharmaceutical licensing marketThe conventional differences that characterized pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies are fast dissolving. Companies in the biopharmaceutical market are no longer confining themselves to product development or discovery. Instead, biopharma companies are now taking an active interest in ensuring a sustainable market for their products. Given that biopharma players are now in direct competition with large pharma companies, changes are inevitable.This has brought about visible changes to the biopharmaceutical licensing market as well. A number of companies in the biopharma sector are narrowing their focus (and investments) to harness the potential of high-value therapy areas including infections, oncology, and inflammatory disease. Simply stated, the biopharmaceutical industry is now concentrating on complex licensing deals with the intention of securing commercialization rights and revenue from marketing.Thus, large pharmaceutical companies have become increasingly dependent on in-licensing agreements and alliances with biopharmaceutical companies to gain access to new technologies and advancements in molecular science. This dependence has impelled the biopharmaceutical licensing market to a new high. Testimony to this is the rise in consolidation within the biopharma industries to gain a competitive edge over traditionally dominant pharmaceutical companies. The market is also witnessing hectic takeover activity by Big Pharma, with deal values having soared by at least 80% in recent years.The biopharmaceutical licensing market carries considerable potential, especially in oral anti-diabetic medication, oncology, and non-invasive drug delivery technologies. However, this market also faces a key challenge in the form of asymmetry between licensees and licensor.Companies mentioned in the biopharmaceutical licensing market research reportThe report profiles leading companies in the biopharmaceutical market such as: Pfizer, Merck & Co., Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Sanofi, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly & Company, AstraZeneca, Hoffman La-Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Genentech, Baxter International, Bayer AG, Schering-Plough, Novartis, Proctor & Gamble, Abbott Laboratories, and Boehringer Ingelheim.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: Traffic Management Market Global Analysis & 2025 Forecast Report |The Insight Partners http://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/traffic-management-market http://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000196 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/inquiry/TIPTE100000196 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/discount/TIPTE100000196 Today, majority of population travelling on daily basis face the problem of traffic. Due to rising level in number of vehicles running on road, the traffic congestion has become intolerable resulting in emergence of effective and efficient traffic management system. Government and Municipal Corporation of various regions share the common traffic management issue. Also, these days due to rising disposable income, a persons ability to buy expensive commodities has increased, thus, leading to more than one car in a single house. The global traffic management system is expected to experience high growth in demand in next few years.Browse market data tables and in-depth TOC of the Traffic Management Market to 2025 @Rapid growth in sales of commercial vehicles and passenger cars, rising number of travelers, bolstering tourism industry and increasing road accidents are some of the major factors driving the traffic management market. The trending intermodal traffic management systems, increasing commercial drones demand, growing demand for vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication and rising need of innovative smart parking management is expected to drive the growth of global traffic management market next few years.Deployment of data analytical tools for real-time traffic management, and route guidance, JTM (Journey Time Monitoring), etc., by travelers on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets are emerging as the vital functional areas that are increasing the usage of traffic management technology. Some of the limitations faced by the traffic management market are lack of transformation and funding interruption. The alteration of the traffic management technology would require the installation of new system, hardware and solutions. The emerging numbers of smart cities and the IoT technology is expected to open new opportunities for the market.Request Sample Copy @The traffic management is segmented on the basis of solutions, detection and regions. The solution segment of the market includes retrofit solutions & LED signals, full pedestrians, ELV (End-of-Life Vehicle), parking space management & toll management. The retrofit solutions refer to up gradation of already existing traffic signals that may have become obsolete, also ELV (Extra Low Voltage) solution for traffic signal accounts for a healthy market share because of its ability of low power consumption and better performance.The parking management is expected to dramatically affect the reduction of traffic congestion, half of the time the traffic is created because of the difficulty faced by the drivers in finding the appropriate parking. Therefore parking managements captures a healthy market share in solutions segment of parking management market. The detection segment is further bifurcated into loop detection, above ground pedestrian and vehicles detection (AGPVD), automatic number plate detection (ANPR) and closed circuit television (CCTV) has accounted for maximum coverage in detection segment of traffic management market. Due to lack of awareness and costing issues with other detection technologies, they have lesser share in the market. Based upon the regions the market is segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa and South America. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow rapidly during the forecast period. Rising utilization of internet has caused change in traffic management service and solutions in APAC. Furthermore, the growing population has caused several traffic issues such as traffic accidents and congestion, resulting in increased acceptance of traffic management solutions. North America has also captured notable share of the traffic management system market globally.Make an Inquiry @However, because of increasing adoption of cloud based technology and SaaS many companies are now capable of providing large number of traffic management solutions to fulfil the customer requirements. Some of the key vendors in this market are IBM Corporation, GE Transportation, TraffiCom, Cisco Systems Inc., Siemens AG, Kapsch AG, Alstom SA, Cubic Corporation, Cellint Traffic Solution, LG CNS, among others.Few Key Points from Table of ContentGlobal Traffic Management Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 SolutionRetrofit Solutions & LED signalsFull pedestriansELV (End-of-Life Vehicle)Parking space management & Toll managementGlobal Traffic Management Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 DetectionCloud BasedOn-PremiseGlobal Traffic Management Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 Geographical AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeAsia Pacific (APAC)Middle East & Africa (MEA)South America (SAM)Global Traffic Management Market, Key Company Profiles Included Key Facts, Business Description, Financial Overview, SWOT Analysis and Key DevelopmentsIBM CorporationGE Transportation.TraffiComCisco Systems Inc.Siemens AGKapsch AGLG CNSCubic CorporationCellint Traffic SolutionInquire about discount on this report @About The Insight Partners:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comThe Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Global Coil Coatings Market: Rising Non-residential Construction Favors Coil Coating Consumption, Says TMR http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=3344 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/coil-coating-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ http://globalresearchanalysis.blogspot.in/ The global coil coatings market is largely fragmented in nature, with globally prominent players holding small shares compared to the larger share collectively held by the regional players. In 2014, The Valspar Corporation, Akzo Nobel, N.V., Beckers Group, and PPG Industries, Inc., together took up about 56% of the market. According to a research report released by Transparency Market Research, a lot of the key players in the global coil coatings market hold prominent market positions in multiple regions. At the same time, companies such as Nippon Paints Co. Ltd. hold large production volumes but are concentrated to one region, while looking for expansion opportunities.The global coil coatings market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.6% within a forecast period from 2015 to 2023, with respect to its volume. The markets production volume is expected to touch 1,384.4 kilo tons by the end of 2023. In terms of revenue, the global coil coatings market is expected to reach US$6.27 bn by the end of 2023.Get Free PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical insights :Polyester to Continue Being Preferred as Top Coil CoatingThe demand for polyester in the global coil coatings market is expected to hit 888.2 kilo tons in 2023. Polyester is highly favored as a coil coating and will continue to lead the global coil coatings market over the coming years. It offers high level resistance to weather effects and corrosive exposure in a large number of scenarios, making it easier for both manufacturers and application industries to cover up for a diversified requirement using a singular product.Compared to polyester, other materials hold very minor shares in terms of demand as well as production volume. A lot of these products such as PVDF and silicone modified polyester serve specific purposes and mostly serve niche purposes.Non-residential Construction to Provide Heavy Demand Increments for Coil CoatingsThe global coil coatings market is expected to witness a very positive impact on demand coming from the construction industry. This has a lot to do with the increased undertaking of non-residential construction projects across the world and especially in emerging economies, states a TMR analyst. This case is visible in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, Australia, China, and India, where the spurred construction activities in the industrial and commercial sectors is pushing for a huge demand for coil coatings.The global coil coatings market does naturally find greater scope of application in non-residential buildings, such as factories, industrial project sites, and commercial buildings. Advanced coil coatings are excellent in protecting industrial coils from weathering and abrasion, while also providing a more positive aesthetic appeal to the metal.European Slowdown Reduces Application Scope for Advanced Coil CoatingsOne of the key restraints acting on the global coil coatings market currently is the recent economic crisis in Europe. The regions declining economy had put a massive choke on the demand for coil coatings across its industries. With construction, automotive, and appliances manufacturing rates slowing down, the global coil coatings market has felt the consequent brunt of the burden. This issue could resolve steadily over the coming years as the European economy rises up again.Browse Market Research Report with ToC & Free Analysis :Top players in the global coil coatings market are already looking for expansion opportunities in the MEA region. As far as growth rate is concerned, the massive upswing in demand for coil coatings in the Middle East and Africa is expected to surpass the growth rate shown by any other region. This applies especially to the regions industries of appliances and construction, both of which are experiencing a highly favorable growth phase, adds the analyst.The information presented in this review is based on a Transparency Market Research report, titled, Coil Coatings Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023.Key segments of the Global Coil Coatings MarketCoil Coatings Market Product Segment AnalysisPolyesterSilicone Modified PolyesterPolyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)Polyurethane (PU)PlastisolOthers (including epoxides and acrylics)Coil Coatings Market Application AnalysisConstructionAutomotiveAppliancesOthers (including packaging, furniture, and HVAC)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 : Touch Screens in Mobile Devices Market Aims Bigger with Technological Innovations http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4689 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4689 Touch screens in mobile devices are interface between users and devices that enable an easy interaction and visual experience. The use of touch screen technology in smartphone, tablets, laptops, mobile phones, and other portable information devices is gaining momentum. Touch screens enables the user to interact freely with the device without any hassles and with strong control. In the current scenario most of the touch screen based mobile devices are equipped with multi-touch technology. This is due to the ability of multi-touch screens of providing better functionalities (interaction ability) than single touch screens. Multi-touch enables the users with the ease of zooming, scrolling or rotating the screens according to the requirement.Request to view Sample Report @Touch screen in mobile devices market is segmented on the basis of type of technologies used for developing the screen, type of device and geography. There are basically four types of touch screen technologies used for mobile devices, namely, capacitive touch screen, resistive touch screen, surface acoustic wave touch screen and infrared touch screens. Capacitive touch screens account for the major share in mobile devices market owing to its less cost as compared to other touch screen technologies and it durability in harsh environment. The touch screens are controlled by the using an internal circuitry called as touch screen controllers. These controllers are designed depending upon the type of touch screen technology. In additions to the controls, the touch screens operations are based on other components such as touch screen software driver and touch screen sensors. The type of portable devices using touch screens includes smartphone, tablets, laptops, smart watches and other portable devices. Smartphone segment contributes maximum to the units of shipments of touch screens in mobile devices market. Owing to the high growth rate of smartphone market in Africa, Asia and Middle East, the touch screen market is expected to show high growth across these regions over the forecast period.Request to view Table of content @Touch screen in mobile devices market is primarily driven by the rising adoption of smartphone across the globe. The market is expected to show high growth rate owing to the emergence of new touch screen devices such as tablets and smart wearable devices. Additionally, with entry of low cost smartphone manufacturers, the availability of smartphone with touch screens at affordable prices has increased manifold, thereby further boosting the growth of the touch screen market. However, the extra cost involved in protecting the screen from the dirt and scratches is hindering growth of the market. The impact of this restraint is expected to minimize over the coming years due to technological advancement is screen protections solutions. For instance the screen protections films such as Gorilla Glass, Dragontail and Xensation are developed to protect the screens on the mobile devices. However, the market has tremendous growth opportunities in developing countries of Africa, Asia and Middle East where the market for mobile devices is at nascent stage and is expected to grow at high rates.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 Transitional Cell Cancer Therapeutics Market: Global industry analysis and forecast 2016 - 2024 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/12310 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/12310 Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) occur in the different parts of urinary tract, which include kidney, bladder, or urethra. Transitional cell Carcinoma is one of the most the most common the malignant tumor which line the inner layers of urinary tract. There exists many sites which are affected by TCC is the trigone i.e a tissue, that covers the base of the urinary bladder, between the openings of the ureters and urethra., or neck of the bladder, where the bladder joins the urethra.Bladder cancer also known as Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the fifth most common cancer in men, and its half in women. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) occurs at any age also in children, TCC is very rare the under the age of 50 years and usually presents in old age population. More than 90% of transitional cell cancer are diagnosed at the bladder lining called as urothelium and are known as urothelial carcinomas, There are few other types of bladder cancers, which are squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas, which are geographical and are found rare in Australia. The Urological Society reports around 75% of bladder cancers are superficial and the treatment is comparatively simple, but in there are cases constituting 25% of cases the cancer which invade the bladder wall, and further complete removal of the bladder is essential.View Sample Report @Over the period of time, the cancer may grow outside the urinary bladder and then to other internal surrounding areas. It may then spread to nearby lymph nodes, the lungs, or the liver or to the other parts of the body in a very short span of time.Market revenue drivers for the transitional cell cancer therapeutics market include increase in environmental pollution levels coupled with high rates of cigarette smoking. The latter factor is said to contribute approximately 50% of the disease burden for the disease under consideration. Other revenue drivers include focused and collaborative research on urothelial and badder cancer from leading agencies. Increase in innovations in targeted therapies in order to reduce toxicity at cellular levels could also help increase treatment effectiveness and thus fueling revenues of drug makers.Barriers for the market include detection of the disease at late stages, lack of access to high valued drugs in low income countries where smoking rates are high, and lack of availability of sufficient curative treatment options currently. Process related barriers include long approval duration for drugs, and narrowed route to market opportunities apart from others.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Some of the major market players in Transitional Cell Cancer Treatment (TCCT) Market globally include AstraZeneca, Roche, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Exelixis, Eisai, Merck & Co, Eli Lilly and Co and Celgene Corporation.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 Honey Market Headed for Growth and Global Expansion by 2016 - 2022 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/9965 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/9965 Global honey market is propelled by the growing awareness among consumers related to home remedies coupled with health benefits associated with its consumption. However major factor that hampers the growth of honey market across the globe is the presence of the price gap among different forms of honey.Honey is a natural product that is widely used for its healing effects and food preservative application. Honey consists of glucose and fructose and has similar sweetness as granulated sugar. It includes chemical properties, it is used for baking and cereal products applications. Honey possess distinctive flavor in comparison to sugar and regular sweeteners, which make consumers more inclined towards honey. There are various type of honey which includes raw honey, crystallized honey, pasteurized honey and dried honey. Honey is used in various applications such as wounds, burns and cough. Honey includes antioxidant that is used as preventive measure from various diseases. Antioxidant capacity of honey is important in many disease conditions. Honey is used to prevent various diseases such as gastrointestinal, inflammatory neoplastic state and cardiovascular.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Major factor that are expected to drive the honey market is that it is used for direct consumption and as ingredients in a various range of food products. Various promotion and marketing activities are used as medium to reach food service sectors and consumers.in order to further enhance their awareness related to the uses and market opportunities. . However, major factors that are expected to hamper the growth of the global honey market across the globe are crystallization of the honey and increasing adulteration of the honey with sugar syrup.The global honey market is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period due to rising awareness among consumers related to the health benefits associated with the consumption of the honey. Globally, among all regions, North America is expected to contribute maximum revenue in the global honey market followed by Middle East. In North America, U.S. is expected to account maximum market share in terms of revenue owing to the high consumer awareness related to the health benefits associated with the consumption of honey. However Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit maximum market growth owing to the rising population coupled with growing health awareness among consumers.View Sample Report @Major companies that operates in the global honey market are operating in honey market are Hi Tech Natural Products (India) Limited, LITTLE BEE IMPEX, Phondaghat Pharmacy, Honey Sugar Product and Lamex Foods UK Limited. Companies that manufacture honey are primarily launching wide range of honey products that are available in various packaging types that caters to the evolving needs of the customers. Various companies that operates in the global honey market are investing huge amount in advertising and branding in order to increase the market share to the overall honey market.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 Global Specialty Food Ingredients Market Revenue Predicted To Go Up by 2020 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3406 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3406 Food ingredients provide unique color, textures, nutrients, functionalities and flavors to the cooked or processed food products. Food ingredients are added to enhance taste and flavor to the processed food items. Specialty food ingredients are used by food and beverage industry to enhance taste and flavor to the processed food. Specialty food ingredients are able to meet customers demands owing to their unique features including processing aids, coloring, preservation, emulsification and nutritional enhancement. Also, help in enhancing shelf-life, stability and texture of the food products. Specialty food ingredients are majorly sold to food processing industry including large food manufacturing companies as well as medium-sized companies.On the bases of function of different food ingredients global specialty food ingredients market can be bifurcated into color, acidulants, food enzymes, flavor, food preservatives, food emulsifiers, starches and nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals has the largest market share for specialty food ingredients, and is expected to dominate the global market in forecasted period. Specialty food ingredients are majorly used by food processing industry. Other major application of specialty food ingredients includes bakery and confectionery, diary, convenience food, meat and seafood products and functional food items.View Sample Report @North America has the largest market share for specialty food ingredients, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. North America is expected to dominate the global market in forecasted period owing to increasing consumption of processed food in the U.S. and Canada. Healthy eating habit is expected to boost the European specialty food ingredients market. However, Asia Pacific region is expected to witness highest growth in the coming future. Emerging markets of China, India and Brazil is further expected to boost the global specialty food ingredients market.Increasing urban population coupled with rising disposable income level is increasing the penetration for packaged and convenience food items, in turn increasing the demand for specialty food ingredients. Additionally, rising rate of diabetes and obesity in both developed and developing countries, prompts the consumer to focus more on healthier lifestyles, in turn demand for health and wellness food ingredients from food and beverage manufacturing companies. This is also driving the global specialty food ingredients market to some extent.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Changing consumer consumption trends towards health and wellness food products shows increased purchasing power of individual; this is providing ample growth opportunity for the food manufacturing companies to expand their market in healthy food products. 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., E. I. Dupont De Nemours and Company, Specialty Commodities, Sensient Technologies Corporation, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Ingredion Incorporated and Tate & Lyle.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 3 Smart Steps to Outsource Mobile App Development http://dev.sumasoft.com/outsource-mobile-app-development Texas (USA), Canada (Toronto) & London (Business Network)Nov 24, 2016: The trend to outsource mobile app development is not new but extremely high in demand. From start-ups to established organizations, every business is discussing the risks and opportunities of offshore mobile app development. Outsourcing, as a business model, has been effective across industries in substantially reducing cost of recruitment, expansion, and infrastructure as well as helped in streamlining and speeding up business processes.By involving a third-party, exclusively trained and skilled in a particular work, adds that extra shot in the arm subsequently helping organisations to gain a competitive market edge.Suma Soft, an ISO 9001:2008 certified software development company shares insights on smartest ways to go about outsourcing mobile app development to an offshore company.Before you zero in on an outsourcing partner, take these three steps:1) Create a wireframeThis acts as a blueprint of your mobile app. The more detailed your wireframe is; the better shape your app will finally take. Consider things such as whether your app has to be developed from scratch or it can be an AaaS (App-as-a-Service). Pen down the flow of your app as if you were the end-user; experience the app as you are a novice and see if every follow-on or call-to-action is giving you clear instructions. While there might be many changes during the development of the app, having a thoroughly descriptive wireframe will help your outsourcing team visualize the final product. If a couple of things seem improbable or incomplete, wireframes can take all the rough work. This will also save you the dos and donts that occur in the development process later on.2) Dont follow-suitNot every technology is meant for every business genre. It may be possible that few people around you are discussing chatbots and analytics, but that does not mean that your app will be inefficient without these. Considering your business requirements, create of list of possible technology inputs that you will need for your app. Remember that mobile apps need to be extremely agile and user-friendly. Your customers on mobile would not want to spend hours in installing, opening or using the app. A technology-heavy app can prove to be a disaster if not made to function properly. Know your target audience; create an app that addresses their geographical, demographical as well as utility needs in a hassle-free experience. This step will help you save on any additional technology cost needed to outsource mobile app development.3) Do your homeworkThere is no dearth of mobile apps. Your outsourcing partner might also be developing a hundred-odd apps at the same time. Make sure that your objectives are clear from Day 0 of the outsourcing project. Always try to offer a unique user-experience to your customers. This will happen if you know your target audience extremely well. Get as much insight as possible on the customer that you aim to sell your app to. Knowing your customers pain-points and expectations will help you design a better product. When discussing the project with your offshore mobile app developer, do not just give your opinions about the app but also provide them with deeper, more meaningful insights on your end-consumer. Always remember that software is a technology and should be able to add some advantage to your business. This will happen only if you create a software that meets the needs of your consumers. Read more-About Suma Soft:With 16+ years of experience in developing open-source, android and iOS mobile apps for different industries, Suma Soft is one of the most preferred companies for offshore mobile app development services. Suma Soft has worked with over 300+ clients and delivered quality software applications to Automotive, BFSI, Healthcare, Logistics and Retail companies.Suma Soft Private Limited,7880 San Felipe Street, Ste 120, Houston TX 77063-1647Name: Stuart SmithFor USA: +1 281 764 1821info@sumasoft.com Global Computer Keyboards Consumption 2016 Market Primium Applications, key Development, Competitive Research & Recent Trends http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=702374&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-computer-keyboards-consumption-2016-market-research-report.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/reports.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com Global Computer Keyboards Industry 2016 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020.Global Computer Keyboards market is driven by various factors, a detailed assessment of which is included in the report. The study provides an in-depth analysis of the global Computer Keyboards market, highlighting the various growth drivers and restraints influencing the markets trajectory between 2016 and 2021. It calculates the impact of the Porters five forces on the market. Using the industry-leading analytical tools the report gauges the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers. The analysis also helps evaluating the threat of new entrants and the degree of competition prevailing in the market.Considering the dynamic consumer choices, it is imperative for companies to plan their marketing strategies better. The report provides valuable recommendations intended to help companies create winning strategies. It thus includes exhaustive information aimed at giving a better perspective of the global Computer Keyboards market to its stakeholders. Besides this, the report also studies the markets vulnerabilities to the latest domestic and international policies. For meticulous insights, the global Computer Keyboards market has been segmented based on various parameters. Factors impacting the markets growth across the segments are analyzed in detail and opportunities are reviewed.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @To study the vendor landscape prevailing in the global Computer Keyboards market, the report has included profiles of some of the leading companies operating therein. The product portfolio, financial reports, and strategies adopted by the companies are analyzed in detail. Furthermore, SWOT analysis is conducted to identify the opportunities and threats that these companies are forecast to witness over the course of the forecast period. The analysis also highlights the weaknesses and strengths of the companies profiled.The report therefore compiles exhaustive information on the global Computer Keyboards market. The data is obtained from various trusted industrial sources. It also includes insights from the industry experts.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Computer Keyboards1.1 Definition and Specifications of Computer Keyboards1.1.1 Definition of Computer Keyboards1.1.2 Specifications of Computer Keyboards1.2 Classification of Computer Keyboards1.3 Applications of Computer Keyboards1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Computer Keyboards1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Computer Keyboards1.5.1 Industry Overview of Computer Keyboards1.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of Computer Keyboards1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Computer Keyboards1.7 Industry News Analysis of Computer Keyboards2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Computer Keyboards2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Computer Keyboards2.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis of Computer Keyboards2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Computer Keyboards2.4 Other Costs Analysis of Computer Keyboards2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Computer Keyboards2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Computer Keyboards3 3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales and Sale Price Analysis of Computer Keyboards3.1 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of Computer Keyboards 2011-20163.2 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Computer Keyboards by Regions 2011-20163.3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Computer Keyboards by Types 2011-20163.4 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Computer Keyboards by Applications 2011-20163.5 Global Sales Volume and Sales Revenue of Computer Keyboards by Companies 2011-20163.6 Global Sale Price of Computer Keyboards by Regions 2011-20163.7 Global Sale Price of Computer Keyboards by Types 2011-20163.8 Global Sale Price of Computer Keyboards by Applications 2011-20163.9 Global Sale Price of Computer Keyboards by Companies 2011-20164 USA Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales, Sale Price and End Users Analysis of Computer Keyboards4.1 USA Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of Computer Keyboards 2011-20164.2 USA Market Size (Volume and Value) of Computer Keyboards by Types 2011-20164.3 USA Market Size (Volume and Value) of Computer Keyboards by Applications 2011-20164.4 USA Sales Volume and Sales Revenue of Computer Keyboards by Companies 2011-20164.5 USA Sale Price of Computer Keyboards by Types 2011-20164.6 USA Sale Price of Computer Keyboards by Applications 2011-20164.7 USA Sale Price of Computer Keyboards by Companies 2011-20164.8 USA Regional Supply, Import, Export and Consumption of Computer Keyboards 2011-20164.9 USA End Users with Contact Information and Consumption Volume of Computer Keyboards by ApplicationsFor 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 Dispensing Systems and Equipment Market: Increasing Awareness about Hygiene Augments Demand http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=1414 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/dispensing-systems-equipment.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Transparency Market Research presents a thorough analysis of the market dynamics governing the global dispensing systems and equipment market. The research report, titled Dispensing Systems and Equipment Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 2019, provides a detailed study of the drivers and restraints impacting the trajectory of the global market. The analysts have also provided a complete analysis of the historical developments in the global dispensing systems and equipment market and compared them to the current market situation to map a trajectory of the market. The research report has been compiled using primary and secondary research methodologies to offer the readers an accurate and exact interpretation of the market.Get Sample Report Copy :Changing lifestyles and increasing disposable incomes in developing countries of Asia Pacific such as India and China are largely responsible for the growing demand of dispensing systems and equipment. The innovation in products and aesthetic designs are two key elements driving the demand of these products across the globe. Furthermore, growing awareness about using modern dispensing systems and equipment as opposed to conventional systems is also fueling the growth of the global market. Today, dispensing systems and equipment are predominantly being used in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, packaging, food and beverages, and chemicals. The packaging industry is extensively using dispensing systems for shampoos and moisturizers, syrups and sauces, and beverages.The changing consumer needs have played a major role in the augmenting the demand for dispensing systems and equipment in recent years. The changing perceptions towards hygienic packaging and consumption of various products has prompted manufacturers to adopt state-of-art dispensing systems and equipment. Furthermore, adoption of automated dispensing systems in several large scale industries, especially chemicals, for handling hazardous materials is also expected to boost the growth of the global market in the near future. Owing to these reasons, the new dispensing systems are projected to replace the old thread closure systems in the coming few years.Some of the leading players operating in the global dispensing systems and equipment market are Global Closures Systems, Jensen Global Dispensing, Hydro Systems Company, Weatherchem Corporation, Nordson Adhesive Dispensing Systems, Continental AFA, AptarGroup, and Berry Plastics Corporation amongst others.Browse Market Research Report with ToC & Free Analysis :The research report offers a clear understanding of the competitive landscape present in the global market by profiling these players. Furthermore, the report also documents the research and development activities of these players, their expansion plans, financial outlook, and business and marketing strategies to remain dominant in the global market during the forecast period.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 ResearchState Tower90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Research Report and Overview on Cervical Pillows Market, 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2172 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2172 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/cervical-pillows-market www.futuremarketinsights.com Due to todays fast paced life, the toll on health has increased and various kinds of health related problems have cropped up in our lives. Cervical problem is one of the most common health related issue that people face during the present times. The causes of cervical pain are degenerative disc disease, neck strain or injury, a herniated disc or a pinched nerve. Cervical problem is generally known as neck pain, and this medical condition commonly occurs in people above 50 years of age. However, this problem has now become common in the younger age group as well. Cervical spine possesses the top 7 vertebrae of the spine. These seven bones are protected by disks and the spinal cord is located inside these bones. The cervical spine of a person is susceptible to degenerative problems because of its large range of motion and complex anatomy. Some of the common cervical disorders are spinal stenosis, disc herniation, spondylitis, etc. which translate into neck pain.In order to counter this problem of cervical pain, the use of cervical pillows is made. Cervical pillows are designed to support the neck in proper alignment at night and is specifically shaped to guide the head and neck into the right angles during sleep. It is important for the proper functioning of the cervical pillow that it rises where the neck is positioned and compresses where the position of the head lies. Cervical pillows do the job of maintaining the necks natural arch while sleeping. Cervical pillows come in various sizes, shapes and materials, depending upon the unique body shape and size of different consumers.Request Free Report Sample@Cervical Pillows Market: DriversAs of 2010, neck pain or cervical pain affected about 5% of the global population. More than 30 million Americans suffer from pain associated with the neck or back related ailments as per the data given by the American College of Rheumatology. Buying the right kind of cervical pillow can offer pain relief, correct the spinal alignment and help to maintain a good posture while sleeping. There are two basic types of cervical pillows, namely displacement cervical pillows and supportive cervical pillows. With the work environment becoming more sedentary, neck pain or cervical pain is becoming a common phenomenon around the world. In addition, with rising disposable income and increasing healthcare spending, especially in the developing countries, the cervical pillows market is poised to exhibit a sustained growth in the coming decade.Cervical Pillows Market: RestraintsLack of awareness about cervical pain and affordability issues, especially in the developing countries, can be considered as market restrains in an otherwise lucrative cervical pillows market.Cervical Pillows Market: Key RegionsNorth America and Europe are amongst the most lucrative market for cervical pillows. The Asia-Pacific region promises the maximum growth potential in the coming decade. Countries like China, India and South Korea are poised to exhibit a robust growth in the cervical pillows market due to rising disposal income and increased healthcare spending in these countries.Request For TOC@Cervical Pillows Market: Key Market PlayersFlamingo is a key market player in India and caters both to the domestic and international markets. As far as North America is concerned, Mediflow Inc., Coop Home Goods, Malouf and DC Labs are major market players.Browse Full Report@ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Soil Fumigant Market is Driven by High Frequency of Crop Diseases & Growing Demand for Food http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=16949 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/soil-fumigant-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Soil Fumigant Market: SummarySoil fumigants play a significant role in agriculture, nursery, and turf grass. Soil fumigation provides benefits to both farmers and food consumers. Fumigation is a pest control technique, wherein the land is filled with gaseous fumigants in to order to disinfect the land. Soil fumigants are applied prior to crop plantation to eliminate pests present in the soil. Soil fumigants target soil-borne pests, including nematodes, fungi, bacteria, weeds, and insects. These are used for tomato, potato, carrot, and strawberry, among various others fruits and vegetables. Fumigant, when applied to the soil, instantly converts into gas and forms a protection layer around the root. This in turn protects the crop from harmful pathogens present in the soil.Interpret a Competitive outlook Analysis Report with PDF Brochure:Fumigant products provide significant sustainable and cost-effective solutions in the agriculture industry to increase plant yields irrespective of geography. Fumigants are helpful in resolving problems caused by one or more pathogens. For instance, fumigant can control pathogens such as nutsedge (a weed) and root rot (phytophthora) in tomatoes. Commonly used fumigants are methyl bromide, chloropicrin, methyl iodide, 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D), dimethyl disulfide, dazomet, metam sodium, and metam potassium. Companies operating in this segment are striving to develop different products containing different ingredients to restrict the growth of various pathogens. Major advantages of soil fumigants are protection of plants from numerous pathogens and increased crop yield. Rising demand for food across the world over the past few years has fueled demand for soil fumigants.Global Soil Fumigant Market: Trends and ProspectsThe soil fumigant market is driven by high frequency of crop diseases and growing demand for food in both developed and developing nations. Rise in per hector production to meet food demand has led to high demand for soil fumigants. The environmental protection law in the U.S. and Europe will hinder the usage of soil fumigants in the next few years. Methyl bromide is one of the most commonly used soil fumigants; however, the usage of methyl bromide was restricted owing to its ozone depletion properties. Increasing in preference for organic food will boost demand for soil fumigants. Furthermore, innovative production practices without harming crop yield will increase demand for soil fumigants globally.Global Soil Fumigant Market: Regional OutlineThe soil fumigant market in Asia Pacific is expected to witness strong growth owing to high economic growth and rising demand for food. Developing countries such as China and India would play a vital role in the soil fumigant market due to increased demand for food driven by the rising population. North America is likely to be the second-largest market, followed by Europe, due to stringent regulations on chemicals used in agriculture. Moreover, countries in Africa, South America, and the Middle East have experienced rapid economic and industrial growth in the past few years. These factors are likely to create a favorable environment for the growth of the global soil fumigant market.Browse Full Report With ToC:Global Soil Fumigant Market: Leading Companies AnalysisKey manufacturing companies operating in the soil fumigant market are Bayer CropScience AG, AMVAC Chemical Corporation, Trinity Manufacturing, Inc., Arkema, BASF SE, Chemtura Corporation, Syngenta AG, Arysta LifeScience Limited, Great Lakes Solutions, The Dow Chemical Company, and Novozymes. Companies are striving to develop innovative solutions in the soil fumigant market to meet the changing needs of growers. Therefore, the global soil fumigant market is expected to experience strong growth in the next few years.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Fruit Concentrates And Puree Market for the forecast period, 2014-2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-102 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-102 www.futuremarketinsights.com Fruit concentrates are primarily used in the beverages industry to manufacture fruit juices and nectars. Concentrates are also used as natural sweeteners and to produce natural food colours. Manufacturers use fruit concentrates in variety of food items so that customers perceive their products as natural. Fruit concentrates increase the nutrient level and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Consumption of fruit supplements on a routine basis increases the serum concentration of major vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E. Consumption of fruit supplements or fruit juices helps individuals to achieve their food intake requirement. Purees are produced by grinding, pressing or blending vegetables or legumes into a paste or thick liquid. Fruit concentrates are derived from fruit juices after removing the water content. These and are usually thinner than puree and higher in sugar content. Products such as sauces, soups and drinks require puree as a base. Longer shelf life of puree and concentrates makes them suitable base products/ingredients for food processors and downstream manufacturer. Puree Fruit purees taste like fresh fruits and also offer similar benefits.Indias annual fruit production is approximately 94 Mn tonne, making it the second-largest producer of fruits in the world. India also produces a variety of fruits due to the varied climatic conditions in the region. Various growth factors for beverage industry includes using high quality concentrates and puree as consumers are relatively sensitive to the quality and taste of the product. Hence, purchasing fruit concentrates and puree from healthy and reliable sources increases the demand of the product. Another growth factor is product differentiation .Product differentiation can be done by advertising which can boost the companys sale by differentiating the companys product from others. Growing urbanization, increase in disposable income, demand for healthy and convenient food options and changing food consumption pattern are other growth drivers of the market. Some restraints in the industry include lack of infrastructure for cold storage and warehousing, inadequate infrastructure for quality control and testing, inefficient distribution channels, high inventory carrying cost, high cost associated with packaging and high preferences for fresh food and seasonal availability of raw materials.Request Free Report Sample@On the basis of application, the market can be segmented into beverages, dairy, frozen novelties, flavours, baked food, jams and spreads, soups, sauces, baby food and others. The fruit concentrates and puree market can be segmented geographically into North America, Western Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World.The fruit concentrates and puree market has been segmented on the basis of geography, type, technology and application. On the basis of type, the market is segmented into fresh, fresh cut, frozen and dried. On the basis of type of fruit used, the major segments are pineapple, mango and banana. Among these, pineapple is the most popular fruit concentrate, accounting for 60% of the worlds fruit juice trade.The major markets for fruit concentrates and puree market are European Union, the Middle East and the U.S. Fruit juices, concentrates and purees are traded internationally and used by a variety of industries; mainly the beverages industry. Beverage industry is the largest end-user of concentrates and purees, producing numerous drinks, nectars and syrups. Mango concentrate is base ingredient for all drinks. Several industries use banana pulp to enhance the flavour of drinks, and it is relatively cheaper than mango. Other products that are traded internationally are acerola from Brazil, Cherimoya from Venezuela and Brazil, Lychee from Brazil and starfruit.Innovation is a major strategy companies adopt to increase market share and to meet the changing customer needs. Intense expenditure on advertising helps industries to create opportunities and increase market share. Social media platforms play a pivotal role in building brand image, helping in understanding consumer behaviour and providing personalized solutions. Recently, various companies have been entering into Joint Ventures (JVs) in order to expand product portfolio and increase market share. Companies which signed joint ventures are the U.S., the U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany. The objective behind JVs is to ensure increased production of puree and fruit concentrates.Visit For TOC@Major players in the fruit concentrates and puree market are Oceanaa, DohlerGroup, Capricorn, and Mine Products 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: GCC Algae Biofuel Prospects Market Growth, Trends, Absolute Opportunity and Value Chain 2014-2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gc-176 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gc-176 www.futuremarketinsights.com Algae was first discovered as a fuel alternative in 1978 under the leadership of US president Jimmy Carter at a time when fuel prices were high, demand was high, and supply was low and depleting at the same time, the costs of exploring fuel fields and carrying out oil refining procedures were exorbitantly high and continued to skyrocket. Algae biofuel is an alternative fossil fuel that uses algae to generate Biodiesel, Biobutanol, Bio gasoline, methane, ethanol, hydrogen derived renewable fuel and jet fuel. Half of algaes composition by weight is a lipid oil. This has been targeted to convert it into bio diesel that will burn more efficiently than the conventional petroleum.A new concept of alga culture has come up to produce bio fuels. Algae costs more per unit than other bio fuel crops but is claimed to yield 10 to 100 times more fuel per unit area. In 2014, the prices of oil were between US $ 56 to US $ 120 per barrel. The cost of producing micro algal biomass in 2014 was US $ 2.95/kg through photo bioreactors. If the annual biomass production capacity is increased to 1000 tons then the cost will reduce to US $ 1.5/kg for a litre of crude oil. The extraction of biofuels from algae is largely dependent on organic solvents such as benzene. The companies that are working on innovating algal biofuel technology are Algenol Biofuels Inc., Blue Marble Productions, Solazyme Inc., Sapphire Energy Inc., Diversified Technologies Inc., Origin Oils Inc., Proviron Industries nv, Oilgae and Genifuel Corporation.Request Free Report Sample@Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is estimated to achieve 1.6% of the world GDP according to the World Bank. The GCC crude oil production in 2020 is forecasted to be approximately 24 million barrel/day. Although GCC countries are the leaders in fossil fuel production, but are taking initiatives for large scale production of renewable sources of energy.Algae biofuels presents a great opportunity to compensate the environmental impact of the oil and gas industries in the GCC. GCC has a wide coastline that stretches across its countries and is ideal for algae production. The carbon dioxide emissions from oil and power refineries can be effectively utilized and the climate is also favourable for algae cultivation. The waste water treatment plants are also a vital source of algae. Bio fuel is likely to be an addition to the energy mix of GCC countries in the foreseeable future, rather than a competitor to petroleum based oil. This scenario in GCC will be a reality in the long run if the technology required for it, for instance, photo bioreactors becomes a feasible option.Visit For TOC@The US Government strongly backs the research on bio fuels and is pledged to invest US $ 24 million to commercialize algae based biofuels. Several Governments now have started funding initiatives to make biofuel commercially available for satisfying the future wants of the world and it will impact GCC positively. The world needs a new form of fuel that is clean, sustainable, environment friendly, renewable and cheap. Bio fuels is likely to be a success story and an economically accessible alternative that will save it from the energy crisis.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: Airport Information System Market (Commercial Service Airport, Cargo Service Airport, & Reliever Airport) - Worldwide Engineering Analysis, Scope, Share, Growth, Trends, Estimate 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=7670 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/airport-information-system-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Airport Information System Market: SnapshotThe rising demand for automated and self-service processes and increasing IT spending on airports, so as to achieve higher operational efficiency and give passengers a digitally rich and enhanced travel experience, has led to an increased rise in the integration of information systems across domestic and international airports. The aviation industry is expected to further increase the demand for more effective and reliable airport information systems in the future years as passengers become more used to technological nuances and digital devices.Transparency Market Research predicts that the global airport information system market will expand at a favorable 7.2% CAGR over the period between 2016 and 2024. As a result, the market will rise from a valuation of US$25,185.0 mn in 2015 to US$46,950.6 mn by 2024.Get More Information:Baggage Processing Systems to Continue to Hold Dominant Chunk in RevenuesBased on types of solutions typically employed in airport information systems, the market can be segmented into flight information display systems (FIDS), resource management solutions, public address systems, baggage processing solutions, passenger processing solutions, airport operations, airport information systems, and airport operational database (AODB).Of these, passenger processing solutions such as passenger kiosks, electronic gates, biometric passenger recognition devices, security scanning, and automated passport control systems are witnessing rapidly rising implementation. Subsequently, the segment is anticipated to expand with CAGR estimated to be close to 10% during the forecast period.However, the segment of baggage processing solutions, which held the dominant share in the global airport information system market revenues in 2015, is anticipated to retain dominance throughout the forecast period in spite of comparatively slower growth.In order to curb baggage mishandling and to speed up baggage processing activities and enhance the efficacy at airports, baggage processing solutions are expected to continue to witness high growth in the overall airport information systems market.North America and Europe Stay Ahead, Asia Pacific Quickly Gaining PaceAirport information systems find extensive usage in developed economies across regions such as North America and Europe. North America presently dominates the market with an estimated 30% of the overall market in 2016. The region is expected to expand at a healthy 7.6% CAGR over the period between 2016 and 2024 and remain the dominant contributor to the revenues of the global airport information systems market throughout the forecast period. Europe is expected to account for a nearly 28% of the market in 2016 and is expected to remain the second-leading contributor to the global markets revenues by the end of the forecast period.Browse The Report:However, the market in Asia Pacific is expected to outperform these two regions in terms of rate of growth over the period between 2016 and 2024. Owing to the rapidly rising number of air travelers and the vast rise in the adoption of smartphones and mobile applications, the Asia Pacific airport information systems market will exhibit a 7.7% CAGR over the said period. The growing penetration of smartphone-enabled solutions closely integrated with different activities/processes during air travel is providing a huge boost to the regions air information systems market.For instance, services/solutions such as e-check in and home printing of boarding passes are being provided to passengers, which helps them save valuable time and avoid long queues at airports. Moreover, smartphones usage has allowed the creation of new communication channels between the passengers and airlines, thereby providing additional revenues through cross-selling opportunities. The resultant rise in demand for advanced kiosks at airports is another lucrative growth opportunity for market players.Highly Consolidated Market Sees Rise in Research and Development ActivitiesGlobally, airport information system market is characterized by presence of both large and small players.Four large players, namely SITA, Amadeus IT Group SA, Rockwell Collins, Inc., Siemens Postal, Parcel & Airport Logistics, however, currently dominate the market, collectively accounting for over 80% of the market in 2015. These leading players emphasize on research and development activities in order to gain competitive advantage. Other prominent players in the market INFORM GmbH, Intersystems Group, Lockheed Martin Corporation, RESA, S.A.S., VELATIA, S.L., and Lufthansa Systems GmbH & Co. KG.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: Propylene Glycol Market Volume Analysis, Segments, Value Share and Key Trends 2014-2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-149 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-149 www.futuremarketinsights.com Propylene glycol is a chemical that is produced by reaction of propylene oxide with water. It is a colorless, clear, almost odorless, viscous liquid which has a faint sweet taste. Propylene glycol is miscible with water, chloroform, and acetone and is hygroscopic in nature. It is chemically neutral that does not react with other substances. This property of propylene glycol makes it useful in mixing contrasting elements such as perfumes. Unique features of propylene glycol makes it useful in a wide variety of applications. It is used as solvent, holds and dissolves active ingredients equally in the medium, acts as an emulsifier and excipient, reduced freezing point and many more. Propylene glycol is manufactured in two grades namely, industrial or technical grade and USD/EP grade. It designates the requirements for the U.S. and European Pharmacopeia, but it has use in the personal care, food and feed applications. Dipropylene glycol is used in unsaturated polyester resins and personal care products and tripropylene glycol has application in acrylates and polyurethanes.Propylene glycol is used for many industrial and consumer applications such as feed, food and beverages, pharmaceutical and cosmetic among others. The major consumers of polypropylene glycol include the pharmaceutical and food and beverage industry, which account for major share in the market. Propylene glycol is also used as a humectant, preservative in tobacco and food products, solvents and as a major constituent of e-liquid that is used in electric cigarettes with vegetable glycerin. In case of food and consumables, propylene glycol is considered to be safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As a solvent, in pharmaceutical which includes injectible, oral and topical formulations namely lorazepam, diazepam donot dissolve in water. In order to meet environment regulations or standards the industry is now focusing on developing bio-based propylene glycol. The major companies such as Cargill, ADM and The Dow Chemical company are manufacturing propylene glycol from glycerin.Request Free Report Sample@About half of the propylene glycol produced is been used as a chemical feedstock to manufacture unsaturated polyester resins. The industrial applications of propylene glycol are to manufacture paints and coatings, resins and plastics, used as an intermediate to manufacture other chemical substances such as unsaturated polyester resins that are used in pipes or windmill blades and bath and kitchenware. Moreover, it has a significant role as ingredient of formulations for heat transfer fluids, air-craft de-icing and liquid detergents.Visit For TOC@The key segments for propylene glycol market are North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and Rest of the World (RoW). The United States, Japan, China and Western Europe are the major markets for unsaturated polyester resins which is influenced by overall health of local economies and construction industry trends. Hence growing demand for unsaturated polyester resins to boost demand for propylene glycol in the near future.The key players for propylene glycol market include: Arch Chemicals, Lyondell Chemical Co, SKC Chemicals Group, The Dow Chemical Company, BASF AG, Huntsman, Repsol YPF and more.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: Yeast Market Revenue, Opportunity, Forecast and Value Chain 2014-2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-225 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-225 www.futuremarketinsights.com Yeast is one of the mostly and commonly used microorganisms in the manufacturing of food and beverages. Yeast is used in the process of fermentation for its abilities in aiding carbon - release, imparting better aroma, taste, texture, and flavor to food. Yeast is considered as the most consistent fermenting agent in spite of various other chemical fermentation agents available in the market.The global market for yeast is expected to grow at CAGR of more than 8% from 2014 to 2018. The global yeast market by types can be segmented as global specialty yeast market, yeast extract market, autolyzed yeast market, supplement yeast market, and yeast derivatives market. The North America and Europe are the market leader but in future competition tends to increase in the market of Asia Pacific region.Request Free Report Sample@Major factors driving the growth of the market are increasing demand of functional bakery products, positive trend in alcoholic beverage consumption and improved production of animal feed enriched with minerals. But rising competition for basic raw material is one the major barrier in the growth of the market. In future, market for yeast will have huge opportunity from replacing molasses with filtered dates which are extracts for yeast production and from rising concerns over the use of synthetic flavor enhancer.Visit For TOC@Some of the major players of the market are Alltech Inc., Ab Mauri, Ab Vista, Chr. Hansen, Bio Springer S.A., Angel Yeast Co. Ltd, Cargill Incorporated, and Dsm N.V.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 Research on Wood Pellet Market 2015 and Analysis to 2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-484 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-484 www.futuremarketinsights.com In order to meet the increasing demand for energy and fossil fuels alternative along with intensifying concerns for greenhouse gas (GHG), the demand for global wood pellet market is rapidly escalating. Wood pellet is a solid fuel that is produced by compressing biomass or organic matter. Usually, it is made from waste timber like sawdust, residues of forest and various industrial by products. Its length is 1-2 cm and generally the diameter is 6, 8, 10, or 12mm. At greatest, it is possible to produce 25mm wood pellet. Being extremely thick, it is produced at low moisture, which allows them to burn with high combustion efficiency. Over the other types of solid biomass available, feasibility in transportation, storability and high energy density, among many others are the advantages of using wood pellet and so, it is used as fuels for residential & commercial heating, cooking and generating power.Wood Pellet Market: Drivers & RestraintsIncreasing consumption of wood pellets and the policy support for heating/CHP application (either large scale or small scale plant) is the main driver for the wood pellet market. The increasing (heating) oil prices, carbon dioxide price, concerns over climatic change, demand for large scale electricity production gives the potential scope for the growth of wood pellet market. However, the fluctuation in feedstock prices and limitation of the availability of woody biomass are the major constraints for the wood pellet market. Other factors hindering the growth of wood pellet market are logistical barriers for the transportation, competition with natural gas, coal and other fossil fuels and fulfilling technical quality standards.Request Free Report Sample@Wood Pellet Market: SegmentationOn the basis of the feedstock, the global wood pellet market can be segmented into Forest and wood waste resources, Agricultural residues & waste and Energy crops. On the basis of types of pellet heating appliances, it is segmented into free standing pellet stoves, pellet stove inserts and pellet boilers.On the basis of application, the global wood pellet market is segmented intoIndustrial pellet for CHP/district heatingIndustrial pellet for co-firingPellet for heating residential/commercialOthersThe wood pellet market can also be segmented on the basis of density variance which is different for different brand as well as bags in which they are packed.Wood Pellet Market: Region-wise OutlookGlobal wood pellet market is foreseen to witness the highest growth in Europe, currently accounting for almost 80% of global consumption, followed by U.S. and South Korea. The export of wood pellet are mainly done by Russia, U.S. and Canada. South America, South Africa and Australia are the emerging regions for becoming the potential exporters of the wood pellet market. As per our in-depth analysis by 2020, the annual demand for woody biomass would rise to 305 million tons. Owing to this, the demand for global wood pellet market is anticipated to reach double digit million tons during the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Wood Pellet Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players of the global wood pellet market are Corinth Wood Pellets, New England Wood Pellets, Energex, OUOsulaGraanul, the subsidiary of AS Graanul Invest, Natures Flame, Green Circle Cottondale, Weyerhaeuser, Mitsubishi Corporation and many others.About Us Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery 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: New Trends of Fire Extinguisher Market with Worldwide Industry Analysis to 2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-572 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-572 www.futuremarketinsights.com Fire extinguishers are excellent tools for putting out fires and saving lives. The fire protection sector is poised for an upsurge due to rising demand for fire extinguishers. A fire extinguisher is a fire protection instrument used to extinguish or control fires, often in emergency situations. Every fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel comprising an agent which can be discharged to put out fire. As people today are more concerned regarding safety, fire extinguishers have always been a requirement in every commercial and residential buildings. Fire extinguishers have been made mandatory in developed countries and similar norms are being adopted by developing countries around the world. Safety standards and norms adopted in almost every industries such as oil & gas, power and chemicals fuel the overall demand for global fire extinguishers market.Global Fire Extinguishers Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe factors that are contributing to the growth of the global fire extinguishers market are safety government and industrial norms. Increased fire safety expenditure from the industrial segment, and technological innovations in equipment and safety systems are other factors which drive the growth of global fire extinguishers market. Use of automatic and portable fire extinguisher is preferred due to its light weight and is in high demand from consumers end. Growth in infrastructure and construction industry are key drivers for global fire extinguishers market, as fire extinguishers are being made mandatory in every commercial and residential project. Rise in raw material prices and agents used in fire extinguishers is a challenge for global fire extinguishers market.Request Free Report Sample@Global Fire Extinguishers Market: SegmentationOn the basis of product type, the global fire extinguisher market is segmented into,Multi-Purpose Dry ChemicalRegular Dry ChemicalPortable Fire ExtinguishersAutomatic Fire ExtinguishersOthersOn the basis of fire type, the global fire extinguisher market is segmented into,SolidsFlammable LiquidsFlammable gassesElectrical EquipmentCombustible MetalsCookingOthersOn the basis of agents, the global fire extinguishers market is segmented intoMonoammonium PhosphateSodium BicarbonatePotassium BicarbonateCarbon DioxideAqueous Film Forming FoamsOthersOn the basis of application, the global fire extinguishers market is segmented intoResidentialCommercialWarehousesFactories and Food Processing PlantsManufacturing and Construction sitesOthersGlobal Fire Extinguisher Market: Region-wise OutlookIn terms of geography, the global fire extinguisher 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 fire extinguisher market is expected to register healthy CAGR during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is the dominant market for fire extinguishers followed by Europe and North America. With growth in infrastructure in regions like Europe and Asia Pacific, mainly in emerging economies such as China, Japan and India, global fire extinguisher market is expected to showcase steady growth over the forecast period. Support of the government and safety initiatives such as increasing fire protection expenditure is expected to fuel the demand for fire extinguishers in Asia-Pacific.Visit For TOC@Global Fire Extinguishers Market: Key PlayersSome of the market participants in the global fire extinguishers market are Amerex Corporation, BRK Electronics, Minimax GmbH & Co. KG and Nationwide Fire Extinguishers.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: Citric Acid Market, 2016-2026 by Segmentation: Based on Product, Application and Region http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-890 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-890 www.futuremarketinsights.com Future Market Insights (FMI) delivers key insights on the global citric acid market in its latest report titled, Citric Acid Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 20162026. In terms of value, the global citric acid market is expected to witness a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period due to various factors on which FMI offers vital insights in detail.Consumers are preferring products comprising of plant based natural ingredients due to various health issues. This is fuelling demand for citric acid worldwide. Moreover, increased usage of citric acid as a cleaning agent due to a ban on phosphate in various regions is further expected to drive the market demand in the near future. Citric acid is used as an ingredient in manufacture of convenience food and beverages as it provides acidity, acts as a preservative, provides antioxidants and enhances the flavour, which is further expected to drive the market demand in the near future.Request Free Report Sample@Segmentation highlightsOn the basis of form, the global citric acid market has been segmented into powder and liquid. Powder segment is estimated to account for the largest share by 2016 end. The powder segment is further sub segmented as anhydrous and monohydrous. Anhydrous, sub segment formulation is expected be the most preferred ingredient among the food manufacturers.Global citric acid market has been segmented by application into acidulant, cleaning agent, binding agent, preservative & others. Among all these segment, acidulant segment is expected to account for highest value share during the forecast period. In terms of volume the acidulant segment has been estimated to represent 964,827.9 MT in 2016.The market has been segmented on the basis of end use into food & beverages, animal feed, pharmaceutical/personal care, metal finishing & cleaning and others. Food & beverages segment is further sub segmented as bakery & confectionery, dairy, convenience food, beverages, jams & preserve and others. Among all these sub-segments, beverages segment is expected to register a highest growth in terms of both value and volume over the forecast period.On the basis of grade, the citric acid market has been segmented into food grade, pharmaceutical grade and industrial grade. Among all these segments, food grade segment is estimated to represent highest value share of 67.0% in 2016 and expected to remain dominant over the forecast period. In terms of volume, this segment is expected to witness a CAGR of 4.1% over the forecast period.Regional market projectionsThis report discusses trends driving growth of each segment and offers analysis and insights on the potential of the global citric acid market in specific regions including North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), the Middle East & Africa and Japan. Markets in APEJ and Western Europe are expected to record high growth rates in terms of value between 2016 and 2026. Among all the regions, Western Europe is estimated to account for a comparatively higher value share in 2016. The market in Western Europe is expected to remain dominant over the forecast period. APEJ is another major market for citric acid. China is estimated to be the largest producer of citric acid followed by India in 2015 across the region.Send An Enquiry@Vendor insightsThis report covers detailed profiles of key players in citric acid market, which includes key strategies, key developments, product offerings and others. Key companies profiled in this report are Archer Daniels Midland Company, Shandong Juxian Hongde Citric Acid Co. Ltd., Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Basel, Delek Group, Cargill, Incorporated, Weifang Ensign Industry Co., Ltd., Tate & Lyle plc. COFCO Biochemical (AnHui) Co. Ltd., RZBC GROUP and Pfizer Inc.About Us Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Global Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card Market to Exceed US$ 8,952.9 Mn by 2022 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4692 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/secure-digital-memory-cards-market/toc http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/ Global SD memory card market is classified on the basis of card type, storage capacity, application and region. These classifications are further broken down into segments to get a better understanding of the global SD memory card market in detail.Request to view Sample Report @According to a new market report published by Persistence Market Research Global Market Study on Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card: Micro SD Card to be the Largest Segment by 2022, The Global SD Memory Card Market was valued at USD 7,705.2 million in 2014 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 1.5% from 2015 to 2022, to reach USD 8,952.9 million by 2022On the basis of application, the market has been segmented into mobile phones, digital cameras, tablets, game devices and others. The mobile phones segment dominated the SD memory card market, accounting for 68.5% in 2014 and is estimated to remain dominant, accounting for 71.6% by 2022. The tablets segment accounted for 5.2% share in the global SD memory card market in 2014, and is projected to grow to 11.6% by 2022, witnessing an increase of 636 Basis Point Share and registering a double-digit CAGR of 10.9%.On the basis of card type, the market has been segmented into SD card, micro SD card and mini SD card. The micro SD card segment dominated the global SD memory card market, accounting for over 90.0% share in 2014 and is anticipated to remain dominant during the forecast period.On the basis of storage capacity, the market has been segmented into 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB,128GB, 256GB and 512GB &Above.In terms of CAGR, 512GB &Above is estimated to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period, followed by the 256GB segment.Global SD memory card market share of the 32GB segment was 15.5% in 2014 and is anticipated to grow to 22.0% by 2022, witnessing an increase of 648 Basis Point Share and registering a CAGR of 5.4%.Growth of the global SD memory card market is mainly driven by advancements in imaging technology, seasonal sales of mobile devices and wide availability of rich multimedia content. Other trends driving the growth of the SD memory card market include introduction of SD memory cards with high transfer and write speeds, transition to 3D NAND technology, inclusion of wireless technologies and increasing storage capacity of memory cards.Asia Pacific dominated the SD memory card market, accounting for over 35% market share in 2014 and is anticipated to remain dominant through the forecast period.The markets in Europe and North America collectively accounted for over 35% share in the globalSD memory card market in 2014. Among regions, MEA is anticipated to register the highest CAGR between 2015 and 2022, followed by Latin America, due to the high availability of rich multimedia content and seasonal sales of the mobile devices in these region.Key players in the global SD memory card market are SanDisk Corporation, Transcend Information Inc., ADATA Technologies Co. Ltd., Panasonic Corporation, Kingston Technology Corporation, Micron Technology, Inc., Sony Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Toshiba Corporation, and PNY Technologies, Inc.Major participants such as ADATA Technologies Co. Ltd.,Request to view Table of content @Transcend Information Inc. focuses on expanding their global presence through partnerships with local and international distributors. For example, in 2012, Transcend Information Inc. partnered with Eros Group a Dubai-based distributor of consumer electronics to distribute the formers memory and storage devices through exclusive channels within the UAE.Moreover, these key players also focus on research and development activities to introduce innovative features in their memory card products in order to attain a sustainable advantage over the competition.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 Semiconductor Assembly and Testing Services Market Anticipated to Grow US$ 39,050.7 Mn by 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4786 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/semiconductor-assembly-test-services-market/toc http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/ Semiconductor Assembly &Testing Services Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 29,585.9 Mn by the end of 2015 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2015 to 2021, to account for US$ 39,050.7 Mn by 2021.Request to view Sample Report @Semiconductor Assembly and Testing Services (SATS) market are witnessing increased demand for outsourced SATS services. Presently, around half of the market is exploiting the Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) services, and the trend is expected to continue in the long run. With increasing competition from the leading and regional players, the market is witnessing consolidation. This helps market participants in utilizing resources of other players to meet increasing technological demands.Currently, the semiconductor assembly and testing services market across the world is mainly driven by factors such as increasing demand for mobility and connectivity in the consumer electronic products. An increasing demand for connected devices worldwide including smartphones and tablets having connectivity and multimedia capabilities are fuelling the demand for higher packaging technologies, setting up potential revenue opportunity for the SATS market. Additional features offered by SATS providers over in-house testing and packaging capabilities is also one of the primary reasons for the market growth. Additionally, SATS providers facilitate a more efficient supply chain and in-turn reduces time-to-market for a product, therefore SATS providers are becoming the primary choice of integrated design manufacturers.Increased use of safety systems in the automobile industry is also one of the factors contributing to the growth of the SATS market. . However, factors such as the high capital requirement for offering higher end packaging solutions, fluctuations in exchange rates, and volatility in the market are expected to constrain the growth of the SATS market.On the basis of services, the semiconductor assembly & testing services market has been segmented into assembly & packaging services and testing services. The assembly & packaging services segment is expected to account for 79.4% share of the global Semiconductor assembly & testing services market by 2015 end and is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 4.9%, during the forecast period (20152021).The Assembly and Packaging services segment is further classified on the basis of packaging solutions (interconnecting technologies) which includes copper and gold wire bonding, copper clip, flip chip, wafer level packaging, and TSV. Copper and gold wire bonding accounted for the 55.5%share of the assembly and packaging services segment in 2014. The wafer level packaging (interconnecting technology) segment in the global SATS market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period.On the basis of application, the semiconductor assembly & testing services market is segmented into communications, computing & networking, consumer electronics, industrial and automotive electronics. Among these, communication segment dominated the market in 2014 and is expected to account for 49.4% share of the global semiconductor assembly & testing services market by 2015 end. This segment is expected to expand at CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period.Increasing adoption of tablets and wearable devices globally, is expected to drive the market growth of consumer electronics segment during the forecast period. Consumer electronics segment is analyzed to increase at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period.The report provides detailed information about various trends driving each segment and offers analysis and insights about the potential of the semiconductor assembly & testing services market in specific regions. On the basis of region, the semiconductor assembly & testing services market is segmented into six regions; among these, Taiwan is expected to dominate the market representing 46.5% share by the end of 2015. The market in the region is analyzed to represent largest market share by 2021 expanding at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast.Request to view Table of content @Key players in global semiconductor assembly & testing services market include ASE Group, Amkor Technologies Inc., STATS ChipPAC Ltd. (JCET), Silicon Precision Industries Co. Ltd., Powertech Technology Inc., CORWIL Technology corporation, Psi Technologies Inc. (IMI), GlobalFoundries and Chipbond Technology Corporation.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 Residential Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Market Poised to Account for US$ 2,475.0 Mn by 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3279 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/residential-robotic-vacuum-cleaner-market/toc http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/ Global residential robotic vacuum cleaner market is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast (20152021). Various factors such as growing demand for automated cleaning, increasing consumer inclination towards various types of cleaning products and rising disposable income. Trends that follow with the growth of residential robotic vacuum cleaner market include growing product innovation, increasing R&D expenditure by key market players and growing number of market players. In terms of value, the global residential robotic vacuum cleaner market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 12.0% from 2015 to 2021, to be valued at US$ 2,475.0 Mn by 2021. In terms of volume, production of residential robotic vacuum cleaner is expected to be 1,913.5 thousand units by the end of 2015 and is expected to reach 4,783.0 thousand units by 2021, exhibiting a CAGR of 16.5%.Request to view Sample Report @Robotic vacuum cleaners commonly called robovacs, are mainly used for cleaning residential spaces, such as floors, pools, and gutters. The device comprises a mobile base, cleaning system, programming software, batteries, and other accessories. Robovacs use intelligent sensors to clean tight corners and hard-to-reach surfaces. It is equipped with various advanced features such as laser vision, room mapping, self-charging and others to offer convenience to users.On the basis of robot type, the global residential robotic vacuum cleaner market is segmented into an in-house robot and outdoor robot. In terms of value, the in-house robot segment is expected to account for 83.3% share of the global residential robotic vacuum cleaner market by the end of 2015 and is anticipated to expand at CAGR of 9.9% during the forecast period. In terms of volume, the in-house robots segment stood at 1,309.1 thousand units in 2014.On the basis of mode of charging, the global residential robotic vacuum cleaner market is segmented into manual charging and auto battery charging segments. In terms of value, the manual charging segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR of 12.0% during the forecast period, while the auto battery charging segment is expected to be valued at US$ 1,775.6 Mn by 2021.The report provides in-depth information about various factors and trends affecting each segment and provides analysis and insights about the potential of the residential robotic vacuum cleaner market in specific regions. On the basis of region, the global market of residential robotic vacuum cleaner market is segmented into five regions; among these, Europe is expected to dominate the market, accounting for 44.6% value share by the end of 2015 and it is expected to remain dominant by 2021. However, the Middle East & Africa market is anticipated to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.Request to view Table of content @Key market players in global residential robotic vacuum cleaner market include iRobot Corporation, Neato Robotics, Inc., Yujin Robot, Co., Ltd., Dyson Inc., Ecovacs Robotics, Inc., Hayward Industries, Inc., Philips Electronics N.V, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Pentair plc and Milagrow Business & Knowledge Solutions (Pvt.) Limited. Key market players are focusing on product innovation to offer advanced products to consumers. For example, in September 2015, iRobot Corporation launched Roomba 980 vacuum cleaning robot. It is the companys first robotic vacuum cleaner to combine adaptive navigation with visual localization, cloud-connected app control and enhanced cleaning power on carpets.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 ECG Monitoring Systems Market Pipeline Review, Collaborations, Manufacturing Verticals and Forecast 2016 - 2021 http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=657991&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-ecg-monitoring-systems-consumption-2016-market-research-report.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/press-releases.htm Global ECG Monitoring Systems Industry 2016 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020.The report on global ECG Monitoring Systems industry is a comprehensive study of the market dynamics, which is expected to have a lasting impact on the market from 2016 to 2021. It gives a detailed introduction of the global ECG Monitoring Systems industry, its past status, and also the current state of the market. The past and present market size are then utilized to forecast the future growth of the global ECG Monitoring Systems market. The report is collated by expert analysts and market professionals who have made use of primary and secondary research methods to make a detailed and useful study on the market for ECG Monitoring Systems. This study is expected to be highly useful for those investors planning to invest their money in the ECG Monitoring Systems market. It gives important information regarding the growth trajectory of the industry and is beneficial for both new entrants and well-established players.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report makes a list of all the factors that have led to the growth of the market and studies these drivers in detail. In addition to this, the impact analysis of each of the drivers in the coming years has been carried out. Similarly the challenges faced by the players in the global ECG Monitoring Systems industry have been discussed along with the impact analysis. The study of challenges help players and investors to brace themselves for the likely problems they will face and devise plans and tactics to overcome these problems or prevent them altogether.The report includes a competitive landscape wherein key players in the market are profiled and the collective share of the top three players in the market are also given. The business overview of the companies, coupled with the financial overview, their joint ventures, collaborations, and partnerships have all been discussed.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of ECG Monitoring Systems1.1 Definition and Specifications of ECG Monitoring Systems1.1.1 Definition of ECG Monitoring Systems1.1.2 Specifications of ECG Monitoring Systems1.2 Classification of ECG Monitoring Systems1.3 Applications of ECG Monitoring Systems1.4 Industry Chain Structure of ECG Monitoring Systems1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of ECG Monitoring Systems1.5.1 Industry Overview of ECG Monitoring Systems1.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of ECG Monitoring Systems1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of ECG Monitoring Systems1.7 Industry News Analysis of ECG Monitoring Systems2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of ECG Monitoring Systems2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of ECG Monitoring Systems2.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis of ECG Monitoring Systems2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of ECG Monitoring Systems2.4 Other Costs Analysis of ECG Monitoring Systems2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of ECG Monitoring Systems2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of ECG Monitoring Systems3 3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales and Sale Price Analysis of ECG Monitoring Systems3.1 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of ECG Monitoring Systems 2011-20163.2 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of ECG Monitoring Systems by Regions 2011-20163.3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of ECG Monitoring Systems by Types 2011-20163.4 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of ECG Monitoring Systems by Applications 2011-20163.5 Global Sales Volume and Sales Revenue of ECG Monitoring Systems by Companies 2011-20163.6 Global Sale Price of ECG Monitoring Systems by Regions 2011-20163.7 Global Sale Price of ECG Monitoring Systems by Types 2011-20163.8 Global Sale Price of ECG Monitoring Systems by Applications 2011-20163.9 Global Sale Price of ECG Monitoring Systems by Companies 2011-20164 USA Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales, Sale Price and End Users Analysis of ECG Monitoring Systems4.1 USA Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of ECG Monitoring Systems 2011-20164.2 USA Market Size (Volume and Value) of ECG Monitoring Systems by Types 2011-20164.3 USA Market Size (Volume and Value) of ECG Monitoring Systems by Applications 2011-20164.4 USA Sales Volume and Sales Revenue of ECG Monitoring Systems by Companies 2011-20164.5 USA Sale Price of ECG Monitoring Systems by Types 2011-20164.6 USA Sale Price of ECG Monitoring Systems by Applications 2011-20164.7 USA Sale Price of ECG Monitoring Systems by Companies 2011-20164.8 USA Regional Supply, Import, Export and Consumption of ECG Monitoring Systems 2011-20164.9 USA End Users with Contact Information and Consumption Volume of ECG Monitoring Systems by Applications5 Europe Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales, Sale Price and End Users Analysis of ECG Monitoring Systems5.1 Europe Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of ECG Monitoring Systems 2011-20165.2 Europe Market Size (Volume and Value) of ECG Monitoring Systems by Types 2011-20165.3 Europe Market Size (Volume and Value) of ECG Monitoring Systems by Applications 2011-20165.4 Europe Sales Volume and Sales Revenue of ECG Monitoring Systems by Companies 2011-20165.5 Europe Sale Price of ECG Monitoring Systems by Types 2011-20165.6 Europe Sale Price of ECG Monitoring Systems by Applications 2011-20165.7 Europe Sale Price of ECG Monitoring Systems by Companies 2011-20165.8 Europe Regional Supply, Import, Export and Consumption of ECG Monitoring Systems 2011-20165.9 Europe End Users with Contact Information and Consumption Volume of ECG Monitoring Systems by Applications6 China Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales, Sale Price and End Users Analysis of ECG Monitoring Systems6.1 China Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of ECG Monitoring Systems 2011-20166.2 China Market Size (Volume and Value) of ECG Monitoring Systems by Types 2011-20166.3 China Market Size (Volume and Value) of ECG Monitoring Systems by Applications 2011-20166.4 China Sales Volume and Sales Revenue of ECG Monitoring Systems by Companies 2011-20166.5 China Sale Price of ECG Monitoring Systems by Types 2011-20166.6 China Sale Price of ECG Monitoring Systems by Applications 2011-20166.7 China Sale Price of ECG Monitoring Systems by Companies 2011-20166.8 China Regional Supply, Import, Export and Consumption of ECG Monitoring Systems 2011-20166.9 China End Users with Contact Information and Consumption Volume of ECG Monitoring Systems by ApplicationsFor Latest QYResearchreports Press Release Visit @QYResearchReports.com is an unimpeachable source of market research data for clients that comprise acclaimed SMEs, Chinese companies, private equity firms, and MNCs. We provide market research reports on various categories such as Energy, Chemicals, Alternative and Green Energy, Manufacturing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals and Materials, and Glass.QYResearchreportsContact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States+1-518-621-2074866-997-4948USA-Canada Toll freesales@qyresearchreports.com Global Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) Market Shares Investments, 2016 Base Applications, Sales and Recent Developments http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=748822&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-intraoperative-neuromonitoring-ionm-consumption-2016-market-research-report.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/press-releases.htm Global Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) Industry 2016 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020.Global Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) market is driven by various factors, a detailed assessment of which is included in the report. The study provides an in-depth analysis of the global Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) market, highlighting the various growth drivers and restraints influencing the marketas trajectory between 2016 and 2021. It calculates the impact of the Porteras five forces on the market. Using the industry-leading analytical tools the report gauges the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers. The analysis also helps evaluating the threat of new entrants and the degree of competition prevailing in the market.Considering the dynamic consumer choices, it is imperative for companies to plan their marketing strategies better. The report provides valuable recommendations intended to help companies create winning strategies. It thus includes exhaustive information aimed at giving a better perspective of the global Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) market to its stakeholders. Besides this, the report also studies the marketas vulnerabilities to the latest domestic and international policies. For meticulous insights, the global Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) market has been segmented based on various parameters. Factors impacting the marketas growth across the segments are analyzed in detail and opportunities are reviewed.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @To study the vendor landscape prevailing in the global Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) market, the report has included profiles of some of the leading companies operating therein. The product portfolio, financial reports, and strategies adopted by the companies are analyzed in detail. Furthermore, SWOT analysis is conducted to identify the opportunities and threats that these companies are forecast to witness over the course of the forecast period. The analysis also highlights the weaknesses and strengths of the companies profiled.The report therefore compiles exhaustive information on the global Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) market. The data is obtained from various trusted industrial sources. It also includes insights from the industry experts.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)1.1 Definition and Specifications of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)1.1.1 Definition of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)1.1.2 Specifications of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)1.2 Classification of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)1.3 Applications of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)1.5.1 Industry Overview of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)1.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)1.7 Industry News Analysis of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)2.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)2.4 Other Costs Analysis of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)3 3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales and Sale Price Analysis of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)3.1 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) 2011-20163.2 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Regions 2011-20163.3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Types 2011-20163.4 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Applications 2011-20163.5 Global Sales Volume and Sales Revenue of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Companies 2011-20163.6 Global Sale Price of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Regions 2011-20163.7 Global Sale Price of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Types 2011-20163.8 Global Sale Price of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Applications 2011-20163.9 Global Sale Price of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Companies 2011-20164 United States Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales, Sale Price and End Users Analysis of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)4.1 United States Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) 2011-20164.2 United States Market Size (Volume and Value) of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Types 2011-20164.3 United States Market Size (Volume and Value) of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Applications 2011-20164.4 United States Sales Volume and Sales Revenue of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Companies 2011-20164.5 United States Sale Price of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Types 2011-20164.6 United States Sale Price of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Applications 2011-20164.7 United States Sale Price of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Companies 2011-20164.8 United States Regional Supply, Import, Export and Consumption of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) 2011-20164.9 United States End Users with Contact Information and Consumption Volume of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Applications5 Europe Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales, Sale Price and End Users Analysis of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)5.1 Europe Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) 2011-20165.2 Europe Market Size (Volume and Value) of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Types 2011-20165.3 Europe Market Size (Volume and Value) of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Applications 2011-20165.4 Europe Sales Volume and Sales Revenue of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Companies 2011-20165.5 Europe Sale Price of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Types 2011-20165.6 Europe Sale Price of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Applications 2011-20165.7 Europe Sale Price of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Companies 2011-20165.8 Europe Regional Supply, Import, Export and Consumption of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) 2011-20165.9 Europe End Users with Contact Information and Consumption Volume of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Applications6 China Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales, Sale Price and End Users Analysis of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)6.1 China Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) 2011-20166.2 China Market Size (Volume and Value) of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Types 2011-20166.3 China Market Size (Volume and Value) of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Applications 2011-20166.4 China Sales Volume and Sales Revenue of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Companies 2011-20166.5 China Sale Price of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Types 2011-20166.6 China Sale Price of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Applications 2011-20166.7 China Sale Price of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by Companies 2011-20166.8 China Regional Supply, Import, Export and Consumption of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) 2011-20166.9 China End Users with Contact Information and Consumption Volume of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) by ApplicationsFor Latest QYResearchreports Press Release Visit @QYResearchReports.com is an unimpeachable source of market research data for clients that comprise acclaimed SMEs, Chinese companies, private equity firms, and MNCs. We provide market research reports on various categories such as Energy, Chemicals, Alternative and Green Energy, Manufacturing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals and Materials, and Glass.QYResearchreportsContact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States+1-518-621-2074866-997-4948USA-Canada Toll freesales@qyresearchreports.com Global Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) Market 2016 : Sumitomo Electric (JP), Wurth Elektronik (DE) Flexible Flat Cable(FFC) http://bit.ly/2gGC31G http://www.mrsresearchgroup.com/market-analysis/global-flexible-flat-cable-ffc-market-2016-production.html MRS Research Group addsGlobal Flexible Flat Cable(FFC) Market 2016 Share,Size,Trends and Forecast to 2022 Market Research Reportreports to its database.This report provides a strategic analysis of the Flexible Flat Cable market and the growth estimates for the forecasted period.The market research analyst projects the global Flexible Flat Cable market to grow at a considerable CAGR,in terms of revenue,over the forecast period.The report will provide the client with market insights and in-depth analysis of multiple market segments on the basis of applications,end-users,and geographical cross-sectional study across the globe.This report also provides market sizing and forecasts for the Flexible Flat Cable market.In addition,it provides a copious view on the market dynamics such as market drivers,market restraints,and opportunities for each of the micro markets.Get Free Sample Research Report @The report provides detailed information with respect to competitive landscape along with the top competitors in the Flexible Flat Cable market.Furthermore,to help the clients make strategic decision,the report highlights a comprehensive profiling of leading players,their detailed analysis,their key developments along with the market positioning.The report also foregrounds current and future market trends in order to justify the forthcoming attractive markets within the Flexible Flat Cable market.Moreover,clients are also provided with segment-wise,region-wise,and country-wise analysis of the Flexible Flat Cable market.To convey a proper analysis of all the data,the report comprises a number of figures,graphs,tables,and diagrams,which will help the clients get a crystal clear idea of the current trends in the market.Additionally,the report also strategically analyzes the Flexible Flat Cable market with regards to individual growth trends,future prospects, and contribution of each segment to the market.Various competitive developments such as contracts and agreements,new product developments,expansions,and mergers & acquisitions in the Flexible Flat Cable market are also included in the report.Access Full Report @This research study incorporated the use of extensive secondary sources,directories,and databases in order to identify and gather information useful for the technical,market-oriented,and commercial study of the market.This report is an effort to identify driving factors for the Flexible Flat Cable market and sub-markets in the near future.The research report also presents an exhaustive evaluation of the market and comprises contemplative insights,historical data,facts,and statistically supported market data that is industry-validated.It comprises estimations using an appropriate set of assumptions and necessary methodologies.The research report provides analysis,statistics,particulars,and information with respect to the market segments such as geographies,applications,and others.Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeGermanyUKFranceAsia PacificChinaJapanHighlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent market.Important changes in market dynamics.Market segmentation up to the second or third level.Historical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volume.Reporting and evaluation of recent industry developments.Market shares and strategies of key players.Emerging niche segments and regional markets.MRS Research Group is the worlds giant collection of the Market research Reports. Where we specialized in global publisher, tailor made reports and specialists consulting. Global Publisher provides in-depth analysis of global and Chinese market. Tailor-made reports represent methodologies deliverable to proper insight of the client. While, expertise research specialist helps to provide strategic solution in specialists consulting. It consists of head such as, latest report, category, niche market and news. Reports published on the million of category like chemical, machinery and equipment, consumer goods, manufacturing and construction etc. Latest national, international, business News published under news portal.Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free : +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@mrsresearchgroup.com Technology Spending on Core Administration in Healthcare Industry by 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=16961 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=ASK&rep_id=16961 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com https://tmrresearch.blogspot.com/ According to Transparency Market Research, the global technology spending on core administration in healthcare market sector will exhibit a 5.7% CAGR over the period between 2016 and 2024, rising from US$25,900 mn in 2015 to US$42,317 mn by 2024.Request For Discount On This Report:The field of core administration solutions for the healthcare industry is highly fragmented owing to the presence of a large number of established players offering hardware, software, and services, says Transparency Market Research in a recent report. Considering the vast growth opportunities in developing regions such as India, Brazil, and China, players are focusing on diversification opportunities across these countries through mergers, acquisitions, and consolidation practices. To encash the vast growth opportunities in the core administration segment in the healthcare industry, owing to various government norms like Obamacare or Affordable Care Act (ACA), competitors are also focusing on extensive product development to offer differentiated services.Of the key end users of core administration solutions in the healthcare industry, the payers segment accounted for over 88% of the overall market in 2015 and is expected to remain the key driver of technology spending on core administration in the healthcare industry throughout the forecast period. Geographically, North America dominated, accounted for over 50% of the overall funds spent on enabling technologically advanced core administration solutions in the healthcare industry in 2015. The trend is expected to remain strong over the forecast period as well.Rising Demand for Value-based Reimbursement Modules to Drive adoption of IT Solutions in HealthcareRising convergence of a variety of digital platforms for managing and processing the ever-expanding healthcare data, continuously changing healthcare reimbursement reforms and regulations, and digitally empowered consumers are collectively making the healthcare administration space increasingly complex. While at one point cost competition is at the peak in the healthcare industry, payers (insurance agencies) are pressing healthcare providers to switch from a volume-based (payment for service) to a value-based reimbursement module (payment for value).By requiring that healthcare providers deliver services at lowest costs to patients, value-based reimbursement modules entail more financial risks for providers and critically necessitate the effective management of core administrative processes to cut costs. The situation demands a robust IT infrastructure and an integrated platform wherein the payers can streamline workflows for provider contracting and engagement. In the next few years, the increased need for such platforms will emerge as one of the key drivers of technology spending on core administration in the healthcare sector.Outdated Technology and Applications Discourage Technological Advancements in Healthcare IT InfrastructureHowever, the overall global spending on technology for core administration in the healthcare sector is expected to be negatively impacted due to factors such as the presence of outdated technology and applications across several data collection and delivery nodes, continuously changing healthcare reforms, and ever-changing ways of financial transactions.The inability of healthcare professionals in using complex or time-consuming features in technologically advanced digital healthcare applications is another key factor deterring the adoption of IT solutions for managing core administrative processes in the healthcare sector. The use of IT solutions by health professionals is growing at a steady pace globally, but it is not uniform. A substantial gap exists between the numbers of providers, which is relatively small presently, the number of consumers who actively use the Internet for any purpose, which is on rise at a rapid pace, and the much larger group of patients and healthcare providers that has not used it or cannot use it.Speak to our research analyst:About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Browse market research blog: Global Water Soluble Fertilizer Market - Yara International ASA, Israel Chemical Limited, Agrium Inc., The Mosaic Company Global Water Soluble Fertilizer Market http://bit.ly/2fvburf http://atozresearch.com/global-water-soluble-fertilizers-market-research-reports/ http://bit.ly/2fLZZMK http://atozresearch.com/ Global Water Soluble Fertilizers (Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphate and Others) Market for Fertigation and Foliar Applications: Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast 2014 2020The report includes estimate, forecast and analysis for the water soluble fertilizers market over a global and regional level. The research gives significant information of 2014 along with a forecast from 2015 to 2020 based on both volumes (Kilo Tons) and revenue (USD million), whereas study provides proper data related to market. The study also gives various parameters like market drivers and restraints for the water soluble fertilizers market along with their expected impact as they have on the demand over the forecast period. Additionally, the report includes the study of opportunities, which are available in the water soluble fertilizers market across worldwide.Try Sample Report atDue to this report user can get complete idea on the water soluble fertilizers market, we have provides a detailed value chain analysis. Study of Porters Five Forces model for the water soluble fertilizers market helps to understand competitive landscape in the market. Some additional parameters attractiveness analysis, wherein product segments are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate and general attractiveness, in which different product segments are benchmarked related to their market size, growth rate and general attractiveness.Report includes key factors like water soluble fertilizers market by segmenting the market based on types, and applications, so that you get clear view on the water soluble fertilizers market. All the market distribution on products and application has been analyzed based on present and future trends and the market is estimated from 2014 to 2020. Report covers the key product types such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphate and others. The major application segment analyzed in this study include fertigatian and foliar.Browse Full Report atThe study of distribution of market across the world gives the current and expected demand for main region including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa. Additionally, it provides products and application market across the all the regions such as Germany, UK, France, China, Japan, India and Brazil.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company overviews, financial revenues of the key participants to develop their positions in the global market. There are some major manufacture in the water soluble fertilizers market include Yara International ASA, Israel Chemical Limited, Agrium Inc., The Mosaic Company, Haifa Chemicals Limited, Compo GmbH & Co. KG, Coromandel International Ltd., Hebei Monband Water Soluble Fertilizer Co., Ltd., K+S AG and Sociedad Quimica Y Minera SA (SQM)Request For Toc atThis report segments the global market as follows:Water Soluble Fertilizers Market: Nutrient Segment AnalysisNitrogenPotassiumPhosphateOthersWater Soluble Fertilizers Market Application Segment AnalysisFertigationFoliarWater Soluble Fertilizers Market Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeGermanyFranceUKAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East and AfricaAbout A to Z ResearchA to Z Research is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. A to Z Research is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading publishers and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.Contact US3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442, USATel: +1-386-310-3803GMTTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/CanadaToll Free No.1-855-465-465Email: martin@atozresearch.comWebsite: Market Outlook : Digital English Language Learning Market Globally Grow at a CAGR of 12.69% by Revenue During the Period 2016-2019 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=879256 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG English is spoken by more than one billion people worldwide and is the most popular second language learnt globally. With the advent of the internet, tools are being used to provide learning content in digital formats. The Global Digital English Language Learning market comprises of digital content and products that facilitate the learning of English language through these ICT tools. These include products and services such as mobile apps, activities, e-books, games, videos, audio clips, digital software, learning lab equipment, and online tutoring. They are interactive, allow real-time feedback, and enhance learning processes as they involve numerous formats.TechNavio's analysts forecast the Global Digital English Language Learning market to grow at a CAGR of 12.69 percent over the period 2014-2019.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Covered :TechNavio's report, the Global Digital English Language Learning Market 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the APAC region, Western Europe, North America, Latin America, the MEA region, and Eastern Europe; it also covers the Global Digital English Language Learning market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years.The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key RegionsAPACWestern EuropeNorth AmericaLatin AmericaMEAEastern EuropeKey VendorsLinguatronicsPearsonSanakoSANSTLS CommunicationResearchMoz 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 Clear Aligner (Invisible Braces) Market: Trends & Opportunities (2013-18) MarketResearchReports.Biz presents this most up-to-date research on "Global Clear Aligner (Invisible Braces) Market: Trends & Opportunities (2013-18)" Description Increasing consumer awareness for oral health, rising per capita income and expanding urban population are all factors which influence the dynamics of global dental industry. The market is primarily bifurcated inttwsegments: dental consumables and dental equipment. Dental consumables, which represent the largest segment of the dental care industry, include crown/bridge, implant, orthodontics, impressive materials, composites, endodontics, adhesives and cement. The dental equipment segment is composed of large equipments like autoclaves, sterilizers, chairs, communication systems, compressors, cuspidors and digital imaging system. Small equipment, including amalgam removal system, amalgamators, handpiece cleaner, lab equipments, duplicators and ultrasonic cleaners, alsfall intthe same product segment. Clear aligner technology is one of the fastest growing segments of the orthodontic market. Treatment through this technology is a clear way tstraighten teeth without braces using aligners which offer high level of comfort, convenience and flexibility in comparison ttraditional braces. Further, these aligners are cost effective and take less time tcomplete the straightening procedure. Currently, the market is dominated by Align Technology, among other leading companies following it closely. Continuous innovation in technology and increasing awareness for oral health among individuals are certain tinfluence the demand for clear aligner procedures at an exponential rate in the near future. Scope of the Report The report entitled Global Clear Aligner (Invisible Braces) Market: Trends & Opportunities (2013-18) provide an insight intthe global dental industry with primary focus on the clear aligner category of orthodontic segment. It covers the market size of dental industry and its market share based on product segment and region. Further, the report focuses on the clear aligner market with detailed analysis of the market size of clear aligners in terms of value as well as volume. It alsincludes the market share of the same based on major players, volume shipment and geographies. It further captures the market dynamics of clear aligner business in North America, which is one of the largest markets for clear aligner manufacturers. The report alsdiscusses orthodontic patient distribution in North America along with utilization of Invisalign cleaner among the orthodontists and general practitioners of North America. Download Sample Copy of This Report at: http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/186833 The report concludes with a brief discussion of major factors driving the clearer aligner market and profiling of the major companies like Align Technology, ClearCorrect, Dentsply and Great Lake Orthodontics in the clear aligner business. Geographical Coverage Global North America Company Coverage Align Technology ClearCorrect Great Lake Orthodontics Dentsply Table of Content 1. Executive Summary 2. Introduction to Dental Industry 2.1. Global Dental Market: An Analysis 2.2. Global Dental Market: Market Share Analysis 2.2.1. Market Share by Segment 2.2.2. Market Share by Region 2.2.3. Market Share by Product Segment 3. Global Clear Aligner Market: An Analysis 3.1. Clear Aligner Market: An Overview 3.2. Clear Aligner Vs Braces 3.3. Global Clear Aligner Market: Sizing and Growth 3.3.1. Global Clear Aligner Market: Sizing By Value 3.3.2. Global Clear Aligner Market: Sizing By volume 3.4. Global Clear Aligner Market: Market Share Analysis 3.4.1. Market Share by Revenue of major Players 3.4.2. Market Share by Shipment of Cases by Major Players 3.4.3. Market Share by Major Geographies Browse Latest Industry Press Release at: http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/pressreleases About us MarketResearchReports.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. Contact State Tower 90 State Street, Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207 United States Tel: +1-518-621-2074 Website: http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketresearchreports-biz This release was published on openPR. Permanent link to this press release: Copy Please set a link in the press area of your homepage to this press release on openPR. openPR disclaims liability for any content contained in this release. Increasing Demand for Food is Expected to Drive Agricultural Microbials Market in Next Few Years http://bit.ly/2go21GG http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/agricultural-microbials-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Biosynthetic capabilities of microorganisms, in a specific set of environmental condition makes them likely candidates for enhancing nutritional value and pest protection properties in agriculture. Agricultural microbials are produced from naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. These microbials are usually applied to seeds or sprayed on crops to protect them from pests and diseases. Microbials also enhance productivity and fertility of the plant. Agricultural microbial products provide sustainable and cost effective solutions to increase plant yield, irrespective of geographies. Various types of fungi, bacteria, algae and viruses are the commonly used microbials in agriculture. Furthermore, these microbials play an important role in the production of grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, and poultry and livestock products. Soil is the most important component of agriculture. Microbes present in the soil therefore play a vital role in the management and regulation of nutrients available for crops. Agricultural microbials are thus used to enhance the crop yield. Companies operating in this market are striving to launch products containing different microbial ingredients to meet the expected yield. Agricultural microbials are beneficial in the production of food in the form of a long term sustainable base for agricultural activities that help to maintain and improve human health. Further, agricultural microbials preserve and protect the environment and are therefore beneficial for both farmers as well as consumers. Increasing demand for food is expected to drive the global agricultural microbials market in the next few years. This added factor is expected to boost the market for agricultural microbials in the coming years.Perceive the Agricultural Microbials Market Projections for Upcoming Years at:Agricultural microbials supply nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus to plants. These microbials also protect plants from pests and diseases. Agricultural microbials enhance the nutrient transportation process, improve soil structure, maintain biological equilibrium and enhance plant growth which subsequently results in increased yield of the plant. Thus, agricultural microbials have become increasingly popular in food production across the globe. Favorable regulatory and financial policies of various governments regarding the usage of microbial products, increasing global population, rising demand for food, and environment-friendly farming practices are the major driving factors of the agricultural microbials market.Growth of the agricultural microbials market is primarily led by the high frequency of crop diseases and rising demand for food in developed as well as developing nations. Environmental protection laws in the U.S. and Europe are major drivers encouraging the use of agricultural microbials in these regions. This trend is likely to continue in the near future with growing importance of the agriculture industry. Furthermore, factors such as innovative production practices that do not harm crop yield would boost the usage of agricultural microbials globally. The market for agricultural microbials is expected to expand in Asia Pacific due to the economic growth coupled with increasing demand for food in the region. Developing countries such as China and India are likely to play a vital role in the agricultural microbials market in coming years due to the increased demand for food. North America, followed by Europe, is anticipated to be the largest market for agricultural antimicrobials due to stringent regulations requiring environment-friendly means of agriculture and rising demand for organic food in the region. Companies operating in this market aim to generate innovative solutions in order to meet the changing need of the consumers and these companies also invest heavily on research and development of new microbial products with the anticipated bright prospects for this market. Therefore, the global agricultural microbials market is anticipated to expand significantly in the near future.Read the Current Agricultural Microbials Market Structure at:Some of the major companies operating in the global agricultural microbials market are Bayer CropScience AG, Monsanto, BASF SE, Syngenta AG, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Arysta LifeScience Limited and Novozymes.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Avail World-Class SEO Services At Sparx IT Solutions http://www.sparxitsolutions.com/seo-services.shtml November-- 2016--India-- To take your business website at the top of major search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc., you need to acquire the best SEO services offered by trusted search engine optimization companies in India. In this way, Sparx IT Solutions has emerged as the most popular name in the realm and has empowered many online businesses by delivering cutting-edge SEO solutions for them. The firm is an ideal stop to avail the top-class SEO services which are based on the updated Google norms.Over the years, we have earned the reputation in the ruthless search engine optimization domain by rendering concrete results for clients websites. Our expertise depicts in innovative SEO techniques which are effective in order to optimize the website aesthetically and attain top position at prospective search engines. Also, we lead in the market by providing high traffic for the clients website and increase its conversion rate too. With such promising results, we claim to cater positive outcomes for all SEO projects and accomplish them on time.We rule in the SEO field with the aid of a team including industrys experienced SEO professionals. They are master of their work and have excellence in online optimization of the clients websites of all domains. Our search engine experts are aware of all traditional and modern SEO tools, techniques or strategies which are essential in online promotion of the website. They adopt vital ways to boost the ranking of the website and increase its click rate. With the bunch of such skilled webmasters, we assure you to deliver result-oriented SEO services for the online branding of the website.Our valued search engine optimization services are useful in improving online reputation of the businesses. Moreover, we render complete SEO analysis of the website in which we find all loopholes of the site and remove them completely and before starting its online optimization. Thus, our SEO services are intended to give the best results for the clients business website and enable him to earn more from it.Conclusion:To increase online ranking, traffic, conversion rate or ROI of your business website over the web, you should avail quality SEO services offered by Sparx IT Solutions in India. The company enables online businesses to get a fair visibility among the competitive sites online and make them effective to deliver maximum output for their owners.Get high quality and well-tested SEO services for your business website through Sparx IT Solutions. The company ensures to deliver the best quality search engine optimization services for website and deliver optimum results for its online promotion, ranking, traffic, reputation, conversion rate and ROI.A-2, Sec 63,Noida,Uttar Pradesh,IndiaPost Code: 201301Tel: (IND) +91-120-473-5100Email ID: info@sparxitsolutions.com: sumit@sparxitsolutions.comWebsite: Global Organic Personal Care Products Market - Aveda Corporation, The Body Shop, Burts Bee, Estee Lauder,Yves Rocher Global Organic Personal Care Products Market http://bit.ly/2ebrXSJ http://atozresearch.com/global-organic-personal-care-products-market-research-reports/ http://bit.ly/2e871wq http://atozresearch.com/ Global Organic Personal Care Products (Skin Care, Hair Care, Oral Care, Cosmetic, and Others) Market Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast, 2014 2020This market research report by Zion Research analyzes estimates and forecast the global organic personal care products market demand. The demand is estimated in terms of revenue during the forecast period of five years from 2015 to 2020. The study offers a holistic view of the market with the review of market drivers, challenges and opportunities. It also provides the level of impact of drivers and restraints on the market between 2015 and 2020.Try Sample Report atThis study analyses the market in and across value chain. Value chain analysis begins with analysis of feedstock materials and ends with the analysis of end-user industry. The report uses Porters five forces model and market attractiveness analysis to analyze the different factors affecting the growth of the market. Porters five forces model analyses the factors such as degree of competition, bargaining power of suppliers and buyers, threat of substitutes and threat of new entrants. Market attractiveness analysis provides the information about the most attractive and least attractive market segments by product and region.The report includes detailed competitive landscape of the global organic personal care market. It includes company market share analysis, product portfolio of the major industry participants and buying criteria of the buyers. The report provides detailed segmentation of the organic personal care market based on product segment, and region. On the basis of product segment the report has been segmented on the basis of skin care, hair care, oral care, cosmetic, and others.Browse Full Report atAbove mentioned product segment has been further bifurcated into major regions. Major regional segments analyzed in this study include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. This report also provides further bifurcation of region on the country level. Major countries analyzed in this reports are U.S., Germany, UK, France, China, Japan, India, and Brazil.Key industry participants analyzed and profiled in this study includes, Aveda Corporation, The Body Shop, Burts Bee, Estee Lauder, The Hain Celestial Group, Yves Rocher, Amway, Bare Escentuals, Arbonne International, Kiehls, Natura Cosmeticos S.A, LOccitane en Provence etc.Request For Toc atThe report segments the global organic personal care products market into:Global Organic Personal Care Products Market: Product Segment AnalysisSkin CareHair CareOral CareCosmeticsOthersGlobal Organic Personal Care Products Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeGermanyFranceUKAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East and AfricaAbout A to Z ResearchA to Z Research is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. A to Z Research is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading publishers and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.Contact US3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442, USATel: +1-386-310-3803GMTTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/CanadaToll Free No.1-855-465-465Email: martin@atozresearch.comWebsite: Global Mobile Wallet Market - American Express, Apple Inc., MasterCard, Visa, AT&T, Sprint, First Data, BlackBerry Global Mobile Wallet Market http://bit.ly/2fMgAA4 http://atozresearch.com/global-mobile-wallet-market-research-reports/ http://bit.ly/2f2i3pJ http://atozresearch.com/ Global Mobile Wallet (NFC and Remote Payment) Market : Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2014 2020The report covers forecast and analysis for the Mobile Wallet market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2014 along with a forecast from 2015 to 2020 based on revenue (USD billion). The study includes drivers and restraints for the mobile wallet market along with the impact they have on the demand over the forecast period. Additionally, the report includes the study of opportunities available in the mobile wallet market on a global level.Try Sample Report atIn order to give the users of this report a comprehensive view on the mobile wallet market, we have included a detailed value chain analysis. To understand the competitive landscape in the market, an analysis of Porters Five Forces model for the mobile wallet market has also been included. The study encompasses a market attractiveness analysis, wherein product segments and application segments are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate and general attractiveness.The study provides a decisive view on the mobile wallet market by segmenting the market based on applications. All the application segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends and the market is estimated from 2014 to 2020. Key product segments covered under this study includes near file communication (NFC) and remote payment. Key application market covered under this study includes retail payments, vending machines, public transportation, grocery stores, and restaurants. The regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Rest of the World with its further bifurcation into major countries including U.S. Germany, France, UK, China, Japan, India and Brazil. This segmentation includes demand for mobile wallet based on individual applications in all the regions and countries.Browse Full Report atKey industry participants analyzed and profiled in this study includes American Express, Apple Inc., MasterCard, Visa, AT&T, Sprint, First Data, BlackBerry, Samsung, Google and others.The report segments the global mobile wallet market as:Mobile Wallet Market: Product Segment AnalysisNear field communication (NFC)Remote paymentsMobile Wallet Market: Application Segment AnalysisRetail paymentsVending machinesPublic transportationGrocery storesRestaurantsMobile Wallet Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeGermanyUKFranceAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East & AfricaRequest For Toc atAbout A to Z ResearchA to Z Research is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. A to Z Research is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading publishers and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.Contact US3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442, USATel: +1-386-310-3803GMTTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/CanadaToll Free No.1-855-465-465Email: martin@atozresearch.comWebsite: Rising Number of Cancer Cases Globally will Enhance the Growth of Nanomaterials in Theranostics Market http://bit.ly/2goDXDl http://bit.ly/2fZckjG http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Theranostics refers to the fusion of molecular diagnostic tests and targeted therapeutics in a collaborative manner for specific disease subtype and genetic profile. For example Docetaxel equipped with Quantum dots in a form of polymeric nanoparticles can measure large variety of biomarkers and delivers drug with lower side effects. Theranostic nanoparticles are rationally better therapeutic and diagnostic agents than traditional counterparts owning to their advanced capabilities such as stimulus responsive agent release, synergetic performance, controlled release, targeted delivery and higher transport efficiency by endocytosis.Download Exclusive Sample of this Report:Nanotheranostics can be promising even for fatal diseases such as cancer, AIDS and cardiovascular diseases. Theranostics application in treatment offers high selectivity, sensitivity and fewer complications, thus saving resources and enhancing the quality of life for the patients. Theranostic nanomedicine has evolved to encompass integrate biocompatible nanoparticle platforms that contain both therapeutic and imaging components. Advanced theranostic nanomedicine is multipurpose in nature. It delivers therapeutics to the targeted receptor with the help of bioligands and markers.Increasing prevalence of serious and life threatening diseases will drive the growth of nanomaterials in theranostics market. Moreover, the combined ability of theranostics to detect and treat the diseases will also augment the expansion of this market. Rising number of cancer cases globally will further enhance the growth of this market as in current therapeutic regimen, theranostics is considered to be one of the most effective treatments of the same. According to Cancer Research U.K., 14.1 million cancer cases were recorded in 2012 alone. Recent partnership/collaboration between pharmaceutical and medical devices companies has shown immense possibilities in future growth. However, imminent regulatory issues, strict approval requirements and high development cost are some of the major challenges to the market growth.The nanomaterials in theranostics market are segmented based on type of nanomaterial namely, biological, organic and inorganic. The biological nanomaterials utilized in theranostics are proteins, antibodies. The organic nanomaterials segment includes nano-analytical probes, molecular medicines, liposomes, fullerenes, and other carbon nanomaterials. Gold nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, nanocrystals, and quantum dots are few examples of inorganic naomaterials in theranostics. Among numerous types of nanomaterials developed, carbon nanomaterials have attracted significant attraction owing to its highly-enriched distinctive physical and chemical properties. Protein drugs and antibodies were the largest segment in nanotheranostics market followed nanocrystals, liposomes, gold particles and quantum dots. The biological nanomaterials are expected to dominate theranostics market during forecasted period 2014-2020.Based on geography, the nanomaterials in theranostics market can be segmented into four major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). North America is the largest market followed by Europe for nanomaterials in theranostics. In U.S. Theranostics enjoys widespread acceptability for variety of medical condition, strong patient and physician awareness regarding treatment benefits, and extensive marketing efforts from manufacturers.The European market is less mature in context with patient awareness of theranostics as a therapeutic option. However it is expected to grow immensely in coming years with the approval of new indication in therapeutic as well as in diagnostic segment. Asia Pacific is also expected to be one of the emerging market markets for the growth nanomaterials in theranostics market owning to increasing focus on research and development, cheap procurement and production facilities and increasing patient population base.Browse Research Report:Some of the key players operating in this market globally include Abalonyx, NANOMAT, Inc., Berkeley Advanced Biomaterials Inc., Affymetrix, Aldlab Nanotech, ACS Materials, AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Applied Graphene Materials, ABC Nanotech, A.P. Pharma, Inc., Advanced Proteome Therapeutics, Inc., Monogram Biosciences, Nanocarrier Co. Ltd. and Liquidia Technologies, Inc. among other significant players.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 UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global Building Information Modeling Software Market research, rising demands to drive global industry growth 2016-2020 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/877695 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/877695 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Report Global Building Information Modeling Software Market 2016-2020 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About BIM SoftwareFactors, such as government mandates and support to use BIM solutions in construction projects, are driving the growth of the global BIM market. Governments in countries such as the US, the UK, and Singapore are promoting the use of BIM in construction as it helps to minimize errors and time taken for the execution of the construction projects. BIM software enables the creation of a vector-based representation of building plans in 3D formats for construction projects of buildings, railways, and roads among others. BIM not only presents a digital representation of physical characteristics but also captures the necessary data during the construction phase.Technavios analysts forecast the global BIM software market to grow at a CAGR of 17.04% during the period 2016-2020.View Report AtCovered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global BIM software market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of BIM software worldwide.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATechnavio's report, Global BIM Software Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Download Sample copy of this Report at :Key vendorsAutodeskAVEVABentley SystemsHexagonNEMETSCHEKTrimbleOther prominent vendors4MCYPE IngenierosDassault SystmesNewformaHSS GroupPinnacle InfotechViewpoint SystemsMarket driverGrowing government initiatives to support BIM adoptionFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeRise in use of open-source softwareFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendIncreasing popularity of cloud-based BIM solutionsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Table of ContentsTable of ContentsPART 01: Executive summaryKey findingsPART 02: Scope of the reportMarket overviewTop-vendor offeringsPART 03: Market research methodologyResearch methodologyEconomic indicatorsPART 04: IntroductionKey market highlightsPART 05: Global construction market: OverviewGlobal construction marketPART 06: Market overviewTechnological advances in construction industryBIM technology landscapePART 07: Market size and forecastMarket size and forecastPART 08: Geographical segmentationBIM software market in EMEABIM software market in AmericasBIM software market in APACPART 09: Market driversGrowing government initiatives to support BIM adoptionNeed to reduce time taken for project completionIncreasing need to reduce project riskGrowth of global construction industryPART 10: Impact of driversPART 11: Market challengesData security and privacyRise in use of open-source softwareHigh cost of BIM software deploymentResistance to adopt new technologiesPART 12: Impact of drivers and challengesPART 13: Market trends3D laser scanning in BIMIncreasing popularity of cloud-based BIM solutionsMarketResearchReports.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 The First Cloud System Connecting BPM, WMS, MES and CRM Appeared on the World Market Atlas Software Atlas ERP appeared on world market. It connects BPM, WMS, MES, CRM, HRM, Service Desk, modules, managing projects, finances and sales, knowledge base and corporate social network. Now, the necessity of using several programs simultaneously to manage business has vanished.Atlas is a completely cloud service, allowing company management without high-powered servers. And, this makes the program available even for small businesses. Moreover, Atlas implementation doesnt demand specialized knowledge. Its interface is simple and convenient so even a director without IT skills can implement it. Now any company can model and implement business processes in few weeks.Atlas is a constructor. We purposely made its modules independent of each other, but integrated with each other. Businesses dont need to buy several services and connect them without assistance. Atlas represents the whole complex of necessary modules, says the head of Atlas Software. The client can choose the functions necessary for the needs of her business without assistance, and pay only for what is needed. Other modules can be added as needed. This allows small companies to evaluate the system without additional costs.Atlas ERP combines in itself all basic elements necessary for effective company management, regardless of size or number of employees. The Basic BPM module is a convenient instrument for creating and managing business-processes of varying complexity. The WMS module is a module for managing the warehouse- it automates the arrangement and stock-taking of goods with any nomenclature type. The MES module is designed for effectively managing production. Classic CRM and HRM modules help to work promptly with clients and employees.Besides the wide facilities of managing business processes and tasks, the inter-corporate social network for communication and new interchange is realized in Atlas. In the Knowledge base module, one can store files and documents, including documents integrated with Google. The tasks panel unifies all employees tasks from several sections and helps to track deadlines and late orders in a convenient format. Also due to the Internet marketing module, the Atlas module can be easily integrated with the website, social networks and analytics services for evaluating all advertising channels in one system.Atlas ERP enables you to have a complex instrument of managing processes, tasks, clients and the warehouse even for small companies. The automation system gives companies a unified service, rather than having to shift between several services, and this makes working easier and simpler.According to Allied Market Research forecast, the world market of ERP systems will reach 41,69 billion by 2020, and the average annual growth rate will be more than 7%. Also analysts predict that companies will gradually switch from case systems to cloud variants. Experts connected this trend with the fact that cloud ERPs are more flexible and need less user investment in the IT infrastructure.Atlas is a system, connecting BPM, WMS, MES, CRM, HRM modules, projects management and internal social networking. The combination of all key modules for managing any type of company allows businesses to organize their systematic work on tasks without serious expenses for implementation. Thanks to the systems ability of adapt to individual configuration suiting each clients requirements, Atlas is successfully used not only in large companies, but also suits the needs of small- and medium-sized businesses.Atlas Software21 Pandoras StreetHadjimattheou Yiannouri Crt2nd Floor, Flat 106042LarnacaCyprus Packaging Coatings Market Grows With Rising Scope of Packaging in Consumer Goods http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=9833 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Packaging plays a significant role in every manufacturing process. Manufacturers and packers are paying noteworthy attention to packaging for ensuring product safety, ease in supply chain, promoting sales, and increasing consumer convenience. Hence, packaging coatings plays a major role in improving the packaging process with a view to attain the above mentioned attributes. Packaging coating not only helps enhance the packaging process by providing additional protection, corrosion resistance, and numerous chemical attributes, but also helps in improving the overall aesthetic characteristics of the packaging form. The growing application areas of packaging are estimated to benefit the global packaging coatings market. Changing lifestyle and food habits are estimated to be the major reasons for the rise of the food and beverages sector, which is a major application segment for the global packaging coating market. Rise in consumption and manufacturing of PET bottles is also estimated to be a major growth contributor for the global packaging coating market.Request Sample Pages of Premium Research Report :The global packaging coatings market is primarily driven by the growth witnessed in the packaging industry. Global, the packaging industry is estimated to expand at CAGR of 4% over the forecast period. The growing scope of packaging in various products, especially in consumer goods and food and beverages industry, is estimated to further drive growth of the globally packaging coatings market in the coming years. The increasing need for maintaining original quality and taste and keeping a check on contamination are pushing manufacturers to use packaging coatings, especially in the food and beverages market. On the other hand, stringent government laws and regulations, especially in terms of food and beverages packaging, is expected to restrain growth of the global packaging coatings market in the coming years. Besides, increasing concern and awareness regarding the side effects of chemicals used in coatings of cans and bottles among both, manufacturers and end users, is anticipated to further restrain growth of the global packaging coatings market in the coming years.Growth opportunity for players operating in the global packaging coatings market lies in the usage of environmentally safe and organic materials, which could be reuse and recycled, in the production of packaging products.The global packaging coatings market is segmented on the basis of packaging type, resin type, end use sector, and regions. On the basis of packaging type, the global packaging coatings market is segmented into rigid packaging coatings and flexible packaging coatings. On the basis of resin type, the global packaging coatings market is segmented into Epoxy, Acrylic, Phenolic, Amino, Vinyl, Polyurethane, Polyester, and others. On the basis of substrate type, the global packaging coatings market is segmented into glass, metal (cans, containers, and sheets), plastic (PET bottles, jars, and others), and paper. On the basis of end use sector, the global packaging coatings market is segmented into food and beverage sector, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, industrial goods, and others.On the basis of geography, the global packaging coatings market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America. North America is anticipated to be the largest market for global packaging coatings due to rise in food packaging practices, especially in the can segment in the region. Asia is anticipated to contribute significantly towards growth of the global packaging coatings market in the coming years, due to the increasing demand for packaging coatings in the packaged food and consumer goods segments in the region. Latin America is estimated to be the leading consumer of packaging coatings after Asia Pacific. The Latin America market is expected to be followed by the Europe market. The Middle East and Africa market is estimated to exhibit sluggish growth in the global packaging coatings market.Some of the major players in the global packaging coatings market are PPG Industries, Inc., The Valspar Corporation. , Akzo Nobel N.V., Allnex Belgium SA/NV, Wacker Chemie AG, BASF SE, ARKEMA GROUP, Axalta Coating Systems, LLC, W. R. Grace and Company, The Dow Chemical Company, Mantrose-Haeuser Co., Inc., and Sun Coating Company.About TMRTMR 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 TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: A group of gunmen killed eight army personnel in an attack on a military checkpoint in the restive northern Sinai region, where forces are battling a militant insurgency, a military spokesman has said. Assailants in 4x4 vehicles "laden with large amounts of explosives" attacked the checkpoint in the border region late on Thursday, spokesman Mohamed Samir said in a statement. A subsequent exchange of fire with forces and the explosion of the car and a separate bomb led to the death of eight members of army forces and three militants. A number of militants were also wounded in the firefight. "The armed forces asserts that such villainous acts will not discourage it from performing its duty of eliminating terrorism and continuing to safeguard the homeland," the statement read. Forces were combing the area in search for suspects. Search Keywords: Short link: Cloud Access Security Brokers Market (Risk & Compliance Management, Cloud Data Encryption, Data Leakage Prevention, Tokenization; Services: Consulting, System Integration, Operation & Maintenance) http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=8833 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Cloud Access Security Brokers Market: OverviewCloud access security brokers are primarily deployed to protect the critical data of organizations. The advent of cloud-based systems has helped many companies to manage their critical data in better ways. Lack of information storage infrastructure has led the small and medium businesses to acquire cloud services. The rising data breach and data leakage incidences on the internet have led to the rising demand for cloud access security brokers in many regions. Cloud access security brokers offer solutions to data controlling and monitoring, cloud data encryption, tokenization, risk and compliance management, and data leakage prevention.Download PDF for Technological Insights atThe involvement of a large number of small-scale and medium-scale companies, the entry of new companies, and the presence of many leading companies will drive the global market for cloud access security brokers. The global cloud access security brokers market is predicted to reach US$13,218.5 mn by 2024, expected to exhibit a 16.70% CAGR during the period between 2016 and 2024.The report uses industry-standard tools such as SWOT analysis tool and Porters five force analysis to measure the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the global cloud access security brokers market. For a detailed analysis, the analysts have divided the global market into segments and sub-segments. Key players operating in the global market are also listed in the report. Recent trends, developments in cloud-based systems, and the future growth opportunities are highlighted in the report.Cloud Access Security Brokers Market: Trends and OpportunitiesCloud services have influenced many companies operating in various industries. The adoption of cloud technologies has helped many industries to solve their data storage problems cost-effectively. This has allowed the companies to focus on their core operations and capacities. Cloud access security brokers are consistently achieving an important position in the global cloud-based technologies market.By component, the global cloud access security brokers market is classified into service and software. The software segment is sub-segmented into on-premise and cloud-based components. The service segment is sub-divided into system integration, consulting, and operations and management.Although the global cloud access security brokers market is set for a significant growth, it is expected to be hampered by a few factors. Lack of awareness about the latest cloud access security solutions is predicted to hamper the growth of the global market.Cloud Access Security Brokers Market: Region-wise OutlookBased on region, the global cloud access security brokers market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. In 2015, North America dominated the global cloud access security brokers market. The North America cloud access security brokers market recorded the highest implementation of cloud access security brokers in the recent years. The North America cloud access security brokers market is likely to exhibit an 18.40% CAGR from 2016 to 2024.Key Players mentioned in the Report:NetSkope Inc., CloudLock Inc., Adallom, Inc., CipherCloud Inc., Skyhigh Networks, Zscaler, Inc., Bitglass, Inc., and Protegrity USA, Inc. are some of the leading companies operating in the global cloud access security brokers market. Key companies are aiming to adopt new innovative methodologies and technologies to secure information over the cloud. The entry of new companies is expected to make the global market highly competitive.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.USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: In his early 20s, Alfred Nuttall developed a ringing in his ears. He saw a doctor but nothing could be done. Except for the tinnitus, his hearing was normal. That didn't last. By the time he hit his late 40s, he needed hearing aids. Today, at 73, he can manage a conversation without them but still wears them every day. "Hearing aids are something you should get used to," he said. "When you're wearing them, you gradually remap your auditory system to work better and prevent it from declining further." Unlike some colleagues at Oregon Health & Science University, Nuttall didn't choose auditory neuroscience as a specialty because of his disability. He was fascinated by the subject. Oregon Health & Sciences University's hearing research center scientist Alfred Nuttall. October 21, 2016 Beth Nakamura/Staff After obtaining a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at what is now the University of Massachusetts, he went to the University of Michigan where he visited various labs. He was drawn to the Kresge Hearing Research Institute, a top-notch institution for auditory neuroscience. The inner ear is an electro-mechanical system that takes in acoustic energy, converts it to electrical energy and transmits it to the brain. "It meshes with being an engineer because you can think of it as a system that's stimulated by acoustics, has physical processes and results in an analysis of sound," Nuttall said. "It's a complicated and interesting system." As director of the Oregon Hearing Research Center, Nuttall doesn't plan to retire. He has a legacy to continue. He was hired in 1996 from the University of Michigan. All but two faculty members had retired. That gave him a chance to reshape the department, which now has only one faculty member who was hired before he took the helm. Nuttall has brought on scientists who cover all aspects of the auditory system. His faculty members study everything from the genetics of hearing loss to cochlear implants to the physiology and neuroscience of the auditory system. Nuttall, who's interested in studying blood flow and cochlear mechanics, has made major contributions of his own, said Jonathan Ashmore, auditory neuroscientist at University College London. He's developed laser techniques for measuring very small movements in the inner ear and is now developing an instrument to measure blood flow in the inner ear and working on pharmaceuticals to reduce hearing loss caused by loud sound. The former could help experts find the source of hearing loss and the latter could help a wide range of people, including those in the military. "If you had a really successful and relatively benign drug, you would have people taking it before they go to concerts or get out lawnmowers," Nuttall said. -- Lynne Terry Hearing researcher Frederick Gallun would be a subject in his own experiments if he could. A Portland-based expert in auditory perception, Gallun is working on making a series of hearing tests available to audiologists in clinics so they can better diagnose their patients. The tests exist now only in laboratories. One of the experiments tests how well people can single out speech in a noisy environment. Gallun fails every time. Frederick Gallun He's deaf in his right ear. He has no problem with his hearing in a one-on-one situation. But add a few more voices and he's lost. "As soon as people come in and start talking, I have serious problems because I can't tell who's saying what," Gallun said. He works at the VA Portland Health Care System to research tests on auditory perception. He also has a secondary position as an associate professor at Oregon Health & Science University, where he works with four other specialists with hearing loss at the Oregon Hearing Research Center. Gallun earned a bachelor's degree at Reed College, where he studied music perception, and then went to Boston University for a Ph.D. in auditory perception. He found out he had a hearing problem while conducting experiments for his dissertation. He had different results for his two ears while his subjects did not. He suspected a tumor. "I went to the audiologist and laid out the series of tests that I wanted them to do," Gallun said. Specialists confirmed he had a tumor on his right vestibular and auditory nerve that had to come out. The 10-hour operation was a success: The tumor has never come back. But his right-ear hearing hasn't either. That's driven his research ever since. It's long been known that having two ears helps people sort out sounds in the environment and select the one they want to listen to by focusing on its spatial location. That's something he can't do, so he wanted to research it. "I wanted to understand better how much of an advantage that is and whether everyone is equally good at it," he said. "Is there a natural variability?" Turns out there is. He's confirmed that aging usually hampers the ability to single out one person's speech in a chatty environment. His experiments also have shown that people with traumatic brain injuries have the same problem. Having tests available in a clinic, he said, would help audiologists give their patients better expectations about how well their hearing aids will work. Gallun is working on a five-year project funded by the National Institutes of Health that will give clinicians better auditory diagnostic tools. They include a test on spatial cues and another on the ability to detect changing frequency patterns. This research, like his other projects, has been fueled by his OHSU colleagues with hearing loss. "They explain to me the difficulties that they're having and I say, 'We should go look at that,'" Gallun said. -- Lynne Terry OHSU hearing scientist Lina Reiss Oregon Health & Science University scientists Peter Steyger, left, and Lina Reiss facilitate a conversation centered on research ethics during a class at OHSU. (Beth Nakamura/Staff) Lina Reiss' parents didn't realize she had a severe hearing impairment when she was an infant and toddler. She was their first child. They had no gauge to judge her development. When she was 2 1/2, a friend of her parents came over for dinner. He wondered why she didn't speak so he stood behind her and clapped. When she failed to respond, he told her parents to go to an audiologist. The specialist confirmed that Reiss had severe hearing loss. No one knows why. She had a severe infection when she was 1 and was treated with antibiotics. It could have been from the drugs, she said. No one else in her family is deaf. When her hearing loss was discovered, her family was in New Jersey, having moved from Berkeley, California, where Reiss was born. Her father, a scientist, worked at Bell Laboratories. Her family lived in a small town nearby. Reiss' mom, a statistician, stayed home, focusing on her daughter. Reiss was fitted with large hearing aids and at age 3 went to a speech therapy school where she learned to talk and listen. "That involved putting my hand on the speech therapist's throat to feel the vocalizations," Reiss said. Reiss said she was lucky. Children in rural areas often don't have access to a good speech academy. Instead of learning to speak, they often learn to sign. "My mother didn't want me to learn to sign; she wanted me to be oral," Reiss said. She worried her daughter would miss out on opportunities if she couldn't speak. Reiss has learned how to communicate, using hearing aids and lip reading. In middle school, she was the only deaf child. She had difficulty mixing in because she couldn't jump into conversations. She had to know what the topic of conversation was and be facing the other children. Some of them were mean. "I don't know if they called me names but they made fun of the way I spoke," Reiss said. A speech therapist who worked with her through high school taught Reiss to initiate conversations and make friends. She also turned to books. She considered a career in journalism but decided at Princeton University to focus on science. She was introduced to auditory research during a summer internship at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. "I was so excited to be learning about hearing and doing something I enjoyed at the same time," Reiss said. After Princeton, Reiss went to graduate school at Johns Hopkins. She rotated among labs and ended up at the same lab where she had her first summer internship, studying how people identify a sound's location. She made a mark by discovering one of the neural circuits in the brain that makes that happen. In 2005, Reiss graduated from Johns Hopkins with a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering. She knew she wanted to do more than focus solely on scientific research. "I wanted to have more of an impact than just finding out how things work," Reiss said. "I wanted to help people." She did a post-doctorate at the University of Iowa, working on a clinical trial with people who have what's known as a hybrid cochlear implant that combines the implant in the inner ear with a hearing aid. She researches cochlear implants and hearing aids at Oregon Health & Science University, where she was hired in 2010. "They found that with the device people did better with speech perception and noise than people with a traditional cochlear implant," Reiss said. "This is the problem that I have in everyday life." -- Lynne Terry When Peter Steyger learned to speak, he had to wear hearing aids. At 14 months, he was struck with meningitis. The powerful antibiotic that saved his life largely stripped him of hearing. His mother, determined to keep him in the hearing community, worked with him an hour a day for four years as part of an intensive regime of speech therapy. Sometimes it took him 10 minutes to learn a single word. He didn't start to catch up to his peers until eight years later. But today at 54, Steyger is a prominent auditory neuroscientist. At Oregon Health & Science University, he's part of a team of researchers who are studying the auditory system in hopes of helping others who can't hear. The 10 faculty members in OHSU's Oregon Hearing Research Center are considered trailblazers among their peers. "I look at their program as a very unique one in the world because of the breadth and the depth of their auditory science and the high quality of the science that's done there," said Jennifer Stone, an auditory neuroscientist at the University of Washington in Seattle. The center also stands out in another way: It has five professors with hearing loss. Few other auditory research departments have even one scientist with a hearing disability. None has as many as OHSU, experts say. Their varied biomedical backgrounds allow them to study every aspect of the auditory system, and their personal experiences inform their research. "They've all got pretty high profiles and are covering lots of different bases," said Jonathan Ashmore, a leading auditory neuroscientist based at University College London in Britain. Their work has helped make the center, dating to 1967, one of the biggest nationwide. About a dozen other universities have hearing research centers with at least three faculty members. Only about five have 10 or more. OHSU's department of otolaryngology - an ear, nose and throat specialty - is No. 2 in funding from the National Institutes of Health, at $10 million a year, right behind Johns Hopkins University. For the scientists, it's not been easy. Their hearing loss has complicated their lives. They struggled to follow their teachers and professors, keep up in graduate school and complete their post-doctoral training. They had difficulty taking notes. They suffered from a sense of isolation and found it tough to make friends. But they found a home at the Oregon Hearing Research Center. They're not alone in their disability, and they have a personal motivation to succeed. Though their research might not cure their own hearing loss, they hope to help the hearing of future generations. "Each and every one of them had to work very hard to overcome the disabilities that they have but they're all extremely effective communicators and very effective teachers," Stone said. "Each and every one of them is a leader in their field." *** Steyger's specialty is the toxicity of certain pharmaceutical drugs to the inner ear. He's studying a powerful class of antibiotics called aminoglycosides, which are known to damage hearing. Unlike some other antibiotics such as penicillin, which prevent bacteria from dividing, aminoglycosides kill bacteria. They include Gentamicin and Streptomycin, which Steyger was given for meningitis. He figures the antibiotic was responsible for his hearing loss or contributed to it. His Ph.D. thesis at Keele University in England, where he was born, focused on aminoglycoside-induced damage to the inner ear, which governs hearing and balance. In post-doctorate work at Keele, he studied the anatomy and function of the cochlea - part of the inner ear. When he got an offer from OHSU in 1997, he set up shop on the hill. His lab is trying to understand how aminoglycosides cross the blood-labyrinth barrier, which has a similar function to the blood-brain barrier but instead of protecting the brain, it protects the ears from harmful substances. Aminoglycosides exploit an existing pathway for other compounds, allowing them to barge through the physical barrier. Both infections and aminoglycosides can harm hearing by themselves, and in a triple whammy effect, the inflammation that's caused by an infection allows more of the antibiotics into the inner ear. Steyger is trying to understand the mechanics of how that happens. Peter Steyger's colorful hearing aid. "This is a serious issue, and it's not just affecting me," he said. "It's still affecting people today." Eighty percent of premature babies who enter a neonatal intensive care units get antibiotics to prevent infections, Steyger said. If they're kept on them long enough, they can lose their hearing. "When a kid is born, if they're not treated with aminoglycosides and they have an infection, they can die within 12 hours," Steyger said. "That's why so many kids will get the drug." During the first 48 hours, a blood test is done to determine whether they have an infection. If not, they're taken off the drug, usually without consequences, he said. But if they have an infection, they're kept on the medication. "Once you start giving children drugs for more than five days, the chances of them getting hearing loss from the drug starts to increase dramatically," Steyger said. He estimates that 35,000 children a year nationwide suffer some degree of hearing loss because of the antibiotics. He hopes to find a way to block aminoglycides from entering the inner ear. "If we can stop them from crossing the barrier, we can preserve the hearing that we already have," Steyger said. "If we can preserve that that, it will be much better than any regeneration strategy that exists at present." *** Another researcher at the center, John Brigande, is focused on preventing deafness through treatments in the womb. Like Steyger, Brigande has profound hearing loss. He gradually lost hearing in his left ear from some unknown cause. By the time he was in college, he had to wear hearing aids. He ended up doing post-doctoral training with a hearing scientist at Purdue University in Indiana in an environment that accommodated his disability. His choice to focus on hearing was strategic, he said. "I expected that they would be more welcoming of a hearing-impaired person," said Brigande, 51. "The annual meetings would have captioning. They would have listening technologies. I thought that this would be an obvious, clear path to give me the best chance to communicate effectively." At OHSU, he's working with mice that are congenitally deaf. He's found a way to introduce a healthy gene into the inner ear while the animal is in the womb. When they're born, they can hear. "John's a superstar," Ashmore said. "That really is a technical discovery of the first order." Brigande wants to see his work benefit people. "I'm passionately committed to trying to make that happen," Brigande said. "I would love to be able to spare a child from growing up with hearing loss." Besides breaking new ground in the lab, Brigande has raised awareness about the need to accommodate students with hearing impairments on the campus. Together with Steyger, he's persuaded OHSU management to equip conference halls with assisted-listening devices. *** The center's director, Alfred Nuttall, 73, whose hearing loss started in his 40s, said their personal situations didn't influence the decision to hire Steyger, Brigande and Lina Reiss, who's 41 and another member of the department with severe hearing loss. Frederick Gallun, 45, originally hired by the VA Portland Health Care System, also conducts auditory research at the center and can hear out of only one ear. "Every scientist we have hired is based on the science that they're working on - not their hearing loss," Nuttall said. But having them all has turned out to be an advantage for the scientists. It creates camaraderie and boosts their confidence in their work. "It's very stimulating to be around a group with many deaf people," Reiss said. Her lab is trying to understand why some people with hybrid cochlear implants - which combine an implant with a hearing aid in the same ear - do well while others don't. Steyger, who has a traditional cochlear implant, takes a keen interest in her work, feeding her hypotheses to test. During his first six years at the center, Steyger was the only one with profound hearing loss. Now that he's not alone, he enjoys a sense of community. When he first arrived, he said he often wondered whether he was there as the token faculty member with hearing loss. Then OHSU hired Brigande, followed by Reiss. Today they all need hearing aids to do their ground-breaking work. "Our field's been redirected by these individuals," Stone said. "They've highlighted new questions. They've taken the research in new directions and that's influenced people to follow." -- Lynne Terry kristynawentzgraff1.jpeg (Kristyna Wentz-Graff) As the worst of times take shape in Donald Trump's America, Portland has some consolation: The worst of mayors will soon end his depressing siege of City Hall, clearing the way for Ted Wheeler. Fifteen long months ago, Charlie Hales abruptly quit his re-election effort, conceding that vigorous campaigning is as foreign to him as governing. When Hales vanished on his 44-foot sailboat even as police and Portland Parks officers launched September sweeps week on the Springwater Corridor, we had another signature shot of his priorities and commitment. He won't lead. He can't focus. He has long been poorly staffed and paralyzed by conflict and counter-protests. Growing smaller with each passing month, Hales rarely rose to the challenge of the office, whether it was his Nixonian response to the Harney County shooting by his police chief, or his tone-deaf reaction to the chaotic downtown protests following Trump's election. The latter even drew censure from the ACLU of Oregon: "We fully rebuke both your calls for the protests to end and your statement that protest cannot effect change in our democracy." Hales effected so little change. "So many people who go into politics are one-trick ponies," says Paul Anthony, a member of the Portland Public Schools Board and a long-time activist in North Portland. "Charlie was streetcars, obviously. I don't think Charlie knows Portland at all. His life's work is dedicated to creating the problems we have now: housing, gentrification, pushing out everyone who can't pay what the market can bear." Hales went out of his way not to involve Wheeler in these final months. He forced the new Portland police contract through council in a room closed off from protesters and with no input from the city's Independent Police Review division. "They never walked down the hall. They never asked to be included," sniffed Hales, celebrating his aloof isolation. Trust me, Wheeler isn't surprised. "I hear from people all over the community that they're not part of how decisions are made at City Hall," he says. "Decisions are made on their behalf and they're forced to live with the consequences. "My job is not to barricade myself in City Hall. My job is to be out in the community, doing my best to understand the perspective of people who are different than myself." The challenges facing Wheeler, who takes office Jan. 1, would have been formidable with a Democrat in the White House. With Donald Trump at the helm, or desperately searching for it, they are extraordinary. When we spoke shortly after the election, Wheeler noted, "It's amazing how a few weeks can change things. "Two weeks ago, this (job) was all about housing, the homeless and filling potholes. Now, we're talking about the rights of women, the rights of immigrants in America, the rights of the LBGTQ community. If this election shows anything, it shows those movements have stalled. "Trump didn't cause that problem. He exposed it. I don't think Donald Trump created sexism, racism, religious intolerance or xenophobia. All those things were already there, under the surface. Donald Trump pierced the boil." "As mayor of Portland," Wheeler adds, "my role is to be unequivocal about our values. This is a time where I don't think you can waffle. People are expecting decisive leadership. They're expecting me to take risks. They're expecting me to take the heat." They're expecting far more than they ever received from Charles Andrew Hales. Wheeler will be tested immediately by his bureau assignments. He needs to take command of both Housing and Portland Police, but he won't have time to handle both. Given the potential conflicts with the feds over sanctuary and immigration, he'll probably choose cops, even as critical housing issues swallow us whole. On similar battles that are bigger than the city - clean air and the economy - Wheeler must partner with, and motivate, Gov. Kate Brown, Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury and Metro President Tom Hughes. He needs to assure the private sector it can tender big ideas without taking the beating doled out to developer Homer Williams at Terminal 1. And count Williams among those who believe Wheeler could do worse than to model his approach after that of Vera Katz, Portland's mayor from 1992 through 2004. "You'll have conflict unless everyone knows you're not afraid of it," Williams says. "You need chutzpah," adds Sarah Iannarone, who finished third to Wheeler in May's mayoral primary. "You'll need to hold your ground on some unpopular things. You know who had no problem with that? Vera. There's something to be said for not wanting to be liked." -- Steve Duin stephen.b.duin@gmail.com BANNON3.JPG Steve Bannon, during a national security meeting with advisors at Trump Tower, in New York, in October. (AP Photo/File) By Ruth Marcus WASHINGTON -- To President-elect Donald Trump, Breitbart -- the racist, sexist and all-around offensive website once overseen by his campaign chairman and designated White House chief strategist Steve Bannon -- is "just a publication." Breitbart's editors and writers, Trump told The New York Times, "cover stories like you cover stories." Granted, Trump said, "they are certainly a much more conservative paper, to put it mildly, than The New York Times. But Breitbart really is a news organization that's become quite successful, and it's got readers and it does cover subjects that are on the right, but it covers subjects on the left also. I mean it's a pretty big, it's a pretty big thing. And he [Bannon] helped build it into a pretty successful news organization." Referring to Times publisher Arthur Sulzberger Jr., Trump observed, "I mean, I could say that Arthur is alt-right because they covered an alt-right story." No, no, no. The notion that Breitbart is "just a publication," like The New York Times but just several notches to the right, is untrue and unacceptable. There are any number of conservative publications and websites that would fit that description. Breitbart is something different entirely. That Trump would put it in the same category exposes both his failure to understand the role of the media and his failure to recognize -- or to care about -- the offensiveness of what Breitbart, under the Bannon regime, represents. We're going to hear the word "normalize" a lot during the Trump administration, and the risk is going to be exactly that, underreacting. Trump says and does so many outrageous things that it will be tempting for us to tire of calling them, and him, out. The job of opinion writers -- my job -- is to not let Trump define outrageousness down. So, Breitbart is racist. Two weeks after white supremacist Dylann Roof murdered nine African-Americans at a Charleston church -- after Trump's choice for U.N. ambassador, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, called for the Confederate flag's removal from the statehouse grounds -- Breitbart ran an article under the headline, "Hoist it high and proud: The Confederate flag proclaims a glorious heritage." The Confederacy, the article argued, "was not a callous conspiracy to enforce slavery, but a patriotic and idealistic cause for which 490,000 men were killed, wounded or taken captive." Breitbart is anti-Semitic. "Bill Kristol: Republican spoiler, renegade Jew," blared a May headline about the conservative's effort to launch a third-party candidate. A September article went out of its way to note the religious heritage of my colleague Anne Applebaum: "Hell hath no fury like a Polish, Jewish, American elitist scorned." Breitbart is anti-Muslim. Former Rep. Tom Tancredo inveighed in January against an "epidemic" of sexual assault by immigrants in Europe, which he blamed on "Islam's rape culture" that "could be coming to a town near you all too soon." Anti-Muslim activist Pamela Geller has lamented "the devastation that the Muslim migrant influx is bringing to American communities." Breitbart is misogynist. "Birth control makes women unattractive and crazy" was the headline on an article last December by one of the site's most offensive writers, Milo Yiannopoulos. And what should the pill be replaced with? "Nothing. We need the kids if we're to breed enough to keep the Muslim invaders at bay." "The solution to online 'harassment' is simple: women should log off," Yiannopoulos advised in July. Women, he suggested, "could go back to bridge tournaments, or wellness workshops, or swapping apple crumble recipes, or whatever it is women do in their spare time." Breitbart is all-around offensive and irresponsible. As to offensive, consider last year's "Gabby Giffords, the gun control movement's human shield." As to irresponsible, consider June's "Roger Stone: Huma Abedin 'Most Likely a Saudi Spy' with 'Deep, Inarguable Connections' to 'Global Terrorist Entity.'" That piece about Hillary Clinton's top aide stemmed from an interview that Stone, a Trump adviser, did with Bannon, not yet an official Trump adviser. Trump assured the Times that he condemns white supremacist Richard Spencer's National Policy Institute, which greeted the election with cheers of "Hail Trump, hail our people, hail victory!" Breitbart has mildly described Spencer as one of the "intellectuals" of the alt-right movement and noted that his previous forum, alternativeright.com, was "accused of racism." Accused of racism? This is a man who has advocated for creation of a "white ethno-state on the North American continent." Breitbart isn't "just a publication." It's a pestilence -- one whose repugnant views Trump has invited into his White House. Ruth Marcus' email address is ruthmarcuswashpost.com. (c) 2016, Washington Post Writers Group TRUMP NYT.JPG President-elect Donald Trump, left, and New York Times Publisher Arthur Sulzberger Jr., right, appear during a meeting at The New York Times earlier this week. (AP Photo) By Callum Borchers Hours after he canceled a meeting with The New York Times and tweeted that the "failing" newspaper's coverage is too "nasty," President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday attended the session after all and said, "I'd like to turn it around." On Wednesday, The Times' editorial board wrote that "it was good to hear him even call The New York Times a 'great, great American jewel.' " Sounds like the beginning of a new era of civility. It probably isn't. The full message of the Times' editorial is that the newspaper is open-minded but still highly skeptical of Trump. And Trump does not appreciate skepticism. As The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza wrote on Tuesday: "The idea of the media as the intermediary between Trump and the public - reporting on and analyzing his proposals, contextualizing his statements, fact-checking him (and the Democratic politicians opposing him) - is totally lost on him. The media is to be judged solely on whether or not they, collectively, are being nice to the president." So Trump will like this part of The Times' editorial: "Hey, if President-elect Trump moderates his views, and then crystallizes those views in policies that, as he put it, 'save our country,' we will commend him on growth in office." He might also like this part: "We would applaud any sensible change of position, however arrived at." But he will hate the final paragraph: "Ronald Reagan used to say that in dealing with the Soviet Union, the right approach was to 'trust, but verify.' For now, that's also the right approach to take with Mr. Trump. Except, regrettably, for the trust part." In other words, The Times - like other news outlets - is not going to take Trump's statements at face value when he is in office. The paper will demand evidence, challenge claims and scrutinize proposals. Trump won't like it. We know this because in the past that sort of coverage has resulted in tweets like these. Trump tweeted: Wow, the @nytimes is losing thousands of subscribers because of their very poor and highly inaccurate coverage of the "Trump phenomena" The failing @nytimes story is so totally wrong on transition. It is going so smoothly. Also, I have spoken to many foreign leaders. I have recieved and taken calls from many foreign leaders despite what the failing @nytimes said. Russia, U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and more. I am always available to them. @nytimes is just upset that they looked like fools in their coverage of me. When Trump said he wants to "turn it around," he meant that he wants The Times to ease up. He did not mean that he wants to develop a fuller appreciation of the role of a free press in a democratic society. He is, after all, an incoming president who made weakening libel protections for journalists part of his campaign platform. Pleasantries aside, there is little evidence that Trump's view of the media will change, nor is there any reason to think New York Times coverage will change. So don't expect a testy relationship to change, either. (c) 2016, The Washington Post Callum Borchers is a staff reporter for The Washington Post. BANKING.JPG The Old Opera house, in Frankfurt, Germany, where the European Banking Congress takes place. (AP Photo) By Leonid Bershidsky The U.S. may have gone too far in pushing the European banking industry to play by American rules. Justified or not, these efforts are causing a protectionist pushback that probably won't do global finance any good. European banks have been losing market share to U.S. ones, especially in investment banking, for years. Today, U.S. financial institutions are responsible for more than half of global investment banking revenue, leaving European Union-based ones with less than a third; in 2006, their shares were 49 percent and 42 percent, respectively. Much of the realignment has occurred in the European market, where U.S. banks have almost caught up with the locals. In part, this was the natural consequence of regulation that aimed to restore the balance between the size of banks and the national economies that they serve. The U.S. is far bigger than any European nation, so it can sustain bigger banks. The EU is not a country; despite recent efforts to unify the regulation of big banks, national banking systems are still, to a large extent, separate. In recent years, however, the U.S. has also been deliberately tough on foreign banks. In 2014, it introduced new rules for foreign lenders, requiring them to capitalize their U.S. subsidiaries separately so that American regulators could essentially oversee them as separate entities. The oversight by various U.S. regulators has been a heavy burden: According to Corlytics, which maintains a database of regulatory fines, EU-based banks were fined a total of $32 billion between 2009 and 2015, about 20 percent of all fines imposed on banks. The EU has not demanded that U.S. banks ring-fence their European operations, and the U.K., Europe's biggest financial market, has only fined U.S. lenders $1 billion between 2009 and 2015. But more recently European patience seems to have worn thin. The U.S. Justice Department's intention to fine Deutsche Bank $14 billion and a recent push for tougher capital requirements under the Basel framework of international banking rules -- spearheaded by U.S. regulators such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's Thomas Hoenig -- appear to have pushed the Europeans over the limit. At the end of this month, the Basel Committee is expected to discuss new rules that would restrict banks' use of internal risk models -- a device that has allowed European banks to pretend their assets are low-risk and maintain a lower capitalization level than their U.S. competitors. Taken at face value, this is an indefensible practice. European banks hold far more non-performing loans in their portfolios than U.S. ones -- on average, slightly less than 6 percent compared with less than 2 percent. Yet if a level playing field with the U.S. competition forces the European banks to raise more capital, they don't want a level playing field. Deutsche Bank is at the forefront of the counterattack. At a banking conference in Frankfurt last week, its chief executive officer John Cryan said the new rules only benefited U.S. banks. "I think it's about time that Europe started introducing rules that benefited Europe and didn't play to some policy of global harmonization that sounds good on paper but is not relevant to anything," he added. EU bureaucrats agree. On Monday, Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Commissioner for finance, told the European Parliament that the Basel Committee would do well to "find a solution which would not unduly weigh on the financing of the broader economy in Europe" and "put our banks at a disadvantage compared to our global competitors." The continent's finance industry, he said, had certain "specificities" that needed to be respected in order not to stymie growth. Among these is the fact that European banks hold more mortgages than U.S. banks, which can sell theirs to government agencies, helping them reduce their portfolio risks. Behind the polite wording is the possibility that the EU simply would simply refuse to enact the new rules. On Monday, the rating agency Fitch warned that insistence on tougher rules might lead to divergence in banking standards in the U.S. and the EU -- unless a compromise is achieved. In parallel to this dispute, the EU has reportedly included a requirement for U.S. banks to capitalize their European operations separately -- a direct response to the 2014 U.S. measure -- in a financial reform package that Dombrovskis is scheduled to present on Wednesday. The European threat is somewhat asymmetrical to the U.S. requirement because of Brexit: U.S. banks potentially face two different supervisors in Europe, one in the U.K. and the other in the E.U., which might force them to maintain separate, fully capitalized entities in both jurisdictions. European regulators know this would be a hostile move, but the escalation is still avoidable. Donald Trump's election and the expected weakening of bank regulation, while it might be a step backward from the achievements of the post-crisis years, could help the U.S. avoid a direct confrontation with the EU. "U.S. regulators' bargaining power in global discussions over tougher capital requirements could be undermined should President-elect Trump follow through with plans to halt further financial regulation," Bloomberg Intelligence analysts Jonathan Tyce and Arjun Bowry wrote. "Under such a scenario, European banks are likely to be the major beneficiaries." Forcing banks to maintain high capital levels and keeping them to the highest integrity standards are noble missions. As U.S. regulators pursue them, however, they need to keep the international politics in mind. To Europeans, giving up their market to U.S. banks -- the way they've allowed U.S. tech companies to take over -- is not an attractive option. Continuing to push them is hardly the most productive approach from Washington. (c) 2016, Bloomberg View Leonid Bershidsky, a Bloomberg View contributor, is a Berlin-based writer. Egypt and Jordan concluded on Friday joint military drills which began early this month in southern Jordan, state owned MENA agency reported. Egyptian and Jordanian naval, air, ground and special armed forces participated in the drills, known as Aqaba 2016. The last stage of exercises included several unorthodox combat activities for counterterrorism, including fighting inside built-up areas, performing raids and rescuing hostages. The drills also included combing operations and training to identify and dismantle ground mines. Aqaba 2016 involved deployment of air forces to practice area monitoring and reconnaissance on enemy targets. Air forces also performed operations for Egyptian and Jordanian paratroopers to encircle targets and inform main forces on how to engage. Head of Military Exercises of the Egyptian Army Ahmed Wasfy emphasised Egypts keenness for a continued cooperation with the Jordanian army, praising the outstanding competence of the forces participating. His Jordanian counterpart, Mesleh El-Moyata, voiced his appreciation for the capabilities shown by both countries' forces, adding that the exercises aim to protect both Egyptian and Jordanian security. Jordan is the latest country that Egypt has carried out joint military exercises with in 2016. Egypt has carried out 30 joint military exercises in 2016 with 20 Arab and African countries, as well as European countries including France and Russia. Search Keywords: Short link: ip.jazz2.jpg North Portland's Albina District was a hub for factories that emitted pollution into one of the few Portland neighborhoods where African Americans were allowed to live early in the 20th century. The district's heart, at North Williams and Russell Street (shown in 1962), was wiped out by planned construction of Interstate-5, the Memorial Coliseum and Emanuel Hospital. Williams and Russell streets, shown here in 1962, were at the heart of Portland's Albina district, the home of numerous jazz clubs. The district was wiped out by construction of I-5, the Memorial Coliseum and a plan to expand Emanuel Hospital that ran out of money after the land was cleared. (Oregon Historical Socie) Steven C. Beda Although the recent proposal for Oregon secession has been withdrawn, talk of an independent Pacific Coast is alive and well. #Calexit remains a popular Twitter tag. British Columbians are inviting Northwesterners to join them in a new West Coast nation on Facebook. Secession talk has a long history in the Northwest. It's unclear just how serious any of this talk is. Still, secession proposals, both past and present, speak to a persistent belief in our regional culture: we in the Northwest are different. We value nature, we value diversity, and you other regions don't. For many, this seems truer today than ever before. This Northwest exceptionalism is especially strong in Portland, a city so committed to environmentalism that it can look absurd, as every Portlandia viewer knows. The same cannot be said about Portland's commitment to diversity. Many Portlanders acknowledge their city's history of segregation, but, they say, that's all in the past, we're more enlightened now. Not quite. Many environmental policies that Portlanders are proud of continue to perpetuate racial inequities. Until Portlanders reckon with the city's recent history of environmental racism, they can hardly claim to be exceptional. Much Northwest exceptionalism has its roots in 1975, when Ernest Callenbach published a utopian novel, Ecotopia. Callenbach imagined a future in which the West Coast had seceded and created a new ecologically-minded nation, Ecotopia. There, loggers planted two trees for every one they cut down. Cars were replaced by "electric traction units." Ecotopians created a "stable state economy" and did away with polluting industries. Few actually read the book, but the idea of the Northwest as Ecotopia became part of popular political discourse. The 1970s, after all, was a dynamic decade for Northwest environmentalism. Oregon governor Tom McCall was enacting path-breaking conservationist policies. The region appeared to be leading the nation into an ecological future. If the Northwest was becoming Ecotopia, Portland was its capital. Unlike the fictional Ecotopia, city planners couldn't do away with industry. They could, however, concentrate polluting factories in North Portland. Sure, that corner of the city would become hopelessly polluted, but most of the city would be toxin-free. Most of the city would be Ecotopia. Here, it's worth noting that people of color did not live in Callenbach's imagined world. They'd all left Ecotopia of their own accord. This makes Callenbach's utopian fantasy a vision of the future in which only whites benefit from environmentalism. Portland's real-life Ecotopia isn't much different. The decision to concentrate pollution in North Portland, far from white communities, was not arbitrary. Rather, North Portland became the city's industrial dumping ground because that's where black people lived. For much of the twentieth century, city covenants dictated where racial minorities could settle. One of the few areas open to non-whites was North Portland's Albina neighborhood. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, African Americans transformed Albina into a vibrant center of black life and culture. The neighborhood faced challenges, however, in 1948, when a massive flood wiped out the nearby community of Vanport, home to thousands of African American war industry workers. The influx of Vanport's homeless overwhelmed Albina. Apartment complexes became crowded. Garbage piled up in the streets. Albina's residents did their best to maintain their community. But for many whites, the garbage piling up confirmed racist stereotypes that African Americans didn't care for their neighborhoods. Whites came to see Albina as an environmental lost cause - in short, an ideal place to locate polluting industries. Share your opinion Submit your essay of 700 words or less to commentary@oregonlive.com. Please include your email and phone number for verification. For African Americans confined to Albina, first by racial covenants, then by informal patterns of segregation, Portland was hardly Ecotopia. The pollution funneled to their neighborhood created a wide range of health problems, from asthma to cancers. This history continues to shape Portland. Many of North Portland's factories are gone, but the pollution remains. And because it's polluted, North Portland has remained affordable, making it one of few neighborhoods in the city open to people affected by economic oppression. Whites point to North Portland as an example of the city's diversity, ignoring that those communities don't share equitably in Portland's quality of life. Until we in Oregon deal this history, we cannot hold up our brand of environmentalism as exceptional. Nor can we claim a more enlightened view of diversity. Until we recognize the right of all people to live in a toxic-free environment, our Ecotopia will remain more dystopian. Steven C. Beda teaches Pacific Northwest history and environmental history at the University of Oregon in Eugene. Naji was first referred to a misdemeanor court in November 2015, cleared of all charges, though later prosecuted upon appeal 'Egypt Art on Trial' campaign called on Friday for a blogging campaign in solidarity with jailed writer Ahmed Naji. The campaign comes just one day before Bulaq Abu El-Aila Misdemeanour court will hear on Saturday the third defence's motion for a stay of the two year sentence issued against Naji for his novel "Use of Life." A statement on Facebook from the campaign says that it is "against the existence of such a charge as breaching public modesty, and that article 178 of criminal law restricts the freedom of writing and creativity, contradicts the Egyptian constitution and should be amended. Naji's defence team has already filed two motions to suspend the implementation of the sentence in the case in July and August though they were both overruled. Also, in late April, Naji's defence team also filed an appeal before the Court of Cassation, yet a court session has not been set. The campaign also called on its Facebook page for "all writers, journalists, human rights lawyers and those interested in freedom of expression and creativity to attend the court session," on Saturday as form of solidarity. Naji was handed a two-year prison sentence in February by a North Cairo appeals court for publishing a sexually flagrant article in the state-owned cultural newspaper Akhbar Al-Adab. The prosecutor accused Naji of publishing a "flagrantly erotic article in which the charged writer published a text that spewed sexual lust and transient pleasures, using his mind and pen to violate public decency and good morals, inciting promiscuity." Naji was first referred to the misdemeanor court in November 2015 and was cleared of all charges in January 2016. However, the verdict was appealed by the prosecutor which resulted in the two-year sentence for Naji. The initial decision to refer Naji to court came after one of the newspaper's readers, known as Hani Saleh Tawfik, filed a legal complaint claiming that the text in question caused him to experience heart palpitations and an extreme feeling of sickness along with a sharp drop in blood pressure, due to the indecency of the text. Search Keywords: Short link: Iran's President Hassan Rouhani called for tougher action by the Iraqi government on Friday after a jihadist suicide bombing killed at least 70 people, most of them Iranian pilgrims. Thursday's huge truck bomb blast, claimed by the Islamic State group, ripped through a petrol station south of Baghdad where buses packed with pilgrims returning from the Shiite shrine city of Karbala were parked. "I strongly request the Iraqi government to deal more resolutely with the perpetrators of such inhumane acts," Rouhani said in a message published by the official IRNA news agency. "The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to wage an all-out fight against terrorists and extremists, and is confident that with unity and solidarity from the people of Iraq, we shall soon witness its final victory." Thursday's bombing in Babylon province came as Iraqi forces mount a huge assault on IS bastion Mosul with support from Iran as well as a US-led coalition. Fewer than 10 of the dead were Iraqis, the head of the provincial security committee, Falah al-Radhi, told AFP. All of the rest were Iranians. They were returning from commemorations for Arbaeen, one of the world's largest religious events, which culminated on Monday. Up to 20 million pilgrims visited Karbala for Arbaeen this year, around three million of them Iranians, according to Iraqi officials. Search Keywords: Short link: Michigan State Police and Kroger partnered to provide Thanksgiving dinners to 100 Michigan families. Ten Kroger stores in Michigan donated the food for local families identified by state police community service troopers. The Michigan State Police is thankful to be able to work closely with Kroger to provide impactful community programs that benefit our citizens, Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP, stated in a media release. With Krogers support, Troopers will be engaged in several community activities throughout this holiday season. Participating MSP posts included Lansing, Jackson, Monroe, Brighton, Metro North, Metro South, Flint, Lapeer, Tri-City and Mount Pleasant. Were very excited to continue our partnership with the Michigan State Police through this Thanksgiving meal donation program, said Rachel Hurst, consumer affairs manager for Kroger. As the largest grocer in the state, we are committed to serving Michigan residents. This program, and our relationship with MSP, allows us to continue our fight against hunger in the state, and also helps community members build stronger relationships with police. Each meal included a turkey and traditional sides to feed a family of six to eight. October was recognized as National Dyslexia Awareness Month, so it was fitting that Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed the third grade reading bill into law last month While this law has generated a lot of controversy, it has focused attention on a problem in our state that needs to be resolved for the benefit of hundreds of students in our schools. Reading is fundamental to success, yet countless children sit in classrooms around the state feeling frustrated and confused because of an inability to read. As teachers, parents, professionals and politicians across the state, we need to come together and find solutions for these students. The third grade reading bill that was signed into law on Oct. 6, 2016, goes a long way toward helping every student in Michigan become a successful reader. Many have focused on the retention part of this law, and in doing so have missed the greater elements of the law. There are two key aspects that have the potential to revolutionize our schools. The first key involves early screening for students including a component of phonological awareness. Phonological awareness is the ability to manipulate sounds within words, like finding two words that rhyme, and it is the number one predictor of reading success. Children can be identified with potential to struggle in reading as early as kindergarten before they have even begun to know the frustration of being behind. The earlier a child is identified, the earlier interventions can be implemented to ensure success in reading. Not all reading interventions are successful for students who struggle with reading. That is why the state has addressed this in the law. The majority of students labeled with a Specific Learning Disability, and many more not identified, have a language based disorder known as dyslexia. For these students reading is a frustrating and insurmountable task unless it is introduced in a way that makes sense for their brain. Research and years of practice have proven that a multisensory, structured, sequential language program is the best approach for these students. This type of instruction improves the understanding of language and reading for all students. With this in mind, thanks to an amendment added at our request by state Rep. Gary Glenn of Midland, the third grade reading law states that any child who is behind in reading will have a multisensory, structured, sequential language program in place to improve their reading skills. This is for all students pre-kindergarten through third grade that are behind. With that in place for students in the early grades, third-graders can be reading at grade level. As a certified special education teacher, I have struggled to help students who cannot read. But as the mother of a child with dyslexia, I have had a front row seat to see the devastation and negative impact on a child who struggles to read in the classroom. Ten years ago when my son was diagnosed with dyslexia, I was desperate to find help for him. I found an organization that tutored students with dyslexia using a multisensory, structured, sequential language program. I was trained as a tutor and my son went through the program. It has changed his life and his opportunities. As a tutor and now as director of the Childrens Dyslexia Center in Bay City, I have had the privilege of helping dozens of students become successful readers. I am excited to be a part of helping teachers and school districts across this state improve the reading experience for thousands of students. We have the opportunity to change lives as this law is implemented throughout Michigan. Nancy Williams is director of the Childrens Dyslexia Center in Bay City. Alethia Church in Colorado Springs partners with city police department to sponsor officer safety. On the morning of Nov. 27, 2015, an armed man attacked a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado, injuring five officers and killing one. They were up against a threat that they did not have physical protections against a rifle round, says Officer Jake Skifstad, a 12-year veteran of the Colorado Springs Police Department. That fateful day gave Skifstad a sense of urgency to equip his fellow officers with active shooter gearsomething that is not standard issue, even during a time of great hostility toward law enforcement. He immediately ramped up efforts, partnering with his church, Alethia, to raise support for the burgeoning ministry. The ministrys nameShield616is inspired by Ephesians 6:16, underscoring their desire to provide officers with physical and spiritual protectionthe shield of faith. The verse is sewn into the front panel of each donated vest. Caring for the officers practical needs can impact their hearts and their families, says Alethia missions pastor, Adam Peek. The church, which averages 200 weekly attendees, raised more than $15,000 for the ministry within the first six months of its launch, allowing for seed money as well as equipment for 15 officers. Through sponsor giving, Shield616 provides $1,000 worth of gear to each officer, including a plate carrier vest, a ballistic helmet, rifle-rated armor, safety glasses, a gunshot-wound trauma kit, a gas mask carrier and a monocular for viewing threats from a distance. In addition, sponsors are encouraged to meet with and pray for the officer. Skifstads vision for the ministry goes beyond Colorado Springs. Anyone, anywhere in the country can join this programwe connect officers with local believers who can hopefully plug them into a church, he says. They need gear today, but they also need Jesus today. Find more ways to serve your community A group of suspected extremists arrested last weekend in France were supporters of Islamic State group, who were preparing an attack in the Paris area that was being directed from "the Iraqi-Syrian region," a prosecutor said Friday. Public prosecutor Francois Molins said police had found automatic weapons after raids in Strasbourg and Marseille and the group was planning to strike in the Paris area on December 1. Search Keywords: Short link: As soon as the familiar twinkly score starts up and the eerie blue Warner Brothers logo appears on screen before Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, youre transported back to that oh-so-familiar magical world spun by the keys of J.K. Rowling. It feels like plunging into a bath. But its definitely not all-too-familiar there isnt a butterbeer or an owl in sight. Fantastic Beasts is Harry Potter with adults, with the added pizzazz of all the salacious trappings of 1926 Jazz Age New York to spice up the style. Our hero is a tousle-haired, stoop-shouldered ginger from the fair isle of Britain, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). He arrives in New York City the way many of the immigrants who made this country great did, through Ellis Island. But the one shady thing he smuggles through customs is a battered suitcase that growls, hisses and rattles. Those would be the fantastic beasts with which the film is concerned theyre outlawed in the U.S. magical world, which is strictly kept secret from the No-Majs (aka Muggles). But Newt is a gentle soul, a caretaker and freethinker who believes in the power and good of all creatures treated with respect and love. Hes in New York only a few minutes before he happens upon an anti-witch doomsday cult preaching of a Second Salem, and loses several of his beasts into the city. The roundup of the animals allows for Newt to convince skeptical Magical Congress auror Tina (Katherine Waterston) of the creatures usefulness just in time to battle a monstrous and deadly force wreaking havoc on the cobblestone streets, threatening the wizards cover. Potter helmer David Yates once again takes the reins on Beasts and he spins darkly gorgeous, equally divine and grotesque images imbued with Prohibition Era old-fashioned flapper glamour. The film is a marvel to behold, even when it descends into the very 2016 trend of destroying a major city with an apocalyptic dust cloud. Beasts plunges us into this fresh magical world populated by actual grown ups gangsters, babes and bakers and this extra edge of sexy urban grime proves to be an intoxicating addition to the Potterverse. Youll immediately crave more, and the world Rowling creates is both richly rendered and just the tip of the iceberg. Redmayne is bashfully charming as Newt, giving a typically excellent physical performance as a shy man more comfortable around creatures than humans. Hes balanced by Dan Fogler as Kowalski, his jovial local No-Maj pal, Waterston as the Hepburn-esque gal with moxie, and an ethereal Alison Sudol as Tinas sensual sister Queenie. The rest of the cast features scene-stealers Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton and Ezra Miller as the most complicated creatures of all. Fantastic Beasts is transporting, but its themes are far from escapist. Its a film about immigrants who might seem foreign, with different values and ideas, but who just might save us from ourselves. Its about the power of whispering rather than shouting; tenderness and love erasing violence and terror. Its about embracing, not suppressing, ones unique qualities in order to hone them into talent and skill. Newt Scamander is indeed the hero who we need right now, and Rowling is the storyteller we need now more than ever. BLOOMINGTON Kurt Benckendorf and Jason Bramley are connected by family (Kurt is Jason's father-in-law) and a love of smack talk. Oh, and Kurt has one of Jason's kidneys. The one that saved Kurt's life. "I already didn't like him," Kurt said when asked why he wanted Jason to give up a kidney. "Yeah, but now I'm the favorite son-in-law," Jason shot back across the kitchen table of the Bramley family home southeast of Bloomington. Beneath the teasing is a desire to do the right thing, love of family and faith in God. "We have fun teasing each other," Kurt, 63, of Bloomington, said as he glanced at his 32-year-old son-in-law. "But he really wanted to do this for me. That's very special." Learning from their experience, Kurt and Jason want to advocate for organ donation, especially donation of kidneys from living donors. Most people have two kidneys but healthy people can live with one. "It was an easy experience," Jason said. "I would say anybody who is healthy enough to donate a kidney should do it." "People don't realize what they are giving someone. It's a very wonderful thing," Kurt said, with tears welling up in his eyes. "I know," he continued. "I have experienced both sides of it. And both times, it was a wonderful experience." Kurt has been both a kidney transplant donor and a kidney transplant recipient. Twelve years ago, in 2004, he donated a kidney to an older brother, Roger. That donation gave Roger another seven years of life before he died of unrelated causes. "I did it out of love," Kurt said. Roger experienced kidney failure because of IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease. When he needed a transplant, Kurt volunteered. "My brother was so jovial and so much fun," Kurt explained. "I wanted him to last a while." The transplant happened in 2004 at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals. "It went good for him," Kurt said. "He got seven years out of that kidney before he died" of an unrelated condition. For Kurt, the procedure was "relatively easy... It took me four weeks to feel back to normal and I returned to work." But shortly afterward, testing revealed that Kurt had stage 3 kidney disease. "I didn't have kidney disease before I donated," meaning Roger wasn't affected, Kurt said. Why Kurt got kidney disease wasn't known. Several years later, he was diagnosed with glomerulonephritis, which injures the part of the kidneys that filter blood. "They don't know why I got it. It's not the same disease as Roger's but they think there's a genetic link," Kurt said. Kurt maintained a healthy lifestyle to extend his kidney function. But, gradually, it deteriorated. Kurt knew that eventually he would need a kidney transplant and began to do research. He came across a stem cell transplant study at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. The goal of the study is to reduce anti-rejection medicine that organ transplant recipients have to take for the rest of their lives. The medicines help bodies to accept the transplanted organ but prolonged use can result in high blood pressure, diabetes, infection, heart disease and cancer. Under the study, kidney transplant living donors not only give up one of their kidneys but bone marrow stem cells are collected from their blood. About a month before the kidney transplant, the stem cells are collected in a process similar to apheresis blood platelet donation. The organ recipient undergoes radiation and chemotherapy to suppress the bone marrow so the donor's stem cells have space to grow in the body. One day after the kidney transplant, donor stem cells are transplanted. The goal is for the recipient's immune system to think the donated organ is part of the patient's natural self, reducing the need for anti-rejection medicine. Kurt was interested but, to get into the study, he needed a healthy living donor with a matching blood type. His sister-in-law, Fran Benckendorf, agreed to donate but, during testing, it was discovered that she had ovarian cancer. "Being generous to him (Kurt) saved her life," said Kara Bramley, Kurt's daughter and Jason's wife. "She finished (cancer) treatments three months ago and is doing good," Kurt said. Next Kurt asked other family members but all were disqualified for various reasons. "In 2012, I expressed interest but I was in line with 12 other people so I figured I was off the hook," Jason said, reflecting his sense of humor. "So now (earlier this year), he takes me to a buffet where it's noisy and my mouth is full of food and he says 'Hey, would you give me a kidney? It says something in the Bible about doing something for people.' And I'm thinking, 'if you're gonna sell this, at least cite a verse.' "But he was all misty-eyed, so I agreed," Jason said, smiling. Turning serious, Jason said he did it to protect his wife. "I didn't want her or someone else to have to go through it." "I was elated but concerned," Kurt admitted. "What if his kids need a kidney later?" Jason and Kara have four children ranging from age 1 to 11 with another baby due in March. In addition, Jason was opening an independent insurance agency, MBI Insurance in Bloomington. "I didn't want him to do it," Kara admitted. "He's the sole provider of our family. What if our boys needed a kidney? But ultimately it was Jason's decision. It's his body. I supported him. It was a trust-in-God situation." "I told him (Jason) 'I don't know if I should take it from you,'" Kurt recalled. Jason said "I told him 'We're all created in the image and likeness of God so if you don't want it, I'll give it to someone else' and he said 'Well, I'll take it then.'" Jason passed a battery of physical and psychological tests and was approved for the transplant. The Bramleys discovered that if their sons inherited a kidney disease and needed a transplant, that wouldn't happen until they were in their 50s, meaning Jason would be too old to donate a kidney to them anyway. "That made me feel more comfortable," Kara said. Unfortunately, the stem cell transplant study had stopped accepting new participants but Jason and Kurt decided to go ahead with the organ transplant anyway. Meanwhile, Kurt found out about another study in which his own stem cells could be used. So, in August, he had some T-cells removed from his blood and saved. "If this study works, I'm hoping that in 2021, they (T-cells) can be injected back into me and I wouldn't need to take anti-rejection medicine anymore," Kurt said. On Aug. 22, the transplant happened at Northwestern. The procedures went well. Jason was discharged from the hospital the next day and is on no medicine. "After two weeks, I felt good to go and returned to work," he said. "We laid on the couch for two weeks," Jason said of himself and Kurt. "She (Kara) dealt with everything." "Now that it's over, I'm happy he did it," Kara said. Kurt feels the best he's felt in several years. He takes 11 medicines a day but hopes to be off anti-rejection medicine in 2021. Kurt's goals are to help Jason with his business and watch his grandchildren grow up. He and Jason want to promote organ donation, particularly kidney donation by healthy, living donors. "I would recommend that more people do it," Kara said. "It's the right thing to do,'" Jason said. "I even named my kidney Baby Jason," Kurt said. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed the conflict in Syria and attacks on Turkish troops there in a phone call on Friday, sources in Erdogan's office said. Three Turkish soldiers were killed and ten wounded near the Syrian city of al-Bab in an air strike thought to have been carried out by Syrian government forces on Thursday, the Turkish military said. Russia is among the main backers of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Erdogan told Putin that Turkey respected Syria's territorial integrity and that an incursion launched in August to drive Islamic State (IS) militants from the border is evidence of Ankara's determination in fighting militant groups. Both leaders agreed on stepping up efforts to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Syria's Aleppo, the sources said. Search Keywords: Short link: BLOOMINGTON Reddy Akkala took advantage of Black Friday sales early on Thanksgiving Day to get some bargain shopping out of the way before sitting down for a holiday meal with his family. "I wanted to buy an iPad," said Akkala, of Bloomington, who found one at Meijer, 1900 E. College Ave., which opened at 6 a.m. Thursday. But Akkala waited until around noon to go to the store, and there was no crowd then. "Actually, two or three years back we used to come and stand in line, but not now," he said. After finding what he came for at a "good price," Akkala planned to go straight home to enjoy a turkey dinner with his family. "I wasn't here, but supposedly earlier there was a rush. It was a short rush," Meijer employee Brody Davidson said as he rounded up shopping carts in the parking lot. Davidson, 19, didn't mind having to work even though it was Thanksgiving Day and he had a long way to walk to work. "I live over by the Starplex movie theaters so it's like an hour-long walk," he said. His parents live in Indiana so he wouldn't have been able to celebrate the holiday with them, anyway. When he got off work at 3:30 p.m., Davidson planned to share a Thanksgiving meal with his uncles and cousins. Thursday was the first time Sandeep Kintali took advantage of the "Thanksgiving deals" he had heard so much about. He came out of the J.C. Penney store at Eastland Mall with both hands full of shopping bags. After he got those into his car, he headed back to the store to help his wife carry out her bags. "Really, I got good deals and I am happy for that," said Kintali, who moved to Bloomington from India within the past year. "The thing that was not recognized was it was very cold today so I had to stand in line for about 45 minutes before I got in." The store quickly became very crowded when the doors opened at 3 p.m. "There were huge lines at the register to pay the bill. It was worth the wait," Kintali said. "I came looking for a rice cooker. I got what I was looking for, but you can see there were many more things I got. If I come with my wife, I need to pick out whatever she likes." About an hour before Best Buy opened at 5 p.m., Nick Von Holten of Bloomington was first in a line of about 50 or more people outside the store. When he got there at 1:30 p.m., there were many others in front of him. "There were people who camped overnight," said Von Holten. They and others left after store workers handed out coupons guaranteeing merchandise they wanted to buy would be reserved for them. In Von Holten's case, it was a 50-inch Toshiba TV. He stayed in the line to reserve space for friend Dean Jordan, who left for some coffee. The store hadn't offered coupons for the TV model that Jordan wanted to buy. Edith Perry of Bloomington arrived about 2 p.m. "I am freezing," she said. "I am actually doing this for my son. He wants the Nintendo DS. I am freezing out here while he is in the warm car over there." But she was OK with that. "I've got my blanket. I've got my chairs. I've got my pillows. I'm good." Cheers ... to all the cooks in all the families and restaurants and shelters who helped make Thanksgiving Day so special. Whether you baked rolls or basted a turkey, made jello or spinach salad, mashed the spuds or made the pie, opened a jar of olives or just stayed out of the way your contributions helped make your group's gathering very special. Now, grab a turkey sandwich, some of those crispy onions, a few bottles of Pepto and watch the parade. Cheers ... to the organizers, volunteers and decorators who made last week's Festival of Trees fundraiser another success. The annual event, with decorated trees and wreaths, play areas and gingerbread people, benefits The Baby Fold of Normal. The agency has provided a wide range of services to families for more than 100 years. Cheers ... to the city of Eureka, for its plans on Saturday to honor hometown hero Ben Zobrist, who the rest of the world knows as the World Series' Most Valuable Player. Root, root, root for the home team ... the Chicago Cubs! The fun starts at 3 p.m. at Upper Eureka Lake Park. Cheers ... to The Salvation Army of McLean County for its annual fundraising campaign that got underway last week. The annual mail-in and Red Kettle campaign raises the bulk of the Salvation Army's funds for the year. This year's goal is $490,000. Anything from a big check to a dime is appreciated, because all donations matter. And if you happen to drop a gold coin or diamond ring into a kettle, the agency thanks you in advance. Cheers ... to St. Luke Union Church of Bloomington for its new $1.1 million addition, which adds accessibility and improves safety for church members and visitors. The 3,600-square-foot addition includes larger restrooms, a covered handicap-accessible entrance, a new elevator, a nursery, a new kitchen and classroom space. Cheers ... to GOYA Ministries, which is raising money on Dec. 6 to build a new orphanage and church in Kenya. The fundraiser will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, 600 N. East St., Tickets are $25 per person at GOYAGiveHope2016.eventbrite.com. Cheers ... to Jon Korsgard and Alexander Steenbergen, who won the grand prize in the ISU Startup Showcase sponsored by the George and Martha Means Center for Entrepreneurial Studies. The pair produces custom candles. Other finalists were Ryan Long for Quick List Handyman; Kevin Evans, Daniel Bevan and Derrick Griggin for Binapro; and Febin Chirayath for Jollychest. Reminder ... it's been a busy November. If you forgot to replace the batteries in your smoke detector or carbon-monoxide detector, do it today. It's a good idea to replace the batteries when we change clocks in fall and spring. Elderly abuse in the form of fake love scams is targeting senior citizens. States are getting worried as the number of these incidents are rapidly increasing! In a recent report by CBS Chicago, a senior man who has dementia has been a victim of a fake love scam. Aloysius Mack, 92-years old, was approached by a woman in his neighborhood McDonald's. Their meeting eventually ended with Mack getting tricked into marrying the woman, Sophie Miller. Besides deceiving Mack into marrying her, Sophie Miller asked Mack to buy her a van and laundromat all worth around 120,000 dollars. Worst yet, the woman convinced Mack to change his will so the Miller can inherit his $260,000 home. Aloysius Mack blames himself for being a sitting duck to Sophie Miller's fake love scam. Mack laments, "And the worst thing of all, she stole my hard-earned life savings." Aloysius Mack is currently under the guardianship of his grand-niece. His attorneys are working hard to annul the marriage to Sophie Miler and to undo all the legal and financial ties Mack was forced to hand over to Miller. In another part of the country, a similar case to Aloysius Mack was also reported. A 79-year old woman with severe dementia married her caretaker. The caretaker, Phil Cantillas, was charged by the Cook's County Public Guardian for funneling around 65,000 dollars from the old woman. Single senior women are also targeted with fake love scams on online dating sites. The fake love scam on online dating sites goes like this. The scammer contacts a single senior woman on a dating site and forms a bond with her. They continue their relationship either through phone or email. The scammer would tell the senior woman about a problem with work or unpaid wages then urgently asks the senior woman for money. Another scenario involves the scammer asking for money as proof of the senior woman's love. This kind of fake love scam on online dating sites has cost a Georgia woman her savings of around 300,000 dollars. The AARP has urged dating sites to ensure safeguards are in place to prevent such incidents from occurring. Barron's Asia is calling this rapidly increasing number of cases regarding elderly abuse as a silent epidemic. The numbers would increase and get worst as baby boomers get older. Report any incident of elder abuse to the state's elder abuse hotline. A survey conducted in Panama yield astonishing results about UFO sightings. The survey claims that 37 percent of Panamanians who have claimed saw UFOs have immediately felt an increase in their sexual desires after the alleged UFO sightings. These 37 percent came from the six-percent of Panamanians who claimed experienced or witnessed UFO sightings. The survey, conducted by Cid Gallup company and published in the local newspaper, El Siglo, also yielded what the Panamanians believe about UFOs, UFO sightings, and alien lifeforms. According to Cid Gallup, the increase of sexual desire after a UFO sighting topped the list of feelings Panamanians experienced after the alleged UFO sighting. Followed by the feeling of terror which seventeen percent of Panamanians experienced after a UFO sighting. Regarding the shape of UFOs, thirty-nine percent of Panamanians believe UFOs looked like saucers. Four percent think UFOs are shaped like hornets. Three percent of Panamanians think UFOs look like tops while one percent believe UFOs look like a crane. On encountering aliens, 61 percent of Panamanians would not like to meet one. Twelve percent are willing to meet one while 25 percent of Panamanians didn't know what to answer. Sixty-three percent of Panamanians refuse to believe that life exists on other planets. Thirty-seven percent of the Panamanians do believe in the existence of other life forms in space. According to the survey, 12 percent of the respondents believe aliens look like giant lizards. Eleven percent of Panamanians believe aliens would look like ourselves. Two percent thinks aliens would look like angels while a staggering 72 percent couldn't imagine what aliens would look like. The survey was conducted in 2012 from June 12 to June 20. A sample size of 1200 Panamanians responded to the survey with a margin error of 2.8 percent. ET Updates reports that Cid Gallup Latinoamerica is a respected survey company and El Siglo newspaper has a large circulation in Panama. Cid Gallup Latinoamerica did not disclose why they conducted such survey. What do you think? Is an increase in sexual desire immediately after a UFO sighting probable? Why do you think Cid Gallup made the survey? The community at an elite New York private school is reportedly agitated over Barron Trump. Donald Trump and his wife Melania have decided that their 10-year-old son will stay and continue attending Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School even as the president-elect assumes his post in the White House. A spokesperson for the Trumps confirmed that they will not be pulling out Barron Trump in the middle of the school year, according to The Washington Post. Parents of the private school are apparently not happy with this decision. "Some parents are freaking out and worked up about security and what the school is going to do," a board member from the school said, according to Vanity Fair. Apart from some parents disagreeing with Donald Trump's politics, they are also concerned about potential inconveniences with having the president's son in the school. Following security protocols could mean that other kids would lose temporary access to the facilities. Case in point, when Melania Trump came for a school event, the school's only elevator area was cordoned off by the Secret Service for her use only. The rest of the school community had to use the stairs, the news outlet reports. Melania and Barron Trump not moving into White House until June. Donald & Melania want Barron to finish the school year with his class. pic.twitter.com/brIQ9hpuDl Trump Super PAC (@TrumpSuperPAC) November 20, 2016 In response, Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School is holding a consultation with parents in December. Headmaster Dr. Richard Soghoian have apparently sent out an email to pacify the community and said that the school will be employing additional staff to work with the Secret Service, The Independent reports. But while the parents worry, Barron Trump was said to have expressed misgivings about moving to Washington even before his father won the elections. "Every child would worry, especially if they love school, if they love friends, they don't want to lose that," Melania Trump said, according to Us Weekly. The mom advised her son not to stress over a potential move and take it one day at a time. The Florida State University student who ate parts of the face of one of his victims reportedly has no traces of hallucinogens in his body. The FBI has confirmed this report. New York Daily News reported that the student, identified as Austin Harrouff, is accused of killing John Stevens, 59, and his 53-year-old wife Michelle Mishcon. It was believed initially that Harrouff had flakka or bath salts in his system because of the actions he exhibited. He bit off the face of Stevens, showed superhuman strength while being apprehended by the police and was making animal noises. The FBI, however, did find traces of marijuana and alcohol in Harrouff's system. As reported, minutes after he was apprehended, he told officials to help him because he ate human flesh and that they will not find drugs in his system even if he gets tested. He also suffered from a burned esophagus due to the chemicals he consumed at the garage of the couple he allegedly killed. After the arrest, Harrouff was taken to a hospital due to the burned esophagus from the chemicals he consumed. He was in a coma for a number of weeks, Mirror reported. Harrouff's attorney Nellie King argued that her client is mentally ill. The teen's father also suggested that he might have been suffering from undiagnosed paranoid schizophrenia. Moments before the killing, Harrouff was supposed to have dinner with his family but he got mad and stormed off. He is charged with first-degree murder as well as attempted murder because he stabbed the neighbor of the couple, Jeff Fisher, who tried to intervene during the killings. Harrouff has not pleaded guilty to the accusations. Photos from the night when Harrouff was apprehended were also released. In it, Harrouff was seen having blood in his mouth face, hands and his clothes. His eyes were also almost shut in one of the snaps. Flesh and blood could also be seen inside his mouth. Harrouff was not shot by authorities as they feared that Stevens was still alive. They used a stun gun but it did not have any effect on Harrouff. They used a police dog to try and subdue him. A teenager and his friend were on their way home from visiting a McDonald's chain and two men allegedly attacked them then started shooting. A 16-year-old teenager was killed during the incident. The killing took place on Tuesday evening and the teen killed was recently identified as Damien Ramirez. Miami CBS reported that the teen's attackers might have been two juveniles. Ramirez and a friend were attacked at the intersection of NW 17th Avenue and NW 31st Street. A gun was recovered at the crime scene but it has not been determined yet if this was used in the shooting of Ramirez. The mother of Ramirez claims that her son was very humble and had no enemies. However, the attack might have been planned because Ramirez was shot in the back five times. The mother was even praising his son on how kind and sweet he is and that he did not deserve to die in such a way. Friends of Ramirez also could not believe what happened to him saying that he was a good friend. One friend said that Ramirez was not into gangs or drugs so it was heartbreaking how he was killed. Ramirez has been living with his grandmother in Allapatah. Latino Fox News reported that the teenager died shortly after he was taken to an area hospital. There was a total of 14 shell casings in the area where the teenagers were attacked. The other teenager was not yet identified and was said to be in critical condition since being rushed to the hospital on Tuesday evening. Another person was also injured during the attack and he's a 50-year-old man, who is believed to be homeless. He was shot in the arm and is not related to the teenagers. A window and a wall were also destroyed from the shootings. Officers have now started to review surveillance videos in an attempt to pinpoint suspects. Anyone who has information about the shootings is encouraged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. A $1,000 reward will reportedly be given to anyone who can lead to an arrest. Dallas State Senator Don Huffines hosted an Education Town Hall Meeting to promote a legislation which supposedly supports homeschooling in Texas through School Choice and Education Savings Account (ESAs). Homeschooling advocates, however, suspect that the legislation is merely a malicious government scheme to create a backdoor towards homeschool rights infringement. Texas Home Educators Advisory Board member and a second generation homeschooler Nicki Truesdell shares her insights to uncover the supposed government attack against homeschool freedom. According to Truesdell, Texas homeschoolers will not benefit from the government-run Education Savings Accounts and School Choice legislations. The ESAs are presented as government funds set aside for homeschooling. Truesdell says this is a misleading advertisement since the said fund is only granted to current Public School enrollees. Truesdell's statement is in contrary to what the Texas Homeschool Coalition (THSC) has to say. The THSC stress that the ESA is designed to entice people who have never thought of homeschooling before. The goal is to enlighten parents on the flexibility, freedom and philosophical choice of teaching children at home. The homeschool advocate disagrees with the THSC, saying that the coalition's vision is to protect hypothetical homeschoolers of the future at the expense of the current homeschooling advocates. Don't Comply says ESAs are nothing but perfectly calculated government schemes which use dollars as bait. Parents, lured by the price at stake, shall be convinced to endure required state tests. Advocates speculate that the unreasonable tests are programmed to produce scores below required passing marks. These fabricated results will then be used to justify government intervention and ultimately, the manipulation of homeschooling. Homeschooling advocates recall a famous FA Hayek statement, which says almost all the time, liberty is destroyed using promises that offer an alternative false freedom. They strongly believe that the new legislation will take away the right to decide on what is best for the children. So, what are your thoughts on homeschool education? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates. Crosby J. Gardner has never had a sweetheart. Presently 20 and living for the first in time in a dormitory at Western Kentucky University, he has composed a most optimized plan of attack trial to discover her. He ticks off the math. Two suppers a day at the student dining hall, three courses for each dinner. Young ladies make up 57% of the 20,068 students. Thus he aggregates up, dim blue eyes triumphant, if he sits at a table with no less than four new young ladies for each course, he ought to have the capacity to meet every one of the 11,439 by graduation. "I'm Crosby Gardner!" he declared every time he slides upon a crisp gathering, experimenting with the social skills script he had drilled in the university's autism support program and asked what is your name and what is your major? The presence of students with autism could bring harsh and unpleasant effect to others. Like Mr. Gardner who will unloose monologs which are unfiltered, gale-force and repetitive, they can set professors' teeth on edge and lead students to chuckle. However, students with autism spectrum need full support that is far more nuanced and complex. The social difficulties of individuals on the range can hinder their probability of flourishing in school, as well as after graduation as cited on Autism Speaks. Guides in programs like Western Kentucky's not just mentoring students who battle to read social cues, additionally serve as promoters when misreadings go horrendously astray, for example, not perceiving the repel off a lewd gesture. At suppertime, students in the Kelly program who frequently have tactile hypersensitivities and social discomfort, typically incline toward eating alone in their rooms than be in a crowded dining hall. But one night this fall, some gathered for a weekly dinner with peer mentors or students who are hired by the program to be tutors or social guides. Meals usually began awkwardly, but the trainers gradually drew them out and asked, how was your day? Or have you tried any clubs? The autism program's home, a self-evident actuality clinical training working at the edge of the college, is a tranquil, faintly lit shelter from the beating grounds. The 45 students in the program burn through three hours a day here, four days a week. They concentrate on, meeting with guides, and consult with advisers and a therapist to review myriad mystifying day by day experiences. The instructors keep up ties with quarters administrators, educators, and the vocation focus, intervening errors. By 2019, the program, which began with three students barely ten years back, envisions having the capacity to concede 77 students. Like most such projects on different grounds, it charges an expense; W.K.U's is $5,000 a semester, a lot of which might be secured by government professional restoration reserves. WKU, Kelly Autism Program also not only help students who struggle social and communicating issues but also supports students to learn practical skills such meal planning and preparation, maneuvering in a grocery store, paying bill and tax, banking and solving daily problem life situations. One late Friday evening, Mrs. McMaine-Render, a program manager drove seven students in the program's van, which reverberated with merry illogical conclusions. Mrs. McMaine-Render maneuvered into the parking area and pushed the students out of the van and ambled toward the store. After, she waved and drove off, abandoning them to handle the Walmart Supercenter all alone. In a frenzy, the gathering scattered. Some young men hurdle here and there passageways, tossing things at irregular into their banging shopping baskets. They bought Twix, strawberry, Twizzlers, doughnuts, iced treats, six-packs of Coke, shoes, napkins, and Pokemon cards. One kid chose he needed to warm chicken wings in his quarters. He required a heating tin. In any case, that implied finding the cookware passageway. Which entailed finding a representative, then requesting headings. Terrifying! Looking at was another test. For the students; whole lives' their buys had been paid for by grown-ups. Presently they were peering at enlisting sums, bungling for charge cards, swiping and swiping, then endeavoring the chip framework, one way and after that the other, overlooking PINs. Over whatever, they did fine and dandy. They reassembled outside, sweating and grinning, encompassed by the products of their extensive shopping works. Ms. Ramey, the student mentor, lifted them up. On the drive back to class, the students flipped between yakking about their shopping triumphs and falling quiet, depleted. Ms. Ramey pulled up to their dormitories, one by one. One by one, they dumped their packs and, without even a "thank you" or even "farewell," set off. "Have a decent end of the week!" she continued inciting. Startled, every kid glanced back at the auto, befuddled. Another missed expressive gesture? Oh, right! Jarred, some recollected to grin, and even to wave goodbye. A mother from Minnesota filed a parental rights lawsuit against her own daughter after the 17-year-old underwent gender reassignment without parental consent. The teenager faced the lawsuit together with St. Louis County, the school district and the clinic that conducted the transition. The Washington Post reports that the complainant, Anmarie Calgaro, filed the lawsuit and asked for all of the minor's gender-related therapies to be stopped. During a press conference, the emotional mother said that she was "robbed of the opportunity to help [her] son make good decisions" and that she felt robbed of being the mother to the teenager. The 17-year-old was said to receive hormone replacing treatments administered by Park Nicollet Health Services. The medical expenses were funded by healthcare assistance granted by a St. Louis County law. According to the 17-year-old's testimony, she and her mother are not in amicable terms and have not been living together for at least six months. The teenager further said her mother knew where she is living and did not even bother to check her condition. This made the teenager emancipated from her mother. Minnesota law elaborates that juvenile individuals living outside their parents' home are considered adults and may be granted with medical care as adults. The fact that the teenager has been financially supporting herself also made her emancipated from her mother, says NBC News. The law states that any minors who live outside home, who personally manages financial affairs, are entitled to medical, dental, mental and other health services without parental consent. "Other health services," apparently, included elective and non-emergency medical services, like gender reassignment. The mother has been represented by a public interest firm that focuses on religion-oriented cases like abortion, Thomas More Society. Purveyors of LGBT rights, on the other hand, slammed Calgaro for purposely misidentifying her daughter's preferred gender by referring to her as "son" and using male pronouns. Even though Calgaro has filed a lawsuit against her minor daughter, she said that she does not completely want to stop the teenager to be whoever she wants. The mother further said that she just wants her to "slow down" with her transition. What are your thoughts about the mother's action against her daughter? Share to us your thoughts by commenting below! A secret health report revealed a premature baby died in a hospital managed by Pennine Acute Hospital NHS Trust. The report said that the child died due to clinical errors, chronic shortages, and poor personnel attitudes. The hospital management said sorry to the family involved in medical failings and promised to improve their health care services. A report, conducted by Deborah Carter, the new maternity director in Pennine Acute Hospital NHS Trust that manages the Royal Oldham hospitals and North Manchester General Hospital, has detailed horrific incidents, including a 22-week baby, left alone to die at a hospital's sluice room utilized for the dumping of hospital waste. "Even though born so premature, this baby is still someone's child, BBC News quoted Ryan Jackson, 34, the director of Lily Mae Foundation, as saying. "For your child to be treated in such an inhumane way is devastating," he added. The baby was born premature, and according to the report, the staff did not try to revive the child. The secret report says that when the premature baby was conceived alive and continued to breathe for roughly another two hours, the members of the hospital staff involved in the care unit didn't look for a serene place to nurse and sit with the baby as it died, but rather put the baby in a Moses basket and left the child in a sluice room to die alone. A sluice room is where hospital items like bedpans and incontinence pads are disposed of as well as where sick bowls of the hospital are disinfected and cleaned to be used again. The report has linked bad clinical decisions, hospital staff shortages and poor staff attitude to the death of the premature baby. The report said the effect of staff shortage in clinics has meant women have suffered long waits, fragmented car, and inappropriate management. The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust reported they had apologized to the entire families who got involved in any failings. They also said considerable work had been done ever since the report to enhance the hospital services. The Journal of the American Medical Association or JAMA has reported that over 225,000 Americans die from medical malpractice every year, with roughly 100,000 of those deaths happen within the hospital premises. This made the medical errors the world's third-leading cause of death in America, according to a study posted in TheBMJ. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions On April 6th, 1994, the airplane carrying the Rwandan president Juvenal Habyarimana was shot down seconds before landing in Kigali. Absolute chaos descended upon the central African country of Rwanda for the next one hundred days as almost one million people were massacred. The genocide was perpetuated by members of the Hutu majority tribe against the Tutsi minority. Decades of vitriolic speech, systematic discrimination, and occasional violence erupted into an unimaginable disaster. Corpses bearing signs of rape and machetes littered the countryside. The international community evacuated and took no action to stop the massacre. The genocide ended when the Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front took control of the country, and genocide perpetrators fled into neighboring countries. The chilly morning I met Bishop Emeritus Alexis Habiyambere of Nyundo, Rwanda, at his house on the shores of Lake Kivu, I asked him what is the one thing the Catholic Church in Rwanda can contribute to the universal Church. I hoped he would speak about the genocide, and I was not disappointed. We lived difficult moments in Rwanda with the genocide, he began. In 1994, we believed that the Catholic Church was finished. The faithful left, people believed that the Church was responsible for [the genocide]. We believed that the Catholic Church in Rwanda was truly at zero. As terror filled every corner of the country, many sought refuge in churches. As a Christian country with a Catholic majority, most of these churches were Catholic. Hutu militias did not respect these sacred spaces, systematically killing thousands within their walls. Both the killers and victims were Christian, whether Catholic or Protestant. Scandalously, some priests, nuns, and pastors were involved in the genocide either actively or passively. Critics point out that the Catholic Church did not condemn the deplorable violence. Despite instances of clergy involved in the genocide, most stood helpless as their parishioners were brutally killed. Ethnic identification overpowered the bonds of both faith and family. Bishop Habiyambere, now an old man whose simple presence demands respect and admiration, became bishop of Nyundo by the Congolese border in 1997 when violence still ravaged the border of the two countries. During his nineteen years as bishop, he oversaw the rebuilding of the Rwandan Church primarily by heading the development of the churchs ten year master plan, and by continuously calling for peace and reconciliation. In October 1997, he denounced so-called Christians who cannot live together with persons of a different ethnicity. As he continued answering my question, he observed, I believe that we have seen that the Holy Spirit, which guides the Church, gave us hope and courage. You should not be discouraged. Our Church is the Church of Jesus Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit. During difficult moments, we must not grow discouraged. We must believe. Reflecting on challenges faced by the Church in the United States today he reminded the group of us that, we must trust the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary. Do not be discouraged, you are accompanied by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary in your journey. The Catholic Church has struggled and continues to struggle as an agent of reconciliation in Rwanda. Soon after the genocide, in 1998, Catholic Relief Services partnered with the Catholic Church to create a national Peace and Justice Commission to focus on reconciliation. Father Vincent, the present head of the Peace and Justice Commission explained that much has been accomplished, but work is still needed. Father Jean de Dieu, Secretary of the Rwandan Bishops Conference, expressed that what happened in 1994 cannot go away in just twenty years. Grateful to CRS for providing food to Rwandans when he was a child, he recognizes that there is a continued need to witness to the Gospel with an understanding of the history of the country. Along with the challenges of poor education, new ideologies, and a need for financial independence, the Catholic Church of Rwanda still has a long road ahead of it. As needs of the Church have evolved, so has the kind of assistance provided by CRS. In 2010, at the request of the Bishop of Cyangugu, CRS partnered with the diocese to create an institutional strengthening program to professionalize the services and resources of the diocese. The leader of the project, Mr. Innocent Nzabagerageza, explained that the initial evaluation conducted revealed that the diocese and parishes lacked financial accountability. There were no budgets, no financial records, no inventory of assets, no employee contracts, no minimum wages, no human resources department, no transparency in paying employees, and no oversight over financial decisions taken by the pastor. After years of evaluation and standardization, benefits enjoyed by the Diocese of Cyangugu include the centralization of finances, the authorization of expenses, the creation of a diocesan human resources office, the improved management of properties, the better use of employee talents, the implementation of standards, the training of employees, and the implementation of internal controls. The ultimate goal is that the diocese along with its parishes will be financially self-sufficient through better management and income generating activities. The Institutional Strengthening Program, funded entirely by generous benefactors of CRS, has transformed the Diocese of Cyangugu into a school for other dioceses in Rwanda and the region. At least nine dioceses have visited Cyangugu hoping to duplicate this program in their own local churches. At this time, CRS cannot fund the implementation of the project in other dioceses, but it has empowered the Diocese of Cyangugu to teach others. The work of CRS allows the Church to focus on its mission while being strengthened as an institution. Bishop Bimenyimana of Cyangugu stated that management is not our mission, but pastoral work. We need to be transparent and accountable towards the people and toward ourselves. Through this project CRS assists in the transformation of lives as profound institutional change within the Church is achieved. CRS provides expertise and funding to partners such as the Diocese of Cyangugu so that partners may develop and run programs suited to meet their needs. Successful programs such as this one in Rwanda can be duplicated throughout the world, increasing the good fruit brought about through the generosity of CRS benefactors. Out of the chaos of the genocide, the Catholic Church in Rwanda is emerging as an institution that is organized, strong, and transparent, ready to meet the present challenges of preaching the Gospel. The hope expressed by Bishop Alexis Habiyambere which guided the Church out of the darkness of genocide continues to be present in Rwanda as faithful Catholics look to the future. Hope is the gift the Rwandan Church offers the universal Church. The goodness of generous hearts is transforming lives and communities as the Gospel is made incarnate through the continuous outreach of CRS made in the name of Christ and his Church. *Just a few days ago, the Catholic Bishops of Rwanda issued an apology for the role of the Catholic Church in the genocide. Read it here. Below is a speech I gave at New Bethel Baptist Church on November 1, 2016 in Germantown, Tennessee. Sponsored by members of both New Bethel Baptist Church and Germantown United Methodist Church, the conversation was to focus on Race and Race Relations. After the speech, we had a spirited question and answer session followed by prayer and a charge to continue the dialogue. I thank Sister Marilyn Barbee, the members and pastors, Donald Ester and Richard Smith, for the invitation. After a long day teaching, the gospel of Mark records Jesus saying to his disciples, Let us go across to the other side. So leaving the crowd behind, they got in the boat with Jesus and began their trek to the other side. But as they continued to travel, the texts says that a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much so that the boat began to take on water. Now while this is going on, Jesus is asleep in the stern of the ship; on a cushion; resting quite nicely; water everywhere, waves beating against the boat and the one who suggested in the first place to go to the other side; the one who got them in this mess in the first place, was down in the stern sleep on a cushion. As the boat continued to take on water and get beat up by the waves, the disciples began to get worried. Well, thats a nice way of putting it, they became quite afraid. Now for some of them, this was not their first sea storm. They new how to handle to sea; they knew how to handle the boat when it took on water. They knew how to navigate storms, but this storm must have been different. This storm must have been real bad because the disciples went down to the stern and woke Jesus up and said to him, Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing? Well, you know the rest of this story. Jesus woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Peace! Be still! Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. Jesus then asked, Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith? And the story ends with the disciples standing in awe of what Jesus just did. Who then is this,, they remarked, that even the wind and the sea obey him? Thats a nice story and when we teach it or preach it, we tend to focus on having Jesus in the middle of our storms; or we claim that we too can speak at the storms in our lifePeace be still! Some may even look at the miracle itself; that Jesus has command of the wind and the sea. Even some may note that as long as you have Jesus on the journey, whether you think he is all there or not, that everything will be alright. However, tonight for the remainder of my talk, I want to focus on the question the disciples asked by rephrasing it a little. I want to ask, Do we even care about race relations and do we really care about getting better at being better about race? Now I know, I have already assumed a lot, after all, we are all here because we do care and we really want to continue the dialogues that have led us here, but before we dismiss the question, allow me to ask it againdo we even care about race and race relations? I ask this because of the mountain of research that says in essence, we dont. Despite the fact that when it comes to race, we have mountains of research that shows inequality in many quality of life subjects mattersjobs, economics, education, health and health care, we still cannot wrap our minds around the face that race still matters in the country. So do we even care? Do we care that according to the Public Religion Research poll, a majority of people in this country say that recent killings of African American men by police are isolated incidents rather than part of a broader pattern of how police treat African Americans. And when we break this down to race, approximately two-thirds (65%) of white Americans say recent killings of African American men by police are isolated incidents, while 81% of black Americans say recent police killings of African American men are part of a broader pattern of how police treat African Americans. But this same poll added a special caveat to its findings. Again according to the poll, among religious groups, white Christians are more likely than other religious groups to say that recent killings of African American men by police are not connected. More than seven in ten white evangelical Protestants (72%), white mainline Protestants (73%), and white Catholics (71%) believe that killings of African American men by police are isolated incidents. By contrast, about six in ten Americans who are affiliated with non-Christian religions (62%) and religiously unaffiliated Americans (59%) believe that these killings are part of a broader pattern of how police treat minorities. In other words, non-believers are more likely to believe my truth than those who are my sisters and brothers in Christ. (I need for that one to sink in a little) I need it to sink in for two reasons. First, this is why we have a Black Lives Matter movement in the country in the first place. The truth is that black people have been trying to tell others about their plight for years. Black people and indeed, all people of color have tried to share instances of racism in their own lives; in the lives of their children, they have tried to tell anyone who would listen about the injustices they faced on a daily basis. The problem has been that when black people talked, they simply are not believed. Black people have been too sensitive; too loud; too angry; too militant. We have been charged with playing the race card; or the proverbial, Why do you have to bring race in it? Many times however, we just shut down and wonder sometimes are we crazy for feeling like this? The second reason why this is important is because if this is how the majority of the nation feels about black people and especially (since we are in church), this is how the overwhelming majority of believers feel about black people, then it will be hard to work on finding any solutions in order to move forward. In other words, if you already come to the table, suspect of the truth I may share; if there is already doubt in my narrative, then nothing will get accomplished. This is why I applaud the efforts of New Bethel and Germantown United Methodist for having these dialogues and giving space to talk about these issues in an open and honest way, I know this is not the norm. This is hard work and it is not easy. When we come to the table to discuss racial issues, typically two feelings come also to the table. For white people, white fragility becomes an issue. Robin DiAngelo defines it as a state in which even a minimum amount of racial stress becomes intolerable, triggering a range of defensive moves. These moves include the outward display of emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt, and behaviors such as argumentation, silence, and leaving the stress-inducing situation. These behaviors, in turn, function to reinstate white racial equilibrium. Racial stress results from an interruption, she argues, to what is racially familiar. So when I say Black Lives Matter, someone feels the need to say All Lives Matternot realizing that if All Lives did in fact matter, I would not have to say Black Lives Matter. Or just acknowledging the possibility that if I do say Black Lives Matter that I am not saying All Lives do not matter. The very fact that many whites assume this is very telling in and of itself. Or when the discussion is about police accountability and what we can do to have better relations with police departments, someone feels the need to bring up the proverbial, black on black crime Usually, it goes something like this. I wish they would protest all the black on black crime that happens. How come they are not marching about this? There are three problems with that push back though. First, sadly, crime is about proximityits relational. People commit crimes against people they are around the most. By this metric, we should talk about white on white crime since according to the FBI stats, 86% of crime committed against whites people are by whites. Second, protests are about perceived injustices and the system not working as it should. Typically, when crime happens in a certain area and with certain people, the system we have in place adjudicates the matter. When perceived crimes happen when certain others are involved and the system does not work as it should, then protests happen. But finally, I understand why well-meaning people would bring it up. I just then ask, well, tell me what you are doing to address it; maybe I can help? This is usually when I get blank stares and the reality sets inthat one usually brings this up to move away from an issue one may not feel comfortable in discussing. However, it not only white fragility that comes to the table when we talk about race, but for many people of color, the politics of respectability is an issue. Coined by Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, politics of respectability refers to attempts by marginalized groups to police their own members and show their social values as being continuous, and compatible, with mainstream values rather than challenging the mainstream for its failure to accept difference. In other words, many times black people, hijacked by respectability issues, when they come to the table to talk about race, they try to show that they are somehow the same as everyone else, and not like those other folks. Respectabilitys aim is to allow white people to be as comfortable as possible; not to give rise to white fragility. Thus this is why Black Lives Matter is problematic sometimes for both blacks and whites. Its not at all concern with white fragility or respectability politics. It is not at all concern with the appropriate attire or behavior. It is not at all concerned with the right way to speak or the right things to say. It is not at all concerned with any of that. It is concerned with speaking the truthblack truth, as they see it and feel it and bearing witness to that truth. So the question remains, do we even care? I suspect that the folks in this room care. Thats why you are here tonight missing the start of Game 6 of the World Series, because you careyou care enough to learn, you care enough to share, you care enough to stand and bear witness. But not only in this room, I believe there are others who care. There is a multi-racial; multiethnic group of ministers meeting on a regular basis in the city; big church, small church and all churches in between. They are praying together and dialoguing together. The city of Memphis have reached out to community groups and fostered a dialogue with them. They are talking with people who normally do not get an audience with city officials and they are putting plans together to move forward. There are small groups meeting all over the city talking about race; I have been invited to some of the dialogues and some good work is being done. Even our police director initiated a DOJ review of the department because he wanted to make sure that he and his officers are doing things right. So we should lift up the good and applaud the efforts of all involved in making our city and county better. But we also must admit that this all is happening right now because a group of citizens marched on a bridge and then marched throughout downtown. What we need to ask ourselves is that does it take people taking a bridge for us to do the things we need to do? Thank You Donate to the Work of R3 News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. Iraq Blast Claimed By IS Kills More Than 80, Mostly Iranian Pilgrims 11/25/16 Report by RFE/RL; photos by Mehr News Agency A suicide bombing claimed by Islamic State (IS) militants has killed at least 80 people, most of them Iranian pilgrims, some 100 kilometers south of Baghdad, according to Iraqi officials. The truck bomb tore through a gas station with an adjacent restaurant where buses packed with pilgrims were parked as the believers returned from the commemoration of Arbain in Karbala on November 24. "There are at least 70 dead, fewer than 10 are Iraqis, the rest are Iranians," Falah al-Radhi, head of the security committee for the Babylon provincial council, was quoted as saying by AFP. Citing police and medical sources, Reuters said the death toll had reached around 100 later on November 24. Dozens of others were wounded in the attack. IS militants claimed responsibility for the attack in an online statement, saying one of their Iraqi fighters had carried out the bombing. The group, which considers Shi'a apostates, warned that "what awaits them in the immediate future, Allah permitting, is more sorrowful and bitter." Iran's semiofficial ISNA news agency quoted an "informed source" in Baghdad as saying that 50 Iranians were killed in the attack near Hilla. The pilgrims were on their way back to Iran from the Shi'ite holy city of Karbala where they had commemorated Arbain, the 40th day of mourning for the killing of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. The United States condemned the "outrageous attack," while expressing its condolences to the victims' families and friends. "These murders are yet another example of Daesh's contempt for human life and its efforts to sow discord and division among the Iraqi people," U.S. State Department John Kirby said in a statement, using an alternative name for the extremist group. Iran's Foreign Ministry said it "strongly" condemned the attack. Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said the "brutal and inhuman" attack would not affect "the joint relentless fight by Iran and Iraq against terrorism." The November 24 attack came a day after a series of small-scale bomb attacks in and near Baghdad that left 31 people dead and more than 100 wounded. Government troops in the north of the country, meanwhile, drove IS forces out of three more neighborhoods in Mosul, the site of a U.S.-backed military push to reclaim the city that was launched six weeks ago. With reporting by AFP, Reuters, the BBC, ISNA, IRNA, AP, and The New York Times Iran says imports of cars from US 'authorized' 11/25/16 Report by Press TV; photos by Mehr News Agency Iran says imports of cars from the United States are authorized as long as they are produced by non-American brands. file photo: American classic cars in Tehran Farhad Ehteshamzadeh, the president of Automobile Importers Union of Iran, was quoted by the domestic media as saying that he had made an inquiry to the same effect from the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade. The Ministry, Ehteshamzadeh emphasized, announced that only imports of cars that have been produced by American brands are banned. He added that imports of American brands that have been produced in a third country are also forbidden, ISNA news agency reported. Ehteshamzadeh added that 500 Iranian citizens have imported non-American brands of automobiles, but the Iranian police still failed to register them. He expressed hope that the related institutions would take note of the announcement of the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade and allow the cars to be registered for use in Iran. ISNA had earlier reported that the police was failing to register Honda, Toyota, Volvo and BMW cars that had been imported in Iran from the US. In May, Iran's media reported that Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade Mohammad-Reza Nematzadeh had ordered a ban on imports of US-made cars into the country. This followed reports that a cargo of 200 Chevrolet cars was on its way to Iran. Nematzadeh, the media reported, had moved to stop the cargo after the Leader of Iran's Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called for avoiding imports of American products. Iran and the US have had no diplomatic ties since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran to respond if US renews bans: Supreme Leader 11/25/16 Source: Press TV Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has said that Iran would respond if the US proceeded to renew the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) which expires at the end of 2016. The US House of Representatives voted for a 10-year extension of the ISA earlier this month but to become law, the bill has to be endorsed by the Senate as well and signed by the US president. "So far, the current US government has committed several violations with regard to the nuclear agreement," Ayatollah Khamenei told members of the volunteer Basij forces in Tehran on Wednesday. "The most recent of them is the 10-year extension of the sanctions. If these sanctions are extended, it will surely constitute a violation of the JCPOA and they (the US) should know that the Islamic Republic will definitely react to it," he added. Iranian officials have already warned that a possible extension of the ISA would breach the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) -- a nuclear accord with Iran under which the US, the EU and other countries undertook in 2015 not to impose new sanctions on Tehran. Last week, the US House also passed a bill that would block the sale of commercial aircraft by Boeing and Airbus to Iran, with the Obama administration admitting that the legislation would be a violation of the nuclear pact. Last week, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani addressed US officials in a strident tone, warning them about a possible breach of the deal. "If you extend the sanctions, this will mean kicking the JCPOA away and we will confront it through implementing powerful technical packages," he said without elaboration. US President-elect Donald Trump has said it would be hard to destroy a deal enshrined in a United Nations resolution. In August 2015, he said he would not "rip up" the nuclear deal, but that he would "police that contract so tough they don't have a chance." Ayatollah Khamenei said then, "We will not violate the JCPOA, but if the opposite side violates it - as US presidential candidates are currently threatening to tear up the JCPOA - if they tear up the JCPOA, we will burn it." French police were hunting Friday for a killer who burst into a retirement home for Christian missionaries in southern France and stabbed a 54-year-old worker to death, security sources said. The man, brandishing a sawn-off shotgun and a knife, tied up and stabbed the woman in the village of Montferrier-sur-Lez near the city of Montpellier on Thursday night. Local prosecutor Christophe Barret told AFP that "there is no particular evidence about the motive" for the killing at the home, where more than 70 mostly former missionaries live. The attack comes with French security forces on their highest possible alert following a string of attacks by Islamic extremists, including on Christian targets. A source close to the case, who asked not to be named, told AFP on Friday that investigators were not treating it as a terror case so far but the man was still on the loose. A nurse raised the alarm about the attack and when police arrived they found one of her colleagues stabbed to death. Armed police then searched the building but the killer had fled and was not found despite a huge police search operation overnight, backed by a helicopter. Residents of the home "are very elderly with an average age of 75 although some are more than 90," said Alain Berthet, a local councillor in Montferrier-sur-Lez. Many of the residents require assistance to walk, he said. Concern about further attacks in France rose earlier this week with news of a series of arrests in the cities of Strasbourg and Marseille which the government said had averted more bloodshed. French public prosecutor Francois Molins will give a press conference later in the day to share more details about the investigation into the seven suspects arrested at the weekend. One of the men has confessed that an attack was being planned, possibly against police buildings in Paris, according to another security source who asked not to be named because of the sensitive information he was sharing. Islamist extremists have carried out three large-scale attacks in France since January 2015, when gunmen targeted the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine and a Jewish supermarket. Ten months later, Islamic State jihadists massacred 130 people in attacks on the Bataclan concert hall, France's national stadium and a handful of bars and restaurants in eastern Paris. And in July, a self-radicalised extremist ploughed a truck into crowds watching Bastille Day fireworks in the southern city of Nice, killing 86. Two weeks later, two jihadists in their 20s claiming to be IS followers slit the throat of 84-year-old priest Jacques Hamel at a church near the northern city of Rouen. Search Keywords: Short link: Iranian parliament takes step to reduce drug-related executions 11/25/16 Source: Tehran Times TEHRAN - Iranian lawmakers on Wednesday voted in favor of a motion under which minor drug offenders would face imprisonment instead of execution, IRNA reported. 147 out of 195 parliamentarians present in the Majlis voted "yes" on the single-urgency motion which would add an article to the law on drug offences. If the motion is ratified, the drug offenders who are not charged with capital crimes would face between 25 to 30 years imprisonment as a substitute for execution and life imprisonment. Ezatollah Yousefian, a parliamentarian from Amol, said the majority of those executed are drug traffickers. "And this issue has been politicized by Western countries" and the Islamic Republic has paid a "huge" price for such a law, he explained. "In the aforementioned motion, emphasis has been put on replacing the execution of some drug traffickers with imprisonment," the legislator pointed out. He also questioned the usefulness of executing such large number of drug traffickers. Under Iranian law, those who commit capital crimes are regarded as "Mofsed-e-filarz" (corrupt of the earth), and would face severe punishments, including death penalty. In March 2016, the United Nations Human Rights Council said that at least 966 people were put to death in Iran in 2015, adding that it's "roughly double the number executed in 2010 and 10 times as many as were executed in 2005." Iran, however, dismissed the report as being founded upon "incorrect information". 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. Two major highway projects that could change the face of the San Jacinto Valley are taking big steps forward. The realignment of the 79 through the region is in the final environmental impact report stage, and land is being bought for the Mid County Parkway, which will connect San Jacinto and Perris. Mayor Andrew Kotyuk, San Jacintos representative on the Riverside County Transportation Commission, said the two projects will be the most vital in the valley in more than 50 years. Valley leaders feel that better access will add commerce and jobs to the community, which does not have the same freeway access as other regional cities. These will be the single biggest driver for turning this valley around, Kotyuk said. The northbound 79 begins at I-15 in Temecula, where its known as Winchester Road. It runs through French Valley, passes near the southern edge of Menifee, then continues through the San Jacinto Valley joining the 74 for a few miles before eventually connecting to I-10 in Beaumont. The proposal would realign the highway from Domenigoni Parkway north to Gilman Springs Road, a distance of about 12 miles, through the cities of Hemet and San Jacinto and unincorporated Riverside County. Currently, that stretch winds through the downtown areas of Hemet and San Jacinto. The new route would move along the western side of Hemet before joining the intersection of Sanderson and Cottonwood avenues. Though the project will involve Hemet and San Jacinto, it will benefit drivers from cities such as Menifee, Murrieta and Temecula, who must take an arduous trip across busy city streets if they are traveling the route to I-10 and points northeast. The realignment will definitely improve the traffic circulation along the 79, said Jonathan Smith, Menifees Public Works director and city engineer. It will be a benefit to commuters who use that route. That city is upgrading the I-215 interchange at Newport Road, which turns into Domenigoni to the east. Smith said many road projects benefit one another, even if they are not connected. These projects dovetail into one another, he said. As we improve Newport (Road), it will be a nice link to get through the area. The project on the 79, which involves the county Transportation Commission and Caltrans, is expected to cost more than $1 billion, and finding that money could be a major obstacle. The realigned road likely would not open for at least a decade, a schedule Kotyuk wants to accelerate. Its my goal that we draw that into the early 2020s, he said. Im establishing a valleywide committee to look at how we can accomplish that. Once the environmental review process is complete, the project can proceed to final design and right-of-way acquisition and, eventually, construction. The Mid County Parkway will be a 16-mile, six-lane freeway from I-215 in Perris east to the 79 in San Jacinto. The cost is estimated near $2 billion. The proposal dates to 1999 and initially was to reach 32 miles from San Jacinto west to I-15 in Corona. Contact the writer: 951-368-9086 or cshultz@scng.com Thousands of Southern Californians have spent hours standing in line with a hardy few camping overnight, sometimes for days to get a jump on holiday shopping at stores open on Thanksgiving. Eager shoppers and savvy profiteers passed the time playing Monopoly, watching football, snacking on gas station cuisine or chatting about what they were going to buy while waiting for doors to open at Inland stores with doorbuster deals. Four guys who braved four cold nights in tents to be first in line when Best Buy opened on Riversides Tyler Street at 5 p.m. Thursday said there was no question where theyd spend the holiday after arriving first in line for Black Friday shopping at the same store the past two years. Just like Thanksgiving, its a tradition, said Basir Ahmadyar, 20, of Corona. He, his 17-year-old stepbrother Jack Greene, of Corona, and their Riverside friends Jason Rubio and Jesus Ortiz, both 17, had camped out since Sunday the night it rained to get 49-inch Toshiba 4K Ultra HD TVs for $200, computers and accessories such as phone chargers. Perris resident April Mitchell, 44, was at the front of a line outside one of four entrances to the J.C. Penney at Moreno Valley Mall after arriving there at 8 a.m. She was so shocked to get there first she walked up, touched the door then sat in her car for four hours, munching on bean dip and chips, until others began to arrive. I was so proud of myself, she said. More than 200 bargain hunters waited at that entrance with her shortly before the store opened at 3 p.m. two to three hours earlier than other retailers welcoming shoppers Thursday. Cousins Lola Lopez, 26, of Perris, and Monique Camacho, 27, of Los Angeles County, said they were Black Friday newbies, arriving 90 minutes before the opening to wait in their first line for a shot at one of three $500 coupons the store was giving out. They hoped to buy clothes for their four kids and a diamond ring for Camacho if they snagged a coupon offering $500 off for those who spent $500. We could easily get there, Lopez said. Once doors opened, people walked in quietly and grabbed coupons from staff standing just inside. Some gave $100 discounts, but most gave $10 off for $10 spent. By 3:05 p.m., women were looking at discounted shoes and sweaters as a family towed two suitcases and a slow-cooker as they kept shopping. Veteran shoppers said the rise in online shopping has trimmed Black Friday lines. Some shoppers stay home to share the holiday with friends and family, snatching a few minutes to shop via computers and cell phones or waiting to hit the stores. A few hours before Riversides Best Buy opened, the four guys at the lines start said they were surprised to see only about 20 people in line behind them after lines previously snaked clear around the store. Ortiz called people who shop online lazy, and the four recalled with nostalgia the frenzied shopping hordes of Black Fridays past. Rubio, sitting in a camp chair, remembered going Black Friday shopping with his mom when he was 7 or 8 and getting pepper-sprayed by an adult in a mad rush for Xboxes. With stinging, watery eyes he told a Best Buy staffer what happened. She got him an Xbox. It gets crazy, he said. At least he got the Xbox, Greene said. Contact the writer: 951-368-9444 or shurt@scng.com Small Business Saturday has the shortest leg of the stool when it comes to holiday retail. But the promotion has supporters who want to see that local businesses get noticed amid the gargantuan hype of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. I dont know if it necessarily draws attention from it, said Miranda Owens of Inspired Women Business Alliance. It just gives another outlet, an important one. Owens group is what sponsor American Express calls a neighborhood champion, organizations that are willing to rally their neighborhoods around Small Business Saturday. The alliance is putting on a vendor fair with 40 merchants Saturday today in Cherry Valley. It will include games, pony rides, a petting zoo and face painting. We wanted to make it like an old-timey autumn moon festival, Owens said in a phone interview. In other pockets of the Inland Empire, there are window decorating contests, scavenger hunts, passport to stamp and, in the case of Riverside, the chance to piggyback off of a major seasonal event. The Riverside Downtown Partnership, which has organized Small Business Saturday events in the past, is handing out Shop Small posters this year, but is relying on the Festival of Lights to bring customers to local merchants. Businesses can also download and customize their own promotional materials at the American Express Shop Small website. American Express cardholders enjoy the incentives the finance company gives them on Small Business Saturday, said Laura Powers of Kissui Baby & Children boutique in Redlands. She gives shoppers the same deals she offers on Black Friday. Co-sponsored by the National Federation of Independent Business, Small Business Saturday came about in 2010. Surveys show public awareness is growing. According to the National Retail Federation, 24 percent of people who plan to shop on Saturday say they want to support Small Business Saturday, up from 22 percent last year. Owens said the promotion meets a grassroots need. Small business is a big deal, for our small communities especially. Contact the writer: fbuck@scng.com or 951-368-9551. Sunny California continues to lead the nation in rooftop solar installations, but thats not whats most surprising about the new numbers from state utility regulators. Solars greatest appeal is not in any tony enclave of wealthy liberals. Its in suburban, middle-class cities that are mostly Republican strongholds, an analysis of data from Southern California Edisons service area shows. The electric utility serves more than 14 million people in central, coastal and Southern California, according to its website. Corona, Murrieta, Fontana, Temecula, and San Bernardino have the most rooftop generating capacity, according to data that privately owned utilities submitted to state regulators. An analysis by Modernize.com, based in Austin, Texas, and the Southern California News Group also found that other rooftop hot spots are in the desert cities of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. These include Lancaster, Apple Valley, Victorville, Palms Springs and Palm Desert. The analysis does not include areas served by publicly owned utilities, such as those in the cities of Los Angeles, Riverside and Anaheim. Those utilities are not regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission, which oversees privately owned electric, natural gas, telephone, water and sewer utilities, according to its website. The appeal of investing in a home solar system is not so much environmental as it is economic, industry officials said. The decision comes when the homeowner is sitting at the kitchen table, working the numbers, and seeing that they can lower their cost of electricity, said Ruben Ugarte, business development director for Horizon Solar Power, a Temecula-based installation company. Menifee homeowner Michael Richardi, 30, had solar panels installed on his roof Tuesday, Nov. 22., under a leasing agreement with Horizon. I did it mostly to cut my electricity bill in half, said Richardi, who said hes been paying more than $300 a month for electricity. State Sen. Jeff Stone, R-Temecula, still marvels at his solar system. He lives in one of Edisons highest solar-producing zip codes, a section of suburbia just east of Interstate 15 and a few miles north of the border between Riverside and San Diego counties. Stone said he uses the solar panels on his roof to charge his electric car, a Nissan Leaf, and then go for a pollution-free drive. It came as no surprise to Stone that the inland suburbs are leading the solar wave in California, which produces about as much solar energy as the rest of nation combined. These are areas that have a lot of heat, and electricity is very, very expensive, Stone said. Some people have to run their air conditioner all the time because they may have a child with asthma or because of another health reason. The more someone pays for electricity, the more it makes economic sense to get a home solar system, he said. Thanks to a recent surge of installations, California has surpassed 600,000 systems. In August, rooftop solar energy production was up 38 percent in the state compared with August of 2015, according to data collected by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This increase is fueled by falling prices for solar panels and friendly state and federal policies, said Bernadette Del Chiaro, executive director of the California Solar Energy Industries Association. In January, the California Public Utilities Commission voted 3-2 to keep net metering, the compensation system that requires Edison and other investor-owned utilities to credit solar system owners for the electricity they send to the power grid at the same rate consumers pay for electricity. Utility officials have argued that net metering forces people who dont have solar systems to cover the cost of maintaining the power grid. Also the federal government provides a tax credit that now covers 30 percent of the cost of purchasing and installing a solar system. In a deal approved by Congress last year, those credits for solar will continue to be at the 30 percent level through 2019. Theyll be phased down to 10 percent by 2022. It is not elitist, Stone said about Southern Californians embrace of rooftop solar. And it is becoming less expenses to do. Contact the writer: 951-368-9471 or ddanelski@scng.com Five stranded people on a Thanksgiving Day hike were airlifted to safety after they became stranded in a brush area outside of Corona. Dispatchers with the Corona Police Department called on the Riverside police helicopter to find the hikers in some brush near Skyline Ridge Trail about 1 p.m., according to a news release from Riverside police officers. One of the hikers had called and said the group was without water for about four hours and a 13-year-old boy had become dehydrated, according to a police statement. The hikers talked to dispatchers on a cell phone and soon the helicopter, called AIR-1, located the hikers in steep terrain that couldnt be easily accessed by humans or at all by vehicles. There wasnt anywhere to land a helicopter, either. A Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department helicopter lifted the child to an ambulance at the bottom of the hill, police say. The other hikers, all adults, said they could make it out on foot but AIR-1 stayed above them to be sure. When it was determined that the four could not make it out safely and easily, the crew used the helicopters PA system to call down to the hikers and tell them to go to an area near the trail. The crew landed the helicopter at the top of the trail and sent an officer to the group. After making contact with the hikers, they decided the best approach would be to airlift the hikers one-by-one to safety. All five hikers were able to enjoy their Thanksgiving dinners with their families and probably have a great story to share around the dinner table, officers wrote in the statement. The global fall in prices of crude has slowed down operations of businesses in the oil and gas sector in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. The economic situation in the Western Regional capital improved largely due to the discovery of oil and gas in 2007 as businesses and multinationals flocked to the city. But the sharp downturn in the prices of the petroleum product has led some players in the supply and servicing of offshore facilities in the sector to cut down their costs of operation. Mr Wilfred Johnson Bentum, the General Manager of Zeal Environmental Technologies Limited (ZETL), an international environmental management services in oil and gas, said business has reduced over the period. Briefing journalists touring the companys plant site, he said that the companys operations had gone down drastically since prices of crude oil fell from 104 dollars per barrel in 2004 to 50 dollars per barrel in 2016. Notwithstanding, Mr Bentum said the fortunes of his outfit, a trans-boundary waste management firm, which also provides both offshore and onshore oil fields and industrial waste management services looked brighter in the ensuing years as experts in the sector predict sharp increases in the prices of crude in early 2017. He said the company created menial jobs to the local people, especially during its point of entry and construction phase. He said as a Ghanaian company employing 150 people and it would have no other option than to lay-off some of the workers if the situation continues. The situation was, however, not different at the SeaWeld Engineering Limited, another wholly Ghanaian owned wielding and fabrication firm which provides general engineering solutions to onshore and offshore clients in the sector. Mr Daniel Adade, the Project Engineer, told the eight journalists undertaking a 14-day media training course on oil, gas and mining during a visit to the facility that the operations of the company has become stagnant due to the fall in crude prices. He said it provided services to Tullow, MODEC, EMAS, YINSON, ENI and TECHNIP - offshore clients in the oil sector but business had slowed down for some time now. Mr Adade said the company has created direct employment for 45 fabricators and 25 wielders in the oil and gas sector and offered skills training for the industry to engage local employees. Mr Kwaku Boateng, the Director of Services of the Petroleum Commission, the main regulator in the extraction of oil and gas, said there is the need to maximize the patronage of Ghanaian goods and services by increasing in-country spending on the commodities. He said the mining sector was dominated by foreign companies and had weak linkages with other sectors because little there was very limited interest in local participation. Mr Boateng said local content participation was virtually absent during the development of the one billion dollar Ghana Gas project. All these trends, he said, necessitated the need to promote local content participation in the oil and gas sector by ensuring that major players in industry strictly adhered to the local content regulations. Local Content Act 2013 (Act 2204) describes local content as quantum or percentage of locally produced materials, financing, goods and services rendered to the oil industry and which can be measured in monetary gains. Mr Boateng said much success had been chalked under the Local Content Act adding that out of the 776 companies registered with the Commission to provide direct or indirect services in the sector, 480 of them are fully indigenous. He said in 2016 out of the 1.4 billion dollar contract awarded by Tullow from January to October, 67 percent of the contract amounting to 884 million dollars, were awarded to indigenous companies. Mr Boateng said lack of quality standards, limited capacities of local companies to deliver services, insufficient financing opportunities for local companies as well as inadequate certifications and labour unrest as some of the challenges in the sector. 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. Featured Video An Appeals Court on Thursday dismissed a criminal contempt action instituted by embattled businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome against Kweku Baako, Anthony Abaryifa-Karbo, Multimedia Group Ltd, Despite Group of Companies (Operators of Peace Fm/Peacefmonline) and Citi FM. The three member panel presided over by Justice Kanyokeh threw out Mr Woyomes suit after it largely agreed with the defendants objections and further awarded cost of GHc 6,000 against the plaintiff Other members of the panel were Ms Justice Irene Danquah and Mrs Justice Margaret Welbourne. The contempt application was about certain comments Karbo and Baako are alleged to have made on certain media platforms in relation to a suit against Woyome which was dismissed by the High Court and subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal. The contempt application cited the respondents variously for engaging in acts that was calculated to prejudice the due administration of justice in general and in particular the judgment of the Court of Appeal in the case of the Republic Vrs Alfred Agbesi Woyome with suit number H2/17/15 delivered on the 10 of March 2016 The businessman claimed that the comments establish malice and lack of respect for the judgement and acquittal of the applicant (Woyome). Mr. Woyome, led by his lawyer David Annan, therefore dragged Karbo, Baako, the Despite Group, the Multimedia Group and Omni Media to the Court of Appeal, alleging that they had engaged in acts that were designed to erode public confidence in the administration of justice, attack the authority of the court and the entire Judiciary. He claimed that the two individuals and the three media houses sought to incite public opinion against him after he had been acquitted by the court. Their comments were calculated to interfere with the course and delivery of justice by inciting judicial or public opinion against the applicant in the way he conducted his criminal case and to affect his assertion of his right in Republic Vrs Alfred Agbesi Woyome criminal case, it said. He had argued that the Multimedia Group was in contempt of Court by allowing the New Crusading Guide Editor-In-Chief to denigrate Woyome on its flagship news analysis programme, Newsfile. The plaintiff (Mr. Alfred Agbesi Woyome), further averred that the conduct of Anthony Karbo, Kweku Baako, and the three media houses cited, to have aided and abetted them to make disparaging pronouncements before, during or after the determination of the judgment of the Court of Appeal was deliberately aimed at inciting public opinion against him (the plaintiff) and/or to impede the administration of justice, impair the authority of the judiciary or to erode public confidence in the administration of law and justice by the Court of Appeal. The Plaintiff in his reliefs prayed the court to charge the Respondents guilty, and make them to purge themselves, apologize and retract and pay a fine and/or give security of good behavior, or they be committed into custody as the court may deem fit. Mr. Woyome, who is battling the state over some 51.2 million cedis wrongfully paid to him, brought his case at the Court of Appeal. OBJECTIONS But lawyers for the respondents raised objections to the suit, arguing the Court of Appeal was not the proper forum to hear the matter. The legal objections bordered on the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal to hear the contempt application and whether the company (Despite) could be cited for contempt. Counsel for Karbo and Baako, Mr Egbert Faibile, argued that the Court of Appeal was an appellate court and, therefore, no fresh application could be filed at the court. He stated that the applicant (Woyome) should have initiated the process at the High Court, instead of the Court of Appeal. This court (Court of Appeal) has no original jurisdiction, unlike the Supreme Court that has original jurisdiction. The application should have been filed at the High Court before moving to the Court of Appeal, he argued. Counsel for the Despite Group, Mr Thaddeus Sory, on the other hand, argued that the application against the company was not legal, as a corporate entity could not be cited for contempt. The proper practice is to go against the directors of the company and not the corporate entity. In contempt matters, you dont proceed against the corporate entity but rather against the directors. The application is woefully inadequate and should be dismissed, he argued. RESPONSE Counsel for Woyome, Mr David Annan, on the other hand, argued that the application was about an act that scandalised and disrespected the judgement of the court. The Attorney-General transmitted the matter from the High Court to the Court of Appeal which was determined. Any argument that we have to file a notice of appeal is ill conceived, he said. RULING In its ruling Thursday, the Court held that whilst it had jurisdiction to hear the matter, the case should have started at the High Court. It also ruled that Contempt proceedings cannot be instituted against companies as Mr. Woyome and his lawyers sought to do. Contempt is an offence against the person, the Court pointed out. Therefore the contempt proceedings ought to have been instituted against the directors of the companies, instead of the companies as corporate institutions, the judges held. The court, therefore, threw out the suit and awarded cost of GHc 6,000 against the plaintiff It is unclear if Mr. Woyome will re-file his case. Woyomes Suit First Respondent, Mr. Abaryifa-Karbo, who happens to be a deputy communications director of the NPP, is said to have mentioned on TV3 New Day programme and live on 3FM, a subsidiary radio station of the Media General (MG) company, on 2nd April 2016 that there is major collusion in Government, people are in cahoots with Mr. woyome, these monies were paid Fraudulently, an attorney general failed to defend the state and as a result a judgment was secured adding that what we care about is a man has stolen our money fraudulently, and government came out to defend and justify this theft portions of the suit read. Mr. Abaryifa-Karbo, a former youth organizer of the party, according to the particulars of the contempt application, justified reports in the media that Mr. Woyome was confronted and insulted at a public place. Supreme Court says that look beyond the Fraud. Fraudulent Payments woyome is walking free in this country, am told somebody nearly attacked him at the mall indeed such attacks should also face him all the time. we will continue to taunt woyome until he pays this money, he allegedly said. On Adabraka-based Citi FM, Woyomes suit indicated that on Tuesday 12 April 2016, the station published on its website citifmonline.com and on ghanaweb.com, a story captioned, Empty threats cant silence us - Karbo; which relates how the first Respondent assured he would continue to speak about how plaintiff was fraudulently paid the 51million Ghana Cedis in judgment debt in 2010, until the money is retrieved. On the third Respondent which happens to be Despite Company Limited, the stations website, peacefmonline.com published on March 13 2015, that the NPPs parliamentary nominee for Lawra in the Upper East Region, has described Woyomes acquittal as the biggest conspiracy, the biggest political scandal in the history of this country since 1957. This will qualify for a classic Hollywood movie. He continued NDC people are trying so hard to equate the Freed Woyome case to other Court cases that people have gone to Court and have been freed. But the circumstances are different, the circumstances are completely differentthis is an INSULT to the conscience of Ghanaians this particular case. lt is a major scar on national consciousness (major scar). The whole world will laugh at Ghana. On the same Peace FM, Mr. Baako, who is a regular panellist on Wednesdays, is cited to have said The court of Appeal even thinks it unnecessary but the truth is that we want to say this scandal; I am not sure there is any scandal more in the corruption history of this countryit is incredible. According to the criminal contempt suit, Mr. Baako stated in parts, l respect the court and l have no right to scandalize the Court BUT l think I have every right to criticize verdicts that are given by the court I vehemently disagree with this thing. It is making this country look like a banana republic which we are not. It is a vote for impunity which should not be countenanced. If we are not careful it can lead to a situation where people will think the Court mean nothing. The third Respondent was accused of offering its platform Kokrokoo morning show to 3rd Respondent; and facilitated, encouraged, aided and abetted 1st Respondent to the above mentioned utterances. The plaintiff argued in the summon, That peace FM 104.3 who are under the ownership direction and control of the 3rd respondent facilitated in the deliberate vilification of the Judiciary by hosting, promoting and aiding 1 and 2nd Respondents to act together for a common purpose to lower the administration of Justice, scandalize the Judiciary Parties and their Counsel, and thereby induce disrespect scorn and opprobrium in the minds of the public in order to incite public anger and violence against the court. Following Despite Company Limited is the 4th Respondent which is Joy FM and its online portal, myjoyonline.com. Mr Woyome, accused the station with affiliates in parts of the country, of offering its platform on Saturday March 12, 2016 on its Newsfile programme to promote, encourage, facilitate and enable 2nd Respondent to make and broadcast publicly. The 5th Respondent is OMNI Media, owners of Citi FM, which is accused of granting the 1st and 2nd Respondents, the audience to spew contumacious conducts. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Mr Robert P. Jackson, United States, has lauded Ghana's vibrant and dynamic Information and Communications Technology community, for driving innovations in information technology software, hardware development and the implementation of mobile services. He said, these innovations were improving Ghana's ability to compete in world markets in the diverse areas of textiles, energy, and commodities. 'Ghana's internet penetration rate is growing by nearly 40 per cent every year. That upward trajectory is expected to continue for the next several years,' Mr Jackson stated in his address at the opening of the 2016 National Cyber Security Conference in Accra. He said the internet and information technology were playing an increasingly significant role in the lives of Ghanaians. 'There is so much good that can result from embracing this new technology. However, we must not ignore that in this increasingly networked world, there are bad guys out there seeking to take advantage of users like you and me, create havoc, and cause harm for their own commercial, political and social gain,' he said. Citing the Global Risks 2015 report, published last January by the World Economic Forum, Mr Jackson said the report gave a rather stark warning: '90 per cent of companies worldwide recognise they are insufficiently prepared to protect themselves against (cyber attacks).' He said cyber criminals could even sabotage the government or companies in the form of 'denial of service attacks,' which flood web services with bogus messages and sometimes disable systems and infrastructure. The Ambassador said following reports of high-profile breaches, more governments were focused on raising awareness of cyber-related risks; and they were building resilience against attacks, intrusions, and security failures. 'The US government is committed to working alongside our Ghanaian counterparts to tackle these issues. 'We are providing technical expertise and targeted training that supports the efforts that the Government of Ghana is already making to improve its cyber security. However, I will be the first to admit that we do not have all the answers. We are still learning ourselves,' he said. 'And there is no 'one size fits all,' approach. Ghana's agenda to strengthen cyber security and combat cybercrimes should be tailored to match Ghana's own realities and aspirations. 'It is ultimately up to the Government... with input from the private sector and civil society, to articulate its objectives, define its priorities, and allocate resources to address the nation's cyber concerns,' he said. Mr Jackson commended Ghana for initiating a dialogue with the US on cyber issues; and that Ghana already had a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) that stands ready to respond to cyber-attacks. He said Ghana was drafting documents to join the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, an international treaty designed to address cybercrime by harmonising national laws and increasing cooperation among nations. This, according to the Ambassador is a significant step in bringing Ghana's already strong legal cyber Security framework into greater alignment with the international community. He applauded the approval of the Ghana's National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy; which according to him would be a living document that Ghana could continue to build upon and improve as technology and conditions change. 'Attacking the threat of cyber-criminal activity requires a whole-of-government and multi-stakeholder approach. No single government, and no single organisation, has all of the resources and expertise to combat the advanced and persistent cyber-attacks that are being launched today,' Mr Jackson said. He said a vibrant partnership between government and the public and private sectors was essential to an effective cyber Security policy. 'Throughout this process, as we seek collaborative solutions to improve cyber security, we must also recognise the importance of maintaining and protecting freedom of speech, including Internet freedoms and the right of free speech,' he said. He said the US and Ghana were both members of the Freedom Online Coalition, and they value their mutual support for freedom of expression online. Mr Felix Ofosu Kwakye, a Deputy Minister of Communication, announced that Cabinet had approved Ghana's accession to the Budapest Convention on cyber-crime. The Convention pursues as a matter of priority a common criminal policy aimed at protecting countries against cyber-crime by adopting appropriate legislation and fostering international cooperation. Mr Ofosu Kwakye said to tackle the cyber menace; the Ministry in collaboration with the International Telecommunications Union established the National Computer Emergency response team to coordinate handling and sharing of cyber intelligence with all network operators in the country. 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. Featured Video Rescuers in China were battling on Thursday to free a worker trapped after the collapse of a platform under construction at a power plant killed at least 67 people, state media said. Deadly accidents are relatively common at industrial sites in China, where anger over lax standards is growing. Three decades of swift economic growth have been marred by incidents ranging from mining disasters to factory fires. Five injured workers were taken to hospital soon after Thursday morning's accident at the plant in Fengcheng in the eastern province of Jiangxi, the official Xinhua news agency said. State television, which put the death toll at 67, said rescuers were trying to free one trapped worker. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has ordered an investigation, demanding that those responsible for the accident should be held accountable, the central government said. "Strengthen supervision and preventive measures, prevent such a major accident from happening again," it cited Li as saying in a statement on its website. Xinhua did not identify the type of power plant, but previous state media reports have said it was coal-powered. China has vowed to improve safety at such facilities. President Xi Jinping has said authorities would learn the lessons paid for with blood after chemical blasts in the port city of Tianjin killed more than 170 people last year. Shortly after those explosions, Yang Dongliang was removed from his post as director of the State Administration of Work Safety, and later charged with corruption. During his trial, which ended on Thursday, he admitted to taking bribes and gifts worth 28.5 million yuan ($4.12 million), state television reported. He will be sentenced later, it added. It was not immediately possible to reach Yang's legal representative for comment. Search Keywords: Short link: The United States Embassy in Ghana says it will not hesitate to "consider" the option of "denying and revoking visas" to Ghanaians who incite political violence. Whiles acknowledging that campaigns can "be vigorous and sometimes contentious" the Embassy voiced out its condemnation of "political violence in Ghana, especially any violent acts directed at political candidates, their homes or families". It has therefore called on all political "actors to remain peaceful and respect the democratic process." In a statement issued hours after a clash between some supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), in front of the Nima residence the NPP Flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, during a health walk organised by the former, the US Embassy, whiles touting the country's tradition of peaceful, democratic elections, pointed out that "the government of the United States does not support a particular candidate or a particular party. We support democracy." "In the period leading up to and following Ghanas elections on December 7, we call on all actors to remain peaceful and respect the democratic process. We encourage all parties to make it clear to their constituents that any violence or attempts to use intimidation to disrupt the democratic process is unacceptable. The United States will consider all options to hold responsible those who incite political violence, including denying or revoking visas," the statement partly read. Read the full statement below STATEMENT ON THE PEACEFUL ELECTORAL PROCESS IN GHANA ACCRA, GHANA - The United States condemns all political violence in Ghana, especially any violent acts directed at political candidates, their homes or families. While campaigns can be vigorous and sometimes contentious, violence has no place in the electoral process. In the period leading up to and following Ghanas elections on December 7, we call on all actors to remain peaceful and respect the democratic process. We encourage all parties to make it clear to their constituents that any violence or attempts to use intimidation to disrupt the democratic process is unacceptable. The United States will consider all options to hold responsible those who incite political violence, including denying or revoking visas. The United States applauds Ghanas tradition of peaceful, democratic elections. The international community is working with the Electoral Commission, National and Regional Peace Councils, NGOs, civil society organizations, the media, the police and others to support Ghanas efforts to hold credible and nonviolent presidential elections. We urge all to participate peacefully in the democratic processbefore, during and after Election Day. The government of the United States does not support a particular candidate or a particular party. We support democracy. We will continue to work with the freely elected government of Ghana, just as we always have. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Maverick politician and New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker for Assin Central in the Central Region Kennedy Agyepong, has launched a scathing attack at the Inspector General of Police Mr John Kudalor over last Sundays violence at Nana Addos residence. The controversial legislator who has always been in the news for his abusive conduct, on Tuesday morning on an Accra-based Television station, rained unprintable insults on the police chief over what he described as his indifferent attitude to the whole incident. What kind of police do we have in this country? If it is the opposition, crime committed, but if it an NDC no evil seen. He is an a**hole, a foolish IGP and bias. There have been instances not or two, the IGP and his men invited a prophet for coming out to share his spiritual vision and leave people who go out on radio to confess uncountable murder committed and are living in their comfort homes. Are those people better than any other Ghanaian, he asked. The NPP firebrand threatened that members of the NPP will henceforth defend themselves if the police fail to come to their aid. I said something (regarding Nii Lante Vanderpuije's Odododiodio constituency) and I was foolishly arrested and charged with treason. He is the useless IGP ever and I regret buying a car for the Tema police. If he wants chaos, there will be chaos. What Kind of foolish things are these? he asked. He said it is not under his purview to dictate to the IGP but will defend himself if the need arises threatening a double dose of what may be unleashed on members of the NPP. Source: ultimatefmonline Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), in the Ayawaso Central Constituency have accused each other of masterminding violence in the run-up to next months general election. They further accused each other of secretly training machomen to cause mayhem on election day. The accusation and counter-accusation were made during separate meetings on Tuesday with the Nima Divisional Election Security Task Force. The meeting was part of a dialogue series being organised by the Nima Divisional Police Command aimed at ensuring peace and security during the election period. Henry Quartey, incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayawaso Central Constituency told the taskforce that they had information that the NDC had recruited about 60 men christened Zarakoza and were training them to cause mayhem during election. Currently he said most posters of the NPP parliamentary and presidential candidates had been defaced while others have been removed. He claimed that some members of the party including himself had been threatened and he requested for police protection. He said the NPP would not be intimidated and pledged to cooperate with the police to discharge their duties professionally. Mr Quartey said some of the hotspots in the area which experienced election related violence during the 2012 election included the Panama, Apex, St Michael and Ebony polling stations. A leading member of the NPP, Shiek I. C Quaye said it was important to sustain the peace in the constituency. The NDC parliamentary candidate, William Afun Ani-Agyei also accused some members of the NPP of interfering in NDC activities. We are disciplined, but anytime we organise rallies, the NPP members will use motorbikes to distract us but we do not retaliate, he said According to the NDC parliamentary candidate NPP members have removed billboards mounted by the NDC. He said during the limited registration exercise, some NDC supporters were assaulted and harrassed by NPP members, adding that NDC members did not also retaliate. Mr. Ani-Agyei also alleged that NPP was training machomen who would be deployed to cause commotion on the election day. The Nima Divisional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Vance Gariba said the exercise was organised to bring the police closer to the people and also engage with them to ensure a peaceful election. ACP Gariba said security would be beefed up at the flashpoints. Source: Ghanaian Times Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The attitude of some Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the Volta Region is likely to affect the fortunes of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), as supporters and sympathisers have started showing signs of apathy towards the party. The Chronicle can state that the arrogance, pride and gross disrespect of these MMDCEs towards traditional rulers, as well as residents in the region, have either discouraged people from continuing to support the party, or created a bad image for the government. Even though the party has the largest following in the region, considered as its World Bank, it is fast losing these numbers to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), due to the attitude of these MMDCEs. One of the MMDCEs, who is dragging the image of the party in the mud, is Samuel Wuadi, Akatsi South District Chief Executive, whose style of administration over the last seven years could negatively affect the NDC in the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections. Mr. Wuadi, over the last seven years, has refused to grant a permit to a private transport organisation, Progressive Transport Owners Association of Ghana (PROTOA), to operate at the district capital, Akatsi. He is alleged to have told irate youth in the district that he (DCE) would never allow PROTOA to operate in Akatsi, because all the youth who are members of the Association, are all members of the NPP, and that his decision is strongly being supported by top government officials in Accra, so he is not afraid of anybody. Consequently, tension is mounting in the district, which compelled this reporter to contact the Volta Regional Minister, Helen Adwoa Ntoso, who, through hard work and determination to succeed, has helped to address all the disputes in the region, including the Nkonya-Alavanyo land dispute among others to intervene. Madam Adwoa Ntoso ordered the Akatsi South DCE to allow PROTOA to operate in Akatsi, but he refused to act on her instructions, because of his so-called top NDC men in Accra who are supporting him. The arrogance and pride of Mr. Wuadi became more visible, when the Chief of Akatsi, Togbui Letsa Korba, appealed to the assembly to issue a permit to PROTOA, like they did for the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), because members of both transport organisations are Ghanaians, but again, the DCE refused. I am the Chief of Akatsi, and my interest is to see all persons willing to work at Akatsi do so without difficulty. All the people working in Corporative Transport Union and GPRTU are all my children, and I do not know which of them belongs to party A, B, C or D, but all that I want is to ensure that they are all working, particularly, at a time the issue of employment is becoming very difficult for government. Therefore, I did not see the interest of the assembly preventing a private company from working at Akatsi, he explained. The Chronicle can state with authority that political tension in Akatsi South is very high, as known NDC members of PROTOA and former executives of the party are allegedly being branded as NPP members by the DCE. The situation has gone from bad to worse, as plans are far advanced by angry youth in the area to stage a demonstration against the assembly and vote the NDC out of power, if the government did not intervene to bring the DCE to order. Further information points to the fact that the Akatsi South DCE could also be cited for conflict of interest, since he is a former Secretary of the Akatsi branch of the GPRTU before his appointment as DCE, hence his refusal to allow PROTOA, which is already operating in almost all the districts in the Volta Region. PROTOA, on three occasions, has been adjudged the Volta Regional best transport organisation. When contacted, the DCE, whether as a result of total ignorance or arrogance, said as part of the local government rules and regulations, the assembly has the responsibility to accept or deny private organisations from working in the district, therefore, when PROTOA applied for a working permit, he called for an assembly meeting, where majority of the members voted against the association operating in the area. Source: The Chronicle Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ghanas Ambassador to Namibia and Botswana, Haruna Attah has dared the flag bearer of the main opposition New Patriotic (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, to swear on the bible to prove he (Mr Akufo-Addo) never had a discussion with him (Haruna Attah) at which event he (Mr Akufo-Addo) said the NPP will never allow a non-Akan to lead the party into an election. What I put out there, Im going to repeat in another statement and I challenge the people I mentioned to swear on the holy bible that they didnt interact with me, Alhaji Attah dared when he spoke to Moro Awudu on Thursday night on Class91.3FMs Inside Politics programme in response to numerous attacks on him following his issuance of a statement on Wednesday in which he accused Mr Akufo-Addo as well as NPP stalwarts Hackman Owusu-Agyemang and Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor of espousing anti-northern and anti-Muslim sentiments against non-Akans and Muslims in the NPP. They must be running away from something, they must be in denial. Its something they are all pretending not to know, Alhaji Attah said in reference to the attacks on him on social media following his statement, adding that instead of the NPP addressing the issues he raised, they were rather hurling insults at him and peddling half-truths, innuendoes and spurious things about me. They are doing all sorts of tangential things, he said. 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. Featured Video Irate supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) nearly manhandled a known supporter of President Mahama in Kumasi, who allegedly pulled a gun on them for shouting change in Kumasi yesterday. Donkor Fuseini, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sekyere Afram Plains, who sensed danger, quickly fled from the bloodthirsty NPP supporters who had surrounded him to the dais for protection. The incident occurred at the forecourt of the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi during the one-week celebration of the late Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II. Some NPP members reportedly shouted change which infuriated an NDC member. Without provocation, the NDC man reportedly pushed an NPP supporter in a violent manner. According to reports, the NPP members got angry and threatened to also attack the said NDC supporter. Donkor Fuseini allegedly pulled a black item, which looked like a gun from his pocket. The Sekyere Afram Plains DCE warned that he would shoot anybody that would approach the NDC man but the NPP supporters attempted to pummel Donkor Fuseini. The incident occurred at a time when President Mahama, ex-presidents Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, had all left the dais to pay homage to Otumfuo, who was seated at a different location at the venue. The NPP supporters were bent on mounting the dais to teach Donor Fuseini, who was panting, a bitter lesson but some stoutly-built NDC members appeared on the scene which led to a free-for-all-brawl. Denial When contacted, Donkor Fuseini vehemently denied pulling a gun on the supports at the venue, saying I dont have a gun, I only pulled a black phone from my pocket and the people mistook it for a pistol. Change Vrs JM Chants The two largest political parties in the country used the one-week celebration to campaign. Members of the two political parties shouted Change and JM Toaso to show to the world that they would win the December 7 polls. The shouts of change intensified, especially when Nana Akufo-Addo, who was accompanied by party gurus like Freddie Blay, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh aka Napo, among others, arrived at the venue. The JM Toaso chants also reverberated when President Mahama and his team of high-powered government delegation stormed the venue at about 2:30pm. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video GN Research, a subsidiary of Groupe Nduom, has debunked claims by some media organisations that the firm has predicted a win for the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the December 7 polls. The firms General Manager, Samuel Kofi Ampah, has indicated that their attention has been drawn to a media sham on the Media Analysis and Public Opinion Survey report released a few days ago and the reportage especially by Daily Guide newspaper confirms our findings that the media is polarised and resort to disseminating half-truth or blatant lies. Mr Ampah stated on Friday, November 25, that the main objective of the Media Analysis and Public Opinion Survey was to ascertain citizens' perceptions about the media and their level of satisfaction with regards to how political issues are handled by the media. At the tail end of the survey, respondents' expectations for the next four years, and which presidential candidate they perceived could meet these expectations was asked, he explained Respondents expectations for the next four years included jobs, education, and health care, and the best candidates that can address these expectations, according to respondents were Nana Akufo-Addo or Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom. He emphasised: We did not state that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will see victory in the upcoming elections as have been indicated by Daily Guide in its Thursday, November 24, 2016 publication. He pointed out that the statement published on Page 3 of the Daily Guide newspaper said: According to the polls conducted by GN Research, 51% of Ghanaians are confident that the flag bearer of the NPP is the best candidate to address unemployment, health, and educational issues in the country when voted as president. This, he said was never true as the company did not state anything like that. Rather, he articulated that GN Research reported: Three major expectations to be addressed by the next the leader are jobs (51%), education (32%), and health care (28%). The best candidate that can address these expectations according to respondents were Nana Akufo -Addo or Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom. Source: Classfmonline Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, had a torrid experience yesterday at the Manhyia Palace when he was met with tumultuous chant of change from some NPP supporters. The president and his entourage were there to commiserate with the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II during the one week celebration of the Queen mother of the Ashanti stool Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa, Ampem II. The event which was supposed to be solemn one, turned out to be raucous when some of the mourners deliberately shouted and gestured change towards the president as he arrived at the funeral grounds. The security details of the President had difficulties paving way for him. The boisterous act in the Ashanti Region makes it the second time within this year that President Mahama has been hooted at. During the funeral ceremony of the late Bantamahene, Baffour Asare Owusu Amankwatiah V in March, 2016, some members of the NPP reportedly hooted at the President John Dramani Mahama and his entourage at the funeral grounds. The mourners - clad in black, carried the flag of the NPP - started hooting at the President after the arrival of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo at the funeral grounds. The mourners claimed President Mahama had declared himself a persona non-grata at the funeral grounds as according to them, the President had previously spoken ill of the people of Kumasi. What are you doing, you claim we are ungrateful beings who would never appreciate whatever you do for us, even if you tar our roads with gold, we would never appreciate your efforts, so what are you doing here., some of the angry mourners were reported to have said. However yesterdays incident nearly caused chaos as the president's security and sympathizers of the ruling party also attempted to reply their opponents in equal measure. Video below Source: Chris Joe Quaicoe/ email: [email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The presidential candidate of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) has ended his tour in the Northern Region, urging the electorate in Walewale to reject the New Patriotic Party (NPP) overtures because it is a party of vengeance. All Im telling the people of the three regions of the north and the people of Ghana is to reject the Arise for Change of the NPP. It will only bring vengeance and chaos to this nation. They do not wish the people of Ghana well, they do not wish the people of the three northern regions well, nor Walewale, he said at a mini rally in the Walewale Constituency. Sudden interest He said the NPP running mate had only developed a sudden interest in the constituency because he wanted to be the Vice-President of Ghana. All of a sudden, because he wants to be the Vice-President, he comes to dig a borehole, makes a donation to a hospital to make the people think he cares for them. Where was he all these years? He is one of the Accra Northerners who only come to give their empty talk to deceive the people of Walewale, deceive the people of Mamprusi and the people of the Northern Region and deceive the people of Ghana on behalf of the party whose Arise for Change, means nothing. It will be the same hell from the NDC, he said to applause. Over the last few years, Dr Bawumia had built a reputation for delivering lectures on the economy and taking on the government for bringing the economy to its knees while many businesses bit dust because of high taxes and the energy crisis. He has received both praise and criticism in equal measure for his analysis and projections on the economy. Empty facts? But on the day, the CPP Presidential candidate decided to take Dr Bawumia on; he threw cold water on the credibility of the economist, saying: I was shocked because I thought this was the place the former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, came from, because he is always talking about plenty facts and figures and long talk in Accra. While Mr Greenstreets criticism of leaders and policies of the NPP has generated outrage from supporters of the largest opposition party, with the NPPs Presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, insisting that the attack on him was unnecessary since he was not in power, the CPP candidate insisted in the past that he was not in the race to help anyone win the 2016 election. Reject NDC and NPP To make his case for the rejection of his main contenders in the Presidential race, the NDC and the NPP, he accused the two parties of failing to develop the area, saying: For eight years, the NPP did nothing here and for eight years, the NDC has also come and done nothing here. He did not spare the ruling party the NDC and stated that its eight years in power from 2009 had been hell but cronies of the party had thrived, and warned that if given the nod, the NPP was coming to give us the same under the guise of Arise for Change. Mr Greenstreet, who has in the last four weeks taken his campaign through the Greater Accra, Eastern, Western, Brong Ahafo and Northern regions, however, said the CPP was the antidote to hardship facing Ghanaians. Touting the credentials of the CPP which governed the country from 1957 to 1966 before it was tossed out in a coup, he said: There is only one party, which has sown and therefore deserves to reap your vote. A party which has truly served the people of the three northern regions and our beloved country. Mr Greenstreet also drew attention to the numerous clashes between supporters of the NDC and the NPP, saying a vote for the CPP would put an end to violent activities in the countrys political space. Last Tuesday, the CPP campaign train was in Bunkpurugu and Yunyoo constituencies where it met chiefs, people and other interest groups. Bunkpurugu During a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of Bunkpurugu, Naa Alhaji Abuba Nasingmong, the chief lamented about the poverty in the area and its neglect, pointing to the bad roads and the state of its senior high school. If God gives you the power, dont forget us in Bunkpurugu. All we want is for you to fix the three major problems for us. We want our roads, we want a hospital and the school fixed. We want tractors because our job is farming. We also want fertiliser prices to come down. Dont forget us. In a subtle endorsement of the CPP candidate, he said the people would talk to each other and mobilise support for Mr Greenstreet. Mr Greenstreet, for his part, acknowledged the challenges facing the community and pledged to work on them when he received the nod from Ghanaians. Meanwhile, the CPP campaign trail heads to the Upper East Region on Thursday. Source: Daily Graphic Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Miss Ghana 2015, Antoinette Delali Kemavor, will leave Accra today for the finals of the 2016 Miss World pageant in the United States of America. This years event will be the 66th edition of the Miss World pageant. It will be held on December 18, 2016 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, United States, just south of Washington, D.C. This is the second time that the United States will host the pageant. One hundred and eighteen contestants from all over the world will compete for the crown. The pageant will officially kick off on November 26 when contestants will gather to begin their final journey to the Miss World Crown. The officials of Exclusive Events Ghana, organisers of the Miss Ghana pageant, are expected to see Delali off tonight. On Wednesday, the organisation held a send-off party to celebrate her ahead of the world event. Antoinette Delali Kemavor was crowned Miss Ghana November, 2015. She was one of the representatives of the Volta Region of Ghana at the 2015 Miss Ghana pageant. She is an undergraduate student of the Central University College (CUC). She had her senior high education at the Holy Child Senior School in the Central Region. The last of five children, she hails from Adafianu near Aflao in the Volta Region. As part of her reign, she has been engaging in a number of charity events and blood donation activities to help the Ghanaian society. She is expected to make Ghana proud out there as she represents her country at Miss World 2016. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has recently spoken with the leaders of Greece, Hungary, Panama, Slovenia and Sweden, his transition team said in a statement on Friday. The leaders of the five nations talked to Trump in recent days and congratulated the Republican on his Nov. 8 victory in the U.S. presidential election, the statement said. Search Keywords: Short link: WARNING: This story might be distressing for some readers. If you are in distress, or if you or someone you know are being bullied, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 338 881 for anonymous, 24/7 counselling and advice. A 13-year-old Brisbane high school student has tragically taken his own life after being bullied about his sexuality. Tyrone Unsworth, a Year 7 student at Aspley State High School, was taunted for years about being gay before he killed himself, his devastated mum Amanda said. Tyrone ended up being gay and a lot of people started picking on him, she told the Courier Mail. He was a really feminine male, he loved fashion, he loved make-up and the boys always picked on him, calling him gay-boy, faggot, fairy; it was a constant thing from Year 5. I feel like these people who were bullying Tyrone are the cause of why he is not here any more. They pushed him to the edge. He was hospitalised less than a month ago following a violent incident allegedly with another student outside the school grounds. When he came out of hospital he was a different boy he just kept telling us all I dont want to go to school, I dont want to end up back at hospital, his grandmother Twiggy Jones said. Queensland Police confirmed there is an ongoing investigation into the incident. School principal Jacquita Miller said the school was not informed of any bullying incidents, and expressed her deep sadness at being unable to help Tyrone. Amanda described her son as a deeply loving boy with huge ambitions. He had such big ambitions for life, he wanted to be a vet and save animals, or he wanted to be a fashion designer, she said. I will always remember his bright blue eyes, his deep dimples, that cheeky little smile, and the way we used to go shopping together and he used to tell me what I had to wear and what the latest fashions were. A GoFundMe has been set up by a friend of the family to help cover the cost of Tyrones funeral. Tyrone was a amazing young boy who had the world at his feet, wrote Gypsie-Lee Edwards Kennard, who set up the page. He was an adored son, grandson, brother, nephew and friend to many people. My condolences are with Tyrones family who are grieving such a sad sudden loss. If we could all help give Tyrone the best send off that he deserves and show him just how much he really was loved that would be much appreciated. Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down and let us know they are at peace May you rest in peace Tyrone and your star shines bright. My thoughts are your family and friends. At the time of writing, the GoFundMe had already raised $4,300. If you would like to make a contribution, you can do so here. Source: Courier Mail. Photos: Facebook. At least one woman has died and more than 70 people have been taken hostage after an armed gunman stormed a retirement home for monks in Montpellier, France. Reuters reports that the gunman entered the building around 9:45pm local time, and is believed to still inside. Witnesses say the man was wearing a hoodie and carrying a gun. A source told Reuters that there was no indication the attack was linked to terrorism. According to reports, the supervisor at the retirement home was able to issue an alert before he was fatally stabbed. A police operation is underway. Well continue to update this story as details emerge. UPDATE: 16 monks have been rescued, while a further 44 are still being held hostage. UPDATE: 16 hostage have been rescued so far, 44 are still being held hostage by an armed man inside the retirement home near Montpellier News_Executive (@News_Executive) November 24, 2016 Photo: Google. As Perth teenager Jamie Murphy arrives back in Australia after his ordeal in Bali, an author who has spent years researching the drug world in Indonesia told Hack that he was absolutely the victim of a common shakedown scam. Kathryn Bonella, who has spent ten years researching a trilogy of books on the drug underworld in Indonesia, says that extortion through drug busts are one means by which crims make money and that Murphy was very likely a victim of such a scheme. Why was he kept from Monday night till Wednesday afternoon to figure out the drugs were Pandadol? Its ridiculous. Why? Theres only one reason why they were obviously cleaning up. I wonder how much the parents forked out. Headlines in Australian papers that hes facing 12 years in Hotel K [Kerkoban prison]; the parents would have been terrified and hired lawyers, which are not cheap. The cops would have been doing deals. In her book Snowing in Bali, Bonella alleges collusion between Bali cops and dealers who distribute fake drugs, many of which are produced with over-the-counter pharmaceuticals like paracetamol. Most of these guys go into [the local convenience store] and get a bunch of Panadol and crush it up and flog it to drunk Aussie tourists who are just gullible and prepared to put their hand in their pocket and hand over money to these guys. The guy said he regularly got herded up by police, put in a room with heaps of other fake dealers, and then released in the morning to go back and sell. Kuta police say that Jamie told them he bought the baggie of white powder from a man on the street who told him it would make him feel better. If thats true, then Murphy is probably the luckiest bloke out right now. Source: Triple J Hack. Photo: 9 News. The Queensland Government is dead set on banning single use plastic shopping bags from 2018, and theyre telling other states that they wont wait on them to make it happen. The states Labor government has been contemplating a ban for more than a year, and theyve ben doing their best to lobby New South Wales and Victoria to join them in a kind of east-coast alliance against plastic bags. Its the best way for it to happen. What we dont want is for people who live on the southern Gold Coast to drive to New South Wales if they forget their re-useable shopping bags, said Environment Minister Steven Miles. It would be better if we could get a solution that would deal with those kind of cross-border issues. South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory have already banned the bags, but with the highly-populated eastern states not onboard Australia still has a fair way to go. This is basically a bipartisan consensus on sunny Queensland the Liberal-National Party promised earlier this week that they would ban plastic bags if they won the next election. Source: ABC. Photo: American Beauty. WARNING: This story might be distressing for some readers. If you are in distress, or if you or someone you know are being bullied, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 338 881 for anonymous, 24/7 counselling and advice. If theres ever been a time to recognise the importance of safe schools in Australia, its after the tragic death by suicide of 13-year-old Tyrone Unsworth. The Year 7 student, who attended Aspley State High School in Brisbane, endured years of torment about his homosexuality before he took his own life. I feel like these people who were bullying Tyrone are the cause of why he is not here any more, his devastated mum Amanda told The Courier Mail. They pushed him to the edge. Safe Schools Coalition Australia issued a statement expressing its grief that Tyrone who was hospitalised less than a month ago following a violent incident, allegedly involving another student suffered so greatly from the impact of anti-LGBT bullying. Safe Schools Coalition Australia (SSCA) is deeply saddened by the impact of bullying and discrimination on all LGBTI young people. SSCA is grieving the loss of a precious young life and express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends affected and ask that the public respect their right to privacy. It also rightly reminded the community that the Safe Schools program earlier this year the subject of significant controversy, including totally BS claims it encourages students to cross-dress and teaches gay and lesbian sexual techniques exists specifically to combat the kind of hate Tyron copped. SSCA exists because research shows that students at safe and supportive schools have better educational outcomes and are less likely to have poor mental health outcomes. The research study, Writing Themselves In, found that 75 per cent of same sex attracted young people aged between 14 and 21 years of age had experienced some form of homophobic bullying or abuse because of their sexuality, or the perception of their sexuality. 80 per cent said it was while they were at school. Research also highlights that young LGBTI people suffer higher rates of poor mental health and suicide due to bullying and discrimination. As a capacity building program for educators, SSCA is all about creating safer, more inclusive and supportive school environments for LGBTI young people. Research tells us that in doing so we can improve students educational engagement and wellbeing. RIP Tyrone. Photo: Facebook. Every Vic down in Melbourne liked Christmas a lot, but the Premier, who lived just north of Spring Street did not. The Premier hated Christmas the whole Christmas season. Now, please dont ask why; no one quite knows the reason. It could be, perhaps, that he felt a bit sick. Or it could be that taxes werent quite doing the trick. But I think that the most likely reason of all, may have been that his heart was two sizes too small. But, whatever the reason, his heart or his tricks, he stood there on Christmas Eve hating the Vics. Staring down from his office, with a sour Premiers frown, at the warm, lighted windows below in their town. For he knew that every Vic down in Melbourne beneath, was busy now, hanging a Victorian-wreath. If you happen to be both a) living in Victoria, and b) staring down the inglorious barrel of having to work on Christmas Day this year, the Andrews Government has finally decided to toss you a little (overdue, to be quite bloody honest) Christmas cheer. With Christmas Day falling on a Sunday this year, the Andrews Government had previously asserted that it would not be a public holiday, meaning workers would only be copping their standard Sunday rates for the day. But with only four weeks out until Christmas (jesus bloody christ) the Victorian Government has made a yuletide backflip on that decision, declaring it to be an official public holiday after all. The public holiday will apply to the Sunday, meaning workers will be eligible for holiday penalty rates. The day in lieu public holiday on Tuesday, December 27th will also remain in place for Victorians, giving the state the most public holidays of any state in Australia for 2016. The backflip comes after criticism from union officials criticised the government for not declaring the day a public holiday, potentially leaving workers out of pocket, as well as away from their families on one of the only two universal public holidays on the calendar. But a change of heart from Premier Daniel Andrews and Small Business Minister Philip Dalidakis will now see penalty rates paid to all workers who have to clock on on December 25th, with Dalidakis admitting leaving the day off the public holiday calendar was a mistake. Obviously Ive taken the last few weeks to consider the position that I originally made in February. I wish I was right all the time but the only person thats right all the time is my wife in my household. I think its important that when you make a mistake, you put your hand up, acknowledge it and get on with life. Having penalty rates on Christmas Day is only expected to cost the Victorian economy around $35million, with only 4% of small businesses expected to open on Christmas Day. And what happened, then? Well, in Melbourne they say that the Premiers small heart grew three sizes that day. And then the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Premier found the strength of *ten* Premiers, plus two! And the minute his heart didnt feel quite so tight, he whizzed with his load through the bright morning light. And he brought back the day off! And the penalty rates! And he, HE HIMSELF! The Premier managed to save face! Source: Herald Sun. The Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them sequel might be years off, but J.K. Rowling is dropping mad hints all over the place about whatll go down. The latest concerns Newt Scamanders mysterious love interest Leta Lestrange (the surname connections we surely dont have to explain to you). In the first film, we merely glimpse her (played by Zoe Kravitz) in a photograph inside Newts workshop, and one of the more touching moments involves Queenie, a Legilimens, reading Newts mind and sensing that their friendship at school was a dysfunctional one. She was a taker, she says to Newt. You need a giver. Rowling has now confirmed that Leta Lestrange will 100% be in the next movie, which we already know will be set largely in Paris (and London!), will still feature Newt as lead character, and includes a lot more Gellert Grindlewald, unfortunately still being played by Johnny Depp. hey @jk_rowling who is leta lestrange plz i cant live like this pic.twitter.com/gDqDe8WgC3 nyatasha ?? (@KUHNUCKLES) November 24, 2016 Director David Yates recently dropped a few hints about Leta during a round table interview with Cinema Blend. Leta Lestrange comes into the second movie, he said. Shes quite complicated and damaged and confused and Newt is absolutely still in love with her, so she has a kind of power over him, and she, yeah, shes a kind of tragic figure, so we will see a bit more of her in the second movie. [SPOILERS] Confusingly enough, one of the four characters IMDb has listed as appearing in the next film is Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller), who exploded into a black nothing at the end of the last film and presumably died. So maybe. he didnt? Dont worry guys, Im on it. @jk_rowling how is Credence in the next film if he you know. pic.twitter.com/nho9rTIvyk Alex Bruce-Smith (@alexbrucesmith) November 24, 2016 Photo: Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them. Making a Murderer stans youre gonna wanna hear this. The judge in Steven Averys reopened case for the murder of journalist Teresa Halbach has now ordered urgent and independent re-testing for all the major evidence. YES, including his blood sample. (BUT THE PIN PRICK IN THE LID OF BLOOD VIAL THOOOOOOOOO!) Averys lawyer, Kathleen Zellner, reportedly requested this, and confirmed that an agreement to start the independent scientific testing on critical pieces of evidence had been signed. Zellner has previously publicly pledged that she will overturn Averys 2007 conviction for the rape and murder of Halbach. The other person accused in the grisly murder case was Averys nephew, Brendan Dassey, whose immediate release was ordered by a judge last week, but blocked once again. Oh god, we dont mean to be reductive about a brutal murder, and the really serious legal case but jfc, Making a Murderer season 2 is going to be PHENOMENAL. Hopefully, this independent testing should (fingers crossed) eliminate that pesky the local police set him up conspiracy that lays at the very foundation of this entire mind-fuckery of a case. Source: People. Photo: Netflix. After Kanye Wests hospitalisation on Monday for psychiatric evaluation, reports said that Yeezy was suffering from sleep deprivation and exhaustion. Sources close to the family told press that the rapper was doing much better already, and that his wife Kim Kardashian West was by his side in hospital. However today, another source close to the situation has said that Kanyes hospitalisation is far from over, and the rapper was suffering from far more than sleep deprivation. Kanye will more than likely stay at the UCLA Medical Centre until the weeks end which means hell be away from his family and in hospital on Thanksgiving. His family reportedly wanted him home before Thanksgiving, as they believed it would be of benefit to his mental health, but this was sadly not to be. While doctors originally said the rapper was suffering from a temporary psychosis brought on by sleep and water deprivation, the source says Kanyes mental health battles are allegedly far deeper than simply exhaustion. His psychological condition is reportedly severe enough that his decision to cancel his entire Saint Pablo tour will be completely covered under his insurance policy, which covers lost profits for cancelled gigs due to illness. However, according to People, Kanye definitely is starting to feel more like himself. A source says that although Ye had to be restrained when he was originally taken to hospital, he now knows that it was essential: They are taking it day by day. He understands that getting help at the hospital was necessary. #Pray4Ye Source: People / TMZ. Photo: Pierre Suu / Getty. Havaianas have teamed up with Aussie swimwear legends We Are Handsome, so weve teamed up with them to tell you all about the collab you can shop HERE. This collab is a really big deal for the Aussie swimwear brand, who ymight be familiar with thanks to their standout (and quite literally, wild) prints on bods since 2009. While the Brazillian footwear company has worked with big guns before like Missoni, Valentino and Charlotte Olympia WAH is the first down under label to work with Havis on an international scale. What does that mean, exactly? The collab will not only be sold here in Oz, but in the US, Brazil, Thailand and New Zealand as well. Not too shabby for a seven-year old-brainchild. Jeremy Somers (who heads up WAH with wifey Katinka) told PEDESTRIAN.TV: Its a huge honour and were thrilled! Its something thats been on our brand bucket list since day one, and something so few brands have done worldwide. Were really excited, and to be the first Aussies on a global scale is massive! Its a perfect fit. Our mantras and ethos are the same: Summer, every day, everywhere. Were told Katinka & Jeremy were very hands on with the entire collab process, with both Havies and WAH going into each others HQ to get a feel for the vibes they each stand for. From concepts to colours and prints, both teams were adamant about making these different to anything else Havies has whipped out in the past 50 years. The result? Two exclusive female styles (but like, whatevs Ive been wearing mens ones for years and gender is a spectrum and all that) dubbed Dalliance and Xerxes in tropical prints that stay true to the WAH aesthetic weve grown to love. Theyre on pre-sale right now for $49.99 now HERE but will officially be dropping like its hot into retailers from November 30. $50 is usually the average chrissy present spend, right? Good bloody timing, you two. Photo: We Are Handsome. A hurricane that churned its way through Nicaragua and Costa Rica before exiting into the Pacific on Friday killed at least four people and caused millions of dollars of damage, officials said. The deaths and much of the property damage were recorded in Costa Rica, where several people were also missing, President Luis Guillermo Solis told a news conference. In neighboring Nicaragua, officials reported no casualties, just dozens of homes damaged in low-lying areas. Hurricane Otto sparked red alerts in both countries when it spun in from the Caribbean on Thursday with winds of up to 175 kilometers (110 miles) per hour. It made landfall in southeastern Nicaragua, in an area with national reserves that is sparsely inhabited, before crossing into Costa Rica, losing strength as it went. Early Friday it headed out into the Pacific Ocean as a downgraded tropical storm. It should continue to weaken, the US National Hurricane Center said. Solis said the storm dumped a month's worth of rain in just a few hours in Costa Rica. Authorities said it caused around $8 million of damage to roads. Aerial television pictures from northern Costa Rica showed water and mud in several towns, and small bridges collapsed. A police official, Luis Guillermo Fonseca, said two of the storm's victims died in villages close to the Nicaraguan border and the other two in Bagaces, a village north of the capital San Jose. A resident in the town of Upala, near the border, Juan, told the Repretel channel he lost his son when rising waters tore away his home on a river bank. In Nicaragua, the government's spokesperson, First Lady Rosario Murillo, said: "Up to now, thank God, we haven't counted any loss of human life." Officials in both countries had evacuated the most at-risk areas before the hurricane hit, and closed schools and mobilized emergency crews. They said 5,500 people were put up in shelters in Costa Rica. Nicaragua had 44 shelters operating for many of the 10,500 people who had been evacuated. Early this week, as Otto gathered strength in the Caribbean, its outer bands of wind and rain contributed to the deaths of eight people in Panama, according to the national civil protection service. On Thursday, at the same time as the hurricane struck, a 7.0 earthquake was registered on the other side of the Central American isthmus, 120 kilometers (75 miles) offshore in the Pacific Ocean. Although it prompted panicked residents in El Salvador's capital to run out of buildings, and briefly sparked tsunami alerts in El Salvador and Nicaragua, no damage was reported. The sole casualty was in Nicaragua, where a person died of a heart attack. Search Keywords: Short link: AYO! The utterly iconic Adele has announced a second Sydney show, so all of you who waited desperately in the Ticketek cue with increasing levels of anxiety that you wouldnt get through have the chance to relive it all again! The second gig will be on March 11 (one day after her first Sydney show), playing to a casual 90,000 people at ANZ Stadium. Tix will go on sale via Ticketek at 12pm on December 1. Adele tickets caused an absolute shitstorm on Monday when fans attempting to buy tickets to her Sydney and Adelaide shows were met with long wait times and 403 error messages, with some fans reporting they had their money refunded to their accounts with no explanation. A spokesperson later told PEDESTRIAN.TV this might have happened in a small number of cases due to session timeouts, meaning the debt isnt charged and the tickets arent purchased. In a small number of cases for the Adele concert in Sydney customers believed they had secured tickets even though their transactions were not completed, he said. When a transaction is submitted for purchase the first step is that a credit card pre-authorisation is completed to ensure the customer has a valid card and sufficient funds available. Following this the purchase is processed in our systems. In some cases the transaction does not complete because the customers session is timed out, or there are issues with the authorisation or other validation rules that the transaction must pass. In these cases, there is no debit charged against the customers credit card and the pending authorisation is immediately cancelled. He told P.TV that Ticketek transacted over 100,000 tickets for the Sydney and Adelaide shows in just a few hours, and thanks the fans for their patience amid the unprecedented demand. All were saying is, if youre after tix for the second show, you *might* want to block out an hour or two. Photo: Getty / Kevin Winter. The Veronicas Jess and Lisa Origliasso pulled off the raunchiest stunt the usually-stuffy ARIAs has ever bloody seen when they performed chart topper In My Blood wearing naught but red body glitter in 2016. Now we know how they did it with a small army of professionals who know a thing or two about paintbrushes, prosthetic boobs and adhesive sparkly stuff. It took the worlds best makeup & special effects team to get us ready for last nights performance & hosting, Jess posted to Instagram. We are so lucky to work with the incredible [team]. This team had 20mins to get all the glitter off our bodies. They were incredible. That team included three-time Australian bodypainting champion (!!!) Jessica Watson Miller, who revealed the girls werent *actually* topless, as most people thought they were wearing custom-made latex prosthetics to protest their ~modesty~. We were actually using special prosthetics on their breasts which are made by a company in New Zealand, so they were custom made for them, Miller explained to NZ publication Be. Theyre about the palm of your hand and theyre made of latex. The nifty prosthetics were glued over Jess and Lisas actual breasts and because of the glitter we were able to blend them in seamlessly, she added. Once they came offstage, the team had less than half an hour to get the girls glitter-free and ready for their next ARIAs look that meant piping hot showers backstage and a lot of soap. We just [were] all go, go go. We did whatever we could to get them into their next look, says Miller. If you missed their killer performance, treat your eyes: 10/10. Taylor Swift just published her not-a-moment-too-soon Mannequin Challenge on Instagram, and look, there is a lot going on. Surrounded by her gang of frighteningly accomplished m8s, the short entry into the official Meme Video Canon features a poorly-timed beach visit, a meticulously-placed Beats speaker, and a very liberal interpretation of twerking. Broadway star Todrick Hall, fashion models Martha Hunt and Lily Donaldson, and brother Austin Swift also feature in the Rae Srremmurd-vibin clip, which were sure Apple execs are monitoring with feverish intensity. Peep Austins cap falling on Donaldsons noggin: #mannequinchallenge @todrick @marthahunt @dr.jari @lilydonaldson @austinkingsleyswift @leahmccarthy A video posted by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on Nov 24, 2016 at 5:40pm PST The sudden break into the dance is a lil Harlem Shake-y, making this one a total confluence of tried-and-true viral elements. Let Swift & Co. have their (likely lucrative) fun, imo. Source and photo: Taylor Swift / Instagram. The USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL.jpg The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, HI (Shutterstock.com photo) By Lindsay Bowman This past summer, I had the amazing opportunity to spend a week at The National World War II Museum in New Orleans with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. One of the highlights was meeting veterans each day, who urged everyone they met, including me, to learn about the war, the sacrifices paid, and to keep their stories alive for future generations. It was an important message that I vowed to share with my students. Not all teachers and students can easily travel to New Orleans, though. Fear not. The National World War II Museum has wonderful resources for teachers and students on their website that I encourage you to explore and use in your classroom. One of my favorites, that my students and I will be participating in, is a fun and interactive program called, "Get in the Scrap!" It is a great cross-curricular opportunity, as it combines history with environmental stewardship. Another upcoming event is something you can do from any classroom, anywhere in the world. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, PBS member station WYES-TV/New Orleans and The National World War II Museum will webcast a free national, interactive Electronic Field Trip (EFT) focusing on the events of that momentous day. "Remember Pearl Harbor - How Students Like YOU Experienced the Day of Infamy" debuts live on December 7, and will take place at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm CST. Teachers can register here. This is a great way to help bring the material your students have learned to life. The electronic field trip will give them the kind of experience I received from Gilder Lehrman and the staff at the Museum. Taking this journey will help you elevate your lessons with them - to think critically and have more thoughtful discussions about the war and its continued significance today. We all want our students to go beyond hearing the presented material, and instead comprehend and emotionally connect with the information. Consider this new technology a great "hands-on" experience; they will highlight key primary sources like artifacts, maps, photographs, and letters, to help tell the story of the attack on Pearl Harbor to your students. Those artifacts and stories are more meaningful, authentic, and relevant to their lives than anything they can read in a textbook. Students remember material that is meaningful, authentic, and relevant to their lives; taking the dates, battles, and names from history and applying varied instructional approaches, like this electronic field trip, enables students to better understand the material and apply their knowledge. So, sign-up, tune in, and join student reporters as they deliver updates from the Museum in New Orleans and historic sites on Oahu, including Pearl Harbor. I will be taking part in the electronic field with my students at Harrisburg Academy, and I invite and encourage all other 5-8 grade classes in Central Pennsylvania to take part. Lindsay Bowman is a middle school history teacher at Harrisburg Academy in Wormleysburg. SCOTT WAGNER SENATE ART.jpg (File photo/PennLive.com) By David Fillman More than 500 Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) employees who work at Unemployment Compensation Service Centers will receive layoff notices and work their last day on December 19, due to the State Senate's inaction on House Bill 2375. David Fillman (PennLive file) "Let them close down," said Sen. Scott Wagner, R-York, who proudly led the charge against passing legislation, which would have authorized $57.5 million in funding to keep these call centers open and keep the workers employed. The bill passed in the House by a vote of 175-13, and made it through the Senate's Labor and Industry and Appropriations committees without opposition, though some committee members didn't vote on it. Wagner, who serves on both committees, was one of the members who didn't vote on the bill. Instead, Wagner, who is reportedly running for governor in 2018, took this opportunity to achieve political gain on the backs of hundreds of workers. Now those people will lose their jobs just before the holidays. It is no secret that Wagner disdains state employees and their unions. Most of the affected employees are represented by SEIU, and a handful are represented by AFSCME. In an email blast, Wagner painted himself as the hero in the situation, and even blasted state employees' collective bargaining agreement, saying "Governor Wolf did not have a problem finding money this past August to give almost 30,000 state employees wage increases." Not only does Wagner allow state employees to be scapegoats for budgetary issues created by the legislature that he is a part of, but he goes on to use Wolf as a scapegoat for the call centers closing down, saying "Governor Wolf and his Budget Secretary know where to find money to continue to fund the call centers." Wagner claims this would have been an "eleventh hour" vote, while in reality, they were aware of the need for funding since April. He also decries the supposed lack of accountability of past L&I funding, even though it is known that funding was used for technological improvements that saw a drastic increase in efficiency for the department. Wagner and those in the Legislature like him made the choice to close the call centers and layoff hundreds of people. Now that they have, Wagner is blaming his potential 2018 opponent for it. He was sure to remind folks through his email blast that "in 2018, taxpayers of Pennsylvania get to hold Governor Wolf accountable and elect him out of office." While Wagner capitalizes on this issue for his political ambitions, hundreds of families are trying to figure out what they are going to do for the holidays as their income source is swept out from under them. David Fillman is executive director of Council 13 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. He writes from Swatara Township. OIG LOGO ART.jpg By Mike Regan If the currency of leadership is transparency, the Wolf Administration flirted with bankruptcy last month when the governor issued a blanket veto of legislation, that I proudly co-sponsored, that would have permanently established the Office of Inspector General in state law. Mike Regan (PennLive file) Since its establishment in 1987 under Gov. Robert P. Casey Sr., the Office of Inspector General has unfailingly served in the best interest of Pennsylvania taxpayers. The core mission of the Office is to investigate, eradicate, and prevent instances of waste, fraud, and abuse throughout Pennsylvania government. In my service as Deputy Inspector General, I saw firsthand the efficacy and importance of this little-known state office. Under current practice, the Inspector General is a cabinet-level official who is appointed by, and reports to, the governor. The bill Wolf vetoed would have codified the Office and its current functions in statute, allowing the Inspector General to execute the mission of the Office in an environment unfettered by executive influence. The important work of investigating and rooting out governmental waste should never be subject to shifts in political power. As the entrusted stewards of more than $31 billion in taxpayer dollars, state government must demonstrate a serious commitment to mitigating waste and maximizing the value of available resources. Consider that last year, the Office of Inspector General saved taxpayers an estimated $115.8 million while operating on a relatively modest $16.9 million budget - a 585 percent return on investment. Making the Office of Inspector General a permanent fixture of Pennsylvania government would have sent a clear message to the people of Pennsylvania that we value their significant tax contributions and are doing everything possible to ensure their tax dollars are being used appropriately. Wolf's decision to veto this commonsense legislation reflects a misguided commitment to preserving executive power, rather than restoring public trust in our state government. The taxpayers of our Commonwealth expect, and reasonably demand, policymakers to act in their best interest. As your state Senator, trust that I will continue to advocate for thoughtfully-crafted, good government initiatives like this unjustly vetoed bill. State Rep. Mike Regan, a Republican, is the Senator-elect for the Cumberland County-based 31st Senate District. He will take office in January. Students belonging to a fraternity at the University of the Philippines, the country's premier state university, display placards as they run naked around the campus to condemn last week's burial of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Heroes' Cemetery Friday, Nov. 25, 2016 in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines. Long-dead Marcos was buried last 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. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) Colombia's Marxist FARC will support a presidential candidate in 2018 to prevent a peace accord being modified or scrapped, rebel leader Rodrigo Londono said on Friday, an apparent bid to block former President Alvaro Uribe's right-wing party taking office. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia signed a peace agreement with the government on Thursday, converting it into a political party that will have some weight when President Juan Manuel Santos stands down. Speaking to the international press, Londono, 57, said there is a struggle in Colombia between those who want peace and those who want the five-decade war to continue. He agreed there is a risk that a political opponent could seek to alter the accord once in office. "This is a long-term project. To consolidate peace after over 50 years of confrontation won't be achieved in a few months or years. We think the next government, the next president, should guarantee the continuity of the process," said the veteran fighter, known by his nom de guerre Timochenko. "It should be a transitional government." The government and FARC worked for four years in Cuba to negotiate an end to the region's longest-running conflict, which killed more than 220,000 and displaced millions in the Andean nation. An original draft was rejected in a plebiscite last month as too lenient on the rebels, forcing the two sides back to the negotiating table for a second, slightly modified document. The still-popular and powerful Uribe spearheaded the push to reject the original accord and wants deeper changes to the new version. He has called for protests and may seek a new referendum to scrap the accord. Despite widespread relief at an end to the conflict, many among Colombia's largely conservative residents are angry because the deal will not jail FARC leaders who committed crimes like kidnappings and massacres. It also allows them to hold political office. Given such tense sentiment, Londono fears that violence against FARC members could increase in the coming months as they go through the disarmament process and become absorbed into society. "It's very possible that there's an increase in attacks... in a bid to generate provocations in areas where we are concentrated. We have alerted our people to avoid provocations," said Londono. The FARC, which began as a rebellion fighting rural poverty, has battled a dozen governments as well as right-wing paramilitary groups. It is considered a terrorist organization by the United States. Search Keywords: Short link: More days of rain, snow predicted for this winter The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently predicted that the Great Lakes region will have more frequent precipitation than usual this winter. With Russia's output at record, a freeze is all they offer OPEC Freeze means 2017 Russian output would be less than planned MOSCOW Petroleumworld.com 11 25 2016 Facing pressure from OPEC to make a significant output reduction, Russia reiterated its readiness to freeze oil production at current levels, arguing that the offer amounted to a cut compared with next year's plans. A production cap would mean Russia pumping 200,000 to 300,000 barrels a day less than planned in 2017, Energy Minister Alexander Novak told reporters in Moscow on Thursday. That means a freeze would be quite a difficult and harsh situation for us as our plans envisioned an output growth next year, he said. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, which is seeking to finalize its own supply cuts of as much as 1.1 million barrels a day next week, asked non-members to contribute by cutting daily production by about 500,000 barrels, Novak said. OPEC reached a preliminary deal in September to reduce collective output to 32.5 million to 33 million barrels a day, compared with the group's estimate of 33.6 million in October. Talks on individual production quotas continued this week with the aim of securing a final pact by the ministerial meeting in Vienna on Nov. 30. The group will meet lower-level OPEC officials to discuss cooperation on Nov. 28, followed by a Nov. 30 breakfast meeting between ministers and non-members, including Russia, before the ministerial summit, according to people familiar with the matter. Will Kennedy ? @wenkennedy: Under pressure from # OPEC , Russia's energy minister tries to sell # oil production freeze as a cut | http:// bloom.bg/2fIq5Al # OOTT - 6:43 AM - 24 Nov 20161 The role of Russia is going be critical in shaping a deal, Emmanuel Kachikwu, Nigeria's minister of state for petroleum, said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. Russia is as interested in firming up the price as we are, he said. If there's no agreement to restrict output, the International Energy Agency has said that oil prices are likely to fall in 2017. OPEC's own estimates of supply and demand also show that the Algiers agreement would barely drain a record oil surplus next year without the cooperation of non-members. Javier Blas ? @JavierBlas2: With # oil output at its highest in 30 years, # Russia is telling # OPEC a production freeze is its best offer https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/ 2016-11-24/russia-tries-to-dress-up-oil-freeze-as-cut-amid-opec-pressure # OOTT - 7:03 AM - 24 Nov 2016 London, England While Russia, the largest crude supplier outside OPEC, has reiterated its preference for a freeze over a cut for several months, members of the group including Saudi Arabia had been expecting the nation would eventually join a reduction, according to people briefed on the matter. If Russia and other non-OPEC producers balk at the idea of cutting output, the exporters' group could reconsider pushing ahead, the people said. Russia's position has remained unchanged and consistent, Novak said Thursday. As our president said earlier, we are ready to freeze production at the current levels. President Vladimir Putin on Monday reaffirmed the country is willing to freeze, adding he sees no obstacles to an OPEC agreement this month after the group made major progress in overcoming differences. Russia drafts its 2017 budget using an oil-production estimate at about 11 million barrels a day compared to an average 10.9 million expected this year. Output increased to a record 11.205 million barrels a day in November, near a post-Soviet record. The country has raised its production forecasts several times a year since 2015. While there's actually nothing new from Russia today, Moscow is changing its rhetoric to show its commitment to a deal, said Alexander Kornilov, an analyst at Aton LLC in Moscow. The new wording shows Russia is trying to convince OPEC partners. President Vladimir Putin has given a Russian passport to U.S. action film star Steven Seagal, calling it a sign of a thaw in relations with the United States. The 64-year old actor has been a regular visitor to Russia in recent years and has accompanied Putin to several martial arts events. Seagal also has vocally defended the Russian leader's policies and criticized the U.S. government. After awarding Seagal citizenship through a presidential decree earlier this month, Putin hosted the actor at the Kremlin on Friday and handed him the passport. Putin told Seagal he hopes the ceremony, which was shown on Russian state television, is "also a sign of a gradual normalization of the relations between the countries." For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture Search Keywords: Short link: Nov. 28-29 Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres, the U.N.s new secretary-general-designate, visits China. Nov. 28 An 18-year-old woman is sentenced in Los Angeles for the July 2014 beating death of Ji Xinran, who was a Chinese graduate student at the University of Southern California. The woman one of four people charged in Jis death was convicted last month of first-degree murder. Chinas first Volatility Index SSE 50 ETE launches. Nov. 29 The EU Council submits the 2017 EU budget to the European Parliament, with adoption set for Dec. 1. Enrollment in the EVUS visa system becomes mandatory for Chinese travelers to the United States who have 10-year visas. Nov. 30 The presidential election is held in Somalia. OPEC ministerial meeting takes place. Window opens in China for new round of oil price adjustments. Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor and Guangqi Toyota start recalling more than 800,000 cars due to safety risks. Dec. 1 The November official and Caixin Manufacturing PMI indexes are released. Crown prince of Thailand may ascend to throne. Trial program begins for electric-vehicle license plates in five major Chinese cities. Chinas first asset appraisal law takes effect. PBOC implements rules for new categories of individual RMB bank accounts. Chinas regulation on live-streaming events comes into force. Electric power producers begin annual price negotiations with coal mines. Dec. 2-4 The 7th Caixin Summit in Beijing. Dec. 4 Presidential election in Uzbekistan. Italy holds referendum on proposed overhaul of national constitution. Two men fatally shot in North Philly home Two men were shot and killed Wednesday night in North Philadelphia. Police called to the 2000 block of Turner Street about 9:49 p.m. found two men inside a residence, both with multiple gunshot wounds. One man, 45, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other, 41, was taken by police to Temple University Hospital, where he later died. Their identities were not available, and police did not know of a motive for the homicides. - Mari Schaefer Apartment fire displaces 9 families A fire at a Voorhees Township apartment building Wednesday night has displaced nine families, authorities said. The blaze started around 11:45 p.m. in the 100 block of Van Buren Road. Police evacuated residents from three floors before firefighters put out the flames. No injuries were reported. Property managers and the Red Cross were making arrangements for three families to stay at a nearby hotel. Other displaced residents are staying with relatives, police said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. - Michael Boren Two killed in collision in Winslow Twp. A head-on collision killed two people Thursday morning in Winslow Township, police said. Joel Hutton, 23, of Berlin, and Janiyah Conquest, 19, of Sicklerville, were pronounced dead at the scene after the Chevrolet Malibu that Hutton was driving crossed the center line on Williamstown Road, crashed into an oncoming Honda Civic, and overturned around 7:25 a.m., authorities said. Conquest was ejected from the Malibu onto a field next to the road, police said. A third person inside the Malibu was transported to Cooper University Hospital. The Civic's driver, Jillian Farrell, 19, of Williamstown, also was taken to Cooper. Police did not release her condition. Authorities are investigating what caused Hutton's car to cross the center line. - Michael Boren Bellefonte recognized as bee-friendly There's a buzz in Bellefonte. The borough has been designated as the first Bee Friendly PA Community in the commonwealth. The Bee Friendly PA program is a new initiative from the Pennsylvania State Beekeeping Association, said Josephine Posti, Bee Friendly PA chairwoman. The idea is to recognize municipalities that are supportive of local beekeepers, she said. Municipalities are considered for the designation based on efforts to support honeybees and beekeepers through legislation, education, community support, pest management and pollinator-friendly green space, Posti said.- State College Centre Daily Times Police: Toddler shot by 4-year-old cousin A 2-year-old North Philadelphia boy was hospitalized in critical condition Thursday after he was shot in the chest by his 4-year-old cousin, police said. The incident occurred at 4:23 p.m. inside a house in the 3500 block of North Ninth Street. The boy was transported by police to Temple University Hospital, and then transferred to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, where he was being treated Sunday night. The two children were playing with a firearm when it discharged, police said. The victim's mother and her boyfriend were at home at the time. The weapon was recovered. No arrests were reported. - Bonnie L. Cook IT'S THANKSGIVING week, mi gente . Time to get grateful. I know it might be hard to believe, given the radioactive reactions I've shared lately in response to some of my columns about President-elect Donald Trump, but I am thankful to you, my readers. The ones I've gotten to know over four years at the Daily News and the ones I'm just getting acquainted with at the Inquirer. I'm also eternally thankful for the people who trust me with their stories and who have an uncanny knack of reminding me, when things seem most bleak, that there's a lot to be grateful for in this crazy world of ours. Here's one example, courtesy of Nicole Kapulsky, a former heroin addict I wrote about last year. Kapulsky, a mother of three, had been clean for about five years when I visited her home in the Philadelphia suburb of Glen Mills. She was eager to share her story and her success with Vivitrol, a non-narcotic medication that she used to kick her addiction. She was also grateful and excited about her future, which included her upcoming wedding, where she giddily planned to wear a poufy pink dress. I'd almost forgotten about that when my phone pinged the other day. And then, there she was: Nicole (Kapulsky) Braclalenti, the email announced, a glowing bride in all her poufy pink glory. "I promised pics in my pink poofy dress," she wrote. "Jeff and I wed on Saturday night. It was amazing." She'd done it, and I couldn't stop smiling or sharing the picture. "6 years clean in 2 months," she wrote in a subsequent email. "Life is wonderful. I have never been happier." It was the flip side of a horrible story that is playing out all out over the country as the epidemic of opioid addiction ripples across America. Even while I talked to her in 2015, I knew she was one of the lucky ones. The same year we met, there were more than twice as many deaths from drug overdose in Philly as there were from homicide. Just last week, the city's Department of Public Health issued an alert when emergency rooms reported nearly 40 drug overdoses in one day. "I watched the news that day and was scared to death for the people out there," Kapulsky said. Kapulsky had become addicted while going through a bad divorce. Desperate to kick it for good in 2011, a dope-sick Kapulsky went to a nearby library and Googled "ways to get clean on my own." She'd already done rehab and relapsed after methadone treatment. The first thing that came up was Vivitrol, a non-narcotic monthly injection of naltrexone that blocks the cravings for heroin. Vivitrol was her "miracle." But everyone's path to recovery is different. Last month at a local Walmart, Kapulsky bumped into a couple of guys she used to run with. She told them about her success with Vivitrol and encouraged them to try it. She told them she'd help if they were interested, but while they promised they'd get in touch, the look in their eyes said otherwise. They were already looking for their next high. "When I got to my car, I just sobbed," she said. "I was still crying when I got home because I felt so bad for them and because I was just so grateful that I managed to get away from that life." Kapulsky doesn't spend much time looking back since getting clean, but that day, she couldn't help but consider how far she'd come. She was about to celebrate her first Thanksgiving as a new wife. Her oldest son is serving in the military in Germany. She and her husband are hoping to open up a pizza joint soon. She had gone through hell and come out the other side. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. ubinas@phillynews.com @NotesFromHel (Beijing) A government-fueled push for trillions of yuan in investments in public-private infrastructure projects to spur the economy while alleviating government debt may disappoint policymakers, according to academics and financial consultants. To reverse the slowdown in economic growth, the central government has been encouraging local governments to recruit private investors as partners in infrastructure projects. Thousands of these public-private partnerships (PPPs) have been launched since 2013. Getting private investors to share the cost and risk of gross-domestic-product-boosting projects is intended not only to lessen the financial burden on local governments but also to prompt them to be more transparent and operate by market rules. The number of PPP projects proposed by local governments reached 10,471 as of the end of September, with planned investments totaling 12.5 trillion yuan ($1.8 trillion), according to the Ministry of Finance. Over the past three years, 946 projects have broken ground. This has triggered concern that the rapid expansion of PPPs may have sacrificed project quality while increasing the risk that local governments will be stuck with enormous new debts. "Almost all people familiar with the PPP program think it has (grown) too fast," said Wang Shouqing, a Tsinghua University professor who advises local authorities on the financing of PPP projects. According to MOF data, 69% of the 10,471 PPP projects require direct government payments or subsidies. In financial terms, that applies to 65% of the total of planned investments, or about 8.1 trillion yuan, according to the MOF data. China is managing a massive debt overhang. A central bank study found that debt owed by Chinese companies many of them state-owned has reached 160% of gross domestic product (GDP). The country's total debt-to-GDP ratio, including corporate and government debt, is close to 240%, according to the central bank. Some experts said they are concerned that local authorities have modified the PPP model to make it a new channel for extra borrowing that falls outside of normal supervision as the central government tightens control over local debts. On Oct. 20, the MOF ordered local finance departments to survey local government spending on PPP projects as part of a national review of local debts, underscoring the ministry's concerns that local authorities manipulated PPP projects. At the same, also in mid-October, the MOF made PPP arrangements a compulsory choice for selected types of public projects, such as garbage disposal and sewage treatment. The central government said it will gradually reduce fiscal support for such projects. A feasibility study for applying a PPP is also required for most other public service projects. Great leap The volume and scope of China's PPP plans appears unprecedented. In Britain, where the PPP concept first appeared in the 1980s, 725 such projects were launched by the end of 2013. In Japan, there have been 600 PPP projects since 1999. In most countries, the PPP model usually accounts for 10% to 20% of public infrastructure and service projects, according to Tsinghua professor Wang. Application of the idea in China has been much greater, he said. Zhang Liao, chairman of the PPP consultancy Shanghai Jumbo Consulting Co., said PPP projects usually involve huge amounts of investment and require careful, time-consuming research and assessments to ensure they are well-designed. In developed countries such as Britain, getting a PPP project through due diligence, design and negotiation of contracts typically takes one to two years, Wang said. But in China, the whole procedure usually takes less than a year. In December 2015, the MOF introduced "Value for Money" guidelines to test whether proposed PPP projects would be more economical and efficient than other arrangements. But several experts close to the ministry told Caixin that the guidelines as released reflected repeated revisions and compromises, partly because of local governments' resistance. Many local governments conduct Value for Money assessments of PPP projects as a formality without making a good-faith assessment of whether the arrangement is a truly efficient choice, Wang said. Local officials see the projects as opportunities for boosting their economies, he said. New Funding Channel Instead of finding truly private partners, critics said some projects seem designed to favor certain state-owned enterprises. In addition, some local government financing platforms have sought to issue more corporate bonds through PPP arrangements, with local governments as the implicit guarantor. Such arrangements help local governments conceal actual debt totals and sidestep limitations on their borrowing. The MOF limited local government support of PPP projects to no more than 10% of their annual budgets, including equity investments, subsidies and other spending. The budget cap is intended to limit local fiscal risk, the consultant Zhang said. However, many local governments have tried to conceal some of their PPP-related spending in their financial books, according to a state bank executive. For instance, some local governments list PPP project spending as government procurements to make the spending fall outside necessary supervision. Most PPP projects are public service developments that can't make profits in the short term and need government subsidies, Zhang said. As a result, he said, the more PPP projects are launched, the heavier the payment obligations that local governments will hold. According to Zhang, many PPP projects are designed as a sort of build-and-transfer model, in which local governments promise to buy out the projects from private partners and pay them fixed yields. Meanwhile, large amounts of money from wealth management funds, which are mainly raised from retail investors and stay off banks' balance sheets, have been invested in such projects, offering a sort of shadow financing. Good assets are scarce amid the economic slowdown, so PPPs has become a preferred target for bank investment, said an executive at a state bank. "The original intention (of PPPs) was to encourage private investors to take part," the executive said. "But now there are mainly wealth management funds entering the projects, rather than private companies." Wealth management money injected into industrial investment funds provides de facto loans to PPP projects rather than equity investment because they neither care about the operation of the projects nor bring any resources to improve the efficiency of the projects, Zhang said. Contact reporter Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com) (Beijing) Online microlender Qudian is taking steps for an offshore initial public offering (IPO) to raise more than $500 million as soon as the first quarter of next year, becoming the first of a new generation of privately owned Chinese financial service companies to list. Qudian has recently hired a chief financial officer and investment bank, which are typical steps that a company makes in the months before a listing, said a source with direct knowledge of the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity. The company was valued at between $1 billion and $2 billion at the time of its last funding earlier this year, its sixth so far. It would be looking to raise $500 million or more in the offering, with New York as the strongest possibility, the source said. That would make it the largest IPO by a Chinese internet company in New York since Alibaba's blockbuster $25 billion offering in September 2014. It would also be the largest by a Chinese firm in New York since parcel delivery company ZTO Express raised $1.4 billion last month. Founded just two years ago, Qudian rose to prominence on the back of its Qufenqi service, which makes loans that typically total around 1,000 yuan ($145) each to college students looking to buy things like computers, bicycles and smartphones. The company later diversified into a wider customer base of young consumers who often want to make similar-sized purchases but have little or no access to credit. Qudian now reportedly issues 100 million yuan worth of loans per day, which translates to the equivalent of well over $5 billion in loans a year. Qudian is part of a new generation of privately funded financial service firms to proliferate in China over the last five years, as Beijing opens up a sector once dominated by big, slow-moving state-run banks in a bid to make it more nimble. One of the private sector's earliest players is Ant Financial, the financial services affiliate of e-commerce giant Alibaba and itself an investor in Qudian. Ant's core asset, the Alipay electronic payments service, is hugely popular among online shoppers and is increasingly challenging the state-owned UnionPay in traditional stores. Ant has also said it wants to make an IPO in Hong Kong, though it hasn't given a specific timetable. P2P lender Lufax is another major player in the space, and previous reports have indicated the 5-year-old company is aiming to make a Hong Kong IPO that could raise up to $5 billion sometime next year. Contact reporter Doug Young (dougyoung@caixin.com); editor Kerry Nelson (kerry@caixin.com) Samsung Electronics Co. may exit the global personal computer market by selling its flagging PC business to Lenovo Group Ltd., a South Korean media outlet reported Friday. Negotiations between the two companies have been underway for several months, the online business news website Jong reported. The proposed deal could be worth more than 1 trillion won ($849 million), the report said. A spokesperson for Lenovo said the company does not respond to market rumors. Samsung could not be reached for comment. "The deal would make total sense," said Fang Xingdong, who heads the Beijing technology think tank China Labs. "The PC is a sunset industry, and Lenovo is the only company thats making any money (from them). Samsung would reasonably want to shrug off this burden to focus on smartphones." Samsung controls no more than 4% of the global market for PCs, and its share is shrinking, IDC research manager Jacky Zhao said. Analysts say Chinas Lenovo the worlds largest PC maker is eagerly seeking new markets and opportunities for innovation. "Samsung PCs actually enjoy good brand reputation in Vietnam and Indonesia, and the acquisition will give Lenovo better access to these markets," said business strategist Zhou Zhanggui, a columnist for the Chinese edition of the British newspaper Financial Times. "Gobbling up these smaller players is the most efficient way for Lenovo to secure its advantage," Zhou said. "Samsung has solid infrastructure technology and is a leader in display panels." Samsung does not report separate financial results for its PC arm, nor has the company described how much PC sales contribute to its consumer electronics business, for which sales fell 7% year-on-year in the third quarter. The report included comments from a former Samsung executive who said the companys withdrawal from the PC market would not be surprising, given the close ties between its PC and printer businesses. In September, Samsung sold its printer business to HP Inc. in a deal valued at $1.05 billion. "Samsung knows it doesnt have much of a chance in PCs with its current market status," said IDCs Zhao. "Chipping away this non-core division will let Samsung focus on its advantages." Contact reporter April Ma (fangjingma@caixin.com); editor Eric Johnson (ericjohnson@caixin.com) Don't forget to check out all the sale stuff in the PB store!! Pinkbike Shop and the Buy and Sell page for more great deals and cool things that you might just want. (Beijing) The Beijing municipal government is sticking with its ban on new financial firms whose names and business descriptions explicitly tie them to financial services. Speaking to Caixin, an official with the city's Administration for Industry and Commerce confirmed Friday that the regulator will continue indefinitely to refuse to register new companies with names that include key words such as "investment" and "finance," and phrases such as "asset management" and "fund management." Also barred are all companies that say in their business registration applications that they plan to offer financial services. The restriction was implemented in January in a bid to better control financial markets and limit new investment-related companies amid a rise in fraudulent wealth management products offered by peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms. Since January, the governments of Shanghai and Shenzhen have also banned firms whose registration applications identified them as financial service providers. The bans were billed as temporary. Existing firms in these cities that registered before the rule have not been affected. According to Wangdaizhijia, a research firm that tracks the online-lending industry, authorities have shut down about 1,000 P2P sites since January. They were targeted for failing to repay investors. In some cases, officials said, website managers disappeared with investor funds. Contact reporter Dong Tongjian (tongjiandong@caixin.com); editor Eric Johnson (ericjohnson@caixin.com) Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print *The following is an opinion column by R Muse* A couple of days ago this column reported and commented on the conservative Wall Street Journal telling Donald Trump to liquidate his holdings, place the proceeds in a blind trust, turn over remaining assets to his children and cease communicating with them about Trump business. The Journals reason was because If Mr. Trump doesnt liquidate, he will be accused of a pecuniary motive any time he takes a policy position. The editors at the Journal did not go on to say that one very unique reason he will be accused of a pecuniary motive any time he takes a policy position is because that is precisely what a corrupt person like Trump is prone to do. Sure enough, there are reports that Trump is already planning on acting out of a pecuniary motive when he remakes the agency that ruled against him because as White House occupant he will have that authority. No-one in their right mind is surprised at this latest outrage, particularly when a couple of days after the election Trump argued that the lawsuit against his phony rip-off university had to be postponed until after he was in the White House and wielded control over the Justice Department and federal judges jobs. Although Trump didnt actually say that is why he wanted a postponement, there is no doubt in a sane human beings mind that was his intent. The Judge Trump said was incapable of presiding over a fair trial because hes a Mexican rejected Trumps argument. Now there is news that Dirty Don intends on revamping a federal agency NLRB) that ruled against him about three weeks ago for violating federal labor laws. In the interim, instead of complying with the agencys ruling and order, Trumps lawyers are tying up the issue in court just long enough for a new White House administration to step in and overturn the previous ruling. One of the Las Vegas hotels owned by corrupt Trump is escalating what has already been a nasty war with the one federal agency charged with enforcing the nations labor laws and protecting the labor force. The war is over the right of workers to organize and collectively bargain; something the Koch brothers, all Republicans, and especially Donald Trump the businessman or potential president-elect is not going to stand idly by and allow to happen; not when the ultimate authority to crush workers rights and union labor is within his grasp. Since Trump despises labor unions nearly as much as he hates the U.S. Constitution, as a president, he will soon seek vengeance against the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and remake it in his anti-union image when he appoints new members who will make Trumps union problem just go away. It is precisely what no small number of political commenters and experts predicted would happen if he was ever allowed to seize control over federal government agencies. This column commented on the smack down the NRLB issued to Trump about three weeks ago over his, and his Trump International Hotels, refusal to either acknowledge or accept the result of an election that Trump didnt win. The NLRB ordered Trump to negotiate with the now-organized workers according to federal law and that is when the real problem started. Remember, as a megalomaniac authoritarian, no-one, especially not a government agency, tells Donald Trump what to do; particularly if he thinks it might cut into his profits and prevent him from taking advantage of workers. The NLRB ordered Trump to negotiate with Unite Here, a coalition of the Culinary Workers union and Bartenders union, that Trumps employees said they want to be represented by and voted accordingly. Trump refuses to recognize the union, and charged that employees were intimidated into voting Yes. The reality is that Trump hired a union-busting firm to threaten and intimidate the workers, mostly immigrants and women, into fearing for their livelihoods if they dared cross boss Trump and vote according to their best self-interests. After hearing the Trump hotels lies and complaints, all three members of the NLRB, two Democrats and one Republican, rejected Trumps argument and ruled unanimously that Trump had no choice but to recognize and negotiate with the union according to the law; a law that will most certainly face a similar fate as the NLRB. Trump sent in his attorneys who promptly filed a federal lawsuit to change the ruling as quickly as Trump hopes to change the NLRB into a Trump-friendly federal agency; an independent government agency that will become organized labors worst enemy. The NLRB was created to protect labor and is charged with interpreting and enforcing the nations labor laws, overseeing union elections, and ruling on complaints from both workers and management. Since the NLRB is considered an independent agency, a president in regular times cannot fire its members, but these are far from regular times. A president can appoint new members, subject to Senate confirmation, when current members term is finished and Trump will fill two vacancies immediately and a third in December 2017. And as president, next October he appoints a new NLRB general counsel; probably the most crucial agency position. The general counsel decides which labor dispute cases are ever brought to the agency for consideration and adjudication. Trump can easily fill the NLRB with Koch-approved anti-union people and, as Money/CNN noted, remake the NLRB in a big way and deal organized labor the true death conservatives have dreamt about for generations. Republicans have ramped up their attacks on the NLRB during President Obamas tenure because they claim the agency is better protecting workers and making it harder for employers to take advantage of the work force, and just three weeks ago imposed an unfair ruling that failed to favor employers at the expense of worker rights and federal laws. The NLRB has been at the center of Republican angst for some time because it is not predatory towards the labor force and unions; something Republicans expect Donald Trump to remedy sooner rather than later. The Kochs demand it, the U.S. Chamber demands it, corporations expect it, and with unchallenged authority, anti-labor Donald Trump will see their demands reach fruition; if for no other reason than to impose some old-school vengeance on workers for voting the wrong way. Now that they control all facets of government, Republicans are eager to have a NLRB that is more favorable to big business and adversarial toward organized labor and workers rights. As they should be, unions representing Trump hotel workers are rightly worried about what Trump might do to interfere with the current case when he takes over and runs the government. That was the statement from Bethany Khan, a spokesperson for the Culinary Workers Union. She said, The question for us is: Will Donald Trump as president of the United States of America use the power he has to interfere given that he has a financial interest in the outcome of these matters. Ms. Khan also said that besides Trumps greed, what drives the workers concerns are whether there are any federal ethics rules allowing Trumps puppets on the NLRB to rule on cases involving his business; exactly the kind of conflict of interest no small number of experts have warned will happen. Khan said, The Culinary Union may challenge those rulings if this situation arises. The new majority can be expected to be less generous in protection of workers rights than the current NLRB. One wonders what all of the nations law enforcement unions, most of whom endorsed Trump, are thinking about their prospects under a government, and labor protection agency, devoted to serving the interests of anyone but workers; and hungers to put an end to organized labor once and for all time. These are not unjustified concerns, either. Because with the Republican Party, Koch brothers, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Donald Trump running the entire government, unions are an endangered species and Trumps hotel workers in Las Vegas are about to experience a greedy authoritarians vengeance because he didnt win an election and hates labor as much as he hates unions. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Like Republicans before him, Donald Trump has a conflict of interest where pipelines are concerned. We all remember the interest of certain Republicans in Congress where the Keystone XL pipeline was concerned. It wasnt going to actually create any jobs, but it was going to make them a whole bucket full of money. Likewise Donald Trump and the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) over which so many Native Americans are at this very moment being brutalized by law enforcement agencies and private security contractors. Since the project is worth $3.8 billion, you can bet the Sioux of Standing Rock are not going to get a fair shake from the president-elect. Trumps 2016 federal disclosure forms show him owning $15,000 to $50,000 stock in Energy Transfer Partners. Thats not all: Trump is also invested to the tune of $100,000 and $250,000 in Phillips 66, which owns 1/4 of ETP. It is easy to see why Sharon Buccino the Natural Resources Defense Council says, Trumps investments in the pipeline business threaten to undercut faith in this process which was already frayed by interjecting his own financial well-being into a much bigger decision. Really, the Dakota Access Pipeline represents a confluence of corrupt Republican sources, with former Texas Gov. Rick Perry serving on ETPs board of directors. What could possibly go wrong? Pretty much everything. The Republican administration of Donald Trump is set to economically rape America, and Trump is already lining up his pocket-filling from Trump Tower. The Associated Press reports being told by Kelcy Warren, CEO of Dallas-based Energy Transfer, who donated to Trumps campaign and to a committee supporting Trumps candidacy that, he expects Trump to make it easier for his company and others to complete infrastructure projects. Do I think its going to get easier? Of course. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Thats right. Donald Trump isnt the originator of #MAGA. That would be Adolf Hitler, who, if he never made it a slogan, did make the idea Make Germany Great Again a central theme of his political movement. The Green Bay Press-Gazette preserves in its January 4, 1934 issue, a syndicated biopic (Uncle Rays Corner) of the German leader, which stated: People laughed at him, and thought he was of little importance. He told people that he would make Germany great again. He blamed Jews, Socialists, Communists, and others for the troubles of the land. His blazing speeches gained followers for his cause. Here is the entire column: Sounds familiar, doesnt it? After all, Donald Trump couldnt even keep it out of his Thanksgiving wishes to the nation, tweeting : Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. We will, together, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 24, 2016 So too do the circumstances of Hitlers rise to power seem familiar. The New York Times Berlin bureau chief, Cyril Brown, covered Hitler for the paper, writing in a piece published on Nov. 21, 1922 that, His program consists chiefly of half a dozen negative ideas clothed in generalities He probably does not know himself just what he wants to accomplish. Again, this sounds a lot like Trump. A half dozen negative ideas clothed in generalities really says it all. As does this: He talks rough, shaggy, sound horse sense, and according to public opinion, a strong, active leader equipped with horse sense is the need of the hour. This is precisely how Donald Trump has presented himself and been received by his followers, and as with Hitler, his blunt talk has been mistaken for honestly, as though a pathological liar cannot speak bluntly. And this Make Germany Great Again line was no more a one-off for Hitler than for Trump. The St. Louis Star and Times carried a Hitler speech in 1940 where the Fuhrer said, Nationalism and Socialism had to be redefined and they had to be blended into one strong new idea to carry new strength which would make Germany great again. People can attempt to downplay the eerie similarities between Adolf Hitler and the man who, according to an ex-wife, sleeps with a copy of Hitlers speeches by his bedside, but thats all they can do, because the similarities are real, and possibly even intentional. And yes, people thought Adolf Hitlers anti-Semitism was a put-on as well. Just as an aside, you might take something from the fact that while Trump hates Hamilton, he is a big fan of the play Evita, which is about the fascist Eva Peron. All the signs are there: The racism is real, the anti-Semitism is real, the conspiracy theory of betrayal is just as pronounced, and Trump and his followers have even given us the Hitler salute and personal oaths of loyalty. Worse, Trump has not failed to denounce the support of Neo-Nazis, he (with the help of the mainstream media) has mainstreamed and normalized it. Make your country great again? Been there, done that, and look where it got the Germans and all the minorities the Nazis trampled along the way. Photos: Screen capture Newspapers.com Hungary Mol to settle share option deal with ING, signs new one Portfolio Save article Share Hungarian Hungarian oil and gas group Mol has announced a share option agreement with ING Bank will be cash settled and a new one has been concluded on 24 November. Mol said in a statement on the website of the Budapest Stock Exchange (BSE) late on Thursday that it has agreed with ING Bank N.V. that the option rights arising out of the share option agreement concluded between them on 24 November 2015, regarding 5,220,000 MOL Series A" Ordinary shares, will be cash settled in respect of 4,863,101 number of options and physically settled in respect of 356,899 number of options on 28 November, 2016. The strike price for settlement is EUR 42.8654 per share. MOL and ING concluded a new share option transaction on 24 November, 2016 whereby as a result of the transactions, MOL received American call options and ING received European put options regarding 4,863,101 MOL Series A" Ordinary shares. The maturity of the options is 1 year. The strike price of both call and put options is EUR 60.22309 per one share. As a result of the transactions MOL Plc. will directly and indirectly own 7,914,159 "A" series and 578 "C" series MOL ordinary shares. The California man who was fatally shot outside Summerville's Hampton Inn off I-26 did not know his alleged killer, police say. The FBI estimates that 10 percent of people murdered in 2021 in the U.S. were killed by a stranger, though the relationship between the victim and defendant was unknown in roughly half of the crimes, according to data. . Read moreFatal shooting of Calif. man at Summerville hotel 'random act of violence,' per police (Beijing) Gree Electric Appliances Inc., Chinas largest domestic air-conditioner maker, unexpectedly announced pay raises for virtually all of its 70,000 employees in the wake of two key personnel changes and amid lingering negative publicity over a failed bid to buy an electric-car company. Starting in December, employees who have worked at the Zhuhai-based company for more than three months will see their monthly salary rise by 1,000 yuan ($145) from their current amounts, the company announced Friday. Gree will have to spend an extra 847 million yuan each year to cover the salary raises, an amount equivalent to about 6.8% of the companys net profit for 2015. It has been the largest salary hike (by the company), as far as I know, a director of Gree Electric Appliances Inc.s marketing department told Caixin. The move came days after Gree scrapped a bid to acquire local electric-car firm Zhuhai Yinlong New Energy Co. Ltd. in an effort to diversify its business. Grees board had initially proposed to fund the Yinlong deal by issuing additional stock worth 9.7 billion yuan to specific shareholders, but the move was voted down by smaller shareholders excluded from the plan who feared the value of their shares would be diluted. Two recent management changes have also helped to taint the image of the home-appliance giant. Dong Mingzhu, Grees chairwoman and president, was removed two weeks ago from the post of chairperson of the government-held Gree Group, the largest shareholder in the firm. The move was ordered by the authority that oversees state-owned firms, the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of Zhuhai. On Tuesday, board member Meng Xiangkai also tendered his resignation, saying he wanted to "change jobs." A Gree spokesperson told Caixin that Dong had voluntarily asked to step down from the position at Gree Group to fulfill national regulations and was a personal decision. According to rules regarding state-owned enterprises, an individual is not allowed to head both a group and its listed subsidiary, the official Xinhua News Agency reported, citing sources. However, some industry watchers question whether the move by Gree was designed to irk the smaller shareholders who had blocked the funding plan for the Yinlong acquisition. Listed companies dont make emotional decisions, said Grees marketing director, adding that the company has been leading the industry in terms of granting dividends. Shares in the Shenzhen-listed Gree Electric Appliances rose 3.2% to 27.23 yuan on Friday. Contact reporter Coco Feng (renkefeng@caixin.com); editor Calum Gordon (calum@caixin.com) 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. Electric vehicles arent a panacea. They dont reduce traffic congestion or the need to spend billions of dollars repairing and expanding our highways, the way mass transit, ride sharing and more walkable and bicycleable communities can. To the contrary, they make it more difficult to pay for the necessary upgrades, because despite some modest steps, politicians here and elsewhere have been unwilling to change our tax laws to ensure that vehicles using little or no gasoline pay their fair share for those improvements. Read moreEditorial: SC electric vehicle expansion helps state in multiple ways Olmsted County sheriff's deputies saved the life of a heroin overdose victim this week thanks to Narcan, a non-addictive prescription medication used to reverse opioid drug overdoses. The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office responded to the 6700 block of Meadowbrook Street in Marion Township just before 3 a.m. Monday for a likely overdose. A 19-year-old female reported the man had taken heroin and deputies found him "near death," according to Capt. Scott Behrns. A deputy administered a shot of Narcan in hopes of reversing the overdose effects on the 48-year-old male victim. "His training kicked in, and he did the right thing," Behrns said of the deputy, adding that "it's a really long five minutes" to see if the Narcan had been delivered in time to save the victim's life. The victim, who has not been identified by name, survived and was transported to Mayo Clinic Hospital - Saint Marys Campus. The situation played out exactly as the Steve Rummler Hope Foundation hoped when new overdose legislation dubbed "Steve's Law" was approved in 2014. ADVERTISEMENT Rummler was an Edina man who died the first time he used heroin in 2011. He began taking opioids in 2005 to manage chronic pain, but eventually entered a rehab program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester in 2010. He was successfully weaned off the addictive opioids, but relapsed before his sudden death about a year later. "At first they were a lifeline," Rummler wrote of painkillers in his journal. "Now they are a noose around my neck." Rummler's death led to the creation of the Hope Foundation, which successfully pushed for Minnesota to distribute Narcan to law enforcement officers. The Centers for Disease Control reports that more than 50 people die per day in the U.S. due to overdose, many from heroin. Nearly 19,000 overdose deaths were reported in 2014, four times as many as reported 20 years ago. During an addiction forum hosted earlier this month in Rochester by Mn Adult & Teen Challenge, Mayo Clinic physician Casey Clements told the crowd that the health care industry is "not completely innocent" in the rising addiction problem. According to the CDC, health care providers wrote 259 million prescriptions for painkillers in 2012, which is enough for every American adult to have a bottle. A June 2016 grant from Southeastern Minnesota Emergency Medical Services allowed local law enforcement to receive training to use Narcan and start carrying it in September. Capt. Behrns said that Narcan is now carried in every patrol car that has a defibrillator, which is around 11. Sgt. Paul Wilson, of the Rochester Police Department, recently wrapped up an 18-month investigation with federal authorities that found "pounds and pounds" of heroin was being brought in from Chicago. ADVERTISEMENT Wilson's narcotics unit has carried Narcan for months, but has yet to use it. The Rochester Police Department has declined to carry Narcan because it's redundant with Gold Cross ambulance, which typically arrives to the scene at the same time as officers. Capt. John Sherwin, of the RPD, and Wilson both attribute the rise of heroin to the legalization of marijuana in many states. According to a popular theory detailed in a lengthy "Esquire" magazine article , the legalization of marijuana has negatively impacted the drug trade of Mexican cartels, which have turned to heroin as its new cash crop. "It's kind of a sad state, but there are reasons behind the heroin epidemic," Sherwin said. "It's widely available, being mass produced and the newest cash crop of the cartels. Those folks are businessmen first and heroin is cheap, so they've flooded the market." WABASHA The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold a pair of meetings to discuss its plans for managing dredged materials along the Mississippi River between the Chippewa River and Lock and Dam 5 near Minnesota City. The first meeting will be at the VFW Post in Cochrane, Wis., at 6 p.m. Dec. 14. The second meeting will be at the VFW Post in Wabasha at 6 p.m. Dec. 15. The meetings will focus on navigation and channel maintenance, the dredged material management plan process and real estate acquisition. The Corps is revising its plans for Pools 4 and 5 of the Mississippi River, and once complete should help in the management of a 9-foot navigation channel for the next 40 years. Because the plan will specify both temporary and permanent storage locations for the dredged material, an environmental assessment is being prepared as part of the plan. Federal officials to probe plane crash landing MOORHEAD The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause of an airplane crash landing near the Moorhead airport. The twin engine turboprop was approaching the airport Wednesday evening when it ended up in a farm field a short distance from the runway. Clay County Sheriff's Lt. Mark Empting says there were seven people aboard the plane, including the pilot. He says some of the passengers were treated at the scene for minor injuries. The pilot was taken to a Fargo, N.D., hospital with minor injuries. Empting tells KFGO radio that it was foggy at the time but it's too early to speculate on what happened. ADVERTISEMENT Police: Man fatally stabbed MINNEAPOLIS Police in Minneapolis are investigating the fatal stabbing of a man in south Minneapolis. Police say officers responding to a report of an assault around 11:20 p.m. Wednesday found a 28-year-old man with multiple stab wounds on the front steps on an apartment building. He was transported to a local hospital, where he died Thursday from his injuries. Police say a 19-year-old suspect was arrested without incident after officers canvassed the neighborhood. He is being held at the Hennepin County Jail. The name of the victim has not been released. Police are asking witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to contact authorities. Police: Man shot ex-wife at workplace NORTH ST. PAUL Police are searching for a man who allegedly shot his ex-wife at her workplace in North St. Paul. ADVERTISEMENT Authorities say the man came into Anchor Mold and Tool Company after 2 p.m. Wednesday and shot the woman multiple times. The woman was taken by ambulance to a hospital. There is no immediate word on her condition. Police say the man may be driving a black Chevy Silverado with a ladder rack and was headed toward Coon Rapids. Police describe the shooting as an isolated domestic situation but say the man is armed and dangerous. Dayton: Time running out for health care cost fix ST. PAUL Gov. Mark Dayton says time is running out to help Minnesota residents facing big health insurance premium increases next year. Rates are going up by as much as 67 percent next year for residents who buy coverage individually, and those who don't qualify for federal subsidies will bear the costs entirely. Dayton and lawmakers have discussed a special session to deliver relief but have made little headway. Dayton urged lawmakers Wednesday to agree to his plan for a premium rebate. That would use $331 million in surplus funds to cover 25 percent of a monthly insurance payment. House Republicans have proposed different relief mechanisms while also discussing longer-term overhaul. The Democratic governor says broader fixes are also needed but can wait. ADVERTISEMENT Legislative leaders were set to meet again Monday. Homicide leads to chase, police wounding suspect EDINA Authorities say a fatal shooting at a home in Prior Lake led to a police chase in the southern Minneapolis suburbs that ended with officers shooting one of the suspects. Hennepin County Sheriff Richard Stanek says the other two suspects were caught early Wednesday after their car became disabled near an exit to Highway 169 in Edina. Authorities say the third suspect ran away and fired at police. Two Eden Prairie police officers returned fire, striking the suspect. Stanek said the wounded man is being treated at a hospital, but would not say if the suspect will survive. No officers were hurt. The home shooting was reported just after 2 a.m. A man who had been shot multiple times died at a Shakopee hospital. MINNEAPOLIS An environmental group has asked a federal court to throw out a lawsuit by a mining company that's fighting to hold on to its minerals leases in northeastern Minnesota. The government has yet to formally respond to the lawsuit filed by Twin Metals Minnesota in September. But court filings this week by Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness provide a preview of what could be the government's legal strategy. Twin Metals wants to build a huge underground copper-nickel mine southeast of Ely, within a watershed that flows into the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The environmental group is represented by former U.S. Attorney Thomas Heffelfinger, who served under two Republican presidents. He filed one motion asking the court to allow the environmental group to intervene in the lawsuit. But he also asked the court in a separate motion to dismiss the lawsuit altogether, laying out arguments that the federal Bureau of Land Management could make when it responds. The key argument is that the lawsuit is premature. Bureau of Land Management spokeswoman Kimberly Brubeck said her agency doesn't comment on pending litigation. A Twin Metals spokesman declined comment. ADVERTISEMENT Twin Metals' lawsuit seeks to invalidate an opinion by the solicitor for the Interior Department that the company doesn't have an automatic right to renew its two leases, which were first issued in 1966 and last renewed in 2004. The lawsuit says the earlier renewals were routinely granted and seeks an order for fresh renewals. The company has said that the solicitor's opinion "cast a cloud of uncertainty" that makes it difficult to proceed with the project. The company says it can mine without harming the wilderness while creating hundreds of jobs, and says it should be allowed to go through the environmental review process like any other proposed project. Northeastern Minnesota has vast untapped reserves of copper, nickel and precious metals, but they are tied up in sulfide-bearing minerals, which can leach sulfuric acid and heavy metals when exposed to air and water. Gov. Mark Dayton denied Twin Metals access to state-owned lands in March. The Interior Department issued its opinion the next day. In June, the U.S. Forest Service weighed in, saying that it was "deeply concerned" about potential acid mine drainage and that it would conduct a scientific review to help it decide whether to consent to the renewals. Heffelfinger argued that the court shouldn't intervene in the BLM's decision-making. His motion argued the lawsuit is premature because the solicitor's opinion isn't a final call on lease renewal, so the company may not suffer any harm. The government's response is due by Dec. 12, more than a month before President-elect Donald Trump, who may be more favorable to mining interests than the Obama administration, takes office. A hearing on the motions is set for April 28. This Thanksgiving, while musing on the many reasons I had to give thanks, my mind flipped back to a meeting I had in 2000 in the Kremlin with a top Russian official. Talking about Vladimir Putin's plans for the presidency, the aide ticked off the number of major media outlets the Kremlin planned to seize from private owners, including national TV networks. Would Putin countenance any independent news outlets, I asked? "If we want any independent media, we will create it," he answered, a chilling glimpse into the Kremlin's plan to control the national news. Flash forward to the present. I am thankful I live in a country where the First Amendment guarantees press freedom, a country whose founding fathers considered a critical media to be essential. Despite the tensions between the president-elect and any media critics, it wouldn't be possible for Donald Trump to pull a Putin and seize the New York Times and CNN. Yet, Trump's sensitivity to any perceived media slight, and his vendettas against journalists who write critical stories, promise trouble ahead. ADVERTISEMENT Consider the experience of Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly, whom Trump targeted because she questioned him on his vulgar statements about women. "The relentless campaign that Trump unleashed on me and Fox News to try to get coverage the way he liked it was unprecedented and potentially very dangerous," Kelly told the Times. That included pressure on her bosses and a retweet by a top Trump deputy that called for Trump to "gut her" as well as nasty tweets from Trump's official account. Trump's attacks spurred his fans to such vitriol, including death threats, that Kelly had to hire security guards, as she details in her new book, "Settle for More." If Trump were to repeat the same behavior from the White House, Kelly says, "it would be quite chilling for many reporters." Yet we know that Trump views investigative stories about, say, his business interests, as a personal affront. He's made this clear in angry meetings with media executives and his endless tweets attacking the Times. And Trump has pledged to sue newspapers for critical articles, a pledge that flies in the face of First Amendment press freedom guarantees that were upheld by the unanimous 1964 Supreme Court decision New York Times v. Sullivan. In that ruling, the court stated that a plaintiff had to prove that news organizations knowingly published a falsehood or recklessly disregarded whether a claim was false or not. That definition is far more applicable to Trump's five-year promotion of the birther lie that President Barack Obama was born in Kenya than it is to stories about Trump University's bilking of students. Yet Trump has appeared eager to shut such press investigations down. During the campaign, candidate Trump pledged that he would "open up those libel laws so when they write horrible and false articles we can sue them and win lots of money." In other words, the president-elect would like if he can appoint justices who will concur to intimidate potential critics with the fear of lengthy litigation. That would put him in league foreign strongmen such as Putin and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who have perfected the art of silencing journalists through the courts or even worse methods. Turkey has a law that permits jailing journalists for "insulting the president." The government has filed more than 2,000 of these cases since Erdogan became president in 2014, even extending them to posts on social media. In June, a court convicted a former Miss Turkey of insulting Erdogan by sharing a satirical poem about him on her Instagram account. ADVERTISEMENT The Turkish leader publicly denounces individual journalists who write critical commentary, which often leads to their being fired. "We have a president that regards every criticism as defamation. Effectively, half our lives are wasted in courtrooms," says Can Dundar, a well-known columnist who was charged with insulting the president. A preview of what's ahead in the United States? As for private media outlets that criticize the government, the Turkish government has targeted their owners with tax investigations and some have been forced to pay massive fines. (The government used the failed July coup attempt against Erdogan to launch more draconian attacks: shutting critical newspapers and arresting scores of journalists; Turkey leads the world in imprisoning journalists.) Which brings me back to what I am thankful for at Thanksgiving. I still believe Trump's efforts at media intimidation will backfire. I still believe Trump would find it embarrassing to be compared to strongmen such as Erdogan, who try to silence journalists, let alone to his pal Putin, under whom pesky journalists are beaten and murdered. And I know that journalists who believe in their profession won't back down. So maybe Trump's tune will change in the White House. Maybe he meant it when, asked about his commitment to the First Amendment by Times staff Tuesday, he said: "I think you'll be OK." Trump also said someone told him he might get "sued a lot" if he tried to soften up libel laws. That, he said, was something he'd never considered. Maybe that prospect will persuade him to respect freedom of the press. Trudy Rubin is a columnist and editorial-board member for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Minnesotans took the decision regarding legislative pay out of lawmakers hands earlier this month, but whose hands it lands in remains to be determined. Two weeks after voters overwhelming approved a constitutional amendment to create a non-elected Legislative Salary Council, Gov. Mark Dayton put out a call for applicants. By design, the 16-member council cannot contain current or former legislators, lobbyists, judges or key elected state officials. Spouses of current lawmakers and current state employees are also banned. That leaves a lot of Minnesotans on the potential roster, and we'd encourage qualified area residents to consider applying by submitting an application, cover letter, and resume through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website . The deadline is Dec. 5, and the council must meet by Jan. 15. Dayton will pick eight of the members four Democrats and four Republicans. Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea will fill the other positions with the same political split. ADVERTISEMENT Dayton has said he thinks lawmakers, who haven't increased their pay since 1999, are underpaid, but he's vowed to pick council members based on issues other than whether they agree. The goal, he said, is to let responsible people with good judgment make the decision. Dayton and Gildea also must strive to create a diverse list of residents from throughout the state. While there will undoubtedly be staunch party supporters on the list, we'd like to see members with a history of moderation to truly reflect the state. The goal needs to be setting salaries that meet the expectations of as many people as possible in our diverse state. If that happens, we'll know the decision is in good hands. Ammo Grrrll notes that they are at it AGAIN WITH THE NAZIS! She writes: In May of 1970 I had helped organize a very large antiwar rally at the University of Minnesota to plan an even larger march to the State Capitol protesting the invasion of Cambodia and the killing of four Kent State students. Suddenly, a crazed-looking fellow rushed the stage and took over the microphone. Nobody on campus had ever seen him before. He might have been an agent provocateur, but he could just as easily have been an unhinged leftist. He said, (quoting from 46 year-old memory), Wake up, people! Nixon is planning to cancel the elections! We have intelligence that they are already constructing concentration camps in California! Its Nazism, people! A few students screamed and looked extremely anxious, but most probably were more worried about how they were going to get credit for Calculus when the exams were canceled during the student strike, or whether or not they were going to get a job a couple weeks later after graduation or whether there was any chance they might get laid that night. (I was already married, so heck, no worries for me on that score. Heh.) Nazis? Really? Way the heck in California? Fiddle-dee-dee. Well think about that tomorrow. Few activists really took that hyperbole seriously, but the Nazi word was flung about often. Steve Hayward has previously posted the over-the-top hysteria and name-calling before, during and after President Reagans landslide elections, 10 years later. Tear down this wall? How embarrassing and gauche! The stupid guy doesnt understand realpolitik and peaceful coexistence. Obviously, another crazy Nazi. Jeane Kirkpatrick, his ambassador to the wretched United Nations the first woman as it happened, but no credit there for Reagan was also a Nazi for daring to mention she had noticed a couple of downsides to communism. Another decade and a half elapses, another American Nazi is elected. Well, sometimes, he was just called a Cowboy, which is sort of a Nazi with a big hat in Wacky Leftyworld, especially in Europe, but often enough he was called a Nazi. His name was Bushitler. Oh, the cleverness of that bastardization of his name! Anybody can play along. Just take a name of a tyrant from myth or history and append it to the last letter in a name to begin the name of the desired tyrant. Genius! Lets give it a whirl, shall we? Harry Reidevil. StephanoPolPot. Bill Ayerstalin. Obamarafat. Hillary Rodhamao. Anthony Weinerepulsivepedophile. Fun! (And, truth to tell, every last one light years closer to accurate than Bushitler) For eight years, Bushitler appeared on protest signs along with the ubiquitous (sometimes backwards, because: stupid) swastika. A mainstream movie was made about killing him. Bushitler was going to cancel the elections, too, and refuse to leave the White House after his second term. Oh, dear. Even President Obama admitted that the Bush family could not possibly have been more gracious to him and his family in the transition period. You know, just like Hitler, who especially loved black people almost as much as Jews. I dont speak German, but Im pretty sure what he was shrieking about in those terrifying speeches was urging a peaceful transition after a fair and free election. And now Donald J. Trump, who during the election was even called, ahem, a DEMOCRAT by some opponents (just because he voted for them, gave money to them, and partied with Hillary at weddings), is now just another in a long line of Nazis. Funny, because Hitler probably died a virgin, which is a fate that, whatever else happens in his amazing life, President-Elect Trump will not face. I dont know for sure, but I would be surprised if The Donald is a vegetarian either. If weve had Nazis rotating in and out of the Oval Office since 1968 and life just merrily rolls along anyway, the Auld Left certainly has taken the fear-factor out of the term. Would that the German version had been so benign. And how easily we forget it stands for National SOCIALIST, Berniebots! I wonder what percentage of college students even know that. If, as is often said, personnel is policy, the Trump administration may prove more impressive than many conservatives expected. His nominations so far have been outstanding. The latest is his choice of Betsy DeVos to head the Department of Education. DeVos is a school choice activist who puts the interests of children firstespecially inner-city childrenrather than the interests of teachers unions. The New York Times, intending to express outrage at her selection, came up with this heartwarming headline: Betsy DeVos, Trumps Education Pick, Has Steered Money From Public Schools. It was reported that Trump has offered the position of Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Dr. Ben Carson. It now appears that the offer has been neither made nor accepted, but I hope it comes to pass. While he is not an experienced administrator, Carson is respected by just about everyone, and is ideally positioned to dismantle the left-wing social engineering that President Obamas HUD has engaged in. Once again, we turn to the New York Times to explain why Carson would be an excellent choice: How Ben Carson at Housing Could Undo a Desegregation Effort. The desegregation effort in question is the Obama administrations Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing power grab, which we have written about many times. Carson is just the man to put AFFH out of its misery. Lets hope that Trumps personnel winning streak continues. Odilim Enwegbara, an economist and chief executive of Pan Africa Development Corporation, is a strong advocate for the dismantling of the World Trade Organization, WTO, which he described as a grand conspiracy against Africa and the developing economies. With the U.S. president-elect, Donald Trump, appearing not to be favourably disposed towards various trade agreements by some members of the group, Mr. Enwegbara told PREMIUM TIMES Bassey Udo that supporting the new American administration could be in Nigeria, indeed, Africas best interest. PT: The U.S. election has come and gone. Donald Trump, against all global permutations, emerged the President-elect. How did this hit you? ENWEGBARA: It was a big surprise. Most of us thought Hillary Clinton was on her way to winning Pennsylvania, Michigan and Ohio, on her way to winning the White House ticket. But as soon as she lost Florida, which has 29 electoral votes, it began to look she was losing. We already knew the safe statesthe red states are Republican, and blue, Democrats. But when she lost two important battleground states of Ohio and Florida, I knew she was in trouble. It was clear Trump was on his way to winning the election. Trumps emergence as president-elect, without holding any political position or public office previously, was a kind of political revolution in the U.S. PT: Does his election portend anything ominous for Nigeria or Africa? ENWEGBARA: Not that his emergence is bad. Although nobody anticipated it, its good news for Nigeria and Africa. We must put emotions and sentiments aside and face reality. Often, we see the U.S. Democratic Party as one that favours Africa. Once they come to power, we tend to think they would be solutions to Africas problems, or they would take African-American problems as African problems. But, that is not always the truth. When George W. Bush was president, he did more for Africa and Africans than President Bill Clinton, who, during the HIV drugs era, ensured Africans emptied their wallets. By blocking Africans from buying less expensive generic drugs and making sure generic drugs were not made available to Africans, especially to South Africans, Clinton proved to care less about Africans. Clinton was infamous for looking the other way during the Rwandan/Burundi ethnic cleansing and the genocide that claimed hundreds of thousands of African lives. In 2008, not only did I campaign for Barack Obama in the U.S. election, I had to relocate to the U.S. to join the campaign team. I participated in Obamas high level policy and strategy meetings. I did those things not because I expected his government to become pro-Africa. I did them simply because I wanted to see a black man in the White House in my lifetime. Thank God that during the eight months I participated in the Obama policy and strategy team, I made a lot of contributions and they recognized my input in the campaign. But thats by the way. But as a Nigerian, am I happy that the same Obama I worked for never visited Nigeria? Of course, I am not. I am not happy, because he visited some smaller African countries without considering it important to visit Nigeria, the largest black nation and the biggest economy in Africa. But in the case of two past white presidents before himBill Clinton and George W. Bush, they visited Nigeria during their presidencies. Having said that, let me also say that no amount of despising the Republican Party will remove the fact that in recent times its the same Republican Party presidents who did more for Africa and Nigeria in particular. Yes, Donald Trump is known to have made racist remarks about Africans during the campaigns, and condescendingly the black race, and Nigerians in particular. But, then, is it beautiful words that matter more to us or our economic gains? If it is beautiful words, and making politically-correct statements, then, we should go on disliking Trump. But if it boils down to the real things that matter in lifeeconomic gains and the bread and butter issuesthen, we should embrace Trump, because should he go ahead to dismantle the World Trade Organization, that should free African economies from the present economic slavery globalization has since reduced us to. If your enemys enemy is your friend, globalization being Trumps and Africas enemy, joining hands with him to defeat this trade monster will make Africa as a dumping ground for non-African made goods soon become history. It is as a result of free trade thing that African infant industries have been forced out of business, along with these companies laying-off millions of Africans on their payroll. Arent these the consequences of what we see in Africa today? Inequalities all over African countries; inability of African governments to raise taxes, especially import tariffs, money badly needed for fixing infrastructure, for fighting insecurity and militancy, etc.? So if Trump dismantles WTO and says: Let every country protect themselves from foreign goods dumping, shouldnt that mean African countries will be able to impose high tariffs on imported goods, and by so doing stop all these substandard and cheap products being dumped on African markets? Shouldnt that means manufacturing jobs surfacing in African countries, and governments getting more personal income and company tax revenues? Therell be no better news than this, because that will mean Africas industrialization beginning to take place. I will advise African leaders to attend Trumps inauguration if invited. They have to embrace Donald Trump. They have to tell him their own stories about how globalization damaged the entire continental economy since 1994 when Bill Clinton signed WTO into law and imposed an open border policy on all countries of Africa. In the case of African migrants in the U.S., they should tell him that fair treatment and respect for human rights should be observed by his government since America is a nation of immigrants. PT: In specifics terms, what kind of strategic interests should Nigeria look for when engaging Trumps administration? ENWEGBARA: As the leader of Africa, Nigeria should be looking after African and its interests around the world. President Muhammadu Buhari should be pushing for the creation of better relations with the U.S., a win-win relationship. This means the Nigerian government should tell Trumps government to truly help it defeat Boko Haram. Nigeria can insist on U.S. oil companies stopping to engage in oil theft and in poor environmental practices. They should desist from these fraudulent activities in Nigeria that have caused inherent crises in the Niger Delta region. The Buhari administration should insist that the countrys billions of dollar looted wealth and hidden in American banks be returned to the country without delay. The U.S. should return to buying Nigerian oil, which is not only light and sweet, but costs less to transport and less time to reach the U.S. markets than Middle East oil. For these reasonsand for the fact that right now Trump is looking for legitimacyit should be good if the Buhari administration reaches out to Trump, possibly to demand early state visits by the two. He should strive to have an official visit before the end of next year. I should suggest that President Buhari endeavours to attend Trumps inauguration, if not, he should send a powerful delegation. PT: What do you make of Trumps perception of Nigeria, through his strong statements against the country with regards to corrupt leadership? ENWEGBARA: What did he say about Nigeria that cannot be resolved? What is important is not what he said about us, but what we are doing to put our house in order. The good news is that the world has seen how determined President Buhari is handling the war against corruption. All our president needs to do is to continue to fight corruption blindly. He should tell Trump: You know what, my country is no doubt corrupt, and that is the battle I have been fighting. But then, how can I defeat this monster? If your government does not help me in winning this war against corruption, what should I do? Without your help, corrupt Nigerians will continue to keep their loots in the U.S. That is why defeating corruption should require our strategic partnership. PT: The specific question on the Niger Delta comes to mind. Do you see Trumps emergence causing a dramatic change in the situation in the region? ENWEGBARA: The Niger Delta has never had peace because international oil companies operating in the Niger Delta have been instigating and financing these inherent crises and insecurity in the Niger Delta. They have done so, having discovered how such crises and insecurity help them operate without anyone watching over them. As a result of the militancy, the thieving oil companies have no one to stop them. To the extent, they in most cases blow their aging pipelines and turnaround to ask the federal government to spend billions of dollars to repair them, because of the Joint Venture it has with them. Because of this, and the very fact that U.S. strategic energy interests override any foreign interests, it is unlikely that President Trump should be forthcoming with some interest in resolving the crisis in the Niger Delta. This is more so especially because it is a localised problem. PT: Over time, stronger countries capitalize on the failings of other countries to gain more power in international politics. With Trump coming, do you think there would be much difference? ENWEGBARA: Survival of the fittest is more pronounced among nations than among people. But that does not mean that Trump is going to ride on weak countries like Nigeria. There are rules and laws guiding nation-to-nation relationshipbetween weak and strong nations. Those are what the UN has been able to achieve since its establishment in 1945. So, Trump does not have the kind of pre-World War 11 dictatorial powers that Adolf Hitler enjoyed, that led him to invade his European neighbours. Frankly speaking, I dont expect to see Trump waking up one morning and saying let us go and colonize Africa again, so that we can take over their vast natural wealth. Rather than preoccupying ourselves with the impossible, let African leaders engage Trump by insisting on the fairness of his diplomacy toward Africa. PT: From the benefit of hindsight, do you think Nigeria engaged the out-going Obama administration enough? ENWEGBARA: It all depends on what one means by engaging Obama enough. Is it because we didnt engage him enough that made him not visit Nigeria throughout his two terms? I dont think so. Obama never created the opportunity for us to engage him. Obama was never really interested in Africa, and Nigeria in particular. During his first term, I thought he didnt engage Africa for strategic reasons. But, when he repeated what he did in the first term during his second term, avoiding Africa and Nigeria in particular, I was left with no doubt that he has no personal interest in what happens in Africa. That explains during his eight years in office the African-U.S. relations were worse than what they were during his predecessors years, particularly since the beginning of this century. But did I regret working for the Obama campaign in 2008? Of course not! I shouldnt regret it, because I am completely aware that President Obama, as powerful as we would think he is, is a mere president, who has to be taking instructions from the powerful U.S. Establishment. It is actually the U.S. Establishment, headed by the Council on Foreign Relations, that runs the U.S., including the Obama administration and major policies around the world. So, whatever they tell him to do, he has to do them. Period! PT: You have placed so much emphasis on how we should engage Trump. But, do you think the Buhari administration has the capacity to engage the Trump administration? ENWEGBARA: They are building one. It is in our strategic national interests that they build the kind of capacity to be able to engage Trumps America. Our President must know that he has to leave behind a legacy that future generation of Nigerians would be proud of. Engaging Trumps America, we will need to have a group of gifted Nigerians brought together to help come up with how the Buhari administration should engage Trump. The team should come up with specific policy measures with execution strategies. These should be in the area of our economic and trade diplomacy and national security and defence diplomacy. Our national interests should be made sacrosanct here. Also, since whatever you get in Washington is also dependent on how much lobbying you can do, we too should employ some powerful lobbyists to sell our interests in Washington. In fact, one of the members of the House of Representatives, the current Chairman of the House on U.S.-Nigerian Relations, being once a powerful Washington lobbyist, should help out here. PT: What about China? What do we do with China? ENWEGBARA: I have a lot of Chinese as friends. I have severally been to Beijing on the invitation of the Chinese government. The Chinese are a very smart people. Theirs is a nation of 5,000 years. But, the problem with the Chinese is these narrow-minded policies toward Africa and their increasingly zero-sum game postures. It is now like the same way Europeans and Americans engaged Africans after colonialism. And above all, there has been the flooding of Africa with substandard Chinese products. This is an unfair trade relationship that should not be allowed to continue. China should no longer be allowed to come here to exploit our natural resources and rather than process, take them home in their raw forms, and, then, turnaround to tell us we are the best of friends, and that this is much better relationship than what we have been getting from Europeans and Americans. That is why, with our kind of population, we should no longer continue to allow others to dump their cheap and substandard goods here in Nigeria, as the Chinese are currently doing. In this emerging New World Order, we should tell them that we want win-win trade relations; that they should come and build industries in Nigeria, or else we deny their exporters access to our 200 million consumer market. After all, there are industries in China, like pharmaceuticals, oil and steel companies, that can build their factories. Why cant they help us build our roads and other infrastructure? We can give them sovereign guarantees, which should protect their investments here. But we should not allow them to invest in unprocessed mining that only help them simply ship our raw materials offshore, to their country. We should also insist on Chinese government making sure its citizens desist from illegal mining in Nigeria, given that 90 per cent of those involved in illegal mining in Nigeria are reportedly Chinese. These are some of the things we have to do. But we will not do that by begging them. We have to make them understand that unless they stop, we will have serious issues with them. PT: Many Nigerian-Americans are protesting that they are being harassed by Nigerians living in Nigeria to the extent that many are asking them when they are returning home with Trumps emergence. What do you think? ENWEGBARA: Having lived in the U.S. myself too, I understand how the folks in the U.S. feel when the folks in Nigeria take joy in taking some of the political campaign jokes too seriously. We should know that Trump doesnt have power to deport millions of immigrants, not to mention green card holders, since these people have the right to defend themselves. They can hire best immigration attorneys to defend their rights to live in the U.S., after all, America is a country of immigrants. That we in Africa are leaving our own enormous problems and focusing on other peoples problems only shows how we Africans have always misplaced our own priorities. The African-American priorities in America, or how the government of the U.S. treats them shouldnt be our preoccupation, or form the basis of the African-U.S. relations. We here should mind our business by focusing on what Africa should benefit relating with the U.S., and not the plight of Africans living in America. After all, our problems here are far more complex and more difficult to find answers to than theirs in the U.S. Or was Obama not a Kenyan-American? What did he bring to Kenya during his eight years as the president of the U.S.? Absolutely nothing. PT: Thank you for your time. ENWEGBARA: Thank you for giving me the opportunity. The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Agriculture,Olusola Oyewole,as well as the schools Pro-Chancellor, Adeseye Ogunlewe, have been arraigned in court on an 18-count charge of financial malpractices. The two officials were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, alongside the institutions bursar, Moses Ilesanmi. The three suspects were driven to the court by EFCC operatives in a Nissan Urvan bus. They were docked at High Court 6 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, for alleged misappropriation of N800 million. The judge, O.O Majekodunmi, stepped down the matter briefly for the counsels to resolve their differences over service. More details later. The distortions that happened to the 2016 budget, in which series of rogue projects and figures were injected into the financial document wont happen to next years budget, President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed. Receiving in audience members of the Governance Support Group, GSG, led by Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, at State House, Abuja, Friday, the President said: I am waiting for the 2017 budget to be brought to us in Council. Any sign of padding anywhere, I will remove it. President Buhari reiterated that he had been in government since 1975, variously as governor, oil minister, head of state, and Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), and never did I hear the word padding till the 2016 Budget. He promised that such would never happen again under his watch. The President said the government stands by its tripod campaign promises of securing the country, reviving the economy, and fighting corruption, but lamented that some people are deliberately turning blind eyes to prevailing realities in the country. They dont want to reflect on the situation in which we are, economically. They want to live the same way; they simply want business as usual, he said. On violence that attend re-run elections in the country, President Buhari stated: I agonized over the elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Rivers states. We should have passed the stage in which people are beheaded, and killed because of who occupies certain offices. If we cant guarantee decent elections, then we have no business being around. Edo State election was good, and I expect Ondo State election to be better. Speaking on the anti-corruption cases before the courts, the President said he believed the cleansing currently going on will lead to a better judiciary. When people are sentenced, Nigerians will believe that we are serious. President Buhari equally told his guests that the progress being made in agriculture and exploitation of solid minerals gives a lot of hope, adding: Our grains go up to Central African Republic, to Burkina Faso, but they cant buy all the grains harvested this year. And next season should be even better. We will focus on other products like cocoa, palm oil, palm kernel, along with the grains. We can start exporting rice in 18 months, and we are getting fertilizers and pesticides in readiness for next year. Speaking on behalf of members of GSG, Mr. Nwajiuba said the government had succeeded to a large extent on the security and anti-corruption fronts, adding that the group was positive that the economy would soon experience a turnaround, as the government is working very hard in that direction. The group said the biggest constituency of the President was the poor and lowly, and thus recommended what it calls a social re-armament of the poor. The Nigeria Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, is exploring the possibilities of piping crude oil from Niger Republic for refining in Kaduna, NNPC Group Managing Director, GMD, Maikanti Baru, said on Friday. Mr. Baru who visited Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai in Kaduna, said President Muhammadu Buhari was personally committed to the project. He said it was important to explore alternative crude supply to Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, which has been affected by vandalism of pipelines and age. Due to challenges with the aged refinery and crude oil pipelines that had been breached severally, the operations of the refinery has been epileptic. This we are determined to resolve through various intervention methods including evaluation of alternative crude oil supply from Niger Republic through building of a pipelines of over 1, 000 kilometers from Agadem to Kaduna. That efforts is being championed by Mr. President himself. We have already started engagements with the Nigerien Minister of Petroleum and the Chinese that are operating the field at Agadem. Mr. Baru also pledged to sustain efforts at enhancing energy supply to power industries in Kaduna through the development of Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, as well as development of power plants in Kaduna and Abuja. These projects will be given special attention during my tenure, he said. The GMD disclosed that the College of Petroleum Resources in Kaduna would start operation on January 1, 2017, and thanked the state government for undertaking to construct internal roads in the school. He urged the governor to sensitise residents of Kaduna against sabotage of the nations oil assets due to its adverse effect on the community, environment and national economy. Responding, Mr. El-Rufai said the corporation has assumed a new toga since Mr. Baru took over, adding that prompt remittances by the corporation to the Federation Account has remained consistent. We are very interested in the NNPC because how well you do affects our lives as states and as a country. This is why many of us are quite gratified you are in charge, and already results are beginning to show as remittances to the Federation Account are higher, state governors are happier than before, he said. The governor pledged to support the gas pipeline project because of its tremendous potentials to the social and economic stability of the state. He expressed confidence that ongoing reforms of the NNPC would strengthen the corporation to serve Nigeria better. Mr. El-Rufai assured that the government would tackle issues of water supply to KRPC and pipeline security through massive enlightenment and treating those engaged in illegal activities as criminals.[NAN] The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Olusola Oyewole, and the institutions pro-chancellor, Adeseye Ogunlewe, will spend Friday night in prison despite being granted bail, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt. The two men were charged to court alongside the universitys bursar, Moses Ilesanmi, on an 18-count charge of misappropriating N800 million belonging to the institution. While Messrs. Oyewole and Ogunlewe were granted bail, Mr. Ilesanmi was not. On Friday, the Abeokuta court where the three men were docked was filled up. The three whistleblowers sacked by the university joined scores of other university staff, SSANU, to attend the session. Members of Mr. Oyewoles church were also in court. One of the charges filed the anti-graft commission, EFCC, states: That you Senator Ogunlewe, Prof. Olusola Oyewole and Moses Ilesanmi between the month of September and October, 2013 at Abeokuta within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did deposit the sum of N400,000,000.00k (Four Hundred Million Naira) only property of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in a fixed deposit account without due process. Another charge reads: That you Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, Prof. Olusola Oyewole and Moses Olusola Ilesanmi sometime between the month of September and October, 2013 at Abeokuta within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did deposit the sum of N442,849,898.00k (Four Hundred and Forty Two Million, Eight Hundred and Forty Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ninety Eight Naira) only property of Federal University of Abeokuta in a fixed deposit without due process. All the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution counsel, Benedict Ubi and Festus Ojo, prayed the court to remand the accused in prison custody pending the commencement of trial. However, the defence counsel, Wale Adesokan, Benjamin Ogunmodede and Lapite Ademola, asked the court to grant bail to the defendants. The judge, O.O. Majekodunmi, having listened to the submissions of both counsel on the bail applications, granted the first and second defendants (Messrs. Ogunlewe and Oyewole) bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum. The judge said the sureties must be house owners within its jurisdiction and one of them must be a civil servant on grade level 15. She also ruled that the defendants must submit their international passports to the court registrar, and added that the defendants be remanded in prison custody pending the perfection of their bail conditions. Ms. Majekodunmi adjourned ruling on the bail application of the third defendant till Monday. She also fixed December 16, 19, and 20 for commencement of trial. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that by the time Messrs. Oyewole and Ogunsewe provided evidence of meeting their bail conditions, the judge and other relevant court officials had closed. The two men were subsequently taken to prison. Mr. Ogunsewe, a former senator, is also a former Lagos State governorship aspirant. The Green party candidate in the U.S. presidential election, Jill Stein, has announced that the party would file for a recount of votes in the battleground states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Ms. Stein, who suspected electoral fraud in the election, said the recount would check the accuracy of the machine-counted vote tallies in these states in order to ensure the integrity of the election. The Stein/Baraka Green Party Campaign launched the votes recount funding effort on Wednesday. By Thursday, Stein/Barak campaign had already raised about 4.513, 852. 23 million dollars , more than the target of 4.5 million dollars needed to file the recount cost for two of the states, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin and pay the fees for lawyers. Ms. Stein, who is leading the campaign, said between six and seven million dollars would be needed to cover the entire costs including filing for recount in the third state-Michigan. The deadline for filing for a recount in Wisconsin is Friday, at a cost of 1.1 million dollars, while the filing fees and deadlines for Pennsylvania and Michigan respectively are 0.5 million dollars by Monday and 0.6 million dollars by Wednesday. The Stein/Baraka campaign, along with election integrity advocates, have embarked on massive fundraising effort to obtain the needed funds before Friday afternoon. Congratulations on meeting the recount costs for Wisconsin! Raising money to pay for the first round so quickly is a miraculous feat and a tribute to the power of grassroots organising. Now that we have completed funding Wisconsins recount (which is due on Friday), we have begun to tackle the funding for Pennsylvanias recount (due Monday). Then we will focus on raising funds for Michigans recount (due Wednesday), Stein said. NAN reports that there have been concerns over the credibility of the election in the battleground states where Hillary Clinton lost to Donald Trump by about one per cent. The concerns have also heightened recently as Clintons lead over Trump in popular votes has surpassed 2 million as additional votes are being counted in the presidential election. If the elections are recounted and results found to have been compromised, it could affect Trumps election due at Electoral College on December 19. In U.S., where the difference between two candidates is 0.5 per cent or less, government funds the recount but where it is more than one per cent, the recount is funded by the filing candidate. After a divisive and painful presidential race, reported hacks into voter and party databases and individual email accounts are causing many American to wonder if our election results are reliable. These concerns need to be investigated before the 2016 presidential election is certified. We deserve elections we can trust, Ms. Stein insisted. The Stein/Baraka campaign had noted that the election was surrounded by hacks adding, the use of systems that have been demonstrated to be easily hacked should concern every American. Some of the machines used in Wisconsin, have been banned in California after they were shown to be highly vulnerable to hacking and malicious reprogramming, due to the lack of security features. Leading election security experts have been calling for exactly this sort of recount as a critical safeguard against cyber-attacks. The Green Party Platform called for publicly-owned, open source voting equipment and deploy it across the nation to ensure high national standards, performance, transparency and accountability. It also called for the use of verifiable paper ballots; and institute mandatory automatic random precinct recounts to ensure a high level of accuracy in election results. Election integrity experts have independently identified Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin as states where statistical anomalies raised concerns. Our effort to recount votes in those states is not intended to help Hillary Clinton. These recounts are part of an election integrity movement to attempt to shine a light on just how untrustworthy the U.S. election system is, it said. NAN recalls that Trump had won the Nov. 8 presidential election based on Electoral College while Clinton, who lost the election, led Trump by over two million popular votes as at Wednesday. (NAN) Ahead of the November 26 Annual General Meeting of the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), the president, Chidi Odinkalu, a professor of law, spoke to PREMIUM TIMES on the bodys achievements, relationship with the government, and Nigerias public education. PT: You were elected USOSA president in April. So far, how has the association contributed towards solving Nigerias educational crisis? Odinkalu: This question goes to the heart of USOSAs existence. It is part of what well be examining at the AGM in Lagos on Saturday, 26 November. USOSA is a federation of the Old Students Associations (OSAs) of all 104 Unity Schools. Much of what we have been involved in so far is done at the level of OSA involvement with the respective schools. In all, OSAs have spent billions on various infrastructure projects in our schools. I have just come from the fundraiser of FGGC Onitsha, for instance, to help with perimeter fencing of the school. FGC Port Harcourt Old Students just completed that and more. In FGC Okigwe & FGGC Bida, we have invested in ICTs and new hostel blocks and in FGC Maiduguri, old students facilitated erosion control at the cost of multiple hundreds of millions. In FGC Ogbomoso, the OSA has done lots, including lighting; in Ugwolawo and others, water. In Kings College and Queens College, old students have spent even more. The investment in mentoring is a growing area of interest. OSAs have also been involved in providing additional teaching cover in many schools. Our view, however, is old students are partners, not substitute for government. We need to create a more accountable education policy environment, address physical and moral safety of our students and learners, and also teaching and curriculum standards. This is the only way our investments in physical infrastructure will yield result. PT: The Unity Schools are said to be tuition free. Yet recently, it emerged that the federal government had increased school fees from N20,000 to about N75,000, although the Education Minister claimed to be unaware of it. What do you think this portends for Nigerian education in general? Odinkalu: Education is a public good and has to be paid for. The issue really is who pays for it and how: does the public pay or does the parent pay? Invariably, it is a mix of both. We need clearer policy and better administration. At the level of policy, we need to be clear that no child should be kept away from schooling because their parents are poor. How we administer this is a different matter. Our scholarship schemes serviced the children of the wealthy and connected rather than poor, needy, bright children. The situation with tuition policy in our Unity Schools has been messily managed. I also think the government could engage partners better. Its no use seeking to alienate PTAs and OSAs when you can work with them in clarifying boundaries and sharing burdens fairly. There are places admittedly, where PTAs and OSAs may over-reach. For instance, in some schools, PTA dues were going through the roof. In some places, thugs were getting involved in PTA elections because of the impression that PTAs have a lot of money to control. Now, government could slap down such abuse without creating the impression that all PTAs are rogue. PT: Is there any ongoing dialogue between USOSA and the federal government for a review of the fees? Is there a strategy to ensure that indigent students continue to have the same opportunity as every other person? Odinkalu: We are currently in dialogue with government on several areas. We are discussing scheduling and a meeting with the Federal Ministry of Education is due shortly. Its in the interest of everyone for us to talk and meet regularly. PT: Only 61 alumni out of the 104 in the Unity Schools/Federal Unity Colleges have registered for the (AGM?) Is there a reason the rest havent come on board? Odinkalu: You have to understand where we are coming from. This is the biggest AGM yet in USOSAs 10 year history. Many people are still analogue or last-minute.com and will only show up at the venue. But it is important that we continue to grow the footprint because in the end, USOSA must become the most articulate voice for escalating the place of education in our priorities as a country. PT: Why have you chosen education, national unity, and security as this years theme? Odinkalu: The theme reflects our assessment of where we are as a country and of what our most serious challenges are. Public education is an endangered good. We can no longer guarantee good education to our kids whose parents dont have millions. Insecurity in many parts of the country is replaced with violence as the driver of mobility, authority and relevance. We need to reassess these and also reassess our priorities as a society. PT: Is the association playing any role in ensuring the safety of children in federal government colleges in the North East? Odinkalu: We have at USOSA now Initiative on rebuilding education in the northeast. It involves all our 15 schools in the NE. They will be reporting to the AGM. At this AGM, we will have a panel dedicated to the NE. We are looking forward to an articulate set of initiatives rising out of the AGM concerning the NE. PT: Whats your assessment of this governments approach to education in the past one year? Odinkalu: Well give you a sense of what we think as an institution after the AGM. For now, I think all of us can agree, we have a mountain to climb on education and we need all the help we can get or give. The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, says provisions have been made in its 2017 budget to extend telecommunications services to additional 40 million people across the country. The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Umar Dambatta, made this known in Lagos during a sensitisation workshop organised by NCC for law enforcement agencies on telecommunications issues. Mr. Dambatta, represented by the Director of Public Affairs, NCC, Tony Ojobo, said that the commission had conducted a survey, which identified about 200 communities nationwide with access gap. He said that through the Universal Service Provision Fund (ISPF) being managed by a department under NCC, 40 million people in these areas would be covered in 2017. According to him, empirical studies have shown correlation between usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and social development. He said that access to telecommunications services had caused direct and indirect rise in employment generation across the sectors of the economy. As you are aware, the growth witnessed in the telecommunications sector in the last 15 years has been phenomenal by all standards. From less than half a million lines on the eve of our democratic revival, today, active connected telephone lines are about 150 million, which has come with a contributing increase in tele-density. Development in other sectors of the economy had been shaped positively and measurably by the potent realities in the telecommunications sectors. We look forward to seeing greater development in the sector, because we are irrevocably committed to full implementation of the National Broadband Plan, he said. He said that NCC was determined to move fast in its mandate of harnessing the potential of the ICT sector to boost national economy. Mr, Dambatta said that the industrys contribution to the national Gross Domestic Products (GDP) was about 10 per cent and NCC was committed to seeing greater development in the sector. In this respect, two Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos) have been licensed, while the remaining five companies will be licensed shortly to commence the deployment of more broadband fibre networks beyond the major cities in the country. Our model, anchored on robust development of infrastructure, transmission and retail segment, is expected to speed up the cascading of networks of fibre required by individuals and businesses to improve life and catalyse the economic growth, he said. According to him, these tasks underscore the need for collaborations with security agencies to curtail criminal assault against telecommunications infrastructure. He said the mandate before the NCC in ensuring that the telecommunications sector contributed more to the economy triggered the zeal to perform and the need to halt obstacles to the realisation of its objectives. He said the industry had witnessed rise in the theft of telecommunications infrastructure and vandalism of installed facilities and equipment. Mr. Dambatta added that the industry had witnessed usage of preregistered Subscribers Identification Module (SIM) cards, all of which were infractions of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and other extant regulations governing the industry. He said that while the commission rolled out various campaigns to raise awareness and made some arrest with the support of the police, there was need for effective strategies to ensure that anyone arrested was prosecuted. The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, said that the police would do everything possible to protect lives and properties. Mr. Idris represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of ICT, Folusho Adebanjo, called on the people to see telecommunications infrastructure within their localities as communal assets. The law enforcement officers must work with the community people because as they are responsible in performing their duties, the community people must see telecommunications infrastructure as communal assets and report suspected criminal activities to the police, he said. (NAN) The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Northeast Initiative, PCNI, Theophilus Danjuma, has reacted to news reports on Friday where he was referred to as the Coordinator of Niger Delta Riverine Protection Program. In a statement by the spokesperson of PCNI, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Mr. Danjuma said that the mandate he has from the Federal Government of Nigeria remains his role as Chairman of the Public/Private sector Fund known as the Presidential Committee for the Victims Support Fund, VSF, and PCNI which was recently inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari. The retired general said he is not purportedly related in any way or form to one Tikari TY Danjuma who heads the (Niger Delta) program, the statement said. Mr. Danjuma advised newspaper editors and media organizations to ensure that news reports were always diligently edited, balanced and factual to avoid similar misrepresentations in the future. Absence of Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday stalled judgment in a suit filed by Shiite leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, for the enforcement of his fundamental rights. An official of the court, who pleaded anonymity, gave Dec. 2 as the new date for the judgment. The official explained that the judgment was not delivered because the court did not sit. It is obvious that my lord is not in court at the moment. He has asked us to tell parties to return on Dec. 2 for the judgment, the official said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls, however, that the court on its last sitting directed the parties to explore an out-of-court settlement. Mr. Kolawale had held that the court would step in to deliver its judgment on the application if attempts on settlement by the parties failed. While adopting his address on the motion, Femi Falana, had told court that the Federal Government was not prepared for amicable settlement. Mr. Falana submitted that the continuous detention of his client by the Department of State Service was a clear violation of the constitutional rights of his client. He, thereafter, prayed the court to order unconditional release of Mr. El-zakzaky from detention. Mr. Falana, who said that his client was nursing severe injuries from multiple gun shots, argued that Mr. El-Zakzaky was being held against all known laws. But the counsel to the government, Tijani Ghazali, urged the court to discountenance Mr. Falanas arguments. Mr. Ghazali argued that Mr. El-zakzaky was being held in protective custody, due to unpleasant intelligence reports concerning the safety of the fiery cleric. It was at that point that Mr. Kolawole advised parties in the suit to explore the possibility of resolving the matter through the alternative dispute resolution approach. The judge, therefore, slated judgment to be delivered on Nov. 25, should the parties not agree on resolving their differences amicably. The Shiite leader, who had been in detention since Dec. 14, 2015, applied for the enforcement of his fundamental rights to life, personal liberty and dignity of human person. He filed the suit to challenge his incarceration without trial. Mr. Zakzakys detention followed the killing of at least 347 Shiites in Zaria, by soldiers. Subsequently, the Kaduna State Government outlawed the activities of the Islamist movement after conducting a judicial inquiry. (NAN) The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the decision of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to appoint Kayode Soremekun as the returning officer for Saturdays gubernatorial election in Ondo State. Mr. Soremekun, who is the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, was the returning officer during Septembers gubernatorial election in neighbouring Edo State, which the partys candidate lost. The PDP claimed Mr Soremekun was a party to the alleged widespread rigging during the election won by the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Godwin Obaseki. Banji Okunomo, the publicity secretary of the PDP in Ondo State, said the party had confirmed that several officials who perpetrated the rigging of the Edo election were being escorted to the state capital, Akure, on Friday by policemen from Ekiti State, with instructions to repeat what they did in Edo State. This is uncalled for and a further attestation to the All Progressives Congress (APC) desperation to rig the governorship election in favour of its candidate. We will not accept this, he said in a statement late on Thursday. It would be recalled that these same people were the ones used by the APC to manipulate the Edo State election which, today, is being described as one of the most fraudulent elections in the history of the nations democracy. Mr Okuomo said the APC in the state had been instructed to repeat the template it used in rigging the election in Edo State. It is rather unfortunate that the INEC in Ondo State would heed the instructions given by its defacto Chairman, Mrs Amina Zakari to use the Edo State template for Ondo State. Just like the experience in Edo State, the PDP has gathered that results have already been written for Prof. Soremekun and his team to announce after the election, he said. Mr Ojunomo wondered why INEC would bring back Mr. Soremekun after the controversy that surrounded his role in Edo State, when it could have used any professor from other nearby universities. There are so many University Dons of repute in Nigeria. If at all the INEC is constrained financially, it could still make do with Vice Chancellors of nearby Federal Universities in Osun, Oyo and even Edo States. Apparently, Prof Soremekun is not the only Vice Chancellor in Nigeria and there is no reason why he should be INECs choice again especially considering his controversial role in the rigging of the recently held Edo Election, he said. He warned INEC that any attempt to manipulate the result of Saturdays election would be vehemently resisted by the people on Ondo State We must let the INEC know that much as Ondo State people are peace loving, we would not allow any form of misdemeanour on the part of INEC or its agents. We would resist any attempt to manipulate the election result. We reject any form of advanced rigging in the Ondo State governorship election and want the electoral umpire to be unbiased for the sake of peace during and after the poll. We remain resolute in our commitment to building our democracy. However, we call on the electorate to be at alert till the final results of the election is announced, he said. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has explained how he addressed the challenge of employment racketeers in his ministry and agencies. Addressing members of Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism on oversight to his ministry on Thursday in Abuja, the minister said the racketeers swindled many unsuspected job seekers, promising to give them phantom jobs. When I came in, we were able to uncover a number of cartels engaging in unlawful employment. They gave bank account details which their victims paid huge sum of money into and after the payment they issued them with letters of employment. They even camped some of them in hotels for capturing into Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) In fact, in a particular organisation, a level 17 Officer was involved in this racketeering, but unfortunately he is late now. When we discovered this, we swung into action to get to the bottom of this and get some of them arrested. We are still on it and even some of them have taken us to court, he said. Mr. Mohammed said the ministry was committed to fighting the challenge of ghost workers and assured of bringing the perpetrators to book. He said he had directed all the agencies under the ministry to submit their nominal rolls and anyone that failed to do so would have itself to blame for non-payment of its workers salaries from January 2017. The minister told the lawmakers that there was the need to revisit and review the concept of budgeting on overhead cost particularly in certain ministries like Information and Culture. In my ministry, travel and visits cannot be seen as recurrent, they are capital for me. It is when I travel that I am able to bring back dividends to this country. I travelled to Spain sometimes in July, that single trip offered the country the right to bid for the hosting of the UN World Tourism Organisation for Africa for 2018. The trip earned us the support of United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNTWO) to send three technical teams to assist the country in its tourism development. It was also during that trip that the UNTWO agreed to equip six zonal centres for women engaging in tourism in the country. For us in Culture and Tourism, visiting tourism sites with the intention of making them tourists attraction should not be seen as just simple recurrent expenditure. This is where we have the challenge. Many times we want to engage in this critical assignment to the ministry, we are told that the vote head for passage and travels have been exhausted, he said. The minister solicited the support of the lawmakers on the passage of two Bills which he said would be sent to the National Assembly soon. He said the two Bill were for the establishment of National Endowment for the Arts and Motion Picture Council of Nigeria (MOPICON) respectively. The Minister told the committee that the late release of the 2016 budget, the burdensome procurement processes and some legal issues could not allow the ministry to attain optimal performance in the budget implementation. He also disclosed that the Lagos State Government has acceded to the Ministrys request to help redesign and modernize the National Museum in Lagos into world-class historical hub and tourist site. Chairman of the Committee, Mathew Urhoghide, said the oversight visit was to monitor the performance of the 2016 budget and identify areas of challenges, which will form the basis of support for the 2017 budget. Mr. Urhoghide said the National Assembly would soon incorporate Tourism in the nomenclature of the Ministry because of the huge importance of the sector to the nations economy. (NAN) The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, Bashir Ibrahim, who was removed Thursday, has vowed a long and messy fight with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whom he accused of masterminding his sack. A meeting of the National Executive Committee, NEC, which held on Thursday in Abuja, announced the sack of Mr. Ibrahim and all other national officers of the party. Mr. Ibrahim, in a statement Friday, described the dissolution of the National Executive Committee of the party as a huge joke and a hatchet job by political contractors, sponsored by a notorious Big Man. He described the people who met to execute the hatchet job on behalf of the unnamed notorious Big Man as either ignorant of the provisions of the PDM Constitution or that they were in such a hurry to deliver on their contract to care about the fine points of the law. Although, Mr. Ibrahim did not mention the name of the alleged big man, he had on Thursdaytold PREMIUM TIMES that the former Vice president was behind the crisis in the party. He said Atiku plans to use the PDM as a second option in case he fails to get the ticket of his current party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. We all know calculations for 2019 are in top gear and he who must be President by hook or crook is, once again, at his notorious best, he said. Mr. Ibrahim also said that although the PDM welcomes any Nigerian who wishes to contest election on its platform, but we are not for sale and will not be brow-beaten or intimidated by anyone. He said his leadership of the PDM has established a strong culture and reputation for integrity and compliance with the rule of law. We will not allow a desperate and serial presidential candidate to destroy our party by enticing hungry members of the National Executive Committee to precipitate crisis within our ranks. For the avoidance of doubt Mr. Ibrahim said, the National Executive Committee of PDM cannot be dissolved to pave the way for a hostile takeover of our Party by this notorious Big Man. This same notorious Big Man, who specializes in destroying institutions, is also responsible for the intractable crisis from which the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had been reeling lately, a party which gave him the platform to serve as a high-ranking official in its government from 1999 2007 only to sabotage the same government in which he was a part. As far as this notorious Big Man is concerned, his ambition to be President must be achieved at any cost and all casualties along the way are justified. Mr. Ibrahim said he was not going to bother himself with the people who announced his sack but will engage Atiku directly. We are going for the notorious Big Man, himself. We are ready to fight and defend the structures and integrity of Peoples Democratic Movement and we are fully equipped for this fight. He has picked on the wrong adversary. This will be a long and messy fight. We are tired of giving in to the impunity of this man. If he wants a fight with us, we are more than happy to give him one. There is a Nigerian saying, if an elder throws away his old age, the young ones will happily trample in it. Just because a politician made money in public office through shady deals, does not give him the right to set his own rules and insist everyone must play by them. At PDM we know what we are worth and what we are worth is not for sale, he said. Mr. Ibrahim also appealed to PDM members who, he said, called in to express outrage over the development to remain calm and continue the hard work of making the Party the envy of all. I registered this Party almost single-handedly he said and will not allow opportunist who are shopping for a platform to contest election to destroy it on the alter of inordinate ambition and unbridled greed. Everyone knows we do not give up on a good fight and this fight for the soul of PDM will not be different. He urged party members to accost the people he referred to as political contractors who executed the shady contract and demand their share of the proceeds. After all, they claimed they did it in your name. There is no reason why you should not share in the largesse, he said. A Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday refused to issue a warrant for the arrest of a former governor of Oyo State, Rasheed Ladoja, following his presence in court. At the last adjourned date on Nov. 21, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had urged the court to issue a bench warrant against Mr. Ladoja for failing to appear in court, to answer to a N4.7 billion money laundering charges preferred against him. Mr. Ladojas counsel, Bolaji Onilenla, in his reactions to the application for a warrant of arrest, had told the court that he was not aware that the business of the day was for arraignment. He had argued that this was so because there was a pending appeal before the Supreme Court. Mr. Onilenla informed the court that after the decision of the Court of Appeal, Mr. Ladoja had changed his counsel, and then, filed an appeal at the Supreme Court. He said neither the accused nor their counsel was served with any court summons to appear in court. Mr. Onilenla had also challenged the prosecutorial powers of the prosecutor on the grounds that the fiat to prosecute was exclusively given to Festus Keyamo. He said that such a fiat could not be transferred to any other person in his chambers. The counsel also disclosed that the Supreme Court had earlier dismissed Mr. Ladojas appeal pursuant to Order 6; Rule 3 of the Procedure Rules, but that the application had been filed to restore the appeal. He added that to continue with the trial would amount to showing disrespect to the apex court and it would be an infringement on the rights of the accused. The judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, delivering his ruling on the issue on Friday, held that he would not make any orders as to arrest since the accused was present in court. The judge also turned down the request of defence counsel for a stay of proceedings pending the outcome of an appeal challenging the prosecutorial powers of the commission under the Money Laundering Act. According to the judge, the request was against the provisions of Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 which allows speedy hearing of criminal cases. Similarly, Justice Idris also dismissed the objection of defence counsel, challenging the appearance of the prosecutions counsel, Olabisi Oluwayemi (from Festus Keyamos chambers). The court, thereafter, fixed Dec. 14 for arraignment. The EFCC had in November 2008 arraigned Mr. Ladoja along with his former aide, Waheed 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. The anti-graft agency also alleged that Mr. 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. Messrs. Ladoja and Akanbi both pleaded not guilty to the charges at the trial court, and had urged the court to quash them. The lower court refused the prayer to quash the charges. Dissatisfied, Mr. Ladoja appealed against the decision of the Federal High Court. But, the Appellate Court in its judgment delivered by Justice Sidi Bage disallowed the appeal and ordered the former governor to continue his trial at the lower court. Mr. Bage, in his lead judgment, which was unanimously adopted by two other justices, had held that the EFCC had statutory powers to prosecute under Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2004. (NAN) Justice Saliu Saidu of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday fixed January 26, 2017, to hear an application to `recuse himself from a N2.4 billion suit against Innosson Nig. Ltd. Innosson Nig. Ltd, Innocent Chukwuma , Charles Chukwuma Maximian Chukwuma, Mitsui Osk Lines `C and Anajekwu Sunny are facing trial before the court on charges bordering on falsification of shipping document. At the resumed hearing of the case, the prosecutor, Mr J.I Ajakaiye, sought to withdraw a counter affidavit and written address he had filed, on the ground that he had fresh applications. This prayer was not opposed by the defence team. However, Nnabueze Mbadugha, one of the counsel, reminded the court that there was a pending application for the judge to disqualify himself from the matter. He argued that once there is such application, no further action is required to be taken by the judge, who is only expected to step aside. According to him, once the neutrality of a court has been questioned, it offends the sensibilities of fairness and justice for the court to continue to entertain further proceedings. Quoting the Latin maxim, Nemo judex in causa sua, Mr. Mbadugha submitted that it was a serious error for the judge to seek to entertain applications in respect of the same case. According to him, the said Latin maxim simply postulates that one cannot be a judge in his own case. He, therefore, urged the court to recuse itself from taking further steps in the case. In a short ruling, Mr. Saidu held that the defence counsel had not moved any application before him urging him to disqualify himself from the case. The judge said that he would not chicken out of the suit simply because a party says so, but would rather wait for an application to be moved in that respect. He held, It is the duty of the court to rule on an application after it has been heard and not to chicken out because a party does not want it to preside over it. Judges are not to submit to intimidation of parties; I am yet to hear any such application before me and so, I will not recuse myself now, until I hear the application, the Judge said. The court then fixed January 26 for hearing. In the charge, the accused were alleged to have conspired to commit the offence on October 10, 2013 at Apapa Wharf. The prosecution alleged that the accused falsified shipping documents, which they deposited with Guaranty Trust Bank Plc as collateral for the sum of N2.4 billion. The loan facility was granted Innosson Nig. Ltd but the shipping documents were discovered to have been falsely presented as genuine with intent to defraud in order to clear the N2.4 billion goods. According to the charge, the offence contravened the provisions of sections 1(2) (c), and 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offence Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation 2004. (NAN) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Friday that it had received requests from 60 associations for registration as political parties. Nick Dazang, the Deputy Director, Voter Education and Publicity, INEC, told the News Agency of Nigeria that as soon as the commission was through with the processes, it would meet and take a decision. Nigeria currently has about 29 registered political parties. Meanwhile, some of the deregistered political parties have criticised INEC for re-registering some of the parties it deregistered in 2012 instead of all the parties. In separate interviews with NAN, the parties said it was wrong for INEC to still allow parties it deregistered to remain, while planning to register new associations. The National Chairman of the Progressives Action Council (PAC), Charles Nwodo, said the party would head to court again on the matter. We went to court at a particular time and along the way, the Judge ruled that we come with a group of political parties. He said if we had come as a single party, he would not have granted us, and eventually granted only the parties we joined to head to court. But some other parties still went to court and among all the rulings both at the High Court and Appeal Court was that INEC has no legitimate powers to deregister political parties. What INEC wish is that if they make any pronouncement, you have to head to court to make them reverse it. That is the situation we find ourselves. I believe that if an Appeal Court had ruled on a case, automatically, it has opened doors for mass reregistration of political parties; when a court says you have no right, it means you have no right at all. So the alternative for us is to head to court again, Mr. Nwodo said. The National Chairman of African Renaissance Party (ARP), Yahaya Ndu, said his party was not ready to go to court for now. INEC re-registered only political parties which went to court to contest their deregistration. We have not gone to court and we are not in a hurry to do so now. 2019 is coming, we will be back before then. However, all the ones that have been re-registered what impact are they making? When we come back Nigerians will know that this is the party that will bring succour to them, Mr. Ndu said. Bala Shittu, INECs Director for election and party monitoring, told NAN that INEC had re-registered 10 out of the 28 political parties it deregistered in 2012. A Lagos Court of Appeal and Federal High Court, Abuja had in 2015 ruled that INEC lacked power to de-register political parties. Mr. Shittu said the 10 re-registered political parties were joined in the court proceedings. As you know, it is part of the court judgment that ordered INEC to reinstate them, so they were part and parcel of the proceedings and so they were joined. The other remaining deregistered political parties were not part of the process. There were actually two judgments, one by three and the other by seven; so they were two separate proceedings, Mr. Shittu said. He said the parties planning to take INEC to court, perhaps were doing so for different reason. He said there was a time frame as stipulated by law within which a political party could take the commission to court concerning de-registration, adding that the period had lapsed. You may recall that these court proceedings were not entered last year or even year before last, so the court process has been on but finally it brought this judgments, Mr. Shittu said (NAN). Gbolahan Dada (APC-Ogun West) has advocated capital punishment for corrupt officials in the country. Mr. Dada, who made the suggestion during interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday, said corruption is the bane of this country and the only way out is heavy penalty, even death sentence, for those found guilty. The only way you can stop corruption is through death sentence. Mr. Dada noted that there were so many laws that should be promulgated at this stage of Nigerias development, pointing out that England did so too at a stage in her life. He accused civil servants of being the major culprits, pointing out that they had access to public funds which made it easy for them to steal from the national treasury. This is why some of them, after stealing so much money from government, set up personal businesses but collapse soon after because they only know how to steal, not to create wealth. Wealth creation is a process that must be sustained but you go bankrupt the day you are taken away from the source where you steal, he said. The lawmaker said about 1.2 million houses built with stolen money in Lagos and Abuja were in the market for sale with nobody to buy them. That is why you find houses everywhere unoccupied because they steal this money and they ask the contractor to go and build houses for them. Go to Lekki, you will find them there and here in Abuja. If you borrowed money from the bank will you be able to lock up the houses unoccupied, he asked. Mr. Dada implored the Federal Government to impose property tax on all unoccupied houses in the country, promising that he would soon sponsor a bill to identify who owns each building in the country using modern platforms on the internet. These include Bank Verification Numbers, E-passports, GSM numbers, company registration numbers, national identity card numbers, drivers license and DNA, to know who owns which building in Nigeria. Mr. Dada said corruption had devastated the countrys economy so much that the only way to stop it is the death penalty. He said although the developed nations would frown against it, people should read the history of England. Who killed King James? he asked. At that time, that was what could solve the problem for them, we are not civilized here, we think we are, because we are riding exotic cars, in fact we are in the 14th in Nigeria. He said Nigeria had disappointed the world not just Africa because in every group of Africans you see, five are Nigerians. So, the whole world expected us to be trail blazers that would lead Africa out of poverty. Today, many in Russian, Malaysian, Thailand, Indian and Great Britain prisons are Nigerians. Why? It is because of indiscipline in the society, he said. He said Nigeria was gradually getting to the stage the Republic of Liberia was when the war broke out. The major danger here is the large population of youths who are unemployed. When you have a large population of youths who are under-educated, under-housed, under-developed and you have a handful minority in the ruling elite class monopolising the government apparatus, you are courting trouble. Nigeria as an oil producing nation is an enabler for job creation. My worry is that if nothing is done, the crisis would start from starvation, food shortage. Texas in the United States is bigger than Nigeria and the population of Texas is about 20 million and Nigeria, in about ten years time, will be 200 Million. The land is not expanding, yet population is increasing. We are not like India and China sub-continents. India is bigger than Nigeria. So, they can accommodate large population but that is not the issue. The issue is that they have a productive economy. So, we cant compare them with Nigeria at all. Let Nigeria compare herself with neighboring West African countries. We had an opportunity to turn Nigeria into a productive economy for 40 years but we wasted the opportunity. All the money made from oil was wasted. We have no petro-chemical industry, now we import virtually everything. The few industries that were left by the colonial European administration have all collapsed, the lawmaker said. Mr. Dada said that was a great mistake and that Europeans should have been left to run their industries while Nigerians took over governance. (NAN) Mixed reactions have continued to trail the Kwara State Governments N500 million Harmony Hub Computer Village project launched recently in Ilorin by the state governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that while several digital entrepreneurs in the state applauded the initiative, other residents of the state expressed reservations about it. Wale Bakare, an Ilorin-based online marketer and digital content developer, disclosed that the initiative is a welcome development and it would develop the state in the area of information and communication technology. Mr. Bakare, a graduate of University of Ilorin and 2013/2014 Google ambassador, explained that Kwara State lags behind in Nigerias technology revolution and the new computer village will push the state to the forefront of the revolution, give opportunities to budding entrepreneurs and growing the economy of the state. I can tell you without mincing words that Kwara State is one state in Nigeria where less technology-oriented activities take place. Most times when I need gadgets, I always travel down to Lagos. So I believe this computer village would help the state technologically, provide opportunities for entrepreneurs like me and increase the state internally generated revenue. A software engineer at Challenge phone mart, Abiodun Azeez, also expressed optimism about the proposed village, calling on government to ensure that the project is pursued to a conclusive end without being abandoned half-way. Mr. Azeez, an indigene of Oke-ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, however, advised the government to ensure that such developmental initiatives are spread across other parts of the state. The proposed computer village is a good idea. Technology is the next big thing now. We only want to implore the government to ensure that the construction of the village is completed within a short time so we can all enjoy its benefits, especially at this austere period. The government should also consider locating such development oriented projects like this too in other parts of the state, he said. Adekeye Adeyinka, an Ilorin-based technology incubator hub facilitator and IT expert described the development as long overdue, saying that it is a good initiative coming at the right time. He however said that the new village would add to the growth of digital entrepreneurship in the state only if it focuses on knowledge development in the information technology industry and not just mere sales of computer accessories. Maybe I dont know much about their aim but I see it as a plan to simply relocate the scattered areas that make up the computer village at Challenge and Unity to a more structured place. I hope there will be plans for knowledge development in the IT industry too, and not just mere sales of computer accessories, he said. A student of the Faculty of Information and Communication Sciences, University of Ilorin, Notiki Bello, told PREMIUM TIMES that the plan is unnecessary, stressing that the old technology hub at Challenge should rather be given a facelift. I think it is really not necessary. Challenge is the known hub in Ilorin. I do not think it should be changed but it could upgraded. Also, the space allotted for the new hub is really small. If truly there is going to be a technology boom in Kwara, that space wont contain it, he said. Other indigenes of the state who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES condemned the initiative, stressing that it is borne out of misplaced priority. When you have difficulties paying salaries for months and workers are suffering while some are dying, is computer village project the next thing to embark upon? Ayo Animashaun, a resident of Ilorin, lamented. Another resident who identified himself as Babatayo Williams complained about the concentration of developmental projects in Ilorin at the expense of other parts of the state. He therefore called on the state government to address the issue. Government should address this imbalance. All major developmental projects in this state are in Ilorin. For instance, what stops them from siting this computer village in Offa or Omu-aran. The government should address this abnormality, he said. Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to the expansion of employment opportunities and entrepreneurial development in the state through the Harmony Hub computer village project. According to a statement released on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Abdulwahab Oba, Governor Ahmed disclosed that the computer village would directly employ about 600 youth when fully operational, apart from hundreds of indirect jobs that would be created in the process of its construction. The governor noted that the Computer Village which is estimated to cost N500 million would be funded through contractor financing as well as pre-sales or off-taker arrangements, the statement said. The Governor of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola, has said that his administration is laying a foundation in every sphere of life that would put the state in a steady progressive path such that even after his tenure, reversing or halting such progress would be difficult or totally impossible. He promised that none of his ongoing projects would be left uncompleted by the time he is handing over to the next governor. The Governor spoke both at a special edition of live interview broadcast organized by the state-owned radio and television station, OSBC and the colloquium organised to mark the second anniversary of the second term of his administration held in Osogbo. Mr. Aregbesola held that before coming to office, he had done his homework well, knowing that youth engagement was of immediate necessity, adding that in less than 100 days of his inauguration, he engaged 20,000 youth in public works through the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES). He said the OYES initiative has gone a long way in taking a lot of idle youth off the streets, redefining their lives and as well giving them hope capable of sustaining them throughout their lives. He said his government had also impacted positively in the lives of over 40,000 youth through OYES scheme as the good gesture had helped in turning Osun to state with the lowest crime rate in Nigeria. He added that the N200 million monthly allowance being given to OYES volunteers had tremendously reflated the economy of the state. The governor said the stipends being received by the OYES cadets goes directly into the economy of the state, adding that in less than two years, Osun GDP shot to the seventh largest in Nigeria. On education, Mr. Aregbesola said his administration has expended billions in the provision of free meals for 252,000 pupils every school day, noting that the innovation was aimed at revamping agriculture, empowering farmers, cooks and food vendors in a value chain of wealth creation that cascades to at least one million homes in Osun. He said the state under his watch has built several state-of-the-art model schools across the nooks and crannies of the state having taken seriously the importance of education to development. According to the Governor, I have no doubt that our monumental performances made the organisers of this event to also coin out Raufnomics to reflect how our policies have positively affected Osun in a most fundamental sense. We provided E-learning tablets to final year grade 12 pupils in the state. This is an innovation that is not available anywhere in the world except Osun. We have also made significant investment in agriculture. We realised that food is an integral aspect of national security. No nation is secure that cannot feed its people. Agriculture is also the gateway to industrialisation. We have consequently empowered our people in various agriculture schemes. We have sent two batches of our youth to Germany for further training in modern agriculture practices. We have constructed more than 800 kilometres of quality, stone based roads with concrete drainages across the length and breadth of the state. These are not just any roads that catch our fancy. They are roads carefully selected because they impacted the most on the social and economic activities of our people. We incorporated the weak and vulnerable groups like the specially challenged, destitute, the aged, women and the girl child for special care and attention through special schemes. Considering the adverse effect of the present economic challenges, Mr. Aregbesola said his government has been working hard to rescue the state from the pangs of economic recession. He pledged to continuously position the state on the path of economic stability, progress and prosperity, saying we have made it a point that no one is left behind by our administration. Speaking on the topic Democracy, Good Governance and Sustainable Economic Development: Value Added Approach, the guest speaker, Akin Oyebode commended Mr. Aregbesola for being consistent in threading the path of economic greatness since assumption of power. Mr. Oyebode, a professor of law, said the event was to celebrate the doggedness, unrelenting and unwavering commitment of Mr. Aregbesola to all round growth and development. Mr. Oyebode, who described politics and governance as instruments deliberately designed to give hope to the people, said the present administration has clearly resuscitated the already lost hope, sustained it through good governance and as well rekindled the future of the state through massive infrastructure across the length and breadth of the state. Aregbesola has changed Osun landscape politically and economically. The presence of his good governance has been felt in every nook and cranny of the state. Aregbesola has left his footprint on the sound of time. He has been within the last six years doing his best to ensure that the state maintains and sustains her status as pacesetter in infrastructure development. Very many initiatives such as Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme, OYES, Osun Rural Enterprises and Agricultural Programme, OREAP, E-learning computer tablets produced and distributed freely to students of public high schools, Osun Schools Infrastructure Development Programme, OSCHOOLS, Osun Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme, OMEAL, among others are initiated to bring about the much desired socio-economic transformation to the people of Osun. All the projects being executed under Aregbesolas administration are purposefully designed to add values to general well being of the citizens, Professor Oyebode said. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has decried the presence of VIPs trooping in from other states to Ondo for Saturdays governorship election. Such VIPs are public officials who have armed security escorts accompanying them as they move around the city, INEC said. The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Olusegun Agbaje, told PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview on Friday that any persons who do not have any business with the Ondo election should not be seen around during the election. We are aware that there are some VIPs who have come into the state with their armed security men, he said. The security agencies have been alerted on the development, and we have told them to arrest any of such persons who attempt to act in breach of the electoral law. PREMIUM TIMES observed that such persons had poured into Akure, the state capital, and its environs and had fully booked most of the choice hotels around. We advise them to stay put in their hotels and not come out, or they will be arrested and dealt with appropriately, Mr Agbaje said. He noted that the electorate had been told to be vigilant should they see such personalities moving around the electoral areas. The people should be alive to their responsibilities, he said. I believe that the voters will not allow them and should be able to speak out when they see such a thing. The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, had assured that the orderlies for VIPs would be withdrawn during the election to avoid the temptation of being used to intimidate voters. He also promised to ensure that only accredited security personnel for the election would be allowed close to the voting areas. They (VIPs) should stay in their hotels and should not come out to intimidate our voters, if they do, they will be arrested, Mr. Agbaje warned. Soon it will be a bit more sparkly in Dearborn and Dearborn Heights. The cities are preparing for their respective annual tree lighting ceremonies to usher in the holiday season. Dearborn will welcome its start to the holiday season Dec. 5 with its traditional tree lighting and singalong at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. A longstanding Dearborn tradition, the free event begins at 6 p.m. with a performance by the Dearborn Youth Symphony String Quartet in the lobby of the Michael A. Guido Theater. At 6:40 p.m., the festivities move outside the buildings west entrance for the ceremonial lighting of the citys Christmas tree by Mayor John OReilly, Jr., assisted by five-year-old Cheyenne Weaver from Nowlin Elementary School. Afterward, the crowd can enjoy holiday performances by the Dearborn High School Orchestra and the Dearborn Public Schools Elementary & Secondary Honors Choirs back in the theater. The in-theater portion of the evening will conclude with the mayor leading an audience singalong, featuring some of the best-known holiday songs. Following the singalong, cookies, coffee and hot chocolate will be available in the lobby, and Santa Claus will welcome children in Studio A. The annual tree lighting and singalong is hosted by the Dearborn Recreation & Parks Department and made possible, in part, by support from Park Place Catering and the Dearborn Lions Club. The next day will mark the official kickoff to the holidays in Dearborn Heights. The city holds its annual tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Dearborn Heights City Hall, 6045 Fenton. The welcoming of Santa Claus to Dearborn Heights highlights the festive event, with the crowd waiting to see how the jolly old elf will make his entrance this year. All Dearborn Heights residents are welcome to attend and enjoy singing Christmas carols. Children can visit with Santa after the ceremony and parents are encouraged to bring their cameras. LOWER TOWNSHIP The family of a pregnant township woman found dead after an overdose last week said she struggled with heroin addiction and was trying to improve her life before relapsing. Amanda Albee, 30, was discovered dead by her 9-year-old daughter Nov. 15 in the room they shared, according to Albees sister Amy Toomin. Cape May County Prosecutor Robert Taylor said it is too early to tell if the substance was heroin, fentanyl a dangerous synthetic opiod that has been showing up in the county or a mix. Fentanyl is similar to morphine but 50 to 100 times more potent, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Toomin and Albees mother, Theresa Crompton, said police told them the heroin Albee thought she was using was actually fentanyl. Woman charged in overdose death of pregnant Lower Township resident LOWER TOWNSHIP A woman has been charged in the overdose death of a pregnant woman, the Cap They knew that she was pregnant and they sold it to her anyway, said Toomin, 29, who said she is in recovery for addiction. Alycha Rodriguez, 22, of Brooklyn, New York, has been arrested and charged with first-degree strict liability of drug-induced death for allegedly selling Albee the drugs, the Prosecutors Office said. Albee was three months pregnant, family said. It wasnt Albees first battle with drugs. Her heroin use prompted her older daughter to be placed in the sole custody of Toomins father, Toomin said. She was a great person when she was clean, Toomin said. She was always so overwhelmed, trying to strive for perfection. Rodriguez was staying temporarily at the Beach House Motel in the Rio Grande section of Middle Township. On the same day Albee overdosed, officers saw Rodriguez chasing two men away from her motel room with a knife, Middle Township police said. In September, Rodriguez was arrested in front of the Catalina Motel in Middle Township along with Jason Weaver, 39, also of Brooklyn, police said. Rodriguez and Weaver were charged with various drug offenses, and Weaver was found to have an arrest warrant out in New York for handgun possession. Toomin said Rodriguez was staying in a room at the Beach House Motel rented by Albees ex-boyfriends brother. Several residents of the motel interviewed Friday said they never met Rodriguez but that drug and law enforcement activity was common at the motel. Some people come here selling drugs, said Felix Santos, who added that hes trying to find another place to live. Weve been working so hard to clean this place up, said Joe Berdel, the motels manager. Rodriguez was not a resident of the motel, she was just visiting a friend, Berdel said. He said he threatened to kick her out a couple of times. Should have kicked her out sooner, Berdel added. She wasnt even supposed to be here. Erin Miller, 30, said shes living at the Beach House Motel with her three children while she waits to move into a house in Lower Township. She said she pays $400 a week in rent. I dont like the kids being out here, Miller said. The cops are always here. Berdel said he showed police surveillance tapes that captured Ablee entering and leaving the motel. The whole thing took about ten minutes, he said. Crompton said she greeted people for two hours at Ablees memorial services. More than 200 people attended, Crompton and Toomin said. She was just absolutely beautiful, Crompton said. I miss her smile. The Nov. 17 editorial, Scores improve on PARCC, which shows where more work is needed, misstates the reasons civil rights and parent advocacy groups, including Education Law Center, have filed a legal challenge to new rules that will make passing PARCC exams a graduation requirement for N.J. high school students. In 1979, the N.J. Legislature enacted a law requiring students to pass a comprehensive state test in language arts and math to receive a diploma. The graduation law clearly requires an 11th grade test, with retesting opportunities in senior year. For students who dont pass the designated state test, the law also requires an alternative assessment of the same proficiencies. Through 2015, the High School Proficiency Assessment, or HSPA, and the Alternative High School Assessment fulfilled these requirements. These multiple pathways helped sustain one of the highest graduation rates in the nation. In 2015, the state high school graduation rate was the second highest in the U.S. at nearly 90 percent. Over the past two years, the N.J. Department of Education began changing the graduation rules in ways inconsistent with N.J. law. First, it imposed new rules and tests on last years seniors, the class of 2016, without legally required changes in the graduation regulations. In a settlement agreement signed last May that was designed to protect the rights of graduating seniors, the DOE acknowledged the rules had been imposed improperly. Last summer, the State Board of Education finally completed the process of adopting new rules that make passing the PARCC ELA10 and Algebra I tests requirements for a N.J. diploma. It also adopted transitional options that will phase out in a few years, leaving PARCC as the sole state test for graduation. Unfortunately, the new rules continue to violate NJ law in several ways: The tests designated by the State Board as graduation exams are not 11th grade tests as required by the Legislature; the new rules erode important protections in the graduation law, for example, required retesting opportunities; the use of fee-based tests, such as the SAT and ACT, as options through 2020 will restrict some students access to high school diplomas; and the optional substitute assessments are also not 11th grade tests and, as the department has acknowledged, are not aligned with state standards. These multiple violations of state law, not the controversy over PARCC exams, are the basis of the legal challenge filed by ELC and ACLU-NJ on behalf of civil rights and education advocates, including the N.J. NAACP, the Paterson Education Fund, the Latino Action Network and the Latino Coalition of N.J. The lawsuit does not challenge the states right to administer assessments or use them for diagnostic purposes. It is certainly true that the State Boards replacement of a test (HSPA) that 80 to 90 percent of seniors typically passed with PARCC tests that only 40 to 45 percent are passing raises policy issues the Legislature needs to revisit. If these rules had been in full effect last year, more than half the senior class 50,000 to 60,000 students would have been at risk of not graduating. But until the Legislature revises the graduation law, the State Board needs to follow the existing legal requirements, and the new graduation rules dont. Thats why ELC and ACLU-NJ filed a lawsuit to protect the rights of N.J. families and students, including equal access to a high school diploma and the opportunities it represents. Stan Karp, of Montclair, Essex County, is director of the Secondary Reform Project of the Education Law Center. The inexorable trend toward the more humane treatment of animals looks like it might make a breakthrough in New Jersey. The state could become the first in America to outlaw the declawing of cats and other animals. A bill to add declawing to the list of criminal animal-cruelty offenses cleared an Assembly committee last week. It would subject veterinarians who declaw a cat or owners requesting the procedure to serious penalties fines up to $1,000, civic penalties of $500 to $2,000, and even six months imprisonment. Removing a cats claws, which are retractable, typically is done either by cutting off the bony end of the digit supporting the claw or by removing the claw bed. The operation often is done to prevent the cat from using the claws to damage furniture or other possessions, or hurt people and other animals. A cat that caused $600 worth of damage to the home of Assemblyman Parker Space, R- Sussex, Warren, Morris, also caused him to cast the only committee vote against the ban (vs. three in favor). Space said the choice was either declawing the cat or sending it back to the animal shelter, where it probably would be euthanized. That is one significant counter-argument to a declawing ban. There may be plenty of households that will not host a cat if its claws cant be removed. There are already too many cats needing adoption and too many being euthanized, and a ban could only aggravate those situations. A veterinarian with the N.J. Veterinary Association told the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee that vets arent for declawing but dont want to see a lot of cats sent to shelters. He said modern methods and medicines make the procedure less invasive and painful, and suggested the decision on whether to declaw be left to owners and their veterinarians. Animal-welfare groups said declawing puts cats at risk for pain and lameness, discomfort using litter boxes and personality changes. Either way, ban or no ban, cats are going to be hurt. No wonder no state yet has banned declawing. (Similar legislation has been introduced in New York and Hawaii.) Wed like to see more input from cat owners, perhaps through a public-comment period. Theyve had a lot of experience bearing on the proposal and should have a strong say in whether state intervention is desirable. And if New Jersey is the first state to enact a declawing ban, it should include a review after a few years to determine the effect of the ban on the relinquishing and euthanasia of cats. Revisiting and revising such a ban might be humane too. Societal changes coming Whether individuals like it or not, the people have spoken. Donald Trump will be president along with a Republican majority in both the Senate and the House. There is a mandate for change that not all will like. After years of a progressive influence on society, many fear that the political correctness movement will come to an end. A male athlete who decides to publicly become a woman will not be celebrated, but instead shown compassion. A person who enters the country illegally will be stopped and abruptly sent back, while those who want to enter legally to be Americans will go through a vetting process and be welcomed with open arms. First responders and not rioters will be celebrated, while not tolerating the abuse of power on innocent citizens across the board. People wont be encouraged with subsidies, but instead to work hard, take their education or trade seriously, and take risks; they will prosper and be made shining examples for all to equally emulate. Government wont be the answer to everyones problems, but instead it will be the enabler, breaking down barriers to enable the enterprising nature of people to create the future in which all will prosper. People have heard the phrase it is not who we are. Well, yes it is who we are and we are not afraid to say we are proud of it. Bob Dailyda Egg Harbor Township Backs Rullo for governor With all the hubris and venom spewed by people after the election, I feel it is time to try to get back down to earth. The state is in shambles after years of mismanagement dating back to Gov. Jim Florio. Taxes are over the top, corruption is beyond Sopranos levels, spending needs to be reined in, and everyone is struggling to get by. Yet voters elect the same people and types of people over and over. Its time to throw out the incumbents and look outside the box for the next governor in 2017. Joseph Rudy Rullo is outside the box. He is a small-business owner from Ocean County who is not part of the corrupt machine. He is not connected to anyone in Trenton and therefore doesnt owe anyone anything. He wants to make New Jersey No. 1 in things that matter to its residents, such as fixing transportation funding, getting rid of the gas tax increase, taking care of veterans, ending Common Core, fixing schools, stopping the scourge of heroin and getting rid of patronage jobs. Its time to stop doing the same thing and expecting the different results. The state has had enough Wall Street money men, career politicians and Trenton insiders. The people should elect Rullo for governor in 2017. Daniel Nees Dennisville Story downplayed Trump diverse electorate support The Nov. 11 Associated Press story, Trump claims mandate; Clinton says give him a chance, is more of the slanted coverage one expects from the Washington Post, New York Times and Associated Press. The writer states, Trumps support skewed older, male and overwhelming white, which draws an inaccurate conclusion. The complete facts tell us that 53 percent of white females voted for Trump and he got more black and Hispanic votes than Mitt Romney. This type of writing is for progressive bloggers on the Internet, not for news stories. Bill McGrath Hammonton Carmakers go too far Some cars, fairly new luxury models, dont have turn signals; dont have low-beam headlights, only high beam; dont have cruise control; drive erratically, fast, slow, fast, slow and so forth. The automakers are letting people down. Ludwig Jaros Egg Harbor Township 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. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, November 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Christmas time is coming soon. It is becoming a popular time for a getaway -- the perfect way to end the year in a dream destination and to get the body and mind ready for the New Year. Playa Bavaro in Punta Cana offers a wide range of possibilities for leisure and relaxation at one of the best beaches in the world. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161124/442827LOGO ) (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161124/442826 ) Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana is the perfect choice for a Christmas get-away. It is recognised as one of the ten best beaches in the world and has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for being environmentally friendly. The Spanish hotel chain, Barcelo, is the proud owner of Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort which is made up of the following: Barcelo Bavaro Beach, Barcelo Bavaro Palace, Premium Level at Barcelo Bavaro Palace and the Family Club at Barcelo Bavaro Palace. For couples, Barcelo Bavaro Beach - *Adults only * - is considered the best option. Recently redecorated, the guests will enjoy their stay in large rooms (80% of them are overlook the beachfront). Customers will enjoy an extensive range of cuisine. For families, the hotel Barcelo Palace will delight children and adults alike. During the stay, 11 restaurants will offer international cuisine to the guests. The greatest comfort of Barcelo Bavaro Palace is its location in the charming Bavaro Beach where guests will make an unforgettable memory. CONTACT: Alfonso Lopez alopez@3aww.com +34 626 00 35 71 SOURCE BARCELO HOTELS & RESORTS BELFAST, Northern Ireland, November 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the success of our City Slickers Package launched in 2015, our brand new El Classico Package has finally been launched. With both Hotel & Hostel options, the 3 Week El Classico Package is a fantastic Interrail Route that will suit adventurers of all ages, visiting some of the best known cities in Europe including Paris, Amsterdam, Rome & Venice. Also available from Spring & Summer 2017 is our brand new BEAR WATCHING TOUR. Departing from London, this 2 week trip takes you not only on a fantastic Interrail route, but you also get the chance to spend 3 days tracking & watching bears in the High Tatras mountain range of Slovakia. Summer 2017 may seem a long way away- but what better way to motivate you through the winter with an awesome Interrail Trip to look forward to. Travel Easy, with Interrailingpackages. Contact: Donal McKenna info@interrailingpackages.com +28 (0)1928508865 SOURCE Interrailingpackages Ltd LONDON, November 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- PR Newswire Test This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. No of brooms (in %) (chg in pts reported) (chg in pts L/L (1)) France 29,691 53.2 -7.7 EUR -7.5 Germany 19,664 56.2 -1.7 EUR -2.0 Netherlands 3,907 53.7 -4.8 EUR -4.8 This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore. This is a Test - please ignore . Media Contact: Operations Manager, PR Newswire. SOURCE PRN Test Company Award recognizes Milliman's educational and business initiatives across the Middle East DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, was named "Service Provider of the Year" for the third consecutive year at the Middle East Insurance Review's 2016 Middle East Insurance Industry Awards (MIIA). The award recognizes Milliman's leadership in the insurance and reinsurance industry, citing the firm's unique multi-disciplinary consultancy services, its implementation of educational and professional initiatives, and noting Milliman's work as "a catalyst for the betterment of the industry." "We are honored to receive this award for the third year in a row," said Safder Jaffer, Managing Director of Milliman's Dubai office. "At Milliman we believe in offering innovative solutions that serve not only our clients but the industry and region as a whole. We thank the Middle East Insurance Review and the esteemed panel of judges for recognizing the leading work we do throughout the Middle East and North Africa." Middle East Insurance Review is a monthly publication that aims to meet the information needs of insurance practitioners in the Middle East and North Africa region and the global takaful industry. The MIIA, now in its 3rd year, is heralded as the premier awards of the MENA region with a clearly defined criteria and a transparent process served by a panel of 20 distinguished Judges. For more information about the awards, please visit: http://www.meinsurancereview.com/meirawards/. About Milliman Milliman is among the world's largest providers of actuarial and related products and services. The firm has consulting practices in healthcare, property & casualty insurance, life insurance and financial services, and employee benefits. Milliman is a global firm of more than 3,200 employees, with over 60 total offices operating in all major markets across Africa, Asia, Australia, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. For more than 60 years, an attention to rigorous standards of professional excellence, peer review, and objectivity has made Milliman the leading independent actuarial firm. For further information, visit www.milliman.com. SOURCE Milliman, Inc. LONDON, November 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Thirty-eight per cent of parents in the UK think a distinctive rash is the first symptom of meningitis, despite the fact it often appears after other symptoms, or not at all[1], according to new research from GSK. As part of GSK's Tackle Meningitis campaign, in partnership with former England Rugby player, Matt Dawson, and backed by UK charities Meningitis Research Foundation and Meningitis Now, a survey of 2,000 parents across the UK revealed that awareness of the signs and symptoms of meningitis remains worryingly low despite 92% of parents surveyed believing that meningitis is a very serious condition. The survey also flagged a number of other important barriers to greater awareness, including a lack of knowledge about the age ranges at risk and how the disease is passed on, with a third unaware that the disease is contracted from other people. Eighty one per cent of respondents said that the rash was the most commonly associated symptom, but when asked what causes the rash, only 16% of parents were aware that it is caused by the onset of septicaemia (blood poisoning). Respondents were less familiar with symptoms such as muscle pain (54%), vomiting (42%) and cold hands and feet (27%). When asked about strains, only a concerning 7% knew that there were six or more strains of the disease, highlighting the importance of being aware of the symptoms of the disease. Rob Dawson, Meningitis Research Foundation's Head of Support said: "This terrible disease is difficult to spot so it is vital that parents are prepared and act quickly if a sick child gets rapidly worse. Don't wait for a rash. It doesn't appear in all cases. Where it does appear, a child is already in serious danger. Knowing the early symptoms and seeking medical help fast saves lives. We are also working with hospitals, doctors and other healthcare professionals to make sure they recognise and treat meningitis as soon as possible." Liz Brown, CEO of Meningitis Now said: "We would encourage anyone showing a combination of meningitis symptoms such as severe headache, vomiting, muscle pain and fever with cold hands and feet to seek medical immediately as these could be the early signs of meningitis and septicaemia. "There is conflicting advice online, and a rash is often a later symptom so we would encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms and to trust their instincts if they suspect the disease. It could save a life." The Tackle Meningitis initiative is a campaign aimed at raising awareness of meningitis, a rare but potentially fatal disease. The results of the survey will be used to guide the direction of the Tackle Meningitis campaign throughout 2017 engaging with schools, rugby clubs and community organisations. Despite rating meningitis as significantly more serious than other common conditions like German measles, mumps or chickenpox, only 16% of respondents said they knew more about meningitis than these illnesses. Younger parents aged 18-24 were twice as likely as older parents to feel they did not know much about any of the conditions mentioned. More respondents (86%) associated young children with a risk of contracting meningitis than babies (83%), despite babies being the most at-risk group.[2] Additionally, only two-thirds saw adolescents and young adults as at-risk, despite incidence peaking again in this age group. Encouragingly, when asked how quickly they would seek medical attention if they suspected meningitis, 92% said they would act immediately or within minutes, and almost three-quarters (73%) said they would take their child straight to A&E. The survey also found a disparity in the sexes, with more males than females (31% vs. 23%) saying they knew less about meningitis than other conditions, male parents three times less likely than female parents to know that the distinctive rash is caused by septicaemia and male parents less likely than female parents to seek help immediately (83% vs. 93%). "It's clear that male parents feel they know less about meningitis and septicaemia than female parents and would tend to act less quickly," commented Matt Dawson. "I fell into this category, and was unaware of some of the key symptoms to look out for beyond the distinctive rash. I urge mums and dads alike, families, teachers and young people to make sure you can recognise the symptoms early, not wait for the rash and act immediately." Symptoms of meningitis can develop rapidly. The first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell. Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than the rash (which doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it), neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and confusion. Although a rash is often the most well-known symptom, it is often a sign that the disease is advancing rapidly and it is therefore crucial not to wait to for it to appear before seeking medical attention. Notes to editors About meningitis and septicaemia Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord (meninges).[3] It can be very serious if not treated quickly, with the potential to cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia), permanent damage to the brain or nerves, loss of limbs and in some cases, death. In the early stages of the disease it can be very difficult to tell meningitis and septicaemia apart from milder diseases.[4] There are several types, or strains, of meningococcal bacteria with the groups being A, B, C, W, X,Y and Z,[5] and although group B meningococcal causes the majority of disease in the UK,[6] all of the meningococcal bacteria strains can be fatal. Vaccines are available to protect against some of the strains, however, no single vaccine protects against all strains.[7] Meningitis and septicaemia can kill in hours, making it vital to be aware of the symptoms and act accordingly. If you suspect someone may have meningitis or septicaemia, you need to trust your instincts and seek the nearest medical help immediately. About Meningitis Research Foundation Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) is a UK-based charity that aims to raise awareness of meningitis and septicaemia and provide support to all those affected by the two diseases. A key aspect of their work involves funding research into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia and sharing the knowledge gained by research so everyone can benefit. The charity currently funds 16 research projects throughout the world, and since its foundation in 1989, it has awarded 147 research grants, leading to many advances in the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia. About Meningitis Now Meningitis Now is a charity with almost 30 years' experience. The charity was formed in 2013 by bringing together Meningitis UK and Meningitis Trust, founders of the meningitis movement in the UK. They fund research into vaccines and prevention and aim to reduce the impact of the disease by raising awareness and providing people with the knowledge and information they need to get urgent medical attention if they suspect meningitis. A large part of their work also goes into rebuilding futures by providing dedicated support to people living with the impact of meningitis. Both Meningitis Research Foundation and Meningitis Now back the Tackle Meningitis campaign, but will continue to run their own campaigns separately. GSK - one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies - is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit http://www.gsk.com. Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described under Item 3.D 'Risk factors' in the company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2015. Registered in England & Wales: No. 3888792 Registered Office: 980 Great West Road Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9GS References 1. GSK, Tackle Meningitis Survey, November 2016 2. Meningitis Research Foundation. Meningococcal disease, http://www.meningitis.org/disease-info/types-causes/meningoccal-disease , Last accessed November 2016 3. Meningitis Now. What is meningitis. https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/what-meningitis/ Last accessed August 2016 4. Meningitis Research Foundation. Frequently asked questions. http://www.meningitis.org/disease-info/faqs Last accessed August 2016 5. NHS Choices. Causes of meningitis. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Meningitis/Pages/Causes.aspx Last accessed August 2016 6. Meningitis Now. Meningococcal disease https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/what-meningitis/types-and-causes/meningococcal-disease/ Last accessed August 2016 7. Meningitis Now. Bacterial meningitis https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/what-meningitis/types-and-causes/bacterial-meningitis/ Last accessed August 2016 SOURCE GSK NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES (INCLUDING ITS TERRITORIES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA) OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL LONDON, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Navig8 Product Tankers Inc. (the "Company") (NOTC: EIGHT), an international shipping company focused on the transportation of petroleum products, today announced that it has taken delivery of the Navig8 Prestige a 74,000 DWT LR1 tanker from SPP Shipbuilding Co., Ltd ("SPP"). The Navig8 Prestige is the last of four vessels contracted at SPP to be delivered to the Company and is the second and last vessel to be delivered under the secured loan facility entered into with ABN AMRO BANK N.V., Singapore Branch announced on July 19, 2016. The Navig8 Prestige will be entered into and operated in Navig8 Group's LR8 commercial pool. About Navig8 Product Tankers Inc. Navig8 Product Tankers was established in 2013 as a joint venture between the Navig8 Group and DVB Bank to capitalize on anticipated strong supply/demand fundamentals and the accelerating growth of longhaul clean and dirty oil product cargo movements, driven by increasing geographic dislocations between producers and consumers. The Company has taken delivery of twelve LR1 and eleven LR2 product tanker newbuildings to date and anticipates delivery of its full 27 ecodesign product tanker newbuilding fleet by the end of 2016. The Company's fleet is contracted to operate in various product tanker pools managed by the Navig8 Group, the world's largest independent pool and commercial management company. Navig8 Product Tankers is listed on the Norwegian OTC market under the symbol EIGHT. Visit our website at www.navig8producttankers.com ForwardLooking Statements and Distribution This press release contains forward looking statements. These statements are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including Navig8 Product Tankers management's examination of historical operating trends. Although the Company believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond its control, the Company cannot give assurance that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or intentions. Important factors that, in the Company's view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in this press release include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions including fluctuations in charter hire rates and vessel values, changes in demand in the tanker market as a result of changes in OPEC's petroleum production levels and worldwide oil consumption and storage, changes in the Company's operating expenses including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, and other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by the Company on the Norwegian OTC trading support system. This communication is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into any state or jurisdiction into which doing so would be unlawful. The distribution of this communication may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes, should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdictions. The Company assumes no responsibility in the event there is a violation by any person of such restrictions. Related Links http://www.navig8producttankers.com SOURCE Navig8 Product Tankers Inc. BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais S.A. USIMINAS (the " Company "), one of the largest Brazilian steelmakers with activities in the mining and logistics, capital goods, steelmaking and steel transformation industries, and its subsidiary Usiminas Commercial Ltd. (the " Issuer "), are providing this notice with respect to the Issuer's 7.25% Notes due 2018, unconditionally guaranteed by the Company, and originally issued in the aggregate principal amount of US$400,000,000 (the " Notes ") pursuant to an Indenture entered into with the Bank of New York (the " Indenture "). The Notes are currently listed on the official list of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and admitted to trading on the Euro MTF market. The Company and the Issuer hereby announce that, as part of the transactions contemplated by the recent renegotiation of the Company's indebtedness with its local and international bank lenders and debenture holders, the Company pledged its interests in and relating to its hot and cold strip mills located at its Ipatinga facility as collateral (the " Collateral ") to secure the debt with certain Brazilian bank lenders and debenture holders (the "Brazilian Debt"). The mortgage deed relating to Collateral was registered by the local registry of deeds in Ipatinga, Brazil on October 19, 2016, thus perfecting the security interests of such Brazilian bank lenders and debenture holders over the Collateral. The Company understands that the perfection of those security interests over the Collateral with respect to a portion of the Brazilian Debt amounting to R$4,707,844,513 as of September 30, 2016 could be viewed as noncompliance with the negative pledge covenant set forth in the Indenture. As the next step in the Company's overall debt renegotiation, the Company intends to solicit consents from the holders of the Notes to waive any noncompliance with the relevant negative pledge covenant and its consequences as soon as reasonably practicable, on customary terms and conditions. The Company also intends to subsequently carry out an exchange offer for the Notes, in due course, as required by the terms of the renegotiation agreements governing the Brazilian Debt, which could involve seeking to modify the terms of the Notes and providing additional credit support on terms and conditions that are currently being discussed. As previously disclosed by the Company, on September 12, 2016, the Company completed the renegotiation of approximately 92% of its overall indebtedness, including the Brazilian Debt, which, in the view of the Company's management, was crucial in adjusting the Company's debt profile to its short, medium and long term perspectives. The Company's Investor Relations Department is available for any clarifications through the contacts below: Investor Relations DepartmentUSIMINAS R. Prof. Jose Vieira de Mendonca, 3011 5 andar Bairro Engenho Nogueira Belo Horizonte/MG ZIP Code 31310-260 Phone: 55 (31) 3499-8856 Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve uncertainties, risks and assumptions, since these statements include information concerning Usiminas' possible or assumed future plans and intentions, including the launching of a consent solicitation and/or an exchange offer, results of operations, business strategies, financing plans, competitive position, industry environment, potential growth opportunities, the effects of future regulation and the effects of competition. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and Usiminas undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any forward-looking statements after it publishes this notice because of new information, future events or other factors. In light of the risks and uncertainties described above, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this notice might not occur and are not guarantees of future performance. Usiminas' actual results, accomplishments and performance could differ substantially from those anticipated in its forward-looking statements. SOURCE Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais S.A. - USIMINAS PARIS, November 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- POLIAKOV, the Vodka of Extreme, unveils this month its new amazing digital experience: POLIAKOV Ice Quest. POLIAKOV Vodka developed a unique experience in virtual reality (VR) using a brand-new technology, the HTC Vive headset, the best VR device currently on the market. This technology using headphones, headset and joysticks stimulates all our senses. POLIAKOV Vodka recreated its unique freezing and futuristic universe through an immersive VR videogame. "We wanted to ensure maximum interactions for the player," said William PLOQUIN-MAURELL, international POLIAKOV brand manager. Click here to visit our POLIAKOV Press Room! The POLIAKOV Ice Quest is a very modern, immersive and unique experience. A few lucky POLIAKOV fans got the opportunity to experience the POLIAKOV Ice Quest with the complete HTC Vive headset. Wandering freely in a 25 sqm area, players mastered the quest throughout the different levels and interacted with the POLIAKOV universe. Early November, this 3D freezing universe has been made available to all with the release online of a video in 360. This teaser video is to be watched on a POLIAKOV cardboard to get the most out of the 3D effect. Press kits containing the cardboard were sent out to main press contacts, influencers and bloggers. Click here to discover the 360 POLIAKOV Ice Quest video! Throughout November, all POLIAKOV fans will have the opportunity to discover the Ice Quest through a saga of 3 videos mixing the players who have been filmed and the POLIAKOV virtual universe. This saga will be widely promoted on YouTube and Facebook for all to follow the adventures of the players, discovering the inspiring and frozen POLIAKOV universe. Prepare for a complete digital immersion in the POLIAKOV world! About POLIAKOV: POLIAKOV, the Millionaire brand with sales up to 1.4 million nine-litre cases, pursues its success story. The international brand, sold in over 50 countries, is today the 3rd fastest growing global Vodka brand. POLIAKOV owes this achievement to its unique quality, often rewarded in international competitions, and to a powerful advertising universe focusing on extreme cold and infinite space. (Source: Impact 2016) Check out the International POLIAKOV YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/poliakovvodka Check out the International POLIAKOV Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/POLIAKOVVodkaWorld And the new Official POLIAKOV Pressroom: http://www.pressroom.vodka-poliakov.com About LA MARTINIQUAISE: An independent French group founded in 1934, LA MARTINIQUAISE is one of the leading spirits group in France and features in the world Top 10. The group has a turnover of 950 Million euros and is proud to own four millionaire brands, LABEL 5 & SIR EDWARD'S Scotch Whisky, POLIAKOV Vodka and NEGRITA Rum. (Source: Drinks International 2016) (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161124/442733 ) (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161124/442734 ) (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161124/442735LOGO ) Please enjoy POLIAKOV responsibly. Contact: William PLOQUIN-MAURELL Tel: +33-1-43-53-86-06 William.ploquin-maurell@la-martiniquaise.fr SOURCE LA MARTINIQUAISE Rosegal kicked off its Pre-Black Friday sale ahead of actual Christmas sales to gather feedback from customers. SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosegal is a top fashion retail store that caters to customers who are looking for either vintage or modern clothing. They offer styles ranging from 1920s throwback fashion clothing items to the latest trendy clothing, which is a reason why Rosegal has become popular across the world for offering unique designs at affordable prices. With the festive season coming up, shoppers are looking for cool deals and discounts. Rosegal took a cue from these suggestions and customer expectations and launched their Pre-Black Friday sale along with the Black Friday sale. Rosagal guaranteed that their Pre-Black Friday sale should give their buyers an excellent opportunity to get the coolest deals well ahead of the Christmas. Though there are many customers who choose to do their Christmas shopping at the eleventh hour, they actually pay top dollars to buy Christmas apparels and gifts. Rosegal also thinks that last-minute X'mas shopping can be hectic and offers customers a chance to get more savings per purchase way before Christmas arrives. In view of this, Rosegal is offering a Black Friday sale this year. At the same time, Rosegal has also kick started its Pre-Black Friday sale that just doubled the fun and excitement of their buyers. During the Pre-Black Friday sale, customers can expect huge discounts on the products from Rosegal. Items that are available at discounted prices during the sale have all been listed under the hot sale category. Besides the hot sale, Rosegal is also rolling out their Black Friday special discounts, offering even bigger markdown now. Home products are available starting from only $1.99 USD and cosmetic products priced from $0.99 USD. Also, customers who are buying products collectively that worth $50 USD or above can use the special code "BF2016" during checkout to avail more discounts and special offers on their purchase. These additional discounts are capped at $6 USD maximum. With such low prices, customers can surely snag more savings before Christmas arrives. The Rosegal Black Friday sale starts on November 25, right after the Pre-Black Friday sale. Customers who are interested in checking out more varieties can check Sammydress and Zaful, the two sister sites of Rosegal. Related link: http://www.rosegal.com/black-friday-countdown.html Related Links http://www.rosegal.com SOURCE Rosegal HEIDELBERG, Germany, November 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- "Heidelberg is demonstrating that even a large company can reinvent itself," says Bauer In the presence of Theresia Bauer (Green Party), Minister of Science, Research and the Arts for the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) today officially launched its new development center project at the company's Wiesloch-Walldorf site. In 2018, the center for around 1,000 working places will be home to the world's most state-of-the-art research facility for the printing industry. Heidelberg is setting new standards by investing some 50 million in the new innovation hub. This will create the number one competence center in the printing industry, which has a global annual turnover of around 400 billion, a figure that is increasing. "This investment represents a new beacon in Baden-Wurttemberg's research landscape. Building a development center of this size and quality proves that Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG bases its decisions on a long-term strategy and makes the future worth looking forward to," says Bauer. "We deliberately chose Baden-Wurttemberg because it combines an excellent environment with highly qualified experts," stresses Heidelberg CEO Rainer Hundsdorfer. A highly modern and future-oriented working environment will be created in Wiesloch-Walldorf, designed to support interdisciplinary and cross-functional development processes. Despite the difficult economic situation in recent years, the company at no time cut its research budget, focusing instead on developing new, innovative products and services. The printing industry now requires new applications and control technologies. Alongside traditional offset printing, digital printing will also be part of the future and ensure that the sector enjoys continued growth. It caters in particular to the trend toward flexible and personalized extremely short runs. Digital 4D printing - the printing on three-dimensional objects made from all kinds of materials - also underscores this trend. It enables customized printing of glass, wood, plastic, and other materials. Heidelberg is the first company to have developed a number of digital presses for industrial use. What's more, customers' presses are networked with Heidelberg, which enables new services to be offered. As a result, maintenance work can be carried out and materials such as inks supplied promptly. Industry 4.0 is now part and parcel of Heidelberg, because speed is vital in both the offset and digital worlds. A further indication of the company's transformation is the fact that there are now over 250 software specialists working there. And in addition to the traditional areas of expertise, Heidelberg has also started employing chemists, for example, because the company is now developing and producing its own environmentally friendly inks for numerous new applications. "The example of Heidelberg is demonstrating that even a large company can reinvent itself," says Bauer. She firmly believes that not only Baden-Wurttemberg but the entire German printing industry will benefit from this. "Combining development, service, and production at a single location close to the customer will make us even faster and more efficient in the future," says Stephan Plenz, member of the Heidelberg Management Board responsible for Equipment. Figure 1: Science Minister Bauer (2. from ri.) and CEO Hundsdorfer (ri,) launch new development center project at the company's Wiesloch-Walldorf site. Frank Kropp, Head of R&D (le.) and Stephan Plenz, Board Member for Equipment (2. from le.) Figure 2: Science Minister Bauer (centre) watches the latest digital technology from Heidelberg. Figure 3: The company's Wiesloch-Walldorf site will be home to the world's most state-of-the-art research facility for the printing industry. For additional details about the company and image material, please visit the Press Lounge of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG at http://www.heidelberg.com. Contact for further details: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG Thomas Fichtl Phone: +49-6221-92-67123 Fax: +49-6221-92-67129 E-mail: Thomas.Fichtl@heidelberg.com http://www.heidelberg.com SOURCE Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG AIRPORT CITY, Israel, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Shikun & Binui Ltd. (TASE: SKBN.TA) ("Shikun & Binui" or the "Company"), a member of the Arison Group and Israel's leading infrastructure and real estate company, announced that it will be releasing its third quarter 2016 results on Wednesday, November 30, 2016. The Company will also host a conference call on the same day starting at 9am Eastern Time. Management will host the call and will be available to answer questions after presenting the results. To participate, please call one of the following teleconferencing numbers. Please begin placing your calls at least 10 minutes before the conference call commences. If you are unable to connect using the toll-free numbers, try the international dial-in number. US: 1-888-668-9141 UK: 0-800-917-5108 Israel: 03- 918-0610 International: +972-3-918-0610 At: 9am Eastern Time, 6am Pacific Time, 2pm UK Time, 4pm Israel Time For those unable to participate, the teleconference will be available for replay on the company's website at http://en.shikunbinui.co.il/ beginning 24 hours after the call. About Shikun & Binui The Shikun & Binui Group is a global construction and infrastructure company that operates in Israel and internationally in seven segments: 1) infrastructure and construction contracting outside of Israel; 2) infrastructure and construction contracting within Israel; 3) real estate development within Israel; 4) real estate development outside of Israel; 5) renewable energy; 6) concessions; and 7) water. The Group's activities focus on large, highly complex projects carried out for entities in private and public sectors with a focus on sustainability. The above noted in this release includes forward-looking statements based on Company data, as well as Company plans and estimations based on this data. The activity, results and other data may be substantially different in reality given uncertainty and various risks, including those discussed under risk factors in the Company's financial statements and Director's reports. Related Links http://en.shikunbinui.co.il/ SOURCE Shikun & Binui Ltd. LONDON, November 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Forecasts by Type: Biopesticides (Microbial, Bacterial, Fungi, Virus, Other, Bio-Rationals, Botanical Extracts, Semio-Chemicals), Biostimulants (Humic Acid, Fulvic Acid, Amino Acid, Extracts, Other), Biofertilizers (Nitrogen-Fixing, Phosphate Solubilizing, Potash Mobilizing, Other) by Crop Type (Cereals & Grains, Fruits & Vegetables, Oilseed & Pulses, Turf & Forage Grasses, Rest Crops, Other) The term agricultural biologicals include different substances and compounds that are instrumental in substituting or complementing the conventional fertilizers, plant growth regulators and pesticide chemicals used widely in agriculture. These agricultural biologicals are very significant environmentally as they help in reducing the negative environmental impact of agriculture. Agricultural biologicals include naturally-occurring solutions, for example, plant extracts, beneficial insects, other organic materials, and microbial that enable agriculturalists to improve the crop yield and crop quality and promote sustainable development by using naturally derived substances for agriculture. The global agricultural biologicals market is currently valued at $6.2bn in 2017 and is projected to grow at a robust pace. The increasing demand for organic products, the environmental hazards caused by traditional agrochemicals, increasing area under degraded soil, and the need to increase agriculture production to meet the requirement of an ever growing population is driving the agricultural biologicals market across the globe. Visiongain's report keeps you informed of the latest developments in agricultural biologicals and ahead of your competitors. Gain that competitive advantage. This report answers questions such as: What are the prospects for the overall agricultural biologicals industry? What does the agricultural biologicals value chain look like? Which agricultural biologicals submarket will thrive over the forecast period ? Where are the opportunities in the agricultural biologicals industry? Who are the key players in the agricultural biologicals industry? What are the demand and supply dynamics underpinning the agricultural biologicals sector? To see a report overview please email Sara Peerun on [email protected] 5 Reasons why you must order and read this report today: 1) Our study forecasts agricultural biologicals by type from 2017-2027 - Biopesticides - Microbial - Bacterial - Fungi - Virus - Other - Bio-Rationals - Botanical Extracts - Semio-Chemicals - Biostimulants - Humic Acid - Fulvic Acid - Amino Acid - Extracts - Other - Biofertilizers - Nitrogen-Fixing - Phosphate Solubilizing - Potash Mobilizing - Other 2) Our study also forecasts agricultural biologicals by crop type from 2017-2027 - Cereals & Grains - Fruits & Vegetables - Oilseed & Pulses - Turf & Forage Grasses - Other Crops 3) The report provides detailed profiles of 10 leading companies operating within the agricultural biologicals market: - BASF - Bayer AG - Mitsui & Co. Ltd (Certis USA LLC) - Isagro SpA - Koppert B.V. - Marrone Bio Innovation Inc. - Novozymes A/S - T.Stanes & Company Limited - The Dow Chemical Company 4) The study reveals where the demand is growing for Agricultural Biologicals. We show you the prospects for the following 5 regions: and 18 leading national markets. Each region and country is individually also forecast and for the 3 subsegments: Biopesticides, Biostimulants and Biofertilizers North America - USA - Canada - Mexico South America - Argentina - Brazil - Paraguay - Bolivia - Rest of South America Europe - France - Spain - UK - Germany - Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific - China - India - Japan - Australia - Thailand - Rest of Asia-Pacific RoW - South Africa - Tanzania - Other Countries Competitive advantage This independent 163 page report guarantees you are better informed than your competitors. With 168 tables and figures examining the agricultural biologicals market space, the report gives you an immediate, one-stop breakdown of your market plus submarket forecasts, from 2017-2027 keeping your knowledge that one step ahead of your rivals. Who should read this report? Anyone within the agricultural biologicals value chain. Agrochemicals chemicals Scientists R&D staff CEOs Asset managers Heads of strategic development Market analysts and consultants Existing companies Companies looking to enter this market Industry associations And also Company managers Executives Investors Business development managers Marketing managers Banks Government agencies Don't miss out This report is essential reading for you or anyone in the agricultural sector with an interest in agricultural biological. Purchasing this report today helps you to recognise those important market opportunities and understand the possibilities there. Order the Agricultural Biologicals Market Report 2017-2027: Forecasts by Type: Biopesticides (Microbial, Bacterial, Fungi, Virus, Other, Bio-Rationals, Botanical Extracts, Semio-Chemicals), Biostimulants (Humic Acid, Fulvic Acid, Amino Acid, Extracts, Other), Biofertilizers (Nitrogen-Fixing, Phosphate Solubilizing, Potash Mobilizing, Other) by Crop Type (Cereals & Grains, Fruits & Vegetables, Oilseed & Pulses, Turf & Forage Grasses, Rest Crops, Other) report now. Get our new report now. To request a report overview of this report please emails Sara Peerun at [email protected] or call Tel: +44 (0) 20 7336 6100 Or click on https://www.visiongain.com/Report/1751/Agricultural-Biologicals-Market-Report-2017-2027 Companies Mentioned in This Report Acadian Seaplants Limited ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd. Agraquest Inc. Agria Corp. Agrinos AS Albaugh Llc Albemarle Corp. Arysta Lifescience Corporation Baolingbao Biology Co., Ltd. BASF SE Bayer AG Bayer Cropscience Becker Underwood, Incorporated Bee Vectoring Technologies International, Inc. BioAtlantis Ltd. BioConsortia Inc. BioNovelus, Inc. Biostadt India Limited Bioworks Inc. Branded Garden Products Ltd. Brenntag AG Cabot Corp. Calgon Carbon Corp. Camson Bio Technologies Ltd. China National Seed Group Corporation Certis USA LLC Devgen Nv Donau Realitaten Gmbh Dow Agroscience LLC E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. ENN Ecological Holdings Co. Ltd. Eurofins Scientific SE FMC Corporation Guangdong Vtr Bio-Tech Co., Ltd. Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd. Haycarb Plc Holdisa Srl Homebase limited Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. Ingevity Corp. Isagro SpA Khosla Ventures Komipharm International Co., Ltd. Koppert B.V. Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. Kuraray Co., Ltd. Kureha Corp. KWS SAAT SE Lallemand Inc. Madras Fertilizers Ltd. Marrone Bio Innovation (MBI) Inc. Metalmark Srl Mitsui & Co. Ltd. Monsanto Co. National Fertilizers Ltd. Nihon Nohyaku Co., Ltd. Nippon Soda Co., Ltd. Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd. Novozymes A/S Nutramax Laboratories Inc. Perimina Platform Speciality Products Corporation Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd. Relx Group Plc RELX NV Safeway (US) SDS Biotech KK SGS SA Shanghai Jiao Tong University Showa Denko K.K. Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Syngenta Crop Protection AG Syngenta Japan K.K. T.Stanes & Company Limited Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corp. Tesco The Dow Chemical Company Troy Biosciences Incorporated Valent Biosciences Corporation Verma Wal-Mart Zhejiang Qianjiang Biochemical Co., Ltd. Zhejiang Shenghua Biok Biology Co. Ltd. Zoetis, Inc. To see a report overview please email Sara Peerun on [email protected] SOURCE Visiongain Ltd LONDON, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Aon today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Admix, a leading health and benefits brokerage and solutions firm in Brazil. Financial terms were not disclosed and the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval. "The private health insurance market in Brazil has shown steady growth in recent years despite challenging macroeconomic conditions. We expect growth in this sector to accelerate as economic conditions improve and employers continue to look for ways to attract and retain key talent," said John Zern, CEO, Aon Health & Benefits. "Admix complements Aon's existing industry-leading capabilities, more than doubles our presence in Brazil and also expands our ability to serve clients in Latin America, and around the world." Admix is a recognized pioneer and innovator in health and benefits brokerage and solutions in Brazil that has been serving clients for more than 25 years. The company has more than 1.4 million beneficiaries across approximately 6,700 companies of all industries and sizes and places approximately $2 billion BRL in health & benefits premiums each year. "Aon's breadth and depth of experience, strong carrier relationships, and world-class capabilities will enhance our ability to create and execute health solutions," said Cesar Antunes, founder and owner of Admix. "Admix's broker partners and clients will continue to realize financial and operational benefits from a scaled operating platform as well as enhanced data & analytics capabilities. We are excited about Aon's vision for the future of health and benefits in Brazil as evidenced by this investment to create a combined firm with the highest quality people and solutions in the industry." "We have been exploring opportunities to enhance our capabilities in Brazil and the Latin America region, and the acquisition of Admix provides us with expanded offerings in a sector that is of growing importance to employers, the country's economy and consumers in Brazil," said Fernando Pereira, CEO, Aon Risk Solutions Latin America. "We are enthusiastic about the opportunities that our union with Admix will deliver to our clients, broker partners and colleagues." About Aon Aon plc (NYSE:AON) is a leading global provider of risk management, insurance brokerage and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing services. Through its more than 72,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon unites to empower results for clients in over 120 countries via innovative risk and people solutions. For further information on our capabilities and to learn how we empower results for clients, please visit: http://aon.mediaroom.com. Follow Aon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Aon_plc Sign up for News Alerts: http://aon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=58 About Admix Admix is a leading health and benefits broker and benefits administrator focused on the SME market in Brazil. Founded 25 years ago and located in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with over 900 employees, Admix serves more than 6,700 clients and has issued more than $500 million in premium in 2015. Admix's strength lies in its deep knowledge of clients and products, combined with its scale, distribution (more than 500 active associated brokers) and superior technology, that enables a superior value proposition for clients. Admix's proprietary IT platform allows real-time operations monitoring and efficient implementation for new clients. The firm is uniquely positioned to succeed in the high-growth Brazilian private health and benefits market. Aon Media Contacts: Maurissa Kanter Senior Director, Global External Communications Aon [email protected] +1 847 442 0952 Luis Felipe Barranco Marketing and Communications Director Aon Brazil [email protected] +55 11 47005134 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100719/AQ37264LOGO SOURCE Aon plc Related Links http://www.aon.com NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Vietnam Airlines celebrated the delivery of the flag carrier's 10th 787-9 Dreamliner today. "Vietnam Airlines is proud to welcome our 10th Boeing 787 Dreamliner on behalf of Vietnam Airlines, only 16 months after we took delivery of the first of these state-of-the-art new aircraft," said Phan Xuan Duc, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines. "The 787 is one of the keys to our fleet expansion plans, and plays a vital role in enabling us to offer customers four-star quality of service and establish Vietnam Airlines among the leading carriers in Asia." The airline took delivery of its first 787 Dreamliner in July 2015 and has nine more 787s on order. "We are honored to deliver the 10th 787 Dreamliner to Vietnam Airlines, building on our more than 20 years of partnership to advance Vietnam's aviation industry," said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president, Asia Pacific & India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 787 Dreamliner has enabled Vietnam Airlines to profitably operate key routes such as Hanoi to Heathrow and Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney, while providing their customers with the best passenger experience available." The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an all-new, super-efficient family of commercial airplanes that brings big-jet ranges and speed to the middle of the market. Boeing designed the 787 family with superior efficiency, allowing airlines to open new routes profitably and fly directly where passengers wish in exceptional comfort. The 787 family uses 20 to 25 percent less fuel with 20 to 25 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes they replace. Since entering service in 2011, the 787 has flown more than 125 million passengers on more than 530 routes around the world, including more than 120 new nonstop routes made possible through its efficiency. To track Vietnam Airlines' 787 Dreamliners in real-time, visit: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/flight-tracker/#/787/HVN About Vietnam Airlines As the national flag carrier of Vietnam, headquartered in Hanoi, Vietnam Airlines operates 92 routes to 20 domestic and 29 international destinations with average 400 daily flights. Vietnam Airlines is certified as a 4-Star Airline by the international air transport rating organization SKYTRAX. The airline became an official member of SkyTeam Alliance in 2010 and was the first representative of the alliance in the Southeast Asia region. The airline operates 787 Dreamliners on the domestic Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City route and international routes to/from London, Frankfurt, Narita and Beijing. To date, Vietnam Airlines' fleet of Boeing 787s has operated over 7,600 flights with 35,500 flight hours, and has flown approximately 1.79 million passengers. Contacts Joanna Pickup International Communications Boeing Commercial Airplanes +1 425-879-6077 [email protected] Mr. Le Hoang Dzung Spokesperson Vietnam Airlines JSC + 84 4 38732732 (ext 2151) [email protected] SOURCE Boeing PETACH TIKVA, Israel, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE MKT: CANF) (TASE:CFBI), a biotechnology company with a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs being developed to treat inflammatory diseases, cancer and sexual dysfunction, today reported financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and updates on its drug development programs. Clinical Development Program and Corporate Highlights Include: Piclidenoson (CF101) EMA Clearance Received for Phase III Trials in Rheumatoid Arthritis & Psoriasis to Commence in 2017 Rheumatoid Arthritis: Piclidenoson is being developed as a first line therapy and replacement for the current gold standard, Methotrexate (MTX), the most widely used drug for rheumatoid arthritis. The Company plans to submit its study protocol to Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) of clinical sites in the first quarter of 2017. Rheumatoid arthritis is a treatment market forecast to reach $38.5 billion by 2017. Psoriasis: Can-Fite reached an agreement with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on the final design of a global pivotal Phase III trial for Piclidenoson in the treatment of psoriasis. The Phase III trial, expected to commence enrollment in the second half of 2017, will investigate the efficacy and safety of Piclidenoson compared to placebo as its primary endpoint and as compared to apremilast (Otezla) as its secondary endpoint in approximately 400 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. During the third quarter, Can-Fite received a Notice of Allowance from the European Patent Office indicating the patent titled, "Pharmaceutical Composition Comprising A3 Adenosine Receptor Agonist (IB-MECA/CF-101) for Treatment of Psoriasis" will be granted. The Journal of Drugs in Dermatology published data in August from Can-Fite's Phase II/III trial of Piclidenoson in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. The study is titled "Treatment of Plaque-Type Psoriasis With Oral CF101: Data from a Phase II/III Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial." The psoriasis market is forecast to be $8.9 billion in 2018. Namodenoson (CF102) Distribution deal in South Korea ; Ongoing Phase II in Liver Cancer & Phase II NAFLD/NASH Protocol Submitted to IRB In October, Can-Fite signed a distribution agreement with Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceuticals (CKD) for the exclusive right to distribute Namodenoson for the treatment of liver cancer in South Korea. The deal includes up to $3,000,000 in upfront and milestone payments, plus a percentage of royalties on net sales in the low twenties. CKD also negotiated for a right of first refusal to distribute Namodenoson for other indications for which Can-Fite develops Namodenoson. Liver Cancer: Can-Fite continues to enroll and dose patients in its global Phase II study of Namodenoson in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer. A total of approximately 78 patients are expected to be enrolled in the U.S., Europe, and Israel. Molecular Medicine Report published an article titled, "A3 adenosine receptor agonist, CF102, protects against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury following partial hepatectom" during the third quarter. The article reports the results of preclinical studies conducted by Can-Fite, showing Namodenoson protects the liver from ischemia/reperfusion injury and regenerates liver cells following partial hepatectomy. Liver cancer drugs are expected to generate $1.4 billion in sales in 2019. NAFLD/NASH: In conjunction with world renowned Key Opinion Leaders in the field of liver diseases, Can-Fite completed the study design of its upcoming Phase II trial of Namodenoson in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the precursor to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This Phase II clinical trial protocol was submitted to leading Institutional Review Boards (IRB) in Israel. Top medical centers in Israel, including Hadassah Medical Center and Rabin Medical Center are expected to participate in the planned study by enrolling and treating patients. By 2025, the addressable pharmaceutical market for NASH is estimated to reach $35-40 billion. CF602 Broad Patent Estate in Sexual Dysfunction & Other Indications A Notice of Allowance was granted to Can-Fite by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in November for the Company's patent application covering A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) ligands for use in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The patent addresses methods for treating erectile dysfunction with different A3AR ligands including Can-Fite's erectile dysfunction drug candidate, CF602. With this new broader patent protection, Can-Fite has made a strategic decision to investigate additional compounds, owned by the Company, for the most effective and safest profile in this indication. As such, the Company will postpone its planned Investigational New Drug (IND) submission for this indication. "Today Can-Fite stands poised to enter two pivotal Phase III trials in autoimmune disease where there is a clear need for an effective oral drug that can be taken safely, on a long-term basis. In the treatment of liver diseases, we look forward to completing our Phase II trial in liver cancer and commencing a Phase II trial in NAFLD/NASH. We believe our small molecule oral drug candidates offer very clear advantages over other drugs on the market that patients cannot tolerate longer term due to safety and IV administration issues. Along with benefits to patients, it is our strong belief that our drug candidates will improve healthcare economics and create growing value for our shareholders," stated Can-Fite CEO Dr. Pnina Fishman. Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were NIS 0.64 million (U.S. $0.17 million) compared to NIS 0.54 million (U.S. $0.14 million) in the first nine months of 2015. The increase in revenue was due to the recognition of a portion of the NIS 5.14 million (U.S. $1.36 million) upfront payment received in March 2015 under the distribution agreement with Cipher Pharmaceuticals. Research and development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were NIS 15.45 million (U.S. $4.11 million) compared with NIS 9.58 million (U.S. $2.55 million) for the same period in 2015. Research and development expenses for the first nine months of 2016 comprised primarily of expenses associated with the Phase II study for CF102, preclinical study for CF602, as well as expenses for ongoing studies of CF101. The increase is due to costs associated with preparations of the aforementioned studies. General and administrative expenses were NIS 7.88 million (U.S. $2.1 million) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to NIS 6.79 million (U.S. $1.81 million) for the same period in 2015. The increase is primarily due to an increase in share based compensation expense. Financial income, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 aggregated NIS 3.12 million (U.S. $0.83 million) compared to financial expenses, net of NIS 4.7 million (U.S. $1.25 million) for the same period in 2015. The increase in financial income, net in the first nine month of 2016 was mainly due to a decrease in the fair value of warrants that are accounted for as financial liability as compared to an increase in the fair value of these warrants in the same period in 2015. In addition, the increase in financial income, net in the first nine months of 2016 was offset by an increase in financial expenses due to exchange rate differences as compared to insignificant financial income from exchange rate differences and capital issuance expenses for the same period in 2015. Can-Fite's net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was NIS 19.56 million (U.S. $5.2 million) compared with a net loss of NIS 20.53 million (U.S. $5.46 million) for the same period in 2015. The decrease in net loss for the first nine month of 2016 was primarily attributable to an increase in financial income, net offset by an increase in research and development expenses. As of September 30, 2016, Can-Fite had cash and cash equivalents of NIS 37.57 million (U.S. $10 million) as compared to NIS 66.03 million (U.S. $17.57 million) at December 31, 2015. The decrease in cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is due to operating expenses. For the convenience of the reader, the reported NIS amounts have been translated into U.S. dollars, at the representative rate of exchange on September 30, 2016 (U.S. $1 = NIS 3.758). The Company's consolidated financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 are presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. About Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE MKT: CANF) (TASE: CFBI) is an advanced clinical stage drug development Company with a platform technology that is designed to address multi-billion dollar markets in the treatment of cancer, inflammatory disease and sexual dysfunction. The Company's lead drug candidate, Piclidenoson, is scheduled to enter Phase III trials in 2016 for two indications, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. The rheumatoid arthritis Phase III protocol has recently been agreed with the European Medicines Agency. Can-Fite's liver cancer drug Namodenoson is in Phase II trials for patients with liver cancer and is slated to enter Phase II for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Namodenoson has been granted Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S. and Europe and Fast Track Designation as a second line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Namodenoson has also shown proof of concept to potentially treat other cancers including colon, prostate, and melanoma. CF602, the Company's third drug candidate, has shown efficacy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in preclinical studies and is being prepared for an IND submission to the FDA and a Phase I trial. These drugs have an excellent safety profile with experience in over 1,000 patients in clinical studies to date. For more information please visit: www.can-fite.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements, about Can-Fite's expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding, among other things, its product development efforts, business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies or prospects. In addition, from time to time, Can-Fite or its representatives have made or may make forward-looking statements, orally or in writing. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "plan," "may," "should" or "anticipate" or their negatives or other variations of these words or other comparable words or by the fact that these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. These forward-looking statements may be included in, but are not limited to, various filings made by Can-Fite with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases or oral statements made by or with the approval of one of Can-Fite's authorized executive officers. Forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends or results as of the date they are made. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause Can-Fite's actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Many factors could cause Can-Fite's actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors summarized in Can-Fite's filings with the SEC and in its periodic filings with the TASE. In addition, Can-Fite operates in an industry sector where securities values are highly volatile and may be influenced by economic and other factors beyond its control. Can-Fite does not undertake any obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact Can-Fite BioPharma Motti Farbstein [email protected] +972-3-9241114 INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION In thousands (except for share and per share data) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars September 30, September 30, December 31, 2016 2016 2015 Unaudited Audited USD NIS ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents 9,997 37,571 66,026 Other receivable and prepaid expenses 1,744 6,553 2,419 Total current assets 11,741 44,124 68,445 NON-CURRENT ASSETS: Lease deposits 10 37 27 Property, plant and equipment, net 58 219 236 Total long-term assets 68 256 263 Total assets 11,809 44,380 68,708 INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION In thousands (except for share and per share data) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars September 30, September 30, December 31, 2016 2016 2015 Unaudited Audited USD NIS LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Trade payables 600 2,254 1,803 Deferred revenues 228 857 857 Other accounts payable 785 2,950 4,279 Total current liabilities 1,613 6,061 6,939 NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES: Warrants exercisable into shares 3,315 12,458 16,725 Deferred revenues 798 2,999 3,641 Severance pay, net 174 650 630 Total long-term liabilities 4,287 16,107 20,996 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY: Share capital 1,873 7,039 7,030 Share premium 88,577 332,873 332,873 Capital reserve from share-based payment transactions 5,390 20,256 19,288 Warrants exercisable into shares (series 10-12) 2,390 8,983 8,983 Treasury shares, at cost (965) (3,628) (3,628) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (371) (1,393) (1,401) Accumulated deficit (91,051) (342,170) (322,876) Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Company 5,843 21,960 40,269 Non-controlling interests 66 252 504 Total equity 5,909 22,212 40,773 Total liabilities and equity 11,809 44,380 68,708 INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS In thousands (except for share and per share data) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2016 2015 Unaudited USD NIS NIS Revenues 171 643 541 Research and development expenses 4,111 15,449 9,580 General and administrative expenses 2,096 7,878 6,793 Operating loss 6,036 22,684 15,832 Finance expenses 375 1,411 4,862 Finance income (1,207) (4,535) (167) Net loss 5,204 19,560 20,527 Other comprehensive loss (income): Adjustments arising from translating financial statements of foreign operations (3) (10) 117 Total comprehensive loss 5,201 19,550 20,644 Net loss attributable to: Equity holders of the Company 5,134 19,294 19,911 Non-controlling interests 70 266 616 5,204 19,560 20,527 Total comprehensive loss attributable to: Equity holders of the Company 5,132 19,286 20,007 Non-controlling interests 69 264 637 5,201 19,550 20,644 Net loss per share attributable to equity holders of the Company : Basic and diluted net loss per share 0.19 0.70 0.93 SOURCE Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. Related Links http://www.can-fite.com NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- CommutAir names Lon Ziegler as its Vice President of Maintenance, as the airline mobilizes to triple the size of its fleet and expand its flying footprint as it inducts 40 Embraer 145 aircraft under the previously announced United Express agreement. Mr. Lon Ziegler has been CommutAir's Director of Maintenance for the past several months. He was previously with ExpressJet Airlines where he was the Director of Maintenance with full oversight of the airline's Part 119 certificate with more than 400 aircraft and 1,300 technical operations employees. Lon joined Bar Harbor Airlines, in 1985, as an A&P mechanic, after leaving the Air Force and rapidly progressed to Director of Maintenance, with stints as QC Instructor, QC Supervisor and Maintenance Manager. During his career, Lon has supervised maintenance on aircraft fleets including Beech 99, C-99, 1900c, EMB 110, CV-600, Saab 340, ATR-42, and Cessna 402 aircraft. He became Continental Express' Regional Director after it merged with Bar Harbor and rose to Director of Maintenance of its ExpressJet incarnation over the next decade. He is one of the world's authorities on the ERJ145 platform. Lon received an AAT in Aviation Technology and his A&P License from Williamsport Area Community College in 1985. Lon will report to Joel T. Raymond, COO of CommutAir, who stated, "I've been impressed with Lon's leadership since he joined the CommutAir maintenance organization. I'm confident Lon's strategic vision and business acumen in running a large, complex maintenance organization will allow CommutAir to continue to evolve its key processes, procedures and infrastructure to successfully execute our significant growth plans and vision." About CommutAir CommutAir, operating as United Express, was founded in 1989 and is majority owned by Champlain Enterprises Inc. Today, CommutAir operates more than 900 weekly flights to 30 + destinations, with Bombardier Q200/300 and Embraer ERJ145 aircrafts, from bases in Newark, NJ and Washington Dulles. CommutAir's 700 + employees are well known in the industry for fostering a family culture and a friendly work environment. Visit our website, www.flycommutair.com, contact us at [email protected], or call (440) 779-4588 ext. 371. For Career Opportunities click: http://www.flycommutair.com Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160218/335030LOGO SOURCE CommutAir Related Links http://www.flycommutair.com FALLS CHURCH, Va., Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/-- CSRA Inc. (NYSE: CSRA) will demonstrate how government customers can use modeling, simulation and training capabilities to achieve positive mission outcomes at I/ITSEC 2016 in Orlando, Florida from Nov. 28 Dec. 2 at the company's exhibit booth 1127. CSRA is a leader in providing comprehensive training programs and capabilities that are customized to help the defense community achieve their unique missions. During I/ITSEC, CSRA experts will demo VirtualShip, a maritime simulation software solution used to train the U.S. Navy, Army and Coast Guard. Company experts will also discuss their successful management of the Defense Cyber Investigations Training Academy (DCITA), which trains thousands of cybersecurity professionals to protect the nation's most critical assets using high-quality instructional design methodologies and real-world scenarios. CSRA will host a Maritime Training Solutions "USERS Group" Conference on Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 8:00 11:00 am in Discovery 46 Room at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Hotel. Members of the press are invited to attend. About CSRA Inc. Every day CSRA (NYSE: CSRA) makes a difference in how the government serves our country and our citizens. We deliver a broad range of innovative, cloud-enabled, next-generation IT solutions and professional services to help our customers modernize their legacy systems, protect their applications, infrastructure, and assets and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of mission-critical functions for our warfighters and our citizens. Our 18,000 employees understand that success is a matter of perseverance, courage, adaptability and experience. CSRA is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia. To learn more about CSRA, visit www.csra.com. Forward-looking Statements All statements in this press release and in all future press releases that do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements represent CSRA's intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs, including statements about network and asset protection and improving mission-critical functions. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of CSRA. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements. For a written description of these factors, see the sections titled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in CSRA's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any updating information in subsequent SEC filings. CSRA disclaims any intention or obligation to update these forward-looking statements whether as a result of subsequent event or otherwise, except as required by law. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151207/293934LOGO SOURCE CSRA Inc. Related Links http://www.csra.com JERUSALEM, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Friends of Zion Heritage Center (FOZHC) with its campus located in the heart of Jerusalem and consisting of the internationally renowned Friends of Zion Museum visited by over 100,000 guests last year hosted more than 80 distinguished guests representing more than 30 nations on Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 to mark the commencement of Phase II of its Ambassador Institute development initiative. The Ambassador Institute is focused on combatting anti-Semitism through partnership with the Christian community. Dr. Mike Evans launches the Friends of Zion Ambassadors Institute, dedicated to combating Antisemitism in partnership with the Christian community, in the presence of 80 Diplomats at the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem. Distinguished guests included Ambassadors, Ministers, Members of the Diplomatic Core, Members of Parliament and other honored guests. The late President Shimon Peres served as International Chair of the Friends of Zion Heritage Center up until the time of his death in September of this year. Diplomats in attendance included representatives from Belgium, Brazil, India, Japan, and Russia. The event took place following the Jerusalem Post's Diplomatic Summit where Friends of Zion president, Dr. Michael Evans, joined Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a keynote presenter. H.E. Deborah Lyons, Ambassador of Canada to Israel, reflected, "Tolerance, understanding, dialogue and cooperation are part of our people, the same way our trees and mountains are. We are honored to be a part of an event which promotes these shared core values." H.E. Martin Weiss, Ambassador of Austria to Israel, said, "Our people share a long history with the Jewish people, and it is more important now than ever that we stand with Israel and create friends around the world." The FOZHC is devoted to the celebration of Christian Zionists from around the world who have energetically worked to protect the Jewish people from persecution and whose efforts were instrumental in the creation and establishment of the State of Israel. The Friends of Zion Museum is a one-of-a-kind multimedia experience that utilizes state-of-the-art technology, immersive video content, touch screens and 3D displays to commemorate the lives and efforts of 33 individuals including biblical heroes, businessmen, academics and military figures who helped forge the everlasting bond between the Jewish and Christian peoples. Phase I of the development initiative spanned the last 24 months and included over $50 million in investment into the Heritage Center campus and museum. Phase II will bring the total investment to more than $100 million and will unite the Friends of Zion Research Institute's communication center and the Ambassador Institute. Currently Friends of Zion boasts over 13 million fans on social media with over 550,000 joining each week, the majority of whom are millennials. The FOZHC is on track to reach its ambitious goal of accumulating 100 million fans in 5 years. "We are tremendously honored to bring together such a distinguished list of diplomats, statesmen and other honored guests to celebrate the Friends of Zion movement," says FOZHC President, Michael Evans. "The Friends of Zion Ambassador Institute is an ambitious plan to unite, mobilize and educate the millions upon millions of Christian Zionists from around the world. Phase II will enable us to continue training tens of thousands of Christian Zionists as ambassadors through their smart phones and on social media, while also leveraging adaptive learning to speak up and stand up for Israel in their own countries, college campuses and in political halls of power." FOZHC will have a real time social network communication hub providing rapid response to anti-Semitism online and it will be linked to the thousands of Christian TV and radio stations, print media, churches, and universities worldwide with pro-Israel content packages and video clips going out weekly. FOZHC will also collaborate with one of the world's leading research companies to create Israel's first Christian Zionist think tank. About Friends of Zion Located in the heart of Jerusalem, the Friends of Zion Heritage Center is dedicated to bringing stories of love and heroism to the world. Magnificently told using ground-breaking technology found nowhere else in the nation, visitors experience the unfolding story as though stepping back in time. Accompanied by a moving original musical score, fantastic surround sound, lighting second-to-none and interactive displays that appear to come to life before your very eyes, the Friends of Zion Museum is a once in a lifetime experience for audiences from around the world. Visitors enter a whole new world, where they meet the biblical figures, academics, businessmen, and military officials who, through their faith, have forged an everlasting bond between the Jewish and Christian peoples. Dr. Michael D. Evans is an award-winning journalist who has served as a confidant to multiple Prime Ministers of Israel and leaders in the Middle East for more than two decades. He has spoken in thousands of churches and appeared on hundreds of network television and radio shows, including Good Morning America, Crossfire, and Nightline, including multiple appearances on the 700 Club. He appears frequently on Fox News, CNN World News, NBC, ABC, and CBS, and his insightful articles and perspectives on Israel and the Middle East have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Times, Jerusalem Post, and newspapers worldwide. Dr. Mike Evans is considered one of the world's leading experts on Israel and the Middle East, and he is one of the most sought-after speakers on the subject. CONTACT: The KAIROS Company for Friends of Zion Heritage Center [email protected] | +972- (434)-426-5310 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161125/442888 SOURCE Friends of Zion Heritage Center BELFAST, Northern Ireland, November 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the success of our City Slickers Package launched in 2015, our brand new El Classico Package has finally been launched. With both Hotel & Hostel options, the 3 Week El Classico Package is a fantastic Interrail Route that will suit adventurers of all ages, visiting some of the best known cities in Europe including Paris, Amsterdam, Rome & Venice. Also available from Spring & Summer 2017 is our brand new BEAR WATCHING TOUR. Departing from London, this 2 week trip takes you not only on a fantastic Interrail route, but you also get the chance to spend 3 days tracking & watching bears in the High Tatras mountain range of Slovakia. Summer 2017 may seem a long way away- but what better way to motivate you through the winter with an awesome Interrail Trip to look forward to. Travel Easy, with Interrailingpackages. Contact: Donal McKenna [email protected] +28 (0)1928508865 SOURCE Interrailingpackages Ltd DENVER, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In a victory for small business, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit has ruled in favor of Zen Magnets LLC in a 2-1 ruling, vacating the rule the Consumer Product Safety Commission promulgated in September, 2014 that prevented the importation of magnets. The majority opinion concluded that "the Commission's prerequisite factual findings, which are compulsory under the Consumer Product Safety Act, 15 U.S.C. 2051-2089, are incomplete and inadequately explained." As such, the Court ruled to "VACATE and REMAND to the Commission." The magnets in question are generally sets of high powered magnet spheres similar to Buckyballs, Zen Magnets, Neoballs, and Neocube. The full ruling is available at https://www.ca10.uscourts.gov/opinions/14/14-9610.pdf Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161123/442689 Zen previously won a rare triumph in March 2016 by successfully contesting a CPSC Product Recall in court in at least 20 years1. Zen's new successful rule making appeal is also uncommon for the CPSC, representing the first time a CPSC rule has been vacated in what appears to be 33 years2. Zen has been represented by David Japha of Levin, Jacobson & Japha with the assistance of Evan House. Regarding the ER injury statistics, which Zen refers to as the "CPSC Epidemiology Elephant in the room," the 10th Circuit wrote: "While the Commission is certainly free to rely on the emergency room injury report data set, it may not do so in a way that cloaks its findings in ambiguity and imprecision, and consequently hinders judicial review. " Regarding the social and economic costs and benefits: "Although the Commission's evaluation of the costs of the rule to magnet distributors was adequate, its evaluation of the costs to consumers was incomplete." Regarding the commission's simultaneous regulatory enforcement: "It appears that the Commission's regulatory activity was predicated at least in part on enforcing the preexisting toy standard... The Commission's benefits findings, however, do not adequately account for the reduced injury rate (and therefore reduced need for a new standard) resulting from its recent apparent enforcement...An agency may not simply ignore without analysis important data trends reflected in the record." In the next couple of days, Zen will begin accepting pre-orders for the Zen Magnets upon which the business was built, and have not been in production since early 2015. Despite Zen's remarkable victories in the past year, the future of the business is still uncertain. The recall ruling in favor of Zen by Administrative Law Judge Dean Metry is being appealed by the CPSC, and the rulemaking is currently being sent back to the CPSC for further findings consistent with the Tenth Circuit's opinion. "Once again, Zen has shown that it is possible to fight the federal government and win," says Former CPSC Commissioner Nancy Nord. "It may be that, through Zen's actions, the CPSC will come to understand that it can protect consumer safety without disregarding basic notions of due process.3" Shihan Qu, Zen Magnets LLC 303-351-1936 Based on comments made by CPSC Complaint Counsel during the administrative hearing in December, 2014. From research, it appears that the last time a rule or ban was vacated was in Gulf South Insul.v. Consumer Product Safety Comm'n, 701 F.2d 1137(5th Cir. 1983). https://nancynord.net/2016/11/22/court-to-cpsc-your-magnet-rules-a-turkey/ SOURCE Zen Magnets, LLC LONDON, Nov. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --Regulatory Policy Should Be Adapted to Support Increased Competition as South African Market Shows Signs of Maturing and Rest of Africa Remains in Nascent Phase with Potential for New Entrants In Africa, mobile network operators' motivations for hosting mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) include segmentation-driven strategies, network utilisation-driven strategies, and product-driven strategies. This in-depth study looks at various MVNO models in Africa and explains the different MVNO types according to the market segment they seek to service. Across Africa, banking MVNOs seem to be the most successful due to improved mobile banking functionality and customer service ability. Key enabling factors are discussed- economic outlook, niche market availability, MNO support structure, market penetration rate, business M2M market, and telecoms industry outlook- with profiled nations assessed according to these factors as well as to the applicable business model. Countries profiled: - Tunisia - Ghana - Nigeria - Kenya - Uganda - South Africa Operating models explored: - Branded reseller - Service operator - Thin MVNO - Full MVNO Key MVNOs discussed: - Lycamobile - Expresso Ghana - Equitel - K2 Telecom - BokSel - FNB-Connect - Me and You Mobile - MRP Mobile - Smart Mobile - Virgin Mobile Market constraints such as regulatory policy, low starting capital, and tight margins are also explained. The regulatory environments for each nation are examined with a focus on assessing the relative level of regulatory support for MVNOs and an increase in competition among mobile network operators. As the African telecommunications markets continue to develop towards maturity, the demand for MVNOs will increase as their unique value propositions attract subscribers by offering services that prove unviable for larger MNOs. These services are often geared towards niche markets such as banking MVNOs for regions that lack formal banking services, or business MVNOs that target corporate clients through solutions tailored to address their unique challenges. The study concludes with an analysis of the future of the MVNO market in Africa.This report gives an overview of the MVNO market across select African nations, including Tunisia, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. Varying MVNO business models are explained as well as market enabling and restricting factors. Regulation of the market is assessed for each nation and active MVNO's are profiled.Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4368404/ About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers http://www.reportbuyer.com For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 208 816 85 48 Website: www.reportbuyer.com SOURCE ReportBuyer Related Links http://www.reportbuyer.com WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet, the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and member of President Obama's Cabinet, will celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 26 with visits to small businesses in Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA. She is available for media interviews Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26. At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Administrator Contreras-Sweet will participate in a tour of businesses in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C. starting at the Shaw Bijou restaurant. She will then visit small businesses in the Eastern Market neighborhood of Capitol Hill, including Woven History & Silk Road, the East City Bookshop and the Labyrinth game store. In the afternoon she will visit several small businesses in Old Town Alexandria, including Sonoma Cellars, a local restaurant to conclude the day and #DineSmall. Now in its seventh year, Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate the small business owners and entrepreneurs that drive our local economy. Follow along on social media via @MCS4Biz and @SBAGov, and with the hashtags #SmallBizSat, #ShopSmall & #DineSmall. For more information visit www.sba.gov/SmallBusinessSaturday. For a full list of Small Business Saturday Coalition members, please visit www.shopsmall.com/SUPPORTERS. Friday, November 25, 2016 WHAT: Cabinet Member available for interviews, in-studio or at local small business WHO: Administrator Contreras-Sweet WHERE: Washington, D.C. Saturday, November 28, 2015 10 a.m. 11 a.m. WHAT: Media conference and availability on-location WHO: Administrator Contreras-Sweet WHERE: Shaw Bijou (1544 9th St. NW) 11:30 a.m. 12:30p.m. WHERE: Woven History & Silk Road (315 7th St. SE); East City Bookshop (645 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 100 SE); Labyrinth (645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) 1 p.m. WHAT: Walking business tour in Alexandria and #DineSmall segment Administrator dines with her family WHO: Administrator Contreras-Sweet WHERE: King Street businesses; Sonoma Cellars Restaurant Media interested in setting up interviews or wanting to RSVP for any of these events should contact Chris Upperman at [email protected] or call (202) 510-7925. Cosponsorship Authorization #16-2050-36. SBA's participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Release Number: MA16-59 Contact: Chris Upperman (202) 510-7925 Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Blogs Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110909/DC65875LOGO SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration Related Links http://www.sba.gov TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Does anyone still think that kids are learning about money in elementary school classrooms? Ontario's Ministry of Education says they are but - long story short - they are not. New research has found that elementary students will learn just ten money-related words from Grades 4 to Grade 8 bringing into question Ministry claims that financial literacy is included in the curriculum. Basic money vocabulary, words like bank account, debit card, income, earning, saving, deposit, spending, expense, budgeting, borrowing, credit, compound interest, fraud and scam, cannot be found anywhere in mandatory lessons and neither can any reference to 'wants and needs'. If parents want to be sure that their children are exposed to money lessons early in life, they had best be prepared to teach them themselves. In light of these new findings, in-home financial literacy educational efforts are more important than ever. When the education system doesn't do its part, parents, some struggling on the financial literacy front themselves, must assume the responsibility for teaching kids about money. The findings detailed in the report entitled An Evaluation of Financial Literacy Integration into the Ontario Elementary Education System (Barry, Ek-Udofia, November 2016) should be very concerning to a number of areas of government. In addition to the negative overall effect on long-term poverty reduction strategies, specific impacts attached to financial illiteracy may include new pressures on voluntary organizations who serve the less-advantaged and increases to community and social services program funding allocations. The absence of effective financial literacy education in schools has the potential to drive up the need, cost and use of the remedial programs now offered to support young Ontarians as they transition to independence. For advocates invested in building a better Toronto, a region where 28.6 percent of children live in poverty, the situation is disheartening given that Toronto students are among the 1.3 million young people being deprived of the benefit of a ubiquitous, high-efficacy, early financial literacy education. "This evaluation has been published in the hopes that it will serve as a catalyst for change such that all Ontario elementary students, in particular those considered vulnerable-sector, will one day have access to a quality financial literacy education in the classroom," said Tricia Barry, Executive Director, Money School Canada, a youth financial literacy advocate and the paper's main author. The Ministry of Education's performance in the elementary financial literacy educational arena is out of step with international thinking and best practices. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) publication Principles and Good Practices for Financial Education and Awareness, 2005 financial education should start as early as possible and be taught in schools. The OECD states that including financial education as part of the school curriculum is a fair and efficient policy tool and that building it into curriculums from an early age allows children to acquire the knowledge and skills to build responsible financial behaviour throughout each stage of their education. "All young Canadians deserve the opportunity to develop the financial literacy knowledge, skill and confidence they need to grow into successful, included young adults. Education systems play a major role and have a responsibility to ensure that all students are given early access to the information, tools and training they need to be successful," Barry added. MAIN FINDINGS The research found that the statement that financial literacy is included in the Ontario Elementary Curriculum is misleading. Assertions that financial literacy is included in the elementary curriculum misrepresent the current state to stakeholders, at the provincial and national level, who are invested in student success and Canada's future economic fabric. To date, more than 1.5 million young Ontarians have been impacted by the gap between Ministry of Education claims and classroom realities. The two main findings that contradict claims of financial literacy inclusion are the non-compulsory nature of financial literacy lesson delivery in the classroom and the absence of curriculum content related to core money management essentials. Further evidence supporting the stance that financial literacy is not included in the elementary curriculum includes inadequate, under-utilized and under-funded professional development support for educators, low participation in professional development learning opportunities and the absence of concrete measures of student learning outcomes. Financial literacy is not compulsory learning for students. Educators are not required to teach lessons suggested in handbooks, guides or booklets such as the Financial Literacy Scope and Sequence of Expectations Resource Guide . Core curricula lesson delivery is mandatory for the classroom teacher and, beyond this, financial literacy lesson delivery is optional. . Core curricula lesson delivery is mandatory for the classroom teacher and, beyond this, financial literacy lesson delivery is optional. The content currently covered in the classroom is either ancillary to developing core money management competencies or has not been addressed in a manner or depth sufficient to warrant the claim that financial literacy is included in the curriculum. The process used for financial literacy integration did not follow the usual, well-defined Ministry curriculum review protocols or timelines. The Financial Literacy Scope and Sequence of Expectations Resource Guide , the main support for classroom teachers, is lacking a defined scope and has no discernible sequence. It does not include a master framework of student learning outcomes or expectations, it does not provide grade-specific expectations and it does not present a chronology of learning from grade-to-grade. , the main support for classroom teachers, is lacking a defined scope and has no discernible sequence. It does not include a master framework of student learning outcomes or expectations, it does not provide grade-specific expectations and it does not present a chronology of learning from grade-to-grade. Professional development opportunities available to educators are under-funded, optional, and under-utilized. Funding is not available for teacher-identified supports including classroom-based, job-embedded learning programs. Financial literacy educational efforts are not evaluated. Measurement methodologies to assess teacher participation, the nature or frequency of lesson delivery or the overall impact of the financial literacy education on student skill, knowledge and confidence are not in place. For a copy of the full report entitled - An Evaluation of Financial Literacy Integration into the Ontario Elementary Education System (Barry, Ek-Udofia, November 2016) please contact Tricia Barry, Executive Director, Money School Canada at [email protected] Contact: Tricia Barry, Money School Canada 416-932-1300 PRLog ID: www.prlog.org/12603953 SOURCE Money School Canada BOSTON, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Phillips Chocolates, Boston's oldest chocolatier, offers free ground shipping on online orders over $60 placed on Black Friday, November 25th, through Cyber Monday, November 28th. Orders placed at this time can be shipped for the Christmas holiday. Peppermint Bark (9 oz. Box - $25) Decadent semi-sweet dark chocolate infused with peppermint oil topped with a layer of white chocolate and finished with a sprinkling of peppermint hard candy. Merry & Bright ($25) The festive Merry & Bright box is filled with a 12 oz. can of Phillips premium cocoa, six made-from-scratch cookies, homemade brownies, mini marshmallows and a peppermint stick. Best-selling Chocolate Turtles (15-pack $28.95) Chosen by Oprah as one of her Favorite Things! Made exactly as they were over 90 years ago, Phillips signature chocolate turtles combine rich, smooth caramel with hand-roasted premium nuts and are topped with luscious milk, deep-dark or white chocolate. Caramel Craze ($43) For those with a sweet tooth on their list, this gift assortment features a 15-pack of Phillips signature assorted turtles in addition to a 9-pack of milk & dark Sea Salt Caramels. Using their family's secret caramel recipe kept under lock and key, Phillips handcrafts a selection of milk and dark chocolate covered caramels finished with local Cape Cod Sea Salt. * Valid for a limited time only at phillipschocolate.com. Each delivery must meet $60.01 minimum to qualify for free shipping, otherwise regular shipping fee applies. Product price, excluding tax, used to calculate eligibility. Delivery must occur by 12/23/16 to qualify. Offer valid on deliveries within the continental U.S. only. Customer is responsible for applicable taxes on transactions and any delivery upgrade fees. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Phillips Chocolates Since 1925, family-owned and operated, Phillips Chocolates, has delighted generations with New England's finest selection of hand-dipped milk and dark chocolates, olde fashioned fudge, and hand roasted premium nuts. Two Massachusetts locations - 818 Morrissey Blvd. in Boston and at the South Shore Plaza in Braintree. Order online at http://www.phillipschocolate.com or call (800) 722-0905. Phillips Chocolates ships to locations around the world. Media Contact: Lori Moretti / Miranda Jarrell CM Communications [email protected] (617) 536-3400 SOURCE Phillips Chocolates Related Links http://phillipschocolate.com HONG KONG, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Reolink provides multi-level security features to keep video surveillance footage from prying eyes and ensure the security products are indeed secure. The major enabled security settings of Reolink IP cameras and systems are: SSL encryption, WPA2-AES encryption, and SSL-TLS enabled. The purpose of a security camera system is to make home and business owners safer. Sadly, it doesn't always work out like that. Security concerns of network video surveillance products have come to light one after another. Hacking into a home surveillance system isn't as hard as people thought. Security expert Robert Graham reported that it only took 98 seconds to hack an internet-connected camera. And a Russian website has revealed thousands of security cameras which have been hacked all over the world. Shocking! Security vulnerabilities and critical security flaws of certain video surveillance products in the market are to blame for the video surveillance products suffering from hackers' break-in and illegal use. The prying eyes behind those hacked security cameras are threatening and dangerous. Like a real-life version of Big Brother, strangers can watch people in their most private moments. To prevent security cameras (systems) from being hacked and solve common security vulnerabilities, Reolink has enabled a series of elementary security settings and features in its best home security cameras, security systems and video baby monitor, including: Support WPA2-AES encryption to secure users' WiFi network. Enable SSL encryption via HTTPS. Enable SSL-ALS encryption. To gain control of a surveillance camera locally, hackers will need to access the wireless network the camera is connected to. That's why Reolink enables WPA2-AES encryption, the most secure WiFi security mode. WPA2-AES acts as an important deterrent to keep malicious attack at bay. Reolink network video products also use SSL (HTTPS) to encrypt the video feed and surveillance footage. An SSL certificate ensures a secure browsing session with encryption. Thanks to SSL encryption, Reolink users never need to worry about their camera surveillance videos being intercepted by crackers or hackers. What's more, by enabling SSL/TLS protocols, Reolink provides data encryption and authentication when video feeds are sent across insecure networks. Availability People worldwide can buy security cameras at its online shop and Amazon store. About Reolink Reolink, the world leader in HD security camera systems, has been dedicated to creating and delivering the best security products for both consumers and business owners. Its IP cameras, NVRs, baby monitors, and alarm system allow customers to monitor all that happens in home, office, and other places, through PC, Mac, and mobile devices. Reolink has helped hundreds of thousands of people from all round the world to make a safer and more comfortable home to date. For more information about Reolink and its products, please visit https://reolink.com, or connect on Facebook, and Twitter. Media Contact Amanda Li/PR manager Email: [email protected] Reolink Digital Technology Co., Ltd. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com. SOURCE Reolink Digital Technology Co,. Ltd. Related Links https://reolink.com HEIDELBERG, Germany, November 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In the presence of Theresia Bauer (Green Party), Minister of Science, Research and the Arts for the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) today officially launched its new development center project at the company's Wiesloch-Walldorf site. In 2018, the center for around 1,000 working places will be home to the world's most state-of-the-art research facility for the printing industry. Heidelberg is setting new standards by investing some 50 million in the new innovation hub. This will create the number one competence center in the printing industry, which has a global annual turnover of around 400 billion, a figure that is increasing. "This investment represents a new beacon in Baden-Wurttemberg's research landscape. Building a development center of this size and quality proves that Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG bases its decisions on a long-term strategy and makes the future worth looking forward to," says Bauer. "We deliberately chose Baden-Wurttemberg because it combines an excellent environment with highly qualified experts," stresses Heidelberg CEO Rainer Hundsdorfer. A highly modern and future-oriented working environment will be created in Wiesloch-Walldorf, designed to support interdisciplinary and cross-functional development processes. Despite the difficult economic situation in recent years, the company at no time cut its research budget, focusing instead on developing new, innovative products and services. The printing industry now requires new applications and control technologies. Alongside traditional offset printing, digital printing will also be part of the future and ensure that the sector enjoys continued growth. It caters in particular to the trend toward flexible and personalized extremely short runs. Digital 4D printing - the printing on three-dimensional objects made from all kinds of materials - also underscores this trend. It enables customized printing of glass, wood, plastic, and other materials. Heidelberg is the first company to have developed a number of digital presses for industrial use. What's more, customers' presses are networked with Heidelberg, which enables new services to be offered. As a result, maintenance work can be carried out and materials such as inks supplied promptly. Industry 4.0 is now part and parcel of Heidelberg, because speed is vital in both the offset and digital worlds. A further indication of the company's transformation is the fact that there are now over 250 software specialists working there. And in addition to the traditional areas of expertise, Heidelberg has also started employing chemists, for example, because the company is now developing and producing its own environmentally friendly inks for numerous new applications. "The example of Heidelberg is demonstrating that even a large company can reinvent itself," says Bauer. She firmly believes that not only Baden-Wurttemberg but the entire German printing industry will benefit from this. "Combining development, service, and production at a single location close to the customer will make us even faster and more efficient in the future," says Stephan Plenz, member of the Heidelberg Management Board responsible for Equipment. Figure 1: Science Minister Bauer (2. from ri.) and CEO Hundsdorfer (ri,) launch new development center project at the company's Wiesloch-Walldorf site. Frank Kropp, Head of R&D (le.) and Stephan Plenz, Board Member for Equipment (2. from le.) Figure 2: Science Minister Bauer (centre) watches the latest digital technology from Heidelberg. Figure 3: The company's Wiesloch-Walldorf site will be home to the world's most state-of-the-art research facility for the printing industry. For additional details about the company and image material, please visit the Press Lounge of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG at http://www.heidelberg.com. Contact for further details: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG Thomas Fichtl Phone: +49-6221-92-67123 Fax: +49-6221-92-67129 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.heidelberg.com SOURCE Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG NEW YORK, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ABO Capital announced today that its CEO Zandre Campos was featured in The Hill discussing his insights on what the next U.S. president needs to know about Africa. The article entitled "3 things the next U.S. president needs to know about Africa" was originally published on The Hill on November 2, 2016. President Obama discussed the importance of making it easier to do business in Africa at the U.S. Africa Business Forum in September. This article looks at three fundamental facts that are important for the next U.S. president to consider regarding business in Africa including Africa being a vast and young market, Africans have money to spend and the economy is about more than oil. "There are other factors contributing to Africa's favorable outlook, such as rapid urbanization and the economic impact of new technology," said Mr. Campos. "As the next US President takes office, it's valuable to keep in mind that all these trends add up to Africa's big picture and point to a bright and positive future." Zandre Campos is chairman and CEO of ABO Capital, an international investment firm that invests in companies in the healthcare, energy, transportation, hospitality, technology and real estate sectors throughout Africa. ABO's mission is to create global value for developing countries in Africa, while contributing to their economic development. Read the full The Hill article: http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/international-affairs/304074-3-things-the-next-us-president-needs-to-know-about About ABO Capital ABO Capital, formerly Angola Capital Investments, is an international investment firm that invests in companies in the healthcare, technology, energy, transportation, hospitality and real estate sectors throughout Africa. The mission of ABO Capital is to create global value for developing countries in Africa, while contributing to their economic development. About Zandre Campos Zandre Campos is one of the great, innovative business leaders and global entrepreneurs emerging out of Africa. Currently, he is chairman and CEO of ABO Capital, an international investment firm headquartered in Angola with holdings throughout the Globe. Mr. Campos was named one of the Top 25 African business influencers and was a recipient of the Distinguished Business Excellence Award by African Leadership Magazine. He is frequently quoted as an expert on Africa in the media and is a recurring contributor for The Huffington Post and US News & World Report. He recently addressed both students and professors at the NYU Africa House on the opportunities in Africa. SOURCE ABO Capital Related Links http://www.abocapital.net Kolkata, Nov 21 : A fire broke out in West Bengal's largest state-run hospital here on Monday, officials said. However, there were no casualties or injury at the SSKM Hospital, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed. "The fire is under control. All patients are safe. Some patients were shifted. Nobody was injured," said Banerjee, who rushed to the hospital. There was panic as smoke billowed out from the top floor library of the Ronald Ross building. The plastic surgery department complex and male and female wards are located a floor below the library, where the blaze occurred. Sixteen fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the blaze was under control now, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sovan Chatterjee said. The Chief Minister said an investigation has been ordered. "The library caught fire. The cause of the fire will be probed by the fire department, police and the health department," Banerjee announced and assured the panicked relatives of patients that there was nothing to worry about. "The government has decided to set up a permanent fire station in the hospital premises. An office and two fire tenders will be stationed from tomorrow (Tuesday)." This is the third fire in a West Bengal government hospital over the past three months. On August 20, fire broke out in the operation theatre of Katwa sub-divisional hospital in Burdwan district. No injuries or casualties was reported. Only a week later, two women died and seven patients were injured in a stampede after a blaze engulfed a part of the state-run Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital in Baharampur. Srinagar, Nov 22 : Two foreign militants were killed in a gunfight with the security forces in north Kashmir's Bandipora on Tuesday, an official said. Following specific information about militant presence in Bonikhan village, troops of the 13 Rashtriya Rifles and the special operations group (SOG) of the state police launched the operation, the police said. As the surrounding troops closed in on the hiding militants, they opened fire triggering the encounter. "The militants were engaged in a sustained gunfight till two of them were killed," said a senior police officer. "Both the slain militants were believed to be of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit. However, their exact identities were being established," he said. Hyderabad, Nov 23 : A police constable was found dead in his quarters here. It is suspected that he committed suicide apparently due to family problems, an officer said. The incident occurred at the 8th Battalion of Telangana State Special Police (TSSP) at Kondapur near the Information Technology hub of Madhapur. P. Vijay Kumar (29) was found hanging from the ceiling fan in his bedroom on Wednesday morning. He was believed to have committed the suicide on Tuesday or early Wednesday. Hailing from Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, he was deployed at the battalion since 2007. Police suspect that a family feud led to the suicide. He is survived by wife and two daughters. New Delhi, Nov 23 : The Delhi BJP on Wednesday said it will organise a "Sankalp March" on November 25 in support of the Union government's move to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to curb "black money and corruption". "We will stage a Sankalp March on November 25 in support of the action against black money by Prime Minister Narender Modi's government," Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Satish Upadhyay told reporters. According to party leaders, the Sankalp March will start at 10.00 a.m. from the Balmiki Mandir situated at Mandir Marg and conclude near the statue of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel at Patel Chowk on Parliament Street. Upadhyay also said that besides the BJP workers, a large number of representatives of citizens' organisations will participate in this massive march. "The participants of the march will resolve to give full support to the Modi government in his fight against corruption and in his efforts for the 'Nav Nirman' (re-construction) of the nation," he added. The government had on November 8 spiked Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. The opposition has been venting its ire ever since, as serpentine queues have been seen outside the banks branches and ATMs across the country. Chandigarh, Nov 24 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Punjab on Friday and will lay the foundation stone of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bathinda, Punjab government officials said here on Thursday. Modi would first arrive on Friday afternoon in the Sikh religious town of Anandpur Sahib and will attend a function to mark the 350th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh master. Anandpur Sahib, which is famous for Takht Keshgarh Sahib, the second holiest of Sikh shrines after Amritsar's Harmandir Sahib or Golden Temple, is about 85 km from here. The 'Khalsa Panth', the present-day Sikh religion, was founded here by Guru Gobind Singh on April 13, 1699. Modi would then go to Bathinda in south-west Punjab where he will lay the foundation stone of the 750-bed AIIMS. He is also scheduled to address a public rally in Bathinda. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who is the Lok Sabha member from Bathinda constituency, would be present during the Prime Minister's visit. "Tight security arrangements have been made at both places. Around 10,000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure foolproof security at both locations," a Punjab Police officer told IANS here. With assembly elections likely to be held in Punjab early next year, Modi's visit has political and electoral significance for Punjab's ruling alliance of the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The alliance has been in power in Punjab since 2007. Washington, Nov 25 : US President Barack Obama on Thursday asked Americans to reflect on what really unites them after a "noisy, passionate and sometimes divisive" election campaign in his last Thanksgiving Day message from the White House. In his remarks, broadcast via radio and the Internet, Obama wished the public a Happy Thanksgiving, saying that today he will enjoy the day just like everybody else: eating turkey with his family. "As a country, we've just emerged from a noisy, passionate, and sometimes divisive campaign season. After all, elections are often where we emphasise what sets us apart. ... But a few short weeks later, Thanksgiving reminds us that no matter our differences, we are still one people, part of something bigger than ourselves," EFE news quoted Obama as saying. Since Donald Trump's election victory, Obama has made clear that his main objective is for the White House transition of power to be performed calmly and without complications, and he wished the President-elect "success" because, in his opinion, if he succeeds, then the United States will also do well. Trump, meanwhile, has been at his Mar-a-Lago hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, since Tuesday to enjoy the holiday with his family, according to one of his spokespeople. On Wednesday, the presidential transition office released a video in which Trump issued a call to overcome the divisions that erupted during the election campaign and combine efforts to "rebuild" the country. "It's my prayer that on this Thanksgiving we begin to heal our divisions and move forward as one country, strengthened by a shared purpose and very, very common resolve," Trump said. "We've just finished a long and bruising political campaign. Emotions are raw and tensions just don't heal overnight. ... But we have before us, the chance now to make history together ... but to succeed, we must enlist the effort of our entire nation," he said. "When America is unified, there is nothing beyond our reach ... Let us give thanks for all that we have, and let us boldly face the exciting new frontiers that lie ahead," Trump emphasised. Paris, Nov 25 : A woman was reportedly killed in southern France after an armed man entered a monks' retirement home in, French media reported on Friday. The victim in Montferrier sur Lez was the security guard at the centre, EFE quoted French media. She was killed with a knife at about 10 p.m. Her body was found on the ground floor, it added. The daily Le Figaro reported in its online edition that the lone attacker also carried a rifle, adding that at present authorities do not know the motive for the attack. The 59 retired monks who live at the retirement home had worked in Africa, the local press reported. New Delhi : Title: Deedara aka Dara Singh; Author: Seema Sonik Alimchand; Publisher: Westland; Pages: 262; Price: Rs 499 It was a tale that wouldn't seem amiss in Bollywood. A boy is pulled out of school and put to work on his family's farmlands, married off at a young age, gets frustrated at the bickering between wife and mother and leaves home for foreign climes to make his career. In a few short years, he is a celebrity sportsman, and a popular film star. Ring any bells? This happens to be the life of Deedar Singh Randhawa, of village Dharmuchak in Amritsar district, or Dara Singh as we know him. Capable of tossing villains around without breaking into a sweat, stop airplanes with his bare hands, and chase criminals to the moon (in his reel career), and once lift up Raj Kapoor in his trademark "aeroplane" spin move as cameras clicked, his very name, was for generations of Indians, synonymous with sheer strength and masculinity. But Dara Singh's journey from a farmhand to an Indian cultural icon -- especially when he went on to portray two of the most famous Indian mythological heroes (Hanuman and Bhima) -- was no means smooth or even assured. And it is this saga of raw determination, unflinching commitment and a true champion's trademark grit that Seema Sonik Alimchand tells here. For her, the inspiration came "one chilly morning in December 2014, as I stood watching the mountainous Sikh soldiers at the Wagah border, (and) the image of the great Dara Singh came to my mind". "The very next day, I put pen to paper and miraculously, this book unfolded at an amazing speed...", says Alimchand, who went on to visit Dara Singh's birthplace and other haunts and meet and his widow, children, other relatives and acquaintances. Her book thus draws on "intense research, sit-down interviews, old letters, archival material, newspaper articles, and Dara Singh's autobiography (originally published in Punjabi) titled 'Meri Atmakatha'". The daughter of Sonik of the Sonik-Omi duo of Bollywood composers and "naturally drawn to the world of cinema", she admits that her "information then transformed into illumination and inspired me to provide a cinematic sense of place, dialogue and culture to the book" and to recreate "his life story by lending a dramatic arc to it". In true cinematic style, she begins -- or say the credits rolls -- with the build-up to one of Dara Singh's eagerly-watched fights -- vs Pat Roche the Bomber -- in Guwahati in 1962 and the actual match, before wrenching us into the uncompromising present, as in July 2012, an ambulance rushes an unconscious, powerfully-built octogenarian to hospital. As his life slowly slips away, we follow him as he seeks refuge into his past. The story thus unrolls in flashbacks and not always linear -- we begin in 1933 as a five-year Deedar, or Deedara, accompanies his family to the Golden Temple and listens avidly as his grandmother recites their family history down to the rather straitened present-day circumstances. We view his childhood, the fiasco of his first marriage and finally, his decision to go overseas. Standing out are depictions of the rhythms of rural life in pre-independent India, how young Dara was not born a strongman and was liable to be bullied, until he -- like Hanuman he would so memorably portray- - was made aware of his strength, and two profound religious experiences. The second, and the lengthiest part, begins with his overseas sojourn -- which had an unpromising start as he swerved from his moral compass to steal, his wrestling career, his gradual move into films and his second, happier and more enduring marriage. Among the highlights are the piquant account of an impromptu trip to Lahore to meet an ailing Ghulam Mohammad 'Gama Pehlwan', by then a shadow of his legendary self, attempts to find locations of Ravana's Lanka in modern Ceylon, an incipient romance with a princess, and interactions with Bollywood legends like the Kapoors, Dharmendra and Balraj Sahni. The final part encompasses the rest of his life, in its high and lows, especially a bruising encounter with political and religious leaders with regards to one of his films. But above all, Alimchand's account also reveals the effort and spirit needed to become -- and remain -- a legend and how Dara Singh always held true. (Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in) Srinagar, Nov 25 : Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has said India lacked guts to take back parts of Jammu and Kashmir now under Pakistani control. Addressing a rally in Kishtwar district, the National Conference president said India and Pakistan needed to talk and solve the Kashmir issue because "war is no solution". "Pakistan is one of the stakeholder which the government of India has itself accepted. There was a resolution on this, which says that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is the part of India. Kya yeh tumhare baap ka hai? (Is this your ancestral property)," he said. "The government of India has no guts to take back (parts of Kashmir) from Pakistan, neither Pakistan has guts to snatch Kashmir from India. In between, innocent people of Kashmir are suffering and border residents have become the cannon fodder due to escalating tensions." Abdullah made the remarks amid heightened India and Pakistan border tension which has left dozens of people, including soldiers, dead on both sides. Colombo, Nov 25 : A Sri Lankan court on Friday issued an international arrest warrant against a journalist based in the UK on charges of contempt of court. The court ordered the warrant against Lankaenews editor Sandaruwan Senadheera to be issued via Interpol, Xinhua news agency reported. It instructed the Department of Immigration and Emigration to arrest the editor if he arrived in Sri Lanka. Minister of Justice Wijedasa Rajapakse has accused Senadheera of insulting the country's judges. New Delhi, Nov 25 : A man was detained on Friday after he attempted to jump onto the Lok Sabha floor from the visitors gallery. Eyewitnesses said accused Rakesh Singh Baghel -- who was apprehended by security personnel present at the spot -- tried to say something but was gagged by securitymen. He was later whisked away for questioning. He hails from Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan told the House. Baghel held a valid entry pass to enter Parliament House, recommended by Bulandshahr Member of Parliament Bhola Singh. The Speaker had left the House when the incident occurred around 11.20 a.m., soon after the House was adjourned till noon amid a ruckus by the opposition over the Centre's November 8 demonetisation decision. The Speaker later sought the House's opinion on the issue. Delhi Police and Parliament security officials in plainclothes usually remain seated in the front rows of the visitors gallery. Lok Sabha sources said visitors are allowed to watch the House proceedings after they fill up application forms giving their name, age, occupation, full local address and permanent address etc. One sitting MP has to countersign the form for recommendation. Children below the age of 10 are not allowed entry to the visitors gallery. New Delhi, Nov 25 : The BJP on Friday took out a "Sankalp March" in support of the central government's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes to curb "black money and corruption". Hundreds of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers and citizen organisations took part in the Sankalp March from Balmiki Mandir situated on Mandir Marg in central Delhi to the Sardar Patel statue near Parliament Street. "We held a Sankalp March in support of the action against black money by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and his efforts for the 'Nav Nirman' (reconstruction) of the nation," Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay told IANS. He said that Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal administered an oath to thousands of party workers and the citizens organisations members to support the government's decision against black money. The government had on November 8 announced demonetisation the Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes to curb black money and corruption. Hyderabad, Nov 25 : A three-day meet of top police officers of the country began here on Friday. Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the meet being attended by Directors General of Police (DGPs) and Inspectors General of Police (IGPs) of all the states, Directors General of central paramilitary forces and top intelligence officials. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the meet on Saturday. He is expected to arrive on Friday evening and have a night halt at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, the venue of the annual meet. Both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister will interact with police officials and have lunch with them. Modi will return to Delhi on Saturday evening. The conference will discuss cross-border terrorism, infiltration, radicalisation of youth and other security related issues. According to official sources, filling up of vacant posts in police forces, reforms, menace of narcotics smuggling and human trafficking will also come for discussion. This is the 51st meet of DGPs and IGPs and the third outside Delhi. The idea of holding the meeting of DGPs and IGPs outside Delhi was mooted by Modi after he became the Prime Minister in 2014. It was held in Guwahati in 2014 and in Bhuj in Gujarat in 2015. Nay Pyi Taw, Nov 25 : Fleeing ethnic violence that has plagued Myanmar's western coastal state of Rakhine for weeks, thousands of Rohingya refugees have been flooding into neighbouring Bangladesh, media reports said. Some refugees told CNN that they suffered rape, torture or saw their homes burned down and family members executed. "If (the military) finds any boys aged above 10 years old, they kill them. Men are also being picked up by the military," Lalu Begum said. "When the military came, we fled from our home. I don't know if my husband is dead or alive." Begum, currently staying at the Kutupalong camp in Bangladesh, said several women in her village were raped by regime soldiers. "When they see pretty ladies, they ask for water, then they get inside the house and rape them," she said. An estimated one million Rohingyas live in Rakhine, where they are a persecuted, stateless ethnic minority. The government does not officially recognise the Rohingyas, regarding them as illegal Bengali immigrants. John McKissick, a UN refugee agency official in Bangladesh, said the Rohingyas are "the most oppressed people in the world". "It seems to be the aim of the Myanmar military to ethnically cleanse this population," he said. The refugees in Kutupalong said they left their homes in the middle of the night, trekking from village to village to try and evade the soldiers and make it to the Naf River to cross into Bangladesh. "When we started our journey, there were six of us. We lost three members of our family," Lalu Begum's sister-in-law Nassima Khatun said. "My husband and son were killed, and another son went missing." The reports in the state could not be verified as the Rohingya area is currently under what the UN terms "lockdown", with access to media and aid agencies blocked. "We have requested the government to provide us with access, so we can estimate the actual numbers," McKissick said. Bangladesh has tightened security to try and push refugees back, as the country struggles to cope with the influx. Thousands of people from Myanmar have already crossed into Bangladesh and, according to Dhaka, "thousands more have been reported to be gathering at the border". The Bangladesh government summoned the Dhaka-based Myanmarese envoy on Wednesday to express concern at the "continued deteriorating situation (in Rakhine) following the country's military crackdown". The government has denied reports of human rights abuse, claiming that the military is carrying out "clearance operations" targeting suspected "violent attackers" who killed nine border guards on October 9. Since then, more than 100 people have been killed and around 600 arrested. "The government of Myanmar is engaging in collective punishment against the Rohingya ethnic minority." A recent Human Rights Watch report estimated that 1,250 Rohingya homes were burned down by the authorities -- a claim the government has denied, saying that "attackers" from the villages carried out the arson. "These alarming images confirm that the destruction in Rohingya villages is far greater and in more places than the government has admitted," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. Nobel prize laureate and pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi has faced criticism for her administration's silence on the issue, a problem which McKissick said shows a lack of control. "Myanmar needs to follow international law and respect human rights, and they're not doing that right now, and it seems that the democratically elected government does not have control over the military," McKissick said. "In our villages where we used to live, there are no Rohingya Muslims left. All of them fled from their homes," Begum said. "We left all of our belongings back there. We left everything to save our lives. Now, how can we go back," Khatun asked. "They will kill us." Mumbai, Nov 25 : NRI televangelist Zakir Naik on Friday dubbed a five-year ban on his NGO Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) "communal" and an "attack on Muslims, peace, democracy and justice", and vowed to fight it tooth and nail. In a three-page open letter issued here, Naik said it was timed to coincide with the Centre's demonetisation 'fiasco' to prevent resistance and divert the media's attention. Naik, 51, presently staying at an undisclosed location abroad, issued the statement in response to the Centre's five-year ban on IRF on November 15 and declaring it a terror outfit under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Declaration of the IRF as a "unlawful" outfit under Section 3 of the UAPA facilitates the government to close its offices and interests across the country. The ban comes after the government allegedly found the Islamic preacher to be involved in utilising funds meant for his non-government organisation for radicalisation of youths, Union Home Ministry sources had said. Naik said: "It is now proven that the decision to ban the IRF was taken months ago and it is a communal decision. Before investigations were done, even before reports submitted, the ban was already decided. The IRF was to be banned. Whether it was owing to my religion, or some other reason, it does not matter." He said his completely lawful work of the past 25 years has been banned, "which is most unfortunate for India". For the past few days, Naik's activities were being probed by the National Investigation Agency. Complaints have been lodged against him under the Indian Penal Code and the UAPA. "I won't be surprised if this ban is meant to distract the media from what is going on in the country. For, public starved of cash, trade and basic amenities, one cannot expect much of resistance," Naik said. He said it must be the most unique ban in Indian history as he was not even questioned once or given a chance to explain himself before the ban. "No notice, no summons, no calls, and no contact ever made with me to get my side of the story. I kept offering my help in investigation but it wasn't taken," Naik claimed. "I have no choice left but to answer them only through the legal system, and not personally. Their agenda is open and clear: Implicate me by hook or crook, which I will fight," he said. On the UAPA, Naik said since the plan was to ban IRF and not investigate, the government invoked the draconian law. "The law does not seem to apply to the likes of Rajeshwar Singh, Yogi Adityanath or Sadhvi Prachi, who continue to make inflammatory speeches. Rajeshwar Singh of Dharma Jagran Manch recently made a televised statement that December 31, 2021, will be the last day for Islam and Christianity in India," Naik said. The televangalist claimed the "country's democratic fabric is under attack. People's lives are being played with and the Narendra Modi government is misusing law to scare Indian Muslims". "The governments are misusing authority on people they're supposed to protect. This needs to change. It needs to change for the future of everyone of us. I have faith in the judiciary. I still believe that truth will prevail and the Modi government will fail in its plans. I will fight this ban, come what may, with all legal options to repeal it," Naik said. New Delhi, Nov 25 : Training his guns on the opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said those who accuse the government of being ill-prepared ahead of demonetisation were themselves not ready for the surprise move that targets black money and corruption in the country. In defending the move -- that Modi said was also aimed at giving rights to the poor and preventing the middle-class from being exploited, the Prime Minister made no reference to any political party. But the loudest criticism of the decision announced on November 8 to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 bank notes has come from the opposition parties. "Those who are criticising it are saying the government was not prepared to implement the decision. But that is not the real reason behind their criticism. They are hurt because the government didn't give them enough time to prepare for it," Modi said at a Constitution Day celebration function here. "If they had got 72 hours to prepare themselves, they would have commended the move," he said. The opposition parties later objected to the Prime Minister's remarks and sought an apology from him. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said Modi had alleged that the opposition "is favouring black money". "This is a serious allegation against the entire opposition, he must apologise," Azad said in the Rajya Sabha. Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati demanded that the Prime Minister should clarify "who has the black money". "The Prime Minister must come to the House and apologise... he must also clarify," the BSP chief said. The Prime Minister insisted that there was only "little criticism" over the radical move to change currency and the whole nation was today fighting a big war against corruption. "The common man feels that over the last 70 years, the same Constitution and its laws and rules were misused to drown the nation in corruption," he said. "It is a big nation and a big decision. I expect from those who see a bright future for the nation to help those facing difficulties so that we are victorious in this war against corruption." Modi said the step would also usher India into a world of cashless transactions. "Everyone has a right to use their money. But it is not necessary to have physical currency to be able to spend it. "Ours is a nation that has over 100 crore mobile phones. And we have technology to transact through these phones. Why not educate and encourage people to use this technology?" Hours later, addressing a rally in poll-bound Punjab, Modi said the government would ensure that the poor in India are benefited. "Black money and corruption has looted the middle-class and deprived the poor of their rights. I want to give the poor their rights. I am doing everything possible to ensure that the middle-class is not exploited and the poor get their dues," he said. He thanked the people for supporting his decision despite being inconvenienced by the surprise move. New Delhi, Nov 25 : In an intense discussion on the life of Kasturba Gandhi and her relationship with husband, Mahatma Gandhi, author Neelima Dalmia Adhar sparked a controversy saying "some people may even call him a paedophile", only to retract later. These remarks, among other re-examinations of various aspects of Mahatma Gandhi's life, unfolded at the launch of "The Secret Diary of Kasturba", (Westland/pp 395/Rs 699) a historical fiction penned by Adhar, where Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and journalist Barkha Dutt participated in a discussion with the author Friday evening. "Everything aside he put his wife through a lot of injustices. In terms of sexuality, Gandhi took it to a maniac level," said Adhar, adding "some people may even call him a paedophile." Tharoor, almost cutting her half way through the controversial remark, quipped: "The one thing that we cannot doubt about Gandhiji is his commitment to truth." He further said that there was no evidence to suggest that Mahatma Gandhi indulged in "sexual activities" with his devotees, during what Gandhi described as "My Experiments with Truth." "If there was any instance, one would surely find mention of it in his works. Gandhi ji's commitment to truth is one thing we cannot doubt," said Tharoor. In response, Adhar noted that "Gandhiji had occupied a cult status in the society" and that he was not "preaching by his example" before quoting a few instances when there was disapproval of his behaviour from within his own ashram. Trying to end the heated discussion, Tharoor said: "I do not think you would judge a person as a whole for this. But as a human being, I am sure one's perception about Gandhiji will be hardened after knowing this." But Adhar persisted. "My endeavour was never to demonise Gandhi. I hugely revere Gandhi that we all know. But he would owe his sainthood largely to Kasturba. You will find a little bit of bias because a lot of me has come into the character. It is my voice primarily juxtaposed with Kasturba's," said the author. Tharoor congratulated Adhar, saying that she had "actually given life" to a character that "had long lived in the shadows of history." Speaking to IANS after the launch, Adhar, however, retracted from her earlier "paedophile" remark and said: "I didn't mean that, that was a mistake. What I meant was that the experiments he carried out will be very offending and appalling to the sensibilities of today's world." "In today's times, with the liberalized society that we live in, this behaviour would have been highly offensive to anybody. Even then it was offensive. I believe that there are certain aspects of Gandhi's character and on his path to becoming the param-yogi that we do not understand. There are many aspects of sexuality of Lord Krishna that find resonance in Gandhi's practices." Delhi University's former Vice Chancellor, Dinesh Singh, who was also in attendance at the launch told IANS that even the most iconic figures need to be examined. "Even the most iconic figures from the history are actually unknown to us. We need to constantly examine them and improve our understanding about them. Kasturba Gandhi was largely an ignored figure in our history and therefore I feel the author has done a good job," he said. On the controversial "paedophile" remark, the former DU VC said: "She didn't call him paedophile, she said people may call him paedophile but that is not so. Some people have even suggested that Gandhiji was homosexual and although it is not wrong to be a homosexual, there is no evidence to suggest so." "The Secret Diary of Kasturba" is a narrative, blow-by-blow fictional account of Kasturba Gandhi's life. This is an exciting development for CarteNav and we look forward to working closely with GE to leverage their significant intellectual property and expertise to bring ground-changing new capabilities to our marketplace Today CarteNav Solutions Inc. announced the signing of a long-term technology transfer and licensing agreement with GE Ventures. Under the agreement, GE shall transfer and license proprietary computer vision and video analytics technology. CarteNav will undertake commercialization of GEs technology within its global marketplace of defence, security, and commercial clients. CarteNav provides situational awareness and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions to government and non-government customers in more than 30 countries around the world. GEs video analytical technology will provide identification, classification, and tracking capabilities that will assist users of CarteNavs software for a variety of special mission applications. "This technology is very relevant to our end customers who undertake complex and critical missions including surveillance, reconnaissance, law enforcement, search and rescue, disaster response, infrastructure inspection, and resource protection, said Paul Evans, CarteNavs President. "The technology that will be commercialized is very complementary to CarteNav's core product as well as to the products and technology of numerous industry partners we work with today. This is an exciting development for CarteNav and we look forward to working closely with GE to leverage their significant intellectual property and expertise to bring ground-changing new capabilities to our marketplace." Built upon decades of R&D, GE is enabling its video analytics platform to be commercialized widely, said Mike Petracci, Managing Director - Licensing at GE Ventures. GE is engaging partners in multiple industries and is excited to work with CarteNav to extend this technology to their customer base. An important part of bringing this collaboration about was the involvement of the Province of Nova Scotias Department of Business who is working with GE Canada to support innovation based partnerships between GE and Nova Scotia Companies. The Government of Nova Scotias Minister of Business, Mark Furey, along with GE and CarteNav announced the partnership on September 22nd, 2016 as well as financial support from the government at the Innovacorp Enterprise Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. About CarteNav Solutions Inc. CarteNav Solutions Inc. is an international leader in mission management and sensor management software solutions for airborne, land, and maritime environments. CarteNav offers operationally proven software that dramatically improves the performance of both sensor operators and tactical decision makers. The company has established a reputation for providing sought-after and high-value software solutions that can be deployed on a wide variety of platforms. The solutions supporting multiple mission types for a diverse client base that includes government, military, and commercial customers. CarteNav is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Provincial Aerospace Ltd. and part of the Exchange Income Corporation (EIC) group of companies. Portugal's Algarve is a tempting destination year-round. Portugals Algarve offers an escape from the winter closer to home, away from the crowds hitting the Caribbean. Goway is helping snowbirds beat the cold, and cut down on their flight time. While Australia, the Cook Islands, and Southeast Asia remain popular long-haul options for snowbirds, Portugals Algarve offers an escape from the winter closer to home, away from the crowds hitting the Caribbean. Goway is offering a 21-night package to the Algarve. We have partnered with a good 4-star hotel in the beautiful area of central Albufeira. Away from the summer high season, Globetrotters can take up some great offers, including a saving of $400 when booking their package, says Nadya Phelan, Goways Europe Product Manager. The popularity of Portugal and the Algarve continues to grow with North Americans, and Goway is reminding travelers that it is not a limited season destination. Visiting in the shoulder or quiet season has its benefits, Phelan says, going on to explain that while it may not be typical beach weather, the temperature is well suited for getting out and enjoying an active vacation. Such a climate makes the Algarve an ideal alternative spot to escape the snow and live like a local for three weeks. The area is also within striking distance of numerous day trips, including weekend getaways to Spain. Offering connections with all the key carriers and ideas for daytime activities, Goway are thrilled to introduce Portugal into their ever growing range of long-stay snowbird vacations. Since 1970, Goway has been providing unforgettable travel experiences to Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Central & South America, Idyllic Island destinations and Europe. 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Drawing on its experience as an impartial software analysis firm that has helped thousands of companies select the right software for their unique business needs, TEC designed the Campus Program to help university students learn a detailed, real world approach to professional software evaluation and selection. The program teaches the same techniques used by IT and business management professionals in organizations of every size and type, in both the public and private sector. Developed for use with undergrad and graduate students in business, management, and IT-related courses, the TEC Campus Program helps professors and students learn the fundamentals of objective software evaluation projects. When professors sign up and use the resources and curriculum the Campus Program provides, students get the benefit of using TEC Advisor, TECs powerful, web-based application that helps businesses make fully informed, impartial, and justifiable software selections quickly and cost effectively. Professors can select up to six different case studies to help students learn to conduct realistic software evaluations. Available software categories include: Enterprise resource planning (ERP) Business intelligence (BI) and data analytics Customer relationship management (CRM) Human capital management (HCM) Supply chain management (SCM) Financial management The program is fully customizable to fit professors needs within their curriculum, and many TEC resources are made available for student practiceall at no cost. Professors can even bring in a TEC software selection expert for a guest lecture. As Seymour Walden, the head of the TEC Campus Program, explains, Our Campus Program gives universities and business schools customizable, web-based tools and resources that teach students the practical aspects of evaluating software. This includes examining the detailed features offered by leading enterprise software vendors, and discovering how such features are used by businesses. The Campus Program gives students a unique opportunity to compare many software solutions head to head, which helps prepare them for the day-to-day realities of software evaluation theyll encounter in their careers. To learn more about implementing the TEC Software Evaluation Campus Program in your curriculum, or for information about software selection services, please contact TEC at +1 514-954-3665 or online. About Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) is the worlds leading provider of software selection resources, services, and research materials, helping organizations evaluate and select the best enterprise software for their needs. With its advanced decision-making process and software selection experts, TEC reduces the time, cost, and risk associated with enterprise software selection. Over 3.5 million subscribers leverage TECs extensive research and detailed information on more than 1,000 leading software solutions across all major application areas.TEC is recognized as an industry-leading software selection advisory firm offering resources and services both online and onsite. For more information, please visit http://www.technologyevaluation.com. Ellex 14th European Ultrasound Training Course We were delighted with the excellent feedback from this event. A significant number of delegates have expressed interest in more advanced training, which we have already started planning and will take place in 2017. Haag-Streit UK (HS-UK), the leading manufacturer and distributor of gold-standard optometry and ophthalmic equipment, hosted a very successful 14th European Ultrasound Training Course in partnership with Ellex, on Saturday 19th November. The event took place at the Sheraton Heathrow Hotel and was well-attended by 60 delegates, from thirteen different countries, who learnt about the latest advances in ophthalmic ultrasound. Delegates were educated about the fundamentals of high-resolution ophthalmic echography in a series of clinical lectures and hands-on workshops. The event had an impressive expert faculty, chaired by Hatem Atta, Consultant Ophthalmologist, NHS Grampian. Other speakers included: Andrzej Dmitriew, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Poznan University of Medical Sciences Jens Folke Kiilgaard, Associate Professor & Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen Tarek El-Khashab, Ophthalmologist & Lead for Ophthalmic Ultrasound Services, Mid-Cheshire NHS Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust David Sculfor, Consultant Optometrist, Stoke Mandeville Hospital. The programme included lectures on Ultrasonography of Ocular Tumours and Evaluation of Vitreoretinal Disorders and workshops which demonstrated Posterior B-Scan examination and Techniques for UBM examination. During the workshops, delegates were given the opportunity to partake in some hands-on experience with both the Eye Cubed and the newly-launched portable Eye One ultrasound platforms. Grant Duncan, HS-UK Clinical Training Manager, said, We were delighted with the excellent feedback from this event. A significant number of delegates have expressed interest in more advanced training, which we have already started planning and will take place in 2017. For more information on future HS-UK training courses, please contact Jane Smith, Training Co-ordinator by calling (01279) 456266 or email at jsmith(at)haag-streit-uk(dot)com. Farzana Baduel Founder & CEO Curzon PR, Dinesh Dhamija, President TiE London, Radhika Seth Founder & CEO Sequoia London The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) London, part of TiE Global, the worlds largest non-profit network for entrepreneurs, recently announced the launch of TiE Women Entrepreneurs (TWE). On Thursday 17th of November, the organisation held a Gala dinner at the Intercontinental Hotel in London where the announcement was made. It comes two days ahead of the global Women's Entrepreneurship Day - a day on which the work of women entrepreneurs is observed and discussed and is held on the 19th November each year. TWE will be the chapters female focused division; promoting and encouraging the core TiE values among its female members. TiE Londons President Dinesh Dhamija, a British-Indian serial business entrepreneur, best known as the founder of the successful online travel agency Ebookers stated: I am very pleased to announce the launch of TWE and announce that we have appointed as Co-chairs; Farzana Baduel, Founder and CEO of an award-winning, global strategic PR agency Curzon PR and Radhika Seth, Founder and CEO of International Interior Architecture and Design company Sequoia London, two inspiring women who are great examples of successful female entrepreneurs showcasing how hard work and dedication can lead to being masters of your craft. We had a fabulous turnout at the Gala dinner night and I know this is just the start of what is to come for the Womens Chapter of TiE! Farzana Baduel said: TWE gives women making strides in their business activities, a community that will champion their efforts, support their endeavours and inspire others to break the glass ceiling in the entrepreneurial field. Networking is one of the most powerful tools for broadening our knowledge and sparking exciting collaborations, particularly in an era where everything is developing at a faster pace. The more we collaborate and encourage each other, the greater chance we will have in changing the gender imbalance within the business community. Radhika Seth added: Networking is crucial to the success of so many business leaders, and in knowing the value of this skill I'm eager to encourage more people, women in particular, to build circles that will nurture their professional development. As an extension of a global community with over 12,000 members consisting of 61 chapters in 18 countries, TWE is going to be a huge force in uniting women not only from across London but on an international scale. The range of events, support and mentoring programs which will be available to TWE members is an exciting trait of the association. Senior professionals, entrepreneurs and innovators are welcome to join TiE London, all female members will automatically be enrolled in TWE. Members can expect to attend several key events in addition to TiE Londons regular event schedule comprising industry leaders and key guest speakers who will share exclusive industry insights on topics relevant to every woman. Be a part of the change and join thousands of international members strengthening their networks while simultaneously helping to close the gender division. http://london.tie.org/ http://tie.org/ -Ends- Note to Editors: About Farzana Baduel As Founder and CEO of the global communications firm Curzon PR, Farzana Baduel has spearheaded the award-winning company to establish an international presence. The agency has represented clients ranging from government projects for Russia, Japan, South Korea, Canada and Malaysia to listed global corporates. Farzana has contributed to leading publications such as The Guardian and PR Week and regularly writes on thought leadership, PR & Marketing, entrepreneurship, personal branding and diversity within the PR industry. She has provided expert commentary for the BBC, Forbes, Al Jazeera. As a passionate advocate for diversity in the media, Farzana has teamed up with initiatives such as Creative Access, which aims to fill the disparity of ethnic minorities in the creative industries. As a result of this and her other achievements, she won Businesswoman of the Year at the British Muslim Awards 2016, Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2015 Asian Women of Achievement Awards, 2015 Women of Colour Achievement Award and the Media Professional of the Year at the 2014 Asian Media Awards. She has previously served as Vice Chair of Business Relations for the British Conservative Party. Farzana is also the former Vice President of Club 24, an initiative that supports female parliamentary prospective candidates. She is currently an advisor for the Friends of Barisan Nasional UK, Malaysias ruling political party and was previously Advisor to the London Development Agency and Enterprise Insight on enterprise issues. Twitter: @farzanabaduel Instagram: @farzanabaduel LinkedIn: Farzana Baduel About Radhika Seth Radhika Seth is the Founder and CEO of SEQUOIA London, an International Interior Architecture and Design company headquartered in Mayfair. As an established thought leader in the luxury goods market, with more than two decades of experience, Radhika has become a leading influence in the industry. Having worked in her family business NARR International since 1994, Radhika developed an unparalleled knowledge in the sourcing of decorative accessories, antiques, tableware and art for ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNW). In 2007 Radhika set up Luxury Interiors, adding luxury Interior Design and turnkey sourcing services to her existing clients internationally. In 2014, she founded Luxury Interiors London adding project management, art and lifestyle advisories to their list of services. Earlier this year, Radhika merged her companies and rebranded as SEQUOIA London, combining all of the services to offer a complete bespoke solution to her UHNWI clients across London and Internationally. LinkedIn: radhika-seth-834b9010 Twitter: @radhikaseth Instagram:@radhikaseth_ldn ABOUT TiE The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), was founded in 1992 in Silicon Valley by a group of successful entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and senior professionals with roots in the Indus region. There are currently 13,000 members, including over 2,500 charter members in 61 chapters across 18 countries. TiEs mission is to foster entrepreneurship globally through mentoring, networking, education, incubating, and funding. Dedicated to the virtuous cycle of wealth creation and giving back to the community, TiEs focus is on generating and nurturing our next generation of entrepreneurs. Twitter - @tie_london Linked in - /tie-london Facebook - /TiELondonChapter Mr. Zachary Deubler, Esq. The Whitestone Young Law Firm, Fairfax, Va. is pleased to welcome new associate Zachery A. Deubler. Mr. Deubler recently received his JD from George Mason University and is working with the firm's criminal defense team. "I am excited to welcome Zach to the firm, he exemplifies the talent and perservance for which Whitestone Young is known," said Dickson Young, Senior Partner at Whitestone Young. Beginning with Whitestone|Young PC as a clerk in 2014, Zach became an Associate Attorney at the firm shortly after obtaining his law license. Now a member of the Virginia Bar, Zach focuses primarily on criminal defense and general civil litigation. He works closely with senior partners on research, trial preparation, and drafting pleadings and appellate briefs for clients faced with serious criminal and traffic charges, as well as complex civil litigation.att Click here to see Zachary's Full Bio We see big opportunities in smaller communities such as Cooper City, Coral Springs, and Davie, Florida Top sliding glass door repair service, GWR Glass Repair of Fort Lauderdale is proud to announce the launch of three new locations for glass repair services - Cooper City, Coral Springs, and Davie. With Florida residents eager to rebuild and upgrade their glass windows and doors, the company is reconfiguring its outreach strategy to focus on vibrant smaller communities in South Florida. While the big population centers of Fort Lauderdale and Miami remain important, commented Yaniet Santos, general manager at GWR, "We see big opportunities in smaller communities such as Cooper City, Coral Springs, and Davie, Florida. Our localized web content and offices make it clear how much we value the smaller cities as glass repair customers, especially for residential glass repair and sliding glass door repair or replacement jobs." New websites correspond to the company's locations in these cities - Cooper City Glass Repair at http://www.glasswindowrepaircoopercity.com Coral Springs Glass Repair at http://glasswindowrepaircoralsprings.com/ Davie Glass Repair at http://glasswindowrepairdavie.com/ The Importance of Being Local Glass repair is something that many Florida residents whether in Cooper City, Coral Springs, or Davie, take for granted, until it's urgent. A business, for example, might suffer from a break-in, act of vandalism, or even an innocent employee accident that nonetheless damages a glass entryway door or window. A homeowner might realize that his sliding glass door no longer functions, just as a big Florida hail storm approaches. Or, a condominium association in cities as diverse as Cooper City, Coral Springs, or Davie, might realize that their resale value is being impacted by out-of-date windows or doors. These realizations provoke a quest for information and the best glass repair service. However, with large national chains gobbling up advertising space on Google, Yahoo, and Bing, Florida consumers may be frustrated in their desire to "go local." By launching localized websites that correspond to locations in smaller cities, GWR is helping Florida consumer to identify local businesses that truly "get it" when it comes to "going local" for glass repair needs. About GWR Glass Repair GWR Glass Repair is a family owned and operated glass repair business with more than 20 years of experience. Their professional technicians and the large variety of inventory make GWR Glass Repair the top glass repair service. If customers are looking for sliding glass door repair or glass repair in general, please reach out to the company for a free estimate. If customers need a 24/7 Sliding Glass Door repair service, technicians are standing by. The company specializes in sliding glass door repair and window glass repair; technicians will handle any glass replacement situation efficiently. Home or business glass repair is the company's main priority. GWR Glass Repair of Fort Lauderdale http://glasswindowrepair.com/ Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East Though the academics provided no proof of any hacking, they nonetheless urged the recount based on the slim margin of Trump's victories in those states less than 2 percentage points in all three states. The academics said their findings showed Clinton's support had dropped 7 percentage points in counties that used electronic voting machines, as opposed to those counties that used optical scanners or paper ballots. Last week, Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta spoke with a few election lawyers and computer scientists who urged him to ask for a recount in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan because they thought the electronic voting booths used in those states could have been hacked, according to a report in New York magazine. Calls among Hillary Clinton supporters for a recount of votes in three key states grew louder this week on the news that her national popular vote lead surpassed 2 million votes, along with reports of voter irregularities in some counties. Foreign Interference? Had Clinton won these states, she would have earned 274 electoral votes, which is just slightly higher than the 270 needed to win the presidency. In a Wednesday blog post on Medium.com, one of the academics, University of Michigan computer science professor J. Alex Halderman, said he thought it was possible a foreign government could hack America's voting machines. He called for an examination of the voting equipment in the three states for signs of a cyberattack. "Unfortunately, nobody is ever going to examine that evidence unless candidates in those states act now, in the next several days, to petition for recounts," he wrote. While the academics questioned the validity of the elections in the three Midwestern states, polling expert Nate Silver of the website FiveThirtyEight.com said the claim of rigged results in the states was probably false, and he said Clinton's loss could be attributed to demographic shifts. Silver's Explanation According to Silver, the disparities noted in the New York magazine report "completely disappear" when controlling for race and education levels, two demographic indicators that most closely predicted the vote shift this year. "Maybe a more complicated analysis would reveal something, but usually bad news when a finding can't survive a basic sanity check like this," he wrote on Twitter. "Nothing in Pennsylvania, either, whether or not you control for demographics. And Michigan has paper ballots everywhere, so not even sure what claim is being made there." Despite the lack of evidence, Green Party candidate Jill Stein has so far raised $2.7 million enough to pay for the recount effort in Wisconsin and was attempting to raise an additional $2 million to request recounts in Michigan and Pennsylvania. A post on Stein's campaign website called the voting machines used in Wisconsin "highly vulnerable to hacking and malicious programming," and said the machines lacked any security features. Stein's Initiative Stein won slightly more than 1 percent of the popular vote. The statement on her website said the recount effort wasn't meant to help Clinton, whom Stein heavily criticized throughout the campaign, but "is about protecting our democracy." The deadline to ask for a recount is Monday in Michigan and Wednesday in Pennsylvania. The Clinton campaign has yet to announce any plans to contest the results in the three states, but she and her supporters repeatedly denounced Trump during the campaign after he said he thought the election might be rigged against him. "We are a country based on laws, and we've had hot, contested elections going back to the very beginning," Clinton said in October, after her final debate with Trump. "But one of our hallmarks has always been that we accept the outcomes of our election." President Barack Obama made similar comments during the election, telling Trump to "stop whining" about a rigged election, and the president said it could never happen. "There is no serious person out there who would suggest that you could even rig America's elections, in part because they are so decentralized," he said. "There is no evidence that that has happened in the past, or that there are instances that could happen this time." Cookies What are cookies ? How do we use cookies? 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You can delete all cookies that are already on your computer and you can set most browsers to prevent them from being placed.Most browsers allow you to:If you chose to delete cookies, you should be aware that any preferences will be lost. Also, if you block cookies completely many websites (including ours) will not work properly and webcasts will not work at all. For these reasons, we do not recommend turning cookies off when using our webcasting services. Cuomo has embarked on projects to rebuild Penn Station and LaGuardia and Kennedy airports, and to replace the aging Tappan Zee Bridge. There are also plans to invest billions of dollars into upstate highways, modernize New York City's subways and build a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River. Federal support could be critical to getting the work done. And while they disagree on immigration, abortion and many other issues, the Democrat Cuomo is hoping a fondness for building things can be the common ground with the Republican Trump. Cuomo said he spoke to Trump the day after the election and specifically mentioned the importance of infrastructure. "He is a New Yorker," Cuomo said. "Mr. Trump is very much a private sector builder. ... So, he has a natural orientation toward the needs of this type of urban area. I think that's a good thing." Trump has bemoaned the state of American infrastructure, saying some of it reminds him of the Third World. He has called for a massive push to rebuild roads, airports, the power grid and other infrastructure. One plan would cost as much as $1 trillion, to be funded primarily through private investment encouraged by big tax incentives. "We will build the roads, highways, bridges, tunnels, airports and the railways of tomorrow," Trump said in his speech at the Republican National Convention. "This, in turn, will create millions more jobs." Messages left with the Trump transition team regarding specific investments in New York state projects were not returned. Trump and Cuomo have known each other for decades as the two Queens natives built professional lives in New York City. Trump had a cordial relationship with former Gov. Mario Cuomo, Andrew's late father, that turned sour in the'90s. Trump was briefly mentioned as a possible challenger to Cuomo in the 2014 gubernatorial election. Any cooperation on infrastructure between Trump and Cuomo could be undermined, however, by their sharp disagreements on most other issues. Cuomo has taken a harder line since their postelection phone call, expressing concerns about what Trump's election has meant for racial tolerance and immigration. His name was also added to the list of Democrats seen as possible contenders for the White House in 2020. "That could impact the interaction between the president-elect and the governor," said Larry Bridwell, international business professor at Pace University. But he added that supporting infrastructure in and around New York City would have one other added benefit for Trump: "It would obviously increase the real estate value of the Trump Organization." Several of the projects on New York state's to-do-list can't be accomplished without significant federal investment. The Hudson Rail tunnel, which would ease congestion on busy commuter rail lines coming from New Jersey, is expected to cost $20 billion. New York and New Jersey have agreed to pay for half of the work, with the federal government on the hook for the remaining $10 billion. Amtrak CEO Wick Moorman said Wednesday at a packed Penn Station that he is hopeful about Trump's talk on infrastructure, especially because of the need for another Hudson River tunnel. "We have two. They're a hundred-plus years old. They have to be rehabilitated. We're out of space in the station, we're out of space in the tunnels, we have hundred-year-old bridges on both sides of Manhattan," he said. "So there're huge projects like that and we're very optimistic that if there's money for infrastructure a lot of these basic needs are going to be addressed." Federal support is also vital to maintaining the state's drinking water and sewer systems, which will need an estimated $80 billion in repairs, replacements and upgrades over the next two decades. After decades of toying with the idea of a movie about Howard Hughes, Warren Beatty finally plays Hughes in "Rules Don't Apply," but this is most definitely not a biopic of the famously eccentric billionaire. It's a mostly old-fashioned love story set in the Hollywood of the late 1950s, starring two young talents on the rise who have such an abundance of acting chops, looks and that elusive thing known as movie-star magnetism, they could have been successful movie actors in any era. Lily Collins ("The Blind Side," "Mirror, Mirror"), who bears a slight resemblance to the young Audrey Hepburn, is the plucky and naive but grandly ambitious actress-hopeful Marla Mabrey. A small-town beauty queen and aspiring songwriter and actress, Marla arrives in Hollywood at the behest of the legendary businessman and studio head Hughes, who ensconces her and her mother (Annette Bening) in a lovely home, where they are to wait, and wait ... and WAIT, for the great man's call for Marla to come audition. (Note: In reality, Hughes had already sold his interest in RKO Studios a few years before the events of "Rules Don't Apply," but as an opening quote in the movie, attributed to Hughes himself, puts it, "Never check an interesting fact." This movie is pure fiction.) Alden Ehrenreich ("Hail, Caesar!" "Blue Jasmine," the future Han Solo) is the earnest, energetic and equally ambitious Frank Forbes, a driver in Mr. Hughes' fleet who is pleased as punch to have the job -- even though, like most of Hughes' employees, he's never actually met the man. Frank is given the assignment of squiring Marla about town. As a cynical, world-weary senior driver named Levar (Matthew Broderick) constantly reminds Frank, the chauffeurs are strictly forbidden from socializing with any of the dozens of wannabe starlets Mr. Hughes has put up in various homes and hotel bungalows in and around Hollywood. Of course, that doesn't stop Frank from falling in love with Marla, because sometimes, as the song in the movie goes, "Rules Don't Apply." Played mostly for farce (with some dark undertones) and directed by Beatty as a kind of love letter to his own early days as a rising star, "Rules Don't Apply" is mostly about the love story between Frank and Marla, set in a time when traditional American puritanism and the burgeoning sexual revolution were about to clash head-on. Although Beatty's Hughes is a near mythic presence, hovering over almost every conversation and influencing nearly every decision made by characters major and minor, we're a half-hour into the movie before he makes an appearance -- and for much of the rest of the story, he's behind a curtain or in the shadows or barking out commands over the telephone or shrouded in darkness. As played by Beatty, the increasingly eccentric Hughes is a smart and powerful man, but he's also a bit of a silly fool, toying with the lives of his employees and obsessing over flavors of ice cream like a 7-year-old throwing a tantrum. Frank is a devout Methodist engaged to his hometown sweetheart, Sarah (Taissa Farmiga), whose strict parents frown upon Frank's Hollywood job. (Ed Harris and Amy Madigan, married in real life for more than 30 years, play Sarah's dad and mom.) Marla is a Southern Baptist who talks openly about her virginity and her religious values. None of that is enough to douse their chemistry. There's never a glance between them that shouldn't be prefaced with "simmering." Some of our best character actors show up for a scene or two in "Rules Don't Apply." Martin Sheen is a high-ranking executive who has actually met Mr. Hughes. Alec Baldwin is in charge of the day-to-day operation of Hughes' businesses, or so he thinks. Oliver Platt is a banker who murders a telephone out of frustration over getting stood up by Hughes again and again. Candice Bergen is Hughes' secretary. Dabney Coleman and Steve Coogan and Paul Sorvino each get about two minutes' worth of screen time. Thanks in large part to the sublime work of cinematographer Caleb Deschanel ("The Black Stallion," "The Right Stuff," "The Patriot") and writer-director Beatty's obvious familiarity with the time period and the subject matter, "Rules Don't Apply" is a great-looking film with all the right visual touches for the era. The romance between Marla and Frank gets a bit dark for what had been mostly a romp until that point, and the ending isn't quite as romantic as one might hope, but thanks in large part to the enormously appealing leads and the legendary Hollywood figure playing one of the legendary figures of the 20th century, "Rules Don't Apply" is a sweet and entertaining slice of old Hollywood. The boycott of the city's famed shopping district on Friday is being organized by a group called the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. The group is protesting the city's refusal to establish an elected Civilian Police Accountability Council in the year since a video was released showing a white police officer fatally shooting black teen Laquan McDonald. The group also shut down much of Chicago's Michigan Avenue on Black Friday last year. The city has implemented a number of reforms but critics complain the city has not done enough. City officials say they plan to create a non-elected citizen oversight board next year. The aromas of good cooking and Bob Vogelbaugh's extended family of 2,000-plus once again turned Moline's SouthPark Mall into a home for Thanksgiving on Thursday, with all the trimmings. "I love you all," Mr. Vogelbaugh, aka Mr. Thanksgiving, said to kick off the 46th annual free Thanksgiving dinner he organizes. That was met with a spontaneous thousand-strong chorus of "We love you, too!" and a long ovation. It began in 1970 at the small downtown grocery store he owned then and has only grown through the years. It's a Quad-Cities tradition that provides an overflowing meal and camaraderie for those who may need it on such a family-oriented holiday, as well as many entire families who just want to volunteer and be a part of it. And many others make donations. Servers John and Alanna Lambeth, of Greenwood, Calif., said they have never seen the like of it. They're in town on business, selling Berghoff Eurocast Cookware, and wanted to be with people on Thanksgiving. A call to Catholic Charities directed them to Mr. Vogelbaugh's dinner. "It's absolutely unique," Mr. Lambeth said. "Coming to a mall in your town and having everybody showing up. This is very nice. I've never seen anything like it." "I think Bob (Vogelbaugh) is a great guy for having organized this," Mrs. Lambeth said. "The Lord does His work through inspired individuals. Bob is really inspired." With the traveling they do, there is rarely time for the community service they enjoy, and this fit the bill nicely. They showed up, and "we got to sling some potatoes," Mr. Lambeth said. Festivities included balloons and merriment from Zany Janie entertainers, song (a table broke into a spirited singalong of Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline"), laughter, plenty of conversation and a load of good eating, including pie. Lots of pie, constantly offered by servers on the move and smiling, knowing they brought good tidings. So much pie, Dave Corwin could be picky and hold out for rhubarb -- straight rhubarb, like his grandmother made. "The only time I get it is this time of year, out here at this," Mr. Corwin, 60, a native of Rock Island, said. He's a regular at the event. "I have cherry and I have apple," a server offered. And another came by. "I'm looking for rhubarb," he said. He could be patient. He was enjoying himself, and the company around him, an amiable man with a long beard and overalls. "Everybody's welcome here," Mr. Corwin said of the event. "There's no color, no nothing. Everyone's the same." He was asked if he has family in the Quad-Cities. "I do, but I don't," he replied. "It's one of them deals." No need to elaborate, and anyway there was an interruption. "Rhubarb pie?" a server asked. The word must have gotten around, and it was music to Mr. Corwin's ears. Straight rhubarb. "Most everybody makes that strawberry rhubarb anymore," he said. "It ain't as good as just straight rhubarb. When my grandma made it, she made it like that." David Louis, of Moline, rushed by, refilling drinks. His wife, in-laws, kids home for the holiday -- they all came to help out. Their family dinner will be on Saturday. "It's always fun to help out where you can, you know?" Mr. Louis said. Adam Cox, of Clinton, Iowa, brought his daughter, Kairi, 11, to volunteer. They chatted while waiting for Mr. Vogelbaugh to finish a television interview so Kairi could get a photo with him. "We have our own Thanksgiving, and it's nice to help other people to have the same," Kairi said. "I passed out plates as a 'runner,' and we refilled drinks. It's really neat what he (Mr. Vogelbaugh) does." And Mr. Vogelbaugh, for all he does, couldn't get far without being getting hugged and thanked and posing for photos. He praised the turnout -- "I think it's bigger this year, a little over 2,000." "The love is just floating in this air," he said. "It's everybody generating the energy here." This event is something he does not tire of putting together. "Because people are so wonderful. You know what I'm saying?" The Korea Tourism Organization offers a special package tour for Singaporeans tracing their prime minister's trip to the country last December. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited Korea for nine days and visited the mountainous eastern province of Gangwon, including the coastal city of Sokcho and historic Gyeongju. Lee's photographs of his trip on Facebook drew tens of thousands of likes. On Saturday, 240 Singaporeans arrive in Korea to go on the tour, which costs W1.8 million per person (US$1=W1,182). Deangelo Davis, 31, of Detroit is expected to be arraigned at 11 a.m. today on charges of first-degree murder as well as murder of a police officer, felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of felony firearm, according to the Wayne County Prosecutors Office. According to a news release from the prosecutor: On November 22, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. Officer Rose conducted a traffic investigation of Davis who was riding a bicycle in the area of Lincoln and Brainard in Detroit. Officer Rose called for back up at 6:31 p.m. while he was attempting to take Davis into custody. Shortly thereafter, it is alleged that Davis shot Officer Rose in the head and fled on foot from the scene. A Wayne State police officer arrived at the scene at approximately 6:34 p. m. and transported Officer Collins to Detroit Receiving Hospital. Officer Collins was treated and later expired from the wound. Davis was apprehended by the police several hours later and taken into custody. Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in the news release: Universally, Officer Rose was respected, admired, and one that had an excellent work ethic. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Officer Rose. All of us at the Wayne County Prosecutors Office grieve along with the Wayne State University community and the law enforcement community. This case strongly illustrates the dangers that police officers face every minute of every day. Davis is expected to be arraigned in 34th District Court in Romulus. At least 95 people were wounded, some seriously, when a suicide car bomber targeted eight buses at a petrol station Thursday on a highway between the city of Hillah and al-Diwaniyah. Most of the passengers were Shiite Iranian pilgrims travelling from the city of Karbala. The Islamic State extremist Sunni militia claimed responsibility for the attack using the Telegram messaging app. Islamic State considers Shiites to be heretics. On Oct. 17, Iraqi forces, backed by a U.S.-led air alliance, started a long-awaited offensive to retake Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city and the only one still in the hands of Islamic State. By seizing the city, Turkey would plant its firmest foothold yet in Syria. That is already causing frictions with other players in the country's war. Syrian President Bashar Assad's government opposes the Turkish incursion. His military's air defenses have threatened Turkish warplanes, and on Thursday, three Turkish troops were killed outside al-Bab in what the Turkish military said was a Syrian airstrike. At the same time, Turkey's Syrian allies are clashing with Syrian Kurdish fighters, who are another ally of the United States in the war on IS and are currently leading an assault on the Islamic State group's de facto capital Raqqa. Here is a look at why al-Bab is important for Ankara and how it can influence the balance of power in Syria. WHY AL-BAB? For Turkey, capturing al-Bab is key to preventing Syrian Kurds from connecting the stretches of territory they have captured along the border. A contiguous Kurdish-held area in Syria emboldens Turkey's own Kurdish rebels. Ankara views the Kurdish forces on both sides of the border as linked and labels them terrorists. A victory would push IS further from Turkey's border and further squeeze the militants in the city of Raqqa. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey was forced to descend to al-Bab, 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of the Syria-Turkey border, "to prepare a region there that is free of terror." Home to at least 2.7 million Syrian refugees, Turkey is looking to establish a "safe-zone" inside Syria. But Turkey's priority is the Kurds. Erdogan has also vowed to take the nearby town of Manbij, which the Kurds captured from IS this summer after 10 weeks of grueling battles. That victory allowed the Kurdish forces to expand west of the Euphrates River a line Ankara said they must not cross. Al-Bab, Arabic for 'the door', would provide Turkey with a new leverage with its NATO ally, the United States, and strengthen Ankara's influence over Syrian rebels at a time when a new Trump administration in Washington could halt support. ___ THE BATTLEFIELD Al-Bab is sandwiched between three rival forces. Moving from the north and west, Turkish-backed fighters are less than one kilometer (half a mile) away. Kurds are moving in from the east. Syrian troops are stationed to the south. The Islamic State group is ready, erecting a wall around the entire town and its countryside to the south, according to satellite imagery by U.S.-based firm TerraServer shared by intelligence analyst Roa Komar. He said fighting could be as heavy as the battle for Manbij. Some 1,500-3,000 Syrian fighters backed by 300-600 Turkish troops are involved in the three-month-old Turkish incursion into northern Syria, known as Operation Euphrates Shield, according to a Western military official speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. So far they have captured some 1,800 square kilometers (700 square miles), largely sparsely populated rural areas cleared by Turkish artillery and warplanes. Turkey's Syrian allies comprise diverse factions often plagued by infighting, including the ultraconservative Ahrar al-Sham and the U.S.-backed al-Mutassem Brigade. Turkey's ground presence provides the factions with some protection from Russian or Syrian airstrikes, which have pounded rebels elsewhere, said al-Mutassem's chief, Mustafa Sejari, on his Twitter account. At the same time, the Kurds vow to take al-Bab as well, though they are more likely to prove a distraction for Turkey's assault. Kurdish fighters and the Turkish-backed forces are already battling over control of an IS-held village between al-Bab and Manbij. Meanwhile, Turkey is aggressively recruiting among rebels. One opposition faction recently evacuated from Damascus suburb of Darayya to rebel-held northern Idlib is mulling whether to join Turkey's operation. After surviving a four-year government siege, Abu Jamal, leader of Islam Martyrs Brigades, said his estimated 700 fighters are joining other battles in northern Syria to gain new experience. "We have never fought Daesh before," he said, using the Arabic acronym for IS. ___ HOW DOES THE U.S. FEEL ABOUT IT? Nowhere is the U.S.'s often muddled Syria policy more tested than in al-Bab. The U.S. has mainly been trying, with little success, to prevent fighting between its two allies, Turkey and the Kurds. After U.S. Chief of Staff Gen. Roger Dunford visited Ankara in early November, an American military liaison was sent to Turkey for closer coordination on anti-IS operations. Part of that coordination could be over the offensive against Raqqa, said Noah Bonsey, of the Brussels-based International Crisis Group. The offensive has been led by the Kurds, but Washington recognizes the need for a more local Sunni Arab force to eventually capture and control the city with its majority Arab population, Bonsey said. Ankara, which also said it wants to take part in the Raqqa operation, is in a position to help in that. But while focusing on fighting IS, Washington has struggled in playing the bigger power game with Russia, Turkey and other players in Syria. Turkey has grown closer to Russia even as it consolidates the opposition, including ultraconservatives, under its leadership. "The U.S. is going to wake up in 2017 ... to find that Turkey has all the local influence and all the local leverage, and we have exactly none or precious little," said Jennifer Cafarella, a Syria analyst with the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War. ___ THE VIEW FROM MOSCOW AND DAMASCUS Despite Assad's opposition to the Turkish incursion, his ally Moscow appears to be tolerating it in order to further cultivate its warming ties with Ankara. Russia and Turkey have been finding common ground on Syria. Russia's Vladimir Putin and Erdogan have met several times since August, after Ankara apologized for downing a Russian warplane a year ago. Russian and Turkish military chiefs met three times in as many months, and Russian media say Moscow is sharing military intelligence with Ankara. With the better ties, Russia likely aims to exploit Turkey's strains with the West. Turkey, in turn, prevents Moscow from growing closer to the Kurds. Russia could see advantages in the Turkish foray for example, in the city of Aleppo, where Assad's Russian-backed forces are threatening to crush the eastern, rebel-held enclave. Ankara is unlikely to risk its rapprochement with Moscow by sending its allied Syrian factions to rescue the opposition part of the city. Russia, however, must also deal with its ally Assad's opposition to Turkish influence in Syria. Turkey had to briefly halt its airstrikes around al-Bab after Syrian air defenses locked on its warplanes last week. The strikes resumed this week, raising speculation Moscow mediated. Thursday's Turkish casualties could be a sign Damascus views Turkey's advance so close to al-Bab as a step too far. Ankara's account of how the three soldiers died is disputed by Syrian activists, who said they were killed by an Islamic State suicide attack the day before. Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said Damascus "cannot accept having one Turkish soldier remain" in Syria. Almost 50 Illinois counties have filed lawsuits against Democratic Governor, JB Pritzker, and the ill crafted SAFE-T Act. Introduced in the General Assembly by the Illinois Black Caucus, the Act passed the Democratic-led General Assembly in the wee hours of Jan. 13, 2021. Amongst many of its weaknesses and deficiencies, the Act eliminates cash bail, emboldens criminals, and makes it even more difficult for law enforcement to keep offenders off our streets. Public Safety personnel and States Attorneys across our great State have decried the legislation, noting that it was drafted and written with very little constructive input from Public Safety leadership, from either party; potentially impacting every Illinois community with dangerous consequences. Allowing perpetrators to bail out of jail, based on their good word that they will be glad to return to court is laughable, at best, and both ludicrous and dangerous, at worst. Soon after the SAFE-T Act was passed at the State level, the Republican-led Henry County Board drafted a resolution, requesting that the General Assembly repeal and replace the SAFE-T Act with a new criminal justice bill, this time with input from professional law enforcement, States Attorneys from across the State, and other Public Safety officials. We unanimously passed our resolution on May 19, 2022, and encourage all County Boards in Illinois to follow our lead. Our Republican-led Board in Henry County believes we all, Democrats, Independents, and Republicans, deserve effective and fair law enforcement in our communities. "What we are really designing this for is the squeezed middle, the people on average incomes who get $800-$1000 worth of tax relief," said Luxon. 2 hours ago The company is owned by the City of Budapest, enabling the transfer the company and its assets to the government through Hungarian State Railways (MAV), which took over operations on November 24. The original intention was to transfer the company to government ownership by January 1 2017. Services are now specified by NFM, the ministry responsible for transport and annual losses of around Forints 11 billion ($US 37m) are reimbursed to the City of Budapest. Interestingly, BHEV now operates not only the lines H5, H6 and H8/9 which cross the city boundaries, but also Line H7 from Boraros ter to Csepel, which runs entirely within the city. There were previously plans to rebuild Line H7 as a tram line, but this may now not materialise. As a MAV company, BHEV will look at rebuilding the lines and purchasing new rolling stock, should finances (primarily EU funds) allow. McGill station in the city centre would be built directly beneath the existing metro station between Eaton Centre and Place Montreal Trust, while Edouard-Montpetit near the university and hospitals in Cote-de-Neiges will also be built adjacent to an existing metro station, with platforms 70m below street level. CDPQ Infra estimates that the journey time between these two stations could be reduced from around 30 minutes using the existing metro Green, Orange and Blue lines to just three minutes on the REM, while relieving pressure on this section of the Orange Line. A third additional station at Bassin Peel will improve access to Griffintown and Pointe-Saint-Charles. The extra stations will add around $C 400m ($US 296m) to the cost of REM, bringing the overall cost of construction to $C 5.9bn, although they are expected to increase ridership on the network by 15%. CDPQ has committed $C 100 towards the cost of the three stations, taking its total investment in the project to $C 3.1bn, while the province of Quebec and the city of Montreal have each agreed to contribute $C 100m. The remaining $C 100m would come from the federal government. Construction of the 67km REM network is expected to start next year with commercial operations due to begin in 2020. Mayor Koshurnikov charged with abuse of office Context Mayor Koshurnikov implicated in Rusnano embezzlement case appeals detention MOSCOW, November 25 (RAPSI, Diana Gutsul) Denis Koshurnikov, mayor of Pereslavl-Zalessky, implicated in a criminal case on embezzling over one billion rubles ($15.5 million) from state-owned technology corporation Rusnano, has been charged with abuse of office, RAPSI learnt from Russias Investigative Committee on Friday. Two other defendants, NTpharma top managers Yevgeny Sultanov and Rustam Ataullakhanov, have been charged with large scale embezzlement, the statement reads. According to case papers, Rusnano invested over one billion rubles in the construction of NTpharma pharmaceutical complex in Pereslavl-Zalessky, 150 kilometers (85 miles) northeast of Moscow, since 2010. The object had to be completed in September 2012, but the project company repeatedly rescheduled the facility commissioning. Investigators along with the Interior Ministry and Russias Federal Security Service found that construction works at the object had not been conducted for years. However, funds received by NTpharma from Rusnano have been embezzled. Therefore, the facility has not been put into service yet. Investigators believe that in 2011 Sultanov and Ataullakhanov purchased a land plot from a firm belonging to Koshurnikov to give the appearance of handling of work on the project realization. As the acquired plot is located within the national park Pleshcheevo, permit issuing for the construction was inadmissible. However, Koshurnikov, then head of Pereslavl region, gave such permit. Sultanov and Ataullakhanov have been arrested on suspicion of embezzling funds allocated by Rusnano for the pharmaceutical complex construction. On November 18, Sultanov was placed under house arrest; Ataullakhanov was put in detention as well as Koshurnikov. Eleven people detained in Kamchatka on charges of gyrfalcon poaching MOSCOW, November 25 (RAPSI, Diana Gutsul) Eleven alleged members of organized criminal group have been detained in Kamchatka Region of Russia for unlawfully poaching of seventeen gyrfalcons, RAPSI learned from the Investigative Committee on Friday. According to investigators, from June till November of this year members of the organized criminal group caught 17 wild gyrfalcons in Olyutor District of the Kamchatka Region. Birds, listed in the Red Book of endangered species, were then kept in captivity and later released into their natural habitat when the group was busted. Actions of the group, consisting of twelve people, caused 20 million rubles ($307,000) damage to the Russian Federation. Eleven members of the group were charged with illegal capture, keeping, procurement, transportation and trading of especially valuable wild animals and aquatic biological resources which are listed in the Red Book and later said members were detained. Location of the gangs mastermind is being investigated, the statement reads. Detention of Russian man accused of 1991 crimes in Lithuania to be appealed in ECHR MOSCOW, November 25 (RAPSI) Russia intends to file an appeal with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) over detention of Russian national Yuri Mel, who stands charged with implication in January 1991 clashes in Lithuania, official representative of the Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova told journalists on Friday. We will continue active work on defending Mels rights and will use all available lawful methods in line with Russian and international legislation, Zakharova said. She added that Russia is going to focus on trying to bring attention of international organizations to this case as well as filing an appeal with the ECHR. The Vilnius District Court began hearing the case in late January with second phase beginning on October 3. Lithuania's Prosecutor General's Office has declared 65 citizens of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine defendants in the criminal case opened in the aftermath of the clashes. They were charged with war crimes, crimes against humanity, battery, murder, endangering other's wellbeing, as well as unlawful military actions against civilians. On October 17, the Vilnius District Court adopted a decision to question former president of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev as a witness in the case. The case is being considered without personal presence of the most part of the accused persons. The judge said earlier that motions for rendering legal assistance have been forwarded to Prosecutor Generals of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Russia and Belarus refused to cooperate. Only two defendants, Russian nationals Yuri Mel and Gennady Ivanov, are present at the trial. Mel was arrested on Kaliningrad's border with Lithuania on March 12, 2014. Two days later he was placed in detention. The court has repeatedly extended his detention. Prosecutors believe that the man was in a tank that assaulted a TV tower in Vilnius. Mel denied all charges and stated that he executed the governing bodies order on a hair-trigger alert and did not know that they would be sent to the TV tower. He also said that the events which took place and actions of military servants could not be treated by prosecution as crimes against humanity. Ivanov pleaded not guilty as well. Lithuania declared independence from the Soviet Union on March 11, 1990. Moscow denounced the move as illegal and put an economic blockade on the country between April and late June 1990. In January 1991, a series of unauthorized protests swept across Lithuania after which Soviet military forces entered the republic. On the night of January 13, Soviet armored vehicles and tanks rolled into the center of Vilnius. Soviet troops clashed with civilians at a local TV tower, leaving 14 dead and over 600 injured. Security personnel later claimed that the clashes were a result of a provocation, and that the victims were killed by sharpshooters. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate Porterville, CA (93257) Today A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 61F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy with periods of light rain. Low 46F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Interest rates will jump again soon. What you need to know to prepare. Personal Finance 'If errors of judgement have been made, there should be no shame in admitting these.' 'Correct the wrong done immediately.' 'The janata will love the government for admitting its mistake,' Shatrughan Sinha tells Subhash K Jha. The Bharatiya Janata Party's most vocal and, dare one say, fearless leader, Shatrughan Sinha, has done it again. A tweet on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation move by Sinha had to be deleted after it caused an uproar within party circles. But the veteran actor and Bihar's son of the soil remains unapologetic. "I stand by what I said. I had to delete the tweet as it was being construed as a criticism of our beloved and much revered prime minister, the super hero Narendra Modiji." says the MP from Patna. "How many times have I said this? And I say it again. Criticising a party decision -- and that's what I am doing again -- is not a criticism of the prime minister. I maintain the demonetisation policy was well-intended, but very badly executed," he adds. "It seems like a decision implemented in josh (haste) rather than hosh (deliberation)." Sinha's heart bleeds for the hardships demonetisation has caused the common man. "Forget black money, the working class is being denied access to its hard-earned money. You are saying you will get only Rs 2.5 lakhs to conduct a wedding. What can be done with that measly amount of money? Even a decent meal for the baraati (wedding party) costs more. This is not right." "It is easy to say the common man is willing to suffer for the sake of the larger good. But where is the larger good? As a very learned economist said, the Rs 2,000 note may solve the problem of space crunch, but how will it quell the financial crunch?" "People are making jokes about the pink colour of the 2,000 rupee note coming off in their pockets, thereby sparing them the cost of buying colour during Holi. But I don't think this is a joking matter. Today it's the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination that is being discontinued. What if tomorrow the new Rs 2,000 and the new Rs 500 notes are demonetised?" "The scariest part of this hastily implemented decision is that people have lost faith in the government and in the banking service. Today, for the first time in a very long time, the Opposition is united, thanks to demonetisation. And for once what they are saying makes sense." "Our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modiji has been let down by his learned advisors. They have allowed him to act in haste. Now there are attempts to roll back the decision. A case of too little, too late." But all, according to Sinha, is not lost. "Modiji should immediately form a high-powered committee of BJP stalwarts like L K Advaniji, Murli Manoharji, Subramanam Swamyji, Arun Shourieji. The committee should include a top-notch lawyer. It's time to look at demonetisation calmly and sensibly." "If errors of judgement have been made, there should be no shame in admitting these. I maintain the prime minister's decision of demonetisation was well-intended. Its implementation has left much to be desired. Correct the wrong done immediately. The janata will love the government for admitting its mistake." IMAGE: A queue outside a bank in the early hours of the morning in New Delhi. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters The study says the entire supply chain of goods and services will suffer a massive liquidity shock. The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy has estimated Rs 1.28 lakh crore as the cost to the economy during the 50-day period till December 30 by when people may deposit old Rs 500 and 1,000 currency notes with banks. This does not include many indirect costs, such as those from disturbing the supply chain, says the study by its managing director, Mahesh Vyas. These 50 days are a little more than half of the third quarter of the current financial year. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was Rs 34.8 lakh crore in the same quarter of 2015-16. Nominal GDP grew by Rs 2.9 lakh crore during that period, year-on-year. Demonetisation: Take the Pulse of the Nation poll! The highest immediate cost, at Rs 61,500 crore, would be borne by the enterprise sector, says the paper. This covers all businesses that produce goods and services and are involved in the entire supply chain of these -- farmers, input suppliers, transporters, retailers, manufacturers, stockists, distributors, malls and other retail outlets. In comparison, CMIE says the combined sales of 69 fast moving consumer goods companies was Rs 2.7 lakh crore in 2015-16. The study says the entire supply chain of goods and services will suffer a massive liquidity shock. A large part of this chain is cash-based. "This cash-based economy is unable to continue transactions because of the sudden fall in availability of cash. It is unable to meet business and financial obligations, and unable to liquidate stocks and receivables into cash. In fact, it is very busy dealing in converting the old currency it used to conduct business hitherto," says the study. The impact of a broken supply chain would play out over several quarters. It would impact capacity utilisation of manufacturing companies and jobs. Over the medium to long term, investments as well, it says. The immediate impact would be a fall in sales because of a fall in liquidity, with households cutting discretionary consumption spending during the 50-day period. It estimates this fall by using the household consumption expenditure data already available with CMIE. The study also estimates the cost to people standing in a queue to change old currency notes with new ones or to deposit old currency notes into banks or to get new currency notes for use at Rs 15,000 crore. "If people were not to stand in queues, they would be doing some productive work that would help them earn some wages. Since they are forced to stand in queues, they effectively lose wages for the period. This loss is the predominant cost of people standing in queues to exchange old currency notes into new ones," it says. This includes the expenditure on photocopying of identity proofs required for the transactions, though not for incidental cost such as travel. The financial cost cannot take into account the loss in production because these people were in the queues or the pain, irritation and anxieties the individuals suffer. Or the cost to the environment by making photocopies on an estimated 25 million sheets of paper. It pegs the cost to banks at Rs 35,140 crore. "People queueing outside banks to convert their old 500 and 1,000 rupee currency notes into bank savings or into new currency notes are serviced by bank managers, officials and other staff. The pressure of this conversion is so high that the bank can do very little else. To calculate the cost of their work in converting old currency notes, we assume that they spend 95 per cent of their time on this work," it says. Finally, it projects cost to the government and the Reserve Bank to be Rs 16,800 crore. There are at least four kinds of costs in this regard. First, they have to print new currency notes. Second, the cost of transporting the new notes to all bank branches, post offices and ATMs. Third, pay the highway toll agencies, which have been asked to keep their stretches toll-free. Fourth, own costs in terms of human resources and corresponding overheads to manage this mammoth operation, it says. Image: People queueing up outside a bank in Lucknow. Photograph: PTI Photo. 'If Pakistan were to launch surgical strikes, India would not be able to forget it for generations to come,' Pakistan army chief General Raheeel Sharif warned on November 24, days before he retires from office. 'India has to understand that the permanent state of war that exists between India and Pakistan has to be expected,,' says Colonel Anil A Athale (retd). 'The only way to ensure peace or absence of war is to maintain a militarily-dominant position over Pakistan.' IMAGE: Artillery has been put in ready condition at strategic locations to effectively respond to Pakistan if it fired artillery shells. 'For the first time since 2001, heavy artillery is being used and cross-border firing has become routine,' says Colonel Anil A Athale. Photograph: Umar Ganie The Uri attack and in its aftermath cross border operations on September 29, 2016 by the Indian Army have occupied media space for quite some time. The sheer number of uniformed and ignorant comments by the usual suspects has been overwhelming. But, of course, what takes the cake are some comments from across the border. As a knee-jerk reaction, some Pakistanis dubbed the Uri attack as a 'false flag' operation, meaning it was India itself that got 19 of its soldiers killed to 'defame Pakistan' on the eve of the United Nations session! That this kind of comment was made even by a retired Pakistani air marshal is a 'real' cause of concern. This is nothing new. Much earlier, the attack on Parliament in 2001, the massacre of families of soldiers at Kaluchak in 2002 and the 26/11 Mumbai attack were all claimed to be done by Indians themselves, for what else, to 'Defame Pakistan'. To claim that Indian intelligence agencies were responsible for these attacks ignores the reality that in border areas like Jammu and Kashmir, the intelligence agencies are heavily dependent on the army for administrative support. In fact, most of their operatives even live within army garrisons. This is like accusing someone of painting coal with black paint! Pakistan has been acknowledged the world over as the epicentre of terrorism and already stands defamed. Frequent Pakistani assertions that it was India itself that carried out these operations is worrisome as that raises serious doubts about the mental health of a large number of Pakistanis. Pakistan and its media are well known for promoting falsehood. During the 1965 War, the Pakistanis claimed that fighting was going on in New Delhi's Lodhi Road area. In 1971, right till December 15, Pakistan boasted of great victories over India. When the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy attacked and razed oil refineries in Karachi, Pakistani television showed those visuals to claim that they were of Mumbai! In the 1980s, General Zia-ul Haq kept the loss of the Siachin Glacier hidden from the Pakistani public. At Kargil in 1999, to maintain the fiction that the attack involved 'Kashmiri freedom fighters', Pakistan refused to accept the bodies of its Northern Light Infantry soldiers. Pakistan's denial that India carried out 'surgical strikes' inside Pakistan was to be expected as admitting the truth would raise a question mark over the image of invincibility built by the Pakistan army. When the Americans carried out a raid to kill Osama bin Laden in May 2011, the Pakistan army suffered a popular backlash. It was thus natural for the Pakistan army to hide the truth from its people. Some Indians opposed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi were worried that the surgical strikes were giving his government further legitimacy and therefore joined the Pakistani chorus and questioned the veracity of the operations. Some claimed that this was nothing new and even earlier cross-border raids had been carried out. The truth is that this was the first time multiple operations were carried out to specifically target terror launch pads. The operations had a clear strategic aim -- of driving a wedge between the Lashkar-e-Tayiba and the Pakistan army. The earlier cross-border raids were mostly local affairs with the limited aim of extracting revenge for border violations. The strikes were called 'surgical' or 'precision' strikes because they only targeted the terrorists and left the Pakistan army as well civilians alone and avoided any collateral damage. It has been nearly two months since that incident and the tension on the border has increased manifold. For the first time since 2001, heavy artillery is being used and cross-border firing has become routine. Does it mean that the cross-border raids were futile? I think the they had a limited objective of pushing back the terrorist bases further inland. No sane person thought that this would bring about a change in Pakistani behaviour. All those interested in peace must understand that Pakistan is NOT a normal State. It is a 'warrior State' on the lines of Greek Sparta or the ancient Assyrians of present day Iraq. A Pakistani child is brainwashed in school right from his childhood that the highest duty is to fight. Martyrdom is the goal and Pakistan is surrounded by enemies like Hindu India, Jews and Christians. The Pakistani army and its attitude merely reflects this basic trait. The Kashmir dispute is thus a symptom and not the cause. Some years ago in a candid moment, General Pervez Musharraf, the then ruler of Pakistan, had confessed that even if the Kashmir issue is resolved, there would be no peace between India and Pakistan. A majority of Pakistanis are convinced that India is too heterogeneous and will not remain united for long. This belief forms the core of its policies towards India since Ayub Khan's days when he told President John F Kennedy in 1961 that India will soon break up and Pakistan will emerge as the single largest State in the subcontinent. This mindset is reflected in the writings of several Pakistani analysts who mistake the 'noise and din' of Indian democracy for imminent break-up of the country. In their view, even agitations for separate states within the Indian Union are secessionist. Indian's north-east has been largely peaceful for several decades now. Yet one finds many Pakistani writers harking back to Mizo or Naga separatism to convince themselves of impending doom for India. In keeping with its warrior ethos, Pakistan has erected walls of hate around itself. India has to understand that the permanent state of war that exists between India and Pakistan has to be expected. The only way to ensure peace or absence of war is to maintain a militarily-dominant position over Pakistan. Keeping this posture and hitting back hard is the only guarantee to stall future adventurism. Dr Manmohan Singh's government erred when it did not respond to the 26/11 attacks. This only got us many more such attacks, as Pakistan advanced the boundaries of Indian tolerance. In reality, India's forceful response and cross-border raids have actually reduced the chances of nuclear conflagration on the subcontinent by imposing caution on the enemy. The real solution to the Pakistan problem lies within India. Pakistan was created on the premise that Hindus and Muslims cannot live peacefully as part of one State. India has close to 160 million Muslim citizens. Indian Muslims have made great contribution in preserving Indian culture, music, arts and sculpture. By and large, Indian Muslims today acknowledge the fact that they are possibly the safest in India rather than a theocratic Pakistan. The daily bloodbath and sectarian violence there has had its impact on Indian Muslims. However, there are historical irritants that have been permitted to fester and spoil relations between the two communities. Majoritarian moves like the beef ban as well as cases of violence against the minorities going unpunished tarnish India's image. None of these are insurmountable and a cultural and social (not religious) mainstreaming of Muslims can usher in a cooperative relationship that was evolving between the two communities in the 19th century before the British intervened with their divide and rule policy. Peace and a cooperative relationship between two communities in India will falsify the basic foundations of Pakistan and demolish the walls of hate. The political boundaries will remain, like between India and Bangladesh or Nepal, but the only way to tame the 'warrior State' is by destroying the foundations of hate. Neil Prakash, Australias most wanted Islamic State jihadist, has been arrested in Turkey, media reports said on Friday, months after the United States and Australia said the Fijian-Indian-origin man was killed in an American air strike in Iraq this year. The New York Times reported that Prakash, Australias most senior IS recruiter, had been arrested in an unnamed Middle Eastern country. The 25-year-old, who has gone by the name Abu Khaled al-Cambodi since joining IS in 2013, was thought to have been killed in an American air strike in Iraq in July. The senior Islamic State recruiter and terror plot instigator was arrested several weeks ago after Australian authorities contacted Turkey saying they had intelligence he was planning to enter the country, ABC News quoted a Turkish official as saying. Prakash, who was of Fijian-Indian and Cambodian descent, has been a prominent member of Islamic State, and has sought to recruit Australians to carry out attacks. Quoting a senior American official, the Times said that US forces targeted Prakash earlier this year. Though he was wounded, he survived. In the last few weeks, however, a Middle Eastern government arrested Mr. Prakash, another senior American military official was quoted as saying. Prakash handed himself to Turkish authorities several weeks ago, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said. Australias justice minister, Michael Keenan, declined to comment on the new report on Prakash, but conceded that the governments ability to confirm reports of deaths in Syria or Iraq was limited. As a matter of longstanding practice, the Australian government does not comment on matters of intelligence or law enforcement operations, Keenan said. The government reported Prakashs death in May on the basis of advice from the US government that he had been killed in an airstrike. He said, There have been people who have been reported dead and are later found to be alive. Prakash entered strife-torn Syria in 2013 and has been the public face of a number of Islamic States propaganda videos. He grew up in Melbourne and converted to Islam in 2012. He attended the now-closed al-Furqan Islamic Centre. In August 2015, the Australian federal police issued a first instance warrant for Prakashs arrest, which is still valid. Prakash was believed to have had links to numerous plots in Australia, including a knife attack by an 18-year-old against two policemen in Melbourne and foiled plans to attack police both last year and this year on Anzac Day, Australias memorial day for fallen soldiers. According to media reports, Prakash converted from Buddhism to Islam in 2012 after a visit to Cambodia, when he was repulsed by what he viewed as Buddhisms commercialism and idolatry. He attended meetings at Al-Furqan bookstore and prayer centre in Melbourne before becoming a jihadist. The opposition stated that BJP party members converted their black money by purchasing eight land parcels worth Rs 3.41 crore in Bihar in the run up to the notes ban. Mounting a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress on Friday said leakage of demonetisation decision had helped Bharatiya Janata Party leaders buy property by converting their black money through various means a few months before it was announced. Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge accused the prime minister of selective leakage of demonetisation move to his own party men, who converted their black money through property and other avenues. This shows who are the real supporters of black money, he told reporters outside Parliament House. Kharge said democracy functions through discussion and asked the prime minister to participate in the debate in Parliament on the issue if he believed in democratic values. If the prime minister believes in democracy, he should come to Parliament and participate in the debate and answer the concerns raised by the opposition on the demonetisation issue. You think you are a samrat (king) and the country runs on the diktat of the samrat. Instead of speaking outside, you should come to Parliament and speak, he said. On the prime minister not speaking inside Parliament, he said, If he speaks like this, he knows he could face privilege and contempt. -- WAR ON BIG NOTES Terming demonetisation as the biggest scam, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also accused Modi of leaking the demonetisation move to top BJP leaders, alleging they bought land using their black money. The party released a list of some BJP leaders who allegedly bought eight land parcels worth Rs 3.41 crore in Bihar in the run up to the November 8 demonetisation move. Surjewala, flanked by Congress spokespersons Rajiv Gowda and Sushmita Dev, alleged that post expose of deposit of money in bank accounts of BJP leaders just before the demonetisation, documents now prove that BJP leaders bought the land. Modijis mask of fighting black money is off. Stop mocking the people of India and Parliament and look in the mirror. Make all BJP accounts public and tell the details of all property purchased by BJP leaders over the last one year and the truth of demonetisation scam will be out, he said. Layers of demonetisation scam are getting unearthed by the day as a series of BJP transactions get exposed. Demonetisation is emerging as the biggest scam that needs to be probed through JPC and responsibility fixed, Surjewala said. Hitting out at those accusing the government of not being prepared for demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said they are actually pained that they themselves did not get time to make any preparation. Had these people got even 72 hours, they would have lavished praise, he said a day after the opposition launched a massive attack on the government over the issue. Speaking at a book launch event in Delhi, Modi said there has been little criticism of the demonetisation decision. "But still some people are criticising saying that the government did not make ample preparation. I think that is not the issue that the government did not make ample preparation. I think the pain of such people is that the government did not not give a chance to make any preparation," Modi said. "If these people had got 72 hours to make their preparation then they would have lavished praise that there is no one like Modi," he stressed. The Prime Minister observed that these days the country is fighting a big battle against corruption and black money and the ordinary citizen is the "soldier" in this fight. In the last 70 years those who have misused the laws and Constitution have mired the country in corruption, he said. Noting that India's name features prominently in global corruption surveys which is not something to be proud of, he said, "To hold the nation's head high some decisions have to be taken." The prime minister's comments come in the backdrop of opposition attack in Parliament on demonetisation with former PM Manmohan Singh saying the step was "a case of organised loot and legalised plunder" and reflected a "monumental management failure". Pushing for digital transactions, Modi said, "Everyone has right to use his or her money and no one stops them. It is not necessary you should have cash as one can spend using digital technology also." Shopping through mobile is simple just like sending a whatsapp message, he said "We should promote use of technology in transaction to bring transparency," he said, adding around 500 cities can do this in a short duration. He said the municipal corporations have collected Rs 13000 crore tax after demonetisation. "I got details about municipal corporations in some cities. Earlier they used to get Rs 3000-3500 crore tax and after November 8 they have collected Rs 13000 crore tax. This money will be used for development like construction of roads and electricity supply," the prime minister said. Speaking at the release of two books -- Updated Edition of Constitution of India and Making of the Constitution -- Modi said it is important to be connected with the "spirit of the Constitution" rather then just being aware of its various articles. The Prime Minister also emphasised on the importance of the younger generation having a "connect" with the Constitution and its ideals. He said when the Constitution is read again, it is in the present context and a "progressive unfoldment" takes place. Mumbai's museum is no longer a mere showcase for objects of history, but an active agent in prolonging its life, reports Ranjita Ganesan. IMAGE: The ConservArt project to restore historical Indian artefacts is on at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. Photograph: Satish BodasRediff.com For some years now, unbeknownst to the public, a 'hospital' has existed within the confines of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. The treatment provided at the museum art conservation centre, however, is for centuries-old paintings and artifacts. The museum has now put on display 50 such recently restored objects, along with a behind-the-scenes explainer on the process of their revival. Some 150 pieces of art are being conserved as part of a project called ConservArt, for which the Sangrahalaya has collaborated with Citi India, and this is the first of several events planned. The expectation is that visitors will get an understanding of the nuances and principals of art conservation. IMAGE: An Ashokan edict is being cleaned. Photograph: Kind courtesy Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya The exhibition, curated by Anupam Sah, who heads the conservation centre, throws light on topics including how laser beams and X-rays are used in restoration. These allow for deeper scientific engagement with the historical objects. Among the artifacts being cared for are miniature paintings, an Ashokan edict, personal armour of Emperor Akbar, ancient Nepalese tangkhas, rare Tibetan bronze statuettes, terracotta from the Indus Valley and copies of Ajanta murals. The Ashokan edict in basalt, discovered in Nalla Sopara, a township near Mumbai, has engravings in Brahmi which talk of fair treatment of slaves and servants, and non-violence towards living creatures. The 2,250-year-old stone, which had developed cracks, was protected using an iron clamp around it and was treated in tannic acid to prevent rusting. Centuries of dirt from a Buddha head -- a 1,500-year old stucco work from the Gandhara region -- was weakened and eased out using measured pulses of laser. IMAGE: The surface grime is being removed from the head of a Buddha. Photograph: Kind courtesy Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Another highlight of the selection is a 200-year-old cloth that forms the base for an ancient version of 'snakes and ladders.' As it was stored in a folded state, the object had separated into rectangular pieces. Although someone had pasted them together, the joints were misaligned. The traces of old adhesive have been removed and the fragments realigned and pasted on a new base. Just as in medical set-ups, X-rays have helped in forming restoration plans. They give a clearer view of the damage and structural details of an object. Another piece of clinical equipment was useful when handling fragile paintings. The slightest touch of a brush could disintegrate it, but a nebuliser created a cold mist that fixed the paintings without damage. IMAGE: Removal of surface deposits from a Maitreya Buddha. Photograph: Kind courtesy Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya The team never 'cleans' an art object, only dislodging as much grime as is needed to balance its visual appeal and save it from further deterioration. Interestingly, the show also talks about how acts of restoration can be systematically altered years later should the need arise -- something conservators call the 'principle of reversibility.' Treatment reports record what materials were used and how they were applied, which a trained conservator can use to undo an intervention. IMAGE: Replacement of loose metal threads in a tapestry. Photograph: Kind courtesy Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya The museum today is no longer a mere showcase for objects of history, but an active agent in prolonging its life. On request, the Sangrahalaya will offer guided walkthroughs with the curator. The sixth chapter of the Joint Military Training Exercise Hand in Hand between India and China are ongoing in Pune in Maharashtra with a focus on transnational terrorism and counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban scenarios. The exercise which began on November 17 will end on November 27. Here are some glimpses from the joint exercise. The exercise aims to build trust and confidence between the armies. Seen in the photo are soldiers praticising their shooting skills. The exercise consists of the conduct of basic training which includes combat conditioning, firing of personal weapons, support weapons, house clearing, cordon and search and humanitarian and disaster relief. Troops from the 13 Group Army, Chengdu Military Region comprising of one infantry company along with the support staff participated along side Indian troops during the exercise. Other than training and firing of weapons, soldiers from the Indian Army also familarised their Chinese counterparts with the weapons used. The Indian and Chinese contingents at the opening ceremony of Exercise Hand in Hand 2016 at Aundh Military Camp, Pune. Major General YK Joshi and Major Generak Wang Haijiang of PLA at the opening ceremony of Exercise Hand in Hand 2016. The exercise will send a strong signal to the world that both India and China understand the emerging threat of transnational terrorism and stand shoulder to shoulder united in countering the menace. This is the sixth round of exercise between both the armies. The first drill was held in southwest Chinas YunnanProvince in 2007, followed by drills in Belgaum in Karnataka in 2008. The third round was held in southwest Chinas Sichuan in 2013, followed by the fourth in Pune in 2014 and the fifth at the Kunming Military Academy at YunnanProvince in China. All photographs: Indian Army Friday congregational prayers were on Friday allowed at the historic Jamia Masjid for the first time since unrest began in Kashmir in the aftermath of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wanis killing in an encounter with security forces in July. The Friday congregational prayers were allowed at Jamia Masjid after 19 weeks. However, the attendance of devotees was thin as the people from adjoining localities only were not able to reach the grand mosque due to non-availability of public transport in view of the strike. The congregational prayers were last offered at the mosque on July 8, the day Wani was killed, as authorities apprehended law and order problems after the weekly prayers. No Eid prayers were offered at the grand mosque for the first time in nearly two centuries, as the last time it was closed was in 1821. However, with the improvement in the situation, the prayers were allowed on Friday. Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, who usually delivers sermon before the Friday prayers, was under house arrest and not allowed to visit the mosque. Immediately after the culmination of the prayers, a group of youth assembled outside and took out a march towards Rajouri Kadal but were intercepted by the security forces, leading to clashes, a police official said. There were no reports of any casualties in the clashes so far, he said. Image: The last Friday prayers were last offered at the mosque on July 8, the day Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed. Photograph: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com In what could have been a major security breach, Lok Sabha on Friday witnessed commotion after a man sitting in the visitor's gallery tried to jump over the railings into the House chamber as security personnel promptly overpowered him before whisking him away. The unprecedented incident happened soon after the proceedings were adjourned at 1120 hours amid vociferous protests by the opposition over the demonetisation issue. Later when the House reassembled at noon, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan identified the man as Rakesh Singh Baghel from Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh. Mentioning the incident, she said the man tried to jump into the House and that the Parliament security personnel overpowered him. "He may be released with a warning after enquiry," Mahajan said and hoped that the House agreed with it. In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said they are in agreement. Soon after mentioning about the incident at around 1240 hours, the speaker adjourned the House for the day as opposition parties continued their protests. Earlier, the House was adjourned for nearly 40 minutes after convening for the day. As members started leaving, an opposition member, who had earlier trooped into the Well, pointed out that security personnel in the visitors' gallery were grappling with a person whose right foot was hanging from the wooden railings. Baghel was caught and lifted up by about 4-5 alert personnel. It then transpired that he had tried to jump into the Lok Sabha chamber. He was caught and then bundled out. The other visitors were then guided out of the gallery which is right opposite the press enclosure. Had he succeeded in his attempt, he would have landed on the Treasury benches. Delhi Police personnel in plain clothes are usually seated in the front rows of the visitors' gallery to prevent such incidents. While the speaker had left, the prime minister was not in the House. Senior ministers including Arun Jaitley and leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav were in the House when the incident took place. There's just a day left before one can submit their old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes in banks as per Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation scheme. Take our poll here and let the government and India know what you think of demonetisation and its current aftermath. UN chief welcomes new peace deal between Colombian Government and FARC-EP Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 24 November 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN chief welcomes new peace deal between Colombian Government and FARC-EP, 24 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58383c5940c.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 24 November 2016 - Welcoming the signing today of the new peace agreement between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP), United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed the hope that Colombians will "come together at this time to move the peace process forward." "[The Secretary-General] commends the parties for their determination to bring this long-standing conflict to an end. He congratulates all who participated constructively in the dialogue that led to the new agreement," said a statement issued this evening by a UN spokesperson, which noted that the new deal had been reached following broad consultations with political and social sectors. Voters rejected the previous accord through a referendum in early October. The Secretary-General believes it is essential to move now to implementation, the statement continued, noting that the violent incidents that have taken place recently in conflict-affected areas underscore the relevance of many of the commitments contained in the agreement and the urgency of putting them into effect. Expressing hopes that Colombians will come together at this time to move the peace process forward, Mr. Ban, through the statement, reiterated the commitment of the United Nations to provide all necessary support, both through the United Nations Mission in Colombia and through the relevant UN agencies, funds and programmes. In early October, Colombian voters narrowly rejected the historic peace accord between the Government and the FARC-EP, the main opposition group, meant to end the Western Hemisphere's longest running conflict. That deal was the culmination of four years of talks hosted in Havana, Cuba, between the two sides, and which led to a cessation of hostilities and agreements on key issues such as political participation, land rights, illicit drugs and victims' rights and transitional justice. The two sides vowed to press ahead on a deal, and on 1 November, the UN Security Council sent a letter to the Secretary General authorizing the UN Mission in Colombia to verify the ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, following a request from the Government and FARC-EP. Other functions include organizing operational aspects of the joint ceasefire Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, formed by the Government of Colombia, FARC-EP and coordinated by the UN Mission. It also entails visiting FARC-EP camps and Public Force units to ensure compliance with the ceasefire and cessation of hostilities. The UN Mission will also liaise with local populations to ensure that their rights are being respected. Ban 'deeply concerned' about deteriorating situation along 'Line of Control' in Kashmir Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 24 November 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Ban 'deeply concerned' about deteriorating situation along 'Line of Control' in Kashmir, 24 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58383c8440d.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 24 November 2016 - Deeply concerned about the deterioration of the situation along the Line of Control in Kashmir in recent days, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on all involved to prioritize the restoration of calm and stability in order to prevent any further escalation and loss of life. The Secretary-General trusts that the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan can find common ground and work towards a sustainable peace, said a statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson. The United Nations stands by the people of the region and supports all efforts to reach durable peace and security, the statement concluded. According to media reports, shelling and gunfire intensified along the Line of Control yesterday. The UN has long maintained an institutional presence in the contested area between India and Pakistan. According to the Security Council mandate given in resolution 307 of 1971, the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) observes and reports on ceasefire violations along and across the Line of Control and the working boundary between the South Asian neighbours in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as reports developments that could lead to ceasefire violations. UNMOGIP currently comprises 41 military observers and a number of civilian staff members. Refugees are in urgent need of protection from sexual and gender-based violence Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 25 November 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Refugees are in urgent need of protection from sexual and gender-based violence, 25 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58383d0e4.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. There is an urgent need for governments around the world to provide better protection for women and girls, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) refugees, who face appalling levels of sexual and gender based violence at every stage of their journeys, Amnesty International said today as an international campaign, 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, was launched. "Imagine living in a refugee camp where you are too scared to go the toilet, or being subjected to sexual harassment on a daily basis in your host community because of your gender or identity. This is the terrifying reality for hundreds of thousands of women and girls and LGBTI refugees around the world, and the shameful inaction of wealthy governments is prolonging it," said Catherine Murphy, Acting Director of the Gender, Sexuality and Identity Programme at Amnesty International. "To mark the beginning of the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, we are urging governments around the world to implement their legal obligations to eliminate gender based violence. This means taking targeted measures like ensuring that police provide a safe and confidential environment for refugees to report incidents of gender based violence. "It is also vital that governments around the world do more to share responsibility for protecting refugees by significantly increasing the number of resettlement places made available for refugees most in need of protection. The poverty and insecurity in which many refugees find themselves in countries like Lebanon and Libya heightens the risk of sexual exploitation and gender based violence." The annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based violence is a global campaign, coordinated by the Center for Women's Global Leadership, to raise awareness about violence against women and girls, and is an opportunity to show international solidarity in the fight to end violence against women. Refugees and migrants in transit are at high risk of abuse, including violence and human trafficking. Women, girls and LGBTI individuals face specific threats such as sexual harassment, rape and other forms of gender based violence, underscoring the urgent need for safe and legal routes. In 2016 women refugees and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa who had passed through Libya told Amnesty International that rape was so commonplace along the smuggling routes that they took contraceptive pills whilst travelling to avoid becoming pregnant as a result of it. Gender based violence is also increasingly becoming a "push" factor for women and LGTBI individuals, forcing them to flee their places of origin and seek protection in other countries. Patricia* [pseudonym] a 32-year-old trans woman, told Amnesty International about the harassment and persecution she experienced in El Salvador: "Police officers followed me around, extorting money from me, harassing me and beating me up. They said they did not like me because of 'who I am'. I was threatened by gangs as well - each month they charged me 'rent' but I was not able to pay it all. I believe I was threatened because of discrimination or homophobia, because of who I am. I had thought about going to the authorities but I realized that they were the same people who were harassing me." Fearing for her safety, Patricia decided to travel to Mexico, but was deported after several months, during which time she was beaten and robbed twice. Amnesty International has highlighted how women and girls and LGBTI refugees from Central America's Northern Triangle countries (Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras) fleeing high levels of violence are at risk of gender-based violence both in their countries of origin and while in transit. Host countries like Mexico are not offering them adequate protection: in 2015 98% of people from Central America detained by Mexican authorities as irregular migrants were sent back to their countries of origin. Lack of legal protections All over the world, refugee women and girls without regular papers find they are faced with a stark choice between letting crimes committed against them go unreported, or reporting the crime and risking detention, deportation, and penalisation, for lacking valid residence permits. Maryam* [pseudonym], a Syrian woman from Homs who arrived in Lebanon in 2013, told Amnesty International that police officers would often stop by the house she rented with female relatives, threatening to imprison them if they did not "go out" with the police officers. She said: "Harassment of [refugee women] is a very big problem in Lebanon, whether I'm single or married, I'm always harassed. It's why we're afraid for our children. I have a daughter who is 16 and I'm afraid to send her even to the closest shop." Solidarity with the Yezidi women in Greece This year Amnesty International is calling on its supporters to send messages of solidarity to a group of Yezidi women from Northern Iraq who were forced to flee in August 2014 when the armed group calling itself Islamic State (IS) swept through the region in a systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing. They were left stranded in Greece in dire conditions. For more than five months the women stayed in Nea Kavala camp where conditions are appalling with poor lighting, a lack of safe or separate toilets and showers, and no mechanisms to report sexual harassment. They felt very unsafe and formed a 'protection circle' to look after each other in the absence of any state protection in the camp. The women have since moved to another camp. "Greece and other countries hosting refugees must act urgently to improve the reception conditions of refugees stranded in the country, including adequate measures to ensure the safety of refugee women and girls," said Catherine Murphy. "At an absolute minimum, this means ensuring that safe, toilet facilities and sleeping areas are provided for women and girls, and LGBTI refugees, as well as ensuring access to services and healthcare for those who have suffered gender based violence." Send a solidarity message to the Yezidi Sisterhood and show them that they are not alone. Background Gender based violence is violence committed against a person because of their gender. This includes violence against women and girls but also violence targeted towards individuals on the basis of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity/expression and also men who may be targeted due to discriminatory attitudes about what constitutes 'masculinity'. 2015 was a record-breaking year for forced displacement. Approximately 10.5 million women and girl refugees were recorded at the end of the year. Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Egypt's Draft NGO Law Dismantles Civil Society Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 25 November 2016 Reference MDE 12/5220/2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Egypt's Draft NGO Law Dismantles Civil Society, 25 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58383e994.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Sixty organisations call on the Egyptian government to cease silencing civil society, and to allow NGOs to conduct their mandates within Egypt's constitutional framework and in full respect of its international legal commitments to freedom of association. We, the undersigned civil society organisations unequivocally condemn the law on civic associations (non-governmental organisations) adopted by Egypt's Parliament on 15 November 2016. The Parliament has debated and approved the bill in its entirety in record time, and referred it to the State Council for legal review (non-binding on the Parliament in this case). If implemented, it will effectively mean the end of Egypt's human rights movement, and will wipe out independent civil society in the country as a whole by setting NGOs firmly under control of the government and security establishment. The Egyptian authorities have already taken serious measures to eliminate Egyptian civil society organisations with the reopening of the foreign funding case against NGOs (no. 173/2011), through which a raft of legal measures have served to harass and silence the human rights movement. Including IFEX members the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) and the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), four respected rights organisations and 6 prominent NGO directors/board members have been subjected to asset freezes, at least 15 leading Egyptian human rights defenders have been subjected to travel bans since December 2014, and many NGO staff and directors have been summoned for interrogation by investigative judges. This latest draft law violates the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of association in multiple ways-though Egypt pledged to uphold it by ratifying the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR), and other international rights commitments, including acceptance of recommendations following its UPR at the UNHRC in 2015. The text also provides for an entity known as the National Agency for the Regulation of Foreign NGOs, to be formed by presidential decree from representatives of three security bodies which will determine all matters related to NGO funding, the registration and affairs of international NGOs, and cooperation between Egyptian associations and any foreign body. Applications to this Agency are to be considered denied if a response is not received within 2 months-in violation of Egypt's Constitution, that guarantees civic associations' "right to practice their activities freely, and administrative agencies may not interfere in their affairs or dissolve them, or dissolve their boards of directors or boards of trustees, except by a court judgment" (article 75). In order to register as an NGO, organisations must pay 10,000 Egyptian Pounds (article 8), and will not be able to receive funding before registration is complete. The provision is reinforced by the prohibition of opening a bank account without a letter from the authorities to this effect. Foreign NGOs are to pay up to 300,000 EGP to register for 3 years-with a 20% increase for each renewal. People working for an unregistered NGO could face up to 5 years' imprisonment. This draft NGO law effectively prohibits Egyptian human rights NGOs from registering and working in Egypt in several ways, setting vaguely-phrased limitations to permissible NGO activities. It stipulates that civic work shall take place in the fields of development and social welfare-and that must be done "according to the State's plans and its developmental needs and priorities." Egyptian and international NGOs would be forbidden to advocate against any law or its implementation, as well as to carry out "political activities" or any that "harm national security, public order, public morals or public health." They would be prohibited from conducting public surveys, research or reports without permission and approval of the results of such work from the authorities prior to publication (articles 14, 87). Also problematic is that the law makes individuals managing NGOs criminally responsible for a range of administrative infractions. Cooperating with any international body-even the UN- without government approval is to be punishable by 5 years' imprisonment and heavy fines (up to 1,000,000 EGP). It also allows for harsher penalties defined in Egyptian legislation referring to the Penal Code or "any other law" (article 86). The law stipulates that Board members of NGOs found guilty of receiving foreign funding without government permission are to be treated as public servants according to the Illicit Gains law, which raises the penalties they may incur from life imprisonment to the death sentence. The text gives the authorities the power to intervene in numerous aspects of the work and administration of NGOs: they may oppose internal resolutions or nominations to NGO Boards of directors, the moving of their premises or the opening of new offices (articles 34, 42, 88). Finally, this law would also allow for the elimination of independent civil society organisations focused on development, charitable activities and social services. As Egypt is facing a worsening socioeconomic crisis, this law would make it nearly impossible for local development associations across the country to function and provide sorely needed services to rural populations. In light of the severity of the restrictions imposed by this law, we, the undersigned organisations, call on Egypt's President Abdelfattah al-Sisi to not ratify and enact this law. Any new NGO law to replace Law 84/2002 on civic associations must be developed through a sincere and open dialogue with all stakeholders-including established and independent human rights organisations-about the role and status of civil society, strictly within Egypt's constitutional framework and in full respect of its international legal commitments to the freedom of association. We also call on the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to take a clear and public position regarding this bill, which is in violation of Egypt's international legal obligations. Signed, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies ActiveWatch - Media Monitoring Agency Africa Freedom of Information Centre Albanian Media Institute Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain Arabic Network for Human Rights Information ARTICLE 19 Association for Civil Rights Association for Media Development in South Sudan Cambodian Center for Human Rights Canadian Journalists for Free Expression Child Rights International Network Freedom Forum Free Media Movement Gulf Centre for Human Rights Human Rights Network for Journalists - Uganda I'lam Arab Center for Media Freedom Development and Research Independent Journalism Center - Moldova Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety Institute for the Studies on Free Flow of Information Instituto Prensa y Sociedad de Venezuela International Press Centre International Press Institute Journaliste en danger Maharat Foundation MARCH Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance Media Institute of Southern Africa Media Watch National Union of Somali Journalists Norwegian PEN Observatorio Latinoamericano para la Libertad de Expresion - OLA OpenMedia Pacific Islands News Association Pakistan Press Foundation PEN American Center Privacy International Reporters Without Borders Social Media Exchange - SMEX South East European Network for Professionalization of Media Amnesty International Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) Asian Legal Resource Centre Associazione Ricreativa e Culturale Italiana (ARCI) Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) Conectas Direitos Humanos (Brazil) EuroMed Rights DefendDefenders (East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project) Front Line Defenders Global Civil Society Alliance, CIVICUS Human Rights First International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) Pan African HRDs Network Project for Middle East Democracy (POMED) Solidar The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) The Center for Legal and Social Studies (CELS) The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP) World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) and International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Morocco: Convictions Based on Tainted 'Confessions' Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 21 November 2016 Reference MDE 29/5189/2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Morocco: Convictions Based on Tainted 'Confessions' , 21 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5838414f4.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Moroccan courts recently sentenced two French citizens in unrelated cases to prison based largely on "confessions" written in Arabic, which they cannot read, Human Rights Watch, FIDH (the International Federation for Human Rights), and Amnesty International said today. Both defendants repudiated the confessions once they learned their contents. The cases illustrate a pattern of Moroccan courts, well-documented by the three organizations, of relying on police statements as proof of guilt. The courts frequently ignore or hastily reject defense arguments that the police used questionable methods to obtain the statements and falsify their contents. "In Morocco, even if the police prevent you from reading your 'confession' or type it in a language you don't understand - once you sign, you're basically on an express train to prison," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. Police detained and questioned both Thomas Gallay, 36, and Manuel Broustail, 32, in French without a lawyer present, and then had each sign the purported minutes of their respective statements in Arabic, also without a lawyer present. In separate trials, a Rabat court sentenced Gallay to six years in prison and Broustail to four years, both on terrorismrelated charges. Each has appealed. The appeals trial of Gallay and his co-defendants is scheduled before the Rabat Court of Appeals on November 23, 2016. Both men said the police used pressure and deceit to persuade them to sign the statements, their lawyers told Human Rights Watch. Gallay said police agents read back to him in French what he had actually said to them, and assured him that the document was merely administrative paperwork he had to sign before they released him. Throughout Gallay's 12-day pre-arraignment detention following his arrest on February 18, 2016, the police did not tell him what he was accused of, and said they were questioning him about an acquaintance, said his lawyer, Abderrahim Jamai, who is based in Kenitra. Broustail told his lawyer, Abdelaziz Nouaydi, that the police told him in French that the typed Arabic statement contained harmless details about his identity, personal, and professional life - and promised to release him once he signed. He said that the police slapped him several times when questioning him. Each man professed shock, after his lawyer later translated the statement into French, that they had signed a detailed, self-incriminating statement, the lawyer for each man said. Gallay, who until his arrest worked remotely from Essaouira for a French firm as a microelectronic engineer, repudiated the contents of the statement in front of the investigating judge hearing the case. He denied assertions in the statement that he had any connection to Islamic State (also known as ISIS) or to any terrorist activity and that he had ever converted to Islam. The investigating judge nevertheless sent Gallay for trial on charges related to forming a terrorist group, along with eight Moroccan co-defendants. A minor, also charged in the case, was tried separately. Gallay maintains that he knew one casually, had met two others very occasionally, and had never met any of the six others, his family said. The First Instance Criminal Chamber of the Rabat Court of Appeals, the chamber that hears terrorism-related cases, found him guilty, on July 14, of financially aiding persons aiming to commit terrorist acts, holding unauthorized public meetings, and organizing activities within an unrecognized association. The court sentenced all of his co-defendants to terms of between four and 18 years. The court's written judgment showed that it based the verdict against Gallay largely on his own purported confessions and on police statements in which the co-defendants implicated one another. The judgment does not reflect the language issue or his recantation other than to say, "he was free to sign or not to sign; and if not free, the burden was on him to prove it." Seven of the co-defendants also disavowed their statements at the trial while the eighth stated that he had no information linking Gallay to armed groups or activities. Gallay, who his family says has no prior criminal record in any country, is in Sale prison. On October 14, Human Rights Watch and FIDH sent a letter to Moroccan authorities expressing their concerns about the trial, but have received no response. Manuel Broustail, a former French soldier who had converted to Islam, was moving his family from Angers, France, to Sefrou, Morocco, when police arrested him upon his arrival at Fez airport on March 6. He had spent about two months under house arrest in Angers under a French Interior Ministry order after the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris. Moroccan police searched Broustail's luggage, as well as the home he had recently purchased in Sefrou, and seized a number of knives and two non-lethal air guns. They held him for 12 days in pre-arraignment detention, with no contact with a lawyer. The police statement in Arabic that Broustail signed said he was an explosives expert who was leading a group of extremists in Angers, had praised the Paris attacks, was planning terrorist acts against French interests, and had failed to inform French authorities upon learning that an acquaintance was planning an attack on a police station. Broustail also "confessed" that the seized knives and air guns were for training purposes and that he had uploaded extremist material onto his computer, which police also seized. After he saw a translation of his confession, Broustail categorically repudiated it during a hearing before the investigating judge on March 18, his lawyer said. Broustail said that he was a pious Muslim, but denied being an explosives expert or having any connection to terrorist groups, and said that the knives and air guns were relics of his army service, for household use, and not for any terrorist purpose. He denied uploading extremist content onto his computer but acknowledged that a friend may have done so. The investigating judge, in his report sending Broustail for trial, did not address his allegation that the police had deceived and pressured him into signing the statement. He wrote that Broustail's effort to disavow it was no more than an attempt to evade culpability. The Rabat Court of Appeals tried Broustail alone and convicted him on October 20. The prosecution based its case solely on his repudiated "confession" and the materials seized. The court sentenced him to four years in prison on charges of forming a gang to prepare and commit terrorist acts; possessing illegal arms in the framework of a collective plan to grievously harm the public order; praising terrorism, and failing to denounce a terrorist offense. The court has not yet issued its written judgment. Broustail has filed an appeal but no date has been set. He is in Tifelt 2 prison. Morocco's Code of Criminal Procedure guarantees the right of anyone accused of a criminal charge to consult a lawyer within the first 24 hours of custody, or within the first six days in terrorism cases under certain conditions. However, Moroccan legislation does not give the defendant the right to have a lawyer present during the police interrogation or when the statement is presented for signature. "Morocco is obligated to ensure that the right to a fair trial is guaranteed in practice as well as in theory," said Dimitris Christopoulos, president of FIDH. "The effective protection of a range of other civil liberties very much depends on whether the Moroccan government enhances safeguards in the justice system and halts systematic fair-trail violations." Additional Details of the Thomas Gallay case Police arrested Gallay, who holds French and Swiss citizenship, on February 18, 2016, in Essaouira, where he lives, and took him to Rabat. Gallay's family said that the police did not inform him of the charges he faced. This would violate the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), article 9(2) and the Moroccan constitution, article 23, which states, "any person who is detained must be immediately informed, in a manner that is understandable to him, of the reasons for his detention." His family said that police who arrested him gave him no information, while personnel who placed him in pretrial detention said he was not under suspicion but was needed for the investigation into a co-defendant, M.L. In pre-arraignment detention, he signed two statements in which he "confessed" to converting to Islam, supporting ISIS and giving money to a co-defendant who he knew supported ISIS, and organizing meetings with the same co-defendant and others at his home. Gallay signed the more detailed and self-incriminating statement on February 19, before he had access to his lawyer. Gallay's family said that, contrary to what the police minutes state, Gallay was unable to notify them of his arrest. This would violate Morocco's Code of Criminal Procedure, which states in article 67 that "the judiciary police officer must notify the family of the detainee as soon as a decision is taken to place him in garde a vue." Gallay learned the contents of the police statements only when he went to court. He immediately repudiated them, his lawyer said, denying all of the assertions. Abderrahim Jamai, Gallay's lawyer, said that during both the investigative phase and the trial, he unsuccessfully challenged the admissibility of Gallay's police statements and asked the court to summon the agents who interrogated his client to testify. The court in its written judgment stated that it heard no reason that would warrant suppressing those statements, citing article 290 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which provides that in misdemeanor offenses leading to prison sentences of under five years, statements prepared by the police are to be deemed trustworthy in the absence of proof showing the opposite. The court convicted Gallay on three charges: 1. Financially assisting persons for the commission of terrorist acts (articles 218-1 (para. 9), 218-6 and 218-7 of Law 03-03 of May 28, 2003 on Combating Terrorism); 2. Holding public meetings without prior authorization (articles 3 and 9 of Law n 1- 58-377 of November 15, 1958 on Public Gatherings); and 3. Conducting activities inside an unauthorized association (articles 5 and 6 of Law n 1-58-376 of November 15, 1958 on the Right of Association). The court sentenced Gallay to six years in prison, and expulsion from Morocco upon completing his prison term. He has been detained since his arrest, the court having rejected motions to provisionally release him before trial. The other defendants in the case received between four and 18 years in prison. At trial, all of the defendants except M.L, who was represented by a pro bono counsel and received by far the longest sentence (18 years), recanted their statements to the police. At trial, M.L. contested parts of his police statement, including where he linked Gallay to terror-related activities. Defendant Mohamed Masbouqi had no lawyer present when police questioned him or handed him his statement to sign, his lawyer, Ali Amar, told Human Rights Watch. Masbouqi signed without reading it because the police assured him they would release him afterward, Amar said. He added that Masbouqi was shocked when, before the investigating judge, he learned what he had "confessed" to. A Pattern of Accepting Disavowed Confessions with Insufficient Scrutiny In its 2013 report, "Just Sign Here": Unfair Trials Based on Confessions to the Police in Morocco, Human Rights Watch documented several criminal trials in which the defendants credibly alleged that the police had either tortured, coerced or tricked defendants to sign statements without reading them. Appearing before the judge, those defendants disavowed the police statements, claiming they were fabricated. This did not, however, prompt the court to investigate in any serious way whether the defendant's statement was accurate and voluntary before using it as the main basis for a guilty verdict, even though the Code of Criminal Procedure states in article 293 that no statement is admissible in court if obtained using violence or coercion. The United Nations special rapporteur on torture reached similar conclusions in a 2013 report. Under article 14 of the ICCPR, to which Morocco is a party, everyone has the right "to have the free assistance of an interpreter if he cannot understand or speak the language used in court" and "not to be compelled to testify against himself or to confess guilt." The UN Human Rights Committee, the authoritative commentator on the covenant, has held that the right to an interpreter "enshrines another aspect of the principles of fairness and equality of arms in criminal proceedings. This right arises at all stages of the oral proceedings." Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and FIDH urge Moroccan authorities to amend domestic legislation in accordance with international law and standards to ensure that the right to a fair trial is adequately protected, in particular that a detained person has the right to "prompt access to a lawyer and, unless the person has waived this right in writing, shall not be obliged to answer any questions or participate in any interrogation without his or her lawyer being present," in keeping with the Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Fair Trial and Legal Assistance in Africa, 2003. Legislators should also adopt legislation to ensure that no one is subjected to improper pressure or deceit to sign a statement, including in a language the person cannot read. Lawmakers should also revise article 290 of the Code of Criminal Procedure that in cases involving penalties of no more than five years of prison, allows judges to presume the credibility of statements prepared by the police unless the defense can prove the opposite. This provision undermines the presumption of innocence and a defendant's right to "equality of arms," that is, the possibility to present evidence on the same basis as the prosecution. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention considers that article 290 of the Penal Code contradicts the presumption of innocence by reversing the burden to prove guilt through evidence, and instead creating a burden to prove innocence. Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Oman: End crackdown on peaceful dissent Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 18 November 2016 Reference MDE 20/5175/2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Oman: End crackdown on peaceful dissent, 18 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/583844964.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Amnesty International has today called on the Omani authorities to immediately put a halt to the deteriorating human rights situation in the country, namely their systemic crackdown on the rights to freedom of expression and association, including the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience and the quashing of sentences of persons convicted for the sole exercise of their right to freedom of expression. Over the last six months, at least 12 people have been arbitrarily detained in connection with the peaceful exercise of their right to expression, including five who have received prison sentences in lower courts. At least two spoke out for human rights and four acted in the public interest by drawing attention to alleged corruption. This pattern strongly indicates an apparently systematic escalation of repression, facilitated by flawed criminal provisions. On 17 November, the Appeal Court in Muscat, the capital of Oman, postponed issuing its verdict on the appeal of the conviction and prison sentences of three journalists of the Azamn (al-Zaman) daily newspaper, namely the editor-in-chief, Ibrahim al-Maamari, the deputy editor-in-chief, Youssef al-Haj and the journalist, Zaher al-Abri. It rescheduled its decision until 12 December. The Court of First Instance in Muscat had convicted and sentenced the three men in September to prison terms of up to three years in prison on bogus and vaguely-worded charges that were used to criminalise peaceful expression, including undermining the prestige of the state, disturbing public order, using the Internet to publish material that prejudice religious values or public order and publishing the details of a private lawsuit. If their sentences are upheld and they are detained, they would be prisoners of conscience. On 28 July, Omani State Security arrested Ibrahim al-Maamari following the publication on 26 July of an article accusing the head of Omans Supreme Court and the chairman of the Judicial Council of intervening in the outcome of verdicts on behalf of influential officials. Zaher al-Abri was arrested on 3 August after he commented on Twitter about the detention of Ibrahim al-Maamari. Youssef al-Haj was arrested on 9 August following the publication of a series of articles based on exclusive interviews with the vice-president of Omans Supreme Court, Judge Ali al-Nomani, confirming allegations of corruption made in the original article by Ibrahim al-Maamari. The same day the Ministry of Information ordered the shutdown of Azamn newspaper and its online news site. On 22 August, Zaher al-Abri was released on a 1,000 Omani rials (about US$ 2,600) bail pending appeal. Since his arrest, he had been detained in solitary confinement. On 26 September the Court of First Instance in Muscat sentenced Ibrahim al-Maamari and Youssef al-Haj to three years imprisonment and fines, after convicting them of undermining the prestige of the state and other flawed charges under Omans cybercrimes law and press and publications law, most of which provisions fail to state recognizable criminal offences. The court set their bail at an extraordinary 50,000 Omani rials (about US$ 130,000) each, pending appeal. The government had been detaining the two men in solitary confinement since their arrest, and that was the first time they had been able to meet with their lawyers. Zaher al-Abri was sentenced to one year in prison and a fine for misusing the internet. The same day, the court upheld a government order to permanently close the Azamn newspaper. Shortly after the beginning of the trial, Judge Ali Nomani was arrested and held at the Royal Oman Police Hospital in Muscat. He was released on 29 September and has since been suspended from duty. The three journalists trial before the Appeal Court began on 10 October. The court ordered the release of Ibrahim al-Maamari and Youssef al-Haj, and reduced their bail to 2,000 Omani rials (about US$ 5,200) each. On 7 November the defendants attempted to set out their case, yet the Appeal Court refused defence requests to summon and hear the testimonies of witnesses of their choice, including Judge Ali Nomani, and denied them access to information to prepare their defence. Their lawyers also argued that throughout the trial, the Prosecutor failed to provide evidence on the charges brought against the journalists. In September 2011, a court of first instance had already sentenced Ibrahim al-Maamari to two months in prison and ordered the suspension of the Azamn newspaper for one month after its publication in May 2011 of an interview with an employee of the Ministry of Justice, who had accused the Minister of Justice of career rigging. In January 2012, an appeal court upheld the sentence. However, this sentence was not carried out, as the newspaper issued an official apology before the appeal. Omani poet, writer, film critic and human rights defender Abdullah Habib has been on trial before the Court of First Instance in Muscat since September. On 8 November he was sentenced to three years in prison, fined 2000 Omani rials (about US$ 5,200) and the court set his bail at 1000 Omani rials (about US$ 2,600), pending appeal. He was convicted on charges including contempt of religion, spreading hatred, blasphemy, using the Internet to publish material that prejudice religious values or public order. No date for his appeal trial has yet been scheduled. Abdullah Habib had been arrested on 11 July after he published comments and postings on his Facebook page relating to fasting and prayers in the Islamic faith. He was released on 28 July, pending the appeal trial. On 15 April the Omani Internal Security Service (ISS) had summoned Abdullah Habib to appear for questioning before the Special Division of the Omani Police General Command in Muscat where he was detained incommunicado, without any access to his family or lawyer, and until his release without charge on 3 May. Prior to his arrest, Abdullah Habib had posted comments on Facebook in which he showed support for a woman human rights defender, Habiba al-Hinaei, who sought to have Omani nationality extended to her 17-year-old son, Hafiz Mohammad Shaker, despite there being no provision for this in Omani law. He also called on Omans ruler Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Busaidi to reveal the whereabouts of those killed in the Dhofar Rebellion in the 1960s and 1970s. On the evening of his release, he posted a status on his Facebook page of what had happened to him during his interrogation and detention. He stated that while there was a roughness to his treatment he was overall well treated. He also expressed regret if his previous Facebook posts had caused any harm to Omani unity and stated that he would remove the offending posts. Abdullah Habib had taken part in demonstrations in Oman in 2011, echoing other regional protests that called for better living standards in Oman. He took part in the peaceful protest in Peoples Square in front of Omans parliament, the Shura Council, in Muscat, on 14 May 2011. On 13 June the Appeal Court in Sohar, northern Oman, upheld the three years prison sentence against blogger and former Omani diplomat Mubarak Hassan Balush, better known as Hassan al- Basham, convicted of the charges of insulting the Sultan and using the Internet to publish material that prejudice religious values or public order. Hassan al-Basham was first arrested by State Security on 17 September 2015 and taken to the police Special Section (al-Qism al-Khas) in Sohar, where he remained until his release on 23 September. He was re-arrested two days later and referred to the Public Prosecution, and charged with insulting the Sultan and the status of the state and insulting God by way of disseminating atheist thoughts. His trial before the Court of First Instance in Sohar began on 30 November 2015. On 8 February he was sentenced to three years in prison and released on bail pending his appeal. He was arrested again on 3 May after he published further writings on his Facebook page. He is currently serving his sentence in Samail prison, south west of Muscat. He is a prisoner of conscience. In March 2011, Hassan al-Basham was arrested and detained for 16 days for taking part in the popular protests in Sohar. Again in 2013, he was detained for a few days for attending a celebration marking the release of one of those arrested during the Sohar protests. Hmoud al-Shakili, a member of the Omani Society for Writers and Authors and an Arabic language teacher, was arrested in Muscat on 14 August 2016 and taken to the polices Special Section after publishing a prose on his Facebook page deemed as inciting demonstrations. On 18 October he was sentenced by the Court of First Instance in Muscat to three years in prison and fined 1,000 Omani rials (about US$ 2,600), convicted on the charge of using the Internet to prejudice public order. He was released on 5,000 Omani rials bail (about US$ 13,000) pending his appeal. Over the past year, writers and activists have been summoned for interrogation by the police Special Section and detained for periods varying between a few days and up to several weeks before being released without charge. These include the writer and intellectual, Saud al-Zadjali, activist Saqr al-Balushi and writer, journalist and human rights defender Sulaiman al-Mamari, who had spoken out about the arrest of Abdullah Habib. Many of those who have been released refuse to speak about their experiences and often publish apologetic statements on their social network accounts. Moreover, at least three Omani newspapers closed or were shut down during the course of 2016. On 17 January the online independent magazine Muwaten (Citizen), which covered social issues, announced on Twitter its closure stating that the decision was taken in order to protect its writers. One of the magazines writers had been summoned by the Interior State Security and detained for three days before being made to sign a pledge to stop working for the magazine, and stop communicating online or with political activists. The magazine founder and editor-in-chief, Mohammed al-Fazari, a human rights defender and blogger, left Oman for the United Kingdom, arriving in July 2015 despite having had his passport and identification card confiscated and having been under a travel ban by the Omani authorities since December 2014. He had been previously detained and harassed solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression. On 9 August the Ministry of Information ordered the shutdown of the daily Azamn newspaper and its online news site, following the publication of a series of articles based on exclusive interviews with the vice-president of Omans Supreme Court confirming allegations of corruption in the judiciary. On 26 July 2016 Azamn had published an article accusing the head of Omans Supreme Court and the chairman of the Judicial Council of intervening in the outcome of a verdict on behalf of influential officials in an inheritance case. On 7 September, the Administrative Judicial Court in Muscat lifted the ban on the newspaper, stating that it was not lawful as no timeframe had been specified. The following day the Ministry of Information renewed its ban. Most recently, on 30 October, an independent online newspaper, al-Balad, halted its publications. In a farewell letter to the readers, the editor-in-chief Turki bin Ali Al-Balushi cited difficult current circumstances, and the newspaper coming under a lot of pressure. Background In March 2016, the government of Oman rejected recommendations made at the United Nations Universal Periodic Review, to guarantee the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, including by investigating cases of excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators and supporting civil society organizations. Oman both accepted and rejected recommendations to review current legislation that fails to protect the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. Amnesty International has documented instances of prolonged arbitrary and incommunicado detention in Oman between 2013 and 2015. Cases of torture and other ill-treatment by state security officials during detention were also reported. Activists and critics of the government have reported being subjected to beatings, hooding, mock executions, sleep deprivation, prolonged solitary confinement and other forms of torture and ill-treatment. Amnesty International has also recorded, in recent years, unnecessary and excessive use of force by the police against peaceful demonstrators, arbitrary arrests during large demonstrations, arbitrary restrictions on freedom of expression, and discriminatory laws and practices. Between 8 and 13 September 2014, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association visited Oman. He later reported a pattern of arrest and short-term detention of activists, rarely followed by charges, and that beyond detention, activists are subjected to stigmatization in the largely government-controlled press, which not only affects the activists themselves but also members of their families, thus chilling their activities. He further stated that the legal environment for the exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in Oman is problematic and needs to be strengthened with reference to international human rights standards. Silencing voices of dissent is not a viable approach going forward []. Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Signing new NGO bill would be a "death warrant" for Egyptian rights groups Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 18 November 2016 Reference MDE 12/5171/2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Signing new NGO bill would be a "death warrant" for Egyptian rights groups, 18 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/583847f54.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC STATEMENT Index: MDE 12/5171/2016 18 November 2016 Signing new NGO bill would be a "death warrant" for Egyptian rights groups Egyptian president al-Sisi must not sign a new draconian bill on associations, which, if enacted, will give the government extraordinary powers over NGOs and eradicate independent civil society in Egypt, Amnesty International said today. The parliament approved bill was sent three days ago for legal review by the State Council, after which it will go to the president for sign off. The bill is the most repressive of multiple drafts seen by Amnesty International since 2011 and is far more restrictive than the current Mubarak-era NGO law on associations no 84 of 2002, which itself contravenes the 2014 constitution and Egypt's obligations under international human rights law. The bill comes at a time when human rights organizations have been subjected to asset freezes, travel bans and interrogations as part of a criminal investigation that could result in life sentences for NGO leaders and staff members. The bill, which has 89-articles, was formally proposed by Member of Parliament Abdel Hady el-Qasby, debated and approved by parliament in just two days. In his presentation of the draft law to the parliament, el-Qasby said that the existing Law no. 84 of 2002 had "shortcomings that did not ensure the necessary balance to ensure national security."1 1 Al-Manasa, "diary of a parliamentarian journalist: another new round of Sadat battle under the dome", 13 November 2016, available at https://almanassa.com/ar/story/3260 . Among the most draconian elements of the bill are provisions which: punish conducting field research and surveys without government permission with up to five years in prison; require that the work of NGOs be aligned to government priorities and plans; and give the authorities wide powers to dissolve NGOs and subject their staff to criminal prosecution based on vague and broad terms including "harming national unity and disturbing public order." The bill was discussed in closed session in one parliamentary committee but there was no consultation with stakeholders, including civil society organizations; nor was there any public debate about this bill, despite the fact that its enactment would have a widespread, devastating impact on civil society. The bill will affect according to the government's own numbers over 47,000 NGOs providing essential social services at a time of great economic hardship, as well as a handful of human rights NGOs which are among the few remaining critical voices in Egyptian public life. Since 2011, the government has proposed successive repressive draft NGO laws, which Egyptian civil society, with support from international NGOs, has successfully lobbied against every time. MP el-Qasby also said to parliament: "The state has tried since 2012 to propose laws that would ensure this balance but unfortunately all these attempts failed because of internal and external pressure." Amnesty International urges President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to scrap this bill which is completely at odds with Egypt's Constitution and violates its international human rights obligations. The 2014 Egyptian Constitution, guarantees the right to freedom of association in Article 75,2 which unequivocally states that NGOs 2 Article 75 of the 2014 Constitution states "All citizens shall have the right to form non-governmental associations and foundations on democratic basis, which shall acquire legal personality upon notification. Such associations and foundations shall have the right to practice their activities freely, and administrative agencies may not interfere in their affairs or dissolve them, or dissolve their boards of directors or boards of trustees save by a court judgment." 3 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 22. 4 African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, Article 10; Arab Charter on Human Rights, Article 28. 5 Article 93 of the 2014 Constitution states "The State shall be bound by the international human rights agreements, covenants and conventions ratified by Egypt, and which shall have the force of law after publication in accordance with the prescribed conditions." "Shall have the right to practice their activities freely, and administrative agencies may not interfere in their affairs or dissolve them, or dissolve their boards of directors or boards of trustees save by a court judgment." The bill also violates the obligations Egypt entered into freely when it ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)3 and other international human rights treaties4 which are also incorporated as a source of law in the Egyptian Constitution.5 In its 2014 Universal Periodic Review by the UN Human Rights Council, Egypt accepted at least 13 recommendations urging the government to revise existing Law 84 of 2002 to bring it in line with international law and standards. Yet the bill passed by parliament this week is significantly more repressive than that Mubarak-era law and would result in the decimation of Egypt's already besieged civil society. Executive interference: The bill provides for massive governmental interference in and control of the work of NGOs. It requires NGOs, whether domestic or international, to seek the authorities' permission to register, undertake activities and to seek funding. For example, the bill states that NGOs must obtain the approval of a national security body that includes members from different intelligence services before accepting foreign or local funds or raising funds locally. It also requires local NGOs to contribute 1% of its funds to a state authority called the NGOs and Associations Fund. The UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association has also emphasized the right of organizations to seek and receive financial support without such impediment or constraint: "Any association, both registered or unregistered, should have the right to seek and secure funding and resources from domestic, foreign, and international entities, including individuals, businesses, civil society organizations, Governments and international organizations."6 6 Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association (UN Doc: A/HRC/20/27), 21 May 2012, para 68. 7 A/HRC/RES/22/6, para 9. 8 Amnesty International, Memorandum: Egypt's draft law on counter terrorism (Index: MDE 12/2269/2015). Further, the Human Rights Council resolution on protecting human rights defenders adopted on 21 March 2013 calls on states: "to ensure that they do not discriminatorily impose restrictions on potential sources of funding aimed at supporting the work of human rights defenders."7 The bill further imposes harsh penalties of up to five years imprisonment and fine of one million EGP ($65,000) on staff members of NGOs found to have conducted acts in violation of the provisions of this law. This includes: receiving foreign or local funding or raising funds locally without the permission of the authorities; carrying out research and surveys and publishing their findings without the authorities' approval; carrying out joint activities with foreign NGOs without the authorities' permission; and carrying out activities that are deemed to "harm national unity or disturb public order". The bill essentially gives the government the tools to control NGOs by granting it the authority to suspend NGOs' activities at any time; and gives it the powers to dissolve NGOs merely for carrying out their legitimate work. Further, the the bill states that all activities of NGOs must be in compliance with the government priority plans thereby fundamentally undermining the role of human rights organizations in documenting violations and holding the authorities to account. Formation and Registration: Under this bill, registration of NGOs is not by notification, as specified by Article 75 of the Egyptian constitution, but rather requires advanced permission from the authorities. The bill gives the authorities the right to object to the registration of NGOs within 30 days, from the date of notification, if it sees that the activities of NGOs are criminalised under the Penal Code or any other laws, including the deeply repressive counter terrorism law.8 It also grants the authorities the power to reject the establishment of NGOs on overly broad grounds and terms like "harming national unity and disturbing public order". As noted above, these requirements and restrictions are contrary to the provisions of Egypt's constitution, as well as Egypt's obligations under international law. UN experts have criticized situations where government approval, rather than simple notification, is required to form organizations. For example, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association has said that a notification procedure rather than one than requires prior government authorisation more fully complies with international human rights law, and that states should implement such a procedure in order that "associations are automatically granted legal personality as soon as the authorities are notified by the founders that an organization was created."9 The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders has commented: "it should be permissible for individuals to join together to engage in lawful activities without having to register as legal entities", and said that registration should be required only if the individuals forming the organization wish to establish it as a separate corporate legal personality.10 9 A/HRC/20/27, para 58. 10 UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Report to the General Assembly (UN Doc: A/64/226), 4 August 2009, paras 59-66 and 103-104. Overly broad vague terms and heavy penalties: The bill uses overly broad and vague terms that could be used by the authorities to arbitrarily punish and dissolve NGOs that are critical of the government and outspoken about human rights violations. For example, the bill imposes penalties of up to five years imprisonment and a fine reaching up to one million EGP ($65,000) if an NGO was found to have carried out activities that "harm national unity, disturb public order, or affect national security". A review of government discourse as well as thousands of prosecutions show that, from the perspective of the Egyptian authorities, peaceful protests, publishing articles critical of the government, and conducting advocacy work are examples of activities the authorities have deemed to harm national unity and disturb public order. A ban on field research without permission: One of the most worrying provisions for human rights organizations is the prohibition of NGOs carrying out field research or surveys without first receiving the permission of the authorities for each field research or survey. Staff of an NGO that is found to have violated these terms will face up to five years imprisonment and the NGO could be dissolved. The same penalties will apply if an NGO conducts field research or surveys and publishes its findings and results without sharing these findings with the government first and receiving permission to publish them. These provisions completely undermine the role of independent human rights organizations whose role is to critically assess the human rights record of the authorities in order recommend ways to improve the human rights situation in the country. Prohibiting cooperation with foreign NGOs without permission: The bill also states that local NGOs are not allowed to cooperate with or join foreign NGOs in carrying out civic activities without government permissions. Any NGO staff found to have violated these conditions will face up to five years prison term and fines reaching up to one million EGP ($65,000) and dissolve of the NGO. The bill further states that the authorities can order an NGO to suspend its activities on the basis that it suspects the NGO has violated these restrictions that is, while the case is referred to an administrative court and until a verdict is issued. Draconian restrictions on foreign NGOs The bill establishes a committee called the National Body for the Regulation of the Work of Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations, which is a security committee composed of representatives from various intelligence and security services including from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, the General Intelligence Services and the Administrative Control Authority. This body is mandated with granting permissions for the registration of foreign NGOs and renewing it every three years as well as granting permissions to their activities and funding. This committee is also mandated to approve any foreign or local funding to local or foreign NGOs as well as approving any fundraising activities of local NGOs. The bill further states that the committee has 60 days to approve receipt of foreign funds. If it does not respond within the 60 days this will be considered a rejection. This is far more restrictive than previous drafts and the current law which considered the non-response of the authorities to be an approval. The bill also sets additional restrictions on foreign NGOs by stipulating that foreign NGOs must obtain explicit permission of the authorities to operate and this authorisation must be renewed every three years. The bill imposes very high registration fees of 300,000 EGP ($19,000), payable every three years and to be increased by 20% every five years. As with local NGOs, the bill requires that foreign NGOs contribute 1% of their funding to a state body called the Non-governmental Organizations and Associations Fund. Further, the bill states that foreign NGOs cannot carry out any activities without obtaining the necessary permissions from the authorities and that these activities have to be in line with the needs of the Egyptian society and government development plans. The bill also states that foreign NGOs may not conduct any activities of "a political nature" or those that could "affect national security, public order, public morals or public health." It also bans any foreign NGOs from carrying out cooperation activities with other NGOs without the authorities' permission. As with local NGOs the bill requires that foreign NGOs obtain approval if they wish to conduct any field work or surveys and that they cannot publish the results of each research project without prior approval by the newly-established committee of security officials. The penalties for violating these provisions are up to five years in prison and fine reaching up to one million EGP ($65,000) as well as dissolving the foreign NGO. The bill also states that foreign NGOs cannot hire any foreign experts or employees or volunteers without obtaining government permissions. The Minister of Social Solidarity has the power to order the suspension of it activities or to cancel its registration, after consultation with the committee, if it determines that a foreign NGO has violated any of the provisions of the law. Clearly, the Egyptian authorities are entitled to impose regulations on foreign-based organizations to ensure financial transparency and compliance with banking and currency regulations, and to guard against money-laundering and the like, and to pass legislation accordingly. However, the bill goes far beyond what is appropriate. The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders has said that "no distinction regarding the types of permitted activities should be made between national and foreign organizations" and that "foreign NGOs carrying out human rights activities should be subject to the same set of rules that apply to national NGOs; separate registration and operational requirements should be avoided."11 The bill's provisions applicable to international NGOs are also contrary to the best practices outlined by the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, who advises that "the formation of branches of associations, foreign association or unions or networks of associations, including at the international level, should be subject to the same notification procedure [as national associations]."12 11 A/64/226, para122 and 126. 12 A/HRC/20/27, para 59. Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Armenia and Belarus must implement the UN recommendations on women's rights Publisher International Federation for Human Rights Publication Date 23 November 2016 Cite as International Federation for Human Rights, Armenia and Belarus must implement the UN recommendations on women's rights, 23 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/583848e04.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Brussels-Erevan-Paris.The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) has published its findings, officially known as concluding observations, on 11 countries, including Belarus and Armenia, which it examined during its 24 October to 18 November session in Geneva. The Committee also reviewed shadow reports from FIDH member organization Anti-Discrimination Centre (ADC) Memorial submitted in cooperation with the Civil Society Institute (Armenia) and with the support of Her Rights Center (Belarus). Both reports emphasized, inter alia, the discriminations that women face in these two countries regarding access to a series of professions deemed as hazardous for their reproductive health. Following the organizations' recommendations, the Committee urged Armenia to abolish"the list of jobs and professions dangerous for women". The CEDAW has already made similar recommendations to other countries in recent years hereby acknowledging that the lists of banned professions for women are discriminatory as they are a direct consequence of a stereotype bestowing women primarily with the role of a child-bearer. In March 2016, its decision on the case of Svetlana Medvedeva, a maritime professional supported by ADC Memorial, called on Russia to grant the complainant ''appropriate reparation and adequate compensation" and to "facilitate her access to jobs for which she is qualified". FIDH and its member organisations are also satisfied with the recommendations made to both countries to criminalize hate speeches and crimes against lesbian, bisexual and transgender women. 45 cases of hate crimes against sexual minorities were registered by the LGBTI rights groups in 2015 in Armenia, while the experts suppose that the factual number may be even higher. Important recommendations were addressed to Armenia to ensure the much-needed respect of women belonging to vulnerable groups: ethnic minorities and women affected by migration. The latter find themselves in a situation of exacerbated vulnerability as in certain villages, at least one man in each family has left abroad for work, leaving women dependent on other family members. Women from minority communities still do not enjoy an equal access to justice, education, health, and social services. FIDH and its member and partner organisations are however concerned that, despite their recommendations, the Committee has not addressed the situation of Roma women in its concluding observations on Belarus. To know more: The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) concluding observations cover how respective States are doing with regard to women's rights, detailing positive developments, main areas of concern, and recommendations for action. They can be found here: http://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/treatybodyexternal/SessionDetails1.aspx?SessionID=1027&Lang=en. The CEDAW is composed of 23 international independent experts who monitor implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, ratified to date by 189 States. Belarus ratified the Convention in 1981 while Armenia joined it in 1993. Bangladesh: Mahmudur Rahman finally freed after more than three years in arbitrary detention Publisher International Federation for Human Rights Publication Date 24 November 2016 Cite as International Federation for Human Rights, Bangladesh: Mahmudur Rahman finally freed after more than three years in arbitrary detention, 24 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/583849a74.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Brussels-Erevan-Paris.The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) has published its findings, officially known as concluding observations, on 11 countries, including Belarus and Armenia, which it examined during its 24 October to 18 November session in Geneva. The Committee also reviewed shadow reports from FIDH member organization Anti-Discrimination Centre (ADC) Memorial submitted in cooperation with the Civil Society Institute (Armenia) and with the support of Her Rights Center (Belarus). Both reports emphasized, inter alia, the discriminations that women face in these two countries regarding access to a series of professions deemed as hazardous for their reproductive health. Following the organizations' recommendations, the Committee urged Armenia to abolish"the list of jobs and professions dangerous for women". The CEDAW has already made similar recommendations to other countries in recent years hereby acknowledging that the lists of banned professions for women are discriminatory as they are a direct consequence of a stereotype bestowing women primarily with the role of a child-bearer. In March 2016, its decision on the case of Svetlana Medvedeva, a maritime professional supported by ADC Memorial, called on Russia to grant the complainant ''appropriate reparation and adequate compensation" and to "facilitate her access to jobs for which she is qualified". FIDH and its member organisations are also satisfied with the recommendations made to both countries to criminalize hate speeches and crimes against lesbian, bisexual and transgender women. 45 cases of hate crimes against sexual minorities were registered by the LGBTI rights groups in 2015 in Armenia, while the experts suppose that the factual number may be even higher. Important recommendations were addressed to Armenia to ensure the much-needed respect of women belonging to vulnerable groups: ethnic minorities and women affected by migration. The latter find themselves in a situation of exacerbated vulnerability as in certain villages, at least one man in each family has left abroad for work, leaving women dependent on other family members. Women from minority communities still do not enjoy an equal access to justice, education, health, and social services. FIDH and its member and partner organisations are however concerned that, despite their recommendations, the Committee has not addressed the situation of Roma women in its concluding observations on Belarus. To know more: The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) concluding observations cover how respective States are doing with regard to women's rights, detailing positive developments, main areas of concern, and recommendations for action. They can be found here: http://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/treatybodyexternal/SessionDetails1.aspx?SessionID=1027&Lang=en. The CEDAW is composed of 23 international independent experts who monitor implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, ratified to date by 189 States. Belarus ratified the Convention in 1981 while Armenia joined it in 1993. Oman: Court postpones verdict of "Azamn" journalists, in a trial held below international standards, according to trial observation report Publisher International Federation for Human Rights Publication Date 25 November 2016 Cite as International Federation for Human Rights, Oman: Court postpones verdict of "Azamn" journalists, in a trial held below international standards, according to trial observation report, 25 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58384a7a4.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. The continuing prosecution and trial of three "Azamn" journalists in Oman has been marked by procedural flaws and the abuse of punitive press laws, according to a final Trial Observation Report published by a coalition of human rights groups today. On 07 November 2016, the Omani Appeal Court in Muscat heard the case against three journalists of "Azamn" newspaper, Ibrahim Al-Maamari, Yousef Al-Haj, and Zaher Al-Abri. The coalition of rights groups which monitored the trial was composed of the Gulf Center for Human Rights (GCHR), the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), Front Line Defenders, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and both the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders. The independent human rights lawyer, who attended the Appeal Court trial on 7 November 2016 in Muscat, finds that the hearing fell below international fair trial standards. The verdict was set for 17 November but is now due on 12 December 2016. The coalition therefore renew its calls for the charges to be dropped and/or for the defendants to be acquitted [1]. The full report finds, inter alia, that: i. Pre-trial detention of the three defendants in the summer of 2016 was arbitrary and disproportionate, while conditions in solitary confinement constituted inhuman and degrading treatment; ii. There was a failure by the State to afford the defendants timely access to legal support; iii. The central charges brought against the defendants act as a broad and disproportionate tool for state action against the media, offend the principle of legality and pose a significant obstacle to successfully mounting a fair defence. iv. The Appeal Court trial failed to remedy the irregularities in the lower Court hearings. Read the full report online: http://www.gc4hr.org/report Footnotes [1] See: http://www.gc4hr.org/news/view/1424 Haitians at US border face deportation lottery Publisher IRIN Author Jonathan Levinson Publication Date 24 November 2016 Cite as IRIN, Haitians at US border face deportation lottery, 24 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58384ec64.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. On a quiet, residential street overlooking the Tijuana River, barely two miles from the US border, Pierre Jacques Norma, a Haitian migrant who has traversed nine countries over the past three months to reach Mexico, sits in the dining area of the Casa del Migrante shelter. Norma's future is uncertain even by the precarious standards of most migrants. When he and his pregnant wife go to their appointment with US Customs and Border Protection on 23 December, he has no idea if they'll be released into the United States and given the opportunity to apply for asylum or be detained and deported back to Haiti. "I'm not scared of being deported. I know God is looking for a better life for me," he says, finishing off a dinner of rice and stew provided by the shelter. The small group of Haitians sitting around the table nods in agreement. U-turns, now Trump It's no surprise that Norma places his faith in God as he contemplates his future. The past few months have been a rollercoaster ride for US policy towards Haitian migrants. The election earlier this month of Donald Trump, who campaigned on an anti-immigration platform, has only added another layer of uncertainty. On 3 November, with little fanfare, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) resumed deportations of Haitians for the first time in the nearly seven years since they were suspended following a devastating earthquake. The move was a response to a 1,300-percent increase in arrivals of Haitian migrants over the past year, an influx that immigration officials have been struggling to manage. Between October 2015 and September 2016, about 5,000 Haitians arrived in the US, the majority of them via Brazil, where they have been eligible for humanitarian visas since the 2010 earthquake. But Brazil's economy took a nosedive this year, sending the country's unemployment rate soaring to 11.8 percent and prompting many Haitians to make the long trek to the US. "DHS thought that this humane policy was a magnet and drawing people to the southwest border, and so they wanted some deterrence. They changed the policy and said we're going to deport them," explained Randy McGrorty, executive director of Catholic Legal Services for the Archdiocese of Miami, which represents people seeking asylum and relief from deportation. But before deportations could resume Haiti was once again devastated, this time by Hurricane Matthew, which hit on 4 October. The UN estimates that 1.4 million people in Haiti are in need of humanitarian assistance following the hurricane and that 800,000 are "extremely food insecure". The country, the poorest in the western hemisphere, is still grappling with an existing cholera epidemic that has sickened 700,000 people and killed 10,000 since 2010. After the hurricane, DHS put deportations on hold, but only for 30 days. In the past three weeks, since they resumed, 203 Haitians have been deported, according to an official from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Another reversal During November, most Haitians admitted into the US (about 1,440) were slated for deportation and detained as part of a process called "expedited removal". "If someone is put into expedited removal proceedings, they don't have access to a judge," said Andrea Guerrero, the executive director of Alliance San Diego, an immigrant assistance agency. "They are summarily ordered removed and deported as soon as is feasible." But detention centres soon filled up. ICE says that 10 percent of its detention space is now filled by a total of 4,425 Haitians. DHS was forced to change policy once more. Starting on 11 November, the department went back to its pre-September policy of paroling Haitians. A parolee is given a court date in their destination city and released. Those individuals will eventually go before a judge to determine if they have a genuine asylum claim. In most cases, their claims will be rejected and they'll be placed in deportation proceedings. But with half a million people in line for a court date, the wait can be years and in the meantime many find work in the US. Agonising wait Norma has been in Tijuana since 5 November, but US border officials are only able to process about 60 Haitians a day. With an estimated 4,000 Haitians waiting to enter the US from Tijuana, and ICE officials estimating that as many as 40,000 more are en route from Brazil, the wait for an appointment can take months and uncertainty about the outcome has left many on the border despondent. Since the 2010 earthquake, many Haitians in the US have benefited from temporary protected status for 18-month periods that have been repeatedly renewed, most recently until July 2017. But new arrivals don't qualify for TPS and there are fears that president-elect Trump will shut down the TPS programme all together, making even Haitians who have been resident in the US for the past seven years liable for deportation. Last Friday afternoon, outside the Casa del Migrante shelter, Norma and his friends were hanging out with a small group of Haitians - five women and five men - whose appointments with Customs and Border Protection were that day. They were waiting for Grupo Beta, a Mexican immigration organisation formed to assist migrants, to pick them up and transport them to the border. When the van arrived, everyone gathered around. Shelter volunteers took photos and waved goodbye and the Haitians staying behind looked on smiling, but with a hint of longing. Shelter problems Father Pat Murphy, who runs Casa del Migrante, has seen US policy shift too many times over the past couple of months to offer any advice to the Haitians staying at his shelter. "The ones who went today probably will be paroled. By Monday they could change their minds again," he said. He added with a frustrated laugh, "I'm not going to say anything to anyone anymore because I look like the crazy one." The unannounced policy changes have profound ramifications for the NGOs in the US that have the de facto task of caring for the parolees when they're released. Guerrero is exasperated that the government doesn't appear to have learned from the very recent past. "We were in this situation a couple of months ago. We were in a shelter crisis. We had to open up National Guard facilities. We had to put a call out for donations. We were feeding 500 people a day because they didn't have anything but the clothes on their back. And now, by next week, we're going to be in the exact same situation. "It's a failure of government to not make a proper plan or partner with receiving communities." The latest new rule In a statement released on Wednesday, DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson formally announced the resumption of deportations for Haitian nationals and said he had authorised ICE to acquire additional detention space so that those apprehended at the border "can be detained and sent home as soon as possible". Among the Haitians in Tijuana there remains a stubborn fixation on the American dream, but Murphy is trying to persuade them to consider shifting it south just a few miles. He's encouraging the Haitians to think about a Mexican dream instead of an American one. "You get to the other side, have your parole, and in one year you go to court and you're deported anyway. It's not a final solution to your problem," he tells them. "Mexico offers a humanitarian visa. Take it and work." "Tijuana has always been this place where people can feel at home even if they're from somewhere else," Murphy told IRIN. And while it might not be the first choice for many here, it's certainly on their radar. "Haitians have heart; heart to fight, to work, to find a better life," said Sammy Laroch, one of the Haitians watching the group climb into the Grupo Beta van to go to the US border. Asked if he'd consider staying in Tijuana, Laroch said he would first try his luck getting paroled in the US, even if it carried the risk of detention and deportation. Tijuana was "plan C". Jordan: A mother and daughter make contact after two years apart Publisher International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Publication Date 16 November 2016 Cite as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Jordan: A mother and daughter make contact after two years apart, 16 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/583852de4.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. With these words, Sa'adeya comforted her daughter Iqra'a when she spoke to her by telephone for the first time since losing contact with her two years ago. Twenty-year-old Iqra'a Mohammed Ali became separated from her mother and three siblings in 2008 when she came to Jordan from Somalia, along with another brother and sister, and her grandmother. The last contact between Iqra'a and her mother was in early 2015, when Sa'adeya called the family to inform them that she is in Yemen. "After that we lost track of her. We didn't know if she was dead or alive," explained Iqra'a. "Eventually, I submitted a request to the ICRC in Amman, asking them to help me search for her." A week ago, the family received a call from a tracing officer at the ICRC delegation in Amman informing them that Sa'adeya was in Kharaz camp in Yemen, and that they had her telephone number. "I couldn't believe it, said Iqra'a. "My legs were shaking. When I went with my grandmother to the ICRC office and the tracing officer dialled the number, and I heard my mother's tender voice, I was so relieved. I wanted time to stop and live in that moment forever. In hearing her voice, I found solace." "What broke my heart, however, was hearing that she was ill and needed urgent surgery. But now that I have found her, I will not lose her again. Only God knows how much I miss her. Are we destined to meet again? I certainly pray that we will." Iqra'a has a pending claim to be resettled in a third country, but can return to the ICRC Amman office anytime to phone her mother in Yemen. At present, Sa'adeya is waiting to have surgery to remove her gall bladder. Concern about deteriorating health of Palestinian detainees hospitalized in Israel Publisher International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Publication Date 18 November 2016 Cite as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Concern about deteriorating health of Palestinian detainees hospitalized in Israel, 18 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/583853274.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is concerned about the deteriorating health of Anas Shadid and Ahmad Abu Farra, who have been hospitalized in Israel. The two Palestinian detainees have been on hunger strike for more than 50 days. "At this critical time, we urge the patients, their representatives and the competent authorities to find a solution that will avoid any loss of life or irreversible damage to the detainees' health," said Dr Hishal, an ICRC medical doctor who has regularly visited the detainees on hunger strike. ICRC delegates and medical staff continue to visit Anas Shadid and Ahmad Abu Farra in order to monitor their medical condition and their treatment by the prison and medical authorities, as per international rules and ethical standards, specifically the 1991 World Medical Association Declaration of Malta on Hunger Strikers. The ICRC is in close contact with their families and keeps them informed of developments, in accordance with the detainees' wishes, as well as transmitting personal news between them and their loved ones. During their regular visits to detention facilities, ICRC staff seek to ensure that all detainees on hunger strike are treated humanely in accordance with the Fourth Geneva Convention, are fully aware of the implications of their decision, and are acting on their own initiative and of their own free will. Ukraine crisis: Water supply to 600,000 people under threat again Publisher International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Publication Date 22 November 2016 Cite as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Ukraine crisis: Water supply to 600,000 people under threat again, 22 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/583853a74.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) calls upon the members of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk to take urgent action to ensure a continued water supply in the Lugansk region, in particular by finding a way to pay for the electricity consumption of a water board supplying water on both sides of the line of contact. Some 600,000 people in eastern Ukraine are at risk of having their water supply cut off again soon. "Last time this occurred, we took the exceptional decision to pay the company's outstanding electricity bills," said the ICRC's regional director for Europe and Central Asia, Patrick Vial, who has recently been touring the region. "That was on 5 October, the idea being to give the parties to the conflict more time to reach an agreement to ensure the continued supply of water and to arrange payment of future bills." At the beginning of October, water pumping stations located in the government-controlled area of the Lugansk region stopped functioning for over ten days because they had no electricity as a result of unpaid bills. The water supply to local residents, hospitals, schools, orphanages and social institutions was cut off on both sides of the contact line. The ICRC raised its concerns among all those involved in the negotiations on the issue and decided to pay the company's electricity bills for October and November to keep the water supply running. "As we said at the time, we will not continue to pay after 1 December," continued Mr Vial. "We will of course keep a close eye on the areas affected, and try to find ways to work with all sides to address the consequences if the water supply is disconnected. The ICRC is also willing to continue to act as a neutral intermediary, and to provide technical support to reach and implement any agreement on this issue." The pumping stations concerned are the Karbonit system that supplies water to the cities of Pervomaisk, Brianka and Alchevsk, and the Petrovskaya well field, serving the city of Lugansk. The Karbonit system depends on the water supply from the western filtration plant, which requires a continuous supply of electricity. What's more, without a water supply, heating systems in these towns and cities will be shut down. People will be left without heating and heating pipes will be damaged in the freezing temperatures. In addition, people may end up relying on electric heaters, which risk overloading the electricity network. For over a year, the ICRC has been involved in repairing and upgrading the Popasna water board's pipelines that cross the front line, as well as supplying the chemicals needed to provide clean drinking water to people served by the water board on both sides of the contact line. In non-government controlled areas of the Lugansk region, the ICRC has provided submersible pumps to the local administration to get damaged infrastructure up and running again. Yemen: Desperate situation for civilians trapped by intense fighting in Taiz Publisher International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Publication Date 22 November 2016 Cite as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Yemen: Desperate situation for civilians trapped by intense fighting in Taiz, 22 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/583853f14.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is alarmed by the situation in the city of Taiz following days of intensive fighting. "Sniper fire and indiscriminate shelling has trapped civilians. Dead bodies are in the streets and people are unable to attend to their most basic needs. The situation is desperate," said the head of the ICRC in Yemen, Alexandre Faite. The wave of civilian suffering brought about by the latest fighting comes on top of months of severe restrictions on people's day-to day-lives including their freedom of movement and their access to basic commodities such as food and water. "Taiz has been cut off from the outside world for more than a year now. In parts of the governorate, people have not had access to power or running water throughout this time," said Mr. Faite. The main hospitals in Taiz have reported receiving an average of 200 wounded over the past 72 hours. Many patients are suffering from blast injuries. Many have had to have limbs amputated. At a time when human suffering in Taiz has reached breaking point, the ICRC calls on all parties to the conflict to respect the sanctity and dignity of human life. It also calls upon the good will of all parties on the ground in Taiz in shouldering their responsibilities for the retrieval of the dead and wounded and for protecting schools, hospitals and residential neighbourhoods. Working towards safer access to health care in Rivers state Publisher International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Publication Date 24 November 2016 Cite as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Working towards safer access to health care in Rivers state, 24 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5838546e4.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Access to health care is not always safe in the Niger Delta region and elsewhere in Nigeria. The rate of attacks on health-care providers, facilities and associated vehicles across the country is high according to data gathered by the ICRC. What's more, these data show a concerning pattern of discrimination against certain categories of wounded and sick people. Below, Dr. Theophilus Odagme, Honorable Commissioner for Health in Rivers state, in the southern part of Nigeria, and a health professional himself, reflects on these challenges and describes how he is working with a group of people committed to bringing about change in the Niger Delta region. The rate of attacks on health-care facilities is high in the Niger Delta region. As the data collected by the ICRC since early 2015 show, the majority of cases involve the kidnapping of health-care professionals and other types of violence against health-care personnel working in hospitals, primary health centers and clinics. In addition, a number of gunshot victims have been denied care while at a health facility for treatment, and many choose not to seek health care for fear of being arrested. Action needs to be taken by relevant stakeholders in the state, as these tensions between medical professionals, armed groups, security forces and communities mean that health care is being provided on an increasingly discriminatory basis. In order to address the issue, the Rivers state Ministry of Health expressed willingness to start collaborating on this initiative with the ICRC. The partnership has already achieved a number of encouraging results. A working group was created with the health-care community in the city of Port Harcourt. Participants include medical professionals from both the public and private sectors, the Nigerian Medical Association, nurses and academics, to name but a few. The first meeting was held in May 2016, and the working group now meets regularly. It is a very important platform, as it gives the health-care community an opportunity to come together, share their experiences and discuss the health-care situation in the state. During one of these meetings, for instance, a doctor recounted how his life had been put in danger as he conducted operations under fire, how he and his colleagues had extremely low morale and how his work situation was 'frightening' and 'very traumatic.' Above all, these meetings are a step forward, as the discussion concretely focuses on how the violence against health-care providers, facilities and vehicles can be curbed and access improved. The working group is now developing a protocol and advocacy tool that sets out the rights and responsibilities of health-care professionals when treating patients during emergencies. It has also decided to engage with the Nigerian police force at the federal level in order to develop a written memorandum concerning the Inspector General of Police's directive on the treatment of those with gunshot wounds. Furthermore, it has called on the ICRC to enter into a dialogue with armed groups to address the issue of violence against health care in Rivers state. The working group is also engaged in a number of activities aimed at distributing important information to the public, security forces and armed groups and raising awareness of the obligation to safeguard health-care services. It has, for example, created a poster that explains: the laws regulating and safeguarding access to health care, particularly in relation to each patient's right to non-discrimination; those protecting medical ethics and confidentiality, the wounded and the sick, medical personnel, medical units and transport; and those regulating the use of the red-cross emblem, the distinctive emblem used by health-care professionals in Rivers state. The poster will be displayed in hospitals and clinics across the state. The working group is also developing a data collection tool in consultation with the Ministry of Health. The aim is to create a mechanism that ensures regular, pertinent and accurate data collection on incidents affecting the delivery of health care in the state. The tool should be used to better analyse trends and threats involving health-care personnel and patients. We are convinced that our efforts mark the beginning of a positive change in our region, and we hope that the work we are doing to improve health-care delivery will serve as an example and inspiration to other states in Nigeria and around the world. Dr. Theophilus Odagme, FWACS; MNIM Hon. Commissioner for Health Syria: Attack on humanitarian convoy is an attack on humanity Publisher International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Publication Date 20 September 2016 Cite as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Syria: Attack on humanitarian convoy is an attack on humanity, 20 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/583856514.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) are outraged by last night's horrific attack on a SARC warehouse and an aid convoy in Orem Al Kubra (Big Orem) in rural Aleppo. Around twenty civilians and one SARC staff member were killed, as they were unloading trucks carrying vital humanitarian aid. Much of the aid was destroyed. The attack deprives thousands of civilians of much-needed food and medical assistance. "We're totally devastated by the deaths of so many people, including one of our colleagues, the director of our sub-branch, Omar Barakat. He was a committed and brave member of our family of staff and volunteers, working relentlessly to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people. It is totally unacceptable that our staff and volunteers continue to pay such a high price because of the ongoing fighting," said the SARC President, Dr Abdulrahman Attar. "From what we know of yesterday's attack, there has been a flagrant violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which is totally unacceptable. Failing to respect and protect humanitarian workers and structures might have serious repercussions on ongoing humanitarian operations in the country, hence depriving millions of people from aid essential to their survival", said Peter Maurer, the ICRC President. "Today, the Red Cross and Red Crescent is in mourning. In solidarity with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, we are calling on the international community to ensure the protection of humanitarian aid workers and volunteers. We are not part of this conflict," said Tadateru Konoe, the President of the IFRC. Syria is one of the most dangerous conflicts for humanitarian workers in the world. During the past six years, 54 staff and volunteers of SARC have lost their lives whilst carrying out their duties. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement repeats its demand that all parties to the conflict adhere to the rules of international humanitarian law, which includes protecting aid workers. Myanmar: 4000 displaced people receive urgent assistance in Kayin State Publisher International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Publication Date 21 November 2016 Cite as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Myanmar: 4000 displaced people receive urgent assistance in Kayin State, 21 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5838569e4.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. In response to displacements following recent armed clashes in Kayin State, around 4000 people who took refuge in Myaing Gyi Ngu have received urgent assistance from the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) together with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), supplementing the timely and generous support already provided by the monastries, authorities and civil society. Armed clashes intensified in that region the first weeks of September which prompted the displacement of around 4,000 people from 22 villages to the town of Myaing Gyui Ngu, situated 2 hours north of Hpa An town. Displaced people took refuge in two monasteries. "These camps are well organized. People receive donations, food and water from host communities, local organizations and the authorities. To complement the initial response, we have decided to support them as well", said Khun Kyaw Win, G1 of the MRCS in Kayin. The MRCS after an assessment last Saturday together with the ICRC has just distributed this weekend over 300 dignity kits (clothes and hygiene products for women), water purifiers, LED lamps, mosquito repellent coils and oral rehydration salt. "Hygiene is the main issue. More latrines are needed and people should be protected from mosquitos", said See Lwin, field officer in charge of ICRC office in Hpa An. "In addition to this, displaced people are very much concerned by their fields and cattle left behind". The ICRC and the MRCS are distributing 1000 mosquito nets (one per family), additional supplies such as over 800 dignity kits , 50 garbage bins to support waste management in the camps, 200 sleeping mats. A dozen Red Cross volunteers are on the spot to participate to the relief operations and are involved with the Township Health Department for health care, hygiene promotion and camp management with local authorities, for instance maintaining a clean environment and cooking. The Myanmar Red Cross has a branch in Hpa-An and the ICRC, whose mission consists of helping those affected by armed conflict, has been present in Kayin State since 2000, where it mainly supports a MRCS physical rehabilitation centre. Yemen: Abducted ICRC staff member released Publisher International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Publication Date 3 October 2016 Cite as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Yemen: Abducted ICRC staff member released, 3 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/583856d94.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Nourane Houas, an ICRC staff member who was abducted late last year in Sanaa, has been released and is currently in Muscat. The ICRC would like to thank all those who have played a role in facilitating Ms Houas' release, in particular his majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Sultan of Oman. Ms Houas was abducted by gunmen on 1 December 2015 while on her way to work. She was travelling with a colleague when a group of armed men intercepted their car. Her colleague was released unharmed a few hours later while she was held for over ten months. "We are relieved and thankful that Nourane is now back with us, safe and sound," said the ICRC head of delegation in Yemen, Alexandre Faite. "Her abduction was a terrible ordeal for her, as well as for her family, friends and colleagues. And it has obviously dealt a real blow to our humanitarian work in Yemen." "It has taken a lot of effort, inside and outside Yemen and over many months, but finally we have a positive result, said Mr Faite. "Our priority now is Nourane's well-being and getting her home to her family. We would ask everyone to respect her and her family's privacy at this time." The ICRC will not comment on the identity of the abductors, their motives or the details of her release. "We are also grateful for the support and cooperation of the French and Tunisian governments throughout this time," said Mr Faite. "We remain committed to helping the people of Yemen, who are suffering terribly from the ongoing conflict. We hope that in due course our operations in the country can fully resume." ICRC and Greek authorities agree on need for standard approach to dignified management of dead migrants Publisher Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) Publication Date 5 October 2016 Cite as Immigration Advisory Service (IAS), ICRC and Greek authorities agree on need for standard approach to dignified management of dead migrants, 5 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/583857c64.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. In an effort to address the humanitarian challenge of identifying dead migrants, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Hellenic Police's Forensic Science Division organized a round-table meeting in Athens on 4 October, focussing on promoting dignified management of the dead. The meeting was attended by Greece's chief prosecutor, the president of the Hellenic Red Cross, officials from several ministries, representatives of the Hellenic Coastguard and the Hellenic Police, forensic experts and other government officials. The participants underlined many challenges to the proper identification and registration of dead migrants, including the lack of a comprehensive database on the deceased. The sheer size of the migration flows in recent years has placed a major burden on Greece's forensic services and their limited human resources and logistical set-up. The head of the Hellenic Police's Forensic Science Division, Major General Dr Penelope Miniatis, said that the Police Laboratory had registered in its DNA database over 650 genetic samples from human remains that had not been identified. She also said that more than 150 people had approached the laboratory looking for their relatives. The meeting of 4 October concluded on a positive note, with participants agreeing on the next steps to be taken to develop a legal framework better equipped to coordinate the management of unidentified bodies among all the agencies involved in such cases. The participants also thanked the ICRC for providing the authorities with forensic assistance and reiterated their commitment to putting in place a coordinated national protocol for managing unidentified bodies and registering missing persons. ICRC Regional Forensic Adviser Jan Bikker praised the commitment and support shown by the Greek authorities at the round-table meeting: "An important step has been taken at this meeting to define a coordinated legal framework that will ultimately allow a national central database of missing persons and unidentified remains to be set up. This system will not only benefit Greece but may also allow information-sharing, either at national level or between European States and migrants' countries of origin, in order to clarify the fate of the missing and give the families answers. The ICRC will continue to support the Greek authorities throughout this process." Copyright notice: Immigration Advisory Service Yemen: ICRC abhors civilian deaths in Sana'a Publisher International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Publication Date 8 October 2016 Cite as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Yemen: ICRC abhors civilian deaths in Sana'a, 8 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5838582b4.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) abhors the killing today of dozens of civilians in the Yemeni capital Sana'a - the result of several attacks on a wake following a funeral attended by hundreds of people. "We deplore this outrageous loss of civilian life," said Robert Mardini, the ICRC's regional director for the Near and Middle East. "Civilians in Yemen have already paid far too heavy a price these past 18 months," added Mr Mardini. This evening, paramedics on site were still recovering the bodies of the dead and attempting to rescue the wounded. Initial reports received by the ICRC indicate a very high number of casualties, which could rise still further. "We are supporting hospitals and the health authorities to deal with the influx of dead and wounded. We have provided 300 dead body bags so far and dispatched a large quantity of medical supplies to three hospitals in Sana'a," said Mr Mardini. The last couple of days have seen an intensification of airstrikes across the country, heightening suffering and leading to loss of civilian life. As the humanitarian situation in Yemen grows ever more acute, the ICRC is calling on all parties to ensure that all feasible precautions are taken to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. Explosive weapons with a wide impact area should be avoided in densely populated areas. The ICRC is ready to provide further assistance and to mobilize its forensic team if needed. Somalia: Civilians must be spared from fighting Publisher International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Publication Date 8 November 2016 Cite as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Somalia: Civilians must be spared from fighting, 8 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5838596a4.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) calls on all parties to the conflict in Galkayo to take all precautionary measures to protect civilians, health care staff and medical facilities. "It's vital that the civilians caught in conflict - families, mothers, and children - be allowed to move out of the conflict zone safely. Civilians, as well as medical professionals, are not part of the conflict and must not be targeted," said Jordi Raich Curco, the ICRC Head of Delegation for Somalia. Last week the ICRC provided 60,000 displaced people with emergency relief including food for one month and water. Last Monday the ICRC donated medical supplies to hospitals that received 140 people wounded in the recent fighting. Burning trash to keep warm in Syria town cut off by war Publisher UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Author Qusai Alazroni Publication Date 25 November 2016 Cite as UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Burning trash to keep warm in Syria town cut off by war, 25 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58385bcc4.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Keeping a 100-square-metre apartment with bare concrete walls and a dirt floor warm during a harsh Syrian winter is tough for 70-year-old Aisha. She lives in an unfinished building converted into a shelter for internally displaced people in hard-to-reach Qudsaya, a mountain town a few kilometres from Damascus that has been largely cut off by war. "I burn plastic and cardboard in order to get some warmth during the winter," says the grandmother, who fled her home in rural Damascus five years ago with her two daughters and three grandchildren, after fighting erupted. She is among millions of people uprooted by wars in Syria and neighbouring Iraq who fret about how their families will get through the winter months as temperatures fall across the region. At nearly 800 metres above sea level, those living in unfinished buildings and exposed shelters in Qudsaya are most at risk from harsh winter conditions. Most rainfall comes in the winter, and temperatures often drop below zero. "We barely survive here" as it is, says Aisha, standing in an unfurnished room with the smell of damp hanging in the air. "We don't even have warm clothes in this harsh weather." Since July 2015, restrictions have meant residents could not move freely, while commercial supplies and humanitarian assistance can only be delivered with prior coordination. The restrictions were recently eased following a local agreement between the warring parties. For many, it has meant a return to something at least resembling a normal life. But behind the now bustling streets and busy markets of Qudsaya, the stark realities of the war remain. For 54-year-old Nabeel, life is still far from normal. When clashes erupted in the town three years ago, the father of three fled his house and returned to find it torched and looted. "We left home in a hurry, without taking a single item with us, we returned to find everything trashed," he says. Since then, his life has become more difficult. He lost his job in Damascus when restrictions were placed on movement to and from Qudsaya. His family were further hit by rising prices for food and household items in the local market. "In three years, I've received humanitarian aid a couple of times. That's not enough. It is like a drop in the ocean," says Nabeel, who now survives by scavenging. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has begun delivering life-saving assistance to 4.6 million displaced Iraqis and Syrians - like Aisha, Nabeel and their families - to help them survive the harsh winter conditions. In coming weeks, UNHCR aims to reach 3.2 million Syrians and 1.4 million Iraqis, who have been uprooted within their countries' borders or have sought refuge in Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt. The aid includes a mixture of cash payments, clothing, blankets, heating fuel and other basics. In recent weeks, UNHCR delivered plastic sheets, thermal blankets and winter clothes to the besieged city of East Harasta in the eastern Ghouta district of rural Damascus. The delivery was part of a UN convoy which carried food and medicine for the 11,000 people trapped in the city. Then in recent days, the UNHCR aid drive reached Qudsaya and the nearby village of Al-Hama, where staff delivered enough winter clothing kits for 30,000 residents, as part of an inter-agency convoy that also delivered badly-needed food and medicines. Aid, the first to reach Qudsaya as winter draws in, was welcomed by residents. "God only knows what we went through since we arrived here," Aisha told UNHCR. "In a situation like ours, anything can help us survive." UNHCR's Winter Assistance Plan remains US$68 million underfunded. You can help those in need here. Blue Bell, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/25/2016 --A staple in Southeastern Pennsylvania for nearly 300 years, The Blue Bell Inn, is offering a new gift card promotion this holiday season. As a thank you for dining at The Blue Bell Inn, guests will receive a $25 gift card for purchasing $250 of fare from the restaurant's modern American menu. Patrons who purchase $500 at The Blue Bell Inn will automatically receive a $100 gift card to give to friends, family or simply save for a future purchase. In addition to dining in the restaurant's iconic main bar and dining rooms, guests are encouraged to contact The Blue Bell Inn's Director of Sales and Events, Alicia Maestes, at 215.646.2010 to inquire about reserving one of The Blue Bell Inn's 12 private dining spaces, which can hold parties of up to 175 guests. The Inn's 12 unique event spaces range from cozy 10-person tables with rustic charm to a tented outdoor patio complete with a fire pit to keep warm in the cooler months. About The Blue Bell Inn Constructed in 1743, The Blue Bell Inn, has been a staple in Blue Bell Pennsylvania for nearly 300 years. Situated just 20 miles north of Center City, Philadelphia, The Blue Bell Inn blends a modern American menu with a vibrant atmosphere and American heritage. Visit The Blue Bell Inn to indulge in quality oysters, shrimp and crab legs from the raw bar. Enjoy Happy Hour specials on Monday and Wednesday evenings, as well as bottomless mimosas during Sunday brunch. Or host your corporate lunch at The Blue Bell Inn, available Monday to Friday 11:30-2:00 p.m. with an abbreviated menu available from 2-5 p.m., weekdays. The Blue Bell Inn also features 12 private dining rooms that can hold parties as small as 10 guests and as large as 175 attendees. For more information, visit bluebellinn.com or call (215) 646-2010. 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. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below This just in... Britain's last colonial leader of Hong Kong, former governor Chris Patten, hit out at pro-independence campaigners on Friday, saying they have undermined the broader democratic movement in the city. Patten, who was regularly villified by Chinese officials while in office as governor, said the city's seven million residents should enjoy "the freedom to choose who governs Hong Kong." But he slammed advocates of independence for the city for "diluting" the case for greater democracy, while praising the 2014 Occupy Central movement for attaining the moral high ground with its "peaceful and mature" campaign. "It would be dishonest, dishonorable and reckless of somebody like me to pretend that the case for democracy should be mixed up with the argument about the independence of Hong Kong," Patten told the Foreign Correspondents' Club. In a side-swipe at recent protest oaths taken by two recently elected pro-independence lawmakers at their swearing-in, Patten said independence was "something which is not going to happen, something which dilutes democracy, and something which has led to all sorts of antics which should not take place in a mature society aiming to be a full democracy." Earlier this month, Hong Kong's High Court ruled against lawmakers-elect Sixtus Leung and Yau Wai-ching after they changed the wording of their oaths, formally barring them from taking up their seats. The duo both vowed allegiance to the "Hong Kong Nation" and carried banners saying "Hong Kong is not China" when making their oaths on Oct. 12. They also used a historical slur to refer to China, with Yau inserting swear-words into her oath. 'Antics' hurt movement Their protest prompted the standing committee of China's rubber-stamp parliament, the National People's Congress (NPC), to intervene with an interpretation of Hong Kong's miniconstitution last week, ruling that only "solemn and sincere" oaths would be accepted from public office-holders. Patten, whose own attempts to widen the voting franchise in Hong Kong were wiped out with the 1997 handover to Chinese rule, said their "antics" had likely damaged the broader democracy movement in the city. "I think two years ago many brave young people in Hong Kong established moral high ground about democracy in governance, and I think it would be a tragedy if that high ground was lost because of a few antics about so-called independence for Hong Kong," he said. Citing the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration that paved the way for the handover, he said the treaty was made on the assumption that the post-1997 Special Administrative Region (SAR) would be an integral part of Chinese territory. "I ... have great admiration, for those who campaign for democracy," he said, adding that it was "a bit surprising" that more progress towards full democracy hadn't been made in nearly two decades. "But not those whose campaign dilutes support for democracy and makes a mockery of a serious political argument." The 79-day Occupy Central democracy movement was triggered by an Aug. 31, 2014 "interpretation" of the Basic Law issued by the NPC standing committee insisting that candidates in forthcoming elections be vetted by a pro-Beijing committee, a proposal that protesters slammed as "fake universal suffrage," and which was later voted down in the Legislative Council (LegCo). 'Self determination' support grows The movement saw the emergence of a group of young politicians, many of whom began to call for "self determination" in a bid to address growing concerns over the erosion of Hong Kong's traditional freedoms. Yau and Leung, both members of the group Youngspiration, were among them. Responding to Patten's remarks, Leung told RFA that the question of independence for Hong Kong is an unavoidable one, however. "We can't deny demands in Hong Kong for independence or calls for self-determination, because they have been there all along," he said. "Also, we are talking about considerable numbers of people, based on figures from our election campaign, and that is an objective reality that we have to respect," Leung said. The pair are appealing the High Court's ruling in a case that entered its second day on Friday. Their lawyers are arguing that oath-taking is an internal matter for the legislature, and the court should not intervene under the principle of non-intervention. If the appeal fails, LegCo president Andrew Leung said the council will demand that Leung and Yau repay nearly one million Hong Kong dollars in salary and other payments made when they were elected. "We will be seeking the full recovery of around H.K.$930,000 dating from Oct. 1," Andrew Leung told reporters on Thursday. "We will consider any arguments they may raise, but we will have to deal very carefully with it, because this is public money." Reported by Lam Kwok-lap for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. Rescue workers in the Chinese province of Jiangxi search for crewmen missing after after a platform collapsed during the construction of a power plant cooling tower, Nov. 24, 2016. At least 67 people have died in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangxi after a platform collapsed during the construction of a power plant cooling tower in Fengcheng city. Jiangxi Ganneng Co, which is building the plant, confirmed the toll of 67 dead in a statement to the Shenzhen stock exchange, adding that it is cooperating with authorities to investigate the cause of the accident. An official who answered the phone at the Fengcheng municipal government offices on Thursday said local leaders are already at the scene of the accident. "All of our personnel have gone to the the scene of the accident," the official said. "There has already been an online statement about developments, so you should use that ... We're not a press office." Two workers were taken to hospital with injuries sustained in the accident, which took place shortly after 7.00 a.m. local time. A doctor who answered the phone at the Fengcheng People's Hospital said they are currently treating several people for injuries in the accident. "We had two come in with cranial injuries, and then three who came in around noon, who aren't too bad, with minor soft tissue injuries," the doctor said. "In total we have had seven deaths of patients brought to this hospital; they died pretty much on arrival," he said. "The two with cranial injuries were admitted to hospital, while the ones with soft tissue injuries are still waiting outside the emergency room." Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has ordered an investigation and called for those responsible to be held to account, official media reported. "Strengthen supervision and preventive measures, prevent such a major accident from happening again," the China News Service quoted Li as saying. Routine project A source close to the accident said the nature of the project shouldn't have resulted in such an accident, as it was technically well within the abilities of those working on it. "A cooling tower isn't one of those large-scale, dangerous projects," the source said. "It's structurally very stable ... and shouldn't present too many problems in construction." "The materials involved are pretty straightforward too, and the project didn't even count as a particularly large scale one, given that construction projects are getting bigger and bigger across China these days," he said. "The only thing that I can think of is a problem with the management of the workforce, which means that somebody is responsible." Former state prosecutor-turned-rights activist Shen Liangqing said state-owned enterprises in China are reluctant to invest in project safety, and workers have little power to say no to hazardous assignments. "I saw quite a lot of these cases when I worked as a state prosecutor," Shen told RFA. "Back in the 1990s, I visited a power station over in Jiangxi, and the cooling tower was under construction." "The cables holding up the construction crane had torn away, and later we found that many of the screw heads were very weak ... the crane-driver had received no specialist training whatsoever," Shen said. He said work safety issues are rarely addressed because there are no independent labor organizations to hold employers to account. "As we know, there are no [non-government] labor unions in China, and industrial safety is linked to the health and safety of the workforce, yet there is no protection for them," Shen said. Spate of accidents The Jiangxi provincial State Development and Reform Commission was unavailable for comment on Thursday. China has been rocked in recent years by a series of large-scale industrial accidents, including two massive blasts that ripped through a hazardous chemicals warehouse in the northern port city of Tianjin on Aug. 12, 2015, killing more than 170 people and destroying residential buildings near the epicenter. Almost a year later, at least 21 people were killed and five others injured, three seriously, after a steam pipe exploded at the Madian Ganshi Power Generation Co. in Hubei's Dangyang city. Last month, a massive explosion in the northern Chinese province of Shaanxi left at least 14 people dead and around 150 injured, with officials blaming an illegal explosives factory. In the wake of the Tianjin disaster, the ruling Chinese Communist Party launched a nationwide series of safety inspections. But nearly 200 people died in chemical accidents around the country in the first eight months of this year alone, according to a report from the environmental group Greenpeace highlighting lax management across the world's largest chemicals industry. Greenpeace warned in the report that many chemicals facilities are worryingly close to areas of high population density and to ecologically sensitive areas. State Administration of Work Safety chief Yang Dongliang was removed from his post following the Tianjin explosions and later charged with corruption. Three women lie slumped on a subway platform at Beijing's Tiananmen East station after ingesting pesticides in protest over a phone scam, Nov. 24, 2016. Three victims of a phone scam from the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu were rushed to hospital after swallowing pesticides in a subway station close to Beijing's iconic Tiananmen Square. The women drank the poison in an underground walkway connected to the Tiananmen East subway station and were taken to the emergency room soon after, official media reported on Thursday. A photo taken by a bystander showed three women lying slumped near a wall in a white-tiled subway station, not far from the platform. Official media reported on Thursday that the three women are now in a stable condition, but online articles about the incident appeared to have been deleted from China's tightly controlled internet soon after the reports were posted. One of the women, identified by her surname Han, said she had lost 17 million yuan (U.S.$2.5 million) in life savings to a telephone fraudster, money the family needed to pay for her husband's cancer treatment. "It was all taken from me in the scam," she told journalists. Attempts to seek compensation or redress with the authorities had yielded no result, reports quoted the woman as saying. Han had her stomach pumped at Beijing's Tongren Hospital after she swallowed three bottles of the fungicide triadimefon. No details were reported of the fate of her two companions, who weren't related to Han. The suicide bid comes after a recent report highlighted rampant telecom fraud in China. Increasing telephone scams China's telecom scams have increased at an annual rate of 20 to 30 percent in the past ten years, official media quoted the report as saying at the end of last month. China's public security authorities recorded 590,000 telecom scam cases in 2015, a rise of 32.5 percent from 2014, resulting in economic losses worth 22.2 billion yuan (U.S.$3.3 billion), the report said. Attempted suicides are increasingly common among disgruntled Chinese petitioners, many of whom are forced evictees, and most of whom pursue complaints against local officials for years or even decades with no result. Petitioners, who flood China's official complaints departments with more than 20,000 complaints daily across the country, frequently report being held in "black jails," beaten, or otherwise harassed,if they persist in a complaint beyond its initial rejection at a local level. The sheer emotional strain of petitioning takes a heavy toll on some, activists say. A Beijing-based petitioner surname Yi said Wednesday's attempted suicide was just the tip of the iceberg. "It's not just them; a lot of petitioners start to think about taking extreme action when they get to Beijing," Yi said. And fellow petitioner Hu Jianguo, who has pursued a complaint for several years to no avail, said he had thrown himself in front of cars carrying high-ranking government leaders, including President Xi Jinping, in a bid to get his grievance heard. "The [ruling] Chinese Communist Party is entering the darkest part of its history, when ordinary people are using their own lives as a form of protest, and swallowing pesticides in an attempt to kill themselves," Hu said in an interview on Thursday. Dignified life "I really feel for them, but I wouldn't want them to take that route," he said. "We should move towards a democratic system ruled by law, and expose the dark side of government." "If we have the courage to sacrifice our own lives, then why not the courage to come out in protest?" "We need to overthrow this dictatorial regime, and allow the people to build a genuine democracy and legal system: a dignified life," he said. Sichuan-based rights activist Huang Qi, who founded the Tianwang rights website, said most people who pursue complaints against official wrongdoing face stonewalling, buck-passing, harassment and oppression from the authorities. "They get to the point where they have no options left open to them, which is why people are driven to extreme actions of every kind," Huang said. "They are hoping at least to get everyone's attention and step up the pressure for change, or even take the officials responsible down with them," he said. He said the only way to stop such things happening again is for local governments to start taking effective action to address people's complaints. "They also need to make sure that the petitioning process is accessible and runs smoothly," Huang said. "People need to be sure that their reasonable demands will be dealt with promptly and effectively, within the framework of the rule of law." The latest suicide bid comes after eight people from Long'an city in the southeastern province of Fujian died in a mass suicide protest outside the city government offices earlier this month. Nine petitioners were protesting a lack of redress after being forcibly evicted from their homes, and swallowed pesticides at the same time. All were taken to hospital, but only one survived. Authorities in the central Chinese province of Hubei are holding a prominent activist who edited a rights monitoring website under criminal detention on subversion charges. Liu Feiyue, who founded the Civil Rights and Livelihood Watch website, has been incommunicado since Nov. 17, and police informed his relatives the following day that the charges were "very serious this time." Liu's relatives have been informed verbally of his criminal investigation for "incitement to subvert state power," while his home in Hubei's Suizhou has been searched by police, his website reported. A volunteer who answered the phone at the Civil Rights and Livelihood Watch offices said Liu stands accused of receiving overseas funding to run the group. "They are saying he received overseas funding," the volunteer said. "They have searched his home and taken a lot of documents, including payslips and so on." "They say that he has harmed national security by accepting the funding." The volunteer said that no official documents have yet been issued relating to Liu's detention, however. "They just informed [the family] verbally, and we don't have any more information than that," the volunteer said. "The police haven't even told us where he is being held." Liu, a veteran rights activist who founded Civil Rights and Livelihood Watch in 2006, has been targeted for police harassment in the past, and is routinely detained or placed under house arrest during politically sensitive events. Last month, he was held briefly ahead of the ruling Chinese Communist Party's sixth plenary session in Beijing, but later released alongside other activists. Overseas funding He had also been detained ahead of the annual session of China's rubber-stamp parliament, the National People's Congress (NPC), in March, and ahead of the G20 summit in the eastern city of Hangzhou. Officials who answered the phone at the Suizhou municipal police department, and at the public security management brigade that runs district-level police stations, declined to comment when contacted by RFA on Friday. Fellow activist Bao Naigang told RFA the charges against Liu don't stand up. "I don't know how, or under which law, receiving overseas funding translates into harming national security," Bao said. "But lots of people work for foreign organizations or receive overseas funding." "It makes no sense to go arresting people," he said. "But the Chinese Communist Party can just detain whoever it likes these days; it's like they've gone crazy." "There are spies everywhere," Bao said. But he said fellow activists still have a duty to speak out. "If we say nothing, then we will be silenced forever," he said. "The arrests are coming thick and fast now, and more and more people are being detained, which shows that the authorities are getting frightened, and their paranoia is off the scale." An activist who declined to be named agreed. "This is wrong, and it's also ridiculous; the government is just in permanent crackdown mode now," the activist said. "They've deleted all my online articles; they've deleted my blog, and they've frozen my social media accounts ... it's complete abuse of the law by people who are basically thugs." Draconian cybersecurity law Earlier this month, China passed a draconian new cybersecurity law that rights groups warned could be used to further stifle individual freedoms after a crackdown on dissent that has lasted since President Xi Jinping took power in November 2012. The controversial legislation aims to step up "monitoring, defending and handling cybersecurity risks and threats originating from within the country or overseas sources, and protecting key information infrastructure from attack, intrusion, disturbance and damage," according to the text of the law. Efforts will also be made to punish online crime and "safeguard the order and security of cyberspace," state news agency Xinhua reported. The ruling Chinese Communist Party last month also Xi as a "core" leader, giving him equal billing with late supreme leaders Deng Xiaoping and Mao Zedong. Members were urged in a communique issued at the end of a plenary session of the party's powerful Central Committee to "closely unite around the ... Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core," state news agency Xinhua reported. It also called for stricter party discipline amid reports that one million officials have been punished for corruption since Xi came to power. Reported by Yang Fan for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Hai Nan for the Cantonese Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. Freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall have killed at least 20 people, mostly children, this week in a remote northern province in Afghanistan, local officials say. The deaths occurred in the rural Darzab district of the Jawzjan Province, district Governor Rahmatullah Hashar told RFE/RL on November 25. Hashar said all the victims were internally displaced people who had left their villages in neighboring regions due to violence and a lack of security. Hashar and local officials said some 100 families were currently living in harsh conditions in "mosques and open spaces" in remote mountainous areas, with no access to medical facilities. Darzab officials say the road linking the area with the provincial capital, Sheberghan, has been cut off by the Taliban. Authorities say they are waiting for the weather to clear up before delivering aid by air. Provincial Governor Lutfullah Azizi has called on the local residents to offer shelter to the displaced in Jawzjan. With reporting by AP Afghan officials say a triple bombing has killed at least five people and wounded dozens in eastern Afghanistan. Attahullah Khogyani, spokesman for the provincial governor of Nangarhar, said the blasts on November 25 took place in different parts of Jalalabad, the provincial capital. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the three bombings in Jalalabad, which has been the scene of a string of deadly attacks by Islamic State (IS) militants. Khogyani said the first blast was a roadside bomb that exploded outside the house of a local prison official, Abdul Hakim, killing him and a child and wounding six others. The second explosion hit a fire brigade office, killing three and wounding 21. Khogyani said the third blast came as people gathered at Hakim's house after the first blast, but there were no reports of casualties. IS militants have been intensifying their attacks in Afghanistan as Afghan forces, backed by U.S. air strikes, step up attacks against them in eastern Afghanistan, along the porous border with Pakistan. Based on reporting by AFP and AP 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. French conservative presidential hopefuls Francois Fillon and Alain Juppe have traded blows over Russia in their final debate before a second-round primary, with Juppe criticizing his rival's perceived bond with the Kremlin. Referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent warm words about Fillon, the front-runner and former prime minister, Juppe said during the televised debate that "this must be the first presidential election in which the Russian president chooses his candidate." Fillon has backed a strategic alignment with Moscow and advocated lifting EU sanctions targeting Russia over its seizure of Ukraine's Crimea territory and backing of separatists in eastern Ukraine. He shrugged off Juppe's criticism, saying that "Russia is a dangerous country if we treat it as we have treated it for the last five years." "We are allies of the U.S. -- we share fundamental principles with the U.S. that we don't with Russia," Fillon said. He added, however, that current French President Francois Holland's stance on Russia -- including his backing of sanctions -- had served to isolate Moscow. If Fillon defeats Juppe in the November 27 primary, he is widely expected to square off and defeat far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, who also supports closer ties to Moscow, in a presidential election in May. Fillon captured 44 percent of the vote in the first-round primary last week, while Juppe garnered less than 29 percent. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, under whom Fillon served as prime minister, was eliminated in the first-round contest. The debate came a day after Putin praised Fillon as "a professional to a high extent" and a man who is "able to maintain his point of view." The Kremlin and senior Russian officials have already voiced optimism that Moscow's ties with the West could improve following Republican U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's stunning victory this month over Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Trump has praised Putin and said he would like to mend Washington's battered ties with the Kremlin in order to boost cooperation on matters like counterterrorism. France and Germany have been among the leading EU voices in pressuring Russia over its annexation of Crimea in March 2014 and backing of the separatists in eastern Ukraine. Aleksei Pushkov, the head of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Russia's lower house of parliament, said following Fillon's first-round primary victory that should he win the French presidency, it would mark the "end of the Berlin-Paris tandem" concerning Russia. With reporting by AFP, dpa, Reuters, and TASS Welcome back to The Farda Briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter that tracks the key issues in Iran and explains why they matter. To subscribe, click here. I'm RFE/RL correspondent Golnaz Esfandiari. Here's what Ive been following during the past week and what Im watching for in the days ahead. The Big Issue Iran has accused two female journalists who covered the hospitalization and funeral of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini -- whose death in the custody of Tehran's morality police triggered protests across the country -- of being U.S. spies and the "primary sources of news for foreign media." The accusations came in a joint statement by the feared intelligence branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Intelligence Ministry, which identified the two journalists, Nilufar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi, who are being held in Tehran's Evin prison, by their initials. The statement claims the journalists were trained abroad. It also says the protests that have shaken Iran were planned by the CIA along with other foreign intelligence services, including the British and Saudi spy agencies as well as Israel's Mossad. The statement was met with fear and anger by Iranian journalists and their colleagues, who pushed back against the accusations. Senior editors of Hamedi's Sharq daily and Mohammadi's Hammihan dismissed the charges and said the journalists were only doing their jobs. "Our journalist and our newspaper.....acted within the framework of the journalistic mission," said Mehdi Rahmanian, editor of the reformist Sharq, while Gholamhossein Karbaschi, the editor of Hammihan, said the IRGC-affiliated Fars news agency and other news agencies had similar reports that included more details. More than 500 journalists, photographers, and other media workers demanded the release of their colleagues while calling on officials to allow the free flow of information. Separately, Tehran's Journalist Association said that based on the statement by the Iranian intelligence agencies, journalism should be banned because "the normal activity of journalists has been cited as evidence of a crime." For its part, the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists dismissed the charges against the two journalists as "conspiracy theories," adding that it will hold Iranian leaders accountable for any harm done to the journalists. Why It Matters: The spying accusations against Hamedi and Mohammadi are a major escalation of state pressure on the media, which is already facing a severe crackdown and tough censorship. The spying charges leveled against the two carries the death penalty. According to the CPJ, more than 45 journalists and columnists have been arrested in the current crackdown. The French media watchdog Reporters Without Borders said Iran has become the world's biggest jailer of female journalists in the course of the current crackdown. Meanwhile, reports have emerged that France-based Iranian journalist Vahid Shamsoddinnezhad, who had traveled to Saghez to cover the aftermath of Amini's death for the European TV channel Arte, has been in jail since September 28. What's Next: The judiciary has not officially charged the two journalists with spying. The pushback from the Iranian press and journalists and international pressure could be instrumental in clearing the two journalists of the accusations. Stories You Might Have Missed Iranian authorities secretly buried the body of RFE/RL's Radio Farda broadcaster Reza Haghighatnejad at a location near Shiraz after seizing his body upon repatriation to Iran for burial. Haghighatnejad, 45, died of cancer in Berlin on October 17. His body was flown to Iran on October 25. His family was not allowed to see the body or participate in his burial. Radio Farda obtained a video of Haghighatnejad's gravesite , where the anthem of the current mass protests in Iran, Shervin Hajipur's Baraye, was heard in the background. The U.S. State Department has called on Iran to release Haghighatnejad's body and said the episode showed the extent the Iranian government will go to intimidate the press. at a location near Shiraz after seizing his body upon repatriation to Iran for burial. Haghighatnejad, 45, died of cancer in Berlin on October 17. His body was flown to Iran on October 25. His family was not allowed to see the body or participate in his burial. Radio Farda obtained , where the anthem of the current mass protests in Iran, Shervin Hajipur's Baraye, was heard in the background. The U.S. State Department has called on Iran to release Haghighatnejad's body and said the episode showed the extent the Iranian government will go to intimidate the press. Iran has arrested rapper Toomaj Salehi, who had expressed support for the anti-govenment protests in Iran. Security authorities announced that the rapper was arrested on October 30 while attempting to flee the country. Salehi's uncle denied the claim, saying his nephew was arrested in the southwestern province of Chaharmahal Bakhtiari. Salehi was also detained last year over lyrics he wrote that condemn state repression, the killings of protesters, poverty, and injustice. What We're Watching Iran saw a surge in protests last week when thousands of people marked 40 days since the death of Mahsa Amini in state custody. In Amini's hometown of Saghez, a massive crowd gathered at the cemetery where the young woman is buried. Many walked to the cemetery amid reports that authorities had blocked the roads leading to Amini's resting place. Mourners also gathered last week at the grave of 16-year-old Nika Shahkarami near the western city of Khorramabad, 40 days after she was killed in the brutal state crackdown amid reports that security forces had opened fire to disperse mourners while also making arrests. Why It Matters: The memorial ceremonies for those killed by security forces have energized the protest movement by fueling more anger with state repression. The establishment has responded with force. More protests could erupt as Iranians mourn those killed by security forces. Thats all from me for now. Dont forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you have. Until next time, Golnaz Esfandiari If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every Wednesday. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev says that "there is no need" to change the name of the country's capital, Astana, after the Kazakh parliament proposed to rename the city after him. Nazarbaev said in an interview published on November 25 that "everyone knows Astana. It's a brand, and therefore there is no need to change the capital's name." On November 23, Kazakh lawmakers unanimously passed a declaration that suggested renaming "the capital and other important facilities across the country" after Nazarbaev. The declaration marking the upcoming 25th anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence pays tribute to Nazarbaev's "outstanding services" to the nation. Nazarbaev, 76, has ruled the oil-rich Central Asian state since 1989. The country has no record of elections deemed democratic by Western observers. In 2010, the Kazakh parliament bestowed the title of "elbasy," or leader of the nation, upon Nazarbaev, granting him and his family lifelong immunity from any civic or criminal prosecution. While Nazarbaev formally opposed the bill, it automatically became law under a legal clause pertaining to the work of the legislature. Based on reporting by Interfax and Akorda.kz Ukraine's ousted President Viktor Yanukovych has accused the Kviv government of "setting up a provocation" to "sabotage" his video testimony in a Ukrainian court trial of five former policemen charged with fatally shooting scores of antigovernment protesters in Kyiv in 2014. Yanukovych, now living in exile in Russia, briefly appeared by video link on November 25 from Rostov-on-Don before a Kyiv courtroom. But his testimony was postponed until November 28 after demonstrators from the Right Sector nationalist group blocked the exit of the jail where the five defendants -- former special forces officers -- are being held. "I had preliminary information that the Ukrainian government was setting up a provocation in order to sabotage today's court hearing and prevent me from testifying as a witness in the case at any cost," Yanukovych told Russia's Rossia 24 television after his testimony was rescheduled. A spokesman for Right Sector was quoted by the Ukrainian media as saying the demonstrators feared that the defendants would be set free after the court hearing. Yanukovych was due to be questioned as a witness in the trial of five former Ukrainian riot police officers accused of murdering protesters. He was also expected to be asked what role he played in the crackdown. WATCH: Yanukovych said he wanted to "establish the truth" about the death of more than 100 protesters during the 2014 Euromaidan revolution. In opening remarks via video link, Yanukovych said he wanted to "establish the truth" about the death of more than 100 demonstrators during the Euromaidan protests. He said that "it was my own initiative to be a witness in this case. This was my own decision. So I am interested in establishing the truth in this case and punishing the perpetrators." "I clearly see that delaying my questioning is a deliberate decision made by [protesters] today who don't want to establish the truth," Yanukovych added. More than 100 protesters were killed in the three months of street demonstrations in Kyivs Maidan square that forced Yanukovych to flee to Russia. Forty-eight of them were allegedly gunned down in February 2014 by snipers who Ukrainian authorities claim received direct orders from Russian-backed Yanukovych. Russia moved to seize Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula shortly after Yanukovych was driven from power by protesters angry over his decision to abandon plans for a landmark pact with the EU and forge closer ties with Moscow. Russia subsequently backed separatists who seized parts of eastern Ukraine, leading to a war that has killed more than 9,600 people. With reporting by AP and Reuters Ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said there should be an investigation into the death of police officers during the 2014 Euromaidan revolution. He made the comments at a press conference on November 25 in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don where he now lives in exile. Earlier in the day, Yanukovych appeared by videolink before a Kyiv courtroom in the trial of five former police officers. They are charged with fatally shooting scores of antigovernment protesters in 2014. Yanukovych said there should also be justice for police officers who were killed during the protests. (RFE/RL's Russian Service) South Kingstown Town Council members take the oath of office on Monday at town hall. Pictured left to right: Bryant Da Cruz, Margaret Healy, Abel Collins, Joe Viele and Liz Gledhill. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Henrico police are investigating an assault and robbery that occurred Thursday night in the 600 block of North Laburnum. According to police, at 11:08 p.m., two black males who were unknown to the victim assaulted and took cash and property from the individual. No weapon was displayed or used in the incident and the victim sustained minor injuries. Henrico police are seeking the public's help identify the suspect in a robbery that occurred Thanksgiving Day at the Rite Aid Pharmacy on Lakeside Avenue. According to police, a white male, 30-40 years old, who is roughly 5'8-5'10 tall and 200-225 pounds with blondish hair and a thin mustache entered the the Rite Aid Pharmacy in the 5500 block of Lakeside Avenue around noon. The man was armed with a silver semi-automatic handgun. The suspect demanded cash and prescription medication from an employee and fled the scene after the employee complied. There were no injuries in the incident. The sand-colored colt bounded on wobbly legs to greet Jerry Hatton and nuzzle his owners hand. Running around his mother, the curious little horse poked his nose into the water bucket before galloping off after a farm dog. Just two weeks ago, Hatton was not sure the 4-week-old coltnamed Thomas Jeffersonwould be walking, much less running, after, he said, an Albemarle County police dog attacked the horse through a pasture fence at his Augusta County farm. On Nov. 7, an Albemarle police officer was running laps around Hattons farm, where she recently lived, with her K9 partner off leash. When the two ran near a pasture containing the mother and baby horses, the dog allegedly ran at the colt and bit down on its hind leg, leaving a long bloody gash. The dog came running up to the fence and attacked him, Hatton said. He didnt attack to just bite him, he attacked to kill. Despite a shock collar on the dog, it took the officer a while to get it under control and away from the horse, Hattons wife, Mary, said. Immediately running for help, the officer found Mary, who put the colt in a stable and called a veterinarian. When he came in, he put some wound dressing on him and gave him all of the shots he should need, Jerry Hatton said. But he said there was nothing he could do for him herehe had to be on the table. So, the next morning, the Hattons took Thomas Jefferson in for surgery. Two hoursand several thousand dollarslater, the colts wound was cleaned and stitched up, and he was sent home in a cone of shame to rest and recuperate, Hatton said. The Albemarle County Police Department is conducting an internal investigation of the incident, according to a department spokeswoman, and would not comment on the active investigation. In cases of dogs killing or injuring livestock, a district court can order that the dog be (i) killed or euthanized immediately by the animal control officer or other officer designated by the court or (ii) removed to another state that does not border on the Commonwealth and is prohibited from returning to the Commonwealth, according to Virginia Code. According to Hatton, the department has made steps to cover the colts medical expenses, but he said it has been a rocky process. Its just a horrible thing that happened, and the Albemarle County Police Department is not really doing what they should do, Hatton said. They wont talk to me on the phone; they wont put me in contact with their insurance company.They tell me to send them the bills and theyll pay for the bills, but they dont want to talk about the value of this animal, he said. Its pretty stressful. For years, Hatton and his wife have bred and shown world-champion Rocky Mountain horses, an even-tempered breed known for its chocolate-colored coat and white mane and tail. The horses are preferred for beginner riders and trail riding because of their gentle nature and affinity for humans. When Thomas Jefferson was born, Hatton and his wife were sure they had another champion on their hands, but after the attack, the colt will be forever marked.Hes doing pretty well, but it will be long termyou just dont know, Mary Hatton said. He will never be a registered Rocky Mountain because hell have a white scar. Rockies cannot have white above the knee. His value drops drastically, Jerry Hatton added. And if somebody comes out to look at him, theyll see a big scar and think, Well, maybe hell go lame later on. Anyone who looks at him with that scar is going to see a discount coupon. As they wait to see how the little horse recuperates, Hatton said he just wants some communication from the police department and said he has not even received a formal apology. A spokeswoman for the police department said the county and department have been in contact with the couple, but would not elaborate on the departments role in the investigation. Jody Saunders, a spokeswoman for Albemarle County, said the county has a well-established process for addressing such incidents. Once the county receives written documentation from the affected party, she said the county will submit the claim to their insurance provider, which will then review the request. Though she was unable to discuss damage payments until the formal claim has been made, Saunders said the police department has been in touch with Hatton and gave him contact information for the countys risk management and attorneys offices. Self-described animal lovers, the Hattons said they dont want to see the dog put down, but wish the handler had had better control of her K9 partner. I dont believe its the dogs fault; I believe its the handlers fault, said Mary Hatton. And I believe it was her place to make sure she was in control of her dog. Virginia Congressman Bob Goodlatte and Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley are asking for more information about an immigrant charged in a roadside rape case in southern Stafford County, who is in the United States illegally. The politicians sent a letter this week to Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson asking for the suspects full immigration and criminal background, including when and how he entered the United States, whether he has been previously deported and whether he applied for or received any immigration benefits. They also asked to be told if there has ever been any interaction between the suspect and law enforcement or immigration authorities and whether he has any gang affiliations. Roberto Carlos Flores Sibrian, 26, faces numerous charges stemming from an Oct. 31 rape and aggravated sexual battery that happened after an auto incident. Flores Sibrian was arrested on Nov. 10 at a construction site in Sanford, N.C., and is being held there in the Lee County Jail pending extradition to Stafford. The attack happened after the womans vehicle was struck by a dark-colored SUV while she was driving east on Kings Highway (State Route 3) between 2:45 and 3:15 a.m. Oct. 31. The woman hadnt seen the vehicle before the collision, authorities said, and the impact caused her to spin out of control and wind up on the shoulder of the road near Sherwood Forest Farm Road. Authorities said the woman was then forcibly removed from her vehicle and dragged to a nearby ditch, where she was sexually assaulted for about two hours. The Stafford Sheriffs Office has said Flores Sibrian is an illegal immigrant and has no fixed address, but was staying in the Fredericksburg area prior to the Oct. 31 incident. WASHINGTON President-elect Donald Trumps flirtation with Mitt Romney as a possible pick for secretary of state has injected a sliver of hope and change into an evolving administration that could use some. If ever there were a rarer pair think Doberman and Labradoodle I cant think of one. Then again, how better to present a bad cop/good cop dynamic to a dangerous and fragile world? If Trump is perceived as unstable and potentially volatile, Romney is the face of calm, a steady hand to help guide the next presidents foreign policies. Concerns about the two mens pointed exchanges during the campaign season would seem less important than whether Romney can do the presidents bidding renegotiating trade deals, for example when Trumps views are in direct conflict with his own. Romney has been pro-open trade while Trump campaigned on either scrapping or reworking trade deals. Having known Romney for a decade or so, Im pretty sure hed accept the job if offered, which I base on my understanding of his profound sense of duty to country. While true that Romney worked against Trump during the primaries, his personal values, including a humility rare in the political world, ultimately would prevail over self-regard. And though Trump called Romney a choker, hardly a recommendation for the person charged with negotiating the nations foreign interests, Trump is Trump, meaning he moves easily from one position to another. And politics are politics. Things are said. Things are unsaid. Indeed, just Tuesday, top aide Kellyanne Conway said that the president-elect wont pursue an investigation of Hillary Clinton, despite having vowed to put her in jail and presided over many a chant of lock her up. More than anything else, Trump is a pragmatist and a businessman. Operative question: What works? As he begins to organize his board of directors, otherwise known as the Cabinet, hes surely aware that Romney, of those rumored to be under consideration, would be most effective on the world stage. The pragmatist, by definition, is unemotional about such decisions. Romney may not be Trumps cup of tea on any number of fronts, including the impossibility of the two settling in for some locker room talk, but the presidency confers a broader view of the world, not to mention the burden of all that follows. What would not work is Rudy Giuliani. Not only does the man formerly known as Americas mayor act like he may have plunged his finger into a live socket but his outspokenness in defense of Trump has often seemed like the mad ranting of a man angry at the moon. We still love 9/11 Rudy, but that Rudy seems to be missing. Even if he were present, the fellow who performs best in a crisis isnt necessarily the one who performs best in preventing a crisis. By stark contrast, Romney would help relax tensions abroad as well as at home. He has international credibility and a sophisticated understanding of complex global relationships. Remember, it was Romney who, during his final debate with President Obama in 2012, pointed to Russia as our greatest geopolitical foe. Obama practically laughed him off the stage, but whos laughing now, not that Romney would gloat? Romney is also well versed in areas of international finance and economics demonstrably superior to anyone else on Trumps list. The fact that Trump has admired Vladimir Putins strength as a leader and has indicated a preference for working with Russia to defeat the Islamic State isnt precisely in conflict with Romneys recognition of Putin and Russia as threats to our national interests. In fact, they can be seen as complementing each others perspectives with a balance of respect and caution informed by history. On China, Romney and Trump probably agree more than not. Again, during his own presidential run Romney spoke often of clamping down on Chinas currency manipulation. He is also the son of George Romney who in addition to being governor of Michigan was president of American Motors Corp. and likely agrees with Trump that the U.S. needs to create incentives for businesses to invest more in American jobs. Further to Romneys qualifications, hes an experienced deal-maker, a skill Trump obviously admires. Super-articulate and fluent in policy (as well as French, for what its worth), Romney is a cool thinker and, not insignificantly, a non-imbiber, also like Trump. Not least, he is by all accounts a thoroughly decent human being. A wise man would look no further. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. The Brambleton Area Business Association has organized what will be Roanoke Countys first Christmas parade with Roanoke Valley Community Credit Union as the title sponsor. To be held on December 10th from 10 11 a.m., the route will start where Harris Street SW intersects Brambleton Avenue, then south down Brambleton, ending just before Garst Mill Road. This is designed as a fun event for kids with floats, music, a fire truck and Santa. Area business owners have helped fund the event and will also serve as volunteers to help manage festivities. Were so excited that we were able to make this happen, explains Mike Shelton, president of Brambleton Area Business Association. (Roanoke County) Deputy Chad Beheler suggested the idea and we ran with it, Shelton notes. Our members and other area business owners have been tremendous with their support for this event with sponsorship dollars, property access, volunteer time and enthusiasm, he states. Theres been a lot in the planning, which will include putting cones down to block off the two south travel lanes and the median of Brambleton Avenue to make the parade route safe. North and south travel will still be available, but each route will be restricted to one lane. The management company responsible for the Krogers/Hamricks plaza along with Kroger store management has agreed to provide parking for spectators and participants. Parade participants are asked to park behind the ABC building. Spectators can park in the back of the lots. There are still some spots available for parade floats and other participants. Entry cost is $25 (free for non-profits), but an application process is required. I was surprised to learn Roanoke County had never had a Christmas parade, Shelton admits. As the dubbed Main Street of Roanoke County, Brambleton Avenue is the ideal spot to launch this initiative its going to be an exciting event for the merchants and the kids in the county Shelton states. For more information, go to BrambletonBusiness.org, e-mail info@BrambletonBusiness.org or call Mike Shelton, president, at (540) 355-1305. Submitted by Michael Shelton Khizr Khan thought things might slow down after the presidential election: The offers to speak, the words of support and encouragement offered in shopping malls, airports and restaurants, the requests to sign all those copies of the U.S. Constitution. Instead, Donald Trumps election has not diminished the demand for the Muslim-American Gold Star father from Charlottesville who drew national attention in late July when he famously brandished a pocket edition of the U.S. Constitution during a speech at the Democratic National Convention and questioned Trumps understanding of its contents, given the candidates comments on Muslims. You have sacrificed nothing! said Khan, whose son, 27-year-old Capt. Humayun Khan, was killed protecting his men from a suicide bomber at the entrance to a U.S. Army base in Iraq in 2004. In an interview from his home, Khan, a lawyer and naturalized U.S. citizen from Pakistan who supported Democrat Hillary Clinton, said he has participated in roughly 20 events since the Nov. 8 election. I have about 40 more to go, he said. The invitations come from all over a celebrity-heavy gathering of the American Civil Liberties Union last week in Los Angeles; speaking engagements at law schools including Harvard, Georgetown and the University of Virginia; an upcoming trip to Chicago to address a convention of physicians. Khans message is not a campaign speech, nor is it anti-Trump, although he remains skeptical of what the president-elect may do in the White House. The message is hope, he says. How to face the difficult period that may be ahead ... and remain a positive force within our community, within our nation. We have a very special burden we carry how urgent and important it has become to be fully engaged politically, not only as supporters but as candidates as well. Khan said a campaign season of heated political rhetoric has scared a lot of people, and rightly so, he said, referencing comments Trump and his surrogates have made regarding Muslims and Hispanics. So far, he said the president-elect has not made any gesture of reconciliation. I am hopeful that, sooner or later, common sense will prevail among the decision-makers of the coming administration, and they will see the benefit of reconciliation and joining hand-in-hand. Khan was in New York on Election Day at the Javits Center, where a Clinton victory celebration unexpectedly turned into a political wake. Many Democratic and campaign leaders left the salon where VIPs were watching results. Khan stayed longer, hoping for a comeback. His wife, Ghazala, finally prevailed upon him to leave the convention hall. He acknowledged that he was heartbroken and disappointed following the result. But the aftermath of the election, and even the events that preceded it, have affirmed Khans commitment to continue speaking. His face by now recognizable, people approach Khan in public. They offer hugs and tell him they love him Democrats and Republicans alike. They place their pocket Constitutions in front of him, sometimes turned to the 14th Amendment, which spells out citizenship rights and guarantees equal protection under the law, and ask him to sign, which he does. Khan said they thank him for reminding us of our values. To Khan, those values are pluralism, equal dignity, equal protection under the law. I have experienced the goodness of America. The love and respect and dignity they have shown me speak volumes of the goodness of this country. We need to have faith in the true values of this country, he said. Its not the first time these values have been challenged history tells us they have been challenged before and they have survived. Now that Trump has won the election, he has what Khan calls a moral, ethical and legal obligation to reconcile the division in the nation, evident from days of protests that reveal distressed religious and ethnic minority communities. For Khan, a central question also going forward is how the Muslim community can serve the country better. He does not want to run for elected office, despite encouragement he has received to do so. Rather, he wants to continue to go to communities across the country and spread his message. This is not the end of the journey our journey has started and it would not have ended even if Secretary Clinton had been the successful candidate, Khan said. It continued on Thanksgiving with a gathering in Charlottesville at the home of friends and neighbors, and the chance to spend time with his family, including four grandchildren. We are going to cherish the day with them, he said. This is a nation of good people, of decent people, he said. We are the hope and encouragement not only for ourselves, but for the rest of the world. City demonstrates the future of health for the world to follow From:Shanghai Daily | 2016-11-25 01:47 SHANGHAI has become a leading example of a Healthy City the World Health Organization director-general Margaret Chan said on the sidelines of the conference that concluded in the city yesterday. As one of Chinas most dynamic cities, Shanghai had demonstrated great leadership by hosting the conference and creating a smoke-free indoor environment for the citys more than 20 million inhabitants, Chan said. Shanghai is therefore an excellent choice of location for the conference and the international mayors forum, she added, praising the city governments efforts, especially on health promotion at the community level. She wrapped up the conference in a speech thanking local citizens and government for hosting the event and called it a great success. Participants, including ministers and mayors from across the world, were inspired by the conference, she said. Led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the conference convenes every four years and rotates the host cities. This year, 1,200 participants,including WHO officials and experts, health ministers and city mayors and health officials gathered from 126 countries and regions. Solutions for a number of serious issues concerning global health promotion and equality were discussed, with China playing a central role. A significant public health challenge that people faced globally, and especially in China, was tackling the rise of non-communicable diseases with tobacco control playing a key role, Chan said. WHO was extremely pleased with the recent decision taken by Shanghai to make airport terminals, railway stations and hotels smoke-free, she added. By fully implementing and enforcing the new indoor smoking ban and by following a whole-of-society approach, Shanghai can demonstrate to cities inside China and around the world that it is possible to create 100 percent smoke-free environments. She lauded the Healthy China 2030 Planning Outline by the Chinese government as one of the actions that demonstrated Chinas strong political commitment to prioritize the populations health. She also called for strong leadership and involvement from cities on carrying out the Shanghai Declaration, one of the major outcomes of the conference, because mayors can introduce health-promoting measures more easily across all sectors than at the national level. Shanghai had shown advanced ways to promote health, said Dr Bernhard Schwartlander, WHOs representative in China. Finlands minister of social affairs and health Pirkko Mattila, said she would consider cooperation with China on social affairs and health. Shanghai has demonstrated the future for many other cities. I want to come to the city again and I would like to live here because it has a very good environment, Oleg Chestnov, the WHO assistant director-general, told Shanghai Daily. To further improve the health conditions for local residents, the Shanghai government would take health into account during policy-making, such as with regard to community constructions and environment, said Wu Jinglei, director of the Health and Family Planning Commission of Shanghai. The city would further expand the family doctor program by cultivating more medical graduates to become excellent general practitioners as well as offering them better career development and fulfillment, Wu told a press meeting on the sidelines of the conference yesterday. The GP major at local medical schools could now accept about 500 students annually, more than double that of 2010, said Wu. The authority would offer more chances for GP students to study abroad as well as to let graduates teach and guide other medical staff at local community hospitals, added Wu. Currently, most local patients opt to go to hospitals even for common or minor diseases due to the lack of a family doctor service, but the city was working on the health system to encourage patients to go to family doctors for primary screening and common disease treatment. The family doctors are not only able to treat common diseases like cold and fever, but also the follow-up treatment for tumors and other complicated diseases, Wu said. He also noted Shanghai would launch a trial operation soon to issue a new long-term nursing insurance program for the citys increasing number of aging residents. Watchdog mulling policies for preschool institutes after Russian teacher is found mistreating students From:Shanghai Daily | 2016-11-25 01:47 Yang Meiping Shanghai Education Commission said it was asking experts to work out policies to improve management in private preschool educational training institutions after an unqualified Russian teacher at a local English training center was found mistreating students. The commission said it had asked district education bureaus to investigate the case. The bureaus in Changning and Xuhui districts, where the K&H International School and its headquarters are located, had asked the management to stop recruiting students. A 25-year-old Russian teacher Carrie had stuck adhesive tapes on the mouth of two kids. Police were called in and the teacher was fired. The Russian teacher had been working in K&H for a year but had only got her working permit last month. Her permit was for a non-teaching position as she had no qualification in teaching. Foreigners teaching English in China have to be native speakers or must have language related degrees in English native-speaking countries. They also need teaching qualifications. The training centers headquarter was registered in Xuhui District with an operation permit valid until the end of 2018, but its branch in Changning was not registered with local education bureau, which means it was running without government approval or license. Parents also demanded strict regulations as there was a huge demand for private teaching schools. Grace Gao, a mother of a 4-year-old girl, said she had tried classes and talked to teachers when choosing English training centers, but had never thought about their qualifications. I always choose those recommended by my friends, she said. I had never thought that an agency would be running illegally in a public space with unqualified teachers. Armenia records increase in exports 2016-11-25 07:46 YEREVAN, Armenia, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Armenian President SerzhSargsyan said his country had doubled its exports, including thoseto countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), in an interviewwith Sputnik Armenia On Thursday. Sargsyan said it was unfortunate that Armenia's accession to theEEU coincided with the imposing of sanctions against Russia, themain economic driving force the economic bloc. This created hasslesfor the Armenian economy due to the fact of it being "tied in athousand ways to the economy of Russia." President Sargsyan, however, insisted his country had made theright choice joining EEU. "We have become a member of a market of170 million people, and if we are able to reach the objectives ofthe EEU, which are free circulation of goods, services, labor, andcapital, then we will benefit from this greatly," addedSargsyan. Armenia joined the Eurasian Economic Union on January 2, 2015.The country had been negotiating an Association Agreement with theEuropean Union for over 3 years before making a sudden U-turn whenduring his visit to Moscow in September of 2013, President Sargsyanannounced his country was instead going to join the Russia-ledeconomic bloc. Enditem. THE Advertisers Christmas Fair is back at Wentworth Woodhouse next weekend, with more than 60 exhibitors hoping to inspire a range of gift ideas. Traditional Yorkshire foods, ladies Italian fashions, childrens hand-printed crafts, personalised gifts, vintage furniture, Christmas jumpers and delicious cakes are all among the items on offer on Saturday, December 3, and Sunday, December 4. Event organiser Tracie Midgley said: Our wonderful Santa Claus from last year, is back for the two days. To make sure your little ones get to see Santa, make sure you pick up a Rotherham Advertiser next week to get your entry coupon to the grotto. We will also have Advertisers on sale at the fair if you dont manage to grab a copy beforehand. Entry to the Grotto is 2 per child with the coupon and each child will receive a present and a chance to tell Santa about what they would like to find waiting for them on Christmas morning. For the more adventurous children, or adults for that matter, there will be chance to see our life-size teenage T-Rex. Full traffic management will be in place for the event after it proved so popular last year. The fair is open 11am to 4pm on both days. Admission is 5 for adults and under 16s are free. Advance tickets are available at www.wentworthwoodhouse.co.uk or you can pay on arrival. Chow Tai Fook, the Hong Kong based jeweler, has opened its first branded store in the U.S. with the launch of a shop inside the Macys department store in New York. The store measuring 500 square feet will introduce a wide range of branded products including gem-set jewelry, gold products , platinum and in-house designed 24-karat gold jewelry. We are extremely delighted to open this new shop as it highlights the first-ever presence of a Chow Tai Fook branded shop in the U.S., said Kent Wong, managing director of Chow Tai Fook. Macys excellent retail expertise and extensive network provide us with a desirable platform to distribute our jewelry collections in the U.S. market, and provide the customers with diversified products in superlative craftsmanship. In a recent report, the company noted that sales and profit continued to plunge in the six months that ended September 30 due to the economic slowdown in China and as Chinese tourists no longer visit the traditional destinations such as Hong Kong and Macau and have instead move to Korea, Japan, Europe and the US. Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY) announced Wednesday morning that its Phase 3 study of solanezumab did not meet the primary endpoint in patients with mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. The company said it will not pursue regulatory submissions for the drug. Eli Lilly gapped open dramatically lower Wednesday, but pared its losses in the first 45 minutes of trade. The stock still finished with a loss of 7.99 at $68.00 on the highest volume of the year. Eli Lilly closed testing the lows of the year, trading at an 8-month low. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Asian stock are in positive territory on Friday despite the absence of cues from Wall Street, which was closed overnight for the Thanksgiving holiday. Bucking the trend, the Shanghai market is lower. Higher commodity prices lifted resources stocks. Crude oil prices held steady in Asian trades. The Australian market is modestly higher in choppy trades, in the absence of cues from Wall Street. In late-morning trades, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index is adding 14.00 points or 0.26 percent to 5,499.10, off a high of 5,503.30 earlier. The broader All Ordinaries Index is up 14.30 points or 0.26 percent to 5,563.30. Among the major miners, BHP Billiton is rising 2 percent, Rio Tinto is advancing 1 percent and Fortescue Metals is adding almost 1 percent amid further gains in iron ore prices. BHP Billiton said it will release a further $181 million to compensate victims and remediate the site of the Samarco mine disaster. Top End Minerals said it has agreed to acquire a 60 percent interest in Myanmar's Cornerstone Resources, which holds the Long Keng Zinc mine and Lashio Zinc refinery in Myanmar, for $43 million. Shares of Top End Minerals are surging almost 61 percent. God miner Newcrest Mining is losing more than 1 percent and Evolution Mining is down almost 2 percent. The banks are mostly lower. ANZ Bank, Commonwealth Bank and Westpac are lower in a range of 0.1 percent to 0.4 percent, while National Australia Bank is rising 0.3 percent. ANZ Bank and Macquarie Bank have agreed to pay a combined A$15 million in fines over allegations they acted as a cartel as part of their efforts to manipulate the benchmark rate for the Malaysian ringitt. Shares of Macquarie Group are down 0.3 percent. In the oil sector, Woodside Petroleum is rising more than 2 percent and Santos is adding 0.3 percent, while Oil Search is down 0.3 percent. Gaming giant Tabcorp Holdings has agreed to take a 10 percent stake in Tatts Group for about A$638 million, as part of an A$11.3 billion merger with its rival announced just over a month ago. Shares of Tabcorp are adding 0.7 percent, while Tatts Group shares are gaining more than 7 percent. In the currency market, the Australian dollar is higher against the U.S. dollar on Friday. In late-morning trades, the local unit was trading at US$0.7407, up from US$0.7378 on Thursday. The Japanese market is advancing amid a lack of cues overnight from Wall Street and as a weaker yen boosted investor sentiment. The U.S. dollar climbed to an eight-month high against the yen. In late-morning trades, the benchmark Nikkei 225 Index is adding 122.84 points or 0.67 percent to 18,456.25, off a high of 18,482.94 earlier. Among the major exporters, Sony and Toshiba are adding more than 1 percent each, Panasonic is edging up 0.05 percent, while Canon is down 0.2 percent. Automaker Toyota is declining almost 1 percent and Honda is lower by 0.4 percent. Fast Retailing is losing 0.3 percent and SoftBank is lower by almost 1 percent. In the oil space, Inpex is rising almost 1 percent and JX Holdings is adding 0.7 percent. Among the other major gainers, Mitsubishi Motors is rising more than 8 percent, Casio Computer is higher by more than 6 percent and Panasonic Corp. is gaining almost 5 percent. On the flip side, Concordia Financial is losing almost 4 percent and Chiba Bank is down more than 3 percent. In the currency market, the U.S. dollar traded in the upper 113 yen-range on Friday. Elsewhere in Asia, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan are all in positive territory. Bucking the trend, Shanghai is lower. The U.S. markets were closed on Thursday for the Thanksgiving public holiday. The European markets closed slightly higher on Thursday in subdued trading. The UK's FTSE 100 gained 0.17 per cent, Germany's DAX rose 0.25 per cent and France's CAC 40 index added 0.29 percent. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Antipodean currencies such as the Australian and New Zealand dollars strengthened against their major counterparts in the Asian session on Friday amid risk appetite, as investors sentiment boosted after the surprise victory of U.S. presidential elect Donald Trump and as U.S. were closed on Thursday for the Thanksgiving public holiday. Traders await the the outcome of the planned OPEC meeting due to be held on November 30 to reach an agreement on curbing excess production to stabilize the oil market. In other economic news, data from Statistics New Zealand showed that New Zealand's foreign trade deficit dropped to NZ$846 million in October from NZ$905 million in the corresponding month last year. Economists had expected the deficit to climb to NZ$971 million. In September, the shortfall was NZ$1.4 billion. Exports rose 2.2 percent year-over-year in October and imports went up by 0.6 percent. On seasonally adjusted basis, exports grew 9.3 percent monthly in October, while imports dropped by 0.3 percent. Thursday, the Australian and the New Zealand dollars showed mixed trading against their major rivals. The Australian dollar rose against the euro and the yen, but it fell against the U.S. dollar. The NZ dollar fell against the U.S. dollar and the euro, but it rose against the yen. In the Asian trading, the Australian dollar rose to a 9-day high of 1.4192 against the euro and nearly a 7-month high of 84.62 against the yen, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.4237 and 83.89, respectively. If the aussie extends its uptrend, it is likely to find resistance around 1.40 against the euro and 87.00 against the yen. Against the U.S., the New Zealand, and the Canadian dollars, the aussie advanced to a 2-day high of 0.7437, a 9-day high of 1.0612 and an 8-day high of 1.0033 from yesterday's closing quotes of 0.7405, 1.0578 and 0.9989, respectively. The aussie may test resistance around 0.77 against the greenback, 1.08 against the kiwi and 1.03 against the loonie. The NZ dollar rose to nearly a 1-year high of 79.75 against the yen and a 2-day high of 0.7020 against the U.S. dollar, from yesterday's closing quotes of 79.29 and 0.6999, respectively. If the kiwi extends its uptrend, it is likely to find resistance around 81.00 against the yen and 0.74 against the greenback. Against the euro, the kiwi advanced to 1.5040 from yesterday's closing value of 1.5060. The kiwi is likely to find resistance around the 1.48 region. Meanwhile, the safe haven yen weakened against the other major rivals amid risk appetite. Data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications showed Japan's consumer prices, excluding fresh food, fell 0.4 percent year-over-year in October, following a 0.5 percent decline in September. The overall consumer price index edged up 0.1 percent annually in October, reversing a 0.5 percent decrease in the previous month. It was the first increase in seven months. The yen fell to a 5-month low of 120.16 against the euro, more than a 4-month low of 141.74 against the pound, and nearly a 6-month low of 111.89 against the Swiss franc, from yesterday's closing quotes of 119.52, 140.98 and 111.39, respectively. If the yen extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 122.000 against the euro, 160.00 against the pound and 115.00 against the franc. Against the U.S. and the Canadian dollars, the yen dropped to more than an 8-month low of 113.89 and nearly a 6-month low of 84.36 from yesterday's closing quotes of 113.29 and 83.98, respectively. The franc may test support near 115.00 against the greenback and 85.00 against the loonie. Looking ahead, the second estimate U.K. GDP data for the third quarter is due to be released at 4:30 am ET. In the New York session, U.S. advances goods trade balance for October, wholesale inventories for October and Markit's U.S. PMI reports for November are slated for release. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News China, Chile agree to initiate talks on FTA upgrade 2016-11-25 10:46 SANTIATO, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- China and Chile agreed here Tuesday to start negotiation on upgrading their Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The announcement was made during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the Latin American nation. According to a joint statement issued after Xi's meeting with his Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet, the two heads of state spoke highly of the results achieved over the past ten years since their bilateral FTA went into effect. The two countries signed their FTA in 2005. Bilateral trade volume has grown fourfold since the FTA went into effect in 2006. China is now Chile's largest trading partner, its largest export destination and the largest buyer of its copper products. Currently, Chile is China's second largest source of wine imports, with bottled wine exports to China up by 46 percent in 2015. The two countries have signed a number of quarantine agreements on cherries, blueberries and avocados. China has become an important market for Chilean cherries, blueberries, apples, grapes and a variety of seafood such as salmon. Chinese products with good quality and competitive prices are also popular among Chilean consumers. Chinese-made cars have taken up a considerable share of the Chilean auto market. Wu Baiyi, a research fellow with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said China and Chile enjoy huge potential for cooperation in such areas as medicine, health services, bio-technology and tourism, noting that these sectors are not covered by the current FTA. Chile wants more investment from China and hopes to have broader access to the vast Chinese market, Wu said. Italy's retail sales declined for the third straight month in September, defying economists' expectations for an increase, preliminary figures from the statistical office Istat showed Friday. Retail sales dropped a seasonally adjusted 0.6 percent month-over-month in September, following a 0.2 percent fall in August. Meanwhile, it was forecast to rise by 0.2 percent. Sales of food products decreased 0.3 percent over the month and those of non-food products went down by 0.8 percent. On an annual basis, retail sales slid 1.4 percent in September, faster than previous month's 0.5 percent decline. That was well above the 0.1 percent slight fall expected by economists. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. Following the Thanksgiving Day holiday on Thursday, the price of crude oil showed a substantial move to the downside during trading on Friday. Crude oil for December delivery plunged $1.90 to $46.06 a barrel after dipping $0.07 to $47.96 a barrel on Wednesday. The steep drop by the price of crude oil reflected uncertainty about whether the members of OPEC will be able to agree on a cut in production at a meeting next week. On the U.S. economic front, the Commerce Department released a report showing that the trade deficit in goods widened much more than expected in October. The report said the goods deficit widened to $62.0 billion in October from $56.5 billion in September. The deficit had been expected to widen to $59.7 billion. The wider deficit came as the value of imports climbed by 1.1 percent to $184.1 billion and the value of exports fell by 2.7 percent to $122.1 billion. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Better environment for foreign investors From:Xinhua | 2016-11-24 18:05 Premier Li Keqiang said China will create a better investment and operation environment for foreign businesses. China will continue its opening-up policies, and those for drawing foreign investment will be unchanged, Li said as he inspected Shanghais pilot free trade zone on Monday and Tuesday. China not only has a huge market but is also rich in human resources, Li stressed. Although Chinas per capita natural resource level is below the global average, unlimited development space can be created on the back of imagination and creativity from hundreds of millions of talents together with global market demand and innovation resources at home and abroad, he said. China welcomes more foreign investors to set up businesses in the country and achieve mutual benefits and win-win results, Li added. Since the founding of the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone on Sept 29, 2013, Premier Li Keqiang has paid three visits there, showing his remarkable care about the testing field of Chinas reform. In fact, he visited the area in March 2013, when it was still a bonded area. It was this visit that helped establish the first pilot free trade zone in China. Constructing Shanghai FTZ is the governments self-revolution The mission of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone is to explore the proper relationship between the government and market, establish negative list management and continue financial reform, the Premier said when he visited there from Sept 18 to Sept 19, 2014. It was just days before the free trade zones anniversary. He said constructing the free trade zone is a self-revolution of the government, a new move to cut administrative procedures and give the market more say. He also asked companies to submit questions and suggestions to the government. Removing barriers to productivity and entrepreneurship While visiting Shanghai again on Nov 25, 2015, Premier Li said the free trade zone should serve as an icebreaker of Chinas reform by trying some groundbreaking measures first. He urged Shanghai municipal government to submit an administrative reform plan that aims to cut registration procedures for new companies to the State Council as soon as possible, so that it can be carried out without delay in some areas. When we say cutting administrative procedures, we mean removing the barriers that hinder productivity and entrepreneurship, he said. Front-runner of reform The Premier came here again on Nov 21, 2016 when the Shanghai Free Trade Zone was three years old. It has become the front-runner of Chinas reform, expanding from 28 square kilometers to 120 sq km and introducing its measures to 10 new free trade zones in other regions, including Guangdong, Tianjin and Fujian. Premier Li launches a double inspection in Shanghai FTZ On Nov 21, Premier Li experienced the online regulating platform by clicking the button to randomly choose a dozen staff to inspect 27 food companies. Premier Li hails supervision system efforts in Shanghai FTZ The Premier spoke highly of the efforts to monitor the supervision department through system construction, and said that in addition to trusting the staff we should have more faith in system. The market supervision bureau of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone built an online law enforcement platform by integrating functions of the four administrations of industry and commerce, quality supervision, food and drug, and price supervision and inspection. Integration of Shanghai FTZ hotlines to maintain market fairness The Pudong New Area of Shanghai established the nations first online supervision office in the Shanghai FTZ to integrate functions of information inquiry, online supervision, regulation on efficiency, and supervision league. Such a mechanism can supervise not only the efficiency of administrative approval but also the inspectors. Online supervision office: monitoring supervisors The market supervision bureau of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone integrated five complaint hotlines into one to bring conveniences for people and enterprises. The number of accepted complaints nearly tripled in three years. Premier Li said that such measures not only enhance the function of supervising the market but also safeguard fairness in the market. The fairer the market is, the more vigorous market entities are. Human resource is the largest gold mine for Chinas development On Nov 21, 2016, Premier Li paid a visit to a GE China technology park in Shanghai FTZ, a hub with 5,000 Chinese and foreign staff. He said that China has 170 million highly educated professionals. They are the biggest gold mine of the nation. China is still the best investment destination GEs choice indicates that China is still the best investment destination in the world, Premier Li said during a visit to GE Chinas headquarters and R&D headquarters in Shanghai on Nov 21. The favorable policies and business environment attracted the leading transnational corporation to set up its Asia center and first outside-US digital innovation workshop in Shanghai. Single trade window in Shanghai FTZ a new feature of Chinas import and export trade E&P International operates the Shanghai E-port platform and sets up the single window for foreign trade; its successes have spread across the country. Amid a downturn in global import and export trade, your successes have created new highlights in our import and export trade, Premier Li said. Shanghai FTZ should become the pioneer in reform and opening up Since its establishment, the FTZ has not only made substantial steps in facilitating customs clearance and investment freedom but also tested over 100 reform measures and applied them across the country. The Shanghai FTZ should act as the pioneer in opening up and deepening reforms, Premier Li said during an inspection of Shanghai E&P International on Nov 22. By SA Commercial Prop News Former CEO of Auction Alliance, Rael Levitt. The National Consumer Tribunal, on Wednesday 11 July, overturned compliance notices issued against Auction Alliance on contravening the Consumer Protection Act during the controversial Quoin Rock Estate auction. Auction Alliance has won its third straight victory in line with exonerating itself from any penalty relating to the Appelbaum auction rigging scandal. Reasons for the National Consumer Tribunals (NCT) decision to set them aside where not described in the order but said reasons would follow. The legal team acting on behalf of Rael Levitt, Smiedt and Associates, told SA Commercial Prop News that the decision effectively liberates Auction Alliance and Levitt from any penalty relating to the Appelbaum matter, unless the tribunal or the courts, uphold an appeal or review of the decision. The ruling also meant the Quoin Rock Wine Estate auction could not be re-investigated, according to the act. The notice followed a complaint by businesswoman Wendy Appelbaum to the commission in January after the auction of the Quoin Rock estate at Stellenbosch, conducted by Auction Alliance in December. The commission said it found "overwhelming evidence" that Auction Alliance and its former CEO Rael Levitt contravened the Consumer Protection Act by conducting a "mock auction". The commission issued the compliance notice in April after the complaint by Ms Appelbaum, who alleged that Auction Alliance had placed a ghost bidder at the auction of the Quoin Rock wine estate to drive up the price. This was not the first time the Consumer Commission had been sent to the drawing board by the tribunal. The commissioner, Mamodupi Mohlala-Mulaudzi, expressed shock at the decision and said the commission had done "everything required in terms of the Consumer Protection Act and the rules" in its investigation to put a solid case. This also comes after Auction Alliance won two applications last month in the Western Cape High Court related to the investigations by the consumer commission and the Estate Agencies Affairs Board. 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 Kansas announces 4-game suspensions for Bill Self, Kurtis Townsend There's news in the NCAA infractions case concerning Kansas men's basketball: Bill Self and Kurtis Townsend have been suspended. The difference of opinions over whether the Police should use firearms in performing their role to protect the people of this country is a healthy debate. It needs to happen now rather than later. We say this because as much as wed like to think Samoa does not need this sort of L.A.P.D policing style to borrow a term thats been used a lot lately, weve got to be realistic. We live in a country where some people possess some very powerful weapons. It is foolish to expect the Police to approach them bare-chested and with their ie lavalava when they are opening fire towards them. In the recent past, this is why weve seen a lot of raids where the Police have resorted to the use of firearms. Of course there have been the odd cases where the Police have got it wrong. But thats not the point here. The fact the Police are getting out there and doing their job in as far as hunting for people and substances that pose a threat to the community is reassuring. Its sad that they have to rely and resort to firearms more and more but what would you do if you were a Police officer? Say you are a cop. You approach someone at the Fugalei market who is suspected of pushing marijuana and they turn around with a gun and point it to you, what would you do? This is the question. For the Police, the snag is that in the process of supposedly doing their work using firearms, complaints have surfaced. Many of them seem to be about the excessive nature of how firearms are used. Fair enough. You see, criticisms of the Police in this country are nothing new. But when it comes to the issue in question, we think it is not as straight forward as some people think. It is why caution must be exercised in the court of public opinion over the matter. Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But its important that opinions are constructive and well informed. In other words, we shouldnt ignore the fact that although in some instances the Police might have gone over the top in terms of firearms, it doesnt take away the fact they have a critical role to play and some point, firearms are inevitable. They have to protect themselves too at all times. Their lives are just as precious as members of the public. Now from what we can gather so far, the gist of the complaints target the aggressive nature of the raids and the use of firearms. This is a very tough issue. As weve said before, in an ideal world, we wouldnt have anything to do with firearms. Were sure the Police officers wouldnt have either. We would just continue to use our traditional ways of dialoguing and ava fatafata to deal with law and order situations. But we dont live in an ideal world anymore. It this country, we have to be realistic. Many of us are well aware about the danger posed by individuals and groups involved with drugs and other illegal substances. The reality is that where there are drugs, there are bound to be guns. History exists to show that even where there are marijuana patches, guns are never far off. You only have to think back a few years ago to Faleatiu to know what we are talking about. Now why do we say the differences of opinion is healthy? Put it this way, we need to have this debate now because the issue of guns, drugs and lawbreakers in Samoa has become our reality. At some point, this country will have to make a decision. And when it happens, it needs to be an informed one. The days of ignorance are over. We are not the Samoa of old. We have evolved and our challenges have taken on new meanings. This is why its important we tread carefully in as far as crucifying the Police and their use of weapons. Lets not forget that if there were no reasons for Police to go into these homes in the first place, none of this talk would exist. But as it stands, in some cases, the Police obviously had enough evidence and having obtained permission from the Court, their raids have found drugs, guns and other materials that should not be there. Which is the service the Police exist to provide. Whats important here, in our opinion, is that members of the public and the Police are engaged in forging the best way forward for Samoa. At the end of the day, its all about working together for a safer Samoa. Thats what we think anyway. What about you? Have a safe weekend Samoa, God bless! Meet Lohia Laufai Leavasa, a 56 year old father from the village of Uafato Fagaloa. He was spotted by the Village Voice carving Samoan handicrafts with his wife Iaeli and his children at their home at Uafato. Speaking to the Samoa Observer yesterday, Lohia said making and carving Samoan handicraft is such a blessing from God for their family. The people of Uafato have been doing this for more than 30 years ago, said Lohia. The talent was brought into Uafato and was taught by the son of a man named Tuimalatuu and then it was passed down to us and our children. People of our village depend so much on this for income and it has become a norm for us. If our children dont do well in school, this is what they do for living. They stay home and help out with this. As this is something every family in Uafato does for a living, Lohia said they all have different ways of selling their handicrafts. I dont deliver my products to the market like the other families of our village. I deliver my products to Janets of Samoa and Pacific Jewel at Levili. These two businesses have opened their doors for us. We deliver our products such as staff (tootoo), kava bowls (tanoa) and others. And we do deliveries every week. According to Lohia, before they knew how to make these handicrafts, they depended on selling coconuts for money. But they are grateful for this talent for it has been a great blessing for them. For your information, we get $900 tala every week from our deliveries and this helps our family with a lot of things. However, like anything in life, there are always challenges to overcome. And the main problem they see in the kind of the business they do is the unfair pricing. In this kind of business, we do all the hard work. We go all the way up the mountains and into the forest to look for the right tree which is called the ifilele (tropical hardwood) to use. And it takes a lot of time and effort to get it done. But to be honest with you, the businesses whom we sell our products to make more money than us from selling the handicrafts. To me, I think this is unfair. And I think our government should have a law or guidelines for businesses like that so that we all get the same benefit. Because if they buy it from us for $100 tala, they will sell it to people for $200 or more. But we are the ones doing all the hard work. However, he also believes that in life, nothing comes easy. We all need to sweat and work in order to be successful. If dont sweat, you will suffer. The good thing about the business that we do is that we do it together as a family and as a village. It makes everything easy and fun. You get motivated just by looking at your wife and your children working hard as well. We always hear the saying that many hands make light work and I definitely agree with that. Working together is the key to the success of this business in our village. And I am grateful to God for his great talents and for providing us with the strength and resources to pursue this talent. We depend on this business so much hence why we all work together and help one another. Teamwork is very very important. Looking for early deals to Christmas? Celebrating the end of a stressful year? Well, the local Sailing community have a treat for you - they are getting together to host their very first Car Boot Sale today from 9am onwards at the Apia Yacht Club at Mulinuu. This is the Sailing communitys last fundraiser to assist with the Sailors upcoming visit to their New Zealand sister club, Torbay Sailing Club, of Auckland, NZ. They will be sailing at the Sir Peter Blake Regatta hosted by the Torbay Sailing Club. An estimated 400 plus Sailors from New Zealand wide and Internationally will participate in. The A.Y.C Car Boot Sale promises some fun activities for everyone, as well as a bargains galore. The Junior Sailors will be making Breakfast and coffees to sell, so do go on down for Saturday breakfast this week. A lemonade stand and BBQ treats will also be available for sustenance. All are welcome to hunt for early Christmas bargains at the Apia Yacht Clubs Car Boot Sale from 8am to 2pm. Samoa Submarine Cable Company Limited (S.S.C.C) and Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks, part of Nokia, signed a turnkey contract to roll out a new 1,470 km submarine cable system named Tui-Samoa Cable, linking Apia, Samoa, to Suva, Fiji, providing an advanced broadband highway in order to drive social and economic growth. Six weeks later the S.S.C.C has announced the addition of the Territory of Wallis and Futuna Islands and the island of Vanua Levu (Fiji) as part of the Tui-Samoa submarine cable system. Tui-Samoa Cable will deliver up to eight terabits-per-second (Tbit/s) capacity using 100 Gbit/s transmission technology. Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, said the Cable will help all Samoans. Tui-Samoa Cable will help improve the lives of ordinary Samoan people, he said. It will provide school children in rural schools the opportunity to access a whole new world of information and access online education, Businesses will be able to dramatically increase their customer base and aggressively market their goods and services online to the world and sell Made in Samoa, Government will also leverage the improved connectivity to speed up its eGovernment program and improve service delivery to our people. The Strategy for the Development of Samoa (S.D.S) sets out governments vision to help improve the lives of our people, and Tui-Samoa Cable is one of the key government enablers that will help us achieve that goal. On behalf of the Government of Samoa I would like to thank our development partners the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and the Australian Government for their extraordinary support of the Samoa Connectivity Project, the Honourable Minister of Communications & Information Technology, Honourable Afamasaga Rico Tupai and members of the Samoa Connectivity Project, S.S.C.C. equity investors and directors. Lastly, I would also like to challenge the Samoa submarine cable company to deliver upon your promise to provide fast, reliable and affordable internet not only for Samoa but also for our partners from Wallis & Futuna and Vanua Levu. Pepe Fia'ailetoa Fruean, Chairperson of S.S.C.C., said they believe information is power. Samoa Submarine Cable Company is committed to delivering fast, reliable and affordable internet services as a basic right for all Samoan people; we are also pleased to extend that opportunity to the people of Wallis & Futuna and Vanua Levu, he said. Information is power and S.S.C.C. is pleased to be the means to empower rural and developing communities by providing them access to information and services that will help improve their peoples lives and also accelerate I.C.T. development and growth in the region. Paul Gabla Vice President Sales & Marketing, of Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks, said: The continued need for broadband access is driving new projects in the Asia-Pacific region. We are pleased to work with S.S.C.C. in helping them enhance broadband capacity and connectivity for Wallis & Futuna and also Vanua Levu, institutions and businesses by making our expertise and knowledge of the Pacific area available. ABOUT SAMOA SUBMARINE CABLE COMPANY LIMITED S.S.C.C. is a private company registered in Apia Samoa which will build, manage and operate the Tui-Samoa submarine cable between Apia Samoa and Suva Fiji on behalf of the Government of Samoa; the main trunk will support branching units to Wallis & Futuna and Vanua Levu, Fiji. S.S.C.C. will operate a Cooperative Sustainable Wholesale Model (C.S.W.M.) with the mandate to deliver fast, reliable and affordable internet services to stimulate I.C.T. innovation and development as an enabler of economic growth and social prosperity for the people of Samoa. Orange was the colour of choice in Samoa yesterday. And if what they say is true that strength can be found in numbers, all you had to do was be at S.T.A Fale in the morning and you would have walked away with an appreciation that the campaign to End Violence Against Women (E.V.A.W) is gaining massive momentum. People of all ages donned their brightest orange, whether it was shorts, t-shirts or shoes for the November 25th celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Observed globally, Samoas celebration started at the crack of dawn with a Fun Run to E.V.A.W sponsored by UN Women, Digicel, with support from Samoa- Australia Police Partnership (S.A.P.P) and the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (M.W.C.S.D). Molly Thompsen, one of the participants, said raising awareness about the issue is extremely important. We all know how many Samoans have been through violence in the past years and for me, this is a very important step for us to take as a community, he said. This is not just for women, its for men as well. Molly tackled the fun run/walk from the S.T.A Fale to the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys and back. The run this morning went really well. We have to stand together and help each other to stop the violence. From the passengers perspective, what passes for innovation in the airline industry these days are narrower seats and more consumer choice in the form of yet another new fee. So I was impressed to learn recently about Surf Air, an all-you-can-fly startup for frequent fliers that is disrupting the market for intercity air travel in California, offering private jet travel at near-commercial pricing. Commentary More columns about Business by Dan McSwain Advertisement The Santa Monica-based company started service in November to Carlsbads Palomar-McClellan Airport, with direct flights to Santa Barbara, Hawthorne (near Los Angeles International Airport) and San Carlos (in Silicon Valley); and connections to Lake Tahoe, Oakland, Burbank and Las Vegas. Expansion plans include Sacramento, Monterey, Bakersfield, Scottsdale and other Southwest cities. Surf Airs business model is radical in its simplicity. After a one-time fee of $1,000, members pay $1,750 a month. Then they fly all they want, every day if desired, wherever the airline goes. Booking takes about 30 seconds on a smartphone. There are no security lines. You can arrive 15 minutes before departure, drop your car at the door of a private terminal with free valet parking, and ask the included concierge service to have a taxi, Uber vehicle or rental car waiting at your destination. For frequent fliers, the cost is competitive with commercial airlines and far less than fractional ownership of a private jet or turboprop. Im saving time and money, said Jason Kelly, CEO of Rincon Technology, which is based in San Diego with an office in Santa Barbara. Kelly said he previously shuttled from Carlsbad, where he lives, to an office in Santa Barbara, paying from $600 to $700 for a round-trip on United Express. That puts his break-even on the monthly membership fee at less than three flights a month. Surf Air feels like a good deal to Bill Parris, even when he doesnt fly enough to recoup his cost in savings. For me, its right on the cusp of being like an expensive gym membership; great when he uses it and still worth it when he doesnt, said Parris, a real estate developer with homes in Coronado and Santa Barbara. The company flies the Pilatus PC-12 NG with seating for seven or eight passengers. Its single engine is a turboprop, a technology that uses a jet engine to drive a propeller, cutting fuel consumption and reducing noise. I have a partner with a private jet and I can barely hear him speak, Parris said. Hes also unfazed by the planes tight interior. Im 61 and Im completely comfortable. To be sure, the Pilatus is not a big jetliner: The cabin height is just under 5 feet, so reaching the leather seats requires an extended stoop for many. On the other hand, the baggage compartment is accessible from the cabin and theres an enclosed, flushing lavatory. Both amenities are rare on private planes of this class. Along with comfort and pricing, Surf Airs biggest selling point is saving time and reducing stress for passengers, said CEO Jeff Potter. Commercial air travel inside California can suck up six hours for a flight of less than two; between parking, security, arriving early, and driving to and from big airports. Surf Air dramatically compresses the waiting, operating out of posh private terminals located in small airports in major markets. Indeed, Potter says the company isnt an airline in the traditional sense. Its a membership club that flies airplanes, he said last week. Potter should know. Early in his career he worked at Pacific Southwest Airlines, the discount pioneer based in San Diego. Later he was CEO of Frontier Airlines and Exclusive Resorts, the resort membership club backed by AOL founder Steve Case. Last year, Surf Airs customer base quadrupled to about 1,200 members, Potter said. Before the company launches in a city, it ensures demand by building a waiting list. Then it buys a plane to serve the new market and existing routes. The fleet reached six this month, with nine more coming this year and 50 optioned over the next five years. Surf Air has been funded by $17 million from venture firms, along with a $65 million line of credit for aircraft purchases. We think that in less than five years we could be a $200 million company (in annual sales), Potter said. California is the perfect place for us to start this business, but we know the model can be replicated. The company keeps members happy by planning for a load factor of 50 percent, which means the average flight has four empty seats. For perspective, commercial airlines strive for 90 percent. Potter sees the Pilatus turboprop, which burns a miserly 65 gallons of fuel per hour, as a competitive advantage and barrier to potential competitors. In its deal with Surf Air, the planes Swiss manufacturer agreed not to sell the model to other membership-based air carriers in North America. Given the history of air travel, direct competition seems inevitable. In the meantime, the companys customer base seems happy and growing. Kelly, the Carlsbad tech entrepreneur, said traveling in close quarters with other professionals has produced a remarkably social experience. You also meet interesting people, he said. Its great for networking. Parris says the service is incredible. When a mechanical problem grounded a plane, Surf Air bought him an airline ticket. One day he got a text message from the company. Bad weather was canceling the entire schedule. Parris checked a website that showed clear weather for several hours from Carlsbad to Santa Barbara. So he texted the information back to the company. They said, Youre right, and kept the flight. I have no idea whether all-you-can-fly pricing on scheduled flights will become the next big thing in air travel. But with customer-company interaction like that, innovation has already arrived in Carlsbad. Bette Molloy, who has rented 13 apartment units and one condominium in three different locations in the San Diego area since 1998, does not like marijuana on her premises. Its like cigarettes it smells up the whole place, Molloy said. It stays in the apartment. But with the passage of Proposition 64 that legalized possession of recreational use of marijuana by adults 21 and older Molloy was not sure whether she could prohibit pot among her tenants. Advertisement I just dont want it, Molloy said. Judging from a host of business and legal sources, it appears landlords can just say no. Or, if theyre so inclined, they can allow pot use in their rental units. Even one of Prop 64s biggest boosters says so. Landlords are still able to prohibit their tenants from smoking marijuana on site, said Michael Cindrich, a San Diego attorney and executive director of the local chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). The states trade association for apartment landlords agreed. The short answer is yes, a private property owner could prohibit the smoking of marijuana at his or her property, said Debra Carlton, senior vice president of public affairs at the California Apartment Association (CAA). The landlords could also say yes, but they are allowed to say no and restrict it or ban it altogether. Carlton points to a couple of reasons why a potential ban on tenants smoking pot would stand up in court. First, an increasing number of apartment owners have instituted no-smoking ordinances in recent years as more tenants have complained about the health effects of second-hand tobacco smoke. True, marijuana is different than tobacco but according to the CAA, if apartment owners can ban tobacco on their premises they can extend the prohibition to marijuana. Carlton cited a provision in Prop 64 formally called the Adult Use of Marijuana Act that forbids anyone from smoking or using marijuana or marijuana products where smoking tobacco is prohibited. Second, Carlton said legal precedent affirms the private property rights of landlords to establish marijuana bans. Bret Sachter, a Seattle attorney who represents clients in the pot industry in the state of Washington, said landlords are on solid legal footing, provided they put an explicit clause prohibiting pot in their leases. Its the same as when you prohibit a pet, Sachter said. The right to smoke marijuana is not a protected status. There are some things you couldnt base (a ban) on gender, race, religion, ethnicity. Those are constitutionally protected classes. A landlord, generally speaking, is not going to be required to do anything that falls outside a protected area. From his experience in Washington, Sachter said the ban can also be extended to plants in a tenants residence, provided the landlord spells it out clearly. Under Californias Prop 64, adults 21 or older may possess up to six marijuana plants. But what about tenants who are medical marijuana patients? That may be a little tricky, Sachter said. Some landlords have worried about running afoul of fair housing and disability laws from tenants with medical marijuana permits on the grounds of discrimination. In the most recent legislative session in Sacramento, a bill giving landlords the right to ban marijuana smoking even for medical use passed through the state Assembly but did not get out of the Senate. The bill was sponsored by the CAA as a way to get ahead of any potential regulations leading up to Prop 64 getting on the ballot, Carlton said. In the CAAs interpretation, there is sufficient clarity in Prop 64 that allows landlords to establish whatever pot policy they want on their properties. Therefore, Carlton said, her group will not reintroduce the legislation. As in any other case when a big change is made in the law, complications and potential disputes loom and lawsuits may follow. But Sachter said he hasnt seen a rash of marijuana-related litigation since Washington passed its recreational pot law. On a practical level, landlords generally want the money for business, so to create a big issue out of it is not really anything Ive seen, Sachter said. People were smoking marijuana here long before the law passed, as is the case everywhere else. What you need to know now Prop 64 passed Proposition 64, what happens next. rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski ALSO Seven things to know now that Prop 64 has passed Black Friday, the annual brick-and-mortar shopping frenzy, has evolved into a far more casual affair that rewards early morning devotees with ample parking, not-too-crowded stores and, perhaps best of all, pleasant mall-goers. Even those who snoozed a bit found a few of San Diegos notoriously packed malls to be surprisingly calm well into the mid-morning hours. Take Linda Lowry, 66, of Clairemont who arrived at Westfield UTC around 8 a.m. to an unusual situation of sorts. We actually thought the parking lot might have more cars than it did, she said. Because of the construction, we were surprised. Advertisement Lowrys experience aligned with those of most Friday morning shoppers around the county (save for people who braved lines for 99-cent poinsettias at Home Depot). Black Friday is not what it was compared to years ago, its really died down, said Renee Krud of Phoenix, who was visiting her daughter, a recent UC San Diego grad, and shopped at Fashion Valley Mall. Its not a mob scene. Thats because the retail craziness so often associated with this unofficial shoppers holiday has been transferred, in part, to Thanksgiving Day. It has also been spread out across an increasingly elongated holiday shopping season where deals are just as accessible from smartphones. In fact, by 5:30 a.m., Fridays online shoppers were out in full force, having already spent $490 million, according to Adobe Systems, which tracks e-commerce transactions. The firm expects Black Friday to hit $3.05 billion in online revenue, growing more than 11 percent over last year and surpassing the $3-billion threshold for the first time. Humbler in-store morning crowds, then, are a reflection of changing retail dynamic where Black Friday still means door-busters, just ones that neither start or stop on Friday. Black Friday is becoming less important as a singular day, said Yoram Wurmser, a retail analyst with analytics firm eMarketer. The whole week starting on Wednesday is now an event while the individual character of those days has been decreasing. This year, holiday shoppers in the U.S. are expected to spend, in total, about $885 billion in November and December, or a little over 3 percent more than they did last year, according to eMarketer. Holiday retail e-commerce sales, meanwhile, are expected to balloon to nearly $95 billion, growing 17 percent over 2015 and accounting for more than 10 percent of total holiday retail for the first time in history. The sport of Black Friday, however; well, thats alive and well. For proof, look no further than Dereje Abebe, who, at 3:45 a.m., pulled into the Best Buy electronics store in Mission Valley. He wanted to be one of the first in line to get a bargain. I want to get that 55-inch screen TV, the Point Loma resident said of the Sharp big-screen on sale for $259. Lars Perner, a marketing professor at the Marshall School of Business at USC, would classify Abebe as a competitive Black Friday shopper, a still-not-uncommon kind of buyer who loves the thrill of the hunt. There may still be some things that are in limited supply and often its a matter of who can get to these things the quickest, said Perner. You have people who get up very early to get to things that people who are staying home and sleeping wont get, so they can see themselves achieving more than others. Other Black Friday enthusiasts, like Stacy Gierczak of San Diego, are considered strategic shoppers. Gierczak went to Fashion Valley early Friday with her daughter Kylie and a meticulously planned list of about a dozen stores to tackle, as denoted on her smartphone. Shes crazy, Kylie said with a laugh. No, her mother insisted. Im organized. No, Kylie said, shes crazy. While Black Friday mobs might be a thing of past, deals still abounded for those in search of them. Krud, the Fashion Valley shopper from Phoenix, said her son Mason relished the Black Friday experience. You can save so much money, the teenager said as he exited the Microsoft store with an Xbox, which was marked $50 off. And Lisa Bauer, 26, a Black Friday mall regular, was pleased to nab 50 percent-off sweaters at the Michael Kors boutique at UTC. Other shoppers, accompanied by family or friends, approach Black Friday as a social event. Im just here to hang out with my family, said Thomas Maroki, who was accompanied by his relatives. But Maroki still bought a new jacket at Zara. It was 30 percent off, he said. Marokis cousin, Mario Azabo, got up at 4 a.m. to start shopping. I dont care all that much about the sales, Azabo said. Coming out here is a more of a seasonal thing. The sales are a bonus. Perner, the USC marketing professor, said for some families, the shopping season acts as a kind of bonding experience. Thanksgiving itself is a family-oriented time and one kind of activity you can plan for is shopping. And for some, its a family tradition, Perner said. You can share stories about the trips you made in the past years where you got some great bargains. Indeed. Deal-hunter Tammy Weldner, 49, of Carmel Valley was up at 5 a.m., per usual, but her 13-year-old daughter proved far more ambitious. Her and her friends have a tradition of going out at 9 p.m. (on Thursday), Weldner said. They go to Dennys for breakfast and then they sleep, and they get up and go again. jennifer.vangrove@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1840 Twitter: @jbruin The largest law enforcement agency in San Diego County is still shopping for body cameras, a year after a months-long pilot program to test different models turned up no clear winner. The Sheriffs Department plans to undergo a second pilot program starting in January or February to try different, more technologically advanced cameras, a senior department official said Tuesday. Body cameras have emerged as an important tool in building public trust amid increased scrutiny of police shootings nationwide, fueled in part by bystander videos capturing the fatal shootings of African American suspects during encounters with police. Advertisement There is an urgency, Commander Dave Moss said of supplying cameras to deputies, but we want to do it right. In the Sheriffs Department, there have been four deputy-involved shootings since August, none of which were recorded. At least five other law enforcement agencies in the region, including the San Diego Police Department, already use the devices. Earlier this year, the Sheriffs Department evaluated three cameras from two vendors. That 90-day testing period, while a very informative experience, left the department wanting each product offered great elements, but none had everything the deputies need, said Moss. The second pilot program will be similar to the first one, which included equipping about 80 patrol deputies with cameras. The stations and sites taking part in that test were Rancho San Diego, Lakeside, Vista, coastal North County, rural East County and the Hall of Justice in downtown San Diego, where the department provides security services. For most of the deputies in patrol, social media and cameras are a part of life. Sheriffs Comm. Dave Moss The Sheriffs Department has been talking about adding body cameras since March 2014. Moss, whose duties include overseeing the departments patrol deputies, said the department remains committed to using such cameras. For most of the deputies in patrol, social media and cameras are a part of life, Moss said. You dont see much resistance (to wearing cameras). Everybody knows this is the world that we live in. Its what the public expects. He said the price tag for running another test is minimal, especially since the vendors provide the test cameras in hopes of winning the contract. Selecting the right product entails consideration of three aspects: the software, the equipment, and management of the enormous amount of megabytes of footage, Moss said. Technical elements include how user-friendly the camera is for deputies, how easy it is to download footage, and where and how to store all of it. Data storage is no small matter. The goal is to someday issue cameras to all of the departments roughly 2,600 sworn deputies. The departments search for the right body-worn cameras comes as the nation has seen the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement and increased scrutiny of police shootings many more of which are captured on the cellphone cameras of bystanders. The American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego and Imperial Counties, said it supports the use of body cameras, calling them an effective tool for deterring both officer and civilian misconduct. But the agency said in a statement to the Union Tribune on Wednesday that video from the cameras doesnt always tell the full story. Body cameras can improve how police officers do their jobs, but they are only as effective as the policies that govern their use, the ACLU said, They can help to build public trust, but they are not a panacea for systems in critical need of reform. Police agencies are sometimes reluctant to release footage, out of privacy concerns for officers and suspects involved in shootings. In the San Diego Police Department, a body camera was rolling at some point when a shooter killed Officer Jonathan J.D. De Guzman in July in San Diegos Southcrest neighborhood. That footage has not been publicly released. In August, law enforcement agencies announced theyd signed on to a countywide protocol governing the release of videos following officer-involved shootings. The policy states that law enforcement agencies will release officer-involved shooting videos when possible, when it decides it would be appropriate to do so. Policy caveats include not releasing such footage until the district attorney investigates the shooting, or if criminal charges are filed, as they were in the case of the man suspected of shooting Guzman. In September, following the fatal shooting of Alfred Olango, a 38-year-old unarmed black man, El Cajon police released a still frame taken from cellphone footage. Critics blasted the single-frame release, which they said showed the police in a favorable light Olango was in a shooting stance, holding what turned out to be a vape-smoking product and did not offer context of what led to the shooting. Three days after the shooting, the department released the whole cell phone video, which had come from a bystander. They also released surveillance footage from a nearby business. Thus far in 2016, sheriffs deputies have shot six people three fatally during confrontations throughout the region. All but one of those encounters occurred in North County. In just the last month, Encinitas deputies twice shot and injured fleeing suspects one accused of carjacking a father and child, the accused other of robbery. In both instances, the suspects were armed, authorities said. On Aug. 11, a documented gang member was fatally shot he had 18 gunshot wounds, two considered deadly by two deputies chasing him on foot after a car pursuit in Vista. His family has could not be reached for comment this week, but they have previously demanded an investigation in to the shooting. One week later in Poway, deputies shot and killed a fleeing parolee whod stolen a patrol car then carjacked an SUV. Earlier in August, deputies shot and killed a man who had holed up in Santee home and, from a second-story window, fired a cross-bow at them several times. In July, deputies returned fire at reportedly suicidal man who shot at them following a five-hour standoff at his Rainbow home. The man was struck twice but survived. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT The San Diego Music Awards will return in March, after a 17-month hiatus and the postponement of the 2016 edition. Presented under the auspices of the nonprofit San Diego Music Foundation, the 25-year-old awards fete skipped 2016 altogether, following a re-organizational shuffle that saw the departure of foundation president Kevin Hellman, executive director Marjy Taylor, board member David Branfman and several other longtime participants. Hellman is now back on board for the revamped event. It will be held March 21 at a new location, downtowns House of Blues. In previous years, the awards show has taken place in October at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay on Shelter Island, its home for more than a decade. Advertisement But the events goals to promote local music and, more important, to further the cause of music education here remain the same. Over the past quarter century, the foundation has provided several thousand guitars to more than 70 schools across San Diego County. The instruments have been donated, or provided at a discount, through San Diegos Taylor Guitars. To date, the instruments from Taylor have provided nearly 50,000 area students the opportunity to learn to play through the foundations Guitars for the Schools program. I was doing all the work and others were taking credit for it. So, after 25 years and being recently married, it seemed like the right time for me to step down, Hellman said Friday morning. I thought I was handing the awards show off to the (new) guys at the San Diego Music Foundation, but for whatever reason it didnt happen in October. Now, Im back. I wish somebody would have stepped up to run with it. But, as I told the board before I stepped down last year, Im still here and I want to help. After doing it for so long, it would be very disappointing if it went away. I keep telling people that its not not about who won or lost; its about helping kids in school. Music helps them be better kids and better adults. The foundation also produces the annual San Diego Music Thing, which combines panel discussions and concerts at multiple locations. This years edition took place Nov. 11-12, primarily at venues in North Park, but without Hellman and Marjy Taylors guidance. I do truly appreciate what Kevin did and especially, Marjy, who was the unsung hero who did all the leg work and a lot of the grunt work, too, Bart Mendoza, who played a key role in this years edition, told the Union-Tribune. Past San Diego Music Awards winners include Jason Mraz, Switchfoot, blink-182, Jewel, P.O.D., Slightly Stoopid and Pierce The Veil. Hellmans return follows a September dinner conversation he had with the foundations current director and treasurer, Scott Richison and Ben Moore. However, while Hellman is again steering the annual awards show, he isnt returning to the board, whose new president is Bar Pink co-owner Dang Nguyen. The agreement we have is that my new company, SDS Events, will produce the 2017 awards show and donate the proceeds to the music foundation, Hellman said. We may donate to other charities as well. Submissions for the 2017 San Diego Music Awards are now being accepted and submissions previously made for the postponed 2016 edition will also be considered, Hellman said. CDs can be submitted via mail to: San Diego Music Awards, 4876 Mount Royal Place, San Diego, Calif. 92117. For the first time in the events history, music can also be submitted in digital music files, which can be emailed to: sandiegomusicawards@gmail.com. The deadline to enter is Dec. 31. Eligible recordings must have been released between July 1, 2015 and Dec. 31, 2016. Nominees and performers will be announced Jan. 15. Tickets will go sale Jan. 16. Voting will take place between Jan. 16 and Feb. 26. Last years edition received a near-record 32,000 online ballots. Twitter @georgevarga george.varga@sduniontribune.com Political transition is in the airand not only at the White House. Tijuana City Hall is in the midst of its own changing-of-the-guard as Mexicos National Action Party prepares its return after a six-year absence. A veteran party member, Juan Manuel Gastelum launches his three-year mayoral term on Dec. 1, and on Friday expects to announce his new public safety secretary and other top municipal appointments. With a population of about 1.8 million residents, Tijuana is far from the quiet town that Gastelum knew growing up in the 1950s and 1960s. A range of big-city challenges now await the 62-year-old attorney as he gets set to take office: reducing crime, building up infrastructure, addressing the needs of migrants and deportees, and the politically difficult task of following up on the bus rapid transit system launched this week by Jorge Astiazaran, the citys outgoing mayor. Advertisement Gastelum is taking the helm after two consecutive mayoral administrations headed by Mexicos ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party, the PRI. He will be the first Tijuana mayor eligible to run for reelection under a Baja California constitutional reform that eliminated a longstanding rule that mayors cannot succeed themselves in office. Gastelum is both politically and personally close to Baja Californias governor, Francisco Vega de Lamadrid, a friendship that dates to their high school days. Gastelum is no neophyte to public office. He has served as state legislator, federal legislator and president of the PAN in Tijuana. From December 2000 to February 2001, he was acting mayor of the city. Born in Tijuana, he retains his childhood nickname, El Patas (Feet). He is fluent in English, a language he first earned as a fifth- and sixth-grader at Robert E. Lee Elementary School in San Diego. Married and the father of four, he owns a one-bedroom apartment in Bonita, though the familys primary residence is in Tijuana. We caught up with Gastelum earlier this month, and over a breakfast of burritos and coffee at the PANs Tijuana headquarters near the citys central bus station. He spoke in general terms about the challenges ahead. Security Making Tijuana safer is not just about more guns, more policemen, more pickups, Gastelum said. And the issue cannot be solved by just one individual. He offered few specifics about a public safety plan for the city under his administration, but made it clear that the choice of a public safety secretary will be key. Gastelum said the citys new public safety chief will show us what way we should go and what route we should take to solve that problem. Gastelum also said he plans to consult with subject matter experts and does not oppose a greater role for the military if considered necessary. Growth Gastelum is mindful of the Mexican federal governments new policy of avoiding the urban sprawl that has characterized Tijuanas growth in recent years. The aim is to put a halt to public policies that have made many neighborhoods distant, disperse and disconnected, he said. The city has also been facing a boom in high-rise construction that has some residents fearful traffic jams could grow worse in some parts of town. Gastelum said the government must ensure developers have obtained the necessary permits. Authorities must follow the law, Gastelum said. If (developers) fulfill the requirements, why not allow them to continue? Transportation After years of negotiations with Tijuanas transportation sector, the city this week launched the first leg of a BRT, or bus rapid transit systembut only after officials dispersed a blockade of buses by operators opposed to the new system. Gastelum promises to carry on with the efforts of the previous administration, but did not discuss his plans in detail. If opposition continues, well have to deal with that matter, but the BRT goes on, Gastelum said. Tijuanas debt Gastelum said the citys budget is 6 billion pesos (about $293 million), with a debt of 2.5 billion pesos, about $122 million. The citys financial situation will be clearer once the state publishes the revenues for the states five municipalities, Gastelum said; that happens in late December. Once were in office we can see what type of limitations we have, what we have to do. I dont assume its going to be that rough. Donald Trump He deserves all my respect because hes going to be president of the United States, Gastelum said. The mayor-elect said he is concerned about the effect on Tijuana if deportations increase under the future U.S. president, especially those with criminal records. We would not be able to absorb them, Gastelum said. That would be the biggest fear. Overall vision I want to make my town the best in Mexico, Gastelum said. I need people to work with me. Its not just money, its a matter of getting the feeling and saying, Lets do it. Fixing sidewalks would be a good place to start, he said. In the colonias, there are no sidewalks. I would supply the cement, and residents the labor, and that way youd create a synergy, Gastelum said. Its not easy, its a big task. sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com @sandradibble Florence Henderson, whose portrayal of Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch created an idealized mother figure for an entire generation, died Thursday. She was 82. Henderson died from heart failure about 7:30 p.m. while surrounded by her four children, her longtime manager and publicist, Kayla Pressman, said. The Brady Bunch ran from 1969 to 1974. But the sitcom about a blended family of three girls and three boys growing up under one roof in Los Angeles became a cultural icon, the subject of countless sequels, movies, plays, books, satires, spoofs and memes. Its 1970s fashion has been celebrated and mocked. The Studio City home that served as the exterior for the Brady home has become something of a landmark. Advertisement And to many, Hendersons perennially upbeat, smiling Carol Brady was the center of the show, cheerfully mothering her brood in an era when divorce was becoming more common. Henderson later marveled at the influence of the show and how it changed the lives of the cast. We had to have security guards with us. Fans were hanging on our doors. We couldnt go out by ourselves. We were like the Beatles, she told the Associated Press. While Henderson continued to act regularly after the series ended, she said to much of the world, she always was going to be Carol Brady. In a 2010 interview with The Times, Henderson said she still was overwhelmed by the interest in the show. I get so much mail from Russia, Poland and from all parts of the world, its astounding, she said. Pressman, who had worked with Henderson for 43 years starting as her personal assistant said the actress was the most vibrant, beautiful inside and out person Ive ever known in my entire life. We just never left each other. She was so wonderful to be with, and she was most loyal. Fidelity proved to be one of Hendersons trademarks, she said, adding that the actress stayed with the same business manager from the time she was 18 until he died and then worked with his son. Henderson also had the same agent for more than 30 years. She keeps long relationships, Pressman said. I cant say enough about the remarkable person she is. Henderson was a well-known nightclub entertainer performing in Texas when she was asked to audition for the role that would change her life. Hoping to jet into Los Angeles, have a screen test for Brady Bunch creator Sherwood Schwartz and then get back in time for the evenings shows in Texas, Henderson was delayed by L.A. traffic and rushed onto the Paramount lot two hours late, frantically looking for a makeup artist to get her ready for the test. Finally, she found someone with a few spare minutes on the set of Star Trek. I was sitting in a makeup chair between William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and like six or eight space monsters. None of them had any idea who I was or made any attempt to be friendly, which really bugged me, she recalled in TV son Barry Williams 1992 memoir, Growing Up Brady. Bothered by what she believed to be a shoddy makeup job, Henderson joked through the screen test about how bad she looked, and Schwartz, impressed with her comic timing, gave her the role. Maybe I should thank that terrible makeup man because in a way, his botch job helped me get the part, she said in the book. Hendersons work as Carol Brady on the series, which ran from 1969 to 1974, and her slyly sexy chemistry with co-star Robert Reed made the show thrive. The pair helped broaden acceptance of blended families. Carol, a single mother of three daughters, was married to Mike Brady, a single father of three sons. Born in 1934 on Valentines Day, in Dale, Ind., Henderson was the youngest of 10 children of a homemaker and a tobacco sharecropper. She later joked in a 2010 interview with The Times that she came out of the womb singing. By age 2, she knew 50 songs by heart. I dont remember ever not singing, she says. My mother loved music, and she taught me songs, country music, spirituals. I would sing for people and pass the hat when I was 4. She began her show business career at 17, when she attended New Yorks American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Henderson left the school after her first year because she got a job in the chorus of the Broadway musical Wish You Were Here, directed by Josh Logan. She segued from the chorus to the lead role in the final national touring company of Rodgers and Hammersteins Oklahoma! Logan remembered her from Wish You Were Here and cast her in the lead role of the 1954 musical Fanny with Ezio Pinza and Walter Slezak. She appeared in other Broadway musicals, including Noel Cowards final musical effort, 1963s The Girl Who Came to Supper. From 1959 to 1960, she was the Today Girl on the Today show, presenting weather and light news stories. Later, she was the first female guest host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in the 1970s. After her years on The Brady Bunch, Henderson became a commercial spokeswoman and co-produced Country Kitchen, a Nashville Network series. Besides her Brady clan, Henderson had children of her own. In the 2010 Times interview, she said she still kept up regularly with members of her TV family. When I was in New York, I spent time with Eve Plumb [who played Jan]. I am always in touch with Susan Olsen [Cindy], the youngest, and Chris Knight [Peter]. Friends and fans marked her passing on Twitter. The actress who played daughter Marcia on the show, Maureen McCormick, said: You are in my heart forever Florence. Henderson was also known as an advocate for gay rights. The actor who played her husband on the Brady Bunch, Robert Reed, was gay and suffered from AIDS when he died of cancer in 1992. Henderson said in a 2014 interview with Gay Star News that if the show were being made today, she hoped the Mike Brady character would be openly gay. At the time that we actually did the show, they wouldnt have addressed that, she said. But if the show were on today, I think it would definitely be addressed. After all, their father was gay. Susan King and Todd VanDerWerff contributed to this report. anh.do@latimes.com For more Southern California news, follow me on Twitter: @newsterrier. ALSO Paul Sylbert, Oscar-winning production designer for Heaven Can Wait, dies at 88 Ralph Branca, Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher who gave up the shot heard round the world, dead at 90 Los Angeles music writer, proto-punker and sharp dresser Don Waller has died UPDATES: 1:26 p.m: This article was updated with information about Hendersons gay-rights activism. 8 a.m. Nov. 25: This story was updated with more details, context. 11:35 p.m.: This article was updated with staff reporting. 10:40 p.m.: This article was updated with background information on Hendersons career. This article was originally published at 10:05 p.m. Nov. 26. A local deputy district attorney has been named prosecutor of the year by the California Narcotics Officers Association. Tia Quick, who serves as the District Attorneys Offices liaison to the San Diego Police Department, was honored this month at the 52nd Annual Training Institute and Law Enforcement Exposition in San Diego. Her work as a liaison to law enforcement is a critical component of the criminal justice system that assists police officers as they investigate and ultimately strengthens our cases, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said in a news release. Advertisement According to the California Narcotics Officers Association website, the prosecutor of the year award was established to identify and honor prosecutors throughout the state who have demonstrated a commitment to the strong enforcement of narcotic laws. Selections are made based on a prosecutors long-standing record of contributions, or for his or her extraordinary efforts as a prosecutor. Quick has worked in the District Attorneys Office for more than 24 years, during which she has served in several assignments including the gangs unit and major narcotics. As law enforcement liaison to the San Diego Police Department, her work has included reviewing more than 10,000 search warrants. Liaisons work closely with law enforcement and assist investigations by helping to make sure evidence is collected properly so it can be introduced by prosecutors in court proceedings, according to the District Attorneys Office. Liaisons also help police draft search warrants, arrest warrants and other court orders. They must be available to answer legal questions from police officers at any time. Quick has been a member of the California Narcotics Officers Association since 1994. For the past 13 years, she has provided instruction and training for law enforcement within the organization. To be recognized by such an amazing organization is the high point of my career, Quick said in the news release. dana.littlefield@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @danalittlefield A Hawaiian crow that has been extinct in the wild since 2002 is nearing a return to the forest through a program run by bird conservationists with San Diego Zoo Global. Five male alala birds were moved last month to an aviary at the Puu Makaala Natural Area on Hawaiis Big Island, where they will be released. They are adjusting well to the sights and sounds of the surrounding forest, which has the kind of habitat native to the bird before its decline, according to officials with the zoo and the Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources. The bird was brought to the brink of extinction fewer than 20 left by habitat loss and the introduction of predators and disease. It lives now only in the zoos Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation centers, which have been breeding the crows since 1996 and through artificial incubation and hand-rearing of the chicks have raised the population to more than 100. Advertisement Donna Ball, an official with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said the Puu Makaala reserve is the best place on the island of Hawaii for the reintroduction of the alala. The bird, in turn, will help the forest ecosystem, officials said, by eating and dispersing native plant seeds. Conservationists had hoped to reintroduce the crows to the wild this month but delayed it to work more on a tracking system for the birds. Transmitters will be used, a tricky option with the crows, which are very intelligent and precocious, said Bryce Masuda, a manager with the conservation program, and inclined to play with and manipulate new items. Masuda said, It is important for us to track these birds once they go out into the forest so that we can continue to support them as they explore their new home. San Diego Zoo Global has conservation projects on six continents. It also runs projects for endangered plants and animals at the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park, and the Institute for Conservation Research. President-elect Donald Trumps long-promised crackdown on unauthorized immigration has led Democratic mayors and state leaders across the country to vow to resist the next administration by not cooperating with federal enforcement efforts. News analysis pieces suggest state Democratic officials will copy the often-successful efforts by Republican officials in Texas in alliance with other GOP states to use the federal courts to block President Barack Obamas sweeping executive orders. But this issue isnt as clear-cut as it may seem. Trump now says that instead of deporting all 11 million people believed to be in the United States without legal status, he will focus deportation efforts on immigrants who are convicted or accused of crimes or who are suspected of gang membership. Trumps threats to punish sanctuary cities and his promise to undo executive orders providing legal protections to young unauthorized immigrants would be major changes. But on the question of who gets to remain in the United States, the Trump standard in some ways seems more permissive than policies seen from 2009 to 2014 under President Obama. His administration has deported more people than any other. A 2014 analysis in The New York Times found that under Obama, two-thirds of the nearly 2 million deportation cases involve people who had committed minor infractions, including traffic violations, or had no criminal record at all. Advertisement Criticism from immigrants rights groups including the National Council of La Raza labeling Obama the Deporter-in-Chief led the Obama administration to shift to a less stringent standard for deportations in 2014. The new guidelines emphasized identifying and deporting unauthorized immigrants who had committed serious crimes or who had come to the United States without authorization after Jan. 1, 2014. But the guidelines also allowed authorities to give breaks to such immigrants if they had families in the United States or had lived here many years, among other factors. However, the idea that legal action by cities and states might be able to protect such Obama administration policies feels like wishful thinking. Texas and its allies were successful in some cases in fighting Obama executive orders that judges agreed usurped the authority of Congress. But Trump wouldnt be relying on executive orders for his enforcement decisions; he would be relying on plainly written federal laws that say it is a crime to reside in the U.S. without legal authorization. And sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate with federal law enforcement in reporting unauthorized immigrants would find support for their policies in courts; in 1997, the U.S. Supreme Court held the federal government cant compel local police to act as its agents. But federal decisions to withhold federal aid to local and state governments unless they meet federal mandates are common. If Trump sought to implement such penalties through executive order, depending on the circumstances, he could face potent legal challenges. But not if he is acting at the direction of Congress. Here is where there is good news for those who fear a crackdown on such cities. Measures to deny federal funds to sanctuary cities, including a bill by Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, that was approved by the House, failed in the Senate in 2015 and 2016. Senate Democrats gained two seats on Nov. 8, making Senate approval of such proposals even less likely going forward. What does all this mean? Perhaps federal immigration policies wont change as much as many fear under President Trump. Or perhaps he will bristle at criticism that hes breaking promises and will go places no president has ever gone. We shall see. But heres our counsel to the president-elect: On this issue, moderation is a virtue. Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein s efforts to ensure the integrity of our elections and request recounts in three battleground states Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania has raised enough money and then some to meet Wisconsins Friday deadline, per her campaign website. Stein launched her eleventh-hour effort to challenge the vote count in the three key states this week and collected more than $2 million on day one Wednesday after a longshot presidential campaign in which she managed to raise just $3.5 million. By Friday, donors had contributed more than $5 million. The three states Stein is targeting doled out 46 electoral college votes to Trump, helping him get 306 of the 270 electoral college votes needed to become president. The margin was so narrow Trump beat Clinton by just 10,704 votes in the closest race for president in Michigans history that the possibility of a vote recount or audit seemed inevitable to some people. Stein seized on these calls for a recount and by Friday, she needed less than $2 million to pay the costs associated with ones in each state, which her website says could cost up to $7 million in all. Could Steins efforts affect the presidential election? What difference could it make? And how exactly would a vote recount in these three states work? We researched answers to some of these and other questions. What are the deadlines? Wisconsins deadline to request for a vote recount is Friday at 5 p.m. Central Time, 3 p.m. Pacific. Pennsylvanias deadline to ask for a vote recount has passed, but the deadline to contest the election in court is Monday. Michigans deadline to ask for a vote recount is Wednesday. Update: The Green Party reportedly filed its petition to recount votes in Wisconsin by the states Friday deadline, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Heres a photo of her filing the petition. https://twitter.com/WI_Elections/status/802272590257537024 Why these three states? Votes in the three states fell under suspicion when several credible scientists cast doubts about the voting systems being used. One prominent University of Michigan computer science professor said it was more likely that polls were systematically wrong rather than hacked. Soon after, Stein echoed those concerns on her campaign website, saying she is focused on the three states where the data suggests significant discrepancies in vote totals. Adding to suspicions on the voting systems, the latest polling results indicated Trump had won a significant number of electoral college votes, 46, by a small margins in the three states by 10,704 votes (or 0.2 percent) in Michigan, by 22,525 votes (or 0.8 percent) in Wisconsin, and 70,638 votes (or 1.2 percent) in Pennsylvania, according to the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. In theory then, Clinton, who won 232 electoral college votes, could surpass the 270 votes needed to win the presidency if all three states flipped in her favor. How would Steins money be spent? The money raised by Steins recount effort would pay for filing fees and attorney fees, according to her campaign website. Wisconsins filing fees are $1.1 million, Pennsylvanias are $500,000 and Michigans are $600,000. Up to $3 million in attorney fees could be needed to execute the recount, according to the website. Where is the money coming from? Steins ability to raise more than $5 million dollars in a matter of days is pretty remarkable considering her website asks for a maximum of $2,700 per donor. As of now, its unclear whether any major donors are pouring in larger amounts, but it seems the money seems to be coming mostly from small individual donations. What can actually be accomplished? A recount of votes by hand could be a lengthy and costly process but some people are already beginning to express skepticism over what can be accomplished with this recount effort. The fine print in Steins fundraising website says it cannot guarantee a recount will happen in any of these states and that it can only vow to demand recounts. Any surplus money would instead go toward election integrity efforts and to promote voting system reform, according to the website. That has led to some suspicion and, predictably, some jokes, such as this one from comedian Tim Young. https://twitter.com/TimRunsHisMouth/status/801633246597545986 Is Stein helping Hillary Clinton regain a chance to win? According to Steins website, the answer is no. In an interview with PBS NewsHour, Stein reiterated that point by saying the effort will not likely change the results of the presidential election and that this is not being done to benefit one candidate at the expense of the other. https://twitter.com/NewsHour/status/801926986885001216 Is Clinton involved in this effort? At the moment it doesnt appear Clinton or her campaign is involved in Steins recount efforts but her supporters have lobbied the candidate to challenge the results anyway. https://twitter.com/yashar/status/801177640291823616 So whats Trumps take? He hasnt said anything yet, perhaps surprisingly. Well keep tabs on his Twitter feed and other outlets and update this post if he weighs in. Are there other important deadlines to keep in mind? Yes, the nations electors meet on Dec. 19 to formally vote on the Electoral College results. And the president-elect will be sworn into office on Jan. 20. Buckle up, America. What are people saying about all this? There is no shortage of opinions. Stein and Clinton supporters and Trump critics are advocating for an audit of all the votes in a similar way Democrats challenged the 2000 presidential election when Florida votes were recounted. Others are skeptical and see this as exploitation by the Green Party candidate. https://twitter.com/AdamParkhomenko/status/801862476610605056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw https://twitter.com/ConservRachel/status/802226677132759041 https://twitter.com/allthingsdem/status/802226669025005568 https://twitter.com/PrisonPlanet/status/802158801629704196 https://twitter.com/GeorgeTakei/status/802235360394809344 What do you think about Steins recall effort? Tell us what you think. Email: luis.gomez@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @RunGomez UPDATES: 1:45 p.m.: This article was updated with details announcing the Green Partys petition to recount votes in Wisconsin by its Friday deadline. This article was originally published at 12:00 p.m. Brandon Wilson, who was on death row for the 1998 ambush slaying of a 9-year-old boy in Oceanside, was found dead Thursday hanging in his cell at San Quentin State Prison, state corrections officials said. Prison officials did not say what Wilson, 33, used to hang himself. Matthew Louis Cecchi ( / The Associated Press) Advertisement He was convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances for slitting the throat of Matthew Louis Cecchi in a restroom at Oceanside Harbor on Nov. 14, 1998. The boy had been visiting with his parents and younger brother from Oroville, north of Sacramento, for a family reunion. The murder, by a 20-year-old Wisconsin drifter who was under the hallucinogenic belief that he had been ordained to help God exterminate humanity, captured national headlines at the time. San Diego Superior Court Judge John Einhorn, who sentenced Wilson to death, commented publicly on the case Friday. He said that in his 17 years on the bench, that case is the most haunting case Ive ever had. It brings back many bad memories. It was such a senseless killing. It destroyed a lot of people. Gina Lamph of Anaheim Hills, a family friend, said Thursday night that Matthews late father, Louis Cecchi, died of cancer shortly after the murder. The boys mother, Sharon Cecchi of Anaheim Hills, is an elementary school teacher. The couples other son was 4 at the time. At the sentencing for Wilson, Mark Lamph read a letter from Louis Cecchi, who was undergoing chemotherapy at a hospital and too weak to attend the hearing, said Gina Lamph, who is since divorced from Mark Lamph. Gina Lamph said Wilsons action destroyed many lives at the time, and that Sharon Cecchi has worked hard to rebuild hers with her surviving son. Wilsons decision to kill himself means that no one else will have to be responsible for taking his life, Lamph said. He gave himself the justice that was coming, she said. Wilson had a cell to himself at San Quentin, prison officials said. He was declared dead at 6:47 a.m. In 1998, Matthews slaying stunned the Oceanside community. The boy had gone into a restroom near a boat-launch ramp about 8 p.m., escorted by his aunt, who waited for him outside. Wilson walked in and stabbed and slashed the boys throat, leaving him to bleed to death. Two days after killing Matthew, Wilson tried to rob a woman in Hollywood and stabbed her repeatedly. Witnesses held him for police. While in custody, Wilson made statements incriminating himself in the Cecchi slaying. In chilling testimony at a San Diego Superior Court to determine his sanity, Wilson said that he had been using LSD while camping in the Anza-Borrego Desert and heard God tell him to kill people. During the penalty phase of his trial, Wilson told jurors he had no remorse whatsoever and asked them to recommend the death penalty. The panel did, rejecting the defense teams claim that Wilson was insane at the time of the killing. I just will never forget during the penalty phase, his defense lawyer telling him not to testify, and he testified, he turned to the jury and said, Impose the death penalty or Ill kill again, Einhorn recalled Friday. It was the most eerie thing Id ever seen. There were gasps. I wondered how the case affected the jurors, it was so somber, so sad from beginning to end. Einhorn sentenced Wilson to death on Nov. 4, 1999. Wilson, a drifter from St. Croix Falls, Wis., also was convicted in Los Angeles County of attempted first-degree murder for the Hollywood assault. The victim survived. Einhorn told Wilson: You have made real every parents worst nightmare. By your twisted and selfish acts you have taken from us our countrys most treasured asset that is our children. The judge also told Wilson he hoped that before you are executed, at some level of your consciousness, you recognize the enormity of the harm that you have, by your predatory actions, brought to countless people. Wilson was placed on death row five days later. At the sentencing, Mark Lamph told Wilson: I hope that you rot in hell for eternity. I hope and pray that God has no mercy on your pathetic soul. Sharon Cecchi, who had testified that the murder contributed to the breakup of her marriage, was the last person to speak at Wilsons sentencing. She said she hoped to see Matthew in heaven and hold him in my arms for all eternity. A San Diego mother who tortured her daughter with punches, kicks and insults for 17 months, until her blows killed the 9-year-old last year, was sent to prison Tuesday for a term of 15 years to life. Advertisement San Diego Superior Court Judge Eugenie Eyherabide sentenced Crystal Cardenas, 27, for the second-degree murder of Elizabeth Holloway. Faced with a torrent of scorn and anger from family members in the downtown courtroom, Cardenas bowed her head and cried at times. Elizabeths father, Willie Holloway Jr., wiped tears from his eyes, looked at Cardenas and told her, I dont know how you could do this to her. I just want justice. Im going to leave it in Gods hands. He then turned and bolted from the room. His father, Willie Holloway Sr., told the judge he felt partly to blame for not knowing what was happening to his granddaughter. Who would stoop that low to do that, he said. An aunt, Angela Holloway, said that perhaps the family could have helped Elizabeth more, but not one of us made her die. Other family members sobbed as Eyherabide told them no one should have suffered as Elizabeth did. There was no one to blame except Cardenas, the judge said. She said Cardenas will remain in prison a full 15 years, then it will be up to the state parole board whether she serves additional time. Elizabeth had endured brutality at the hands of Cardenas and her boyfriend, Lorenzo Castillo, after going to live with them in September 2009, authorities said. She previously lived with her fathers family. Cardenas inflicted slapping, punching, kicking, choking, stomping and actually burned her daughter, Deputy District Attorney Lindsey Krause told the judge. Ms. Cardenas talked to her daughter like she was a piece of trash and discarded her like a piece of trash. Cardenas, Castillo, Elizabeth and two younger siblings moved into a Mountain View apartment in January 2011. Castillo is Elizabeths paternal uncle. A few days after the move, Cardenas beat and kicked Elizabeth in the stomach. The child later told her sister, then age 7, that she thought she was going to die. Elizabeth became increasingly ill, and at home on Jan. 17, stopped breathing. Cardenas carried her outside and screamed, and a neighbor began CPR on the child. Elizabeth died at a hospital. Family said at the time of Elizabeths death that she enjoyed listening to YouTube music videos and playing with her cousins. A few weeks after the killing, Cardenas was arrested on charges of murder, torture and five counts of child abuse. She pleaded guilty on Aug. 21 to second-degree murder, which carries a sentence of 15 years to life. Castillo was arrested on the same charges as Cardenas. He pleaded guilty in December to one count of felony child abuse resulting in great bodily injury. He was sentenced to nine years in prison. Defense attorney Megan Marcotte said that as a child, Cardenas suffered physical and abuse from her own mother. Cardenas was pregnant when she was jailed last year. The baby and the other children are being cared for by Cardenas brother, Marcotte said. Nassau, Bahamas -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/25/2016 -- Based out of Nassau, New Providence in Bahamas, Junkanoo Air is a Bahamian cargo airline that is now taking active part in hurricane Matthew relief efforts. Reportedly, the company saw it fit to take part in the hurricane relief efforts because the company president is a native of Mangrove Cay in Andros. "I am a son of the soil so it was a natural response that Junkanoo Air helped my brothers and sisters," stated Captain Christopher King in an official press statement regarding Junkanoo Air's hurricane relief efforts. He further added to his statement and discussed about what impacts him and his company to carry out this effort "It was really heartbreaking to see the devastation but also heartwarming to see Bahamians from near and far chip in and lend their support and assistance in any way necessary to bring the most hard hit areas back to some degree of normalcy." With flights every weekday into Fort Lauderdale, King decided the company should purchase much needed supplies on every flight back into town. These supplies include canned goods, cases of water, baby diapers, feminine products and cereal, just to name a few. After internal company discussions, Junkanoo Air has now also made a decision to offer discounted relief flights into the islands until 2017. According to a company spokesperson, all charters for relief till the end of the year will be discounted by 15%. Furthermore, Junkanoo Air is currently planning another company sponsored relief in the coming weeks and urges people in the Florida area to come forward and make a donation. The airline can be contacted at relief@junkanoo.com for details. "Every little helps. No matter how small the donation; a pray even our people need the help. One thing I am certain about is; our indomitable spirit as the God favored people of The Bahamas will not be broken. Not yesterday, not today, not ever," stated Chris when asked about his thoughts on recovery and how others can help. Contact: Contact Name: Christopher King, President of Junkanoo Air Website: www.junkanooair.com Email: cargo@junkanooair.com Phone Contact: +1242.557.5568 White Plains, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/25/2016 -- Small Business Saturday is a yearly event held the Saturday after Thanksgiving and is a day to encourage holiday shoppers to patronize small and local businesses in the US. Small Business Saturday was started by American Express and is sandwiched between the big retail store sales held on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. "Being a small family business headquartered in Bolton, Connecticut, we are excited to join in with other small businesses and offer our first Small Business Saturday Sale on our healthy treats for dogs and cats," says Julia Stanton, Marketing Manager for Green Butterfly Brands. Bark at the Moon currently offers three pet treats that are all sourced and made in America and contain no artificial flavors, colors, fillers or additives. All Natural Turkey Treats for dogs was the companies' first snack offered and contains organic turkey and market fresh vegetables. Premium Chicken Jerky was released early this year and has one ingredient, 100% USDA Grade A chicken breast, that is dehydrated to a crispy finish and made for dogs and cats of all sizes. Their third treat, Wild Caught Salmon, is also for dogs and cats and comes in one-ingredient, freeze-dried salmon cubes that contain Omega-3's known to support a healthy immune system, skin and coat. "We are happy to announce our fourth treat, Premium Freeze Dried Whole Chicken Hearts, will be available in the coming week," continues Stanton. "Continuing with our one ingredient model, this chicken dog treat contains only chicken hearts from family farms in the US and is packed with protein that is essential for the overall health of our furry family members." Green Butterfly Brands treats donates a portion of its sales on every bag to train service dogs for American veterans in need and are sold exclusively on Amazon where Prime Members receive free shipping. Amazon also offers any shopper free shipping on any orders of $49 or more. The company offers a "tails will wag" guarantee on all their treats where if a pet or its owner is not happy with their purchase for any reason, a full refund will be issued. In honor of Small Business Saturday, Green Butterfly Brands is offering their Premium Chicken Jerky, regularly priced at $24.99 for $22.00 and Wild Caught Salmon, regularly priced at $19.99 for $17.99 on Small Business Saturday, November 26th. About Green Butterfly Brands Green Butterfly Brands is a family-run business committed to providing healthy treats for cats and dogs made in the USA. Bark at the Moon All-Natural Treats offers pet owners a healthy way to reward their furry friends for obedience and love. Bark at the Moon's Natural Turkey Treats, Premium Chicken Jerky, and Wild-Caught Salmon Dog Treats can be purchased on Amazon. Contacts: media@greenbutterflybrands.com www.greenbutterflybrands.com Philadelphia, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/25/2016 -- The Law Offices of Rovner, Allen, Rovner, Zimmerman & Nash, renowned as the premier Philadelphia injury lawyer firm also has attorneys handling family law matters with their goal of providing compassionate representation in difficult times to strategically handle and resolve various family, marital, and support issues. Family law is a broad area of law which encompasses a wide range of issues and claims. These areas include divorce, child custody and support, alimony, paternity, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, modification of final judgment, domestic violence, child relocation, adoption, and much more. No matter the situation, the Law Offices of Rovner, Allen, Rovner, Zimmerman & Nash aims to assist their clients. Their attorneys possess an in-depth knowledge of family law and experience of over 40 years. This law firm grasps that family related issues can be a deep source of trauma and stress. Their lawyers handle each case with extreme care and work to minimize concerns. They aim to provide negotiated resolutions and settlements, but will be ready to go to trial if necessary to achieve a positive outcome. At each step of the process, their attorneys will keep their clients updated on the progress of their case, explain the road ahead and help simplify the case. The Law Offices of Rovner, Allen, Rovner, Zimmerman & Nash offers a free initial consultation to discuss the details of a client's concern, and to explain if they have a case and how they proceed forward. Clients who wish to inquire further about hiring a family law attorney or a personal injury lawyer in Camden, Bucks County, Montgomery County or Philadelphia can visit the Law Offices of Rovner, Allen, Rovner, Zimmerman & Nash online at http://www.dial-law.com/ or call 215-259-5958 for more information. About The Law Offices of Rovner, Allen, Rovner, Zimmerman & Nash When a person is injured, The Law Offices of Rovner, Allen, Rovner, Zimmerman & Nash are ready to help. For over 40 years, the Rovner Law Firm has been accomplishing its motto of getting results for many thousands of grateful and satisfied clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Florida. The firm is headed and founded by former Pennsylvania State Senator and Assistant District Attorney, Robert Rovner. The firm is made up of over 15 lawyers, plus paralegals, and investigators who put The Law Offices of Rovner, Allen, Rovner, Zimmerman & Nash at the top of the Philadelphia area legal profession. To hear more about The Law Offices of Rovner, Allen, Rovner, Zimmerman & Nash, please visit http://www.dial-law.com, or call 215-259-5958 immediately. Medical marijuana has been shown to possess numerous health benefits and many countries have already legalized its use. In Canada, former NDP MP Peter Stoffer suggests the screening of lifestyle of veterans who are using medical marijuana, turning the spotlight on the stigma surrounding its use. Under the Veterans Affairs Canada Rules, veterans are allowed 10 grams of cannabis per day. Stoffer, however, reiterated that this is a lot of marijuana to give to one person, CBC News reports. Meanwhile, Veterans Affairs Minister agreed and announced that the dosage might be reduced to just 3 grams per day. During the interview with Stoffer, who is now the spokesperson for Nova Scotia-based Trauma Healing Centers, said that an extensive lifestyle examination should be carried out before being granted access to medical marijuana, especially the veterans. This is to prevent them from using cannabis simply to get high. This suggestion, however, is deemed a means to turn the spotlight on the social stigma imposed on medical marijuana use among veterans. The move to reduce the dosage of medical marijuana prescription among veterans was also opposed by most veterans, saying that the potential high brought about by its use was an unwanted side effect. The Canadian government announced that it is also slashing the limit on how much veterans will be prescribed under federal rules, Vice reports. Aside from reducing the dosage to just 3 grams per day, the government is putting a hard cap on how much cannabis should cost -- at $8.50 a gram. "This is just our starting point," Kent Hehr, Veterans Affairs Minister, said. "It's time to change that," he said, adding that the social stigma of medical marijuana use should be removed, especially for the veterans who have contributed so much to the country. In 2017, Canada will become the first ever G7 nation to fully legalize marijuana, both in medical and recreational use. The World Health Organization declared that the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is harmful and triggers air pollution. This particulate matter in the atmosphere has caused about 467,000 premature deaths across Europe every year, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA). Particulate matter or PM are microscopic solid or liquid matter in the atmosphere of the Earth. The sources of these particulates could be man-made or natural. They can affect the climate and precipitation and can cause human health problems. In Europe, the people living in urban areas are found to be at risk and have 85 percent exposure to fine particulate matter type known as PM2.5. This particulate has the adverse effect on human health and may cause asthma, heart disease and lung cancer. BBC reports that within the European Union, there were over 430,000 people who died prematurely because of exposure to PM2.5 in 2013. Meanwhile, the EEA's Air Quality in Europe Report in 2016, the vehicles and the central heating boilers released poisonous gas nitrogen dioxide (NO2) that triggers around 71,000 premature death every year. Likewise, the ground-level ozone (O3) causes around 17,000 deaths yearly in the EU. James Thornton, the CEO of law firm Client Earth, stated that the EEA report today puts the U.K. in an unwanted position near the top of the table when it comes to premature deaths from exposure to NO2 pollution. He further said that the U.K. government should be ashamed of these figures and must act now to protect the health of people in this country. Among the European countries with the worst levels of PM2.5 are Poland, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic. According to EEA, coal is the major source of electricity in Poland. Meanwhile, in Bulgaria, it was found to have a high particulate matter in 2013. The cost of ill-health from coal power plants in this country amounts to 4.6bn every year. Catherine Bearder, a Liberal Democrat MEP, stated that if she had become a doctor instead of politician she would be advising a serious health warning to the U.K. government today. Meanwhile, Hans Bruyninckx, the EEA's executive director, said that the emission reductions have led to improvements in air quality in Europe, but not enough to avoid unacceptable damage to human health and an environment, as noted by The Guardian. Santa might have a role during Christmas season as he is known for giving gifts to children all around the globe riding on his sled. Parents would probably tell their children, "Santa will give you a gift this Christmas, so you better watch out!" On the other hand, a recent study reveals that lying about Santa Claus to children could do more harm than good. The study was printed in the Lancet Psychiatry. It was led by Christopher Boyle, a psychologist from the University of Exeter, U.K., and Kathy McKay, a mental health researcher from the University of New England in Australia. The team said that if the parents can lie about something so special and magical, can they be relied upon to continue as the guardians of wisdom and truth? They explained that this undermines the trust in the parent-child relationship. "All children will eventually find out they have been consistently lied to for years and this might make them wonder what other lies they have been told." Professor Boyle defended this claim and wrote an essay titled A Wonderful Lie. He said that the morality of making children believe in such myths must be questioned. He further said that it is also interesting to ask whether lying in this way will affect children in ways that have not been considered. So, is Santa real? This would be the question that a child will ask sometimes in his life. Parents must be ready to answer this question when the time comes that their child finally knows the truth. Professor Boyle said that the point is that it is based on a myth, it is based on a lie. He also emphasized that his essay was not based on his observation of patients but was rather theoretical, according to Mail Online. The team also question the idea that Santa and his helpers know what each child has been doing or he is naughty or nice. They said that this norm is terrifying. Professor Boyle said that the morality of making children believe in such myths must be questioned, as noted by The Huffington Post. These views confirm the analyses of Richard Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist from Oxford University and criticized parents for reading fairy tales to their children. He wrote the controversial book, The God Delusion. He also claimed that he was just 21 months when he saw the myth of Santa. In his speech two years ago, he questioned the fantasies of childhood as magical as they are. He asked the parents, "should we be fostering a spirit of skepticism?" He further said that he thinks it is rather pernicious to inculcate into a child view of the world that includes supernaturalism in which he stressed that people get enough of that anyway. Could life exist outside the Earth? A new book written by a Christian astrophysicist tackles the question of life's possible existence in another planet. Christian Post reported that in his new book, Improbable Planet: How Earth Became Humanity's Home, Dr. Hugh Ross, Ph.D., from the University of Toronto, listed all the factors required for a planet to be habitable. After a three-year research on scientific literature and a year-long biblical study on creation, Dr. Ross, who is also a pastor with a Master of Divinity, collected both scientific and theological truths in a book that gives explanation to the mystery of aliens and the humans' reason of existence. While other scientists believe that only the existence of a water habitable zone could make a planet livable, Dr. Ross pointed out that in order for a planet to be sufficient for living, it must have all of these nine habitable zones -- such as liquid water, tidal, photosynthetic, ultraviolet, ozone, obliquity, rotation rate, astrosphere and atmospheric electric fields. He added that only our planet Earth holds all of these habitable factors. In a question on the importance of discovering other living creatures in other planets among scientists, Dr. Ross explained to Christian Post in an e-mail that one of the apparent reasons is their non-theistic views that motivate their never-ending search for evidence. "For scientists holding a non-theistic worldview the discovery of life on many planets outside our solar system would be taken as evidence to support their claim that a natural, relatively straightforward pathway, independent of any external Intelligent Design, exists to explain life's origin," he wrote. Another reason, according to Dr. Ross, is that "the search for extraterrestrial life is important for many scientists is that they are all too aware that the window of time for the existence of advanced life on Earth is rapidly coming to a close. They are convinced that the only hope for humanity is to find another planet in another planetary system that we humans can colonize." On the reason of life's existence, Dr. Ross explained that the Creator, who has always intended to redeem humans ever since their recorded fall in the Book of Genesis, made all creation for His own purpose -- which is to serve each of their roles in making His redemption possible for all. Researchers found a huge underwater crater left that was apparently left by the asteroid that exterminated the dinosaurs. It has given researchers new evidence that sea levels in the Ice Age were much lower. According to Phys.Org, scientists worked on a platform off Mexico's east coast to excavate for clues about the destruction of life 66 million years ago inside the 200-kilometer (125-mile) wide Chicxulub crater. The mission's leader, Jaime Urrutia, president of the Mexican Academy of Science, said that the researchers accidentally found evidence that the sea was much farther away than the current coast line during the Ice Age, which started 110,000 years ago and ended about 11,000 years ago. Even though most of the crater is now located under the Gulf of Mexico, it was not submerged during the Ice Age. "We discovered a circular structure at the bottom (of the sea)," Urrutia told in a news conference. "The only way that (such structures) are made is through the dissolution of carbonate and for carbonate to dissolve it must be exposed to air," he said. This shows that the Yucatan peninsula was "literally much larger" between 18,000 and 23,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, said the scientist. In a report by The Express Tribune, international experts in the field of geology, paleontology, and microbiology arrived on the Myrtle platform in the Gulf of Mexico in April and worked there. They were able to dig 1.5 kilometers (.93 miles) under the sea floor and managed to extract six tons of rock. Some results of the studies were published in the journal Science but the analysis is still ongoing at a laboratory in Bremen, Germany. Meanwhile, the 12-kilometer (7.4-mile) wide asteroid slammed the earth at a speed of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) per second about 66 million years ago. It is believed that its crater is unique on the planet because of its "peak ring" formation, which is a circular elevation as high as 500 meters with a 30-kilometer radius. Researchers installed the platform over one of the peaks to be able to study the nature of the rocks below and how they took shape. However, the scientists have not been able to explain how the granite and molten rock solidified into peaks. The first results show that the rocks moved up "like jelly." But while the rock was molten, the granite does not show signs of heating, Urrutia said. The $15 million Expedition 364 was the first to peer into the undersea part of the Chicxulub crater. An e-cigarette explosion inside a user's pocket was caught in a video. New York Post reports that Otis Gooding, a store worker at a wine and spirits shop at Grand Central Terminal was seen in a video trying to pull a burning e-cigarette out of his pocket. Gooding was having a normal conversation with his co-workers behind a counter when sparks began flying out of his trouser pocket. His co-workers and store customers started running away from the explosion, while Gooding, who instinctively tried to save himself from burning, attempted to get the e-cigarette out of his pants immediately. The store's assistant manager, Jonathan Lee, described the shocking incident to have happened so fast, saying there was "hissing and sizzling." "I saw him take his hand to take it out of his pocket and his fingernail burnt off," he said, adding, "One of the batteries burnt and stuck to his finger and then he flung it." Gooding suffered minor burns in his hand and leg and was instantly taken to the nearest hospital. There have already been numerous victims of e-cigarette explosion since the beginning of the year. According to Venkat Viswanathan, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, the "vape" battery contains electrolytes with the same properties as gasoline. "When these batteries short out, there's a surge of heat that causes this flammable electrolyte to combust and explode," he told NBC. Better quality lithium-ion cells, which are usually designed with fail-safe mechanism, have lower risks of combustion than the cheaper ones, and often comes with poorly designed chargers. The risk goes higher when these cells are overcharged or charged too shortly. This could happen among users who switch e-cigarette chargers as well. While people use e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to tobacco, users should always consider the quality of the device to make sure it is actually safe. For the longest time, Donald Trump insisted that climate change is a hoax created by the Chinese to get the United States to suppress its own manufacturing sector. Last week in Morocco, a Chinese official attending the climate summit prompted a rebuttal, saying that climate change is real. Whether or not this was the reason Trump changed his stance on climate change, nobody could tell. But according to The New York Times, it seems that he is backing away from the hoax theory, saying instead that there may be "some connectivity" between human activity and climate change. He even went so far as to add that he wants to keep an "open mind" regarding the pull of the United States out of the Paris Agreement. It is still unclear whether or not Trump will actually support the policies of the deal to limit the effects of climate change in the United States after he is going to be sworn to the presidency in January. However, officials from China have said that they will move on forward with the climate policies with or without the support of the U.S. Still, if Donald Trump calls for a withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, media tycoon and former mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg will take it upon himself to urge American cities to continue enacting the climate policies. As noted by Bloomberg, he said in an op-ed article, "The U.S.'s success in fighting climate change has never been primarily dependent on Washington." Michael Bloomberg also pointed out that the success of the U.S. in reducing emissions had been driven by cities, businesses and even citizens -- and none of them are planning on letting up. In fact, they are all looking for ways to expand efforts. Still, Donald Trump will have to learn more about climate change and the Paris Agreement -- his answers to questions regarding climate change and the Paris Agreement had been confusing, or showed, at the very least, that he is confused by them. Reports regarding the denial of the newly elected president of the United States, Donald Trump, with regard to climate change are still blazing in headlines. Thus, NASA scientist Dr. Gavin Schmidt is surprisingly assured about one branch of science in the upcoming Trump administration. Gavin Schmidt is a director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies and a climate scientist. He studies the changing of the atmosphere and said that it would not be easy for Donald Trump to evacuate the federal agencies of climate researchers in his term of presidency. Gavin Schmidt told Business Insider that, "Chopping off science just to prevent people from talking about climate change won't work. You need science for hazards, for weather forecasting, and climate comes along for the ride." It has been previously reported that Donald Trump does not believe in climate change. He mentioned that it is just a Chinese hoax. Many scientists had reacted to this as climate change is indeed here and real. Some of the climate experts are very worried about what would Trump do with regard to the battle that the Earth is currently facing with global warming. Schmidt added that "I'd be lying if I said that there wasn't some level of concern. But the federal government is a very, very large place. And the number of appointees is very small I don't think one should be complacent. I think people are going around going 'Oh yeah, it's just the same as the last time and it will be fine, it will be fine, it will be fine.' I'm finding it hard to muster that kind of optimism," as quoted by Science Info. However, some of the climate experts still have high hopes that President-elect Donald Trump will cater the problems caused by climate change. After all, we all live on the same planet. LeEco smartphones that took Chinese markets by surprise are here in the US. The latest offering by LeEco is the LeEco LePro 3, which is probably not the best, the company has to offer. If you are planning to buy the LeEco LePro 3, here is a complete review for buyers to decide whether it is worth it or not. LeEco LePro 3 Review - Hardware There are no second thoughts that LeEco is offering best hardware available at the price with its LePro 3. It features a 5.5-inch HD screen, A 16 MP rear camera and 8MP front camera with a 4000mAh battery. It is powered by Snapdragon 821 processor with 4GB of RAM with a 64GB of internal storage. LeEco LePro 3 is designed with inspirations from several brands such as HTC, Samsung and that gives is a distinct look. LeEco LePro 3 Review - Performance With the amazing hardware it packs, LeEco LePro 3 should give an amazing performance. It can run heavy games like Asphalt Extreme without any lag but an extended play heats up the phone. The 3DMark Slingshot test gives the LePro 3 a score of 2427 which is comparable to the Google Pixel. Its interface is not something that will leave you in awe. Most LeEco apps take a second or two to launch which is very annoying, as reported by Android Police. LeEco LePro 3 Review - Camera With a 16MP camera, the LeEco LePro 3 gives decent photos. It lacks optical image stabilization and the software seems to have been designed with for low light to an extreme degree. This results in extra bright images in medium light and contrast. With this price point, users will be fine with the camera quality,as reported by TechCrunch. LeEco LePro 3 Review - Software The only thing that absolutely takes the phone down is the software. The most problematic aspect of the software is in notifications. If there are more than three, notifications won't appear on the screen. The apps on screen get only a third of the screen space making the entire display cumbersome. The LeEco LePro 3 is a decent phone on a budget and if you do not mind the software issues, this one might be a good buy. There have been several theories about the human race's extinction and not a single one has been proven to be true. Now, a Mathematician has claimed that there is one in 500 chance that the human race will face extinction next year. According to The Independent, Dr. Fergus Simpson, a Mathematician at the University of Barcelona's Institute of Cosmos Sciences, said there was a 0.2 percent chance of a "global catastrophe" occurring in any given year over the course of the 21st century. Dr. Simpson's calculation was based on the Doomsday Argument, which claimed that it can predict the number of future members of the human species based on an estimate of the total number of humans born so far. "Our key conclusion is that the annual risk of global catastrophe currently exceeds 0.2%," Dr. Simpson wrote in a paper published in Arxiv. "In a year when Leicester City F.C. were crowned Premier League champions, we are reminded that events of this rarity can prove challenging to anticipate, yet they should not be ignored." Dr. Simpson told The Sun that about 100 billion people have already been born and a similar number will arrive on Earth before our species meets its end. He estimated there was a 13 percent chance that humanity would fail to see out the 21st century. Humans are now reproducing more quickly than ever before, which suggests that we are accelerating toward our demise at a terrifying pace. "It is quite worrying that we are so producing so many people, because it implies our time is limited if we keep it up," he said. However, Dr. Simpson's approach is more optimistic compared to previous studies. British Astronomer Royal Sir Martin Rees suggested that there was a 50 percent probability of human extinction by the year 2100 in his 2003 book Our Final Hour. "Irrespective of the aforementioned statistical inferences, it would be naive in the extreme to believe that the annual risk of global catastrophe is vanishingly small," Dr. Simpson said. He believes that there is about 87 percent chance that the human race will live to see the year 2100. This calculation agrees with a past study that was based on the "longevity of historical civilizations" and suggested that humanity should be able to keep going for another 700 years. Meanwhile, The Sun also asked Dr. Simpson whether his calculations left him feeling sad. "I find it a little bit depressing," he said. "However, I have a background in cosmology and know that we are already doomed in five billion years, because we don't have a hope of seeing out the death of our sun or the other stars. I am acutely aware that existence is finite," he continued. The Palmetto State is still rocking from this weeks earthquake announcement that S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley will leave office to be the countrys ambassador to the United Nations in President-elect Donald Trumps administration. The immediate effect will be for Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster, one of the nations first state officials to endorse Trump early, to get his dream job as governor, something hes wanted for years. For the Palmetto State, McMasters rise likely will mean a kinder, gentler governor who will work better with the state legislature. Haley, like predecessor Mark Sanford, has generally had a strained relationship with the General Assembly, despite its control by fellow Republicans. Theyve knocked heads over income tax rates, restructuring, ethics and reform, the funding of educational television and dozens of minor skirmishes over whether to keep or veto spending sought by lawmakers. To her credit after her 2010 election, Haley focused like a laser beam on more jobs for South Carolina. Thanks in part to federal stimulus strategies to revive the economy, unemployment went down throughout the country. But Haleys embrace of economic development helped too. She also deserves part of the credit for success in removing the Confederate flag from the Statehouse grounds, even though it came in her second term after tragedies. True believers see Haley as a transformational governor with natural leadership skills that allowed her to master back-to-back crises of the states 2015 flood and 2016 hurricane. Opponents see her as a thin-skinned, ambitious political zealot with an eye on a more prominent national role. Nevertheless after confirmation by the U.S. Senate likely around March 2017 Haley will be off to the big city, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for new great days of being absorbed in federal politics and the often mundane, less flashy work of the United Nations. Leadership attention will shift to McMaster, a longtime political pro who has served as U.S. attorney, state Republican Party chairman and state attorney general. To get an idea of what his gubernatorial administration might be like, all you have to do is turn to his 2010 race for governor, where he came in third to Haley in the GOP primary. The [governors] race is not about individuals, he said in June 2010. The race is about this state. This is the finest place in the world And the most important thing is for the politicians to put the interests of the state and her people over their own self-interests, their own political short-term interests, and do the right thing for the future of this state. During that governors campaign, in which he endorsed Haley before a runoff, the now-69-year-old McMaster promoted the states assets, such as its geography, technical training system, research universities and business leadership. More important, he urged long-term thinking and development of a unified strategic plan for South Carolina something that has been sorely missing in state government for the last 14 years. If McMaster can get the General Assembly working together in a constructive, focused way to deal with a plethora of tough issues, hell be a breath of fresh air. Weve got to think big, he said when he opened his campaign headquarters in March 2010. Theres no power in a small idea. In the months ahead when McMaster becomes governor, you can also look for this establishment politician to push traditional conservative issues, such as lower taxes but perhaps in a strategic way that looks at comprehensive reform, not just a bandage here, a splint there. Hell also likely keep most of Haleys senior leadership team at agencies, continue the focus on growing jobs and the work for creation of wealth across the state. And if McMaster can build a collaborative spirit among state agencies and the General Assembly, we may be able to tackle billion-dollar issues that have crushed past legislatures better funding for crumbling roads and bridges; more money for better education, particularly in rural areas; a cash-strapped state pension system; and better health care access for all. Henry McMaster wont be all things to all people, but he may bring a new sense of urgency and collegial leadership to a General Assembly that has grappled with her recent governors more than worked with them. Andy Brack is editor and publisher of Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@statehousereport.com. Speaking at a regional forum on the area at the Asian Logistics and Maritime Conference in Hong Kong, Dalian Port director Tai Jingang said the port is going to focus on transhipment traffic within the Bohai Rim region. In particular he is aiming to expand its reach to the Japan and South Korea markets to build up volumes. Tai added that the port is also working with major lines on the US and Southeast trade lanes and looking to boost calls, especially from mainline carriers. He is confident that Dalian Port will be able to serve over 150 by 2020 from 106 currently. Dalian port is also a major feeder port in the Bohai Rim region, with some 70 services a week covering 15 ports, Tai pointed out. Other investments include adding capacity to the Eurasian rail network to boost capacity to 600,000 teu a year by 2020 from the current 45,000 teu. Furthermore, with approvals given for a new free trade area in Dalian the development of port services will be boosted, Tai said. There are also plans to develop trade finance, insurance and double taxation agreements to increase Dalian's attractiveness as a platform for international trade, he concluded. Did NASA's now dead Spirit rover find evidence of life on Mars before it got stuck in a sand trap and confirmed lost by NASA in 2010? Possibly, say two geoscientists who have found a location on Earth shaped by microbes that closely resembles a particular area on Mars that was scrutinized by the rover in 2007. The focus is a curious cluster of finger-like silica nodules that were imaged by Spirit near the so-called "Home Plate" area in Columbia Hills in Gusev Crater in April 2007. The rover operated in the location for over five years, studying the Martian geology and atmospheric phenomena. Spirit's sister rover, Opportunity, continues to explore the Red Planet nearly 13 years after landing. Steve Ruff and Jack Farmer of the Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration have drawn comparisons with the Home Plate structures with formations at a Chilean hot springs called El Tatio, where microbes are known to influence the structure of silica deposits. Their findings have been published in the journal Nature Communications. The Atacama Desert is often referred to as one of the best "Mars analog" locations on Earth. The hot springs of El Tatio is located at an altitude of over 14,000 feet (4200 meters), making it one of the highest hydrothermal locations on Earth. At these altitudes, the atmosphere is thinner, so the location receives an intense influx of ultraviolet light and is often subject to freezing temperatures even in the summer. These characteristics make El Tatio an exciting area of study as it combines Mars' inhospitable climate with hydrothermal activity that likely existed on Mars in its ancient past, particularly when it was a lot wetter than it is now. But the big question is, did life also get a foothold in the Martian hot springs as it has done in El Tatio? RELATED: Fossil Find Could Boost Hunt for Ancient Mars Life "We went to El Tatio looking for comparisons with the features found by Spirit at Home Plate," said Ruff in a statement. "Our results show that the conditions at El Tatio produce silica deposits with characteristics that are among the most Mars-like of any silica deposits on Earth." Home Plate is a known volcanic ash deposit that has been eroded over time. In April 2007, Spirit found silica-rich nodules that indicated that the location once played host to a hydrothermal vent. Now, Ruff and Farmer suggest that, if these ancient Mars silica deposits had the same formation mechanisms that drive the El Tatio deposits, perhaps the nodules share a common biological origin. Scientists have many questions about Mars, the planet most like Earth in the solar system, but few are as vexing as why atmospheric methane levels occasionally spike and how the gas manages to dissipate so quickly. Most methane on Earth comes from living organisms, though small amounts are produced by the geological interaction of rock with hot water. Scientists don't know what causes methane on Mars, but they intend to spend the next 10 years compiling detailed maps on when, where and how often the gas appears. The data will come from a newly arrived European satellite, Trace Gas Orbiter, or TGO, which this week began testing its science instruments. It will take TGO about a year to circularize its orbit and shift into the near-polar inclination considered ideal for its mapping mission. "I believe TGO is going to play a central role in expanding our knowledge of what's going on here," said NASA senior scientist Michael Mumma, with the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. RELATED: To Find Life on Mars, Perhaps We Should Look Here In 2003, Mumma led a team that made the first definitive measurements of methane on Mars using an infrared telescope in Hawaii. The methane appeared in clouds, or plumes, over specific regions of Mars and reached a maximum density of about 60 parts per billion. More reports followed a year later, though the methane appeared over a different part of Mars. In 2006, Mumma and colleagues scanned the location of the original plumes and to their surprise discovered that the methane had vanished, suggesting a seasonal phenomenon was at work. The methane's disappearance opened another mystery: Computer models show that methane on Mars should survive about 300 years before ultraviolet light from the sun breaks down the molecules. Instead, analysis showed the plume likely vanished in a matter of months or even weeks. NASA's rover Curiosity picked up the methane hunt after its arrival in August 2012. It too found a large spike during the southern hemisphere's autumn season, but the process did not repeat the following year. Since then, scientists believe they have identified slight seasonal variations in the background levels of methane, said Ashwin Vasavada, lead scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. Those studies are still underway. RELATED: Fossil Find Could Boost Hunt for Ancient Mars Life With a sensitivity that rivals Curiosity's instrument, TGO will attempt to map the planet's methane on a global scale. "This is going to be the creme de la creme of methane measurements," Mumma told Seeker. With luck, TGO may even be able to make related measurements of carbon and hydrogen isotopes so scientists can compare the chemical makeup of Mars' methane with its terrestrial counterpart. That could provide more clues about whether Mars' methane came from biology or geology. "This is a story that's going to continue for a long time to come," said Mumma. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Brothers Chris and David Steinrueck turn wood into planters, ties, cufflinks and sunglass frames. Sharon Zimmerman makes edgy metal jewelry inspired by nature, architecture and science. Rebecca Saylor sews whimsical pillows out of reclaimed fabric. All left traditional jobs to earn their living by crafting items for sale. And all use Etsy, the large online marketplace for handmade goods, to reach buyers worldwide, on top of selling on their own websites. Theyre among some 200 local artisans at this weekends fourth annual SF Etsy Indie Holiday Emporium, a pop-up crafts market at Pier 70 in Dogpatch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Everything (at the market) is made by hand, said Saylor, who acts as team captain for about 2,000 Bay Area Etsy sellers who collaborate year-round on marketing and other business challenges. We have a huge variety but everyone brings items that are in a gift-price range, so theres something for everybody. Founded in 2005, Etsy is now a global phenomenon, with headquarters in Brooklyn and offices in San Francisco, London, Paris, Berlin and elsewhere; 1.7 million sellers worldwide; and 41 million unique items on offer to some 26 million shoppers. Total sales last year were $2.4 billion. The company charges 20 cents an item to list it, and then takes a 3.5 percent cut of the sale. Besides its worldwide reach for marketing, it offers tools for payment processing, order shipping and financial tracking. I dont think Id have a business if Etsy didnt exist, or something like Etsy, Saylor said. Theyve built so many tools to help you; it makes it really easy to get started. Many (artists) dont have a business background or maybe werent tech savvy. Last years Etsy market at Pier 35 drew 60,000 people over two days, up from 10,000 a year earlier. That overwhelming response led to long lines. This year, the fair has many more crowd-control measures, including 20 security officers, a passenger drop-off lane and 17 portable toilets. That popularity isnt surprising, said Jeremiah Owyang, founder of Crowd Companies, an innovation association. People want to buy meaningful things created locally, he said. We see more and and more makers stores emerge in the holidays. It suits the San Francisco market, which is about local and sustainable goods. Etsy, a 900-person company, is on the leading edge of the gig economy a shift toward self-employment and microbusinesses. A McKinsey study last month showed that more gig workers are making money by selling items on online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy than driving for Uber or Lyft, for instance. However, Etsy CEO Chad Dickerson said most Etsy makers would reject the gig-worker label. Our sellers dont see themselves as having a gig; they see themselves as business owners, he said. About 30 percent of Etsy sellers rely on their creative business as their sole occupation, he points out: This could only exist in a world where everyone is connected over the Internet. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle Etsy isnt directly involved in the San Francisco crafts fair, but lends its name and helps with marketing. It encourages sellers to help one another, both through its online forums and in-person meetings. Organized groups of Etsy sellers have become a phenomenon, Dickerson said. They support each other and do co-marketing. We have over 10,000 groups around the world. Some Etsy makers always had an attraction to handicrafts. I never could keep my hands still; I picked up crocheting, knitting, drawing and beading, said Zimmerman. A few years ago, she realized she wanted to leave her retail customer-service job. She took a metalsmithing class and realized shed found her metier. After working for a well-known jeweler, she founded her own business in 2011. Etsy was my entree into selling online and reaching a more national and global audience, she said. The barriers to entry were low. Since then, shes expanded her own website, with Etsy now contributing up to 15 percent of her sales. Her rings, necklaces and earrings ran from $40 to over $2,000 for an engagement ring. Chris and David Steinrueck likewise grew up immersed in crafting. They attended Waldorf schools, whose philosophy emphasizes practical and artistic hands-on activities. Their dad had a wood shop; their family baked its own bread and churned its own butter. Both had computer jobs but really wanted to work with their hands, Chris said. We decided to make things out of wood as an experiment. They started off at San Franciscos TechShop, a co-working space for makers, with a focus on unique gifts for guys for $30 to $60, such as bow ties and ties made of wood. They quickly found some stores to sell their wares through existing contacts, and then turned to Etsy to sell directly to consumers. Now they have their own website as well as a thriving side business of do-it-yourself woodworking classes. Etsy makes it really easy to step into the somewhat-daunting online retail world, Chris said. You just need good photography and a good description. Things flow organically from that. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes By contrast, Saylor didnt have a DIY background but knew she wanted a change from corporate work. I always wanted to be a maker, she said. My grandmother was a master quilter and I grew up around that. She approached the transition methodically, writing up a business plan, and then testing a bunch of different ideas. Pillows ended up being what clicked. In the corporate world, I worked 80 to 90 hours a week and was always torn in a lot of directions, she said. I still work hard, but its very empowering to run my own business. Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaid The event What: SF Etsy Indie Holiday Emporium Where: Pier 70 How to get there: Muni T-Third to 20th Street When: Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Though the complainant had lodged a complaint then, police was unable the nab him. For the past seven months, numerous American Indian tribes have held a nonviolent movement of protest and resistance against a planned oil pipeline near the sacred sites and water supplies for Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota. In some ways, the protest is historic and unprecedented. In other ways, its a continuation of the contemporary American Indian movement that began with the occupation of Alcatraz in 1969-71. On Thanksgiving morning, I went to the tribes annual sunrise gathering on Alcatraz Island to find out if other people were thinking about the connection. Boy, were they. When I straggled up to Pier 33 at 4 a.m., there were thousands of people in different lines lines to buy tickets, to pick up tickets, to board the ferry. I already had a ferry ticket, but I was exhausted and confused, so I wandered around, asking person after person for the boarding line. When I found it, the family ahead of me turned and told me how lucky I was. A lot of people you see trying to buy tickets now, theyre not going to make it, said the man standing in front of me. But its only 4 a.m., I croaked. He smiled. This must be your first time. His name was Efrain Tevez, and he and his family had driven up from Monterey for the gathering. I learned pretty quickly that many, if not most, of the attendees had traveled long distances to be there. Ive been coming since 2009, Tevez, 35, told me. Im Christian myself, but I deeply respect what this is. Im from El Salvador originally, and when I was growing up, there were indigenous people who lived near the capital. I saw the government, working with corporations, wipe them out. So this is all connected, and none of its ancient history. Not only is it not ancient history, but everyone seemed to have very recent history on their minds. Today is the day we need to send up our prayers and our dances, said Andrea Carmen of the Yaqui Nation at the beginning of ceremony. Eloy Martinez, who occupied Wounded Knee in 1973 and is a firekeeper at Standing Rock, stepped forward to present a fire offering from the camp. This is from the original fire thats been burning at Standing Rock since April, Martinez said. All 4,000 shivering attendees cheered. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle There are dark days ahead, Carmen said. I wont say his name here. A resounding boo went up at her oblique reference to President-elect Donald Trump. But were in a fight right now, and its only going to continue. We need to remember that our ancestors went through worse. All of the ancestors. The sunrise gathering is an all nations event, and one of the things that became abundantly clear as it progressed was how common the story of violence and brutality is among indigenous people all over the world. Carmen and Martinez asked us to honor nearby sites where American Indians are struggling to preserve the health of their land Medicine Lake, near Sacramento, where the Pit River tribe has been fighting energy development, and Rio Yaqui, in Mexico, where the Yaqui tribe has been protesting industrial pollution for several years. A delegation of Lumad people from the Philippines talked about how the government there is waging a military offensive against them for their land, and wowed the crowd with a delicate dance that wouldnt have been out of place in a Renaissance court. And of course, there was the story of Thanksgiving. The colonists killed 600 unarmed Pequods, and Gov. John Winthop declared a day of thanksgiving, Carmen said. This is the celebration of a massacre. The recitation of events at the gathering was grim. But the event itself was moving, even uplifting. Speaking as an ignorant nonnative, listening to the harmonious tones of native languages was a revelation. And its impossible to feel bad in the presence of traditional Aztec dancing, drum circles, smudged sage and tobacco offerings. Also, I had the sense that the experience of Standing Rock, despite the protesters long odds, had given not only the tribes, but also those who stand with them a sense of renewed purpose and community. The first time I came to this event in 2010, I was just attracted to the idea of an unthanksgiving, Hunter Gassaway, 48, told me. Gassaway is a Choctaw from New Orleans who grew up celebrating Thanksgiving with his adoptive family. When he moved to the Bay Area, he told me, he was able to get in touch with an Indian community. (There are some 20,000 American Indians in the Bay Area.) But to be here this year, after so much, in this sacred place? Gassaway said. It has a new power. Caille Millner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cmillner@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @caillemillner When the twins were a little over a year old, we found a train table and set of Thomas the Tank Engine wooden trains on sale for about $200 on Craigslist. Wed suspected that the twins would someday get interested in trains a phase that many kids go through, wed been told but balked at the price. Who needed a train table? And who needed name-brand trains? Wed get a starter set at Ikea, a few trains and wooden tracks, and see if the twins took a liking to it. Though nearly four years have passed since, we still remember that deal that got away. Brand-new trains from the land of Thomas or the parallel universe of Chuggington can cost $20 or more each. Weve learned quite a bit about trains, which in their infinite variety, remind me of that speech from the movie Forrest Gump: You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it. Shrimp kabobs, shrimp Creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan-fried, deep-fried, stir-fried. Theres pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burgers, shrimp sandwich. In our smorgasbord of trains, weve climbed aboard the scaled-down steamers in Tilden Park that chug through groves of redwood trees, and taken rides in Sonomas Train Town and San Mateos Central Park. Next we boarded vintage trains, Sacramentos Southern Railroad and Jamestowns Railtown 1897, that traverse the rolling hills of Gold Country, and also paid a visit to Roaring Camp in the Santa Cruz Mountains. In Paso Robles, the twins clambered around old train cars at Pomar Junction and Le Vigne wineries while we picnicked. Model trains have their own pleasures. I admire the painstaking detail that the enthusiasts put into building their cars and layout, and have come to appreciate the glimpses of humor in the displays, the seals piled on top of a squad car or the dinosaur terrorizing tiny people. At the Golden State Railroad Museum in Richmond, the twins edge along the helpful ledge that puts kids at eye level of the display. At the Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society, a storm sweeps in on the half hour, with thunder and lightning. A volunteer surreptitiously walks around with a spray bottle that she spritzes into the air to add to the effect. Visitors stare up, slack-jawed, trying to figure out whats happening, until dawn breaks, accompanied by Thus Sprach Zarathustra, the fanfare from 2001: A Space Odyssey. (Its holiday train show is going on this weekend, Friday-Sunday, Nov. 25-27). The twins eagerly ride BART, their love of the journey greater than any destination. We have piles of train books, heaps of battered wooden trains and plastic tracks that stack. Didi, more so than Gege, threw himself into building miniature worlds, arranging the trains in perfect lines. But recently, the twins have had other interests and activities. The days when I would walk into the playroom to see elaborate displays seem to be coming to an end, but when we asked if they wanted us to box up the train set and give it away, Didi resisted. I wondered if he felt a bit nostalgic too as much as a kindergartner can be nostalgic. I thought wed visited every possible permutation of trains in the local radius when I noticed a flyer for a show at the Carquinez Model Railroad Society in Crockett. It was a trek, but with my husband away on a business trip, I needed a Sunday excursion. We parked across the street from the massive red-brick C&H sugar processing plant, which Id seen from the freeway but never up close. It felt like wed arrived somewhere mythical. What the display lacked in width, it made up for in height, layer upon layer of tracks that mesmerized us. We were about to leave when a volunteer told us to check out the Carquinez Toy Train Museum upstairs, whose models were twice the size of the ones we were used to seeing. Do you want to steer the train? the kind volunteer asked. He led us into the display, and I was just as gleeful as the twins as I raced it forward and backward, and tooted the horn. It reminded me once again how becoming a parent gets you out in the world. You wont enjoy every moment, and the minutiae that fascinate your child might bore you at times. And yet the toy trains reminded me of the adventures that await, and of all the discoveries weve made together as a family. Didi said he wanted to come back the next day. I promised wed go to the next open house. I wanted another shot at the controls, too. Vanessa Huas column appears Fridays in Datebook. Email: datebook@sfchronicle.com Theres no doubt that 2016 has been a doozy of a year. The past 12 months have seen a tumultuous election season, social injustices and a more-than-seems-fair number of deaths of beloved cultural icons. If there is an antidote to be found or at least a hearty dose of comfort food its located in the cookbook section of your local bookstore. From the mountains of Appalachia to the mountains of Iran, an abundance of globally diverse new cookbooks serves as a reminder that delicious food has no boundaries or borders, and that oftentimes the best way to learn about another culture, and even oneself, is in the kitchen. These are our favorite cookbooks from 2016. Sarah Fritsche The Adventures of Fat Rice. Four years ago, Abraham Conlon and Adrienne Lo opened Fat Rice in Chicago to great acclaim. The focus of both the restaurant and the book is Macanese cooking a melding of Chinese, Portuguese, Southeast Asian and Indian cuisines found in the Chinese region of Macau. Despite the homeyness of the dishes, this is a restaurant cookbook: Expect plenty of labor-intense recipes that rely on sub-recipes, including the restaurants namesake arroz gordo, a close cousin to Spanish paella. Lo and Conlon describe the dish as substantive and full of goodies and the same could be said of the book itself. Fat Rice is a joyful exploration of a lesser-known cuisine in America. The Adventures of Fat Rice by Abraham Conlon, Adrienne Lo and Hugh Amano (Ten Speed; 312 pages; $35). All Under Heaven. Bay Area food writer and blogger Carolyn Phillips has spent more than 30 years immersing herself in Chinese and Taiwanese cooking and culture, and for her first cookbook she takes a detailed and academic approach. Over the course of 300-plus recipes, each with detailed headnotes, Phillips breaks the country into five gastronomic regions, from the north and Manchurian northeast with their abundant lamb and beef dishes to the coastal southeast, home to seafood and Cantonese cuisine. There are no photos, although Phillips elegant illustrations help propel the reader through the text-heavy pages. Its a hefty tome but a pleasure to read. All Under Heaven by Carolyn Phillips (Ten Speed Press; 528 pages; $40). Special to The Chronicle Breaking Breads. The Israeli culinary movement continues to flourish as baker Uri Scheft follows his successful Tel Aviv and New York City bakeries with his first cookbook. Entire chapters are devoted to challah, flatbreads and other traditional baked goods from the region. In a nod to Schefts familys heritage his parents are Danish and he grew up in both Israel and Denmark; his wife is Yemenite and Moroccan there are a number of multicultural offerings like dill bread and a Yemenite brioche-like bread called kubaneh. Fans of Schefts famous chocolate babka, made with chocolate and Nutella, will be happy to find that recipe, too. Breaking Breads: A New World of Israeli Baking by Uri Scheft and Raquel Pelzel (Artisan Publishing; 352 pages; $35). Dandelion and Quince. For her first book, Michelle McKenzie offers a straightforward yet stunning primer on the overlooked ingredients we are lucky enough to find in our Bay Area backyard. McKenzie, who serves as the program director and chef for 18 Reasons (Bi-Rite Markets nonprofit community-focused offshoot), showcases recipes and flavor combinations that are unexpected and inspired. For example, her six citrus rice salad (see recipe) features the welcome addition of paper-thin shavings of Buddhas hand, a variety of citron. This is a cookbook that is deeply rooted in our Northern California culinary ethos. Dandelion and Quince by Michelle McKenzie (Roost Books; 336 pages; $35). Special to The Chronicle Dinner at the Long Table. This sexy and artful cookbook comes from Andrew Tarlow, a.k.a the restaurateur who invented Brooklyn. The book is composed of 17 epic menus designed to feed a crowd, but be aware this is not some easy-breezy entertaining manual. Many dishes require a restaurant-level investment of time, effort and expense, like the multiday cassoulet (complete with making duck confit) and the weekend-long sugo feast. If youre just looking to dip your toes, many individual recipes can be made with minimal fuss, like Beets Roasted Until the End of Time which despite its name takes only a couple of hours. Dinner at the Long Table by Andrew Tarlow and Anna Dunn (Ten Speed; 336 pages; $40). Dories Cookies. Sometimes you just want a plate of freshly baked cookies especially during the holidays when cookie-decorating parties abound. While veteran cookbook author Dorie Greenspan has won multiple James Beard Awards and penned numerous books on baking, this is her first book devoted entirely to cookies. Its a project Greenspan has wanted to do for 25 years, and the result is a doozy: 170 recipes, variations on classics and an entire chapter devoted to savory cocktail cookies. Bust out the milk. Dorie's Cookies by Dorie Greenspan (Rux Martin/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; 518 pages; $35). A New Way to Dinner. Getting dinner on the table after a long day at work is no easy feat, and its a familiar frustration shared by countless home cooks including us pros. The latest entry from the Food 52 team offers a familiar solution: Invest your time in a big batch of weekend cooking so youll be able to manage five nights of evening meals, plus lunches. Best of all, each weeks menu features a shopping list and a game plan for how to pull it off. Sometimes it feels like more of a lifestyle change than a cookbook, and yes, it does involve effort, but the results will beat anything from Caviar or Postmates. Food 52: A New Way to Dinner by Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs (Ten Speed; 288 pages; $35). Land of Fish and Rice. In her previous books, Fuchsia Dunlop has showcased the cuisines of Szechuan and Hunan. For her latest offering, she focuses on the lower Yangtze region, known as the Jiangnan, home to Shanghai. Dunlop shines a spotlight on the region, ranging from banquet-worthy multiday-efforts like Zhenjiang crystal pork terrine to humble street food like her Shanghai noodles with dried shrimp with fresh spring onions (see recipe). Its a region, says Dunlop, whose cuisine is revered for delicately balanced flavors and subtlety, and a worthy addition to a home cooks collection. Land of Fish and Rice by Fuchsia Dunlop (W. W. Norton & Company; 368 pages; $35). Special to The Chronicle Mozza at Home. From Los Angeles superchef Nancy Silverton, this is a cookbook for those who love to entertain. Rather than focus on recipes from her popular restaurants, Silverton shares laid-back meals she likes to make at home for a crowd. The book is organized into 19 feasts, like Silvertons vegetable and legume-heavy Umbrian feast, featuring oven-roasted grapes, pan-roasted radicchio with balsamic vinaigrette and marinated lentils. For a sweet finish, the entire final chapter is devoted to desserts that can pair with any of the meals or be enjoyed on their own. Mozza at Home by Nancy Silverton and Carolynn Carreno (Knopf; 416 pages; $35). The Red Rooster Cookbook. Hungry eaters of all stripes, including celebrities and even President Obama, have made their way to Harlems Red Rooster, where Ethiopian-born, Swedish-reared chef Marcus Samuelsson cooks his unique brand of soul food. This book showcases recipes from his restaurant, like his version of fried chicken, which is brined, then soaked overnight in a mix of buttermilk, coconut milk, berbere and celery salt. But Samuelsson also pens thoughtful essays on his creative process and artists who inspire him. This is a beautiful portrait of a diverse and electric neighborhood that reflects America at its best. The Red Rooster Cookbook by Marcus Samuelsson (Rux Martin/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; 384 pages; $37.50). Simple. For her 10th cookbook, Diana Henry shares a mix of easy-to-prepare weeknight dishes, along with slightly more complicated but not too much meals for the weekends. From simple egg dishes to Sunday roasts, the British food writer shows that she has her finger on the pulse of how people are eating and cooking now. She uses a global pantry with a hefty dose of specialty grains and pulses. With an entire toast chapter, she also shows that our NorCal obsession with toasted bread has spread worldwide. These are recipes youll return to again and again. Simple by Diana Henry (Mitchell Beazley; 320 pages; $32.99). Stir, Sizzle, Bake. Charlotte Druckman has chosen a subject close to my heart: cast-iron pans. If youre also a fan of the hefty and rustic cookware, this is a must-own book. Baking in cast iron is the main focus, though Druckman branches out beyond the usual corn bread and flapjacks with a range of dishes like green pea panisse panzanella, curried pretzel knots and Irish soda farls (see recipe) inspired by Andytown Coffee Roasters in the Outer Sunset. Druckmans creations leap off the page, and better yet, inspire you to grab a skillet. Stir, Sizzle, Bake by Charlotte Druckman (Clarkson Potter; 224 pages; $25). Special to The Chronicle Taste & Technique. Building blocks are the foundations that allow you to become truly comfortable in the kitchen, states Naomi Pomeroy. The Portland, Ore., chef offers up 20 years of cooking knowledge to help home cooks give their culinary repertoire a boost: a detailed explanation of hollandaise, several pages dedicated to souffles and a textbook-like guide to puff pastry. This is a beautiful handbook for any cook looking to up his or her game. Taste & Technique by Naomi Pomeroy with Jamie Feldmar (Ten Speed; 400 pages; $40). Taste of Persia. No stranger to profiling the people and foods of complex and politically turbulent regions, Naomi Duguid follows her 2012 Burmese cookbook by traveling to Iran and surrounding countries in the Caucasus region (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kurdistan) to learn more about the impact of Persian foodways. While the recipes are appetizing and approachable, this book is about more than cooking its about better understanding a region and its people. Now, more than ever, books like Duguids make for vital reading. Taste of Persia by Naomi Duguid (Artisan; 392 pages; $35). Victuals. Low-country cooking. Cajun. Creole. Barbecue in its rainbow of regional iterations. These are the well-known cuisines that food lovers usually associate with the South. But Kentucky-born author Ronni Lundy wants to put her home turf on the culinary map, too, as she takes a road trip through the southern Appalachian Mountains. The dishes are enticing, like John Fleers buttermilk cornbread soup and persimmon custard pie, and make for a tender study of a region and its place in the pantheon of Southern cuisine. Victuals by Ronni Lundy and Johnny Autry (Clarkson Potter; 320 pages; $32.50). Sarah Fritsche is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sfritsche@sfchronicle.com Twitter/Instagram: @foodcentric Lest we let food lovers have all the fun reads, here are five of our favorite booze-focused books from 2016: Amaro. Following up on his 2011 award-winning book, Bitters: A Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, Brad Thomas Parsons opens the liquor cabinet door on one of Americas current spirits obsessions, amaro. Parsons offers a primer on American and European-made varieties of this bitter herbal liqueur, which youve likely enjoyed in the form of Fernet, Cynar or Montenegro, along with cocktail recipes and a chapter on making your own at home. Amaro by Brad Thomas Parsons (Ten Speed Press; 208 pages; $26). American Rhone. From its counterculture roots in the 1960s to its flagship grape Syrahs rise and fall in popularity during the early aughts which paved the way for other Rhone varieties like Grenache and Mourvedre to shine in recent years Wine & Spirits magazine critic Patrick J. Comiskey explores the evolution of the American Rhone movement. Its a deep dive into this fascinating category, long beloved by wine geeks. American Rhone by Patrick J. Comiskey (University of California Press; 336 pages; $34.95) The Complete Cocktail Manual. Bay Area bar fly and contributing Chronicle cocktail reporter Lou Bustamante claims he tastes an average of 500 cocktails a year all in the name of research. Needless to say, he knows a thing or two about cocktails. In Bustamantes first book, a rapid-fire primer to classic cocktails and techniques, he offers up hundreds of tips, like how to efficiently stock your home bar with booze and tools, and almost as many recipes. All of which will help give your home bartending game a handy boost. The Complete Cocktail Manual by Lou Bustamante (Weldon Owen; 256 pages; $29). I Taste Red. The second book from British wine writer Jamie Goode, author of The Science of Wine, revolves around synesthesia: the condition where the stimulation of one sense, such as taste, triggers the experience of another sense. Its the scientific jumping-off point to investigate how physiology, psychology and neuroscience play a role in our perception and enjoyment of wine. Its an engaging read on what might, in other hands, be an esoteric or dry subject. I Taste Red by Jamie Goode (University of California Press; 224 pages; $29.95). Ten Speed Press Smugglers Cove. Lucky San Franciscans who have been to Martin Cates Hayes Valley tiki bar, Smugglers Cove (and its gin-focused sequel, Whitechapel), know the depths and delights of the bar owners cocktail and booze geekery. Now, the rest of the world can, too. With 100 original and historic recipes, Smugglers Cove is an encyclopedic exploration into tiki culture, its history and its tropical tipples. Smugglers Cove by Martin Cate with Rebecca Cate (Ten Speed Press; 352 pages; $30). Sarah Fritsche is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sfritsche@sfchronicle.com Twitter/Instagram: @foodcentric Its not a new thing for Casey Affleck to be great in a movie. He was great in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and in Gone, Baby, Gone. In fact, even before Manchester by the Sea, he was already great twice this year, in two movies that arent the kind that get nominations a crime thriller, Triple 9, and a survival thriller, Finest Hours. But in Manchester by the Sea, Afflecks performance, as a janitor in hardscrabble Massachusetts, is too outstanding and too at the center of everything to escape recognition. Its a role that calls upon his rare ability to convey absolute focus a jittery, locked-in, volatile kind of attention with a quality of distraction, of some troubling thought weighing on him in the background. In this film, in almost every moment on screen, his dual consciousness is present, because here hes playing a man with a trauma in his past, a pain that he cant ignore or escape. Written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan (Margaret), Manchester by the Sea breaks the usual rules of storytelling. Other movies about tragedy are ultimately about overcoming tragedy, and if not about recovery then at least about getting through it and on to some kind of meaningful existence. Thats an approach that satisfies the demands of drama, the expectation that a protagonist grow and change and move forward. But that approach ignores an aspect of life that we might prefer not to think about, or see onscreen, but that we know is true. People dont always recover. Some things are so awful that recovery is simply not possible. Likewise, in the aftermath of tragedy, most people arent completely destroyed. They dont end up in a ditch or in a straitjacket. They simply remain at a base level of pain that never ends, that never gets better and never gets worse. So how do you make a drama out of that? How do you give that a beginning, middle and end? This is the task that Lonergan assumes for himself. Manchester by the Sea is about a man who is stuck, and the movie is about being stuck, so that anything cheerful or even hopeful would be out of place. Thus, the drama, such that there is, must come in two forms. The first is the drama of revelation: We see this odd guy, and gradually the story tells us, through flashback, how he got to be the way he is. We become curious, and the movie slowly answers our curiosity. The second source of drama is in wondering what this guy is going to do next, and this is where Afflecks performance becomes not only sensitive and perfectly calibrated but a major source of the films propulsion. Lee (Affleck) always looks like he is about to explode. Usually, he doesnt. But he carries an energy with him that isnt safe, thats alert to any slight or obfuscation. Watch him and also watch the other actors respond to him in an early scene, in which he shows up at the hospital and finds out that his older brother has died. His face looks like hes trying to find someone to blame. Theres no dialogue to support this. Its just in his look and bearing. And everyone the nurses, the doctors, the close friends who are there looks uneasy. Theyre not afraid of him. Hes not a maniac. Hes not dangerous. But everyone can take a deep breath and relax only when hes finally out of the room. Most of the action of Manchester By the Sea revolves around Lees inheriting custody of his 16-year-old nephew. Its something he neither wants nor expects. He is working in Quincy, Mass. Taking on custody means relocating to Manchester, where he has an unfortunate history. And unlike what every other movie might do, Manchester by the Sea does not present this custody situation as a transformative experience. It doesnt make everyone nicer. The kid (Lucas Hedges) is a sensible teenager, a bit full of himself and not happy about having his life held hostage to the whims of a neer-do-well uncle. Their interaction skeptical, borderline hostile, but familial is lively and a source of some welcome humor. But mostly, this is a sad film, and sometimes a frustrating one, as our frustration with the character spills over into frustration at the movie itself. Affleck is magnificent, but the movie is something less than that, because it cant completely overcome some built-in challenges. Even so, Manchester by the Sea deserves honors for being so different, and for working on the mind in a particular way: To remember this film, days later, doesnt feel like remembering a movie. It feels like remembering actual people you once knew. As such, memories stand out. The memory of Lees coming back from a fishing trip and greeting his wife and three kids. The memory of that same wife, years later a heartrending Michelle Williams, in one of the years great scenes telling Lee that, despite their divorce, she needs to be in contact with him. And those moments, just a flicker, when Lee almost cracks, and Affleck lets us see just how deep this pain goes. It goes as deep as forever. Mick LaSalle is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mlasalle@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MickLaSalle Manchester by the Sea Drama. Starring Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams. Directed by Kenneth Lonergan. (R. 137 minutes.) To see a trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsVoD0pTge0 PALM BEACH, Fla. His Cabinet beginning to take shape, President-elect Donald Trump is offering a Thanksgiving prayer for unity after a long and bruising campaign season. Emotions are raw and tensions just dont heal overnight, the incoming president said in a video message released on the eve of the national holiday. He continued, Its my prayer that on this Thanksgiving we begin to heal our divisions and move forward as one country strengthened by shared purpose and very, very common resolve. Trump, who was gathered with family Thursday at his Palm Beach estate, was expected to pause for a day after a two-week scramble to shape his nascent administration from scratch. He injected the first signs of diversity into his Cabinet-to-be the day before, tapping South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and charter school advocate Betsy DeVos to lead the Department of Education. They are the first women selected for top-level administration posts. Haley is the daughter of Indian immigrants, so she also would be his first minority selection after a string of announcements of white men. The South Carolina governor has little foreign policy experience, yet Trump praised her as a proven deal maker. DeVos, like Trump, is new to government but has spent decades working to change Americas system of public education. Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson said Wednesday that an announcement is forthcoming on his role, which would make him the first black choice possibly as secretary of Housing and Urban Development but he also suggested hed be thinking about it over the Thanksgiving holiday. Trump is also expected to select billionaire investor Wilbur Ross Jr. to lead the Commerce Department, a senior Trump adviser said Wednesday, speaking only on condition of anonymity because the adviser was not authorized to disclose internal deliberations. The 78-year-old Ross is considered the king of bankruptcy for buying beaten-down companies with the potential to deliver profits. Reputed by Forbes to be worth nearly $3 billion, Ross would be tasked with carrying out the Trump administrations stated goal of protecting U.S. workers and challenging decades of globalization. The assassin was killed in front of millions on live TV. The Chronicles front page from Nov. 25, 1963, covers the shooting of John F. Kennedys killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, in Dallas. (Oswald) was shot and killed while being transferred from one jail to another yesterday, 48 hours after the death of the president, the story read. He had never wavered in his insistence that he was not the presidents killer. He died without saying a word. Armed officers were leading Oswald through the basement of the Dallas police headquarters with the cameras rolling. NBC was running the broadcast live and millions were watching. The man who shot Oswald, Jack Ruby, 52, bachelor owner of two Dallas night clubs, had stepped swiftly through a mass of police and newsmen at a basement garage ramp in City Hall, read the story from the Associated Press and the United Press. He rushed up to Oswald and sent a single pistol bullet into his abdomen. Oswald dropped unconscious at Rubys feet, within a cordon of escorting police officers. Dallas Times-Herald photographer Robert H. Jackson captured the moment that Oswald was shot. You can clearly see Rubys gun and the grimace of pain on Oswalds face in the photo on The Chronicles front page. Jacksons image won the Pulitzer Prize for Photography. A Lesson to be Learned: Atop the front page, The Chronicle featured text from a speech by Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren, delivered at Kennedys coffin. A passage: We are saddened; we are stunned; we are perplexed. John Fitzgerald Kennedy, a great and good president the friend of all men of good will a believer in the dignity and equality of all human beings; a fighter for justice; an apostle of peace has been snatched from our midst by the bullet of an assassin. 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) I have never been a Catholic activist, concerned about womens ordination or lobbying for change within the institution. I was content to attend Mass each week and sing in the parish choir. I didnt plan to make waves. But I grew weary of the isolation, the feeling that my feminism and progressive politics were not welcome in the institutional church. I grew angry with a Catholic hierarchy that seemed to care more about fighting abortion than ensuring accountability for the children abused by priests. I grew discouraged by the U.S. bishops continuous war against the birth control mandate in the Affordable Care Act. As a journalist, when I am seriously conflicted, I write a book. Its a time-consuming and costly endeavor to wrestle with my doubts. My first book was about my profession, and its future. This second book would address one question: Could I remain both Catholic and feminist? I looked for Catholic women who shared my progressive views, and were diverse in age, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity and life experiences. I thought they could guide me on what Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Madeleine Blais calls the frightening and perilous and delicate process that permits the writer to go through someone elses truth to get to your own. The nine women I profiled were generous with their time. My subjects were unflinching in sharing their life stories, even their darkest moments, and their long-standing frustrations with the institutional church. The group included everyone from A Nun on the Bus Sister Simone Campbell to University of Notre Dame Professor Gretchen Reydams-Schils and pro-choice advocate Frances Kissling. Despite their differences, their approach to the church was surprisingly in sync. I wanted answers as a Catholic woman. But what I learned applies to any person encountering a religious crisis. Ones faith is not the same as ones membership in the institutional church. As Sister Simone put it: Faith is so much more than the church. For me, thats a huge comfort that Jesus is bigger than the institution. That may seem obvious, but it wasnt to me. My Catholic education drilled into me that Christ and Catholicism were inseparable, so it was difficult to tease out the differences between my faith the way I absorb and practice Catholicism and the institutional church. Faith is not loyalty to a church. It demands a relationship with the divine, something that takes time, thought and prayer. Blind obedience to the churchs rules is not the way mature adults practice their faith. These women follow their own moral compass. The primacy of the individual conscience was reaffirmed by the church during Vatican II, says former nun Sharon MacIsaac McKenna, a Catholic scholar and psychotherapist. When you follow your conscience, your path is harder, not easier. You cant live an unexamined life. Avoiding sin is not sufficient. We must do our part to serve the poor and marginalized. Social justice is not an optional add-on to faith; it is its core. The church is as flawed as every other earthly institution. Thats what African American theologian Diana L. Hayes discovered when she converted to Catholicism in her 30s. She says she learned that priests, nuns and seminarians are human and just as sinful and finite as anyone else, that you cant put them on a pedestal. As MacIsaac McKenna observed, even a group of psychotherapists trying really hard is far from perfect, so its not surprising the church remains sexist. Faith flourishes in community. But community can be defined in many ways. Theres nothing that says to me that the gospel of Jesus has to be carried out in the way the Catholic Church is currently structured, contends Marianne Duddy-Burke, the head of DignityUSA. She calls the institutional church, dominated by its rigid hierarchical structure and branding, Catholic Incorporated. Dignity has offered LGBT Catholics opportunities for worship when parishes excluded them, offering another authentic vision of the church, she says. Latina theologian Teresa Delgado makes a similar point, insisting that church can exist wherever people work together to create a more just world. One pope cant change the church. These women welcomed Pope Francis sunnier tone, but were skeptical about what he could accomplish. They insist that if the church is to change, then reforms must come from the people in the pews, not the hierarchy. Catholic feminist is not an oxymoron. I now believe it is possible to live out my faith on my own terms. I hope my book inspires many conversations among Catholic women. We need to talk to one another. We have been silent too long. Celia Viggo Wexler is the author of Catholic Women Confront Their Church: Stories of Hurt and Hope (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016). This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Three new species of tiny salamanders the smallest animals of their kind in the world have been discovered in Mexico, and scientists fear theyre already doomed to extinction. The lizard-like creatures were found by a team of former UC Berkeley graduate students and famed biologist David B. Wake, their former professor and an expert on all things amphibian, who warns that the salamanders and their relatives could be the last ones on Earth. A biological disaster is facing us, said Wake, a co-author of the new scientific report on their discovery. The former Berkeley scientists have been exploring salamander habitats for many years in the mountains around the Mexican city of Oaxaca, and found that the animals, which once numbered in the hundreds, have almost disappeared. In their report of one hunt, for example, where loggers had already churned up the salamander habitat, the researchers wrote: We searched for more than two hours, turning abundant cover of wood chips, chip piles, logs and bark on logs, as well as leaf litter and rocks. Conditions seemed good with adequate moisture but only a single individual was found, under a small pine log lying beside the road. We found no salamanders during four later visits. All three newly discovered species are members of a tiny salamander genus called Thorius. They are smaller than matchsticks, while other Thorius critters are barely more than half an inch long. Scientists had found it was almost impossible to tell any of the species apart because their bodies are so similar. But since the 1970s, the scientists have developed molecular techniques like DNA analysis and digital imaging, so that now they have identified 29 distinct Thorius species, including the newly discovered ones. One of the three new ones is Thorius pinicola, or the tiny, pine forest dweller. Another is Thorius longicaudis, or the long-tailed tiny one, and the third is Thorius tlaxiacus, or the heroic tiny one named for Heroica Ciudad de Tlaxiaco, the city in the region where the Mexican army fought off a 19th century French invasion. Wake, who explored the mountains around Oaxaca for years in search of Thorius salamanders, called the newly discovered species enigmatic because they are so different from others of their kind. Their disproportionately enormous eyes and nostrils and curiously shrunken skulls are unique, he said. Logging in the region has turned many salamander-friendly forests into corn and potato farms, Wake said. We used to find hundreds of the salamanders in a single day, and now theyre all critically endangered. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. The Chytrid fungus disease, which already has decimated other salamanders and frogs in Mexico and around the world, also is a threat. The deadly epidemic could spread to the Thorius species, Wake said. Wakes former students who discovered the new salamander species are Gabriela Para-Olea of the National Autonomous University of Mexico; Sean Rovito of Mexicos National Laboratory of Genomics; and James Hanken, who discovered many other Thorius species as Wakes graduate student more than three decades ago, and is now a professor of zoology at Harvard. Their report is published in the scientific journal PeerJ. David Perlman is The San Francisco Chronicles science editor. Email: dperlman@sfchronicle.com Berkeley astronomers on a new hunt for E.T. are aiming one of the worlds most powerful radio telescopes at the most bizarre star ever detected. They have tuned the big telescope at the Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia to listen for signals from an object in space called Tabbys Star, whose implausible behavior is puzzling astronomers all over the world. That star might conceivably be a sign that some civilization far more advanced than our own is, or has been, building some kind of giant structure far off in the Milky Way, they say. The Berkeley team has also mobilized a second huge telescope in Australia to search for E.T. signals from another unique star the closest of all the stars to Earth, just a few trillion miles away. The new push to enlist two of the worlds biggest radio telescopes in the quest for signs of alien life is centered at UC Berkeley in a $100 million effort called Breakthrough Listen, financed by Yuri Milner, the Russian-born physicist and tech billionaire in Silicon Valley. Andrew Siemion, director of Berkeleys SETI Research Center, and his team of alien hunters are watching Tabbys Star from the Green Bank Observatory because the big radio telescope there is the largest steerable instrument on the planet and they can aim it directly at that star nearly 1,500 light-years away. The Kepler space telescope detected the star last year and listed it as KIC 8462852. Then Yale astronomer Tabetha Boyajian observed its radio emissions brightening and dimming by as much as 20 percent in such strange, irregular pulses that neither she nor any other astronomer can explain it. An astronomy crowdsourcing campaign named it for her: Tabbys Star. Some observations suggest the stars erratic dimming might be caused by swarms of other planets or thousands of cold, dusty comets passing in front of it. Or maybe its icy clouds of dust and gas somewhere outside our own outer solar system that are dimming the stars face in an on-off pattern. The most far-out speculation is that some highly advanced civilization on the planet around Tabbys Star has captured all the stars immense energy and has been building a huge mega-structure around the planet: a giant power plant to meet the civilizations insatiable energy needs. Such structures have long been proposed by Freeman Dyson, the famed Princeton physicist and mathematician who conceived of them as space habitats the size of asteroids. They are known as Dyson spheres. Thats a possible explanation, although its a remote one, Siemion said, but if there is a technology around that star, well have the best odds of finding it. Jason Wright, an astronomy professor at Pennsylvania State University now on the Listen team, is leading the Green Bank quest, first working at the telescope in West Virginia and now gathering data by remote control from Berkeley. I dont know how to assess the Dyson sphere hypothesis, but its important to keep it in mind, Wright said. I dont know the odds that well find anything. I presume theyre small, but I also know that the Breakthrough Listen effort at Green Bank is the best chance weve ever had to find something. Dan Werthimer, chief scientist at the Berkeley SETI Research Center, said hes optimistic about life in the galaxy. There are a trillion planets in our Milky Way galaxy, and lots of those planets are good places for life, he said. It would be bizarre if were the only ones. 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. Green Bank first made astronomical history 56 years ago when a young astronomer named Frank Drake used its radio telescope to start the worlds first search for alien radio signals. He called his quest Project Ozma. At 86, Drake, now a retired UC Santa Cruz astronomy professor, is still hunting for signals from E.T. at the Lick Observatory atop Mount Hamilton near San Jose. At the Australian telescope at Parkes in New South Wales, the Breakthrough Listen astronomers have focused their quest for alien radio signals on whats called an exoplanet orbiting the nearest star outside our own solar system. Its called Proxima centauri, 4.24 light-years from Earth, and has long been a favorite locale for science fiction writers, featured in some 20 novels, movies, TV series and video games. Recent observations indicate that its planet, named Proxima b, is about as massive as Earth and circles its star in an orbit that keeps it warm enough for liquid water and possibly life to survive on its surface. The planets parent star appears to be generating magnetic storms perhaps caused by sun spots that can cover its surface. But once we knew there was a planet next door to us, we had to ask the (E.T.) question and its a fitting observation for the Parkes telescope, Siemion said. A light-year is only about 6 trillion miles. To find a civilization just 4.2 light-years away would change everything, he said. David Perlman is The San Francisco Chronicles science editor. E-mail: dperlman@sfchronicle.com HILLA, Iraq A car bomb tore through a gas station south of Baghdad on Thursday, killing at least 56 people, including 20 Iranians, in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. Police and hospital officials confirmed the toll and said another 45 people were wounded in the attack, which almost completely destroyed the gas station, several nearby stores and set several cars on fire. The station is located on a major highway near Hilla. The blast knocked out power at the station, forcing relatives looking for the remains of loved ones to use the glare of their mobile phones to guide them. Body parts that remained unclaimed were gathered in a blue bag and placed on the sidewalk outside the station. Large sections of the station were covered in blood. Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Qashqavi was quoted by the semi-official Tasnim news agency as saying that 80 people were killed, including 40 Iranians. Conflicting death tolls are common in the aftermath of large attacks. The Islamic State claimed the attack in a brief statement carried by its Aamaq news agency, saying it was a suicide truck bomb. The Iraqi officials said the target of the attack appears to have been a bus carrying Iranian pilgrims heading home after taking part in a major Shiite religious observance in the holy city of Karbala. The blast left the bus and some dozen cars charred. The Shiite observance marks the 40th day after the death anniversary of a much revered, 7th century imam. It routinely attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, including many Iranians who travel overland into Iraq for the occasion. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. Thursdays attack came a day after several small-scale bombings in and around Baghdad killed 31 people and wounded more than a 100, a particularly bloody day even by the standards of the Iraqi capital, which has for more than a decade endured near-daily violence blamed on Islamic State or its forerunner, al Qaeda in Iraq. 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 northern Iraq, meanwhile, troops drove Islamic State militants from three more neighborhoods in Mosul, the countrys second largest city, where U.S.-backed offensive has been underway for more than six weeks. Brig. Gen. Haider Fadhil of the special forces said his men have retaken the neighborhoods of Amn, Qahira and Green Apartments and were expanding their foothold in the densely populated district of Zohour. The neighborhoods are all east of the Tigris River, where most of the fighting has taken place. A U.S.-led coalition is carrying out air strikes to support the troops. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi meanwhile flew to an airstrip outside the town of Tal Afar, to the west of Mosul, on a previously unannounced visit on Thursday, according to the state media. The airstrip was seized from Islamic State by state-sanctioned Shiite militiamen earlier this week. A woman was killed Friday morning when a fire considered suspicious by police ripped through her home in San Mateo, officials said. The three-alarm blaze at the house in the 1500 block of Oak Street was reported at 4:39 a.m. by a newspaper delivery person passing by, officials said. When firefighters got to the scene, heavy smoke was coming from the eaves of the house, and within seconds flames were shooting from the attic and roof, officials said. CARMICHAEL, Calif. (KCRA) An armed suspect was shot and killed by deputies during an altercation Thursday at a convenience store in Carmichael, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department said. Sheriff's department reports that the suspect may have stabbed himself during the altercation with deputies. The shooting happened sometime before 3:30 p.m. in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven near Marconi and Walnut avenues. No deputies were injured in the shooting. No additional information has been given. This story originally appeared on KCRA. A police officer remained in critical condition Saturday after a 28-year-old man he was chasing on foot in South San Francisco struck him on the head with a skateboard, officials said. The incident happened Thursday after the officer answered a call of a man causing a disturbance at a business in South San Francisco, police said. This city will not tolerate violence of any nature directed at its police force, South San Francisco Mayor Mark Addiego said at the news conference Friday. It is not only important for us to keep you, our residents, community members safe, but its imperative that we keep our police officers safe. Officer Robby Chon underwent emergency surgery Thursday and was in critical condition at a local trauma center, officials said. Chon is a 12-year veteran of the South San Francisco Police Department. He is married and has two children, said South San Francisco Police Chief Jeff Azzopardi. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 1 of 5 Sarah Ravani / The Chronicle / Sarah Ravani / The Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Sarah Ravani / The Chronicle / Sarah Ravani / The Chronicle Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 South San Francisco Police Department Show More Show Less 5 of 5 The officer responded at 2:20 p.m. to a call from a citizen complaining about a man causing a disturbance at a business in the 300 block of Grand Avenue, officials said. When the officer approached the 28-year-old man, he fled on a skateboard, officials said. Chon radioed for backup and chased the man a short distance before the suspect stopped and slammed him on the head with the skateboard, knocking him out, officials said. The suspect continued to run, but arriving police officers caught and arrested him. He was identified as Luis Alberto Ramos-Coreas, a South San Francisco resident. Ramos-Coreas has a lengthy criminal history with the South San Francisco Police Department, including several violent incidents, Azzopardi said. He was booked into the San Mateo County Jail on numerous felony charges, including suspicion of attempted murder of a police officer, and was being held without bail. The San Mateo County Sheriffs Office has organized a Go Fund Me page that has raised nearly $17,000 for the injured officers family. Police asked that anyone who witnessed the incident to call them at (650) 877-8900, or use their anonymous tip line at (650) 952-2244. Bill Hutchinson and Sarah Ravani are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: bhutchinson@sfchronicle.com, sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @bill_hutchinson, @SarRavani MOSUL, Iraq The death toll from a car bombing south of Baghdad claimed by the Islamic State rose to 73 on Friday, including about 40 Iranian pilgrims, as Iraqi forces fought house to house to dislodge the extremist group from the northern city of Mosul in a 5-week-old campaign slowed down by stiff Islamic State resistance and fears of major civilian casualties. Iraqi police and hospital officials said 65 other people were wounded in the Thursday night attack at a gas station on a major highway near the city of Hilla, about 60 miles south of the Iraqi capital. It was the deadliest Islamic State attack in Iraq since July, when a car bomb killed about 300 in a commercial district in Baghdad. Islamic State claimed the attack in a brief statement on its Aamaq media arm, saying it was a suicide truck bomb. Earlier, Iraqi officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media, had put the death toll at 56. In Mosul, where an Iraqi government campaign to retake the city began last month, fighting continued in the eastern sector on Friday, with Iraqi special forces seizing another neighborhood, Masaref, and advancing in the densely populated Zohour district, according to Brig. Gen. Haider Fadhil. The offensive to capture Zohour began earlier this week, but troops are facing spirited Islamic State resistance, he added. The sound of automatic fire and the thud of mortar shells and artillery shook the citys eastern sector, east of the Tigris River, the whole day on Friday. Reporters said civilians fleeing the fighting continued to flow out of the inner parts of the city toward the lines of the Iraqi military. Off the back of a truck, soldiers offered them rice, potatoes and tomato sauce. Thursdays attack south of Baghdad appears to have targeted a bus carrying Iranian pilgrims heading home after a major Shiite religious observance in the holy city of Karbala. Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Qashqavi was quoted by the semi-official Tasnim news agency on Thursday night as saying that 80 people were killed, including 40 Iranians. Conflicting death tolls are common in the aftermath of large attacks. The attack came a day after some dozen small-scale bombings in and around Baghdad killed 31 people and wounded more than a 100 a particularly bloody day even by the standards of the Iraqi capital, which has for more than a decade endured near-daily violence blamed on Islamic State or its forerunner, al Qaeda in Iraq, and which mostly targeted members of Iraqs Shiite majority. The gas station bombing underlined the continuing ability of Islamic State to stage high-profile terror attacks even as the massive Iraqi military operation is under way in Mosul, the last major urban stronghold in Iraq held by Islamic State. The offensive is aided by volunteer militiamen and the U.S.-led coalition, which has mostly been pounding Islamic State targets in Mosul with air strikes. Moreover, Thursdays Islamic State bombing took place in Iraqs Shiite hinterland south of Baghdad, a region that has largely been spared the near-daily violence that has for years engulfed the capital and Sunni regions. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi visited Karbala, where he lavishly praised the countrys security forces for protecting the pilgrims against attacks by Islamic State. Extremist Sunni militants, including the Islamic State, view Shiites as heretics and routinely target Iranian pilgrims who visit Iraq by the hundreds of thousands to pay homage to major Shiite shrines. 1 Talks suspended: The European Unions legislature in Brussels demanded Thursday that the bloc freeze membership negotiations with Turkey over the governments heavy-handed crackdown after a failed coup in July. Tens of thousands of people, including teachers, journalists and opposition lawmakers, have been arrested or fired for what Turkish authorities have said are connections to the coup or to terrorists. Hundreds of organizations have been forced to close, including many news outlets. 2 Turkish soldiers killed: Three soldiers were killed and 10 others wounded by Syrian warplanes while fighting inside Syria for the first time since the civil war there began in 2011, the Turkish military announced Thursday. The troops were advancing toward Al-Bab, a city in the north held by the Islamic State, near the border with Turkey. The announcement heightened the tensions between Syria and Turkey, neighboring countries that have powerful allies. The Syrian government is backed by Russia and Iran. Turkey, a member of NATO, began a major offensive in northern Syria in August as part of its fight against the Islamic State. MANILA Thousands of Filipinos, including more than a dozen nude students, protested Friday against the hasty burial of Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos in a heroes cemetery, in a growing political storm thats lashing the president who allowed the entombment. A few thousand activists joined a Black Friday protest despite rainy weather at Manilas seaside Rizal Park, where they carried Marcos effigy in a mock coffin. While the anger was directed at Marcos and his family, President Rodrigo Duterte was also blasted for allowing the burial of the dictator, who was ousted in a largely peaceful people power revolt three decades ago. Protesters held placards reading Digong traitor, a lapdog of the dictator, referring to Duterte by his nickname. Dozens of students trooped outside the presidential palace in Manila in a separate protest and burned an effigy of Marcos in a mock coffin. At the state-run University of the Philippines, a fraternity turned its annual recruitment ritual into a protest with naked student recruits running with placards that read, Marcos dictator not a hero. This run is a manifestation of our anger against what we see as the Marcoses trying to revise history, trying to revive their name because they have fallen from grace, Alpha Phi Omega fraternity spokesman Toby Roca said. We are angry that they are trying to ignore our painful history of human rights abuses under his term. Duterte, whose father served in Marcos Cabinet, allowed the burial on grounds that there was no law barring his interment at the heroes cemetery, where presidents, soldiers, statesmen and national artists are buried. It was a political risk in a country where democracy advocates still celebrate Marcoss ouster each year. Marcoss rule (1965-86) was marked by major rights violations and plunder. Air New Zealand has said it will notify the Environment Court today seeking representation at the pending hearings of the resource consent application for the proposed $350 million Wellington Airport runway extension. Chief strategy, networks and alliances officer Stephen Jones said while the airline was usually supportive of airport developments, the Wellington proposal has no customers and no business case, contains serious analytical flaws, and has been developed without the benefit of Air NZ's knowledge of route development. Air New Zealand is submitting a Section 274 notice to the court ahead the 5pm deadline so it can put its case on the likely usage by airlines and the proposed economic benefits of the runway extension. A study commissioned by the lobby group for international airlines, including Air New Zealand, concluded the proposal fails on the grounds that lower North Island and South Island travellers are already flying to long-haul destinations through Auckland or Christchurch and the region is not a tourist magnet. The study by Australian-based Ailevon Pacific Aviation Consultants for the Board of Airline Representatives in New Zealand, said the likelihood of airlines establishing new long-haul services to the capital was "extremely remote, implausible at best". Two-thirds of 700 public submissions also opposed the project. Wellington Airport, owned 66 per cent by infrastructure company, Infratil and 33 per cent by the Wellington City Council, wants central Government and Wellington ratepayers to pay for the majority of the extension costs because it argues the benefits would accrue more to the country and the region rather than the airport owner, which cannot justify the expansion on purely commercial grounds. A variety of other opponents to the 355 metre extension have also filed to be heard at the Environment Court deliberations, expected next year, with ratepayer and resident associations expressing concern at recent estimates that blew the cost of the runway extension out from $300 million to more than $420 million. (BusinessDesk) BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: Air New Zealand issues Performance Rights Heartland announces new Director of Heartland Bank GEN - Agreements in Principle to Issue New Shares Geraldine McBride steps down from Sky Board Sky ASM 2022 South Port NZ Ltd - Results of 2022 Annual Meeting November 2nd Morning Report AIA - Auckland Airport announces executive team change South Port NZ Ltd - 2022 Annual Meeting ENS - Rights Issue Offer Document Utility Daniel Mortimer, a player with two Grand Final appearances under his belt, will play for the Sharks in 2017. A member of the victorious Roosters team of 2014 and also a part of the Parramatta Eels squad beaten in the 2009 Grand Final by the Melbourne Storm, Mortimer adds to the depth at the Sharks in both the halves and hooking roles. Also the 2009 NRL Rookie of the Year while at the Eels, Mortimer most recently played for the Gold Coast Titans, with his experience and ability set to be an asset to the Sharks next season as they bid to defend their NRL title. In total Mortimer has played 126 NRL matches at three different clubs, while he was a part of the Prime Ministers XIII which played in Papua New Guinea at the end of the 2015 season. Mortimer began training with the Sharks last week and has impressed with his fitness, skill level and attitude and is certain to put plenty of pressure on the incumbent NRL team members ahead of the 2017 season kick off. Following a pre-season session at the Sharks Academy Fields at Cronulla High School today Mortimer spoke to Sharks TV. See what he had to say, now playing. NEW DELHI: Chinese technology conglomerate leEco has been named among Indias most attractive mobile phone brands, a report said on Thursday. Indias Most Attractive Brand Report 2016 by TRA Research, a brand insights company, analysed consumer desire indicator, comparing attractiveness and vibrancy of brands. In the category of Mobile Phones, leEco being a debutant entrant in India achieved an extremely creditable achievement in this category ahead of several older brands, the report said. In the overall most attractive brand category across all product categories, leEco ranked among the top 200 in the study that covered over 10,000 brands across 16 cities. In the category of Personal Gadgetry, leEco, which came to India early this year, figured at the 14th spot. Read Also: Japanese Company Unveil Star Wars Dedicated Smartphone HTC Desire 10 Pro Smartphone Launched At 26,490 In India Konica Minolta Launches New Printing Solution NEW DELHI: To encourage more farmers and entrepreneurs to take up dairy business, the government will this week launch an online portal called 'e-pashu haat' where one can buy/sell livestock, frozen semen and embryos. Presently, there is no organised market for livestock. "If a farmer from Rajasthan wants to buy high milk producing cattle breed 'Gir' from Gujarat, how will he buy? So, we have developed an online portal to facilitate both seller and buyers," a senior Agriculture Ministry official told Press Trust of India. The electronic market will help farmers not only buy/sell live cows/buffalos but also frozen semens and embryos of livestock, the official said. The website 'wwww.epashuhaat.gov.in' will provide all details of each livestock along with photos as well as information on feed and fodder availability. It will also provide facilities to transport livestock after the purchase. The certified livestock will be sold through e-market but private bodies will also be allowed to sell/buy non-certified livestock, the official added. There will be free login to the website, but one need to register for trade transaction. Stating that government is giving a thrust on dairy sector to double farmers income by 2022, the official said there is a need to increase productivity of animals as well as number of livestock in the country to achieve this target. The first step is to facilitate a market for livestock for those farmers keen to taken up dairy as a supplementary business, he added. The e-market for livestock is being developed as part of the government's 'National Mission on Bovine Productivity' for which 825 crore of funds have been allocated. Read Also: Facebook Working On Censorship Tool To Enter China Indian Android Smartphone Users Too At Data Theft Risk Stanley Streeter obit The city reached a $1.5 million settlement with the fiancee of Stanley Streeter, who died after being in police custody in 2010. (File photo) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The city agreed to pay $1.5 million to the fiancee of a man who died after being in police custody in 2010, according to a report from the New York Daily News. Stanley Streeter died March 16, 2010 at Richmond University Hospital, according to his obituary. Streeter, 36, was at Bayley Seton Hospital after suffering a mental breakdown, and needed to be transported to Richmond University Medical Center for his high blood pressure. "He was a great father and great husband and he will be sorely missed," Tacqwana Burch, his companion of 14 years, said in his obituary. The West Brighton resident unbuckled himself from his gurney while being transported in the ambulance, according to the report. Police were then called to the scene, and they say that Streeter was subdued after a struggle. ESU was needed to assist. However, witness Marvin Liverman testified in a sworn deposition that Streeter was calling out for help. "He just said, 'I can't breathe, man, I can't breathe, I can't breathe," Liverman said, according to a transcript. "There were two police over him; one had his knee on (Streeter's) lower back and the other one had the knee on his neck." Lawyer Brett Klein has likened Streeter's death to the 2014 death of Eric Garner, who died after officers attempted to arrest him for allegedly selling loose, untaxed cigarettes on Bay Street near Victory Boulevard. "Like Garner, Stanley screamed that he couldn't breathe when multiple police officers held him on the ground in a face down position for 30 minutes while they waited for the Emergency Services Unit," Brett Klein told the Daily News. "While the police department did not mete out any punishment whatsoever for the misconduct in this case, the settlement reflects a small measure of justice and closure for Mr. Streeter's grieving family," STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Relatives of Eric Garner called on Attorney General Loretta Lynch to finish the Justice Department investigation into the man's police custody death before she leaves office in January, according to Garner's family joined Rev. Al Sharpton as they helped serve food on Thursday in Harlem during a Thanksgiving charity event. "Today is bittersweet for me because he's not here asking me when the food's going to be ready," Garner's widow, Esaw, said, according to the News account. "Let's just keep the fight going. We're not going to give up." Garner, 43, died when police attempted to arrest him for allegedly selling loose cigarettes at Victory Boulevard and Bay Street in July of 2014. 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... Page Content Several Commissioners of Police from the neighboring islands met today November 24 2016 at the Philipsburg Police Station. The delegation was comprised of the Management Team of KPSM, Royal Police Force of St Kitts and Nevis and the Royal Police Force of Anguilla. Delegations were led respectively by Chief Commissioner Carl John, Commissioner I.M. Queely and Superintendant Allan Coppin. Of the topics discussed was the noticeable trend in crime between the three islands which has raised concern. There was an extensive discussion in effort to improve and strengthen the working relationship between the three islands in an effort to reduce crime on the individual islands. This is the first of such meetings for these three islands with the intension to have follow up meetings. By clicking Agree, you consent to Slates Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and the use of technologies such as cookies by Slate and our partners to deliver relevant advertising on our iOS app to personalize content and perform site analytics. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information about our use of data, your rights, and how to withdraw consent. Agree Somewhere in Newtown, in Kingston It's often the streets behind a bustling urban focal point that are the most interesting. To wit, Newtown beyond King Street, in Sydney's inner west. Photographer Belinda Pratten is a Newtown girl and through and through, and for her latest show, she has focused her lens on the quieter side of the suburb: "We are taken on night walks through the back streets and are given an intimate tour of this rapidly changing area. Pratten observes the rich colours and contrast of the night, and is particularly interested in man-made lighting that gives her images a certain warm, yet uncanny feeling. Beautifully printed and stylishly framed in stained, hardwood timber, these photographs are little gems of quiet colour." Somewhere in Newtown, by Belinda Pratten, is showing at The Photography Room, Old Bus Depot, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston, on weekends or by appointment, until December 11. Visit thephotographyroom.com.au for more information. Support in gold and silver Here's a raffle of art works in which the money goes straight back to the art: The ANU Gold and Silversmithing Student Society is raffling select items by some of the the Gold and Silversmithing Workshop's famous alumni, to "support student endeavours in the field of contemporary metalwork". The student-run organisation has this collaborated with artists Phoebe Porter, Blanche Tilden, Oliver Smith and Harriet Lee Robinson to present a range of prizes that show off the beauty and craftsmanship of contemporary metalwork and jewellery design. Funds raised by the raffle will be used to mount an exhibition of work by current Gold and Silversmithing Students in 2017. The raffle will be drawn on the evening of November 30th. Tickets are priced at $10 each, 3 for $20, 4 for $30, or 10 tickets for $40, and can be purchased online at www.rafflelink.com.au/anugsss/. East Hotel's Dan Bisa is the lead individual fundraiser in this year's Hartley Ability Cycle Challenge from Canberra to Mount Kosciuszko. On Friday, he was at more than $8000. He's agreed to a full body shave should he reach $10,000. So come on Canberra, it's time to dig deep to get Bisa smooth and shiny. The Cyclery team on the Hartley Ability Cycle Challenge from Canberra to Mount Kosciuszko. Bisa is part of The Cyclery team which also includes owners of the bike stores, Janie and Trevor Rix, and the Canberra Airport's Karen Byron. The Cyclery was on Friday the top team fundraiser with $20,000. Twenty-two teams of 12 cyclists are grinding their way through more than 450km to the Snowy Mountains and back, with the hardy participants already raising an incredible more than $265,000 by Friday. Serious work is set to begin on the Woden tram link, as the government on Friday and next week calls for companies to finalise the route, estimate costs and patronage, investigate land development options, and a host of other feasibility work. Transport Minister Meegan Fitzharris said the only firm decision made about the route from Alinga Street to Woden was that the light rail line would cross the lake on Commonwealth Avenue bridge and end in the Woden town centre. The rest was up for study and feedback. Minister for Transport Meegan Fitzharris, right, and light rail project director Scott Lyall open tenders for the Woden light rail line, which will travel across Commonwealth Avenue bridge. Credit:Elesa Kurtz The work would help the government "define what stage 2 looks like precisely", including the alignment, the number and location of stops, and land development, and would feed into the business case. "Commonwealth Ave bridge is a certainty, Civic to Woden is a certainty, and today is the start of reaching out to get the experts and the community involved to determine further detail about the stage 2 route," she said. A Canberra man was refused bail on Friday, after appearing in court accused of calling and texting his partner more than 1400 times over two days. The man has been charged with using a carriage service to menace or harass someone, and also damaging property, which related to crystal glasses belonging to his partner. The offences are alleged to have happened over Sunday and Monday this week, the ACT Magistrates Court heard on Friday. The prosecutor told the court the man's partner was fearful of returning to the property with her child, where the man also lived. He said there were no bail conditions that could ameliorate the risk of the man failing to appear at court when required, as he had shown a consistent disregard for those orders in the past. Eight Canberra women are packing their thermals in preparation for their voyage to Antarctica as part of the world's first all-female expedition to the bottom of the world. The city is well-represented among the team of 76 participating in the Homeward Bound initiative. The program aims to increase the impact of women in science by developing their leadership capabilities while also shining a light on the impacts of climate change. Role models: Nina McLean, Ida Kubiszewski, Merryn McKinnon, Deborah O'Connell and Charlie Hindle are preparing to go to Antarctica. Credit:Emily Baker Less than 30 per cent of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics-qualified workforce in Australia is female, according to Professionals Australia, with a tiny portion of those women holding leadership positions. CSIRO land and water division principal research scientist Deborah O'Connell described seniority as "a very lonely place" for female scientists. Australia's major banks must review whether staff have been setting up accounts customers did not want in order to hit sales targets, after the cross-selling scandal engulfing United States lender Wells Fargo. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission revealed on Friday it had written to lenders in the last week requiring them to conduct audits on cross-selling, where banks seek to sign customers up for multiple products, often in wealth management. US lender Wells Fargo was fined $US100 million ($135 million) and chief executive John Stumpf last month resigned, after staff at the bank were found to have created millions of fake accounts to meet sales targets. Local banks also use sales targets for frontline staff, and ASIC wants to make sure there are not similar problems here. It is demanding ANZ Bank, Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, Westpac, Suncorp, Citi, Bank of Queensland and HSBC carry out independent reviews of cross-selling. Spencer Street is set to become the crime-fighting centre of Melbourne with the state government agreeing leasing terms for a major new office tower next to the current City West police headquarters. The Andrews government is expected within weeks to ratify a deal that will see super fund-backed developer Cbus Property deliver a new tower to house three elite law enforcement units. The new proposed Victoria Police Centre (VPC) at 311 Spencer Street, Melbourne. Credit:Victor Istanto Cbus owns a site at 311 Spencer Street in conjunction with Australia Post where it will build the multi-storey complex to house 65,000 square metres of gross leasing area. Final details of the agreement were hammered out in late October, industry sources say. Peter Costello delivered the last federal budget surplus on May 8, 2007. The following year, new Labor treasurer Wayne Swan promised a $20 billion surplus, which turned out to be a nearly $30 billion deficit. One decade and one day later, on May 9, 2017, Treasurer Scott Morrison will almost certainly deliver a budget deficit at least as large as Swan's first. Throughout the past 10 years, politicians on both sides have claimed they were fixing Australia's fiscal problems. Both have relied on budget trickery, pretending the deficit was a short term problem that would be fixed by future revenue growth. Even in the supposedly horror 2014-15 budget, revenue increases were almost twice as large as the projected reduction in expenses. The extent of "austerity" in Australia has been limited to arguing over the size of the increase in spending large or very large. It is no longer possible to take politicians' expressions of grave concern seriously. Early signs are promising that One Nation mark II is going to be as exciting as a Mexican telenovela and as cringe-making as the very best reality TV. Plot twists so far have included the imperilment of West Australian One Nation senator Rod Culleton by a pending High Court decision over a larceny conviction for a stolen car hire key; a mobile phone allegedly thrown, Russell Crowe-style, by One Nation adviser James Ashby at the head of another staff member; an imperious "Excuse me!" summons from Pauline Hanson, Culleton's refusal to comply; a separate legal complaint that the senator used his status to attempt to pervert the course of justice; and the excellent development of Culleton deciding to represent himself in all these matters. As he said, he is unwilling to pay large amounts of money for lawyers "to sit up there like Harry Potter". Not since Darryl Kerrigan of The Castle has Australia seen such a fine example of folksy Australian anti-authoritarianism, the only difference being that Darryl was a fictional character and Culleton can be classified as post-fiction: you couldn't make him up. Ho-hum. Where's the well-organised and well-funded Struggling Couples in Their 30s Trying to Buy a Home Association? Where's the Dependent Retirees Association? These people are too busy just surviving and with too little surplus cash or time to form associations to defend and push their interests. No air-conditioned offices in West Deakin (within megaphone distance of Parliament House), staffed with talented PR writers and professional ear tuggers. The irony is that affluent industries, such as mining, pharmaceuticals, real estate, grocers and so on, shouldn't need special lobbying organisations. They're doing OK and would still be doing OK without them. But the people who really need someone to speak for them don't have them. As for voting power, there's little voting power when voters are duped in a land of coast-to-coast Murdoch press and ground-to-ionosphere shock-jockery. Where's the well-organised and well-funded Struggling Couples in Their 30s Trying to Buy a Home Association? Basically, the undemocratic deal is that special interest groups spend in total more than $1 billion a year to keep in place perhaps as much as $40 billion in unjustified tax breaks and subsidies, and to prevent several billion or more justified new taxes or regulatory measures. Here are two quick examples. Clubs Australia spent just $3.5 million to destroy the Gillard government's plans to rein in poker machine damage caused by $9 billion in losses a year to gamblers. The campaign was so powerful that Julia Gillard caved in despite the fact that the very survival of her government depended on anti-pokies independent Andrew Wilkie. The mining industry spent just $22 million to cause the Rudd government to virtually abandon its resource rent tax, which would have raised several billion a year. The gas industry is doing it now: paying virtually no tax and lobbying furiously behind the scenes to keep it that way. No one gets bribed or blackmailed in a criminal law sense. They just engage in reciprocal altruism and "highly persuasive" arguments. Industry donates and politicians deliver policies. Industry threatens publicity campaigns and politicians do nothing. And it takes surprisingly little in gifts and benefits to give rise to a feeling of obligation on the part of the politician to reciprocate. I wonder what the beverage industry will do to thwart a sugar tax: threaten to scream "backdoor GST hike" or increase the donations to all or some of the political parties? Anything to prevent a perfectly sensible and well-argued case that would raise $500 million that could reduce the deficit and save a vast amount more in the extra money spent on pharmaceuticals and hospitals in treating the obese. But Treasurer Scott Morrison said this week: "We will return to surplus when expenditure is less than revenue ... You do not have to be a rocket scientist to work that out." For him, budgetary balance is only a matter of cutting spending. In fact, a rocket scientist wouldn't look at it that way at all. Rocket scientists look at all forces that contribute to equilibrium: the equilibrium of orbit. Only by doing that do you prevent the rocket either being in a fiery crash back to earth or lost to the depths of space. A good rocket scientist looks at both speed and trajectory. A good treasurer should look at both spending and revenue. Of course, that's very hard to do when you have well-heeled lobbyists incessantly arguing that revenue can't be touched. Not even a rocket scientist could deal with that lack of equilibrium. In fact, we don't have a budget deficit problem; we just have a spineless politician problem. It may be easier to pick on the already hard done by. But, at those edges of the budget, the pickings are slim. To balance the budget, the Treasurer needs to look at where the pickings are bountiful. But what of the Grattan Institute itself, you might well ask? Well, it's not a special interest group. It's what's called a think tank, policy institute or research institute. The difference is critical. Think tanks produce research and policy ideas based on evidence. They're independent of industry or political parties. They're funded by donations from a variety of sources. The Australia Institute is another example of an independent policy institute or think tank. But beware of names. The Institute of Public Affairs, for example, has close links to the Liberal Party, is largely financed by corporations and, in its own words, promotes "public policy based on individual liberty, limited government and free markets". Every now and then, in the life of a city, comes a decade of consequence. For Sydney, the last such decade was the '60s, which flipped our laggard brick town into skyscraper modernity. That was huge, but trivial compared with what's coming. The next decade will shape Sydney in ways we cannot imagine but which nevertheless put the make-or-break decision for this exquisite city in our hands; yours and mine, now. Of course, it's about growth. With a million new residents during the decade, and another million following, growth is a given. Wonder not whether, but how. Will it spell disaster or delight? First, let us agree that delight is possible. Many people blame every city ill on population. Whatever the topic towers, density, congestion, tree loss, food miles, transport failure or simple bad manners the knee-jerkers repeatedly insist it's a population thing. If only we could lose the humans, they argue, everything would be just fine. Of course, at one level this is self-evident. Sans humans, the planet would indeed be just fine although in my opinion less beautiful and distinctly less fun. But that's not the point. We're stuck with humans, and although at a global level the population issue bleeps red, it's also true that density and delight are entirely compatible. Many of the most enchanting cities are far denser than Sydney. The difference is one not of efficiency, but of creativity. Here's an unlikely fact: there's a connection between the newspaper you are reading now and the refrigerator that sits in your kitchen. Meet James Harrison a Scotsman who arrived in Sydney in 1837, worked as printer on the Sydney Morning Herald, and then invented the world's first ice-making machine. He should be more famous, but he isn't. We should have studied his life at school, but we didn't. Illustration: Michael Leunig I came across him when reading a British book about the history of beer. (My reading goes better if the subject matter matches the drink in my hand). The author explained how pilsner, an obscure brew, colonised Europe in the late 1850s. He gave credit to James Harrison an Australian whose ice-making machine made it possible to control the temperature during brewing. Feeling guilty I'd never heard of him, I went hunting for information. It turns out James Harrison changed the world: the process he began rewrote the rules of food, medicine and science. His invention became a lifesaver and a social liberator. Two years ago, the NSW government introduced drastic laws to restrict the sale of alcohol throughout the city after the violent and unprovoked deaths of two young men in Kings Cross in the previous 18 months. So far this year, according to NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, there have been 32 homicides as a result of domestic violence. This is a 40 per cent increase on the deaths from such violence from the previous year, yet what has the government done? The police have initiated a "No Innocent Bystanders" video campaign asking people to dob in neighbours or family members they suspect of perpetrating violence, and Attorney-General Gabriel Upton has announced that future Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) will be in plain English and translated into 29 languages. These might both be worthy initiatives but they are hardly on the scale needed to address a crisis of the proportions outlined by the police commissioner. Wearing a white ribbon today is a potent symbol marking your opposition to domestic violence but changing our industrial relations system is the practical measure addressing this scourge on society. Already Queensland employers, with government and union support, are introducing ground-breaking leave provisions to provide meaningful practical help to those suffering violence and abuse. QCU general secretary Ros McLennan says the union movement is at the forefront of tackling domestic violence, Credit:Harrison Saragossi Shockingly, 67 women have been killed by gendered violence to date this year. Women and their children are being physically, sexually and psychologically abused in our streets, suburbs and communities. And because of all the hard, polished surfaces, the acoustics were a little muffled and boomy. The place was packed with people eating and chatting and it sounded like a dozen talk radio stations, tuned slightly off the station, with the volume pumped up until it distorted, and every now and then, someone flicking over to Greek community radio on 3CR. But when we showed up, it wasn't as Greek as I'd hoped. It was a modern, cavernous, industrial-style restaurant with glass fixtures and cement floors and marble walls just regular marble, not temple-marble illegally pilfered from the ruins of the Parthenon, which was disappointing. Friends invited us out for dinner at a new Greek restaurant and I imagined a cosy little place with fishing nets draped across the ceiling, bouzouki music piped through a PA, and mythological wall-friezes depicting ancient gods having sex with the goaty half of a half-man/half-goat really charming and evocative. A waiter greeted us at the door (just a regular waiter: not an old Greek peasant lady, or a far-right Golden Dawn neo-fascist, as is tradition). And we were shown to our table (just a regular table: not a huge stack of fried saganaki cheese blocks, as one would expect). Then we sat down with our friends and tried catching up on each other's news but it was impossible to hear anything anyone said: the sound bounced off the table, then off the ceiling, then off the floor, then off the walls, then into the open-plan kitchen where it got absorbed in the excess fat dripping off an upright souvlaki-spit. But we were determined to talk because that's what you do with friends in a restaurant, so one of us opened and closed their mouth for a while, and the rest of us nodded and smiled because we had no idea what they were saying. Then someone else opened and closed their mouth for a while, and the rest of us nodded and frowned because their mouth-opening-and-closing seemed a little more serious than the previous person's. And after we'd all had a turn at opening and closing our mouths, we all nodded and smiled at each other, because it was nice pretending to catch up on everyone's news. Our waiter came to take our orders: he opened and closed his mouth for a while, and we nodded and smiled, then he wrote something on his little note-pad and walked away. I said: "I think we just ordered something, but I'm not sure what," and everyone nodded and smiled because they had no idea what I was saying. I tried saying it louder using a rolled-up complimentary pita as a megaphone but it didn't really work. That only works with Indian roti, it's got natural amplification. Food arrived. Plates of delicious seafood, lamb, salad, but the waiter had opened and closed his mouth in a devious way, because somehow we had ordered about 10 kilos of it, per person. We ate quietly, only opening and closing our mouths to put food inside and make it go down our throats. And as we ate, we pondered the design of modern, cavernous industrial-style restaurants and how it's not much fun eating out if all you can hear is a constant muffled boooooom, and the sound of calamari being chewed, echoing inside your own head cavity. Lebanese Australians have demanded Immigration Minister Peter Dutton release the ethnic backgrounds of other criminal offenders or explain why he chose to "demonise" and "further alienate" their community in his comments to Parliament. Mr Dutton said that the Fraser government had made mistakes in letting some migrants into Australia from the Lebanese Civil War in the 1970s, referring to advice that 22 of 33 terrorism offenders were second and third-generation Lebanese-Muslim Australians. Ethnic communities are mobilising against Mr Dutton with 30 Lebanese organisations, including the Lebanese Muslim Association and Lebanese Community Council, meeting in Auburn on Friday night to discuss his comments. Several community leaders said the comments reverse years of hard work in building cohesion and belittle the entire community. Attorney-General George Brandis is facing fresh calls to resign amid explosive claims he directed the government's chief legal adviser not to raise an argument in the High Court that would have scuttled a secret political deal with the West Australian government. In the latest chapter in a toxic row between Senator Brandis and former solicitor-general Justin Gleeson SC, reports emerged on Friday that the Attorney-General instructed Mr Gleeson not to point out legal flaws in a deal involving Alan Bond's failed Bell Group of companies. Mr Gleeson, acting for the Commonwealth and the Australian Taxation Office in the High Court, reportedly defied the instruction. He argued laws allowing the WA government to leapfrog other creditors, including the Tax Office, to recoup almost $1 billion from the Bell Group was contrary to federal tax laws and constitutionally invalid. The High Court agreed. BUSINESS IN BRIEF 25/11 Govt aims for stable power tariff The electricity sector in 2017 will strive to prevent the power tariff from stirring controversy, said Hoang Quoc Vuong, deputy minister of Industry and Trade.Vuong said the sector has not seen complaints about power tariffs this year, as the prices have been kept stable. The sector has ensured power supply to the production and consumption demand as well as national energy security in the year of 2016.A report from the Electricity of Viet Nam (EVN) showed that in 2016, the group planned to have power output of 175.9 billion kWh. Of which, the EVNs power productivity would be 81.6 billion kWh, while that of purchasing power output was 94.27 billion kWh and the commercial power output was 19.1 billion kWh.As of October, total power capacity was 40,823 MW, including 15,368 MW of hydropower plants; 13,826 MW from thermal power plants; 2,209 MW from small hydropower plants and 395MW from imported power.The National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) one of the two big groups providing fuel to thermal power plants said its gas supply next year was expected to be lower than this years. Therefore, PetroVietnam will continue to work with its members to adjust the gas supplies in 2017 to meet with power production demand.Nguyen Van Bien, deputy general director of Viet Nam National Coal and Minerals Group (Vinacomin), said the group and Dong Bac Corporation have been studying to design three new vessels to better serve coal transportation. Vinacomin has also worked with three transport companies to facilitate coal transport to thermal power plants.This year, Vinacomin supplied around 4.8 million tonnes of coal to EVN thermal power plants. The amount is expected to reach 5 million tonnes in 2017.Deputy minister Vuong asked all power companies to pay attention to power plant maintenance to ensure safety, as there were some incidents this year.He required PetroVietnam to ensure gas supplies for electricity production while asking Vinacomin and Dong Bac Corporation to supply coal for 22 power plants.In addition, Viet Nam will consider importing power from Laos if the tariff was lower than local production costs.Ha Noi is seeking ways to promote investments in high-tech agricultural production.Experts at a conference held here on Tuesday said the shortage of land, infrastructure, planning and policies as well as human resources were barriers to investments in this specialised sector.Nguyen Thi Thoa, head of the plantation department of the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the capital city targeted raising the proportion of high-tech agricultural production from the current 25 per cent to 35 per cent of the sectors total production value by 2020.Businesses are still not very keen on investing in this model due to difficulties in accessing land, credit and modern techniques, while incentives were still beyond reach, Thoa said.Addressing land as the greatest problem affecting investment in such production, Vo Viet Dung, chairman of Nam Ha Noi Food Processing Joint Stock Company, said the city should have a policy to develop land for this kind of agriculture. Land is of great importance in encouraging firms to pour investment into agricultural production, Dung said.Experts at the conference said that promoting the link between farmers and firms was critical.Dam Quang Thang, director of Agricare VN, said firms should coordinate with farmers to apply advanced technology to agricultural production. In addition, strong products should be selected to spearhead the project, Thang said.Ha Noi should have policies to encourage the development of the agricultural value chain to produce high value-added and competitive products, Bui Le Phong from Ha Noi Seed Joint Stock Company said, adding that a specialised zone for high-tech agricultural production should be developed to attract investments.Do Nang Vinh from the Agricultural Genetics Institute under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said renovating the production methods of the agricultural sector is now a necessity due to increasing demand for high-quality agricultural products in both the domestic and foreign markets.Vinh said Ha Noi should build a high-tech agricultural park and should plan for high-tech agricultural production, focusing on producing strong products.Agreeing with Vinh, Nguyen Tri Ngoc Nguyen, Director of the ministrys Plantation Department, said developing a zone for this kind of agricultural production was now urgent. However, as public funds remain limited, the capital city should adopt policies to attract private investments, he added.Ha Noi has more than 157,000ha of agricultural land, accounting for 46.8 per cent of the citys total area. The value of agricultural production reached VND32.9 trillion (US$1.46 billion) last year.A Vietnamese company is attending the 14th International Trade Fair for Public Works and Construction Machinery - SITP 2016, which started in Algiers, Algeria on November 23.SAKI Corp, which specialises in industrial scale production and providing professional equipment, is representing Vietnam at the fair.Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Pham Quoc Tru said that Algeria has high demand for public works construction and human resources for infrastructure development.He expressed hope that Vietnamese firms will actively seek opportunities and business partners in Algeria in various fields, particularly construction.The five-day fair, organised by Algerias Ministry of Public Works and Transport, has also drawn the participation of construction and transport companies from Germany, France, Italia, China, Indonesia and Algeria.The Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh has set to attract about 59 trillion VND (2.6 billion USD) of investment in the 2016-2020 period, said a provincial official.Tran Anh Dung, Vice Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, said that the province expects 960 billion VND from State businesses, 49.56 trillion VND from private enterprises and 8.4 trillion VND from foreign direct investment (FDI) sector.To fulfill the target, the locality will apply a number of measures, including fostering connection between authorities and businesses in investment promotion and calling for investment in transport, economic and industrial zone infrastructure.Tra Vinh will review and build support and preferential policies for investors, while creating a smooth, transparent and competitive investment environment and speeding up the administrative reform, he said.At the same time, it will create all favourable conditions for businesses to access capital and land, while implementing support policies for both enterprises and individuals during their investment and ensuring social security and order in the locality.Tra Vinh will also make public its land fund, detail planning, and prioritised projects to encourage investment, said Dung.Meanwhile, the province will improve the quality of training for labourers, especially those in rural areas, in addition to enhancing local officials capacity, he added.So far, Tra Vinh has attracted 48 projects with a total registered capital of more than 151 trillion VND (6.6 billion USD), including 16 FDI projects worth over 2.88 billion USD. Investors in Tra Vinh are mostly from Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Canada and Taiwan (China).-Chairman of the Can Tho city Peoples Committee Vo Thanh Thong and Governor of Gimcheon province of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Park Bo Saeng discussed orientations for economic and cultural cooperation between the two localities.During their meeting in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on November 23, the Gimcheon Governor suggested the two localities sign a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral partnership, focusing on the trading of their farm produce.He asked Can Tho authorities to help with the organisation of more workshops, fairs and exhibitions in order to connect Vietnamese and Korean businesses, particularly those from Can Tho and Gimcheon.The governor also informed his host that Korean enterprises hope to sell their agricultural machinery in Vietnam.Chairman Vo Thanh Thong affirmed Can Tho always regards the RoK as a strategic partner, a prestigious supplier and a promising export market.The city is accelerating its export of seafood, garments-textiles, fertilisers and chemicals to the RoK while importing pharmaceutical and garment-textile materials from the market, he said.Besides, Can Tho has also paid attention to promoting ties with the ROk in the fields of education and culture, the official said, adding that the RoK has conducted many educational cooperation projects with the city, such as the establishment of the King Sejong Institute and the Korean Studies Centre, among others.According to the Can Tho Department of External Affairs, the RoK is currently running nine investment projects in the city with accumulated capital of 247 million USD. Two others are funded by RoKs official development assistance (ODA), including the Vietnam-RoK industrial incubator. RoK non-governmental organisations (NGO) have also sponsored four projects in Can Tho.The 16th Vietnam International Textile and Garment Industry Exhibition opened in Ho Chi Minh City on November 23.The event draws the participation of more than 400 agencies and businesses from 17 countries and territories.They bring up-to-date machinery and equipment to the exhibition, such as sewing machines, power looms, automatic fabric cutting and printing machines, garment materials, apparel and accessories.Workshops on domestic firms competitiveness and the future of Vietnams textile and garment industry will also be held as part of the exhibition, which will last through November 26.Vietnams textile and garment exports increased 4.8 percent year on year in the first 10 months of 2016 to 23.3 billion USD, according to the National Garment and Textile Group (Vinatex).The country targets total overseas shipments worth 28-29 billion USD this year.The US is the top market for Vietnams textile and garment products with 10 billion USD, up 4.37 percent from a year earlier, followed by Europe with nearly 3 billion USD, up 2.46 percent.Vietnam and Norway will forge stronger cooperation in maritime economy for the interest of residents in coastal localities, heard a conference on maritime economy held by the Norwegian Embassy in Ho Chi Minh City on November 23.According to Nguyen Hoang Ha from the Development Strategy Institute under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, with advantages of a long coastline spanning from north to south, Vietnam boasts high potential in sea-based industries, trade and services.However, the exploitation of maritime economy in Vietnam has been limited as the annual production value has stayed modest, he said.Ha also pointed to challenges facing Vietnam in effective developing sea-based economy and protecting the environment at the same time in the context of climate change, adding that Vietnam should make new policies and planning and widen its international cooperation for improving the situation.Meanwhile, Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Siren Gjerme Eriksen said that Norway and Vietnam share similar strength in sea-based economy, maritime navigation and oil and gas, which enabled them to cooperate in the areas over the past years.Since 1979, Norway has supported Vietnam in personnel training for the oil and gas sector, she said, adding that Norway has also worked with Vietnam in developing standards in environment and safety for the sector.In the future, if negotiations on the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Area (which comprises of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) succeed, the Vietnam-Norway trade and investment ties will thrive, she said.At the same time, Erik Hempel, Director of Communications at the Nor-Fishing Foundation, shared his opinion on the significance of science and technology in fisheries development. He also pointed to the need of a complete legal framework for sustainable development.Within the conferences framework, a number of thematic discussions were held on maritime economic sectors of both countrys strength, technology in seaport operation and sustainable development of the shipbuilding industry.Up to 88 businesses will be presented with the Vietnam Value Award 2016 in recognition of their national strong brand names on November 30, officials have announced.Deputy Director of the Trade Promotion Agency Do Kim Lang said, out of the 88 businesses, 23 firms have won the awards for five consecutive times, including Viet Tien, An Phuoc, Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage JSC (Sabeco), Vina Coffee; Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam JSC (Vietcombank); Bitis; Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT), and Saigon Jewelry JSC (SJC).Worthy of note, 26 enterprises reported annual revenues of at least 5 trillion VND (220 million USD) and 70 others earned at least one trillion (44 million USD) per year, Lang said, adding that some small-sized companies will be also honoured for their efforts to invest in new fields such as biotechnology and hi-tech.The organisers said this years award winners operates in various fields such as engineering, machinery and equipment; garment-textiles and footwear; electronics, information technology and telecommunications; agriculture, forestry and seafood; finance and banking; food and beverages; trade services; construction and real estate.In 2015, their combined revenues exceeded 662 trillion VND (29.1 billion USD), up nearly 20 percent from the figure in 2013. They exported over 2 billion USD worth of goods, contributed over 59 trillion VND (2.6 billion USD) to the State budget, and created jobs for nearly 500,000 labourers.The enterprises also donated over 2.3 trillion VND (102 million USD) to charity activities last year.As many as 150 enterprises in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors from 18 countries and territories will display their products at the upcoming medical and pharmaceutical exhibition in Hanoi.The 23rd Medi and Pharm Expo will take place from December 1-3 with 250 booths displaying latest achievements, advanced technology and medical equipment.Twenty five companies from the Republic of Korea will participate in the event, along with those from Canada, the US, the UK, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, among others.Conferences, free-of-charge medical checkups, blood donation and gift presentations will take place during the expo.Vietnams exports to Myanmar dipped 11.1% to US$275.2 million during the first ten months of this year, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.Vietnam businesses exported 13 kinds of products to Myanmar with means of transport and spare parts leading the pack with US$41 million, up 32.85% and accounting for 21% of total export value, trailed by machinery, equipment and tools (up 33.77% to US$33.8 million) and steel (down 24.25% to US$27.4 million).In the reviewed period, 61.5% of export products to Myanmar posted relatively high growth while 38.4% saw lower growth rates. Clinker and cement experienced a strong decline of 98.6%.Export items to Myanmar included means of transport and spare parts (making up 17%), steel (14%), plastic products (14%) and others (34%).Vietnams 600,000 small and medium-sized enterprises continue to grapple with limited access to credit even though they play an important role in the economy and account for 52% of total employment, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) said.Only 30% of private businesses of small and medium sizes, better known as SMEs, have managed to secure bank loans, according to latest data from VCCI, an influential group that represents the business community in the country.Statistics also showed that the amount of credit provided to SMEs only accounted for 3% of all outstanding loans at local banks.There is not much readily available information to help banks gauge a small businesss creditworthiness, Rajeev Chalisgaonkar, the global head of business banking at Standard Chartered, told a workshop on November 23.Although there are some banks that focus on SMEs, they really are not able to offer financing to early-stage companies which often dont have a track record of reliable annual revenues or a history of good credit, he said.Limited access to finance is a major constraint to the growth of private companies, besides other obstacles such as management or technological issues, said VCCIs Vice President Vo Tan Thanh.There is a growing recognition of the importance of the private sector, particularly of SMEs. The government is expecting that, by 2020, private companies will contribute up to 49% of gross domestic product.In order to improve access to finance for small businesses, the Ministry of Planning and Investment has proposed a series of initiatives to support small businesses. If the country's lawmakers sign on, an estimated 550,000 SMEs will benefit.Vietnam is negotiating with Laos on electricity prices as it may need to import power from the neighbor for its fast growing economy, local media has reported, citing trade deputy minister Hoang Quoc Vuong.Demand for electricity is expected to grow 13%annually in the next four years.Meanwhile, the countrys total output in 2016 is forecast to increase by just 12% to 184 billion kWh from last year, Nguyen Hai Ha, an executive of state utility EVN told the Saigon Times.In the short term, the government has planned to bridge the supply-demand gap by importing electricity from Laos, which will build four more hydropower plants in 2017. Vietnam has upgraded transmission grids to accommodate the imports.EVN estimated the total output of locally produced and imported electricity this year will reach 175.9 billion kWh.Vietnam's economy has expanded by more than 5% a year on average since 1999 and growth is forecast to reach 6.5%-7% in the next four years.The country has mapped out a blueprint for the development of the power sector. The plan foresees VND3,207 trillion (US$142 billion) worth of investments in generation and distribution capacity through to 2030. Some US$40 billion will be invested between 2016 and 2020, of which about 75% will go to generation.It is estimated that Vietnam will need 330-362 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2020 and 695-834 billion kWh in 2030 to achieve the average annual economic growth rate of 7%.Vietnams fruit and vegetable exports are on track to reach the target of US$2.5 billion for 2016, yet the standstill in rice exports has made the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) more determined to carry out trade promotion activities on the Philippine market in the future.According to the MARD, as of the end of October, exports of fruit and vegetables were at approximately US$2 billion, up 30% compared to the same period of 2015.China is still Vietnams largest import market for such items, accounting for a market share of over 70%.MARD Minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong said that the potential for boosting fruit and vegetables exports is relatively large. It is expected that this year Vietnam could export a total value of US$2.5-2.6 billion in fruits and vegetables.Vietnams agro-fishery-forestry exports to China hit US$26.4 billion in the first ten months of 2016, a rise of 6.3% year on year.In general, exports of these products to China account for about 20% of the sectors total export value, with the main products including rubber, cassava, cashews, fresh vegetables and seafood.As for fruits, Hoang Trung, Director of the MARDs Department of Plant Protection, said that the department has developed additional records for other fruits to push open the door to the Chinese market.The department has closely worked with the Chinese side to complete relevant procedures to officially put these items on the neighbouring market soon, he noted.Regarding the US market, though it is the second-largest importer of Vietnamese agricultural products, it is a market with a complex legal system and technical and trade barriers, Trung added.According to Nguyen Nhu Tiep, Director of MARDs Department of Agro-Forestry-Fishery Quality Management, Vietnam is seeking to get the US to allow Vietnamese mangoes and star apples onto its market soon.Most noteworthy is that, while exports of fruit and vegetables have been continuously growing in recent years, rice exportsamong Vietnams most important agricultural exportshave recorded a significant decline.During the first ten months of this year, rice exports reached only 4.2 million tonnes at approximately US$1.9 billion, down by over 21% in volume and 16.9% in value compared to the same period of last year. In fact, as early as September of this year, the export turnover for fruits and vegetables exceeded that of rice.MARD Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam gave his assessment that rice exports would continue to face difficulties, which may last until 2017.The winter-spring crop has started and rice is expected to be harvested by January or February 2017, so it is necessary to seek measures to tackle problems and strengthen trade promotion for rice exports, he affirmed.Deputy Minister Nam also asked relevant departments of the MARD to send delegations to the Philippines to promote trade promotion to accelerate rice exports to this market.The Can Tho Municipal Peoples Committee and their counterparts from Gimcheon Province in the Republic of Korea (ROK) agreed on November 23 to join forces to boost trade in hi-tech agriculture, among other things.At the meeting, Vo Thanh Thong, chair of the Committee said the ROK is also a potential market for increased collaboration in clothing and textiles, fruit and vegetables, and seafood.The parties noted they expect to soon sign memorandum of understanding to create a stronger and more durable long-term relationship in collaboration in high-tech agriculture, specifically as it relates to modernized machinery and equipment. Hindrances to HCMC's river tourism pinpointed Three years have elapsed since the HCMC government endorsed a program to buoy its river tourism, but the sector has barely developed due to two key bottlenecks: lack of infrastructure and waterway pollution, heard a seminar here on November 22. Growth of river tourism over the past three years has been minimal although the municipal government has been determined to make it a special tourism product of the city, said delegates at the seminar organized by Tuoi Tre newspaper on November 22 to work out solutions for the sector. From 2013 to the third quarter this year, the number of tourists buying river tourism services increased a mere 11.5% to roughly 257,700. In the January-September period this year, the number totaled only 68,000 tourists, almost the same as the year-ago figure. In 2014, there were 37 enterprises with 130 waterway transport means involved in river tourism, but the respective numbers have now plunged to 19 enterprises with some 100 boats. Bui Ta Hoang Vu, director of the HCMC Tourism Department, told the seminar on river tourism that the falling numbers were due to the closure of Bach Dang Wharf, which used to be a bustling docking place for tourism boats and floating restaurants. Some entrepreneurs attending the seminar River Tourism Special Services for HCMC Tourism complained about the lack of wharfs and berths for tourist boats to dock, while many canals have become seriously polluted. If the city government has a concrete policy for developing berths and wharfs and invite investors to dredge and clean up canals, enterprises would be ready to step in without having to ask for support from the State budget. Phan Xuan Anh, board chairman of Saigon Boat Co. Ltd., said his company had to suspend the rowboat service on Nhieu Loc Canal due to heavy pollution. Despite some positive signals from the rowboat service on Nhieu Loc Canal, we suspended it due to mass fish deaths in the canal. Waste discharged into canals is another problem, as we could not collect all such garbage disposed of by people, he lamented. Pham Xuan Anh is among the first entrepreneurs in the city to develop river tourism, and now some others are ready to follow suit. Duong Thanh Thuy, chairwoman of Trung Thuy Group, said her company had incubated a plan to develop river tourism for years. The group wants to develop a river-borne tourism complex named Saigon Corner near Mong Bridge in District 1. If the city government supports the idea, Trung Thuy Group would invest some VND100 billion to execute the project, she said. HCMC chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong noted at the seminar that developing river tourism as well as diversifying tourism services are among priorities of the city. The city leader instructed the Tourism Department director to meet with Trung Thuy Group over the Saigon Corner project, and asked the Department of Zoning and Architecture to examine 54km of waterway from Binh Loi Bridge to Cu Chi District to find out suitable venues for building facilities to back river tourism. Bui Xuan Cuong, head of the citys Transport Department, revealed at the seminar that an area stretching 1,800 meters along the Saigon River at Saigon Port will be set aside for constructing tourism facilities, mainly to accommodate small- and medium-sized boats. Payment method an obstacle for exports to Russia Russia is considered a sizeable market for Vietnamese enterprises as the free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the Eurasia Economic Union (EAEU) has taken effect, but payment in the Russian market is spelling trouble for local firms, heard a seminar in HCMC on November 22. Vietnam-Russia trade accounts for 80% of Vietnams total trade with the EAEU, which groups Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, said Tran Viet Phuong, deputy head of the Division for Russia and CIS countries at the Ministry of Industry and Trades Europe Market Department. Russia has demand for various types of goods, including big export earners of Vietnam such as agricultural products, garment and footwear, he told the seminar on access to the Russian market after the FTA between Vietnam and the EAEU takes effect, held by the HCMC Institute for Development Studies and the HCMC Investment and Trade Promotion Center (ITPC). He said the FTA brings to zero tariffs on key export products of Vietnam to Russia, including apparel products, bag and seafood. Not only that, Russian light industrial product importers are switching from China to other countries, opening more opportunities for Vietnamese firms, he added. Despite its large potential, there remain difficulties for Vietnamese exporters due to shortcomings in its payment methods with Russian partners, Phuong said. Do Thi Thanh Huyen, deputy head of the corporate customer department under the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV), said many Russian firms do not strictly adhere to international practices but choosing to make deferred payments when importing goods from Vietnam, and ask customers to make advance payments when exporting products to Vietnam. Those payment methods make it difficult for local firms to mobilize capital and expose them to risks. Meanwhile, the letter of credit, or L/C, which is currently the most popular payment method for enterprises doing business on global markets, is not preferred due to its high cost. Coming into force on October 5, the FTA between Vietnam and the EAEU is expected to boost bilateral trade between the two sides from US$4 billion currently to US$8-10 billion in the coming years. Last year, imports from Russia totaled US$824.4 million, making up 0.4% of Vietnams total import bill and increasing 28% against 2014, while exports to this country totaled more than US$2 billion, down 28% from 2014. FMCG market improves in Q3 The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market showed improvement in terms of value between mid-July and October 9 this year against the second quarter, according to a report released on November 22 by market research firm Kantar Worldpanel. According to the report, the FMCG market expanded in value in four major cities HCMC, Hanoi, Danang, and Can Tho, as well as rural areas. The growth in rural areas mostly resulted from the average purchase price increase rather than the rise in goods consumption. During the period, non-food items led the value growth in urban areas. Consumers in those areas spent more on personal care items, aside from milk and milk-related products, which has been the key sector for FMCG growth in the areas. Shower gel was one of the most-consumed products in the four cities and rural localities in the third quarter after consumers had reduced the use of personal care items including shower gel since last year due to economic difficulties. Kantar Worldpanel said consumers have spent more on beauty care products and the growing trend of using high-quality beauty care products with reasonable costs among people in the middle class has offered more opportunities for producers. Regarding retail channels, department stores, small supermarkets, convenience stores in urban areas and small grocery stores in rural areas have continued to gain more market shares while supermarkets and hypermarkets have showed signs of recovery. Three investors eye wastewater treatment project A consortium comprising Lotte Engineering and Construction, Huvis Water Corp., and Honor Shine Global is seeking approval from the HCMC government to develop sewers and a wastewater treatment plant in the west of the city. The investment cost of the two-phase project is estimated at US$350 million in phase one and US$132 million in phase two under the build-lease-transfer (BLT) format. The investors expect to complete and commission the first phase with a daily treatment capacity of 450,000 cubic meters by 2020 and 650,000 cubic meters after 2020. If the proposal is approved, the investors would combine three wastewater treatment plants, namely Tan Hoa-Lo Gom (300,000 cubic meters a day), West Saigon (120,000 cubic meters a day) and Binh Tan (180,000 cubic meters a day), into a single complex in the premises of the Binh Hung Hoa wastewater treatment plant, covering a total of around 35 hectares in Binh Tan District. They also want to construct West Saigon pumping station with a capacity of around 220,000 cubic meters a day, and a 7.6-kilometer sewer system from Ly Chieu Hoang pumping station in District 6, and another of 3.5 kilometers from the station in Tan Phu District to the facility. The combination of three plants would help save costs of site clearance, investment, operation and management, according to environmental experts. In a related development, two wastewater treatment plants of Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe (500,000 cubic meters a day) and East Saigon (350,000 cubic meters a day) are being merged into one facility with an estimated capacity of 830,000 cubic meters. It is in preparation for the first phase with a daily capacity of 480,000 cubic meters in Thanh My Loi Ward, District 2. The basin areas of Tan Hoa-Lo Gom, West Saigon and Binh Tan canals are densely populated with fast-paced development but do not still have a central wastewater collection and treatment system, leading to serious pollution in nearby rivers and canals. The investors would recover their capital in around 30 years in the forms of water drainage service and wastewater treatment fees. The city government is mulling a roadmap to set prices of drainage services, which is to be introduced in the next few years. This is supposed to attract businesses to invest in water drainage and wastewater treatment systems, helping ease the burden on the city budget. The city needs to build seven more wastewater treatment plants by 2020, of which three plants, namely Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe, Binh Hung and Tham Luong-Ben Cat are under construction. Draft decree: Transparency for pyramid schemes imperative The Ministry of Industry and Trade has just put forth draft amendments to a decree regulating pyramid schemes, demanding thorough transparency in this trade practice with an aim to protect consumers and distributors. In a report on the draft amendments sent to the Government, the ministry says new regulations on transparency are meant to safeguard the interests of consumers and distributors on the one hand, and facilitate management of State agencies towards this controversial practice on the other hand. If the draft decree gains Government approval, the playground for many companies conducting multi-level marketing schemes will be drastically narrowed down as consumers will be better informed whether they get fair prices when buying products, while disputes will be settled in a more convenient manner. In specifics, enterprises launching pyramid schemes are told to develop an information technology system governing their distributors, allowing the latter to browse for information related to their sales activities. The server for such an IT system must be placed in Vietnam. Such enterprises must also operate websites providing information on their organizations, products, and plans to pay bonuses, and training programs and the list of trainers. The enterprises must also announce and update prices of products, and clarify that such prices are determined by the enterprises, not by competent State agencies. Commissions and bonuses must be transferred via banks cash prohibited and when running ads on such monies for distributors, these enterprises must give all information on the beneficiaries including their names and addresses, their ranks or positions in the system, the network they run and the time length needed to obtain such award-giving revenues. In addition, relevant information about sales, the process of conducting transactions with participants, and measures to terminate contracts with participants must also be provided. The draft decree demands that multi-level marketing enterprises must maintain hotlines to respond to any complaints by consumers or participants in the scheme, and must issue invoices for customers to protect their interests in case they want to return the purchased items. Also with an aim to guarantee the interests of consumers and participants, the draft decree also raises the deposit for each multi-level marketing enterprise to VND10 billion against the current level of VND5 billion, and the deposits can be adjusted annually corresponding to the size of sales schemes. Recently, many people participating in multi-level marketing schemes have gone bust due to expectations of high returns promised by such enterprises. The settlement of disputes has also proven difficult due to vague provisions in their contracts. At the question-and-answer session at the National Assembly sitting in Hanoi last week, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh admitted that there remained many shortcomings in State management over multi-level marketing practices in the country. The ministry has been slow in bringing out policies and sanctioning violations, the minister said. Seafood exports to China up sharply Vietnams seafood exports to China rose strongly in the first nine months of this year but the nation should adopt strict measures to maintain steady growth in its exports, said the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The ministry on November 22 held a meeting to review agri-aqua-forestry exports and discuss ways to boost outbound sales of these products. The ministry said China overtook South Korea as the fourth largest importer of Vietnamese seafood. Agri-aqua-forestry exports to the neighboring nation reached US$4.9 billion in January-September, making up 20% of Vietnams total export earnings in the sector. Major export earners included rubber, cassava, cashew nut, fresh vegetables, fruit and seafood. Nguyen Hoai Nam, deputy general secretary of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), told the meeting that shrimp exports to China increased significantly. He noted Vietnam still has not imposed taxes on foreign traders that come to Vietnam to acquire agro-aqua-forestry products. He proposed relevant ministries and agencies consider this matter to avoid unhealthy competition with local traders. Nam said the country should tighten inspection on goods exported to China to ensure quality and fair competition among exporters. Nguyen Viet Manh of the Vietnam Fisheries Society suggested that Vietnam should boost sales to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Middle East and North Africa, besides traditional markets like the U.S., the EU and China. Africa and Latin America are also potential markets for Pangasius fish and Vietnam can step up shrimp exports to Australia. The U.S. is the second largest market for Vietnamese agro-aqua-forestry products. However, Americas regulations are complicated with many trade barriers. Regarding the new U.S. farm bill, Nguyen Nhu Tiep, head of the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department under the ministry, said the department is cooperating with the U.S. and conducting procedures to avoid a disruption in Pangasius exports to this market. Japan is checking all Vietnamese seafood shipments to see whether they are contaminated with antibiotic residues. This not only causes warehousing costs to surge but also affects the competitiveness of Vietnamese items. Notably, the Northeast Asian country also double-checks Vietnamese agro-aqua-forestry products. Le Van Banh, head of the Department of Processing and Trade for Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Products and Salt Production under the agriculture ministry, said shrimp sold to Japan must meet high requirements on antibiotic Enrofloxacin. He said this hindrance should be removed to ensure Japans rules match those in other developed nations. Besides, Vietnam should prepare documents to ask Japan to recognize test results by Vietnamese laboratories to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese firms to sell seafood and farm produce to Japan. Vietnammm.com expands to Nha Trang and Hoi An Vietnammm.com introduced its online food ordering service in Nha Trang and Hoi An on November 23. It becomes the first to provide the service in the two tourist destinations, and already has a presence in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang. We are happy to penetrate into the markets of Hoi An and Nha Trang, two beautiful cities, to bring convenience to customers when ordering food, said Mr. Jochem Lisser, CEO of Vietnammm.com. At the end of last year Vietnammm.com bought Foodpanda Vietnam, its major competitor in online food ordering in the country. All customers of Foodpanda.vn were passed on to Vietnammm.com, as was its list of 1,000 restaurants. At the time Mr. Lisser said that its deal with Foodpanda Vietnam would boost its leading position in food ordering services in Vietnam and would be a platform for subsequent investments. Last year it also announced it had achieved growth of over 300 per cent in the previous three years and targets accounting for 90 per cent of the market in online food ordering in the country. After buying Foodpanda Vietnam, Vietnammm.com now competes with eat.vn, which belongs to the Vietnam Communications Corporation (VCCorp). Established in 2011, Vietnammm.com was bought by Takeaway.com in 2013. Six years on Vietnammm.com covers Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Hoi An, offering over 1,500 restaurants and handling thousands of online food orders a day. Takeaway.com is found in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, the UK, Luxemburg, Poland and Vietnam. Every month it takes 4 million orders. It is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange, with market capitalization of $1 billion. Foodpanda is a global online food ordering service that arrived in Vietnam in 2012 after establishing itself in over 40 countries worldwide. It was connected to more than 1,000 restaurants in Vietnam, including well-known brands such as Baskin Robbins, Burger King, Al Frescos, and KFC. In May 2015 it received an additional part of an investment package worth $110 million, including a sum from a new investor, Goldman Sachs. Existing investors, including Rocket Internet, also contributed to the package. Thuduc House to increase stake in Fideco The Thuduc Housing Development Corporation (Thuduc House, code: TDH) has agreed to finalize the list of shareholders to obtain approval for raising its ownership in the Foreign Trade Development and Investment Corporation of Ho Chi Minh City (Fideco, code: FDC) to 65 per cent without a public offering. The process of obtaining written opinions from shareholders is expected to be conducted in December. Thuduc House plans to buy more than 18.2 million FDC shares, increasing its holding to 25 million shares, or a 65 per cent stake. The purpose of this move is to expand the companys land reserves, a representative from the Public Relations Department at Thuduc House confirmed with VET. The form of purchase is expected to be made by agreement between the two parties and will take six to nine months. Apart from 29 ha in Can Gio district, Ho Chi Minh City, FDC also owns more than 2,000 sq m in District 1s Phung Khac Khoan Street, which are considered to be of high value. Thuduc House has planned to buy more FDC shares since the beginning of this year. After a range of transactions conducted before March, it announced it owned nearly 6.9 million FDC shares, corresponding to 24.89 per cent of charter capital. FDC is expected to earn a profit of about $1.33 million from issuing swap shares with the Dat Phuc Construction Design Company Limited and the Thien Y Import Export Trading Packaging Company Limited. Thuduc House is drawing up a specific business plan for key projects. This year it will focus on an open sale of S-Home apartments in the Phuoc Long project (168 apartments), the Binh Chieu project Phase 2 (145 plots of housing land) and the TDH-Tocontap project (40 plots of housing land). Other projects will be sold in 2017, including Binh Chieu Lot I (405 apartments), Binh Chieu Lot H (218 apartments), TDH-Tocontap (223 apartments), and TDH - Phuc Thinh Duc (935 apartments). On that basis, Thuduc House sets revenue plans for the 2016-2018 period that correspond to the time of deployment and delivery of each project. Revenues from condominiums are to be about $12 million, $34 million and $44 million in the three years while sales of housing land are expected to reach $16 million in 2016 and nearly $2 million in 2017. It estimates total revenue for 2016 to be more than $28 million, $36 million in 2017, and $44 million by 2018. Thuduc House so far has implemented more than 40 projects around the country, developing urban towns, row houses, and apartment blocks for both low and high-income earners. The company has also developed commercial centers, wholesale markets, hotels, resorts, and office buildings and launched affordable apartment projects in District 9 and Thu Duc district in Ho Chi Minh City. Masan announces 50% share bonus and 30% cash dividend Group now seeking approval from shareholders on plan to issue bonus shares and pay cash dividend. by Quynh Nguyen The Masan Group has sought approval from shareholders regarding its plan to pay a 50 per cent share bonus and a 30 per cent cash dividend of VND3,000 ($0.13) per share. The Board of Directors has already approved the share bonus and cash dividend as a result of the company achieving key strategic milestones across all business segments and outperforming its financial targets. This is the first time Masan has given a cash dividend to shareholders since listing on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange in 2009. During this period, Masans first wave of foreign investors have realized their returns, said Mr. Nguyen Dang Quang, Chairman of the Masan Group. With the companys plans for a share bonus and cash dividend, shareholders who have demonstrated the most belief in our story and value can now share in the companys success. Masan is also seeking approval from its shareholders to issue 12 million shares via private placement at VND95,000 ($4.2) per share as well as, when markets are favorable, international bonds listed overseas. In terms of sequencing, the issuance of 12 million primary shares will occur first, followed by the share bonus and cash dividend simultaneously. The cash dividend of VND3,000 ($0.13) per share is applicable to the number of shares immediately prior to the bonus shares. The proposed cash dividend and share bonus are expected to close in the first quarter of 2017. Masans fundraising initiatives are subject to market conditions and their alignment with the companys overall strategic investment plans. All are subject to customary regulatory and shareholder approvals. Masan is expected to record revenue of $2 billion this year, an increase of around 40 per cent against 2015. Net profits after tax and non-controlling interest are on track to reach the companys revised target of VND2.4 trillion ($105.6 million), representing growth of more than 60 per cent over 2015. As a result, Masans 2016 EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is expected to reach VND9.5 trillion ($418 million). Its fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) arm, Masan Consumer, is completing a final list of shareholders to prepare to trade on the Unlisted Public Company (UPCoM) market on the Hanoi Stock Exchange. Masan Consumer is one of the largest enterprises in Vietnams FMCG field, with revenue coming from fish sauce, soy sauce, and chili sauce branded Chin-su, Nam Ngu, and Tam Thai Tu, instant noodles such as Omachi and KoKomi, and non-alcoholic beverages such as Vinh Hao, Vinacafe Bien Hoa, and Quang Ninh mineral water. Revenue in the first nine months was VND9.1 trillion ($409.5 million), up 6 per cent year-on-year, while after-tax profit fell 4 per cent to VND1.68 trillion ($75.6 million). The Masan Group recently announced revenues in the third quarter of VND11 trillion ($495 million) and gross profit of VND3.2 trillion ($144 million), both up 26 per cent year-on-year. VEF/VNA/VNS/VOV/SGT/SGGP/Dantri/VET/VIR Tony Abbott was asked if Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was doing a good job. Credit:Andrew Meares The hoped-for passage of laws to re-establish the Australian Building and Construction Commission next week will cap a year of incremental achievements. But few people thought of Turnbull as the "great incrementalist" when he became Prime Minister in September 2015. Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton has come under fire after his comments during question time. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen If the Prime Minister and his government are to properly revive their fortunes in 2017 they need to become a whole lot better, fast, at selling their achievements, framing their opponents and making political opportunities, rather than simply responding to events. This is a government that sorely lacks spear carriers: political attack dogs like Tony Abbott was for John Howard, willing to go out and take the fight to the opposition. Too many ministers are either passengers or political liabilities, and talk has already turned to how, when and who Turnbull will re-shape his frontbench be it in December, February or July next year. If it was a good week for the Coalition, why does Turnbull need to reshape his frontbench? Events, once again, made the case. Dangers seemingly lurk around every corner for a government with a one-seat majority and some deep divisions of social policy. Newspoll showed the Coalition still trails Labor in the 47-53 two party-preferred vote; Deloitte Access Economics' budget update showed another budget deficit blowout is just around the corner; right on cue one of the ratings agencies sounded another AAA warning. Treasurer Scott Morrison confessed the return-to-surplus timeline was at the whim of "parameter variations" (translation: if slow wages growth and company receipts don't improve, all bets are off). The One Nation sideshow rolled on, with Senator Rod Culleton so ably redefining the word recondite there are unconfirmed reports the Oxford folk are planning on updating their dictionary with his mugshot; three Nationals cabinet minister missed a vote re-affirming a ban on the Adler shotgun; another Senate vote on the passenger movement charge, part of the backpacker tax changes, was lost and Abbott revealed that a sequel to his book, Battlelines, is under way. And Peter Dutton opened up debate about "mistakes" made in the 1970s with Lebanese Muslim migration, and the fact that 22 of the last 33 people charged with terrorism-related offences were second and third-generation Lebanese Australians. The Immigration Minister might have had the statistics on his side as well as the conservative wing of the Coalition in Tuesday's party room meeting, where debate flared but it's hard to see how the comments help a government (except perhaps in Queensland, where the One Nation vote is strong) that has had significant difficulties reaching out to ethnic communities, and which is trying to have a civilised debate about changing section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act. The comments were a gift to Shorten, a merciless opposition leader who ruthlessly exploits opportunities, and who some on the government benches continue to underestimate to their peril. Dutton fumed in Parliament that he would "not be misrepresented by this great fraud of Australian politics" and that "when I see extremism, I will call it out". Turnbull was left with nowhere to go; repudiate the comments and hang a key minister out to dry, or back in his minister as he did and get whacked by accusations that "old Malcolm" would have responded differently. Ironically, Dutton is one of the few government ministers who has shown the ability and willingness to attack Shorten and Labor. Five days later, on Friday, Turnbull was still in a defensive crouch, backing in his minister. Meanwhile, Shorten largely avoided scrutiny over the revelation his legal affairs spokesman Mark Dreyfus threatened to resign but didn't over the appointment of Kimberley Kitching to a senate vacancy. If George Brandis had made a similar threat to Turnbull, it's hard to imagine the opposition allowing such an opportunity to pass (despite Christopher Pyne's best efforts). There is no room for this sort of divisive distraction in 2017. And there is already talk in Coalition ranks about a reshuffle, focused on three cabinet ministers, to strengthen the team next year; Nationals' veteran Nigel Scullion, accident-prone Attorney-General Brandis and media-shy Defence Minister Marise Payne. If this trio were to step aside, so the theory goes, these moves would follow: Social Services Minister Christian Porter would move to fill Brandis' post, while his junior minister, Alan Tudge, would move up to fill the senior post. That would create a vacancy for the talented Angus Taylor to move to the outer ministry and in turn create a spot for backbench MP Michael Sukkar to become a parliamentary secretary. Scullion's cabinet post could be filled by Michael McCormack, if not the portfolio; this would help correct the imbalance in the number of senators in cabinet. Hard-working junior minister Keith Pitt would move up, and someone perhaps the ambitious senator Bridget McKenzie would become an assistant minister. And if Payne who is said to not enjoy the best relationship with Defence top brass were to move, the irrepressible Pyne would take over her duties and there would once again be a single senior Defence minister in cabinet. Room may also be found for one of a trio of WA MPs Andrew Hastie, Linda Reynolds or Melissa Price to become an assistant minister. There is also talk that Dutton and Workplace Minister Michaelia Cash could be handed new assignments, but stay in cabinet. These moves would station strong media performers in key portfolios and allow the government to better make its case in 2017. The early months of next year promise debate over company tax cuts, the promised diverted profits tax, changes to paid parental leave, a review of the Direct Action climate policy and cost of living issues (to say nothing of "Aussie jobs".) Fly over Hay Point, just south of Mackay, on any given day and you will be greeted by the same picture. Ships line up kilometres out towards the horizon, waiting their turn to pick up a load of coal. About 110 million tonnes of coal passed through Hay Point last financial year, up about 40 per cent from five years ago. This, of course, is economic growth in action. It is also evidence of increasing industrialisation along the Great Barrier Reef. About 4000 ships pass through the reef each year on average, 11 a day. Projections have put this number reaching 10,000 somewhere between 2020 and 2030, assuming the demand for coal continues to grow. More than half of whats shipped through the reef is coal, to be burned in overseas power stations and steel mills. Bulk carriers also carry agricultural goods, metals, minerals and general cargo. Ships are getting bigger. They are nearly twice as large now as they were late last century. And so are ports. Five major ports along the reef have either been recently expanded or have expansion plans. Advertisement Australia has a good shipping record, but basic logic says that increased activity increases the risk of something going wrong. Consider the infamous case of the Shen Neng 1, a Chinese coal ship that ran aground on Douglas Shoal after veering 10 kilometres outside the shipping channel off Rockhampton in April 2010. It cut a near 3-kilometre-long, 250-metre-wide path, destroying some of the worlds most unique marine life, spilling oil, and shedding more than a tonne of toxic paint flakes scraped from the ships hull. The anti-fouling paint contained the banned chemical tributyltin, which is fatal to marine life. More than six years on, neither the effects of the scar nor the paint have been addressed. Work is expected to start next year after legal action against the shipowner was finally settled in September for $39.3 million. Meanwhile, the tributyltin paint flakes have killed marine life and been spread across a much wider area. Jon Day, a former director of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and previous Australian representative on the World Heritage Committee, says it would be a mistake to see the Shen Neng disaster as a one-off. It was the worst grounding weve had on the reef, but history would indicate it wont be the last. Weve got much better technology for managing ship movements, but even great technology cant cope with human error, he says. Whats going to happen when we have bigger ships with deeper drafts, and more ships operating in the shallow shipping channels? Bigger ships and expanded ports require more dredging, and dredging raises issues for marine life. A distinction is drawn between capital dredging for new industrial development and maintenance dredging to get rid of the sediment that re-settles in the wake of capital work. Since 2015 the federal government has banned the dumping of the sediment, clay and rock dragged up during capital dredging in reef ports. It is now mostly used for land reclamation enclosures called bunds are built and the dredged material is then dumped to extend ports into world heritage areas. UNESCO has warned against this, telling the government that the world heritage listing is based on the low water mark when the area was declared in 1981, and that continued land reclamation threatens its integrity. The dumping of spoil from maintenance dredging is still allowed. About 1 million cubic metres a year is deposited in the world heritage area. Some scientists consider this a greater environmental threat than capital dredging. The spoil from maintenance dredging is mostly fine sediment, and more readily dispersed by currents. It often contains pollutants and can affect coral, seagrasses and other marine life over a much greater area, depriving them of light and oxygen. Advertisement There are multiple port expansion proposals under way. Among them is Townsville, where the local authority plans a $1.5 billion widening and deepening of the channel for cargo and cruise ships. Port chief Ranae Crosby has told local media there is a critical need for expansion. Among other benefits, it could cut costs by up to $4000 for each container currently reaching the city by rail. Townsville has been named Australias best port two years running, and Crosby says there will be stringent safeguards to protect the environment. Environmentalists are not convinced the state government has received more than 9500 submissions opposing the plan and neither are scientists. Jewel Vercoe Rainbow, a James Cook University masters student based on Magnetic Island off the Townsville coast, says deep dredging of Townsville port would open up a series of threats seagrass beds being smothered with sludge, the introduction of invasive species and threatened dugong populations coming under heightened pressure as their food source becomes affected. She stresses the precautionary principle. The governments responsibility stressed by UNESCO is to manage the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef in a manner which preserves it for future generations. The central question is: how much is too much? At what point does national responsibility for an environmental icon become an argument against a development going ahead, rather than a series of offsets being used to justify a project? Expansion proponents point out that ports make up only 1 per cent of the world heritage area, and that development and dredging have happened since long before the reef was given world heritage listing in 1981, though not at todays levels. The poster child for contentious rapid development which in 2011 sparked UNESCO to assess whether the Great Barrier Reefs world heritage values were under threat has been the rapid expansion of the Port of Gladstone to allow the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Three LNG plant and export terminals were built on Curtis Island at Gladstone, transforming the area, creating at least 12,000 jobs and dramatically increasing port traffic. Twenty-one million cubic metres of the Gladstone harbour seabed was dredged. The sludge that was dug up was pumped behind a bund wall designed to reclaim more than 200 hectares of land, but the wall leaked. It played a part in the water in the harbour turning a muddy brown for a year, with reduced visibility and increased turbidity. A simultaneous massive fish kill shocked locals and grabbed headlines, though subsequent investigations blamed multiple factors including the weather, rather than the development. Many observers, including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and a government review, found construction at Gladstone could have been better handled. Capricorn Conservation Council coordinator Michael McCabe says, Fifty years of development were probably compressed into five. It was like a gold rush. Advertisement It sparked several investigations. A central point to arise from them one backed by scientists is the need to consider developments cumulatively. Each may have merit on their own, but can they be justified when added to the other stresses the reef is facing? As one government-commissioned review into the incident put it: Activities within the Port of Gladstone are unlikely to be the major or sole cause of decreased environmental conditions. But they may affect the ability of the environment to respond and recover from external pressure. No one wants to be on the "naughty list" during the holidays, particularly Gorman, the local, edgy label that was given the title by Oxfam this week for failing to disclose where its clothes are made. The brand, known for its quirky prints, has hit back at Oxfam's annual "naughty or nice" list with a statement that begins: "Gorman's decision not to publicly disclose the identity of its manufacturers is not 'naughty'." Gorman agrees that increased transparency would improve working conditions, however, they cite "commercial reasons" for not doing so. "[The] Gorman team have worked closely with their manufacturers on the development of techniques, trims and treatments that are key to Gorman's point-of-difference in the marketplace. We are currently not prepared to share the details of our manufacturers with our competitors," they said. This morning, the airwaves were full of news of the tragic loss of Tyrone Unsworth. The 13-year-old Year 7 student of Aspley State High School in Brisbane took his own life, after being bullied over his sexuality. Tyrone had suffered from homophobic bullying for years, being hospitalised not a month prior with severe injuries, violently assaulted by a fence paling so harshly that he needed surgery. Tyrone Unsworth, 13, who took his own life after being bullied. Credit:Facebook When he recovered, Tyrone was too frightened to return to school, fearing the harassment of his tormentors. His grieving mother Amanda spoke to Courier Mail, saying that "Tyrone ended up being gay and a lot of people started picking on him", that "He was a really feminine male, he loved fashion, he loved make-up and the boys always picked on him, calling him gay-boy, faggot, fairy; it was a constant thing from Year 5", and saying "I feel like these people who were bullying Tyrone are the cause of why he is not here anymore. They pushed him to the edge." The loss of Tyrone Unsworth is one of many tragedies met by homosexual youths across the world. It is a heart-rending end to the story of a fun-loving young boy, one dealing with bullying in the schoolyard. A convicted family day-care fraud who stole $3.6 million from taxpayers through her Aussie Giggles day care centre has allegedly been receiving Centrelink study payments for Indigenous students despite not being Indigenous, the NSW District Court has heard. Melissa Jade Higgins appeared before her bail hearing on Friday after being found guilty of more than 80 forgery and fraud offences that allowed her to amass a multi-million dollar fortune out of her family daycare centre on the NSW-Victorian border. Melissa Jade Higgins outside the Downing Centre for her bail hearing. Credit:Brook Mitchell Ms Higgins falsified claims for $180 an hour in subsidies for 14 children who were at risk of neglect or abuse and others that never attended her Aussie Giggles day care centre in Wodonga, netting her $225,000 a month over a two-year period between 2013 and 2015. The crown opposed bail due to the "unacceptable risk" of Ms Higgins not appearing before her sentencing due to the "inevitability of a custodial sentence," the imprisonment for one of her 81 convictions, dealing with the proceeds of crime valued at over $1 million, carries a maximum term of up to 25 years. A Goulburn district farmer given a suspended jail sentence on charges of aggravated cruelty to 31 of his sheep has accepted "full responsibility" for his actions. But he disputes claims from RSPCA NSW that "several hundred dead sheep" were found at his property. The RSPCA claims the inspector found a small amount of poor-quality pasture hay, with three sheep lying in it, at the man's property, and one with a lamb attempting to suckle. Credit:RSPCA Peter James Reardon, 39, pleaded guilty in Goulburn Local Court on Monday to five charges of aggravated cruelty to some of his flock, failure to provide veterinary treatment (for internal parasites), and failure to provide proper and sufficient food. He was convicted and given a 12-month suspended jail sentence and a two-year good behaviour bond. NSW state Labor MP Paul Gibson: "My name is Gibson, not Einstein." Credit:Brendan Esposito The newly minted ICAC commissioner Ian Temby QC was examining whether a police officer had received $250 a week for years to turn a blind eye to breaches of the licensing laws at a large hotel. The officer claimed the money was for "undercover security work" at the hotel, a claim rejected by Temby. Prostitute Tiffanie complained about 'wough kisses'. Credit:Wolter Peeters During that inquiry the commissioner gave an interview saying that the police had conducted three inquires into allegations of misconduct against licensing police at Sutherland and each concluded that nothing could be pursued. But the value of ICAC was trumpeted by Temby who told a newspaper that without ICAC the matter could not have been pursued. Louis Bayeh: wasn't able to answer ICAC's questions because he couldn't read or write and didn't keep a diary. Credit:Nick Moir Firebrand solicitor Chris Murphy went ballistic, alleging that Temby was grandstanding about Murphy's client (the dodgy police officer) to justify the existence of the ICAC. Temby's interview was "ill-judged and totally improper," said Murphy. Not even "a greyhound steward" would go to the press "in the middle of an inquiry", he railed. Labor MP Paul Gibson tried to prevent Commissioner Barry O'Keefe from returning the Supreme Court after his stint at ICAC ended. Gibson had been the subject of an incredibly vitriolic hearing in 1998 during which underworld figure Louis Bayeh claimed to have bribed Gibson by providing him with an array of goods including underwear, suits, jewellery, a mobile phone and a holiday in Fiji. The hearings got off to a less than promising start when Bayeh was asked when he first met Gibson. Bayeh: In a friend's house. Questioner: When? What year? Bayeh: I don't recall. Questioner: How long ago? Bayeh: I'm not sure Questioner: Approximately? Bayeh: Long time ago now. Questioner: 10 years, 20 years? Bayeh replied that he wasn't able to help because he couldn't read or write and didn't keep a diary. It was downhill from there with Chris Murphy, who was representing Gibson, calling Commissioner O'Keefe, "a failed old priest and former altar boy". In another exchange Gibson angrily said: "My name is Gibson, not Einstein," to which Commissioner O'Keefe retorted, "That's apparent." "You would know, you're such an intellect," said the NSW Labor MP. "Mr Gibson, that's very insulting." "So is what you said." When it came to Bayeh's cross-examination, Gibson's barrister, the acerbic Stuart Littlemore QC was ready to tear out what little hair he had left. When asked why his evidence had changed from three weeks earlier, Bayeh replied that was "because I listen more carefully now". When his former answers were read back to him and he was asked which version was true, Bayeh replied: "Before or now? Two of them is true." Mr Littlemore: They can't both be true. Bayeh: Yes it is. Littlemore put to Bayeh that he had bribed police in the past because he was a crook. "I'm not a crook," replied Bayeh. Littlemore: Well, what do you think a crook is? Bayeh: You tell me what crook [sic] mean. Littlemore: No, you tell me. Bayeh: No, you tell me. Littlemore: You're a criminal aren't you? Bayeh: You can say that. Littlemore: Well, anybody can say that? Bayeh: Just your opinion. Littlemore: Where are you now? Bayeh: In a jail. Gibson's legal team successfully appealed to the Supreme Court to have O'Keefe removed from the inquiry because of apprehended bias and Gibson later received a defamation payout of $85,000 from the commission over comments made by O'Keefe outside the hearing. In the wash-up Gibson was cleared of any wrongdoing, in part because Bayeh was too shonky a witness. But in the final report Gibson's credibility came under fire with the acting commissioner reporting, "I find myself utterly unable to have any confidence whatsoever in the truth or reliability of anything said by Gibson when it conflicts with the evidence of any other witnesses, other than Bayeh." Bounteous stupidity has been a hallmark of witnesses at ICAC inquiries. One of my favourites was a bill sent by private investigator Stephen James to Cigna Insurance. "To attend to your attorney's instruction to conduct certain inquiries in this matter, including the corrupting of several members of the Police Force and obtaining printouts relating to the man's criminal form, then drinking with them for long periods, and reporting as attached. "Hours: Many, but say four at $25.00 - $100.00. "Copies of printouts, compiling report, nursing hangover, mileage - nil charge." But often the most far-reaching changes to the system have been prompted by the dull but worthy inquiries which have attracted no media attention. Take the dull-as-dishwater report into Tendering for Vinyl Floor Products. Over a 14-year period, a buyer with the Government Stores Department had sole responsibility for the allocation of valuable contracts for floor coverings. The State Contracts Board accepted every single one of his recommendations. A man has been charged after he allegedly repeatedly raped a teenage girl and sent her lewd photographs via social media. The 19-year-old was arrested at Liverpool police station, in Sydney's west, on Thursday and charged with 12 child sex offences. Police will allege the man repeatedly sexually assaulted the girl at a property in NSW between mid-October and November this year. Detectives from the Child Abuse Squad received a report about the alleged abuse earlier this week. The man has now been charged with five counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child under 16 and four counts of aggravated indecent assault. An air and sea search off the Queensland coast for a missing trawler is likely "to be scaled back" after no trace of the vessel was found. A Queensland Police spokeswoman said the search for the vessel, which stopped communications on November 12, had resumed on Sunday and covered "a large area". The RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter conducted an extensive search on Saturday along the south-east Queensland coast, but found no trace of the missing trawler. Credit:RACQ LifeFlight Rescue However a helicopter, two police vessels and foot patrols along the coast had been unsuccessful. She said the situation and survival probability would most likely be assessed tonight and the search "probably scaled back". Police were called to his Alexandra Hills home before midnight on Tuesday, to find him dead and the man who allegedly stabbed him with stab wounds which police believe were self-inflicted. Mr Corcoran was slain inside his home, allegedly stabbed to death by his girlfriend's former partner. Daryl Corcoran's cousin has given tribute to him after he was slain on Tuesday. Mr Corcoran is pictured centre-left. Credit:Facebook The 37-year-old, who was killed on Tuesday, was a larrikin and he was all about family. Mr Corcoran's cousin, Jodie Thompson, said he was the kind of man to lend a hand and make people laugh. "He was my cousin and he was a great mate, one of those people who would take his shirt off his back for you," she said. "He was a larrikin, he also used to find trouble wherever he could. I remember when he was younger and his mates found some detonators and decided to play with them and he actually lost a few of his fingers for it." But for the trouble he caused she said he was a "good bloke", despite a rough start. "He found trouble, but he was a really good bloke, he lost his father when he was younger to a motor vehicle accident," Ms Thompson said. Former Queensland politician Scott Driscoll has admitted to soliciting thousands of dollars in secret commissions and falsifying records during his term as the Member for Redcliffe. Driscoll was expected to stand trial in the Brisbane District Court next week but on Friday pleaded guilty to 15 charges, including fraud. The 41-year-old was released on bail and is due to be sentenced next year on March 6. The former Liberal National Party MP won office in the Newman government's landslide in the March 2012 election victory. A Queensland Rail employee who was dragged along a railway station platform by a train has had an application for compensation rejected for a fifth time. Kristina Connor's application says that she was injured on May 16, 2013, after she was dragged along a platform after being struck by a train door. A woman who says she was dragged by a train has had her claim for damages rejected. Credit:Jorge Branco According to her claim, Ms Connor was at the rear cab door using her foot to keep the door open when the train took off. She was then hit by the door and pushed off the train, causing her to be dragged alongside. Few people took Donald Trump seriously when he said in March that he'd "get Apple to start making their computers and their iPhones on our land, not in China". But his election appears to have caused a change of heart. Apple has reportedly asked the two Asian companies that assemble the bulk of its iPhones to assess whether they can bring the work to the US. One of them, Foxconn, has agreed to look into the matter. The US lacks the workforce and supply chains necessary for Apple to move its iPhone operation back home. Credit:AP Trump's supporters have embraced this news as a sign of his power to persuade wayward corporations to make America great again. But as Apple and its manufacturing partners know, and as President Trump will soon find out, it'll never happen. The US lacks the workforce and supply chains necessary for Apple to move its iPhone operation back home. And more to the point, Americans shouldn't want it to. Two girls have been arrested and two people are still on the run after a high-speed chase involving a luxury car on a busy highway north of Melbourne. The driver, believed to be a 15-year-old boy, was seen driving up to 120km/h through Victorian towns, narrowly missing pedestrians and almost colliding with a semi-trailer. He is one of two people known to police still on the run on Friday night. Police first spotted the car, which looks to be a BMW, driving erratically in Thomastown about 2pm before it headed to Whittlesea. Melbourne is set to become so choked by cars in coming decades that the average speed during the morning peak will drop to just 31 kilometres an hour even with billions of dollars of planned road and rail upgrades. In a depressing analysis of the challenges facing Australia's fastest growing city, Infrastructure Victoria bluntly warns it will be impossible for Melbourne to build its way out of congestion. Ramping up the case for a new regime of road pricing to better manage demand by replacing the inefficient and unfair melange of charges faced by motorists including fuel excise, rego fees, licence fees, stamp duty, tolls and parking fees the infrastructure adviser warns frustrations for drivers and public transport users will only grow. "Building more transport infrastructure to fix road congestion without managing demand is financially and environmentally unsustainable," the report says. As dark clouds and rain came in over his Roxburgh Park home on Monday evening, Ranjith Peiris went out to put the car undercover. By the time he was back inside, just minutes later, the 57-year-old grandfather was struggling to breathe. His wife, Ann, rushed him into the family room while their daughter, Tania, called for an ambulance. His son, Roshan, arrived home just before he blacked out. "I came in and I could tell Dad was really struggling," Roshan told Fairfax Media on Friday. "He was sweating badly ... He looked up at me and he was trying really hard to breathe." Controversial Melbourne figure Father John Walshe has resigned from his position as parish priest in Melbourne's south east, following a parent-led campaign calling for him to step down. In a bulletin leaked to Fairfax Media on Friday, Father Walsh announced he would be stepping down after nearly 25 years in the job. Father Walshe conducts Mass in October after returning from Ireland The news was to be circulated at the Mentone-Parkdale parish mass on Saturday evening. "I have this week, with the agreement of the archbishop, submitted my resignation from the office of parish priest of the Parish of Mentone-Parkdale," he said in the statement. A man who threatened to burn down his home near Mandurah in a four-hour standoff with police has been arrested. The man who had been holed up in his Golden Bay house since 9am on Friday, was refusing to negotiate with police and made threats to set the building on fire. Man has been arrested after threatening to burn down his Golden Bay home. Credit:Mandurah Mail There had been reports there were kids in the house, but it turned out the man was alone and had barricaded himself inside. Fire crews and police were at the scene, including officers from the Tactical Response Group. Exclusive late-night venue Malt Supper Club is set to re-open on Friday night under new management. Just last week WAtoday broke the news the Mt Lawley venue had gone into liquidation, with an application to wind the bar up on behalf of the deputy commissioner of taxation successful, and Pitcher Partners appointed as liquidator. Malt Supper Club looks set to re-open. But now those moves have come to a halt after members of Malt's management banded together to continue to operate, with Marston Hospitality Services Perth overseeing operations. Marston director Jamie Rhodes said Malt would open its doors on Friday night and also hold its sixth birthday party on Saturday night after the event was cancelled last week. The continuing investigation into last year's murder of Armadale father Malcolm Taylor, strangled and dumped in the bush, has resulted in a third person being charged over with murder. Major Crime Squad detectives have charged a 39-year-old Kenwick woman with murder, alleged to have occurred at a house on Kenwick Road, Kenwick, on April 29, 2015, before Mr Taylor's body was found in bushland north of Lancelin. The woman will appear at Perth Magistrates Court on Friday. The details of the allegation is not yet known. Dean Karel Lambert Reinders, 38, was convicted and sentenced to at least 19 years in prison in December after his extradition from New South Wales in May to face a murder charge. Former Claremont Mayor, Peter Weygers, who was once named as "a person of interest" by police for the unsolved Claremont serial killings told Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan he had "ruined his life" during a bizarre run-in last week. According to The Post Newspaper, Mr O'Callaghan and a photographer pulled up in a car outside a house Mr Weygers owned and was visiting briefly, sparking the former child psychologist to "tremble with fear". The Continental Hotel in Claremont, is pivotal to the Claremont serial killer investigation. Credit:Tony Mcdonough "My first thought last Thursday was that the Commissioner himself had come to arrest me on camera," the 72-year-old told The Post. "Either he was coming to apologise for the police leading people to believe I was the Claremont serial killer, or he was going to arrest me for it." Jerusalem: More than 60,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in Israel's third-largest city, Haifa,, as firefighters battle massive blazes that have spread to urban areas. Five countries, including Russia and Turkey, sent firefighting planes to assist Israel in tackling the fires, which officials said may have been started intentionally. Israel's internal security agencies are looking into the causes of the blazes, which started on Monday night and have broken out in several other places around the country. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Haifa on Thursday evening to meet with fire and police chiefs. He said that if the fires were started by arsonists, those responsible "will be punished gravely". Netanyahu said anyone implicated in setting the fires would be punished severely. Budapest: Hungary's prime minister said he'll no longer be considered a "black sheep" in the eyes of the US after speaking with Donald Trump, who has invited him to visit Washington. In a phone conversation, the president-elect "made it clear he thinks highly of Hungary," Viktor Orban said in an interview published in the Vilaggazdasag business daily on Friday. President Barack Obama has shunned Orban during his two terms, having never held a bilateral meeting with the NATO ally leader and criticizing him for eroding democracy. Trump "invited me to Washington, and I replied that it's been a while since I've been there, since they treated me like 'black sheep,' " Orban said in the interview, without specifying when the phone call happened. "He laughed and he said they treated him the same way." Trump spoke to Orban in a round of courtesy calls to leaders who "offered their congratulations," according to e-mailed statement on Friday from Trump's transition office in New York. Trump also spoke to the prime ministers of Greece and Sweden and the presidents of Panama and Slovenia over the past several days, it said. Baghdad: A suicide truck bomb killed about 100 people, most of them Iranian Shiite pilgrims, at a petrol station in the city of Hilla 100km south of Baghdad on Thursday, police and medical sources said. Islamic State, the ultra hard-line Sunni militant group that considers all Shiites to be apostates, claimed responsibility the attack in an online statement. An Iraqi policeman stands guard as Shiite pilgrims march to Karbala for the Arbaeen ritual in Baghdad, Iraq, on Tuesday. Credit:AP The devastating attack came two days after Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi applauded the security forces for protecting the millions of Shiites who have flowed through southern Iraq in recent days for what many consider the world's largest religious pilgrimage, larger even than the hajj in Saudi Arabia. Until the bombing, the event had been carried out safely. That was seen as a success for al-Abadi and the military, and was hailed as a sign that the government could keep pushing a major offensive against the Islamic State group in Mosul, while protecting pilgrims in the south. Istanbul: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened on Friday to open the floodgates of migrants into Europe again, apparently in response to a move to suspend talks on Turkey's membership in the European Union. "You did not keep your word," the president said in a speech here, addressing Europe. "You cried out when 50,000 refugees were at the Kapikule border," he said, referring to the border crossing with Bulgaria, one of the busiest in the world even in normal times. "You started asking what you would do if Turkey would open the gates. Look at me -- if you go further, those border gates will be open. You should know that." Erdogan was referring to an agreement between Turkey and the European Union in which the bloc gives Turkey up to 6 billion euros (about $8.5 billion) through 2018 in exchange for Turkish cooperation on keeping migrants from crossing into Europe. The agreement mandated an acceleration of talks on Turkey's joining the union, which the European Parliament voted on Thursday to suspend. The internet went wild with imagery of Hillary Clinton's stumble. Credit:Twitter Some players in this online echo chamber were knowingly part of the propaganda campaign, the researchers concluded, while others were "useful idiots" - a term born of the Cold War to describe people or institutions that unknowingly assisted Soviet Union propaganda efforts. The Russian campaign during this election season, researchers from both groups say, worked by harnessing the online world's fascination with "buzzy" content that is surprising and emotionally potent, and tracks with popular conspiracy theories about how secret forces dictate world events. Britain's National Health Services was used as part of the Leave campaign. Credit:Getty Images Some of these stories originated with RT and Sputnik, state-funded Russian information services that mimic the style and tone of independent news organisations yet sometimes include false and misleading stories in their reports, the researchers say. On other occasions, RT, Sputnik and other Russian sites used social-media accounts to amplify misleading stories already circulating online, causing news algorithms to identify them as "trending" topics that sometimes prompted coverage from mainstream American news organisations. The speed and coordination of these efforts allowed Russian-backed phony news to outcompete traditional news organisations for audience. Some of the first and most alarming tweets after Clinton fell ill at a Sept. 11 memorial event in New York, for example, came from Russian botnets and trolls, researchers found. (She was treated for pneumonia and returned to the campaign trail a few days later.) Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to "break the Anglo-Saxon monopoly on the global information streams". Credit:AP This followed a spate of other misleading stories in August about Clinton's supposedly troubled health. The Daily Beast debunked a particularly widely read piece in an article that reached 1700 Facebook accounts and was read online more than 30,000 times. But the PropOrNot researchers found that the version supported by Russian propaganda reached 90,000 Facebook accounts and was read more than 8 million times. The researchers said the true Daily Beast story was like "shouting into a hurricane" of false stories supported by the Russians. This propaganda machinery also helped push the phony story that an anti-Trump protester was paid thousands of dollars to participate in demonstrations, an allegation initially made by a self-described satirist and later repeated publicly by the Trump campaign. Researchers from both groups traced a variety of other false stories - fake reports of a coup launched at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey and stories about how the United States was going to conduct a military attack and blame it on Russia - to Russian propaganda efforts. Retired general Michael Flynn, Trump's national security adviser, travelled to Russia last year for a gala sponsored by the network, RT. Credit:AP The final weeks of the campaign featured a heavy dose of stories about supposed election irregularities, allegations of vote-rigging and the potential for Election Day violence should Clinton win, researchers said. "The way that this propaganda apparatus supported Trump was equivalent to some massive amount of a media buy," said the executive director of PropOrNot, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid being targeted by Russia's legions of skilled hackers. "It was like Russia was running a super PAC for Trump's campaign. . . . It worked." Hillary Clinton targeted by Russia. He and other researchers expressed concern that the US government has few tools for detecting or combating foreign propaganda. They expressed hope that their research detailing the power of Russian propaganda would spur official action. A former US ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, said he was struck by the overt support that RT and Sputnik expressed for Trump during the campaign, even using the #CrookedHillary hashtag pushed by the candidate. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton waves as she walks from her daughter's apartment building on September 11, 2016, in New York, two hours after the incident. Credit:AP McFaul said Russian propaganda typically is aimed at weakening opponents and critics. Trump's victory, though reportedly celebrated by Putin and his allies in Moscow, may have been an unexpected benefit of an operation that already had fueled division in the United States. "They don't try to win the argument," said McFaul, now director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University. "It's to make everything seem relative. It's kind of an appeal to cynicism." The Kremlin has repeatedly denied interfering in the US election or hacking the accounts of election officials. "This is some sort of nonsense," Dmitry Peskov, press secretary for Putin, said last month when US officials accused Russia of penetrating the computers of the Democratic National Committee and other political organisations. Fake news from before the US election. The findings about the mechanics of Russian propaganda operations largely track previous research by the Rand Corp. and George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. "They use our technologies and values against us to sow doubt," said Robert Orttung, a GWU professor who studies Russia. "It's starting to undermine our democratic system." Not even all fake news is political The Rand report - which dubbed Russian propaganda efforts a "firehose of falsehood" because of their speed, power and relentlessness - traced the country's current generation of online propaganda work to the 2008 incursion into neighbouring Georgia, when Russia sought to blunt international criticism of its aggression by pushing alternative explanations online. The same tactics, researchers said, helped Russia shape international opinions about its 2014 annexation of Crimea and its military intervention in Syria, which started last year. Russian propaganda operations also worked to promote the "Brexit" departure of Britain from the European Union. Fake news stories abounded on Facebook in the US election campaign. Another crucial moment, several researchers say, came in 2011 when the party of Russian President Vladimir Putin was accused of rigging elections, sparking protests that Putin blamed the Obama administration - and then-Secretary of State Clinton - for instigating. Putin, a former KGB officer, announced his desire to "break the Anglo-Saxon monopoly on the global information streams" during a 2013 visit to the broadcast center for RT, formerly known as Russia Today. "For them, it's actually a real war, an ideological war, this clash between two systems," said Sufian Zhemukhov, a former Russian journalist conducting research at GWU. "In their minds, they're just trying to do what the West does to Russia." RT broadcasts news reports worldwide in several languages, but the most effective way it reaches US audiences is online. Its English-language flagship YouTube channel, launched in 2007, has 1.85 million subscribers and has had a total of 1.8 billion views, making it more widely viewed than CNN's YouTube channel, according to a George Washington University report this month. Though widely seen as a propaganda organ, the Russian site has gained credibility with some American conservatives. Trump sat for an interview with RT in September. His nominee for national security adviser, retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, travelled to Russia last year for a gala sponsored by the network. He later compared it to CNN. The content from Russian sites has offered ready fodder for US-based websites pushing far-right conservative messages. A former contractor for one, the Next News Network, said he was instructed by the site's founder, Gary Franchi to weave together reports from traditional sources such as The Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times with ones from RT, Sputnik and others that provided articles that often spread explosively online. "The readers are more likely to share the fake stories, and they're more profitable," said Dyan Bermeo, who said he helped assemble scripts and book guests for Next News Network before leaving because of a pay dispute and concerns that "fake news" was crowding out real news. In just the past 90 days - a period that has included the closing weeks of the campaign, Election Day and its aftermath - the YouTube audience of Next News Network has jumped from a few hundred thousand views a day to a few million, according to analytics firm Tubular Labs. In October alone, videos from Next News Network were viewed more than 56 million times. Loading POND ISLAND:--- On Monday November 28, 2016, Dr. Francio Guadeloupe, President of the University of St. Martin (USM), will be delivering the keynote address at the third educational conference of the BES islands. The conference which will be held on Sint Eustatius coincides with the signing of the Education Agenda 2017-2020, aimed at improving the education offered on primary and secondary school levels on all three islands of the Dutch Caribbean. When ask to comment on the invitation and his presentation, Dr. Guadeloupe stated, it is a sign of slow but steady confidence throughout the Kingdom that the USM has been asked to be part of this conference. The work we have been doing with regards to transition from Dutch to English as the language of instruction on Sint Eustatius, no doubt played a role. In addition the progress we have made on St. Martin in delivering quality education and publishing in peer review academic journals. The education agenda is an important and visionary document, so my talk will be a reflection on that piece. I will seek to highlight its many promises and uncharted roads that if taken will benefit the people living on our sister islands. The Netherlands Antilles does not exist anymore, but our connection remains and USM is committed to contributing to the development of the intellectual capacities and self-realization of our cousins on Saba, Sint Eustatius and Bonaire. The conference will be held in the Lions Den on St. Eustatius and will be attended by the Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, Honorable Jet Bussemaker and several other dignitaries from the Dutch Caribbean islands and the Netherlands. USM Press Release POND ISLAND:--- On Thursday, November 24, 2016 the Council of Ministers met with the management of the three major industries operating in the Cay Bay area SOL, US Laundry and NV GEBE - to discuss the environmental and health situation at hand. While Minister of Education, Ms. Silveria Jacobs, has been addressing the situation in the Cay Bay area for the last couple of weeks, the complaints of residents in that area as well as of the Miss Lalie Center have increased. For this reason, the Council upon request of Minister Jacobs called for the urgent meetings. SOL, represented by the Operations Manager Mr. Robert James and Mr. Bernard Cumberbatch, Senior Engineer from SOL Corporate office, explained to the Council that the company is the distributor of end products to their users; no processing of any of their products occurs. SOL, which has been in operation on St. Maarten over the last 11 years, adheres to strict rules and regulations in accordance with its 11 existing policies among which is its Health Safety and Environment Policy. Yearly audits are conducted which form the basis of the ratings of the company. This is all part of the vision and mission of SOL which adheres to the central themes of safety, service and integrity, according to the representatives of SOL. In addition Minister of VROMI, Mr. Angel Meyers, elucidated that SOL is in its final stage of obtaining a hindrance permit from the Ministry. SOL has been working closely with the ministry on this matter for the last years, which the permit will aid in the adherence of proper environmental regulations. Mr. Hans van der Moot, representative of US Laundry, subsequently provided the Council with an update. The recent problem with the fuel pump has been solved and general checks are done on a consistent basis. The outcome of the general checks will be shared with the Council and can be shared to provide insight to the residents of the area and the parents of the students attending Leonald Conner School. A hindrance permit for the company is in place; hence the company needs to meet certain government standards and undergo regular controls to maintain the required level. GEBE management team - CEO Mr. Kendrick Chittick, COO Mrs. Veronica Webster-Jansen and CFO Mrs. Iris Arrindell elucidated on the steps to be undertaken by GEBE. One of these includes to have the majority of their engines, including the new upcoming one for the month of December, run on natural gas which eliminates the emission of any gas. Solar Energy was also discussed as an option. The Government is currently in the process of reviewing GEBEs request for a solar project. The Council requested for GEBE to prepare a timeline of the actions planned to reduce the environmental situation in the Cay Bay area and to ensure that the general public, and in particular, the residents of the area are aware of the remedies undertaken by them. Considering that the sulfur dioxide level was as zero in the classrooms with air-conditioning, the Council relied on the good corporate citizenship of all three companies to provide the necessary (financial) means to rewire the electrical system at the Leonald Conner School and furnish all classrooms with air-conditioning. A formal letter to this effect will be sent to each company. Though no firm commitment could be made by the representatives present, all were willing to consider the request. The Council is aware that it is not the final solution of the situation at hand, but it will allow the children of the school to return safely to their own classrooms. In the meantime, testing of the environmental and health situation will continue; NV GEBE committed to have a full testing executed to ascertain the level of roughly 9 gasses in the air. The results can be concluded in approximately 3 weeks once the contract has been signed. The outcome will be communicated to those concerned. The Ministry of VROMI will also conduct an independent study on the air quality in the area to aid in the determination of the source and possible solutions moving forward. Minister Jacobs, in particular, was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting. She stated that the information provided shed more light on the environmental and health situation at hand and showed the willingness for and cooperation of the three companies to facilitate an immediate solution for the Leonald Conner School. These meetings also showed willingness of all concerned to investigate and remedy the situation in the interest of environmental and public health. The situation at Cay Bay area will continue to have the Councils full attention. GREAT BAY:--- The future writers of books about St. Martin Thanksgiving (first Sunday in December) and our other cultural ways, historical people, family stories, and other aspects of our beautiful island are the children of today, said author Felecita Williams this week. Williams is not just hoping to have St. Martin writers in the future. She got an opportunity to convert an Ive got talent writing class into a book writing workshop for children ages seven to 12 at a vacation camp in Cole Bay. The original idea was to write a story about their talent but the entire exercise became how to write their own book. There were about thirty-seven kids total, said Williams. The author conducted the workshop last July for the Christian Fellowship Church Vocational Bible School (VBS). I began by sharing that I wrote a book about my own story. I showed them my book; explained that a book has a title, which is on the front cover with the authors name, and sometimes with the authors picture on the back cover. I talked about the inside of the book, which is a story with a beginning and an ending, said Williams. I shared writing and publishing tips that I remembered from my editor Mr. Sekou and House of Nehesi when they worked on publishing my story in book form, said Williams. Williamss book, Because of Prayer (2010), is about her life-threatening health and medical experiences that started at age seven and that led to her kidney transplant at age 18. After explaining how a book is put together I gave them a little assignment to write and title their own books. They had to draw and color their books, said Williams. I remembered what Mr. Sekou said about George Lamming, how we can use our island resources to create and, so, to decorate their books the children used shells from the beach that they had collected before my class, said Williams. Williams said that she divided the children into age groups with a head teacher that mainly assisted them. The majority of the kids were enthusiastic to write their story and make their own book which they now have. A few did not want to write at first, but in the end they all accomplished their assignment with what I think was amazing talent! said Williams. I can remember hearing more than one child asking, Teacher, can I help you? as I was laying out and completing the books. We even made up the AMBER Publishing & Production company to publish the books, said Williams. At the end of the VBS vacation camp week the hand-crafted books were displayed on a book table for the parents, other family members, and friends of the children to see, said Williams. Since the publication of her own Because of Prayer, Williams has regularly given motivation talks at schools in St. Martin. She has also traveled in the Caribbean, the USA, and the Netherlands for readings and book signings. Will Da Nangs plan to attract talent fail? Da Nang City The dispute between Da Nang City authorities and professionals who have studied abroad with city funding reveals the problems with the program on attracting talented experts. VietNamNet Bridge - The dispute between Da Nang City authorities and professionals who have studied abroad with city funding reveals the problems with the program on attracting talented experts.Da Nang authorities, in an effort to attract talented workers to the city, launched 10 years ago Project 922 which sent excellent researchers and university lecturers to overseas training courses with city funding. The trainees promised to come back to Da Nang and work for city agencies.It is estimated that about VND600 billion has been disbursed in the last 10 years to fund the studies of Project 922.However, many researchers did not return and stayed overseas to seek better job opportunities or continue studying. As a result, Da Nang City has sued the trainees, asking to reimburse the training cost.A question has been raised if Da Nang and other cities/provinces should continue running the program.In September 2010, Huynh Van Long was sent abroad to study civil construction at Nottingham University in the UK for four years.Long and city authorities signed a contract which stipulates that Long would receive 100 percent of the training cost, including tuition, healthcare insurance, air tickets and a stipend of $1,000 a month.The total training cost, estimated at VND2.6 billion, was paid by the citys budget, while Long had to promise that he would return to Da Nang to work for the citys agencies for at least seven years.If Long broke the contract, Long and his family would have to offer compensation five times higher than the money paid by the city.However, Long has not returned, though he finished studying in July 2014.Huynh Buu, Longs father, said Long wants to stay in the UK for three more years to continue studying for a doctorate with his own money, and would return to Da Nang three years later than initially planned.In a similar case, Le Tuan Anh left Da Nang for France to study at Compiegne Technology University (UTC) in 2006, but did not return. The total amount of money Anh received from the city was VND919 million.However, Anh, citing financial problems, decided to terminate the training course early and returned to Da Nang.In February 2012, Anh was hired by the Da Nang City Information and Communication Department. However, in September 2013, Anh decided to voluntarily leave to attend a training course in France for a masters degree. PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday, November 24, 2016, at approximately eight twenty (20.20) in the evening the Police Central Dispatch was informed of a robbery that had taken place at the Wah Yun Chinese supermarket at the intersection of the Union and Narrow road in Cole Bay. After the establishment was robbed the suspect fled the scene on an awaiting scooter with another suspect. The detective department is busy investigating the circumstances surrounding this case. KPSM Press Release Two-thirds majority reached Posted by Publisher Internet At the bondholders? meeting of Meyer Burger Technology Ltd (SIX Swiss Exchange: MBTN), held in Zurich on 25 November 2016, the bondholders have approved the proposed amendments of the terms of the convertible bond with the legally required quorum of a majority of two-thirds of the total outstanding nominal amount of the convertible bond. The resolutions still need to be approved by the High Court of the Canton of Berne. With the positive resolutions at the bondholders? meeting, the first condition in implementing the recapitalisation programme has been reached and this represents an important step for the successful recapitalisation of the company. Meyer Burger had announced a comprehensive recapitalisation programme on 8 November 2016 and had published further details to it on 11 November 2016. At the bondholders? meeting, a total of CHF 73.035 million of nominal bond value was represented, corresponding to 73.035% of the total outstanding nominal amount of the CHF 100 million convertible bond (due in 2020). Under agenda item 3.a, the bondholders? meeting approved the proposed amendment of terms of the convertible bond with 73.035% of the total outstanding nominal amount of the convertible bond: Removal of the investor put (right to request an early repayment of the bonds). Increase of the coupon from 4.0% to 5.5% per annum (retroactively as of 24 September 2016). Significant reduction of the conversion price from previously CHF 11.39 per Meyer Burger share. The conversion price shall be reset to 25.0% above the average of the daily volume-weighted average share prices (VWAPs) of the Meyer Burger shares in a period expected between 3 January 2017 and 30 January 2017, but at least 25.0% above the offer price which will be determined by the company?s Board of Directors for the newly issued shares in connection with the ordinary capital increase and not more than 25.0% above a maximum price which shall be determined depending on a theoretical value of the Meyer Burger share ex pre-emptive right and on the offer price. Under agenda item 3.b, the bondholders? meeting approved Schellenberg Wittmer AG as the new bondholders? representative with 100% of the nominal amount of the bonds represented at the bondholders? meeting. The planned amendments of the terms of the convertible bond in connection with agenda item 3.a are conditional upon the following: An increase of the company?s share capital. The registration of the increase of the company?s conditional capital with the register of commerce in a minimum amount which is sufficient for the purpose of covering the conversion rights of the bondholders due to the amended terms of the bonds. The written confirmation of the agreement between the lending banks and the company that the bank facilities (guarantee facility and loan secured by mortgage certificates) have been extended by three years each. In order for the amendments of the convertible bonds under agenda item 3.a to become effective, the resolutions of the bondholders? meeting also have to be approved by the High Court of the Canton of Berne. The approval becomes final when either no appeal to the Federal Court has been filed within the legally prescribed period of 30 days after the publication of the approval by the High Court of the Canton of Berne or an appeal has been rejected. The Board of Directors and theManagement of Meyer Burger thank the bondholders for their approval and support in the implementation of the recapitalisation programme. Expected further timetable of the recapitalisation programme 02 December 2016 10.00 am CET: Start of Extraordinary Shareholders? Meeting of Meyer Burger Technology Ltd. Following the Shareholders? Meeting: Press release regarding the resolutions of the Extraordinary Shareholders? Meeting. 05 December 2016 Publication of Offering Memorandum. 06 December 2016 After close of trading on SIX Swiss Exchange: Record date for determination of existing shareholders for the entitlement of subscription rights. Shareholders who acquire shares after the record date will acquire shares without entitlement to subscription rights. 07 December 2016 Start of trading in subscription rights and start of the rights exercise period. 13 December 2016 End of rights trading period. 15 December 2016 12.00 noon CET: End of rights exercise period. After close of trading on SIX Swiss Exchange: Press release regarding the number of exercised subscription rights. 16 December 2016 First day of trading in the new shares. 19 December 2016 Settlement and delivery of the new shares against payment of the offer price. This press release may contain specific forward-looking statements, e.g. statements including terms like believe, assume, expect, forecast, project, may, could, might, will or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties, readers should not rely on forward-looking statements. Meyer Burger Technology Ltd assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments. This press release serves informational purposes and constitutes neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy any securities. A public offer of securities of Meyer Burger Technology Ltd has not yet taken place. Any securities orders received prior to the commencement of the offer period will be rejected. This press release does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of Article 652a of the Swiss Code of Obligations nor a listing prospectus within the meaning of the listing rules of SIX Swiss Exchange. This press release is not being issued in the United States of America (United States), Australia, Canada or Japan and must not be distributed into such countries or via publications with a general circulation in such countries. This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation to purchase any securities in the United States. The securities of Meyer Burger Technology Ltd have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (Securities Act), and may not be offered, sold or delivered within the United States absent from registration under or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the United States securities laws. This document does neither constitute an offer of securities nor a prospectus in the meaning of the applicable German law. Any offer of securities to the public that may be deemed to be made pursuant to this communication is only addressed to qualified investors within the meaning of Sec. 3 Para. 2 No. 1 German Securities Prospectus Act (Wertpapierprospektgesetz ? WpPG). Any offer of securities to the public that may be deemed to be made pursuant to this communication in any EEA Member State that has implemented Directive 2003/71/EC (together with any applicable implementing measures in any Member State, the Prospectus Directive) is only addressed to qualified investors in that Member State within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive. This document is directed only at persons (i) who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended) (the Order) or (iii) who fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as Relevant Persons). Any person who is not a Relevant Person must not act or rely on this communication or any of its contents. Any investment or investment activity to which this communication relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons. Meyer Burger is a leading global technology company specialising on innovative systems and processes based on semiconductor technologies. The companys focus is on photovoltaics (solar industry) while its competencies and technologies also cover important areas of the semiconductor and the optoelectronic industries as well as other selected high-end markets based on semiconductor materials. Over the past ten years, Meyer Burger has risen to the forefront of the photovoltaic market and established itself as an international premium brand by offering superior precision products and innovative technologies. Meyer Burgers offering in systems, production equipment and services along the photovoltaic value chain includes the manufacturing processes for wafers, solar cells, solar modules and solar systems. Meyer Burger provides substantial added value to its customers and clearly differentiates itself from its competitors by focusing on the entire value chain. The companys comprehensive product portfolio is complemented by a worldwide service network with spare parts, consumables, process know-how, customer support, after-sales services, training and other services. Meyer Burger is represented in Europe, Asia and North America in the respective key markets and has subsidiaries and own service centres in China, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan and the USA. The company is also working intensively to develop new markets such as South America, Africa and the Arab region. The registered shares of Meyer Burger Technology Ltd are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (Ticker: MBTN). Free family fun was on the agenda Tuesday night in Clinton Township, as the popular Sledding Hill was the place to be on a splendid fall evening. A guide to voter rights in Indiana. What you need to know before you cast a ballot Georgetown, SC (29440) Today Sun and clouds mixed. High around 75F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some passing clouds. Low near 55F. Winds light and variable. Welcome to SwanseaOnline - your home for the best news, sports and what's on coverage of the city. Never miss a Swansea story with our daily newsletter Sign up to comment on our stories here Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Swansea City news | Ospreys news | InYourArea There is an apocryphal story, dating back to the mid-18th century, about a famous Paris astronomer who would stand on one of the Seine bridges on nights when the variable star Algol was in eclipse, to point out this remarkable phenomenon to passersby. Today, more than 250 years later, the periodic brightness changes of Algol remain a fascinating sight to anyone who knows when to look and what to look for. And for skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere, the star can be found high overhead around 10:30 p.m. local time. Algol is in the constellation of Perseus, the Hero. To some, the constellation resembles an inverted fleur-de-lis (a stylized three-petal lily or iris, used in France as an armorial emblem). One branch curves toward the bright star Capella, the center points to the Pleiades, and the third ends in two stars, one of which is Algol, the so-called "Demon Star," one of the most famous variable stars in the sky (meaning one that changes in apparent brightness). [How to Choose the Best Telescope for Your Money] Ghoulish characteristics Algol is derived from the Arabic word meaning "prankster." The English word "ghoul" comes from the same source. Some believe the star Algol is so called because it seems to periodically "wink," (like a prankster might). Thus, its name seems to suggest that the medieval Arabs were perhaps aware of its marked changes in brightness. In 1782, amateur astronomer John Goodricke (1764-1786) realized that this star was really a pair of stars orbiting a common center of gravity, and that when the dimmer of the two crossed in front of the other, the light from Algol appeared to fade. Because the entire eclipse takes 9 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish, it's possible to see the star dim and then return to peak brightness in a single night when the timing is right. This stellar eclipse occurs like clockwork at intervals of 68 hours and 48 minutes. Recent observations have shown that this interval can sometimes vary by a few minutes, but predictions of future eclipses are still quite accurate. Algol is 510 light-years from Earth. Normally, it appears 3.3 times brighter than during the peak of the eclipse (when it is dimmest); it usually shines at magnitude 2.1, about equal to the star Almach (Gamma Andromedae). But when Algol is at minimum light, it fades to about magnitude 3.3, or about equal to Alpha Trianguli. While diminished light lasts nearly 10 hours, the eclipse begins and ends so gradually that most of the fading and subsequent brightening takes place within the 2 hours before and 2 hours after mid-eclipse. When and where to look This week, Algol can be found almost directly overhead around 10:30 p.m. local time. When darkness falls during the early evening hours it can be found about halfway up in the northeast sky. After its overhead passage, it spends the rest of the night slowly descending into the northwest sky, and will be quite low to the horizon at the break of dawn. The table below gives the dates and local times for the next six eclipses that can be observed from parts of North America. When an asterisk (*) is used, it means that the eclipse will occur not on the date listed, but on the previous calendar day. "N.O." stands for "Not Observable," since the eclipse takes place too near to sunset and the sky will simply be too bright to see the star. The variable star Algol appears to grow dimmer on a regular cycle. This table shows the dates and times of the star's expected dip in brightness. (Image credit: Joe Rao) Two hours before the predicted minimum, start checking Algol's brightness. If you are observing casually, a look every half hour is sufficient; if you are trying to determine the time of mid-eclipse, 10-minute intervals are better. Algol is at minimum light for about 20 minutes as the large, dim star passes across the smaller, brighter one then it gradually returns to normal. Joe Rao serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York's Hayden Planetarium. He writes about astronomy for Natural History magazine, the Farmer's Almanac and other publications, and he is also an on-camera meteorologist for News 12 Westchester, N.Y. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. The Mars Society is conducting the ambitious two-phase Mars 160 Twin Desert-Arctic Analogue mission to 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 eighth dispatch from the mission: If we find life on Mars, it will either be microbial or fossilized and living under extreme conditions. The huge diversity of microbes on Earth and their long evolutionary history make them excellent candidates for Earthly models of Martian life. For this reason, many studies of microbial life on Mars analogue sites here on Earth are focused on the extremophiles or those microbes that live in areas where conditions are extreme, in terms of temperature or chemical composition. Mars 160 is a twin desert study in a Mars analogue setting with the goal of characterizing life in extreme environments, advancing the understanding of the limits and constraints on life and defining protocols for future successful planetary scientific exploration. On our mission, field science team members carry out field and lab work as part of a multidisciplinary crew at an analogue planetary habitat, while simulating a crew on Mars. [See more Mars 160 photos here, and get daily images by the Mars 160 crew] This week I'd like to introduce you to our crew science team and talk about the science return as well as mention the science operations for the Mars 160 mission. Shannon Rupert, our principal investigator. (Image credit: The Mars Society) Ecologist Shannon Rupert, our Mars 160 principal investigator, coordinates the science program for the whole expedition. For her, there are two main goals for the mission. The first is to look for life in extreme environments by examining patterns of biodiversity and distribution of organisms within geologic microhabitats here on Earth that we suspect have analogues on Mars. Shannon told me, "Since we do not know if there was let alone if there still is life on Mars, our work centers on having value as Earth-based biological research, while when done in sim can also be used to determine field protocols and exploration strategies that are applicable for future planetary science missions. The lichen work we are doing for this mission is an excellent example of this, and has the added benefit of demonstrating our approach to the microbial work we are doing in a way that people can visualize and more easily understand." The second goal is to engage a team of Earth-based experts in collaboration with the (analogue) Mars-based crew, because, while there are a limited number of scientists who will be the actual astronauts on a Mars mission, there are many scientists on Earth who could contribute to the success of the science. Shannon suggests that current thinking is that astronauts on a human mission to Mars or another planet will be science generalists, and an integrated part of science operations will be for these generalists to work in tandem with the scientists in the field and also fully participate in the collaboration done with science backrooms on Earth. On this mission, Dr. Jon Clarke is our geologist and EVA (extravehicular activity) coordinator. He says that past environments on Earth and Mars are often different to those of the present day. Geology provides the historical perspective of changing environments over time and the context to the samples with data on soil texture, pH, salinity, geomorphic position, aspects and rock type. Without such detailed information, we will not understand many of the factors that potentially control biodiversity and distribution, both past and present. Geological data is a component to every aspect of what we will do on Mars choosing landing sites, planning safe traverses, managing environmental hazards and locating potential resources and also provides the basic context and many of the tools required in the search for Martian life. [The Search for Life on Mars (A Photo Timeline)] Jon Clarke in the field. (Image credit: The Mars Society) Until physical samples from Mars can be returned to Earth, in-situ spectral analysis is the main way that scientists can examine the chemical composition of Martian rocks. Understanding what the spectroscopic signatures of Martian rocks can tell us relies on recognizing similar signatures from analogous rocks on Earth that have well-established chemical compositions and formational histories. The spectral properties of rock samples collected during both halves of Mars 160 will be analysed at the University of Arkansas under the supervision of Paul Knightly, who will join our crew in the second phase of the mission. The purpose of analyzing these samples is to better understand the connection between surface features on Mars and their analogues on Earth. Paul Knightly's own research will focus on data-logging equipment to monitor how the ground surface changes over three months.studying the patterned ground and other permafrost features near the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS) in the Canadian Arctic, where the second half of the Mars 160 project will take place next summer. In terms of biology, Anushree Srivastava, our biologist, has great responsibility on our team. As a "Mars-based" astronaut-scientist, she is working astrobiological projects that include the biodiversity of hardy lichens, the physical ecology and abundance of hypoliths, investigations of the patterns of halophilic (salt-loving) microbial diversity in the soil and the sampling of ancient evaporites of Mars analogues. Anushree says, "We are exploring the parameters that affect the survival of organisms in the Mars-like conditions." In particular, the halophile research is the principal focus of the Mars 160 science mission. The search for microbial life on Mars is invigorated by the fact that different robotic missions to Mars corroborate the assumption that Mars was warmer and wetter in its distant past and in turn, conducive to life. Scientists have detected chloride salts or evaporate deposits on the surface of Mars using data from a variety of NASA spacecraft the Opportunity rover, the Mars Odyssey and Mars Global Surveyor orbiters and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. These data provide strong evidence of the presence of brines on ancient Mars when conditions were optimal for life. [Ancient Mars Could Have Supported Life (Video)] Anushree is hopeful and says "since ancient Mars had an atmosphere that was more suitable for life, any microbes living in the brine might be trapped inside the fluid inclusions of evaporate deposits, potentially halite and gypsum, when the atmosphere deteriorated and salty water crystallized via evaporation. Thus, any endeavor of detection of life in the similar microhabitats of terrestrial ancient evaporates can tell us heaps about the possibility of finding salt-loving life on Mars!" Anushree is also involved in cross-training our crewmembers who perform field work during EVAs and laboratory work. Anu sampling lichens. (Image credit: The Mars Society) A key challenge for all our work is the fact that the science work in the field is completed in simulation. Along with the maximum science return, the goal of Mars 160 is to identify and verify the most effective operational methods to use in order to improve scientific exploration and study of a planetary surface. The end result will be to codify processes best suited to the search for life both from a scientific perspective and with collaboration between Earth-based scientists and astronauts on Mars. Here at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah, field and lab work is done in collaboration with a remote science team via asynchronous communication. A team located offsite is part of the simulation and identifies challenges and documents not only the science but also what is effective in terms of methodologies for future planetary exploration. The role of Earth-based experts is to support our Mars-based crew. No other mission here at MDRS has ever had access to such a team of experts from institutions all over the world in Canada, Spain, the U.K. and Australia, for example. Our "Earth-based" experts include Dr. Chris McKay and Dr. Kathy Bywaters of NASA's Ames Research Center in California and Paul Sokoloff from the Canadian Museum of Nature. Paul Knightly, ready for the Arctic. (Image credit: The Mars Society) Geologist Paul Knightly says astronauts on Mars will ultimately make decisions on what data or samples they collect, and that is a huge responsibility to carry. Data and samples returned from a mission to Mars will be studied for decades after the mission has ended by scientists on Earth, so it is essential that the data collection objectives prior to and during the mission are made clear. Teams on Earth must also retain enough flexibility to refine objectives when taking into consideration new information gathered by astronauts in order maximize the science return of the mission. For instance, our lichen specialist, Paul Sokoloff, gives regular advice with regard to modifying lichen protocols, according to changing circumstances. One of the aims of our mission is to address the challenges of a cross-trained crew and their ability to perform the necessary science field and lab work without being experts in that field. Shannon Rupert runs an integrated mission and believes in the power of science generalists. A generalist scientist is someone who can stand in for the expert. Anastasiya and Anushree by the lab door. (Image credit: The Mars Society) Anastasiya Stepanova has been cross-trained to work with hypolith sampling, and she will work with Anushree in the new laboratory. She says that in future Mars colonization efforts, astronauts will need multiple skills. Anastasiya has a background in journalism and is studying engineering. She has never encountered field work before and says it's a great test to see how fast you can catch on to what needs to be done. Together the hypoliths science team members (including me) lay down quadrats, collect data and process samples back in the laboratory for macroscopic measurements, characterizing physical ecology, accounting for the soil, the extent of colonization and percent abundance in particular, desert experimental sites. DNA analysis will follow. We will use the MinION instrument to identify species, telling us about the nature of the organisms themselves and what makes them adapt to their environment. Yusuke Murakami, a geophysicist with the 50th Japanese Antarctic Expedition (2008-10), has been crossed-trained in lichens. This means he is able to scout, sample and use the tools needed from the Geophysical Survey to understand the three-dimensional context of the landscape. In terms of navigation, he takes care of safety so that Anushree is able to focus on her research. Yusuke is also trained in the protocols of laboratory work. He says, "We can't be everything by ourselves. We need three Anushrees for biology. At the same time, each person who comes to the role brings another perspective, whether they are engineer or architect or artist. There is a joy of sharing the knowledge that is productive and benefits everyone." Shannon Rupert says that this mission is the first time she has seen the generalist and the scientist do the same job in the same site. For her, it's textbook EVA. [Gallery: The Most Memorable Spacewalks in History] Yusuke Murakami sampling lichens. (Image credit: The Mars Society) Next year, our team will spend a further 80 days in the Arctic at Flashline Mars in the Canadian summer. Though the Utah desert and the Arctic are two different extreme environments, the science objectives will be the same as here. Both are Martian analogues, so we will learn about the comparative relevance of Martian astrobiological exploration from a biological point of view and a geological point of view. At the same time, what we have learned from this phase of the mission we can apply to the next. As for me: I'm the field artist for this expedition, and I'm testing out the relevance of geological field drawing in the spacesuit in a series of experiments that focus on how we gather data during the science EVAs. I'm thinking about the tools, techniques and strategies we use to understand the geology and the biology, as part of the science operations EVA project. Even by the end of our first phase of this mission, I will have spent more time drawing in a spacesuit on a science field trip than anyone, alive or dead something my mother could never have predicted. More later on this enticing topic. Annalea drawing hypolith colonizations in the lab. (Image credit: The Mars Society) On to Mars! Annalea Beattie 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 was recently elected a director of the National Space Society of Australia. Annalea is a member of The Mars Society's Mars 160 Twin Desert-Arctic Analogue 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. Optimization Are you frustrated with a slow pc or a hard disk not performing as it should? Try SLOW-PCfighter to speed up boot time on a slow PC, or try a free scan of FULL-DISKfighter to recover space on a full disk. The latest offering is DRIVERfighter to update your driver updater. Get complete PC optimization and extend the life of your PC with these must-have software tools. A Frida Kahlo painting sells for over one million dollars, but the big headline is where it was hidden for the past 60 years. This week, a painting titled Nina con Collar, which translated into Girl with Necklace, went to the highest bidder during Sothebys Latin American art auction in New York City. The piece of art, which was hidden from the public for more than 60 years, was purchased for $1.81 million. The buyer has chosen to remain anonymous. The painting features a young girl aged 13 or 14 with black hair and thick unibrow like Kahlo. The teen is wearing an orange dress and a green cardigan, matching pearls, and big gold hoop earrings a favorite of the painter. There is a possibility that the painting might have been a self-portrait of the talented Mexican artist, who was only 22 years of age when she completed her masterpiece. The art, which is considered as one of Kahlos earliest works, was done in 1929. The artist and her people kept the painting in her private collection until her death at the age of 47 in 1954. The painting had vanished after the passing of Kahlo that is until recently when a woman residing in Sunnyvale, California contacted Sothebys and revealed that she had the piece and wanted to sell it. The woman, whose identity has not been revealed, explained that she worked as Kahlos assistant. After Kahlos passing, her widower, muralist Diego Rivera, gifted the painting to the woman. The art expert moved to California and knew exactly what to do with the painting she placed it in a dark room. Axel Stein, the head of Latin American art at Sothebys, said the painting was in perfect shape and shared: I was shocked to see how beautiful and warm the painting was when it finally surfaced. The blues are strikingly beautiful and intense. The vermilion is very, very sharp. Stein added: The colors still looked as if the painting was made yesterday because the owner had known to hang it in a dark room. The sun is the worst enemy of paintings. When she took it out it was beautifully preserved. In May, Christies sold the 1939 Kahlo painting Two Nudes in the Forest for $8 million. In a statement issued by Sothebys, it was revealed that Nina Con Collar garnered so much interest because it had real sentimental value to Kahlo. Another reason, it is because Mexico has barred the export of Kahlos works from the country for several decades in an attempt to conserve their cultural heritage. Sothebys said: The painting would hold a particular meaning to her, as it became a point of departure on which she built various self-portraits over time. It is not unusual for an artist to keep a particular work, which she didbecause it proved to be a spring well of ideas for works to come. Kahlos work is facing a new wave of popularity in the artistic world. President Barack Obama calls troops in several countries to wish them a happy Thanksgiving and to thank them for their sacrifice personally, and the story reminds some why he will leave office on soaring popularity. However, many are slamming Obama for staying comfortably in a beautiful mansion in Washington instead of flying to Afghanistan or Iraq to share a piece of turkey with these heroes. In a brief press release, the White House stated that the president delivered his last Thanksgiving message to the troops serving abroad. Mr. Obama made a total of nine phone calls where he spoke to several members of the US Army. Officials at the White House confirmed that Obama talked with members of the Army, the Marine Corps, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard. Like for the past seven years, not many details were shared on what the leader of the free world said to the men and women, who are protecting this great country. The statement read: The President made 9 phone calls to deployed service members this morning: two from the Army, one from the Marine Corps, two from the Navy, two from the Air Force and two from the Coast Guard. The report has gone viral on the Internet, and comment sections of blogs and other news outlets have been lit with negative comments from former and active military personnel. Many have said that they would not take the call from POTUS. Others stated that they would respond to Obama and take the opportunity to slam him for mishandling ISIS and Syria. Many called Obama weak and said that his decision to lead from behind had diminished Americas standing in the world. However, First Lt. Joel Van Note, who is currently at Fort Braggs 18th Airborne Corps, said he was thrilled to speak with Obama. He said the conversation was very long and Obama was very friendly and knew many details about him and his family. He said despite feeling nervous and not knowing what to say at first; he enjoyed the personal call from the president, and he will cherish that moment for the rest of his life. On Facebook, President Obama shared his final Thanksgiving message from the White House where he spoke about his wife, Michelle, and their daughters Sacha and Malia. Obama wrote: So today, as we gather to spend time with the people who matter most, lets take some time to remind our children why we are so thankful for them. Because of them, I feel more certain than ever that no matter what lies ahead America will always be shaped by those who strive to be kind, giving, and fearless about the future. Im grateful for that. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody. A group of Vintage Air Rally aviators detained in Ethiopia has been released. Earlier this month, 24 aviators, who are part of Vintage Air Rally, also known as VAR, along with their families, friends, and technicians, set out to recreate an 85-year-old air rally route from Europe to South Africa. The pilots were accompanied by an impressive crew of more than 40 people to help maintain their old biplanes. Most of the aircraft dated between the 1920s and 1930s. Many of the aviators are seniors from France, Germany, the US, and Great Britain with the oldest being 72 years old. Among the crew is infamous pilot Maurice Kirk, the British vet has made headlines over the years for getting in various troubles with the law both in Europe and the United States. He got in hot water for illegally taking part in an event in England with a bug-infested plane, and he was arrested after he landed his plane at George W. Bushs Texas ranch. The week, Kirks name was spread in every major British paper after it was reported that he went missing. It took several days for VAR to locate Kirk and his 1943 Piper Cub plane near the border of Sudan and Ethiopia. The group of aviators left the Greek island of Crete on November 12 with the plan to fly over ten countries and making 37 stops including in Cairo, the highlands of Ethiopia, Mount Kilimanjaro, the island of Zanzibar, and the Victoria Falls in less than four weeks. The trip is scheduled to end in Cape Town, South Africa on December 17. It was smooth flying for the first days of the journey. The crew landed near the famous Giza pyramids in Egypt and later traveled to Khartoum, Sudan with plans to go onward to Ethiopia and Kenya. However, their plans were drastically altered after landing in Gambella, Ethiopia. The group was detained after the countrys officials deemed that they do not have the proper authorization to fly. The mini international incident prompted ambassadors from 10 countries to contact Ethiopian officials to find a way to resolve the matter. Thursday afternoon, via Facebook, organizers of the journey announced that the pilots and their crew had been released not to fly but have been moved to a hotel. A statement read: They have been released. We hope to leave Ethiopia. They have a hotel because they cannot fly when its dark. So they have to wait, so they should leave at first light tomorrow. There is no real explanation as to why the aviators were captured in the first place. Wesenyeleh Hunegnaw, director-general of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, said in a press conference: They did not have proper authorization. They are not under arrest. They are safe and will remain in Ethiopia until the review (of their situation) is concluded. Friends, relatives, and supporters of the aviators are thrilled they have been released and will be able to conclude their historic trip. Wes Johnson joined the college in 2012, following the Penrith-based college's acquisition by Askham Bryan College, becoming Campus Principal, Cumbria and North East in August 2014. Following substantial investment in Newton Rigg by the Yorkshire-based college, and under Wes's leadership, student numbers have grown dramatically from 350 in 2012 to today's figure of around 1,000. Wes will leave Newton Rigg in Spring 2017. Anthony Alton, Chair of Governors said: Wes has played a pivotal role in making the initial vision for Newton Rigg a reality and in particular in re-establishing its reputation at the heart of agriculture in Cumbria. The college is ideally placed to build on this as we look to appoint a successor. We wish Wes well as he embarks on the next stage of his career. Over the last five years, improvements to the college include building a state of the art 3m dairy unit at the home farm, updating existing buildings on the main campus including The Frank Parkinson Building which opened in March 2014, a new equestrian centre and work is now nearing completion for a new Sheep Husbandry Centre at the college's hill farm, Low Beckside. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STAMFORD An unprecedented number of companies are interested in managing city school buildings, including longtime contractor AFB Construction Management. The embattled firm, which is under FBI investigation, joined representatives from 10 other companies Tuesday for a walk-through of some schools. The tour was mandatory for companies interested in submitting a bid. There is a quite a bit of interest in the management of our facilities, Superintendent Earl Kim told the Board of Education during a meeting Tuesday night. Officials said the district has never had so many vendors participate in the pre-bidding tour. Trumbull-based AFB has had the contract since 2000 and has been the sole bidder for at least a decade. Kim credited Finance Director Hugh Murphy and Interim Chief Operations Officer Bill Dunn with drawing so many interested companies. We, in the past, havent had much interest in the facilities management function, Kim said. The list of interested vendors included two Stamford companies, New Canaan Advisors LLC and Plaza Realty and Management Corp. Kim said others include some of the big names in the business, such as New York-based ABM Building Value, which manages more than 4,000 school buildings nationwide. The tour also drew companies from Massachusetts, Virginia and Tennessee. AFB and its CEO, Al Barbarotta, have been under investigation since March for possibly using the companys position as facilities director to extort money from another city contractor. The FBI also is investigating AFBs activities in three other cities. The company, which now has a month-to-month contract with the Stamford school district, has also faced questions about the quality of its work. AFBs agreements with the district were much more open-ended than the just-released request for proposals for a new contract. The latest RFP is very specific about what officials expect from a new contractor. One example is a requirement that interested contractors certify they did nothing to impede competition, such as obtain inside information about bid prices or attempt to stop another bidder from submitting an offer. Board of Education member David Mannis said he is pleased with the new RFP, which he described as improved and more detailed. I think it was well done, he said. Proposals are due Dec. 15. Dunn said the goal is to review the bids and decide whether to award a new contract or manage school buildings in-house. If the board chooses the first option, a contract likely would be awarded in January, Dunn said. The contract will be for 27 months, starting no later than March 1, with the option to renew it for one additional year. noliveira@hearstmediact.com, 203-964-2265, @olivnelson F or a Man of Kent, to gaze from the 42nd floor of Citis tower in Canary Wharf is to survey your homeland from Mount Olympus. The river slides eastward below, past the O2, round City Airport and off into the distance past my birthplace of Dartford and the fields beyond. Gazing out on a recent grey afternoon, I was lost in a reverie as I awaited my interviewee. Beautiful, isnt it? A slight Estuary twang from behind me breaks the spell. Its James Bardrick, head of Citis huge UK operations. Yep, Kent: Gods own country, I agree. But Bardricks looking north of the Thames. Gods own country? You mean Essex, he grins. Im from he raises his arm to point, ...there. Right on cue, a patch of cloud clears and a ray of sunlight picks out Ilford and Chadwell Heath. How did he do that, I wonder? Does he have a hotline to the gods? It must be easy to feel like youre a god, moving billions of dollars around the world from these glittering towers. But Bardrick, a committed Christian, doesnt come across as a Master of the Universe. With his modest height, build and hair, you wouldnt look at him twice on the Tube. Theres nothing to give the 54-year old away as one of the most senior figures in UK banking. You get the feeling thats how he likes it. Though he works at the top of a skyscraper, he spends his weekends at sea level, racing a 100-year-old fishing boat with his local friends. Theyre just a great bunch of guys and girls from all backgrounds plumbers, electricians. Just good mates, really. Still pointing out the landscapes highlights below, he tells of how his grandfather sold newspapers in grim Bethnal Green back in the day. He worked hard to get the family out of the East End to the nicer areas around Brentwood. Then, come the Eighties, I moved to a flat in Bethnal Green. He couldnt get his head around it. The journey of Bardricks residences may have been straight up and down the A12 (the father of four now lives with second wife Sophie and their two youngsters back in rural Essex) but his working life has been more circuitous. He started as an engineer at GKN. Then, as the work dried up, landed a job on the graduate scheme at Schroders banking arm. It was 30 years ago but Bardrick remembers: It was a very special culture, a really diverse group of people with this great focus totally on reputation and service to clients. That was how your performance was measured. As Marks & Spencer chairman Robert Swannell, who ran the team then with Win Bischoff, recalls, it was a culture that spawned some of the best-known names in banking and business: Karen Cook, now a Goldman Sachs supremo, serial director Alison Carnwath, dealmaker David Wormsley the list goes on. When Bruno Schroder sold the banking division to Citi in 2000, that culture could have been lost in the maw of the Wall Street giant. But, says Bardrick, it wasnt. Most of the Schroders team stayed. Many like Bardrick are still there in senior posts. While the personnel remained, the environmental shift was huge. We went from a family business of a few thousand people to suddenly a global firm of more like 300,000. We moved from 120 Cheapside in the old City to Canary Wharf. It was a hell of a change. Bigger upheaval was to follow. Come 2008, Citi was one of the most devastatingly hit banks on Wall Street as vast subprime mortgage losses made it the RBS of American banking. It would have collapsed without tens of billions of dollars of state aid in a deal that saw the US taxpayer take a 36% stake. The bank became insolvent and 100,000 jobs were slashed. Says Bardrick: It was tough looking out of the window and seeing people walking out of their offices with boxes. There were some really, really difficult things the impact on society, the impact on our reputation. When its difficult to be proud of what you spend most of your waking hours doing, it is embarrassing and painful to the core. Hes about to start talking about compliance-y stuff, so heres some compliance of my own. Technically, we journalists are meant to quote directly from our subjects, word for word. But Bardrick talks at 100 enthusiastic miles per hour, racing over and around subjects like whitewater over boulders. After an hour, hed fired out more than 8000 words. As his pal and long-term client Nigel Wilson, chief executive of Legal & General, jokes: Like John Lewis is never knowingly undersold, James is never knowingly underspoken. So, dear reader, please be aware that the quotes you find here are edited highlights. "When its difficult to be proud of what you do, it is embarrassing and painful to the core." But back to the financial crisis. What did it feel like to manage Armageddon? When the bombs are raining down, the missiles are incoming and youre literally in survival mode, you just sort of know what to do: you look after your clients, you look after your people, you try to ensure the damage is as limited as possible, he says. The difficult bit, he explains, is when youve survived, stabilised and repaired, and have to start working out exactly what you want the business to do next. Thats harder because you have to make choices: how are we going to be fundamentally more valuable and more useful? Which are the clients we should be serving and which are the ones we shouldnt? Citis choices were to sell off chunks of its consumer business, exit non-core operations, including insurance and asset management, while working to get out of its bad loans. As with all Wall Street firms, proprietary trading playing the markets with its own money was dropped too. The thrust was to focus on big clients who most needed the international reach Citi can offer. As L&Gs Wilson puts it: Citi are like the global plumbers of commerce. They move liquidity around the world, so when you have to move huge amounts of money from A to B, Citi do it more than anyone else, and thats crucial to their customers. Is Bardrick still trying to get Citi up the London rankings for advising clients on big deals and fundraisings? Im not obsessed with the league tables, he says. Its more important that were providing the multinational range of services to our customers than focusing on the product-driven approach. But the glamorous deals have been coming back. Citi advised William Hill, Hikma, AMC, Permira and Nortek on takeovers this year. Victories for Donald Trump and the Brexit campaigners have made it feel as if that cliche about the world getting smaller no longer applies. Reports denied by Citi suggested the bank would move 900 London staff out of the UK because of Brexit. Bardrick, a Remainer, says the impact on Citis 9000 British employees will not be material. It already has 60% of its EU workforce outside Britain. Hard, or soft Brexit? A longer period of continuity following Article 50 would certainly help, he says. Brexit: Corbyn accuses May of having 'no plan' Most of his talk is of improving bankings ethical behaviour. As well as the good works Citi does in programmes including support for the Evening Standards charity campaigns, it involves every trade its bankers do. Before every deal, our staff must consider: Is this right? [he karate-chops the table]; Is this good? [chop]; And is this fitting? [chop]. We cant leave a trail of bad outcomes behind us as an industry. Weve just done that too much. I wonder how his alpha male bankers feel about all this goody two-shoes stuff: You might get a group of people whove grown up in the industry over the last 20 years, and since the crisis have felt things are more difficult. They might complain the markets are harder, the regulations are tough. Well, theyve either got to get over that and look forwards and upwards, or perhaps theyve had their time and weve got to move on and leave them behind. However, he adds, most people are wholly thirsty to address the poor perception of their industry. Swannell says his protege is the right man for this sort of thing. He has integrity running through him like a stick of rock. In a world where bankers, for good reason, havent been flavour of the month, you meet James and see another side to the story. The view outside has turned from sunset to neon and street lights. Bardrick has a family to go to. From ethics, to Essex. A n immersive circus show, theatre plays, interactive exhibitions and classical concerts are a few of the things art lovers can try this Christmas at the Southbank Centres Winter Festival from November 11 to January 22. This year's festival takes its inspiration from the Nordic countries, which sees the site fitted with a sky-high Norwegian tree and six giant gonks. Alongside with the usual Christmas market taking place along the Thames, the programme includes the West End musical Million Dollar Quartet, the screening of the animated film Stick Man and performance shows, among other art events. It's a mixture of different things. Theres something for everyone, said Sunita Pandya, producer at Southbank Centre. One of the highlights is BIANCO, a contemporary immersive circus performance taking place from November 23 to January 22 at the Big Top, a silver spaceship especially designed for the show. The show, presented by 30-year old company NoFit State, is returning to London after a world tour. It features traditional circus skills, such as trapezes, wires, juggling and trampolines, with a contemporary twist. The biggest key difference is that the audiences dont sit down, so you really get up close and personal with the action, said Tom Rack, BIANCOs artistic director. It happens above you, below you, around you, in front of you and we like to think inside you as well. Its a completely different experience for the audience. From December 16 to April 23, visitors can also see Adventures in Moominland, an interactive exhibition that focuses on the universe of the moomins, characters created by Finnish author Tove Jansson in the 1940s. We have an array of original artworks and drawings from Tove Jansson embedded in an immersive set. Unlike traditional exhibitions, where you may see them framed on walls, [the visitor] is guided by a host and his narration through an immersive journey, explained Paul Denton, producer at Southbank Centre. Free art events include a six-week social dance course, a choir and a Christmas Karaoke. For more information: southbankcentre.co.uk Visit standard.co.uk/arts for the latest news and reviews from Londons arts scene Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout S o youve swiped and matched, sent some cheeky messages to assess that he/she is neither a Belieber nor your boss now its time to meet that special Tinder someone. But the course of true love never did run smooth so the first Tinder date requires careful planning you need a Tinder pub. Choosing the right location is as important as choosing the right suitor. First of all, you need a contingency plan, so pick a place with a swift escape route (or an attractive barman or woman who you can drown your sorrows with when it goes wrong). Equally, you might fall for your date and need to impress him or her with your extensive knowledge of London nightlife. Heres where to go to find love or at least good fodder for anecdotes. Guinea Grill, Mayfair From behind the bar, this places landlord, Oisin Rogers, has become the David Attenborough of Tinder dates, analysing expertly from 20 feet away. The ones who dont meet outside but at the table are almost always awkward, he says. Theres anticipation from the first to arrive. Then the other comes in all excited because of the profile photo and the texting. Then: clear disappointment from both. Ive seen at least two dates where one has gone to the loo and not returned. One time, the girl who was left got drunk and went home with the waiter. The other time the bloke was really embarrassed and in a state. I got him a brandy on the house. If theyre eating, the signals flow thick and fast. When its not going well theyre tight with the ordering, he says. Cheapest wine. No starters or sides. You know neither of them are getting laid when they split the bill: going Dutch has become a euphemism in the restaurant world for having a lonely w***. Info: 30 Bruton Place, W1, theguinea.co.uk Short drinks: Negronis at Bar Termini Bar Termini, Soho If youre scared of being stuck, go for bars with short drinks. At Bar Termini, negronis come pre-mixed and in egg cup-sized glasses, so you can be out exactly 20 seconds after your date starts sobbing uncontrollably about their manipulative ex. Even if you feel obliged to stay and comfort them, Termini has a strict one-hour reservation policy the countdown starts now. Info: 7 Old Compton Street, W1, bar-termini.com Shrub and Shutter, Brixton Beer: delicious nectar of the gods but not something to harp on about on a first date. Cocktails, on the other hand, are a great ice-breaker. On Amys first Tinder meeting here with Mark, he revealed that he feared desolation and dying alone. Oh hi, awkward silence broken only when he ordered a Mission Impossible cocktail, which was lit by a fuse before bursting into flame. Well played, Mark Amy stayed, and they dated for six months. Info: 336 Coldharbour Lane, SW9, theshrubandshutter.com Hot spot: Frankie McCoy with a flaming cocktail at Shrub and Shutter / Adrian Lourie Zelman Drinks, Finsbury Park After several IPAs and rounds of picklebacks, youve found yourself on the Victoria line, heading north to a Tinder dates pad in... Walthamstow, was it? Suddenly the alcohol blanket slips and youre not so sure. Jump out for a clarifying Penicillin (blended and Islay whiskies, ginger, honey, lemon) at this new late-night bar from Goodman, the group responsible for Burger & Lobster. Its situated next to Finsbury Park station so punters are safe when they leave and you can make a solo dash when the whisky clears your head. Info: 5 Station Place, N4, zelmanmeats.com The Approach, Bethnal Green Befriend a bartender and you need never worry about getting stuck with a weirdo. When Helen worked at this East End pub it was the first place her mates chose to bring Tinder hopefuls. Date turns out to be a Trump supporter? Draw Helen into the conversation (sorry, Helen) to diffuse the intimacy and subtly friendzone the whole thing. She was also deployed as spy by pals to do advance groundwork: if a date turned up early, she would text and say Abort mission if they looked rogue. Info: 47 Approach Road, E2, theapproach.co.uk Draws regulars: The King & Co The King and Co, Clapham With a full agenda of events, from pub quizzes to craft beer takeovers, its understandable that some serial Tinderers routinely choose The King and Co. Bartender Anthony was recently asked by a man booking a table that evening whether hed been working behind the bar the night before as well. When Anthony said yes, the guy said, OK, well I was in here with a different girl last night, so could you please make sure that you and the other staff dont mention this in front of my guest tonight? When the man did show up that evening, far later than booked, the girl he was with left after 10 minutes. Ouch. Info: 100 Clapham Park Road, SW4, thekingandco.uk Best bars for a date in London 1 /34 Best bars for a date in London Beaufort Bar at The Savoy Not one if you're hoping to keep things relaxed: the Beaufort is overwhelmingly, but marvellously, romantic. The room itself, with its palatial lavishings of gold on black, sets the tone. The bar sits, mirrors glimmering, on the old cabaret stage where Gershwin once performed. Naturally, theres live entertainment every evening now, too, so you can sit back quietly in your finery and avoid any conversation about who's paying for what. Drinks are as pricey as you'd expect, but if you're looking for something special, it's hard to beat. Piano Works All you really need to know about this bar is that it's a damned good laugh. It's not a quiet, intimate romantic joint at all: it's loud, brash, drinks go down quickly and everyone ends up getting silly and dancing until doors close. One for those dates that spiral gloriously out of control. It stays open late, it's tons of fun and you can quite happily get away with requesting your musical guilty pleasure. We love it, and so does the rest of London: booking is essential. Buddha Bar Buddha is a place of opulence and extravagance, and also a place of money, so be prepared to dig deep for this one. You drink Champagne here, not Processo. Cocktails here are first rate and, without exception, use top shelf ingredients, mixed carefully. Be sure to eat, too: sushi and sashimi are the menu's strong points, but if you're looking for something a little more substantial, the smoked duck and foie gras gyoza is a must, small delicious bites of brilliance, while the beef short rib with wasabi mash and veal teriyaki sauce is ideal for something more substantial. Though the wine list on the bar menu is short, ask for the sommelier, who's friendly, easy-going and knowledgeable: he'll make sure you drink well without imposing on the night. Buddha is in many ways a place of excess, but if you're in the mood for that, don't miss it. Bounce Shoreditch Fine cocktails and dressing up? Why so serious? Come and play ping pong instead. Bounce is filled with table tennis tables, walls are artfully covered in graffiti and drinks are decent enough. If youre not near Old Street, head to the Holborn branch: its a little more upmarket, and a little pricier, but the same excellent fun. Just make sure to book: both get extremely busy. Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London Settle in by the fire and Scarfes bar will do the romancing for you. It's like an oversize library in a grand old house, but thankfully easily gets busy enough to keep a buzz up. You come here to impress: the place is all art deco details, beautiful old books and live music throughout the week. The gentlemen's club vibe fortunately isn't taken too far, and the cocktail list is surprisingly fresh, and doesn't rely on straight classics. Beautifully luxurious, tremendous atmosphere and the live music is always first rate. The Gibson Date night favourite: The Gibson 69 Colebrooke Row Otherwise known as The Bar With No Name, this Islington favourite comes from the well regarded Tony Conigliaro. It has a terrific atmosphere, in the most part because its mostly always busy, but theres also a piano in one corner that often gets a hammering. Its a stylish place, with stylish drinks, but be warned it's small cosy? so you might not be able to squeeze in, or stay for ages. Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town Sometimes a date deserves nothing less than some East End quirkiness. The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town has been delivering this in spades for years: wander into the Breakfast Club, ask to see the Mayor and youll be led through a Smeg fridge we kid you not to a kitsch British riff on a speakeasy. Its a laugh here, they have a decent playlist, and the drinks slip down well enough. Still, you come for all the talking points: itll stop your date being awkward. Les Compagnie Des Vins Surnaturels If your date is big on wine, don't pass this place up. It's rightly popular within the industry for the choice available, which includes some rarities among the French-heavy list. They've upped their food game considerably, too. Would it matter if you were stood up? Mr Foggs Gin Parlour Both Mr Fogg's are worth a visit, but the Theatreland Gin Parlour nudges it for a more intimate setting, and because it gets less crowded than its Mayfair cousin. Hidden upstairs from the tavern below, this hideaway bar is dressed in curiosities of the late 19th century, with chaise longues and dark corners, the smell of cocktails lingering like perfume and operatic fare playing throughout. You won't be short of conversation starters and if you know a gin lover, they'll be heaven. All Star Lanes, Holborn A bowling alley has no right having a bar this good, but there we go, theyve done it. It has a strange Vegas vibe to it: low-lighting and pink all around, but the drinks are good and priced fairly. Just because bowling was your go-to date at 13 doesnt mean its not any good these days too, and now you can add plenty of tasty, tasty alcohol maybe enough to get you in the karaoke booth? Ladies and Gentlemen Ladies and Gents has the novelty factor of having once been a public loo romantic, eh? but it's far from a novelty bar. The drinks are expertly mixed, the place makes its own gin, about 12 bottles a day. They've usually got some terrific music on, often with live acts too. Oh, and when you've run out of things to say, grab a book from the shelves and read to your beloved. Callooh Callay The best dates are fun and what better fun than heading to Narnia? Not really, of course, but there are plenty of hidden spots behind wardrobe doors at Callooh Callay. CC loves its gimmicks the madcap interior gives this away but they know how to mix a decent drink, and with the DJs dialled up, everyone has a good time. Midweek its a little quieter, which actually works in its favour if you fancy the horror! talking to your date. Jose Tapas Bar This tiny, tiny corner tapas bar is, for us, the highlight of everything Spanish chef Jose Pizarro has done in London. It's fantastically simple: you go for tapas and sherry, because that's pretty much all you'll get. Food changes daily, and is reliably gorgeous. It's very cosy here, but have a back-up plan because there's every chance you won't get a seat. Cahoots Chances are, you won't have been a bar quite like it: Cahoots is set in 1946, and the whole thing is underground themed. Yup: you can drink on the tube once again. Themed bars can be a bore but Cahoots charms and impresses from the off. Even heading down the stairs to find the place is fun and should set the right tone for the evening from the off. Drinks honestly, they're a mixed bag, so choose wisely start at 8, so you needn't break the bank to treat a date. Booking essential. Radio Rooftop Bar The views do it all here all you need to do is avoid messing it up. Ten floors up, the rooftop bar offers views of Tower Bridge, the Shard, the Tate Modern, Somerset House and the Houses of Parliament. There's usually a live DJ too. With the white sofas, the bar has a smart Ibiza vibe, which is a little fun and a little sexy. Cocktails are good, and have some tapas to go with. The K Bar K bar feels majestic and there is no other word for it because drinking here is a little like being in the captains quarters of the Titanic, albeit without the sinking feeling. The oak, the velvet, the brass, the marble tops: there is glamour here, luxury whiffs of Penhaligons perfume and the rest. It ticks over nicely, but you'll likely not get a table, so it's built for a last minute, upmarket date. 5CC Granted, its odd not to specify a particular bar, but the 5CC gang (found in Bethnal Green/Hoxton/the city) all have their charms. All are fond of classic cocktails, and offer very drinkable riffs on them. But why are they suited to a date? Besides the low lighting, quirky neon signs and sizeable spirits collection (something for everyone), theyre big on oysters, so lay yourself across their leather seats and indulge. They all offer champagne very reasonably, too. Perfect match, non? The Vaults at Milroy's The Vaults at Milroy's wins from the off, because to get to it, you enter through an bookcase, and that's the best way to get to anywhere. They play decent music, the drinks are reasonably priced and they make an excellent Old Fashioned. It's full of small tables which quickly fill up: come here for a relaxed, chatty, laughing date. The owner's adorable dog sometimes makes an appearance, too. Gordon's Wine Bar Gordon's will not fail: the terrace gets a little crowded when the weather is fine, but it's still a marvellous place to knock back some wine and talk. However, it's the caves indoors which are the real temptation: dark, intimate, it's a place to forget the rest of the world for a while. Wine is king here, but if you're eating, a paired cheese board always goes down well. They also serve some hot plates, but we prefer the cold bites. Bar Termini This tiny little spot in Soho seats barely a handful of people, which automatically gives it a sense of romantic intimacy. There's no standing room, either, so it never gets sweaty, horrible or crowded: finish an evening here either with a coffee or, better yet, a Negroni (make it two, they're small serves here). It'll add a little gentle Italian glamour to any date, just don't expect to spend the entire night here. OXO Tower Close by Blackfriars bridge, the Oxo is another spot with terrific views, including St Paul's and the Gherkin. Head out to the terrace, which is a showstopper: you won't really care what you're drinking, but the wine list is solid and the cocktails excellent. When it's cold, cosy up behind huge views: you'll get all of breathtaking beauty of London without giving in to frostbite. WC Wine and Charcuterie It's like they custom built this place for dates: the whole premise is surely the name was a tip off wine and charcuterie.Once inside, you'll be sat in candlelit surroundings. It's romantic, but not showy, and the wine is fairly priced, too. Head down on a Sunday and a Monday and you'll catch some live music. The sort of place that becomes "our place". Cork & Bottle This underground favourite couldn't be more central, living in Leicester Square, and despite having sat there since 1972, most Londoners wander past without realising it exists. The 300-long wine list covers just about everything, but doesn't go too heavy on the tasting notes: you're encouraged to find your own thing. You could never call the Cork & Bottle grand, but it charms immediately, and you'll want to find your own corner to come back to time over. Slim Jim's Liquor Store Dates are not about behaving appropriately, as Slim Jims well knows. This rock n roll dive bar has become all the more of a dive in recent years, but it still offers a damned good time. You come here for beer, bourbon and classic rock. The decor's main feature is bras on the ceiling, which makes sense, given they exchange drinks for them. Just make sure to dress down: suits and ties are turned away at the door. Party on. The Commercial Tavern Ok, ok: granted, this wonderful spot isnt technically a bar, although they do serve cocktails upstairs (sadly, not especially good ones...) The glory of the Commercial Tavern is its quirky decor, and the beautiful light upstairs that filters in through the windows. You come for a relaxed time, to chat, to laugh and sink a few drinks. It has its own feeling: nothing screams glamour, but something is quietly compelling about the place. Youll be back. The Old Fountain, Shoreditch If in doubt, have a flirty bartender up your sleeve. At this pub, a mere 30-second walk from Old Street station, there are not only 20 different beers on tap available by the two-thirds of a pint if youre following the short drinks rule but a very friendly barman to boot. Perfect for a confidence boost before your date arrives or if its not going well, to hone your skills for tomorrow nights attempt. 3 Baldwin Street, EC1, @oldfountainales John the Unicorn, Peckham If you need to lose a date quickly this is where to do it: this new pub is huge and generally packed, making it the ideal place for that off to the loo, might take my coat just in case its, er, cold escape to Peckham Rye station. And there are so many people you can both find a spare for the night if its going wrong. Thats just what Lucy had to do with one insufferable plonker, who spent three hours talking about himself and how wonderful he was before talking about how we hadnt clicked, how I was aloof, and we should both find other Tinder matches for the night. Info: 157-159 Rye Lane, SE15, johntheunicorn.com Pricey spot: The Botanist / Nigel Howard The Botanist, Sloane Square If someone picks a first date in Sloane Square theyve either lost serious hair since that profile pic was taken and hope to distract you by splashing the cash or theyre trying to wring you dry with lychee martinis. Thats what happened to one north London-based Tinder hopeful. He came all the way to SW1 to meet a date here. She brought along several friends, who he felt obliged to buy drinks for, until his card stopped working. By then hed missed the last Tube and had to face the long walk back north alone. Info: 7 Sloane Square, SW1, thebotanistlondon.com The Beachcomber, Notting Hill Rum needs handling with care. Ash, head bartender at this west London tiki bar, recalls the time a girl showed up at the bar for a date only to find the guy that she was supposed to be meeting show up with another girl. Oops. But dont be put off: sink enough tiki cocktails in you (try the sharer Mad Hatters Tea Party) and youll be flirting like long-lost lovers. Ash says they have a regular at the bar who comes in once a week with a different Tinderella. Without fail, every woman ends up making out with him by the end of the evening. Its all in the choice of pub. 86 Queensway, W2, facebook.com/TheBeachcomberBar @franklymccoy The best bars in London 1 /64 The best bars in London Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN, rosewoodhotels.com/london The Rosewood is doubly wonderful for drinkers, as theyve two fine spots. In the modern Dining Room, sit at the gin bar, which outstocks anywhere else in London, with more than 400 gins and 27 tonics. Trying to choose is impossible, but what a lovely impossibility to have. The bar staff clearly had one hell of a tasting session as they know the list perfectly. Across the way is Scarfes Bar, a brilliant, brilliant bar gladly shaken free from all the stuffiness usually found in hotel bars. The drinks are stunning, theyve often live music, it gets wonderfully busy and crackles with laughter. Go a little later and its busier, people drink more, everything is better. Bar Americain 20 Sherwood St, W1F 7ED, brasseriezedel.com As the name suggests, this is a classic American bar, and done near perfectly. One can become very fond of Bar Americain and very quickly: passing through Piccadilly Circus, it acts as a magnet a quick negroni becomes a temptation impossible to resist. Its a very beautiful place, calling to mind grand Parisian hotels of the 20s and 30s, bottles winking from the bar, staff floating through with their finery and litres of charm. Youre here to drink the classics: theyve a killer Clover Club and a straight-down-the-line Manhattan. But ask: the bartenders know their stuff and bring their A-game to any challenge tell them what you like, and theyll bring you something new. They often have specials on, as well. Top marks for the attentive staff, bringing plenty of water and bowl after bowl of popcorn both essential after a few here. Oriole Smithfield Markets, E Poultry Ave, EC1A 9LH, oriolebar.com The team behind Nightjar took their winning formula, gave it a bit of a shake up and created Oriole. Theyve live music throughout the week from Wednesday to Saturday, theres a charge per person, so watch out for that which gives any night here a bit of zip. This is a strictly seated spot, so be sure to book: once inside, its a whirlwind tour of the world, with fine details from across the globe, both in the styling and the drinks and so much cheaper than booking a holiday. Drinks are excellent, whether youre into New Orleans style classics or something from the depths of Asia: explore the menu (split into Old World, New World and The Orient) and expect something unusual and faintly brilliant, with a touch of the Tiki. Put it this way: Oriole is ideal whether you prefer drinking from a crystal tumbler, a teacup or, er, a silver crocodile. Piano Works 113-117 Farringdon Road, Farringdon EC1R 3BX, pianoworks.bar Full credit to this fun Farringdon spot: theyve worked hard to make the place better and better since opening, which is pretty good going for what was already a decent spot to begin with. The Piano Works sounds like a quiet jazz bar but instead is a hell-raising house of sound, splendidly raucous, where a house band take requests and belt out your favourite songs. The more you get involved, the more fun it is, and the place heats up the later it gets. Wine starts at 16, house cocktails are 8, but they've tons of terrific deals during the week including cocktails for a fiver (!!) Drink lots, dance lots and leave in the early hours with someone you shouldnt do. Thats what we did. Hawksmoor, Spitalfields 157A Commercial St, E1 6BJ, thehawksmoor.com Its hardly surprising the bar snacks are a highlight here have the oxcheek nuggets with a side of chips, then call the waiter over to order them over again given how good the steak upstairs is. The drinks and setting, though, match them pound for pound. The old tube tiles on the walls, the beautiful parquet floor, the copper tops and silvery black ceiling make the large space a place to settle in for the night no matter your seat, while the cocktails come with oodles of thought in each one: the new menu has homemade bitters, shrubs and syrups, and its bloody obvious everyone behind the bar is more than a little nerdy about building drinks. Shaky Petes Ginger Brew is the classic, so have it, but follow up with the Shadow Boxer, a mix of scotch, sherry and Fernet-Branca. Odd, oddly delicious. Its also a cracking place to sit for a bottle of wine. Andrew Edmunds 46 Lexington St, W1F 0LP, andrewedmunds.com Perhaps better than its ever been, Andrew Edmunds recently won The Good Drinking prize in our Restaurant Awards, and for good reason. Its a small spot, cramped to the point that coming here on a first date feels like youre being very forward indeed , with the best tables upstairs and not much to look at just settle for being distracted by someone beautiful. The food, French-ish/English-ish, is fine, but its the wine that's extraordinary. And youre here for wine: forget cocktails, they have. What a list, and so quietly marked up that youre getting a steal with almost every bottle indeed, the more expensive the better the deal. Having been going 30 years, those who knew old Soho say its one of the last bastion of such things. Drink too much gorgeous wine and come back often. The Connaught Bar Connaught, Carlos Place, W1K 2AL, the-connaught.co.uk A bar for the impossibly beautiful, a bar of high heels and glimmering lights, of perfume and leather. Aside from oddly thumping music, the Connaught is wonderfully detached from the world a place of its own, cosy and winter warm when it needs to be, light and summer when desired. The drinks, naturally pricey, are well put together and while classic in tone, come with crackles of theatre: washes in perfume bottles, branches as garnishes, smoke, the lot. Still, the martini trolley is what theyre famed for, so its only right to indulge. Afterward, head to the Champagne Room: sadly the law stops it being the cigar haven it once was, but it's still gorgeous: romantic and charming with its fireplace, dramatic with its glass ceiling and sculpture swan diving. Treat yourself to the Ruinart blanc de blanc. Damned good olives, too. Milk & Honey 61 Poland St, W1F 7NU, mlkhny.com You know a bar is good when local bartenders love it, and Milk & Honey has long been a Soho favourite for those in the know. Hidden in plain sight this terrific bar has been doing its thing for just shy of 15 years. The talent hasnt diminished, and neither has the care put into the drinks. Cocktails are strong and proper and happily, they're updating the list soon to freshen things up. At around 10 a drink, M&H is also a bargain for central London, and the quality outstrips the price. It functions as a members bar, but non-members can book up until 11pm though going earlier in the week means youre more likely to score a table. Milk & Honey is civilised, without the crushing formality. Next door is the Blind Pig, another top 'hidden' spot. Mark's Bar HIX Soho, 66- 70 Brewer St, W1F 9UP, hixrestaurants.co.uk The bad: you might not get in. If its busy, they dont squeeze people into this basement, so either be there early, or bamboozle them with charm, or dazzle them with your brilliant wit. Were kidding: just take someone hot. The good: pretty much everything else. Naturally, the bar snacks are distractingly tasty, but the drinks list is excellent, and unusual too, with a few historical recipes brought back to life. Attention to detail is everything here, so if youre not sharing one of the big old Chesterfields, head to the bar and sit and watch theres something about it thats like seeing a cardmaster turn tricks. And have a Hix Fix, just to say you have. The Beaufort bar and the American Bar at The Savoy The Savoy, Strand, WC2R 0EU, fairmont.com Glitz, glamour and lots of gold: both Savoy bars are wonderfully opulent. The world-famous American bar, recently revamped, is still up there as one of the best bars on our humble planet. The bartenders bible, Harry Craddocks The Savoy Cocktail Book, was written here, and the cocktails served today remain as finely tuned as they ever were. Whereas as other bars try to recreate the glamour of such places, The Savoy neednt pretend: everything is genuine. The palatial Beaufort is absurdly romantic, and drinks are extravagantly presented: it works for the most special of special occasions, and theres something undeniably grand about sipping away in the same place Frank Sinatra, Marlene Dietrich, Coco Chanel and Ernest Hemingway all did. If youre planning a few drinks, either be rich or take someone rich seriously. Artesian 1C Portland Pl, W1B 1JA, artesian-bar.co.uk Artesian won its accolades for its team, Alex Kratena and Simone Caporale, who ran the place for eight years and earned its reputation as the best bar in the world. Theyve sadly departed, but have left the place in capable hands, and the feel is much the same as it ever was, which is chic, glamorous, and not taking itself too seriously. While the beautiful and the rich rub shoulders, the bartenders are mixing up excellent but often slightly silly drinks but its their mischievousness that makes them so winning. Seriously impressive. Les Compagnie Des Vins Surnaturels 8-10 Neal's Yard, WC2H 9DP, cvssevendials.com Call it CVS and your night becomes considerably easier to pronounce. Sat in Neils Yard, it is one of Londons finest wine bars. Thoroughly French, of course: New World wines barely get a sideways glance, while even Italys finest is only begrudgingly given a little space on the considerable menu. This doesn't mean there is a lack of choice to the contrary, it is almost overwhelming, though they have a short by-the-glass list, and the charming staff are both well informed and passionate about what to have. In the summer, sit outdoors, in the winter, cosy up by the bar. Wherever you are, try the mystery wine; if you guess it, youll win a bottle. Have food small plates made to share, and terrifically good and drink plenty, so the bill doesnt hit as hard. The Shrub & Shutter 336 Coldharbour Ln, SW9 8QH, theshrubandshutter.com This Brixton bar felt new in the area, taking a little of east London and bringing it down south. Theyve a pleasingly patchwork approach to decor: there are jars and bottles and shakers everywhere, which gives the place a kitchen feel. The cocktails, lovely to drink on their own, are made better with the food, which is designed to match what youre drinking. The pairings initially sound a little gimmicky crayfish with vodka, venison on the side of The Deerhunter (an old fashioned, basically) but they work, so drop that sceptical streak for a moment. It gets busy, so book up, get in early, and stay late. Theyve a license until 3am, so itd be rude not to. Sky Pod at the Sky Garden 1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF, skygarden.london The truth of it is, you come for the view, but good God it's a great view, and 360-degrees at that. Up 35 floors, if you can think of a London icon, you can probably see it. When the weather's good, get outside for some fresh air. With completely free entry and minimal security fuss, its worth making a reservation, though if youre ok to queue, theyll have you in. Cocktails arent torturously expensive, at around 11.50, and are very enjoyable the cognac-chocolate-caramel-port mix that is Black and Gold is particularly good so it doesn't feel like they're relying on the sights. Theres a sense of special occasion, and all the more so with live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. Theyre hoping for jazz on Wednesdays, too. If youre tempted to eat, Fenchurch and the Darwin Brasserie are well worth trying Fenchurch is particularly good for veggies. The Gilbert Scott St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Rd, NW1 2AR, thegilbertscott.co.uk Given the golden hue here, where luxury hangs in the air like perfume, its remarkable that wine starts at as little as 5 a glass. Wine is its strong point, and likeable head sommelier Joris Beijn is a man worth knowing: he is passionate about his list, knowledgeable and accommodating. The bar is flexible, in that it is by turns ideal for a date, or a catch up with old friends, or a pre/post dinner drinks. The room is a stunner: high painted ceilings, dramatic red walls, great big bells as art, marble bar top and crystal glasses catching the light. Cocktails come in at around 14, and err on the light side: lots of gin and floral concoctions. The restaurant, next door, isnt to be missed, either, just be prepared to get an Uber home: invariably, youll stretch and tease out the evening to stay just a little longer. Gerry's Club 52 Dean Street, W1D 5BJ, gerrysclub.com A word of warning: this is technically a member's club, but you'll probably be fine if you flirt enough and don't ask for Gerry, he's long since passed. Michael looks after this place now. We've only been once very late, very drunk and with very good friends. Most old-school Soho drinking dens are dead, but this hub of actors and writers is what remains of 'Old Soho'. If you're boring, steer clear: it is a place to drink wine and beer and tell stories, to laugh uproariously and to give yourself a monumental hangover in a faintly discreet way. 68 and Boston 4-5 Greek St, Soho, W1D 4DD, 68andboston.com Boston, the bar upstairs, looks like glamorous train carriage from the golden age of cocktails but plays it a little bit safe. Wine bar 68, downstairs, is the real gem, with a wonderful way of pricing: every bottle on the list is 20, so choose what you like, not what you can afford. Better yet, if you don't fancy a bottle, they're served by the carafe (14) or glass (5.50). Wines are well picked and Denise Medrano, wine blogger and lover found behind the bar, is always working to update the list so go back to try something new. Youll probably end up getting drunk here: the pull of another bottle at just 20 is monumentally hard to resist, but hey, thats what Soho is for. If you fancy drinking something more upscale, ask theyve a few hidden wines kept hidden away for those in the know. Thats you, now. The Pink Chihuahua at El Camion 25-27 Brewer St, W1F 0RR, elcamion.co.uk Forget house infusions and drinks that take half an hour to make: sometimes a good night needs tequila and dancing. The Pink Chihuahua is built for it: theyre providing the tequila more than 300 different types of it, in fact youre there to drink it down and dance it up. Theyve all sorts of twists on Margaritas and Daiquiris, and, given youre downstairs from Mexican restaurant El Camion, plenty of bar food to indulge in too. Lots of fun, and if youre feeling more in the mood just to sit back and sip something slowly, ask about their choice of Mezcal. There's real talent here, but fun too. The Gibson 44 Old St, EC1V 9AQ, thegibsonbar.london Given the dearth of decent cocktails in Farringdon, the tiny Gibson is a God-send. Its a parlour pitched somewhere between Edwardian and Art Deco, and drinks arent simply poured here, theyre tended to, built, thought about, adored. All unsurprising, really, given the team learnt their trade at the likes of Nightjar and The Connaught. This place is doing more creatively to push bartending forward than any bar that's opened up in a while, so ask the team for recommendations and youll be presented with something magic. Youll need to ask, actually, as the menu is a novel and theres the risk of wasting the evening reading instead of drinking, and that simply wouldnt do at all. Peg+Patriot Patriot Square, E2 9NF, talentedmrfox.com The Talented Mr Fox, Matt Whiley, offers is a nice blend of things here: while the menu takes a sophisticated trip around London, with each cocktail a column of flavour, some managing chameleonic taste all within the space of a sip, the actual bar is surprisingly spare and understated. The effect is such that while drinks are upmarket, one doesnt feel obliged to sit demurely to enjoy them. Relax, have a few you might want to, as the serves arent huge. It should be said that these cocktails are among Londons most interesting, rather than Londons best: they are talking points, oddities, they put flavours together in a way that isnt available elsewhere. If youre big on trying new things, different experiences, seeing what a cocktail can do, come, its a must. If its just something reliably delicious you fancy, elsewhere may be better. Worship Street Whistling Shop 63 Worship St, EC2A 2DU, whistlingshop.com One presumes the staff here have night vision, otherwise its a complete and utter mystery how they see customers, let alone their ingredients. Still, they must do, for the output is pretty much excellent through and through at this dark spot. Its Victorian-inspired, which sounds tired and not a little tacky, but the gang from Purl have done it properly. Drinks are busy lots of fusions, blends, gasses and pressure and all sorts so its appropriate they come out of a lab. Still, all this engineering seems to be worth it, as the drinks slip down easily, the alcohol often hidden away. Make sure to take a seat in the Dram Shop, and pop in to the Gin Closet too, which operates as an honesty bar. Kansas Smitty's 63-65 Broadway Market, E8 4PH, kansassmittys.com Below bar Off Broadway a long way off, its Mexican sits this glorious den of jazz and juleps. It is a speakeasy for 2016: that is to say, it has none of the contrived mannerisms of bars which proclaim to be speakeasies, it just happens to actually be one: youll need to knock to get in, the music raves loud and hot, and the place is so crowded strangers become family after a drink or two. The house band, for which the place is named, have envy-inducing talent, and the bar has fairly recently overhauled its drinks list, and the results are good. Youll be absorbed by the music, and stay afterwards to ride the buzz of the crowd. GONG 52, Shangri-La Hotel, the Shard, SE1 9QU, .gong-shangri-la.com Gong is in the Shard, so youre there for the view alone. View it certainly does: at 52 floors up, its by far Londons highest spot to drink: consequently, sipping on a martini, one feels a little like a Bond villain pondering all thats below. Its not a huge bar, but that somewhat adds to the sense of exclusivity. Prices are, naturally, sky high: expect to pay at least 18. The drinks have plenty about them to compete with the view: presentation is everything. Theyve not skipped on the spirits making the mix, either: expect the likes of Zacapa 23 rum (heavenly stuff), Talisker scotch and Tanqueray 10 for the gin. All top drawer stuff. If this all sounds a bit intimidating, bear in mind they operate a no reservations policy, so youve as good a chance of getting in as anyone else. Mr Fogg's Salon 58 St Martin's Lane, Theatreland, WC2N 4EA, mr-foggs.com Downstairs is a pretty decent pub, busy from theatreland. Upstairs, the salon is quieter, but only a little. The walls are a glittering ballgown of 19th century curiosities, unsubtle nonsense winking away. Head to a chaise longues with a couple of friends or a date and take in something from each one of the five acts which split the menu. Drinks seem to smell especially good here, rich, relying heavily on the likes of rum, cognac and sherry. Gin lovers need not despair: theyve a room with 300 different types next door. Come elegantly dressed. Bar Termini 7 Old Compton St, W1D 5JE, bar-termini.com Do Bar Termini right and youll love it: do it wrong, and you may be underwhelmed. Tony Conigliaro, cocktail chap par excellence, and coffee maestro Marco Arrigo have built a revolving-door of a place: dont come here to linger. Expect a night of cocktails and youll leave disappointed: instead, love it in the day for the 1 espressos, and swing by in the evening for a negroni (6). Theyre small, but some of the best in the capital. One swishes in and out here, and that way, it adds a touch of Italian glamour to any evening. Trisha's (New Evaristo Club) 57 Greek St, Soho, W1D 3DX Drinks dont make a bar, and thank goodness, as the stuff served at Trishas named for its owner is uniformly pretty awful: red and white wine youd consider an insult if a friend served it at supper, prosecco wildly overpriced, terrible spirits ecetera ecetera. At more than 70, the club is Sohos oldest, and while nobody who goes there can ever remember anything changing its often quite hard to recall much about Trishas in crystal detail, as it happens nothing needs to. The bad wine and expensive mixers and paint stripper spirits are all part of the point: its a glorious drinking den, and marvellous, marvellous fun. There are characters here: the last time we were in, we sat being scared witless by an old East End gangster who said hes known the Krays. Tremendous. Long may this place live. The Fumoir Claridge's, 49 Brook St, W1K 4HR, claridges.co.uk The Fumoir will confuse you, as youll be torn between shouting about it and keeping it all to yourself. This plush purple and leather spot, deco decadence with a touch of welcome pomp, is hidden away behind a secret door at Claridges. Tiny and glitzy enough to feel like a Hollywood dressing room from the Golden Age, its little surprise the likes of Christina Hendricks adore it. For such a small place, they squeeze an awful lot in: plenty of wines, classic cocktails given a stern shake up, buckets of gin, a lovely choice of armagnac and a magnificent scotch list, gleaming with rarities. 69 Colebrooke Row 69 Colebrooke Row, N1 8AA, 69colebrookerow.com Once known as the bar with no name, henceforth they shall be called the bar with Bernards watch, as there is no other explanation for the speed with which their finely mixed cocktails arrive. Another bar from Tony Conigliaro, its earned its reputation for turning out hit after hit: the drinks list is endlessly tempting. The piano is a nice touch; that is gets played a much nicer one, and make sure to order the Prairie Oyster fun to drink, and one even for those who cant eat seafood. Bear in mind its a small spot, so youre close to your neighbours, and if you dont like strong drinks where the booze kicks, this wont be for you. Happiness Forgets 8-9 Hoxton Square, N1 6NU, happinessforgets.com Dont expect frills and fuss or the rest of it here: Happiness Forgets is cocktail bar distilled down to its very essence, and done very well their tag High End Cocktails/Low End Rent sums it up best. The bartenders are all top drawer, and their creations impeccable. Unsurprisingly, this Hoxton space has its regulars, so the crowd is always good. Tables can be booked, but half are always kept for walk-ins: try your luck, its worth it. Dry Martini by Javier de las Muelas Melia White House Hotel, Albany Street, NW1 3UP, melia.com Come to this one to brag: Dry Martini is known as Barcelonas best cocktail bar, and has been rated the fifth best bar in the world by the Worlds 50 Best Bars panel. Renowned bartender Javier de las Muelas has bought over his concept to us lucky Londoners, and with it, finely mixed and classic cocktails. No prizes for guessing that the Dry Martini is the house special if you dont think you like them, heres a place to change your mind. With more than 80 gins on the list, you could easily lose a week here. Gordon's 47 Villiers St, WC2N 6NE, gordonswinebar.com Gordons seems to get more and more crowded with each passing day, but perhaps rightly so: the beloved Embankment institution is made for knocking back bottles of wine in. Eat a few cold bites and chat into a long, unwinding evening. The wine list is good enough, but youre really here for the atmosphere: in summer, the terrace, buzzing, in winter, the caves indoors, crammed with noise, spilt wine, and joy. Social bar at City Social 25 Old Broad St, EC2N 1HQ, citysociallondon.com Youd think youre at City Social, up 24 stories of Tower 42, to eat, but if you stop in the bar, theres a good chance you wont make it to your table. The drinks come as something of a surprise: theyre so much better than one expects from a restaurant bar, inventive, put together carefully but not staidly, retaining a sense of fun. And, crucially, damned tasty. Its a dark room, and full of city types, but perfect for a few late night cocktails soaking up the view, which is really quite wonderful. Bloody pricey, but thats part of it. Ladies and Gentlemen 2 Highgate Rd, NW5 1NR, twitter.com William Borrells bolthole transcends its gimmick (which, if you hadnt guessed, is that its a converted public loo), with the help of some very handy bartenders, and its house-brewed gin, Highwayman, of which twelve bottles a day get distilled. Ladies & Gents manages well as a place for a quiet drink, or better yet, a place to quietly get roaringly drunk. Convenient indeed. The drinks are strong, very interesting, and theres plenty of odd sods on the wall to keep your conversation up. It maintains a veneer of being somewhere faintly upmarket, but youll probably end up reading from one of the books scattered around or trying to dance to the live music. Perfect for a date that gets out of hand. Bull In A China Shop 196 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6LG, bullinachinashop.london Truth it, youll need to catch this place on a good night, as weve been in often enough to know it has its good nights and its meh nights. But when the place is on, its really cooking, and easily one of the best bars in town. The cocktail list is short, but thought through, and care is taken in even the small things: they even make sure the water glasses are chilled. The chamomile and charcoal Old-Fashioned is a must, and any whisky lovers should get chatting to the bar staff, as theyve bottles which arent available anywhere else in the capital. Sager + Wilde Arch, 250 Paradise Row, E2 9LE, sagerandwilde.com Wine lovers rejoice, wine bores look elsewhere. Sager + Wilde admirably keep things unpretentious: the exposed brickwork sets the tone: theyre keeping things low key. The specials list changes regularly, and always with interesting choices introduced. Some of the wines are exclusive to this place, so youre all but guaranteed to try something new. Have a SHE + T (sherry with tonic, delicious), and absolutely do not leave without having the grilled cheese sandwich. 7 Tales at Sosharu 64 Turnmill St, EC1M 5RR, sosharulondon.com Underneath Jason Athertons Sosharu is this sexy, seedy Japanese drinking den, where youll find the hazy, debauched glamour of Tokyo after dark. Unlike so many bars underneath restaurants, 7 Tales doesnt feel like a holding pen, and drinks are precision made, with flavours leaning beyond the usual think rice-washed gin, sake, infusions of sesame, snacks like tempura. Bar snacks are an irresistible must. Callooh Callay 65 Rivington St, EC2A 3AY, calloohcallaybar.com Eccentric doesnt seem to quite cover it: enter the surreal world of Callooh Callay through an old Victorian wardrobe, catch sight of a throne and order punch out of a gramophone from a menu thats more of a sticker book. It sounds a bit ridiculous, but the bartenders really know their stuff, so for all the quirks, drinks are fundamentally pretty excellent. On the weekends, its a party bar, and DJs spin music to match: youre here for a good time. Any detectives in your gang will find there are two extra rooms in Callooh Callay to explore theyre hidden away, too, naturally. If youre good, you might even get an invite upstairs to the Jub Jub Room, where the 10-long cocktail list changes every three weeks. Fans should also head to their new offering in Angel, Little Bat. Dukes Bar Dukes Hotel, 35 St James's Pl, SW1A 1NY, dukeshotel.com Dukes is known for one reason: martinis. The St Jamess hotel was a favourite haunt of James Bond author and (very) keen drinker, Ian Fleming, who supposedly came up with the shaken, not stirred line here. Their martinis are exceptionally strong, and very large: theres a reason they wont serve you more than two. But look, break the mould: theyre a classic hotel bar, they serve a fine range of classic cocktails. Theres also a cognac and cigar garden, if youre so inclined. NOLA 1st Floor, 68 Rivington Street, EC2A 3AY, nola-london.com It would be too easy to miss this place, so do your homework and saunter in: its must more attractive than sweatily asking anyone if theyve seen the place. Drawing inspiration from the home of proper cocktails, New Orleans, the bar loves traditional drinks, builds them properly and serves them in a den of music and laughter. Unlike some places specialising in old school serves, NOLA is a place for fun: sure, it seems to say, you could have a quiet drink but why would you want to? Theres a cracking cigar terrace too, small enough that everyone talks before heading back in for one hell of a Vieux Carre. Call Me Mr Lucky 11 Southwark St, SE1 1RQ, twitter.com All the hidden bars at the Breakfast Clubs around the capital are popular, with perhaps The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town being the best known. Call Me Mr Lucky, on Southwark Street, happens to be our favourite. Once youve flirted with the staff ask to get lucky youre taken through the restaurants kitchens to a lively bar decorated like some twisted take on a kids party. Have a go on the wheel of fortune, where youll really want to get lucky, and win a free shot, and then work your way through the cocktail list. Like any good-time bar worth its salt, this place is big on tequila, and the drinks are light-hearted fun, but here we go getting lucky again along with the quirks comes quality. By the of the evening, before youre porured back onto the street, youll swear tequila is your new favourite drink, and youll be singing the party hits they play all the way home. K Bar at The Kensington 109 - 113 Queen's Gate, SW7 5LP, townhousekensington.com K bar feels majestic and there is no other word for it because drinking here is a little like being in the captains quarters of the Titanic, albeit without the sinking feeling. There is glamour here: a kind of place to be seduced in. Cocktails wise, bar manager Ben Manchester is the man to ask for, but theres a fine list to choose from. It avoids stuffiness, and just needs to be packed out to really get cooking. Nightjar 129 City Rd, EC1V 1JB, barnightjar.com Nightjar has fame which means writing about it is redundant: people think it marvellously good, and theyve live music most of the week. Its seating only and worth booking: just be sure not to cancel, or theyll charge a steep 10 per person. They do the speakeasy theme, but well enough that it isnt too tired yet, and have plenty of old school style on the list. Pick up a pack of cards from the bar on your way out. Reverend J W Simpson 32 Goodge St, W1T 2QJ, revjwsimpson.com Bourne and Hollingsworth run this rather lovely little bar, downstairs from a small doorway on Goodge St. Service is friendly and speedy, it's comfortable, and drinks more than hold their own there's both obscure traditional mixes and modern serves made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Luckily, with good drinks come good people, and it's a loud, happy place. Albertine 1 Wood Ln, W12 7DP, albertinewinebar.co.uk Albertine hasnt changed much since the day East Enders was commissioned there. A wine bar through and through, youll struggle to get anything else (though there are a couple of ales on the menu.) Its a place with spirit, which draws a regular, devoted crowd. They sell everything they serve, and its well worth splashing out: the mark-up gets less and less as the bottles get more expensive, meaning you can get an absolute bargain at the top end of the list. Its also the kind of wine bar you go to to overindulge. First Aid Box 119 Dulwich Rd, SE24 0NG, firstaidbox2015.com This place really is worth travelling to Herne Hill to, which must be saying something. The team behind Shrub & Shutter have thickly laid on the pharmacy theme here, with cure-all drinks. Its not an idea which sounds like it should work, and yet, how much better life would be if they were one of the emergency services. Expect saline drips, syringes, and the likes of plastic lungs their take on thirst aid but rest assured, flavours arent medicinal in the slightest. At 8 - 10 a drink, its reasonable for London, and wonderful to see a bar really trying something new. Bravo. Media Wisdom Photography - Giles Christopher Nam Long Le Shaker 159 Old Brompton Rd, SW5 0LJ, namlong.co.uk It gained fame for its celebrity fans, which include Mick Jagger and Prince Harry, but Nam Long has held on longer than most A-list haunts: its been going 30 years, and recently was given an overhaul. Its quite possibly the most Chelsea place imaginable there are literally MIC cast members floating about and its a go-to spot to drink far too much and party. The upstairs area is bright, airy, and well looked after by the excellent bartenders, while downstairs "the Opium Den" is as it sounds (though there was no opium available when we asked... ) The drinks upstairs were made with more care, but downstairs is more intimate, opulent, and better for a small groups. Some of those Chelsea types who go really are the very worst, and the drinks are outrageously expensive, but hey, its a laugh. The Vault at Milroy's 3 Greek St, Soho, W1D 4NX, shop.milroys.co.uk A bar through a bookcase: were sold. Better yet, its underneath one of Sohos finest whisky shops with stiff competition from The Vintage House so if youre taken with something downstairs, buy it on your way out. Its a simple little bar and the service is decidedly so-so, but its usually pretty busy, they play good music and have an excellent range of spirits. The menu is changed regularly, but its a good place to cram into with friends or on a date. You mightnt spend the entire night here, but for a couple of drinks on the way somewhere, or on the way back, it fits the bill perfectly. Bounce 241 Old St, EC1V 9EY, bouncepingpong.com There are two Bounce bars, one on Old Street and one on Holborn. The Old Street spot is a little more fun, graffiti adorning the walls,the Holborn spot somewhat more upmarket. Still, they both deserve a mention, and for the simple reason theyre damned good fun. Drinks here are good, with a decent spirit selection at both (and a huge number of gins in Farringdon) and a respectable selection of beers. Food is fine, simple. Still, you come to play ping pong. Theyve tables everywhere. Theres little to fault with Bounce: its a laugh, and sometimes thats all somewhere needs to be. Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESGoingOut Review at a glance P rince Harry should check out this period romance. An African royal (David Oyelowo) falls for a white girl from Blackheath (Rosamund Pike) and the pair decide to wed. At which point all hell breaks loose. Its 1947, you see, and race is a hot-button issue. Not like now (pause for effect). A United Kingdom is based on a book called Colour Bar, which tells the true and extraordinary story of Seretse Khama, heir to the throne of Bechuanaland, who happily gave up his title to help create the non-racial republic of Botswana. Other bluebloods have set aside their crowns but if youre picturing a Botswanian version of Edward VIII and Mrs Simpson, dont. Khama was not only incorruptible but obsessed with democracy. And blessed with luck. Black leaders who try to mobilise the masses put their lives on the line. Oyelowo, who played Martin Luther King in Selma and has spent years trying to get this project off the ground, offers a useful reminder: the good dont always die young. A United Kingdom Exclusive Interview With David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike & Amma Asante Hes entirely likable in the role and has a lovely chemistry with Pike, who plays Ruth. They often resemble the earnest, shyly witty protagonists in last years Brooklyn. Ruth wears the same dress twice (as women on planet Earth, unlike planet Hollywood, often do). And Pike, in the scenes when Ruth feels that shes losing Seretse, looks honest-to-god frazzled. What lets the film down is the script, which cant even settle on a tone. A scene in which a pregnant Ruth decides to give birth in a local hospital rather than a fancy South African one feels preachy. Meanwhile, the bit where she goes into labour by herself is pap (in real life, Seretse was there for the birth) nothing is gained by pretending otherwise. The opportunism of various politicians should be fascinating. Ditto the hostility aimed at Ruth by both black and white women. But the supporting characters are so devoid of personality that, whether theyre being outwitted or won over, its hard to care. Maybe director Amma Asante wanted to make her film Oscar-friendly. In Belle she lingered poetically over objects and faces. Here her shot selection is more anonymous. Seretse and Ruth (seen together in photographs at the end of the movie) look delightfully idiosyncratic. They have an essence which the film cant entirely bottle but good karma to David Oyelowos team for trying. Cert 12A, 111 mins Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESGoingOut N o Commission Dec 8-10, The Arches, SE1 (bacardinocommission.com) This fair for street art, having taken place in New York and Miami previously, comes to London for the first time, with live music from hip hop producer and organiser Swizz Beatz. Past additional performers in the US have included A$AP Rocky and Alicia Keys. Porter Robinson and Madeon Feb 7, O2 Forum Kentish Town, NW5 (0844 847 2405, o2forumkentishtown.co.uk) Two of the less brash young men of the EDM scene, Americas Robinson and Frances Madeon, made a song together, Shelter, in the summer. Now theyre embarking on a joint tour of the same name. The xx March 8-13, O2 Academy Brixton, SW9 (0844 477 2000, o2academybrixton.co.uk) As they prepare to release their third album at the start of next year, the minimalist indie trio are popular enough to be an arena act, but prefer to play five nights in smaller Brixton instead. Bruno Mars April 18-19, O2 Arena, SE10 (0844 824 4824, the02.co.uk) The voice of Uptown Funk now has a third album of his own and more giant hits on the way. Hes calling this the 24K Magic World Tour, so expect a particularly shiny stage spectacle. Adele June 29-July 1, Wembley Stadium, HA9 (0844 980 8001, live.adele.com) Having visited the O2 multiple times earlier this year, and of course headlined Glastonbury, Adele will wrap up her long world tour by bringing her mix of heartbreaking soul and inane chatter to a stadium. A nyone on a night out in London knows that homelessness is a real problem. As well as exciting new restaurants and bars there are noticeably far too many people sleeping on the streets and that figure is rising. StreetSmart is a charity that aims to tackle this crisis head-on, with an annual fundraising initiative every November and December. A voluntary 1 per table is added to diners bills, with the money raised supporting projects near the restaurant where donations are made. The charity launched in 1998 and has raised 7.9 million, all from 1 donations. This year, with more than 350 participating restaurants, pubs and hotels in the capital taking part, the charity hopes to top the half a million mark. StreetSmart has garnered support from a number of names not only from within the industry but also from the likes of Stephen Fry. I have no hesitation in supporting and recommending the work of charity StreetSmart, he says. Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Marcus Wareing described the initiative as "a fabulous charity that remembers the homeless at a time of year when we should be thinking of others." You can do your bit by dining at restaurants such as Barrafina, The Palomar, Clipstone and Eight over Eight, which are participating. Youll know a restaurant is involved if theres a StreetSmart card on your table or if one is presented with your bill when you dine. Last year the top earners for StreetSmart included the restaurant groups Harvey Nichols, MEATliquor and Polpo. Nick Jarman, General Manager at OXO Bar, Brasserie & Restaurant, says, "We're pleased to be partnering with StreetSmart this year. OXO has supported the campaign since it began in 1998 and we're very proud to be part of the initiative." A full list of the participating restaurants, hotels and the homeless projects funded by StreetSmart can be found at streetsmart.org.uk. Visit standard.co.uk/restaurants for the latest news and reviews from Londons food scene. 30 must-try dishes in London restaurants 1 /41 30 must-try dishes in London restaurants Bone marrow on toast with parsley salad at St John Not only has this dish kicked off countless wonderful meals over the course of St Johns 25 years, but it also gets credit for putting British cooking back on the global culinary map. Roasted bone marrow, coaxed out onto toast, cut perfectly with salad of parsley, shallots and capers. A nose-to-tail revolution, and utterly divine. Whole turbot at Brat Tomos Parrys talents with a turbot first came to feverish acclaim at Mayfair restaurant Kitty Fishers, but they are now the star attraction at his Michelin-starred solo spot. This whole fish grilled Basque-style, over hot coals and in a specially designed cage softens as if it has melted, and is basted at the table in an emulsion made with its own juices. Benjamin McMahon Marinara at 50 Kalo di Ciro Salvo Superlatives should be used in moderation but heck it, this might just be Londons best pizza. This under-the-radar London iteration of a Naples pizzeria serves an unrivalled marinara: just tomato sauce, oil, garlic and oregano. No need for any more with a sauce this good and a base so fine and perfectly charred, you can stop mourning your cancelled Italian holiday at first bite. Luciano Furia Clay pot baked pork and crab glass noodles at Kiln When we say Kiln is one of the hottest spots in town, we mean it hang over the counter at the Thai barbecue and youre not far out of range for the odd flame. Baking in the heart of the swirling heat is this must order: shimmering glass noodles, coated with a silky sauce enriched with fatty slicks of Tamworth pork belly and improbably unctuous crab meat. Lamb chops, Melabes Perhaps because its quietly tucked in among its unassuming neighbours down on the wrong end of High Street Kensington, Melabes is often overlooked by Londons food lovers. An unwarranted shame, as this partly Middle Eastern, partly Mediterranean set-up is really very good; it is somewhere to pick and choose from bits and pieces, and put a meal together yourself. The lamb chops, which come all smokey and burnished from the grill, are perfect; pink as a Vegas sign inside, but the fat all soft and dripping and delicious. A must, whatever the order. Steak tartare imperial at Bob Bob Ricard Theres Press For Champagne buttons, lobster in your mac and cheese and anything that stays still long enough gets gilded there is no point in going small at Bob Bob Ricard. Steak tartare is a luxurious pick at the best of times, but the Imperial upgrade here comes with a dollop of caviar even without the finishing touch, the tartare itself is one of the best in the capital. Bacon naan at Dishoom Londoners spent decades believing bacon in a bap with some ketchup (or brown sauce, but lets not have that argument now) couldnt be beaten and then Dishoom came along. This breakfast sandwich fills a fresh naan with bacon, a slathering of cream cheese, a luxurious tomato and chilli chutney, coriander and an oozing fried egg if you feel so inclined. Hangover be gone. Cacio e pepe at Padella Five years ago, you would have thought anyone queuing for pasta in London to have lost their minds this dish changed that. The starlet of Padellas much coveted is this plate of pici hand-rolled fat worms of eggless pasta with a mirror-shine sauce of parmesan cheese and pasta. Simple but unrivalled and itll set you back just 6. Jamon croquetas at Barrafina A dish like this should be elusive it is far too easy to eat seven portions of croquetas in a single sitting, which is why we presume Barrafina makes you queue. Very sensible. As the crunchy coating gives way to the oozing centre, enriched with the flavour of Spanish jamon (the best ham in the business), were already planning our next visit. Biang biang noodles at Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles There are oodles of noodles in the capital, but Guirong Weis triumphant take is one of the finest. First finding followers at her north London restaurant Xian Impression (soon to reopen for dine-in, but not yet), the dish of has inspired a whole spin-off restaurant in Spitalfields. Thick, hand-pulled, chewy noodles soak up all the spice and zing of the special sauce they swim in very special indeed. Souffle Suissesse, Le Gavroche Le Gavroche the street urchin is perhaps not for everyone. It is a Mayfair time machine, a reminder of how things were done once upon a time. Fortunately, it happens that how things were once done was very well indeed, and lunch or supper here is a masterclass in traditional French luxury (and often, happily, includes very large glasses of wine). Staff make the place, anyone who has been gently teased by the twins pretending to be each other will know. A tendency towards the old ways does mean the cooking offers little in the way of evolution or revolution, but new, after all, isnt always better. Michel Roux Jrs cheese souffle, baked on double cream, stuns, so overwhelmingly tasty, utter decadence that clings to the taste buds. Buttermilk Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Around the Cluck / 12:51 James Cochran found his signature dish early on, but its good it should stay with him for the rest of his career. While he has chops, and can do more beyond, theres something special in the way he works with his chicken; hotly spiced, gorgeously crispy, beautifully soft on the inside. A long-standing favourite and, though 12:51 cant operate as it did before, there are tables at his new project Around the Cluck, which is operating out of the same site. Breakfast at Hawksmoor Guildhall Your Full English is not full in comparison to the Hawksmoor breakfast at the steak connoisseurs Guildhall restaurant. The mind-boggling two-person spread swaps bacon rashers for an entire smoked chop, serves its bubble and squeak with short rib, puts trotter meat into its baked beans, and adds grilled bone marrow to all the usual trimmings. Cauliflower shawarma at Berber & Q Its not often that the main event at a barbecue restaurant is the veg, but Berber & Q have achieved just that. The cauliflower shawarma here is cooked on their flaming grill until softened and charred, before being doused liberally in tahini, pomegranate molasses, coriander, pomegranate seeds and a scattering of dried rose petals. BBQ Butter Chicken Wings at Brigadiers Brigadiers is a bold, boisterous sort of place: a labyrinthine City dining room, packed to the rafters with beer and Indian food that is indisputably gutsy. But arguably its finest moment comes in one of its smallest packages these chicken wings may be diminutive, but are mightily spiced, deftly charred and dripping with ghee-fuelled succulence. Beef brisket bun at Smokestak David Carters Shoreditch restaurant occupies itself by giving the entirety of Kansas City a run for its money on a daily basis. The star turn at this lauded barbecue restaurant is its beef brisket bun the meat is soft and juicy, riddled with its fats in the centre, while charred and treacle-like on the outside, paired perfectly with pickled chillies. To remember it is to salivate, we assure you. Snails, LEscargot LEscargot is one of Sohos old aristocrats and in its grand, beret red dining room there is always a mischievous sense of fun perhaps because it is still such a smart, suited, chandeliered place, and people are often drinking themselves rather silly. The clue to good eating is in the name; the snails come still clinging to their shells and submerged in their butter and parsley sauce. Dive in; you will emerge stinking gloriously of garlic. It wont matter a jot; roll on the red wine and settle in for a long, comforting night. Confit potatoes at Quality Chop House Yes, there are some high quality chops on offer at this 150-year-old Clerkenwell restaurant but blimey, leave room for the chips. Fine slices of potato are stacked into architecturally sound wedges, and confited until shatteringly crispy on the outside and devastatingly soft in the centre. They have been much imitated in recent years, but never bettered. Smoked eel sandwich at Quo Vadis Jeremy Lee cooks many things to a legendary level at Quo Vadis his pies could so easily have also made this list but he gets the nod here for his unrivalled take on the fancy sandwich. Smoked eel, horseradish cream and Dijon mustard, served with red onion pickle a combination so popular Lee says he nearly ran out of eel on post-lockdown reopening. Classic bao at Bao London has buns in abundance, but we still bow down to the fluffy superiority of Bao. The Taiwanese restaurant has become a cross-town favourite, thanks to its pleasingly pert rice buns (they are genuinely very pert, no crassness intended) and carefully considered fillings. The classic order comes filled with braised pork, fermented veg, coriander and a dusting of peanut powder. Carol Sachs Potato and roe, Core by Clare Smyth Clare Smyth has a knack that must infuriate other chefs; she is able to take the simplest of ingredients say, a single carrot and a smattering of lamb mince do something devilish with it and charge rather a lot for it; so good are the results, though, that few mind. Smyths sorcery is perhaps best witnessed with her signature, the potato and roe. It is simply a potato on a plate in a little sauce, but then it is also perhaps the best potato dish in the world; it has this wonderful salty richness, a certain seaside intenseness. It is glorious; so too is the smoked chicken that tends to come as an amuse bouche. Youll be treated here. Omelette Arnold Bennett Dont worry, no Arnolds were harmed in the making of this dish. Alongside impeccable service and an arguably perfect dining room, you could add another highlight to your breakfast at The Wolseley by ordering this creamy, haddock-filled dish, named for the writer who inspired its creation while staying at the Savoy. Fish pie, J Sheekey Long an actors favourite, J Sheekeys glamour has never lost its lustre. Its kept its regulars and charmed newcomers with a menu that plays the greatest hits of fine dining favourites. Seafood is Sheekeys thing; simply done sole is beautiful here, crab comes three ways, brill brushed in butter has a meatiness thats beyond satisfying. The fish pie is famous though, and rightly so; beneath the flaking pastry is a sea of cream, mustard and white wine, in it bobbing cod, haddock and salmon. It is simple but never fails; it does on its own for lunch, but is a failsafe at supper, too. John Carey The Ari Gold at Patty & Bun Theres a cheeseburger on every high street in the capital but not all of them are created equal. Patty & Bun has got the classic combination down to a tee with its curiously named Ari Gold burger: a fat, 35-day aged patty is served medium rare, and topped with gooey American cheese, smokey house mayo and tangy pickled red onions. Xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung Few dishes in the capital have been known to cause queues of four hours. Thats exactly what the world-famous xiao long bao dumplings did when top Taiwanese restaurant group Din Tai Fung first opened in Covent Garden. An intricately folded out layer (made by chefs trained for at least 18 months) gives way to succulent meat and a broth you could take on by the bowlful. Pig's trotter, the French House Upstairs in the Soho local, Neil Borthwick is quietly running one of the areas best kitchens. He orders in particularly good oysters, does brilliant things with brill and with his pigs trotter, has a dish that is rich and fatty, but with a beautiful salty cut that makes it madly moreish. The menu tends to change often upstairs in the French, but have this if its on. That little dining room is somewhere to go in early for lunch and stay until late, eventually spilling down into the pub below, to drink pints they do pints now, not just halfs all while merrily reliving the joys upstairs. Peter Clark Dover sole with crab butter at Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill There are so many delights at Bentleys, its tricky to pick a single one. This could so easily have been a plate of rigorously sourced oysters, the fish pie, the decadent Royal seafood platter (pictured). It is however, the Dover sole that wins. A sublime piece of fish always, expertly cooked without fail choose it either filleted with beautiful crab butter, or grilled and whole for a simple pleasure. Over in the City, Corrigan does similarly brilliant things with lobster at Daffodil Mulligan. Ragu, Lina Stores Sohos Lina Stores the pasta bar, not the longstanding Italian deli it comes from is the sort of restaurant one longs for; small, fun, friendly, not too pricey. They do small plates of near perfect pasta; their ragu, whether lamb or veal, is a gem. A good ragu is hard to find too often theres too little meat, or meat not cooked for long enough but here, they spend the time over it, cooking slowly, carefully. No restaurant can compare with a Nonna, but Lina gets gratifyingly close. Porterhouse steak, the Guinea Grill London is not short of steakhouses, but the Guinea does not number among them. A pub a proper one it is tucked down a Mayfair sidestreet, away from everything and yet still perpetually busy. Besides the small bar is a dining room that looks much as it must have done when the likes of Sinatra was in (or Bette Midler, or Kylie, or Regan, or, or, or), where theyve served prime Aberdeen Angus cooked on a smoking hot grill. The Guinea is all about having a good time pints, red wine, brandies, the lot but they cook beautifully, and their handling of a good piece of beef is second to none. Puree de pommes de terre, Le Comptoir Robuchon The late Joel Robuchon may have been the most decorated chef of his and perhaps any other era, but his signature stayed humble mashed potato. Until youve had it, it is hard to believe it could be quite so good; mash, after all, is mash. No matter the scepticism, it will always surprise; it is almost silly that so little could taste of so much. A side, it will match almost everything on the menu; of which, the lamb with aubergine on the menu of classics is extraordinarily good. Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout H aruki Murakami, who is by far the best-known and best-selling contemporary Japanese novelist internationally, has always been deeply influenced not just by Western literature but also by Western music, whether jazz, pop or classical. So many of his titles as well as his themes invoke particular pieces to give a single example, his referencing of Janaceks Sinfonietta in 1Q84 (2011) led to the piece of music selling as many copies in one week in Japan as it had in the previous 20 years. For his part, Seiji Ozawa, now 80, has likewise had perhaps the most successful international career of any Japanese classical musician. As a young man he worked with both Karajan and Bernstein, leading the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony, before taking over the great Boston Symphony Orchestra for an amazing 29 years. He finally became conductor of the Vienna State Opera, stepping down only after health problems. He has made many recordings of both the great German repertoire and French opera. Murakami, 15 years younger than Ozawa, lived in Boston in the Nineties and they became family friends. When Ozawa was forced to retire from active conducting for a time to recuperate after an operation for oesophageal cancer, Murakami suggested they record and transcribe these amicable conversations about his career. What I was searching for with increasing clarity as the sessions progressed was something akin to the hearts natural resonance, he says. The result has that easiness so special to him, a reasonableness and modesty that is irresistibly seductive even when in his novels it quietly leads you into considerable oddity. They discuss recordings, from Murakamis collection, of Beethovens 3rd Piano Concerto; the struggle between Bernstein and Gould, and the beauty of Mitsuko Uchida and Kurt Sanderling. Ozawa [deepl y moved]: Its wonderful to think that Japan had produced such a marvellous pianist. They rejoice in Brahms. Murakami: First, let there be Brahms. Ozawa: Exactly. Ozawa speaks illuminatingly about how, in his First Symphony, Brahms ingeniously specified that the horns and flutes should alternate so as not to break the lines for taking a breath. They chat about the Sixties, the exoticism of Mahler, opera and Ozawas career as a teacher at his summer school near Lake Geneva. Its all flowing, eloquent, likeable. Yet in all such debates (whether conversational like this or epistolary) there is a problem of the balance of interest between the subject and the interlocutor: Truffaut/Hitchcock works magnificently, other examples not so well. To be sure, Murakami respects Ozawa not only as a conductor of great international fame but as a master. But there is a problem here. Save perhaps in the relatively recondite operatic repertory of French composers such as Dutilleux, Honneger and Poulenc, it is never Ozawas recordings one would choose as definitive or favourite. In America he has attracted much criticism as well as praise, glossed over by Murakami. Alex Ross of The New Yorker remarked that he piloted the Boston Symphony Orchestra toward mediocrity, while Peter G Davis of New York magazine once compared Ozawa to an actor reciting Shakespeare who actually understood no English. Behind all this lies the entire question of Japanese musicians playing Western classical music and, whether or not, for all their often superior training and technique they do so with the power and individuality of Western performers. This remains the case despite the long history now of Japanese classical music performance. (Japan opened its borders to the West in 1868; by 1872, Western music had supplanted traditional music in the Japanese school system.) Its a question Murakami raises delicately but repeatedly, while always exempting Ozawa himself from the criticism: Your music always has a very clear, tight focus. It seems to me that the world is full of musicians who dont or cant do that. I probably shouldnt generalise about all Japanese musicians but I cant help feeling that while they have a high overall level of technical mastery and can perform music that may be technically flawless, they rarely communicate a distinct worldview. They dont seem to have a strong determination to create their own unique worlds and convey them to people with raw immediacy. Ozawa, a man of impish charm if occasional flashes of vanity (Messiaen and Rubinstein both adored him, he remarks) doesnt entirely disagree, although the idea doesnt seem to enter his head that he is a prime representative of the case. At his summer school they talk about the different attitudes to self-assertion in the West and Japan. Ozawa admits that in Japan the rule is respect the consensus, practice restraint. Murakami supplies the Japanese proverb: the nail that sticks out gets hammered down. Ozawa says he is not at all sure which mentality is better. In the case of a string quartet, though, the European way is definitely superior. You get the best results when each member asserts his opinions. For all his deference to his elder it is Murakami who has most effectively taken Western culture into his work and stands as the most original creator of the two. In his notebooks, commenting on Ozawas conducting of Petrushka, Sviatoslav Richter flatly said, Of course hes very gifted but his gift is rather that of the mimic, and he lacks some of the depth for this kind of music. Absolutely on Music is like Boswell having conversations not with Johnson but with a much less interesting man than himself. Its appeal will be to Murakami addicts rather than to classical music listeners. E urope is currently living through the largest humanitarian crisis since World War 2, with hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing war-torn Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq in search of safety. In response, one London-based charity project is helping refugees and asylum-seekers to rebuild their lives through fitness and meditation. Ourmala runs weekly yoga classes with groups of women from some of the most dangerous conflict zones in the world, many of which have experienced cruelty such as torture, human trafficking and sexual violence. The project is run entirely on public donations, and its creator Emily Brett believes that therapeutic yoga classes are one of the most effective ways to recover from extreme trauma. Yoga is free for all those that attend, and Ourmala also offers a childrens creche and a hot meal for every person through the door. The purpose, the volunteers say, is to help registered refugees to lead happy, healthy, fulfilling and dignified lives, while equipping them with the confidence to settle into society. A lot of us dont have families here and Ourmala is a beating heart for us, says Jacqueline, just one of the refugees that the charity has supported. The project, which currently runs classes four times per week with groups of 16 people at any one time, is now hoping to expand its socially conscious yoga offering in the New Year. It has launched a Crowdfunding page with the hopes of raising 20,000 - which will bring 20 yoga classes to the capital per week. Refugees leaving the Calais Jungle 1 /13 Refugees leaving the Calais Jungle Refugees surge through a barrier at the camp in Calais Jeremy Selwyn There were chaotic scenes today as thousands of people began to leave the camp Jeremy Selwyn Huge queues formed - it came after violent clashes overnight between riot police and migrants Jeremy Selwyn Work to flatten the camp was due to begin today Jeremy Selwyn The refugees were told to leave the camp or face arrest and possible deportation Jeremy Selwyn Desite chaotic scenes, the refugees were said to be resigned to their fate Jeremy Selwyn The camps residents were today being processed before being bussed to temporary accommodation centres Jeremy Selwyn More than 1,200 police and officials were deployed as the operation to clear the Jungle started Jeremy Selwyn Todays first wave of departures were voluntary Jeremy Selwyn Camp residents, mostly men and male teenagers, gradually streamed out carrying belongings in suitcases and bin bags Jeremy Selwyn This means the team will be able to bring some breathing space to more than 300 refugees every week. We hope the public will join us in supporting Ourmala's crowdfunder project so we can help more refugee women and children trying to make a fresh start here in London," says Emily Brett. The crowdfunder closes on November 29, there are great rewards and every donation helps." You can donate to Ourmala here. Follow us on Twitter: @eslifeandstyle W idely regarded as some of the most beautiful cars ever made, Ferrari 250s have long topped the lists of the most desirable, and expensive, cars in the world. They rarely get publicly listed, as most are exchanged behind closed doors, which means the exact sums that are being handed over often remains unknown. Occasionally cars in this exclusive bracket do surface at auction houses, and command prices that makes property in central London look like a steal. Earlier in the year, a Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti sold at an auction in Paris for 25m. In 2014, Monterey Car Week in California saw another 250 sell for 30 million at a Bonhams auction. Ascot-based Talacrest has not made the asking price for this 250 public but it is expected to sell for 40-45million. For that you get a Ferrari that was the second 250 GTO to roll off its factory floor at Maranello, as well as the first 250 GTO to be raced professionally, and one of only 39 ever made. There is also a strong chance you will be the owner of the worlds most expensive car. Despite its age, this 250 GTO is believed to be capable of 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph. It also comes with an impeccable racing history. Although it started out as a test car, it went on to finish second overall and first in its class at the 1962 Sebring 24 Hours. Speaking to the Telegraph, Talacrest manager John Collins said: It is a beautiful Ferrari, the Holy Grail of classic cars, and it has a great racing history having finished sixth overall at Le Mans and first in class at Sebring. I have already had one offer on the car and know there will be interest. It will get you on the Ferrari 70th anniversary tour next year. After the US election, people are going to be looking at investing in assets and this is a lot better than a painting on the wall" In recent years classic cars have comfortably outperformed most other asset classes, such as property or stocks and shares, as well as alternative asset classes like art, wine, watches, jewellery or furniture. While there has been a cooling off in the more extreme end of the automotive spectrum, cars in good condition and with a good history have continued to achieve high valuations. Writing in the FT, journalist and author Daniel Pembrey summarised their enduring appeal: Classic cars represent a unique asset class part investment, part thrall to automotive art and part childhood dream. Collectable toys might be the closest investment comparison, yet unlike those little James Bond Aston Martins that tumbled out of Christmas stockings, these ones now come with very grown-up price tags. Follow Ashley on Twitter: @Ashley_Coates. Follow Evening Standard Motors on Twitter: @ES_Motors. I ts National Road Safety Week, and motorists are being asked to sign a pledge to drive more safely backed by road accident victims families, who gathered at Trafalgar Square on Monday, urging drivers to ensure their eyesight is tested every two years. It coincides with a Direct Line survey revealing that 13.3 million UK motorists drive with defective vision as a result of not wearing their glasses or contact lenses. One-fifth admitted always driving without them. The study said 16 per cent of drivers have had an accident in the past two years, increasing to 67 per cent for those who needed glasses or contacts, but didnt wear them, and 37 per cent admitted not having had a vision test in the past two years or more. I visited the Transport Research Laboratory in Berkshire to discover the true effects of driving with sub-standard vision and within minutes, Im driving on a motorway at 70mph in their high-tech simulator. With my usual 20/20 vision, its childs play. But what happens next is a shock. On my next drive, my eyesight is corrected to the legal minimum the level at which Britains 31 million drivers are allowed to drive, the standard required during the basic L-test eyesight test by an optometrist, using eye examination lenses. I feel Im driving through light mist. Its harder to tell whats going on ahead or stay in lane. I squint at an obstruction 300 yards ahead, but before I react, one of the vehicles veers out in front of me. I swerve the Honda Civic sharply and just survive a shocking near miss. In the second test, my eyesight is corrected to just below the legal minimum to simulate that experienced by millions who dont bother to wear glasses or lenses or who dont realise how much their eyesight has dimmed. The mist turns to fog, roadside signs are even harder to read. Again, a car swerves out in front and a glancing blow bounces me into the outside lane. Computer analysis reveals that with each eyesight degradation, my ability to remain in lane deteriorates and my reactions slow. Im driving too close to vehicles ahead, reducing my chances of reacting to hazards in time. Just like thousands of other motorists. Under the rules, L-test candidates must be able to read a numberplate at 65 feet/20m with spectacles or lenses if needed before taking the driving test. Drivers should meet this standard as long as they hold a licence, but thousands dont. In 2014, Department for Transport figures reveal 260 accidents were caused by uncorrected, defective eyesight, nine of which were fatal, 56 serious and 195 slight. 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 Its worrying, says Henry Leonard, Clinical and Regulatory Officer for the Association of Optometrists, who oversaw my experiment. There is no requirement for drivers to have regular sight tests; a 17-year-old who can read a number plate may continue driving for the rest of their life with no further vision checks. Tests show that many drivers fall below the required standard as their eyesight changes over time, often without realising. Regular sight testing should be compulsory. Gus Park, of Direct Line, says: The driving eyesight check is a moment in time and, for many drivers, the only sight test theyve had in over 20 years. We need a review into vision testing. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency defended the system. A spokesman said: Mandatory eyesight tests would put the majority of drivers, who already ensure they can meet the legal eyesight standards for driving, to considerable inconvenience and expense. The test is simple and effective and can be reproduced by motorists to check whether they meet the standards and by police at the roadside. Road safety charity Brake, organiser of Road Safety Week, disagrees. The current method is a throwback to the 1960s, says a spokesperson. It fails to measure for visual acuity and visual field, and allows people to drive with eyesight that makes them unsafe. An estimated 2,900 casualties a year are caused by drivers with poor vision. We need the Government to make it compulsory for drivers to prove a recent professional eyesight test when renewing their licence, every 10 years for the general population, every three years for those over 70. @djrwilliams roadsafetyweek.org.uk O ne hundred and forty miles west of Glasgow, in Scotlands Inner Hebrides, lies the windswept, breathtaking island of Islay. Its actually quite a large island, covering a total of 600 square kilometres, boasting 130 miles of extraordinary coastline, but has a population of only 3,200 people. Towards the southern end of Islay, nestled within Lagavulin Bay, is the distillery that has brought this location international renown for more than 200 years. Distillation actually began in the bay a few decades before, when entrepreneurial islanders took advantage of the islands remote position to make contraband untaxed whisky from a number of sites on Islay. The business grew considerably in the 19th Century, resulting in the collection of Victorian warehouses that make up most of the distillerys present-day estate. The huge lettering on the side of the warehouse building once served a practical purpose, helping ships to identify Lagavulin against the other Islay distilleries on this side of the island, the world-famous Laphroaig and Ardbeg whiskies. It may be picture-perfect, but this is not a cottage industry, the quaint coastal setting hides a serious global business. Demand for Scottish single malts has grown considerably in recent years and Lagavulin is one of the most sought-after of the classic Scottish single malts. As such, this 200-year-old distillery is working at full-tilt, the copper stills are functioning 24 hours a day. Lagavulin's distillery manager, Georgie Crawford, and her dog, Jock. / Image: Lagavulin Running this extraordinary operation is 35-year-old Distillery Manager, Georgie Crawford. An Islay native, she returned to her homeland after 20 years to run Lagavulin. I grew up firmly within the drinks and service industry and thats really where my journey started, Georgie tells me, my parents had a pub here on Islay when I was growing up and we used to earn our pocket money by doing the bottling up, working in the kitchen and helping around the place. When I left full time education I ended up in Edinburgh where I started managing bars and restaurants. In 2002 I started a job at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and was bitten by the whisky bug and knew I wanted to work with the worlds favourite whisky, Scotch. I went on to manage a whisky shop in Speyside and then joined Diageo, working as Brand Home Manager at Talisker Distillery on Skye in 2007. I have now been back at home on Islay, at Lagavulin since 2010. Joining Lagavulin was like being reconnected with a big extended family you didnt realise you had. Everyone looks out for each other and is genuinely interested and passionate about the product we make here, which I love. Rather like a modernised period home, Lagavulin has retained much of its architectural and cultural heritage, while making the most of 21st century technology. Theres working equipment in the building that dates from the 1960s and earlier. The vast copper stills look like a scene out of Willy Wonka. But all of this is wired up to a sophisticated control room that keeps Lagavulin producing the same new make spirit all day, every day. The still house at the Lagavulin distillery is operating 24 hours a day. / Image: Lagavulin Despite all the innovation, constrained by its relatively small Grade II listed site, Lagavulin cannot keep up with the growing international demand, either for its whisky, or for tours of the estate. Its one of the most remote places in the world where you can make an international product. Were constantly striving to be as efficient as possible to meet this incredible demand. The continuing success of Lagavulin is built on quality, integrity and authenticity. Most serious single malt drinkers will be aware of Lagavulins famous 16-Year-Old variation. More recently launched is the limited edition 8-Year-Old Lagavulin, a whisky specifically released this year to commemorate 200 years since the distillerys foundation. It has been made as a homage to the sort of whisky that Lagavulin would have produced in the 1870s, and recognised by Victorian writer Alfred Bernard as exceptionally fine. Eight years old is actually a classic age for Lagavulin, Georgie says, and it was an eight-year-old that Alfred Barnard tasted with such pleasure on his visit in the late 1870s. People will find that this is a vivacious and memorable bottling, and a great side-by-side comparison with its 16-year-old sibling that encapsulated the classic Lagavulin flavour. In the late 19th Century and early 20th Century 8 years old was considered a venerable age for Scotch whisky. Both are readily available and priced around 50, but with so many passionate drinkers around the world, and with Lagavulin firmly in the premium whisky market, is it not tempting to slap another tenner on the price of a bottle? The fermentation (wash up) room at Lagavulin. / Image: Lagavulin People from around the world have fallen in love with Lagavulin. When I meet some of the guests that make the pilgrimage here to Islay, Im truly humbled at how far people come and how much joy they get from our whisky. The pricing of each bottle reflects its value and relative scarcity and we have no plans to review this at the moment. I feel very lucky to be part of something thats much bigger than our home here on Islay, and pleased people from all over the globe feel part of that too. If youre interested in visiting Lagavulin, you can book a tour via Discovering Distilleries, but make sure you do this far in advance of your visit to Islay as the tour dates quickly become fully booked. Should you be coming to the island with someone who is not interested in whisky, fear not, with an impressive wildlife scene and plenty of outdoor activities, theres far more to Islay than its distilleries. Follow Ashley Coates on Twitter: @Ashley_Coates A mong the decapitated coconut trees and wrecks left behind when Typhoon Haiyan devastated the island of Calicoans Pacific coast stands a ramshackle hut. A poster on its door, now ragged, reads: Live to surf, surf to live. The stretch of white sand and its rearing waves are held to be one of the best surfing spots in the Philippines. But since Haiyan known locally as Yolanda hit three years ago this month, tourism has been slow. NGOs have been withdrawing their staff as programmes close, and what international tourism there was threatened to wane. But local communities have banded together to regenerate their coastline, in an effort to draw visitors back to its reefs and wrecks. Jeffrey Ramelo has been surfing the waves around the small islands of Sulangan and Calicoan for almost half his life. He was 28 when Yolanda hit the region with winds of up to 171mph and a 25ft high storm surge, levelling the many surf camps that dotted the beach. One of the most powerful storms ever to make landfall, more than five million people lost their homes and 6,000 were killed. I never expected that kind of typhoon, Jeffrey tells me one bright afternoon, sitting outside a surf hut overlooking the roaring Pacific. The week before Yolanda, the waves were good, there was good surf. Even on the day Yolanda came the sea was friendly and the weather was nice it was only at 2am it started to get angry. Surfer Jeffrey Ramelo In the aftermath, Australian, Hawaiian and German volunteers from the charity Surf for Life came to stay, surf, and help rebuild. The waves here are first class, Jeffrey explains. Theyre friendly waves, not too strong. But its also good for pro surfers. Our motto is to play happy and have good vibes. Jeffrey and his friends now offer surfing lessons from their hut on the eastern side of the island, just before the bridge to Sulangan. Its a casual operation and I wonder how visitors can book. Come and knock on the door, he says with a broad grin. Sulangan is a beautiful, remote island, poised between the stillness of the Leyte Gulf bay and the agitation of the Pacific. At its heart is the church and shrine of St Anthony of Padua, which became a pilgrimage site for Filipinos after it survived the typhoon almost intact. Most villagers live along the tiny paths that wind between the coconut palms near the sea. ZSL reps with their boat The nearby islands of Dako, Guyam and Naked Island are hotspots for swimming and snorkelling, as well as paddleboarding, fishing and kayaking. Nearby Guiuan has plenty of hotels a by-product of the influx of NGO staff and some good restaurants. Best among them is Tanghay View Lodge near the port, where, even on a hot day, the breeze from the bay cools the veranda. Fish and seafood are the specialities, particularly kinilaw, parrotfish ceviche in lime juice and coconut milk, which can be washed down with a glass of tart calamansi fruit juice. Further up the coast the Zoological Society of London is working with NGOs to restore east Samars beautiful coral reef, which has been churned up by a combination of illegal dynamite fishing, commercial trawlers and Yolanda. They are working with womens groups to educate children and their families about the importance of marine protected areas. At the moment all the reefs are in poor condition, ZSLs local representative Dalton Dacal tells me. But for the first time coral has started to grow back six per cent in some areas. Fish are returning to graze. Soon they hope to operate boat tours, and have proposed tourist zones for diving, although it will take a full year of intensive protection and a further four to five years before the reef is open for divers and snorkelers. A seafood breakfast A little way out to sea is the island of Siargao, which sits on the famed Cloud 9 break: a short right-hander with the kind of long barrel that surfers dream of. One of the largest natural reserves in the Philippines, the Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape offers secluded snorkelling at the Suhoton marine reserve and trekking through thousands of hectares of protected mangroves and biodiversity monitoring sites. Siargao was less than 100km from Yolandas epicentre but was largely untouched, with some damage but no deaths. Combining the best of the Philippines spectacular natural beauty with sympathetic conservation, it showcases what the projects founded since Yolanda will be one day. Details: Philippines Emirates (emirates.com) flies from Heathrow to Manila daily via Dubai. From there Air Asia and Cebu Pacific operate regular flights to Tacloban, where you can catch a bus or hire a car for the journey to Guiuan. La Luna Beach Resort, Calicoan (resortlaluna.com). Doubles from 1,500 pesos (24) including breakfast. Liz Dodd travelled with the aid agency Cafod (cafod.org.uk). itsmorefuninthephilippines.co.uk A n off-duty police officer has been slashed in the neck with a knife as he tried to stop a suspected shoplifter on Black Friday. The officer received non-life-threatening injuries to his face, hand and neck at an HMV store in Leeds city centre, on Friday morning. A 36-year-old man, from Leeds, has been arrested in connection with the incident. A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "At 9:07am today, police received a report of an off-duty police officer having been attacked with a knife in the HMW store, in Victoria Walk, in Leeds city centre, as he challenged a suspected shoplifter. "The male officer received slash injuries to his neck, face and hand but fortunately these are not considered life threatening. "Ambulance attended the scene and the injured officer has been taken to hospital for treatment. "The suspect, a 36-year-old man, from Leeds, was detained by store staff and has been arrested in connection with the incident. "The store is currently closed while the scene undergoes forensic examination." Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting log number 344 of November 25. A n 11-year-old boy was left in a serious condition in hospital after being struck in an apparent hit and run outside Bow Road station. Police were called and the London Air Ambulance scrambled this morning after the child was hit while crossing the road. The car involved didn't stop at the scene and was found abandoned by officers nearby, police said. The boy was treated at the scene for a head injury and rushed to an east London hospital. His injuries are believed to be life-changing. An 18-year-old man was arrested shortly after at an address in Tower Hamlets. A police spokesman said: "Police were called at 08:13am on Friday November 25 to Bow Road, Tower Hamlets, to reports of a road traffic collision. "It was reported that a vehicle had been in collision with a child pedestrian. "The injuries are believed to be life-threatening. "Local road closures are in place while emergency services are at the scene." A LAS spokeswoman added: We sent an ambulance crew, a single responder in a car and an incident response officer to the scene. We also dispatched Londons Air Ambulance. We treated a boy at the scene for a head injury and took him as a priority to a major trauma centre in east London. R esidents have spoken of their devastation after a murder investigation was launched following the death of a five-year-old boy who was injured in a park. Detectives launched a probe after reports of an incident involving a man in the company of a child at Mountsfield Park, Catford, on Sunday evening. Officers were called to the south London hospital at 1.45am on Monday when the child, believed to be from Bromley, was admitted with critical head injuries. A man appeared in court charged with grievous bodily harm with intent and was remanded in custody. The boy died from his injuries on Tuesday afternoon and the inquiry was passed to the Mets homicide and major crime command. A post-mortem examination was conducted yesterday and investigators were awaiting its findings today. One local resident was in the playground with her five-year-old daughter shortly before the incident. She said: When we left it was already getting dark and there were only about four other people in there and nothing strange, just a happy family afternoon. "It was dark and cold and everyone was going home. We are all devastated. We cant believe something like this has happened. A statement on behalf of community group Friends of Mountsfield Park said: We and the park users we represent are devastated by this dreadful news. We will help in any way we can. Detective Chief Inspector Tony Lynes, who is leading the Met's investigation, said: We are appealing to find any witnesses who were in, or near to, Mountsfield Park, Catford, between approximately 5.15pm and 6.45pm on Sunday November 20. We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything regarding an incident involving a man in the company of a child. Marvin Iheanacho, 38, from Hounslow was arrested on Monday and appeared at Bromley magistrates court. He was remanded in custody to appear at Woolwich crown court on December 20. Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4868 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A cruel thug caught on train CCTV brutally beating and kicking a terrified dog that died three days later has been jailed for eight months. Kieran Milledge battered dog Ronnie over a 20-minute period, swinging it against the carriage walls by its lead and hurling the animal down the aisle. He was also shown stomping on the Staffordshire Bull Terriers face, causing it such anguish that it emptied its bowels on the Greater Anglia train. The dog died three days later, although it has not yet been confirmed whether the death was as a result of its injuries. Jailed: Kieran Milledge / British Transport Police Milledge was identified by the public after shocking CCTV footage of the October 10 attack was released this week. At Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Friday, he admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the animal on the train between Braintree and Witham. The 22-year-old, of no fixed address, also pleaded guilty to possession of a knife, for which he was given an eight-month sentence. A 21-week sentence for the dog attack will run concurrently. Police Sergeant Steven Maguire, from British Transport Police, said: I welcome todays sentence as it has taken a violent dog abuser off the streets. Attack: Ronnie the dog died three days later Milledges cruel beating of his dog was simply inexcusable and I am pleased that he now has an indefinite ban from keeping animals. Thanks to the overwhelming support of the public, we were able to identify Milledge quickly and bring him before the courts. He is now behind bars and I hope he spends his time in prison reflecting on the cruel way he abused his dog, Ronnie. Id like to thank the public and the media for their support clearly they were as horrified as we were by Milledges actions and I hope they are satisfied that he has been brought to justice, he said. P olice are investigating after racist mock Pokemon stickers appeared at London Tube stations and bus stops. The stickers created under the name "P***mon" have been spotted by disgusted commuters across the capital. They mimic the popular childrens card game where players are awarded points for collecting Pokemon based on their rarity. The cards, which have been branded "appallingly racist" by Tube commuters, show high profile Muslims, including the Mayor of London who is branded the most dangerous Pakemon. One sticker, which includes a picture of Sadiq Khan, reads: He believes that Londoners should learn to accept Islamic terrorism while he is mayor." The creator offers 200 terror points to anyone who collects the offensive sticker of Mr Khan dubbed Hamaskhan. The stickers are branded with the slogan gotta catch and deport them all mimicking the cartoons famous gotta catch em all tagline. Former member of the self-styled 'Muslim Patrols' Jordan Horner who apologised for attempting to enforce Sharia Law on Londons streets and Islamic extremist Jihadi John dubbed Beheadatron are also featured. Sadiq Khan: The Mayor London was featured on a racist sticker / Alex Lentati A 29-year-old man from Clapham, who asked not to be named, shared a picture of two of the stickers, found in Borough Tube station, on social media. He told the Standard he wanted to show other people how appallingly racist they were. Rise in racist and homophobic incidents reported following Brexit result He said: I felt surprised at first, when I saw them, and then disgusted and very disappointed that we now live in a Britain where some people feel empowered or protected to do this and get away with it. I just wanted to let people know this was going on they shouldnt be allowed to get away with it. British Transport Police confirmed the appearance of the stickers was being investigated thoroughly and urged Londoners to report further sightings. A spokesman said: "British Transport Police is committed to preventing incidents of hate crime and prejudice and all incidents of this nature are investigated thoroughly. "Everyone has the right to travel on the rail network without fear or intimidation. Racially or religiously motivated crime will simply not be tolerated. The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Sophie Linden, added: Hate crime, in all its shapes and forms, will not be tolerated in London and there is absolutely no place for these abhorrent stickers anywhere in our city. Transport for London is ensuring that these are immediately removed and the British Transport Police will be investigating. Stickers can be reported by texting BTP on 61016. T his is the shocking moment a mob of up to 30 school children launch a brutal attack on two Met police officers in the street. One policeman is shown being wrestled to the pavement where a group of the baying teenagers surround him. They then begin repeatedly kicking him and stamping on his head, to loud shouts from the other teens. His female colleague tries to intervene but is pushed away by the youths. She was allegedly punched in the jaw during the violence. Another man, believed to be a teacher, is shown trying to stop the carnage by pulling away a number of the baying schoolchildren. The children kicked and stamped on the officer after forcing him to the floor The dazed policeman is then seen staggering away from the group along the floor as the crowd disperses. Both officers are then seen standing against the railings with the teacher seemingly shielding them from the remaining youths. One resident told The Sun that the violence in New Cross had started after the group arrived for a fight between rival schools. He said: There was a fight, then the police turned up and were attacked by the kids. They were like a pack of feral wolves. Earlier footage shows police searching a teenager face down on the bonnet of a car after he was allegedly seen with a knife. Children surround the vehicle and can be heard shouting Get off of him before the attack begins. The male officer suffered serious bruising during the violence and was taken to hospital as a precaution. This week, police appealed for any more footage of the Goodwood Road incident, which happened on November 9 at around 4pm, to come forward. A Met Police spokesman said the two officers had been on routine patrol when they noticed one of the schoolchildren appeared to have a knife. He said: "After attempting to search the suspect, one of the officers was violently punched in the face several times by some of the other youths, causing him to fall to the ground. "The second officer stepped in to help her colleague and in doing so was also punched in the jaw. Mob of 30 schoolchildren ambush and beat up two Met police officers in Lewisham "The group continued to assault the officer on the floor by repeatedly kicking him in the head, leaving him with serious bruising and damaging his mobile phone." Police are now speaking with schools in the area in a bid to track down the attackers. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm and bailed until mid-December. Detective Sergeant Jenny White, of Lewisham Police, said: "I'm appealing to anyone who witnessed this shocking attack on two officers to come forward and speak with us, particularly anyone with mobile phone footage of the incident. "It happened at a very busy time of the day and there would've been a large number of people in the area. "These officers go to work every day to keep the public safe and this demonstrates the dangers the police can face while carrying out these duties." Anyone with information is urged to contact Lewisham CID on 020 8284 8365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. P olice are hunting a man who put a train worker in a headlock and dragged him around in a row over a ticket at one of Londons busiest stations. The suspect assaulted the staff member after his friend attempted to follow him through the ticket barriers without paying at London Paddington station. After the train worker led his friend back to the gate line, the suspect grabbed him in a headlock and dragged him backwards, police said. He then let go of the staff member and walked away laughing. CCTV appeal: British Transport Police want to trace this man / British Transport Police Police said the staff member was not injured but was left shaken by the attack, which happened at about 8am on October 24. British Transport Police today released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to in connection with the alleged assault. Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting reference number 191 22/11/16 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 500 111. T wo London state schools were today named the best in the country. Waldegrave School in Twickenham, which opened a sixth form in 2014, was named comprehensive school of the year by The Sunday Times Parent Power guide. It was ranked seventh in the UK with three quarters of all A-level grades at A* to B. St Dominics Sixth Form College in Harrow was named state sixth form college of the year. Twenty nine per cent of leavers achieved AAB or better at A-level in two or more core subjects. The guide, now in its 24th year, ranks the highest-achieving secondary schools by the percentage of students gaining A* to B grades at A-level and A* and A grades at GCSE taken this summer. Editor Alastair McCall said: St Dominics turns out highly qualified students ready to take the next step in their education or to embark on their careers with great confidence. Of Waldegrave, he said: Opening a new sixth form is a huge challenge for any school with no guarantee success will carry over from GCSE to A-level. Outstanding teaching and dynamic leadership have ensured that previous GCSE success at Waldegrave was translated to A-levels. That the school manages to rank among the top 10 comprehensives in Britain at the first time of asking is nothing short of rem-arkable and a considerable feather in the cap of teaching staff and students. Last week, Fox Primary School in Notting Hill was named state primary of the year by the guide. T he third runway planned for Heathrow may breach the Government's own climate change laws if other sectors do not make big cuts to emissions, an independent advisory body has warned. The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) said it had "concerns" over how the Department for Transport presented its case for expanding the hub in relation to greenhouse gas emissions. The plans have come under fire over the potential to hit air quality for millions of people living near Britain's busiest airport, and the CCC warned the proposals could also have a much wider impact on industry. The Government announced it had chosen to expand Heathrow over other schemes in October following a review by the Airports Commission. In a letter to Business Secretary Greg Clark, the chairman of the CCC, Lord Debden, said: "The Committee has concerns about how it (DfT) presented the implications for greenhouse gas emissions from aviation in that business case." Sadiq Khan: Heathrow expansion is 'wrong decision for London and Britain' The CCC has advised the Government that, in order to stay within environment laws, emissions from air travel in 2050 should not exceed 2005 levels. The committee said it expects advances in technology to help to reduce emissions while air travel grows. There has been an 11% increase in demand in the last decade, although the latest data showed emissions are currently lower than in 2005. However the Government's plan for Heathrow estimates that emissions from aviation will rise by 15% as demand surges by 60% by 2050. Heathrow Airport through the years - In pictures 1 /33 Heathrow Airport through the years - In pictures 1978 Welcome to Heathrow Evening Standard 1936 The entrance to the Great West Aerodrome now Heathrow Airport Daily Mail 1946 A wartime bomber waits on a runway at what was London Airport, where workmen are laying cinders on a waterlogged section of the airfield. The first plane to take off was a converted Lancaster bomber Getty Images 1946 Traffic clerk Doreen Haines walking French children along the runway to their plane home Getty Image 1965 The Queen's Building (left) and the No.1 Building Europa Getty Images 1962 The scene after Britain had been hit by the worst blizzard since 1947 1962 The BEA West London Air Terminal on Cromwell Road. The site served as a check-in facility for travellers Getty Images 1965 Tourists waiting at during the luggage porters' strike Getty Images 1966 The Beatles just before they set out for America for their 1966 tour Getty Images 1966 Muhammad Ali waves as he boards his plane Evening Standard 1969 The Queen, accopanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, views a window shopping display whilst touring the opening of Terminal One at what had been renamed as Heathrow Daily Mail 1970 A Pan Am Boeing 747 is seen just after landing after its first commercial flight AFP/Getty Images 1973 Farewell waves from the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as they board an Air Canada aircraft for their tour of Canada Daily Mail 1975 Thirty-five winners wave good-bye before departing on Concorde's first public passenger flight Getty Images 1978 An aerial view of Heathrow Airport, terminus and runway, and the surrounding area Evening Standard 1994 Police officers search for clues on the runway area after a mortar attack by the IRA AFP/Getty Images The check-in area for Concorde flights at Heathrow Airport A Concorde airplane takes off in 2003 from Heathrow AFP/Getty Images 2003 Army soldiers on board an armoured personnel carrier (APC) stand guard outside Terminal 2 Getty Images 2006 Terminal 5 under construction Glenn Copus 2008 The interior of Terminal 5 just before it opened to passengers Jeremy Selwyn 2008 And the outside view of T5 Getty Images 2013 Workers gather for a safety briefing in the new departures area of Terminal 2 Heathrow Airport in 2016 Hannah McKay/PA 2019 Air Traffic Control Engineers use screens displaying real-time panoramic views of the runways and docking gates during the trial AFP/Getty Images "The committee is now concerned that there is scope for misunderstanding of the DfT's position based on the business case for a third runway at Heathrow," Lord Debden wrote. "Using the Government's publications, it is not possible to assess whether the investment makes sense when emissions conform to the planning assumption." Lord Debden warned that plans to expand Heathrow while keeping current targets meant "all sectors would have to prepare for correspondingly higher emission reductions by 2050". Loading.... "My committee has limited confidence about the options for other sectors to go beyond these levels by 2050," he wrote. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy told BBC News the Government agreed with the Airports Commission's assessment that a new runway at Heathrow will not breach emissions targets. A spokesman said: "We are considering how we will continue to reduce our emissions across the economy through the 2020s and will set this out in our emissions reduction plan, which will send an important signal to the markets, businesses and investors. "Our commitment to meeting our Climate Change Act target of an at least 80% emissions reduction below 1990 levels by 2050 is as strong as ever." A top London architect has triggered a ferocious storm by calling for free-riding council tenants to be moved out of central London and for affordable housing to be abolished. In a hugely controversial speech Patrik Schumacher, director and principal of Zaha Hadid Architects, also praised Londons foreign second home owners even if theyre here only for a few weeks and suggested that 80 per cent of Hyde Park should be built over. The 55-year-old starchitect succeeded Zaha Hadid - designer of the London Aquatic Centre in Stratford - as head of the world renowned Clerkenwell practice following her death in March this year. In his incendiary address to the World Architecture Festival in Berlin he said Londons housing crisis was the result of intellectually bankrupt planning departments and said only the free market can provide housing for everyone. But it is the comments on social housing that have provoked the most furious response with one critic dubbing the Germany born designer the Donald Trump of architecture. He said that social housing tenants in gentrifying inner city areas should not expect to be able to carry on living in central London when their council estates are demolished and should be replaced by more productive residents - such as his own staff. Mr Schumacher, who had worked alongside Hadid since 1988, said: The fact that somebody has enjoyed the privilege of a subsidised central location for some time in my view does not and should not establish ownership over this public resource. Starchitect and successor: Dame Zaha Hadid with Patrik Schumacher in 2015 Is it not fair that now its somebody else turn to enjoy this central location? Especially if it is those who really need it to be be productive and to be better able to produce the support required for those who have been subsised all along and will continue to be subsidised. He said it made more sense for his own employees who are working very hard and generating value, having to commute and having flat shares to occupy central London areas that are currently left to people who are free-riding and backed by the police for decades and supposedly for decades to come. A 3d look inside Dame Zaha Hadid's Olympic Aquatics Centre Dame In a seven point urban policy manifesto for solving the housing crisis Mr Schumacher said one demand would be to abolish all forms of social and affordable housing. He also said: Foreign investment capital coming into town should and would be great news. He added: I know a lot of people that have second homes in London and Im so glad they do. Even if theyre here only for a few weeks and throw some key parties, these are amazing multiplying events. The comments sparked an angry response from Sadiq Khan who described them as out of touch and just plain wrong. The Mayor told the Standard: One of our biggest strengths as a city is our diversity, with Londoners from different backgrounds living side by side. "So whether these out of touch comments were designed to shock or not, anyone who thinks abolishing affordable housing altogether, supporting buy-to-leave empty properties, and building on Hyde Park is the answer to Londons housing crisis doesnt understand the first thing about our great city. I was elected as Mayor because of my commitment to tackle the housing crisis. I know and most Londoners agree that this means building more new and affordable homes for Londoners to rent and buy, and protecting our public square and parks. "Ill listen to any ideas people have about tackling the housing crisis, but in this case Mr Schumacher is just plain wrong. A live stream video of his speech on the Dezeen architectural magazine website, provoked hundreds of comments, most highly critical, although some were supportive. Simon Elmer, co-founder of The Architects for Social Housing described his views as pretty crude social engineering and challenged Mr Schumacher to a public debate on the issues raised in London, which he has accepted. After the conference Mr Schumacher described his speech as brainstorming but repeated the view that his staff could not be expected to live in provincial areas because it would make them less productive and compromise their careers. He later said in a Facebook post that the views were his own and did not represent the policies of the practice he leads. He wrote: Would I recommend ZHA to refuse a social housing project? Not at all! We did in fact deliver social housing in Vienna and we a proud of what we have contributed to there. A spokesman for Zaha Hadid architects said: As with all members of our team, Patrik is free to express his thoughts to broaden dialogue towards finding solutions to critical issues. "These personal discussions do not reflect the views of the practice that has delivered 56 transformational projects for all members of the community in 45 cities around the world over the past three decades." W ith a surprisingly quip-laden Autumn Statement and tabloid revelations of his pre-matrimonial romances, it seems that Chancellor Philip Hammond has gone from Spreadsheet Phil to Man of the Moment. And if further proof was needed, The Londoner finds hes the topic of Christmas party conversation. Last night we were at Hatchards in Picccadilly, the oldest bookshop in London, for its annual festive shoppers event. Authors and readers alike joined together for a night of wine and mince pies but it was an absent Hammond who dominated our conversations, with guests including former Home Secretary Alan Johnson. Philip Hammond is the type of person who lights up a room when he leaves, Johnson said, deadpan. Then, warming to his theme, he brought up cheeky snog memories of Hammonds former classmate Nina Stratford earlier this week. An ex-girlfriend said she necked a bottle of sherry beforehand, Johnson sniped. It is a bit like Nicholas Soames: one of his ex-lovers said it was like a wardrobe had fallen on her with the key in it. The Londoner, thinking this a little cruel, wandered off for a selfie with Michael Heseltine then went to test the waters with bonkbuster queen Jilly Cooper. Ghastly, she exclaimed when we asked for her opinion on Hammond. She then covered her mouth regretfully and explained that her feeling of revulsion stems from his follicles rather than finances. The way he splits his hair in the middle is all wrong, she said. It should split from the side. Isnt a split in the middle a great metaphor for post-Brexit Britain? -- ALSO at the party was Julian Fellowes, whose 2004 society novel Snobs is being turned into a TV programme. Considering his period drama Downton Abbey brought an American into British society, would Lord Fellowes consider casting Prince Harrys new girlfriend Meghan Markle in the adaptation? Shes very good, he said. Ive seen her in Suits. Id put her in anything if she was right for the part why not? People talk about [how] she hasnt gotten anywhere herself, but she has. If he ends up casting her, could The Londoner request a finders fee? Plaudits for bedroom disappointment TO FOYLES in Charing Cross last night for the inaugural Books Are My Bag Readers Awards. The ceremony was hosted by Meera Syal and winners included Bill Bryson and Julia Donaldson. Nikesh Shuklas The Good Immigrant, a collection of essays, beat JK Rowling to the plaudit of book of the year. But is he ready for Rowling levels of fame? Luckily, as a writer, Ill never be famous, he told us. I spent a lot of my twenties as a really average rapper. Now Id rather disappoint readers privately in their own bedrooms. He paused. Oh, that sounds rude, doesnt it? Yes, we replied. Now that the awards are rolling in, we expect hell step out of the literary shadows soon. Wilde is still the talk of the town Last night jeweller Mappin & Webb threw a Christmas party at its Regent Street boutique. Actress and face of the brand, Gabriella Wilde and calligrapher Paul Antonio, was guest of honour.Wilde plays high-society girl Caroline Penvenen in Poldark but wouldnt have had to go too method for the role: she is the great-granddaughter of Sir Fitzroy Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe but she dropped the names. I was going to change my name for obvious reasons and I couldnt think of a name to change it to, she has said. I was with my agent and she just suggested Wilde because we were looking through her bookcases and an Oscar Wilde was there. The playwright would, were sure, be thrilled to still be represented on the party scene. -- On December 12, six months on from the Orlando shooting, Londons creatives will club together. Finsbury Parks Park Theatre will host a two-hour culmination of the After Orlando theatre project, for which more than 50 plays have been written in response to the attack. Music, poetry and various guests will frame the Chaskis Theatre ensembles soiree, with actor Huw Parmenter and director Sean Mathias set to rally the masses. Proceeds go to support LGBT charity Stonewall. -- Yesterday we reported guests at Nigel Farages smoke-filled Ritz party telling us of a tiff between Daily Express owner Richard Desmond and former Ukip treasurer Andrew Reid over party finances. An e-mail came over from Desmond after wed gone to press: The only heated discussion I recall was with someone about whether Phil Collins was a good drummer or not Desmond has a drumkit in his office. No word on the conclusion to this vital debate as yet. By-election turns into a Tory soap FIONA Syms the unofficial Tory candidate in the Richmond Park and North Kingston by-election, is an old friend of Chancellor Philip Hammond. Ive never seen Philip in a flap, he makes good decisions important when you have people like Boris in the Cabinet who are slightly bonkers, she told us. Her own campaign in RPNK is a bit guerilla. When incumbent Tory Zac Goldsmith resigned over Heathrows third runway, to stand as an independent, Theresa May decided not to fight the seat. So Syms picked up the true-blue mantle. She has political nous: she worked for Jonathan Aitken and was married to Tory whip Robert Syms. She also has a soapbox and megaphone and is running a zero-expenses campaign to keep the seat blue. I havent met a Zac backer yet, said Syms. Zacs a Tory who chose to go Indy, Im a Tory who has no choice but to go Indy. Youd never see Zac on a soapbox. Nigellas kangaroo court THE Londoner suspects some culinary casanovas would do anything to be held in the arms of Nigella Lawson. They will envy Carla the kangaroo: the domestic goddess was in Margaret River, western Australia, for the 2016 Gourmet Escape and today published a write-up on her website which included this shot of her cradling the joey. Even in my jet-lagged state, I am still grateful about it all, she wrote. It was just so magical, from the scenery, the fact that I arrived on the night of the Supermoon (a good sign, obviously!), drinking rainwater and even getting a baby kangaroo to cuddle and Im not usually the sweet little furry animals kind of a person. L abour peer Lord Taylor of Blackburn has died after he was knocked off his mobility scooter outside Parliament last week, a party spokesman said. The senior peer was seriously injured after the collision with a van as he crossed the road near the Upper House last Wednesday. The 87-year-old was taken to a south London hospital after the incident in the late afternoon. Police appealed for witnesses to the accident on Millbank, near the junction with Great College Road. The van driver stopped at the scene, and there were no arrests. The Labour leader in the Lords, Baroness Smith of Basildon, said: Tom Taylor had a life-long commitment to the Labour Party, through both local government and Parliament, and was held in high regard and with great affection by his party colleagues. Tom was a committed member of the House of Lords right through to the tragic circumstances which led to his death. We in the Labour peers group are very sad and will miss him dearly. Lord Taylor and another peer, Lord Truscott, were suspended from the House in May 2009 for six months for misconduct, the first such action since the 17th Century. They were found to have breached the Lords code of conduct after an inquiry into claims that they were willing to accept payments to influence new laws. The two men denied the allegations against them made by a Sunday paper. T heresa May should overhaul the visa system to make London a global innovation powerhouse in the wake of the Brexit vote, the head of one of the capitals top universities said today. Alice Gast, President of Imperial College, said reforms that would make it easier to bring in more of the worlds top scientists would allow Britain to capitalise on leaving the EU. London was already buzzing because of the new ideas and technological and scientific breakthroughs generated by its world-beating universities, she declared but if ministers use Brexit to reshape visa policy they could help the capital, and the country, become an even greater leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. She said the aim should be to make it easier for the most outstanding foreign students and researchers to develop their ideas in Britain. Professor Gast spoke to the Evening Standard amid intense debate about how Britain can safeguard its status as a centre for pioneering scientific research. Some university leaders have warned that science could suffer if access to EU research funding and European staff and students is hit once Brexit is completed. Theresa May promised an extra 2 billion by 2020 to help put post-Brexit Britain at the forefront of science and tech / Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP She also called for a significant boost to government spending on higher education, and measures to bolster collaboration between academics in this country and overseas. Professor Gast, an American, has run Imperial one of the worlds top 10 universities for two years. She said a positive attitude towards Britains future outside the EU was important and praised Mayor Sadiq Khans London is Open for Business campaign for transmitting the right message to the rest of the world. This week Theresa May promised to provide an extra 2 billion by 2020 to help put post-Brexit Britain at the cutting edge of science and tech. However, Ms Gast insisted the Government should go further to help universities overcome the dangers, by introducing visa reforms that would allow Imperial and other leading institutions to thrive even more. I think its an opportunity, she said of the Brexit vote. Its a time when we need to think about how we can position London and the UK to be a global innovation powerhouse. The elements are here: we have great universities and what we need are the right places, the right people, the right environment. The people are brilliant UK kids and our foreign students. Citing the example of Californias tech hub, she added: The Silicon Valley companies, over half were started by foreign students who had come and stayed on in the US. International students are perhaps naturally risk-takers, they have taken the risk to go far from home to study so you tend to find them filing patents, doing start-ups, being very entrepreneurial. If you look at our start-ups and spin-outs its often a mix of foreign and UK students, and thats where London and the UK can be brilliantly ahead by being very globally focused. To do that we need visa policies that allow students to come here from abroad and allow them to stay to pursue their ideas. A pilot scheme which gives 1,700 non-European masters degree students at Imperial extended leave to remain in Britain after their studies is a great example of the type of reform needed, Professor Gast said, adding: We need to try more things like that. She pointed out that reforms enacted by Barack Obama allowed science, technology, engineering and maths students to remain in the US for up to three years after their degrees: Thats the kind of thing we need to think about allow brilliant students to be able to stay and contribute. Autumn Statement: Hammond on Brexit and Osborne in opening statement After Brexit we need to look at how we can improve the system so we get the most out of these bright, educated people. If even a handful of their start-up companies are successful they create more jobs than they consume. Theres a buzzing sense of growth here. It can be like San Francisco or the other great places that are booming. About 20 per cent of Imperials 14,000 students and a quarter of its staff are from EU countries other than Britain. Professor Gast said collaboration between British and European universities remains critical, and ministers should consider giving automatic visas to all academics granted EU research funding so that they and their British counterparts can continue working together. International collaboration is extremely important, she said. We bring together people from all over the world and thats what makes it so productive. Researchers work together, look at science in different ways. We bring that international perspective into what we do, which furthers science. She conceded that calls for a relaxation of some visa rules might run counter to public pressure for lower immigration, but insisted the numbers involved would be relatively small and hugely productive for the country. Its important for people to understand the value that we bring to London, to the UK. Universities are very important as engines of invention, discovery and research, she said. We benefit tremendously from great scholars coming in on European Research Council grants and [other] programmes. Thats been an incredible source of talented people. Post-Brexit we have to find ways to preserve and augment the way we bring in talent. We value international collaboration great things have come from it. The work contributes to our economies, our welfare we have projects in HIV and other infectious diseases, we have projects on transportation and technology. We are working on global challenges that we all face. We need to couple funding with the mobility of participants on both sides so they have access to the labs, to work there, to go back and forth. Professor Gast said Imperial would work towards the most optimistic outcome we can get from Brexit and she was heartened by the Governments recognition of how important it is to still have the best and the brightest coming here. She praised the attitude of City Hall, saying: The Mayors London is Open for Business is really important be-cause its beyond just the policies its the rhetoric, the environment, the way the UK and London look to outsiders. Thats a hazard, with the referendum being interpreted as a sign we are not as open to outsiders. We need to turn that around and make clear we are still a very global place. A llegations of bullying and sexual assault at the headquarters of the national child abuse inquiry have not been taken seriously enough, a Government report has claimed. In a fresh blow for the troubled Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, MPs also warned confidence in its ability to deliver on objectives in a "timely and effective way" has been "seriously diminished" after a catalogue of problems. The Home Affairs Committee pointed out that experienced lawyers have been quitting the probe at an "alarming rate". Ben Emmerson QC, the inquirys most senior lawyer resigned at the end of September following an allegation that he sexually assaulted a female "inquiry worker" in the lift at its offices - a claim he has denied. MPs said the inquiry has reportedly denied receiving any complaint. However, the alleged victim gave an account of the incident on the day it happened, but did not want the incident to be investigated, according to the BBC. Mr Emmerson also categorically denies bullying or any other misconduct. The committee's report said: "It is not for us to pass any comment on the allegations made in the media about the former counsel to the inquiry, which he has categorically denied. "We are not in a position, and it is certainly not our responsibility, to assess either the facts of the case or the details of the processes that the inquiry pursued. "However, on the basis of the evidence we have seen, we do not believe that IICSA has taken seriously enough its responsibility to pursue allegations of bullying or disclosures of sexual assault within the inquiry. "Nor do we believe it has done enough to demonstrate publicly that it has a robust approach to such matters." The probe has been plagued by problems since it was set up by then home secretary Theresa May in 2014. Described as the most ambitious public inquiry ever launched in England and Wales, there are suggestions it could cost more than 100 million. In the latest setback, last week one of the largest victims' groups involved withdrew from the probe, branding it an "unpalatable circus". T he husband of a care worker stabbed to death at a religious retirement home today claimed the building was completely unguarded despite France being under a state of emergency. Anti-terror police were leading a manhunt around the village of Montferrier-sur-Lez, near Montpellier after an intruder brandishing a shotgun and knife struck at the Green Oaks retirement home for missionaries who have worked in Africa. An unidentified woman was bound, gagged and then stabbed to death last night before the killer fled, leaving some 50 elderly monks and other staff members to be rescued by police. Today the husband of the dead woman said: The home was unprotected adding: Anyone at all could go inside. There was no protection, no alarm, and no security guard. More than 100 members of the security forces were sent to the village of Montferrier-sur-Lez near Montpellier The husband identified only as Georges told RTL radio station that his wife worked night shifts as a care worker, from 8pm until 6.30am. He said she was a woman of extraordinary kindness who never had any kind of problem with anyone. French media report siege at retirement home How can you hurt someone like that? said George. She is dead, and me, Im left destroyed, he said. A caretaker raised the alarm soon after 9.30pm having freed herself after being bound and gagged by the suspect and escaping from the building. Loading.... Elite police units and more than 100 gendarmes arrived at the scene to take part in an operation to hunt for the escaped man. He was initially believed to be still inside the building with hostages, but everyone was soon accounted for. Montferrier-sur-Lez is surrounded by thick forests, and today police helicopters could be seen flying above them. Search parties including sniffer dogs were also searching the surrounding countryside in a hunt for the killer Search parties including sniffer dogs were also searching the surrounding countryside. Christophe Barret, the Montpellier prosecutor, said: All occupants of the retirement home are safe and sound. For the time being, there is only one victim. For the moment there is no particular evidence about the motive for this crime. Nothing is pointing towards the motive. Mr Barret said there was no evidence of any religious or political slogans being shouted out, or any other evidence of terrorist motivations. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, secretary general of the French Bishops Conference, said: Our prayers go to the woman who lost her life in this attack on a retirement home. France is currently under a state of emergency following a series of terrorist attacks by Islamist terrorists over the past two years. One of the most recent was in July when an 84-year-old Catholic priest was murdered during morning mass at the parish church in Saint Etienne-du-Rouvray, a suburb of Rouen. The two attackers, who said they were representing Islamic State, slit Father Jacques Hamels throat before themselves being shot dead by police. Many churches, mosques and synagogues around France are now guarded 24 hours a day by police and army patrols, but the authorities have acknowledged that full security for every building in the country is an impossibility. A savage wildfire has torn through parts of Israels third-largest city, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. Hundreds of military reservists were called to join overstretched police and firefighters to cope with the blaze in Haifas northern neighbourhoods. Israeli officials have speculated that the fire may have been started by politically-motivated arsonists. While there were no serious injuries, several dozen people were taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation. Onlookers cower from the heat of the blaze / EPA Police and firefighters were deployed throughout the city, as people loaded up supermarket trolleys with belongings and fled their homes. Flames blaze in the woods as a wildfire rages in the northern city of Haifa / REUTERS The blaze was the largest of several fires to erupt across the country in recent days. Additional reporting by Press Association S oldiers found 32 bodies and nine severed human heads in an area of southern Mexico plagued by drug violence. The secret graves were unearthed at a camp in Guerrero state after authorities received a tip-off that people were being held at the site, which is notorious for extortion, kidnappings and turf battles. A kidnap victim was rescued on Tuesday before the secret graves were discovered. Officials announced today that further excavations of the site located near a mountain in the municipality of Zitlala had found a total of 32 bodies and nine human heads. Roberto Alvarez Heredia, spokesman for the Guerrero Co-ordinating Group, said soldiers were combing the area to see if there were any more clandestine graves. Investigators were working to identify the bodies and the killers. Drug gangs frequently decapitate their victims. Residents of the community of Tixtla, Guerrero found nine decapitated bodies on Monday along a highway. Prosecutors are investigating whether the nine heads found in Zitlala correspond to that gruesome discovery. Guerrero has seen an upsurge in gang-related violence. The government announced on Monday that it is stepping up the use of joint police-army patrols in areas known to be particularly violent. The largely rural, impoverished state had 1,832 reported homicides in the first 10 months of 2016. If that rate continues unabated, Guerrero would be on track to have a homicide rate of about 60 per 100,000. That would rival the recent peak year of violence in the state, in 2012, when there were about 68 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. A supermarket employee allegedly called the police when two men asked for sliced cheese in the US. Ricky Berry told local news broadcaster WRIC how staff at his local CVS store disappeared and then called the police when he and his flatmate asked for sliced cheese. Mr Berry and his friend, Philip Blackwell, said they approached an employee asking for cheese, but were told that the store in Richmond, Virginia didnt have any. Minutes later they found themselves alone in the store with one other customer. He was in the store before we were actually, Mr Berry told the broadcaster He had a bad tooth, all he wanted was some Orajel. Thats all he needed. The three men spent the next half an hour wandering around the supermarket trying to find someone. Eventually a policeman turned up and joined the search. We were walking around trying to find an employee, and the cop himself ended up opening up the emergency door, which set the alarm off. A couple of minutes later, he got the call from the alarm company asking what was going on. The CVS store in Richmond Virginia / Google Maps He was laughing with us because, like, this is how weird, apocalyptic movies start. The policeman eventually found the staff hiding in a locked room at the back of the store. The officer then told the three men they had to leave or be arrested for trespassing. According to Mr Berry, the staff had been scared of the customers. It was later reported that there had been an incident in the store earlier that day. A CVS spokesperson has reportedly apologised and said the employee who called the police would be spoken to. A female jogger believed to have been kidnapped has been found tied-up on side of a busy road 150 miles from her home 22 days after going missing. Sherri Papini, 34, disappeared from her home town of Mountain Gate in California after going for a run on November 2. According to the New York Post, the mother-of-two was found on Thursday when she flagged down a motorist on a busy interstate road. Shasta County sheriff, Tom Bosenko told local media she was tied with restraints when she was discovered. He added that she had been released by her captors- who are believed to be two Hispanic females driving a dark-coloured SUV. It was also reported that they were armed with a handgun. Mrs Papini's husband Keith reported her missing after she failed to pick up the couples two-year-old son and four-year-old daughter from day care. He was forced to pass a lie detector test before being cleared of any involvement. Police are offering a $50,000 reward for any information that leads to their arrest. Mr Bosenko said: This is a critical, active ongoing investigation. A woman has died after a gunman stormed a retirement home for monks in southern France, according to reports. The assailant is believed to have burst into the building near Montpellier at about 10pm local time on Thursday evening. The attacker was reportedly armed with a knife and a sawn-off shotgun, French media reported. Armed police were surrounding the building in Montferrier-sur-Lez. A police source told Reuters that the dead woman, who is believed to be the concierge who lived on the ground-floor of the retirement home, had contacted police before she was killed with a knife. Local news site Metropolitan tweeted pictures of police at the scene. It is believed some 70 monks lived at the home. Loading.... "An individual, who was masked and armed with a knife and a sawn-off shotgun came into the retirement home where 70 monks live," a source told the AFP news agency. The source said the man's motivations were unknown. Local media reported that at least one person had been found dead inside by police, who were still hunting the attacker. French news channel BFM TB reported that the police search of the building was over and all the other residents were safe but that the armed man was still on the run. The facility is a retirement home for monks who worked as missionaries in Africa, according to French media. T he busiest shopping week of the year is finally here, but with so many deals popping up, it might be hard to decide where to hunt for the best discounts. To speed up your search, well be taking a look at what three of the UKs top retailers have to offer. Online giant Amazon has started early, with discounts on popular products from brands like Sony and LG. This year it looks likely to start on Friday November 17 and continue for ten days. From TVs to coffee machines, electrical retailer Currys also began slashing prices on its website this week for those who want to avoid the in-store chaos. With a few weeks to go until the big day, Argos will begin reducing items online and its deals on toys, gadgets and kitchen appliances. Here we've selected our favourite deals from each of the stores websites. Amazon Full list here . Amazon Echo - 2nd Generation The all - new Amazon Echo features a Dolby speaker with omnidirectional sound, offering the buyers its best listening experience yet. This second generation hub will connect you to the trusty modern-day robot saviour, Alexa, who can make calls, set alarms and make you a to do list amongst other things. Available in six different finishes, you can save 22 per cent if you buy now. Amazon 69.99 (was 89.99), Amazon, Buy it now Amazon Echo Dot Another popular Amazon device: the Echo Dot. Different to the full sized Echo in that it can be connected to other speakers, it's a nifty voice activated device that'll not only play your music but will control the light switches, TVs and thermostats in your home.Thanks to its small built - in speaker, it's just the right size to work as an alarm clock and for catching up your morning radio. Now with 30 per cent off. 34.99 (was 49.99), Amazon, Buy it now Fire 7 Tablet for Kids With a 30 per cent saving, this is a great deal to pick up in time for Christmas. An eight hour battery life and 16GB of storage make for hours of endless fun, whilst the plastic case is robust enough to withstand even the most pretty much anything. The free one-year subscription to Amazon Fire for Kids will allow them to access games, film and tv, apps and books. 69.99 (was 99.99), Amazon, Buy it now Currys Full list here . LG OLED65C7V 65 Inch Smart 4K Ultra HD TV Over the last couple of months the price of this TV has been hugely reduced, meaning you can save an impressive 1,800 during the Black Friday period. With a 65 Inch display, this TV is not for the faint hearted or those without much living room space. OLED technology creates true black tones for richer picture quality and the Dolby system lets you enjoy 3D sound. Ultra thin and frame - free, its minimalist design will please those with an eye for sleek details. 2499 (was 2699), Currys PC World, Buy it now AMAZON Kindle Paperwhite eReader Opting for an eReader has many benefits - you can carry a whole library around with you, it's more eco - friendly and space efficient and won't take up half your holiday baggage allowance. The Paperwhite version remains one of the best, thanks to its anti-glare screen that's easy to read in sunlight and doesn't strain the eyes. It also offers up to six weeks of battery life, making it a great sidekick for a longhaul holiday. 79.99 (109.99), Currys PC World, Buy it now Black Friday 2016 - In pictures 1 /11 Black Friday 2016 - In pictures There was a rush for anything in Sao Paul, Brazil Rex A man departs with his big TV in Sainsburys in Harringay, North London Rex Marie Acosta pushes a cart with 2 large US$10 stuffed bears for her daughter in San Jose, California Rex Features Not sure that is going to fit, at a Target in Orem, Utah George Frey/Getty Images Off with TVs at a Best Buy in San Diego, California Sandy Huffaker/AFP/Getty Images Two women load up televisions in Ohio. Again their trolleys may not be the best choice Rex And he's off: A customer carries a television set Nyiregyhaza in Hungary Atilla Balazs/EPA There's a theme here: A man buys a TV in Sainsburys in Harringay, North London Rex Features Out of this guy's way at a Target store in Culver City, California Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images It will stay on: A man loads up a television that he just got on sale at the Best Buy store on Black Friday in Ohio Rex It's mine: Joseph Rebelo grabs the television he waited in line for as he and fellow shoppers look for the best deals at Best Buy on Black Friday in Dartmouth, Massachusetts Peter Pereira/Standard Time/SCMGs via AP SAMSUNG AddWash Washing Machine - White Currys is offering a 250.99 saving on this Samsung washing machine, which lets you add more to the wash even when the cycle has already started. With a 9kg capacity, it's big enough to deal with towels and bed sheets and the digital inverter motor ensures energy efficiency and noise control. 449 (was 699.99), Currys PC World, Buy it now Argos Full list here . Zinc Smart X Hoverboard 199.99 (was 249.99), Buy it now Gtech Air Ram MK2 K9 Vacuum Cleaner Cordless and Handheld 279.98 (saving 140 when brought together) Buy cordless Buy handheld Dyson V6 Absolute Cordless Handstick Vacuum Cleaner 229.99 (was 469.99), Buy it now HP 14 Intel and Pentium 4GB 128GB SSD Laptop Bundle Red, Gold or Grey F lorence Henderson, famed for her role in The Brady Bunch, has died, aged 82. The actress who played matriarch Carol Brady in the US sitcom died from heart failure on Thanksgiving Day. She died surrounded by family and friends at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, her manager Kayla Pressman said in a statement. Her death comes days after she appeared on Dancing With The Stars to support Maureen McCormick, who played her onscreen daughter Marcia Brady. The Brady Bunch: Florence Henderson with her onscreen family / Rex McCormick was among those who paid tribute to the late actress on Twitter. She shared a picture of herself and Henderson on the set of the dancing show and tweeted: Florence Henderson was a dear friend for so very many years & in my <3 forever. Love & hugs to her family. I'll miss u dearly #RIPFlorence. Michael McKean who played the villainous Mr. Dittmeyer in The Brady Bunch Movie wrote: Florence Henderson was a doll and a dame and funny as hell. RIP. Born in Dale, Indiana, as the youngest of 10 children, Henderson kicked off her career on stage in the 1952 production of Oklahoma! before going on to make her Broadway debut in the 1954 musical, Fanny. She landed her most iconic role as Carol Brady in The Brady Bunch a character she played from 1969 until 1974. She later reprised the role in The Brady Bunch Hour, The Brady Brides, The Bradys and took on the role of grandma Brady to Shelly Long's Carol in the 1995 film, The Brady Bunch Movie. Follow @StandardEnts or like us on Facebook for more news. Review at a glance T he documentary I Am Bolt charts Usain Bolts jet-propelled fairy tale from his parents grocery shop in north-west Jamaica to his status as the fastest human. This predominantly Jamaican soundtrack rumbles on at a fair old pace too from Nass wonderful A Man & His Dream which climaxes in a flurry of Gladiator-style drums to Major Lazars thrilling Blaze Up The Fire. Bolt himself favours ragga and dancehall alongside traditional reggae and hell surely adore this selection. Bolt favourites Vybz Kartels hardcore Pressure is an exercise in musical claustrophobia; Toots & The Maytalss Funky Kingston is as groundbreaking as it was in 1972, while Damian Marleys brand new Everybody Wants To Be Somebody is old-style, bass-swamped reggae at its most menacing, yet uplifting. (Island) A s the music business gears up to present its crop of talent for 2017 to the wider world, a lot of people have Jorja on their minds. Jorja Smith, a teenager from Walsall, earned a management contract and fame at school after putting a lo-fi video on YouTube in 2012, of her and a guitarist friend performing Alex Clares song Too Close. She has gone on to reference Dizzee Rascal on her first proper recording, Blue Lights, and mixed a Maverick Sabre cameo with Henry Purcells 1695 composition A Prince of Glorious Race Descended on her song A Prince. Most striking is her video for her slinky piano ballad Where Did I Go?, now on over a million YouTube views since its summer release. Self-shot in uncomfortable close-up on her aunt and uncles stairwell, its look will be instantly appealing to the selfie generation, while its smoky soul places her in the sophisticated world of Amy Winehouse and FKA twigs. A small London show in new venue Omeara next month will probably be one of the last opportunities, outside of that intimate video, to see her up close. Dec 7, Omeara, SE1 (0871 220 0260, omearalondon.com) E d Balls' wife has revealed the Strictly Come Dancing star has been colliding with furniture while rehearsing at home. Yvette Cooper said her husband crashed into the kitchen cooker as he practised a wild routine. Speaking on Good Morning Britain she said: Early on he was doing a lot of practising in the kitchen. But the trouble is now that the dances have got wilder and wilder he just bumps into the kitchen cooker so it doesnt work. Strictly Come Dancing 2016 - who's been eliminated so far? 1 /10 Strictly Come Dancing 2016 - who's been eliminated so far? Week Seven Daisy Lowe and Aljaz Skorjanec failed to win over the judges in a dance-off against Greg Rutherford BBC Week Six Laura Whitmore and Giovanni Pernice left the competition after losing out in a dance-off to Ore Oduba hours after slipping up on her samba BBC Week Five Anastacia and Brendan Cole left the competition during the Fright Night special after judges voted to save Daisy Lowe Guy Levy/BBC Week Three Naga Munchetty was axed with dance partner Pasha Kovalev after losing a dance-off to Anastacia Guy Levy/BBC Week Four Lesley Joseph was pitted against Daisy Lowe when she was eliminated Guy Levy/BBC Quit Will Young quit the competition after the second live show due to "personal reasons" Guy Levy/BBC Week Two Tameka Empson was voted off after losing a dance-off to Laura Whitmore Guy Levy/BBC Week One Melvin Odoom was the first casualty of the ballroom after being booted out on the public vote Guy Levy/BBC Balls will dance the Tango to the Rolling Stones (I Cant Get No) Satisfaction on Saturday night. Cooper didnt seem to confident about his chances of escaping the dance-off, saying: Its Tango this week. Who knows how that one is going to go. Balls will also face the Cha Cha challenge this weekend a routine he struggled with during the Halloween special. An insider told The Sun: The challenge is almost definitely set to place Ed bottom of the judge's leader board. He's the worst dancer on paper and even if he nails his rehearsed dance, he's set to be voted off by judges. Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One on Saturday night at Follow @StandardEnts or like us on Facebook for more news. J eremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond race off into the sunset with the Queen in the back seat. The pair became unlikely royal chauffeurs when they and co-presenter James May were let loose on a special forces training ground in Jordan for the latest episode of their new programme, The Grand Tour. In the show the trio, armed with grenades and rifles and wearing body armour, must rescue the Queen a not particularly convincing lookalike from a hostage situation on an airliner. Every time one of the three is killed, the exercise resets, a nod to the Tom Cruise film Edge Of Tomorrow. Of course, not everything goes to plan. May gets killed over and over again while his co-presenters attempt to enjoy a Fortnum & Masons picnic in the desert and Clarksons trousers fall off as he abseils out of a helicopter. After rescuing the Queen they make their getaway in an Audi, giving it a road test at the same time. The sequence ends with the Queen asking a bloodied and burnt Clarkson, who is crawling along the ground at her feet: Have you come far? The Grand Tour: Episode 2 1 /10 The Grand Tour: Episode 2 The Grand Tour: Episode 2 Amazon Prime The Grand Tour: Episode 2 Amazon Prime The Grand Tour: Episode 2 Amazon Prime The Grand Tour: Episode 2 Amazon Prime The Grand Tour: Episode 2 Amazon Prime The Grand Tour: Episode 2 Amazon Prime The Grand Tour: Episode 2 Amazon Prime The Grand Tour: Episode 2 Amazon Prime The second instalment of the motoring show was streamed last night on Amazon Prime Video. It also features May performing doughnuts in old cars in a South African car park and Clarkson reviewing the new 1.8 million Aston Martin Vulcan. The former Top Gear presenters joined Amazon after the BBC parted ways with Clarkson following his notorious fracas with a producer. Amazon claims that last weeks debut episode set a streaming record for its Prime Video service. Grand Tour episode 2 trailer Although it would not release exact figures, it claimed the show became its biggest premiere, beating the previous number one, last years The Man In The High Castle. Amazon said millions of Prime members streamed the episode over the weekend after its launch. Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos said: The guys are back, doing what they do best. Chris Evans, who took over Top Gear following Clarksons departure, quit the BBC show after disappointing viewing figures Follow Alistair Foster on Twitter: @alistair_foster T om Hanks has revealed he was found Clint Eastwood intimidating on his new film. The Hollywood actor is soon to be seen in Eastwoods new film Sully the true story of pilot Chesley Sully Sullenberger, who performed an emergency landing in New Yorks Hudson River. Talking to Graham Norton, Hanks spoke about Eastwoods directing style. He treats his actors like horses because when he did the Sixties series Rawhide, the director would shout action and all the horses bolted, he said. So TV So when [Eastwood]s in charge he says in a really quiet soft voice, all right, go ahead. And instead of shouting cut, he says thats enough of that. Its intimidating as hell! It turns out the real Sullenberger was also an interesting person to work with on the film. Sully was very particular about how we portrayed the procedure and the emotions, Hanks said. Sully Clip - Brace For Impact He pulled out this dog-eared, stapled and notated script that he had read. Post-its, stapled index cards all over it Im sure his wife had even written no across it in lipstick. We went through every page and every moment, every beat had been commented on. He had opinions! Also appearing on Nortons red sofa are Gemma Arterton, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mo Farah and Olly Murs. BBC One, 10.35pm #PM-apology PM apologizes for quip at press briefing on Itaewon tragedy Prime Minister Han Duck-soo issued an apology Wednesday for making a quip at a media briefing with foreign journalists with regard to the Halloween crowd crush in Itaewon. "Re... #football Tottenham's Son Heung-min leaves Champions League match early after collision Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur was forced to leave his club's latest UEFA Champions League match early following a collision with an opposing defender. Son was subbed out in... I climbed aboard the plane at Newark International Airport carrying my new computer in my hands. Id spent the better part of a year explaining to my mother why I needed a computer for college. I muddled through until we could afford it. I walked down the aisle proudly with my new, dual 5.25 inch floppy disk computer and CRT monitor. It was an open box deal. People asked me what college I was going to. When my plane landed in Minneapolis-St. Paul, a flight attendant carried my CPU to my next gate. My computer ran DOS and didnt have a mouse. If you still use ctrl-c, ctrl-v, ctrl-p copy, paste, print you are using remnants of DOS. I knew all the commands and writing my college papers was immensely easier and cheaper. Eventually, I moved on to a Tandy laptop. It had a greyscale screen. I couldnt afford the fancy, new color screens. It ran Windows 3.11. I spent extra time at UNLs Love Library learning how to efficiently use the system, mostly by breaking the ones in the computer lab. I wasnt pleased with my Packard Bell computer with Windows 95. It looked childish and always ran sluggish. It was the last computer I would buy. I have built my own computers since 1998. My first build ran Windows 98. I didnt have time to learn Linux, though I kept promising myself I would, soon. Windows ME was a disaster and I quickly moved to Windows 2000. I really liked it. I could tinker with it and knew enough that if I did X, Y was going to happen. As with most upgrades, I eventually moved to Windows XP and 7. I skipped Vista. Ive been relatively happy with Windows 7, but my laptop runs Windows 8.1. I really dont like it. Ive spent hours tweaking it to make it run as I want, but its still a pain. I will never run Windows 10. I have a file on my computer named Windows 10. For 17 months, I have added links to the now 11-page long document of news articles about problems with Windows 10 and how to fix them. One of my biggest concerns is privacy and Microsoft was giving Windows 10 away for free. My first thought was, what data are you going to collect on me? A post last week on Reddit listed 60 different web addresses which needed to be blocked to disable telemetry, a form of data collection. The post linked to a website, which took you through each step in order to do this. While this time-consuming trick works now, the past year and a half has seen Microsoft quickly change each time consumers have said they dont like being tracked. First, you could simply turn telemetry off, but users found with updates, it was turned back on. They learned which package turned it on and let everyone know. So Microsoft announced it was no longer updating individual fixes, youd get an all-or-nothing update. Telemetry has also been turned on in Windows 7 and 8.1, but Ive hacked my computer so this doesnt happen. The average person doesnt know how to do this. I dont like to be tracked. Yes, I have something to hide. So do you. But thats a column for another day. I am a firm believer in if you bought it you can do what you like with it, including telling the manufacturer I dont want any contact with them. Microsoft is making this impossible. So, Im leaving Windows and Microsoft. I wont move to Apple, for reasons that would fill another column and have begun the move to a full Linux household. The first step was incredibly easy. My husbands old laptop was running Windows 7. I installed Linux Mint, which comes in three versions, Cinnamon, MATE and Xfce, depending on your needs. I chose Xfce because its designed for older computers or computers with lower specs. Installation was a breeze. I downloaded Xfce to my desktop then downloaded Universal USB Installer, which creates an image on a USB drive, quite literally in less than five clicks of the mouse. I stuck the USB drive into the laptop and followed the onscreen directions. Start to finish was less than 20 minutes. Using Linux Mint Xfce has been a breeze these past two weeks. Once my desktop needs to be replaced, Ill be replacing it with a Linux computer that I build. Im going to be deleting that 11-page document detailing all the reasons why I shouldnt upgrade to Windows 10. I dont need it anymore. There are better alternatives. This page is archived. Data published after 5 April 2022 can be found on the renewed website. Go to the new statistics page Published: 25 November 2016 Municipalities operating expenses totalled EUR 27.4 billion in January to September 2016 In January to September 2016, municipalities' external operating expenses amounted to EUR 27.4 billion and operating revenue to EUR 5.6 billion. Municipalities received a total of EUR 24.0 billion in tax funding. Joint municipal authorities' external operating expenses amounted to EUR 9.3 billion and operating revenue to EUR 10.0 billion. These data appear from Statistics Finland's statistics on quarterly local government finances, for which data were collected from 80 municipalities and from 69 joint municipal authorities in Mainland Finland. External quarterly data on the finances of municipalities and joint municipal authorities, EUR million 1) Municipalities Joint municipal authorities Total Total Operating revenue total 5 614 10 016 Operating expenses total 27 444 9 301 Annual contribution margin 2 683 654 Loan stock 14 899 3 029 Finances of municipalities and joint municipal authorities 1) Operating expenses include expenses from production for own use. Municipalities' external operating expenses amounted to EUR 27.4 billion and operating revenue to EUR 5.6 billion in January to September 2016. Municipalities' tax funding, which consists of tax revenue and central government transfers to local government, totalled EUR 24.0 billion. In all, 71.6 per cent of tax funding, or EUR 17.2 billion, comprised of tax revenues. The share of central government transfers to local government was thus 28.4 per cent or EUR 6.8 billion. The combined annual contribution margin of municipalities was EUR 2.7 billion. In the period from the beginning of January 2016 to the end of September 2016, municipalities used EUR 2.0 billion on investments. At the end of the third quarter, the loan stock totalled EUR 14.9 billion. Loan per capita was EUR 2,730 at the end of the quarter in question. 1) Joint municipal authorities' external operating expenses amounted to EUR 9.3 billion and operating revenue to EUR 10.0 billion in January to September 2016. The combined annual contribution margin was EUR 0.7 billion. The investment expenditure of joint municipal authorities totalled EUR 0.5 billion in the first three quarters of 2016. The combined loan stock amounted to EUR 3.0 billion at the end of the third quarter. Information on the statistics The statistics on quarterly local government finances are a sample survey that describes the development of the finances of municipalities and joint municipal authorities by quarter in Mainland Finland. The data in the statistics on quarterly local government finances are preliminary and they might become revised in coming publications. No quarterly data by municipality or joint municipal authority are published. The data published in the statistics on quarterly local government finances are not directly comparable with the data of the statistics on local government finances by quarter because of the different way of handling local government enterprises. In the statistics on quarterly local government finances, local government enterprises are combined with the data on basic municipalities and joint municipal authorities, while this was not done in the statistics on local government finances by quarter published between 2013 and 2015. 1) The population data used were the population of Mainland Finland on 31 December 2015. Source: Quarterly local government finances, 3rd quarter 2016, Statistics Finland Inquiries: Karen Asplund 029 551 3611, kuntatalous@stat.fi Director in charge: Ville Vertanen Publication in pdf-format (209.0 kB) Updated 25.11.2016 Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Quarterly local government finances [e-publication]. ISSN=2343-4139. 3rd quarter 2016. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 2.11.2022]. Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/ktan/2016/03/ktan_2016_03_2016-11-25_tie_001_en.html This page may have been moved, deleted, or is otherwise unavailable. To help you find what you are looking for: Enter Search Term(s): Still cant find what youre looking for? Send us a message using our contact us form. To report a broken link or other problems with the website, please include the URL. Thank you for visiting state.gov. A fire that sparked in a dryer Thursday caused at least $20,000 in damage to a rental home west of Statesville. The fire started when the renter, 32-year-old Sandra Solis, attempted to dry a load of laundry at the home at 119 Vectra Drive, said sister Karina Solis. Karina Solis said her sister was preparing to leave the house with her four children when the fire started about 3 p.m. Sandra Solis children range in age from 1 to 15, Karina Solis said. Responding firefighters brought the blaze under control in about 15 minutes, said West Iredell Volunteer Fire Chief Jerry Houston. No injuries were reported. The home sustained smoke and heat damage, mostly in the laundry room and kitchen, Houston said. He estimated the damage at between $20,000 and $30,000. The family lost two laptops in the blaze, along with school supplies and some clothing, Karina Solis said. The Red Cross was summoned to the scene to help the family. Fire crews from Monticello and Stony Point also responded, along with the Iredell County Rescue Squad. With one hand holding a bottle of champagne and the other an oversized certificate declaring him the winner of $1 million from Publishers Clearing House, Bruce Saunders stood on the front porch of his western Davie County Monday and rattled off a list of things he plans spend his spend money on medical bills, fixing his lawnmower and helping family members. Developers continue to tinker with their planned project of houses, apartments and condos that would replace empty factories at a corner of St. Louis Hill neighborhood. In response to concerns by Hill residents, officials of Clayton-based Sansone Group and Draper and Kramer, a real estate firm based in Chicago, have repeatedly tweaked their redevelopment plan for the 11-acre site. The projects first proposal, made public this spring, included a six-story apartment building. That was too high, many Hill residents said. Sansone officials agreed to shorten the building and said they would reduce the projects number of apartments. From 375 apartments in the initial proposal, the current number of planned units is 225. General outlines of the rest of the approximately $50 million project remain. Single-family houses would go up on Hereford Street, plus Bischoff and Daggett avenues. A condo building would be erected at the northeast corner of the site, which is just west of South Kingshighway. Within that boundary would be attached townhouses and, in the middle, an apartment building wrapped around a parking garage. Doug Sansone, a Sansone Group principal, said that in addition to 225 apartments, the project would have 49 for-sale townhouses, 20 single-family houses and 24 condos. The latest plan revises upward the number of single-family homes and reduces the number of townhouses. As he has said previously, Sansone believes the project is a good fit for the historically Italian neighborhood. We think its going to be great for The Hill and St. Louis, he said. The Hill is a landmark location. Theres really nothing else like it in the state. Before the developers can demolish the factories some more than a century old and build apartments, houses, condos and townhouses, they must buy the site and get it rezoned to allow residences. Sansone said he hoped site acquisition and city approvals would be obtained in January, when work could begin. Construction could take two years. The project took a step forward Nov. 15 when the citys Land Clearance for Redevelopment board voted to support 10 years of tax abatement for the project. Larry DiVito, a Draper and Kramer vice president, told the board the project would replace a hodgepodge of warehouses and factories. American Stove Co. and other manufacturers formerly operated on the site. A fire on the night of July 8, 2015, damaged part of the complex. No one was hurt in the four-alarm fire that began inside a boarded-up building in the 4900 block of Daggett. Hill 2000, the neighborhood organization, opposed the new projects initial plan for six floors of apartments. Jeff Proctor, the groups president, said this week the latest plan is acceptable. Were in support of this development, recognizing that there are still details to be worked out, he said. Rezoning remains an issue, and some residents still have concerns about increased traffic, Proctor said. This is a story about snails, so try to keep up. One day a week, St. Louis Zoo docents Ellen Miller and Donna Mills get in their cars, drive to the menagerie in Forest Park and quietly set about their work: Saving a species from extinction. Last month, for the second consecutive year, scores of Partula nodosa snails were placed in the Papehue Valley in Tahiti. And the zoo thanks in considerable part to the duos tireless work can take major credit for being a main player in a program that is succeeding not only in saving that snail species, but also in returning it to its native French Polynesia. Of the 870 Partulas put into the wild, 630 were from St. Louis all lovingly fed, cleaned and otherwise cared for by Miller and Mills. Last year, the first year the snails went back to the wild, the zoo contributed 140 snails. Were the Snail Ladies, Miller said. Thats what they call us. Bob Merz, the zoos manager of invertebrates, said the women may just have saved a species. It really shows how one person, or two people, can make a difference. Glenn Frei, a keeper of invertebrates who works closely with Miller and Mills, also said he supported the title. They earned it, Frei said. Theyre one of the big reasons the snails are still around. So unassuming that no one has ever bothered to give it a nickname, the Partula is about the size of a jelly bean, a drab greenish-brown, striped jelly bean. But lets slow down and go back to the 1980s, when a surge in escargot consumption inspired food growers to import bigger, meatier snails into French Polynesia. Those imported meaty mollusks, known as rosy wolf snails, are as big as an adult humans entire thumb. While that may be perfect for an order of escargot, no one realized that before the rosy wolf snails ended up on the plates of gastronomes, they feasted on their new favorite food: Partula snails. By the late 1980s, Frei said, they were virtually extinct in the wild. Slugging forward to the early 1990s, British conservationists showed up at the door of Ron Goellner, the zoos renowned keeper and conservationist who died in 2006. They had a plan calling for several zoos in the U.S. and Europe, led by the London Zoo, to become caretakers for Partulas. In time, the species could possibly be returned to its native islands. Goellner recruited Miller and Mills to work with the snails. The program is part of the zoos mission to act as a lifeboat for threatened and endangered species, said Merz, who cheerfully defined his supervisory responsibilities as if it aint got a spine, its mine. Mills said that the lifeboat aspect, the feeling like your work has a purpose, was what had kept her engaged in the program for 23 years. Its important to show that we care about something so small; not just the big, popular ones, Mills said. So Miller, of south St. Louis, and Mills, a Kirkwood resident, each comes once a week to care for the less cuddly. They do so in a white room lit with fluorescent tubes and jammed with terrariums, cages and shelves holding plastic containers filled with Partulas. Right now, after the shipment to Tahiti, there are about 1,000 Partulas on site. As many as 3,500 have been there at one time, and the women estimate theyve cared for more than 10,000 over the years. I remember when this all started, back in 1993, Miller said. We didnt have this [the Insectarium, built in 2000], so we sat at desks in Rons office and took care of the snails. The care consists of several tasks: First, the snails need to be removed from their containers, which must be cleaned. If it smells like ammonia, you know you have a problem, said Mills, who said small bugs and bacteria can find their way into the containers and kill snails. And there have been times we open a container and it was all fuzzy, Mills said. And thats not good either. Then the women mix up snail food, a not-altogether-malodorous green paste made of instant oats, chalk, nettles, vitamins and trout food. They smear some paste on the sides of the container and put the snails back at the bottom. Hungry ones find their way up to the sides. When it comes time to ship out snails that have been selected for placement in the wild, the women pack them to be shipped to other zoos for independent evaluation. We wrap them in a tissue, insert them into something like a cardboard toilet paper roll, pack the ends with tissues and then stack them in a shipping box, Miller said. As docents, they also talk to youth groups and school classes, which have different outlooks than adults. You know, kids dont look at animals like snails or snakes and think theyre gross. Theyre think theyre cool, said Mills, a former high school teacher who grew up in Southern California and was born at Hollywood Hospital. I was a horse girl when I was young. I used to volunteer to work at the stables they kept in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, she said. The big perk of the job was that I got to ride a mule. Miller is a St. Louis native who majored in biology at Fontbonne University and worked for years in a pharmaceutical laboratory. She currently has a toy poodle as a pet, and has lived with cats and dogs her whole life. Had a rabbit when I was a kid, one my sister saved from the lab at Maryville College when she found out they were going to sacrifice them after testing, Miller said. We were going to call it Peter, until we found out it was a girl, she said. So it became Patrinka. Both women said they had no plans to drop out of the program. In fact, the only thing they are tired of are futile attempts to make them tell snail jokes. Trust me, Miller said, more as a warning than a suggestion, weve heard them all. My oldest son is three months from turning 16 and getting his drivers license. But I was the one daydreaming about a new ride. On an unseasonably warm day recently, I thought to myself: It would be so nice to drive a Jeep with the top off. Just like I did when I graduated college and landed my first job. Idea: Maybe he could drive my car and I could get myself a used Wrangler. I searched the St. Louis Craigslist and wow. Someone was selling a 2000 Wrangler, brilliant yellow, with custom black fenders. The description said it had low miles, mostly highway. New tires and brakes. A new water pump and coil pack. Runs great. Looked mint. Price: $2,000. I was filled with longing. I texted a reply to the sellers number, which had a 314 area code. Does it have ac? I looked it up on Kelley Blue Book, a car value guide: The Wranglers value was $10,000. I could flip it and make a couple thousand at least. Or I could drive that Jeep forever, up mountains, over sandy beaches. Who cares about the air conditioner? I needed that Jeep. I will come buy it right now, I texted. The reply: I posted the 2000 yellow jeep for my sister. The text included a gmail address for the sister, Megan Warren. I emailed Megan to say I wanted the Jeep. Just needed an address. The reply I got was exciting 45 more yellow Jeep pictures but also very sad. Megan said it was her sons Jeep. He had just died and she just wanted to get rid of it. How sad. But it explained the low price. For her safety, though, she wanted to make the sale through eBay Motors, if that was OK. My first thought was, that makes sense. Then the investigative reporter in me kicked in. I googled the text of her email. It came up in warnings from Craigslist and eBay . The victim sends an electronic payment, but never gets the car. You probably saw that coming before I did. My neighbors daughter just turned 16, and weve been talking for almost a year about how we were going to look for good deals at police auctions or on Craigslist. We had the same budget: under $3,000. The other day, she had a 2017 Buick in the garage. Turned out they decided to lease. I told her I might be headed in the same direction, and told her about the yellow Jeep of my dreams. She laughed. The same thing had happened to her that week twice. People selling nice cars within our price range. Whose loved ones had just died. And who wanted to go through eBay. We were the perfect suckers parents of new drivers willing to suspend disbelief in the quest for a deal. The worst part is, I still go back to the email to look at pictures of the Jeep, I confessed. I can spot the scam pretty easily now. It is all over Craigslist. Its not obvious unless you know what youre looking for. The car is well described, including minor problems that were fixed. The number is local. The posting has just the right amount of typos to feel authentic. Too many and its clear the posting came from Russia, or Nigeria. The first clue really the only clue is the price. The car is listed at a great price but not an impossible one. I respond to ads now just to mess with the scammer. Interested in the BMW, I texted to a number in the 636 area code. Call me. The reply came about two hours later. The scammer knew not to appear too eager at first. Keep me thinking about the car. Hi, the 2005 BMW X5 xDrive its still available, the scammer texted. If you want more pics and details please provide me your email address. I did, and got 21 pictures of the vehicle from someone named Angela Weston. Now she was in a hurry. I am selling it at this final price of $2,500 because my husband died 1 month ago and it brings me bad memories and thats the reason I want to sell it a.s.a.p. I want to use Amazon services for the safety of both of us so if youre interested in purchasing this vehicle. I responded: Hi I am actually a journalist. Im curious about these scams and who is behind them. Would you consider an interview with me over email? Im curious about how this works. I added, It might be interesting for you also to tell your story. But Angie doubled down. As I have told you in my previous email, my husband died recently. I had to move out and now I am living with my parents in Lawrence, KS. At the moment they are the only ones I can rely on. The car is at the shipping company, sealed and ready for the shipping. If you are interested in knowing more info about how it works, I can ask Amazon to send you an email with more information on how to purchase it. But I still wondered: How does the scammer use eBay or Amazon to get the money? Alas, Christina Nieto knows the answer. The St. Louis woman wanted to buy herself a car with her tax refund in February. She responded to an ad for a 2008 Honda Accord with 126,000 miles. The price was $2,000. (Kelley Blue Book says the car would be worth more like $5,000.) Corporal Maria Dickson explained in an email: I am selling this vehicle because I am in the military and my unit will be sent back to Afghanistan. I dont want it get old in my garage. The price is low because I need to sell it before February 12th. Made sense to Nieto. Plus, an email from eBay said the transaction was guaranteed. Later on, though, she realized the email was from Ebay@support-payment-motors.com. A fake email address. She wouldnt listen to me, said her aunt, Vernita Molina. Maria asked Nieto to send the money to Rodolfo Franco, an agent from eBay who was handling the transaction. Francos address on the MoneyGram receipt was listed as Rogers Avenue in Poteau, Okla. I looked the street up on Google Streetview: a dusty alley in a small town. I reversed the address and called the number. It was a state of Oklahoma work-placement office. The woman who took my call had never heard of Rodolfo Franco. But someone picked up the money. Probably at a supermarket or convenience store. Maybe even in Poteau. Moneygram knows where and when. Was there surveillance video? Nieto said she called the St. Louis police and was told they would not take a report. She said it was the same with MoneyGram. I left messages with a representative from MoneyGram, who did not respond. I hope someone helps Nieto get her money back. This is a very serious problem for society right now, said Yi Yang, director of the cybersecurity program at Fontbonne University. Scammers and phishers work with impunity. The fraudulent ads almost never work. They pop up and disappear too frequently. The scammers create phone numbers and email addresses, and use proxy servers to hide their locations. Every once in a while they catch someone. The Better Business Bureau says another woman lost $5,000 last year in the scam. Every Craigslist posting has a link at the bottom to language that warns users to buy only from someone local, in person, and not with an electronic transaction. And Craigslist removes ads as soon as fraud is detected. Yang said she thought authorities should run more sting operations to try to identify and ensnare scammers. I responded to an ad for a pretty red 2006 BMW X5 on Friday and got an email with pictures (and a sob story: another dead husband) right away. Then I went back to the St. Louis ad and found Craigslist had removed it. I texted back: Do you have one in blue? WASHINGTON It was not the war that ended all wars, a fact that resonates in todays long struggle to defeat terrorism. World War I, which the United States entered in 1917 and helped win a year later, is easily passed over in the nations annals of conflict. Even though nearly 4.7 million Americans served during the war and 116,516 were killed (more than half in non-combat deaths) and more than 200,000 wounded, it is no longer a memory for most. Monuments to Civil War generals and big memorials to the Vietnam War and World War II grace the capitals mall and neighborhoods. World War I? Not so much. Even so, the centennial of the United States entry into that war will be modestly commemorated next year, and with a big Missouri twist. World War I has been kind of bookended between the Civil War and World War II, said Mitchell Yockelson, a military history specialist at the National Archives and Records Administration. A lot of vets came back and never wanted to talk about it. Everyone and their cousin was trying to publish a book on the Civil War. By the time we were ready to embrace [World War I], World War II came along. Yockelson is the author of a book about Missouri native John Black Jack Pershing, who led the American Expeditionary Force that tipped the war for the French and British against Germany. The book, Forty-Seven Days: How Pershings Warriors Came of Age to Defeat the German Army in World War I, is about the Battle of Meuse-Argonne, the bloodiest ever for an American army. A million Americans went up against a veteran German Army and suffered 26,000 deaths and more than 110,000 wounded before helping to force surrender. Commemorations in Europe and across the United States next year will try to rekindle attention to the U.S. entry in the war, which was fought with massed armies in horrific conditions, with men killed by the legions in barbed-wired and machine-gun-swept no-mans lands. Progress was often measured in yards of ground purchased with tens of thousands of dead and wounded. On April 6-8, commemorations of the U.S. entry in the war (which began in 1914) will be marked in U.S. embassies in Europe, and at a Call to Arms conference at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City. A commemoration of U.S. Air Service will be held that same weekend at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. Commemorations here and across Europe will continue through Nov. 11, 2018, marking the armistice to end the war. The occasion offers another chance to review the life of Pershing, a native of tiny Laclede, Mo., 220 miles northwest of St. Louis. Fascinating and underappreciated Stern and tough on subordinates, Pershing was the man most responsible for the United States moving from a peacetime army of 220,000 to the 2 million men who, in a matter of months, were transported to France to fight. They and the massive amount of supplies necessary to feed and arm them were transported through seas infested with German U-boats. Once abroad, the Americans built 900 miles of railroad track to supply their troops. More than a century later, such feats look impossibly daunting. The leader of it all, Pershing, is one of the most fascinating and underappreciated figures in American history, said Barney McCoy, a professor at the University of Nebraska who is working on a documentary on Pershing. Pershings life spanned the Civil War to the dawn of the nuclear age. He died in 1948 at age 87, having helped maintain a peacetime military between the two world wars and shape the key officers who helped the U.S. and its allies win World War II. One of Pershings earliest memories happened when he was just 3 or 4 years old. Confederate bushwhackers ransacked Laclede late in the Civil War. His father, a well-known area merchant and strong Unionist, was preparing to confront the marauders with a shotgun when Pershings mother stopped him, declaring she did not want to be a widow with young children. How many U.S. generals have ever actually had their hometowns, even their home, invaded by an enemy force, and [from that] understand the important role that a military must play to provide security to a country? asked the documentarian McCoy, who is plowing through volumes of Pershings letters and other documents at the National Archives, Library of Congress and other resources. That must have been a resounding moment for Pershing, McCoy said. Later, after the family lost almost all its possessions during the panic of 1873, young Pershing taught in an all-black school. The nickname Black Jack originated as a pejorative, coming from Pershings willingness to teach black students, and his service with the 10th Cavalry, the famed all-black Buffalo Soldiers of the post-Civil War era. Much of Pershings tough nature and his views toward equality came from Missouri, and certainly the period of time when he grew up in saying how prejudice can shape a society and warp and even pervert the true intentions of humanity, McCoy said. Intimidating but tender Pershing, like many who served under him in World War I, was a reluctant soldier. He took a test for entry to West Point only after a younger sister noticed an ad in the local paper and said it was a good way for Pershing to get a higher education. He had an interesting career. He didnt want to go into the military, he wanted to be a teacher, Yockelson said. But like most men at the time, he couldnt afford it. He served as an attache in Japan. Two years before the war, he suffered great personal loss when his wife, Helen Frances Warren Pershing, a suffragette and daughter of a Wyoming senator, was killed in a fire, along with their three daughters. Only a son survived. Pershing fought Pancho Villas raiders the year before World War I broke out. He then led the U.S. AEF to victory. His handsome and stern countenance, his refusal to put American troops under the command of foreign officers and his quick-to-the-trigger decision to remove commanders if he felt they were not measuring up created enduring images and historical takeaways of that war. But in McCoys research, the documentarian has also found another side of Pershing that speaks to the complex demands of leadership. In letters to his wife and children, and later, in letters to a Romanian-born Parisian woman, Micheline Resco, whom he met during the war and established a relationship with that would last for the rest of his life, Pershing revealed a much different person. The ramrod and disciplinarian public man could be very intimidating, McCoy said. But to his family and later, to his lover, he was very tender. In his own mind he had a vision of what that responsibility [of leadership] carried, and he was tireless in trying to make sure that he would uphold that position, McCoy said. Yet on the private side he was looking for a refuge where he could be with somebody that he could trust completely, and be himself, and be tender. And I think there is always a question: If a man shows they are tender and compassionate, is that a sign of weakness? McCoy said. And particularly, that is the case where they happen to be the prominent military leader in the country and maybe in the world, after World War I. Certainly those dichotomies were at work with Pershing. In the early morning hours of Dec. 16, 1811, the New Madrid fault along the Mississippi River unleashed one of the strongest earthquakes in American history on what was then the sparsely populated western frontier of the United States. The violent tremor woke people in distant cities on the East Coast, including President James Madison in Washington. Some accounts say it caused the Mississippi River to run backward in places. Although there were no official seismographs to document it, the event is estimated to have been a magnitude 7.7 quake. (A doctor in Ohio did record the event on a homemade seismograph.) It was also a sign of things to come. The following month, an estimated magnitude 7.5 earthquake would strike the region, and two weeks after that, a third and final quake thought to be an even larger 7.7 would rock the area, severely damaging the town of New Madrid, Mo. More than two centuries of relative quiet later, all three quakes easily stand as the strongest ever recorded east of the Rocky Mountains and are among the 20 largest recorded in the U.S., ranked alongside many more famous and more recent earthquakes on the West Coast and in Alaska. The sequence of quakes is still remarkable to seismologists not only for its intensity and repetition, but also because of its middle-of-the-continent location, more than 1,000 miles from the earthquake-prone fringes of any tectonic plates. The crust here in the New Madrid zone is an old part of a rift where the earth started to pull apart, said Chris Cramer, a professor at the University of Memphis Center for Earthquake Research and Information. It stopped, but its still a probable weak spot in the crust. Continued interest in the New Madrid Seismic Zone isnt restricted to earthquake science. The impact of the quake is still felt today in its effects on regional insurance policies and building codes. Given its uniqueness and remaining mysteries, however, some scientists question whether those policies accurately reflect risk in the seismic zone. A recent study contends that those living in the area today are still facing economic aftershocks from the historic outburst of earthquakes. The report released in October by scientists with the Kentucky Geological Survey, a research institution within the University of Kentucky argues that risk in the New Madrid Seismic Zone is overstated, saddling the rural region with oppressive building codes and insurance premiums that ultimately stifle economic development. Though the study focused on western Kentucky, co-author Zhenming Wang said the findings were relevant for the entire New Madrid zone, including parts of southeastern Missouri. Its definitely applicable to the whole area, Wang said. As risky as California? Those behind the study say properly gauging the regions earthquake risk is complicated by a shortage of data that directly applies to the area. One of the issues we have is that in the central U.S. and particularly in the New Madrid Seismic Zone, we have not had any damaging earthquakes in a very long time, said Mike Lynch, a spokesman for the Kentucky Geological Survey. We dont have a lot of data to go on and determine probabilities. The studys authors said much of the data behind the U.S. Geological Surveys earthquake hazard maps which form the basis of policies such as building codes were from areas west of the Rocky Mountains that experience more frequent earthquakes. They say applying that data to the different geologic conditions in the New Madrid zone was an imperfect fit that had led to some eyebrow-raising risk assessments, especially when compared with more active earthquake areas such as California. For example, USGS seismic hazard maps depict higher earthquake ground-motion hazards for the New Madrid Zone than in San Francisco or Los Angeles, even though the California coast has been affected far more frequently and seriously by seismic activity, according to a release accompanying the study. Were not saying New Madrid is no problem, Wang said. We do see the potential is there. We just think the hazard is too high compared to California. Not a dead system Other earthquake scientists, meanwhile, meet the reports conclusions with skepticism. Cramer said the study did not interview scientists or hazard experts, noting that the supporting interviews centered on government officials, economic development agencies and business people. Despite the Kentucky article, there is a strong accepted scientific basis for the hazard assessment of the New Madrid Seismic Zone, Cramer said. This system is not a dead system it is accumulating stress again that could be released in another major earthquake. Cramer said evidence indicated that the area was hit by major quakes about every 400 to 500 years, with similar episodes occurring around the years 900 and 1450. From a statistical point of view, the chance of a repeat of that [1811-caliber earthquake] is 7 to 10 percent in the next 50 years, Cramer said. While not a great hazard, its still a significant hazard, and one needs to prepare better rather than not at all for such eventualities. Meanwhile, Cramer said, theres a 25 percent to 40 percent chance of the area experiencing a magnitude 6 earthquake over the same 50-year interval. While it still holds the potential for the most devastation, the New Madrid Seismic Zone may be losing its claim to fame as the mid-continent hotspot for seismicity. In the last few years, Oklahoma has become an unlikely home of earthquake activity, with the surge believed to be linked to wastewater injection from oil and gas development. From 1978 to 2008, Oklahoma averaged only two earthquakes above a magnitude 3.0 a year, but it experienced more than 900 last year, according to the state. And this year, USGS records show the state has been home to three of the five largest earthquakes in the Lower 48 states, including a magnitude 5.0 quake on Nov. 6, which was reportedly felt in St. Louis and beyond. We shouldve been more worried about Oklahoma all these years than we have about New Madrid, said Bob Herrmann, a professor of seismology at St. Louis University. It was something we didnt really anticipate. Despite evidence of induced seismicity in areas of oil and gas development, Herrmann said the New Madrid zone was a safe distance away from any earthquake swarms that may be linked to human activity and was not at risk of being triggered by outside forces. Even so, he said the long-quiet fault system was worth keeping an eye on: Its a sleeping giant we still have to worry about. UPDATED at 10:30 a.m. Saturday with information that the couple has been found safe. The Missouri Highway Patrol on Saturday morning canceled an alert after a missing Oklahoma couple believed to be in the St. Louis area was found safe after returning to their home state. On Friday, police had said a cellphone ping suggested that Gerald L. Heggie, 78, and Nita D. Heggie, 75, who went missing on a trip from Oklahoma to Ohio, could be in the St. Louis area. The patrol had listed "dementia" as a cause for concern in issuing an "Endangered Silver Advisory Alert." A spokeswoman for McAlester, Okla., police said Saturday that the Heggies drove to the St. Louis area and Illinois, then back to Oklahoma. They were stopped around midnight Saturday in the Tulsa area, the spokeswoman said. The Heggies left McAlester Nov. 22 en route to Toledo. Police said they talked by phone about 11 a.m. Thursday to a son and said they thought they were somewhere west of St. Louis. A cellphone ping Thursday put them here. Robot mall cops, a vaccine for dengue and 98 more of the greatest innovations of the year are highlighted in the November/December issue of Popular Science. The magazines annual roundup of The Best of Whats New provides a snapshot of the latest, coolest, most-cutting-edge products and concepts or, what the next generation of teens will probably think of as Oh, that boring stuff. Thanks to the tech of 2016, todays children can experience gee-whiz features from birth. It all starts on the ride home from the maternity ward in a 4moms Self-Installing Car Seat, which contains 20 sensors, including accelerometers and gyros, that work with motors to level the seat and tighten the straps. When fever strikes, a concerned father can check his childs temperature with the no-touch Withings Thermo. It takes more than 4,000 readings from the temporal artery with just a simple pass across the forehead. And when boys and girls get that first cavity? Dentists can anesthetize them with a couple of squirts of Kovanaze nasal spray instead of a painful shot. To unwind, they can rock out with Ossics X headphones, which adapt to a listeners anatomy to create ultrarealistic audio effects. They can fly to Belgium and take a seat on the Mack Rides Pulsar, a roller coaster that splashes into a lake at 60 mph. They can run around on ice without slipping because theyre wearing shoes with Vibram Arctic Grip soles, designed to mimic the clawed paws of polar bears. And they can complain that theres nothing to eat in the fridge even if theyre not at home: The Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator boasts three cameras. Thats when parents can turn to another innovation: Intelligentx Brewing calls itself an artificial-intelligence brewmaster. Using a machine-learning algorithm, it crafts beers using online feedback from drinkers. Cheers to the future. So my question is, if the department is defunded, and low pay continues, what will happen the next time the police are desperately needed and only a handful of them are available? Jaguar Land Rover could create thousands of new jobs after confirming that it is looking to making electric vehicles in the UK. Such a move could lead to the Gaydon-based company creating 10,000 new jobs, adding to the 40,000 people it already employs in the UK. Chief executive Ralf Speth told an industry meeting that the company would like to build the electric vehicles in the West Midlands. The plan fits in well with a pledge by the government this week to invest 390m in greener technologies. Sign up for StreetInsider Free! Receive full access to all new and archived articles, unlimited portfolio tracking, e-mail alerts, custom newswires and RSS feeds - and more! CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/25/16 -- ATCO Ltd. (TSX: ACO.X) (TSX: ACO.Y) Yesterday, ATCO entered into an agreement with the Government of Alberta (the Government) on transition payments for the elimination of coal-fired emissions from the Sheerness Generating Station (Sheerness) on or before December 31, 2030. ATCO has also agreed to work with the Government on the conversion of coal-fired generation to natural gas, the exploration of hydro generation, and the development of Alberta's new capacity market. "We are supportive of initiatives to transition the province to cleaner sources of electricity and will continue working with all levels of government on the many interrelated components of Alberta's electricity system," said Siegfried Kiefer, Chief Strategy Officer, ATCO Ltd. & Canadian Utilities Limited and President, Canadian Utilities Limited. "Our focus remains on ensuring these measures support affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all Albertans." As compensation for the capital invested in Sheerness, ATCO will receive cash payments from the Government of $4.7 million annually for 14 years, commencing in 2017 and terminating in 2030. Sheerness Units 1 and 2 were otherwise scheduled to retire in 2036 and 2040, respectively. In the near-term, ATCO will assess the economic viability of converting some of its coal-fired electricity generation to natural gas. In addition, ATCO will work alongside the Government in exploring the potential of hydroelectric power as a means to provide reliable, emissions-free baseload generation in the province. Hydro, as the only form of renewable energy generation with dispatch control, is an optimal solution to replace coal-fired generation while supporting the reliability and sustainability of Alberta's grid. ATCO will also work closely with the Government in the development of Alberta's capacity market to ensure equitable treatment and a level playing field for both existing and new electricity generation. With approximately 7,000 employees and assets of $20 billion, ATCO is a diversified global corporation delivering service excellence and innovative business solutions in Structures & Logistics (workforce housing, innovative modular facilities, construction, site support services, and logistics and operations management); Electricity (electricity generation, transmission, and distribution); Pipelines & Liquids (natural gas transmission, distribution and infrastructure development, energy storage, and industrial water solutions); and Retail Energy (electricity and natural gas retail sales). More information can be found at www.ATCO.com. Forward-Looking Information: Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves 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 information. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Company's expectations as of the date hereof, and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation. Contacts: Media & Investor Inquiries: B.R. (Brian) Bale Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer 403-292-7502 Source: ATCO Ltd. NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hampshire Group, Limited (OTC Markets: HAMP) (Hampshire or the Company), today announced that the Company and two of its U.S. subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Delaware in order to facilitate the orderly winddown of their business operations. The Company engaged in a thorough analysis of its businesses and assets. Ultimately, the Company was unable to attract a financing source to provide adequate liquidity to fund the Companys ongoing strategic turnaround initiatives. As a result, the Companys Board of Directors determined that an orderly liquidation and wind-down of its licensed businesses would be the best way to maximize value for the benefit of the Companys creditors and stakeholders. Regrettably, the litigation efforts pursued by one unsecured creditor since July of this year have compelled the Company and certain of its affiliates to seek protection under Chapter 11 in order to continue to pursue, and ultimately complete, the wind-down process without disruption. This difficult decision follows a comprehensive strategic and financial review of the businesses. The Board of Directors has determined that the actions being undertaken represent the best path forward for the Company and its stakeholders. While we are disappointed with this outcome, the prospect of the Company being unable to continue to effectuate a controlled wind-down of its licensed businesses out-of-court were severely and negatively jeopardized by the actions taken by a single unsecured creditor. The Company ultimately determined that this is the best course of action, under the circumstances. In conjunction with its Chapter 11 filings, the Company has received a commitment from its senior secured creditor, Salus Capital Partners LLC, to allow the Company to utilize cash collateral in accordance with a mutually agreed upon budget that is designed to afford the Company the requisite runway to consummate the wind-down effort that has been diligently pursued over the past several months. It is the Company's reasonable expectation that the continuation of the liquidation effort in the context of Chapter 11 will maximize recoveries for all creditors in an orderly fashion. About Hampshire Group Hampshire Group, Limited (www.hamp.com), along with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Hampshire Brands, Inc. is a provider of fashion apparel across a broad range of product categories, channels of distribution and price points. The Company specializes in designing and marketing mens sportswear to department stores, chain stores and mass market retailers under licensed brands, our own proprietary brands and the private labels of our customers. Cautionary Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrences of unanticipated events. Readers are urged to review and consider carefully the various disclosures made by the Company in its Form 10-K and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which advise interested parties of certain factors that affect the Company's business. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161125005204/en/ Company: Hampshire Group Benjamin C. Yogel, 561-409-0890 Lead Director [email protected] or Investors: The Equity Group Inc. Fred Buonocore, 212-836-9607 Senior Vice President [email protected] Source: Hampshire Group, Limited A pre-party celebrating beauty and imagination in anticipation of the annual art exhibition in Miami is the result of a collaboration between The Lincoln Motor Company and Tasting Table a multimedia content provider for culinary enthusiasts At the beautiful Gale Hotel in South Miami, invited guests can engage with the exquisitely crafted 2017 Lincoln Continental, which will be on display in front of the hotel; the vehicle heralds the return of the Lincoln flagship the ultimate in luxury, comfort and effortless power Event is the latest in a series of collaborations between Lincoln and Tasting Table, introducing Continental at upscale venues in major cities throughout the United States MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A pre-party in anticipation of the annual art exhibition awaits invited guests as The Lincoln Motor Company celebrates creativity, along with the arrival of the exquisitely designed 2017 Lincoln Continental. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161124005287/en/ A pre-party in anticipation of the annual art exhibition awaits invited guests as The Lincoln Motor Company celebrates creativity, along with the arrival of the exquisitely designed 2017 Lincoln Continental. (Photo: Business Wire) Contemporary artist Stuart Sheldon will display a live art installation while guests can also enjoy a menu of hors doeuvres and tasting stations prepared by Dolce Italian Restaurant. Dolce Italians award-winning chef Paolo Dorigato will be on hand hosting a pasta making station. Two Lincoln Black Label Continentals will be on display in front of the hotel; guests will be invited to learn more about the vehicle and the Lincoln brand. Lincoln Black Label is Lincolns most elevated expression of luxury and personal service. In addition to enjoying premium materials such as Venetian leather, Alcantara and designer woods, Black Label customers also receive enhanced personal service amenities such as anytime car washes, off-site concierge visits and membership in the Lincoln Black Label Culinary Collection network of upscale restaurants. The highly acclaimed annual art exhibition in Miami presents artwork from across the globe. The world's leading galleries participate, drawing more than 70,000 visitors each year. We are excited to collaborate with Tasting Table here in Miami. This event is perfectly in line with Lincolns emphasis on creating personally crafted experiences for our guests, says John Emmert, group marketing manager, Lincoln. Anticipating the annual art exhibition, discussing the artwork installation; these are the types of experiences that bond discerning luxury customers. We have the opportunity to showcase Lincolns Black Label as our highest expression of luxury, and channel it through client passion points of culinary and art. In addition, guests will be introduced to Lincolns exclusive Pickup and Delivery service including all 2017 model year and newer nameplates in Lincolns portfolio. The new service respects what Lincoln clients value most: their time. A valet service picks up a clients vehicle for any service need, at any location, provides the client with a complimentary Lincoln loaner vehicle, and returns it in the same manner. The client can track the progress of the service online. Lincoln is the only luxury automaker to provide standard pickup and delivery service as part of the vehicles warranty. To demonstrate the effortlessness of Pickup and Delivery, Lincoln is offering exclusive services to Tasting Table guests for a limited time. Attendees at the Miami event will be able to book those services from hair styling to meal deliveries directly on-site or call and book them with a Lincoln Concierge for up to two weeks afterward. Lincoln is joining with Tasting Table on a series of similar events, introducing its all-new Lincoln Continental flagship sedan at upscale venues in major cities throughout the United States. Continental is the return of The Lincoln Motor Companys flagship vehicle an elegant, effortlessly powerful, full-size sedan delivering quiet luxury and first-class travel. For more information on Lincoln and the all-new Continental visit www.lincoln.com Episodes of I know a place video series, a journey of discovery with Tasting Tables founder and chief taste officer Geoff Bartakovics (and the Continental) can be viewed here: tastingtable.com/lincoln About The Lincoln Motor Company The Lincoln Motor Company is the luxury automotive brand of Ford Motor Company, committed to creating compelling vehicles with an exceptional ownership experience to match. For more information about The Lincoln Motor Company, please visit media.lincoln.com or www.lincoln.com. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/lincoln. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161124005287/en/ The Lincoln Motor Company Said Deep, 313-594-0942 [email protected] Vanessa Bohlscheid, 313-322-4667 [email protected] Source: The Lincoln Motor Company Immigrants walk toward the premises of a group called "Las Patronas" (The bosses), a charitable organization that feeds Central American immigrants on their way to the border with the United States who travel atop a freight train known as "La Bestia", in By Gustavo Palencia and Sofia Menchu TEGUCIGALPA/GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) - Central American countries warned on Thursday that large numbers of migrants have fled their poor, violent homes since Donald Trump's surprise election win, hoping to reach the United States before he takes office next year. Trump won the Nov. 8 vote by taking a hard line on immigration, threatening to deport millions of people living illegally in the United States and to erect a wall along the Mexican border. Trump's tough campaign rhetoric sent tremors through the slums of Central America and the close-knit migrant communities in U.S. cities, with many choosing to fast-forward their plans and migrate north before Trump takes office on Jan. 20. During fiscal year 2016, the United States detained nearly 410,000 people along the southwest border with Mexico, up about a quarter from the previous year. The vast majority hail from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Since Trump's victory, the number of people flocking north has surged, Central American officials say, contributing to a growing logjam along the southern U.S. border. "We're worried because we're seeing a rise in the flow of migrants leaving the country, who have been urged to leave by coyotes telling them that they have to reach the United States before Trump takes office," Maria Andrea Matamoros, Honduras' deputy foreign minister, told Reuters, referring to people smugglers. Carlos Raul Morales, Guatemala's foreign minister, told Reuters people were also leaving Guatemala en masse before Trump becomes president. "The coyotes are leaving people in debt, and taking their property as payment for the journey," he said in an interview. Last week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection opened a temporary holding facility for up to 500 people near the Texan border with Mexico, in what it said was a response to a marked uptick in illegal border crossings. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said earlier this month immigration detention facilities were holding about 10,000 more individuals than usual, after a spike in October of migrants including unaccompanied children, families and asylum seekers. GANG VIOLENCE Unemployed and sick of the lack of opportunities and endemic gang violence that blight his poor neighborhood in the town of San Marcos, south of San Salvador, Carlos Garcia, 25, said he was looking to enter the United States before Trump assumes power. "There's one thing I'm very clear about," he said. "I want to get out of here." Guatemalan Fares Revolorio, 27, arrived in the northwestern Mexican border city of Tijuana on Wednesday after a grueling 4,200-kilometer (2,610-mile), week-long trek by bus. She was waiting to cross into the United States, where she hoped to apply for asylum. Accompanied by her three children and her husband, she said she left Guatemala as it had become too dangerous. Her husband's brother was killed two months ago, and local gangs, known as "maras," had assaulted her son. "They tell us the new president doesn't like illegal immigrants, but we have to take the chance," she said, as she struggled to hold back tears. "Nobody wants to die in a horrible way, and we can't be in Guatemala any longer. My children are growing up in fear." During the campaign, Trump set out plans to impound billions of dollars of remittances so Mexico ends up paying for his proposed wall on the southern U.S. border. It remains unclear if he will stick to the proposal. Humberto Roque Villanueva, Mexico's deputy interior minister for migration, told Reuters the day after the U.S. election that Mexico stands ready to lobby the U.S. Congress and use all legal means against Trump's plan for blocking remittances. Victoria Cordova, who was deported from the United States in 2014, said Trump's victory had sown fear in her poor hillside slum in the capital Tegucigalpa. "People are very worried because many of them have family over there in the United States, and they live off the remittances they send," she said. The foreign ministers of Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala met on Monday to formulate a strategy to protect their migrants in the United States, in a show of regional solidarity. At the meeting in Guatemala City, the foreign ministers asked Mexico for help to create a migrant protection network, liaise for coordination with U.S. authorities, and to meet regularly for regional talks. (Additional reporting by Lizbeth Diaz in Tijuana, Nelson Renteria in San Salvador and Gabriel Stargardter in Mexico City; Writing by Gabriel Stargardter; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel) Tibet's exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama addresses those gathered at Buyant Ukhaa sport palace in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, November 20, 2016. REUTERS/B. Rentsendorj ULAANBAATAR (Reuters) - Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said on Wednesday that he would visit U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, a meeting that would infuriate Beijing which views the Nobel Peace Prize-winning monk as a dangerous separatist. Speaking during a visit to Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar and asked about the U.S. election, the Dalai Lama said he had always considered the United States a "leading nation of the free world". "I think there are some problems to go to United States, so I will go to see the new president," he told reporters, without elaborating. President Barack Obama met the Dalai Lama at the White House in June despite a warning by China that it would damage diplomatic relations. It was Obama's fourth White House meeting with the Dalai Lama in the past eight years. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the Dalai Lama traveled the globe seeking audiences with foreign leaders to try to damage relations between them and China. "We hope the international community can further see clearly the anti-China, separatist essence of the Dalai Lama, and appropriately and cautiously handle Tibet-related issues," Geng told a daily news briefing. The Dalai Lama, speaking in English, brushed off some of the U.S. election campaign rhetoric. "Sometimes I feel during election the candidate has more freedom to express. Once elected, having the responsibility, then they have to tell you their sort of vision, their works according to reality." 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. China has been angered by Mongolia's decision to allow him to visit, though Mongolia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement to the Montsame news agency that the government had nothing to do with the trip, which they said was arranged by Mongolian Buddhists. After the Dalai Lama's visit to Mongolia in 2006, China briefly canceled flights between Beijing and Ulaanbaatar. Beijing frequently expresses its anger with countries that host the Dalai Lama, 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 ended serfdom and brought prosperity to a once backward region. (Reporting by Terrence Edwards; Writing and additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing; Editing by Nick Macfie) By Manoj Kumar NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Nikki Haley may have been born in the United States but her extended family back in India is thrilled that the South Carolina governor has been named by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as ambassador to the United Nations. Haley's parents hail from rural Punjab, in northwestern India. They moved to Amritsar - home to the Golden Temple that is the most holy place of the Sikh religion - before emigrating to North America in the early 1960s. Haley, 44, was born Nimrata Randhawa in Bamberg, South Carolina - she was called "Nikki" as a child and took the family name of husband Michael when they married in Sikh and Methodist ceremonies in 1996. Kanwaljit Singh Randhawa, a 70-year-old cousin, told Reuters family and friends were delighted by Haley's appointment and said it could help improve relations between the United States and India. "It is a great achievement for Punjab and India. We are proud of the fact that (Nikki) has achieved this success," Randhawa told Reuters by telephone. Randhawa, a retired lecturer, said he was in regular touch with Nikki's father, Ajit Singh Randhawa, who grew up in the village of Pandori Ran Singh, south of Amritsar. India's foreign ministry said it was happy to hear news of Haley's appointment, describing her as a supporter of closer U.S.-India ties who had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he visited Washington in June. "We know Governor Haley very well," said spokesman Vikas Swarup. India's foreign secretary visited the United States earlier this month and interacted with "very senior levels" of the Trump transition team, he also said. HOMECOMING Haley came only once to India as a four-year-old child, doesn't speak Punjabi and has converted to Christianity. But she has visited India more recently in an official capacity, going to Amritsar in November 2014 on what she called "an emotional and very personal day". "I always yearned to see Punjab - my motherland - and now I am so proud to be here after almost 40 years," she told TV reporters at the time, her voice choking with emotion as she steadied herself with nips from a water bottle. Her biography is similar to that of Richard Verma, the first U.S. ambassador to New Delhi of Indian origin. He was born in the United States into a Punjabi family but visited often as a child. Verma was mobbed by relatives and locals when he visited his ancestral home in early 2015. Haley has little foreign policy experience, while Trump has expressed favorable views toward India, where he has real estate interests. The tycoon-turned-TV reality star told one cultural event put on by diaspora Republicans during the presidential campaign that he loved the country and its people. Trump's stated intention of banning immigration by Muslims from countries that are a source of Islamist militancy has played well with many in India, a majority Hindu nation that has long been at odds with Muslim-majority Pakistan. Much of the diplomacy over the rivalry between India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed powers, plays out in the corridors of UN headquarters in New York and Haley's appointment is likely to be seen positively in New Delhi in that light. India, the world's largest democracy, is also lobbying to be made a permanent member of an expanded UN Security Council, although it's doubtful this would be a priority for Trump. Back in Punjab, relatives and old family friends are planning a major celebration to mark the elevation of Haley to the top diplomatic post. "We are going to the Golden Temple in Amritsar to pray for her success," said Randhawa. "And we will speak to our friends and villagers to have a function in the next few days." (Writing by Douglas Busvine; Editing by Nick Macfie) A man walks by a bank machine at the Wells Fargo & Co. bank in downtown Denver, Colorado, U.S. April 13, 2016. REUTERS/Rick Wilking/File Photo WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. banking regulator is considering whether to harden sanctions against lenders that abuse their clients or violate banking laws, according to a draft plan, seen by Reuters, that was drawn up in the wake of a scandal at Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo in September agreed to pay $190 million to settle charges that bank employees opened as many as 2 million accounts without customers' knowledge. The fraud went on for at least five years, said the San Francisco-based bank that fired 5,300 employees involved. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency - the chief regulator for national banks - waived its right to curb executive payouts, screen new leadership and other controls at Wells Fargo following the scandal. But, according to a memo outlining the new policy, the agency expects tougher scrutiny on when to issue such exemptions in the future and senior officials should be involved in any decision. The memo said that officials with the agency should not waive sanctions "until appropriate OCC personnel have conducted a case-by-case evaluation about whether granting such relief is warranted." In recent years, other national lenders such as Bank of America and Citibank have been granted exemptions similar to those Wells Fargo received. Until a thorough, written policy is developed by the OCC, officials should refrain from granting relief from the toughest sanctions permitted, according to the memo dated November 18. An OCC spokesperson was not immediately available for comment. On Friday, the OCC voided the exemptions that it had originally granted Wells Fargo in a September settlement. (Reporting By Patrick Rucker; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) Italy's Meloni "proud" of contested rave clamp down ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday defended a tough crackdown on unlicensed rave parties introduced this week by her new government and dismissed accusations it impinged on public freedoms. Under the decree, organisers of unauthorised, mass parties face a maximum six years in jail and fines of between 1,000 to 10,000 euros ($990-$9,990) for staging such events. Political opponents say the penalties are... (continue reading...) American Airlines pilots' union rejects pay hike proposal (Reuters) - American Airlines pilots' union on Wednesday said its board of directors has rejected a draft agreement that offered a 19% pay hike over two years, as the proposal failed to garner enough votes. The Allied Pilots Association (APA) has been pushing for higher wages and improved schedules among other things, at a time when the air travel industry is facing a staff shortage, impacting the company's ability to meet robust air travel demand. ... ... (continue reading...) Iran denies it poses a threat to Saudi Arabia, after report Saudis raised concern DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran denied on Wednesday it posed a threat to Saudi Arabia, after the Wall Street Journal reported that Riyadh had shared intelligence with the United States warning of an imminent attack from Iran on targets in the kingdom. Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani did not identify the Wall Street Journal but said reports had appeared in Western media of an Iranian threat against Saudi Arabia that were "baseless... (continue reading...) Credit Suisse to use repurchased shares for employee plans ZURICH (Reuters) - Credit Suisse's board of directors has decided not to cancel more than 25 million shares it repurchased under a buyback programme halted last year, and will instead use them to service employee participation plans, the bank said on Wednesday. The bank suspended its 1.5 billion franc ($1.5 billion) buyback programme in the first quarter of 2021. By then it had repurchased a total of 25.09 million shares for 305.2 million Swiss... (continue reading...) Telecom Italia CEO met Meloni's chief of staff on Wednesday - sources By Giuseppe Fonte and Elvira Pollina ROME (Reuters) - The head of Telecom Italia (TIM) met a top aide of new right-wing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday, two political sources said, as investors speculate over potential government moves to help address the former phone monopoly's woes. Labriola met Meloni's chief of staff Gaetano Caputi at the prime minister's office in Rome, the sources said, without providing... (continue reading...) More Reuters By Andrea Shalal BERLIN (Reuters) - The U.N. Special Envoy for Syria on Tuesday said he was worried that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad could launch a new offensive to crush eastern Aleppo before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated on Jan. 20. Staffan De Mistura did not explain why he thought Syria might make such a move, but European diplomats have said Assad may feel emboldened by Trump's vow to build closer ties with Russia, and the current U.S. government is unlikely to strike back so close to leaving office. De Mistura joined German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in calling for an end to the bombardment of civilians in Syria and a political solution to the conflict. He said that moves by Syria to escalate the military conflict could have tragic consequences for 275,000 civilians still in the eastern part of Aleppo, and drew parallels to an 87-day siege of Vukovar, Croatia by Serbian forces in 1991. "I am very concerned about what can happen before Jan. 20," de Mistura told a group of Social Democratic lawmakers. "We are very concerned (about the possibility of Assad) ... taking over in a brutal aggressive way what is left of eastern Aleppo," he said. "It could be tragic. It could be a new Vukovar." De Mistura said little was known about Trump's Middle East policy, but there might be a chance of progress in ending the Syrian war if Trump stuck to his campaign pledge to fight Islamic State together with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia views Assad as a bulwark against Islamist militancy, while the Obama administration is pushing for his departure. Steinmeier cited talks about bringing relief supplies into Aleppo via Turkey, but gave no details and said there were no guarantees for the success of the effort. Rolf Muetzenich, a contender to replace Steinmeier if he is elected German president in February, said Syria and Russia were using the time before Trump's inauguration to step up their attacks on rebel-held areas in Syria. He said Trump's failure to articulate a clear agenda for the Middle East had created a "conceptual vacuum" that could lead to "further instability and even possible additional proxy wars" in the region, he said. He also warned that any move by Trump to dismantle the Iran nuclear deal struck under President Barack Obama in which Iran agreed to restrict its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief could exacerbate tensions in the region. (Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke and Sabine Siebold; Editing by Andrew Hay) Talking to newsmen in Ashgabat, Nawaz Sharif says CPEC project will bring prosperity to entire region. Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif says progress will be made on Turkmenistan-Afghanistan -Pakistan-India gas pipeline project. He was talking to newsmen informally after a meeting with Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedow in Ashgabat on Friday evening. Prime Minister said TAPI, which is the largest gas project in the region, will help meet the gas demand in Pakistan. He said many countries have expressed keenness to become part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He said the mega project will bring progress to the entire region. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said besides cooperation in bilateral relations, regional and international issues were also discussed during the meeting with the Turkmen President. He said friendship between Pakistan and Turkmenistan is strengthening with the passage of time. He said the top leadership of the two countries should meet every year. Earlier, the Prime Minister was received by the deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan and high officials of Pakistani Embassy, when he arrived in Asghabat on Friday. During his stay, the Prime Minister will attend Global Conference on Sustainable Transport being held under the auspices of the United Nations. The Conference will discuss promotion and role of sustainable transport towards achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable DeveloPMent. Daughter of prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz lauding the services of out going army chief Raheel Sharif said that Pakistan proud of him as he would always be remembered with respect and reverence. In her message on twitter commenting farewell dinner of army chief Raheel Sharif, Maryam said a good example was set today that showed state institutions getting stronger and good sign for the country. General Raheel Sharif name will always remember with reverence as he has the personality with professional ethics, she tweeted. Bay of Plenty drivers are being warned to drive to the conditions with rain causing some slippery conditions. There have been three reports of vehicles crashing in different locations around Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty. Police are dealing with a crash on State Highway 36, at the intersection of Pyes Pa Road. There are also reports of a crash on Turret Road. Earlier this morning, a caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline reported a bus had crashed into a pole in the CBD. They said the crash appeared to be minor. A front moving across New Zealand is bringing rain to Tauranga today. This front will be followed by strong winds that will be a feature of the weather into the weekend, says the MetService. Whats causing these strong winds? The strong westerly flow is being caused by a deep low - currently over the south Tasman Sea - as it dips down below the South Island on Friday night, says MetService spokesperson Tuporo Marsters. As the low passes the country it squeezes the isobars together over New Zealand, causing the westerly winds to pick up. A cold southwest change then works its way up the country from late Saturday, and temperatures will take a dip in the South Island on Sunday. Temperatures are getting as low as 6 degrees in Invercargill on Sunday, with a forecast high of 11. We could also see some snow on those South Island mountains from Fiordland and up through Canterbury. Taurangas Acorn Foundation is once again providing $50,000 for the top fiction prize in the 2017 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards, for which the longlist has been released. The prize was first awarded last year, after a generous donor requested their funds be used to support the award annually and in perpetuity. Longlisted author Tracey Slaughter moved to Tairua at age 10, and attended high school in Thames. The small towns and beaches of the Coromandel form the milieu of many of her early stories, and although she no longer lives there, she says the area is 100 per cent her landscape. I think anyone who reads the collection will recognise the imagery. Her short fiction has been recognised with several awards, although this is the first time one of her books has been longlisted for a prize. Its a total thrill Im hugely honoured. It does feel exciting that short stories have made a mark and connected with people as novels do. Its great to see short fiction of varying lengths up there in the final cut. She says short stories are sometimes undervalued by the marketplace, although not necessarily by readers. While publishers often argue short stories are not as well received, you meet readers who say the exact opposite: they love short stories, she says. They really respond to the immediacy and intensity of the form, rather than the long, slow haul of a novel. Her subject matter can often be confronting shes written about the realities of sex and violence in contemporary New Zealand although her fiction can also explore the tender moments in life, perhaps better than anyone else writing in New Zealand today. The true hallmark of Traceys work, however, is her style, which is visceral and poetic, albeit in a sometimes untidy way. Im always listening for the language, and getting people to fall back in love with the music of language; the moods and atmospheres words and their rhythms can create. But I would always come down on the side of intensity, rather than tidiness. She says its a little daunting to be up against such well-established names as Owen Marshall and C.K. Stead on the longlist. Its hard not to see yourself as a bit off an outsider, but Im thrilled to be up alongside writers of that standing and calibre. Im determined just to celebrate, and not look forward too much, she laughs. On behalf of all writers, shes thankful to the Acorn Foundation for the opportunity the prize provides. Its fantastic there are still institutions and people in society who still have passion for the arts and believe in supporting them. Writers are incredibly indebted to people willing to offer that kind of support. SunLive has one copy of Traceys longlisted collection Deleted Scenes of Lovers to give away to one lucky reader who can tell us which small Coromandel town Tracey spent her childhood? Enter online at www.sunlive.co.nz under the competition section. All entries must be received by Wednesday, December 30. THE ACORN FOUNDATION FICTION PRIZE LONGLIST: ACC has confirmed a bomb threat was made to one of its sites in Tauranga earlier today. A spokesperson for the New Zealand Crown entity says staff were evacuated from the Grey Street building after the threat was received at about 2pm. At this stage it is unknown if the building is still currently evacuated. SunLive will update this story once more information available. Everyday people doing exceptional things were the toast of the town last night as Bay of Plenty honoured its very own local heroes. Part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2017, the 15 winners of the Local Heroes category were presented with their awards at a special medal presentation ceremony held at the Classic Flyers Museum in Mount Maunganui. The Kiwibank Local Hero Award winners for Bay of Plenty are Bill Kerrison, Sally Durham, Chris Duggan, Kate Meads, Sheila Ewart, Steve Jeffares, Campbell Hill, David Garland, Michael Brown, Yvette Lamare, Steve Ellingford, Janice Tetley-Jones, Anna Lea Johnson, David Hiika Hiakita and Pete Atkinson. Tauranga City Council Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout was on hand to present the medals. He congratulated the recipients on their awards and said it was vital the community continued to acknowledge the contributions they have made. Many of these medal winners are unsung heroes whose selflessness has had a profound effect on the lives of so many in the community. Those acts of charity, optimism and commitment are the glue that hold a community together, and as a community we must stand alongside one another and give thanks for their efforts. The Kiwibank Local Hero awards are now New Zealands premier community award and give thanks to those providing a positive contribution to their region, town, suburb or community. Nearly 350 medals will be presented nationwide during November and December. Kiwibank CEO Paul Brock says Kiwibank is proud to be supporting local communities celebrate their outstanding citizens over the past eight years. New Zealand has a long standing tradition of community service. Its therefore equally important we have a tradition, like the Local Heroes Awards, where we can give our thanks to those who have improved the lives of others in their communities. The 2017 New Zealander of the Year Awards are presented in six award categories. The overall winner for each category will be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala in February 2017. In December, the judging panel - comprising representatives of all the awards patrons, presenters, sponsors, community leaders and independent experts - will announce the 10 semi-finalists for the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year and supporting categories. The categories are: The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year The Metlifecare Senior New Zealander of the Year The University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year The Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year The Sanitarium New Zealand Innovator of the Year The Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year The ribbon has officially been cut to mark the start of Omokoroas special housing area. On Friday afternoon a small group of guests launched the joint venture housing project between Western Bay of Plenty District Council and development company Classic Group. Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber says this flagship development will be positive for the community and gives the development community as a whole the confidence to continue expanding in Omokoroa. Three properties make up the SHA area purchased by Council in 2000, 2007 and 2016. It will also be positive for our ratepayers across the district, as the financial contribution income we receive will be used to pay down the debt incurred when council bought those properties, says Garry. The joint venture with Classic Group will ensure council has continuous input and oversight from the start of development through to the final house and land packages that go on the market. Garry says this holistic approach to creating a flagship development will result in the creation of a really attractive subdivision that blends well into the local residential environment. We have every confidence in our partnership with the Classic Group and are really proud to be creating a development that will be the envy of many other councils in New Zealand. Peter Cooney says itss commendable council has taken the opportunity to enter into a joint venture to enable first and second home buyers to enter the market at a price they can afford. But he says there is no silver bullet to affordable housing and no developer or council can solve the problem on their own. All parties must get together to come up with the solution. If a council has the land and is interested in entering a joint venture to create affordable housing and get a return for their ratepayers, this is the way to do it. To get better priced homes we have to change the way we do things. I commend this council for recognising the issue and taking this opportunity so that first and second home owners can get onto the property ladder. I wish more councils would do the same. Omokoroas SHA will be a staged development with the first stage comprising of 31 lots and the remaining stages being developed as the market dictates. Ultimately the SHA will include about 240 dwellings, 50 percent of which will be below the average median house price in the Western Bay. Engineering and planning staff from council have been working alongside the Classic Group to develop continuity of house design and landscaping. The 19.5hectare council-owned site on Omokoroa Road is bounded to the north by the main railway line between Tauranga and Hamilton and includes land adjacent to Settlers Hall. About half the area is suitable for houses with the balance made up of gullies that will provide a permanent green belt for walking tracks, stormwater management and recreational opportunities. Omokoroa is the first area in the Western Bay designated as a SHA under the Housing Accord signed between council and Central Government last year. Under the Accord criteria there is flexibility for both council and the developer to vary compliance with District Plan requirements and to have more flexible resource consenting powers. The Accord allows council to go outside of its zoning requirements as is the case at Omokoroa where the former commercial zone has been varied to a medium density residential zone. The development meets a social responsibility to provide affordable housing and also ensures council gets a good return on its land holdings. Kiwi-owned and operated, the Classic Group consists of Classic Builders, CBC Construction and Classic Developments. The company has developed SHAs in Queenstown and Auckland and is the largest residential house builder in the Bay of Plenty, and fourth largest in the country. Earthworks will start on the housing project this construction season and the upgrading of Omokoroa Road adjacent to the site is also starting to facilitate both the SHA and other development in Omokoroa. The Casa de la Memoria La Sauceda is at number 53, Calle Sevilla. :: D. B. Friday 18 November was an important day for the Campo de Gibraltar area, as it marked the inauguration of the Casa de la Memoria La Sauceda in Jimena de la Frontera. This is a unique project, as the Casa de la Memoria is not only a museum in commemoration of victims of Francoist repression during and after the Civil War, but also a centre for research and study, conferences, book launches and other activities related to this dark period in Spanish history. The centre has been created by two associations, the Forum for the Memory of the Campo de Gibraltar and the Association of Families who suffered under Francoism at La Sauceda. They have worked tirelessly for many years to find out what happened to people in the area who were disappeared by the Franco troops, and they also organised the locating and exhuming of communal graves at a large estate called El Marrufo, which was used as a concentration and execution camp during the war. The Casa de la Memoria is named after a rural area called La Sauceda, which was the last place in the region to remain loyal to the Republican government. On 31 October 1936 this community of several hundred people was bombarded by four Francoist planes and, at the same time, attacked by four columns of the rebel army. The buildings were looted and destroyed and many residents were killed. The inhabitants who survived but were unable to escape were taken to the nearby mansion house and estate of El Marrufo, which was used as a detention centre, a place of torture and shootings where the rebels put into practice their plan to exterminate those who were disloyal to the new regime. Between November 1936 and March 1937, Francos troops killed more than 300 people at La Sauceda and El Marrufo. Many people in Spain still have no idea what happened to their parents, grandparents or other relatives during the Civil War, and those in the Jimena area are no exception. Thanks to the two associations behind the Casa de la Memoria project, the remains of 28 people were found in seven communal graves at El Marrufo, and 13 of them were identified through DNA testing. The associations also restored the old cemetery at La Sauceda, to give them and others who may be found in the future a final resting place. Hundreds of people are believed to still lie in unidentified common graves in the area. The house in which the Casa de la Memoria is located was donated to the associations by a businessman whose grandfather and great-aunt were shot at El Marrufo. He bought the property specifically for this purpose, financed its restoration and conversion into a museum and research centre and also funded the exhumations at El Marrufo and the restoration of La Sauceda cemetery. Because of his generosity, agreements with the Junta de Andalucia and the Cadiz provincial government and the support and determination of local people, it has now become one of the most important Civil War commemorative centres in the country. Scientists on board the Angeles Alvarino apparently failed to respond to radio communications and ignored orders to leave the waters near the Rock .Britain and Spain both claim the waters are theirs :: AFP The Royal Navy fired several warning flares at the Spanish research vessel Angeles Alvarino in a tense stand-off which lasted several hours on Sunday, when the Spanish ship failed to respond to radio communications and repeated orders to leave the waters which the British territory and Spain both claim are theirs. Scientists on board the Angeles Alvarino, who said later that they were in Spanish waters and were attempting to carry out important research to study the risk of tsunamis in the area, attempted to drop a sonar buoy into the sea but were prevented by an inflatable speedboat from the Gibraltar Squadron. Those who saw the incident reported that the Spanish vessel was manoeuvering in an aggressive manner and harassing the British boats. The decision to fire warning flares from the Naval patrol boat HMS Sabre was taken after it proved impossible to communicate with the scientists by radio and they did not respond to instructions to move away from the area. Their boat did leave for a short while later in the afternoon, but returned not long afterwards. On Monday, the Spanish authorities said they would object very strongly to the UK government about threatening and intimidating behaviour by the Navy towards the research ship. However, Gibraltars chief minister, Fabian Picardo, said that he had discussed all the tactical decisions taken and was satisfied that they had been designed to demonstrate untrammelled sovereignty jurisdiction and control over BGTW. In a statement, he congratulated the Royal Navy for the work they have undertaken so far in very challenging circumstances, in light of the reckless disregard for safety displayed by the official Spanish vessels involved. Just three days before International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, commemorated today, 25 November, Andalusian government ministers approved a reform bill affecting the regional law aimed at providing prevention and protection in cases of gender-based violence. The Ley de Medidas de Prevencion Integral Contra la Violencia de Genero, which dates back to 2007, will now be modified to provide specific protection to other groups such as victims children and to bring its concept of violence against women and domestic violence in line with the international convention signed in Istanbul in 2011. Violence against women applies not only to murder and physical and sexual abuse, but also to a violation of sexual and reproductive rights, sexual exploitation and female genital mutilation, as well as cyber violence, among other forms. According to the reform, children will now be considered victims of violence against women, not only if they suffer violence themselves, but also if they are exposed to the violence suffered by their mothers. Statistics Also on Tuesday the regional minister for equality, Maria Jose Sanchez Rubio, revealed the results of a recent study regarding violence against women. Since specific records began to be compiled in 2003, 172 women have died at the hands of their partners in Andalucia and 865 in Spain as a whole. So far this year 39 women have been killed in Spain, three of them in Andalucia. Other figures from 2015 reveal that 2,168 people were considered to be in danger of losing their lives due to the threat of gender-based violence, 26,000 cases were heard by the domestic violence courts and 4,500 protection orders issued. The reform bill will now have to go through the Andalusian parliament, a step that Izquierda Unida representative Elena Cortes considers too slow. She stated that the regional government should have passed the reform as a special, urgent decree. The Junta de Andalucia operates at a slower pace than the one women need when it comes to rights, she said. Colleagues paid tribute to the ex-mayor of Valencia, who had been linked to a local-PP party corruption scandal, after her fatal heart attack Barbera leaves court on Monday with her lawyer. :: DE SAN BERNARDO The political world was shocked to learn on Wednesday morning of the death of Rita Barbera, the high-profile former mayor of Valencia and Partido Popular (PP) grandee. Barbera, 68, died of a heart attack in the hotel where she was staying near the Congreso building. News reached MPs just as they were arriving for Prime Ministers questions and some PPmembers made a detour to the hotel to find out more. The veteran politician had made the headlines on Monday after attending Madrids supreme court to deny her involvement in the Taula Case, an alleged financial scandal in the local Valencia PPparty, which she once led. Although Barbera had denied knowledge of any corruption among those around her, she had recently bowed to pressure from PPleaders to leave the party while she was investigated. However she had kept her Senate seat as an independent, which meant that she could only be investigated in the supreme court and not local Valencia courts. Paramedics were called to the Villa Real hotel around 7am by the politicians sister but were unable to save the former mayor. Sources said Barbera had become increasingly frail in recent days and was taking extra medication due to the stress she was under. Politicians from different parties reacted to the news. Many expressed their condolences and members of Barberas former party in particular condemned the way she had been subjected to a witch-hunt in recent months over the unproven allegations of corruption. Celia Villalobos, MPand ex-mayor of Malaga as well as a friend of Barbera, said that the media had condemned her to death. A minutes silence was held when the Congreso opened for business. However there was heavy criticism of Podemos MPs who refused to take part. Leader of Podemos, Pablo Iglesias said that Barbera didnt deserve any political tribute. Rita Barbera served as conservative mayor of Valencia from 1991 to 2015, winning so many times that she was nicknamed the mayoress of Spain and before recent controversy was credited with significant improvements to the city. Polluted waters in the Guadalhorce river, next to Estacion de Cartama. :: Paula Hervele Delays in guaranteeing adequate sewage treatment could end up costing the authorities a great deal, not only because of the effects on the environment and the repercussion in the tourist industry of the Costa del Sol, but also in financial terms. Five years after the European Justice Tribunal condemned Spain because in 2001 there were 37 towns with more than 15,000 inhabitants which were not treating sewage properly, the European Commission has become tired of waiting and has decided to take Spain to court again because in 17 of these cases the problem has still not been resolved. The EC will now ask the Tribunal to put the sentence into effect and fine Spain at least 46.5 million euros, plus a further fine of 171,217 euros a day if the works have still not been carried out by the time the judges issue their second resolution. The list of black spots includes Marbella (San Pedro), Estepona, Nerja, Alhaurin el Grande and Coin. Benalmadena and Torrox used to be on the list but sewage plants were installed there by the Junta de Andalucia in 2007 and 2011 respectively. The worst case is Nerja, which is the only municipality on the coast of Malaga province which releases its sewage into the sea with no previous filtering whatsoever. Work on a treatment plant began in January 2014 but has been subject to delays and is now expected to be completed in mid-2017. According to Brussels, Spain has delayed too long in resolving this problem, because under EU rules towns with more than 15,000 inhabitants are supposed to have been treating their sewage correctly since 1 January 2001. The problem is not exclusive to Malaga province, and action is also likely to be taken against Spain because 912 villages with more than 2,000 inhabitants have failed to comply with the directive to install adequate sewage treatment facilities before January this year. Update: "Son fatally shoots father in Thanksgiving Day hunting accident" SANDY CREEK, N.Y. -- A hunting accident in Oswego County has left one person dead, New York State Police said. Troopers went to a residence on Kehoe Road in Sandy Creek at 4:41 p.m. One person had been shot during an apparent hunting accident, police said. The person was taken to Oswego Hospital by the Northern Oswego County Ambulance, where officials pronounced the person dead, troopers said. Police did not release the person's name. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Clinton Square tree-lighting and Home for the Holidays event is set for this Friday in downtown Syracuse, and with it will come a few temporary road closures. With thousands flocking to the square each year for this annual, winter tradition, several blocks of city streets around Clinton Square will be closed for safety purposes Friday evening. Closing at 5 p.m. Clinton Street, from West Genesee Street to Washington Street Erie Boulevard. West, from Clinton Street to Franklin Street The 200 block of West Water Street, from Clinton Street to Franklin Street Closing at 6 p.m. Clinton Street, from Herald Place to Genesee Street Salina Street, from Willow Street to Washington Street Genesee Street, from Franklin Street to Salina Street James Street, from Salina Street to Warren Street The 100 block of East Water Street and East Genesee Street, from Salina Street to Warren Street Erie Boulevard East, from Salina Street to Warren Street All roads should be back open by 7:30 p.m., according to the mayor's office. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. with a half-hour performance by Corcoran Live!, a rock and blues band made up of students, faculty, and alumni of Corcoran High School. At 7 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a guest appearance, joining Mayor Stephanie Minor, Chief of Police Frank Fowler, Chief of Fire Paul Linnertz, and the student winners of the mayor's "Share Your Story" challenge to light the Christmas tree. There will be an open house at the mayor's office following the tree lighting from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served as the Stan Colella All-Star Band plays in the lobby, according to the mayor's office. The office is in city hall, at 233 E. Washington St. The Stan Colella All-Star Band is a jazz band organized through the city's parks department and is made up of high school students from across Syracuse. People can also get their photo taken with the mayor and the fire and police chiefs, and will have a chance to see the winning student works from this year's "Share Your Story" challenge, according to the office. The Clinton Square ice rink will be open for public use beginning at 11 a.m. if the weather is good, and will stay open until 4:30 p.m. It will reopen after the tree-lighting ceremony. U.S. Capitol The American flag flies in front of the capitol dome is seen at sunset on Capitol Hill, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016 in Washington. (Alex Brandon / AP) Richard F. Andolina, D.D.S., is president of the New York State Dental Association. The association provides benefits and services to over 13,000 dentists. Andolina practices in Hornell. By Dr. Richard F. Andolina Congress typically levies excise taxes to discourage harmful behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and gambling. While those may make strategic sense, it's puzzling when there is a decision to tax a positive behavior - that is, investment in research and development to improve patient health. Yet, that's what happened with the enactment of the medical device tax in 2012. The 2.3 percent excise tax was originally included as part of the Affordable Care Act but revenues from the tax have not met projections. Instead of helping pay for ACA subsidies, it had a number of adverse effects - namely threatening the vitality of an economically sound U.S. industry and stifling medical innovation across the spectrum of academic, public and private institutions. Both sides of the aisle recognize the need to correct this course, which is why repeal efforts have growing bipartisan support. Fortunately, patients, providers and manufacturers were able to breathe a sigh of relief in 2015 when legislation to suspend the tax for two years passed with broad bipartisan support. However, with its suspension set to sunset at the end of 2017, the tax is again looming and threatening to slow down just as innovation has been picking up. The medical device tax, a tax on sales and not profits, threatened both small and large companies and nearly devastated an industry that employs more than 400,000 U.S. workers, generating approximately $25 billion in payroll, paying out salaries that are 40 percent more than the national average and investing nearly $10 billion in R&D annually. In New York state alone, the medical technology industry directly supports an estimated 19,600 jobs and contributes $7.4 billion to the total economic activity. Full repeal of the medical device tax would allow the Empire State's med tech industry to continue to contribute to our nation's economic strength and global competitiveness. A recent survey of the largest manufacturers of medical imaging equipment, representing together in excess of 60 percent of the industry's sales, confirms that Congress' suspension of the device tax has allowed them to elevate their operations. In fact, 71 percent of companies are likely to hire more U.S.-based employees as a result. This investment in human capital delivers diverse skills, knowledge and experience that are important when trying to bring forth the latest medical technology innovation. To date, the industry has created portable imaging equipment for prenatal care that reaches expecting mothers in remote or previously inaccessible areas, where larger, stationary machines could not have gone. It has given us pacemakers that allow our parents and grandparents with heart disease to live longer, richer lives. Innovations like these can take decades to transition from an interesting idea into a powerful tool. Unfortunately R&D budgets are viewed as discretionary, even though they are the bedrock of invention, because the fruits they bear do not ripen overnight and are often the first cut when resources are threatened. It is imperative to encourage the 79 percent of manufacturers who have confirmed that they will likely invest additional resources in R&D, as well as expand the number or scope of investigative clinical activities and partnerships with universities or other providers, as a result of device tax suspension. This investment is essential to validating new technologies, products or applications and bringing them to market quicker to treat patients. But the only way to ensure manufacturers are able to commit resources as planned is to fully repeal the device tax once and for all. There is no question that this tax is a threat to the medical and economic benefits this industry provides for our country. We must urge Congress to complete what it began with the device tax suspension. The stakes are too high. We can't continue to suffocate an industry whose job is to breathe life into our nation. Blog_041800 gruber dn.JPG Ruth Gruber is pictured in 2008. Gruber brought European refugees to Oswego during the war. The refugees were housed in barracks on Fort Ontario. She died Nov. 17, 2016 at age 105. (Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com) The world lost a remarkable woman Nov. 17 when Ruth Gruber died at age 105 in New York City. Gruber is linked to Central New York by 982 strands: the lives of the Jewish refugees she shepherded from the Nazi killing machine to safety in Oswego in 1944. Gruber's life was testament to the impact one determined person can have on the world. Famed journalist Ruth Gruber, then 30, uses her camera during a 1941 reporting trip to Alaska. Even if Gruber had never set foot on the refugee ship Henry Gibbins, her life would have been one for the history books. She was born in 1911 in a Brooklyn shtetl, entered New York University by age 15, was the youngest person in the world to earn a Ph.D. at 20 and became a globe-trotting journalist for the New York Herald Tribune. Gruber was the first to report from the Russian gulags in Siberia. She covered the building of the Alaska Highway and documented the rise of Adolph Hitler in Germany. She later covered the Nuremberg Trials and the formation of the Jewish state of Israel. In 1944, Gruber agitated for an assignment from the Roosevelt administration to secretly escort a shipload of Jewish refugees from Naples, Italy to the United States. It was a risky job for a woman, and a Jew. At the time, public sentiment was virulently against accepting refugees from the Holocaust. Ships full of desperate people had been turned away. Untold numbers returned to Europe and their deaths. To get around barriers to accepting refugees, Gruber's charges came as temporary "guests" of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In 2004, as she prepared to return to Oswego for a reunion, Gruber told the Post-Standard, "I still see them, that day I first saw them on the ship. Some of them were still in concentration-camp pajamas ... some had no shoes, and their feet were bound with newspapers." The refugees wept when they saw the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. But their joy was short-lived; after a long train journey, they found themselves behind fences and barbed wire at Fort Ontario. It was the only Jewish refugee camp ever established in the United States. Its residents stayed there until February 1946. After the war, Gruber and her boss, Interior Secretary Harold Ickes, successfully campaigned to grant the refugees citizenship. Of the 982 who came, 899 stayed in the United States. "Just look at them now, " Gruber told the Herald-Journal in 2004. "They're doctors and lawyers, and they've given back to America everything we gave them. This is one of the greatest stories there is." Gruber went on to write 19 books, including "Haven: The Dramatic Story of 1,000 World War II Refugees and How They Came to America." It was made into a TV movie. Today, the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum preserves the story. The National Park Service is studying the historical significance of Fort Ontario as a possible national park site. Gruber was not content to merely witness injustice. The New York Times obituary unearthed a quote from 2001: "I just felt that I had to fight evil, and I've felt like that since I was 20 years old. And I've never been an observer. I have to live a story to write it." Gruber's example continues to be instructive as the world grapples with the Syrian refugee crisis. During a time of bigotry and suspicion, she showed America could have a heart. Rocks nightclub Albany The Rocks nightclub in Albany, N.Y., is pictured in this Google Street View screenshot. (Google Maps screenshot) A shooting at a gay club in Upstate New York shook the LGBT community on Thanksgiving. CBS 6 reports a man was shot dead in the Rocks nightclub in Albany, N.Y., early Thursday morning. Another man and two women were also hurt when gunshots rang out around 2 a.m. with more than 200 people inside. Owner Lance Rider told the Times-Union that patrons were dancing and having fun when the shooting started. "There was no animosity, there was no fights, there was nothing at all, it was a wonderful fun event, and then ... BOOM," he said. No suspects have been identified. Albany Police say they are investigating the "isolated incident" as a homicide, not a hate crime. "The APD assured me that this was not biased related but a personal issue between the people involved," Michael Weidrich, executive director and CEO of the Pride Center of the Capital Region, said in a statement. "Regardless, an act of violence happened in one of our community spaces and a life was lost in one of our sanctuaries," he continued. "This has been a very trying year, with many obstacles and tragedies that have hit us all, especially in the last few weeks." No names have been released. The three surviving victims were taken to Albany Medical Center Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Rider told CBS 6 that Rocks had security guards at the door and did not know how a weapon got past them. He added that he's never seen an incident like that before in nearly 10 years of operating the club. Rocks re-opened Thursday night for its annual free Thanksgiving dinner. About two dozen attended, according to the Times-Union. "We're here to attempt to lift people up from their bad times and it is overwhelmingly uplifting for me to have my customers come in and have the ability to do the same for us," Rider told the newspaper. "You have to show that you're resilient, you can't be scared into hiding." proposal.jpg The New York Police Department tweeted this photo Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, when Officer Andrew Dossi proposed to his girlfriend during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. (NYPD/Twitter) NEW YORK -- Talk about a memorable trip to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The New York Police Department says an officer who was shot on duty last year proposed to his girlfriend at Thursday's parade. And, the NYPD said in a tweet, "She said yes!!!" The department tweeted a photo of the happy moment, which unfolded in front of the NYPD band. The New York Daily News first reported on the tweet and says Officer Andrew Dossi's family confirmed he'd proposed. She said yes!!! Officer Dossi proposed to his girlfriend alongside the NYPD Band at today's @Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. Congrats! pic.twitter.com/9oVxM1fe7c NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) November 24, 2016 Dossi was shot in the elbow and back while responding to a holdup at a Bronx grocery store in January 2015. A fellow officer, Aliro Pellarano, was shot in the arm and chest during the same encounter. The suspected gunman has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and other charges. Walmart shooting Reno Police say a man was shot in the parking lot of the East Second Street Walmart store on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016. (Google Maps screenshot) A fight over a parking space while shopping on Thanksgiving reportedly escalated into a road rage incident that left one man dead in Nevada. KOLO-TV reports two men were in the Walmart parking lot in Reno around 6 p.m. on Thursday. Police say both were armed with weapons when they began arguing; a 33-year-old man was shot dead in the store's driveway off East Second Street. According to the Associated Press, no arrests have been made, but an investigation is ongoing. The victim has not been identified. Reno Police Department Lt. Scott Shaw asked for the public's help in finding a dark-colored Toyota Camry or Corolla that should have damage to a side window and possible damage to brake lights or taillights. It's unclear whether the shooter was also injured when he drove off, fleeing the scene. The FBI is also conducting an investigation, Shaw told KOLO. According to the New York Daily News, police do not believe the incident was related to Black Friday shopping, but Walmart opened its doors for special discounts and sales at 6 p.m., around the time of the shooting. In New Jersey, a man was shot dead in the parking lot outside Macy's at the Hamilton Mall early Friday morning. A silver SUV was riddled with bullets around 3:30 a.m.; the Atlantic County shopping center had closed at midnight and was scheduled to re-open at 6 a.m. No suspects have been named in the N.J. mall shooting. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Microsoft boss Satya Nadella has given the strongest hint to date that the long-rumored Surface phone is in development. Speaking during an interview with the Australian Financial Review, the CEO talked about his company redefining the field with the "ultimate mobile device." It looked as if Microsoft was finally abandoning the smartphone market back in May when it sold the feature phone business it acquired from Nokia to Foxconn subsidiary FIH Mobile. A week later, the company announced plans to "streamline" its smartphone hardware business, which involved eliminating 1850 jobs and restructuring costs totaling $950 million. But it appears this didn't spell the end of Microsoft's smartphone ambitions. Nadella said the company wasn't interested in launching any technology that doesn't introduce something new, and it would apply that mindset to smartphones. "We don't want to be driven by just envy of what others have, the question is, what can we bring? That's where I look at any device form factor or any technology, even AI," he said. "We will continue to be in the phone market not as defined by today's market leaders, but by what it is that we can uniquely do in what is the most ultimate mobile device." With Microsoft's other Surface products - the Surface Pro 4, Surface Book, and the recent Surface Studio - proving popular, it's not a great surprise to find the brand making its way to smartphones. Almost a year ago, Microsoft executive vice president and chief marketing officer Chris Capossela said the company was working on a "breakthrough" smartphone that would make Apple fans "pause before they buy their 17th iPhone." With Windows Phones making up just 0.4 percent of the smartphone market in Q2 2016, the company knows this is one area where it really struggles. While a Surface Phone may not threaten Samsung and Apple's domination, you would expect an "ultimate mobile device" to do well. While few CEOs are known for their likeability, none divide opinion quite like Elon Musk. The Tesla boss seems to be revered and despised in equal measure by members of the public and other business leaders, but it seems one particular troll has gone the extra mile in their attempts to discredit Musk. As reported by Bloomberg, a person going by the name of Shepard Stewart has been writing fake articles that paint a less-than-flattering picture of Musk. Pieces with titles such as "Elon Musk Continues to Blow Up Taxpayer Money With Falcon 9," "Here's How Elon Musk Stole $5 Billion in Taxpayer Dollars," and "Elon Musk: Faux Free Marketeer and National Disgrace," have appeared on the Federalist, Libertarian Republic, and Liberty Conservative websites. People writing false news stories isn't unusual, just ask Facebook, but what is strange is that Shepard Stewart isn't a real person. Gavin Wax, editor-in-chief of the Liberty Conservative, said he is definitely a fake, and "went totally dark on us after we published him." Additionally, Wax discovered that the photo used by the person known as Shepard is also a fake. It's actually a photoshopped LinkedIn headshot of a former Twitter executive. The fake items have caused Musk himself to weigh in on the matter. "Can anyone uncover who is really writing these fake pieces? Can't be skankhunt42. His work is better than this," he tweeted. A reference to South Park's Gerald Broflovski, aka Kyle and Ike's Dad, who uses the name when trolling people. Can anyone uncover who is really writing these fake pieces? Can't be skankhunt42. His work is better than this. https://t.co/Qs69AFMGE5 --- Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 22, 2016 Bloomberg believes that the fake stories, and many others from different authors, are penned by Musk's competitors who are angered by his diverse business interests and ability to attract government funding. "It seems like he's got a lot of people who don't like him," says Brian Walsh, a partner with Rokk Solutions, a Washington, D.C., communications firm. At least Musk is taking it all with good humor. At the start of the year, a customer found his order for a Tesla Model X had been canceled by the company after he published a "rude" open letter criticizing the CEO. Back in June 2012, Google became one of the first big tech firms to announce that it would notify users it suspected of being targeted by state-sponsored attacks. Earlier this week, across the space of 24 hours, a huge number of prominent journalists and professors from around the world received these warnings. Some of those affected include Nobel Prize-winning economist and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman, New York magazine's Jonathan Chait, Politico's Julia Ioffe, GQ's special correspondent Keith Olbermann, Vox's Ezra Klein, Yahoo News' Garance Franke-Ruta, and former speechwriter for President Barack Obama, Jon Lovett. Ars Technica reports that several security industry professionals also received the same warning. The red banners reads: "Warning: Google may have detected government-backed attackers trying to steal your password," and includes a link leading to an advice page on how to secure accounts. Reports state that some of the people who received the message were already using two-factor authentication. A Google spokesperson said the warnings were likely the result of hacking attempts made over the last month, rather than more recently. The company delays informing users that they have been targetted so attackers can't learn security researchers' detection methods. However, if a breach is successful, Google informs the victim straight away. While Google has sent out these warnings in the past, the sheer number of people who received them within a 24-hour period is suspicious, to say the least. Google hasn't indicated who might have been behind the attacks but, assuming they took place around the time of the US election, they could relate to a spear phishing campaign tied to Russian government hackers that began just after Trump's victory. One of the country's biggest cable TV outlets, Comcast, has made a deal with one of its biggest competitors, DISH Network, to offer DISH's various Sling TV bundles on its Xfinity X1 set top boxes. While the deal may seem counterintuitive at first, Comcast has solid reasoning for making the unexpected move, which as of yet has no official launch date. Comcast And DISH Network Partner The partnership between Comcast and DISH Network certainly appears to be a strange one at first. The two companies are viewed by most as being in direct competition, with DISH Network's skinny bundles offered over-the-top (OTT) by Sling seen as an alternative to Comcast's traditional set top box cable offerings. Why would Comcast encourage customers to turn to DISH programming and even potentially accelerate cord-cutting as consumers become more aware of its competitor? Why The Partnership Between Rivals? The answer is that Comcast is primarily using the deal to facilitate the offering of Sling and Dish Networks extensive multicultural programming to its customers who currently have no such options. While almost all of the DISH Network and Sling programming in English echoes that already available on Comcast, the same can't be said for programs in other languages. Comcast is looking to beef up its multicultural programming to entice the millions of consumers who speak other languages to either remain with the service or become new customers. Sling via the DISH Network has an extensive slate of standalone and add-on Spanish-language program offerings designed for U.S. English-dominant, bilingual and Spanish-dominant viewers. Right now, Sling TV offers over 320 channels in 21 languages: Arabic, Bangla, Bengali, Brazilian, Cantonese, German, Gujarati, Hindi, Italian, Kannada, Malayalam, Mandarin, Marathi, Punjabi, Taiwanese, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and Vietnamese. Comcast's Official Statement "The addition of Sling TV's multicultural programming will be an excellent complement to the existing international offerings on X1 and will be attractive to our customers," said Javier Garcia, senior VP and GM of multicultural services for Comcast Cable. "Our customers are becoming increasingly diverse and this is a fantastic opportunity to quickly deliver even more customized and multicultural programming to them, on an X1 platform that's smart, fast and easy-to-use." Comcast has not yet announced when the service will be available to its customers, but pricing is expected to be the same as it is with Sling's offerings via DISH Network. Comcast just rolled out access to Netflix programming on its X1 platform earlier this month, allowing customers to sign up directly via the platform for a one month free trial. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Current Apple iPads are available in form factors of 7.9 inches, 9.7 inches and 12.9 inches. However, speculations are rife that Apple may introduce an iPad with a new size in 2017. The year 2017 is special for Apple as the company will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. Apple is expected to launch three models of the iPhone 8, all with an overhauled design. iPhones may not be the only iDevices that are expected to entice Apple fans in 2017, as rumors point that the company is also working to launch a 10.5-inch iPad. 10.5-Inch iPad Rumor Taiwanese publication DigiTimes cites sources in the supply chain and report that Apple is planning to launch the 10.5-inch iPad to attract enterprise and education sectors. "Apple is launching the 10.5-inch iPad mainly because 10-inch and larger tablets have been popular among enterprises and the education sector in the [United States], the sources said. Its existing 9.7-inch iPad may be too small and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro too expensive for such procurement, the sources indicated," says DigiTimes. The rumored Apple tablet is expected to come running on the A10X processor, which is used in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The iPad with the new form factor is rumored to go into production as early as December this year. This is not the first time that Apple has been rumored to launch a 10.5-inch iPad. A Tech Times report from August this year also reported that KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believed that Apple will introduce the 10.5-inch iPad sometime in 2017. Expected Launch Date Of The 10.5-Inch iPad Apple launched the 12.9-inch iPad Pro in September 2015 and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro in March this year. According to DigiTimes, shipments of the 10.5-inch iPad are estimated to reach 2 million units in the first quarter of 2017 and 5 to 6 million units for the entire year, which hints that Apple may launch the new iPad in the first quarter of 2017. Other iPad Launch In 2017 Rumors also suggest that Apple may also launch pocket-friendly 9.7-inch iPads in 2017, which will compete with Android tablets available in the market. Overall Tablet Market An International Data Corporation report noted that the global tablet market has been declining year-over-year and the trend will follow in 2016 and 2017. However, the launch of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro in March this year helped Apple to lessen the company's decline rate. According to another IDC report, the global tablet market will rebound in 2018. "Positive growth is set to return in 2018 and continue through 2020 with shipments reaching 194.2 million tablets as detachable tablets continue to steal share from traditional PCs," says IDC. Apple has not confirmed any details of the 10.5-inch iPad and customers should take all rumors of the tablet with a pinch of salt. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. While Google has launched its version of the device and Apple is rumored to be working on its own, the newest challenger to the highly succesful Amazon Echo smart speakers comes from China, and its name is LingLong DingDong. It may have a funny-sounding name, but the Chinese smart speaker looks like it has what it takes to prove itself as a worthy rival to the Amazon Echo. What Is The LingLong DingDong? The LingLong DingDong is a smart speaker that has a height of 9.5 inches and weight of 3 pounds. It has an interesting design of a circular top but a square base, representing the idea that heaven has a round shape while the earth has a square shape. This idea is important in the design language that LingLong utilizes for all its products. Users can speak three voice commands to be able to wake up the smart speaker. The commands to wake are DingDong DingDong; Xiaowei Xiaowei, which is a nickname for a girl; and BaiLing BaiLing, which means skylark. For color options, the LingLong DingDong comes in red, white, black and purple. Similarities Between LingLong DingDong And Amazon Echo When the Amazon Echo was launched back in 2014, the LingLong DingDong was already being developed. The company admitted that it used Amazon's smart speaker as an inspiration, especially in terms of marketing methods. "Their launch influenced us a lot," said LingLong senior marketing manager Charlie Liu. Similar to the Amazon Echo, the LingLong DingDong is capable of tracking schedules, playing music and providing information to users such as stocks and weather. Differences Between LingLong DingDong And Amazon Echo The only languages supported by the LingLong DingDong are Cantonese and Mandarin, both of which are not supported by the Amazon Echo. Due to how complex the two languages are, each unit of the smart speaker will only come with one of these two languages. In addition, due to the varieties in accents and dialects for the two languages, LingLong noted that achieving a 100 percent success rate for the DingDong in understanding voice commands would be a challenge. However, the company believes that a 95 percent success rate is achievable. The Amazon Echo also currently offers over 4,000 third-party services, a number that is far greater than the roughly 10 third-party services currently supported by the LingLong DingDong. The Price And Value Of The LingLong DingDong The LingLong DingDong is being sold at an equivalent of only $118, making it cheaper than the Amazon Echo which can be currently purchased for only $139.99 as part of Amazon's Black Friday 2016 sale. However, the true value of the product is that it might be able to bring smart speakers into the mainstream in China, which would possibly lead to the introduction of the Amazon Echo into the country's lucrative smart home market. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. It's a little bit exasperating for the more tech-savvy smartphone tinkerers who own an LG V20 to learn that some smartphones under LG do not support unlocking the bootloader. Android phone manufacturers rarely provide official tools for bootloader unlock, so each phonemaker that comes out with support for it is often duly noticed by those clamoring to manipulate the bootloader on their smartphones. Luckily, LG is extending its official bootloader unlock tool for V20 handsets. The version in question, according to Android Police, bears the model number US996.USA and is "for the U.S. open market." The code name might stand as slightly ambiguous, but it seems to suggest that the bootloader unlock tool is meant for V20 handsets in the United States sold unlocked, instead of under any U.S. carriers. Unlocking The LG V20's Bootloader For those who own a V20 who wish to use LG's bootloader unlock tool, keep in mind that doing so voids the phone's warranty. Additionally, unlocking the bootloader will also cause some of the phone's features to be disabled, such as DRM protection, which will render some DRM-protected apps or content inoperable. For those who can't be bothered by all this, they may begin the bootloader unlocking process by clicking "Starting Unlocking the Bootloader" on LG's page detailing the whole process. Supported LG Devices Right now, apart from the V20, LG's bootloader unlocking tool is also available on V10, G4 and G5 handsets, all of which - with the exception of the V20 - are intended for the European market, so tough luck for U.S. owners of the V10, G4 and G5. Risks Those who want to unlock the V20's bootloader should seriously consider it beforehand, since as per LG's cautionary list of risks, unlocking the bootloader is similar to walking the plank. Apart from other features potentially being rendered dysfunctional, unlocking the V20's bootloader may cause it to stop working, be damaged because of overheating problems and even lose user data. Unlocking the bootloader may also put the device at a greater risk of being infected with viruses such as malware. The device may also potentially be vulnerable to hacking, which puts the user's personal information at risk of leaking. Finally, once the bootloader has been unlocked, there's no way to revert it back to its original state. LG V20 Specs The LG V20 is the company's latest flagship, released in October. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 820-powered smartphone rocks a 5.7-inch Quad HD display, dual 16-megapixel shooters in the back and a 5-megapixel shooter in the front. It comes with 4 GB of RAM available in either 32 or 64 GB variants. It comes with a ticker-like secondary display that serves as an additional and separate control panel to access the phone's features. But will LG stick with the secondary display once it releases the LG V20's successor? 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Apple May Be Working On A 10.5 Inch iPad | TechTree.com Do you remember rumours that came out back in August about a possible 10.5 inch iPad in 2017? Well, we have a few updates on the speculations. It looks like a couple of Taiwan-based supply chain makers have recently confirmed the possibility of this device, reports GSMArena. Interestingly, the new 10.5 inch iPad's production is also said to be set to start this December, which hints us at an unveiling that we may expect to happen during the first quarter of 2017. According to GSMArena, it is also being said that, the new 10.5 inch iPad is most likely to be powered by the new Apple A10X chipset. To give a better understanding, it is the same chipset that we expect Apple to feature in its upcoming 12.9 inch iPad Pro. So, a question may raise in your minds that why would the company ever want to come up with 10.5 inch when they already have a 9.7 inch and 12.9 inch variants. Well, it is being said that, in the US, the 9.7 inch is considered too small, while the 12.9 inch is considered as pretty big to hold. Thus, the decision by the iPad maker! Along with this, DigiTimes has also reported that a couple of sources have claimed that the shipments of 10.5 inch iPad is expected to reach 2 million units in first quarter in 2017. However, we may have to wait until we actually hear about this from the company itself. TAGS: Apple On Sunday, Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro also remembered him as a great friend of the Bolivarian nation and an "excellent human being." | Read More Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ambitious Startup India Movement to boost digital entrepreneurship at the grassroots level in India. Leaders from Silicon Valley to Japan participated in this grand event to foster entrepreneurship. Japanese Telecom Soft Banks Founder and Chief Executive Masayoshi Son said that Indias economy might surpass the US and China to become the worlds largest in the next three decades. TIE President Ram Reddy, Travis Kalanick Founder of Uber, WeWorks Founder, Adam Neumann and several technology leaders witnessed the launch of this global movement. Here are the highlights of the governments plan for startups: Credit guarantee scheme worth $1.5 Billion for startups in the next four years. Atal Innovation Mission to give impetus to innovation and encourage the talent among people Profit from start-ups established after April 1, 2016, to be exempted from Income Tax for three years No government inspection for start-ups for three years A regime promoting self-certification based compliance, including environmental regulation. Startup India Hub to be developed as a single point of contact. A mobile App to be launched to facilitate beginning a startup in one day. The App will have a small application form that can be easily filled for registration. Easier patent filing norms in the offing. Free patent filing planned. Patent fee reduced by 80 per cent. Relaxed norms of public procurement for startups. Faster exits to be facilitated for startups. Bankruptcy Bill to be introduced in parliament. Increased participation of women in startups. Tax exemption on investments above fair market value. Core innovation programmes in 500k schools. At Startup Commons we are happy to see initiatives whose objectives are to help startups grow faster, create further job opportunities and attract investment. Most of these policies are pointed in the right direction. Nevertheless, we are intrigued to see how all of them are applied and through which policies or specific steps. Taking into account the current maturity level in Indias startup ecosystem (early stage), one key objective would be to get the fundamentals right. This involves focusing on the beginning stages of the ecosystem, which are phases -2 to 0 range in the startup key development phases, and on how to improve the quality and volume of the committed founding teams with an aligned vision and high potential for innovation. In order to do that, the real challenge is to work closely with different cities and regions that have various dimensions culture, environment, funding, innovation, talent, etc. that have a strong impact on the pipeline. Another important challenge is to find correlations between the pillars of the ecosystem (innovation, talent, entrepreneurship, support, money, growth) and dimensions (volume, quality, velocity, ROI) to maximize the number of innovative startups and future successes. There are also specific questions that come to mind, which are directly related with the governments proposal; for example, how is India going to increase participation of women in startups? Other points seem shadier, such as the no government inspections in startups for three years. Will that mean that basic labor rights will be overlooked? There could be many negative implications in that sense. One single point of contact for the whole of India has positives. For instance, matching stakeholders (startups with investors, teams with entrepreneurs, research with innovation, etc.) would be easier and more efficient. In a country as big and diverse as India it might damage certain regions that were starting to develop their ecosystem in favor of others that are already more advanced and have better resources, but it would certainly foster healthy competition between cities and regions as well. Therefore, DIPPs vision for developing infrastructure for the startup ecosystem to connect all knowledge hubs, startups, investors and mentors for collaboration and growth is a positive advance, as network connectivity within and between the ecosystems is the single most important contributor to growth. However, time will tell how all aspects of the ambitious initiative pan out and if the infrastructure will be able to collect, produce and analyze data to introduce transparency and improvements to the whole ecosystem, as well as optimize the allocation of resources, revenue generation and benchmarking. Connecting the dots always helps in nurturing talents, creating job opportunities and empowering economy. We look forward to see booming startup ecosystems in developing nations across Asia and how they create unique opportunities for the global economy. Are they going to get the fundamentals right? Will they be able to effectively connect their ecosystems and how will they measure it? All of these questions are part of measuring innovation and developing a high maturity level that can help in the effective use of resources. Countries in Asia are now ambitiously competing amongst each other to develop their startup ecosystems and attract international investors. The implementation of the AEC is the ASEANs most ambitious undertaking, and will boost the regions GDP by 5 percent by 2030, with Singapore benefitting the most as a percentage of GDP growth, said HSBC Global Research. It will offer opportunities in the form of a huge market of US$2.6 trillion and over 622 million people. Southeast Asia is buzzing with global investors and has gathered attention around the globe, with most technology companies having a regional HQ in Singapore to take care of their entire Asian market. In addition, assets managed by private equity and venture capital fund managers in Singapore are valued at around $28.3 billion, with venture capital being US$1.8 billion of that total for 2014. Governments across Asia, then, are working on promoting entrepreneurship, skill enhancement, job creation and boosting their economies. The implementation of startup portals for mapping talents, investors and startup community members will surely play a crucial role, because connectivity is fundamental, as mentioned earlier. At the end of the day, there is fierce global competition to attract talented people and international resources, and many regions are missing opportunities while others are accelerating the process by enabling smart startup ecosystem development strategies. It will be exciting to see how other government organizations react to Indias policies and implement their plans on a grass-root level and come up with strategies to become the next startup hub. Source link Not a single cash-throwing monkey has appeared on TV so far. The last time the mayorship of East Baton Rouge Parish changed hands, a political action committee supporting Kip Holden aired ads comparing incumbent Bobby Simpson's spending in office to a simian's. Holden went on to win 54 percent of the vote and has remained in office for twelve years, although he must step down this year because of term limits. The current race between Democrat Sharon Weston Broome and Republican Bodi White has been tame in comparison. Both have pitched a few brushbacks White began labeling Broome as soft on crime, against school choice and loose with government funds the night the pair advanced to the runoff, though the accusations were vague. A PAC supporting his campaign has produced an attack ad, but hasn't disseminated it widely. Broome, for her part, has criticized White for his involvement in the St. George incorporation effort and brought it up during their first runoff debate before the Baton Rouge Press Club. When White announced he only planned on attending three runoff debates, Broome's campaign sent out a press release saying "it is clear that Bodi is not interested in having meaningful and timely discussions about the future of this parish with voters." But on the whole, neither campaign has aggressively besmirched the other. For comparison, John Kennedy has declined to participate in any debates in the run-off for a Louisiana U.S. Senate seat, and his competitor Foster Campbell has called him "pitiful" and "so weak." But political experts warn that the timbre of the mayoral race could change in the run-up to Election Day on Dec. 10. A turn toward the negative might not be all bad, they say. Those messages can drill down into policy, explained LSU political science and mass communications professor Martin Johnson. In a local race, in which voters may be less familiar with the candidates and their positions, some antagonistic ads may help the public draw distinctions between the two, noted LSU political communication professor Kathleen Searles. Plus, negative ads are effective. East Baton Rouge is fairly evenly split between Democratic and Republican voters, noted LSU political science professor Robert Hogan. As such, candidates will have to win over those few "persuadables" in between, and going negative could sway them. LSU Communications professor Robert Mann estimated that they make up only five to ten percent of the parish electorate only a few thousand voters. Sometimes candidates may try to go after their opponents early to define them before they have a chance to brand themselves, said Mann, a former veteran staffer of several state Democratic politicians. But that hasn't happened in this race, perhaps because White and Broome are already fairly well-known, he said. So the experts are anticipating the candidates to go on the offensive more as Election Day approaches. There's simply less political cost in going after an opponent right before voters head to the polls, Searles said. Mann remarked that it may be wise for candidates to hold onto their money until after Thanksgiving, both to give voters a chance to catch their breath after the November races and to flood them with messaging after they're back from the holiday. Candidates will also have to whip up their bases, though experts were unsure what kind of turnout to expect Dec. 10. Typically a U.S. Senate race would drive voters to the polls, but the current contest hasn't captured a lot of interest, Hogan remarked. "Honestly I have no idea" what kind of turnout to expect, he said. Political observers are particularly curious to see how Broome will respond to an ad released online by Citizens for a Better Baton Rouge, a PAC supporting White. Titled "What's Sharon Broome hiding from?" the 30-second spot accuses her of being absent "when Baton Rouge needed a leader" and accuses her, among other things, of having "little to show" for her decades in office and voting for tax increases and against "pro-education bills." However, the ad does not name or annotate any specific measures to which it refers. Her campaign has vowed not to engage in attacks. "When folks go low, we stay high," Broome said at a recent forum, invoking the words of First Lady Michelle Obama. "We're trying to take the high road and stay positive," campaign spokesman Michael Beychok said in a separate interview. Nevertheless, the campaign will address the "dishonest" ad against them and is planning to campaign through the mail, over the radio and on TV, he said. "You've sort of got to respond in the medium in which you were attacked," Mann said. You don't have to "set the other guy's house on fire" to set the record straight, though, he added. One limiting factor for Broome's campaign is money. At last count, White had five times as much cash on hand, and his PAC also had a separate war chest larger than Broome's own. That could affect her strategy. Mann noted that Beychok, Broome's staffer, is an expert at direct mail. Reaching voters through the mail may lack the pizzazz of beaming into voters' homes during a Saints' game, but for a minimal investment, a candidate can get the message out to several thousand targeted voters. And mail "tends to be pretty negative," especially in local races, Mann said. Hogan would expect Broome to go after White for his involvement in the creation of Central and attempted creation of the city of St. George. "He was up to his armpits (in efforts) to take part of the city away," Hogan said. That's a message that could resonate with Democrats and the Mid City voters other observers have identified as potentially able to sway the outcome. In addition to her personal record, Broome will have to be careful about comparisons to Holden, Johnson said. Both are black Democrats who have represented north Baton Rouge, but Holden leaves office without a lot of popularity in some parts of town. When he ran last month for a U.S. House seat that runs from New Orleans to Baton Rouge against incumbent Rep. Cedric Richmond, he carried only 17 percent of the vote in his home parish. As for the non-specific messages about Broome being bad for education and soft on crime, Hogan said the ads may not have plunged into too many particulars because voters don't know a lot about the candidate, and the vague statements may be enough "to plant seeds of doubt" in moderates' minds while whipping White's Republican base. Another consideration will be political surrogates. White and Broome split the endorsements of the two politically moderate candidates whom they defeated in the November election. Darryl Gissel is now supporting Broome, while John Delgado is backing White, despite being harshly critical of him while on the campaign trail. Delgado has also gone after Broome, generally saying she allowed north Baton Rouge to stagnate during decades representing the area. He repeated those jabs when he announced the endorsement of his fellow Republican, White. Broome responded by reminding Delgado of "White Lies," the video Delgado produced going after White over the failure to build the Comite River Diversion Canal before the August flood. +3 Despite buying BodiWhiteLies.com, John Delgado throws support to White in mayor-president race After spending much of the election cycle criticizing him, going so far as to register the w "Come on John! Do better," the Broome campaign wrote on Facebook, where they posted his video. It remains to be seen whether White's campaign will produce any attack ads of its own. Campaign staffer Jay Vicknair declined to comment on the possibility but said voters would be seeing and hearing White on TV, radio and online in the lead-up to Election Day. His campaign, with its greater resources, has already outspent Broome on broadcast advertising and has produced three videos to her one. White's have focused on education, traffic and crime, while Broome has zeroed in on flood recovery. The Democrat has majorly outspent her opponent in one area, though. She spent over $30,000 on Election Day in November hiring workers and renting vans to turn out voters. White spent less than a tenth of that amount, according to campaign finance reports. East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council District 9 runoff candidates Dwight Hudson and Ken Perret are both fiscally conservative Republicans who believe in a regional approach to solving many of the district's and parish's problems, such as traffic congestion, drainage and flooding. Both also are seeking political office for the first time, and their wives serve as their campaign managers. "We probably have a lot in common," Perret acknowledged. "This is not one of those races that is a contentious race," Hudson said. "My opponent is a good man." Six Metro Council races head to Dec. 10 runoff elections Newcomer Matt Watson beat a field of three Tuesday, and three incumbents Buddy Amoroso, Ch Both men have steered clear of negative campaigning and have instead focused on getting their respective messages to the voters in the district on the eastern side of the parish that covers an area stretching roughly from Old Hammond Highway to the north, over to the east of O'Neal Lane and down to the southern parish line. District 9 also includes some property along Highland, Perkins, South Tiger Bend and Hoo Shoo Too roads. Despite the cordial nature of the campaign, however, Hudson and Perret aren't shy about pointing out what they believe to be their differences. Hudson, a 31-year-old real estate agent and leader of the conservative Tax Busters group, has the endorsement of the East Baton Rouge Parish GOP and believes his youthful energy is what is needed to attract more young professionals and young families to the area. "I am the demographic that Baton Rouge wants to compete for and struggles to compete for," he said. Perret, a 76-year-old retired civil engineer who serves as president of the Louisiana Good Roads and Transportation Association and sits on the Capital Area Transit System board, is backed by the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and touts his extensive management experience and transportation engineering background. Perret worked for the Federal Highway Administration and then as assistant secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. "I know how to get things done," he said. "That's the only reason I'm running to make Baton Rouge a better place. Baton Rouge has been very good to us. I want to give something back to the community." Both men are running low-budget grassroots campaigns. Perret has raised more than $25,000 and spent about $20,000, while Hudson has raised more than $12,000 and expended about $10,000. Hudson, who volunteered for the unsuccessful St. George incorporation effort, was active in the opposition to the CATS bus tax in 2012, which was approved by Baton Rouge and Baker electorate but rejected by Zachary voters, and chaired the "beat the bond" effort in 2009 against Mayor-President Kip Holden's proposed $900 million-plus capital improvement tax package that voters turned down. Hudson said Tax Busters, which he chairs, is a good government group that does not blanket oppose all taxes or tax increases. "This district is one of the most low-tax areas. These folks are really concerned about making sure their dollars are spent wisely," he said. Perret makes no apologies for serving on the CATS board. "There's a lot of naysayers about the transportation system, but we've done some good work trying to get that agency on the right track," he said. Perret also said he doesn't see his age as an issue in the race. "I don't think age will make a difference," he said. Perret says he's spent his entire professional life planning multi-million dollar projects and maximizing the efficiency of spending. While he admits to being fiscally conservative, Perret adds, "You get what you pay for." Hudson and Perret agree the district's and parish's traffic woes and flood recovery issues call for regional cooperation and collaboration. Both say they would utilize the Capital Region Planning Commission. +6 Traffic and flood relief top priority list for district 9 metro council candidates In a part of Baton Rouge hit hard by the August floods and continuing to deal with traffic p "To think we can just solve the (traffic congestion) problem locally, it's not going to work," Hudson said, noting that 60 percent of those who work in East Baton Rouge commute from other parishes. Perret said he would seek to expand and improve cooperative endeavors with neighboring parishes, and state and federal agencies, to find workable solutions to critical drainage issues. "I know how things are done. I know how projects are approved," he said, reflecting on his federal and state transportation experience. Perret said that same experience would be vital in dealing with flood-recovery issues in a district that saw about 8,000 of its 30,000 homes flooded. "I've been in the federal process. It takes persistence," he said. Hudson said projects such as the Comite River Diversion, dredging the Amite River and pumping Bayou Manchac water to the Mississippi River to relieve flooding in the parish will have the biggest impact on drainage infrastructure, and he would pursue cost-sharing agreements to get those project done. District 9 is under the jurisdiction of the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, and Hudson and Perret both said they would support and take care of law enforcement. Hudson and Perret are seeking to fill the open Metro Council seat left by two-term incumbent Joel Boe, who chose not to run for re-election. The District 9 runoff is Dec. 10. The term is for four years. Your browser could not fetch this story If you are reading this message your browser has Javascript disabled. Please enable Javascript in order to access to this story. Now, almost 70 years later, the Drill Hall in Canberra is revisiting the same theme, albeit with a different band of participants. The artists brought together in this exhibition are Matt Arbuckle, Peter Atkins, Chris Carmody, Nicole Ellis, Erwin Fabian, Robert Motherwell, Elizabeth Newman and Trish Roan. It is neither a harmonious, nor entirely convincing grouping of artists, where such major artists as Motherwell and Fabian, are juxtaposed with someone like Arbuckle, an artist in his 20s, who is still to establish his own authentic language in his art. In other words, some early 20th century modernists who were not content to simply abandon academic representation as the sole purpose of their art, sought to introduce foreign objects into their work, frequently in the form of collage, to act as a creative lightning rod to free the artist to laws of chance. Realising the primacy of collage as a liberating force in modern art, the Museum of Modern Art in New York launched their famous Collage show in 1948, which brought together the Cubists, the Dada artists, as well as the American modernists, including the then emerging Robert Motherwell. Tony Oates, the curator of this exhibition, states that his show "takes its impetus from the early collages of Braque and Picasso (and later, from Robert Motherwell) which demonstrate the potential of a 'foreign' object to act as an artistic catalyst". The exhibition does bring together some interesting and unlikely bedfellows. Motherwell is one of the giants of American Abstract Expressionism. Born in 1915, he created an extensive oeuvre that spanned more than half a century until his death in 1991. The Drill Hall exhibition includes eight of Motherwell's lithographic collages from the 1970s and 1980s, which he completed in collaboration with the master printer Ken Tyler on loan from the National Gallery. They are light, elegant, bold, but also possess a touch of irony. For Motherwell, the collage element was largely a formalist strategy that disrupted the organic, gestural mark and created a conceptual and formal tension in the design. The collaged insertion spatially punctures the freehand drawn elements and allows them to ambiguously float in space. Fabian was also born in 1915, but in Berlin rather than America, and was exiled to Australia as one of the Dunera boys. He settled in Melbourne and has just turned 101 and is still working and making some of the most challenging sculpture in Australia today. All of his sculptural pieces in this exhibition, including Bloom (2010) and Epigram (2015), have that ineffable quality of "natural belonging". The essence of his creative process lies in the creation of a new natural order, where all of the elements appear as if they belong, as if they have been found this way in nature without actually resembling any specific form found in nature. Each piece takes on its own character with qualities of humour, heroic power, lyricism and so on. Fabian has a remarkable quality of transforming pieces of scrap metal, the found elements in his art, into meaningful sculptural forms which have a huge presence, a distinct identity and speak of a new natural order. Although his work may be termed abstract or at least 'non-literal', his figures in the final analysis belong to the grand tradition of humanist sculpture in other words they interact with us on a human and emotive level we come to believe in their existence not only as aesthetic objects, but as metaphors for the human spirit. Of the other participants in the exhibition, Atkins is one of the more interesting younger artists and reveals a very different attitude to the found object. He scavenges material amongst the ordinary bric-a-brac and detritus of life in which he seeks to discover extraordinary beauty. In this he is an alchemist, whose transformed realities challenge and provoke us as we accompany him on his journey through the overlooked and unnoticed. Adani's Carmichael coal mine has passed its latest legal hurdle with the Queensland Supreme Court dismissing a challenge against granting of a mining lease and environmental authority for the $21 million project in the state's Galilee Basin. Environmental groups had challenged the move on legal grounds, arguing the Queensland government had erred in granting the approvals for the Indian mining giant's massive project. But the court disagreed, finding there was no breach of the Environmental Protection Act in granting the approvals to the proposed coal mine and transport network, and dismissing the appeal. It takes the project, set to be the biggest coal mine in Australia, one step closer to fruition as major works are due to start next year. Tabcorp Holdings on Friday said it had purchased control of around 10 per cent of its takeover target Tatts Group for $638 million. The shares were bought at an average $4.34 each through a cash-settled equity swap with UBS that gave Tabcorp voting rights subject to certain conditions, the company said. Tabcorp, Australia's biggest bookmaker, last month agreed to acquire lottery operator Tatts for $6.4 billion to create a gambling powerhouse in an effort to fend off a growing challenge from overseas online rivals. Credit:Getty Images A source familiar with the situation told Reuters that the share purchase was meant to make it harder for an interloper to break up an agreed merger between the pair. Tabcorp, Australia's biggest bookmaker, last month agreed to acquire lottery operator Tatts for $6.4 billion to create a gambling powerhouse in an effort to fend off a growing challenge from overseas online rivals. The management committee of the NSW postal union will meet on Friday to discuss the future of its boss Jim Metcher, who stepped down from his position on Thursday in response to revelations he faced domestic violence charges nine years ago. Allen Hicks, National Secretary of the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia (CEPU) said Mr Metcher voluntarily stood aside late on Thursday. CEPU NSW leader Jim Metcher is opposing broad requests for police records about his conduct after he failed to disclose charges for domestic violence to Fair Work. Credit:Getty Images He stepped down from all honorary positions and as secretary of the NSW Postal & Telecommunications branch of the CEPU. Mr Hicks said the NSW branch committee of management that governs the NSW Postal & Telecommunications branch will meet on Friday to assess the facts and circumstances surrounding allegations made against Mr Metcher. Barnaby Joyce wears his idiosyncrasies on his sleeve, which in an era of blow-dried politicians who speak in platitudes while carefully remaining on message, is a refreshing trait. However, the Agriculture Minister plumbed new depths of eccentricity on Friday by claiming the endorsement of former TV presenter Don Burke for the Coalition government's bid to relocate the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority from Canberra to Armidale. The one-time Burke's Backyard star, who appears to share the the same politically conservative views as Mr Joyce, appeared in a video asserting that the authority's imminent move to the Northern NSW Tablelands city would be the "best thing the APVMA has ever done" and that it would be "in the absolute centre of country activities which will keep a balanced focus". The endorsement may have carried weight if Mr Burke had more extensive professional qualifications in agricultural and veterinary chemical products or expertise in the economics of decentralisation. But this professional horticulturist turned TV personality doesn't appear to have either, and what public credibility and name recognition he does possess has faded due to the fact that he last appeared regularly on screen in 2004. That Mr Joyce saw fit to bother with his PR nonsense is surprising since the Turnbull government issued a new regulation this week stipulating that any corporate Commonwealth entity with agricultural policy responsibilities must be located in a regional community or close to a regional university's main campus. And to make explicit that Canberra doesn't count, the regulation defines regional community as "not within 150 kilometres by road of Canberra or the capital city of a state". Donald Trump schlepped across town on Tuesday to meet the publisher of The New York Times and some editors, columnists and reporters at the paper. As the Times reported, Trump actually seemed to soften some of his positions. He seemed to indicate that he wouldn't seek to prosecute Hillary Clinton. But he should never have said that he was going to do that in the first place. He seemed to indicate that he wouldn't encourage the military to use torture. But he should never have said that he would do that in the first place. The make-up of the Senate since the federal election has copped plenty of criticism, with much speculation about how a crossbench with such diverse views will function. But two senators this week have used their political muscle to achieve remarkable and important progress, forcing the government to commit to whistleblower legislation. For far too long, governments have ignored calls to bring Australia into line with such countries as the United States by protecting those who speak out in the public interest to expose serious wrongs. Crossbench senators Nick Xenophon and Derryn Hinch reveal details of the whistleblower law. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen In return for their support for legislation that had twice been blocked in the Senate, senators Nick Xenophon and Derryn Hinch have won government backing for stronger whistleblower protections for public sector and union workers, with a commitment to extend this to the private sector within 18 months. Many of The Age's most important stories would never have come to light without the bravery of whistleblowers who spoke out. Stories such as the widespread exploitation of 7-Eleven workers and the mistreatment of Commonwealth Bank customers are public scandals that deserved to be exposed. Presumably Barnaby Joyce was not looking in the mirror when he exhorted Australians to push away from the dinner table as a method of reducing obesity. That sounds about as "bonkers mad" as suggesting a soft drinks sugar tax would restrict individual freedom(?) and harm the sugar industry. Never mind the harm that the industry has been causing humanity, world-wide, for centuries. Whatever the outcome of such a tax, which would be passed on to consumers of course, if it gives the government a projected $500million extra revenue then it could not be all bad. Jennie Owen, Castlemaine If our health's at risk, governments must act Barnaby Joyce claims the proposed tax is "bonkers mad" because it would damage an Australian industry. Asbestos was an Australian industry too, and look what we did to it when it became clear asbestos was a threat to the health of Australians. Ian Brown, Sandringham Look at our eating patterns and lifestyles I am not opposed to a sugar tax to tackle the obesity epidemic. However, the simplistic "single nutrient" message is wrong. Combating obesity will not simply occur by reducing our sugar intake. It will come about when people focus more on their overall eating patterns and lifestyles. The latest research shows 35per cent of Australians' total daily energy intake is derived from foods such as alcohol, fast food, confectionary, fruit juice, cordial, potato chips, baked goods and fatty processed meats. We need to eat more whole foods and less discretionary foods. Joel Feren, dietitian, East St Kilda THE FORUM Why nerds are best No one is suggesting the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is a perfect method for predicting success in a chosen vocation. This is why universities are turning to interviews, folios and other methods of selecting students for courses such as medicine and law. But to suggest "nerds don't make good teachers", as does Catholic Education Melbourne executive director Stephen Elder (The Age, 24/11) is a ludicrous argument. I am a nerd and an accomplished teacher. I fail to see how anyone with an ATAR in the 50s (which is an acceptable ATAR for some education courses) could help his or her own students achieve top marks. Teachers are increasingly expected to manage complex socio-psychological issues, differentiate for learners of all abilities, extend gifted students, teach those who barely meet literacy and numeracy standards, and contribute academically to our profession. When they cannot structure simple sentences, believe "youse" is the plural form of "you" and struggle with basic comprehension, how on earth are they supposed to lift the standards of the next generation? I would be happy for my children to be taught by a nerd over a nuff-nuff any day. Anne-Marie Brownhill, Kensington More than being a nerd In my research on teachers in the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) program, it is evident that attributes such as disposition, determination, empathy, interpersonal skills, an ability to think laterally and a love of working with young people play a significant part in their ability to teach successfully. A number of the participants were themselves early school leavers. They eventually came to teaching after rich life experiences, including employment, unemployment and travel. They emphasised the importance of forming strong pedagogical relationships with students as the foundation of their practice. Many of my participants' ATARs would not have allowed them to enter the profession. Nor is an ATAR an indicator of a teacher's ability to be accepting of young people whose lives may be antithetical to their own. Knowledge and an ability to spell, while useful, are not necessarily enough to make a quality teacher who can re-engage young people in education. Christine Schulz, Lara Aim for higher ATARs Presumably teachers still teach and do not just provide day-care. If so, they need to be pretty good at learning stuff themselves, just as plumbers need to be good at fixing pipes. If we made the minimum ATAR 75 or 80, we might get close to the mark. Lindsay Zoch, East Melbourne Our forgotten heroes The story of Iraqi veteran Dan Cairnes ("Ex-soldiers 'lost' when they return home", 25/11) made me so angry. It beggars belief that the Department of Veteran Affairs does not know where 90per cent of veterans who served overseas in the past 15 years are, and the onus is on the member to contact the department. There is no excuse for this failure to look after our veterans. What happens when they are discharged? Isn't any information about them gathered? Surely Veteran Affairs should be aware of every discharge, and mandatory contact should be made with every soldier on their return to Australia. What an appalling and shameful failure by our government for some of our most deserving. Maree Harrison, Nerrina Happiness for Anglos I have news for Pauline Hanson. Her recollection of the time when Italian and Greek immigrants were called wogs and how "they'd just got on with it" (The Age, 25/11) is the distorted memory of a member of the Anglo mainstream. My recollection, as an Anglo in a 1950s primary school, of stones being thrown at "dagoes", later called "wogs", was that those poor kids felt hounded. Their parents certainly did not enjoy being looked down upon and told to "speak English". When I decided to marry one of those "dagoes", I remember well the withering stares of some Anglo Aussies who thought I had taken a very big step down in the world. Phyllis Vespucci, Reservoir Cars and trams can mix The suggestion that we can no longer run trams in mixed traffic in Melbourne ("Trams on track for five-year high in falls, crashes", 24/11) puzzles me. The increase in crashes between trams and motor vehicles is likely to have been due to a multiplicity of causes. However, rapidly emerging new motor vehicle and road management technologies can be expected to substantially reduce the frequency of crashes, and their severity. If properly designed and implemented, this should make travel much safer for tram passengers and other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians. We need to maintain trams' operation in mixed traffic as they bring many passengers closer to their destinations (home, work, shopping) than might otherwise be the case. Ian Hundley, Balwyn North A battle to survive If Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten are serious about White Ribbon Day, they should look at the impact their policies have on those who walk away from unsafe, violent relationships. Many women are faced with raising children, and finding a new job, house and social network. However, many are forced into financial difficulty. Employing a barrister for a day in court can cost a woman on a single parent payment a full month's income. Legal aid is not available for these situations and people are forced to borrow from friends. The system works in the favour of those who are working. For those women who do not work because they have children to care for, this can mean many years of not building up superannuation and a lifetime of poverty. Centrelink beneficiaries are told by politicians that they are cheating the system. They also have to jump through hoops to get a basic income. Donna Lancaster, Inverloch An obtrusive message Is there any chance Melbourne City Council could remove the poorly thought out "Merry Christmas" sign on Princes Bridge? It is blocking one of Melbourne's most stunning views of the Yarra River, Flinders Street Station and Southbank. Dominic Byrne, St Kilda Protect the animals It was shocking to learn of the alleged cruelty at Riverside Meats Abattoir. Animals, including pigs and calves, were reportedly stabbed in the necks, faces and heads with metal prongs. In a country that is supposed to be civilised, with laws to protect animals from cruelty, this should not be happening. If not for the undercover footage shared by Animals Australia, it might not have come to light. We need stricter rules, tighter enforcement of the regulations and CCTV cameras installed in slaughterhouses. Deirdre Moss, Grovedale An exodus of Greens? It appears that when members of the Greens are successful in inner-city council elections, they join the NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) party. Bob Graham, Yarragon The right answer You can come up Trumps, even from hospital. I was helping a friend prepare his will this week. The doctor asked him questions to confirm his mental state. The final one was: "Who is the new US president?" My friend replied: "I can't remember his name but he's an idiot." The doctor pronounced him mentally fit. Mike Stambrey, Malmsbury Dangerous claims Congratulations, Ruby Hamad (Comment, 23/11), for calling out Peter Dutton's claim that Lebanese-Muslims are over-represented in terrorists offences. What does he say about the over-representation of men in acts of violence or over-representation of heterosexual men in child sexual abuse offences? Statistical over-representation is not the same thing as representative of a whole class of people. Kaye Swanton, Elsternwick Stop calling, please To repel mosquitoes, wear lots of inset repellent (The Age, 21/11). But how do you repel the incessant "buzzing" calls from overseas that evade the Do Not Call Register? From tonight I am unplugging my landline. and hope I remember to reconnect it in the morning. It is the only way. Lee Palmer, Albert Park You've got to laugh Glenda Johnston (Letters, 25/11), I don't think you were "really awake". The cartoons, not the headings of Zits and Non Sequitur, were reversed. Kate Kerr, Hawthorn AND ANOTHER THING Politics It wouldn't matter if Trump had 24 Mike Pences. He still wouldn't be worth two bob. Doug Shapiro, Doncaster East Malcolm's leather jacket needs an airing. He should check the pockets to see if he left his principles and humanity there. Diana Donigi, Warragul Barnaby Joyce is putting sugar farmers' interests ahead of the national interest. Greg Curtin, Blackburn South What led us to so grossly misunderstand the "tolerant" Ms Hanson. Uschi Felix, South Melbourne Cricket The Richie Benaud coin should be worth $2.22. Greg Bradshaw, Dandenong North The Australian Test team was burdened by grief and the only antidote for grief is new life. Karen Murphy, Northcote Lets hope Smith is proud enough of the baggy green to wear it at press conferences during the Adelaide Test. Graeme Miller, Bentleigh East The cricket ball was in mint condition. John Sutton, Brunswick Furthermore At last, a simple weight loss program (24/11). Move to Carlton, Toorak, Albert Park or Surrey Hills. Tony O'Brien, South Melbourne No wonder trams are involved in so many collisions (24/11). They never swerve to avoid a crash. Monty Arnhold, Port Melbourne How extraordinary that the head of Catholic Education Melbourne would call academically high achievers "nerds". Ewa Haire, Moonee Ponds Soon we'll be looking for elitists under our beds. Rob Ward, Lake Tyers Beach I don't have to live in a harbourside mansion to be elite. I just have to read The Age and watch the ABC. Malcolm Turnbull's political agenda for the final week of Parliament could be on hold after a crucial crossbench grouping announced it would not vote for any government bills until a water dispute is resolved. The government has high hopes it will be able to pass laws to re-establish the Australian Building and Construction Commission and reach a compromise deal on the backpacker tax rate to round out the political year. But crossbench kingmaker Nick Xenophon on Friday announced his three senators would not back those bills - nor deal with the government on any legislation - until a dispute of Murray River water allocations is solved. The dispute centres on whether an extra 450 gigalitres of water set aside for environmental flows in the river in South Australia under a 2012 deal will be allocated. Computer giant IBM has paid an extraordinary sum of about $30 million to the Australian government for the botched 2016 census, entirely covering the additional cost to taxpayers, it can be revealed. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said IBM had coughed up "a lot of money" and that the financial impost of the debacle was "well-covered by the settlement". It was revealed at a Senate inquiry last month that the census meltdown had cost an additional $20 million and the total cost was likely to reach $30 million. Fairfax Media has since confirmed with other well-placed sources that the sum paid by IBM was in the ballpark of $30 million - triple the amount of IBM's initial contract with the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Former prime minister Paul Keating is the latest public figure to lay into the besieged ABC, saying it is failing as a news gathering organisation and was letting Australia down. The ABC news covered too many tragic reports of no broader consequence, and the 7.30 current affairs program broadcast "too many hard-luck stories", he said. "In the case of the ABC news, if you want to watch a good news service, watch SBS news, which tells you what's happening in Iraq, what's happening in the US election, what's happening with Donald Trump," Mr Keating said. "What you get on the ABC is: 'A truck has just overturned on the Pacific Highway'. It's like in the 1970s. The ABC is letting Australia down in terms of news presentation." NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes has doubled down on his criticism of negative gearing, rebuffing criticism from the Turnbull government and questioning why investors receive tax breaks for buying a sixth home when others cannot buy a first. Dr Stokes' surprise intervention into national tax policy comes ahead of a potential showdown on social housing when Commonwealth and state governments meet next week. His comments in a speech on Friday put him on a collision course with the federal Coalition counterparts, who fought Labor's proposed negative gearing reforms at the July election and have instead told states to boost the supply of new housing. Asked about Dr Stokes' comments, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the government had no plans to reconsider its position on negative gearing, while Finance Minister Mathias Cormann essentially told his Liberal colleague Mr Stokes to stick to his knitting. It's the first sign of life from Kardashian West who decided to take a break from the spotlight after she was held at gunpoint and robbed of around $13 million worth of jewellery in her Paris apartment by five men dressed as police, while at fashion week on October 3. Kanye West on stage in Chicago October 7, 2016. Credit:Rob Grabowski While Kardashian West looks to be making a start to return to public life, her rapper husband West remains hospitalised. On the same day he cancelled his Saint Pablo concert tour, he reportedly admitted himself to UCLA Medical Centre where he underwent a psychiatric evaluation. According to E!, Kardashian West spent part of Thanksgiving on Thursday by her husband's side. "Kanye is trying to get better, but he has not been released yet because he and the doctors feel he needs more time to recover," a source told E!. "Kim is indeed with him and will be by his side for a while today. She plans on going to eat with her family later and the kids. North and Saint just think their dad is away now. Kanye wants to get better, so that's a big part in this healing process. Kim is overwhelmed but is doing the best she can." Before reports emerged of West's hospitalisation, his mother-in-law and KUWTK matriarch, Kris Jenner, told reporters on the red carpet at The Angel Ball on Monday night in New York that West was "exhausted". Earlier in the day, the rapper cancelled all 21 dates of his current tour Saint Pablo, a day after backing out of his Los Angeles show at the last minute. Known for his outrageous comments and erratic behaviour, the rapper caught attention at a gig in Sacramento on Saturday, where he performed just three songs, before venting in a 20 minute tirade, singling out Beyonce, long-time friend Jay Z, Mark Zuckerberg, Google and Hillary Clinton. "Beyonce, I was hurt because I heard that you said you wouldn't perform unless you won Video of the Year [at the MTV Music Awards] over me and over Hotline Bling. Now, don't go trying to diss Beyonce. She is great. Taylor Swift is great. We are all great people. We are all people. But sometimes we be playing the politics too much and forgetting who we are just to win. F--- winning. F--- looking cool. F--- being cool," he said. [Kanye West with wife Kim Kardashian West at Paris Fashion Week in September, just a few days before she was robbed at ...] Kanye West with wife Kim Kardashian West at Paris Fashion Week in September, just a few days before she was robbed at gunpoint. Photo: Getty Images "I been sent here to give y'all my truth, even at the risk of my own life, my own success, my own career," he added. Loading He then pleaded with his Watch the Throne partner Jay Z to reconnect with him: "You still ain't called me. Jay Z, I know you got killers. Please don't send them at my head. Please call me. Talk to me like a man." With one month to go until Christmas, this weekend has some great gift-buying opportunities, including for yourself. First up, three words every fashion girl loves to hear: Ellery warehouse sale. Starting Friday morning, you can snap up winter stock, including the popular eyelet styles from last season. Prices will start about $250, which is still a bargain. 1 Yarra Street, Richmond. Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-3pm. Melbourne's own Elk Accessories has something of a cult following and since they branched into clothing, there are even more reasons to check out its warehouse sale this weekend. Prices on all items will be up to 80 per cent off the original, meaning Christmas presents for girlfriends, mums and other special women in your life could be sorted early and at a great discount. There will also be a coffee cart on site for those needing some extra pep for their shopping trip. The forced move of a public service agency from Canberra to northern NSW will rip more than $157 million a year from the capital's economy as well as costing the ACT region 365 jobs. The shock figures are contained in the long-awaited cost-benefit analysis of the forced move of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority by accounting group Ernst and Young. The study shreds the economic rationale for the move, finding the benefits to the Australian economy are "modest" and the advantages for the agency itself are "limited". It was also revealed on Friday that taxpayers were to be hit with a $25.6 million bill just to move the authority from Canberra to the heart of Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce's northern NSW electorate. The disease first manifested in symptoms which altered her speech, writing and comprehension. "So I was doing a psychology degree, and often having to look up the word psychology," she says. "I was getting lost in the country in the car and not knowing where I was for two or three hours. Because of my acquired dyslexia symptom, I was driving down streets the wrong way into oncoming traffic." Ms Swaffer remembers being told to "go home, get your affairs in order, spend time with your family oh, and maybe think about spending some time at daycare because you'll need to get used to it'." "It was horrible, I cried for weeks," she says. It's the only disease I know of where you're told to go home and die, not fight for your life. Like others she has met during her eight years of advocacy, she contemplated suicide. "You're 49 or 50 years old and you've been told to give up everything," she says. "You're fearing the end stage, everything you read is about suffering. What the hell's the point of being alive?" But slowly, a bubbling anger took over. "The day I was diagnosed, I'd dropped the kids at school, I'd fitted in a couple of lectures at uni, I'd done two sales pitches to hospital staff. I then went to the doctor, got the diagnosis and over the next few weeks was told by everyone to give it all up," she says. "How could it even be logical that now you've got dementia, so you can't do anything? It's the only disease I know of where you're told to go home and die, not fight for your life." Instead of giving up her undergraduate degrees at the University of South Australia "I was told it would be too stressful" Ms Swaffer went to the disability support unit, which taught her to see the symptoms of her neurological disorder as manageable disabilities. "I had speech pathology early, I still have it regularly. I was taught some techniques for word finding, and speech formation, and I'm very disciplined. The disability support that I do, it's the Olympics of my life. "It's like a swan on the lake, serene and calm, but it's staying afloat by paddling fast. I'm padding faster and faster and faster." "At home, I have cheat sheets on how to make the coffee. If I'm hot or cold, I forget what to do to rectify that situation my husband will walk in and go 'you're freezing, go and put a jumper on' and I'll be like 'oh, yeah'. "A lot of the automatic stuff has gone, but does that mean I should go home and get ready to die?" Ms Swaffer says her defiance of the advice she has received which is still given to the many thousands of people diagnosed with dementia each year has given her life a strong purpose in the past eight years. She has travelled the world speaking out about dementia, at the World Health Organisation's first ministerial convention on dementia, at political rallies and on numerous boards and advisory groups. In 2014, she co-founded Dementia Alliance International which she describes as "a group of seven people from four different countries who were sick of other people speaking for us". It now has thousands of members, in 38 countries, and is committed to improving human rights and quality of life for the almost 50 million people worldwide who have been diagnosed with dementia. In 2014, Ms Swaffer graduated from a masters of dementia care at UOW and is now part way through her doctorate. Her research explores dementia through "autoethnography" which essentially means she's charting and studying her own experiences. "When you're looking at your own terminal illness and progression of symptoms and experiences of discrimination and stigma, you have to relive all that stuff to be able to write about it," she says. "It's a peculiarly painful experience." "But I'm particularly interested in whose story this is to tell. Because predominantly the narrative in the public domain about the experience of living with dementia has been written by people without dementia." Words have become her armour, her memory and a way to change the way the world sees people with dementia. "I'm the language police on dementia because in the media, all anyone ever does is talk about our suffering," she says. "So people stop looking at you, they stop talking to you, they stop coming to visit. It's fear, the narrative of 'suffering'. And it's a gross underestimation of our capacity." Busier than ever due to the awards and accolades that keep coming in, Ms Swaffer says it's the smaller things that keep her going. Police are asking for public help to find a man and baby missing from south-east Queensland since Sunday. The 39-year-old man and 11-month-old boy, who are known to each other, were last seen in Gympie by family and police are concerned because this behaviour is out of character. Police are searching for a missing 11-month-old boy, last seen in Gympie. Credit:Queensland Police Service (Supplied) Investigators believe the pair may be travelling to New South Wales and received information they were in Stanthorpe on Wednesday. The man is described as Caucasian, about 170 centimetres tall, with a slim build and short hair. Big birthday bash? Office Christmas party got way out of hand? Coming soon to Melbourne: hangover cures administered by a doctor at your bedside. But the service is drawing controversy before it even launches, with alcohol-harm-prevention bodies slamming it for encouraging binge drinking. And a leading doctor alleges the expensive treatments simply don't work. Hangover.clinic is launching in Melbourne in the new year Credit:vasakna One intravenous clinic was shut down by authorities earlier in the year over safety concerns, and its high-profile director ended up in court over allegations of stealing drugs and steroids. None of that is deterring Max Petro, co-founder of the hangover.clinic, who has been offering intravenously-injected hangover cures in Sydney since late 2015. Mr Petro announced this week that the business would launch in Melbourne early next year. Two teenagers who led police on a wild 150km/h chase in an alleged stolen luxury car on a busy highway north of Melbourne remain on the run more than 16 hours after the incident. Two girls, aged 14 and 17, were arrested on Saturday night about 4pm and have been charged with stealing a motor vehicle. The 14-year-old remains in police custody, while the 17-year-old has been released on bail. The driver, believed to be a 15-year-old boy, was seen driving up to 120km/h through Victorian towns, narrowly missing pedestrians and almost colliding with a semi-trailer. Police have released this footage of a hero tradie who went inside the Springvale bank searching for survivors. Mr Martin confirmed earlier on Friday he had been in the bank just prior to the incident, and just missed out being caught up in the fire. "I got to the van and sort of I heard all this screaming and turned around and there was all this black smoke," he said. Ashley Atkin-Fone picked up a fire extinguisher and helped douse the blaze. Credit:Chris Hopkins "There was a spot fire at the front. "It was something I will never forget." Another image from CCTV footage showing one of the men who went inside the Springvale bank. Mr Martin, who played six games for Collingwood and now plays for Noble Park, said he ran back to the bank and worked to put out a fire out the front of the branch with an extinguisher. "It was obvious there were still people inside, because you could hear people in there." Junior Dean said that the inside of the bank was 'just thick smoke'. Credit:Jesse Marlow Two other men Junior Dean and Mitch Jackson charged through the back doors of the bank that day, searching for survivors. Father of 12 and New Zealand native Junior Dean was stepping out of the Springvale post office when he saw severely burnt, screaming people running out from the bank. The flames inside the Commonwealth Bank in Springvale. Credit:Twitter/@sunprawn The 47-year-old immediately ran to help and was told people were trapped inside. Mr Dean knew of a laneway that would surely lead to the back door of the bank. Mitch Jackson, 28, was helping extinguish the flames at the front of the bank when he also heard customers were still trapped. Mitch Jackson charged through the back doors of the bank. He too ran to the back door, where he found Mr Dean. Together, they went inside. "We covered our faces and went in," Mr Jackson said. "The Kiwi guy [Junior Dean] went in super fast ... he saw somebody flashing their phone. We made a line and guided them out the door." Two more staff members made their way out. Then Mr Dean went back inside alone. "We couldn't see anything, it was just thick smoke," Mr Dean said. "We were just shouting and just calling out, 'Anybody there, anybody there'." Mr Dean brought out another five people, guiding them to safety with the sound of his voice. Among those last five to escape was the man police believe was responsible for the blaze. Mr Dean found him in the laneway trying to send a text message from his phone. He grabbed the man's phone and kept him in a corner until police arrived. Back on Springvale Road, tradie Ashley Atkin-Fone was helping victims at the front of the bank. He had been laying pipes in an alleyway opposite the Springvale Road bank when he heard a "big blast" and seconds later heard a child's screams. He rushed across the road, picked up a fire extinguisher and began dousing the flames at the front doors. "All I could see was this black smoke, it was just an absolute mess at the front of the shop," he said. "I got the fire out, took four steps inside and I was shouting and shouting but couldn't hear anyone." Twenty-seven people were injured in the Springvale blaze, including six who were seriously burnt. The man believed responsible for the fire remains in a critical condition in the intensive care unit of The Alfred hospital. Loading Another victim, also in intensive care, is in critical but stable condition. Two other victims are in a stable condition at the hospital. Five people are critically ill and more than 60 people remain in Victorian hospitals after Monday night's "thunderstorm asthma" crisis. Four people died during the unprecedented health emergency, which overwhelmed the ambulance service and sent thousands of people to hospitals with respiratory problems and asthma attacks. There are fears more deaths will be attributed to the disaster. On Friday afternoon, the department of health said "a number of people" remained in intensive care units because of the outbreak, with five listed as critical. More than 60 people are still in hospital because of sickness related to the event. The department said 8500 people went to Victorian hospitals on Monday and Tuesday after stormy weather conditions caused pollen to explode in the air, triggering breathing problems for many people across the state, including those without a history of asthma or other lung conditions. Victorian health authorities are under pressure to reveal why they did not issue public health warnings on Monday night about the unfolding asthma emergency that has now caused at least four deaths. As five people continued to fight for their lives in intensive care units on Friday night following the "thunderstorm asthma" disaster, Victoria's Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said the need for public information was discussed about 8.15pm two hours after people started calling triple-0 for help. Mr Lapsley, whose job is to oversee leadership in an emergency, said he had a discussion with State Health Commander Paul Holman about 8pm when they realised they had large numbers of people reporting breathing problems and asthma attacks due to the conditions. He said at that stage, Mr Holman, a senior manager at Ambulance Victoria, planned to get information out on the radio or on TV, but the pair felt it might be difficult because of "pre-programmed" material and TV news bulletins being finished. Police have accused a Perth prison guard of being a dexamphetamine dealer after allegedly busting him in possession of 175 of the tablets. The tablets, known colloquially as 'dexies', are intended to treat ADHD but have a stimulant effect when taken by someone without the disorder. WA Police Organised Crime Squad's Prison Team detectives stopped and searched a car in Success on November 11 and arrested the 57-year-old before searching his home in Bertram, a spokesman said. They will allege they seized the tablets and other items of interest in the two searches. Phnom Penh: The Cambodian government has criticised Australia for failing to take responsibility for an unfolding human tragedy in the south-east Asian country as dozens of surrogate mothers carrying babies for Australian biological parents have gone into hiding, fearing arrest. Chou Bun Eng, the secretary of state for the Interior Ministry, told Fairfax Media it is "regrettable" that Australia insists it cannot play a role in surrogacy agreements that Australians sign in one of Asia's poorest nations. A newborn baby at the Akanksha Clinic, in Anand, India which has now outlawed commercial surrogacy. Credit:AP She said if Australia does not take responsibility for surrogacy-born babies "we will take responsibility for those babieswe will not abandon them". "I asked [the Australian embassy] who is responsible? The answer was no-one. These [surrogate] women and the babies are the victims," she said. Last weekend, in the City of God community in Rio de Janeiro - the neighbourhood made famous by the movie of the same name - a police helicopter crashed, killing four officers. Shortly thereafter, another news story broke: Seven bodies had been found in the forest nearby. To an outsider, the two events would have seemed unconnected, but among Brazilians a certain word - a frightening word - began to be spoken: chacina. The word chacina derives from the killing of pigs in slaughterhouses, and it literally means slaughter or massacre. But ask any Brazilian, and they will tell you that there is another, more disturbing meaning of that word. "When you talk about chacina, you are really talking about various people killed at once by police violence," said Julita Lemgruber, a former director of the Rio de Janeiro state prison system. A impoverished Spanish village has denied reports that the founder of Corona beer left 2 million ($3.3 million) to every single resident of the town in his will. The reports claimed Antonino Fernandez, who died aged 98 in August, left 169 million to the 80 residents of the tiny village of Cerezales del Condado, the town of his childhood. Corona founder Antonino Fernandez. Credit:abc.es However, Lucia Alaejos, the communications director at the Fundancion Cerezales Antonino y Cinia, the town's cultural centre, told BuzzFeed News on Friday that the reports were incorrect and that the residents were not in fact all becoming millionaires. "However, Antonino did a lot for the village where he was born and for the Foundation. But he did it during his life," she said. Paris: A masked gunman has burst into a retirement home for monks in southern France and stabbed an elderly woman to death. The national military police couldn't immediately say whether the incident in the village of Montferrier-sur-Lez, near the southern town of Montpellier, was linked to a terror act. Credit:Google Maps A press official said early on Friday that more than 100 members of the security forces have been dispatched on the scene . The body of the deceased woman was found gagged and tied up outside the retirement home, which houses about 60 monks, the official said. She had been stabbed several times. 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,... From the White House to the courthouse, every elected official in AmericaDemocrat, Republican, or independenthas something in common: He or she got more votes than the people they ran against. That adherence to majority rule changes on Jan.20, as it has four other times in our history. While ballots are still being counted, the final tally is likely to find President-elect Donald Trump trailing Hillary Clinton by around 2 million votes; he will be the second of our last three presidents to be elected with less than a majority, indeed less than a plurality, of the popular vote. That does not make his presidency less legitimate but in a nation that thinks of itself as a beacon for democratic governance, it is nonetheless a jarring statistic. Trump himself has acknowledged that something is askew, telling interviewers he believes future presidents should be chosen by a popular majority. Trump ran and won under the Electoral College, the product of a deal struck and written into the Constitution more than two centuries ago and effectively refined since then by state laws. Its time to refine it once again, this time in a way that breaks the dominance of a few swing states in our elections and gives every voter in every state an equal voice. We can do that through the National Popular Vote Compact, an agreement that Common Cause and other democracy reform organizations have helped push through legislatures in 10 states and the District of Columbia but that still has considerable ground to cover before it can be implemented. A bit of history is in order here. Wary of popular democracy, a radical idea in the 18th century, the nations founders fiercely debated the process for selecting the president, ultimately entrusting the job to electors selected by the states. Each state was awarded one electoral vote for each of its two U.S. Senate seats and an additional vote for each of its congressional districts. States could then decide how to award those electors. As part of the compromise, southern states included slaves in their population, giving them more congressional districts even as they denied slaves the right to vote. Northern and southern states alike also barred women and, in most cases, non-landowners from the ballot box. Today of course, almost every adult citizen over age 18 has the right to vote, protected by law. But the Electoral College endures although the way electors are chosen has changed many times over our history, so that all 48 states now award their electors on a winner-take-all basis while Maine and Nebraska award theirs based on the returns in each congressional district plus two for winning the state overall. Those winner-take-all rules are state laws, not in the Constitution, and they effectively direct candidates away from safe states that are either deep red or true blue; Hillary Clinton paid little attention to California and Donald Trump mostly ignored Texas because those states and their hefty electoral votes were safe for their respective parties. Trump and Clinton spent 94 percent of their campaign money and post-convention visits in this election in only 12 states; 25 states essentially had no role in picking the president. The National Popular Vote Compact would bring every state and every voter into play. National candidates would be incentivized to campaign all over the nation, not just in todays battleground states. The compact would take effect once states with 270 electors (an Electoral College majority) pass identical legislation adopting it. Once its in effect, presidential electors in participating states would be required to vote for the candidate who wins the national popular vote, regardless of who carried their states popular vote. This is a constitutional and practical way to implement nationwide popular election of the president. Washington, D.C., and the 10 states already on board have 165 electors, so states with an additional 105 electoral votes must approve the compact before it goes into effect. Polls suggest 70 percent or more of Americans believe the president should be the candidate who wins the most popular votes. Part of the genius of our Constitution is its built-in flexibility. The National Popular Vote Compact is in keeping with the spirit of our nations charter; it will refine the Electoral College for the 21st century, carrying us further toward the more perfect union the Constitution was drafted to provide. When Black Friday sales opened early Thursday night, some eager shoppers finished giving thanks and rushed to the stores. But for a few families, the overnight rush brought tragedy. Three men were shot outside busy Black Friday sales near Reno, Nevada and Atlantic City, New Jersey. The shootings claimed two lives and saw a third man wounded. A fight over a parking spot led to one death outside a Reno, Nevada Walmart on Thursday evening. Walmart has a reputation for chaotic Black Friday sales, which have seen employees trampled and shoppers injured as brawls and stampedes erupt. This year, Walmart opened the doors to its Black Friday sale at 6 p.m. on Thursday. But in an incident police characterize as a road rage attack, one early shopper never made it to the door. At 6:05 p.m., just after Walmart doors opened, two drivers attempted to pull into the same parking space. In the ensuing argument, one driver allegedly pulled a gun on the other, shooting him outside the store. The victim, an unnamed 33-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooter allegedly fled the scene, leaving his victim behind in the Walmart parking lot. Police say they have the shooter in custody, although they have not released either persons name, as the incident is still under investigation. Several hours later in New Jersey, two brothers, ages 20 and 26, were outside a Black Friday sale at the Macys in New Jerseys Hamilton Mall around 1 a.m. on Friday when someone opened fire on them, killing one and wounding the other. The unnamed 20-year-old was shot to death in the Macys parking lot, while his brother is in stable condition at a nearby hospital after being shot in the leg, the Press of Atlantic City reported. Police have yet to release the victims names, or any information on the shooters motives. The shootings follow years of similar incidents, after crowded stores erupted into violence. On Wednesday, an El Paso, Texas man received probation for his participation in a 2015 Black Friday brawl in a Walmart. In a cell phone video, the man was seen swinging at a police officer, who had come to break up a fight in the packed store. The fight allegedly began after the man stepped on a woman and tried to wrench a television set from her hands. In another horrific Black Friday incident at Walmart, a worker was trampled to death in 2008, after shoppers stampeded through his Long Island store. The 34-year-old maintenance was killed, and another four people seriously injured after a rush of customers burst down the doors in pursuit of Black Friday deals. Its been rough sailing for the U.S. Navys new Littoral Combat Ship. The speedy, warship has come under fire for being lightly-armed, weakly-built, undermanned, and prone to rustingand yet, at the same time, way too expensive. And in recent months, four of the 400-foot-long warshipshalf of the Littoral Combat Ships currently in commissionhave suffered serious engine breakdowns, possible signs of systemic problems with the ships design and operating procedures. As if that werent enough for the beleaguered vessel, David Giles, a prominent ship-designer, is accusing the Navy of stealing his concepts for a high-speed cargo ship and illegally applying them to the $500-million-a-copy Littoral Combat Ship. The Giles isnt alone. He has some heavyweight back-up in the form of Richard Garwin, one of Americas most eminent scientists. If judge Charles Lettow from the federal claims court decides in favor of plaintiff David Giles, the U.S. government could have to shell outwell, potentially a lot of money. And it would be yet another black stain on the reputation of a warship that was supposed to transport the Navy confidently into the 21st century, eventually comprising nearly a fifth of the fleet. Lettow is expected to announce his ruling some time in early 2017. The 80-year-old, British-born Giles filed suit, via the company he founded, Fastship, in 2012. But the legal challenge has gone largely unnoticed in the mainstream press. He alleged in his complaint that the Navy violated two Fastship patents granted in 1992 and 1993 and which, taken together, describe a novel design for a faster, more efficient ship, one that essentially glides across the watersemi-planing is the technical termrather than plowing through it. The trick, according to one of Fastships patents, is to build a hull with a flattened rear underside and, while the ship is underway, shoot high-pressure water across the flat section. The combination of flat hull and water-jets creates a dual component of lift, the patent explains. And as the hull partially lifts out of the water, it moves faster than can a ship with a traditional V-shape hull that digs more deeply into the sea. Most ships with V-style hulls can usually reach a top speed of just over 30 knotsroughly 35 miles per hour. But Giles told The Daily Beast that his company tested its Prelude semi-planing ship design at speeds up to 50 knots, way back in 1987. Giless original aim was to build faster, more efficient cargo ships capable of hauling more than a thousand shipping containers apiece at a sustained speed of 38 knots. Normal cargo ships rarely exceed 23 knots, albeit with a larger load of containers. But Fastships cargo concept eventually foundered, dragged down first by its high cost$2 billion for the first four shipsand, finally, the volatility resulting from the 2008 global economic crisis. A partnership with Lockheed Martin seemed to offer Giless company a reprieve. In the early 2000s the Maryland-based defense firm was one of several companies competing to build potentially dozens of Littoral Combat Ships for the Navy. Lockheed apparently wanted to make use of Fastships speedy-vessel concept. In 2002, the two companies formed what Giles described as a strategic partnership. Fastship handed over its design specs and test data, Giles told The Daily Beast, adding that Fastship had previously supplied the Navy with similar information in confidence between 1998 and 2000. Littoral Combat Ship is actually the Navys catch-all term for two related classes of high-speed vessels. Only one of types apparently follows Giless design concepts. The other type is not subject to Fastships lawsuit. In terms of size, water-displacement and speed, Fastships concept had a sweet spot. The Prelude design was 295 feet long, displaced 2,450 tons of water andwith all of Giless hull enhancementsmaxed out between 40 and 50 knots of speed. In the early days of the Littoral Combat Ship program, that was too big and too slow. The Navy wanted a ship roughly half the size of Prelude and 10 knots faster. Then in January 2003, the Navys preferences abruptly changed. The sailing branch brass decided it wanted a bigger, more robust shipand didnt mind if it was slower. Suddenly the requirement was for a ship roughly the same size, with around the same top speed, as Prelude. It was like turning a Concorde into a 747, Giles told The Daily Beast. Actually, in keeping with this metaphorit was like the Navy turned a Concorde into a 747 and Fastship had patented the 747. Fastship describes its invention as a combination of a semi-planing mono-hull vessel, longer than 200 feet with a displacement in excess of 2,000 tons, which relies on hull design and water-jet propulsion to create a large ship capable of speeds exceeding 40 knots, Judge Lettow explained in a 2013 court document. In other words, if the Navys new Littoral Combat Ship matched the size and speed of the Prelude and made use of a flattened rear bottom hull and waterjets, it would overlap with Fastships patents. Thats the crux of Giless suit. Thats exactly what happened, according to Gilesand yet Fastship never got paid. The U.S. Justice Department, which is defending the Navy, declined to comment for this story. Lockheed is not named inFastships lawsuit, and did not respond to requests for comment, either. Lockheed dropped Giless company from its Littoral Combat Ship design team in 2004, after it had proposed to the Navyand the Navy had agreed to buya vessel design that Giles said matched Preludes patented parameters but was too long and skinny for maximum efficiency. Since cutting the first contracts for Littoral Combat Ships in 2004, the Navy has spent billions of dollars on the Lockheed version of the class. USS Detroit, the fourth and latest Lockheed ship, commissioned on Oct. 22. According to court documents, Fastship wrote to the Navy on April 11, 2008, informing the military sailing branch that the Littoral Combat Ships then under construction violated Fastships patents. The Navy wrote back on April 28, rejecting Fastships patent claim. Fastships patents expired in May 2010, two years before the company sued. Giless firm claimed that the Navy built two LCSs prior to the patents expiration, but in June this year Lettow ruled that Lockheed completed just one of the speedy warshipsUSS Freedomwhile the patents were active. The lawsuit has dragged on for four years and could last months longer. In October, the Justice Departments lawyer rolled out as an expert witness Donald Blount, an authority on high-speed vessels who claimed that any knowledgeable ship-designer could come up with Giless semi-planing systemand therefore Fastships patents were invalid. The government also called Frederick Stern, an expert in fluid dynamics at the University of Iowa. Stern argued that the Littoral Combat Ship, as built, doesnt plane as much as Fastships patented design did, and so never violated any patent. To counter the governments experts, Fastships lawyer deployed a secret weaponGarwin, an 88-year-old physicist who, among other historic accomplishments, helped to design nuclear bombs and Americas first spy satellite. Garwin told The Daily Beast via email that hes known Giles since 1981 has found him totally honest, perceptive and very intelligent. Garwin argued that Giless innovations were not obvious to any reasonably-qualified ship-designer, as Blunt claimedand that Sterns computations were rife with errors. In an email to The Daily Beast, Stern disputed that assessment, saying, "Yes we have very extensive/complete computational results supported by verification and validation studies: will have no problem publishing in peer reviewed archival journal once our results public released." Of course, the implications go beyond the details of the trial, Garwin stated in a separate email, adding a quotation from Abraham Lincoln. It is as much the duty of government to render prompt justice against itself in favor of citizens as it is to administer the same between private individuals. In this case, justice could mean yet another blemish on the fast-sinking reputation of one of the Navys newest warships. For his part, Giles told The Daily Beast he wants at worst, fair and reasonable compensation. At best, he said, the lawsuit should provide a better interpretation of our patents for U.S. and other navies ships. So that maybe, in the future, someone can build a fast ship that actually works. With shockwaves still rippling across the country in the days after Donald Trumps election victory, hip-hop maestro, Snapchat celebrity, and recording mogul DJ Khaled had a few major keys to offer his fellow Americans on the subject of dealing with life under President Trump. Youve got to get up, he told The Daily Beast, relaxing inside his trailer ahead of a headlining event for Ford, whose new green EcoSport SUV would later share the stage with Khaled and his old Terror Squad pals Remy Ma and Fat Joe. Keep it going. Stay blessed up. God is great. The show, one of a flurry of promotional appearances on the 40-year-old Khaleds schedule, seemed random at first, sandwiched between food stalls pimping free acai bowls, miniature eco-homes designed by the same street artist who amassed an entire collection of fine art portraits of Kanye West, and a bio-dome filled with tiny baby animals. For hip-hops self-made snapping Tony Robbins, it all made senseeven if, when asked if he drives green cars, Khaled kept it light and aspirational. I like that candy blue! And its got a vibe. You know what I mean? The vibe of the night fit perfectly into DJ Khaleds brand, anyway: Enjoy life, he smiled. All that DJ Khaled, self-proclaimed bearer of all the major keys to success, seems to do is win, at least in the last year in which the larger-than-life Miami personality has skyrocketed to global fame with some of raps biggest stars on his tracks. Outside of actual radio bangers, he did it by sharing his major keys and special cloth alerts with his millions of Snapchat followers, earning a glowing profile in the New York Times and viral cache from the concerned masses when he got lost in the dark on his jet skiand snapped the whole thing. The New Orleans-born son of Palestinian immigrants first worked his way up in underground hip-hop and radio in the late 90s and 00s, befriending luminaries like Birdman and Lil Wayne along the way. He ascended to President of Def Jam South before establishing We The Best, his own recording shingle named for one of the signature mantras hes known to repeat, constantly, like a self-affirming declaration. The ascent has also made DJ Khaled one of hip-hops most prominent American Muslims. And yet, despite President-elect Trumps incendiary anti-immigrant rhetoric and the specifically anti-Islam policy proposals hes laid out to target Muslims and Muslim-Americans, Khaled says hes not worried. Me, I dont really worry about nothingbecause God is great, he said. That applies to Trump, to the environment hes trying to help by promoting eco-friendly cars, and anything else life might throw at him. I believe in God, I have hope. I have faith. I pray every day. The key is not to fall through the trap. The key is always to stay focused. Those are my rules that I live by. I stay focused, I stay prayed up, and I go hard. Khaled speaks in interviews like he does shouting himself out on his tracks: Repeating his tried and true catchphrases, careful to stay positive, focusing on broad aspirational obfuscations. In The Keys, the new inspirational book he released this week, he asks readers to do more work to make the most of his nuggets of wisdom: I need you to overstand this, he writes of his pure unfiltered messaging, because I need you to more than understand. He isnt oblivious to the fact that many Americans are still reeling from the election and worried about what it means for their futures. My advice to everybody no matter whats going on is to just have love in your heart, he offered. Move with love. Love is the key. The most powerful thing is love, and us, coming together. At the end of the day, the number one thing to me is that God is the greatestand let me tell you, he is amazing. You pray to God and God got us. He got me, you. He got us. As we spoke in his trailer, members of his entourage waiting silently nearby, Khaleds phone rang. He picked up the call from his fiancee Nicole Tuck, who gave birth to their first son two weeks before the election. Nobodys seen my son yet, he smiled, proudly showing off newborn Asahd Khaled as he slept. I love you, son! Fatherhood, he said, changed my life. I have to worry about and take care of my family, my son. Were so blessed, man! We have life. Its part of what keeps him so hopeful. You have to because, first of all, its real. Second of all, what are you supposed to dothink negatively? Everybody goes through real times and frustration, he admitted. You have to weather the storm. And those that weather the storm, I look at you different. I respect you even more. You figured it out, you found a solution, and you made it through the storm. Some people, when they fall, they feel like youre supposed to just stay on the ground. No! You get up. Just keep it going. Back in July, Khaled shared his major keys for success on Larry Willmores Nightly Show, directing his no-fail advice to Hillary Clinton ahead of the Presidential debates. You know Trumps gonna fight dirty. But if you come swinging with that upper cut and that knockout, you gonna be aight, said Khaled, who took the opportunity to officially endorse Clinton on-air. Alas, the Democrats did not get to reuse the Khaled classic All I Do Is Winthe boastful anthem President Obama once played as his entrance music. Now that was a big moment for Khaled. For President Obama to walk out to my record, I could imagine how many checks it went through to make it through a presidents test, he remembered. I said, I made it! the day I found out. Khaleds next big milestone, he teases, will be breaking into Hollywood. One of my goals for 2017 is to do a lot of movies and break into the film worldas an actor, as myself, taking Khaled to another level, and hopefully being on the big screen in all of your favorite movies, said Khaled, speaking in the third person. He just finished filming an appearance in Jamie Foxxs directorial debut. I would love to work withwhats my mans name, he lives in Miami? Michael Bay. And I would love to work with Ice Cube. I really want to work with him. Really want to work with him. I feel like Im just born with it! In front of the camera, Im ready. Off the camera, Im ready. I think certain people are just born with an energy, a vibe. And if you think of all your favorite movie stars and actors, theyre special. I feel like Im special. He grinned. Special cloth alert. This is the first in a series of articles about the authors experiences in Turkish prisons and the people she met there, from a NASA scientist to a member of the so-called Islamic State. One evening in early October, I heard the hatch in my cell door clang open. Snell! a guard yelled, Avukat! Avukat? I asked, confused. It was after 6:00 p.m. They never let lawyers come to the prison this late. The guard sighed and motioned for me to come to the door. I shuffled down the hall in my prison slippers and spotted one of my lawyers sitting in a visitation room. A few years ago, the British-born Jonathan Perera was teaching elementary school in South Korea when, on a lark, he started writing the screenplay that would become this months political thriller Miss Sloane, starring two-time Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain. Perera says he might have abandoned a first draft of the script, which focuses on a battle-hardened female lobbyist who gives herself the Herculean challenge of taking on the gun lobby, had he not stumbled across an article in Variety that outlined Harvey Weinsteins plans to make a film starring Meryl Streep that he said would make the NRA wish they werent alive after Im done with them. I didnt actually have any confidence that anyone in Hollywood would have any interest in it, Perera tells The Daily Beast of his script. But after reading the article, he thought, If the Weinstein Company thinks that the American people are going to be interested in this movie, then perhaps I should try to get mine out. It was ultimately that that gave me the impetus to start soliciting and cold-querying representatives in L.A., he adds. And it all kind of came together from there. Nearly three years later, Miss Sloane is opening in theaters and the Weinstein Companys gun control movie has yet to materialize. Around the same time he teased his anti-NRA filmworking title, The Senators WifeWeinstein announced his intentions to scale back the gun violence in the films his company puts out. I have to just choose movies that arent violent or as violent as they used to be, he told Piers Morgan on CNN in January 2014. And I know for me, personally, I cant continue to do that. The change starts here. It has already. In December 2015, Weinstein produced Quentin Tarantinos The Hateful Eight, which contained a large amount of gun violence, though whether it could be a considered gratuitous is up for interpretation. Its brave of Harvey Weinstein to say that, but his key player is a guy who is exactly the poster boy for that type of thing, says Miss Sloane director John Madden, who worked with Weinstein on his 1999 Best Picture winner Shakespeare in Love, referring to Tarantino. Its a paradox, isnt it? he asks, calling the gun the defining emblem of American cinema. (Weinstein did not return The Daily Beasts request for comment.) Im not attracted to gratuitous violence in movies, Madden adds, noting that in the process of making and promoting Miss Sloane he met with several victims of gun violence. The hideous reality of that puts a totally different complexion on something that, for most people, is a theoretical thing, he says. Perera started doing research for the film just after Congress failed to pass the Manchin-Toomey bill, which did not go nearly as far as the fictional Heaton-Harris bill at the center of Miss Sloane. Despite opinion polls in favor of imposing stricter background checks on gun purchases, he was disappointed when the bill died on the Senate floor and that was the end of it. For Perera, this inherent disconnect between the will of the people and the actions of their representatives could only be explained by the influence of lobbyists. A corporate lawyer before he became a teacher and now a screenwriter, Perera views lobbyists, essentially, as lawyers for a larger cause. However moral you think it is for an attorney to defend a criminal, murderer, terrorist, or rapist, these are jobs which are not precluded by law and its merely a form of professional advocacy, he says. While Chastains character begins the film as a ruthless, win-at-all-costs lobbyist, over the course of the film she starts to question her own motives. She may be fighting the same fight that she was at the beginning, but for a very different reason. It was never our intention that the film be a polemic on this issue, Madden says of the movies gun control theme. Its the context of the story, but its not the subject of the story. We had no intention of coming in and pointing a long finger at the situation and saying, Why cant you guys get this right? The film is about a broken political process, he says, one that potentially became even more broken after the film was completed. Madden and his crew finished shooting Miss Sloane this past April and decided to expedite the post-production process in order to release it by end of this year. Both Madden and Perera thought that guns would be a major issue in the presidential election, but that did not end up being the case. We didnt want to get behind the politics on that, Madden says. As it happened, of course, any serious policy debate seemed to get lost in the process of this presidential election. It became an incredibly dirty, ad hominem campaign with all kinds of insults being slung in every direction, which of course brought the real subject of the film to the fore, which is the political process in all its grim reality. Now that Republicans control both houses of Congress and there is a Republican president-elect, Madden believes the NRA is probably feeling fairly secure in its position. Though, paradoxically, no doubt gun sales will go down now, he says. In fact, within days of Donald Trumps election, gun stocks dropped sharply. As we refer to in the film, the fallacy that any form of gun regulation is a slippery slope to confiscation is an idea that seems to have extraordinary persuasive power. Its a fallacy that Trump embraced to the fullest during his third and final debate with Hillary Clinton. I believe if my opponent should win this race, which I truly dont think will happen, he said, we will have a Second Amendment which will be a very, very small replica of what it is right now. While Clinton did favor stricter gun laws, she never expressed any desire to take your guns away as Trump, who received $14 million in donations from the NRA, frequently warned his supporters she would. Unfortunately, the calendar is littered with events that suddenly bring this to the fore again, Madden says, referring to mass shootings in America. But, he adds, If there hasnt been any ability to shift the needle in any way in the last eight years, I cant see it changing in the near future. Perera agrees that he never intended Miss Sloane to act as a polemic for gun legislation. Youll hear a lot of arguments for and against reasonable gun regulations in the movie, he says. Perhaps as a result of those arguments some peoples minds will be changed. But, it was certainly not at the forefront of our minds when we were making this movie. Given the current political climate in the United States, I think its unrealistic to expect the needle will be moved with regards to furthering the scope of background checks, he adds. But that doesnt mean advocacy groups will stop trying to get their messages out through the power of pop culture persuasion. In addition to Miss Sloane and The Senators Wife, advocacy groups like Everytown for Gun Safety and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence have been working to make what increasingly feel like longshot legislative goals closer to reality by getting them in front of TV and movie audiences. Everytown collaborated with House of Cards to get a storyline about Claire Underwoods gun control efforts into the shows fourth season while the Brady Campaign consulted on an episode of The Good Wife that tackled similar issues. Gun safety has never had more allies in the creative community than it does right now, Jason Rzepka, the director of Cultural Engagement at Everytown for Gun Safety told The Daily Beast by email. Even though the grade got steeper on November 8th, we see deep resolve for the fight to save American lives from gun violence. The need to grow this movement, support common sense reforms and oppose the weakening of Americas already lax gun laws has never been greaterand we feel lucky to have the support of many of the countrys most talented and creative people. Asked by The Daily Beast this past February if the Brady Campaign would play a role behind-the-scenes of The Senators Wife, the organizations president Dan Gross would neither confirm nor deny. It seems to me Harvey Weinstein saw a desire to do something along those lines because of his commitment to the issue, he said. Thats whats really exciting about the momentits so much bigger than Brady. The voices are everywhere. Kim Kardashian is tweeting about it. We didnt ask her to tweet about it, its because she cares. Theres Steph Curry in the NBA, Amy Schumer, and Judd Apatow. This movement is at a tipping point. With Trump in the White House, the fear is that we are starting to tip in the opposite direction. So, do the Miss Sloane filmmakers believe Hollywood has a part to play in driving the countrys views on guns in opposition to a Republican-controlled government? When anyone wants to make a movie about really serious and relevant issues, I think they have a duty to explore those issues in an intelligent and thought-provoking way, which I believe that weve done, Perera says. I dont necessarily think its Hollywoods place to dictate to the country what they should and should not think, but I think an exploration and even-handed expose of these issues and a wider interrogation of the system is certainly welcome, especially in the current political climate. Fundamentally, the film is a piece of storytelling, but I am drawn to stories that actually provoke thought and discussion, Madden adds. Id like to think that this film can do that. Those cautious goals are strikingly different from the ones Harvey Weinstein laid out when he first announced his own gun control movie. But perhaps they are more realistic when it comes to Hollywoods influence over the American people. If anything, this election demonstrated how unwilling many Americans are to take their cues from those easily-demonized coastal elites in Hollywood. If Katy Perry and Beyonce cant convince voters in middle America to vote for Hillary Clinton, then whos to think films starring Jessica Chastain and Meryl Streep will get them to change their minds about guns? Every time celebrities and filmmakers try to push an anti-gun violence message, right-wing websites like Breitbart are quick to blare headlines that attack Hollywoods Gun Hypocrisy. But what these films can do, especially if they are seen by large enough audiences, is make the prospect of gun safety legislationbarely mentioned during the presidential campaign and unlikely to get much airtime under President Trumpfeel a little less like fiction. Mitt Romney may be on deck to be the new face of America to the world, and some Trump loyalists dont like it. While the rest of the country warded off tryptophan-induced paralysis over Thanksgiving weekend, Trump insiders sniped at Romney and promoted rivals. Romney refused to support Trump during the campaign and wouldnt say who he voted forthe kind of disloyalty that Trump claims to despise. Despite that, the two men met earlier this week and Trump said Romney looks like he came out of central casting for the role, according to the New York Times. Meanwhile, former Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway tweeted on Thanksgiving Day that she was Receiving deluge of social media & private comms re: Romney. A cadre of longtime Trump boosters joined the pile-on, including Sean Hannity, Newt Gingrich, and Fox Business host Lou Dobbs. Trump insiders anonymously told The Daily Mail that they may demand an apology from Romney. Even conspiracy theorist radio host Alex Jones got in on it, sending Trump an impassioned message on his Thanksgiving Day broadcast: This is letting the vampire in, Jones said. If Mitt Romney does not apologize publicly repeatedly and does not eat crow, then you can know that individual is only sharpening a twelve-inch dagger to shove it in your back as soon as you turn your back, he added. But on the transition teams daily conference call with reporters, Trump spokesman Jason Miller wrote off the conflict as over-speculation and hype. A lot of the palace intrigue gets a little bit overblown at this stage of the process, Miller said. I think its important to note that the president-elect is meeting with a number of well-qualified potential selections for this position that share his America first foreign policy, some of whom have been public and others have not. Miller told The Daily Beast after the call that Trump will have more meetings with yet-unnamed Secretary of State contenders. So this process could take some time. In the meantime, people in Trumps inner circle are unlikely to tone down the #NeverRomney rhetoric. Rudy Giuliani, an early Trump supporter, made the case for himself to the Wall Street Journal yesterday. The paper noted that the former New York City mayor is in an unusually public fight for the gig. And he isnt shy about it. I probably have traveled in the last 13 years as much as Hillary did in the years she was secretary of state, he told the paper. My knowledge of foreign policy is as good, or better, than anybody theyre talking to. Ive been to England eight times, Japan six times, France five times. China three timesonce with Bill Clinton, by the way, he added. You cant say I dont know the world. And on the way, he picked up some baggagenamely, his association with Mujahedin-e al Khalq, a group the State Department designated as a terrorist organization from 1997 to 2012, as the Journal noted. Giuliani says MEK isnt a terrorist group. Saddam Hussein once sheltered the group and gave it weapons. The Heritage Foundation criticized MEK for those ties in a 2011 paper. But the Saddam link may not bother Trump; he famously praised the dictator on the campaign trail, saying he killed terrorists. For his part, Romney has stayed far away from the media fraybasically taking an approach that is the opposite of Giulianis. He isnt doing cable news interviews, he isnt tweeting, and his staffers arent returning reporters requests for comment on the foofaraw. Ryan Williams, a former campaign spokesman for Romney, said this is classic Mitt. Mitt is a man of great integrity and class, Williams told The Daily Beast. Im not surprised to see that he is staying out of the fray and showing respect to President-elect Trump by letting him reach his own decision. The Trump team says they wont announce any cabinet-level or administrative positions over the weekend, so for now, well have to wait and see. Heres the way it can go down in New Orleans, especially if youre black, dont have much money, and find yourself crossways with the law. And this is before Donald Trump becomes president. James Smith (not his real name, because his case is pending) was attending a community meeting a few months ago at a well-known club in a predominantly black neighborhood of New Orleans. Afterward, an acquaintance asked for a ride home. Smith agreed, and the two men climbed into his truck. A few blocks later, the police pulled them over. The acquaintance leaped from the truck and fled. The police searched Smiths truck, found a bag of China White and arrested, and charged him with possession of heroin. Smith insists the drugs werent his. Yes, he used and dealt drugs in the past, accumulating a number of felonies along the way and serving years in jail. But two years ago, he gave his life to God, he says, and quit all such activities. Nevertheless, his criminal record means that he faces a prison sentence, if convicted, of 20 years to life. Smith knows a lawyer who might get the charges dismissedthe police, he claims, stopped him without cause and beat him in front of witnessesbut the lawyer costs $3,000 up front, an impossible amount. In theory, Smith is eligible for a government lawyer, free of charge. But that is a dead end these days in New Orleans. Derwyn Bunton, the chief district defender for Orleans Parish, stunned observers earlier this year by announcing that his office would stop accepting the most serious types of felony cases. Bunton took this step not because he wanted to but because chronic underfunding by the Louisiana legislature had left his staff unable to handle the case load. Whether James Smith is innocent or guilty, it is cases like his that have made New Orleans The Incarceration Capital of the World. The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees effective legal representation to anyone accused of a crime; if the accused is too poor to hire a lawyer, as is true of 85 percent of Louisianas defendants, the state must provide one. That constitutional guarantee is violated every day inside this building, Bunton told a protest rally outside the Courts of Criminal Justice on Oct. 22. Engraved on the courthouse facade above Bunton were the words, The Impartial Administration Of Justice Is The Foundation Of Liberty. Gathered before him were about 200 people who had marched across town in a second line parade, a beloved New Orleans musical ritual that has helped generations of African Americans preserve their cultural identity and sense of community in the face of racial injustices dating back to the days of slavery. Equal Justice For All read one of the protest signs that bobbed above the crowd beneath bright blue skies. Fund Public Defenders Now urged another. We need the state to fund us adequately so we can do our job, Bunton declared, which is to defend the Constitution, represent our clients, and hold the powerful accountable for what this system produces. The problem, Bunton told The Daily Beast, is that no politician ever made his career on providing money for poor people. So Bunton, a 44-year-old African American and New York University Law School graduate, joined with some of the citys second line clubs to mobilize public pressure. In my experience, the legislature doesnt do anything that its not made to do, he added. Organizing this kind of public outcry, and keeping the pressure on, is when you get results. Although second lines have traditionally been predominantly black affairs, the crowd at this parade was overwhelmingly white. And that was just fine, said a number of black marchers. Its a beautiful thing to see all these white people out here parading for equal justice, said a man in a white, thigh-length T-shirt who declined to give his name. Its important they be here. The system dont listen until white people speak out. No country in the world imprisons a higher percentage of its people than the United States doesnot China, not Russia, not even such pariah states as North Korea or Zimbabwe. And no state in the U.S. imprisons more of its people than Louisiana; according to the U.S. Department of Justice, Louisiana incarcerates 816 out of every 100,000 people, nearly twice the prevailing rate in Russia. New Orleans puts more people in jail than any other locality in Louisiana, the vast majority of whom are African American. Derwyn Bunton brought national attention to the scandal that is Louisianas criminal justice system by publishing an opinion article in The New York Times earlier this year. He described how years of severe budget cuts by the state legislature in Baton Rouge had shrunk his staff to the point where lawyers were handling twice as many cases as recommended by the American Bar Association. Under such circumstances, Bunton argued, effective legal representation is impossible. Not content merely to decry the consequences of inadequate funding, Bunton laid down a provocative gauntlet: Rather than be party to a charade of promising justice that could not be delivered, his office would henceforth refuse to accept any new felony cases involving the most serious kinds of allegationscrimes, such as murder, that carry sentences of life without parole. We simply dont have enough lawyers to handle the caseload, he explained. Bunton cited one of the biggest mass shootings in modern New Orleans history, when 17 people were wounded in Bunny Friend Park in November 2015. Police, citing eyewitnesses, arrested a 32-year-old man. He proclaimed his innocence but was held on $1.7 million bail. Only because the mans family was able to hire a private attorney, who traveled to Houston to obtain video evidence proving his client was in Houston the night of the shooting, did an innocent man avoid a potential life sentence. Buntons under-funded office never could have mounted such a defense, he concluded. People sometimes ask me why I do this work, Bunton told the rally crowd. Its because I look at my clients and I see myself. I look at them and I know theyre wondering if theyre going to get fair treatment, because Ive been in that situation myself, he later elaborated to The Daily Beast. As an African-American man growing up, I was hassled by police. I was pepper sprayed twice. Ive seen how race and class loom large in the U.S. criminal justice system. Bunton emphasized that he abhorred refusing new felony cases, but felt that only such a drastic measure could generate the necessary pressure for reform. The American Civil Liberties Union duly sued his office for shirking its Sixth Amendment responsibilities; that suit is ongoing. Meanwhile, national and local media have published thorough investigations that bear out Buntons arguments while demonstrating that New Orleans is hardly alone in short-changing public defenders and exposing poor people of all races to legal jeopardy. In Louisianas 16th judicial district last June, 30 separate defendants were herded into court to plead guilty en masseafter spending less than 30 seconds consulting with their state appointed legal counsel. The next funding skirmish for the New Orleans public defenders office comes in December, when the New Orleans city government will decide its contribution to the offices annual budget. Mitch Landrieu, a Democrat who is being termed out as mayor in 2018, has been more generous than his predecessors and most other mayors in Louisiana, Bunton conceded. We are inching towards fairness, but there are still real disparities, the chief district defender added. The budget of the district attorneys office [which prosecutes the suspects Buntons office defends] is six times bigger than ours. The Police Department budget is 163 times bigger than ours. The main battle unfolds next April, when the state legislature will pass its annual budget. Governor John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, signed a bill last June that provided no additional funding but did reshuffle how funds can be spent. Under HB1137, 65 percent of the funds allocated for indigent defense must go to local public defenders. Supporters of the bill, including the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, argue that this proportion will ensure that there would be no restriction of services in the state. Opponents counter that HB1137 is really a Trojan Horse aimed at deterring public defenders from taking on death penalty cases, which are notoriously complex, long, and expensive to litigate. The real issue, Bunton insists, is the overall level of funding for indigent defense, which is simply not high enough. How likely, though, is a Republican-dominated legislature to increase funding for public defendersdefenders who represent clients many conservatives regard as mere criminals who deserve whatever punishment they get? Bunton bristles at the question. Thats tantamount to a question I get asked a lot, he said: How do you live with yourself, representing those people? But I notice that nobody ever asks that question of the lawyers who represent BP and Halliburton and the other companies responsible for the [2010] Gulf [of Mexico] oil disaster. That disaster killed 11 people on the rig, injured hundreds more on land, and ruined thousands of peoples livelihoods and the ecosystem this region depends on for commerce and recreation. But nobody asks those lawyers how they live with themselves. At its core, Bunton adds, that question presumes that poor people dont deserve justice. And I fundamentally disagree with that. Mark Hertsgaard is an independent journalist and author. His next book is about the biggest mass shooting in New Orleans historythe Mothers Day shootings of 2013. Before Stephen Bannon was masterminding Donald Trumps way into the White House, he tried to put Sarah Palin there. The parallels between Palin and Trumpexplicit populist appeal, contempt for the D.C. media, and a fast-and-loose approach to factspoint to Bannons overarching political strategy: empowering right-wing diehards willing to burn it all down. And by the time Trump caught fire, Bannon was ready to go. Hed already tested out his playbook on Palin. On July 11, 2011, Bannon went on a podcast hosted by Red State editor Ben Howe to promote one of his many documentaries, The Undefeated, a film about Palin featuring Mark Levin, Tammy Bruce, and other conservative pundits. In that previously unreported audio, Bannonnow Trumps most powerful adviserpraised Palin for pushing the death panels lie about the Affordable Care Act and argued she was a viable, credible 2012 presidential contender. He made the documentary as part of an effort to rehabilitate Palins damaged reputation in hopes she would run for president in 2012. Palins return to Alaska after McCain/Palins 2008 loss to the Obama/Biden ticket hadnt gone well. About six months after her return, she stepped down from the governorship before completing her term amid a blizzard of ethics complaints. But Bannon argued the political damage was only temporary. We have got to push back and we have got to take control of our own narrative, he said on the podcast. Palins resignation didnt bother him. And it certainly didnt deter her Tea Party fans. She became one of the most adored speakers on the conservative circuit, as anti-Obama candidates found momentum in the lead-up to the 2010 midterms. But Republican establishment leaders still detested her, and former John McCain staffers did little to defend her reputation. Thats where Bannon came in. He designed the documentary, as he explained to Howe on the podcast, to persuade disillusioned conservatives and independents that Palin had the experience and gravitas to lead the free world, and that the lamestream medias depiction of her was just plain wrong. We allowed this woman to be trashed, Bannon told Howe on the podcast, voice thick with remorse. Nobody came to her defense. Lesson learned, he added. Its never going to happen again. The establishment, he argued, neglected to defend Palin because they feared her ability to fight the special interests they love. The Republican establishment is just a slow walk to the same endpoint of statism, Bannon said. And were radically opposed to that. And one of the best ways to stave off statism would be getting Palin to run for president. Bannon said that Palin deserved as much credibility as a 2012 contender as Mitt Romney did. He proudly took credit for a favorable Newsweek cover story about Palin that ran right before the theatrical release of the documentary. The cover showed Palin looking like a normal persona rarity for magazine covers featuring herwith the headline I Can Win. It basically is the establishment ordaining that she is now part of the conversation, he said of the cover, and I think the film did that. And, he continued, Palin would have the guts to radically shrink the federal government, including shuttering several agencies. Forget waste, corruption, and abuse, thats all marginal stuff, Bannon said. This is about going through, shutting down entire agencies. This is about closing entire departments. This is about taking the HUD and closing it. Palin wasnt just qualified for the presidency because she was tough enough to roll back federal housing programs. Another of her selling points, according to Bannon, was her willingness to push myths about the Affordable Care Act. She was the first one to get on the death panels, Bannon said. And the first one to really get the town halls rockin and rollin. Its a pretty long track record here, he added. The Affordable Care Act didnt include death panels. But that didnt stop Palin from telling those rockin and rollin Tea Party crowds that Obamacare could be lethal. It was nonsense, and it won her PolitiFacts Lie of the Year award. (To be fair, it wasnt the only ACA-related lie that won that honor; Obama himself took it home for promising that Obamacare wouldnt force people off health care plans they liked.) Theres no evidence Bannon himself pushed the lie that the Affordable Care Act would result in secret panels making life-or-death decisions about Americans medical care. But suggesting that it was good to spread that lie highlights his comfort with using fact-free nonsense to try to get his people in power. Palins lie didnt just win her plaudits from Bannon, it also helped galvanize Tea Party activists willing to believe anything about the problems with the Affordable Care Act. And though it was divorced from reality, it was also politically potent. As PolitiFact detailed, the phrase death panels racked up thousands of media mentions. And anti-Obamacare fervorwhich Palin helped stokeplayed a major role in Republicans takeover of the House of Representatives in 2010. And while Palin 2012 didnt exactly pan out, Bannon still got what he wanted. I think he just really thought Palin was going to be the populist vehicle that Trump ultimately ended up being, said Ben Howe, who interviewed Bannon on the podcast and has since become a vocal critic of him and Trump. And it makes me realize how long he has been working this particular avenue to power. Hard to not be impressed that it worked. Hawaii is famous for its beautiful beaches, technicolor sunsets, and world-class surfing. But when it comes to drinks, the states official cocktail might as well be a frozen, neon-colored, boozy concoction. But thats only part of the story. Just like finding the best waves, it pays to ask a local where to get a great drink that doesnt come with a brain-freeze. Celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi was kind enough to share with me some of his favorite spots in Honolulu. Born and raised in Tokyo, he spent a lot of time as a kid in Hawaii, where his grandparents lived and his father grew up. (Its no surprise he became an aficionado of the islands cooking.) Yamaguchi later studied at the Culinary Institute of America before making his name cooking in some of Los Angeles hottest restaurants. He returned to Hawaii in 1988 to open his eponymous Roys, where he introduced his unique fusion of Asian, island and European flavors. For his efforts, in 1993 he won the first-ever James Beard Award given to a Hawaiian chef. Today, Yamaguchi oversees an empire that includes 31 Roys restaurants, with locations throughout the U.S. and in Guam and Japan, as well as Eating House 1849, which is soon to open its third outpost in Hawaii. Hes also published four cookbooks, hosted six seasons of Hawaii Cooks with Roy Yamaguchi on PBS, competed in the first season of Top Chef Masters and co-founded the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. From a sophisticated whiskey tipple at a hip craft-cocktail joint to a shot and a beer at a neighborhood dive, here are Yamaguchis favorite drinks on the Big Island. BLA Old Fashioned at Bar Leather Apron Inspired by the great cocktails theyd enjoyed traveling the globe, last year Justin Park and Tom Park (theyre not actually related) opened this spot downtown. Their Japanese-influenced whiskey cocktails are all beautifully done and prepared, Yamaguchi says, none more so than the signature Old Fashioned, made with Bar Leather Aprons own house barrel of Knob Creek Bourbon and wasanbon, a special type of unrefined sugar imported from Japan. Negroni at House Without a Key Part of the luxury Halekulani resort, House Without a Key is one of the spots Yamaguchi always takes visitors. On its massive beachside patio, under a century-old kiawe tree, you can enjoy live Hawaiian music and dancing every night, along with fresh local seafood and a locally famous Mai Tai. But Yamaguchi sticks to the simple and classic Negroni, which is a mix of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. One of my favorite cocktails, before or after a meal, he says. Big Island Brewhaus Overboard IPA and Iichiko Blu Shochu at Side Street Inn Japan has a huge influence on Hawaiis food and drinks scene, so as a result the state is a big market for shochu. Its a low-proof liquor that can be made from a wide variety of ingredients and is extremely popular in Japan. Shochu is one of my favorite spirits, and Iichiko Blu was created specifically for Hawaii, Yamaguchi says. Its made from barley and is a bit higher-proof than typical shochu. At neighborhood favorite Side Street Inn, Yamaguchi orders a shot paired with the pleasantly bitter Overboard IPA brewed just across the Maui Channel, and an order of the pan-fried pork chops. This years December 1 National Christmas Tree lighting at the White House is designed to be a cheerful family affair. The ceremony will feature, among others, James Taylor, Yolanda Adams, and Kelly Clarkson, and is sure to be a sentimental occasion as the Obamas mark their last Christmas in the White House. But the National Christmas Tree lighting has not always been lighthearted. Like the Fourth of July and Memorial Day, the lighting of the National Christmas Tree has in the past been the occasion for serious reflection on the state of the nation. Seventy-five years ago, with the attack on Pearl Harbor just 17 days old, President Roosevelt began a tradition of making the National Christmas Tree lighting a solemn occasion. On December 24, 1941, with Britains Prime Minister Winston Churchill by his side, Roosevelt began his Christmas Eve talk to the nation by asking, How can we light our trees? How can we give our gifts? Roosevelts answer was that Christmas was relevant to the war. Our strongest weapon in this war, FDR declared, is the conviction of the dignity and brotherhood of man, which Christmas Day signifiesmore than any other day or any other symbol. For the next three years, Roosevelt continued to limit himself to speaking soberly to the country on Christmas Eve about the progress of the war rather than holding a ceremony in which a White House Christmas tree was lit. An unlit national Christmas tree, representative of the effort to save energy in wartime, was the symbol Roosevelt wanted for his Christmas eve messages of 1942, 1943, and 1944. I cannot say Merry Christmasfor I think constantly of those thousands of soldiers and sailors who are in actual combat throughout the worldbut I can express to you my thought that this is a happier Christmas than last year in the sense that the forces of darkness stand against us with less confidence in the success of their evil ways, FDR told the country in 1942. A year later, Roosevelt delivered a similar message with added reassurance. Buton Christmas Eve this yearI can say to you that at last we may look forward into the future with real, substantial confidence that, however great the cost, peace on earth, good will toward men can be and will be realized and insured, he observed. By 1944, FDR was even more optimistic about the outcome of the war, but he was still unwilling to hold a tree-lighting ceremony. On this Christmas day, we cannot yet say when our victory will come. Our enemies still fight frantically. They still have reserves of men and military power, Roosevelt told the nation. But, they themselves know that they and their evil works are doomed. FDR died before he had a Christmas in the White House that allowed him to mark the end of the war, but President Harry Truman used the 1945 lighting of the National Christmas Tree as an occasion to celebrate victory. Several thousand people joined him in the snow on the south lawn of the White House as he lit up a 25-foot-high tree and told the country, This is the Christmas that a war-weary world has prayed for through long and awful years. But Truman retained the serious tone FDR had employed during the war years. Truman believed there was much to do by way of making the world safe for the future. With our enemies vanquished we must gird ourselves for the work that lies ahead. Peace has its victories no less hard won than success at arms. We must not fail or falter, he declared. Truman sought a measured approach to 1945 that reflected the uncertainties of the postwar world. From the long lines at New Yorks Radio City Music Hall to the thousands of veterans using the G.I. Bill to enroll in college, the country was starting to enjoy the benefits of peacetime, but many veterans still remained on duty overseas, and the dangers posed by the atomic bomb represented a terrifying new military development. Roosevelts and Trumans serious National Christmas Tree lightings were a break with the tradition that President Calvin Coolidge established in 1923, when he lit the nations first National Christmas Tree, a 48-foot balsam fir from his native Vermont. Coolidge wanted a casual ceremony. His Christmas good deed consisted of letting 50,000 federal employees take off work at noon on December 24. Coolidges White House tree was the first to be decorated with electric lights, and his outdoor tree ceremony marked a departure from the custom of setting up an indoor tree for the presidents family and visitors to enjoy that President Benjamin Harrison established in 1889. Crowds came by the White House to see Coolidges National Christmas Tree well into the evening. Its hard to imagine that we will go back to the Roosevelt-Truman tradition of making our National Christmas Tree lighting a reflective occasion without being faced with a national crisis. But that choice isnt surprising. Even in the postwar years of the 40s, the country showed no willingness to recall its wartime Christmas eves; 1946 and 1947 were the years when our two most enduring, fairytale Christmas films, Its a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street, became instant classics. Nicolaus Mills chairs the literature department at Sarah Lawrence College. He is author of Every Army Man Is with You: The Cadets Who Won the 1964 Army-Navy Game, Fought in Vietnam, and Came Home Forever Changed. "Let's party like it's 1933!" These were the words of Richard Spencer, a charismatic and youthful organizer on the fringes of the American radical nationalist movement, at a conference last week in Washington, D.C. Spencer was rallying his supporters and celebrating the victory of Donald Trump in our presidential election. For him, and for the crowd that heard his speech with enthusiasm and not a few Nazi-style salutes, these are good days, indeed. Of course, 1933 refers to the dramatic events in Germany that January, when Adolf Hitler was appointed chancellor. As someone who teaches and researches about the causes, course and consequences of the Nazi state in Germany, this is a grotesque statement. Normally, I would tell students or anyone else that such opinions are best ignored. Two things have changed, however. First, the recent presidential contest has given views that were once marginal a remarkable degree of public visibility. Second, Spencer will be bringing his message to Texas A&M on Dec. 6. In Spencer's own words "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." Not only is this untrue, it is entirely antithetical to our values as Americans and as an Aggie community. To our collective credit, a number of student leaders at Texas A&M have distributed an open letter making it clear that Spencer's views are "totally unacceptable." I find Spencer's evocation of 1933 to be particularly chilling. Many of the Germans who were swept up in the feverish excitement of 1933 did not survive the next 12 years of Hitler's "Thousand Year Reich." For Germans, the legacy of 1933 was not a glorious national re-awakening, but rather the beginning of a nightmarish descent into defeat in 1945. It was fire and ash. It was moral bankruptcy and the murder and enslavement of millions. But the intellectual hollowness of this call for celebration goes beyond 1933's poisonous inheritance in Europe. When we fail categorically to condemn the views of people such as Spencer, we do not just disrespect the memories of 5.7 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and other civilians murdered during Hitler's war. We also dishonor the 184,000 Americans killed fighting Hitler and his allies in the European Theater of Operations. Those who died were white, African American, Japanese American, Latino, gay, straight, Christian, Jewish, and pretty much any other category of people who lived in this country at the time. There is a sickening irony in the fact that Spencer is scheduled to speak in Rudder Tower, named for a man who risked his life in battle to fight Nazism. I do not believe for a moment that our president-elect is a fascist or white nationalist. His views are far too opportunistic and media-savvy to be fit into such an ideological category. Nor do I believe that my friends and neighbors who voted for Trump support this kind of bigotry and intolerance. So, let this representative of one of the worst strains of American politics come to our town, let him walk past protestors who let him know that the Aggie Spirit leaves no place for his racist nonsense, and let him speak to an empty room. A&M did not invite white nationalist leader to speak Facing outrage on social media and among students, faculty and alumni, Texas A&M University officials said they didn't invite a white nationalist leader who is scheduled to speak on campus next month. But Richard Spencer, a Dallas native who is now president of the National Policy Institute, a white nationalist think-tank, still appears poised to speak on campus. He was invited by a former student, and there may not be anything the school can do to stop his appearance. Spencer became nationally famous in the days following the election of Donald Trump. This week, a video of him speaking at a National Policy Institute event in Washington D.C. went viral. It included Spencer declaring, "Hail Trump, hail our people, hail victory!" while some attendees gave Nazi-style salutes. Amy Smith, Texas A&M's vice president for marketing and communications, issued a statement: "To be clear, Texas A&M University -- including faculty, staff, students and/or student groups -- did not invite this speaker to our campus, nor do we endorse his rhetoric in any way. "In fact, our leadership finds his views as expressed to date in direct conflict with our core values. "Private citizens are permitted to reserve space available to the public," Smith said, adding that all costs of the event must be covered by the renters. A&M's president should do the right thing and cancel speech I love Texas A&M with all my heart. But to learn that Richard Spencer will be speaking on campus is disappointing in a way I cannot describe. I have devoted my career to upholding the value of human dignity, a career that I started based in part on the values codified by my four years at Texas A&M. Spencer's hate and inhumanity have no place at our university and are a direct assault on values we've held for generations. Moreover, the statement by Amy Smith, A&M's vice president for marketing and communications, which suggests the administration's hands are tied is both ludicrous and insulting. This is not the Texas A&M I know and love. Nothing less than immediate action to prevent this from happening by the president of Texas A&M will suffice. If it takes litigation, so be it. If it costs him his job, so be it. There is no price too high for doing the right thing. Please do the right thing. TIM ISGITT, '93 San Rafael, California It's time to bring back A&M's Whoopstock on Dec. 6 Richard Spencer, white nationalist and creator of the term "alt-right," will be speaking in Rudder Tower Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. We've been here before and responded with wit, wisdom, and grace. It was called Whoopstock. In the early 1990s local Aggies responded to a publicized Ku Klux Klan rally, not by protesting it, but by creating an alternative celebration of both unity and diversity called Whoopstock. Over the years, the Whoopstock Festival seems to have died out. The last time Whoopstock was mentioned in The Eagle was on April 6, 2006. Dec. 6 would be a good day to revive and renew the spirit of Whoopstock, either as a large community event hosted far away from the white nationalist meeting in room 601 of Rudder Tower, or as smaller, more personal, celebrations of unity and diversity, or both. One word: Whoopstock. DON ARNOLD, '84 College Station All Aggies should express disgust with Richard Spencer Words cannot express how disappointed I am to hear that Richard Spencer is being given a platform to spew his hate speech at my school. If you know me for five minutes, you know that I bleed Aggie maroon and I have passed my love for my school to my children, both current Aggies. As an Aggie, I call on all Aggies to voice our disgust with this vile individual. As far as I'm concerned any Aggie who doesn't express his or her disgust with this vile shell of a man is allowing his speech and ideas to be normalized. We are the Aggies, the Aggies are we. SAMUEL GARCIA, '88 Abilene Earl Rudder would be horrified at an alt-right speaker at A&M I can't imagine how Gen. Earl Rudder would react today to know that the hall named in his honor on the Texas A&M campus will host a Hitler wannabee in December. Doesn't A&M have a well-used barn some place where these people can gather? I am a First Amendment guy, although I wonder if this is taking it too far. I just hope that students and the veterans whose predecessors fought with Gen. Rudder to put down the Nazi menace will show up and give him a warm welcome. LIN LOFLEY Richardson The phrase "alt-right" was conceived as a catchall for various unsavory subcommunities of the anti-establishment conservative right by Richard Spencer. The baby-faced white nationalist founded AlternativeRight.com in 2010 and now serves as president of the National Policy Institute, a Virginia-based think tank that cloaks extremist ideas in airy, academic language. For several years, the movement festered on the periphery of mainstream political discourse on message boards such as 4chan and 8chan, where its acerbic spirit and menacingly goofy aesthetic developed, partially through memes. Now, with the election of its "God Emperor," Donald Trump, as president, the alt-right has become a subject of fascination -- and revulsion -- nationwide. Still, confusion about what exactly this group is and how it differs from other types of conservatism abounds. Here are the five most commonly repeated myths. Myth No. 1: This movement seems like something new in American politics. "There are many things that separate the alternative right from old-school racist skinheads (to whom they are often idiotically compared)," Allum Bokhari and alt-right icon Milo Yiannopouloswrote in Breitbart in March, "but one thing stands out above all else: intelligence." Hillary Clinton, too, seemed to imagine the alt-right as a fresh phenomenon, calling it an "emerging racist ideology" in an August speech. While the amorphous term "alt-right" can be helpful for characterizing a certain kind of young white nationalist who's technically savvy and culturally literate, as distinct from the unreconstructed racists and anti-Semites of yore, the distance is shorter than they would have you believe. At a National Policy Institute conference in Washington this month, excited members of the alt-right shouted: "Hail our people! Hail victory!," and Tila Tequila, the Vietnamese-American former reality-TV star who's been praising Hitler on Twitter for the past year, was photographed performing a Nazi salute with two young men. The alt-right is the same old hate, in other words, just with trendier packaging. Burying racist and anti-Semitic ideas in fancy language is nothing new, of course. David Duke, the former KKK grand wizard, shed his Klan robe for a suit and now calls himself a "human rights activist." This is clearly about presenting a more salable front for the persuadable public. But if it salutes like a Nazi, you can safely call it one. Myth No. 2: A frequent theme among the movement is its insistence on needling the mainstream for giggles. "The alt-right are just adolescent trolls who spout garbage for shock value," Fox News host Greg Gutfeldtold his audience in late August. Meanwhile, NPR described members of the alt-right as those who, "for fun and notoriety . . . like to troll, prank and provoke." But there's more here than cheeky irreverence. The alt-right's swift ascent occurred in part because its members bombarded journalists, particularly Jewish or nonwhite ones, with racist and anti-Semitic messages and imagery on social media, especially Twitter. There, they praised Hitler with a twinge of irony, the way hipsters drink Pabst Blue Ribbon, and they corrupted the harmless meme Pepe the Frog by dressing him up as a Wehrmacht soldier. They told adversaries they'd be heading to the ovens. It was a real riot. The alt-right also exists offline. After Trump's win, reports of bias-based crimes have ticked up, and pro-Nazi, racist graffiti has begun appearing across the United States. Meanwhile, one of the movement's purveyors now has the president-elect's ear and will get his own dignified perch in the White House: Until recently, Steve Bannon was the chairman of Breitbart News, which he once proudly called "the platform of the alt-right." Myth No. 3: Time magazine called the alt-right "a rising movement" in mid-November, echoing the Week, which fretted over the "rise of the alt-right" in October. New York magazine reported in September that the movement was "having a bit of a moment," the same month the Atlantic predicted that a Trump win "would make the alt-right more powerful than it has ever been." The alt-right began online and mostly lives there, where its devotees post to message boards and troll "cucks" (milquetoast conservatives) and "normies" (people with conventional, mainstream views) with such frequency that it can seem as though they're everywhere. But how many people constitute the movement is virtually unknowable. It's a loose and informal congregation: They don't have memberships, and the majority of those who self-identify do so through anonymous accounts. Easy to quantify, however, was the turnout at the National Policy Institute's recent event in Washington: 275 people -- or roughly 3,300 fewer than attended a June convention in Reno, Nevada, for people who enjoy, among other pursuits, dressing up in anthropomorphic animal suits. "Alt-right" didn't even win word of the year in the Oxford Dictionaries' annual contest -- that prize went to "post-truth." While the alt-right is real and visible, there's no reason to believe it's a very vast group or one that will stick around for very long. Myth No. 4: Trump's spokesmen have gone to great lengths to distance him from the alt-right, with a recent statement from Bryan Lanza saying that "President-elect Trump has continued to denounce racism of any kind and he was elected because he will be a leader for every American." On Tuesday, Trump told New York Times reporters and editors, "I don't want to energize the [alt-right], and I disavow the group." But when Clinton delivered her speech about the alt-right in August, Trump responded not by disavowing the movement but by labeling her a bigot. And outside his post-election comments to the Times, Trump hasn't specifically addressed the alt-right. He has never asked its members to stop photoshopping Jewish journalists into gas chambers in his honor. What's more, he has often seemed to wink in their direction by deploying their rhetoric, with his talk of opposing "globalism," his repeated retweets of alt-right Twitter accounts and his use of imagery -- such asa Star of David illustration -- that originated on Nazi websites. Myth No. 5: Nationalist movements are spreading globally, and the alt-right has fans and adherents at home and abroad. Yiannopoulos, one of the most visible faces of the brand, is British. Those posting online under the alt-right banner frequently purport to be from outside America. Bannon has sought to work with Marion Marechal-Le Pen, of France's National Front, and, according to the Huffington Post, Richard Spencer dreams of "nothing less than a white ethno-empire stretching across North America and Europe." An analysis in the Guardian said Spencer's views "have almost nothing to do with American political thought." The alt-right, in this telling, is not a movement of patriotic rubes but a meaningful part of a broader picture of Western populist revolt. Actually, the alt-right is a very American movement, and we have have plenty of historical precedent for fringe right-wing malcontents. When you add up our history of racial segregation, Know-Nothing nativism and right-wing populist movements, it's not hard to see how today's alt-right has plenty to anchor itself to in the American story. It should come as no surprise that a prominent "race-realist" publication that tracks closely with alt-right ideology calls itself "American Renaissance"- which echoes hopes of making America great again. - Nuzzi is a political reporter for the Daily Beast and a contributor to GQ magazine who has covered Donald Trump for the past 17 months. 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Please note that The Franchise Magazine does not recommend or endorse any opportunity featured on this site and suggests that you seek indepent financial advice before investing in any franchise or business opportunity. Back to Showcase list Drug deactivation kits are now available to Virginians with excess or unused prescription opioids or other drugs. A donation of 80,000 kits has been supplied to dozens of locations throughout the state. As part of his strategy to address the heroin and prescription opioid crisis, Attorney General Mark R. Herring secured the donation of kits through a partnership with Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. The DeterraTM drug deactivation kits will enable Virginians to safely dispose of 3.6 million leftover prescription pills. The public health message is specifically targeted at opioid medications (prescription medications that relieve pain by reducing the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain and affecting areas of the brain that controls emotions), said Dr. J. Henry Hershey, director of the West Piedmont health District. Examples of opioid medications include hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine and codeine. These medications, if not disposed of properly after the use for which they were intended, can be abused, Hershey said. Such abuse is a problem affecting every community and every type of person. A recent survey in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that 61percent of people saved their unused medications for future use. Also, 73 percent share, or have shared, with friends or family to help ease their pain symptoms. This trend has unintentional, yet dangerous, consequences nationally and in our community, Hershey said. Its now common for unused, forgotten or expired painkillers to get misplaced, lost or stolenand end up in the wrong hands somewhere in our communities. This year alone, well probably have about 600 overdose deaths from prescription drugs, Herring said. If the kits are successful here, maybe other states will look to us as a model to follow. The kits have a sealable pouch containing active carbon which deactivates prescription drugs and render chemical compounds safe for landfills. The pouches are able to deactivate up to 45 pills, six ounces of liquid or six patches. About 30 seconds after adding warm water to the drugs, they become inactive. The sealed pouch can then be safely disposed of in everyday household garbage, as they are not reusable. About 50,000 kits are being distributed in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health, while an additional 30,000 are being distributed through local hospitals, law enforcement agencies, pharmacies and nonprofits that applied to distribute kits. Kits are available at no charge and may be picked up locally at the Franklin County Sheriffs Office and the Franklin County Health Department. Virginians are encouraged to contact the distribution partner to ensure kits are still available. A Rocky Mount man who said he held up his neighborhood discount store because he hadn't wanted to ask relatives for help with his rent was sentenced last week to five years in prison. In September, Olutobi Joshua Bamisaiye, 22, pleaded guilty in Franklin County Circuit Court to one count of robbery from a December 2015 incident. After Bamisaiye's plea hearing, on the request of defense attorney Will Davis, Judge Clyde Perdue agreed to take the case under advisement until a pre-sentence report could be prepared. Against the objection of prosecutors, Bamisaiye was allowed to remain free on bond. During Tuesday's sentencing, a probation officer said Bamisaiye, who goes by Tobi and who came to the area after growing up in Maryland, had only one other offense on his record, a September 2015 misdemeanor conviction for shoplifting. Robbery in Virginia can bring up to a life sentence, but sentencing guidelines in this case recommended a punishment of roughly three to six years in prison. Perdue ordered Bamisaiye to serve five years, with 15 years in suspended time and another five of post-release supervision. Shortly before 7 p.m. on Dec. 8, Bamisaiye went into the Rocky Mount Family Dollar store, armed with a BB pistol, and ordered two cashiers to give him roughly $241 from the cash register, prosecutors have said. Three other people were in the store at the time. Nobody was hurt. Soon afterward, investigators found the pistol and a hat nearby. Using a suspect description, they traced the items to Bamisaiye, who initially denied involvement but later confessed to the robbery and returned the money. On Tuesday, he testified that he had recently lost his job and needed cash to pay his rent. "I was in a place where I needed to be more mature," he recalled. Franklin County Commonwealth's Attorney A.J. Dudley asked him to speculate on what might have happened if a passing patrolman had spotted the robbery and had mistaken the pellet gun for an actual handgun. "This is nothing compared to the mess you could've made," Dudley told him. Bamisaiye apologized to his family and to the store employees, who were not present in court. "I knew I wasn't going to hurt anyone," he said of the cashiers. "But for them, it was a life and death situation." A Chinese mobile phone user uses the ride-hailing app Didi Chuxing on his smartphone in Jinan, East China's Shandong province, Feb 22, 2015.[Photo/IC] In ancient mythology, Chinese unicorns are lucky, rare creatures that appear to mark the arrival or death of a great leader, like Confucius. Today, China's tech unicornsprivate companies valued at $1 billion or moreare far more commonplace and look increasingly cursed. Four of the world's seven most valuable private companies are now Chinese, all founded in the past seven years. Didi Chuxing, the ride-hailing app, and Xiaomi, the smartphone manufacturer, for instance, both have valuations topping Airbnb and Snapchat. Five Chinese companies have valuations of at least $10 billion, and 37 are valued at $1 billion or more, according to research firm CB Insights. The pace of unicorn births has accelerated dramatically over the past three years. From 2010 to 2013, investors valued no more than one Chinese company each year at $1 billion or more. Then China saw five new companies deemed unicorns in 2014and an eye-popping 19 foaled in 2015. In the first 10 months of 2016, investors crowned another 10 new unicorns. Chinese companies are now often viewed as potential global conquerors. But, there's growing skepticism about how valid some of their sky-high valuations are. Investors and analysts are whispering doubts about startups' ability to maintain such lofty numbers when they try to raise future funding or go public. Some fret the waves of cash pouring into China's technology industry may sometimes swamp innovation, not stir it. "A paper unicorn is just a paper unicorn," said Jenny Lee, Shanghai-based managing partner at GGV Capital. "It's nothing until you can show the value you're providing to customers, and that consumers are willing to pay for it." Gary Rieschel, managing partner at Qiming Venture Partners, said startups are quietly beginning to accept lower valuationsand more unpublicized down rounds are on the way. "Gravity will eventually take hold." After Jack Ma-led Alibaba Group Holding Ltd's blockbuster IPO in the US raised $25 billion in 2014, investors rushed to find the next Ma. Between 2012 and 2015, the amount of venture funding invested in Chinese internet companies quintupled, reaching $20.3 billion last yeareclipsing the $16.3 billion invested in US internet companies in the same period, according to PriceWaterhouseCoopers. An employee (left) assists a customer as she looks at a Xiaomi smartphone inside one of the company's stores in Beijing. [Photo/Agencies] Xiaomi, the Beijing-based smartphone maker founded in 2010 by serial entrepreneur Lei Jun, was market leader for several months in late 2014 and early 2015. Three months after Alibaba's IPO, Xiaomi raised funding that valued it at $46 billion. But, its position in China tumbled from first to fourth. Its current value may be $4 billion to $10 billion if it tried to raise more money now, estimated Clay Shirky, an associate professor at NYU Shanghai and author of a book about the company. China's Lenovo Group Ltd, for example, holds about the same share of the Chinese smartphone market as Xiaomi and is valued at about $7 billion. Lenovo is also the biggest PC maker in the world. "Xiaomi shouldn't be six times Lenovo," Shirky said. Xiaomi declined to comment. Vancl, an online fashion retailer, became a unicorn in December 2010 and commanded 7.7 percent of China's online apparel and footwear market in 2011, second only to Alibaba, according to the research firm Euromonitor. Its valuation hit $3 billion. But the company stumbled in its expansion and struggled to manage inventory. By 2015, Vancl's market share had dropped to 2 percent. Its valuation is well below its peak. A recapitalization a couple years ago valued Vancl at about $200 million. Vancl declined to comment on its current valuation. The Beijing startup Wandoujia hit the magical $1 billion valuation in 2014, amidst the euphoria over China's fast growing smartphone market. The lead investor was Japan's SoftBank Group Corp, the same company that made a fortune from its stake in Alibaba. But Wandoujia's business of selling Android apps proved vulnerable to competition and the online store struggled to stand out. In July, Alibaba acquired Wandoujia for less than half its peak valuation, according to a person familiar with the deal. SoftBank and Alibaba declined to comment. Even some of China's most valuable unicorns have seen their plans for world domination interrupted. Lu.com is a peer-to-peer lender valued at $18.5 billion and backed by some of the country's most powerful investors, including the finance giant Ping An Insurance Group. CEO Gregory Gibb had said in January that he planned to take the company public this year to raise additional capital. But those plans are off the table after months of tumult in the online lending market. China has no real precedent for dealing with the bust of a high-flying startup, or several at once. Most domestic venture firms were founded after the last major downturn 15 years ago. There's no history of publicly disclosing down rounds, or the decrease in a startup's valuationalthough investors may privately write down struggling companies. Provincial governments have been wary after they had to reluctantly let some failed businesses go under. They may be even more fearful of tech startup failures, which would eliminate jobs and threaten future investments. China venture capital investments surged from $6.6 billion in 2013 to more than $50 billion in the first nine months of this year, according to researcher Preqin. But in the third quarter, investments fell almost 50 percent from a year earlier. Maybe that's a relief, at least a few investors said. "Some entrepreneurs say they need all the money," said Anna Fang, Shanghai-based CEO of Zhen Fund. "But some people say, if you have too much money, you make mistakes, or you make mistakes for longer." Duncan Clark, founder of Beijing-based consultancy BDA China, said: "How many of those 30-some unicorns are really worth a billion? Probably a few. The problem is that when people appear to be successful, everyone comes out of the woodwork to back them. That happens in the US. But it's more extreme in China." Podcast: Who comes out ahead in the Charlie Jones vs. Iowa football reunion? CableTv.com, a site that helps people find the best cable provider in their town, analyzed the top 100 cooking shows and cross-referenced it with data from Google Trends to find the most popular cooking show in each state. Click through the slideshow to see some of the most popular cooking shows in some states. Visit CableTV.com for the full list. NORWALK A Bridgeport man, who police described as a known drug dealer, was arrested in South Norwalk Wednesday on a host of drug-related charges. Narcotics officers were patrolling the area of Ryan Park at approximately noon when they observed Abdurraheem Holloway walk into Washington Village. LINCOLN Nebraskas traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers are planning a counteroffensive in 2017 against their Internet competitors. A group that represents the states 4,600 retail businesses is seeking to get Nebraska to follow South Dakotas lead and pass a law that requires online retailers such as Amazon to collect local sales taxes just as is done at the stores physically located in Nebraska. With the U.S. Congress declining to act, retailers and some state lawmakers said its time for the Nebraska Legislature to level the playing field between traditional retailers, who already collect sales taxes, and Internet retailers, who do not. We have been fighting this issue for a decade, said Jim Otto, president of the Nebraska Retail Federation. What we have now is legalized tax evasion. It also creates unfair competition, Otto said, giving online retailers a price advantage of 7 percent or more because they do not charge state and local sales taxes. The issue is emerging as Nebraska battles flat tax revenues and a budget gap of nearly $900million, and as consumers increasingly turn to the Internet to buy clothing and gifts. Traditional storefronts and malls, meanwhile, are struggling. Shopko just announced the closing of two of its retail stores in Omaha. Steve Glenn, whose family runs five hardware stores in Lincoln and Pawnee City, estimated that hes lost 10 to 15 percent of his sales to the Internet. No sales tax on Internet sales Though the states lagging tax receipts have been mostly blamed on drops in farm income and low prices for corn and soybeans, some of the cause can be traced to the lack of sales taxes paid on Internet sales, estimated to cost Nebraska between $45million and $118 million in tax revenue a year. The conducting of sales over the Internet is certainly part of the problem, said State Tax Commissioner Tony Fulton. A 2015 report called Amazon and Empty Storefronts, done for the American Booksellers Association, estimated that requiring Amazon to collect sales tax on its sales in Nebraska would generate an additional $18 million a year. The report went on to estimate that those Amazon purchases displaced 2,000 jobs in the state. A law that went into effect May 1 in South Dakota gave new energy to an issue that has stalled in Congress. Conservatives and groups such as Americans for Prosperity have blocked efforts to make all Internet purchases taxable, arguing that it amounts to a new tax and is a step to increase government spending. Main street businesses and retailing groups, meanwhile, say its not a new tax but a due tax that few people pay. Nebraskans are required, on their state income tax forms, to report how much unpaid sales tax they owe on Internet purchases, but only a small percentage do. Just over 1 percent of state taxpayers voluntarily list that they owed taxes, according to a Nebraska Department of Revenue spokeswoman, resulting in about $713,000 in tax payments. The South Dakota law requires Internet companies that sell more than $100,000 worth of goods a year or that have 200 or more transactions within that state to collect and remit sales taxes to the state. Revisiting 1992 ruling One major goal of the law was to get the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit a 1992 ruling that stated that only companies that had a physical presence in a state (such as a warehouse or retail outlet) must be required to collect local sales taxes. In that case, brought by a mail-order company called the Quill Corp., justices said it would be an unreasonable burden on businesses to calculate the hundreds of different sales tax rates across the country. But Otto said that times, and technology, have changed tremendously since then, and its time to revisit that decision. It may have been too burdensome in 1992, but weve got computers now, he said. Its nothing now. The South Dakota law immediately inspired two lawsuits, but it also prompted more than 135 companies to voluntarily register to begin charging and remitting South Dakota sales taxes. Otto said it might take a few years for those court cases to be decided; but meanwhile, he estimated that Nebraska would pick up an additional $25 million in tax revenue voluntarily from companies if it passed a law similar to South Dakotas. Theres some indication that the Supreme Court might broaden which Internet companies must collect sales tax. Justice Anthony Kennedy, in a 2015 case, wrote that the court needs a case so it can re-examine its 1992 ruling that limited companies that must collect sales tax to only those with a physical presence in that state. Fairness issue It is truly a matter of fairness, said the outgoing speaker of the Legislature, State Sen. Galen Hadley of Kearney. When Hadley served as chairman of the tax policy-setting Revenue Committee, he hand-delivered a resolution from state lawmakers to Nebraskas representatives in Congress, urging them to pass a law requiring all Internet retailers to charge sales taxes. The bill died in the House. Something should be done, Hadley said. How does a Buckle, which has stores in 40 states and collects sales taxes in all of those states, compete with Amazon? Gov. Pete Ricketts was noncommittal when asked Wednesday for his position on requiring Internet retailers to collect sales taxes. In a statement, he did say he supported the voluntary reporting now required but rarely followed on state income tax forms. Papillion Sen. Jim Smith, the only announced candidate to head the Revenue Committee when the Legislature convenes in 2017, said hes sympathetic to Nebraska retailers. Taxing Internet sales, he said, is a part of his goal of making the state tax system fairer. But Smith, who has advocated for lowering state income taxes, said that any new revenue from Internet sales must be used to reduce other taxes. In 2015, state lawmakers did pass a law that required that if Congress enacted a nationwide tax on Internet retailers, the increased revenue to Nebraska in the first year would be used for property tax relief. Otto, of the retail group, said he agrees that any new tax revenue should be used to reduce other taxes. Which one income or property taxes is up to the Legislature, he said. Whats the most unlikely thing in your life for which you give genuine and frequent thanks? What surprises you about your gratitude? We know we should be grateful for whatever health we possess, whatever prosperity we enjoy, and whatever cable or streaming devices to which we have access. Yet, paradoxically, its at those moments when the universe seems to let us down that we gain our most significant strengths. In celebration of Thanksgiving, Ive picked six items for which Im thankful, not in any order but all equally heartfelt. Caveat: The heart has many chambers and these come from different sections. n I am not only grateful, but gleeful, to have coffee in the morning. Usually its the only coffee I drink all day, so I never take it for granted. And if I dont have it, or if I am slipped a decaf by mistake, I am ungrateful. I am ungrateful in the way that the Borgias, Vlad the Impaler and Cujo are ungrateful. n Im grateful that I didnt die in a beautiful, blue rented room with high ceilings in London when I was 22. I came close. Id just moved out of an ex-boyfriends apartment into a truly lovely Victorian house on a quiet street in a decent neighborhood, complete with a shared bath, kitchen privileges and close to the bus. A friend with a car helped me, not that there was much literal baggage. Id packed my clean but worn charity-shop clothes into an old suitcase and, along with an Edwardian glass lamp, a frying pan and a good pillow, filled the trunk of his Morris Minor. We carried everything up one flight of stairs. He plugged in an electric kettle he was lending me until I got one of my own and we had a cup of tea before he left. While he was willing to be helpful, he was not going to be responsible. Fair enough. I spent one night in that room. The story and symptoms are too familiar to need elaboration: I felt so entirely abandoned that the incident aroused in me an eviscerating, infantilizing and overwhelming feeling of loss. I was frantic with limitless loneliness, chaos and pain. These had been nascent, of course. The break-up was the occasion, not the cause, of my minds wildness. I felt like my head was full of bees or creatures with wings. I literally didnt believe the sun would ever rise. But it did. I swear to this day that I heard a voice within myself saying, Leave. Leave now. And I swear to this day it was my older self addressing my younger self. Leave is what I did, right away, asking the friend who moved me into the apartment to pack my things and mail them to me in New York to a one-bedroom apartment where my father had moved. I remain grateful I had a place to return. Not everybody does. But I am more grateful that I listened to the inner voice insisting I fight the heavy, imploring despair that whispered to me it would be easier and less exhausting if Id only give up. n I am grateful for clean public restrooms. Finding a reliably clean public restroom in a major city is like discovering a pot of gold, only its porcelain. If the soap and paper towel dispensers work, Im so thankful I want to burst into a chorus of If My Friends Could See Me Now. n I am grateful for people who talk and write clearly, directly and unapologetically. Life is short. Tell me what you mean. n I am grateful that some of what might have been my alibis became some of my strengths. My sense of isolation became a fierce desire to create and be connected to communities; my anxiety spurred me to learn that help of various kinds is available and real, if occasionally tough to navigate and manage. My fears taught me that even if they cant be entirely overcome, they can usually be faced and sometimes outwitted. Im grateful that America has a holiday dedicated to reminding us that shared gratitude along with a side dish of generosity should be served, liberally, at every table. Central Nebraskans give thanks this week for family and friends, good health, and the many blessings of our free society and way of life. Our lasting gratitude was expressed on Veterans Day to the men and women who selflessly put their civilian lives on hold to wear the uniform of national service. The outpouring of respect and honor was everywhere evident by people of all ages as our veterans of past and present service were recognized on a bountiful, beautiful day Nov.11. A free election was held that same week. Though there are many who see the end result as reason to question our democratic process, no one can legitimately deny that the large turnout of people of all ethnic and racial origins exercised a privilege and right that came at a high price 240 years ago. Lest we forget our heroes and she-roes, the sacrifice in defense of that right over time has not wavered. Despite the political, geographic, religious and ideological differences, America stands as one nation united. The citizens of Hall County have also been heroic, giving generously to honor our veterans through the Hall County Hero Flight program. Now in their sixth year, a dedicated group of volunteers have raised nearly $1 million by collecting scrap iron, hosting concerts and karaoke nights, selling t-shirts and ice cream, passing a bucket at sporting events, hosting pancake feeds, banquets, accordion jamborees, motorcycle rallies and dozens of hamburger nights at the United Veterans Club. Money has been collected through donation jugs placed around the county and through raffles, auctions and contributions from organizations and businesses such as The Grand Island Independent, the Grand Island Community Foundation, the Corvette Club, Patriot Riders, Case New Holland, McCain Foods, Hornady Manufacturing, SuperSaver, the Alpha Sigma Holiday Tour of Homes, and a long list of others. The committee has also organized parades and veteran memorial services, as well as sendoff and welcome-home celebrations. It has been heartwarming to see the large number of school kids who have also been actively involved by serving at the food nights, attending veteran events and participating in penny drives and other class projects. We applaud the teachers and administrators who have emphasized this important connection between generations and discussed the chapters of American history that have shaped our nation and who we are as a people. There are a great many charitable causes to support this holiday season and thousands of people in need. If there is a common unifying quality about the people of Central Nebraska, it is their generous, caring nature and abiding respect for veterans. Visitors attend the screening of Panorama, an Italian video show, at the Grand Central Station in Man-hattan in June. [Photo provided to China Daily] Italian culture in a mere 15 minutes. That is what was on offer at the Salone del Mobile Milano's Shanghai edition from Nov 19 to 21, through Panorama, a 360-degree video presentation, covering almost all aspects of "made in Italy", including fashion, design, food and beverages, hospitality and automobiles. With the help of drones and immersive media technology, the video takes the audience on a virtual journey, where they fly over the Coliseum in Rome, see fashion shows by top designers and visit Mediterranean wineries. It features 250 of the country's greatest artworks by artists such as Raphael, Leonardo Da Vinci, Giotto di Bondone and Sandro Botticelli. It also showcases Italian craftsmanship and jewelry, with music by renowned Italian musicians playing in the background. The video features more than 200 locations, including museums, theaters, city squares, buildings and natural landscapes. The video, which made its debut at the Milan Expo last year and was screened at New York City's Grand Central Terminal in June this year, has been seen by 260,000 people so far. The mission of the video is to showcase the Italian luxury industry, which represents about 5 percent of the country's gross domestic product, says Andrea Illy, chairman of the Altagamma Foundation, the Italian luxury industry association. He is also the president of Illycaffe, a renowned Italian coffee brand. The video is also part of the organization's efforts to propel the growth of the luxury industry in Italy, he says. Looking for a unique, hand-made Christmas gift? Look no further than the Edwardsville Arts Center and its 2016 Holiday Show that will feature one-of-a-kind ceramic cups made by artists from across the country as well as glass cups and ornaments, felted scarfs and a unique, adult coloring book made by the EAC from local artists drawings. The Holiday Show begins Nov. 25 and runs through Dec. 30. EAC Gallery Manager Carolyn Tidball explained why they choose to highlight ceramic cups each year as part of the Holiday Show. Cups are such a great present, and ceramics artists put a lot of work into cups, Tidball said. Its something that you can hold in your hand, but its a real piece of art that you get to interact with daily. I just wanted to have a variety of cups on display because they are like tiny different works of art. Ceramic artists whose cups will be featured in the Holiday Show include Chicago suburb artist Kyle Johns. Hes like a master of comfortable, functional, pottery, Tidball noted. He does sculptural work too and his sculptural work is really, really interesting, but hes really good at making nice, comfortable mugs. Ron Meyers, an artist from Georgia, will have cups in the Holiday Show. He paints on his cups. He does really beautiful things with animals mostly - really loose and playful, Tidball said about Meyers work. Also featured during the Holiday Show will be the 2016 EAC Coloring Book. Well have all the original drawings on display on the wall in our gallery for our Holiday Show. So if you really like one of the coloring pages in the book, you can buy the original, Tidball pointed out. While last years inaugural EAC coloring book had no particular theme, this years coloring book has the theme of Images from Works of Literature. Tidball said that they had 30 or 40 artists who provided coloring pages based on childrens books or famous pieces of literature like "Henny Penny," "Dragon in a Wagon," "Moby Dick," "Grapes of Wrath," "Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings." We had a bunch of high school students who participated in it and gave us some drawings for the book and also a bunch of local artists and some artists from our art fair, Tidball explained. The EAC Coloring Book will cost $15 for one book or $25 for two. And if youre one of the first 100 people to buy one, you get a free pack of colored pencils or crayons, Tidball emphasized. A variety of glass cups and glass ornaments will also be a part of the Holiday Show as well as felted scarves by Diann Wensing, a fibers artist. Dianns scarves are a little bit bulkier than a silk scarf. They are really nice. They are very artistic too. She just does interesting things with the form, the fabric, the edges and color, Tidball added. She also sells soap with a felted wash cloth around it. Some of the glass ornament artists featured includes Mike Moran, Jan Thomas and Cameron Smith as well as Reinhard Herzog whose glass ornaments with colorful explosions inside the ornaments are sold year-round in the EAC gallery shop. Ceramics artists featured in the show include Mark Arnold, Jeri Au, Posey Bacopoulos, Alex Bailey, Ben Bates, David Bolton, Susan Bostwick, Lakyn Bowman, Brad Brewer, Leanne McClurg Cambric, Bede Clark, Brandy Cloud, Paul Dresang, Tom Dykas, Rebecca Grant, Renee Heyer-Starrett, Bryan Hopkins, Angela Hung, Kyle Johns, Andrew Koester. Jimmy Liu, Ron Meyers, Joe Page, Drew Reynolds, Kent Scheibel, Zach Schnare, Katie Susko, Kodi Thompson, Ann Ohotto Thompson, Carolyn Tidball and Chad Travous. Jewelry artists include Nancy Davis, Rhonda Gurgone, Nadine King, Caitlyn McDonald, Kelly Miller, Diane Rose and Sugg Santoro. Glass Artists in the show include Jan Thomas, Cameron Smith, Mike Moran, Reinhard Herzog and Lisa Becker. Coloring Book Artists with coloring pages featured in the book include Caroline Anderson, Robert Archambeau, Simona Bodo, Julie Bond, Jeff Brawn, Mackenzie Burgett, Katrina Ely, Veronica Ely, Barbara Ferrari, Jane Floyd-Hendey, Jill Garbs, Christina Glinn, William Harroff, Charlotte Johnson, Michael Joslyn, Sydney Joslyn, Joseph Langley, Elizabeth Link, Gerri Makler, Elise Manning, Rachel Miles, Felicia Olin, Riley Salmi, Kiara Schmidt, Carolyn Tidball, Emily Wetter, Lauren Whaley, Sarah Willig and Beth Winfrey as well as Diann Wensing, a fibers artist. Aside from the featured artists works in the Holiday Show, the EAC also carries a variety of hand-made items in its year-round gallery shop. These items include unique ceramic teapots, rings, necklaces, earrings, silk scarves, holiday ornaments and holiday cards. The Holiday Shows opening reception takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 25 at the EAC which is located at 6165 Center Grove Rd. in Edwardsville. The EACs hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The Holiday Show starts Black Friday so we encourage people to come here and buy some hand-made artwork for their Christmas presents, Tidball said. Instead of going to the mall and shopping at a big name store, come and buy some art. Not all of these guys are local, but they are artists who make their work from hand and they are great Christmas presents. Community involvement is the topic of this weeks episode of Segue on WSIE-FM 88.7, as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Dr. Randy Pembrook hosts Rob Jackstadt, mayor of Glen Carbon and founding partner of the law firm Tueth, Keeney, Cooper, Mohan & Jackstadt, P.C. A Collinsville native, Jackstadt practices law in the areas of commercial, construction and education litigation. Following in the footsteps of his father, former Collinsville mayor Louis Jackstadt, Rob has served as Glen Carbons mayor since 2005. Jackstadt previously served on the planning and zoning commission as a Village of Glen Carbon trustee, and was also an Edwardsville School District board member. My parents instilled in me the idea that public service is important and to be sure to give back to your community by getting involved at some level, Jackstadt explains. I encourage others to get involved with their communities as well, because it can be rewarding to learn the different issues involved in running a municipality. Jackstadt shares what mayoral decisions he would have made differently from when he assumed office. If I or anyone knew the state of Illinois would be in the financial condition it is currently, not funding major infrastructure projects, I would have implemented funding structures and found different avenues for the funding of infrastructure improvements much earlier than what we are currently doing, he says. In the state today, weve had to establish a new normal. You cannot count on a capital bill or having majority funding from the state for major infrastructure right now. Municipalities must basically come up with that money on their own. Pembrook agrees, Moving forward, were going to have to be more creative as leaders to accomplish certain outcomes. Jackstadt explains that the biggest challenge faced as a mayor is dealing with and prioritizing unlimited demands using limited funds. In addition, Jackstadt has pursued the challenge of transforming the government structure for the Village of Glen Carbon, encouraging change in practice from its traditional models to a more modern, business-structured entity. Weve accomplished a lot in the Village of Glen Carbon since I became mayor, Jackstadt shares. The village was undergoing rapid growth when I was elected. It has continued to grow in population, now up to 13,000 residents, and continues to be a place where people want to live and raise their families. It has also become a place where businesses want to invest their money. A lot of smart growth has taken place over the last 11 years, and the village government has certainly become more diversified since 2005. We hired our first village administrator, and also improved communication in the village through a residence advisory board, a business advisory board, and the continued publishing and distribution of a quarterly village newsletter. Weve also improved our system capabilities to keep residents more informed, and weve made our board meetings more accessible for residents to come and discuss issues. Pembrook applauds Jackstadts achievements by saying, Diversity is certainly something that a lot of organizations are talking about. It provides a wealth of ideas when you have the right people at the table. At SIUE, were quite proud of that as well. This is the third consecutive year weve won the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award. As mayor, Im sure those diverse ideas are important to village planning. Jackstadt believes in order for local government to thrive, elected officials and appointees must reflect the diverse characteristics of a community in its entirety. Another recent topic is merging Edwardsville and Glen Carbon. Jackstadt shares that hes open to researching the possibility. Many people, especially those residents who didnt grow up here, see us as one community, he says. I have always supported the concept of letting the voters decide if the two municipalities should actually merge. Part of the misperception is the residents believe elected officials dont want that to go forward. The challenge is to let the residents decide if a combination of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon would be a good idea. I certainly would be in favor of having the pros and cons of that decision explored, but making sure the residents are also informed on the pros and cons. The counterview is, What about the historical significance of Glen Carbon, and the significance of Edwardsville as the third-oldest city in the state? Theres ways that could be addressed, but its important to allow the residents to decide that - not the elected people to decide whether or not the people even get a choice in it. Jackstadt defends the ease of such a decision by adding that he and other local mayors frequently collaborate through the District 7 Council of Mayors, a group established to discuss common interests and concerns for decision making in the local area. Pembrook and Jackstadt continue by discussing what makes the area so attractive to both SIUE students and community residents. It can be said in one word: unique, Jackstadt says. Were the only town in the world called Glen Carbon. The area is unique in that we are strategically located within 25 minutes of a major metropolitan area, but are also located far enough away from that metropolitan area where we have that small town feel. Glen Carbon has the distinct pleasure of being located next to the city of Edwardsville, which is the county seat, and also next to SIUE. What an asset! So many mayors would die to be located next to a state institution such as SIUE and the county seat. Our location is just wonderful, but its the people of this community that make it remarkable, and a great place to live and raise a family. Pembrook adds, Youve touched on many of the points that I love to discuss with potential students, which is, SIUE has beautiful green space with fun opportunities, situated in the safe, suburban environment of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon. This area was named one of the 25 safest environments for higher education. Im also quick to point out our accessibility to major metropolitan opportunities, especially as it relates to internships. I look at Edwardsville/Glen Carbon as a major factor in attracting students. Once they are here, its great to see the effect they have on our environment through creativity and their effect on the local economy. Discussion continues with Jackstadt explaining what attracted him to a career in law, future implications that law may have on higher education and professional advice for students considering a career in law. They conclude by discussing local traditions such as the Edwardsville Halloween Parade, the Glen Carbon Pre-Veterans Day Parade, the Edwardsville Veterans Day Parade, Glen Carbon Homecoming Festival, Glenfest and more. 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 Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Siti Nurbaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 Who would have known that Indonesia, once infamously known for its rampant illegal logging, would today be in the forefront of forest law enforcement and trade? Last week, in the early hours of Nov. 15, as people from around the world myself included were convening the United Nations Convention on Climate Change at the 22nd Conference of Parties (COP22) in Marrakech, Indonesia on its own home front issued the worlds very first Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (or FLEGT) licenses. In fact, 36 licenses were issued in those first two hours while I was away. They were for timber products whose companies had queued up patiently to get the very first licenses on that historic date. As it happened, Nov. 15 came and went without much fanfare, but for forest governance, not to mention maintaining forest sustainability for a very long future, it was a redletter date for Indonesia. For FLEGT licensing by Indonesia means that, for the first time ever, the European Union is exempting an entire countrys timber exports from the requirements of its EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), which prohibits trade in illegally harvested timber products. The FLEGT license guarantees that timber from Indonesia has been harvested, processed and exported in accordance with Indonesian laws. Its fitting for me to reiterate here that FLEGT licenses serve border control requirements and are not intended as a product label, but as FLEGT-licensed products automatically meet the EUTR requirements, EU-based importers will not need to do further due diligence before placing them on the market. Here lies the triumph. Indonesia has achieved great progress in bringing its forest sector under control. By addressing legality, not only have we met the very high and stringent certification standards of the EU an important market that represents 28 countries we have also managed to build a foundation for sustainable forest management and made it our contributing action to address climate change. Long before the EU got into the picture, Indonesia had decided that it would halt illegal logging once and for all, for the terrible environmental degradation that had resulted, the wanton deforestation and, more to the point, the unrecorded state revenues amounting to billions, if not trillions of rupiah that we had lost. In 2001, Indonesia hosted a regional conference that helped put illegal logging on the map as an issue of global concern. The conference ended with the Bali Declaration on Forest Law and Governance. By 2003, Indonesia had begun a long and oft-times painful process of dialogue and compromise based on a multistakeholder platform to improve transparency, public participation and all aspects of good forest governance. In the ensuing years, Indonesia developed a system for assuring that all our timber products were harvested or imported, traded, processed and exported in compliance with national laws pertaining to the environment, the economy and all other social issues, as identified by the stakeholders. The resulting timber legality assurance system, or SVLK (Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu), is subject to continual independent monitoring by civil society and periodic evaluation by independent monitors. Im not saying that the path was easy. When can a multistakeholder platform ever be? However, the results are well worth it. Indonesia has guaranteed that this improvement mechanism is continuous, based on input from all those stakeholders, data collection from the field, forest monitoring by independent NGOs, law enforcement and monitoring of the market for FLEGT-licensed timber products. On April 21 in Brussels, President Joko Jokowi Widodo and EU President Jean-Claude Juncker signed a joint statement for Indonesias issuance of the FLEGT License in this same year. We are now seeing that agreement come to fruition after 15 years of hard work. This is the direct result of increasing transparency, better accountability and stakeholder participation in decisions about Indonesias forests. Today I am proud to say all of Indonesias timber products, exports and otherwise, are from independently audited factories and forests. To round off this piece, allow me to give you some statistics: To date, about 24 million hectares of natural and plantation forest are SVLK-certified, together with 2,843 forestbased enterprises and industries. Since January 2016, Indonesia exported SVLK-licensed timber products to about 200 countries, including the 28 EU countries, with a total worth of about US$8.2 billion. Im overjoyed to say that 100 percent of the timber harvested in natural forest concessions and 100 percent of the timber from plantation forest concessions is SVLK-certified. From Nov. 15 until 10 a.m. on Nov. 23, Indonesia had issued 845 FLEGT licenses for exporters with products destined for 24 countries in the EU, with a total value of $24.96 million. These products included wood panels with a total value of $11.92 million and furniture products worth $7.25 million. Its important to note that this is by no means the work of one ministry. The whole deal was a joint effort of many ministries working together, including the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Trade Ministry, the Industry Ministry, the Finance Ministry, the ministry for cooperatives and small and medium enterprises and my own ministry. By the end of this year, the first shipments of FLEGT-licensed timber from Indonesia will enter EU ports. The EU countries have completed all their internal procedures to recognize FLEGT licensing from Indonesia. The competent authorities and timber importers in the member countries are now prepared to receive these shipments. Very soon, Indonesian timber products will be firmly placed in the EU market, a market that demands zero risk of illegal logging. Indonesias FLEGT-licensed products are 100 percent guaranteed to have zero risk of having been illegally logged. --------------- We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to community@jakpost.com. For more information click here. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jusuf Wanandi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 The article in The Jakarta Post on Nov. 24 on the increase in Chinas foreign direct investment (FDI) in Indonesia by a staggering 291 percent (US$1.5 billion) from January to September met with a positive response. This is very good news for Indonesias economy, which needs the FDI to keep growth between 5 and 5.5 percent in 2016, and hopefully reach 6 percent in 2017. This development silenced previous critics who claimed Chinas promised FDI worth tens of billions of dollars would only be partially realized. Now it promises to grow much more in the future. Indonesia should undoubtedly welcome the dramatic rise of FDI from China, because we do need it, and China might be one of the few sources left that are truly interested in investing in Indonesia and have the means to do so. Indonesia has to be serious because the 5 percent growth that we have achieved so far is still inadequate to cope with the influx of over 2 million new workers, which might need 7 percent annual growth. In addition, Indonesia may need more investments as its exports have weakened due to the slowdown of the economies of its counterparts. More so if we are thinking of eradicating poverty and economic inequality in society. For that reason, Chinese FDI will be a critical part of Indonesias program to achieve these goals. For once this is a period in which FDI from China is truly substantial, and we have to be positive about it and prepare the people, especially entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). There was a period in our history when China as a communist country was looked upon with fear, whereas on the Chinese side, there were worries about anti-Chinese sentiment in Indonesia. We now understand that China has changed a lot, and that its socialism with a Chinese character is no longer applied in the same way it was before the reforms introduced by chairman Deng Xiaoping in 1978. In the event that problems arise from the presence of Chinese labor in Indonesia in implementing the projects, careful discussions should be held and agreements made prior to final decisions. An expected problem is the language gap. There is also a need to improve the productivity of Indonesian labor to make the implementation of the projects viable. Both Indonesia and China should reach mutual understanding regarding potential problems that may arise in their partnership, including a better understanding from the Chinese side about political issues in Indonesia that tend to be nationalistically inclined. The willingness to compromise on both sides whenever necessary may create a lot of mileage that will make the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership a reality. Since many of our leaders studied in the West and are more accustomed to the Western system, there is a certain trepidation when it comes to dealing with something new like the Chinese way of doing things. China is a big power in East Asia now and seemingly this change is partly due to it becoming an important partner of Indonesia. Furthermore, China is a close neighbor and Indonesia opened its diplomatic relations in 1950, shortly after the PRC was founded in 1949. Indonesia and China have worked closely since the resumption of our diplomatic relations in 1990, developed good rapport and trust in each other in all our endeavors, from the top down to the working levels, from government to think tanks, businesses, the media and even NGOs. We should relate to each other as we do with others, including with the US. Why can we entertain and study the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) with the US as the leader but cannot move forward the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which ASEAN proposed in response to the TPP initiative and is now being pushed by China? We have to study all these initiatives carefully and base our discussions on the merits of the case. The TPP now has an uncertain future, while the RCEP can be developed further as there is the need to move trade as a prerequisite of economic growth while the RCEP is ready to be pushed and concluded in the near future. We should come together to support it. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 The winner of Miss Indonesia 2006, who later enlisted in the US army, Kristania Virginia Besouw, has revealed her wish to leave the military and return to her hometown of Manado, North Sulawesi. I dont like it, [I] want to resign, Kristania told kompas.com. [Its] tiring to always travel and move. Whats important is I already know how it feels to be a soldier. Previously, Kristania said she could get promoted to a higher rank in the military. I was sent to the Noncommissioned Officer Academy to study a basic leader course for a month in September, which allows me to achieve a higher rank, she explained, adding that she would leave the military when her contract ended in October 2018. Ive graduated from it; all I need to do is just meet with the council. (Read also: Communist Party thinks Hallyu promotes soft, weak men) Miss Indonesia 2006 Kristania Virginia Besouw, who is currently based in the US, has said she wants to visit her family and friends in her hometown of Manado, Indonesia.(Kristania Virginia Besouw via kompas.com/File) Born in Manado, Kristania said she wanted to visit her family and friends in Indonesia. I long to see Manado; I want to eat Manados spicy, delicious foods. I also miss my close friends and family. News of Kristanias decision to join the military circulated in Indonesia after she posted photographs of herself in camouflage fatigues to her Instagram account using the hashtags #armystrong and #proud. Following her achievement in the Miss Indonesia contest, she later represented the country at the Miss World pageant in 2006. Following her marriage, Kristania moved to Colby, Kansas, and became a US citizen. (wir/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Selina Lum (The Straits Times/Asia News Network) Singapore Fri, November 25, 2016 Are the two-finger and four-finger shapes of Kit Kat chocolate bars entitled to trademark protection here and can it be used to effectively stop others from marketing goods of a similar shape in here? The answer is no. The Court of Appeal, in a written judgment Thursday, affirmed an earlier decision by the High Court which had thrown out Nestle's suit against Petra Foods over an alleged trademark infringement. Kit Kat chocolate wafers are made by Swiss food and beverage giant Nestle. Nestle had registered the two-finger and four-finger shapes of its Kit Kat bars as trademarks in Singapore. It sued Petra, which makes similarly shaped chocolate wafers marketed under the brand Take-It, for trademark infringement. Petra, represented by Senior Counsel Davinder Singh and Mr Dedar Singh Gill, counter-sued to invalidate Nestle's registered shapes, arguing that they cannot be considered trademarks under the law. In 2014, the High Court dismissed Nestle's claim and allowed Petra's counterclaim. Nestle appealed. (Read also: Mind the chocolate gap: Britons grumble as Toblerone shrinks) On Thursday, a five-judge appeals court, in an 85-page judgment delivered by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, unanimously dismissed the appeal. The court ruled that Nestle's shapes lacked inherent distinctiveness and had not acquired distinctiveness through use. Distinctiveness is a concept in trademark law which denotes that a particular mark acts as a badge to the consumer to indicate the origin of the goods. While the average consumer recognized the shapes and associated them with Kit Kat, the court said Nestle had failed to show that the average consumer treated the shapes as a guarantee of origin. The court ruled that the shape of Kit Kat bars cannot be granted trademark protection as the shape is necessary to obtain a technical result. Petra's lawyers had argued that the slab shape was necessary for efficient mass production. In any case, even if the shapes had been validly registered, they would have been revoked because while they had been commercially exploited, they had not been used as trademarks. This article appeared on The Straits Times newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Associated Press) Haarlem, Netherlands Fri, November 25, 2016 A rare handwritten poem signed by Anne Frank sold at auction Wednesday for 140,000 euros ($148,620). In a sign of the enduring popularity of the Jewish diarist who became a symbol for Holocaust victims, the sale price, which doesn't include the auctioneer's commission, was nearly three times the upper limit of the Dutch auction house's pre-sale estimate. The eight-line poem, half of which was copied from a Dutch book of verse, is dated March 28, 1942, shortly before Anne and her family went into hiding from the Netherlands' wartime Nazi occupiers in a secret apartment in an Amsterdam canal house. It was sold to an online bidder, whose identity wasn't released. The poem was accompanied by a letter of authenticity from the seller, Anne's former school friend, Jacqueline van Maarsen. The poem is addressed to Van Maarsen's late sister, Christiane. Jacqueline van Maarsen also has a poem written by Anne that was addressed to her. (Read also: Five facts about Anne Frank) "I know that my sister was not as attached to this verse from Anne to her as I am to the verse Anne addressed to me, and that is the reason that I am now putting it up for sale," Van Maarsen said in a letter accompanying the poem. Auction house Bubb Kuyper put a presale estimate of 30,000-50,000 euros ($32,000-53,000) on the poem. Anne Frank Foundation spokeswoman Maatje Mostart said there is no doubt about the poem's authenticity. "Jacqueline was an important person for Anne," Mostart said. Mostart said it is "very special" for a piece of Anne's handwriting to come up for auction, but added that the foundation didn't plan to bid for the poem. Anne and her family were betrayed and captured late in the war and deported. Anne died in the Bergen-Belsen Nazi concentration camp at age 15, shortly before it was liberated by Allied forces. Her father survived the war and published her diary, which went on to become a global best-seller. Wu Weishan (center) [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily] Wu Weishan, director of National Art Museum of China, was titled an honorary professor at the prestigious I. Repin St. Petersburg State Academy Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture by its rector Semen I. Mikhailovsky, on Tuesday in Beijing. The school founded in the 18th century is one of Russia's oldest higher art institutions. It helped to cultivate many Chinese artists in the 1950s and is one of the favorite art schools abroad for Chinese students today. At the awarding ceremony observed by Russian ambassador to China, Andrey Denisov, Wu and Mikhailovsky also signed a cooperation agreement on behalf of the two institutions, which in the future will bring more Chinese and Russian artworks to each countries. Related: The man covering Beijing in 100 dragons Chinese art masterpieces at Christie's auction preview in HK Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 Following the success of its two previous iterations, Googles Launchpad Accelerator, a program to equip founders with mentorship and equity-fee support, has recruited six startups from Indonesia for a third edition, which is set to start at the beginning of January in 2017. Among the startups recruited were Snapcart, Qlue, iGrow, Jurnal, Mapan (Ruma) and PicMix. Participated by developers from Brazil, India, the Philippines and eight more countries, the program will offer startups with support in public relations, free credit for Google products and a working opportunity with the tech company for six months within their respective countries. (Read also: Elite mentoring program hunts for more RI startups) The program includes guidance from Google engineers, product managers and mentors in other fields of expertise from various technology companies and venture capitals in Silicon Valley, said Google on its official blog on Tuesday. The programs third batch will commence on Jan. 30 at the Launchpad Space in San Francisco, a Google arena in which developers and startups will receive free technical training, individual mentorship and other forms of educational access to ensure the success in the launch of their own applications or startups. As reported by tempo.co, Google has so far sent 14 Indonesian startups to its headquarters in Mountain View, California. The company is said to commit to support the growth of talented Indonesian developers and help the government establish Indonesia as Southeast Asia's largest digital economy. (mra/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 The Attorney Generals Office (AGO) has set up a team to handle a blasphemy case involving Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, after the case dossier was handed over by the National Police on Friday morning. The AGOs junior prosecutor for general crimes, Noor Rahmad, said he had appointed around 10 prosecutors to examine the case. We have appointed credible prosecutors with good quality and integrity. The prosecutors I appointed also have mixed religious backgrounds. They are both Christian and Muslim followers, he told journalists at the AGO headquarters in South Jakarta on Friday. Noor added that prosecutor Ali Mukartono would lead the team assigned to Ahoks case. All of the prosecutors were committed to handling the case fairly, he said. We will be trying to be objective, fair and transparent. We are serious in handling this case," he said. Ahok was named a suspect for blasphemy on Nov. 16 after citing a Quranic verse during a visit to Thousand Islands in late September. His speech triggered anger among Muslims who staged a large-scale rally on Nov. 4 despite the governor's apologies. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 Political discourse during the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election campaign has become largely sectarian as Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian of Chinese descent, is being accused of blasphemy, the incumbent candidates campaign team said. Ahoks campaign team spokesman Raja Juli Antoni said the election campaigns sectarian discourse had influenced the perceptions of Jakarta's residents, which were once positive toward the governor. He said it was expected that all Jakarta voters could better understand the nature of the blasphemy charges made against Ahok because the legal process was still underway. President [Joko] 'Jokowi' [Widodo] has also promised not to intervene in the case. It means the legal process is running independently, Raja told The Jakarta Post in an interview at Ahoks campaign team headquarters, Rumah Lembang, in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday. He said it was also hoped that the two other candidates for governor, Anies Baswedan and Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, could help change the current political discourse, which has tended to be sectarian. We hope Mas Anies and Mas Agus can start implementing what they have called a 'Jakarta election, a festival of thoughts, Raja said. He said it was important for the two candidates to tell their supporters to start engaging in constructive discussions. Mas Anies and Mas Agus can speak out to change the discourse," Raja said. Ahok has been a subject of sectarian attacks since video footage of him, edited to make his recorded remarks sound blasphemous, went viral on social media last month. The National Police named the governor a blasphemy suspect on Nov.16. Previously, a group called the Forum of Jakartans also encouraged the three candidates to channel the current political discourse to more important issues. The group suggested the candidates discuss, for instance, the skyrocketing land prices in Jakarta that make living in the city more unaffordable for people. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 Hopes that Myanmars de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi can resolve the ongoing humanitarian crisis engulfing Rohingya Muslims in her country have begun to fade, as she has not shown any sign she will take sides with the oppressed minority, a Burmese rights activist has said. Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN) executive director Kyaw Win said his expectations of Suu Kyi, who was also a Nobel Peace Prize winner, currently stood at cautious optimism, mainly because she tended to play it safe in approaching the issue. This is something wrong with her because she chooses politics and power rather than principles. Principally, she must stand up fondly with the Rohingyan people and tell the army to stop [the persecution], he told The Jakarta Post on Friday. Kyaw Win said Suu Kyi had a long history of fighting against oppressors. However, he added, the Myanmar leader now seemed to have lost her bravery, indicated by her persistent refusal to speak for the Rohingya people and reluctance in giving access for the international media and organizations to investigate the trouble in Rakhine state, the Muslim-majority region in Myanmar. Suu Kyi has encountered mounting pressure over her governments poor handling of the violence faced by Muslims in Rakhine, where soldiers have reportedly blocked access for aid delivery and are accused of raping women and killing civilians. In Jakarta, participants of a rally held on Friday to protest the oppression and killing of Rohingya Muslims demanded the revocation of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Suu Kyi for her failure to stop the crackdown on the Muslim group in her country. (fac/ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nomaan Merchant (Associated Press) Beijing Fri, November 25, 2016 The editor of a Chinese website monitoring human rights issues has been detained on suspicion of subverting state power, according to an announcement on the website. Liu Feiyue, founder of the website Minsheng Guancha, was taken away earlier this month by police in the central Chinese city of Suizhou. The site says Liu's family has been told he is under investigation for subversion, a vaguely defined charge often leveled against human rights activists and dissidents. Minsheng Guancha, known in English as Civil Rights & Livelihood Watch, was founded in 2006 and documents protests, land seizures, unannounced detentions and other alleged human rights violations that are typically ignored by China's state-run media. Liu has published stories about China's detentions of dissenters and activists, one of a few people living in mainland China to do so. His website has alleged that China has committed hundreds of perceived troublemakers to mental hospitals under the guise of giving them psychiatric treatment. He has also documented local corruption cases and protests by veterans seeking benefits after their discharge from the military. Liu has been detained multiple times for brief periods, often during high-profile events such as meetings of the National People's Congress or international summits. But if he is convicted of subversion, Liu could face life in prison, the maximum penalty for anyone guilty of organizing a "scheme of subverting the state power or overthrowing the socialist system." Word of Liu's detention comes shortly after news that another activist has disappeared. The wife of legal activist Jiang Tianyong said Thursday that he had not been heard from since Monday. Jiang represented some of China's most politically sensitive figures in recent years, including the dissident lawyer Gao Zhisheng and blind activist Chen Guangcheng. In a separate column on its website, Minsheng Guancha called Liu's detention the latest incident in a "prolonged suppression" of activists. "As long as the rights of a single person fail to be guaranteed, the appeals for human rights will never die," the site said. Patrick Poon, a researcher for Amnesty International, said the cases of Liu and Jiang were "worrying," and a possible sign of "another wave of crackdown against human rights defenders." An official who answered the phone at the Suizhou public security bureau Friday said he had no knowledge of Liu's detention. Calls to Liu's mobile phone rang unanswered Friday. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Moses Ompusunggu, Ina Parlina and Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25 2016 Rumors seemingly designed to incite anxiety have heightened political tension ahead of a rally planned for Dec. 2. The rallys demands, originally the prosecution of Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama for alleged blasphemy, have spiralled into a plea to overthrow President Joko Jokowi Widodo after the dissemination of fake news about an assault on Islam Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab, one of the organizers of the demonstration. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Moses Ompusunggu, Ina Parlina and Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 Rumors seemingly designed to incite anxiety have heightened political tension ahead of a rally planned for Dec. 2. The rallys demands, originally the prosecution of Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama for alleged blasphemy, have spiralled into a plea to overthrow President Joko Jokowi Widodo after the dissemination of fake news about an assault on Islam Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab, one of the organizers of the demonstration. A fake report spread on the internet claimed Rizieq had been hospitalized after being beaten by a member of the Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad). The Home Ministry gathered regional administration leaders on Thursday to clarify the rumors and give updates on the situation. Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, who was among the top officials in attendance at the meeting, claimed there were opportunistic parties that had tried to increase support for the rally. It is very apparent that it [the Dec. 2 rally] is intended to overthrow RI-1 [President Joko Jokowi Widodo], Gatot vehemently told the governors, and I have evidence that suggests there are parties outside Indonesia meddling in this situation. The military commander referred to the false rumor about Rizieq, who was one of the organizers of the Nov. 4 anti-Ahok rally that attracted tens of thousands of conservative Muslims. Calling themselves the National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesian Ulema Councils Fatwa (GNPFMUI), the group held a mass prayer session on that day and later gathered in front of the Presidential Palace. [Reports of Rizieqs assault] were not true. My aides found out that the sources [of the rumor] were [internet portals in] Australia and New Jersey in the US, proving that external parties are trying to divide our nation, Gatot said. Gatot said there was no need for protesters to stage another demonstration to demand the arrest of Ahok, who was named a blasphemy suspect last week by the National Police, as the polices investigation was ongoing. The allegations against Ahok, a Christian of Chinese descent, are based on his reference to a Quranic verse during a working visit to Thousand Islands regency in September. National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said the investigation into Ahok was expected to be completed by Monday. The GNPF-MUI has said protesters at the Dec. 2 rally would perform mass Friday prayers on Jl. Thamrin, Jl. Sudirman and at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, which the police claim is a violation of the 1998 Freedom of Speech Law because it could violate other peoples rights or disrupt public order. The Jakarta Police have demanded the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issue an edict against the mass Friday prayers to prevent the rallies turning violent. Deputy secretary-general of the MUI Sholahuddin Al-Aiyub said the organization had received the polices request. We have handed over the letter to the MUI Edict Commission to be discussed. Insya Allah [God willing] the commission will soon deliver a statement about [the request in] the letter, Sholahuddin said. Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the countrys largest Muslim organization, Said Aqil Siradj, also announced on Thursday that the NU had issued an edict prohibiting Friday mass prayers from being performed on the streets. Friday mass prayers on the street is illegitimate, Said Aqil said in front of thousands of NU members during an event that was also attended by Jokowi. Previously, Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Syaifuddin said the Dec. 2 rally was unnecessary and certain parties could take advantage of the situation. An individual might lose their self-control when gathering with a crowd of people and then what drives them is the psychology of the crowd. It has the potential to be taken over by opportunists, Lukman said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Fri, November 25 2016 Visiting Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte managed a politically and historically sensitive issue smartly and sensibly during his bilateral meeting with his host President Joko Jokowi Widodo in Jakarta on Wednesday. The prime minister achieved his goal without causing unnecessary uproar because he avoided the use of megaphone diplomacy and chose quiet but effective diplomacy. Rutte appeared fully aware that the disappearance of six Dutch and British shipwrecks sunk during the Battle of the Java Sea during World War II was a delicate issue for both his country and its former colony Indonesia. Bilateral ties between the two countries remain positive despite several issues over the years. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Setiono Sugiharto (The Jakarta Post) Fri, November 25 2016 Thanks to the government-sponsored certification programs, teaching has become seen as a respected profession and, importantly, professional development programs for teachers have become the core of the educational agenda. To support teachers in professionalizing their teaching, the government has taken important initiatives to pave the way to professionalism. Educational budgets are always allocated annually to enhance professionalization and to improve teachers welfare. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Syamsul Huda M. Suhari (The Jakarta Post) Gorontalo Fri, November 25, 2016 Ten members of the Gorontalo Legislative Council in Gorontalo regency reported on Friday a civil servant over his Facebook status concerning the distribution of flood relief aid. They accused the man of defamation and violating the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law. The civil servant, identified as ML, allegedly wrote a status on Nov. 5 defending himself after he was reportedly reprimanded by a legislator over the late arrival of flood relief aid in a district. ML, also a flood alert team member, did not mention the councillor by name but called him oknum, an Indonesian word usually used to refer to wayward officials. We as members of the flood alert team and [Disaster Alert Kampung] are humans, sir. We leave our families, our usual work duties, daily routines and spend our personal time helping flood victims. Is it right that for a councillor to treat us like this? he wrote on his Facebook account. Syahmid Henu, council speaker, said he was offended by the status. Im being bullied through Facebook, he said Friday. Syahmid said on Nov. 5 that he saw a flood alert team member distribute rice and instant noodles in the Datahu village office in Tibawa district, not far from his house. He approached a team member and asked them why the aid had just arrived, while the flood occurred on Oct. 26. He didnt answer my question and his answer was instead on Facebook, the politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) said. Local media quoted ML as saying that he had written the status after his friends encouraged him to defend the team. He said the aid had not been delivered late. (evi) Many analysts focus on country's ratio of debt to GDP, but reality is more nuanced, says Li Yang Li Yang, the influential Chinese economist, insists the world's second-largest economy is not facing a debt crisis. The 65-year-old chairman of the National Institution for Finance and Development, a leading think tank, says commentators always underestimate the country's huge asset base. "I am not saying that China does not have a debt problem, but what we have now is far from a crisis," he says. Li Yang, chairman of the National Institution for Finance and Development, insists there has been no equivalent example in China to the US bailing out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the entities at the heart of its mortgage crisis. Zhang Wei / China Daily Li, former vice-president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and five-time winner of the Sun Yefang Economics Prize, China's highest award in the field, was speaking in his offices in the Jingguang Center in the Hujialou area of Beijing. Many analysts get their assessments wrong, he says, because the government's debt problem can't be understood by simply looking at the debt-to-GDP ratio. By that measure China's debt is at a historical high - 249 percent at the end of last year, according to the NIFD. "The problem with this analysis is that debt is a stock and GDP is essentially a flow. If we use this measure, it is not in any way a scientific explanation of the real situation," he says. "We either need to measure debt as a stock to stock or a flow to flow." The work of Li's think tank, one of 25 with national level status approved by the central government in 2015, has been to analyze the Chinese economy's assets. It has published its research in two volumes, The National Balance Sheet of China, in both 2013 and 2015. With a team of seven full-time researchers, it conducted what is believed to be the most comprehensive research into this area ever undertaken. "We have so far collected more than 10 years of data to look at the real composition of China's assets," he says. "Starting next year we will be producing our research annually, with an updated volume every year." By the end of 2015, according to the institution's latest data, China had some 229.4 trillion yuan ($33.3 trillion; 31.3 trillion euros; 26.9 trillion) of assets and 126.2 trillion yuan of debt, resulting it net assets of 103.2 trillion yuan. Of these net assets, 16.6 trillion yuan was owned by the central government and 69.1 trillion yuan by local governments. According to the same calculation, some 20.7 trillion yuan were held in highly-liquid assets, including precious metals such as gold and silver, and in investments in foreign companies listed on overseas exchanges. "This high degree of liquidity puts China in a strong position to deal with any crisis," Li says. One of the aspects that differentiates China's debt from that of many Western countries is that it is invested in things that are tangible and that produce an income such as infrastructure, rather than funding pensions and other ongoing expenses - which he says is particularly the case in the United States and most developed economies. "With economic growth slowing and investment return declining, the government's revenue is shrinking but we have this huge amount of accumulated wealth - net assets to cover the shrinking revenue stream," he says, adding that investment in infrastructure, although not always income generating in itself, can trigger other revenues: "If you take the case of Shanghai, if a tunnel is built under the Huangpu River, it may not generate revenue directly for the municipality but it makes businesses more efficient and people's lives more convenient. And the value of the land at both ends might rocket, bringing in revenue for local government." Li says there are increasing opportunities for local governments to create income from infrastructure through public private partnerships. "Through such partnerships, private companies can help generate revenues for local governments," he says. Li, whose education was interrupted by the 'cultural revolution' (1966-76), eventually graduated in economics from Anhui University in his native province in 1981. He went on to earn his master's degree at Fudan University in Shanghai before completing a doctorate at Renmin University of China in Beijing. He then spent a year as a visiting economist at Columbia University in New York in the late 1990s before returning to China to work at the influential social sciences academy, where he rose to vice-president. The National Institution for Finance and Development is also part of CASS. Over a long career he has written more than 400 theses and working papers and participated in 50 state-level research projects. He believes the view that many of the problems now facing the Chinese economy - boiling down to the government's 4 trillion yuan stimulus package implemented after the global financial crisis in 2009 - does not reflect the true condition of the country. "There was probably only 1.1 trillion yuan ever actually spent, and much of that was already in the plan so it was not additional expenditure," he says. He disputes the view of Tsinghua University professor of finance Zhu Ning expressed in his new book, China's Guaranteed Bubble, that there is little concept of debt risk in China because there is an implicit guarantee the central government will always come to the rescue. He insists there has been no equivalent example in China to the US bailing out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the entities at the heart of its mortgage crisis. "The US government bought their assets when they were in a quagmire, and that is why the debt problem in the US shifted from private enterprises to the government." Li, however, fully acknowledges that China is not immune from a debt crisis and, in fact, experienced one after the Asian financial crisis when GDP growth suddenly slumped to 4 percent. "At the time, the Western media said that we were heading for bankruptcy and Chinese institutions were going broke. We spent around 5 trillion yuan of our stock in assets, however, to absorb almost all the non-performs' debt." Li says he believes that, unlike the economies directly affected by the Asian financial crisis, such as South Korea and Thailand, China's debt is owed internally within its own financial system rather than externally to foreign countries, giving it extra insurance against any crisis. "If you look at Japan now, it has a huge debt-to-GDP ratio, but it doesn't have a debt crisis because much of its debt is owed internally. Many European countries have a lower level of debt, but they have no assets and have to borrow money from other countries. They are in a far worse position." Li acknowledges that China needs to reduce its current debt level, and that this is one of the factors that characterize the era of the "new normal" of lower growth. "Writing off debt, however, is just one of the reasons, alongside unbalanced development and overcapacity, for slower growth," Li says. "I don't believe we are going to see some sudden collapse in growth. I expect it to move to around 5.5 or 5 percent by 2030." Contact the writer at andrewmoody@chinadaily.com.cn (China Daily European Weekly 11/25/2016 page7) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25 2016 The Jakarta Sanitation Agency is suspending 63 contract workers after they took pictures with a banner for gubernatorial candidate Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono and his running mate Sylviana Murni. Sanitation Agency head Isnawa Adji said on Thursday that he had seen the photos of 63 workers wearing their work outfits while holding a banner of the candidate pair, with an excavator in the background. They said a former agency official, who is now a campaigner for the candidate pair, had asked them to pose for the photos, he said. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Tangerang Fri, November 25 2016 The bodies of two boys were found floating in an excavated hole filled with water in the Rawa Mekar Jaya subdistrict of Serpong, South Tangerang, on Wednesday. The 2-meter-deep hole belongs to the South Tangerang office of the National Land Agency (BPN South Tangerang). South Tangerang Police spokesman Adj. Comr. Mansuri said the boys, identified as Carol, 7, and Hamzah, 6, were residents of Rawa Mekar Jaya. Their bodies were found by Teguh, 22, who was working near the hole. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agnes Anya, Callistasia Anggun Wijaya, and Moses Ompusunggu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 Amid President Joko Jokowi Widodos intense political consolidation efforts, several conservative Islamic groups have made an about-face and now say their rally on Friday is a gesture of solidarity with Rohingya refugees in Myanmar. Various Islamic organizations, including the Islamic Students Association (HMI) and the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), initially planned to hold a demonstration on Friday as a follow-up to the Nov. 4 rally, held to demand Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama be prosecuted for alleged blasphemy. However, on Thursday, the organizations denied that the planned demonstration was related to the ongoing blasphemy case. Instead, it is a show of solidarity by Indonesian Muslims with the Rohingya people in Myanmar, who are facing violence from their government, said former HMI member Muhammad Syukur Mandar. The demonstration tomorrow is held to protest the violence and killing of Rohingya Muslims. This is the standpoint we want to express, said Syukur, who is also the associations lawyer. During the demonstration, the protesters will demand the Myanmar government stop attacks on Rohingyas and urge the United Nations and Indonesian government to intervene by providing shelters for Rohingyas. He said the protesters would gather in front of the Myanmar Embassy on Jl. Haji Agus Salim, Gondangdia, Menteng, at 10 a.m. before marching to the UN office on Jl. MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta. He added that 2,000 to 3,000 people from various organizations were expected to participate in the rally. There will be around 300 to 400 people from the HMI, he said, adding that it was unlikely the protesters would deliver their demands to the House of Representatives as previously reported. Syukur said protesters would end the rally by erecting a Rohingya solidarity post, at which people could register to volunteer for humanitarian work assisting Rohingya refugees or to donate aid. In response to rumors about the Nov. 25 anti-Ahok rally, the Jakarta Police and other provincial police departments have prepared to deploy between 8,700 and 13,050 personnel, in addition to 36 riot squad units. Nonetheless, by late Thursday afternoon, the police confirmed that they had not yet received a notification letter regarding anti-Ahok or Rohingya solidarity rallies for Friday, said Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Awi Setiyono. We will send it to the police in the evening, Syukur said, adding that the police should not prohibit them from holding a rally given that Indonesia was a democratic country. Syukur confirmed the organizations would hold another demonstration against Ahok on Dec. 2, claiming that the protest would be even larger than the Nov. 4 demonstration. More than 100,000 people took part in the Nov. 4 rally to demand the police charge Ahok with blasphemy. Jokowi made political moves to ease tension before the protest, which started peacefully but ended with riots. He even visited Prabowo Subianto, his former rival in the 2014 presidential election and leader of the opposition camp, to ask him to also call on political groups to respect the ongoing legal process. Last Monday, the National Police and Indonesian Military (TNI) announced they had received information that some parties would try to take control of the House of Representatives during the Nov. 25 demonstration. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Moazzam Malik (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25 2016 In the early 2000s illegally logged timber was estimated to account for 80 percent of the total national harvest in Indonesia. This illegal trade caused widespread deforestation, impacted the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities, robbed the government of billions in revenues, and destroyed vital habitat for wildlife. Following campaigns highlighting the environmental and social impacts from illegal logging, many buyers from Europe stopped purchasing Indonesian timber. It has taken 15 years to turn this around. Just recently, Indonesia officially celebrated a historic achievement: Indonesia has become the first country in the world to qualify under the European Unions timber licensing scheme known as FLEGT. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dylan Amirio (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 As Indonesia has become the first country to receive an exemption from screening to ensure its timber is sourced in accordance with European Union regulations, its wood exports are set to get a major boost on the continent. Local suppliers made the first shipment last week of wood products with EU-approved Foreign Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licenses, which certify the timber as being legally sourced. EU Ambassador to Indonesia Vincent Guerend said Thursday that the licenses helped provide clarity over how the timber was logged, clearing away the major obstacle to enter Indonesias key market. Indonesia, which has the worlds third-largest tropical rain forest area, was once notorious for massive illegal logging and its wood products were heavily stigmatized. I think Indonesian timber products now will have a competitive advantage in the EU. Indonesia supplies 10 percent of the worlds timber market and EU imports a third of that, Guerent said, adding that the deal was beneficial for both parties. With the new certification, Indonesian wood products sales may increase in primary European destinations such as Germany, France and the United Kingdom. Exporters can enjoy reduced time normally spent for due diligence, which means lower business costs and faster delivery of products to customers. From November 15 to 23 as many as 845 FLEGT licenses for timber products have been issued to selected exporters. Overseas shipments of these products to 24 European countries has amounted to US$24.96 million, according to official data. Valued at $11.92 million, wooden panels make up the majority of the exports, followed by furniture with US$7.25 million, according to Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution. Speaking at the Environment and Forestry Ministry on that day, Darmin said that Indonesian timber products would now have better access to the competitive European market, suggesting that business players should seize the opportunity. Indonesias achievement in developing a specific certification system for timber legality must act as the guide toward improving our competitiveness in the global market and also to prove Indonesias commitment in guaranteeing the sustainability of our natural resources, Darmin said, referring to the national timber legality assurance system known as SVLK, which preceded the FLEGT certification. The value of Indonesian timber exports has risen to US$10.6 billion in 2015 after the SVLK standards were implemented in 2013. At present, the forestry sector contributes 1 percent to the nations gross domestic product (GDP). Now that trade barriers for Indonesian timber exports have been lifted in Europe, new challenges arise for Indonesias exporters to cater to European tastes and standards. Innovation in the field of design, such as figuring out how to build more sustainably made furniture, will now become more important. That has to be done alongside supervising the illegal export activities that have tainted the industry for so long, said Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) economist Latif Adam. Earlier, Indonesian Sawmill and Woodworking Association (ISWA) chairwoman Soewarni explained that with the FLEGT license, Indonesian timber exporters would be more confident in selling their products overseas. Vietnam and Ghana may follow Indonesias lead and seek to obtain FLEGT certification in the near future. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Palu Fri, November 25 2016 Anthropologists and land experts are slated to meet in Palu, Central Sulawesi, for an international conference in December. The conference, which will be held at Tadulako University in Palu, will feature scientists from Australia, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and the US. Anthropologists like Keith Hart of Pretoria University and Michael J. Fisher of Massachusetts Institute of Technology will be keynote and honorary speakers, said Muhammad Nasrum, the conferences head organizer. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Prima Wirayani and Grace D. Amianti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25 2016 In President Joko Jokowi Widodos tour to cool down recent political tensions, the destinations vary, as do the people he meets with, from political, security and religious leaders to bankers and businesspeople. On Thursday, the President and top Cabinet members spoke of one message in front of the CEOs of 100 top publicly listed firms: Optimism. I just want to convey one word, which is optimism. Let us not forget the word, although external factors are not supportive and the political situation has been getting a little bit warmer recently, he said in his remarks at the Kompas 100 CEO Forum, organized by daily newspaper Kompas. The warm political conditions stemmed from a large-scale rally earlier this month carried out by conservative Muslim groups demanding the prosecution of Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama over alleged blasphemy. Jokowi suspected there were political actors behind the rally, with some observers believing the protests were also aimed at undermining his administration. To cool things down, Jokowi has gone on tour to meet with some of the nations most influential figures, including those from the headquarters of the armed forces, Islamic organizations and political parties. He has also spoken to hundreds of bankers who attended the central banks annual meeting on Tuesday. In instilling optimism in the business community on Thursday, Jokowi, a former furniture businessman, cited a list of reasons why they should stay positive: a successful tax amnesty, a healthy foreign exchange reserve, an ongoing infrastructure push and a thriving tourism sector. I want to send a signal to businesses that the government is doing business as usual, Jokowi told the CEOs at an event also attended by Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita and Tourism Minister Arief Yahya. The domestic economic support is expected to come from the governments tax amnesty, which has seen nearly Rp 95 trillion (US$7 billion) in redemption payments, Rp 3.9 quadrillion in declared assets and Rp 143 trillion in repatriated funds the most successful outcome among countries that ran similar programs. The government expects the funds to enter the domestic financial system and help move the economy. Externally, the global economy is still undergoing a recovery from the hard-hitting 2008 global financial crisis, with China, the countrys top trading partner and the worlds second largest economy, slowing down. But Jokowi gave one business tip to the CEOs: As the United States begins to see improvements in its economic conditions, and the US dollar strengthens as funds fly there, export local products to the worlds they should top economy. A stronger US dollar actually provides a chance for our exports to enter its market. We should take the chance and make use of it instead of being pessimistic, he said. Sri Mulyani pointed to the governments credible state budget for the year 2017, which is supposed to lay out a strong foundation that provides a positive business climate. Indonesia will continue to have ample room to maintain growth next year on the governments credible budget, which will spend more on infrastructure in the regions, JP Morgan chief economist for emerging markets Jahangir Aziz said recently. Several CEOs attending the forum also expressed their optimism about the economic situation amid news about another rally on Dec. 2. However, some business groups preferred to take a wait-and-see approach on expansion plans. The rallies will affect business [] because security and political certainties are important for the property business, said Indonesian Real Estate Association (REI) chairman Eddy Hussy. Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) chairman Anton J. Supit also emphasized the importance of the governments continued efforts to maintain a supportive investment climate through legal certainty, consistent policies and synchronized policies between the government and local administrations. We have to remember that in this globalization era, foreign businesspeople do not need to go to Indonesia to run businesses as they have many country options to run their operations. They actually want to invest here but we have to improve our business climate first, he said. ________________________________ to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Prima Wirayani and Grace D. Amianti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 In President Joko Jokowi Widodos tour to cool down recent political tensions, the destinations vary, as do the people he meets with, from political, security and religious leaders to bankers and businesspeople. On Thursday, the President and top Cabinet members spoke of one message in front of the CEOs of 100 top publicly listed firms: Optimism. I just want to convey one word, which is optimism. Let us not forget the word, although external factors are not supportive and the political situation has been getting a little bit warmer recently, he said in his remarks at the Kompas 100 CEO Forum, organized by daily newspaper Kompas. The warm political conditions stemmed from a large-scale rally earlier this month carried out by conservative Muslim groups demanding the prosecution of Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama over alleged blasphemy. Jokowi suspected there were political actors behind the rally, with some observers believing the protests were also aimed at undermining his administration. To cool things down, Jokowi has gone on tour to meet with some of the nations most influential figures, including those from the headquarters of the armed forces, Islamic organizations and political parties. He has also spoken to hundreds of bankers who attended the central banks annual meeting on Tuesday. In instilling optimism in the business community on Thursday, Jokowi, a former furniture businessman, cited a list of reasons why they should stay positive: a successful tax amnesty, a healthy foreign exchange reserve, an ongoing infrastructure push and a thriving tourism sector. I want to send a signal to businesses that the government is doing business as usual, Jokowi told the CEOs at an event also attended by Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita and Tourism Minister Arief Yahya. The domestic economic support is expected to come from the governments tax amnesty, which has seen nearly Rp 95 trillion (US$7 billion) in redemption payments, Rp 3.9 quadrillion in declared assets and Rp 143 trillion in repatriated funds the most successful outcome among countries that ran similar programs. The government expects the funds to enter the domestic financial system and help move the economy. Externally, the global economy is still undergoing a recovery from the hard-hitting 2008 global financial crisis, with China, the countrys top trading partner and the worlds second largest economy, slowing down. But Jokowi gave one business tip to the CEOs: As the United States begins to see improvements in its economic conditions, and the US dollar strengthens as funds fly there, export local products to the worlds they should top economy. A stronger US dollar actually provides a chance for our exports to enter its market. We should take the chance and make use of it instead of being pessimistic, he said. Sri Mulyani pointed to the governments credible state budget for the year 2017, which is supposed to lay out a strong foundation that provides a positive business climate. Indonesia will continue to have ample room to maintain growth next year on the governments credible budget, which will spend more on infrastructure in the regions, JP Morgan chief economist for emerging markets Jahangir Aziz said recently. Several CEOs attending the forum also expressed their optimism about the economic situation amid news about another rally on Dec. 2. However, some business groups preferred to take a wait-and-see approach on expansion plans. The rallies will affect business [] because security and political certainties are important for the property business, said Indonesian Real Estate Association (REI) chairman Eddy Hussy. Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) chairman Anton J. Supit also emphasized the importance of the governments continued efforts to maintain a supportive investment climate through legal certainty, consistent policies and synchronized policies between the government and local administrations. We have to remember that in this globalization era, foreign businesspeople do not need to go to Indonesia to run businesses as they have many country options to run their operations. They actually want to invest here but we have to improve our business climate first, he said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Moses Ompusunggu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25 2016 Given the number of public officials and politicians being implicated in graft cases, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has called for a major overhaul in government institutions and political parties The KPK proposed reforms in the internal control of government bodies and within regional administrations because the current mechanisms are insufficient to root out rampant corruption. KPK chief Agus Rahardjo said on Thursday that the current internal control system, in which every ministry has its own inspectorate general and every regional administration has an inspectorate, did not provide ample supervision, as the responsible officials still reported to their superiors in their respective offices. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 Several lawmakers from opposition parties at the House of Representatives have criticized National Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian for claiming that the planned rally on Friday has the potential to be directed toward overthrowing President Joko Jokowi Widodo. House deputy speaker Fadli Zon, who is also a politician from the Gerindra Party, said Thursday that the police should have studied the statement on planned treason carefully before sharing it with the public. Because this is a serious statement [] people will react to the statement differently; some might be scared, some might run off with their money, said Fadli. Similarly, Benny K. Harman, a member of commission III, which oversees legal and security affairs, said Titos statement would have a negative impact on the country both politically and economically. Because a statement made public without its accuracy being double-checked beforehand tends to make our economic market panic, the Democratic Party politician said, adding that the statement could also make members of society suspicious of one another. On Monday, Tito claimed that according to intelligence, there was a plan for treason against the President in the Friday rally. Several Muslim conservative groups have planned to hold two large-scale rallies, on Friday and on Dec. 2, to demand the immediate arrest of incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama over his remarks of alleged blasphemy. (jun) Debt levels in China have become a major focus for policymakers, but experts don't always agree Is China facing a debt bubble? Housing prices have soared by more than 30 percent in many of the country's tier-one cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai this year alone. Research by the National Institution for Finance & Development, one of China's national-level think tanks and part of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, put China's debt at 249 percent of GDP in 2015. A new book, China's Guaranteed Bubble, by Zhu Ning, professor of finance at Tsinghua University, makes the argument that many Chinese do not properly understand risk. It says there is now a dangerous culture emerging in China of people regarding investing in property and other assets is a one-way bet and that if anything goes wrong the government will bail them out. Levels of debt in China have become a major focus for policymakers. There have also been recent concerns about a credit crunch happening sometime before Chinese New Year, as was the case in the runup to the festival in 2013. This has been reflected in higher bond yields, with 10 out of 19 banks and brokerages in a Bloomberg survey saying that 10-year sovereign yields will rise to 3 percent by the end of the year. The government recently made clear its commitment to controlling debt. It announced strict guidelines on Nov 14 to strengthen budget management at the local government level. However, according to one of the latest major international comparisons of debt by the McKinsey Global Institute for the second quarter in 2014, China did not particularly stand out. Its debt level then was 217 percent of GDP, ranking it 22nd among indebted nations, well behind Japan which had the highest ratio, 400 percent. France was 280 percent, the United Kingdom 252 percent and the United States 233 percent. Andrew Leung, founder of Andrew Leung International Consultants and a leading China commentator, says a lot of the discussion about China's debt underestimates the strength of the country's assets. "You can't just look at debt. You have to look at debt and equity. If people borrow money to buy a house, they have the asset of a house. A lot of China's assets are worth serious money." The main concern is the speed at which China's debt has risen. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, it grew 465 percent in the decade up to 2015, with corporate debt (mainly that of state-owned enterprises) increasing from 105 to 165 percent of GDP. Fred Hu, chairman of China-based global investment firm Primavera Group and former greater China chairman for Goldman Sachs, says China is still dealing with the consequences of the 4 trillion yuan ($580 billion; 550 billion euros; 470 billion) stimulus that was injected into the economy after the global financial crisis in 2009. "The debt has exploded to a very high level within just five to six years. History has shown that episodes of fast credit expansion inevitably lead to misallocation, rising nonperforming loans, banking sector stress and ultimately a financial crisis," Hu says. Louis Kuijs, head of the Asia section at Oxford Economics, based in Hong Kong, believes rising debt is a serious issue but considers a financial crisis unlikely because the banks have a healthy deposit base. "I do not think that a systemic financial crisis is likely anytime soon because the bulk of the debt is owed domestically and the financial system is still very liquid, with a loan-to-deposit ratio well below 100 percent, unlike in any typical country that has fallen into a financial crisis in recent decades," Kuijs says. Leung says this is an advantage that China has over the United States and many European countries: Almost all of its debts are owed internally within its own financial system. "There is very little external debt," Leung says. "In this case China is very similar to Japan, and very different to most Western countries." Japan also has a savings culture and strong deposit base. Duncan Innes-Ker, regional director for Asia at The Economist Intelligence Unit in London, also believes having little external debt eases the pressure on China. "It is certainly a positive, although running up domestic debts is not cost-free, as it tends to put downward pressure on the currency and will add strains in the banking sector," he says. "However, policymakers have more control over the situation than they would have if debts were owed abroad. China's high domestic savings rate makes it easier to borrow domestically, so that is another advantage it has." One of the main arguments in the book by Zhu, the Tsinghua professor, is that investments in China often appear to have some sort of implicit guarantee from the government, thereby creating irrational behavior. He says wealth management products offered by banks and other financial institutions sometimes offer 20 percent returns while claiming there is no risk to capital. Michael Pettis, professor of finance at Beijing University's Guanghua School of Management, believes it is a "moral hazard" question that needs to be addressed in China. "It is what we call the process by which profits are retained by investors and all or a significant proportion of the losses are passed on to some other entity like the government," he says. "It creates a systemic tendency to overinvest or to invest in excessively risky projects, because it eliminates most of the downside for investors by passing losses on to the government. I wouldn't say Chinese investors have no understanding of risk. On the contrary they understand very well and are taking advantage." Jeremy Stevens, Beijing-based China economist at Standard Bank, Africa's largest bank, believes the government is beginning to tackle the problem. "We are seeing a more serious approach from the government, and it is beginning to allow defaults and bankruptcies and provide the institutional framework in which bankruptcies can be undertaken. This change has been incremental and probably not bold enough quite yet," he says. For many, the most concerning potential bubble in China is the housing market, where prices have been soaring in tier-one cities. Beijing and Shanghai now boast some of the highest house prices in the world, although the country itself has a long way to go to achieve high-income status. George Magnus, senior independent economist at UBS in London, says there are parallels between China and many Western countries in the runup to the financial crisis in the last decade. "There was an assumption that property prices would continue rising. The Western credit bubble was built around the idea of home ownership in Britain and the US, and in Spain and Ireland, although it was not a typical continental (European) problem." Pettis, also author of Avoiding The Fall: China's Economic Restructuring, believes the housing price boom may have some way to go before it becomes a bust. "An unsustainable rise in real estate prices can persist for much longer than economists expect," he says. "Before they fell in the early 1990s, for example, Japanese real estate process probably exceeded fair value by at least twice as much as Chinese real estate prices do today." Stevens at Standard Bank says financial crises always tend to result from the liabilities side of the balance sheet rather than on the assets. "So far, the government has been resolving tension in the system by focusing on the assets side and pushing through excess capacity cuts on the supply side of the economy and introducing curbs to prevent speculation on the housing market," he says. "What is happening on the funding side is more up for debate. The problem is that you need credit growth in the economy to decelerate." Some observers believe the Chinese government needs to move away from its target to double its 2010 GDP by 2020 if it expects to break out of the middle-income trap and become a high-income economy. To meet this target it needs to achieve 6.5 percent growth every year. This year growth, has been 6.7 percent in each of the first three quarters. Pettis estimates that in achieving the goal this year alone, debt rose 15 to 20 percent. "Only after Beijing gives up its growth target, as it must, will it be able to control the growth in its debt." Leung says the way China's financial system operates gives it great resilience with loans from state-owned banks being recycled back into the system as deposits. Corporate deposit holdings in China are around 90 percent of GDP, compared with 7 percent in the US. "China has an exceptionally high level of corporate deposit holdings. As loans are often recycled back to the lending bank as deposits, that enables the banks to earn high interest spreads, and it acts as a cushion against any exigencies," he adds. Magnus, also an associate at the Oxford University China Centre, believes China's economic leadership, including the National Development and Reform Commission and the People's Bank of China, are fully aware of what they have to do, but it is a major challenge. "These are smart people who think very carefully about problems," Magnus says. "They may not always have the implementation capacity but they think very cleverly about what is going on." andrewmoody@chinadaily.com.cn Jeremy Stevens, China economist at Standard Bank, Africa's largest bank, believes the China government is beginning to tackle the debt problem. Zou Hong / China Daily ( China Daily European Weekly 11/25/2016 page1) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ahmad Junaidi (The Jakarta Post) jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 The National Police have arrested 24-year-old farmer Rio Priatna, from Majalengka in West Java, for allegedly producing materials to make high explosives. National Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto said that Rio, who was suspected to have links to a terrorist group led by Bahrun Naim, had received orders from Sumatra, Java and Nusa Tenggara to make explosive materials. "Those groups aimed to attack the House of Representatives, the National Police office, the Mobile Brigade command headquarters in Kelapa Dua, foreign embassies, certain television stations, religious places and cafes," Rikwanto said during a press conference on Friday. Rikwanto added that the police were still searching for the groups believed to have ordered materials from Rio. (Read also: Medan church attacker in touch with IS supporter Bahrun Naim: Police) During interrogations, Rio reportedly said he had not finished making any bombs and had not yet distributed them. The police confiscated chemical substances including TNT, RDX, and HMTD from Rio's home laboratory. According to the National Police's laboratory, such materials could cause explosions two to three times more powerful than those seen in the Bali bombings in 2002 and 2005. Rio made the materials using funds collected from Indonesian migrant workers employed in Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, the police claimed. (jun) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25 2016 The Surabaya District Court has rejected a pretrial motion filed by media mogul and former state owned enterprises minister Dahlan Iskan, who was recently named a graft suspect. Presiding judge Ferdinandus said as quoted by Antara on Thursday that the East Java Prosecutors Offices decision to launch an investigation into Dahlans case was valid. The court rejected the plaintiffs request, he said. The prosecutors office named Dahlan a graft suspect in October over the sale of assets from a company owned by East Java province. Dahlan is former president director of the company in question, PT Panca Wira Usaha (PWU). to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 The police have announced that they will only charge Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama with blasphemy, not spreading hatred. (Read also: Ahok named suspect in blasphemy case) Ahok was earlier charged under the blasphemy article in the Criminal Code and spreading hatred article in the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law related to his statement about a verse in the Quran that was videotaped and uploaded onto social media. "Ahok didn't spread the video on the internet. Investigators from the National Polices Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) didn't find any violation of the ITE law during the investigation," National Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto said on Friday. In light of that, the police removed the ITE law violation charge from Ahok's case dossier, which was submitted to the Attorney Generals Office on Friday morning, Rikwanto said. Ahok was earlier charged under Article 156 of the Criminal Code regarding blasphemy and Article 28 (2) of the ITE law concerning the spreading of information sparking sectarian hatred. A video of Ahok making the statement went viral after private university lecturer Buni Yani uploaded it onto his Facebook account along with an incorrect transcription and commentary. The video triggered outcry among Muslim conservatives. On Nov. 4, tens of thousands of people, led by conservative Muslim groups, staged a rally in front of the Presidential Palace in Jakarta demanding that the government prosecute Ahok. Police named Buni a suspect on Wednesday for allegedly spreading hatred according to Article 28 (2) of the ITE law. (jun) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 The National Police officially handed over a case dossier regarding Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnamas alleged blasphemy to prosecutors at the Attorney Generals Office (AGO) in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Friday morning. We have completed our investigation and have finished the governors case dossier. We handed over the dossier to the AGO, which has shown its readiness to handle sensitive cases like this," National Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto said at a press conference on Friday. Ahok's case dossier consists of 826 pages. It includes a list of 16 pieces of evidence, including the polices investigation report on video footage of Ahoks allegedly blasphemous speech in Thousand Islands on Sept. 27. The dossier also contains testimonies from 12 people who have denounced Ahok, five eyewitnesses, 12 experts, six witnesses and six other experts presented by Ahok during interrogations, and Ahok himself. The police named Ahok a suspect for blasphemy on Nov. 16. They charged the governor with violating Article 156 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) on blasphemy, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. His allegedly blasphemous speech ignited anger among some Muslim groups, who staged a large-scale rally on Nov. 4 in the capital despite Ahok's apologies. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 Hundreds of police officers have been deployed in areas around the Myanmar Embassy on Jl. Agus Salim, Central Jakarta, since Friday morning as thousands of people are expected to stage a peaceful rally to protest the oppression and killing of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. Security officers both in uniform and plain clothes have been readied to deal with any exigencies. Other personnel were seen managing traffic flow, although it remained quite uncongested in the morning. Police trucks and heavy equipment were also seen in front of and near the embassy. Several Islamic organizations including the Association of Islamic Students (HMI) plan to stage rallies in front of the embassy after Friday prayers around 1 p.m. The rally is also aimed at showing their solidarity toward the Rohingya Muslim community, who have been facing persistent oppression from Myanmars military. Some of the groups initially planned to carry out another large-scale rally against Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama over alleged blasphemy. However, they later changed the plan and decided to use the rally to protest the killing of Rohingya Muslims. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung, West Java Fri, November 25, 2016 State-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI) conducted another ferry flight of its product, the CN235-200, to Thailand on Friday. The multipurpose aircraft, which was piloted by police Col. Suthipong Pectrak and copilot Esther Gayatri Saleh, the only female test pilot from PTDI, departed from Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung to Hat Yai International Airport in southern Thailand. There were 12 passengers and the pilots, who are technicians, Esther told reporters before taking off. The delivery of the plane was part of a contract signed on Sept. 19, 2014 between the company and Thailands state-owned company, Thai Aviation Industries Co. (Read also: PT DI ready to deliver two aircraft ordered by Philippines next year) PTDIs restructuring and commercial director Budiman Saleh said the aircraft could be configured for VVIPs, troop transport, medical evacuation, passenger transport and cargo. The contract was worth US$31 million. The regular types could cost US$26 million to US$28 million, Budiman said. PTDI has earlier delivered two CN235-200s to Thailand, which are being used by that country's Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. So far the company has produced 62 CN235 planes for the local and overseas markets, with 35 of the aircraft having been delivered to their buyers in Venezuela, Senegal, Burkina Faso, United Arab Emirate, Turkey, Malaysia, South Korea and Thailand. (jun) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 Participants of a rally held on Friday to protest the oppression and killing of Rohingya Muslims demanded the revocation of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Myanmars de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, in 1991 for failing to stop the crackdown on the minority group in her country. Referring to the crackdown as genocide, dozens of students from Ibnu Chaldun Islamic University demanded all parties to stop the killing of Rohingyas. [We] demand the revocation of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Aung San Suu Kyi," rally coordinator Julkifli L. Ali said during the rally in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Central Jakarta on Friday. The rally also demanded the Indonesian government carry out efforts to stop Myanmars military authorities persistent attacks on Rohingya people. Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. M. Iriawan said 3,000 police and military personnel were deployed to secure the rally, which was participated by around 2,000 people from various organizations. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nani Afrida (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25 2016 Indonesia and other ASEAN countries should be prepared for all eventualities in the disputed South China Sea as the situation remains uncertain and fluid, experts have warned. Among the variables are the possibility of changes in United States policy in the region under president-elect Donald Trump, the mixed signals of Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, and the recent ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) on the disputed region. The security situation is uncertain because roles might change. We dont know what is Trumps next step in terms of the US relationship with China, Jaime B. Naval, an assistant professor at the political science department at the University of the Philippines Dilman, told a seminar at the Navy Staff and Command School (Seskoal) on Thursday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dylan Amirio (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25 2016 Certified: Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar (left) and Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution (second left), hand over Forest Law Enforcement Governance Trade (FLEGT) licenses in Jakarta on Thursday to timber manufacturer Corinthian Industries Indonesia general manager Aminudin Soetara (from left to right), Pindo Deli Pulp & Paper director Suhendra Wiriadinata and woodworking company Aneka Rimba Indonesia Atim Sugianto, the companies being among the first 10 Indonesian timber exporters to receive the certification to export to the European Union. (JP/Wendra Ajistyatama) As Indonesia has become the first country to receive an exemption from screening to ensure its timber is sourced in accordance with European Union regulations, its wood exports are set to get a major boost on the continent. Local suppliers made the first shipment last week of wood products with EU-approved Foreign Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licenses, which certify the timber as being legally sourced. EU Ambassador to Indonesia Vincent Guerend said Thursday that the licenses helped provide clarity over how the timber was logged, clearing away the major obstacle to enter Indonesias key market. Indonesia, which has the worlds third-largest tropical rain forest area, was once notorious for massive illegal logging and its wood products were heavily stigmatized. I think Indonesian timber products now will have a competitive advantage in the EU. Indonesia supplies 10 percent of the worlds timber market and EU imports a third of that, Guerent said, adding that the deal was beneficial for both parties. With the new certification, Indonesian wood products sales may increase in primary European destinations such as Germany, France and the United Kingdom. Exporters can enjoy reduced time normally spent for due diligence, which means lower business costs and faster delivery of products to customers. From November 15 to 23 as many as 845 FLEGT licenses for timber products have been issued to selected exporters. Overseas shipments of these products to 24 European countries has amounted to US$24.96 million, according to official data. Valued at $11.92 million, wooden panels make up the majority of the exports, followed by furniture with US$7.25 million, according to Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution. Speaking at the Environment and Forestry Ministry on that day, Darmin said that Indonesian timber products would now have better access to the competitive European market, suggesting that business players should seize the opportunity. Indonesias achievement in developing a specific certification system for timber legality must act as the guide toward improving our competitiveness in the global market and also to prove Indonesias commitment in guaranteeing the sustainability of our natural resources, Darmin said, referring to the national timber legality assurance system known as SVLK, which preceded the FLEGT certification. The value of Indonesian timber exports has risen to US$10.6 billion in 2015 after the SVLK standards were implemented in 2013. At present, the forestry sector contributes 1 percent to the nations gross domestic product (GDP). Now that trade barriers for Indonesian timber exports have been lifted in Europe, new challenges arise for Indonesias exporters to cater to European tastes and standards. Innovation in the field of design, such as figuring out how to build more sustainably made furniture, will now become more important. That has to be done alongside supervising the illegal export activities that have tainted the industry for so long, said Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) economist Latif Adam. Earlier, Indonesian Sawmill and Woodworking Association (ISWA) chairwoman Soewarni explained that with the FLEGT license, Indonesian timber exporters would be more confident in selling their products overseas. Vietnam and Ghana may follow Indonesias lead and seek to obtain FLEGT certification in the near future. ------------------- to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 As the oppression of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar continues to worsen, a human rights activist has called on the Indonesian government to confront its Southeast Asian neighbor to stop the military-backed persecution. Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN) executive director Kyaw Win said the Indonesian government must help address the Rohingya issue and should not only refer to what he said were false claims made by the Myanmar government. [Indonesia] should directly communicate with the Burmese government to raise this issue and tell them to stop [the violence]. Enough is enough, he told The Jakarta Post on Friday. The activist further said the non-interference policy adopted by Southeast Asian countries should not hinder Indonesia, the largest Muslim-majority country, from taking part in resolving the case, which was widely considered to be a humanitarian problem. We feel that we have never heard any voice [from Indonesia]. The worst thing is that, Indonesia has tended to refer [to the militarys] claims in Burma, Kyaw Win said. The Myanmar military has often delivered false and misleading information, claiming that Rohingya people had abandoned their houses and fled the country of their own will, he stated. Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said earlier that Indonesia was ready to cooperate with its international counterparts over Rakhine state, an area that housed many Muslims in Myanmar, including finding out the actual situation on the ground. Kyaw Win said Indonesian authorities should only partner with parties that could give credible reports from the field. Evidence the BHRN has obtained suggests that Rohingya Muslims have long suffered severe cruelty and brutality. (fac/ebf) Despite uncertainties brought by US presidential election, parties stay focused on implementation of Paris Agreement The latest United Nations talks on climate change opened on Nov 7 in Marrakech, Morocco. In UN jargon, the meeting was referred to as the 22nd Session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The meeting started on a happy note at a cheerful moment, because the landmark Paris Agreement had taken effect on Nov 4, 30 days after at least 55 parties to the convention representing at least 55 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions had joined. The number of parties that have ratified the agreement has now risen to 109, covering 77 percent of global emissions. Nearly 200 nations gathered in Marrakech to work on the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The agreement, reached in the French capital in December 2015, aims to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by holding the global temperature increase this century well below 2 C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 C. Under the Paris Agreement, all parties have outlined their climate action plans - known as "nationally determined contributions" - to be implemented from 2020 and expected to be scaled up over time. While the Paris Agreement establishes legally binding obligations for effort, it does not establish a legally binding obligation for countries to actually achieve their aims. Thus, implementation holds the key to actually achieving desired outcomes. Delegates to the Marrakech conference worked on details of the Paris Agreement and put in place a process to design the rules and processes for implementation. While decisions on the rules and process might not have been decided at this year's conference, it can create a process that will guide countries in fulfilling and enlarging their existing climate commitments. Financial support from developed countries has been an issue of great concern to developing countries. At last year's Paris conference, for the sake of other developing countries and the solidarity of the G77 and China as a group, China proposed and insisted on a "concrete roadmap" to scale up the level of pre-2020 financial support by developed countries to achieve the goal of jointly providing $100 billion (94 billion euros; 81 billion) annually by 2020 for mitigation and adaptation. This element was eventually incorporated into the Paris deal. China also insisted on "making finance flows consistent with a pathway toward low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development". However, developing countries consider the finance part of the Paris Agreement too weak, lacking any compulsory language to scale up climate finance, and want it to be strengthened in subsequent negotiations. On behalf of developed countries, Australia and the UK delivered just last month a roadmap for meeting the collective target of $100 billion per year by 2020. This roadmap report suggests that public support will increase to $66.8 billion in 2020 from $43.5 billion in 2014 and would be leveraged to mobilize private finance to reach the full collective pledge. It enhances transparency on how developed countries plan to reach the collective target. The increase of climate funds and the relatively high share of public finance appear to be encouraging signals. However, this report as well as last year's widely debated climate finance report produced by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, overestimate the net climate support provided to developing countries. Both reports also reveal the persistent neglect of adaptation needs in the poorest countries, with less than 20 percent of international climate finance going to adaptation. The Paris Agreement specifies a balance between climate mitigation and adaptation. While balance could be interpreted differently, by any standards, 80 versus 20 percent of international climate finance would not be considered a balance between climate mitigation and adaptation. Negotiators in Marrakech and subsequent conferences needed to agree on what should be included in climate finance, how best to account for climate financing, and what the next steps are to both increase funding for measures to build resilience to climate impacts and how to balance climate mitigation and adaptation. Related to this, agreement that the Adaptation Fund, created in the old times of the Kyoto Protocol, is given the chance for a new life through the Paris Agreement and would have helped improve such an imbalance. The Paris Committee on Capacity Building aims to support developing countries in their climate action efforts. The committee is now up and running. Negotiators agreed that in 2017 it will focus on supporting implementation of countries' national climate plans. While the Marrakech conference is widely viewed as a transitional COP because many issues discussed cannot be decided at this conference, negotiators remain focused and are making progress. However, the unexpected victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential election caused a stir in Marrakech and creates uncertainty over what policy decisions he might make, including whether the US might withdraw from the Paris Agreement altogether. On the campaign trail, Trump promised to cancel the US involvement in the agreement and cut the US international obligation to provide climate-related funding. However, past evidence shows that a US president-elect doesn't always stick to what was promised as a presidential candidate. Whether this pattern applies to Trump remains an open question, given that he is completely different from any previous US president by any standard. According to Article 28 of the Paris Agreement, it takes four years for any country to leave the UN deal. If the US decides to withdraw from the Paris accord, it will have to wait four years. Doing that, the US will pay high political and diplomatic costs. It could be confronted with carbon tariffs imposed by other parties, on the same grounds that the US used to threaten other counties for not taking action comparable to its own. A plausible option is that the US will remain a party to the Paris Agreement but will water down some initiatives and efforts undertaken under the Obama administration. To what extent the US would retreat remains to be seen. On the one hand, in a bid to make the US fully energy independent, Trump does support renewable energy, in addition to fossil fuel sources. On the other hand, Trump lost the popular vote, and a large number of states, cities and counties across the US have been taking affirmative steps and making efforts in climate mitigation and wide use of renewables, even in those states where Trump won. All these may restrict the space of the Trump retreat. Meanwhile, China and the EU should lead the global community in keeping collective pressure on the US, restricting its potential damage to a minimum. In Paris, China showed itself to be both a great collaborator and a leader in global governance. With the potential vacuum left by a US retreat, China should grab the opportunity and strengthen its role in global governance on climate change. Meanwhile, it should avoid taking on too many responsibilities that go beyond its capacity. Zhang Zhongxiang is director of the China Academy of Energy, Environment and Industrial Economics. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily. (China Daily European Weekly 11/25/2016 page12) TheJakartaPost Please Update your browser Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below. Just click on the icons to get to the download page. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan and Jon Afrizal (The Jakarta Post) North Padang Lawas/Jambi Fri, November 25 2016 The number of existing animal sanctuaries in Indonesia is insufficient to meet the needs of the many endangered wildlife species in the archipelago, especially those on the verge of extinction, an official has warned. There are currently 11 animal sanctuaries in Indonesia but the country needs at least 50 such facilities, according to Environment and Forestry Ministry secretary general Bambang Hendroyono. We aim to build new animal sanctuaries in the next three years, he said during the inauguration of a Sumatran tiger sanctuary in Batu Nanggar village, North Padang Lawas regency, North Sumatra, on Wednesday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 A force consisting of up to 3,000 police and military personnel are on standby to secure a Rohingya solidarity rally set to be held in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Gondangdia, Menteng, Central Jakarta, after Friday prayers. During the rally, protesters will voice their opposition to the alleged mass killings and persistent persecution of members of the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar. Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. M. Iriawan said only about 340 police officers were readied on Friday morning when few rally participants had gathered in front of the embassy. However, the police would in stages step up security measures in the afternoon as more people were expected to arrive. We are preparing 3,000 personnel in total, Iriawan said in front of the Myanmar Embassy. He said it was estimated 2,000 people would join the rally. Dozens of students from Ibnu Chaldun University staged a protest in front of the embassy at around 10 a.m. A rally coordinator said more people would join with them after Friday prayers. During the rally, the students asked Myanmar's representatives in Indonesia to tell their government to stop the killing of the Rohingya. They also demanded the Indonesian government to press the Myanmar government to stop what they called genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 The Trade Ministry is still working on new regulations for franchise businesses together with the Indonesian Franchise Association (AFI) in an effort to help local companies compete internationally. We are still discussing it with business players. We need to see their concept first, then talk about it together, Trade Minister, Enggartiasto Lukita, told reporters on Friday. (Read also: Franchises help support economy: Jokowi) The road map will serve as guidance for franchisors, informing them about the basic criteria for obtaining the franchise registration certificate (STPW). Based on those criteria, a franchise business must be unique, proven successful, have a prototype, have a customer base and still be in the growth stage, AFI CEO Anang Sukandar said on the sidelines of Indonesia Franchise & SME Expo. Also, it has to be proven profitable, standardized and able to be operated by people with no experience [in the field], he added. According to Trade Ministry data, only 52 local franchisors have obtained the STPW as of September, as opposed to 308 foreign ones. (win) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Chong Koh Ping (The Straits Times) Beijing Fri, November 25, 2016 Chinas Foreign Ministry has commented on the seizure of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) military vehicles and equipment by the Hong Kong customs, even as the SAF dispatched officers to Hong Kong to address the security of the equipment. At a routine press briefing on Friday the ministry's spokesman Geng Shuang said China is currently verifying the related details when asked if Singapore has to contact the Chinese Foreign Ministry for the release of the vehicles. "All people and goods entering Hong Kong Special Administrative Region should follow the laws of the SAR. I'd like to reiterate that the Chinese government firmly opposes any of the countries that has diplomatic ties with us to have any form of official exchanges with Taiwan, including defense exchanges and cooperation," said Geng in response to another related question. (Read also: Singapore teams heads to Hong Kong to secure army carriers) Singapore's Defence Ministry (Mindef) said in a statement on Friday that a SAF team is en route to Hong Kong "to address the security of the equipment". This comes a day after the territory's customs officials seized nine Singapore-bound armored vehicles and related equipment on board a container ship from Taiwan. In the meantime, Japanese-owned container shipping firm APL, which was hired by the SAF to transport the cargo, has "assured the SAF that they are working with Hong Kong authorities to resolve the issue", Mindef added. Mindef said that APL was required to comply with all regulations including the declaration of transported equipment in the ships cargo manifest. This included obtaining the necessary permits required to transit through ports. Shipped in 12 containers, the cargo comprises nine Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles "with no ammunition or sensitive equipment on board", said Mindef. (Read also: Singapore military vehicles seized in Hong Kong) "During the transit through Hong Kong, customs officials raised queries if the necessary permits and declarations by APL were in order and in the process detained the Terrex ICVs," said the statement. The Singapore Consulate General in Hong Kong is also assisting in this matter, it added. The SAF conducts overseas training in a dozen or so countries, including the United States, Australia, Germany and India. In doing so, it hires commercial shippers to transport military equipment to and from Singapore. Mindef said that all commercial shippers used by the SAF are required to comply with stringent requirements for protection against theft and tampering of equipment during the shipment as well as applying for all relevant permits. "These requirements have worked well and there have been no incidents of losses, theft or tampering over the years," said Mindef. It added: "The SAF will review the circumstances of this incident and determine if added measures are required to prevent such occurrences." Hong Kong Customs told The Straits Times that the "suspected control items have been moved to a temporary storage place of Customs in Tuen Mun for further investigation". They would not confirm if the Chinese Foreign Ministry has been officially informed of the seizure. Quoting sources, the South China Morning Post said in a report that Singaporean authorities will have to contact the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to secure the return of the armored vehicles. Additional reporting by Jermyn Chow in Taipei and Joyce Lim in Hong Kong This article appeared on The Straits Times newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Associated Press) Bangkok Fri, November 25, 2016 Two men suspected of involvement with violent unrest in southern Thailand were killed Friday in a shootout with police and soldiers who had been tracking them, security officials said. Police Deputy Inspector Weeradech Sukjroong said the two men killed in Yala province had been subjects of several arrest warrants in connection with violent events attributed to Muslim separatists. More than 6,000 people have been killed since a separatist insurgency flared in 2004 in Thailand's three southernmost provinces, the only ones with Muslim majorities in the predominantly Buddhist country. Muslims in the area have long complained about being treated as second-class citizens, and have a decades-long history of sometimes violent resistance. Police in Narathwat province separately disarmed an improvised explosive device found in an irrigation ditch. They suspect it was meant to be placed beside the road to be detonated by radio when a government patrol passed by. The region is heavily garrisoned with soldiers and police, but they have been unable to diminish roadside bombings and drive-by shootings. The government and representatives of some insurgent factions have been holding preliminary peace talks in neighboring Malaysia this year, with little effect on the fighting. The insurgents are loyal to several groups whose main goals appear to be some form of political autonomy. They are not generally seen as embracing the sort of extremism found among Islamists in parts of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, though concerns have been raised over whether Islamic State was winning followers among Thai Muslims. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Associated Press) Dhaka Fri, November 25, 2016 Thousands of Bangladeshis have protested the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, taking to the streets of the capital in front of a national mosque. Chanting "Stop killing Rohingya Muslims," they marched in Dhaka amid tight security Friday as the violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state escalated, forcing thousands to leave their homes. The protesters from several Islamic groups burned an effigy of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and a flag of Myanmar. Also, rights group Amnesty International asked Bangladesh not to forcibly send fleeing Rohingya back to Myanmar, which considers them non-citizens. Up to 500,000 undocumented Rohingya live in Bangladesh after arriving from Myanmar in waves since the 1970s. Some 33,000 registered Rohingya refugees are living in two camps in southern Cox's Bazar district. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Associated Press) Hanoi Fri, November 25, 2016 Vietnamese authorities have seized 619 kilograms (1,362 pounds) of ivory illegally shipped in from Africa after finding 4 tons at the same port over the past two months, state media and an official said Friday. The ivory seized Thursday had been hidden in two containers arriving at Cat Lai port in southern commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City, the city's Customs newspaper said. Le Dinh Loi, the city's deputy customs chief confirmed the report, but did not give more details Friday. The Customs newspaper said the smugglers used more sophisticated tactics than previous shipments by packing wax around the ivory when it is sealed inside emptied-out timber, and then using wood nails instead of metal ones to trick any X-ray checks. The seizure came just a week after leaders and senior officials from more than 40 countries met at an international conference on illegal wildlife trade in Hanoi, which was attended by Britain's Prince William. The conference called for stepped-up efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade. At the conference, Prince William, who is president of United for Wildlife, praised Vietnam, China and other Asian countries for taking steps to battle wildlife trafficking, but said rhinos, elephants, pangolins and tigers are still being killed in horrifying numbers. He said the international community is not moving fast enough to keep up with the crisis. Vietnam is one of the world's major transit points and consumers of ivory and rhino horn. Elephant ivory is used as jewelry and home decorations in Vietnam, which bans hunting of its own dwindling population of elephants. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 The Denpasar Festival held in Balis provincial capital is set to return for the ninth time from Dec. 28 to 31. The idea to hold the Denpasar Festival originates from the will to remember the past atmosphere of Jl. Gajah Mada as the center of Denpasar residents' creative activities, said Denpasar Mayor IB Dharmawijaya Mantra, as quoted by tempo.co. Under the theme Padmaksara, the event will be centered in Puputan Badung Square and will host various kinds of performances as well as an art installation dubbed Ebullience, which is displayed as a form of joy in welcoming the new year. (Read also: Bali, Singapore favorite destinations for Indonesian holidaymakers) In addition to the Denpasar Festival, Bali is slated to host other year-end events like the Panglipuran and Pandawa festivals, which aim to boost tourism and visitor numbers on the island. Bali reportedly contributes up to 40 percent of the countrys foreign tourist arrivals. Up to 4 million of a total 10.4 million foreign travelers who arrived in Indonesia last year entered through the province. This year, the island aims to attract at least 4.8 million tourists. (mas/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 25, 2016 Travel website justtheflight.co.uk has published a ranking of the ten airports in closest proximity to the city center, with Gibraltar International Airport coming out on top. The airport in the British overseas territory located on Spains south coast is just 2.2 kilometers from the heart of the city. Reaching the city center from Gibraltar International Airport only takes about 7 minutes by car, 8 minutes by train or 23 minutes on foot. Tallinn Airport in Estonia is also only 2.2 km from the city center, and reaching it takes an estimated 8 minutes by car or 12 minutes by train. By comparison, Central Jakarta is more than 20 km from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Cengkareng, and getting there can take anywhere between 30 minutes and 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. (mra/kes) (Read also: Worlds most Instagrammed airports revealed) The world's top ten airports closest to the city center: 1. Gibraltar International Airport (Gibraltar) 2.2 km 2. Tallinn Airport (Estonia) 2.2 km 3. Taipei Songshan Airport (Taiwan) 4.5 km 4. San Diego International Airport (US) 5.3 km 5. Southampton Airport (US) 5.9 km 6. Lisbon Portela Airport (Portugal) 5.9 km 7. Wellington International Airport (New Zealand) 7.7 km 8. Mexico City International Airport (Mexico) 7.8 km 9. Honolulu International Airport (US) 10.4 km 10. Salt Lake City International Airport (US) 12.2 km President Xi Jinping has completed state visits to Ecuador, Peru and Chile. He traveled to Latin America from Nov 16 to 23, also attending the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting on Nov 19 and 20. Xi arrived at Quito, capital city of Ecuador, kicking off a state visit and his third trip to Latin America since he took office in 2013. During his stay he held talks with his Ecuadorian counterpart Rafael Correa, discussing bilateral ties, China's relations with Latin America and international and regional issues. In a joint statement, the presidents agreed to lift their relationship to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. They also agreed to boost cooperation in production, as well their economic and trade ties, and pledged to implement major projects in oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, water conservation, communications and finance. They also agreed to explore cooperation in agriculture, petrochemical industry, shipbuilding, metallurgy and paper-making. Xi also met National Assembly President Gabriela Rivadeneira. During their meeting, Xi said the countries needed to step up dialogues and exchanges between their legislative bodies to promote the steady development of the nations' strategic partnership. He also paid a visit to the headquarters of ECU-911, Ecuador's national emergency response system, and promised further support for the earthquake-hit country in disaster relief and reconstruction. After arriving in Peru, Xi announced several measures to share China's development opportunities with Latin American countries. In a speech to the country's Congress, Xi said China would enhance technology transfers and boost human resource cooperation with the region. In the next three years, China will train more Latin Americans in various fields and invite Latin American journalists to work and study in China, Xi said. The president added that China has proposed a round-table discussion about environmental protection with Latin American countries next year. He urged Chinese investors to respect local traditions, abide by the laws and shoulder their social responsibility in promoting employment when companies expand overseas. On Nov 22, leaders of 21 Asia-Pacific economies ended their annual meeting with a joint pledge to resist protectionism amid signs of increased free-trade skepticism. "We reaffirm our commitment to keep our markets open and to fight all forms of protectionism," the leaders of the APEC economies said in the joint statement. Xi addressed the meeting, calling for the early establishment of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific or FTAAP, saying this would promote the economy of the Asia-Pacific region to a new level. "We need to make it clear to the world with action that the commitment of the Asia-Pacific to economic globalization is unchanged and its confidence is undiminished," he added. Xi finished his visit to Peru and flew to Chile on Nov 22. During his visit an announcement was made about upgrading the Free-Trade Agreement (FTA) between China and Chile. According to a joint statement issued after Xi's meeting with his Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet, the two heads of state spoke highly of the results achieved over the past 10 years since their bilateral FTA went into effect. The countries signed the agreement in 2005. Trade volume has grown fourfold since it went into effect in 2006. China is now Chile's largest trading partner, its largest export destination and the largest buyer of its copper products. Currently, Chile is China's second- largest source of imported wine. The two countries have signed a number of quarantine agreements on cherries, blueberries and avocados. China has become an important market for Chilean fruit and seafood such as salmon. Chinese products are also popular among Chilean consumers. Chinese-made cars have taken up a considerable share of the Chilean market. renqi@chinadaily.com.cn (China Daily European Weekly 11/25/2016 page14) Donald Trumps victory on November 8 stunned the pollsters and pundits, upended core tenets of political orthodoxy, and sent international markets into a frenzy. The pre-election polls had virtually all forecast a sound victory for Hillary Clinton not only in the national popular vote, but in the swing states as well. However, Donald Trump managed to win a majority in the Electoral College by blazing a path through the Rust Belt and flipping three states that were part of the so-called Blue Wall. Virtually all political observers, myself included, predicted a Hillary Clinton victory. And while she won the popular vote by more than 2,000,000 votes, she lost the Electoral College, and thus the presidency. Many analysts were left publicly puzzling over Trumps victory and struggling to make sense of it. Here are three takeaways that help explain Trumps Election Night success. TAKEAWAY #1: THE DEMOCRATIC BASE DIDNT SHOW UP While the overhyped Hispanic vote surged in support of Hillary Clinton, it was not very impactful and did not help her in key states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Instead, it was African-American turnout that had a real impact on the race. After surpassing white turnout for the first time ever in 2012, black turnout declined substantially this year as white turnout held steady or increased marginally. The decrease in Democratic turnout was the undoing of Hillary Clinton. The evidence is in the numbers: Trump garnered only 2,000 more votes in Wisconsin than Mitt Romney did four years ago when he lost the state by 7 points to Barack Obama. Yet Trump won Wisconsin, because Hillary Clinton received roughly 240,000 votes fewer than Obama did last cycle. If just a small percentage of those Democratic voters had turned out for Hillary, she would have defeated Trump in the state. In Michigan, where the results still have not been certified and Trump leads by fewer than 10,000 votes, Trump outperformed Romney by a hefty margin of about 165,000 votes. That number seems pretty small, though, when you compare it to the 300,000 more votes that Obama got in Michigan in 2012 than Hillary did this year. Again, Democratic voters were too uninspired by Hillary to show up. In Pennsylvania, where Trump prevailed over Secretary Clinton by about 68,000 votes, the Democratic nominee underperformed Obamas 2012 vote total by nearly 150,000. If Democratic turnout in 2016 had matched 2012 turnout, Hillary would have won all three of these states and the presidency. The point is that Trump won not because a majority of Americans liked his message, but because many Obama voters, primarily in African-American communities, couldnt be bothered to show up to vote for Hillary Clinton. Trumps victory is less about him than it is about Hillarys unpopularity. TAKEAWAY #2: GOP SENATORS CARRIED TRUMP One of the greatest fabrications of the 2016 cycle is the notion, propagated by some Trump supporters in the aftermath of his surprise win, that the Republican nominee carried down-ballot Republicans, particularly GOP Senate candidates, across the finish line. Proponents of this claim believe that without Trump at the top of the ballot, Republican Senate candidates would have been doomed. If anything, however, the exact opposite is true. It is entirely possible that without Republican Senate candidates on the ballot, Trump would have been doomed. There are a total of eight states that before Election Day were considered battlegrounds both for the presidency and in the battle for control of the Senate Wisconsin, North Carolina, Florida, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Nevada. In every single one of these eight states, the Republican Senate candidate outperformed Trump. Every single one. In Senate races that Republicans won, they outperformed Trump in their states by an average of 5.3 percentage points. So it is totally implausible that Trump led Senate Republicans to victory. Because in every battleground state, they actually led him. What is plausible is that Trump would have lost the presidency if not for the Senate races on the ballot. What do I mean? As I mentioned earlier, Hillary lost because of Democratic turnout woes. With a boring, scandal-tarred candidate on top of the ticket and uninspiring candidates running down-ballot, Democratic voters had no motivation to vote. But as we all know, Trump was also uninspiring for a substantial percentage of Republicans. So why did Republicans show up on Election Day? One likely reason is because of the senators running for reelection. In Wisconsin, it was Senator Ron Johnson. In Pennsylvania, it was Senator Pat Toomey. In Florida, it was Senator Marco Rubio. In Arizona, it was Senator John McCain. Some Republican voters only showed up because they wanted to reelect these senators, who are very popular among their home state bases. Once these voters were already at the voting booth, they reluctantly pulled the lever for Trump as well. While Democrats also had candidates running in contested Senate races, they were mostly lesser-known challengers running against incumbents, and they did not have enthusiastic bases of support that came out in droves to vote for them. Did voter enthusiasm for down-ballot Republicans really swing the election? No one can know for sure. However, in three states where Trump prevailed by razor-thin margins, Florida, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, each of which he won by barely a single percentage point, it is entirely possible that these states competitive Senate races were a sizable factor in the higher Republican turnout. If these three states had gone the other way, Hillary Clinton would be the president-elect. So Donald Trump should really thank Republican Senate candidates for motivating their bases to get out and vote not to mention for turning out voters in spite of the Trump campaigns abysmal ground game. TAKEAWAY #3: THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE FAVORED TRUMP Prior to this year, the largest popular vote lead ever for a candidate who lost the Electoral College was Al Gores 500,000-vote advantage over George W. Bush in 2000. Hillary Clintons popular vote lead over Trump more than quadrupled that margin, as she holds a lead of more than 2,000,000 votes over the Manhattan businessman. Yet she lost the electoral vote. How did that happen? Populous states with large minority populations, such as New York, California and New Jersey, went heavily for Hillary as the Hispanic vote surged. Texas, a state with a large Latino population which Romney won by 16 points last cycle, went to Trump by only 9. Florida, a Republican-leaning swing state with many Hispanic voters, went to Trump by a smaller margin than most true swing states did. In other words, the uptick in Hispanic voters, which had a significant impact on Hillary Clintons popular vote total by running up the margins in blue states and tightening the margins in red ones, did not budge a single electoral vote. In the meantime, Rust Belt states with low percentages of Hispanic voters, such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania, went to Trump by the slimmest of margins due to the decrease in overall Democratic turnout. This is how Trump won the presidency even as significantly more Americans voted for his opponent. This does not mean that Trumps election is illegitimate. It does not mean that Trump is not my president, as some of his detractors claim. Should the Electoral College be repealed? Probably. As long as the Electoral College remains in the Constitution, though, that is how presidents will be legitimately elected. However, Trumps election should not be interpreted as a mandate to carry out the more inflammatory elements of his agenda. His win is not a sign that most Americans agree with him on the issues. Because ultimately, most Americans voted against him. The Hester Street Fair wrapped its seventh season on the Lower East Side last month. But the gang has big plans for the off-season, beginning with todays kickoff of a holiday market at the South Street Seaport. It will operate at 117 Beekman St. through Dec. 24 (11 a.m.-8 p.m.) The Hester Street Fair has rounded up 30 of their favorite independent designers and artisans for the holiday market. Each weekend, theyll also be offering special programming (a food and music series) in the outdoor plaza. This past season, Christina Y, Elise McMahon and David Komerek took the lead in organizing the weekly LES fair. We stopped by on their closing weekend, Oct. 29, to talk with Elise and Christina. They are looking forward to returning next year for an eighth season on the Lower East Side. In 2016, they found success with special events programming, such as Jamaican Independence Day and the Casual Art Show. You can expect more happenings of this type in 2017. The team was new to the NYC market game this year. Said Christina, We definitely learned that it is competitive. Special programming is key. The Hester Street Fair has always been an incubator of new businesses, and this year was no exception. Promising newcomers include: Tuson Sate, Matzabrei, Hunt & Gather Shop and Smoothie Beauty. In addition to the Seaport holiday fair, the Hester Street Fair is operating a shop at Art Basel in Miami. For more information about their winter events, click here. Former Sierra Leone energy minister says the issues of countries like his need to be examined on an individual basis Oluniyi Robbin-Coker, the charismatic former Sierra Leone energy minister, believes Africans need to have the confidence to chart their own future direction. Now a businessman, he insists countries like his, which suffered a bitter civil war in the 1990s and a recent Ebola epidemic that killed about 4,000 people, do not fit easily into best practice models imposed on them by such Washington institutions as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. "You have a lot of good quality people in these institutions but you also have a lot of others who are not particularly bright who have this cookie-cutter approach," he says. Oluniyi Robbin-Coker, former Sierra Leone energy minister, says African governments need to learn to work and partner with various parties. Wang Zhuangfei / China Daily "There is no place on earth where you have had a civil war followed by a public health emergency. You cannot solve our problems that way." Robbin-Coker, a youthful 49 and now chairman of the Sierra Leone Investment and Export Agency, was speaking in the lobby of the White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou at the end of the recent 2nd Investing in Africa Forum. He says the fact the forum was jointly organized by the World Bank, as well as the Guangdong municipal government and China Development Bank - the China policy bank which funds many infrastructure projects on the continent - partly held the key to Africa's development. "African governments need to learn to work and partner with all these various parties and not just one," he says. He says that one country that has succeeded in doing this is Rwanda, which lost up to a million of its citizens in the genocide of the 1990s but under President Paul Kagame has forged one of the most successful development models of any African country. "They have a very clear agenda and they don't compromise it easily. They say to outside institutions and others that if they want to subscribe, they can come on board and join their train and help them move forward but tell them at the same time not to get in the way," he says. "Not all countries have that kind of agency. You need to be clear about pursuing what you want, whether you are dealing with China, India, the IMF, the World Bank or the African Development Bank." Robbin-Coker says China, with its massive investment in infrastructure and other projects, has brought a new dimension to African development. One of the biggest Chinese investors in Sierra Leone is Shandong Iron and Steel, which acquired the Tonkolili iron ore mine, the second-largest in Africa, last year. Iron ore is vital for the Sierra Leone economy, accounting for 60 percent of exports in 2013. The company now also has financial involvement with other parties in a $2 billion infrastructure investment, which includes a 200 km railway line and port redevelopment "I wouldn't say it is easier dealing with the Chinese than the World Bank, but you are more likely to get results more quickly with Chinese institutions than the World Bank. And I say this having worked for the World Bank myself," he says. Robbin-Coker was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK, where his father was training to be a doctor and his mother was studying at Durham University. He was subsequently brought up in Sierra Leone but attended sixth form in the UK at Framlingham, the Norfolk public school. After completing a degree in economics and sociology at the University of Surrey, he attended Cranfield School of Management in the late 1990s. He later went on to work for Citigroup in New York in a number of executive roles. His initial involvement with the World Bank came when he was working as the founding executive director of the Sierra Leone Business Forum, on loan from the Washington offices of the International Finance Corporation, which comes under the bank. He then worked in the office of President Ernest Bai Koroma as an adviser on the private sector. This led to him being promoted to the key position of minister of energy and water resources in 2012, although he was "relieved of his duties" two years later. Robbin-Coker says the president wanted to make a change because he did not feel there was sufficient coordination between his own office and those in charge of the energy sector. He was one of five who went. "It is the prerogative of the president to relieve the team of their duties. (My) continued participation in supporting his administration speaks to the fact it was issue-based and nothing else," he says. The former politician believes that Koroma, who is due to step down next year, has had a positive agenda for Sierra Leone since becoming president in 2007. "He came with a real agenda to develop. He is a businessman with a background in insurance. He wanted to build infrastructure, attract private-sector investment and grow the economy." The economy, which was growing at 35 percent in 2013, was, however, severely hit by the collapse of iron ore prices and then by the Ebola epidemic, which proved to be a public health disaster. The economic effects of this were also devastating, with the economy contracting by 23 percent in 2015. "Even now I can hardly bring myself to say that name. It is not something for a society to easily recover from," he says. Robbin-Coker remains active in the energy sector, since he believes power generation is one of the keys to developing the Sierra Leone economy and that of West Africa generally. He also believes Chinese investment could play a major role in facilitating this and it was one of the reasons for him attending the Guangzhou forum. "I have come to China to seek further cooperation with the Chinese authorities, especially in financing small and medium-sized enterprises and also to solicit game-changing investments," he says. One of the challenges in Sierra Leone is addressing extreme poverty, with 60 percent of the population living in villages and only one-fifth of the population having access to electricity. "It is still a very agrarian society. People live off the land. Nobody builds mud huts anymore. Most houses are made of compressed laterite bricks," he says. "Most families have someone who has gone to work in the city who has brought back money to buy a small generator so they can run a small TV, if they wish. Proper access to water remains a top priority for the government." Robbin-Coker is not sure how the conventional development models, revolving around developing a manufacturing base as a key step in advancing, will work for a country like Sierra Leone. "One of the big questions is the impact of robotics. I think it actually might be quite good for us. We can then focus on the primary sector because robots won't cultivate the land anytime soon. They will not do too well in food processing either. Where we have robots, we could have a service sector maintaining them and the computers." The former minister says he believes everyone has a vested interest in the success of Africa because it could be a key driver of the world economy over the next century. "As African economies grow, so will their spending power, which means whether you are a European, Chinese, Indian or Vietnamese business, you have more markets to pursue. I think there is a convergence of everybody's interest there." andrewmoody@chinadaily.com.cn (China Daily European Weekly 11/25/2016 page32) Zhang Xiangchen (C), China's deputy international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce, speaks during a press briefing for the 27th Session of the China-US Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), in Washington D.C., the United States, Nov. 23, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] WASHINGTON -- China and the United States on Wednesday concluded an annual high-level dialogue with "productive" results, expecting more cooperation through the talks in the next US administration. China and the United States have "reached agreements on a number of issues with positive outcomes," said Zhang Xiangchen, China's deputy international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce. He made the remarks at the closing press briefings of the 27th Session of the China-US Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), the last high-level economic dialogue between the two countries under the (Barack) Obama administration. "In the meeting both China and the United States spoke highly of the important and indispensable role of the JCCT mechanism in expanding two-way trade and economic cooperation," said Zhang. "The role of the JCCT is to expand this (US-China) relationship by addressing commercial challenges head on and producing concrete results for both our countries," said US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. "We have had a productive day," she said. A huge manhunt is under way after a masked man stabbed an elderly woman to death at a Catholic missionary retirement home in southern France. The motives of the killer, who was wielding a shotgun and knife, remain unclear. A woman who works at the retirement home in Montferrier-sur-Lez, near Montpellier, called police on Thursday night to say she had been attacked, prosecutor Christophe Barret told reporters. When the officers arrived, they found the body of another woman, gagged and tied up outside the building with three stab wounds. The worker who alerted police did not suffer serious injuries. French gendarmes control cars near the village of Montferrier-sur-Lez (AP) Security at religious and other sites has been increased after a string of Islamic extremist attacks in France, but the military police could not say whether the incident was linked to a terrorist act. A spokesman said more than 100 security force members were sent to the village, with a helicopter and dogs joining the search. The African Missions Society residence, called Green Oaks, is home to around 60 people and takes in retired priests, nuns and others who have worked on missions in Africa. 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More than 5,000 children and adults with special needs experience the magic of Christmas because of the generosity of the volunteers and donors of Operation Good Cheer, County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said in a news release. But this year there is a shortage of pilots. So, were putting out the call for local pilots to step up and help give these children a Christmas to remember. Each year, Michigan infants, children, teenagers and adults with disabilities make their Christmas wish lists with Operation Good Cheer. Donors purchase the gifts and trucking companies pick up and deliver the gifts to OCIA where volunteers wrap them. Pilots who have volunteered their time and aircraft then fly the gifts to airports around Michigan and their intended recipients. In 2015, Operation Good Cheer delivered 16,000 gifts to 5,394 recipients with the help of 151 volunteer pilot and 500 volunteers on the ground. To volunteer as a pilot, go to OakGov.com/aviation, click on the Operation Good Cheer link and fill out the pilot application. To learn more about Operation Good Cheer, go to CFSM.org and look for Operation Good Cheer. Expert speakers to debunk digital marketing at BCCT Phuket Business dinner seminar PHUKET: An expert panel of speakers will be in Phuket early next month to demystify the world of digital marketing at a business dinner seminar organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (BCCT). tourismeconomicstechnology By The Phuket News Friday 25 November 2016, 08:57AM The experts: Jon Cannon (left), David Barrett (centre), Ian Fenwick (top right) and David Cumming. The event, part of the BCCTs renowned Phuket Business Dinner series and organised in collaboration with French, German and Netherlands-Thai Chambers of Commerce, will be held at the Amari Phuket, at the southern end of Patong, on Dec 1. Is your social media strategy delivering the dream you had thought? Or, the more you try and the more advice you get, are you becoming more digitally confused? asks the BCCT. To answer this critical question for business leaders in Phuket will be three experts in the field of digital marketing. Dr Ian Fenwick, professor and guru of digital marketing, will speak on Digital disappointment and the pitfalls of online marketing. David Barrett, CEO of Hype Global, will explain his position on The excitement, energy and great potential of digital marketing Jon Cannon, Executive Assistant Manager at the Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach and a board member of the Phuket Hotels Association marketing committee, will speak on Social media, brings an industry perspective on the opportunities and challenges an operator, the benefits to reap or indeed the issues they may face. David Cumming, VP and Area General Manager for Onyx Hospitality Group and a BCCT Board member, will serve as moderator for the event. After the presentations, attendees will be invited to take part in the essential Question & Answer session. Attendance at the event costs B890, including inter-buffet and soft drinks. Payment can be made directly at the door. To register for the event, click here. This event is sponsored by The Phuket News, MeetInThailand, and Tile-it. Italian tourist injured in speedboat, longtail collision off Phi Phi Island PHUKET: An Italian tourist was injured when a tour speedboat carrying 27 passengers collided with and sank a longtail boat at Maya Bay, off Phi Phi Island, this afternoon (Nov 25). tourismmarineaccidentstransportpolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Friday 25 November 2016, 06:29PM By the time Marine Police arrived the longtail had nearly sunk entirely. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The longtail boat driver said a speedboat speeding through the bay crashed into - and sank - his longtail, Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The injured tourist, named by police as Lucia Quintela, suffered scrapes on her body and had been taken to Phi Phi Island Hospital by another speedboat by the time police arrived, said Lt Col Anurak Pharinyasathiragul of the Krabi Marine Police. We were told only one man was injured in the accident, Col Anurak said. When we arrived, a longtail boat with Nakarin Tour on the side was sinking in the bay while the speedboat Ammitesh 99 was stopped nearby. The 27 passengers on the speedboat were unharmed in the collision, Col Anurak said. Longtail boat captain Vichan Samnuk, 33, told police, While we were coming into Maya Bay, a speedboat travelling fast tried to cut across in front of me but crashed into us, causing my boat to sink One passenger was injured, but all my other passengers were not hurt, he said. At the time of this report by The Phuket News, the speedboat operator, Danai Artharn, 33, had yet to give his statement to police. We have yet to file charges against with boat operator as the incident is still under investigation, Col Anurak said. Motorcyclist crashes into barriers closing Phuket road, dies at the scene PHUKET: A 25-year-old man was killed last night (Nov 24) when he crashed his motorbike into concrete barriers blocking part of the airport runway road which is currently closed as works are being carried out to prevent landslides. accidentsdeathpolicetransport By Eakkapop Thongtub Friday 25 November 2016, 10:57AM Lt Col Buttadasak said that according to local residents, Mr Saran was heading towards the airport on his motorbike at high speed when he slammed into the barriers. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Vice Governor Khajornkiet Rakpanichmanee announced on Sept 7 that the road Route 4031, which runs parallel to the runway at Phuket International Airport will remain closed to traffic until long-term measures to prevent the landslides have been completed. (See story here.) Tha Chathcai Police Lt Col Buttadasak Sriles was notified at 8:45pm last night that there has been an accident on the airport runway road. He was told that a motorist had died after he crashed his motorbike into concrete road barriers. Police arrived at the scene with rescue workers from the Mai Khao Tambon Administration Organisations (OrBorTor) and Kusoldhram to find a Honda Click smashed into the barriers. Not far from away was the body of 25-year-old Mr Saran Nantabut from Phang Nga province. Lt Col Buttadasak said that according to local residents, Mr Saran was heading towards the airport on his motorbike at high speed when he slammed into the barriers. They said there were lights in the area, but we believed Mr Saran was in a hurry and unaware that the road had been closed for works, he said. Mr Sarans body was taken to Thalang Hospital. Myanmar pursuing ethnic cleansing of Rohingya: UN official MYANMAR: Myanmar is carrying out ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims, a UN official has reportedly said, as horrifying stories of gang rape, torture and murder emerge from among the thousands who have fled to Bangladesh. crimedeathimmigrationmilitarymurderMyanmarlandsexviolence By AFP Friday 25 November 2016, 11:33AM Rohingya refugee Mohammad Ayaz shows a baton wound on his son Mohammad Osmans forehead at an unregistered refugee camp in Ukhiya, Bangladesh. Photo: Sam Jahan/AFP Up to 30,000 of the impoverished ethnic group have abandoned their homes in Myanmar to escape the unfolding violence, the UN says, after troops poured into the narrow strip where they live earlier this month. John McKissick, head of the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) in the Bangladeshi border town of Coxs Bazar, told the BBC that troops were killing men, shooting them, slaughtering children, raping women, burning and looting houses, forcing these people to cross the river into Bangladesh. Dhaka has resisted urgent international appeals to open its border to avert a humanitarian crisis, instead telling Myanmar it must do more to prevent the stateless Rohingya minority from entering. Its very difficult for the Bangladeshi government to say the border is open because this would further encourage the government of Myanmar to continue the atrocities and push them out until they have achieved their ultimate goal of ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority in Myanmar, McKissick said. A spokesman for Myanmar President Htin Kyaw slammed the comments. I would like to question the professionalism and ethics which should be followed and respected by UN staff. He should speak based on concrete and true facts, he shouldnt make accusations, Zaw Htay said. Its not the first time such claims have been made against Myanmar. In April 2013 Human Rights Watch said it was conducting a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya an accusation rejected by then president Thein Sein as a smear campaign. But the scale of human suffering was becoming clear yesterday (Nov 24), as desperate people like Mohammad Ayaz told how troops attacked his village and killed his pregnant wife. Cradling his two-year-old son, he said troops killed at least 300 men in the village market and gang-raped dozens of women before setting fire to around 300 houses, Muslim-owned shops and the mosque where he served as imam. They shot dead my wife, Jannatun Naim. She was 25 and seven months pregnant. I took refuge at a canal with my two-year-old son, who was hit by a rifle butt, Ayaz said. Ayaz sold his watch and shoes to pay for the journey and has taken shelter at a camp for unregistered Rohingya refugees. Many of those seeking shelter say they walked for days and used rickety boats to cross into Bangladesh, where hundreds of thousands of registered Rohingya refugees have been living for decades. The Rohingya are loathed by many in Buddhist-majority Myanmar who see them as illegal immigrants and call them Bengali, even though many have lived there for generations. Most live in impoverished western Rakhine state, but are denied citizenship and smothered by restrictions on movement and work. As the crisis deepened, Bangladesh said Wednesday (Nov 23) that it had summoned Myanmars ambassador to express deep concern. Despite our border guards sincere effort to prevent the influx, thousands of distressed Myanmar citizens including women, children and elderly people continue to cross (the) border into Bangladesh, it said. Thousands more have been reported to be gathering at the border crossing. Since the latest violence flared up, Bangladesh border guards have intensified patrols and coast guards have deployed extra ships. Officials say they have stopped around a thousand Rohingya at the border since Monday (Nov 21). Farmer Deen Mohammad was among the thousands who evaded the patrols, sneaking into the Bangladeshi border town of Teknaf four days ago with his wife, two of their children and three other families. They (Myanmars military) took my two boys, aged nine and 12 when they entered my village. I dont know what happened to them, Mohammad, 50, said. They took women in rooms and then locked them from inside. Up to 50 women and girls of our village were tortured and raped. Mohammad said houses in his village were burned, echoing similar testimony from other recent arrivals. Human Rights Watch said this week it had identified more than 1,000 houses in Rohingya villages that had been razed in northwestern Myanmar using satellite images. Myanmars military has denied burning villages and even blamed the Rohingya themselves. Rohingya community leaders said hundreds of families had taken shelter in camps in the border towns of Teknaf and Ukhia, many hiding for fear they would be sent back to Myanmar. Police on Wednesday detained 70 Rohingya, including women and children, who they say will be sent back across the border. They handcuffed even young girls and children and then took them away with a view to pushing them back to Myanmar, said one community leader who asked not to be named, adding they faced certain death if made to return. Phuket armed officials seize Freedom Beach PHUKET: Accompanied by armed military personnel, forestry officials today (Nov 25) seized 65 rai of land next to Freedom Beach, on the headland to the south of Patong valued at an estimated B4 billion that has been deemed to be public land. landpropertyeconomicsconstructionnatural-resourcesenvironmentcrimetourism By Darawan Naknakhon Friday 25 November 2016, 06:04PM Eakachai Saeiew said he would appeal to have the order to revoke his land titles annulled, and to seek protection during the trial while suing the Land Department for damages. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The land, with stunning views over the bay on Phukets west coast, is valued at an estimated B4 billion. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The land, with stunning views over the bay on Phukets west coast, is valued at an estimated B4 billion. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Accompanied by armed military personnel, forestry officials today (Nov 25) seized 65 rai of land next to Freedom Beach, on the headland to the south of Patong. Photo: Darawan Naknakhon One man at the site hired to charge tourists B200 per person to cross the land to access Freedom beach was also taken into custody. The raid party, comprising forestry officials, police and Thai Royal Navy security personnel from the Third Area of Command, arrived at the popular tourist site at 11am. Phuket Land Office Chief Watcharin Jetanawanich today confirmed to The Phuket News that Land Department Deputy Director Somwut Saikaew on May 12 issued an order for two Chanote land titles issued to Eakachai Saeiew to be deregistered with the authority of Land Department Director-General Apinan Suethanuwong. (See story here.) Royal Forestry Department region office Director Boonsueb Samakrat today explained that the two Chanote titles were issued for 65 rai of land inside in a national reserve forest area. These areas will be returned to national forest. The Forestry Department on September 8 gave the owner (sic) 30 days to remove four structures and vacate the area. The owner appealed to the Royal Forestry Department, but the appeal was denied and an order to proceed with the law (and reclaim the land) was issued, he said. Mr Boonsueb said that only after the land titles were revoked did officials learn that a man had been hired to collect B200 baht from each tourist wanting to cross the land to access the beach. Today the man who was in charge of collecting the entry fee was taken to the police station, he said. After today we will post signs announcing that the land has been seized by officials and if the claimant still refuses to remove the structures then the Forestry Department will have them removed and charge the owner the cost of removing them. This land belongs to the government and it is public land, he said. While officials were inspecting the area today, Eakachai Saeiew, who publicly lays claim to the land, and his mother, Ms Benja Saeiew, arrived with land documents and threatened to sue officials for trespass. Mr Eakachai said he bought the land from Wiroj Kongkaew in 2000, when the land deed was SorKor 1, and applied for the Provincial Land Office to upgrade the deed to Chanote status in 2001. Mr Eakachai said that the land titles are legal because the original owner occupied the land before the government declared the area national forest land in 1954. Land officials thoroughly checked the documents and surveyed the area, Mr Eakachai said. They did everything according to the law and confirmed that the land was not in the national forest area, he added. I will file an appeal with the Administration Court to annul the order to revoke the titles, Mr Eakachai said. I will also ask for protection during the trial and will sue the Land Department for damage, he added. I want the public to know that I am not an investor, not a nominee. I own a business in Samkong making signs and stickers. I bought this land because I want to develop it to promote tourism for our island, he said. Phuket police seek son for attacking mum, 70, saved from bridge jump PHUKET: Police and technical college students talked an elderly woman out of jumping off a bridge in Phuket Town yesterday (Nov 24) after her son allegedly verbally and physically abused her. violencepolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Friday 25 November 2016, 10:09AM Technical college students help the 70-year-old woman away from the bridge in Phuket Town yesterday afternoon (Nov 24). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Police are now looking for her son. Phuket City Police Lt Col Chalaew Taihu was notified at 2pm that an elderly woman was crying and sitting on the ledge of a bridge near the intersection of of Komaraphat Rd and Thepkrasattri Rd, on the north side of town. Three technical college students at the scene told police that the woman seemed intent on jumping, a five-metre plunge to the narrow canal below. Col Chalaew and his team arrived to find the 70-year-old woman, named by police only as Ms Lai, crying with bruises on her face and around her eyes. At first, she did not respond to questions. We continued to talk to her until she talked back. It took us more than 15 minutes to talk her into stepping down from the ledge, he said. Ms Lai was taken to Phuket City Police station where she told police that she had run away from her home because her son verbally and physically abused her. She said that her son had punched her several times in the eyes and face. Ms Lai said she could not take it any more, so she came to the bridge which is not far from her home to end her life by jumping off it, Col Chalaew said. Ms Lai has bruises on her body and a laceration on her eyebrow. We are contacting the Phuket Shelter for Children and Families (run by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security) so they can help take care of her, especially her mental condition, he said. We will bring her son in for questioning regarding the domestic abuse allegation. If we believe he is guilty of this action, he will be be charged. Col Chalaew did not name the son. Phuket tour agent caught with Kuwaiti iPhone in his underpants PHUKET: Police arrested a tour agent in Patong after he was found with a Kuwaiti tourists iPhone 6 stuffed in his underwear yesterday afternoon (Nov 24). patongcrimepolice By Darawan Naknakhon Friday 25 November 2016, 12:26PM Patong travel agent Kotamon Chayathanyakorn was caught with the iPhone 6 down the front of his underpants. Photo: Patong Police Patong Police led by Lt Col Somsak Thongkleng arrived at the All In One Travel tour agent counter on Phra Metta Rd at 3pm to investigate a report of the phone disappearing at the shop. We received a report at 2:30pm from a Kuwaiti tourist, Mr Abdul Nabimh Redha, that someone had stolen his mobile phone that he had left at the shop, Col Somsak said. Mr Redha said that he went back to the store 10 minutes later, after realising that he had forgotten his iPhone there, but he did not find it. At the travel agency, police questioned staffer 38-year-old Kotamon Chayathanyakorn. Mr Kotamon told us that he did not see any mobile phone, but he was acting suspiciously so we searched him, Col Somsak revealed. We discovered Mr Redhas missing iPhone in Kotamons underwear, so we escorted him to station, he added. Mr Kotamon admitted to police that he took Mr Redhas mobile phone and has been charged with theft, Col Somsak confirmed. Police nab online romance scam gang BANGKOK: Police have arrested two Nigerians and three Thai women for allegedly swindling women seeking foreign husbands out of B50 million through an internet romance scam. crimeimmigrationpolicetechnologysex By Bangkok Post Friday 25 November 2016, 09:40AM A police officer gives details of the five suspects of an online romance scam at Provincial Police Region 4 headquarters yesterday. Photo: Jakraphan Nathanri Police identified the Nigerians as Okwutor Peter, 29, and Jeremiah Ndidi, 27. The Nigerians arrived in Thailand in 2014 on tourist visas and their documents had expired, Provincial Police Region 4 chief Maj Gen Jatupon Parnraksa said yesterday (Nov 24). Two of the women suspects, identified as Jaerati Saisin and Nattacha Thongbai, both 30, from Rayong and Yasothon, were married to the Nigerians. The third woman was a 34-year-old Bangkok native, Ketsara Marksiri. Police arrested the Nigerians and their Thai accomplices at a condominium in Bangkok and seized 20 bank books and ATM cards with transactions totalling more than B50mn. They also confiscated 15 mobile phones, a laptop computer and 50 other valuable items. The suspects tried to destroy the bank books and other documents linking to their victims during the arrest, Maj Gen Jatupon said. Police were acting on a complaint filed in Udon Thani province last month by the gangs latest victim who was a 45-year-old rubber plantation owner who had been swindled out of B500,000. Maj Gen Jatupon said the Nigerians used a familiar trick of claiming to be good-looking, white and well-to-do. They developed close ties with women seeking rich foreign husbands via Facebook or online chat programmes, and proposed marriage. They would then claim that they were detained by airport and customs authorities for bringing in cash that was more than the legal limit, and asked the victims to transfer money to them to pay for tax on the cash. According to the complaint, the gang used a Facebook account with the name Bush Bush and a fake photo. The account holder claimed to be an engineer in a global company who wanted to settle down and marry a woman in Thailand. They talked with the victims for six months, with the help of an online translation service, and arranged a meeting with her in Thailand. The Udon Thani victim was duped into transferring money to her fake prospective husband twice after the man told her he was detained at Phuket airport and later at Don Mueang for the same reason. Maj Gen Jatupon said three women, all aged over 45, in the Northeast had filed complaints with police for being lured by the online romance scam since last month. The gang spent an average of six months on online chats with each victim. Checks on the seized bank books show each transaction from the victims ranged between B50,000 and B200,000, Maj Gen Jatupon said. A further investigation indicated that Mr Peter and Mr Ndidi were part of a larger Nigerian gang operating an online romance scam led by a Nigerian mafia man identified only Yusuf, who police suspect may still be in Thailand. The Nigerian suspects would get 70 per cent of the money they deceived from each victim while the rest went to Mr Yusuf, the Provincial Police Region 4 chief said. Read originasl story here. Police poised to pounce on monk Phra Dhammajayo has been handed a six-day deadline to turn himself in to face criminal charges otherwise police will launch an operation to arrest him at his temple. crimeconstructionlandpolicereligion By Bangkok Post Friday 25 November 2016, 09:06AM Ong-art Thamnitha, self-describe spokesman for Wat Phra Dhammakayas disciples (in background), says Phra Dhammajayo is staying at the temple. Photo: Somchai Poomlard Authorities are also scrambling to verify whether the abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya is still at the temple, despite the abbots disciples insisting the monk is receiving medical treatment there. Deputy national police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul said efforts are being made to arrange for the embattled monk to surrender to police to answer the charges. Authorities are contacting the Pathum Thani provincial monastic committee and his aides to arrange his surrender. He said police had sent a letter to the abbot at the temple demanding he report to police by the end of the month. He expressed confidence Phra Dhammajayo will surrender to police and prove his innocence. The monk faces several charges. Gen Srivara was referring to an arrest warrant against the monk issued by the Sikhiu Provincial Court for alleged forest encroachment by the temples World Peace Valley Meditation Centre at Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasimas Pak Chong district. The Loei Provincial Court has also approved a warrant for his arrest after a police probe found Wat Dhammakayas meditation facility in Loeis Phu Rua encroached on a forest reserve. According to Gen Srivara, Special Branch Division 4 have been assigned to look into the monks whereabouts. Some rumours suggest Phra Dhammajayo has fled to Australia. However, despite followers at the temple yesterday (Nov 24) insisting that the monk is not on the run and is being treated for serious illness in the temples compound, speculation is still rife he might have fled overseas. Ong-art Thamnitha, who represents Phra Dhammajayos disciples, said the abbot is still at the temple. He has no passport. And with all the surveillance, I dont think he can slip through. The monk is ill and he is at the temple, he said. Mr Ong-art declined to say if disciples would form a human shield to protect the monk if the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) tried to make an arrest, saying if there was a shield it should be called a moral shield. It depends if there are provocations. Last time they treated this place like it was not a temple. The disciples were angered. So, dont anger them, he said. Mr Ong-art said that when chaos erupted, it was the work of a third party. However, Gen Srivara said authorities need to establish the monks whereabouts when they ask a court to approve a search warrant. As soon as his whereabouts is verified police will obtain a search warrant. He said police do not mind if the temple arranges for the monk to hear the charges there as long as they do not try to stall the process. Bail is likely if there are no signs of him tampering with evidence. The deputy police chief also said police had not received any request from the DSI which is expected to arrest the monk following the prosecutions indictment decision. The Office of the Attorney-General early this week decided to indict him and four others in connection with laundering money and receiving stolen property in connection with the multi-billion-baht Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative embezzlement scandal after five previous postponements. He urged the monks followers not to obstruct authorities when they enforce the law or they will face legal action. Id like to ask the disciples not to obstruct justice if police try to make an arrest, he said. If they come to meditate [at the temple] during the arrest, be sure to meditate and not obstruct officials. He said National Police Chief Chakthip Chaijinda has made it clear that police will give the DSI full cooperation. But he said he has no details about the DSIs plan. DSI investigator Pakorn Sucheewakul said the statute of limitations in the money laundering case against the monk is 15 years. Maj Gen Chayapol Chatchaidej, acting commander of the Special Branch Division 4, said authorities are coordinating with the temple to ensure the abbot stays there. Initially a letter was sent to the monk asking him to meet police to face the charges but there was no reply, he said. Col Kritsana Pattanacharoen, deputy police spokesman, also said police cannot confirm the monks whereabouts. He said relevant authorities will assess the situation to determine if they should proceed with an arrest if the monk refuses to turn himself in. The DSI made its first attempt to arrest the abbot at the temple in Pathum Thanis Khlong Luang district on June 16 where he is thought to be holed up but failed when his followers gathered en masse and blocked authorities from entering. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon played down concerns about possible chaos if the DSI proceeded to arrest the monk, saying authorities were enforcing the law. He said the monk faces charges and warrants have been issued for his arrest, so he is obliged to enter the justice process to prove his innocence against the allegations According to Gen Prawit, Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya is in charge of the DSI and police have been asked to support the Justice Ministrys decision. The deputy prime minister said Phra Dhammajayo has not fled overseas. It is believed temple security was tightened following the prosecutors move. Vehicles passing through Gate 7 on the Bang Khan-Nong Sua road were thoroughly searched and media were not allowed inside. In front of Gate 1 on Liap Khlong Sam Rd, makeshift tents were installed for disciples to pray. Read original story here. On Demand We have a new story every day on the front page of thephuketnews.com. Also like us on our Facebook page (facebook.com/thephuketnews) and be the first to watch all the new stories. Finally you can watch any segment, any time by going to thephuketnews.com/tv where all the stories are listed for you to enjoy. All our programs can be enjoyed in High Definition when watching on the internet. In-Room VDO Victim who died in Thursday crash was from Sisseton FILE - In this Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016 file image made from video posted online by Qasioun News Agency, Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces patrol in Dabiq, Syria. Turkey is pushing ahead with plans to liberate the town of al-Bab, the last major Islamic State stronghold in northern Syria despite a complicated terrain. (Qasioun News Agency via AP, File) Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda About UNDP: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations global development network. UNDP advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. The UNDP provides expert advice, training, grant support to developing countries including Uganda with increasing emphasis on assistance to the least developed countries. Job Summary: The Programme Officer Rule of Law & Constitutional Democracy will be tasked with providing advisory services and ensure programme quality assurance support with emphasis on synchronization of RLCD related activities with other activities of the Inclusive Governance portfolio (IE and PSSR programmes) under a matrix reporting arrangement in order to ensure complementarity and mutual reinforcement. Key Duties and Responsibilities: following actions: Contributing to evidence based generation and advocacy through thefollowing actions: The incumbent will provide quality support to analytical works to support evidence based decision-making in the pursuance of good governance Offer technical support to the processes of policy reform toward a rule-law-rooted democracy in Uganda; Provision of timely and relevant technical and operational information in preparation of UNDP COs participation in inter-agency and other development group meetings, focusing on issues of thematic and institutional linkages and coordination following actions: Contributing to good programme design and management through thefollowing actions: Provision of Quality Assurance support during programme planning, implementation and progress monitoring and reporting Assist the processes of adoption and application of RBM and Transformational Development Approach (TDA) methods and tools at sub-national level; Provision of quality input to the RLCD Team Leader for the design and formulation of the RLCD components of the IG Portfolio, translating UNDP priorities and strategies into local interventions; and coordination of programme implementation with the executing agencies; Actively contribute to continuous monitoring and assessment of the programme impact (intended or non-intended/positive or negative), with special attention to potential perverse effects to political, social and economic governance including human rights corruption, in order to inform strategy readjustments; Rigorously contribute to continuous risk assessment, analysis and management; identification of operational and financial problems; development of solutions and participation in programme audit planning, implementation and follow up; and Ensure full compliance to audit recommendations; Performance, if required, of functions of Manager Level 1 in Atlas for POs and vouchers approval and participation in recruitment processes for programme assistants and below. Undertake other duties assigned by the RLCD Team Leader. level through the following actions: Contributing to the nurturing of strategic partnerships at the fieldlevel through the following actions: Render support to targeted Local Governments toward identification, mobilization and engagement of key stakeholders (CSOs, CBOs, Social Networks, Community leadership) at the district level to ensure broad ownership of the programme at the local level and report on the extent of stakeholders ownership of development strategies promoted by UNDP; Actively seeking collaboration, complementarity with other UN agencies and international partners operating at the district level; and Provision of sound contribution to knowledge networks and communities of practice Support the development/reform of the justice and legal systems, including by advising national counterparts and providing training; Offer technical guidance to programme partners in the area of constitutionalism and rule of law; Actively contribute to the identification and maintenance of contacts and effective relations with national rule of law institutions, legal professional bodies and civil society organizations including womens groups, non-governmental organizations. and periodic reports on RLCD programme through the following actions: Contributing to provision of top quality input to knowledge buildingand periodic reports on RLCD programme through the following actions: Provision of periodic analysis and presentation on programme implementation and lessons learned in the CO; Prepare and send regular updates on programme component activities, outputs and outcomes as input to aggregate RLCD programme reports. Guide on and prepare complex legal research and analysis; and prepare outputs such as thematic reports and assessments, policy documents and guidelines, and participate in legislative reviews and drafting of commentaries; Coordinate periodic rule of law project performance reports and responsible for their dissemination; Experience: Qualifications, Skills andExperience: The ideal applicant for the United Nations UNDP Programme Officer Rule of Law & Constitutional Democracy career placement should hold a Bachelors Degree in Law. Masters degree in Law, Public Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences or related field will be added advantage At least three to five years of progressive relevant work experience at the national or international level involving: Skills and experience in legal, research, analysis and policy formulation project implementation, advocacy monitoring and evaluation in the practice areas of rule of law, access to justice and human rights. Previous experience with Government of Uganda, a multilateral or international organization is helpful but not mandatory. Computer literacy skills i.e. experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based information management systems. Personal Competencies: Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UNs values and ethical standards Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability Functional Competencies: Knowledge Management and Learning: Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills Development and Operational Effectiveness: Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources Ability to formulate and manage budgets, manage contributions and investments, manage transactions, conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost-recovery Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change Strong IT skills, Atlas Excellent knowledge of financial rules and regulations, accounting Excellent knowledge of Results Management Guide and Toolkit Management and Leadership: Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. How to Apply: All suitably qualified and interested candidates who so desire to join the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, in the aforementioned capacity should endeavor to Apply Online by Clicking on the link below. Please further review job requirements and if competent Click Apply Now. st December 2016 Deadline: 1December 2016 Patnaik's close aides say that to understand him, one has to understand his empathy By Pratul Sharma/Photos Sanjay Ahlawat Eighteen political parties in West Bengal on Thursday began a week-long protest against the Union government's demonetisation initiative, pressing for a four-point demand, including supply of smaller denomination currency notes to banks and post offices. As part of the protests, street corners and small meetings would be held in the districts till November 27, the parties said in a joint statement after chalking out a plan to hit the streets on the issue. On November 28, the parties would join in observing the nationwide akrosh divas (anger day) decrying demonetisation. "On that day. there will be sit-in demonstrations before the Reserve Bank of India and central government offices as also in the districts," the parties said in a statement. On November 29, a rally would be brought out in the city, while a two-hour demonstration would be organised in the city and the districts the next day. The Communist Party of India-Marxist, Communist Party of India, All India Forward Bloc, Revolutionary Socialist Party, Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Nationalist Congress Party were among the outfits that participated in the deliberations. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi participate in the debate over demonetisation in the parliament. "Sometimes he laughs and sometimes he cries outside the parliament. The prime minister should come to the house and participate in the debate," Gandhi told the media in New Delhi. He said Modi attended Rajya Sabha proceedings on Thursday but did not participate in the debate on the November 8 move to demonetise Rs 500 and 1,000 notes. Opposition parties have consistently been demanding that for parliament to function, the prime minister should be present during the debate on demonetisation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday blamed the Indus Water Treaty for letting water from the rivers Sutlej, Ravi and Beas flow through Pakistan and into the sea, adding that he had set up a task force on the treaty. Addressing a gathering in Bhatinda, where he laid the foundation stone of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to cater to the population of the region, Modi lamented that the water from these rivers, over which Indian farmers have a right, were not being used by Pakistan or India. The task force I have set up is mandated to stop every drop of water from these rivers from flowing through Pakistan, and bring it back to the farmers of Punjab, J&K and India, the prime minister said. Water is a crucial issue in poll-bound Punjab - particularly since the state is embroiled in a fight with Haryana over the sharing of Ravi-Beas waters through the Sutlej-Yamuna link canal. However, he did not touch on the contentious river water dispute between the two neighbouring states The prime minister urged farmers of the region not to burn paddy husk, and advised them to convert it into manure. Referring to the demonetisation that he notified, the Prime Minister said that there would be difficulties on the way,adding that he had come to seek their help. He urged people to convert their mobile phones into mobile banks and mobile wallets and make India a cashless economy. Every family has four cell phones, he remarked, adding that going cashless was the need of the hour. Terrifying wildfires flamed through Israel this week, as a result of presumed terrorist arson attacks. Over 80,000 were evacuated, 180 were injured, and 560 homes were burnt as flames ripped through cities & towns. Hundreds of children have no homes to return to. As always, ZAKA volunteers have been working tirelessly to save lives, and aid other emergency responders. These brave volunteers are often the first to arrive at the scene of attacks, as well as the last to leave after properly handling human remains with kavod. This is obviously a tremendous mitzvah. Tonight, while other Jews will be safe & warm in their homes, ZAKA volunteers will continue to lose sleep to make sure that these families can return to what is left of their homes, and those who have begun to assess the damage have the help they need. You can be with them in spirit by showing your support. CLICK HERE TO JOIN ZAKA IN THE FIGHT Please remember, this is a volunteer organization, these members of klal yisroel are choosing to put their lives in danger, but they need our help to get the resources they need. The urgency cannot be overstated. Much of Eretz Yisroel is left in ashes. Please give what you can. CLICK HERE TO DONATE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL CAMPAIGN 27-year-old Matan Hayat studies in a teaching training program at Hebrew University. He told the Times of Israel that from his perspective and that of his friends, There is a total halt of all culture in Jerusalem on Shabbat. Hence, a group of young non-religious residents of the city have launched what they are calling the Open for Shabbat, hoping to opens cafes and to use them on Shabbos as a meeting venue. Food would not be served by participating cafes. The organizers hope this will serve as a forum for the young to get together on their one day off, stressing they are using the cafes for their space, nothing more. Its a fact that cafes are a meeting place for people, and on the one day when people have free time, theyre not open, said Hayat. Our idea is to open those places and use them as a meeting place that is Sabbath observant, with no commercial usage. Were just using the space. In Israel, people often stop to drink their morning cappuccino and eat a croissant at the local cafe instead of taking it out, or use the cafe as a makeshift office, for getting work done or holding meetings. The cafe is like an extension of our homes, said Hayat. But in Jerusalem, where a majority of residents are Sabbath observers and where the Orthodox rabbinate controls nearly all aspects of Jewish observance, nearly everything is closed, except for several movie theaters, the zoo, some museums and a few non-kosher cafes and restaurants. The logo of Open on Shabbat, a new, pluralistic initiative in Jerusalem, starting November 25, 2016 (Courtesy Open on Shabbat) The logo of Open for Shabbat, a new, pluralistic initiative in Jerusalem, starting November 25, 2016 (Courtesy Open on Shabbat) Open for Shabbat is offering a creative alternative, said Hayat. It will try out a pilot of the project on Friday, November 25, when Humus shel haTechina, a hummus joint in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Nachlaot next to Mahane Yehuda market, will remain open on Friday night. There will be a lecture, too, said Hayat, given by Tomer Persico, a research fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute who also teaches at the department of Comparative Religion at Tel Aviv University. Each week participants secular or observant can meet at a coffee shop and bring their own food and content, be it boardgames, planned lectures and discussions, or newspapers to read and pass around, said Hayat. Humus shel haTechina is a kosher-certified hummus restaurant, and the organizers have compiled a list of cafes whose owners are interested in participating in future Open on Shabbat programs. The grand plan is to have one meeting place in each neighborhood, appealing to the residents of each community. I think its a very sweet, communal gesture, said Rabbi Aaron Leibowitz of the Yerushalmim Party and the founder of Private Supervision, the alternative kosher supervision organization that now has 28 restaurants in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and is a serious alternative to the government-run rabbinate. Many Shabbat-observant and non-Shabbat observant residents would appreciate a shared space, and coffee shops are a logical place for that, he said. I often say that coffee shops are like the synagogues of the non-observant community, where people gather together. Hanging out in cafes is an elemental part of Israeli and Jerusalem culture, and one that cant really happen on Shabbat (Miriam Alster/Flash 90) Illustrative photo of Israelis at a cafe (Miriam Alster/Flash90) The effort, however, isnt a revolution in the kosher certification map, said Leibowitz, given that Israeli hotels have always been open on Shabbat and kosher, and do not violate Sabbath observance. Theyre taking an existing model, the hotel standard, and using it for Jerusalem, he said. Its not a new idea, but its a sweet expression of what can happen between secular and religious Jews in Jerusalem. A more significant shift for the delicate religious balance in the city would be to try and offer kosher certification to restaurants that would remain open on the Sabbath. But that isnt the goal of Open for Shabbat, said Hayat. In fact, the group, which is supported by the Hitorerut Party and its leader, deputy mayor Ofer Berkovich. The Open for Shabbat founders didnt contact the rabbinate, as the event isnt in opposition to Jewish law. It doesnt violate the Sabbath at all. Were not activists, he added. Were community organizers. Were not trying to go against anything, were trying to work within the existing framework. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Laurie Cardoza-Moore, Special United Nations Envoy for the WCICC and President of Proclaiming Justice to The Nations, issued the following statement on the appointment of Governor Nikki Haley as the new UN Ambassador for the United States of America: I want to congratulate Governor Nikki Haley and President-Elect Trump and his transition team on an outstanding choice for UN Ambassador. Governor Haley has demonstrated her commitment to stand with Israel by supporting pro-Israel legislation like the anti-BDS bill that she signed into law in 2015. Under Governor Haleys leadership, South Carolina became the third state in the nation to adopt anti-BDS legislation, following anti-BDS resolutions signed by Governor Haslam of Tennessee and Governor Pence of Indiana. Clearly, she will bring that support to an institution desperately in need of balance on the existential threats Israel faces among the nations represented at the UN. As the World Council of Independent Christian Churchs Special Envoy at the UN and President of Proclaiming Justice to The Nations, Im looking forward to working with Governor Haley in her new capacity as US Ambassador at the UN. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Agudath Israel of America applauds the U.S. Department of Education upon the release of guidance pertaining to the Equitable Services provisions of the Every Student Succeeds Act, the landmark education-funding legislation passed by Congress last year. Agudath Israel worked closely with congressional leaders and departmental officials in advancing the quantity and quality of federal educational services provided to nonpublic schools, including the hundreds of elementary and secondary Jewish day schools around the country. Numerous significant changes and additions put forward by Agudath Israel were incorporated into the new law and are given further detail in the just released guidance. At various opportunities over the past months, Agudath Israels Washington Office, led by Rabbi Abba Cohen, strongly encouraged the Department to release the guidance as early and as comprehensively as possible. With the release of the guidance, there will be greater certainty as to how the provisions on equitable services with be implemented, particularly the new and enhanced provisions. That they were put in place at this earlier date, before the change in administrations, is extremely important as it will provide the opportunity for schools districts and private school personnel to become better acquainted and better prepared for the changes as they go into effect. Agudath Israel also welcomes the news that the Department will be hosting two webinars that will provide an overview of the changes pertaining to private schools. Agudath Israels offices in Washington and around the country will continue to work with Jewish schools and with state and local officials in clarifying and disseminating the new guidance. (YWN Wold Headquarters NYC) The military parade for Donald Trump has come early. Two months before Inauguration Day festivities, an extraordinary number of recently retired generals, including some who clashed with President Barack Obamas administration, are marching to the president-elects doorstep for job interviews. Its not unusual for an incoming administration to consider a retired general for a top position like CIA director. But Trump has turned to retired officers so publicly and in such large numbers that it raises questions about the proper balance of military and civilian advice in a White House led by a commander in chief with no defense or foreign policy experience. The tilt toward military officials may reflect a limited pool of civilian options. Many officials from previous Republican administrations politically disowned Trump during the campaign, calling him unqualified. And Trump suggested he wouldnt want many of them, as he vowed to drain the swamp by running establishment figures out of town. Robert Goldich, a retired government defense analyst who has watched administrations for 44 years, says Trumps focus on retired generals might be unprecedented. The only one announced for a top job thus far is Michael Flynn, a retired three-star Army general. Trump appointed Flynn as his national security adviser, a post that does not require Senate confirmation but is central to a presidents decision-making process. Flynn was forced out as Defense Intelligence Agency director in 2014. Afterward, he strongly criticized the Obama administrations approach to fighting the Islamic State group and threw his support to Trump. Among others under consideration are two retired four-star Marine generals James Mattis for defense secretary and John Kelly for homeland security secretary. Other names surfacing include retired Army Gen. Jack Keane and David Petraeus, the retired four-star general who was Obamas CIA director in 2011-12 before resigning amid disclosure that he had an affair with his biographer and shared highly classified information with her. In remarks to The New York Times on Tuesday, Trump spoke about the Pentagon post in ways that offer insight into why he is attracted to former generals like Mattis. I think its time maybe, its time for a general, Trump said, suggesting he favors a military mindset. Look whats going on. We dont win, we cant beat anybody. Kelly retired this year after a storied career capped by commanding the U.S. Southern Command, where he differed with the White House over closing the Guantanamo Bay prison and expressed doubts about the administrations moves to open all combat jobs to women. Bing West, a Vietnam War veteran and former assistant secretary of defense, said Trumps outreach to retired generals is wise. Our country is fighting a long war. Its common sense to seek the experience of those who have proven they know how to fight, he said in an email exchange. The concern about undue military influence derives from a long U.S. tradition of civilian control of the military, which is the basis for a ban on active-duty officers running the Pentagon. The Constitution affirms civilian control by making the president the commander in chief and giving Congress the authority to declare war and fund the military. The appointment of too many generals to high civilian positions could prompt fears that Trump is on a path to militarizing U.S. foreign policy or giving the military too much sway in decisions about war and peace. But that view was rejected by Richard Fontaine, president of the Center for a New American Security, a Washington think tank. In an interview, he noted that it was President George W. Bushs civilian advisers who pushed hardest to launch the 2003 Iraq invasion. In my experience, veterans have been less likely than the civilians to advocate for military intervention abroad, said Fontaine, who was among dozens of Republican national security figures who signed a letter during the campaign warning that Trump would be a dangerous president. Still, some retired generals are leery of Trump stacking his national security team with warriors. The biggest fear is too many generals in politics. Thats not a good thing, said Mark Hertling, a retired three-star Army general who opposed Trump. But given the lack of knowledge of a president who knows nothing about diplomacy or the military, they might provide some very good advice. Hertling credits Mattis with an unusual knack for leadership and strategic thinking. Trump met with Mattis last weekend but has not said if he will nominate him. If he does, Trump would need Congress to provide an exception to a law requiring a military officer to have been out of uniform for at least seven years before becoming defense secretary. That exception has been sought only once since the position of defense secretary was created in 1947. George C. Marshall, who retired as a five-star Army general and then served as secretary of state after World War II, was tapped to be defense secretary in 1950 by President Harry Truman. The law Congress passed allowing Marshall to lead the Pentagon was meant to be a one-time exception. It said it was not to be construed as approval by Congress of continuing appointments of military men to the office of Secretary of Defense in the future. It said that after Marshalls term ended, no additional appointments of military men to that office shall be approved. (AP) Thousands of people lined the streets Thursday amid heavy security including bomb-sniffing dogs and portable radiation detectors as iconic inflatable balloons, costumed characters and clowns floated, marched through New York City for the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. Revelers cheered and yelled, Thank you! to officers along the parade route, giving special attention to the New York Police Department marching band. Spectators sometimes standing 10 deep held signs and balloons as they watched floats pass by as it made its way down to Macys flagship store on 34th Street. But amid the fun, high-fives and cheers, there was an air of uncertainty about the possibility of an extremist attack after a recent posting in an English-language Islamic State group magazine that called the parade an excellent target. Nevertheless, the parade went off without a hitch Thursday. More than 80 sanitation trucks filled with sand were parked at intersections and other places, acting as barriers against any kind of attack. The NYPD said the sanitation trucks, which they have used before, would play a bigger role at this years parade in the wake of the cargo truck attack in Nice, France, that killed more than 80 people. In addition to more than 3,000 uniformed and plainclothes officers, bomb-sniffing dogs and officers with assault weapons and portable radiation detectors walked among the crowds. At least one spectator said the intensive security made her feel secure. There are so many police officers out here you cant help but feel safe, said Sarah Bender, who brought her two young sons to watch the parade. Its a day to have fun, watch the balloons and celebrate with your family. You cant spend your life worrying about what could happen. (AP) About 80% of the Haifa residents evacuated from their homes have returned. The remaining 20% are in hotels or with friends/relatives. Forecasters predict another day of strong winds, adding to concerns of the Fire Service. No rain being predicted before Tuesday. Israel has accepted a PA (Palestinian Authority) offer for a number of fire trucks to assist in firefighting efforts. Minister Erdan announced the situation nationwide is under control. Kibbutz Ein HaShofet was ordered evacuated by the Ministry of Environmental Affairs due to pollution. Ein HaShofet is in northern Israel in the Ephraim Hills in the Menashe Heights region around 30km from the city of Haifa. Channel 1 News reports 8 homes heavily damaged or destroyed in Moshav Beit Meir fire during the night. Social media is full of Arabic and English language calls for the fires to burn Israel out of existence. Fires were also extinguished in the Western & Lower Galil during the night. The Romeima neighborhood of Haifa is still without electricity this morning. Channel 10 reports police confirming the large Zichron Yaakov fire was definitely the result of terrorist arson. This is confirmed by the Haifa area Fire Service spokesman. Terrorist arson appears to be the operating premise in Haifa too, but a definitive determination is yet to be made as the investigation is ongoing. Haifa: Eight people suspected of arson have been arrested. Thousands of Israelis have announced they are willing to take persons in for Shabbos following the tragic fires in so many areas. An abandoned vehicle filled with gasoline-soaked rags found near Oranit. Oranit is near the Green Line in the Shomron between the Shomron and the Petach Tikvah area, near the Chorshim Forest. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) As fire rage in Israel the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) is prepared to assist via the Fellowship hotline that will be especially activated in long hours. The hotline is active in Hebrew, Russian and Arabic and is available sine yesterday (Thursday). It was also available today (Friday) and it was operating until Shabbos. The Fellowship asks all Olim and elderly people in need of help, due to fire or for any other reason to contact the hotline at *9779 and assistance will be sent out by assigned volunteers. Olim in the Haifa area will receive a text message (SMS) to their cell phones with exact details of aid near them. Additionally, the Fellowship will provide vouchers to distribute to the elderly who evacuated their homes. Volunteers who would like to host in their house, can help transferring those in need or any other financial support can contact the Fellowship hotline as well. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) At around 2 a.m. this morning, terrorists set fire to my small mountain village of Beit Meir. They lit multiple blazes, surrounding the only exit from our moshav with a gulf of flames. As you can imagine, this made it exceedingly difficult for myself, my pregnant wife, and two kids to escape to safety. We, along with our neighbors, were trapped. After about an hour of harrowing confusion, firefighters managed to clear a path for the 100 families of Beit Meir to flee the inferno. I watched as dozens of righteous firefighters and police faded into the smokey distance of my rear view mirror. We fled to Beit Shemesh, and were warmly taken in at 3:30 a.m. by Rabbi Gerzi and his unceasingly kind family. For whats its worth, I got out my phone to document the deluge. Perhaps it will give you a glimpse (as it did for me the first time) of the first hand horrors wrought by terrorists seeking to harm innocent civilians. READ MORE: ONLYSIMCHAS.COM Motley Fool Amazon's (NASDAQ: AMZN) third-quarter report sent its stock tumbling on Thursday, October 27, after the company posted weak fourth-quarter guidance. Amazon Web Services' (AWS) growth began to decelerate after many quarters of steady growth, which is a natural outgrowth of clients decreasing spending. It has many plans in place to drive sales this season, and it's focused on the customer experience. A shocking film showing the tragic consequences of texting at the wheel has been launched by the AA today. And while an accompanying AA survey showed that six in ten passengers would tell a driver to stop if they were using a phone, it also showed an alarming 6 per cent - which equates to 2 million people - wouldn't intervene if they saw a driver using their phone in a car. The 11-minute movie has been created following mounting concern about the 'epidemic' of illegal mobile phone use while driving, causing multiple deaths and serious injuries. Dangers of texting at the wheel: This new AA video has been launched to show the dangers of using a handheld mobile device while driving Passengers were warned by the AA that should step in if they were with a driver using their phone, or they are putting lives at risk. The film follows the Daily Mails End the Mobile Madness campaign highlighting the extent to which use of hand-held smart-phones at the wheel has become out of control. This campaign led the government to announce plans to increase the penalties for using a mobile at the wheel to six penalty points and a 200 fine. AA Charitable Trust director Edmund King OBE, said: We have meet with ministers, the police and the Governments Think! campaigners to discuss rolling out the film in their publicity campaigns and on police driver awareness courses. Copies of the film will be sent to all police forces. There will be an intensive social media campaign #NeverTextDrive which supports the successful Daily Mail Campaign. The film is called 'Cadence' and has been produced with funding from the AA Charitable Trust by a young graduate film-maker who became uncomfortable about her friends driving and using mobiles at the wheel. It features a young couple whose life plans are blighted when the musician driver takes his eyes off the road to text on his smart-phone, causing an accident that leads to the death of his girlfriend. It ends with the warning: Dont cut your story short. Never text and drive. The 11-minute mini-film 'Cadence' features a couple driving in their car. It ends in tragedy when the male driver takes his eyes off the road The production was funded by the AA Charitable Trust and created by a young graduate film-maker who became uncomfortable about her friends driving and using mobiles at the wheel Transport Secretary Chris Grayling says he wants to make use of mobile phones at the wheel as socially unacceptable as drink-driving. The AA Trust welcomed the government's move to crackdown, but believes changing behaviour and attitudes among drivers in particularly younger ones - is just as important. In its latest set of figures, the AA said recent government data reveals a 35 per cent increase in fatalities on built-up roads. There were 200 deaths on roads with a 40mph maximum speed limit between April and June 2016, compared to 148 deaths in the same period a year earlier. Some 24,620 people were killed or seriously injured in the year ending June 2016, up 3 per cent on the previous year. Over the same period, deaths of car occupants rose by 9 per cent and pedestrians by 3%. The AA estimates that driver distraction is a cause in some of the 400 deaths attributed to drivers or riders failing to look properly. Mr King said: Despite horrific and tragic deaths caused by drivers distracted by phones, the problem is still rife. The hike in fatalities on built-up roads by more than a third, is staggering and may be due to driver inattention from excessive use of mobile phones at the wheel. More than two million car passengers would do nothing if their driver used a hand-held phone whilst driving. So the AA Trust is today launching a hard-hitting campaign to try to change attitudes and behaviours around driver distraction. He added: Our film Cadence was inspired by young people and will be used to change the behaviour of young drivers and the wider driving population. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF A DRIVER WAS USING A MOBILE? An AA Populus poll of 23,141 drivers asked how passengers would respond to a driver illegally using a hand-held mobile. Some six out of ten or 59 per cent said they would ask them to stop, while half would offer to take the call. One in eight would take the phone away, while one in 12 would refuse ever to get in the car with them again. Only 1 per cent would report the driver to the police. But, an alarming 6 per cent equivalent to around 2 million passengers would do nothing. One per cent of people admitted to not being bothered' by a driver on their phone. More generally, around one in eight young drivers aged 18 to 24 said they find it difficult to ignore a message or email alert on their phones while driving. Among drivers of all ages, 6 per cent said they find this difficult. Around 98 per cent of those questioned said they had seen other drivers using hand-held mobile phones with one in five witnessing it on every journey and a further fifth claiming they see this on most journeys. The AA estimates that driver distraction is a cause in some of the 400 deaths attributed to drivers or riders failing to look properly' The Government recently announced plans to increase the fine for being caught using a smart device behind the wheel to 200 In November, Polish trucker Tomasz Kroker was jailed for ten years for killing a family while distracted as he scrolled through music on his mobile phone. Tracy Houghton, 45, her sons Ethan,13 and 11-year-old Josh, and stepdaughter Aimee Goldsmith, 11, died instantly when his lorry ploughed into stationary traffic on the A34 in Berkshire in August. Mr King said: Despite this a substantial number of passengers would still ignore their driver using a phone. This epidemic of hand held mobile phone use while driving has already cost lives and drivers have demanded action. But changing attitudes must be supported by tougher penalties and more cops in cars, he added. Some six per cent of drivers surveyed said they'd do nothing as a passenger if the driver of the vehicle began using their mobile phone at the wheel The film is a stark reminder of the dangers of being distracted by a phone when driving and is aimed at younger motorists Graduate film-maker Emmeline Kellie, who wrote, starred in and produced the film, said she was compelled to do so because so many friends used their mobile phones behind the wheel. Emmeline, who graduated from the University of Derby in media production, said: Roads make me nervous so I delayed driving for quite a while. 'But as my friends started using their phones more and more at the wheel, it became clear that I would be safer driving myself. It only takes one moment to glance at a text and it can all go wrong behind the wheel. The film, also made with the help of the University of Derby and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, features young London-based musician Luke Pickett who contributed two songs and a score. He said: It is an unconventional approach to road safety and hopefully will help to save lives. The film premieres at the Derby Quad cinema and will be be targeted online at social media users, schools, and colleges. Sarah Sillars chief executive of motoring safety group IAM RoadSmart said: 'UK motorists have real concerns about the way mobile phone technology could be a threat to their safety. Jaguar Land Rover has revealed plans to build electric cars in Britain during an industry meeting this week. The Indian-owned brand is already the nation's most prolific car builder, producing just under a third of Britain's 1.6 million cars last year. It also revealed its first electric car earlier this month, the Jaguar I-PACE, which is due to be built in Austria. But chief executive Ralf Speth has suggested that future electric car manufacturing could take place in the UK alongside the three other car plants JLR currently operates in central and northern England. First of many: The Jaguar I-PACE electric car was revealed earlier this month in Los Angeles. JLR hopes half of the cars it sell will be electric by the end of the decade If the plans come to fruition, it would mark another significant boost to the UK automotive sector following Nissan's decision to build two volume-selling models at its facility in Sunderland - a move backed with support from the British government. 'We want to build our EVs (electric vehicles) in the West Midlands, in the home of our design and engineering,' Speth told an industry meeting on Thursday evening, according to Reuters. Speth told the news agency in September that it made sense to build electric batteries and cars in its home market, if the conditions - including pilot testing and support from science - were right. During the Autumn statement on Wednesday, Chancellor Philip Hammond said the an extra 390 million of funding would be made available to add more thrust to Britain's autonomous and green car projects. This included an 80 million push to increase the number of public-available electric charging points. JLR was the nation's biggest car builder in 2015 - just under a third of Britain's 1.6 million cars were Jaguar or Land Rover models The chancellor announced during the Autumn statement that 390m would be made available to build on the nation's 'competitive advantage in low emission vehicles and the development of connected autonomous vehicles' Jaguar Land Rover said it would not comment on when electric cars would be built in Britain or on potential job creation. After Nissan sought a promise of compensation in the event of Brexit-imposed costs to its car production, Speth told Reuters that his firm wanted 'fair treatment' and a 'level playing field' from the government. Philip Hammond also confirmed a 100% first year capital allowance for the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure According to the Financial Times, the plans would create 10,000 jobs at the carmaker, though only if the UK stamps its position as a world leader in the development of electric cars in the face of competition from the German government. The FT's report said Speth told political and automotive leaders from the Midlands on Thursday that the company's expansion would need an injection of cash into local infrastructure, including an extra 12 to 15 gigawatts per year in generating capacity. That's the equivalent to four power stations, the report said. According to a planning document seen by the Financial Times, JLR would require a further 600m of private investment on top of 450 million provided by the government. The carmaker has already outlined the enthusiastic target of having half of the cars it sells to be electric by the end of the decade. The first of these models, the electrified Jaguar I-PACE SUV, was revealed earlier this month at the LA Auto Show. Gatwick is not giving up on its plans to expand despite losing out on a new runway to Heathrow. The airport announced it plans to spend 250million in investment over the next year to help revamp its shopping facilities and expand its North and South terminals. The restructuring, part of the airport's 1.2billion transformation plan, will see three of Gatwick's major carriers British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet move terminals in January. The airport's departure lounges and shops will also be given a makeover, and its railway station and on-airport parking facilities improved. Brexit boost: Gatwick boss Stewart Wingate has announced plans to spend 250m over the next year to help revamp its shopping facilities and expand its North and South terminals Gatwick, which released its half-year results yesterday, reported a 6.3 per cent increase in passengers. A total of 25m passed through its doors the busiest in its history. Stewart Wingate, chief executive of Gatwick, said Brexit helped boost numbers because the weak pound helped increase the number of tourists flying in from America. Sales in the six months to September 30 were up 8.1 per cent to 445.2million, but profits fell more than 13 per cent to 116million, due to increased operating costs. Gatwick missed out on a second runway last month after its bid was rejected by the Government in favour of expansion at Heathrow. Last year its biggest investor, Global Infrastructure Partners, promised it wouldn't sell its stake for a quick profit if the airline won the expansion. The failed bid has led some to suggest the investor would go back on its promise and sell. But Gatwick rubbished rumours investors were looking to cash in their shares saying nothing of the sort was in the mix in the foreseeable future. It added that the expansion of its long-haul destinations and its new routes to Cape Town showed investors were confident in its long-term prospects. Overall Gatwick's long-haul routes grew by 21 per cent, boosted by new trips to Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, among others. Wingate said the airport was working closely with airlines to develop more long-haul routes. He said: 'We continue to grow strongly, breaking records as passengers respond to the variety on offer at the airport, low-cost, charter airlines and full services airlines, all now flying more passengers on more flights to more global destinations than ever.' He added that destinations in China, Peru, Canada, Costa Rica and Nigeria would be added from Gatwick in the coming months. Foreign predators that suck profits out of Britain could be forced to pay more tax under new Government measures. Chancellor Philip Hammond is seeking to end complex schemes, which allow money to be shifted abroad with a new crackdown. It follows years of complaints about bad practice at businesses as varied as utility firm Thames Water and chocolate maker Cadbury. Global firms have sought to keep cash away from the taxman by borrowing money internally to claim tax relief, shifting profits to offshore havens and running up losses, which could then be used to offset future profits. Crackdown: Chancellor Philip Hammond is seeking to end complex schemes which allow money to be shifted abroad The behaviour of giants such as Amazon and Google which suck in billions of pounds of revenue in Britain but have historically paid relatively low taxes has sparked a world-wide outcry and demands for reform. Wealthy countries have since pledged support for new rules recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development aimed at curbing the worst excesses. In his Autumn Statement on Wednesday, Hammond said he would bring in a new regime to limit legal tax-dodging. It is based on the OECD agreement and will come into force in April. It is intended to raise more than 5billion for the Treasury. 'There is understandable public concern that the pitch is tilted in favour of large multinational groups, which are able to use cross-border structures to manage their tax liabilities,' the Chancellor said. 'These measures, scored at Budget 2016, will help to ensure large businesses will always pay tax in years where they make substantial profits. 'They will also mean that businesses cannot avoid tax by borrowing excessively in the UK to fund their overseas activities.' Chocolate maker Cadbury is one of several foreign owned firms accused of tax dodging Labour MP Wes Streeting, a member of the Treasury Select Committee, said: 'People will welcome any extra steps the Government is taking to clamp down on tax avoidance it seems terribly unfair.' Foreign buyers of British firms have frequently come under fire for aggressively keeping their money out of Government hands. Australian bank Macquarie dubbed the vampire kangaroo for its ruthless focus on profits has been fiercely criticised for its decade in control of Thames Water. The utility firm has paid just 100,000 in corporation tax since 2006, while its owners earned hundreds of millions from dividends. Bosses say tax payments were deferred under Government incentives in infrastructure investments. America food giant Mondelez bought much-loved chocolate company Cadbury for 11.5bn in an infamous 2010 deal. Its UK arm made profits of 177million last year, but paid no corporation tax. Customer switching between energy companies has hit a four-and-a-half year high POWER SWITCH Customer switching between energy companies has hit a four-and-a-half year high, but two-thirds of all households remain on the most expensive tariffs, Ofgem figures show. The regulator said 5.5million switches took place this year to September, a 28 per cent increase on the same period last year. However, 66 per centremain on expensive standard variable tariffs. CARD CASE A 14billion damages claim against MasterCard over charges that were passed on to shoppers is to proceed to a preliminary tribunal early next year. The hearing at the Competition Appeal Tribunal will determine if the case can proceed as a landmark UK collective action. MOTORS STALL Car production has fallen for the first time in 14 months amid a decrease in domestic demand, a study shows. Just under 151,800 cars were built in October, a fall of 1 per cent on the same month last year, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. More than 1.4m vehicles have been produced so far this year. FLIGHTS GROUNDED German airline Lufthansa has said 830 flights will be cancelled on Friday after a pilots' union said it would extend strikes to a third day in a long-running dispute over wages. Lufthansa said the cancellations would affect 100,000 passengers on short and medium-haul flights. RED SIGNAL Troubled toy train maker Hornby warned sales would continue to fall as it pulls out of shop concessions in a turnaround plan. The group, which makes Scalextric, Airfix and Corgi, posted a 2 per cent fall in turnover to 21.9million in the six months to September, and saw losses widen from 4.5million to 4.7million. Shares fell 2 per cent, or 0.62p to 30.62p. PAYMENT PROFIT Bill payment service provider PayPoint announced an additional dividend as profits rose across the business. PayPoint said its new bill payment system was taking flight in convenience stores across the UK. It announced an interim dividend of 15p per share and an additional dividend of 12.2p. Shares were flat at 1040p. DRUG TRIAL Pharma giant GlaxoSmithKline has started pivotal trials of an experimental anaemia drug, chasing AstraZeneca in the race to develop a medicine that mimics the body's response to high altitude. WATER DEAL Dee Valley has recommended shareholders accept an offer from Severn Trent, ending a bidding war for the water company. The price of oil tumbled last night after Saudi Arabia pulled out of talks to discuss limiting supply raising fears that no agreement will be reached. Ministers from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries were due to meet non-Opec producers in Vienna on Monday to thrash out an agreement to curb supply and prop up prices. Drain: Opec wants to limit production to between 32.5m and 33m barrels of oil per day in the first supply cut since 2008 The talks were due to focus on the contribution that producers outside Opec would make to the plan. But Saudi Arabia has said it will not attend the meeting as it wants to focus on securing a consensus within Opec first and then present the agreement to non-Opec producers. The oil price fell nearly 3 per cent to $47.50 a barrel. Opec wants to limit production to between 32.5m and 33m barrels of oil per day in the first supply cut since 2008. It follows the slump in the oil price from $115 a barrel in mid-2014 to less than $50 today. The supermarket Iceland accidentally started a row with the Icelandic government by taking it to court in a trademark dispute. The chain, which is run by millionaire Malcolm Walker, blocked the slogan Inspired by Iceland. But the name was actually being used by the Icelandic government, enraging ministers. 'Misunderstanding': The firm owns European rights to the name Iceland, but the country claims this puts its own businesses in an untenable situation This week, Iceland the country confirmed it was taking action against the frozen goods retailer, which has been trading under its name for 46 years. The firm owns European rights to the name Iceland, but the country claims this puts its own businesses in an untenable situation. Nick Canning, joint managing director of the supermarket, said the battle was a misunderstanding. Canning said that had the firm known the slogan had been used by the country, it would have reacted differently. We would be mad not to oppose or at least look at that application, and thats exactly what we did, he said. The owner of Aldi supermarkets was not capable of making rational decisions in the time leading up to his death, a court heard. Berthold Albrecht co-owned the Aldi Nord chain of discount supermarkets was one of Germany's wealthiest men when he died in 2012. The family stake in the firm was valued at 15billion. Legal fight: Berthold Albrecht, who co-owned the Aldi Nord supermarket chain, put part of the ownership into a trust shortly before his death But shortly before his death he put part of the ownership into a Trust. Now, his brother, Theo Albrecht junior, who was co-owner of the chain with Berthold and Berthold's widow, Babette Albrecht, is fighting a legal battle over the Trust in a German court. Babette says her husband was not mentally capable when he transferred part of the ownership to the Trust. But Theo Albrecht junior does not want ownership passed to Babette for fears it will hand power to her and her children. He has warned it would be a recipe for chaos. In an interview in a German magazine he said it was nonsense to say his brother was not in his right mind. He said: 'There was never any doubt in the ability to make good decisions by Berthold Albrecht. A row over airline comparison websites escalated as travel agency eDreams hit back at Ryanair over accusations it misled customers with fake fares. The company, which lets customers book flights via its website, said the low-cost airline was indulging in bullying behaviour by trying to get its site shut down. It accused Ryanair of trying to stop customers getting the best deals possible and said the company was in no position to criticise because it didnt have the best customer service record. 'Bullying behaviour': eDreams accused Ryanair of trying to stop customers getting the best deals possible Ryanair, which allows some comparison sites to redirect customers to its own booking page, started legal proceedings in the Irish High Court against eDreams and Google after claiming the two websites were misleading its customers. It said online travel agencies had added hidden costs and failed to pass on vital information like flight changes, resulting in missed flights and repeated problems for customers. (Adds ACCC, ANZ, Macquarie quotes) By Byron Kaye SYDNEY, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Australia's No.1 investment bank Macquarie Group Ltd and top corporate lender Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd on Friday said they offered to pay fines totalling A$15 million ($11.12 million) for "cartel conduct" in Singapore. The banks said in separate statements they would pay the fines after the antitrust agency started court proceedings over actions taken by the banks in Singapore when trading foreign exchange contracts for the Malaysian ringgit in 2011. "These proceedings are a reminder that Australian cartel laws apply to financial markets, and capture cartel conduct by firms that carry on business in Australia, regardless of where that conduct occurred," ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said in a statement. Traders from Macquarie, ANZ and other banks communicated in private online chatrooms about their daily submissions to the Association of Banks in Singapore in relation to the benchmark rate for the Malaysian currency, the ACCC said. The traders "attempted to make arrangements" about making "high or low submissions" to the Singapore authority, which would then set the daily exchange rate for contracts in the currency within the country. ANZ admitted to 10 instances of cartel conduct by three employees, all of whom had left the company. "While there is no evidence that FX benchmarks in Singapore were successfully influenced, we accept responsibility and apologise for the actions of our former employees," ANZ Chief Risk Officer Nigel Williams said. Macquarie said it terminated the junior employee involved in the actions in 2012, and that "no Macquarie senior management or any other Macquarie employees were involved in or aware of the conduct". Both banks said they had offered to pay the fines, but the ACCC said it was up to the court to decide what penalties were appropriate. ($1 = 1.3493 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Byron Kaye; Editing by Stephen Coates) MBABANE Parliamentarians have been told of a division within the Swaziland Arts and Music Association (SWAMA). SWAMA is the mother body of all artists singing secular music in the country. Minister of Sport, Culture and Youth Affairs, David Cruiser Ngcamphalala through his presentation of the second quarter performance report for the ministrys financial year 2016/17, noted that the association had no clear vision which has forced some of its members to pursue individual goals. Through his report, the minister also noted that there was a huge gap between SWAMAs executive and membership. It was stated that the association had not yet renewed its membership with the Swaziland National Council of Arts and Culture (SNCAC). Through this report the minister highlighted that during its financial year, SWAMA had not recorded any activity. Minister Cruiser made it known that some of the issues raised were being addressed by his ministry through SNCAC. Other associations which were also reported as inactive include the Swaziland Film and Television Producers Association (SFTPA), which has also not yet renewed its membership. Ngcamphalala said this association should be linked to the Ministry of Information and Technology not that of Sport, Culture and Youth Affairs. Also not functioning is the Swaziland National Umbholoho Association (SNUA), as its executive no longer exists and all its members are unaccounted for. On a more positive note in the same report, the minister mentioned that some of the associations were active and these include the Swaziland National Choral Music Association (SNCMA) and the Association of Christian Artists in Swaziland (ACASWA). Both associations were said to be vibrant and were working hard in making sure that most of their goals and objectives are accomplished. With the expansion of technology has inevitably come financial damage of some kind for the artists involved. In fact this isnt a new phenomenon by any stretch of the imagination. Sandziso Sands Matsebula, a local artist who has worked tirelessly on his new album titled Sands of Time, has suffered from piracy of his work when unauthorised sellers sold copies of the album with the title Tigi, contrary to the original Sands of Time title. This ended up driving down the price that others would pay for his work and in turn hurt the amount he made. Like any other place in the world, music piracy is a major concern in the kingdom. Copyright This is made worse by the fact that Swaziland still doesnt have a copyright Bill. At shops, internet cafes and vendors all over the country at low prices. Consumers are often misled and convinced to buy, some even think they are doing the right thing, not noticing that what is given to them is not the original work. For artists in Swaziland as a small country with a population of less than 1.3 million, it is hard to make money through CD sales. Even though Swaziland doesnt have a Copyright Bill, piracy is still a crime. Although it does not happen often, police do conduct raids and pirates can be arrested and sentenced or pay a fine of E60. Most offenders, however, can afford to pay the fine and after doing so, will simply continue with their illegal business. Bill On November 6, 2015, a draft of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Bill was submitted to Swazilands Parliament before the Ministry of Commerce, Industrial and Trade. The objectives of the Bill are to provide for the protection of copyrights subsists, and therefore, a protection of expression of folklore. Many think pirating music is a small act that does not have great effect on the artist or the music industry. Some statistics found on the Recording Industry Association of Americas website prove piracy not only affect the artist, but a large number of people working for the music industry. Social media was abuzz as soon as a certain Mozambican was found selling fake copies of Sands album, causing people to call upon local authority to look into it. Credit for taking action towards such was given out to Larry Mhlanga, who when contacted said that he was saddened to see that there are people who are still doing shady business and thus causing local artists not to grow as they make money off these CD sales. Technology The point I am trying to convey is that technology, despite its benefits has in the past and will continue to hurt the music industry on a level more personal than the record conglomerates. Thousands of smaller musicians lose their jobs thanks to pirating technology. Piracy hurts those who mostly depend on their work for a living and who make music production their passion. Piracy has real effects and causes real damage in the industry, and I believe that is something we all need to take into account when examining the dynamics between music and technology. MANZINI A total of 28 UNISWA students from Mbabane Campus have been charged for public disorder after defying Vice Chancellor Cisco Magagulas command. The charged University of Swaziland (UNISWA) students allegedly committed the crime on October 16, 2016 during the strike which resulted in the closure of the campus. According to summons served upon the students, on the day at around 5:25pm, they allegedly defied the vice chancellors order by holding a meeting within the campus premises. On September 13, 2016, the vice chancellor issued a memorandum which banned students from meeting and toyi-toying. Part B of the charge said the students led a group of other scholars in singing political songs and slogans along the campus hostel corridors. Again, the students were accused of disturbing their colleagues who were studying in the library and hostels. The students also kicked and banged doors at the girls hostel. As a result, a door at room 209 was damaged, read part D of the charge. Part E of the count said the students allegedly closed the campus main gate without any authority to do so and disturbed traffic flow. MBABANE Desperate job seekers fell prey to a hoax job advertisement circulating on social media. As a result, many desperate job seekers were found at the building housing AM Recruitment Services in response to the false advert. The dramatic event occurred yesterday at AM Recruitment Offices at the Mbabane Industrial Sites following a hoax advert that circulated on social media WhatsApp. The hoax advert informed the public that a new mobile company that will soon be introduced in the country to compete with Swazi MTN was conducting a recruitment process. The advertisement started circulating on social media on Wednesday evening and informed the public that if they were looking for a job or had a relative looking for a job, the recruitment agency, AM Recruitment in Mbabane just next to HIFI Corp, was hiring. It went on to inform the people that the agency was hiring salespeople and preference would be given to those individuals who had recently finished school or college. Interested individuals were invited to come to AM Recruitment for interviews that were allegedly set to start at 10:30am yesterday. Despite that some people were suspicious that the message was fabricated, a large number of them thought it was genuine. Yesterday morning, when this publications team visited AM Recruitment, a large number of people had arrived with the hope that they would take part in the interview for salespeople. About 400 people arrived at the agency and some had already formed a queue as they hoped that they would be called in for interviews. AM Recruitment staff had a busy day trying to explain to the hopefuls that they were not recruiting and the message they received through WhatApp was a hoax. The security guard stationed at AM Recruitment also tried in vain to explain that the company was not undertaking any recruitment process. He informed this reporter that the hopefuls probably thought that he chased them away because they (staff) had friends, relatives or had received bribes from people they allegedly intended to reserve the positions for. Almost two hours went by as the agencys personnel, including the security officer, tried to politely request that the people leave but in vain. Some of those who had come for the interviews were spotted at the HIFI Corp monitoring what was happening at the agency. Others were spotted leaning against the Hoageys building while others were next to Dulux Paint Stores. Most had carried with them their personal documents which were contained in files or envelopes. LOBAMBA It was too good to believe that Members of Parliament (MPs) had made peace with Speaker Themba Msibi as once again daggers were drawn against him. The legislators yesterday spent two hours addressing their concerns; that the Speaker was failing to call the House for sittings and as a result there was no work being done by the MPs. The sitting was presided over by Deputy Speaker Esther Dlamini who reported that Msibi was not feeling well. The debate was not completed as once again the MPs failed to form a quorum and no concrete resolution was reached. Shiselweni II MP Mthokozisi Kunene speaking on a motion of privilege Standing Order No.58 (2) asked Dlamini why the MPs had not been called to a sitting for a while. Today marks only the 42nd sitting and last year we only had 44. Why are sittings so infrequent, said Kunene. He said there were over 60 Bills which had not been work on by the House because the Speaker failed to call them to Parliament. He asked Dlamini where they were and why they did not call the MPs to a sitting. Ubuyaphi, benisolo ningasibiti ngani? he asked in vernacular. Kunene said he was surprised that Dlamini was presiding over the sitting because, according to him, he was well aware that Msibi was around particularly as he had attended several meetings in Parliament and had been spotted. Chief Whip Mbalekelwa Ndwandwe said the operations of the House were greatly affected as no one seemed to care about what was happening. Motshane MP Phesheya Hlatshwayo said he was very sympathetic to the deputy speaker and wondered if she got all the benefits that she deserved. He said it was high time that the MPs made a Bill which would govern the election of a Speaker in future so that the right person could be elected into the job. He suggested that the House be adjourned and for the deputy speaker to go to Msibi so that they could address the issue. Several MPs supported MP Hlatshwayo, but the House did not get to vote as a quorum could not be formed. NHLANGANO In a rather disturbing incident, two primary school pupils were allegedly caught having sex inside a classroom, in broad daylight. Shockingly, the boy is only aged 12 while the girl is three years his junior. The pupils were apparently busted by schoolmates at the school which is situated in the outskirts of Nhlangano last Thursday, while teachers were locked in a staff meeting. The pair was spotted by other schoolchildren, who could not resist the curiosity, when they noticed strange movements at the corner of their Grade III classroom. The culprits, who cannot be named because of their ages, are also in Grade III, according to a source. Excited by the rare discovery, the first pupils to witness the act could not keep their finding to themselves but called other children to come and watch. The duo is said to have continued with what they were doing without noticing that they were being watched. Soon thereafter they heard giggling sounds from the spectators, and that was when the pupils are said to have quickly dressed up and got out of the classroom. The raunchy encounter is said to have unfolded shortly after break time, at around 11am and teachers only got to know about it after 2pm. Interviewed pupils said there were no lessons going on when the incident happened since they had just finished writing their end of year exams. Information gathered was that the teachers took long to conclude their meeting and were only able to get wind of what had transpired when one of the witnesses informed another teacher after the pupils had been dismissed to their respective homesteads. The next day, startled teachers confronted the pupils who reportedly admitted to engaging in the act. A source said one of the pupils told teachers that they were in a relationship but could not give answers when asked if he understood what that meant. The children are said to have then apologised for the act. The matter was reported to the Nhlangano police and the offending pupils were questioned before they were conveyed to hospital for medical examination. MBABANE A hail of 40 bullets ended the life a Swazi socialite living in South Africa in what has been termed by the police a clear and brutal assassination. Abethu Ndzimande (23) of Lobamba who was based in Pietermaritzburg, failed to survive the attack as 18 of the 40 fired bullets are said to have pierced his body. On inspection of his body, police confirmed that the deceased had sustained 10 bullet wounds to the right thigh, six to the buttocks, one on his right foot and one on his middle finger. The reason for this brutal attack has not yet been ascertained as the information the police have received on the maatter is scanty. It is alleged that an armed gang opened fire on his car in the Henley Dam area on Tuesday evening at about 9pm. It is said that the deceased was about 150 metres from where he lived when he was abruptly stopped by the unknown men. The 23-year-olds car was rattled with more than 40 bullet from high-powered assault rifles after what police sources described as a clear and brutal assassination. The victim, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, but died soon afterwards from the multiple gunshot wounds he sustained. Ndzimande was well known and lived opulently. He was described by his friends as a well-known socialite in the city. He worked at an engineering firm after he completed his studies. According to those who are close to the matter, Ndzimande studied in Durban and on completion of his studies, he was employed at an unidentified company where he worked until his untimely death. According to one of his close friends who asked not to be named, Ndzimande was returning from work on the day when he decided to unwind with a group of friends at a house in Sobantu on Tuesday evening, a few hours before the shooting occurred. He was shot about an hour or two later while returning to his home in the Henley Dam area. The friend said according to the information he had received from police and bystanders, Ndzimande had slowed his car down at a railway line when he was overtaken by another vehicle which sped past him. It is believed the driver of the vehicle swung the car around and blocked the road in front of him. An unknown number of men then alighted from the vehicle, all of them allegedly carrying high-powered firearms. JUBUKWENI The last thing a mother would resort to is giving away her children, no matter the situation she is faced with. However, Nomthandazo Mhlanga is inviting people who are interested in keeping her children to do so because she is failing to raise them as she lives in abject poverty. She is a widowed mother of 12 and was married to a man who had three other wives and 33 children in total. She has already given up four of her children, a first born son, a daughter and a son and an 11-year-old last born. The son is now aged 43 and has settled permanently at Nkhaba where he grew up after his mother gave him up to a certain family. When he dropped out of school at primary level he was taken by a certain family that offered him a job to look after cattle. He has never returned home since then and I am hearing that he has acquired a piece of land and is constructing his home there, said the distraught mother. After the first born, Mhlanga also gave up her daughter to a family that took her through primary school and later on to Ka-Schiele High school, but she dropped out in Form II after the foster family could no longer proceed to assist her. Mhlanga has never been employed formally in her life but has only been making a living through weeding and harvesting peoples fields before and after her husband died in 2009. I am now old and frail and I cannot go on working on peoples fields. Her husband was a security guard and he was once employed by the city council and also the roads department. When he reached retirement age, he worked at Jubukweni High School as a security guard. Mhlanga is 66 years old and none of her children ever completed school for the same reason; that of lack of money. MBABANE The Swaziland Medical Aid Fund (Swazi Med) has argued that terminating its relationship with Medscheme Administrators would benefit many Swazis. They mentioned that by terminating the management agreement with Medscheme, it (Swazi Med) would be able to make some cost savings and increase contributions for 2017 by only five per cent as opposed to 10 per cent increase that would have been effected had they not terminate the agreement with Medscheme. Medscheme is a medical aid administrator which has provided medical aid administration services to Swaziland since 1980. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Medscheme Holdings, a South African Company. Rehabilitation Swazi Med Director Mzamo Dlamini further submitted that in addition to costsaving, the company (Swazi Med) would enhance the benefit to members including widening the scope of chronic illness benefit, building a rehabilitation centre and its own offices. Medscheme would have received E40 million as administration fees next year. In 10 years time, that would have translated to E400 million, which is money going out of the country, he said. Two directors of Medscheme had taken Swazi Med to court where they are seeking an order to stop the shareholders Annual General Meeting which is expected to take place on November 29, 2016. Swazi Med, which is represented by senior lawyer Mangaliso Magagula from Magagula Hlophe, is opposing the application filed by Medscheme. In his answering affidavit, Dlamini (Mzamo) said localisation enabled Swazi Med to develop local skills and improve the provisions of the services and the development of the relevant facilities in the country. LOBAMBA Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Nkosinathi Maseko said Swaziland is under siege in the hands of Asians. He described some Asians operating businesses in Swaziland as arrogant towards their customers. The legal eagle was speaking in Parliament premises yesterday where he was making submissions before the Select Committee investigating the influx of Asian nationals into the country. Maseko said even though it was too late, he was grateful that the country had finally sprung into action to control the situation. The Asians are everywhere in the country and it is only a matter of time that they take over all the towns. He recommended that the probe team conduct an investigation into the ownership of the Parkview Heights in Mbabane and Mona Flats, where he said over 80 per cent of the tenants occupying those flats were Asian nationals. The law-enforcer said Swazis should be more concerned about the illegal entry of Asians because some of them were associated with terrorist activities in some countries. Its a pity that when they come in here they are not vetted, especially because most of them are illegal immigrants and have not form of identification documents when they arrive. He said some come here because they want to get through to South Africa while others may be here to set up their terrorist base. Maseko said Swaziland was also used as a point to clean money that has been acquired through dirty means. It becomes easier to use money acquired fraudulently after staging business here in Swaziland. The DPP, on the other hand, said the economy of the country will not improve as long as it is in the hands of foreigners. He noted that some of these foreigners who conduct business in the country do not keep their money locally. Members of the probe team revealed that their investigation has proved that most of the Asians who come to Swaziland are using their passports for the time being. Kumasi (Ghana) (AFP) - Dressed entirely in black, Tina Owusu Panin joined thousands making their way to a Ghanaian palace to mourn their "mother" -- the revered queen of the powerful Ashanti kingdom. Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II died on Monday last week at the venerable age of 111, plunging the West African nation into grief. Built on the wealth of gold reserves, the Ashanti empire was the richest in Ghana. At its peak it even extended into neighbouring countries. The empire has wielded power in the region for over 300 years and put up fierce resistance to British colonial rule. The Ashanti people trace their lineage through the female line, so the Asantehene, or Ashanti king, is appointed by the queen. Tradition dictates she has to choose a male relative. "A very important person has died," 47-year-old Panin said, speaking at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the Ashanti capital in central Ghana. "Our mother, our mentor. She is all to us and all for us. She is Asantehene's mother so we have to come," Panin said, watching dancers deftly move their hips to traditional drums. The mourners spurned the traditional colourful "kente" cloth for all-black outfits -- either toga-like traditional garments or T-shirts and trousers. King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is the deceased queen's biological son. Although the queen died last Monday, her death was not officially announced until Thursday, in-keeping with tradition. Mourners included traditional chiefs as well as President John Dramani Mahama and opposition presidential candidate Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, who took time out of their campaigns to visit the king. - Pomp and ceremony - The Ashanti king was carried into the grounds on a throne by court attendants, shaded from the blazing sun by an umbrella held above his head - higher than all the other parasols in deference to his status. Former presidents Jerry Rawlings and John Kufuor also attended the ceremony. Story continues Although the Ashanti king does not play a partisan role in politics, they nonetheless help shape public opinion. As the symbol of the nation, the Asantehene receives significant deference ritually as they are seen to be a symbol of people -- living, dead or yet to be born. The Ashanti monarchs preside over an area that is 10 percent of the country's total area and home to at least five million people. Apart from nominating the king, the Asantehemaa -- or queen mother -- traditionally also resolves conflicts and disputes. A court official, Nana Boakye Frimpong, 66, who has worked in the palace since 1997, said the deceased queen, whose reign spanned 39 years, held court twice a week but scaled down her appearances in recent years. Most of the disputes related to land or insults and nothing of a criminal nature was heard, Frimpong said. "Whenever the judgement is given, people respect it," Frimpong said. It is up to the Asantehene to choose the next Queen, who will have to be a relation on his mother's side. Several palace insiders told AFP the new queen would be announced by the end of December. Modern-day Ghana is a republic with a democratically-elected government, but most Ghanaians are proud that their royal history has been kept alive. MANZINI The Royal Swaziland Sugar Corporation (RSSC) employee who was pierced in his head by a shifting spanner has since died. Senzo Dlamini died in the early hours of yesterday at Manzini Clinic where he was admitted while undergoing treatment. The injury took place on Tuesday morning at around 8:15 while Dlamini was cleaning machinery. The deceased had just used the spanner to affix a cable to the machine and later started the motor to test it. Thereafter, the shifting spanner was catapulted and landed on his helmet, penetrated it and was embedded into his head. The spanner remained stuck until around 3pm when doctors eventually removed it. The deceased, whose parental home is at Makhosini in the Hhohho Region, was later admitted to Manzini Clinic where he spent about three days before he died. Some of the workers who were interviewed following the incident said they were notified by management about the development yesterday morning. At that moment, the workers said they did not have the information of what happened in hospital since it was the administration that was receiving updates. Meanwhile, RSSC Workers Union Secretary General Nhlanhla Mbowane confirmed that management had informed them of Dlaminis passing on. NUSA DUA, Indonesia, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Indonesian production of crude palm oil could increase by up to 16 percent to between 32 million and 33 million tonnes next year, an industry group said on Friday. "In 2016, Indonesia experienced a wet dry season, which is favourable for oil production, so we expect that production will be back to its normal trend (in 2017)," said Fadhil Hasan, executive director of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association, speaking at an industry conference in Bali. Earlier, Hasan said Indonesia's palm oil output this year is expected to decline to between 28.5 million and 30 million tonnes. Rising output in the world's top producer of palm oil could dampen benchmark prices, which touched a four-year high of 3,098 ringgit a tonne on Thursday, tracking gains in soyoil. (Reporting by Emily Chow; Writing by Fergus Jensen; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell) Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Patrick Donachie The confrontation between Airbnb and New York City continues to fester, as hosts who list rentals await the possible enforcement of a law banning the advertisement of short-term rentals within the five boroughs. There are 3,657 Airbnb active listings in Queens as of Nov. 1, according to a report released from Airbnb, including listings for entire homes, as well as private rooms or shared spaces. Gov. Andrew Cuomo approved legislation in late October barring hosts from advertising units for less than 30 days if those hosts are not in the building with the guests. The fees can range as high as $7,500, and Airbnb subsequently sued Mayor Bill de Blasio, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and the city of New York to overturn the instilled ban. The bill pertains to whole homes and apartments in buildings with three or more units. The rental of units for less than 30 days in multi-unit buildings has been illegal since 2010, but the city intends to enforce a ban on publicizing the rentals. Airbnb started in San Francisco in 2008 as a platform for people to rent out parts of their home as a way to supplement their income. The number of hosts has exploded since the companys beginnings, and Airbnb now counts about 2 million separate listings in nearly 200 different countries around the world. There are fewer Airbnb rentals available in Queens in comparison to Brooklyn and Manhattan, according to Inside Airbnb, an independent site that measures listings on the Airbnb platform. The greatest concentration is in Astoria and Long Island City, with fewer options available in northeastern and southeastern Queens. The average Airbnb unit in Queens is available for 136 nights per year, according to an Inside Airbnb analysis of the number of reviews left by renters. About 39 percent of the Queens listings are from hosts with multiple listings of units, according to the data, and the site cautions that it is possible they are running a business without a license and not paying taxes, and if they are renting out an entire home or apartment and arent present, are probably doing so illegally. Peter Schottenfels, a spokesman for Airbnb, said 61 hosts out of 1,229 in Queens had multiple listings, according to Airbnb data, though that did not necessarily mean those listings were illegal. Airbnb supplied data saying that Queens residents earned a median of $3,949 annually from hosting on Airbnb. He said Airbnb had scrubbed 3,396 listings of people suspected to be shared by hosts with multiple listings since November 2015, with 205 of those in Queens. Schottenfels said the hotel industry was behind much of the opposition from elected officials. We have a series of policy recommendations that we think would help allow people to share their primary home, Schottenfels said. The hotel industry is not interested in having that conversation. City Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest) asserted that Airbnb and other illegal rentals hurt the quality of life in Queens by turning our neighborhoods into transient communities. I applaud Gov. Andrew Cuomos decision to crack down on illegal advertising, he said. This law will help deter people from renting their space illegally and will ensure that residential communities dont become haphazard hotels. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Bill Parry Casting aside calls from his own colleagues in the House of Representatives to challenge Nancy Pelosi for minority leader, U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) instead announced last week that he would run for chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. Crowley served as the vice chairman of the body for the last four years. This is a critical time for our party and our caucus, Crowley wrote in a letter to all Democratic members of the House. We need independent messengers who can go toe-to-toe with a President Trump and stand up for Americans who feel left behind and who certainly will be left behind by Republican attempts to end Medicare and Social Security, offer tax breaks for the rich, and gut investments in job training and education. I have always fought against bullies, and thats how we need to approach the biggest bully of all for the next four years. The nine-term congressman is a member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Crowley believes the caucus must be focused on developing policies and messages that better resonate and connect with the American people. Getting in touch with American voters will require focusing on more than polls and fund-raising records, he said. We need to think differently about how to make sure that all Americans realize our party includes them and it looks out for them. The Woodside native said a truly collaborative effort is needed to create an inclusive environment within the caucus. I grew up in working-class Queens, New York only a few miles away from where Donald Trump himself grew up, yet very much on the other side of the tracks, Crowley said. Mr. Trump and I certainly experienced two very different upbringings and chose two very different paths in life. I grew up the son of an immigrant mother and a New York City policeman father in a community sustained by working-class and, in many cases, first-generation Americans. Its a community populated by firefighters, teachers, construction workers, small-business owners and new immigrants. They all feel uncertain about their economic futures, like many Americans across the country. Crowley, 54, is expected to run unopposed and replace U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra of California, when leadership elections are held Nov. 30. Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) will be the next Senate minority leader after winning the Democrats closed-door election Wednesday. Were ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Republicans, working with soon-to-be-President Trump on issues where we agree, he told reporters. But we will go toe-to-toe against the president-elect whenever our values or the progress weve made are under assault. Schumer, who has been in the Senate since 1999, replaces the retiring Harry Reid as the partys Senate leader. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams Its time, Gentlemen, to lay down your swords and end the skirmishes that have divided the city and state despite their shared goals. Now that Donald Trump has scored his upset victory and surrounded himself with several key advisers whose public agenda threatens New York values, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio must make peace. New York City, and Queens in particular, can no longer afford to have our vital interests imperiled by two talented men engaged in a power struggle over how the city should be run. The origins of their feud are obscure, but several state lawmakers from Queens have said publicly the warring between the two has hurt this borough. Case in point: After de Blasio agreed to a property tax program to spur development of affordable housing, Cuomo called the plan unacceptable, choking off the building of cheaper rental apartments as the homeless crisis worsened. Now the governor is trying resurrect the mayors original plan. City Hall, desperate to find shelter for the homeless, outraged residents in some Queens neighborhoods by renting motel rooms to house the dispossessed. Despite the friction between the two, the governor and mayor have adopted the same strategy as the Trump presidency approaches: shield the immigrant population, fight hate crimes, stand up for womens rights and same-sex marriage and take pride in the ethnic differences that have made both the city and the state a safe haven for millions. Both men have been eloquent in their vows to defend the inclusive New York way of life. On Sunday Cuomo visited the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem where he warned that the ugly divisiveness that followed the election has evolved into a national social crisis. He is setting up a police unit to combat the hate crimes that have erupted since the election. As the grandson of immigrants, an emotional Cuomo said he had a heavy heart. De Blasio went to Cooper Union Monday and spoke passionately about how New Yorkers share a common identity, pledging to lead a national movement of resistance to protect New Yorkers from the new administrations policies. The governor may have his eye on the White House and de Blasio is already running hard for a second term, buoyed by citywide opposition to the sudden Republican power shift in Washington. But for all their talk of divisiveness, the governor and mayor must first look to themselves and stop the bickering as the people who elected them face an uncertain future for New York. By Steve Barnes Former Francis Lewis High School student Darius McCollum has been called the best-trained driver the MTA ever had. Comfortable at the controls of both subway trains and city buses, he started out by memorizing the New York City subway map by the age of 8, and became such a well-known expert on the ins and outs of the citys transit system that the FBI consulted with him in the days following 9/11. But, as Adam Irvings engrossing documentary Off the Rails makes clear, there was a catch. Despite all of McCollums expertise and skill, he was never actually an employee of the Transit Authority. Having been taken on as a mascot by several transit workers while he was still a child, he managed to find a way to get access to uniforms, badges and even keys to trains and control rooms. Not only acting the part, but looking it as well, McCollum impersonated the man he wanted to be: an MTA employee who took exceptionally good care of his passengers. His attempts to land a job with the MTA ended in failure, so his masquerade became the driving force in his life. That masquerade, Irvings film shows us, led McCollum several places. One of them was a status as a media figure and folk hero. Off the Rails is peppered with a whos who of New York television personalitiesfrom NY1s Lewis Dodley to WNBCs Chuck Scarboroughall of whom report on McCollums antics. In one particularly amusing scene late in the film, McCollum picks up a copy of the New York Post with his picture on the cover, and sits down on a subway train next to an unassuming passenger. When he shows the woman his picture in the paper and asks her if she recognizes the photos subject, she shrugs with the most blase of expressions, as if she couldnt possibly be bothered. But McCollums escapades did not just lead to celebrity. They also landed him in prison, where he has spent over half of his adult life. McCollum has been arrested 32 times for such charges as grand larceny, possession of a forged instrument, criminal impersonation of a police officer, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and criminal possession of stolen property. Irvings film follows him in and out of prison, charting his difficulties in dealing with a justice system that is simply incapable of dealing with the complex nature of both the man and his many serious, though victimless, crimes. Much of that complexity comes from the root cause of McCollums obsession with trains and his need to keep on getting behind the controls of transit vehicles: he suffers from Aspergers syndrome, a malady generally considered to be on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum. As several of the people that are spoken with in the film, including experts on autism and Aspergers, McCollums psychotherapist and Sally Butler, the lawyer who eventually took on his case, agree, McCollum is in some ways a classic Aspergers patient. The intense fascination with repetition and order, the sense of discomfort in social situations and the inability to control obsessions are all part of the classic Aspergers profile. The inability of New Yorks criminal justice system to comprehend or deal with this aspect of a prisoners makeup is delineated in convincing detail in Off the Rails, which makes a strong case for action being taken to change that situation. But there are other ways in which McCollum is not a classic Aspergers patient, and they are what give Irvings film its charm and make watching it an eventually heart-breaking experience. McCollum, for all of his criminal activities, is seen as an innocent in the film. He comes across as warm, empathetic and amazingly unscarred by his long residence in the prison system. Irving highlights that innocence by using many photographs of McCollum as a child, and by illustrating many of the films points through the use of whimsical animated sequences. He is also aided greatly in that quest by the other starring presence in Off the Rails: Elizabeth McCollum, Dariuss mother. A living, breathing definition of the word motherly, she shows such unadulterated love for her son, who quite obviously returns the emotion, that our sympathies cannot help but go out to both of them. They are the center of an emotionally compelling and extremely entertaining story, one that brings a complex situation to light, and spotlights a character who embodies the energy and eccentricities that make New York special. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Mark Hallum Graffiti could be added to the list of offenses which qualify for hate crime penalties. The bill unveiled by state Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) comes following a surge of attacks on minority groups reported by the FBI, including recent incidents throughout the city since the election. Under current New York state law, hate crimes currently consist of offenses entailing assault, grand larceny, menacing, harassment, and robbery, according to Rozic. While destruction of property can also qualify as a hate crime, vandalism that includes hate speech is missing from existing hate crime laws. We must send a strong message that our diverse communities will not stand for hate in any form, Rozic said last Friday. My new proposal would close the loophole and ensure appropriate penalties to prevent these criminal acts from becoming widespread. New York must lead by example and make it clear that hateful rhetoric, intimidation, and discrimination will not be tolerated by any means. The FBI report said hate crimes had risen 7 percent in the past year, while criminal acts of bigotry against Muslims had gone up 67 percent. About 6,000 hate crime incidents had been reported to law enforcement nationwide. Violence that seeks to divide and spread fear has no place in New York where inclusion and diversity will always be fought for and celebrated, Rozic said. At a news conference Dec. 16, Public Advocate Letitia James said acts of hate and violence since the presidential election have occurred in all five boroughs. Swastikas have appeared in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan, according to the city official. This country and this city have experienced a surge in acts of hate and bias, and its following the most divisive election in modern history and tensions are boiling over, James said. We will respond as we have done, whenever necessary against acts of hate by showing solidarity, love, compassion and understanding. Rozic referred to the Nazi symbol, which appeared on the door of a dorm room at the New School and another that appeared on the campus of SUNY Geneseo. At New York University, a Muslim prayer room had the word Trump scrawled across the door in spray paint, according to Rozic. South Korean pop music is emerging as a surprise victim of the worsening geopolitical feud between Seoul and Beijing. Since October, not one K-pop artist has been granted approval to perform in the world's No. 2 economy, according to reports in Korean and Chinese media over the past week. The Korea Times and Yonhap News suggested on Tuesday that the snub was a sign of intensified anti-Korea sentiment on the mainland . China has been one of the top consumers of hallyu, or Korean pop culture, but a recent policy move by South Korean President Park Geun-hye looks set to change that. In July, Seoul agreed to host a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD)advanced American missile defense technologyto better defend itself against North Korea's constant military threats. Beijing has long voiced opposition to THAAD, saying its deployment on the Korean Peninsula threatened Chinese national security interests. In retaliation to the July decision, China banned the airing of Korean television content, media widely reported in August. At the time, sources at TV stations in Guangdong told the South China Morning Post that new approvals for programs featuring Korean stars would not be granted in the near future. Yonhap News reported on Tuesday that coverage of Korean celebrities and reviews of Korean films have virtually disappeared from mainland media, adding that a Chinese company was fined $14,500 for trying to push a K-pop performance without gaining government approval. Beijing has yet to confirm the K-pop freeze however. At a press conference on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said he had not heard about any television restrictions regarding Korean pop stars and did not mention the apparent ban on performances. "The Chinese side is always positive to people-to-people and cultural exchanges with the Republic of Korea," Geng said. "However, I believe you can all understand that such kind of exchanges should be based on public support. China's steadfast opposition to the deployment of THAAD is well known to all...Relevant parties must have taken note of that." Story continues As Geng alluded, Chinese users on Weibo seemed largely supportive of the apparent ban. "Well done, I'm supportive. No matter how much we like you, you will become our enemy once you stand in opposition to China. Sorry," FYQ posted. A user called Joonyoung wrote, "Although I used to like Korean dramas and stars, I support this decision." "We should ban Hong Kong and Taiwan stars as well," Gaga wrote. Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. ALBANY -- Police are investigating a shooting that sent one man to the hospital Thursday afternoon. At about 12:45 p.m., police were called to a Clinton Avenue home, where a 35-year-old male had been shot in the torso, Albany police spokesman Officer Steve Smith said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Show More Show Less 3 of 3 ROTTERDAM Town police said an alert witness tipped them off to the suspect in Tuesday's attempted robbery of the Sunoco at 1000 Curry Road. William G. Pedersen, 35, of 187 Birch Lane, Glenville was arrested Friday by Rotterdam police and was charged with felony attempted robbery. Could you use some "happily-ever-aftering" right about now? Then get to "Camelot." As the song says, "there's simply not a more congenial spot." The classic Lerner and Loewe musical opens Tuesday at Capital Rep in Albany. Producing artistic director Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill directs the new production, which runs through Dec. 24. Besides the famous theme song, the beloved score features other hits, including, "C'est Moi" and "If Ever I Would Leave You." As Lancelot, Oliver Thornton gets to sing both of those gems. " 'If Ever I Would Leave You' is exciting, and it's the one people take away," says Thornton. "It's terrifying and brilliant, because everyone's waiting for it. But also you can't go wrong with it." More Information If you go "Camelot" When: Previews 2 p.m. Saturday. Opens 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and continues for 26 more performances through Dec. 24. Where: Capital Repertory Theater, 111 N. Pearl St., Albany Tickets: $25-$65. Info: 445-7469; http://www.capitalrep.org. Also: Prior to the Dec. 7 performance Amy Lane of the Open Door Bookstore in Schenectady will give a talk about T.H. White's "The Once And Future King" and other Arthurian literature. It starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by the 7:30 p.m. performance. See More Collapse Although this is Thornton's first time to play Lancelot, he's already well acquainted with the contours of the show and how audiences respond. That's because just a couple of years ago he took on the role of King Arthur in a production at Two River Theater in New Jersey. "When I was playing Arthur, I thought I'd love a go at Lancelot, and now I'm doing it," he says. "I won't say he gets the best songs, because they're all great. It's an amazing score." The 37-year old Welsh actor got his start playing characters similar to Lancelot, what he describes as "classic young leading men roles," in the shows "Les Miserables," "Rent" and "Phantom of the Opera." His career took a turn with "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert." In the musical's debut on London's West End, he created the role of Adam/Felicia. As if that wasn't far enough from the traditional romantic male lead, next came "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." He played Frank 'N' Furter in a U.K. tour. "Frank is not really a drag role. He's male and female, homosexual and heterosexual, he's everything," says Thornton. "In 'Priscilla' and 'Rocky,' they're such extreme characters it's really like dress-up. You get to go onstage and be someone entirely different in a crazy world of disco and fishnets. The challenge with 'Camelot' is that these are real people." Growing up in Wales, Thornton experienced the King Arthur legend as deeply embedded in the culture. "It definitely is part of our consciousness, a story that is told in schools, in children's books and cartoons, that sort of thing," he says. That didn't stop Thornton from uncovering the myth anew, once he was an adult and set to put on Arthur's crown. "I felt like I was discovering it for first time in reading 'The Once and Future King,' " he says, referring to the 1958 novel by T.H. White. "Before you go into rehearsals, you can go down the rabbit hole of Google and bring up so much information. But every actor has his own process." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. Ultimately, Thornton says his research for most any new show focuses on the time frame and cultural setting. He then delves into the character to find motivation. To him, Lancelot is about dignity and virtue, with one fatal flaw. "He's set up as a character to be a god, there's a sense of the divine about him," says Thornton. "There's the scene where he lists all the ways that he's perfect. So humility is not one of his character traits. But it's not because he is a bombastic, arrogant kind of guy. It's because he truly is close to God. In the play he performs a miracle, bringing one of the knights back to life." The dignity of the royal court, the honor of the knights of the roundtable, that's all well and good. But the real story of Camelot is more human than that. "For me it's about this love triangle, and what it is to betray someone you love and what that means," says Thornton. "Those are things we can relate to today. And for Lancelot, love is the chink in his armor." Joseph Dalton is a freelance writer. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate America's travelers made plenty of inauguration plans before last week's election, then had to unmake them. The result is a big jumble, with many hotel rooms still available in the Washington, D.C., area, whether you're celebrating or protesting the new president. But nothing's cheap. Some sample prices: The Watergate Hotel: $995 and up. Trump International Hotel: apparently sold out. The Tabard Inn: $335 for a room with shared bath. Instead of Hillary Clinton voters converging on Jan. 20 to celebrate the inauguration of the country's first female president, as many expected, Donald Trump voters are rushing to book rooms so they can be on hand for the ceremony. But the Clinton people aren't necessarily staying home. Many feminists are now planning a Jan. 21 Women's March on Washington. Jack Lindemuth, director of revenue for the Kimpton Hotels in the area, reported via email that the women's march "is driving significant additional demand" for that weekend. At the Kimpton chain's 10 hotels in Washington, D.C., inauguration specials carry a four-night minimum, with rooms of roughly $660 to $1,500 nightly, before taxes. Most of those hotels also have single nights available between Jan. 17 and 23, a spokeswoman said, but the hotels closest to the parade route, the National Mall and the Capitol building are selling faster. At northwestern Washington's historic Tabard Inn, "a lot of rooms got canceled regarding Mrs. Clinton," said general manager Roberto Mancia. "But at the same time, people were booking for the other candidate." By Tuesday afternoon, the 35-room hotel had just two rooms left for Jan. 20. Like many hotels in the area, the Tabard Inn was requiring a four-night minimum and had bumped up its usual prices. For a room with a shared bathroom, ordinarily priced around $140, the inauguration-week rate was $335 per night. At the Trump International Washington D.C. Hotel, which opened in September on Pennsylvania Avenue, director of sales Patricia Tang said in October that the hotel's inauguration rates would be $1,250 a night with a five-night minimum, regardless of who won the election. On Tuesday afternoon, the hotel's website reservation tool said it was sold out on the 20th and 21st, but a telephone reservation agent said email reservation requests would be considered at ptangtrumphotels.com. (For what it's worth, Room 22, the hotel's presidential suite, was available at $12,000 nightly beginning Jan. 22.) Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. At the Watergate, reborn in 2016 as a luxury hotel with '60s style, management decided before the election on inauguration-weekend rates of $995 nightly and up (with a three-day minimum). So far, the hotel is sticking with it. Bookings had a "slower start than expected," a spokesman wrote in an email, "but as people get acclimated to the new president, bookings have picked up." At the Jefferson, a luxury hotel on 16th Street NW, inauguration-weekend rooms are priced at $1,500 per night, with a four-night minimum. Despite a slow start in sales, a spokesman said, "We are just about sold out now." As of early this week, the Kimpton George Hotel, the Kimpton Topaz Hotel, the Kimpton Hotel Madera, the Kimpton Rouge Hotel and the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington D.C. were all close to selling out, probably because they're close to the White House, the National Mall and the Capitol Building. The Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel, the Kimpton Donovan Hotel, the Kimpton Carlyle Dupont Circle Hotel, the Kimpton Glover Park Hotel and the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Washington D.C. reported more availability. A Kimpton spokeswoman said the chain's inauguration-week rates are 400 percent to 500 percent higher than the usual rates for January, one of the slowest months in most years. The inauguration rates are only about 200 percent above the usual price when Congress is in session and there's a big conference on. [November 24, 2016] Indonesian Delegation on Visit to NCKU for City Branding A special training program on creative policy making is currently hosted by National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Tainan, Taiwan, to facilitate the upgrade process of small and medium enterprises, and cultural creative industries in Indonesia with an Indonesian delegation of city officials, according to the university Nov. 24. Led by Singkawang city mayor Drs. Awang Ishak, the sixteen-member delegation comprises Palangka Raya vice Mayor Dr. Mofit Saptono Subagio, heads of local agencies and faculty from the University of Gadjah Mada (UGM). Working with the professors and design thinking facilitators in the four-day training program, the delegation will explore the possibilities in developing city branding for their cities and learn more about Taiwan especially Tainan's business, cultural creative industries, agriculture and tourism while improving their local competitiveness. NCKU Executive Vice President Tung-Yang Chen on behalf of President Huey-Jen Jenny Su welcomed the delegation on the opening day Nov. 23 and commented that this program will serve as a policy-making platform for regional development based upon both design thinking and business insight. NCKU C-Hub CEO Dr. Shuenn-Ren Liou, chairman of the Institute of Creative Industries Design, gave a welcome speech on enhancing competiveness through triple helix. Singkawang city mayor Awang said that he is very happy to finally visit Tainan because there are a lot of people from Singkawang now living in Tainan. Awang also mentioned that he wants to learn more about how to develop small and medium enterprises and to help Singkawang build an advanced economy. Co-organized by UGM and NCKU, the program is very important for Indonesian local government to explore international experience in city reform and policy making, according to Dr. Erwan Agus Purwanto, dean of the Faculty and Social and Political Sciences in UGM. Dr. Erwan said, "Learning from Taiwan's experience, Indonesia has some similar background and would like to become an industrial country by following Taiwan's footsteps." During the four-day workshop, the delegation will learn about strategies on upgrading small and medium enterprises, urban development and local competitiveness, and policies for promoting creative industry. NCKU has been working with the Tainan city government and local industries to boost regional innovation and develop creative industries in the region. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161124005284/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 24, 2016] Mobile MEI: New application available for iOS MONTREAL, Nov. 24, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - With today's launch of its new mobile phone application, available free of charge at the App Store, the MEI is taking the next step in disseminating its content online. This new tool provides the general public with fast and easy access to the content generated by the MEI. In addition to our Quebec Debt Clock, users can consult our publications, press releases, opinion pieces, blog posts, and media interviews. "The mobile app has become an indispensable communication tool in this day and age," says Jasmin Guenette, Vice President of the MEI. "We are already very present on the Web, with Facebook, Twitter, and our Internet site. Mobile MEI represents an dditional platform that will allow us to reach a wider audience and enjoy greater visibility." Mobile MEI will be updated in real time with our most recent commentaries and media appearances related to current events and topics of public interest. Our objective is to pursue our work of providing economic education through short, accessible publications, and the mobile app is a good fit in this context. The MEI invites everyone to download our new app in order to better understand the impact of public policies on taxpayers in Quebec and all across Canada. "At the moment, there are many societal debates going on, with many issues front and centre, which is why it is so important for the Institute's voice to be heard on as many platforms as possible," concludes Michel Kelly-Gagnon, President and CEO of the MEI. * * * The Montreal Economic Institute is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit research and educational organization. Through its studies and its conferences, the MEI stimulates debate on public policies in Quebec and across Canada by proposing wealth-creating reforms based on market mechanisms. SOURCE Montreal Economic Institute [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 24, 2016] Middle East & Africa UPS Market By kVA Range (Less than 5kVA, 5.1 - 20kVA, 20.1 - 60kVA, 60.1 - 200kVA, Above 200kVA), By End User, By Country (Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Nigeria), Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2011 -2021 NEW YORK, Nov. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Increasing investments into the IT sector in Middle East & Africa (MEA) is resulting in growth in demand for UPS systems in the region. Saudi Arabia and UAE dominate the region's UPS market on account of increasing requirement for continuous power supply, so as to avoid huge productivity losses in diverse end-use segments. Less than 5kVA UPS segment is projected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to increasing penetration of ATMs, shifting consumer demographics and growing presence of modern retail outlets in countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa and Egypt. Number of internet users in MEA escalated from 351.8 million in 2013 to 416.9 million in 2015 and is further projected to cross 600 million over the next five years, which is anticipated to boost demand for UPS systems through 2021. According to "Middle East & Africa UPS Market By kVA Range, By End User, By Country, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2011 - 2021", the UPS systems market in Middle East & Africa (MEA) is projected to register sales of 4.2 million units by 2021 due to increasing penetration of new technology & systems, rising internet penetration and expanding trade & tourism sector. Moreover, cloud computing technology segment in the MEA region has been growing at a significant pace, particularly in Saudi Arabia, and the segment is further anticipated to further grow on account of increase in number of firms using cloud services and rising investments on network & desktop outsourcing. This trend is expected to augment need for storing and protecting huge amount o data, thereby fueling growth in the region's UPS systems market. Emerson Network Power is expected to continue its leadership position in Middle East & Africa UPS market, followed by APC by Schneider Electric and Eaton Corporation Plc. "Middle East & Africa UPS Market By kVA Range, By End User, By Country, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2011 - 2021" discusses the following aspects of UPS market across the region: - UPS Market Scenario - Segmental Analysis By kVA Range (Less than 5kVA, 5.1 20kVA, 20.1 60kVA, 60.1 200kVA, Above 200kVA), By End-User (Residential, Commercial, Industrial), By Company - Regional Analysis By Country ( Saudi Arabia , UAE, South Africa , Nigeria ) - Changing Market Trends & Emerging Opportunities - Competitive Landscape & Strategic Recommendations Why You Should Buy This Report? - To gain an in-depth understanding of UPS market in Middle East & Africa - To identify the on-going trends and anticipated growth over the next five years - To help industry consultants and UPS manufacturers align their market-centric strategies - To obtain research based business decisions and add weight to presentations and marketing material - To gain competitive knowledge of leading market players - To avail 10% customization in the report without any extra charges and get research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer's specific needs Report Methodology The information contained in this report is based upon both primary and secondary sources. Primary research included interaction with UPS manufacturers, distributors and industry experts. Secondary research included an exhaustive search of relevant publications like company annual reports, financial reports and proprietary databases. Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04031797-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 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/middle-east--africa-ups-market-by-kva-range-less-than-5kva-51--20kva-201--60kva-601--200kva-above-200kva-by-end-user-by-country-saudi-arabia-uae-south-africa-nigeria-competition-forecast--opportunities-2011--300368566.html SOURCE Reportlinker [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 24, 2016] SRK Group Engages IT Guru Alok Kumar to Lead an Ambitious Venture MUMBAI, November 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SRK Group, India's leading diamond manufacturing company, is all set to make its arrival into IT industry. SRK Export, a well-known name in global diamond industry, has engaged Ex Managing Director of Sears IT and Management Services India Pvt. Ltd., Alok Kumar, to lead their ambitious high-end IT Company - SRKay Consulting Group. A well-known personality from technology industry, Kumar has previously started two technology companies successfully and he is set his standard higher with his new partnership with Shreyans Dholakia, Owner and Director - Marketing and IT at Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. (SRK Exports). Kumar explains his vision of SRKay as a private equity company that will ideate, nurture and grow technology-based ventures. Speaking about this venture, Kumar says, "The days of one large IT company are gone. Digital is transforming the way technology was consumed, from businesses to every human being. We have created SRKay Consulting Group as a privae equity to tap the spirit of innovation and create multiple opportunities in the technology space." From diamonds to technology, SRK has come a long way. When asked why the company plans to invest in IT, Dholakia says, "Technology has started touching lives of everyone now. In future, it will be impossible for us to imagine life without IT. Our commitment of investing in IT business comes from this trend. We also want to create a lot of job opportunities for the young generation and have realized that we can get growth and objective of job creation in one vision." SRKay Consulting Group plans to invest in innovative, high-potential and early-stage opportunities and businesses. The company's focus is on long-term investments in futuristic ideas that aim to make the world a happier and a better place. SRKay's special areas of interest also include businesses that aim to differentiate themselves through the use of cutting-edge technology. "We also offer premium Business Advisory Services to start-ups as well as established organizations" says Kumar. Based on the future needs of the global market, SRKay is all geared-up to make an impact in the field of technology through innovation, research and solutions. About SRKay Consulting Group SRKay Consulting Group invests in innovative, high-potential and early-stage opportunities and businesses. Our focus is on long term investments in futuristic ideas that aim to make the world a happier and a better place. Our special area of interest also includes businesses that aim to differentiate themselves through use of cutting-edge technology. We also offer premium Business Advisory Services to start-ups as well as established organizations. Media Contact: Aditya Patil, SRKay Consulting Group [email protected] +91-8308428169 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 25, 2016] Phillips Chocolates, Boston's Oldest Chocolatier, Offers Free Ground Shipping* for Holiday Chocolate Gifts BOSTON, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Phillips Chocolates, Boston's oldest chocolatier, offers free ground shipping on online orders over $60 placed on Black Friday, November 25th, through Cyber Monday, November 28th. Orders placed at this time can be shipped for the Christmas holiday. Peppermint Bark (9 oz. Box - $25) Decadent semi-sweet dark chocolate infused with peppermint oil topped with a layer of white chocolate and finished with a sprinkling of peppermint hard candy. Merry & Bright ($25) The festive Merry & Bright box is filled with a 12 oz. can of Phillips premium cocoa, six made-from-scratch cookies, homemade brownies, mini marshmallows and a peppermint stick. Best-selling Chocolate Turtles (15-pack $28.95) Chosen by Oprah as one of her Favorite Things! Made exactly as hey were over 90 years ago, Phillips signature chocolate turtles combine rich, smooth caramel with hand-roasted premium nuts and are topped with luscious milk, deep-dark or white chocolate. Caramel Craze ($43) For those with a sweet tooth on their list, this gift assortment features a 15-pack of Phillips signature assorted turtles in addition to a 9-pack of milk & dark Sea Salt Caramels. Using their family's secret caramel recipe kept under lock and key, Phillips handcrafts a selection of milk and dark chocolate covered caramels finished with local Cape Cod Sea Salt. * Valid for a limited time only at phillipschocolate.com. Each delivery must meet $60.01 minimum to qualify for free shipping, otherwise regular shipping fee applies. Product price, excluding tax, used to calculate eligibility. Delivery must occur by 12/23/16 to qualify. Offer valid on deliveries within the continental U.S. only. Customer is responsible for applicable taxes on transactions and any delivery upgrade fees. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Phillips Chocolates Since 1925, family-owned and operated, Phillips Chocolates, has delighted generations with New England's finest selection of hand-dipped milk and dark chocolates, olde fashioned fudge, and hand roasted premium nuts. Two Massachusetts locations - 818 Morrissey Blvd. in Boston and at the South Shore Plaza in Braintree. Order online at http://www.phillipschocolate.com or call (800) 722-0905. Phillips Chocolates ships to locations around the world. Media Contact: Lori Moretti / Miranda Jarrell CM Communications [email protected] (617) 536-3400 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/phillips-chocolates-bostons-oldest-chocolatier-offers-free-ground-shipping-for-holiday-chocolate-gifts-300368098.html SOURCE Phillips Chocolates [November 25, 2016] Enping Microphone Leads Global Pro-audio Market, Deepens its International Integration SHANGHAI, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Enping Microphone has consolidated its leading position in Chinese electro-acoustic equipment exports through its persistent pursuit of excellence in manufacturing to meet evolving global demands. The city of Enping, located in Guangdong province, is an economic powerhouse in southern China. It is renowned the world over for its high quality microphone and professional audio equipment manufacturing industry. With their growing advantage through broader industry distribution internationally, more Enping enterprises are driving their business development via overseas markets. In the last two months, pro-audio equipment manufacturers from Enping have forged a large exhibitor alliance that has made waves at Prolight+Sound NAMM Russia and Prolight+Sound Shanghai. Under the banner of Enping Microphone, this alliance has built on its reputation of quality production and innovation at thesetwo major trade shows. Wu Zhonghuo, President of the Enping Electro-Acoustic Component Trade Association, noted that another major factor behind the unprecedented growth is the support provided to manufacturers and entrepreneurs by the local government and industry associations. For instance, the Guangdong Quality Inspection Center is now firmly established in Enping. Equipped with 148 high-grade, precision and advanced electro-acoustic product inspection suites, it currently holds the largest anechoic chamber in Guangdong province. This ensures international quality standards and competitiveness for Enping enterprises' audio products, as well as setting the baseline for the continual improvement in Enping's electro-acoustic industry. More than 100 enterprises in Enping have passed the international standard ISO accreditation and CCC (China Compulsory Certification) accreditation, with over 30 enterprises possessing ROHS, CE and CB accreditation. From 2013 to 2015, Enping's microphone manufacturing industry has successfully gained some 535 new patents. With the foundations of such strong infrastructure and expertise being harnessed, enterprises have embraced the Internet to transform their businesses through globalization and digitalization. In the future, International Microphone and Electro-acoustic Equipment Trade Centers will be built up in Enping to further exploit these trends. Enping Microphone will continue to drive forward with its spirit of innovation and exploration, ensuring that its melody continues to resonate with quality around the world. Media contact: Vicky Fu +86-21-6295-3191 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 25, 2016] Canadian-Israeli venture fund will invest in next-generation cyber-security, intelligence and physical security technologies. Investors include prominent Canadian business leaders. Advisors include a Who's Who of the Israeli cyber-security and intelligence world. HLS Fund's advisors will be in Toronto from Nov. 28 through Dec. 2 . TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2016 /CNW/ - One of the world's first venture funds devoted to homeland security is being launched in Toronto to invest in Israeli and Canadian cyber-security, intelligence and physical security technology companies. The AWZ HLS Investment Fund has already invested in two Israeli companies and is vetting investments in other Canadian and Israeli companies. Homeland security is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, projeted to grow to $544 billion by 2018. Yaron Ashkenazi, the Executive Director of HLS GP Inc., the fund's Toronto-based general partner, who was a delegate to Toronto Mayor John Tory's visit to Israel last week, said: "There is no real cyber-security without advanced intelligence and physical security as well, and without all three acting together. Our investments will be focused on bringing premier technologies in these three critical elements from Israel, a global leader, to Toronto, an emerging technology hub." The strategic advisors to the Fund include: Haim Tomer Former Head of the Intelligence Division of the Mossad, Israel's National Intelligence Agency. Erez Kreiner Former Director of the Cyber Security Division of the Israel Security Agency (ISA). Gary Barnea Former Director of the Protection and Security Division of the Israel Security Agency (ISA). Lt. Gen. (Ret) Michael Day - Former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Special Operations Forces Commander, CAF senior Military Officer in the Defence Policy Group, and the Chief Strategic Planner for the future of the CAF Mr. Ashkenazi will be joined by the three Israeli advisors in Toronto during the week of November 28th, to advance the establishment of Canadian subsidiaries of the Israeli companies invested in by the HLS Fund. Mr. Ashkenazi and the three Israeli advisors will be available for media interviews throughout that week. SOURCE AWZ HLS Investment Fund [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 25, 2016] MOPOLO Smartphone App To Offer Free Credit Score and Property Evaluation With Its New TRACKERS Update TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2016 /CNW/ - Mortgage Alliance announces the launch of TRACKERS on their MOPOLO consumer mobile apps. TRACKERS allow users to track their credit score, property value and organize their valuable possessions right from their smart phones and it's absolutely free. CreditTracker gives users the power to access and monitor their credit score once their ID has been securely authenticated and provides regular updates to their smart phones without affecting their credit rating. PropertyTracker delivers an instant electronic valuation of the user's property by simply adding their address and a few property details. The app searches nationwide property databases and provides users with a current evaluation in seconds and automatically updates the value of the property monthly. The tracker comes with an exciting feature that shows users the effect ofupgrades and improvements on their property value. InventoryTracker allows users to keep a record of their purchases, valuable possessions, receipts and warranties right at their fingertips. They can also see a running total of their valuables and email it or send it off to their insurance provider in case of an emergency. "The interaction with mobile technology in our daily life is unprecedented and customer expectations are higher than ever when it comes to the value they expect from their relationship with different businesses" said Michael Beckette CEO of Mortgage Alliance. "We are excited to be the first company in the Canadian Real Estate and Mortgage Industry to provide customers with unparalleled capabilities to monitor their credit, their property value, and their possessions in one app right from their mobile devices. Our focus on innovation and technology and our partnership with industry leading organizations is an integral part of this achievement" he continued. The MOPOLO app can be customized to your favourite Mortgage Alliance professional and offers customers many more features including access to current rates, mortgage calculators and connects users with their Mortgage Professional so they can stay informed about the housing market. Users can even apply for credit quickly and easily from anywhere! Download MOPOLO from the app store free of charge and watch for the TRACKERS update December, 2016. For more information, visit www.mopolo.ca SOURCE Mortgage Alliance [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 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. For a lot of artists, getting signed to a label is one of the first priorities a signal that youve made it, and the apparent key to the door of success. While there are of course plenty of benefits to being signed when its a good match, Adelaide pop rocker Dino Jag is one of the many Australian independent artists doing things differently. Off his own back (and with a little bit of help from his impressive voicebox), hes managed to take his career international, and his new EP Breakthrough is the product of collaborations with musicians who have worked with names including Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones and Michael Jackson. To get an idea of what a career in music is like for someone going it on their own without label support (or maybe interference), weve had a chat to Dino about his travels to the US to put together his new record, and his experience doing it all on his own. For Dino, a big first step was being put in touch with a Grammy-winning producer as he was preparing to record his EP. I had a friend who put me in touch with Jeff Bova, who is such a legend. I sent him some of my songs and we corresponded over the internet for about a year, just sending things back and forth. So when I went to record this EP, he asked me where I wanted to do it. So thats when I decided, I just wanted to get completely out of my comfort zone, record it in America and work with some of these great musicians. Looking at a polished clip like Two Young Hearts, youd never know there wasnt a label working behind the scenes When Dino headed to the US, the immediate question presented itself: how was he going to record with his usual band when he was halfway across the world? For the EP, they asked me if I wanted to bring my guys from Australia across to America, to record, of if I wanted to go there and do it with some new guys. I decided for this record, to just throw everything out I knew, to really get out of my comfort zone, and try something new with it. So I got to work with some truly talented musicians. With music recorded but no label to push it, gaining exposure for his work was never going to be a simple task, despite recognition for his vocal talents. Working independently is mainly just working without the support of a record label, you know? And getting your work out there and to the right people can be a challenge. Dinos strategy is simple: You just keep putting it out there. Thats where all the online platforms and the internet are always so great. As well as things like community and commercial radio, which are also really supportive, you just keep putting your music out there. You can use all those things to talk to people and network and meet the right people. Dino turned to one of the most important and supportive but often underappreciated cornerstones of our local music scene: community radio stations. Commercial radio in Australia is so small, and you can get your song there but to get it played and get some support, it can be hard. But theyve also been really supportive this year, which has been such a help I really appreciate it. Community radio is one of the best things for independent artists, he believes. They really do support Australian artists, and independent artists, and its just such a great platform they really do have an interest in helping artists and developing them. With exposure at a premium, Dino stresses the importance of putting yourself out there on the live stage taking some opportunities you may not have expected. I guess want to keep doing is playing, writing and performing my songs. Once the EP is out I want to keep playing shows I think live music is really coming back, like it wasnt a few years ago. Youve seen music change so much, with all the stuff on the internet and the new ways of getting music, whereas I think live shows havent had that same evolution until recently, he said. Its always just been the same sort of thing, and thats sort of why I think playing shows hasnt been as big as it has been, but thats starting to change. Not too long ago I played this festival on a cruise, which went for nine days, and theres not a lot of shows where you can spend nine days with your audience. It was just such a great time, and so much fun and definitely a highlight of my career so far. While there is never any one path for any artist, as Dino Jag says, its all about getting yourself out there. While the independent route may not be the most straightforward option at times, signing to a label isnt only option either. If youre willing and able to put yourself out there and connect with people both locally and internationally, you can forge your own path. Ultimately though, its all about having the passion to persist with your art. Im just excited to keep getting to play my music, you know. I just want to keep recording songs and putting them out and connecting with my audience and playing shows. I think thats what its really all about. Dino Jags new record Breakthrough is available now. The Hills Are Alive is returning in the new year and now theyve set the machine in motion by announcing their first two incredible acts for the Hills Are Alive Festival 2017 lineup, none other than Cloud Control and Dope Lemon. In addition to what will no doubt be a powerhouse performance from headliners Cloud Control, punters will also be treated to a performance from Dope Lemon, the critically acclaimed new project from Angus Stone of Angus & Julia Stone. The Hills Are Alive, widely considered one of Australias best boutique festival experiences, will be three days and two nights of partying with your best friends and best friends of friends, all taking place from Friday, 24th March to Sunday, 26th March. And as a special added bonus for its ninth edition, The Hills Are Alive is expanding to include a dedicated Comedy Stage. Tickets for The Hills Are Alive 2017 are set to go on sale Thursday, 1st December and are priced $169 + bf. Check below for more details or head on over to the official Hills Are Alive website. The Hills Are Alive 2017 Cloud Control Dope Lemon Friday, 24th March Sunday, 26th March 2017 South Gippsland VIC Tickets: The Hills Are Alive JUST TO KEEP OUR BLOG COMMUNITY ARMED WITH FUN FACTS CHECK THESE GREAT ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF PREZ-ELECT TRUMP!!! Electoral College Saves Us From Hillary And Clinton Foundation Corruption Controversy Alex Jones Seyz Bill Clinton Is A Rapist Generally, Americans Support Sweeping Immigration Reform Trump Is Taking On The GOP, Too Enjoy The Trump Stock Market Rally!!! Black People Didn't Vote For Hillary And so, it seems that talking turkey about Trump is actually a bigger deal than this blogger initially expected.Sitting at this coffee shop/gas station for Thanksgiving, I've overheard more than a few conversations about family frustration with Trump talk so far today. Credit to the liberal media who have enforced this narrative upon us all.To wit . . .Let's get started, it's almost dinner time . . .The secret is out in the open, The Clinton Foundation was one of the most tragic political pay for play schemes in American history that was rejected by millions of voters. Now that she's out of the running for office, the donations have dried up despite the ongoing charitable work that was touted. For voters with any kind of conscience, this dirty scheme was a big part of the reason that people couldn't enthusiastically support her.A conspiracy theorist called outMoreover . . . Locals should ask Trump detractors that so many negative sentiments toward Trump via women are widely believed without any scrutiny of Bill Clinton's legacy and Hillary's part in defending him.Unions and urban core denizens want the immigrants gone, too . . . Sorry. The upcoming immigration crackdown is actually the easiest part of Trump's agenda given thatThe GOP is already gaining leverage by selling out Trump and his agenda . They will continue to block any real change he proposes and Beltway backstabbing has brought down far more cunning politicos. Troll line: Trump taking on the GOP shows he's really shaking up the establishment.The stock market is in rally mode and the DOW recently hit a high of 19,000 as the economic exuberance has been credited to the Trump election. In other words, Trump paid for that turkey on your table!!!TKC Bonus . . .She once called some black people "super predators" the reality is that the African-American voting bloc touted by so many activists failed Hillary and the Democrats for all of the reasons we've listed and so many more. Turns out people of all demographic backgrounds don't like being told how they should vote . . . If this election has taught us anything.Anyhoo . . .These are all great "conversation starters" and or great responses in order to ensure that "progressive" family members will stay away for at least another month.You decide and please suggest more pro-Trump hype to alienateloved ones . . . Clay Chastain: Citizens signing new streetcar initiative right and left because it is the logical next step to improve upon the city's downtown rail line The most prolific signature gatherer in Kansas City's political history is off to a quick start with his latest effort that focuses on "rapid streetcar expansion"Despite politicos and media outlets against his light rail effort . . . Mr. Chastain was still able to garner nearly half of the voting public to support his plan.Now, with his sights set on the future of the streetcar . . . He'll bring more voters to the table than the current expansion effort that is much smaller in scope.Here's the latest . . .On a beautiful early Thanksgiving Day citizens were in a good mood and most of the ones I encountered felt even better after they signed the new streectar initiative designed to transform the city's 2.2-mile streetcar line into a more rapid, citywide, and useful rail-based transit system. They understand that the city's 2.2-mile downtown streetcar is a nice beginning but that it has very little transit value and must be expanded. I believe voters will see the new streetcar initiative as the next logical step forward.What most voters have yet to realize is that a convenient, efficient and sustainable citywide streectar system can also become a major new selling point for Kansas City and a productive infratructure mechanism to generate new investment, jobs, economic development and population growth.But hold your horses. There is a competing streetcar plan backed by the Regional Transit Alliance (RTA) that proposes extending the downtown line to the Plaza / UMKC and continue operating streectars as a slow moving, too often stopping rail system that operates in traffic like they did 70-years ago. Not the smartest plan, and the very reason why this new streetcar initiative exists.Here are 5 solid reasons why the new streetcar petition plan ($1.2 billion, 28-mile, streectar & auxiliary electric bus system) is far superior to the RTA's streectar plan and thus deserves community support and voter preference...1. It creates innovative conditions which allow the streetcars to operate at greater speeds, make better time and travel on more attractive "transit greenways" separated from traffic.2. It is citywide and thus far more useful to more people, especially those that need better transit service.3. It has a far better chance of securing federal matching funds because it proposes a far more comprehensive system.4. It will be an economic driver across the entire city (including the eastside where they desperately need new infrastructure investment) and not just in the downtown corridor.5.. It will be placed before citywide voters and not forced uopn the people via another Jerrymandered and restricted election scheme concocted by the leadership of the RTA.In other words, the new streetcar initiative is the right plan done the right way.So if you're for a "more livable, sustainable and transit-oriented Kansas City" you will be for the new streetcar initiative.Clay Chastain...KC Community Activist############# Archaeologists believe they night have detected a second monument at the Casta Hill in Amphipolis, in the Macedonian tomb complex, after the results of geophysical prospecting, carried out by the Applied Geophysics Lab of the Aristotle University of Macedonia, revealed a structure two meters deep on the west side of the hill. The director of the Lab, professor Grigoris Tsokas said that targets had been detected west of the monument that warranted a closer examination. We have the distribution of resistance in a 3-dimensional depiction, and we can see that there is something there. We are speculating that is a second monument, a lot smaller (than the one already found), at a depth of about two metres, which must be explored, he stressed. Tsokas added that there had been a full geophysical prospecting of the Casta Hill where a buried valley had been found. The geophysical study of Casta was assigned to our Lab in 2014 and the University fully funded the project. We have already explored the hill and are processing the data collected, a difficult task due to the sheer volume, while there have been findings that warrant archaeological certification, which is why we are trying to find funds to continue, the professor underlined. He added that a piece of coal find unearthed at the foundations of the monument revealed the monument was dated to around 300BC. 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 UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Boris Johnson is expected to visit Cyprus next week UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Boris Johnson is expected to visit Cyprus next week, reliable sources have told CNA on Thursday. Meanwhile, the same sources have revealed that the international and European contacts President Nicos Anastasiades has been having are a credit to the Greek Cypriot sides reaction after the impasse reached during Cyprus talks in Mont Pelerin. Earlier on Thursday, President Anastasiades also spoke on the phone with UK Prime Minister Theresa May, government spokesperson Nikos Christodoulides announced on his Twitter. May had confirmed Johnsons visit to Anastasiades, CNA reported. Anastasiades has held contacts with European leaders, including a phone call with EU High Representative on Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini on Thursday. Germany has also expressed its confidence that President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci will be able to continue talks. France, through Minister of State for European Affairs Harlem Desir, has said that it is ready to contribute to achieving a Cyprus solution in any way it can. Read more here. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report A new National Council meeting will be held as soon as possible, deputy government spokesperson Victoras Papadopoulos said on Thursday, after the meeting, where the members discussed the failed Cyprus talks A new National Council meeting will be held as soon as possible, deputy government spokesperson Victoras Papadopoulos said on Thursday, after the meeting, where the members discussed the failed Cyprus talks in Mont Pelerin. Papadopoulos said that todays meeting was held in a climate of mutual good will, where President Anastasiades was able to inform the leaders of the political parties on the talks in Mont Pelerin in detail. The President, he added, has informed the body on all the actions his taking since his return to Cyprus, so that the interruption of talks can be overcome, and they can restart as soon as possible from the point where they left off. Papadopoulos said that President Anastasiades has reaffirmed his position to the National Council that as long as the process to slip as long as it is in his hands. Regarding the positive attitude of world leaders, Papadopoulos said that the President will continue speaking to leaders, and will address other in writing where necessary. Papadopoulos added that President Anastasiades will analyse the Cyprus talks in detail during the next European Council meeting. Asked about Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias and the cooperation with Greece, Papadopoulos said that that the cooperation between Athens and Nicosia is excellent. He added that the President is in constant contact with the Greek government and Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. AKEL: THERE WILL BE A SECOND MEETING TO COORDINATE AKEL party Secretary General Andros Kyprianou has said that the situation is difficult and that todays meeting was for an initial exchange of opinions on the way forward. He added that there will be a second meeting to further coordinate the Greek Cypriot sides next steps. Kyprianou reaffirmed his partys position that the only way forward is to restart negotiations from where they left off, and for the Greek Cypriot side to be well prepared for the continuation of talks. DIKO SUPPORTS GREECES POSITION DIKO head Nicholas Papadopoulos has said that Turkeys intransigence is at fault for the impasse at talks in Mont Pelerin. He added that during talks the Turkish Cypriot side had presented unacceptable positions in cooperation with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. Papadopoulos has welcomed Greeces position and Kotzias position, saying that Greece is a trusted ally for Cyprus in this process. COLLECTIVE MANAGEMENT NEEDED TO STRENGTHEN G/C POSITION The head of the EDEK party Marinos Sizopoulos has said that collective management to strengthen the Greek Cypriot position is need. Sizopoulos added that from what they heard from the President, the Turkish sides position and their unwillingness to submit a map had led to the failure of negotiations. TURKEYS FINAL GOAL RAISING QUESTIONS Symmachia Politon leader Yiorgos Lillikas has said that Turkey is responsible for the impasse and that Ankara has specific strategies and goals to lead the discussions to an impasse. We should be concerned by Turkeys final goala study should be conducted on the tactics they [Turkey] are following, so we can react accordingly, he said. POSITIVE A COMMON POSITION IS TAKEN Solidarity Movement leader Eleni Theocharous has said that it is positive the President has agreed to host another National Council meeting to formulate a common position on the Cyprus issue. ACTIVE INTEREST ON PART OF RUSSIA Green Party leader Giorgos Perdikis has said that Cyprus needs to take advantage of active interest the members of the UN Security Council, such as Russia, are showing. Perdikis said that the problem in Mont Pelerin arose due to the fact that Turkey wants to determine the structure and content of the multi-lateral conference He added that Ankara is seeking to force the process into an arbitration against the Greek Cypriot side. The problem arose because Turkey wants to determine the form and content of the multilateral process to lead to arbitration against the Greek Cypriot side. ELAM: TURKEY IS RESPONSIBLE The ELAM party said in an announcement after the meeting that Turkey is responsible for the impasse in Mont Pelerin. The party added that the negotiations need to be based on the creation of a single unitary state. 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 Greek government sources on Friday expressed confidence that Greece will reach an agreement with its creditors that will allow the second review of the Greek programme to be concluded by the December 5 deadline Greek government sources on Friday expressed confidence that Greece will reach an agreement with its creditors that will allow the second review of the Greek programme to be concluded by the December 5 deadline. "We are very close to a political agreement for concluding the second review at the Eurogroup on December 5," government sources said on Friday. They identified fiscal and labour issues as the 'critical' points and said the Greek side was working on these intensively and without concessions. The same sources said they were "very optimistic" about Greece's fiscal performance and noted that talks with the institutions had made a lot of progress, adding that the Greek government was not prepared to discuss additional measures and cited statements by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to SYRIZA's Parliamentary Group. "There has been great progress. Formally, the second review has not concluded; we have agreed on short-term measures, what remains are the medium-term and long-term measures and the aim is that by December 5 these will be made specific," the government sources said. They clarified that a number of draft bills tabled in Parliament will be passed into law by December 5 and that, provided there was a political agreement at the Eurogroup and a time frame was established, it was possible for more legislation to be tabled before the end of the year, using a method similar to adopted for the May agreement. Asked to comment about the possibility of early elections, the sources said these would be "disastrous" for the country and pointed to statements on this issue by the prime minister, who made it clear that elections will be held in 2019, at the end of this government's term. 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 coexistence of Christians and Muslims in Thrace is a message of hope that their common lives will continue to be creative, Greek Prime Minister said The coexistence of Christians and Muslims in Thrace is a message of hope that their common lives will continue to be creative, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Friday during a visit to the musical high school of Komotini, a city with a sizeable Muslim population, in northeastern Greece. In this school youre Christians and Muslims and this is a message of optimism that our coexistence was and will continue to be creative, and that culture, as one of the biggest weapons along with education, will forge our identity so that we can respond to the challenges of the new era, Tsipras told students. We will fight to achieve the best for the country and to achieve this, we must improve or education system and support young people, he added and vowed to help musical schools around the country financially, describing them as a great legacy of the educational system. Meeting earlier with the director of the school, Ilias Ioannakis, they discussed the need to staff musical schools with permanent teachers. Ioannakis slammed the efforts of individuals he didnt name to spread nationalism among the pupils, saying he purposely chose to play Greek songs and one Turkish to show their guests how people in the region celebrate. During the visit, Ioannakis also invited SYRIZA MP Ayhan Karayusuf to sing with the students. Earlier, Tsipras visited a high school of the Muslim minority in Xanthi where he urged pupils not to allow divisions between them. "I am asking you from my heart to love school and knowledge. So today I decided to visit your school to mark that our knowledge, our schools will be a priority. And not divide children according to the God they believe in, not divide children between minority and majority, because all of our children are the same and have equal rights. You are all Greek citizens and the state is obliged to give you everything, all the equipment needs in order to prosper," he added. 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 Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Ggia License: CC-BY-SA Choice Hotels Europe, the company behind the Comfort, Quality, Clarion and Ascend Collection brands in Europe and part of Choice Hotels International, Inc., announced that it has signed a multi-unit development agreement with GVK Enterprises, a hospitality management and development firm, to introduce and establish a hotel portfolio in Greece. Choice anticipates that the first property under the agreement will open by the summer of 2017 under a Comfort flag in Athens, and that thereafter four additional properties will be developed on the Greek mainland and islands under the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands. Mark Pearce, senior vice president, international division, for Choice Hotels, said: We are thrilled to be expanding our European portfolio to Greece, an important travel and tourism destination that has shown signs of strong recovery and positive forecasts. Choice wants to support and participate in this recovery and we have every confidence that our brands will thrive in such a dynamic market. Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands in Greece George Kontos, President, GVK Enterprises, said: Im delighted to work with Choice Hotels and bring their Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands to the Greek capital and islands. We look forward to helping them develop a portfolio of hotels that will appeal to international travelers visiting Greece for either business or pleasure. We are extremely proud to be able to bring Choice to a land filled with so much history and culture. Greece has always been one of the most popular tourism destinations and we look forward to sharing the food, hospitality and beaches with the rest of the world through the millions of guests of the Choice family. This agreement follows several other EMEA market portfolio expansions that Choice has announced in 2016. In April, the company announced it had signed an agreement to deliver approximately 25 hotels and 8,000 rooms in UAE and Saudi Arabia by 2021. Other deals signed include establishing multiple hotels in Belgium and the co-branding of 19 properties in Germany, Austria and Hungary under the Comfort and Quality brands. Choice recently launched its upscale Ascend Hotel Collection brand in the UK and France, with Turkey to follow in 2017. The Choice Hotels Europe portfolio of franchised hotels offers business and leisure travellers a full spectrum of options from premium economy to upscale hotels. Choice Hotels Europe franchises nearly 500 hotels across Europe that are either open or under development. Brands franchised by Choice Hotels Europe include Clarion, which is full service upper-midscale, Quality, which provides a mid-scale full service offering, and Comfort, which is a limited service, mid-scale offering and the largest Choice Hotels International brand worldwide, known for value, customer service and reliability. Choice also provides guests with an upscale, boutique hotel offering through Ascend Hotel Collection, a portfolio of independent hotels located in key cities and destinations that provide a unique guest experience. About Choice Hotels Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the world's largest lodging companies. With more than 6,400 hotels franchised in more than 40 countries and territories, Choice Hotels represents more than 500,000 rooms around the globe. As of September 30, 2016, 745 hotels were in our development pipeline. Our company's Ascend Hotel Collection, Cambria hotels & suites, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Sleep Inn, Quality, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, and Vacation Rentals by Choice Hotels brands provide a spectrum of lodging choices to meet guests' needs. With more than 28 million members and counting, our Choice Privileges rewards program enhances every trip a guest takes, with benefits ranging from instant, every day rewards to exceptional experiences, starting right when they join. All hotels and vacation rentals are independently owned and operated. Visit us at www.choicehotels.com for more information. 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 Cypriot firefighting aircraft has continued its efforts to extinguish wildfires in Israel, Cyprus Civil Defence Spokesperson Olivia Michaelidou told CNA English A Cypriot firefighting aircraft has continued its efforts to extinguish wildfires in Israel, Cyprus Civil Defence Spokesperson Olivia Michaelidou told CNA English on Friday. Michaelidou announced that the Republic responded immediately to a request from Israel for help, under the coordination of the Civil Defence department and after contacts with the Police, Fire Service, Forestry Department and Foreign Affairs Ministry. The Spokesperson noted that the Civil Defence Department had been in constant contact with the Israeli authorities, expressing Cyprus readiness to offer assistance. Michaelidou added that on Thursday a Forestry Department firefighting Air Tractor aircraft was sent to Israel. Cyprus Government Spokesperson Nikos Christdoulides initially broke the news on Twitter. Michaelidou recalled that similar aircraft were sent from Israel to Cyprus to help extinguish wildfires engulfing the islands Solea region during the summer, at the Republics request. The Spokesperson noted that reciprocal help and cooperation between the Republic and Israel [will] continue as a result of the excellent relations between the two countries competent authorities. 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, This site is best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0+, at a minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768. It has been weeks since the United States Presidential Elections occurred, with business tycoon and now, United States President-elect Donald J. Trump announced as the winner of the said election. These past few weeks have been very rough for the President-elect, with all the Anti-Trump protests continues across the United States, demonstrators rallying to let everyone know their desire for him to step down. As stated in an article by Mashable Asia, the President-elect recently uploaded a YouTube video, sharing a Thanksgiving message to all the people. The video's message was quite the opposite of what he tweeted about all his haters and enemies during the holiday last year. Donald Trump stated in his video that he admits that the bitterness of many people has still not subsided after the grueling election campaigns. According to BBC, Trump spoke "It doesn't go quickly, unfortunately, but we have before us the chance now to make history together to bring real change to Washington, real safety to our cities, and real prosperity to our communities, including our inner cities." In his video, the President-elect requested that the whole United States of America should stand united as one during this special occasion. "It's my prayer that on this Thanksgiving we begin to heal our divisions and move forward as one country" he said. Donald Trump also announced that he chose South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley for the US ambassador position to the United Nations. He also chose Betsy DeVos as the secretary of education. However, both people once criticized the President-elect, with Haley saying that she was "not a fan" and stated that she strongly disagrees about Trump's anti-Muslim proposal, and DeVos calling him an "interloper". Trump praised Haley saying she's "a proven dealmaker, and we look to be making plenty of deals". "She will be a great leader representing us on the world stage," Trump added. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Sleep is the most important activity in everyone's life. It is essential in healing and repairing of your physical health, heart, brain and blood vessels. For those who travels and works a lot, a good sleep is the best gift that they can give to themselves. Did you know that those who deprives themselves to snooze is at risk of having heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke? So you better be good and give yourself a break, hug your pillow and reward your eyes some love. Talking about sleep, a hotel in Peru will absolutely give you an extra ordinary sleeping experience. Visualize the rocky mountain, good morning sun or the romantic moon so close that it might kiss you while your bed is up in the air like a cloud in the sky. The Skylodge Adventure Suites will give you that extraordinary hotel experience. It is located in the Sacred Valley. It is an area in Peru's Andean mountainous region, near the town of Cusco and the most-visited man-made city of the country, the Machu Picchu. The Skylodge has three high-class capsule suites that can accommodate eight people. The bedroom is suspended over a 1,000 feet above the valley floor. What's more exhilarating is that it is made of weather resistant polycarbonate transparent glass so you can see the beauty of nature. It is also come from hand crafted aerospace aluminum. This unique room has unconventional lighting system, a reading light and just four interior lamps. It has private bathroom with dry ecological toilet and sink. Imagine taking a bath while hanging on the mountain, isn't that amazing? But here's the catch, before getting in the capsulated hotel room, you need to climb a 1,312 feet to the top of via ferrata. This means that a steel cable is present to help the guest in climbing the rocky mountain. Or if you're just tired and want to hurry and relax, you can hike a fearless trail through zipline. Either way, a vacation like this is surely one for the book. Skylodge is labeled as "the world's first hanging lodge." See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 A street corner, located at the intersection of 192nd and Linden Boulevard Street in Queens, New York has just been named in honor of the late A Tribe Called Quest rapper, Malik "Phife Dawg" Taylor. The neighborhood in question, known as Saint Albans, was home to the late "Oh My God" rapper and his family. A ceremony was held on Saturday, November 19, to celebrate the official renaming of the corner in honor of the Saint Albans native. During the ceremony, the corner was crowded by friends, family, associates and fans, gathered together to remember the late rapper. As stated by Billboard, the ceremony featured hundreds of sign-bearing, merchandise-wearing supporters. It was also stated that the streets were filled with people rapping along to the songs of the late musician's group, A Tribe Called Quest. Among the guests were ATCQ co-members Q-Tip and Jarobi White, along with associated rappers Busta Rhymes, Consequence, and Cormega. Other notable guests were radio personalities such as Peter Rosenberg, and several of New York's government officials. According to the LA Sentinel, Taylor's band mates arrived to show their love and support to the deceased's family and friends. The ceremony was held on a sentimental corner where Taylor and his friends would spend much of their time, often rapping together. Reports by The Washington Post indicate that the group had just recently released an album with Phife Dawg. The tear-jerking album was renamed to "We Got It from Here, Thank You for Your Service", following the news of Taylor's death. The 2016 album was released earlier in November and will feature Phife Dawg's final songs of his career. The group has expressed plans of beginning an album tour that will also serve as a form of remembrance for their late colleague. After years of battling with health problems, Malik Isaac "Phife Dawg" Taylor died from diabetes-related complications in March of 2016. He was forty-five years old. He is survived by his wife, Deisha, and his daughter, Jessica. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Mexico City is a bustling tourist venue that boasts as much culture and tradition, as it does luxury and charm. However, it can be quite challenging finding accommodation that suites both your style and your bank account. Thankfully, Mexico City is home to some of the best boutique B&Bs on a budget. If you're not already familiar with the term, boutique hotels are smaller accommodations that are around ten to a hundred rooms with higher-scale accommodations. While some boutique hotels popping up in commercial areas or residential buildings, others may come as separate wings of bigger hotels. In any case, boutique hotels are great options for travelers who are looking to spend their trip somewhere classy, without having to suffer through an impossible price tag. Mexico City, itself, is a paradise for budget-seekers looking for some luxury. The city contains several chic options for budget seekers with everything from well-priced, modern-themed rooms to traditional, historically-rich spots that will awaken your inner explorer. Whatever the case, you can be sure that the price will ease your pocket, while still allowing you a proper night's rest. If you're looking for something modern and artistic, then your best bet would be to visit Mexico city's central plaza or other downtown locations. The Guardian recommends accommodations such as the well-equipped Hotel Catedral and the dorm-like Downtown Mexico. These hotels are specifically designed to cover all the basics from hot and cold showers to WiFi-connection, while still boasting modern decor. These chic locations are guaranteed to make you feel as posh and as comfortable as you could possibly be on the most limited budget. Other accommodations such as the Room Mate Valentina are boutique hotels that are located in the middle of restaurants or bars. Trip Advisor recommends these rooms for their impeccable cleanliness and funky designs, as well as their amazing room rates. As an added bonus, these hotels are generally located very close to amenities such as malls, watering holes, and local eateries. Further still, these small, yet colorful hotels offer an incredibly fun and young ambiance that is sure to raise your trip's energy level. Of course, traditional accommodations can never be left out. However, traditional does not have to mean boring. Several boutique bed and breakfasts are popping up in 1930-era homes and historical boulevards. These old-school accommodations are often restored and refurbished to embrace their nostalgic feels. Spots such as The Red Tree House and Casa de los Amigos all boast a cozy, traditional Mexican household feel while still managing to feel hip. No matter what your style might be, Mexico City offers travelers of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds with comfortable and affordable accommodations. These budget boutique hotels and B&Bs only make up a small portion of Mexico's overall tourism appeal. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Everyone definitely gets caught up in the hype and excitement over Black Friday over the extremely low prices and special shopping deals. Others, however, may be looking for other things to do instead of getting in a fight over the last 70 percent off blender. These are some of the best and cheapest things to do on Black Friday besides going shopping. 1. Visit a state park - According to Curbed, California State Parks is having a Black Friday sale of their own, giving away free day passes to its parks, found mostly in Southern California. Although most Los Angeles locations have sold out, online reservations are available and nearby Santa Barbara has some of the best beaches in America. (READ: The Longest Road Trip In The World Across The US's Best National Parks) 2. Watch a play on Broadway - According to Travel and Leisure, Broadway is also celebrating their own version of Black Friday, doubling the amount of shows they have for the holiday season with both evening and matinee performances. Catch "Wicked", "Hamilton" and the "Book of Mormon" and enjoy a lovely day at the theater. (READ: New York City Christmas Shopping: The Big Apple's Best Holiday Deals) 3. San Francisco's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony - Held on Union Square on Black Friday, the 83 foot tall tree features 33,000 lights and 1,100 ornaments. Although the event is set to begin at 6 p.m., travelers are warned to come early to secure a great viewing spot. (READ: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2016 Highlights) 4. Chicago's Christmas Market - The heritage Christkindlmarket is inspired by Chicago's large population of German immigrants. The annual Christmas market is held in Daley Plaza and travelers can enjoy Black Friday-low deals with the authentic German food and homemade crafts for sale at great prices. (READ: Five Things To Know Before Traveling To Munich) 5. Donate to a food bank - If you really want to get into the Thanksgiving spirit, donate your leftover turkey andmash at the Westside Food Bank. Donations are welcome at their Santa Monica branch and is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. You won't find any Black Friday deals here, but a homeless family will find a great dinner to be thankful for. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Sydney-based technology start-up Booking Boss took home silver for the Specialised Tourism Services category at the coveted NSW Tourism Awards. (TRAVPR.COM) AUSTRALIA - November 25th, 2016 - Sydney, Australia: Sydney-based technology start-up Booking Boss took home silver for the Specialised Tourism Services category at the coveted NSW Tourism Awards. This category recognises the outstanding delivery of specialised tourism services that enhance the visitor experience and integrate with other tourism products. To say we are delighted to to take home silver in this category is an understatement, Booking Boss CEO Renee Welsh said. This is our first year entering the awards and this result gives our team more validation that Booking Boss is an incredible product used by many tourism operators across the country and the world. Each and every day I get the privilege to work with and lead an incredible team. They all work tirelessly and strive to make a real and positive impact on our clients businesses and the industry. This is their award. I am extremely proud that Booking Boss has been recognised for our contribution to NSW tourism and we plan to continue doing what we all love. The NSW Tourism Awards celebrate and acknowledge tourism excellence in NSW. Now in its 27th year, the awards promote and reward tourism businesses that demonstrate outstanding achievement and success throughout the year. The award categories showcase a range of tourism products and businesses that provide outstanding service and experiences to guests in NSW. Its been an incredible year for the tourism company. This award comes exactly one week after Renee Welsh was recognised as Entrepreneur of the Year at the inaugural Women in Travel awards. About Booking Boss Booking Boss is an online booking system for your operators and attraction providers. Trusted by many in the tourism industry, Booking Boss is about getting operators out of the spreadsheets and into the sun. Media enquiries For interviews and enquiries contact: Booking Boss CEO Renee Welsh 02 8788 9199 ### Middle Easts fastest growing travel company, Rehlat, projects 200% rise in web traffic and minimum 60% increase in flight bookings, as the Middle East travel industry is poised to grow exponentially over the next few years. (TRAVPR.COM) TELANGANA - November 25th, 2016 - Middle Easts fastest growing travel company, Rehlat, projects 200% rise in web traffic and minimum 60% increase in flight bookings, as the Middle East travel industry is poised to grow exponentially over the next few years. According to WTTC research, the governments spending on Travel & Tourism in the Middle East is set to grow by 2.6% in 2016, and 3.5% per year over the next ten years. The report also highlights that the capital investment would rise by 5.2% in 2016 and 5.4% per year to 2026. Rehlat, which started as a local Kuwaiti online travel agency, today has grown to be Middle Easts fastest growing travel company and targets numero uno position by 2017; owing to the growth in business and leisure travelers. Elaborating on the key growth factors, Mr. Bader Al-Bader, CEO & Founder, Rehlat said: Travel has grown and so have the number of flights connecting destinations across the world. Take for instance, recently IndiGo launched direct Chennai-Muscat flight and Garuda Indonesia mulls of flights between India and Indonesia, owing to the rise in business and leisure travel. Rehlat is taking these efforts of making travel easy a notch higher especially for Middle East individuals with its simple booking gateway, local currency payment modes, English & Arabic customer support, and competitive flight rates. He further adds that: Currently we have almost 1 million visitors everyday to our websites Rehlat.com. Rehlat.ae, and Rehlat.com.sa. We expect to see the number double or triple in the near future. Rehlat is already giving a stiff competition to the local players and has also stood up as a tough competent for global players with its localized content, customer-centric approach, and multilingual efficiency (website & customer support). What Makes Rehlat Click among the Middle East Travelers? The websites availability in both English & Arabic Localized approach with three different websites ( www.rehlat.com , www.rehlat.com.sa , www.rehlat.ae ) 1500+ airlines covering 1 lakh+ destinations worldwide Multilingual customer support Unbeatable airfares accompanied by exclusive discounts and last minute flight deals. Paying for ticket in local currency (Kuwaiti Dinar, Saudi Riyal, Emirati Dirham, Bahraini Dinar, Egyptian Pound, and much more) Range of payment options Knet, Credit card, Debit card [Master card and Visa], Cash U and Sadad) 1 million+ happy customers -Ends- About Rehlat: www.Rehlat.com is fastest growing online travel website of Middle East. We understand the power of simplicity and pain in complexity and do understand that you are looking for a quality experience with a hassle free trip, be it a business trip, a luxury city break, a budget family holiday or an adventure travel; which is why we have taken out complexity out of travel bookings and have simplified the whole travel experience. We are present in Kuwait through www.Rehlat.com, in the UAE through www.Rehlat.ae, in Saudi Arabia through www.Rehlat.com.sa, and in Egypt through www.Rehlat.com.eg. ### LIMA, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Peru's fiscal deficit ballooned to 4.4 percent of gross domestic product in the third quarter as the current deficit narrowed to 2.3 percent, central bank data showed Thursday. The government of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, a former investment banker who took office in July, is aiming to trim the annualized fiscal deficit to 3.0 percent by the end of year before cutting it to 2.5 percent in 2017. The central bank said in September that it expects a 3.8 percent current account deficit in all of 2016 and a 3.4 percent gap next year. The following is a breakdown of quarterly results: Q3 Q2 Q3 2015 Curr -2.3 -3.5 -5.1 Acct as Pct of GDP Curr -1.140 -1.744 -2.472 Acct bln bln bln balance in dollars Fiscal -4.4 -0.2 -3.2 balance as Pct of GDP (Reporting By Mitra Taj; Editing by Marguerita Choy) Ramkrishan Upadhyay Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 25 Finding the Deputy Commissioners order asking them to depute security guards at mobile towers in the city within a week unviable, representatives of mobile companies have decided to convey their reservations to the UT Administration on Monday. Sources said the decision was taken by the Cellular Operators Association of India in New Delhi. One of the representatives said while they understood the concerns of the Administration regarding misuse of towers by some persons to press for their demands, the direction to depute a security guard at each tower was not viable. Following incidents of employees climbing up towers to draw attention of the authorities regarding their demands, Deputy Commissioner Ajit Balaji Joshi had issued an order to the mobile companies on November 23 asking them to depute a security guard at each tower. The Deputy Commissioner issued the order under Section 133 of the CrPC as an emergency measure. The Deputy Commissioner was of the opinion that such incidents caused disturbance to public peace/law and order and were a danger to human life. The sources said the mobile companies would plead before the Administration that they would cooperate with it in checking incidents of people climbing up towers and if need be depute security guards for some time as an emergency measure, but not permanently. Towering problem One of the representatives said while they understood the concerns of the Administration regarding misuse of towers by some persons to press for their demands, the direction to depute a security guard at each tower was not viable. S Nihal Singh THERE is a wider significance to the opposition standoff with the government tellingly brought home during the opening days of the winter session of Parliament. It is to stop the momentum of the new Modi wave unleashed by demonetisation pitching it as a measure in favour of the poor against the rich who allegedly fatten on black money. As a measure of PM Narendra Modis intentions, his recent election speech in UP was a demonstration of how he sought to exploit demonetisation as an election plank in the crucial approaching elections in the state. Having deprived political parties of the hoards of cash they had collected for the electoral exercise, the Opposition and the divided ruling Samajwadi Party in the state are seeking to make political capital of Mr Modis new economic surgical strike by emphasising the misery of the common man in depositing old currency and obtaining new notes of a kind useless for paying for daily needs. How far the timing of the new measure was determined by the forthcoming elections in UP and Punjab is for the moment a matter of speculation, but its impact on the results is undeniable. The BJP and its president Amit Shah have been searching for answers to capture the state with its outsize impact on national politics. Initially, the BJP relied on trying to divide the voters on religious lines, in addition to striking chords of nationalism by exploiting the surgical strike on Pakistan. And now the party has been harping on currency swap as a pro-poor measure. Extravagant BJP claims have been made on the support the measure has received, but many of the have-nots seem to have bought Mr Modis line, the assumption on which the party has flooded the state with posters on the theme. The conventional wisdom on UP was that Ms Mayawati of the BSP had most to gain from the family quarrels of the ruling Samajwadi Party. The BJP was listed as second in the number of seats it would win while the Congress was hardly in the picture. The currency measure has turned this wisdom on its head and the BJP is now seeking to win the state in a hurricane of dramatic measures. What has brought the disparate Opposition Mr Nitish Kumar of Bihar is a notable holdout together is that by his bold moves Mr Modi has left the Opposition and state ruling parties little room to muster support. And the poor implementation of the monetary measure is grist to their mill. It gives them a handle to demolish Mr Modi in terms of the suffering he has caused the common urban man and specially the farmer, with West Bengals Mamata Banerjee taking the lead. The BJP has brought round two of its allies, the Shiv Sena and the Akalis, who were flirting with opposing the measure, back into the fold. The PM has emphasised his own emotional commitment by putting his political future on the line exaggerating the significance of what he has termed as a revolutionary move. The main opposition parties are beset by the dilemma of how to play politics in a game-changing era. Apart from employing modern technology to reach the BJPs message to the greatest number, Mr Modi is flooding social Internet sites and offers dramatic twists and turns as appealing appetisers. The Opposition is catching up with technology but remains one step behind. Demonetisation therefore presents a golden opportunity to opposition parties to present a united front and they seek to derive as much advantage as they can out of the painful process of the government seeking to fill the hole in citizens pockets. The political picture has been changing since Mr Modi came to power a little short of three years ago and the Opposition is quick to resort to cries of dictatorship. The truth is that no one since Indira Gandhi, with a run of coalition governments functioning for decades, has had the majority in the Lok Sabha or a decisive leader to seek to run the country. The dual arrangement of Dr Manmohan Singh and Mrs Sonia Gandhi showed its limitations in its second five-year term with the country heaving a sigh of relief wtth the coming to power of one man who could take decisions. The room for opposition parties is shrinking and regional parties have to rely on local and parochial issues to stay in power once they have wrested it. Tamil Nadu, now undergoing difficult times, is a prime example of how regional patriotism of the Dravidian movement and deification of the leader can make the AAIDMK unassailable, with the uncertain health of Ms Jayalalithaa tempting the rival DMK with its own ailing leader to try its luck again. To keep the Congress out of power, the Akalis teamed up with the BJP. Now the AAP is seeking to spring a surprise but its appeal seemed to have peaked and Mr Arvind Kejriwal is spreading himself too thin between administering Delhi after a fashion and seeking national leadership by exploiting the currency change. Odisha seems secure in its embrace of regional patriotism and its relative isolation from the rest of the country. And the feisty Mamata, seemingly secure in her parish, is developing new national ambitions. The truth is that the Opposition lacks an outstanding leader who can galvanise a range of issues, particularly those concerning the nature of Indian nationhood and the treatment of minorities, into an effective fighting strategy. Mr Rahul Gandhi has never been in the picture and the efforts of Ms Mamata and Mr Kejriwal are far from convincing. Mr Nitish Kumar, once considered a likely national figure of stature, has significantly opted out of the Opposition ranks on the currency measure. Mr Modi therefore has a relatively free run and can come to grief only if the availability of currency of daily use remains difficult. In his picturesque language, you can hang him after 50 days. Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 25 After a gap of eight months, the Core Group on Women Safety today met for the third time under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary KK Sharma of the Delhi Government here wherein Sharma sought an action taken report from each agency concerned regarding illumination of dark spots in Delhi and stressed the need of lighting up the JJ areas as well. The third meeting of the women safety panel today- International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women- came days after the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) deplored the response of both the Centre and the Delhi Government to women safety issues. The Core Group includes various stakeholders, including the Delhi Police, DUSIB, Health department, Women and Child Department, Education dept, Municipal Corporations, PWD, Transport etc while DCW Chairperson Swati Maliwal has been included in this group as a special invitee. A leopard was chased and beaten to death by a mob of more than 1,500 in a Gurgaon village on Thursday even as police and forest officials stood by silently. Nine persons were, admittedly, injured by the animal before it was mauled by villagers. It is plain that it was humans who were responsible for the death of the animal as well as injuries to humans, because most were hurt in the process of fighting the animal who came looking for livestock. It was utter abdication of responsibility by the local administration and forest authorities that insanity was allowed to prevail. In an identical incident in Assam a day later a tiger was killed in a village outside the Kaziranga National Park. While the Haryana Forest Department may plead lack of resources or competence, in Assam even that lame excuse is not valid. Also on display has been a shocking proclivity for cruelty among people one would otherwise consider perfectly civilised. Four medical students on November 19 tied, tortured and skewered to death a baby monkey in Vellore; a few months earlier a dog was thrown off a terrace and video-graphed by medical students 100km away in Chennai. The killing of the wild cats in Haryana and Assam were also followed by mutilation and dragging of the carcass in streets. Humans in a fit of rage are known to behave unreasonably, but this is extreme disregard for life, perpetuated because of virtually zero application of the laws against cruelty to animals. Action in such cases is often taken only after animal activists raise an issue; the police or common residents rarely take it upon themselves to pursue such matters. Conflict with wild animals has been an issue all along, but animals have lost out never more rapidly in history than in the past four decades. And the loss is not just in numbers but of entire species. Yet the tragedy is that all the while that we discuss habitat encroachment in development-versus-environment terms our one-time wealth of the animal kingdom is being obliterated at a steady and alarming pace. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on one of his frequent sojourns around the country, came to Bathinda on Friday. The Indian army's elite strike corps is garrisoned not far from where he spoke. The border too is not too far away. Its villagers had felt the pain of tensions with Pakistan when they were asked to evacuate their homes in the middle of the harvest season while their compatriots in Rajasthan stayed put. There is no doubt the relationship with Pakistan seems irretrievably settled in a deep hole. These days the battle is being fought in Kashmir and both sides have expelled eight diplomats each. Pakistan's main foreign policy point person Sartaj Aziz has signalled his intent to attend an international conference on Afghanistan to be held in Amritsar. Clearly, this was an opportunity for South Block to extricate itself from its self-spun web of inconsistent policy statements. Modi, however, feels there should be no looking back from the kadak policy he has fashioned for Pakistan. That is why, almost as if he was turning a screw on Pakistans leadership, the Prime Minister spoke against letting a drop of Indias water to enter Pakistan. As the rising body-count of Indian soldiers after the surgical strike shows, Modi may have kept his domestic audience engrossed with his reality shows. But it is another matter to try and impose them on Pakistan. Pakistan, more than India, has played this game with greater dexterity and with mightier adversaries like the Soviet Union and the US. It will be happy to match skills with the Indians in Modis shoot and scoot policy. And it is making it difficult for the Prime Minister to walk back from this path, especially because he was singularly responsible for building the anti-Pakistani mindset dominating the Indian domestic public opinion. Azizs visit can hardly alter the deep structural divide that has engulfed India and Pakistan. But it could provide the opportunity to reduce the possibility of emotions and tensions getting out of control. Unless the Modi strategy is to let tensions simmer and bring them to a boil whenever there is depletion in his political capital. Parvesh Sharma Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 25 Demonetisation has forced the Board of School Education, Haryana, to extend the last date of registration for senior secondary students from November 26 to December 5 as teachers have failed to e-deposit registration fee of students due to long queues in banks. The board will now accept the registration fee of Rs 700 till December 5 and students can get registered till December 10 with a late fee of Rs 300, while the authorities will charge Rs 1,000 if any student applies for registration between December 11 and 17. Teachers said that after demonetisation, banks witnessed huge rush and it was impossible for them to deposit the fee collected from students daily. They said that in such situations, the board should make some alternative arrangements or give some relaxation to the teachers for depositing the fee. The board accepts the registration fee online only. But, we have to collect fee manually from students and it is impossible for us to deposit the fee daily due to long queues in banks. Now board has extended the date, but the authorities should devise some alternative system for future, said Dayanand Dalal, president of the Haryana State Lecturers Association (HSLA). Some teachers alleged that after the demonetisation, almost all students came with scrapped notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 for the registration fee. Returning loose money to the students was a big challenge for the teachers as they had not received any cash from the authorities, they said. I have 47 students in my class and almost all students came with scrapped notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 for registration. How can I accept all such notes as I do not have loose money to return to the students, said a teacher from Rohtak district. Board secretary Dhirendra Khadgata confirmed that they had extended the last date. We extended the last date after getting feedback about the delay in online registration. Hopefully, the extension will help students across the state, he said. Deepender Deswal Tribune News Service Hisar, November 25 The cash-by-flight scam is getting bigger with the Income Tax Department seizing Rs 11.50 crore, including jewellery worth Rs 1 crore, from persons involved in flying cash to Dimapur from Hisar by chartered flights. In the centre of controversy is a Nagaland businessman Anato Zhimomi, son of a late Rajya Sabha MP in Nagaland and son-in-law of Lok Sabha MP and former Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. The cash was flown to Dimapur from Hisar on November 22 and November 13 to deposit it in Anatos bank account. The businessman enjoys tax exemption due to his tribal status. Ramesh Kumar Yadav, Commissioner (Investigations), CBDT, said demonetised cash totalling approximately Rs 10.50 crore and jewellery worth Rs 1 crore had been seized. The cash and jewellery were seized from Dimapur and other locations, including Haryana. The bank accounts of the persons involved in the case have been frozen. Sources said the I-T Department had frozen Anatos two bank accounts with Axis Bank. Rs 3.5 crore was seized on November 22 from Bihar resident Amarjeet Singh at the Dimapur airport. Another Rs 4 crore was flown to Dimapur on November 13. Both flights were booked by Anato through an agency in Delhi. The Income Tax Department has seized a couple of crores from a flat in Delhi besides the cash which had already been deposited in Anatos bank account, sources said, adding that all these transactions took place after November 8. Sources said Anato was supposed to RTGS the money back to beneficiaries accounts in Haryana. I-T sources said: It seems that Nagaland and some other north-eastern states have turned into parking lots for unaccounted and black money. The banks have been alerted in the NE region to detect bulk cash deposits after the demonetisation. Mukesh Tandon Tribune News Service Panipat, November 25 Seven persons, including two women, were charred to death in a major fire that broke out at a spinning mill in Kurar village on the Panipat-Haridwar highway in the district today. Raj Sharma, an employee of the mill and resident of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, said that the fire broke out in cotton bundles lying near the entry gate. Nearly 32 persons were present in the factory at the time of the incident, he said, adding that there was no other gate in the factory. We manufacture threads for blankets and chemical and petroleum products are also used in the factory, he said. The deceased have been identified as Triloki and Shanno of Sanoli village, Rajwanti of Kurar village, Ajit and Sombeer of Krishanpura and Ramchander of Bihar. The fire was said to be occurred due to short circuit. More than 10 fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the flames, said Surender Malik, a fireman. Deputy Commissioner Chander Shekhar Khare along with other officials rushed to the spot to supervise rescue operation. Panipat SDM Vivek Chaudhary confirmed that seven persons had lost their lives in the fire. Injured Sunil, a resident of Oraia in Uttar Pradesh, and Shabnam (45) of Sanoli Khurd village in the district, were admitted to General Hospital from where doctors referred Shabnam to the PGIMS, Rohtak, for further treatment. State Transport Minister Krishan Lal Panwar visited the hospital to enquire about the condition of the injured. Ambika Sharma Tribune News Service Solan, November 25 Pharmaceutical firms of the states industrial hub of Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh have come under the scanner with the Crime Branch of the Delhi police tracing the links of a currency exchange case to its owner. Reportedly, the Delhi police had arrested two persons - Ajit Pal Singh and Rajender Singh - with Rs 27 lakh of new currency notes from the Hazrat Nizammudin railway station last evening and this cash was procured by exchanging old demonetised currency notes. They revealed to the investigating agencies police, IT and intelligence officials that the money belonged to one Sanjay Malik, who owns a pharmaceutical company at Baddi. The police was now on the lookout for Malik. Inquires conducted from the officials of the Drug Control Administration, Baddi, however, revealed that no such person owned any pharmaceutical unit in the BBN in the official records. Sources in the Himachal Drug Manufacturers Association also denied having any knowledge about any such person owing a unit in the BBN area though they said he could be involved in the pharmaceutical trading business. Drug Controller, Navneet Marwaha, when contacted, said no such person owned a pharmaceutical unit in the official records and he added that he had not received any communication as yet from any investigative official. The area houses about 2,000 industrial units and sources in the industry did confirm that agents offering to exchange old currency at 25 to 30 per cent commission were doing the rounds here after announcement of the demonetisation policy. Law enforcing agencies were, however, yet to trace any such case in the area. Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 25 Friday congregational prayers were today allowed at the Jamia Masjid for the first time since unrest began in Kashmir in the aftermath of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wanis killing in an encounter with security forces in July. The Friday prayers were allowed at Jamia Masjid after 20 weeks. However, the attendance of devotees was thin as the people from adjoining localities only were not able to reach the grand mosque due to non-availability of public transport in view of the strike. The prayers were last offered at the mosque on July 8, the day Wani was killed, as the authorities apprehended law and order problems after the weekly prayers. No Eid prayers were offered at the grand mosque for the first time in nearly two centuries, as the last time it was closed was in 1821. However, with the improvement in the situation, the prayers were allowed today. Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who usually delivers sermon before the Friday prayers, was under house arrest and not allowed to visit the mosque. In the absence of Mirwaiz, Imam Moulana Ahmad Syed Naqshbandi delivered the Friday sermon and strongly condemned the dictatorial authorities for banning people from offering Friday prayers at the mosque. Immediately after the culmination of the prayers, a group of youth assembled outside and took out a march towards Rajouri Kadal but were intercepted by the security forces, leading to clashes, a police official said. Ehsan Fazili & Suhail Shah Tribune Reporters Srinagar/Anantnag, Nov 25 Two militants of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and an Army jawan were killed in an encounter in Bandipora district of North Kashmir, while two policemen were killed in an attack by militants in Kulgam district of south Kashmir today. The police said search operations were launched at Manpora village of the Naidkhai area in Bandipora district of north Kashmir this morning on the receipt of information about the presence of militants. When the Army and elite SOG (Special Operations Group) of the police zeroed in, they were fired upon by the hiding militants, resulting in the death of an Army jawan. He has been identified as Naik Chandra Singh of 13 RR and a resident of Uttarakhand. The wreath-laying would be held here tomorrow, an Army spokesman said. The two militants were killed in the retaliatory fire. Their identity is yet to be ascertained. After the encounter was over, protest demonstrations were reported from the adjacent area where people demanded handing over of the bodies of militants to them. In another incident, suspected militants fired at a police station in the Handwara area of Kupwara district last night. Policemen opened retaliatory fire and the militants fled. A suspected militant of the Lashkar-e-Toiba, identified as Abdul Majeed Mir, was apprehended during a search operation in Sopore town of Baramulla district today. In another major incident today, two policemen were killed and another was critically wounded after militants opened fire on a party of the Jammu and Kashmir Police in south Kashmirs Kulgam district, some 69 km south of the summer capital, Srinagar. The slain policemen have been identified as Head Constable Tanveer Ahmad and Constable Jalauddin Ahmad. The injured policeman, being treated in Srinagar, has been identified as Shamsuddin Ahmad. All three policemen belonged to 18 Batallion of the Indian Reserve Police (IRP). According to police reports, the attack was carried out by militants in main town Kulgam about 1:30 pm today. The militants appeared in a car and opened indiscriminate fire at the policemen on duty near the local bus stand, a senior police official said. The place of attack is less than a 100 ft from the Deputy Commissioners office in Kulgam. He said the firing left three policemen wounded, who were immediately admitted to the nearby District Hospital. Two of them succumbed on the way to the hospital while the third has been shifted to SMHS Hospital in Srinagar for specialised treatment, the official said. His condition remained critical till the last reports were received from the hospital, he said. The militants, however, escaped unhurt after the firing. Following the attack, the police and Army cordoned off the area and were on a hunt to trace and nab the attackers. Police sources said a vehicle suspected to be used by the militants for the attack had been recovered in the area. A wreath-laying ceremony was held for the slain policemen at the District Police lines in Kulgam. Deputy Inspector General (DIG), south Kashmir range, Niteish Kumar also attended the ceremony. Rifat Mohidin Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 25 The state government is considering reducing the winter vacation in the Valley this year to compensate the losses faced by the students due to five-month-long unrest. Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Aijaz Ahmad Bhat said due to five months of loss in regular classes, the regular work of students would continue till December-end. For now we will try to keep the schools open at least until the end of December for all classes or till the weather allows us. For students of IX to XII we may continue the classes in winter months to compensate the losses, the official said. He said the department would ensure proper heating arrangements in the schools for the higher classes for whom the classes would be held during the winter months. Things will also depend on the weather. So far, there is no decision on winter vacation, he added. The schools in the Valley are shut since July 9 following the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani. The shutdowns called by separatists leaders for more than four months now have not exempted schools from closure. The students have not been able to attend their classes except for the two days last week when the Hurriyat group led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani gave two-day full relaxation in the protest calendar. With the improvement in the situation, the government as well as private schools have slowly started holding classes. The Private Schools Association Kashmir (PSAK) led by GN Var has also urged the government not to announce winter vacation without taking in confidence private schools and the parents. We cannot have more holidays and I assure you proper heating arrangements in the private schools. We will continue the classes till weather allows us, Var said. In normal situation, the schools in the Valley remain close for three months in winter from December 15 and open during the first week of March. However, this year in wake of the unrest the government is trying to find ways to compensate students loss. Suhail A Shah Anantnag, November 25 Two police personnel were killed, and one was critically injured, on Friday in a militant attack on a patrol party in Kulgam district of south Kashmir. Militants opened firing on the patrol party at Kulgam town this afternoon, resulting in the death of two cops, and one was injured, a police official said. The policemen were on duty at a bus stand in Kulgam. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The injured policeman was admitted to SMHS hospital in Srinagar. The slain cops have been identified as Tanveer Ahmad and Jalaluddin Ahmad. The Police and the Army have cordoned off the area and are trying to locate the attackers. United Nations, November 25 Deeply concerned over the deterioration in situation along the Line of Control in Kashmir, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for restoration of stability in the region, saying the world body supported all efforts to reach durable peace and security. The secretary-general is deeply concerned about the deterioration of the situation along the Line of Control in Kashmir in recent days, a United Nations statement attributed to his spokesman said. He calls on all involved to prioritise the restoration of calm and stability to prevent any further escalation and loss of life, the statement said, adding that Ban trusts India and Pakistan can find common ground and work towards a sustainable peace. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The UN stands by the people of the region and supports all efforts to reach durable peace and security, said the statement. Tension between India and Pakistan has increased after the attack on an Indian Army base in Uri on September 18 and the resultant surgical strike on terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir by the army 10 days later. Since then, cross-border firings have increased killing soldiers and civilians on both sides. This week, 12 people, including three Pakistani soldiers, were killed in alleged Indian cross-border firing. The Indian response came after the Indian Army warned of heavy retribution following the killing of three of its soldiers, with the body of one of them mutilated in a cross-LoC attack. Pakistan has denied that its troops were responsible for the mutilation and death of Indian soldiers. PTI Simran Sodhi Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 24 The Rajya Sabha today saw the debate on demonetisation resume, but for a brief period. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh opened the debate in the House on behalf of the Congress, calling the government decision monumental management failure. He accused the government of ignoring the plight of the poor and the aam aadmi and said the decision was in fact a case of organised loot, legalised plunder of the common people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House when Dr Manmohan spoke. The former PM warned the government that the decision will harm the countrys economy. The GDP of the country will decline by about 2 per cent by what has been done. And this is an underestimate and not an overestimate, he said. The Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha have been demanding that the PM be present in the House when the debate on demonetisation takes place. The PM today came to the House during question hour and for that one hour, the debate was resumed. Dr Manmohan's speech was short, but highly critical of the governments November 8 decision to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. The PM has said wait 50 days, it is a short period. But for the poor and the deprived, even 50 days can bring about disastrous effects, he said, referring to a speech made by Modi recently where he asked for 50 days to complete the crackdown on black money. After Dr Manmohan, it was the turn of Naresh Agrawal of the Samajwadi Party who in light banter also took a dig at the timing of the demonetisation announcement, linking it to the upcoming poll in Uttar Pradesh. He alleged the decision was not taken in the national interest, but considering UP elections. Derek OBrien of the Trinamool Congrss (TMC) countered several arguments put forth by the government on the benefits of demonetisation. If only 2 per cent people hold black money, then why are the rest of 98 per cent people being made to suffer due to demonetisation, he asked the government. The House was then adjourned for lunch. When it re-assembled at 2 pm, the Opposition members refused to carry forward the debate in the absence of the PM. An agitated Finance Minister Arun Jaitley accused the Opposition of devising ways to avoid the debate. Jaitley kept in dark: SP "There are those who say the PM did not take even (Finance Minister) Arun Jaitley into confidence (about note ban). If Arunji had known, he would have whispered about it in my ears. He knows me".Naresh Agrawal, SP It will kill economy: TMC "Anyone who opposes you, Mr PM, is not anti-national or in favour of black money. Why are you giving us this lecture on black money? We are opposing you since we believe this will kill the economy" Derek OBrien, TMC Treat it as calamity: Tata "It may be worthwhile to consider special relief measures similar to those employed at times of national calamities to serve the poorer segment of the population for their daily needs." Ratan Tata, TATA Sons chairman New Delhi, November 24 India today remained non-committal about holding talks with Pakistan Prime Ministers foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz during the Heart of Asia Conference which he will attend in Amritsar next week. MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup told a weekly media briefing that the programme was in a fluid state and he was not in a position to rule in or rule out anything at this stage. I can only say that as of November 24, nothing has been decided. When pressed on the subject, he said, The programme is still evolving. The associated events connected with the conference are in a process of evolving. At this point, I am not in a position to make any other announcement. Swarup reiterated Indias stated position that though the country is for dialogue talks and terror cannot go hand- in-hand. Our position on it (talks) is very clear from the beginning. We are for a dialogue with Pakistan. But talks and terror cannot happen together. It is incumbent on Pakistan to create the necessary environment for a conducive bilateral dialogue to happen, he said and also referred to Swarajs address at the UN recently that for talks to take place, Islamabad will have to end terrorism. The conference, which will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, will be attended by representatives of over 40 countries. PTI Singapore, November 25 A 29-year-old Indian-origin man has been jailed for over three years for printing fake Singaporean currency notes here, according to a media report. Sasi Kumar Lakshmanan decided to print fake currency notes of SGD 100 and SGD 50. Deputy Public Prosecutor Magdalene Huang said Lakshmanan decided to print some counterfeit currency notes as he was in a financial difficulty and owed loan sharks more than SGD 5,000. He realised the photocopy of SGD 100 note was almost the same as the genuine one. Following this, he photocopied notes that closely resembled a genuine SGD 100 note. He then printed another four copies of the notes and cut them to the right size, The Straits Times reported. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The next day, he produced one of the fake SGD 100 notes to pay for two packets of cigarettes totalling SGD 21.80. He pocketed the SGD 78.20 in change, the report said. The fake note was discovered by a stall supervisor, who complained to police on July 13, two days after Lakshmanan first printed the fake notes. Police raided Lakshmanans home and found, among other things, a counterfeit SGD 50 note. In his written mitigation plea, Lakshmanan said his wife was due to deliver their third child soon. He said he suffered from epileptic fits and had just found a job doing deliveries for a friend. Two other charges of using a fake note and having instruments for making them were taken into consideration, according to the Singapore daily report. He could have been jailed for up to 20 years and fined on each charge. PTI Vibha Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 25 A day after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led the Oppositions criticism on demonetisation, condemning it as monumental mismanagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today replied, but outside Parliament. His statements first in the national capital and later in Punjab provided all answers to the Oppositions criticism, making clear his governments counterstrategy on the issue. That the currency ban is a defining moment of deshbhakti (nationalism) in the life of the common man, the Oppositions clamour is an act of frustration over the lack of preparation for the surprise move and that the ready solutions are there for peoples problems arising out of the move. The Prime Minister today claimed the Oppositions criticism of the decision was rooted more in their anger at not being given enough time to prepare for the measure than anything else. If these people had got 72 hours to make their preparation, they would have lavished praise that there is no one like Modi, he said, speaking at the launch of an updated edition of the Constitution of India and Making of the Constitution. Some people are criticising the move saying the government did not make ample preparation. I think that is not the issue that the government did not make ample preparation. I think the pain of such people is that the government did not give them a chance to make any preparation. Also, as per the Prime Minister, the country is fighting a big battle against corruption and black money and the ordinary citizen is the soldier in this fight. Indias name features prominently in global corruption surveys and to uphold the nations head high some decisions have to be taken. Meanwhile, rival parties pressed for his apology and continued with their demand for a statement in Parliament. The fate of the ongoing winter session also remains uncertain, though BJP leaders claim all attempts are being made to break the logjam. The Oppositions intent is not to listen to him but to make noise and embarrass the government by cornering him. If that was not the case, they would have allowed the debate to continue yesterday, they say. The Opposition has made clear its intentions of carrying on with calls of Bharat Bandh and Akrosh Diwas on Monday. The BJP leadership also is carrying out counter rallies in poll-bound states. Vibha Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 25 Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed on Saturday that the Oppositions criticism of his governments decision to make high-denomination currencies invalid was rooted in their anger at not being given enough time to prepare for the measure. Speaking in the national capital, and later at a rally in Bathinda, Modi said that the measure caught his rivals off guard. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) If these people had got 72 hours to make their preparation then they would have lavished praise, he said at the launch of updated edition of Constitution of India and Making of the Constitution in the national capital. Some people are criticising the move saying the government did not make ample preparation. I think that is not the issue that the government did not make ample preparation. I think the pain of such people is that the government did not give them a chance to make any preparation. Also read SC to hear all pleas against demonetisation on December 2 Govt has no proposal to restrict gold holding by individuals Deposits in Jan Dhan accounts rise to Rs 64,250 crore Yechury targets Narendra Modi over demonetisation, dubs him Tughlaq Disclosed unaccounted deposits face 50% tax levy, lock-in Exchange of defunct Rs 500, 1,000 notes to continue at RBI counters Modis statement, which comes a day after former prime minister Manmohan Singh led Oppositions attack against him in Rajya Sabha, makes the governments strategy clear. As rival parties continue to demand his statement in Parliament, an unyielding Prime Minister continues to evade them, instead choosing to defend the measure outside. The fate of the ongoing winter session meanwhile remains uncertain: BJP leaders claim the Oppositions intent is not to listen to him but to make noise and embarrass the government by cornering him. If that was not the case, they would have allowed the debate to continue yesterday. With the Opposition making its intentions on demonetisation clear with calls of Bharath Bandh and Akrosh Diwas on Monday, the BJP is now also considering sending across "the correct picture and message on the issue" among the people. Along with rallies and events in support of the move and against black money and corruption, senior ministers have been deputed to brief party parliamentarians in batches about the Prime Ministers initiative for the "dissemination of right message among people". According to the Prime Minister, the country is fighting a big battle against corruption and black money and the ordinary citizen is the soldier in this fight. Indias name features prominently in global corruption surveys, he said at the event. To uphold the nations head high some decisions have to be taken. Manmohan Singh called the step was a case of organised loot and legalised plunder and reflected a monumental management failure. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi, November 25 The Supreme Court on Friday imposed a blanket ban on the sale and stocking of firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect. It also asked the Central government to immediately suspend the licenses of those who stock them. A Bench of Chief Justice TS Thakur, Justice AK Sikri and Justice SA Bobde said no further licenses would be issued till further orders. In another direction, the court asked the Central Pollution Control Board to prepare a report to show what elements were used in the manufacturing of the firecrackers to ascertain if they were harmful to people. IANS Amaninder Pal Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 25 Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal today conveyed to heads of 16 departments to make sure that they attended a series of camps being organised in the Raikot constituency from where his son is to contest on the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) ticket. Inder Iqbal Singh Atwals candidature was announced by the SAD two weeks ago on November 17. A letter sent by the office of the Speaker carries a detailed schedule. Residents of 77 villages are to attend 11 such camps beginning November 28. Apart from the directors of various departments , the Speakers message has also been conveyed to the CMD, PSPCL, DIG (Ludhiana Range), and the Secretary, Punjab Mandi Board. The honorable Speaker wishes that camps, as per the enclosed schedule, should be organised highlighting various public welfare schemes being offered to residents of the Raikot Assembly segment, which falls in Ludhiana district. You are requested to order the officers concerned to ensure their presence at these camps, the letter reads. Observers term such a communication by the Speakers office as violation of ethics. When contacted, the Speaker claimed he was not aware of any such communication issued by his office. Even if I do give any such order, it is not a violation of rules. I can write to officers on such issues, he maintained. Not quite convinced, former Deputy Speaker Bir Devinder Singh pointed out, Certainly no rules have been violated. But it is violation of ethics. The Speaker may write to officers on issues related to his own constituency. The Speakers office is a custodian of parliamentary ethics and since Atwals son is to fight from that (Raikot) seat, he should not have used his office to issue any such instructions. Tribune News Service Goraya (Jalandhar), November 25 Aam Aadmi Partys national convenor Arvind Kejriwal announced on Friday that his partys deputy chief minister for the state would be a Dalit. Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal, who is on a tour to the state, made the announcement at a rally organised at Phillaur, a reserved constituency in Jalandhar which has a sizeable Dalit population to release its Dalit manifesto. Although the party does not have a prominent Dalit face yet, there are some emerging leaders, including those that joined the AAP from other political parties such as former Bahujan Samaj Party Parliamentarian Mohan Singh Phallianwala and the partys former chief Parkash Singh Jandali. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Among the most significant promises made in the manifesto is a Special Investigation Team to inquire into cases of atrocities against Dalits in the past five years and recommend exemplary punishments. Complete Text of 19 points Dalit Manifesto of AAP Varinder Singh Tribune News Service Bathinda, November 25 Raking up the river water row, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he was determined to stop the flow of water into Pakistan and bring it for farmers of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. The water on which India has its right is flowing into Pakistan. I am committed to stopping that water and bringing it for our farmers in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India, Modi told a rally near here after laying the foundation stone of an AIIMS. Expressing his surprise that the water-sharing issue had not been taken up by previous Indian governments, Modi said: The governments slept in Delhi in the past. Our farmers kept crying and the water kept going to Pakistan. We will fight for the rights of our farmers. Because of the Indus Water Treaty, the waters of the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi, over which our farmers have their right, are not available to them. The waters of these rivers are the right of India and our farmers. These waters are passing through Pakistan into the sea. Neither Pakistan uses them nor our farmers are able to use them. I am moving ahead with conviction and have set up a task force on the Indus Water Treaty, Modi said. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The Prime Minister advised farmers of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh not to burn paddy stubble and exhorted them to use it as farm manure to produce gold out of their farms. He showcased his passion for converting India into a futuristic cashless economy by asking people to convert their mobile phones into mobile banks and mobile wallets. Download apps of your banks. The moment you do so you dont need to carry cash. There will be no fear of thieves. We are living in good times when science has worked wonders, Modi said while sharing his resolve to put an end to the scourge of black money. I have come to stop the looting of the lower middle class, the poor and the farmers. The Rs 1,000 and 500 bills have been banned under this. I dont know much about the poll maths, he said. Modi, who was here to lay the foundation stone of the Rs 925 crore All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) was accompanied by Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Punjab BJP chief Vijay Sampla, Punjab ministers Sikandar Singh Malooka and Surjit Kumar Jiyani and Rajya Sabha member Balwinder Singh Bhunder. Responding to Badals fervent appeal to buy the paddy stubble of Punjab farmers, Modi came out with an altogether different solution. Science has proved that paddy stubble could be the best food (manure) for our Dharti Maa. Why not provide this food to her by ploughing paddy stubble worth billions in the fields instead of burning it? Work is on to make methanol from paddy stubble. In future you will be making money from it. Farmers should resolve not to burn stubble, exhorted Modi. Advising Pakistan to wage a war against corruption and black money, Modi said he wanted to talk to awam of the neighbouring country. I want to tell them that 125 crore Indians shed tears whenever a single kid is killed in Peshawar. Pakistani awam should advise their government to fight against black money and corruption instead of fighting a proxy war against India, Modi said. Lauding Modis move against black money, Badal said the drive would eradicate black money from India. By this step, Modi has helped the common man and farmers. I appeal to him to buy paddy stubble from Punjab. Terming the AIIMS as a big gift from the Centre to Punjab, Badal accused the previous Congress governments of having ignored Punjab. Can you show me one project in Punjab granted by the Congress? Whenever we go, the NDA government accepts our each and every demand, Badal said. Giving a political colour to the event, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal predicted that the Aam Aadmi Party would not get even a single seat. There will be the SAD-BJP government for the third time. CM Badal has changed the face of Punjab, said Sukhbir. He announced that the Bathinda airport would be operational on December 11. Sukhbir said the AIIMS which would start functioning in two years would be of great help to patients of Punjab, Haryana and Rajsathan. The Punjab BJP chief and Union Minister Vijay Sampla said the both Adampur and Bathinda airports would witness flights shortly. Union Health Minister JP Nadda said two cancer centres were coming up at Amritsar and Fazilka; and seven new specialties are being added to Patiala and Amritsar medical colleges. Modi at Anandpur Sahib Later, speaking on the occasion of the 350th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur Sahib, PM Modi said the tenth Guru had made unparalleled sacrifices of his entire family, including his father and sons. Citing an example of the Gurus attempt for a casteless society, the Prime Minister said one of the Panj Piaras of the Guru was a Gujarati. Modi said the birth anniversary of the tenth guru was being celebrated all over the country and special trains would be run to Patna for celebrations during the first week of January. With TNS and agencies Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 25 Lobbying for a Congress ticket for the upcoming Punjab elections has intensified ahead of the expected meeting of the partys all-powerful Central Election Committee (CEC) here on December 3. Before the meeting of the CEC, headed by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, the partys screening committee for candidate selection met on Wednesday and Thursday to initiate the selection process. The Tribune has learnt that only 10 seats of the 117 Assembly segments are clear as far as Congress candidates are concerned. These are single applicant seats where sitting MLAs, their family members or ex-MLAs are the sole ticket seekers and are, therefore, likely to be nominated. These 10 single applicant seats and candidates thereof are Patiala from where Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh is the only candidate in the fray, though his wife Preneet Kaur is the sitting MLA; Lehra (sitting MLA Rajinder Kaur Bhattal is the only applicant); Abohar (sitting MLA and former Congress Legislature Party leader Sunil Jakhar); Guru Harsahai (MLA Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi); Qadian (former Punjab unit chief Partap Bajwas brother Fateh Jung Bajwa is the single applicant, though sitting MLA is Bajwas wife Charanjit Kaur); Kapurthala (sitting MLA Rana Gurjeet); Khadoor Sahib (ex-MLA Ramanjit Singh Sikki); Amritsar Central (sitting MLA OP Soni); Raja Sansi (sitting MLA Sukhbinder Sarkaria); and Dinanagar (sitting MLA Aruna Choudhry). From Chamkaur Sahib, which Congress Legislature Party leader Charanjit Singh Channi represents in the state assembly, the party leadership has received one odd additional application apart from Channis. Among top leaders to be watched is former Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal who is learnt to be keen on contesting from Bathinda, a seat which Hindu electors dominate. Though Badal is likely to get the seat he wants (he merged his PPP with Congress much ahead of state polls), a section of Congress leadership feels Bathinda should go to a Hindu candidate. The argument which strengthens Manpreet Badals nomination from Bathinda is his huge lead over sister-in-law Harsimrat Badal from this segment during the 2014 Lok Sabha contest. But a counter view is Manpreet Badals lead in 2014 came when both candidates in Bathida LS seat were Jat Sikhs. One is not sure what the electoral outcome would be if we field a Jat Sikh and our rivals field Hindus from this seat where the sitting MLA is Saroop Chand Singla, an Akali, and our leader Surinder Singla has been a former MLA. The CEC will decide, a Congress functionary said. The Congress also wants ex-Sangrur MP Vijayinder Singla to contest. Singla, some feel, could be a candidate from Bathinda, but he can also be fielded from Sangrur if he plans to contest. There is also suspense over whether ex-Union Minister Manish Tewari would contest. Sources say he hasnt applied for a seat. Tewari is a senior central leader of the Congress. If he wants to contest, he can talk directly to the leadership, a Congress leader said. Indian Youth Congress president Amrinder Raja Warring, the sitting MLA from Gidderbaha, will in all likelihood be asked to defend the same segment where he defeated Manpreet Badal in 2012 Punjab elections. On the 45 Congress MLAs, party incharge of Punjab affairs Asha Kumari said: Winnability is our sole consideration. Seat swapping wont be encouraged except for SC segments. The rest is up to the CEC to decide. Nothing is final yet. Aparna Banerji Tribune News Service Goraya (Phillaur), Nov 25 Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said today that the AAP would make a Dalit the Deputy CM of Punjab, if voted to power. He made the announcement after releasing AAPs Dalit manifesto at Dana Mandi here. All parties promise the moon to voters, but none of them make Dalits part of the power matrix. AAP will provide Dalits with a share in power, the AAP convener said. Out of compulsion, Dalits are fielded from reserved seats. Kanshi Ram and BR Ambedkar dreamed of Dalits having a share in power. Equal rights can only be ensured when Dalits will be part of the power structure. The AAP will ensure that. Out to woo the community of Doaba, Kejriwal started his speech with Jai Bhim, Jai Bharat. AAP is the first party to release a manifesto for Dalits, Its a historic day. Other parties try to lure them, but never find solutions through a separate manifesto, he said. The promises made in the manifesto, which bears Ambedkars sketch on its cover, include constitution of an SIT to look into atrocities against Dalits in the past five years and punishment to guilty in all such cases, better schools and a special cell to monitor implementation of post-matric scholarship scheme. What Dalit manifesto promises Tribune News Service Anandpur Sahib, November 25 Prime Minister Narendra Modi today exhorted the people of the country to follow the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh. Modi, who was speaking at a state-level function to commemorate the 350th birth anniversary of the Guru, said the latters sacrifice had no parallel in the world. The PM, who reached the venue donning a saffron turban, earlier paid obeisance at Takth Sri Kesgarh Sahib. Starting his speech by greeting the dignitaries and the audience in Punjabi, the PM said Guru Gobind Singh had sacrificed his sons while fighting against injustice. The Gurus efforts to eradicate casteism are an inspiration for todays world, he said, adding that one of the Gurus Panj Pyaras was from Gujarat. Earlier, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal called for shunning all social evils to work for a casteless society envisioned by Guru Gobind Singh. Various speakers, including state BJP chief Vijay Sampla, confined their speeches to recalling the teachings and sacrifice of the Guru, while Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal listed the achievements of the Punjabi diaspora and praised Badal for setting up memorials of the Sikh Gurus and other heroes of Sikhism. The government has so far approved construction of over 12.83 lakh affordable houses for urban poor, crossing the 12.41 lakh mark approved under the 10-years of previous government. Stating this Urban Development and Housing Minister Venkaiah Naidu said demonetisation had had a positive effect on Urban Local Bodies with record increase of 268 per cent growth in property tax collection at Rs 13,192 crore in November over Rs 3,607 crore over the same month last year. Comparing performance under NDA governments PMAY (Urban) scheme and Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) the scheme of UPA government, Naidu said that as against investment of Rs 32,717 crore approved under JNNURM, a huge investment of Rs 70,145 crore has already been cleared under PMAY (Urban). Naidu said that his ministry had cleared construction of over 1.97 lakh houses for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) in seven states. The minister stated that Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal are "good performing" states under PMAY(Urban) so far in terms of starting construction work under approved projects. Noting that UP and Delhi, which account for about 25 per cent of housing shortage for urban poor, have not sent any proposals to the Centre for the scheme, he said Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Daman & Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli are still to send housing proposals under PMAY (Urban). PTI Tribune News Service Dehradun, November 25 Chief Minister Harish Rawat has issued directives to government officials to appoint teachers in upgraded schools across the state. He told officials to draft a list of schools legislative Assembly-wise which needed upgrade in the state. He chaired a meeting with education officials here today. Rawat increased officials fund sanction power from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh so that construction work should be completed in the given time frame. He said quality should not be compromised while upgrading government school buildings in the state. He issued directives to the officials concerned to draft a proposal to appoint language teachers including Urdu, Bangla and Punjabi in government schools across the state and issued directives to personnel and finance departments officials to complete necessary formalities within three days. Rawat expressed concern over delay in appointing 130 teachers in government schools in both Garhwal and Kumaon. The Chief Minister said construction work for upgrading government school buildings worth Rs 2 crore should be sanctioned by NABARD. He instructed officials to expedite year-long pending demands and grievances of teachers association. Rawat told officials to expedite in completing medical colleges at Pithoragarh, Kotdwar and Bhagwanpur and to construct paramedical colleges at Haridwar and Tehri. He told officials to issue notification to start medical colleges on PPP mode in higher areas of the state. Chief Secretary S Ramaswami, Additional Chief Secretary Dr Ranveer Singh, DS Gabriyal, Amit Negi, Pankaj Pandey and Ranjana attended the meeting. BD Kasniyal Pithoragarh, November 25 Demonetisation has started taking its toll on big industries and high-yielding agricultural Terai region as well as on SIDCUL industries and farmers in the adjoining agricultural belt of the state. Industries are forced to make a cut in their production and so is the case with agro-production as banks in Kumaon region need a sum of Rs 3,500 crore to revitalise industrial units and agriculture system in Terai areas of Kumaon region, sources said in Rudrapur today. We alone in Nainital district need over Rs 1,100 crore in Rs 100, Rs 500 and 2,000 currency notes to resurrect the system and end the queue before the banks, said DK Jayaswal, district lead bank officer of Nainital. According to sources in SIDCUL, factories in the belt have witnessed a 35 per cent fall in their industrial production in the last 15 days. The sources said factories were facing cash crunch in taking raw material and sending manufactured goods from the unit. We have started a cut in shifts in units as due to cash crunch we are finding ourselves in no position to meet expenses in sending truckloads of Kolkata and Chennai ports, said Ajay Tiwari, president, SIDCUL Entrepreneur Society at Rudrapur. According to District Cooperative Bank sources in Rudrapur, the agriculture production is likely to reduce by 30 per cent in Terai this season as over 30 per cent farmers have not sown wheat due to lack of cash in hand to purchase seed and other essentials for sowing the crop. Due to the restrictions imposed by the RBI on district cooperative banks, we are neither in a position to take deposits from farmers of their loans back nor are we able to give them fresh loans to buy agricultural inputs, said KK Kamal, manager of the Rudrapur branch of district cooperative bank. Ajay Ramola Tribune News Service Mussoorie, November 25 Two hoteliers in Mussoorie have come up with a novel plan of serving delicacies prepared using local produce to tourists by organising a local food festival during the winterline carnival scheduled to be held from December 25 to 30. A local cuisine was introduced to tourists at a pre-launch event held at Cafe-de-Tavern at Kulri Bazaar here today. The owner duo of the Cafe-de-Tavern, Sandeep Sahni and Rajat Kapoor, informed mediapersons that the local cuisine in fusion with Italian delicacies would be part of the food festival during the carnival. The fusion food that is a melange of locally popular delicacies such as Gathwani soup, Bhatwani soup, Shorba of Rai ka saag, Jakhiya ka saag and Kandali (nettle leaves) ka saag etc. The fusion of Italian pizza with the locally produced Koda (finger millet) flour would be the added attraction for tourists during the carnival. Sahni said all these items would be available on demand at their cafe from today and tourists could savour the taste of the local food along with Italian delicacies in Mussoorie regularly. He added they got inspiration to introduce fusion food comprising Garhwali cuisine from Chief Minister Harish Rawat who wants to promote locally prepared food in the state. He said the food being served to tourists on an experimental basis drew a positive response and they had decided to make it a regular feature at their restaurant. Avanish, a tourist from Delhi, said it was a memorable experience to savour Koda (finger millet) pizza for the first time at the cafe. Chief chef Deepak Pundir said the Garhwali cuisine was not only palatable to taste buds but also contained rich fiber and proteins that were beneficial for health. He added the Kandali soup was good for heart. It had ingredients that helped in curing several ailments. He would be preparing more such dishes in near future, he added. Senior journalist Bijendar Pundir welcomed the move and said for using local produce for fusion food backward integration and linkages of farmlands in the hilly districts to markets such as Mussoorie was required. He urged the government to ensure the availability of raw material to such restaurants and hotels so that they could serve local dishes to tourists on a regular basis. Tribune News Service Haridwar, November 25 World famous Urs at the Piran Kaliyar shrine, which attracts lakhs of pilgrims, will commence at Piran Kaliyar in Haridwar district on December 1. To ensure zayarins dont face inconvenience due to the demonetisation move, the mela administration has decided to instal on a temporary basis special automated teller machines and cash counters to facilitate pilgrims. Elaborate arrangements are being made to ensure smooth conduct of the fair. Pilgrims from Pakistan also visit Piran Kaliyar. District Magistrate Harbans Singh Chug says considering shortage of cash at ATMs, new ATMs and cash counters will be set up for the fair where lower denomination notes can also be exchanged. We have decided to open additional ticket counters at the railway station and an announcement counter for pilgrims convenience. During peak hours, train stoppages will be made at Roorkee to lessen rush on the Piran Kaliyar railway stretch. Additional buses on main routes will be run and through digital screens, hoardings, posters and ticket counter display boards, information about buses plying on the routes will be provided. Bus services from Kaliyar to Haridwar and Roorkee to Haridwar will be provided, says Chug. The mela zone has been divided into five zones with live footage to be monitored through closedcircuit televeision (CCTV) cameras. He adds display of rate lists at all shops, particularly eateries, is mandatory to avoid inconvenience to zayarins. Directives have been given to district, police, municipal committee, Public Works Department, Jal Sansthan, Urja Nigam, transport, RES and Haj House Committee to ensure best facilities for pilgrims. The annual Urs pilgrimage is held in the memory of renowned Sufi saint Hazrat Syed Alauudin Ahmed Sabir Kaliyari and it draws lakhs of pilgrims, including Hindus. Nainital, November 25 The Uttarakhand High Court on Friday sought a reply from the Centre for not allowing cooperative banks to accept deposits of banned high value currency notes saying this was causing problems to farmers who were mostly customers of such banks. Hearing a PIL filed by advocate Neeraj Tiwari, questioning the government on non acceptance of scrapped notes by district cooperative banks, a division bench comprising Chief Justice K M Joseph and Justice Alok Singh asked the Centre to file a reply by Tuesday. The PIL contended that no transactions can be made in the accounts of district cooperative bank account holders as a result of which farmers were facing problems. It was pleaded that after demonetisation, scrapped notes were banned to be deposited in district cooperative banks. Advocate for the petitioner C K Sharma further pleaded that the majority of cooperative bank account holders are farmers who require money for the ongoing sowing season. PTI Ankara, November 25 Forty-four persons were killed and 103 injured when one Iranian passenger train collided with another at a station about 250 km east of the capital Tehran, state media reported. I was sleeping when the crash happened. I thought it was an air strike ... When I opened my eyes, there was blood everywhere, a hospitalised passenger told state television. State television footage showed four derailed carriages, two of them on fire and a spokesman for Iran's Red Crescent, Mostafa Mortazavi, told the semi-official Fars news agency that firefighters were trying to control the blaze. Senior Health Ministry official later announced via Tasnim news agency that rescue operations had been completed and the final death toll was 44. An investigation into the cause of the crash in the northern province of Semnan was continuing. Semnan provincial Governor Mohammad Reza Khabbaz said it appeared that a train entering the Haft-Khan station on the outskirts of Shahroud ploughed into another that had broken down there. The initial investigation suggests that a mechanical failure, possibly caused by cold weather, forced the express train, operating between the cities of Tabriz and Mashhad, to stop (at Haft-Khan), Khabbaz said. Tabriz state Governor Rahim Shohratifar told Tasnim the moving train had 400 passengers. It was not clear how many passengers were on the stationary train. Fars earlier reported that 100 passengers had been rescued. Semi-official Mehr news agency said four of the dead were railway employees aboard the trains. Irans rail network aged badly under economic sanctions imposed over its disputed nuclear programme, making it difficult to modernise rolling stock, and safety standards suffered. Reuters New York/Melbourne, November 25 Neil Prakash, Australia's most wanted Islamic State jihadist, has been arrested in Turkey, media reports said on Friday, months after the US and Australia said the Fijian-Indian-origin man was killed in an American air strike in Iraq this year. The New York Times reported that Prakash, Australia's most senior Islamic State recruiter, had been arrested in an unnamed Middle Eastern country. The 25-year-old who has gone by the name Abu Khaled al- Cambodi since joining Islamic State in 2013 was believed killed in an American air strike in Iraq in July. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The senior Islamic State recruiter and terror plot instigator was arrested several weeks ago after Australian authorities contacted Turkey saying they had intelligence he was planning to enter the country, ABC News quoted a Turkish official as saying. Prakash, who was of Fijian-Indian and Cambodian descent, has been a prominent member of Islamic State in Iraq, and has sought to recruit Australians to carry out attacks. Quoting a senior American official, the Times said that US forces targeted Prakash earlier this year. Though he was wounded, he survived. "In the last few weeks, however, a Middle Eastern government arrested Mr. Prakash," another senior American military official was quoted as saying. Prakash handed himself to Turkish authorities several weeks ago, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said. Australia's justice minister, Michael Keenan, declined to comment on the new report on Prakash, but conceded that the government's ability to confirm reports of deaths in Syria or Iraq was limited. "As a matter of longstanding practice, the Australian government does not comment on matters of intelligence or law enforcement operations," Keenan said. "The government reported Prakash's death in May on the basis of advice from the US government that he had been killed in an air strike. There have been people who have been reported dead and are later found to be alive." Prakash entered strife-torn Syria in 2013 and has been the public face of a number of Islamic State's propaganda videos. He grew up in Melbourne and converted to Islam in 2012. He attended the now-closed al-Furqan Islamic Centre. In August 2015 the Australian federal police issued a first instance warrant for Prakash's arrest, which is still valid. Prakash was believed to have had links to numerous plots in Australia, including a knife attack by an 18-year-old against two policemen in Melbourne and foiled plans to attack police both last year and this year on Anzac Day, Australia's memorial day for fallen soldiers. According to media reports, Prakash converted from Buddhism to Islam in 2012 after a visit to Cambodia, when he was repulsed by what he viewed as Buddhism's commercialism and idolatry. He attended meetings at Al-Furqan bookstore and prayer centre in Melbourne before becoming a jihadist. PTI New York/Melbourne, Nov 25 Neil Prakash, Australias most senior IS recruiter, has been arrested in the Middle East, a media report said today, months after the US and Australia said he was killed in an American airstrike in Iraq this year. The New York Times reported that Prakash had been arrested in an unnamed Middle Eastern country. The 25-year-old, who has gone by the name Abu Khaled al-Cambodi since joining IS in 2013, was thought to have been killed in an American air strike in Iraq in July. Prakash, who was of Fijian and Cambodian descent, has been a prominent member of Islamic State in Iraq, and has sought to recruit Australians to carry out attacks. Quoting a senior American official, the Times said that US forces targeted Prakash earlier this year. Though he was wounded, he survived. In the last few weeks, however, a Middle Eastern government arrested Prakash, another senior American military official was quoted as saying. Prakash handed himself to Turkish authorities several weeks ago, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said. He entered Syria in 2013 and has been the public face of a number of IS propaganda videos. He grew up in Melbourne and converted to Islam in 2012. He was believed to have had links to many plots in Australia, including a knife attack by an 18-year-old against two policemen in Melbourne and foiled plans to attack police both last year and this year on Anzac Day. PTI 5 nabbed in France had links with IS Paris: Five men arrested in France for preparing an attack in Paris were directed from the Islamic State's heartland, a prosecutor said on Friday. The police arrested seven men and seized arms in raids in the cities of Strasbourg and Marseille last weekend. Two of the suspects were later released but the other five - four Frenchmen and a Moroccan - appeared before anti-terrorism judges, public prosecutor Francois Molins said. France has been under a state of emergency since January 2015 when Islamist extremists carried out the first of three attacks in the country that have left 238 dead. AFP Istanbul, November 25 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday threatened to throw open Turkeys borders to illegal migrants after the European Parliament voted to back a freeze in membership talks with Ankara. Listen to me. If you go any further, then the frontiers will be opened, bear that in mind, Erdogan told the European Union (EU) in a speech in Istanbul. On March 18, Ankara and Brussels forged a deal for Turkey to halt the flow of migrants to European accord that has largely been successful in reducing numbers crossing the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece. Turkey agreed to step up maritime and land border controls in exchange for incentives on its long-stalled membership bid, including visa-free travel for its citizens and an acceleration of accession talks. However, with an October target passing and no apparent progress on the visa issue and accession talks stalled, Ankara has stepped up accusations that Brussels was not keeping its side of the bargain. The latest setback was the vote on Thursday by the European Parliament to freeze membership talks, a move prompted by alarm over Turkeys crackdown after an attempted putsch. But the resolution is non-binding and has not been backed by the European Commission or almost any member states. Erdogan said that the EU had cried out for help in 2015, as tens of thousands of migrants massed at the border crossing with EU member Bulgaria. You began to ask us what will we do if Turkey opens its borders? he asked. Around one million migrants from poverty-stricken countries and refugees from wars crossed into Europe in 2015, raising fears of a social crisis in the EU and strengthening the hand of right-wing nationalist parties. AFP Karachi, November 25 China along with the Pakistani navy would deploy its naval ships to safeguard the strategic Gwadar port and trade routes under the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a navy official here has said, shedding light on a plan likely to alarm India. China and Pakistan are currently building the nearly 3,000-km economic corridor linking Pakistans Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea with Xinjiang to improve connectivity between the two countries. The move would open up a new and cheaper cargo route for transporting oil to China as well as export of Chinese goods to the Middle East and Africa. A Pakistan Navy official said the role of maritime forces has increased since the country has made the Gwadar port operational and speeded up economic activities under the CPEC. China would also deploy its naval ships in coordination with the Pakistani navy to safeguard the port and trade under the CPEC, the unnamed official was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune. Experts feel that CPEC and the Gwadar port would enhance the military capabilities of both China and Pakistan, and make it possible for the Chinese navy to easily access the Arabian Sea. Having a naval base in Gwadar could allow Chinese vessels to use the port for repair and maintenance of their fleet in the Indian Ocean region. Such a foothold would be the first overseas location offering support to the Chinese navy for future missions. Pakistani defence officials are keen for the Chinese navy to build up its presence in the Indian Ocean and the Arabia Sea, mainly to counterbalance Indias formidable naval force. PTI Lahore, November 25 A theatre actress has been shot dead by gunmen in Lahore. Kismat Baig was returning to her house after performing at a stage play when the gunmen riding a car and a motorcycle intercepted her and opened fire on her last evening, the police said. She was shot 11 times in her legs, stomach and hands. Baig and her driver were rushed to Services Hospital where she died because of profuse bleeding, they said. Her drivers condition is reported to be stable. The police suspect that her estranged lover may be behind her murder. IO Asghar Husain said, Probe reveals that she had relations with a Faisalabad-based industrialist. We will summon him and her family members.PTI I understand why the Hamilton cast took their opportunity to deliver a message to the vice president-elect. As I approach my seventh decade, I have yet to have a politician respond personally to a personal letter. Telephone messages left with congressional staff have only placed me on universal constituent email lists. These tend to address everything but my issue: that Title II Social Security is definitively not an entitlement in the pejorative sense (the belief that one inherently deserves privileges or special treatment). Presently, I have the distinct impression that politicians are nearly impervious to communications from their constituency. Admittedly, I have not tried the Click and Clack (the Tappet Brothers) method of writing my concerns on a twenty dollar bill. I cant speak knowledgeably about Medicare, but I was employed by the Social Security Administration from 1988 to 2010. I retired in 2010 from my position as a federal Social Security judge, last stationed in Springfield, Missouri. It is a blessing to return to my native state of Oklahoma. Now Title XVI, Supplemental Security Income, is a type of welfare and could be, I suppose, characterized as an entitlement issue. Title II, on the other hand, is funded by workers and their employers. Money paid out from Title II is a bought and paid for contractual benefit. There is a written contract, the Social Security Act. There are defined written benefits. Most importantly, the worker fully performs his or her contractual obligations each and every time a FICA or SECA payment is made. Incidentally, fully performs are words of art and vitally important in contracts law. The workers have done their duty under the contract. They have done what was required of them. And yet, every year or so, some policy wonk wants to significantly change the terms of the contract, or even to use the sovereign powers to negate it in its entirety. A weaselly way to do this is to have wordsmiths utilize terms such as entitlement, and then imbue the term with negative connotations. Thus benefits are made to seem undeserved or unaffordable. Well, this offends me as an individual who began paying into the system at age 16, 50 years ago. Even more, I took an oath as a federal employee, and again, as a judge, to support the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America. Federal politicians take the same oath. Thus, I have a basis for my firm opinion is that federal politicians should regard Title II Social Security as a contract to be followed under the full force of law, as important as any treaty, and most particularly when the citizenry is concerned. In short, the workers have performed their duty under the contract. Federal politicians should do the same. A related issue is privatization, wherein Wall Street gets its sticky fingers on a pile of workers money. The Social Security website gives this explanation as to how the current trust funds are invested: By law, income to the trust funds must be invested, on a daily basis, in securities guaranteed as to both principal and interest by the federal government. All securities held by the trust funds are special issues of the United States Treasury. Such securities are available only to the trust funds. I suppose that legislation could require the trust to invest in speculative ventures. The current investments in securities are considered the safest of the safe. L.W. Henry is a retired U.S. Social Security judge. He lives in Tulsa. We do and do and do for you kids! And this is the thanks we get? The enforced family proximity of Thanksgiving having just passed, that famous phrase from many a frustrated mothers lecture to ungrateful children might be in the minds of a lot of people at the moment. The Oklahoma Legislature had its own We do and do and do for you kids moment in April, House Bill 3109, and its playing out in school districts across the state this year. The new law requires school districts to give teachers a worksheet detailing how much they are paid, including extra money for extra duties, the value of their state-paid flexible benefits and other district-paid benefits, which can include health, dental, life, disability or other insurance. The mandated rewards statements sparked some social media controversy in Oklahoma City public schools about the same time that voters rejected the $5,000 teacher pay raise proposed State Question 779. The statements included the districts death benefit of $35,000. Not the premium the district paid for the benefit, but the amount the insurance company would have to pay the teachers estate after death. An American Federation of Teachers memo to Oklahoma City teachers called that inappropriate and said the districts Human Resources department had agreed it should have been handled differently. But to education advocates in the Legislature, the whole idea of reiterating compensation in this fashion is insulting even if the statements are accurate. Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, presented the plan as a means of transparently informing teachers who might be considering moving to other states exactly what they are getting here. But he ran into a buzz saw when the proposal came up for final House approval April 28. Democrats started by peppering Caldwell with pointed questions. Teachers already had exactly the same information about pay and benefits listed in their contracts. Did Caldwell think they were too stupid to understand their contracts? No, he said. It was just a matter of greater transparency, a method used by a lot of private employers. But wont someone at the school district have to prepare the worksheet, Democrats asked. Doesnt that make it an unfunded mandate? Not really, Caldwell said. The districts already have to report the same information to the state. Again, its just a matter of transparency, he said. In the Putnam City district at that point, teachers were appealing to parents to bring copy paper to school so they would be able to print their childrens homework for them. Who was going to pay for the paper to print the rewards statements? Caldwell withstood the storm, but sounded a bit flat at the end. The rhetoric got even hotter in the subsequent debate. Rep. Eric Proctor, D-Tulsa, a former teacher, called the worksheets extremely insulting. Our public educators are intelligent people.... They are professionals and its about time we treated them like professionals, he said. Minority Leader Scott Inman, D-Del City, said teachers know very well how much they are paid without a redundant state-mandated worksheet, which he described as an arrogant political point and appalling. The unsubtle message, he said was that teachers need to stop griping about state cuts to education and be happy. Again, you hear the voice of the angry mother: Youll take what you get, and youll like it. Those lectures never really worked for any mom anywhere, and its hard to imagine how even an endless stream of rewards statements are going to convince Oklahoma teachers that theyre being adequately compensated. Because they arent. Residents in Valsayn South are said to be marooned in their homes. Councillor for the area S Melbourne community broadcaster Channel 31 will broadcast for a record-breaking 144 hours of Live TV as a final act before it is forced to switch off its signal. The community TV sector has been fighting a government directive to switch to online only from midnight on December 31st, and has opted to go out with a bang! Were going to claim an unofficial Australian free-to-air TV record, surpassing previous milestones held by the likes of the Apollo moon landing and others, by going live to air for six straight days, 24 hours a day. Well be Live, around the clock for a total of 144 hours! it said in a statement. Not only will we be producing the last piece of Community TV on your free-to-air screens, well be streaming it all to the C31 Facebook page (@C31Melbourne), and posting highlights around the clock to our YouTube network. And, it wont just be C31 Melbourne getting involved, our friends in Adelaide (44 Adelaide), Perth (WTV), Brisbane (31 Digital) and RMITV (the birthplace of Rove, Hamish & Andy, Waleed Aly) are on board to take the wheel throughout the week, Plus well be sending our roving reporters around town for a bunch of live crosses with many special guests. Last Week Live plans to celebrate the history and legacy of Community TV in Australia, and continues to provide training to young producers and technical volunteers. It takes place from Monday the 26th to Saturday the 31st of December. Amended. Former Prime Minister Paul Keating is the latest to weigh in with criticism of the ABC. Speaking at Melbourne University, Keating praised SBS News at the expense of ABC. In the case of the ABC news, if you want to watch a good news service, watch SBS news, which tells you whats happening in Iraq, whats happening in the US election, whats happening with Donald Trump, he said. What you get on the ABC is: A truck has just overturned on the Pacific Highway. Its like in the 1970s. The ABC is letting Australia down in terms of news presentation. In the case of the 7:30 Report it is a news magazine, instead of a hard news breaking operation. His comments follow Indigenous leader Noel Pearson accusing the public broadcaster of stories build around misery and tragedy. The comments were made at a book launching a Keating biography. Hes taken the view that Aboriginal people are best when they are able to earn their own income and live their own independent lives and that welfare diminishes their standing and inner confidence, Keating said today. It may be true to say and I am not saying it that the ABC promulgates the view that the shift away form the welfare basis was the wrong way to go. ABC rejected Mr. Pearsons views defending that the ABC provides more coverage of Indigenous issues and has a broader Indigenous staffing profile than any other Australia media outlet. Source: Fairfax Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed the law on rendering humanitarian aid to the state of Israel, the presidents press service reports. "The head of state issued the decree to provide humanitarian aid to the State of Israel to assist in overcoming the emergency situation as a result of outbreak of fires," reads the statement. The Cabinet of Ministers was instructed to urgently ensure the provision of appropriate humanitarian assistance. The president also ordered the Ukrainian interior minister to send two AN-32 aircraft to help Israeli firefighters to extinguish fires near the city of Haifa. On November 22, wildfires swept through central and northern parts of Israel. More than 75,000 people have been evacuated. Firefighting airplanes help firefighters to combat the fires. iy One Ukrainian soldier was killed in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in eastern Ukraine over the last day, Ukrainian Defense Ministrys Spokesperson for ATO issues Colonel Andriy Lysenko stated. As a result of combat actions in the past day, one Ukrainian soldier was shot dead by enemy sniper in the village of Opytne, Lysenko said at a press briefing in Kyiv on Friday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. iy The European Union will allocate EUR 16 million for the fight against corruption in Ukraine. This is stipulated in the agreement on financing of the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative in Ukraine, which was signed at the EU-Ukraine summit in Brussels today, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. The document was signed by Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic integration Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze and EU Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn. The total budget for the initiative is EUR 16.34 million, including the EUs contribution of EUR 15 million and the contribution of the Danish Foreign Ministry in the amount of EUR 1.34 million. The funds will be directed at strengthening the capacities of public authorities responsible for the fight against corruption, improving the parliamentary oversight over the process of reform, and involving the civil society and the media in implementation of the anti-corruption measures. ol Israel is ready to issue up to 20,000 work visas for Ukrainian citizens for temporary employment in the construction sector. This was announced by Head of the Ukrainian Parliament Committee for Social Policy, Employment, and Pensions Liudmyla Denysova, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "Of course, it is an opportunity for improving the financial standing of our workers, as well as for providing jobs to those citizens with working experience in construction who are currently unemployed," Denysova said. ol The government of Turkey will allocate a $50 million loan to Ukraine, according to Turkey's official journal, Resmi Gazete. The Cabinet of Turkey following a request from the Treasury approved the agreement on the allocation of a $50 million loan to Ukraine, Turkeys Anadolu reports. The agreement was signed on February 15, 2016.The credit will be earmarked to support Ukraine in the crisis period. As earlier reported, Ukraine and Turkey signed an agreement on a $50 million loan for Ukraine to finance the general fund of the national budget. The loan is issued for five years with an annual rate not higher than 2.5%. iy November 25 marks a year since Ukraine stopped to import gas from Russia. This is reported by the press service of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine. "Today, we mark a year since we stopped to import gas from Russia. This date is significant for Ukraine, because gas was the main symbol of political and economic dependence of our state on the neighboring countries just three years ago. Since the start of military aggression against our country, the issue of getting rid of this dependence has become the issue of saving Ukraine as a state," the statement reads. It is noted that free European gas market has been forming in Ukraine, consumers get gas and heat on time and without any political concessions to Russia, while Ukrainian defense funding has been increased several times. ol As of November 25, 277 Ukrainian companies have the right to export products to the European Union markets. Head of Ukraines State Service on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Volodymyr Lapa said this at IX National Conference with International Participation Diary Business -2016. We see the progress in promotion of domestic producers on the EU market. Thus, at present 277 Ukrainian enterprises have the right to export their products to the European market, of which 97 enterprises produce food products, 180 companies produce products of non-animal origin, Lapa said. iy It is important for Ukraine and Hungary to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, economic and energy fields. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman, who paid an official visit to Hungary, wrote this on Facebook. "Today I met with Hungarian President Janos Ader. It is important for Ukraine and Hungary to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, economic and energy spheres. During the meeting, we discussed the issues of environmental protection and as a result agreed to intensify practical measures to improve the ecology of the River Tisza," Groysman wrote. ish Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman held a meeting with Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban on Thursday, the governments press service reports. Commenting on the results of the meeting, Prime Minister Groysman said that a number of bilateral documents were signed between the two countries, in particular on joint implementation of infrastructure projects, cooperation in the sphere of finances and sports. There is full understanding and support of cooperation between the two countries. I believe that we have very good bases for our cooperation, the Ukrainian prime minister said. Also, according to Groysman, Hungary reaffirmed its support of Ukraines territorial integrity and the completion of ratification of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. The sides also discussed the issues of protection of rights of national monitories in the states. iy During the 18th EU-Ukraine Summit, the issue on conclusion of an agreement on the Common Aviation Area between the EU and Ukraine in the near future has been also discussed. Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine Kostyantyn Yeliseyev said this during a press conference in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "At the Summit, we have raised the issue on conclusion of an agreement on the Common Aviation Area between the EU and Ukraine in the near future," he said. Yeliseyev has added that in order to accelerate the signing of this important agreement, the telephone conversation between President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is expected to be held today. ish A dusty scene in Al Alam camp, where UNHCR is providing shelter and protection to about 180 Iraqis displaced by violence in Mosul and its vicinity. UNHCR/Nasreddine Touaibia As night-time temperatures in Mosul have begun to drop to freezing, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is opening two new camps to accommodate Iraqis displaced by the fighting in Iraqs second city. In the past week, UNHCR has opened Al Alam, in Tikrit, which is hosting 180 Iraqis, with more expected. Amalla camp, near Telafar, is set to open next week. Existing camps are rapidly filling up. Already three UNHCR-run or supported camps (Qaymawa, Hasansham and the government-built Khazer M1 camp) are full and it could soon be a struggle to find new sites to shelter families uprooted from their homes. UNHCR currently has a total of six camps open -- in Erbil, Duhok, Kirkuk and Salah Al-din governorates. UNHCR-run and supported camps in Erbil and Duhok governorates alone host more than 47,485 displaced Iraqis, or 68% of the almost 70,000 Iraqis who have fled Mosul since a military offensive began on October 17. The numbers fleeing the city have been stable in recent days, but could climb again if clashes in the city intensify and safe routes out emerge. UNHCR provides support through camp management, protection monitoring and distribution of emergency items, including in the government-built Khazer M1 camp in Hasansham, which currently hosts nearly 29,000 people. A further three camps are under construction with another one planned. But UNHCR is warning that it could soon run out of space if there is a spike in the numbers of those displaced. UNHCR is still urgently trying to find new land that could be suitable to build more camps if needed. With winter setting in, it is more critical to find shelter solutions to ensure that families are not left in the cold. UNHCR has begun distributing extra winter assistance to displaced families. The help includes insulated mattresses, quilts, blankets, insulation liners for tents and kerosene stoves. UNHCR hopes to be able to provide winter assistance to 1.2 million displaced Iraqis in the coming months. UNHCR's Mosul emergency response has been budgeted at USD 196.2 million. So far, 57%, or USD111.9 million, has been received. For more information on this topic, please contact: Nigerian refugee Kadija, 19, walked for four days with her child on her back before reaching Kousseri camp in Cameroon in March 2015. UNHCR/Helene Caux Thousands of Nigerian refugees are living in difficult conditions in isolated and insecure border areas of northernmost Cameroon and urgently need assistance. UNHCR is keen to help, but the continuing Boko Haram threat is a hindrance to regular access. A UNHCR team was earlier this month able to visit previously inaccessible border areas of Far North Region, including Fotokol, Makary and Mogode districts, where they helped pre-register more than 21,000 refugees who have been living for months with host families after fleeing deadly Boko Haram attacks in north-east Nigeria. It was the first time we have been able to visit these people and there are believed to be more. Latest UN figures put the number of out of camp refugees there at 27,000. The team found refugees were living under tough conditions. Some are staying with destitute host families but most were sleeping in the open under trees, in makeshift shelters or on the dirt floors of dilapidated classrooms. Others were staying in abandoned villages whose residents had fled Boko Haram assaults. A number of families were separated while crossing the border to Cameroon. Many of the out of camp refugees said they longed for security to improve in northern Nigeria so that they can return home after living with their hosts for so long in cramped conditions, and with no privacy. Some feared being sent back across the border. In some villages, lack of health care and sanitation as well as potable water is a major concern as infrastructure has been destroyed or damaged. Basic services are non-existent in many areas. In Fotokol, for example, 25 schools were closed because of Boko Haram attacks, denying children an education. The refugees have been almost totally dependent on the local community and many have been helping local farmers for money. Others sell goods at weekly markets. World Food Programme is distributing food in areas it can reach. Because of the insecurity and tough conditions, UNHCR is encouraging people to relocate to Minawao camp deeper inside the region, where they can access assistance in safety. Those who do not wish to go to the camp will be given shelter and household assistance. Security permitting, hopes to return to formally register those who stay. We would like to register all the refugees but security remains an issue in a region where Boko Haram attacks and killings continue to be reported. As a result, humanitarian access to those in need, remains difficult. The prevailing security situation has impacted UNHCR's intervention in the north of the country, where there are also some 199,000 internally displaced people. In the past, UNHCR has encouraged refugees to head to Minawao, which is home to almost 60,000 of the 87,000 Nigerian refugees in the Far North Region of Cameroon. In October, IOM estimated the number of out-of-camp refugees to be around 27,000. Following the pre-registration exercise recently carried-out in some districts of the region, UNHCR believes that their number may be considerably higher. Those who stayed in the border area did so in the hope that they could go home soon, but they were at risk of being picked up and returned home. UNHCR has reminded the government of its obligations under international law to provide asylum to those in need and encouraged it to maintain an open door policy for refugees. We have also offered our expertise to help screen refugee returnees to ensure they are going back voluntarily. In Cameroon, UNHCR ensures protection and assistance to some 370,000 refugees and asylum seekers, including the Nigerians and 259,145 Central African Republic refugees. UNHCR programmes also target the internally displaced as well as host communities. For more information on this topic, please contact: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi meets with residents of a housing tower for Ukrainians displaced by fighting in the country's east. Grandi shakes hands with Zinaida Vognystaya, 74, who fled from Avdiivka and has been living in the complex since January 2015. UNHCR/John Wendle UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has appealed to all parties involved in the conflict in Ukraine to improve freedom of movement at check points for people living near the line of contact and to allow humanitarian aid to reach hundreds of thousands of people displaced in government and non-government controlled areas. Grandi's appeal came at the end of his first visit to Ukraine on Thursday, in which he pushed for solutions for affected populations on both sides of the line of contact. He was greatly impressed by the resilience of Ukrainian people displaced or continuing to reside on both sides of the line of contact. Many still live in partially destroyed homes, in villages now lacking some public services including transport. Grandi observed that some people had already returned to their areas of former residence. Two and a half years of conflict have left more than two million Ukrainians displaced from their homes or living as refugees in Russia. Despite a ceasefire in place since 2014, civilians continue to pay a very high price as a result of the conflict, especially in the areas on both sides of the line of contact. Grandi witnessed the growing humanitarian challenges in the frontline towns and villages of eastern Ukraine as harsh and bitter winter conditions are about to set in. Existing procedures at check points have severely limited the ability of people to leave the conflict area, return home to visit family members or check their property. Long queues and bureaucratic procedures further increase the isolation of frontline communities and divide families. Many people are unable to access services like medical care and social benefits. Grandi visited several villages near Sloviansk, Luhansk and Donetsk which were heavily damaged by shelling and fighting, where people are returning. In some villages, the situation is desperate with many houses in ruins, without windows and roofs. The High Commissioner witnessed two-kilometre-long queues at a checkpoint with elderly people and families with children, who had spent the previous night in freezing temperatures to cross the line of contact in Mayorsk. UNHCR and its partners have started programs to help people to repair their houses. In non-government controlled areas near Luhansk, houses for 1,200 families have already been prepared and work for an additional 2,000 is planned for next year. UNHCR is ready to support people living near the contact line in improving access to social services and transport. UNHCR calls on the international community, including financial institutions, to support Ukraine. For more information on this topic, please contact: UNHCR distribution of winter relief items in Hasansham camp, where night-time temperatures now reach freezing. UNHCR/Bathoul Ahmed With the onset of winter and temperatures falling in parts of the Middle East, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has started delivering life-saving assistance to 4.6 million displaced Iraqis and Syrians to help them weather the adverse conditions. Nearly 15 million displaced Iraqis and Syrians face yet another season of grinding hardship and uncertainty, away from their homes and livelihoods. The continuing offensive in Mosul, Iraq, has already displaced scores of thousands. UNHCR aims to reach 3.2 million Syrian IDPs and refugees and 1.4 million displaced Iraqis within Syria and Iraq, as well as in Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt. By comparison, last year, a total of 3.2 million displaced Syrians and Iraqis received winter aid from UNHCR. The USD 355 million Winter Assistance Plan for 2016-2017 is only partially funded. The bulk of the USD 68 million shortfall is for Iraqs winter plan for IDPs, which is particularly concerning as the offensive in Mosul has caused significant displacement. The UNHCR aid includes a mixture of cash payments to those in need, as well as the distribution of winter necessities like clothing, blankets, heating fuel, insulation materials and other basics. Engineering support is also provided in camps and settlements. Overall, assistance is increasingly moving towards cash, which offers flexibility and independence to recipients. Regionally, half of displaced Syrians being targeted, or 1.6 million people, will receive some form of cash assistance. For displaced Iraqis, 75 per cent will benefit from cash payments. Distribution of winter items is already underway; across the region, 41 per cent of winter items have been released. In Iraq, the distribution of essential winter items to 1.2 million displaced Iraqis is accelerating, including for families recently displaced in the current Mosul offensive. Around 178,000 Syrian refugees will also benefit. UNHCRs winter assistance programme for Iraqi refugees is just half-funded, leaving a USD 62 million gap. In Syria, winter distribution started in September, targeting over 1.2 million internally displaced persons and refugees, with a budget of USD 30 million. So far, assistance has been provided to nearly 800,000 people in the forms of winter clothing and shelter kits. Priority is being given to newly-displaced, vulnerable families and those in sub-standard shelters in hard-to-reach areas. In Jordan, UNHCR will provide winter assistance to over 292,000 vulnerable Syrians and nearly 30,000 Iraqis and other nationalities. All Syrian refugees in camps will be provided with cash to address shelter maintenance or non-food items, and for gas. UNHCR aims to assist 870,000 Syrian refugees and 6,000 Iraqi refugees in Lebanon. For the first time in Lebanon, a new formula is being used to identify those most in need. Seasonal cash assistance of USD 147 per month will help vulnerable households to meet their winter needs, in addition to USD 75 for those having already received assistance to meet extra seasonal expenses. In Turkey, UNHCR aims to reach 540,000 vulnerable Syrian and 22,000 Iraqi refugees living in and out of camps. Camp residents will receive warm clothing; one-off cash payments via debit cards of USD 200-300 per family, which replaces vouchers, will be available for urban refugees. A total of 86,500 refugees will receive seasonal support, primarily through cash payments, in Egypt. A one-time payment of USD 38 per person is being distributed to those in need, through Post Offices for Syrian refugees in cold areas, while for Iraqi refugees and others, cash assistance will be provided through ATM cards. Detailed information on our country-by-country response is available in the 2016-17 UNHCR Regional Winter Assistance Plan. For further information on our winter efforts, please contact: Alaa has spent 4 years in Lebanon grieving for lost loved ones back home and worrying about those who remained. UNHCR/ Sam Tarling BEIRUT, Lebanon It was a Thursday evening last month, four years since Alaa* and her family had sought refuge in Lebanon. Aleppo Today was playing on the television in the background, the voice of a news anchor running through the days casualties. When her phone rang, Alaa shuddered. Its Aleppo, she said. On the other end of the line, her sister Samar broke the dreadful news. Alaas 16-year-old nephew, Samars son, had been killed by an explosion while on his way home from school. I felt that my heart was about to stop beating. Tears gushed from my eyes but Samar was strangely composed. I am not sure where she found the strength. She said she would rather die a hero in Aleppo than leave the only place she can call home, Alaa said. Lebanon is host to over one million Syrian refugees. But despite being far from the war raging in their hometown, life in Syria continues to haunt them in their place of asylum. "She said she would rather die a hero in Aleppo than leave the only place she can call home. In the more than four years she has spent as a refugee in Lebanon, 39-year-old Alaa has grown grimly accustomed to the agony of mourning loved ones who remained in her hometown of Aleppo. Since arriving in Lebanon with her husband and four children in 2012, she has lost 14 relatives back home. Thirteen of them, including two of her sisters and their children, were killed in the ugly brutal conflict, while her mother died out of sheer grief, she said, and her sister Samar is the only one who now remains in the city. Alaas harrowing experience underlines the high human toll of Syrias brutal conflict, now in its sixth year. It also reveals how the horror currently unfolding in Aleppo reaches far beyond the city itself, impacting even those that have found relative safety in exile. Since Alaa* (left) arrived in Lebanon in 2012 with her son Adib* and other family, she has lost 14 relatives back home. UNHCR/ Sam Tarling Adib* takes part in a psychomotor therapy group designed to help children traumatised by war at the Restart Centre in Beirut, Lebanon. UNHCR/ Sam Tarling Adib* (L) and his brother Bushra*, 10, from Aleppo, show their drawings to UNHCR staff member Dana Sleiman, in their home in Lebanon. UNHCR/Sam Tarling Alaas sister Samar tells her that getting from the rebel-held Seif Al Dawleh district in eastern Aleppo, where she currently lives, to her pre-war home in Salaheddine normally a five minute commute is now too dangerous a route and can take up to 10 hours. Reaching Damascus is ever more challenging. We used to pay 10 liras to visit the capital. Now my sister says its 2,000 liras each way and reaching the city is not guaranteed. Alaa is unable to send her sister money, and often loses touch with her for days on end due to heavy fighting and the lack of communications networks. I wait for her messages in agony but dread the moment that she will call. Many, like Alaa and her family from Aleppo, were forced to move multiple times inside Syria before finally reaching safety in Lebanon. Underlining the increasing dangers for those remaining in eastern Aleppo, UNHCR published findings of a survey of residents conducted with partners late last month. It showed 63 per cent of respondents knew someone who had died or was injured by explosives, while 82 per cent cited damage to their property. Many, though, said they would stay even if there were safe evacuation routes. Survey of 398 east #Aleppo residents: 63% said they were aware of deaths or injuries from explosives https://t.co/5SvUZBDrCr pic.twitter.com/tISjVTvv3c UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) November 25, 2016 Intensified fighting in Aleppo has cut off humanitarian access to most parts of the city, resulting in shortages of food, medical supplies and other essentials. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has long called upon all parties to the conflict to allow humanitarian organizations to carry out their duties in safety, and to protect medical facilities, schools, water infrastructure and the lives of civilians and humanitarian workers, while allowing essential evacuations. They havent had running water or electricity in years. My sisters husband works three jobs to put food on the table, said Alaa. Humanitarian aid never reaches the area where they live. She often begs her sister to join her in Lebanon, even though she knows that leaving the city nowadays is increasingly difficult. Alaa has spent years in Lebanon tormented in her own isolated world, grieving for lost loved ones back home and worrying about those who remained. For a long time, all I wanted to do was sleep so that I could dream about my family. I used to get so upset when my husband woke me, she said. Despite the pain, Alaa is trying to get back on her feet. Since April, she has been attending a UNHCR-supported community centre in Beirut, where she and her family receive psycho-social support. I look forward to Fridays because I get to go out and meet people. Alaa says she wants to feel better so she can take better care of her four children. They need me, and I want them to be happy, to get an education and be capable of hoping for a better future again. Her husband works odd jobs as a handyman but it is not enough to make ends meet. The family receives US$162 worth of food assistance every month. * Names changed for protection purposes Saitama fans are anticipating his return in "One Punch Man" Season 2 and are waiting for the continuation of his adventures. There are talks going around rumor mills that Saitama's return would cater to a new persona as a villain. Saitama the villain in "One Punch Man" Season 2? Wild speculations are saying Saitama's return in "One Punch Man" Season 2 will become a villain due to several factors. One rumor is based on a leaked sneak peak of the first episode of Season 2 where Saitama seems to be angry with a group of people. One other rumor that says he might turn into a villain is due to heartbreak. The rumor goes on saying that the cause is that Saitama in "One Punch Man" Season 2 will be involved in a love triangle. This wild rumor further says that it will involve Tatsumaki and her sister Fubuki, a Class-S and a Class-B Hero respectively. Time Bomb and Monster Admirer The coming "One Punch Man" Season 2 marks the appearance of Garou, also referred to as a "Time Bomb" and a "Monster Admirer," Garou will attack the Hero Association upon his arrival. If the manga is followed to the letter as what the anime has done so far, Garou's entrance in Season 2 is an opportune time and is highly likely. Another character that is likely to appear in "One Punch Man" Season 2 is a Class-S hero called King. He is said to be fearsome that even monsters are wary of him. Furthermore, there are also reports of the re-appearance of Lord Boros. His return marks Saitama's biggest battle where it is said that Lord Boros is now much stronger than he was in "One Punch Man" Season 1. "One Punch Man" Season 1 ended with the battle of Saitama and Lord Boros, creator Yusuke Murata could create more opponents for Saitama, hints were dropped in Amai and Metal Knight as a possible future nemesis, according to SportsRageous. More episodes in Season 2 Murata has already announced he is working hard to for the series follow-up of "One Punch Man." The process involves as little as nine months to as long as two years for a season to be created. The announcement of "One Punch Man" Season 2 as earlier reported confirmed, according to Animenewsnetwork though there is no announcement of a release date so far. However, there are numerous reports that "One Punch Man" Season 2 will have 19 episodes as opposed to the 1st season's 12 episodes. Google Nexus 7 and all of its speculations have been circulating through the web for awhile. After investigating all the rumors, these are the possible reasons, why the tablet could steal the show in 2017 gadget trend. Google Nexus 7 to be the first tablet to rock Andromeda OS Andromeda OS, a hybrid operating system that merges features in Chrome and Android, is said to debut inside two Nexus devices, a hybrid laptop and a tablet. The report comes from reputable sources. First, Android Police has said that Pixel 3 laptop debuts in Q3 2017, will run Andromeda OS. And the second, Nexus 7 has been mentioned in the news including Forbes' article that stated a 'Huawei Nexus tablet' is on track for a release. Andromeda OS will be a huge invention in tech world as it promises to make tablets, laptops and smartphones more connected to each other. Other than the platform marriage, the operating system allows a device to have adaptable UI, accessible file system and other features that will enhance multitasking experience. Google Nexus 7 rumored specs could be the selling point You may have heard about the rumored Galaxy Tab S3 with its Nougat OS, Snapdragon 652 Soc and 3 GB of RAM. The configuration seems attractive but the Nexus 7 with 4 GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 820 chipset should be more tempting for tablet seekers. If both AMOLED devices come to fruition, then Nexus tablet's speedy performance will make it far ahead of Galaxy Tab S3. Google Nexus 7 tablet will be affordable if... There have been speculations whether or not Google's upcoming device will be built by Huawei. The Pixel phones have successfully entered the higher-end market and if ever Google Nexus 7 tablet will join the Pixel family, tech geeks can expect more expensive pricetag. However, reputable leakster Evan Blass, did mention about Huawei-built Nexus tablet which indicates that the powerful device will still be affordable. Google Nexus 7 is expected to be released in Q3 2017. "Naruto Shippuden" will bring a new arc to the anime series as Sasuke returns to his hometown of Konoha to help his people in "Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise." The new episode is an adaptation of Shin Towada's novel of the same name. There has been two confirmed episodes for this story arc, which are "Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise - The Detonating Man" and "Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise - Colosseum." The new episodes will be aired on Dec. 1, Mobilenapps reported. There has been two confirmed episodes that are based on the book. The story follows Uchiha Sasuke after fighting in the Fourth Shinobi War. This new arc will lead him to a question on a revenge against his brother and search for a more meaningful life. Fans Theorize Four Episodes There are no confirmed reports on how many episodes the book adaptation will cover, but there are rumors that it will take around four episodes. The earlier novel adaptation of "Itachi's Story - Light and Darkness," which has 544 pages took 8 episodes. Meanwhile, "Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise" has 244 pages, Saiyan Island reported. The "Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise" novel was released in Japan in 2015. The book focuses on Sasuke's journey to seek vengeance against his brother, who destroyed his hometown of Konoha. But Naruto was there to stop him. In the story he later on pursued the mysterious Kaguya Otsutsuki. Other Novel Adaptations Besides the Sasuke arc, it is confirmed that the Naruto series will also adapt two more Novels, the "Konoha Hiden: The Perfect day for a Wedding" and the "Shikamaru Hidden: A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness." There are no official reports on when these episodes will air, but they are expected for release right after the Sasuke story. Fans will have to wait for further reports on the progress of the animated series. This Week, President Elect Donald Trump has made it known that he is choosing Besy DeVos as his Education Secretary when he takes his seat in the oval office. Although the choice is not final yet, he still stands by his nomination. Betsy DeVos is an alumni and graduate of Calvin College. Calvin College is a Christian Reformed Church school that is named after John Calvin. Calvin was a Protestant reformer. President Elect Donald Trump nominated Betsy DeVos because of her close ties with the Christian Reformed assemblage in Michigan, cites the Washington Post. DeVos is a well known name not only in politics around Michigan but also because of her championing for private school voucher programs. DeVos' position regarding school vouchers stem from her own Christian faith. When her children started going to school she saw parents of kids from the Potter's House Christian School, Grand Rapids doing everything they can to make sure their kids are in a safe environment for learning. This in turn pushed DeVos to support students and grew into something bigger. Her push for such programs raised eyebrows among the public education community members. But she is also recognized by the religious community for her philanthropic and charitable work in Christian faith. According to the publication, it looks like Trump is drawing authorities from a business-minded group of people. Doug Koopman, a political scientist at Calvin College, said that she uses education as a tool for the common good. Koopman describes her as an individual, that if chosen as Education Secretary, that would focus on the larger issues. On record, DeVos and her family was not a supporter of Trump and his campaign. They heavily supported Clinton with her family donating close to $25,000. While Trump is still making his list, it is not yet known if DeVos will be the right fit alongside Trump's other cabinet nominations. To celebrate Turkey Day, celebrity television host and game show host Steve Harvey took some time off from his busy schedule to visit Alabama State University. This was ASU's way of promoting the Turkey Day Classic events in the campus. This made the school earn national recognition. Aside from the talent show, the school is also hosting a Homecoming Turkey Day Classic game with the ASU Hornets versus the Golden Bears from Miles College. On November 23, 2016, Steve Harvey brought laughter at the ASU's Acadome. He was there at around 8:00 AM and broadcasted the grounds live. Alabama State University held their annual Turkey Day Classic and Steve Harvey used his hosting talents to lead the talent contest, cites the Montgomery Advertiser. As expected, he talked jokes and made people laugh during the whole morning. The crew set up the place like it was an actual talent show with bright lights and Hollywood cameras everywhere. Steve Harvey is not only known as a game show host but he is also known as a comedian. He brought his funny charms along with his suit at the Alabama State University campus and the student community laughed alongside his jokes. He hosted the local singing sensations of the college during the live telecast of the "Steve Harvey Morning Show" and, like he does on television, made everyone laugh at the expense of the contestants. According to the publication, an individual named Angela Harris, who was a nurse at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care, told Steve Harvey that she worked for the mental health department for 12 years. In Harvey-style, he tried not to poke fun at the contestant but eventually gave in to the crowd and dished out jokes. Harris did not seem to mind. She was too excited to notice anything else as she just wanted to sing "I'll be There" by the Jackson Five. She even pointed out that her nerves went away after Harvey made those jokes. British actor Arnold Oceng is currently promoting his two new films, "Brotherhood" and "A United Kingdom." In "A United Kingdom," he takes on the role of Charles. But he has had several movies under his belt too. And he has high praises for his co-stars. He had Arnold Oceng has the chance to work with actors Idris Elba, John Boyega and Chiewtel Ejiofor. And even though the Hollywood Industry had the "Oscars So White" controversy, Oceng believes that a change is coming. He explains the difference between America and the United Kingdom. When he sat down with HeyUGuys, he said that actors can play several roles in the United States. In the UK, however, he says there is a glass ceiling. He looks at his own portfolio as a reference. Most of the roles he has done were stereotypical bad boys but he also has hopes of doing other roles. In "A United Kingdom," he plays a graduate of Oxford University. In the movie, he is an educated man from Kenya who went to Oxford for his higher education. His character wanted to become the next Kenyan Attorney General. He refers to the film as a current movie and its relevance to racial discrimination, racial politics and diversity is still present today. Oceng remembers his own experiences growing up. He did have his share of racial abuse and says that it is because of the lack of education that people are like that. But regardless of that, it has still been an uphill and successful climb for Oceng. His agent even refers to it as "The Year of the Oceng." And it seems like he has a lot more projects coming his way. For now, he feels like he was always the underdog. The one where nobody expects him to become successful in movies with high profiles. Watch "A United Kingdom" on November 25, 2016, as it premieres in theaters. Samsung is reportedly preparing for the rolling out of Android 7.0 Nougat to Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 EDGE, as the company is looking forward to deliver more exciting features to its users. Is it true that Nougat experience in Galaxy S7 is better than the Google Pixel phones has to offer? Find out the truth here! Android 7.0 Nougat for Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 EDGE release date The long wait is almost over for the fans of Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 EDGE handsets as the South Korean tech company is preparing for the rollout of Android 7.0 Nougat to their respective handsets im December. According to Tech Radar, Android's latest beta program is worth the wait because it brings a lot of changes most especially to the features. The said rollout will be available to the users residing in the following countries: United Kingdom, United States, South Korea and China. The rollout is also expected anytime soon in the Philippines as confirmed by a representative of beta program in the assistance chatroom conversation. Android 7.0 Nougat Features It seems like Samsung has prepared so much for the rolling out of Andoid 7.0 Nougat to Galaxy S7 and S7 EDGE due to the reported enhancements on the features of the newest version of mobile OS. According to GSM Arena, one of the most notable changes is the split-creen mechanism where Samsung has split the important apps from the non-important ones through providing two screens. In addition, the following are also expected from the latest updates: improved power options added camera feature e.g. swipe new clock styles added feature e.g. Smart Manager, Always On Display redesigned call screen that reflects status of all calls simplified but optimized user interface redesigned calendar customized lockscreen enhanced notifications redesigned home screen enhanced accessibility Android 7.0 Nougat to Other Samsung Handsets Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 EDGE are likely to be the next in line for the update. The two units have reportedly spotted runnng Android 7.0 Nougat in GFXBench and GeekBench. Leaders of several colleges and universities have risen up to defend undocumented students. This comes after growing concerns about these students' futures after Donald Trump's victory at the 2016 U.S. election. It was previously reported that hostile acts against minority students have surged in campuses across the nation after Donald Trump won as president-elect. Universities have been trying to pacify fears about the nation's future by organizing meetings and counseling sessions. A University of Michigan student was approached by a man who told her that, if she would not remove her hijab, he would set her on fire using a lighter. The woman complied and removed her hijab. UPenn black students also received hateful, racist text messages. According to The Washington Post, hundreds of leaders from various colleges and universities have banded together to defend students who moved to the United States while they were still children. It was noted that the Obama administration has protected these students under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. However, the program is being threatened by incoming president Donald Trump. He has been vocal about his disdain over the program. Opponents of Obama have denounced DACA as "executive overreach." Trump transition spokesman Jason Miller confirmed that Trump is planning to "immediately terminate" Obama's "illegal executive amnesties." "The President-elect has consistently pledged to rescind all illegal and unconstitutional executive orders from the current administration, and this is one of them," Miller told the publication. Danna Chavez Calvi, an undocumented student, revealed that "the uncertainty has skyrocketed to an unimaginable level." She is currently a senior at George Mason University. California State University has recently vowed to protect undocumented students from Donald Trump's threats. Timothy White, chancellor of the California State University (CSU) system, announced that they want people to know that they support these students. White added that the school will not be working with the state, local or federal law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration law. He has revealed that CSU police departments will not honor immigration hold requests for about 10,000 to 12,000 undocumented students. In months leading up to the 2016 U.S. election, president-elect Donald Trump was slammed by a fraud case for his for-profit university. Recently, he has paid a settlement for the case but it allegedly did not come from his foundation or charity. Earlier this month, Donald Trump and his lawyers have requested for the postponement of the hearing of his fraud case. Apparently, he is citing the excuse of being a "political novice" and the challenges he will face during the transition to the White House. He was faced with two different federal lawsuits for Trump University. The for-profit learning enterprise is accused of deceiving students who were eager to learn his real estate secrets. Back in summer, Donald Trump was able to successfully request that the trial and his testimony be postponed until the election has finished. Now, as he emerged victorious, his lawyers argued that he is too busy to prepare for the trial. The New York Times reported that Trump's representatives have agreed that they will not be using money from the president-elect's charitable foundation to pay the $25 million settlement for the fraud case. Last Friday, the lawyers sent a letter to Eric T. Schneiderman, the New York State attorney general, to confirm that no funds for the settlement would come from "any charitable foundation or other charitable entity." This became an issue because Donald Trump has used money from his charitable foundation, the Donald J. Trump Foundation, to pay for lawsuit settlements for his business and personal activities. Just last month, over a quarter of a million dollars from his charity has been used to resolve legal disputes. Reuters added that Donald Trump has finally agreed to paying the $25 million settlement. It will cover three lawsuits: two class action suits in California as well as a case in New York brought by Schneiderman. According to Trump's attorney, Daniel Petrocelli, the settlement is a testament to the president-elect's efforts to set aside his personal agenda in order to work on issues that the country is facing. "President-elect Trump has laser focus on moving forward. It's time to move on," Petrocelli said. The University of Louisville has allocated $2.4 million as budget to hire a "diverse faculty." It was noted that the same institution faced backlash last year for seeking a physics professor who was not white or Asian. "The Department of Physics and Astronomy announces a tenure-track assistant professor position that will be filled by an African-American, Hispanic American or a Native American Indian [sic]," the school's former ad read. The College Fix reported that campus leaders sent a memo to the university community last month about its hiring plans. It has a "new program to support diverse faculty hires." "When fully implemented, an allocation of $2,430,000 will support the hiring of new diverse faculty over five years," the university said in a statement. "The program will be initiated in AY 2016-17 and guidelines for applying for the funds have been completed." It was noted that the university president has already appointed a Diversity Steering Committee. It included representatives from the Faculty, Staff, Student Senates, Council of Academic Officers, Commission on Diversity and Racial Equality (CODRE) as well as the Commission on the Status of Women (COSW), among others. The workgroups will be tasked to increase the number of faculty of color. They are also responsible for scholarships for Hispanic/Latino students, an Identity Center for diversity units and even the removal of the Confederate Statue. University of Louisville spokesperson John Karman told The College Fix that non-minority professors are still welcome in the school. "Overlooking qualified non-minority professors to meet that goal is not part of our strategy," he said. The school has already filled in two new Program Coordinator positions in the Culture Center. Nora Diaz Atkins will be the head of Hispanic and Latino initiatives while Dominique McShan will lead the multicultural student organizations. $50,000 will also be allocated annually to fund scholarships for all students. Eligible students include diverse members of the Hispanic/Latino communities as well as those who grew up in Spanish-speaking environments. With the current rise of fake news on social media and the internet, students have to learn how to determine facts from fakes while browsing, researching, and reading things online. According to a new study, however, the urgency of learning skills to determining authentic from fake news stories online is even greater now. A new study conducted by researchers from the Stanford Graduate School of Education has found that today's youth, from middle school to college, are generally unable to determine real news from fake news on the internet. Their findings simply show that if the youth are the hope of tomorrow, tomorrow just might bring more problems. "Overall, young people's ability to reason about the information on the Internet can be summed up in one word: bleak," the study authors wrote in the report. The researchers, coming from the Stanford History Education Group (SHEG), used tests specially made for three age levels across 12 states: middle school, high school, and college. They analyzed a total of 7,804 student responses, including students from well-resourced schools in Minneapolis and under-resourced schools in Los Angeles. College-level assessments were done at six different universities. What they found was surprising, given the common notion that today's youths are tech-savvy. "Many people assume that because young people are fluent in social media they are equally perceptive about what they find there," Sam Wineburg, professor of education and history at Stanford and the lead author of the report, said in a press release. "Our work shows the opposite to be true." "In every case and at every level, we were taken aback by students' lack of preparation," the authors wrote. Researchers assessed middle schoolers' skill in assessing the trustworthiness of different tweets and articles, including differentiating from a legitimate article to one that has "sponsored content." They found that more than 80 percent of these students believed articles with sponsored content were real. High school students' familiarity with social media conventions, such as the blue checkmark that identifies a verified Twitter or Facebook, was assessed. They were tasked to identify which is true from two similar posts coming from two different sources: one from the verified Fox News account and another from a Fox News lookalike. Sadly, only a quarter recognized the blue checkmark, and more than 30 percent argued that the fake account was the real one, because it contained some key graphic elements. College assessments focused on complex reasoning. Students were required to evaluate information using Google, and to evaluate website credibility. What they found that topics that were politically charged were harder for the students to evaluate. High production values, links to reputable sites, and polished "About" pages also swayed college students more than the contents of the sites. Wineburg says the findings to this research should help educators adjust the instruction they give to students. The researchers also hope to produce curriculums and videos that will help educators bridge the gap between digital literacy and informed citizenship. "As recent headlines demonstrate, this work is more important now than ever," Wineburg said. "In the coming months, we look forward to sharing our assessments and working with educators to create materials that will help young people navigate the sea of disinformation they encounter online Cybersecurity is fast becoming personal as well as a national threat as Google warned prominent educators and journalists that hackers have been trying to get into their accounts. Reports of cyberhacking the accounts of prominent people in education and journalism has been making the rounds on social media. Some of those who have been targeted Paul Krugman, New York Times columnist and Nobel Prize economist; Michael McFaul, Stanford University professor and a former US diplomat; Jon Lovett, Atlantic magazine writer; Jonathan Chait, New York Magazine columnist; and Julia Ioffe, columnist at Foreign Policy and Politico. Google issued the warning in form of a banner where the supposed targeted people can see it when they logged in to their email accounts. The banner bears the warning which says Google has detected some hackers backed by the government are trying to steal their passwords. Those who received the warning said their accounts are backed by a two-factor authentication. Along with the warning, Google also included a linked that advised the account holders how to keep their accounts secure. This is not the first time Google warned its users. In fact, it has been issuing warnings to its users from time to time. A Google spokesman said the warnings have nothing to do with the hacking attempts that have occurred recently but by events that happened over the past month. He also explained why they delayed in issuing the warnings saying they didn't want the hackers to detect what tools and strategies they use to detect the attacks. According to reports, if the warning concerns old cyberattacks, it is possible that they are related to the spear phishing campaign in November 8 after Donald Trump's presidential victory. According to security firm Veloxity, the Russian government hackers were behind te attacks. Right after the launch and introduction of its product for Swiss investors, who expect a positive development in the price of Bitcoin to trade transparently on the SIX Swiss Exchange for the first time, Swiss bank Vontobel has extended its certificate on Bitcoin to the countries of Germany and Austria. According to Heiko Geiger, its head of public distribution Europe, the tracker certificate offers investors a simple means of investing in the digital currency and the possibility to participate in the development of its price in USD, without having to own Bitcoins themselves. The certificate is a simple bankable asset that is particularly suitable for investors who anticipate a rise in the acceptance and significance of Bitcoin as a way of payment and as an alternative currency. Vontobel, which manages and monitors a client's assets entrusted to it and also observes the financial markets and interprets global macroeconomic developments, is the first Swiss issuer of a tracker certificate on Bitcoins for subscription. Switzerland has been dubbed a conducive environment for Bitcoin to thrive, due to its regulatory friendly measures for the digital currency. With the launch of this tracker certificate in Germany, Geiger says the environment could also be considered encouraging for similar investments. Before the launch in Switzerland, the bank maintained that the impact of the product on the price of Bitcoin "will most likely be very low." Trading commenced earlier this year on July 15, with Bitcoins purchased according to the subscriptions received from clients on that day, and with the products to be redeemed on July 23, 2018. Depending on the market environment and the client interest, they will possibly issue a new product afterwards. Vontobel's reputation spreads across 22 international locations where they identify and analyze trends, and subsequently create innovative investment strategies and products for investors. Asian Development Bank (ADB) chief Takehiko Nakao speaks during the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) Forum held at the ADB headquarters in Manila. (Noel CELIS/AFP) Takehiko Nakao told reporters the incoming US leader had previously talked about the importance of the "trade relationship". He added, "It's important for the United States to continue to engage in Asia and that is good for the Asian region as a whole". The US-led Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership (TPP), promoted by outgoing US President Barack Obama as part of his Asia pivot, liberalises inter-regional trade among 12 countries but Trump has charged it will cost the US jobs and hurt American businesses. The president-elect said earlier this week he would ditch the TPP on his first day in the White House. But Nakao cited the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) as well as the China-endorsed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as regional trade arrangements that could still prosper even if the TPP fails. "There is a strong case for certain regional arrangements," he said. Nakao defended open trade, saying it had helped Asia develop in recent decades. "We should look at how the world has become a better place for many people from many countries," he added. Critics have said a US withdrawal would make the TPP meaningless and amount to Washington abdicating its leadership role in the region. Truong Hai-Chu Lai Port in Quang Nam Province. The province debuted a direct sea route connecting the port and Incheon port in Korea. Representatives of the three localities addressed a business forum oganised by the Euro Chamber of Commerce and Industry and EU-Viet Nam Business Network in a Nang yesterday. The three, which connect to the East-West Economic Corridor linking Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Viet Nam, are considered to have good investment potential with long coastal lines, world heritage sites, preferential policies, cheap land prices and abundant labour force. They are also situated on National Highway 1, as well as having railway, sea port and airport systems and large areas for industrial zone development. A series of administrative reforms easing investment have been cleared by local administrations. The pristine coastal line in a Nang is a favourite site for tourism projects. VNS Photos Cong Thanh Quang Nam is developing the 30,000ha Chu Lai Open Economic Zone one of five key zones for investors in Viet Nam with competitive land prices of between US$10 and $30 per sq.m for 50 years, said director of the provincial Investment Promotion Centre, Vo Van Hung. Quang Nam has attracted 128 foreign direct investment projects worth $5.5 billion, of which the Nam Hoi An Integrated Resort Project, invested by VinaCapital and Gold Yield Enterprises Corporations, is the biggest at $4 billion. Quang Nam is seeking investment in automobile supportive industries, food processing industries and industrial park infrastructure. Earlier this year, the province and the Truong Hai Automobile Joint-Stock Company, or Thaco - started expanding the Chu Lai-Truong Hai Mechanical Automobile Industrial Zone with a total investment of $35.3 million. The project is planned to produce 215,000 vehicles, including touring cars, trucks, buses and vans starting in 2018. Hung said land costs only half or one-third compared to Ha Noi and HCM City, respectively. He said Quang Nam has reserved 10,000ha of coast for tourism and service projects. Le Van Thu, director of the investment promotion and support centre of Thua Thien-Hue, said Hue City has 128 km of coast and 22,000ha of lagoon for tourism development in connection with UNESCO-recognised world heritage sites. The province hosted 3.2 million tourists, among them 1.2 million foreigners, in 2015. We are offering investors competitive low cost, including labour cost and land, Thu said. Our land costs around 80 per cent of what it costs to rent in a Nang, 70 per cent of Ha Noi land, 60 per cent of HCM City, 30 per cent of Shanghai and 25 per cent of Bangkok land, Thu said. Thu said labour costs for manual workers and managers range from $130 to $320 per month. A tourism property of Laguna Lang Co in Thua Thien-Hue Province. The province has attracted 23 foreign direct investment projects with a total capital of $2.3 billion. One of the largest is a $875 million tourism complex being financed by the Banyan Tree Group of Singapore. Several financial incentives have been provided to attract investors, such as tax exemptions for the first four years of operation, a 50 per cent tax reduction for the next nine years, and a 50 per cent tax rate for high-income employees. Le Canh Duong, director of a Nangs investment promotion centre, said tourist real estate remains a favourite investment magnet in the city with 25 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects worth US$1.8 billion. He said tourist real estate made up 54 per cent of total $3.68 billion FDI capital in the city Duong also said 57 per cent of FDI projects were in the service sector as the city eyes on developing in Information Technology, hi-tech parks and coastal property, and environment-friendly projects. The city has so far developed 16 tourist property projects consisting of 749 villas, of which 609 are for sale and 140 for lease, according to Duong. EuroCham Viet Nam will starting operating an office for central Viet Nam in a Nang in January, 2017. The summit in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on November 23 brought together Cambodian PM Hun Sen, Lao PM Thongloun Sisoulith and Vietnamese PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Reviewing CLV collaboration over the past two years since the eighth meeting in Vientiane, the PMs applauded the achievements in such key areas as security, national defence, trade-investment, agriculture, transport and tourism, which they said contributed to promoting socio-economic development and ensuring peace and stability in the area. They re-affirmed their commitment to forging the CLV cooperation on the basis of the time-honouredfriendship, good and mutually beneficialneighbourliness, solidarity and mutual understanding between the countries. The leaders displayed their resolve to work closely with each other and team up with other ASEAN nations in materialising the ASEAN Vision 2025. They agreed to increase the connectivity of the three economies in both soft and hard infrastructure as well as people-to-people exchanges. They assigned the joint coordination committee to complete the action plan on connectivity of Cambodian, Lao and Vietnamese economies to 2030. The committee was also tasked with planning tourism development in the area. The agricultural ministries of the three countries were asked to partner with each other in building a plan on developing the rubber industry. The leaders affirmed their strong commitment to environmental protection, sustainable management and use of natural resources, including water and forest resources, and consented to implementprogrammes on cooperation in hydrometeorology, climate change response and water resources management. Joint efforts will also be made in bomb and mine clearance and the fight against drug smuggling, human trafficking, terrorism and cross-border crime. The leaders called for more active participation of the business community and development partners in CLV projects, and agreed to enhance their coordination with Mekong Sub-region cooperation mechanisms. PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc called on Cambodia, Laos and Viet Nam to build a stable and open legal framework that facilitates the cross-border circulation of goods, services and labourers as well as investment in the CLV Development Triangle Area. He called for joint efforts in ensuring security and political stability, and environmental protection. The countries should coordinate with each other inrealising the Sustainable Developments Goals by 2030, seeking long-term solutions to the sustainable use of natural resources, especially their shared water resources, and attracting resources from development partners and international financialorganisations, he urged. PM Phuc also presented Viet Nams proposals for cooperation in the time ahead, including the building of mechanisms facilitating the free movement of vehicles registered in provinces inside the triangle area, the application of the one-stop-shop customs model at the Moc Bai-Ba Vet international border gate in 2017, and regular dialogue mechanisms between Governmental offices of the three countries and businesses. Viet Nam will offer more vocational training scholarships to Cambodia and Laos, and increase the value of scholarships granted to Cambodian and Laos students, he promised. The Vietnamese Government leader called on the other two countries to join the Convention on the Law of the Non-navigational Uses of International Watercourses and, together with Viet Nam, consider participating in the Convention on the Protection and Use of Trans-boundary Watercourses and International Lakes ( Water Convention ). PM Phuc expressed his hope the three Governments will team up with each other to set forth a programme on official development assistance (ODA) mobilisation and anotherprogramme on joint investment and trade promotion. Viet Nams Viettel telecom group will invest in modernizing the telecom networks in the three countries using 4G technology and help with the formation of their e-Governments, he said. In this regard, Cambodian PM Hun Sen suggestedViettel support the establishment of video links for the PMs and agencies of the three countries in an effort to make it easier for their exchange. PM Hun Sen spoke highly of the effective CLV cooperation, which helped each country maintain political stability, effectively prevent and fight crime, develop infrastructure, tourism and agriculture.He noted that the parties have timely addressed arising problems and promoted trade. Both Hun Sen and his Lao counterpart underscored the need for the countries to enhance their multi-faceted cooperation to reach higher economic growth and maintain security and friendship in the Development Triangle Area. At the end of the summit, the PMs signed the CLV 9 joint statement and passed a list of 15 priority projects calling for investment in the development triangle area. The leaders also witnessed the signing of an agreement on trade promotion and facilitation in the CLV Development Triangle Area. The tenth CLV Summit will be held in Viet Nam in 2018. Korea Eximbanks Deputy Director Hong handing Petro Vietnams General Director Son a model of the power plant at the signing ceremony. The credit loan by Korea Eximbank and other investors is much needed by Petro Vietnam to complete the Song Hau 1 Thermal Power Plant project in time.-Photo oilgas.vn Under the contract, PetroVietnam is also taking loans from nine other foreign commercial banks, in an arrangement made by Citibank US. The contract is valued at US$1.2 billion, with credit insurance provided by the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-Sure) and the Korean export credit contract provided by Korea Eximbank. The project requires a total investment of $2.05 billion, of which 70 per cent, an estimated $1.43 billion, will be in loans. PetroVietnam has arranged for a Korean export credit agency loan of $987 million with a 17-year term, and another international trade loan of S213 million that has a 10-year term. Young-Pyo Hong, deputy president of Korea Eximbank, expressed his confidence in the project at the signing ceremony, while Nguyen Vu Truong Son, general director of Petro Vietnam, appreciated the co-operation between his company and foreign banks. The Song Hau 1 thermal plant project, with the capacity to generate 1,200MW (with two units of 600MW), will be spread over 115 hectares in southern Hau Giang Province. One of the key projects approved by the prime minister, it is part of the national power master plan VII, which aims to construct power plants between 2013 and 2020 to meet the rising demand in southern Viet Nam. PetroVietnams experience with major power projects such as Vung Ang 1, Thai Binh 2, Ca Mau 1 and 2, Nhon Trach 1 has helped it successfully negotiate and arrange loans with international banks within a period of one year. Son and Hong expressed hope that in the future, PetroVietnam and Korea Eximbank would have the opportunity to work together. Completed on time, this project will provide Viet Nam with much-needed electricity and contribute to regional economic development. Also present at the ceremony were members of PetroVietnams board of directors, representatives from the Song Hau 1 power project management board and officials from Korean Eximbank, K-Sure and Citibank. Taking place twice a year (August in Ho Chi Minh City and December in Hanoi), Vietnam Medi Pharm Expo has seen the most cost-effective exhibition in more than two decades. On three days, December 1-3, 2016 at Hanois Cultural Palace the 23rd International Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Exhibition will be organised with support from the ministries of Health, Industry and Trade, in coordination with the Vietnam National Trade Fair and Advertising Company (Vinexad) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The exhibition will consist of 250 booths displaying products from 150 companies in 18 countries and territories around the world, such as the UK, the US, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Russia, Korea, Taiwan, China, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, India, Bangladesh and Vietnam. Notably, Korea will bring 25 well-known businesses in pharmaceutical processing, packaging, dentist, ophthalmology, surgical tools, recovery equipment, and environmental equipment. Human Happiness through Dental Health is the slogan of SewonMedix In., one of the most advanced corps in Korea in the dentist transplant sector. Also, Koreas KJ MEDITECH CO., LTD and companies from Pakistan will present updated technologies and wish to meet local partners for further development of the dentistry which has been booming in Vietnam. Canada with VIVA PHARMACEUTICAL INC. has been famous for its functional products licensed by GMP Canada. Similar products will also be introduced by other brands such as Dr. Muller Pharma S.r.o (the Czech Republic); and Polvita, Baniphar, Minh Long Chau, Tam Quoc te of Vietnam. BMG International will present DOCTOR 100 rollers treating bone, nerve and blood circulating diseases invented by Vietnamese doctors. Medical equipments, surgical tools, ultrasound, electrocardiogram, emergency machines will get exposure to the public by giants from Germany, Japan, Russia, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK and the US that will be a spotlight for specialists, tenders, hospitals, businesses and those who are interested in health care and treatment sector. Koreas SKY SOFTGEL, a specialist in manufacturing pharmaceutical products packaging and processing, has been participated in the exhibition for years to introduce latest technologies to local medical manufacturing companies. The exhibition also dedicates time to conferences, symposiums, free medical check and introductions of products, besides blood donation programme. The medical equipment revenue in the Vietnamese market is estimated at around $800million per year. The figure is expected to reach $1.2 billion in 2016 and $1.8 billion in 2018, growing an average 18-20 per cent annually from 2016-2020. Vietnam has grown into an appealing emerging market to pharmaceutical and medical businesses around the world which are among the top lucrative sectors at the time being. Demands are on the rise in the years ahead, particularly in the picture diagnoses, operation booths, recovery and testing equipment. So far, 90 per cent of medical equipment available in Vietnam mainly comes from Japan, Germany, America, China and Singapore, making up 55 per cent of Vietnams total medical equipment import. Ipsos Business Consulting, one of the largest and most progressive market intelligence-based growth strategy consulting companies, estimates the Vietnamese medical equipment sector is very promising as the longevity of Vietnamese people has been increasing in the 60-70 age range that will further medical needs in the future. Since Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007, more and more medical equipment companies have been rushing to Vietnam such as Terumo, Sonion and United Healthcare who have moved their manufacturing base from other nations to Vietnam to take advantage of low-cost labour and the government incentives. A picture taken on November 24, 2016 shows a fire raging in the northern Israeli port city of Haifa. (Photo: AFP / JACK GUEZ) Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan said up to half of a spate of fires in recent days had been "arson terror," while another minister appeared to point the finger at the country's Arab minority - drawing fierce rebukes from Arab leaders. Some residents were trapped in their homes as the army called up reservists to support firefighters struggling to cope with a third day of blazes. Haifa mayor Yona Yahav told journalists 60,000 of the city's roughly 250,000 residents had been evacuated, calling the scale "unprecedented." Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said residents in eight Haifa neighbourhoods had been told to leave due to six separate fires. Residents spoke of a desperate rush to get elderly residents out. "The fire is out of control and is spreading from one house to the other," the rescue services chief in the Carmel neighbourhood, Naftali Rottenberg, told public radio. "Sometimes we are taking residents out against their will." Yael Hame, a Haifa resident who fled her house, said it was "very frightening". "The fire was up over the skyscrapers. It came up to 20 stories high." Hame said she thought the fire was "much more dangerous" than a blaze in 2010 in Haifa that killed 44 people - the deadliest in Israeli history. Around 65 people were hospitalised with mild injuries, according to the Magen David Adom medical service. A number of residents remained stuck in their homes, a fire service spokesman said. Fires also raged in two areas on the outskirts of Jerusalem as well as near the Jewish settlement of Talmon in the occupied West Bank, police said, with Netanyahu saying there were 15 fire sites in total. A number of countries made immediate pledges of support including planes. ARSON SUSPECTED Speculation in Israel quickly turned to the source of the fires. Noah Wolfson, head of the Meteo-Tech meteorology website, said the dry autumn and strong winds meant conditions were perfect for fires to spread - whether sparked by accident or on purpose. "The extreme dryness - relative humidity below 10 per cent - coupled with very strong winds, enhance and encourage any small fire to expand and be horrendous," he said. The forecast for the coming days was not optimistic, he added, with winds due to slow somewhat but no rain expected until early next week. Erdan told a press conference up to half of the recent fires had been started deliberately, labelling it "arson terror." "It is clear that many fires started as deliberate arson," he said. Education Minister Naftali Bennett of the far-right Jewish Home party appeared to blame the alleged arson on members of the country's Arab minority. Netanyahu, speaking near the scene of the fires, said authorities had noticed "encouragement to arson" on social media. "Every fire caused by arson or incitement to arson is terror and will be treated as such," he told reporters. Ayman Odeh, the head of the Arab block in the Israeli parliament, said in a statement the immediate accusations amounted to "incitement" against Arabs. He pointed out that many of the fires had disproportionately affected Arab areas, including in Haifa where he is from. "We have lived in this country for hundreds and thousands of years and not burned it." THICK SMOKE The extent of the damage will be assessed in the coming days, but for much of the day areas in southern Haifa were engulfed in smoke, the air thick with ash carried by the strong dry winds, an AFP correspondent at the scene said. Planes dropping water and powder swooped over every few minutes, dousing the area in an attempt to manage the flames. Some residents tried to use their personal hoses to douse their homes, while others packed a few prized possessions into shopping trolleys and rushed to safety. Dozens of soldiers, police, medics and firefighters were huddled in an impromptu command centre in a nearby parking lot. Amit, a 27-year-old from a nearby neighbourhood, was helping firefighters to help calm the blaze. "There were places that needed help, we went and put out some fires," he told AFP. The emergency prompted a growing list of countries including Greece, Russia and Turkey to send firefighting aircraft. The 2010 fire required the assistance of planes and personnel from more than 16 countries to put out. Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow yesterday.- VNA/VNS Photo Quang Vinh Minh, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, is on a three-day visit to Russia. He briefed his host about Viet Nams major socio-economic development plans and external policies for the next five years. Expressing satisfaction with the high political trust between the two nations, both sides agreed to further facilitate the exchange of all-level visits of the Party, State and Government, National Assembly, ministry and local channels; maintain existing dialogue and consultation mechanisms; and hasten the negotiations on and signing of several agreements. In the first ten months of this year, two-way trade hit US$2.2 billion. The two countries are set to implement the Viet Nam-Eurasian Economic Union free trade agreement towards lifting that figure to $10 billion by 2020. In order to facilitate exports and imports, host and guest pledged to embark on projects in the fields of energy, industry, mechanical engineering, including establishing an automobile manufacturing joint venture in Viet Nam, opening a Viet Nam light industry complex in Moscow, and TH True Milks farms in Moscow Oblast and Kaluga province. The two leaders underscored energy ties as one of the pillars strategic to each countrys development, and vowed all possible support for Vietnamese and Russian oil and gas firms to enhance co-ordination. They committed to continuing close co-operation on national defence-security matters, especially in the military technical aspect, as well as the expansion of science-technology, education, training, culture, tourism, labour ties. Minh thanked the Foreign Ministry for offering support to Vietnamese nationals living in Russia. On multilateral co-operation, the two countries will continue working closely at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Forum, the Asia-Europe Meeting, the East Asia Summit, and the ASEAN Regional Forum. Viet Nam backs Russias active role in Asia-Pacific and stands ready to serve as a bridge connecting Russia and ASEAN, Minh said. Lavrov, for his part, hailed Viet Nams increasing stature in the region and the world. Turning to the East Sea issue, they were unanimous regarding the need for peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the early formulation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). Minh and Lavrov signed a co-operation scheme between the two foreign ministries for 2017-2018. A new swinging bridge was built in Manchester, Ky. in 2015 but gets little use because of the loitering that goes on near it, some say. In Clay County, 38 percent of the population lives in poverty, according to Kentucky officials. Santa Clara University students hang signs outside of Shapell Lounge after participating in a walk-out in support of the undocumented community at the university on Nov. 17 in Santa Clara, Calif. Only one in ten migrant workers have registered to vote in local elections next year with only five days left before the registration period ends, a labor rights workers has estimated. Dy Thehoya, senior program officer with labor rights watchdog Central, said his organization believed that only 10 percent of the roughly one million migrant workers in Thailand had registered to vote because of hindrances they faced in the process. We are concerned for these people, who are the owners of the country and its destiny, but will miss the opportunity to register to vote because of challenges they face, he told the Hello VOA radio show on Thursday. Issues Thehoya said had led to such a low turnout included a lack of official requests made to Thailand to allow migrant workers to return home to register and no mechanisms being put in place in Thailand that would have allowed them to vote. This is due to the lack of a concrete plan to assist workers, he added. The registration period began on September 1 and will end on November 29. Chhay Sert, a migrant worker in Thailand, said he had been active in trying to encourage his colleagues to register, but many had become frustrated and given up. A lack of documentation proving where they were from in Cambodia had been a major obstacle, he said. Once workers saw that they were afraid. However, he said that more than 700 Cambodian workers at his factory out of a workforce of some 3,000 had managed to register. Chhoun Chheng, who works in the same factory as Sert, was refused the opportunity to register twice, once in Battambang and another time in Banteay Meanchey. We were mainly refused by village and commune chiefs, said Chheng, because they said we didnt have permanent residence there. We were not their villagers so they refused to help us and issued a denial statement instead. Chhengs third attempt, in Pailin, a former Khmer Rouge stronghold, paid off. He was able to register. The National Election Committee has so far registered about 7.4 million people out of 9.6 million eligible voters. Afghanistan denounced as improper and provocative a unilateral flag-lowering ceremony Pakistan recently introduced at a main border crossing with its western neighbor. An Afghan foreign ministry statement Friday warned that the Pakistani action at the Chaman crossing point violates bilateral commitments and in the present sensitive situation could further vitiate bilateral relations. Kabul traditionally opposes Pakistani attempts to construct permanent structures at the border because it does not recognize it as an international boundary between the two countries. Some view the ceremony, including a border force parade, as another attempt by Islamabad to formalize the nearly 2,600-kilometer, mostly porous border, known as the Durand Line. The Afghan objections also underscore growing strains in bilateral relations stemming from terrorism allegations. Tougher border controls Pakistani authorities in recent months have tightened border controls and rebuilt well-equipped facilities at several crossings on the Afghan border. Islamabad says the measures will help deter illegal crossings and address mutual concerns about militant infiltrations in both directions. The Afghan ministry dismissed those claims and instead reiterated its call for Pakistan to step up efforts to remove militant sanctuaries on its side, citing them as the real obstacle to peace and stability in both countries. Pakistan discounts objections There was no official response from Pakistan to Friday's Afghan assertions. Islamabad rejects all Afghan objections with regard to the Durand Line. It insists the 1893 demarcation by the then-British rulers of the Indian subcontinent is a settled issue and it is an "internationally acceptable frontier" Pakistan inherited when it gain independence in 1947. For decades, authorities on both sides issued special travel passes permitting divided tribes to meet with family members in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But all Pakistani travelers are now required to use national passports with valid visas under the new regulations Islamabad has put in place. Afghanistan alleges that militant sanctuaries on Pakistani soil have enabled Taliban insurgents to intensify and prolong the Afghan war, charges that Islamabad rejects. In turn, the Pakistan government blames the Afghan intelligence agency for harboring fugitive anti-state militants involved in terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The allegations and counterallegations have almost halted talks at political and diplomatic levels, taking relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan to new lows in the past two years. A group of Chinese executives linked to an imprisoned former presidential aide who was brought down by a fatal Ferrari crash were convicted Friday of insider trading and other offenses. The former chairman, chief executive and 10 other executives of Founder Group, a conglomerate with interests in technology, real estate and finance, were convicted by a court in the northeastern city of Dalian. The former CEO, Li You, was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison and fined 750 million yuan ($110 million). Penalties for the others were not announced. Another court said last year Founder made payments to Ling Jihua, a former chief of staff to President Hu Jintao who was sentenced to life in prison for taking bribes. News reports said Li, the former CEO, bought a Ferrari for Ling's son, who died in a car crash in Beijing with two nude or half-dressed women as passengers. Ling fell from political favor when he was accused of trying to cover up the accident. Friday's ruling by the Dalian Intermediate People's Court made no mention of charges related to Ling. It said Li, former Founder chairman Wei Xin and other executives improperly profited from confidential financial information, falsifying records and trying to obstruct investigators. Founder was established by Peking University in 1986 and expanded into personal computers in the 1990s, becoming one of China's leading technology brands. The company later diversified into health care, pharmaceuticals, real estate and commodities trading. It is best known today for its finance subsidiary, Founder Securities. Florence Henderson, the wholesome actress who went from Broadway star to television icon when she became Carol Brady, the ever-cheerful matriarch of The Brady Bunch, has died, her manager and her publicist said. She was 82. Henderson died Thursday night at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, after being hospitalized the day before, said her publicist, David Brokaw. Henderson had suffered heart failure, her manager Kayla Pressman said in a statement. Family and friends had surrounded Henderson's hospital bedside, Pressman said. On the surface, The Brady Bunch resembled just another innocuous TV sitcom about a family living in suburban America and getting into a different wacky situation each week. But well after it ended its initial run, in 1974, the show resonated with audiences, and it returned to television in various forms again and again, including The Brady Bunch Hour in 1977, The Brady Brides in 1981 and The Bradys in 1990. It was also seen endlessly in reruns. It represents what people always wanted: a loving family. It's such a gentle, innocent, sweet show, and I guess it proved there's always an audience for that, Henderson said in 1999. Premiering in 1969, it also was among the first shows to introduce to television the blended family. As its theme song reminded viewers each week, Henderson's Carol was a single mother raising three daughters when she met her TV husband, Robert Reed's Mike Brady, a single father who was raising three boys. The eight of them became The Brady Bunch, with a quirky housekeeper, played by Ann B. Davis, thrown into the mix. The blonde, ever-smiling Henderson was already a Broadway star when the show began, having originated the title role in the musical Fanny. But after The Brady Bunch, she would always be known to fans as Carol Brady. We had to have security guards with us. Fans were hanging on our doors. We couldn't go out by ourselves. We were like the Beatles! she said of the attention the show brought the cast. Like the Beatles, there was even a Saturday morning cartoon version called Brady Kids, although Henderson was not in that show. She and Reed did return, however, for The Brady Bunch Hour, The Brady Brides and The Bradys. So did most of the original cast. She was also back again in 1995 when a new cast was assembled for The Brady Bunch Movie, a playful spoof of the original show. This time she was Grandma Brady opposite Shelly Long's Carol. Numerous memoirs also kept interest in the show alive, as cast members revealed they were more than just siblings off camera. Barry Williams, who played eldest son Greg Brady, would confess to having a crush on his TV stepmom. Henderson, in her own book, denied having any relationship with Williams, but did acknowledge a fling with former New York City mayor John Lindsay. Henderson was a 19-year-old drama student in New York when she landed a one-line role in the play Wish You Were Here. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II were so impressed they made her the female lead in a 1952 road tour of Oklahoma! When the show returned to Broadway for a revival in 1954, she continued in the role and won rave reviews. To broaden her career, Henderson took acting, dancing, singing and guitar lessons, even studying French and Italian. She went on to play Maria in a road production of The Sound of Music, was Nellie Forbush in a revival of South Pacific and was back on Broadway with Jose Ferrer in The Girl Who Came to Supper in 1963. She made her movie debut in 1970 in Song of Norway, based on the 1944 operetta with music by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Her career nearly came to an end in 1965 when she suddenly lost her hearing while appearing in The King and I in Los Angeles. She was diagnosed with a hereditary condition called osteosclerosis. Corrective surgery in both ears restored my hearing, she said in 2007. As her TV career blossomed with The Brady Bunch, Henderson also began to make frequent TV guest appearances. She was the first woman to host The Tonight Show for the vacationing Johnny Carson. For eight years she also commuted to Nashville to conduct a cooking and talk series, Country Kitchen, on The Nashville Network. The show resulted in a book, Florence Henderson's Short Cut Cooking. After The Brady Bunch ended its first run, Henderson alternated her appearances in revivals of the show with guest appearances on other programs, including Hart to Hart, Fantasy Island and The Love Boat. In later years she also made guest appearances on such shows as Roseanne, Ally McBeal and The King of Queens. Florence Agnes Henderson was born Feb. 14, 1934, in the small town of Dale in southern Indiana. She was the 10th child of a tobacco sharecropper of Irish descent. In grade school, she joined the choir at a Catholic church in Rockport, Ind. After high school she moved to New York, where she enrolled in a two-year program at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, her studies financed by a theatrical couple who had been impressed by her singing when they saw her perform in high school. She dropped out of the program after one year, however, to take the role in Wish You Were There. Henderson married theater executive Ira Bernstein and the couple had four children before the union ended in divorce after 29 years. Her second husband, John Kappas, died in 2002. Pressman said she is survived by her children; Barbara, Joseph, Robert and Lizzie, their respective spouses, and five grandchildren. The U.S. election victory of Donald Trump was warmly welcomed by far-right politicians across the globe nowhere more so than in Europe, where a series of upcoming polls could deliver big shocks to established political parties. First up is Austria on December 4, where Norbert Hofer is hoping to ride a global wave of insurgent populism to win the Austrian presidency and become the first far-right head of state in Europe since World War II. Speaking this month, he borrowed a key theme from Trump's campaign, saying that that whenever the elites distance themselves from voters, those elites will be voted out of office. Connecting globally Hofer's far-right Freedom Party has warned of a civil war over migration. His extreme rhetoric is winning votes; polls give him a slim lead over his rival, the Green Party's Alexander Van der Bellen. European historian Andrea Mammone of Royal Holloway, University of London, said the far right is connecting globally. "Politicians are playing with these fears," Mammone said. "They are actually offering a new model of identification. And this model of identification is going back. Going back to golden lands. Even if they never existed." 'Campaigns of fear' In France, Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Front, has promised to turn back the clock to the days before the European Union and global free trade. She says Britain's vote to leave the EU and Trump's victory have given her momentum. "The British and the American people dismissed these patronizing campaigns, these campaigns of fear," she told reporters this week, adding: "I'm convinced that the French people can, too." France's two-round election system has so far kept the far right out of power. But 2016 has shown that past voting patterns are a poor guide to modern politics, Mammone said. "Many people are feeling that maybe it is worth voting for these protest movements because this vote might eventually count, and this vote may eventually change things, or at least this vote may eventually shake power," Mammone said. Connection to Putin Critics point to a common ally of the far right on both sides of the Atlantic: Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russian banks have given Le Pen multimillion-dollar loans to fight her campaign. "Putin is willing to fund all these far-right movements because they cannot only make pressure in the European Union context, but I think that it is also a matter of, in national societies, what they can say about Russia," Mammone said. That sympathy for Moscow is echoed by the political opposition in Italy, which smells victory in a referendum scheduled December 4 on constitutional change, a result that could topple Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. In the Netherlands, the far-right Freedom Party tops the polls ahead of 2017 elections, despite the ongoing trial of its leader, Geert Wilders, on charges of inciting racial hatred. For now, all eyes are on Austria, which could deliver the first of a series of electoral earthquakes in Europe. U.S. online sales surged on Black Friday, with Amazon.com Inc offering the steepest discounts among e-commerce sites as it set the agenda for what has traditionally been the biggest shopping day of the year for brick-and-mortar retailers. In-store shopping began to pick up in the afternoon, but the increase in customer traffic paled in comparison to the jump in online sales, analysts said. Macy's Inc website saw such heavy traffic that it had to delay customers from entering the site at three different times. Online sales on Friday hit $1.70 billion as of 3 p.m. EDT (2000 UTC), according to Adobe Digital Index, after reaching $1.13 billion for the day on Thursday, up almost 14 percent from a year ago. The National Retail Federation has said it expects total sales this holiday season to increase by 3.6 percent to $655.8 billion, mainly due to the rise in online shopping. Economic growth This weekend's shopping could reflect signs of faster economic growth in the fourth quarter this year. Nationwide U.S. retail sales rose 0.8 percent in October, driven by a 1.5 percent jump in receipts at online retailers. The lowest unemployment rate in eight years of 4.9 percent in October and a rise in hourly wage rates of 2.8 percent for the year, the biggest increase since 2009, is fuelling consumer confidence and spending power. "All of this adds up to the consumer feeling better about their current situation and I'm hoping they ... buy all of their gifts from Macy's," the retailer's chief executive officer, Terry Lundgren, told Reuters. Administrative assistant Kelsey Gilford, 52, was shopping at Chicago's Water Tower mall on Friday but had already made purchases online on Thursday. "I looked at some online deals on J.C. Penney which were good. I bought a small kitchen appliance yesterday," she said. The deepest average discounts for Black Friday came from leading online retailer Amazon.com Inc, with an average of 42 percent off, compared with 33 percent off at Walmart , 35 percent at Target and 36 percent at Best Buy, according to e-commerce analytics firm Clavis Insight. Amazon, Target, Wal-Mart Amazon said Black Friday would surpass last year in terms of the number of items ordered on its website. The Seattle-based company declined to provide specifics. Both Target and Wal-Mart, two of the country's biggest brick-and-mortar retailers, said Thanksgiving online sales were some of their best ever. Customer traffic online could be up 20 percent over Black Friday from a year ago, Cowen & Co analysts forecast in a note, while store traffic is likely to fall 3 to 4 percent this year on Black Friday. "We expect negative (store) traffic given (the) earlier start this year of the holiday selling season and rise of mobile, which could be as much as 60 percent or more of all traffic, and consumer exhaustion from a saturated promotional environment," the analysts said. At many malls, more consumers turned up as the day progressed. Reuters reporters saw bigger crowds by midday at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago mall near O'Hare International Airport, which houses shops for high-end brands and retailers, and at Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall in Sunrise, Florida. But other malls, like the outdoor City Place mall in downtown West Palm Beach, remained largely subdued. Nicholas Wingo, a 32-year-old security officer at Hugo Boss in the Fashion Outlets of Chicago mall, said the store had a steady stream of customers but no long lines. The holiday shopping season, which runs through Christmas on Dec. 25, can account for as much as 40 percent of retailers' annual sales. Investigators in southern Mexico on Thursday found the remains of 32 bodies and nine human heads buried in clandestine graves. The grisly discovery was unearthed in more than a dozen hidden graves in the municipality of Zitlala in the state of Guerrero, home to several rival drug gangs. The area has experienced a wave of kidnappings, murders and turf wars. The drug cartels have been known to bury their victims in secret graves. Officials say the remains have been taken to the state capital, Chilpancingo, for identification. Mexican security forces found the remains after receiving an anonymous tip that people were being held at a camp. When they arrived, they found a kidnap victim. Information on the victim was not immediately available. Roberto Alvarez Heredia, spokesman for the Guerrero Coordinating Group, said soldiers were combing the area looking for more graves. Residents of the community of Tixtla found nine decapitated bodies Monday along a highway. Prosecutors are looking into whether the nine heads found in Zitlala correspond to these bodies. The largely rural, impoverished state had 1,832 reported homicides in the first 10 months of 2016. If that rate continues unabated, it would rival the peak year of violence in the state in 2012, when there were about 68 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The U.N. refugee agency reports that thousands of Nigerian refugees massed along a remote border area in northern Cameroon are living in dire conditions, with little in the way of shelter and basic necessities. Prevailing insecurity makes Cameroons isolated Far North Region generally out-of-bounds for aid workers. But, a rare break in the threatening environment made it possible for staff from the U.N. refugee agency to go there earlier this month and assess the situation. UNHCR spokesman Leo Dobbs tells VOA the refugees, mostly women and children, are living in abysmal conditions and remain under threat of attack by Boko Haram militants. Some staying with destitute host families, but most sleeping in the open under the trees, makeshift shelters or on the dirt floors of schools," Dobbs said. "Others were in abandoned villages whose residents had fled Boko Haram attacks earlier. A number of families were separated while crossing into Cameroon. Dobbs says the refugees are almost entirely dependent on the local community, which is itself poor. He says people lack health care and sanitation, safe drinking water and other basic services. UNHCR wants the refugees to move to a safe camp nearby. We are encouraging people to come away from those isolated regions in the north and near the border and to go to the Minawao camp, which is further, about 60 kilometers to the south and where there are currently 60,000 refugees and they are getting the care they need, the security," Dobbs said. " While the UNHCR aid workers were in the area, they registered more than 21,000 refugees who have been living for months with host families after fleeing deadly Boko Haram attacks in northeast Nigeria. A survey carried out in October by the International Organization for Migration estimated the number of refugees at around 27,000. But, Dobbs says the actual number is probably much higher. Bulgarian police fired water cannon and rubber bullets to quell a riot by migrants angered at being confined to their refugee camp due to a health scare, the interior ministry said on Thursday. The unrest at the camp in Harmanli, a town close to the Turkish border, came two days after authorities sealed it off to prevent anyone leaving after local media reported the migrants were carrying infectious diseases. Earlier on Thursday, residents set fire to furniture and tires and threw stones at riot police, who deployed water cannon. In the evening, violence erupted again in the camp, home to 3,000 people, mostly of Afghan origin. "We used a water cannon, blanks and rubber bullets as well as physical force," Interior Ministry Chief Secretary Georgi Kostov told reporters outside what is Bulgaria's biggest refugee camp. "The number of detained migrants is dynamic. At the moment they are more than 200. For the time being we are talking about containing the escalation," he said adding that 14 police officers had been wounded. He said he was not aware of any wounded migrants. Reflecting the gravity of the situation, and the political impact of the migrant crisis, Prime Minister Boiko Borisov was on his way to the camp late on Thursday, a spokeswoman said. Last week Harmanli townspeople staged a protest calling for the camp's closure after media alleged that migrants there carried communicable skin diseases. The head of the Bulgarian Refugee Agency, which runs the camp and took the decision to seal it temporarily to allow health authorities to investigate, told Bulgarian National Radio that those reports were false. Bulgaria has built a fence on its border with Turkey and has bolstered its border controls to prevent inflows of illegal migrants. Some 17,000 migrants were detained in the first 10 months of the year, down by more than a third on last year. Despite the decreasing numbers, Bulgarian nationalists have staged protests in recent months calling for the immediate closure of all refugee centres, and for migrants to be returned to Turkey or their countries of origin. They say Bulgaria, the EU's poorest member state, cannot afford to support them in such numbers. Germany's ruling coalition agreed on Thursday to gradually raise state-backed pensions of those from the former Communist east to match western German levels from 2018 through 2025, a memorandum about the meeting showed. The agreement was reached during a late-night meeting of leaders of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), their CSU Bavarian sister party, and the Social Democrats (SPD), the junior party in the coalition. The pension deal comes as the parties in Merkel's "grand coalition" gear up for national elections in September 2017 after a series of embarrassing losses to the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in regional elections. Merkel, who has faced voter backlash over her open-door refugee policy, particularly in the former east, said Sunday that she wanted to run for a fourth term as chancellor. The parties have said they did not want to fight the election with competing pension promises. It was not immediately clear how much the pension adjustments would add to Germany's annual budget. Coalition leaders also agreed to increase disability pension benefits from 2018 through 2024, and to rapidly implement previously agreed occupational pension reforms, according to a meeting summary viewed by Reuters. Leaders of the parties in the coalition failed to agree on supplements for those with low pensions from years of earning low incomes, with various alternatives still being studied. Eight Egyptian soldiers were killed Thursday in a car bombing at a checkpoint in the northern Sinai Peninsula, Egyptian officials said. The officials said at least 12 troops were injured and that three militants also died in the attack. Egypt's military spokesman, Mohammed Samir, said in a statement posted on his official Facebook page that militants also had blown up an armored vehicle at the checkpoint near the troubled city of el-Arish. No group has claimed responsibility. The Egyptian military has been battling Islamist extremists in the Sinai Peninsula since the military toppled President Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood in mid-2013 following mass protests against his rule. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned the European Union on Friday that if it continued to threaten his country, he would allow hundreds of thousands of migrants to flood into EU countries. The European Parliament, in a largely symbolic vote Thursday, demanded the bloc freeze membership negotiations with Turkey over the governments heavy-handed crackdown following the failed military coup in July. Warning: Gates to open Erdogan, reacting with trademark anger Friday, warned that if it went any further, Turkey's border gates would be opened, calling the EU vote an "empty threat." When 50,000 immigrants reached [the border town] of Kapikule, you wailed. What would we do if Turkey opened the border gates?, youve pondered. Look here, if this goes any further, those border gates will be opened you should know that. Neither I nor this nation cares about empty threats, Erdogan said, while speaking at a congress on womens justice in Istanbul. Analysts say Ankara believes it holds a trump card in threatening to break off the deal. Under the March agreement, Turkey agreed to take back all migrants crossing illegally to Europe, in return for over $3 billion in aid and the speeding up of EU membership talks. But that threat is losing its potency, says Turkey analyst Kamran Matin of the University of Sussex. "Because by now most European countries have actually set in place certain frameworks and practices in relation to the migration, so I don't think that will be an immediate problem, Matin said. Freeze would be symbolic Members of the European Parliament voted 479 to 37 in favor of a nonbinding motion urging the European Commission and national governments to institute what lawmakers acknowledge would be a largely symbolic freeze in negotiations that have been going on for 11 years but have long been stalled. Neither side expects Turkey to be in a position to join the EU for many years to come. "[EU members] are unhappy with what is going on in Turkey, Matin said, but they don't want to be the party which initiates the suspension of the talks because that, they think, is what Erdogan is looking for, in order to tell Turkish people that it wasn't us, they actually ended the accession talks. " But the European Union has been increasingly vocal in condemning Turkey's crackdown following July's failed coup. Over 110,000 people have been sacked or suspended from their jobs, and over 36,000 people have been jailed pending trial. In turn, Ankara has accused Europe of siding with terrorists. Two-tier Europe With such apparently irreconcilable differences, some observers say Turkey could push for a so-called two-tier Europe alongside other states outside the bloc, says analyst Hasan Turunc of Oxford University. "Countries like Norway, Switzerland, maybe Britain and maybe Turkey an EU with two gears," said Turunc, adding that such a model may be more acceptable for Germany and France. Meanwhile, NATO says several Turkish military personnel have sought asylum in Europe following the post-coup crackdown. Member states will hear each case individually, but the granting of asylum would likely strain relations with Ankara even further. EU leaders are scheduled to discuss Turkey again when they meet in Brussels at a regular summit December 15-16. Since Britain voted to leave the European Union, U.K. officials have had one message: Brexit means Brexit. Now they have EU leaders' reply: And it's going to hurt. The prime minister of Malta, whose country is about to assume the EU presidency, is the latest leader to dash Britain's hopes of an easy divorce, signaling that the 27 other nations will drive a hard bargain. Joseph Muscat told the BBC that "there will not be a situation when the U.K. has a better deal than it has today." "In the U.K. it's fair game to bash Brussels and then you don't need to be surprised that in Brussels they bash you back," Muscat said in an interview broadcast Friday. "So this is a bit of Catch-22. It won't be a case whether one side gains and the other side loses. We are all going to lose something." Malta, a former British colony, is usually one of the U.K.'s strongest supporters in Europe. The island nation is due to hold the EU's rotating presidency for six months from Jan. 1 - a period that could coincide with the start of U.K. exit negotiations. British Prime Minister Theresa May says she will trigger Article 50 of the EU's key treaty, beginning two years of exit talks, by March 31. She and her ministers have refused to set out in advance the type of deal Britain will seek, saying that would undermine their bargaining position. In the meantime, EU leaders have grown increasingly firm in their insistence that Britain won't get an easy ride, and frustrated with Britain's vagueness about its Brexit plans. Last week, Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem - who heads the group of 19 countries who use the common euro currency - accused British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson of "saying things that are intellectually impossible, politically unavailable." In particular, he referred to suggestions by Johnson and others that Britain might be able to stay in the EU's single market for goods and services while imposing limits on immigration from the bloc. Free movement of workers is a key EU principle, but many Britons who voted to leave the EU are insistent the U.K. take control of immigration. Muscat dismissed the idea that Britain could have both single-market access and movement restrictions. "And I could in theory win the 100 meters Olympic race," he said. "It's just not happening." Muscat's exasperated tone echoes the frustration voiced by other EU politicians. U.K. Brexit Secretary David Davis visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week to meet EU negotiators, and characterized the trip as a chance to get "to know each other and get to trust each other." But Manfred Weber, the German caucus leader of the parliament's main conservative group, said he came out of the meeting thinking Britain had "no idea what Brexit really means." Others have made similar claims. A report from accountancy firm Deloitte that was leaked last week claimed that splits within May's government have delayed development of a negotiating strategy with the EU. The government is divided between Brexit-backers like Johnson and others, including May and Treasury chief Philip Hammond, who campaigned for Britain to remain in the EU. Muscat said he would not be surprised if Britain failed to meet its self-imposed March 31 deadline. It is challenging a court ruling that lawmakers in Parliament must get a vote before Article 50 is triggered. The case is due to be heard by the Supreme Court in December, with a judgment likely early next year. And he suggested a deal between Britain and the bloc could even be "scuttled at the very end of the process" by a veto in the European Parliament. Whatever happens, Muscat predicted: "It will get complicated." "Divorces are never easy," he said. A final decision on visa liberalization for Ukraine to the EU's Schengen zone is likely to be made by the end of the year, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said. Speaking at the EU-Ukraine summit in Brussels on Thursday, Juncker said that he was "confident" that a deal would be reached in 2016. European Council President Donald Tusk said he's hopeful the process can be finalized in 2016. "I think, realistic and cautious optimism not an irresponsible prognosis or forecast," Tusk said. Both the EU member states and the European Parliament have given the initial green light for a visa-free regime for Ukraine. But the two institutions have been locked in protracted negotiations over a suspension mechanism that would allow the EU to suspend visa-free travel in emergency cases. Visa liberalization An agreement on this is necessary before a final go-ahead can be struck on visa liberalization. EU diplomats that RFE/RL spoke to on Wednesday stated that it would be "difficult" to find a compromise on the suspension mechanism before the end of the year. But after Thusday's talks among EU and Ukrainian leaders in Brussels, it appears likely that there will be a final push to find a solution before the end of the year. A deal would allow Ukrainians to travel to the EU without visas for a period of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Police in southern France were looking Thursday for an armed man who killed a woman at a retirement home for missionaries. The man was wearing a mask and carrying a sawed-off shotgun when he burst into the home in Montferrier-sur-Lez, near Montpellier, which is home to around 70 men and women who have served as missionaries in Africa. News reports said about 60 residents were brought out to safety as police continued to search for the suspect. There were no indications that this was an act of terrorism. France is on heightened alert and has been under a state of emergency since a wave of Islamist attacks last year. Suspects arrested last weekend in France under anti-terrorism measures had been planning to launch attacks on December 1 at important and landmark sites in and around Paris, officials said. The far-right mayor of a Hungarian village says councilors have voted to ban the construction of mosques and the activity of muezzins, as well as the use of veils and headscarves like burqas, chadors and burkinis worn by Muslim women. Asotthalom mayor Laszlo Toroczkai says the ordinance was adopted to defend the village's community and traditions from any EU scheme to resettle asylum-seekers among the members of the 28-nation bloc. The southern village is on the border with Serbia and has been a major entry point into Hungary for migrants on the Balkan route trying to reach Western Europe. Toroczkai was an early advocate of building border fences to stop the migrant flow. The Hungarian government put them up along the borders with Serbia and Croatia in late 2015. Iceland's president says attempts to form a government have collapsed, with the leader of the country's largest left-of-center party admitting defeat in coalition talks. Left-Green Movement leader Katrin Jakobsdottir has told President Gudni Johannesson that she could not reach agreement with other parties. The biggest party in parliament, the center-right Independence Party, had earlier failed to assemble a majority coalition. Johannesson told reporters Friday that he would not offer any party leader a third chance. He said lawmakers in Iceland's parliament should meet to find a way to form a government. If they fail, Iceland could face its second election this year. Voters went to the polls Oct. 29 in an election called after the prime minister resigned amid protests over his offshore holdings, revealed in the Panama Papers leak. Indonesia says it will step up patrols in waters around a group of islands to expel Chinese fishing vessels, putting its economic ties with China at risk but eventually getting an upper hand in the dispute with little fallout, analysts say. Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who is widely known as Jokowi, said in October his government would never compromise on claims around the Natuna Islands, a chain of 272 tiny land features northwest of Borneo where Chinese vessels pass in nearby waters. He visited the islands during military exercises in September and October. Theres a strong feeling among many Indonesian officials that it can both assert its rights over the area it claims as its exclusive economic zone around the Natunas and develop strong economic ties with China at the same time, said David McRae, senior research fellow with the Asia Institute at the University of Melbourne in Australia. Widodo also called last year on the two sides to increase two-way trade to $150 billion by 2020. China is Indonesias top import source and second biggest export destination for items such as minerals and palm oil. But the Indonesian Cabinet has developed what experts call a low-risk strategy to stand up for its claim of a 370-kilometer (200 nautical-mile) exclusive economic zone in waters around the Natunas. China cites historical records and says its boats have long fished the same waters. Domestic concerns Indonesians, especially fishermen, resent illegal fishing, which had become a problem because of lack of enforcement around the countrys 13,000 islands. Indonesia itself should reap the fish and natural gas near the Natunas, the president has said. China claims 95 percent of the 3.5-million-square-km (1.4-million-square-mile) South China Sea, which stretches from Taiwan to Singapore and includes a tract near the Natunas. Chinese claims infringe as well on exclusive maritime zones established by Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Since 2010, China has bolstered its claims by landfilling small islets in the Paracel and Spratly chains, sending military equipment and positioning oil rigs. Taiwan also claims most of the South China Sea, the center of Asias farthest-reaching sovereignty dispute. Over the past four years, Indonesia has increased patrols for any Chinese fishing vessels, as well as those from other nations, such as Vietnam. In March, the two countries engaged in a standoff when Indonesian authorities detained a Chinese fishing vessel, but a Chinese coast guard vessel intervened. Also that month, Indonesia said China had officially included waters near the Natuna Islands on a territorial map, a move that Fahru Zaini, chief security minister for defense, told local media had made a large impact on the security of that tract of ocean. In May, the Indonesian navy arrested a Chinese fishing vessel despite Beijings coast guard backup. A month later the navy fired on another Chinese boat, possibly injuring a sailor, before impounding it and jailing the seven-person crew. China has not lashed out at Indonesia or threatened economic retaliation as it does when other countries, such as Japan and the Philippines, test its claims. At the moment, both countries seem to have been able to largely compartmentalize those incidents from affecting the economic relations although obviously it must have an effect on anxieties about increasing Chinese assertiveness, McRae said. Most of Indonesias efforts around the Natuna Islands are preventive rather than reactive, he said. Indonesian officials also avoid reminding Chinese officials in public about past incidents or issuing warnings as the Philippines did under its president from 2010 to mid-2016. China trimmed trade and tourism to the Philippines in 2012. Two-way street China needs Indonesia as much as the other way around, analysts say. Last year Widodo and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed eight agreements partly aimed at letting China build infrastructure in Indonesia. This year in Jakarta, lower-level officials agreed to work together on energy, agriculture and industrial park construction. I think theres definitely a balancing act for the Jokowi administration, but I think the Indonesia-China relationship is an important one to both countries and diverse enough that if the Jokowi administration treats these kinds of incidents and confrontations with enough diplomacy as possible, it will not disrupt investment flows into Indonesia from China, said Natalie Sambhi, a research fellow at the Perth USAsia Centre in Australia. Chinese firms need new markets for construction as their own becomes saturated or too competitive. The Chinese government has sighted Indonesia as part of its maritime silk road initiative to foster investment in countries around Asia and in Europe. Indonesia is an important component of the way China sees the strategic landscape in the Asia Pacific, particularly as a key state in Southeast Asia, and it would be a boon for China to maintain its relationships with Indonesia on the basis of its wanting to implement things like its maritime silk road and its one belt, one road initiative, Sambhi said. But Indonesia, an exporter of commodities to world markets as well as a massive domestic market built on a population of 250 million, depends less on Chinese economic support than other parts of Asia. China is Japans second most significant trading partner, a relationship worth $125 billion in 2014. Malaysia counts China as its top trading partner and source of direct foreign investment. Indonesia feels less concerned about Chinese response because its less dependent on Chinese invest and infrastructure development than some of the other more developed countries in Southeast Asia, said Carl Baker, director of programs at the think tank Pacific Forum CSIS in Honolulu. The Paris prosecutor says France has avoided an imminent terrorist attack, and five recently arrested suspects received their orders from the so-called Islamic State group. The men allegedly had been planning to strike targets near the capital next week. Paris prosecutor Francois Molins told reporters that the men had been receiving instructions via an encrypted App from an IS commander in the Iraq-Syria region. He said the men were planning to strike the Paris area next Thursday, although the exact target was not clear. He said authorities had found screenshots of Google maps highlighting several places. Reports say the targets under consideration were police offices and the domestic intelligence headquarters in Paris, along with Disneyland theme park outside the capital. Molins identified the suspects as four French citizens arrested in the eastern city of Strasbourg last weekend, and one Moroccan arrested in Marseille. Some had no previous police records. French authorities also discovered documents pledging allegiance to IS and glorifying a martyrs death. Molins said two of the men had travelled to the Turkey-Syrian border in March 2015, via Cyprus. He said the Moroccan suspect had been turned away by authorities when he tried to enter Turkey. Molins said authorities had also seized hand guns and other material, along with instructions on how to procure more arms. The men were to appear in court later Friday. Molins said France faces a major threat from terrorists trained abroad and sent back to strike - or guided remotely from Syria. France is a top exporter of jihadists to the Middle East and some have begun to come back. More than 230 people have been killed in a series of terrorist attacks since early 2015. The country recently marked the one year anniversary of attacks in Paris that killed 130 people. An Israeli security officer shot dead a Palestinian who tried to stab him at a checkpoint in East Jerusalem on Friday, Israeli police said. Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said the Palestinian approached the officer, pulled a knife from under his shirt and lunged at him. The assailant was shot during the struggle, Samri said. At least 229 Palestinians have been killed in violence in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip since October 2015. Israel says at least 155 of them were assailants in a wave of lone attacks often targeting security forces and using rudimentary weapons including kitchen knives. Others died during clashes and protests. The street assaults killed at least 33 Israelis and two visiting Americans over the same period. Palestinians have accused Israeli police and soldiers of using excessive force in many cases, saying many assailants could have been stopped or detained without being killed. In several cases, Israel has opened investigations. Israel says one of the main causes of the violence is incitement by the Palestinian leadership, with young men encouraged to attack Israeli soldiers and civilians. Palestinian leaders say assailants have acted out of desperation, frustrated by the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and annexation of East Jerusalem, territories which the Palestinians want for their own state. Israel captured those lands in the 1967 Middle East war, and maintains tight restrictions on the movement of Palestinians in some areas, especially West Bank checkpoints that border Israel. The last round of peace talks between the sides collapsed in 2014. As freezing temperatures start to bite in the war-torn Middle East region, tens of thousands of Syrian refugees, stranded along the Syrian side of the border with Jordan, have been thrown a lifeline by the Hashemite Kingdom. On Tuesday, Jordanian authorities announced the resumption of aid to tens of thousands of people, half of them children, who have been stuck in squalid conditions with little food, water, medical care and other necessities since Jordan closed the border on June 21 to Syrian refugees fleeing their war-torn country. That followed the killing of seven Jordanian soldiers reportedly by Islamic State militants. Since then, Jordan has allowed only one delivery of aid, back in August, to the refugees forced to stay on a remote, barren strip of no-man's land. We are very happy that we can resume now the operation, said Jens Laerke, spokesman for the U.N. Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. It is a lifeline to the 85,000 people. I believe three-quarters of them are women and children, who are stranded there in this remote, arid area. Food, other aid delivered Tuesday Laerke told VOA that food and essential items were delivered on Tuesday to some 170 households in the Rukban community in preparation for the winter months. He noted that this was the beginning of a planned two-week distribution cycle and in the coming days other relief, as well as health care services, would be provided. Aid has begun to flow to the refugees from different U.N. agencies. For example, the U.N. Children's Fund has been distributing warm sweaters, trousers, jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, socks and boots to children under age one, as well as warm winter clothing for older children. The agency, which has delivered safe water to the refugees on a daily basis since the border was closed in June, plans to provide hygiene kits, along with other non-food items. Winter weather a major concern UNICEF spokesman Christophe Boulierac said that aid workers have not yet had a chance to assess the condition of the refugees, but according to unconfirmed reports, there has been an increase in malnutrition and rise in preventable diseases among the children and women. There are also children with disabilities at about 2- to 3-percent and many unaccompanied and separated children. He said UNICEF was extremely concerned about the welfare of children, particularly during the bitter cold winter months when children will be more susceptible to acute respiratory infections and other winter-related conditions. He said UNICEF was establishing a so-called mobile health and nutrition caravan to provide primary health care services. Discussions are ongoing with the Jordan Armed forces for access to children and individuals requiring urgent medical support, he said. Warm clothing, blankets With the onset of winter, the U.N. refugee agency has expanded its winter assistance program throughout Syria and the region. The agency said it aimed to reach 3.2 million internally displaced Syrians and refugees and 1.4 million displaced Iraqis within Syria and Iraq, as well as in Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt. The UNHCR said its humanitarian operation included a mixture of cash payments to people in need, along with the distribution of warm clothing, blankets, heating fuel and other necessities to help people survive the harsh winter. While there are plans to assist more than 292,000 vulnerable Syrians and nearly 30,000 Iraqis and other nationalities in Jordan, a UNHCR spokesman, Matthew Saltmarsh, told VOA that the agency's winterization plan did not include the border area where the Syrian refugees were stranded. 'Challenging' operation We have not had access until now and we have been negotiating with the Jordanian authorities to obtain that access. "This is one of the most challenging humanitarian operations in the world today and UNHCR and other agencies would like to extend their thanks to the government of Jordan for making the operation possible." He said that he understood the security constraints that obliged authorities to stop aid to the area some months ago. Nevertheless, he said, "Overall, we are hopeful and confident that this will be the start of sustained, better access to the area." Belgium wants beer drinking and brewing to be considered a cultural activity worth protecting. The tiny country is home to a massive beer industry, with almost 200 breweries and thousands of beers, according to a Belgian brewing association that is petitioning UNESCO. The U.N. organization already lists Spanish Flamenco and Indian yoga as cultural activities worthy of protection. "I think what is special to the Belgian beer culture is the combination of variety, innovation and tradition, said Jean-Louis Van de Perre, the president of the Belgian Brewers Federation in an interview with Reuters. We have more than 3,000 beers in Belgium, more than 200 breweries and also these breweries have created around them a beer culture. We have our pubs (bars), we have our museums, we have feasts, we have the ritual of how to serve beer." Those pushing for beer culture to be recognized by UNESCO also say beer has given the country with three official languages a sense of national identity. They added beer helps the economy. UNESCO will meet next week in Addis Ababa to determine if beer culture will be among the 36 other practices the body recognizes. Ordinary Belgians appear behind the push to recognize beer and brewing. "I think it's a nice recognition for the country," said Gregoire Lepoudre, a Belgian lawyer told Reuters as he enjoyed a beer at a local cafe. "Every Belgian knows that Belgian beer is recognized around the world." Beer would not be the first Belgian cultural activity recognized by UNESCO, which also recognizes the countrys horse-drawn shrimp fishing and the Carnival celebration in the town of Aalst. The UNESCO list of cultural heritage was started in 2008. To be considered, the activity must have been passed down over generations and provide those involved with a unique identity. Your dogs memory works much more like yours than previously thought, according to a new study. Writing in the journal Current Biology, researchers from the MTA-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group in Budapest, Hungary, say that, like people, dogs can remember and recall events from the past, even when those events didn't hold any particular importance at the time they occurred. "The results of our study can be considered as a further step to break down artificially erected barriers between non-human animals and humans," said Claudia Fugazza, an author of the study. "Dogs are among the few species that people consider 'clever,' and yet we are still surprised whenever a study reveals that dogs and their owners may share some mental abilities despite our distant evolutionary relationship." Testing dogs memories is difficult since they are unable to speak, but researchers used a trick called do as I do, meaning a human performs an action, such as jumping in the air and then urging the dog to do the same by saying do it. This ability to be trained, however, doesnt prove canines have episodic memories. To test that, researchers added a wrinkle to the do as I do trick. One group of dogs was trained to imitate a humans actions, but another group was trained to lie down no matter what action the human took. After the dogs had been trained to lie down, researchers surprised them with a do it command, which they say caused the dogs to lie down. The dogs recalled what they'd seen the person do even though they had no particular reason to think they'd need to remember, according to a news release on the study. They showed episodic-like memory. The memories seemed to last over time but did eventually fade, researchers said. Researchers add that similar tests could be used on other animal species. "From a broad evolutionary perspective, this implies that episodic-like memory is not unique and did not evolve only in primates but is a more widespread skill in the animal kingdom," Fugazza said. "We suggest that dogs may provide a good model to study the complexity of episodic-like memory in a natural setting, especially because this species has the evolutionary and developmental advantage to live in human social groups." North Korea said Friday that it had discussed the issue of American and Canadian detainees with the Swedish ambassador in the country. The North is holding at least two Americans and one Canadian for alleged espionage, subversion and other anti-state activities. Neither the U.S. nor Canada has diplomatic offices in North Korea. A North Korean Foreign Ministry official met with the Swedish ambassador Thursday for talks on consular access for the Canadian detainee, Hyeon Soo Lim, a Christian pastor sentenced last year to life in prison with hard labor, according to Pyongyangs official Korean Central News Agency. Wartime law The Swedish ambassador used the meeting as a chance to raise the issue of consular affairs for the American detainees. The Pyongyang official, identified as the director general of the ministrys European Department 2, reiterated a position that the North will handle the issues of detained Americans line with a wartime law, according to the KCNA. No further details were given, including what the North Korean official said about Lim. In July, North Korea announced that it would handle all issues between the two countries in line with a wartime law in response to U.S. sanctions that target leader Kim Jong Un. It has not elaborated on what wartime law means, although it suggests North Korea could deal with U.S. detainees in a harsher manner. Korean-American Kim Tong Chol is serving a 10-year prison term with hard labor, while University of Virginia undergraduate Otto Warmbier received 15 years over alleged anti-state activities such as espionage and subversion. Lim, who pastored the Light Korean Presbyterian Church in Toronto, was sentenced in December last year for what the North called crimes against the state. Detainees for concessions Pyongyangs Supreme Court found Lim guilty of crimes such as trying to use religion to destroy the North Korean system and helping U.S. and South Korean authorities lure and abduct North Korean citizens, along with aiding their programs to assist defectors from the North. Outside analysts say North Korea often uses foreign detainees as a way to win concessions from other countries. Pyongyang is locked in a long-running standoff with Washington and other countries over its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Thousands of Bangladeshis marched in the capital's streets Friday to protest the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, one of several similar rallies in the region. Chanting "Stop killing Rohingya Muslims,'' they marched in Dhaka as violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state escalated, forcing thousands to leave their homes. The protesters from several Islamic groups burned an effigy of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and a flag of Myanmar. They carried banners reading Open border to save the Rohingya. Bangladesh's southeast borders Myanmar. Organizers said some 10,000 protesters joined the rally in Dhaka. Smaller protests occurred in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Also, rights group Amnesty International asked Bangladesh not to forcibly send fleeing Rohingya back to Myanmar. Up to 500,000 undocumented Rohingya have been living in Bangladesh after arriving from Myanmar in waves since the 1970s. Some 33,000 registered Rohingya refugees are lodged in two camps in southern Cox's Bazar district. Entrance blocked Local media reported that a few thousand Rohingya Muslims have entered Bangladesh this week with the help of smugglers, but authorities didn't confirm that. Maj. Gen. Abul Hossain, director general of the Bangladesh Border Guard, said Friday that only some'' arrived by boats. On Thursday, Bangladeshi border guards blocked at least a dozen boats carrying Rohingya from entering Bangladesh, said Lt. Col. Abu Jar Al Jahid, a commanding officer of the border agency in Cox's Bazar's Teknaf area. Amnesty International condemned Myanmars persecution of Rohingya Muslims and Bangladesh's unwillingness to accept them. "The Rohingya are being squeezed by the callous actions of both the Myanmar and Bangladesh authorities. Fleeing collective punishment in Myanmar, they are being pushed back by the Bangladeshi authorities. Trapped between these cruel fates, their desperate need for food, water and medical care is not being addressed,'' said Champa Patel, Amnesty International's South Asia director. Myanmar's security forces are mounting indiscriminate reprisal attacks against Rohingya in response to an October 9 assault on three border posts that killed nine border officers, the rights group said in a statement Thursday. The group said it has heard accounts of Myanmar's security forces, led by the military, firing at villagers from helicopter gunships, torching hundreds of homes, carrying out arbitrary arrests and raping women and girls. Rebels fighting against Indian rule in Kashmir ambushed a police patrol on Friday, killing two officers, while two militants and an Indian soldier died in a separate gunfight in the disputed region, police said. A police officer said rebels fired automatic weapons at the police patrol in southern Kulgam town. The officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with department policy, said two policemen were killed and another was critically wounded. Government forces cordoned off the area to hunt for the attackers, he said. Also Friday, soldiers and counterinsurgency police raided Naidkhai village on a tip and engaged militants in a gunbattle in which two militants and a soldier died, officials said. Col. Rajesh Kalia, an Indian army spokesman, said two automatic rifles and ammunition were recovered from the village. After the clash, hundreds of villagers took to the streets to protest against Indian rule, chanting slogans like We want freedom and Go India, go back. The villagers demanded that police the return of the bodies of the two militants for burial. Tensions have risen sharply along the highly militarized Line of Control that divides Kashmir between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan. Government forces took extra security measures as authorities allowed Friday prayers for the first time in more than four months at the main mosque, Jamia Masjid, in downtown Srinagar city. Authorities sealed neighborhoods in downtown Srinagar to stop large crowds from gathering and holding anti-India protests. Government forces have prevented worshippers from offering Friday prayers at large mosques for the past 19 weeks amid the biggest protests against Indian rule in recent years, sparked by the killing in July of a popular rebel commander by Indian soldiers. At least 90 civilians and two policemen have been killed and thousands injured in the protests. Hundreds of the injured have been blinded and maimed, mostly by government forces firing bullets and shotgun pellets at rock-throwing protesters. Curfews, communication blackouts, crackdowns and separatist-sponsored strikes have largely paralyzed public life. India and Pakistan each administer a portion of Kashmir, but both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety. Most people in the Indian-controlled portion favor independence or a merger with Pakistan. Rebel groups have been fighting since 1989 for either independence or a merger with Pakistan. Since then, more than 68,000 people have been killed in the armed uprising and ensuing Indian military crackdown. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Friday Russia's deployment of missile systems on islands in the western Pacific isles that are also claimed by Tokyo was "regrettable". His comments came less than a month before Russian President Vladimir Putin is to visit Japan for talks aimed at progress on the decades-old territorial row. Moscow has already said it hoped the deployment would not damage efforts to settle the dispute. Russian media reported on Tuesday that Bastion and Bal anti-ship missile systems were now in operation on the islands, part of an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean over which Russia and Japan have staked rival claims for 70 years. The feud over the islands, called the southern Kuriles in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan, has kept Tokyo and Moscow from signing a peace treaty to formally end World War II. "The four islands are our country's inherent territory. We have conveyed through diplomatic routes that this ... is not compatible with our country's position and is regrettable," Abe told parliament's upper house. Delicate diplomacy is underway to prepare for the meeting between the Russian and Japanese leaders in Japan on Dec. 15-16. Both sides have said they hoped progress could be made towards settling the dispute. Abe, who sees improved ties with Moscow as a counter-balance to a rising China, hopes the lure of economic cooperation will help ease a breakthrough when he meets Putin, given the hit to Russia's economy from sluggish oil prices and Western sanctions imposed after its annexation of Crimea. Once known for producing nearly 300,000 tons of aluminum annually and employing some 3,000 employees more than one-fifth of the population of surrounding Monroe County it now lies in ruins, the 1,600-acre complex an expansive stretch of overgrown weeds and mounds of industrial refuse. Founded in 1955, the plant boomed in the 1960s and '70s, only to see employee relations sour in the '80s. By 2000, the United States, which still led the world aluminum market by producing about 500,000 metric tons annually, began to see a rising China, then producing about half that amount, steadily increase production. Chinese aluminum imports matched U.S. production by 2004; by 2011, China produced twice as much as U.S. plants. Between 2012 and 2015, its aluminum exports increased by 181 percent. Faced with a flood of cheap aluminum imports, almost exclusively from China, Ormet no longer could bear the increased energy and manpower costs required to stay competitive. In a severe blow to the region, the Ormet facility was shuttered in 2014, sending the county unemployment rates to 10.2 percent, the highest in the state. Directly across the Ohio River lies Wetzel County, West Virginia, where unemployment is even higher. Campaign promises Following a presidential election season in which job creation was a constant theme, Ohio's municipal, county and state officials are hopeful that President-elect Donald Trump whether they supported him or not can deliver on his national campaign pledge to bring jobs back to the rust belt. For Monroe County residents who heard Trump vow to get them back to work, the political is now personal. It was an enormous impact, especially for such a small community," Jason Hammon, a Monroe County economic development consultant, told VOA. "Whether its yourself, or direct relatives, seemingly everyone knows someone that has ties to Ormet. Just from a community cultural and psychology standpoint, its been difficult. While Hammon says he would like to see Trump "level the playing field in terms of industrial development, he also believes the trend of globalization and automation cannot be reversed, and that traditional manufacturing alone won't be enough to turn the tide of high unemployment in this corner of the state. Workforce transformation Ryan Burgess, director of the Ohio Governors Office of Workforce Transformation, thinks his state has learned a lesson from Monroes single-industry economy, and that diversification of industry will be crucial to jumpstarting growth. I think we need a balanced economy, so I think we need manufacturing jobs, and I think we need agricultural jobs, financial services jobs, biotechnology jobs, and high-tech jobs, he told VOA. "I think the challenge we have here is that, while you have one industry where jobs are being dislocated, how can we assist those individuals, help them to retrain and move to other industries that are starting to grow," he added. "In southeastern Ohio, around the shale industry, for example, youre seeing booming jobs there." Separated from West Virginia by the Ohio River, Monroe County sits at the center of the Utica and Marcellus shale formations, and some oil and gas companies already are moving in. One fracking outfit has stored equipment and sand needed for drilling inside the former Ormet plant, where developers have been dismantling old factory equipment in preparation for new commercial tenants. Although the oil and gas ventures are promising, Eric Spirtas, president of the company developing the Ormet property, thinks it may not be enough. If Monroe County wants to avoid repeating history by relying on a single industry, he says, gas and oil from extraction from the underlying shale will be only a first step toward revitalized manufacturing. What do I see? I see temporary oil and gas business. But I see a very long-term manufacturing business, he told VOA. What I see right now is the need for jobs, a healthy economy, effective trade, and oil and gas." For the Monroe County residents who gave Trump a 71.5 percent victory over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the question is whether he'll be able to govern as well as he campaigned. This report was produced in collaboration with VOA's Mandarin Service. Many future entrepreneurs first attend university and business school. In Silicon Valley, though, a place that celebrates innovation, there is a school aimed solely at current and future entrepreneurs that uses unconventional methods of teaching. Most of the students did not expect jumping into a chilly pool with a billionaire investor would be their first step at Draper University. But the unexpected is the norm at Draper, and Aima Ohiwerei from Nigeria is experiencing it first-hand. Its not like your regular school. Kind of like pushes you to try and imagine more than you can actually think you can imagine, said Ohiwerei. WATCH: Video of young entrepreneurs in action Unusual team-building One drill is to try crossing the street blindfolded with only the help of verbal instructions. Thinking about doing something beyond the conventional is what Draper University tries to teach, says the schools founder and venture capitalist Tim Draper. People need to be able to step out, apart from the crowd, and try extraordinary things and now that were all interconnected, and all communicating with each other throughout the entire world, its even more important for people to be able to step out and do something a little different, he said. Draper says for entrepreneurs to move outside their comfort zones takes a certain mindset and emotional tenacity. Im trying to get into peoples heads that starting a business is very difficult. You will be up against a lot of pressures and we want you to, after going through this program, we want you to be able to be immune to the pressures that are going to be coming against you, he said. Thats exactly what Ohiwerei hopes to learn in this seven-week course. Just push through all the negative thoughts and all the negative comments towards your startup, toward you, just push through thats what I want to learn. I would like to know how to be fearless, just go full speed without stopping, said David Lopez, a student from Peru. Hundreds of students from more than 70 countries have attended this entrepreneurship course. Students between 18 and 28 years old learn to be emotionally prepared for entrepreneurship by listening to Silicon Valley startup founders who have succeeded and those who have failed. They also experience some unusual training, like a volleyball game they play where the rules keep changing. Different things start to happen and their brains start to open up and they start thinking anything is possible, said Draper. Consistent with the uniqueness of the school, the graduates become superheroes. They get a cape and mask as they are sent out as entrepreneurs to change the world with their unique ideas. Life after graduation While there are many schools and programs in Silicon Valley that teach students how to start their own business, Draper University has a particularly unusual teaching method. Its founder, venture capitalist, Tim Draper says the programs goal is to mentally prepare people for the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur. Two graduates tell their story of life before and after the program, in this second of two reports from VOA's Elizabeth Lee. Its not a coincidence that Christine Ntim lives and works just 10 minutes from the airport in New York. Vietnam, Japan, China Ive only been to four countries on the African continent, she said. Thinking creatively Ntim grew up in Haiti and loves to travel. Her travels led to her form Vendedy, an online directory of street markets. I come from a generation of street vendors, so my great grandmother, my grandmother, my mom were all street vendors in Haiti," she said. "I didnt realize this was a way of life for people. Thats how things just got started. What helped Ntims company to reach the next level was an entrepreneurship program at Draper. I grew up as a street vendor, so I grew up knowing how to sell anything," she said. "So if I am feeling uncomfortable, I knew this was a different experience. I had to sell rubbers its a better way to say it or condoms. That was awkward. In the classroom and out in the field, the schools founder Draper says he pushes students to think creatively to overcome challenges. His aim is to nurture entrepreneurs, calling them super heroes. You need to be resilient, tough, determined, you have to be able to overcome great barriers to be very successful, he said. International student body Students from more than 70 countries have attended Draper University. Graduates have created about 350 companies. Pakistani native Asra Nadeem felt immediately at home at Draper, where she is the Graduate Program director. "All my life, being a woman from Pakistan, one of the things Ive heard the most that I have to be less loud. My mothers never been happy with how loud I am." In contrast, Nadeem says her assertiveness is celebrated here. Her crazy ideas are embraced. "I wanted to build vertical cities or I wanted to talk about mining asteroids." When the students graduated with super hero masks and capes, Nadeem says she wore hers with pride. All your life youre feeling like an outsider and thats kind of where the super hero theme comes in. Super heroes are also these anomalies, these people who always feel like outsiders and all of a sudden you have all these people who are great in some aspect or the other who think about all these revolutionary things and theyre together, she said. When Nadeem graduated, Draper offered her a job because of her assertiveness. She now helps in fostering more super-hero entrepreneurs by leading them through unconventional tasks. One month ago, heavily armed militiamen who support the Islamic State (IS) militant group walked into the Somali town of Qandala and seized it without opposition. The town on the Red Sea became the first piece of land controlled by pro-IS forces in Somalia. Qandala emptied out quickly, its several thousand residents fleeing in small groups by car and on foot. But one man tried to stay put, to protect the buildings he considers a treasure: the town's old fish processing plant. His holdout ended Wednesday, when relatives evacuated Mohamud Yasin Yusuf, known as Justo, by sea, during the nighttime hours. They came to find my body because they were told that I was killed," he told VOA's Somali Service. "When they found me alive it was unexpected. I didnt want to leave the town," added Yusuf, 76. "I never left it for one night. He said pro-IS fighters came to the plant, took pictures and asked him about what he does, how he works, and then left. People are scared of them but they did not cause any problems for me, he said. But relatives feared for Yusuf's life. He was the last remaining resident in town, they said, and could get caught up in the fighting if foreign armies or forces from Somalia's Puntland region try to take back Qandala from the clutches of IS. Efforts to recapture the town have not started, and Somali officials believe it will be tough. The town is located between the sea and large mountains where militants have erected defenses. Puntland forces could storm it with a sea landing but holding it will be costly, experts warn. 66-year connection Yusuf started working at the fish processing factory as a dishwasher in the kitchen in 1950, when he was 10 years old. The plant was then owned by Italian colonists who ruled Somalia. In 1958 he started his first shift in the plant outside the kitchen. From there, he worked his way up until he became the general manager. The factory continued to operate for two years after the Somali government collapsed in 1991 and the country sank into violence and lawlessness. Yusuf says operations were stopped at that point due to a lack of maintenance and care. But Yusuf treated the plant comprising some 30 buildings for offices, residences, and shops for boats and fishing equipment as his own property, protecting it from looting. We have the technique but it lacks maintenance, he said. Still, he continued to inspire others to go fishing. Although the plant was producing limited fish for domestic conception, and sometimes friends and family would bring their fish to him to be canned, it no longer has the capacity for commerical production. In 2014, a tropical cyclone hit the area and washed away Yusuf's last functioning motor boat, together with some fishing equipment. He informed Puntland Region officials, who assessed the damage but never followed up with money or repairs. Tasty fish His relatives have brought him to Bosaso, 80 kilometers west of Qandala. But his thoughts remain with his home town. Yusuf says the factory means so much to him that he wants to hand it over to the Somali government one day. Im very proud of what I did about it, and I never been away from it one kilometer, he said. He says he saw the plant at its peak, when it won excellence awards and produced tons of fish, and in its worst days, when he was the only person roaming around the giant compound. He says what he will miss most is the tasty fish of Qandala. It has distinctive taste of nostalgia, he said. If you try to wash it off with a soap and then spray perfume, you can still smell it. Hundreds of fighters from Southeast Asia have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join the Islamic State (IS) militant group, and security analysts say they are tracking growing links between the terrorist organization and regional militant groups. Researchers say they do not want to overstate the threat posed by these links, but that it warrants increased attention. Yes, the governments of Southeast Asia are concerned about returning foreign fighters and theyve been concerned for several years now," said Sidney Jones, director of the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict in Jakarta. "The level of concern may be rising even though there isnt evidence at the moment that theres any huge exodus from the Middle East. IS-inspired attackers have attempted several strikes in Southeast Asia in recent years far fewer than the number of attacks in South Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the United States. In 2016, IS-aligned fighters launched attacks in Indonesia's capital and a police station in Central Java, as well as several in the southern Philippines, parts of which are considered safe havens for militants fleeing the Middle East. However, the number of IS sympathizers traveling to Iraq and Syria from Southeast Asia is relatively small. Analysts estimate 800 fighters from Indonesia and Malaysia, roughly 100 Australians, as well as a few" supporters from Singapore and the Philippines, have traveled to fight in the Middle East. But there is increased worry that IS radicals could unify and empower disparate militant factions in Southeast Asia, some of which already enjoy relative autonomy. Winning Friends in the Sulu Sea A particular concern is the Sulu Sea, a body of water bordered by the southern Philippines, Malaysias Sabah State and Indonesia's Sulawesi Island. There, in the Philippines Basilan province, Jones says at least four to five militant groups representing different ethnic groups have sworn allegiance to IS, a powerful testament to the group's ability to unify disparate factions. For the first time, the existence of ISIS has broken down some of those clan and geographic barriers, she said, using a different acronym to describe IS, which is also known as ISIL and Daesh. In April this year, Philippine security forces in Basilan were attacked by groups claiming allegiance to IS. Joseph Chinyong Liow, a professor at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, in a recent Brookings Institute report, said the violence in the Philippines is a reminder of the persistent threat terrorism poses to Southeast Asian societies. In 2014, IS militants formed the Katibah Nusantara, a Southeast Asian wing composed mainly of fighters from Malaysia and Indonesia. Despite the group's increased attention on Southeast Asia, Liow said governments in the region have toughened security and contained the terror threat. But he said that does not mean the danger has passed. In this respect, the greater threat may will be that idea and phenomenon of ISIS would provide greater inspiration for local jihadists to continue waging what are essentially localized struggles, he said. IS links in southern Thailand Evidence of this came with a recent investigation by Australian authorities into evidence of IS links with Muslim insurgent groups in southern Thailand. Thailands southern insurgency has claimed over 6,000 lives since 2004. But the fighters have largely focused in increased autonomy or independence from the Thai state not any broader international aspirations. Thai police have repeatedly denied evidence of militant links with IS. The Australian report cited evidence of Thais providing financial support for IS as well as over 100,000 Facebook users in Thailand accessing militant websites. Intelligence sources told VOA there were identified IS linkages and regional threats, but the Thai government appears to recognize the threat they pose. Srisompob Jitromsri, a professor at the Prince of Songkla University, says although direct links to IS by southern insurgent groups are unclear, they require constant monitoring. According to my study the people in the deep south, around 10 percent or less agree with the ideology of ISIS," Srisompob said. "Its quite sizable. Its a concerning trend. Eight to 10 percent of people agree with what ISIS has done. Roger Shanahan, an analyst at Australia's Lowy Institute, said that could mean the trickle of fighters who return from battle zones in Iraq and Syria may eventually pose a threat if they come home to communities sympathetic to the IS cause. The fear is [that] even if theres a small number of returning foreign fighters, their skillsets are going to be quite well developed," Shanahan told VOA. "And so they are going to be able to pass on knowledge, theyll have a much better understanding of operations, security, of bomb-making or operational planning so thats the concern. You only need a disproportionately small number to get through the net, and no net catches everybody, so the problem is its going to be a persistent threat," he added. "People just have to be prepared for it. He said governments need to begin planning for possible attacks. Thirty years ago today, the Iran-Contra scandal erupted in the United States following the revelation that secret weapons sales to Iran, which was under an arms embargo, went to fund Nicaragua's Contra rebels seeking to overthrow their country's government. The complex and illegal affair stemmed from the so-called Reagan Doctrine," the idea that stopping the spread of communism around the globe was of the utmost importance, which meant supporting anti-Communist insurgents wherever they might be. The operation involved selling arms to the Iranian regime, then diverting the profits to fund Nicaraguan rebels fighting Cuban-backed Sandinistas. The president believed the Contras were "the moral equivalent of our Founding Fathers." The presidents other goal was the release of American hostages being held by Iranian terrorists in Lebanon. In 1982, the Democratic-controlled Congress passed the Boland Amendment, which restricted CIA and Defense Department operations in Nicaragua specifically. A strengthened Boland Amendment passed two years later made support almost impossible. In November 1986, the Lebanese newspaper Al-Shiraa, acting on a leak, reported on the Iran-Contra deal, which had not been approved by the U.S. Congress. Reagan later denied the operation on national television. The president later reversed himself, addressing the nation in a live televised address in August 1987. The attorney general at the time, Edwin Meese, found that the U.S. government received only $12 million of the $30 million purportedly paid by Iran. Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North of the National Security Council was a key figure in the scandal. North said he had diverted money from the arms sales to the Contras, and that National Security Adviser John Poindexter was fully aware of what was going on. Poindexter resigned, and North was fired. Amid the scandal, questions were raised as to what Reagan might have known. The president appointed the Tower Commission to investigate the scandal, and it found the president's hands-off approach and detachment from the oversight of his White House led to a scenario that made possible the funneling of money to the Contras; yet, there was no hard evidence connecting Reagan to the diversion. Disagreements among members of President-elect Donald Trump's transition team about who should serve as his secretary of state have left the future national security role open until those differences can be resolved. Rivals within the transition team are divided between 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. In a Twitter post Thursday, Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway expressed the sentiments of the faction opposed to Romney. Conway said she had received a "deluge" of concern from people who questioned the loyalty of Romney, a former Massachusetts governor who assailed Trump as a "phony" during the presidential campaign. Messy confirmation fight Those opposed to Giuliani as secretary of state contend his extensive business relationships with foreign interests would most likely lead to a messy Senate confirmation fight. They also question whether the 72-year-old has the stamina to meet the demands of international travel the job requires. The president-elect, who has developed a reputation for changing his mind, has praised both Romney and Giuliani. Trump apparently told aides that Romney "looks the part" of secretary of state and is said to have spoken glowingly of Giuliani in recent discussions with associates. Others who have been said to be in the running for the position include former CIA Director David Petraeus and Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee. And recent reports have said retired Marine Corps General John Kelly is under consideration. On Friday, Trump appointed Kathleen Troia "KT" McFarland to serve as deputy national security adviser and Donald F. McGahn to serve as assistant to the president and White House counsel. Neither position requires Senate confirmation. Experience factor In a statement, Trump cited McFarland's "tremendous experience and innate talent" and said McGahn "has a brilliant legal mind, excellent character and a deep understanding of constitutional law." Having faced criticism about the inexperience of his initial picks, Trump finds in McFarland someone who previously worked under three presidents, although none since Ronald Reagan. McGahn, a former chairman of the Federal Election Commission, served as Trump's attorney during the campaign and was one of the few members of the Republican establishment to embrace the outsider candidate. McGahn will have the task of untangling potential conflicts of interest that the New York businessman's presidency may present. Trump, who has never held public office, has real estate and leisure holdings all over the world, sparking concerns that his investments could color his decision-making in office. He has said that he will hand over day-to-day responsibilities of running his company to his children, but he has resisted calls to place his assets in a blind trust. Trump also has expressed interest in finding a way to bypass a federal anti-nepotism law in order to give his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, a formal White House role. Along with providing guidance on ethics issues, the White House counsel's office advises the president on the legality of proposed executive orders and legislation passed by Congress and vets potential administration appointees, including Supreme Court justices. That's it until Monday No more announcements on administration jobs are expected until Monday. On that day, Trump is set to meet with eight more prospective administration hires, transition spokesman Sean Spicer said. The group includes several business leaders, Pennsylvania Representative Lou Barletta, and David Clarke, the Wisconsin sheriff who is an aggressive opponent of the Black Lives Matter movement. For now, Trump's transition team indicated he was focused on the challenges of governing. Since arriving at his Palm Beach estate Wednesday, they said, the president-elect has spoken to the prime ministers of Greece, Hungary and Sweden, along with the presidents of Panama and Slovenia. He is expected to return to his New York City home on Sunday. As Trump spent the Thanksgiving Day holiday Thursday with his family at his Florida resort, he took to Twitter to say he was working to fulfill a campaign promise to create and preserve jobs. The billionaire real estate mogul said he was "working hard ... trying to get Carrier A.C. Company to stay in the U.S. MAKING PROGRESS - Will know soon!" The air conditioner manufacturer responded on Twitter by saying it has had "discussions with the incoming administration" but had "nothing to announce at this time." Carrier said earlier this year it would move 1,400 jobs from the Midwestern state of Indiana to Mexico within three years. Some information for this report came from AP and Reuters. Two people were killed and two others were injured after a fire broke out at a migrant camp on the Greek island of Lesvos late on Thursday, a police official told Reuters. The official said that a 66-year old woman and a 6-year-old child were killed when a tent caught fire in the camp of Moria. Two other people were seriously injured. Police and the fire brigade were investigating the scene, a government official said adding that according to initial evidence the fire was probably caused by accident. Clashes broke out following the incident between dozens of migrants and police, both officials said. The government official said they were brief. More than 6,000 migrants and refugees are stranded on the island of Lesvos, twice the capacity of state facilities. Tensions have boiled over at overcrowded camps in the country, which is also struggling to emerge from a debt crisis, as the slow processing of asylum requests adds to frustration over living conditions. 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 Lesvos, and sent back if their asylum applications are not accepted. Ukraine's ousted President Viktor Yanukovych has accused Kyiv of "setting up a provocation" to "sabotage" his video testimony in a Ukrainian court trial of five former policemen charged with fatally shooting scores of antigovernment protesters in Kyiv in 2014. Yanukovych, now living in exile in Russia, briefly appeared by video link on November 25 from Rostov-on-Don before a Kyiv courtroom. But his testimony was postponed until Monday after demonstrators from the Right Sector nationalist group blocked the exit of the jail where the five defendants -- former special forces officers -- are being held. "I had preliminary information that the Ukrainian government was setting up a provocation in order to sabotage today's court hearing and prevent me from testifying as a witness in the case at any cost," Yanukovych told Russia's Rossia 24 television after his testimony was rescheduled. A spokesman for Right Sector was quoted by the Ukrainian media as saying the demonstrators feared that the defendants would be set free after the court hearing. Yanukovych was due to be questioned as a witness in the trial of five former Ukrainian riot police officers accused of murdering protesters. He was also expected to be asked what role he played in the crackdown. In opening remarks via video link, Yanukovych said he wanted to "establish the truth" about the death of more than 100 demonstrators during the Euromaidan protests. He said, "It was my own initiative to be a witness in this case. This was my own decision. So I am interested in establishing the truth in this case and punishing the perpetrators. "I clearly see that delaying my questioning is a deliberate decision made by [protesters] today who don't want to establish the truth," Yanukovych added. More than 100 protesters were killed in the three months of street demonstrations in Kyivs Maidan square that forced Yanukovych to flee to Russia. Forty-eight of them were allegedly gunned down in February 2014 by snipers who Ukrainian authorities claim received direct orders from Russian-backed Yanukovych. Russia moved to seize Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula shortly after Yanukovych was driven from power by protesters angry over his decision to abandon plans for a landmark pact with the EU and forge closer ties with Moscow. Russia subsequently backed separatists who seized parts of eastern Ukraine, leading to a war that has killed more than 9,600 people. Jailed Uzbek politician Samandar Qoqonov, who has been behind bars for more than 23 years, has been released from prison, his relatives say. Family members told RFE/RL's Uzbek Service they received a phone call early on November 24 from the prison authorities, who told them an October court ruling that prolonged Qoqonovs jail term had been annulled. Qoqonov, 72, a former parliament member, was expected to be released on October 6 after serving his 23-year sentence on embezzlement charges. However, the family was told on October 30 that Qoqonov's prison term had earlier been prolonged by another three years and five days due to "violation of the penitentiarys internal regulations." Qoqonov, dubbed by his supporters "Uzbekistans longest-held political prisoner," was arrested in July 1993. His supporters say that the embezzlement case against him was politically motivated. In 1994 he was sentenced to 20 years in jail. The time he had spent in pretrial detention was not counted as served. In 2014, Qoqonov's prison term was prolonged to three more years and later cut by two years. Steve Swerdlow, Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch, said on Twitter that Qoqonovs release following public calls by the U.S. State Department was proof that "pressure works." Womens rights campaigners say an HIV-infected Malawi man who had unprotected sex with girls as part of a traditional custom received a sentence that was too lenient, and they are calling on the High Court to review the lower- court decision. Eric Aniva is known in his community as a "hyena," the traditional title given to a man paid by widows to "sexually cleanse" them after the deaths of their husbands and by families to have sex with underage girls to mark their passage to adulthood. He has said he received a fee of between 4 and 7 dollars to perform the ritual. At the time of his arrest, Aniva admitted to having deflowered more than 100 young girls, some as young as 12, during an initiation ceremony known as Kusasa Fumbi or Removing Dust. He also admitted that he was HIV-positive, a fact, he said, he never revealed to the families that hired him, and that he does not use any protection when conducting the ritual. No woman testified in court to having slept with Aniva. Thus, the lower court sentenced him to two years in prison for engaging in "harmful cultural practices" under Malawis 2013 Gender Equality Act, which carries a maximum of five years in prison for violations of the law. In a joint statement, the Malawi Human Rights Resource Center and several women's rights groups expressed shock at the lower-court ruling. Emma Kaliya, the executive director of the Malawi Human Rights Resource Center, told VOA that despite many mitigating factors, the lower court could have imposed a harsher penalty. It [the sentence] is also sending a wrong signal that you can do that [sexually violate women] and you can get any sentence even lesser than two years," said Kaliya. "We cannot continue violating women just like that. Chief Theresa Kachindamoto is a strong advocate of girls rights in central Malawi. She also told VOA the lower court could have considered the plight of the violated girls before handing down the sentence. This is not good to our girls," said Kachindamoto. If they were infected with the virus that causes AIDS, "then their whole life will be in misery. We must first think for the future of these girls, not for the culture. That cultural practice must be abolished. Principal Magistrate Innocent Nebi told the court Tuesday that the sentence was largely based on Aniva's telling police that he'd slept with over 100 women while he knew that he was HIV-positive. Last year, Malawi banned child marriage, raising the legal age of marriage from 15 to 18 in an effort to end early sexual initiations. Aniva's lawyer, Michael Goba Chipeta, said he would appeal both the conviction and sentence. I am so sorry to start off a recap this way, but its time to face the truth: Our beloved Rory Gilmore has grown up to be an entitled asshole. When I look back on Gilmore Girls, I think of Rory in her sweet Chilton uniform, stealing the valedictorian spot away from Paris. I think of her reading constantly and engaging intellectually with her little corner of the world. I think of her delighting and uniting her parents (birth father and father figures alike) as well as her grandparents. Her taste in men was her only true fault. We were all rooting for her. But then I remember her time off from Yale, crashing in her grandparents pool house while doing it with Logan Huntzberger and not speaking to her mom, and I realize that Rory has always had the ability to disappoint us. Its not that we should object to her feeling adrift, or that we should judge her consistently bad taste in men. (Many of us whove survived our early thirties know what thats like, and even Paris is feeling insecure shes megasuccessful and she has a five-story townhouse in Manhattan, but her briefcase is empty. Quite the metaphor.) And its not that Rorys ghostwriting gig fell through, either. We all know that book wasnt going to be the next Cloud Atlas and its good she got out. Its that were now three hours into Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life and weve yet to see Rory with a book in her hand. Its that shes rested on her meager laurels, even though one Talk of the Town and a few pieces on Slate does not a career make. Its that shes hooking up with Logan while hes engaged to some socialite. Its that she falls asleep during a reporting job for GQ, sleeps with one of her subjects, and then immediately tells her mom about it: I slept with a Wookiee. Its that shes totally unprepared for an interview at Sandee Says, a startup website that seems corny yet on the brink of great success. (They could totally take over HuffPo within the year.) If Rory is way less self-aware than we might have hoped, then at least her mom and grandmother are trying. Sort of. Lorelai and Emily are finally in therapy! Its the perfect venue to see all the marvelous dysfunction of their relationship, all the passive and not-so-passive aggression thats built up over the years. And truly, Lauren Graham and Kelly Bishop are doing some of their finest work of the series in these scenes. Their therapy appointments are characterized by awkward, angry silences, followed by massive blow-ups just as the clock is about to run out. Lorelai offers blanket apologies for everything shes done wrong ever; Emily doesnt accept. Emily, who had been married for 50 years, berates Lorelai for living with Luke for the past nine years as booty buddies and not husband and wife. Lorelai tries to storm out of the session, but it has already ended. When Emily quits therapy (lets just hope she got a prescription or two before her unceremonious departure), Lorelai stays on, which means that she finally gets her own Dr. Malfi. Were used to seeing Lorelai in circumstances where she has to lie or repress her anger, so its a nice change to see her be open and honest about her ambitions and her fears. (I dont want to be like my mother is obviously at the top.) Maybe she can bring Rory next time? Stalled ambition is another key theme for this Spring episode. We see Michel feeling frustrated at the Dragonfly, which is hosting B-list actors who are filming a big movie in a neighboring town. Whats the point of living if were never going to bag Jennifer Lawrence? he cries. Has the Dragonfly peaked, even though Rachel Ray is in the kitchen making sammies? Or, as Rory suggests, will simply playing some Skrillex calm Michel down? Even worse are Richard and Emilys ambitions for Luke. From the grave, Richard imposes his will on his not-quite son-in-law: Hes left a trust for Luke specifically to expand and franchise Lukes Diner. Emily is on hand with a real-estate guru within hours. While Rory hits pause on her globetrotting life to crash with her mom in Stars Hollow for a bit, big questions loom about Lorelais future: Do she and Luke have ambitions outside their comfy little town? Can they truly be happy as they are? It seems Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino have read a blog post or two about just how provincial Stars Hollow really is. Along similar lines, Spring contains a variety of meta-responses to criticism about the shows lack of diversity, but its hard to tell whether its all in fun or just tonally weird and defensive. The trouble begins with the Stars Hollow International Food Festival, which is run by Taylor and set in the town square. Although 195 countries are supposed to be represented, only 15 show up. Of course, were supposed to delight in the comedy of errors that the festival becomes: Lane mans the Korean booth and serves up bibimbap, and Mrs. Kim approaches her daughters booth like a drill sergeant followed by a choir of terrified-looking Korean children. Sing out, Louise Pang! she screams, like a megareligious Mama Rose. Meanwhile, Gypsy serves paella in the Spanish booth, until Taylor decides that everyone must double up on nationalities and tells her to whip up a quick poutine, youre taking over Canada. Theres also a Vietnamese booth operated by a man weve never seen whos roasting a pig on a spit. Kirk, newly devoted to his dear Petal, accuses the man of pig genocide. Then Luke points out that Kirk ate bacon at the diner very recently. The responses to criticism get even gutsier at the town meeting, where Taylor announces that Stars Hollow will hold its first-ever gay-pride parade on Liza Minnellis birthday. Progress! The only problem is, how many people will participate? Theres only one token gay man in town: Donald, wholl be marching with his chow chow Sherlock. (Sherlocks gay? Babette asks.) Are you sure youre not missing anyone? Gypsy wink-winks. Absolutely sure? As if none of the straight people could possibly march in a pride parade. Meanwhile, Rory and Paris return to Chilton as successful alumni to speak to current students. I cannot remember the books Ive read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me, Paris says, quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson. The books and the meals have always been integral parts of the Gilmore Girls experience, and yet, nearly everyone seems dissatisfied and unfulfilled in the present day. When Rory confesses to Lorelai that she feels very lost, Lorelai wisely says, Peaks and valleys, kid. Heres hoping the valley of spring will lead to happier summer peaks. Otherwise, what will we watch when we want to escape? Unanswered Questions: Team Paul. Note: Several spoilers about Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life lie ahead. Rory Gilmore is famous for dating guys with notable flaws. Theyre either nice but dopey, overly possessive and intellectually incompatible with her (Dean); intelligent but damaged jerks who dont treat her right, at least during high school (Jess); or rich, relatively good guys who still cant shake the thick cloud of douchebaggery that hangs over them (Logan). But Paul is different. Paul, whos introduced in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life as Rorys boyfriend (sort of) of two years, seems to be intelligent and considerate, the kind of person who not only shows up for dinner on time but also brings a bouquet of flowers that are indigenous to Peru. Hes a good listener who remembers what other people say to him about computer-virus concerns (Lorelai) and antique wrenches (Luke) and responds accordingly with thoughtful gifts. Hes also evolved enough to give Rory her space while still maintaining a presence in her life. (Or trying to, anyway.) My God, he even says I will follow when Rory escorts him into her kitchen, which is the closest we get to hearing the Gilmore Girls theme, Carole Kings Where You Lead, prior to the end credits of part four of A Year in the Life. Yes, Paul is, by far, the least flawed guy Rory Gilmore has ever dated. Which is why, of course, shes totally not into him. Paul is such an afterthought for Rory that she forgets when shes invited him over, forgets that hes staying in her own home, and pretty much forgets that he even exists. Paul is basically a toy in Rorys world and Rory is an infant who has not yet developed object permanence. Every time Paul moves out of her line of sight, its like he ceases to be. Whats worse is that literally everyone who knows Rory treats him the same way. When Paul shows up at Chez Gilmore for dinner in the Winter episode, Luke announces his presence by referring to him as Jeffrey. Then Alan. Then Billy. Hes like a superhero, but he has superpowers you cant remember no matter how much time you spend with him, like every Marvel movie ever, Lorelai says of Paul at one point. Emily Gilmore does the same thing (minus the Marvel references), completely blanking on her previous encounters with this young man. I realize this may not be the ideal time to throw a pity party for a white guy who seems to have most things going for him, but still: Dont you feel bad for Paul? Doesnt Paul, played by Jack Carpenter, who portrayed a Mark Zuckerberglike figure on The Good Wife, deserve better than to be ditched while visiting Rory, even if he doesnt care for breakfast food? (Okay, fine, theres a flaw: a preference for hot tea over pancakes, bacon, or bagels.) You know who Paul is? Paul is the Barb of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. While Rorys getting busy with Logan the Gilmore equivalent of Steve Harrington from Stranger Things Paul is metaphorically sitting by the backyard swimming pool waiting for Rory to come back. But the thing is, Rorys never coming back and Paul will inevitably get dragged into the Upside Down, where absolutely no one will come to his rescue because people always forget to rescue the Pauls and Barbs of this world. Or maybe Paul is the Gilmore Girls version of Ann Veal from Arrested Development, which makes sense since her middle name was Paul, for some reason, and also since Mae Whitman, who played Lorelais daughter in a parallel Parenthood universe, also pops up in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Every time George-Michael mentioned his girlfriend Ann, his father, Michael Bluth, responded the exact same way that Lorelai does when Rory brings up Paul: Who? I mean, Lorelai stops short of referring to Paul as plant or saying things like, Its as Paul as the nose on Plains face. But you can tell she is thinking it. Or maybe Paul is like Youre the Worsts Paul, the good-hearted but wimpy, kind of dull guy whos destined to get walked on forever by women who crave excitement far more than loyalty. Like Youre the Worst Paul, Gilmore Girls Paul never says he enjoys listening to birding podcasts. But lets face it: He probably does. Wouldnt someone who cares about flowers being indigenous to Peru probably keep a list of all of his lifers? (Also, side note: What is the deal with the name Paul? It used to be thought of as a pretty solid male moniker. Now its practically becoming the official brand of the cuckold.) Actually, in the end, Gilmore Paul proves that hes more than a cuckolded partner. He shows some backbone by dumping Rory, via text, due to their ever-conflicting schedules. I cant believe the way I treated him, Rory says after reading his breakup message, but not sounding all that remorseful. I suck. She does suck, at least when it comes to having romantic relationships. It took Paul two years to realize that, but he finally does. He exits the relationship impersonally, but politely, with no more effort or care than Rory put into the relationship. Hes perfectly fair and reasonable about the whole thing, which is just classic Paul. The end of the relationship is a punch line and a precursor to the more important news that Rory shares with Lorelai in the final moments of A Year in the Life. Once those last four words are uttered, you forget all about Paul, just like everyone else always does. But the truth is, thanks to that brief text, Rory may have lost what could have been the best thing that ever happened to her. Shes just too oblivious to realize it. As for Paul, Im not worried about his future. I like to think that, unbeknownst to Rory, maybe he crossed paths with Madeline and Louise, who were counterintuitively turned on by his basicness and are now enjoying a hot, three-way cohabiting situation that involves chuckling nightly over Rory and Paris stories while sipping cocktails and deciding whether they plan to stay through the encore the next time they go see the Bangles live. After all, one womans forgettable non-entity can be another womans or even two womens sexy, reliable treasure. Thats a truism thats as Ann as the nose on Plains face. Photo: Netflix For the most part, Stars Hollow exists somewhat out of time. Thats part of the appeal of Gilmore Girls, which takes places in an invented version of small-town America, where the people can keep up with obscure aspects of pop culture, even while they enjoy a slew of seasonal festivals and wacky layered outfits heavy on scarves. Inspired by Washington Depot, Connecticut, and technically shot at the Midwest Business & Residential Street set on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, California, Stars Hollow is a beautiful bubble. In Netflixs Gilmore revival, the bubble hasnt popped. The towns background actors are noticeably more diverse than they were on the WB or CW, and a few storefronts have come and gone, but for the most part, the sets are as familiar as ever. Still, just as you might notice any difference in your childhood home when you come back for the holidays, even the small changes to Stars Hollow stick out. Heres a guide to whats new, whats old, and whats ever-so-slightly adjusted. Most of the familiar locations look a little different. Upon returning to the Warner Bros. lot, creator Amy Sherman-Palladino told Indiewire that her reaction was: Goddammit, they changed our Stars Hollow, which had, in the years since Gilmore, become a shooting location for Pretty Little Liars, among several other shows. They got a deal on brown paint. Ive never seen so much brown paint in my entire life, Palladino said. Im like, Who the fuck doesnt want some color in your town? There wasnt any red. There wasnt any yellow So we had to go back in and zhoosh up Stars Hollow. We had to rebuild all the sets. To that end, Lukes Diner, which had yellow accents in the original series seems larger, with a blue color scheme and a few pillars. The same goes for Dooses market, which in the revival has a much brighter look and feel This is also the effect of HD cameras, which make everything more surreal. Then. Now. A few storefronts have changed. The town square still has its signature gazebo, but a few of the stores seem to be new. Theres a new store called Poseys on the town square, which appears in the background of Winter. Theres also a sporting-goods store called Bacos, which Rory and the Life and Death Brigade raid in Fall. Stars Hollow Video, meanwhile, seems to have gone the way of Blockbuster and vanished from the map though it stills appears on the Stars Hollow promotional site. RIP. In dialogue in Winter, we also learn that Le Chat Club had to close due to rats (again). In Fall, we find out that Pretty Pastures, an old-age home, is being sold by a group of nuns, possibly to Katy Perry. Some locations seem to have been in Stars Hollow all along, though they were never mentioned before. Rory goes inside the Stars Hollow Gazette in Summer. Also in Summer, Lorelai and Rory take a trip to the town pool and later, to the secret bar. And there are some upgraded amenities. While Rory has been away, Taylor Doose has redoubled his efforts to improve Stars Hollows quality of life. He installed new parking meters and then took them out because no one would pay, and now, hes on a campaign to install sewers instead of septic tanks. We also learn that Taylor has also installed an A/C for town meetings. Lukes Diner, meanwhile, seems like its taken a leap into the future after Luke installed Wi-Fi, though of course he wont let anyone use it. Gypsy still works at her garage, while Kirk maintains the Black, White, and Read movie theater, which is still the place to take snacks to see classic films, even though food is technically banned. But the traditions are mostly the same. Stars Hollow continues its proud tradition of having gigantic themed festivals in the Netflix revival. The spring festival includes a basket auction, in a throwback to season twos A-Tisket, A-Tasket, where Jess and Dean competed over Rorys basket. Theres always space for more celebration, however. In Spring, Taylor plans to stage a Stars Hollow gay-pride parade, but realizes there arent enough gay people in Stars Hollow. He also plans a Stars Hollow musical, which we see in Summer, in order to raise money for, among other causes, gazebo upkeep. And so is the confusion. The cartography of Stars Hollow never made much sense, a fact which A Year in the Life lampshades when Rory and Lorelai traverse the town to deliver papers in Summer and realize that neither of them know which direction is east and which is west. The point being, nobody really knows where anything is in Stars Hollow, just as nobody will ever get to see what Als Pancake World looks like, only that it never really serves pancakes. Wildland Supply Co., an upscale retailer of clothing, accessories and furniture, has opened at 721 Washington Ave. just in time for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. The stores move is also continuing development along a downtown street that for years has taken a back seat to the Austin Avenue renaissance. Cory and Kate Parker Duncan have bought every one-story building in the 700 block of Washington Avenue, a total of four. Cory Duncan said he has found tenants or is negotiating lease deals for the three spots Wildland does not occupy. Kate Duncan, 30, said she always dreamed of owning her own shop. The Nacogdoches native studied retail merchandising at the University of Texas. She never thought that goal would materialize locally, but her future changed when she met Waco native and fellow student Cory, 29, who became a real estate developer. They first opened Wildland Supply in temporary space at 804 Austin Ave. owned by Waco businessman Brian Ginsburg, then leaped at the chance to jump headlong into the changes taking place in Wacos inner city by acquiring four properties of their own. One became the new and larger home of Wildland Supply Co. We actually opened last Saturday, and it was great. So many of my old customers and a lot of new customers came out, said Kate Duncan, who called from the road Wednesday as she and her mother, Priscilla Parker, made progress on a long-planned trip to the Grand Canyon for Thanksgiving. Destination spot She said she poured her creative juices into making Wildland Supply a destination spot for locals and tourists alike, something that would complement the growing number of attractions taking shape along Washington, Austin and Franklin avenues, Lake Brazos and property on the Interstate 35 frontage road. I try to discover new West Coast and international brands from Denmark and Spain, for example, for my regulars, many of whom are from the Castle Heights and Cameron Park areas, Kate Duncan said. She said the store also gets a lot of business from Baylor University students, and she now has 2,000 square feet of display space and has added furniture to her product line. Weve really been able to expand our selection of clothing, and I now have a special section for loungewear and intimates, she said. In my new building, I have fitting rooms, not curtains, and I have a nice couch on which to relax. I want everyone who comes in here to feel comfortable, to become friends almost instantly. Megan Henderson, executive director Center City Waco, which is devoted to downtown revitalization, said she applauds Wildland and its impact on the area. I think Washington Avenue is great, has its own feel, and its certainly exciting to see a store like Wildland, which is unlike anything else in downtown. It has a following and certainly is great at retail execution, Henderson said. I love the fact the Duncans have staked out a big area so they can create their own look. The Duncans, among others, are making sure the 700 and 800 blocks of Washington Avenue have not fallen into slumber. Waco Escape Rooms, now on Lake Air Drive, soon will move into one of our buildings in the 700 block of Washington Avenue, and then there is Gather at 719 Washington Avenue, Cory Duncan said. Baylor alumni Sara and Jonathan Martin are working to combine Jonathans Black Oak Art pottery and Saras Kindred Event Studio into Gather, which features retail space and workshop classes community members can take, including calligraphy and photography. As for 715 Washington Ave., I do have a potential user, and Im in negotiations now, Cory Duncan said. The space has an existing freezer, but Im not sure the new user will be involved with food service or what exactly his plans might be. As soon as we get the green light, well disclose their identity. Cory Duncan said so many buildings downtown have potential, and he and other developers and property owners have seen quite an influx of demand. These structures date back to the 1910s, 1920s and 1930s and they have that desirable look that is coming back for restaurants and retail space, he said. There are so many diamonds in the rough, so many neat old buildings. People just have to take that leap. They are bringing downtown to life. Ginsburg, who owns property on Austin Avenue, said he admires the Duncans for their faith in the future of inner-city Waco. There is nothing wrong with Washington or Franklin, but someone had to step out there and make things happen, Ginsburg said. He has a new prospect for the space at 804 Austin Ave. the Duncans leased for a time. A deal fell though that would have placed an Asian restaurant there. My real estate agent said we may have a bistro for 804 Austin, and we have a couple of other options for 806 Austin Avenue, Ginsburg said. We had at least four good calls right after making the space available, which says something about the property and demand. Its hard to find space for all the people who want to be down here. McLennan County commissioners are having an assessment done on the 49 dams the county is responsible for after state inspections alerted county staff to problems with the structures. Leaders said the assessment could identify costly projects the county will need to take on. Commissioners authorized the Natural Resources Conservation Service this week to review the structures. Random inspections of a handful of county dams by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality initially uncovered issues, County Engineer Steve Hendrick said. TCEQ reviewed more dams based on its findings and sent inspection reports to the county, and leaders agreed it was time to review all 49 dams the county manages, Hendrick said. There are closer to 80 dams in the county, but other entities, including conservation districts and cities, manage many of them. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the Lake Waco Dam, and the city of Waco manages the Lake Brazos Dam. Most of the county-managed dams were designed and built in the 1950s and 1960s with a 50-year lifespan, Hendrick said. That doesnt mean they will fail immediately, he said. Thats why they get the attention now. Most of them are fairly old. County Judge Scott Felton said weather extremes in recent years have exacerbated problems for the aging dams. Due to the extreme drought in 2011 and abundant amount of rain in the last couple of years in 2015 and 16, that causes the soils to expand and contract, so you can have things like the slopes sloughing off or cracks in the dam, and water starts running through them to a certain extent that can cause bigger damage, Felton said. Some of the dams are critical to prevent water from flowing into subdivisions, he said. The county could face significant costs and years of work based on the assessment, Hendrick said. This is not going to be a six-month project, he said. This is going to be a multiyear project. Once the review is complete, Hendrick will recommend the county hire a consultant to prioritize whatever work is needed and bid the work out to contractors, he said. Felton said he hopes a consultant can put a timetable together so the county can save up for the projects. The county also will look for state or federal aid for major work, he said. Anything significant wed be hoping there would be federal or state grants to look at that, Felton said. We value your privacy. Focus Taiwan (CNA) uses tracking technologies to provide better reading experiences, but it also respects readers' privacy. Click here to find out more about Focus Taiwan's privacy policy. When you close this window, it means you agree with this policy. But the proliferation and magnification of the kind of online abuse confronting many women journalists globally has pushed her to the edge. In a testimony before the European Commission Colloquium on Media Pluralism and Democracy in Brussels last week, she said she'd been subjected to "... micro aggressions, humiliations. Letters and e-mails not only addressed to me but also to my bosses hoping they would fire me". Alexandra Pascalidou is a celebrated Swedish broadcaster and author. Of Greek heritage, she's also been the target of racism and graphic misogyny throughout her 20-year career. Even in one of the world's most progressive democracies. "I've been called a dirty whore, a bloody Gypsy, Jewish, Muslim slut, a Greek parasite, a disgusting migrant, stupid psycho, an ugly liar, a biased hater. They keep telling me to go home, to kill myself or they will shoot me, cut my tongue off, break my fingers one by one. They keep threatening me with gang rapes and sexual torture." Alexandra Pascalidou is a celebrated Swedish broadcaster and author. Credit:Peter Englund The intimate nature of these attacks, often received on the personal devices we reach for first thing in the morning and last thing at night, further sharpen the impact. "There are days when I wake up to verbal violence and fall asleep with sexist and racist rage echoing in my ears. It's like a low-intense, constant warfare", Pascalidou said. "Eventually, you start censoring yourself. You blame and shame yourself. At some point you even start hating yourself and there is something about the nameless nature of it when you don't know where a threat is coming from that really poisons your mind." I was sitting opposite her at the European Commission Colloquium when she gave her testimony. And like many of the diplomats, academics, journalists and lawyers in the room, I felt it like I was kicked in the chest. The powerlessness she described resonated most strongly. "When I went to the police they said: we can't help, it's anonymous, but keep quiet, mask yourself, change your route to work, move to another apartment, leave the country for a while. I understand it's not easy for them, either. But the problem is you become the problem. The troublemaker. Not the perpetrators," she said. The Revised Kyoto Convention Management Committee (RKC/MC) at its 15th Meeting held from 16 to 17 November 2016 discussed many topical themes of relevance for the management of the Convention, in particular it wider accession and effective implementation. The RKC/MC comprises of all Contracting Parties to the Convention along with observers and was established to consider the implementation of the Convention, any measures to secure the uniformity in the interpretation and application thereof as well as any amendments proposed. The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) is the International convention on the simplification and harmonization of the Customs procedures as amended in 1999. This Convention is known as the blueprint for modern and efficient Customs procedures in the 21st century. The RKC entered into force on February 3, 2006 and has already 105 Contracting Parties. Its increasing implementation is providing international commerce with the predictability and efficiency that modern trade requires. The RKC elaborates several key governing principles, among these are the principles of transparency and predictability of Customs actions; standardization and simplification of the goods declaration and supporting documents; simplified procedures for authorized persons; maximum use of information technology; minimum necessary Customs control to ensure compliance with regulations; use of risk management and audit-based controls; coordinated interventions with other border agencies; partnership with the trade. In his opening remarks, Mr. Luc De Blieck, Deputy Director, WCO Procedures and Facilitation Sub-Directorate appreciated the increase in the number of Contracting Parties and underlined, among others, the importance of the RKC as an important instrument to support the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). At this Meeting, the RKC/MC held a panel discussion on the accession to the Convention and associated challenges as well as potential solutions, approved updates of Guidelines to the "de minimis" regime and the Specific Annex J.2 dealing with postal traffic. The RKC/MC also examined of the report of the Virtual Working Group established during the 14th Meeting with the mandate to explore in depth some proposals concerning the needs to review/update the Convention. It had robust discussions on the way forward. There was a general view amongst delegates that the RKC should be reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains relevant and continues to meet the needs of modern Customs administrations. To this end, the Committee decided to establish a new Virtual Working Group of interested Members with a mandate to map out the process and develop a plan including key objectives, broad approach, tasks, and roadmap. The process will include a detailed impact analysis of conducting a review including associated benefits, challenges, and potential solutions. The Virtual Working Group will also examine how other international organizations update their respective conventions. The report of the Virtual Working Group is expected to be submitted to the next RKC/MC meeting for its consideration and endorsement. Overall, the RKC/MC Meeting generated animated discussion, active engagement and high level of commitment from the participants. The Secretariat would like to thank the many presenters who shared their experiences and lessons learnt: Cameroon, Iceland, Madagascar, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Tunisia and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (UN-OCHA). Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. 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Further, it offers client's debt and equity capital-raising services, as well as loan origination and syndication, and treasury management; strategic advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and recapitalizations, as well as valuation and fairness opinions; and trade finance, risk mitigation, and other operating services. Additionally, the company provides research and access to markets for institutional, corporate, and retail clients; trading solutions that include debt, foreign exchange, interest rate, credit, equity, securitization and commodities; new product development and origination services, as well as risk management advice and services to hedge against fluctuations; and funding and liquidity management services to its clients. It operates through approximately 900 bank branches and 3,300 automated banking machines in Canada and the United States. Bank of Montreal was founded in 1817 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. The following companies are subsidiares of International Flavors & Fragrances: 1456111 Ontario Limited, A. Boake Roberts And Company (Holding) Limited, ASA Ventures Inc., Agtech Products Inc., Alpris Ltd., Amco SP Z.O.O, ApS Syntetic, Aroma S.A., Aromatics Holdings Limited, Aromco Ltd., Aromor, Arvin Company, Asian Investments Inc., Atelier du Parfumeur IFF Grasse SAS, BKF Vision Ltd, BSA India Food Ingr. P. Ltd., Belden Company, Branch office of DuPont Protein Technologies International Sales LLC, Bremil Industria e Comercio de Ingredientes Alimenticos Ltda. , Bremil S/A Industria De Produtos Alimenticos , Bush Boake Allen (New Zealand) Limited, Bush Boake Allen (Pension Trustees) Limited, Bush Boake Allen Australia Pty Ltd, Bush Boake Allen Benelux B.V., Bush Boake Allen Chile S.A., Bush Boake Allen Controladora S.A. de C.V., Bush Boake Allen Enterprises Limited, Bush Boake Allen Holdings (U.K.) Limited, Bush Boake Allen Inc., Bush Boake Allen Inc., Bush Boake Allen Limited, Bush Boake Allen Zimbabwe (Private) Limited, Bush Boake Allen do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., Butamax Advanced Biofuels LLC, Chemical Process Materials and Equipment S.A., CitraSource Holdings L.L.C., Columbia PhytoTechnology LLC, Columbia Phytotechnology LLC, Cometra ApS, Crestmont Investment Co., Cultor Oy, DDP Specialty Products Germany GmbH & Co. KG, DDP Specialty Products Poland Sp. z.o.o., DSP Germany N&B Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Daivd Michael Netherlands B.V., Dandy Lions Limited, Danisco (China) Co. Ltd., Danisco (China) Holding Co. Ltd., Danisco (India) Private Limited, Danisco (Zhangjiagang) Textural Ingredients Co. Ltd., Danisco Argentina S.A., Danisco Australia Pty Limited, Danisco Austria GmbH, Danisco B.V., Danisco Biosciences (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Danisco Brasil Ltda., Danisco Canada Inc., Danisco Chile S.A., Danisco Colombia Ltda., Danisco Cultor (Switzerland) AG, Danisco Cultor Sweden AB, Danisco Cultor Trading Ltda., Danisco Czech Republic a.s., Danisco Deutschland GmbH, Danisco Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Danisco Egypt Trading LLC, Danisco Flexible Brasil Ltda, Danisco France SAS, Danisco Guatemala S.A., Danisco Holding USA Inc., Danisco Holdings (UK) Ltd., Danisco Holland B.V., Danisco Ingredients Belgium N.V., Danisco Italia S.p.A., Danisco Japan Limited, Danisco Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Danisco Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Danisco Mexico S.A. de C.V., Danisco New Zealand Limited, Danisco Nutrition & Bioscience Greece Ltd., Danisco Nutrition & Biosciences Korea Ltd., Danisco Nutrition & Biosciences Malaysia SDN. BHD., Danisco Nutrition & Biosciences Taiwan Limited, Danisco Nutrition and Biosciences India Private Ltd, Danisco Peru S.A.C., Danisco Poland Sp. z.o.o, Danisco Singapore Pte. Ltd., Danisco South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Danisco Sweeteners Oy, Danisco Switzerland AG, Danisco UK Ltd., Danisco US Inc., Danisco USA Inc., Danisco Ukraine LLC, Danisco Zaandam BV, David Michael & Company (Canada) 1986 Ltd., David Michael Europe S.A.S., Du Pont de Nemours Nigeria Limited, DuPont (Shanghai) Enterprise Co. Ltd., DuPont Acquisition LLC, DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol LLC, DuPont Denmark Holding ApS, DuPont Electronics Holding LLC, DuPont LA Holding 1 BV, DuPont Lanka (Private) Limited, DuPont Nutrition (Thailand) Ltd, DuPont Nutrition Biosciences ApS, DuPont Nutrition Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi, DuPont Nutrition Food Ingredients (Beijing) Co. Ltd., DuPont Nutrition Ingredientes BRASIL LTDA, DuPont Nutrition International, DuPont Nutrition Ireland, DuPont Nutrition Italy SRL (f/k/a FMC Chemical Italy SrL), DuPont Nutrition Manufacturing UK Limited, DuPont Nutrition Mexicana S.A de C.V., DuPont Nutrition Mexico S.A de C.V., DuPont Nutrition Norge AS, DuPont Nutrition Philippines Inc., DuPont Nutrition USA Inc, DuPont Nutrition and Biosciences Iberica S.L., DuPont Protein Technologies International Sales LLC, DuPont S&C Holding LLC, DuPont Shineway Luohe Food Company Limited , DuPont Shineway Luohe Protein Company Limited , DuPont US Holding LLC, DuPont de Nemours Kenya Limited, ERELEM, ETOL SK s.r.o., ETOL-RUS Ltd., Eden Essentials Inc., Envoltec Industria de Embalagens Ltda. , Enzymotec Australia PTY LTD, Enzymotec Singapore Pte. Ltd., Enzymotec USA Inc., Etol Aroma Ve Baharat Gida Urunleri San.Ve Tic.a.s., Etol JVE d.o.o., Etol Proizvodnja Arom D.O.O, Etol Skopje DRUSTVO ZA TRGOVIJA ETOL UVOZ-IZVOZ DOOEL, FYMSA Real Estate LLC (23), FYMSA del Caribe S.R.L , Fangchen International Trading Ltd. (6), Finnfeeds Finland Oy, Finnfeeds Oy, Finnsugar Bioproducts Inc., Flavor Systems International Inc., Flavors and Essences UK Limited, FoodBlenders Limited, Foreign Trade Representative of Danisco Singapore Pte. Ltd., Fragrance Resources, Fragrance Resources (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Fragrance Resources Asia Pacific Ltd., Frutarom (Asia Pacific) Limited, Frutarom (Marketing) S.R.L., Frutarom (UK) Holdings Limited, Frutarom (UK) Ltd., Frutarom - Etol (UK) Limited, Frutarom Belgium N.V., Frutarom Chile S.A., Frutarom Czech Republic S.r.o, Frutarom Do Brazil Industria E Comercio Ltda., Frutarom Etol RO SRL, Frutarom Etol Ukraine LLC., Frutarom F&F Trading (Shanghai) Co., Frutarom Finance EUR AG, Frutarom Flavors (Kushan) Co Ltd., Frutarom Flavors Mexico S.A. de C.V., Frutarom Flavours (India) Private Limited (14), Frutarom France S.A.R.L, Frutarom Germany GmbH, Frutarom Gida Urunleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Frutarom Global Ltd., Frutarom GmbH, Frutarom Industries Ld, Frutarom Industries Ltd., Frutarom Italy S.r.l, Frutarom Kenya Limited, Frutarom Ltd., Frutarom Netherlands B.V., Frutarom Nigeria Limited, Frutarom Nordic A/S Flachsmann Scandinavia A/S Aksel Holm-Essensfabrik A / S, Frutarom Norway A.S, Frutarom Peru S.A. (Montana Food activity), Frutarom Production GmbH, Frutarom Savory Solutions Austria GmbH, Frutarom Savory Solutions Germany GmbH, Frutarom Savory Solutions Switzerland AG, Frutarom Savory Solutions Ukraine, Frutarom Switzerland Finance CHF AG, Frutarom Switzerland Finance GBP AG, Frutarom Switzerland Finance MXN AG, Frutarom Switzerland Finance USD AG, Frutarom Switzerland Ltd., Frutarom Trade & Marketing (1990) Ltd., Frutarom UK Investments Limited, Frutarom USA Holding Inc., Frutarom USA Inc., Frutarom do Brasil GRU Industria e Comercio Ltda., Genencor (China) Bio-Products Co. Ltd., Genencor International B.V., Genencor International BVBA, Genencor International Holding BV, Genencor International Indiana Inc., Genencor International Oy, Genencor International Wisconsin Inc., Genencor Mauritius Ltd., Genentech Ventures Inc., Grow Company Inc., Hagelin Flv (UK) Ltd., Hexachem Sociedad Anonima, IB EMEA Holding 2 B.V., IFF (BVI) Limited, IFF (Korea) Inc., IFF Aroma Esans Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, IFF Augusta Holdings LLC, IFF Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, IFF Benicarlo S.L., IFF Bio-Technology (Nanjing) Co. Ltd., IFF Capital Services, IFF Chemical Holdings Inc., IFF Delaware Holdings LLC, IFF Essencias e Fragrancias Ltda., IFF Flavors & Fragrances (Hangzhou) Trading Co. Ltd., IFF Fragrance GmbH, IFF Hungary Global Kft, IFF International Inc., IFF Latin American Holdings (Espana) S.L., IFF Mexico Manufactura S.A. de C.V., IFF Murcia Natural Ingredients S.L., IFF Sabores y Fragancias de Chile Ltda., IFF Turkey Aroma Ve Esans Urunleri Satis Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, IFF West Africa Limited, IFF Worldwide LLC, Ingrediants dooel Skopje, Institut Europeen de Biologie Cellulaire, International Aroma Group, International Flavors & Fragrances (Canada) Ltd., International Flavors & Fragrances (Caribe) Inc., International Flavors & Fragrances (China) Ltd., International Flavors & Fragrances (Greater Asia) Pte. Ltd, International Flavors & Fragrances (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., International Flavors & Fragrances (Hong Kong) Limited, International Flavors & Fragrances (Japan) Ltd., International Flavors & Fragrances (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., International Flavors & Fragrances (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., International Flavors & Fragrances (Mexico) S. de R.L. de C.V., International Flavors & Fragrances (Middle East) FZ-LLC, International Flavors & Fragrances (Myanmar) Limited, International Flavors & Fragrances (Nederland) Holding B.V., International Flavors & Fragrances (Philippines) Inc., International Flavors & Fragrances (Poland) Sp. z o.o., International Flavors & Fragrances (Vietnam) Limited Liability Company, International Flavors & Fragrances (ZhangJiagang) Co. Ltd., International Flavors & Fragrances (Zhejiang) Co. Ltd., International Flavors & Fragrances (Zimbabwe) (Private) Ltd., International Flavors & Fragrances Ardenne S.a r.l., International Flavors & Fragrances France Holding I SAS, International Flavors & Fragrances France Holding II SAS, International Flavors & Fragrances France Holding III SAS, International Flavors & Fragrances Holdings LLC, International Flavors & Fragrances I.F.F. (Chile) Limitada, International Flavors & Fragrances I.F.F. (Espana) S.A., International Flavors & Fragrances I.F.F. (Hungary) Kft, International Flavors & Fragrances I.F.F. (Nederland) B.V., International Flavors & Fragrances I.F.F. (Norden) AB, International Flavors & Fragrances I.F.F. (Rus), International Flavors & Fragrances IFF (Deutschland) GmbH, International Flavors & Fragrances IFF (France) SAS, International Flavors & Fragrances Irish Acquisition Company Limited, International Flavors and Fragrances Colombia S.A.S., International Flavors and Fragrances I.F.F. (Israel) Ltd., International Flavors and Fragrances IFF (South Africa), International Flavors and Fragrances Ingredients Ltd, International Flavors e Fragrances IFF (Italia) S.r.l., International Flavours & Fragrances (Australia) Pty Ltd, International Flavours & Fragrances (CIL) Limited, International Flavours & Fragrances (GB) Holdings Limited, International Flavours & Fragrances (Mauritius) Ltd, International Flavours & Fragrances (NZ) Limited, International Flavours & Fragrances (Pension Trustees) Limited, International Flavours & Fragrances (Thailand) Limited, International Flavours & Fragrances I.F.F. (Great Britain) Limited, International Flavours & Fragrances India Private Limited (13), International Frutarom Corporation, Inventive Food Technology (ZQ) Ltd., Inventive Technology Ltd., Irish Flavours and Fragrances Limited, K-Vision Consulting and Investments Ltd, Kelp Industries Pty. Ltd, Leagel GmbH (11), Leagel S.r.l. (19), Les Ingredients Alimentaires BSA Inc., Les Laboratories Bio ForeXtra Inc., Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, Lucas Meyer Cosmetics Australia Pty Ltd, Lucas Meyer Cosmetics Canada Inc., Lucas Meyer Cosmetics S.A.S., M.P. Equity Holdings Ltd, MISR Company for Aromatic products, Manseg S.A., Mark Services Holdings Inc., N&B Chemicals Germany GmbH, N&B EMEA Holding B.V., N&B Germany Verwaltungs-GmbH, N&B International Holding B.V., N&B NL BV - Saudi Branch, N&B Real Estate Verwaltungs-GmbH, N&B Services BV, N&B Switzerland UAE Branch, N&H EMEA Holding 1 BV, N&H EMEA Holding 2 BV, N&H EMEA Holding B.V., N&H International Holding 1 B.V., N&H International Holding 3 BV, N&H Switzerland Holding Sarl, Nardi Armoas Ltda., Neptune Merger Sub I Inc., Neptune Merger Sub II LLC, New Asia Holdco B.V., Nutra-Lease Ltd. (16), Nutrition & Bioscience (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Nutrition & Bioscience (Switzerland) GmbH, Nutrition & Bioscience (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Nutrition & Bioscience Pakistan (Private) Ltd, Nutrition & Biosciences (Finland) Oy, Nutrition & Biosciences (France) SAS, Nutrition & Biosciences (Sweden) AB, Nutrition & Biosciences (UK) Ltd, Nutrition & Biosciences Argentina S.A.U., Nutrition & Biosciences Australia Pty Ltd., Nutrition & Biosciences Brasil Ingredientes Ltda., Nutrition & Biosciences Canada Company, Nutrition & Biosciences Chile SpA, Nutrition & Biosciences Colombia S.A.S, Nutrition & Biosciences Hong Kong Limited, Nutrition & Biosciences Hungary Limited Liability Company, Nutrition & Biosciences Inc., Nutrition & Biosciences Italy S.r.l., Nutrition & Biosciences Japan K.K., Nutrition & Biosciences Korea Ltd., Nutrition & Biosciences Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Nutrition & Biosciences Netherlands B.V., Nutrition & Biosciences New Zealand Limited, Nutrition & Biosciences Singapore Pte. Ltd., Nutrition & Biosciences USA 1 LLC, Nutrition & Biosciences USA 2 LLC, Nutrition & Biosciences USA 3 LLC, Nutrition & Biosciences Vietnam Company Limited, Nutrition Biosciences USA 4 Inc, Nutrition and Biosciences South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Nutrition and Biosciences Spain S.L., OOO WIBERG Rus, P.T. Essence Indonesia, PARMA FA, PIASA USA (24), PM Taiwan Inc., PT Blue Cube Indonesia, PTI Astana LLC, PTI CA LLC, PTI Center LLC, PTI Group of Companies LLC (GK PTI), PTI-BEL TUE, PTI-MOL LLC, PTI-NN LLC, PTI-Ukraine LLC, Platinum Absolut LLC, Pointer Specialty Chemicals LLC, Protein Technologies Do Brasil Ltda., Protein Technologies International Asia Pacific LLC, Protein Technologies International Development LLC, Protein Technologies International Europe LLC, Proveedores de Ingenieria Alimentaria S.A. de C.V. ("PIASA") (17), Prowin International Ltd., Pucheng Yongfang Fragrance Technology Co. Ltd. , Redbrook (UK) Limited, Redbrook Blentech Limited, Redbrook Ingredient Services Limited, Rene Laurent SAS, Representaciones FYMSA S.A. de C.V (FYMSA) (18), Rohm and Haas Wood Treatment LLC, SP EMEA Holding 8 BV, SP Holding IB Inc., SP Nutrition and Health (Singapore) Inc., Sabormax Industria de Alimentos e Representacao Ltda., Savoury Flavours (Holding) Limited, Savoury Flavours Ltd., Solae (UK) Limited, Solae Argentina S.A., Solae Australia Pty Limited, Solae Belgium N.V., Solae Company India Private Limited, Solae Denmark ApS, Solae Deutschland GmbH (f/k/a CSY Agri-Processing (Deutschland) GmbH), Solae Do Brasil Industria E Comercio De Alimentos Ltda., Solae Europe S.A., Solae Holdings LLC, Solae Investimentos LTDA, Solae LLC (SMLLC of Solae Holdings), Solae Overseas B.V., Solae Trading (Shanghai) Company Ltd., Solae de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (formerly PTI Mexico), Solae do Brasil Holdings Ltda., Sonarome Private Limited (15), Southern Cross Botanicals Pty Ltd, Specialty Products Balkans d.o.o., Specialty Products FZE, Specialty Products N&H Inc, Specialty Products US LLC, Speximo AB, TNI Investments NV, Tastepoint Flavors (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Tastepoint Inc., Tastepoint OOO, Tastepoint Polska Sp.z o.o, Tastepoint SA (Pty) Ltd., Tastepoint Tovarna arom in etericnih olj d.o.o., Taura Natural Ingredients (Australia) Pty Limited, Taura Natural Ingredients (North America) Inc., Taura Natural Ingredients Holdings Pty Limited, Taura Natural Ingredients Ltd., Taura Natural Ingredients NV, Tekhnomol Soya Products LLC, The Additive Advantage LLC, The Additive Advantage LLC, The Foote & Jenks Corporation, The Mighty Company Limited (21), Thorungaverksmidjan HF (12), UFC America Inc., Unique Flavors Proprietary Limited, Unique Food Solutions Proprietary Limited, Unique Ingredients Limited, VAYA PHARMA HONKG LTD, VITIVA proizvodnja in storitve d.d., Vantodio Holdings Limited, Vaya Pharma Inc., Vaya Pharma Pte Ltd. (20), Venezuela Protein Technologies Internationla -PTI C.A., W.W. Holdings Inc., WIBERG Italia S.r.l., Wiberg Baharat San.Tic.A.S, Wiberg Canada Inc., Wiberg Corporation of California, Wiberg Corporation., Yderns 1 ApS, ZAO Danisco, extrakt chemie Dr. Bruno Stellmach GmbH, iDrug Delivery Inc.(Delaware) (22), nternational Flavors & Fragrances S.R.L., van Ameringen-Haebler Inc., and world wide WIBERG GmbH. Read More Red Hat, Inc. provides open source software solutions to develop and offer operating system, virtualization, management, middleware, cloud, mobile, and storage technologies to various enterprises worldwide. It offers infrastructure-related solutions, such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux, an operating system platform that runs on hardware for use in hybrid cloud environments; Red Hat Satellite, a system management offering that helps to deploy, scale, and manage in hybrid cloud environments; and Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization, a software solution that allows customers to utilize and manage a common hardware infrastructure to run multiple operating systems and applications. The company offers application development-related and other technology solutions, such as Red Hat JBoss Middleware, a solution for developing, deploying, and managing applications; integrating applications, data, and devices; and automating business processes in hybrid cloud environments; The company's application development-related and other technology solutions also includes Red Hat cloud offerings, a software solution that enables customers to build and manage various cloud computing environments; Red Hat Mobile, a software development platform that enables customers to develop, integrate, deploy, and manage mobile applications for enterprises; and Red Hat Storage, a software solution that enables customers to manage large, unstructured, or semi-structured data in hybrid cloud environments. It also provides consulting, support, and training services; and realtime operating system, distributed computing, directory services, and user authentication. Red Hat, Inc. has collaboration with Juniper Networks Expand to provide a unified solution for enterprises designed to manage and run applications and services. The company was formerly known as Red Hat Software, Inc. and changed its name to Red Hat, Inc. in June 1999. Red Hat, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. by Adrian Gibson The Bahamas electoral process and the parliamentary registration procedures are seriously flawed and are in desperate need of a complete overhaul. With the 2017 general election setting up to be a nail-biter, there is clearly a need for reform of our electoral process, beginning with campaign finance reform. In certain quarters, the electoral campaigns have become a revealing display of naked skulduggery. Several years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that Byron Woodside, of the Free National Movement (FNM), was the duly elected MP for the Pinewood constituency in the 2007 general election. He defeated current Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson. Following the courts decision to conduct a recount and disqualify 110 votes, Mrs Maynard-Gibson, who was the Attorney General at the time of the election, cheekily and disingenuously claimed that the system was corrupted and that she was hoping that we all as Bahamians move quickly to address this issue as quickly as possible, so that we can see the integrity of the system restored. But, what has she done - since being re-appointed as Attorney General - to restore the integrity of the system and press for electoral reform? Prime Minister Perry Christie, who was then the Opposition leader, also asserted that the failures and deficiencies of the electoral process revealed a threat to the nation and clearly undermines the government. But, what has he done to effect change since he returned to the seat of power? The 2007 general election was poorly executed and Bahamians were hurried to the polls. The constituencies order was made on March 26, the polling divisions order was made the following day and he dissolved the House of Assembly eight days later on April 4. The election was in May. As it stands, we are on course to see a repeat of 2007 in 2017. Moving forward, radical reforms must be made to the electoral process. Once the political will is there, electoral reform can be attained. The adoption of the following suggestions could lead to a smoother electoral process: Generating an accurate register that could be produced through ground work in the communities. The Parliamentary Registration Department must minimise redundant processes. We should incorporate door-to-door enumeration to register people. A secure, online voter registration system should also be developed. In the year or two prior to a general election, personnel at the department could take to the field and register prospective voters who might be domiciled in shelters, the homeless and infirmed; Conducting voter outreach programmes via direct mail, multi-media advertising, a voter information centre and hotline; Setting new and precise guidelines for determining someones eligibility to vote; Implementing new ballot systems or electronic voting. The machinery of elections must be modernised. We are still using antiquated methods and technology. There is a need to reduce the long wait times that it takes to vote. Organising alternative means to count votes; Proposing fixed boundaries and/or an independent boundaries commission; Stipulating a fixed election date; Establish electoral offices in different districts of an island to stimulate voter registration and maintain a convenient presence; Political parties should embrace the democratic process and have primaries in every constituency; Hire youth liaison officers who visit the university and colleges, schools, employers, social media, etc to encourage registration of young voters; Improve facilities for special needs voters, bettering voting tools for such people and meeting with organisations that cater to the physically disabled, and the visually and hearing impaired. There is a need for better signage at the polls, better lighting and braille stickers should be placed on ballots (if and when we move to electronic voting, braille interfaces could be used); We must embrace proportional representation and a reformed Senate would deepen our democracy and cause for such representation; Political party leaders and candidates in their constituencies should have at least three debates before polling day. Furthermore, for various reasons - one being the fact that the fee hasnt been raised in decades - I also think that the nomination fee should be increased from $400 to $1,000. We must aim to improve public trust in our political system. Over the years, the governing party at an election - Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and FNM - have been known to redraw constituencies in favour of their party. Earlier this year, Mr Christie called for a public debate between The Bahamas three political leaders to determine who is best suited to run the country. Bring Minnis here, bring Branville here, Christie here and say tell us what you believe in, and make your judgment. Ask questions, see who has a command of the country, who understands where the country ought to be going and who could speak to those issues Mr Christie said. Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader Branville McCartney accepted the invitation. Thus far, there has been no acceptance from FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis. This election, we must demand that the leaders of these parties - and perhaps one or two of the fourth and fifth party leaders - participate in at least three national debates. On April 7, Dr Minnis told a Bain and Grants Town constituency association meeting that the FNM would begin term limits for the post of Prime Minister, a recall system for members of Parliament and a primary election where parliamentary candidates would be determined by constituents. I endorse this view and have long called for such changes to the status quo. Dr Minnis also proposed that candidates vying to represent a constituency during a general election must first be endorsed through an electoral primary by that constituency prior to the general election. It is unfortunate that we have not seen a manifestation of these proposals - by both the PLP and the FNM - this election cycle. Prime Minister Christie is perhaps one of the most hypocritical politicians serving. In the February 18, 2010, edition of The Tribune, Mr Christie - then campaigning during the Elizabeth by-election - said that there is a serious need for campaign reform to assure third-party and independent candidates of an even playing field. His comments came as he accused FNM operatives of running an unethical by-election campaign filled with alleged promises of jobs and other incentives to voters in exchange for their support. Mr Christie claimed that the weeks leading up to the Elizabeth by-election were the worst Ive ever seen it in terms of allegations that members of the FNM were allegedly using their government clout to sway voters. He said that on the eve of the by-election, a PLP supporter told him that her daughter had been offered a job by a member of the FNM, presumably to influence her vote. Up to (Monday) the government was giving people jobs with a clear intention of influencing the vote. Thats not proper, ethical or fair, Mr Christie asserted in another interview. He continued: Both parties should look at whats happening in the country today with a view to reorganising our approach to elections because it is awfully difficult for independent and small parties to have even a remotely small chance (to win) given what is happening on the part of the two major parties. I wonder if Mr Christie continues to have that view about independents and small parties? Does this mean that his government will not dole out jobs this election cycle? In the July 28, 2012, edition of The Tribune - fresh off a general election win - Mr Christie urged Parliamentarians to promulgate a new culture in Bahamian politics, as he sparked fresh discussions on campaign finance reform in the wake of concerns by the Organisation of American States (OAS). Drawing on recommendations outlined by CARICOM and the OAS report on The Bahamas electoral process, Mr Christie said that the only way (reform) is going to work is if Parliamentarians agree that there is a compelling urgency to be more accountable in what were doing; more transparent in what were doing. We are challenged to determine the extent to which foreign investors should be contributing to our democracy directly in campaign finance matters and we have to determine whether we are prepared to regulate that by way of disclosure, even if its to an electoral commission and not to the public, he said. We are living a lie to just continue to allow this current system that were operating under to exist, Mr Christie said, because you know and I know and everyone else knows that a lot of things are happening, where youre taking advantage of all sorts of opportunities if youre the government and it places people at a significant disadvantage and thats not how a democracy functions. Well blow me down! Mouth could say anything! Wow. So, Mr Christie, how much money did Peter Nygard contribute to the PLPs last general election campaign? Mr Christie, what have you done to bring about campaign finance reform? Mr Christie has been at the helm of a government that has been anything but transparent so one wonders if he forgot everything he said in 2012. Election after election, we hear accounts of foreigners and local, high net worth special interests groups who view major party candidates as pieces on a political chess board. The unabated pursuit of power and, in some cases enrichment, has become a hallmark of Bahamian politics. Bahamians are well aware of the propositions of politicians - the bribes and blatant sweeteners for votes, whether that means purchasing food, clothing or appliances, paying utility bills, raising public funds to create temporary jobs, doling out contracts for campaign favours, or unashamedly giving away money, alcohol, cellular phone cards and even drugs. As an ever maturing electorate, we must not stand by and watch as political parties fall into the pockets of wealthy donors. When it comes to campaign financing, we should cap expenditures by putting ceilings on donations and carefully scrutinise the institutions and/or individuals contributing to the coffers of these parties. Politicians should be made to disclose their contributors and expenditures. Restrictions must be enforced to limit the contributions of individuals and groups. Whilst at it, lets also adopt the approach of Barbados, where all election posters must be taken down two days before a general election. Moreover, shirts representing political parties/entities must be sold rather than given away as we do locally. This would not only cut costs associated with Bahamian elections, but also serve as a starting point for electoral reform. _________________________________________________________ First published in the The Tribune under the byline, Young Man's View, here View Adrian Gibson's archive here ____________________________________________________ The views expressed are those of the author, and not necessarily those of WeblogBahamas.com (which has no corporate view) or its Authors. By The Associated Press Nov. 25, 2016 | 12:23 AM | LOS ANGELES, CA Florence Henderson, the wholesome actress who went from Broadway star to television icon when she became Carol Brady, the ever-cheerful mom residing over "The Brady Bunch," has died. She was 82. She died surrounded by family and friends, her manager said in a statement late Thursday. Millions loved, and kept on loving, the innocent sitcom about a blended family. "The Brady Bunch," first aired in 1969, returned to television in various forms again and again, including "The Brady Bunch Hour" in 1977, "The Brady Brides" in 1981 and "The Bradys" in 1990. It was also seen endlessly in reruns. Henderson was born in 1934 in Dale, Indiana, on the Kentucky border. She went to high school at St. Frances Academy in Owensboro. Henderson began her showbiz career as a soprano in Broadway stage productions in the 1950s. She was most recently seen in the audience of the finale of "Dancing With the Stars" on Nov. 21. She was a previous contestant on the show in 2010. Her cause of death was described as heart failure. Tens of millions of Shia Muslims have taken part in one of the biggest marches in the world, risking their lives to travel through Iraq in celebration of a famous Muslim martyr and in defiance of ISIS attacks.The marchers made their way to the city of Karbala, 62 miles south west of Baghdad, on Sunday and Monday for the holy day of Arbaeen, which marks the end of a 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual that commemorates the death of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson Imam Hussein in 680 AD.Large crowds visit the shrines of Imam Hussein and his half-brother Abbas in Karbala, where they were killed in a revolt against the Umayyad ruler Yazeed in the seventh century AD when they refused to pledge allegiance to Yazeed's Umayyad caliphate.Nusayyef al-Khattabi, who heads the Karbala provincial council, said he expected the total number of visitors over several days to range between 17 million and 20 million. Among them are an estimated three million foreigners, the majority Iranians who started crossing the border days ago.Many choose to make the journey on foot, despite travelling near ISIS-controlled areas in the country and the extremist group having made frequent deadly attacks on the pilgrimage.ISIS has declared Shia Muslims apostates and targeted them in its bloody campaign to establish a hardline caliphate across Iraq and Syria.Large-scale security operations, involving 24,000 soldiers and police, were put in place during this year's march due to fears ISIS forces in and around its last major stronghold of Mosul may seek to strike Baghdad or Karbala during Arbaeen.Karbala, around 50 miles, southwest of Baghdad, faces the desert of Anbar, a vast province that was until recently an ISIS bastion and where jihadists still carry out frequent attacks.Last week, a suicide bomber killed six people near Karbala in an attack claimed by the so-called Islamic State."Unfortunately [some] media outlets have gone for stories that to some extent can be divisive. If a group of Muslims do something good, it's not mentioned or the religion is not mentioned. But if someone does something [negative], it is on the front page and their religion is mentioned."Entire article at..... Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/11/2016 (2168 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Manitobas finance minster says hes breathing a little easier these days when it comes to the provinces future relations with its primary trading partner, the United States. Its good to see in the last couple of days that the language coming forward from the U.S. has a more conciliatory tone, Cameron Friesen told more than 120 business and government officials at Thursdays third annual Western Business Outlook symposium in Winnipeg. Friesen said Donald Trumps victory in the recent U.S. presidential race created a whole new set of variables for Manitoba because of his campaign promise to renegotiate or possibly scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). ZACHARY PRONG / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Finance Minister Cameron Friesen blames the province's downgraded credit rating entirely on the former NDP government. He noted the United States is far and away Manitobas largest export market. So any changes Trump makes to NAFTA could have major implications for the provinces economy. He noted the U.S. economy also benefits from freer trade with Manitoba and the rest of Canada, and would be negatively impacted if NAFTA were dissolved. So I hope in the end that common sense will prevail. Friesen was asked if he was less concerned now than he was the day after Trump was elected. His response was: I am cautious, but Im somewhat optimistic. He said its still early days, and no one is sure what Trump will do after he takes office. The key will be to continue monitoring the situation closely and keep the lines of communication open. Business needs to be talking with their (trading) partners south of the border and governments need to be talking with their partners south of the border and reinforcing that we are an integrated economy and that we need the U.S. and the U.S. needs Canada. In his address, Friesen said the new provincial government is committed to pursuing new trade opportunities both within and outside of Canada. Thats why it recently joined the New West Partnership with the other three western Canadian provinces. We know that (trade) barriers are not the way forward for our province and we are committed to removing them, he added. The Western Business Outlook symposium is organized by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the Conference Board of Canada. Marie-Christine Bernard, associate director of the Conference Boards provincial forecast service, told the symposium the board expects the Manitoba economy to grow by 1.7 per cent this year, 2.0 per cent in 2017 and 1.6 per cent in 2018. The economy is doing quite well. Its holding its own and advancing at a steady pace, she added. She said a number of key demographic changes will drive economic growth over the next few decades. They are the aging of the baby-boomer generation, the continued influx of new immigrants into the province, the ongoing migration of rural Manitobans to the provinces urban centres, and the provinces fast-growing indigenous population. murray.mcneill@freepress.mb.ca Green Party presidential nominee Jill Stein is raising money to pay for recounts of the presidential voting in the states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. It is an interesting notion since she has nothing to gain personally from the recount. It won't change her dismal 4th place finish in the voting in each of these states.The margins in each of these states are very narrow.Michigan - Trump leads by 11,613 votes, which is 0.2% of the total votes cast.Pennsylvania - Trump leads by 68,236 votes, which is 1.1% of the total votes cast.Wisconsin - Trump leads by 27,257 votes, which is 0.9% of the total votes cast.These margins are not comparable to the razor-thin 537 vote victory of George W. Bush in the 2000 presidential race in Florida. But they are small enough to make a recount a sensible move. Of course, were the results to wind up in Hillary Clinton's favor, Donald Trump's attorneys will head directly to court and another presidential election will wind up before a Supreme Court where a majority decision is highly unlikely.Recounts are not free. It will cost over $2 million just to file the recount requests for the three states. Attorney fees and the cost of the actual recounts will push the total expense in excess of $6 million.While many are pushing for the recounts, the Clinton campaign hasn't commented on the issue yet. They may be considering their options, but with the deadline to file recount requests coming up early next week, time is short.The three states in question represent 16, 20 and 10 electoral votes respectively. All three results would have to go in favor of Hillary Clinton to change the outcome of the electoral college vote, assuming there are no faithless electors.I'd like to see the recount happen.* * *So why is it that Hillary Clinton's lead in the popular vote has grown to over 2 million votes? That's easy. She is leading by 4.4 million votes in California alone. When you add in the other states with larger populations that she carried by wide margins, New Jersey and New York, that lead grows significantly. Add back in the margins Donald Trump won by in the states that he carried, and California's large population and strong backing of Hillary Clinton are the reason why she has such a big popular vote lead.While the framers of our Constitution aren't around to confirm my suspicion, I'm fairly certain they did not imagine a United States where 4% of the states would contain 20% of the total population. As I pointed out in an earlier blog entry, the Electoral College as constituted today is nowhere near representing the people on a one-person, one-vote basis. But is it entirely fair to select a president to represent a nation of 50 states when California, the most populous state has a population larger than that of the 21 least populated states?I believe the answer to that question is yes. We are supposed to be one country, not an alliance of 50 separate entities. The rights of the separate states are protected by their equal representation in the Senate, so as to ensure the states with larger populations cannot run roughshod over the lesser populated states in passing legislation. As one nation, with a Constitution that does not provide a process for secession, we must have one president and that president should be chosen to represent the will of the people. By a popular vote, not an electoral college. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/11/2016 (2168 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A decade ago, fentanyl, the killer synthetic opioid that can be 100 times more potent than morphine, was a relatively unknown drug. Today, its everywhere and its at the heart of a national crisis claiming the lives of hundreds of Canadians. In Manitoba, at least two dozen people have died from opioid overdoses in 2016, nine confirmed to be caused by or related to fentanyl. Its a dangerous drug that many people dont even know theyre taking: its often showing up in other illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin. As Canada grapples with how to combat fentanyls rapid spread, the debate about supervised drug-use sites has been renewed. The sites are safe places where users can inject drugs theyve already obtained with clean supplies under the supervision of nurses and medical staff. They are also highly controversial. Are supervised drug-use sites the answer? For a lot of people, (illicit drug use) is a black-and-white issue its wrong, says Anna Marie DAngelo, the senior media relations officer at Vancouver Coastal Health, which operates Insite, the pioneering supervised injection facility in Vancouvers Downtown Eastside. Since Insite became North Americas first supervised injection site in 2003, there have been more than three million injections at the facility and no one has died. We have a more pragmatic approach because were looking at it through a health-care lens. When youre on the ground working with clients, you know that theyve tried everything all their lives. Quite often they have a mental illness, theyre disconnected from communities, theyre homeless, they have all kinds of other heath issues. And we want them to just say no now? Thats not going to work. There are only two legal supervised injection sites in Canada, and they are both in Vancouver. Still, activists in Vancouver have in recent days resorted to opening up illegal pop-up injection sites in back alleys to help keep people alive. From Nov. 15 to 22, Insite saw 104 overdoses, which would likely have been fatal if not for the intervention they are able to provide. Fourteen happened on Sunday alone. British Columbia has been one of the hardest-hit provinces in the fentanyl crisis. There have been 332 overdose deaths linked to fentanyl from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30 this year, almost triple the number in 2015. Manitoba Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen has said opening a supervised drug-use site is not part of Manitobas plan to respond to the opioid crisis. But should it be? Manitoba is no stranger to harm reduction in health care. In Winnipeg, many places from Klinic to the Winnipeg Regional Health Authoritys Street Connections program, which distributes everything from clean needles to take-home kits of naloxone, an opioid antidote operate under a harm-reduction model, meaning they aim to mitigate the harmful consequences of risky behaviour. Providing clean needles or condoms are basic examples of harm reduction. Insite operates under a harm-reduction model. Its important to note its supervised injection, not safe-injection. Injecting illicit drugs is not, by nature, safe. But supervision means that if someone overdoses, a nurse is there. It also means the safe disposal of used needles. Harm-reduction work is a lot more than providing people with clean needles. Its about providing people an entry point into the health-care system. Drug users who choose to inject at Insite are able to build trust with health-care and social workers, which means they are more likely to pursue detox, counselling and other treatments. People who are ready to go into detox will be accommodated at Onsite, Insites detox facility, immediately. Thats really important for this client, DAngelo says. Before, itd be Come back at 10 a.m. and go into detox. Well, they dont have watches. They dont make appointments. They dont know what day it is. And then they dont show up. This is one way to reach a very hard-to-reach client group. Insite also has the capability to test street drugs for fentanyl. About 90 per cent of drugs tested there have been positive for fentanyl. We tell people to just assume that its in there, DAngelo says. She adds that workers are also able to pick up on whether or not, say, a bad batch of heroin is making the rounds. They are also able to attach numbers to the overdose crisis. Some provinces dont even know what their OD stats are because theres no way to track it, she says. DARRYL DYCK / CANADIAN PRESS FILES People gather outside supervised injection site, Insite, in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Supervised drug-use sites are not easy to establish, which may explain why there are so few in Canada. Insite operates under an exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The former Conservative goverment attempted to shut down Insite, taking the fight to the Supreme Court of Canada, which ruled in 2011 that Insite could remain open. And so, in 2015, the Conservative government responded by introducing the Respect for Communities Act, an amendment to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act that essentially made the process for applying for a supervised injection site so hard and frustrating no one would want to go through it. This month, the Liberal government announced it is working to change the legislation. I think theres a place for (supervised injection), says Dr. Mike Dillon, medical director at Winnipegs Klinic. Certainly because of the size of the scope, were not in the same league as Vancouver or Toronto. Everything could be better. It would be a good part of a larger harm-reduction program, but we havent been jumping up and down begging for a supervised injection site. Right now, were trying to keep up doing what we do. Dr. Cathy Cook, the vice-president of public and mental health at the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, says there would be a considerable number of things to look into before embarking on the process. At this point, we have not seen evidence that a safe-injection site would benefit those who use illicit drugs in Winnipeg. It is something we continue to discuss and monitor, but we would need to do a thorough evaluation of the needs of the population who use illicit drugs before undertaking such a process. That process would need to be undertaken with our partners at the province and with the City of Winnipeg. In addition to saving lives, Dillon says harm reduction saves money, pointing to the cost of treating hepatitis C versus preventing its spread via dirty needles. DAngelo points out calling 911 in the event of an overdose is a huge draw on first-responder resources. If youre at Insite and inject and overdose right there, theres a nurse right there who can do CPR, who can administer naloxone, etc. Youll be going to emergency, but youll be going alert. There is a cost to doing nothing, and people need to acknowledge that. Supervised drug-use sites might be a long way off for Manitoba, but there are ways to save lives now. Dillon would like to see more compassionate care for those struggling with addiction, as well as more discussion about the complex root causes of addiction. Theres no one-size-fits-all, he says. Theres a whole spectrum of people who have different reasons for doing what they do. What doesnt work is punishing people for engaging in risky behaviour. It saves money and it helps people if we can have the attitude that says were not going to vilify you for using drugs. We all use drugs. If I didnt have my coffee this morning, Id have a headache and withdrawal, he says. There are just some drugs that are socially accepted and encouraged and thats why we pay $5 for a latte. We shouldnt make people feel bad. Its not helpful. We need to show them were on the same team. jen.zoratti@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @JenZoratti Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/11/2016 (2168 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. BRANDON A group of Manitoba First Nations leaders plans to stand in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North Dakota thats protesting against an oil pipeline. An assembly has been scheduled for Saturday at Dakota Tipi First Nation near Portage la Prairie. Organizers hope to hash out a course of action. Scenes of violence have plagued the Dakota Access oil pipeline protest site in North Dakota recently as law enforcement officers sprayed protesters with water, rubber bullets and tear gas. TOM STROMME / Tribune Files The Sacred Stones Overflow Camp in Morton County. The protesters or water protectors as they prefer to be called are on the right side of this battle, Dakota Tipi Chief Keith Pashe said Thursday. Our Dakota and Lakota people, they never signed treaties, and one of the things our elders always told us is that we are the keepers of the land, Pashe said. From the beginning of time we were the keepers of land. Now is the time to stand with Standing Rock, he said, clarifying that if people dont do something to protect our environment and drinking water now, future generations will suffer. While the pipeline protests are taking place south of the border, Pashe said such government-imposed barriers are irrelevant. Its not only to address Standing Rock and how theyre treated, but how were treated here in Manitoba and Canada, he said. We are just as concerned for the environment as they are down there. Weve got to have respect for Mother Earth thats what Im interested in. Waywayseecappo First Nation Chief Murray Clearsky hopes to attend Saturdays gathering, which he said will only be the latest in relation to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. While he doesnt know what kind of action Saturdays meeting will lead to, hes pushing for more than words of support. During a meeting in Winnipeg Wednesday, Clearsky suggested some form of civil disobedience might be the answer. Theres nothing wrong with us Canadians blocking the line in Canada, he said. Morton County Sheriff's Department / The Associated Press Files Law enforcement and protesters clash near the site of the Dakota Access pipeline Sunday in Cannon Ball, N.D. Located about 30 kilometres east of Russell, Waywayseecappo First Nation is not unfazed by what is happening to their people to everyone in North Dakota, Clearsky said. We should show support, he said. Why do more Dakota people need to get hurt before something happens? Southern Chiefs Organization Grand Chief Terry Nelson has thrown his support behind Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, following what he said is Pashes lead in encouraging Manitobans to play a role. Its a very clear message from (Pashe) that whats happening to the Dakota people in the United States is extremely upsetting for the Dakota people here, he said. Its very clear that it upsets them when they see elders being pepper-sprayed, maced (and) hit with water cannons in frigid temperatures. Nelson plans on attending Saturdays meeting. As of Thursday, however, he remained uncertain about its outcome. Pointing to the volume of trade that occurs between Canada and the United Sates including oil he said theres plenty Canada can do to help the protesters in North Dakota. Its just a matter of what action or advocacy Saturdays meeting will encourage. Theres going to be a huge amount of support, he said. People are angry. Brandon saw a glimpse of this support during a round dance in solidarity with Standing Rock, held last week at Brandon University. Organized with only a few days notice, the event saw more than 100 people attend, according to BU Aboriginal Students Collective social co-ordinator Darian Kennedy. Morton County Sheriff's Office / TNS Files Police overlook a group of protesters at the Standing Rock Sioux reservation in North Dakota. I was very relieved when I counted as many people as I did, Kennedy said. Theyve raised $326 for water protectors in North Dakota thus far and soon plan on putting up a donation box at their BU office to help collect items water protectors might need. With colder weather on the horizon, theyll need supplies, Kennedy said. While uncertain as to the underlying goals of Saturdays meeting of First Nations leadership, Kennedy has his own message to share. We as a people need more initiatives to use green technology. As for whatever comes out of Saturdays meeting, Nelson affirmed: Well follow the lead of the Dakota people. Brandon Sun Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 24/11/2016 (2169 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The threat of another downgrade in the provinces credit rating hangs over any spending plans to build new schools, Premier Brian Pallister warned Wednesday. Pallister told reporters hes not saying no to new schools, but he refused to say when they might be built. Under heavy demands from the NDPs Wab Kinew and Liberal Cindy Lamoureux Wednesday, Education Minister Ian Wishart would not say when schools in south Brandon or the northwest Winnipeg neighbourhoods of Waterford Green and Amber Trails, would be built. MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS An empty classroom in Archwood School. The Pallister government is keeping quiet on when new schools will be built in the province. Before the April election, the former NDP government promised to build the Brandon and Waterford Green schools. Pallister said Thursday NDP financial mismanagement and spending have put the province in such a hole that Manitoba could go down one notch in the ratings within the next year. New Democrat Andrew Swan quipped: We built too many schools? Pallister said after question period that credit rating downgrades have cost the province about $30 million more in annual debt servicing that would otherwise have gone to front-line services. Revenue growth is declining and the federal government may reduce transfer payments for health care, Pallister said. There are not going to be massive short-term reductions in deficits, the premier said. Pallister said the government will not have any news about capital spending until the 2017 budget and could not speculate when ground might get broken for a new school. The premier also said he is not saying there will be no new schools built. Not at all, he said. There are tremendous needs in a number of divisions. These are not issues that are going to go away. Wishart blamed the former NDP government for failing to keep up with overcrowding in schools. Every time we meet with a school division, we find another No. 1 priority, said Wishart, who scoffed that when the Tories build new schools, they will not announce it willy-nilly like the previous government. Kinew noted that when Lamoureux first raised the question, the issue had come to her from students at Sisler High School, of which Lamoureux is a graduate. Said Kinew: When students from a school division ask you a question, is giving them a direct answer willy-nilly? Wishart said talks are ongoing. Were certainly focused on working with our partners across the province. We do look forward to having some new schools, he said. nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/11/2016 (2168 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. My name is Belle Jarniewski: I am the last person to carry my family surname. On Nov. 22, 1942, my grandfather and the rest of the members of my fathers large and extended family were murdered at Treblinka. My grandfather was a rabbi and a Torah scribe. He made his living painstakingly writing Torah scrolls, the tiny parchments that are inserted into the mezzuzot which are found on the doorposts of Jewish homes. When I was born, my parents asked a rabbi what to name me and he chose the name Belle (Beila), as the reverse of Leib my grandfathers first name. I carry my names proudly and with a sense of deep responsibility. My fathers family included several siblings, many aunts, uncles, cousins and his wife and toddler son. Deported from Zelwa (todays Belarus), all went to the gas chamber that day. The racist ideology of the Nazis imagined Jews as less than human and sought to annihilate every last one from the globe. The Shoah remains at once a very personal tragedy for my family, a catastrophe for the Jewish people, and the darkest chapter perhaps to befall humanity. Every limit moral as well as religious was transgressed. JUSTIN TANG / THE CANaDIAN PRESS FILES Anti-Semitic graffiti was spray-painted on the door of The Glebe Minyan and home of Rabbi Anna Maranta in Ottawa. Moments of humanity and courage during that period remind us that human beings are not only capable of resistance against evil, they are willing to move to action. My father survived the war because he was conscripted into the Polish army. He was taken prisoner in September of 1939 and suffered imprisonment in six concentration camps. He refused to give up and he refused to hate. In his early days as a POW he had written to his Christian neighbour, in a plea to hide and protect his wife and child. Tragically, his wife left her refuge, unable to cope with the idea of meeting a different fate than her family and perhaps not comprehending what that fate would be. Who could have imagined it? We are seeing today the resurgence of hateful ideology, not just against Jews but against Muslims and other minorities, as well as an ongoing refusal by Americans and Canadians to recognize the damage, injustice and racism suffered by indigenous people. In the space of just one week, five incidents of anti-Semitism and racist graffiti appeared in Ottawa alone on Jewish and Muslim places of worship and gathering and on a United Church with a largely black congregation. In the United States, the Southern Poverty Law Center reported more than 300 incidents of hate or intimidation since the U.S. election. On Nov. 19, Richard Spencer addressed more than 200 attendees at a conference in Washington, D.C., blocks away from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Spencer, the leader of the National Policy Institute a white-nationalist think tank that describes itself as an independent organization dedicated to the heritage, identity, and future of people of European descent in the United States, and around the world saluted the new U.S. president-elect with hail Trump, hail our people, hail victory. A video clearly reveals several members of the crowd responding with the Nazi salute. However, even more chilling are Spencers words that day implying that the media was protecting Jewish interests: One wonders if these people are people at all? He added, America belongs to white people and that white people face a choice of conquer or die. Make no mistake: these words echo Nazi racist ideology that referred to Slavs Roma and most non-whites, as well as Jews, by the term untermenschen, or subhumans. There is no doubt the white nationalist and alt-right movements in the U.S. have gained ground and support, emboldening those around the globe who harbour these dangerous ideologies. The Shoah did not begin with murder; it began with hateful rhetoric. In the 1930s, the world did not imagine that six million Jewish men, women and children would be murdered. No one believed the rhetoric. Today, we know better: we know to believe someone when they use words such as conquer or die, or to speak of deporting people or setting up registries according to religion. We cannot be complacent in Canada whether it is the vandalism in Ottawa or elsewhere or simply looking at the hateful comments spewed on social media in the many discussions around refugee or indigenous issues; the problem is not one we can smugly dismiss as American. It is incumbent on each and every one of us to be vigilant, to speak up and to reject the creeping intolerance that threatens to infect this country. The late Pierre Elliott Trudeau, some 45 years ago, wisely warned of the dangerous American ideal of conformity: A society which emphasizes uniformity is one which creates intolerance and hate. What the world should be seeking and what in Canada we must continue to cherish are not concepts of uniformity but human values: compassion, love, and understanding. While his words are as relevant today as they were then, we are going to have to ensure we actively uphold these values as well as human rights, freedoms and inclusion for every one. Belle Jarniewski is chairwoman of the Freeman Family Holocaust Education Centre and president of the Manitoba Multifaith Council. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/11/2016 (2168 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. While anxious world leaders lined up for audiences with president-elect Donald Trump, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hopped on a plane to Havana to renew relations with Cuba. It wasnt the act of defiance it seemed: Trudeau and President Raul Castro had prearranged the visit, reportedly to discuss how to work together with Hillary Clinton, who, as the new American president, would expand the recent United States-Cuba detente. Oops. Change of plan. In any case, the visit to Cuba ironically foreshadowed the coming friction between the sunny liberalism of Trudeau and the cold war antagonism of Trump over that island nation. This meeting was markedly different from the historic one between Pierre Trudeau and Fidel Castro in 1976, in which Trudeau wore an ascot and Castro wore a gun. There were no stressed-out Cuban security officers hustling everything along, explaining that they feared the Central Intelligence Agency might assassinate their Canadian guest in an effort to embarrass them. Adrian Wyld / The Canadian Press The visit to Cuba ironically foreshadowed the coming friction between the sunny liberalism of Justin Trudeau and the cold war antagonism of Donald Trump over that island nation. Canadians are interested in Cuba. Well over a million of us visit the island every year, making up about 40 per cent of its tourism. The beaches, the rum, the music and the legendary Cuban charm continue to be a draw and have produced a unique relationship between the two countries. Witnessing the poverty induced largely by 56 years of U.S. embargo, Canadian tourism has resulted in a significant people-to-people suitcase aid. Extra bags packed with clothes, medicines, hygiene products, school supplies and toys routinely find their way to Cuban hosts. Eleven million Cubans have offered observers many lessons in politics: how to stage a successful peoples revolution; how to endure the sacrifices and the violence such a revolution produces; how to stand up to a hostile superpower until the superpower surrenders, which Barack Obama effectively did when he offered Cuba normalization in 2014. Now Cuba will provide a stage on which both Trump and Trudeau will be challenged to show their real political values. Trumps imminent decisions about Cuba could portend how he will shape his foreign policy. He once flirted with breaking American law in order to build a hotel/casino in Cuba, a plan he eventually abandoned. Will he break off diplomatic relations? I might, he has told his supporters, adding it would depend on whether Cubans accede to new, as yet unspecified U.S. demands. Trump appears to have slept through several decades of brutal U.S.-Cuban history. During that time, Americans tried every possible means to re-establish Cuba as the economic colony it had been under its friend Fulgencio Batista. Official American sources now reveal extremism, even terrorism, in these efforts, confirming that money, military actions, propaganda, vigorous espionage and more than a dozen inventive attempts on Fidel Castros life (including an exploding cigar) went nowhere. The U.S. eventually found itself alone in its anti-Cuban campaign. While Trump decides what to do or undo about Cuba, Trudeau may well find himself faced with a serious dilemma. The island is Canadas largest Caribbean market, accounting for a billion dollars in trade annually. Keeping Americans out of Cuba is to Canadas advantage. Neither tourists nor investors welcome the competition from the U.S. Trudeau can comfortably maintain his current independent policy and do nothing else and still earn points as an economic nationalist. But for Cubans, the prospect of normal relations with the U.S. is reminiscent of the falling of the Berlin Wall; it means the freedom to travel, the reunification of families, access to life-changing medicines and technology and a higher standard of working and living due to an influx of American money, with jobs that follow. Knowing this, as he must, Trudeaus choice will be whether to be content to be a politician serving Canadas interest alone or to become a statesman spending some of his political currency on distant areas where it can change everyday life for the better. His potential role as an honest broker between Washington and Havana may well turn out to be a thankless task, but it may also be Cubas best hope for a drastically improved future. Lesley Hughes is a Winnipeg writer and a former current affairs host at CBC Radio. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/11/2016 (2168 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Phoenix Sinclair would have turned 17 this April. She may have passed her drivers exam, allowing her the exquisite freedom to explore her world by car. She may have even had her first boyfriend, with all those mixed feelings of joy and sadness. No doubt she would have been like other kids her age, obsessed with smartphones, texting and all things on social media. Of course, Phoenix never made it to 17. Instead, she was murdered by her mother and her step-father on a cold basement floor at the age of five, her death hidden for nine months, despite the fact she was in the care of Child and Family Services. She was a kid who slipped through the cracks in a system that seems so broken. Three years after the provincial government received the final report of the Phoenix Sinclair inquiry and 11 years since her death, fewer than one-third of the recommendations have been completed. Manitobas Childrens Advocate, Darlene MacDonald, says many of the recommendations from the inquiry are either in progress or theyve been ostensibly ignored. HO / THE CANADIAN PRESS Phoenix Sinclair The inquiry, headed by Commissioner Ted Hughes, was the most expensive in the provinces history, with a cost of $14 million when all was said and done. Its report listed 62 recommendations to improve the child-welfare system that let Phoenix down, recommendations that were supposed to prevent another death from happening. In Mondays throne speech, the Pallister government vowed in the aftermath of tragedies within our provinces child-welfare system, our government is committed to addressing the needs of Manitobas most vulnerable children. Part of that promise is a comprehensive plan that acts on the many outstanding reports and recommendations. Frankly, it should come as no surprise many of these recommendations havent been fully implemented. Part of it can be blamed on bureaucracy, which at times is like a big ship that turns slowly. Part of it can be blamed on the spring election, which saw legislation extending the role of the childrens advocate die on the order paper. Part of the delay can also be blamed on an ineffectual minister. Kerri Irvin-Ross, while the NDPs family services minister, often seemed overwhelmed by the difficulties of her role. In 2012, Ms. MacDonald caught fire when she publicly spoke out against the expense of a public inquiry into the childs death. She suggested there were already 200 recommendations for improvements to the child-welfare system made prior to the Hughes inquiry and the process was just delaying closure. The Manitoba Grand Chiefs and Liberal MLA Jon Gerrard immediately demanded she be fired for those comments. Perhaps she is correct. While its good that the Hughes inquiry laid bare the many problems within child welfare, the fact the majority of these recommendations remain outstanding suggests the $14 million could have been spent in Phoenixs name to improve the system instead of sitting on a library shelf gathering dust. In the meantime, the Tories promise to make the Childrens Advocate autonomous and independent should have happened years ago. It will go a long way to enhance the independence of the office and restore accountability in a system that for too long has seemed unaccountable. Before another death of a child like Phoenix. Editor's note: This story originally ran Nov. 27, 2015. The message is as timely as ever. Starting today with Black Friday, and running until the end of the year, much of the country will be consumed by consuming. Some, though, have chosen a different path. In the interest of understanding that spirit, the Daily News talked with Winona residents who study and live lives of simplicity -- professors, writers, musicians, Catholic workers, philosophers, pastors and others -- about ways to escape the obsession with material possessions, the philosophy behind following a different path, and more. The responses have been edited for length and clarity. What is your belief or philosophy on the idea of living simply? I believe in simple abundance, which means simplicity at all times in my existence. Every day is a blessing and identical; every day is a holiday for me. Brice Wilkinson My girlfriend always tells me how its easy for me to disconnect from things, but that took a lot of effort, a lot of meditation I separated myself. I was like 22 and I hermatized myself, basically, and learned that material stuff, we should be able to just disconnect from it. And our strong connections, our binding connections, should be between fellow humans and fellow man. Hanna Abdallah Its more complicated to live simply than one might imagine. Especially living on a farm, you use more fossil fuels than you want to -- and this is with organic farming ... Even though we do try to make things simple, its easier said than done. Beth Oness The big worldly answer is that we recognize that its not necessary to have all of these things to be happy, and secondly, that many people dont have a choice in that. So, since we have a choice, were going to opt for a little bit less. And thats not to say that we live in some kind of dire terrible state, we definitely have many things in our lives, but it also gives us opportunity to focus more on relationships than on stuff." Diane Leutgeb Munson As an adult I have struggled with gift-giving and receiving. Is there a store-bought gift that can express the love, admiration, kinship I feel towards the people I love? And really, do I need another sweater, pair of earrings, scarf, cookbook, electronic device just for my own personal use? Jenni McCool Simple living to me is looking for a balance that creates a life rich in experiences and relationships. Julie Fassbender Living simply has a lot to do with the recognition of the difference between need and want, and indulging in things that one wants only in moderation. I don't believe there is anything inherently wrong with wanting, but it is important to understand why you want something and how much of that something is too much. Kali Arline I think that the challenge facing a lot of people now is how to know what actually makes us happy. James Armstrong I think it truly speaks to the state of our society that the day after Americans take a day to be thankful and celebrate what they already have, that they stampede into stores and fight over things that they don't need. Michael Abdoo My philosophy for living simply is to try not to take up too much space ... I try to buy only what I need and use it until it just can't be used anymore. April Herndon "To me living simply means taking time to enjoy life by not overbooking myself with so many activities. It means making time to relax and spend time with friends and family. I do buy stuff, especially books, but whenever I buy a new book, movie, or article of clothing, I go through what I already have and get rid of things I don't really use anymore." Holly Robinson How would the philosophical or religious thinkers you study respond to holiday consumerism? I believe a lot in energy--the use of our energy and how it bounces back and forth between each other, and I feel like nowadays, society puts a lot of value on energy that were supposedly supposed to share with each other, and put it into material things, and then thats where that energy goes. Hanna Abdallah In thanksgiving observations in centuries past, long before we were a nation, calls for special observances of 'giving thanks' were generally associated with the need for a people to humble themselves, take stock of their priorities, recognize the crisis they were in, and quit trying to play God. Tim Forester I know that many people work hard for what they have. The people who I admire and follow wouldn't suggest that no one gets to have more, but they would say that everyone should have enough before anyone gets any more than that. April Herndon What are your personal thoughts on consumerism? Its essential for our economy, but it has sort of become the essence of our society. To buy more, to shop, to throw away whatever you get tired of. Its not necessarily what youre buying, its the act of buying thats the pleasure thats where the value is. Larry Wolner I live on an organic farm, we grow a lot of our own food, we work really hard, and it would be easy to be self-righteous, but on the other hand, I have horses what a luxury, you know? And I went out the other day and I bought a really good pair of clippers and a horse blanket for a horse that Im working this winter, and I really think about it I think about these poor Syrian refugees and these people that are in dire straights and I think, God, I just went out and bought a blanket for my horse. So I think you can try to not consume and to do less, but most of us have weaknesses and things that we indulge in and to be too moral about it is a little much. Beth Oness Its been keenly on my mind because we spend a lot of our time at the Catholic Worker with people who are either chronically homeless or in precarious situations, and a lot of that traces back to capitalism and consumerism and how that is created as a system that some very few people will have a lot, and most people will not, and theres really very few ways to overcome that. Its much bigger than just a shopping season. Its a way of life in our country. And weve seen firsthand how destructive it is on a lot of levels. Diane Leutgeb Munson What people need is healthcare and support of community, but what theyre told they need is a bigger television and a faster computer. And thats the problem. Mike Munson "Everything is so linked to the price without any regard to where it was produced, who produced it. That is another philosophical reason that makes me want to abstain from this ideal of just going out and finding deals for items that may not even last that long, and were produced by workers who are treated inhumanely or not paid well. The money that you spend is going to support this sort of 21st-century slavery system. Bruno Borsari I find myself thinking most about the environmental resources we are using to make and package all of the things, and I worry about what we are actually trading to own these products. Because we do trade a lot, more than the environmental resources we trade the money we earned working, we trade the time it took to go and buy them, we trade the energy from the earth that it took to make, ship, package the actual item. We trade the time it takes to assemble it (whatever it is) at home, the time to get it out of the packaging, the time taking out the trash of packaging, and eventually the product. Julie Fassbender We in the 'developed' world have a lot of work to do in fighting off the tsunami of consumerism. ... Capitalism isn't evil, but the quest for entitlement might be, if others are disadvantaged as a result. John Kennedy What activities do you do during the holiday season focused away from consumerism? Its just getting together and having a meal with the family and spending time. And the gift-giving is sort of fun, but if its kept as not the primary focus, it has a little more meaning. Because gift-giving theres something fun about it. Its fun to go and buy something for somebody if you put thought into it. Larry Wolner I make a point of gift-giving outside of this time of year. And those gifts are often simpler or smaller. Not that we do that all the time, but I think we try to be better about that because it is important culturally and I think many cultures have some time when the giving of gifts is important and centered." Mike Munson I like to celebrate the winter solstice. I put greens inside the house, string lights and make soup. I do some baking so the house is warm and smells good. I invite people over to eat, drink and be merry. The idea behind this, for me, is celebrating the end of a year and mentally prepping for the long and dark days of winter by focusing on the things that make winter bearable." Kali Arline Read. Write poems. Sit quietly. Go for walks. Make food with my family. Play my guitar. Watch old movies. James Armstrong I haven't exchanged gifts with folks in a long time. I tell people to save the money and maybe we can find the time and cash to visit each other. April Herndon I have two very giving sons. They've always wanted to give us gifts for Christmas because that's what you do. One year, I told my boys straight-out that I did not want another thing. What I wanted was to help at community meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and their gift to me could be joining me. It has been a wonderful tradition. We have met so many new people and heard great stories by participating. Julie Chiasson My friends and I will go out into the valley and try and find gifts for each other, some cool trinkets that you can take with you all along your life as a reminder of that bond you have with that person, that moment you had. Hanna Abdallah How can we all together move closer to these ideals? We all just need to raise our consciousness and become more comfortable with that idea of sacrifice on a real level. Theres things that people could do but most of them are going to be hard, and we need to do more hard things. And one of those things is interacting with people of different income brackets seeing what our country really looks like, instead of staying in our bubble. Diane Leutgeb Munson One thing that has been lost is the idea that old things held over many years are more valuable than new things. If we purchased things with the idea that they would last the rest of our lives, and even might be handed on to our children, how would that change Black Friday? Would we be in a hurry to buy things, or would we take our time? Would things themselves ever go on sale if they never lost value? Can we imagine a world where we buy things rarely, pay full price for them, love them dearly, and pass them on after our death? James Armstrong Our society has been taught to believe that consumerism is a way to create a wealthy society, when in fact the opposite is true. If people were to use their excess wealth to support and raise up the poorest and most vulnerable during the holiday season rather than to purchase things that they don't need, our society would look vastly different. Michael Abdoo Humans are interconnected with each other and all other life forms on the planet and we need to consider our cascading impacts, particularly as U.S. citizens were five percent of the worlds population and consume from thirty to forty percent of the planets resources. How can we use our creativity and ingenuity in more sustainable ways that ensure future generations have access to the beauty and wonder? Linda DAmico The holidays are upon us, so it must be time to visit relatives. Unfortunately, a holiday trip is often not as easy as going across the river and through the wood to grandmothers house. Grandpa and grandma may have retired to Florida. That is when life becomes difficult. A family visit often requires a plane trip. So it is across the parking lot to the shuttle bus, then through the long lines at the security checkpoint, then across all the gates hiking with luggage to the farthest point of the terminal, then more lines to board the plane, then through the cabin while waiting for other passengers to stick baby grand pianos in the overhead bins because they are too cheap to pay for their bags to be checked, then seat belts and tempers buckled until the pilot comes on the intercom to say weather has delayed all flights. As this time of year is a busy period to fly, this is an appropriate moment to examine the state of commercial aviation from the passengers point of view. In short, it is time to let loose with a primal scream. Arrrrrrrrrrrgghhhhhhh! Why, that feels better already. None of what I have to tell you today will be news to seasoned fliers. I write as one of you. Having a grown-up child in Brooklyn, N.Y., and another in Sydney, Australia, I spend many hours in the air on trips to visit their little families. I could stow my frustrations under the seat in front of me but I know many readers share these feelings. Of course, a few airlines are honorable exceptions to the dismal situation but let us not spoil a good rant by acknowledging them. The trouble with my perceptions is that I am of a certain age every morning brings new aches that make me more certain of it and we of a certain age can remember the golden age of flying. Younger people who know no better may think it is cool to be (pick your metaphor) crammed into a flying sardine can or mooing like so many cattle. Ah, the lost pleasures of flying. I recall flying by myself as a kid to visit my grandmother who lived in another city. No security lines, relaxed and gracious service, no paying for checked bags and real peanuts for snacks. The only crinkle in this lap of luxury was my parents fear that I would be lost in transit. So they combed my hair, dressed me in short pants, coat and tie and attached a label to me with my name on it. I looked like Paddington Bear. The most humiliating part was that I was about 14 at the time. We can blame deregulation for the loss of our innocence and our free baggage privileges. Deregulation brought many new passengers onto flights as tickets prices fell. But this was both good and bad. It was good that the skies became more democratic and people on tight budgets didnt have to take a Greyhound bus. It was bad that planes became so crowded that now planes resemble the bus. Glamour is left at the gate and the airlines nickel and dime the passengers at every turn for little amenities formerly free. To be sure, the food was always horrible on the longer flights. Remember how we used to make jokes? Now the food is equally disgusting but passengers must pay for it. So the fun has gone out of complaining, because its your fault for being hungry and not knowing better. As more butts have been placed in seats, the seats have become smaller this at the time when the American butt has grown to record proportions. Worse yet, some of the airlines have taken out lavatories and replaced them with regular seats with no flushing mechanism. I have taken a couple of flights with only two lavatories for more than 100 people in economy. In one of these planes, a woman got locked in and a flight attendant had to dismantle the door, rendering that lavatory inoperable and leaving the other 99 people inconvenienced, so to speak. Memo to the Federal Aviation Administration: In such situations, passengers will congregate in the aisles, although the safety threat posed by people with crossed legs may be minimal. A class-action suit should be filed alleging discrimination against Americans with small bladders. It is different in first class or business class. People there go to the lavatory not because they need to but just to show off to the poor souls doomed to peer through the curtain. To borrow a seasonal phrase for the alleged friendly skies: Bah! Humbug! Mark Smeby lives a long way from Hooper. More than 790 miles. But on Sunday, the Christian musician and Nashville recording artist will perform a Christmas concert. The event starts at 7 p.m. in Redeemer Lutheran Church, 601 E. Fulton St., Hooper. Smeby, whos also acted on television and in a few movies, will present stories and songs from his latest CD Hope for the Holidays. The public is invited to the event. Admission is free; a freewill offering will be accepted. Smeby grew up in the Minnesota and attended high school and college in the Omaha area, including the former Dana College in Blair. He later returned to Minnesota and worked different jobs. I ended up getting more into music and acting and this creative life that I really didnt know existed, he said. Smebys life path would lead to Tennessee. Ive been involved, growing up in church my whole life, listening to Christian music and singing in the church and I finally decided that if I wanted to be a part of it on the serious level I needed to move to Nashville and thats what made me pack up my car and follow my dreams, he said. That was 23 years ago. Im thankful to be living the creative life, he said in a telephone interview. Smeby co-starred in an episode of ABC TVs hit series, Nashville, playing the booker of bands at a hip East Nashville music venue, The 5 Spot. His website lists other accomplishments. He was in 1 Message, an inspirational motion picture, about the ravages of breast cancer, and the Christmas-themed The Perfect Gift film. The motion picture also featured his holiday song Emmanuel (You Are With Me). The music video from this song captured nearly 40,000 views on YouTube. Music has been Smebys passion. Six years ago, he started to make his first CD. Thats what sent me down this road of being able to travel around the country and do concerts and be on the radio and just sharing my music with people, he said. This will be the sixth year of his Christmas tour. Its my favorite time of the year, he said. I love the music and I find most people do as well. Smeby also knows Christmas and the holidays in general arent the happiest time of the year for many people, because its a glaring reminder of separation from family members through death, divorce or some sort of disconnect. I want to be a voice of hope and inspiration, he said. The very darkness that some of us are living in is the very darkness that Jesus came into 2,000 years ago to bring light and love and hope and thats my desire, to do the very same thing on my Christmas tour. His concert at Redeemer will include traditional favorites, some done in unique ways, along with inspirational original songs hes written that relate to the holidays. The most requests he gets is for the song Mary, Did You Know? Smeby said his version of that song has been the most downloaded holiday song on amazon.com for the past two years. He believes area residents will enjoy the concert. I think its so easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, he said. I feel like this is a fantastic opportunity to focus on the heart of the holiday to remind you what the holidays are all about. Were going to have an amazing concert. I hope its one people never forget. In 2009, when he was the No. 3 Republican in the U.S. House, Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana called for the resignation of President Barack Obama appointee Van Jones. The reason: His extremist views and coarse rhetoric have no place in this Administration or the public debate. Obama had brought Jones on as a green jobs czar in the Council on Environmental Quality. Then a YouTube video from 2005 surfaced in which Jones called Republicans [expletive]. That and Jones signature on a 2004 petition demanding an investigation into whether the Bush administration had intentionally allowed the Sept. 11 attacks became a prime topic on Fox News and other conservative media, and Jones became a target of conservative politicians. He did resign. You can see how his suggestions about a 9/11 conspiracy and his crude language to describe the other party would reflect poorly on Obamas efforts to build unity. The question now is whether Pence will be as even-handed in his outrage over inappropriate words or conspiracy theories in an administration he helps to lead. Stephen Bannon, a member of the alt-right movement, as Trumps choice for chief White House strategist and senior counselor, especially comes to mind. So does Gen. Michael Flynn, Trumps national security adviser pick, who has tweeted that fear of Muslims is rational and denounced Islam as a political ideology that hides behind religion. At a victory celebration for Trump on Saturday, a leader of the alt-right movement showed what the movement is made of when he invited attendees to give Nazi salutes and chant Hail Trump! as if marking the rebirth of Hitler in our president-elect. America was, until this last generation, a white country, designed for ourselves and our posterity, Richard Spencer, director of the movements National Policy Institute, is quoted as saying. It is our creation and our inheritance, and it belongs to us. He even criticized Trump for opposing segregated establishments, and being too pro-minority and pro-Jewish. Spencers words and imagery were so incendiary that even the unsuspecting Italian restaurant in Washington, D.C., where the gathering was held apologized, pledging $10,000 to the Anti-Defamation League. Trumps transition team put out a statement Monday that said Trump has continued to denounce racism and will be a leader for every American. Thats appropriate. But Trump could show he really means it by getting Bannon off his team. Under Bannons leadership, the Breitbart News site has run stories infested with racist overtones and conspiracy theories. While gay people, Muslims, African-Americans and Latinos around the country are seeing a wave of post-election harassment, vandalism and demeaning or threatening graffiti, Breitbart News focus is on hoaxes by people falsely crying racism or sexual assault, or stoking fears of Muslim extremism or immigrant crime. In this alternate reality the site has created, it accuses mainstream newspapers like The New York Times of perpetrating fake news. Before Pence became Trumps running mate, he supported Ted Cruz and denounced Trumps proposed ban on Muslims and his calls for a Mexican-American judge to leave a case involving him because of possible bias. But after he joined Trumps team, Pence was asked about that proposed ban by TV anchor Chris Cuomo and refused to denounce it, saying it was off the table and pivoting to Trumps business strength: In Donald Trump you have someone who is willing to speak his mind. Pence has also not weighed in on Flynns stated support for a Muslim ban. Pence was less sanguine after old video emerged in which Trump boasted of groping and grabbing women in the crotch, saying he was offended as a husband and father. I do not condone his remarks and cannot defend them, Pence said. I am grateful that he has expressed remorse and apologized to the American people. But he never pushed back against Trumps birther claims against Obama that alleged he wasnt born in America. So while insisting Van Jones resign for his extremist views and coarse rhetoric, which he said had no place in an administration or public debate, Pence gave Trump a pass on multiple instances of those. Such double standards are probably no surprise to anyone on either side of the political aisle. Were used to people standing on principle until they get co-opted and silenced to advance their own interests. That contributes to cynicism in the political process and causes too many to stay home on Election Day. No doubt there are now people who voted for Trump because of his pledges to prosecute Hillary Clinton, build a wall with Mexico and scrap Obamacare who are also feeling conned. Trump has also made conflicting statements about a Muslim ban or registry. Between false promises and fake news sites, its hard to know whats real anymore. So it was comforting to hear the director of the Anti-Defamation League stand up for principle when his people are not the ones under attack. Jonathan Greenblatt, who is Jewish and opposes Bannons appointment, said if Trump establishes a database of Muslims in America, hell register as one because of my commitment to our core American values. Greenblatt isnt alone. Well probably see more such solidarity these next few years. At least that, paradoxically, is real. ITProPortal 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. Victor Bakhtin World-renowned wildlife artist Victor Bakhtin, 65, of Merrimac, passed away peacefully after a long illness in his home Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016. Victor is survived by his beloved and loving wife, Maya Valeyeva of Merrimac; daughter Alexandra Ilyushchenko of Krasnoyarsk, Russia; brother, Anatoly Bakhtin of Chernovtsy, Ukraine; sister, Olga Vasilyeva of Krasnoyarsk, Russia; stepson, Renat Stella; stepdaughter in law Victoria Stella of Redondo Beach, California; and stepniece Dina Terskikh of Madison. He is preceded in death by his father, Vladimir Bakhtin; mother, Alexandra Bakhtin; and son, Mark Bakhtin of Krasnoyarsk, Russia. Victor was born Feb. 20, 1951, in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia. He graduated from Moscow Art Institute in 1974 with a degree in graphic illustration. He illustrated more than 100 books of famous Russian and international authors. He was one of the founders of a zoo in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. All his life Victor was a devoted and passionate nature and animal lover. He married Maya Valeyeva, a wildlife Russian artist and writer, in 2004. After moving to Wisconsin, Victor began creating a series of beautiful murals and other art works for the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum and other organizations, as well as taking private commissions. George Archibald, ICF co-founder, wrote this about Victor, Victor was treasured as a uniquely gifted artist in his homeland, Russia. He illustrated with beautiful paintings all species of mammals and birds in the Red Data Book for Endangered Species of Russia, and through brilliant and often humorous ink sketches he illustrated the books of several of Russias foremost novelists. In 1990, I met Victor at an historic joint meeting in Estonia of the European and the Soviet working groups on cranes. The USSR was collapsing, the printers that supported Victor were bankrupt, and Victor needed help. I was amazed by the high quality of the paintings he carried in a portfolio, and I pledged to help him get to potentially fruitful markets in the USA, if he could learn to speak English. Through the generosity of Milwaukee banker, Mr. Jack Puelicker, English-speaking Victor arrived at ICF in 1992. During the next few years he lived at ICFs guesthouse and contributed through his art to the visitors area of our site. We are so fortunate to have this lasting legacy from such a gifted artist. Victors life illustrated the value of friendship and the significance of art in the conservation of nature. Through many happy memories, he remains with us. Through his remarkable art, he will be known and treasured by future generations. Memorial donations and condolences may be sent to Maya Valeyeva, E13289 Point of View Road, Merrimac WI, 53561. Candidates for federal office used to declare their intentions in January of an election year. Primaries would be finished by April. Candidates were chosen by summer, and the election held in November. The 2016 campaign began in 2015 and lasted for 600 days 70 weeks. Billions were spent on TV, radio and newspaper ads, assaulting our eyes and ears with grotesque mixtures of lies and exaggerations. Most democratic countries allow just a few weeks for elections. For example, Britain does in six weeks what we took 70 weeks. Canadas longest-ever was 11 weeks. Shortening campaigns would reduce the power of wealthy people and corporations to affect elections. Just as important, our lives would not be invaded for months. We need to prohibit state regulations that make it difficult for citizens to register and vote. Some states, and most governments, allow registration at the polls on Election Day. Oregon, France and Switzerland automatically register citizens when they reach voting age. Most nations hold elections on weekends when people have more free time. In urban areas we need polling stations within easy walking distance to eliminate parking problems. Richard F. Bates, Baraboo Technology is rapidly changing all of aspects of the modern economy and that includes road construction and transportation, according to Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb. We are working all the time to innovate in the way we deliver our program, he said during the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce Economic Update Lunch Wednesday. Gottlieb pointed to two Dodge County projects, replacement of bridges on highways KW and S, as examples of how WisDOT uses new technology to complete projects more efficiently and cost effectively. That is important as the state continues to study how it will fund modernization of the state transportation infrastructure. Gottlieb said WisDOT followed guidelines from Gov. Scott Walker when preparing a budget that will be submitted to the state legislature. The guidelines include a focus on preserving existing infrastructure, safety, providing local aid and limiting borrowing. One reason there is a focus on limiting borrowing for roads is to slow the increase in the departments debt ratio. Gottlieb said in 2001 the WisDOT debt ratio was 6 percent and it is currently at 18 percent. Even with significantly less borrowing planned in the next budget, Gottlieb said the debt ratio will rise to about 25 percent before leveling off due to previous borrowing. His department has been studying a number of possible ways to fund transportation projects including a comprehensive look at tolls. A report is expected in January. Gottlieb said another focus of WisDOT is upgrading freight infrastructure. He said freight volume is expected to increase by 40 percent in the next 20 years and the state needs to be ready for that to benefit economically. When he spoke about safety, Gottlieb again pointed to technology and said in the lifetime of some of those present, there will be driver-less vehicles and other improvements that will bring about giant improvements in traffic safety. He encouraged people to provide some input on the transportation budget and issues. Stay engaged and make your feelings known, Gottlieb said. Other speakers at the lunch included Jim Jansen of the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Beaver Dam Mayor Tom Kennedy, Dodge County Board President Russ Kottke and Beaver Dam School Superintendent Steve Vessey. Jansen spoke about transportation, pointing out that Wal-Mart has an enormous nationwide fleet that is honored annually for safety. In Beaver Dam, 81 drivers put on 7.7 million miles a year and 1.4 preventable accidents per million miles. He also spoke about the economic impact of Wal-Mart in Wisconsin, saying it pays $104 million annually in taxes and spends $4.4 billion in the state. The company also donated $28.7 million in Wisconsin last year. Vessey spoke about the school districts plans to improve Beaver Dam High School following a successful referendum. He specifically said the improvements will put manufacturing and technology in the center of the high school, raising the visibility of the programs. A Beaver Dam High School senior has always known that her mission would be to help others in Third World countries, but now she has the chance to get a close up look at her future through a mission trip to Liberia. Morgan Moreau hopes to attend college in Wisconsin after graduating in spring. With a future aspiration of becoming a doctor, she will major in biology with a double minor of French and global studies. Moreau will go to Liberia as part of a Friendship International mission. Friendship International is a non-profit organization with a goal of building personal, mutual relations with the people of Liberia. The organization provides material support (primarily medical and educational) to help the nation rebuildafter its 14-year civil warand to assist development. Moreau said representatives from Friendship International spoke at Beaver Dam High School last year and her history class went to see the presentation. I thought, I could do that, Moreau said. Ive been looking at going to Africa since I was in middle school. Moreau talked with Mark Molldrem about going along to help out. Since last year this time Ive been in touch with them, Moreau said. While in Africa, from Feb. 4 to 20, Moreau will work in a pregnancy and newborn baby clinic, teaching science to elementary school children and working at a day care center. My goal is to learn more about medical needs and technology in Third-World countries, said Moreau, who hopes to open an orphanage someday. Her teachers have approved her going on the trip. She will bring her books along to study and keep up with calculus through videos. Moreau will sell chocolates to raise funds for the trip and has started an online campaign. Funds for Moreaus trip may also be sent to Friendship International, 217 Cherokee Road, Beaver Dam, WI 53916, with a note that it is for Moreaus expenses. The administrator of the Reedsburg School District is glad to see the latest report from Wisconsin Department of Instruction. Tom Benson said hes proud that the Reedsburg School District scored 79.2 percent on the states school report card, exceeding expectations. Were pleased with those results, he said. Benson said the district benefits from having quality teachers, strong parent interest, community support and eager students. He attributes Reedsburgs success to its desire to always do better. He said a study result, even when its great, is just a snapshot in time. Educators must never settle for good enough; they have to always strive for improvement. So far, teachers are doing a great job by exploring new ways of educating, considering curriculum and watching for struggling students, he said. The district most recently noticed that reading and writing are challenging areas for students so teachers will focus on those two skills in the coming months. The Reedsburg School District had the best score in the area. Sauk Prairie also exceeded expectations at 74.7 percent. The Weston School District in Cazenovia scored 64 percent, meeting expectations. Wisconsin Dells and Baraboo also met expectations with 66.4 percent and 66.8 percent, respectively. The Portage Community School District received a 62.3 percent, meeting few expectations. The Nebraska Association of School Boards, Board of Directors and staff, recently recognized the 2016 Award of Achievement recipients during the Fremont Region Meeting. NASB is a private, nonprofit organization that serves the needs of Nebraska public school districts and Educational Service Unit board members. Board members from across the state may participate in board development training throughout the year by attending workshops and conferences to help strengthen their role in governance, legislative advocacy and stewardship of district resources in support of student achievement. In recognition of their volunteer time and commitment to education, the association commends continued participation and growth in knowledge and best practice governance. Through the Awards of Achievement program, the following area board members in attendance were recognized at the meeting for their outstanding excellence: Todd Thiesen, Cedar Bluffs Public Schools, Level 1; Patrick McCarville, Douglas County West Community School, Level 5; Susan McKie, Douglas County West, Level 6; George Robertson, ESU 2, Level 4; Vern Gibson, ESU 2, Level 4; Harlan Schrieber, ESU2, Level 4; Todd Hansen, Fremont Public Schools, Level 1; Brenda Halbmaiers, Mead Public Schools, Level 1; Laura Schnoor, Scribner-Snyder Community Schools, Level 2; Walter Luebbert, West Point Public Schools, Level 4. Board members are awarded for their participation in NASB Services and Programs as well as attendance at NASB workshops and events. There are 10 total levels of achievement that carry over year to year. The cost of free tertiary education might push South Africa over the edge Professor Jannie Rossouw gives a stern warning to the country's leaders on the consequences of over expenditure of government revenue. At a time when South Africa is facing huge financial pressures, and the possibility of a looming fiscal cliff, the costs of free tertiary education, among other things, might just push the country over the edge. This is the view of Professor Jannie Rossouw, head of the School of Economics and Business Science at Wits University, who delivered his Inaugural Lecture on Tuesday, 22 November. Rossouw, who has spent the major part of his career at the Reserve Bank and held the position of Deputy General Manager, said that for the Government to finance free tertiary education, it would cost an estimated R50 billion extra per year. There is no free lunch, said Rossouw. Somebody has to pay for it, and in the case of free tertiary education, it will be paid for by those I call We, the South African tax payers. This, ladies and gentlemen, is for our accounts. The additional R50 billion or R50 million with a lot of zeros said Rossouw is equal to a surcharge of nearly 12% on income tax, or an increase of 2.5 percentage points in VAT, or an increase of 7% in company tax. Increasing the marginal tax rate to 45% from 41% on taxable income above R1 million per annum, and to 50% on annual taxable income above R1.5 million will add only 30% of the required amount, or R15 billion, said Rossouw. We, the South African tax payers, should brace ourselves for substantial tax increases, going forward. In a research paper published in 2014, Rossouw warned that government was facing a looming fiscal cliff in 2026. A fiscal cliff, he said, was when all government revenue is expended on social grants and civil servant remuneration. By 2002, South Africa had 4.2 million people who received social grants. This number of recipients increased rapidly, as take-up increased, with 16 million people receiving social grants, said Rossouw. Therefore, currently some 30% of South Africans are grant recipients, and these grants account for some 12% of the governments revenue. At the same time, civil service remuneration amounts to about 44% of government revenue, and about 12% of South Africas Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This compares unfavourably with other emerging economies, like Chile, where civil service remuneration amounts to 6% of GDP, or Peru, where civil service remuneration is equal to some 5% of GDP. Rossouw warned that the rate of growth in government expenditure should be contained and that a fiscal cliff should be averted to avoid the South African credit risk downgrade. However, he warned, despite the looming fiscal cliff, further expenditure increases might be on their way. Along with the pressures of free tertiary education, the government also faces the pressure on the implementation of National Health Insurance, and President Jacob Zuma is pushing for South African investment in nuclear power plants and. There are also plans to purchase a new presidential airplane. Purchasing a new plane can only be described as fiscal lunacy, given the many other fiscal demands in South Africa. It might have a negative demonstration effect that could see this country going up in flames. It is not clear that those in power understand how serious this matter is, said Rossouw. Wits researchers rank in top 1% in their fields globally The researchers have been named among the world's most Highly Cited Researchers in Thomson Reuters' annual list recognising leading scientists. The three Witsies, Professors Christopher Henshilwood, Christopher Mathew and Lynn Morris, are part of a list of 3 087 Highly Cited Researchers from all over the world, hailed for their groundbreaking research in their different disciplines. Highly Cited Researchers from the Intellectual Property (IP) and Science business of Thomson Reuters is an annual list recognising leading researchers in the sciences and social sciences from around the world. The 2016 list focuses on contemporary research achievement: only Highly Cited Papers in science and social sciences journals indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection during the 11-year period 2004-2014 were surveyed. Highly Cited Papers are defined as those that rank in the top 1% by citations for field and publication year in the Web of Science. Professor Christopher Henshilwood Henshilwood holds a 15 year South Africa NRF-funded Research Chair and Distinguished Professorship within the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Palaeosciences at Wits University, is A-rated by the National Research Foundation and is a Professor of African Prehistory in the Archaeology, History, Culture and Religion Institute at the University of Bergen, Norway. He has published more than 60 papers in leading peer reviewed journals, volumes and books on aspects of African archaeology, especially the Middle and Later Stone Age; on the origins of language and symbolism; the effects of climatic variation on human demographics; and the epistemology of early behavioural evolution. With his research team he increasingly provides evidence for an African origin for behavioural and technological modernity associated with Homo sapiens from about 100 000 years ago. Professor Christopher Mathew Mathew is a Distinguished Professor in Human Genetics in the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits University, and Head of the Complex Disease Genetics Group, Division of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Kings College London, UK. He has made major contributions to the discovery of the genes involved in a range of monogenic and polygenic disorders, which have been recognised by his election as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, UK. His research interests include genetic susceptibility to common, complex disorders: inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. His recent research focusses on identifying genetic markers of susceptibility to African Oesophageal Cancer. Professor Lynn Morris Morris is a Research Professor in the School of Pathology in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits University, and heads up the HIV Virology Laboratory in the Centre for HIV and STIs at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a division of the National Health Laboratory Service. For the past 24 years, Morris has been researching the virological and immunological aspects of South African HIV-1 subtype C infection, making significant contributions to our understanding of how the HIV antibody response develops. HIV vaccine development is now a major focus of her research and she is responsible for performing neutralising antibody assays on human clinical trials conducted in South Africa. This year she received a new National Research Foundation A-rating. She has supervised 30 PhD and MSc students and has published over 200 papers in peer-reviewed journals, holding a current author H-Index of 51. Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets commercial aerostructures worldwide. It operates through three segments: Commercial, Defense & Space, and Aftermarket. The Commercial segment offers forward, mid, and rear fuselage sections and systems, struts/pylons, nacelles, and related engine structural components; and wings and wing components, including flight control surfaces, as well as other structural parts. This segment primarily serves the aircraft original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or engine OEMs of large commercial aircraft and/or business/regional jet programs. The Defense & Space segment provides fuselage, strut, nacelle, and wing aerostructures primarily for U.S. Government defense programs, including Boeing P-8, C40, and KC-46 Tanker. This segment also engages in the fabrication, bonding, assembly, testing, tooling, processing, engineering analysis, and training on fixed wing aircraft aerostructures, missiles, and hypersonics works, such as solid rocket motor throats, nozzles, re-entry vehicle thermal protections systems, forward cockpit and cabin, and fuselage work on rotorcraft aerostructures. The Aftermarket segment offers spare parts and MRO services, repairs for flight control surfaces and nacelles, radome repairs, rotable assets, engineering services, advanced composite repairs, and other repair and overhaul services. Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. has a strategic partnership with Sierra Space to enhance access to commercial space economy of the future. The company was formerly known as Mid-Western Aircraft Systems Holdings, Inc. Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1927 and is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. State Street Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of financial products and services to institutional investors worldwide. The company offers investment servicing products and services, including custody; product accounting; daily pricing and administration; master trust and master custody; depotbank services; record-keeping; cash management; foreign exchange, brokerage and other trading services; securities finance and enhanced custody products; deposit and short-term investment facilities; loans and lease financing; investment manager and alternative investment manager operations outsourcing; performance, risk, and compliance analytics; and financial data management to support institutional investors. It also engages in the provision of portfolio management and risk analytics, as well as trading and post-trade settlement services with integrated compliance and managed data. In addition, the company offers investment management strategies and products, such as core and enhanced indexing, multi-asset strategies, active quantitative and fundamental active capabilities, and alternative investment strategies. Further, it provides services and solutions, including environmental, social, and governance investing; defined benefit and defined contribution; and global fiduciary solutions, as well as exchange-traded fund under the SPDR ETF brand. The company provides its products and services to mutual funds, collective investment funds and other investment pools, corporate and public retirement plans, insurance companies, foundations, endowments, and investment managers. State Street Corporation was founded in 1792 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. United Parcel Service, Inc. provides letter and package delivery, transportation, logistics, and related services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States. The International Package segment provides guaranteed day and time-definite international shipping services in Europe, the Asia Pacific, Canada and Latin America, the Indian sub-continent, the Middle East, and Africa. This segment offers guaranteed time-definite express options. The company also provides international air and ocean freight forwarding, customs brokerage, distribution and post-sales, and mail and consulting services in approximately 200 countries and territories. In addition, it offers truckload brokerage services; supply chain solutions to the healthcare and life sciences industry; shipping, visibility, and billing technologies; and financial and insurance services. The company operates a fleet of approximately 121,000 package cars, vans, tractors, and motorcycles; and owns 59,000 containers that are used to transport cargo in its aircraft. United Parcel Service, Inc. was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. 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. Read More What started in Massachusetts as a day for a community to combat big box retail and e-commerce shopping during the holiday season has turned into a nation-wide movement. This Saturday, people are encouraged to deviate slightly from their normal shopping routines by visiting and supporting local business during National Small Business Saturday. The first Small Business Saturday event was held through the credit card provider American Express in collaboration with several other organizations in 2010, information off of the American Express webpage says. That year, the holiday was promoted by American Express through radio and television advertising campaigns, and the following year, picked up steam as more people learned about the movement. Since its inception, Small Business Saturday has been making waves on a yearly basis, gathering support and extending its reach all around the country. In 2011, the United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution of support for the day, and in 2012, many prominent figures big-city mayors and even President Barack Obama, celebrated the day. In 2014, American Express encouraged small business owners to take charge of the day by helping them promote their businesses through free, personalized advertising, which appeared millions of times all across the web, information of the Amex website says. And while every single day small business owners aim to sell their products to customers, the holiday season can be rather hit or miss. During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, many people flock away from their local downtowns and businesses in favor of shopping at larger-scale stores. In reality, many seasonal items most people would want can be found in their own backyard. All it takes is the desire to promote and benefit local business; and all of this can be done by not driving more than a few miles away from a residents home. For information about the Historic Fremont Downtown or to inquire about what is available in the shopping district, people can contact MainStreet of Fremont at 402-721-2264, or the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce at 402-721-2641. 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. Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. It facilitates the processing of payment transactions, including authorization, clearing, and settlement, as well as delivers other payment-related products and services. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; prepaid programs and management services; commercial credit and debit payment products and solutions; and payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts. It also provides value-added products and services comprising cyber and intelligence solutions for parties to transact, as well as proprietary insights, drawing on principled use of consumer, and merchant data services. In addition, the company offers analytics, test and learn, consulting, managed services, loyalty, processing, and payment gateway solutions for e-commerce merchants. Further, it provides open banking and digital identity platforms services. The company offers payment solutions and services under the MasterCard, Maestro, and Cirrus. Mastercard Incorporated was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Purchase, New York. The following companies are subsidiares of American International Group: AGC Life Insurance Company, AIG APAC HOLDINGS PTE. LTD., AIG Aerospace Insurance Services Inc., AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd., AIG Asset Management (Europe) Limited, AIG Asset Management (U.S.) LLC, AIG Assurance Company, AIG Australia Limited, AIG Brazil Holding I LLC, AIG CIS Investments LLC, AIG Canada Holdings Inc., AIG Capital Corporation, AIG Capital Services Inc., AIG Claims Inc., AIG Credit Management LLC, AIG Egypt Insurance Company S.A.E., AIG Employee Services Inc., AIG Europe Holdings S.a.r.l, AIG Europe S.A., AIG Federal Savings Bank, AIG Financial Products Corp., AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd., AIG Global Asset Management Holdings Corp., AIG Global Operations Inc., AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp., AIG Global Reinsurance Operations, AIG Holdings Europe Limited, AIG Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, AIG Insurance Company China Limited, AIG Insurance Company JSC, AIG Insurance Company of Canada, AIG Insurance Company-Puerto Rico, AIG Insurance Hong Kong Limited, AIG Insurance Management Services Inc., AIG Insurance New Zealand Limited, AIG International Holdings GmbH, AIG Investments UK Limited, AIG Israel Insurance Company Ltd, AIG Japan Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha, AIG Kenya Insurance Company Limited, AIG Korea Inc., AIG Latin America I.I., AIG Latin America Investments S.L., AIG Lebanon SAL, AIG Life Holdings Inc., AIG Life Limited, AIG Life South Africa Limited, AIG Life of Bermuda Ltd., AIG MEA Holdings Limited, AIG MEA Limited, AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad, AIG Markets Inc., AIG Matched Funding Corp., AIG PC Global Services Inc., AIG Philippines Insurance Inc., AIG Property Casualty Company, AIG Property Casualty Inc., AIG Property Casualty International LLC, AIG Property Casualty U.S. Inc., AIG Re-Takaful (L) Berhad, AIG Resseguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., AIG South Africa Limited, AIG Specialty Insurance Company, AIG Technologies Inc., AIG Travel Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., AIG Travel Assist Inc., AIG Travel Assist Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., AIG Travel EMEA Limited, AIG Travel Inc., AIG Uganda Limited, AIG Vietnam Insurance Company Limited, AIG WarrantyGuard Inc., AIG-FP Pinestead Holdings Corp., AIG-Metropolitana Cia. de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A., AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund I GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund II GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund II GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund III GP LP, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund IV GP LLC, AIU Insurance Company, AM Holdings LLC, Ageas Protect, AlphaCat Managers Ltd., American General Corporation, American General Life Insurance Company, American Home Assurance Co. Ltd., American Home Assurance Company, American International Group UK Limited, American International Realty LLC, American International Reinsurance Company Ltd., American International Underwriters del Ecuador-Holding S.A. en Liquidacion S.A., Arthur J. Glatfelter Agency Inc., Blackboard Insurance Company, Blackboard Specialty Insurance Company, Blackboard U.S. Holdings Inc., C.A. de Seguros American International, Commerce and Industry Insurance Company, Crop Risk Services Inc., Eaglestone Reinsurance Company, Ellipse, Franklin Life Insurance Company, Fuji Fire and Marine, Glatfelter Insurance Group, Glatfelter Underwriting Services Inc., Globe and Rutgers Insurance Group, Grand Isle SAC Limited, Granite State Insurance Company, Illinois National Insurance Co., Inversiones Segucasai C.A., Johannesburg Insurance Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, Laya Healthcare Limited, Lexington Insurance Company, Lexington Specialty Insurance Agency Inc., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh Pa., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Vermont, New Hampshire Insurance Company, PCG 2019 Corporate Member Limited, PT AIG Insurance Indonesia, Pine Street Real Estate Holdings Corp., Risk Specialists Companies Insurance Agency Inc., SAFG Capital LLC, SAFG Retirement Services Inc., Service Net Warranty LLC, Stratford Insurance Company, SunAmerica Asset Management LLC, Talbot Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Ltd., The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York, The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company, Travel Guard, Travel Guard Group Canada Inc./Groupe Garde Voyage du Canada Inc., Travel Guard Group Inc., Tudor Insurance Company, VALIC Financial Advisors Inc., Valic Retirement Services Company, Validus Holdings, Validus Holdings (UK) Ltd., Validus Holdings Ltd., Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland) Ltd, Validus Reinsurance Ltd., Validus Ventures Ltd., Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services Inc., and Western World Insurance Company. Read More Aetna Inc. operates as a health care benefits company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Health Care, Group Insurance, and Large Case Pensions. The Health Care segment offers medical, pharmacy benefit management service, dental, behavioral health, and vision plans on an insured and employer-funded basis. It also provides point-of-service, preferred provider organization, health maintenance organization, and indemnity benefit plans, as well as health savings accounts and consumer-directed health plans. In addition, this segment offers Medicare and Medicaid products and services, as well as other medical products, such as medical management and data analytics services, medical stop loss insurance, workers' compensation administrative services, and products that provide access to its provider networks in select geographies. The Group Insurance segment offers life insurance products, including group term life insurance, voluntary spouse and dependent term life insurance, group universal life insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance; disability insurance products; and long-term care insurance products, which provide the benefits to cover the cost of care in private home settings, adult day care, assisted living, or nursing facilities. The Large Case Pensions segment manages various retirement products comprising pension and annuity products primarily for tax-qualified pension plans. The company provides its products and services to employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups, and expatriates. Aetna Inc. was founded in 1853 and is based in Hartford, Connecticut. DES MOINES Joni Ernsts name was not on the ballot, so she did what she could to help her fellow Republicans succeed in Iowa. Now, as a result of the Nov. 8 election, Ernst will go to work next year with all-Republican control at her current job as well as her old one. Ernst did her part on the campaign trail in 2016 in Iowa, lending a helping hand to fellow Republicans from presidential candidate Donald Trump on down the ballot through Statehouse candidates. Ernst donated to Republicans both her time and her money. Of course, I wanted to help strengthen and grow our party in Iowa, and I think we were very successful in that, Ernst said in an interview this week. Republicans gained majorities in the Iowa House and Senate, giving them control of the states agenda for at least the next two years. Its the first time the Iowa Capitol has been under all-Republican control in 20 years. Iowas four congressional Republicans up for re-election all won, including Ernsts colleague in the U.S. Senate, Chuck Grassley. And Trump won convincingly in Iowa en route to his victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton. Great year, and I think we do have a very, very strong Republican Party this year and glad to see it, Ernst said. Like other top Iowa Republicans, Ernst embraced Trumps candidacy at a time when other prominent Republicans across the country were more hesitant. Even as Trump made controversial statements or news reports of remarks he made in the past caused other Republicans to keep Trump at arms length, Ernst joined Iowa Republican Gov. Terry Branstad and state party chairman Jeff Kaufmann in maintaining support for Trump. I was happy to support him because the platform that Mr. Trump was running on was the platform of America. Its what I heard when I was out across the state of Iowa (campaigning), Ernst said. They saw in Donald Trump a different kind of candidate that really tapped into their emotions and their feelings that government has left them behind. They were so disenfranchised. He gave voice to millions of Americans. Ernst said she did not condone some of the things Trump said but thinks Trump was speaking about the right issues. So I didnt waver, she said. It was not a hard decision for me to make. I felt very comfortable going forward and supporting him. For a time, Ernst was rumored to be on the list of potential running mates for Trump. She declined before an offer was made but says now she thinks Trump will make a good president. I think he is going to lead this nation, she said. Now that Republicans in Congress can turn their attention toward governing with full legislative control in 2017, Ernst said she is looking forward to: Repealing and replacing the federal health care law known as the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. Passing tax reform Strengthening the U.S. military. Addressing issues in the Veterans Affairs hospital system. Im proud to be a part of it and just very excited about the opportunities, Ernst said. Ernst said she also was pleased to raise money for or donate to dozens of candidates for the Iowa Legislature, where she served from 2011 to 2014, always as a member of the minority party. In 2017, Republicans will hold the majority in both the Iowa Senate and House. I truly enjoyed my time serving in the Iowa state Senate with so many great partners out there. But there was always a point in time where we ran into roadblocks trying to get any Republican initiatives forward, Ernst said. We had some great successes working with our partners across the aisle, but we felt there really could have been a lot more successes, especially if were talking about rules and regulations reform, when were talking about tax reform. So I was really excited to be able to step up and help so many great candidates. Chicago Police say a sergeant responding to a call of a battery in progress on the city's South Side shot and killed a 19-year-old man during a foot chase. In a news release, police say the shooting happened shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday. They say when the sergeant arrived at the scene in the West Englewood neighborhood he spotted a man who matched the description of the battery suspect and that the man ran away when the sergeant announced who he was. Police say the sergeant told investigators that when the man turned and pointed a gun at the sergeant the sergeant shot him. Police have been searching the area for the gun. The county medical examiner's office has not released the name of the man who was killed. CLEAR LAKE The Clear Lake United Methodist Church will host its annual cookie walk, silent auction, crafts and holiday sales event Saturday, Dec. 3. The event, which is held in conjunction with the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerces Christmas By the Lake celebration, will be held in the Fellowship Hall at the church, located at 508 Second Ave. N. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Shoppers are invited to chose from a variety of homemade cookies, candies and specialty breads sold by the piece or by they pound. Cookie and candy sales continue until they sell out or until 1:30 p.m. Many craft and gently-used Christmas items will be available for purchase. Coffee with fresh-baked cinnamon rolls will be served. The United Methodist Women also will host a noon luncheon of soup, sloppy joes and pie. All proceeds will be directed to missions supported by the church, such as ongoing scholarships for four children from Guatemala who otherwise would not receive elementary education; the Students and Families in Need program through the Clear Lake school; support for local mens and womens shelters; the food bank; and seeds, clothing and toys for the Country Cousins program. China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page MASON CITY | A Mason City man has been charged with felony assault with intent to commit sexual abuse. Michael J. Chojnacki, 23, was booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail on that charge Friday afternoon. He was being held without bond until he could see a judge, according to online jail records. The police were contacted about the alleged assault at 5:11 a.m. Thursday. Mason City Police Police Sgt. Tiffany Creekmur told the Globe Gazette the investigation is ongoing and there is no further information available at this time. Mary Pieper SNC-Lavalin wins Atucha contract 25 November 2016 Share SNC-Lavalin has been awarded a pre-project contract from Argentina's Nucleoelectrica Argentina SA for the Candu nuclear new build project at the Atucha site in the district of Zarate. The Canadian engineering group said yesterday that, "if this project materialises, it would be the first Candu new build since Cernavoda Unit 2 came on line in 2007". The six-month contract will allow SNC-Lavalin to engage with suppliers for long-lead equipment, conduct preliminary design work, deliver safety analysis, offer licensing support and provide technical assistance from Canada. Argentina already owns and operates a Candu reactor at Embalse, about 650 km northwest of Buenos Aires. Construction of this reactor began in 1976 and it went into commercial operation in 1984. As well as supplying electricity, Embalse is also used to produce cobalt-60, a radioisotope used in medical and industrial applications. SNC-Lavalin is currently engaged in extending the operating period of the Embalse reactor. Preston Swafford, chief nuclear officer at SNC-Lavalin said the Candu design's "track record of high performance will continue with this project in Argentina". Candu reactors are "fuel-flexible", SNC-Lavalin said. They are capable of using natural uranium for fuel, as in Argentina, or advanced fuels like recycled uranium and thorium, as is being developed for use in countries such as China. SNC-Lavalin describes itself as the "steward" of Canadian-designed Candu reactor technology. Atucha is home to two of Argentina's three operating nuclear power plants, all pressurized heavy water reactors. With total generating capacity of 1627 MWe, the three units - Atucha 1 and 2 plus Embalse - provide about 10% of the country's electricity. A prototype domestically designed and developed 25 MWe small pressurized water reactor - CAREM - is under construction at a site adjacent to the Atucha plant. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Ukraine applauds WANO's pilot cross-centre review at Rovno 25 November 2016 Share The head of Energoatom has described the World Association of Nuclear Operators' first cross-regional review, which is taking place at the Rovno nuclear power plant in Ukraine, as a "very useful" exercise that reflects changes to WANO's approach following the 2011 Fukushima accident in Japan. Yury Nedashkovsky, president of the Ukrainian nuclear power plant operator, was responding to questions at a media briefing on the peer review of the Rovno plant by experts from WANO's Moscow and Paris Centres. The briefing was held to mark the final meeting of the peer review experts. "WANO's activities are undergoing a significant transformation, especially in the light of lessons learned from the accident at Fukushima Daiichi," Nedashkovsky said. "WANO is developing and creating new regional centres - and the joint regional centre review was introduced because WANO is a global organisation and one can't be restricted to a single regional centre. We've found the experience very useful." In his capacity as a member of WANO's Board of Governors, Nedashkovsky said he had supported WANO chairman Jacques Regaldo's initiative to have a joint-Centre peer review, and had suggested this could be done at one of Ukraine's nuclear power plants. The Rovno plant was chosen, he said, "because it has been in operation for a significant period of time and has good experience". The plant takes the name of the city in northwestern Ukraine where it is located - Rivne in Ukrainian and Rovno in Russian. The 2835 MWe Rovno plant consists of four soviet-designed VVER units - units 1 and 2 are of the VVER-440 type and started operations in 1980 and 1981, respectively; units 3 and 4 are VVER-1000 reactors that have been in service since 1986 and 2004, according to Energoatom. Nedashkovsky noted that Rovno was the first Soviet-era plant to host an Operational Safety Review Team mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency. At the request of the government of Ukraine at the time, an IAEA OSART team visited Rovno 3 and 4 in 2006. "I'm sure that everyone - both the Rovno plant and specialists, who have been working with the team of experts and interpreters, and the [WANO] Secretariat - has coped very well during the current pilot peer review," he said. "There's been good feedback, with seven areas identified for improvement. And, of course, this work will continue," he added. A follow-up mission will take place in two years' time to check implementation of the recommendations, he said without elaborating. "The practice of such reviews in cooperation with WANO will continue to spread, and, of course, Energoatom, as one of the initiators of it will support this innovation," Nedashkovsky said. Energoatom, which is also state-owned, operates four nuclear power plants - Zaporozhe, Rovno, South Ukraine and Khmelnitsky. They comprise 15 nuclear reactors, including 13 VVER-1000s and two VVER-440s - Rovno 1 and 2 - with a total capacity of 13,835 MWe. Fuel diversity Asked whether Energoatom planned to load Westinghouse fuel at the Rovno plant, as it has been at the South Ukraine and Zaporozhe plants, Nedashkovsky said the Ukrainian company was in talks with Westinghouse, which he said is "interested in distributing their fuel not only to the two plants in southern Ukraine, but to all of the country's reactors". He added: "It's a matter of energy security and, of course, the Rovno plant will get its turn." Energoatom has drawn up a five-year program that provides for the expansion of Westinghouse fuel use at the South Ukraine and Zaporozhe plants, Nedashkovsky said. "In parallel with this, we will work something out for the Rovno and Khmelnitsky plants because, first of all, we need to implement a system of core monitoring - with the so-called BEACON, which 'sees' the US-designed fuel - among many other measures." BEACON (Best Estimate Analysis of Core Operations - Nuclear) - is a core monitoring and operational software support package developed by Westinghouse for use at pressurised water reactors. "This is thus a long-term plan," Nedashkovsky said, "but in the event of force majeure Energoatom could quickly refocus to ensure VVER-1000 fuel supply for the Rovno plant." He added: "Work on fuel for VVER-440 reactors is still ahead of us." Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Japanese steel components sufficiently strong, NRA says 25 November 2016 Share Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) has concluded that domestically produced nuclear power plant components are sufficiently strong for their intended purpose. The country's 11 nuclear generating companies conducted investigations after anomalies were discovered in equipment manufactured at France's Le Creusot forge. That discovery raised concerns that forged steel components made by the Japan Casting & Forging Corporation (JCFC) for use at the Flamanville 3 EPR could contain similar anomalies. According to the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum (JAIF), the NRA decided this week to accept the companies' findings that the JCFC-manufactured equipment in place at their plants was sufficiently strong. It said it was "unlikely that any of the products" used by the 11 companies in their plants "contained carbon concentrations higher than prescribed limits" for safety-related systems. The NRA thus concluded there was no possibility of "weaker-than-expected performance" of such products in any Japanese nuclear power plant. The NRA found JCFC sliced off those parts of its steel ingots containing high concentrations of carbon before using them to manufacture products. It therefore determined the products in question were sufficiently strong, the JAIF said. Increased levels of carbon in the steel used in large forged components, such as reactor pressure vessels and steam generators, can result in lower mechanical strength. The regulator also came to the same conclusion for nuclear plant safety-related systems produced by other domestic manufacturers, including Japan Steel Works. According to the power companies, JCFC manufactured vessel heads for 11 nuclear reactors at seven Japanese sites. No problems had been found at any of those reactors, JAIF said. In June, French nuclear safety authority the ASN (Autorite de Surete Nucleaire) said it had identified 18 French nuclear power reactors whose steam generators could contain high carbon concentrations, including 12 equipped with channel heads manufactured by JCFC. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Luanda is Angolas capital, and is also by far the largest city in the country with more than 6 million residents. The oil producing country of Angola is located in Southern Africa and borders the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Namibia. Blessed with abundant resources and suitably located near the coast or along major infrastructure, Angolas cities have witnessed increasing urban growth. Luanda 6,542,942 inhabitants live in the Angolan capital city of Luanda. The port city of Luanda stretches along the Atlantic Coast and it is the political, economic, and administrative center of Angola. Founded in 1575, Luanda developed extensively as an administrative center of the Portuguese. Luanda was an important slave trade center, particularly for the slaves bound for Brazil. Luanda experienced a brief decline after the abolishing of slavery but achieved economic significance as a port from the trade of commodities such as palm oil, cocoa, coffee, timber, and ivory. Supply of fresh water to the city and the thriving of introduced crops such as cassava and maize further increased the prosperity of the city. The city was however severely damaged by the civil war starting 1975. Current peace and stability have fueled economic growth in the recent years. The Angolan government has undertaken measures to reconstruct the city through modern infrastructure and housing. Slums and dilapidated buildings are some of the challenges to the modernization efforts. Blessed with abundant natural resources such as oil and diamonds, Luanda has recently been on an upward trajectory regarding development. Overcrowding, congestion and traffic jams are a common phenomenon in Luanda. The city is increasingly attracting foreign expatriates, mainly due to the oil boom. This situation has resulted in numerous luxury developments such as gated communities and hotels. Luanda has continuously been named as the most expensive city for expatriates, as a majority of its population continues to live in poverty. Huambo Huambo city is home to 1,896,147 inhabitants, making it the second largest city in Angola. The city was founded in 1912 by Portuguese workers and settlers along the Benguela Railway. The Benguela railway, having recently been rebuilt by the Chinese, is linked to the port of Lobito along the Atlantic Coast and the Angolas neighbors of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. The Benguela Railway propelled Huambo to prosperity as a transportation center and farm produce such as wheat and coffee also contributed to the growth of the city. Huambo was however damaged by the civil war, the effects of which are visible in the modern day. Land mines buried in the countryside, for example, have inhabited farming in some regions. Recent developments such as the reconstruction of the Benguela Railway, a power plant coupled with a favorable climate have been attracting a stream of investors to the area. The citys inhabitants, mostly the Ovimbundu ethnicity mainly engage in agriculture. The city has a high poverty rate, however, and the citys potential tourism and abundant natural resources are being tapped to reverse the poverty statistics. Lobito The third largest Angolan city, Lobito has a population of 324,050. Lying along the Atlantic Coast, the port city of Lobito was established by the Portuguese in 1843. The city rapidly developed with the completion of the Benguela Railway in 1928. Blessed with a deep natural harbor, Lobito prospered from maritime trade in agricultural produce from Angola and mining resources from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Damaged during the Angolan Civil War, Lobito has managed to reclaim its economic significance as a port center and as a manufacturing hub for products such as small ships, cement and oil exploration and production equipment. Tourism is a growing industry in the city, and Lobito continues to enjoy urban and human growth. Lubango The city of Lubango has 256,713 inhabitants, and is the capital of Angola's Huila Province. The city was established as a settlement in 1885 by Portuguese settlers from the Madeira Islands. The settlement was renamed Sa da Bandeira and developments elevated it to city status. Agricultural and transportation activities propelled the city to prominence until the civil war, after it was renamed Lubango in independent Angola. Lubango is still an important agricultural center for produce such as vegetables, tobacco, and fruits. The city is served by a railway and an airport and has enjoyed economic growth in the recent years. Urban Development in Angola Other large cities in Angola in regards to population size are Kuito, with its 185,302 residents, followed by Malanje (156,829), Benguela (128,084), Lucapa (125,751), Namibe (86,366), and Soyo (67,491). In the wake of a 27-year-long civil war, Angola is attempting major economic and social reforms. The countrys cities are at the forefront of these attempts, with each city playing significant roles in the reconstruction and development of the entire country. MASON CITY Holiday sales and promotions dont end with Black Friday. Small Business Saturday is almost more important for downtown areas, according to Main Street Mason City. Its hugely important, said Colleen Devine, director of Main Street Mason City. We need to make sure this goes well. Main Street Mason City has been promoting Small Business Saturday on social media and offers promotional items to local shops. We really need small business to power the downtown renaissance, Devine said. The event is still new. This year is the seventh national Small Business Saturday. In 2015, more than 95 million Americans spent a combined $16.2 billion at independent neighborhood retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA is proud to support Iowas local communities statewide, Jayne Armstrong, district director of SBAs Iowa District Office, said in a statement. From our smallest towns to our largest cities, small businesses are the heart and soul of Iowas economy. One of the newest shops in downtown Mason City, Lucy & Olive, is hosting a holiday open house through the weekend. The store opened in June on the Southbridge Mall plaza. Owners Angi Louscher and Brenda Jacobs home decor business features lamps, candles, gift items, mittens, treats and more. Were focusing mostly on gift items rather than decorations for the holidays, Louscher said. Christmas trees full of mittens, socks, candles, hats and scarves were placed throughout the store in preparation for the holiday weekend. There will be giveaways, snacks and drinks for shoppers, including a holiday survival kit. When the store first opened, the owners worked with Soyphisticated Candles of Mason City to make candles inspired by and named after their children. Those have become one of our best sellers, Jacobs said. We need to reorder almost every month. Since those were successful, Lucy & Olive partnered with Soyphisticated Candles again to create a special holiday candle. This is the stores first big holiday weekend with Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Were trying to make this fun for everyone, Louscher said. Were excited. Lucy & Olive is expanding its hours until Christmas, adding noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Since opening, Louscher and Jacobs have made their first few hires for the store. Its really helping us out, Jacobs said. Small businesses have been responsible for creating two out of every three net new jobs in the U.S., Maria Contreras-Sweet, SBA administrator said in a statement. Real Deals on Home Decor in Mason City will also participate in Small Business Saturday with store specials. We are encouraging our current Real Deals fans, as well as those that havent been to our store, to shop local, owner Lisa OTool said. We have new decor and boutique clothing and accessories every week. The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce will give out free tote bags to those shopping Saturday. The chamber is also encouraging shoppers to post a selfie with a Clear Lake purchase on Facebook or Instagram with #clearlakeiowa. One of those posting will be randomly drawn to win $50 in Chamber bucks. Larsons Mercantile in Clear Lake will participate in Small Business Saturday with a sale, including discounts on fabric and puzzles. The Benelux Union refers to the political, cultural, and economic union of three Western Europe states, namely Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The name Benelux is derived from the combination of the first two or three letters of the names of each of these constituent states. The Benelux Union is one of the oldest economic unions in the world. The union was established to promote cooperation and economic integration within the member states. History of the Benelux Union The union was established towards the end of the Second World War in September of 1944 at the London Customs Convention. The leaders of the three countries met in London and discussed their post-war economic strategy. Although the agreement for the union was signed in 1944, it did not take effect until 1948 when the countries economies stabilized from the consequences of war. It was initially referred to as the Benelux Customs Union. The member states agreed on lowering custom duties and import duties, eliminating import quotas, and easing other trade restrictions among the union members. The Benelux Union's Role in the European Union The Benelux Union was instrumental in the creation of the larger European Union. West Germany, Italy, and France joined the Benelux Union countries to form the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951. The union grew to become the European Economic Community and later the European Union. Since its establishment, the European Union took prominence over the Benelux union. However, the Benelux Union still holds significance for Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Composition of the Benelux Union The Benelux Union is comprised by several institutions. They include the Benelux Parliament, the Secretariat-General, the Council of the Union, and the Committee of Ministers. The central administrative unit of the Benelux Union is the Secretariat-General which is located in Brussels. It holds the Committee of Ministers, various other committees, and the Council of Economic Union. The Benelux Parliament was established in 1955. It has 21 members from the Belgium parliament, 21 members of the Dutch Parliament and seven members of the Luxembourg parliament. The union entails inter-governmental cooperation among the three member states. The Benelux Union members have unified laws. The Union agreement calls for co-operation among Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg in economic, social and financial policies. In addition to the institutions of the Benelux Union, the three states share the Benelux Court of Justice located in Brussels and the Benelux Organization for Intellectual Property located in The Hague. The Benelux Court of Justice gets its judges from the highest courts in Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Belgium. The court guarantees consistent interpretation of the universal laws of the member states. The Benelux Organization for Intellectual Property was created in 2005, and it is the official institution that registers designs and trademarks for the Benelux countries. Multinational Collaboration The Benelux Union is a vital union between its member states, as well as for the European continent as a whole. It played a key role in rebuilding the economies of Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg after the Second World War. It also provided a blueprint for other economic unions to learn from including the European Union. The Unions success can be attributed to the joint effort among the three member states. Stephanie Bonine By: Feng Qian Police launched an investigation after two hunters opened fire at a woman who was mistaken for a deer, according to police in Arkansas. The Searcy County Sheriffas Office said that the father and son shot 29-year-old woman Stephanie Bonine, after mistaking her for a deer while hunting on Tuesday morning around 9:00 a.m. The woman was the sonas girlfriend. According to the police investigation, the woman might have been mistaken for a deer because she was not wearing hunter orange clothes. Her body was sent to a lab for an autopsy. So far, no arrests have been made. Christopher Emerson By: Tanya Malhotra (Scroll down for video) A man was arrested on a charge of animal cruelty after police determined that his horse was malnourished as a result of traveling from South Carolina to Florida. Miami police said that they have arrested 36-year-old Christopher Emerson of Greenwood, South Carolina, after traveling with his horse Trigger for about 5 months. Emerson planned to continue on with his journey to Key West, Florida. Emerson told police that he had a fight with his wife and ended up getting divorced before deciding to leave for Florida to get away from his old way of life. Since he wrecked his truck, he decided to get to Florida by riding with his horse Trigger. After riding around with the horse in the streets of Miami for several days, police seized the animal and arrested Emerson on Wednesday. Police claimed that the horse was not being fed and was malnourished. Emerson said that he does not understand why he was arrested as it is not a crime to ride a horse in the United States. Emerson said that his brother gave him the horse eight years ago. Lois Dorow Druhan ROSEVILLE, Minn. Lois D. Druhan was born in Garner, Iowa, and attended grade and high school in Ventura, Iowa; she received the B.A. degree from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, in 1950. Lois taught secondary English for eight years in Iowa, Minnesota and Chicago, IL. She was then a parish worker in Lutheran churches in St. Louis, MO, and in Berkeley, CA, for six years. She was next an assistant probation officer in San Mateo County, CA, for 22 years, retiring in 1987. She was married to Frank E. Druhan, also a probation officer in San Mateo County, for 17 years; he died in 1990. Lois was baptized at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Garner, IA, and she held membership in many Lutheran churches throughout her life. In 1980 she joined Messiah Lutheran Church of Redwood City, California, and continued that membership even after her move to Minnesota in September of 2007. In Minnesota she became an associate member of St. Michaels Lutheran Church, Roseville, near her home. Her hobbies and interest were deep and wide. She was a member of League of Women Voters, Amnesty International, California Writers Club, Lutheran Human Relations, and enjoyed writing, theater, art, ballet and fine dining. She is survived by three stepchildren: Roger (Lisa); Victor (Claudia); Linda (George Karpaty), all in California and eight step-grandchildren. One stepson, Michael, predeceased her. She is survived by three brothers Edgar of Osage, IA, Maynard (Shirley) of Arden Hills, MN and Winton (Tavita) of Lubbock, TX and twelve nieces and nephews. Siblings who predeceased her are Elda, Norbert, and Hilda, as well as two sisters-in-law (Mildred and Dorcas) and one brother-in-law (Keith). Funeral services 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, at St. Michaels Lutheran Church, 1660 County Road B, Roseville, Minnesota 55113, with a gathering at 10:30 a.m. in the Courtyard Room of the church. Lunch and a time of remembering Lois will follow. Lois designated hunger programs of personal choice for memorial gifts. Twin Cities Cremation, 651-645-1233. Two workers, crane operator George Smith and flagman Elizandro Enriquez Ramos, were killed in a construction accident in the Briarwood section of Queens in New York City on Tuesday. The accident occurred when a 6,500-pound steel I-beam fell as it was being hoisted into place and crashed onto the cab of the crane. The I-beam fell four stories. Smith was sitting in the cab, and Ramos was standing just outside it. Several sources have suggested failure of the rigging used to lift the beam may have played a role in the accident. Ramoss daughter, Josseline Ramos, has called for an investigation into the accident. I want justice, she told the media, and dont believe the wind [had] anything to do with it. Crains New York Business has reported that one of the men was employed by a subcontractor who was fined $6,300 in 2015 for not implementing safety provisions prior to the death of a worker in a separate incident. This is only the latest in a series of construction accidents that have led to deaths or serious injuries of building trades workers. Recent reports have noted a construction worker in Brooklyn who was killed when a piece of equipment broke, injuring his skull, and an elevator mechanic who plunged down a shaft. There has been a steady rise in the number of construction accidents and related deaths in New York City over the last decade. Many of the victims have been undocumented immigrant workers. During this period the city has been in the midst of a frenzied building boom, primarily centered on constructing luxury condominiums. In the drive to maximize profit for the construction and real estate industries, the safety and well-being of workers is given a back seat to the demands of the developers and their financial backers. In an article in September, Crains reports that more than a third of construction fatalities last year were not recorded by the de Blasio administration. Combine this with the fact that many construction workers are undocumented and it may be impossible to put an exact figure on the number of workers killed or injured. All indications, however, suggest that the number has been climbing steadily. A number of spectacular accidents, including a giant crane collapse in a busy area of Manhattan, have attracted media attention and drawn meaningless platitudes from both Democratic New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Neither has committed significant resources to ensuring worker safety. As the number of building permits has rapidly increased over the last several years, the number of city safety inspectors has actually decreased. Between 2011 and 2014, the most recent period for which figures are available, the number of safety inspectors dropped from 1,171 to 1,105, or a total of 6 percent. During the same period the number of building permits increased from 121,000 to 142,000, or 18 percent. A quick glance at real estate prices in Long Island City, Queens, one of several areas along the East River corridor seeing tremendous speculative development, reveals asking prices for one-bedroom apartments in excess of $600,000. Similar prices are found in other rapidly gentrifying areas of the city. It is virtually impossible for the workers who construct New Yorks new housing to afford to live in the very places they build. Despite the high profit margins of New York real estate, developers and their financial backers seek greater returns, and continue to push workers for greater productivity, with deadly consequences. Donald Trumps victory in the US presidential election has intensified calls in the Baltic states for a more aggressive stance towards Russia and stepped-up militarisation. The unstable Baltic states, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, are appealing to the NATO alliance under US leadership, as well as calling for more engagement by the European Union. Trumps statements during the election campaign provoked consternation in the Baltic republics. Concern was raised over Trumps pledge to make the US commitment to defend the Baltic states conditional on their financial contributions to NATO and his positive remarks about Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin. In September 2014, US President Barack Obama gave the Baltic states an unconditional guarantee of mutual defence. He declared at the time in the Estonian capital Tallinn, The defence of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius is just as important as the defence of Berlin, Paris and London. He committed himself to an eternal obligation to defend Estonia with its 1.3 million residents according to Article 5 of the NATO statutes and promised to send American ground troops in the worst case scenario. Emboldened, the three Baltic states are now demanding that EU members significantly increase their defence spending following Trumps criticism of NATO. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius stated in an interview in Paris, Maybe the way he said it was sharp but the criticism was right that we have to contribute more ourselves. The day after Trumps victory, Linkevicius confirmed that he had strong contacts with Trumps team. We are ready to work with the new administration in the same spirit that has been built up over decades The long-standing traditional, strategic, strong bonds cannot fade away. We have reasons to say so, because we know the Republicans very well and we have a lot of friends among them. In fact, we have a number of contacts among those around Trump too, he said. According to Linkevicius, it is too early to say anything about Trumps foreign policy, and the declarations from the election campaign should not be taken too seriously. The policies would depend strongly on the team advising the new US president. Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics also stated in an interview that he understood the calls for higher military spending and supported them. Lithuania and Latvia have already announced major increases in their military spending by 2018. Estonia has already been spending more than the 2 percent of GDP demanded by NATO on military purposes since 2007. The right-wing conservative Latvian daily Latvijas Avize backed the Foreign Ministers stance and advised striving for cooperation with Trump. First, the politicians should answer the question of whether the United States is still our ally, the newspaper wrote. If the answer is yes, Latvias political elite should respect the Americans election result, even if there are strong waves of personal emotions. It is good that Latvias Foreign Minister understands this. With a healthy dose of common sense, he should be able to convince his parliamentary colleagues not to direct any derisive comments at Trump and not to question his abilities to lead the country. Because such judgments would only damage Latvias foreign policy and security. The call for a European security and defence union, which is above all being promoted by Germany, is finding little support in the Baltic states. Krisjanis Karins, a Latvian deputy in the European Parliament, told Deutschlandfunk that his countrys defence policy was closely linked to the Transatlantic alliance and that without the US it would be unconceivable. It was not in Europes interests to weaken NATO, he said. At NATOs summit in Warsaw in early July, participants decided to permanently station 4,000 troops in the Baltic states and Poland. At the same time, the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian governments increased defence spending. The Estonian government approved more than 13 million for the construction of new barracks. In tandem with the military build-up, the right-wing Baltic governments are intensifying their chauvinist anti-Russian campaign. The Lithuanian Defence Ministry recently published a pamphlet warning the population of a Russian invasion and preparing them for guerrilla warfare. Prepare to survive emergencies and war, the ministry appeals in the pamphlet. It is important that civilians are ready and have the will to resist. If this element is strong, an aggressor will find it difficult to create the conditions for a military invasion. The anti-Russian propaganda is also triggering conflicts. The EU will decide in the coming month on the extension of sanctions against Russia. A large proportion of the Baltic states 6.1 million population is heavily dependent on the Russian economy or have Russian roots. The counter-measures adopted by Russia in retaliation have hit the agricultural sector hard. Agricultural products like meat and milk have lost their sales markets in Russia. Bloomberg cited a manager of a meat factory in Rezekne, Latvia, who complained that his firm had lost approximately 1 million per month due to Russias import ban. Due to the drying up of Russian contracts, the railway repair plant in Daugavpils was forced to lay off half of its workforce since last year. The firm now faces bankruptcy because it can no longer access loans. Management has blamed bad Russian-EU relations for this. The Baltic governments are also responding to the intensification of the economic and domestic political crises with their anti-Russian propaganda. In mid-November, the EU Commission confirmed that Lithuania, along with eight other EU members, would not be able to remain within the limits laid down for budget deficits. Both Latvia and Lithuania had to reduce growth expectations announced earlier in the year. The governments in all three countries are extremely unstable. They base themselves on a tiny fraction of the population and are viewed with contempt by the majority. After the collapse of the pro-European coalition in Estonia, the parliament toppled Prime Minister Taavi Roivas in a vote of no confidence. He had only been in power since March 2014. The leader of the Centre Party, Juri Ratas, was subsequently confirmed as the successor to Roivas. Although the Centre Party is the second strongest in parliament, it was previously excluded from power because it maintains contacts with Russia. The Centre Party government is expected to have only a short shelf life, like the discredited social democrat and right-wing conservative IRL governments. The government in Lithuania was punished in parliamentary elections in October. The League of Farmers and Greens (LPGU), a small party with just a few hundred members and only one member in the outgoing parliament, rose to become the largest party and is likely to nominate the future prime minister. It is expected that the right-wing former police chief Saulius Skvernelis will assume the position. The leader of the LGPU is the billionaire Ramunas Karbauskis, a landowner and industrialist. Out of an electorate of 2.5 million, voter participation stood at 38 percent, according to the electoral commission. Under conditions of widespread poverty and unemployment, young, well-educated Lithuanians are emigrating in ever larger numbers. Around 370,000 have left the country since it joined the EU in 2004. Over the past months, information has emerged indicating the extent of the pneumoconiosis health crisis among coal miners in Queensland, Australia, and a decades-long cover-up by successive governments, the major mining companies and the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU). Coal workers pneumoconiosis, also known as black lung, is caused by the build-up of dust particles in the lung. There is no cure for the condition. In its advanced stages, it can lead to scleroderma, lung problems, chronic bronchitis and heart failure. The disease results in an excruciatingly painful and prolonged death. This month, BHP Billiton, the transnational mining company, confirmed to a Queensland state parliamentary committee that three of its current miners and two former employees are affected by the disease. The official acknowledgement follows confirmation in October that a former miner who worked at the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance Goonyella Riverside mine had been diagnosed with black lung. He had only ever worked in open-cut mines. The case exposed the claims by the mining companies and government regulators that only a relatively small number of miners who worked on below-ground sites were potentially affected. Forty of the 53 coal mines in Queensland are open-cut. Paul Head, the diagnosed miner, said he was shocked. He told the Daily Mercury: I just thought it was underground, from what Id heard about it, thats what everyone thought. Head noted the ubiquity of coal dust, stating: Everything you touch, you get black stuff on you... Even walking from the car into the mine, all you got to do is look at the cars in the car park and it tells you how much dust is around. Testimony to a current Queensland parliamentary inquiry into the disease corroborated Heads comments. This week, Nathan Leotta, a former miner told the inquiry: In 2009 and 2008, they were telling us at inductions to go underground and that it was eradicated because they havent had any cases in 15, 20 years. Speaking on the evasive safety practices of the major mining companies, Leotta said: Lets say that the inspectors were coming on a Wednesday. Its our last shift on a Tuesday night, wed down tools for four hours and hose down. Last year, several suspected cases were reported in Queensland. They contradicted claims by the mining industry, government regulators and the unions that the disease was eradicated in the 1980s. The official number of confirmed cases has since risen to 16. The CFMEU claims it knows of at least 30 miners hit by the condition who will not speak out for fear of losing their job. It rapidly emerged that incidents of the disease had been suppressed by government authorities. In 1984, just before the declarations that black lung was eradicated, a Queensland health department study found 75 suspected cases of the disease among former and then-employed miners. The information was apparently never acted upon. Testimony to a federal inquiry earlier this year revealed that eight of ten coal mines in Queensland operated above the 3 milligram limit for daily exposure to coal dust, between 2012 and 2015, with one registering 6.5 milligrams. No company was ever prosecuted, and the mandated level was not enforced by consecutive Labor and Liberal-National governments or the trade unions, which play a central role in overseeing health and safety practices. In July, a Monash University study into the disease found a major system failure at virtually all levels of the Queensland Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme. It said the system was designed to find fitness for work rather than the detection and management of early CMDLD (black lung). Spirometry tests were generally carried out by unqualified practitioners unable to detect black lung. The damning report followed earlier revelations that as many as 100,000 chest x-rays of miners conducted under the health scheme had not been examined by any medical personnel. The CFMEU, mining companies, state Labor government and Liberal National opposition have all scrambled to cover-up their culpability. The union has demagogically denounced the companies for failing to enforce safety standards, while remaining silent on its own knowledge of the breaches, which went on for years. Queensland CMFEU official Stephen Smythe recently declared: Black Lung sufferers are victims of a deadly disease inflicted on them by employers who failed to ensure a safe workplace for them and by successive state governments that failed them. The union called for a compensation fund to be established. But it has collaborated with the major mining companies for decades in enforcing the destruction of jobs, wages and conditions and the erosion of basic safety standards. Material uncovered by the ABCs 7:30 program in August revealed four compensation claims for black lung between 2007 and 2012, making clear that successive governments and the unions were aware of the disease. Last month, at the Queensland parliamentary committee hearing, Paul Goldsbrough, the executive head of the states Office of Industrial Relations, admitted that his department confirmed a case of black lung in 2006. The Liberal-Nationals have sought to capitalise on the obvious complicity of former Labor governments, which were in office from 1998 to 2012, and the CFMEU. Liberal-National opposition leader Tim Nichols denounced a failure in the detection of black lung by the department, government, unions and health professionals. Yet, the conservatives were themselves in office from 1957 to 1989, 1996 to 1998 and 2012 to 2015. Equally hypocritically, some Labor MPs have called for a royal commission and postured as defenders of the victims of the disease. The plight of coal miners struck by the illness is an indictment of the capitalist profit system and the entire political establishment. The official cover-up of the disease coincided with the mining boom, which was invoked as proof that Australia had escaped the global financial crisis of 2008, and delivered the major mining companies billions of dollars in profits. Now that the boom has imploded, with thousands of jobs slashed across the sector nationally, the re-emergence of black lung underscores the reality that the super-profits came at the direct expense of the coal miners themselves. Scientists have called into question the existing safety standards within the industry. Professor Lou Irving, clinical director of the University of Melbournes Lung Health Research Centre, stated in September: There are regulations limiting the amount of dust that coal miners can be exposed to, but they have no basis in science. He commented: We simply do not know at what point exposure to dust triggers lung stiffening, or fibrosis and we urgently need to address this so we can catch it before it becomes incurable. Irving said black lung rates in Australia may be comparable to those in the United States. Incidences of the disease in West Virginia, Kentucky and other impoverished mining states have soared in recent years. Following the Upper Big Branch mine disaster in West Virginia in 2010, autopsies showed 71 of the miners who perished had signs of the disease. In 2008, at the height of the mining boom, some 36,700 workers were employed in the Australian coal industry. In addition to coal dust, underground miners come into contact with high concentrations of diesel fumes. A study last month found that, resulting from the fumes, they face 38 times the accepted occupational risk for lung cancer. The Globe and Mail, Canadas so-called newspaper of record and the traditional mouthpiece of the Toronto-based financial elite, has declared that Canada must be inside US president-elect Donald Trumps walls. In a recent editorial entitled What the election of Donald Trump means for (Prime Minister) Justin Trudeau, the Globe drew a parallel with the post-9/11 period, when the Bush administration dramatically increased security screening of people and goods entering the US, as part of a massive expansion of the US national-security apparatus. Ottawas goal today, as it was then, must be to ensure that the Canada-US border, Canada-US cargoes and Canada-US travelers continue to be treated differently, declared the Globe. The more the US thickens its border with the rest of the world, the more the border with Canada must be relatively reduced. If American walls go up, Canada has to be inside those walls. Under conditions of the emergence of a far-right administration in the United States committed to pursuing an America First policy of economic nationalism and military aggression, the message could not be clearer. Canadas ruling elite, which has long viewed its military-security partnership with Washington as pivotal to advancing its own predatory interests on the global stage, is ready, indeed determined, to maintain and expand that collaboration as US imperialism pursues confrontation with its main economic and geopolitical rivals. Such a Fortress North America strategy, as the Globes editors well know, will require Canada to align its foreign, military, domestic security, and trade policies still more closely with a Trump-led Washington. It will require Canada to further integrate itself in the wars the US has mounted virtually without interruption over the past quarter-century to shore up its rapidly eroding global hegemony. As it is, Canada, under Liberal and Conservative governments alike, has participated in one US-led war after another and is playing a major role in Washingtons military-strategic offensives against Russia and China. The Globes call for the Trudeau Liberal government to ensure Canada is inside Trumps walls policy is all the more significant given its own repeated and increasingly shrill denunciations of Trump as a demagogue and authoritarian in the run-up to this months election. Like the vast majority of Canadas ruling elite, the Globes editors expressed profound dismay at Trumps election. Although Prime Minister Trudeau avoided criticizing the Republican candidate publicly, it was an open secret that the Liberals were in close contact with Hillary Clintons campaign and were both rooting for, and banking on, a Democratic victory. However, as with the Democrats in the US, who have pledged to do everything to ensure the success of Trumps presidency and are now offering to cooperate with him in enacting protectionist policies, the Trudeau government responded to Trumps election by immediately extending a friendly hand. Less than 24 hours after the election result, Canada offered to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which Trump had vehemently denounced throughout his campaign. The Globe editorial welcomed Trudeaus NAFTA announcement. Several of its columnists have also endorsed the Trudeau governments suggestion that Canada and the United States could revert to the 1989 Canada-US Free Trade Agreement, which was subsumed into NAFTA, should the Trump administration insist on scrapping NAFTA. This suggestion is an effective acknowledgement that Canadas ruling elite would be willing to unceremoniously dump its supposed Mexican ally and pummel the Mexican people, if this is the price for maintaining a privileged relationship with US imperialism under Trump. In this regard, the Globe editorialists explicit reference to the walls Canada must get inside and the parallel they drew with the post-9/11 period are highly revealing. Trump made the building of a wall along the border with Mexico a key plank in his xenophobic and semi-fascistic campaign, along with vows to deport millions of immigrants, attack democratic rights, strengthen the police and massively hike military spending. After 9/11, the Chretien-Martin Liberal governments fully embraced the Bush administrations phony war on terror, and mimicked Washington in using it to justify a more aggressive foreign policy and sweeping attacks on democratic right at home. They gave Canada a leading role in the Afghan War, hiked military spending, expanded the powers and reach of the national-security apparatus, and dramatically increased its integration with that of the US. A pivotal factor in this shift was pressure from big business for Ottawa to strengthen Canadas military-strategic partnership with Washington. Counteracting US security measures that were impeding or threatening to impede the more than three-quarters of all Canadas exports that flow south of the border was a huge concern for Canadas ruling elite. But so also was ensuring that Canadian imperialism was positioned, through its partnership with Washington, to advance its rapidly expanding global economic and strategic interests. In policy papers issued in 2003 and 2004, the countrys most powerful business lobby group, the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, urged Ottawa to give Canadas military credible capacity to respond meaningfully and rapidly to crises anywhere in the world and to press for a common Canada-US security perimeter. Canada, insisted the CCCE, must stop being a free rider on American (security) coattails and a toothless advocate of soft power. In calling for Trudeau to act as the post-9/11 Liberal governments did so as to ensure Canada is behind Trumps walls, the Globe is saying it is ready to support the militarization of North Americas state borders, the strengthening of the surveillance state, and other sweeping attacks on democratic rights, so long as it helps secure the profits of Canadian big business. This is not to say the Globe is not deeply worried about the economically destabilizing and socially incendiary impact of Trumps America First policy. It obviously fears that Canadian exports and profits will be damaged by US protectionism. It considers Trumps scuttling of the Trans-Pacific Partnership as both a setback to Canadian businesss drive to expand its footprint in Asia and a strategic blunder in countering Chinas growing economic and geopolitical influence in East Asia. During the election campaign, the Globe joined with the liberal establishment in the US in attacking Trump from the right, claiming that he was a stooge of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a provocative post-election editorial entitled Donald Trump won the US election. So did Vladimir Putin, the Globe complained bitterly that Trump has dismissed the importance of NATO, indicated he might accept Russias annexation of Crimea, and suggested sanctions on Moscow could be lifted. The situation is grim, declared the voice of Canadas Toronto-based financial elite. Trumps indifference to national sovereignty plays directly into the hands of Mr. Putin, a master manipulator who learned in the KGB how to destabilize regimes (his fingerprints are all over the release of damaging e-mails stolen by Russian hackers from the Democratic Partys computers.) The claims of Russian interference in the US election were repeated incessantly by the Washington political elite and military establishment, without their ever offering a shred of evidence to back them up. They were a McCarthyite amalgam aimed at portraying Russia as an enemy and preparing the political ground for a massive US military escalation in Syria, where the Kremlin has intervened to prop up the Assad regime, derailing Washingtons efforts to overthrow it. The Globes embrace of this fraudulent narrative underscores that Canadas ruling elite, which views Russia as a competitor for control over the Arctic and in the global energy market, is fully on board with this war agenda. Under the Conservatives of Stephen Harper and now Justin Trudeaus Liberals, Canada has adopted a virulently anti-Russian stance. Ottawa emerged as one of the closest international allies of the far right regime that came to power in Kiev in 2014 in a US-orchestrated, fascist-spearheaded coup. Under Trudeau, Canada has continued to back the Ukraine government to the hilt and is playing a leading role in NATOs encirclement of Russia. At the most recent NATO leaders summit, Canada assumed leadership of one of the four forward battalions NATO is establishing on Russias borders in the three Baltic states and Poland. The revival of Canadian militarism has been bound up with Canadian imperialisms ever-closer partnership with Washington and Wall Street. Canada is fully implicated in US imperialisms three major geostrategic offensives around the world: in Eastern Europe against Russia; in the Middle East to consolidate US hegemony over the worlds most-important oil-exporting region; and in the Asia-Pacific against China. In 2013 talks were held at the highest levels of the Canadian and US military about the creation of a joint intervention force capable of deploying anywhere around the world. The continued pursuit of this agenda in alliance with Trump will inevitably lead to catastrophe. Even before Trump demanded that US allies contribute more in money and materiel for the US-led military alliances, Canadas ruling elite was baying for sharp increases in military spending. The Liberals current defence policy review is expected to recommend increased military spending as well as participation in Washingtons highly destabilizing ballistic missile defence shield and the purchase of killer drones and other new technologies. Workers in Canada must develop their own strategy to counter the war drive of Canadas ruling elite in alliance with US imperialism. Such a strategy must be founded on opposition to all sections of the Canadian bourgeoisie, their political representatives, and their common Canadian nationalist ideology. The portrayal of Canada capitalism as kinder and gentler than its southern neighbour has always been a fraud, designed to divide Canadian workers from their US counterparts and enable the Canadian bourgeoisie to ruthlessly advance its rapacious global interests behind a humanitarian mask. The real ally of Canadian workers in the struggle against Trump and the drive to war is the American working class. The far-right program that will be implemented by the incoming administration has no broad popular support. Trump is set to lose the popular vote by an unprecedented 2 million votes and under conditions where nearly half of the electorate voted for neither the Republican or Democratic candidates. Forging an alliance between workers throughout North America in opposition to war, austerity, anti-immigrant bigotry and authoritarian forms of rule can only take place on the basis of a socialist and internationalist program. This is the perspective fought for by the Socialist Equality Party in Canada and its sister party in the US. Another violent clash between Dakota Access Pipeline protesters and police late Sunday night led to approximately 300 injuries among the protesters, 26 of whom required professional medical attention. Some of the cases include a woman with a serious eye injury after being shot in the face by a rubber bullet, a tribe elder who lost consciousness and was revived on scene, a young man with internal bleeding who was vomiting blood after a being hit in the abdomen by a rubber bullet, and a man with blunt force trauma and severe head lacerations after being struck by a rubber bullet near his spine, among many others. The most seriously injured was 21-year-old Sophia Wilansky, who protesters claim was directly hit by a concussion grenade thrown by police, an allegation denied by local law enforcement, which severely damaged her hand and arm. Wilansky was airlifted to a hospital in Minneapolis and underwent her first eight-hour surgery the same day. The womans father reported that Sophia is facing possible arm amputation adding that she may need as many as 20 surgeries over many months to have any chance of saving her arm and hand. In the best case scenario, her father reports, she will only recover 10 to 20 percent functionality of her arm. The incident took place at about 6 p.m. at Backwater Bridge, just north of the main encampment near Cannon Ball, North Dakota, where about 100 activists attempted to remove two burned trucks which have served as a barricade for police over the last several weeks. The barricade has raised safety concerns for the residents of the camp and the reservation, as it blocks the most direct route from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation to Bismarck, North Dakota, forcing all traffic to take a 20-mile detour. Authorities reportedly responded with tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets and a water hose. The decision to use the water hose, despite below freezing temperatures in the area, led to multiple cases of hypothermia and has been highly criticized by the public. While the authorities claim the water hoses were originally brought out to put out fires started by protesters, Maxine Herr, the Morton County Sheriffs spokeswoman, defended the decision to use the hoses against the protesters, claiming that aggression from the agitators in the camp continued to raise their level of resistance against law enforcement. The department called the situation Sunday night an ongoing riot and described the protesters as being very aggressive. Wilanskys statement, relayed by her father as well as protesters said to have witnessed the incident, indicates that the young woman sustained her injuries from a concussion grenade thrown by police later that night. The response from the Sheriff's department was complete denial. It wasnt from our law enforcement, because we didnt deploy anything that should have caused that type of damage to her arm, Herr stated, adding, Were not sure how her injury was sustained. Herr suggested that the young woman may have been injured while protesters were rigging up their own explosives. However, no propane bottles were reported to have been exploded, and no protesters have been arrested for making or throwing explosives. Activists and protesters have rejected these allegations. One independent filmmaker and photographer who has been documenting the protests, Rafe Scobey-Thal, described the police response as being completely out of proportion. Hundreds of posts on social media corroborate the protesters reports. Chilling videos and photographs show a highly militarized police force complete with armored vehicles and shields standing off against unarmed activists who are often singing or praying. In addition to obtaining authorization to spend $10 million to put down the ongoing demonstration, North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple has summoned hundreds of officers from neighboring states and activated the National Guard. These actions have become standard operating procedure for suppressing protests in America. The police force at Standing Rockin addition to tasers, pepper spray and tear gasis armed with single-shot 40mm launchers that shoot foam baton rounds, 12-gauge shotguns that fire one of several different crowd control payloads ranging from bean bags to neoprene bullets, and sound cannons called LRADs (Long-Range Acoustic Device), all described as less-than-lethal weaponry. Over 400 protesters have been arrested since the start of the demonstration. Reports of detainees being marked with numbers and held in cages have prompted allegations of human rights abuses. One member of the Chemehuevi tribe, Caro Gonzales, said she was held by police in what she described as a dog kennel with three other women. The law enforcement response to the protest has prompted powerful backlash from people all throughout the country and the world. In addition to the hundreds of people who have joined the native tribes on at the demonstrations themselves, 180 different tribal nations have sent letters of solidarity and over 1.7 million people have checked in to Standing Rock on Facebook to show their support. A fundraising page set up for Sophia Wilansky raised more than $120,000 from more than 4,000 donors in the first seven hours. At the time of this writing, the account had reached over $347,000, raised from 12,721 people in just two days. Despite the overwhelming support by broad masses of people, the political establishment has remained largely silent. President Obama spoke gingerly on the topic after months of refusing to comment, saying, Were monitoring this closely and I think as a general rule, my view is that there is a way for us to accommodate sacred lands of Native Americans, and I think that right now the army corps is examining whether there are ways to reroute this pipeline. Both social media posts and local reports suggest that the protesters and the public alike find the presidents remarks to be at best, too little too late. One member of the Nuu-chah-nulth tribe, Xhopakelxhit, told the Guardian that the presidents actions were cowardly but not surprising, asking, why has he not made a more forceful statement in favor of us? Hes basically trying to cover all his bases without actually doing anything. Denouncing the prospect of a last-minute rerouting of the pipeline as completely laughable, Xhopakelxhit expressed little faith in the Obama administration stepping in on their side. For his part, president-elect Donald Trump enjoys close financial ties to the pipeline operator, Energy Transfer Partners. Financial disclosure forms reveal that CEO Kelcy Warren, chief executive of Energy Transfer Partners, has given $103,000 to elect Trump and provided $66,800 to the Republican National Committee since Trump secured the GOPs presidential nomination. Also revealed in Trumps filings to the Federal Election Commission is a $500,000 to $1 million investment in Energy Transfer Partners, as well as $500,000 to a $1 million holding in Phillips 66, the company which will have a 25 percent stake in the Dakota Access project once completed. In a recent statement, Warren stated that Dakota Access Pipeline has waited long enough to complete this pipeline It is time for the Courts to end this political interference and remove whatever legal cloud that may exist over the right-of-way beneath federal land at Lake Oahe. Energy Transfer Partners will likely find a strong ally in the new presidency, as Trump has declared his support for lifting all restrictions on the exploitation of untapped natural resources. Im 100 percent sure that the pipeline will be approved by a Trump administration, Warren told NBC News on Saturday. I believe we will have a government in place that believes in energy infrastructure. With the start of the holiday period, hundreds of thousands of Detroit area residents are suffering from extreme economic hardship, belying the claims of the Obama administration of an economic recovery from the 2008 economic crash. This includes poverty and the attendant problems of food insecurity, utility shutoffs and homelessness. Tens of thousands of residents of Detroit are living without basic necessities, including running water. More than one out of 13 of the citys 175,000 residential water customers have had their service disconnected for past due bills this year, which average $75 a month, one of the highest rates in the US. All told, the city has disconnected more than 70,000 homes since 2014. Last week the US Court of Appeals dismissed a lawsuit filed by a group of Detroit residents seeking to stop the Detroit Department of Water and Sewerage from shutting off customers who are behind on their bills. In its ruling the court stated that Detroits bankruptcy filing protected the city from such lawsuits. It further ruled that granting the request for a halt to water shutoffs would interfere with the citys governmental power as well as its property and revenues. Local area food pantries contacted by the World Socialist Web Site reported being overwhelmed by need with the onset of the holiday season. Linda Reyes-Flores, executive director of Latino Family Services in southwest Detroit, said, I dont believe it is ever going to get better. We serve 200 families a week and because of Thanksgiving we had to cut from some to give to others. Today was ridiculous. At the end we just had to give out the minimal stuff, so everyone had something. It seems to have gotten worse this year. You still have a lot of people without food. It is cold and you have seasonal workers who are laid off, so our traffic increases in the winter. There is poverty, people out of work, people on minimum-wage jobs and people struggling with utility bills. According to one report, one in every six Michigan residents is affected by hunger, including more than 700,000 in southeast Michigan. According to a 2015 report from Feeding America, across Wayne County, where the city of Detroit is located, 102,000 children live in food-insecure households. The city is the poorest big city in the United States. Some 40 percent of the citys population, 300,000 people, live in poverty. Reyes-Flores continued, Even if you are receiving food stamps, that only lasts a couple of weeks, so they come here. Here in southwest Detroit we have a diverse populationCaucasian, Arab-American, Latino... A lot of people are unemployed, seniors or disabled. For workers at minimum wage it is very difficult to pay rent, utilities and buy food, especially if you have children. Lots of people say Detroit is getting better, but the unemployment rate is the same, water bills are going up, taxes are going up. I am sure it is marvelous for the people who are well off. It is not for the people in poverty and earning minimum wage. We forget about our seniors. They cant go out and work. A senior may own a house, but she cant fix the windows or a leak in the roof. It is just survival. What happens to that generation of people? What do seniors do? I know a couple age 78 and 82. They walk to the pantry to get food and walk home. What I give them only lasts two days. Cathy Maher, executive director of Detroit Friendship House, a food pantry located in the Detroit enclave of Hamtramck, told the World Socialist Web Site, We have more clients this year than last year. A lot of our new clients are immigrants, not necessarily refugees. Hamtramck is very diverse. We service people in need, from all backgrounds. Michigan residents were hit hard by recent cuts, enacted under the Obama administration, to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamps. Some one in five of Michigan residents saw cuts to benefits under changes adopted by the state earlier this year. Maher continued, More and more people on a regular basis are falling behind and are in need. Our clientele comes from all demographics. Easily one-third of our clients are children. Most of our clients are working poor. They are working at minimum wage jobs. Food prices are increasing so it is hard for them to feed their families. They are obviously living paycheck to paycheck. The slightest thing throws them offtheir car breaks down or they have doctor bills. When you have no back-up, you have to resort to food pantries. Unfortunately that is happening more and more. Water bills have gone up substantially. Even for people who have bridge cards [food stamps], those cards provide only $1.56-$1.78 per meal. Basically it buys a can of soup for a meal. They can come here once a month and get three to four days worth of food. So it makes a big difference. We distribute about 54,000 pounds of food a month. Meanwhile, thousands of Detroit and Wayne County residents fear eviction in coming months due to the Wayne County treasurers yearly tax auction. The latest tax auction, completed in October, saw 14,000 properties offered for sale. Since 2005, one-third of the properties in the city139,699 of 384,672have been foreclosed either because of mortgage arrears or property tax delinquency. Austin, volunteer coordinator at the South Oakland Shelter, which operates in Oakland County, north of Detroit, said that homelessness is still a big issue in the Metro Detroit area. He told the WSWS, I have been here seven years, and in my view homelessness is on the rise. There are a lot of struggling people in the area who dont know how they are going to pay rent or put food on the table. The programs that are available are not able to meet the vast need out there. We get phone calls every day, and we are not able to accommodate everyone. Here in Oakland County there are not enough affordable housing options. In Detroit it is harder to find sustainable options, there may be more affordable units, but the landlords may not be maintaining the properties. In addition, there are a lot of people living in cars, living in garages or living in non-functional homes that dont have electricity or running water. It is dog-eat-dog until you can earn the $1,500-$1,700 a month you need to pay rent, car insurance, utilities and food. Francois Fillon and Alain Juppe, who are running Sunday in the second round of the French right's primary for the 2017 presidential elections, held one last debate on Thursday night. After the surprise victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential elections, the sudden victory of Fillon in the first round underscored that bourgeois politics is currently undergoing a major historic turn, far to the right. Alain Juppe, the former front-runner who tried to hide his program of drastic austerity, war, and police-state measures by pledging to bring people together, suffered a humiliating defeat. Currently, Fillon is set to receive 65 percent of the vote in the second round, according to an Odoxa poll. Given the ruling Socialist Party's (PS) profound unpopularity, Fillon would become the most likely candidate to run against the neo-fascist National Front's (FN) Marine Pen in the presidential run off next year. Fillon bases himself on Juppe's program, but pushes certain policies much further. Above all, he is justifying them with numerous positions echoing those of the far righthostile to abortion, towards homosexual marriage, or stirring up anti-Muslim or anti-Semitic prejudices. The campaign points to an intensification of the broad attacks on the working class and an escalation of French participation in various wars led by NATO, as well as the eruption of very sharp class conflicts, after next year's presidential elections. The programs of Fillon and Juppe already face broad popular opposition among 56 and 52 percent of the French people, respectively. Tuesday, Juppe provoked criticisms from other members of his The Republicans (LR) party when he called Fillon's program retrograde and based on great social brutality. The two candidates' decision to mute their differences and hold a cordial debate, in order to make a public show of LR party unity, had the effect of underlining the close resemblances between the policies proposed by the two candidates. Neither one mentioned the state of emergency that has now been in effect for over a year in France, or the danger of war with Russia or other major powers opposing the imperialist wars led by NATO in Syria and across the Middle East. Support for these policies is in fact unanimous among all the candidates of government parties. The debate concentrated on budget cuts and attacks on social services being prepared against the population, Fillon's reactionary positions on lifestyle issues, as well as on France's foreign policy alignment. Fillon and Juppe both propose public sector job cuts (500,000 and 200,000, respectively), pushing the retirement age back to 65, cutting taxes on profits from capital, cutting the ISF tax on the wealthy, and deep budget cuts (100 billion and over 85 billion, respectively). Fillon denounced a question from journalists on his attitude to fundamental social rights granted after the end of World War II in France. He replied, This French social model does not exist anymore today. We are not in 1945 anymore, we are in an open world, we must profoundly change this model so it is more fair. Fillon also defended his proposals to transfer responsibility for reinbursements of numerous health care treatments from Social Security to private insurancethus paving the way for the privatization of health care, supposedly to carry out the debureaucratization and revival of France. Fillon and Juppe then arrogantly defended the bailout plans for the banks organized by the French right, when it was in power at the time of the 2008 financial crash. While defending this granting of enormous sums to the financial aristocracy, they shamelessly proposed massive job cuts, unprecedented austerity measures, and the destruction of social gains won by the working class over decades of struggle in the 20th century. Juppe and Fillon also sparred over Fillon's reactionary comments on abortion, which Fillon has stated he does not believe is a fundamental right, as well as his declaration that France does not have multiculturalism as its calling. The two candidates reaffirmed their preference for a supposedly independent policy vis-a-vis both the United States and Russia, as well as their support for NATO and the Atlantic alliance. In a gesture that can have no other significance than a declaration of hostility to Germany, the European Union's dominant power, Fillon predicted that thanks to his austerity policies, France could soon become Europe's principal power. In fact, the reactionary positions of Fillon and Juppe show that the ruling class is preparing for a sharp confrontation with the working class, under conditions of explosive war crises abroad and police-state rule at home in France. The rightward lurch in official politics evidenced in the election of a demagogic and fascistic billionaire as US president is also coming to France. A deep economic and geo-strategic crisis of world capitalism is staggering the political elites and resuscitating the most retrograde political tendencies. In France, the primary responsibility lies with the PS of President Francois Hollande, and the pseudo left parties like the New Anticapitalist Party that called for an Hollande vote in 2012. The PS state of emergency, the war drive in Syria, and Hollande's austerity policy have all produced a deep destabilization of class relations and of the political establishment in France. The PS sharp turn to the right and its appeals to the far right, such as its attempt to inscribe the state of emergency and the deprivation of nationality policy in the constitution, has left the French right trapped. As it desperately tries to stay to the right of the PSwhile it is in fact in agreement with it on the issues of war, austerity, and attacks on democratic rightsit is taking far-right positions on lifestyle issues that the PS and the pseudo left parties have placed at the center of their activity. On Europe1 on Wednesday, Fillon attacked the Muslim and Jewish communities: Muslim extremists are taking the Muslim community hostage, he said. We must fight this fundamentalism, we must fight it as we did in the past, I recall, we fought forms of Catholic fundamentalism and also the willingness of the Jews to live in a community which did not respect all the rules of the French Republic. France's Grand Rabbi Haim Korsia telephoned Fillon to recall that the consigning of Jews to ghettos in France was due to French anti-Semitism, not to a freely-taken decision. He underlined that the Jewish tendency to live apart that could exist in an earlier period was neither due to nor chosen by the citizens of Jewish faith, but the consequence of French society's refusal at the time to accept its fellows, Korsia's staff reported. The German establishment is alarmed that Donald Trumps America first policy could plunge the world economy into the kind of protectionism and trade war witnessed during the 1930s. At that time, pervasive economic nationalism triggered an economic and social catastrophe which bore significant responsibility for the rise of the Nazis and the outbreak of World War II. There is much speculation in the media that Trump will withdraw some of his promises from the election campaign and pursue more conventional policies. But his promise to exit the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) on his first day in office has convinced many that he means business with his economic nationalist policies. The Suddeutsche Zeitung interpreted his proposal as the end of an era of free trade and open borders which began in 1945. The losers of such a development, the newspaper feared, could include Germany, which is more dependent on exports than almost any other country. The same newspaper drew a parallel between Trumps economic nationalism and the Smoot-Hawley Act, which drastically increased American tariffs on foreign products in 1930. As a result of this law and other protectionist measures, global trade shrunk by 1933 to a miserly third of what it had been. The fatal decision, according to the Suddeutsche Zeitung, contributed to the escalation of the world economic crisis, which stole jobs from millions and assisted dictators to come to power. If Trump really seals off America and other nations respond correspondingly, planet Earth will hardly be recognisable, the newspaper warned. The world economic crisis of the 1930s offers just one example of how protectionist races lead to disaster. But what is the answer of the German ruling class to this threat? It was on full display during a debate in the German parliament (Bundestag) on Wednesday. The annual statement on the Chancellors Office budget traditionally serves as an opportunity to discuss the fundamentals of government policy. Amid much self-contrition, assertions to take the concerns of the citizens into account in the future and empty phrases about human dignity and Western values, government representatives and other parliamentary deputies pledged themselves to free trade while at the same time called for a major build-up of the state apparatus at home and abroad. The tone was set by Sahra Wagenknecht, the parliamentary group chair of the Left Party. She warned the governing Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Social Democrats (SPD) against continuing on in the same way as before. American citizens had not voted primarily for the billionaire Donald Trump, but had rejected the status quo. But by agreeing to Frank-Walter Steinmeier as the next presidential candidate, Wagenknecht added, the SPD and CDU had given an unmistakable signal of the grand coalition status quo. In Germany as well, Wagenknecht continued, a growing number of people have reasons to be disappointed and angry: about a united policy of the grand coalition, which has no interest in their elementary interests in life and fears for future, but indifferently and without emotion continues to take decisions making the rich even richer, the corporations even more outrageously wealthy and the life of the working middle class and working class even more insecure and precarious. As a response, Wagenknecht suggested adopting parts of Trumps economic programme. She explicitly praised his nationalist economic policyas if this can be separated from his reactionary domestic and foreign policies. Apparently a Donald Trump even has more economic policy sense than you, Wagenknecht told the assembled deputies. Because at least the man has understood that state-led industrial policy is better than low-wage service sector jobs and that budget cutting does not help crisis-ridden and collapsing infrastructure, but only a well-funded programme of public investments. This recalls the argument that Hitlers policies initially were not so bad because he built autobahns and financed other public investments. Yet Hitlers job creation measures were bound up with preparations for war from the outset. They were inseparable from the destruction of the workers movement and the strengthening of the military. The multi-billion dollar investment programme announced by Trump does not serve the purpose of urgently required state-financed improvements to roads, bridges and public institutions. Instead, these will be privatised. Private firms that participate in the programme will receive massive tax breaks and other benefits to enrich themselves. Trumps promise to deregulate the pharmaceutical and energy industries promises huge profits for the corporate elite. As the WSWS has already written, Trumps economic plan for the US economy bears a striking resemblance to the business model of his real estate and casino empire. A mixture of tax evasion, scams and outright swindling, coupled with the exploitation of low-wage workers. These policies will only intensify class tensions in the United States and deepen the economic conflicts with its economic rivals in Asia and Europeincluding Germany, China and Japan. For this reason, Trump is filling his administration with far-right representatives and aggressive figures from the military and intelligence apparatus. The German government is responding by moving sharply to the right, and Wagenknecht is following suit. A key focus of the speech by Chancellor Angela Merkel, who spoke next, was the military build-up. Given the growing international tensions, she promised, We have to reach the 2 percent goal. Two percent of GDP is to be spent in the future on the German army and its military equipment. This would equate to around 60 billion, twice as much as in the past. Other European politicians are also pushing for a dramatic increase in military spending. NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg stated following a call with Trump that all NATO members now had to reach the 2 percent target. This would make 100 billion more available to NATO. Thus far, only four of the 26 European NATO members fulfill thisBritain, Estonia, Greece and Poland. While Stoltenberg justified his demand by saying that the US would stay loyal to the alliance if it was fulfilled, the number of voices calling for increased military spending in order to pursue a more independent foreign policy against the United States is growing. Mark Leonard, head of the European Council on Foreign Relations, wrote a very explicit comment of the matter, titled Europe alone in Donald Trumps world. Europeans will not only have to get used to Trump; they will have to look at the world through different eyes, Leonard writes. American guarantees are no longer reliable, global institutions will come under attack, Trump will turn all US relationships on their head and is unpredictable. Concretely, the director of the thinktank proposes that the Europeans use the two months to Trumps official entry into office to increase leverage over the US. Europe has shown in the past that it can only influence the US when they have worked together and dealt with the US from a position of strength. Second, Europeans should show that they are able to hedge their bets and build alliances with others, Leonard continued. The EU must reach out to other powers to help shore up global institutions against Trumpian revisionism. And it also needs to diversify its foreign-policy relationships. Rather than waiting for Trump to marginalize the EU over Russia and China, Europeans should fly some kites of their own. Thirdly Leonard demanded: Europeans need to start to invest in their own security. the EU has done little to close the gap between its security needs and its capabilities. It is time to put meat on the bones of the Franco-German plan for European defense. The problem with this European defense is, however, that alongside the conflict with the US, centrifugal tendencies in Europe are also growing. The overcoming of the enmity between Germany and France, which waged war against each other three times between 1871 and 1945, as well as conflicts with other European powers, was closely linked to Americas dominating role. Economic and political tensions in Europe have already increased with Brexit, the British decision to leave the European Union. In early December, nationalist opponents of the EU are likely to gain the upper hand in the Italian constitutional referendum and the Austrian presidential election. And in May next year, what Financial Times commentator Gideon Rachman calls a nightmare vision could come to passa victory for the National Front in the French presidential election. The consequences of a victory for the far-right in France would be drastic for both European and world politics, Rachman writes. A Le Pen presidency could well lead to the collapse of the EU. She wants to pull France out of the European single currency and to hold a referendum on Frances EU membership. Regarding the situation in the EU as a whole he comments: Within the EU, Germanys relations with southern Europe have been poisoned by the euro crisis, while its relations with eastern Europe have been soured by the refugee crisis. Meanwhile, Britain has voted to leave the bloc. The election of Ms. Le Pen in France could be the final blow to the vision of Europe represented by Ms. Merkel, and constructed by generations of European leaders, since the 1950s. Trumps ascendency is the result of a long development and at the same time marks an historic sea-change. It is a product of the fact that the global integration and interdependence of the economy is incompatible with the division of the world into national states upon which capitalism is based, as well as the incompatibility of the social character of global production and capitalist private property. The ruling class is reacting to the break-up of these fundamental contradictions of capitalist society, as it did in the first half of the 20th century, with chauvinism, dictatorship and war. At the same time, the class struggle is intensifying and creating the objective conditions for socialist revolution. Everything now depends on building a new revolutionary leadership that fights for a socialist perspective in the working class of the United States, Europe and the whole world. On Wednesday, the fascist Thomas Mair was convicted of the June 16 murder of Labour Party MP Jo Cox. Cox represented the Batley and Spen constituency in West Yorkshire. She was shot three times and stabbed 15 times by Mair in broad daylight on the way to her surgery at the local library in Birstall, near Leeds. Cox was killed just one week prior to the referendum vote on Britains continued membership of the European Union. At the conclusion of an eight-day trial, a jury at the Old Bailey in London found Mair guilty. He was sentenced to a whole life prison term by Justice Wilkie. At the beginning of the trial Mair refused to enter a plea and the court recorded a not guilty plea, as is legally required. The trial was due to last longer but at the conclusion of the prosecutions case, Mairs lawyer Simon Russell Flint QC, told the jury that Mair would not be going into the witness box. Mair said nothing during the trial. It was revealed after the trial that Mair refused to answer all questions relating to Coxs killing. After the jury returned their verdict, Mair requested to make a statement to the court. This request was refused by Justice Wilkie. Some troubling questions emerge from the trial. Coxs killing was a high-profile political assassinationthe first murder of a sitting MP since Ian Gow in 1990, who was killed in an Irish Republican Army bombing. Yet, months later, and after the conclusion of the trial, we know little more of the circumstances surrounding her death than we did a few hours after the murder took place. There appears to have been little effort made to explore Mairs political connections. When he was apprehended shortly after the killing, he declared to the arresting police officers that he was a political activist. Moreover, at an earlier hearing before the trial, when asked to confirm his name, Mair told the court, My name is death to traitors, freedom for Britain. When they searched his home following his arrest, police found extensive evidence of indirect links to fascist and far-right groups. Mair had purchased books from the US-based neo-Nazi group National Alliance, founded by William Pierce, author of the notorious racist tract The Turner Diaries. These included guides on how to build homemade explosives, guns and a copy of Ich Kampfe, a handbook for members of Hitlers Nazi Party. He also subscribed to the South African white supremacist S.A. Patriot. A note in a 2006 newsletter of the London-based far-right Springbok Club read, Thomas Mair, from Batley in Yorkshire was one of the earliest subscribers and supporters of S.A. Patriot. Cox had arrived at the library with her constituency manager Fazila Aswat, and caseworker Sandra Major. According to Aswat, Mair approached Cox from behind, stabbing and then shooting her. He also stabbed Bernard Carter-Kenny before shooting Cox again. Aswat said she could hear Mair shouting, Britain first, this is for Britain, Britain will always come first. Another witness, Jack Foster, also says he shouted, Britain first. Britain First is the name of a UK fascist group. Mair has almost always been portrayed in the media as being a disturbed lonerwhich he may or may not be. He had a history of mental illness and had sought help regarding his mental health state the day before he killed Cox. But given his extensive connections to far-right forces, going back to at least 1991, what investigations have been undertaken to establish whether he did indeed act alone, whether he was acting in concert and, if so, with whom? It was only revealed after the trial that police are still investigating who supplied Mair with the gun used to kill Cox. During the trial it emerged that Mair used a German-made .22 calibre bolt-action rifle, which had been sawn down to just 12 inches in length so it could be used with one hand. The licensed gun was supposedly stolen, along with ammunition, from a car in Keighley, West Yorkshire in August last year. No evidence emerged in a search of Mairs home, or in the trial that he had modified the weapon, which points to the fact that he acquired it in its sawn-off state. Detective Superintendent Nick Wallen, who led the investigation into the killing said, My suggestion is that Thomas Mair has not been responsible for cutting the weapon down. But how hean antisocial loner with no previous history, no criminal ring or individuals around himhow he came to be in possession of that gun is very much an active line of inquiry and I would like any assistance I can get. Citing police sources, the Daily Mail reported that the gun was not thought to have fallen into the hands of Thomas Mair, 53, until about two weeks before he struck in Batley, West Yorkshire. The Telegraph and ITV also report that Mair acquired the gun around two weeks before he killed Coxmonths after it was stolen. Yet in its report on the trial the Financial Times commented of the police investigation, once again without citing supportive evidence, They have found no indication that Mair was part of a criminal or far-right network that could have supplied him with the gun. Politically the trial was a cover-up. Cox was killed at the height of the Brexit referendum campaign during which she was an active and outspoken advocate of a Remain vote. Among the items found in the search of Mairs home was a ring binder containing a press cutting of an article published on May 26 in a local newspaper calling for a Remain vote in the referendum. Cox wrote, I believe that the patriotic choice is to vote for Britain to remain inside the EU where we are stronger, safer and better off than we would be on our own. Near the ring binder were press cuttings about Anders Breivik, the Norwegian fascist who killed 77 members of the youth movement of the Norwegian Labour Party in 2011. Despite this, there was a decision by the prosecution not to make the Brexit referendum a factor in their case. The Guardian reported Wednesday, Prosecutors acknowledge privately that the febrile atmosphere in which the EU referendum campaign was waged appears certain to have contributed to Mairs decision to murder his MP, but this played no part in their case. There was no need to refer to the referendum in order to establish his guilt. Not to raise Mairs political motives in this way is extraordinary. But politically, to do so would cut across efforts by all sides to sanitise their own xenophobic stance. During the referendum, the Leave and Remain Campaigns competed over how best to clamp down on immigrationin or out of the EU. And following the Leave victory, Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May has committed her government to carrying out Brexit negotiations including a pledge to end the freedom of movement of EU citizens into Britaina pledge also held up by Labour Instead, the official narrative is that Cox must be held up as an example of a supposedly inclusive patriotism, whose maiden parliamentary speech declaring that we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us can be cited by anyone to excuse their own rotten politics. To this end, sentencing Mair, Justice Wilkie said to him, You affect to be a patriot... In the true meaning of the word she [Cox] was a patriot. The author also recommends: UK Labour MP Jo Cox murdered in midst of Brexit referendum campaign [17 June 2016] Trial of fascist accused of murdering UK Labour MP Jo Cox begins [19 November 2016] US President-elect Donald Trump has effectively sunk the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), the broad trade and investment agreement that formed the economic centrepiece of President Barack Obamas pivot to Asia against China. In his brief policy video on Monday, Trump confirmed his America First protectionism by declaring that on day one of his presidency he would issue a note of intent to withdraw from the deal. Trumps announcement was a slap in the face to US allies and TTP partners gathered at last weekends Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru who had been urging the president-elect to reconsider his stance. The decision can only heighten uncertainty in Asian capitals in the wake of the election of Trump who has not only called into question Obamas pivot but the basis of the post-World War II order in the Asia Pacific, in particular the US-Japan Security Treaty. During the US election campaign, Trump repeatedly criticised Japan, as well as China, as an unfair trading partner and, along with South Korea, suggested that it did not pay enough towards the cost of American military bases on its soil. He slammed the US alliance with Japan saying: If somebody attacks Japan we have to go and start World War III... If we get attacked Japan doesnt have to help us. Just hours before the release of Trumps policy video, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared that the TPP would be meaningless without the United States. He scotched suggestions by other TPP partners attending APEC to press ahead with the formation of the trade bloc without American participation. Without the US and Japan, the worlds largest and third-largest economies, the TTP will be reduced to a shadow of itself, if it survives at all. The TPP was never a free trade agreement. It was the means by which Washington sought to undermine Chinese economic influence and consolidate its own dominance in Asia and internationally. As Obama declared, the TPP was to ensure that the US, not China, wrote the rules for the 21st century global economy. It included the protection of US intellectual property, provisions for American corporations to sue governments if national regulations cut into their profits, and measures against state-owned enterprises. The TPP has always been integral to the Obama administrations diplomatic offensive and military preparations in the Asia Pacific for war with China. Obamas defence secretary Ashton Carter underscored its strategic significance by declaring that the TPP is as important to me as another aircraft carrier. The US military build-up in Asia has included the strengthening of alliances throughout the region, new basing arrangements in Australia, the Philippines and Singapore, and plans to station 60 percent of naval and air assets in the Asia Pacific by 2020. Far from pulling back, Trump is preparing a trade war against China that will greatly intensify tensions throughout Asia and heighten the danger of war. He has threatened to name China as a currency manipulator, enabling the imposition of penalty tariffs of up to 45 percent on Chinese exports to the US. An editorial in the hawkish Chinese state-owned Global Times has suggested in retaliation: A batch of Boeing orders will be replaced by Airbus, US auto and iPhone sales in China will suffer a setback, and US soybean and maize imports will be halted. Trumps punitive trade measures will not only impact on China, but on American allies such as Japan, South Korea and Australia, for whom China is the largest trading partner. According to Daiwa Securities, a 15 percent tariff on Chinese goods would result in a 1 percent fall in Chinese economic growth and significantly also lower growth rates in its trading partners. In the midst of the acute uncertainty following Trumps election, governments in Asia and around the world are being compelled to re-evaluate their economic and military strategies. Japanese Prime Minister Abe and other foreign leaders have already warned that if Trump kills off the TPP, they will be compelled to work with China to conclude its rival trade agreementa Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). As Abe pointedly noted prior to the APEC meeting, RCEP includes most Asian countries as well as Australia and New Zealand, but not the United States. By declaring that the TPP would be meaningless without the US, Abe effectively ruled out a trade bloc that Japan would lead de facto and thus pose another challenge to US hegemony in Asia. While Abe might not be prepared to confront Washington, others in the Japanese ruling elite are already suggesting that Tokyo has to consider a more aggressive defence of its own economic and strategic interests. Shigeru Ishiba, a powerful figure within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party who has twice challenged Abe for the leadership, declared on Monday that Japan would have to take a different approach after Trump assumes office. Japan cant just sit back and do what its told to do by the United States. We must make active proposals and swiftly reform our foreign policy where necessary, he said. While not suggesting an end to the US-Japan Security Treaty, Ishiba called for full-fledged preparedness and more assertiveness on Tokyos part. Trumps aggressive trade war measures will greatly exacerbate geo-political rivalries throughout the region that could bring the US into conflict not only with China but also traditional allies like Japan. In historic decline, Washington no longer has the economic muscle to lay down the law in Asia or anywhere else and is compelled to resort to military means. Trump has already indicated that he will double down on the US military build-up by expanding the army by 90,000 personnel and the navy by 40 to 350 warships. Trump adviser Rudy Giuliani boasted last week: At 350, China cant match us in the Pacific... If you face them with a military that is modern, gigantic, overwhelming and unbelievably good at conventional and asymmetric warfare, they may challenge it, but I doubt it. In reality, what a Trump administration is preparing to initiate is a trade war and arms race in Asia that risks an open military conflict. The roots of this accelerating drive to war lie not in the personality of Trump but in the deepening crisis of world capitalism that is driving global and regional powers to impose the burden on their rivals abroad and the working class at home. Vernon R. Hansmeier CRYSTAL LAKE Vernon R. Hansmeier, 79, of Crystal Lake, died Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, at Homestead Assisted Living in Mason City, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, at Crystal Lake United Methodist Church, Crystal Lake, with Pastor Les Green officiating. Burial will take place at Crystal Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at Ewing Funeral Chapel, Britt, and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Ewing Funeral Chapel, Britt. Turkeys Prime Minister and armed forces both accused the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad Thursday of conducting an airstrike on Turkish troops in the vicinity of al-Bab in the countrys north, resulting in three casualties. The incident threatens to escalate already sharp tensions between Ankara and Damascus into all-out war, posing the very real risk of direct clashes between the major powers. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim warned in comments to Hurriyet that the attack would not be left unanswered. Turkish warplanes at the Gaziantep air base were placed on emergency standby. A direct Turkish attack on Syrian government forces would quickly draw Russia, a key ally of the Assad regime, even more deeply into the conflict and Turkey, as a member of NATO, could call on the alliance for support under Article 5, which obliges alliance members to come to the defense of a NATO state under attack. Such a move would mean war between NATO and Russia. Turkish troops launched Operation Euphrates Shield in northern Syria in late August, in alliance with opposition militias organized in the Free Syrian Army (FSA) with the aim of preventing the establishment of a Kurdish enclave on the Turkish border by the Peoples Protection Units (YPG) fighters, which are aligned with the Kurdish Democratic Unity Party (PYD). The Syrian government condemned the intervention as a violation of its territorial sovereignty. Ankara alleged the attack occurred as its troops sought to push into al-Bab, an Islamic State-held town it is determined to capture before Kurdish forces. Gaining control of al-Bab would enable Turkey to have a major say in the offensive to retake the ISIS capital of Raqqa and represent an important step in blocking attempts by YPG fighters to link two Kurdish-held areas in northern Syria. The Syrian government also recently indicated that it might be preparing to launch an offensive on al-Bab, raising the prospect of a multi-front battle over the town. Reports said pro-government forces had been seen gathering to the south. Speaking to Voice of America, an anonymous Western diplomat stated that the alleged Syrian government attack runs the risk of causing a potentially catastrophic escalation of the war. While it is entirely possible that Syrian aircraft did launch the attack, there is strong evidence to suggest that Turkey is seeking to pin the blame on Damascus to legitimize its ongoing incursion. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition-aligned organization that can hardly be accused of having a brief for the Assad government, reported that the Turkish casualties were in fact caused by an ISIS suicide bombing on Wednesday. For its part, the Turkish government imposed a gag order on media reporting of the attack. The Syrian government has not commented on the incident and there has been no independent verification of Ankaras claims. The US response to the incident was also muted, indicating the ongoing tensions between Washington and Ankara over policy in Syria. Last week, the Pentagon announced it was withdrawing its Special Forces that had been embedded in the Euphrates Shield mission since its launch in August. A Pentagon spokesman told a Turkish newspaper on Monday that the Turkish and FSA offensive on al-Bab was not being conducted as part of the international coalitions efforts to retake Raqqa. The United States, which fomented the Syrian war in 2011 with the aim of toppling Assad, bears chief responsibility for the more than 300,000 deaths that have occurred since and the deepening rivalries in the region. While initially endorsing Turkeys Euphrates Shield mission, it continues to depend heavily on the YPG, which it has armed and supported with up to 500 US Special Forces. Indicating the major combat role assumed by these troops in the push against Raqqa, the first US casualty in the fighting was announced yesterday after a US Special Forces soldier was killed by an improvised explosive device planted by ISIS. The YPG, which together with a number of smaller militias is organized in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), announced earlier this month the launch of operations to retake Raqqa. But it has been engaged in intensified clashes over the past week with Turkish-backed FSA forces. Turkey has launched a series of airstrikes against YPG fighters trying to reach al-Bab from nearby Manbij. Turkish troops have also taken the lead in the attack on al-Bab, rather than relying on their FSA allies as in previous battles. Turkey views the YPG and PYD as an extension of the banned Kurdish separatist PKK, and has vowed to press on and retake Manbij from the SDF after capturing al-Bab from ISIS. A report on the Stratfor website, which has close ties to US intelligence, noted earlier this week that Washington was becoming concerned that Turkish clashes with the YPG could undermine the Raqqa effort altogether. It went on to raise the prospect of clashes breaking out between the Turkish-backed FSA and Syrian government troops, which are backed by Iranian forces and Russia, if Turkeys advance into Aleppo province proceeds. As the World Socialist Web Site previously noted, it is clear that the US is seeking to create new facts on the ground by escalating the conflict prior to the assumption of power by President-elect Donald Trump, who is yet to make his intentions clear in Syria but has indicated the possibility of improving ties with Russia. Earlier this week, it emerged that portable antiaircraft missiles, so-called manpads, had been supplied to the US-backed Ansar al-Islam Front, an extremist Islamist militia with ties to Syrias al-Qaida affiliate. These developments underscore the reckless character of US imperialisms drive to establish its unchallenged domination over the energy-rich Middle East. Over the course of more than two decades of virtually uninterrupted war, it has brought the region to a point where any number of flashpoints in the Syrian civil war, not to mention in Iraq where sectarian conflicts over control of Mosul are deepening, could trigger a wider war with catastrophic consequences for the population of the region and beyond. On Wednesday, State Department spokesman Mark Toner urged Washingtons European allies to block Russian oil tankers from using their ports on their way to Syria to supply fuel for Russian airstrikes. The same day, the European Union unveiled a plan to investigate Russia for an alleged breach of EU sanctions against Syria because of its use of a Cypriot port in October while transporting jet fuel to the Assad regime. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov retaliated angrily Thursday, accusing the US of inciting other states to block Russian counterterrorist operations in Syria. Konashenkov stated that the US had been hindering Russian operations for months through dragging out any talks, failures to meet obligations to separate the opposition from terrorists and constant promises to some day provide information on the militants. Now the State Department has openly called on other countries to obstruct our Air Force in fighting international terrorism in Syria. In intervening militarily to support the Assad regime, its only Arab ally in the Middle East, Russia is only increasing the likelihood of a catastrophic military clash between the major powers. Moscow has continued its support for the offensive by the Syrian army against civilian areas of eastern Aleppo to dislodge Jihadi rebels, dominated by the al-Qaida-affiliated al-Nusra Front. Since recommencing direct attacks on the city on November 15, Syrian and Russian airstrikes, including missile attacks launched from Russian aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean, have killed over 140 civilians. Dozens have also been killed and wounded in government-held areas by indiscriminate shelling by the Islamists. The incoming Trump administration has singled out civilian federal employees for attacks on jobs, employment security and pensions. According to the Washington Post, President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress are drawing up plans to take on the government bureaucracy they have long railed against, by eroding job protections and grinding down benefits that federal workers have received for a generation. The federal civil service, which consists of over 2.75 million workers, excluding members of the armed forces, the judiciary and elected officials, has come under relentless attack from the political right for decades. Right-wing propaganda depicts federal workers as overpaid and privileged drones in an attempt to divide the working class and divert anger over declining living standards and growing inequality against a section of the working class itself. The aim is to dismantle whatever remains of job protections and benefits that are based on civil service laws and contracts with federal employee unions. This is despite the best efforts of the unions over many years to help impose job cuts and wage and benefit concessions. In 2012, House Republicans proposed a 10 percent federal workforce reduction as part of their fiscal budget for that year. According to the Post, the incoming administration will implement [h]iring freezes, an end to automatic raises, a green light to fire poor performers, a ban on union business on the governments dime and less generous pensions. In addition, the Trump White House will seek guidance from the Republican governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker, who in 2011 provoked mass protests at the state capital by shredding public employee rights and imposing sweeping concessions on public workers. The new administration will also follow the example of Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who, as governor of Indiana, tied state worker pay to performance ratings. According to Jason Chaffetz, Republican congressman from Utah and chairman of the House Committee on Government Oversight and Reform, the plan to slash federal employee pensions will be modeled on his home state, which recently replaced defined benefit pensions with market-based defined contribution plans such as 401(k)s. The switch from traditional pensions will initially affect newly hired workers, according to press reports. The assault on federal workers is based on the ten-point Contract with the American Voter released by Donald Trump in late October. The statement declared that within its first 100 days in office, the Trump administration would enact a hiring freeze on all federal employees to reduce the federal workforce through attrition (exempting military, public safety, and public health). The Post quotes former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a member of Trumps transition team, as saying that Stephen Bannon, Trumps chief White House strategist, will lead the attack on federal workers. Until signing on as the head of Trumps presidential campaign last August, Bannon headed the Breitbart News web site, a platform for the fascistic alt-right that regularly rails against the so-called privileged class of government workers in Washington. Contrary to the myth of a ballooning big government promoted by the right wing, the US civil service has undergone numerous cutbacks in its workforce under both Republican and Democratic presidents. As a result, the number of federal employees today is consistent with the number employed in the 1960s, despite a near-doubling of the US population since then. A likely precedent for Trumps plan to slash workers pay and job protections is the 2014 Veterans Choice Act, signed into law by President Obama. Passed during the scandal at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that year, the law facilitates the firing of VA workers while giving employees less than a week to appeal their dismissal. Prior to the Veterans Choice Act, workers had the option of appealing their dismissal to the Merit Systems Protection Board, established as part of the civil service system to prevent politically motivated firings. Under a Trump administration, such firings are likely to become the rule. During the presidential campaign, Trump regularly declared that if elected he would shut down government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Education. At the same time, Trump is pledging a massive increase in military spending and packing his administration-in-waiting with military figures. The planned assault on federal workers exposes the cynicism behind repeated statements by Democratic Party leadersfrom Obama and incoming Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer to Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warrensuggesting that Trump may enact measures to improve the lot of workers and pledging their readiness to collaborate with him. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal employee union, has remained silent on Trumps agenda. On November 9, the day after the election, AFGE President J. David Cox Sr. released a brief press statement declaring, We will work with the Trump administration on areas of common ground, as we have with every administration for generations. MASON CITY A Sheffield man has been charged with felony eluding and several misdemeanors following a high-speed chase near Mason City early Thursday. Jared Joseph Hill, 27, also faces misdemeanor charges of speeding, failure to obey a traffic control device, interference with official acts and possession of drug paraphernalia. Mason City Police Sgt. Greg Scott said law enforcement began receiving complaints at 5:22 a.m. Thursday about a suspicious vehicle driving through peoples yards. At 5:48 a.m. a police officer spotted a vehicle matching the description at Thrush Avenue and the Avenue of the Saints, according to Scott. When the officer attempted to stop Hill, he took off at a high rate of speed and headed west on the Avenue, Scott said. The vehicle allegedly reached speeds of 100 mph during the pursuit. Hill took the off ramp at Highway 65, crossed the highway and went back onto the Avenue, according to Scott. He abandoned the vehicle at the bottom of the off ramp and took off on foot, Scott said. Officers found him in a bean field a short distance away. Hill was taken to Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa to be checked out before being booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail. Hill remained in the Cerro Gordo County Jail Friday afternoon on $5,000 cash-only bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 2. ATLANTA (AP) - Prospective college students in the country illegally are now eligible for consideration at two Georgia state universities that have prohibited their admission in recent years. The Board of Regents that governs the University System of Georgia adopted a policy in 2010 prohibiting any of its schools that has rejected academically qualified applicants in the previous two years from accepting people in the country illegally. That has barred them from the state's five most competitive schools. The university system said it recently conducted a review of its admission requirements relating to its policy on admission of people in the country illegally because of a lawsuit challenging that policy. That's when it determined Georgia State University and Augusta University should no longer be prohibited from admitting people in the country illegally. (Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) CLEAR LAKE | A teenage driver was cited in a crash that injured at least two people Wednesday in Clear Lake. Jared Penning, 16, Clear Lake, was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device, according to Clear Lake Police Lt. Debra Ryg. No further details were available about the crash, which Ryg said remains under investigation. 2 trapped in car in Clear Lake crash CLEAR LAKE Two people were trapped in a car after a crash in Clear Lake on Wednesday. The Penning was driving a Chevy Silverado pickup involved in a collision with a Ford Escape at the intersection of North 20th Street and Highway 18 around 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, according to a reporter who was at the scene. Firefighters had to cut away the Ford Escape's doors to free driver Denise Davis, 57, and passenger Hannah Davis, 19, both of Clear Lake, who were transported to the hospital via ambulance. Their condition reports weren't immediately available Friday afternoon. The Escape had severe damage to the passenger's side, driver's side and rear. It was stopped against the base of a traffic light. It is unknown if Penning was injured. His pickup sustained front-end damage. Courtney Fiorini and Ashley Miller If you are sending a Letter To the Editor, please be sure to follow these rules: Letters have a firm 200-word limit and will be edited for grammar, clarity and accuracy. The person who signs the letter must be the author. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Letters must address the editor, not a third party. We will not print form letters, libelous letters, business promotions or personal disputes, poetry, open letters, letters espousing religious views without reference to a current issue, or letters considered in poor taste. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer. The Yakima Herald-Republic cannot verify the accuracy of all statements made in letters. Writers are limited to one published letter per calendar month. At first glance, it seems that what differentiates Sunni majority countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Israel and Americas Protestant right-wing is much more than what bonds them. But the challenges imposed by the regional and international changes show more than ever up to what extent a sort of "Coalition of the Willing Ideologists" could contribute to adjust the situation in the MENA, in specific, and the world, in general. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter In fact, for Gulf states (apart from Oman), Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Israel and the American Protestant right-wing, there are certainly common points of convergence on various issues. Firstly, it is the threat of the Iranian expansion. Iranians and their allies in Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon and Syria do not hide their enmity to Israel and their desire to destroy it. They hold a similar level of grudge towards Sunni Arabs and Turks, and somewhat Sunni Kurds, especially those in Iraq. US President-elect Donald Trump. It is crucial that the conservative American right-wing acts swiftly to restore US leverage in the region after Obama left it for the Russians, Iranians and the minorities allied with them (Photo: AP) Tehran acts as if it is the master of the region. Iraq, for example, had a chance to transform into an American sanctuary, but instead Iran exploited the chaos there and managed to pull it into its orbit. What was previously referred to as the guardian of the Eastern gate has become the Achilles' heel to the Arab states of the Gulf due to Irans dominance, as the Baghdad-backed People's Mobilization Forces are eventually turning into an Iraqi version of the Revolutionary Guard that want to wipe Israel off the map. And even though the current Iraqi government, which shares the same religious background with Hezbollah, does not enjoy warm relations with the Palestinians, this does not mean it would not use them as a tool against Israel if asked to do so by Tehran in future. The Russians too have warmed up to Baghdad and offered, more than once, to increase their military and intelligence support under the excuse of combating terrorism that would end up displacing Sunnis from their hometowns. In Yemen, Iran seeks to achieve two goals from spreading turmoil through its support of the armed Houthi movement: Making the country a crossing point to the Horn of Africa, on one side, and causing trouble along the southern and eastern borders of Saudi Arabia, where Shiites and Ismailis live, on the other. Iran's allies in Yemen, the Houthis, raise the slogan "Death to Jews and America, in conformity with Iraqi militias' rhetoric. In its turn, Moscow has blocked a UN resolution condemning the Houthis policies and did not hesitate in backing the Iranian intervention while opposing the Saudi-led operations there. As for Syria, Tehran is trying to establish a Syrian version of Hezbollah right next to Golan and became the decision-maker in Damascus, previously called the capital of the Sunni Umayyad Caliphate, while Shiite militia are spread along Israel's borders in the south and Turkey's in the north. With Russia's support, Iranians are trying to go ahead with what their Shiite faith describes as a "Judgment Day" scenario by accelerating the destruction of Aleppo near Turkish borders where they believe an apocalyptic sacred battle will break out between the armies of Mahdi (forces of good) and the False Messiah (forces of evil). In 2012, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that some countries in the region (hitting on the Gulf Arab states and Turkey) want to establish Sunni rule in Syria. It is no secret that the Kremlin, and the Assad family, represent themselves as "protectors of minorities" in the Middle East, especially Eastern Christianity. Russias involvement in Syria is more barefaced; it has established a naval base and intervened militarily with a daily cost of $3 million, not mentioning the four vetoes in favor of the Syrian regime. To emphasize more on the importance of the "holy war" in Syria, Russian media frequently run photos of priests blessing weaponry, including war planes, while Orthodox chaplains are embedded in most military units, at a time when the churchs dominance in Russian politics is increasingly growing. The formation of a front, or at least mutual cooperation, between Israel, Turkey and Arab states, which includes backing armed Arab and Kurdish groups while taking into consideration the fears of Ankara and Kurdish ambitions, will definitely strike a blow to the Iranian-Russian project which draws its support from the collusion of America's left. This would reflect clearly on politics in Lebanon, where it has become evident that Hezbollah's dominance, powered by 100,000 missiles that can reach central Israel, has crystallized. The terrorist militia has developed into a state above the state and not just a state within a state. For Sunnis, feelings of marginalization and humiliation prevail due to Hezbollah's influence as the sole weapon-bearer amid an absence of necessary Arab support that is nowhere near that which the Iranians are providing to Lebanon's Shiites. Tehran has succeeded in placing Lebanon in its grip through Iraq and Syria both ruled by pro-Iran regimes. The Russians were also always reluctant to denounce Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and constantly sent envoys to meet the movements leaders, considering it part of the legitimate political spectrum, unlike Arab states and Turkey which have a long history of feud with it. Israel cannot trust a regime ideologically built on hiding intentions (the Shiite Taqiya). Iranians are seeking to build a regional super power which strongly believes in an "end of the world" ideology that can be achieved through destroying foes. This power will definitely be a rival to Israel, if not an imminent threat, even if the "end of the world" scenario is to be eliminated. Tehran's goal is to expand in the MENA region and to get a hold onto the straits of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb, through which more than quarter of world's oil trade passes, in addition to the Red Sea where Suez Canal exists and through which around 10% of world trade passes. Meanwhile, its ally Moscow will continue to control the Mediterranean Sea from western Syria, stronghold of the Alawites who are a branch of Shia and the Assad family's sect. Undoubtedly, Amman does not look with ease at Iran's activities in the region. Rabat, in its turn, severed relations with Iran in 2009 accusing it of interfering in its internal affairs despite the fact that the country is long-distance from the potential Iranian sphere of influence. For Cairo, relations cannot be normalized and bare a record of suspicion. Those three countries (Egypt, Jordan and Morocco) enjoy at the same time good relations with Israel that include trade deals, political coordination or diplomatic recognition. They are also the MENA regions closest to Gulf countries, while their relations with Ankara is not bad, except for an unsubstantial and changeable Turkish-Egyptian tension. Peace with Palestinians will be more realistic Ties between Turkey and some Gulf Arab members have significantly improved, and the recent resignation of the Saudi secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Iyad Madani, after angering the Egyptian government proves that relations between Cairo and Riyadh are untouchable. Moreover, the $10 billion gas deal signed between Israel's Leviathan and Jordan's NEPCO can be also seen as a vital step in the context of the alliance-to-be. Another motive that could prompt such a coalition is the fight against Sunni terrorism and radicalism. Not only does this factor represent a danger to Israel, the United States, Turkey and Sunni Arab states, but it also poses a challenge to their societies, particularly the Sunni ones. It seizes these societies as hostage and contributes to the breakup of their structure and prevents them from liberating their way of thought to proceed with development and interact with the rest of the world. Furthermore, its contest with Shiite terrorism to accelerate the "Judgment Day" scenario generates more instability factors and direct threats to the security of the region. Sunni terrorism which brands societies as infidel still finds some sympathizers among them. And thus, the delay in seriously combating it will lead to the recruitment of more militants. It has spread in many areas, including in the West Bank and Gaza strip, posing as an obstacle to peace and encouraging extremism and rejection of others. In a simple calculation, the outcomes of the current futile approach by the "coalition of skeptics" established by Barack Obamas administration and Russia in fighting this terrorism while ignoring its Shiite counterpart are evidently feeble if compared with the potentialities of a given alliance between a resolute right-wing administration at the White House led by Donald Trump with Israel, Turkey and Arab states. The third meeting point is one which Americas right-wing should administer. For eight years, Obama's policies resulted in a retreat of the United States world prestige. There is a general feeling among Washington's allies in the Middle East that it had abandoned them at a crucial time and that they were left to face their fate alone after it opened the doors for Iran. Israel is no longer the favorite ally it used to be. Differences between leaders of both countries have become roofless. The new defense aid agreement was disappointing in some of its provisions in terms of commitment to Israel's security. For Washington, the MENA region should always remain at the center of its focus, not just for the sake of energy sources and Israel's security, but because it has moral obligations and political duties it must fulfill as a superpower. Obama has adhered to a barefaced leftist ideology that tends to be allied with a "disciplined and centrally-directed Shiite terrorism, according to his advisors and to what he personally hinted months ago. Turkey, Israel and Arab states did not hide their discontent from Obama's lenient policy towards Tehran, which has gone as far as transforming the National Iranian American Council into a sort of Iranian lobby in Washington, noting that NIAC endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Even Saudi Arabia started to feel targeted by the American left and that Quincy Pact is now part of the past. But today, this pact can be replaced with another one between countries of the region, especially that its, economic and military potentialities and spiritual stature can contribute a lot to achieving peace and prosperity and defend these countries' vital interests, only after trimming Russia and Iran's nails and those of their allies, with the support of a serious American administration determined to restore a bit of stability in MENA. The American mainstream left, which has big influence over the media, seems to be okay with the Obama Doctrine which leaves the region for the Iranians and does not believe in America's values. Four Arab countries have fallen into Tehran's hands (Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen). This will change if the "Coalition of the Willing Ideologists" is declared, noting that four Gulf states sit on 40% of the world's sovereign wealth. The growing Russian influence in MENA is a threat to US national interests. Some Gulf states, Israel, Egypt, Turkey and even Lebanese politicians had to head towards Moscow asking for help and solutions after feeling disappointed by the outgoing Obama's administration. Thus, it is crucial that the conservative American right-wing acts swiftly to restore US leverage in the region after Obama left it for the Russians, Iranians and the minorities allied with them, which resulted in the current turmoil. And if the US mainstream right-wing wants to get America back on track, it can rely on Israel, Turkey and Arab states to form a "Jewish- Protestant- Sunni alliance" in the face of the "Shiite- Orthodox- US leftist alliance. Those countries have many strategic well-rooted common points whether political, economic, historical, security-wise, or even ideological. This alliance should not necessarily be a catholic marriage, nor a marriage of interests with no feelings. Logically, it bears different points of view and contradictions mingled with decades of distrust; but they are surmountable. Thanks to such a coalition, peace with Palestinians will be more realistic, because the alliance's umbrella will eventually convince them to start negotiations, and lead the Arab states and Turkey to bridle those who reject peace like Hamas. Therefore, the ball is in the Palestinians' court to look at the bigger picture and comprehend the enormous changes in the region, in order to move from the narrow "national concept" into the broader ideological one: Being part of the Sunni population. Reaching a compromise on Jerusalem will allow Riyadh to broaden its Islamic influence at a time when Iran is seeking to control energy sources and sacred sites in Mecca and Medina and place them under a Shiite protection. Iran has gone as far as openly inciting Shiite communities in Gulf countries to revolt against their rulers, which means that Tehran poses an existential threat to states of the region. With time, it will become a threat to the whole world. And its nuclear ambitions mean that it did not fold the page of wiping Israel off the map. Late Israeli president Shimon Peres can rest in peace when the New Middle East project is revived. And as peace hopes during the mid-1990s were the motive for this quest; the interests, security and future of MENA countries require them today, with the support of America's right, to overcome their differences and adjust to the new developments to confront the risks brought by Sunni and Shiite terrorism and the regressive left in US. Safed's rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu has issued a halacha ruling that permits shooting Arabs who are trying to start a fire. In an answer to a question on his Facebook page, the rabbi explained that now that the prime minister has defined the fires as an act of terrorism, they must be stopped even by shooting and, if necessary, by desecrating the Shabbat. "If anyone had shot the arsonists in Beit Meir or in Haifa, we would've been spared this disaster. It's a miracle that people weren't burned alive, but we must not rely solely on miracles." Firefighting crews were battling a large brush fire in the Jerusalem Mountains overnight and early Friday morning, while police arrested over a dozen arson suspects and one suspected of incitement to arson. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Twenty-five firefighting crews, including 60 firefighters, were trying to gain control of the fire in and around the moshav Beit Meir. All residents have been evacuated while ten houses were burned down and others damaged in the fire. During the night, several of the residents got trapped inside the moshav when the fire spread to the only road leading out, but firefighting forces were able to push the fire back and allow the residents to flee. Photo: Israel Firefighting and Rescue Commission Battling the blaze in Beit Meir (Photo: Jerusalem Fire & Rescue) In addition to the residents, 400 people staying at moshav Beit Meir's guest houses were also evacuated. Some of the guests were residents of neighborhoods in Haifa that were evacuated on Thursday because of the fire that broke out there. Early Friday afternoon, all Haifa residents were okayed to return to their homes, though there were advised that thirteen buildings were too dangerous to enter, and authorities stressed the importance of following all instructions given by officials present in the city. Firefighters in Beit Meir (: ) X The Environmental Protection Ministry issued a health warning about the fire in Beit Meir on Friday morning after registering high levels of asbestos particles in at least six locations. Ministry teams also measured high levels of air pollution in the area. Not far from there, firefighting crews were able to put out a fire in Sha'ar HaGai, which is 23 kilometers from Jerusalem on Highway 1 that connects the capital to Tel Aviv. Palestinian firefighting crews aided their Israeli counterparts in gaining control over the fire. Residents from the Mateh Yehuda Regional Council were evacuated to nearby communities as the flames threatened their homes. Police received reports that several suspects were seen fleeing the scene of the fire in the Jerusalem Mountains soon after it broke out. After a manhunt in the area, one suspect was arrested. Later, a second suspect was arrested. Friday afternoon, additional fires broke out in the north in the small moshav of Ya'ad, which was evacuated, and 300 meters north of the West Bank settlement of Yitzhar. Residents were returned to Ya'ad shortly thereafter. The fire in Yitzhar is under the complete control of firefighters, who are operating there with two planes and 3 firetrucks. As the trucks cannot reach the fires, the planes are handling the blaze while the firefighters on the ground are laying out a safety perimeter. A fire also broke out on Thursday night between the Druze town of Sajur and the Arab down of Nahf in the Galilee, near Karmiel. Fire that raged in Nahf near Karmiel (Photo: Tomer Badash) The fires spread up the mountainside and the flames reached the houses of the Jewish community of Har Halutz. The residents were evacuated from the community, while six of the houses' yards were damaged by the fire. 16 firefighting crews battled the blaze, extinguishing it around 3am. Fire between Nahf and Sajur (: ) X Residents of Harashim in the Galilee were evacuated on Friday morning after a fire broke out in the southern part of the community. Fifteen firefighting crews were battling the blaze with the aid of firefighting aircraft. In Haifa, meanwhile, officials in the Fire & Rescue Authority said Friday it could take up to 10 more days to finish extinguishing all of the fires, after blazes broke out in hundreds of spots across the city. Several of the fires extinguished in Haifa reignited because of the strong winds, and firefighters continue battling them both on the ground and from the air. Israeli firefighting forces have been aided by their Palestinian counterparts in the battle against the blazes in the city. Egypt and Jordan offered to aid Israel in fighting the fires. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted both their offers. Egypt is sending two firefighting helicopters, and Jordan is sending firetrucks. Firefighters battling the flames in Haifa on Thursday (Photo: Reuters) Dozens of houses and public buildings were burned down and damaged in Haifa in the worst day of fire a city in Israel has ever known on Thursday. Greek firefighting aircraft help put out flames in Haifa X Some 75,000 people were evacuated from their homes and have yet to be allowed to return. Those who were initially taken to centers set up by the municipality were moved to hotels, hostels and retirement homes for the night. Firefighters in Haifa overnight (Photo: Avi Hai) On Thursday, some 150 people in the Haifa area sought medical treatment after suffering from smoke inhalation. Dozens of them are still being treated at area hospitals. In addition, one firefighter battling the blazes in the Jerusalem Mountains area was lightly injured and also taken for treatment. Fire damage in Haifa area (: ) X Train movement from Kiryat Gat was stopped overnight because of a fire that broke out in two areas on Highway 6 near the train tracks. Parts of the highway were closed as firefighters were able to gain control of one fire and extinguish the other. The fire damaged some of the train's communication systems. Meanwhile, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) offered its assistance to new immigrants and elderly people in need of help because of the fires via the Fellowship hotline at *9779. New immigrants in the Haifa area will receive a text message with details of aid near them. Additionally, the Fellowship will provide vouchers to distribute to the elderly who evacuated their homes. Volunteers who would like to host in their house, can help transferring those in need or any other financial support can contact the Fellowship hotline as well. SEOUL - North Korea says it has discussed the issue of American and Canadian detainees with the Swedish ambassador in the country. The North is currently holding at least two Americans and one Canadian for alleged espionage, subversion and other anti-state activities. Both the US and Canada have no diplomatic offices in North Korea. Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency says a Foreign Ministry official met with the Swedish ambassador on Thursday for talks on consular access for the Canadian detainee sentenced last year to life in prison with hard labor. The KCNA says the Swedish ambassador also raised the issue of consular affairs for the American detainees. The Pyongyang official reiterated the North will handle the issues of detained Americans line with a wartime law. PARIS French police searched Friday for a masked gunman suspected of stabbing an elderly woman to death in a retirement home for Catholic missionaries in southern France, authorities said. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter An unusually large police operation was launched to search for the suspected attacker, believed to be armed with a shotgun and a knife. The identity of the assailant and motive for the killing were unclear. The press service for the gendarmes, or military police, couldn't say whether the incident was linked to a terrorist act. Security at religious and other sites has been increased after a string of Islamic extremist attacks on France. Rescue members stand guard along a security area near the retirement home. (Photo: EPA) Prosecutor Christophe Barret told reporters that a woman who works at the retirement home called police Thursday night to say she had been attacked. When the officers arrived, they found the body of another woman, gagged and tied up outside the building with three stab wounds, the gendarme spokesman said. The worker who alerted police did not suffer serious injuries but was deeply rattled, and no one else at the residence was harmed, the prosecutor said in televised remarks carried on the website of Midi Libre newspaper. Montpellier prosecutor Christophe Barret (C) speaks during a press conference near the retirement home (Photo: EPA) Security forces searched the complex but did not find the assailant. The spokesman said the about 60 residents of the facility are out of danger, and the search is continuing in a larger perimeter with help from a helicopter and police dogs. The residence, called "Green Oaks," is operated by the African Missions Society, and takes in retired priests, nuns and others who have worked on missions in Africa. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, spokesman for the French Catholic bishops' conference, tweeted condolences for the woman killed and added, "our prayers reach out also to the missionaries attacked in their retirement home in the Herault (region). God give them all peace." France has been under a state of emergency for a year since ISIS attacks on Paris killed 130 people. Another ISIS attack in July targeted a Catholic church in Normandy, where two attackers slit a priest's throat and held elderly parishioners hostage. Israel Police detectives in the Negev arrested a 24-year-old man from Rahat in the south of the country for inciting to arson on Facebook, along with more than a dozen others who were arrested across Israel on suspicion of arson in the current wave of fires raging across Israel. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The Rahat man is the son of a senior member of the Islamic Movement in Israel. He called on Facebook for youths to ignite forests, posting, "There are some thickets that haven't caught on fire yet," and that one "needs to call on the disruptive ones of our young people who will do what needs to be done." Fires overnight Thursday (Photo: Na'ama Hirsch) The arrest was made possible due to coordination with the state prosecutor's office, which authorized the detention of inciters on social media. The 24 year old is to be brought to the Be'er Sheva Magistrates' Court on Friday to extend his remand. Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan (Likud), who called for taking action against inciters, said on Friday morning, "We're under the terrorism of the arsonists." Overnight blaze Thursday (: ) X The mother of the arrested Rahat man said, "Last night, police forces came to our home and arrested my son because of a post that he wrote on Facebook. My son has no connection to the fires that are taking place across the country. He's also at work and has good relations with everybody and doesnt think bad things. I hope that he'll be released and be returned to his family's fold." Fire in Beit Meir (Photo: Jerusalem Fire and Rescue Services) The police have arrested more than a dozen suspects for incitement across the country. Amongst those was one in the West Bank, three in Sajur in the Galilee and one in Atlit, south of Haifa, who had a charcoal lighter. Israel Police Deputy Commissioner Zohar Dvir updated Ynet, "The investigation is ongoing. Evidence is being gathered from across the countryI believe that in the end, it will be translated into a number of indictments. In some places, early preparations were identified and arson was prevented on the scene." Beit Meir Friday morning (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg) Interior Minister Aryeh Deri spoke with Ynet of the possibility of revoking the residency or citizenship status of those who committed arsons for nationalistic reasons. "I'm in the middle of a process with everybody who was caught here. An ISIS activist, for example, who committed a terrorist attackin my view, even if he didn't succeed and didnt murder, but he had the intention to murder, I'm going for revoking citizenship because I think that there's no place for somebody like that who acts for nationalist reasons to kill innocent civilians." The minister added, "Whoever was standing yesterday at (Haifa's) Filman Hospital and saw how they were taking out helpless people on respiratorsand somebody started a fire there, he can't be a citizen of this country." Eli Senyor, Roi Yanovsky, Ahiya Raved and Yoav Zitun contributed to this story. Safed Chief Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, posted a ruling on Jewish law on Friday morning that permits shooting Arabs who are trying to cause fires, even if this were to violate Shabbat. Another leading rabbi explained Thursday that the country's fires were divine punishment for delays in the "Regulation Bill." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Eliyahu answered a question that had been posed to him asking if Shabbat could be desecrated to stop, report or shoot Arabs trying to light fires near the questioner's home. The reply read in part, "The prime minister described the arson as terrorism . One of the heads of the Shin Bet called it a weapon of mass description. It's a miracle that people weren't burned alive, but we don't rely on miracles. It's certainly permitted and required to violate Shabbat to stop the fire and the arsonists. And if necessary, also to shoot them." Eliyahu continued, "If in Beit Me'ir, Carmiel or Haifa they had shot the arsonists, we would have been spared from this disaster. I hope that the chief of staff and the police commissioner will give clear instructions to soldiers and police officers and citizens drawn from the fact that the fires have not finishes, and it is their responsibility." Shmuel Eliyahu (Photo: Emmanuel Mimon) Thursday night, Samaria Regional Council Rabbi Elyakim Levanon did not seem to believe that shooting arsonists could quench the flames. He posited that the dry weather and the fires that have broken out across the country as a partial result are divine punishment for the intended evacuation of West Bank settlements, such as Amona. In his own publication, Levanon, another leading figure in Religious Zionism and on the right, wrote, "Anybody with eyes and brain in his head can see how the country thirsts for water. We're at the end of the month of November according to the Gregorian calendar, and there's still no sign of rain strong winds everything is dry, flammable, burning!" He explained, "The hand of God is doing this" because "the Israeli government is delaying the passage of the Regulation Bill." Levanon explained how the curse of conflagrations could be averted: "Until the shame of the threat of destroying the settlements in the Land of Israel, in Amona, in Ofra and in many other places is not removed, there will be a drought! The day that the decision is taken that can't be gotten around with legal wranglingthat very day the rains of blessing will begin to fall." PARIS - Paris prosecutor Francois Molins says that five men arrested recently in two French cities were planning a terror attack in France as early as next week, and that they were receiving their orders from an Islamic State group member based in Iraq or Syria. Molins spoke to reporters Friday, the day after anti-terrorism authorities took the unusual step of holding the men in custody without charge beyond the normal maximum period, relying on a recent anti-terrorism measure. The five were arrested on Sunday in Strasbourg and Marseille. Eight firefighting brigades form the Palestinian Authority came to Israel overnight Thursday to help the local firefighters battle the blazes in Haifa and Sha'ar Hagai, the first time that Palestinian firefighters have crossed into Israel to offer professional assistance since the Carmel fires in 2010 Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter About 20 Palestinian firefighters came after the PA offered their help, the very first extra-Israeli source to do so. Suhail Abed, a firefighter from Qalqilya who serves in the Jenin area, said, "From our point of view, above all saving lives is what leads us, and so we decided to come. Our motivation is very high, and we're happy to give help and human assistance." He said that firefighting cooperation was also taking place in the West Bank, but there, the fires were more under control. Palestinian firefighters outside of Jerusalem X Egypt and Jordan also offered to aid Israel in fighting the fires raging in the country on Friday morning. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted both their offers. Egypt is sending two firefighting helicopters, and Jordan is sending fire trucks. IDF officer and Palestinian firefighter working together (Photo: Yoav Zitun) (Photo: Omri Efraim) Samir added, "They always ask to receive the first assignments. We're used to collaborating like this; normally we're helping them. Just a few days, there was a big fire in warehouses in the Barta'a area, and Israeli teams went in to help the Palestinian teams in the area." (Photo: Yoav Zitun) MK Ayman Odeh (Joint List), a citizen of Haifa whose home was not damaged by the fires lauded the overall cooperation of Jews and Arabs in fighting the flames. He told Ynet Friday morning, "I don't remember times when there was such rallying across (Israeli) society, both among Arabs and among Jews. It's something that warms the heart. I see that there is a shared concern. I see how the Arab neighborhoods opened their homes to Jews. I also saw Jewish, Arab and Palestinian-Authority firefighters." Ayman Odeh speaking with Ynet (Photo: Mohammed Shinuwai) Responding to assertions that some of the fires were caused by arsonists acting out of nationalistic motives, Odeh commented, "There are also fires in Umm al-Fahm and also in Abu Sinan. If it turns out that some despicable, pathetic person, Arab or Jew, did this, he must be punished harshly and strongly condemned. The main thing now is to find the unity to rally together to put out the fires." Odeh added, "I'm sorry that the politicians and one prime inciter are talking about a wave of terrorism. Six years ago, too, they blamed the ultimate accused, the Arabs, and afterwards everybody understood that there was no arson. It's only in dark periods that the minority is accused without investigating. Nearly all the residents of Haifa have been permitted to return to their homes after the cessation of firefighting activities in the city, but in the rest of the country, conflagrations continue, with police investigating possible Molotov-cocktail throwing being the cause of one. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Thirty firefighting teams and 20 firefighting planes have been sent to the area nearby the Ma'ale HaHamisha kibbutz in the Jerusalem Mountains, where a large fire is progressing towards the town of Nataf. Photo: Israel Firefighting and Rescue Commission Amongst the planes assisting in the area are two sent from Greece that can dump 6,000 liters of water or flame suppressant. The Israel Police are investigating suspicions and claims that this fire was caused after a Molotov cocktail was thrown in the area of the Palestinian village of Qatana. Nataf residents are being evacuated, as were the guests at a wedding that was being held at the Rama's Kitchen restaurant in the city. Smoke in the Jerusalem mountains In the West Bank, the fires also continue. The authorities managed to gain control of the brushfire in Yitzhar, thanks to the four teams and two planes sent to the area. In Geva'ot, two small fires were extinguished alongside another fire in an olive grove in Reihan. Five fire crews are still working to put out a blaze in Talmon. Photo: Elad Gershgoren Photo: Barel Efraim In Haifa, house-to-house operations are still continuing to make sure there are no additional fires. Forces from the Navy entered burnt areas near the Carmel Hospital with back sprayers to extinguish so-called "hot spots." Photo: Ohad Zweigenberg As of now, Haifa city engineers have identified 44 structures in danger, 30 of which were classified as having serious problems. Residents of the structures were not permitted to return to their homes and the city is preparing to repair them. Mayor of Haifa, Yona Yahav, estimated that a total of 700 homes were damaged in the city. Large parts of the city still remain without power and the presence of security and rescue forces in the city have been increased. Donald Trump's presidential victory has dimmed hopes for reviving the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and analysts say Israel may be given carte blanche from his administration. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter American presidents have long struck a delicate balance in the conflict, stressing the close US friendship with Israel and lavishing the Jewish state with aid. But recent presidents also have tried to negotiate, and they have called out Israel for actions seen as undermining peace efforts, such as expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank. President-elect Donald Trump (Photo: AP) Trump's role can't be easily predicted. A foreign policy novice, the billionaire businessman takes pride in his deal-making skills and says he'd love the challenge of negotiating a Mideast agreement. He told The New York Times on Tuesday that it "would be such a great achievement." He said his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, an observant Jew and a close adviser, may help make that happen. Last December, Trump told The Associated Press that he wanted to be "very neutral" and try to get both sides together. But his tone became decidedly more pro-Israel as the campaign progressed. He has spoken disparagingly of Palestinians, saying they have been "taken over" by or are condoning militant groups. Some of his top aides challenge the legitimacy of Palestinian demands for a state and have claimed that the Palestinians are a made-up people. That has cast doubt on whether he would ever question Israeli actions or even try to serve as a neutral broker. "Trump's administration may take a totally hands-off approach," said Yousef Munayyer, a political analyst and executive director of the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights. "Israel would have free rein to dominate the Palestinians forever and ever if there is no external involvement." Settlement of Beit Aryeh (Photo: Meir Partush) David Makovsky of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy said the volatility of the Middle East and of American political parties after a grueling campaign have made "the conclusion of a two-state solution very unlikely." Some senior Israeli officials share that view. Cabinet Minister Naftali Bennett, head of the pro-settler Bayit Yehudi party, said after Trump's Nov. 8 election that "the era of a Palestinian state is over." Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman suggested Israel could cut a deal with Trump that allowed expanded construction in major settlements while freezing building in isolated parts of the West Bank. That would be a sharp break from Obama administration policy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been more cautious, congratulating Trump but giving no indication on whether he will now change his policies. Netanyahu and Trump in New York (Photo: Kobi Gidon) Previous administrations have given varying amounts of leeway to Israel on the issue of settlements, but also have pushed for the two-state solution. President Bill Clinton helped broker the Oslo Accord, attempting to establish a framework to resolve the conflict. President George W. Bush launched a plan that endorsed an independent Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside Israel. Both approaches fizzled, and two rounds of peace talks during the Obama years quickly collapsed. Trump criticized Palestinians when he spoke in March at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference in Washington. He said "half of the population of Palestine has been taken over by the Palestinian ISIS and Hamas, and the other half refuses to confront the first half." Hamas, an Islamic militant group, controls the Gaza Strip. One of Trump's top advisers on Israel, Jason Greenblatt, said in a recent interview that the President-elect doesn't think West Bank settlements should be condemned or pose an "obstacle to peace." Greenblatt, chief legal officer and executive vice president at the Trump Organization, was interviewed on Israel's Army Radio. American consulate in Jerusalem Trump has echoed the decades-old promise of past presidential candidates that he would move the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. That would signal US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a move that would infuriate Palestinians, who claim the eastern sector of the city, captured by Israel in 1967, as their capital. Presidents have not followed through on the pledge. Some Trump advisers and supporters have been dismissive of the Palestinian cause. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani told the Israeli American Council in September that the US should "reject the whole notion of a two-state solution in Israel." Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and casino mogul Sheldon Adelson both say the Palestinians are an invented people. John Bolton, a former US ambassador to the United Nations, said in 2014 that a two-state solution "would inevitably lead to a terror state on the other side of the border with Israel." Jeremy Ben Ami, founder of J-Street, a liberal pro-Israel group that advocates a two-state solution, said the future of the Arab-Israeli conflict lies in the pending Trump Cabinet appointments. He said if policy is driven by the "Israel-can-do-no-wrong" camp, "then some of those in the Israeli right-wing are going to be very happy." BERLIN -- Amid frosty relations with Ankara, Germany is considering moving military planes involved in the international mission against ISIS from Turkey to Jordan, Kuwait or Cyprus. The Defense Ministry says it's scouting alternative locations to the Incirlik Air Base in Turkey at the request of Parliament. German lawmakers have repeatedly been prevented from visiting the base after passing a resolution that labeled killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks a century ago as genocide. German daily Bild, which first reported the move Friday, says military officials plan to travel to Amman on Saturday. Bild reports that moving Germany's Tornado reconnaissance jets and a refueling plane from the Turkey base would take several weeks. The German air force planes aren't currently flying combat missions. BOGOTA -- The top leader of Colombia's main rebel group says he hopes the US will soon release a guerrilla member serving a long sentence and that President-elect Donald Trump will continue strong US support for ending a conflict that past administrations helped fuel. Rodrigo Londono spoke to foreign journalists Friday, a day after signing an accord to end a half-century conflict between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. Londono says he's concerned for the safety of rebels who demobilize and says it's possible that "many" guerrillas will be killed by conservative opponents to peace. He says he's waiting for the US to release the rebel Simon Trinidad, who is serving a long sentence for his role in the kidnapping of three American defense contractors a decade ago. The American firefighting aircraft nicknamed the Supertanker has landed at Ben Gurion Airport to help fire crews on the ground and in the air to extinguish a series of fires raging around the country, especially in the hills surrounding Jerusalem. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "We're here to help however we can," said the captain after the landing. "After 13 hours of flying, we're pretty tired, but in the morning we're out to help." Supertanker lands in Israel (: ) X Supertanker at Ben Gurion Intl. (Photo: Yair Sagi) Israel contacted the American company Global SuperTanker, which operates the aerial firefighter, to look into the possibility of it being flown to Israel. Indeed, a supertanker previously owned by the company Evergreen before it went bankrupt was flown to Israel to assist in the 2010 Carmel Forest Fires. Photo: Motti Kimchi Supertanker It needs to be understood that the firefighting planes currently being used are not able to operate overnight. There is only one plane that has this ability, and that is the Supertanker, Netanyahu said. I instructed that it be brought here. It will take 24 hours to come from the US. We only use it in extreme situations. We dont use it for everything but I prefer that we have too much rather than too little. MOSCOW -- Russia's defense ministry has presented the Ukrainian military attache with a note of protest in reaction to Ukraine's plans to conduct training launches of missiles over Crimea next week. Russian aviation officials said earlier on Friday that Ukraine had informed them of the upcoming launches over Crimea. Russia has been in control of the Ukrainian peninsula since it annexed it in March 2014 after a hastily called referendum. The Russian defense ministry said in a statement on Friday that the note handed to the Ukrainian attache says that Russia protests the missile exercises scheduled for Dec. 1 and Dec. 2 because the airspace of the planned launches, over Crimea's west coast, "violates territorial seas of the Russian Federation." English Estonian The Management Board of AS Silvano Fashion Group, registry code 10175491, registered address Tulika 15/17, 10613 Tallinn, (hereinafter SFG) convenes an Extraordinary General Meeting (hereinafter: EGM) of shareholders on 14th of December 2016 at 12:00 (Estonian time) in Radisson Blu Hotel Olumpia conference hall Sigma, address Liivalaia 33, 10118 Tallinn, Estonia. The registration of participants of the Extraordinary General Meeting starts at 11:30 a.m. (Estonian time). I Agenda The agenda of the EGM is the following: 1. The amendment of the profit distribution decision approved by the Annual General Meeting held on 29th of June 2016 and additional distribution of profit of AS Silvano Fashion Group II Proposals of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board The Supervisory Board of SFG has approved the agenda of the EGM as proposed by the Management Board. The Management Board and the Supervisory Board make the following proposals to the shareholders with regard to the agenda: 1. The amendment of the profit distribution decision approved by the Annual General Meeting held on 29th of June 2016 and additional distribution of profit of AS Silvano Fashion Group Proposal of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board: 1.1. To distribute the profit by paying dividends to the shareholders from the profit of the company based on the approved annual report of 2015 as follows: 1.1.1. The list of shareholders of AS Silvano Fashion Group entitled to profit distribution shall be fixed on 29st of December 2016 at 11:59 p.m; 1.1.2. EUR 0.10 per share shall be payable to the entitled shareholders as a dividend at the latest on 30th of December 2016. III Organizational questions The list of the shareholders entitled to participate in the EGM shall be fixed 7 days prior to the date of the meeting, i.e. on 7th December 2016 at 11:59 p.m. (Estonian time). At the EGM, a shareholder is entitled to receive information from the Management Board about the activities of SFG. The Management Board may decide to withhold information if there is a reason to believe that the disclosure of information may cause significant damage to the interests of SFG. If the Management Board refuses to disclose information, the shareholder may demand from the EGM to adopt a resolution regarding to the lawfulness of the information request or file a petition to a court of law within two weeks of the EGM requesting the court for the ruling requiring the Management Board to disclose the information. The shareholders whose shares represent at least 1/20 of the share capital may request for additional items to be included in the agenda of the EGM, if the respective request is submitted in writing at least 15 days prior to the EGM. The shareholders whose shares represent at least 1/20 of the share capital may present their draft resolutions to each item in the agenda in writing no later than 3 days before the EGM. Draft resolution regarding to the agenda items and other documents presented to the EGM (including annual report, report of the sworn auditor, profit distribution proposal and report of the Supervisory Board) are available for examination on every working day as of the notification of the EGM until the business day preceding the day of the EGM at the headquarters of the Company at Tulika 15/17, Tallinn on business days from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (Estonian time). On the day of the EGM the materials related to the agenda of the General Meeting are available for examination at the venue of the EGM as of the opening of registration of participants until the end of the EGM. In order to examine the documents: (1) the shareholders who are natural persons are required to present a document verifying their identity and their representatives are additionally required to present the power of attorney in written form; (2) the representatives of the shareholders who are legal entities shall present (a) an extract from the registry where the legal entity is registered; and (b) a document verifying the identity of representative; and (c) in case of representation on the basis of proxy, also a power of attorney. Documents and data which are disclosed according to Article 2941 of the Estonian Commercial Code and the templates of power of attorney are available on the homepage of the Company: http://www.silvanofashion.com. The following documents must be submitted to participate in EGM - the shareholders who are natural persons shall present a document verifying their identity and their representatives shall present the power of attorney in written form; - the representatives of the shareholders who are legal entities shall present (a) an extract from the registry where the legal entity is registered; and (b) a document verifying the identity of representative; (c) in case of representation on the basis of proxy, also a power of attorney. Unless otherwise provided by a foreign agreement, a document issued by a foreign authority shall be duly apostilled or legalized. Documents in foreign language should be accompanied by the translation into Estonian, verified by relevant institution. Prior to the EGM the shareholder may notify the Company of the appointment of a representative or the revocation of the representative's authority by sending a digitally signed e-mail message to info@silvanofashion.com or by delivering the information in person on workdays between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Estonian time) or via mail to AS Silvano Fashion Group, Tulika 15/17, 10613 Tallinn, Estonia by 5 p.m. (Estonian time) on the business day preceding the day of the EGM. For any information regarding the EGM or the agenda items, please contact Mart Meerits (e-mail info@silvanofashion.com; phone +372 684 5000). Jarek Sargava Board Member Silvano Fashion Group E-mail: info@silvanofashion.com Tel: +372 684 5000; Fax: +372 684 5300 Address: Tulika 15/17, 10613 Tallinn, Estonia http://www.silvanofashion.com BRUSSELS -- Turkey threatened Friday to open the migrant floodgates if the European Union halts its membership talks, as criticism grows of Ankara's heavy-handed response to a failed military coup. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's warning -- the latest in a series of heated speeches about Europe from top Turkish officials -- came a day after EU lawmakers called for a freeze on the talks over the post-coup arrests, dismissals and jailing of tens of thousands of people. Erdogan's claims that his country has been "betrayed" are a sign of how Turkey's pride has been wounded by the lack of international solidarity Ankara feels has been shown since its political foundations were rocked by the July coup attempt. "We are the ones who feed 3-3.5 million refugees in this country. You have betrayed your promises," Erdogan said. "If you go any further, those border gates will be opened," he added. 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. English Lithuanian UAB Lintel, a subsidiary of TEO LT, AB (hereinafter Teo or the Company), is planning to cease provision of services to external customers and instead will focus all of its efforts on improvement of Teo Groups customer experience and quality of service. The 118 service, a paid inquiry service in Lithuania, will continue to be provided and developed through new web channels. Lintels remote customer care services, such as the provision of information and the servicing of customers calling short numbers, have been used by banks, food and fuel retailers, insurance, logistics and telecommunications companies. The provision of the services will be stopped in accordance with the conditions set in the agreements with customers within 1-3 months. In addition, it is planned to change the name of Lintel to Telia Customer Service LT, UAB. It is planned to implement this along with the proposed change of the name of the parent Company of Lintel to Telia Lietuva, AB. Lintel contact centers in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Radviliskis, Siauliai and Panevezys employ about 600 customer service specialists, of which about one-sixth used to service external customers. The number of employees will not change due to the planned reorganization of Lintels activities. Reference is made to the stock exchange notice dated 24 November 2016 where it was informed that the Company's secured bank lenders collectively has submitted a notice of intention to accelerate the relevant loan facilities and that the Company's Board of Directors has set a deadline for obtaining support from all stakeholders for the Company's restructuring proposal no later than 15:00 CET on Monday 28 November 2016. Bondholders that would like to submit their support or require more information may contact the Company's financial advisors on the contact information stated below. Fearnley Securities: Svein Erik Nordang Head of Fixed Income Sales +47 22 93 63 65 s.nordang@fearnleys.no Swedbank: Credit sales +47 23 11 62 60 / +47 23 11 62 71 HY.Trades.Swedbank@swedbank.no This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. One cannot begrudge Barack Obama the vacation he took with his family. After all, the guy had been on a non-stop schedule for more than a year, fighting out epic battles with Hillary Clinton and John McCain. In a way this little lavish trip at the time of Great Depression II, resolves a part of that bewilderment I felt about Obamas ascendancy.

I could not help wondering, all the time when Obama was running his flawless campaign, that it all seemed too good, too perfect to last. He would make some slip, I thought, he would falter somewhere. He would display some sign to show that the intelligence involved is not mechanical but human, he would show the little blemish that goes into the making of perfection. I waited for a falter that did not come (comments on lipstick on pigs dont count). He ran his campaign all the way past the winning post.

He went on to select his top administrators so meticulously that the media nodded its hoary head with approval.

It helps when a guy makes mistakes, it shows you the boundary lines of his personality, his limitations, which conversely make you better understand his capacities. A person who does not makes mistakes is one of the two: an angel come down to earth, or a person following a text book (in the sense that we call some cricketers as text book cricketers, some pilots as text book pilots and so on).

Since we know that Obama is not a fallen angel (these things dont happen nowadays) he must therefore be a text book person. What is the big deal, you may ask. Wellfor one, it denotes that too much is invested in the show, to have much left for substance. Two, if you want to be right all the time, then you do not venture into things that are risky. In large matters, you follow the beaten track, the consensus of opinion, the middle road, you dont venture out too far.

Leadership, on the other hand, wants you to stick your neck out for things you believe in. It wants you to shape public opinion rather than just go by it; it wants you to differ, to disagree.

Eventually there would be a crisis that would require more than intelligence and data to deal with it. It would require a sensitive understanding of the problem, of the human dimension involved, before a solution can be found. No text book, no school, can prepare you for this.

I know that such a thing exists, and leaders throughout the ages have demonstrated this quality. When Gandhi took to non violence against conventional wisdom, when Lincoln chose to fight out a bloody civil war rather than let the Confederacy secede, when Churchill glared at the House of Commons during the WWII and said We will not surrender, they all displayed that rare quality of leadership.

But how it is got, where learnt, and how practiced, I dont have the faintest idea. What I know for a certainty, is that all these men reached as high as they did by climbing on a mound of mistakes.

They did not hesitate to have a heart to heart chat with their inner selves and follow its judgment (reminds me of a certain lady, who said something about listening to her inner voice while renouncing a countrys top post), even if it sometimes led them wrong.

Obama, simply put, seemed to have the qualities but not the failings of truly great leaders.

Now of course, there is this vacation. A little subdued as presidential mistakes go (ask Bush) and a little boring (ask Bill), but given that the guy is just starting out, it will have to do.

What would be interesting to see is whether it is just that little blemish of a great talent, or it is the mediocre reality peeping from the crack of a glittering facade. As the Islamic State group loses territory in Iraq and Syria, one of its deadliest branches is struggling against Egypt`s powerful army to maintain a foothold in the Sinai Peninsula. The affiliate, known as Sinai Province, has waged a murky war in the north of the peninsula bordering Israel that has killed hundreds of soldiers and policemen. It also claimed, the bombing of a Russian airliner carrying holidaymakers from a south Sinai resort in October 2015 that killed all 224 people on board. Egypt`s tourism has yet to recover. But Sinai Province has been unable to seize population centres, with one attempt to occupy a town in 2015 ending with the military unleashing F-16 jets against the jihadists. Instead the group has tried to keep up a steady war of attrition involving roadside bombings, sniper fire and checkpoint attacks such as the one on Thursday, that killed eight soldiers. The jihadists are increasingly encircled in the peninsula, with the military razing sections of a town bordering the Palestinian Gaza Strip to create a buffer zone and destroying tunnels there, while setting up checkpoints on routes out. "The military`s biggest success is that, they have been able to contain the insurgency, by and large, to North Sinai," said Jantzen Garnett, an expert on the jihadists with the Navanti Group analytics company. The army had been struggling to quash the insurgency, that took off in 2013, after the military ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, unleashing a bloody crackdown on his followers. Three years into the insurgency, however, a decisive victory against the jihadists appears distant, as Thursday`s attack suggests. "The Egyptian army has made some short-term progress against (Sinai Province) over the past year but the militant group continues to adapt and this progress should not be construed as long-term success," Garnett said. "The military upped up its presence in the Sinai, following the July 1 attempt at taking over Sheikh Zuweid," analyst Mokhtar Awad said of the group`s attempt to seize the north Sinai town in 2015. The jihadists instead have "doubled down on types of operations focusing on trying to commit terrorist attacks... and focus on planting IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and more sniper attacks," said Awad, a research fellow with George Washington University`s Program on Extremism. They have also increased assassinations of officers and kidnappings and executions of suspected informants, in two cases publicly shooting them in the streets of North Sinai`s capital El-Arish. The military toll is difficult to verify. The military occasionally announces casualties, such as the eight soldiers killed on Thursday. Other reported, casualties are not always disclosed. In November alone, Egyptian media reported on the funerals -- held within a day of the deaths -- of at least 10 military soldiers and officers, not counting the eight killed on Thursday. It is impossible to ascertain the toll among jihadists, who do not disclose their deaths. The military says, it has killed hundreds of militants, occasionally publishing pictures of their corpses."It`s always murky when it comes to assessing the picture in Sinai due to limits in verification," Awad said. The organisation`s hierarchy also remains a mystery. In August, the military announced it had killed the group`s top leader in Sinai, identified as Abu Duaa, without providing further details. The moniker "Ansari"-- used by jihadists in Sinai for locals of the peninsula -- suggests he was a Sinai Bedouin. A captured jihadi has said in interrogations, that the identity of the group`s overall leader in Sinai was unknown and he passed on instructions through a subordinate. Under the leader -- known as a wali, or governor -- responsibilities are divided among militants who command "security," "military affairs," bomb-making and media sections. The media commander is Shadi el-Menei, a well known Bedouin militant, according to the interrogations quoted in sections of a prosecution report seen by AFP. Others are identified by aliases. Menei was a prominent leader of the group`s forerunner, Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, before it pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in November 2014, the same year the group proclaimed a "caliphate" straddling Iraq and Syria. Ansar Beit al-Maqdis had evolved from a loose militant group named the Mujahidin Shura Council, which conducted attacks on Israel in the chaotic year following strongman Hosni Mubarak`s overthrow in February 2011. The Shura Council had brought together jihadist Palestinian militants from the neighbouring Gaza Strip and local Bedouin veterans of groups, that had conducted bombings against tourist resorts between 2004 and 2006. Mexico City: Authorities have exhumed 32 bodies and nine heads from several clandestine graves in Mexico`s violence-plagued southern state of Guerrero this week, officials said Thursday. The remains were unearthed between Tuesday and Thursday in 17 pits on a hill in the village of Pochahuixco, part of the municipality of Zitla, a region beset by turf wars between drug cartels. "The discoveries are terrible," Guerrero state security spokesman Roberto Alvarez said. The remains were taken to the state capital, Chilpancingo, to be identified, Alvarez said in a statement. The bodies were found in 17 of 20 pits that were dug up by investigators. No other remains were found but soldiers are scouring the region for any other hidden graves. Authorities had reported earlier the discovery of 19 victims but the body count rose during the day. Drug cartels have been burying their victims in hidden graves across the country for years, and authorities regularly find human remains. Guerrero is one of the country`s most violent states and a major opium poppy grower, with the Guerreros Unidos and Los Rojos drug gangs engaged in brutal battles to control criminal operations that also include extortion. Last weekend at least 24 people were killed in the state. The bodies of nine men, including five that were dismembered, were found on a roadside. Last week a dozen people were abducted in another part of the state that has been hit by a rash of mass kidnappings for ransom. Guerrero is also known for the disappearance of 43 students in the city of Iguala in September 2014, a case that drew international outrage and remains unsolved. The Pacific resort of Acapulco, once a famous destination for Hollywood stars, is now considered the country`s murder capital as the Beltran Leyva gang and the Independent Cartel of Acapulco battle for supremacy. The Iguala case put a spotlight on the rash of disappearances in Mexico, where some 28,000 people have been reported missing since 2007. Frustrated by the lack of progress by the authorities, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters of the disappeared have led their own searches across the country, learning to detect clandestine graves on their own. California: US President-elect Donald Trump has offered his support to Los Angeles`s bid to host the 2024 Olympics, the mayor`s office said Thursday. The Republican billionaire spoke by phone with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and the two men had a "productive conversation," Garcetti`s spokeswoman Connie Llanos said. During the conversation Trump, who will succeed Democratic President Barack Obama on January 20, indicated his support for LA`s bid, she said. Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympics in 1932 and 1984, and is competing with Paris and Budapest to do the same for the 2024 games. The name of the 2024 host city is set to be announced in September 2017 in the Peruvian capital of Lima. Many Olympics-watchers had seen Trump`s election on November 8 as bad news for Los Angeles`s bid because of his controversial remarks on the campaign trail deemed racist, sexist and anti-Muslim. In last August, when Trump`s chances of winning the White House looked slim, Garcetti warned that a victory by the outspoken populist would reduce the chances of Los Angeles being picked by the International Olympic Committee. New York: The US Secret Service is in talks with the Trump Organisation to take over two vacant floors at the cost of millions in the gilded 68-storey Trump Tower, where the President-elect's wife Melania and their 10-year-old son will continue to live through the spring, a media report said. The federal agency and the New York Police Department plan to run a 24/7 command post out of the space, that would be housed at least 40 floors below Trump's USD 90 million penthouse triplex, where Melania and their son Barron Melania will continue to reside at least through the spring, the New York Post reported, citing sources. The Secret Service is eyeing two contiguous floors for over 250 agents and cops, sources said. The first 26 floors of the glass-clad skyscraper are commercial tenants, while the remaining levels are apartments. The Post earlier reported that the 17th floor at Trump Tower is available. The floor is currently being marketed in three, 3,000- to 5,000-square-foot parcels at up to USD 105 per square foot. "At that rate, the federal government would be paying USD 1.5 million a year for just one floor and double that for two levels of Trump Tower offices," the paper said. The ready-to-rent 17th floor includes six large south-facing outdoor terraces, private elevators, polished concrete floors ? but no brass, it said. It said, the 15th floor may also be available. The Trump Campaign, operated mainly out of that level plus other areas, paying USD 169,000-a-month for rent and utilities, according to the Federal Election Commission. The Secret Service must protect the president and his family wherever they go, including visits back to their permanent homes. "Taxpayers would be paying the president-elect's own corporation, to lease the two floors, aside from the cost of agents, staff and equipment and barriers that are normal in such cases," it said. The lease deal alone could cost more than USD 3 million a year, based on prevailing rates in the building. Represenatives for the Trump Organization and the Secret Service did not return messages seeking comment, it said. The marble-lobbied building is home to art dealer Helly Nahmad and Trump's former campaign manager, Paul Manafort. Past residents include Michael Jackson, Liberace and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Karachi: China would deploy its naval ships along with Pakistan Navy to safeguard the strategic Gwadar port and trade routes under the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a navy official here has said, shedding light on a plan likely to alarm India. China and Pakistan are currently building the nearly 3,000-km-long economic corridor linking Pakistan's Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea with Xinjiang to improve connectivity between the two countries. The move would open up a new and cheaper cargo route for transporting oil to China as well as export of Chinese goods to the Middle East and Africa. A Pakistan Navy official said, the role of maritime forces has increased since the country has made the Gwadar port operational and speeded up economic activities under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). "China would also deploy its naval ships in coordination with Pakistan Navy to safeguard the port and trade under the CPEC," the unnamed official was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune. In the past, China has shied away from saying that it plans to deploy its naval ships in Gwadar, a move which could raise alarm in the US and India. Experts feel that CPEC and the Gwadar port would enhance the military capabilities of both China and Pakistan, and make it possible for the Chinese Navy to easily access the Arabian Sea. Having a naval base in Gwadar could allow Chinese vessels to use the port for repair and maintenance of their fleet in the Indian Ocean region. Such a foothold would be the first overseas location offering support to the Chinese navy for future missions. Pakistani defence officials are keen for the Chinese navy to build up its presence in the Indian Ocean and the Arabia sea, mainly to counterbalance India's formidable naval force. The Pakistani official also said that, the Navy is considering buying super-fast ships from China and Turkey for its special squadron to be deployed at the Gwadar port for the security purpose. "A squadron may have four to six warships," he said on the sidelines of the on-going defence exhibition, IDEAS 2016, at the Karachi Expo Centre. The ships would be bought soon keeping in view their immediate need in the fleet, he said, adding that two defence ships have already been deployed at Gwadar. Another official of the naval force added that, Pakistan has kicked off the process of establishing the largest shipyard of the region in Gwadar. A similar ship-building project is being deliberated at Port Qasim in Karachi. The two advanced shipyards would design and develop ships and other security equipment for Pakistan Navy. "The existing shipyard, the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, lacks capacity to meet new requirements of the force. Its (PNSC) performance, however, would improve in competition with the two under consideration," he said. Herault: A hooded man wielding a knife murdered a woman at a retirement home for missionaries in southern France on Thursday triggering a manhunt, with the country still on edge following a string of jihadist attacks. The man, brandishing a sawn-off shotgun and a knife, tied up and killed the woman who worked at the home in the village of Montferrier-sur-Lez near the city of Montpellier, a prosecutor said. More than 70 men and women, most of whom served as missionaries in Africa, live at the home. Armed police searched the building but believe the man fled, sources close to the police operation said, and a large-scale police operation was under way to find the unidentified attacker. A helicopter was seen flying over the area, scanning the ground with a giant spotlight. Investigators so far had no evidence to suggest the attack was terror-related at a time when France remains under a state of emergency after a number of Islamist atrocities, including the murder of an elderly Catholic priest in July. "For the time being, there is only one victim," Montpellier prosecutor Christophe Barret told AFP. "For the moment there is no particular evidence about the motive for this crime." "Nothing is pointing towards the motive" of the killer, he added. The man was not known to authorities. Residents of the home "are very elderly with an average age of 75 although some are more than 90," said Alain Berthet, a local councillor in Montferrier-sur-Lez. Many of the residents require assistance to walk, he said. The secretary general of the French Bishops` Conference, Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, said in a Twitter message: "Our prayers tonight go to the woman who lost her life in this attack on a retirement home." Around two hours after the attacker burst into the home, more than a dozen police and emergency vehicles lined the roads near the home while police set up roadblocks to check vehicles passing through the area. A large security perimeter, stretching for several hundred metres (yards), had been set up and officers from elite armed unit RAID were on the scene. France is under a state of emergency that gives security forces enhanced powers of surveillance and arrest. Islamist extremists have carried out three large-scale attacks in France since January 2015, when gunmen targeted the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine and a Jewish supermarket. Ten months later, Islamic State jihadists massacred 130 people in attacks on the Bataclan concert hall, France`s national stadium and a handful of bars and restaurants in eastern Paris. And in July, a self-radicalised extremist ploughed a truck into crowds watching Bastille Day fireworks in the southern city of Nice, killing 86. Two weeks later, two jihadists in their 20s claiming to be IS followers slit the throat of 84-year-old priest Jacques Hamel at a church near the northern city of Rouen. Hyderabad: The Directors-General of Police (DGP) Conference commenced on Friday, November 25 at the Sardar Vallabbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad.DGP) Conference commenced on Friday, November 25 at the Sardar Vallabbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived on Friday, welcomed by Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, his Cabinet colleagues and state BJP president K Lakshman at the airport. With PM Modi in attendance, the DGP Conference began with Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurating the three-day event. At 6:00 am, PM Modi is scheduled to be a part of the one-hour-long Yoga session today after staying the night at SVPNPA. "After the 'Yoga session', the Prime Minister would participate in deliberations with the top police officers from 8 am till 5 pm on Saturday," a top police official told PTI. Union Ministers of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, besides National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval are among those who would attend the event. Issues like cross-border terrorism, radicalisation of youth and attempts to lure Indians into Middle East terrorist groups, like ISIS, will be discussed threadbare at the meeting. Filling up of vacant posts in various police forces, reforms in police forces, menace of narcotics smuggling and human trafficking will also be discussed extensively during the conference. The Prime Minister and Home Minister will interact with the top police officers and get their feedback about the internal security situation and various aspects of police personnel, official sources said. (With Agency inputs) English Latvian Riga, 2016-11-25 10:02 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SIA ExpressCredit informs that current Board and Council composition is as follows: Agris Evertovisks serves as the Chairman of the Board. Didzis Admidins and Kristaps Bergmanis serves as the Board Members. Ieva Judinska-Bandeniece serves as the Chairman of the Council. Uldis Judinskis and Ramona Tiltina serves as the Council Members. The new composition of the Board is in power as of 16.06.2015. _________________________________________________________ SIA ExpressCredit is a licenced non-banking consumer crediting company established in 2009. SIA ExpressCredit operates under the brands Banknote (up to 23.11.2015 - Lombards24.lv) and Rigas pilsetas lombards in 39 biggest Latvian cities and populated areas through 90 branches offering pawnshop loans, consumer loans and money transfers in cooperation with Western Union. More than 330 thousand natural persons have used the companys services by in Latvia. LLC ExpressCredit employs 275 professional employees. LLC ExpressCredit has paid 2.6 million euro in taxes in 2015. Chandigarh: Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh today claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had lost "all moral rights" to contest the 2017 Assembly polls in the state after the latest revelations of corruption in the party. Coming on the heels of a series of corruption and sex scandals that had "rocked" the AAP in the recent past, the allegations levelled by Vinod Kumar against party leaders Sanjay Singh and Durgesh Pathak had "nailed" Arvind Kejriwal's "lies" about zero tolerance in his party against corruption, he said. At a press meet yesterday, Kumar, the AAP candidate from the border constituency of Bhoa in Pathankot district, had alleged that he was told to deposit Rs one crore in the party fund or sit at home, a charge refuted by the party. Kumar had alleged that he was summoned by AAP Punjab in-charge Sanjay Singh and the party's organisation secretary Durgesh Pathak to the party office in Chandigarh and given this "instruction". Kejriwal had shown his "true colours" with these charges thoroughly exposing the "moral degradation and lack of ethics" in the AAP, whose leadership was "only interested in exploiting the Punjab polls to make money", Amarinder alleged. AAP's poll tickets were evidently "on sale" as revealed by Kumar, the Congress leader said, adding that there were earlier reports of women ticket aspirants being "sexually exploited" on promises of poll tickets by several AAP leaders in Punjab. Far from showing concern for the welfare of the people of Punjab, as was "evident" from Kejriwal's "continued silence" on the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue, the AAP leadership was busy "exploiting" the polls "to make money by putting tickets up for sale", Amarinder alleged. The corruption charges raised by Kumar showed why Kejriwal had chosen this particular time to "run away" from Punjab, leaving his scheduled rallies midway, he claimed. Coupled with the "poor response" the AAP supremo's election rallies were generating in the state, such serious allegations were enough to show that Kejriwal was "misusing his authority to promote his personal and political interests, without an iota of concern for the welfare of the people", alleged Amarinder. New Delhi: Government today said there have been a series of cross-border terror attacks from Pakistan controlled territories across the LoC recently which has created an environment not conducive for holding a meaningful dialogue. Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh while replying to a written question in the Rajya Sabha also said that Pathankot Air Base terror attack mounted from Pakistan and the subsequent intensification of anti-India cross-border terrorism including Poonch and Uri strikes have "eroded" the necessary environment free from terror and violence. He was asked whether it is a fact that India's relationship with its immediate neighbours in the recent past is not so smooth and if so, the reasons thereof and the steps proposed to be taken to improve it? While he termed the ties with Afghanistan, Bhutan, the Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka as smooth, in case of Nepal, Singh described the ties as "unique and special". He also said India attaches importance to developing good relations with China and both sides, during their meetings in past, have agreed to make efforts for further strengthening of Closer Developmental Partnership on the basis of mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns, interests and aspirations. On Pakistan, he said, "Yes. India intends to have normal and peaceful relations with all its neighbouring countries including Pakistan. However, Pakistan has supported armed insurgency and terrorism in the State of J&K. Cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan endangers security and stability not only of India but of the entire region. "Pakistan covets territory of J&K which is an integral part of India. Recently there have been a series of cross border terrorism attacks from Pakistan controlled territories across the Line of Control which has created an environment not conducive for holding a meaningful dialogue." He further added that as a result of Pakistan's assurances to take steps for expediting Mumbai terrorist attack trial undergoing in Pakistan, the two sides agreed on Composite Bilateral Dialogue (CBD) to resolve all outstanding issues as well as humanitarian issues. "Pathankot Air Base terrorist attack mounted from Pakistan and the subsequent intensification of anti-India cross border terrorism including Poonch terrorism attack on 11 September 2016 and Uri terrorism attack on 18 September 2016, have eroded the necessary environment free from terror and violence," Singh asserted. India is non-committal about holding bilateral talks with Pakistan Prime Minister's foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz, who will be travelling to Amritsar next week to attend the Heart of Asia Conference. New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday, came down heavily on Rahul Gandhi for taunting Narendra Modi over his silence in Parliament on the government`s demonetisation drive and alleged that the Congress vice-president being unserious about parliamentary proceedings courtesy his low attendance in the House has no right to question the Prime Minister. "Who is questioning, that MP whose attendance in Lok Sabha is 40 percent, while other MPs from UP have attendance of 90 percent. This shows how serious he is about the proceedings of the Parliament," BJP leader Anurag Thakur told ANI. Thakur said, the Congress Party is just trying to portray that they are more concerned about the poor. "I challenge him to have a debate with me. I am ready to answer all his questions. Dealing with Prime Minister Modi is out of question right now," he said. Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Modi, for not steering clear of the debate on demonetisation yet, the Congress vice-president earlier in the day said, that he was waiting to see what "new emotion" will he express over the matter now as his expressions outside the Parliament exposes his nervousness. "He was earlier laughing and then he cried outside the Parliament, he should come in house and then we will see what new emotion he will show us here," Gandhi told the media outside Parliament. Defending the Centre over the demonetisation drive, Prime Minister Modi earlier in the day said, the move had empowered the common man in the fight against black money, while taking a swing at the opposition and critics saying they were flustered as they were caught off guard. "Those criticising the demonetisation move don`t have problem with government`s preparedness; they have problem that they didn`t get time to prepare," the Prime Minister said. "The common citizen of India has become a soldier against corruption and black money," he added while stressing on the need for India to move towards a cashless society. United Nations: Deeply concerned over the "deterioration" in the situation along the Line of Control in Kashmir, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for the restoration of stability in the region, saying the world body supports "all efforts" to reach "durable" peace and security. "The secretary-general is deeply concerned about?the deterioration of the situation along the Line of Control in Kashmir?in recent days," a United Nations statement attributed to his spokesman said. "He calls on all involved to prioritise the restoration of calm and stability in order to prevent any further escalation and loss of life," the statement said, adding that Ban "trusts India and Pakistan can find common ground and work towards a sustainable peace." "The UN stands by the people of the region and supports all efforts to reach durable peace and security," said the statement. The tension between India and Pakistan has increased after the attack on an Indian Army base in Uri on September 18 and the resultant "surgical strike" on terrorist launchpads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir by the Army 10 days later. Since then, cross-border firings have increased killing soldiers and civilians on both sides. This week, 12 people, including three Pakistani soldiers, were killed in alleged Indian cross-border firings. The Indian response came after the Indian Army warned of "heavy retribution" following the killing of three of its soldiers, with the body of one of them mutilated in a cross-LoC attack. Pakistan has denied as "false" and "baseless" its troops were responsible for the mutilation and deaths of Indian soldiers. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took a swipe at those accusing the government of not being prepared for demonetisation, saying black money hoarders are pained by the fact that they did not get time to prepare. Had these people got even 72 hours on November 08, they would have hailed the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes as a good decision, said the PM on the occasion of Constitution Day. "A lot of people are criticising demonetisation in Parliament. But most of the criticism is that the government was not prepared to implement the decision," Modi said during the Constitution Day celebration function at the Parliament House Annexe. "But that is not the real reason behind their criticism. They are hurt because the government didn't give them enough time to prepare for it." "If these people had got 72 hours to make their preparation then they would have lavished praise that there is no one like Modi," he stressed. The Prime Minister observed that these days the country is fighting a big battle against corruption and black money and the ordinary citizen is the "soldier" in this fight. In the last 70 years, those who have misused the laws and Constitution have mired the country in corruption, he said. "The common man feels that over the last 70 years, the same Constitution and its laws and rules have been misused to drown the nation in corruption." Also Read: Date for usage of old Rs 500 notes extended: Know where you can use them! Noting that India's name features prominently in global corruption surveys which is not something to be proud of, he said, "To hold the nation's head high some decisions have to be taken." "It is a big nation and a big decision. I expect from those who see bright future for the nation to help those facing difficulties so we come out victorious in this war against corruption," the Prime Minister added. The Prime Minister's comments come in the backdrop of opposition attack in Parliament on demonetisation with former PM Manmohan Singh saying the step was "a case of organised loot and legalised plunder" and reflected a "monumental management failure". Underlining that everyone has the right to make use of his/her money, PM Modi said people do not always need to carry cash for transactions and can spend through mobile technology also. We can do shopping as easily as we forward WhatsApp messages, said Modi. "We should promote use of technology in transaction to bring transparency," he said, adding around 500 cities can do this in a short duration. He said the municipal corporations have collected Rs 13,000 crore tax after demonetisation. "I got details about municipal corporations in some cities. Earlier they used to get Rs 3,000-3,500 crore tax and after November 8 they have collected Rs 13,000 crore tax. This money will be used for development like construction of roads and electricity supply," the Prime Minister said. Modi further invited all political parties, NGOs and the media to educate and encourage people about cashless transactions. "Ours is a nation that has over 100 crore mobile phones. And we have technology to transact through these phones. Why not educate and encourage people to use this technology?" The PM was speaking at book release function in Parliament House Annexe on the occasion of Constitution Day. Modi said it is important to be connected with the "spirit of the Constitution" rather than just being aware of its various articles. The Prime Minister also emphasised on the importance of the younger generation having a "connect" with the Constitution and its ideals. He said when the Constitution is read again, it is in the present context and a "progressive unfoldment" takes place. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan was also present at the function, where two books on the Constitution -- 'Updated Edition of Constitution of India' and 'Making of the Constitution' -- were released. (With Agency inputs) Bhatinda, Punjab: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked the nation for standing by his decision to demonetise Rs 500/1000 notes despite the inconvenience caused. Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Friday, the PM said, Black money and corruption has looted the middle class and deprived poor of their rights. I want to give poor their rights. I am doing everything possible to ensure the middle class is not exploited and the poor get their due, he said. Expressing gratitude to the people of the country for supporting the demonetisation drive, the PM said, Corruption and black money are harming the country like termites...I fall short of words in conveying my thanks to people as they stood with me even when they had to face hardships. The Prime Minister also encouraged people to embrace digital payment methods to carry out day-to-day transactions. Turn your phone into your bank, turn it into your own wallet. Even if you don't have even one rupee in cash, today's technology is such that you can make payments in the markets, carry out business, the PM said. PM Modi also appealed to the youth of the country to help others understand how App-based payment networks work. On his government's commitment towards developing social infrastructure, the PM said, Social infrastructure is essential for the development of every nation; we need top quality schools and hospitals. Whatever decisions we take when we are in power, we fulfill it during that period itself. AIIMS here will benefit the local areas and this Government does not only stop at laying foundation stones, we complete all projects, he said. The 750-bed hospital and institute will be built at a cost of Rs 925 crore and will be spread over 200 acres. Bathinda is the Lok Sabha constituency of Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal. Earlier in the day the PM had launched a scathing attack on the Opposition for disrupting Parliament. PM Modi said that only those who didn't get time to change their notes - as the demonetisation announcement was sudden - are the ones who are complaining. Jamshedpur: A dumper was set on fire, as Jharkhand Bandh called by the opposition parties to protest against the amendment made in the decades-old Chhotanagpur and Santal Paragana Tenancy Act (CNT and SPT) began amidst tight security arrangements on Friday. The bandh supporters torched the dumper at Dhamdum village, on the outskirts of the steel city here, in East Singhbhum district in the early hours today, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Musaboni), Ajit Kumar Vimal said. Six bandh supporters, allegedly involved in the incident, were arrested while two vehicles belonging to them were also seized, he said. According to South Eastern Railway sources, train services remained unaffected so far in Chakradharpur division. A report received from Giridih district stated that the impact of the bandh was visible in the district as the activists of main opposition party in the state assembly JMM and CPI (ML) workers took to the streets and put up road blockade on National Highway GT road since Friday morning. The administration has imposed prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPC in Bagodar-Saria sub-division of the district in view of the bandh, official sources said. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pawan Kumar Mandal said the order will be in force from 6 am to midnight on Friday. Bandh supporters including Congress, JVM and RJD party workers have also blocked the road at Jamua chowk in Giridih town even though the police was persuading them to withdraw it. No shops and business establishments are open anticipating violence during the bandh. A Lohardaga district report said, adequate security arrangements have been made to meet any eventuality during the bandh in the district. The Dumka district administration, has imposed prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC in view of the bandh and made tight security arrangements in the district. Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar Sinha said, the district administration has taken all precautionary measures and is fully prepared to meet any eventuality during the bandh. New Delhi: After stalling Parliament for days over the 'absence' of the Prime Minister during the debate on demonetisation, the Opposition, Friday, changed its track to demand that Narendra Modi apologise for allegedly insulting them. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while hitting out at the criticism over demonetisation, said the Opposition was charged up not because the government was not prepared for its implementation but because it did not get time to prepare itself. "A lot of people are criticising demonetisation in Parliament. But most of the criticism is that the government was not prepared to implement the decision," Modi said during the Constitution Day celebration function at the Parliament House Annexe. "But that is not the real reason behind their criticism. They are hurt because the government didn`t give them enough time to prepare for it." "Even if they had got 72 hours to prepare themselves, they would have commended the move," the Prime Minister said. Expectedly, as soon as Parliament reconvened, the Opposition was up on its feet demanding that the Prime Minister apologise to Parliament for allegedly insulting MPs. PM will have to apologise to the Parliament for accusing that Opposition parties are in favour of black money, said Ghulam Nabi Azad in Rajya Sabha. With PM Modi being on a visit to Punjab today, the Opposition also said that there can be no discussion on demonetisation. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, said, There are two conditions for holding a discussion. First, PM Modi had promised that he will be here. Secondly, today morning the Prime Minister said that the Opposition is favouring black money. He will have to apologise in the house before we go ahead with the debate. Imphal: The Manipur High Court on Friday directed the Director General of Police, the Chief Secretary and others to beef up security measures along the two national highways, which are the lifelines of Manipur amid the Nagas threatening a "total shutdown". Threatening shutdown, the Nagas are demanding the unconditional release of two top functionaries of the United Naga Council (UNC), which has been backing the indefinite economic blockade against Manipur. The full bench of the High Court of Manipur comprising Chief Justice Rakesh Ranjan Prasad, Justices N. Koteshor and K. Nobin on Friday directed the Manipur government to deploy adequate amounts of police and paramilitary forces along the two national highways to ensure free and untrammelled movement of trucks and oil tankers. The UNC had imposed the blockade from November 1 protesting against plans to create Sadar Hills district by usurping the "lands of the Nagas". The next hearing is on December 1. Meanwhile police arrested Gaidon Kamei and S. Stephen, President and Information Secretary of the UNC respectively, at Pheidinga in Imphal district on Friday while they were travelling to UNC head office in Senapati district. Addressing a press conference S. Satang, President of the All Naga Students Union in Manipur, demanded unconditional release of the two persons failing which there will be a total shutdown. It will mean that movement of passenger and private vehicles along the national highways, which has no rail line, shall not be allowed. Satang added that there is no objection to the creation of a new district. But it should be done after consulting the Nagas. As Manipur is facing a shortage of all goods including life saving medicines, armed personnel have been escorting hundreds of trucks from Assam bringing badly needed items including fuel. Both the state and central governments have been resorting to a blame game while hundreds of loaded trucks and oil tankers are stranded. One litre of petrol is being sold for Rs 300 on the black market in Manipur. New Delhi: The Modi government on Friday, got relief from the Delhi High Court, which refused to go into the correctness of the Centre's demonetisation policy and issue any direction for removing the cap on daily withdrawal from banks. "Virtually by way of this writ petition you are challenging the notification on demonetisation. We cannot go into it as the Supreme Court is already looking into it," a bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice V K Rao said. The petitioner had sought quashing of a clause of the Centre's notification putting restriction on withdrawal limit. The order assumes importance as the apex court in the last two hearings had refused to restrain the high courts across the country from entertaining petitions against the demonetisation decision, saying that the public can get immediate relief from them. The apex court on Friday agreed with the Centre's plea to hear its transfer petition and other matters connected to the demonetisation on December 2. Noting that, the apex court is already seized of the matter, the high court disposed of the PIL by Ashok Sharma, a businessman, who had urged the court for relief on the ground that the Centre's decision to put a cap on weekly withdrawal of Rs 24,000 is "affecting right to livelihood" of the people at large. Under the earlier clause 2 (VI), the weekly withdrawal limit from the banks was Rs 20,000, while the daily limit was Rs 10,000. Later, the weekly limit was increased to Rs 24,000 and the daily limit was scrapped. From ATMs, the daily limit is Rs 2,500. Thursday, the Centre had extended till December 15 the facility of using old Rs 500 notes in public utilities and included more services like mobile recharge but stopped the over-the-counter exchange of defunct currencies and use of Rs 1,000 notes. Bhatinda: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday declared that India has the right to use the water flowing into Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty. Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhatinda, Modi also reached out to the people of Pakistan and asked them to wage war against poverty, corruption, and black money. "The water on which India has its right is flowing into Pakistan. I am committed to stop that water and bring it to our farmers in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India," Modi told a public rally. Expressing his surprise that the water sharing issue had not been taken up by previous Indian governments, Modi said: "The governments slept in Delhi in the past. Our farmers kept crying and the water kept going to Pakistan. We will fight for the rights of our farmers. "The Indus water treaty, Sutlej, Beas, Ravi - the water of all three rivers, over which our farmers have their right, is not available to them. The water of these rivers is the right of India and our farmers. This water is passing through Pakistan into the sea. Neither Pakistan uses it nor our farmers are able to use. "I am moving ahead with conviction and have set up a task force on Indus Water Treaty," Modi said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that the surgical strikes conducted in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in September wreaked havoc on Pakistan. "Pakistan is not far from here, look at the valour of our Army jawans when they conducted a surgical strike, it created havoc across the border. Pakistan now knows fully well what the Indian Army is capable of. New Delhi: After stalling Parliament for days over the 'absence' of the Prime Minister during the debate on demonetisation, the Opposition, Friday, changed its track to demand that Narendra Modi apologise for allegedly insulting them. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while hitting out at the criticism over demonetisation, said the Opposition was charged up not because the government was not prepared for its implementation but because it did not get time to prepare itself. "A lot of people are criticising demonetisation in Parliament. But most of the criticism is that the government was not prepared to implement the decision," Modi said during the Constitution Day celebration function at the Parliament House Annexe. "But that is not the real reason behind their criticism. They are hurt because the government didn`t give them enough time to prepare for it." "Even if they had got 72 hours to prepare themselves, they would have commended the move," the Prime Minister said. Expectedly, as soon as Parliament reconvened, the Opposition was up on its feet demanding that the Prime Minister apologise to Parliament for allegedly insulting MPs. PM will have to apologise to the Parliament for accusing that Opposition parties are in favour of black money, said Ghulam Nabi Azad in Rajya Sabha. With PM Modi being on a visit to Punjab today, the Opposition also said that there can be no discussion on demonetisation. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, said, There are two conditions for holding a discussion. First, PM Modi had promised that he will be here. Secondly, today morning the Prime Minister said that the Opposition is favouring black money. He will have to apologise in the house before we go ahead with the debate. New Delhi: In a virtual washout of its proceedings, Lok Sabha was adjourned for the seventh consecutive day on Friday, with Opposition parties vociferously protesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dig at their protest against demonetisation and demanding an apology from him. Demanding his presence in the House, Opposition members raised slogans asking PM Modi to make his statements inside the House and not to attack them outside. As soon as the House met, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that, the Constitution Day would be observed tomorrow and referred to the 8th anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks. Leader of Congress in the House Mallikarjun Kharge referred to PM Modi's remarks at a function earlier in the day in which he had hit out at the Opposition over demonetisation. PM Modi had said, opposition parties were attacking him as they did not get time to prepare in advance. "The issue now is not our demand for an adjournment motion but the remarks of the Prime Minister... He said, the Opposition supports black money," Kharge said as members from various opposition parties rushed to the Well demanding that the PM make a statement in the Lok Sabha. The Opposition members were heard shouting "Pradhan Mantri sadan mein aao...Himmat hai toh sadan mein bolo," (PM, come to the House. If you have the courage, speak in the House). Expressing anguish, that the Opposition was not ready to help run the House, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for over 35 minutes till noon. There was no let up in the Opposition's protests when the House reassembled, even though the Speaker persisted with the Zero Hour for over 35 minutes in which members raised certain issues amid the din. TMC leader Sudip Bandhopadhyay was allowed to speak when the members of his party withdrew from the Well for a while, but Mahajan did not allow Kharge speak as Congress members continued to shout slogans and remained present in the Well. Modi's comments have hurt the Opposition's feelings, the TMC leader said, demanding that he withdraw them and apologise, drawing protests from treasury benches. Rejecting Congress members' demand that Kharge be allowed to speak, she said "you will remain in the Well, shout slogans, tear papers and would like to speak as well. I cannot allow it." She adjourned the House for the day, as Opposition members including those from the Congress, TMC, Left and RJD continued with their protest and slogan-shouting. New Delhi: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday lashed out at Manmohan Singh, a day after the former prime minister called the Narendra Modi government's demonetisation drive a case of "organised loot and legalised plunder". Talking to Firstpost, J Nandkumar, Akhil Bharatiya Sah Prachar Pramukh of the RSS, said: Manmohan Singh is considered one of the top economists, but what did he do in the two terms of the UPA government as prime minister? Most of the black wealth was generated during this period, with a series of high-profile scams, and he was at the helm of affairs. Wasnt that an organised loot of the nations wealth? Nandkumar further said: Theres no politics behind the action taken by the Modi government against counterfeit currency and black money through this demonetisation move. Modi took this courageous decision not as a politician but as a reformist, whos looking at the next generation, and not at the next election. Manmohan Singh, a front bencher in the Rajya Sabha, made a rare speech in the House yesterday to talk on the government's move of spiking 500 and 1,000 rupee notes and how it was going to impact India's economy. Also Read: PM Narendra Modi hits back at Opposition, says those who didn't get time to change notes are upset As the man of few words spoke for about seven minutes, a hushed Rajya Sabha listened quietly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also present. The scathing criticism from the Congress leader, who opened up India's economy in 1991, invited a rebuke from Jaitley who alleged that most black money was accumulated in India from 2004-14 when Manmohan Singh headed a coalition government. "It is disappointing to hear from people who were in charge of the government when the most black money was generated, most corruption scandals came to the fore," Jaitley said, referring to the financial scams that emerged during Manmohan Singh's rule. Zee Media Bureau New Delhi: The government is trying to assess whether demonetisation of high denomination Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes is having any impact on militancy in Kashmir or terror funding in the country. I request Director IB to compile a comprehensive report of how demonetisation has hampered terror funding, said Rajnath Singh at the 51st annual conference of Directors General/Inspectors General of Police of states and UTs and heads of central police organisations being held at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad. On the impact of currency ban on Naxals, he said that, Naxals are devastated after demonetisation and are trying to get currency exchanged. "We'll stop their attempts", added the Home Minister. Inaugurating the three-day annual DGPs/IGPs conference, the Home Minister said that healthy competition among different central and state police officials was yielding good results. He called for closer coordination between central and state forces as it would help in improving security situation in country. According to The Economic Times report earlier this month, reports, an intelligence officer tracking terror funding in Jammu & Kashmir said hawala channels had run dry after the the scrapping of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. With no unaccounted cash to fund violence and protests in the valley, the lead trouble-makers have been forced to lie low. For, they no longer have the money to pay the local youths to pelt stones and stage violent protests. The funding of all kind of terror operations or mob protests require money was entirely through hawala. Though recently, the NIA launched a probe to track the funding of militants in Jammu and Kashmir through their sympathisers who travel to gulf countries for work. Interestingly, there has been no major terror attack or mob protest reported in the valley since demonetisation announced on November 8. However, new notes of Rs 2,000 were found on two terrorists killed in an encounter in Bandipora in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. Banks started dispensing new notes two weeks ago, after Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes ceased to be legal tender on November 8 in an attempt to check tax evasion and terror funding. PM Modi, in his televised address to the nation, as he announced the note ban, had said that terror attacks, including those facilitated by Pakistan, often involve counterfeit Rs 500 notes. A Pakistani sectarian militant faction says, it is working with both Islamic State jihadists and al-Qaeda to carry out attacks in the country. Ali Bin Sufyan, a spokesman for the Al Alami faction of the homegrown Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) group, said, the militants would work with "whoever will help us against the Pakistani army". The banned Sunni LeJ group, has claimed responsibility for some of the most brazen attacks on minority Shiites in Pakistan`s recent history, but has turned its guns on the Pakistani government in recent years. Last year much of the LeJ top leadership was apparently wiped out in a gun battle with Pakistani police as authorities cracked down hard on the myriad insurgent groups that have plagued the country for decades. But the group appears to still be carrying out attacks, and the claim it is working with IS along with Al-Qaeda exposes a worrying new trend. "IS is under pressure in Syria and Iraq so it is forming a nexus with small militant groups in Pakistan and Bangladesh to assert its power and expand its profile," security analyst Amir Rana told AFP. Sectarian groups such as LeJ are a "natural ally" for IS, he said. Officials deny Islamic State has a presence in Pakistan, but the Middle Eastern jihadist group has claimed responsibility for several major attacks in recent months, particularly in the restive province of Balochistan. Last month militants carried out an assault on a police academy in the Baloch provincial capital Quetta, killing more than 60 people in an attack claimed both by Al Alami and IS, in an apparent demonstration of their collaboration. Sufyan said, that any collaboration with groups such as IS was "restricted only to activities or operations in Pakistan". The extent of any material support remains unclear, but affiliation with the notoriously brutal outfit brings the promise of a far higher profile. The emergence of IS in Pakistan would be seen as a major blow to the country`s long-running and partly successful efforts to quell a homegrown Islamist insurgency, and comes as the group`s key rival Al Qaeda is losing strength in what was once its "home ground". Sufyan also said, his group supports a separatist movement in Balochistan, where nationalists have sought independence for decades, calling them "our brothers". AFP was unable to verify the statement with Baloch separatists, who have previously accused the Pakistani state of using LeJ as a proxy against them. But it was a rare example of a Pakistani Islamist militant group supporting the nationalist movement, and a further demonstration of the group`s pragmatic shift. United Nations: UN Secretary-General Ban-ki-Moon expressed serious concern over the prevailing situation at the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, an official statement said on Friday. The Secretary-General said he was "deeply concerned about the deterioration of the situation along the Line of Control in Kashmir in recent days," a statement issued by his office said. He called on "all involved to prioritise the restoration of calm and stability in order to prevent any further escalation and loss of life." The statement further said that "the Secretary-General trusts that India and Pakistan can find common ground and work towards a sustainable peace." "The United Nations stands by the people of the region and supports all efforts to reach durable peace and security," the statement added. Jamshedpur: Eight vehicles were on Friday set ablaze, while the driver of another truck was injured in an attack as normal life was affected in Jharkhand during a statewide bandh called by the opposition parties, police said. The opposition parties had called the bandh to protest the passage of decades-old Chhotanagpur and Santal Paragana Tenancy Act (CNT and SPT) on November 23, claiming that it would hurt the interests of the tribals. While six vehicles, including a bus and trucks, were torched in Dumka district, a truck and a dumper were set alight by the bandh supporters in East Singhbhum district. In West Singhbhum district, bandh supporters attacked a truck carrying coins worth lakhs of rupees and injured its driver, SP Michael Raj S said. The bandh supporters, police and State Bank of India officials were unaware of the coins being transported from RBI, Patna, he added. On being informed, a police team reached the spot and ensured the truck's safe journey to Chakradharpur. Police said, six vehicles were torched and several others damaged by the bandh supporters armed with bows and arrows in front of Santal Paragana College in Dumka district. They assembled at the college ground violating prohibitory orders under section 144, CrPC imposed by the district administration on account of the bandh, police said. A 10-wheeler truck was set ablaze near Pipla on NH 33 under MGM police station, while a dumper was torched at Dhamdum village under Potka police station of East Singhbhum district. SP (Rural) Md Arshi said 11 persons were arrested in connection with the two incidents. Regarding the Pipla incident, Arshi said the bandh supporters attempted to burn the truck, but timely intervention by the police ensured that the flames were doused. Four persons were arrested in this regard. Meanwhile, over 1,000 bandh supporters, including JVM general secretary Abhay Singh, East Singhbhum district Congress chief Vijay Khan, former Jharkhand minister Dulal Bhuiyan and Jharkhand People's Party chief Surya Singh Besra were rounded up in the Kolhan region, comprising East and West Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharswan districts. The bandh supporters put up road blockades at various places by burning tyres, affecting road traffic. Many shops and business establishments downed their shutters while long distance buses were off road. Seraikela-Kharswan district SP, Indrajeet Mahatha said, shops and markets remained open while banks, ATMs and petrol pumps functioned normally. However, the mining sector was affected by the bandh. Anandpur Sahib (Punjab): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who on Friday offered his prayers at Gurdwara Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib here, hailed Guru Gobind Singh for fighting cruelty with bravery. Prime Minister Modi while addressing a public function to mark the celebration of the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh said there is a need to inspire the current generation to follow the path of unity shown by him. "Guru Gobind ji Maharaj fought cruelty with bravery, gave message of unity to people. We have to inspire present generations to follow same," Prime Minister said. Sporting a saffron headgear, Prime Minister Modi was presented a 'siropa' or robe of honour by the Sikh priests at the historic gurdwara, the second holiest of Sikh shrines after Amritsar's Golden Temple. The 10th Sikh master, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa Panth (religion of the pure) at Takht Keshgarh Sahib, 85 km from Chandigarh, in present day Ropar district of Punjab on April 13, 1699. New Delhi: An IndiGo Airbus A320 plane and a KLM Boeing dreamliner aircraft were involved in a near miss incident earlier this month, prompting the Indian authorities to order a probe considering it as a serious incident. IndiGo's Airbus A 320 plane was flying from the national capital to Bengaluru while KLM's Boeing 787 aircraft was enroute from Amsterdam to Kualampur, as per the website of Aviation Safety Network. The Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched an investigation into the matter. Citing preliminary data from the Indian authorities, BEA said IndiGo aircraft came in close proximity with KLM plane as the required standard lateral and vertical (radar) separation was reduced. The vertical separation was reduced to 200 feet, it added. The incident happened on November 2 in the Indian airspace, according to French aviation regulator BEA. Details about the number of passengers could not be ascertained. Near miss incidents are generally described as airprox (aircraft proximity). It refers to a situation where in the opinion of a pilot or Air Traffic Services personnel, the distance between the planes as well as their relative positions and speed have been such that the safety of the aircraft involved may have been compromised Srinagar: Two terrorists and an Army jawan were killed on Friday in an ongoing encounter between terrorists and security forces in north Kashmir`s Bandipora district. The police said troops of the 13 Rashtriya Rifles and special operations group (SOG) surrounded Manzpora village at night following information about the militants` presence. "With the break of dawn, the flushing out operation was started when the hiding militants opened indiscriminate fire causing critical injuries to a soldier, who later succumbed," a senior police officer said. Two terrorists were also killed in the operation, he said. Firing exchanges have stopped in the area, but a combing operation is on. The identity and group affiliation of the slain militants is being ascertained. Also Read: Terrorists attack police station in Handwara area of Kashmir's Kupwara district Meanwhile, another encounter broke out between militants and security forces in Sopore area of Baramulla district. A search operation was launched in Tujjar village of Sopore after specific intelligence inputs about the presence of militants in the area, the official said. He said as the forces were conducting the search operation, the militants fired upon them, triggering an encounter. Further details of the operation are awaited, the official said. Also Read: Deeply concerned about situation along LoC in Kashmir: Ban Ki-moon On Tuesday, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Hajin village of Bandipora. Another terrorist was killed by security forces in Kakapora area of Pulwama district on Saturday. (With Agency inputs) Srinagar: A local militant, who was trapped by security forces in Sopore area of Baramulla district, surrendered before the law enforcing agencies on Friday. "Surrender of one local terrorist has been accepted at Tujjar, Sopore," an Army official said. The official said, Army calls for other misguided local youth to shun path of violence. This is second incident of surrender by a militant in Sopore area this month after being cornered by the security forces. On November 4, a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant had surrendered before the security forces. Navi Mumbai: A shocking video has come to light showing a maid assaulting a 10-month-old female toddler in a private creche in Kharghar. On Thursday, creche owner Priyanka Nikam and a maid identified as Afsana Shaikh, 30, were arrested in this connection. "The maid, working as a caretaker for the toddlers in the Purva Playschool & Nursery in Sector 10 here (Kharghar), has been charged with assault, abusing children and other offences," said an official of Kharghar Police Station. The incident involving the toddler, who was left behind at the day care creche by her parents, came to light after the child was sent home with a severe eye injury and bruise marks on her body. The stunned parents demanded an explanation from Nikam, but were not satisfied with the replies. They lodged a complaint with the Kharghar police, who scanned the CCTV recordings of the creche. The shocking footage later went viral on social media. In the video, Shaikh is clearly visible, brutally beating, punching, slapping, poking, kicking and throwing around the crying little girl. Apparently, Shaikh lost her temper as the toddler was crying, probably due to hunger, and not going to sleep. Police said both Shaikh and Nikam have been arrested and sent to magisterial custody by a Navi Mumbai court on Thursday. Watch the video: Nationalist Congress Party Women's Wing President Chitra Wagh expressed serious concern over the safety of babies in such private nurseries and creches. Wagh told reporters she would visit the place of the incident and plan out a further course of action. Local social activists and shaken citizens have demanded regularisation of such private creches with a strict code of conduct, as working parents drop their children there with immense trust. (With IANS inputs) Mumbai: Thick plumes of smoke filled the air as a fire broke out at a furniture market in Oshiwara on Friday. Ten fire engines have been rushed to the spot to bring the blaze under control. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police tweeted that no casualty has been reported as yet. Mumbaikars took to Twitter to share pictures. Further details were awaited. No casualty reported till this time in Oshiwara fire. Fire tenders are on job and more called. Police officers and policeman on spot. Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) November 25, 2016 Goregaon to Oshiwara traffic diverted to SV road. Traffic towards A-1 Darbar hotel is stopped #OshiwaraFire Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) November 25, 2016 Chandigarh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bathinda district in Punjab. The 750-bed hospital and institute will be built at a cost of Rs 925 crore and will be spread over 200 acres. The AIIMS project will cater to south-west Punjab, comprising the districts of Bathinda, Mansa and Sangrur where cancer and other diseases are widely prevalent. The institute, which will be completed in two years, will also cater to the needs of the people in adjoining areas of Haryana and Rajasthan. On this occasion, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Union Minister and Punjab BJP Chief Vijay Sampla, among others were also present. Bathinda is the Lok Sabha constituency of Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal. Later in the day, the PM will attend a function related to the 350th Parkash Utsav of 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, in Anandpur Sahib. Anandpur Sahib, which is famous for Takht Keshgarh Sahib, the second holiest of Sikh shrines after Amritsar's Harmandir Sahib or Golden Temple, is about 85 km from here. The 'Khalsa Panth', the present-day Sikh religion, was founded here by Guru Gobind Singh on April 13, 1699. With Assembly Elections likely to be held in Punjab early next year, Modi's visit has political and electoral significance for Punjab's ruling alliance of the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The alliance has been in power in Punjab since 2007. (With Agency inputs) Tehran: At least 31 people were killed in Iran today when a passenger train rammed into the back of an intercity express which had broken down, the provincial governor said. More than 70 people were admitted to hospital after the crash in the northern province of Semnan on the main line between the capital Tehran and second city Mashhad, Mohammad Reza Khabbaz told state television. The express train, operating one of Iran's longest distances services from Tabriz in the northwest to Mashhad, had been forced to stop between stations by a mechanical failure, perhaps caused by the cold November weather, Khabbaz said. Two of its coaches burst into flames when the train behind ran into the back of it at 7:50 am (0420 GMT). The front four coaches of the second train -- running from Semnan to Mashhad -- derailed and overturned. "One minute I was sleeping and the next I was being carried out of a coach on fire," one hospitalised passenger told state television. Initial reports had said that the express train was stopped in a station when the accident happened. But Khabbaz said it was some four kilometres (two and half miles) outside Haft Khan station between Semnan and Damghan, the next major town. At midday emergency services were still battling to put out the fire and rescue injured passengers from the overturned carriages. The province's Red Crescent director, Hassan Shokrollahi, said the remote location of the crash site had complicated rescue efforts. "Due to the difficulty of access, only our helicopter has managed to reach the scene," he said earlier in the day. The injured were taken to hospitals in Semnan and Damghan. New York/Melbourne: Neil Prakash, Australia's most senior ISIS recruiter has been arrested in the Middle East, a media report said on Friday, months after the US and Australia said, he was killed in an American air strike in Iraq this year. The New York Times reported that, Prakash had been arrested in an unnamed Middle Eastern country. The 25-year-old, who has gone by the name Abu Khaled al- Cambodi since joining ISIS in 2013, was thought to have been killed in an American air strike in Iraq in July. Prakash, who was of Fijian and Cambodian descent, has been a prominent member of Islamic State in Iraq, and has sought to recruit Australians to carry out attacks. Quoting a senior American official, the Times said that, US forces targeted Prakash earlier this year. Though he was wounded, he survived. "In the last few weeks, however, a Middle Eastern government arrested Mr. Prakash," another senior American military official was quoted as saying.Prakash," another senior American military official was quoted as saying. Prakash handed himself to Turkish authorities several weeks ago, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said. Australia's justice minister, Michael Keenan, declined to comment on the new report on Prakash, but conceded that the government's ability to confirm reports of deaths in Syria or Iraq was limited. "As a matter of longstanding practice, the Australian government does not comment on matters of intelligence or law enforcement operations," Keenan said. "The government reported Prakash's death in May, on the basis of advice from the US government that he had been killed in an airstrike." He said, "There have been people who have been reported dead and are later found to be alive." Prakash entered strife-torn Syria in 2013 and has been the public face of a number of Islamic State's propaganda videos. He grew up in Melbourne and converted to Islam in 2012. He attended the now-closed al-Furqan Islamic Centre. In August 2015 the Australian federal police issued a first instance warrant for Prakash's arrest, which is still valid. Prakash was believed to have had links to numerous plots in Australia, including a knife attack by an 18-year-old against two policemen in Melbourne and foiled plans to attack police, both last year and this year on Anzac Day, Australia's memorial day for fallen soldiers. According to media reports, Prakash converted from Buddhism to Islam in 2012 after a visit to Cambodia, when he was repulsed by what he viewed as Buddhism's commercialism and idolatry. He attended meetings at Al-Furqan bookstore and prayer centre in Melbourne before becoming a jihadist. Ankara: A loud explosion was heard in the Turkish city of Gaziantep near the Syrian border late Friday, and police and firefighters were rushed to the scene, state media reported. No information about the nature or impact of the blast was immediately available, the official Anadolu news agency said. London: The British government on Friday rejected criticism of its intervention in Libya, arguing its involvement saved civilian lives and claiming the Islamic State group has been weakened in the country. The government`s comments follow a September report in which the parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee published a damning assessment of the 2011 intervention alongside France. The report said London`s strategy was based on "erroneous assumptions and an incomplete understanding of the evidence," accusing the government of selectively taking the threats of dictator Moamer Kadhafi at face value. But in its response the government argued its actions "undoubtedly" saved civilian lives in Libya. "Qadhafi (Kadhafi) was unpredictable and had the means and motivation to carry out his threats. His actions could not be ignored, and required decisive and collective international action," the government said in its written response. Kadhafi was ousted and killed during the uprising and Britain was criticised by the Foreign Affairs Committee for expanding its mission to protect civilians to a policy of regime change, a charge rejected by the government. "Our objective remained clear at all times: to protect civilians and to promote stability in Libya," the government said, adding that it was "entirely appropriate" to target military sites after the Kadhafi regime failed to implement a ceasefire. The 2011 bombing campaign came after Kadhafi loyalists pounded the eastern city of Benghazi, raising fears of an imminent massacre in the rebel stronghold. Britain`s then prime minister, David Cameron, was blamed in the report as "ultimately responsible for the failure to develop a coherent Libya strategy". He declined to give evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee, which heard from key players including former defence minister Liam Fox and former prime minister Tony Blair. The government confirmed Blair had spoken to Kadhafi and said such efforts for a political solution "were unable to make progress", dismissing the Committee`s claim that the government should have made better use of this direct line of communication. Five years after the intervention, Libya is run by two rival administrations and remains embroiled in violence including the presence of extremists such as the Islamic State group. Sofia: A thousand migrants who clashed with police Thursday will be moved from Bulgaria`s largest refugee camp in Harmanli into former army barracks near the Turkish border before being expelled, Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said. All necessary preparations will be made over the next week "so that we can isolate those who do not want to obey the rules," Borisov said Friday while visiting the into former army barracks near the Turkish border b facility that now hosts just over 3,000 migrants -- mainly from Afghanistan but also Syria. The offenders -- young Afghan men who lit fires and hurled stones at police on Thursday -- will be moved to closed facilities, that are now being set up in the empty barracks near the Turkish border, prior to being sent home. "They will be then expelled from Bulgaria as soon as possible," Borisov said, adding that the first plane taking Afghan migrants out of the country is expected to leave in December. Only Syrian families will remain in Harmanli from next year, Borisov added during a meeting with local residents who have long demanded the closure of the camp. Several hundred police officers and water cannons were deployed Thursday to quash a riot by some 1,500 stone-hurling migrants, protesting against being kept shut inside the camp pending medical checks. Twenty-nine police and 20 migrants were injured in the late night clashes as police pushed the migrants back into the buildings. Four hundred migrants were detained. Borisov said Friday that the organiser of the riot was identified as an Afghan who was imprisoned in Germany for drug dealing before being expelled. The man, who arrived in Bulgaria four months ago, has been detained and will be immediately expelled. Another 18 migrants were charged on Thursday with hooliganism after smashing windows and ruining furniture in the camp`s brand new canteen, local prosecutors announced. Bulgaria meanwhile boosted the police presence in all refugee centres across the country. Although the so-called Balkan migrant trail was effectively shut down in March, migrants have continued to cross the Balkans in smaller numbers. Around 13,000 of them, mostly from Afghanistan, are currently trapped in Bulgaria, the European Union`s poorest country. There are also seething tensions in camps in neighbouring Greece. Paris: British fashion photographer David Hamilton, 83, was found dead in his Parisian home on Friday, emergency services sources said Friday. Hamilton, known for nude images of underage girls, hit the headlines recently after former child models said he had raped them. An informed source said he had died of heart failure and that medication was found near the body. Hamilton, whose books of often suggestive pictures of young girls have sold millions of copies, just this week threatened to sue his accusers, saying he had previously been cleared of abuse. The artist, whose whose work has long raised questions about where art ends and pornography begins, was at the centre of a raft of allegations after a French radio presenter accused him of raping her when she was 13. Flavie Flament published an autobiographical novel last month in which she told of being raped by a famous photographer during a shoot. Although she did not name Hamilton in "The Consolation" for fear of being sued, she used his photograph of her as the book`s cover. Flament, 42, later told French media that Hamilton had raped her after three other women contacted her with near identical allegations. Hamilton confirmed Flament had been his model, but denied the allegations, telling AFP on Tuesday: "I have done nothing improper." Washington: Donald Trump will have to embrace "unilateralism" against Pakistan as President Barack Obama did when it hunt down Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, a former Pakistani diplomat has said, arguing that USD 33 billion of US funding has failed to change Islamabad's policy on terrorism. Husain Haqqani, a former Pakistan ambassador to the US, also predicted that the Trump administration, which takes over in January, will downgrade Pakistan from its current status of a "major non-NATO ally". "For the generals in Islamabad, and many civilian leaders, Pakistan's competition with India justifies breaking promises with the US and continuing support for jihadist terrorism, from the Taliban to the Haqqani network, as part of its plans for regional influence to match India's," he wrote in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal yesterday. "So USD 21 billion in funding under the Obama administration could not change Pakistan, just as USD 12.4 billion given to Pakistan under the Bush administration failed to shut down its terrorism incubators," he wrote. "(But) under President Obama, the US did manage to hunt down Osama bin Laden in his safe house in Pakistan, without Pakistan's permission. The Trump administration will have to embrace similar unilateralism if and when needed, in addition to the almost inevitable downgrading of Pakistan from its current status as a major non-NATO ally," Haqqani said. Osama was killed less than a mile from Pakistan's elite military academy in Abbottabad in a dramatic raid by US Navy Seals on May 2, 2011. The US conducted the highly secret operation unilaterally, without informing Pakistan government. When contacted by the PTI for clarification on his op-ed, Haqqani said, "I am predicting that the Trump administration will probably downgrade Pakistan from the status of a major non-NATO ally." Haqqani, the director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute in Washington, also said that getting the Pakistan policy right ? including a review of the predicates for any aid ? remains the key to US victory in Afghanistan. Until the rise of Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan were the principal training grounds for Islamist terrorists, the former Pakistani diplomat said, citing almost all of al Qaeda terrorists convicted in Britain since 2001, including the July 7, 2005, London Underground bombers and Dhiren Barot - the so-called "Dirty Bomber" - were trained in Pakistan. He said the rise of global jihadism was made possible by America's preoccupation with the current news while the Soviet bloc crumbled during the first couple of years of the 1990s. "This time, the US should not ignore the Afghanistan-Pakistan theater because the brutalities of ISIS and its proximity to Europe, are the immediate cause of concern," he said. San Jose: A hurricane that churned its way across Central America before sweeping into the Pacific on Friday killed at least nine people in Costa Rica and caused millions of dollars in damage, officials said. President Luis Guillermo Solis declared three days of mourning, starting Monday. In neighboring Nicaragua, officials reported no casualties but dozens of homes were damaged in low-lying areas. Hurricane Otto had sparked red alerts in both countries when it spun in from the Caribbean on Thursday with winds of up to 175 kilometers (110 miles) per hour. It made landfall in southeastern Nicaragua, in an area with national reserves that is sparsely inhabited, before crossing into Costa Rica, losing strength as it went. Early Friday it headed out into the Pacific Ocean as a downgraded tropical storm. It should continue to weaken, the US National Hurricane Center said. A Costa Rican police official, Walter Espinoza, told a news conference: "The number of people killed is nine. We have recovered eight bodies, only one remains." Solis said the storm dumped a month`s worth of rain in just a few hours in Costa Rica. Authorities said it caused around $8 million in damage to roads. Aerial television pictures from northern Costa Rica showed water and mud in several towns, and small bridges collapsed.Updating an earlier death toll of four, Espinoza said five of the nine people killed died in Upala, a town near the border with Nicaragua that found itself in the storm`s path. An Upala resident, Juan, told the Repretel channel he lost his son when rising waters tore away his home on a river bank. The other four died in Bagaces, a town 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of the capital San Jose. In Nicaragua, the government`s spokesperson, First Lady Rosario Murillo, said: "Up to now, thank God, we haven`t counted any loss of human life." Officials in both countries had evacuated the most at-risk areas before the hurricane hit, and closed schools and mobilized emergency crews. Officials in Costa Rica said 5,500 people had been put up in shelters. Nicaragua had 44 shelters operating for many of the 10,500 people who had been evacuated. UN agencies and non-governmental organizations had supported the emergency response, the UN office coordinating humanitarian affairs said in a statement. Early this week, as Otto gathered strength in the Caribbean, its outer bands of wind and rain contributed to the deaths of eight people in Panama, according to the national civil protection service. On Thursday, at the same time as the hurricane struck, a 7.0 earthquake was registered on the other side of the Central American isthmus, 120 kilometers (75 miles) offshore in the Pacific Ocean. Although the temblor prompted panicked residents in El Salvador`s capital to run out of buildings, and briefly sparked tsunami alerts in El Salvador and Nicaragua, no damage was reported. The sole casualty was in Nicaragua, where one person died of a heart attack. London: Britain`s departure from the European Union could be softened by a transitional deal, allowing time to set the terms of a full divorce, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny told Sky News Friday. British Prime Minister Theresa May has promised to trigger Article 50 of the EU`s Lisbon Treaty in March, starting a two-year countdown to negotiate Britain`s departure from the bloc. "I think it would be impossible to do all of the negotiations inside the contemplated two-year period," warned Kenny "There`s a growing feeling in Europe that there should be a transition period, and that transition period might well be longer than those two years. I wouldn`t like to put a timescale on it." The Irish leader insisted there had been "no substantial discussion" at the European Council about Brexit, but that fellow EU leaders saw free movement of people as a "red-line issue" in any future trade deal with Britain. Kenny said he hoped that Britain would retain access to the EU`s common market in order to avoid tariff complications at the Republic of Ireland`s land border with Northern Ireland, which is part of Britain. "It would mean inconvenience, delays and time-wasting, extra costs and job losses," he said. Former British prime ministers John Major and Tony Blair angered Brexit supporters earlier Friday by raising the idea of a second referendum on the terms of the divorce. Maltese President Joseph Muscat, whose country takes over the EU`s rotating presidency in January, earlier told the BBC that European leaders were "not bluffing" about maintaining open borders and that he would "not be surprised" if an ongoing legal challenge delayed May`s plans to trigger Article 50. Teknaf: Myanmar is carrying out "ethnic cleansing" of Rohingya Muslims, a UN official hs reportedly said, as horrifying stories of gang-rape, torture and murder emerge from among the thousands who have fled to Bangladesh. Up to 30,000 of the impoverished ethnic group have abandoned their homes in Myanmar to escape the unfolding violence, the UN says, after troops poured into the narrow strip where they live earlier this month. John McKissick, head of the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) in the Bangladeshi border town of Cox`s Bazar, told the BBC that troops were "killing men, shooting them, slaughtering children, raping women, burning and looting houses, forcing these people to cross the river" into Bangladesh. Dhaka has resisted urgent international appeals to open its border to avert a humanitarian crisis, instead telling Myanmar it must do more to prevent the stateless Rohingya minority from entering. "It`s very difficult for the Bangladeshi government to say the border is open because this would further encourage the government of Myanmar to continue the atrocities and push them out until they have achieved their ultimate goal of ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority in Myanmar," McKissick said. A spokesman for Myanmar President Htin Kyaw slammed the comments. ``I would like to question the professionalism and ethics which should be followed and respected by UN staff. He should speak based on concrete and true facts, he shouldn`t make accusations," Zaw Htay told AFP. It`s not the first time such claims have been made against Myanmar. In April 2013 Human Rights Watch said it was conducting a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya -- an accusation rejected by then president Thein Sein as a "smear campaign".But the scale of human suffering was becoming clear on Thursday, as desperate people like Mohammad Ayaz told how troops attacked his village and killed his pregnant wife. Cradling his two-year-old son, he said troops killed at least 300 men in the village market and gang-raped dozens of women before setting fire to around 300 houses, Muslim-owned shops and the mosque where he served as imam. "They shot dead my wife, Jannatun Naim. She was 25 and seven months pregnant. I took refuge at a canal with my two-year-old son, who was hit by a rifle butt," Ayaz told AFP. Ayaz sold his watch and shoes to pay for the journey and has taken shelter at a camp for unregistered Rohingya refugees. Many of those seeking shelter say they walked for days and used rickety boats to cross into Bangladesh, where hundreds of thousands of registered Rohingya refugees have been living for decades. The Rohingya are loathed by many in Buddhist-majority Myanmar who see them as illegal immigrants and call them "Bengali", even though many have lived there for generations. Most live in impoverished western Rakhine state but are denied citizenship and smothered by restrictions on movement and work. As the crisis deepened, Bangladesh said Wednesday it had summoned Myanmar`s ambassador to express "deep concern". "Despite our border guards` sincere effort to prevent the influx, thousands of distressed Myanmar citizens including women, children, and elderly people continue to cross (the) border into Bangladesh," it said. "Thousands more have been reported to be gathering at the border crossing."Since the latest violence flared up, Bangladesh border guards have intensified patrols and coast guards have deployed extra ships. Officials say they have stopped around a thousand Rohingya at the border since Monday. Farmer Deen Mohammad was among the thousands who evaded the patrols, sneaking into the Bangladeshi border town of Teknaf four days ago with his wife, two of their children and three other families. "They (Myanmar`s military) took my two boys, aged nine and 12 when they entered my village. I don`t know what happened to them," Mohammad, 50, told AFP. "They took women in rooms and then locked them from inside. Up to 50 women and girls of our village were tortured and raped." Mohammad said houses in his village were burned, echoing similar testimony from other recent arrivals. Human Rights Watch said this week it had identified more than 1,000 houses in Rohingya villages that had been razed in northwestern Myanmar using satellite images. Myanmar`s military has denied burning villages and even blamed the Rohingya themselves. Rohingya community leaders said hundreds of families had taken shelter in camps in the border towns of Teknaf and Ukhia, many hiding for fear they would be sent back to Myanmar. Police on Wednesday detained 70 Rohingya, including women and children, who they say will be sent back across the border. "They handcuffed even young girls and children and then took them away with a view to pushing them back to Myanmar," said one community leader who asked not to be named, adding they faced "certain death" if made to return. Chicago: More than a hundred people took to the streets in central Chicago on Friday for the second year in a row, blocking entrance to Nike store on the iconic North Michigan Avenue to raise awareness about police misconduct towards minority groups. Holding slogans like `Boycott Black Friday` and `Black Lives Matter`, protesters lined up in front of the Nike store in an attempt to stop people from entering, while police officers formed another line separating protesters from the store`s main gate and let customers through, Xinhua news agency reported. The protest remained largely peaceful with occasional outburst of chanting like `No Justice, No Profits` and `CPAC (Civilian Police Accountability Council) Now` . Last year, more than 1,000 protesters took to the Chicago`s North Michigan Avenue on Black Friday to protest the fatal shooting of a black teenager by a white policeman. London: The First Ministers of Scotland and Wales met in Cardiff on Friday and confirmed their shared ambition to maintain full and unfettered access to the European Union`s Single Market. Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones were in the Welsh capital for a meeting of the British Irish Council. Other people at the meeting included Ireland`s Prime Minister Enda Kenny, Xinhua news agency reported. During talks after the British Irish Council Summit, Sturgeon and Jones also discussed ways in which the ambitions of Scotland and Wales can be fulfilled. Sturgeon has made it clear that if a Brexit deal is not suitable for Scotland she will bid for a second referendum to sever Scotland`s ties with Britain. Speaking after the meeting, Sturgeon said Friday`s meeting was another positive and useful opportunity to discuss some of the shared concerns both Scotland and Wales have around Britain`s exit from the European Union. "Both Scotland and Wales have spoken loud and clear -- Single Market status is simply the only way to protect the economy not only of Scotland and Wales respectively, but the UK as a whole. Anything else risks us falling off a hard-Brexit cliff edge, and we are united in our call to ensure the UK Government does all it can to ensure that happens." Carwyn Jones said:" This has been a constructive discussion where we have shared our very strong concerns over the prospect of Britain`s pursuing a hard Brexit." "We will continue to work together to build a coalition in favour of Britain having full and unfettered access to the single market," he said. There was criticism in Cardiff that Britain`s Prime Minister Theresa May had not attended the summit meeting. Although a number of British government ministers attended the event, Sturgeon and Northern Ireland`s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness both said May should have attended the British Irish Council (BIC) meeting in Wales. Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire, who did attend the talks said: "The Prime Minister strongly supports the British Irish Council," adding that is why two British government cabinet ministers and two other government ministers attended the Cardiff meeting strongly representing the British government`s perspective. Singapore: A 29-year-old Indian-origin man has been jailed for over three years for printing fake Singaporean currency notes here, according to a media report. Sasi Kumar Lakshmanan decided to print fake currency notes of SGD 100 and SGD 50. Deputy Public Prosecutor Magdalene Huang said Lakshmanan decided to print some counterfeit currency notes as he was in a financial difficulty and owed loan sharks more than SGD 5,000. He realised the photocopy of SGD 100 note was almost the same as the genuine one. Following this, he photocopied notes that closely resembled a genuine SGD 100 note. He then printed another four copies of the notes and cut them to the right size, The Straits Times reported. The next day, he produced one of the fake SGD 100 notes to pay for two packets of cigarettes totalling SGD 21.80. He pocketed the SGD 78.20 in change, the report said. The fake note was discovered by a stall supervisor, who complained to police on July 13, two days after Lakshmanan first printed the fake notes. Police raided Lakshmanan's home and found, among other things, a counterfeit SGD 50 note. In his written mitigation plea, Lakshmanan said his wife was due to deliver their third child soon. He said he suffers from epileptic fits and had just found a job doing deliveries for a friend. Two other charges of using a fake note and having instruments for making them were taken into consideration, according to the Singapore daily report. He could have been jailed for up to 20 years and fined on each charge. Teknaf (Myanmar): The brutal gang rape that Habiba and her sister endured is a story that is becoming depressingly familiar among the thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing to Bangladesh to escape the violence of Myanmar's soldiers. "They tied both of us to the bed and raped us one by one," said 20-year-old Habiba, who has now found shelter with a Rohingya refugee family a few kilometres (miles) from the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. "We`re almost starving here. But at least no one is coming here to kill or torture," said Hashim Ullah, Habiba`s older brother who escaped with his sisters. Habiba and her sister Samira, 18, say they were raped in their home in Udang village by troops who then burnt down their house. "They torched most of the houses, killed numerous people including our father and raped many young girls," said Habiba, who agreed to be identified in this story. "One of the soldiers told us before leaving that they will kill us if they see us around the next time they come here. Then they torched our house." Widespread allegations of rape have raised fears that Myanmar`s security forces are systematically using sexual violence against the stateless Rohingya. The violence has forced thousands to flee, prompting a UN official to accuse Myanmar of carrying out "ethnic cleansing" of the Muslim minority. Ullah and his siblings escaped after taking the family`s $400 savings and walking to the Naf River that separates southern Bangladesh from Myanmar`s Rakhine state. The trio spent four days hiding in the hills with hundreds of other Rohingya families, before they found a boat owner willing to take them to Bangladesh. "He asked for all of our money," Ullah said. The boat owner left them on a small island near the border. The siblings walked across the scrubland until they found a Rohingya family who offered them shelter.Similar stories of violence and dispossession fill the rows of plastic-roofed shacks that have become the only refuge for thousands of Rohingya Muslims who have fled Rakhine state. The escapees have told of gang rapes, torture and murder being carried out by Myanmar troops in the small strip of land that has been under military control after deadly raids on police border posts last month. Foreign journalists and independent investigators have been barred from entering the area. While the military and government have rejected the charges, rights groups have long accused the military of using rape as a weapon of war in several other ethnic conflicts which simmer in the country`s borderlands. Thailand-based NGO the Womens League of Burma has documented 92 cases of sexual violence by fighters between 2010 and 2015, which they say have been used "as a means of shaming and destroying ethnic communities". Fears of Muslim men violating Buddhist women have also long stirred the hatred of hardline nationalists in Myanmar. Allegations Muslims raped Buddhists sparked sectarian clashes in 2012 that drove tens of thousands of Rohingya into displacement camps and riots two years later near Mandalay. But the volume of rape allegation among the Rohingya fleeing Rakhine suggest a pattern of abuse by Myanmar`s army beyond anything documented before. Mujibullah arrived in Bangladesh on Monday with his sister Muhsena. The pair fled after four soldiers tried to rape her. The soldiers were tying Muhsena, 20, to a pole in their village when Mujibullah intervened, receiving a brutal beating in exchange. "One soldier tried to hack me with a knife as I threw myself to them, begging them not to destroy her life," Mujibullah said, showing an inch-long wound on his palm. Muhsena stood close to her brother as he spoke to AFP, but she choked up every time she tried to speak. Hundreds of thousands of registered Rohingya refugees have been living on the Bangladesh side of the border for decades, having fled violence and poverty across the border. In Myanmar the Rohingya are seen as illegal immigrants and labelled "Bengali", even though many have lived there for generations. They are denied citizenship and face severe restrictions on movement, work and basic access to education and hospitals. But Dhaka has resisted urgent international appeals to open its border to avert a humanitarian crisis, instead telling Myanmar it must do more to prevent the stateless Rohingya minority from entering. Istanbul: Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday, threatened to throw open Turkey's borders to illegal migrants, after the European Parliament voted to back a freeze in membership talks with Ankara. "Listen to me. If you go any further, then the frontiers will be opened, bear that in mind," Erdogan told the European Union (EU) in a speech in Istanbul. On March 18, Ankara and Brussels forged a deal for Turkey to halt the flow of migrants to Europe - an accord that has largely been successful in reducing numbers crossing the Aegean Sea. Moscow: Ukraine`s ousted former president Viktor Yanukovych said Friday he regretted "not having called in the army and declared martial law" in his bid to crush a pro-EU revolt in February 2014. "My biggest mistake was, I could not, I did not find the strength in me to sign the decree to call in the army and introduce martial law," Kremlin-backed Yanukovych told reporters in Rostov-on-Don, in southern Russia. "It would have been the only way to stop the radicals, but I couldn`t bring myself to resort to a bloodbath," said the ousted leader, who fled Kiev on February 21, 2014, and who eventually escaped from the country altogether for Russia. Ukraine`s so-called Euromaidan protests lasted three months and culminated in a bloodbath that claimed the lives of more than 100 largely unarmed people and about 20 anti-riot police. The use of live ammunition against civilians left the nation in shock, and Yanukovych himself is wanted for "mass murder" of protesters. Russia was furious because it had wanted to enlist Ukraine in its own political and economic bloc that could stand up to the European Union and possibly even NATO. Moscow labelled Yanukovych`s ouster a Western-orchestrated coup. It responded by annexing Ukraine`s Crimea peninsula in March 2014 and then witnessed the outbreak of a pro-Moscow separatist war in Ukraine`s east that has claimed nearly 10,000 lives. Lufthansa pilots have staged 14 walkouts since 2014 in their ongoing pay dispute with the German airline Germany's flagship airline Lufthansa cancelled 830 domestic and European flights on Friday, affecting more than 100,000 passengers, as a strike by pilots demanding higher pay stretched into a third day. The airline said it would also scrap 137 long-haul flights on Saturday after the pilots' union Cockpit announced another extension of the stoppage. More than 2,700 flights have now been cancelled since the start of the walkout, causing travel disruptions for over 345,000 passengers, Lufthansa said in a statement. It is the pilots' 14th strike since April 2014. Cockpit is demanding a pay rise of an average of 3.66 percent per year, retroactive for the past five years. The management is offering 2.5 percent. Austrian Airlines and Swiss -- part of the Lufthansa group -- have tried to pick up some of the slack by expanding their service to Germany. The group's other airlines -- including Germanwings, Air Dolomiti and Brussels Airlines -- have not been affected by the strike. Top-selling daily Bild says the strike is costing Lufthansa some 10 million euros ($10.5 million) a day. Affected passengers can rebook their flights without charge or request rail travel vouchers, the airline said. Lufthansa's hub management board member Harry Hohmeister said on Thursday it was "not possible" to meet the pilots' demands. "The starting point is that we already pay our pilots far better than our competitors," he said. A pilot in the top seniority category can earn more than 22,000 euros ($23,000) per month. The airline said last month that it expects its annual earnings before interest and tax will reach "approximately previous year's level" of 1.8 billion euros ($1.9 billion). Lufthansa has been battling a series of walkouts by both the pilots and cabin crew over the last two years, as it seeks to bring down costs to survive competition from budget rivals such as EasyJet and Ryanair. The German carrier has responded by focusing on long-haul flights and catering to business and first-class passengers. In July, it ended a long-running dispute with cabin crew through a deal on pay and working conditions, including a no-strike agreement and job guarantees until 2021. The breakthrough came after cabin staff staged the longest walkout in Lufthansa's history last November, with a seven-day stoppage that led to 4,700 flight cancellations and grounded over half a million passengers. Johnson & Johnson CEO and chairman Alex Gorsky said the acquisition of Actelion offered "compelling value" to shareholders in both companies Shares in Swiss biotech firm Actelion shot nearly 17 percent higher Friday as it confirmed it had been approached by Johnson & Johnson about a possible buyout. In a brief statement Europe's largest biotech firm "confirmed today that it has been approached by Johnson & Johnson about a possible transaction," adding that there was no certainty a transaction would be completed. The US company meanwhile said "it is engaged in preliminary discussions with Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd. regarding a potential transaction" and would make no further comments until it was appropriate to do so. Johnson & Johnson shares rose 0.8 percent to $114.01 in midday trading in New York. Actelion shares soared in Zurich to close 16.8 percent higher at 184.50 Swiss francs. Based in Allschwil outside the city of Basel, Actelion specialises in rare diseases and earns most of its revenue from treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension. The company reported 1.79 billion Swiss francs ($1.76 billion, 1.66 billion euros) in sales in the first nine months of 2016. John Major and his wife Norma at a service to mark the Queen's 90th birthday at St Paul's Cathedral in London in June Former British prime minister John Major believes there is a "credible case" for a second referendum on Brexit, a newspaper reported Friday, after his successor Tony Blair suggested the process could be stopped. Major, a former leader of Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative party, warned against the "tyranny of the majority" in implementing the June vote to leave the European Union, in which 52 percent opted for Brexit. "I hear the argument that the 48 percent of people who voted to stay should have no say in what happens. I find that very difficult to accept," he told a dinner this week, according to The Times newspaper. "The tyranny of the majority has never applied in a democracy and it should not apply in this particular democracy." Asked if the public should be given another say on the terms of the withdrawal deal, Major reportedly said: "That is a matter for parliament. You can make a perfectly credible case for it. "I don't know whether that will happen. I think we need to see how things pan out before we decide exactly what needs to be done." He said he accepted Britain would not remain a full member of the EU but still hoped for a deal that would enable the country to stay as close as possible to the union and its single market. The comments by Major, who led Britain between 1990 and 1997, were published the day after his Labour successor suggested that Brexit could still be halted. "It can be stopped if the British people decide that, having seen what it means, the pain-gain cost-benefit analysis doesn't stack up," Blair told the New Statesman magazine. He added: "I'm not saying it will (be stopped), by the way, but it could. I'm just saying: until you see what it means, how do you know?" Blair, a fervent pro-European who was prime minister from 1997 to 2007, said: "I think, in the end, it's going to be about parliament and the country scrutinising the deal." May's government intends to start formal exit talks with the EU by the end of March. She has said parliament would likely vote on the final deal but is resisting calls to give lawmakers a say before the negotiations begin. The Supreme Court is due next month to hear the government's appeal against a lower court ruling that parliament must approve the triggering of Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty, which begins formal exit talks. SURREY, BC--(Marketwired - November 25, 2016) - Coast Capital's Chief Operating Officer, Kathy McGarrigle, has been named a winner of the Women's Executive Network (WXN) 2016 Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award for her visionary and transformative business leadership style that has resulted in exceptional results for the credit union, the development of up and coming business leaders, and positive contributions to the greater community. Recognized in the Corporate Executives category at WXN's event in Toronto last night, McGarrigle is one of four women currently sitting on Coast Capital's nine-member Executive Team. The credit union's Board of Directors also boasts a ratio of women to men that is more than double the Canadian average of 15.9 percent, with 4 of its 10 members being women. The makeup of both of these leadership groups reaffirms Coast Capital's commitment to fostering a culture that gives women the opportunity to thrive and succeed in the traditionally male-dominated financial services industry. "Kathy is one of the most motivated, hard-working, and creative leaders that I have met in my 20 plus years of working in the financial services industry," says Don Coulter, Coast Capital Savings President and CEO. "Kathy's work ethic is matched by her dedication to give back to our communities, and the ongoing success that Coast Capital has enjoyed in improving the financial well-being of Canadians is the direct result of her leadership of our retail and investment teams." The Top 100 Awards serve to recognize talented leaders in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors and to inspire the current and next generation to push the boundaries of what's possible. "With each year that passes, women are pushing forward and upward, closing the gender gap in education and at the highest levels of business and industry. These awards are a celebration of this important achievement," says Kathy McGarrigle. "I'm truly honoured to be counted among this group of remarkable women, and I extend my congratulations to those who I share this distinction with." Story continues Kathy McGarrigle joins a prestigious community of past Award Winners, including some of Canada's most iconic women trailblazers, such as Margaret Atwood, best-selling author, and Michaelle Jean, former Governor General of Canada. The full list of WXN's 2016 Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winners can be found at https://www.wxnetwork.com/top-100/top-100-winners/. About Kathy McGarrigle As Chief Operating Officer at Coast Capital Savings, Kathy McGarrigle is a visionary and transformative business leader, delivering exceptional results in retail banking and wealth management. Kathy is responsible for developing strategy, direction and leadership for these key business areas: Retail and Investment Distribution, Wealth Management, Alternate Channels, Business Improvement, Operations and Life Insurance. She is responsible for more than 1,200 staff, which is approximately 75 percent of Coast Capital's workforce. Prior to joining Coast Capital, Kathy held senior executive positions with CIBC and HSBC. Kathy's business excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Surrey Board of Trade Women in Business Award in 2014. She is a respected member of the wider business arena and has consistently served her community as a leader, from being a member of the BC Children's Hospital Financial Division to serving on the board of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. She chaired the Capital Campaign for Kate Booth House Women's Shelter and assisted in the development of the Vancouver Crisis Centre's three-year strategic plan. She is an active member of the Canadian Board Diversity Council Diversity 50 Initiative, and has been vice-chair of the Salvation Army Advisory Board since 2006 where she was responsible for creating the highly successful Hope in the City fundraising campaign which has since been replicated in cities across Canada. About Coast Capital Savings Coast Capital Savings is Canada's largest credit union by membership. A recipient of the 2015 "Outstanding Corporation" Giving Hearts Award, the credit union invested $5 million into local communities in 2015, focusing on empowering and engaging youth. Coast Capital is one of Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures, a member of Canada's Best Managed Companies Platinum Club, and an Imagine Canada Caring Company. It has 52 branches serving its 532,000 members in the Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and Okanagan regions of British Columbia. Product innovations include Canada's first free chequing account from a full-service financial institution. To learn more, visit coastcapitalsavings.com. About the Women's Executive Network (WXN) At WXN, we inspire smart women to lead. WXN delivers innovative networking, mentoring, professional and personal development to inform, inspire, connect and recognize our global community of more than 22,000 women, men and their organizations. WXN enables our partners and corporate members to become and to be recognized as employers of choice and leaders in the advancement of women. Founded in 1997, WXN is Canada's leading organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of women in management, executive, professional and board roles. WXN is led by CEO Sherri Stevens, owner of the award-winning, multi-million dollar Workforce Management Company Stevens Resource Group Inc., which she established in 1990. In 2008, WXN launched in Ireland, followed by London, UK in 2015, creating an international community of female leaders. More information and details are available at www.wxnetwork.com or www.top100women.ca. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/11/24/11G123222/Images/Kathy_McGarrigle_2014_HEADSHOT-c7acc158723e9afba264831af2ba5a64.jpg [Many a Canadian traveller has asked themselves that exact question] At first glance, the Federal governments announcement to relax foreign ownership rules for Canadian airlines seemed like it could usher in a new era of ultra low cost flights for Canadian travellers akin to the bottom-barrel fares we see south of the border. New entrants Vancouver-based Canada Jetlines and Calgarys Enerjet hopped on the news that the government would be updating the legislation, raising foreign share limits of airlines from 25 per cent to 49 per cent (with a 25 per cent limit per single or group of invests). This will lead to more options for Canadians and allow the creation of new, low cost airlines in Canada, Transport Minister Marc Garneau told the Montreal audience at the announcement. By afternoon, Enerjet had already put the word out: itd be turning to Phoenix, Arizona-based Indigo Partners, the investor which helped get low-cost carriers Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines up in the air. The excitement is certainly warranted, the governments move to introduce competition to the existing airline duopoly will no doubt create a little breathing room in the space, giving Canadian travellers more options and cheaper airfares albeit if they pack light and dont mind losing a couple inches of seat pitch. But the changes ignore some of the key complexities that make airfare in Canada so much more expensive than the U.S. Forget for a moment that Canada is a larger, less peopled version of the U.S. and thus has less appetite for flights; the country is also one of the most expensive in the world when it comes to airport fees. According to the World Economic Forums 2015 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness report, Canada ranked 130 out of 138 countries when it came to ticket taxes and airport charges. Quality of experience, ease of access and price point determine competitiveness in global tourism, said Charlotte Bell, president of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada of which both WestJet and Air Canada are members in a statement surrounding the new transportation plan. Canada is a world class destination, the added cost of fees, taxes and levies added to air often prices Canada out of contention. Story continues Yes, shes advocating on behalf of the big two, but the fees cant be ignored. In Canada (similar to the U.S.) the federal government owns the majority of the countrys 26 largest airports, offloading management duties to private, not for profit companies who pay long term-leases. But theres a glaring difference between the U.S. and Canada. Fees in Canada are 230 per cent higher than south of the border. Between fiscal year 2014 to 2015, Transport Canada collected $313-million the airport network. And since airfare is a byproduct of landing fees (which includes rent), seat prices and taxes those costs as well as the lack of competition thanks to a duopoly get passed onto the consumer. According to Kiwi.coms Aviation Price Index, Canadians pay around $121 per 100km on a full-service international flight, the most in the world. Americans on the other hand pay $23.22 per 100km for the same. The new rules allowing foreign ownership will no doubt bring in outside investment and open up the sphere to the ultra low cost carriers with their tight seating and no-frills packages. But you can only squeeze travellers so much before you need to start squeezing elsewhere. Resume de la politique de confidentialite Ce site utilise des cookies afin que nous puissions vous offrir la meilleure experience utilisateur possible. Les informations sur les cookies sont stockees dans votre navigateur et remplissent des fonctions telles que vous reconnaitre lorsque vous revenez sur notre site Web et aider notre equipe a comprendre quelles sections du site Web vous trouvez les plus interessantes et utiles. Plus d'informations sur notre politique de cookies sur nos CGU. English Finnish Press Release 24 November, 2016 Espoo, Finland - The Nokia Foundation has granted its 2016 Recognition Award to Jari Arkko for his broad-ranging, long-term contributions to the advancement of Internet technologies and the interoperability of the Internet. Arkko is known for his passion to make the Internet work better for all different ecosystems and businesses. For the past 20 years he has been one of the key technical and organizational leaders in the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), and since 2013 he has been the chairman of the organization. In the technical domain, Arkko has strongly contributed in areas including Internet security, the Mobile Internet, Internet Protocol version 6, and the Internet of Things (IoT). He has driven, for instance, improved privacy in the Internet as well as helped ensure that the Internet is administered in a community-driven way. Arkko has also emphasized the benefits of interoperable standards for the Internet of Things ecosystem. Arkko's approach has been instrumental in the refinement of the IETF standards process towards further openness and transparency. He has also been an active contributor in other standards communities such as 3GPP. "The Internet is one of the greatest achievements of our time. It is a great pleasure to see Jari Arkko, a Finnish pioneer of Information and Communications Technologies, lead such a remarkable global collaboration project as the IETF. We are delighted to recognize and reward Jari Arkko's groundbreaking work with the Nokia Foundation Award," said Timo Ali-Vehmas, Chairman of the Board of the Nokia Foundation. The Nokia Foundation has granted over 1 500 scholarships during its 21-year existence. In 2016, the Foundation will grant scholarships and awards totaling around 360 000 euros. About the Nokia Foundation The Nokia Foundation's purpose is to support the scientific development of information and telecommunications technologies and to promote education in the sector in Finland. The Nokia Foundation provides scholarships and awards for this mission. The Foundation was established on the initiative of Nokia Oyj in 1995; it is an independent, non-profit organization under Finnish foundation law. www.nokiafoundation.com About Nokia Nokia is a global leader in creating the technologies at the heart of our connected world. Powered by the research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve communications service providers, governments, large enterprises and consumers, with the industry's most complete, end-to-end portfolio of products, services and licensing. From the enabling infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things, to emerging applications in virtual reality and digital health, we are shaping the future of technology to transform the human experience. www.nokia.com Media Enquiries: Nokia Communications Tel. +358 (0) 10 448 4900 Email: press.services@nokia.com AIM: MARL TSXV: MARL 25 November 2016 Granite House, La Grande Rue, St. Martin, Guernsey ,GY1 3RS Channel Islands Issue of Equity- Warrant and Option Exercise GUERNSEY, United Kingdom, Nov. 25, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mariana Resources Ltd ("Mariana" or the "Company"), the AIM ("MARL") and TSXV ("MARL") listed exploration and development company with projects in Turkey, Cote d'Ivoire and South America, announces that the following warrants and options have been exercised into ordinary shares, with funds received. 105,561 Warrants exercised at 43.4p 287,500 Warrants exercised at 30p 47,550 options exercised at 43.4p The Company will issue and allot 440,611 new ordinary shares. Admission to AIM Application has been made to the London Stock Exchange for the new ordinary shares to be admitted to trading on AIM and the TSXV. Dealings are expected to commence on or about 30 November 2016 ("Admission"). Following Admission, there will be a total of 124,050,705 ordinary shares on issue. **ENDS** For further information please visit website at www.marianaresources.com or contact the following. Glen Parsons (CEO) Mariana Resources Ltd +61 2 9437 4588 Eric Roth (COO) Mariana Resources Ltd +56 9 8818 1243 Karen Davies (IR) Mariana Resources Ltd (Canada) +1 604 314 6270 Rob Adamson RFC Ambrian Limited (Nomad) +61 2 9250 0041 Will Souter RFC Ambrian Limited (Nomad) +61 2 9250 0050 In U.K. Oliver Stansfield Brandon Hill Capital (UK Broker) +44 20 3463 5061 Jonathan Evans Brandon Hill Capital (UK Broker) +44 20 3463 5016 Camilla Horsfall Blytheweigh (Financial PR) +44 20 7138 3224 Megan Ray Blytheweigh (Financial PR) +44 20 7138 3203 About Mariana Resources Mariana Resources Ltd is an AIM (MARL) and TSXV (MARL) quoted exploration and development company with an extensive portfolio of gold, silver and copper projects in South America and Turkey. Mariana's most advanced asset is the Hot Maden gold-copper project in north east Turkey, which is a joint venture with its Turkish JV partner Lidya (30% Mariana and 70% Lidya) and rapidly advancing to development. An updated mineral resource estimate of 3.43 Moz gold Equivalent (Indicated Category) and 0.09 Moz gold Equivalent (Inferred Category) (100% basis) in the main resource zone as well as a maiden 351,000 Moz gold Equivalent (Inferred Category) (100% basis) in the new southern discovery zone was reported for Hot Maden on July 25, 2015. Elsewhere in Turkey, Mariana holds a 100% interest in the Ergama gold-copper project. In southern Argentina, the Company's core gold-silver projects are Las Calandrias (100%), Sierra Blanca (100%), Los Cisnes (100%), Bozal (100%). These projects are part of a 160,000+ Ha land package in the Deseado Massif epithermal gold-silver district in mining-friendly Santa Cruz Province. In Suriname, Mariana has a direct holding of 10.2% of the Nassau Gold project. The Nassau Gold Project is a 28,000 Ha exploration concession located approximately 125 km south east of the capital Paramaribo and immediately adjacent to Newmont Mining's 4.2Moz gold Merian project. In Peru and Chile, Mariana is focusing on acquiring new opportunities which complement its current portfolio. Safe Harbour This press release contains certain statements which may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as at the date of this press release and include, without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, the realization, cost, timing and extent of mineral resource estimates, estimated future exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, and requirements for additional capital. The words "plans", "expects", "budget", "scheduled", "estimate", "forecasts", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "may", "will", or similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the effects of general economic conditions; the price of gold, silver and copper; misjudgements in the course of preparing forward-looking statements; risks associated with international operations; the need for additional financing; risks inherent in exploration results; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters; currency and commodity price fluctuations; title matters; environmental liability claims; unanticipated operational risks; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or in the completion of development or construction activities; political risk; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's annual financial statements for the most recently completed financial year which is available on the Company's website at www.marianaresources.com . Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions and have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Lithuanian English Energijos Skirstymo Operatorius AB (hereinafter the Company), identification code 304151376, registered office placed at Aguonu str. 24, Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania. The total number of registered ordinary shares issued by company is 894 630 333; ISIN code LT0000130023. On 25 November, 2016 the Board of Directors of the Company held a meeting in which a member of the Board Mrs. Dalia Andrulioniene was elected as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The decision was adopted upon the Opinion by the Supervisory Board of the Company delivered on 25 November, 2016. The Company reminds that on 4 November, 2016 the Board decided to withdraw Mr. Liudas Liutkevicius as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. On the same day the Board adopted a decision to elect Mrs. Dalia Andrulioniene as an acting Chief Executive Officer. Besides Mrs. Dalia Andrulioniene the Board of Directors also consists of Mr. Augustas Dragunas (Director of Finance and Administration Division), Mr. Rytis Borkys (Director of Network Development Division) and Mr. Dalius Svetulevicius (Director of Network Operations Division). The selection of the Company's Director of Service Division and Member of the Board will be announced in the near future. The Company will inform about any further decisions regarding the election of a Member of the Board in accordance with the procedure established by law. As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ Many of us want to see a better future for Montana's working families. I just recently learned about Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) and wanted to pass along what I know so far. PACE is a way to finance energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation upgrades to existing buildings. These projects are funded by banks and investors and are repaid through property assessments over a term of up to 20 years. Why does this help families and small businesses? PACE can finance 100 percent of a project's total cost with no money down and no credit checks. You begin saving money immediately, and will save more than you repay annually. It would be completely voluntary for property owners and counties to participate. PACE will save money on utility bills giving people more disposable income. PACE will create jobs and help grow existing businesses. PACE enables property owners to access private capital to improve their buildings and increase property values. With all these benefits, PACE would improve the economic possibilities for our communities. PACE is currently in 32 states. Across the country, commercial PACE has led to $280 million in projects on 790 buildings that created 3,300 new jobs. Bringing PACE to Montana will require legislative action in the upcoming session and I urge our legislators to support it. I am so excited that as a property owner living on a fixed income I will be able to put solar panels on my house and reduce my carbon footprint. Virjeana (Jeannie) Brown Belgrade I think we call all relate to the disappointment of a failed Rockwell-esque holiday expectation. Especially if anyone has tried carving a turkey at the table... ha! My suggestion is to chat with your spouse in advance about these expectations and see if they can be adjusted. It also may be helpful to plan ways to defuse questions that might be related to fear of your upcoming move. Be each others wing man (or woman). Also keep in mind that the greatest gift we can give is the give of our presence. Putting expectations and our cell phones aside to really invest in those around us. Asking questions not to create conflict, but to get to know each other. Making eye contact and listening. Sometimes we assume that we know our family, but there are aways ways we can be surprised and inspired by each other. Ronald Reagan The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive. Albert Einstein If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack. Winston Churchill It isnt so much that liberals are ignorant. Its just that they know so many things that arent so. With integrity nothing else counts; Without integrity nothing else counts. Winston Churchill Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself. Harvey S. Firestone It is inaccurate to say that I hate everything. I am strongly in favor of common sense, common honesty, and common decency. This makes me forever ineligible for public office. H. L. Menken Referenda insure all have a voice in land use decisions. U.S. Supreme Court Listen carefully to first criticism of your work. Note just what it is about your work the critics don't like - then cultivate it. That's the only part of your work that's individual and worth keeping. Jean Cocteau IEF: Oil price to exceed $100 due to EU sanctions against Russia Lebanon: U.S. guarantees will protect maritime border agreement with Israel if Netanyahu wins Belarusian MFA responds to Armenia after reaction to statements of Alexander Lukashenko Azerbaijani propaganda machine launches anti-Iranian rumors in social networks Lavrov and Abdollahian discuss situation in Persian Gulf zone and South Caucasus Erdogan and Aliyev discuss results of Sochi meeting of Azerbaijani, Russian and Armenian leaders Goldman Sachs predicts that natural gas prices in Europe will fall by about 30% White House alleges Iran's plans to supply Russia with surface-to-surface missiles Iran to send delegation to Vienna to strengthen relations with IAEA Iranian Foreign Minister to discuss state of nuclear deal negotiations with Borrell Putin: Russia is ready to supply grain to the poorest countries even without participation in the deal Pentagon to supply Vampire anti-drone system to AFU Xi Jinping confirms China's readiness to invest in Pakistan Kuzmina: I don't agree that Armenia's economy will be swept away if the borders with Turkey are opened Poland to build wall on border with Kaliningrad Garo Paylan proposes opening Armenian-Turkish border Eduard Solovyov: Russia stated extreme undesirability of close contacts between Baku and NATO countries Zelenskyy: Threat of use of nuclear weapons by Russia exists and it is not related to non-compliance with ultimatums IRNA: Azerbaijani State Security Service reacted nervously to Pashinyan's visit to Tehran FLYONE ARMENIA to start operating flights on the route Yerevan - Beirut Yerevan Moscow to host meeting of Secretaries of CIS Security Councils Armenian MFA considers it inappropriate to comment on Lukashenko's rambling statements Dollar rises, euro falls in Armenia Biden's threat to impose profit tax on oil companies is more of boast than threat Vadim Mukhanov: Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh are one of main points of negotiations Russia analyst describes Karabakh Armenians fate if Western version of peace treaty is signed Armenia MFA: Lukashenko statement is disconnected from reality Russia MFA spox comments on Zangezur corridor prospects Voytolovsky: Both sides will have weighty reasons to extend Russia peacekeepers mission in Karabakh Armenia finance minister: Expenditure for PM's office will be reduced next year Finance minister: Expenses for needs of parliament staff, Armenia President will increase considerably in 2023 Zakharova on meeting of Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani FMs in Sochi Armenian President congratulates Brazilian President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Azerbaijani special forces conduct exercises on border with Iran Armenia defense minister meets with head of EU monitoring mission Nikol Pashinyan: It is necessary to continue the work to reduce cash turnover Russia resumes its participation in grain deal UK shortage of F-35 fighter pilots Premier: Ministry of Internal Affairs, Foreign Intelligence Service will be established in Armenia in 2023 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 Security Council chief receives head of EU monitoring capacity mission to Armenia Pashinyan: Armenia-Azerbaijan borders existence was recorded both in Sochi and Prague 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 Pashinyan: Armenia has set new record for registered jobs 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' Turkey not satisfied with Sweden's promises 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 Gas exports from Iran to Armenia to double In first 9 months about $1.7 billion is transferred to Armenia Baerbock and Scholz disagree on China 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 Aliyev's aide visits Nakhchivan Berlin urges Serbia to choose between EU and Russia Armenian Deputy Prime Minister and USAID representatives discuss bilateral cooperation Erdogan: Turkey continues to make necessary initiatives on grain deal Macron promises Ukraine to survive winter and strengthen air defense The Collins British Dictionary chooses main word of 2022 Medvedev: Western countries are pushing the world into a global war Deputy Minister: 50,5 bln AMD will be allocated to North-South transport corridor construction in 2023 Georgia begins preparations for multinational exercise Agile Spirit 2023 Armenia and Iran discuss bilateral energy cooperation Paruyr Hovhannisyan receives Erin Elizabeth McKee Dollar, euro drop in Armenia Erdogan plans talks with Putin and Zelenskyy in coming days Head of Armenian State Revenue Committee: In 2022, the state budget will lack about AMD 84.8 billion Russia's richest billionaires will become $83.4 billion richer in 2022 Expert: expansion of relations between Tehran, Yerevan may prevent corridor creation Governor of Armenias Gegharkunik briefs EU mission on condition of settlements affected by Azerbaijan shelling (PHOTOS) Russia and Iran to sign deal on free trade zone with EEU Armenia National Assembly opposition factions representatives meet with visiting European Parliament members The large-scale military attack, which Azerbaijan carried out against Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) in early April, led to many casualties, and it undermined the ongoing peace process under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group co-chairs. Foreign Minister of Armenia, Edward Nalbandian, stated the aforesaid in his address Thursday at the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) ministerial conference which is held in Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar. Nalbandian also noted that the struggle for peace and stability in the Francophone region shall remain a key priority for the OIF. This is also what Armenia seeks in the process of settlement of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh, the Armenian FM added, in particular. Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, on Friday met with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR), (Prince) Zeid bin Raad Zeid al-Hussein, in Geneva, Switzerland. Tatoyan briefed the UNHCHR on the fundamental human rights violations which the Azerbaijani armed forces committed against the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), during their military aggression in early April. In addition, the ombudsman of Armenia presented to Al-Hussein the Artsakh human rights defenders respective analytical reports as well as the data on the prohibited weapons used, and targeted attacks on settlements, by Azerbaijan. Also, the ombudsman presented to the UNHCHR the Karabakh human rights defenders invitation to visit Artsakh, to get familiarized with the human rights situation there. Furthermore, Arman Tatoyan stressed the importance of the Artsakh ombudsmans participation in international meetings. At the end of the talk, Zeid bin Raad Zeid al-Hussein underscored the role of Armenias human rights defender in contacts between international organizations and Armenian authorities. YEREVAN. - President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Friday called a consultation on the macroeconomic development of Armenia and the 2017 State Budget indexes. Finance Minster of Armenia Vardan Aramyan presented the annual macro-economic indexes of 2016 and the state budget flows, including the reserve indexes of budgetary revenues and expenses, deviations from the planned indexes and the reasons behind them, the press-service of the Armenian Presidents Office informed Armenian News NEWS.am. The Finance Minister also presented the draft 2017 State Budget at this stage, the risks and possible scenarios of their management, as well as information on the proposals received as a result of discussion in the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia. The consultation was attended by the Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of International Economic Integration and Reforms of Armenia, Vache Gabrielyan, Chief of Staff of Presidential Administration, Armen Gevorgyan, Chairman of the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA) Arthur Javadyan, Chief Advisor to Armenian President Aram Gharibyan, Chairman of the State Revenue Committee (SRC) of Armenia Vardan Harutyunyan, as well as the first Deputy Minister of Finance of Armenia Atom Janjughazyan and Deputy Head of the SRC Vakhtang Mirumyan. The President drew the attention of the consultation participants to the issues of stimulating the economic growth and reducing executive budget risks, giving relevant instructions. DECATUR -- The Decatur-area unemployment number continues to drop. But in a negative trend, the number of nonfarm jobs has continued to fall as well. The unemployment rate in the Decatur area was 6.2 percent in October, down from 7 percent at this time last year, according to Illinois Department of Employment Security statistics released Wednesday. However, the areas 51,400 nonfarm jobs are a 1,000 jobs decrease from this time last year. Payroll shows a 200-job increase in the leisure and hospitality profession, as well as a 100-job increase in education and health services, wholesale trades, health care and social assistance. The major decreases in payroll came in construction and mining, which saw a loss of 600 jobs compared to last year. Other decreases include a loss of 300 jobs in warehousing and utilities and a loss of 100 jobs in manufacturing and government. All other major industry sectors were stable compared to last year. There are an estimated 3,100 unemployed people in the labor force in the Decatur area. The Decatur area had the second-highest unemployment rate in Illinois, only ahead of Danvilles 6.6 percent unemployment rate, which has been the story for many months of reports. Unemployment was down in 13 of the 14 Illinois metropolitan areas, with only the Chicago area seeing an increase. Overall, the year-over-year unemployment rate increase is disappointing, but not unexpected given Illinois lackluster rate of economic recovery since 2011, said Jeff Mays, the department's director. Each of the six counties in the Chicago metro division saw their unemployment rate increase, while 94 of the remaining 96 counties in the state saw their rates decline," he added. Declines were reported in areas surrounding Decatur, as the October unemployment rate in Christian County was 5.7 percent, 6.7 percent a year ago; in DeWitt, 5.1 percent and 5.3 percent; in Logan, 5.3 percent and 5.4 percent; in Moultrie, 4.3 percent and 4.6 percent; in Piatt, 4.5 percent and 5.1 percent; and in Shelby, 5.7 percent and 6.1 percent. The statewide unemployment rate of 5.5 percent, was down from 5.6 percent a year ago. The most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report on Nov. 4 showed the nationwide unemployment rate at 4.9 percent. Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 161,000 jobs in October. The unemployment rate identifies those out of work and seeking employment. A person who exhausts benefits, or is ineligible, still will be reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work. IS Encourages Immigration to Jihadi Fields Besides Iraq and Syria, Warns of Danger of Cell Phones in Naba 56 Still under fire for spreading fake news that may have influenced the direction of the presidential election, Facebook (FB) could face more scrutiny for developing a censorship tool to get back into China, The New York Times reported on Tuesday. Unnamed current and former employees told the newspaper that the tool was created to suppress posts from appearing in people's news feeds based on their geographical locations, something that Chinese social media networks such as SINA (SINA) , Weibo (WB) and Tencent's WeChat have long been doing. Since Facebook was blocked in 2009, the only way to access the social network inside China was through a virtual private network, software that can be used to bypass blocking. Many VPN services, however, are blocked in China too. It is not uncommon for some VPN services to work well for some time and then become blocked or unstable suddenly, which makes accessing blocked sites in China frustrating for users. It's still up in the air whether the tool will ever see the light of day. Developing the software has already allegedly caused contention within the company, prompting several Facebook employees who worked on the censorship tool to leave the company, the Times story said. Facebook has removed content from users' feeds at the requests of governments before, but in developing the censorship tool for China, the company potentially would allow a third party, most likely a Chinese company, to help suppress messages from appearing in the first place. "We have long said that we are interested in China and are spending time understanding and learning more about the country," a Facebook representative said via email. "However, we have not made any decision on our approach to China. Our focus right now is on helping Chinese businesses and developers expand to new markets outside China by using our ad platform." Jim Cramer and Jack Mohr, who co-manage the Action Alerts PLUS portfolio as a charitable trust, wrote in their latest research note on Facebook that the social media giant "remains one of the best long-term growth stocks." Click here for a free 14-day trial membership to AAP to see why. Facebook isn't the only internet company with services blocked in China, of course. Alphabet's (GOOG) Google and YouTube, Twitter (TWTR) , Snapchat and Facebook's own Instagram and WhatsApp are among dozens of services inaccessible within China. Some experts believe that Facebook, like any company, has to comply with local laws. "Companies like Facebook are in an unenviable position. They are often accused of acting inappropriately, but surely it would be more inappropriate for them to dictate the policies in a sovereign nation," said Daniel Castro, vice president at Washington think tank Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. " In the long term, this is a win for consumers everywhere. The value of a social network grows as the number of users increases. By adjusting its technology so that it can thrive in the Chinese market, all Facebook users will be better off." If Facebook ends up rolling out the tool, the company would join the lead of Microsoft's (MSFT) LinkedIn and Bing search engine as a U.S. company that has agreed to Chinese censorship in exchange for the massive market share on the table. Even with 1.8 billion active users, Facebook has faced pressure for further growth beyond its existing markets. China, with a population of 1.4 billion, remains the biggest untapped market for the company. "It's better for Facebook to be a part of enabling conversation, even if it's not yet the full conversation," founder Mark Zuckerberg is reported to have commented on the development of the censorship tool at its early stage. A gemsbokor oryx, the national animal of Namibiasuddenly bounds across the road. It turns its head with an inquisitive look and disappears just as quickly behind an enormous rock formation. The evening sun lends the stone a golden glow, and the wind plays with a few grains of sand. It is the perfect place for Hans-Joachim Baumgartl (54). Its exactly how he pictured Namibia. A German physician from Landsberg am Lech, he planned to take a motorcycle tour of the country some twenty years ago. But as so often happens in life, studies, a family, and work intervened. Now he is here at last and fulfilling his dreamalbeit on four wheels instead of twoon a trip with the Porsche Travel Club. The Cayenne S flies over the dirt road. Dust swirls around the SUVs tires, leaving a long trail floating in its wake. Geologists estimate that this expanse of rocky debris on the far side of Swakopmund is eighty million years oldone of the oldest deserts in the world. The radio crackles. Guide Frik Orban (48) alerts the group to another oryx on the side of the road. The Cayenne and its five companions slow down and come to a stop. Baumgartl pulls out his binoculars and brings the animal into focus. He remains fascinated for quite some time. Perfect organization, small group, fine accommodations I can hardly imagine a greater contrast to my work, he says. As his eyes gaze out over the distance, he is finding new energy, perspective, and peace of mind in Namibia. Baumgartl is impressed by the perfect organization of this trip, the small group, the fine accommodationsand the comfortable SUVs. The most beautiful thing is the friendliness of the peoplealong with the landscape, which is spectacular, he adds. This trip to Africa will surely not be his last. That much is certain. The Cayenne S in Namibia Namibia is more than twice the size of Japan, and you could fit about twenty Switzerlands within its borders. Only around 2.3 million people live in this country of nearly 320,000 square miles. But it is also home to over two hundred species of mammals, 645 species of birds, and numerous species of reptiles and amphibians. Not even one-fifth of its roads are paved. The dirt tracks start just a couple of miles outside the capital city of Windhoekand with them the adventures. Bushes cling to the ground around an occasional acacia or lush, green mopani tree. Otherwise, all you can see is sand, sand, and more sand. Porsche Adventure Tour: A dream come true for friends of Africa The Porsche Adventure Tour of Namibia includes the sand dunes of Sossusvlei, which can reach heights of 1,250 feet, the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Swakopmund and Damaraland, Twyfelfontein, and the Etosha Pan, a salt pan with an extensive array of wildlife. It is a dream come true for friends of Africa and animal lovers. Compared to other African countries, Namibia has far more open space, as well as greater security, says Orban. Vast expanses and animals in their natural habitatthat was exactly what Gudrun Schmer from Wuppertal-Sudberg was looking for. A fan of Africa, she and her husband are traveling in the southern part of the continent for the first time. Having previously arranged all of their trips on their own, the structured tour marks yet another first for the couple. This time we wanted to go on an organized safari, do some serious photography, see a lot of animals and as much natural scenery as possible, she says. So the couple decided on a trip with the Travel Club. After all, theyve both been driving Porsches for over thirty years. Its very practical that everything is perfectly planned, she adds, yet it also has character. That character includes not only the well-stocked cooler in the Cayenne, but also the unique lodges. They offer both comfortable tents, with open-air showers and a view of the horizon, and traditionally styled round huts for camping. In the afternoon, a gentle desert breeze blows across the sprawling grasslands. The veranda of the Ongava Lodge in the southern part of the Etosha Pan is an inviting place to have a drink and observe wildlife. On vacation with the Porsche Travel Club Etosha means great white place, and indeed its salt pan measures around 1,850 square miles. Its inhabitants include more than 1,500 elephants, 300 lions, 400 cheetahs, 3,000 giraffes, and a few rhinos and leopards. The pan is usually dry, filling only occasionally after heavy rains. Then the animals are regular fixtures at its sixty watering holes. Thats when the gemsboks, kudus, gnus, impalas, and elands appear. Two herds of zebras stroll across the road: first the plains species, then their Hartmanns mountain cousins. You can tell them apart by the stripes on their legs, explains Orban on the radio. The stripes serve as camouflage, and its hard to spot the animals in the shimmering heat. A herd of elephants in the Etosha Pan A couple of miles later, a cheetah has just ripped apart an oryx. Her young offspring eat while she stands guard. The cycle of lifebirth and death. Nearly two dozen vultures circle in the sky, waiting for the leftovers. Gudrun Schmer is awed by this display of nature. She and her husband both want to take another vacation with the Porsche Travel Club. In fact, theyve already chosen their next destination. As a counterpoint to Africa, theyll be taking a drift seminar in Finlandon ice. Info Text first published in the Porsche customer magazine Christophorus, No. 379 Text by Fabian Hoberg // Photos by Andreas Lindlahr Oregon OSHA Provides Forester, Fire, and Construction Training Grants The City of Bend Fire Department is getting a $30,710 grant to launch a training project designed to reduce injuries and claims costs among firefighters by improving the efficiency of their physical movements and their flexibility and core strength. The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) announced this week it has awarded three grants totaling more than $92,000 to help develop workplace safety and health education and training programs for forest workers, firefighters, and construction workers. The Northwest Forest Worker Center is getting a $40,000 grant to develop training materials to prevent "struck by object" accidents among forest workers in southern Oregon. A nonprofit group, it will develop training materials to reduce the risks to forest workers in Jackson and Josephine counties of getting struck by a falling tree or branch. Being struck by such objects is the leading cause of injury among workers in the forest services industry in Oregon, according to the agency. These training materials will be videos in Spanish and English to explain best practices for preventing injuries, legally required safety precautions, and workers' rights to a safe workplace. The City of Bend Fire Department is getting a $30,710 grant to launch a training project designed to reduce injuries and claims costs among firefighters by improving the efficiency of their physical movements and their flexibility and core strength. Although the fire department has a robust fitness and wellness program, there has been no systematic measurement of movement efficiency, flexibility, and core strength as they relate to specific movements for required tasks, according to Oregon OSHA, and the training project will include development of therapeutic exercise prescriptions based on the results of a job-specific movement analysis, with the program's effectiveness to be measured through declining injury rates, claims costs, and lost time. The third grant, $21,882.50, is going to the nonprofit SafeBuild Alliance to create a training and information program that identifies and communicates the best methods of integrating lean principles with safe work procedures for the construction industry. The program will pinpoint the best methods of blending these and delivering training based on the methods. The programs success will be judged through surveys of those who receive training and a satisfaction survey of the companies that receive best-method analyses. Phuket, 24 November 2016 Phukets high season is starting with the perfect weather to welcome travellers from around the world. Amari Phuket invites guests to visit during this wonderful season by launching a special room rate, Stay longer, pay less, available from 1 December 2016 to 24 January 2017, and offering a 15% discount in a selected room category with a minimum stay of four nights per visit. The rooms that are available for the promotion include: Superior Ocean Facing, Superior Ocean View, Deluxe Ocean View, One Bedroom Suite, One Bedroom Suite Ocean Facing and One Bedroom Suite Ocean View. Note: This promotion is not available during 24 December 2016 to 7 January 2017 and cannot be combined with other packages and/or promotions. Terms and conditions apply. For room reservations, please visit www.amari.com/phuket For more information, please contact +66 (0) 7634 0106-14 extension 8033 or 8034, or email reservations.phuket@amari.com. Address: Amari Phuket, 2 Muen-ngern Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150 If the kids at your house are anything like the ones I know, they have already boldly circled half the toys in the Toys "R" Us catalog with a bright red marker, and have hand-delivered their Christmas wishlists in triplicate to Mom, Dad, Grandparents and any other potential gift-givers in your family. Clement Moore wrote about visions of sugar plums dancing in childrens heads, but the kids I know today have brains more likely inhabited by visions of the newest electronic toy to hit the market. And why wouldnt they? The traditions of Santa Claus and holiday gifts have provided the grand finale celebration to every year for generations. On the darkest of nights, children are delighted to be treated with presents. But gift-receiving is somewhat empty and even decadent when a child hasnt also been on the giving end of the equation. Opening gifts on Christmas morning is much sweeter for kids when they also get to watch loved ones open gifts they have lovingly chosen for them. I recently heard about using the weeks prior to Christmas as a time to support children in a series of random acts of kindness. A December calendar has been designed (and can be found online) suggesting an act of kindness children might perform every day in December leading up to Christmas Day. These are small kindnesses within the ability of all but the youngest children, although they may require the cooperation or support of an invested adult. The first week contains acts like Make a card for a soldier (best done early in the month); Pick up litter; and Donate toys to a favorite charity. Mid-month acts include Take supplies to an animal shelter; Do a chore for someone in your family; and Feed the birds. The last week before the holiday suggests Pass out stickers to kids in line; Give treats to the mail carrier; and Smile at everyone you see today. Many families show their generosity during the holidays by adopting a child or family to provide with holiday gifts. This is a lovely gesture, especially if the children are allowed to play a real part in the process, as opposed to Mom and Dad shopping, paying, wrapping and then only allowing children to deliver the gifts. What I like about this random-acts-of-kindness calendar is this: it engages children in thinking of others during a time of year when childrens self-centeredness is somewhat promoted. All month long, people ask kids what they hope Santa will bring, encouraging them to lust after those most desired treasures. But what if instead, our kids might be even more engaged in how much fun they have bringing joy to others? Think of how full their hearts would be by Christmas, even before they open their presents. I once read that if you do something every day for three weeks, theres a good chance it will become a habit. By my count, there are 24 days in December before Christmas, allowing for three weeks and a few extra days to boot. What if the mindful kindnesses our children perform for those 24 days actually created a kindness habit? Now THAT would be a Christmas treasure to carry into the New Year. Property giant City Developments Limited (CDL) emerged as the big winner at the annual South East Asia Property Awards (Singapore) 2016. A total of 20 awards were handed out last night... CDL took home the years highest honour for Best Developer in Singapore. Property giant City Developments Limited (CDL) emerged as the big winner at the annual South East Asia Property Awards (Singapore) 2016. A total of 20 awards were handed out last night (24 November) at a glitzy gala dinner at the Shangri-La Hotel. Now in its sixth year, the prestigious event, which is organised by PropertyGuru Group, aims to honour the countrys top developers and real estate projects in the past year. CDL and its subsidiary Novel Developments swept nine categories at the awards, including the years highest honour for Best Developer (Singapore). Qingjian Realty and M+S also took home multiple awards. CDL dedicated their victory to their late Deputy Chairman Kwek Leng Joo, who pushed for the development of quality, green and sustainable projects for consumers. Mink Tan, Chief Designer and Architect of MINKKE Architects, who also chaired the judging panel, said: Time and again CDL delivers. Their experience and consistency in upscale, residential property development is probably unmatched in the real estate scene in Singapore. And the companys pioneering and continuing initiatives in its sustainability drive is a testament to its genuine concern for the larger world. Despite a slow year for new launches, Singapore is still considered a model for many emerging markets in the region, with quality, sustainability and green building as the top priorities for many local developers. Meanwhile, Francis Koh, Managing Director and Group CEO of Koh Brothers Group, was presented the Real Estate Personality of the Year award by the editors of Property Report magazine. Koh was chosen for his significant contributions to Singapores property sector, including his companys recent infrastructure, civil engineering and eco developments. Around 400 senior industry executives from the region attended the awards, which was supported by Hansgrohe, Mitsubishi Electric and CNN International. Story continues Full list of Winners and Highly Commended at the South East Asia Property Awards (Singapore): DEVELOPER Best Developer Winner: City Developments Limited (CDL) Best Boutique Developer Winner: Chiu Teng Group Highly Commended: Aurum Land (Private) Limited BEST OF THE BEST Best Condo Development (Singapore) Winner: Gramercy Park by City Developments Limited (CDL) Best Commercial Development (Singapore) Winner: Marina One by M+S Pte Ltd Best Housing Development (Singapore) Winner: Goodwood Grand by Feature (Balmoral) Pte Ltd (Tong Eng Group) SPECIAL AWARDS Special Recognition in CSR Winner: City Developments Limited (CDL) Winner: MCC Land Winner: MCL Land Limited Special Recognition in Sustainable Development Winner: City Developments Limited (CDL) Winner: M+S Pte Ltd Best Green Development Winner: M Social Singapore by Novel Developments Pte Ltd Highly Commended: Marina One Residences by M+S Pte Ltd DEVELOPMENT Best Luxury Condo Development Winner: Gramercy Park by City Developments Limited (CDL) Highly Commended: Marina One Residences by M+S Pte Ltd Best High-End Condo Development Winner: Thomson Impressions by NS Property (Thomson) Pte Ltd Highly Commended: The Creek @ Bukit by Chiu Teng Group Best Landed Development Winner: Goodwood Grand by Feature (Balmoral) Pte Ltd (Tong Eng Group) Highly Commended: Morris Residences by Goodland Group Ltd Best Executive Condo Development Winner: Ecopolitan by Qingjian Realty (Punggol Way) Pte Ltd Highly Commended: Bellewaters by Qingjian Realty (Anchorvale) Pte Ltd Highly Commended: Bellewoods by Qingjian Realty (Woodlands) Pte Ltd Highly Commended: Sol Acres by MCL Land Limited Best Hotel Development Winner: M Social Singapore by Novel Developments Pte Ltd Highly Commended: Louis Kienne Serviced Residences by Peninsula Park Residences Pte Ltd (Pollux Properties Ltd) Best Mixed-Use Development Winner: Marina One by M+S Pte Ltd Highly Commended: Centrium Square by Feature Development Pte Ltd (Tong Eng Group) Best Office Development Winner: Marina One Offices by M+S Pte Ltd Highly Commended: Centrium Square by Feature Development Pte Ltd (Tong Eng Group) DESIGN Best Residential Interior Design Winner: Bellewoods by Qingjian Realty (Woodlands) Pte Ltd Highly Commended: Sol Acres by MCL Land Limited Best Hotel Architectural Design Winner: M Social Singapore by Novel Developments Pte Ltd Best Hotel Interior Design Winner: M Social Singapore by Novel Developments Pte Ltd Best Landscape Architectural Design Winner: Sol Acres by MCL Land Limited Highly Commended: Bellewoods by Qingjian Realty (Woodlands) Pte Ltd Highly Commended: Ecopolitan by Qingjian Realty (Punggol Way) Pte Ltd Highly Commended: Thomson Impressions by NS Property (Thomson) Pte Ltd PUBLISHERS CHOICE Real Estate Personality of the Year Francis Koh Managing Director and Group CEO Koh Brothers Group Limited Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg Japan's public pension fund, the world's biggest, said Friday it has swung back from huge losses, providing some respite after coming under fire for moving a chunk of its bond-heavy portfolio into riskier equities. The Government Pension Investment Fund said it had a return of 1.84 percent, or 2.37 trillion yen ($21 billion) in the three months through September, boosting its total assets to 132.1 trillion yen. Gains in Japanese and foreign stocks helped offset a loss on its bond holdings, the fund said. The figure comes after two straight quarters of losses totalling about 10 trillion yen. In 2014, the fund said it would double the amount of equities it holds to generate higher returns. "It'll take some pressure off," said Naoki Fujiwara, chief fund manager at Shinkin Asset Management, in Tokyo. "This quarter will probably be good too. But before we all get too excited, we need to be wary about whether this can continue for long," he told Bloomberg News. The conservative fund was criticised for its decision to push into stocks. It then posted in July-September last year its worst quarterly fall since 2008, hit by a global equity sell-off fuelled by fears over China's economy. The strategy shift announced in 2014 was aimed at dealing with Japan's soaring number of retirees who depend on the mammoth pension. Unlike some overseas counterparts, Japan's pension fund has long kept the majority of its cash in super-safe and super-low return Japanese government bonds. But with a growing number of retirees and shrinking workforce straining government finances -- and Tokyo struggling to boost the world's number three economy -- Japan's pension fund managers are looking for ways to improve their returns. About half of the country's social security budget goes to pension funding, so bolstering the performance of the fund would take pressure off the public purse. Singapore Drivers Going to Malaysia versus Malaysian Drivers Coming to Singapore Who Pays More? A favourite pastime of many Singaporeans is heading north to visit our neighbours in Johor over the weekend to enjoy relatively cheap shopping and delicious food, not to mention the cheaper petrol costs. On the other side of the Causeway, we have Malaysians who drive over to Singapore for work meetings, attend school or spend time with family. But thanks to increasing charges for motorists from both countries to visit the other, this might soon be a thing of the past. Why have charges for travelling across the Causeway increased? Depending on who you ask, it probably started in July 2014, when Singapore raised the Vehicle Entry Permit, or VEP, fee for Malaysian cars from S$20 to S$35, a steep 75% increase. In response, Malaysia said they would implement a VEP of their own, but since it would take a while to implement, first raised toll charges from RM2.90 for just entering Johor, to RM16.50 in total for a round trip, an increase of almost 470%! Okay la, Im just putting in percentages for fun. Because honestly in 2014, Malaysian cars had to pay about S$20 more per entry to Singapore, since they were also affected by the increased tolls. On the other hand, Singapore cars were only paying about S$5 more, a much smaller amount. And with the Malaysian Ringgit weakening against the Singapore dollar over the past two years, were actually only paying slightly over S$10 for a round trip to Johor. But that all changed this year. The Malaysian Vehicle Entry Permit system was finally implemented in June, and it required Singapore vehicles to register before being allowed to enter Malaysia. In addition, since November 1, Singaporean vehicles also need to pay a flat RM20 road charge, or RC, for entering Johor at the Causeway and Second Link. Coincidentally, the Malaysia VEP online registration has been disabled for a couple of weeks now, which means all unregistered Singaporean cars can still enter Johor, they just need to pay the RM20 RC. Story continues So, who pays more? Malaysian Drivers entering Singapore or Singapore Drivers entering Malaysia? Lets find out exactly how much a driver must pay to make a round trip to their neighbouring country. While the calculation will include the VEP, well also mention the additional conditions where the VEP charge is waived. For purposes of this comparison, well also use the simplified exchange rate of 1 S$ = 3 RM. Singapore cars entering Malaysia from Woodlands Purpose Cost (S$/RM) Departing from Woodlands S$3.80 / RM11.40 Entering Johor Bahru S$3.23 / RM9.70 Road Charge S$6.67 / RM20.00 Exiting Johor Bahru S$2.27 / RM6.80 Entering from Woodlands S$2.70 / RM8.10 TOTAL S$18.67 / RM56.00 Singapore cars entering Malaysia from Tuas Purpose Cost (S$/RM) Departing from Tuas S$3.20 / RM9.60 Entering Tanjung Kupang S$2.50 / RM7.50 Road Charge S$6.67 / RM20.00 Exiting Tanjung Kupang S$2.50 / RM7.50 Entering from Tuas S$3.20 / RM9.60 TOTAL S$18.07 / RM54.20 As stated above, the online registration for the Malaysian VEP is currently down, so unregistered cars can enter Malaysia. However, once the system is back up, it will cost an extra RM10 as a one-time fee to register and install an RFID chip, valid for 5 years. Malaysian cars entering Singapore from Woodlands Purpose Cost (S$/RM) Exiting Johor Bahru S$2.27 / RM6.80 Entering from Woodlands S$2.70 / RM8.10 Vehicle Entry Permit S$35.00 / RM105.00 Departing from Woodlands S$3.80 / RM11.40 Entering Johor Bahru S$3.23 / RM9.70 TOTAL S$47.00 / RM141.00 Malaysian cars entering Singapore from Tuas Purpose Cost (S$/RM) Exiting Tanjung Kupang S$2.50 / RM7.50 Entering from Tuas S$3.20 / RM9.60 Vehicle Entry Permit S$35.00 / RM105.00 Departing from Tuas S$3.20 / RM9.60 Entering Tanjung Kupang S$2.50 / RM7.50 TOTAL S$46.40 / RM139.20 At first glance, it seems like its about $30 more expensive for Malaysian drivers thanks to Singapores Vehicle Entry Permit. But, heres the thing. The VEP charge is waived for 10 days per calendar year. Whats more, its also only charged if entry is from 2am to 5pm on Mondays to Fridays. That means, Malaysian cars do not get charged the VEP during weekends and public holidays. When you remove the VEP charge from the Malaysian drivers, therefore, its Singaporeans who end up paying more to head into Johor. This is why our Transport Ministry has claimed that they will match it, calling the RC discriminatory. But is it really worth matching? Lets not forget that this whole tit-for-tat essentially began when Singapore raised its VEP fee in 2014. At the end of the day, drivers from neither country benefits from increased charges. Do you think S$20 is too steep to enter Malaysia for a weekend trip? Let us know. Photo Credit: Emran Kassim The post Singapore Drivers Going to Malaysia versus Malaysian Drivers Coming to Singapore - Who Pays More? appeared first on the MoneySmart blog. MoneySmart.sg helps you maximize your money. Like us on Facebook to keep up to date with our latest news and articles. Compare and shop for the best deals on Loans, Insurance and Credit Cards on our site now! More From MoneySmart Former Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein on Thursday launched a bid to seek a vote recount in Wisconsin, the first of three Rust Belt states won by Donald Trump where she intends to challenge the result. Stein's campaign announced Thursday that it had raised the $1.1 million necessary to fund a recount in Wisconsin and was on track to do the same in Pennsylvania and Michigan, having raised $2.7 million of a $4.5 million goal. Her campaign has cited unspecified "anomalies" as grounds to mount a challenge in all three states. The move comes amid stepped-up calls from some of Trump's left-wing opponents to challenge the results of the November 8 election, which was marked by warnings of foreign hacking and vote rigging. "The unexpected results of the election and reported anomalies need to be investigated before the 2016 presidential election is certified," Stein said on her website. "We deserve elections we can trust." Although there is virtually no chance of overturning the result, the demands could reignite debate over the legitimacy of Trump's election, already fuelled by Democrat Hillary Clinton's lead in the popular vote which now stands at two million. "Raising money to pay for the first round so quickly is a miraculous feat and a tribute to the power of grassroots organizing," Stein's website read. The Midwestern state of Wisconsin was a key battleground in the November 8 election, helping propel the Republican Trump to a victory that stunned the nation. Trump also won swing state Pennsylvania, and claimed a razor-thin victory in Michigan according to unofficial results released Wednesday. Although she lost in the indirect electoral college tally which decides who wins the White House, Clinton's lead in the popular vote has risen as official results are finalized, narrowing the result in some swing states where she lost. Clinton conceded on November 9 and her campaign is not supporting the recount calls. - 'Election integrity movement' - Stein's demands follow a bitter presidential campaign that included persistent charges of Russian hacking and fraud. Trump also warned during his campaign that the election would be "rigged," and refused to say whether he would accept the results. Any result change would not help Stein, who won just over 1.1 percent of Wisconsin's vote. But she launched the recount effort after computer scientists reportedly told the Clinton campaign the election may have been rigged in Trump's favor. The scientists, including University of Michigan's J. Alex Halderman, together with voting rights activist John Bonifaz and others, said Clinton's votes were 7 percent below expectations in counties that tallied votes with electronic machines. "These recounts are part of an election integrity movement to attempt to shine a light on just how untrustworthy the US election system is," Stein's website said, adding that the attempt is "not intended to help Hillary Clinton." Clinton lost by a razor-thin margin of around 27,000 votes in Wisconsin and 60,000 votes in Pennsylvania. Unofficial results released by Michigan's secretary of state's office, put Trump ahead by a mere 10,704 votes. "I think it's only natural and good for Americans to be reassured that our votes are counted," Stein told CNN Thursday, "especially after such a divisive and bitter election where 80 percent of Americans... basically said they were disgusted with this election." - 'Demographics, not hacking' - But one of the scientists she cites, Halderman, Wednesday sought to dampen mounting speculation that recounts would change the election's result. "Were this year's deviations from pre-election polls the results of a cyberattack?" he wrote on Medium. "Probably not." Rather, the polling was more likely "systematically wrong." The only way to remove any lingering controversy, however, would be to study "paper ballots and voting equipment in critical states," he added. The well-known statistician Nate Silver was also skeptical about any possible change in the results, tweeting that the disputed voting patterns "are well-explained by demographics -- not hacking." Wisconsin swung Republican this month for the time since voters there helped elect Ronald Reagan in 1984. It's unclear how much success Stein will have challenging the results in other states. A recount filing costs $500,000 in Pennsylvania, due on November 28. The filing fee in Michigan is $600,000, due by November 30. Stein's campaign anticipates eventually needing $6 million to $7 million to cover attorney fees and statewide recount observation costs. Lakai and Our Life join forces for a new series of concrete destruction as Raven Tershy loads up the van and heads from Oakland to the North West via numerous gnarly pits with the crew. This is ten minutes long and only part one, the next episode will confirm it but Lakai X Our Life could well become your new favourite series Crailtap dig deep into their prodigious archives and come back with over six minutes of montage hype featuring Koston, Keenan, Marc Johnson, Raven Tershy, Rick... Chris Pope is back on it with another Cosmic Chunder edit - number six sees shredding from Peterborough and Leeds crew, as well as some... Newsletter Terms & Conditions Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell your data and you'll only get messages from us and our partners whose products and services we think you'll enjoy. Read our full Privacy Policy as well as Terms & Conditions. OLNEY -- A missing 8-year-old girl was found dead in the Southern Illinois town of Olney, and authorities said the case is being investigated as a homicide. Illinois State Police said Thursday that the girl's body was found behind a building on the south side of Olney in Richland County. Authorities said the Southern Illinois Child Death Task Force is investigating, and anyone with information was asked to call Olney police. Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Jason Bradley declined to release further details, including who reported the girl missing and when. Police did not identify the girl. The property owner where the girl's body was found told WTHI-TV that police arrived near South Camp Avenue about 9 p.m. Wednesday and requested permission for a search. The girl's body was found a short time later. The human gut is a complex and amazing system, and the more we learn about it, the more amazed we are. It turns out For many, myself included, personal religion is a very touchy subject. For instance, at a dinner party, it is not merely something that I dislike bringing up, but strive to avoid. This is because, since childhood, I have witnessed the way many people tend to manipulate religion's invariably political arm congregations for the sake of social rather than spiritual capital. Indeed, a substantial number treat whichever house of worship they choose to attend as a sorority rather than a portal to the divine. However, while I might be able to sneak my way out of discussing religion with family, friends or acquaintances, what I cannot do is work my way around it when studying the history of the United States. It is an undeniable fact that religion played an essential, if not pivotal, role in the founding of this nation. From the day that Juan Ponce de Leon's crew of Spanish explorers set foot on the stretch of marshland now called St. Augustine, religion has been here to stay. Of course, Ponce de Leon's native predecessors had religions of their own which were widely practiced across the fruited plains. However, in terms of understanding the influence of religion on contemporary American society, the first domino fell with the force of the Spanish empire's state-enforced Roman Catholicism. When the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock over a century later, Protestantism was introduced to what became the Massachusetts colony. Both groups viciously persecuted dissenters and nonbelievers. The Spaniards slaughtered French Huguenots living in present-day Jacksonville. While the conquistadors' true aim was eliminating competitors for political power, they rationalized their actions by 'ensuring the glory of God' via massacring men, women, and children who rejected 'God's one, true church'. 'Heretics' within the Spaniard community would also be dealt with severely. The Pilgrims' plan of attack was somewhat different. They allowed others with divergent religious beliefs to coexist on the same continent -- though such people were not welcome to live in Pilgrim communities. However, among the Pilgrims, those perceived as engaging in 'sinful' behavior could find themselves subject to capital punishment. The Salem witch trials are the starkest examples of this. Thankfully, our nation's founders eagerly learned from the mistakes of years gone by. In December 1791, the Bill of Rights including the First Amendment was added to the Constitution. The First expressly prohibited the establishment of a government-sponsored religion, allowing those of widely varying theistic backgrounds to live with an unparalleled degree of liberty. Today, there is no set number of religions in America. Of course, certain religions have attracted a greater number of followers than others, and others have low membership but high cultural impact. The United States's rich heritage of religious liberty is something that can only be described as groundbreaking. The founders' use of various Enlightenment philosophies to achieve this end is well worth learning from today. By embracing the mind as opposed to the gut, proactive strategies may be taken to allay problems before they fully present themselves. Considering the alternative, which would be dealing with crises after they have already begun, this should be no dilemma at all. Say what one will about the United States, but it cannot be denied that its distinct religious heritage paved the way for unparalleled freedom of belief. Of course, there have been a few pitfalls; many of which persist to this very day. However, no place is perfect, and as one not in the religious majority, I can proudly say that America is a shining example of how theological diversity can pay off in dividends. Not too many people in too many countries can do the same, unfortunately. This past election season was undoubtedly the most divisive in modern history. Let us, in this holiday season, put aside our partisan differences and focus on the one thing all sound minds should hold dear: The freedom to believe as each of us chooses without the yoke of competing medieval cathedrals dragging us in one direction or another then slaying those who wish to go in no direction at all. That merits no small measure of thankfulness. Elise Eberle just finished a photo shoot for Womens Wear Daily. Yes, thats right. Its also something the Albuquerque native never imagined herself saying. But here she is. I never imagined any of this, she says. I feel so blessed and it feels remarkable. Eberles profile is on the rise in the film industry. As a cast member of WGN Americas hit Salem, Eberle plays the character Mercy Lewis, who has grown into a fan favorite. The series airs at 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Salem is set in the volatile world of 17th century Massachusetts. It explores what really fueled the towns infamous witch trials and dares to uncover the dark, supernatural truth cloaked behind the veil of that period of American history. The show also stars Janet Montgomery and Shane West. Mercy Lewis, the Rev. Lewis daughter, is tormented by Mary Sibleys witchcraft. Over the course of series, Sibley has turned Lewis into a witch and Lewis vows to seek revenge on Sibley. In the show, Mercy Lewis is possibly one of the more powerful witches of the Essex Hive, having grown quickly in power on her own and currently residing in Salem. Eberle says that over the course of the three seasons, Lewis has revealed a lot of layers. In the first season, she is possessed and just wants life to be over. The second season, she has anger and she wants revenge, she says. This season is quite the opposite. Shes the madam of a brothel. Shes seductive. The first two seasons, viewers thought she was asexual. Then the writers told me this season she would fall in love. Its been pretty unexpected. Eberle says that as this season unfolds, viewers will get to see Mercy Lewis through her perspective. The writers are making an effort for the viewers to see her differently, she says. Were getting to see another side of Mercy. You have no idea of whats to come. Its a completely different experience for me on the show this season. Growing up in Albuquerque, Eberle was active in the local theater scene, and after graduating from Albuquerque Academy, she was cast in two movies Lemonade Mouth and Tiger Eyes. It was in Tiger Eyes that Eberle garnered some critical acclaim from the likes of Rolling Stone magazine, which helped her profile rise in the film industry. Eberle has already finished filming Salem. She is looking for a new project to work on while the show is on hiatus. Im getting older, but I want to play a high schooler again, she says. It would be fun if it were a comedy so I can show a different side of me as an actress. SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@ABQjournal.com. Follow me on Twitter @agomezART. Though Black Friday and its estimated 75 million shoppers will be the busiest shopping day of the year, Americans shouldnt overlook the importance of Small Business Saturday tomorrow. This event encourages shoppers to support their local small businesses. Small Business Saturday gives the countrys small businesses a welcome boost in sales that doesnt go unnoticed. However, if Americans truly want to help small businesses, which provide jobs and livelihoods for 85 million people nationwide, they should support policies that address the burdens that they face year-round. According to a recent national poll of small-business owners, over-regulation, over-taxation and lack of access to credit are the main hurdles preventing small businesses from expanding. A recently completed 10,000-mile, 30-stop national Bring Small Businesses Back bus tour taken by the Job Creators Network also found that these are the major barriers small businesses are facing. The consequences of these burdens are stark. According to Labor Department data released this month, job gains from new firms are at the lowest share of employment in over 20 years and the rate of startup formation has halved in the past generation. These are just a couple of dozens of indicators signaling the declining role of small business entrepreneurship in the U.S. economy. What exactly does this burden look like? Consider the tax burden for small businesses. Currently, small businesses pay a 39 percent federal marginal tax rate on their earnings, meaning that, when other taxes are included, they are shipping off more than half of what they earn to Washington rather than reinvesting in their businesses and local communities. The complexity of the tax code also means that small-business owners spend an average of 40 hours filing their taxes each year time that could have been spent creating value for their customers and employees. Or take the minimum wage, which is increasing in most of the country. Four more states Arizona, Colorado, Maine and Washington voted on Election Day to dramatically increase their entry-level wage floors. Many of these wage mandates, including recently passed ones in New York and California, are increasing small businesses entry-level labor costs by approximately 50 percent. This is a devastating blow for those operating on low profit margins. Consider a typical Main Street shop like the one frequented on Small Business Saturday. It earns only a few cents on every dollar in revenue. A double-digit percent increase in the minimum wage means that annual entry-level labor costs increase by thousands of dollars per employee. For hundreds of low-margin small businesses across the country, these mandates are forcing them to close their doors or reduce job opportunities. Finally, look at how the Dodd-Frank financial regulations have dried up small businesses access to credit, which most need to invest in expansion and equipment. The reduction in credit access is due to Dodd-Franks compliance costs that have disproportionately hurt community banks. According to the Minneapolis Federal Reserve, adding just two compliance officers to process Dodd-Frank regulations makes a third of small banks unprofitable. These community banks are the lifeblood of local small businesses, providing the loans based on relationships and local know-how that big banks wont. Shoppers should spare a thought for the burdens facing small businesses on Small Business Saturday and support reforms to address them. Lasting change to truly bring small businesses back will not come from one day of boosted sales however nice that may be. It will come only from addressing the policy barriers they face. Job Creators Network is a nonpartisan organization founded by entrepreneurs like Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus who believe the best defense against bad government policy is a well-informed public. ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates What does Donald Trumps election mean for the Middle East? A group of prominent foreign ministers and policy experts gathered here last weekend to explore the elections implications for the worlds most volatile region. The gathering, known as the Sir Bani Yas forum, is hosted each year by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the UAEs foreign minister. Comments here werent attributable, so I cant identify the participants by name. But it included representatives from nearly every Arab country, as well as America, Europe, Russia, China and the United Nations. Change itself was welcomed by the Gulf Arabs, who grew to dislike many aspects of President Obamas Middle East policy. But so little is certain about Trumps positions that even those urging support cautioned that nobody knows where he stands. Given Trumps sparse record, several speakers focused on his obvious personality traits. One argued that Trump is clearly a vain man, so flatter him as many world leaders have done in their contacts since Nov. 8. Another cautioned that Trump is a volatile man, so dont corner him. A third argued that hes transactional a self-proclaimed deal-maker so look for the deals that will serve the regions interests. Trumps rhetorical volleys against trade drew little comment, given that the UAE is a symbol of globalization. Nor did his anti-Muslim remarks draw any rebuke. One prominent attendee said at least Trump would be anti-Shiite (hard on Iran), as well as anti-Sunni, which he claimed Obama has been. Perhaps in these mercantile city-states, people doubt that Trump could reverse the momentum of diverse, multicultural global commerce even if he wanted. The build-out is just moving too fast. Two issues facing Trump garnered special focus at the Sir Bani Yas discussions. The Iran nuclear deal is the first conundrum. Throughout the campaign, Trump suggested he would scrap the agreement or renegotiate it. But there was near unanimity here that Trump should accept the agreement as a done deal and focus instead on curbing Irans aggressive behavior in the region. This consensus included even officials who had been among the agreements strident critics. Only someone who wants to send us into the unknown world would tear it up, said one prominent Gulf Arab official. Nobody is really against the deal, said another, after sharply criticizing the way it was negotiated. Many in this group hoped that Trump would be tougher in challenging Iranian provocations. Trump said during the campaign that, if Iranian gunboats harassed U.S. Navy ships in the Gulf, he would blow them out of the water. Thats the kind of anti-Iran pushback the Gulf Arabs want to see (albeit with someone elses ships at risk). Trumps willingness to consider allying with Russia in Syria was the second big, overarching issue. Many Arab officials here backed the Syrian opposition against President Bashar Assad, so you might think that any hint that Trump would partner with Moscow would be anathema. But in the Middle East, political support tends to go with a winner and Russia looks like the strong player in Syria these days. Representatives of the Syrian opposition spoke movingly of the human cost of Russias intervention and argued that the fall of Aleppo would mean permanent war. Russian speakers made some of the most provocative comments at the conference. Hillary Clintons intervention policies would have driven America toward an abyss and a kinetic collision in Syria, said one. Now, with Trump, we have at least taken a step back. Could a new U.S.-Russia dialogue which draws in Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the other Middle East players stabilize this region and calm its fratricidal sectarian wars? Several speakers explored that possibility. A Gulf Arab suggested such a concert of nations, including the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, plus the regional powers. An American expert recalled the Madrid peacemaking conference in 1991, after the end of the Cold War. A Russian recalled the 1815 Congress of Vienna that brought peace to a fractured Europe. But experts warn against Yalta II a new Russian-American attempt to designate spheres of influence that carve up the region. There were no answers here about life in the new world of Donald Trump, but so many intriguing questions. SANTA FE A congressman from a bordering state is calling on President-elect Donald Trump to abolish national monuments created during the Obama and Clinton administrations, an idea that could threaten two newly created monuments in New Mexico. Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, head of the House Committee on Natural Resources, is getting push-back from conservation groups and some in the New Mexico congressional delegation for his suggestion that Trump could take back monuments preserving public lands from California to Maine. Obama designated the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in Taos County and the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in southern New Mexico. Doing away with national monuments created by presidential proclamation under the 110-year-old Antiquities Act has never been done, but also has never been legally tested. The act was passed in 1906 during the Republican administration of President Theodore Roosevelt, an early leader in the conservation movement. If any administration thinks theyre going to start divesting us of a hundred-year history of lands that belong to every American, theyre going to have to do it over my dead body, said Sen. Martin Heinrich. Heinrich was joined in his condemnation of Bishops idea by New Mexico Democrats U.S. Sen. Tom Udall and U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan. Extremists in Congress may be urging President-elect Trump to take radical and unprecedented actions against our public lands, but I will fight any such actions every step of the way. I urge Western communities to join me in informing Mr. Trump about the value these lands hold for New Mexicans and all Americans, Udall told the Journal in a statement. No president has ever overturned a previous presidents decision to designate a national monument and I sincerely hope that the president-elect respects this precedent so that this treasure of northern New Mexico will be protected and preserved for future generations, said Lujan, referring to the Rio Grande del Norte monument. But U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, New Mexicos only Republican member of Congress, pointed out this week that he had introduced legislation to protect 60,000 acres of the Organ Mountains, as opposed to the 496,000 acres Obama set aside. The Antiquities Act requires that a President designate the smallest possible footprint in order to achieve the desired environmental preservation. Americans have witnessed the Obama Administration disregard that part of the law, Pearce said in a written statement to the Journal. He called on Trump to review the Organ Mountains designation and others around the country, reducing their footprint to an acreage supported by existing federal law. He added, Additionally, Congress should work with President Trump in the years to come on changing the designation process so that no future President may unilaterally restrict lands from the people. These decisions must be made in Congress. Bishop has said on his website that communities across the West live in constant fear of unilateral monument declarations. Conservation by pen During the just-concluded presidential campaign, Trump raised a red flag for conservation groups after Obama used a proclamation to designate 87,500 acres of donated Maine woodlands the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. This decision, done at the stroke of a pen without the support of the local community, undermines the people that live and work right here in Maine, Trump said in October. Obama used his pen to designate the two new monuments in New Mexico on land that was already under the federal Bureau of Land Managements umbrella. The Rio Grande del Norte Monuments creation in 2013 was supported by a wide range of business, environmental and community groups as a boon for Taos-area tourism, while the Organ Mountains designation was more controversial. Conservation groups now are urging Obama to make a last-minute national monument proclamation of the Bears Ears area of Utah, which Bishop opposes. Using the Antiquities Act, Obama has burnished his conservation credentials with the establishment of a total of 28 national monuments across the country. There were 19 designated during the Clinton administration. President George W. Bush created two. Asked if Trump has authority to rescind monuments, a Department of Interior spokesperson responded in a statement, Were not going to speculate on what any new Administration will or wont do. For over 100 years, both Republican and Democratic presidents have designated monuments to conserve Americas natural, historical and cultural heritage. No president has ever rescinded a national monument, said Kristen Brengel, vice president of government affairs for the Washington, D.C.-based National Parks Conservation Association. There is no precedent. Bishop and his Utah supporters think it can be done and they especially dislike a Utah monument designated by President Bill Clinton two decades ago. Just because somebody who created mistakes like the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument says you cant do it, or you shouldnt do it, or its questionable bull crap, Bishop recently told E&E News, which tracks environmental issues. Its never been done before and thats why people are saying you cant do it of course you can do it. Its always been implied. John Leshy, a former chief attorney for the Department of Interior, said the legally untested Antiquities Act has become a partisan issue. The Republican platform calls for eviscerating the Antiquities Act, Leshy, now professor of law emeritus at the University of Californias Hastings College of the Law, said by email. The GOP platform approved at this past summers national convention calls for a requirement that Congress and state legislatures sign off on any new national monuments. Because no president has tried to take back a national monument, theres no track record on this, Leshy said. He said theres a U.S. Attorney General opinion from the 1930s that examined the issue and concluded that a president cannot undo a monument. Thats not been litigated because no president has ever tried, Leshy added. Perhaps Trump can be the first and wed have a test case. In a very few instances, presidents have shrunk the boundaries of monuments proclaimed by their predecessors, he said. The extent of that power has not been litigated either. Leshy said that much more often Congress or subsequent presidents expand previous presidents proclamations, or convert the monument into a (national) park. Wilderness Alliance concern We are certainly deeply concerned about the Trump administrations posture on conservation issues, said Mark Allison, executive director of the Albuquerque-based New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. Allison thinks there is a distinction between executive actions Trump might take to reverse Obamas actions on immigration issues and what Obama did under the 1906 Antiquities Act. Our interpretation is he (Trump) would be unable to completely rescind a national monument under the Antiquities Act. He may have the authority to modify boundaries or acres, but we think this is extremely unlikely, Allison said in a phone interview. From a political standpoint, these national monuments have widespread support, Allison said of the two recently created New Mexico monuments. It is inconceivable for him (Trump) to rescind them. Udalls statement noted a broad coalition that supported the Taos-area monument. The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument also supports cultural traditions like hunting, grazing and irrigation and it has been embraced by the local community, said Udall. Any reversal would be a massive betrayal of the public interest, putting many of our most precious natural landscapes at risk, and such an action would face strong legal challenge, he said. Rio Grande del Norte extends from Pilar along the Rio Grande south of Taos north to the New Mexico-Colorado border and includes over 242,000 acres of volcanic cones and the 800-foot deep Rio Grande Gorge. The 496,000-acre Organ Mountains monument is home to ancient petroglyphs and lava flows, rare plants and animals, and vast recreational and hunting areas. Ranchers said the monument designation could complicate the already strict rules governing use of federal lands and make ranching tougher. The following has been circulated by the Pan-Armenian Environmental Front (PAEF) The Amulsar gold mining project continues to be criticized. Environmental activists, geologists and independent experts warn that Lake Sevan and spring waters of Armenia are endangered, whereas the mine exploiting company, Lydian Armenia, claims that all the concerns are addressed in their project and the risks are minimized. CivilNet made a video on this issue. Geologist, Sc.D Armen Saghatelyan, Pan-Armenian Environmental Front civil initiative's member and geographer LevonGalstyan, senior manager at Lydian Armenia Armen Stepanyan and Minister of Environmental Protection Artsvik Minasyan expressed their opinions in the video. Details in the video (Turn on english subtitles): Geologist Armen Saghatelyan believes that there are several manageable and unmanageable risks: The rocks are quite cracked. It is a sulphide mine and therefore, all natural and chemical compounds there contain large amounts of sulphur/brimstone. So, when before mine explosions the surface is watered artificially or when it rains, all these waters mixed with sulphur will infiltrate into the deeper layers. There is no existing technology for collecting this water; rocks are cracked and therefore it will all go to the deepest layers. Saghatelyan says that even a tiny failure will be enough for Armenia to lose a strategic ecosystem; the threat is not manageable because we deal with water here: It is absolutely unacceptable to endanger Lake Sevan for any gold in the world. We need to state that exploitation of this mine violates the Law on Sevan. The environmental impact assessment was initially done incorrectly; not only the mine exploitation is dangerous but also the further activities with the ore There have been speculations about law and it is suspicious why the Government of Armenia got involved in such serious speculations. Environmental activist LevonGalstyan mentioned that in case of exploitation of the gold mine in Amulsar, the spring waters of Armenia will be contaminated. He says that the government did not carry out a realistic assessment of environmental impacts and that there is no alternative or independent expertise which would confirm that spring waters will not be contaminated with this project: The exploitation of Amulsar gold mine will endanger strategic resources of spring water in Armenia. It will affect Arpa and Vorotan rivers, the river basins, Kechut and Spandaryan water reservoirs, Vorotan-Arpa-Sevan tunnel and finally also Lake Sevan (technically the quality of the water will change). On the one side of the scales are the dubious profits from Amulsar gold mine, and on the other side is the safety of our national and ecological water reserves. Armen Stepanyan, the senior manager of Lydian Armenia mentioned in his talk to Civilnet that the concerns of environmental activists are already addressed in their project. He says that there is a technology which can fully control the waters: It is called Surface water management system. Every water that may get in contact with our infrastructures, whether it is underground water or surface water will be collected and directed to a special basin and will be later used during the mine exploitation process. We solve two issues: less impact on the environment and less water extraction. E.g. if a certain quantity of water would have been taken from a certain water basin, this quantity will be less because we have a well-functioning water management system. But LevonGalstyan says. They can write, bring machines, people, etc but in a 300 hectare area where there is up to 1 meter of snowfall, they wont be able to regulate the melting process of the snow, it is absolutely impossible, its a fantasy. Anyone who claims this or believes in this is actually misleading the uninformed population. It is impossible to control the melting of the snow; anyone can even google search or read in other resources information about what happens in similar mines, what kind of streams, acid drainage and surface streams happen which finally lead to contamination. Quoting international standards or using complex terminology doesn't change the essence of the problem. The international financial institutions which have participated in this project, namely, the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, need to understand that they are actually participants of a project which threatens ecological security of Armenia. P.S. For security reasons, Lydian Armenia did not allow CivilNet to video record the mining; instead, they provided the footage which was used in this video. Two former teachers at Santa Fes Kearny Elementary School who questioned the credentials of their former boss Principal Boris Costa-Guerra have filed a complaint with the New Mexico Attorney Generals Office accusing the state Public Education Department of making false statements, engaging in a cover-up and violating the states ethics code. Its part of a controversy that was first stirred up last year when a newspaper report discovered false credentials for the former chief of PEDs licensure bureau and raised questions about whether the licenses of other northern New Mexico school administrators were problematic. Eric Schultz and Anna Soeiro initially filed a complaint with PED in February questioning whether Costa-Guerra had met all the requirements for an educator administrators license. Three months after they were told by a PED investigator there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations, the department recently acknowledged that Costa-Guerra was one of several northern New Mexico school administrators who were incorrectly issued an educator administrative license by former PED licensure bureau chief Charles Trujillo, who now faces multiple charges of fraud and forgery. The Las Vegas Optic reported in October 2015 that Trujillo had falsified documents that qualified him for a $100,000-per-year job as superintendent in Mora. That prompted a State Police investigation that led to charges being filed against Trujillo in August. No one else has been charged in the case. The Optic, in September of this year, also first reported apparent licensure deficiencies in the files of seven school administrators, including Costa-Guerra, prompting PED to say it was taking action to revoke or verify the licenses. The department subsequently allowed Costa-Guerra to continue in his $72,000-per-year job as principal under a provisional administrators license. Thats a slap in the face to not only me, but for educators all across New Mexico, said Schultz, who now teaches sixth grade in Pojoaque Valley Schools. Schultz says PED made him jump through all sorts of hoops to get his valid New York state teaching license transferred when he moved to New Mexico a few years ago. Its insulting. Its degrading. They wouldnt let a teacher get away with that, he said of Costa-Guerras situation. But (PED goes) against their own code of ethics to allow other people to continue without the right credentials. Its hypocritical. They say one thing, but in reality they do the opposite. Sorting out licensure qualifications for school administrators in New Mexico can be complicated as there are different pathways for applicants to qualify. A PED spokesman said recently that Costa-Guerra, in 2014, was in fact issued a full administrators license in error through a post-secondary education work-experience pathway. But Costa-Guerra nevertheless is eligible for a provisional administrative license, the spokesman said. While Boris did not meet the qualifications for this pathway, he did and still does meet the provisional licensure pathway for Level 3A teachers to obtain a Level 3B license while they finish completing requirements for the administrative license, PED spokesman Robert McEntyre told the Journal in an email. In Boriss case, he lacks only a few graduate-level courses and completion of the administrative assessment. PED has deemed the requirement for a yearlong apprenticeship under the supervision of a superintendent has been met by Costa-Guerra, based on the nearly two years hes already served as principal at Kearny Elementary, located on Avenida de las Campanas. We blew up Schultz and Soeiro are angry again. They felt vindicated when a PED representative said in the Optics September report that the department had determined that the licenses for Costa-Guerra and other administrators were erroneously issued and would be revoked. We were like, Yes! We knew it!' Soeiro said of their reaction when they read the news. But PED later decided to let Costa-Guerra continue to work under a provisional license. Thats when we blew up, Soeiro said. Saying theyre advocating for Santa Fe teachers afraid to come forward for fear of retaliation as well as teachers throughout the state Schultz and Soeiro say they took their complaint to the attorney general because they feel PED must be held accountable. PED knowingly made false statements to both complainants in response to their complaint against the license of Dr. Costa-Guerra, and continues to conceal and cover up material facts that would expose the truth, they say in their complaint to the attorney general in October. PED has violated both state and federal statutes, and continues to harm not only the education profession itself, but also the children, parents and communities of New Mexico by engaging in such unlawful and unethical behavior. A spokesman for the Attorney Generals Office said its the offices policy not to confirm or deny whether it is conducting an investigation to preserve the integrity of investigations it does conduct and to protect the rights of individuals not charged with a crime. The Journal, after reviewing documents, found nothing to suggest that Costa-Guerra did anything other than provide PED with what it asked for with respect to his license. Theres no evidence in his file to suggest any documents were misleading about his qualifications and experience or were doctored, as allegedly happened in the Charles Trujillo case that led to criminal charges against the former Mora superintendent. However, Costa-Guerras licensure file obtained from PED through a public records request appears to contain some anomalies. Complaint to PED Schultz and Soeiro say in their complaint that they went to PED with allegations that Costa-Guerra didnt have the required amount of graduate-level coursework in education administration, that he lacked the required amount of work experience in higher education administration and that he hadnt taken or passed a required administrator assessment. Nearly four months after they filed their complaint, they heard back from PED. They said everything checked out and he was good to go, Soeiro said. PED contends now that the complaint from Schultz and Soeiro didnt question whether Costa-Guerra held the credentials for an administrative license, but rather whether he held a license at all. A spokesman said that, after a quick review, PED determined that he did hold a license the license that Costa-Guerra was issued in 2014 and which PED says now was incorrectly issued. The response Schultz and Soeiro received on June 21, signed by Raymond Romero, a detective/criminal investigator with PED, says: After careful review of the facts, our office has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support the allegations or to take action against the licensee. Our office therefore has closed its investigation. Also in June, Costa-Guerra, according to his written statements to news organizations, was issued a second administrative license by the PEDs Seana Flanagan. That would raise questions because administrative licenses are good for 10 years, so his original, full administrators license from 2014 wasnt up for renewal until 2024. PED contends that, contrary to what Costa-Guerra has said, he was never issued a second administrative license. Instead, he had requested and received a copy in June of the license he had received two years earlier, according to the department. PED subsequently gave Costa-Guerra the provisional license in October after the Optics report on questionable licensures for several administrators. Principals response Costa-Guerra did not respond to that issue and other questions the Journal sent to him by email earlier this month. He instead sent a statement that said: I have met all of the requirements set forth by NMPED and will continue to meet any requirement that they set forth, but let me be clear: I currently hold an administrative license given by NMPED, he wrote. He went on to highlight the schools progress during his tenure. Kearny received an F grade two years ago, but last year came within one point of a C under the states school grading formula being ushered in by PED Secretary Hanna Skandera. Costa-Guerra also touted recent awards the school has won, including one in the annual pet parade during Santa Fe Fiestas. We invite community members to come and view the wonderful progress the school has made, he said in closing. The school is open to everyone. Thank you to everyone who has supported not only me, but also our school community. Santa Fe Public Schools Superintendent Veronica Garcia, hired over the summer, inherited the situation and deferred to PED to determine whether Costa-Guerra was eligible to continue as principal at Kearny under a provisional license. Provisional licenses are good for four years, so he has that much time to meet the full licensure requirements. Applicant shortage in Santa Fe? Another issue thats been raised is that state law only allows provisional licenses like the one Costa-Guerra now holds to be granted in places that have a shortage of qualified principal or assistant principal candidates. Despite Santa Fes self-image as an attractive place to be, Jeff Gephart, a spokesman for Santa Fe Public Schools, said the district does get a shortage of qualified applicants. Yes, we have experienced a shortage of qualified candidates for principal and assistant principal positions. We are no different than the rest of the state and the nation, he said. Soeiro says people at Santa Fe Community College, where Costa-Guerra spent two years as director for teacher education, first told her that there might be an issue with Costa-Guerras administrative license. That was not long after the news broke last year that Trujillo allegedly falsified documents while he headed the PEDs licensure bureau. Costa-Guerra, after being awarded his full administrators license by Trujillo in 2014, was hired at Santa Fe schools by former SFPS Superintendent Joel Boyd that year and was appointed principal at Kearny in January 2015. Costa-Guerras licensure file shows that he apparently was approved for an administrative license in April 2014 by using the higher education work experience pathway. That route requires six years administrative experience in post-secondary education, such as at a college. Costa-Guerra worked two years at SFCC as an administrator in teacher education. A letter in his file from New Mexico State University verifies less than four years of teaching experience at NMSU. Teaching experience, even at the college level, doesnt count as administrative experience. Schultz and Soeiro also say that not all of the experience at SFCC should count because they say he spent several months on administrative leave while threatening the college with a discrimination suit. The college wouldnt comment on whether he did or not, citing it as a personnel issue. A spokesman did confirm that Costa-Guerra spent four of his 24 months at SFCC on paid administrative leave before resigning in August 2015. No teacher would be allowed to teach without a license, said Soeiro, who has a history with PED. Before making the complaint to the attorney general, she was one of six teachers (and the only one from Santa Fe) who joined in an American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit that forced PED to change a policy prohibiting teachers from disparaging the standardized testing program implemented by Skandera. The ACLU and teachers argued the rule violated the right to free speech and PED agreed to remove the language. Critics admit falling-out Soeiro and Schultz admit they didnt get along with Costa-Guerra from the get-go Schultz didnt last three months before Costa-Guerra fired him and Soeiro says hes part of the reason shes no longer in teaching. If it were a doctor that didnt have the right credentials to practice medicine, or an attorney without a license to practice law, it would be big news, Schultz said. It shows that New Mexico doesnt really care about education. Soeiro said theyve been stonewalled by PED since they filed their complaint with the department in February. We tried to get answers, but couldnt, Soeiro said of their decision to contact the attorney general. We had nowhere else to go. Nikesha Breeze figures if shes going to make big art, viewed by hundreds or thousands of people, she wants it to carry some heft and touch on some important concepts. So maybe its no surprise that her vision for this years Circus Luminous by Wise Fool New Mexico addresses how a soul can survive and thrive in an increasingly technological world. Its definitely a big concept to jump into, acknowledged the director of this years show, Souls Wind, which will be performed through the weekend at the Lensic. A member and performer with Wise Fool for a dozen years, Breeze said shes paving new ground with this presentation, which she co-wrote with her partner, poet and novelist Zhenzan Dao. One of the new aspects is that Dao wrote and published an epic poem based on the show, The Cantos of Souls Wind, which will be available for sale at the performances. But the overall approach also has been different, according to Breeze, who said performers in the past auditioned acts they already had created, with the successful ones woven together into a loose storyline. This time, she said, she came up with the concept and a script ahead of time, and auditioned performers to fill specific roles. That process of choosing the 20-member cast, which includes dancers, acrobats, aerialists and more, happened back in June, instead of the usual October time frame. In submitting her proposal last year to direct the show this is her first time taking on that job for Circus Luminous, an annual and popular post-Thanksgiving event in Santa Fe Breeze said she tried to think of the most pressing issue that affects everyone, crossing gender, racial, ethnic and other lines. After all, she said, Wise Fools mission is to be a social circus, addressing issues of our time. Technology was the very first pick for me, she said. Even though she is a digital media artist and teaches the subject at Taos Academy, Breeze said she has been observing how digital media is sucking up more and more of peoples especially young peoples time and attention. That caused me to stop and say, What are we missing?, she said. In surveying other people, she heard them say that we are missing silence and solitude. We are missing face-to-face human connection and time in natural settings. Our senses are so flooded with images that we are losing the ability to create original ideas and have a wondrous imagination. And we are losing oral history, the kind of storytelling when kids sit down with their grandparents and listen to their tales. These are the things that are going extinct in the human soul, Breeze said. But rather than shame the audience with a performance railing against the negative aspects of technology, she decided to show the value of those things that humans are missing. I wanted to show connection, humans touching, wonder and magic, she said. So she developed the story of a young woman, played by 16-year-old Taos actress Kima Nelson, who journeys from the world of technology, symbolized by glowing white tubes, to discover the spiritual beings, invisible forces who are working to patch up the holes we are making in the soul, she said. She is learning from them, even how to become one herself. The importance of storytelling will be expressed through people talking intently in a boat that periodically will travel down a river, representing keepers of memory, she said. Im super-excited about it, said Breeze, who also is the mother of an 11-year-old and a 14-year-old, teaches yoga and qi gong, and is studying at the University of New Mexico for a degree in psychology and integrative medicine. This is the first time ever the majority of cast members are people of color or transgender, she added. The company wants to represent the whole of the community. Original music was composed by Jeremy Bleich and will be performed by a live orchestra. DAYTON, Ohio The national U.S. Air Force museum plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders stunning attack on Japan with the only one of the 80 airmen whos still alive. The museum near Dayton, Ohio, says 101-year-old retired Lt. Col. Richard Dick Cole, of Comfort, Texas, plans to return for April 17-18 events expected to include B-25 bomber landings. The Dayton-area native will help pay tribute to retired Staff Sgt. David Thatcher, who died this year at age 94 in Missoula, Montana. Thatcher joined Cole at the museum in 2015 to present the Raiders Congressional Gold Medal for display. They were the last of those who took off in bombers from an aircraft carrier for the daring raid that lifted U.S. spirits and forced the Japanese military to divert resources. Cole attended Thatchers funeral in June. Mathematically, it shouldnt have worked out this way, he told The Missoulian newspaper. I was quite a bit older, six years older, than David. Figuring the way gamblers figure, he would have been the last man. Cole was the co-pilot flying alongside the missions leader and namesake, Jimmy Doolittle. The Raiders reunited for Doolittles birthday celebration in 1946 and began holding annual reunions. They also established a tradition of toasting those who had died since the previous reunion, drinking from specially engraved silver goblets and then turning over the goblets carrying the names of those who have died. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force hosted several reunions, including a special final toast ceremony in 2013. The museum theater plans to show films on the Doolittle Raid during the commemoration. Whether or not the president-elect carries out any of his campaign promises to build a border wall or empower a deportation force, the rhetoric has been enough to scare thousands to tears or to fight. President-elect Donald Trumps victory plunged the future of undocumented immigrants in New Mexico and around the country into uncertainty. Many are fearful of a ramp-up in deportations even beyond the nearly 2.9 million people deported under the Obama administration through fiscal 2015. But one group young people whose temporary status could be easily undone by the new administration sounded defiant in the elections wake. Meet 20-year-old Josue De Luna, a student, and 25-year-old Estefania Ortiz, a mother and grass-roots organizer. They are two of the 10,531 New Mexicans 741,000 young people nationwide called the DREAMers for whom possible deportation has been stayed by President Barack Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Introduced first in Congress as the Dream Act, DACA is an executive order signed by Obama in 2012 after Congress failed to pass legislation that would have granted some undocumented immigrants who came as children a path to legal residency. DACA doesnt grant lawful status, but it defers deportation for up to two years, is renewable and allows recipients to study or work. De Luna studies chemical and biological engineering at the University of New Mexico. He is working through his third year but, since the election, there is no guarantee of a fourth. De Luna was brought by his parents to New Mexico from Mexico when he was 9 years old. They came illegally. He grew up in Santa Fe, in the shadows until DACA. Trump had vowed to undo many of Obamas executive orders, but has since walked back some of his promises since the election: for example, saying he first aims to deport 2 million to 3 million criminal illegal aliens rather than all of the estimated 11 million people living illegally in the country. (Note: The nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute places the number of criminal undocumented immigrants nationwide at 820,000.) So it is unclear what Trump will do with DACA. Whatever comes after Inauguration Day, De Luna says he and other advocates are bracing for a fight. We are concerned about our future, but we are definitely here to stay, he told me. This is our home. Its going to be four years of intense fighting and trying to protect all the progress the immigrant movement has accomplished. Young undocumented immigrants fought loud and hard to win even temporary status, risking exposure to immigration authorities along the way. A tied Supreme Court ruling in June blocked some expansions of the DACA program but left current recipients work and study authorizations in place. Estefania Ortiz is raising three kids in Farmington an 8-year-old son and 5-year-old twins, boy and girl. Her parents brought her to New Mexico from Mexico, illegally, when she was 2 years old; her own children are U.S. citizens. She works with the advocacy group Somos Un Pueblo Unido, thanks to DACA. To be honest with you, Trump is nothing new to us, especially here in San Juan County, where immigrant advocates say local law enforcement works closely with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, she said. We have been struggling with the Martinez administration for six years. She based her campaign on anti-immigrant rhetoric. We fought and fought and fought over drivers license issues. Then, she said I could almost hear the sound of her digging in her heels, over the phone DACA isnt something that was just given us. We fought for many years. We knew there was always room for fighting for something better, something more inclusive where we could have reunification of families. This is just our wake-up call to continue doing that. In a twist not uncommon in our countrys often inexplicable immigration system, De Lunas parents are in the process of legalizing their status. Which means, De Luna said, In my whole family, Im the only one at risk of deportation. UpFront is a front-page news and opinion column. Comment directly to Lauren Villagran in Las Cruces at lvillagran@abqjournal.com. Go to www.abqjournal.com/letters/new to submit a letter to the editor. LAS CRUCES Meet Dan Hicks, Spaceport Americas newest executive director. A month into the job, the longtime civilian executive at White Sands Missile Range inherits an immense challenge: taking the $218.5 million taxpayer-funded facility near Truth or Consequences and turning it into the self-sustaining success many of its supporters hoped it would be by now. Its a task that must be accomplished under the pressures of a shrinking state budget, slower-than-expected progress by anchor tenant Virgin Galactic and a hyper-competitive commercial space environment the pool from which Spaceport aims to draw customers. Hicks told the Journal that after 34 years at WSMR he had hoped to one day lead Spaceport America, even before the job came up for grabs when former CEO Christine Anderson resigned after five years this past summer. He plans to focus on business development, specifically in suborbital mission, payload-to-orbit and transportation capabilities, he said. His vision, he said, is having a commercial transport and launch capability here in southern New Mexico supporting the commercialization of space, not only for New Mexico but for the country and for the global environment. The potential is there, he said. The technology is not there. We are really at the infancy of various transport and launch capabilities (in the commercial space industry). My focus will be on getting the spaceport the right foundation for these industries going forward. Hicks is a mechanical engineer and a graduate of New Mexico State University. At WSMR, a U.S. Army base near Las Cruces, he oversaw the developmental testing of the Patriot missile program. He served as division chief with responsibility for air and missile defense; tactical missiles and targets; and space divisions. Hicks also created a directorate of engineers and scientists responsible for planning, business development and marketing an effort that culminated in the writing of a 30-year strategic plan. Spaceport America has struggled to diversify its business model, which relied heavily in its conception on Virgin Galactic by design the sole lessee of Spaceports iconic terminal building. Faced with a shrinking state budget, Hicks may face pressure to quickly ramp up other revenue streams to make Spaceport self-sufficient. Bolstered by Virgin Galactics $1 million annual rent and vertical launches, and padding its bottom line with tourism, special events and spaceport-as-venue sales, Spaceport America said it would fund 71 percent of its $5.6 million budget with revenue in fiscal 2017, which began in July. The gap between operating costs and revenue has been bridged by the states general appropriation, $444,000 this fiscal year, and a special additional appropriation of $1.2 million. Brian Barnett whose Santa Fe-based Solstar Space Co. wants to provide Internet access in space and has tested its technology at Spaceport described Spaceports business challenges this way: You are creating a new market that hasnt been done yet. There are only so many rocket companies out there. They dont grow on trees, and the spaceport cant create them out of air. Spaceport is expected to cover 92 percent of its budget in fiscal 2018 with revenue and cover 100 percent of its budget in 2019 that is, if Virgin Galatic is flying by then. Virgin Galactic aims to send paying passengers, at $200,000 to $250,000 a ticket, for a joy ride to the edge of space and back. But the company suffered a tragic setback in October 2014 when its spaceship broke up during a rocket-powered test flight, killing one pilot and injuring another. The company has been working methodically to recover, according to executives, and has rebuilt its spaceship. Last month at a space conference in Las Cruces, Virgin Galactic President Mike Moses told attendees that the company expects to begin glide flight testing before the end of the year a precursor to the riskier rocket-powered testing that will see SpaceShipTwo push to reach space and return safely back to earth. Virgin Galactic is executing its flight test program at its shop in Mojave, Calif. Hicks sees future partnerships with WSMR and Kirtland Air Force Base, including its Operationally Responsive Space Office. Spaceport is already supporting Boeing Co. in its NASA contract to develop a Crew Exploration Vehicle that could transport humans on space expeditions, one of the many examples of the governments divestiture of space activities to the private sector. Boeing is testing some aspects of its design at Spaceport. Its that type of partnership that I see growing even more, Hicks said. I think we have potential. There is that wonderful word potential again. Spaceport America Stats 5 permanent aerospace tenants 5 horizontal launches 31 vertical launches, including 10 launches to space 20 staff, 30 contract personnel Albuquerque police officers have found a 15-year-old girl who disappeared Thanksgiving morning while visiting family in Albuquerque. Police spokesman Fred Duran said Synderelia Trujillo, 15, had gone to hang out with friends her parents didnt approve of. She was found safe Friday morning. Synderelia had been with her family visiting her grandparents at their Albuquerque home near Louisiana and I-40 when she disappeared around 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Duran said officers didnt send out an Amber Alert for her because they found she had been posting on Facebook after she disappeared, meaning she didnt appear to be in imminent danger. The front door of the Starbucks at San Mateo and Gibson was smashed in during a rash of vandalism early Friday morning. (Jim Thompson/Journal) A Starbucks employee tells customers that the walk in part of the Starbucks at Lomas and Washington was closed but the drive thru was still open. The coffee shop was one of three in the Albuquerque are that were vandalized early Friday morning. (Jim Thompson/Journal) The Starbucks at Lomas and Washington is closed to walk in service but the drive thru was open. (Jim Thompson/Journal) FBI and Albuquerque police investigate at the Starbucks on Central Ave Friday morning. The glass door was shattered and a propane tank was near the shards. (Marla Brose/Journal) This person is suspected of vandalizing and putting a suspicious device inside the Starbucks near Lomas and Washington. (Courtesy of the FBI) The FBI is looking for this suspect who they believe broke into the Starbucks at Washington and Lomas and put a suspicious device inside. (Courtesy of the FBI) Prev 1 of 6 Next While most of the city slept off Thanksgiving festivities early Friday morning, at least one vandal was hard at work. And he or she started the day with coffee. The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Albuquerque Police Department and the Albuquerque Fire Department are investigating after three Starbucks coffee shops were broken into and vandalized. The shops are located within a couple of miles of one another in Nob Hill and in Southeast Albuquerque, on Gibson SE near San Mateo, according to an email from Frank Fisher, the FBI spokesman. He said suspicious devices were put in each of the shops, which were closed at the time. At a Nob Hill Starbucks, located on Central and Tulane SE, the device caused minimal damage, Fisher said. Nobody was injured, he said. Fisher released two photos of a suspect involved in the incident on Lomas and Washington NE. No one had been arrested as of late Friday. Fisher did not respond to an email and phone calls asking several questions, including what the devices were and how they damaged the buildings. Throughout the morning and early afternoon Friday, workers could be seen putting plywood over broken windows and doors and sweeping up broken glass at each of the affected locations. A contractor at the Nob Hill store said there were several bullet holes in the windows. The shop on Lomas was open for business around noon, and the shop on Central re-opened a couple of hours later. In an email, a Starbucks spokesman acknowledged the vandalism and said local employees are working closely with law enforcement. We are relieved there are no reported injuries as the stores were closed at the time, the spokesman, who did not give a full name, wrote in the email. APD spokesman Fred Duran said the investigation is being handled by federal authorities rather than local police because several locations were targeted. The investigation comes on the heels of another FBI probe into several fires set at the nearby anti-abortion ministry Project Defending Life early Wednesday morning. In that incident, Fisher said at least one suspect broke in and set four fires throughout the building and adjacent chapel. No one has been arrested for the arson. He did not respond to emailed questions about whether the two were connected. This week also saw a massive fire break out in a luxury condo complex still under construction a couple of blocks east of the Starbucks on Central. The cause of that fire is still being investigated, according to a fire department spokeswoman. Journal staff writer Nicole Perez contributed to this report. FBI seeking tips Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324.) Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-Call-FBI (1-800-225-5324). SILVER CITY, N.M. Western New Mexico University has entered another agreement with an entity south of the border. The school announced this week it has signed a letter of intent with the Mexican state of Sinaloa on research projects and student exchanges. Officials say the agreement is the first step on future collaborations with Sinaloa around academic, science and culture for the secondary and higher education institutions in the Mexican state. Western New Mexico University also committed to offer in-state tuition rates to students from Sinaloa. The agreement is the latest in several newly established collaborations with colleges in Mexican and Western New Mexico University. LAS VEGAS, N.M. A New Mexico man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to shooting and killing two people. The Las Vegas Optic reports (http://bit.ly/2guAWyS ) that 46-year-old Donald Valdez was sentenced Monday to the maximum amount allowed under his plea agreement with prosecutors. Prosecutors say Valdez fatally shot Fred Montoya and Bernadine Garcia inside a mobile home in Cleveland after an argument in October 2015. Amanda Miera was also shot in the left shoulder and survived. District Judge Matthew Sandoval also ordered Valdez to serve a minimum of 16 1/2 years before he can be considered for release. Valdez will be given credit for the 13 months he has spent behind bars at the San Miguel county Detention Center. ___ Information from: Las Vegas Optic, http://www.lasvegasoptic.com PHOENIX An Arizona couple who live on the Navajo Indian Reservation have been sentenced to prison and ordered to pay millions of dollars in restitution after pleading guilty to health care fraud involving thousands of medical transports that never occurred. Fort Defiance residents Sylvia Jean Begay and Virgil C. Begay were sentenced to 28 months and 21 months in prison, respectively. The case is the second involving the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System and multimillion dollar frauds to come to light in recent years. The U.S. Attorneys Office for Arizona said the Begays each owned a company that made thousands of false claims to Arizonas Medicaid program, known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, for non-emergency medical transports. The 44-count indictment that charged the couple on Dec. 1, 2015, listed numerous non-emergency transports made on weekends and holidays. U.S. District Judge Murray Snow sentenced the couple Tuesday in Phoenix on their guilty pleas to one count each of health care fraud. The restitution orders total $3.5 million. In May, the programs former chief procurement officer was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to forfeit his state retirement benefits and pay full restitution after earlier pleading guilty in a yearslong fraud scheme involving $5.9 million in fake billings. Beth Kohler, AHCCCS deputy director, said Friday the investigation into the Begays resulted from a Medicare investigation. She did not elaborate on the other investigation. Sometimes it takes a period of time before we can identify patterns in the data and then we move swiftly with law enforcement to bring law enforcement to justice, Kohler said. Seta Kabranian-Melkonian A few days ago I suddenly wake up form sleep. Monte is sad, I think. The green light on my clock writes 6:18 am. In my mind I replay the scenes of my dream. The sadness thickens and stretches. A long crate made of rough wood passes slowly like an old train with no wheels. From my position the little ones appear like bodiless heads, lined two by two. Behind an empty table Monte is sitting alone. His head is bent down, pensive. Monte, whats the message of my dream? In the light of new world developments, I often converse with Monte lately. I search for his answers in the letters he wrote to me, letters that were written over one quarter of a century ago. As always, Monte doesnt disappoint me. In the late 1980s when the issue of Soviet Armenias independence was just circulating, Monte wrote to me that there were no independent countries, that The only country that is close to be independent is Albania, but who wants such a country? Today, once again Armenia is going through a dangerous phase. The internal conditions are shameful. Our country has rarely been raped by its own as much as it is today. No day goes by without adding a new name on the list of corrupt officials and government employees, who exploit their position. In the region the most dangerous environmental development, the lack of water is being ignored. Recent research puts our hostile neighbor Azerbaijan in the list of top ten countries that would run out of water. In the world of the rulers, the United States presidential elections dont promise anything positive, considering new appointees and their business friendships with Turkey. In Armenia, the growing epidemic of Russophobia makes a complicated matter worse. Now what do you say, Monte? Now its been two days that I havent had any news from Artzakh and Soviet Armenia. Of course I think about them very much. Always, you and our homeland (with all their aspects) are major parts of my thoughts. I have not seen the demonstrations in Yerevan, therefore Im almost forced to try comparing them with experiences Ive had in my life. I know that the two instances have little in common. But again, since I havent been in Yerevan naturally my mind goes to the demonstrations in Tehran. There, too, the demonstrations were very big, the nation was excited and brotherly. They knew one thing: that the shah needed to go and a new government should be formed. This was a very fair demand, but wasnt enough on its own. Eventually the shah left, but there was a politically unprepared and confused crowd that started to exterminate the real revolutionary power. And now it is clear that the current government has harmed the peoples of Iran (as well as other nations in Afghanistan and Iraq) much more that the fascist shah. Why am I writing about this? Because I am worried about our S. Armenia and I am worried about the people there. I know that no one would allow S. Armenia to be Independent (even if the Armenian people actually make such an anti-Armenian move) that its very unrealistic. But it is already obvious, that the previous clear-sightedness and seriousness have given way to confusion, uncertainty, and political immaturity. I am worried, because from experience Ive learned that for every mistake theres a price to pay, that every mistake brings some harm. I dont want our nation to take a step backward or harm itself. They had started such a great movementIt would be a shame if this movement is spoiled. No! Its not acceptable. For the people of Artzakh (at least) we dont have the right to lose our seriousness. Beyond that, if this movement is carried out with political maturity, it would completely change our S. Armenia. It opened the door for truly progressive movement. Its a turning point for our people and our history. 8.10.88 Monte Melkonian (November 25, 1957 June 12, 1993) CLOVIS A Clovis man entered a not guilty plea in district court Tuesday on the heels of a grand jury returning a second-degree murder indictment against him in connection with an October fight that left a man dead. Ricky Goodman, 42, was arraigned via video conference from the Curry County Adult Detention Center before Judge Matt Chandler while being represented by Anthony Filosa. Chief Deputy District Attorney Brian Stover is representing the state in the case. The defendant is charged by one count with a grand jury indictment of second-degree murder filed Oct. 28, 2016, alleging on or about Oct. 18, 2016, in Curry County, New Mexico, the defendant killed Jimmy Stotts and the defendant knew that his actions created the strong probability of death or great bodily harm he said. Stover said a second-degree felony resulting in death is punishable by up to 15 years in the Department of Corrections and a fine of $17,500. He said he anticipates the trial will be three days in length. Filosa said he was standing in for public defenders Chandler Blair and Jocelyn Garrison, who will represent Goodman. On behalf of Mr. Goodman, hes asserting his right to a speedy trial, Filosa said. As far as conditions of release, due to the nature of this case, were not asking you to address conditions of release at this time. Mr. Blair and Ms. Garrison will file a motion with the court asking to address conditions of release. Stovers request the court set the matter for a status conference in the next 30 days to allow Blair and Garrison to be present to discuss trial settings and dates was granted by Chandler, who also advised Goodman of his rights during the proceedings. According to a criminal complaint filed Oct. 18, 2016, in magistrate court: * At 12:08 a.m., Oct. 18, 2016, the Clovis Police Department received a 911 call that there was a man down, identified as Stotts, 61. * Curry County Sheriffs deputies arrived at the scene, a trailer on the 1800 block of East Howard. Wilma Stotts said her son, Goodman, stabbed her husband. * Stotts died shortly after an ambulance arrived on scene. * A man named Calvin Jaramillo, who was asked to move his truck during the event, told a deputy there was a knife in the front seat that wasnt his. The knife, which had a reddish brown stain on the handle, was recovered in the event it was connected to the incident. Jaramillo said he lived in a garage by the trailer and that Goodman and Jimmy Stotts had argued. * Goodman was located about 1:40 p.m., Oct. 18, at a house a few blocks southeast of the East Howard location and taken into custody without incident. Goodman told police there was an argument, which eventually turned physical, about using his credit card to get money for drugs. 2016 the Clovis News Journal (Clovis, N.M.) Visit the Clovis News Journal (Clovis, N.M.) at www.cnjonline.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. _____ BRUSSELS Turkeys president warned Europe on Friday that his nation could unleash another migrant crisis in the West, sharply raising the stakes after E.U. lawmakers called for a suspension in membership talks with Turkey. Quarrels over Turkeys bid to join the European Union have flared for decades and the vote Thursday by the European Parliament to freeze membership dialogue was largely symbolic. But the latest rift underscored the elevated risks amid new political pressures on both sides more than 10 months after an E.U.-Turkey pact that greatly slowed a surge of more than 1 million migrants and refugees into Europe. In Turkey, pro-government forces have arrested or dismissed tens of thousands of people from high-ranking military figures to teachers and civil servants after a failed coup in July. The crackdowns have brought sharp outcry from international rights groups and others. But Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has claimed the West has failed to stand by its NATO ally in a time of need, and has resisted appeals to ease the post-coup purges. In Europe, meanwhile, political leaders are increasingly uneasy about openings to Turkey as Erdogans government tightens its grip against perceived opposition, including journalists and activists. Europe is also facing the rise of populist political factions, such as Frances National Front, and others that oppose closer cooperation with Turkey. The European Parliaments resolution made in response to Turkeys post-coup sweeps is nonbinding and does not force E.U. leaders to change their policies toward Turkey. But it brought an angry response from Erdogan, who claimed European leaders betrayed your promises. In his first speech since the vote, Erdogan warned that any further steps to mothball membership talks or sideline Turkish exchanges with the European Union could set another migrant wave in motion. If you go any further those border gates will be opened, Erdogan said in a televised address, making specific reference to Turkeys border crossing with E.U.-member Bulgaria. In March, a two-part agreement was reached to cut the flow of migrants: Turkey would stem the flow of migrants traveling by sea to Greece in exchange for incentives including fast-tracked membership talks, billions of euros in aid for Syrian refugees in Turkey and visa-free travel for Turkish citizens. Its unclear whether Turkey could follow through with a threat to reopen routes for migrants, and any possible such move could be met with border closings on the E.U. side. Yet Erdogans warning reflected one of Turkeys strongest points of leverage over the European Union. Turkey hosts one of the worlds largest refugee population an estimated 2.7 million Syrians and 300,000 Iraqis, among others. At the same time, Europe is also dealing with the major resurgence of migrant boats making the dangerous Mediterranean crossing from North Africa. The unelected E.U. officials in charge of conducting the talks with Turkey have said that they are a valuable channel of dialogue and influence over Ankara, despite the crackdown. But elected lawmakers have become increasingly skeptical of the negotiations. Lets not fool ourselves anymore. We know altogether that this is not in compliance with European values, said Guy Verhofstadt, a former prime minister of Belgium who was one of the leaders of the effort inside the European Parliament to condemn Turkey. You have to freeze the accession talks for the moment. But even if Europe does not break off talks as a result of the parliamentary decision, a collapse could be imminent anyway. Erdogan has talked about restoring the death penalty in Turkey, a move that would immediately close the door to E.U. membership since capital punishment is banned in the bloc. In a sign of the concerns about possible further breaks with Turkey, a statement by Germanys Foreign Ministry urged for dialogue to continue at the moment. It is important that we keep talking, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Sawsan Chebli told reporters in Berlin. It is important that we do not freeze the accession negotiations because that would only further damage the relationship between Turkey and Europe, and that would not be in the interest of Turkey or of Europe, she added. Murphy reported from Washington. turkey-1stld-writethru The New Mexico Heart Institute this week reported a privacy breach at one of its vendors, affecting more than 4,000 patients. Ambucor Health Solutions, a remote-monitoring service for cardiac devices used by the Heart Institute, had a privacy breach involving approximately 4,100 cardiac-monitored individuals in New Mexico, according to a spokeswoman for the Albuquerque-based Heart Insitute. Ambucor, which is based in Delaware, discovered in July that thumb drives recovered from one of its former employees contained the personal information of thousands of patients nationwide, including the Heart Institute, which began alerting its affected patients this week. So far, Ambucor says it has no indication that the personal data was misused. Personal information may have included patients names, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, medications, testing data and medical device information. No insurance or financial information was included on the recovered thumb drives, according to the notice of security incident press release sent out by the public relations firm retained by NMHI. NMHI takes its obligation to protect the privacy and security of its patient personal information seriously and deeply regrets any inconvenience this incident may cause, a prepared statement from the organization reads. As a precaution, NMHI, through Ambucor, will offer affected patients at no charge a year of identity protection services and related recovery services, as well as $1 million of identity theft insurance. The company said also said it is taking precautions to prevent this type of data breach from recurring. The person responsible for the breach was terminated by Ambucor in March, but the company didnt say whether the former employee was being prosecuted. Patients with questions can call Ambucors dedicated call center at 866-313-7993. State regulators have ordered a Farmington-area water utility to pay a $1 million fine for issues that have left many of its 7,000 customers under a boil water advisory since June. The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to impose the penalty on Animas Valley Water, and ordered it to supply water to the customers whose systems have been most severely affected. AV Water (is ordered) to immediately provide safe and potable drinking waterbottled or otherwiseto all Harvest Gold residents, imposes a $1 million fine, and gives the water utility company 30 days to pay the $1 million fine, said PRC spokesman Carlos Padilla in a statement. The company did not respond to a request for comment. Information from the New Mexico Environment Department shows the issues began on May 22 when the agency received numerous customer complaints about water quality in the Bloomfield and Crouch Mesa communities. Subsequent investigations revealed multiple issues with the Harvest Gold and Morningstar water systems run by AV Water, including a malfunctioning valve that allowed backwash water to enter the distribution system. The NMED found high levels of sediment in the water system, which can indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms, according to the agency. AV Water has been supplying its customers with water from the city of Farmington since July 22. Though the boil water advisory for Morningstar customers was lifted in September, the advisory for Harvest Gold customers remains in effect. NMED has issued multiple notices of violation to AV Water over the past six months. AV Water has consistently told regulators it is acting appropriately under the circumstances and is making a good-faith effort to rectify the problems. Earlier this month, the utility requested the PRC allow it to transfer ownership of the Harvest Gold system to Blanco Mutual Domestic Water Association. The hearing on the transfer was postponed after AV Water said in a filing that Blanco needed more time to discuss the transaction. The hearing has not been rescheduled. CHICAGO For the second year in a row, protesters rallied in downtown Chicago urging a Black Friday boycott to raise awareness of police misconduct toward minorities and other inequalities in the citys poorest neighborhoods. Protesters gathered about 10 a.m. local time near the old Water Tower monument on North Michigan Avenue, the citys famed Magnificent Mile shopping strip. Activists spoke to the gathering about police shootings and the need for action. Some in the crowd chanted, No justice. No peace, and Hey, hey. Ho, ho. Rahm Emmanuel has got to go. Shortly after 11 a.m. the crowd of about 150 to 200 people marched south along the Michigan Avenue sidewalk. Some gathered in front of the Ralph Lauren store and yelled, Shut it down! The group passed several high-end retail shops that dot the Magnificent Mile, breaking off into smaller groups. One group linked arms in a circle outside the Victorias Secret store, but shoppers were able to enter and exit the store without a problem. Some onlookers snapped pictures of the protesters and carried on undeterred with their shopping. As demonstrators were scheduled to begin the days protests, uniformed Chicago police officers convened in front of a handful of stores on the Mag Mile. Traffic moved normally, leaving shoppers and tourists to amble freely along the street while helicopters whirred overhead. The lack of action allowed some officers to shake hands with passers-by in one case, or point a group of lost tourists toward Grand Lux Cafe. Kirby Shaw, 23, handed out posters early Friday outside the old Water Tower, urging a civilian police oversight council. The Los Angeles cook, in Chicago visiting his sister, said he was walking down the Mag Mile and decided to get involved after coming upon the gathering protesters. He said police misconduct, and Donald Trumps presidential election victory, were motivators. I figured if Im going to be writing about it on social media I should actually get involved, Shaw said. A lot of the same things that are going on here also are happening in LA, but you dont hear about it as much. The protest was planned by a network of groups that includes the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and Black Lives Matter. Organizers said they wanted to draw attention to a range of issues, including police mistreatment of minorities and economic inequalities that keep the citys West and South sides plagued with gun violence and poverty. Activists also are denouncing Mayor Rahm Emanuels new police oversight agency, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, which they argue falls short of their call for the true independence of civilian-led oversight in cases of alleged police misconduct. Lyons resident Barbara Lyons, 79, of Jewish Voice for Peace, said a mix of community groups is taking part in the protest, all with a similar message of inclusion. For some, its about the police; some its about immigration. Its just all the people who are not (Trump supporters), and theyre afraid, said the longtime activist. It just upsets me what kind of world my grandchildren will grow up in. As a shopper himself, Shaw said he understands some will not be happy with their message to boycott Black Friday, but for one day of the year you cannot buy things and support your local retailers and help make a difference. Last year, an estimated crowd of 1,000 activists temporarily blocked traffic and access to about a dozen ritzy Michigan Avenue retailers to protest the recorded fatal shooting of black teenager Laquan McDonald by a white Chicago police officer. The demonstration came days after release of disturbing dash-cam footage of the October 2014 encounter, in which the teen is shot 16 times as he appears with knife in hand to be walking away from police. Four people were arrested during that demonstration, also held the day after Thanksgiving. (The Chicago Tribunes Ally Marotti contributed to this report.) 2016 Chicago Tribune Visit the Chicago Tribune at www.chicagotribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. - PHOTOS (for help with images, contact 312-222-4194): BLACKFRIDAY-CHICAGOPROTESTS _____ DALLAS The St. Marks School of Texas Class of 1997 has launched an online fundraiser benefiting a nonprofit that helps refugees and asylum-seekers find homes in Dallas. And it has done so in the name of classmate Richard Spencer, the white separatist caught on a widely circulated video shouting Hail Trump! Hail our people! Hail victory! in front of some people who extended their arms in a Nazi salute. Spencer, the self-proclaimed founder of the so-called alt-right, has called for a whites-only ethno-state; he told The Dallas Morning News earlier this month that I dont believe in equality between races and religions. He is also a member of St. Marks Class of 97, a fact first pointed out by Mother Jones last month. And St. Marks graduates are tired of seeing their school found guilty by association. Hence the Crowdrise fundraiser begun earlier this week on behalf of the International Rescue Committee. A $25,000 goal, up from the original $20,000, is almost in reach: At the time of this writing the tally was soaring past $16,000 on its way to the asked-for amount. Its unclear who started the page. But its mission is plainly stated. We, friends and alumni of all classes of St. Marks School of Texas, honor the values with which we were raised and educated: respect, compassion, service and a vision of our city and country that includes people of all races, religions, and origins, says the page. We are politically heterogeneous but unite in considering these values under attack by our white supremacist classmate Richard B. Spencer 97. We repudiate Spencer and urge others to join us. Some of the donations have been made anonymously, but most have not. They want to make it very clear why they are donating: As one of those Richard hates, I will strive to promote love, wrote Lauren Shawn Stafford on Friday morning. Added Cole Gerthoffer, himself a St. Marks alum: This Nazi doesnt represent a single damn thing St. Marks stands for. Among those who have pledged to the International Rescue Committee is Austin filmmaker Berndt Mader, who graduated with Spencer and once considered him a close friend. Mader said Friday that he hasnt seen Spencer in about five or six years, when Spencer was passing through Austin and needed a couch to crash on. He wouldnt tell Mader why he was there, only that he was meeting with people of whom the director wouldnt approve. They stopped speaking after Mader heard Spencer on the phone, giving an interview in which he espoused his white-separatist philosophy. It was creepy, said Mader. And crushing, given their long friendship. Its tough for me, being a family friend, Mader said. But we drifted apart as he got more and more radical in his views. The biggest reason this is so sad is that he was someone born into privilege, who didnt want for anything, who had a great education at St. Marks and UVA (the University of Virginia) and the University of Chicago. The fact he has chosen to pursue a life advancing bigotry is confounding. Last December, the state of Texas tried to bar the International Rescue Committee from resettling Syrian refugees in Texas, insisting terrorists were sneaking into the country via the program. But in June, U.S. District Court Judge David Godbey, in Dallas, ruled that Texas had no legal standing to bring a suit. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a notice of appeal in August then, two months later, and without giving a reason, filed to have that appeal dismissed. Spencer is expected to speak on the Texas A&M University campus next month. But university officials have made it clear they did not invite him. On Wednesday the school issued a statement that said our leadership finds his views as expressed to date in direct conflict with our core values. On Thanksgiving, the Brussels-based World Jewish Congress asked the university to find a way to rescind the invitation, which was made by a group that, by law, has access to the universitys public space. This man is one of the worst hatemongers in America, and his white supremacist and other bigoted ideas are sickening, said World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder in a statement. I urge the university to deny him access to any facilities on campus. 2016 The Dallas Morning News Visit The Dallas Morning News at www.dallasnews.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. _____ IRBIL, Iraq Air and artillery strikes by the U.S.-led coalition in the Iraqi city of Mosul appear to have killed more than 80 civilians since a major operation there began last month, a watchdog group said Friday. Airwars, a Britain-based group that tracks information from activists and other sources, said that the frequency of casualty reports had increased since Iraqi troops launched their offensive to clear the city of Islamic State militants on Oct. 17. In an email, Airwars director Chris Woods said the group believed that coalition strikes, including air and artillery attacks, since then had likely killed 84 to 87 people in Mosul and injured more than 160 others. The densely packed urban battlefield makes accurately determining deaths tolls extremely difficult, Woods said. The wide array of armed groups involved in the operation, moreover, makes it hard to establish who is responsible for any given attack. Airwars draws its estimates from a host of sources, including activists, local media organizations and its own research. The U.S. military conducts its own investigations of civilian casualty reports, sometimes confirming the allegations and sometimes finding they are unjustified. While some Airwars findings have been challenged by the U.S. military, its investigations have prompted U.S. Central Command, which oversees Middle East operations, to increase its estimate of the number of civilians killed in U.S. strikes. Centcom says that American strikes against the Islamic State have killed at least 119 civilians in Iraq and Syria since they began in 2014, an estimate that some advocacy groups say is too low. Col. John Thomas, a spokesman for Centcom, said the U.S. military conducts extensive checks before launching airstrikes, using intelligence and surveillance in an attempt to verify targets. He said U.S. and allied strikes had destroyed dozens of car bombs and tunnels that militants have used to attack encroaching forces. But the challenge of avoiding inadvertent deaths has increased in such a large city, where more than a million people lived under two years of militant rule. The liberation of Mosul is an operation that is an order of magnitude larger and more complex than any of the previous cities that have been liberated from ISIL, Thomas said in an email, using another acronym for the Islamic State. Civilian deaths have become a major problem since Iraqi forces began to press deeper into Mosul in recent weeks. Islamic State militants have blocked some civilians from fleeing, while others have been caught in the crossfire. More recently, the fighters have been shelling recaptured areas, putting civilians in danger even after extremists are cleared from their neighborhoods.The intense urban battle has challenged even Iraqs most seasoned commandos and has cost its military significant losses. Woods said that the vast majority of civilian deaths in the Mosul operation have been caused by the Islamic State. U.S.-backed forces are also marching on the Syrian city of Raqqa, another important Islamic State stronghold, ahead of a battle that could face challenges similar to those in Mosul. The intense urban battle has challenged even Iraqs most seasoned commandos and has cost its military significant losses. Woods said that the vast majority of civilian deaths in the Mosul operation have been caused by the Islamic State. U.S.-backed forces are also marching on the Syrian city of Raqqa, another important Islamic State stronghold, ahead of a battle that could face challenges similar to those in Mosul. iraq 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. The Body Shop Foundation has announced that it will close next year after failing to agree a new funding agreement with its main funder - The Body Shop International. The grantmaker posted a statement on its website announcing that will close next year after turning down a funding offer from the company, which it intimated was because the deal on offer threatened its independence. The company has said it will now set up a new foundation. Dame Anita Roddick and her husband Gordon Roddick, who founded the Body Shop International, launched the foundation nearly 30 years ago and the charity has been primarily funded by The Body Shop. Income declined under new owners The Body Shop was sold to Loreal in 2006 for 652m, and since then the charity has seen a decline in its income. Over 27 years the foundation has made grants totalling 24m to mainly environmental and animal causes. Its most recent full year accounts, for the year ending February 2015 show it had an income of 770,000. It changed its annual year end to From February to December to align with the company and its income for the ten months to December 2015 was 450,000. Its 2006 accounts show it had an income of 1.2m. At its peak in 2004 it had in income of almost 2m. Independence Trustees of the charity said that its founders had been clear about the need for the charity to be independent of the company to support those that the company could not. In a statement on the website they stressed that its flexible approach allowed us to be nimble and quick, funding cutting edge, dynamic and undercover work on issues relevant and current to us all. They said: Unfortunately, despite our history and impact our lengthy conversations with the current management of The Body Shop have not resulted in a shared vision for the independent future of the Foundation. A committed funding stream has not been agreed, nor has a fundraising product been put in place for us in 2017. This means that Foundation is now unsustainable as the independent organisation that our founders envisaged. This is why, sadly and to quote The Body Shop themselves, weve been unable to align our future. New charity The Body Shop launched a new global sustainability project earlier this year and said it had invited The Body Shop Foundation to work with us in a new way because the new plan means it needs to think differently and more radically and creatively than before across the full range of our activities, including our philanthropic efforts. It has now said it will set up a new foundation to carry out its philanthropic activity, which it said will also be known as The Body Shop Foundation. The company said: We have been proud to fund, support and raise awareness for The Body Shop Foundations work over the past 27 years. It has made a fantastic and lasting contribution to many wonderful charitable causes, donating over 24m to more than 2,600 groups, projects and issues. Over the years, countless numbers of our employees have donated their time, energy and effort to support the Foundations activities through volunteering. We have been inspired by the Foundation and all who have worked in its dedicated team. We wish them all the very best for the future. Genesee & Wyoming Inc. owns and leases freight railroads. It operates through three segments: North American Operations, Australian Operations, and U.K./European Operations. The company transports various commodities, including agricultural products, autos and auto parts, chemicals and plastics, coal and coke, food and kindred products, lumber and forest products, metallic ores, metals, minerals and stone, petroleum products, pulp and paper, waste, and other commodities. It owns or leases 122 freight railroads, including 105 short line railroads and 2 regional freight railroads located in the United States, 8 short line railroads located in Canada, 3 railroads located in Australia, 1 railroad located in the United Kingdom, 1 railroad in Poland and Germany, and 2 railroads in the Netherlands with a total of approximately 16,200 miles of track. The company also operates 6,200 additional miles of track that is owned or leased by others. In addition, it operates deep sea maritime containers and provides bulk haulage, including coal, aggregates, cement, and infrastructure services. Further, the company provides rail service at approximately 40 ports; rail-ferry service in North America, Australia, and Europe; and contract coal loading and railcar switching for industrial customers. Genesee & Wyoming Inc. was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Darien, Connecticut. Scientists are now able to better track the giant ice sheets movements Scientists say the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica may be melting faster than in past years, raising concerns about the consequences if it shrinks faster than expected. Its actually nicknamed the doomsday glacier because of what could happen if it began to rapidly add water to the ocean. In a study published in the journal Nature Geoscience, researchers suggest the massive ice sheet could begin melting twice as fast as in the past. To make their projections, the scienti... Nov. 25, 2016, Lebanon, N.H. - Using state-of-the-art molecular biology and statistical approaches, researchers at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center (NCCC) have identified the functional role of two distinct DNA modifications in glioblastoma (GBM) tissues. The signature of one of these pattern disruptions in particular, 5hmC, had a particularly strong association with patient survival. Glioblastoma (GBM) is a rare but deadly type of cancer that originates in the brain. Roughly 12,000 new cases are confirmed in the U.S. each year and its highly infiltrative nature renders it particularly difficult to treat. One of the distorted molecular features of GBM is faulty epigenetic regulation. The epigenome involves modifications to DNA that dictate which genes are turned off and on within a particular cell-type. Defects here are known to contribute to cancer and current methods to predict brain tumor patient prognosis are based on epigenetic tumor subtypes. However, the epigenome is complex and there are recently discovered epigenetic marks that remain understudied in GBM. Led by Cancer Center Member, Brock Christensen, PhD, Associate Professor of Epidemiology at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine, researchers broke new territory by analyzing the profile of multiple DNA modifications, 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), in a set of 30 glioblastomas in collaboration with clinicians at NCCC. "An intense interest has emerged in detailing the functional role of distinct DNA modifications in both healthy and disease tissues," said Christensen. "Here, we uncovered that specific DNA 5mC and 5hmC patterns are disrupted in GBM and uniquely characterize the molecular switches of the genome known as 'enhancers.' Importantly, we discovered that 5hmC signatures had a particularly strong association with patient survival." Their paper detailing these patterns, "5-Hydroxymethylcytosine localizes to enhancer elements and is associated with survival in glioblastoma patients," has been published in Nature Communications. Previous technical limitations prohibited scientists from simultaneously studying high-resolution 5mC and 5hmC levels in a cancer genome. The Dartmouth study utilizes state-of-the-art molecular biology and statistical approaches, including the Dartmouth Discovery Computing Cluster and Nano String nCounter technology, to identify the levels of the distinct DNA modifications across the critical regions of the genome. "Together, our work reveals more about the powerful influence of the epigenome in cancer and highlights the distinct functional role of 5hmC," explains Christensen. This was the first investigation to describe 5hmC distribution in the glioblastoma genome and its relationship with patient survival. Looking ahead, these findings suggest that future mapping of the epigenome in a larger cohort of brain tumors may improve prognosis and help inform treatments. ### This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grants R01 DE022772 to BCC and R01 MH094609 to EAH. The research reported in this publication was also supported the Center for Molecular Epidemiology COBRE program with grant funds from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of the NIH under Award P20 GM104416. About Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center combines advanced cancer research at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine with patient-centered cancer care provided at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock regional locations in Manchester, Nashua and Keene, NH, and St. Johnsbury, VT, and at partner hospitals throughout New Hampshire and Vermont. It is one of 45 centers nationwide to earn the National Cancer Institute's "Comprehensive Cancer Center" designation. Learn more about Norris Cotton Cancer Center research, programs, and clinical trials online at cancer.dartmouth.edu. BHP Billiton Limitedhas announced it has approved further financial support for Samarco in relation to last years fatal mine disaster in Brazil.US$181 million has been approved to fund remediation and compensation programs, which will be offset against the Groups US$1.2 billion provision.A short term facility of up to US$115 million has also been made available for Samarco to carry out remediation and stabilization work and to support its operations.BHP has indicated its Brazilian arm is continuing to work through options for a restart at the mine with its partner Vale and Samarco.BHP Billiton Limited reported a net loss of $8.4 billion at 30 June 2016. Haiti - USA : Towards a considerable increase in the removals of illegal Haitians Statement by US Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Charles Johnson on the resumption of removals to Haiti : "[...] On September 22, I announced we would resume removals of Haitian nationals https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18700-haiti-flash-usa-resumption-of-regular-deportations-to-haiti.html in accordance with our existing enforcement priorities. This includes those apprehended at the border attempting to enter the country illegally. In light of Hurricane Matthew, which struck Haiti on October 4, removal flights to Haiti were briefly suspended. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18905-haiti-flash-usa-temporary-suspension-of-deportations-of-haitians.html Removal flights from the United States to Haiti have now resumed https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19178-haiti-flash-deportation-flights-of-haitians-from-usa-resumed.html In the last several weeks ICE has removed over 200 Haitian nationals and plans to significantly expand removal operations in the coming weeks. Haitian nationals currently covered by Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are unaffected by the resumption of flights to Haiti. Specifically, those Haitian nationals who have been continuously residing in the United States since January 12, 2011 and currently hold TPS may remain in the United States and are not subject to removal. These beneficiaries also remain eligible for employment authorization. TPS for Haitian nationals has been extended through July 22, 2017. Recently, we have seen an increase in the numbers of those apprehended on the southern border. I have instructed our border security and immigration enforcement personnel to take steps to keep pace with this increase. As a result, there are currently about 41,000 individuals in our immigration detention facilities, including over 4,400 Haitians. Typically, the number in immigration detention is about 31,000 to 34,000. I have authorized ICE to acquire additional detention space so that those apprehended at the border and not eligible for humanitarian relief can be detained and sent home as soon as possible. We must enforce the immigration laws consistent with our priorities. Those who attempt to enter our country illegally must know that, consistent with our laws and our values, we must and we will send you back." See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19178-haiti-flash-deportation-flights-of-haitians-from-usa-resumed.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18943-haiti-usa-deportations-of-haitians-congresswoman-wilson-continues-the-struggle.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18928-haiti-usa-deportations-of-haitians-the-secretary-jeh-johnson-specifies.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18700-haiti-flash-usa-resumption-of-regular-deportations-to-haiti.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Elections : Towards a Challenge of Results ? Tuesday, at the Votes Tabulation Cenrte (CTV), former Senator Yvon Feuille, one of the two representatives of Famni Lavalas expressed concern and did not understand the delay in the delivery of the minutes of the Pooling stations of West 1 and 2, that would be arrived at CTV according to him, only on Tuesday morning around 11:00 am MondayContradicting the statements on Monday of Robinson Cherilus the Director Genral of CTV , who had claimed to have received them Monday... Yvon Feuille does not understand that PVs coming from remote regions arrived Monday and that it takes 48 hours for the department of the West... A concern shared by Denis Pascalnord, one of the two representatives of the "Alternative League For Haitian Progress and Emancipation" (LAPEH). Alex Joseph, a representative of LAPEH, qualifies the tabulation "of organized electoral theft" affirming as Yvon Feuille, that the minutes have been counted in violation of the electoral decree. The representative of Famni Lavalas also refers to the difficulty of carrying out a real control work, while only 2 representatives per party are authorized in the zone where the 200 operators of seizure work... In response to these allegations, Robinson Cherilus, he DG of CTV asserts that the tabulation process is in full compliance with CEP regulations on the operation of the CTV. In addition, the Executive Committee of Fanmi Lavalas wrote to Leopold Berlanger, the President of the CEP, to share with him a cluster of clues which, according to Lavalas, suggests that an electoral Coup is being prepared.In its letter Famin Lavalas writes "[...] The electoral day of 20 November 2016 appeared, for a short time, to benefit from a satisfactory of all the actors involved. But the relocation of polling stations at the last minute, voters displaced from their commune and / or department of residence to another commune and / or another department, voters whose names appear on the voters list and not on the list of 'emargement' of the same polling station, the difficulties for voters to locate their polling stations on certain non-functional telephone numbers provided by the CEP, an untimely cut of power at the national level; a pernicious intoxication of certain press agents around the results recalling the maneuvers of Antonio Sola and the suspected fire of a market in Petion-Ville, project the clues of an electoral Coup..." If so far none of the parties has suggested that they would contest the results of the elections https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19321-haiti-flash-more-than-60-of-presidential-minutes-already-processed.html , the beginnings of a possible contestation begin to take shape. An attitude far from that of party, confident to win the elections. PI/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Elections : CARICOM observers satisfied After having observed over 300 polling stations during Haitis presidential and legislative elections Sunday last, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Election Observer Mission (CEOM) has declared general satisfaction with the conduct of the poll. The 300 polling stations it visited were situated in three districts in and neighbouring the capital city Port-au-Prince, including areas affected by Hurricane Matthew. The Mission stated in its initial assessments that "staff were trained, committed and dedicated to effectively conduct the elections for president and senators [...] The overall considered opinion is that compared with the 25 October 2015 poll, on this occasion the CEP officers at the Polling Stations not only displayed an improved competence, but a uniform execution of their duties. The team attributed this noticeable amelioration to the training of poll staff conducted by the CEP. With few exceptions the poll staff treated CEOM members with the utmost respect, and demonstrated a genuine willingness to accommodate queries." The CEOM said it will specify and recommend new improvements in its final report, but noted that many of the lapses observed were "not of any great consequence or of the nature to disturb the electoral results." It should be noted that many of the suggestions documented by CEOM after the 25 October 2015 elections were incorporated into the CEP training program and were used on 20 November 2016. HL/ HaitiLibre New Delhi : The NIA has written to banks asking them to freeze accounts of banned Islamic Research Foundation and its founder Zakir Naik. As per media reports, the NIA has also written to Union Home Ministry for blocking websites and other online activities of Naik and IRF. On November 19, the NIA had registered a case against Naik and his organisation under anti-terror laws and for allegedly promoting enmity between groups on the basis of religion and race. The anti-terror probe agencys action had come barely four days after the Union government had declared IRF a banned organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). After registering case against the 51-year-old Naik, IRF and others, NIA sleuths along with Mumbai police had carried out searches at 10 places in the megapolis, including residential premises of some of the office bearers of the foundation, which was earlier put on restricted list by the Union Home Ministry for receiving funds from abroad. Naik, who has been staying in Saudi Arabia to evade arrest after his name surfaced during probe into the Bangladesh terror strike earlier this year, has been booked along with unnamed IRF officials under section 153-A of IPC (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) beside various sections of UAPA. The charges slapped in the FIR, registered by the NIAs Mumbai branch, also included sections 10 (being member of an unlawful organisation), 13 (punishment for being member of illegal organisation) and 18 of UAPA (punishment for being involved in a conspiracy for committing any terror act). IRF came under the scanner of various security agencies after one of the terrorists involved in the Dhaka cafe attack had allegedly posted on social media that they had been inspired by Naiks speeches. Some of the youths from Mumbai suburbs, who had left their home to join Islamic State earlier this year, were also allegedly inspired by the preacher. The speeches of Naik, who is currently out of the country apparently to evade arrest, are banned in the UK, Canada and Malaysia. MHA has alleged that the NGO had dubious links with Peace TV, an international Islamic channel, accused of propagating terrorism. According to the Home Ministry, Naik, who heads the IRF, had allegedly made many provocative speeches and engaged in terror propaganda. Maharashtra Police has also registered criminal cases against Naik for his alleged involvement in radicalising Muslim youth and luring them into terror activities. Naik was alleged to have transferred IRFs funds received from abroad to Peace TV for making objectionable programmes. Most of the programmes, which were made in India, allegedly contained hate speeches of Naik, who had reportedly urged all Muslims to be terrorists through Peace TV. An educational trust run by Naik has already been barred from receiving foreign funds and probe agencies are looking into their activities. Source : Zee News The Rubin Museum of Art (RMA) in New York is turning its sixth floor on February three into OM Lab, a participatory space where visitors can step into a recording booth and offer their chant of the Sanskrit mantra OM. Thus collected recordings will be remixed by acoustic consultants and featured in the RMAs upcoming exhibition The World Is Sound, opening June 16. In OM Lab, visitors will learn about the lasting importance of this sacred syllable, and then become a part of its history by offering their voices to the collective chant, a release says. It will include a state-of-the-art recording booth. After the OM Lab closes on May eight, the recorded voices will be joined together to form a single chant and played back to visitors within the upcoming exhibition, The World Is Sound. RMA will also host several events and programs in the OM Lab, including a two-day OM-In on February 24 and 25; with music, performances, art-making, meditation, etc. Commending RMA for Om focused installation, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, said that Om was the mystical and powerful Sanskrit seed syllable containing the universe, which in Hinduism was used to introduce and conclude religious work. Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged major art museums of the world; including Musee du Louvre and Musee dOrsay of Paris, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Los Angeles Getty Center, Uffizi Gallery of Florence (Italy), Art Institute of Chicago, Tate Modern of London, Prado Museum of Madrid, National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, etc.; to frequently organize Hindu art focused exhibitions, thus sharing the rich Hindu art heritage with the rest of the world. RMA claims to be a space to contemplate ideas that extend across history and span human cultures. Since opening in 2004, RMA has welcomed over 1.4 million visitors. Robert M. Baylis and Patrick Sears are Trustees President and Executive Director respectively. Source : From Our Correspondent Taking on the pilots is not about being tough, but about the future of Lufthansa, Mr Spohr said in Berlin on the eve of a second day of walkouts by cockpit crew. If the company caves in to pay demands it has no chance of survival he said. Lufthansa has already canceled almost 1,900 flights, wiping out 40% of the timetable and disrupting travel for more than 215,000 people. Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less. Green Olive Tree has been in the Managed Hosting business for over 15 years. We have the expertise to build and manage an infrastructure perfect for your needs. Did we mention we are also a veteran owned business? I announce my separation from the United States I have realigned myself in your [Chinas] ideological flow I will be dependent on you for all time. I will not go to America any more. We will just be insulted there. So time to say goodbye my friend. There are three of us against the world - China, Philippines and Russia. Its the only way. Rodrigo Duterte, new President of the Philippines, on his recent trip to China. With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 the United States emerged as the single most powerful nation in the world. This, however, hid its real underlying relative historical decline, which has become more evident in recent years. The Afghan and Iraq wars served to underline this. Rather than strengthening the position of the United States on the world arena, they merely served to bring out clearly the limits of US power. In the Middle East, it is Russia that has emerged as a strong power. And on a global level we have the growing strength of China. The decline of the US and the rise of a series of local powers explains the growing instability worldwide. In this context, the latest geopolitical developments in East Asia, in particular the dramatic change of alliances announced by the president of the Philippines, is a harbinger of a far more unsettled and turbulent epoch for world relations. As Marx explained in The Communist Manifesto in 1848, The need of a constantly expanding market for its products chases the bourgeoisie over the entire surface of the globe. It must nestle everywhere, settle everywhere, establish connexions everywhere. This was brilliantly confirmed by the rise of Imperialism and the spread of capitalist relations throughout the entire globe. In the quest for new markets and sources of cheap raw materials and lower labour costs, the imperial powers helped foster the development of capitalism in new countries. In this process, however, we saw how historically new powers emerged, such as Japan, Germany and the United States who grew at a faster pace than the old established imperial powers, such as Britain and France. The new balance of power that flowed from this realignment led to a much more unstable world and produced many revolutions and two world wars in the 20th century. Decades of growth of the rising powers lead to a breakdown in the dominance of the old powers and a painful period of readjustment in world relations and the terms of world trade. What history has taught us about such phases of transition is precisely that they are painful, messy and pregnant with revolution. They take a long time and with capitalism being an unplanned, short-sighted system, such transitions take place chaotically and blindly. Thus, the rise of China, and the persisting, stubborn power of the US, signals deep, long lasting crisis in all spheres of capitalist society and a long epoch of social revolution. Chinese Trade China is today the worlds largest manufacturer, but also the worlds largest trader. Since 2009 it has been the largest exporter, and since 2014 the largest overall trader. This is reflected in world ports and shipping facilities, the key infrastructure for world trade. According to 2013 figures, China possesses the first (Shanghai), third (Shenzhen), fourth (Hong Kong), Sixth (Ningbo-Zhoushan) seventh (Qingdao), eighth (Guangzhou) and tenth (Tianjin) busiest container ports in the world. The United States has none in the top ten - its first entry is Los Angeles at 18! At the present rate of development - if it is maintained, of course - it is estimated that by 2030 China will own one third of the world's container ships. Already, 30% of the volume of containerised exports in the world are from China, which is three times the quantity from the USA. In 1964, the US had the world's largest Merchant Marine (the collection of ships needed for trade), it has now been relegated to fourteenth, with China number two. This powerful position in world trade can and must lead to major shifts in world relations, sooner or later, with smaller weaker nations realigning according to these changes. It is in this context that the Dutertes dramatic pivot to China has to be understood. The End of an Affair Rodrigo Duterte is an exceptionally brash politician who makes Donald Trump seem a vision of moderation. His personality looms very large indeed, and as a result it is easy to read his realignment to China as highly capricious and rash. The immediate cause appears to be Obamas criticism of Dutertes slaughtering of alleged drug peddlers, to which Duterte responded in his inimitable gangster style by calling Obama a son of a whore! Obama then cancelled a meeting with Duterte, which seems to have sealed the rift. The Chinese ambassador smelt blood and moved quickly, releasing the following statement, The Chinese side fully understands and firmly supports the Duterte administrations policy that prioritises the fight against drug crimes the sun will shine beautifully on the new chapter of bilateral relations. From this point onwards Duterte seemed intent on sticking his middle finger up to the United States, and what better way to do that than by cosying up to its great rival, China? Only a few months ago, US-Philippine relations were the fulcrum of the contain China policy. So cosy were they that under US encouragement, the Philippines had taken to the Hague a case against Chinese encroachments in the islands nearby, a case which the Philippines won. In 2016, the Philippines agreed to a massive increase in US military presence in the country (after they were kicked out in 1992), including the installation of an air base clearly aimed at the Chinese. Now, so suddenly that many of his own generals and security advisers did not know what was happening, Duterte has announced a complete end to all joint military exercises with the US, explicitly stating this was so because China does not want it, and the above mentioned agreement to host additional US forces will likely be revoked. Duterte has also demanded the US cease assisting his government in operations against an Islamist insurgency in the countrys south, and the expulsion of all US Special Forces. By making such an impassioned display of public affection for China, and especially by agreeing to ignore the Hague courts ruling in favour of his own country, Duterte has actually won for Philippine fishermen precisely what his predecessor, in bringing the case to court, was supposedly fighting for - this week Philippine TV has triumphantly shown fishermen returning from the Scarborough shoal laden with fish. These are the islands China recently grabbed from the Philippines, denying its fishermen the ability to exploit their coasts, but following his love letter to Beijing China has magnanimously agreed to allow Filipino fishermen back into these waters (so long as China can control them militarily!). It is deeply ironic that by embracing China as it annexes Philippine territory, he has actually won back for the Philippines far more than his predecessor could ever have done. Cold, Hard Cash However, flippant and larger than life as Duterte is, can we really explain the realignment of an entire 100 million strong nation on the basis of one mans fit of anger, or are there stronger, longer lasting interests at work? The Philippines has learnt the hard way that China carries a lot of economic muscle in the region. Everybody knows how Chinas emergence as the worlds biggest trader and consumer of raw materials had a knock on effect in all the other economies tied to it in a wave of growth (which is, admittedly, now coming to an end). Befitting a rising power, it is now becoming one of the biggest exporters of capital too. But the Philippines role as the USs staunchest ally in Southeast Asia has largely excluded it from Chinese trade and investment, and the Chinese market has been closed for its fruit exporters. China is the only power in a position to help in developing the infrastructure of the Philippines. Chinese investment into the Philippines can be seen as part of the new Silk Road and the operations of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (more on these later). If this was Dutertes intention, his Chinese pivot paid dividends more rapidly than almost anyone could have expected, In total, the two countries signed 13 agreements on Thursday spanning a variety of economic sectors, while Ramon Lopez, Philippine trade secretary, said the two countries had signed $13.5bn in trade and investment deals. Chinas foreign ministry further announced that restrictions on 27 Philippine fruit growers on exporting to China would be lifted, as would a travel warning to Chinese tourists to avoid trips to the Philippines. China Eastern Airlines, one of the countrys largest carriers, announced the launch of a direct air route from Guangzhou to the Philippine city of Laoag, starting next month...the China Communications Construction Company, a state-owned group, signed a memorandum of understanding with Mega Harbour Port and Development of the Philippines to conduct a 208-hectare land reclamation project in Davao harbour. The reclamation is expected to finish by the end of 2019. No total value was published for the investment (Financial Times, October 21st, 2016) Whilst China remains unpopular amongst ordinary Filipinos, it is very popular amongst key sections of the Filipino bourgeoisie, which is what really counts. Many had been unhappy with the former governments open hostility to China, which they feel affords more profitable opportunities than does the US. Now they are laughing all the way to the bank. Dutertes foreign secretary is Perfecto Yasay, a former lawyer who represented Chinese-Filipino businessmen close to Beijing, and who recently stated that Filipinos will not be Americas little brown brothers. And as Foreign Policy explained: Among Yasays prominent clients has been Lucio Tan, one of the countrys richest men, who Duterte has said was one of the first to urge him to seek the presidency. Billionaire Tan was born in Chinas Fujian province and is considered on the mainland to be a patriotic Chinese. (...) Today, he is chairman of Philippine Airlines, the countrys flagship carrier, and has extensive holdings in banking, mining, tobacco, beer, hotels and property development. Hes also made some major investments in China, which have clearly earned him the goodwill of Beijing. When Chinese presidents come to Manila, they always stay in one of Tans hotels. (...) During his campaign, Duterte received an especially warm welcome from the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, of which Tan is an honorary chairman. Along with the Chinese ambassador, Tan was one of the first prominent visitors Duterte received after his election victory. In his eagerness to establish close economic ties with Beijing, Duterte has also said he is looking to revive various Chinese-Philippine joint ventures that were envisioned a decade ago during the presidency of Gloria Arroyo. The most notable project on Arroyos watch involved a $329 million telecommunications contract with Chinas state-owned ZTE Corp. But Arroyos hopes to forge closer economic ties with China were derailed by various allegations of pay-offs that involved ZTE, Arroyo herself, and members of her entourage. Authorities in Manila recently dropped graft charges against Arroyo and her former colleagues, and her four-year house arrest has been lifted. Duterte has insisted that he had nothing to do with those decisions, though he had publicly offered to pardon Arroyo, in any case. (Foreign Policy, October 17, 2016) Evidently beneath the surface of serene and secure relations with the US, significant sections of the Filipino ruling class were itching to re-establish lucrative trade with China. Now the plans that had been gathering dust can be dusted off and Chinese cash can lubricate the wheels of Filipino commerce. It is of course true that these agreements have yet to be realised and many obstacles remain in place. One also has to take all of Dutertes inflammatory remarks with a pinch of salt. Yet he has already made good on his grisly promise to execute thousands of drug addicts, and as we have seen his Chinese pivot has powerful interests pushing it behind the scenes. Perhaps more to the point, Dutertes highly public remarks have already dealt a blow to US imperialism, whose domination of the all important shipping lanes of East Asia depend to a large extent on prestige and the appearance of being a benevolent protector. The opening of Chinas treasure vaults, and importantly with the return of Filipino fishermen to Scarborough Shoal, all have seen that if you strike a bargain with China, you can win more from it than by fighting it. As the Economist says it, The message for the other South-East Asian nations with competing claims in the South China Sea could not be clearer: accept Chinas sovereignty and riches will follow. Najib Razak, Malaysias embattled prime minister, turned up in Beijing this week cap in hand. If You Cant Beat Them, Build Them Of course the most dramatic proof of Chinas ambitions has been its island building campaign in the South China sea. This is linked to Chinas aggressive 9 dash line claim over this sea and to the seizure of the Philippines Scarborough Shoal. There can be no doubt that this expresses Chinas objective to wrest control of the South and East China seas from the US, giving China a powerful world position. The 9 dash line is of course enormously provocative, since, if realised, it would annex to China the seas surrounding all the major nations of Southeast Asia. These countries like China when it trades with them and invests in their economies, and indubitably that is Chinas best means to win influence. But China also needs its own military power; to really take control of this region it must have overwhelming military power, otherwise the minnows will attach themselves to the US. This is also why China has recently passed a law allowing its soldiers to be posted in bases in other countries for the first time. It must present to Southeast Asia not just its treasure, but also an overwhelming military force. It is therefore trying to create, bit by bit, facts on the ground (or rather sea). It is banking on Americas ailing power, its overstretched and tired military and its restive working class. It knows that the basis for American power in the region is more military than economic might - the Southeast Asian nations are allied to it for historical and military reasons, for the US Navy is still by far the strongest in the region. China and all the nations of Southeast Asia are watching the US military. Each time the US fails to intervene, as it did in Ukraine and Syria, it is registered not just in Beijing but in Hanoi, Taipei and Seoul. China does not have to say anything; the combination of US impotence and Chinese aggression speaks volumes. The inability to intervene directly against Russia says loudly and clearly to this region: we cannot intervene to protect you from Chinese incursions; we are too tired, too sceptical, we are overstretched. The conclusion looms: why ally with the US, if the basis for the alliance - naval protection and stability - is no longer real? Indeed, Duterte actually referred to this when visiting Beijing, complaining that the USs protection is all show. That is why China is provoking by gradually taking more and more sea, or even building new islands. It is testing and proving Americas resolve, or lack thereof. On the surface, it appears that the US has all these countries in its pocket. And certainly, many of them are still far from becoming Chinas. But it is not so simple as that, as the changes in the Philippines and Thailand (more on this shortly) show. For instance, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam all appear to be close US allies. But South Korea trades very closely with China, requires and appreciates its cooperation regarding North Korea, and shares with it a mutual distrust and resentment of Japan which flares up from time to time. Taiwanese politics is profoundly influenced by fear and hostility toward China, but to an extent this is proof of its grudging awareness of its dependence on China. Economically, Taiwan cannot afford to alienate China, and that explains why its new President, Tsai Ing-wen, elected on a radically anti-China basis, significantly softened her line on China during the election campaign, saying she wanted to preserve the status-quo. Vietnamese politics is also influenced heavily by anti-Chinese sentiment, but when it came to electing their new president at the Communist Party congress, the pro-West and anti-China candidate had to withdraw for lack of support. The president is known as being pro-Chinese, even if the strategic positioning of Vietnam is known as pro-Western. In reality, Vietnam as well as South Korea and Taiwan are now in a position of balancing between the US and China, even if they do lean more to the US side. Over time, the weight of China in this balancing act will surely only grow. A String of Pearls To gain control of vital shipping lanes, it is working to pull into its sphere of influence strategic islands. One such island, the biggest of them, is already more or less an ally, Sri Lanka. Here China is building key ports that will dwarf any in India, and over which China will have key influence. Already its military submarines dock in Sri Lankan ports, much to Indian dismay. Sri Lanka for many years has been a de facto Chinese ally. This alliance may be in jeopardy after the election victory of Maithripala Sirisena, who promised to investigate contracts with Chinese companies for corruption. Nevertheless, China remains key for Sri Lanka - it is the only country stopping a UN investigation into war crimes by the state on Tamils, and its biggest investor, with Chinese investment there increasing fifty fold in ten years, more than double that of the US and its allies! Despite the election result last year, the hard cash and determination of Beijing will probably ensure Sri Lanka becomes an important ally for China: Just over a year after a new leader was elected and Sri Lanka's business ties with China came under close scrutiny, Colombo is reversing course by resuming a stalled port project and naming Beijing as the frontrunner for a new special economic zone. (...) Now Maithripala Sirisena's government, faced with falling foreign reserves, a balance of payments crunch and few, if any, alternative investors, is heading back into Beijing's embrace, albeit on better terms than before. "The stance on China has completely changed," cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne told Reuters. Who else is going to bring us money, given tight conditions in the West?" (Reuters, 10.2.16) China sees Sri Lanka as an important pearl on its so-called string of pearls - that is, the plan to establish control of strategic points in the shipping lanes, like the British did with Malta and Gibraltar in the Mediterranean. It is developing an alternative land route to Europe via central Asia; it is also developing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and port at Gwadar to have a route to the sea that bypasses the Straits of Malacca. But this does not mean it has given up on wresting control of the South and East China seas from the US - these are after all its own back yard. Central Asia Chinas strategy extends far beyond the sea lanes and into the underpopulated far reaches of Central Asia with its much trumpeted (and feared) new Silk Road or One Belt, One Road policy. Chinas concern is that it has no military control over the sea lanes it has effectively created. 70-80% of Chinas vital oil supply is imported through the Straits of Malacca, but the US navy, together with its colonies in Southeast Asia, have strategic control here. In a war or other crisis, China could be deprived of oil and access to its export markets in an instant by the US Navy. It is evidently in its strategic interests to find a way around this. Chinas biggest trading partner outside of Asia is the EU, and most of its oil comes from the Middle East and Central Asia. China has therefore decided that it is in its strategic interests to develop trade routes along the land route to the Middle East and Europe, i.e. to create a new Silk Road (confusingly, this is the one belt part of the One Belt, One Road plan; the one road part actually refers to sea routes they plan to develop). Chinas trade with Central Asia had already reached $50bn by 2013, supplanting Russia as the regions number one trading partner (up an incredible 50 times from $1bn in 2000!). Central Asia has not been an important region of the world, economically or politically, being as it is landlocked and under-populated. And yet it is host to some of the worlds biggest oil and mineral deposits. Not only that, but the region lies slap bang in the middle of the land route between two of the worlds top three economies - China and the EU. China has already conquered this region economically and is in the process of doing so politically. The Financial Times quotes a leading European economist as saying that They [China] are increasingly active in all sectors [of Central Asia] and you just cannot see western capital or Russian capital taking their place (our emphasis). The same article goes on: In Kazakhstan, Chinese companies own somewhere between one-fifth and one-quarter of the countrys oil production - about the same proportion as the national oil company. In Turkmenistan [China accounts] for 61% of exports last year the Tajik deputy finance minister last year told the FT that Beijing would invest $6bn in Tajikistan over the next three years - a figure equivalent to of the countrys annual GDP. The article then quotes Liu Yazhou, a general in the Peoples Liberation Army, who called central Asia a rich piece of cake given to todays Chinese people by heaven. (Financial Times, 14.10.15). Xi Jinping managed to put himself across in a somewhat more tactful, statesmanlike and smoother manner when he recently wooed a Kazakh audience with these carefully chosen words, As I stand here and look back at that episode of history [when China first established the Silk Road], I could almost hear the camel bells echoing in the mountains and see the wisp of smoke rising from the desert [Kazakhstan is a] magic land. Having sufficiently tickled the tummy of his prey, he got to the matter at hand: the need to create a new economic belt between China and the world via Kazakhstan. To successfully create its first sphere of influence, China must realise the economic and strategic potential of this region, but that is a complicated task. The major difficulty presented by Central Asia is that it has always been Russias sphere of influence, and Putin is intent on reestablishing Russias power. Having China steal away its influence would cut across this. However, Russias rise is limited compared to that of Chinas because of its weaker economy. Moreover, Russia has few important allies on the world stage, and is unlikely to gain any. The only significant global power it can ally with is in fact none other than China itself. So ultimately, China will be able to override any Russian protests about playing in its backyard. Indeed, already in May 2015 these two countries signed a cooperation agreement between Putins Eurasian Economic Union and Chinas One Belt, One Road. Russia looks to be ceding economic leadership in the region in exchange for military leadership. It has become an active member of the China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, an Asian security association which Putin appears to see as a potential sequel to the Warsaw Pact for the modern world, which he argues is justified by NATOs violation of the Helsinki Accords. Russias arms industry and alliance with China would put it in a perfect position to play the leading military role in this new Eastern Bloc. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Standing behind all these ambitions lie the mountains of Chinese cash in its new Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The AIIBs first confirmed project is, unsurprisingly, linked very tightly to Chinas strategic interests - it is to fund three of the One Belt, One Road projects, putting up the cash for key roads in Pakistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. Through the AIIB and Chinese state owned banks, China plans to spend an initial $46bn investing in Pakistani infrastructure, including not just roads but the key port in Gwadar. This subsection of the new silk road project is called the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and China has convinced the Pakistani state to provide the security for this part, with 10,000 of its soldiers guarding the construction from terrorists and the thousands of peasants who will be booted off their land. Chinese state owned banks are to receive a capital injection from the foreign exchange reserves of $60bn for the Silk Road projects. This new Silk Road plan is the largest act of economic diplomacy the world has seen since the post WWII Marshall Plan (Financial Times, 12.10.15). It extends as far as Nigeria and Zimbabwe, which are to receive $5bn of investment for the railways needed to integrate into this One Belt, One Road. And the same phenomenon of Chinese capital exports is found in the private sector as well. Already 2016 has seen over $100bn in cross border mergers and acquisitions by Chinese companies, one third of the global total! China fears social turmoil and revolution from unemployment brought on by its overcapacity. It therefore sees the investment opportunities surrounding it as a means to keep the factories open and the workers in work: construction growth is slowing and China doesnt need to build many new expressways, railways and ports, so they have to find other countries that do One of the clear objectives is to get more contracts for Chinese construction companies overseas. (Financial Times, 12.10.15). The Great Game As we have seen, at present the key nations in East Asia are American allies - Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan. This represents a classic contradiction - the old refusing to die to make way for the new. The booming Chinese economy has made this region the key to world trade, but far-away USA controls the area thanks to its past victories and the fact that although it has been in relative decline, it is still the number one power on a global scale. This contradiction will intensify as time goes on, producing complex and shifting alliances, as we are currently witnessing in the Philippines, power struggles and other kinds of instability. It will also bring out the internal contradictions in these countries as different wings of the national ruling classes lean towards one or other of the major powers, depending on their own specific interests. Every single one of these countries except Japan has China as its biggest trade partner, not the USA. China will slowly but surely wear down US political and military dominance with the heavy weaponry of trade. The vital importance of maintaining friendly relations with China will bear down upon the politics of each of these countries, just like in the Philippines. It will cause splits in the respective ruling classes as they weigh upon how best to balance between the worlds two superpowers. This process has even been seen as far afield as New Zealand and the UK, traditionally staunch US allies. New Zealand said it would not sign the TPP trade deal if it was designed to contain and isolate China, and the UK fell over itself to sign up to the AIIB, much to the annoyance of the US. These political pressures in Asia will destabilise the region, spelling the end to this regions peace and prosperity. Indeed there is no shortage of combustible material in the region, such as national tensions within and between the nations. In the case of Thailand the tensions are more directly and purely political than national. The events in Thailand are worthy of closer study as they tell us much about how China may attempt to prise away allies from the US in the coming years. For the past decade Thai politics have been overshadowed by billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra. Shinawatra is, and was, a very close ally or even proxy of the US. Thailand also has for a long time been a key American ally, for example, allowing the use of bases in the Vietnam War. But Shinawatra was overthrown in a coup in 2006. After his sister was elected president in 2011 and carried out his orders, she too was overthrown in a legalised coup in 2014. There is no doubt that the forces behind this political turbulence are not Chinese, but the internal politics of Thailand, which are beyond the remit of this article. But nothing in history is wasted. Major political turbulence in an important neighbour and trading partner could hardly fail to pique Chinas interest, especially after it witnessed the US chiding Thailand for undemocratically ousting its own proxy (just as it quickly stepped in to praise Dutertes drug war after Obamas criticism). The Wall Street Post writes that, Started more than 30 years ago, the annual Cobra Gold joint exercises are among the largest in the world. In 2003 President George W. Bush made Thailand officially a major non-NATO ally, a designation that brings the benefits reserved for the most trusted security partners. The relationship started to sour after the May 2014 Thai coup, with Cobra Gold downgraded and other U.S. aid and contracts curtailed. Pushing Thailand out of its embrace in an attempt to hasten the return of Shinawatra, the US inevitably pushed Thailand further toward China. In contrast to the USs downgrading of Thai relations, China was the first government in the world to recognize junta chief Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha and is pushing plans for a multibillion-dollar Chinese-built rail network. Since the new military junta was established, its representatives have on several occasions spoken very warmly about China and its government. Last year Thailand controversially deported 109 Uighurs to China. In November 2015, China and Thailand carried out an enormous, two week long joint military exercise for the first time. But the most telling and significant sign of a Thai pivot was the agreement to buy three advanced military submarines from China for $1bn. These submarines would require extensive Chinese training, expertise and ongoing cooperation to be workable, tieing up Thailand into Chinas orbit. At present, this order is on hold, no doubt thanks to US pressure. Previously Thailand bought its equipment from US allies like Germany. The deal may indeed not go through, but that Thailand even publicly announced it is of enormous significance. It is more evidence that China can and will attempt to prise US allies away from it, and that internal political instability will play a big role in such transformations. The reverse has recently been witnessed in Myanmar, which confirms the fact that while the US may be in decline it is still a major force to be reckoned with and will not easily give up its spheres of influence and power. And China, although a rising power, still does not have the strength to simply sweep the US to one side. In Myanmar, internal political tensions have been fostered by the US for decades. Myanmars military junta depended largely on China for support, while the West endlessly promoted its agent Aung San Suu Kyi as a democratic saint. That tactic has eventually paid off, although Aung San has in the process been exposed for what she really is. Myanmar is now moving ever closer to the US, although relations with China remain essential for its investment and growth. It is still by far and away Myanmars biggest investor. Given that it retains such an important stake in Myanmar, whose economy is now expected to grow in importance, China will not give up without a fight. It is highly conceivable that China will pursue a tactic similar to that of Russia in Crimea, South Ossetia, Transnistria and Abkhazia, for along Myanmar's border with China there are several flashpoints of ethnic tension. There are various ethnic minorities brutally oppressed by the Burmese regime, some of which have taken up arms and wage ongoing guerrilla warfare with the state, such as the Karen and the Kachin. Recently the government inadvertently bombed a Chinese village just over the border with Myanmar whilst trying to attack such rebels. If Myanmar drifts too far away from Chinese interests, any such mistake could be used by China to destabilise the country. This would be particularly likely with regards to the Kokang paramilitary organisation the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). The Kokang people in northern Myanmar are ethnically Han Chinese and speak Mandarin. It was in this conflict that Myanmar fighter planes strayed into Chinese territory and bombed a Chinese village, killing five. Tens of thousands of Kokang fled governmental repression into China only last year. Many believe Beijing has funded the MNDAA for precisely this reason - to weaken the Burmese regime and to have an excuse to intervene in the country should it not do what China wants, to protect Chinese people. Alternatively, China could lean on the MNDAA to give up its armed struggle, thereby currying favour with the government in Naypyidaw and keeping it in Chinas sphere of influence. Either way, the basis for destabilisation in a key flashpoint of the US-China struggle is present. Today Southeast Asia, Tomorrow... Chinas influence extends far beyond its own back yard. Of note is Chinas influence in Ethiopia, a so-called rising star of Africa. Ethiopia has essentially enlisted China to build its entire infrastructure, including a new modern metro-rail system for Addis Ababa. Chinese companies are building factories and industrialising the country. Recently China gifted Ethiopia the $200m headquarters of the African Union. China has now upped its foreign aid and input into UN peacekeeping forces. It is following all of the steps needed to become a global power. The launch of the AIIB is significant not just for the export of capital, but also its diplomatic triumph on the world stage. The only country that refused to sign up to the AIIB was Japan - and the offer was extended far and wide, including US poodle the UK. Indeed, all the European NATO countries signed up. Having perfected its poodle tactic with the US, Britain knew how to deploy it to China. David Cameron quickly forgot about the Dalai Lama and rolled out the red carpet for Xi Jinping in a truly elaborate state visit in 2015. George - I for one welcome our new Chinese overlords - Osborne even took the unprecedented step of visiting Xinjiang capital Urumqi as he bidded for British companies to be involved in the Chinese development of its restive Uighur province. He also visited the Shanghai stock exchange, beckoning in the Chinese capitalists to the British market. Britain is open for business! Chinas rise is upsetting the faultlines of world relations. Ultimately Americas strength works to contain the uncontainable, and this equation can only produce explosive results. Over the coming period, China will enter into crisis, which will plunge the world economy into a depression. That will be a watershed moment for capitalism. How capitalism drags itself out of that impasse, if it can, and who leads that effort, will have big implications for world relations. In spite of Chinas growing economic strength, it is still far from repeating what the United States did in successfully superseding Britain as the preeminent world imperial power in the 20th century. There are many differences between the two scenarios. In particular, world capitalism is at an utter impasse, the market is thoroughly glutted and the Chinese economy is therefore destined to stall in the coming period. In fact the world economy stands on the precipice. Chinese overproduction is a global problem, as has become the ever growing pile of Chinese debt. In this crisis-ridden context, the geopolitical instability stalking the world is very unwelcome for all capitalist powers. It cannot afford the kind of wars that would be required for China to supplant the USA, and the workers of the world will not tolerate any moves in that direction. But it is indubitable that Chinese power will challenge and undermine that of the United States like none before it. It's gradually becoming a pain in the neck to verify or authenticate any news item you find online simply because of the adulteration of many blogs today. With many sites employing wicked click baits and others interested in creating hoax just for traffic, it is only right that you check the source of the content you read. Few days ago, some blogs reported of the death of veteran Ghanaian musician Abrantie Amakye Dede. Anyway, fast forward, Abrantie Amakye Dede has spoken to the report of his alleged death. He spoke with Agya Kwabena on Ekwanso Dwodwo on Okay FM in Accra. According to Amakye Dede, the reports came to him as a shock but was not really disturbed. I don't even know where that is even coming from I was a bit perplexed but not really disturbed. I, however, consoled myself with the fact that they even did the same thing to our former President Agyekum Kufour so it's perhaps God's blessings. Whoever dug that grave will fall into it. Amakye Dede assures his fans that he is well and not even sick. Mahalia Bamford, a 22-year-old Ghanaian student at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), was the first runner-up at the Miss Kanekalon 2016 Hair Beauty pageant. It was organised by the Kaneka Corporation Japan, manufacturers of Kanekalon synthetic hair fibres at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria, on November 12. Ms Opaluwa Ojotule Tamarai of Nigeria emerged as the second runner-up. For their prize, Ms Bamford received 1.5 million naira, while Ms Tamarai got 1 million naira. Both of them also received a Samsung flat screen TV each. Another Ghanaian, Ms Ohemaa Achiaa Agyekum of the Catholic University Collge in Sunyani, was adjudged Ms Congeniality (Most Behaved / Friendly contestant). The pageant is an annual event held in Lagos, Nigeria, with a special focus on braided hair attachments where ladies are strategically selected to participate in the competition. The pageant which has been held annually since 2010 was on the theme: 'Crowning The African Beauty'. The Miss Kanekalon pageant celebrates the outstanding beauty of the young African woman and aims to crown a true beauty whose splendour goes beyond looks to highlight personal talent. The pageant has been broadened to include confidence and pursuit of dreams and to redefine the essence of beauty. In Lagos, 20 finalists selected from regional screenings were chosen to compete in the 2016 pageant. Each applicant teamed up with her own hairstylist to showcase their hair and displayed their talents in addition to answering general questions. Some of the prerequisite formalities include the production of a stunning performance to win the coveted crown, taking home the grand prize of a brand new Nissan Altima car, a slot in a television commercial (TVC), Kanekalon products for a year and a mouthwatering two million naira. The winner is assigned a one-year contract and gains exclusive access to events such as fashion shows and opening galas, as well as access to casting calls and modelling opportunities. The event featured captivating performances by popular artistes Patoranking and Falz the Bad Guy. On the way to the finals, each contestant was individually assessed by a panel of judges on their overall performance and suitability for the competition. The areas of interest included charity fundraising, publicity and personality. This year saw five Ghanaian ladies joining their Nigerian counterparts in the pageant for the very first time. A total of 87 ladies were selected to qualify for the final audition stage in Accra, from which five finalists were shortlisted to join 15 Nigerian finalists for the grand finale held on November 12. All applicants were Kanekalon users with a charming and proactive personality with high morals. We care about beauty, but we care just as much about the safety of our products, Hiroshi Seko, General Manager of Kaneka Africa Liason Office, said. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of R&D and manufacturing for synthetic fibres geared for creating the finest hair products. Because we care so much about the safety of our products, we developed a technology that made our fibers especially safe and flame-retardant. To maintain our highest standards for beauty and safety, we are constantly developing and testing new technologies, he added. Miss Ghana 2015, Antoinette Delali Kemavor, will leave Accra today for the finals of the 2016 Miss World pageant in the United States of America. This year's event will be the 66th edition of the Miss World pageant. It will be held on December 18, 2016 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, United States, just south of Washington, D.C. This is the second time that the United States will host the pageant. One hundred and eighteen contestants from all over the world will compete for the crown. The pageant will officially kick off on November 26 when contestants will gather to begin their final journey to the Miss World Crown. The officials of Exclusive Events Ghana, organisers of the Miss Ghana pageant, are expected to see Delali off tonight. On Wednesday, the organisation held a send-off party to celebrate her ahead of the world event. Antoinette Delali Kemavor was crowned Miss Ghana November, 2015. She was one of the representatives of the Volta Region of Ghana at the 2015 Miss Ghana pageant. She is an undergraduate student of the Central University College (CUC). She had her senior high education at the Holy Child Senior School in the Central Region. The last of five children, she hails from Adafianu near Aflao in the Volta Region. As part of her reign, she has been engaging in a number of charity events and blood donation activities to help the Ghanaian society. She is expected to make Ghana proud out there as she represents her country at Miss World 2016. By Francis Addo (Twitter: @fdee50 Email: [email protected] ) 25.11.2016 LISTEN Captain Planet born as Sylvanus Dodji Jeoffrey is one of the great and creative rappers we all love to listen and also look up to. He is not just a musician; but also an entrepreneur. Hes a member and leader of multiple award-winning trio, 44. Very Good Bad Girl hitmaker, Captain Planet on Wednesday November 23rd in an interviewed with GTA2016 nominee Kwame Morale on the After Drive Show, #BusStopShow on GH Radio Online. In the interview, the host, Kwame Morale asked captain Planet several questions, he asked if he can boast to be among the best five (5) rappers in Ghana. He responded NO but leave that to his fans and Ghanaians to judge on that. He again said there is no best rapper in this country and every rapper has his/her style of rapping and he respects every rapper in the industry. No cant say that, but with leave it to my fans, I dont blow horns, because I dont believe there is somebody in this country who is the best rapper He said He further explained why he said that; everybody is equally good in his/her own unique way and talent. It different from how Sarkodie raps and also different from how Reggie Rockstone raps, Sarkodie cant rap like Reggie, the same as Reggie too cant rap like Sarkodie. Bus Stop Show is After Drive Show with host Kwame Morale (@kmoralegh) and Dj Legend on GH Radio from 20:00pm GMT 22:00pm GMT. Its a campus online radio station, #stream to www.ghradioonline.listen2myshow.com to join live. Download or listen Captain Planet(4x4) - Very Good Bad Girl (Feat. Sarkodie)(Prod by MOG Mixed by PossiGee) below: https://soundcloud.com/4x4soundcloud Gospel artiste Superintendent Kofi Sarpong will on Saturday, November 26 perform at a gospel concert dubbed 'Ayeyi Peace Concert' at the Trinity Presby Church, Kwashieman, in Accra. The event which is being organised by the Presbyterian Praise Ministry (PPM), under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, will kick off at 2.30pm. The peace concert which is also aim at promoting peace and unity among Ghanaians will witness performances from Kofi Sarpong, Minister Michael Antonio, Evangelist Ernest Addo, Minister RAJ, Minister Portia Offeibea, Minister Psammie, Minister Kofi Essandoh and the Davidites of Trinity Presby, Kwashieman. The event will also serve as a gospel musical platform for upcoming gospel artistes to display their God-given talents. All the artistes billed to perform at the event will use their performances to preach against election violence and also encourage the youth to support peace and to refrain from acts of violence before, during and after the December 7 election. The peace concert will also bring together all the key political figures and electorate in the Ablekuma North Constituency. The various political parties' representatives will be given the opportunity to pledge their support for peace before, during and after the elections. According to the interim Executive Member and Chairman for the Planning Committee, Bruno Kwame Kamade, The vision of the PPM is to evangelise the gospel of Christ through music, and on Saturday, we are going to worship God, thank Him for how peaceful He has made Ghana, sing praises and dance to His glory, and ask Him to continue holding this country peacefully till He returns. Invited guests to grace the event include Rev Felix Akresu, Director of Missions and Evangelism of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana; Rev Kwaku Bio-Kyeame, Director of CLAN, PCG; Hon Sally Amaki Attopee, NDC parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma North Constituency; Hon Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, NPP parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma North Constituency and Hon Ebenezer Nii Narh Nartey, NPP parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma Central Constituency. The 'Ayeyi Peace Concert' is open to the general public, free to attend, and you are specially invited. Johannesburg (AFP) - South Africa braced for a potentially damaging credit rating review Friday as Moody's releases its latest assessment amid political tension, reform blockages and weak economic data. President Jacob Zuma has been engulfed by graft scandals and a power struggle with Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, while growth has fallen to 0.5 percent and unemployment hit a 13-year high. Moody's will issue its updated grading later Friday, before Standard & Poor's makes its key announcement a week later on December 2. S&P currently has South Africa -- the continent's most developed economy -- rated at the lowest investment grade, and a downgrade would put the country's bonds into so-called "junk" status. Moody's currently rates South Africa two levels above junk. Any downward review would further drain investor confidence in the country's prospects under Zuma and the ANC party, which has ruled since the end of apartheid. "We are politicising downgrading. That is our problem," the president told parliament this week. "We have been working hard... and we are talking to them (rating agencies)." Efforts to avoid junk status have been at the centre of political drama for months, with Zuma loyalists at loggerheads with Gordhan, who is widely respected among international investors. "Zuma has focused on removing Gordhan and maintaining his grip on power, while Gordhan (has) been working very hard to avert a ratings downgrade," the Eurasia consultancy group said in briefing note. Junk status looms? Analysts warned that Moody's sticking to its current "negative outlook" assessment for South Africa could be a pointer to S&P's possible downgrade to junk next week. "A stable outlook would indicate little to no intention to downgrade to junk any time soon," Old Mutual economist Rian le Roux said. A junk rating by S&P could trigger a bout of bond selling by foreign investors. Some investment funds have rules that allow them to only hold bonds that have investment-grade ratings. Dennis Dykes, senior economist at Nedbank, told AFP that a downgrade would "have a negative but limited impact because the markets had almost a year to absorb the probability". Gordhan had been due to appear in court earlier this month on graft charges that many analysts saw as an attempt by Zuma associates to oust him. The charges were dropped at the last minute, exposing deep tensions in the ANC as several ministers came out in his support. Gordhan was appointed only last year to calm panicked investors when Zuma sacked two finance ministers within four days. South Africa on Monday unveiled the proposed figure for its first minimum wage -- 3,500 rand ($242) a month -- in a move that could improve labour relations. Gordhan and deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa have been pushing for reform of loss-making state companies, including power company Eskom and national airline South African Airways. A recent watchdog report included allegations that Zuma ensured one business family won huge preferential contracts to supply Eskom with coal. MANITOWOC The lawyer for a Wisconsin man convicted in a case profiled in the "Making a Murderer" Netflix series says an agreement to start independent scientific testing on several critical pieces of evidence has been signed. The agreement was filed Wednesday with Angela Sutkiewicz, the special judge appointed to oversee Steven Avery's appeal. It comes nearly three months after Avery's lawyer, Kathleen Zellner, pledged she had a plan to overturn his 2007 conviction. Avery was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of first-degree intentional homicide in the 2005 death of photographer Teresa Halbach in Manitowoc County. Evidence to be tested includes a vial of blood said to be a sample of Avery's blood. The Peoples National Convention (PNC) Presidential Candidate says he would introduce Thinking as a subject of study at the basic level if he is given the mandate to govern Ghana. Dr Edward Mahama says the policy decision was borne out of the deficit of good thinking habit among the Ghanaian leadership and youth. He said the economic condition of the country which was caused by the "mismanagement" of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and attitude of some Ghanaian youth point to the lack of right thinking. The subject, he said would focus on teaching Ghanaian children about the resources the country has as well as how these resources could be harnessed for the benefit of the whole country. The PNC leader made these comments when he took his turn at the state broadcaster, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC)s Presidential Encounter, Thursday. Refresh the page for more... Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | Email: [email protected] The truth is African economies like Ghanas are generally what can be said to be design deficient. By design deficient, I mean that there are not enough people whose professional know how is in the area of taking a visual concept from the idea stage all the way to the formal use or consumption stage. This reality can be ascertained from the fact that African countries overconsume goods and technical services from other nationssee the import bills for nations like Ghana and Nigeriaand is cause for an African design revolution. Perhaps more than ever, Africa will need a generation of skilled designers who are able to conceptualise products and services and through this, build a more meaningful existence for its peoples and economies. Implicit in the idea of an African design revolution is the overhauling of African educations systems. There is a need for African nations to make real world design-based problem solving the focus of African education. Are you good at problem-solving? Design deals with just that: solving problems through the visualisation of ideas and using a formal process to turn form and functional analysis into a real product. This article is intended for Ghanaians, Africans and those who may not know about design but are interested in finding out more. Here is an overview of the design process and profession. What is Design, really? Design is a process and profession which allows a person to engage in the visual representation of the form, structure and functionality of a conceived vision. Design deals with taking concepts that start as written ideas and mental images, and transforming them into material objects through what is known as the design process. When one talks of design, it doesnt mean that you are an artist or even a communications pro. It just means that you are someone with training in the area of transforming a concept into reality. Design Professions The design professions that are known to man were born out of giftings, creativity, necessity as well as innovation. Another term for the formal designation called designer is the term artisan, or someone with special training in arts and crafts. However, whereas artisans work with their hands primarily, design professions are largely about communicating, drawing and constructing material objects for consumption. Design is mind and matter focused. You could say that an artisan has less formal training than a designer. However, artisans are designers in their own right. Here are some design professions you may have heard of: Architectural Design Interior Design Fashion Design Industrial Design Urban Planning Graphic Design Technology Design All seven of these professional design areas require an understanding of the basics of design in order to learn more advanced concepts. The major emphasis in design is in the area of practical experience and frequently participating in the design process as much as possible. Design is not a theory-focused endeavour. In my own words, I like to say it this way, We do design and not just think it. Aspects of the Design Process The design process is something that every designer knows about. In fact, every designer can vary the process in accordance with the skill that they are most conversant or naturally gifted with. For example, as a communications professional, I often find myself exploring the functionality aspects of design quite deeply in comparison to someone whose major focus might be preparing technical documents. Nonetheless an all round design education is vital to becoming skilled in the application of the design process. Here are three aspects of the design process: 1. The Sketch A sketch is what leads to the house you live in. It is the kettle you boil your water with. A sketch made sure that your toilet could function the way it does. Before you bought your cooking pot, it was a sketch. And finally, every time you get an injection, consider that your syringes (needles) were once a simple sketch on a piece of paper. 2. The Technical Document Technical: a simple term that conveys what a group of artists or scientists do when they seek to communicate among themselves or to others about an idea they are working on. A technical document therefore, is a combination of communication language and medium that allows designers to standardise their approach to building an object. Technical documents include the following: blue prints, mock-ups and even layouts for printed materials. 3. The Construction Phase Following from technical communication, there is always a construction, manufacturing or fabrication stage associated with the design process. During this phase, real materials such as concrete and stone (for architecture); cotton polyester and linen (for fashion design); or cardstock and polyester paper (for graphic design), are used to bring a vision to life. Could you be a Designer? Possibly, design is for you and you are destined to create something that someone can use to ease his or her way in life by getting something done more easily. Designers require training that is often acquired through either formal education or as was formerly the case, apprenticeship with master craftspeople that understand concepts of design. If you would like to be a designer, here are some things to consider. Are you willing to learn to sketch and produce forms using different mediums? Sketching requires practice and constant activity in refining ones skill at drawing. Can you master a language such as English, Fulani or Evhe? Communication is integral to design. In fact, design requires skills in communicating visually, orally and in written form. Being multilingual is also an advantage in the area of design. Mathematics is a must in doing design due to the fact that one must consider proportions in sketching, as well as things like measurements in technical documents. This does not mean that you need a degree in calculus to become a designer. The reality is quite the contrary. Again, the Ghanaian and general African economic situation requires a literal revolution in the field of design, something that led other economies to become dominant in the global arena. Without more designers and professional design educators to meet the need of students and interested persons, the African continent may remain design deficient and highly dependent upon foreign goods and technical services that are essential for building a vibrant economy. Design advocacy is therefore essential in creating an Africa that every national of the continent can be happy to see. Through advocacy we can put an end to Africas design deficient economies. If you are interested in talking about design and the many possibilities that come with pursuing design as a profession, contact me at the following email address: [email protected].The author is a professional designer and communications specialist. He writes on contemporary issues of faith, science, politics, economics, righteousness and reason in the church and beyond. 24.11.2016 LISTEN By Lydia Asamoah, GNA Ampoma (B/A), Nov. 24, GNA - The First Lady, Mrs Lordina Mahama, has commissioned a teacher's quarters, a kindergarten complex, a market, a toilet facility and a new party office for the Ampoma Community in the Kintampo South Constituency of the Brong Ahafo Region. The teachers' quarters would serve as a home for some of the teachers in the community and provide them with the comfort and peace to deliver quality education to the children. 'A lot of the time teachers transferred to rural areas are reluctant to accept their postings due to lack of accommodation. Those who acquire their own accommodation often have to travel long distances to reach their schools. 'The commissioning of this teachers' quarters will make life more comfortable for teachers as well as provide them with a sound mind to teach our children,' Mrs Mahama said at a commissioning durbar held in Ampoma in her honour. She said the early childhood centre would also engage children between the ages of three to five years and make life more comfortable for working mothers in the community. Mrs Mahama said: 'Being mothers, our children need to be in school so that we can have time to work. This KG complex will, therefore, be of benefit to both mothers and their children'. She said children taught at an early age usually benefitted in many ways that helped improved their social skills and made them less dependent on special education during subsequent school years. Mothers who enrol their children in kindergarten also have the space and time to attend to their economic activities in the interest of the family, Mrs Mahama said. She explained that President Mahama has committed, in his second term, to review and implement the National Policy on Early Childhood Care and Development and broaden parental participation in the implementation of that policy. She said government would also continue the rehabilitation and construction of kindergarten facilities throughout the country, establish special schools in designated colleges of education to train teachers solely for Early Childhood Care as a means of improving early childhood education and reducing the burden on parents. Mrs Mahama said: 'The process of eliminating the remaining public schools under trees and abolishing the shift system countrywide will be given the necessary attention so that our children would not go playing truancy when they are supposed to be in school. 'Similarly, the provision of free school uniforms, free exercise books and free footwear for needy pupils; expanding the School Feeding Programme to all public basic schools in rural and suburban communities; and ensuring an improvement in Special Needs Education, would be scaled-up in order to reduce financial burden on parents and increase school attendance.' She said the Lordina Foundation in the last several years had advocated the need for all to have equal opportunity to quality education and other basic needs in life and, therefore, the foundation had been assisting some schools with computers and constructed a dining hall at Chereponi in the Northern Region. She said other brilliant but needy students were also being provided with sponsorship packages to study home and abroad. The foundation, among other things, recently facilitated the building of the ultramodern ICT centre, with support from Huawei Technologies Ghana Limited, in Ampoma and also distributed sandals and school bags to the pupils of Anglican School also in Ampoma. Still under education, Mrs Mahama said the NDC Government, knowing the significance of education, had invested a lot in the education sector. She said the elimination of the shift system, distribution of about 100 million exercise books to the public and the increase of educational facilities by about 26 per cent are evidence of the President's commitment in ensuring universal access to education. Commenting on the new Ampoma Market, the First Lady said President Mahama had indicated his strong desire and commitment to rehabilitate all markets in the country to make them places worthy of doing business. The modernisation of all major markets would continue to be government's strategy for expanding opportunities for traders across the country, she said. 'The commissioning of the Ampoma Market is a clear indication of the government's determination to improve conditions and provide stalls for our market women,' she said. She said the provision of the toilet facility was a step that advanced government's vision to end open defecation by the year 2021. Also, the party office for the National Democratic Congress would bring the NDC party closer to its members in Ampoma since administrative works and other party functions would take place there. Mrs Mahama urged members of the community to properly maintain the projects for future generations to also benefit. Nana Baah Bretwum, the Nkronza Sumakwahene, on behalf ote Ampoma Chief, Nana Nyarko Kata, commended the First Lady and the NDC Government for bringing many developmental projects to communities in the South Kintampo Constituency. He said the various projects would go a long way to improve the lots of the community and its environs and pledged the support of the people to the government saying; 'we all will vote massively for the NDC so they would continue the good works they are doing for the entire country'. In the First Lady's entourage were the NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Kintampo South, Ms Felicia Adjei, Hajia Zenab Mahama, the NDC National Women's Organiser, and Mr Eric Opoku, the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, who urged the people to maintain the party in government to ensure continuity of the good work. GNA 24.11.2016 LISTEN By Dennis Peprah, GNA Goaso (B/A), Nov. 24, GNA - Mr Mohammed Kwaku Doku, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Asunafo North, says the NDC is not a lawless political party but one that cherishes multi-party democracy. He said as a social democratic party the NDC believed in the fundamental human rights and freedoms of citizens adding that the government would ensure that a peaceful atmosphere was created during and beyond election 2016. Mr Doku said this at a parliamentary debate at Goaso organised by some private radio stations on the theme: 'Making Election 2016 an Issue-Based.' Mr Doku, who is the Asunafo North Municipal Chief Executive, urged the party followers to endeavour to sell the party's manifesto as well as its philosophies and ideologies for voters to make informed choices. He said development had seen significant and tremendous improvement in the municipality and advised the people to vote for the NDC to retain political power. He said improvement in the road, health, education and the agricultural sectors were unprecedented adding that the NDC had laid a solid foundation and it needed additional four years to facilitate job creation and poverty reduction. Mr Edmund Boateng Gyebi, who represented the organisers, said election 2016 was very crucial and every Ghanaian had a role to play to ensure it was conducted peacefully. He underlined the need for the media to promote issue-based campaign in the political discourse and guide voters to make informed choices and vote for competent parliamentary candidates and political parties. Mr Gyebi, who is the Northern Regional Correspondent of TV Africa, appealed to followers of political parties to guard against sentimental and inflammatory statements that had the potential to trigger political violence. GNA Sorry, we can't find the content you're looking for at this URL. Ghana is voting in a historic general election on December 7, 2016. Ahead of the polls, there are key facts you must know to guide you on the day of voting. The facts are presented in the infographic below. By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana The Ghana Police Church, Ho, has held a pre-election crusade to seek the protection and guidance of God ahead of the December polls. More than 500 security personnel, civilians and members of the clergy, attended the open air outreach, where they prayed for the peace of the nation to be sustained. The Reverend Father George Arthur, the Religious Affairs Director of the Ghana Police Service, said the Police Administration organised the event to seek the favour of God in the affairs of the nation. He said besides enforcing the electoral laws, they were also seeking fortification from God for the exercise. Rev. Fr. Arthur, who is also an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), said each resident was a potential contributor to peace and appealed to the citizenry to act peacefully. He called for peaceful co-existence among all faiths and ethnic groups. There is a media hype of a supposedly tribally-inspired rhetoric coming from Nana Addo. It bothers on a statement attributed to Nana Addo and some leading personalities in the NPP by Messr Haruna Attah, Ghana's Ambassador to Namibia. So far only the office of Nana Addo has rubbished and debunked those wickedly lying allegations. Mr. Haruna Attah in a press statement claimed that Nana Addo told him (ALONE ) that no non-Akan can ever lead the NPP. He added that Honourable Hackman Owusu Agyeman also told him (ALONE) that no Muslim would be voted for as president in Ghana. He then made similar accusations on Dr. Kwame Addo Kuffour, the former Defence Minister and brother to former president Kuffour. These falsehood claims by Mr. Haruna Attah on Nana Addo and the other leading personalities of the NPP are not new or surprising to some of us. In fact, I, for example, expected this very long ago. If we all flashback a bit, we'll hear Nana Addo warning us about the NDC November surprises. In every November of an election year, the NDC has a propaganda and lying surprise on Nana Addo and this Haruna Attah unsurprising allegations is one of them. In fact, this is the biggest lying surprise of the NDC. This is what Nana Addo was talking about. There might still be others yet to come. Mr. Haruna Attah has spoken his mind on his own concocted cooked story. However, there are many questions begging for answers from Mr. Haruna Attah: 1. Assuming without admitting that all what Mr. Haruna Attah said are true, what prevented him from saying it since 2012 when he started campaigning for the NDC and president Mahama? Why must he wait until it was very clear that president Mahama cannot campaign on his own achievements as president of Ghana except inciting barbaric tribal sentiments? Is Mr. Haruna Attah by this justifying the very extreme and barbaric tribally-inspired politics of president Mahama and the NDC? 2. Mr. Haruna Attah as a very respected media person and a patriotic Ghanaian, knowing this very tribally-inspired nature of Nana Addo, why didn't he kindly aid us with some audio or video evidence of their supposed conversation? I don't think he has failed to record this damning statements from Nana Addo which had him heart broken? Why did he not openly campaigned against Nana Addo and the NPP in the 2008 elections? 3. Mr. Haruna Attah said that Nana Addo invited him over to his( Nana Addo's) office. This is a clear admission that Nana Addo is very tolerant and open to everyone. I don't think Haruna Attah will today want to tell us that Nana Addo invited him to his own place just to let him, Haruna Attah,know how tribal he Nana Addo is, assuming without admitting that what Haruna Attah said is the truth? 4. The late Vice-President, Aliu Mahama, had people who are pure Ashantis who supported him during his bid for the NPP flagbearership. Nana Amoako Tuffuor is one of them. So, by Haruna Attah's logic, it was very wrong for such persons to have supported the northerner since northerners must support northerners and vice versa. Besides, such persons are today strong supporters of Nana Addo. What has he to say on that? 5. Mr. Haruna Attah isn't the only aid or supporter of the late Vice-President Aliu Mahama. The late Mahama Adams, former Upper East Regional chairman of the NPP, was a very strong supporter of the former Vice-President. Adams Mahama was a northerner. Why didn't he, Adams Mahama, also feel such supposed tribal bias from Nana Addo? Why and how did he become a strong supporter of not only the NPP, but Nana Addo? In fact, some sources point to the fact that his problem with suspended chairman Afoko has to do with the suspended chairman not supporting Aliu Mahama in his bid for the flagbearership of the NPP. So, if such a dye in a wool supporter of late Aliu Mahama like the late Adams Mahama will believe in Nana Addo's openness and tolerance, why would we discard him and believe Haruna Attah who has been working for the NDC since 2012? In any case, since when did the NDC have respect or love for the late Aliu Mahama? 6. Fiifi Kweetey said in 2007 and was captured by wikileaks that no Muslim can ever be president in Ghana. The NDC with president Mahama as both a running mate to Professor Mills and NDC MP for Bole Bamboi never condemned him or rebuked him. They instead rewarded and promoted him with different ministerial positions since they assumed office in 2009. What's Mr. Haruna Attah's take on that? Besides, the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, an appointee of president Mahama, claimed that those who are Muslims and in NPP are not correct Muslims. President Mahama and his NDC party and government never condemned him or distanced themselves from that reckless statement. If my memory serves me right, the late Aliu Mahama was a Muslim and in the NPP. Does that mean his Islam is invalid? Does that mean the late Aliu Mahama and others who died as members of the NPP died a useless death? What's Mr. Haruna Attah's take on that? There are many more questions one can ask but the essential thing is that this latest propaganda is irrelevant and won't work. As Mustapha Hameed rightly said, it's desperation that has forced some of these pathetic lies to be spewed out. Haruna Attah and Sinare leaving their ambassadorial work and coming to campaign vigorously for the NDC as a payback of their appointments is an exercise in futility. Our minds are made up and we know that president Mahama will be voted out in the first round, In sha Allah,Muhammad despite the lies, mischief, distortions, defamations, slander and malicious propaganda against Nana Addo and other leading members of the NPP. We know we are focused on working for a change that will bring improvement in the lives and living conditions of the ordinary Ghanaian. We know Nana Addo and Dr Bawumia and we believe in their vision for Ghana. We know Ghana will be United once again. President Mahama and the NDC can't divide us on barbaric ethnic and tribal lines. We won't sit down for people who are benefitting from the create, loot and share of the NDC to divide us. I shall, In sha Allah, be back Fuseini Abdul-Fatawu Mr. Janvier Litse, Director General West Africa Regional Development And Business Delivery Office 25.11.2016 LISTEN Abidjan, Cote dIvoire, November 24, 2016 Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), today announced the appointments of Mr. Janvier Litse as Director General, West Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office; Mr. Ousmane Dore as Director General, Central Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office; Mr. Gabriel Negatu as Director General, East Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office; Mr. Mohamed El Azizi as Director General of the Banks North Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office; Dr Tonia Kandiero as Director General, Southern Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office; and Mr. Ebrima Faal as Director of the Banks Nigeria Country Office. I am pleased to announce the appointments of five Director Generals, said Adesina. With the completion of the appointments of the Directors General and the Country Managers to support them, as well as the Director of the Nigeria Country Office all following the recruitment of all Vice-Presidents the Bank is now fully set to roll out its New Development and Business Delivery Model. This will allow us to achieve the High 5s to accelerate the achievement of our Ten Year Strategy. Mr. Janvier Litse, Director General West Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office Mr. Janvier Litse, Cameroonian, has twenty-four years of experience at the African Development Bank. A highly versatile leader, he has held various positions of responsibilities at the Bank. He served as Acting Vice President, Operations from 20112012, and from 2014 to present. In his current role, he leads a team of 700 people and has responsibility for the whole of the Banks portfolio. Mr. Janvier Litse brings extensive experience in operations across the entire Bank Group and has shown remarkable leadership over the years. He is a great asset to the Bank and an excellent manager of people and operations. I am delighted that he will provide astute leadership to drive the New West Africa Development and Business Delivery Model. He is very well respected by stakeholders, Adesina said. Dr. Ousmane Dore, Director General, Central Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office Dr. Ousmane Dore, a citizen of Guinea, brings more than 20 years of experience spanning development finance, government, and academia. In 2007, he served as Minister of Economy, Finance and Planning for the Government of Guinea. He brings senior level and practical experience in engaging at the highest levels of government across the region. Dr. Dore joined the African Development Bank in 2011 as Resident Representative and later as Country Director of Nigeria. In this capacity, he grew and diversified the Banks portfolio and played a key role in regional dialogues through his work with the Economic Community of West African States. He oversees a strong diverse portfolio of over US $4.5 billion. Before joining the Bank, Dr. Dore worked with the International Monetary Fund. In 2007, Dr. Dore was appointed Minister of Economy, Finance and Planning of Guinea. Dr. Ousmane Dore is an accomplished economist with extensive experience in operations, financial and macro-economic management. He has led and effectively managed very large and complex Bank operations in Nigeria. As the Bank moves to the New Development and Business Delivery Model in Central Africa, Dr. Dores solid experience, leadership and drive will be great assets for the Bank, Adesina said. Mr. Gabriel Negatu, Director East Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office Mr. Negatu has more than 25 years of senior level program, operations and managerial experience, including 18 years at the African Development Bank. He brings extensive experience in operations, having been senior and principal program officer (1998-2002), Chief Program Officer (2002-2006) and Sector Director for Economic and Financial Governance, where he led the Banks first governance department. He was credited for successfully leading the Banks response to the global financial crisis and for spearheading the use of budget support operations for fragile states. Mr. Gabriel Negatu is an effective leader. He was the pioneer Regional Director for the East Africa Regional Resource Center, which he successfully developed and which now manages the largest operations in the Bank. He is very well respected in the region. As the Bank moves to the New Development and Business Delivery Model, Gabriels solid experience, leadership and drive will be great assets for the Bank," Adesina said of the appointment. Mr. Mohamed El Azizi, Director General North Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office Mr. Mohamed El Azizi, Moroccan, has 26 years of experience, including extensive senior level managerial experience in leading high performing teams in national, regional and international organizations. He is a well-respected development expert and has broad experience in successfully developing infrastructure projects in Africa. He is a Member of the Board of Governors of the World Water Council. Mr. El Azizi is currently the Director, Water and Sanitation Department and African Water Facility at the Bank, managing a portfolio of 105 operations in 38 African countries worth about US $3.4 billion. He has accumulated extensive knowledge of infrastructure sector strategies in different African countries and has solid knowledge of the operations procedures of the Bank. He has an impressive record of donor coordination and partnership development. He successfully led teams to mobilize 6 billion Euros for rural water supply and sanitation initiative in Africa. Mr. Mohamed El Azizi is a proven leader with extensive experience in Bank operations. He has led and effectively managed very large and complex Bank projects. He brings years of experience in working with public and private sectors across Africa. Mohameds leadership, ability to build effective partnerships and deep knowledge of North Africa region will be great assets to the Banks as he leads our work in the region," Adesina said. Dr. Tonia Kandiero, Director General, Southern Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office Dr. Tonia Kandiero, Malawian, has worked across Southern Africa and brings experience in government, academia and international financial institutions. She is currently the African Development Banks Resident Representative for Tanzania, responsible for managing one of the largest African Development Fund beneficiaries with a portfolio of US$2 billion. As Resident Representative, Dr. Kandiero has enhanced dialogue with partners, donor coordination, and the Banks profile in Tanzania. The President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said: Dr. Tonia Kandiero has successfully grown and managed the Banks operations in Tanzania, where she is overseeing the Banks largest operations under the African Development Fund. Tonias experience in regional trade, macroeconomics, policy and operations of the Bank, and deep knowledge of the region, will be very helpful as the Bank rolls out its New Development and Business Delivery Model for accelerating its operations in the Southern Africa region. Mr. Ebrima Faal, Director, Nigeria Country Office The Nigeria Country Office is the largest single office of the African Development Bank, which oversees a portfolio of over $ 5 billion and deals with 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Mr. Ebrima Faal, Gambian, is a seasoned development leader with diverse global operational experience. He brings substantive expertise in banking operations, administration, and strategy, developed over nearly 25 years working at the African Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund. He is currently the Director of the Office of the Senior Vice-President of the African Development Bank, where he executes and manages corporate performance, provides oversight for operations across different departments and Vice Presidencies of the Bank and supports corporate planning and strategy execution. He provided leadership on the design and approval of the new Development and Business Delivery Model of the Bank and the High Five priorities of the Bank to accelerate the achievement of the Banks Ten Year Strategy. The President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina said: Mr. Ebrima Faal brings extensive leadership in operations management from his many years of experience within the African Development Bank and other international financial institutions. He successfully led the Bank to develop and establish its Southern Africa Regional Resource Centre. As a Senior Director in charge of the Nigeria Country Office, Ebrimas solid experience in economics, public financial management and operations management will help in further developing and managing the wide public and private sector portfolios in Nigeria, the largest regional member country of the Bank. Malaysia: Babies for Sale, a new Al Jazeera documentary, finds: Babies are being traded like commodities in Malaysia Price is determined by race, skin colour, sex and weight Corrupt doctors and government officials are falsifying birth documents Critics blame Malaysias complex adoption laws for creating the underground trade An illegal baby selling trade is thriving in Malaysia, with infants openly advertised on social media. In a new Al Jazeera documentary, Malaysia: Babies for Sale, 101 East reporter Chan Tau Chou goes undercover to expose this sinister trade. In a four-month investigation, Chan discovers just how easy it is to buy a baby in Malaysia. Legal adoption can take years in Malaysia and its a complicated process, Chan says. Many people turn to traffickers to buy babies. And then they pay doctors and government officials to falsify birth documents, so that no one knows the baby is not theirs. A babys price is determined by race, skin colour, gender and weight. Fair-skinned boys fetch the highest price, activists say. You can choose your baby online, says Hartini Zainudin, a child rights advocate. Its like a supermarket. Al Jazeera meets a trafficker in Malaysia who advertises babies online and says she is housing 78 pregnant Indonesian women. She offers a photo catalogue of pregnant women for potential buyers to choose from. 101 Easts undercover team gathers video evidence of doctors who openly offer to help get falsified birth documents for babies who have been bought, with the help of officials working in the governments National Registration Department. Activists say the demand for babies has resulted in some sex workers selling babies instead of having abortions if they get pregnant. While some children may end up in good homes, others may be groomed for paedophiles or exploited by begging syndicates, according to activists. There are no proper checks on the buyers and whether they make good parents, says Chan. The best interests of the child are never considered in such transactions. In this must-watch exclusive, 101 East exposes the network of traffickers, doctors and government officials profiting from the most vulnerable women and children. Watch and embed the promo at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SJV7iiFNX4 or the full 25-minute documentary at For more information, visit http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/101east/ or follow 101 East on Twitter on @AJ101East and Facebook at 101East Al Jazeera. A pickup truck passenger was killed and the driver injured on Tuesday, when the truck was struck by a semi in Green County. The crash happened at the intersection of Highways 69 and C near Monticello, the Sheriff's Office said. William Burdick, 35, of Madison, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Paul Warner, 63, of Oregon, was taken by Med Flight to UW Hospital in Madison. The investigation showed Warner was driving east on Highway C and failed to stop at the intersection, with the pickup truck struck broadside by the semi driven by James Chipman, 64, of Pigeon, Mich. The pickup truck rolled over, with Burdick and Warner ejected from the vehicle, while the semi overturned on the shoulder. Chipman was not injured. Highway 69 was closed for about five hours while crews worked at the scene. Alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the crash, which was the sixth traffic-related fatality in Green County this year. Dear Mr. Osei, I would by this publication make a great request to you which I hope you will happily give it a thoughtful consideration. We seem to share and aspire to attain the same nationalistic objectives to some extent. I do very much appreciate your farsightedness, fortitude and endurance to creating jobs for Ghanaians through the many companies you have set up and continue to set up. One thing that has endeared you to me most is your positive initiative taken to unite all Ghanaians through one spoken national language, thus, the Twi language. I had many years back doted on same aspiration and subsequently written to some then well-placed persons about it but for fear of public castigations and accusations of seeking to project one tribe as superior to the others, they failed to implement that policy. Simply put, they could not have the political clout to see the essence of, and the long term benefits to the nation and the people by implementing the policy of one national language in Ghana. However, you, a single patriot, are gradually on the path of achieving that objective through your radio and TV stations media outlets. I heard that when your first radio station Peace FM, started diffusing their programmes in Twi, many were those that teased you for being an illiterate hence doing programmes in Twi. Little did those people know that you were in the process of achieving a great national objective for Ghana which in the end will rid Ghana of the known and ongoing injurious tribalism? Your fortitude and endurance in the face of all the mockeries, have resulted in almost all the radio stations in Ghana and those Ghanaian radio stations abroad doing all their programmes in Twi. In the long run, all Ghanaians will be seen as one people with one language and a common destiny. Being an Ashanti, Ga, Ewe, Dagomba, Brong, Northerner, etc. will all be history. Unity that brings prosperity and peace among Ghanaians will come to reign supreme thanks to Mr. Osei Kwame Despite from Wiamoase in the Ashanti region. Now, here I go with the main reason for placing this publication out today, 25 November 2016. I had come across a YouTube video on a Chinese woman arrested for dealing in illegal arms trade in Ghana. I published an article on both Modernghana ( https://www.modernghana.com/news/733154/a-chinese-woman-caught-for-doing-armed-robbery-in-ghana.html ) and Ghanaweb on 4 November 2016 citing the video. Three days ago when I was showing my in-law the incident involving the Chinese woman, oops, the video ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYNtgZ8xS_c ) had been deleted with the following message conspicuously written in the place where it was Chinese woman selling guns ..." This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by UTV Ghana. I am very much aware of how private companies are profit maximizers and would not let go any chance that will make them money regardless how negligible the profit may be. However, in the interest of creating public awareness in Ghanaians of how the Chinese have descended upon Ghana with unrestricted bravado to overtly engage in activities that have far reaching adverse consequences on the people and the nation, could you please waive your copyright claim on the video to permit its free circulation and publication? Chinese are in Ghana in their multitudes and are destroying our ecosystems through their unrestricted surface mining (galamsey). Our lands and water bodies are being destroyed at an unprecedented rate but our President and government that are the friends of the Chinese sit looking on agape while these Chinese destroy our country. They had previously killed some Ghanaians who challenged their destructive galamseying on our lands. Some people had met their untimely deaths falling into the open galamsey pits they had left in the trails of their oftentimes illegal surface mining. Now, a Chinese woman is selling arms probably to armed robbers in Ghana. Why should we not know this and see how we can react to it? Please Mr. Osei, if I had my own way, I would oblige you to waive that copyright. You have done so much for Ghana and I will request you to do more by appealing to you to waive that copyright claim to permit the free view of the video. If a Ghanaian or an African had done that in China, the person would now be only rotten bones. They would have killed him/her by their Chinese close-range firing squad. Yours Sincerely, Rockson Adofo The Vice President H. E Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur has started a 5-day campaign tour of the Central Region with a rousing welcome. He began his campaign in the Awutu-Senya East constituency where he interacted with constituency executives and transport union operators and later held mammoth rally to canvas for votes for President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC. Veep also visited Gomoa East and Effutu where he addressed similar rallies. On this second day, the Vice President interacted with chiefs and Opinion Leaders of the Yarewa Zongo Moslem community in Agona Swedru. Addressing the chiefs, H. E Amissah Arthur called on them to rally behind President Mahama to secure his second term of office. "The NDC government under the leadership of H. E John Dramani Mahama has raised the image of Ghana internationally. Hinder to, Ghana was among poorly managed countries in the world due to the poor economic mismanagement of the NPP regime. It took President Mahama and his team to revive Ghana's economy to its present sound footing. There is the need for the NDC to be given the nod in the December general elections to take Ghana to his desire haven" Accompanied by the former National Organizer of the NDC, Mr. Yaw Boateng Gyan and the Central Regional Communication Officer, Mr. Kwesi Dawood, among others, the Vice President held rallies at Yarewa Zongo and Upper Bobikuma, with whistle stops at Agona Nyakrom, Agona Kwaman, Lower Bobikuma and Agona Abodom all in the Agona West constituency. At all the rallies, H.E Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur called on NDC supporters across the country to trumpet the achievements of President Mahama and canvas g for votes for him all the NDC parliamentary candidates in their constituencies. " When we say 'JM toaso', it means two things. President Mahama should be the next president to sustain the peace and stability Ghanaians are enjoying and to continue with changing lives transforming Ghana agenda aimed at improving the lives of the people. This is the reason why 'JM Toaso' slogan has been embraced by Ghanaians I want to appeal to you as NDC foot soldiers and sympathizers to intensify the house to house campaign for a resounding victory to enable us form the next government " The Central Regional Communication Officer of the NDC, Mr. Kwesi Dawood hinted that the Vice President and his team will visit Gomoa Central, Ajumako-Enyan-Essiem, Mfanstiman and Abura-Asebu- Kwamankese constituencies before he leaves for Accra. 25.11.2016 LISTEN The last thing any Nigerian who travels abroad wants to do is look or be different. Nigerians generally put in the effort to blend in or endear themselves to the locals in whatever location they find themselves , however, it is amazing to know that despite their intention, certain actions still mark them out, not necessarily in a negative way, but certainly in a unique form. Traveling out of Nigeria to a foreign location? Before you jump on that plane to head anywhere outside of the country take a look at Jumia Travels list of 5 annoying things Nigerians do abroad. It should serve as a starter to keep you from threading the same path. Only eating the food they know You would think that a visitor to a new location would explore its parameters, savoring its gastronomiesthat is not the usual case with tourist Nigerians. Several African and Nigerian restaurants are booming in foreign countries not necessarily because of the number of the people in diaspora who patronize but for a large number of tourists who visit for local meals. Nigerian prefer to stick to their own food, and in situations where there are no local restaurants or foods around, they usually stick to staples like bread or rice. Use Naija slangs Nigerians are very proud of their local language and even more of the colloquial language prevalent in the nation. Most Nigerians abroad adopt these slangs in their normal English and use them while referring to all kinds of people, even those who have no clue of what it could mean. Do not be surprised to find a Nigerian in Beijing using such slangs as Abeg, Shebi, Peleetc. while communicating to a Local in the city. Butcher the foreign accent Nigerians tend to believe that they can pull off any accent or speak any language if they tried. They are usually empaths when it comes to speaking. In most cases, they mimic the accent of whoever they talk to. A reoccurring instance is a Nigerian faking an American accent on the first trip to the US. The thing, however, is that while they struggle to adopt the new accent, they ruin it and end up not communicating properly to the local, or sometimes even irritating whoever they are talking to. Shop for Africa It is no secret. Nigerians are the one with the heaviest carry-ons and the largest number of shopping bags. While some might not be shopaholics and rarely shop while in Nigeria, it is a different story when they travel, they shop till they drop as they most times mentally convert the cost of the purchase and keep buying because they feel it is much cheaper. Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, was yesterday turned into a 'black city,' as thousands of mourners besieged the forecourt of the Manhyia Palace to mourn the death of Asantehema Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, whose one-week celebration was being marked. Chief among the mourners were President John Mahama, former presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Jerry John Rawlings, ex-First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate. Former President Rawlings and wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawling Nana Akufo-Addo and his entourage President Mahama in a shot with Former President John Agyekum Kufuor Nana Akufo-Addo (NPP Flagbearer), Hon. Freddie Blay (Acting Chairman of the NPP) Some powerful traditional leaders on the African continent, including Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, Esama of the Benin Kingdom in Nigeria, chiefs from Asanteman and Ghana at large, other politicians, the clergy, business men and women, as well as people from all walks of life were present. Asantehemaa's Death The late Asantehemaa, who was the biological mother of the sitting Asantehene, reportedly died in her sleep at the Manhyia Palace on November 14, this year. She was said to have been unwell for some time now, according to sources at the palace. Otumfuo's Arrival Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who was dressed in a black cloth, left his Manhyia Palace in a palanquin at about 1pm, amid the singing of dirges and the firing of musketry. He also majestically danced to traditional Asante mourning tunes. Asantehene arriving at the funeral grounds The Asante King, who was seen chewing cola as custom demands, was taken to the Asantehemaa's palace where some rituals were performed behind closed doors. The Asantehene and his entourage finally touched the funeral ground around 2:10 pm to rapturous ovation by the charged mourners. Otumfuo finally sat in state for the dignitaries to pay homage to him. Asante Culture Some Asante culture, which dates back to several centuries, were showcased during the solemn event. For instance, some women were seen holding long brooms which were lit with fire as they moved across the funeral ground. Some strange horns were also blown at the event to signify that the Asante Kingdom had lost an influential personality. Asantes mourning the passing of their Asantehemaa Police Managing the crowd at the funeral grounds Some of the Asante chiefs were also seen dancing to some strange mourning tunes. Top fetish priests in Asanteman also made some magical displays. From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi Ghanaians woke up to the shocking news of the death of Kwabena Boadu, who served as a media liaison officer for the vice presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. He was reported to have died in a hotel in Wa, the Upper West Regional capital, where he was lodging together with Dr Bawumia and the rest of latter's campaign team. According to reports, the usually calm but intelligent young man who turned 29 sometime this year, was electrocuted when he was about to take his bath in his hotel room. Reports said when one of the members of the campaign team, Manaf Ibrahim, who is also the deputy Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NPP, bumped into Boadu in the room, he was lying unconscious. Manaf reportedly tapped him in a bid to revive him but he (Manaf) also received an electrical shock and is in critical condition at the Wa Regional Hospital. Kwabena Boadu was pronounced dead when he was taken to the same facility, throwing the entire campaign team and the party into a state of mourning, with Dr Bawumia said to be totally devastated. News of the press secretary's death started trickling in around 8am yesterday, sending shock waves among friends, loved ones and party faithful, who took to various social media platforms, especially Facebook and WhatsApp, to express grief and recalled fond memories of the departed soul. Later in the day, leadership of the party sent a delegation to the family house in Accra to break the sad news to them while efforts were being made to fly the body to Accra. Former Executive Director of Danquah Institute (DI), a policy think-tank, and known NPP member, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, had these words about the late Kwabena Boadu on his Facebook wall: KB was not just the press secretary to Bawumia. He was, essentially, Bawumias right-hand man special aide, a trusted advisor, intelligent, passionate, calm, discreet, loyal, funny, hardworking, committed, loyal to his boss, party and country. You cannot imagine what a huge loss his death is to us all and I mean party and country. National Youth Organiser of the NPP, Sammy Awuku, also posted on his Facebook wall: Kwabena Boadu, you have left us at a time we needed you most. Definitely not what we expected. Definitely not at this time. A big hole has been created and filling it is almost impossible. Little did I know our last joke yesterday was your 'Goodbye' message. NPP Youth Wing has been shaken by your death. We shall miss you dearly bro. Our brother, our friend our adviser. Uncontrollable tears; RIP Kwabena. President of Policy Think-Tank Imani-Ghana, Franklin Cudjoe, also remarked: Kwabena Boadu? I mean how? You were the one who called me to come meet Dr. Bawumia in his home and I saw how you carried yourself around the man. You were and are a different kind of aide! Please tell me you are just taking a rest. Waiting for your call. Ah! By Charles Takyi-Boadu Controversial man of God Bishop Daniel Obinim, founder of the International God's Way Church, yesterday narrowly escaped arrest when he failed to appear before an Accra Domestic Violence and Gender-Based Court. 'Angel' Obinim (as he terms himself) was expected to appear before the court in the case in which he and two other pastors have variously been charged for flogging two members of the church. The other accused persons are, Pastors Kingsley Baah and Solomon Abraham. The two have been slapped with charges of abetting their senior pastor to abuse the two victims. Bishop Obinim is reported to have on August 17 this year, at Ashaley Botwe in Accra, unlawfully and physically abused one Elliasu Obinim, 16 and Gyesiwaah Obinim, 14, his said adopted children, in front of the congregation. Arrest Obinim However, when the case was due for hearing, neither 'Angel' Obim, his other pastors nor his lawyer, Raphael Opoku Adusei, was in court. This compelled the trial judge, Mrs. Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku, to issue a bench warrant for his immediate arrest; and adjourned hearing until December 13, 2016. Minutes after the hearing had ended, the lawyer appeared in the court without his clients, urging it to rescind the warrant. He had argued that the accused person was on his way to the court but the case was adjourned. Obinim Freed When the case was recalled at about 11:30 am, Mr Raphael Opoku Adusei, while apologizing profusely to the court, said his client was stuck in traffic, an excuse Mrs. Adjin-Doku viewed as pedestrian. According to the judge, in order for her to avoid the trappings of the traffic, she leaves her residence at 6:30 am for work every day, wondering why the accused persons could not do same. The bench warrant was however, rescinded and the case was adjourned. Drama In an unusual twist of events, Obinim invited journalists who were lurking around for the opportune time to take photographs, to approach him and take shots of him. He had told the journalists in Twi while busily chewing his usual gum, to come closer for the shots they wanted. In a short address, he said he would continue to be a subject for police invitations because he was not ready to stop speaking the truth. He maintained that like Apostle Paul, arrests are not new to him. The accused persons are currently admitted on a GH10,000 bail each with one surety, one to be justified. Earlier, DSP Abraham Annor had told the court that the victims live with Bishop Obinim in his residence in Accra and that on the day of the incident the Accra branch of the church had a service where the man of God claimed that he had a revelation from God and that the two were engaged in pre-marital sex, resulting in Gyesiwaah becoming pregnant. The police officer stated that Bishop Obinim further indicated that he was directed by the Holy Spirit to chastise them in front of the general congregation and subjected the two to serious beatings with his black waist leather belt in the full glare of the congregation. The prosecution stated that Obinim was assisted by pastors Kingsley and Solomon. He argued that Kingsley held the victim and prevented her from running away while the bishop continued beating her, adding that the girl in the process could not bear the pain and therefore sought refuge with the wife of Obinim, Mrs. Florence Obinim; but he ordered the wife to stay aside, which she did. DSP Annor indicated that Solomon then brought back Gyesiwaah for his master to continue beating her. By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson [email protected] Bolgatanga, Nov. 24, GNA - Madam Abdul Rahman Latifa, the Convention People's Party (CPP) candidate for the Bolgatanga Central Constituency, has said she would support women to develop their businesses when elected as Member of Parliament in the coming polls. She said a CPP government would carefully appraise the education, health, and women economic empowerment issues confronting the country and develop policies that would address existing challenges. Madam Latifa, who is a professional teacher, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said over the past years she has organized extra classes for students free of charge. She said she has also been involved in other benevolent activities including paying school fees for pupils, taking charge of hospital bills of women and children and called on the electorate to vote for her and break the monopoly enjoyed by men as MPs for the constituency. She said the CPP would institute prudent policies on sanitation and housing to improve on the health of the people and reduce the pressure on the health insurance scheme. Madam Latifa called on the electorate to give the CPP the opportunity to institute better and workable social intervention programmes that would bring the needed change by voting massively for her and the party's presidential candidate. GNA A citizen of Alavanyo and a patron of the opposition New Patriotic Party, Ellis Prince Antsroe, has donated an office complex to the party in the Hohoe constituency to help facilitate party activities ahead of the general elections. The office equipped with modern office equipment including computers, electronic television and office furniture was commissioned by the Paramount Chief of Alavanyo Traditional Area, Togbega Tsedze Atakora. In an interview with Citi News. Mr. Antsroe said the office apart from serving as one of the venues for party activities would likewise put the New Patriotic Party in a better position to closely engage members of the community which has been identified as one of the flashpoints in the Volta Region to consolidate the various peace efforts being made by other stakeholders. At a mini rally held at the forecourts of the New Office, the Parliamentary Candidate of the NPP in the Hohoe Constituency, Mr. Malon Anipa charged party sympathisers to work hard in unity towards the attainment of their electoral goals in the upcoming general elections. Togbega Tsedze Atakora who was worried over the political tensions in the country in his address advised residents to exercise political tolerance during campaigns and engage in politics of ideas and not insults. By: King Nobert Akpablie/citifmonline.com/Ghana The Bank of Ghana has directed the Managing director of ARB Apex Bank to proceed on leave from Monday. The move is to facilitate investigation into allegations of mismanagement leveled against him by the workers. Members of the Union of Commerce and Finance Workers on Monday embarked on a two day nationwide protest against Kwadwo Aye Kusi accusing him of single handedly procuring equipment for the Bank against the procurement procedures. Here is the content of the letter from the Central Bank. The Governor of the Central Bank Dr Abdul Nashiru on Monday revealed the Bank has commenced investigation into the matter after it received a petition from the workers on development at the Bank. Meanwhile the Deputy General Secretary of the Union of Commerce and Finance Workers John Amegashie has welcomed the decision by the Bank to ask the MD to proceed on leave as a step in the right direction. Attached is the Letter from the Bank of Ghana. The image of a SouthAfrican pastor spraying his congregation with a pesticide called Doom during a healing session has sparked a wave of outrage on the social media. This self-proclaimed prophet, Lethebo Rabalago, heads a church called Mount of Zion General Assembly in Limpopo province. A member of his congregation had an eye infection and he used the insecticide in an attempt to heal her. The pastor further claimed that the spray could cure cancer and HIV. Rabalago posted on his churchs page how the doom miracle product works: "Doom is just a name, but when you speak to it to become a healing product, it does. People get healed and delivered through doom," Apparently he believed that by speaking to it (whatever that means) this killer of insects would become a healing substance for human beings. Really? Well, it is evident that people who had prophetically been delivered through doom had actually been doomed because they had exposed themselves to health risks. The insecticide contains harmful substance and spraying it on people could harm and not heal them. Rabalago has joined the growing list of notorious charlatans, self proclaimed pastors and prophets, in South Africa who use unconventional means to heal and minister to their congregants. Recently, images of these so-called men of God in South Africa debasing their church members and treating them like animals in the name of healing and ministrations have been circulating on the social media. We have seen photos of a self-styled prophet, Lesego Daniel of Rabboni Ministries telling members of his church to drink petrol or ordering them to eat grass and flowers. Also Penuel Mnguni of the End Times Disciples Ministries has been seen feeding his congregants stones which he purportedly turned into bread. There were also other images where he was feeding them snakes and rats, which he supposedly turned into chocolate. In response to these harmful and abusive actions of pastors and prophets, South Africas Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities recently conducted an investigative study into the commercialization of religion and the abuse of peoples belief system. It is not clear what actually came out of that investigation. However with this case of Lethebo Rabalago and his Mount of Zion General Assembly, it is evident that not much has been achieved in terms of addressing these bizarre and horrific religious and healing practices in the country. Prophetic Christianity is spreading across sub-Saharan Africa due to popular demand for miracles and faith healing. Health care especially presents a huge challenge to people across region. Due to pervasive poverty, most people cannot afford medical treatment and they look for magical and supernatural healing options. Sometimes the medicine and treatment are available but they are not affordable. At other times, the cures are both unavailable and unaffordable. There is a huge gap between the health needs of the people and the available effective answers, cures and solutions. Prophetic Christianity has become the latest trend in Christian faith to respond to the unmet needs of African Christians, the yearning for miraculous cures and solutions. The self proclaimed pastors and prophets take advantage of these gaps. In fact these men of God try to provide the missing links by using their unconventional healing methods and services even though they are spurious cures that endanger the health and lives of the people. However if one is to take a critical look at the unorthodox healing methods of these Christian prophets, they are similar to the healing claims in the Bible or the miracle cure cases that can be found in other religious traditions. Christianity teaches that Jesus performed so many miracles including turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). It teaches that Jesus walked on water (Matthew 14:22-33) and told his followers that they could pick up snakes and scorpions, and drink poison and nothing would happen to them (Mark 16: 18; Luke 10: 19). So how could anybody who believes in these miracle claims of Jesus or who does not question the morality of these risky and deadly directives of Jesus worry about the antics of Christian prophets and pastors in South Africa. To put it simply, these prophets are imitating Christ and their members are exercising their faith. For centuries and millennia, Christians both black and white, Europeans and Americans, Asians and Africans have believed these scriptural verses to be the true word of God. Christian missionaries have preached these verses as gospel truths to people across the globe. What is going on in South Africa and in many countries across Christian Africa is a reason for Africans to begin to question the veracity Biblical verses and start to doubt and disbelieve in them. Africans need to realize that the Bible is not the literal word of God as many claim. In fact Africans need to be aware that it is dangerous and risky to blindly and unquestionably believe the Bible as the true and revealed word of God. It is in exercising a skeptical view of scriptural and religious claims, of faith healing and faith healers, of peddlers of unconventional healing methods that South Africans, nay all Africans will avert prophetic Christianity and its looming doom-contents. Two men with handguns robbed a Near West Side pizzeria early Thursday, Madison police said. The men entered the back door of Falbo Bros. Pizza, 406 S. Park St., around 1:46 a.m. and ordered employees to the floor before emptying the cash register. They also took money from several employees' pockets and wallets, and one of the suspects struck an employee on the back or side of the head with the handgun, causing a "laceration and contusion," that was treated at a hospital, police said. The robbers left the restaurant through the back door. A police dog tracked them but lost the trail a short distance from the restaurant. Police described the robbers as black men, both 30 to 40 years old. One was about 5 feet 10 inches tall with a medium build was wearing a black ski mask, black coat, black pants. The other suspect, about 5 feet 8 inches tall with a "stocky" build, was wearing a white T-shirt. Retail shops across the capital are cashing in quick from purchases on Black Friday. Though the numbers are just picking up at some centres citibusinessnews.com has visited, patrons as well as shop owners are highly expectant of increased purchases. Citi Business News' Anita Arthur reports from the Achimota Retail Centre that customers are trooping in to cash in on the opportunity. I didn't know about it until I got here. But I am really going to seize the opportunity to shop as much as I can, one customer said. I only got to know about Black Friday yesterday when my wife informed me about it, so we came here to take advantage of the situation and meet all our shopping needs at home, another observed. Meanwhile the Managing Director for Jet Store, Francis Duker also tells citibusinessnews.com he is highly confident the two day extension period, will draw more customers around. We are actually running fifty percent marked down on all it is going to run from Friday till Sunday so we are expecting that sales increase within the period, he remarked. Reports however indicated that some of the shops delayed in opening for business despite displaying notices of huge discount sales for customers. Earlier, the Managing Director for Jumia Travel, Claire Staal told citibusinessnews.com her outfit is expecting revenue to increase by over 60 percent. According to her, the discounts provided are up as much as 90 percent. Meanwhile the CEO of Zoobashop, Albert Biga whose company has adopted the local term, Jara weekend campaign, dismissed reports that the Black Friday campaign would be affected by assertions of impulse buying. Not at allthis is a fantastic time to buy presents for the festive season as you may not get the high discounts anytime again, he noted. For his part, the Managing Director of tisu.com.gh, Albert Boateng attributed the extension by three to five days, to consumer requests. By: Anita Arthur/Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana George Nyaunu with some executive members of the union addressing the press Members of the National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union have threatened to embark on sit-down strike over a new directive issued by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). The drivers, who are attached to the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and Bulk Oil and Storage Transport (BOST), said the new policy would negatively affect their work. NPA recently issued a directive that from June 2017 all fuel haulage trucks above 10 years would not be allowed to transport petroleum products at any of the distribution points. NPA further directed that haulage companies with less than 10 trucks would not be granted permit to do business with TOR and BOST. The drivers said government was taking steps to collapse the business of several LPG stations and the drivers in the country. They accused government of planning to reintroduce the door-to-door Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) delivery system. The system, which used to be in place some years ago, collapsed as a result of inefficient guidelines and regulations. The door-to-door Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) delivery system, also known as Cylinder recirculation,' allowed consumers to exchange their empty cylinders with already filled LPG cylinders instead of going to the gas stations to refill them. Addressing a press conference at Kpone in the Greater Accra Region, George Nyaunu, the Chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union, noted government intends to do this through a new haulage transport policy being implemented by the NPA. The NPA came up with this idea in the year 2012, but following some intensive discussions with stakeholders in the industry it was rejected, but the NPA, without consultation, wants to secretly implement the policy, according to him. He called on President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the matter. From Vincent Kubi, Kpone Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), Dr Edward Mahama of the Peoples National Convention (PNC) and Independent Candidate, Jacob Osei-Yeboah on Tuesday night battled it out on policies and ideas at a Presidential Town Hall meeting organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). The IEA has been organising presidential debates in the run-up to the general elections since 2000 but Tuesday's programme saw only three presidential candidates participating even though there are seven candidates for this year's election. The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) officially declared that it would not allow its candidate who is the sitting president to take part in this years debate for reason best known to them. The main opposition leader, Nana Akufo-Addo, who had indicated his willingness to participate in the debate, eventually pulled out of the debate while Ivor Kobina Greenstreet who was supposed to be part of the debate also pulled out. The three candidates who participated in Tuesdays programme never spared the sitting president, accusing him of profusely destroying the economy and leaving the country in huge debt. The three candidates answered questions ranging from the countrys spiraling debt, energy crisis, huge import dependency, possible industrialisation, stabilising the economy and reducing unemployment in the country. PPPs Paa Kwesi Nduom said he was worried about the future of the country if things do not change, stressing that he was highly disappointed that President John Mahama, who had been given the mandate to rule and manage the resources on behalf of the people, had failed to participate in the town hall meeting to account to the people who had voted him into office. He said the presidents achievements and legacy are nothing to write home about because he has proved to be inept and destroyed the fibre of the society. The PPP flagbearer said he would readily ensure that the National Identification Authority (NIA) registers all Ghanaians for a proper database for proper economic planning. Dr Nduom also disclosed that he would cut down the number of government ministers and appointees, stressing that he would have only 40 ministers work with within a restricted budget. The PPP leader said he would first of all find market for what the country's produce and add value to them to create jobs. Jacob Osei-Yeboah also strongly advocated for a National Electronic Data Information Infrastructure for economic planning. He said he would establish an entrepreneurial bank to help people who want to do their own business. The PNC leader, Edward Mahama, also noted that he would focus on improving agriculture to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth. He said there are a lot of opportunities in the agriculture sector where value could be added to whatever the country produces from rice, yam, plantain, cassava, oil palm to cocoa. He said he would ensure that processing factories are built to add value to the countrys raw materials. Dr Mahama also blamed President John Mahama for the mess the country now finds itself and said the time has come for the country to change this incompetent government and vote for him (Edward Mahama) to restore hope to Ghanaians. Executive Director of IEA, Jean Mensah, in her welcoming address, said the strict focus on issues and the accountability and empowerment that transpires from these presidential debates is the foundation to the democracy and good governance that the country seeks. She noted that credible elections are an integral part of democracies, political engagement that enable the electorate to make informed choices during elections. As an Institute, we recognise a need for attention to electoral accountability as a pre-requisite for successful elections, she noted. The theme for this years debate is Reinforcing the Pillars of Ghanas Democracy. By Thomas Fosu Jnr Irate supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) nearly manhandled a known supporter of President Mahama in Kumasi, who allegedly pulled a gun on them for shouting 'change' in Kumasi yesterday. Donkor Fuseini, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sekyere Afram Plains, who sensed danger, quickly fled from the bloodthirsty NPP supporters who had surrounded him to the dais for protection. The incident occurred at the forecourt of the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi during the one-week celebration of the late Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II. Some NPP members reportedly shouted change which infuriated an NDC member. Without provocation, the NDC man reportedly pushed an NPP supporter in a violent manner. According to reports, the NPP members got angry and threatened to also attack the said NDC supporter. Donkor Fuseini allegedly pulled a black item, which looked like a gun from his pocket. The Sekyere Afram Plains DCE warned that he would shoot anybody that would approach the NDC man but the NPP supporters attempted to pummel Donkor Fuseini. The incident occurred at a time when President Mahama, ex-presidents Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, had all left the dais to pay homage to Otumfuo, who was seated at a different location at the venue. The NPP supporters were bent on mounting the dais to teach Donor Fuseini, who was panting, a bitter lesson but some stoutly-built NDC members appeared on the scene which led to a free-for-all-brawl. Denial When contacted, Donkor Fuseini vehemently denied pulling a gun on the supports at the venue, saying I don't have a gun, I only pulled a black phone from my pocket and the people mistook it for a pistol. Change Vrs JM Chants The two largest political parties in the country used the one-week celebration to campaign. Members of the two political parties shouted Change and JM Toaso to show to the world that they would win the December 7 polls. The shouts of change intensified, especially when Nana Akufo-Addo, who was accompanied by party gurus like Freddie Blay, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh aka 'Napo', among others, arrived at the venue. The 'JM Toaso' chants also reverberated when President Mahama and his team of high-powered government delegation stormed the venue at about 2:30pm. Tension In the course of the programme, some NPP supporters hooted at the President which angered the NDC members. Pictures of the confusion at the funeral grounds Mahama Departs President Mahama left the Manhyia Palace few minutes after he paid homage to the Asantehene because the hostility was getting out of hand. Nana Akufo-Addo and his team also left the funeral grounds after interacting with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi President John Dramani Mahama rounded up his campaign of the Upper East Region, leaving behind an impression that his government is very likely to scrap the Feeding Grant to senior high schools in the three Northern Regions, if he is re-elected. He is said to be a beneficiary of the Feeding Grant policy, but his government seems to be one that owes the schools more than any past government, and his attitude toward the release of the grant gives a strong indication that he does not see the Feeding Grant as an important national expenditure. In June this year, in an apparent attempt to sway attention from the government's indebtedness to the schools and the cries of the heads and students of the affected senior high schools, the government quickly announced the release of about GH30 million as Feeding Grants to the schools in the North. A deputy Minister of Education, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, at a Government for the People programme in Bolgatanga in June 2016, directed the heads to call back their students because the government had released the Feeding Grants. It turned out that the minister had deceived the elderly men and women heading the schools. On the second day of his four-day tour of the Upper East Region recently, President Mahama told members of the Bolgatanga Traditional Council what is good for his campaign for a second term in office. Even though the chiefs raised concerns about the effect of the long delay of the Feeding Grant on the region, the president never spoke about it. The paramount chief of the Bongo Traditional Area and vice president, Upper East House of Chiefs, Naba Alemyarum Baba Salifu, brought the issue up as part of concerns begging for attention in a speech he read on behalf of the Regional House of Chiefs. The president kept mute over the grant during his address to the participants at the National Forum. During question time, chief of Yorogo and acting President of the Bolgatanga Traditional Council, Naba Johnson Awuni Azebire, raised the issue again and called for the timely release of the Feeding Grants in subsequent years. Despite these appeals and comments, President Mahama still failed to talk about the release of the money. FROM Ebo Bruce-Quansah, Bolgatanga Ace Anan Ankomah, a leading member of OccupyGhana a political pressure group has said that the group has strong evidence that all those behind the Smarttys contract for the re-branding of Metro Mass Transit (MMT) buses connived to steal the tax payers money and need to be prosecuted. He said after members of the group had gone through the contract agreement which the group obtained through the court, they saw serious anomalies which defy reason; and so the group has prepared a 20-page dossier on the cooked contract, recommending for the immediate prosecution of all those caught in the fishy GH3.6 million rebranding contract. We have prepared a new 20-page dossier and presented it to the Attorney General, copied to the leadership of parliament; and we want the AG to prosecute all of these guys who were part of the conspiracy to steal the tax payers .money, he underscored. Mr Ankomah, who was speaking on new revelations in the Smarttys contract in Accra on Wednesday, said if the AG does not take any action before the end of the year, they would follow Martin Amidus footsteps and fight for Ghanaians for their stolen money to be returned. He said from officials of the Ministry of Transport, the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to the Smarttys company, all those who played a part in giving the contract to the company must be made to vomit three times the money. He said after the Ministry of Finance had given the go-ahead to pay for the contract and the Bank of Ghana also defying the laid-down procedure to effect payment, the contract was then sent to the PPA for its blessing for sole-sourcing with very flimsy excuses. He said the countrys oil money which was supposed to have been used for the development of railway, was used to pay for the contract. According to Mr Ace Ankomah, it was not surprising that the former Minister of Transport, Dzifa Attivor, who superintended over the whole deal, mounted a campaign platform in the Volta Region and pleaded with the people of the region to vote massively for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) otherwise if the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) wins the election, she will be prosecuted for her role in the Smarttys contract. There are sufficient laws to prosecute these nation wreckers but the Attorney General is dragging her feet. They can steal whatever they want to steal but as for this GH3.6 million Smarttys money, we OccupyGhana will seriously follow it and get it for Ghanaians, he pointed out. By Thomas Fosu Jnr Brikama (Gambia) (AFP) - President Yahya Jammeh said Friday Gambians who want to halt an exodus of migrants to the West should vote for him in a December 1 election widely expected to return him to power. Gambians represent the largest group of migrant arrivals to Italy per capita according to the International Organization for Migration. Jammeh's own former interior minister Ousman Sonko is currently seeking asylum in Sweden after being fired in September. During a raucous rally of several thousand in the village of Brikama, south of the capital Banjul, the president called on Gambians to return him to a fifth term -- but also to stay in their country. "Those that are grateful, Allah-fearing people, progressive people, those who want to worship the Almighty Allah in peace, those who do not want our children to end up in refugee camps, they know who to vote for," he said in the early hours of Friday. Yahya Jammeh greets his supporters in Bikama on November 24, 2016 Around 95 percent of the country's 1.8 million people are Muslim. Children lined the streets for hours waiting for Jammeh, with at least one girl fainting after waiting since mid-afternoon for the president to arrive. The nine-hour rally featured knife-wielding performing artists mingling with traditional "kankurang" dancers, who are covered head to toe in fine dried leaves, while Jammeh lapped the crowd as his soldiers beat back over-enthusiastic fans. 'End of the world' Momodou Dahaba, who whips up crowds for a living at the rallies and describes himself as "Jammeh's number one supporter", dismissed the concerns of those leaving for Europe. "When they have their own selfish problem, they just run away from this country and start criticising Yahya Jammeh," he told AFP. Performers from the Joles ethnic group at the campaign rally by Yahya Jammeh in Bikama "I am with him since 1994 and I will be with him until the end of the world," referring to the year Jammeh took power in a bloodless coup. Campaigning ends on November 29, with opponents Adama Barrow, a candidate representing a coalition of opposition parties, and Mama Kandeh, a former ruling party MP canvassing in rural areas until late Friday. Jammeh said in a televised address last year that "true Muslims" would encourage their sons and daughters to take up job opportunities which are available at home. In reality 60 percent of the population live in poverty, and a third survive on $1.25 (1.20 euros) or less a day, according to the UN, while rights groups regularly accuse his regime of abuses and arbitrary arrests. Several top officials of the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) are serving three-year jail sentences for organising a protest in April. The Gambia had tried to bring war crimes charges against European nations at the International Criminal Court for failing to rescue Africans who drown in the Mediterranean. However it recently announced it was withdrawing from the court. Presidential candidate of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP,) Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, has told Ghanaian teachers that they will not experience delays in the payment of their salaries when he is elected President of Ghana. He gave assurances that newly recruited teachers salaries will be paid immediately after the first month of recruitment. Dr. Nduom gave these assurances and more when he met with the leadership of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and some staff of the GNAT Secretariat in Accra yesterday. He explained that his private company staff number thousands and that prompt payment of salaries and allowances require only technology and that makes him pay his staff on time with no arrears to clear. Same will happen when Im President. The only reason why government will delay in paying salaries is when there is no money. The technology is there to ensure swift payment. The businessman also assured teacher trainees of prompt payment of their allowances saying that more people need to be encouraged to be teachers and that cutting trainee allowances is not necessary. He assured Ghanaian teachers of accommodation schemes plus the construction of comprehensive school compounds with laboratories, playgrounds, cafeteria, a nurse, better libraries and ICT centres. The PPP leader disclosed to the teachers that his party has a research paper on how to make education free, compulsory and continuous in Ghana with inspiration from Chapter 6 of Ghanas constitution which is themed the Directive of State Policy. Ghana can't compete in the world when school leavers elsewhere have SHS certificates while majority of our people here have JHS certificates. My jobs policy goes in hand in hand with the education policy therefore my government will provide all the tools to ensure that the policy works, he said. On ensuring that education is compulsory, I will introduce education guards who will ensure that children of school going age do not loiter about. This is what my opponents are not talking about. Dr. Nduom remarked that his agriculture and industrialisation agenda which includes petrochemicals industry will need educated people. All of these can't be achieved when people do not go to school. Against this background, he urged all teachers across the country to vote massively for him since he knows their plights as teachers through his parents who were also teachers. General Secretary of GNAT, Mr. David Ofori Acheampong, thanked Dr. Nduom for choosing to meet with them and that that is the first time a presidential candidate has met with the Association. He appealed for depoliticization of education and called on Dr. Nduom to develop an education agenda backed by law that will be followed by all governments when he is elected president. Mr. Acheampong also urged Dr. Nduom to immediately halt the commercialisation of education being fast tracked in the districts and the sale of school lands by District Assemblies as well as the sale of residential lands to be turned into private schools. Dr. Nduom begins his tour of the Western region today with a rally at Jomoro. The strength of the Ghana Police Service has continued to increase steadily over the years due to several recruitment exercise undertaken by the service. While this may be good for the country in terms of enhancing the protection of lives and property, little attention is being given to the welfare of the policemen themselves, as some of their barracks are full of filth. The Adabraka Barracks, Kaneshie Barracks, Mamprobi Barracks, Accra Central Barracks, the Winneba Police Station and others are no exception. These aforementioned barracks leave bad impression about the service on the minds of new visitors that sprawl these settlements. Aside the building being in bad shape, hygienic condition is very poor. The areas have been left unkempt, with over flowing soak-aways, and most residents have no choice than to connect the foul smelling waste to open drainage. The Police Station of Winneba itself is not exceptional. The overflowing waste water and foul smell cannot be best described. Some personnel and complainants find it difficult having fresh air to breath due to the foul smell from their septic tanks and drains. Its streets are almost impassable, as the roads are mostly flooded during the rainy season, leaving most residents in peril. A resident at Winneba Barracks, who will wish to be called Attah Kofi, described the area as a jungle not suitable for humans to even work. He said, This area is a slum for policemen and their families. We have been condemned to this place as peace officers. Attah Kofi said no senior officer instructs the occupants to keep the place clean. The district commander in the area is aware of the problem but like the attitude of Ghanaians, we are just waiting for the police administration to come and clean the area for us. He said the streets are often flooded because the drainages are usually blocked and smell badly. We struggle with mud on the streets and many cars get stuck in it. That is the reality in this area, said Attah. Police personnel at the police station told the paper on condition of anonymity that living in the barracks is not easy. We are at the risk of contracting diseases due to the open drainage and leaking sewage lines. He said the poor environment has also encouraged the breeding of rodents which threaten the lives of residents. A cross-section of residents, who spoke to the paper, decried the total neglect of the barracks by the Police administration. A senior police officer once told the paper that formerly at the barracks, senior police officers living among the junior personnel were able to instruct them to carry out communal labour to clean the area. Now that thing is no more. Personnel do whatever they like. Senior personnel among them are not respected because they are not directly under them. Discipline in the service has declined and personnel do whatever pleases them. Prof A. C. Sackey and Bernice Tamakloe unveiling the anniversary logo The University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, is set to introduce the Doctor of Pharmacy programme in the next academic year. The introduction of the programme will add to the existing four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy programme currently being run by the school. The Doctor of Pharmacy programme is designed to equip pharmacy graduates with more knowledge, skills and practical experience that would help them fit easily into the job situation, either in healthcare facilities or academia. This was announced at the launch of the 10th anniversary which kick starts a year-long programme of activities, including public lectures, symposium, community outreach and student fun games, all culminating into a grand celebration in November 2017. It was themed: 'A Decade of Excellence In Pharmacy Education'. Prof Aaron Nii Lantey Lawson, interim CEO of the University of Ghana Medical Centre, officially opening the activities stated that the programme has been long awaited, but said the delay was to ensure that the school legally embarked on the programme with the approval of the university and the relevant authorities. He said the curriculum is unique in several ways, including its grounding in science; laboratory-based practicals to support the theory, exposure to essential courses in humanities and also the application of ICT. Another feature of the Doctor of Pharmacy programme at the University of Ghana is the opportunity given for graduate pharmacists to enroll into a two year top-up programme, he said. Prof Lawson also expressed his appreciation to the founding fathers, especially Prof. A. C. Sackey, Mrs Bernice Tamakloe, staff and students for embracing the difficult challenges of developing strategies and policies that ensured a firm foundation for the school. Prof Isaac Julius Aseidu, Dean of the School of Pharmacy, recounted the humble beginning of the institution which was established a decade ago with 28 students. It can boast of highly experienced, committed and pleasant lecturers and scientists, many of who are practising pharmacists. He said, The training programme exposes our students early to hospital, community pharmacies and local pharmaceutical industries. These enable our students to link theory to practice, acquire capabilities and competencies needed to meet today's pharmaceutical challenges and patient care needs. Prof Richard Adanu, Dean of the School of Public Health, in his remarks urged the staff and students to be committed to moving the institution forward to where it is supposed to be. You can do this by coming up with ideas that will generate external funds for the development of the school, he said. The School of Pharmacy was established in November 2007 as a constituent of the College of Health Science after a discussion by the various stakeholders who believed that there was the need to establish a second institution in the country to train more pharmacies. By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri UW-Madison wants to serve more low-income and first-generation college students, says Derek Kindle, the universitys new director of financial aid. But because prospective students dont find out until after they have been admitted to the university how much financial aid is available to them, Kindle says, many might not apply in the first place. So Kindle, who took over the financial aid office this summer after the retirement of former director Susan Fischer, wants his department to spend more time out in the community, helping high school students and their parents across Wisconsin plan for college, and telling more of them about the help UW-Madison can offer. Kindle grew up in North Carolina, but from his freshman year at Howard University in 1999 until he took the job at UW this year, he lived in Washington, D.C. He got his bachelors and masters degrees from Howard, and spent his entire professional career before being hired at UW-Madison working in the administration of the historically black institution of about 11,000 students. Kindle was Howards director of student financial services when he left, and he also worked for six years as the head of the colleges financial aid office. He joined the UW- Madison office at a time when college affordability has been among the hottest topics in higher education. Nationally, after a Democratic primary in which the candidates debated wide-reaching policies to reduce or eliminate college costs for students, President-elect Donald Trump prepares to enter the White House having said comparatively little about his plans for higher education and financial aid. At the state level, lawmakers are weighing an extension to the popular in-state tuition freeze at University of Wisconsin System schools, while UW officials ask them to end the freeze and increase higher education funding after years of cuts. And within the university, professors and others have questioned UW-Madisons commitment to accessibility, saying administrators have left low-income and first-generation college students behind as they try to plug budget holes with tuition dollars from more wealthy out-of-state and international students. To address some of those concerns, Kindle says he wants his office to spend more time working off campus. A pilot program to get more financial aid information to students and families before they apply launched this year, and Kindle said he hopes to expand it in the future. Four months into his new role, Kindle discussed those topics during a conversation with the State Journal this week in the financial aid office. Q. Howard and UW-Madison are quite different as institutions one is a smaller, historically black university; the other a large public land-grant institution. Are the needs of students that you see as financial aid director different here compared to Howard? A. The differences in terms of the needs of the students (are) stark at Howard over 92 percent of our students would receive some form of aid, and over here were around 60, 63 percent. About 59 percent of our undergraduate population were federal Pell grant eligible (at Howard), and here its much, much lower. But I dont think overall the needs, in terms of what a financial aid office would provide, would be so much different. Because we still, like any other institution, really want to seek to serve those students who have very high needs. We still want to feel that we are a partner in the enrollment process. Q. How effective has the UW System tuition freeze been in controlling costs for students? A. I think it always sounds good to people to freeze tuition especially to students and families but it might not have the same net impact that one would anticipate. I think our students are struggling with many things beyond tuition. Affordable housing in the immediate campus area I think (is) a struggle we cant freeze that. Thats not ours. The private housing options here are becoming less affordable for students, according to students, and thats one of the things weve heard about when we meet with student leadership. Actually the biggest thing I think we hear about is housing options. Q. Some critics have questioned UW-Madisons commitment to access and affordability for first-generation students and low-income students. Whats your response? A. At the time a student applies, we really dont know what their need is so its really not the universitys strategic decision to decrease or increase the number of Pell recipients. However, our team is dedicated to making sure we create very clear and reliable or transparent scholarship programs, so that we can attract more of those students to apply to UW-Madison. We do have a very deep commitment. And from the chancellor on down, its been incredibly supportive and incredibly focused on making sure that we commit in very real and tangible ways to these students. Q. Why is it valuable to get that information out to high school students before they apply? A. If you believe that there is not a barrier, (or) if you know that there is some way to overcome a barrier, youre more likely to continue in pursuit of something. Q. Do you have a sense of how the Trump administration could affect federal financial aid? A. I would not have a greater sense of what is going to happen than anyone else. We are apolitical in this office, so we dont opine either way on any party or any legislation, whether it be at the local, state or federal level. What I will say is, we do follow everything very closely to make sure that we are ready and able to assist our students. Q. What changes would you like to see to better serve UW-Madison students? A. UW-Madison definitely wants to be at a place where we can meet the full needs of all of our students, and I think that requires a lot of resources. I dont think were particular about where those resources come from if they are federal, if they are state, if they are from great donors or if its a combination, we are happy. But I think we do want to get to a place, like some of our peers, to where we can say, We can meet the full need of every student whos (admitted) to UW-Madison. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. HRM Dr. Noble King Odaifio Welentsi exchanging greetings with the guests at his palace The Paramount Chief of Nungua traditional Council, His Royal Majesty (HRM) King Dr. Noble Odaifio Welentsi III, has expressed worry over the recent clashes between supporters of the country's two leading political parties, New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the private Nima residence of Nana Akufo Addo, flag bearer of the NPP. According to him, it was a common knowledge that there are restrictions regarding the movement of political party supporters on a campaign float or other political activities likely to be provocative during election periods. The chief wondered why the planners of the route for the NDC Supporters Health Walk that fateful Sunday overlooked such a situation. HRM King Noble Odaifio Welentsi III who is also the President of the Nungua Traditional Council said these during a courtesy call on him by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah and his campaign team last Wednesday. The team included the Greater Accra Regional Campaign Coordinator, Sylvester Mensah, Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi, Greater Accra Regional Minister and his Deputy, Nii Laryea Affotey Agbo and Isaac Nii Djanmah Vanderpuye. Without mincing words he called on leaders of political parties to desist from engaging in activities or passing comments which are likely to affect the relative peace that the country is enjoying. He also warned against what he referred to as an attitude of playing the ostrich in which case one group triggers trouble for the other and hides elsewhere to blame the other warning that the rules of natural justice will catch up on the perpetrators. The Chief cautioned chiefs who openly declare or endorse political candidates or parties to desist from the practice as it more often underrate the authority of such chiefs and open them up for attacks and ridicule. This is alien to our practice as traditional authority welding the trust and authority of the ancestors and people under our respective traditional areas. I have no worries if a chief praises government or a politician but to me openly going out to endorse or declare support for a candidate is just not right, he remarked. The Chief of Staff, for his part, informed the Chief that their visit to his traditional area was to interact with various groups of people including market women, drivers and other organized groups to solicit vote for President John Dramani Mahama. By Solomon Ofori The promise of jobs and change in lives that came with the establishment of the Aveyime Rice Factory has been shattered. Government owns 60 percent shares in Prairie Volta Limited (PVL) as the majority shareholder with 30 percent directly through the Ministry of Food & Agriculture, and 30 percent indirectly through the GCB Bank, but the factory has been abandoned. It is estimated that about 500 workers have since lost their jobs. Checks revealed that the Aveyime Rice Factory which was expected to save Ghana over $600 million at full production from the import of rice into the country is now closed. The once vibrant and largest rice farm in the country is now a pale shadow of itself with its machines meant for production taken over by weeds and ruminants. There was no one at the site and the gates were left open with nobody at the security post but 10 minutes of entering the main yard, a security officer emerged from an abandoned workshop. The security officer, who pleaded anonymity, said since the shutdown of the Prairie Volta Limited, the number of workers have been reduced from over 500 to three management members and eleven security personnel. He said while the security personnel man the facility, the three-member staff also meet occasionally to plan the future of the company. At first, we were over 500 staff but as we speak, we have only 11 security personnel and three management staff who are managing the company. Apart from us (security) who are here all the time, the three management staff come here once a while. About 18 tractors, heavy-duty machines, 44 pick-up vehicles, pumping machines, and a 40 feet truck among other farming equipment have all been left at the mercy of the weather. The security officer said that most of the equipment are rusting due to neglect and waste. The machines and all the equipment you see here are all going waste, as they have not been maintained and put to use in a very long time, he said. This very harvester developed a minor fault but because there is no money to maintain it, body parts of other harvesters that could also be maintained to work are being removed to service others. So as we speak, this harvester has been grounded and its parts are being used to service maintain the other two. He said the company, which is cash-strapped, would need millions of cedis to revamp it. These equipment you see here are very sophisticated agricultural equipment built have been allowed to go waste here. Even if the company is back on its feet, the management would need million of cedis to maintain them. This is a company that government has shares in but would not do anything to help us, he noted. Weeds have in most cases taken over heavy duty machines on site. A restricted agricultural aircraft which is used to spray fertilizers on crops and also prevent insects from feeding on them has also been chained in the yard with cobwebs taking over. Citifmonline A Ghanaian IT professional, Sesinam Dagadu has been shortlisted for the prestigious Africa Engineering Innovation award. He is in the list with 14 other innovators from Africa. CodeRed is a logistics app which significantly reduces emergency response time through a custom-made mapping system for urban areas that don't have formal addresses. Using software originally written to help deliver parcels faster, the life-saving CodeRed software now helps ambulances navigate dense urban areas to get to Ghanaians faster. While affluent areas have well-established street names and postal addressing systems, informal settlements are far more challenging for emergency services to navigate. The software divides regions by simple codes using numbers and letters, and maps out areas to make them easier to navigate. Dagadu's team was identified following the 2015 Ebola outbreak to help manage future disasters, and CodeRed is now used in 14 ambulance stations covering 4.2 million Ghanaians in Accra, the capital city. There are 132 ambulance stations in total, and the team plan to grow CodeRed beyond their home country. CodeRed is aimed at helping the Ghana National Ambulance Service to meet the World Health Organisation standard of an eight minute reaction time, even when telecommunications are unavailable. Because the software is not reliant on national infrastructure and is incredibly simple to use, it will be available during crises, natural disasters and disease outbreaks. Below is the profile of other innovators in the list: Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2016/2017 shortlist profiles Innovation: Safe Travel Innovator: Achiri Arnold Nji Country: Cameroon Safe Travel is a mobile software system designed to monitor the speed, location and number of passengers in a bus, and alert both the driver and authorities to potential dangers. When a bus that is being tracked by Safe Travel's Travelr app, any speeding or reckless driving is immediately recorded. The app sends the speed at which the bus is travelling, its location, the name of the driver and the bus number to the Safe Travel team, who evaluate it. If the data shows cause for concern, road safety authorities are immediately contacted. If an accident does occur, the app also immediately notifies the families of victims, road safety teams and nearby hospitals. In the Central African Economic and Monetary community, road accidents account for more annual deaths than Malaria and AIDS combined, according to the World Bank. Safe Travel is designed to help prevent these by equipping drivers and authorities with more comprehensive and up-to-date data. Travelr, the android application that tracks driver behaviour, is already freely available on the Google Play store. An iOS version is under development, and revenue is generated by selling the data collected to insurance agencies and road authorities. Safe Travel already has significant interest from the NGO and private sector in Cameroon. Innovation: Electric Tuk-Tuks and Off-Grid Charging Stations Innovator: Alex Makalliwa Country: Kenya Using solar power for charging stations, Alex Makalliwa plans to revolutionise the Tuk-Tuk industry in Kenya. Tuk-Tuks are a popular means of transport in Africa's urban cities, but run on two-stroke engines which are noisy and harmful to the environment. Makalliwa hopes to change this, and support the new fleet of electric Tuk-Tuks with a network of solar-powered, off-grid charging stations to overcome poor grid connectivity in many African cities. His innovation could save drivers 50% of their current daily motoring costs, which would amount to savings of 11 million Kenyan shillings (US$ 108,507 or GBP 86,882) every week for the current Kenyan Tuk-Tuk industry Makalliwa's company, Kuza Automotive Limited, is currently importing components for the electric drive shafts, but the ultimate goal is 100% local production. The charging stations are set to be completely electric to support the effort to reduce CO 2 emissions. Once the core Tuk-Tuk business has been built, Alex hopes to start a Formula E team to promote the business further. For now, the business will be built on Tuk-Tuk conversions and sales, and the network of charging stations. Innovation: Rainwater Harvesting App Innovator: Aline Okello Country: Mozambique South Africa based Mozambican hydrology PhD student, Aline Okello, has designed an application to help users set up rainwater harvesting systems tailored to their area and rainfall patterns. Through the app, the public can calculate how much water they could harvest and which kind of equipment to use based on what type of roof they have on their home, their geographical location and the available tank types in their area. Customers are linked directly to suppliers in their area, and have access to highly accurate rain forecasts. Okello's application will allow users to buy the best rainwater harvesting system for their homes straight from the app, and request delivery. Suppliers can advertise on the app, and research institutions can use the software to access accurate rain forecasts. The ultimate goal is to run the app in countries across Africa, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region. Innovation: GreenTower Innovator: Andre Johan Nel Country: South Africa Former rocket scientist Andre Nel has shifted his attention to solving electricity supply and carbon emission problems. His solution to the high energy usage and carbon footprints of household geysers is GreenTower, a solar-powered micro-grid and geyser system. The patent-pending GreenTower geyser uses 90% less energy than a standard geyser, making it possible to run it with solar power. Water is heated directly by the sun in a series of thermal black pipes and low pressure storage tanks. Once the water is hot it is pressurised using the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic solar panels. The water is kept hot overnight using the same electrical energy. Any excess electricity is fed back into the grid to avoid wastage, or used to power LED lights and essential household appliances. Owners can monitor the hybrid system's performance and energy consumption remotely, online. The GreenTower system is designed as a large scale solution to energy challenges. A single unit, packaged in recycled shipping containers that have been insulated, can service 15 homes and reduce the electricity demand from a community by 65%, considerably easing pressure on the national power grid. Innovation: Usalama Application Innovator: Edwin Inganji Country: Kenya Usalama is an android mobile phone app that boosts the effectiveness of Kenya's community policing and speeds up the reaction time of emergency services. In an emergency, a user can alert the police, medical or fire authorities and every other Usalama user within 200 metres by simply shaking their android phone three times. It also works by holding down the volume button for six seconds, or tapping the emergency icon. The user can choose a description of the circumstances to send to emergency services and an updated emergency location is sent every five minutes. Emergency services will be able to see which of their agents reacted to distress calls and which calls have not yet been attended to. Data about hot spots for different types of emergencies is also made available to emergency service personnel. An added 'walk-with-me' feature enables users to follow each other's walk home until they are safe, without physically being there. The application will be free to the public and come at a cost to emergency service providers. Innovation: Riziki Source Innovator: Fredrick Ouko Country: Kenya Fredrick Ouko is a social entrepreneur who recognises that the disabled community represents a large, untapped human resource. Ouko's innovation, Riziki Source, is an online tool that uses digital technology to overcome the barriers that people with disabilities face in finding employment. The web and text message-based platform connects people with disabilities to jobs and employers. A simple text message with their location, disability and expertise lists potential employees on a database. Employers are able to browse this database and set up interviews with candidates, and recruits only pay for the service once they are employed. Currently launched in Kenya and supported by the government's Department of Labour, Riziki Source already has 300 subscribers. Kenya reportedly has roughly six million people living in the country with disabilities, often in rural areas. In a digital age, access to workplaces should be less of an obstacle for people with disabilities than in the past, with many people able to work remotely despite physical challenges. Riziki Source will also offer training on how to successfully incorporate disabled people into working environments to potential employers who do want a physical presence from their recruits. UN statistics say that Africa has 80 million people living with disabilities, and the World Health Organisation reports 785 million globally. As many as 70 to 80% of disabled people are unemployed. Ouko and his team aim to upscale their innovation to reduce the extreme poverty often associated with living with a disability. Innovation: Tuteria Innovator: Godwin Benson Country: Nigeria Tuteria helps students match to a skilled tutor in their area, making it easier to improve their education. Designed by Nigerian systems engineer Godwin Benson, the web based platform already has 6,500 approved tutors, and about 1,250 students are using the platform to find experts. Learners range from university students up to the age of 28 right down to those at the start of their education, with users as young as four years old registered by their parents to find tutors. Both tutors and learners are thoroughly vetted to ensure a high quality learning experience, and subjects range from Maths and Science to piano and language instruction. Learners book and pay for lessons online, and tutors are paid once the lessons have been confirmed as delivered. Benson, a tutor himself for nearly a decade, aims to grow Tuteria beyond Nigeria to become Africa's most reliable source of educational support for all ages. Innovation: Yaaka Network Innovator: Hindu Nabulumba Country: Uganda The Yaaka Digital Learning Network, an online platform paired with a physical device, is a digital environment where teachers and students can share academic knowledge and materials. It allows skilled teachers to tutor remotely and earn extra income, and helps its users benefit from each other's experience and guidance. Ugandan innovator Hindu Nabulumba designed The Yaaka Digital Learning Network and tablet to help people who are eager to learn but can't physically go to learning institutions. The online platform, designed like an interactive social network, allows students and teachers to share academic materials and knowledge. The tablet makes these resources available offline. The Yaaka Network is a forum, an academic resource, a job listing, a tutoring aid and a peer to peer sharing platform all in one. Innovation: SolarTurtle Innovator: James van der Walt Country: South Africa The SolarTurtle is a mobile power station that provides instant electrification wherever it's needed, no matter how remote. Housed in a shipping container, the solar panels are folded out easily, and charge batteries inside recycled bottles. Users take a bottle home and plug it into their home system, and then simply exchange it at the SolarTurtle when it's depleted, for a small fee. Electrical engineer James van der Walt designed the SolarTurtle to electrify rural schools. Since then the project has grown to become a multipurpose, theft-proof utility. The SolarTurtle is aimed at the 585 million sub-Saharan Africans who don't have electricity, and the security of the box suits high-crime areas where solar panels are frequently stolen. The project has had three successful pilots and the team hopes to start exporting to Nigeria and Mozambique in 2016. Innovation: Sisal Decorticator Innovator: Joel King'ori Kariuki Country: Kenya The Sisal Decorticator is a mechanised peeler which makes it more profitable for natural sisal fibre to be processed, giving the industry a competitive boost against popular synthetics. Sisal is used in rope, paper, hardboard, textiles, mattresses and more. The world uses more than 90 million tons of fibre a year, making this a big market for the innovator's customers. Joel Kariuki is a mechanical engineer from Kenya who invented the peeler to benefit farmers and fibre manufacturers. He believes that speeding up the sisal production process through mechanisation will make it profitable again, and swing the market away from polluting synthetic fibre products and back to natural and biodegradable fibres that grow abundantly in Africa. The world fibre market consumption was at about 95.6 million tons in 2015. The Sisal Decorticator is designed to pay for itself within a single month, replacing the manual process currently used in the industry. It simply removes the core of the sisal leaf, leaving intact the fibre that serves as a valuable product for many small-scale farmers in Kenya and the rest of the continent. The prototype has been through extensive testing, and Kariuki hopes that the innovation will help reduce inter-community conflicts in arid regions of Kenya where sisal farming could prove a viable alternative to subsistence farming. Innovation: Tank Mkononi Monitoring System Innovator: Kevin Gacheru Country: Kenya The Tank Mkononi Monitoring system allows the millions of people who use water tanks in irrigation systems in Kenya to ensure that the precious resource is not being wasted. In Kenya 40% of urban people and 60% of rural people lack access to a safe and reliable water source. As a result, water tanks are popular throughout Kenya. It can take a small-scale farmer up to three hours to irrigate a farm from his water tank, but the Tank Mkononi system speeds up the process by automating it. The solar powered water distribution and tank monitoring system can be controlled via a mobile phone, and monitor the levels in water tanks, allowing the user to remotely open and close valves and pumps to distribute water or refill the tank. Gacheru, a 26 year old water resource engineer, estimates that through proper monitoring and management of water tanks, Tank Mkononi users will be able to save more than 30% of their water. He is currently testing the prototype on a small-scale rural farm in Kenya. Innovation: Green Rock Drill Innovator: Lawrence Ojok Country: Tanzania The Green Rock Drill is a solar-powered alternative to modern fossil-fuel rock drills. It's better for the environment, has a life-span of 18 months and is designed for small-scale, artisanal mining in Tanzania. Tanzanian engineer Lawrence Ojok invented the Green Rock Drill, which can also be powered by a pedal and sucks up the fine dust released during mining, reducing air pollution. The mechanised drill eases the drudgery of hand-chiseling often practiced in artisanal mining, and fills the gap between the tools of manual miners and the expensive fossil fuel drills used in larger mining operations. The Green Rock Drill, currently in its prototype stage, generates the rotation and hammering action necessary for rock drilling. With more than eight million small-scale and artisanal miners working in Africa, Ojok is confident his Green Rock Drill will find market success, and the Tanzanian State Mining Corporation and the Small Scale Miners Association have shown interest. Innovation: E-Con Wheelchair Innovator: Peter Mbiria Country: Kenya The multi-purpose E-Con Wheelchair was designed by Kenyan mechanical engineering student, Peter Mbiria, originally for a friend with arthritis. The E-Con wheelchair is a culmination of many solutions in one versatile innovation. The wheelchair can go off-road, climb up and down stairs, allow the user to stand upright and automatically navigate familiar terrain, all while keeping its passenger perfectly level. Unique designs, such as having four sets of three wheels and the ability to re-arrange wheels in order to get the user out of a tight space, make the world easier to navigate for users with physical health challenges. Data collected creates a database of statistics about the user's health, and the wheelchair will encourage the user to do things like stretch or drink water according to their health records. The innovation's aim is to increase a disabled person's enable the disabled to function without help from others. Innovation: CodeRed Innovator: Sesinam Dagadu Country: Ghana CodeRed is a logistics app which significantly reduces emergency response time through a custom-made mapping system for urban areas that don't have formal addresses. Using software originally written to help deliver parcels faster, the life-saving CodeRed software now helps ambulances navigate dense urban areas to get to Ghanaians faster. While affluent areas have well-established street names and postal addressing systems, informal settlements are far more challenging for emergency services to navigate. The software divides regions by simple codes using numbers and letters, and maps out areas to make them easier to navigate. Dagadu's team was identified following the 2015 Ebola outbreak to help manage future disasters, and CodeRed is now used in 14 ambulance stations covering 4.2 million Ghanaians in Accra, the capital city. There are 132 ambulance stations in total, and the team plan to grow CodeRed beyond their home country. CodeRed wants to help the Ghana National Ambulance Service to meet the World Health Organisation standard of an eight minute reaction time, even when telecommunications are unavailable. Because the software is not reliant on national infrastructure and is incredibly simple to use, it will be available during crises, natural disasters and disease outbreaks. Innovation: Mama-Ope Innovator: Brian Turyabagye Country: Uganda Mama-Ope is a biomedical smart jacket that helps doctors identify pneumonia faster and more accurately. Fitted to the patient, the device measures temperature and breathing rates and listens to the sound of the patient's lungs, and then compares its results to a database of parameters. The jacket, currently a prototype, can diagnose pneumonia three times faster than a doctor and reduce human error. The jacket has four monitoring points that capture sounds which are amplified, filtered and analysed within the device. The results, along with the child's temperature reading, are sent to a mobile phone app via Bluetooth. Ugandan engineer Brian Turyabagye designed the smart jacket to quickly and accurately diagnose the deadly disease which kills 27,000 Ugandan children under the age of five every year. Most of these cases are due to pneumonia being misdiagnosed as malaria. Many Ugandan health practitioners do not have a deep understanding of the differences between malaria and pneumonia. The jacket is currently in a prototype stage, and in addition to diagnosing patients, a data platform also keeps a history of cases, which can aid the government in combating the disease. Innovation: Water&Solar100 Innovator: Dr Wilfred Fritz Country: South Africa The Water&Solar100, a sun-tracking solar-cooker solves the myriad of problems which have made solar cookers unpopular to date. It's lightweight and portable, tracks the sun automatically, has temperature and timing controls, and even generates electricity to charge batteries. It's a safe, convenient and sustainable solution to fossil fuel cooking, reducing electricity costs and giving rural homes easy to use solutions. The device can also generate electricity, charge batteries and sterilise water and medical instruments in areas where alternative equipment isn't available. Dr Fritz, calls his innovation a 'solar cooker with brains'. By: citifmonline.com/Ghana Government has made no payment to a UK-based firm for the supply of security infrastructure without parliamentary approval, as alleged by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). The party alleged that government has signed a fraudulent deal worth about $300 million for the supply of national security equipment with UK-based firm, Santa Barron. The NPP further said, government has already paid the UK-based firm $120 million dollars for the supply of the equipment in November without due diligence. But according to the Finance Minister, Seth Terkper, government has also not made any payments as alleged by the NPP. Responding to questions on the issue on the Citi Breakfast Show, Mr. Terkper was adamant that no payment was made, let us establish that fact. Let me state for a fact that no payment was made. No advanced payment was made. I say that for a fact and I challenge anybody. His answers align with that of the Chairman of Interior and Defence Committee in Parliament, Fritz Baffour, who described the claims as ridiculous. According to Mr. Baffour, his committee was not aware of such expenditure given that such a deal would have come before his committee before being initiated. Without going into details, Mr. Terkper explained that the deal which kicks in 2017 was medium term plan for the supply of security that could enhance revenue from peace keeping efforts. Instead of buying things ad hoc, the more equipment you have, the more you earn on peacekeeping for example. So we are saying let's aggregate, let's buy the revenue in bulk so it can be deployed and then the peace keeping revenues and others can be accrued, he noted. On the Finance Ministry's part, Mr. Terkper noted that, the step we took was to say the Ministry of Interior must encumber its budget resources for that. Company has track record in Ghana He also denied claims that the company lacked any track record with Ghana and was established just yesterday as purported by the NPP. The company is not six months old. The company was actually established in 1993 and has been doing business in Ghana over the years, the Finance Minister said. -Citifmonline Jordan has suspended the recruitment of domestic helpers from Ghana for public safety reasons after some 30 workers tested positive for HIV/AIDS, the Jordan Times reported on Monday. According to the Hatem Azrui, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health for Jordan, the decision is aimed at preserving the health of the public and households that hire domestic helpers from Ghana. Jordan's Health Ministry stated that around 30 Ghanaian domestic helpers tested positive for HIV in the first seven months of 2016. The Ghanaian domestic helpers with HIV are between the ages of 20 and 40. They were tested in Ghana before coming to Jordan. They brought health certificates with them proving that they are free from HIV and other diseases, but we conducted our own tests to make sure, Hatem Azrui said. We are in the process of looking into accrediting some certified labs in Ghana to conduct the required tests for domestic helpers wishing to come to Jordan, he added. Hatem Azrui stated that the required medical tests will continue to be conducted for all domestic helpers once in Jordan to ensure public safety. Jordan opened the door to the recruitment of domestic helpers from Ghana, among other countries, in 2015 to meet the rising demand. The largest number of domestic helpers in Jordan are from the Philippines (15,636), followed by Sri Lankans (3,742) and then Indonesians (1,233), according to a report by Sisterhood Is Global. 25.11.2016 LISTEN Exif_JPEG_420 From Sebastian R. Freiku, Kumasi Dr. Samuel Sarpong, parliamentary candidate for Nhyiaeso on the ticket of |the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to operate an open door policy to strengthen the relationship between the office of the Member of Parliament (MP) and the constituents, to address matters relating to the welfare of the people to promote growth and development. The former Ashanti Regional Minister, who was spelling out his vision for the constituency in an interview with The Chronicle, indicated that serving the supreme interest and collective common goal of the constituents was his prime concern. Dr. Sarpong, who intends to institute an MP Scholarship Scheme for the benefit of brilliant but needy students within the Nhyiaeso Constituency, said he has plans of empowering the youth with seed capital and facilitating soft loans to enable identified groups to venture into businesses. He said he would give environmental sanitation and waste management in the constituency top priority, and work to sustain the National Sanitation Day programme. The former KMA boss and Central Regional Minister affirmed that a mandate to lead the Nhyiaeso constituents is tantamount to voting for their welfare, supreme interest, their secured future and unity, and progress. Dr. Sarpong said he needed the mandate of the people to translate the President's agenda of Changing Lives-Transforming Ghana. According to him, the stronghold concept is not a reality, and, therefore, not applicable in modern day politics, and must be seen as a thing of the past, because politics is about development and improving the lot of the people. Dr. Sarpong said his main contender from the other side is no match, and claimed that, so far, he is the best candidate among the aspirants in the constituency to represent the good people of Nhyiaeso in the National Assembly, after years of Dr. Anane's occupancy. He has, therefore, promised to deliver and not disappoint the NDC, his constituents, admirers, and supporters when he is given the mandate in the December 7 polls. Pix: Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Nhyiaeso NDC parliamentary aspiran 25.11.2016 LISTEN By John Bediako Information reaching The Chronicle indicates that the suffering of the 234 students on the Government of Ghana scholarship, who are stranded in Russia, is far from ending. Whilst the Scholarship Secretariat is blaming the Finance Ministry for failing to release funds, the latter and Education Ministry are also blaming the Scholarship Secretariat for what has happened. The Minister of Finance, Mr. Seth Terkper, a beneficiary of the scholarship scheme during his school days, challenged The Chronicle to conduct indepth investigations at the Scholarship Secretariat in Accra, to ascertain if the number of students qualified for the package did not far exceed the approved budget. Also, the Minister wants the Scholarship Secretariat to tell The Chronicle what the approved budget was used for, hence this unpleasant situation. The Minister of Education, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman, on her part, also referred the paper to the Scholarship Secretariat for a similar inquisition. According to her, the Secretariat should be able to provide a list of all Ghanaian students supposedly enjoying the Government of Ghana scholarship in Russia, and why this problem has cropped up. Meanwhile, a highly placed source at the Scholarship Secretariat told this reporter that when they got information that the beneficiary students were stranded in Russia, they passed on the message to Ghana's mission in Moscow, but the latter denied that the students had been stranded. 25.11.2016 LISTEN Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, has said the government of President John Dramani Mahama is keen to ensure that the aviation sector grows efficiently with adequate expansion of physical infrastructure and soft skills. He said it was the governments policy to put in place a multi-tiered model of growth in infrastructure and quality services, such as the expansion, upgrading and building of the country's airports to boost the sector. Mr. Debrah made the remarks when Mr. Mark Danis, Regional Manager of American Airlines in-charge of Asia, Middle East, Africa and parts of Europe, called on him at his office in Accra. He said the commitment of the government to boost the aviation industry calls for the construction of the US$250 million new Terminal 3 at the Kotoka International Airport to ensure better access to the facility. Mr. Debrah said new airports would play a pivotal role in the success of the country's new airline the government was re-introducing, by serving as a feeder airport to the main airport. He said the expected impact of the project on the regions included directly providing employment within the air transport industry, such as airlines and airports, aircraft control and meteorology services. Mr. Danis pledged the airline's commitment to explore more opportunities in the countrys aviation industry. He called on the government to support the current growth of Ghana's aviation industry with resources and the commitment to expansion of the physical infrastructure. Source: GNA 25.11.2016 LISTEN I fought Acheampong's Union Government, Acheampong was an Ashanti, but it didn't make any difference to me. I thought the Union Government was a bad idea and I opposed it. I opposed PNDC under Rawlings, who is an Ewe, because I thought military government is not good for Ghana. I am tribal blind, I am colour blind. It is Ghana which is my interest. From Musah Umar Farouq, Wa.. The presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has promised to bring to an end the politics of tribalism that has gained root in the Ghanaian society. According to him, his government would be one that will not discriminate against any tribe, ethnic or religious grouping in the country. Nana Addo condemned the politics of tribalism and ethnicity being waged continuously by President John Mahama in his campaign in the North, with some few days to the conduct of the December 7 elections. He stated that all of his adult life has been spent fighting for the progress of the Ghanaian people, without recourse to ethnicity, colour or tribe. I fought Acheampong's Union Government, Acheampong was an Ashanti, but it didn't make any difference to me. I thought the Union Government was a bad idea and I opposed it. I opposed PNDC under Rawlings, who is an Ewe, because I thought military government is not good for Ghana. I am tribal blind, I am colour blind. It is Ghana which is my interest, he added. Nana Akufo-Addo was addressing NPP supporters and sympathizers at the party's Upper West Regional Rally held at the Tendamba JSH Park in Wa. The NPP flagbearer assured the gathering that the 'new Ghana' under his leadership will be one of a United Ghana, where all the people of Ghana will be together as one indissoluble link. We don't want a situation where tribe is set against tribe, North is set against South. That is the politics of yesterday. That is the politics of reaction. We are moving forward into a new destiny, a destiny which has a united Ghana being able to afford a good standard of living for all Ghanaians. We are going to build a new civilization, a new Ghanaian civilization which is going to be the light of Africa and the wonder of the world. We, here in Ghana, are capable of it. Our destiny, the destiny of the Black Star, beckons us, as we try to forge a new future of progress and prosperity for our people, he said. Nana Addo also reinforced the 'one village one dam' policy that is to help the three northern regions become self-sufficient in food production and even become an exporter of food to the sub-region. Nana Akufo-Addo stated that the National Health Insurance Scheme, the School Feeding Programme, the Free Maternal Care, the Capitation Grant, the National Youth Employment Programme, Metro Mass Transit, Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) and MASLOC amongst others, came from the brains of the NPP. It was, therefore, not a surprise to him that the NHIS under the leadership of President Mahama has collapsed. When the Bill for the passing of the NHIS was laid in Parliament, the NDC MPs, including the Bole/Bamboi MP, John Dramani Mahama, all walked out. They didn't want to have anything to do with it. I'm not surprised that it has collapsed under them. The Ghanaian people like the NHIS, it's a good idea and God-willing when I get the chance I am going to make sure it works for the people of Ghana, he assured. Having already announced the '1-District-1-Factory' policy, '1-Village-1-Dam' policy, the diversification of the country's agriculture, the effective implementation of the Free SHS policy, the setting up of an Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP), the restoration of teacher and nursing training allowances, amongst others, Nana Akufo-Addo indicated that all these will allow the progress of our people to continue. So I am not perturbed when I hear them saying we are making promises. We will make promises that we can deliver on and that will help the people of Ghana. Given the irregularities observed for months regarding adoption files in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), we have decided to suspend international adoptions from the country as of 31 December 2016. It is a difficult decision but one which, due to inadequate legal and ethical safeguards for adoption in that country, was deemed imperative. Whilst taking into account the legitimate expectations of families wishing to adopt, France must, as a matter of priority, ensure the best interests of the children concerned and comply with its international obligations under the Hague Convention. The Congolese authorities and registered adoption agencies have been informed of this decision. Families who have still not done so can apply for an adoption visa through the French Embassy in Kinshasa, which is at their service. Green Party candidate Jill Steins campaign reported Thursday morning that it raised enough money to fund a recount of Wisconsins presidential election. Citing concerns of results legitimacy, Stein had warned Wisconsin state officials her campaign would request a recount in the state. The campaign also said Wednesday it would request recounts in Michigan and Pennsylvania. Since the Stein campaign launched online drives Wednesday to raise the millions of dollars required for recounts in the three states, it has gathered more than $4 million. The campaign estimates a recount in Wisconsin would cost $1.1 million. The fact that in 24 hours we raised $4 million says that people are lacking confidence and want someone to take a look, said Michael White, co-chairman of the Wisconsin Green Party. He added that the Green Party is in the best position to call for a recount because the results wont favor them. Preliminary results show Stein with 30,980 votes, just 1.1 percent of presidential votes cast on Nov. 8. What does the Green Party have to gain? The only thing that we have to gain is building trust in the electoral process and making sure we dont have problems in the way its conducted, he said. White stressed that he and the Green Party are not alleging that the election results were manipulated, rather that there is an apparent discrepancy between the data exit polls collected and the ultimate result of the vote. White also cited reports that academics and activists had expressed concerns about the results. They reportedly had been trying to persuade Clintons campaign to seek recounts based on findings that raise questions of whether election results in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania were subject to a cyberattack. Wisconsin Elections Commission director Michael Haas said Wednesday that the commission has not seen credible evidence of any attempt to manipulate Wisconsins election results, although it is preparing for a recount ahead of Fridays deadline for a candidate to formally request one. We dont have any reason to suspect that any voting equipment has been tampered with, Haas said. Republican President-elect Donald Trump narrowly won Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania after trailing Democrat Hillary Clinton in pre-election polls in those states. In Wisconsin, the state will pick up the cost of a recount if the margin of victory is less than 0.25 percent. Unofficial results show Trump and Hillary Clinton separated by a little more than 27,000 votes, or approximately 0.93 percent, so the recount fee is required. While Wisconsins presidential election was close, it was not close enough to trigger a requirement that the state pay for a recount. That means whoever requests a recount would have to pay for it. Were not trying to change the election, but verify the election process and ensure that its as transparent as possible, White said. This year the British High Commission through our Department for International Development (DFID) supported the launch of the Government of Ghanas National Survey on Domestic Violence. The UK has had a long-standing and productive relationship with the Government of Ghana to progress its gender equality agenda. Tackling domestic violence has been a key area of cooperation. We are proud to have partnered with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to commission this study, which provides data and analysis on the incidence, levels of acceptance, determinants and consequences of domestic violence in Ghana. The report also examines the effectiveness of the institutional support available to victims. We understand that the journey towards producing the report started more than two years ago. The outcome has truly been the culmination of several years of work involving a range of stakeholders. The UK is extremely delighted to have been part of this important journey. But this journey is not over; it continues each day with each one of us. Today marks International Day to End Violence against Women and Girls. We reaffirm the objective of the study as evidence generated to be used to advance legal, policy and programmatic interventions to reduce the levels of domestic violence. We hope together we can collectively make this a reality. As you know, domestic violence is a prevalent form of violence against women and girls (VAWG). Women and girls are not the only victims but females of all ages are at much higher risk because of harmful gender norms that drive the abuse. The report confirms this, along with the findings that the health impacts of domestic violence on women and girls is more severe. Along with this, VAWG more generally robs women and girls of their voice, choice and control over the decisions that impact on their lives. This, in turn, undermines women and girls potential. It is therefore critical to understand the incidence of domestic violence, the attitudes driving the practice, its determinants and consequences in order to be able to effectively prevent and respond to this grave human rights violation. This is especially so within the framework of achieving the sustainable development goals, which include targets on eliminating all forms of VAWG. For the UK, tackling VAWG is a high priority because it presents a major obstacle to ending gender inequality. It is clear that it impoverishes women, girls and their families, and can often marginalise them. We simply cannot achieve sustainable and inclusive development while further marginalising people based on their sex. It is well established by now that the active and meaningful inclusion of all women and girls in all spheres of life political, social and economic remains critical to the development of a nation. VAWG also drains public resources, undermines human capital, and lowers economic productivity. Preventing VAWG is a development goal in itself and important in achieving better lives for not only individual women and girls, but for their families and societies as well. The United Kingdom has driven forward its commitment to do more to address VAWG in recent years. Through our Department for International Development (DFID), we are working closely with the Government of Ghana, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders to address some of the risk factors of violence in a variety of sectors. Ongoing programmes include: Our Girls PASS programme (47 million) provides scholarship packages to 86,000 girls from deprived households at significant risk of dropping out of school. These scholarships enable girls to complete their cycle of secondary education. Additionally, our Complementary Basic Education programme (17.9 million) targets out of school children, including girls, and provides them with a second chance at education. Lastly, we have a new programme which will focus on preventing violence against adolescent girls. In particular, the programme seeks to tackle the harmful social norms that drive domestic violence and other forms of VAWG. In addition to collaborating with the Ministry of Gender to provide support to the domestic violence research, the UK is funding a three-year study that seeks to measure the economic and social costs of VAWG in three countries including Ghana. It is clear, most especially from the Commission on the Status of Women that took place earlier this year, that the availability of data on domestic violence and other forms of violence against women and girls remains critical, particularly if member states are to track progress in relation to SDG target 5.2. This research is therefore very timely. We congratulate the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for its leadership, commitment and guidance on this study, and for shining the torch on a prevalent social issue. We trust the rich knowledge and recommendations outlined in the report continue to be realised in the coming months and years, and that continued efforts and strides are made to ensure the end of violence against women and girls is achieved. The two-day workshop aimed at Stakeholders working to confront the challenge of stemming illicit financial flows (IFFs) from Africa ended in Nairobi Tuesday, with participants agreeing to add impetus to the fight to stop the bleeding that is costing the continent over $50 billion annually. Economic Commission for Africa's Head of Special Initiatives in the Office of the Executive Secretary, Aida Opoku-Mensah, speaking at the close of the workshop, said it was time for coherent and coordinated action to support the work of the Consortium established to implement recommendations of the High Level Panel that was led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki. The ECA is fully committed to the fight against IFFs and my role is to ensure that we start implementing what we have agreed on here, said Ms. Opoku-Mensah. The Consortium began to tackle some of the critical issues by way of implementing the recommendations of the high level panel in structured manner and these will be included in the annual report of the Panel to be submitted to AU Summit in 2017, she added. Participants agreed that the work to fight IFFs from the continent must be driven by Africans and in line with findings of the High Level Panel and the work of the Consortium and its programme over the next five years should be driven by African priorities. The work must include our definition of IFF which incorporates tax avoidance. This is not always the definition of our partners outside of Africa. We must stick to that because it's a great source of loses, especially in transfer pricing, said representatives of participating institutions The idea that the consortium goes for the big tent approach is typically African; that's the right thing to do but we must make sure that it is our tent and that the others we invite into the tent remain our guests so we can drive our own agenda. Participants hailed the project plan for allowing consortium members to work at national, regional and global levels as they seek to stem IFFs from Africa. The Consortium, which will leverage partnerships, provides a platform for follow-up efforts to stem IFFs, has a busy timeline of activities, including the establishment of an IFF Unit, which is expected to evolve into an African Financial Transparency Centre. The workshop was attended by representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC), the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Capacity Building Foundation, African Centre for Remittances, Pan African Lawyers Union, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, Open Society Foundation and Tax Justice Network-Africa, the African Mineral Development Centre and the African Trade Policy Centre. Kumasi (Ghana) (AFP) - Dressed entirely in black, Tina Owusu Panin joined thousands making their way to a Ghanaian palace to mourn their "mother" -- the revered queen of the powerful Ashanti kingdom. Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II died on Monday last week at the venerable age of 111, plunging the West African nation into grief. Built on the wealth of gold reserves, the Ashanti empire was the richest in Ghana. At its peak it even extended into neighbouring countries. The empire has wielded power in the region for over 300 years and put up fierce resistance to British colonial rule. A ceremony following the death of Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II The Ashanti people trace their lineage through the female line, so the Asantehene, or Ashanti king, is appointed by the queen. Tradition dictates she has to choose a male relative. "A very important person has died," 47-year-old Panin said, speaking at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the Ashanti capital in central Ghana. "Our mother, our mentor. She is all to us and all for us. She is Asantehene's mother so we have to come," Panin said, watching dancers deftly move their hips to traditional drums. Chiefs of the Ashanti Region attend the traditional rites following the death of Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II The mourners spurned the traditional colourful "kente" cloth for all-black outfits -- either toga-like traditional garments or T-shirts and trousers. King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is the deceased queen's biological son. Although the queen died last Monday, her death was not officially announced until Thursday, in-keeping with tradition. Mourners included traditional chiefs as well as President John Dramani Mahama and opposition presidential candidate Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, who took time out of their campaigns to visit the king. Pomp and ceremony The Ashanti empire was the richest in Ghana The Ashanti king was carried into the grounds on a throne by court attendants, shaded from the blazing sun by an umbrella held above his head -- higher than all the other parasols in deference to his status. Former presidents Jerry Rawlings and John Kufuor also attended the ceremony. Although the Ashanti king does not play a partisan role in politics, they nonetheless help shape public opinion. As the symbol of the nation, the Asantehene receives significant deference ritually as they are seen to be a symbol of people -- living, dead or yet to be born. Former Ghana president John Agyekum Kufuor (centre) attends the ceremony following the death of Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II The Ashanti monarchs preside over an area that is 10 percent of the country's total area and home to at least five million people. Apart from nominating the king, the Asantehemaa -- or queen mother -- traditionally also resolves conflicts and disputes. A court official, Nana Boakye Frimpong, 66, who has worked in the palace since 1997, said the deceased queen, whose reign spanned 39 years, held court twice a week but scaled down her appearances in recent years. Most of the disputes related to land or insults and nothing of a criminal nature was heard, Frimpong said. "Whenever the judgement is given, people respect it," Frimpong said. It is up to the Asantehene to choose the next Queen, who will have to be a relation on his mother's side. Several palace insiders told AFP the new queen would be announced by the end of December. Modern-day Ghana is a republic with a democratically-elected government, but most Ghanaians are proud that their royal history has been kept alive. Geneva (AFP) - The United Nations warned Friday that the threat from Boko Haram jihadists was complicating efforts to help tens of thousands of Nigerian refugees living in dire conditions in northern Cameroon. The UN refugee agency said one of its teams had earlier this month managed to visit previously inaccessible border areas of Cameroon's Far North Region -- including Fotokol, Makary and Mogode districts. The UNHCR staff had helped pre-register more than 21,000 refugees who had fled deadly Boko Haram attacks in north-east Nigeria over the past two years and had been living for months with often impoverished host families, spokesman Leo Dobbs told reporters. "It was the first time we have been able to visit these people and there are believed to be many more," he said, with UN figures indicating a total of around 27,000 refugees were living outside of camps in the region. Dobbs said the refugees "urgently need assistance", adding that the UNHCR "would like to help and have helped in a little way, but the continuing Boko Haram threat is a hinderance to regular access". Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau pictured in a screen grab from a video released on Youtube Boko Haram, which is seeking to impose strict Islamic sharia law in neighbouring Nigeria's mainly-Muslim north, has killed at least 20,000 people in the region and left more than 2.6 million homeless in its six-year insurgency. Cameroon has been fighting the group since 2014, and operations by a joint regional force have helped the Nigerian military retake swathes of territory from the insurgents, although the jihadist group still poses a security threat to civilians. Dobbs said that while some of the refugees in Cameroon's far north were staying with destitute host families, most were sleeping out in the open, in makeshift shelters or on dirt floors in dilapidated classrooms. "Others were in abandoned villages whose residents had fled Boko Haram attacks earlier," he said. UNHCR is encouraging people to relocate to the Minawao camp further from the border, which is home to nearly 60,000 refugees and where they can safely access assistance, Dobbs said. He pointed out that the UN agency was having difficulty intervening in the far north due to Boko Haram attacks in the area, which have also internally displaced some 199,000 Cameroonians. Across Cameroon, UNHCR said it ensures protection and assistance to some 370,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from the Central African Republic and Nigeria. 25.11.2016 LISTEN Ethiopian Aviation Academy, the largest aviation academy in Africa, a full ICAO Trainer Plus Member and IATA Authorised Global Training Centre, has graduated 47 pilots, 92 aviation maintenance technicians, 50 cabin crew and 133 marketing professionals. Mr Tewolde GebreMariam, the Group CEO, Ethiopian Airlines congratulated and welcomed the new graduates to the airline's dedicated workforce. He gave out diplomas to all the graduates, flight wings to graduating pilots and cabin crew and achievement award to graduates with outstanding academic performance. He remarked: We believe education is the greatest equaliser in the 21st century and Ethiopian Aviation Academy has strategically positioned itself to train the African youth in the latest Aviation technology and skills to own, manage and operate their own indigenous home grown African Airlines to lead safe, economical and reliable aviation industry with global standards. He said the Airline would continue to scale up its capacity and continue nurturing the youth and prepare them for the 21st century African Aviation development. He said operating successfully for the past six decades since its establishment in 1956, Ethiopian Aviation Academy had significantly contributed towards alleviating the critical shortage of skilled aviation professionals. Currently, the academy trains 1500 youths per annum and it envisages to enhance its intake capacity to 4000 by 2025. Ethiopian Aviation Academy is certified by the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, the US Federal Aviation Administration, the European Aviation Safety Agency, and IATA Safety Audit. Source: GNA The Police Service has rejected accusations that it is conniving with the Electoral Commission (EC) to unlawfully add the names of some police recruits to the special voters list. On Monday, Citi News intercepted a document suggesting that the Ghana Police Service in collaboration with the Electoral Commission (EC), have embarked on an exercise to add the names of more Police officers and recruits to the special voters' list. Although the exercise for the creation of the special voters list ended on October 28; 42 clear days ahead of the December election as stipulated by law, the latest directive by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) instructed the various levels of Commands in the Service to liaise with EC officials to add more names to the list. The memo, which was written by the Director General of Police Service, COP Chistian Tetteh Yohunu on behalf of the IGP, was in two parts. The first part instructed all Divisional Commanders, all Regional Commanders, and all Commanders in charge of Police training schools to submit the names of Police officers whose names are not on the special voters' register. The final part, directed the aforementioned commanders, especially the commanders of the Police Training Schools, to make sure that all recruits have their names on the special voters' list. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the People's National Convention (PNC) have since been challenging the move, accusing the Electoral Commission of conniving with the Police to illegally add the names, less than 42 days as required by law. But the Director General of Operations of the Police COP Christian Tetteh Yohunu in a rebuttal denied these claims, saying it is not true that we are adding new names. He further added that all the recruits had already registered and are valid voters and they have the opportunity to vote only once. By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @EfeAnsah The Economic Commission for Africa and the African Union will at the end of this month host the 2016 Africa Trade Week with a special focus on the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA). Organised by the AUs Trade and Industry departments in collaboration with the ECAs Regional Integration and Trade Division, the ATW2016 will put special emphasis on trade facilitation, implementation as well as building productive capacities for industrialization on the continent. The main objective of ATW2016 is to provide a comprehensive, integrated and inclusive platform for policy dialogue between various trade constituencies. The theme of the AFW2016, which will run from November 20 to December 2, is Advancing Socio-Economic Structural Transformation through Intra-Africa Trade. ATW2016 will have three main segments; the Africa Trade Forum (ATF), which runs from November 28 to 30, focusing on the CFTA and its implementation as the main theme. The second segment will bring together African Ministers of Trade from November 29 to 30 and the third one, the 2nd African Trade Facilitation Forum (ATTF) from December 1 to 2, will consist of a high-level policy dialogue on the implementation of the trade facilitation cluster of the Boost Intra-African Trade (BIAT), including the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The Africa Trade Week will enable a high-level exchange of views between African countries, Regional Economic Communities and their international partners on how African countries can foster economic integration that nurtures Social and Economic Structural Transformation as mandated by Africa 50-year development plan, Agenda 2063, said David Luke, Coordinator of ECAs African Trade Policy Centre. It will also provide a platform for RECs, Member States and other Stakeholders to exchange views on how to prioritize the CFTA as part of a coherent and consistent package that encompasses the multilateral and bilateral trade agenda as well as share experience for cross-fertilization on the on-going CFTA negotiations and its effective implementation. There will also be opportunity for peer-to-peer learning among the private sector, based on best practices for private sector-led initiatives in support of Africas structural transformation. Among others, policymakers, high-Level government officials, representatives from key trade constituencies in Africa and around the world, including the private sector, civil society, parliamentarians, development partners, academics, researchers and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), will attend the AFT2016. The headmaster of Feeden D/A JHS in Begoro in the Fanteakwa District of Eastern Region, Mr. Ekutor Maxwell has appealed to government to introduce School Feeding Program in his institution to upgrade education in the school and in the district as a whole. According to him, most parent in the community doesn't fund their wards to feed in school due to economic hardship in the community and it affects academic performance in the school. "Most of the children doesn't get food to eat in school so they don't usually concentrate on studies in class. So I am on behalf of the school authority and the church humbly appeal to the government to support us with the school feeding program" Mr. Ekutor said. He said, the school lacks computers, computer lab, school bus, Teaching learning Materials and teachers bungalow so appeals to all philanthropic, old students and general public to come to their aid by providing the above mentioned to them items to them. He disclosed these today (November 25, 2016) in Begoro in the Fanteakwa District of Eastern Region during a founder's day celebration of the Eden Preparatory and Feden D/A Junior High School. The Ghana Police Service has dismissed claims that it is colluding with the Electoral Commission (EC) to add more names to the list of special voters scheduled for December 1. A section of the media recently reported that Ghana Police Service in collaboration with the EC have embarked on an exercise to add the names of more Police officers and recruits to the special voters' list. Three political parties NDP, PPP and the PNC in a joint statement Thursday also alleged that the elections will not be free and fair. But the Director of Operations of the Ghana Police Service, COP Christian Tetteh Yohonu on Friday described the report as false and baseless adding that police officers have already gone through the registration process. It is not true that we are adding new names to the special voting list so as to bloat itthere's no way somebody can vote if the person is not a registered voter. Whether the person is voting on the D-Day of voting or is voting on the special day, the person has only one opportunity to vote. There's nothing like any new names, all the people that we have are all registered, valid voters, and they have the opportunity to vote only once. Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff Air Marshal Michael Samson-Oje has warned that the military will deal ruthlessly with who intends to foment trouble during the polls. I'll like to sound a note of caution to any person or group of persons who intend to cause any kind of trouble during the election period. We in the military are ready and prepared together with the civil police and our other sister security services to deal ruthlessly with any such group of persons or person, -Starrfmonline Gift cards take the responsibility for buying a Christmas present out of the hands of the giver, but be careful when buying, since gift cards can also cost you more than the purchase price. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is telling shoppers this holiday season to be careful when buying gift cards online, especially with offers of free cards or hugely discounted cards. Free gift cards can turn out to be scams, and cards bought secondhand, such as those offered by auction on websites, might be fake or drained of value. The fact gift cards are so popular makes them a favorite tool for scammers looking to separate you from your money, said Frank Frassetto, division administrator for trade and consumer protection at DATCP. Fake secondhand gift card sales and free card scams on social media sites and in text messages are ways scammers may try to take advantage of your interest. The best way to avoid losing money on gift cards is to buy directly from the retailer or an authorized merchant, DATCP said, but if you want to buy unused secondhand cards, buy from someone you know. Some cards online, sold at auction or in classified ads, are already empty of value, are counterfeit or could be stolen from a retailer and never activated. If the gift card merchant discovers your card is fraudulent, the merchant will deactivate the gift card and refuse to honor it for purchases, DATCP said. The free card scam is usually tied to taking a survey or is on a fake website that sucks you into giving your cellphone number, so the scammer can use the number to get a variety of services without paying because you will be paying, DATCP said. Scammers also use text messages promising gift cards to retailers by completing a phony survey or by giving personal information; when the card doesnt come and your information has been sold, that free card becomes very expensive. If you receive an unsolicited message promising a free gift card, do not click any links and delete the message, DATCP said. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region has condemned the actions of some mourners who heckled President John Mahama at the one-week celebration of the passing of the queen-mother of the Ashanti Kingdom, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II on Thursday at the Manhyia Palace. In an interview with Citi News, an NDC Communications Officer, Samed Akalilu, recounted that some members of the NPP begun making ugly noises there, booing and saying all sort of unthinkable things to the President. Yesterday, President Mahama had the loudest cheers in terms of the support base of the people who were around but there were pockets of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) members who obviously are not happy that president Mahama gets too much support in the region anytime he come here that even Nana Akufo-Addo who belongs to the NPP. We in the NDC condemn such acts. They must apologise to Ghanaians and retract some of the unsavory comments passed by members of the New Patriotic Party, Mr. Akalilu stated. Reports indicate that confusion nearly broke out at the Manhyia Palace between President John Mahama's security detail and some of the mourners. The heckling mourners were seen making the NPP change sign when President John Mahama arrived. That reportedly prompted the President's security detail to step in to protect him. But some of the mourners claimed one of the Presidents security officials drew a gun at the crowd and the action angered some of them. Heckling acts of desperation Mr. Akalilu held that the actions of hecklers smacked of desperation because the President has a strong support base in the region and will not prevent them from achieving their agenda of garnering 1.5 million votes for the President on December 7. We are very aware that these acts are just acts of desperation because of the kind of developmental projects president Mahama has provided for the region, he stated. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana Businessman Alfred Woyome has denied claims by pressure group OccupyGhana that he has been given a new contract by government despite the GHC51 million judgment debt scandal involving him. OccupyGhana claims the Transport ministry in December 2015 entered into a GHC35million contract with a company owned by Woyome to construct deep seaports at the harbours. In a statement Friday the anti-graft group said while the nation is still reeling from the effect of the Alfred Woyome judgment debt scandal, and the stalled and hesitant attempts by the Attorney-General to execute the judgment of the Supreme Court, the Government of Ghana has, on the blind side of Ghanaians, entered into a confidential and potentially lucrative agreement with Woyome, acting through one of his companies, Anator Holding Company Limited. But in a terse response to the allegation, Woyome told newsmen in Accra that he has no new deal with the state. It is not true. OccupyGhana is just trying to run me down, but I will respond at the appropriate time, he said. Meanwhile, the group has started releaing onto social media copies of the supposed approval to the contract signed by the Chief of Staff. -Starrfmonline By Bernice Bessey The deployment was based on Ghana Government's commitment to the 2015 United Nations General Assembly to provide two batches of Formed Police Units (FPUs) to UN peacekeeping effort in war torn countries. The 218, is the first batch of the promised made by the President John Mahama, even though the GPS had already deployed some 170 personals the conflicted country, South Sudan. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. John Kudalor addressing the FPU Pre-deployment training graduation ceremony at the National Police Training School, Accra said the training was a partnership between the Ghana Government and the United States. According to the IGP the fulfillment of the promise also deepens Ghana commitments to peacekeeping, as it had been frontier in committing personnel to peacekeeping operations in war torn countries. He congratulated the facilitators and trainees for making the programme successful. Also at the ceremony was the US Ambassador to Ghana, H. E Robert P. Jackson who added that the US Government has signed an agreement with the GPS to support Ghanaian police that would be deployed as peacekeepers to UN missions. He said the seven weeks training was a transformation of idea to reality by the GPS and US Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). According to the training was necessitated the high demand of FPUs in fragile countries like South Sudan where there is critical need for peace to be restored, adding the United States is encouraged by Ghana's commitment to peacekeeping and its quick response in organizing, training and deploying units. Mr. Jackson indicated that the 218 peacekeepers made 620 members of GPS supporting in nine UN peacekeeping operations across Africa and Haiti. These UN police help maintain public order, protect civilians, guard UN facilities and personnel, and bolster local law enforcement operations. They play a critical role in building the capacity of professional, credible enforcement institutions in the host nation, paving the way for citizen security and recovery from conflict, he added. The ambassador stated that the US aim was not only to offer assistance to partner countries as they prepare for the next deployment, but to invest in strong national training system that would continue to prepare high-quality police for future rotations and new peacekeeping operations. By Gifty Amofa, GNA Kumasi, Nov 25, GNA - The KMA Circuit Court, presided over by Mrs. Mary Nsenkyire, has sentenced four robbers to a total of 64 years imprisonment. Kofi Frimpong Acquah, alias 'Osty', Richard Kwaku Effah, alias 'Rocky', and Kwabena Boateng, alias 'Adwenfi' would serve 18 years each. Their other accomplice Mohammed Kyeremateng, would however be doing 10 years. The gang had attacked and robbed some students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) of their electrical gadgets, costing about GH9,360.00. All, except Kyeremateng, pleaded not guilty to the offence. Police Chief Inspector Hannah Acheampong told the court that the incident happened on April 18, at about 03:00 hours. The victims were sleeping in their hostels at Ayeduase, when the convicts, armed with knives and a toy pistol, struck. They forced their way into the rooms of the students in four different hostels, ordered that they surrendered all their electrical gadgets and other valuables - laptop computers, mobile phones, watches and tablets or get killed. The prosecution said a night watchman, whose bravery led to the arrest of one of the robber, got hurt - had his palm slashed. Some of the gadgets seized from the students were retrieved, Police Chief Inspector Acheampong added. GNA Accra, Nov. 25, GNA - Africa's largest Airline Group, Ethiopian Airlines, won Airline of the Year Award, for the fifth year in a row, by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) during its 48th Annual General Assembly. The AFRAA annual awards recognise excellence in service delivery, innovation and competitiveness in airlines, individuals and service providers in the African aviation industry. A statement by issued in Accra by Mrs Hanna Atnafu, Manager Corporate Communications, Ethiopian Airlines said Ethiopian Airlines had been applauded for its outstanding financial performance, technological leadership and investment in modern fuel efficient fleet. It has also been commended for its exemplary cooperation with other African carriers, significantly expanding route network in Africa and beyond, growing cargo operations with the largest cargo fleet on the continent and huge investment in MRO and training facilities to support the African Aviation. Mr Tewolde GebreMariam, Ethiopian Group CEO, said: 'We are highly honoured for this recognition by fellow airlines in Africa, for the fifth consecutive year.' He said the award underscores the continuous efforts and hard work of Ethiopian employees, who were striving day and night to surpass customers' expectations. He said management of Ethiopian Airlines was also grateful to its loyal customers for giving us the opportunity to serve them, for travelling on the Airlines in great numbers, for their continued feedback and support which, in turn, assisted us in enhancing the airline's service excellence. 'Although Africa is registering rapid economic and travel growth, this growth is primarily benefiting non-African carriers,' he added. The CEO reminded fellow African Airlines that African aviation held a very strong future with vigorous fundamentals for aviation to thrive. He said Africans should look inwards in the continent to leverage on the available internal resources to create synergy through collaborative partnerships in areas of training, technical and management support. 'This is a testimony of the soundness of our Vision 2025 fast, profitable and sustainable growth strategy and once again, Ethiopian welcomes this award with great pride,' he added. Ethiopian is a multi-award winning airline, including Best Airline Staff in Africa by SkyTrax, Best Airline in Africa by APEX 'Passenger Choice Award and CAPA Airline of the Year Award are few to mention. GNA By Bajin D. Pobia, GNA Wa, Nov. 25, GNA - The Press Secretary to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, New Patriotic Party's Vice Presidential Candidate is reported dead in Wa. Mr Kwabena Boadu, in his mid 30s was found dead in the bathroom at Jam Guest House at about 06:30 hours. His body has been lodged at the Wa Regional Hospital Mortuary pending an autopsy to unravel the causes of his sudden death. Dr Barnabas Ganda, Medical Doctor at the Wa Regional Hospital confirmed Mr Boadu's death to the Ghana News Agency but said until an autopsy was carried out on him, he could not tell the exact causes of his death. However, some party members who also lodged at the Guest House alleged that Mr Boadu could have died of an electrical shock. Some four persons who lodged at the Guest House had earlier complained to the workers of receiving electrical shocks and the lights were put off for more than 30 minutes before they were switched on again. The Wa Police had started investigations into the death of Mr Boadu, visiting the Guest House to ascertain the possible causes leading to the untimely death of the Press Secretary. Dr Bawumia left Wa around 07:30 hours for Accra and had to return to Wa when he heard of the sudden death of his Press Secretary. GNA 25.11.2016 LISTEN Accra, Nov. 25, GNA - The grand finals of Miss Kanekalon 2016 Hair Beauty Pageant, was held in Lagos, Nigeria on November 12, to celebrate the outstanding beauty of the young African woman and to crown a true beauty whose splendour goes beyond looks, to highlight personal talent. The Pageant is an annual event with a special focus on braided hair attachments where ladies are strategically selected to partake in the competition. It was organised by the Kaneka Corporation Japan, manufacturer of Kanekalon synthetic hair fibers. The pageant, which has been held annually since 2010 was on the theme: 'Crowning the African Beauty.' A statement issued by the company in Accra, said the Pageant has been broadened to include confidence and pursuit of dreams and to redefine the essence of beauty. All applicants were Kanekalon users with a charming and proactive personality with high morals. For more than 50 years the company has been at the forefront of R&D and manufacturing synthetic fibers geared for creating the finest hair products. This was due to the care about the safety of products and the crave to develop a technology that made fibers especially safe and flame-retardant. Kanekalon braid products used in Ghana include: Obaasima, Xpression, Outre, African Queen, Bulky Kinky and Nina. Kanekalon is natural feeling, lighter, softer hair with more natural body to complement today's modern fashionable lifestyle. This world renowned synthetic fiber is what has made "Kanekalon" the best quality synthetic hair over the past 50 years. Kanekalon is widely used for wig and hair extension around the globe. In Lagos, 20 finalists selected from regional screenings were chosen to compete in the 2016 Pageant. Each applicant teamed up with her own hairstylist to showcase their hair and displayed their talents in addition to answering general questions. In 2015, Esther Chiamaka Chukwujekwu was crowned the first ever Miss Kanekalon. At this year's event, Miss Benahili Ojeme Faith, a 19 year-old undergraduate student from Edo State, studying Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Lagos produced a stunning performance to win the coveted crown, taking home the grand prize of a brand-new Nissan Altima car, a slot in a television commercial, Kanekalon products for a year and a mouth- watering two million Naira. Miss Mahalia Bamford, a 22- year- old level 400 student from Ghana reading a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Cape Coast, was the first runner-up, while Opaluwa Ojotule Tamarai of Nigeria emerged second runner-up. For their prizes Miss Bamford received 1.5 Million Naira while Miss Tamarai got One Million Naira and both of them received a Samsung Flat screen TV. Another Ghanaian, Ms Ohemaa Achiaa Agyekum from the Catholic University, Sunyani was adjudged Ms Congeniality (Most behaved / friendly contestant). Faith said: 'I am delighted to have won this. It was highly competitive but I was able to produce my best on the day when it mattered most.' The winner is assigned a one-year contract and gains exclusive access to events such as fashion shows and opening galas, as well as access to casting calls and modelling opportunities. On account of the success of the two Pageants organised so far, Ghanaian ladies could look forward to the next event in 2017. The event featured captivating performances by popular artistes; Patoranking and Falz the Bad Guy. By all indications the contestants, sponsors, vendors and guests really enjoyed the event. To reach the final, the contestants had to successfully complete an audition. On the way to the finals each contestant was individually assessed by a panel of judges on their overall performance and suitability for the competition. The areas of interest included charity fundraising, publicity and personality. This year saw five Ghanaian ladies joining their Nigerian counterparts in the pageant for the very first time. These are Mahalia Bamford, Ohemaa Achiaa Agyekum, Edinam Coffie, Vera Pearsah and Phyllis Amakye. The selection process started with three campus recruitments namely at the University of Cape Coast, Accra Polytechnic and the University of Education- Winneba. Other ladies applied via social media, particularly facebook and instagram. A total of 87 ladies were selected to qualify for the final audition stage in Accra from, which five finalists were shortlisted to join 15 Nigerian finalists for the grand finale. Each contestant had a professional Hair Stylist for the show. 'We care about beauty, but we care just as much about the safety of our products,' said Mr Hiroshi Seko, General Manager of Kaneka Liason Office. The public could visit: https://m.facebook.com/kanekalonafricapage/ for more information on the event, past and present. GNA Agona Swedru, Nov 25, GNA - Twenty-three former assembly members have threatened to take legal action against the Agona West Municipal Assembly for failing to pay their ex-gratia awards covering over two years. According to them, their term of office has ended and management of the Assembly have not paid their money. The sitting members made this known at the third ordinary session of the Assembly at Agona Swedru. Spokesman for the members Mr. Jude Baffoe, former Assemblyman for Agona Kwamang and current government appointee, lamented that all efforts to compel the management to pay the money had proved futile. He said the ex-members were seriously blaming the current assembly members for doing little to ensure payment of the 1,500 Ghana Cedis approved by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. He said the ex-members were surprised that those who decided to contest the District Level Elections in 2015 had received their entitlements. Mr. Baffoe said the ex-members had realized that the management of the assembly had deliberately refused to pay the money. He explained that the assembly members approved the motion to assist the management to open a separate account purposely to be used to pay the ex-gratia. Surprisingly, he said 20 members who opted to contest the 2015 District Level Elections had received their monies while leaving the rest to their fate. Mr. Baffoe said the management had been complaining about the 'no money syndrome' over two years any time they made the approach for the money. He therefore appealed to the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr. Collins Dauda, to launch a probe into the delay in payment of their money. Mr. Jonathan Benifo, Acting Coordinating Director of the Agona West Municipal Assembly, said the assembly was making efforts to mobilize funds to pay the money. GNA Accra, Nov. 25, GNA - The second batch of 79 Military Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) trained by the Ghana Ambulance Service (GAS) have graduated in Accra, after a year's intensive training. This bring the total to 145 professionals after the first batch of 66 EMTs who graduated in 2014 to provide emergency care, giving first aid safeguard the lives of both military personnel and civilians. The graduands were led by the Reverend Major General Cynthia Kumitse, the Unit Chaplain of the 37 Military Hospital to swear the Oath of Office and also recite the EMT Pledge. Professor Ahmed N. Zakariah, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Ambulance Service (NAS), congratulated the graduands for their hard work and perseverance. He said the EMT programme which started two years ago was a collaborative effort between the Ghana Armed Forces and the NAS, was to fill the gap that existed in the provision of pre-hospital management of casualties during emergency situations. Prof Zakariah said the NAS which had the mandate to provide pre-hospital care to the injured, accepted the offer and had run the training concurrently with what existed for civilians at the training school. He said EMTs would also work with other medical personnel to provide hospital support services especially with the designation of the 37 Military Hospital as the National Disaster and emergency facility. Prof Zakariah said this even made pre-hospital management of casualties very significant because a number of such injured persons had been lost or maimed due to lack of proper management. He said both institutions were confident that with the training given, the Military EMTs would strive to provide the best quality prevention and emergency medical services in the fastest, effective and efficient manner to all persons at all levels by providing dynamic and effective work environment. They could also be able to operate well equipped military ambulances, value their staff, patients and clients, be able to technically and strategically locate ambulances, and collaborate effectively with their National and International colleagues in health and EMS, he said. Prof Zakariah said the EMTs were at the peace-keeping levels expected to among other things, provide standby emergency cover to military operations, transport injured personnel from operational points to Military health facilities, liaise with other emergency services in time of disaster or mass casualties, and assist in the establishment and operation of make shift hospitals during such situations. He said the training would help in strengthening Ghana's emergency preparedness and called on all the other security services including the Police and National Fire Services to emulate the Military to close the current existing gap in EMS. Brigadier General W. Omane Agyekum, the Director General In-Charge of Personnel Administration of the Ghana Armed Forces, commended the GAS for the satisfactory role in equipping the Military Service with such professionals. He lauded the graduands for their hard work and urged them to brace themselves up for the task ahead and be ready to be deployed to the various garrisons to offer their services. GNA By Christabel Addo/Mohammed Abdul Rashid, GNA If you're on the hunt for a bargain and are prepared to sharpen your elbows and fight your way to the front of the queue, you're probably a total pro at Black Friday. Which means you'll probably have considered nabbing a cheap holiday, and we're to help you find the best. Because travel companies are getting in on the action and offering bargain flights, packages and deals - and we've rounded up the best of the bunch below. Return flights to LA from London for 199 On Cyber Monday Air New Zealand will be offering one hundred return flights from London to Los Angeles for 199 for selected dates in February 2017. Whilst it's quite specific and you'd have to be quick and flexible, pretty cheap - right? The airline will also be announcing more deals throughout the day. 30% off trips to Australia, North America, Asia and more If you can be flexible about location and/or dates, TopDeck travel have some major discounts going on this year - some of which equate to up to 70% off. Certain highlights include a ski trip to Japan is 50%, 30% off all North America and Asia trips, as well as 30% off Europe Winter trips. The sale will run until 28th November, and travel must be before 31st March 2017. Up to 20% off 10 million Ryanair seats The biggest Black Friday promotion Ryanair has ever done, the Irish airline is offering discounts of up to 20% off a staggering 10 million flights if you travel between December and March. That means you could travel one way to Dublin for 12.99 (the cost of about five coffees, then) or one way to Alicante for 16.99. Prices vary depending on where you fly from, but you're pretty much guaranteed to find flights to most European destinations for less than 20 each way. That's rock bottom prices by anyone's standards. Travel to Australia for 519 return with Quantas Australian airline is offering deals it would be a crime to deny yourself : return economy flights to Perth from 519, to Brisbane from 599, Melbourne from 640 and Sydney from 658 on dates between January and June 2017. If New Zealand's more your thing, the airline's Black Friday deals will also transport you to the main cities there for less than 700. It's a blaady bargain, Sheila. 50% off hotel & spa rooms K West Hotel and Spa are offering 50% off room rates between 19 December 2016 to 31 March 2017 from 9am on Friday 25th November until the following Tuesday, with a Junior Room prices starting at 79 pre-discount. Use the code 50SALE16. 20% off WOW air flights Now THIS is a good deal - WOW air are offering 20% off flights to all destinations on bookings made between Tuesday 22 November and Friday 25th November - providing you want to fly between 10 January and 10 April 2017. They fly from London Gatwick, Bristol and Edinburgh, and y'all need to use the code WOWPURPLEFRIDAY. Up to 30% off Hilton hotel rooms in over 300 locations Hilton are doing a Winter Sale and have announced savings of up to 30 per cent off hotels up until 31 January 2017, with specific deals including 20% for a double room in Cape Town, 25% off a double room in Venice and 20% off a double room in Amsterdam. Discounted British Airways business class flights Travelling anything above economy class is pretty much just a pipe dream for most of us, but if you're planning a 'holiday of all holidays' type expedition and fancy going the whole hog by treating yourself to the ultimate luxury, BA might be able to help you. They're offering ' 2 for 2016 ' on business class flights to the likes of New York, Boston, Dubai and Abu Dhabi which will include return flights for two passengers for - you guessed it - 2016! They're available to book up until Monday night (28th Nov) at midnight. If business class isn't your (or your bank balance's) thing, BA is also offering savings of up to 49% on flights to various North America destinations including Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago and Toronto, and 99 European city breaks (flights plus two nights in a hotel) to Barcelona, Alicante, Turin, Venice and Naples. 40% off hotel rooms from Laterooms.com While Laterooms is always a great option for a last minute discount, they're offering some tempting bargains a little further in advance this Black (or Purple, according to them) Friday - Cyber Monday . The hotel room hunting site is offering discounts of up to 40% on top of their usual savings on more than 140 hotels for those booking stays before the end of January 2017. Think 4* spa hotels in London from 91 per night - music to our ears. Up to 25% off European trips and 30% off trips to the Mediterranean You can nab savings of up to 25% off Busabout Europe trips to La Tomatina (the amazing tomato throwing festival) and a up to 30% off Contiki trips around the Mediterranean and the like. The dates are likely to be specific, though, so only go for these if you can be flexible with dates. 30% off 4* and 5* hotels If it's luxury you're after but you can afford to be flexible on location, HotelsCombined.co.uk are offering a couple of great deals in Bali and Thailand on 4* and 5* locations that will save you over 300 each. So that's AMAZING. The latest Best 5-star hotel in Ghana has re-affirmed its commitment to uphold international standards in its customer service. Labadi Beach Hotel was adjudged Best 5-star hotel in Ghana at this years edition of the National Tourism Awards in Accra held over the weekend. The hotel, which recently marked its 25th anniversary in the country, came tops ahead of two other hotels in the same category. Financial Controller of the hotel, Charles Njeru, said they are esteemed to be within the 5-Star category in Africa and the rest of Africa. He said it is the ratings that tells you what the customers are saying about the service you offer. Other winners include, Best Western Plus Atlantic Hotel in Takoradi, adjudged the Best 4-Star hotel, whilst Golden Beam in Kumasi emerged the Best 3-Start Hotel. Sunseekers Tour was also adjudged the Best Tour Operator of the year and the CEO, Kwame Ansong who was also adjudged Tourism Personality of the year spoke with JOY BUSINESS. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Joy Business The Electoral Commission on Friday held a crucial Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting with representatives of the various political parties ahead of the December 7 polls. The meeting was to discuss the concerns of some parties over the security and the integrity of the ballot just a week to the polls. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) had earlier raised issues with the printing of pink sheets by Aero votes, presidential ballot printing by Innolink, and missing party acronym from ballots sent to its stronghold, the Ashanti region. Citi News' Sixtus Don Ullo reported that the Electoral Commission used the opportunity to respond to all such concerns. Speaking to the media after the meeting, General Secretary of the People's National Convention (PNC), Atik Mohammed hinted that the EC also explained circumstances surrounding the inclusion of more Police personnel on the special voters list at the eleventh hour. Participants at the meeting He said they also reached a compromise on the issue because we had to strike a balance between having the security agencies play their role on the day of election or upholding in the strictest term the regulations we are using to run this election and sacrificing the role on what the security agencies would be playing on the day. Atik Mohammed said the general feeling I got from that discussion was that it is better to somewhat sacrifice a bit of the law so that we can have proper representation of the police on that day. The Electoral Commission according to Atik admitted making the amendments before the expiration of the 42-day ultimatum per the C.I. 94, the law regulating the conduct of this year's elections. The agreement from the EC was that the admission was done before the expiration of the 42-day ultimatum but they are asking us that on the balance of what is happening and the likely implication of not having the security agencies not deployed on the day of the election what are we supposed to do. So what I got from the discussion was that it was not really hurtful to the process so we can admit those additions, he added. -Citifmonline The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nana Akufo-Addo has been mourning with the family of Kwabena Boadu the departed press aide of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. Boadu died in his hotel room in Wa while on the campaign trail. The cause of death is unknown but reports say he died from electrocution. The police is investigating the case. Boadu's body has since been brought down to Accra as Dr. Bawumia leads an NPP delegation to officially inform his family. Nana Akufo-Addo has described the 29-year-old as a lost gem in a series of tweets. Accra, Nov. 25, GNA - Ms Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has advised young people to bring more to the table than just their certificates when seeking for jobs. She said young graduates should constantly read widely to broaden their understanding of issues, which would give them an added advantage over others. Ms Gomashie was speaking to Interns of the Africa Internship Academy during a visit to tour the facility. The lively interaction had the Deputy Minister share personal principles gained from her childhood, which served as a guide for her in life. The Deputy Minister advised Interns of the Academy to read wide to enable them get insight to contribute to discussions and issues. Speaking on attitude, the Minister said everything started from the mind and those, who wanted to make a difference needed to change their mentality. She encouraged the Interns to discover who they were and to find a way to package themselves for the world. She commended the founders of the Academy for their laudable efforts to solve one of Africa's major challenges. She said there were many opportunities that existed in the digital age, which they could take advantage of. Mr Daniel Amoako-Antwi, the Regional Business Manager for the Academy thanked the Minister for the gesture in finding time to come and speak with the interns. He emphasised that the whole mandate of the Academy was to 'Groom Africa's next generational change Agents. 'Our Goal is to impact 100 million youth on the continent in the next 10 years,' he added. The Africa Internship Academy under the auspices of the People Initiative Foundation has begun its first Work Integrated Learning Programme by offering its first 50 cohorts a full tuition free scholarship on 7th November, 2016. It seeks to reduce the rate of unemployment on the continent by grooming young talents to be change agents who would transform their society. GNA Agona Kwaman (C/R), Nov. 25, GNA - Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has called on the youth not to allow politicians to use them to foment trouble in the December 7 elections. He, therefore, charged the youth to channel their energies into productive activities as well as promote peace in the nation. Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur made the call when he addressed hundreds of National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters at Kwaman in the Agona West Constituency of the Central Region. The visit is the second phase of the Vice President's campaign tour of the Central Region. The Vice President is expected to tour nine constituencies including Gomoa Central, Ajumako/Enyan/Esiam, Mfantseman and Abura/Asebu/Kwamankese among others. Vice President Amissah-Arthur was accompanied on the campaign tour by Mr Allotey Jacobs, the Central Regional Chairman of the NDC, MS Barbara Serwah Asamoah, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, and Mr Yaw Boateng Gyan, former National Organiser of the NDC among others. Vice President Amissah-Arthur called on the electorate not to be deceived by the 'change' the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was talking about since that would send the country back. The Mahama led Administration is bringing change to the people in terms of infrastructural development. He said the 'NPP change' would also bring suffering to the people because it would reverse all gains the country had made in its social and economic development. Vice President Amissah-Arthur, therefore, called on the people in the area to vote massively for President John Mahama for the country to maintain the prevailing peace. He said President John Mahama, over the years, had distinguished himself as tolerant of other people's views. He called on the electorate not to vote 'skirt and blouse' since President John Mahama would need Mr Charles Obeng Inkoom as a Member Parliament to work with to ensure the continuous development of the area. Mr Yaw Boateng Gyan urged the voters not to make the mistake of voting for the NPP because they had no record of development. He said the NDC was the only political party which had the development of the people at heart. He introduced Mr Charles Obeng Inkoom as the NDC Parliamentary candidate for Agona West Constituency to the people. Vice President Amissah-Arthur also addressed NDC supporters at similar rallies in Agona Swedru Zongo and Agona Bobikuma. GNA Yendi (N/R) Nov.25, GNA - The Catholic Bishop of Yendi, the Most Reverend Vincent Sowah Boi-Nai, has called on chiefs to maintain their political neutrality. He told them to strive as much as possible not to align themselves with the political parties since the 1962 Constitution and subsequent ones debarred chiefs from engaging in active politics. He said it was the responsibility of chiefs to ensure that political campaigns in their villages and towns were conducted in an orderly manner and devoid of character assassination, intimidation, and provocative utterances that might lead to violence. This, he said, was to ensure that chiefs had the responsibility to safeguard the dignity and sanity of the institution of chieftaincy before, during and after the 2016 election. He reminded them with only 11 days to the December 7 election, the country and for that reason everybody needed peace before, during and after the elections. He therefore urged them to pray for God's intervention so that, whatever happened, the nation's democracy could be safeguarded for peaceful co-existence throughout the country. Most Rev Boi-Nai made the call at a meeting on peace organized by the Yendi Catholic Peace Centre for chiefs of Dagbon at the Peace Centre conference Hall in the Yendi Municipality of the Northern Region. Some of the chiefs who attended the meeting included representative of the Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya Na Yakubu Abdulai Andani,Wa-lana Abdulai Sulemana, Gumpla-Lana Sumani Shei Sadik, Botin Na Abdulai Shei, Balogu Na Alhassan Alhassan, Zohe Bomahi Na Adam Salifu, representatives of Kuga Na Abdulai Adam II, representative of Gundogu-Na Samata Abudu including others. According to the Bishop, the utterances of chiefs should be well measured and devoid of emotions that were likely to bring the institution of chieftaincy into disrepute and ridicule. He reminded the chiefs that achieving peace in their communities demanded the collaborative effort of all, and appealed to them to be promoters of peace in their areas, before, during and after 2016 elections. Mr. Peter Atia, Programme Manager of the Yendi Peace Centre, said this was 128th peace meeting organized by the centre since 2006 to ensure that Dagbon and Northern Region had peace. He called on both non-Ghanaians and all Ghanaians who did not register or qualify to vote to stay away from the December 7 elections. He appealed to the chiefs to advise their subjects and the youth not to do anything that would create conflict in the country. Assistant Commissioner of Police Anane Danquah, Yendi Divisional Commander of the Ghana Police Service, said with the recent clash between supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) after a rally, it had been decided that no political party in the constituency should hold a rally up to 6pm. ACP Anane said the police and other security forces in the area were well prepared for the election, and appealed to the chiefs to help maintain law and order. GNA By Kodjo Adams, GNA Accra, Nov. 25, GNA - Reverend Professor David N.A Kpobi, Director of Graduate Studies, Trinity Theological Seminary, has called on Presbyterians to uphold and preserve the heritage of the Church to facilitate harmony and understanding among members. He said the Church came out of a heritage, which was based on the values of discipline, commitment, respect and love to duty and providing for society which established and reinforced identity. He made the call in Accra at a lecture organised by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana Eben-ezer Congregation, Osu on the theme: 'Our Presbyterian Heritage; Inspiration for the Current Generation.' Rev Kpobi said heritage was not only related to sharing of property but also the values and systems of a Church that impacts positively to society development. He explained that the church's heritage were values that were passed on from one generation to another to keep it alive and it was imperative for members to preserve them for the future generations to learn from it. He said the Church's spiritual heritage was gradually losing its relevance due to westernisation, saying it behooves members especially the leaders to go back and retrieve the good values since it would impact positively on the future generations. 'The Church inherited spirituality that were comprehensive and affected every area of life not only in church but in all of our social lives, but it appears that we are not doing that anymore, we feel spiritual only when we are in Church,' he added. He said the Church needed to re-orient members about the relevance of its heritage and intensify the education for them to inculcate the values not only in church but be reflected in everyday life. Rev Kpobi noted that every Church had a history and values that became the identity, adding that the members of the Church acquired the values and preserve them for the current generations. He said the Basel Evangelical Missionary Society, known as Basel Mission, planted the now Presbyterian Church of Ghana in 1828, the core mandate of the mission was to spread the Gospel of peace and benevolent civilisation and make up for the eternally screening injustices of the slave trade. Rev Kpobi said the missionaries aimed to establish a theological institute to train young men to help carry out the message of peace to Eastern Europe, China, India and Africa. He said the missionaries left behind discipline, law abiding society and good moral values for the Church which he believed should be inherited by future generations to ensure continuity of the Church's heritage. Rev Kpobi advised the youth to learn and put into practice the Church's heritage because it portrayed or gives an identity of the Church GNA By Afedzi Abdullah, GNA Cape Coast, Nov. 25, GNA - Fisheries Associations from communities in the four coastal Regions in Ghana have signed a compact agreement, pledging to promote and commit to responsible fishing practices. The agreement, dubbed: 'Fisherman to Fisherman (F2F) Compact', has four main objectives; to help fight illegal fishing, unreported catches, unregulated fishing; and to promote responsible fishing towards food security. It is also to assist the Fisheries Commission in the implementation of the National Fisheries Management Plan and to make women part of the decision making process in the management of fisheries. The Association, comprising the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC), Ghana Industrial and Trawlers Association, National Fish Processors and Traders Association (NAFPTA) and the Ghana Inshore Fishers Association, signed the agreement at a ceremony to commemorate this year's World Fisheries Day, on Tuesday. Organised by the GNCFC and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP), the celebration featured photo exhibition and sale of fish products interspersed with cultural displays. It was to highlight the importance of fisheries management and to encourage the participation of local fishing communities to lead the efforts of rebuilding fish stocks that are in steep decline. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Yaw Attobrah, Central Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, said the signing of the agreement was significant as it would help to preserve and restore the sea for generations to come. He said to adequately adhere to the agreement, fisher folks needed to change their attitude and desist from the various bad fishing practices which had contributed largely to the poor catch phenomenon. He said there was the need for effective collaboration between the Government, fisher associations and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the fishing industry stood on its feet. Mr Jojo Solomon, the Acting President of the GNCFC, said fishermen needed a united front to form watch dog committees to police the sea and urged his colleagues to join the efforts of the Government in protecting marine resources. He said fishermen needed to be empowered and made to take full ownership of their occupation, which he noted, would encourage responsible fishing practices. Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, the Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Area, who chaired the event, commended the fisher folks for the bold decision taken and urged them to abide by what they had assigned to. He complained about the steep decline of fish stock in recent times and expressed the need for stringent measures to be taken to protect the sea. GNA By Dennis Peprah, GNA Tarkwa (W/R), Nov. 23, GNA - Goldfields Tarkwa Mine in the Western Region has initiated processes to bring illegal miners under an umbrella and regularise their activities in the area. The mine has started active discussions with the illegal miners in and around its concessional demarcation on the possibility to form an association and support them to go into small scale mining. Mrs Christiana Yirenkyi, the Senior Environmental Officer of the Tarkwa Mine, said some of the illegal miners were not co-operating but the company would continue to dialogue with them. Interacting with some journalists at the mine's plant site at Tarkwa on Wednesday, Mrs Yirenkyi said illegal mining activities in the area was a great burden to the company and there was the need to change the approach in tackling the situation. The journalists were on a study visit to the mine on the sidelines of a 14-day National Media Training Course on Oil, Gas and Mining being organised by the Penplusbytes, an international ICT Journalism Training Institute, with support from the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), a Non Governmental Organisation. Mrs Yirenkyi said it was necessary to sensitise illegal miners of the debilitating effects of their activities on their personal health, the environment and the nation as a whole and also help them to form associations, register and obtain concession to mine. She said illegal mining activities had destroyed many water bodies in the area and called for a multi-sectoral approach to address the situation. Mrs Yirenkyi said the company had reclaimed 11.29 per cent of its concessional land disturbed by the activities of the mine since it started actual mining in 1993. It has planted 629,483 species of economic tree seedlings to restore the natural forest on a 4.54 square kilometre land that was being disturbed by the mine. The tree seedlings include rubber, teak, and mahogany. Mr Richard Botchey, the Community Affairs Officer of the Tarkwa Mine, said despite the fall in the price of gold last year, the mine continued to invest in its social responsibility programmes in its eight major mine-take communities. He said the Goldfields Ghana Foundation, established in 2005, had invested about 26 million dollars in community development adding that eight million dollars had also been spent on education. Mr Botchey said 1,000 students had been awarded scholarships adding that all the communities in the mine's catchment area had, in one way or the other, benefited from school blocks, health facilities and other social facilities. But Mr Isaac Abraham, the Public Relations Officer of the Minerals Commission, the regulatory body of the mineral sector, said illegal mining was a national challenge and its fight was putting huge financial burden on the Commission. According to him, the Commission spent 80 per cent of its annual resources to help bring the activities of the miners under control but was not yielding positive results. Mr Christopher Opoku-Nyarko, a research officer at the Chamber of Mines, expressed worry about illegal mining and appealed to the Government to take proactive and radical measures to control it. This notwithstanding, the GNA observed that the illegal miners are making huge economic gains from their unscrupulous activities. At one of the mining communities around the Anglo Gold Mine in Obuasi, the illegal miners were sighted using traditional methods to refine their gold. They used locally manufactured implements and crashes to wash and extract raw gold from the ore and worked under sheds. Kwadwo Bawa, one of the miners who described himself as a local gold retailer at the Ahasonyewodea Community, told journalists that business was good. GNA Accra, Nov. 22, GNA - Students have been advised to devote time to read at least a story book a month to boost their comprehension and their command of the English Language. Mr Seth Korgah, the Headmaster of the Osagyefo International School, a private first and second cycle institution at Labone in Accra, gave the advice when the school held its annual 'Reading Emphasis Week.' The exercise is conducted from primary one to the junior high school (JHS) to inculcate the habit of reading in the children to build their confidence in speaking the English Language. Mr Korgah said as a result the school subscribed to over 300 copies of the Junior Graphic for the (JHS) department to enhance their critical thinking and cognitive skills. During such occasions, book publishers such as SEDCO, Asempa and Lantern organise book fairs in the school for pupils to have access to variety of reading materials to purchase and read. Mr Korgah said one specific book was prescribed for a pupil to read after which a review and summary was done and pupils were orally examined to assess their comprehension ability. He said the reading exercise was done alongside the normal class activities and the best pupils were picked in each class after which an inter-house competition was conducted at class level and finally climaxed with quiz competition. Mr Michael Mensah, a class four teacher, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the exercise helped students to polish their reading skills, learn new vocabulary and enhanced their command of the English Language. A number of students who spoke with the GNA attested to the fact that the reading exercise had improved their command of the English Language and their performance in the English examination. GNA 25.11.2016 LISTEN By Agnes Ansah, GNA Accra Nov.25, GNA - Kaakyire Kwame Appiah, a highlife musician, has said he would launch a song to support the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) polling agents during the elections. He said this would 'empower individuals who will be stationed at the various polling stations during the elections to desist from election meddling and influences'. The song titled, 'One logologo line' will be launched at the Hope Generation Ministry at Oblogo on Sunday, November 27 in collaboration with Pasco Abrants3. He said the objective of the song was to encourage every eligible voter to go and cast his/her vote for the New Patriotic Party's Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, the veteran hi-life musician, known for his 24th December Christmas song, said: 'People can be influenced by money or any other material thing to engage in acts that will not auger well for the smooth running of the election'. Due to this the NPP was poised to provide either monetary or any other support to ensure that their agents did not yield to any undue influence, he stated. He said the support would enable the agents to protect the interest of the party at their assigned polling stations. Kaakyire said he was seeking to solicit for about GHE200,000.00 from the launch. The money realised would be given to the leadership of the Party to share among the polling agents. He said the initiative was an act of charity not influenced by anybody. This is because like, many other Ghanaians, he wanted a positive change in the governance of the country and he thought that Nana Addo could make that difference. 'I love the party and will do anything to make their dreams come true,' he said. I am very optimistic that the NPP when voted into power, would help the Creative Arts Industry to flourish. He said he was not afraid of victimisation because many fans would identify with his cause. Adding his voice to the numerous peace messages flooding the airwaves, Kaakyire said: 'Life is so sweet to enjoy so no one should engage in acts that will end his life'. GNA 25.11.2016 LISTEN By George-Ramsey Benamba, GNA Accra, Nov. 25, GNA - The inauguration of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) for the commencement of the Ayalolo Transport System is not to sideline the operations of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, President Mahama said on Friday. He said: "The system will rather supplement your efforts and provide time-bound transport services to commuters in the capital." President John Dramani Mahama said when he gave the go-ahead for the commencement of the Bus Rapid Transport System in selected areas of the Greater Accra Region. For a starter, the 245 buses would be commuting between Accra-Amasaman, Accra-Adentan and Accra-Kasoa. The buses are fully air-conditioned and fitted with USB charging systems, television sets, internet connectivity and controlled externally by a central control system in their offices. The buses would also move according to time that would, in due course, be communicated to all commuters. President Mahama said the transport system, which would be operated in Accra on pilot basis, would be replicated in all regional capitals in the coming days and called on Ghanaians to support the system to work successfully. He appealed to the drivers and management to handle the buses cautiously so as to achieve the purpose for which they were brought. The BRT system was initiated in 2011 when President Mahama, then the Vice President, broke the grounds for the building of the terminals at Adabraka in Accra Central. The idea was mooted when he visited Sweden to see how it was operated and to provide similar rapid transport system in Ghana. GNA By D.I. Laary/Priscilla S. Djentuh, GNA Accra, Nov. 25, GNA - The media have been warned to prevent political interest groups to use their platforms to perpetuate violence that might undermine the peace and security of the country. The National Media Commission (NMC) and the National Communication Authority (NCA) gave the warning at a joint press conference Thursday on media responsibility in the run-up to the 2016 polls. The two communication regulatory bodies said they would not hesitate to sanction any media outlet who flouted laid down regulations or breached ethical codes governing media operations as the elections inched up. 'You have to ensure that your platforms are not used to incite violence and in all situations diligently and independently investigate all allegations and claims by interest groups before putting them out,' the NMC Chairman, Nana Kwesi Gyan-Appenteng, said. He reminded frequency authorisation holders of their responsibility towards covering the 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections and the use of national recourses for public good. 'These obligations can be found under the terms of their broadcasting authorisations, the various guidelines of the NMC, the Code of Conduct of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters' Association and the Code of Ethics of the Ghana Journalists Association,'' he said. The regulators also cautioned broadcasters against airing false news reports which have the tendency to escalate tension in the election period. 'We are aware of efforts by several institutions to foster an atmosphere of tolerance and peace,'' Nana Gyan-Appenteng said. The NMC and the NCA condemned acts of violence during elections as they threatened Ghana's stability and diversity. They also urged citizens to ensure judicious and responsible use of social media to promote peace. The NMC Chairman was flanked by Mr Eugene Baffoe-Bonnie, the Board Chairman of the NCA, Mr William Tevie, the Director General of NCA and Mr George Sarpong, the Executive Secretary of NMC. GNA Accra, Nov. 25, GNA - The automation of Ghana's birth registration process has won the 'Changing Lives Award' at the just ended AfricaCom 2016 Awards in Cape Town, South Africa. The automation programme was spearheaded by the Births and Deaths Registry, UNICEF and the Mobile Network Operator, Tigo. AfricaCom is the biggest gathering of all African telecom service providers and vendors to network showcase and discuss new and emerging technologies. It also celebrates the contributions of outstanding operators. Commenting on the award, the Country Representative of UNICEF, Susan Namondo Ngongi, expressed happiness that the partnership was yielding great results. 'Birth registration is a fundamental human right and an important national exercise for inclusion and social protection. 'When we are able to identify children, the country can effectively plan in terms of resource mobilisation and distribution. We are also able to protect them from exploitation including child marriage and labour,' she said. The CEO for Tigo and 2015 AfricaCom CEO of the Year recipient, Roshi Motman, was grateful to UNICEF and the Government for the consistent support. 'Digital inclusion is an important focus for us and we will continue to look for innovative ways to integrate technology to create and scale up social good. 'The outcomes of this programme so far has been very impressive, together we are replacing the manual service with an effective and efficient process that ensures that every child is accounted for,' she added. 'The Births and Deaths registry is happy to note that through the collaborative efforts with Tigo and UNICEF, we are gradually overcoming the challenges associated with the manual registration of new births. 'Since the launch of the programme in May 2016, supervision has been made easier as senior officials are able to log into the system and verify which district and region has not up-loaded data since the last check. 'The programme promises good prospects of changing the face of birth registration and improved coverage in Ghana,' said the Registrar for Births and Deaths, John Agbeko. In May, UNICEF, Tigo and the Births and Deaths Registry officially launched the automation of birth registration in Ghana after months of testing and training to digitise the manual process. The programme, which is already being piloted in 300 communities across the country, has reduced paper work and travel time among officials of the Births and Deaths registry. It provides information in real time and digitally stores birth registration documents. The Mobile Birth Registration Android App collects data related to a child's name, gender, date of birth and other family details. This is then sent to a central database managed by the Births and Deaths Registry Once data is collected, a Birth certificate is issued to parents by Registry officers. The data is verified at national level and used for various vital statistics analysis. Data collected through the paper-based system could take up to six months to be entered into the central system, whereas the Mobile Birth Registration process achieves this in less than two minutes. The project has received a lot of support and commendation from various stakeholders. In September, it was showcased at the 'Every Woman, Every Child' event on the margins of the 71st UN General Assembly. GNA During the holidays, we often think about traditions. Part of what makes this time of year so special are the routines we hold dear. But some traditions, like being the one stuck with the dishes, are not as enjoyable. Unfortunately we also have to humor another tiresome tradition around this time every two years: the unfounded worry that Wisconsin is running out of money. You may have seen reports that Wisconsin is facing a $693 million shortfall based on agency requests and revenue projections. You may recall seeing the same story a few years ago, with a $2.2 billion figure attached. That number even made its way onto factcheck.org during the presidential primary. Ill wager that two years from now youll be seeing the same headline. So, when you do, heres what you need to know: State agencies begin the budget process by requesting funding from the governor. To continue with our holiday thinking, this is a wish list. As you go shopping for the items on your familys wish lists, you may see items ranging from gift cards to new watches to new phones. Weighing your income against the cost of these items, you may spring for the watch or gift cards and leave the phone for another day. This is how the state will treat these budget requests. Choosing to not fulfill a shopping request does not mean that you have run out of money, just as choosing to fund only portions of an agency request does not mean Wisconsin is going to come up short. It is also important to remember that Wisconsin, by law, is required to have a balanced budget. Assembly Republicans have a track record of going above and beyond this constitutional requirement, ending last session with a $131 million balance. The budget also reduced bonding to its lowest level in 20 years and maintained the largest rainy day fund in Wisconsins history, with $280 million. Going forward, we are committed to protecting K-12 and higher education, finding a sustainable solution to transportation funding, and making government as efficient as possible. The budget process is long, and we as lawmakers do our best to give our state programs opportunities to succeed while managing your tax dollars responsibly. It is important to stay informed of these agency requests, because they signal priorities and set the framework for the eventual budgets passage next summer. Just remember to take them for what they are, and not get too lost in the weeds. There are many better traditions to focus on this holiday season. - INEC has appointed the returning officer used in Edo state to serve for Ondo state - The reappointment has caused some unease, as PDP has rejected the move - PDP says it is a ploy to rig the election The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) has decided to Kayode Soremekun as the returning officer for Saturdays gubernatorial election in Ondo state, but the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the decision. [caption id="attachment_1061573" align="alignnone" width="800"] PDP says there is a deliberate plot by INEC to rig the Ondo elections.[/caption] Soremekun, who is the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, was the returning officer during Septembers gubernatorial election in neighbouring Edo state, which the partys candidate lost. The PDP claimed Soremekun was a party to the alleged widespread rigging during the election won by the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Godwin Obaseki. READ ALSO: BREAKING: PDP moves to postpone Ondo elections as Buhari presents candidate Banji Okunomo, the publicity secretary of the PDP in Ondo state, said the party had confirmed that several officials who perpetrated the rigging of the Edo election were being escorted to the state capital, Akure, on Friday by policemen from Ekiti state, with instructions to repeat what they did in Edo state. This is uncalled for and a further attestation to the All Progressives Congress (APC) desperation to rig the governorship election in favour of its candidate. We will not accept this, he said in a statement late on Thursday, November 24. It would be recalled that these same people were the ones used by the APC to manipulate the Edo State election which, today, is being described as one of the most fraudulent elections in the history of the nations democracy. Mr Okuomo said the APC in the state had been instructed to repeat the template it used in rigging the election in Edo state. It is rather unfortunate that the INEC in Ondo State would heed the instructions given by its defacto Chairman, Mrs Amina Zakari to use the Edo State template for Ondo state. Just like the experience in Edo State, the PDP has gathered that results have already been written for Prof. Soremekun and his team to announce after the election, he said. [caption id="attachment_1061571" align="alignnone" width="800"] The streets of Akure are all occupied with party faithfuls campaigning for their candidates in the forthcoming Ondo elections.[/caption] Mr Ojunomo wondered why INEC would bring back Mr. Soremekun after the controversy that surrounded his role in Edo State, when it could have used any professor from other nearby universities. There are so many University Dons of repute in Nigeria. If at all the INEC is constrained financially, it could still make do with Vice Chancellors of nearby Federal Universities in Osun, Oyo and even Edo States. Apparently, Prof Soremekun is not the only Vice Chancellor in Nigeria and there is no reason why he should be INECs choice again especially considering his controversial role in the rigging of the recently held Edo Election, he said. He warned INEC that any attempt to manipulate the result of Saturdays election would be vehemently resisted by the people on Ondo state. [caption id="attachment_1061570" align="alignnone" width="800"] Friday, November 25 has been declared a public holiday for the people of Ondo state.[/caption] We must let the INEC know that much as Ondo State people are peace loving, we would not allow any form of misdemeanour on the part of INEC or its agents. We would resist any attempt to manipulate the election result. We reject any form of advanced rigging in the Ondo State governorship election and want the electoral umpire to be unbiased for the sake of peace during and after the poll. We remain resolute in our commitment to building our democracy. However, we call on the electorate to be at alert till the final results of the election is announced, he said. In a similar vein, the Peoples Democratic Party National Youth Frontiers (PDPNYF) accused the presidency of conniving with some senior officials within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to rig the Saturdays governorship election in Ondo state in favour of Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The group also fingered a National Commissioner of INEC, Mrs Amina Zakari as the arrowhead of the alleged plot. The National Coordinator of PDPNYF, Comrade Austin Okai, while speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, alleged that the whole plot was championed by some powerful government officials within the Presidency. Source: Legit.ng Overtime Rule Is but the Latest Obama Initiative to End in Texas Court: Noam Scheiber and Barry Meier have this article in todays edition of The New York Times. A judge, not a justice, Garland expected to return to cases: Jessica Gresko of The Associated Press has a report that begins, Judge Merrick Garland will soon put on his black judicial robe for the first time in months. The bad news for President Barack Obamas nominee to the Supreme Court is that Garlands going back to hearing cases at his old job, not the high court. Judging Trump: Supreme Court choice on president-elects immediate agenda. Bill Mears of FoxNews.com has this report. Chasing Abortion Rights Across the State Line: Linda Greenhouse has this essay online today at The New York Times. Related Blogs Especially Appealing Blogs Positive movement coming out of D.C., rare beer offered for a weighty donation, a drunk-driving deer, Mexico and America strike brewing accord and Singapore could see a population spike. Read on for details DC Brau announced an expansion project that will allow the popular inside the beltway brewers to double production once brewing begins in spring of 2017. The brewery, which bills itself as DCs first packaging brewery since 1956, opened in 2009 and the new facility will take over the abandoned Central Union Mission food bank next door to the current brewery. President and head brewer, Jeff Hancock, stated in a press release that: The new 30-barrel, four-vessel GEA Craft-Star brewhouse will operate along side our current 15-barrel, three-vessel brewhouse. This will allow us to increase overall production of our flagship and seasonal beers while providing us the flexibility to brew one-offs and collaborations that pop up throughout the year. Hancock figures they will be able to increase production by 360% over the next decade. DC Brau currently produces the top twoand five of the top tenbeers in Washington, D.C. according to Beer Advocate. Fancy a bottle of Societe Brewing Co.s latest feral beer, The Urchin? Better be willing to pony up $50. Or, you could put together a 50-pound donation for their annual Holiday Food Donation to benefit needy San Diego families and get a bottle for a mere $5. The extremely limited beer is a blended, red wine barrel-aged cranberry sour ale, perfect for the holidays and comes in 500mL bottles. According to a blog post on their site, The Urchin is a dry, extremely balanced beer, exhibiting subtle cranberry tartness leveled out by tannins extracted from the wood of the wine barrels in which it matured. The deep crimson ale is light on the palate and finishes with a touch of tinder-box spice. The offer is good November 21 through December 31. While deer sightings along Americas highways are a common occurrence, having to report one for multiple driving infractions is rare. Drivers in Santa Cruz County, Calif. caught sight of what appeared to be a deer driving an ATV while drinking a beer. In actuality, it was just a dead deer riding in an ATV being pulled on a trailer holding a beer. The antic was a result of an extremely successful hunting trip that left too little space to haul the kill in a more practical fashion. We thought, lets just have a little fun with it, deerhunter Mike Huntoon told KION 5/46. We have to get the deer home, lets see if we can create a little humor, and apparently it worked. Buqui Bichi taproom In spite of the hostile political climate and pro-wall talk, two breweries on opposite sides of the border are joining together to promote unity. Tucsons Borderlands Brewing Company designed a beer with Hermosillo, Mexicos Buqui Bichi Brewery that can be brewed at either facility. We wanted to be a counterpoint to some of the more toxic sentiments that are going around right now, Borderlands Brewings Mike Mallozzi told Arizona Public Media. The recipe utilizes ingredients from both countries and will be called Cervesa Sin Fronteras or Beer Without Borders. The brown ale is currently available in both taprooms and will be served at the Arizona-Mexico Commission in early December. In an offer that reads like the plot to The Hangover Part IV, Danish brewing giant, Carlsberg, is offering one lucky drinker in Singapore the equivalent of around $14,000 to drink beer for four hours. Requirements include being a brand ambassador, enjoying Carlsberg during work and entertaining friends with probably the best beer in the world. While the gig requires zero experience, applicants do need to have a deep passion for Carlsberg, be able to work for four hours and not possess their own transportation. Potential hires must answer several hard-hitting questions (The song title that best describes how I feel when I drink a Carlsberg is among them) in 140 characters or less and be over 18 years of age. The job hunt is the second edition of the brewers Probably the Best Job in the World campaign. With a population of over 15,000, the island of Pico is the second largest in the Azores archipelago. Visitors would be remiss to think all the islands that make up whats been called Europes Hawaii are identical to one another. Certainly, they may mirror one another in natural beauty, but Picos geological traits make it great for adventure and outdoor activities. Also referred to as Ilha Preta (Black Island), the island has a dark surface due to the Pico Volcano, which erupted numerous times up until 1718. The volcano now lies dormant but Pico Island remains one of the more dynamic islands and requires rapt attention. Photo by Tiffany Leigh The vineyards on Pico are old souls; the origins of Picos viticulture date back to the 15th century. It is a breathtaking man-made landscape of stone walls laid out in grid formation running inland from, and parallel to, the rocky shore. This uniquely organized pattern for all the vine plots was to protect the Verdelho Pico grapes from the harsh winds and seawater. Go ahead and taste a few wines; the grapes have amazing depth of flavor from the terroirthe volcanic soil makes for vino with lush minerality. Photo by Tiffany Leigh Classified as a Stratovolcano, Mount Pico is the highest mountain of Portugal, situated 7,713 feet above sea level. Volcanic eruptions have occurred numerous times: once in the 1560s and again in 1718. As a result, there is a pit crater travelers can visit on Mount Picos summit called Pico Alto; it has a diameter of 1,600 feet and is 100 feet deep. Visitors can also hike the trails and ascend to the summit, if theyre up for it. For the first 5,000 feet or so, the mountain is covered in thick foliage. From that point on, the forest gives way to shrubbery for another 1,500 feet. The cap is comprised of lava rock. Spring and fall are the most ideal seasons to make the climb, weather wise. It can be treacherous in the winter months due to snow and harsh winds. The climb is well worth the effort, as breathtaking views of Pico and neighboring islands await at the top. OK, not entirely outdoors, but its got the same natural feel. Gruta das Torres, also known as the Underground Lava Tube, is a series of caves located on the western side of Pico in the town of Madalena. Visitors get to walk through interconnected lava tubes that were formed from a series of lava flows about 500-15,000 years ago. The diameter of the tubes ranges between two and 72 feet, and the caves height is between four and 49 feet, with elevations as high as 980 feet. The lava cave is over 3.2 miles in length. While donning construction hats with light beams and a sturdy pair of shoes, guides take guests underground to walk through the pitch-black lava tubes. Visitors have an opportunity to explore and learn about the geology and history of the tunnels while getting in a good walk. Photo by Hans van Klinken courtesy of azoresphotos.visitazores.com Pico residents once actively hunted sperm whales and used the blubber and bones as raw material for producing goods such as animal food, oil, fertilizer, teeth and ambergris (for perfume). In 1986, the inhumane industry was permanently shut down. Ten years later, a public museum opened to show the machinery and equipment used to hunt and process whales. Today, Pico hosts a thriving whale watching industry that is an ecologically sustainable business; the end goal is to actively participate in the study and protection of these creatures. Due to Picos geographical location, visitors can encounter 20 species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) swimming through their migratory routes. Visibility rate of success is at 98 percent. For the best chance to see these majestic creatures, visit between March and October. If whale watching is too tame, get up close and personal with sharks during a daring diving experience. The waters surrounding Pico Island receive nutrients from the Gulf Stream creating a rich and varied habitat. Mobulas, blue sharks and shortfin mako sharks come to a diving spot called Princess Alice, about 50 miles off Pico Island, to feed on the large amount of fish that feeds on food that ascends from the depths of this part of the Atlantic Ocean. During this expedition, professional underwater guides teach guests about these misunderstood animals. Shark expeditions last between five and six hours. Tiffany Leigh is a food, drink, and travel writer. She is a James Beard Foundation Scholarship Recipient and always travels with her companions #PinchietheLobster and #PJthelobster. 2016 Master Classics of Poker Amsterdam: Juha Helppi Leads, Carrel Makes Third Final Table November 24, 2016 Frank Op de Woerd The penultimate day of the 2016 Master Classics of Poker Main Event ended with two bustouts at the same time, making for a final table of nine without any delay of hand-for-hand play. Big names like Jussi Nevanlinna, Arne Coulier and Michiel Brummelhuis fell short, but digital railbirds anxious to follow along won't be disappointed with some of the players that did make it. Longtime rounder Juha Helppi leads the final nine with Charlie Carrel, who cashed five out of five this week, also still in. Seat Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Juha Helppi Finland 2,360,000 148 2 Hakim Zoufri Netherlands 1,603,000 100 3 Samuli Sipila Finland 376,000 24 4 Ivan Arbatsky Russia 1,843,000 115 5 Stefan Fabian Romania 811,000 51 6 Fabio Sperling Germany 1,525,000 95 7 Charlie Carrel United Kingdom 690,000 43 8 Michiel Brosky Netherlands 890,000 55 9 Rashed Zade Netherlands 564,000 35 Day 3 of the MCOP Main Event started with still 53 players in, all just in the money after the bubble had burst at the end of Day 2. As is the case with many post-bubble situations, players busted out left and right at the start. Before the first level was over, more than 15 players had already hit the rail. Foeke Deinum was the first to go but he wouldn't be standing alone at the payout desk as he was followed by a long queue of players also holding up their hands for checks worth 7,895 or more. The title defender, Jussi Nevanlinna, would fail on his goal of going back to back. The Fin, who won the event last year for 300,000 and also made the final table back in 2011 (second, 227,850) and 2014 (fifth, 71,985), limp shoved queen-deuce into king-queen in a battle of the blinds to go out in 35th place (9,586). Charlie Carrel, who was guaranteed to cash in five out of five tournaments played this week after making the money, started the day as chip leader but would not end it that way. He won and lost some small pots, only to lose a series of bigger ones to drop down significantly. He doubled Hakim Zoufri when a bluff with a missed flush draw failed and handed a whole lot of chips to eventual final table bubble Garreth Fields when he five-bet folded to a six-bet by his German neighbor. Juha Helppi knocked out Arne Coulier in a giant flip to become the chip leader. Helppi had jacks to Coulier's ace-king and saw the board blank out to take the top spot and send his Belgian opponent to the rail. While Coulier's demise came in the form of one single huge hand, Michiel Brummelhuis had two hands that contributed to his downfall. The former November Niner first ran pocket fives into pocket jacks and lost the remainder with sevens to ace-king to go out in 13th place. After Ben Heath exited in 12th place, things went really fast. At the same time, at two different tables, two players busted. Garreth Fields went out in 11th after shoving king-five into aces and Artur Koren moved in with ace-three into kings at the same time. Both times the best hand held up, and just like that, the tournament was down to just nine players. Artur Koren (left) busted to Michiel Brosky (right) to bubble the final table (photo: Holland Casino) The final nine return to Holland Casino Amsterdam at 3 p.m. to play down to a winner. They'll be welcomed by a big crowd and will make their entrance walking up to the final table to their own song played and cheered on by their friends and family. They're all guaranteed 27,349 at this point, but finishing first yields the champion 10 times more than that. PokerNews.com will be on the floor to keep you up to date on all the bustouts, coolers and bad beats. By: Healy Consultants End -- Vietnam has decided to put aside the ratification of the US-backed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade accord following the recent political changes in the United States.The TPP, that is a signature economic policy President Barack Obama, now looks increasingly uncertain with a Republican-dominated Congress and an incoming president that already declared the project a "disaster".The Vietnamese prime minister announced this on Thursday 17, citing the trade deal's future uncertainty under the incoming US President Donald Trump."The United States had announced it is suspending the submission of TPP to the parliament so there are not sufficient conditions for Vietnam to submit its proposal for ratification,"said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaking to the National Assembly.The TPP project would give a big boost to Vietnam's export and manufacturing industry, that is currently receiving a record high FDI injections due to the country's relative stability, cheap labour and numerous trade agreements."We already have signed 12 free trade agreements, so joining the TPP is good, but without joining TPP we will still continue to further the economic integration under programs we have joined," added Prime Minister Nguyen.Although the TPP involves 12 member countries, according to the agreement's stipulations, the deal can only be adopted if the United States is a part of it since the country's economy represents at least 70% of the combined GDP of the member states.Vietnam however looks to continue to maintain good relations with the United States as much as it does all other countries globally."We are ready to cooperate with the United States for co-development on the principle of respecting independence, territorial sovereignty, causing no harms to each other. In that spirit, I believe the Vietnam-US ties will be better in the coming time."Healy Consultants Group PLC is a professional corporate services provider headquartered in Singapore and with a presence in Vietnam since 2003. The company helps global entrepreneurs looking to establish their international businesses in different sectors of the economy with, among others, company registration, tax and vat registration, assistance with obtaining business licenses and official business addresses, opening a corporate and merchant bank account and obtaining work or residence visas. Taiwan's biggest theme park, Leofoo Village has launched app to combat queue time By: The Brighter Group Contact The Brighter Group ***@brightergroup.com The Brighter Group End -- The biggest theme park in Taiwan, Leofoo Village, has launched a revolutionary app, 'Lineup', in order to reduce wait times for their rides. The Taiwan Tourism Bureau has developed the technology in partnership with a start-up to enable visitors to virtually queue for up to three rides at a time. Users will also be able to take advantage of coupons and discounts exclusive to 'Lineup' for restaurants and shops on-site whilst they wait. Debuted during the Mid-Autumn Festival this year, the app means Leofoo Village is the first-ever smart park in Asia.Located in Hsinchu County, the theme park boasts four themed areas, 'Wild West', 'South Pacific', 'Arabian Kingdom' and 'African Safari'. Not only is it Asia's first ever smart park, but it is also the first fantasy world to combine both an amusement park and safari. There are also musical water showers, large parades and magnificent dancing shows on offer. Thanks to this unique range of attractions, Leofoo Village is also a popular filming location.This development is typical of tech-savvy Taiwan. The destination offers visitors forward thinking technology such as iTaiwan ( https://itaiwan.gov.tw/ en/ ), a service which provides wireless internet to travellers free of charge. Sustainability is also used in partnership with technology through the RunKeeper ( https://runkeeper.com/ partnerships ) app, which works in conjunction with YouBike to track the journeys of users of the communal bike service. In addition, the EasyCard (https://www.easycard.com.tw/english/index.asp)can be used to pay for public transport as well as shops and taxis across the capital city.Flights to Taiwan start from 892 in December 2016.For more information on Leofoo Village Theme Park visit www1.leofoo.com.tw/village/en/Info.aspxFor more information please visit eng.taiwan.net.tw/Media Information:For further information on Taiwan please visit eng.taiwan.net.twFor media enquiries, please contact Miranda Harle or Laoise Collins at The Brighter Group ontaiwan@brightergroup.com or telephone 020 7326 9880. According to a Prague City Report by JLL, almost 500 million of commercial real estate was transacted in Q3 2016 contributing to an year to date investment volume of 1,450 million. In the third quarter, 12 transactions were closed providing an average transaction volume of 41 million. The office sector [] House prices in Northern Ireland remain some 40% below their 2007 peak, but lack of supply is pushing them steadily upward. In light of rapidly increased demand for new homes, Property Frontiers has launched the second phase of the Frontiers' Collection apartments at The Sandford in Belfast. According to Savills, [] Hero Cycles unveiled four e-cycles with Electric Pedal Assisted Technology (EPAC). The e-cycles were introduced under the Lectro brand in the country and all priced between INR 42,000 and INR 83,000. These bikes are offered with a detachable lithium-ion battery which can be charged at home in a matter of 4 hours with which it can run for over 50 kms. It consists of a three point LED indicator which displays level of charge in the battery. Hero Cycles introduced these four models in Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai and NCR in the first phase while in the second phase launch is planned in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra will by end of the year. The Lectro EPACs are the first in a series of Heros European brand launches in India. The company plans as many as 20 such EPAC products over the next few months and the products have been launched in India at a time when both health and environment experts are spearheading the urgent need for eco-friendly transport facilities in a bid to bring down air pollution which is rising at an alarming rate. The Lectro range includes Ozone, priced at INR 42,050, Spark that is been priced at INR 81,150 and top-of-the-line Renew priced at INR 83,050. Tech specs and features of Hero Electro Ozone Price INR 42,050 Li-ion, 36v 8.8Ah, Panasonic cells Bafang- RM G10.250D, 36V, 250W, 40 Nm, 36H Rear Hub Motor LED display 1-5 PAS Modes F-white Reflector, Rear Reflector Cadence Sensor w/o Torque Motor Power cut-off upto 25kmph Range/Charge 45km AL Alloy frame material Front Fork: zoom- CH-389A, 650 B suspension adjustable pre load, with mechanical load and Disc mount Promax Mechanical Disc Brake, 160mm 36V/2A charger Dimension (cm): 13922.575 Bicycle weight (kg): 22.6 Tech specs and features of Hero Electro Spark Price INR 81,150 Li-ion, 30v 5.3Ah, Boston Power cells Bike All in one rear Hub Motor (Battery, Controller, Motor all integrated) Smart Phone Connectivity 0-100% Pedal Assist Mode F-white LED Lamp 6V, Powered via Dynamo Hub Cadence & Torque Inside Hub Motor Motor Power cut-off upto 25kmph Range/Charge 45km 2-3 hours charging time Front Shimano 3 Spd, FD M390, Rear Shimano RD M390 with 1-speed AL Alloy material Suspension Fork Assy. (26T) 140 HT B class with ED coating thread less type, C.D. 125mm Promax Front Disc-DSK 31O 0 16O, Rear V-Brake 30V/2A battery charger Dimension (cm): 13922.575 Bicycle weight (kg): 19 Tech specs and features of Hero Electro Renew Price INR 82,050 Li-ion, 48v 11.6Ah, Panasonic clls Bafang- RMG06 350D, 48V, 250W, 80 Nm, 36H Rear Hub Motor LCD with Head Lamp Control 1-5 PAS Modes F-white LED Lamp 6V, R-Red LED Lamp, 6V (Brightness change) BB axle Torque Sensor + Cadense Motor Power cut-off upto 25kmph Range/Charge 50km 3-4 hours charging time Derailleur: Rear Shimano 7 speed RD-M310 AL Alloy frame material Mozo, 26? suspension with mechanical lock out Tektro, Hydraulic disc brake, HD-E530, 160mm with brake sensor 48V/2A battery charger Dimension (cm): 155x32x80 Bicycle weight (kg): 31.6 News Release Three hundred and ninety-five years after Pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts, researchers from UMass Boston's Andrew Fiske Memorial Center for Archaeological Research can say they have definitively discovered evidence of the original 1620 Plymouth settlement. Part of the proof involves a calf that UMass Boston students have affectionately named Constance. For the fourth summer, David Landon, associate director of the Fiske Center, led a group of undergraduate and graduate students in a field school in Plymouth offered through UMass Boston's College of Advancing and Professional Studies. Landon and the students spent five weeks on Burial Hill looking for the site of the original Pilgrim settlement. Landon's goal when he started was to find evidence of the original settlement prior to the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Plymouth Colony in 2020. He met his goal four years early, in the first year of a three-year, $200,000 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant. Because the original structures weren't built with bricks, the research team couldn't look for foundations. Rather, they had to look for "post and ground construction" -- basically holes for wood, and dirt. "While we're digging, we're constantly in the process of trying to interpret what we're finding. It really goes to just moving slowly and trying to see if there are any patterns in the flow that we can map out. As soon as that starts, it becomes a slow process. It's about much more than the artifacts -- it's about trying to pin down soil color and trying to understand constructed features that are no longer there," Landon said. But then Landon's team did start finding 17th century artifacts: 17th century pottery, tins, trade beads, and musket balls -- around that post and ground construction. Landon says the students and researchers were at this point cautiously optimistic that they had found a location inside the settlement walls. And then they found "Constance" -- a calf buried whole in the bottom-most pit. Because native people didn't have domestic cattle, Landon says we know that she lived -- and died -- in the confines of the original Plymouth settlement. "Constance is a great symbol of this. Oftentimes success in the colony depended on herds of cattle. It became a centerpiece of the economy. So the calf does connect us to that story," Landon said. Kathryn Ness is the curator of collections at Plimoth Plantation, UMass Boston's partner in this project. She says this discovery is huge. "Finding evidence of colonial activity inside the original 1620 Plymouth settlement is an incredibly exciting discovery that has the potential to change dramatically our understanding of early European colonization in New England. For the first time, we have proof of where the settlement was located and what kinds of items the Pilgrims owned and used," Ness said. "At Plimoth Plantation, the team's findings will help us further refine our exhibits, as we use archaeological evidence and historical documents as the basis for our portrayal of the past and to ensure that our buildings, activities, and reproduction objects are as accurate as possible. We are looking forward to learning more about their discoveries and seeing what they find next season!" Landon and more students and researchers will be back next summer. "We've opened the first window but we want a bigger view. We want the bay window. We want to see if we can find other components," Landon said. For now, researchers and students are cleaning, labeling, and researching what was found this past summer. They're also going to be trying to figure out how Constance died and why she was buried, rather than eaten. Toronto hotel rooms and Airbnb rentals are going to be pricier under Mayor John Torys new user-fee plan. And the industry is giving it a bad rating. Are we disappointed? Absolutely, said Terry Mundell, president and CEO of the Greater Toronto Hotel Association. We continue to oppose a hotel tax. Its not something thats going to drive investment in Toronto, he said. Tory said in his speech to the Toronto Board of Trade Thursday that he supports making the citys voluntary destination marketing fee a mandatory hotel tax at all Toronto hotels. That includes Airbnb and other online short-term rentals. Mundell said he appreciates the inclusion of Airbnb in the Toronto mayors plans, but that it would hardly level the playing field. We still pay one of the highest hotel property taxes in North America already, said Mundell, noting residential property taxes are also less than the commercial taxes hotels pay. A hotel tax is estimated to contribute at least $20 million to the citys operating budget. Comparable cities in the U.S. charge as much as 18 per cent extra on the hotel bill, he said. Our community wants to pay their fair share, said Airbnb spokesperson Alex Dagg in an emailed statement. She noted Airbnb has agreements in more than 200 jurisdictions globally to collect and remit hotel taxes on behalf of both hosts and guests. We are committed to working with local government officials on creating fair, sensible rules for home-sharing, including around taxation, Dagg said. Dagg pointed out that, earlier this year, the online renter launched a pilot project with Ontarios finance ministry to promote consumer awareness during tax season about the unit owners reporting obligations. We already help our hosts pay taxes on the income they earn through hosting, she added. Julie Kwiecinski, director of provincial affairs (Ontario) at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said the city should, instead, find savings in each department, not impose unnecessary user fees on residents and visitors. Taxes like these are the easy way out, she said after Torys speech. Its already expensive enough to live in the city and do business here, she said of the road tolls and hotel tax proposals outlined by the mayor. At the end of the day, its going to cost more to do business in Toronto, she added. One silver lining for business is that the mayor confirmed he wont support a parking levy which would have meant charging property owners for every parking spot they offer, paid or free. They feared this would affect everything from shopping malls to funeral homes and factories. It was a huge grenade for our industry, so: crisis averted, said a relieved Brooks Barnett, manager of government relations and policy for the Real Property Association of Canada (REALpac). The industry coalition had warned that property owners, especially small businesses, would shoulder a huge double-taxation burden if a parking levy were to be implemented. Road tolls are the right way forward, Barnett said. Jan De Silva, president and CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade, said Tory presented credible funding solutions to the citys economic woes. For a generation, our region went without building desperately needed transit. As the debate unfolds, the board will carefully review and comment on the details of the proposed road tolls and other measures, said De Silva. Tory also announced the end of a program that offers rebates to owners of vacant commercial and industrial buildings, nearly half of them downtown where property values have skyrocketed. Under the provincially mandated program, property owners with empty commercial properties can get a rebate on their property tax bill of 30 per cent, and 35 per cent for industrial. Barnett said the commercial vacancy rate was quite high in 2001 when the rebate was implemented, but said the industry is very healthy now, so its no longer necessary. Read more about: SHARE: MONTREALThe federal and Quebec governments are under pressure to quickly commit funding for Montreals new $5.9-billion electric train project, which the Caisse de depot is promoting as a model for funding infrastructure projects. Quebecs pension fund manager has created an infrastructure subsidiary to oversee the construction and operation of the 67-kilometre network, which is to be ready for service by the end of 2020. The Caisse is also contributing $3.1 billion and the city of Montreal is committing $100 million for the project. Ottawa and the province are being asked to split the remaining $2.7-billion estimated cost. The projects price increased by $400 million with Fridays announcement of three new underground stations that will shorten travel times to the downtown core and relieve congestion on one of the citys most congested subway lines. The Caisse de depots president and CEO, Michael Sabia, says the network of electric trains is exactly the type of project that Ottawa should want to support as it spends more on infrastructure and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sabia says he expects the two levels of government will announce their financial support within the next four months. Federal officials werent immediately available for comment. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested last spring that his government is keenly interested in the project, which fits a commitment to support eco-friendly projects. In his fall economic update, Finance Minister Bill Morneau said that Ottawa will add $81 billion in spending over 11 years, raising total federal infrastructure spending to $187 billion through the 2027-2028 financial year. Read more about: SHARE: LOS ANGELESFlorence Henderson, who went from Broadway star to one of Americas most beloved television moms in The Brady Bunch, has died, her manager and her publicist said. She was 82. Henderson died Thursday night at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, after being hospitalized the day before, said her publicist, David Brokaw. Henderson had suffered heart failure, her manager Kayla Pressman said in a statement. Family and friends had surrounded Hendersons hospital bedside, Pressman said. On the surface, The Brady Bunch, with Henderson as its ever-cheerful matriarch, Carol Brady, resembled just another TV sitcom about a family living in suburban America and getting into a different wacky situation each week. But well after it ended its initial run, in 1974, the show resonated with audiences, and it returned to TV in various forms, including The Brady Bunch Hour in 1977, The Brady Brides in 1981 and The Bradys in 1990. It was also seen endlessly in reruns. It represents what people always wanted: a loving family. Its such a gentle, innocent, sweet show, and I guess it proved theres always an audience for that, Henderson said in 1999. Premiering in 1969, it also was among the first shows to introduce to television the blended family. As its theme song reminded viewers each week, Hendersons Carol was a single mother raising three daughters when she met her TV husband, Robert Reeds Mike Brady, a single father who was raising three boys. The eight of them became The Brady Bunch, with a quirky housekeeper, played by Ann B. Davis, thrown into the mix. Mourners flooded social media with memories of Henderson. Both her Brady co-star Maureen McCormick and Dancing With the Stars host Tom Bergeron posted their thoughts on Twitter, according to City News Service. Her last public appearance was at the Dancing With the Stars taping on Monday, when she was in the audience to support McCormick, who competed this season. The blond ever-smiling Henderson was already a Broadway star when the show began, having originated the title role in the musical Fanny. But after The Brady Bunch, she would always be known to fans as Carol Brady. We had to have security guards with us. Fans were hanging on our doors. We couldnt go out by ourselves. We were like the Beatles! she said of the attention the show brought the cast. Like the Beatles, there was even a Saturday morning cartoon version called Brady Kids, although Henderson was not in that show. She and Reed did return, however, for The Brady Bunch Hour, The Brady Brides and The Bradys. So did most of the original cast. She was also back again in 1995 when a new cast was assembled for The Brady Bunch Movie, a playful spoof of the original show. This time she was Grandma Brady opposite Shelley Longs Carol. Numerous memoirs also kept interest in the show alive, as cast members revealed they were more than just siblings off camera. Barry Williams, who played eldest son Greg Brady, would confess to having a crush on his TV stepmom. Henderson, in her own book, denied having any relationship with Williams, but did acknowledge a fling with former New York City mayor John Lindsay. Henderson was a 19-year-old drama student in New York when she landed a one-line role in the play Wish You Were Here. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II were so impressed they made her the female lead in a 1952 road tour of Oklahoma! When the show returned to Broadway for a revival in 1954, she continued in the role and won rave reviews. She is the real thing, wrote Walter Kerr of the New York Herald Tribune. To broaden her career, Henderson took acting, dancing, singing and guitar lessons, even studying French and Italian. She went on to play Maria in a road production of The Sound of Music, was Nellie Forbush in a revival of South Pacific and was back on Broadway with Jose Ferrer in The Girl Who Came to Supper in 1963. She made her movie debut in 1970 in Song of Norway, based on the 1944 operetta with music by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Her career nearly came to an end in 1965 when she suddenly lost her hearing while appearing in The King and I in Los Angeles, and was diagnosed with a condition linked to heredity. Corrective surgery in both ears restored my hearing, she said in 2007. As her TV career blossomed with The Brady Bunch, Henderson also began to make frequent TV guest appearances. She was the first woman to host The Tonight Show for the vacationing Johnny Carson. For eight years she also commuted to Nashville to conduct a cooking and talk series, Country Kitchen, on the Nashville Network. The show resulted in a book, Florence Hendersons Short Cut Cooking. After The Brady Bunch ended its first run, Henderson alternated her appearances in revivals of the show with guest appearances on other programs, including Hart to Hart, Fantasy Island and The Love Boat. In later years she also made guest appearances on such shows as Roseanne, Ally McBeal and The King of Queens. The Los Angeles Times reports that she also became a commercial spokeswoman and co-produced Country Kitchen, a Nashville Network series. Florence Agnes Henderson was born Feb. 14, 1934, in the small town of Dale in southern Indiana. She was the 10th child of a tobacco sharecropper of Irish descent. In grade school, she joined the choir at a Catholic church in Rockport, Ind. After high school she moved to New York, where she enrolled in a two-year program at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, her studies financed by a theatrical couple who had been impressed by her singing when they saw her perform in high school. She dropped out of the program after one year, however, to take the role in Wish You Were Here. Henderson married theatre executive Ira Bernstein and the couple had four children before the union ended in divorce after 29 years. Her second husband, John Kappas, died in 2002. Pressman said she is survived by her children; Barbara, Joseph, Robert and Lizzie, their respective spouses, and five grandchildren. SHARE: OTTAWAThe Liberal government is rolling back a number of controversial changes to Canadas voting process. Maryam Monsef, the minister for democratic institutions, has introduced legislation that will allow voters to use the voter information card as valid ID to cast a ballot. The government is also restoring the ability of voters to vouch for other citizens who lack identification, permitting them to vote and restoring the chief electoral officers mandate to educate voters. The previous Conservative government tightened voting rules with its controversial Fair Elections Act, which critics said was aimed at suppressing the vote of people unlikely to support Conservative options. In the last election, we promised to repeal the anti-democratic elements of the former governments Fair Elections Act, Monsef told a news conference Thursday. Today were delivering on that promise Our legislation will make seven reforms that will break down unnecessary barriers to voting, while enhancing the efficiency and the integrity of our elections. The new bill also expands the right to vote to more than a million Canadians living abroad. It will also provide more independence to the commissioner of elections, who investigates election irregularities and fraud. The Conservatives under Stephen Harper had introduced a sweeping array of reforms in an effort to fight voter fraud although experts disputed the extent to which that fraud existed in the first place. Monsef said she travelled the country talking to people about expanding access to the ballot box. Its easy to take democracy for granted, but weve seen what happens when governments unfairly limit access to the electoral process, she said. Were removing barriers that never needed to be there in the first place. Heres a looked at the proposed changes to electoral laws: 1. People will be able to use their voter information cards mailed out by Elections Canada as ID when they go to vote. 2. People will again be allowed to vouch for another voter at polling places in order to allow that person to vote. 3. The chief electoral officer will be allowed to conduct broad public education campaigns. 4. A national register of future electors will allow Elections Canada to pre-register young people ages 14-17 to vote once they come of age. 5. Elections Canada will be given the resources to clean up data in the national register of electors. 6. The Commissioner of Canada Elections, who investigates voter fraud and other election offences, will be moved back under the responsibility of Elections Canada. 7. The voting rights of more than a million Canadians living abroad will be expanded. SHARE: The Ontario government seems to have backed away from a commitment made by the environment minister earlier in the week to clean up the river near Grassy Narrows. Responding to a question in the legislature Wednesday, Environment Minister Glen Murray said the river would be cleaned up to the satisfaction of the chief and the health of the people of Grassy Narrows. Murrays comments came after a Star investigation found that fish from nearby Clay Lake and two points along the Wabigoon River near Grassy Narrows are the most mercury-contaminated in Ontario. On Thursday, Grassy Narrows Chief Simon Fobister sent out a response to Murrays comments, inviting Premier Kathleen Wynne to put this historic commitment in writing and sign it alongside me in proper ceremony so that we can know it is real. We have borne 54 years of poison and inaction we need a firm timeline and a realistic budget to get this cleanup done as soon as humanly possible. We will not rest until our fish are safe to eat again, Fobister said. Wynne did not directly respond to a question from NDP environment critic Peter Tabuns Thursday about whether she would accept the chiefs invitation. We are committed to doing everything in our power to clean up Grassy Narrows, to take that mercury out of the ecosystem, Wynne said. But, as I have said many, many times, we are not going to act in contradiction of science that would say that if we take certain actions we will make the situation worse, she added. While the government has earmarked money for more field testing, it appears there is no plan to clean up the river despite what environment minister Murray said Wednesday. A report released this May by scientist Dr. John Rudd says the river system can be cleaned up and recommends a plan to do so largely based on a method called resuspension (when clean sediment is placed in the water so that it settles on the bottom of the lake to stabilize the mercury-contaminated sediment), as well as another technique that involves injecting nitrate or oxygen into the bottom of lakes. The Star previously reported this method of resuspension was also recommended by Ontarios environment minister in 1984. (The ministers recommendation was prompted by a 1983 scientific report that Rudd was also part of.) Instead, the province chose to allow the river to clean up naturally. Scientists have told the Star that the dangerously high mercury levels in the river system today suggest there is an ongoing source that needs to be found and stopped. We recommended how to clean up the river after our studies were completed in the 1980s, Rudd said in May. More than 30 years later, after much further research, Im even more convinced that these remedies will work. Murray said the government was committed to the first steps of the plan outlined in Rudds report that deals with field testing. The work plan is the essential prerequisite to action, Murray tweeted Thursday. The province earmarked $600,000 in June for this field testing, though it has been criticized by the NDP for taking too long to release the funds with the result of scientists having lost time in the field. In another press release Thursday, the David Suzuki Foundation called on the province to release more details. While we applaud the minister for promising to act, we need an immediate commitment from the premier with a budget and timeline, said Rachel Plotkin, the foundations science projects manager. Suzuki is now being joined by 60 Canadian writers, including Margaret Atwood and Vincent Lam, who are echoing his calls to see the mercury contamination near Grassy Narrows cleaned up. I am deeply moved that writers in Canada stand with Grassy Narrows to see that the right thing is done, said Lam, who is also a medical doctor. It is time for this mess to be cleaned up. With files from Robert Benzie SHARE: OTTAWAA pediatric doctor and a health administrator have been tabbed to examine how four indigenous men from northern Manitoba were switched at birth 40 years ago. Federal Health Minister Jane Philpott promised the review after two sets of men came forward following DNA tests. The tests showed they had been sent home from Norway House Indian Hospital with the wrong mothers. Health Canada says Dr. David Creery and Maura Davies have agreed to lead the independent review. Creery is a pediatric intensive care doctor and medical director of patient safety at the Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa. Davies is the former president and CEO of the Saskatoon Health Region and is experienced in health-services delivery. The department takes this issue very seriously and is committed to supporting the individuals and families affected by these traumatic events, Health Canada said in a release Thursday. The review team will conduct a thorough examination of available hospital records and will contact key individuals who were involved at that time. This review is intended to clarify the circumstances of the known cases. Philpott spoke with three of the men in Winnipeg on Monday in what she called an emotional meeting. They spoke about how difficult this has been and also about their very sincere need and desire to heal from the trauma they have endured from this, she said afterwards. Last fall, Luke Monias and Norman Barkman discovered they grew up with each others parents after being switched as babies at the Norway House hospital in 1975. This summer, DNA tests revealed a similar mix-up involving Leon Swanson and David Tait Jr., who were born at the same hospital in the same year. Philpott has called the mix-ups appalling. The RCMP is also investigating. Creery and Davies are to work with a team that will also include the family doctor of two of the men. Health Canada says it is confident the panel will conduct this review in a manner that is sensitive to and respectful of the affected individuals, their families and communities. The review is to be completed early next year. Health Canada says the results will be made public. Read more about: SHARE: The circumstances surrounding the 2015 deaths of two homeless Toronto men Brad Chapman and Grant Faulkner will be examined jointly in a coroners inquest. One man collapsed in an alley near a hotel and later died. The other perished when his makeshift hut caught fire. Family members and advocates for the homeless hope the inquest will help prevent similar deaths in the future. The Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario announced plans for the public inquest Thursday, and is aiming to conduct the probe by the end of 2017. The news comes nine months after a Star investigation into the death of Chapman, who was found unconscious outside a downtown hotel one morning in August. The 43-year-old father of three spent a week in Toronto General Hospital deteriorating as a John Doe before being identified and removed from life support. This news is bittersweet for us, said Leigh Chapman, Brad Chapmans sister and a registered nurse who lobbied the coroner for an inquest after the Stars investigation. We hope the inquest will highlight the obvious gaps in the system so that they can be addressed in the public interest, with the aim of preventing similar deaths. Unlike Chapman who succumbed during the summer, Faulkner also a father of three died on a bitter winter night in a Scarborough field. On Jan. 13, 2015, fire tore through the makeshift hut Faulkner, 49, was sleeping in behind a business in the McCowan Rd. and Sheppard Ave. area. He had reportedly been using a propane heater for warmth. Firefighters rushed to the scene but could not save him. Cathy Crowe, a longtime Toronto street nurse and an anti-homeless activist, said she felt relieved at the news of the joint inquest. It was beginning to feel like homeless people dying didnt matter, she said. Crowe was part of a group, including the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, that has been pushing the coroner to investigate the January 2015 deaths of four homeless men. Faulkner was one of them. Regional supervising coroner Dr. Roger Skinner will preside over the inquest. Skinner said he could not comment on the matter when reached by the Star. An inquest is a public hearing conducted by a coroner before a jury of five members of the community. Any recommendations made by the jury at the conclusion of the inquest are not binding, but government policy can often be guided by the recommendations. The inquests terms of reference have yet to be determined. Central Region Supervising Coroner Dr. James Edwards, who made the announcement, said while the goal is to begin the inquest by the end of 2017, the timing is dependent on how long it takes to assemble all the necessary information, such as autopsy reports, witness statements and expert testimony, if required. Edwards said Chapman and Faulkner were chosen because his office had previously investigated their deaths and felt the men illustrated various aspects of homelessness that would aid a jury in developing recommendations. Its a chance to inform the public about members of our city who died in circumstances like (theirs), Edwards told the Star. The Stars investigation in February also found that the provincial government and most municipalities in Ontario do not track homeless deaths fully, or at all. The Star revealed that the coroners office has no mandate to track all homeless deaths in the province, and that there is no central provincial registry to which hospitals and shelters can report the deaths of homeless individuals. Currently, the City of Toronto tracks only shelter-related deaths homeless individuals who die in city-administered shelters, or shortly after leaving a shelter. Between 2007 and September 2016, Toronto recorded 243 shelter-related deaths. In March, prompted by the Stars investigation, Toronto council voted to begin tracking all homeless deaths that occur in the city, not just those that are related to shelters. City staff are still working on developing methods to collect this information and plan to launch a tracking system next year, according to Paul Fleiszer, manager of the surveillance and epidemiology unit at Toronto Public Health. SHARE: ST. JOHNS, N.L.A Canadian soldier who died in Jordan was returned home to Newfoundland under escort Thursday. Maj. Scott Footes remains were taken to St. Johns International Airport, where he was received by members of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. Police escorted him to his final resting place, while firefighters stood on an overpass as the procession passed by. Military officials say the 50-year-old from Carbonear was found unconscious in a gymnasium in Amman earlier this month. Foote was pronounced dead after attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. His death has been labelled non-combat related and National Defence officials say there are no indications of foul play. He had been in Jordan since September as part of a team looking at ways to train the Jordanian military as part of Canadas fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. SHARE: I believe we are in danger of being swamped by Asians. They have their own culture and religion, form ghettos and do not assimilate. Long before Donald Trump, long before Kellie Leitch, there was Pauline Hanson. Back in 1996, the odious Australian gave one of the most divisive speeches in that countrys history when she made her parliamentary debut. Thousands took to the streets in protest and she was eventually banished to the fringes as a hate-monger. Some 20 years later, as bigotry has made a comeback, so has she this time as a senator with a significant say on legislation related to issues such as immigration and equality. Her first speech to the Senate in September this year echoed the earlier one, only swapping the target of hate. We are in danger of being swamped by Muslims who bear a culture and ideology that is incompatible with our own, she said. To those not prepared to adapt to the Australian way of life, I suggest that you go back to where you came from. Euphemistic, polite Canada is following in the footsteps of its brasher twin. Around the time of Hansons newer speech, Canadian Conservative MP Kellie Leitch was becoming known around the country for proposing a Canadian values screening test for immigrants. The Canadian values she identified include freedom and oh, the irony tolerance. Are you saying to me that we can ask someone about their income, but we cant ask them if they believe in equality of women? she asked The Canadian Press in September. If you take that test to its logical conclusion, she would be relying on honesty a remarkably good value to have for someone to say, No, we dont believe in equality for women. It would be just as meaningless as asking Leitch, Do you believe in equality for all races and religions? As with Hanson, Leitchs policy proposals are being disavowed by her own party members. These include rivals such as Jason Kenney (even he of the bring-in-immigrants-but-ditch-their-parents fame) and provincial conservatives such as Ontarios Patrick Brown. Fellow progressive conservative Steve Kent of Newfoundland and Labrador has known Leitch for a couple years. He calls her a bright, capable, passionate woman. But I was really struggling with some of the campaigns divisive policy position, he says. In mid-November, he pulled back his endorsement of her. When we talk about Canadian values, I think many are forgetting that the fact that the first Canadians, the first to inhabit this place were aboriginal people, and they have suffered immensely over the years and continue to endure hardship and the impacts of institutionalized racism that speak to the need to reevaluate our values as Canadians. But instead of bitterness, we are seeing an aboriginal movement towards reconciliation As we accept that generous offer and the opportunity to heal old wounds, we should also learn from it, and apply it to building healthy relationships with those of many other diverse cultures instead of building walls. Trump, too, provoked vocal distaste for his racist and xenophobic exhortations, from within the Republican Party and outside. What remained out of sight was the silent agreement of those whose primitive passions his words fed. Leitch who on Wednesday called for the dismantling of Canadas much-vaunted CBC has everything to gain from courting controversy. It has catapulted her from no-name to some-fame on the national stage. But if she is to follow Hansons style and Trumps trajectory, Canada has a lot to lose. Populism distracts from serious issues of proficiency and policy-making, and I suspect Leitch is going to ratchet up the rhetoric. For this, she needs the media. The Trump playbook showed her how to feed off the publics attraction to controversy, by forcing media coverage with outrageous statements. There is no such thing as bad publicity. Rejection by her fellow conservatives and negative media coverage play right into her hands by hardening the attitudes of those suspicious of mainstream media and the elite. More publicity also means more funds; Leitch is already claiming strong fundraising. Let us learn from Americas mistakes and not get played. Recent developments in the U.S. have shown how quickly divisive supremacist ideals can take root. Canada is a robust democracy with a wide spectrum of ideologies. We have plenty of room for disagreement among honorable people. You cant lead a unified country if you need to divide it on your way to power. You cant teach love with fear. Why should the country suffer at the altar of one persons political ambitions? If media mainstream and social cut off the air that fuels hate, it would nip this nonsense in the bud. It would work if we all did it. For Canadas sake, lets do it. Lets ignore Kellie Leitch. Shree Paradkar tackles issues of race and gender. You can follow her @shreeparadkar Read more about: SHARE: A man was spotted on three separate occasions in November peering through windows of homes in Agincourt, in Toronto. Residents contacted police after they spotted a man looking into their windows around the McCowan Rd. and Finch Ave. E. area. The incidents occurred between Nov. 14 and Nov. 23. Toronto Police Services are investigating. Witnesses describe the man as white, between the ages of 25 and 35, between 510 and 62 tall, and of a thin-to-medium build. Police are reminding residents to secure their doors and windows, and report any suspicious activity. SHARE: As a brilliant defence lawyer, Marie Henein certainly needs no defending by me. I shall do so anyway. Not merely because I consider Marie a friend but because the dark forces of self-righteous censorship are gathering again and if its not an esteemed Toronto criminal lawyer who gets up their pinched noses, then it can be a newspaper columnist or a university professor or an activist perceived to be championing the wrong cause or just about any ideological maverick. For Henein, invited to speak and be live-streamed to four Canadian universities early next year, the triggering factor that has got some carpers knickers in a knot is her successful defence of Jian Ghomeshi on an array of sexual assault charges and one count of choking. The castigators dont want to hear whatever Henein has to say. Moreover, they dont want anybody else to hear it. Bad lady. A traitor to her sex, as much ill-informed media commentary pronounced at the time. You might remember Henein from last winters Jian Ghomeshi trial, writes Jasmine Cormier in the St. Francis Xavier student paper, objecting to the invitation extended, in which Henein tore apart Ghomeshis victims/accusers using victim blaming and manipulative tactics in order to allow Ghomeshi to walk free. No. While Henein did her job extremely well, the prosecutions case fell apart because the alleged victims were horrible witnesses, and faced accusations of lying and colluding. Every which way those three women were dreadful avatars for sexual assault victims. The judge had no choice but to acquit Ghomeshi on the mishmash contradictory evidence, dependant as it was on accusers who stripped themselves of credibility on the stand. I wont re-hash the trial here but the media coverage was extensive. Anybody seeking the truth as it was sifted and sieved in that packed courtroom need only consult the archives. The upshot, as a judicial matter, is that, at his scheduled second trial involving a fourth complainant Ghomeshi signed a peace bond and apologized to the woman in exchange for the remaining sex assault charge to be dropped. A peace bond is not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing and does not result in a criminal record. Presumption of innocence isnt the exclusive purview of the criminal bar. Its at the very heart of the Canadian justice system. Apparently, not a principle taught in Canadian universities however. And thats understandable when the liturgy increasingly adopted including within sexual assault investigative units, such as the Toronto detective team which so wretchedly blew the Ghomeshi case with their coddling approach is that complainants must be believed when they claim sexual assault. That fixed starting point is guaranteed to cripple any valid probe. The proof-punting mantra has found fertile traction on university campuses. Cormier cleaves to that gospel, in an article under the subhead, How selecting Marie Henein as a guest lecturer serves to silence victims and perpetuate rape culture. She draws attention to the institutions policy, ensuring individuals right to be believed when they disclose that they have experienced sexual violence. Nobody has the right to be presumptively believed. Thats why we have trials and rigorous cross-examination and a high standard of proof on criminal indictments. Cormier quotes from the policy: Recognizing the self-determination of individuals who disclose and/or report sexual violence; they are final decision-makers about their own best interests, including choices about physical and emotional support and reporting. To this, Cormier adds: Henein would likely be fairly skeptical about your choices if you were to wait before being entirely sure youd like to report your assault. Of course, this is all hypothetical, since whos to say how Henein would react to a sexual assault case that wasnt benefitting her financially. Well, youve just said it, Ms. Cormier, and it drips with snark. Because, from your privileged echo chamber inside the halls of academe, its apparently just fine to impugn a person you dont know and dont care for one whit. Theres entirely too much of this cosseting and big-footing afoot on campuses across North America, with their safe zones and narrow free speech zones. Dont like the discourse? Shut it down. Dont agree with someone elses opinion? Lower the boom. Dont think a joke is funny? Run to the administration for sanctions. Where once universities exemplified intellectual discussion, now they embrace regressive codes of conduct. Example: Queens University in Kingston is looking into reports of an off-campus party costume party attended by students allegedly dressed as Mideast sheiks, Viet Cong guerillas and Buddhist monks. The horror! Dont engage, get enraged. Its all entitlement and identity doctrine disguised as progressive dynamics. The trend towards squelching free speech, which has rocked campuses from the U of T to Yale, is deplorable. We are awash in expression coercion as an antidote for hurt feelings and triggering trauma. The heretics are condemned as racist, sexist, xenophobic and the current dilly rape culture repudiators. Those pushing back against such stultifying environments are cast as troglodytes and miscreants. Hail to the University of Chicago, then, which sent a welcoming letter to incoming freshmen at the beginning of this semester, bluntly stating that campus political correctness is antithetical in their institution of higher learning. Our commitment to academic freedom means that we do not support so-called trigger warnings, we do not cancel invited speakers because their topics might prove controversial, and we do not condone the creation of intellectual safe spaces where individuals can retreat from ideas and perspectives at odds with their own, the dean of students wrote to members of the class of 2020. U.S. President Barack Obama, who taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago, gave a commencement speech earlier this year at Howard University, a historically black school in Washington, D.C. Dont try to shut folks out, no matter how much you disagree with them, he advised. Theres been a trend around the country of trying to get colleges to disinvite speakers with a different point of view, or disrupt a politicians rally. Dont do that no matter how ridiculous or offensive you might find the things that come out of their mouths. Free speech what a radical concept. Rosie DiManno usually appears Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. SHARE: People online called it next level and ballsy. One person quickly responded saying it was something she needed in her life. Others questioned why on earth it even existed. Norm Kelly, Ward 40 councillor, Twitter sensation and Torontos supposed 6 dad, is selling Christmas ornaments - Normnaments, if you will - that feature his face plastered on red, white and green balls, just in time for the holiday season. Bring me home for the holidays! reads a tweet that was posted on Kellys social media account on Wednesday. Christmas Normnaments available now. Kelly says proceeds he receives from the sale of the ornaments, which are available at 6dad.ca, will be donated to various local charities. Last Christmas, I put out a fun tweet with my face on an ornament, and there was tremendous response, Kelly said. People are always bouncing ideas off me, and sometimes they stick. Its not the first time Kelly has used his Twitter popularity - he currently boasts more than 400,000 followers - to raise proceeds for charities. He launched a clothing line last year that included t-shirts, jerseys, and hats with various slogans popularized through his Twitter account. Its not something I planned two or three years ago, said Kelly. Im surprised, but by and large, pleased with what Ive been able to do with that profile. Kelly said Thursday he was not sure how many ornaments have been sold, as he had been tied up with other council issues (see: tolls, hydro). However, Twitter users did comment that they had already put in an order to get Kelly on their Christmas tree. South of the border, president-elect Donald Trump has also got into the Christmas ornament game. The Trump Make America Great Website which says it is a joint fundraising committee authorized by and composed of Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. and the Republic National Committee is selling a red cap ornament for a sizzling $149 (U.S). And that doesnt include tax and shipping. Read more about: SHARE: The provinces worker compensation board says it is discussing ways to reform current laws that prevent injured workers with chronic mental stress from receiving benefits, but says it cannot reverse its policy of denying compensation without legislative change. In a letter to the Star, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board executive Brian Jarvis said the organization has been in discussion with the Ministry of Labour on possible options to its policy on compensation for workers struggling with mental health issues because of prolonged workplace trauma. Currently, such workers are not entitled to benefits. The WSIB has a long history of adjudicating claims for workers with mental illness and takes this responsibility very seriously, reads the letter from Jarvis, who is the boards Chief Operating Officer. We have specialized teams of case managers and nurse consultants dedicated to managing mental stress claims in a timely and compassionate manner. In a statement, the WSIB said it could not provide further details on its discussions with the ministry, but said they were expected to continue. Should the government introduce and pass amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, the WSIB will revise its policies to align with those changes. In the meantime, the WSIB is required to evaluate each claim based on the current policies and legislation, Jarvis said. But Ron Ellis, a respected legal expert who served as chair of the boards own independent appeals tribunal for 10 years, called that position misleading. As first reported by the Star, Ellis along with a coalition of Toronto-based legal clinics and lawyers has asked the provincial government watchdog to investigate the WSIB over what it called systematic discrimination against workers with chronic mental stress. The complaint has also been submitted to the Ontario Human Rights Commission. The absurdity of the situation and the grim consequences for workers warrant your offices urgent attention, the ombudsman complaint said. Under Ontario law, the board must compensate mental stress injuries resulting from an acute reaction to a sudden and unexpected traumatic event at work, for example witnessing a death on the job. But workers who develop psychological conditions from prolonged workplace trauma, like ongoing bullying, are not entitled to benefits at all, unless they are first responders. Two years ago, a nurse who endured a decade of harassment by her supervisor resulting in anxiety and depression successfully challenged the WSIBs refusal to award her benefits. According to the boards independent tribunal, her constitutional right to equality was violated by the decision to deny compensation, which the board was forced to overturn. Two subsequent rulings on separate appeals in 2015 and 2016 reached the same conclusion. But Jarvis said the tribunal does not have the power to strike down legislation, so the relevant provisions remain in effect and are the current law in Ontario. He said the board was required to continue to apply the law until it was amended by government. Ellis said the boards statement was not true. In a 2003 workers compensation case, Ellis notes, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that any government agency with the ability to determine questions of law can also decide on the constitutionality of the legislation guiding its overall operations. Government agencies are not obliged to apply laws found to be unconstitutional. In a statement to the Star, the board acknowledged it had the jurisdiction to consider the Charter in appropriate cases but said it made decisions on a case by case basis. That still leaves large numbers of mentally ill workers to many years of living without the benefits to which they are entitled, for reasons the board knows will not withstand scrutiny on appeal, Ellis said. The board is ignoring both its legal obligations and its duties arising from its role as the steward of the workers compensation system, he added. Turning a blind eye is not a lawful option. Neither is it a respectable one. SHARE: Premier Kathleen Wynnes worldwide crusade to attract jobs to Ontario is taking her to Japan and South Korea. Wynne leaves Saturday for Tokyo with a delegation of representatives of 45 businesses, colleges and universities. Since taking office in February 2013, the premier has led trade missions to China, India, the United States, and Israel and the West Bank. In a global economy, international missions deliver local jobs, she said in a statement Friday. We are developing a strong, resilient business environment in Ontario to spur innovation and growth. Ontario shares these priorities for economic growth with each of Japan and South Korea a strong foundation to expand partnerships. Wynne will have meetings in Japan from Monday through Wednesday, and South Korea on Thursday and Friday. Both countries are growing in significance as trading partners with the province. Last year, two-way trade with Japan was more than $11 billion and with South Korea it was nearly $6 billion. Wynne noted her mission to Seoul is coming in the wake of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement inked by former prime minister Stephen Harper so doors should be opening there for Ontario businesses. It is also against the backdrop of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was signed by both Canada and Japan, but not by South Korea. That pacts future is in doubt after the election this month of president-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to remove the U.S. from it the day he is sworn in on Jan. 20. With Trump also sounding off against the North American Free Trade Agreement, which has been a boost to many parts of Ontarios economy, the province is trying to diversify its import-export relationships. Currently, 80.52 per cent of all of Ontarios trade is with the U.S. 24.57 per cent with Michigan alone compared to just 0.72 per cent with Japan. Read more about: SHARE: SEOUL, KOREA, REPUBLIC OFNorth Korea said Friday that it had discussed the issue of American and Canadian detainees with the Swedish ambassador in the country. The North is holding at least two Americans and one Canadian for alleged espionage, subversion and other antistate activities. Both the U.S. and Canada have no diplomatic offices in North Korea. A North Korean Foreign Ministry official met with the Swedish ambassador on Thursday for talks on consular access for Canadian detainee Hyeon Soo Lim, a Christian pastor, sentenced last year to life in prison with hard labour, according to Pyongyangs official Korean Central News Agency. The Swedish ambassador used the meeting as a chance to raise the issue of consular affairs for the American detainees. The Pyongyang official, identified as the director general of the ministrys European Department 2, reiterated a position that the North will handle the issues of detained Americans line with a wartime law, according to the KCNA. No further details were given, including what the North Korean official said about Lim. In July, North Korea announced that it would handle all issues between the two countries in line with a wartime law in response to U.S. sanctions that target leader Kim Jong Un. It has not elaborated on what wartime law means, although analysts say that suggests North Korea could deal with U.S. detainees in a harsher manner. Korean-American Kim Tong Chol is serving a 10-year prison term with hard labour, while University of Virginia undergraduate Otto Warmbier received 15 years. Lim, who pastored the Light Korean Presbyterian Church in Toronto, was convicted by Pyongyangs Supreme Court for trying to use religion to destroy the North Korean system and helping U.S. and South Korean authorities lure and abduct North Korean citizens. North Korea is often accused by other governments of using foreign detainees as a way to win concessions from other countries. Pyongyang is locked in a long-running standoff with Washington and other countries over its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Read more about: SHARE: LONDONHe found his young victims on gay dating sites, then drugged, raped and killed them before disposing of their bodies within half a kilometre of his East London apartment. The man, Stephen Port, who murdered at least four young men over 15 months and raped many more, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court in London on Friday to life in prison, in a case that has appalled the country with its grisly details and raised serious questions about the quality of policing. All of Ports victims were gay and in their 20s. They all died from overdoses of the date-rape drug GHB, also known as G or liquid ecstasy. Port, who came out as gay when he was 26, trawled social media sites like Grindr and Fitlads to find his victims. He lured them to his one-bedroom apartment, where he either spiked their drinks with the drug or injected them with it. Police have admitted that they may have missed opportunities to catch Port sooner and have refocused attention on the use of GHB as a possible weapon. Investigators are now looking into 58 other unexplained deaths in London involving the drug. All of Ports victims were found slumped against walls in identical positions with their cellphones missing; a woman walking her dog found two of the bodies, in the same spot in a churchyard near Ports home, three weeks apart. None were from the area. But police treated the deaths as unrelated cases of drug overdose and suicide, apparently taking at face value the fake suicide notes that Port, a 41-year-old canteen chef at a bus depot, had planted on two of the bodies. Even when a relative of one of Ports victims pointed out the similarities in a string of local deaths after doing an online search, officers initially refused even to consider the possibility of murder. The relative, Donna Taylor, the sister of 25-year-old Jack Taylor, Ports last known victim, said she believed her brothers sexuality had played a role in the police overlooking important details. It was seen as gay, drugged men in respect of theyve just sat there, taken an overdose, and thats that, as if its normal, Donna Taylor told the BBC on Thursday. But all these bodies appearing is not normal, is it? We were just told that Jack was found up against a church wall and that he died of taking a drug overdose, she said. We knew that wasnt Jack. We knew instantly that that wasnt Jack we knew there was more to this. The body of Anthony Walgate, a 23-year-old fashion student from Hull, Ports first known victim, was discovered in June 2014 just outside the communal entrance to Ports apartment building. The other three victims Gabriel Kovari, a 22-year-old Slovak citizen; Daniel Whitworth, a 21-year-old chef; and Taylor, a forklift truck driver were found in the churchyard near Ports home. Members of Taylors family, who say they believe Port would still be at large had officers not been pressed to re-examine the evidence, said they planned to sue the police. The Metropolitan Police Service of London has acknowledged that it may have missed opportunities to identify the killer sooner. The Independent Police Complaints Commission has begun a formal investigation into the actions of 17 officers, including whether discrimination played any part in actions and decisions. So far, police have rejected the suggestion that the victims suffered discrimination because they were gay, saying in a statement that crimes against people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender are taken extremely seriously. I hope Ports conviction today offers reassurance to the LGBT community that if you have been a victim of crime, our officers will take you seriously, treat your situation with the utmost sensitivity and do their very best to bring offenders before the courts, Cmdr. Stuart Cundy, of the specialist crime and operations command of the London police, said in a statement Wednesday. Cundy has offered personal letters of apology to the victims families for the missed opportunities to catch Port sooner. On Friday morning at the Old Bailey, as the Central Criminal Court is commonly known, Justice Peter Openshaw said that Port had committed murder to satisfy his lust for sex with young men in an unconscious state. He called Ports attempts to cover up his crimes with forged suicide notes as wicked and monstrous. Port had placed a fake suicide note in a plastic sheet in the hand of his third victim, Whitworth, in which Whitworth appeared to acknowledge his role in the accidental overdose of Kovari, in that way trying to frame one of his victims for the death of another. In the note, Port even made a reference to himself: Please do not blame the guy I was with last night, we only had sex, then I left. He knows nothing of what I have done. Peter Tatchell, a gay rights campaigner, said in a statement that police had let Port slip through their fingers, noting that they had failed to check the handwriting on the apparent suicide notes. Appallingly, even after the third murder, the police were still maintaining that the deaths were unusual but not suspicious, Tatchell said. They did not issue a public alert to the gay community that a serial killer could be on the loose. Alarm bells might have gone off when Walgates body was found outside Ports apartment block. Port himself called police. He claimed he had not seen Walgate before, but police quickly learned that Port had hired Walgate through an escort service. Port then said that Walgate had overdosed at his apartment, and that he had been too scared to report it. Port was eventually jailed for lying to authorities, but by then he had killed two more men. In June 2015, the coroner at Whitworths inquest said that she was not convinced that Whitworth had overdosed and that she suspected foul play; even then, however, nothing happened. Three months later, Port killed Taylor. SHARE: Justin Trudeaus arrival in Monrovia on Thursday marked the first time a sitting Canadian prime minister has set foot on Liberian soil. According to the Prime Ministers Office, Trudeaus visit to Africas oldest republic and his tete-a-tete with Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the continents first female head of state and the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner, focused on womens rights and gender equality around the world. Also on the agenda: the role of women in peace and security, governance, health, economic growth, and sustainable development in Liberia and throughout Africa. This visit to Liberia and Trudeaus planned stop in Madagascar demonstrate Canadas renewed commitment to Africa, the prime minister said in a statement last week. These are most welcome signals from Ottawa, but one important issue is noticeably absent from the agenda. Both countries Trudeau is visiting have experienced issues with press freedom and, in particular, the criminalization of speech and defamation. I should know, after falling prey to such a law in my homeland of Liberia. In 2013, I was sued, along with my newspaper, for criminal libel. The crime: publishing the findings of an independent audit that found $6 million (U.S.) of ministerial funds went unaccounted for that year. The minister responsible was dismissed but never prosecuted. My newspaper was shut down for three months during my incarceration and ordeal. The criminal libel law under which I was originally found liable (the judgment was later vacated) is a draconian anti-media law and a gross threat to freedom of the press. It has become the subject of widespread international condemnation and should be scrapped immediately. In Madagascar, Trudeaus second African stop, defamation remains a criminal offense. In July 2014, two journalists from the daily Madagascar Matin, publication manager Jean Luc Rahaga and editor-in-chief Didier Ramanoelina, were arrested on charges of libel and press offenses for the publication of a letter alleging the involvement of government officials in a trafficking case. In August 2014, the Madagascar parliament adopted a cybercrime law that prescribes up to five years in prison as punishment for defaming state officials online. The laws vague wording has led to reasonable fears about the suppression of dissent online. Interestingly, like Liberia and Madagascar, Canada also carries an anti-blasphemy law one that has been in the criminal code since 1892. As Trudeau visits Africa this week, it is important for Canada to take a closer look at the implications for free speech of such archaic laws, while engaging countries like Liberia and Madagascar to do the same. A free press is crucial in holding governments like those in Liberia and Madagascar to account. My struggle for press freedoms has been bolstered by the help of our media development partners, the Canadian-based Journalists for Human Rights and U.S.-based New Narratives. Their support has helped newspapers like ours to flourish under extremely difficult conditions. Over the years, we have been able to tell heart-wrenching stories that were fundamental to Liberias post-war development. Stories about prostitution; stories about communities living on the fringes of underdevelopment; stories of poor sanitation and poverty; and especially, stories about human rights. Our ability to tell these stories is also important to Canadian interests. Over the past few years, Canada has generously provided millions in aid to Liberia. In 2014-2015, Canada gave more than $24 million in development assistance to my country. This included supporting the efforts of the Global Fund, which has given thousands of people in Liberia access to HIV and tuberculosis drugs, as well as bed nets to provide protection from malaria, according to Trudeaus office. Canada also committed more than $130 million in response to the Ebola crisis that affected Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. But without journalists able to track the use of aid money, it can be hard for donor agencies to ensure funding gets where it is supposed to go. Equally important is the role governments can play in easing conditions for journalists like me. Archaic laws still lingering on the books in Liberia, Madagascar, Canada and elsewhere are bad for thriving democracies and should become a priority for Canada as it pursues its exciting new course in global engagement. Rodney D. Sieh is Editor and Publisher of Liberias leading print and online newspaper, FrontPage Africa and the 2016 Gordon N. Fisher/JHR Fellow at Massey College and the University of Toronto. SHARE: It will be an odd experience: the Trump years. On election night I thought the main task would be deciding what to do about them and in less than a day, young (mostly) people were in the streets across the U.S. protesting. Hallelujah. But its also going to require a lot of thinking about whats going on. Well need to think our way, as well as act, through the experience because otherwise it will be overwhelmingly upsetting and nobody will get any decent sleep. In this task, Im indebted to a Globe and Mail editorial about Trumps newly appointed chief strategist titled, Steve Bannon isnt the problem, Donald Trump is. It helped because it made me realize that I think Donald Trump isnt the problem, Steve Bannon is. There will be serious damage under Trump but that was so under Obama and would have been with Clinton. Take foreign policy: entanglements like Libya or Iraq would have likely worsened under Clinton. In fact Trumps aversion to regime change might, if acted on (a big if), lessen the agony for those in Muslim countries, and diminish their impetus for terrorist retaliation. There are also positives in his rejection of free trade deals. The deeper danger is an undermining of U.S. institutions and its limited form of democracy with a drift to authoritarianism through exploiting racist currents. Trump has never voiced much attachment to democracy and such transformations do occur; images of Europe in the 1930s come easily to mind. But this is where Trump is almost reassuring. He lacks the basic qualities for pulling off such a metamorphosis. Where charismatic authoritarian leaders took power in the thirties (Im trying to sound cool and objective, which isnt easy when youre talking about Mussolini and Hitler) they had thought hard about their programs. They were ideologues. They were also organized and disciplined. They meticulously recruited violent, obedient followers. Trump has no ideology, he has narcissism instead. He doesnt want to reshape the world to some crazed vision; he doesnt have one. His sole goal is getting everyone everywhere looking at him. He shifts views according to whos watching. At rallies, it was Lock Her Up. Then he goes to the New York Times and feels for Hillary. He has the attention span of Dory the goldfish. (Remember the Trump mask he spied at a rally? He had it sent up and ogled it, totally dumping the deep point hed been making.) Why take the trouble of assiduously building an effective movement when all you care about is being noticed? His behaviour is less rational than reptilian (neurologically) and reactive; mostly he wants ceaseless attention. This isnt what future fuhrers will be made of. Im wary of psychoanalyzing public figures since we dont usually know enough and theyre skilled at ambiguity. But with Trump, theres little else to do with him, theres overflowing evidence and he seems to have only one motive. So this far, this week, Im feeling slightly reassured. But then theres Bannon. He has all the qualities Trump lacks. Hes ideological. I dont think you could ask a question he hasnt thought through. He specializes in propaganda, which his Breitbart site is. He knows how to manipulate people: he built Trumps trust through sucky on-air interviews. Hes ready to discard comrades, like his Breitbart constituency, if necessary. He could pull off a Night of the Long Knives. And hes in the office next to Trump, or down the hall. The threat of Trump isnt Trump; its capable, malign people insinuating themselves under his umbrella and pursuing their own ambitions. Its true, Trump could incinerate the world on a whim but that aside, the danger is from the man with a plan, who is Bannon (and his ilk). One more thought about thinking this epoch through on the fly. How about taking Trumps victory not as a catastrophic endpoint but as a moment in a process: the demise of the blight of neoliberalism? I hear people asking, with genuine curiosity: Whats really the problem with free trade? The Clintons (and Tony Blair) were neoliberalisms cheerleaders and good riddance to them. Still, as Churchills wife said when he was voted out immediately after leading the victory over Europes fascists: This may well be a blessing in disguise. To which he answered: At the moment, it seems quite effectively disguised. Rick Salutins column appears every Friday. Read more about: SHARE: If this werent Toronto, Mayor John Torys plan to charge tolls on two city-owned expressways would make utter sense. There is no logical reason why those who drive on the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway shouldnt pay for the cost of using them. Many cities have toll roads. It is not a revolutionary idea. But this is Toronto. And history demonstrates that in this city the most logical ideas can go haywire. Toronto is the city, after all, that could never make its mind up on what kind of transit system it wanted. In 2007, it negotiated a perfectly reasonable agreement with Queens Park to cover so-called light rail transit projects, including one in Scarborough. Then it ripped that deal up in favour of a Scarborough subway that, in its latest iteration, promises only one stop. Tory ran for office on a plan to use existing rail corridors for another transit scheme, one with 13 stops that he called SmartTrack. Now SmartTrack is slated to have only six stops. As the Star reported earlier this month, the provincial government has taken advantage of all of this dilly-dallying to unload more costs on the city. Toronto is now on the hook to pay $182-million annually to operate some of these as yet unbuilt transit projects. And lets not even begin to talk about the Gardiner Expressway. There were plans to tear it down and plans to fix it up. The latest plan, which combines the worst of both, calls for the eastern portion of the expressway to be moved at a cost of $1 billion. Along the way, various waterfront improvement schemes promoted by various blue-ribbon experts came and went. One report accepted by city council would have spent $1.2 billion to bury part of the Gardiner. It went nowhere. This chaos is the context in which Torys toll-road scheme must be seen. First, note that the mayor is suggesting more than a normal user fee. Typically, user fees are designed to cover the cost of building, maintaining and operating something in this case two aging expressways. But as Tory explained Thursday in a speech to the Toronto Region Board of Trade, his plan is to use tolls to finance not only these two highways but transit as well. Will expressway tolls be enough to cover the citys share of projects that the mayor says will cost $33 billion over the next 20 years? That depends on what the tolls are. Tory said a $2-per-ride toll, for example, would raise more than $200 million a year. Its a safe bet to say that any toll, no matter where it is set initially, is sure to rise. Thats because a good chunk of the toll revenue will come from commuters who do not live in Toronto and who, therefore, will have no city councilors in their corner. Its an equally safe bet to predict that, as tolls rise on the two expressways, traffic will shift to parallel streets and highways that charge no user fees. What cant be predicted is the future behaviour of Toronto city councilors. Even if they agree with Torys plan now will they stick with it? Will council change its mind about transit and use toll-road revenue to build condo-filled islands in Lake Ontario instead? (Dont laugh. The idea of transforming Toronto into a Venice of the North has come up more than once.) Will the prospect of extra money encourage council to yet again ditch the current Scarborough subway scheme in favour of one with, say two stops? Will councilors use toll revenues to reduce or at least not raise property taxes? Will another Rob Ford figure win the mayoralty and turn everything on its head? Tory is right to say that public services, including transit, have to be paid for somehow. Hes also right to ditch the idea of privatizing profitable assets such as Toronto Hydro. And hes right not to rely on a regressive property tax that is inherently biased in favour of the well-to-do. The fairest way to raise money would be a city-wide income-tax. Given that this is not legally possible, road tolls should be a reasonable second choice. Still, many of us would feel more confident if Torontos notoriously dysfunctional city council were not in charge of all of this. Even the Ontario government is more competent. Thomas Walkom appears Monday, Wednesday and Friday. SHARE: I am not without my own thoughts on the role of media in the critical work of building truth and reconciliation with and for Canadas Indigenous people. But, on this vitally important subject, I am learning that what matters is not what I have to say, but how willing I am to listen. To listen, in order to understand, is the first step in doing journalism that does a better job of telling the stories of Indigenous people and indeed, of all of the people of our country. To that end, I am turning much of this column over to the voices that matter Indigenous journalists who are standing up and speaking out about journalisms role in building reconciliation. It is always worthwhile to listen, the Stars Tanya Talaga said at a recent Canadian Journalism Foundation J-Talk on covering Indigenous communities. The event, held in partnership with Journalists for Human Rights and Ryerson School of Journalism, featured a panel of Indigenous journalists who shared their experiences and insights on coverage of Indigenous issues. I have been covering Indigenous issues for quite a while and for a long time I couldnt get that story on the front page, said Talaga, who believes there is now much more interest in news about Indigenous people both within the Stars newsroom and among Canadian audiences. Talaga, who is of mixed ancestry (her grandmother is Ojibway, a member of Fort William First Nation), was part of the Stars team that won the National Newspaper Awards Project of the Year last spring for Gone, an investigation into murdered and missing aboriginal women. The considerable resources devoted to that outstanding project underscores Talagas view that the Star now has deeper understanding of and more commitment to covering Indigenous issues. The Star has taken some notable steps to greater understanding on this file. Last winter, we invited JHR to conduct a newsroom training session on covering Indigenous issues in the era of truth and reconciliation. The most important lesson: to fulfill the medias responsibility in building reconciliation, we must understand the painful and shameful past and listen better to Indigenous people throughout the country. To that end the Stars editorial board this week welcomed Perry Bellegarde, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who spoke to a group of Star journalists about the importance of closing the gap in the quality of life for First Nations people living on and off reserve. The media landscape in Canada is finally changing, says Lenny Carpenter, program manager of the groundbreaking Indigenous Reporters Program for JHR, Canadas leading media development agency, in its recent report on media coverage of Indigenous issues in Ontario entitled Buried Voices: Changing Tones. That report showed that while there was little improvement in the amount of media representation of Indigenous people since JHRs 2013 inaugural study measuring the quantity and tone of media coverage, there was considerable improvement in the tone of coverage, with fewer negative stories. In a complete reversal, the three-year-average was 30-per-cent positive in tone, compared to 11-per-cent negative, wrote Carpenter, a member of Attawapiskat First Nation. But, Carpenter continued, as noted by most of the experts in this report, there is still a lot of work to do. Indeed, lets listen further to those experts who contributed to the JHR report: Between 2013-2016, Indigenous coverage showed a small but significant increase, peaking at 0.5 per cent of content in 2016. That statistic remains shamefully low, wrote Duncan McCue, an Anishinaabe, member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, and host of CBC Radios Cross Country Checkup. Yet again, this data demonstrates that media outlets are failing to increase Indigenous content despite knowing full well that Indigenous underrepresentation in the media is a longstanding problem. Connie Walker, lead reporter for CBC Indigenous, tells us that the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous journalists are integral to newsrooms in pursuit of the truth about life for Indigenous people in Canada. In order to combat harmful stereotypes and misconceptions, we need to be accurately depicting Indigenous experiences in the media, wrote Walker, who is Cree and was raised on the Okanese First Nation in Saskatchewan. McCue, who created the online guide Reporting in Indigenous Communities, and has worked with journalism schools across Canada to launch new courses focusing on Indigenous issues, believes the amount of coverage will continue to improve because, slowly but surely, mainstream media outlets are beginning to get the message the status quo is unacceptable. McCue moderated the recent CJF-JHR session at Ryerson University on covering Indigenous issues that included Talaga, Carpenter, Walker and Karen Pugliese, APTNs director of News and Current Affairs and a member of the Algonquin First Nation of Pikwakanagan. Summing up the evening, he offered some measure of hope to the more than 200 people who attended, who took time to listen to the voices of those that know: It is us, working together in this room who are part of reconciliation in Canada, McCue said. This is a moment of reconciliation. SHARE: The Peel District School Board is poised to begin collecting race-based data as part of a new student census it believes will lead to better supports for its diverse student body. Trustees unanimously approved the plan this week, which would see research on the project begin in January to prepare for a launch in the fall of 2018. We need quantitative data to tell us whether we are going in the direction we want to go in, said trustee Suzanne Nurse, who introduced the motion earlier this month. Initiatives such as the boards action plan to support black male students, announced last month, are important steps, she said. But in order to determine whether its having an effect, we need to measure it. The census for the boards 154,000 students would be voluntary, confidential and anonymous. While details of what information will be collected havent been decided, it would include such data as race, ethnicity and sexual identity. The process would enable the board to gather such statistics as graduation rates, credit accumulation, numbers of students enrolled in academic versus applied courses and suspension and expulsion rates and examine them according to race. The move makes the Peel board the second in the GTA to collect race-based data and comes a decade after the Toronto District School Board committed to completing a student census every five years. At the time, the TDSB decision was controversial, but momentum is growing for the rest of the province to follow suit, with advocates claiming statistics are the most reliable way to highlight problems and discover where resources need to be directed. In 2015, former TDSB director Donna Quan became an adjunct education professor at York University, where she is assessing the feasibility of all provincial boards collecting detailed demographic data on their students. Earlier this month, Durham District School Board issued a statement that it is looking forward to collecting race-based data to further improve how it responds to student issues once the province has provided criteria, timelines and financial support. The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board completed a student census in 2011 but currently has no plans to repeat the process. Last February, University of Toronto, Canadas largest post-secondary institution, revealed plans to become the first post-secondary institution in Ontario to collect race-based data. News of the Peel boards plan came the same week it was wrapping up its first workplace census for 19,000 teachers and administrative staff. In his annual kickoff this September, Peel board director Tony Pontes encouraged staff to participate, noting the census was supported by every union, federation and employee group. It will provide a picture of whether the workforce adequately reflects the student population and could lead to training, hiring and promotion measures to encourage diversity, said Farrell Hall, the boards manager of workplace equity. Nurse said the board needs a snapshot of who is teaching its students and the administrators making decisions. Its vital for kids to see themselves reflected in their mentors and teachers, she said. SHARE: Shares in Swiss biotech Actelion (ALIOF) rose sharply in Zurich Friday on a report that it's attracted a bid from Johnson & JohnsonJNJ. Actelion released its short statement after Bloomberg said the New Brunswick, N.J. company had approached the Swiss business with an offer worth about $17 billion. Johnson & Johnson confirmed the discussions midday Friday. People familiar with the situation told Bloomberg Actelion is working with an adviser to explore its options. Actelion couldn't immediately be reached for comment. Actelion is led by fiercely independent co-founder Jean-Paul Clozel, who has for years resisted suggestions the company is a target. Other mooted suitors for Actelion over the years have included Shire (SHPG) , which was last year reported to have made a takeover proposal for the business. Actelion shares by late morning in Zurich were up 10.7% at Sfr174.90. At that price the company's stock is worth Sfr18.8 billion ($18.5 billion). The stock before Friday had risen more than 23% in the past year. But Actelion shares fell 6% on Oct. 20 when it reported disappointing nine-month figures amid worries about the U.S. outlook. Nine-month revenue was Sfr1.79 billion, up 14% on the year, and net profit was Sfr691 million, up 17%. Both figures strip out exchange-rate fluctuations. Jeffferies analysts at the time argued that the share reaction was overdone, and said the company is a "compelling growth story," notwithstanding an expected mid-single digit decline in estimated 2017 profit. Johnson & Johnson closed in New York Wednesday up 33 cents at $113.07. Johnson & Johnson has a market value of $307.6 billion and the stock's 12-month return is 14%. Shire was up more than 2% on Friday morning in London. Black Friday was lacklustre along London's Oxford Street as more customers turned online to pick up much anticipated deals. U.K. retailers have reported a surge in online shopping today, while footfall looks to be down. Oxford Street, London's prime tourist shopping destination, looked like a normal Friday, with a shop assistant in an American retailer saying it was no busier than usual. And an employee at another well-known American mall staple said sales were steady but not busy. Gap (GPS) was the only store that saw a good flow of people in the Black Friday morning in London, while its sister brand Banana Republic wasn't inundated with crowds. Gap shares were recently down 1.34% to $25.82 in New York. To be sure, Thanksgiving is not a holiday in the U.K. but the fall in the pound since the Brexit vote was expected to be a big draw for tourists. Data from Experian show that sales over the Black Friday weekend from the Thursday to the Monday netted more than 3 billion ($3.73 billion). Accenture consultancy firm Salmon predicts consumers will spend 5.5 billion from Thursday, Nov. 24 to Monday, Nov. 28 in the U.K. Data from the Confederation of British Industry released today show strong growth in retail sales. Its monthly retail sales index rose to 26 in November, the highest it has been since September 2015, confounding expectations that a vote to leave the European Union would dull consumer spending. Economists say that the boost may be due to overseas visitors taking advantage of a devalued pound. However, it was a different picture online, U.K. retailers said. Argos, a variety catalog store with a strong online presence, said that it had a 50% boost in traffic between midnight and 1 a.m. local time on Friday. It also saw 700,000 web visits - 80% of which were on mobiles and tablets - between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. GMT, with iPads, PS4s and Dyson vacuum cleaners doing well. Argos was recently bought by supermarket chain Sainbury (JSAIY) . Currys PC World, an electronics retailer, said it had more than half a million visitors to its website before 6:10 a.m. GMT on Friday. And Amazon (AMZN) reported brisk trade on Friday morning as part of its Black Friday event, which started on Nov. 14. "We've had a very positive customer response to the thousands of deals during our extended 12 day Black Friday Sale and customers have been snapping up lots of our great deals on offer since midnight," Doug Gurr, Amazon's U.K. country manager, said in a statement. Amazon stock was recently up 0.23% to $781.88 in New York. (Amazon.com is held in the Growth Seeker portfolio. See all of the holdings with a free trial.) The Progressive Corporation, an insurance holding company, provides personal and commercial auto, personal residential and commercial property, general liability, and other specialty property-casualty insurance products and related services in the United States. It operates in three segments: Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, and Property. The Personal Lines segment writes insurance for personal autos and recreational vehicles (RV). This segment's products include personal auto insurance; and special lines products, including insurance for motorcycles, ATVs, RVs, watercrafts, snowmobiles, and related products. The Commercial Lines segment provides auto-related primary liability and physical damage insurance, and business-related general liability and property insurance for autos, vans, pick-up trucks, and dump trucks used by small businesses; tractors, trailers, and straight trucks primarily used by regional general freight and expeditor-type businesses, and long-haul operators; dump trucks, log trucks, and garbage trucks used by dirt, sand and gravel, logging, and coal-type businesses; and tow trucks and wreckers used in towing services and gas/service station businesses; as well as non-fleet and airport taxis, and black-car services. The Property segment writes residential property insurance for homeowners, other property owners, and renters, as well as offers personal umbrella insurance, and primary and excess flood insurance. The company also offers policy issuance and claims adjusting services; and acts as an agent to homeowner general liability, workers' compensation insurance, and other products. In addition, it provides reinsurance services. The company sells its products through independent insurance agencies, as well as directly on Internet through mobile devices, and over the phone. The Progressive Corporation was founded in 1937 and is headquartered in Mayfield, Ohio. The following companies are subsidiares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.: 2235158 Alberta Limited, A.J. Amer Agency, AHC Digital LLC, AIX Limited, AJG Coal LLC, AJG Financial Services LLC, AJG Meadows LLC, AJG North America ULC, AJG RCF LLC, AJGRMS of Louisiana LLC, ARM RE Ltda., AVIATION INSURANCE SERVICES, AVRECO, Ace IRM Insurance Broking Group, Acumus Holdings Limited, Acumus Interco Limited, Acumus Ltd, Adams & Associates International, Adaptive Marketing LLC, Adco General Corporation, Advanced Benefit Advisors, Aequus Trade Credit, Affinity Marketing Group, Ahrold Fay Rosenberg, Aires Consulting Group, Alesco Risk Management Services Limited, Alize Limited, Allied Claims Administration Inc., Alternative Market Specialists, Altman & Cronin Benefit Consultants, American Freedom Carriers Inc., American Security Services Corp., American Wholesalers Underwriting Ltd, Andrew-Anthony Insurance Agency, Anthony Hodges Consulting Limited, Antrobus Investments Limited, AquaSurance, Argentis, Argentis Financial Group Limited, Argentis Financial Management Limited, Argus Benefits, Armstrong/Robitaille/Riegle, Artex (SAC) Limited, Artex Cedar Hill, Artex Corporate Services (Malta) Limited, Artex Corporate Services Limited, Artex Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited, Artex Holdings (Malta) Limited, Artex Insurance (Guernsey) PCC Limited, Artex Insurance (Tennessee) PCCIC Inc., Artex Insurance Brokers (Malta) PCC Limited, Artex Insurance ICC Limited, Artex Intermediaries Ltd, Artex Risk Solutions (Bermuda) Ltd, Artex Risk Solutions (Cayman) Limited, Artex Risk Solutions (Gibraltar) Limited, Artex Risk Solutions (Guernsey) Limited, Artex Risk Solutions (International) Ltd, Artex Risk Solutions (Malta) Limited, Artex Risk Solutions (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Artex Risk Solutions (UK) Limited, Artex Risk Solutions Inc., Arthur J Gallagher (Norway) Holdings AS, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AUS) Ltd, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (Bermuda) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (Illinois), Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Insurance Brokers of California Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher (Aus) Pty Ltd, Arthur J. Gallagher (Bermuda) Holding Partnership, Arthur J. Gallagher (Life Solutions) Ltd, Arthur J. Gallagher (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Arthur J. Gallagher (U.S.) LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher (UK) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Asesoria S.A.C., Arthur J. Gallagher Australasia Holdings Pty Ltd., Arthur J. Gallagher Brokerage & Risk Management Services LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Broking (NZ) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Financial Services Professionals Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Group Quebec ULC, Arthur J. Gallagher Holdings (UK) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Latin America LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Management (Bermuda) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Real Estate Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services (Hawaii) Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services of Utah Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher School Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Service Company LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Services (UK) Ltd, Ashmore & Associates Insurance Agency, Atlantic Risk Management Corp., Atrex Insurance (Cayman) SPC Limited, Avantek Pty Ltd, Axe Insurance PCC Limited, BIS Insurance Services, Baker - Tillys employment benefits solutions, Ballard Benefit Works, Bankers Financial Benefits, Barmore Insurance Agency, Behnke & Co. Inc., Bellisle Pty Ltd, Belmont Associates Consultants, Belmont Insurance Holdings Limited, Belmont International, Belmont International Limited, Benefit Development Group, Benefit Management Group, BenefitLink Resource Group, Benefits Planning & Insurance Agency, Benefits Unlimited, Bennett & Shade Co., Bergvall Marine, Bergvall Marine A.S., Besselman & Little Agency, Big Savings Insurance Agency Inc., Blenheim Park Ltd, Blenheim Park Services Limited, Blue Holdings Pty Ltd, Blue Horizon Insurance Services, Blue Water Benefits, BluePeak Advisors, Blueleaf Consulting Pty Ltd., Bluewater Incorporated Cell Insurance Company, Bollinger Inc., Bollinger Insurance Services Inc., Bowen Miclette Britt & Merry of Arkansas Inc., Brendis & Brendis, Brim AB, Broker Benefit Services, Brokerage Professionals, Brown Hobbs & McMurray Insurance, Bultman/Bell Associates Inc., Burkwald & Associates, Burns-Fazzi Brock & Associates, Bushong Insurance Associates, C&B Consulting Group, CGM Gallagher Insruance Brokers (Trinidad & Tobago) Limited, CJM Solutions Inc., CMA Solutions LLC, Cairnstone Financial, California Insurance Center, Capital Bauer Insurance Agency, Capitol Benefits Group, Capsicum CRLA LLP, Capsicum Re Brasil Participacoes Ltda, Capsicum Re Latin America Corretora De Resseguros Ltda, Capsicum Reinsurance Brokers Bermuda Limited, Capsicum Reinsurance Brokers Miami Inc., Carefree Marketing Inc., Carpenter Cammack & Associates, Cashan & Co., Castle Insurance Associates, Centennial Insurance Agency, Charity First Insurance Services Inc., Charles Allen Agency, Charter Lakes Insurance Agency, Chris Schroeder Insurance, Christie-Phoenix, Cintran Claims Canada Limited, Classic Insurance Services, Cleaveland Insurance Group, Cohen & Lord Insurance Brokers, Cohn Financial Group, Coleman Group Holdings Limited, Coleman Holdings Limited, College and University Scholastic Excess Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Commercial Insurance Brokers, Complete Benefit Alliance, Complete Financial Balance, Complete Financial Balance Pty Ltd, Consolidated Casualty Specialties LLC, Construction Risk Solutions, Contego Underwriting Limited, Contego Underwriting Ltd, Continental Excess & Surplus, Convergence Risk Services Ltd, Copper Mountain Assurance Inc., Cornwall & Stevens Co., Corporate Benefit Advisors, Corporate Life Consultants, Countrywide Accident Assistance Limited, Coverdell & Company Inc., Coverdell Canada Corporation, Cowles and Connell, Craig M. Ferguson & Co., Crist Elliott Machette Insurance Services, Crombie Lockwood (NZ) Limited, Davis-Poston & Associates, Denman Consulting Services, Detlefs Johnson & Partners, DiBrina Group, Dickinson & Associates, Discount Development Services L.L.C., Discovery Benefit Solutions, Dodson-Bateman & Co., Donald P. Pipino Co. Ltd., E. S. Susanin Inc., EHE Holdings LLC, EHS Holdings Limited, Elantis Premium Funding (NZ) Limited, Elantis Premium Funding Limited, Elite Benefits Insurance Marketing Services, Employee Benefits Analysis Corp., Employee Benefits of The Carolinas, Encore Insurance & Bonding, Everett James, Evolution Risk Services Limited, Evolution Technology Services Limited, Evolution Underwriting Group, Evolution Underwriting Group Limited, Evolution Underwriting Limited, Excel Insurance Services, FYI Direct Canada Corporation, FYI Direct LLC, Farallone Pacific Insurance Services, Fenchurch Faris Limited, Fidelity Benefits & Insurance Services, Financial Profiles Inc., Finergy Solutions Pty Ltd, First Agency, First Iowa Insurance Agency, First Premium Inc., First Premium Insurance Group, Fish & Schulkamp, Fishermans Insurance Services, Foley Healthcare Limited, Fortress Financial Solutions Pty Ltd, Fortress Insurance LLC, Foundation Strategies, Fox Lawson & Associates, Franklin-Case Agency LLC, Fraser MacAndrew Ryan Limited, Friary Intermediate Limited, Fuller & O'Brien, G.S. 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. Reda & Associates, James R. Weir Insurance Agency, Jenkins and Associates, Joe E. Martin Inc., John P. Woods Co. Inc., Jones Brown, Jones Brown Group Inc., Jones Brown Insurance Solutions Inc., Joseph Distel, Joseph James & Associates Insurance Agency, Just Landlords Insurance Services Ltd, KDC Associates, KRW Insurance Agency, Kahl Insurance Services, Kaler Carney Liffler & Co. 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. 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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. Read More Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. owns and operates utilities, transport, midstream, and data businesses in North and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company's Utilities segment operates approximately 61,000 kilometers (km) of operational electricity transmission and distribution lines; 5,300 km of electricity transmission lines; 4,200 km of natural gas pipelines; 7.3 million electricity and natural gas connections; and 360,000 long-term contracted sub-metering services. This segment also offers heating and cooling solutions; gas distribution; water heaters; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioner rental, as well as other home services. Its Transport segment offers transportation, storage, and handling services for merchandise goods, commodities, and passengers through a network of approximately 22,000 km of track; 5,500 km of track network; 4,800 km of rail; 3,800 km of motorways; and 13 port terminals. The company's Midstream segment offers natural gas transmission, gathering and processing, and storage services through approximately 15,000 km of natural gas transmission pipelines; 600 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage; 17 natural gas processing plants; and 3,900 km of gas gathering pipelines, as well as one petrochemical processing complex. Its Data segment operates approximately 148,000 operational telecom towers; 8,000 multi-purpose towers and active rooftop sites; 10,000 km of fiber backbone; 1,600 cell sites and approximately 12,000 km of fiber optic cable; and 2,100 active telecom towers and 70 distributed antenna systems, as well as 50 data centers and 200 megawatts of critical load capacity. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. is a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides various property and casualty insurance products and services in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Commercial Lines, Personal Lines, and Other. The Commercial Lines segment offers commercial multiple peril, commercial automobile, and workers' compensation insurance products, as well as management and professional liability, marine, specialty industrial and commercial property, monoline general liability, surety, umbrella, fidelity, crime, and other commercial coverages. The Personal Lines segment provides personal automobile and homeowner's coverages, as well as other personal coverages, such as personal umbrella, inland marine, fire, personal watercraft, personal cyber, and other miscellaneous coverages. The Other segment markets investment management services to institutions, pension funds, and other organizations. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. markets its products and services through independent agents and brokers. The company was formerly known as Allmerica Financial Corp. and changed its name to The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. in December 2005. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. was founded in 1852 and is headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts. An encampment at the protest against the Dakota Access pipeline near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near Cannon Ball, N.D. (Stephanie Keith/Reuters) In the Dakota language, the word oahe signifies a place to stand on. And thats what the Standing Rock Sioux and its allies in the environmental and activist movements say they are doing: using Lake Oahe in North Dakota as a place to take a stand by setting up camps and obstructing roads to block the controversial $3.7 billion Dakota Access pipeline. Their confrontations with police who have responded with water cannons, pepper spray and rubber bullets have steered attention to the 1,170-mile-long oil pipeline project and its owner, Energy Transfer Partners. But the real source of Native Americans grievance stretches back more than a century, to the original government incursions on their tribal lands. And those earlier disputes over their rights to the land, like the one over the Dakota Access pipeline, pitted the tribes against a persistent force, the Army Corps of Engineers. The federal government has been taking land from Lakota and Dakota people for 150 years, tribal leaders say, from the seizure of land in the Black Hills of South Dakota after the discovery of gold in the 1870s to the construction of dams in the Missouri River that flooded villages, timberland and farmland in the Dakotas in the 1950s. Through the ages, the warring tribes of the Northern Plains lived, hunted and fought across a sprawling expanse of land. Many were migratory, moving with the seasons. Each treaty with the U.S. government, most notably the 1851 and 1868 treaties of Fort Laramie, restricted their movement further, although they left them large areas west of the Missouri River and recognized them as sovereign nations. In freezing temperatures, police used water cannons on protesters just north of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota Nov. 20. In a Facebook post, law enforcement officials said they were involved in an "ongoing riot." (Zoeann Murphy,McKenna Ewen/The Washington Post) Much of this was contested, leading to Gen. George A. Custers ill-fated military campaign to protect miners. Land was later taken to make way for homesteading. In 1889, Congress passed legislation that created the modern reservation system, pushing the Sioux, also known as Lakota, into smaller areas. And later in the 1900s, a series of dams across the Missouri River rolled back the scope of those reservations, too. This government honors international treaties like they are the Holy Grail, but within our own homeland, they find ways to break them, said Standing Rock Sioux Chairman David Archambault, who, under the treaties and U.S. law, is the head of a domestic sovereign nation. Lake Oahe illustrates his point. The lake, the site of the current dispute, exists because of a dam project built by the Army Corps of Engineers, the same agency that has been weighing whether and where the Dakota Access pipeline could be built. Empowered by the Flood Control Act of 1944, the Army Corps erected the Oahe Dam in central South Dakota, forming a reservoir that extends about 250 miles upstream to within a short distance of Bismarck, N.D. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy dedicated the dam, hailing it as a symbol of a free society tapping its natural resources. But for the Lakota tribes, the dam didnt exploit natural resources. It buried them. The project inundated and destroyed the Standing Rock Sioux tribes most fertile bottom lands, home to medicinal plants, wildlife and timber, said Everett J. Iron Eyes Sr., former water and natural resource director for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and now a water consultant. In the process, he said, the Army Corps acquired 56,000 acres of land and destroyed 90 percent of the tribes timberland. 1 of 89 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad On the scene as Native Americans protest construction of a pipeline in North Dakota View Photos An encampment has grown near the work site, where security guards face off with demonstrators. Caption An encampment has grown near the work site, where security guards face off with demonstrators. Dec. 5, 2016 A person watches the sun rise over the Oceti Sakowin camp, where people have gathered to protest the Dakota Access oil pipeline, in Cannon Ball, N.D. David Goldman/AP Wait 1 second to continue. The Army Corps simply condemned the land and paid little to no compensation. The Standing Rock Sioux sued and won compensation $90.5 million in a trust fund from which it can draw only from the interest on the account to spend on social welfare and economic development. Iron Eyes said that the government also changed the tribes water boundaries. Originally, according to the law passed by Congress in 1889, the tribes territorial boundary stopped at the low water level mark on the east bank, giving it ownership of the water and river bed. After building the dam, the Army Corps seized strips of land on either side of the river. Those strips are the areas in dispute now, giving the Army Corps a central role in letting Energy Transfer Partners complete the line, or not. When they dammed the Missouri River, they did it specifically and purposely so that it would flood the Standing Rock reservation, said Harry Sachse, a partner at the Washington firm of Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson & Perry who has represented other Native American tribes. So the Standing Rock tribe still feels very abused. The government drowned all of the towns the tribe built along the river. Under the Fort Laramie treaties, the Standing Rock Siouxs northern border was recognized as the Heart River, which winds up to Bismarck, about 25 miles north of the Cannonball River that was declared the northern border by an act of Congress in 1889. The pipeline battles of the past three months have taken place near the Cannonball. They violated every treaty ever made with the tribe, Iron Eyes said. Its important not to lose sight of the greater sovereignty issue, said Jennifer Baker, a senior associate at the law firm Fredericks Peebles & Morgan who has represented tribes. Thats what the [Dakota Access pipeline] fight and all the fights against these ticking environmental bombs really boil down to. To overlook that would be to not do justice to such an important cause. The Standing Rock Sioux are not alone in harboring old grievances, many involving the Army Corps and its dams, Sachse says. The Kinzua Dam in Pennsylvania on the Allegheny River, built in the 1960s, forced more than 600 Seneca families to leave their homes and submerged 10,000 acres of ancestral land. Indians say the project, built by the Army Corps, broke a 1794 treaty signed by President George Washington. The Colville Confederated Tribes sued the government over the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington state, which blocked salmon fishing sites the tribes had used for centuries. The tribes were eventually awarded $52 million and a percentage of the dams electricity, which turned out to be worth about $25 million a year, said Sachse, who represented the Colville tribe. In Minnesota this year, the Prairie Island Indian Community bought 112 acres of agricultural land near St. Paul to secure a future home. On its reservation, about 30 miles southeast of the Twin Cities, the tribe has wrestled with flooding from the Mississippi and Vermillion rivers. The reservation has about 3,100 acres of land held in trust by the U.S. government. Located in the 100-year floodplain, the land is unusable for development. In addition, increased rail traffic, including trains carrying crude oil, often blocks the only access point to Prairie Island, according to the tribes website. Native American disputes are not just history; they are still alive. In 1980, the Supreme Court affirmed a Court of Claims ruling and awarded $106 million to the Sioux tribes for the illegal seizure of the Black Hills. A more ripe and rank case of dishonorable dealings will never, in all probability, be found in our history, the court said. But the Sioux rejected the money and continue to seek the return of the land. Will the Dakota Access pipeline take its place in a bitter history? The pipeline would carry as much as 570,000 barrels a day of shale oil from North Dakotas Bakken field to the pipeline networks in Patoka, Ill. Along the way, it crosses more than 200 waterways, including the Missouri upstream from the Standing Rock Siouxs facilities for siphoning off drinking water. Energy Transfer Partners did not advance its cause when its chief executive, Kelcy Warren, said in an interview on PBS that he wished the tribe had consulted with the company earlier. Nor did Julie Fedorchak, the North Dakota Public Service Commission chair, who told NPR that the Standing Rock Sioux failed to take part in the 11-month permit process or in 30 hours of open hearings, and that their efforts to reach chairman Archambault were futile. Archambault said in an interview with The Washington Post that the tribal council had in fact met with Energy Transfer executives at the tribal headquarters in September 2014 and that the tribal leaders had clearly stated their opposition to the pipeline. The tribe had passed a resolution in 2012 opposing new pipelines and declared a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing, orfracking, within its borders because we see the destruction done to Mother Earth, Archambault added. Shale oil produced by fracking in western North Dakota is the main source of crude for the Dakota Access pipeline project. In mid-November, the tribe posted on its Facebook page a recording of the 2014 meeting, in which Archambault warned pipeline company representatives that the tribe still recognizes the Fort Laramie borders, and therefore the pipeline that the company considered 1,500 feet north of the reservation was, in fact, part of the tribes territory. So just that you know this is something that the tribe is not supporting, he said on the recording. Archambault, in his interview with The Post this year, said Energy Transfer Partners and public officials fundamentally didnt understand the issue around the pipeline. They would consider us a stakeholder, but were a nation, he said. We would hope and pray they would understand that and consider a more formal government-to-government relationship with the tribe rather than treat us as a stakeholder. Energy Transfer Partners, which on Monday announced a merger with Sunoco in an exchange of shares, had once hoped to keep the Dakota Access pipeline out of the limelight. It has argued that this pipeline isnt unusual. A natural gas pipeline lies along a similar route. And railroads pose similar hazards. This pipeline, the company says, is just one of hundreds of pipelines that carry crude oil, natural gas and refined petroleum products across the country. The Standing Rock Sioux have raised concerns about a possible pipeline leak in the Missouri River; other pipelines have leaked into rivers over the past five years, including some relatively new ones. Warren, the chief executive, says the pipelines foes need not worry about leaks or accidents. The pipeline, he says, is made of extra-thick steel and will run 90 to 115 feet below the bottom of Lake Oahe. But the Native American opposition to the pipeline project runs much deeper than that. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an interview with RT in 2013, said that he wanted to break the Anglo-Saxon monopoly on the global information streams. (YURI KOCHETKOV/AFP/Getty Images) Editors Note: The Washington Post on Nov. 24 published a story on the work of four sets of researchers who have examined what they say are Russian propaganda efforts to undermine American democracy and interests. One of them was PropOrNot, a group that insists on public anonymity, which issued a report identifying more than 200 websites that, in its view, wittingly or unwittingly published or echoed Russian propaganda. A number of those sites have objected to being included on PropOrNots list, and some of the sites, as well as others not on the list, have publicly challenged the groups methodology and conclusions. The Post, which did not name any of the sites, does not itself vouch for the validity of PropOrNots findings regarding any individual media outlet, nor did the article purport to do so. Since publication of The Posts story, PropOrNot has removed some sites from its list. The flood of fake news this election season got support from a sophisticated Russian propaganda campaign that created and spread misleading articles online with the goal of punishing Democrat Hillary Clinton, helping Republican Donald Trump and undermining faith in American democracy, say independent researchers who tracked the operation. Russias increasingly sophisticated propaganda machinery including thousands of botnets, teams of paid human trolls, and networks of websites and social-media accounts echoed and amplified right-wing sites across the Internet as they portrayed Clinton as a criminal hiding potentially fatal health problems and preparing to hand control of the nation to a shadowy cabal of global financiers. The effort also sought to heighten the appearance of international tensions and promote fear of looming hostilities with nuclear-armed Russia. Two teams of independent researchers found that the Russians exploited American-made technology platforms to attack U.S. democracy at a particularly vulnerable moment, as an insurgent candidate harnessed a wide range of grievances to claim the White House. The sophistication of the Russian tactics may complicate efforts by Facebook and Google to crack down on fake news, as they have vowed to do after widespread complaints about the problem. There is no way to know whether the Russian campaign proved decisive in electing Trump, but researchers portray it as part of a broadly effective strategy of sowing distrust in U.S. democracy and its leaders. The tactics included penetrating the computers of election officials in several states and releasing troves of hacked emails that embarrassed Clinton in the final months of her campaign. During a Facebook live discussion, reporter Caitlin Dewey explained how fake news sites use Facebook as a vehicle to function and make money. (The Washington Post) They want to essentially erode faith in the U.S. government or U.S. government interests, said Clint Watts, a fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute who along with two other researchers has tracked Russian propaganda since 2014. This was their standard mode during the Cold War. The problem is that this was hard to do before social media. Wattss report on this work, with colleagues Andrew Weisburd and J.M. Berger, appeared on the national security online magazine War on the Rocks this month under the headline Trolling for Trump: How Russia Is Trying to Destroy Our Democracy. Another group, called PropOrNot, a nonpartisan collection of researchers with foreign policy, military and technology backgrounds, planned to release its own findings Friday showing the startling reach and effectiveness of Russian propaganda campaigns. (Update: The report came out on Saturday). The researchers used Internet analytics tools to trace the origins of particular tweets and mapped the connections among social-media accounts that consistently delivered synchronized messages. Identifying website codes sometimes revealed common ownership. In other cases, exact phrases or sentences were echoed by sites and social-media accounts in rapid succession, signaling membership in connected networks controlled by a single entity. PropOrNots monitoring report, which was provided to The Washington Post in advance of its public release, identifies more than 200 websites as routine peddlers of Russian propaganda during the election season, with combined audiences of at least 15 million Americans. On Facebook, PropOrNot estimates that stories planted or promoted by the disinformation campaign were viewed more than 213 million times. [Could better Internet security have prevented Trumps win?] Consider these points before sharing a news article on Facebook. It could be fake. (Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post) Some players in this online echo chamber were knowingly part of the propaganda campaign, the researchers concluded, while others were useful idiots a term born of the Cold War to describe people or institutions that unknowingly assisted Soviet Union propaganda efforts. The Russian campaign during this election season, researchers from both groups say, worked by harnessing the online worlds fascination with buzzy content that is surprising and emotionally potent, and tracks with popular conspiracy theories about how secret forces dictate world events. Some of these stories originated with RT and Sputnik, state-funded Russian information services that mimic the style and tone of independent news organizations yet sometimes include false and misleading stories in their reports, the researchers say. On other occasions, RT, Sputnik and other Russian sites used social-media accounts to amplify misleading stories already circulating online, causing news algorithms to identify them as trending topics that sometimes prompted coverage from mainstream American news organizations. The speed and coordination of these efforts allowed Russian-backed phony news to outcompete traditional news organizations for audience. Some of the first and most alarming tweets after Clinton fell ill at a Sept. 11 memorial event in New York, for example, came from Russian botnets and trolls, researchers found. (She was treated for pneumonia and returned to the campaign trail a few days later.) This followed a spate of other misleading stories in August about Clintons supposedly troubled health. The Daily Beast debunked a particularly widely read piece in an article that reached 1,700 Facebook accounts and was read online more than 30,000 times. But the PropOrNot researchers found that the version supported by Russian propaganda reached 90,000 Facebook accounts and was read more than 8 million times. The researchers said the true Daily Beast story was like shouting into a hurricane of false stories supported by the Russians. This propaganda machinery also helped push the phony story that an anti-Trump protester was paid thousands of dollars to participate in demonstrations, an allegation initially made by a self-described satirist and later repeated publicly by the Trump campaign. Researchers from both groups traced a variety of other false stories fake reports of a coup launched at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey and stories about how the United States was going to conduct a military attack and blame it on Russia to Russian propaganda efforts. [Facebook fake-news writer: I think Donald Trump is in the White House because of me] The final weeks of the campaign featured a heavy dose of stories about supposed election irregularities, allegations of vote-rigging and the potential for Election Day violence should Clinton win, researchers said. The way that this propaganda apparatus supported Trump was equivalent to some massive amount of a media buy, said the executive director of PropOrNot, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid being targeted by Russias legions of skilled hackers. It was like Russia was running a super PAC for Trumps campaign. . . . It worked. He and other researchers expressed concern that the U.S. government has few tools for detecting or combating foreign propaganda. They expressed hope that their research detailing the power of Russian propaganda would spur official action. A former U.S. ambassador to Russia, Michael A. McFaul, said he was struck by the overt support that Sputnik expressed for Trump during the campaign, even using the #CrookedHillary hashtag pushed by the candidate. McFaul said Russian propaganda typically is aimed at weakening opponents and critics. Trumps victory, though reportedly celebrated by Putin and his allies in Moscow, may have been an unexpected benefit of an operation that already had fueled division in the United States. They dont try to win the argument, said McFaul, now director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University. Its to make everything seem relative. Its kind of an appeal to cynicism. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied interfering in the U.S. election or hacking the accounts of election officials. This is some sort of nonsense, Dmitry Peskov, press secretary for Putin, said last month when U.S. officials accused Russia of penetrating the computers of the Democratic National Committee and other political organizations. RT disputed the findings of the researchers in an e-mail on Friday, saying it played no role in producing or amplifying any fake news stories related to the U.S. election. It is the height of irony that an article about fake news is built on false, unsubstantiated claims. RT adamantly rejects any and all claims and insuations that the network has originated even a single fake story related to the US election, wrote Anna Belkina, head of communications. The findings about the mechanics of Russian propaganda operations largely track previous research by the Rand Corp. and George Washington Universitys Elliott School of International Affairs. They use our technologies and values against us to sow doubt, said Robert Orttung, a GWU professor who studies Russia. Its starting to undermine our democratic system. The Rand report which dubbed Russian propaganda efforts a firehose of falsehood because of their speed, power and relentlessness traced the countrys current generation of online propaganda work to the 2008 incursion into neighboring Georgia, when Russia sought to blunt international criticism of its aggression by pushing alternative explanations online. The same tactics, researchers said, helped Russia shape international opinions about its 2014 annexation of Crimea and its military intervention in Syria, which started last year. Russian propaganda operations also worked to promote the Brexit departure of Britain from the European Union. Another crucial moment, several researchers say, came in 2011 when the party of Russian President Vladimir Putin was accused of rigging elections, sparking protests that Putin blamed the Obama administration and then-Secretary of State Clinton for instigating. Putin, a former KGB officer, announced his desire to break the Anglo-Saxon monopoly on the global information streams during a 2013 visit to the broadcast center for RT, formerly known as Russia Today. For them, its actually a real war, an ideological war, this clash between two systems, said Sufian Zhemukhov, a former Russian journalist conducting research at GWU. In their minds, theyre just trying to do what the West does to Russia. RT broadcasts news reports worldwide in several languages, but the most effective way it reaches U.S. audiences is online. Its English-language flagship YouTube channel, launched in 2007, has 1.85 million subscribers and has had a total of 1.8 billion views, making it more widely viewed than CNNs YouTube channel, according to a George Washington University report this month. Though widely seen as a propaganda organ, the Russian site has gained credibility with some American conservatives. Trump sat for an interview with RT in September. His nominee for national security adviser, retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, traveled to Russia last year for a gala sponsored by the network. He later compared it to CNN. The content from Russian sites has offered ready fodder for U.S.-based websites pushing far-right conservative messages. A former contractor for one, the Next News Network, said he was instructed by the sites founder, Gary S. Franchi Jr., to weave together reports from traditional sources such as the Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times with ones from RT, Sputnik and others that provided articles that often spread explosively online. The readers are more likely to share the fake stories, and theyre more profitable, said Dyan Bermeo, who said he helped assemble scripts and book guests for Next News Network before leaving because of a pay dispute and concerns that fake news was crowding out real news. In just the past 90 days a period that has included the closing weeks of the campaign, Election Day and its aftermath the YouTube audience of Next News Network has jumped from a few hundred thousand views a day to a few million, according to analytics firm Tubular Labs. In October alone, videos from Next News Network were viewed more than 56 million times. Franchi said in an e-mail statement that Next News Network seeks a global perspective while providing commentary aimed at U.S. audiences, especially with regard to Russian military activity. Understanding the threat of global war is the first step to preventing it, he said, and we feel our coverage assisted in preventing a possible World War 3 scenario. Correction: A previously published version of this story incorrectly stated that Russian information service RT had used the #CrookedHillary hastag pushed by then-Republican candidate Donald Trump. In fact, while another Russian information service Sputnik did use this hashtag, RT did not. President-elect Donald Trump looks on as Mitt Romney leaves Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Bedminster, N.J., on Nov. 19 after a discussion about the transition. (Carolyn Kaster/AP) In 2006, Jeff Sessions rose in the Senate chamber to personalize a debate on immigration. He, too, had immigrant forebears, he said, including my great-great-great-great-grandfather, who made it to the United States in time for the Civil War. And then, the Alabama Republican groused, Lincoln killed one of them at Antietam. Keep this in mind about the people making up the new Washington power structure: They remember. America, always an aspiring democracy, is now also a grudgeocracy. This goes beyond Sessions, recently nominated to serve as Donald Trumps attorney general. Theres retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, who, nudged out of his post at the Defense Intelligence Agency, ascended to the highest ranks of the Trump campaign by blasting his former boss, President Obama, as a liar; now he has been tapped as national security adviser. Theres Stephen K. Bannon, who built a right-wing website into a thriving media empire by raging against the so-called elites he used to hobnob with; hes set to become senior White House adviser. And then theres the president-elect himself, who welcomed television journalists to Trump Tower on Monday for what they probably assumed would be a post-election charm offensive. Instead, he berated them for months-old coverage he deemed unfair. [What TV journalists did wrong and the New York Times did right in meeting with Trump] The spirit of resentment is bipartisan, and its everywhere. Hillary Clinton and her supporters are looking to blame anyone but themselves: The FBI! No, the Kremlin! The pollsters! The Bernie people are battering the Democrats with if onlys and I told you sos. It seems as if half of Twitter users have Deplorable in front of their names a badge that conveys a fierce grudge against Clinton and her characterization of Trump voters. White nationalists fling their ethnic grudges into the air with Nazi salutes. Yet no one is setting the tone like the Trump team. The transition kicked off with the ultimate grudge match: the ouster of Chris Christie, who is himself the king of the Jersey-style grudge; two of his former staffers were convicted in connection with a scheme to retaliate against a mayor who didnt endorse the governors reelection by creating a traffic jam. Christie knew of and laughed at their grudgy scheme to close toll lanes on the George Washington Bridge, according to a state official who pleaded guilty. But days after Trumps election, it was Christies turn. He was shoved out of his post heading the Trump transition team, reportedly at the behest of Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner, whose dad Christie once prosecuted and sent to prison. Jared Kushner is not only President-elect Donald Trump's son-in-law but also one of his key advisers. Here's a closer look at the man who may play a central role in Trump's administration. (Deirdra O'Regan/The Washington Post) Grudge karma! It seems to be on the president-elects mind the moment he wakes up. Trump tweeted at 6:16 a.m. Nov. 21 that he canceled a meeting with the not nice New York Times, whose approval hes courted for 40 years. (Hours later, the meeting was back on, if grudgingly.) Ted Cruz, a lawyer by trade, was invited to the president-elects Manhattan tower last week as Trump was openly considering his Cabinet picks. This invitation was probably not a courtesy. Did Trump bring Cruz to Trump Tower right before selecting Sessions for AG just to humiliate Cruz one final time? tweeted the New Yorkers Ryan Lizza. Seems quite possible, given Trumps obsession with loyalty, defiance and showing up his opponents. In July, the senator from Texas stood onstage at the Republican National Convention and told a dyspeptic crowd to vote your conscience essentially giving them license to defect from the imminent nominee. Its possible Cruz held a grudge himself, after losing the Republican primary to a candidate whod disparaged his wifes looks and accused his father of colluding with Lee Harvey Oswald. [This is what it felt like at the Republican convention in Cleveland] The shelf life of Trumps grudges is long. In 1975, Richard Ravitch, a New York housing official, denied a tax exemption for one of Trumps construction projects. Thirty-four years later, when New York Gov. David Paterson named Ravitch as his lieutenant governor in 2009, Trump wrote to him to complain that Ravitch was extremely weak, ineffective and a poor negotiator, according to the Washington Post book Trump Revealed. But grudges and the potential to overcome as well as act on them certainly lend drama to politics. Could Trump possibly get over South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haleys campaign criticism of him? Why, yes! So his nomination of her as U.N. ambassador carried an extra bit of flair. But would he extend such forgiveness to Mitt Romney, who once called Trump a a phony, a fraud, only to emerge as a surprise contender for secretary of state? Stay tuned . . . The word itself goes back 700 years. The Middle English grudgen meant to complain, and the Middle High German grogezen meant to howl, according to Merriam-Webster. I have a grudge against England because she induced us to go into the World War, the isolationist Sen. Robert Reynolds (D-N.C.) said in 1939. America has no time to waste on a long, drawn-out political grudge fight, Vice President Gerald Ford said in 1974, as impeachment pressure on Richard Nixon intensified. When people treat me unfairly, I dont let them forget it, Trump said last year in Dubuque, Iowa. Mike Pence, the next vice president, was booed at a performance of Hamilton and then lectured by the cast about diversity and our inalienable rights; Trump supporters responded to this cheeky exercise of free speech by calling for a boycott of the Broadway show, already sold out until the end of time, which is now how long the grudge against it will last. This is somehow fitting, given that the story of Hamilton hinges on Aaron Burrs years-long grudge against the title character. [Why Trump gets theater completely and utterly wrong] The cast and producers of Hamilton should immediately apologize to Mike Pence for their terrible behavior, Trump tweeted at 6:22 a.m. Nov. 20 as the boycott trended on Twitter, which is a perfect social-media device for nursing and publicizing grudges. The New York Times has kept track of Trumps Twitter insults, a digital museum of grudgery that extends to critics such as Sen. John McCain (has failed miserably) and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (her mind is shot) and to inanimate objects such as the microphone at the first presidential debate (very bad and really bad). Of course, neither a caustic one-liner nor a faulty microphone approaches the grudge-worthiness of being shot with a .22-caliber bullet. But the magnanimous Ronald Reagan, rather than smear his would-be assassin, had this to say in 1983 about John Hinckley Jr.: I dont hold a grudge or anything. Lovers of fine timepieces congregate at WatchTime New York, a two-day luxury watch show, to feed and share their passion. (Mark Abramson/ ) Time has never been more ubiquitous and in your face. Its on the phone, the computer, the car and every blasted appliance. You dont need a watch to tell the time, confesses timepiece connoisseur Watch Anish at a midtown Manhattan cocktail party celebrating luxury watches. (Real name: Anish Bhatt, but as an Instagram brand, hes so beyond that.) You hear this observation plenty in the haute horology world, even from people selling six-figure timepieces. Also, that a Timex tells pretty good time. But facts matter not a second hand to obsessive collectors, almost all of whom are male, in a market where $15,000 models are deemed middle-class timepieces. Luxury watches are Porsches for your wrist, Birkin bags for boys that speak stacks of cash about the owners. To aficionados, that thing youre wearing, especially if its a quartz movement, isnt remotely interesting. Its barely a watch. Attending a watch event is like landing in a tiny, exotic and costly country, where you never really master the language or the customs. At expertly lighted booths that make the watches sparkle like diamonds (the ladies models are often encrusted with them), the dealers resemble charming Bond villains in dark clothes and black gloves so as not to smudge the merchandise. There are many tall men of impeccable grooming named Roland and Lothar, with seductive accents, with whom you might care to discuss the merits of a minute repeater or a flyback chronograph into the wee hours. The saleswomen are exceptionally knowledgeable and, it will come as no surprise, attractive. Their brands sound like 19th-century nobility and are treated accordingly: Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre. Their ads feature Formula One racers and tennis and international film stars who bankroll luxury magazines, which would be naked and probably defunct without them. Luxury watch ads seem more ubiquitous than the objects theyre selling. Some collectors have mastered a way of getting paid for their obsession. Watch Anish travels the capitals of the very rich reporting on luxury watches, paid by the manufacturers and tracked by 1.6 million Instagram followers. Many venerable watchmakers nearly failed during the 1970s but today produce even finer timepieces. (Mark Abramson/ ) Many collectors own multiple timepieces that sell for five to six figures apiece. (Mark Abramson/ ) Theres a whole lifestyle element to his take on luxury watches, says Watch Anish, who is the very Instagram of an English dandy. He wears a custom gray windowpane suit, a diamond bouquet pin and, most important, a 1950s Rolex GMT 6542 with Bakelite bezel and Arabic numerals, blue on top, red on the bottom, that he says would sell for about $400,000 if anyone were selling. Anish figures there are about three models extant. Anish owns about 60 or 70 watches. Like many enthusiasts, hes not saying the precise number possibly because its in constant flux or the total is too great to fathom. Need has nothing to do with luxury, which traffics in exclusivity and desire. The high-end watch world markets in history and tradition, the design and craft of venerable Swiss houses that almost went kaput during the quartz crisis of the 1970s uttered in near horror only to be reborn by the production of even finer, highly mechanical timepieces, some with up to 500 moving parts, that have been known to make grown men swoon. Baselworld in Switzerland serves as the watch Olympics, but events such as this showcase, WatchTime New York, hosted by WatchTime magazine, occur regularly wherever there is wealth and appetite. WatchTime is a bimonthly publication devoted exclusively to, er, watches. For a time, we had a spirits column, a car column, a cigar column, says publisher Sara Orlando. But the readers didnt like that. The magazine runs a popular Facetime feature of readers photographs. Its akin to Town & Countrys wedding announcements except that the beloved is a watch. Leading luxury lifestyle Instagram personality Watch Anish (a.k.a. Anish Bhatt) travels around the world reporting on luxury watches, bankrolled by their manufacturers. (Mark Abramson/ ) By general consensus, were experiencing a watershed in the production of luxury watches. I dont think theres been any period of this much diversity and of this many fine mechanical watches, says Jeffrey Kingston, a San Francisco lawyer, watch authority and collector. Some makers of fine watches produce fewer than 50 timepieces a year. Some custom watches take four years to make. There are watch guys who are just into watches. At the Blancpain counter, I meet a man who traded in his Bentley so he could amass more timepieces. But there are also enthusiasts who are into plenty of everything. Kingston loves fine cars, wine, planes. Watches are just another fine mechanical thing, he says. He has his limits. Hes no fan of Rolex, once known as the Texas Timex, an industry giant that produces more than 800,000 timepieces a year. To many collectors, Rolex is a starter watch well, not Anishs rare vintage piece to a more complicated, exciting world. I respect Rolex for what they do. Its a very good industrialized product, Kingston notes, but theyre of absolutely no interest. Despite the advances in design and mechanization, these are also challenging times for fine watches, given decreased demand in China and Hong Kong; depressed oil prices and interest in oil-producing nations; a strong Swiss franc (although fine watches are produced elsewhere, including Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, even Lancaster County, Pa.); and smartwatches, which many enthusiasts own, yet tend to dismiss. I wear it as a notification device, says Kingston, who often dons an Apple watch on his right wrist, a fine timepiece on his left. But its a mediocre watch with an atrocious application platform. In the luxury watch world, $15,000 models are considered middle-class timepieces. Many collectors spend far more than that per watch. (Mark Abramson) Kingston is a clinician about his watches. It not something to show off. Id rather people wouldnt notice. Its for me, he says. When I go out in public, I pull my sleeve down. Which is so not the case with the RedBar Group. These devout watch guys are delirious tonight, many of them double-wristing a fine watch decorating each wrist throwing their babies on a high-top table to share and admire. WatchTime New York attendees pose for a "wristie." (Mark Abramson) Theyre big on posing for wrist shots, selfies for the wrist, and are able to ID a watch by make and model from 20 paces. Oh, man, is that an MB&F HMX? Why, of course it is. The MB&F HMX, Maximilian Busser & Friends Horological Machine X, is a five-figure novelty watch that doesnt so much resemble a timepiece as a portion of the Starship Enterprises control panel. The time isnt even displayed on the face but slyly on the side, as though it were a state secret. The RedBar Group, co-founded 10 years ago by former copywriter Adam Craniotes and named for the Midtown Manhattan bar that hosts them, exists to drink and discuss watches. Which they can easily and regularly do for five to six hours. On a weekly basis. RedBar has 2,000 members in more than 20 cities on four continents. Craniotes is given to saying things like watches get interesting around $5,000 to $6,000 or, of one exclusive manufacturer, for a Richard Mille, you need at least $100,000 to get in. He owns about 20 good ones. His wife doesnt understand his obsession. So, four years ago, he traded in three pieces and borrowed $10,000 from his mother to purchase a $38,600 IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Top Gun, which is the watch and story that defines him. However, its no longer his favorite that would be his limited edition IWC Collectors Forum Pilots Watch Chronograph or the timepiece that he wears tonight, a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. This is basically a silly hobby, he says, admiring his RedBar brethrens timely baubles. If youre not having fun, youre doing something wrong. We spend too much money on these things that you dont need. The Dodge Mansion at 2819 P St. NW in the District is shown on Nov. 4. It is owned by Bill Dean, chief executive of M.C. Dean, one of the countrys largest electrical contractors. (Michael E. Miller/TWP) On the Friday night before Halloween, beyond a front door guarded by bouncers, a few hundred costumed guests drank and danced at one of Georgetowns most renowned annual parties. Topless models covered in body paint mingled with foreign policy experts and high-powered lawyers as music filled the historic $5 million home known as Dodge Mansion. At the center of it all stood Bill Dean, the 51-year-old chief executive of M.C. Dean, one of the countrys biggest electrical contractors. Dean was hosting the Halloween bash for the 11th time. Past parties had featured go-go dancers, fire breathers and props from Game of Thrones. This years theme was the election. In a toupee and three-piece suit evoking John F. Kennedy on his Inauguration Day, Dean posed for photos with guests in front of a hand-painted backdrop of the Capitol. Whether you are for Her or whether you want to make America great again, the partys invitation promised, Dodge Halloween will inspire. Instead, inspiration gave way to an allegation of rape and a police investigation. About 4 a.m. on Oct. 29, after most guests had left, Stephanie Larimore, a model and former Playboy playmate, was on the main floor of the 5,500-square-foot home when she heard cries of distress upstairs, she said. She hurried her way past a bouncer and followed the noise to a second-floor guest room. A girl was lying on the floor, naked, saying she needed clothes and she had been sexually assaulted, Larimore recalled. I was screaming, the 21-year-old alleged victim said in an interview with The Washington Post. When Larimore and another woman tried to help her, the attacker allegedly burst into the room, threw the woman against a wall and bashed Larimores head on the floor, Larimore said. Larimore called the police. But by the time officers arrived, the man a friend of Deans was gone. [A $24 million mansion became a party house. Now its tied to a drive-by shooting.] Police said they are still investigating the incident. Because the alleged assailant has not been charged with a crime, The Washington Post is not naming him. Both he and Dean did not return multiple requests for comment. Police said Dean is cooperating with the investigation. Whether there is an arrest, the incident has thrust Dean and his parties into the spotlight. The multimillionaire bachelor who once compared himself to George Clooney and asked, Why cant Washington just have a little bit of freaking fun? is now accused of letting things get horribly out of hand. These parties, Larimore said, should not be happening if there is no control. A modern-day Gatsby Dean has long been among Washingtons wealthiest and most well-connected people. With 1,400 local employees and tens of millions of dollars worth of contracts, M.C. Dean is one of the regions biggest companies. It is responsible for everything, from maintaining streetlights and trolley-car electrical lines in the capital to the power grid at the Pentagon. So much of what M.C. Dean does is behind the scenes: the underpinnings, the infrastructure, lights, signals, the stuff that when it doesnt work creates real snarls, said Jim Dinegar, president and chief executive of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. Id say the same about Bill. He is a big part of the community but not always out front. He is behind the scenes, playing a pivotal role. Dean has been a major campaign donor over the past decade. He and his company have given more than $750,000 to federal, state and District candidates or political action committees, most of which went to Republicans, campaign finance records show. Deans company also employed David Catania while he was on the D.C. Council, paying him $240,000 a year. Catania, an independent who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2014, did not return requests for comment. M.C. Dean was founded in 1949 by its namesake, Marion Caleb Dean, Bills grandfather. Bill Dean took over the company from his father, Casey Dean, in 1997. He was just 32. Over the past 20 years, Dean has grown the family business from a traditional electrical contractor with 140 employees to a high-tech global company of 3,500. Its clients range from universities and cities to the U.S. Navy and NATO. They are one of the biggest players in the market, said Mike Eby, editor in chief of trade magazine Electrical Construction & Maintenance. M.C. Dean made $625 million in revenue last year much of it from federal contracts ranking it among the top 10 electrical contractors in the country, Eby said. According to its website, M.C. Dean has offices throughout the Eastern United States, Europe and the Middle East. This success has afforded Dean a luxurious lifestyle. He bought Dodge Mansion in 2003 for about $3 million and quickly began hosting lavish Halloween and July Fourth parties. In 2008, he built a 4,145-square-foot second home at Honest Point, Va., overlooking the confluence of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay, shuttling to and from the house in his three-bedroom yacht named Moksha, a Hindu term for spiritual release. Bill Dean and a guest attend a Haute Living Haute 100 Dinner presented by Dom Perignon in May 2015 in Miami. (Sergi Alexander/Getty Images for Haute Living) A year later, Dean bought an even bigger house: the historic, 11,745-square-foot Miami Beach summer home of Kmart founder S.S. Kresge. Dean dropped $8 million on the property, then an additional $32 million on renovations to make it the ultimate party pad, according to the Wall Street Journal. The upgrades included a swimming pool, four hot tubs, a Turkish bath, a lawn specially designed for yoga and a pagoda modeled on a Japanese imperial villa. A 12-foot Buddha sculpture was shipped from the District and installed in the houses nightclub. [Removing a 12-foot Buddha from an empty bar: Harder than it looks] Dean renamed the property Terra Veritatis, or Land of Truth, in Latin. Nearly 4,000 people attended his birthday party there in 2013, Washingtonian magazine reported. Hes a modern-day Gatsby, throwing these big, flamboyant parties, said Nancy Taylor Bubes, a Georgetown real estate agent. She said Dean often hosted charity dinners at Dodge Mansion and is generally well-liked in the community. Like Gatsby, however, Dean has his detractors. Im a Bill Dean fan, Bubes said. But some neighbors cant believe how these girls dress at these parties. Where there is alcohol and seductive dressing, its a real formula for disaster. In a private Facebook invitation featuring a picture of JFK in a spacesuit holding Deans dog, Shredder, Dean advertised this years Dodge Halloween theme as DCs own version of Naughty and Nice. Pumpkins lined the 18 steps leading up to the door of 2819 P St. NW, where guests whose names were on a list received orange wristbands from security guards in black suits. Inside, another security guard blocked access to the upper levels, allowing only Deans inner circle, guests said. On the main floor, voluptuous vampires and sexy SWAT officers rubbed shoulders with Abraham Lincoln and a Confederate soldier. An artist flown in from Miami painted topless models to look like Wonder Woman, an FBI agent, a mermaid and Harley Quinn from the movie Suicide Squad. Some of his parties have been outrageous, said David Dunning, a neighbor who said he left before midnight. This was pretty tame. The most excruciating pain By 4 a.m., only about a dozen guests remained, including the 21-year-old, who is a junior at a university in Maryland. The Post typically does not identify victims of alleged sexual violence. In a brief interview, the young woman said she had never been to Dodge Mansion before. A friend had been invited, and she wanted to tag along. After arriving, she proceeded to an upstairs bedroom, where she said partygoers were snorting lines of cocaine. The woman said she sampled a line herself but then went to the bathroom because the drug made her panic. This group of girls was there in the bathroom, and I said, My heart, it feels like its going to explode, the woman recalled. Then I started feeling better after they were talking me through it. But then, she said, everything quickly changed with the appearance of Deans friend, whom she identified by name to The Post. Somehow, [he] got them to leave the room, the woman said. The two wound up in the connected bedroom, on the bed. He locked the door, and he started touching me, and I realized what was going on. I said, Can you stop? He wasnt stopping, the woman said. He violently bit and grabbed her. It was the most excruciating pain. Then he raped her, she said. When Larimore a former Miss June 2006 who has been to Dodge Mansion parties reached her, she was already being comforted by one of the women in body paint. She was telling us that she had been attacked, raped, and she was lying on the ground naked, crying, Larimore recalled. One witness, who asked not to be named, does not remember the victim saying she had been raped. Instead, she said that she had had sex with the man, but was uncomfortable with some of the things he had done to her. She complained she was feeling sick and then began to cry. After finding her a bathrobe and a bottle of water, the woman in body paint and Larimore were taking her to another room when her alleged attacker intervened. He ran toward her to tell her, basically, to shut up, Larimore said. The man then threw the woman in body paint against the wall before knocking Larimore to the floor, she said. He stood over me and banged my head into the ground. He grabbed one girl by the hair and threw her across the door and beat the crap out of her, said the alleged rape victim. I was standing there frozen. After police arrived, at least half a dozen officers fanned out through the house, sequestering witnesses and taking their statements. They asked me a bunch of questions, and they reassured me a lot, the alleged rape victim said. She did not go to the hospital, she said, because she did not want anyone else touching her body. She just wanted to take a shower and sleep. I am still in pain, she said two weeks after the alleged assault. On Nov. 1, NBC4 aired a segment on the attack at the mansion, citing a police report and showing video of Deans house but not mentioning the businessman by name. When her father, who knew she had attended the Halloween party at Deans mansion, asked her about the report, his daughter told him she was the victim. She said, That was me, Dad, said the father, a manager at a major bank. It knocked the wind out of me. In an interview near their Maryland home, her parents said they are worried that their daughter is going to stop cooperating with the investigation. After the party, the woman got a call from a woman who identified herself as a representative of the alleged attacker. Since the call, she has stopped answering questions about the assault despite her parents pleas. Its intimidating to deal with someone with such a high profile and aggressive demeanor, she said of her alleged assailant. When The Post called the representative, the woman refused to identify herself by name and said: I cant comment. I cant talk about this, before hanging up. Larimore said she, too, had received a call from the representative, who asked how she was feeling and what she wanted. I dont want anything from him, said Larimore, who went to the hospital four days after the attack, was diagnosed with a mild concussion and was still having headaches and blurred vision. I just dont want this to happen to any other girls. Aaron C. Davis and Jennifer Jenkins contributed to this report. Montgomery County zoning attorney Jeffrey Zyontz infuses documents with footnotes that draw on sources including George Bernard Shaw and Roseanne Roseannadanna. (Pete Marovich/For The Washington Post) The 34-page memo, which deals in part with exempting, or grandfathering, properties from new zoning regulations, drones on in typical bureaucratic fashion. Until Footnote 6. Talmudic scholars would be challenged to discern the comprehensive meaning of all grandfathering provisions in [the proposal] as introduced, zoning attorney Jeffrey Zyontz wrote to the Montgomery County Council in June 2013. In accord with Talmudic tradition, any answer to a question on grandfathering will undoubtedly lead to another question. It was a typical digression for Zyontz, the councils go-to adviser on a critical but often arcane subject not known as a wellspring of whimsy. He underscores his legal conclusions with footnotes that mix philosophy and humor, drawing on George Bernard Shaw to poke at a too-vague economic analysis (If all economists were laid end to end, they would not reach a conclusion) and Kahlil Gibran when he believes a developer has overstated the cost of a project (Exaggeration is truth that has lost its temper). Im a bureaucrat. I recognize that, Zyontz, 66, said one recent afternoon in his small office on the fifth floor of the County Council building in Rockville. I work to help the County Council make rational decisions. That is my real job. And if humor helps me accomplish that goal, then so be it. His desk was in scholarly disarray, covered with loose-leaf binders and memos on what can be built where in the 500-square-mile county. With more than 40 years in land-use planning, Zyontz, who makes $154,000 a year, seems to still enjoy the push and pull of such decisions. In his writings, he displays a dry wit and refers to himself in the third person, as Staff. A deep emotional attachment to chickens was also expressed in testimony, he wrote about a public hearing on whether to retain requirements for chicken coops, which included a 100-foot setback from neighboring homes. Staff notes that there was no testimony concerning any emotional attachment to land-use attorneys, yet attorneys are allowed within 100 feet of neighboring houses. The 100-foot rule stayed in effect. In declining a landowners request for a definition of open space, Zyontz footnoted: Not everything is easily defined. When asked to define herself, Britney Spears said, I dont like defining myself, I just am. Staff does not intend to either define Ms. Spears or to create a new definition for open space. [Zoning code revisions aim toward a more urban Montgomery] Montgomery County zoning attorney Jeffrey Zyontzs unusual footnotes can liven up even the dullest zoning memo. (Pete Marovich/For The Washington Post) Zyontzs light touch was put to the test during the recent revision of the county zoning code, a five-year project. He started each planning committee session with a This Day in History reference that highlighted a watershed moment that had unfolded in less time than the code revision. On this day in 1501, Michelangelo started work on his statue of David, he said on Sept. 12, 2013. How long did it take? asked council member Nancy Floreen (D-At Large), a frequent straight woman for his routines. Completed in 1504, Zyontz announced. At least two years faster than the zoning rewrite. Floreen said Zyontzs antic style can obscure his skill as a lawyer. For example, the code revision, intended to curb sprawl by guiding new development into more-established areas, involved sorting through some 400 land-use categories. Floreen said it could have turned into a hopeless slog. Its been a real gift to have him, she said. This is unbelievably intricate stuff, and he has everyones confidence. Earlier this year, Zyontz led county legislative aides in a briefing titled Subdivision 101, using different types of headwear to illustrate the history of private land ownership. There was a crown (for William the Conqueror, who claimed the right to own and subdivide land), a white wig (for George Calvert, the first European owner of Maryland), a tri-corner Colonial hat (to symbolize the U.S. Constitution), and so on. Some people dont bring their whole selves to work, but Jeff does, said Tedi Osias, a legislative aide to Floreen. The son of a furniture salesman, born in Newark and raised in suburban West Caldwell, N.J., Zyontz didnt seriously consider planning as a career until his senior year at American University, when he met Royce Hanson, a professor serving the first of two stints as chair of the Montgomery Planning Board. After a masters in planning at Rutgers and a law degree from Washington College, he landed his first job, as a researcher for the Maryland- National Capital Park and Planning Commission. He spent 31 years there, rising to be the chief planner for Montgomery County, before joining the staff of the council in 2006. Hes had a hand in virtually every consequential land-use decision of the period, including the Intercounty Connector, creation of the 90,000-acre Agricultural Reserve and the rebirth of downtown Silver Spring. His career, he says, has taught him the finite nature of what humanity puts on land, which is why he recommended against a 2013 proposal to expand the use of pervious pavement to absorb more storm runoff. This time, he cited a Saturday Night Live character made famous by Gilda Radner. There is one consistent attribute of human-made structures; they fail over time. Zyontz wrote in Footnote 16. In the immortal words of Roseanne Roseannadanna, Its always something. If its not poor maintenance, its sand applied for winter traction; if its not the hundred-year storm once every 5 years, its compaction of the subsurface. If its not an oil spill, its the crushing force of overweight vehicles. The council agreed with him, and the proposal was rejected. Zyontz lives in Rockville with his wife, Wendy, a recently retired optometrist. He could retire at any time but says hes in no hurry and would like to stay as long as he is useful. Which leads him to one final quip: If youre sick and get a get-well card from the council, you dont want it to say: The council wishes you a speedy recovery by a vote of 5 to 4. Before she became known as Americas Mom on The Brady Bunch, Florence Henderson was an established Broadway star and a frequent presence on television as a singer, a member of NBCs Today show team and the first female guest host of The Tonight Show. But it was for her role as Carol Brady, the calm, problem-solving, yet stylish mother of The Brady Bunch, a sitcom about a blended suburban family, that Ms. Henderson became one of the most popular actresses on television. She died Nov. 24 at a Los Angeles hospital at age 82. Her unexpected death was attributed to heart failure, her manager, Kayla Pressman, said in a statement. Earlier in the week, Ms. Henderson had attended a taping of ABCs Dancing With the Stars to cheer on Maureen McCormick, who played her daughter Marcia Brady on The Brady Bunch. In 2010, when she was 76, Ms. Henderson had been one of the oldest contestants on Dancing With the Stars. The Brady Bunch, which also starred Robert Reed as a widowed father of three boys, ran on ABC-TV from 1969 to 1974. The show never cracked the top 25 in ratings, but through continual reruns it attracted a strong following in later years and became an unexpected cultural touchstone. 1 of 13 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad A still from the opening sequence of The Brady Bunch, with Florence Henderson, right. View Photos Henderson died at 82 of heart failure, according to her manager. Caption Henderson died at 82 of heart failure, according to her manager. June 2, 2016 Actress Florence Henderson attends the Television Academy's 70th anniversary gala in Los Angeles. She became known as Americas Mom on The Brady Bunch. Mike Windle/Getty Images Wait 1 second to continue. If youre anywhere between 40 and 60, chances are you know that show you couldnt avoid it, Robert Thompson, a scholar of television and popular culture at Syracuse University, said Friday in an interview. Ms. Hendersons character was memorably introduced at the beginning of the shows jaunty theme song: Heres the story of a lovely lady who was bringing up three very lovely girls. All of them had hair of gold, like their mother, the youngest one in curls. As the six children of The Brady Bunch struggled to adapt to sibling rivalry and teenage awkwardness, Ms. Hendersons character was the sensible, reassuring presence that held the household together. She was so understanding, never lost her temper, Thompson said. If I were to make a pantheon of TV moms, I would put Carol Brady near the top. It was never revealed whether Ms. Hendersons character was divorced or widowed, and the wholesome show seldom delved into the divisive social issues that seeped into other sitcoms of the period. Instead, The Brady Bunch was firmly in the tradition of earlier family series such as Leave It to Beaver, The Donna Reed Show and Father Knows Best. During the first season of The Brady Bunch, Ms. Henderson encapsulated the shows inclusive sense of family warmth by consoling Bobby, the youngest son of the newly united family. She told him not to think of himself as a stepchild. Listen, the only steps in this house are those, she said, pointing to the staircase, the ones that lead up to your bedroom. 1 of 66 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Florence Henderson in 2013. View Photos Prince, David Bowie, Debbie Reynolds, Harper Lee and others: Remembering those who have died this year. Caption Prince, David Bowie, Debbie Reynolds, Harper Lee and others: Remembering those who have died this year. Debbie Reynolds Actress Debbie Reynolds starred in the 1952 classic movie Singin in the Rain with Gene Kelly, shown above. Reynolds died one day after the death of her daughter, actress-writer Carrie Fisher. Reynolds was 84. Shes now with Carrie and were all heartbroken, her son Todd Fisher said. Read the Debbie Reynolds obituary AFP/Getty Images Wait 1 second to continue. Comic relief was provided by the family housekeeper, Alice, played by Ann B. Davis. After The Brady Bunch was canceled in 1974, Ms. Henderson appeared in a series of spinoffs and TV movies, including The Brady Brides, A Very Brady Christmas, The Bradys and The Brady Bunch Hour. The shows reruns unexpectedly caught on with a new generation of viewers, many of whom saw it as a form of camp, complete with the outlandish hair and clothing styles of the early 1970s. Unlike real life, the Bradys problems were always solved in 30 minutes, Ms. Henderson said in 1990. I think that show had a little magic charm about it. Florence Agnes Henderson was born Feb. 14, 1934, in Dale, Ind., the youngest of 10 children. She grew up in poverty on a tobacco farm near Owensboro, Ky. By the time she was 4, Ms. Henderson later recalled, My mother would send me to the store to get groceries, and theyd give them to me if I would sing. At 17, she moved to New York to study singing and acting and within a year was a chorus member on Broadway. In 1952, composer Richard Rodgers chose her for the lead role of Laurey in a touring production of Oklahoma! A year later, she starred in a Broadway revival of the acclaimed musical. She is the real thing, right out of a butter churn somewhere, critic Walter Kerr wrote in the New York Herald Tribune. In 1959, Ms. Henderson became a regular on NBCs Today show, giving reports on fashion and the weather. She toured in the role of Maria in The Sound of Music in 1961, then a year later became the first woman to sit in as a guest host of The Tonight Show. Ms. Henderson temporarily lost her hearing in the 1960s as the result of a hereditary condition that was corrected by surgery. She appeared on countless TV variety shows and game shows and made commercials for Wesson cooking oil for more than 20 years. In a 2011 memoir, Life Is Not a Stage: From Broadway Baby to a Lovely Lady and Beyond, Ms. Henderson quashed an oft-repeated rumor that she had an affair with Barry Williams, the teenaged actor who played Greg on The Brady Bunch. In fact, when Williams got married, she sang at his wedding. Ms. Hendersons first marriage, to theater producer Ira Bernstein, ended in divorce. Her second husband, John Kappas, a hypnotherapist who helped her overcome her stage fright and fear of flying, died in 2002. (Ms. Henderson also became a licensed hypnotherapist.) Survivors include four children from her first marriage and five grandchildren. In 1999, Ms. Henderson rejoined NBC for a year as a host of Later Today. She also had a cabaret act, continued to appear in stage, TV and movie productions and, at the time of her death, had a cooking show on the RLTV cable network. But she remained happily resigned to her best-known role as the soothing mother with all the right answers on The Brady Bunch. I think we represented a family who really cared about each other, she said. I think everyone dreams of that, whether they have it or not. The 40-foot-tall Peace Cross in Bladensburg was built in memory of the 49 Prince Georges County men who died in World War I. (Amanda Voisard/For The Washington Post) It is hard to miss the 40-foot-tall, marble-and-cement cross that towers over the busy intersection of two state roads in one of Marylands largest counties. The question for a federal court next month is whether the landmark is a memorial to local men lost in war or a government endorsement of religion that should be removed from public land. The legal challenge to the Peace Cross in Prince Georges County is one of a number of recent cases throughout the country involving public displays of religion. The Maryland situation has attracted attention from several conservative members of Congress, who say the case threatens to eliminate other monuments, images and inscriptions with religious significance, including at Arlington National Cemetery. One federal judge already declined to order the removal of the Bladensburg cross, finding last year that it is a historically significant, secular war memorial. At issue for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit next month is whether the monument violates the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from favoring certain faiths over others. [Judge: Forty-foot cross is not a government endorsement of religion] Built in 1925 with money raised by local families and the American Legion, the pink-hued cross honors the 49 Prince Georges County men who died in World War I. On the base are the words valor, endurance, courage and devotion. A bronze tablet lists the names of the men and includes a quote from President Woodrow Wilson. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, a state agency, owns the land and monument, and pays for upkeep and repairs, according to court filings. Supporters say the monument is commemorative, not religious, and is part of a larger memorial park in the immediate area honoring veterans of several wars. An American flag flies next to the cross, and the cross stood unchallenged for nearly 90 years, serving as a gathering place for events marking Veterans Day and Memorial Day. The memorials message is one of commemoration for the men of Prince Georges County lost in WWI, not an endorsement of religion, according to a brief filed by the commission and the American Legion to the Richmond-based court. The American Humanist Association, a Washington-based group that represents atheists and others, does not dispute that the monument is a memorial. But, the group says, a giant cross on government property magnifies, rather than mitigates, its stigmatizing religious message: Christians are worth venerating while the rest may be forgotten. Daniel Mach, director of the ACLU program on Freedom of Religion and Belief, said the prominence and placement of the Bladensburg cross crosses the line. Even in the context of a war memorial, the government has no business honoring only the service members of only one faith, he said. The Supreme Court has not drawn bright lines when it comes to religious displays on government land. The court has allowed some monuments with religious content to stand. The cases have turned on particular facts, such as the size, setting and history of the display. On one day in 2005, for instance, the high court sent mixed messages: It gave its blessing to a 6-foot-tall monument of the Ten Commandments on the Texas State Capitol grounds in part because of its setting in a 22-acre area that contained more than a dozen other monuments. Yet the court found framed copies of the Ten Commandments installed in two Kentucky courthouses unconstitutional. In a long-running case in California, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit found unconstitutional a 29-foot-tall cross atop Mount Soledad near San Diego. Congress had tried to protect the cross by declaring Mount Soledad a national monument. The Supreme Court has declined to get involved. Eight conservative members of Congress, including Rep. Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.) and Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.), say in court filings that the lawsuit challenging the Bladensburg cross could lead to the destruction of other cherished markers, such as two large cross-shaped monuments at Arlington Cemetery. Mach of the ACLU said the cemetery monuments are not an issue because they are surrounded by many nonreligious markers and do not come close to dominating the landscape. [After Supreme Court decision on prayers at meetings, what about crosses?] About 60,000 cars pass daily through the intersection of Maryland Route 450 and U.S. Route 1 in Bladensburg, where the cross sits in a central, grassy median. Nearby, there are a half-dozen smaller memorials, including tributes to those killed at Pearl Harbor and in Vietnam. Across the street is a tree-lined walkway dedicated to victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The cross-shape of the monument, according to supporters, is a historical symbol intended to evoke the small crosses that marked the graves of American soldiers who died in World War I and were buried overseas. To Jason Torpy, an Army captain who served in Iraq and a supporter of the lawsuit, religious markers on government land that are cast as veterans memorials make atheists like him and other non-Christians feel like second-class citizens whose service doesnt matter. Torpy, who lived in the Washington area for five years until 2015 and now is in Indiana and president of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers, said it is disrespectful and dishonest for someone to say a 40-foot cross is not a symbol of Christianity. Police in Manassas, Va., are investigating the early Friday shooting death of a 44-year-old man, according to authorities. The victim was identified as Jose Tomas Valasquez, of Manassas. Manassas police said the shooting occurred about 1 a.m. in the 9200 block of Byrd Drive. Valasquez was pronounced dead at a hospital. No further information was provided. Dancers make their way across Sixth Avenue during Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York on Thursday. Thousands came out to watch inflatable balloons, costumed characters, and marching bands and performers. (Andres Kudacki/AP) NEW YORK Tight security amid fun at Macys parade Thousands of people lined the streets Thursday amid heavy security including bomb-sniffing dogs and portable radiation detectors as iconic inflatable balloons, costumed characters and clowns floated, marched and danced their way through New York City for the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. Revelers cheered and yelled Thank you! to officers along the parade route, giving special attention to the New York Police Department marching band. Spectators sometimes standing 10 deep held signs and balloons as they watched Santa Claus and his reindeer, Ronald McDonald and SpongeBob SquarePants pass by. Charlie Brown led the signature balloons as the parade kicked off with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting before the parade made its way down to Macys flagship store on 34th Street. But amid the fun and cheers, there was an air of uncertainty about the possibility of an extremist attack after a recent posting in an English-language Islamic State group magazine that called the parade an excellent target. Nevertheless, the parade went off without a hitch Thursday. Associated Press OHIO Last WWII Tokyo raider to be feted The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders stunning attack on Japan with the only one of the 80 airmen who is still alive. The museum near Dayton, Ohio, says 101-year-old retired Lt. Col. Richard Dick Cole, of Comfort, Tex., plans to return for the April 17-18 events that are expected to include B-25 bomber landings. The Dayton-area native will help pay tribute to retired Staff Sgt. David Thatcher, who died this year at age 94 in Montana. They were the last of those who took off in bombers from an aircraft carrier for the daring raid that lifted U.S. spirits and forced the Japanese to divert resources. Associated Press MONTANA Logging project halted near Yellowstone A federal judge blocked a logging project northeast of Yellowstone National Park until federal officials analyze the effects of the project on Canada lynx that live in the area. The Alliance for the Wild Rockies, a wildlife advocacy group that sued to stop the Greater Red Lodge Vegetation and Habitat Management Project in the Custer National Forest hailed the decision as a victory for the threatened species. The project is in the Beartooth Mountains. Along with Canada lynx, the area is home to grizzly bears another threatened species. Associated Press In this image made from a video provided by Hamilton LLC, Hamilton actor Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr, the nations third vice president, speaks from the stage after the curtain call in New York. Vice President-elect Mike Pence was in the audience. (Associated Press) Kenneth Cohen is an associate professor of history at St. Marys College of Maryland. He is currently serving as Fulbright professor of American studies at Universite Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The Theater must always be a safe and special place, President-elect Donald Trump tweeted after the cast of Hamilton confronted Vice-President-elect Mike Pence following a performance last week. Opinions may differ about the propriety of those comments, but Trumps subsequent demand for an apology ignored the historical relationship between theater and politics and the robust U.S. tradition of blending the two. Theaters have traditionally been places where Americans debate politics. In Alexander Hamiltons time, they were leading venues for both Federalists and their Democratic-Republican rivals to rally supporters. In fact, in 1803, newspaper editor Mathew Carey commented on the partisan tensions at playhouses, writing that the play-house, like the grave, brings friends and enemies together, and both are, as in the grave, promiscuously placed by the side of one another: yet, unlike the tomb in one respect, they assembled in the theatre not to lose the passions of nature, not to drop the asperities of the heart or forget they ever had a foe, nor yet to cease from troubling and be at peace; but every man comes armed, either with the terrors of prejudice or the less hostile (though frequently not less dangerous) weapons of prepossession. From the 1790s through the 1840s, partisan disruptions were commonplace in American theaters. Playwrights wrote plays pandering to one party or another. Attendees interrupted performances to demand changes in lines and music that would reflect their political interests. Disturbances sometimes erupted into violence among spectators or targeted a performer who refused to comply with demands. When this happened, actors and managers responded by directly addressing the audiences grievances and explaining how they could be satisfied. Most of the time, these speeches worked because they made the audience feel heard. But in May 1849, at the new Astor Place Opera House in New York, things did not go according to the usual script. The Opera House was not a typical theater. It was more opulent, and the unusually large gap between ticket prices in the cheapest and other sections must have seemed intended to demonstrate the superiority of elites. Under such conditions, were actors, and the Opera Houses investors, beholden to popular demand? The investors did not think so, and they pressed on with performances by an actor that many working-class theater-goers thought had insulted them. The result was a riot that spilled outside, culminating with the New York militia firing into the crowd and killing about 20 people. After the Astor Place riot, the nature of the mainstream theater changed. Playhouses employed workers to restrict boisterous audience behavior. Prices rose in the new Broadway theaters; a balcony seat cost three times as much as a bleacher seat at Yankee Stadium in the early 1950s. Elsewhere in the country, playhouses increasingly became nonprofit entities with philanthropic support, insulating them from having to cater to a broad clientele. Theater-going became tamer. In general, Broadway theaters remain staid today. Partly, this is because their audiences are overwhelmingly white and affluent, and thus they do not share the cross-class tensions of earlier eras. But as casts have diversified over the past 30 years, a number of more politicized plays have been successfully staged, revealing a market for works with clearly liberal viewpoints. Rent and Hamilton are perhaps the two most prominent examples. So, when Pence went into the Richard Rodgers Theatre, it is possible that, like the investors in the Astor Place Opera House, he thought his tickets promised a tame experience. But going to see Hamilton is not the same as going to The Met or attending the Kennedy Center Honors. Class unity and the privilege of holding office do not override politics at a performance with an explicitly liberal message about immigrants and minorities, performed in part by actors harboring concerns about Indiana Gov. Pences policies toward gay people. Given the content of Hamilton and its audience, it is hardly surprising that the gradual re-politicization of mainstream theater took another step toward its old form when Pence showed up. Afterward, as if following protocol from a bygone age, the actors sought to calm the audience, saying, There is nothing to boo here, before stating their anxieties and their hope that Pence will work on behalf of all of us a concluding request that turned any remaining tension into partisan but not threatening cheers. It is unlikely that theater will trigger something like Astor Place again. But last week, both spectators and actors availed themselves of theaters long history of political activism, a history rooted in the founding period represented on that stage every night. A group of immigrants, including Teresa Galindo, left, and attorney Cesar Vargas, right, talk to the media in front of a Trump building in New York. (Justin Lane/European Pressphoto Agency) Zachary Price is an associate professor at the University of Californias Hastings College of the Law. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to rescind many of President Obamas executive actions, including above all Obamas controversial immigration programs. That will largely be Trumps prerogative, but there are constitutional limits on how much he can undo. In particular, the Fifth Amendments due process clause prevents the new administration from seeking deportation based on information that immigrants themselves provided in applications for Obamas programs. Under the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the administration provided work authorization and a promised reprieve from deportation to hundreds of thousands of immigrants who arrived in the United States without authorization as young children and met certain other criteria. There is no question that Trump can cancel this program and even resume enforcement against its intended beneficiaries, however heartless that would be. Yet recent news reports suggest that many fear he could go further and use information from these immigrants own DACA applications to launch a deportation sweep that targets them. That is something he cannot do. DACA applicants provided extensive information about themselves their names, addresses and eligibility for the program based on the governments assurance that the proffered information would be protected from disclosure to immigration enforcement officials. These immigrants effectively documented their own unauthorized presence in the United States. The Constitution protects their reliance on the governments good faith in soliciting such damaging information. The Constitutions due process clause protects all people, including immigrants, against deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. As the Supreme Court has long recognized, this guarantee precludes certain forms of entrapment. The government cannot trick people into believing their conduct is perfectly legal, only to turn around and punish them for engaging in the very conduct the government encouraged. In the 1959 case Raley v. Ohio, the Supreme Court held that witnesses before a legislative commission could not be prosecuted for refusing to answer questions when the commission itself had told the witnesses they could decline to answer self-incriminating questions. Doing so, the court said, would amount to the most indefensible sort of entrapment by the State. Similarly, in the 1965 case Cox v. Louisiana, the court held that the government could not prosecute protesters for demonstrating in a location where the police had said the protest was allowed. Admittedly, the anti-entrapment principle established by these cases is narrow. These cases do not mean that executive officials can provide whatever guarantees they want against future enforcement. Executive officials generally have discretion only over how the law is enforced, not over what the law itself requires. But access to DACA applications for enforcement purposes is not necessary to vindicate the principle that executive officials lack authority to change the law. The very fact that the government can still enforce immigration laws suffices to protect that principle. Even more important, using the information for enforcement would raise particularly acute fairness concerns concerns of precisely the sort that courts have identified as justifying due-process protection. DACA applicants knew the benefit they were receiving was revocable; the Obama administration said so. But it is implausible to think they expected the government to convert the program into a massive deportation dragnet. Indeed, it is hard to imagine a more indefensible form of entrapment than establishing a program to enable trusting young immigrants to live and work openly, only to use their own applications as a basis for deportation. Just as the witnesses in Raley declined to answer questions based on an assurance that they held the right to do so, these immigrants relied on government assurances that their applications would be used only for their benefit not to ruin their lives. On this issue, it makes no difference whether DACA was a lawful program to begin with. I was an early critic of DACA. Despite my sympathy for the programs intended beneficiaries, I argued in a 2014 article that the DACA program involved an unlawful attempt to convert prosecutorial discretion the governments inevitable need to prioritize some cases over others into an authority to change the effective scope of legal obligations. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit took a similar view in its decision suspending a subsequent larger program, and the Supreme Court affirmed the Fifth Circuit by an evenly divided 4 to 4 vote. But that is no longer the issue. At this point, quite simply, using DACA applications against the applicants would be an outrageous way for the government of the United States to treat people. Due process will forbid President Trump from doing so. He should take this idea off the table. EVER SINCE Egypts Abdel Fatah al-Sissi led a military coup against a democratically elected Islamist government three years ago, his apologists in the West, led by Secretary of State John F. Kerry, have hoped that he would launch economic reforms to revive the economy. The thinking is that more free-market policies, new flows of foreign investment and, eventually, growing prosperity would help stabilize Egypt after years of turmoil. In the meantime, Mr. Sissis brutal repression of domestic dissent could be overlooked. For three years the former general ignored the entreaties of Mr. Kerry and other Western counselors. He squandered tens of billions of dollars provided by Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf allies on wasteful mega-projects, such as a new channel for the Suez Canal, and on propping up Egypts currency. Meanwhile, he conducted the most sweeping and violent campaign against dissent in the countrys modern history, jailing not just Islamists but secular liberals, journalists and civil society activists, including American Aya Hijazi. Now Mr. Sissi has finally embraced liberal reforms recommended by the International Monetary Fund. He had little choice: Saudi Arabia cut off its largesse, and as shortages of foreign currency spread through the economy, staples such as sugar and cooking oil started to disappear from shops. This month the government finally floated the currency precipitating a devaluation of more than 50 percent and reduced gasoline subsidies. The IMF responded by approving a $12 billion, three-year loan program. Mr. Kerry was quick with praise: Egyptian leaders are making the difficult decisions needed to move their country towards prosperity, he said in a statement. The State Department seems to be betting that Mr. Sissi will prove to be one of those rare leaders, like Chiles Augusto Pinochet, who manage to liberalize and modernize their economies even while engaging in bloody repression. It seems a far-fetched bet, given Mr. Sissis economic illiteracy, the vast corruption embedded in his regime and the military, and Egypts history of popular uprisings against austerity measures. The government survived one test on Nov. 11, when citizens failed to turn out en masse for protests called by the Muslim Brotherhood. But the regimes response was not to relax. Instead, it began rushing a new law through parliament that would destroy what remains of independent civil society groups, like the program for Cairo street children that Ms. Hijazi directed. Any group could be banned on the grounds that its activity conflicts with national security and the public order. Five-year prison terms are mandated for anyone cooperating with a foreign organization or conducting opinion polls without prior approval. The heavy repression, and the exhaustion of many Egyptians after nearly six years of political turmoil, may save Mr. Sissi in the short term from the eruption of unrest that some are predicting. Diplomatically, he is likely to get even stronger support from the incoming Trump administration than he has from Mr. Kerry. But its unlikely that the strongman can succeed in stabilizing Egypts economy while suffocating civil society. The bet on him by the IMF and the United States is not likely to pay off. So Donald Trump now says, in an interview with the New York Times, that he believes there is some connection between human activity and climate change, that Hillary Clinton should not be prosecuted and that, after one conversation with retired Marine Gen. James Mattis, he might be having second thoughts about waterboarding. One might wonder why he didnt have that conversation during the campaign or why he pounded home the opposite views on all these topics for a year and a half. But at this point, it doesnt matter. Trump is president-elect. We should all hope that he flip-flops some more. In this spirit, let me outline a few news stories that I hope we will see over the next few weeks. Donald Trump wants to keep Iran deal: The president-elect has come to realize that the agreement with Iran has blocked that countrys pathways to a nuclear weapon. Furthermore, were the United States to pull out, no other country would reimpose sanctions, so it would simply hurt American businesses. I hadnt focused so much on the benefits of the deal, Trump said. We have been bombing the s--- out of ISIS, says Trump: The president-elect described a phone conversation with President Obama in which he learned that the United States and its coalition partners have conducted more than 16,000 airstrikes on the Islamic State. Thats a lot, said Trump, noting that in Syria, the Obama administration had been focused on defeating the Islamic State and not on deposing President Bashar al-Assad. They have been doing what I suggested all along, he noted proudly. Trumpcare will be a terrific improvement on Obamacare: The Trump administration plans to propose a health-care bill that will require insurance companies to enroll people with preexisting conditions. In return, the companies will gain millions of new customers, since people will now face a mandate to buy health insurance or else face a $10,000 fine much higher than under Obamacare. I figured out, like with houses or cars, insurance cant work unless were all in, explained the president-elect. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump delivered a speech in Gettysburg, Pa., on Oct. 22 laying out his vision for his first 100 days in office if elected president, including immigration enforcement, creating at least 25 million new jobs through massive tax cuts and repeal of the Affordable Care Act. (The Washington Post) New administration to scale back tax breaks for the rich: Donald Trump said that once his friends Carl Icahn and Wilbur Ross crunched the numbers on his tax plan, they realized that it would explode the federal deficit. So he has put forward a new plan that simplifies the code but cuts taxes only for the middle class. These are policies aimed to help the forgotten Americans, he explained. I dont need a tax cut. Trump plans to limit deportations: The Trump administration is going to proceed slowly and carefully with the deportation of undocumented workers. If we deport millions of these people, industries such as construction and agriculture would collapse and we would have a big recession. How does that help the American worker? asked Trump. Donald Trump announces sale of the Trump Organization: The president-elect said that he decided that people deserved a president without even the hint of conflicts of interest and so has decided to sell all his companies, put the proceeds in a multibillion-dollar charitable trust and ask his children to run it. If they want to get back into business, I will give them each a few million to get started, just like my father gave me. Okay, that last one is total fantasy. On the others, I dont know whether they will happen, but if they do, that would be great for America. I know that many people who opposed Trumps election want him to fail. I dont. Its much better for the country and the world if Trump does well in the White House. That is not normalizing him, as some worry, but recognizing that the situation is what it is and trying to hope for the best. When Trump does things I disagree with, I will loudly protest. (For example, his refusal to properly separate himself from his businesses is truly unconscionable and makes the country look like a banana republic.) But if he ends up doing things that are sensible, I will cheer. Trump has a unique opportunity. A vast number of Americans are deeply distrustful of elites in Washington and New York. They believe that there are simple solutions to the problems that the United States faces, and they resent the countrys engagement with the world, which they see as harming ordinary Americans. These people have put their faith in Trump. If Trump can help make them understand some of the realities of the world and the constraints on government, that would be a huge step forward. If Trump tells his followers that the Paris agreement on climate change is worth preserving or that NATO is crucial for global stability, they might actually listen. Read more from Fareed Zakarias archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. The national elections are now history. With Jamie Raskin moving to Congress to represent Marylands 8th District in the House, a few people in Montgomery County will have the power to select Raskins replacement in the Maryland State Senate and possibly a subsequent replacement in the House of Delegates. The process to fill vacancies in Marylands General Assembly is expeditious and often ends with the selection of highly qualified and competent appointees, but it should be more democratic. The group charged with picking individuals to put in Annapolis is the 28-member Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee. Under the Maryland Constitution, when a vacancy in the legislature occurs, the county central committee of the party that holds the office recommends a candidate or candidates to the governor, who then formally makes the appointment. Other methods to fill vacant state legislative seats include special elections and gubernatorial or party appointments. Twenty-six states have special elections to fill vacancies. A dozen authorize the governor to make the appointment, usually based on the recommendation of the party that holds the vacant seat. Eleven allow the party that holds the vacant seat to make the appointment. In New Jersey, vacancies during the legislative session are filled by special election, while the incumbent party fills those occurring out of session. A number of well-qualified people have expressed interest in being considered for Raskins Senate seat and for a House seat, if Raskins replacement is a sitting delegate. Whoever is appointed will have to persuade a majority of the democratic central committee to vote for him or her. However, only three of the 28 MCDCC members are from District 20, the legislative district in question. Community activists point out that the current process favors those with strong ties to the MCDCC and makes it more difficult for those with a strong history of civic involvement and community engagement in the district but fewer ties to the MCDCC to be appointed. What can be done to make the process more democratic? On the face of it, calling for a special election would be the most democratic. But this would require a change to the states constitution, something that is not easy to do. Single-seat elections are expensive. Turnout in the states that hold these special elections tends to be below 10 percent favoring those who are already in power and able to raise money quickly. Absent direct elections, the party could take several steps to improve the process. The committee could host candidate meetings with the public, with mandatory attendance for MCDCC members. The committee could give precinct officials more say in the selection process, perhaps even a vote. If the appointed term is for more than two years, the appointment could be limited to finishing the term and a new election for the seat held at the next general election. Because of procedural and legal obstacles, substantial changes in the process will take time and will not occur before the current vacancy is filled. However, concerns from active and engaged community members need to be addressed. No process is perfect, but ensuring that the Democratic Party is not viewed by its members as insular is important to its long-term strength. Greater involvement by the community in the appointment process will benefit everyone. The writer is treasurer of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee. The opinions expressed here are his own. Lawrence Lessig is a professor at Harvard Law School and the author of Republic, Lost: Version 2.0. In 2015, he was a candidate in the Democratic presidential primary. Conventional wisdom tells us that the electoral college requires that the person who lost the popular vote this year must nonetheless become our president. That view is an insult to our framers. It is compelled by nothing in our Constitution. It should be rejected by anyone with any understanding of our democratic traditions most important, the electors themselves. The framers believed, as Alexander Hamilton put it, that the sense of the people should operate in the choice of the [president]. But no nation had ever tried that idea before. So the framers created a safety valve on the peoples choice. Like a judge reviewing a jury verdict, where the people voted, the electoral college was intended to confirm or not the peoples choice. Electors were to apply, in Hamiltons words, a judicious combination of all the reasons and inducements which were proper to govern their choice and then decide. The Constitution says nothing about winner take all. It says nothing to suggest that electors freedom should be constrained in any way. Instead, their wisdom about whether to overrule the people or not was to be free of political control yet guided by democratic values. They were to be citizens exercising judgment, not cogs turning a wheel. Hillary Clinton spoke to supporters, Nov. 9, offering a message of thanks, apology and hope. Here are the key moments from that fervent address. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post) [Dont blame the electoral college. Heres how Democrats can take back politics.] Many think we should abolish the electoral college. Im not convinced that we should. Properly understood, the electors can serve an important function. What if the people elect a Manchurian candidate? Or a child rapist? What if evidence of massive fraud pervades a close election? It is a useful thing to have a body confirm the results of a democratic election so long as that body exercises its power reflectively and conservatively. Rarely if ever should it veto the peoples choice. And if it does, it needs a very good reason. So, do the electors in 2016 have such a reason? Only twice in our past has the electoral college selected a president against the will of the people once in the 19th century and once on the cusp of the 21st. (In 1824, it was Congress that decided the election for John Quincy Adams; likewise in 1876, it was Congress that gave disputed electoral college votes to Rutherford B. Hayes.) In 1888, Benjamin Harrison lost the popular vote to Grover Cleveland but won in the electoral college, only because Boss Tweeds Tammany Hall turned New York away from the reformer Cleveland (by fewer than 15,000 votes). In 2000, George W. Bush lost the popular vote by a tiny fraction half a percent and beat Al Gore in the electoral college by an equally small margin less than 1 percent. In both cases, the result violated what has become one of the most important principles governing our democracy one person, one vote. In both cases, the votes of some weighed much more heavily than the votes of others. Today, the vote of a citizen in Wyoming is four times as powerful as the vote of a citizen in Michigan. The vote of a citizen in Vermont is three times as powerful as a vote in Missouri. This denies Americans the fundamental value of a representative democracy equal citizenship. Yet nothing in our Constitution compels this result. Instead, if the electoral college is to control who becomes our president, we should take it seriously by understanding its purpose precisely. It is not meant to deny a reasonable judgment by the people. It is meant to be a circuit breaker just in case the people go crazy. In this election, the people did not go crazy. The winner, by far, of the popular vote is the most qualified candidate for president in more than a generation. Like her or not, no elector could have a good-faith reason to vote against her because of her qualifications. Choosing her is thus plainly within the bounds of a reasonable judgment by the people. Yet that is not the question the electors must weigh as they decide how to cast their ballots. Instead, the question they must ask themselves is whether there is any good reason to veto the peoples choice. [How long before the white working class realizes Trump was just scamming them?] There is not. And indeed, there is an especially good reason for them not to nullify what the people have said the fundamental principle of one person, one vote. We are all citizens equally. Our votes should count equally. And since nothing in our Constitution compels a decision otherwise, the electors should respect the equal vote by the people by ratifying it on Dec. 19. They didnt in 1888 when Tammany Hall ruled New York and segregation was the law of the land. And they didnt in 2000 when in the minds of most, the election was essentially a tie. Those are plainly precedents against Hillary Clinton. But the question today is which precedent should govern today Tammany Hall and Bush v. Gore, or one person, one vote? The framers left the electors free to choose. They should exercise that choice by leaving the election as the people decided it: in Clintons favor. Kathleen KT McFarland is seen at her home in New York. (Jason Decrow/AP) President-elect Donald Trump on Friday named a libertarian election lawyer as his White House counsel and a hard-line former Reagan administration official to a top post on his national security staff. Trump announced that Donald F. McGahn, a controversial former member of the Federal Election Commission who had served as Trumps campaign lawyer, will be his White House counsel. In that job, McGahn will serve as the presidents legal adviser a job that in the past has involved occasionally arguing to restrain what the chief executive wants to do. It will be interesting to see how Dons suspicion of government his deep libertarianism will affect his advice on questions of executive authority, said Robert F. Bauer, who served as White House counsel for President Obama. And as somebody who has never shied away from a fight, he would not likely be a yes man in this or any other aspect of the job. For deputy national security adviser, Trump chose Kathleen KT McFarland, who in her most recent role as a Fox News analyst has expressed strident opposition to many of Obamas national security policies. 1 of 35 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Heres a look at Trumps administration so far View Photos President-elect Donald Trump faces a challenge as he prepares for his move to the White House: selecting the men and women who will fill his administration. Caption The men and women the president-elect has selected for his Cabinet and White House team. Scott Gottlieb, nominee for commissioner of FDA President Trump is set to nominate Scott Gottlieb, a conservative physician and businessman with deep ties to the pharmaceutical industry, to be commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, a White House official said. Courtesy of American Enterprise Institute/via Reuters Wait 1 second to continue. She will serve as deputy under retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, Trumps pick for national security adviser and a fierce critic of Obamas stances on Islamist extremism. [Flynn brings experience and controversy] McGahn, one of the countrys top election lawyers, is not a standard-issue Washington insider. Until recently, he wore his hair to his shoulders. He also plays bass in an 80s cover band. He spent nearly 10 years as counsel for the National Republican Congressional Committee. During his tenure on the Federal Election Commission from 2008 to 2013, he led a GOP faction that was criticized for loosening enforcement of regulations on campaign spending. The commissions top lawyer resigned when McGahn attempted to keep his office from sharing information with federal prosecutors. But he also won praise for opening up many formerly closed-door deliberations. In some ways, hes not a surprising choice for a Trump administration. Hes a total disrupter like Trump, said Ellen Weintraub, a Democratic appointee to the FEC who often tangled with McGahn. [Trumps own Beltway establishment guy: The curious journey of Don McGahn] At a recent news conference, Obama credited the work of his White House counsels he has had four of them in his eight years as president for the fact that his tenure has been relatively scandal-free. We listened to the lawyers, Obama said, and we had a strong White House Counsels Office. We had a strong Ethics Office. We had people in every agency whose job it was to remind people: This is how youre supposed to do things. Trumps presidency will present his White House counsel with new and unprecedented sets of challenges. The president-elect has said that his family will continue to run his global business enterprises, which could raise a host of potential conflicts of interest as he makes policy decisions at home and in dealing with foreign governments. During his presidential campaign, Trump also suggested that he will take an expansive approach to executive power. Among other things, Trump has talked of establishing a religious test for immigrants and setting up a national stop-and-frisk program despite the fact that policing policies are considered to be in the purview of state and local governments. Neither McGahn nor McFarland will require Senate confirmation. McFarland praised Trumps judgment on international affairs. Nobody has called foreign policy right more than President-elect Trump, and he gets no credit for it, she said. The announcement included bipartisan statements of support from former senator Joe Lieberman, who was the Democratic Partys 2000 vice presidential nominee, and Robert C. Bud McFarlane, who worked with McFarland as President Ronald Reagans national security adviser. As a friend and colleague, Ive watched KTs depth of knowledge and understanding grow, said McFarlane, who called Trumps choice one of our countrys most insightful national security analysts. McFarland served on the National Security Council during the Nixon, Ford and Reagan administrations. As a national security analyst and contributor for Fox News since 2010, she has called Obama weak on counterterrorism, criticized what she calls open borders in Europe and echoed Trumps calls for a crackdown on letting Syrian refugees into the United States because of potential terrorism fears. Along with Flynn, McFarland is likely to preside over a much smaller National Security Council than now, as Congress will soon vote on a national defense policy bill that is likely to reduce the size of the presidents in-house foreign policy advisory body. She once ran, unsuccessfully, for the Republican nomination to challenge Hillary Clinton for her Senate seat in New York. The new administration appointees came as Trump remained at his Florida estate on Friday, keeping a limited Thanksgiving weekend schedule while speaking with more foreign leaders and preparing for further staff and Cabinet announcements. [Here are the people whose names have been floated for Trumps Cabinet] Trump is planning no further personnel announcements until at least Monday, aides said Friday morning in a conference call with reporters. Trump has spoken with five more foreign leaders since leaving New York for Florida on Tuesday, his transition team said. They include two of Europes most high-profile populist heads of state: Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, a left-wing leader who came to power after a series of recessions and whose term has been marked by some of the most dramatic moments of the Greek debt crisis; and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a right-wing leader whose policies have included a push to reject the migrants flowing into Europe from the war-torn Middle East. At various points, both leaders have also broken from the rest of European Union members to pursue a closer relationship with Russia since the E.U. began to sanction Moscow over its activities in Ukraine. Trump whose campaign focused in part on populist issues such as trade and who has faced criticism for his frequent praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin also spoke with the president of Slovenia, the country where his wife, Melania, was born. After leaving Florida on Sunday, Trump plans to meet with at least seven possible job candidates on Monday, including several business executives, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt (R) and Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke. People familiar with the selection process have said Clarke is in contention to be Trumps homeland security secretary, along with other candidates, including: Marine Gen. John F. Kelly, former chief of U.S. Southern Command; Frances Townsend, a top homeland security and counterterrorism official in the George W. Bush administration; and Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Tex.), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. Clarke, a vocal Trump supporter, could be a controversial choice because of his strong views, including a statement comparing the Black Lives Matter movement to the Islamic State. Trump is also preparing to select Wilbur Ross for commerce secretary, according to officials with knowledge of the decision. Ross is a billionaire investor considered the king of bankruptcy for buying beaten-down companies with the potential to deliver profits. Ross helped shape the Trump campaigns economic agenda, particularly its hard-line stance on the need to renegotiate or even withdraw from free trade agreements. That position resonated with the working-class voters who were instrumental in delivering Trumps victory. Elevating Ross to a position in his Cabinet could suggest that Trump intends to nurture the nationalist streak that was one of the hallmarks of his campaign. Transition aides declined to comment Friday on Rosss likely selection or the possible choice of Ben Carson to be secretary of housing and urban development. Trump had tweeted Tuesday that he is seriously considering Carson for the HUD post, and Carson tweeted Wednesday that an announcement is forthcoming about my role in helping to make America great again, though he declined to be more specific. Carson, a retired neurosurgeon who has no known experience with housing issues, ran against Trump in the Republican primary before becoming an adviser and confidant. Ben Terris contributed to this report. South Korean lawmakers look set to impeach President Park Geun-hye as soon as next week, with 40 representatives from her own party saying Friday that they would support the proceedings, capping off an awful week for the embattled leader. In yet another bizarre twist in this political saga, her office this week had to explain why it bought 364 Viagra pills and the generic equivalent for the president they were apparently for altitude sickness and her approval rating sank to a new historic low of 4 percent. But Park is digging in against the moves to oust her, meaning South Korea now faces a power vacuum that could stretch for months. If she wont go, the government is going to be paralyzed, said Robert Kelly, a professor of political science at Pusan National University. The impeachment process could take six months. In the meantime, Park has lost her legitimacy in the eyes of the opposition as well as vast swaths of the general public and will have great difficulty in making decisions, Kelly said. South Korean President Park Geun-hye. (Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters) We could be looking at stasis for the next 16 months, he said, referring to the date when Park's five-year-term officially ends. [Heres whats involved in impeaching a president in South Korea] Park is accused of enabling her lifelong friend Choi Soon-sil to use their relationship to extort money from big businesses and to wield extensive influence over the running of the country. Choi has now been indicted on charges of coercion, fraud and abuse of power, and prosecutors say Park was an accomplice to the crimes. And still, the scandal continues to widen. This week prosecutors raided the headquarters of leading conglomerates including Samsung, SK and Lotte, as well as the offices of the national pension fund, looking for evidence in their influence-peddling investigation.Prosecutors also searched offices at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, which has been accused of bending the rules to admit Chois daughter, and benefiting from it. [South Koreans gather en masse to protest against president] But Park has refused to submit to questioning and has refused to bow to the hundreds of thousands of people who have been protesting every weekend and are due out again Saturday calling for her to step down. A new Gallup Korea poll released Friday, which had a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points, put Parks approval rating at 4 percent the lowest it had ever recorded for any president since democratization in 1987.She recorded an astonishing zero percent support rating among respondents in their 20s and 30s. Lawmakers had been hesitant to start impeachment proceedings because they could stretch into the middle of next year, and Park is due to leave office in early 2018 anyway. But her continued intransigence, coupled with the prosecutors allegation last weekend that Park was complicit in the corruption, has spurred lawmakers into preparing to try to force her out. [Prosecutors link South Korean president to corruption scandal] At least 40 representatives from her own, ruling Saenuri Party support the idea of impeaching Park, one of the lawmakers, Hwang Young-cheul, said Friday after surveying his party. If they joined the 171 opposition and independent lawmakers, they would easily overcome the two-thirds threshold they need to impeach the president. The assembly could vote on the motion as early as Dec. 2, but certainly no later than Dec. 9, Woo Sang-ho, the main opposition Democratic Partys whip, told reporters this week. Park would immediately be stripped of her powers and would have to hand over the day-to-day running of the country to the prime minister while the Constitutional Court reviewed the motion. The president seems to be betting that the conservative-leaning court would side with her, or at least would be unable to uphold the impeachment motion. Six of the nine justices are conservative, and two, including the chief justice, will retire at the beginning of next year. Six of the remaining seven would need to support the impeachment motion to uphold it. South Korea has once before tried to oust a democratically-elected president Roh Moo-hyun in 2004. Roh was impeached by the assembly after supporting his partys candidates in elections, violating political neutrality rules. While the court agreed hed technically broken the law, it ruled that his breaches were not grave enough to remove him from his position. But Park is in a very different situation, analysts say, because prosecutors say they have evidence of her involvement in serious crimes. [Presidential scandal shows that Korean disease of corruption is far from cured] Already, there is a sense of a power vacuum in Seoul. Park has largely retreated from public view. She did not attend the APEC summit in Peru last weekend, instead sending her prime minister, and there is now considerable doubt about whether she will attend a trilateral meeting with Japanese and Chinese leaders in Tokyo next month. Her only publicly-disclosed appointments this month have been welcoming the president of Kazakhstan, meeting some Buddhist monks and swearing in new ambassadors. However, she did sign an order authorizing a long-awaited intelligence-sharing deal with Japan this week. Kelly at Pusan university said he wouldnt be surprised if North Korea tried to capitalize on the current limbo in Seoul and in Washington. Now were in a situation where Park is losing power, Donald Trump is off the wall, and we know North Korea likes to provoke, he said. This is a perfect time for some North Korean shenanigans. The next U.S.-South Korean military drills, traditionally a time of heightened tensions on the peninsula, will begin in February. But James Kim at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul said that even if Trump did make good on some of his campaign threats like questioning the military alliance with South Korea and revoking the countries' bilateral free trade deal any change would take time. Even if the Trump administration decides to break the alliance, the current agreement is valid until 2018, so any changes will take time, Kim said. And on the Korea-U.S. FTA, Trump has made it clear that his priorities in his first 100 days are TPP and NAFTA, he added, referring to the multilateral trade pacts. So right now, we're just in waiting mode. Read more: Why are South Koreans so angry about presidential Choi-gate? Here are 4 reasons. As a bizarre scandal unfolds, South Koreas president depicts herself as lonely South Korean president offers to withdraw her prime minister nominee to quell scandal Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Tilt-rotor Osprey aircraft are parked at the U.S. Marines Camp Futenma in a crowded urban area of Ginowan in Okinawa prefecture in 2014. Okinawans wonder if Donald Trump might scale back the U.S. military footprint on their island. (Toru Yamanaka/AFP/Getty Images) From Brussels to Bahrain, London to Lima, Peru, theres concern about what Donald Trump might do as president. Military alliances and trade pacts are in doubt, and anxieties are running high. But for many people in the southern Japanese island prefecture of Okinawa, Trump offers a slight glimmer of hope, a potential crack in the wall that has repelled their attempts to lessen the American military footprint here. Lots of people are saying the same thing that they have a tiny hope that something will change, that Donald Trump might reduce the burden of military bases on Okinawa, said Hiroko Ohshiro, 65, a retired office clerk who regularly protests base construction here. She describes herself as 70 percent pessimistic but thats an improvement on the 100 percent failure rate Okinawa has recorded in trying to resist new American bases. People here have a very vague expectation that under a Trump administration the bases might move and the situation might change, said Manabu Sato, professor of political science at Okinawa International University. If [Hillary] Clinton had won, nothing would have changed. People now want an opportunity to change the situation. On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly threatened to close the U.S. military bases in Japan unless Tokyo funded the entire cost for their operation, saying that the United States was losing billions and a rich country like Japan should be able to pay for its own defense. Japan contributes almost $4 billion annually to run the bases, which offer protection for Japan against North Korea and China, but are also a crucial part of the United States forward deployment in Asia. [In Okinawa, protesters dig in as work proceeds to relocate U.S. Marine base] Now, people here are eagerly waiting to find out whether Trump was genuine, or whether this was just campaign bluster. Mr. Trumps policies havent been decided so we shouldnt be swayed by his actions each time, but should remain cautious while vehemently conveying our message, said Denny Tamaki, who represents Okinawa in the lower house of the Japanese parliament. Okinawan lawmakers like myself will continue to appeal to the U.S. that the Okinawan peoples position is different from the one of the central government. Takeshi Onaga, who was elected governor of Okinawa two years ago on a pledge to block the relocation of a controversial Marine Corps air station, plans to visit Washington in February to make his case to the new president. I want Trump to hear the voice of Okinawa, Onaga said shortly after Trumps victory. I want to keep my hopes up and keep an eye on the response he will take to the Okinawa base issue. Onaga has visited Washington twice since his election in 2014 but has found most doors closed to him. The Pentagon views his complaints as an issue for him to take up with Tokyo, not Washington. It would be great if Mr. Trump could review the base issue in Okinawa from scratch, said Yoichi Iha, a former local mayor who represents Okinawa in the upper house. Mr. Trump can probably do things that might not go along with conventional ways of thinking. [Okinawans have been treated like we are disposable for too long] Okinawa was occupied by the United States for almost three decades after the end of World War II, and the bases remained after it was handed back to Japan in 1972. This island chain accounts for less than 1 percent of Japans landmass but houses 74 percent of the U.S. military bases in Japan. Many locals say this places an unfair burden on them and is part of a history of being treated as second-class citizens by Tokyo. For 20 years, the United States and Tokyo have been trying to relocate the huge Marine Corps air station at Futenma, slap-bang in the middle of the island and surrounded by houses and a school, to a remote spot farther north at Henoko. Two runways will be built on reclaimed land out in the bay there, adjoining an existing American military base. Polls have consistently shown strong opposition to the plan, with as many as 85 percent wanting the air station moved off the island entirely, and Onaga has used his power to try to block progress. Local activists say the construction will destroy the natural environment and put endangered species at risk, and they have been protesting vehemently since construction began at Henoko just over two years ago. Many residents are also incensed at the clearing in the subtropical Yanbaru forest on the northernmost part of Okinawas main island to make way for six new military helipads. One of them will be only 400 yards from the nearest residence in Takae, opponents say. The northern area is used for jungle-warfare training for the Marines, although almost 10,000 acres, or nearly half of it, will be returned to Okinawan control next month. The No Helipad Takae Residents Society says that the construction is destroying the environment, endangering wildlife and contaminating the water supply. A spokesman for the Marine Corps on Okinawa did not respond to a request for comment. [Okinawa governor revokes permit for construction of new U.S. Marine base] But Yoshio Takahashi of the Forest People Project, a group opposed to the clearing in the Yanbaru forest, isnt hopeful that Trump, a climate-change skeptic and real estate developer, will listen to them. He is doubtful about the fact that the Earth is warming, so I dont think Trump will be interested in protecting the Yanbaru forest, he said. I dont think we are going to get any relief any time soon. Further tempering the slight optimism here are reports that Trump is close to nominating retired Marine Gen. James N. Mattis as his defense secretary. Many people here think that Mattis would side with the Marine Corps. So the situation could actually become worse if Donald Trump puts a hard-liner into a key position, said Chihiro Yamada, 36, a school assistant who is also opposed to the bases. Her friend Satoko Koji, a manicurist, says she is pessimistic because even if Trump declares he wants to close bases, Prime Minister Shinzo Abes government in Tokyo will try to convince him otherwise. I think that the Japanese government will just pay him more, she said. Sato, the political scientist, said that theyre probably right. He, too, does not expect to see any change. I think Trump will threaten Japan and try to get more money out of it, he said. Then he can say, Im a good businessman, I got a better deal from the Japanese, and then he can abandon his pledge. Yuki Oda in Tokyo contributed to this report. Read more Okinawa murder dominates talks between Obama and Abe Okinawa governor prepares to take his anti-base message to Washington Some in Guam push for independence from U.S. as Marines prepare for buildup Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Emmanuel Macron, Frances former economy minister and head of the centrist political movement En Marche, campaigns in Marseille this month for president. (Jean-Paul Pelissier/Reuters) When Donald Trump shocked the world with an upset victory in the U.S. presidential election this month, much of Europe was aghast. But in at least one critical sense, the result couldnt have been more European: Across the continent, parties of the center-left that have dominated politics for decades and that have given Europe its reputation for generous social welfare systems now find themselves beaten, divided and directionless. Hillary Clinton and the Democrats are just the latest members of a beleaguered club. In Germany and Britain, once-mighty center-left parties have been badly diminished, locked out of their nations top jobs for the foreseeable future. In Spain and Greece, they have been usurped by newer, more radical alternatives. And in France and Italy, theyre still governing but their days in power may be numbered. The rout of the center-left has even extended deep into Scandinavia, perhaps the worlds premier bastion of social democracy. Overall, the total vote share for the continents traditional center-left parties is now at its lowest level since at least World War II. Like the Democrats, these parties have been marginalized, with little influence over policy as the right prepares to place its stamp on the Western world in a way that could endure for decades. If the left and the center-left dont get their act together, then were looking at a period of very unstable right-wing hegemony, said Alex Callinicos, a European studies professor at Kings College London. German Chancellor Angela Merkel waits for President Obama before a meeting in Berlin with government heads of France, Italy, Spain and Britain on Nov. 18. (Markus Schreiber/AP) [Trumps win may be just the beginning of a global populist wave ] The decline of the European center-left is part of a broader unraveling of the continents mainstream consensus as electorates fracture and a political kaleidoscope of alternatives emerges. But unlike the center-left, traditional parties of the center-right have managed to hold their own amid the populist fury, clinging to power in London, Berlin and Madrid with a strong chance next year to take Paris, as well. As recently as a decade ago, the picture was very different. Britains Tony Blair was at the vanguard of a generation of European center-left leaders who had emulated Bill Clintons pragmatic Third Way politics and seemed poised to ride their marriage of social democracy with market liberalization to an unlimited future of electoral success. But the Great Recession and the bumpy, deeply unequal recovery that followed fundamentally changed that. With the economic crisis, and the negative effects of globalization, the socialists couldnt convince the populations in their respective countries that the future lies in a liberal Europe, said Gerard Grunberg, a historian of socialism at Sciences Po in Paris. This is the end of the European utopia. That utopia emerged in the aftermath of 1945, when politicians across war-torn Europe banded together to build a new continent that would never repeat the grave mistakes of the recent past. This was the genesis of the European Union: an economic union that was meant to become, at least in theory,committed to the common cause of social justice, largely a leftist ideal. If the three decades that followed World War II coincided with the longest period of growth in Europes history, voters today see neither leftist economic policies nor the E.U. itself as necessarily worth preserving. Britain voted to leave the bloc in June, and separatist movements have spread across the continent to France, the Netherlands and elsewhere. [Europes traditional left is in a death spiral. Even if you dont like the left, this is a problem.] To historians, the unlikely abandonment of this former European bedrock is partly a function of its own achievements. It was a failure by success, said Timothy Snyder, a historian of 20th-century Europe at Yale University. Once the left becomes not revolutionary but transformative, and once that transformation succeeds, people start taking it for granted. Europeans take for granted that they will have public education, free health care and social services, he said. And the left doesnt get votes on this anymore. The marginalization of Europes center-left parties has been consistent across the continent, although their paths to the political wilderness have varied. In France, prospects for a leftist victory in presidential elections in 2017 remain bleak. The perceived failure of the Socialist president, Francois Hollande, to respond adequately to a recent string of terrorist attacks has brought him the lowest approval ratings in modern French history and ignited a rebellion in his own party. In particular, Hollandes proposal to strip French citizenship from convicted terrorists who hold dual nationality outraged fellow leftists, distracting the party from presenting a united front against its opponents. [Francois Fillon, Frances conservative front-runner, promises the return of the traditional right] Hollande will face a conservative party whose candidates have promised to bolster national security and bring the country out of economic stagnation. For nearly the duration of the current Socialist governments tenure, the unemployment rate has hovered at or above 10 percent. In prosperous Germany, the Social Democratic Partys years of playing second-fiddle to the center-right-led government of Chancellor Angela Merkel have diluted its voice. Analysts give it little prospect for victory in next years national elections. In Italy, the center-left Democratic Party occupies a precarious position. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has proposed a host of constitutional revisions, which have been put to a referendum slated for early December. Renzi has reiterated his promise to resign from office if he loses the vote, which the latest polls suggest he will. In economically devastated Greece, the traditional center-left party, Pasok, finished no better than fourth in a pair of votes last year that saw its support drop to the mid-single digits. In both elections, it embarrassingly placed behind the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn. But rather than swinging to the right, Greek voters went far left, electing and then reelecting a government led by the Syriza party, a coalition of Trotskyites, Maoists and other figures once limited to the revolutionary fringe who were thrust into power on a pledge to fight austerity and the unforgiving terms of the countrys international bailout. In Spain, voters have divided almost evenly between the long-standing center-left party, the Socialists, and an upstart far-left alternative that didnt exist three years ago, Podemos. As a result of the split, the center-right Peoples Party was able to squeak back into power after elections in June. Britains Labour Party which built the countrys vaunted National Health Service and was riding a streak of 13 years in power as recently as 2010 has faced no similar challenge by an upstart party to its left. Instead, the far left has taken over Labour from within, through the bomb-throwing backbencher Jeremy Corbyn and his astonishing victory in leadership elections last year. Corbyns win came after two straight national election defeats for Labour and a bout of soul-searching that mirrors the sort of anxious introspection now sweeping the Democratic Party in the United States. Faced with the choice of three center-left contenders or the long-shot bid of Corbyn, Labour members went with a man who had made a career of bucking the Labour hierarchy and who starkly repudiated the centrism embodied by Tony Blair. [After Trump win, Obama warns against taking democracy for granted] But theres little sign that Labours lurch to the left has put it any closer to power. With a possible early election coming next year, polls indicate the party would lose decisively to the ruling Conservative Party. Corbyn, meanwhile, has struggled to hold his party together as Labour members of Parliament have overwhelmingly said they have no confidence in his leadership. Blair and his allies have argued that Corbyn will simply guide the party to continued irrelevance. You win from the center; you win when you appeal to a broad cross section of the public; you win when you support business as well as unions, Blair, who guided the party to three straight national election victories, said in a speech last year. You dont win from a traditional leftist position. But center-left parties have an obligation to try something more radical, said Callinicos, the European political analyst, because the moderate approach theyve been offering hasnt worked. The merger of traditional social democracy with neoliberalism and globalized free-market policies has fallen apart in fairly disastrous fashion, he said, suggesting that the turning point was the global financial crash of 2008, when working-class voters saw their jobs disappear or their wages stagnate even as the net worth of the wealthy continued to race ahead. Across Europe, the center-left has had little to offer those voters, who have looked elsewhere including the far right. In Britains June referendum on the European Union, for instance, working-class voters in traditional Labour strongholds ignored their partys advice to opt to stay in, and instead heeded the call of the anti-immigration U.K. Independence Party to vote out. Trumps victory in the United States rested at least in part on a similar phenomenon a billionaire tycoon using appeals to xenophobia and racism to scoop up support from voters who no longer believe the party of the working man has their interests at heart. As in the Brexit vote, Trump won certain key states with the help of working-class voters who had supported Barack Obama, a Democrat, in 2012. One implication of the growing void on Europes left could be profound political instability, both within specific countries and geopolitically. Another could be the emergence of a right-wing stranglehold, based on widespread nostalgia for a world that, in Snyders view, never actually existed. All these continental parties are nostalgic for the interwar nation-state, which was a total disaster, he said. There was never any moment when they were happy, independent nation-states. There was never such a time, and their nostalgia is a kind of disguise. If you plunge into that abyss, he added, very bad things lie ahead. Witte reported from London. Read more In Americas democratic showcase, the world sees a model of what not to do Across Europe, revulsion at Trump but little idea of what to do about him Can Trumps win boost Frances far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen? Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news French authorities claimed Friday the Islamic State had a direct hand in helping five suspected militants plot imminent attacks against possible targets including Paris police hubs and Euro Disney. French police had earlier said they believed they had foiled attacks planned for Dec. 1 against the Paris headquarters of police and intelligence officers and the Disney theme park, which is especially popular during the holiday season. But the latest details, made public by a senior prosecutor, draw alleged links to the Islamic State and a core network of suspects four French citizens who were longtime friends. The suspected fifth plotter, a homeless Moroccan man, was arrested in the southern port of Marseille. A raid Sunday in Strasbourg uncovered firearms and instructions from the Iraqi-Syrian region to acquire more weapons, said Paris prosecutor Francois Molins. Also found were documents professing allegiance to the Islamic State, he said. The state of the threat is and remains particularly high, Molins said. The names of the Strasbourg suspects were given only as Yassin B., Hicham M., Samy B. and Zakaria M. Icham E., the suspect arrested in Marseille, was homeless, Molins said. The revelation of the foiled plot comes before the second and final round of Frances conservative presidential primaries on Sunday. Throughout the campaign, the issue of national security has dominated. The front-runner, former Prime Minister Francois Fillon, has said that France has a problem linked to Islam. France has remained under a state of emergency since the November 2015 Paris attacks, which killed 130 people in coordinated strikes on a concert hall, a stadium and cafes. In July, a lone man inspired by ISIS plowed a truck through crowds gathered in Nice to celebrate the countrys national holiday, Bastille Day. The profiles of the suspects involved in each case predominately young men with either French or European passports has also touched off a fierce debate about national identity in France, home to Europes largest Muslim population. The outcry over the recent attacks has strengthened the anti-immigrant National Front, a far-right populist movement that was once a political fringe but that now poses a significant electoral challenge to Frances more established, mainstream parties. Obviously, these terrorist have chosen a specific moment: the elections, said Jean-Charles Brisard, director of the Center for the Analysis of Terrorism, a Paris-based think tank. It means the terrorists have a clear political strategy, because, of course, their actions would have an affect in benefiting the extremists. In September, authorities claimed they foiled a plot to detonate a car with explosives near Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which French authorities believe to have been the work of Rachid Kassim, the Islamic State operative suspected of orchestrating several other violent instances in France. Read more Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Brothers Taha, left, and Hasul are treated at a field hospital after being injured by a car bomb explosion during fighting between Iraqi forces and Islamic State militants in eastern Mosul, Iraq, on Nov. 25. (Felipe Dana/Associated Press) Air and artillery strikes by the U.S.-led coalition in the Iraqi city of Mosul appear to have killed more than 80 civilians since a major operation there began last month, a watchdog group said Friday. Airwars, a Britain-based group that tracks information from activists and other sources, said that the frequency of casualty reports had increased since Iraqi troops launched their offensive to clear the city of Islamic State militants on Oct. 17. In an email, Airwars director Chris Woods said the group believed that coalition strikes, including air and artillery attacks, since then had likely killed 84 to 87 people in Mosul and injured more than 160 others. The densely packed urban battlefield makes accurately determining deaths tolls extremely difficult, Woods said. The wide array of armed groups involved in the operation, moreover, makes it hard to establish who is responsible for any given attack. Airwars draws its estimates from a host of sources, including activists, local media organizations and its own research. The U.S. military conducts its own investigations of civilian casualty reports, sometimes confirming the allegations and sometimes finding they are unjustified. [One mans escape from an Islamic State mass execution] While some Airwars findings have been challenged by the U.S. military, its investigations have prompted U.S. Central Command, which oversees Middle East operations, to increase its estimate of the number of civilians killed in U.S. strikes. Centcom says that American strikes against the Islamic State have killed at least 119 civilians in Iraq and Syria since they began in 2014, an estimate that some advocacy groups say is too low. Col. John Thomas, a spokesman for Centcom, said the U.S. military conducts extensive checks before launching airstrikes, using intelligence and surveillance in an attempt to verify targets. He said U.S. and allied strikes had destroyed dozens of car bombs and tunnels that militants have used to attack encroaching forces. But the challenge of avoiding inadvertent deaths has increased in such a large city, where more than a million people lived under two years of militant rule. The liberation of Mosul is an operation that is an order of magnitude larger and more complex than any of the previous cities that have been liberated from ISIL, Thomas said in an email, using another acronym for the Islamic State. Israeli police said Friday that at least 12 people were in custody on suspicion of starting huge fires that have forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes and left widespread damage across the country. Some of the fires, which started Monday night, were still burning Friday, and numerous countries, including Russia, Turkey, Jordan and Egypt, had sent emergency crews and firefighting planes to help Israel tackle the blazes. The Palestinian Authority sent four firefighting teams. Israeli news media reported that the largest firefighting plane, the Supertanker, was on its way from the United States, and several American fire crews also were expected to arrive. Officials and politicians said that at least half of the fires, which raged from the Jerusalem area to the north of the country, had been started intentionally. They were quick to label the fires a new form of terrorism, but police have not made public the identities of the people arrested. [Trump adviser takes soft line on settlements] 1 of 24 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad What it looks like as fires rage through Haifa, Israel View Photos Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from the city because of the fires, which began Monday and may have been set intentionally. Caption Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from the city because of the fires, which began Monday and may have been set intentionally. Nov. 25, 2016 Firefighters try to extinguish a fire in Beit Meir, near Jerusalem. Dry air and strong winds caused the fire to extend to different locations. Abir Sultan/European Pressphoto Agency Wait 1 second to continue. Speaking to reporters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was dealing with a new form of attack, pyro-terrorism. He said there was proof that at least some of the fires were started intentionally, indicating that those most likely to blame were Palestinians with nationalist hostilities against Israel. We cant say if it is something that is organized, but we are seeing cells starting these fires, he said. He refused to expand further on the theory but said the security services had hard evidence. Like all crimes, the most important thing is the punishment. There is a price to pay for these crimes, he said. Arab Israeli politicians responded that the government was taking advantage of the situation to incite anger toward Arab Israelis and Palestinians. They said many of the areas damaged by the fires included Arab communities. It is unfortunate when elected officials choose to enhance the division in Israeli society and add fuel to the fire, said Jamal Zahalka, an Arab Israeli member of Israels parliament. The Israeli media has neglected to mention that various Arab cities have also caught fire. On Thursday, more than 60,000 people in the port city of Haifa were evacuated. By Friday morning, however, the fires seemed under control and people slowly began to return to their homes. More than 100 people have been injured, mostly from smoke inhalation, but no fatalities have been reported. Read more: 60,000 Israelis evacuated in Haifa as fires continue to rage Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news An honor guard caries the coffin of Israeli Lt. Hadar Goldin at his funeral in 2014 in Kfar Saba. Goldin was thought to have been captured during fighting in Gaza but was later declared killed in action. His body has not been returned. (Ilia Yefimovich/Getty Images) It has been more than two years since Hadar Goldin disappeared down a dark hole. The young Israeli lieutenant was last seen being dragged into a Hamas tunnel during the 2014 Gaza war. Bits of his equipment were recovered, stained with blood and tissue enough evidence for forensic pathologists and army rabbis to declare him killed in action. But Goldins body is still being held by Hamas, the Islamist militant movement that controls the Gaza Strip. His mother, Leah Goldin, said, We have no way to come to an end of our mourning until we bring him home. It is a terrible thing to have nothing to bury, and in this the Goldin family is not alone. The corpse of a second Israeli soldier, Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul, also is being held by Hamas. Israelis consider the Hamas practice of hoarding bodies to be barbaric. But the reality is more complicated. Both sides are withholding bodies. Israel has not returned the remains of 19 Hamas fighters killed during the 2014 war. And Israel now routinely holds the bodies of Palestinian assailants who have been shot dead while attacking or threatening Israelis during a year-long wave of violence in Israel and the West Bank. According to the Palestinian Prisoners Society in Ramallah, which tracks the cases, Israel withheld more than 130 bodies over the past year, for periods of days to weeks to months. The remains of more than 20 Palestinian assailants are still being stored in freezers in Israeli morgues. One corpse has been held for six months. Saeb Erekat, secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization, charged that Israels new practice of postmortem detention is designed to extend its control of Palestinians to the intimate terrain of death. Israeli officials say they withhold the bodies to fight terrorism. Both sides accuse the other of using bodies as bargaining chips. Both decry the practice as inhumane and a violation of international law. Hamas holds onto the bodies of Israeli soldiers in hopes of forcing Israel to release hundreds of Hamas prisoners. Israeli officials say they hold onto bodies to deter future attacks or to deny Palestinians the flag-waving funerals that glorify their martyred heroes and incite their public. In both cases, a macabre reality remains: Families cannot bury their dead. Comrades cry next to the grave of Lt. Hadar Goldin during a military funeral ceremony at the cemetery in Kfar Saba, Israel, in 2014. (Abir Sultan/European Pressphoto Agency) Collapsed negotiations Last month, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman told the Palestinian newspaper al-Quds that Israel is willing to help rebuild the besieged and impoverished Gaza Strip even construct an airport and seaport if Hamas stops digging attack tunnels and firing rockets at Israeli civilians. Lieberman, who is promoting a recycled carrots and sticks approach to the Palestinians, did not mention the missing Israeli soldiers. Supporters of the families of the missing soldiers lashed out, saying they have been forgotten that the sacred vow by the Jewish state to bring home all of its soldiers, dead or alive, has been broken. The Goldin family, especially, has been pressing the Israeli government to take a much harder stance against Hamas and the Palestinians. They accused Lieberman of having grown soft in his new post. The bellicose leader who once threatened to give Hamas 48 hours to hand over the bodies is now talking about turning Gaza into Singapore, the family said. Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin. (Family photo/via Reuters) The Goldins want Israel to restrict anything but the bare essentials from entering the Gaza Strip. They are calling on Israel to withhold the bodies of Palestinian attackers killed in Jerusalem and the West Bank until their sons remains are returned. But negotiations with Hamas appear to have collapsed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus special envoy on hostages and missing persons, Lior Lotan, revealed in September that Israel offered Hamas a deal: In exchange for the bodies of the two Israeli soldiers, Israel would return the remains of 19 Hamas fighters, plus 18 Palestinian militants taken into custody during the war. Lotan said Hamas rejected the offer. Hamas officials declined to discuss the matter with The Washington Post. But a spokesman for the groups military wing recently warned that Israel must pay a high price for any information about the destiny of its missing soldiers and at least two Israeli civilians being held by Hamas. These two Avraham Mengistu and Juma Ibrahim Abu Anima walked into the Gaza Strip on their own. Their families say they suffer from severe psychological problems. Past precedent Hamas, which seized control of Gaza in 2007 after winning elections a year earlier, is considered a terrorist organization by both Israel and the United States. Its hard bargaining over captives and remains appears based on past success. In 2011, Netanyahu approved the release of 1,027 Hamas militants from Israeli jails, including 280 convicted of the multiple killings of Israeli civilians, in exchange for a single Israeli corporal named Gilad Shalit, who was captured in a cross-border raid along the Gaza fence five years earlier. Hamas knows the issue of returning soldiers is one of the most wrenching in Israel. Although Israelis celebrated Shalits release, many have since soured on the deal, saying it showed weakness and encouraged Hamas to try to abduct more Israeli soldiers. Hamas considers the capture of one Israeli soldier, or even a soldiers corpse, a great victory. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan this week appeared to support the Hamas strategy. Asked by Israels Channel 2 about the remains of the two soldiers, Erdogan answered that Israel holds thousands of Palestinian prisoners and proposed an exchange. Leah Goldin, the mother of the missing soldier, told The Washington Post, For the first year we kept quiet. They told us, Youll get the body back. All the officials were telling us, You are in our hearts. We will never forget you. She said: But there is now what I call the Gilad Shalit syndrome. Everyone asks, what will be the price for his return? That is always the question. It is a symptom of living under terror that we ask what is the price. Since the soldiers went missing, Hamas-affiliated media have taunted Israel, suggesting its soldiers might not be dead. Herzl Shaul, the father of Oron Shaul, who was killed during the 2014 war and whose corpse is being held by Hamas, never got the chance to bury his son. The elder Shaul died of cancer in September. He left a note in case his boy came back. Israeli soldier Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul was killed during the 2014 Gaza war. (Via Reuters) I cannot give up because I want to make it to the moment I have been dreaming of since the day you were taken, the moment when the prime minister and the army chief of staff call me and say: Herzl, Sergeant Oron Shaul of the Golani Brigade is coming home from the war tonight, the father wrote in a letter published posthumously. Even though you may be wounded and exhausted, a captive with a long rehabilitation process ahead of you, you will be home, the father said. This movie keeps running through my head and keeps me strong. Returning soldiers for burial is a universal human value, in every religion, since the Greeks, since ancient times, said Chemi Goldin, the older brother of the slain Israeli. But in Gaza, even the families of killed Hamas fighters and who believe the bodies are being held by Israel, say their sacrifice should be rewarded. The Israeli offer is too small, even humiliating. I dont think as a family we will accept it, said Abdul Kareem Madhoun, brother of Salam Madhoun, one of the Hamas fighters killed in the 2014 war, whose body is believed held by the Israelis. We want the deal to be like the Shalit deal, he said. We cant put our personal interests above others and forget about the thousands of people who are in the jail. My duty has not ended Among Israelis, the practice of withholding corpses is controversial. This week, residents of Jewish settlements south of Jerusalem called on authorities to return the body of a 15-year-old Palestinian to his family. Khaled al-Bahar was shot dead by Israeli forces for throwing rocks at soldiers. A military investigation concluded the soldiers were not in danger, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. As people of faith, we cannot accept the security forces holding onto the body, settlers wrote in a letter. The Israeli petitioners, including several rabbis, said the practice was a violation of the dead that only raised tensions and hurt ties between Jews and Muslims in the area. Among the bodies still held in an Israeli morgue is that of Abdel Hamid Abu Srour, 19, who came from a well-to-do Bethlehem family that praised him as a hero after a bomb he was carrying exploded between his legs as he sat on a Jerusalem bus in April. A dozen Israelis were injured in the blast, including a young girl who suffered severe burns. [A bomb blows up two buses in Jerusalem, stirring dark memories] I raised my child. He was a grown man. But my duty has not ended until I recover his body and bury him, said Srours mother, Azhar. Every day we wait. This is not normal. It is my right to have the body. He is still my son. I will not give him up. Mohammed Mahmoud, a Palestinian lawyer who has petitioned to have bodies returned, called the new Israeli policy an act of vengeance with no proof it reduces tensions or attacks in fact, just the opposite could be true, he said. The bodies should be returned to the families, he said, because obviously the families are the innocent ones. Sufian Taha in Ramallah and Hazem Balousha in Gaza City contributed to this report. Read more: Israelis are calling attacks a new kind of Palestinian terrorism DIY submachine guns are popping up across the West Bank Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world From left to right: Kliment Voroshilov, Vyacheslav Molotov, Joseph Stalin and Nikolai Yezhov pose at the shore of the the Moscow-Volga Canal in 1937. Yezhov was the senior figure in the Soviet secret police under Stalin during the period of the Great Purge. (AFP/AFP/Getty Images) A Russian human rights group has published a database containing personal information about nearly 40,000 members of the notorious security force that carried out Soviet dictator Joseph Stalins purges, shedding light on an ugly stretch of history the Kremlin would prefer to remain hidden. The archive, culled from the records of Stalins security forces (the NKVD) and posted on the website of Memorial, the human rights group, for the first time names those who carried out some 700,000 executions from 1935 to 1939 during The Great Terror. Russian President Vladimir Putin has in recent years revised Stalins legacy, emphasizing the dictators role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II and turning the Soviet Union into a world power. The details of the purges, in which Communist Party leaders and rank-and-file citizens were summarily tried and convicted, usually on trumped-up charges, have been erased from school textbooks and public discourse. Until now, if anyone mentions the victims, its as though they were killed by a natural disaster like an earthquake or a tidal wave, Yan Rachinsky of Memorial told The Washington Post on Thursday. They were victims of crimes and those crimes were committed by people. The Kremlin had a much less enthusiastic response. I will leave this issue without comment. The issue is very sensitive, Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency. Millions of people were imprisoned or killed during the three decades of Stalins rule, but the totalitarian Soviet state kept the purges a secret even after his death in 1953. As the Soviet Union collapsed, Russians, many of whom were related to victims, took interest in the purges, and Memorial and other rights groups actively sought to identify victims. But the full archives of the KGB and its predecessors were never made public, and the country never experienced a full repentance. Under Putin, a former KGB officer, Stalin has been all but rehabilitated as a great leader who merely made some mistakes, and Memorial has been designated a foreign agent according to a law intended to marginalize nongovernment organizations. Russia never had a proper de-Stalinization and there is little awareness of The Great Terror in contemporary Russian society, said Tanya Lokshina, Russia program director for Human Rights Watch. Memorial has been doing tremendously important work in identifying and commemorating thousands of victims and now naming their butchers. The latter is an inalienable part of doing justice to the victims memory and of helping Russians come to terms with their history. Until now, Russians who wanted to reconstruct the history of the victims faced an uphill battle to get their hands on records, and difficulty in establishing the names on the documents to which they were given access. Memorials publication of the archive came just days after Denis Karagodin, a 34-year-old resident of the Siberian city of Tomsk, announced that he had tracked down the names of the men who helped kill his great-grandfather a peasant who was executed in 1938 on charges of spying for Japan. It took five years, Karagodin told Radio Liberty, and required him to persuade security-services archivists to show him documents that helped him reconstruct the chain of events, from the officials that gave the orders to the gunmen who carried out the sentence. The historians and specialists I was able to reach couldnt believe that Id managed to get this document, he told Radio Liberty. Some were simply in shock that such documents still exist and that you can actually get them. Its possible that I might be the first person in Russias history to be given such documents. The archive, he said, is a key that can and must be used to open the hidden secret of [NKVD agents]. Its too bad that I didnt have this database. It wouldve helped. Karagodin said the granddaughter of one of the men who executed his great-grandfather, wrote him a letter, asking forgiveness, after reading his blog. Rachinsky of Memorial said the archive, beyond helping people discover the fate of their relatives, sends a message to Russias leaders. Our government doesnt like to acknowledge that the Soviet Union was a criminal state, he said. The criminals names are known; let the ones who carry out orders now know that their names, too, will be known. Read more How Putins Russia is erasing the memory of Stalins crimes Russians gather against totalitarianism Putin signs new anti-terror law in Russia. Edward Snowden is upset Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Turkeys president warned Europe on Friday that his nation could unleash another migrant crisis in the West, sharply raising the stakes after E.U. lawmakers called for a suspension in membership talks with Turkey. Quarrels over Turkeys bid to join the European Union have flared for decades, and the vote Thursday by the European Parliament to freeze membership dialogue was largely symbolic. But the latest rift underscored the elevated risks amid new political pressures on both sides more than 10 months after a E.U.-Turkey pact that greatly slowed a surge of more than 1 million migrants and refugees into Europe. In Turkey, pro-government forces have arrested or dismissed tens of thousands of people from high-ranking military figures to teachers and civil servants after a failed coup in July. The crackdowns have prompted a sharp outcry from international rights groups and others. But Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has claimed the West has failed to stand by its NATO ally in a time of need, and he has resisted appeals to ease the purges. A man stands next to the burning tents at the Moria refugee camp on Greek island of Lesbos, on Nov. 25. (European Pressphoto Agency) [Deadly fire guts refugee camp on Greek island] In Europe, political leaders are increasingly uneasy about openings to Turkey as Erdogans government tightens its grip against perceived opposition, including journalists and activists. Europe is also facing the rise of populist political factions, such as Frances National Front, and others that oppose closer cooperation with Turkey. The European Parliaments resolution made in response to Turkeys sweeps is nonbinding and does not force E.U. leaders to change their policies toward Turkey. But it prompted an angry response from Erdogan, who claimed that European leaders betrayed their promises. In his first speech since the vote, Erdogan warned that any further steps to mothball membership talks or sideline Turkish exchanges with the E.U. could set another migrant wave in motion. If you go any further, those border gates will be opened, Erdogan said in a televised address, making specific reference to Turkeys border crossing with E.U. member Bulgaria. In March, a two-part agreement was reached to cut the flow of migrants: Turkey would stem the flow of migrants traveling by sea to Greece in exchange for incentives including fast-tracked membership talks, billions of euros in aid for Syrian refugees in Turkey and visa-free travel for Turkish citizens. [Obama touches on broader challenges for Europe in final presidential trip] It is unclear whether Turkey could follow through with a threat to reopen routes for migrants, and any such move could be met with border closings on the E.U. side. Yet Erdogans warning reflected one of Turkeys strongest points of leverage over the E.U. Turkey hosts one of the worlds largest refugee populations an estimated 2.7 million Syrians and 300,000 Iraqis, among others. At the same time, Europe is also dealing with the major resurgence of migrant boats making the dangerous Mediterranean crossing from northern Africa. Authorities also are worried about widening unrest in migrant settlements created as borders closed last year along the route from the Aegean Sea to northern Europe. On the Greek island of Lesbos, migrants at a crowded camp clashed with police during a blaze that killed a woman and young boy, officials said Friday. In southern Bulgaria, authorities detained about 400 migrants, mostly Afghans, after riots broke out Thursday when quarantine restrictions were imposed. The unelected E.U. officials in charge of conducting the talks with Turkey have said that they are a valuable channel of dialogue and influence over Ankara, despite the crackdown. But elected lawmakers have become increasingly skeptical of the negotiations. Lets not fool ourselves anymore. We know altogether that this is not in compliance with European values, said Guy Verhofstadt, a former prime minister of Belgium who was one of the leaders of the effort inside the European Parliament to condemn Turkey. You have to freeze the accession talks for the moment. But even if Europe does not break off talks as a result of the parliamentary decision, a collapse could be imminent anyway. Erdogan has talked about restoring the death penalty in Turkey, a move that would immediately close the door to E.U. membership since capital punishment is banned in the bloc. In a sign of the concerns about possible further breaks with Turkey, a statement by Germanys Foreign Ministry urged for dialogue to continue at the moment. It is important that we keep talking, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Sawsan Chebli told reporters in Berlin. It is important that we do not freeze the accession negotiations, she added, because that would only further damage the relationship between Turkey and Europe, and that would not be in the interest of Turkey or of Europe. Murphy reported from Washington. Read more: Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news [] COLOMBIA Government, rebels sign new peace accord Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos on Thursday signed a new peace agreement with the countrys largest rebel movement, aiming to end a half-century of hostilities. Santos and Rodrigo Londono, leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, signed the 310-page accord at Bogotas historic Colon Theater nearly two months after the original deal was rejected in a referendum. After signing, they clasped hands to shouts of Yes we could! Thursdays hastily organized ceremony was a far more modest and somber event than the one in September where the two men signed an accord in front of an audience of foreign leaders and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. The new accord introduces some 50 changes intended to assuage critics led by still-powerful former president Alvaro Uribe. They range from a prohibition on foreign magistrates judging crimes by the FARC or government to a commitment from the insurgents to forfeit assets, some of them amassed through drug trafficking, to help compensate their victims. But the FARC would not go along with the oppositions strongest demands jail sentences for rebel leaders who committed atrocities and stricter limits on their future participation in politics. In an act of protest, members of Uribes political party are considering a boycott of next weeks scheduled debate in Congress on ratifying the agreement, accusing the legislature of disobeying the constitution. They are also threatening to call for street protests to denounce what they say is a blow against democracy. The lack of broad support for the accord will make the already-steep challenge of implementing it even tougher. Colombians overwhelmingly loathe the FARC for crimes such as kidnappings and drug trafficking. Associated Press EUROPEAN UNION Membership talks halted with Turkey European Union lawmakers called for a temporary halt to E.U. membership talks with Turkey because of Ankaras disproportionate reaction to Julys failed coup, although E.U. governments are unlikely to take heed. Members of the European Parliament voted 479 to 37 in favor of a nonbinding motion urging the European Commission and national governments to institute what lawmakers acknowledge would be a largely symbolic freeze in negotiations that have been going on for 11 years but have long been stalled. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said ties with the E.U. were already strained and that the vote was of no importance, echoing comments this week by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Neither side expects Turkey to be in a position to join the E.U. for very many years to come. Reuters Earthquake off Central America shakes region: A strong earthquake off the Pacific Coast of Central America shook the region and triggered a tsunami warning, U.S. monitoring agencies said, just as a hurricane barreled into the Caribbean coasts of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Emergency services in El Salvador said on Twitter that there were no immediate reports of damage at a national level. Earlier on Thursday, the Category 2 Hurricane Otto hit land near the southeastern coast of Nicaragua, where thousands had already been evacuated. Cases of chikungunya rise in Brazil: Brazils Health Ministry says that cases of chikungunya are soaring this year in Latin Americas biggest country. The ministry said there have been 134,910 confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne disease so far in 2016. Last year the total was 8,528. Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also transmits the Zika virus and dengue fever. From news services Photo credit: Design by Mariel Tylerundefined From ELLE There is a rumor going around that First Lady Michelle Obama may not be living in the White House after January 20th. I don't want to contribute to the proliferation of fake news so I must caution that this is only a rumor. But there is some evidence that supports it. First, First Lady Michelle Obama's husband, President Barack Obama will, apparently, not be president after January 20th. This would lead one to believe that she will also not be first lady. I cannot confirm this, but it seems legit. Second, First Lady Michelle Obama has purchased a new home in DC and keeps talking about leaving with the pent up glee of someone who is about to retire and move to a Sandals resort but doesn't want to make her work friends feel weird about it. Still, she keeps giggling to herself at random moments. And every time the work crew goes out to happy hour she buys a daiquiri and asks if they can put an umbrella in it. Like, we get it. There is, however, evidence to the contrary. For instance, future First Lady Melania Trump has said that she won't be moving into the White House right away. So, there's probably space for Mrs. Obama to just hang out for a while. Do first lady things. Casually slay. What if they share the job? That'll work, right? If we've learned anything from the movie 9 to 5, it's that everyone benefits when people can share jobs. And also that sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigots never triumph in the end. So, the jury is still out on this whole "Michelle Obama isn't actually going to be first lady forever" rumor. Don't worry. But just in case there turns out to be some truth to these rumors, here's a step-by-step guide to processing all the feelings. Step One: Denial LOL this isn't happening. Michelle has always been our first lady and she always will be. She never goes away. She's like the Queen of England or packing peanuts. She will always be around. LOL. Everything is fine. I don't even know why I clicked on this article. Alright, back to the bunker. Story continues Step Two: Throw Shade At who? Everyone. Externalize your angst with some seismic eye-rolls and well timed zingers at Thanksgiving dinner. It probably won't make you feel better and might get you disinherited (and it's technically not "going high" as Michelle might say) but it does make for a pretty satisfying GIF. Baby steps. Step Three: Complete Breakdown Burst into tears when the barista asks you if you want a treat receipt. Sit alone on the subway and sing sad Beyonce songs. Hug strangers randomly and make them promise to never leave you. Whatever it takes to express yourself. Why do you think Kanye cancelled the rest of his Saint Pablo Tour? Michelle-related grief. None of us are immune. Step Four: Eat your feelings. In vegetables. This is your turning point. Or turnip point, actually. Who can say why Michelle Obama loves vegetables as much as she does, but what better way to honor her legacy than to dig into a head of cauliflower, seasoned with your tears? And some Lawry's. Step Five: Hydrate The first lady doesn't want you to be ashy. Step Six: Dance it out Crank up your favorite Stevie Wonder album, push the couch back to the wall, call up your best pal Shonda Rhimes and have an old school, Grey's Anatomy dance party. It will make you feel good. (And Mrs. Obama would like you to know it's also good cardio.) Step Seven: Appreciate We are living in an extraordinary moment in the country's history and we are so privileged to have shared the same planet as Michelle Obama. Technically, we've all breathed the same air that she has. One way to appreciate that is to fill mason jars will air, label them "Michelle Obama's breath" and save them all around your house. That's definitely not weird at all. Step Eight: Acceptance The rumors are true. We've got to let her go live her life. We should probably only call her once a week for a while. And definitely not after 7 p.m. But it'll be fine. And if we're ever feeling lost, we can just open one of those mason jars and breath the same air one more time. Follow R. Eric Thomas on Twitter. You Might Also Like Kanye West will likely be spending his Thanksgiving holiday at the hospital. PEOPLE has learned Kim Kardashian West was spotted leaving UCLA Medical Center on Wednesday evening with a bodyguard in tow, and will likely be returning Thursday morning. West, 39, remains hospitalized to undergo treatment for sleep deprivation, according to a source close to the rapper. Though he is starting to feel more like himself, the father of two understands the importance of resting and getting help. The insider added, They are taking it day by day. He understands that getting help at the hospital was necessary. PEOPLE confirmed West was hospitalized for exhaustion on Monday afternoon after canceling the remaining 21-dates of his Saint Pablo tour. West was medically stable when he was taken to the hospital, an LAFD spokesman told PEOPLE. Up until now, Kardashian West, 36, had not left her husbands bedside, even missing Monday evenings Angel Ball in New York City which would have marked her first public appearance since the life-threatening robbery in Paris on Oct. 3, when she was tied up, gagged, held at gunpoint and robbed of millions of dollars of jewelry in her No Address Hotel apartment. She was spotted flying out of New York to head back to Los Angeles shortly following news of Kanyes hospitalization. Of course hes getting the support that he needs right now, a source previously told PEOPLE. Family and friends are around. Kim is being amazing. As are all of his friends and team and inner circle. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruled Wednesday that the women known as the San Antonio Four be declared innocent and exonerated after almost 15 years in prison, KSAT 12 News reports. The story of Elizabeth Ramirez, Kristie Mayhugh, Cassandra Rivera and Anna Vasquez who were convicted in 1997 of attacking Ramirezs nieces, ages 7 and 9 was the subject of a recent documentary Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four, that aired on Investigation Discovery. Rivera was convicted in December 1997 of sexual assault and sentenced to 37 years. Her friends were each sentenced in February 1998 to 15 years. Rivera was then paroled in 2012, but the other three women were released on bail in 2013 with the help of the Innocence Project of Texas following new evidence. A judge earlier this year refused to void their convictions while ruling that each was entitled to a new trial. Ramirez and three of her friends were accused of sexually assaulting her two nieces over a two-day period while Ramirez cared for the young girls at her apartment in San Antonio, Texas in 1994. I couldnt believe it, Ramirez told PEOPLE this year, recounting her ordeal. I was like, where did they even come up with that? I was like in shock. Ramirez, then 19, was a fast-food restaurant worker whod recently learned she was pregnant. Her friends, Anna Vasquez and Cassandra Rivera, were a lesbian couple raising Riveras two young children from a prior marriage. Like Ramirez, the fourth friend, Kristie Mayhugh, also was gay. The womens sexuality figured at trial, when prosecutors accused them of cult-like ritual abuse of the victims. The ruling said Thursday: They are innocent. And they are exonerated. This court grants them the relief they seek. Havana, Cuba, has long held a unique allure for the curious jet set, boosted by the fact it was technically off-limits to Americans for decades. We always want what we can't have, right? Of course, plenty of loopholes meant Beyonce and Jay Z legally celebrated their fifth anniversary there in 2013, and a slew of other stars (including Vin Diesel from Fast and Furious, which filmed there earlier this year) have followed suit. But with the official opening-up of the previously shut-off country, it's become even hotter. Karl Lagerfeld's decision to hold the Cruise 2016/2017 Chanel show on Havana's Paseo del Prado solidified the destination's status in the fashion community (even if the show did come under scrutiny from some). Tilda Swinton and Gisele Bundchen were a couple of the A-listers in attendance for the monumental occasion. Experiencing Cuba in person is an exercise in extremes: opulent architecture that has crumbled over decades of disrepair, gorgeous candy-colored '50s convertibles cared for better than the women (a popular joke!) and creative and flavorful meals served by friendly staff who subsist on rationed food. But with the trade embargo being lifted, there's a glimmer of change in the air. And there are locals doing a lot with very little - some of the most inspired jewelry and decor is made with recycled materials and even repurposed "trash," tying into the green movement pervading the fashion world. Pret-a-Reporter contributor Kathryn Romeyn shares her experiences at three Cuban hot spots: Havana, Trinidad and Vinales. Read more: Chanel's Cruise Show: The 10 Best Instagrams From Seoul Courtesy of Kathryn Romeyn Even as someone who typically doesn't think much about cars I was fascinated and seduced by seeing all the immaculate vintage Chevrolets, Fords and Buicks on the road. Kathryn Romeyn Alma Cuba is a beautiful little gem of a boutique in the historically upscale Miramar neighborhood. Owner Alexandra Oppmann, who's Cuban and Panamanian, has an incredible eye for curating locally made crafts, home goods and jewelry, almost all of which repurpose interesting materials (watch parts, beer can tabs). It's a must-shop - you can't find pieces of this quality or ingenuity in the government-run shops and markets. Story continues Courtesy of Kathryn Romeyn On our long drive to Trinidad we stopped at a roadside rest stop for one of the best pina coladas I've ever had. It was all of two bucks American, and you get to add your own rum! Courtesy of Kathryn Romeyn The Bay of Pigs - where the failed military invasion of Cuba went down in 1961 - was on the way to Trinidad. This beautiful sandy beach was lovely for a little sunbathing and swimming in its deep red water, which is essentially dyed by the area's mangrove trees. Courtesy of Kathryn Romeyn For those who practice Santeria, there's a dress code of all white, all the time, and temples dedicated to goddesses represented by dolls dressed in elaborate costumes. Courtesy of Kathryn Romeyn A casual lunch in Trinidad consisted of a Cuban classic: tender roasted pork with Moros y Cristianos (the name for rice and beans, which translates to Moors and Christians) and local beers, Cristal and Bucanero. Courtesy of Kathryn Romeyn The streets of Trinidad - and Havana to some degree - are like a living rainbow. You may have to connect two live wires to make a lightbulb turn on in a house, but like those famous American classic cars, the facades are diligently maintained. Courtesy of Kathryn Romeyn It may be surprising, but Cubans absolutely love Americans - and anything American. You won't go a few hours without seeing a local in American flag garb, whether it's an Old Navy Fourth of July tee that somehow wound up on the island or a full-length dress like this young woman wears in Havana. Courtesy of Kathryn Romeyn After riding horses through a farm in lush Vinales, we had a lesson in cigar-rolling from this expert, who had to stop his instruction briefly to take a call. It turns out Cubans are just as tied to their cell phones as we are! Courtesy of Kathryn Romeyn I was surprised at how vibrantly green and colorful Cuba was, not just via paint but also vegetation and flowers. On a visit to an organic farm in Vinales I was in awe of this elegant flowering plant. Courtesy of Kathryn Romeyn The amount of propaganda everywhere - and total lack of advertising for anything else - is striking in Cuba. Revolutionary artwork greets guests in the dilapidated but grand downstairs entrance to the iconic restaurant La Guardia (where Usher was married last year), which sits several levels above the street and serves the hands-down best food in Havana. Courtesy of Kathryn Romeyn It may seem cheesy, but if Karl Lagerfeld did it, who cares? A ride in a classic convertible is a must when in Havana. Our driver was so friendly he took us to his favorite place for a mojito at the end of our tour. 10 TV BFFs who are redefining female friendships During this post-holiday food coma recovery period, its time to give thanks for all the TV BFFs who are redefining female friendships, because without them, wed have nothing to compare, strive to be like, and bond with our own besties over. As far back as those black-and-white days when the TV was first invented, the power of female-driven friendships were front-and-center. These days, knowing our favorite fictional ladies have each others backs sort of makes us feel like, in a way, they have ours, too. Here are a few of our fave TV BFFs who, we think, have been total game-changers in terms of raising the bestie standards. So grab your BFF and read along! 1. Daenerys and Missandei on Game of Thrones These two have redefined what it means to have each others backs in the fantasy realm. And, TBH, had we lived in Westeros, we would definitely want to be part of this powerful #girlsquad. 2. Penny, Amy, and Bernadette on The Big Bang Theory Penny, Amy, and Bernadette prove the boys wont have all the fun on a such a smartly scripted show. These super intelligent ladies challenge what it means to be a strong, independent woman in a (mostly) mans world. 3. Rory and Lane on Gilmore Girls Rory and Lane are, arguably, one of the best set of BFFs in television history. Their yin and yang personalities made each the perfect safe place for the other to fall. When Rory needed sage wisdom, she looked to Lane, and when Lane needed to break free from her mothers overbearing mom, she had Rory. And now that theyre back on Netflix, all is right in the world. 4. Jess and Cece on New Girl Jess and Cece seem at first like an unlikely pair. But the thing that bonds them through their years of friendship isnt their similarities its their differences. Theyre always teaching the other little bits of the world, which, to us, is the very essence of friendship. 5. Meredith and Cristina on Greys Anatomy You know that BFF thats there for every part of you life? The one thats your support system, the one who builds you up when youre down, the one who watches you made bad decisions but is there to pick up the pieces when it doesnt go the way you hoped? This is the epitome of Meredith and Cristina. Story continues 6. Riley and Maya on Girl Meets World Let us not forget our younger BFFs who not only inspire the up-and-comers, but those of us who are still a kid at heart. Riley and Maya tackle the hard lessons lifes throwing at them as they navigate through high school and the world. 7. Rachel and Monica on Friends There wouldnt be a list without Rachel and Monica (and Phoebe)! While Rachel began as a wildly spoiled, naive starter on the show, and Monica, ever the realist with her need to clean, the two would eventually morph into better versions of themselves in their characters, proving the best friends might have been there all along. 8. Leslie and Ann on Parks and Recreation Leslie Knope is every womans political go-to with her infinite wisdom and eerie foreshadowing of todays political climate. Ann is the grounded, down-to-earth voice of reason for Leslie when her ideas got too big or her confidence too low. These two are the A-Team! 9. Maeve and Clementine on Westworld Maeves genuine friendship and bond with Clementine is part of the reason she wants so badly to be free of Westworld. Seeing her friend in dire straights makes Maeve go berserk and inspires her to basically change the landscape (and maybe the future) of Westworld. 10. Ilana and Abbi on Broad City Props to Ilana and Abbi for keeping life real! These two are literally every pair of BFFs we know. Its refreshing to see real talk with real women who are redefining the way a woman is supposed to act in such a hilarious way. We are loving these besties are changing the landscape of TV and want to see lots more of them! The post 10 TV BFFs who are redefining female friendships appeared first on HelloGiggles. More than a dozen arrests have been made in connection to the series of wildfires that have plagued Israel in recent days. Police have reportedly taken 13 people into custody on suspicion of arson. Wildfires that began burning in Israel on Tuesday made it all the way to Haifa, the nations third-largest city. About 80,000 people have been forced to evacuate the city, according to BBC, though no serious injuries have been reported. Israel Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich told reporters on Thursday that nationalistically motivated arsonists appeared to be the cause of the fires. Alsheich said police would investigate as needed, though he stated there was no evidence point to an organized effort by the culprits. Its likely that there is a nationalist motive in some of the arson cases, Alsheich said at a press conference in Haifa. Israel Wildfire Photo: Reuters While some of the fires were man-made, the weather conditions in Israel have made conditions worse. The combination of high winds and dry air has caused the wildfires to spread. There are some cases of arson, and lots of cases that are not arson, Alsheich said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to those who started any fires, claiming they would be viewed as terrorists. Every fire that was caused by arson, or incitement to arson, is terrorism by all accounts. And we will treat it as such, Netanyahu told reporters in Haifa on Thursday. Whoever tries to burn parts of Israel will be punished for it severely. Israel has received help from neighboring countries in attempts to extinguish the blaze. Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Turkey and Russia have all offered their support. Netanyahu asked the United States for a "Super Tanker" fire-fighting aircraft, which was used to stop a fire in Israel that killed 42 people in 2010. The Palestinian Authority offered help, as well. Related Articles - By PJ Pahygiannis 1. How did you get started investing? What is your background? I grew up in a small town outside of Madison, Wisconsin. My parents came over from Italy for opportunity. They were very entrepreneurial. My family had several small businesses. As a kid I had lots of energy and passion. I didn't really care for school much at the time. I knew upon graduating high school I didn't want to go to college right away, and I didn't really want to do the family business thing, either. I started frequenting Barnes & Noble (BKS) at the time and spent hours there reading books for free. I'm sure they weren't very happy with me. I was reading business books knowing that I wanted to do something in business. It took many books before finally one really set me on fire and I accidentally stumbled upon it. I actually bought it and took it with me on my trip to Italy. It was called, "The Warren Buffett Way." It cost me $4.99. As soon as I picked it up it made total sense to me. It was like a light bulb moment. I was born skeptical and frugal so value investing really took hold. The rest is history. 2. Describe your investing strategy. Start with the A's. I use Value Line and I started at the A's. I first look at the business description and glance over the financials and some ratios and then I go to the company website and read the letter to shareholders. I try and read every shareholder letter. I have read some unbelievable letters that have really impressed me. If the business is one that I feel I can pretty much grasp and the balance sheet is unlevered with a high return on capital and a moat I set the company aside and track it. I have well over 100 wonderful businesses that I track now. I'm certain that many if not most of the companies I track will do very well over a 10-year period. Story continues 3. What drew you to that specific strategy? I was wired for value investing. After reading "The Warren Buffett Way" around the early 2000s and reading other books about Buffett I looked for high quality companies selling at a fair price. I made my first investment with what little money I had around '04-'05. I read annual reports and looked at what Buffett owned and liked. At that time I was doing discount cash flows. I liked Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD). Buffett owned it and so I put everything I had into it which wasn't much at the time. I held it until it was bought out by 3G Capital. It ended being a very good investment particularly in '08 when the financial crisis came. I almost bought Home Depot (HD) just before the financial crisis but decided not to. After the financial crisis I got really excited and started swinging a lot. I bought things that were dirt cheap but not exactly high-quality businesses and made some money. I also made some mistakes though. But what I really learned through that experience was that in my opinion it is better to own high quality business and if you can get them with high quality management you will do really well. The thing about buying cheap companies (cigar butts) is you have to know when to sell and when to sell is very important when it comes to cheap companies. Also it is very difficult to have a highly concentrated portfolio of cigar butts. We all know of Walter Schloss and his great track record over many decades. He is one of the greatest investors of all times. From what I recall he wasn't very concentrated. It's a lot of work, too. It's Inevitable you will end up buying companies that eventually die. 4. What other investors influenced you? Charlie Munger (Trades, Portfolio), John Maynard Keynes, Philip Fisher. 5. How has your investing changed over the years? I spend a lot more time looking for high quality businesses with high quality management. 6. Name some of the things that you do that other investors do not. I might put more value and emphasis on a good letter to shareholders. I find it to be very important and valuable the way in which the leader communicates about his company over a number of years. 7. Where do you get your investing ideas? Barron's, Wall Street Journal, Value Line, what other investors are buying, spinoffs, Fortune, Forbes and the like. 8. Do you use any stock selectors? I've subscribed to The Manual of Ideas a couple times. I think the best ideas are the ones that you find on your own. 9. Name some of the traits that a company must have for you to invest in it. Integrity is huge. It's on the top of the list. It's easy to read about the importance of integrity but experience dealing with it and without it is what really gives you an understanding of its importance. Companies that are constantly looking at cutting expenses in good times and bad times. Cutting cost/frugality is part of the culture at the company. Companies that refrain from using leverage. Companies that are constantly working on their competitive advantage and expanding on it. Management that have a passion for the business, the vision and mission of the company. You usually can tell what's most important to management buy looking at how they start and finish conference calls/investor presentations and letters to shareholders. A company that can earn a high return on invested capital. 10. and 11. What kind of checklist do you use when investing? What kind of research do you do? I know several well regarded investors have been using and talking about checklists. I believe Munger was one of the first to talk about checklists. I know Mohnish Pabrai has also talked a lot about checklists. I don't use a checklist per se. It's not written down. Maybe I should and maybe I should write it down, but I don't. 12. What kind of bargains are you finding in this market? I don't see any bargains in the market today. I don't see it in spinoffs or anything. The first quarter of this year I was buying a little. I like what I own. 13. How do you feel about the market today? Do you see it as overvalued? I think it's fully priced. If rates stay where they are I don't think it's overvalued. I definitely don't like bonds. 14. What is the best new investing book? I used to read investment books and other books like they were food. I don't read enough books and I need to get back on it. I have a long list of books I need to read. 15. Any advice to a new value investor? What should they know and what habits should they develop before they start? Read like crazy. Start with Buffett. Make sure to read Chapter 8 and 20 and don't forget what's in those chapters. Start with the A's. Find your true self. It takes time and you will make mistakes. 16. What are some of your favorite value investing resources or tools? Are there any investors that you piggyback or coattail? I really like the Wall Street Journal and Value Line. I follow most of them. I tend to like the ones that have concentrated portfolios and hold positions for a long time. 17. Describe some of the biggest mistakes you have made value investing. What are your three worst investments that burned you? What did you learn and how do you avoid those mistakes today? I'm wired to like cheap stuff. So the biggest mistakes I've made are buying things that look really cheap. I've learned that a lot of times something that is cheap is cheap for a reason and that turnarounds seldom happen. I've had to learn that the hard way. I bought a shipping company that went bankrupt. I first found it on Value Line, and it showed it as selling at a very wide discount to book value. It was a number of years ago, and it was in the beginning of the downturn for shipping. I thought it had enough cash on the balance sheet and that it was producing enough cash flow to sustain and possibly capitalize on the downturn. It also was located in the States as opposed to Greece. I later learned that the guy running the company was not someone I respected or admired in the slightest bit. He lacked many characteristics that one would look for. The business didn't have any kind of competitive advantage. It is also capital intensive. By the way sometimes at the top of markets companies can look attractive, Home Depot in the mid-2000s didn't look expensive to me. I almost bought it. If you would have bought it you would have done nothing for a number of years but if you were to hold on to it until now you would be doing really well. In fact, you would be leaving the Standard & Poor's in the dust. 18. How do you manage the mental aspect of investing when it comes to the ups, downs, crashes, corrections and fluctuations? This hasn't be too much of an issue for me. I think in part because of the way I'm wired, but in part because all the reading I've done on the topic. 19. How does one avoid blowups in value investing? I think if you are going to be an investor you have to accept the fact in your life time that you are going to be down 50% or so from time to time. Buffett has talked about this and I think that is just the way it is. John Maynard Keynes and Munger both have had experiences with this. I think even Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A)(BRK-B) has been down quite a bit from time to time. 20. If you are willing to share, what companies do you currently own and why? How have the last five to 10 years been for you investing wise compared to the indexes? General Motors (GM) - I've owned GM for about two years, and it hasn't done much in the way of price appreciation. I like it just as much today if not more. It's my largest position, representation roughly 25% of my portfolio. It's shed a number of unprofitable brands. The balance sheet is the strongest it's ever been. It's got roughly 20 billion is cash. They have been constantly working on lowering their expenses. Management has been improving the margin of the company. I really like management and think highly of CEO Mary Barra. The company is selling 5x earnings while the market is in the 20x earnings. It pays a nice dividend and buying back a significant amount of stock. It has prepared and is ready for the next recession when it comes. Of course we are at the top of auto sales, but that doesn't mean that it is going to fall off a cliff either. GM is in a great position in America and China, and it is only improving that position. Posco (PKX) - I first learned about Posco in and around '07-'08. I starting buying aggressively toward the end of '14 and the start of '15. I have been pleased with the new CEO. He has been getting rid of noncore assets and reinvesting in the high-end steel market. He been moving aggressively to turn things around. I took a real beating in this position last year. It has never been so cheap. This is a high-quality steel company. It just got rated for the seventh straight year the most competitive steel company in the world. Year to date it has performed very well, but I'm still down on this. I really like the way in which this company is being run right now. Bank of America (BAC) - I've owned B of A for about five years. I've been happy with CEO Brian Moynihan. I think has done a really good job with the hand that he has been given. He has really worked on the cost side of the equation. B of A has some nice franchises, and it's still cheap. The bonus is if rates go up B of A will do really well. American International Group (AIG) - I've owned this for about five years too. It's been a decent investment. It is starting to show some results. Finally we are starting to see real results on the expense side. It has been divesting as well and buying back a good amount of stock. The next couple of years could be pretty good. I'm hopeful that CEO Peter Hancock is the right guy for the job. American Airlines (AAL) - I've owned this for about three years now. I started looking at American Airlines when US Airlines and American were talking about merging. Frankly, I wish I would have taken a position in US Airlines at the time. I like the airline industry. I've been following it now for a few years, and I think it has fundamentally changed. I don't know which one is the best to own, but I've stuck with American Airlines. It's been a good investment. I bought more when the whole Zika thing was going on. What a joke. I was really pleased to see Berkshire take a position in some airlines recently. Distribution NOW (DNOW) - This is a spinoff of National OIlwell Varco (NOV). I got in this over a year ago. I like the management. I like the balance sheet. I really like how it has been able to capitalize on the downturn. This investment thus far as really worked out. FIAT (FCAM), Platform Specialty Products (PAH), IBM (IBM), Union Pacific (UNP), Restaurant Brands International (QSR), United Airlines (UAL), Valeant (VRX), Rolls Royce (LSE:RR.). I hope this had some value for you. Thank you for asking me to do this. I actually enjoyed writing this. Start a free seven-day trial of Premium Membership to GuruFocus. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. From the December 2016 issue Where the hell do you put silverware in a Bugatti? the customs officer asked, staring at the eating utensils packed in engineer Dennis Rohlfss fancy aluminum Zarges case, which was otherwise filled with spare parts for hot-weather testing of the new 1500-hp Bugatti Chiron. At Bugatti, even the engineers have expensive luggage. Rohlfs explained that he wanted to show good manners in America by using a knife and fork when eating the hamburgers he expected to be deluged with out in the desert west. Shaking his head, the customs officer let the weird foreigner pass. Welcome to America. That episode was two weeks ago, and Rohlfss silverware remains unused, lying in his box between the cables, seals, and other exotic Bugatti bits. He has already learned to eat burgers with his hands, lest he draw unwanted attention or marriage proposals, and those same hands are currently on the steering wheel of PT5.10. Thats the glamorous name for our blue-and-white development car, what the industry calls a pre-series model from the earliest stages of production. Together with three more Chiron development cars, PT5.10 is cruising on 120-degree tarmac, the tires a toasty 149 degrees by the test-equipment sensors. It is 10 a.m., and we are loafing along doing the double-nickel. Fifty-five mph is not even one-quarter the cars top speed. The crankshaft of the huge 8.0-liter, 16-cylinder Gorgon in back turns lazily at 1500 rpm in seventh gear. Thats a moderately raised idle speed, says Rohlfs, smiling. Out from Volkswagen headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, Rohlfs is responsible for a very specific widget on the W-16, the ionization-current misfire-detection system that effectively turns each spark plug into a sensor. Judging from Rohlfss nonchalance, the Bugatti is barely breaking a sweat. This despite the fact that its being slow-roasted on the pavement of Death Valley, where the famously lung-collapsing summer heat annually draws a few German tourists intent on proving their hardiness by jogging into the fiery teeth of the afternoononly to be later found as dead as dried prunes. And why should any of the cars readings be abnormal? Isnt the W-16, as well as the rest of the Chiron, but a mere evolution of the gobsmacking Veyron that preceded it? The Veyron went into production in 2005, and, after 450 copies built, how many glitches can there possibly be left to uncover? Well, its not quite that simple, we found out after talking with Bugattis head of engineering, Willi Netuschil, and his team, also frying their carcasses out here in Death Valley for the glory of Molsheim. We started the development of the Chiron as a facelift of the Veyron, and we ended up with a completely newly developed high-performance car, he explains. In particular, the goal of raising horsepower from 1200 in the late, great Veyron Super Sport to 1500 in the Chiron led engineers to make a few conceptual changes. The Chiron is no power-tuned Veyron. It is a completely new car with different driving behavior, Netuschil insists. Well, okay! Even the worlds least tedious car needs to be capable of the most tedious driving. That requires tedious testing and also hamburgers. Our impression, after many hours in close contact with Chirons in different stages of development, is that the new Bugatti is in no danger of being deposed as the fastest GT in automotive history. A breathtaking monster of a machine, it is nonetheless neither wild nor brutal but amazingly easy to handle. A coupe offering high comfort, equipped with state-of-the-art safety features and excellent handcrafted details, it is a finely honed object of ultimate driveway jewelry, priced at 2.4 million euros or whatever the spot exchange rate is in dollars (about $2.7 million at this writing). For raising up the engine power by 300 horsepower [compared with the Super Sport], we did not just build in bigger turbochargers, says Netuschil, because the result would have been an almost undrivable car due to brutal throttle and acceleration response. In the end, the engineers decided to go for a tiered intake-pressurizing system of a type never tried before on a gasoline engine for the road. So, technology-wise, we went into uncharted waters, Netuschil says. The heart of the complex system is a pair of air shut-off valves. Under low load, they block the exhaust flow to two of the engines four identical turbochargers so that only half of them initially make boost. The valves open to wake the other two snails around 3800 rpm, but are phase-lagged so that the third turbo starts spooling a little bit earlier than the fourth. The secondary turbochargers accelerate and all four blowers reach the same turbine speed between 3800 and 4000 rpm, and then, with all the oars in the water pulling, the engine really gets going. It all sounds very simple, an effort to deliver the W-16s massive firepower not in one enormous bang but in a measured and civilized surge. In reality, however, the scheme demanded a complex development process requiring endless miles of testing. For example, the engineers started with exhaust-gas-regulating flaps from Volkswagens ParisDakar racing Touareg. But what worked perfectly in that diesel engine was not robust enough for the extreme high-temperature flow of the Bugattis gasoline exhaust system. In the end, Bugatti engineers needed and developed more-robust metal and ceramic materials for the air flaps, actuators, and mountings. During our drive, engineer Michael Gericke played attending doctor to this complex boost system as it sucked the blistering dry heat of the lowest spot in North America. In Death Valley, it has to show its reliability in real life, he says, implying that Death Valley in the summer is real life. At the very least it is the devils own pottery kiln, a circle in Dantes Inferno where they send the people who complain about the air conditioning in their Ferraris. Following essential initial materials changes, the entire drivetrain needed to be upgraded, with new aerodynamic thermal management to maximize airflow in and out of the car. Bugatti developed more-powerful control computers for the car, as well as the obviously new body shape on top of the (now) all-carbon-fiber-compound structure. By the time we come along, all the hardware development has been tested to a fare-thee-well, which is why were doing 55 mph. The engineers are beyond the stress tests during this hot-climate testing, says Netuschil. Here in Death Valley, all the systems have to show perfect reliability on normal, regular daily drives. Netuschil: We are driving like a Chiron driver will do in extreme heat, meaning, most likely, those Chiron drivers who live in the sandier and more intemperate parts of the world where petroleum is the family business. In fact, this slower-speed test creates very special difficulties for cars like the Bugatti. Unlike with a sedans four-cylinder front-mounted engine, there is pretty much no headwind reaching the Chirons fully encapsulated mid-mounted boiler at low speed. Thats why all cooling systems in the Chiron are working under maximum load. The stress at low speed is much higher than at fast speed, Netuschil explains. The control computers are permanently monitoring and adjusting a total of 51,552 different points of data. As soon as some imperfection pops up, the engineers go at the problem, wading into a jungle of 31,974 possible adjustment points in the control map. On location, and via laptops sitting on the passenger seat, an enormous amount of data flows from the ionization-current system alone. The data is generated by the ignition coils, one per spark plug, and from time to time it indicates a misfire. At that point, Rohlfs immediately stops talking, pushes the Chiron into various driving modes, changes the gears manually, and makes the engine work under various load conditions. He has to find where the misfire is coming from. After a while, he pulls over, grabs his laptop, and plays on the keyboard like a virtuoso, twisting the adjusting screw of the digital age. We get gas, and our small armada of Franco-German cruise missiles with a combined 6000 horsepower departs the convection oven of the Valley, climbing up into the surrounding mountains. Highway 374 toward Beatty, Nevada, is an ascent that takes almost 30 minutes. Suddenly, Gericke starts sniffing the air like a coonhound trying to pick up a scent. Gericke is responsible for the OBD system (onboard diagnostics). Does he smell something? We arrive at the 4316-foot Daylight Pass and pull over, Gericke now out of the car and sniffing hard. In the Valley, we had filled up with fresh, relatively cold gasoline. By now, the fuel has warmed and is outgassing, which can cause both an unpleasant smell as well as a failed EPA shed test. To avoid that, the Chirons active carbon canister needs to be flushed with air. Gericke at last announces that he does not smell any fuel. He looks satisfied. The canister purge capacity is sufficient now, and another box is checked. We turn our cars around and head back into the kiln toward the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin, descending over the next 36 miles from more than 4000 feet to minus 282 feet. Four Bugatti Chirons in formation, a surging flotilla of starships from Planet 10, are rolling out a low-frequency sound carpet over one of the hottest regions on earth. They decorate this desert with road-legal, high-performance technology never imagined by the prospectors who once populated this place and thought that their 20-mule teams were pretty tough stuff. Broad, flat, and crouching on the tarmac, the Chirons blink through their pairs of quad-eyed headlight clusters. It looks as if they are on the alert, on the qui vive, prepared to jump to hyperspace at any moment. No, says Netuschil, not here! High performance we only test on racetracks. Germans are nothing if not rule followers. Though the Death Valley excursion is a test of extreme thermal stress under cruising conditions, the trip is also proving to be a kind of test marketing of the styling. Tourists chase us into a parking area, where the engineers read engine-temperature data while the fashionably modern three-eyed bystanders record every detail through the two orbs in their faces and the unblinking one on their phones. Suddenly, at Furnace Creek, a hard-braking minivan with wailing tires disturbs the quiet. Like a parachutist, a guy jumps out of the still-moving vehicle. Are . . . these . . . real . . . Bugattis? The man, apparently Australian, is trying both to speak and gasp for air. He doesnt wait for an answer. I never expected to see a real Bugatti! Heres four! Unbelievable! You made my holiday, guys. If you were thinking of ordering your Chiron in flat black, dont. We prefer PT5.10s Mercury-Villager-Nautica-edition paint scheme seen above. Unaffected, and perhaps not even understanding the man through his breathless accent, the engineers continue checking endless columns of figures and charts. Gericke is watching the stability of the cooling temperatures for the turbochargers; Norbert Marek shuts off the engine of PT5.10 for exactly one minute, then fires it up again to check if every cylinder follows the precisely defined timing. Transmission man Siegbert Slobianka is kvetching about the gearbox behavior during deceleration; he doesnt like the little jerk that happens when the box downshifts at low engine speed, usually right before the car comes to a stop. He opens his laptop now in order to dive into the deep forest of software, wading deep into the Chirons own flickering matrix. Engineers like Slobianka dont talk much. They prefer to demonstrate, as when he executes a downshift from seventh while changing from normal into sport mode. Third gear kicks in, and Slobianka gives the thumbs up; the transition is perfect. Its amazing how fast this fine-tuning produces results. After finishing all the steps outlined in BG744 Hot Climate Approval Death Valley, Netuschils team continues to Denver and Phoenix, focusing on stress-testing the turbocharger technology at high altitude. Asked about any remaining challenges in his project, Netuschil smiles, a burger the size of the Bugattis trunk on the plate in front of him. We crossed the mountain! There are only some approval loops left to do. Even though most Chirons will never voyage very far from their air-conditioned garages, Netuschil is ensuring that the car is ready for anything. And, holding the burger, he ensures that he has also adapted to America. Specifications > VEHICLE TYPE: mid-engine, all-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: $2,700,000 ENGINE TYPE: quad-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 64-valve W-16, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection Displacement: 488 cu in, 7993 cc Power: 1500 hp @ 6700 rpm Torque: 1180 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 106.7 in Length: 178.9 in Width: 80.2 in Height: 47.7 in Passenger volume: 54 cu ft Cargo volume: 2 cu ft Curb weight: 4400 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST): Zero to 60 mph: 2.3 sec Zero to 100 mph: 4.8 sec Standing -mile: 9.4 sec Top speed: 261 mph FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST): EPA combined/city/hwy: 10/8/15 mpg A ceramic vessel bearing the sculpture of a pensive-looking figure has been found in the Israeli city of Yehud. The vessel dates back about 4,000 years, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). Archaeologists found the artifact during excavations in advance of a new housing development. "It seems that at first the jug, which is typical of the period, was prepared, and afterwards, the unique sculpture was added, the likes of which have never before been discovered in previous research," Gilad Itach, the IAA excavation director, said in a statement. [See Photos of the Sculpture and Vessel from Yehud] Funerary find The restored jug with the sculpture on top was found at a site in Yehud, Israel. Clara Amit The unusual vessel is only about 7 inches (18 centimeters) tall. The container itself is an oblong oval shape, while the figure atop the vessel sits with one arm resting on its knees and the other propping up its chin. "The level of precision and attention to detail in creating this almost 4,000-year-old sculpture is extremely impressive," Itach said. Researchers discovered the vessel alongside other items, including arrowheads, an axe head, sheep bones, daggers and what appear to be donkey bones. These were likely funerary objects, originally buried alongside the body of an important person, Ministry of Education official Efrat Zilber said in the statement. "To the best of my knowledge, such a rich funerary assemblage that also includes such a unique pottery vessel has never before been discovered in the country," Zilber said. Deeper excavations revealed artifacts dating back at least 6,000 years. These included pottery vessels, flint and basalt tools, and animal bones, according to the IAA. Researchers also found a Copper Age butter churn. Embellished pottery Archaeologists discovered the unusual jug in fragments, and IAA conservators restored it. The neck of the jug provides the "seat" for the pensive figure, Itach said. The archaeologists said they aren't sure whether the original potter made the figure or if some other artist decided to add an embellishment to the plain jug. Story continues The artifact comes from around 2000 B.C., the Middle Bronze Age in the Levant (the region including modern-day Israel and the eastern Mediterranean). According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this was a time when nomadic people called Amorites settled throughout the northern part of the region and when traders shuttled back and forth between the Levant and Egypt. High school students assisted with the IAA excavations, as part of the Land of Israel and Archaeology Studies program, a training course for students interested in archaeology. In the IAA statement, one of those students described the moment of the discovery. "Suddenly, I saw many archaeologists and important people arriving who were examining and admiring something that was uncovered in the ground," said Ronnie Krisher of Roeh Religious Girls High School in Ramat Gan. "They immediately called all of us to look at the amazing statuette and explained to us that this is an extremely rare discovery and one that is not encountered every day. It is exciting to be part of an excavation whose artifacts will be displayed in the museum." Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations From ELLE Last week, the 2016 National Book Awards were announced. Colson Whitehead's The Underground Railroad (Doubleday) was honored in the fiction category. Daniel Borzutzky won the poetry award for The Performance of Becoming Human (Brooklyn Arts Press), and Ibram X. Kendi's Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America (Nation Books) was awarded the nonfiction laurel. In young people's literature, March: Book Three(Top Shelf Productions), a collaboration between Representative John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell, was recognized. Besides their excellence, what these four books have in common is a keen focus on personhood and what that means in America. In his acceptance speech, Whitehead acknowledged our new, shocking political reality, and urged, "Be kind to everybody, make art, and fight the power." Lisa Lucas, executive director of the National Book Foundation, agrees that creating and consuming art is a crucial way we deal with realities, new and old. "Beyond the election, we've been confronting-for many years, but this year really directly-issues with race in America," she tells me over the phone. "In times like these, you often see that that what people are interested in writing about; these are the stories that people feel are important to tell." Lucas thinks that stories are just a natural part of how we all learn about and engage with the world: "If I think of somebody that would never ordinarily pick up Irram X. Kendi's book, Stamped from the Beginning, in the political climate we're in, even if you disagree...having read it opens you up to a different perspective." In that spirit, we asked the other awardees why making art is important to them. 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead Excerpt "You would have thought Cora's grandmother cursed, so many times was she sold and swapped and resold over the next few years. Her owners came to ruin with startling frequency. Her first master got swindled by a man who sold a device that cleaned cotton twice as fast as Whitney's gin. The diagrams were convincing, but in the end Ajarry was another asset liquidated by order of the magistrate. She went for two hundred and eighteen dollars in a hasty exchange, a drop in price occasioned by the realities of the local market. Another owner expired from dropsy, whereupon his widow held an estate sale to fund a return to her native Europe, where it was clean. Ajarry spent three months as the property of a Welshman who eventually lost her, three other slaves, and two hogs in a game of whist. And so on. Story continues Her price fluctuated. When you are sold that many times, the world is teaching you to pay attention. She learned to quickly adjust to the new plantations, sorting the nigger breakers from the merely cruel, the layabouts from the hardworking, the informers from the secret-keepers. Masters and mistresses in degrees of wickedness, estates of disparate means and ambition. Sometimes the planters wanted nothing more than to make a humble living, and then there were men and women who wanted to own the world, as if it were a matter of the proper acreage. Two hundred and forty-eight, two hundred and sixty, two hundred and seventy dollars. Wherever she went it was sugar and indigo, except for a stint folding tobacco leaves for one week before she was sold again. The trader called upon the tobacco plantation looking for slaves of breeding age, preferably with all their teeth and of pliable disposition. She was a woman now. Off she went." From Whitehead's acceptance speech "Now the book is out and I would never think I would be standing here, and who knows where we're gonna be a year from now? We're sort of happy in here-outside is the blasted, hell-hole wasteland of Trump-land, which we're going to inhabit, but who knows what's going to happen a year from now? And because I'm still promoting the book people have been like, 'Do you have any words about the election?' And I'm like, 'Not really. I'm sort of stunned.' And then I hit upon something that was making me feel better and I guess it was, I think, hopefully applicable to other folks: Be kind to everybody, make art, and fight the power. That seems like a good formula, for me, anyway." 'Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America' by Ibram X. Kendi Excerpt "Racist ideas have done their job on us. We have a heard time recognizing that racial discrimination is the sole cause of racial disparities in this country and in the world at large. I write we for a reason. When I began this book, with a heavy heart for Trayvon Martin and Rekia Boyd, I must confess that I held quite a few racist ideas. Even though I am an Africana studies historian and have been tutored all my life in egalitarian spaces, I held racist notions of Black inferiority before researching and writing this book. Racist ideas are ideas. Anyone can produce them or consume them, as Stamped from the Beginning's interracial cast of producers and consumers show. anyone-Whites, Latina/os, Blacks, Asians, Native Americans-anyone can express the idea that Black people are inferior, that something is wrong with Black people. Anyone can believe both racist and antiracist ideas, that certain things are wrong with Black people and other things are equal. Fooled by racist ideas, I did not fully realize that the only thing wrong with Black people is that we think something is wrong with Black people. I did not fully realize that the only thing extraordinary about White people is that they think something is extraordinary about White people." What is the importance of art for you-personally and politically? Ibram X. Kendi: Art is creativity. I can't imagine another more important task for human beings than the task of creation, of art. For me, making art is political. It always has been. It always will be. I am on a mission to create an antiracist world, where racism does not restrain the humanity and thereby the creativity of Black people, of any people. I am on a mission to create the egalitarian space where we can all make art." 'The Performance of Becoming Human' by Daniel Borzutzky Excerpt "I live in a body that does not have enough light in it For years, I did not know that I needed to have more light Once, I walked around my city on a dying morning and a decomposing body approached me and asked me why I had no light I knew this decomposing body All that remained of it were teeth, bits of bone, a hand It came to me and said: There is no light that comes out of your body I did know at the time that there should have been light in my body It's not that I am dead It's not that I am translucent It's that you cannot know you need something if you do not know it is missing Which is not to say that for years I did not ask for this light Once, I even said to the body I live with: I think I need more light in my body, but I really did not take this seriously as a need, as something I deserved to have" 'Let the Light Shine Out of Darkness' appears in Daniel Borzutzky's The Performance of Becoming Human published by Brooklyn Arts Press in 2016. Used with permission of the author and publisher. What is the importance of art for you-personally and politically? Daniel Borzutsky: Writing for me creates a form of political and social memory, a memory that hopefully draws attention to those individuals that power forces try to make invisible. And I've always wanted my writing to urgently address the many types of state and economic violence that we live through, violence that affects individuals in both the US and other countries as well. My writing thinks about what it means to live in a world filled with, among other things, economic exploitation, bureaucratic manipulation, violence towards immigrants, corporate abuse, the destruction of unions and the abandonment of the poor. I don't really know how to write a poetry that is not critical of political and power forces, and this somehow helps me to survive. 'March: Book Three' by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell Excerpt What is the importance of art for you-personally and politically? Nate Powell: The act of creation is an essential part of our beings. On a personal level, it's always been a way for me to clarify my own questions about our existence, and begin the eternal process of actively answering those questions. Socially and politically, art (and specifically narrative art, regardless of medium) provides both lenses and mirrors through which to view the world we share, allowing us to better understand our place in it. It's easy to feel powerless, particularly when hardship and injustice occurs just out of view, carefully diverted through the shadowplay of social media. Creation helps us all better understand precisely what's important to us, what's worth fighting for, and why. More than anything else, the process of bringing art into the world activates essential discourse and dialogue, encourages a revolution of ideas, and underlines that we're never alone in our concerns or hopes. You Might Also Like The U.S. stock market staged a nice comeback this month after Donald Trump won the presidential election and instilled confidence in the market with his proposed policies. Trump has promised to accelerate economic growth, spend big time on infrastructure, reduce regulations, cut taxes and create more jobs in the country (read: ETFs & Stocks That Topped or Flopped After Trump Won). Additionally, the Fed in its latest testimony, hinted at a sooner-than-expected rates hike (might be in December) as the U.S. economy has been on a solid footing with an improving housing market, rising consumer prices and a robust labor market. All these factors are propelling the stocks higher. Further, the return to earnings growth and holiday optimism added to the strength. While large caps have grabbed investors attention, small caps could arguably be better plays in the current environment, as these are safer and better positioned should any political or economic issue creep into the picture. Notably, the ultra-popular small-cap ETF IWM has surged 12.8% so far this month compared to gains of 8.5% for the mid-cap counterpart IJH and 3.8% for the large-cap cousin SPY. Why Small Caps? Trumps massive stimulus policies should benefit small caps more as these are closely tied to the U.S. economy and generate most of their revenues from the domestic market. Being U.S. focused, a rising dollar will have negligible impact on these pint-sized companies (read: ETF Winners & Losers as Dollar Hits 13-Year High). Small-cap stocks generally outperform when the American economy is leading the way. Since these companies are small, they are poised to grow more than their already tapped out large-cap counterparts. Additionally, comparatively higher weightings to healthcare and financials the two sectors that Trump loves have given an edge to the Russell 2000 Index. Trump seeks fewer regulations in these sectors. Further, Trumps proposed renegotiation or termination of the North American Free Trade Agreement and building of a Mexico wall would favor small-cap stocks in case it results in a trade war or a tariff increase as expected. How to Play? Given this, investors are seeking to capitalize this opportune moment for big gains in a short span. For them, a leveraged play on small caps could be an excellent idea as these could lead to huge gains in a very short timeframe when compared to simple products. Below, we highlight several products that could garner huge profits from the soaring stock market in a short span (see: all the Small Caps ETFs here): ProShares Ultra Russell2000 UWM This product provides two times (2x) exposure to the daily performance of the Russell 2000 Index. It has been able to manage $220.7 million in its asset base and trades in a good volume of about 155,000 shares per day on average. Expense ratio is 0.95%. UWM is up 26.8% this month. Direxion Daily Small Cap Bull 1.25x Shares LLSC This ETF offers 125% exposure to the Russell 2000 Index and is the cheapest choice in the small-cap leveraged space, charging 35 bps in annual fees. It has accumulated $6 million in its asset base while trades in a meager volume of 200 shares a day on average. It has added 11.2% so far this month. Direxion Daily Small Cap Bull 3x Shares TNA This product provides a triple leveraged play to the small-cap Russell 2000 Index, charging 95 bps in fees and expenses. It has amassed $638.3 million in its asset base and sees solid volume of 4 million shares a day on average. TNA surged 41.8% in the same time frame (read: 6 Leveraged ETFs Soaring on Trump Rally). ProShares UltraPro Russell2000 URTY This fund also provides a triple exposure to the small-cap Russell 2000 Index with a similar expense ratio. However, it is less popular and less liquid than TNA with AUM of $134.9 million and average daily volume of 159,000 shares. URTY climbed 41.9% this month. Direxion Daily Small Cap Bull 2x Shares SMLL This ETF also seeks two times exposure to the daily performance of the Russell 2000 Index. It is less expensive, charging 60 bps in fees per year from investors. The fund trades in a paltry volume of just 300 shares and has only $2.6 million in AUM. The fund added 29.8% so far this month. ProShares Ultra SmallCap600 SAA This fund seeks to deliver two times the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600. It is an unpopular and illiquid option in the leveraged small cap space with AUM of $23 million and average daily volume of 1,000 shares a day on average. It charges 95 bps in annual fees and has gained 31.4% this month. Bottom Line As a caveat, investors should note that these products are extremely volatile and suitable only for short-term traders. Additionally, the daily rebalancing when combined with leverage may make these products deviate significantly from the expected long-term performance figures (see: all Leveraged Commodity ETFs here). Still, for ETF investors who are bullish on the small cap space for the near term, either of the above products can be an interesting choice. Clearly, a near-term long could be intriguing for those with high-risk tolerance, and a belief that the trend is the friend in this corner of the investing world. 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 SPDR-SP 500 TR (SPY): ETF Research Reports ISHARS-R 2000 (IWM): ETF Research Reports DIRX-SC BULL 3X (TNA): ETF Research Reports PRO-ULTR R2000 (UWM): ETF Research Reports DIRX-D SCB125 (LLSC): ETF Research Reports ISHARS-SP MID (IJH): ETF Research Reports PRO-ULT R2000 (URTY): ETF Research Reports DIR-D SC BL2 (SMLL): ETF Research Reports PRO-ULTR SC600 (SAA): ETF Research Reports To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research 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 A 6-year-old boy named Liam was behind the effort to surprise Hillary Clinton on Thanksgiving Day with a series of colorful signs posted near her Chappaqua, New York, home, his mother told Politico. On Thursday, Clinton tweeted an image of the signs featuring messages such as "Thank-you, Hillary," "You are loved," and "An American hero." "I was greeted by this heartwarming display on the corner of my street today," Clinton wrote. "Thank you to all of you who did this. Happy Thanksgiving." I was greeted by this heartwarming display on the corner of my street today. Thank you to all of you who did this. Happy Thanksgiving. -H pic.twitter.com/b69mW3Oqbf Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) November 24, 2016 It was one of her first tweets since conceding the election to Donald Trump earlier this month. Liam had cheered Clinton on throughout her campaign and sobbed on election night as he watched the results, his mother said. Over the next few days, he noticed that there was only one sign near her home, which said "We love HRC," and thought there should be more. "Liam said there 'should be lots and lots of signs,' because 'she's probably even sadder than me,'" his mother told friends in a note inviting them to help make signs. Clinton has largely remained out of the public eye since her election loss, aside from a speech she gave at a Children's Defense Fund event one week after her concession. She has on several occasions, however, been spotted by her supporters first by a hiker in Chappaqua, then at a bookstore in Rhode Island, and most recently at her local supermarket the day before Thanksgiving. NOW WATCH: Why Ivanka can't serve in a Trump cabinet More From Business Insider By Paul Arnold and Ludwig Burger ZURICH/FRANKFURT (Reuters) - U.S. healthcare company Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N) said on Friday it was in preliminary talks with Actelion (ATLN.S) about a potential takeover of Europe's largest biotech firm, currently valued at about $20 billion. Lung disease specialist Actelion confirmed it had been approached and said there was no certainty a deal would occur. An acquisition of the Swiss company would boosts J&J's drug pipeline and diversify its prospects. J&J's biggest product, an arthritis drug called Remicade, faces cheaper competition from Pfizer Inc (PFE.N). Actelion shares surged nearly 19 percent to a peak of 187.70 Swiss francs on Friday, valuing the company at around $20 billion. They closed up 16.8 percent at 184.50 Swiss francs, more than matching the stock's total gains this year up to Thursday's close. The company's focus on rare diseases makes it an attractive takeover target because drugs in that area are less prone to pricing pressure. Analysts at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Bryan Garnier said a bid for Actelion could be worth up to 220 Swiss francs ($217) or 250 Swiss francs ($246) per share, respectively, stoked by appetite in the industry for fast-growing businesses. Actelion's Opsumit and Uptravi drugs to treat the life-threatening condition of high pressure in blood vessels to the lungs will generate more than $4.6 billion in combined 2020 sales, analysts forecast, up from an estimated $1.4 billion this year. J&J's shares finished up nearly 1 percent at $114.13. J&J's chief executive, Alex Gorsky, said earlier this year that the company was interested in deals to expand its main consumer, medical device and pharmaceuticals segments. In September, J&J agreed to buy Abbott Laboratories' (ABT.N) eye care business for about $4.33 billion in cash. Actelion has long been seen as a takeover target. However, Actelion co-founder and Chief Executive Jean-Paul Clozel, who holds a 3.5 percent stake in the company, has repeatedly said he wants it to remain independent. Story continues In 2011, Clozel rallied shareholders against activist investor Elliott Management's campaign to put the biotech firm up for sale. Actelion's shares have more than tripled since then. There may be broader interest from other suitors in Actelion, according to an investment banker who did not want to be named, who added that a competing bid could come "most likely" from larger Swiss peer Novartis AG (NOVN.S). Another source close to Novartis, however, said the company was not very impressed by Actelion's drug pipeline. Novartis could not be reached for comment. (Additional reporting by Pamela Barbaglia and Anjuli Davies in London and Michael Shields and John Miller in Zurich and Liana B. Baker in New York; Editing by Carmel Crimmins and Jonathan Oatis) Johannesburg (AFP) - South African President Jacob Zuma will meet with the ruling ANC party's "integrity commission" next week, party officials said, after a year of political scandals and poor local election results. Zuma has deep support within the African National Congress and its lawmakers, but has faced growing criticism from some senior party activists as well as anti-apartheid veterans and trade unions. "The Integrity Commission will meet with the President... on the 3rd of December to discuss the health & state of ANC," the party said on its Twitter feed. It stressed that Zuma was not "appearing" in front of the panel. The commission was formed in 2013 to protect the ANC's image from misconduct allegations. "That the president is going to be meeting the committee, addressing their concerns is quite significant," political analyst Somadoda Fikeni told AFP. A corruption report by the country's top watchdog recently raised accusations over Zuma's relationship with the Guptas, a business family accused of wielding undue political influence. South Africa's highest court this year found the president guilty of violating the constitution after he refused to repay taxpayers' money used to refurbish his private rural house. He is also fighting a court order that could reinstate almost 800 corruption charges against him over a multi-billion dollar arms deal in the 1990s. Zuma's term in office ends in 2019, but the ANC is due to elect a new party leader at the end of next year and could then decide to replace him as head of state. BEIRUT (Reuters) - Russian or Syrian government warplanes pounded a women's hospital in Syria's rebel-held Idlib province on Friday, killing three people nearby, a monitoring group and an aid organization said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitor, said air strikes battered the hospital in Termanin village on the border between Idlib and Aleppo provinces, knocking it out of service. Damascus and Moscow both deny targeting hospitals. Four consecutive rockets hit the gynecology hospital, said Asaad al-Halabi, advocacy manager at Shafak, the Syrian aid group that runs the facility. "Today is the international day for the elimination of violence against women," he added. The strikes destroyed the eastern side of the building and damaged the emergency and operating rooms, the aid group said in a statement. A video shared by Shafak showed a wrecked ambulance and the building's facade reduced to rubble. Western countries and human rights activists have accused the air forces of the Syrian government and its ally Russia ally of deliberately attacking hospitals and other civilian infrastructure in areas controlled by rebels. Moscow and Damascus say their air campaign is directed only against militants. Syria's war pits President Bashar al-Assad, supported by Russian air power and Iranian-backed militias, against an array of mostly Sunni rebel groups, including some backed by Turkey, Gulf monarchies or the United States. Idlib, in northwest Syria, contains the largest populated area of Syria controlled by rebels - both nationalist groups under the banner of the Free Syrian Army and Islamist fighters including the former al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. Moscow's deputy foreign minister has accused rebels of using civilians and "so-called hospitals" as shields and setting up medical facilities in cities without correctly marking them. (Reporting by Ellen Francis; editing by Andrew Roche) Four airstrikes hit Termanin gynecology hospital and residential areas in north Idlib, Syria, on November 25, according to the Syrian Civil Defense in Idlib. The strikes killed at least three people and left the hospital out of service, local media said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported on the same strikes on Termanin hospital. This video is described as showing destruction in Termanin hospital. The man seen speaking in the video says four strikes hit the town, destroying Termanin gynecology and childrens hospital. He adds that the hospital was out of service and that three people were killed in the strikes. Credit: YouTube/SMART News Agency via Storyful (Adds year-to-date results, background) BRASILIA, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Brazil's central government on Friday reported its first primary budget surplus in six months in October, thanks to an inflow of billions of dollars from an asset amnesty program. The South American country posted a budget surplus of 40.814 billion reais ($11.9 billion) in October, a turnaround from a deficit of 25.303 billion reais in September. October's surplus reduced the central government's shortfall so far this year to 55.821 billion reais. The fiscal reprieve will be shortlived as tax revenues continue to fall amid the country's worst recession in at least eight decades. Federal tax revenues data released earlier on Friday showed income would have dropped without the so-called repatriation program. The central government, which includes federal ministries, social security and the central bank, had been expected to post a surplus of 25.261 billion reais, according to the median forecast in a Reuters poll of eight economists. The government reaped 46.8 billion reais from the program which gave criminal amnesty to Brazilians who paid fines and taxes on undeclared assets held abroad. A second repatriation program is planned for next year. ($1 = 3.4214 Brazilian reais) (Reporting by Marcela Ayres; Writing by Silvio Cascione and Alonso Soto; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Bernadette Baum) The amount this Twilight fan spent on Bellas engagement ring will shock you There are fans, and then there are fans. The Twilight series has always been famous for producing the latter, and the recent auction of props from the set of Twilight movies showed just how far theyre willing to go to prove their loyalty to Bella and Edward (or Bella and Jacob, depending on which camp theyre in). All sorts of things were for sale, but it was Bellas engagement ring that caught the eye of Twilight lovers everywhere. Although we dont know who the lucky buyer was, we do know that Bellas ring sold for a whopping $16,800. Talk about devoted fandom. We like to think the lucky ring owner is someone whos about to propose or be proposed to, but perhaps well never know. Bellas ring wasnt the only thing that got sold for an exuberant amount of cash. Remember that graduation cap collage that was displayed in the Cullen house? Well, someone paid over $10,000 for that. Also, Edwards chess set someone back $13,200. We dont know what kind of memorabilia from the werewolf camp was sold, but we cant imagine there was all that much to auction off anyway, considering our furry friends were mostly shirtless, running around in the woods. (Not that were complaining.) They didnt exactly spend much time milling around their houses. "Another wedding gift has arrived." #robertpattinson #kristenstewart #bellaswan #edwardcullen #bellacullen #breakingdawn #breakingdawnpart1 #twilight A photo posted by The Twilight Saga (@thetwilightsaga) on Dec 21, 2012 at 12:54pm PST What we really want to know, though, is whether someone gave up their life savings for Bellas wedding dress. Dont worry, youll be the first to know if we find anything out. The post The amount this Twilight fan spent on Bellas engagement ring will shock you appeared first on HelloGiggles. Rum brand Kraken has designed an all-black Christmas feast [Photo: Kraken] Impress your dark and gothic Instagram followers this winter with an all-black Christmas dinner. Set up by rum brand Kraken, a pop-up restaurant will hit London in the first week of December. Costing 25 a ticket, you can enjoy a wide range of charcoal-hued food from beef to potatoes along with exclusive dark cocktails. Wondering how the meal has been made so dark? Well, the entirely natural menu has been designed by Beauty and the Feast with all ingredients being either naturally black or darkened using edible elements such as squid ink. A black Christmas dinner with all the trimmings will cost 25 per person [Photo: Kraken] In fact, the decorations will be completely black too so you might as well go the whole way and dress to the theme. The only semblance of festivity will be the flurry of fake snow that falls as you eat. If your interest has been piqued, heres the entire menu: Black Beast branded Devon red rare roast beef served with black beef dripping gravy Kraken-smashed black heritage potatoes Black heritage carrots roasted with cumin and honey Winter spiced cabbage Black pudding and charcoal bread stuffing Monstrous black bean and mushroom loaf Rich spiced Kraken Christmas pud What a way to spread Christmas cheer. The event will be held in Hoxton at Beagle, 397-400 Geffyre Street on 5-7 December. Dinner will be served at 7.30pm each night with the Kraken Rum Bar open from 4pm until midnight. Christmas events in the capital you wont want to miss The very best boozy Christmas gifts for discerning drinkers Silence Trailer Paramount final Martin Scorsese spent over 20 grueling years to get his adaptation of "Silence," Shusaku Endo's 1966 novel, to the screen. But that obsession to tell the story of Jesuit priests who try to spread Christianity to Japan in the 1500s seeped into his main actors as well. In a profile on Scorsese and the making of "Silence" in this weekend's New York Times Magazine, the film's stars Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver reveal the intense research they did before shooting the film in Taiwan to authentically play Jesuit priests. Garfield spent nearly a year absorbing Jesuit spirituality. "Andrew got to the point where he could out-Jesuit a Jesuit," Rev. James Martin, the author and editor-at-large of the Jesuit weekly America who was a consultant on the film, said in the Times article. "There were places in the script where he would stop and say, 'A Jesuit wouldn't say that,' and we would come up with something else." Driver spent 4 1/2 months dropping 51 pounds to play the role. By his final scene of shooting Driver was hallucinating from hunger, according to the Times story. Both actors also spent time at the Jesuit retreat in Wales, St. Beuno, where they took part in a seven-day pledge of silence. When the two would cross paths they would wave to each other and continue with their studies of Jesus' life, crucifixion, and resurrection. "I had the feeling that I was being called to something: called to work with one of the great directors, and called to this role as something I had to pursue for my spiritual development," Garfield said about preparing for the role. "Silence" opens in theaters December 23. NOW WATCH: Watch the trailer for the new Martin Scorsese film that took over 20 years to make More From Business Insider The forests of Ethiopia are teeming with a supercharged ant that is poised to invade the globe, new research suggests. The infamous ant species, Lepisiota canescens, is demonstrating the behavior needed for supercolony formation and for global invasion (insect world domination, anyone?), the researchers say. "The species we found in Ethiopia may have a high potential of becoming a globally invasive species," study author D. Magdalena Sorger, a postdoctoral researcher at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, said in a statement. "Invasive species often travel with humans, so as tourism and global commerce to this region of Ethiopia continue to increase, so will the likelihood that the ants could hitch a ride, possibly in plant material or even in the luggage of tourists. "All it takes is one pregnant queen," she added. "That's how fire ants started." [Gallery of Zombie Ants] Typically, ants form coloniesmade up of one nest and ruled by one queen. But about 20 different ant species think of them as the Romans or the Incas of the insect world have their sights set on building an empire. These ants form so-called supercolonies comprising many nests with many queens. Supercolonies can contain billions of individuals that swarm out across the landscape and wipe out their ant neighbors. The Argentine ant, for instance, has a supercolony that spans most of California and is now expanding into Mexico, researchers previously told Live Science, while the biggest supercolony on the planet spans 3,700 miles (6,000 kilometers) across the Mediterranean, according to a 2009 article in the journal Insectes Sociaux. Sorger's team was surveying ant species in Ethiopia when they found that L. canescens was showing some of the hallmarks of supercolony formation namely, an ability to expand without any constraints. A genetic analysis revealed that the different colonies contained genetically diverse members and that the species is native to the region. Story continues D. Magdalena Sorger searches for ants in Ethiopia. Mark Moffett In Ethiopia, many of the churches are surrounded by forests in an otherwise forbidding landscape. The ants seemed to have a preference for these forests, the researchers said. In addition, L. canescens seemed to have an uncanny ability to cross from its preferred forest habitat to nearby farmlands, roads and buildings, the researchers reported in the current issue of the journal Insectes Sociaux. The largest colony was still relatively modest in absolute terms, crossing an expanse of roughly 24 miles (38 km) in length, but this population is actually the largest supercolony documented in an ant species living in its native habitat, the researchers noted. Even stranger, its rapidly expanding population and aggressive expansionist behavior are more typical of invasive species, the researchers wrote in the journal article. The findings suggest the possibility that these ants could become global hitchhikers that colonize other regions, the researchers wrote. "It is good to have a record of what this species does in its native habitat," Sorger said. "Rarely do we know anything about the biology of a species before it becomes invasive." Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations By Steve Scherer ROME (Reuters) - Angelo Trovato is in charge of Italy's asylum-request system, and it shows. In Trovato's office near Rome's Trevi Fountain, bulky columns of paperwork cover every inch of the bespectacled civil servant's desk. His fixed-line and cell phones take turns ringing. The 63-year-old manages a national network of committees that weigh who can stay in Italy and who should be sent home. In 2014, there were 10 committees, he says. Today there are 48. "Everything has changed," he said. Since 2014, the number of migrants reaching Italy's shores has spiked: Half a million came ashore over the last three years compared with 119,000 in the previous three. And Italy's burden got heavier when a deal with Brussels last year forced it to honor its obligations and process mass arrivals. Until this year, Rome turned a blind eye to many migrants and let them head north. Now, in line with European Union law, Brussels requires Italy to set up migrant centers called "hotspots." Here, officials distinguish between those who say they were persecuted or faced serious harm and those who fled poverty, who are supposed to be sent home. As a result, Italy's asylum applications have jumped. As of Nov. 11 they were at nearly 104,000 this year, a record. That is a fraction of Germany's total of nearly 700,000, but more than four times Sweden's tally of around 25,000 for 2016. Each applicant ends up in front of one of Trovato's committees. Requests are processed in about 100 days; rejected applicants can appeal in the civil court system, with their costs usually covered by the state. But legal appeals can take years. Judges say they are overwhelming Italy's civil justice system, already among the slowest in Europe, and pulling them away from other cases. The government has said it will streamline the legal process, but it has not yet done so. As part of the new policy, the EU promised to relocate 40,000 asylum-seekers to other countries over two years. But other European countries have taken in just 1,758 of them. Several states have refused to take any. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has demanded help, threatening to withhold Italian contributions to the EU's budget if fellow states don't show more solidarity. So far little help has come. Italy has estimated that it will spend about 3.9 billion euros ($4.3 billion) next year on managing immigration, almost three times as much as in 2013. The annual bill could rise to 4.3 billion euros if arrivals increase equivalent to a quarter of Italy's annual spending on defense. "We're angry," said Mario Morcone, the Interior Ministry official in charge of the hotspots, in October. He took a deep drag on a cigarette as images of some of the 5,000 migrants Italy had rescued from the Mediterranean that weekend rolled across the flat-screen TV in his office. "What bothers me most is the obsession with the hotspots," says Morcone, "as if they are a solution to the EU's failure to come up with a real immigration policy." A QUESTION OF CREDIBILITY As part of a strategy agreed in 2015, northern countries have tried to shut their borders, and now most migrants are fingerprinted at the hotspots. The records are stored in a common database. Once fingerprinted in Italy, a migrant who applies for protection in another EU country can be sent back to Italy. Trovato's committees are rejecting more bids for asylum as arrivals include more West Africans, and fewer Syrians escaping civil war. The share of applicants granted protection has dropped to about 39 percent from more than 60 percent two years ago. But more rejections mean more appeals. The story of a 21-year-old Gambian shows how messy the process can be. Yankouba Gassama arrived in Italy in July 2014 and requested asylum a few months later. The committee that interviewed Gassama in Rome in May 2015 spoke to him through a translator for an hour and a half and decided his story was implausible, said Matteo Virardi, Gassama's lawyer. It rejected him. "Winning international protection mostly depends on whether the interviewer believes the story or not," says Barbara Boni, a lawyer who helps run an immigration services office in Rome. "Many have no documents proving they've been persecuted and are from countries where there is no war or instability." Gassama appealed the ruling. His hearing is due next April. Until then, he lives with more than 100 male asylum-seekers in a shelter, an apartment building on the outskirts of Rome. The state pays 35 euros ($37) per day to house and feed each of them. A transcript of his interview shows that Gassama told the committee Gambian police had arrested him for being homosexual. The interviewer appears to not know that in Gambia homosexuality is a crime which carries a 14-year penalty, or life in prison if "serial offenders" have the AIDS virus. "Homosexuality is reason for arrest in Gambia?" the interviewer asks. Such ignorance is not unusual, says Boni. Three of the four members of each committee may have little knowledge of asylum issues, she said, though most complete training offered by Trovato's office. Trovato said by and large the committee system works. Gassama says he deserves a second chance because he was anxious during his interview and forgot to tell the board he was tortured by police; and because he has since retrieved a police document that says he was arrested for homosexuality. He says he is not gay and the accusation stems from a misunderstanding. JUDGES REDEPLOYED Like Gassama, each rejected applicant has a right to a trial and two appeals. That can take almost eight years, according to a 2013 study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. Some take even longer. The average across the rich world is two years. "I have many, many cases to complete that were started before 2000," says Concetta Potito, 48, a civil judge in the southern city of Bari and a member of the executive council of the National Association of Magistrates (ANM). "The appeals by asylum-seekers are having a devastating effect on the court system, because there simply aren't enough judges," she said. In the first four months of this year, Bari received 417 appeals from migrants who were refused international protection. Nationwide, Trovato knows of 34,000 appeals lodged since 2014, though he says the number is probably much higher. Judges around Italy are being redeployed from other cases such as divorce, separation and property disputes. The ANM wants the government to hire more people. Bari has brought in a judge from another city to help out. Justice Minister Andrea Orlando said in August the government would propose a reform to parliament to streamline the process, but it has not happened. The bill was sent to the prime minister's office, a ministry spokesman said, but got held up by plans for a referendum in early December. "The ministry is aware of the problem and wants the bill sent to parliament as soon as possible," the spokesman said. Meanwhile, Italy has capacity to house up to 200,000 migrants. It has 25,000 spaces left, the Interior Ministry says. October alone saw 27,400 arrivals. Gassama is waiting for his day in court, where a Justice Ministry source said about half the committees' rejections are overturned. In his shelter, there have been 76 appeals in the past two years, the center's director told Reuters. So far only one has been rejected. The Gambian has studied Italian and, with help from the immigration services, taken a test that says he was capable of completing Italian middle-school. Now he works part time for a removals company, loading and unloading trucks with furniture and boxes. "I'm hopeful," he says. "I'd like to continue my education." (Reporting by Steve Scherer; Editing by Sara Ledwith and Simon Robinson) Sydney (AFP) - Australian banks ANZ and Macquarie on Friday agreed to pay Aus$15 million (US$11 million) in fines for trying to manipulate the benchmark rate of the Malaysian ringgit. ANZ admitted to 10 instances of attempted cartel conduct and Macquarie to eight relating to setting the daily rates for derivative instruments linked to Malaysia's currency in 2011. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said both banks had cooperated with their investigation, with ANZ agreeing to a Aus$9 million penalty and Macquarie Aus$6 million. The case involved Singapore-based traders communicating via private online chat rooms about daily submissions on the Malaysian ringgit fixing rate to be made to the Association of Banks in Singapore. "These proceedings are a reminder that Australian cartel laws apply to financial markets, and capture cartel conduct by firms that carry on business in Australia, regardless of where that conduct occurred, said ACCC chairman Rod Sims. "The ACCC recognises the integrity of foreign exchange markets plays a fundamental role in our market economy. The Federal Court needs to determine if the penalties are appropriate. ANZ said in a statement the three ANZ traders involved no longer worked for the company. While there is no evidence that FX benchmarks in Singapore were successfully influenced, we accept responsibility and apologise for the actions of our former employees," said chief risk officer Nigel Williams. "We have made significant improvements to our compliance, training and monitoring systems to ensure this does not happen again." Macquarie said one junior employee was involved, who no longer worked for the bank. "Since Macquarie became aware of the matter and as the ACCC notes, it has significantly strengthened its e-communication surveillance globally, improved trade monitoring and intensified training for its front office staff," it said. SYDNEY (Reuters) - An Australian citizen believed to be a top recruiter for Islamic State is under arrest, the New York Times reported on Friday, citing an unnamed U.S. military official, months after Australia said he had been killed in a U.S. air strike. Australia said in May that Neil Prakash, who was linked to several Australia-based attack plans, was killed in an air strike in Mosul, Iraq, on April 29. The New York Times said Prakash was wounded in the attack and arrested by a Middle East government "in the last few weeks". The Australian Broadcasting Corp, citing Turkish and Australian officials, said he was arrested in Turkey. Australian Attorney-General George Brandis, who announced Prakash's death in May, declined to comment on "matters of intelligence or law enforcement operations". Justice Minister Michael Keenan said in an email response to Reuters that the government's "capacity to confirm reports of deaths in either Syria or Iraq is limited". Melbourne-born Prakash had appeared in Islamic State videos and magazines and had actively recruited Australian men, women and children and encouraged acts of terrorism. Australia last year announced financial sanctions against Prakash, including threatening anyone giving financial assistance with punishment of up to 10 years in jail. (Reporting by Swati Pandey; Editing by Nick Macfie) Major banking stocks continued to rally over the last four trading days. This helped the Zacks categorized Major Regional Bank industry gain 14.5% since the Election Day versus the S&P 500s gain of 2.8%. Optimism surrounding the Fed rate hike next month and strengthening of the domestic economy seem to be the primary reasons for the continued bullish trend being witnessed by bank stocks. Nonetheless, litigations and regulatory related issues were visible in the headlines. It looks like Wells Fargo & Company WFC will continue to be impacted by the after-effects of accounting scandal for a long time. The bank has been persistently facing regulatory scrutiny and litigations over the same matter. Other than Wells Fargo, a few major banks also continued to face legal hassles over past business misconducts. Separately, the Financial Stability Board (FSB) came up with the updated list of globally systemically important banks (G-SIB). While the name and number of banks in the list remained the same, several banks categories related to required capital surcharge were revised. The changes announced will take effect in Jan 2018. (Read: Bank Stock Roundup for the week ending Nov 18, 2016) Banks - Major Regional Industry Price Index Banks - Major Regional Industry Price Index Important Developments of the Week 1. Amid mounting litigation issues, Wells Fargo has once again caught regulators eyes. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has intimated the bank about taking regulatory approvals before making business decisions. Particularly, Wells Fargo is restricted from making golden parachute payments to its departing executives. Moreover, for hiring or laying off senior executives along with changes in business plans, the board of directors will require prior approval from the OCC. (Read more: Wells Fargo Slapped with New Regulatory Restrictions). 2. Wells Fargo filed a motion in the U.S. District Court in Utah to instruct customers who have sued the bank for fraud, breach of contract and invasion of privacy, to settle their disputes in private arbitrations rather than in court. This motion follows the lawsuit that emerged in association with the scandal and sought class-action status on behalf of thousands of customers in Sep 2016. Notably, the lawsuit followed the banks $190-million settlement to resolve regulators claims of illegally opening millions of unauthorized accounts. Further, the company continues to come under fire from several quarters, which tarnishes its reputation. Following its advertising campaign to gain again customers faith after the scandal, the bank has come up with the move of enforcing the mandatory arbitration clauses. Though the bank would stick to its arbitration policy, it is ready to offer mediation services to the affected clients. 3. A U.S. appeals court reintroduced a lawsuit against Bank of America Corporation BAC, accusing it of selling millions of dollars of auction-rate securities (ARS) to Tutor Perini Corporation, at a time when such securities were on the verge of collapse. Tutor Perini accused BofA of forcing it to buy such securities in late 2007 and early 2008, despite being aware that dealers had stopped supporting such securities and that the market was "one step away from illiquidity." (Read more: BofA to Face Lawsuit for Sale of ARS to Tutor Perini). 4. Fifth Third Bancorp FITB has been accused of breaking contract with S&P Global Market Intelligence. According to the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in Cincinnati, S&P has asked the court to order the bank to pay no less than $3.885 million in damages, resulting from the termination of contract with S&P. (Read more: Fifth Third to Pay around $4M to S&P for Contract Damages). 5. Citibank Holdings Ireland, the Irish subsidiary of the Wall Street biggie, Citigroup Inc. C, will now be under the direct supervision of the European Central Bank (ECB) since Brexit. The merger with UK-based Citibank International last year helped the unit to be added in the list of large banks qualifying for ECB regulations. Notably, Citigroup is the first global lender to be on this list. (Read more: Citigroup Irish Arm Under ECB Regulation Purview). 6. In other news from Fifth Third, the company is expected to recognize a pre-tax gain of approximately $9 million (around $6 million after-tax) in fourth-quarter 2016, from the partial sale of its stake in Vantiv Inc. VNTV. The bank will also record about 4 basis points expansion in its Common Equity Tier 1 ratio. (Read more: Fifth Third to Gain $9 Million Post Vantiv Stake Sale). Price Performance The overall performance of banking stocks was positive. Here is how the seven major stocks performed: Story continues Company Last Week 6 months JPM 1.5% 24.3% BAC 2.8% 42.1% WFC -1.2% 7.1% C 2.2% 25.7% COF 3.2% 19.8% USB 0.2% 18.5% PNC -0.1% 26.6% In the last four trading sessions, Capital One Financial Corp. COF and BofA were the major gainers, with their shares increasing 3.2% and 2.8%, respectively. However, Wells Fargo shares fell 1.2%. Over the last six months, BofA and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. PNC have been the best performers, with their shares surging 42.1% and 26.6%, respectively. Also, Citigroups shares jumped 25.7%. What's Next in the Banking Space? In the next five trading days, banking stocks are expected to continue performing in a similar manner unless any unforeseen incident crops up. Zacks' Best Investment Ideas for Long-Term Profit Today you can gain access to long-term trades with double and triple-digit profit potential rarely available to the public. Starting now, you can look inside our stocks under $10, home run and value stock portfolios, plus more. Want a peek at this private information? Click here >> 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 PNC FINL SVC CP (PNC): Free Stock Analysis Report FIFTH THIRD BK (FITB): Free Stock Analysis Report WELLS FARGO-NEW (WFC): Free Stock Analysis Report CITIGROUP INC (C): Free Stock Analysis Report BANK OF AMER CP (BAC): Free Stock Analysis Report CAPITAL ONE FIN (COF): Free Stock Analysis Report VANTIV INC-A (VNTV): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Indian banks' loans rose 7.9 percent in the two weeks to Nov. 11 from a year earlier, while deposits rose 11.7 percent, the Reserve Bank of India's weekly statistical supplement showed on Friday. Outstanding loans fell 591.00 billion rupees ($8.64 billion) to 73.53 trillion rupees in the two weeks to Nov. 11. Non-food credit fell 439.70 billion rupees to 72.66 trillion rupees, while food credit fell 151.40 billion rupees to 870.90 billion rupees. Bank deposits rose 1.31 trillion rupees to 101.15 trillion rupees in the two weeks to Nov. 11. Source text: (https://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=38706) ($1 = 68.4200 Indian rupees) (India Headline News Team; +91 80 6749 1310) By Anna Irrera and Jemima Kelly NEW YORK/LONDON (Reuters) - Banks involved in the blockchain consortium R3 CEV have expressed interest in investing $59 million in the companys first funding round, less than half its overall target, a person close to the deal said on Friday. R3, a New York-based startup, is seeking to raise $150 million from its members and strategic investors to fund its activities focused on developing blockchain-based technology for the financial services sector. It had originally sought to raise $200 million, offering prospective investors a 90 percent stake in a new entity it would have run but restructured the deal to $150 million in return for a 60 percent stake in itself. It has invited its original 42 bank members to invest first and will subsequently reach out to the other roughly 30 banks it works with as well as external companies, the person said. It plans to raise the overall amount over the next nine to 12 months. Of those original members, 36 have expressed indications of interest through stakes ranging from $3.5 million to $1 million each, the person said, declining to be named because the fundraising is private. Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS.N), Morgan Stanley (MS.N), Banco Santander SA (SAN.MC) and National Bank of Australia (NAB.AX) have opted out of the fund-raising and are planning to leave the consortium, Reuters reported on Monday. JP Morgan Chase & Co (JPM.N) has not yet made a commitment to invest but does not plan on leaving the consortium, according to a person close the bank. Australia's Macquarie bank (MQG.AX) has also not expressed interest in investing but is looking to remain a member of the groups blockchain lab, a division that leads testing of new applications, according to a person familiar with the deal. Macquarie declined to comment. Launched in September 2015, R3 has rapidly gained the backing of some of the worlds largest banks including UBS Group (UBSG.S), Deutsche Bank AG (DBKGn.DE) and HSBC (HSBA.L). Its blockchain consortium and development lab count a total of 70 members, who have so far paid membership fees to participate. Story continues The startup is part of a growing cohort of young companies looking to help large financial institutions adapt blockchain technology to carry out financial processes, such as making international payments or settling trades in securities. Blockchain, which first emerged as the system underpinning the cryptocurrency bitcoin, is a distributed ledger of transactions maintained by a network of computers on the internet without the need of a central counterparty. Banks are hoping that it can be deployed in finance to simplify some of their processes and slash back office costs. (Reporting by Anna Irrera and Jemima Kelly; Editing by Carmel Crimmins and Cynthia Osterman) Barcelona city hall said Thursday it would fine home rental websites Airbnb and rival HomeAway 600,000 euros ($635,000) each for marketing lodgings that lacked permits to host tourists. The fine comes as the popular seaside resort struggles with a rising tide of tourism that has exasperated locals, threatening to drive out poorer residents and spoil the charm of Spain's second-largest city. In a statement, Barcelona said it had initiated proceedings "that will result in 600,000-euro fines for each of them for the repeat offence of advertising tourist lodgings online" without authorisation. Under a 2012 regional law, any apartment rented to visitors in Catalonia must be logged in the province's Tourism Registry and have a permit. The city council, which is led by former anti-eviction activist Ada Colau, said it had counted 3,812 lodgings on Airbnb and 1,744 on HomeAway that did not have the permit. Colau is working to curb a boom in visitor numbers, fearing it will spoil the attraction of Barcelona, one of Europe's most popular destinations for short-term holidays, and rising real estate prices will drive out poor residents andd small shop-owners. "It's not acceptable that there are thousands of flats operating illegally without a permit, without paying taxes and causing problems for the neighbours," she told Spanish radio on Thursday. Airbnb said it would appeal the fine. "Less than a month ago, we held a meeting with city hall representatives and Airbnb promised to work together (with city hall) to support the city's interests," it said in a statement. "Airbnb is part of the solution in Barcelona." - Dark side of tourism - For many years the tourism boom was seen as a success story, but persistent issues with noise, rising housing prices and illegal tourist flats have led many of the city's 1.7 million residents to draw battle lines against the never-ending tide of visitors. Story continues The issue was thrust into the spotlight in August 2014 when newspapers published photos of three naked Italian tourists roaming through the city's Barceloneta neighbourhood where there are many illegal tourist flats, shocking residents. Earlier that year, a new documentary about the city's tense relationship with visitors, "Bye Bye Barcelona", warned that it was becoming "a theme park". In December last year, city officials slapped Airbnb and HomeAway with a 30,000 euro fine -- which, at the time, was the maximum -- for offering for rent homes which lacked permits. Then in June, city hall increased the maximum fine to 600,000 euros as the two sites continued to advertise holiday apartments that did not have permits. This is the first time it has applied the fine. San Francisco-based Airbnb claims that it provides a useful service by helping visitors find affordable temporary lodging while enabling homeowners to supplement their income. In June, the European Union even warned member states against banning "sharing economy" services such as Uber and Airbnb, especially if only to protect existing businesses from competition. But the global home sharing site has found itself in the crosshairs of many cities around the world, with tourism bosses seeing it as threatening revenues -- lacking as it does the legal and tax constraints of commercial enterprises. New York, Miami and Berlin are just some of the cities that have cracked down. As such, Airbnb -- which operates in more than 190 countries and has been valued at an estimated $30 billion -- has implemented measures to address this, such as a levy for overnight stays, effectively a hotel tax, from users in some countries. bur-mbx/har HOMEAWAY By Greg Torode and Marius Zaharia HONG KONG/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Beijing on Friday warned countries against maintaining military ties with Taiwan, after Singaporean armored troop carriers were seized en route from the island that Beijing regards as a breakaway province. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that Beijing was verifying reports that Hong Kong customs had seized nine Singapore troop carriers and other equipment in 12 containers being shipped from Taiwan after military exercises. Singapore's defense ministry said on Thursday it was trying to free the carriers "expeditiously", while Hong Kong customs said on Friday that its officers were still investigating the shipment. Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred questions to the defense ministry. The defense ministry did not comment beyond its official statement. "The entry and exit of foreign personnel and goods in the Hong Kong special administrative region should respect its relevant laws," Geng said. "I wish to reiterate that the Chinese government consistently and resolutely opposes any form of official exchanges, including military exchanges and cooperation, between countries with which we have diplomatic relations and the Taiwan region." The seizure comes amid mounting regional uncertainty and signs of rising tension between China and Singapore, which has deepened its security relationship with the United States over the last year and remains concerned over Beijing's assertive territorial stance in the South China Sea. Regional diplomatic sources say Chinese officials are particularly concerned at Singapore's hosting of increased deployments of U.S. P-8 Poseidon surveillance planes, which are equipped with various sensors that can target China's expanding Hainan-based submarine fleet. Officials on both sides have unusually traded barbs in public in recent months, including an accusation by Singapore's ambassador to China in September that a major state-run Chinese newspaper had fabricated a report about Singapore's position on the South China Sea. Chinese leaders have repeatedly told Singaporean counterparts not to get involved in the territorial dispute, in which China asserts sovereignty over waters and islands claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. Singapore has no claims, but as the biggest port in Southeast Asia, its open economy depends on continued free navigation in the area. Manila and Kuala Lumpur are now the focus of Chinese diplomatic charm offensives, further complicating Singapore's neighborhood just as the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency compounds strategic uncertainties, regional diplomats and analysts say. CHINA MAY PRESSURE SINGAPORE, EXPERTS SAY Singapore has had a longstanding if low-key military relationship with Taiwan, despite having a strong diplomatic relationship with Beijing as well as with a range of Western militaries. Singaporean defense experts say the Singaporean military still maintains a small semi-permanent presence in Taiwan, with larger numbers of infantry troops being sent to the island for annual training drills. It has gradually reduced that training, moving to other facilities in Australia and India, but is unlikely to pull out of Taiwan completely, experts said. Singapore has also traditionally served as a venue for diplomacy between Beijing and Taipei. Bernard Loo, a security expert at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said that while some kind of administrative mistake may have sparked the detention, he suspected that Chinese officials would be keen to use the case to send another signal of concern to Singapore. "In the current climate between Singapore and China, this one is a real opportunity for Beijing to pressure Singapore a bit more," he said. Regional diplomats said that Chinese military officials could be expected to discreetly inspect the vehicles and other equipment. While state-of-the-art, the Singaporean vehicles are not considered particularly sensitive military equipment. While Hong Kong runs a separate government system from mainland China under the terms of its handover from Britain to China in 1997, including customs, Beijing has the right to get involved in issues related to foreign affairs and defense. Singapore defense ministry officials said on Friday the shipment involved no ammunition or sensitive equipment, and had earlier contracted commercial shipping line APL to handle the cargo. "APL was required to comply with all regulations including ... obtaining the necessary permits required to transit through ports," a ministry statement said. APL staff are now working with Hong Kong officials to free the shipment, aided by Singaporean diplomats and military officials. An APL spokesman confirmed the discussions. "APL is committed to ensuring cargo security as well as full compliance with all regulatory and trade requirements in its conduct of business," the spokesman said. APL is a subsidiary of the French-based CMA CGM Group. (Additional reporting by Venus Wu and Watson Tan in Hong Kong and Ben Blanchard in Beijing; Editing by Mike Collett-White) Paris (AFP) - The foreign ministers of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany will meet in Belarus next week to try to push Ukraine's stalled peace process forward, Paris announced Friday. Next Tuesday's meeting in the capital Minsk will "take stock of what was done in Berlin on October 19" when the leaders of the four countries met, said French foreign ministry deputy spokesman Alexandre Giorgini. "We have to establish a roadmap and examine the process together," he told reporters. At the Berlin meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko said they were aiming to resolve an impasse on the conflict by the end of November, vowing to put together a roadmap for applying the frayed 2015 Minsk peace accords. Neither the Ukrainian government nor the pro-Russian rebels waging an insurgency in the country's east have fully implemented the agreements -- designed to bring an end to a conflict that has claimed 10,000 lives since 2014 -- and low-level fighting continues. Russia, which annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, is backing the pro-Moscow insurgency, though Moscow denies accusations that it has sent troops and weaponry over the border. US President Barack Obama, along with five European leaders, vowed earlier this month to keep up sanctions against Russia over the conflict. The election of Donald Trump -- who has vowed to normalise ties with Russia -- has raised trepidation in Kiev that Washington may change course on the conflict, though Poroshenko insisted Tuesday that he was confident of continuing US support. 151 Million Americans are expected to go shopping today either in stores or online. The National Retail Federation says the Thanksgiving weekend accounts for 15% of all holiday shopping. Retail analysts are reporting steady, and in some cases, strong traffic in their stores. After sitting out Black Friday last year, Apple ( ) is offering gift cards on some items this year. The gift cards range from $50 on a purchase of an Apple TV to $150 gift card for a MacBook. There are also deals on iPads and older iPhones. President-elect Donald Trump spent part of his Thanksgiving holiday trying to keep Carrier from move to Mexico. He said in a Twitter ( ) post that he's making progress on keeping the air conditioner maker in its home state of Indiana. Carrier executives say there is nothing to announce at this time. One person is dead and another is injured following a shooting at a New Jersey mall parking lot early Friday morning. The shooting took place outside a Macys department store in Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing hours before the mall was due to kick off its Black Friday sales at around 1 a.m., CBS3 Philadelphia reports. According to the NY Post, two individuals were shot, one fatally. It is unknown if a suspect is at large at this time. The deceased is said to be 20-year-old male who was shot multiple times. The other injured person is reported to be the victims 26-year-old brother, who is being treated for a gunshot wound in his leg. Police are said to have arrived on the scene at 3:30 a.m. CBS3s Trang Do reported that dozens of shell casings were scattered nearby a silver SUV in the parking lot. Press of Atlantic City shares the vehicle was towed away from the site at around 7 a.m. Friday. Its a tragedy, one shopper told CBS3. Its very scary you know, youre starting off the holiday season and youre excited about the upcoming times with family and now theres going to be family who are missing people and their holidays will never be the same. Hamilton Township Police Department has not provided any further details at this time. Macy's black friday shooting Photo: Getty Images Related Articles At least two people were shot and killed across the U.S. on Black Friday as they hunted for shopping deals. Shootings were reported at three locations: a New Jersey Macys, a Tennessee mall and a Nevada Walmart. In all three cases, the shootings occurred outside the buildings. In New Jersey, 21-year-old college student and new father Demond Cottman was shot and killed outside a Macys around 1 a.m. Friday morning. The shooter fired multiple shots, leaving an SUV covered in bullet holes, but the motives remain unclear. Cottmans 26-year-old brother was also injured, according to a Press of Atlantic City report. An apparent fight over a parking spot at a Reno Walmart turned deadly when one of the drivers pulled a weapon and shot and killed a 33-year-old man, according to a KOLO 8 report. That incident technically occurred before Black Friday on the evening of Thanksgiving. A shooting at Wolfchase Galleria Mall in Memphis left one man injured, according to a local CBS affiliate. Ankara (AFP) - A loud explosion was heard in the Turkish city of Gaziantep late Friday, which the governor's office said could have been caused by jets taking part in the military incursion in neighbouring Syria. Governor Ali Yerlikaya's office said that no one had been injured or killed, and that no damage had been caused. "This sound could have been caused by warplanes involved in the Euphrates Shield operation," Yerlikaya said in a statement. "We will give further details later." Gaziantep province was on high alert with security forces conducting security checks in several areas, the official news agency Anadolu said. "Our teams continue their search of the city," Gaziantep Mayor Fatma Sahin told Anadolu. Turkey launched an unprecedented air and ground operation inside Syria on August 24, backing up opposition fighters, with the ultimate goal of cleansing its border of Islamic State group jihadists and stopping the advance of Syrian Kurdish militia forces which Ankara vehemently opposes. On Friday, the army said one Turkish soldier was killed in clashes with IS while local media said another five soldiers were injured after a jihadist attack in northern Syria. Tensions are high in Gaziantep three months after 57 people, 34 of them children, were killed in a suicide bombing on a Kurdish wedding in Gaziantep which was blamed on IS. In September, the United States warned of the risk of a terror attack in Gaziantep on businesses frequented by Westerners, including the popular coffee chain Starbucks. By John Whitesides (Reuters) - David Betras could see trouble coming. The Democratic Party chairman in Youngstown, Ohio, wrote to Hillary Clinton's advisers in May warning she needed to put a jobs-focused message at the heart of her White House campaign or else watch blue-collar voters in states like Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania slip away to Republican Donald Trump. Clinton never responded to Betras, and in the final weeks of her campaign she spent much of her time portraying Trump as unfit, rather than highlighting her economic plans. On Nov. 8, Election Day, Betras' warning proved prescient - she lost Ohio and Pennsylvania and, on Wednesday, Michigan, too, based on the latest unofficial ballot counts. The surprising upset by Trump, a wealthy businessman who made his promises to renegotiate trade deals and restore jobs a centerpiece of his agenda, was fueled in part by support from white working-class voters in those vital Rust Belt states and elsewhere. After the disastrous election losses at the state and national level, Betras and other Rust Belt Democrats who have found success in blue-collar districts have some advice for their anxious party: the key to recapturing those voters is not a broad change in policy, but a new commitment to listen and act on their economic concerns, and to show Democrats care. "You can have all the great ideas on Earth, but if they don't think you are on their side they aren't going to listen to you," said U.S. Representative Dan Kildee, of Flint, Michigan, one of a small cadre of Democrats in Congress who have learned how to win in working-class districts by emphasizing economic solutions. Democratic U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright, whose district around Scranton, Pennsylvania, was one of the presidential campaign's prime battlegrounds, also won re-election to a third term with about 54 percent of the vote. About 40,000 Trump voters crossed over to back him, he said in an interview. "Why would they pick me and not also Hillary Clinton? It comes down to credibility," he said. "I know the pain out there. When I talk to voters, jobs is always my No. 1 message, and I tell them exactly what I'm doing to get more jobs back to the district." Recalling the 1992 presidential campaign theme of Clinton's husband, Bill Clinton, Cartwright added: "It's the economy, stupid. These folks are working harder and harder to try and stay in the same place." The party's efforts to regain lost ground with blue-collar voters could be a factor in next week's election for Democratic leader in the House of Representatives. Tim Ryan, whose northeast Ohio district encompasses blue-collar Youngstown, is challenging veteran leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco. Ryan has emphasized his ability to talk to working class voters and said in announcing his leadership run that people "need to know we understand that they elected us to fight for economic opportunity for all." Kildee, who was re-elected to a third term with 61 percent of the vote, said Democrats seeking lessons in the election rubble should not overreact and begin moderating their positions on social issues or shifting their stances to target elements of the party's base of support. From decimated industrial towns to inner cities or the rural plains, voters share a similar anxiety about an economic system that seems to have left them behind, he said. "Everybody is talking about the same thing, and it's economic uncertainty - it's the fear of not having a job, or their kids not getting a job, or not having a retirement," Kildee said. "If we aren't talking about jobs and the economy first, no one is listening when you talk about other issues." 'GOLD-PLATED TOILETS' By tapping into those economic worries, Trump captured about two-thirds of whites with no college degree, exit polls showed. That helped him gain the razor-thin margin of victory he needed in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan - all picked up by President Barack Obama in 2012 - to win the Electoral College, despite losing the popular vote. In contrast to Trump, whose rallies were a call to arms against an economic system rigged against everyday Americans, Clinton mentioned but rarely highlighted the many aspects of her economic agenda during the final weeks of the campaign. "We were so off message that a billionaire with gold-plated toilets was the guy who was breaking through and talking to blue-collar families," said Betras, party chairman in Ohio's heavily Democratic Mahoning County, where Trump captured 47 percent of the vote, 12 percentage points better than Republican Mitt Romney in 2012. Betras said many blue-collar workers increasingly felt forgotten by the national party, which at times seemed more focused on social and cultural issues than on bread-and-butter economic concerns. The Democratic National Committee did not respond to questions about the party's efforts to win working-class voters. Betras had urged Clinton in his memo to spend more time talking about ways to entice companies to repatriate manufacturing jobs, or her plans to create jobs through boosting infrastructure programs - both key elements of Trump's stump speech. Both candidates made frequent visits to Pennsylvania and Ohio. But after the party conventions in July Clinton only traveled to Michigan four times, twice in the last week of the campaign, and never visited Wisconsin. Trump hit both a half-dozen times. David Murray, a registered independent who lives just outside Flint, Michigan, said he voted to re-elect Kildee and backed Obama in 2008 and 2012, but cast his presidential ballot for Trump this time. "I didn't feel like Clinton really cared about us," said Murray, a personal service industry worker. "We are still hurting here. I feel as if we haven't recovered from the economic free fall. Clinton seemed like just another four years of what Obama has done for my area, which is four years of nothing." Obama appeared to echo the concerns of Betras and the two lawmakers in recent comments on the Democratic post-election hand-wringing. "The key for us when I say 'us,' I mean Americans, but I think particularly for progressives is to say your concerns are real, your anxieties are real, here's how we fix them," Obama said. Trump consistently outperformed Romney's 2012 totals in areas with heavy concentrations of working-class whites. In Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, partially in Cartwright's district, Trump won 58 percent of the vote compared to Romney's 47 percent. In neighboring Lackawana County, Trump won 47 percent of the vote compared to Romney's 36 percent. Sharon Taboada, a juvenile probation officer in Houghton Lake, Michigan, with two sons in college, said she voted for Trump in part because of his economic message. "Clinton talked very little about our economy and I feel she was way out of touch with the working force," she said. (Reporting by John Whitesides, editing by Jason Szep and Ross Colvin) On Nov 23, shares of The Boeing Company BA soared to a new 52-week high of $150.81, before closing the trading session at $149.74. The closing price of this aerospace and defense prime, which has a market cap of around $92.4 billion, reflects a year-to-date gain of roughly 3.6%. Over the past 52 weeks, Boeings shares have ranged from a low of $102.10 to a high of $150.81. The average volume of shares traded over the last three months is approximately 3.5 million. What's Driving Boeing Up? Last month, Boeing delivered stellar third-quarter 2016 results on the back of strong defense deliveries. Earnings beat expectations and were up an impressive 39.3% year over year. The company raised its core earnings and revenue guidance for 2016. Boeing expects to deliver 745750 commercial airplanes in 2016, which would allow it to surpass its European rival Airbus Group SEs EADSY delivery numbers. Recently, Boeing received purchase commitment from Fiji Airways for five 737 MAX 8s. Again, in October, the company received an order from Swiss International Air Lines for one 777-300 ER (Extended Range) for $339.6 million at list prices. The company also inked a deal to sell a dozen of 787-9 Dreamliner jets to China Southern Airlines Co. Ltd. These contracts will contribute significantly to the companys top line. In the defense arena, Trumps victory in the Presidential race may turn out to be a growth catalyst for Boeing and other defense majors like Lockheed Martin Corp. LMT and Northrop Grumman Corp. NOC. During his pre-electoral campaign, Trump had made promises of an increase in defense spending and expansion of troops. Moreover, a quick review of the past reveals that the Conservative Republican Party has usually advocated in favor of higher military spending. Boeing continues with investor-friendly moves, paying regular dividends and repurchasing shares, which reflect its strong operational performance. During the first nine months of 2016, Boeing paid $2,084 million in dividends, up 10.7% from the prior-year payout. The company also repurchased 51.4 million shares for $6.5 billion. Story continues BOEING CO Price and Consensus BOEING CO Price and Consensus | BOEING CO Quote Zacks Rank Boeing currently holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> 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 NORTHROP GRUMMN (NOC): Free Stock Analysis Report BOEING CO (BA): Free Stock Analysis Report LOCKHEED MARTIN (LMT): Free Stock Analysis Report AIRBUS GROUP NV (EADSY): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Geneva (AFP) - The United Nations warned Friday that the threat from Boko Haram jihadists was complicating efforts to help tens of thousands of Nigerian refugees living in dire conditions in northern Cameroon. The UN refugee agency said one of its teams had earlier this month managed to visit previously inaccessible border areas of Cameroon's Far North Region -- including Fotokol, Makary and Mogode districts. The UNHCR staff had helped pre-register more than 21,000 refugees who had fled deadly Boko Haram attacks in north-east Nigeria over the past two years and had been living for months with often impoverished host families, spokesman Leo Dobbs told reporters. "It was the first time we have been able to visit these people and there are believed to be many more," he said, with UN figures indicating a total of around 27,000 refugees were living outside of camps in the region. Dobbs said the refugees "urgently need assistance", adding that the UNHCR "would like to help and have helped in a little way, but the continuing Boko Haram threat is a hinderance to regular access". Boko Haram, which is seeking to impose strict Islamic sharia law in neighbouring Nigeria's mainly-Muslim north, has killed at least 20,000 people in the region and left more than 2.6 million homeless in its six-year insurgency. Cameroon has been fighting the group since 2014, and operations by a joint regional force have helped the Nigerian military retake swathes of territory from the insurgents, although the jihadist group still poses a security threat to civilians. Dobbs said that while some of the refugees in Cameroon's far north were staying with destitute host families, most were sleeping out in the open, in makeshift shelters or on dirt floors in dilapidated classrooms. "Others were in abandoned villages whose residents had fled Boko Haram attacks earlier," he said. UNHCR is encouraging people to relocate to the Minawao camp further from the border, which is home to nearly 60,000 refugees and where they can safely access assistance, Dobbs said. He pointed out that the UN agency was having difficulty intervening in the far north due to Boko Haram attacks in the area, which have also internally displaced some 199,000 Cameroonians. Across Cameroon, UNHCR said it ensures protection and assistance to some 370,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from the Central African Republic and Nigeria. Thanksgiving dinner wasnt quite complete for a Florida boy without his heroes at the table. Unfortunately, he didnt understand calling 911 was for emergencies only. Read: Teen Calls 911 to Complain She Was Forced to Vacation With Her Parents Little Billy, of Deuniak Springs, wanted to invite deputies from the Walton County Sheriffs Department to his familys Thanksgiving dinner Thursday, so, he called 911. Will you come over because we are having Thanksgiving, Billy could be heard saying in 911 audio provided to InsideEdition.com. Although deputies emphasized 911 was strictly for emergencies only, they were so honored at the invitation. Deputy Damon Byrd and Deputy Aaron Ethridge ended up responding to the call, and gave Billy an honorary sheriffs badge. They even let Billy sit in their patrol car. Read: Deputies Surprise 7-Year-Old Boy Suffering From Terminal Illness with 'Thriller' Dance My son Billy is still talking about how nice the deputies were to him today, his mom, Landi McCormick wrote on Facebook. He wanted them to come back this afternoon, cause he was gonna fix them a plate." McCormick added that Billy is now looking forward to becoming a deputy himself to provide the same experience for kids in the future. Watch: Cop Pulls Over 2-Year-Old Driving Around in Tiny Mini Cooper: 'She Was Late For a Nail Appointment' Related Articles: (Adds details of credit amount and context) BRASILIA, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Brazil's top economic policy body on Thursday said it will allow states with good credit ratings to issue new debt, throwing another life-line to financially troubled states that threaten to derail a slow economic recovery. The National Monetary Council, known as CMN, said it will permit states under the fiscal adjustment program to tap 7 billion reais in new credit backed by the national treasury. The government had not allowed states to issue debt since late 2014. Earlier this week the government bowed to pressure to hand 5 billion reais ($1.5 billion) in fines from an asset amnesty program to states struggling to pay their employees and bills. The administration of President Michel Temer is worried the fiscal woes of the states could hinder an incipient recovery and raise the discontent among Brazilians after two years of a grueling recession. The CMN, which is made up the central bank chief and ministers of planning and finance, said only states with a Treasury rating of A and B would be allowed to seek new credit. "The measures does not pose a relevant fiscal risk and will give some relief to states without compromising their solvency," the CMN said. Some Brazilian states have been shut out of debt markets, such as Rio de Janeiro, because they are considered a high risk of default by the Treasury, which guarantees state-issued debt. (Reporting by Marcela Ayres; Writing by Alonso Soto; Editing by Bill Trott) Brasilia (AFP) - A prominent Brazilian government minister resigned on Friday in a scandal over alleged influence-peddling reportedly implicating President Michel Temer. Government secretary Geddel Vieira Lima, 57, is the sixth minister to quit in Latin America's biggest country since Temer took office in May. A string of scandals has snared numerous top politicians and threatens to engulf the conservative president himself. He has denied wrongdoing. Brazilian newspapers reported another ex-minister telling police that Temer had pressured him to intervene in a business deal involving Vieira Lima. Former culture minister Marcelo Calero said Temer and Vieira Lima asked him to approve a building project in the seaside city of Salvador de Bahia, where Vieira Lima has an apartment, Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper said. News website G1 reported that Calero recorded the conversation with Temer. Temer denied the allegation. "The president treats all his ministers equally and never induced any of them to take any decision that might go against internal norms or his own convictions," presidential spokesman Alexandre Parola said in a statement. "That is how he dealt with the culture minister." Temer's Defense Minister Raul Jungmann said Calero "went too far." Calero contrived the meeting and recorded it, "which what's more is a crime," Jungmann said in an interview Friday with AFP. - Counter-impeachment - Temer, 76, took over as acting head of state in May before becoming full president in August after his leftist rival Dilma Rousseff was impeached. Three of his ministers resigned after being named in a major corruption scandal involving the state oil firm Petrobras. Another quit over internal irregularities. Calero quit last week and Vieira Lima became number six on Friday, resigning in a letter to Temer published in the media. He was a key driver of Temer's policies, including unpopular austerity measures the government says are needed to fix Brazil's finances. Story continues A key suspect in the Petrobras affair has reportedly made allegations against Temer but the president is not under any formal investigation so far. Rousseff was impeached over unrelated allegations that she fiddled state accounts while in office. Her allies have now threatened a motion to try to impeach Temer himself. Rousseff's leftist Workers' Party said it had demanded to see a full copy of Calero's testimony. "If it is found that there was a crime by officials, then an impeachment trial should be opened against Temer," said the party's leader in Congress, Afonso Florence. - Spilling the beans - Brazil entered a boom under Rousseff's predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from 2003 to 2010. But it plunged into recession last year. Jailed construction tycoon Marcelo Odebrecht has reportedly implicated Temer in testimony to investigators over the Petrobras affair. Now he is reported to be preparing to sign a plea bargain that could spill the beans about numerous politicians. Congress was accused Thursday of seeking to rush into law an amnesty that would let lawmakers off the hook from the probe. The Sao Paulo stock exchange dipped in early trading on Friday. It was virtually stable in the early afternoon. The real currency weakened 0.7 percent against the dollar, recovering a deeper earlier loss. "It is all a consequence of this political situation. There is seen to be much instability," market analyst Claudio Oliveira said. "How will investors react if the Brazilian government falls again?" (Recasts to add details, comment, share performance) SAO PAULO, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Aliansce Shopping Centers SA is eyeing acquisitions across Brazil's mall industry as a way to fuel growth in the near term, although prices seem too stretched at this point, Chief Executive Officer Renato Rique said on Friday. As part of that strategy, Aliansce could seek partners to jointly bid for the 35 percent stake General Growth Properties Inc has in upscale mall Shopping Leblon in Rio de Janeiro, he said. Aliansce has already held talks with investment firms including Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Singapore's GIC Pte Ltd for a potential deal, he said at an investor meeting, without elaborating. The Rio de Janeiro-based mall landlord could also sell non-essential assets such as land plots, buildings or malls that cannot be expanded to help fund new purchases, he and other executives said. Based on cash holding and future cash flow estimates, Aliansce has 300 million reais ($87.6 million) at hand to spend on acquisitions, Rique said. "The involvement of other partners in potential acquisitions would help us write a smaller check," Rique said. His remarks underscored how mall M&A has gained momentum in Latin America's largest economy this year, when gross leasable area for the industry rose after last year's decline. Growth happened almost entirely due to acquisitions, as a two-year recession and high interest rates have discouraged the start of new projects. Still, the weak economic backdrop has failed to weigh down asset prices. This year, the disconnect between mall valuations for listed players and M&A transactions has widened, prompting some players to dispose of some assets to fetch a high price. Bankers and analysts typically measure valuations in the sector using the so-called capitalization rates. A lower implied capitalization rate for M&A means investors are paying more to tap a property's ability to throw off future income. Story continues Analysts at Itau BBA estimate that average compounded growth in leasable mall area might have amounted to 1 percent between 2014 and 2016, compared with an average 21 percent expansion between 2007 and 2014. Aside from the potential divestments, Aliansce would consider another capital increase, Rique said, alluding to a recently concluded 600 million reais equity offering that enabled it to buy a 25.01 percent stake in Shopping Leblon. Alliansce shares fell 1.6 percent to 14.36 reais on Friday, paring the stock's year-to-date gain to 35 percent. (Reporting by Ana Mano; Additional reporting by Tatiana Bautzer; Editing by Guillermo Parra-Bernal, Chizu Nomiyama and Meredith Mazzilli) Hong Kong (AFP) - Hong Kong's last British colonial governor Chris Patten attacked the city's pro-independence movement Friday as the push for a split with China grows over fears of Beijing's tightening grip. Patten said he was fully behind the strengthening of democracy in Hong Kong, but accused independence activists of "making a mockery" of the issue. His comments came on the same day that two publicly elected young lawmakers, Baggio Leung and Yau Wai-ching, appealed against a ban against them taking up their seats in the legislature. They were disqualified in a High Court judgement last week after they added expletives and used derogatory terms for China when taking their oaths of office in October. The High Court's move had been preempted by an an earlier intervention from Beijing which said they should not be allowed to join parliament. Patten was governor of Hong Kong when it was handed back to China by Britain in 1997 under a semi-autonomous deal protecting its freedoms for 50 years. There are deep-seated concerns that those liberties are now under threat. He said that he believed passionately in the city's rule of law and freedoms, but dismissed the pro-independence camp as resorting to headline-grabbing "antics". "It would be dishonest, dishonourable and reckless for somebody like me to pretend that the case for democracy should be mixed up with an argument about the independence of Hong Kong," he told a packed room at the Foreign Correspondents' Club during a visit to the city. Patten said independence would never happen and that the movement had diluted support for democracy. "Taking oaths isn't something of a lark," he added, "In London, I take an oath with my hand on the bible," Patten said. - 'Moral high ground' - Pro-democracy campaigners who led mass rallies calling for fully free leadership elections in 2014 risked losing the moral high ground by championing independence and self-determination, Patten said. Story continues Some of those leaders, including popular figures Joshua Wong and Nathan Law -- Hong Kong's youngest lawmaker -- are now campaigning for self-determination, with independence as an option, after the huge "Umbrella Movement" protests failed to win concessions on political reform. Patten told AFP that they should instead campaign for "immediate objectives" such as reform of the pro-Beijing committee that currently chooses the city's leader and better democratic representation in the legislature. "There are lots of people who agreed with them on democracy who won't touch this stuff about self-determination with a barge pole," he told AFP. However, Patten did criticise the slow pace of democratic development in Hong Kong -- something which has frustrated young campaigners -- and said the city should eventually be able to choose its own leader. The city's next chief executive will be chosen in March 2017 by an electoral committee of interest groups skewed towards Beijing. Patten also told the audience during his FCC address that Beijing should leave the Hong Kong courts to decide on the fate of the banned pro-independence legislators. Responding to Patten's comments, disqualified lawmaker Leung said those elected on a pro-independence ticket could not ignore the calls of voters. "The discussion of self-determination or even independence is a step...to protect the freedom of our system," he told reporters at the High Court. London (AFP) - Former British prime minister John Major believes there is a "credible case" for a second referendum on Brexit, a newspaper reported Friday, after his successor Tony Blair suggested the process could be stopped. Major, a former leader of Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative party, warned against the "tyranny of the majority" in implementing the June vote to leave the European Union, in which 52 percent opted for Brexit. "I hear the argument that the 48 percent of people who voted to stay should have no say in what happens. I find that very difficult to accept," he told a dinner this week, according to The Times newspaper. "The tyranny of the majority has never applied in a democracy and it should not apply in this particular democracy." Asked if the public should be given another say on the terms of the withdrawal deal, Major reportedly said: "That is a matter for parliament. You can make a perfectly credible case for it. "I don't know whether that will happen. I think we need to see how things pan out before we decide exactly what needs to be done." He said he accepted Britain would not remain a full member of the EU but still hoped for a deal that would enable the country to stay as close as possible to the union and its single market. The comments by Major, who led Britain between 1990 and 1997, were published the day after his Labour successor suggested that Brexit could still be halted. "It can be stopped if the British people decide that, having seen what it means, the pain-gain cost-benefit analysis doesn't stack up," Blair told the New Statesman magazine. He added: "I'm not saying it will (be stopped), by the way, but it could. I'm just saying: until you see what it means, how do you know?" Blair, a fervent pro-European who was prime minister from 1997 to 2007, said: "I think, in the end, it's going to be about parliament and the country scrutinising the deal." Story continues May's government intends to start formal exit talks with the EU by the end of March. She has said parliament would likely vote on the final deal but is resisting calls to give lawmakers a say before the negotiations begin. The Supreme Court is due next month to hear the government's appeal against a lower court ruling that parliament must approve the triggering of Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty, which begins formal exit talks. By James Davey LONDON (Reuters) - British retailers reported strong online demand in early "Black Friday" trading, as shoppers chased deals in a spending spree that is expected to top last year's record level. Shoppers are looking for bargains ahead of an expected rise in prices in 2017 as a weaker pound starts to push up the cost of imports, putting household finances under pressure. Last year marked a change in the nature of the U.S.-imported discounting day. It generated record revenue but was subdued in terms of store-based sales, with shoppers put off by bad weather and memories of chaos and scuffles in 2014. This year, shoppers are focussing even more online. Currys PC World - part of Dixons Retail (DC.L), Europe's largest electricals and telecommunications retailer - reported its highest ever number of orders, up 40 percent on 2015, with over half a million visitors to its website before 0600 GMT. Electricals to toys retailer Argos (SBRY.L) saw similarly robust trade with over half a million visits to its website between midnight and 0100 GMT, up 50 percent year-on-year. "It will be the busiest trading day of the year," Argos CEO John Rogers told Reuters. "Its becoming an increasingly mobile (phone) shopping day. Wed expect to be north of 60 percent online and almost 80 percent of our online orders are coming from mobile," he said. John Lewis [JLP.UL], Britain's biggest department store group, said its website was taking five orders every second. UK retailers will be hoping the promotions kick-start Christmas trading, building on a strong October when cold weather and Halloween boosted sales. Many, including Amazon (AMZN.O), Argos, Dixons Carphone and Tesco (TSCO.L), have extended Black Friday to run for a two week period either side of the main day. PRESSURE UK consumer spending has held up since June's vote to leave the European Union. However, the Bank of England and many economists fear higher prices caused by the Brexit hit to the value of the pound and slower jobs growth will eat into households' spare income next year. Story continues Wednesday's fiscal statement from Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond also did little to ease looming pressure on household budgets. PwC, the accounting and consultancy firm, is forecasting revenue from Black Friday promotions to grow by 38 percent to 2.9 billion pounds. Researcher ShopperTrak forecasts Friday's in-store shopper numbers will be down by 2.8 percent year-on-year - a second straight year of footfall decline. Some analysts argue Black Friday discounts pull forward Christmas sales that store groups would otherwise have made at full price and can dampen business in subsequent weeks. Retailers, however, say carefully planned and targeted promotions with global suppliers allow them to achieve a sales boost while maintaining profit margins. "DECEPTIONS" An investigation by consumer group Which? Found half of the products "on offer" in last year's Black Friday were actually cheaper in the months before or after the event. Peter Ruis, the boss of fashion chain Jigsaw, told the BBC that Black Friday discounts were "deceptions" as the goods are often not worth the original price. Shops risk being perceived as "traders peddling cheap stuff on a market stall," he said. Argos's Rogers countered by saying there was no "smoke and mirrors" at his firm. "Customers are great at sniffing out a bargain. They know when somethings a good deal," he said. And the popularity of Black Friday is spreading overseas. "1.2 percent of the population of Denmark was on our Danish website at 1 minute past midnight ... looking at our Black Friday deals. 60,000 people," tweeted Dixons Carphone CEO Seb James. ($1 = 0.8028 pounds) (Editing by Mark Potter) By James Davey LONDON (Reuters) - British retailers reported strong online demand in early "Black Friday" trading, as shoppers chased deals in a spending spree that is expected to top last year's record level. Shoppers are looking for bargains ahead of an expected rise in prices in 2017 as a weaker pound starts to push up the cost of imports, putting household finances under pressure. Last year marked a change in the nature of the U.S.-imported discounting day. It generated record revenue but was subdued in terms of store-based sales, with shoppers put off by bad weather and memories of chaos and scuffles in 2014. This year, shoppers are focusing even more online. Currys PC World - part of Dixons Retail, Europe's largest electricals and telecommunications retailer - reported its highest ever number of orders, up 40 percent on 2015, with over half a million visitors to its website before 0600 GMT (1 a.m. ET). Electricals to toys retailer Argos saw similarly robust trade with over half a million visits to its website between midnight and 0100 GMT, up 50 percent year-on-year. "It will be the busiest trading day of the year," Argos CEO John Rogers told Reuters. "Its becoming an increasingly mobile (phone) shopping day. Wed expect to be north of 60 percent online and almost 80 percent of our online orders are coming from mobile," he said. John Lewis [JLP.UL], Britain's biggest department store group, said its website was taking five orders every second. UK retailers will be hoping the promotions kick-start Christmas trading, building on a strong October when cold weather and Halloween boosted sales. Many, including Amazon, Argos, Dixons Carphone and Tesco, have extended Black Friday to run for a two week period either side of the main day. PRESSURE UK consumer spending has held up since June's vote to leave the European Union. However, the Bank of England and many economists fear higher prices caused by the Brexit hit to the value of the pound and slower jobs growth will eat into households' spare income next year. Wednesday's fiscal statement from finance minister Philip Hammond also did little to ease looming pressure on household budgets. PwC, the accounting and consultancy firm, is forecasting revenue from Black Friday promotions to grow by 38 percent to 2.9 billion pounds ($3.6 billion). Researcher ShopperTrak forecasts Friday's in-store shopper numbers will be down by 2.8 percent year-on-year - a second straight year of footfall decline. Some analysts argue Black Friday discounts pull forward Christmas sales that store groups would otherwise have made at full price and can dampen business in subsequent weeks. Retailers, however, say carefully planned and targeted promotions with global suppliers allow them to achieve a sales boost while maintaining profit margins. "DECEPTIONS" An investigation by consumer group Which? found half of the products "on offer" in last year's Black Friday were actually cheaper in the months before or after the event. Peter Ruis, the boss of fashion chain Jigsaw, told the BBC that Black Friday discounts were "deceptions" as the goods are often not worth the original price. Shops risk being perceived as "traders peddling cheap stuff on a market stall," he said. Argos's Rogers countered by saying there was no "smoke and mirrors" at his firm. "Customers are great at sniffing out a bargain. They know when somethings a good deal," he said. And the popularity of Black Friday is spreading overseas. "1.2 percent of the population of Denmark was on our Danish website at 1 minute past midnight ... looking at our Black Friday deals. 60,000 people," tweeted Dixons Carphone CEO Seb James. (Editing by Mark Potter) Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f296634%2f33d63e2549e04acb85460d74529508fe Growing up in Australia, there was a certain deference when learning about the first European settlers in the country at school. Even though it was likely a nasty concoction of death, filth, swearing and orgies. That's a combination you'll get in Bruce, anyway. It's a dark comedy that doesn't hide away from the brutality and absurdity in the life of the first convicts of Australia. The new web series follows the story of hapless Bruce, who follows his soulmate to Australia by getting himself arrested, but fails to rekindle their love. SEE ALSO: Classic movie lines vastly improved with uncouth Australian captions Instead Bruce has finds himself in a maniacal hell hole led by incompetent navy officials, sharing a camp with public mastubators and rat eaters. Let's just say your primary school teachers won't be impressed. "We all know that the English didn't send the smartest guy halfway around the world to create a penal colony that Captain Cook found 50 years earlier ... it's ripe for comedy," producer Jason Byrne told Mashable. "You only need to read the history to see the absurdity in what we've been taught at school, so Bruce is a really great way to lampoon it." While the redcoats and convicts are totally buffoonish, it's the Gadigal people of the local Indigenous nation that are the real heroes. "They're a bit cooler and more comfortable than the convicts and redcoats standing in heavy woollen tunics in 35 degree heat," Byrne said. Image: bruce Byrne partnered up with director Tony Rogers for Bruce, following on from their 2014 hit How To Talk To Australians. It's the intention for both series to get picked up by a television network. "Both those projects look to be made in the traditional form, which is to aim for free-to-air support. We turn to web series as a way for proving that both these projects are good and have footing," Byrne said. Story continues "We've been developing stuff for quite a few years now, and an online platform gives us a chance to get it out there front of an audience. And also assess it, basically telling us whether it's any good or not," Rogers said. Bruce also has a pretty top notch Aussie cast, featuring Angus Sampson (Mad Max: Fury Road, Fargo), Richard Davies (Offspring, Bed Of Roses) and Dave Lawson (Utopia, The Heckler). You can check out the series here on YouTube. Building block toy company Click-A-Brick says it is proud to be a part of the continuing success of Small Business Saturday, which takes place Nov. 26 this year. The toy company credits part of its success to initiatives like Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / November 25, 2016 / Building block toy company Click-A-Brick applauds the continued success of Small Business Saturday, saying it helps small businesses like theirs compete with larger, more established companies. The annual shopping event occurs, on November 26 this year, the day after Black Friday, which falls on the day after Thanksgiving, as it usually does. Started in 2010 by MasterCard, the yearly event is meant to promote small businesses and encourage consumers to patronize smaller businesses to help them compete with larger companies during the Christmas shopping period. Click-A-Brick co-founders Jason Smith and Georg de Gorostiza say they always look forward to Small Business Saturday, as it puts a well-deserved focus on businesses that may otherwise get overlooked during the Christmas shopping season. "We're pleased to see Small Business Saturday continuing this year on November 26," Smith said. "It's something we're proud to be a part of, being a tiny minnow in the giant lake of the toy industry. Christmas is the toy industry's time to really shine and the boost for us from Small Business Saturday is amazing. It's not easy to take on the big toy companies, especially when they have massive marketing budgets and we're running on a bit of a shoestring, but events like Small Business Saturday are a real help. Of course, it's not just us who benefits, but small businesses right across the country and beyond." Run by only a handful of people, Click-A-Brick is nevertheless in its third Christmas shopping season, having debuted just before the holiday in 2014. Smith and de Gorostiza credit initiatives like Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday with helping them find success in a crowded marketplace like the toy industry. Story continues This year, to mark Small Business Saturday, the building block toy company will be giving people more of a chance to save on the toy in the lead up to Christmas by offering a discount on the usual price. The discount is a way to say thank you to the customers who support Click-A-Brick and small businesses in general. "Small Business Saturday is not just about businesses, it's also about consumers and reminding them they have more choice than they may be aware of," de Gorostiza said. "When they do make the choice to support small businesses, we think they should be thanked for that and that's what our discount this Saturday is about. It's our sincere thank you to consumers who have decided to support small businesses as they do their Christmas shopping. The consumers help the businesses, the businesses help the consumers, it's a great little system we're proud to be a part of." For more information, please visit http://www.clickabricktoys.net/ Contact Info: Name: Rob Swystun Email: fun@clickabricktoys.net Organization: Click-A-Brick Toys SOURCE: Click-A-Brick Toys Sofia (AFP) - A thousand migrants who clashed with police Thursday will be moved from Bulgaria's largest refugee camp in Harmanli into former army barracks near the Turkish border before being expelled, Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said. All necessary preparations will be made over the next week "so that we can isolate those who do not want to obey the rules," Borisov said Friday while visiting the into former army barracks near the Turkish border b facility that now hosts just over 3,000 migrants -- mainly from Afghanistan but also Syria. The offenders -- young Afghan men who lit fires and hurled stones at police on Thursday -- will be moved to closed facilities, that are now being set up in the empty barracks near the Turkish border, prior to being sent home. "They will be then expelled from Bulgaria as soon as possible," Borisov said, adding that the first plane taking Afghan migrants out of the country is expected to leave in December. Only Syrian families will remain in Harmanli from next year, Borisov added during a meeting with local residents who have long demanded the closure of the camp. Several hundred police officers and water cannons were deployed Thursday to quash a riot by some 1,500 stone-hurling migrants, protesting against being kept shut inside the camp pending medical checks. Twenty-nine police and 20 migrants were injured in the late night clashes as police pushed the migrants back into the buildings. Four hundred migrants were detained. Borisov said Friday that the organiser of the riot was identified as an Afghan who was imprisoned in Germany for drug dealing before being expelled. The man, who arrived in Bulgaria four months ago, has been detained and will be immediately expelled. Another 18 migrants were charged on Thursday with hooliganism after smashing windows and ruining furniture in the camp's brand new canteen, local prosecutors announced. Bulgaria meanwhile boosted the police presence in all refugee centres across the country. Story continues Although the so-called Balkan migrant trail was effectively shut down in March, migrants have continued to cross the Balkans in smaller numbers. Around 13,000 of them, mostly from Afghanistan, are currently trapped in Bulgaria, the European Union's poorest country. There are also seething tensions in camps in neighbouring Greece. By Dimitar Kyosemarliev HARMANLI, Bulgaria (Reuters) - Bulgaria will move migrants who clashed with police at a refugee camp to closed camps and hopes to start extraditing some to their native Afghanistan next month, Prime Minister Boiko Borisov said on Friday. More than 400 asylum seekers, angered at being confined at the camp in the southern town of Harmanli near the border with Turkey over a health scare, were arrested after clashes with riot police late on Thursday. Police used water cannon and rubber bullets to quell the riot, in which the interior ministry said 24 officers were hurt. Three migrants sought medical help after the riot, it added. Prosecutors said they had charged 18 migrants over the riot and launched an investigation against unidentified police officers for injuring two migrants during the clashes. On Friday, the refugee camp, Bulgaria's largest and home to about 3,000 asylum seekers, had broken windows, overturned trash containers and other debris strewn around. It was heavily guarded by about 250 riot police and the defense ministry said it was sending about 60 army troops to support them in preventing any further escalation of violence. "I am very worried ... You see there is no window left unbroken. The people who committed these acts of vandalism will be brought to justice," said Borisov, who canceled a visit to Hungary because of the riot. "Based on an agreement between the European Union and Afghanistan we have asked for a plane to start extraditing people there in early December. As for the rest, all who have acted brutally and violated public order will be moved to closed camps," Borisov told reporters. More than a million migrants and refugees have entered the European Union over the past 15 months, many fleeing conflicts in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. Some have entered Bulgaria, an EU member, from Turkey hoping to carry on to wealthy western Europe where most want to settle and build a new life. "CAMP SHOULD BE CLOSED" Borisov urged residents of Harmanli to stay calm and to avoid provoking the asylum seekers. A small group of local people waving national flags demanded the camp's closure. "This camp should be closed. You should see what it's like here at weekends. They go around in big groups and take fruit and vegetables at the market without paying," said one resident, Rusi Stoev. Last week some local people, led by nationalist parties, staged protests against the camp following media reports that migrants were suffering from contagious skin diseases. The tensions caused the temporary closure of the camp to allow health officials to investigate. They said the reports had been exaggerated and that there was no public health risk. Bulgaria has built a fence along its border with Turkey and has beefed up border controls to deter the migrants. Some 17,000 people were detained in the first 10 months of the year, down by more than a third from the same period in 2015. Despite the decreasing numbers, Bulgarian nationalists have staged protests in recent months calling for the immediate closure of all refugee centers and for migrants to be returned to Turkey or to their country of origin. Many of the migrants at the Harmanli camp have asked for free passage to Serbia - on the route from Bulgaria to western Europe - but the interior minister said such a move would be politically impossible and has deployed more police officers to Harmanli. (Additional reporting by Tsvetelia Tsolova in Sofia; Editing by Gareth Jones and Janet Lawrence) Traders are looking for Ariad Pharmaceuticals to continue its blistering run in the next week. OptionMonster's monitoring program shows that some 2,300 Weekly 14 calls expiring on Dec. 2 were purchased for $0.25 to $0.45 on Wednesday. Volume was more than 4 times open interest at the strike, indicating that new positions were established. Long calls lock in the price where investors can buy stock, allowing them to profit from a rally with limited capital at risk. Their cheap cost can also generate significant leverage on a percentage basis if shares move in the right direction. (See our Education section) ARIA rose 3.3 percent to $13.79 on Wednesday and is up 42 percent in the last month. The pharmaceutical company's next quarterly report is estimated for pre-market hours on Feb. 23. Overall option volume was about average in ARIA on Wednesday. More From optionMONSTER Burmese authorities are carrying out a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya Muslim minority in the countrys western Arakan state, a senior U.N. official said, as the military continues to sweep the area for what it has labeled Islamic militants. The BBC reports that John McKissick, a representative of the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, said Burmese troops have been killing men, shooting them, slaughtering children, raping women, burning and looting houses, forcing these people to cross the river into neighboring Bangladesh. Thousands of Rohingya have already sought refuge in Bangladesh, the BBC cited the countrys Foreign Ministry as saying. Thousands more are reportedly turning up at the border hoping to escape. Bangladesh does not view the Rohingya as refugees, and its official policy is to not allow them in. The Rohingya are denied citizenship in Burma, officially called Myanmar, and are viewed by many as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, which also does not accept them. The group, numbering about 1.1 million people, is viewed as one of the worlds most persecuted minorities. Tens of thousands have poured across the border for decades to seek refuge in one of several refugee camps near Coxs Bazaar. Read more: The Rohingya, Burmas Forgotten Muslims by James Nachtwey Now its very difficult for the Bangladeshi government to say the border is open because this would further encourage the government of Myanmar to continue the atrocities and push them out until they have achieved their ultimate goal of ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority in Myanmar, McKissick told the BBC. According to Amnesty International, the Bangladeshi government has begun forcibly repatriating the asylum seekers by the thousands, in defiance of international law. UNHCR and Amnesty have accused the Burmese government of collective punishment, as the Burmese military carries out counterterrorism operations in the remote and conflict-torn state. Story continues Parts of northern Arakan, also known as Rakhine, have been on military lockdown since Oct. 9, when nine border police guards were killed in what appear to have been coordinated attacks on three security posts. The government said the assailants were Islamic militants, and began its search for what it said were hundreds of Rohingya jihadists. Read more: Something Shocking is Happening to Burmas Rohingya People. Take a Look at This Timeline Humanitarian aid workers and independent journalists have been barred from the area since the start of the lockdown. More than 150,000 people who normally receive life-saving assistance have received no food or medical aid for more than six weeks. Over 3,000 children diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition have not received treatment; as many as half of them are at serious risk of death. Reports of atrocities have surfaced over the past few weeks. Reuters reported that dozens of women claim to have been raped by Burmese soldiers, and Human Rights Watch this week revealed satellite images that appear to show more than 1,200 buildings that had been burned to the ground. More than 100 people have been killed and hundreds of others detained by the army, which has admitted to using helicopter strikes against alleged lightly armed suspects. The Burmese government vehemently denies all allegations of wrongdoing. Presidential spokesman Zaw Htay told the BBC that he was very, very disappointed by the remarks made by McKissick, saying he should only speak based on concrete and strong evidence on the ground. That would be an impossible task given the complete lack of access to the area. Read More: We Cannot Believe Aung San Suu Kyi: Why Many in Burma Are Losing Hope of Peace The U.N. and the U.S. have called for an independent investigation into allegations of abuse. The past six weeks have been the deadliest in the state since riots between Buddhists and Muslims killed more than 100 in 2012, most of them Rohingya. About 100,000 are still confined to squalid displacement camps where they are denied movement, education and healthcare. The governments de facto leader, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, has made few public remarks on the crisis. While human-rights advocates have criticized her silence, political analysts say the issue has exposed the limits of her power; the military still controls the key Ministries of Home Affairs, Border Affairs and Defense. Her party took power in April after winning elections last year, bringing an end to decades of military rule. Recent events in Arakan state, as well as renewed conflict in the countrys east between the Burmese army and ethnic rebels, have led many to question who is ultimately in control. Related: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. Glasgow (AFP) - Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers cannot afford to linger long on his side's European elimination as they prepare to take on Aberdeen in the Scottish League Cup final on Sunday. The match at Hampden Park is an opportunity for Rodgers to secure his place in the club's history books days after he watched as the Hoops were powerless to stop a Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona secure a 2-0 win at Celtic Park on Wednesday. They were already certain to bow out of the Champions League in the group stage but that result ended the Glasgow giants' hopes of even making it into the Europa League, condemning them to bottom spot in Group C. That was a blow for the ambitious former Liverpool manager who has made a massive impact since his arrival in the summer. But now Rodgers, who has seen Celtic go 10 points clear of Aberdeen at the top of the Scottish Premiership after just 12 games, has the chance to win a first piece of silverware with the club. If Celtic do win, it would be an historic 100th trophy for them -- and they hope it will be the first leg of a treble, with the league title looking inevitable and the Scottish Cup to come. Despite their huge success in Scotland, Celtic have only won the treble on three occasions in their history with the last coming in the 2000/01 season under Rodgers' fellow Northern Irishman Martin O'Neill. Emilio Izaguirre, who has been at Parkhead for the past six years, is one of the more experienced players in the Celtic dressing room and he insisted their European exit wouldn't have a negative impact on the players. "Barcelona are the best team in the world. It's as simple as that. We tried our best, but it was so difficult to play against them," the Honduran international said. "But now we focus on the cup final. That now means everything. "We have to put this game behind us. Sunday is a huge match for all of us and I am looking to win another medal for Celtic. Story continues "This club is all about winning titles and this is a fantastic chance to do it again in front of our supporters. "We need to win this final. We are disappointed to lose at Celtic Park, we never want to do that, but we can make it up for it soon." - Dons hungry for silverware - They will face an Aberdeen side desperate to reclaim a trophy they last secured in 2014. Manager Derek McInnes was the man who led the club to that success, their first trophy in 19 years. He believes his side, who have provided Celtic's main challenge in the league for the past two years, can inflict a first domestic defeat of the campaign on the Glasgow club despite losing their two league clashes this season. "This is where our players want to be. They all are at Aberdeen to win trophies and kick on in their careers. Sunday is a chance for them to show that," he said. "It's clear there have been improvements at Celtic. Their league form last season was good and they only lost three games, twice against us, but if they continue in a similar vein they are going to be out of sight. "But every team is beatable and we certainly feel we are closer to them than maybe some people think. "We have to play well, but we have a real confidence and belief in our own ability that we can go and win the thing." By Gustavo Palencia and Sofia Menchu TEGUCIGALPA/GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) - Central American countries warned on Thursday that large numbers of migrants have fled their poor, violent homes since Donald Trump's surprise election win, hoping to reach the United States before he takes office next year. Trump won the Nov. 8 vote by taking a hard line on immigration, threatening to deport millions of people living illegally in the United States and to erect a wall along the Mexican border. Trump's tough campaign rhetoric sent tremors through the slums of Central America and the close-knit migrant communities in U.S. cities, with many choosing to fast-forward their plans and migrate north before Trump takes office on Jan. 20. During fiscal year 2016, the United States detained nearly 410,000 people along the southwest border with Mexico, up about a quarter from the previous year. The vast majority hail from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Since Trump's victory, the number of people flocking north has surged, Central American officials say, contributing to a growing logjam along the southern U.S. border. "We're worried because we're seeing a rise in the flow of migrants leaving the country, who have been urged to leave by coyotes telling them that they have to reach the United States before Trump takes office," Maria Andrea Matamoros, Honduras' deputy foreign minister, told Reuters, referring to people smugglers. Carlos Raul Morales, Guatemala's foreign minister, told Reuters people were also leaving Guatemala en masse before Trump becomes president. "The coyotes are leaving people in debt, and taking their property as payment for the journey," he said in an interview. Last week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection opened a temporary holding facility for up to 500 people near the Texan border with Mexico, in what it said was a response to a marked uptick in illegal border crossings. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said earlier this month immigration detention facilities were holding about 10,000 more individuals than usual, after a spike in October of migrants including unaccompanied children, families and asylum seekers. GANG VIOLENCE Unemployed and sick of the lack of opportunities and endemic gang violence that blight his poor neighborhood in the town of San Marcos, south of San Salvador, Carlos Garcia, 25, said he was looking to enter the United States before Trump assumes power. "There's one thing I'm very clear about," he said. "I want to get out of here." Guatemalan Fares Revolorio, 27, arrived in the northwestern Mexican border city of Tijuana on Wednesday after a grueling 4,200-kilometer (2,610-mile), week-long trek by bus. She was waiting to cross into the United States, where she hoped to apply for asylum. Accompanied by her three children and her husband, she said she left Guatemala as it had become too dangerous. Her husband's brother was killed two months ago, and local gangs, known as "maras," had assaulted her son. "They tell us the new president doesn't like illegal immigrants, but we have to take the chance," she said, as she struggled to hold back tears. "Nobody wants to die in a horrible way, and we can't be in Guatemala any longer. My children are growing up in fear." During the campaign, Trump set out plans to impound billions of dollars of remittances so Mexico ends up paying for his proposed wall on the southern U.S. border. It remains unclear if he will stick to the proposal. Humberto Roque Villanueva, Mexico's deputy interior minister for migration, told Reuters the day after the U.S. election that Mexico stands ready to lobby the U.S. Congress and use all legal means against Trump's plan for blocking remittances. Victoria Cordova, who was deported from the United States in 2014, said Trump's victory had sown fear in her poor hillside slum in the capital Tegucigalpa. "People are very worried because many of them have family over there in the United States, and they live off the remittances they send," she said. The foreign ministers of Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala met on Monday to formulate a strategy to protect their migrants in the United States, in a show of regional solidarity. At the meeting in Guatemala City, the foreign ministers asked Mexico for help to create a migrant protection network, liaise for coordination with U.S. authorities, and to meet regularly for regional talks. (Additional reporting by Lizbeth Diaz in Tijuana, Nelson Renteria in San Salvador and Gabriel Stargardter in Mexico City; Writing by Gabriel Stargardter; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel) A technology company CEO who may have given a Chinese politician's son the Ferrari in which he crashed and died was jailed for nearly five years and fined more than $100 million for insider trading, court documents showed Friday. A dozen former executives of major Chinese technology conglomerate Founder Group, including CEO Li You, were convicted of insider trading and other offences, said the intermediate people's court in Dalian, in northeastern China. Li was sentenced to four and a half years in prison and fined 750.2 million yuan ($108.5 million), it said. The Founder Group was established in 1986 with investment from Peking University and has expanded into IT, healthcare, real estate, finance, and commodities trading. According to the Beijing News, Li and Wei Xin, former chairman of the company, were linked to fallen Chinese presidential aide Ling Jihua, who was jailed for life in July for corruption, illegally obtaining state secrets and abuse of power. An ex-aide of former president Hu Jintao, Ling was brought down in the high-profile corruption crackdown by current President Xi Jinping that has deposed several senior officials. Chinese media have previously quoted reports saying that Li gave Ling's son Ling Gu a Ferrari. Ling Gu was killed in a high-speed crash in Beijing in 2012, when two women passengers, one of them naked, were injured, a scandal that helped trigger his father's downfall. Ling Jihua asked for and accepted over 6.43 million yuan from Wei, Xinhua said, and was aware of payments from Wei to his son. The Founder executives were charged with insider trading, hiding financial information, and obstructing official business, with no accusations relating to Ling. N'Djamena (AFP) - Eleven Chadian opposition activists remain in detention a week after being arrested during a banned rally in the capital N'Djamena, a legal source said Friday. The arrests were made on November 17 during an attempt by the opposition to defy a ban by President Idriss Deby's government on a demonstration organised as public anger soared over the nation's growing economic crisis. Those still detained include party leaders Mahamat Bechir Barh and Gapili Godebne, who are being investigated for "taking part in an unauthorised assembly", the source said. "They have been placed under a warrant and are awaiting trial but the legal clerks are on strike, which suspends everything," a spokesman for the UNDR main opposition party, told AFP. "They have the moral high ground and are determined more than ever to defend the will of our people," one of their supporters, Abdelkerim Yacoub Koundougoumi, said on Twitter. The arrests were made last week when demonstrators tried to march towards a stadium after holding a public meeting at the UNDR headquarters. The stadium was cordoned off by security forces, who stopped the protesters from entering. The authorities originally arrested around 30 protesters, according to another opposition leader. The ministry of interior and public security had warned days earlier that the planned protest was banned. Opposition MPs had been seeking to hold the government of Prime Minister Albert Pahimi Padacke to account over its alleged mismanagement of the nation's economy. Like its neighbour, oil giant Nigeria, Chad is undergoing a severe financial crisis as a result of the slump in the price of crude. The opposition is also critical of the political situation under Deby's iron-fisted rule. A key ally of France in the regional fight against jihadists, Deby was swept back into power in April with 60 percent of votes. Kebzabo, his main rival, won just over 12 percent. By William Schomberg LONDON (Reuters) - In 2011, early in his time as Chancellor, George Osborne said he would revive British manufacturing as he promised "a march of the makers" to rebalance the economy. But nearly six years on, the economy is just as reliant on the services sector. This week, Osborne's successor Philip Hammond staked out his own priority: turning around Britain's long-standing productivity problem to meet the challenges of leaving the European Union. Hammond used his first budget statement to address what he called the "shocking" gap between productivity growth in Britain and almost all other large rich countries, something which threatens to gnaw away at the economy and workers' wages. "We lag the U.S. and Germany by some 30 percentage points. But we also lag France by over 20 and Italy by eight," he told parliament on Wednesday. "Which means in the real world, it takes a German worker four days to produce what we make in five, which means, in turn, that too many British workers work longer hours for lower pay than their counterparts," he said. "That has to change if we are to build an economy that works for everyone." Hammond put money behind his pledge, saying he will borrow 23 billion pounds to invest more in housing, transport and digital infrastructure and research over the next five years. Beyond 2020, he promised to increase investment in economic infrastructure to between 1.0 and 1.2 percent of economic output each year, up from 0.8 percent now. While modest in terms of overall spending - Hammond also announced a 122-billion-pound increase in government borrowing, limiting his budget options - the decision to borrow in order to invest represented a break with Osborne's more rigid approach to running the public finances. Whether Hammond has more success with productivity than Osborne did with manufacturing remains to be seen. The challenge already looks tough. Britain's budget office expects that leaving the EU will hurt the ability of companies to grow as they scale back on investment and find fewer migrant workers to fill their vacancies. Story continues The Brexit hit to productivity is expected to require an extra 18 billion pounds in government borrowing over the next four years, the Office for Budget Responsibility has said. QUICK START? Executives with some infrastructure firms questioned whether Britain can move ahead with the kind of urgency promised by Hammond on Wednesday. A decision to approve new airport runway capacity for London took 25 years and other major projects have been slow to get going, often as a result of Britain's complex planning system. John Hicks, UK head of government and public for AECOM, a U.S. engineering firm, said the new infrastructure funding might have to wait for government agencies to announce a pipeline of projects with a clear positive impact on productivity. "It's a really good admirable aim, but to a certain extent I think what he's subtly doing is raising the bar for project viability," Hicks said. Britain's business minister Greg Clark told Reuters the investment plan was focussed on the long term and he would be providing details of its next steps soon when he published the new government's industrial strategy. "This is very much with a view on the medium and long term horizon rather than a countervailing response to Brexit. It's not that kind of short-term stimulus," he said. But Yael Selfin, head of UK macroeconomics at financial services firm KPMG, said the government had put more of a focus on areas which would help the private sector including road improvements which would probably be quick to carry out. More investment in infrastructure that encourages private house-building could help to ease a lack of homes on the market which has discouraged workers from moving around the country, another drag on productivity growth, she said. "It feels more focussed in terms of purpose this time round," she said of Hammond's announcement. However, Selfin and Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, a think tank, both said Hammond had not addressed one of the big factors behind Britain's productivity problem - a lack of skilled workers. "We spend less on research and development than most of our competitor economies, so that does hold us back," Johnson said. "You kind of know what kinds of roads work and where to build them," he said. "We've struggled for decades and probably a century to work out what the right thing to do on the education system is." (Additional reporting by David Milliken, William James and Sarah Young; Editing by Louise Ireland) By William Schomberg LONDON (Reuters) - In 2011, early in his time as Chancellor, George Osborne said he would revive British manufacturing as he promised "a march of the makers" to rebalance the economy. But nearly six years on, the economy is just as reliant on the services sector. This week, Osborne's successor Philip Hammond staked out his own priority: turning around Britain's long-standing productivity problem to meet the challenges of leaving the European Union. Hammond used his first budget statement to address what he called the "shocking" gap between productivity growth in Britain and almost all other large rich countries, something which threatens to gnaw away at the economy and workers' wages. "We lag the U.S. and Germany by some 30 percentage points. But we also lag France by over 20 and Italy by eight," he told parliament on Wednesday. "Which means in the real world, it takes a German worker four days to produce what we make in five, which means, in turn, that too many British workers work longer hours for lower pay than their counterparts," he said. "That has to change if we are to build an economy that works for everyone." Hammond put money behind his pledge, saying he will borrow 23 billion pounds to invest more in housing, transport and digital infrastructure and research over the next five years. Beyond 2020, he promised to increase investment in economic infrastructure to between 1.0 and 1.2 percent of economic output each year, up from 0.8 percent now. While modest in terms of overall spending - Hammond also announced a 122-billion-pound increase in government borrowing, limiting his budget options - the decision to borrow in order to invest represented a break with Osborne's more rigid approach to running the public finances. Whether Hammond has more success with productivity than Osborne did with manufacturing remains to be seen. The challenge already looks tough. Britain's budget office expects that leaving the EU will hurt the ability of companies to grow as they scale back on investment and find fewer migrant workers to fill their vacancies. The Brexit hit to productivity is expected to require an extra 18 billion pounds in government borrowing over the next four years, the Office for Budget Responsibility has said. QUICK START? Executives with some infrastructure firms questioned whether Britain can move ahead with the kind of urgency promised by Hammond on Wednesday. A decision to approve new airport runway capacity for London took 25 years and other major projects have been slow to get going, often as a result of Britain's complex planning system. John Hicks, UK head of government and public for AECOM, a U.S. engineering firm, said the new infrastructure funding might have to wait for government agencies to announce a pipeline of projects with a clear positive impact on productivity. "It's a really good admirable aim, but to a certain extent I think what he's subtly doing is raising the bar for project viability," Hicks said. Britain's business minister Greg Clark told Reuters the investment plan was focussed on the long term and he would be providing details of its next steps soon when he published the new government's industrial strategy. "This is very much with a view on the medium and long term horizon rather than a countervailing response to Brexit. It's not that kind of short-term stimulus," he said. But Yael Selfin, head of UK macroeconomics at financial services firm KPMG, said the government had put more of a focus on areas which would help the private sector including road improvements which would probably be quick to carry out. More investment in infrastructure that encourages private house-building could help to ease a lack of homes on the market which has discouraged workers from moving around the country, another drag on productivity growth, she said. "It feels more focussed in terms of purpose this time round," she said of Hammond's announcement. However, Selfin and Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, a think tank, both said Hammond had not addressed one of the big factors behind Britain's productivity problem - a lack of skilled workers. "We spend less on research and development than most of our competitor economies, so that does hold us back," Johnson said. "You kind of know what kinds of roads work and where to build them," he said. "We've struggled for decades and probably a century to work out what the right thing to do on the education system is." (Additional reporting by David Milliken, William James and Sarah Young; Editing by Louise Ireland) Washington (AFP) - The self-described white supremacist accused of gunning down nine African-American churchgoers in South Carolina last year is mentally competent to stand trial, a federal judge ruled Friday. Jury selection is now set to begin Monday in the death penalty trial of Dylann Roof, 22, who allegedly used a .45 caliber Glock handgun to kill his victims in the June 2015 massacre during a Bible study group inside a traditionally black church in Charleston. Originally scheduled to begin two weeks ago, the trial was delayed by Judge Richard Gergel, who ordered a closed-door competency hearing, citing "the defendant's right to a fair and impartial jury and a fair trial" after his lawyers raised questions about his mental state. Gergel's three-page ruling on Friday reveals no details about Roof's psychological condition. The judge banned observers from the hearing despite objections from survivors, victims' families and media. Releasing the hearing's transcript "would prejudice the defendant's right to a fair trial and a fair and impartial jury," his ruling said. The mass murder at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church stunned the country. In addition to his federal trial, Roof is facing South Carolina charges that could also result in capital punishment. A separate state trial is expected to begin in January. On Nov 23, we issued an updated research report on Charter Communications Inc. CHTR the second largest cable MSO (multi service operator) in the U.S. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). (You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.) Risks Charter Communications is facing stiff competition from online video streaming service providers such as Netflix Inc. NFLX, Hulu.com and YouTube as they provide a reasonably-priced source of TV programming. Over the last ten years, the over-the-top business model has been gaining momentum, especially amid volatile economic conditions. Notably, in the third quarter of 2016, Charter Communications lost 152,000 video customers in the residential segment. Additionally, the company faces intense competition from telecom operators and other cable MSOs in the high-growth Ethernet market. Moreover, the multi-channel video market in the U.S. is almost saturated. Furthermore, gaining customers from competitors is a difficult task as most pay-TV operators offer innovative packages. Charter Communications also has a highly leveraged balance sheet. At the end of third-quarter 2016, Charter Communications had $1,165 million of cash and cash equivalents and $61,996 million in outstanding debt. Growth Prospects However, the acquisition of two U.S. cable operators Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks will strengthen the companys foothold in hybrid fiber coax (HFC) and fiber networks. This should also help Charter Communications better address small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) along with large enterprises. The company is also adopting various initiatives to improve its Spectrum products and cloud-based user interfaces. Also, accelerated residential and commercial customer growth, investments in business services division and rollout of several initiatives bode well. The company also announced plans to foray into the wireless service business, following the footsteps of rival cable TV behemoth Comcast Corporation CMCSA. Toward this end, Charter Communications will utilize the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) agreement that Time Warner Cable had signed with Verizon Communications in 2012. Additionally, Charter Communications intends to install several Wi-Fi hotspots across cities to expand its network. Story continues Recent Events In Oct 2016, Charter Communications selected ARRIS International plc. ARRS, a major customer premise equipment (CPE) manufacturer for the cable TV industry, as its vendor partner for the cable MSOs next-generation WorldBox 2.0 set-top box. Initiated in early 2015, WorldBox 2.0 is Charter Communications innovative hybrid IP/QAM video platform which has been built to offer traditional and cloud-based user interfaces, content and new video features. CHARTER COMM-A Price CHARTER COMM-A Price | CHARTER COMM-A Quote Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> 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 NETFLIX INC (NFLX): Free Stock Analysis Report ARRIS INTL PLC (ARRS): Free Stock Analysis Report COMCAST CORP A (CMCSA): Free Stock Analysis Report CHARTER COMM-A (CHTR): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research SHANGHAI, Nov 25 (Reuters) - China's central bank has urged commercial banks in Shanghai to guard against money outflows via the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (FTZ) disguised as foreign investment, two sources with knowledge of the instructions said on Friday. The Shanghai headquarters of the People's Bank of China asked for particular vigilance against money originating in other provinces or cities in China that flowed into the FTZ en route abroad, the banking industry sources said. The guidance from the PBOC's was the latest in a string of measures to stem surging capital outflows as the yuan currency plumbs 8-1/2 year lows against the surging U.S. dollar. "The central bank has urged lenders to strengthen due diligence to prevent capital outflows disguised as outbound investment," said one source, who declined to be identified because he was not authorised to speak publicly about the matter. The Shanghai headquarters of the PBOC did not have an immediate comment. On Wednesday it said it would crack down on capital flight and closely monitor abnormal capital flows through the FTZ. In a report on Tuesday, Capital Economics estimated that capital outflows last month were the largest since January, and posed a threat to China's exchange rate regime. The Shanghai FTZ was launched in 2013 to promote international trade and cross-border investment, but three years later the city government is trying to balance efforts to accelerate financial reforms in the zone while preventing capital outflows. While Beijing has been busily damming up official channels for money to leave China, more than ever is leaking out through shady means as investors flee the country's slowing economy and weakening currency, financial industry executives say. (Reporting by Li Zheng and John Ruwitch; Editing by Kim Coghill) BEIJING (Reuters) - China is considering a "wholesale" deal that will grant Philippine fishing vessels access to disputed Scarborough Shoal waters in the South China Sea, an influential Chinese academic and government adviser said on Friday, as relations between the two countries improve. China has been thinking of means to grant Philippine fishing vessels access to the island's waters since President Rodrigo Duterte visited Beijing in October, said Wu Shicun, head of government-run National Institute for South China Sea Studies. "A wholesale bilateral fishing industry deal is still being discussed, an agreement has not yet been reached," Wu said at a forum in Beijing. China's bitter squabble with the Philippines over the waters has subsided since Duterte's visit, which came shortly after a Netherlands-based arbitration court ruled in favor of the Philippines, undermining China's territorial claims. Since 2012, China had used its coastguard to block the waters around the shoal from Filipinos, but Chinese vessels reportedly left the region after Duterte's visit, allowing fishermen to return. Last week, Duterte made a unilateral declaration barring fishermen from exploiting marine life at a tranquil lagoon that was central to years of bitter squabbling, a sharp reversal in the Philippines' previous policy. At this time, the waters within the shoal are not accessible to either Chinese or Filipino fishermen, Wu said. Fishermen would be granted access to the shoal for humanitarian reasons if a typhoon hit the waters, he added. Wu has been involved in diplomatic efforts to bring China and the Philippines closer together since Duterte's election. Zhu Feng, director of the South China Sea Center at Nanjing University, said there had been a "fundamental change" since Duterte came into office. The "Scarborough Shoal push", if successful, would give hope that the disputes within the South China Sea may be diplomatically resolved, he added, speaking at the same forum. China has sought to underscore its sovereignty over the shoal, and in public has been less specific about how arrangements allowing Philippine fishermen to operate there will work. Asked about Wu's comments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that China would make "appropriate arrangements" to allow Filipino fishermen access to the waters, but did not give any further details. China claims most of the energy-rich South China Sea. As well as the Philippines, neighbors Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims. (Reporting by Christian Shepherd; Editing by Ben Blanchard and Nick Macfie) The Chinese government is requiring all residents of the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in the countrys northwest to hand their passports over to police, the latest restriction on movement in the restive region. The Global Times, a state-controlled newspaper, reported Thursday that the passport-management policy is being implemented across the entire autonomous region, and requires all citizens to turn in the documents and apply for permission if they wish to leave the country. According to Human Rights Watch, the passport recall policy has been in place since at least late October, and strikes alarming similarities to a so-called two-tier travel system implemented in Tibet. Both policies have been viewed as arbitrary measures meant to restrict the freedom of minorities in outlying regions where much of the population rejects belonging to China. Officials cited by the Global Times, on condition of anonymity, insisted the move is meant to maintain public order amid what the government said was a rising threat of terrorism in the resource-rich region that borders Central Asia. Xinjiang is home to some 10 million Uighur Muslims, many of whom have agitated against what they say is decades of discrimination such as controls on their religion and culture. A number of deadly attacks in western China have been attributed to Uighur separatists, such as a 2014 knife attack at a train station in the city of Kunming that killed dozens of civilians and injured about 130 others. The Chinese government has responded to the violence with ongoing counterterrorism and security operations. The Global Times reports that the new passport policy will not affect ordinary peoples travel plans, and would only serve to keep criminals or people with suspicious records from going abroad. Rights advocates, however, say the policy is discriminatory, leaving innocent citizens vulnerable to exploitation and risks exacerbating tensions. Chinese authorities have given no credible reason for taking away peoples passports, violating their right to freedom of movement, HRWs China director Sophie Richardson said in a recent statement. Doing so across an entire region is a form of collective punishment and fuels resentment toward the government in a region where tensions are high. [Global Times] Shanghai (AFP) - Chinese authorities have detained 13 people in connection with a construction collapse at a power station which killed at least 74 people, state media said Friday, the latest industrial accident in the country. A platform more than 70 metres (230 feet) high in a cooling tower at the Ganneng Fengcheng power station in the eastern province of Jiangxi crashed to the ground early Thursday. Pictures of the scene showed a grey mass of concrete slabs, steel girders and twisted metal splayed in a heap on the ground inside a large round structure. Hard-hatted rescue workers in neon jumpsuits carried bodies out from the site on stretchers wrapped in orange sheeting. Search and rescue efforts were completed on Friday, the official news agency Xinhua said, with 74 people confirmed dead, the youngest of the identified aged 23, and two injured. Police had detained 13 people involved with the cooling tower project, it added. On Thursday the vice governor of Jiangxi, Li Yihuang, and two other officials bowed to pay their respects to the victims at a press conference, offering their condolences to the families and saying they felt "very sad" about the accident, footage showed. Commenters on Chinese social media condemned the latest accident in a country with a dire industrial safety record, demanding that the cause be identified and those responsible punished. "This is too cruel, devastating 74 families completely with a man-made disaster," said one poster on China's Twitter-like Weibo. "90 percent of them are the pillars of their family." Another added: "What it revealed is the severe indifference and disrespect to every workers dignity and life. Look at these victims and the managers who were in charge of their lives -- can you still sit still?" Official figures show 66,182 people were killed in workplace accidents in 2015. The tower, with a design height of 165 metres, was part of a 7.67 billion yuan ($1.1 billion) project to expand the coal-powered electricity generating plant. Shares in Jiangxi Ganneng, the power station owner, closed down 4.12 percent on the Shenzhen stock exchange on Friday after it said it will "take any measures necessary to reduce the accidents impact on the firm". The company had sought to "expedite construction progress" on the expansion project in September, previous statements on its website showed. BEIJING (Reuters) - China will boost military ties with Djibouti, strategically located in the Horn of Africa, state media quoted a senior Chinese army officer as saying during a visit to a country where China is building its first overseas naval base. In February, China began construction in Djibouti of its first overseas military facility, a logistics base that will resupply naval vessels taking part in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. Djibouti, which is about the size of Wales, is strategically located at the southern entrance to the Red Sea on the route to the Suez Canal. The tiny, barren nation sandwiched between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia also hosts U.S., Japanese and French bases. Fan Changlong, a vice chairman of China's powerful Central Military Commission, said after a meeting with Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh the two countries could strengthen ties in all areas, including militarily, state news agency Xinhua said late on Thursday. "The two sides have made frequent exchanges of visits, and achieved remarkable results in personnel training, naval escort and supplies, and participation in UN peacekeeping operations," Xinhua paraphrased Fan as saying. Fan said relations between the two militaries had been "developing smoothly in recent years", Xinhua reported. "China is willing to make joint efforts with Djibouti to continue to promote the healthy and stable development of relations between the militaries," Fan said. There was no direct mention of the Chinese military base, which China describes as a supply facility. Djibouti's location on the northwestern edge of the Indian Ocean has fueled worries in India that it would become another of China's "string of pearls" of military alliances and assets ringing India, including Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Paul Tait) SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China has dispatched another seven environmental inspection teams to check how its anti-pollution rules are being implemented throughout the regions, the Ministry of Environmental Protection said late on Thursday. The teams will visit the capital, Beijing, the financial hub of Shanghai and the manufacturing center of Guangdong, the ministry said. The huge southwestern municipality of Chongqing and the provinces of Shaanxi, Gansu and Hubei are also on the list. China's environment ministry was given authority earlier this year to investigate regions and enterprises without prior warning, and it was also empowered to summon any local government or company official to account for their actions. A previous round of investigations into eight Chinese regions led to more than 3,000 officials being disciplined and 198 million yuan in fines being handed out for environmental violations. The results of the investigations, published by the ministry last week, revealed that improvements had been made in the treatment of air pollution across the country, but water quality in some regions had become significantly worse. The investigation also accused companies of expanding steel capacity in violation of the country's strict overcapacity rules, and of encroaching upon nature reserves and other vulnerable ecological zones declared off-limits for development. The new round of inspections is expected to be completed before the end of the year, the ministry said. (Reporting by David Stanway; Editing by Richard Pullin) (Reuters) - China plans to tighten controls on Chinese companies looking to invest abroad, in an effort to slow a surge of capital fleeing offshore, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing documents it reviewed and sources familiar with the matter. The State Council, China's cabinet, will soon announce a series of measures that would subject many overseas deals to stricter regulatory oversight, the Journal reported. China's Commerce Ministry and the top economic planning agency will impose "strict controls" over any foreign acquisition valued at $10 billion or more and on state-owned companies intending to build or invest in properties overseas in a deal valued at $1 billion or more, the WSJ said. They will also impose stricter control on Chinese companies seeking to invest $1 billion or more in overseas entities that are not related to their core businesses, the newspaper said. Other overseas transactions affected will be investments in overseas-listed companies that are less than 10 percent of those firms' total equity, direct investments made by limited partnerships and Chinese capital trying to participate in the delisting of overseas-listed Chinese companies, the WSJ said. The State Council of China was not immediately available to comment. (Reporting by Vishaka George in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza) By Manolo Serapio Jr MANILA (Reuters) - China's iron ore imports from India surged in October and purchases from Australia grew slightly, data showed on Friday, with total shipments to the world's top buyer of the steelmaking commodity on course to top 1 billion tonnes this year. Shipments from Australia, which account for nearly two-thirds of China's imports, rose 3 percent to 49.89 million tonnes last month, according to China's official customs data. Shipments from No. 2 supplier Brazil increased 17 percent to 17.88 million tonnes. China's total iron ore imports were 80.8 million tonnes in October, the lowest since February, but the biggest volume ever for the month of October. That brought total imports to 843.31 million tonnes in January to October, up 9 percent from a year earlier, and on track to top last year's 952.84 million tonnes. "We can easily see over 1 billion tonnes for the full year. I don't think there's any disruption from the production side overseas," said Helen Lau, analyst at Argonaut Securities. Lau has forecast a 9 percent increase in China's iron ore imports to 1.038 billion tonnes this year. Imports from India reached 1.02 million tonnes last month, up sharply from 75,565 tonnes a year ago. For January to October, shipments from India surged eight-fold to 11.4 million tonnes. India used to be the third-biggest supplier of iron ore to China until mining bans in recent years and higher taxes curbed output and exports. India's Supreme Court lifted the mining ban in top iron ore exporting state Goa in 2014 and fresh mining began months after. "Indian shipments are rising due to better prices," said Dhruv Goel, managing partner at consultancy SteelMint. India's total iron ore exports have exceeded 15 million tonnes in January to October and may reach 17 to 18 million tonnes for the full year, he said. (Reporting by Manolo Serapio Jr.; Editing by Christian Schmollinger) On Nov 24, 2016, we issued an updated research report on Citigroup Inc. C. Amid the current regulatory pressure and challenging revenue environment across the banking sector, this New York-based banking giant remains focused on its streamlining moves and product enhancements, while maintaining a strong capital position. Citigroups third-quarter 2016 earnings per share outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate, driven by decline in operating expenses. Though the company witnessed decline in overall revenues, it recorded higher fixed income markets revenues, supported by an improved trading environment. Also, investment banking revenues improved owing to rise in industry-wide debt underwriting activity during the quarter. As of Sep 30, 2016, the companys loans were up 2% year over year at $638 billion, while deposits climbed 4% year over year to $940 billion. In the earnings conference, management stated that it expects growth in the developed and emerging markets to pick up next year, while uncertainties tied with Brexit still persist. Management noted that North America Consumer Banking achieved volume growth in the third quarter despite persistently shrinking branch footprint. It highlighted that while over the past several years the company has reshaped its branch network, enhanced technology and remained focus in its core six markets, it will undertake further investments for growth. Citigroup now remains focused on its segmentation strategy associated with Citigold wealth management platform and improving digital and mobile banking capabilities. Additionally, the company will continue to upgrade the branch network with smart branches and Citigold centers. Notably, Costco acquisition will not be really accretive to Citigroups earnings until in the later part of 2017 and certainly in 2018. Management projects increased profitability driven by the cards business, throughout 2019. The company will invest around $1 billion in Mexico over the next four years, primarily in technology, branches and ATMs. It anticipates maintaining positive operating leverage in fourth-quarter 2016 and every year, throughout the investment period, on the back of revenue growth and cost savings from technology upgradation. Shares of the company gained more than 20% over the past three months. Story continues CITIGROUP INC Price CITIGROUP INC Price | CITIGROUP INC Quote The restructuring and streamlining efforts, along with an attractive core business, should support future performance. In addition, Citigroup remains committed to enhance shareholders value on the back of a solid capital position. However, sustained pressure on the companys net interest income remains a concern amid the lingering low-rate environment. Moreover, several issues, such as a stringent regulatory landscape and litigation burden, remain key concerns. Over the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate moved north 2% to $4.69 for 2016, while it edged down 1% $5.10 for 2017. Citigroup currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Other Stocks to Consider Bank of America Corporation BAC: The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2016 has moved up 15.7% to $1.47 per share for 2016 and 1.9% to $1.58 per share for 2017, in the last 60 days. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation BK: Over the last 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year increased 4% to $3.15 per share and climbed 3.6% to $3.42 per share for 2017. Comerica Incorporated CMA: Over the last 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year grew 9.2% to $2.97 per share and climbed 10.4% to $3.92 per share for 2017. Notably, all the three stocks carry a Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> 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 COMERICA INC (CMA): Free Stock Analysis Report BANK OF NY MELL (BK): Free Stock Analysis Report CITIGROUP INC (C): Free Stock Analysis Report BANK OF AMER CP (BAC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Aleppo (Syria) (AFP) - Syrian army units advanced in Aleppo on Friday and pounded rebel-held eastern neighbourhoods with air strikes and shelling, causing new deaths among besieged civilians and adding to their despair. The US military, meanwhile, announced its first combat loss in Syria, saying a service member had been killed by a bomb during an offensive against the Islamic State group. Ten days into the offensive to recapture all of Syria's battered second city, regime bombardment has killed 196 civilians, including at least 27 children, in east Aleppo, a monitoring group said. On Friday, regime forces pounded several eastern districts with air strikes and shelling that killed eight civilians, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Clashes also rocked Masaken Hanano, east Aleppo's largest district, more than 60 percent of which is now under the control of regime forces, the monitor added. State television said the army was advancing into Masaken Hanano "from three axes", calling it the "largest front" in the battle for Aleppo, the capture of which could deal a decisive blow to rebels. More than 250,000 civilians have been besieged in eastern Aleppo since July, with food and fuel supplies dwindling and international aid exhausted. The Observatory said four children fled Friday to Sheikh Maqsud, a Kurdish-controlled enclave between the government-held west of Aleppo and the east. But rebels prevented "dozens of families" from Bustan al-Basha from leaving, it said. And regime raids on two villages west of Aleppo killed at least 15 civilians on Friday, four of them children, said the Observatory. - No safe place - Damascus says east Aleppo residents and surrendering fighters are free to leave but accuses the rebels of using civilians as "human shields". Residents endured a brutal night Thursday of bombardment during which 32 civilians, including five children, were killed. Story continues "I'm terrified by the army's advance and the increasing bombardment," said Abu Raed, a father-of-four from the Fardos neighbourhood. "There's no safe place for me and my family." Rescue workers in several parts of the east battled to extricate civilians trapped under the rubble of bombed buildings. In Bab al-Nayrab, an AFP cameraman saw them struggle for more than an hour to pull out a boy who was stuck from the waist down in the rubble, with the back of his head badly gashed. "Living under these circumstances is unbearable," said 43-year-old Mohammed Haj Hussein, in Tariq al-Bab district. "There's no work, there's no food, and the bombing is incessant... I want to get out of here by any means possible." Resident Abu Hussein added: "I don't know what the UN is waiting for. Why don't they at least evacuate the children and women?" Retaliatory rocket fire by the rebels has killed at least 18 civilians in the government-held west, 10 of them children, since the regime assault began on November 15, said the Observatory. - No plan B - The UN says it has a plan to deliver aid to Aleppo and evacuate the sick and wounded, which rebel factions have approved. But Damascus has yet to agree, and additional guarantees are needed from regime ally Moscow, UN officials say. On Thursday, the head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, Jan Egeland, warned there was no plan B to help civilians in east Aleppo. "In many ways plan B is that people starve, and can we allow that to happen? No we cannot," he said. Further east, in Raqa province, where a US-backed alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters is battling IS, Washington suffered its first combat loss in Syria, the coalition announced. It said the service member died on Thursday from wounds caused by an improvised bomb near the town of Ain Issa. US special forces are on the ground in the area supporting an offensive to retake the city of Raqa, the jihadists' de facto Syrian capital. Also on Friday an air strike carried out by an unidentified aircraft hit a small maternity hospital in the north of Idlib province, killing a civilian and putting the clinic out of service, said the Observatory. Rebel-held areas in the Eastern Ghouta near Damascus were also pounded by regime forces on Friday, the monitor said, killing at least two civilians and wounding 15 in the town of Douma. The charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported "multiple air strikes" on Eastern Ghouta, adding that the number of the wounded "is still being counted." At least 49 civilians have been killed in regime bombardment on the rebel stronghold since November 17, almost half of them children, said the Observatory. Slow news day? More than a dozen news outlets picked up a story on Friday claiming that CNN accidentally aired 30 minutes of pornography instead of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown to Boston viewers via cable provider RCN. Those web news stories appear to just be based on a Twitter user, @solikearose, who claimed that the content was aired on Thursday evening. The CNN local network provider denied that adult content was aired. "We are in the process of researching this incident but see no evidence our CNN network feed was compromised last evening in Boston," Jeff Carlson, senior vp and general manager, RCN Boston, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. Barbara Levin, vp, communications at CNN national, said in a statement: "Despite media reports to the contrary, RCN assures us that there was no interruption of CNN's programming in the Boston area last night." The apparentlyclaim arrives at a time when there's been a rare national conversation surrounding dissemination of fake news stories, primarily through social media networks like Twitter and Facebook. That conversation was spurred by the flood of stories, many on Facebook, that made demonstrably fake claims during the U.S. presidential campaign in order to drive users from the social network to sites where those high-trafficked stories could be monetized through display ads. Paris (AFP) - French investigators probing the death of controversial British photographer David Hamilton believe he committed suicide, just weeks after he was accused of rape, sources close to the inquiry said Saturday. The 83-year-old, known for his widely published nude images of underage girls, was found dead in his Paris home on Friday with a plastic bag over his head, one source told AFP, adding: "There is nothing at this stage to suggest anything other than suicide." Hamilton, who rose to fame in the 1970s and whose photography books sold millions of copies, had been drinking alcohol and another source said drug tests would be performed on the body as medication was found in the photographer's bathroom. A neighbour raised the alarm after noticing that the door of Hamilton's apartment was half-open, and emergency services found him in cardiac arrest. Hamilton had this week threatened to sue several former child models who had accused him of rape, saying he had previously been cleared of abuse. The artist, whose work has long raised questions about where art ends and pornography begins, was at the centre of a torrent of allegations after a French radio presenter accused him of raping her when she was 13. Flavie Flament, who modelled for Hamilton almost 30 years ago, published an autobiographical novel last month in which she described being raped by a famous photographer during a shoot. Although she did not name Hamilton in "The Consolation", she used his photograph of her as the book's cover. Flament, 42, later claimed to French media that it was Hamilton who had raped her after three other women contacted her with near identical allegations. Flament alleged that Hamilton raped her in the shower of his apartment after spotting her in a nudist resort at Cap d'Agde in southwest France where she was on holiday with her parents. Hamilton had confirmed that Flament had been his model, but denied the allegations, telling AFP just on Tuesday: "I have done nothing improper." Story continues "Clearly the instigator of this media lynching is looking for her 15 minutes of fame by defaming me in her novel." Flament's editor Karina Hocine told AFP Friday the radio presenter was "devastated" by the news of Hamilton's death. "Naturally, we feel horrified and, at the same time, really disgusted that there was not enough time for justice to run its course," she added. "The horror of this news will never erase the sleepless nights," Flament told AFP, reiterating her allegations. - 'Lost paradise' - Hamilton, who said that his work looked for the "candour of a lost paradise", was most famous for his kitschy calendars of young girls and his soft-focus erotic films including "Bilitis" from 1977. He was born in London in 1933 and studied architecture as a young man, but it was in Paris where he started to work in fashion, having moved there aged 20 inspired by the impressionist painters. He first worked as a designer at Elle magazine and then as an artistic director at the luxury Printemps department store. With no formal training in photography, he found his calling at 33, seeking his models in the streets and on the beaches. He became known for his trademark soft-focus "Hamilton blur". His photos' subdued light and young female subjects -- often blonde, blue-eyed and crowned with flowers -- were fashionable in the 1970s and 80s but the style later became seen as outdated, and his pictures were considered disturbing by some. Under the French statute of limitations, charges must be brought within 20 years for rape and 10 years for sexual abuse. However, in a twist on Tuesday, the French minister for children's and women's rights asked Flament to lead a body which will look at whether to extend the statute of limitations. Residents of Cerezales del Condado, a tiny village in the northwestern Spanish province of Leon were in for a life-changing surprise when the founder of Corona beer left each of them with almost $2.5 million each in his will. Antonino Fernandez, former Chairman of the Grupo Modelo group in Mexico, died at the age of 99 in August this year. Even though he was a billionaire at the time of his death, the initial part of his life was spent battling poverty in Cerezales del Condado. Born in 1917, Fernandez was forced to leave school at the age of 14 as his parents could not afford the fees. In 1949, at the age of 32, Fernandez moved to Mexico to work at his wifes uncles company, Grupo Modelo. Starting off as a warehouse worker, he climbed up the ranks slowly, becoming the CEO in 1971, a position he held till 1997. Fernandez remained the Chairman of the Board until 2005 and the Honorary Life Chairman of Grupo Modelo, which manufactures the Conona Extra beer, until his death. The billionaire remained close to his roots in Spain and after his death, left $210 million to the residents of Cerezales, with each villager inheriting over $2 million. For Maximino Sanchez, the owner of the only bar in the village, Fernandez is nothing short of a hero. The Diario de Leon newspaper quoted Sanchez as saying: We never had any pesete (money) before. I don't know, what we would have done without Antonino. Fernandezs charitable deeds have been acknowledged by the former King of Spain, Juan Carlos, who honored the philanthropist for his contribution to his motherland. An organization established by Fernandez in Leon Soltra worked on providing disabled people with employments opportunities. He is also credited with setting up the 'Cerezales Antonino y Cinia' Foundation in his village in 2009, to support rural initiatives in the region. Corona Extra is the second-most imported bottled beer in the United States, boasting of $693million in annual sales. Related Articles A couple and their 2-year-old daughter died on Thursday after a police chase ended in a devastating crash near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Police identified the victims as 28-year-old David Bianco, 21-year-old Kaylie Meininger, his fiancee, and their 2-year-old daughter, Annika. They were on their way to a Thanksgiving dinner at a relatives house, according to family members who spoke to Channel 11. A GoFundMe page was set up for the victims by their friends and family to help in their burials. Driver Demetrius Coleman, 22, is now facing homicide charges. Coleman was pulled over by East McKeesport police at about 2:30 p.m. Thursday after making an illegal turn, then sped away after officers discovered he was wanted for violating his probation for a felony charge stemming from drug charges, according to ABC News. Three other people were injured and transported to a hospital. Coleman is facing charges of criminal homicide, vehicular homicide and aggravated assault with a vehicle among other charges. The second car Coleman hit involved an SUV in which three women were injured but expected to survive. The car containing two adults and toddler that Coleman hit burst into flames. It was about two miles away from the initial traffic stop. Coleman had sped away from a convenience store parking lot where he was pulled over by officers, according to ABC News. Authorities told Channel 11 News, a local station, that speeds reached more than 100 mph during the chase. The police officer who initiated the chase was placed on administrative leave per protocol. LJUBLJANA (Reuters) - The European Union should not suspend its talks with Turkey, Croatian Foreign Minister Davor Ivo Stier said on Friday during a visit to Slovenia. "It is not in the interest of the European Union, Croatia or Slovenia to suspend talks with Turkey ... We need a balanced standpoint toward Ankara," Stier told a news conference, without elaborating. Earlier on Friday Turkish President Tayyip Ergodan warned that Turkey could open its gates for migrants to Europe following a vote on Thursday by EU lawmakers for a temporary halt to Turkey's membership talks. Before the Balkan migration route was closed in March hundreds of thousands of migrants passed through EU members Croatia and Slovenia toward wealthier western Europe. Both countries want to keep their borders closed for illegal migrants. (Reporting By Marja Novak; Editing by Gareth Jones) And here are four habits to avoid if you want to save more. The US Treasury yields registered a sharp jump when news of Donald Trump's election victory hit the markets. Just two days after the American electorates decision, 10-year yields, which were at 1.8% not too long ago, spiked by 0.3%, while 30-year bonds recorded a yield greater than the psychological barrier of 3%. How will this affect Singapore? Click here to find out. Singapore is on its way to post its worst economic performance since the 2009 global financial crisis this year, bracing for more uncertainty as rising protectionism poses risks for the export-dependent nation. Check out here what Singapore has to brace for as global uncertainties affect its trade. Singapore is the most expensive city to live in for 2016. Living in the city-state is hard, making saving up even more harder. But here are four daily habits to kick if you want to save more cash while living in Singapore. More From Singapore Business Review Dakota Access Pipeline protesters took to the streets of Mandan, North Dakota, to hold a Thanksgiving rally on November 24. The protesters blocked traffic at the downtown intersection of Mandan Avenue and East Main Street. According to local newspaper Bismarck Tribune, 170 vehicles and a school bus arrived in Mandan Thursday morning for the rally. According to ABC, approximately 50 police officers faced off with protesters, as seen in this footage. One person was arrested during the rally, as reported by ABC. Credit: Twitter/nancirulia via Storyful On November 25, 1841, 35 former slaves returned home to West Africa, after a Supreme Court hearing, won by a former United States president, secured their freedom. Former President John Quincy Adams helped convince a southern-dominated court in March 1841 to release the enslaved people in the Amistad case. Adams and a prominent attorney, Roger Baldwin, agreed to represent the enslaved Africans in a complicated court case that was closely watched nationally. In 1839, Portuguese slave traders in West Africa captured about 500 people and transported them to Havana in Spanish-ruled Cuba. Spanish law prohibited such an act, but the law was mostly ignored in Cuba. Two planters in Havana purchased a group of the West Africans at auction, and using fake documents, planned to transport them to plantations within Cuba. However, the slaves revolted while on the schooner Amistad, killing its captain and cook, and directing the planters to sail the ship to Africa. Instead, the planters steered the ship north, where it wound up at Long Island Sound. The U.S. Navy spotted the vessel and took its occupants into custody. The American courts were soon confronted with multiple problems, such as the property rights of the planters, the salvage rights for the ship, and if the Africans should be charged with murder or given their freedom. The U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Connecticut first decided that it didnt have jurisdiction over an alleged crime committed in international waters. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Smith Thompson, serving as the Circuit Judge, issued that decision. At a District Court trial in 1840, Baldwin argued that the Africans had been taken illegally by the slave traders. Spain demanded the Africans and the ship returned to that nation under its treaty terms with the United States. President Martin Van Buren had expected the court to rule for the Spanish government in the case. However, Judge Andrew Judson said that the Africans werent slaves under Spanish law, and they should be sent to the Van Buren administration to be returned to their homes in Africa under the provisions of federal laws prohibiting the African slave trade in the United States. The Navy crew also was awarded salvage rights for capturing the ship. Story continues The case then quickly made its way to the Supreme Court in Washington. The Van Buren administration believed that the Africans should be sent back to Cuba to honor treaty commitments with Spain. Baldwin argued the earlier court decision was proper, and that the Africans were not slaves under Spanish law. Baldwin also pressed that the Van Buren administration couldnt represent the claims of a foreign government. Former President and Secretary of State Adams, then serving in the House of Representatives, agreed to help the Africans plead their case to the Court. Link: Read Adams Argument Pointing to a copy of the Declaration of Independence in the courtroom, Adams said, I know of no other law that reaches the case of my clients, but the law of Nature and of Natures God on which our fathers placed our own national existence. The circumstances are so peculiar, that no code or treaty has provided for such a case. That law, in its application to my clients, I trust will be the law on which the case will be decided by this Court. He then called out the Van Buren administration. One of the grievous charges brought against George III was, that he had made laws for sending men beyond seas for trial. That was one of the most odious of those acts of tyranny which occasioned the American revolution. The whole of the reasoning is not applicable to this case, but I submit to your Honors that, if the President has the power to do it in the case of Africans, and send them beyond seas for trial, he could do it by the same authority in the case of American citizens. By a simple order to the marshal of the district, he could just as well seize forty citizens of the United States, on the demand of a foreign minister, and send them beyond seas for trial before a foreign court. After a lengthy argument, Adams concluded by reviewing the Courts honorable tradition since he first appeared before it decades earlier. Days later, in a 7-1 decision, the Court ruled in favor of the captives of the Amistad. Justice Joseph Story wrote the majority decision. Upon the merits of the case, then, there does not seem to us to be any ground for doubt, that these negroes ought to be deemed free; and that the Spanish treaty interposes no obstacle to the just assertion of their rights, Story wrote. While Story called Adamss remarks interesting, he relied more on Baldwins statements in his legal reasoning. But Adamss nine hours of arguments, at the age of 73, clearly had their effect. The Court ordered the 35 surviving Africans to be freed immediately, and not put under federal custody for eventual transportation back to Africa. Abolitionists raised funds for the freed Amistad captives to be returned to Sierra Leone. On November 25, 1841, the captives set sail on the ship Gentleman for Africa, arriving there in January 1842. Spain continued to ask for compensation until 1860, when Abraham Lincoln became president. At least two people were killed when an explosion sparked a fire at the Moria migrant processing centre on the Greek island Lesbos on Thursday evening, November 24. Greek reports said the fire broke out in the family compound of the camp, killing a woman and her child. Several others were reported to have been injured, including children. The explosion was thought to have been caused by a cooking gas canister. An aid worker on Lesbos sent Storyful photos of the fire as well as footage showing ambulances at the camp and migrants evacuating the facility. Credit: Facebook/Rafat Al-hamoud via Storyful Deadly suicide truck bombing in Hilla, Iraq Chemical experts inspect the site of a suicide truck bomb attack, at a petrol station in the city of Hilla, south of Baghdad, Iraq on Nov. 25, 2016. (Alaa Al-Marjani/Reuters) A car bomb tore through a gas station on Thursday, killing and wounding scores of people, including 20 Iranians Shiite pilgrims, in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group in Hilla, Iraq. The officials say the target of the attack appears to have been a bus carrying Iranian pilgrims heading home after taking part in a major Shiite religious observance in the holy city of Karbala. (AP) By Allison Lampert MONTREAL (Reuters) - Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL.N) pilots are expected to keep existing rules in their new labor contract that prevent the U.S. No. 2 carrier from flying aircraft above a certain weight on regional routes, in a blow to Embraer SA (EMBR3.SA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd , whose latest models exceed that limit. The pilots' new labor contract will keep what is known as a "scope clause," which restricts planes heavier than 86,000 pounds and with more than 76 seats from being flown on regional routes, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. Voting results on the new contract are expected on Dec. 1. The clause effectively protects well-paid pilot jobs at major airlines, as it prevents the carrier from using bigger planes on outsourced regional routes, which generally pay less well and have inferior working conditions. When planemakers such as Brazil's Embraer and Japan's Mitsubishi designed their latest regional jets, with heavier but more fuel-efficient engines, they expected the scope clause to have loosened, but unions have managed to hold on to it. Delta's vote will follow similar decisions by unions at American Airlines Group Inc (AAL.O) and United Continental Holdings Inc (UAL.N) earlier this year and in 2015. Pilots' opposition to relaxing scope clauses is a problem for Embraers E175-E2 regional aircraft that is to be delivered in 2020, and Mitsubishis MRJ90 jet, slated for delivery in mid-2018, which both exceed the weight limit. UBS downgraded Embraer to a 'sell' rating this week after it resumed coverage, citing risks from the scope clause pushback at American, Delta and United. Analyst Darryl Genovesi said it was unlikely the carriers would fly the E2 on only mainline routes, due to higher costs. "This puts the viability of the E175-E2 at risk since most of the demand for it originates at those three airlines," Genovesi wrote in a note to clients. MORE EFFICIENT Regional carrier SkyWest Inc (SKYW.O), which operates flights for Delta, among others, is the launch customer for the E175-E2, with 100 firm orders. Story continues In a statement, Embraer said its existing E-175 dominates the 70-seat market where it holds 84 percent of market share and the Brazilian planemaker would continue to sell that jet past 2020 if scope clauses do not change. However, the statement said: "Embraer believes scope clauses will eventually be relaxed in the future as fuel prices increase and airlines look for more efficient products." A Mitsubishi spokesman was not available for comment, outside normal business hours in Japan. In September, the company said it is working with customers to address weight issues for the MRJ90, which is about 600 kilograms (1323 lbs) too heavy. U.S. pilot unions have taken an increasingly hard line on higher salary demands and are making fewer concessions to U.S. carriers. Their current stance against changing scope clauses could, however, be a boon for Embraer's Canadian rival Bombardier Inc (BBDb.TO), which sees it as an opportunity to boost sales of its CRJ-900, which fits current weight limits, one of the sources said. Mesa Air Group Inc [MESAR.UL] Chief Executive Jonathan Ornstein said he will not purchase new planes that do not comply with existing scope clauses as he does not believe the current limits will be changed in the near future. Instead, the Arizona-based regional carrier will buy more current generation E-175s, along with additional CRJ900s to replace 38 regional jets being phased out over the next four years. "I don't think there's any chance the pilots will change their weight requirements. Zero," Ornstein said. (Reporting By Allison Lampert; Editing by Bill Rigby) MOSCOW (Reuters) - Vano Mikoyan, one of the developers of the MiG fighter jets for the Soviet and then Russian air force, has died at the age of 89, aircraft maker MiG said on Friday. Mikoyan is best-known for engineering the MiG-29 jet fighter, a warplane that entered service in the 1980s as the Soviet counterpart to the U.S. F-15 and F-16 fighters. Known as Fulcrum in the West, the MiG-29 is still used by the Russian air force and has been exported to several other countries. Russian media said Mikoyan, who was born in 1927, died in Moscow. His father was Anastas Mikoyan, a comrade of the early Bolshevik leaders who later served as a Soviet statesman and key ally of Communist Party leader Nikita Khrushchev. Mikoyan started his carrier in 1953 at the state-run MiG company, which was co-founded by his uncle Artyom as the Mikoyan and Gurevich (MiG) Design Bureau. He went on to become its chief jet designer. The Soviet Union and Russia have produced more than 1,600 planes of the MiG-29 family, according to MiG Corporation. The MiG-29 last made news when one crashed into the Mediterranean Sea this month near Syria, where Russia launched a military operation in support of Bashar al-Assad more than a year ago. Mikoyan was given two Soviet state awards for developing the iconic jet fighters. (Reporting by Andrey Ostroukh; Editing by Alexander Winning and Tom Heneghan) Weve got questions, and youve (maybe) got answers! With another week of TV gone by, were lobbing queries left and right about shows including The Last Man on Earth, Timeless, This Is Us and NCIS! 1 | Isnt it funny how the buildings MacGyver inevitably gets trapped in not only have potentially volatile cleaning supplies handy, but bountiful, freshly stocked amounts of them? 2 | With Jason Sudeikis on hand for Kristen Wiigs Saturday Night Live hosting, how did we not get a Two A-Holes sketch? (And dont get us started on Wiigs absence from the Target commercial parody.) 3 | Even if The Walking Deads Saviors are too afraid of Negan to revolt against him, why on Earth havent the denizens of The Hilltop overthrown useless sleazebag Gregory? And how much better is Maggie doing than you would be if youd only recently watched your spouse get their head bashed in? 4 | Was AMAs cohost Gigi Hadids Melania Trump impression as offensive as some have decried, or simply random/unfunny? 5 | On NCIS: Los Angeles, what moved you more: Kensi and Deeks weaving of fingers, or Callen learning he had a half-sister/has a niece? 6 | The Last Man on Earths Lewis is totally gonna master the flight simulator, then eventually fly the others with him to Tokyo to find Mark and other possible survivors, right? And one of them is going to be an OBGYN capable of delivering Carol and Ericas babies? fullsizerender 7 | Would you have rather had Supergirl postpone the Alex/Maggie make-up scene, and instead give Karas sis those minutes to better process her fathers confirmed resurrection? 8 | Please tell us this new washing-machine ad means Eureka alum Colin Ferguson gets paid twice as much? VIDEOSSupergirl Sneak Peek: A Thanksgiving Crasher Spoils Alexs Coming Out Speech 9 | The moment that Lucifer opened his mouth to relate the first tale of the Lux locations storied past, did you guess that a historical landmark designation would save it from being bulldozed? Story continues 10 | Did Jane the Virgins meta jokes about product placement make all those shots of cereal any easier to, um, swallow? Cuter couple moment: Xo and Rogelios dance-off, or Jane and Michaels Bruno Mars karaoke duet? Finally, is it about time that Rafael got a proper love interest, not one who is potentially shady/full of secrets? 11 | As clever as Timeless Rufus is, wasnt he taking a small gamble by messaging a Star Wars reference to a Star Trek fan? RELATEDNBCs Timeless Casts Harry Houdini With Mr. Robots Michael Drayer Kevin Can Wait 12 | Kevin Can Wait viewer(s), did you notice that Mr. Chus restaurant only got a B grade from the Department of Health? Why would Kevin go into business with a man whose restaurant isnt clean enough to earn an A? And why would Donna choose to eat there? 13 | How long before CBS signs James Corden and Anna Kendrick to star in its first live musical, a la Hairspray Live? And is Corden, who has already hosted the Tonys and will soon preside over the Grammys, a shoo-in to host CBS broadcast of the 2017 Emmys? 14 | Shouldnt a longtime Team Flash member versus newbie H.R. have had the thought to employ a Captain Cold countermeasure against Killer Frost? 15 | If This Is Us English actress Olivia celebrated Thanksgiving, does that mean she grew up in America? And when the truth about Rebeccas secret finally came out, why did only the kids have to leave that super-uncomfortable dinner table? RELATEDRookie Blue Star Visits Chicago Fire 16 | Why would Chicago Fires Sylvie ever think it was OK to talk about Antonios touch with his sister, Gabby? 17 | NCIS fans, were you relieved, or admittedly a bit disappointed, that Bishop is dating neither Torres nor Reeves? 18 | On Rectify, which marital dissolution is more painful to watch: Ted Jr. and Tawney, or Ted Sr. and the increasingly disenfranchised Janet? 19 | As they marched on (and kept marching on) by, did it become obvious that Ollie and Stanley actually made a helluva lot more than 100 six-foot-tall wooden soldiers? Hit the comments with your answers and any other Qs you care to share! Launch Gallery: The Walking Dead: Top 20 Villains of All Time Related stories Fall TV Winners & Losers 2016: From This Is Us to This Is Just Sad Performer of the Week: Lauren Graham Dear This Is Us: Please Stop Hiding How Much Kate and Toby Weigh By Guillermo Parra-Bernal SAO PAULO, Nov 24 (Reuters) - A newly formed group of dissident bondholders in Oi SA has retained G5 Evercore to advise it in the Brazilian carrier's in-court reorganization, which has recently turned more protracted amid shareholder and bondholder rifts. In a statement distributed late on Thursday, the International Bondholder Committee said Sao Paulo-based G5 Evercore was being asked to find common ground with stakeholders of the debt-laden Brazilian carrier, which filed in June for the country's largest-ever bankruptcy. The International Bondholder Committee was formed on Nov. 11, when most members of a similar group led by Moelis & Co left to pursue a different strategy for Oi's reorganization. Reuters reported the same day that New York-based distressed debt fund Aurelius Capital Management LLC was behind the move. "We have already reached out to Oi management to engage in negotiations," said Corrado Varoli, G5 Evercore's chief executive officer, was quoted by the statement as saying. The G5 Evercore-led group, which has an undisclosed number of creditors holding $1.5 billion of the face amount of Oi bonds, has kept adding more members, the statement said. Most creditors in the group own bonds issued by Oi's two Netherlands-based finance subsidiaries - Portugal Telecom International Finance BV and Oi Brasil Holdings Cooperatif UA. Varoli, a former head of Goldman Sachs Group Inc in Brazil, will personally spearhead negotiations for the International Bondholder Committee, which will also count with law firms Dechert LLP and Rio de Janeiro-based Sergio Bermudes Advogados as legal advisers. People familiar with Oi's 65.4 billion real reorganization have said the addition of a second creditor group could add complexity to the carrier's bankruptcy protection case, which the Brazilian government already has made clear it wants to influence in a way that ensures the company's survival. Aside from inter-creditor issues, industry watchdog Anatel is closely monitoring the carrier, and has warned it could intervene the carrier if rifts between shareholders and creditors fail to cease. The Moelis-led creditor group is currently working with Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris to present an alternative reorganization plan for Oi. (Editing by Bill Trott) There might be more than one Duggar baby coming in 2017. Photos from Counting On familys Thanksgiving celebration has fans of the TLC series buzzing that Jill Dillard might be expecting baby No. 2. The Duggars released several candid photos from their family get-together Thursday night on Facebook, one of which showed Jill and her husband Derick Dillard sharing a sweet hug next to their son Israel. In the shot, Jills hair appears to be positioned to cover her abdomen, which caused a flurry among fans online. It looks like a tiny belly there how adorable, wrote one supporter. Looks like she hiding a baby bump, wrote another. She looks like a woman who has more of a baby sized bump then she did a couple of months ago, reasoned one viewer. The last Counting On viewers saw of Jill, she was acting as a bridesmaid in her sister Jinger Duggars wedding. Some Facebook fans now claim they suspected Jill was with child after the episode featuring the nuptials aired earlier this month. Looked like they were hiding it at the wedding with the bouquets and cameras angles, reads one comment. Shes been hiding a bump you could tell at Jingers wedding! wrote another fan. While some fans remain adamant that Jill is due to have another baby, others say the shot was likely just taken at a bad angle or that the mother of one was simply bloated after Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe its a FOOD baby, reasoned one individual. I mean, it is Thanksgiving. The Dillard family photo was taken over Thanksgiving. Jills mother, Michelle Duggar, revealed on the familys Facebook fan page that her brood of 19 celebrated the holiday together at a cabin in Arkansas Ozark Mountains. We laughed together, cooked together, sang together, told fun family stories, played with kids and bounced babies, she wrote. Its been a wonderful family time. If Jill and Derick, who have revealed theyre trying for a second child, do welcome another addition next year, they wont be the only ones. Jills sister Jessa Seewald is due to give birth to her and husband Ben Seewalds second child in February. Story continues Jill Dillard Photo: TLC Related Articles BERLIN (Reuters) - The European Commission should be relieved of its budget surveillance role as it is too political, European Central Bank policymaker Jens Weidmann told German business daily Handelsblatt. "I do not believe that a Commission which interprets its mandate as politically as the current one is best suited to ensure budget surveillance in Europe," Weidmann, who also heads Germany's Bundesbank, said in the interview published on Friday. "(German Finance Minister) Wolfgang Schaeuble and myself are both convinced that this task should best be shifted to an independent institution which is not subject to any obvious conflict of interests," he added. Weidmann said he did not think the ECB should be given the budget surveillance role. Schaeuble has previously suggested the European Stability Mechanism rescue fund could take it on. (Writing by Paul Carrel; Editing by Caroline Copley) Quito (AFP) - Colombia's ELN rebels said Friday that military operations in one of their strongholds were endangering the life of a hostage and the prospects for stalled peace talks. The warning came as President Juan Manuel Santos seeks to implement a peace deal signed Thursday with a larger rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and revive the aborted talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN). Planned talks with the ELN broke down last month before they could start after the rebels failed to release hostage ex-congressman Odin Sanchez. The guerrillas now accuse the army of putting Sanchez's life at risk by increasing operations in the jungle-covered department of Choco in northwestern Colombia, where he is being held. "The increase in violent confrontations is endangering the process of freeing Odin Sanchez, preventing us from presenting proof he is still alive and putting his life at risk," the ELN said on Twitter. They suggested that forces hostile to Santos within the army are seeking to "weaken the government and cause the ELN talks to fail." The government earlier Friday demanded proof from the rebels that Sanchez is still alive. Sanchez voluntarily went into ELN custody in April to take the place of his brother Patrocinio, who had fallen ill after three years in captivity. Rumors of his death have swirled in recent days. Santos won this year's Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end Colombia's half-century conflict, which has claimed 260,000 lives. But tough opposition from hardline critics of both the newly revised FARC deal and the proposed ELN talks has cast uncertainty on the peace process. Endemol Shine Nordicss COO Bertil Rosenlund and CCO Victoria Kjellberg will be stepping down from the company in 2017. During his 11-year tenure at the company, Rosenlund worked at general manager, COO and CFO. Kjellberg, meanwhile, joined the company in 2009 as head of legal for the Nordics group before becoming CCO. Endemol Shine Nordics is currently seeking to recruit externally to fill these positions. Both Rosenlund and Kjellberg will keep their responsibilities until the end of the year. There is much to thank both Bertil and Victoria for and they have been a great team. Bertil has served the Nordics Group of companies through many years and phases and been a huge support for the leadership teams across the companies during this time, said Marcus Wolter, Endemol Shine Group chairman of Northern Europe. As has Victoria, providing sage guidance for the teams in both legal and commercial capacities. When it comes to saying goodbye they will go with our very best wishes. Endemol Shine Nordics is a film and TV production group which boasts subsidiaries across Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway, notably Meter Television, Stockholm-Kopenhamn Produktion, Filmlance International, Metronome Productions in Denmark, Rubicon TV in Norway and Endemol Shine Finland. Related stories BBC Wants More Shows Starring 'The Great British Bake Off's' Mary Berry Tim Hincks, Peter Fincham Set Up Production Company Expectation Entertainment Endemol Shine Launches French Banner, Nicolas Coppermann to Preside Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the Syrian conflict with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin by phone Friday after the Turkish army accused Moscow ally Damascus of killing its soldiers in northern Syria. Erdogan informed Putin of the strike that killed four Turkish soldiers, presidential sources said, which the Turkish army assessed to have been by the forces of President Bashar al-Assad early on Thursday. It was the first time Turkey had blamed the Assad regime -- which is given military support by Russia -- for a deadly strike on its troops during Ankara's three month campaign inside Syria. Erdogan and Putin also agreed to accelerate their efforts to find a solution to the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo, where the regime continues its Moscow-backed offensive to recapture the whole city, which is divided between the government and rebels. During the phone call, Erdogan told Putin of how the Turkish-backed offensive in Syria was evidence of Ankara's determination to fight against terror, the sources added. - 'Violation of sovereignty' - The president stressed Turkey's commitment to Syria's territorial integrity -- Russia had previously said it was "deeply concerned" by Turkey's incursion while Damascus has called it a "blatant violation of sovereignty". The presidents also backed the process to normalise relations between Russia and Turkey after the crisis sparked by the shooting down by Turkish forces of a Russian jet over Syria last year. The army said on Friday that a fifth Turkish soldier was killed in northern Syria in clashes with Islamic State (IS) jihadists. Seventeen Turkish soldiers have been killed since the military began an unprecedented operation in Syria on August 24 to back pro-Ankara rebels. Turkish planes also carried out air strikes against seven IS targets in northern Syria, the army said in a statement on Friday carried by the state-run Anadolu news agency. Story continues Turkey launched the operation in August -- dubbed "Euphrates Shield" -- in support of Syrian rebel fighters seeking to retake IS-held territory in northern Syria and also to halt the advance of Kurdish militia. Since it began, the pro-Ankara rebels have captured the IS stronghold of Jarabulus, cleared IS from Al Rai and retaken the symbolically important town of Dabiq without much resistance. They are now pressing to take Al Bab from the jihadists and will then move to Manbij to ensure there are no Kurdish militia members remaining, as agreed with Washington. The battle to recapture Al Bab appears to be proving more difficult and violent as Dogan news agency reported on Friday evening that five more soldiers were injured after an IS attack. They have been taken to the southeastern city of Kilis for medical treatment, Dogan said, adding that the total number of soldiers wounded in the day's action was seven. Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday warned the European Union he would sign a law bringing back the death penalty if it was approved by parliament. "Democracy, it's respecting the people's will," Erdogan said in a speech in Istanbul. "If the people say 'we want the death penalty'... and this goes to parliament and parliament passes it and it comes to me, I declare I will approve this," he added. Erdogan was speaking hours after he had rattled Europe by threatening to open Turkey's borders to allow migrants to reach the EU, in a move that would tear up a landmark deal signed in March that has reduced the refugee flow. He made his remarks in response to the cheering crowds' chants of "we want the death penalty", an oft-repeated call during his rallies since the July 15 failed coup. "When you want the death penalty, the gentlemen are uncomfortable," he said, apparently referring to EU officials. Erdogan said that if he signed the death penalty back into law, it would likely be blocked by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), but this did not concern him. "I say, it doesn't bother me. Because the European Court of Human Rights gives a lot of decisions, we know it very well... this people's will, yes this is a will that must be respected by everyone." EU officials have repeatedly made clear that bringing back the death penalty would end Turkey's bid for membership, which sets abolishing capital punishment as a condition. Turkey completely abolished the death penalty in 2004 as part of its accession process. The move meant the 1999 death sentence for Kurdish separatist leader Abdullah Ocalan was commuted to life behind bars. No judicial executions have taken place in the country since left-wing militant Hidir Aslan was hanged on October 25, 1984 in the wake of the 1980 military coup. Istanbul (AFP) - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened Friday to walk away from a deal that has substantially reduced the flow of migrants to the European Union and also effectively end Ankara's membership bid by bringing back capital punishment. Erdogan's warning he could open Turkey's borders to illegal migrants bound for Europe prompted an immediate objection from Germany that such "threats" were unhelpful. Greece, which would face a heightened influx of migrants if Turkey made good its threat, also expressed "concern" at what it said would be "an act of aggression." The Turkish leader's comments came a day after the European Parliament angered Ankara by backing a freeze of its EU accession talks, already hit by alarm over its crackdown in the wake of a failed coup in July. "Listen to me. If you go any further, then the frontiers will be opened, bear that in mind," Erdogan told the EU during a speech in Istanbul. At a later meeting, Erdogan reaffirmed he would sign a law bringing back the death penalty if it is approved by parliament. "If the people say 'we want the death penalty'... and this goes to parliament and parliament passes it and it comes to me, I declare I will approve this," he added. EU officials have repeatedly made clear that bringing back the death penalty would instantly end Turkey's bid for membership as abolishing capital punishment is a key precondition. - 'Promises unfulfilled' - On March 18, Ankara and Brussels forged a deal for Turkey to halt the flow of migrants to Europe -- an accord that has largely been successful in reducing numbers crossing the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), just over 171,000 have crossed to Greece so far this year, much lower than the comparable figure for 2015 of almost 740,000. Hundreds of migrants drowned while trying to cross the Aegean in 2015 on unseaworthy boats, including three-year-old Syrian Aylan Kurdi. The images of his lifeless body washed up on a Turkish beach spurred the international community into action. Story continues Turkey agreed to step up maritime and land border controls in exchange for incentives on its long-stalled membership bid, including visa-free travel for its citizens and an acceleration of the accession talks. However with an October target passing, no apparent progress on the visa issue and the accession talks stalled, Ankara has accused Brussels of failing to keep its side of the bargain. In response to Erdogan's remarks, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer said the deal was in the interest "of all parties" and that "threats on either side are not helpful". Greece's Deputy Defence Minister Dimitris Vitsas said that "using refugees and migrants to achieve other objectives (than those related to managing the influx) is an act of aggression". EU Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said it would not get involved in "statements about hypothetical scenarios" and was still committed to implementing the agreement. Erdogan has also accused Brussels of failing to fulfil a promise to deliver some six billion euros ($6.3 billion) in aid for refugees. The EU says the money is to be transferred gradually for individual projects and not in a single payment. Erdogan said while Turkey itself was looking after three million refugees -- including 2.7 million Syrians who escaped the civil war but also Iraqis -- "you (the EU) did not fulfil your promises". - 'Not a reality' - The European Parliament vote to freeze the accession talks reflected spiralling tensions with Ankara after Brussels repeatedly expressed alarm over the magnitude of Turkey's crackdown after the coup attempts as well as the threats to bring back capital punishment. The parliamentary vote is non-binding and earlier this month, all EU foreign ministers -- with the exception of Austria -- said they favoured continuing the accession talks. But analysts say the entire membership process is in deep trouble, with little hope of progress and several risk factors that could lead to its collapse. "Realistically, moving forward is also nearly impossible... Both Brussels and Ankara remain stuck and are playing for time," Asli Aydintasbas of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) said in a research paper. She suggested an alternative form of engagement between Turkey and the EU, other than full membership, could be agreed to save face and move forward. Austria's Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz, a hardliner on Turkey, said Europe should strengthen its own borders after Erdogan's comments and "must not give into blackmail". By Tulay Karadeniz and Nick Tattersall ANKARA/ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan threatened on Friday to unleash a new wave of migrants on Europe after lawmakers there voted for a temporary halt to Turkey's EU membership negotiations, but behind the fighting talk, neither side wants a collapse in ties. Europe's deteriorating relations with Turkey, a buffer against the conflicts in Syria and Iraq, are endangering a deal which has helped to significantly reduce a migrant influx which saw more than 1.3 million people arrive in Europe last year. "You clamored when 50,000 refugees came to Kapikule, and started wondering what would happen if the border gates were opened," Erdogan said in a speech in Istanbul, referring to a Bulgarian border checkpoint where migrants massed last year. "If you go any further, these border gates will be opened. Neither I nor my people will be affected by these empty threats," he told a women's conference, dismissing Thursday's vote in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. "Don't forget, the West needs Turkey." The agreement struck in March with Ankara, under which it helps control migration in return for the promise of accelerated EU membership talks and aid, has reduced the influx via Turkey to a trickle. But its neighbors are still struggling to cope. Clashes broke out at a migrant camp on the Greek island of Lesbos after a fire killed a woman and a 6-year old child late on Thursday, while Bulgaria said it would extradite hundreds of asylum seekers to their native Afghanistan next month after they clashed with riot police. The vote by the European Parliament in favor of freezing Turkey's EU accession talks was non-binding and Germany, France and most other EU states back continued engagement, despite their concerns about Turkey's human rights record. European leaders fear putting at risk Erdogan's cooperation on migration at a time when far-right and anti-immigrant parties have seen their popularity rise, particularly with elections next year in France, Germany and Holland. Sensing Europe's weakness, Erdogan has repeatedly threatened in recent days that Turkey could "cut its own umbilical cord" and sever ties with the EU, playing migration as his trump card. But Turkey also needs Europe. The EU is Turkey's largest trading partner and its 11-year membership negotiations, though long stalled, served in their early years as an important anchor for pro-market reforms and investor confidence. "Cutting off membership talks would harm both sides. We are aware of this," said Yasin Aktay, a spokesman for the ruling AK Party, which was founded by Erdogan. "We support the continuing of relations, we know this will benefit us and them. But if there is a negative step from the other side, we will not be held responsible for the consequences," he said. POPULIST RHETORIC Erdogan is riding a wave of nationalist sentiment after a failed military coup in July, and his emotional criticism of Europe plays well to a domestic audience angered by what it saw as lackluster Western support for Turkey after the attempt. The European Parliament voted for freezing talks because of what it saw as Turkey's "disproportionate" reaction to the coup. More than 125,000 people accused of links to the plotters, from soldiers and judges to journalists and doctors, have been dismissed or detained over the past four months. "There are millions of migrant babies across the world ... but no step is being taken. What step is being taken? Debating whether or not Turkey should be in the EU," Erdogan said. "We are the ones who feed 3 million refugees. You have not even kept your promises." Turkey is home to the world's largest refugee population, housing some 2.7 million Syrians and 300,000 Iraqis. Erdogan has repeatedly said that promised European aid has been too slow to arrive, a charge rejected by Brussels. He has said Turkey could hold a referendum on whether or not to continue its EU membership bid, and even floated the idea of becoming a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a security bloc dominated by China and Russia. "This is extremely populist rhetoric," said Sinan Ulgen, a former Turkish diplomat and analyst at Carnegie Europe. The Shanghai grouping was formed with security, not trade, at its core and can be no substitute for the EU, he said. "There is no diplomatic preparation to form an alternative relationship with the EU other than full membership at the moment," he said, adding that there was a high chance of a diplomatic crisis over the migration deal by year-end. "It is difficult for the migration agreement to continue under these circumstances," he said. KEEP TALKING Under the March deal, Turkey agreed to take back illegal migrants leaving its shores for Greece in return, among other things, for visa-free travel for Turks in Europe. Such visa liberalization looks unlikely to be granted any time soon. Several EU members nonetheless made clear on Friday they were against freezing Turkey's negotiations to join the bloc. "It is important that we keep talking," German Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Sawsan Chebli told a news conference. Croatian Foreign Minister Davor Ivo Stier said it was not in the interests of the EU, Croatia, or Slovenia, where he was on an official visit, to suspend talks with Turkey and that "we need a balanced standpoint toward Ankara". Before the Balkan migration route was closed in March hundreds of thousands of migrants passed through Croatia and Slovenia toward wealthier western Europe. Both want to keep their borders closed for illegal migrants. But France criticized Erdogan for threatening Europe. "We believe one-upmanship and controversies are counterproductive," French foreign affairs ministry spokesman Alexandre Giorgini said at a news briefing. (Additional reporting by Ercan Gurses and Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara, Daren Butler in Istanbul, Angeliki Koutantou and Renee Maltezou in Athens, Dimitar Kyosemarliev in Harmanli, Paul Carrel in Berlin, Marja Novak in Paris, Writing by Nick Tattersall, Editing by Angus MacSwan) By Gilbert Reilhac STRASBOURG (Reuters) - European Union lawmakers called on Thursday for a temporary halt to EU membership talks with Turkey because of Ankara's "disproportionate" reaction to July's failed coup, although EU governments are unlikely to take heed. Members of the European Parliament voted 479 to 37 in favour of a non-binding motion urging the European Commission and national governments to institute what lawmakers acknowledge would be a largely symbolic freeze in negotiations that have been going on for 11 years but have long been stalled. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim dismissed the vote as having no importance, an echo of comments this week by President Tayyip Erdogan, but he also warned Europe that cutting ties with Turkey would mean a "flood" of migrants to the bloc. "We are one of the factors protecting Europe. If refugees go through, they will flood into Europe and take it over, and Turkey prevents this," Yildirim said in an interview with state broadcaster TRT Haber. "I accept that cutting off ties with Europe would harm Turkey, but it would damage Europe five-to-six times more." Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said the vote would do nothing to encourage reforms, describing it on Twitter as populist and short-sighted. Neither side expects Turkey to be in a position to join the EU for many years to come. More than 125,000 people - including soldiers, academics, judges, journalists and Kurdish leaders - have been detained or dismissed over their alleged backing for the July 15 coup attempt, in what opponents, rights groups and some Western allies say is an attempt to crush all dissent. "The European Parliament ... strongly condemns the disproportionate repressive measures taken in Turkey since the failed military coup attempt in July," the parliament motion read, although it added that it remained committed to keeping Turkey "anchored" to the EU. Austria has led calls to stop Turkey's membership talks. Germany, France and most other EU states for now back continued engagement and fear putting at risk Erdogan's collaboration on migration. The EU executive's top diplomat, Federica Mogherini, has said an end to the accession process would result in a lose-lose situation. EU leaders are due to discuss Turkey again when they meet in Brussels at a regular summit on Dec. 15-16. Erdogan accuses the EU of failing to understand the gravity of threats to Turkey. He said the bloc would have to "live with the consequences" if it stopped the talks and that Ankara could instead join an security alliance run by Russia and China. Turkey still hopes to win visa-free travel for its citizens to the EU, part of an EU promise in exchange for its help in keeping migrants away from Europe, although the chances of it winning that right by the end of this year seem distant. As part of the same deal with the EU in March, Brussels agreed to reinvigorate accession talks. (Reporting By Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels, Tuvan Gumrukcu and Gulsen Solaker in Ankara; Editing by Jeremy Gaunt and Robin Pomeroy) (ADVISORY- Follow European and UK stock markets in real time on the Reuters Live Markets blog on Eikon - see cpurl://apps.cp./cms/?pageId=livemarkets) (Adds closing prices, details) * STOXX Europe 600 index up 0.2 percent * Actelion hits record after J&J takeover approach * Monte dei Paschi slumps on cash call concerns * Commodities shares come under pressure By Danilo Masoni and Atul Prakash MILAN/LONDON, Nov 25 (Reuters) - European shares rose slightly on Friday, nearing their highest level in over two weeks, as the market was supported by a rally in drugmakers on hopes of tie-up activity in the sector. Actelion surged 16.8 percent to a record high after the Swiss biotechnology firm confirmed a report of a takeover approach from Johnson & Johnson, which also said discussions were under way. Actelion, which has been seen as a potential takeover target for years, said there was no certainty a deal would be reached, while analysts also expressed some scepticism about the willingness of its founder and CEO Jean-Paul Clozel to sell. "We continue to believe that management ... remains committed to Actelion as an independent company," Barclays said, while Exane said a successful buyer would need to pay more than 200 CHF per share, a price above Friday's close. Actelion's jump helped the STOXX Europe 600 Healthcare index to advance 1.4 percent, the top sector gainer in Europe as traders bet there could be further M&A in the sector. The pan-European STOXX 600 index ended up 0.2 percent. It gained 1 percent this week after rising in the previous two weeks. The index is up 2.3 percent since Donald Trump's surprise victory in the U.S. presidential election. Philippe Gijsels, head of research at BNP Paribas Fortis, said the market could pull back. "After rallying strongly in the past weeks, European equities have become vulnerable to some profit-taking. The largest risk for the stock markets is Trump not delivering on his lofty promises," he said. Story continues Gains in the broader market were capped by weaker commodities stocks. The European oil and gas index fell 0.6 percent, as oil prices were dragged down by uncertainty over whether the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will reach an output deal. Miners fell 0.9 percent on a drop in major industrial metals, with Anglo American and Glencore both declining more than 1.5 percent. Elsewhere, Daily Mail and General Trust slumped 4.3 percent after Barclays lowered its rating on the stock to "underweight" from "equal weight" and cut its target price to 705 pence from 715 pence. Italian bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena fell 13 percent on doubts it would find buyers for a 5 billion-euro share sale that is expected to be launched just after a referendum on Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's constitutional reform plan. (Editing by Andrew Roche) By Venus Wu and Anne Marie Roantree HONG KONG (Reuters) - A growing independence campaign in Hong Kong is a terrible mistake that undermines the Chinese-ruled city's push for democracy and serves merely to provoke Beijing, Chris Patten, the last governor of the former British colony, said on Friday. Speaking after a speech to a packed Foreign Correspondents' Club, Patten said that while democratic development in Hong Kong had been disappointingly slow, independence was not the answer. "There is no stronger supporter of democracy in Hong Kong than me, but to confuse that campaign with a campaign for independence is a terrible mistake," Patten, who governed from 1992 to 1997 and was in tears at the handover ceremony, told Reuters. "It reduces support for democracy, it undermines the moral high ground which I think was achieved by students in 2014. It provokes not just officials of the Chinese Communist Party but it provokes the people of mainland China." China took back control of Hong Kong in 1997 through a "one country, two systems" formula that allows wide-ranging freedoms, a separate legal system and specifies universal suffrage as an eventual goal. Beijing's refusal to grant full democracy saw tens of thousands of students take to the streets in late 2014, protests that presented the central government with one of its greatest challenges in decades. Patten supported the students' demands. Communist Party leaders in Beijing fear calls for democracy spreading to other cities. Britain itself made no mention of democracy for Hong Kong until the dying days of more than 150 years of colonial rule. Patten's comments on independence come after the issue grabbed international attention this month when Beijing intervened to effectively bar two pro-independence Hong Kong legislators from being sworn into office. The move came after Yau Wai-ching, 25, and Baggio Leung, 30, pledged allegiance to the "Hong Kong nation" and displayed a banner declaring "Hong Kong is not China" during a swearing-in ceremony for the Legislative Council in October. Referring to Hong Kong's much-vaunted rule of law, Patten said he was "fairly" confident in it, although he acknowledged there had been some issues and people in the city were anxious. "There is nervousness that something which has been so fundamental to Hong Kong's success as a city and as an economy may be tampered with. I don't think that will happen. But it's a concern. People are nervous that it may happen," he said. Patten voiced concern over the case of five booksellers who went missing in late 2015, amid fears two were abducted - one from Hong Kong and one from Thailand - by Chinese agents. Four of the booksellers, who sold gossipy books about Chinese leaders, returned to Hong Kong and one, a Swedish national, remains in detention in mainland China. The former Conservative Party chairman said he recently met an official who has dealt with Hong Kong for years and who relayed things about the rule of law which Patten thought were "worryingly aggressive". "I hope that doesn't signal any further efforts to undermine the independence of the judiciary or to undermine the rule of law," Patten said. Political reform has been a constant source of friction between Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement and the mainland since the city returned to Chinese rule. Speaking earlier at the sold-out event at the FCC titled "A World After Trump and Brexit", which was also attended by former colonial chief secretary Anson Chan, Patten laid out his fears for the future. "I hope Mr Trump the president proves different to Mr Trump the candidate," he said, referring to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. "Or else we're in trouble." (Additional reporting by Tara Joseph; Editing by Nick Macfie) By Tim Kelly and Nobuhiro Kubo TOKYO (Reuters) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) <7011.T> has designed a new suspension for the U.S. Army's Bradley Fighting Vehicle, said two sources with direct knowledge of the matter, potentially the first Japanese defense hardware built for export in decades. The design is for an upgrade of the mainstay infantry carrier proposed by Britain's BAE Systems . If adopted, it would be the first Japanese component designed specifically for a foreign military to be exported in seven decades. MHI and other Japanese defense companies are seeking overseas sales after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe lifted a ban on arms exports two-and-a-half years ago. However, no significant export deals have been secured yet. "It could be a pretty good deal for Mitsubishi Heavy," said one of the sources who know about the partnership with BAE, asking not to be identified because he is not authorized to talk to the media. The U.S. Army currently has around 6,000 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and has asked BAE and rival General Dynamics Corp to submit proposals for new or upgraded vehicles to improve mobility, fire power and survivability. The sources did not say how much the Japanese suspension will cost. Twelve of the suspension components would be needed for the twelve road or "bogie" wheels per vehicle to cushion its tracks. BAE displayed a prototype upgraded Bradley for the first time at the Association of the United States Army exposition in Washington in October, where it also displayed a mock up of MHI's suspension. It was simply displayed alongside the vehicle and at this time remains an early prototype, not a part of the vehicle, said a spokesman for BAE Systems. MHI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. MHI, the maker of Japan's main battle tank, will gain new overseas avenues for its armored vehicle technology through the partnership with BAE. Since the end of World War Two, it has developed kit exclusively for the nation's Self Defense Forces. However, that limited market for battle tanks and armored vehicles has shrunk over the past several years as Japan pivots to reinforcing islands along the southern edge of the East China Sea instead of preparing for an invasion by Russian forces on Japan's northern Hokkaido island. MHI, the maker of the World War Two-era Zero fighter, has been making armored vehicles for Japan's military for eight decades. In April, MHI missed out on a chance to land a major foreign military contract after Australia rejected a variant of its Soryu submarine in favor of a French design for a planned new fleet of submarines. However, foreign companies have shown interest in MHI's gear technology and water jet propulsion systems to drive armored amphibious vehicles, industry sources earlier told Reuters. (Reporting by Tim Kelly and Nobuhiro Kubo; Editing by Christian Schmollinger) Paris (AFP) - Barely a month after its expensive test lander crashed into Mars, the European Space Agency asked member nations Friday to cough up an extra 400 million euros ($425 million) to complete the ExoMars exploration of the Red Planet. The two-part mission saw a spacecraft successfully placed into orbit in mid-October, but a companion lander designed to pave the way for a mobile-lab rover in 2020 smashed into the planet's surface. The aim of ExoMars is to seek evidence of life, past or present. To complete the job, the ESA needs "a bit over 400 million euros for the project, which includes all the technical work needed to take the vehicle up to the launch phase," David Parker, ESA's Director of Human Spaceflight and Robotic Exploration, told journalists by phone. Ministers from the 23 countries that underwrite Europe's space programme, including Canada, will decide whether to cover the cost overrun when they meet next Thursday and Friday in Lucerne, Switzerland. ESA president Jan Woerner warned earlier this month that the troubled ExoMars effort -- previously budgeted at 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) -- would need "several hundred millions" of euros more to complete the job. Funding concerns have already delayed the rover's launch by two years. After trawling through a mountain of data, the ESA said Thursday that the Schiaparelli lander failed when a computer measuring its rotation malfunctioned, knocking subsequent calculations off track. A parachute, a protective heat shield and braking thrusters all deployed far too soon as a result, causing the lander to fly into Mars at 540 kilometres (335 miles) per hour instead of gently gliding to a stop. "You learn as much from things going wrong as you do from things going well in an experiment," Parker said. "So we have to learn from that and move on to 2020." Almost all other aspects of the complex mission last month went as planned, he noted. The objective remains scientifically compelling, he added, "because there is no other mission that has planned to go below the surface of Mars," where life -- if there is any -- is most likely to be found. Oil giant ExxonMobil Corporation XOM recently announced that it has commenced drilling operations on the Mesurado-1 exploration well, offshore Liberia. Originally, the drilling operations were scheduled for 2014. However, the Ebola outbreak compelled the international oil & gas exploration and development company to defer its drilling plans. Now that the disease has been contained, ExxonMobil declared its intention to continue with its drilling plans off Liberia in October this year. Per Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited (COPL), ExxonMobil is employing SeaDrill Limiteds SDRL 2014-built drillship West Saturn to drill the exploration well. The well is the first one to be operated by ExxonMobil offshore Liberia and targets oil in Late Cretacous sands. Located about 50 miles offshore Liberia on Block LB-13, the well lies in about 2500 meters of water. The well will also provide calibration for seismic response, which can be used to appraise other leads on the block. ExxonMobil farmed into LB-13 in 2013 and acquired 80% stake of COPL. Later, the shareholding was increased to 83%. The remaining 17% is held by COPLs fully owned subsidiary, Canadian Overseas Petroleum (Bermuda) Limited. ExxonMobil is the worlds best run integrated oil company based on its track record of high return on capital employed. ExxonMobils strength lies in its balanced operations, strong financial flexibility, continuous efficiency and cost control. The companys efforts to build an unconventional resource portfolio both in North America and overseas reflect its aim to increase production through higher exposure to large energy resources with long reserve life and low field declines. Despite the collapse in natural gas prices, ExxonMobil expects unconventional gas to play a dominant role in future supplies owing to the rapid decline in conventional production. The company possesses more than 8 million unconventional acres in North America. Story continues EXXON MOBIL CRP Price EXXON MOBIL CRP Price | EXXON MOBIL CRP Quote ExxonMobil currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked players in the same sector include SunCoke Energy Inc. SXC and Suncor Energy, Inc. SU. Both these stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. SunCoke Energy posted a positive earnings surprise of 177.78% in the last reported quarter. It delivered a positive earnings surprise in three of the four preceding quarters. Suncor Energy posted a positive earnings surprise of 300.00% in the preceding quarter. It reported an average earnings surprise of 40.55% for the four preceding quarters. Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> 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 SUNCOR ENERGY (SU): Free Stock Analysis Report EXXON MOBIL CRP (XOM): Free Stock Analysis Report SEADRILL LTD (SDRL): Free Stock Analysis Report SUNCOKE ENERGY (SXC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Bogota (AFP) - Colombia's FARC rebels called Friday for proponents of a controversial peace deal to support a single presidential candidate for elections in 2018, as the guerrillas prepare to turn to politics. Speaking a day after signing a revised peace accord that has left the country deeply divided, FARC chief Rodrigo "Timochenko" Londono sought to strike an alliance to protect the deal from its opponents. The proposed coalition would bring together what would once have been unlikely bedfellows: the FARC with President Juan Manuel Santos and his allies. Timochenko wants them to team up against opponents, led by ex-president Alvaro Uribe, who oppose the deal as too soft on the FARC. "We have begun calling for a candidacy that gathers together all the aspirations of those who want peace and guarantees the continuity of these accords," Timochenko told a press conference. "The forces that oppose peace are already campaigning for the elections... so why don't we who want peace start talking now?" he said. He did not name names, but one person floated as a possible candidate to succeed Santos is the government's chief negotiator in the two-year peace talks, Humberto de la Calle. Colombia's future is hanging in the balance as Santos approaches the end of his second and final term in 2018. Santos won this year's Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating a historic accord with the FARC, seeking to end a half-century conflict that has claimed 260,000 lives. But after Uribe campaigned against the deal as granting impunity to war criminals, voters narrowly rejected it in a referendum last month. The government and FARC have now signed a revised deal, which they plan to ratify in Congress -- bypassing a second referendum. But Uribe and his Democratic Center party have vowed to fight it, setting up a heated battle that will likely spill over into the mid-2018 vote. Launched in 1964, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a Marxist guerrilla group, is preparing to disarm and start anew as a political party. Uribe and his allies argue any peace deal should force former rebels to do jail time for their crimes and bar them from holding office until their sentences are up. MILAN/KRAKOW, Poland, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will produce two new gasoline engines at its plant in Bielsko-Biala, southern Poland in an investment it said was confirmation of its commitment to developing its operations in the country. Polish Deputy Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki told the PAP news agency that FCA could invest up to 250 million euros ($265 million) in the project and create several hundred new jobs. FCA declined to comment on the number of jobs and gave no figures for the investment in the FCA Powertrain plant, where it will start making the 3-cylinder 1 litre engine and a 4-cylinder 1.3 litre one in 2018. "These small but powerful units are characterized by the highest torque in their respective segments, low fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions," FCA said, adding they would comply with existing and future EU emissions standards. The plant currently makes the 1.3 Multijet turbo diesel engine and the 2-cylinder gasoline engine TwinAir. While politicians and unions welcomed the investment, questions remain whether the world's seventh-largest carmaker will also add new models to its Tychy-based vehicle plant, which produces the popular Fiat 500 hatchback and the Lancia Ypsilon model, but has been running below capacity for years. The facility used to be FCA's best performing plant in Europe, but was sidelined when it moved production of the Panda to Italy in 2011 to appease politicians eager to protect jobs. The move led to hundreds of Tychy workers being laid off and the plant now makes around 260,000 vehicles a year, less than half its peak in 2009. FCA Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne has repeatedly said the Polish plant was a "safe asset", although he is giving priority to boosting output at underutilised plants in Italy. ($1 = 0.9418 euros) (Reporting by Agnieszka Flak and Wojciech Zurawski; Editing by Alexander Smith) By Alisa Tang BANGKOK (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Leading Thai human rights defenders said there was a growing sense of fear in the country amid judicial and official harassment of activists in an effort to silence criticism. The police, military and companies working in the food and mining sectors have increasingly turned to Thai laws - including criminal defamation and the Computer Crimes Act - to muzzle activists working on land and labor rights and the environment. Activists say such lawsuits - including a suspended jail sentence handed to British labor rights activist Andy Hall for defaming a pineapple wholesaler in a report alleging labor abuses at the firm - have a chilling effect. "It's like killing a chicken in front of a monkey - people are scared," said Pornpen Khongkachonkiet, chair of Amnesty International's Thailand board and director of the local Cross Cultural Foundation, invoking a Thai proverb. Pornpen, one of three activists charged under the defamation law and Computer Crimes Act for reporting on alleged torture in Thailand's conflict-plagued deep south, said parties who feel wronged spend one day filing a police complaint - triggering a chain reaction of events in the justice system. "The police send a summons. If we don't go, they send another summons. And then they issue an arrest warrant," she said at a briefing for foreign diplomats and journalists organized by the Canadian embassy in Bangkok on Friday. "They don't do this to other criminals... If they did this for criminals, then we'd have a safer society." The Internal Security Operations Command, a military unit focused on national security, accused them of defamation for their reporting on cases of alleged torture in the south. Charged alongside Pornpen, Anchana Heemmina said police had visited her family earlier this year when she was not home and told her mother to stop Anchana from posting on Facebook. "When my mother told me, I was so angry, I posted it on Facebook right away," said Anchana, founder of the Duay Jai Group, which supports those imprisoned for crimes related to the insurgency in the south as well as their families. Asked about criticism that Thai laws were used to silence human rights defenders, government spokesman Major General Weerachon Sukondhapatipak said the military government, which took power in a 2014 coup, was acting within the law. "Every country has laws. What this government is doing is based on the law. We are in the position to enforce the law... I can only point out that this government's actions are based on our law," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone. (Reporting by Alisa Tang @alisatang, editing by Ros Russell. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, womens rights, corruption and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org to see more stories) MUMBAI (Reuters) - A massive fire broke out in a furniture market in Mumbai's western suburb on Friday afternoon, but there has been no reports of casualties so far, the fire department said. Sixteen fire engines and 12 water tankers were rushed to the spot, a Mumbai Fire Brigade Control Room official said. There was no clarity on how long it would take douse the fire, The furniture market is in the Gulshan Nagar area of Oshiwara, a suburb in Western Mumbai. (Reporting by Swati Bhat; Editing by Rafael nam) Firefighting planes dropped fire retardant across Haifa as wildfires continued to scorch the third largest Israeli city on Thursday, November 24. Thousands of homes and two prisons were evacuated, while more than 130 people were injured, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz. The fires, which had burned for three days, also threatened areas of Jerusalem and the West Bank after a two-month drought. Firefighting plane Supertanker will arrive in Israel on Friday to help stop the spreading of the fires. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said politically motivated arson was suspected and the cases would be treated as acts of terrorism, Reuters reported. Credit: YouTube/Eduard Abasov via Storyful Jacob Zuma Fitch just revised South Africa's outlook to negative from stable. The ratings agency also affirmed the country's long-term foreign and local currency issuer default ratings at BBB-. In the accompanying statement, Fitch noted that the negative revision reflects various factors, including political in-fighting and depressed business confidence despite some economic recovery. "Political risks to standards of governance and policy-making have increased and will remain high at least until the electoral conference of the African National Congress (ANC) in December 2017, negatively affecting macroeconomic performance," the agency wrote. "The in-fighting within the ANC and the government is likely to continue over the next year. In Fitch's view, this will distract policymakers and lead to mixed messages that will continue to undermine the investment climate, thereby constraining GDP growth," it added. On Friday Reuters reported that South Africa's president, Jacob Zuma, will be questioned by the African National Congress' (ANC) integrity commission next week in light of continued allegations of corruption. Senior members of the ANC have called for Zuma to resign over the past few months, and his appearance before the panel could further exacerbate divides within the party. The rand is down by 0.3% to 14.1824 per dollar as of 10:09 a.m. ET. Screen Shot 2016 11 25 at 10.09.13 AM NOW WATCH: Watch the trailer for the new Martin Scorsese film that took over 20 years to make More From Business Insider By Mfuneko Toyana JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Ratings agency Fitch affirmed South Africa's investment-grade credit rating at one notch above 'junk' on Friday but changed its outlook to negative from stable, warning that political risks could hurt growth. With the economy expected to grow by only half a percent this year, South Africa has been racing to avert a downgrade of its sovereign debt to sub-investment status, which would raise its borrowing costs and deter investment. Africa's most industrialised country needs to borrow about 165 billion rand ($12 billion) this fiscal year to help plug its budget deficit, and the Treasury warned this month that its borrowing costs could double or triple if it falls into sub-investment grade. Fitch said that, although business confidence was depressed and investment was contracting, South Africa's economy may have started to recover. But it said in-fighting in the ruling African National Congress (ANC) was likely to continue at least until the party's electoral conference in December 2017. "In Fitch's view, this will distract policymakers and lead to mixed messages that will continue to undermine the investment climate, thereby constraining GDP growth." Moody's, which has South Africa two notches above sub-investment grade, is due to announce an update later on Friday. S&P Global Rating, which rates South African debt on the lowest investment level, with a negative outlook, will publish its decision on Friday nest week. S&P's on Friday cut state-owned power utility Eskom's credit rating a further notch into subinvestment. Peter Attard Montalto, a London-based Africa analyst at Nomura, said this raised concerns that the country's sovereign rating would also be dragged into junk status "given the interdependence of parastatal ratings with the sovereign." "POLITICAL NOISE" Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan told Talk Radio 702 the country would have to limit "political noises" and focus on expanding the economy to avoid being downgraded to junk. Fitch's announcement puts the spotlight on President Jacob Zuma, who has been mired in political scandals this year, most recently after an anti-graft watchdog alleged influence-peddling in his government. Zuma has denied any wrongdoing. The president's office said Zuma would challenge the watchdog's report in court. Financial markets have also been rattled by accusations of political interference, notably when the state prosecutor brought fraud charges against Gordhan, then reversed the decision after an outcry. Gordhan said he saw no reason for Moody's to downgrade South Africa), adding: "We still have a formidable base." The finance spokesman of the main opposition Democratic Alliance party said Fitch's decision was "evidence that the politics is killing the economics in South Africa". The rand weakened by 0.4 percent in response to Fitch's announcement. ($1 = 14.1584 rand) (Writing by James Macharia) We all know we should be eating five portions of fruit and veg a day but which foods fall into that category? [Photo: Getty] If you valiantly try to scoff down five portions of fruit and vegetables a day as recommended by government health officials, take heart youre adding years to your life. New research has found that eating your five a day increases life expectancy by around three years and even managing just three a day can give you an 18 month advantage over those who didnt eat fruit and veg every day. The researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden said their findings backed up the World Health Organisations recommendations that we should all eat at least 400g of fruit and veg a day. But, as we all know, its not always that easy. Five portions is actually quite a lot and many nutritionists actually suggest we aim for more like eight portions, with five of those being vegetables. It can also be hard to tell what counts as a full portion and which vegetables count? Five a day: The facts You can work out what a single portion of fruit is by eye. You need about a handful of small fruits to add up to one serving. For example, two kiwis, two satsumas or two plums and for even smaller fruits such as berries and cherries, a portion is more like seven or eight. For larger fruits such as mangoes and melons, half of the full fruit counts as a portion. A portion of veg is around the size of your palm for uncooked veggies such as raw broccoli florets or carrots. Once cooked, a measure of three heaped tablespoons counts as a portion. For example peas. Vegetables that dont count include potatoes, which are classed as starchy carbs. Yams and plantains also fit into the category. Onions and mushrooms do count, though. Tinned, dried, frozen or fresh? Fruit and veg are available in various states. Frozen veggies are thought to be even better than fresh as they retain many of their nutrients that fresh food loses in its journey from field to plate. Tinned arent as good as fresh or frozen but last longer and are cheaper which makes their nutrients good value for money. Both tinned and frozen should be eaten in the same portion sizes as fresh. Story continues Take care with dried fruits as they shrink but still contain the same amount of sugar. One portion of dried fruit would be about one tablespoon of small fruits such as raisins or a handful of bigger fruits, such as banana slices. Beans and pulses Beans, lentils and pulses all come under the five a day umbrella. Three heaped tablespoons of cooked beans counts as a portion. However, no matter how many varieties of bean or lentil you eat, they will only count as one every day. Juice and smoothies The craze for turning our fruit and veg to liquid seems to be here to stay but nutritionists recommend you dont drink more than one glass of fruit juice or a smoothie a day. Theyre great if youre short on time and will count as one of your five-a-day but they arent as good for you as eating the fruits whole, as they the juicing process breaks down much of the fibre. 11 three-minute breakfast ideas Going veggan is the next big thing Flames were seen bursting out of what the Fire Department of New York called a multiple-dwelling two-alarm fire on East 24th street in Manhattan in the early hours of November 25. The fire reportedly began shortly before 4am, and was brought under control shortly before 5am. There were no reported injuries. Credit: Twitter/JKClarke via Storyful Florence Henderson, known to generations of television viewers as Carol Brady, matriarch of the ABC sitcom The Brady Bunch from 1969 to 1974 and subsequently an enduring pop culture icon for nearly 50 years, has died. She was 82. According to statements released by her manager and her publicist, she had been hospitalized Thursday night in Los Angeles for heart failure. Though best known for her famous sitcom role, Henderson, born in Dale, Indiana in 1934, had a varied career that included acclaimed stage performances, numerous other television appearances, and film roles. Her big break came while still a drama student in New York City at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where after a one-line role in Wish You Were Here, she was cast in the touring production of Oklahoma! in 1952. She would later originate the lead role in Fanny beginning in 1954. Henderson worked steadily as a Broadway star over the 50s and 60s and moved into television. Among her most notable accomplishments, she was the first woman to guest-host The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. She also was a regular during the 1960s on NBCs Today. She landed her most famous role in 1969, starring for five years on The Brady Bunch. Despite its relentlessly cheerful tone and aggressively unthreatening aesthetic despite the tumultuous period in which it aired, the show was groundbreaking for being among the earliest examples of a blended family on television in the United States. Though The Brady Bunch ended after a relatively short run, it became a staple of syndicated reruns for decades after, becoming something of a hyrid between generation X cultural touchstone, camp classic, and example of the quintessential family sitcom. Henderson would reprise the role of Carol Brady several times between 1977 and 1990. Among her other stage credits: she portrayed Anna in a 1965 production of The King And I; Nellie Forbush in a 1967 production of South Pacific; Annie Oakley in 1975 and 1981 productions of Annie Get Your Gun; and others. Story continues She made her film debut in 1970s Song of Norway and went on to appear in The Naked Gun 331/3, most recently Fifty Shades Of Black, and others. On television, among her numerous credits she was a contestant on Dancing With The Stars, she had guest roles on 30 Rock, The Cleveland Show, Samantha Who, she was a cast member on The Surreal Life, and hosted The Florence Henderson Show on Retirement Living TV from 2007-2009. Related stories Florence Henderson: 'Brady Bunch' Kids, Others Remember Beloved Sitcom Mom R. I. P. 'Brady Bunch' Actress Ann B. Davis 'The Brady Bunch' Reboot Produced By Vince Vaughn In Development At CBS Update with Brady Bunch cast responses Barry Williams, who played eldest son Greg Brady, Susan Olsen (Cindy), Eve Plumb (Jan), Mike Lookinland (Bobby), Christopher Knight (Peter) and Maureen McCormick (Marcia) remembered the late Brady Bunch star Florence Henderson today. Lookinland told the New York Daily News, She was the kind of person that is just great to be around. Just to be in the same room with her was a pleasure. You cant say that about most people. She was just 100% fun and professional. See his castmates responses, among others, below. Previous Hollywood is mourning the loss of Florence Henderson who died Thursday at 82, apparently of heart failure. Her friends, colleagues and admirers have taken to Twitter and other social media to remember the actress known to generations of fans as Carol Brady, The Brady Bunch mom. Maureen McCormick, who played eldest daughter Marcia on the beloved 1970s sitcom, is among those expressing their condolences. Here is a sampling of Twitter reactions. (Deadlines Greg Evans contributed to this report). You are in my heart forever Florence pic.twitter.com/PABCuPubA2 Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) November 25, 2016 Florence Henderson was a dear friend for so very many years & in my <3 forever. Love & hugs to her family. I'll miss u dearly #RIPFlorence Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) November 25, 2016 Deeply saddened. Florence was one of the most gracious people I have ever known, Proud to call her Mom and life long friend. #RIPFlorence Barry Williams (@MrBarryWilliams) November 25, 2016 Of course we are all devastated by the loss of our TV Mom, but four magnificent human beings are proof that https://t.co/BKDe1lK13e Susan Olsen (@Thesusanolsen) November 25, 2016 I grieve for the passing of my dear friend, Florence. Privileged to have known her and the kindness of her heart. She will be missed. RIP pic.twitter.com/Wu1ujaycHW Christopher Knight (@ChrisKnightHome) November 25, 2016 Didnt Realize,When I Answered Question About Florence Henderson last Night,That she had Passed Away.I Know,she was Funny,Sweet &Taken 2Soon Cher (@cher) November 25, 2016 So sad to hear #FlorenceHenderson has passed away. She was smart, sexy, sparkly, hilarious, sassy, spicy, bold, open and special. pic.twitter.com/19uU4zb8d1 Tracee Ellis Ross (@TraceeEllisRoss) November 25, 2016 I am missing my friend, Florence Henderson. pic.twitter.com/Kg0vLJ1W6J Penn Jillette (@pennjillette) November 25, 2016 Sad to read about the passing of Florence Henderson, one of the lovliest, most loveable and beloved people in our business carl reiner (@carlreiner) November 25, 2016 So saddened to hear of the passing of #FlorenceHenderson what a sweet soul I had the honor of meeting and getting to know. Everyone's Mom! lisa rinna (@lisarinna) November 25, 2016 RT RealGilbertACP "Farewell to a favorite TV mom, the talented and beloved#FlorenceHenderson Rest In Peace, Mrs. https://t.co/iRUI4noUcA" Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) November 25, 2016 Florence Henderson. That hurts. But she leaves an indelible mark on the history of entertainment. We love you, Mrs. Brady. Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) November 25, 2016 I was so touched by her sincerity & kindness. #FlorenceHenderson was such a class act. My heart goes out to her family during this sad time Lacey Chabert (@IamLaceyChabert) November 25, 2016 I'm deeply saddened by the loss of Florence Henderson. So many of us grew up watching the Brady Bunch! RIP Carol Brady you will be missed La Toya Jackson (@latoyajackson) November 25, 2016 Broken hearted. She was like a mom to is all. I'm grateful I had the chance to get to know you these past few years. RIP #FlorenceHenderson Carrie Ann Inaba (@carrieanninaba) November 25, 2016 RIP the dear #Florence Henderson. You were a light. jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) November 25, 2016 RIP Florence Henderson. "The Brady Bunch" was everything. Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) November 25, 2016 Florence Henderson was a doll and a dame and funny as hell. RIP Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) November 25, 2016 Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of the great Florence Henderson. I was lucky enough to https://t.co/hfPfweI5Nb marlon wayans (@MarlonWayans) November 25, 2016 I will miss you Florence Henderson pic.twitter.com/at8c1GOTUr Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) November 25, 2016 I'll cherish our chats in the little league bleachers cheering on your grandson & my sonI'll miss everything abt U #RIPFlorenceHendersonpic.twitter.com/bgjYDXE6zp Holly Robinson Peete (@hollyrpeete) November 25, 2016 Florence Henderson-Warm Talented & kind passed away today.Thank you Florence for being such a kind generous friend to Alexis. Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) November 25, 2016 R.I.P Florence Henderson. I grew up with the Brady Bunch! https://t.co/dWCQc5t1Zq Boy George (@BoyGeorge) November 25, 2016 So sad to hear of the passing of the lovely Florence Henderson. Look up, there's one more star in heaven Len Goodman (@GrumpyLGoodman) November 25, 2016 Related stories Story continues Florence Henderson Dies: 'The Brady Bunch' Mom Was 82 TV News Jumps On Ohio State University Attack Suspect Identity Daniel Trachtenberg In Talks For Lionsgate's Houdini Film Hollywood took a pause from its Thanksgiving celebrations to mourn the death of former Brady Bunch actress Florence Henderson, who died Thursday at age 82. You are in my heart forever Florence, wrote Maureen McCormick, who played eldest Brady daughter Marcia on the popular 70s sitcom. Ill miss you dearly. Barry Williams, who played eldest son Greg, also Michael McKean, who broke through in the 70s as Lenny Konowski on another ABC sitcom, Laverne & Shirley, tweeted his own tribute: Florence Henderson was a doll and a dame and funny as hell. Also Read: Florence Henderson, Star of 'The Brady Bunch,' Dies at 82 Sitcom stars influenced by her work also weighed in on social media, from Seinfeld actor Jason Alexander to Will & Grace alum Debra Messing. Marlon Wayans noted that he had worked with Henderson last year. It was all the fun I hoped it to be, he wrote. Rest In Peace mrs. Brady. Hendersons manager confirmed the news of her death to the Associated Press, and said the star passed surrounded by friends and family. A cause of death was not disclosed, and her rep did not immediately respond to TheWraps request for further comment. Also Read: Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2016 (Photos) A native of Indiana, Henderson worked on both stage and screen before winning worldwide fame as Carol Brady, the widowed mother of three girls and stepmom to three boys, on the iconic ABC series The Brady Bunch, which ran from 1969 to 1974. Read other tributes from stars here: Florence Henderson was a dear friend for so very many years & in my <3 forever. Love & hugs to her family. I'll miss u dearly #RIPFlorence Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) November 25, 2016 You are in my heart forever Florence???? pic.twitter.com/PABCuPubA2 Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) November 25, 2016 Deeply saddened. Florence was one of the most gracious people I have ever known, Proud to call her Mom and life long friend. #RIPFlorence Barry Williams (@MrBarryWilliams) November 25, 2016 Florence Henderson was a doll and a dame and funny as hell. RIP Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) November 25, 2016 Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of the great Florence Henderson. I was lucky enough to https://t.co/hfPfweI5Nb marlon wayans (@MarlonWayans) November 25, 2016 So terribly sad to hear of the passing of the great Florence Henderson. It was a true honor to have known and worked with her. pic.twitter.com/bhgLigHEI4 Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) November 25, 2016 R.I.P Florence Henderson. I grew up with the Brady Bunch! https://t.co/dWCQc5t1Zq Boy George (@BoyGeorge) November 25, 2016 Florence Henderson-Warm Talented & kind passed away today.Thank you Florence for being such a kind generous friend to Alexis. Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) November 25, 2016 Related stories from TheWrap: Florence Henderson, Star of 'The Brady Bunch,' Dies at 82 'Brady Bunch' Star Florence Henderson Says She 'Begged' Show Writers to Give Carol Brady a Job (Video) TORONTO (Reuters) - David Baazov, the former chief executive of online gaming company Amaya Inc, disclosed new details on Friday of funding for his proposed offer to buy the Canadian firm, saying two Hong Kong-based investors had committed C$3.45 billion ($2.6 billion). In filings to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Baazov confirmed that Head and Shoulders Global Investment Fund and Goldenway Capital, who were last week named as two of four backers for the deal, would provide the funding. Baazov needed to refinance the deal after one of his previously announced investors, Dubai-based KBC Aldini Capital, denied it had ever agreed to be a backer. Last week, Baazov, who owns about 17 percent of Amaya, offered C$24 per share to buy the rest of the company, the second time he has tried to take it private. He confirmed that KBC Aldini Capital was not providing financing. Ferdyne Advisory, another of four original backers named by Baazov, was not named in the latest filing. An offer made earlier this year failed to materialize after Baazov was charged with insider trading by Quebec's securities regulator. (Reporting by Matt Scuffham; Editing by Bernadette Baum) Paris (AFP) - Francois Fillon, an unabashed rightwinger promising radical economic reforms, is hoping for another clear win over his rival Alain Juppe in Sunday's run-off round of a primary expected to produce France's next president. Fillon, a 62-year-old former prime minister, is the clear favourite to win the presidential nomination of the Republicans party and its allies over Juppe, a centrist. At a final rally Friday in Paris, Fillon taunted opponents and commentators taken aback by his late surge from the middle of the field to pole position last week. His critics, he said, had been shaken up by "a candidate of the right, supported by the people of the right" who had too long been stereotyped as "reactionaries nostalgic for a musty France". Millions of people are expected to return to the polls for round two of the primary, which drew over four million voters in the opening round last weekend, and was won by Fillon by over 660,000 votes. Addressing a flag-waving crowd of thousands Friday, the devout Catholic, who has vowed to partly roll back gay adoption rights, drew applause for his plans to shrink the French state and elicited cheers when he set out his position on national identity and Islam. Having dismissed multiculturalism and called for patriotism to heal France's divisions, he demanded that "the Islamic religion accept what all the others have accepted in the past... that radicalism and provocation have no place here". Juppe, a 71-year-old political veteran who has also served as premier, has criticised his opponent's economic proposals -- particularly his pledge to cut half a million public sector jobs -- as too "brutal". Juppe says he would cut between 200,000 and 300,000 civil service jobs but vowed to defend France's generous social model. "I'm confident of victory on Sunday," he told a crowd in the eastern city of Nancy, despite polls forecasting his demise. Story continues Both men are positioning themselves against their expected rivals in next year's election, notably the far-right leader Marine Le Pen, as well as a Socialist candidate, a Communist-backed candidate and various independents. Juppe has made a clear pitch for the centre ground, promising a "happy identity" for demoralised France and stressing that the country's strength is its diversity. "I think I am best placed with my programme to beat Marine Le Pen," Juppe said on the last day of campaigning Friday, referring to the nationalist and anti-immigration boss of the National Front. - 'Putin's candidate' - Fillon, who served five years as premier under ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy, has accused Juppe of lacking reformist zeal. Fillon came from behind in the first round of the primary, winning 44 percent of the vote, and he gave an assured performance in a final televised debate with Juppe on Thursday night. Both candidates want to scrap the 35-hour working week in a bid to kick-start the sluggish economy but Juppe says he would take a more gradual approach. While failing to land a knockout blow on his opponent, he hit home with a jibe at Fillon's closeness to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "This must be the first presidential election in which the Russian president chooses his candidate," Juppe said, referring to praise by Putin for Fillon. Fillon believes the European Union and the United States "provoked" Russia by expanding in eastern Europe and has called for an alliance with Russia against the Islamic State in Syria. - Battle with far-right - Le Pen is currently forecast to come first or second in the first round of the election on April 23 with around 30 percent of the vote, but then fail in the run-off on May 7. But following the wave of populism that led British voters to choose to leave the European Union and swept Donald Trump to victory in the United States, no-one is completely writing off her chances. It is unclear who will represent the ruling Socialists in the race. President Francois Hollande will announce in the coming weeks whether he will defy his dire approval ratings and stand for a second term. An opinion poll Friday showed more than twice as many people would prefer Prime Minister Manuel Valls to be the Socialist candidate over Hollande. By Ingrid Melander and John Irish PARIS (Reuters) - An assertive Francois Fillon told French voters on Thursday that rival Alain Juppe "does not really want to change things," in a debate a flash poll showed Fillon winning, days before a vote to decide which one will run in the 2017 presidential election. The winner of Sunday's conservative primaries' vote will have a good chance of being elected president in May, considering the divisions on the left and opinion polls showing a majority of voters opposed to seeing the far-right in power. "Alain Juppe does not really want to change things. He's staying within the system, he just wants to improve it," Fillon said in the televised debate on Thursday. "My project is more radical." Fillon, 62, a social conservative who champions free-market economic policies, unexpectedly stormed to first place in the seven-strong primaries' first round last Sunday, with a strong lead on 71-year-old Juppe, who had been the favorite in opinion polls for months. Both are former prime ministers. In an online survey by Elabe pollsters of 908 people who watched Thursday's debate, 71 percent of conservative and center-right voters found Fillon, an admirer of late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, hardly a popular figure in France, more convincing than Juppe. Fillon was also ahead among all viewers independent of their political stripe but by a smaller margin, with 57 percent versus 41 percent for Juppe. Both propose supply-side economic strategy with cuts in public spending and raising the retirement age. They differ on other major issues, both on the economic and social fronts, with Fillon proposing more public-sector job cuts, which Juppe deems unrealistic, and a longer working week. "Reform should not be a punishment but bring hope," said Juppe, who is backed by France's two main centrist parties and is relatively popular among left-wing voters after campaigning on an inclusive, "happy identity" platform. During the debate, Juppe insisted on his attachment to France's diversity. "The French social model exists, I want to consolidate it," Juppe said, referring to the country's welfare safety net. "We should not break it." WHO WILL VOTE? Anyone can take part in the primaries, whether or not they are members of the Les Republicains conservative party. One of the unknowns is whether left-wing voters, whom pollsters said made up at least 10 percent of first-round voters as they sought to block former President Nicolas Sarkozy by casting ballots for Juppe, will show up again this Sunday, and if so, how many. Fillon trailed Juppe and Sarkozy for months in opinion polls, and the possibility of his victory on Sunday changes the equation in the center and left of the French political landscape. Officials, including government spokesman Stephane Le Foll, have said they have no doubt that Socialist President Francois Hollande will seek a new mandate despite his record-low popularity. He is expected to make his decision known by Dec. 7, and a source close to Hollande told Reuters a Fillon victory would be good news for him. "The problem with Juppe - both his personality and his proposals - is that left-wing voters don't fear him," the source said on condition of anonymity. "With Francois Fillon, everybody will say: 'Oh la la, he's really right-wing'." A survey by Elabe pollsters on Wednesday showed that while conservative and center-right voters overwhelmingly preferred Fillon's policies to Juppe's, the latter candidate was more popular among the French overall - a sign that Fillon could struggle more than his rival in the presidential election. Polls for months have predicted far-right National Front party leader Marine Le Pen would qualify for the second round of the presidential election but lose the run-off. There have been no recent polls testing her against Fillon, but a poll in September showed him defeating her. (Writing by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Peter Cooney) Paris (AFP) - Francois Fillon, the man tipped to win the French rightwing presidential nomination on Sunday, is a free-market reformer, devout Catholic and motor sport fan who has promised to transform France. Fillon, 62, has professed admiration for Britain's 1980s prime minister Margaret Thatcher and vowed to slash public spending to shrink the French state. "You have to tear the house down to properly rebuild it," he has said. His runaway victory in the first round of the centre-right Republicans party primary last Sunday was revenge on his former boss, ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy. Sarkozy, who crashed out in third place, had once dismissed Fillon as a "Mr Nobody" when he served as Sarkozy's prime minister from 2007 to 2012. But the man who himself admitted in a TV interview he had a "boring image" has emerged as the right's best hope to reconquer power after five years of Socialist rule. The winner of Sunday's primary run-off will become the favourite for next year's presidential election in May where he will likely face -- and polls say beat -- Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Front (FN). With the backing of influential fellow Republicans leaders and favourable polls, Fillon has the momentum heading into Sunday's vote to clinch the nomination against rival candidate Alain Juppe, 71. Fillon, an amateur rally driver who was born in Le Mans, home of the world-renowned 24-hour race, believes he is "several laps ahead" of his adversary. - Quietly assured - Perhaps because of his softly-spoken and understated style, Fillon was not taken seriously until his late acceleration in the two-month primary campaign. At the start he was a distant third place in opinion polls, but after a series of assured television performances he surged to take 44 percent of the vote last Sunday. Since then, he has picked up some heavyweight endorsements, including from Sarkozy. Story continues Fillon has a radical economic reform programme, including scrapping the 35-hour week, one of the sacred cows of the French left. He has also pledged to slash an eye-popping 500,000 jobs from the public sector, leading to charges from the more centrist Juppe that he wants to reform "brutally" when a more consensual approach is needed. "I'm tagged with the label of an (economic) liberal in the same way they would daub crosses on the doors of lepers in the Middle Ages," Fillon has joked. He argues he is merely "a pragmatist". Fillon is also socially conservative, reflecting his life as a father of five children and practising Catholic who has been married to his Welsh wife Penelope for more than 30 years. They live in a 12th century manor house near Le Mans. He voted against gay marriage when it was introduced by Socialist President Francois Hollande and has said he wants to amend the 2013 law. His views on abortion -- he is personally opposed but says he will not change the law or funding for it -- have also been in the spotlight. "My conscience is my business," he said on Thursday during a final televised debate. Compared with Juppe, Fillon also takes a harder line on questions of identity and Islam which have dominated the Republicans party primary campaign after a string of jihadist attacks in France. He penned a book over the summer called "Defeating Islamic Totalitarianism" and believes "there is a problem linked to Islam" in France after a series of attacks by homegrown jihadists. "No, France is not a multi-cultural country. France has a history, a language and a culture which have naturally been enriched from outside," Fillon said on Thursday. - Support from Putin - The self-declared "Gaullist" -- a form of nationalism that proposes an independent and strong France -- has been in politics for around 40 years. He formed a bond with Russian President Vladimir Putin when both men overlapped as prime ministers from 2008-2012 and their closeness has led to questions about his foreign policy. Former foreign minister Bernard Kouchner, who worked with Fillon, told AFP this week that the two leaders would sometimes jog together and demonstrated "a friendship, a mutual understanding". While Fillon maintains that France must keep its alliance with the United States, he favours closer ties to Moscow and has accused Europe and Washington of provoking Putin. He is against sanctions imposed on Russia after Putin's invasion of Ukraine in 2014 and he has resisted pressure to condemn alleged war crimes by Russian forces in Syria. "The question is: must we continue to provoke the Russians, refusing dialogue with them and pushing them to be more and more violent, aggressive and less and less European?" he said in October. - By Mayank Marwah General Motors (GM), in partnership with its joint ventures in China, delivered a record performance by selling 345,733 vehicles in October, up 5.7% as compared with the same period last year. Robust performance of the company's mainstream brands such as Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac helped the American automaker post its best-ever October in China. This is of great significance considering China is General Motors' largest market. GM Executive Vice President and China President Matt Tsien said, "GM and our joint ventures reached 3 million deliveries in record time as sales remained strong across many segments." He added, "We are pleased with the overall performance of our mainstream Cadillac, Buick and Chevrolet brands as well as the Baojun and Wuling brands in the highly competitive marketplace." Year-to-date sales, on the other hand, came in at 3,064,048 units, up 8.6% year over year backed by strong October results. Here's a look at the company's performance in China for October. GM remains bullish on China Chevrolet sales grew 2% to 52,195 vehicles in October thereby making this the third month of consecutive growth. The brand's sales gain is attributable to the growing popularity and recognition of the Cruze family as well as the Cavalier that was launched in September, the demand for which was well over 11,000 units. As per the announcement made by General Motors, Chevrolet would be introducing more than 20 refreshed and revitalized models by 2020. Cadillac's sales increased twofold year-over-year in October. This was the fourth consecutive month when the company managed to grow sales by more than 50%. The XT5 crossover undoubtedly stole the show as sales tallied well over 4,700 units. In addition, sales of ATS- l and XTS surged 70%. Buick sales increased 3.4% to 105,071 units in October year over year. While Excelle GT continued impress with demand surpassing 37,000 units, Envision also saw sales climb 28% to 22,061 vehicles. The Verano family delivered 17,000 units. Moreover, to continue its sales momentum, Buick will launch the new-generation GL8 Luxury MPV this week. Story continues Baojun, too, had a joyful month as deliveries were 67,169 units, up 30% year over year. The sales gain was led by strong demand for Baojun 730 MPV that surged 14%, while the sales of Baojun 310 hatchback surpassed 11,000 units in October. In contrast, Wuling sales witnessed a downfall of 6.9% to 108,760 vehicles compared with a year earlier. This was due to the underperformance of the minicommercial vehicles segment. However, the brand's deliveries were better from the previous month. The bottom line General Motors continues to make its presence felt in the world's largest car market with improving monthly performance. The company reported positive sales growth for all its mainstream brands which is a great sign. In addition, the company is coping with pricing pressure from China's domestic auto players. This has undoubtedly eroded some of the company's profit, but the improvement in volumes is alleviating the impact. General Motors Chief Financial Officer Chuck Stevens said the impressive growth seen in the sales of Cadillac, Baojun 560 and Buick Envision crossover SUVs, which happen to be among the company's high-margin offerings, has enabled GM to compensate to a reasonable extent in the last quarter and in October. General Motors is gearing up for the end of the year. Let's stay tuned for the November figures. Disclosure: I do not hold a position in the stock discussed in this article. Start a free seven-day trial of Premium Membership to GuruFocus. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. A senior German official said 16 European countries, led by Germany, joined forces to push for a new arms control agreement with Russia, hoping to prevent an arms race in Europe after heightened tensions over Moscow's annexation of Crimea and Russian aggression in Ukraine. Europes security is in danger, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told Die Welt newspaper in an interview published Friday. As difficult as ties to Russia may currently be, we need more dialogue, not less. All 16 countries Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland belong to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and have joined Steinmeiers initiative to develop a new arms control deal with Russia, an idea he first brought up in August. The group will issue a joint statement later Friday and meet again on the sidelines of the ministerial level OSCE meeting in Hamburg, hosted by the current head of the organization, Germany. Steinmeier a Social Democrat, has been nominated to become the president of Germany next year condemned Russias support for separatists in eastern Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea, saying Russian aggression undermined the trust built over decades in Europe and also threatened to start a new arms race. He called for more countries to join his initiative. We have a responsibility to leave no stone unturned in our effort to increase security and peace, he said. The U.S. expressed skepticism over the initiative, pointing out that Russia failed to abide by existing treaties and agreements. A top Ukrainian official said last week less U.S. support to the country could result in further destabilization of the region and could trigger worse consequences for other parts of the world. This equilibrium, if it is ruined, then it could actually lead to drastic consequences in other parts of the world, Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine, said. Related Articles Warning: This recap will tell you what happens in the Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Lifes fourth and final episode, Fall. If you dont want to know, click elsewhere. I had two very strong reactions to the last few moments of Gilmore Girls final revival episode: Yes! and then NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO PLEASE GOD NO. (Behind? Check out our recap of Episode 1 here, Episode 2 here and Episode 3 here.) The Netflix continuation spends much of its fourth installment making repairs to, and ultimately strengthening Lorelais relationship with Luke which is cause for celebration from this fan, who started holding men to a different standard way back when she first watched Luke pull a ratty horoscope out of his wallet. So seeing Luke and Lorelai tie the knot in a fairytale version of the already too-quaint-for-words town square feels like a perfect ending for the series. RELATEDGilmore Girls: A Year in the Life Poll: What Did You Think of the Last Four Words? But what about those heralded final four words? Well, theyre Mom? and Yeah? and Im pregnant, and they most likely mean that Rory is at this very moment has a Huntzberger heir setting up house in her uterus. (You just know that kids already complaining to the management about the lack of turn-down service.) Logan? Logan?! With his French fiancee and his stupid good looks and his absolute wrongness for Rory? And yes, I realize that Rorys getting knocked up by the golden boy brings the show full circle: Lorelai, too, found herself inadvertently pregnant at an inopportune time after sleeping with a rich kid who wasnt ready to be an adult. So its thematically perfect. WHATEVER. At least I have that lingering look of yearning on Jess face. That gives me hope. And the ending to this episode? That just cries out for a little more Gilmore, dont you think? While you start your online petition for at least two more episodes, lets review the major developments of Fall. Story continues VIDEOSGilmore Girls Liza Weil Shares Her Recurring Revival Nightmare YOU JUMP, I JUMP, JACK | Lets start with Rory. After a few very strange occurrences at work (Petal the pig runs by wearing a sign saying Kick up a rumpus, the computer screen showing a message that says Get Ready), Rory finds herself one night standing across the street from three men wearing gorilla masks and steampunk-ish hats and coats. Well, Ill be damned, she says, smiling, because she knows exactly who they are: Colin, Finn and Robert, aka Logans friends and fellow members of Yales Life and Death Brigade. Oh, and look Logan is there, too. The guys are in town to show her a fun time, which they do. The evening includes an outdoor screening of Kirks indie film, a visit to a tango club (which Robert buys and immediately turns into a Rosemary Clooney tribute joint), and a road trip to New Hampshire where they crash at a bed and breakfast where theyve booked every single room. (Side note: How gorgeous did this whole sequence look?!) At the tango club, Logan offers Rory a key to his familys empty house in Maine and says its hers for as long as she wants it; he suggests she can write her book there. She takes that key. Later, when he offers her another key thatll unlock her own room at the B&B, she declines, kisses him, and runs upstairs with him. But the morning shows us a very different Rory, who thanks him for the perfect night but hands back the key to the place in Maine. I dont need it. I know where Im going to write, she says, crying but resolute. And when she goes downstairs, she says farewell to the other three guys. (Are we supposed to find their man-boy act charming? Because stuff like throwing cash on the ground of Dooses market and sighing I love money may be roguish and forgivable at 21, but it rarely flies in your 30s.) Logan reminds her that she can always call him if she needs help. I think your days of rescuing me are over, she responds kindly, and he says she never really needed rescuing in the first place. (Side note: I will give Logan this much he seems to take her cutting ties with him rather hard.) And when Rory returns to Connecticut, she settles down to work in the place that will serve her best: Richards study. VIDEOSGilmore Girls Lauren Graham on Reuniting With Melissa McCarthy in Revival: I Was a Complete Mess WILD N OUT? | Back in Stars Hollow, Luke is out of sorts. Jess makes him sit down and talk about it. As Luke lays out everything that led up to Lorelais decision to hike her feelings, Jess face gets grim: It sounds like shes leaving you, he says when pressed to weigh in, and thats exactly what Luke fears. On the other side of the country, Lorelai fears that she wont be able to fit everything she needs for the hike in her mammoth backpack. But it doesnt matter the first day: She and the rest of the Wild-inspired wilderness women (book and movie) cant hit the trail because the weather is going to be bad, says the park ranger played by Parenthoods Jason Ritter. Lorelai bonds with some of the other ladies, including one played by Bunheads Stacey Oristano, and then they all try again the next morning. But another park ranger, this one played by Parenthoods Peter Krause, cant let Lorelai on the trail until she shows him her permit. And because she cant find it no hiking for her! Bummed, she goes to get coffee but finds the shop closed. So she takes a brief walk behind the building and runs smack into a gorgeous, green vista of mountains and trees and such. She has an epiphany. She pulls out her phone. Lorelai calls Emily, which allows Lauren Graham to give an incredible reading of a monologue about how Richard made her feel better after she got publicly dumped on her 13th birthday. Its the story she shouldve told after the funeral, and she knows it; Lorelai is crying throughout, and Emily just listens. I just thought you should know, Lorelai says in conclusion, and her mother thanks her, then holds the phone to her chest after they hang up. Its a perfect cap to a damn near perfect scene. VIDEOSGilmore Girls Scott Patterson: Netflix Revival Is Fuller, Longer, Deeper FINALLY! | And just like that, Lorelai is ready to come home which shocks Luke when she walks in right as hes blowing on a steak so its cool enough for Paul Anka to eat. As usual, she takes way too long to get to her point, and Luke cuts her off so he can make an impassioned plea for her not to give up on the two of them. I am not unhappy. I am not unsatisfied, he says emphatically. This, right here, is all I would ever need. Other swoon-worthy lines include: There is no one who will be more here for you than me, You need the space, and I need YOU, and You cant leave. You just cant leave! Finally, she gets a word in: Luke! I think we should get married. Maybe its just my fuzzy memory, but I dont think weve ever seen Luke look as happy as we do when he runs to get Lorelais old engagement ring. That he knows exactly where it is makes me happy. Ive gotta tell ya, before this thing goes on, the only way out is in a body bag, he says, holding the ring above her finger. And now we dont have to write our vows, she coos. They kiss. I kvell. VIDEOSGilmore Girls Matt Czuchry Weighs In on Logans Real Feelings for Rory RED VINES AND RECONCILIATION | Rory shows up in the middle of the night days later, brandishing the first three chapters of her memoir. She asks her mom to read it; if Lorelai hates it, Rory will abandon the project. Lorelai reluctantly agrees. They make up and eat lots of food. Rory also visits her dad, and its totally weird and awkward as she asks him, How did you feel about mom raising me alone? He makes a big show about what a force of nature Lorelai is and was, and how could he possibly go against her? But Rory refuses to let him off the hook. You let her do it, she says, and it seems like shes close to tears the whole time. Christopher tells her he thinks everything turned out exactly the way it was supposed to, but it does not comfort her. Before the final four words, I thought this scene was very odd and kinda superfluous. But now it seems rather clear that Rory knows shes pregnant at this point and shes figuring out what to do, no? VIDEOSDavid Sutcliffe Debunks Gilmore Revival Rumor: Lorelai, Christopher Dont Get Married Again IN WHICH EMILY IS EVEN MORE AWESOME | Meanwhile, the other Gilmore girl is making some big changes. First, she quits the Daughters of the American Revolution in spectacular fashion, declaring the entire thing bullst several times and drops the word t-ts casually into conversation before walking out of a meeting while munching on a cookie. I HAVE NEVER LOVED HER MORE. Then, she decides that shes going to sell the mansion and move to Nantucket. Shes already bought a house called The Sandcastle. When Lorelai questions the twee name during a visit to Hartford, Emily deadpans, Well, the previous owners called it The Clam Shack. I guess Vagina House was taken. Guys! Guys! This is amazing. Lorelai is there to ask for money to buy a property in town that will serve as an annex for The Dragonfly Inn. Emily doesnt need convincing. But Lorelai wants to use the money from the trust for Lukes franchise, because he has zero interest in expanding his business that way. Emily agrees, with a condition: The soon-to-be-weds will spend two weeks with her each summer and one week at Christmas every year. Lorelais eyes shine as she says yes. Aww. VIDEOSGilmore Girls Revival: Team Palladino on Melissa McCarthys 11th Hour Return as Sookie: The Weird Thing Was STILL BEST FRIENDS | Now its time for some blasts from the past! First, Rory runs into Dean at Dooses. Hes home visiting his folks; from their chat, we can tell hes married and living in Scranton, Pa., with three kids and a fourth on the way. She asks if she can put him in her book, but hes hesitant until she says some really nice things about him, including You taught me what safe feels like. They part, and its warm. And if you ever want to re-live that scene, you can probably find it in the dictionary under bittersweet. Over at the Dragonfly, Lorelai walks into the kitchen and immediately knows Sookie is there. Yay! The inns co-owner has baked exactly 4 million wedding cakes for her pal, and they reminisce a bit before Sookie literally sniffs around and realizes that other chefs have been on her turf. Regardless, the two of them are good. Still best friends? Still best friends. WHY WAIT? | And then all thats left is for Luke and Lorelai to get married! But theyre so jittery the night before, they decide to jumpstart the festivities and get secretly married right away, before all the guests arrive the next day. Youre exhausting, Luke says to his bride right before they take off for the town square, but its said with so much love that I well up. This whole episode has the whimsy cranked to 11, and the sequence that finds Luke, Rory and Lorelai riding downtown and traipsing through a twinkly-lit and flower-filled green pulls back just in time to stop it from going over the top. (So I loved the ballerinas. So sue me.) Luke and Lorelai are married in the gazebo by Rev. Skinner, with Lane and Michel as witnesses, and its perfect. Hours later, as the sun is coming up, Lorelai and Rory sip Champagne on the steps of the gazebo. Paul finally breaks up with Rory via text. Who? Lorelai asks. (Heh.) When Rory seems sad about her current romantic state, her mom assures her that It didnt fit. It needs to fit, believe me. And then Rory drops the preggo-bomb, which leaves Lorelai aghast as the screen cuts to the credits. Now its your turn. Grade both Fall and the revival on the whole via the polls below, then hit the comments with all of your thoughts, feelings, reactions and such. Can you even believe its over already?! Launch Gallery: Gilmore Girls Revival: Best Moments Related stories Gilmore Girls: The Scoop Behind That 'Elaborate' Life and Death Sequence Drew Barrymore's Santa Clarita Diet Gets Premiere Date -- See First Photos Gilmore Girls Revival: Kelly Bishop & Co. Talk About That $#&! Scene WARNING: We're about to recap all the MAJOR plot points from Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. If you have not yet binged the Netflix drama, do not wish to be spoiled, or do not want to know the last four words of the series, leave immediately! For everyone else, grab a fresh cup of coffee and continue reading Welcome back to Stars Hollow! Netflix's highly anticipated revival series, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, has finally premiered and has gifted fans with four jam-packed 90-minute movies. Each episode, "Winter," "Spring," "Summer," and "Fall," depicts the heartbreaking twists and inspiring turns in the lives of Emily, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore over the course of a year. While on a sugar high from too many Pop-Tarts and Red Vines, we're recapping each episode's biggest moments -- including those coveted last four words of the series -- and we're pleased to share with you everything you need to know WATCH: 'Gilmore Girls' Revival: Breaking Down the New Netflix Episodes By the Numbers Netflix Winter: It's a winter wonderland in Stars Hollow, and if you've been wondering what the Gilmore Girls are up to, look no further. Rory has been working as a struggling freelance journalist and has just given up her apartment in Brooklyn. She has split her time, and possessions, between New York, London, and Stars Hollow and does not know where her box of underwear is. (Spoiler Alert: She never does find it.) She has been in a relationship for two years with her extremely dull boyfriend, Paul, but she frequently forgets about him or the fact that she's even in a relationship. It's really very bizarre, especially when you consider the fact that when Rory goes to London, she secretly stays (and sleeps with!) her ex, Logan Huntsburger. Apparently, infidelity is not a personality trait that Rory has outgrown over these past eight years. Lorelai has been happily living with Luke for the past eight years in her house, and the three of them (yes, we're including Paul Anka), have hit a comfortable, yet unmarried, relationship rhythm. He adores her and she seems content enough with him. It's all very vanilla: sweet, yet lacking something extra special. During "Winter," Lorelai drags Luke to a high-end surrogacy clinic, (CEO'd by Paris Gellar, natch) and tries to convince him that they should make a "fresh kid" together. Luke, naturally, gets overwhelmed and refuses to move forward with Lorelai's last-ditch effort to change things up in their relationship. Over on the work side of things, it is revealed that Sookie, who was only supposed to take a six-month sabbatical, has been MIA from the Dragonfly kitchen for over a year, and no matter how many celebrity chefs they bring in, no one call fill the void (or the coffee pot) that she left behind. Story continues At this point in our tale, it has been just four months since Richard suddenly died and Emily is trying her best to grieve and adjust to life without her partner of more than 50 years. The series flashes back to Richard's funeral, and we discover that Lorelai and Emily had one of the biggest fights of their already tumultuous relationship after the tear-jerking ceremony. Lorelai, who was so distraught by the news of her father's death that she didn't eat anything for two days, drank multiple glasses of scotch with her mother after the funeral. When Emily wanted to honor Richard's legacy by going around the room and having everyone share their favorite memory of him, Lorelai froze and stammered out two distasteful (yet rather hilarious) tales about her father. Now, many months later, Lorelai and Emily are barely speaking and the tension in their relationship is at an all-time high. By the end of the episode, Emily tricks her daughter into attending therapy with her, much to Lorelai's horrified chagrin. EXCLUSIVE: We Explain the Term 'Shipping' to the 'Gilmore Girls' and Their Reaction Is Priceless! Netflix Spring: The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and Rory's career is crumbling into itty bitty pieces. As the younger Gilmore tries to collaborate on a book proposal with a British socialite, she's spending more and more time in London, and subsequently, with Logan. During one of their secret lunch dates, Logan's father, Mitchum Huntsburger, stops by the table for a surprise visit and drops a bombshell on the audience: Logan is currently engaged to some girl named Odette, who lives in France. Oh, how the plot thickens! So for all of you keeping track at home, Rory is still in a relationship with forgettable Paul, while also sleeping with Logan, whom she knows is engaged to someone else. Classy. A new career opportunity does present itself, however, when Rory and Paris return to Chilton to speak at alumni day. After wow-ing a class of youngsters in plaid skirts, Headmaster Charleston offers Rory a teaching position (if she finishes her masters, of course,) but Ms. Gilmore politely declines because she's not quite ready to give up on her dreams of being a journalist. Once Rory's book proposal officially falls through, she scrambles for her next opportunity and offers to write an article "on spec" for GQ Magazine about waiting in lines in New York. Rory takes Lorelai along on her journalistic adventure, but they decide to split up and meet back later that night at the hotel. A wildly disheveled Rory finally enters the hotel room and reveals that after waiting in line at the comic-book store, she had a "one night stand" with a guy who was dressed in a Wookie costume. This sexual escapade sends her into something of an existential spiral. "I'm just a big fat Wookie-humping loser with no future!" she whines. Lorelai seems delighted by the news until Rory continues to pile onto her moment of truth by revealing that she's been sleeping with Logan when his fiancee is out of town. "But they're engaged and they're getting married," her mother points out. "Well, if it makes you feel any better, that's way sluttier than a one night stand." Touche, Lorelai. Meanwhile, Lorelai is attending weekly sessions of mother-daughter therapy with Emily, but it seems that no amount of talking can mend their deeply fractured relationship. At the moment, Emily's main gripe with her daughter is the fact that Luke and Lorelai are just "roommates" living together, without the proper financial and faithful ties that a marriage is supposed to give couples. Despite her best efforts to rebuff these claims to her mother, Lorelai begins to doubt and question the authenticity of her simple happiness with Luke. To make matters even more complicated, Emily also reveals that Richard left a large sum of money in Luke's name that is only to be used to expand and franchise his diner. By the end of the episode, Rory moves back to Stars Hollow, Emily refuses to return to therapy, and Lorelai continues to attend but lies to Luke about her new solo sessions. He returns the dishonesty, however, by neglecting to tell her that he's gone diner shopping with Emily. WATCH: 'Gilmore Girls' Cast Reunites at Netflix Revival Premiere Party Netflix Summer: Those lazy-hazy-crazy days of summer are officially back in Stars Hollow -- and so is Rory Gilmore! (Although, she's frantically denying that fact to every single person in town.) While she waits to discover her next life move, Rory fills her time by taking over as the new editor-in-chief of the Stars Hollow Gazette newspaper. As for her love life? She still keeps forgetting to break up with Pete -- uum, we mean Paul -- and she's shocked to discover that Logan's fiancee, Odette, has officially moved in with him. "So that's it. We're breaking up," Rory tells Logan dramatically over the phone. "Except we can't break up because we're nothing." Cue Jess, who enters town like the rut-saving hero every 30-something girl needs! He tells Rory she should write about something she's "passionate" about, and he knows the perfect subject. "You should write about you and your mom," he says. "It's a cool story, its got a point of view, and it's something only you can write." Lorelai is having an equally frustrating summer. Not only is Michel leaving his position at the Dragonfly, but she and Luke are bickering more than ever. They share a very vicious (and very public) fight at Luke's diner about their "separate" lives and the lies they have been keeping from one another. To make matters even worse, Lorelai feels betrayed and hurt when Rory announces her plans to write a book about their lives. "It's my life, Rory!" she tells her daughter in the middle of a heated debate. "I went through all this effort for many, many years making sure people only knew what I wanted them to know and now you're going to lay it all out in a book?" With her friendship with Rory on ice, and her relationship with Luke on the rocks, Lorelai decides it's time for a change and announces that she's "going away" for a while to hike the Pacific Crest Trail like in the book-turned-movie, Wild. When a hurt and baffled Luke asks why, Lorelai's answer is soft and simple: "Because it's never or now." PHOTOS: Behind the Scenes of the 'Gilmore Girls' Revival -- See All the Pics! Netflix Fall: Stars Hollow's most iconic and beloved season is finally here, and just like the leaves on the trees, the lives of our three Gilmore Girls are quickly changing. Lorelai travels to California to follow through with her plan go on a life-clarifying hiking adventure, but she never actually ever steps foot on the trail. After a few setbacks and a desperate desire for coffee, she walks behind the building of a closed diner and sees a breathtaking view of bright-green rolling hills. Immediately, Lorelai calls Emily and spills a tear-filled and heartwarming story about her father and how he changed one of the worst days of her life into the most perfect birthday ever. It's the memory Lorelai should have shared at Richard's funeral, but hey, better late than never. Content with this revelation, Lorelai immediately returns to Stars Hollow and surprises a breakup-panicked Luke with the news that she's picked a date and it's time for them to finally get married. Rory receives a surprise visit from her old Life and Death Brigade buddies (complete with gorilla masks, natch.) and together, she, Logan, Colin, Finn and Robert embark on a wild night of drunken debauchery and outrageous adventures. Rory and Logan spend a "perfect night" together and she tearfully sends him back home to his fiancee with a sweet last kiss. Speaking of former flames, Rory later runs into Dean at Doose's Market (of course!) who is currently happily married to a woman named Jenny and is a soon-to-be father of two. Rory tells her first love of her book plans, and asks if she can include him in her true-to-life tale. When he asks what she's going to say, her answer is perfect. "That you taught me what safe feels like," she says. Rory's other ex, Jess, is also in town for the wedding and she excitedly shows him the first three chapters of Gilmore Girls. (FYI: After Lorelai eventually gives her blessing for the project, she suggests that Rory drop the "The" in the book's title to make it "cleaner.") Despite telling Luke that he is "long over" Rory, Jess' longing glances at her suggest otherwise. Emily has a wonderfully epic meltdown at a D.A.R. meeting -- the word "bullsh*t" is used four times -- and she decides it's time put her old life behind her. "This whole thing is dead to me anyhow," she snaps at her former friends. "It died to me with Richard." So she sells her house, moves to her favorite quaint summer home in Nantucket, and gets a job as a tour guide at the local whaling museum. Emily also strikes up one final deal with Lorelai: Emily will give Lorelai the money (that was intended for Luke) to expand The Dragonfly, and in return, Luke and Lorelai must spend two weeks every summer and one week at Christmas visiting Emily up in Nantucket. Everything has come full circle. MORE: 'Gilmore Girls' Boss Hopes Fans Don't Spoil the 'Last Four Words' Netflix The Last Four Words: Luke and Lorelai decide that there is too much pressure to exchange their long-awaited vows in front of the entire town, so the night before their wedding, they decide to have a mini-elopement in the Stars Hollow gazebo. Lorelai, Luke and Rory stay up all night celebrating and twirling around the twinkle-night covered town square (that Kirk so beautifully decorated) and they share a perfect fairy tale-worthy evening. The next morning, our favorite mother and daughter are sitting on the steps of the gazebo and Lorelei is joking about whom she should marry Rory off to so they can both do "married lady things" together. After Paul sends a breakup text to Rory (that's right, she's been with him this whole time!), Lorelai assures her that she'll find "someone amazing" one day. "I'm going to remember it all -- every detail," Rory says suddenly while looking out at their quaint and sleepy little town that they've called home for the past 32 years. And then, the last four words are said Rory: "Mom?" Lorelai: "Yeah." Rory: "I'm pregnant." Alright, Stars Hollow fans, let's talk it out. What did you think of Gilmore Girls: A Year In the Life? Were you surprised by those last four words? Which season was your favorite? Share your thought with @LeanneAguilera on Twitter! Related Articles The IFP Gotham Awards are on a real golden streak: They honored the same best picture winner as the Academy Awards the past two years Spotlight and Birdman and tipped The Hurt Locker before that. They also honored Julianne Moore for her performance in Still Alice months before she got her golden statuette in Hollywood and named eventual Oscar documentary winner Citizenfour tops at the same ceremony. Will the Gothams be just as golden this year? Does it even matter? Regardless how the final trophies match up, one thing is clear: IFPs awards presentation has come a long way in 25 years. Once decidedly regional and resolutely quirky, it has transformed into a credible Oscar bellwether for independent films. Joana Vicente, IFP executive director, takes pride in the fact that Gotham winners have gone on to win the biggest Academy Award two years in a row. These are amazing films that are artistic, independently made and strong enough to win the Oscar, she says. I hope the trend continues. Gotham best feature nominees are a predictably eclectic bunch: the category includes higher-profile entries such as Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight, along with Kelly Reichardts elliptical prairie drama Certain Women and Jim Jarmuschs quietly poetic Paterson. Richard Linklaters bro-heavy Everybody Wants Some!! rounds out the group. You see it every year, Vicente says. Last year you had Spotlight, and A Woman Walks Home Alone at Night, the latter winning the Gothams Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award for Ana Lily Amirpour. Vicente points to the eclectic mix as a sign that the Gotham Awards have not lost their indie spirit even as the show itself has grown into a more traditional affair. It may now include categories such as actor and actress in addition to several breakthrough categories, but it will still shine a spotlight on bigger indies and more esoteric fare alike. In a way, we turned 25 and we feel like weve grown up, but we still want to have an edge, she says. Were more centered, but were trying to do it our way. Story continues One way the Gothams do that is by including male and female actors in its breakthrough category: Certain Women thesp Lily Gladstone will compete against Manchester by the Seas Lucas Hedges, Royalty Hightower (The Fits), Sasha Lane from American Honey and Anya Taylor-Joy from The Witch. Moonlight will also get a special Gotham Jury Award for ensemble performance. This year, a breakthrough series award for shortform has been added to honor web productions including The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo and Sitting in Bathrooms With Trans People. On the glossier end, the Nov. 28 IFP ceremony will also pay tribute to Amy Adams, Ethan Hawke, Arnon Milchan, and Oliver Stone at Cipriani Wall Street; Keegan-Michael Key is hosting the festivities. Eleven awards will be disbursed. At the first Gothams in 1991, by contrast, there was only one winner Jennie Livingston received the breakthrough director award for Paris Is Burning in a ceremony that included career tributes for a handful of indie filmmakers. Back then organizers focused on indie films made in the Northeast. In 2004, it broadened the scope to indie films made elsewhere, and added the best feature category, breaking out separate actor and actress categories in 2013. To qualify for a nomination, a film has to be independently made with an economy of means. Even if a studio picks up a movie after its made it can still qualify. The IFP draws on input from critics and curators for nominating committees, and then assembles juries from people working in the industry for final selections. Unlike some of its glitzier counterparts on the awards circuit, the Gothams are not televised, helping to keep a more intimate vibe for a show that has come to be considered the true kickoff to the annual Oscar awards season We always used to be a quirky awards show, Vicente says. There is a danger there if those changes makes us too much like everyone else. Were trying to make sure we have that edge. Tipsheet What: 2016 IFP Gotham Awards When: Nov. 28 Where: Cipriani Wall Street, New York Web: gothamifp.org Related stories Mother and Daughter Collaborate on Music for 'Manchester by the Sea' Independent Spirit Awards: 13 Biggest Snubs and Surprises 'American Honey,' 'Moonlight' Lead 2016 Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominations London (AFP) - Environmental group Greenpeace is calling for a ban in Britain on plastic "microbeads", found in many cosmetics, which they warn pollute the oceans and poison marine life. Campaigners want a total ban on the tiny particles -- which are too small to be filtered -- in products that are commonly washed down the drains. Although only making up a fraction of the five to 12 million tonnes of plastic discharged into the oceans each year, these small beads are "probably the most harmful", said Erik Van Sebille, oceanographer and climate scientist at Imperial College London. "The smaller (the plastic) is, the most harmful it is," he told a news conference Thursday on the Greenpeace ship "Esperanza", moored near Tower Bridge in central London. "Most animals won't eat an entire plastic bag, so the smaller it is, the easier it is to be ingested." He said there was evidence that the excess of plastic was causing harm to sea creatures, including stopping oysters from reproducing. The tiny balls, which can be as small as 0.1 millimetres, are found in numerous cosmetic products, from facial scrubs and exfoliators to shower gels and toothpaste. A 125ml tube of exfoliating cream can contain several hundred thousand microbeads, usually made from polyethylene, explained David Santillo, a researcher for Greenpeace at Exeter University. Too small to be picked up by water treatment filters, they enter the oceans where they are "very effective at picking up pollutants that are in sea water", said Santillo. These pollutants are then passed on to the fish, crustaceans and microplankton that ingest them. - 'Turn back the clock' - The British government is due to launch a three-month review process in December on plans to ban microbeads, amid mounting pressure from Greenpeace and other environmental groups. A petition calling for a ban has gathered more than 375,000 signatures. It urges Britain to follow the example of the United States and other countries which have taken action to limit their use. Story continues Anticipating the ban, British supermarket chain Tesco will remove microbeads from its own brand cosmetic and household products by the end of 2016, the group's quality director Tim Smith announced on Thursday. He said Tesco had asked suppliers to effectively "turn back the clock" to before microbeads, and use natural alternatives such as ground-down coconut shells. Cosmetics giant Johnson & Johnson has pledged to remove microbeads from its products globally by the end of 2017 while toothpaste maker Colgate told AFP it hasn't used them since 2014. US corporation Procter & Gamble says on its website that it is "in the process of eliminating them from our toothpastes and cleansers". Greenpeace said it welcomed the British government's plans to ban microbeads but wants the legislation to go further to avoid loopholes, warning that the situation is only worsening. "By 2025, for every three tonnes of fish, there will be one tonne of plastic" in the oceans, said John Sauven, executive director for Greenpeace UK. (Montferrier-sur-Lez, France) French police are searching for a masked gunman after an elderly woman was stabbed to death in a retirement home for monks in southern France, the national gendarme service said Friday. An unusually large police operation was launched to search for the suspected attacker, believed to be armed with a shotgun and a knife. The identity of the assailant and motive for the killing were unclear. The press service for the gendarmes, or military police, couldnt say whether the incident was linked to a terrorist act. A gendarme service spokesman said early Friday that more than 100 members of the security forces were dispatched to the village of Montferrier-sur-Lez, near the city of Montpellier in the southern tip of France, after being alerted by a guard at the monks residence. The spokesman was not authorized to be publicly named. The body of the woman was found gagged and tied up outside the building and with three stab wounds, the spokesman said. The circumstances of the killing are under investigation. The security forces searched the residence as well as basements and side buildings, but did not find the assailant. The spokesman said the 59 monks in the facility are out of danger, and the search is continuing in a larger perimeter with help from a helicopter and police dogs. France has been under a state of emergency for a year since Islamic State group attacks on Paris killed 130 people. Security has been increased at religious sites, notably after an Islamic State attack on a Catholic church in Normandy in July in which two attackers slit a priests throat and held elderly parishioners hostage. ___ Angela Charlton in Paris contributed. UPDATE: 5:50 p.m. EDT The fatal stabbing incident at a retirement home for Catholic missionaries in southern France is not terror-related, a French prosecutor said Friday, according to the Associated Press. A masked man was at large after killing a woman at the retirement home called Green Oaks in Montferrier-sur-Lez village near the city of Montpellier Thursday night. According to Montpellier prosecutor Christophe Barret, the suspect is likely to in the entourage of this retirement home. Investigators recovered an air gun and other items in a car near the building, according to Barret. Original story: A masked gunman is at large after killing a woman in a retirement home for Catholic missionaries in southwestern France, local police said Friday. Authorities said no evidence could suggest that the attack was terror-related. The incident took place in Montferrier-sur-Lez village near the city of Montpellier Thursday night. The attacker reportedly carried a sawed-off shotgun and a knife, broke into the retirement home called Green Oaks and killed the woman. A caretaker of the retirement home alerted the authorities about the incident. The body of victim was found gagged and tied up outside the retirement home building, according to police. The identity of the deceased was not released. The search in the building is over and the suspect is said to have fled the scene before the police arrived, according to security officials. A gendarme service spokesman told the Associated Press (AP) early Friday that over 100 security forces member were dispatched to Montferrier-sur-Lez. The security forces have evacuated the residents, about 60, who are safe and sound, a local official told Reuters. Nothing at this stage would indicate that this would be a terrorist act, another official told the news agency. Alain Berthet, a local councillor in Montferrier-sur-Luz, told Agence France-Presse that residents of the retirement home are are very elderly with an average age of 75 although some are more than 90. Story continues The African Mission Society operates Green Oaks that is a home to retired priests, nuns and others who have worked on missions in Africa, AP reported. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, a spokesman for the Conference of Bishops of France, tweeted: our prayers tonight go to the woman who lost her life in this attack on a retirement home. France, which has seen a series of attacks carried out by Islamist terrorists, has been under a state of emergency since November last year when Paris witnessed a terror attack in which popular nightspots and the Bataclan concert hall were targeted. The Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, claimed responsibility for the tragedy, which claimed lives of 130 people. In January 2015, two gunmen stormed the Paris headquarters of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and shot dead 12 people. This July, a self-radicalized French-Tunisian mowed down people celebrating Bastille Day in the southern French city of Nice killing 86 people. Just two weeks later, two men who pledged allegiance to ISIS slit the throat of an 86-year-old Catholic priest the Rev. Jacques Hamel at a church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, Normandy. Related Articles BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Hackers attacked the European Commission's computers on Thursday, flooding the EU executive's servers with digital service requests, but while connection speeds were affected, there was no data breach, the Commission said. "Yesterday afternoon the Commission was targeted by an attempt to saturate our internet connection," Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas told a news briefing on Friday. "The commission took effective counter-measures and there was no interruption of service, although connection speeds were affected for a while, there was no data breach," he said. Schinas said the Commission did not know who was behind the attack, which was of the distributed denial of service (DDoS) type when too many simultaneous requests to servers cause the service to crash. The attack happened as Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko visited Brussels to discuss visa free travel to the EU. Schinas declined to comment if there was any connection between the attack and the visit. (Reporting By Jan Strupczewski; editing by Robin Emmott) Dakota Access Pipeline protesters took to the streets of Mandan, North Dakota, to hold a Thanksgiving rally on November 24. The protesters blocked traffic at the downtown intersection of Mandan Avenue and East Main Street. According to local newspaper Bismarck Tribune, 170 vehicles and a school bus arrived in Mandan Thursday morning for the rally. According to ABC, approximately 50 police officers faced off with protesters, as seen in this footage. One person was arrested during the rally, as reported by ABC. Credit: Twitter/bymyelf via Storyful Kanye West (Photo: Dominique Charriau/WireImage) Musician, performer, producer, designer (and, of course, husband of Kim Kardashian and father to North and Saint West) Kanye West was hospitalized on Monday, Nov. 21, just after the multi-hyphen-mogul canceled the remainder of his Saint Pablo tour earlier that day. Wests hospitalization comes after some difficult, and concerning, events and statements by the performer. Sources told the press that West felt like he was experiencing a spiritual attack, and that November is always hard for him because its the month when his mother died. Donda West, an English professor as well as her sons manager, died in November 2007 from heart disease after plastic surgery. This week alone, West exhibited some unusual behavior while on tour for his newest album, The Life of Pablo. On Thursday, Nov. 17, he told concertgoers in San Jose, Calif., that he did not vote in this years presidential election, but if he had, he would have voted for Donald Trump. West allegedly then continued to rant about Trump and his own intended campaign for the presidency in 2020 before performing the track Heartless. Then, on Saturday night, Nov. 19, West once again went on an extended rant at his show in Sacramento, Calif., this time targeting husband-and-wife music icons Beyonce and Jay Z (his supposed good friends). West arrived late for both shows and ended the Sacramento concert after performing for only 30 minutes. Shortly after the brief Sacramento show, West flooded his Instagram account with blurry images of vintage Maison Margiela lookbooks, drawing a host of comments from confused fans. In addition, last month, Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint, after being gagged and bound at the couples apartment in Paris, and was met with an onslaught of disdain and negative comments on social media after surviving the ordeal. Story continues But just as Kim is more than deserving of empathy after dealing with trauma, so is her husband Kanye entitled to concern, and not mocking, in the face of what is purported to be a mental health struggle. Empathy, folks. Empathy, Kat Kinsman, author of Hi, Anxiety and a prolific writer and editor on topics related to food and mental health, tells Yahoo Beauty how to proceed when it comes to discussing Wests emotional issues. Kinsman continues, Kanye tries his damnedest to project an outrageous, maddening, fascinating persona, and he is a fiercely talented performer. But then theres Kanye, the actual man, the human in pain. When someone glitters that brightly, its perhaps understandable that its hard to see. But would you crack jokes if someone had lupus or MS? No? Dont do it now. Need some modeling on what compassionate and honest support of those struggling with depression and anxiety looks like? Look no further than Selena Gomezs speech at the American Music Awards on Nov. 20 and the incredible outpouring of support she received from fans for her compelling description of her own struggle with mental health issues as a result of her lupus. As clinical psychologist Jocelyn Charnas told Yahoo Beauty, the support being shown to Gomez is indicative of the epidemic fueled by social media that paints a picture of perfection, that you must be perfect. Gomezs honesty, and her fans support of it, is a clear repudiation of perfection that does not allow for personal struggle. And, indeed, Charnas added, the best thing to do if you are struggling is to reach out for help just as Gomez did, and just as West is doing now. When we mock or attempt to shame someone publicly struggling with a mental health challenge, everyone loses: The cycle of shame and stigma are reinforced and perpetuated, and many more barriers are placed in the journey toward health and help. Kinsman notes that Wests current situation can also serve as an excellent example of how to show compassion for loved ones and friends who are also struggling with their mental health. She explains that by expressing empathy toward West now, you might help others you know by showing them that they have your support too. You just give them a glimpse into how youd treat them if they were in crisis The fear of your judgment might keep them from getting the help they need, Kinsman says. Love them like Kanye loves Kanye, and well all be better off. Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. The way you drink your coffee can say a lot about your preference for fragrance, aroma, body, and acidity. You can take those preferences and apply them to lots of other foods and drinks, including wine. We asked Paolo Meregalli, owner of popular New York restaurant Mulino a Vino, to give us his wine recommendations based on how different people take their morning coffee. Whether you like your coffee black, as an espresso, with a dose of sugar, or with a splash of milk, here are some wine styles to match your preferences. Black Coffee Black Coffee For those who prefer black coffee, wines that have notes of spiciness, astringency, and acidity are the best choice. Meregalli recommends Ruche, a red Italian grape variety that comes from the Piedmont region and has aromatic, dry, and fruity flavors. You could also try Cabernet Franc, known for its delectable spicy tones. If those two don't fit the bill, sip on Beaujolais nouveau, a light and earthy variety made from Gamay grapes in the Beaujolais region of France. Espresso espresso and biscuits Wines that have high tannins and hearty flavors complement the thick texture and strong bitterness of an espresso. Espresso connoisseurs will enjoy Chianti wines of Tuscany, Italy, which exhibit bold flavors like cherry and tobacco. They might also like Medoc wines, full-bodied reds packed with tastes of chocolate and violet. Marsanne wines produce scents of roasted nuts, pears, peaches, spices, and flowers. Coffee with milk coffee Drinking coffee with milk indicates a preference for softer flavors. Meregalli says to go for aged wines that are smooth but low in acidity. These include Chardonnay, Amarone (a rich and dry red wine with very little acid), Cabernet Sauvignon (a full-bodied red wine wih dark fruit flavors), or a super Tuscan wine. These are red wines that come from Tuscany but may include non-indigenous grape varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Coffee with sugar Coffee with sugar Story continues Not surprisingly, drinking coffee with sugar points to a preference for sweetness. Meregalli recommends looking for wines like Riesling, Moscato, and Zinfandel that are rich in fruit flavors. Tea tea Meregalli has a bonus recommendation for tea drinkers, and dry and savory elements are the key players. Sauvignon Blanc, known for offering consistently fresh and bright flavors, and Sangiovese, crisp blends with flavors ranging from plum to oak, should be the go-to choices. Talia Avakian contributed reporting on an earlier version of this story. NOW WATCH: The one thing you can add to coffee for even more energy in the morning More From Business Insider Barbara Corcoran is no stranger to building a successful business. Shes the founder of the Corcoran Group, one of New Yorks largest real estate companies. Shes also a Shark on the hit reality show Shark Tank where she has invested in dozens of startups over the last couple of years. Yahoo Finance editor-in-chief Andy Serwer recently sat down with Barbara Corcoran, co-founder of Barbara Corcoran Venture Partners, at the EY Strategic Growth Forum in Palm Springs, California and asked her what shes looking for when investing in a business. I want someone who solves a problem. Im not a great believer in a great idea if it doesnt solve a problem, so if it solves a problem, thats the first thing, said Corcoran. The second thing is that Ive got to look at that entrepreneur and really believe that theyre going to make it happen. Everybody falls in love with a new business idea and thats the easy part. Very few people can take it to the finish line. Im looking for someone who is going to overcome the obstacles and seems tough enough, smart enough and street-smart enough to succeed no matter what. Im judging the person as much as I am the business. Corcoran, along with Shark Tank investors Mark Cuban, Kevin OLeary, Daymond John, Robert Herjavec and Lori Greiner, offer a unique opportunity for startups to grow their business at a very rapid pace. Corcoran calls it entrepreneurship on speed. You get to see everything in fast motion. Typically Ill invest in a business and itll take two or three years to get a million dollars in sales, said Corcoran. On Shark Tank, you can rack up a million dollars in sales on Shark Tank night. It happens all the time. All of a sudden, the business is growing like a rocket. Thats a lot more fun to work with than a typical business that takes its time. And if youre looking to bring your big business idea to life, Corcoran shared some advice with Yahoo Finance. The biggest takeaway is dont wait! Do it right away before you forget about it. The best time to do it is when youre young and youre too stupid to know any better. Theres nothing to lose and nowhere to go but up. Yet, people hesitate, and what really damages most of these businesses is when people apply logic. I have just never seen a phenomenal business that was born out of logic. Its all born out of gut and the spirit of the individual, and so if youve got the feeling, I believe youve got to run like hell with it. By Arno Schuetze and Andreas Kroner FRANKFURT/LONDON, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Shipping finance provider HSH Nordbank began meeting potential buyers in London this week ahead of the German lender's planned privatisation next year, people close to the matter said. HSH managers will hold further meetings over the next few days, including with Chinese banks such as Bank of China as well as buyout firms including Apollo and Lone Star, the people said. While the sale of the bank in one piece is the favoured option for HSH's owners, a divestment in two slices - the core bank and a portfolio of non-performing loans - is also a possibility, they added. HSH and the potential suitors declined to comment or were not immediately available for comment. HSH's owners - the northern German states of Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg jointly holding 85 percent - have to privatise the bank by the end of February 2018 and have mandated Citi to organise the process, which will kick off in early 2017. HSH, which said last year that new owners could include other landesbanks, is due to appoint a separate advisor, the sources said. China has been actively scouting for shipping assets in Europe. China Merchants bank, whose biggest shareholder has been a driving force in the consolidation of the industry in China, earlier this year bid for RBS' Greek shipping assets and for the Baltic Exchange, the global hub for shipping benchmarks. Separately, China's COSCO, which owns the world's fourth-largest container shipping fleet, this year bought a majority of Greece's biggest port Piraeus. HSH, which had total assets of 90 billion euros and posted a profit of 160 million euros as of June, sought backing from its owners after risky assets turned sour in 2008, and it got hit further by the slump in global trade after the financial crisis. The EU Commission, HSH and its owners negotiated for years over a plan to restore HSH to health and avoid future state aid. Ahead of the privatisation, HSH is selling a 3.2 billion euro loan portfolio, with a deal for half of that expected this year and the remainder in early 2017, the sources said. Story continues A listing of HSH on the stock exchange looks unlikely given the market's weak appetite for banking assets the people said, pointing to low trading multiples of German peers such as Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank. HSH Chief Executive Ermisch said in the summer that he did not think that the whole bank offered an interesting perspective for a financial investor. HSH relies mainly on wholesale funding, benefiting from its owners' triple A rating. Putting the funding on a new footing is seen as a challenge for a private equity group, the people said. Fees and capital requirements linked to mandatory membership of one of Germany's deposit protection schemes is also seen as a challenge for a potential private equity owner. If a sale or listing of HSH fails, its owners would be forced to wind down the lender with a likely bail-in from creditors. (Additional reporting by Jonathan Saul and Shu Zhang; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle) Bogota (AFP) - Colombia's government has signed a revised peace accord with the FARC rebels, but now faces political battles to implement the controversial deal and end the country's half-century conflict. Here are five hurdles for President Juan Manuel Santos and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) as they seek to seal the peace -- with resistance led by the hawkish ex-president Alvaro Uribe. - Enforcement - Colombians narrowly rejected an earlier version of the accord in a humiliating referendum defeat for Santos on October 2. Uribe has called for another referendum on the new deal. But Santos plans instead to pass it through Congress, where he holds a majority. It is expected to pass after a debate starting Tuesday. - Need for speed - A raft of laws and reforms will be needed to bring the accord's various chapters into effect. The legislation could take months to pass. But with pressure to disarm the rebels as soon as possible for fear of violence, Santos may use a "fast track" procedure if the Constitutional Court permits it. "Everything seems to indicate that the fast-track will be activated, which will make the legal implementation process quicker," said analyst Kyle Johnson of the International Crisis Group. - Political pressures - The government and FARC said the revised accord tightens judicial conditions for trying crimes of the conflict. Uribe complained it still grants impunity for war crimes. He vowed to keep fighting for points where he says the accord should go further, and his party has threatened street protests. Analysts warn the political conflict could complicate the accord, with general elections due in 2018. "Political rivalry over the coming year could obstruct the implementation of the pact," said Jorge Restrepo, director of the conflict analysis center CERAC. Political scientist Frederic Masse of Colombia's Externado University warned that "if the opposition wins the elections, it will be even harder to implement." Story continues - Violence - The FARC are by far the biggest rebel force in Colombia and the key anti-government actors in the war. But there is another, smaller rebel group that has yet to join the peace process. The government's efforts to start talks with the leftist National Liberation Army (ELN) have failed so far due to disputes over hostages. "Unless there is a bilateral ceasefire with the ELN, there will be more fighting with the ELN in areas where the FARC are also present, which could sow confusion," Masse warned. The conflict zones remain riven by territorial demands, gang feuds and local political quarrels, Restrepo says. Remnants of right-wing paramilitaries that once took part in the conflict are feared to be lingering. Then there are the country's drug gangs, which the peace accord is supposed to stamp out. "When the FARC disappear, other causes for violence could emerge," Restrepo warned. "Violence and weapons could be channeled to other conflicts." - Trump - It is not known what will become of US President Barack Obama's pledge of $450 million in aid to end the conflict once his elected successor Donald Trump takes office in January. Trump's abrasive approach to international relations has raised uncertainty in Latin America. "It will be an obstacle, because the United States is swinging to the right and an enormous ally in implementing the accord is being lost," Restrepo said. Concessions to the FARC on tackling the drug-trafficking that has funded them are a delicate part of the accord. Trump's tough approach to crime could have an impact. "In anti-drug policies, which are at the heart of the accord, he will be more than an obstacle," Restrepo said. "He will be an opponent." SYDNEY, Nov 25 (Reuters) - International Business Machines Corp failed in its handling of the A$10 million ($7.4 million) IT contract for Australia's first predominantly online census, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Friday. IBM was the lead contractor for the five-yearly Aug. 9 household survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) that went offline the day after four distributed denial of service attacks that were caused by the website being flooded with clicks. "This was not a particularly clever attack or some great international assault on the census," Turnbull told Melbourne's 3AW radio on Friday. "IBM had a contract to deal with it and they failed," he said. The style of the attack, which occurred through a router in Singapore, was "common" and "utterly foreseeable," Turnbull said, although it was not clear who was responsible for it. An IBM spokeswoman declined to comment on Friday, but the company apologised last month to an upper house Senate inquiry over the outage, while also saying that the router was set up by a subcontractor, Nextgen Networks Pty Ltd. IBM has since reached a confidential settlement with Australia for its role in the breach, Australia's minister responsible for the census, Michael McCormack, said in a statement. The Senate inquiry heard that IBM failed to test the Singapore router properly, which was wrongly configured and became overloaded, causing the website shutdown. The inquiry's report, released on Thursday, also criticised the ABS for favouring IBM during the tender process. "There used to be a saying: 'No-one got fired for buying IBM'," Turnbull said. "I can assure you the lessons will be very carefully learned," he said. ($1 = 1.3501 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Tom Westbrook; Editing by Paul Tait) REYKJAVIK (Reuters) - Iceland said on Thursday it had taken legal action against Iceland Foods Ltd over the British supermarket chain's trademark registration for the word "Iceland". Iceland's foreign ministry said the Europe-wide registration had often left Icelandic firms unable to describe their products as Icelandic and the government had therefore asked the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EU-IPO) to invalidate it. "Iceland Foods has aggressively pursued and won multiple cases against Icelandic companies which use "Iceland" in their representation or as part of their trademark, even in cases when the products and services do not compete," it said in a statement. The goal is to ensure the right of Icelandic companies to use the word "Iceland" in relation to their goods and services, it added. The ministry said the north Atlantic island state had over the past years tried unsuccessfully to resolve the situation through talks with Iceland Foods, which specialises in frozen food. A spokeswoman at Iceland Foods said it wished the Icelandic government had recently approached it to resolve the issue amicably, and that it did not believe there was any confusion between the firm's name and the island nation. "While we will vigorously defend Iceland Foods' established rights where there is any risk of confusion between our business and Iceland the country, we have been trading successfully for 46 years ... and do not believe that any serious confusion or conflict has ever arisen," she said. A spokeswoman for Iceland's foreign ministry said it did not know how long the process at the EU-IPO would take. (Reporting by Ragnhildur Sigurdardottir; Additional reporting by Costas Pitas; Writing by Anna Ringstrom; Editing by Mark Potter) LONDON (Reuters) - Britain cannot expect a better relationship with the European Union than it currently has once it leaves the bloc, incoming EU president Malta said on Friday, signalling a tough stance in looming Brexit negotiations. British Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will trigger Article 50 of the EU treaty, the two-year negotiation process for leaving the 28-nation bloc, before the end of March next year. The tiny Mediterranean island of Malta, a former British colony, takes over the EU's rotating six-month presidency in January. "There will not be a situation where the UK will have a better deal than it has today. It simply cannot be," Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat told BBC radio. Asked about British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson's suggestion that post-Brexit Britain could have access to the EU's single market while restricting free movement of EU citizens, Muscat said: "There is absolutely no bluffing from the European side ..." "No, this is really and truly our position and I don't see it changing," he said, ruling out any softening of the EU position in the Brexit talks. A spokesman for May said her government was approaching the negotiations "in the spirit of goodwill" with a view to seeking the best outcome for Britain and the 27 other EU member states. The BBC also quoted Muscat as saying the talks on the details of Britain's new relationship with the EU could be delayed, but it did not elaborate. Asked if the government was preparing for a delay, May's spokesman said there had been no change in Britain's plans. British voters backed Brexit by 52 percent to 48 percent in a referendum on June 23. Many of those who voted to leave the EU were swayed by concerns over large-scale immigration into Britain from other EU member states, allowed under rules on freedom of movement. (Reporting by Sarah Young and William James; Editing by Stephen Addison) * Tata Steel latest Tata company to remove Mistry * Follows his ouster from Tata Sons in boardroom coup * Mistry, Tata Sons blame each other for problems at group * EGM on Dec. 21 to remove Mistry as Tata Steel director (Adds details from source, background) By Promit Mukherjee MUMBAI, Nov 25 (Reuters) - India's Tata Steel said it removed Cyrus Mistry as chairman at a special board meeting on Friday, the third Tata group company to depose him since his ouster as head of the conglomerate's holding company. Mistry was ousted as chairman of holding company Tata Sons in a boardroom coup in October after the company criticised his performance. Since then both Mistry and Tata Sons have been involved in a war of words blaming each party for problems in the $100-billion salt-to-software Tata conglomerate. The Tata Steel board, in a statement, also said on Friday that it would hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on Dec. 21 to remove Mistry and independent director Nusli Wadia as directors on the board. Mistry was removed earlier this month as chairman of Tata Global Beverages, which co-owns and runs Starbucks stores across India, and as chairman of Tata Consultancy Services, India's biggest software company and a cash cow of the group. A source close to Mistry said in a statement that removing him as chairman of Tata Steel was a "new low" in the corporate governance standards of the Tata group and said representatives of Tata Sons were behind the decision. O P Bhatt, independent director on the board of Tata Steel and former head of State Bank of India, has been elected as chairman of the board of Tata Steel until the outcome of the EGM, the company said. "The board appointed the independent director as the chairman keeping in mind principles of good corporate governance," it said. Tata Consultancy Services, as well as Tata Motors, which owns the Jaguar Land Rover brand, and Indian Hotels Co Ltd , which runs the Taj group of hotels, have also called for EGMs in December to remove Mistry as directors of their companies. Story continues Tata Sons had criticised Mistry's performance and accused him of being responsible for rising expenses and impairment provisions and falling dividends. Mistry sought to defend his record at Tata Sons in a statement on Nov. 15 and said allegations that he oversaw rising expenses and impairment provisions were "another brazen attempt to mislead the public and shareholders." (Reporting by Promit Mukherjee; Editing by Susan Fenton) Were so inspired by President Obamas moving Thanksgiving message Leave it to President Obama to say the exact right thing this Thanksgiving. President Obama As a country, weve just emerged from a noisy, passionate and sometimes divisive campaign season, President Obama acknowledged in his weekly address on the White Houses YouTube channel. After all, elections are often where we emphasize what sets us apart. We face off in a contest of us versus them. We focus on the candidate we support instead of some of the ideals we share. Then the President tied the national holiday into the current political climate. Thanksgiving reminds us that no matter our differences, were still one people part of something bigger than ourselves. President Obama took a moment to remind us what it is that makes us American. Never doubt, that is what makes us American not where we come from, what we look like, or what faith we practice, but the ideals to which we pledge our allegiance. Its about our capacity to live up to the creed as old as our founding: E Pluribus Unum that out of many, we are one.' In the Presidents final Thanksgiving address, he asks the American people to come together to support each other and do our part to make the world a better place. We honor all people from the first Americans to our newest arrivals who continue to shape our nations story, enrich our heritage, and give meaning to our founding valuesas long as we stand up for each other, speak up for what is right and stay true to these ideals, then no one can ever take away our liberty. Thank you for the wise words, President Obama. And thank you for giving us an inspiring message when we need it the most. The post Were so inspired by President Obamas moving Thanksgiving message appeared first on HelloGiggles. IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 25, 2016 / Khang & Khang LLP (the "Firm") announces a class action lawsuit against Impax Laboratories Inc. ("Impax" or the "Company") (IPXL). Investors, who purchased or otherwise acquired Impax shares between February 25, 2014 and November 3, 2016 inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the Firm prior to the January 9, 2017 lead plaintiff motion deadline. If you purchased shares of Impax 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 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, 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. When this information was disclosed, shares of Impax declined in value, which caused investors harm. If you wish to learn more about this lawsuit at no charge, or if you have any questions concerning this notice or your rights, please contact Joon M. Khang, a prominent litigator for almost two decades, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com. This press release may constitute Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. Story continues Contacts Joon M. Khang, Esq. Telephone: 949-419-3834 Facsimile: 949-225-4474 joon@khanglaw.com SOURCE: Khang & Khang LLP Tehran (AFP) - Two trains collided and caught fire Friday in a remote region of northern Iran, killing 44 people and injuring dozens more, in one of the country's worst rail disasters. Provincial governor Mohammad Reza Khabbaz told state television that the crash took place in Semnan province on the main line between Tehran and Iran's second city Mashhad. An express train operating from Tabriz in the northwest to Mashhad had stopped, Khabbaz said, initially suggesting the cause could have been mechanical failure or extreme cold, although it was later put down to human error. Two coaches on the express burst into flames when a passenger train behind smashed into the back of it at 7:50 am (0420 GMT). The front four coaches of the second train -- running from Semnan to Mashhad -- derailed and overturned. "One minute I was sleeping and the next I was being carried out of a coach on fire," one hospitalised passenger told state television. Television broadcast images of a huge column of black smoke and flames shooting into the sky from coaches with their windows shattered, as firefighters battled the blaze and rescue workers searched for victims. With the toll climbing throughout the day, Hossein Kulivand, head of Iran's emergency services, said late Friday that 44 people were killed and 82 hospitalised, of whom 17 were treated for light injuries and released. Human error was determined to have caused the accident. "For some unknown reasons due to human fault, the train (from Semnan) was ordered to move and so it hit the other train from behind," said Mohsen Poor-Seyed Aghaie, the head of Iranian railways. - Injured airlifted - The province's Red Crescent director, Hassan Shokrollahi, said the remote location of the crash site, between Semnan and Damghan, the next major town, had complicated rescue efforts. "Due to the difficulty of access, only our helicopter has managed to reach the scene," he said. Story continues The injured were airlifted to hospitals in Semnan and Damghan. The Tehran-to-Mashhad line was briefly closed to allow an investigation into the cause of the crash, said Sadegh Sokri, spokesman for Iran's railways. A collision on the same line between a freight train and a passenger train left two dead and 30 injured in June 2014. President Hassan Rouhani called for "all technical, administrative and preventive measures to be taken to prevent the recurrence of such an accident". Iranian trains have been involved in four collisions this year with road vehicles, including a crash with a truck in July that left around 30 injured near the Caspian Sea in the northern province of Mazandaran. Collisions between trains are rarer. In the country's deadliest rail disaster, 328 people were killed when a train transporting sulphur, petrol and fertilisers exploded in northern Iran on February 18, 2004. Iran's roads are notoriously deadly, mainly because drivers show scant regard for rules, with 16,000 lives lost in the Iranian year between March 2015 and March 2016. In a sign of progress, however, an average of 28,000 deaths a year were registered on Iranian roads a decade ago. Arbil (Iraq) (AFP) - Iraqi forces should create safe exits for Mosul residents because they cannot protect civilians and wage fierce battles with jihadists at the same time, an aid group said on Friday. The International Rescue Committee also predicted that the fighting to retake the Islamic State group's northern stronghold would last until the spring of 2017 and worried that the trapped population would run out of supplies or take huge risks to flee. "Even with the best efforts of the Iraqi forces to keep residents out of harm's way, the fighting is just too intense," IRC's Iraq director Alex Milutinovic said. Around 70,000 people have fled their homes in the region since the start on October 17 of a huge offensive against Mosul, only about 30,000 of them from inside the city itself. The number of displaced is significantly lower than what the United Nations and other aid organisations had forecast before the operation began. IRC said that was due at least in part to the intensity of the fighting making it too dangerous for civilians to flee and reach the safety of the camps being set up around Mosul. "Which is why Iraqi forces need to do everything they can to ensure there are safe routes of escape," Milutinovic said. "The fighting in Mosul also makes it very difficult to deliver aid and with supplies already running low there are also fears that families will soon be without any food or medicine," he said. - Wounded civilians - Iraqi forces have been advancing slowly across eastern Mosul neighbourhoods in recent weeks, encouraging residents to hunker down in their homes. No official tally has been divulged by the Iraqi authorities but civilians attempting to cross the battle lines to flee Mosul have paid a heavy price. Those who have decided to stay at home also get routinely caught in the crossfire. On Friday in the Khazir camp, east of Mosul, five ambulances rushed in with seven people wounded by rocket and mortar fire in the city's recently retaken Aden neighbourhood. Story continues Mawlud, a man in his 50s, held his 18-month son in his arms, both of them covered in dust. "Rockets and mortar shells fell on our homes in Aden, my wife was wounded in her leg and my other son Mustafa, who is seven got an arm injury," he said. He said they were evacuated by elite forces from the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) that have led the offensive in eastern Mosul. They were later transferred by ambulance from Khazir, which hosts one of the main displacement camps near Mosul, to a nearby hospital. The UN and other organisations have reported an increase in the number of wounded civilians and in the occurrence of the kind of injuries suggesting they were being deliberately targeted by IS as they attempted to flee. LONDON, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Britain and the European Union will find it impossible to strike a full Brexit deal within the two-year period set for negotiations so a transition deal is inevitable, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said on Friday, Sky reported. British Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will trigger the formal EU divorce talks by the end of March, ushering in a two-year period of negotiations before Britain leaves the club it joined in 1973. May has pledged to address concerns that Britain could fall off a "cliff edge" into uncertain trading conditions when it leaves the bloc while her finance minister, Philip Hammond, has said Britain needs a smooth transition out of the EU. "I would expect to see the 'divorce' as it's called take place but that there be a transition period and then a new relationship founded between the UK and the European Union," Kenny said. "And that transition period will actually take longer than people expect," he added. "I think it would be impossible to do all of the negotiations inside of the contemplated two year period. That's why I think there is a growing feeling in Europe that there should be a transition period and that transition period might well be longer than those two years - I think it will be." Kenny said Europe had not yet seen a coherent Brexit plan from Britain as there had been "different statements made by different people", Sky reported. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Stephen Addison) London (AFP) - Britain's departure from the European Union could be softened by a transitional deal, allowing time to set the terms of a full divorce, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny told Sky News Friday. British Prime Minister Theresa May has promised to trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty in March, starting a two-year countdown to negotiate Britain's departure from the bloc. "I think it would be impossible to do all of the negotiations inside the contemplated two-year period," warned Kenny "There's a growing feeling in Europe that there should be a transition period, and that transition period might well be longer than those two years. I wouldn't like to put a timescale on it." The Irish leader insisted there had been "no substantial discussion" at the European Council about Brexit, but that fellow EU leaders saw free movement of people as a "red-line issue" in any future trade deal with Britain. Kenny said he hoped that Britain would retain access to the EU's common market in order to avoid tariff complications at the Republic of Ireland's land border with Northern Ireland, which is part of Britain. "It would mean inconvenience, delays and time-wasting, extra costs and job losses," he said. Former British prime ministers John Major and Tony Blair angered Brexit supporters earlier Friday by raising the idea of a second referendum on the terms of the divorce. Maltese President Joseph Muscat, whose country takes over the EU's rotating presidency in January, earlier told the BBC that European leaders were "not bluffing" about maintaining open borders and that he would "not be surprised" if an ongoing legal challenge delayed May's plans to trigger Article 50. Five suspects, who were arrested last weekend in France on suspicion of planning attacks in the country, were being directed remotely by the Islamic State group, a Paris prosecutor said Friday. The suspects had reportedly planned to carry out terror attacks in and around Paris. "A Strasbourg commando team, and also a man arrested in Marseille, were given instructions to acquire arms. The instructions were given by a commander from the Iraqi-Syrian region via encrypted apps," Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins told a news conference, according to Reuters. The French prosecutor also reportedly said that authorities investigating the case found documents claiming allegiance to ISIS. Last weekend, French authorities said they prevented a major terrorist attack when they arrested seven people who were suspected of planning an "enormous" act of terror. The men - aged 29 to 37 - were arrested in Strasbourg and Marseille while antiterrorism raids were being conducted by officers from the General Directorate for Internal Security and the Research, Assistance, Intervention and Deterrence unit, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said Sunday. France has been combating ISIS since the militant group carried out the tragic Paris attacks on Nov. 13, 2015, that left 130 people dead and injured hundreds more. Since the Paris attacks, France has witnessed four more ISIS terror strikes. The deadliest was the Bastille Day attack in the town of Nice on July 4 when Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel drove his truck through a group of people, who were watching fireworks for Bastille Day celebrations, killing 86 and injuring 303 others. The 31-year-old Tunisian man was ultimately shot dead by police. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack through news agency Amaq. He did the attack in response to calls to target the citizens of the coalition that is fighting the Islamic State," Amaq wrote at the time. Earlier this month, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said he was seeking another extension to the state of emergency put in place after the deadly Paris attacks last year. Story continues Valls told lawmakers that France's 2017 elections and involvement in the United States-led coalition fighting ISIS has made the country a target for terrorist attacks. He said he would ask the parliament for an extension of the state of emergency due to the ongoing security concerns. Related Articles By Maayan Lubell JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli police arrested 13 people on Friday on suspicion of arson, authorities said, after massive wildfires tore through central and northern Israel, a conflagration that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu branded as "terrorism". Firefighters kept battling the flames in wooded hills around Jerusalem and in northern areas on Friday, with support from Palestinian firemen and emergency teams from Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, Russia and Turkey. Netanyahu said he had also accepted offers of help from Egypt and Jordan. Unseasonably dry weather and easterly winds helped kindle the fires, which erupted on Tuesday and now stretch across half the country. Arson appeared to be behind some of the blazes, Netanyahu said. "A price will be paid for this arson-terrorism," he told reporters on Friday. He said the arson was carried out by "elements with great hostility toward Israel." "We cannot tell yet if this is organized, but we can see a number of cells operating," Netanyahu said. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said a dozen people had been detained either while attempting to set fires or fleeing the area, but he provided no further details. Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan told reporters 13 people were arrested. Erdan said those arrested were "minorities", an allusion to either Arab Israeli citizens or Palestinians. "The highest likelihood is that the motive is nationalistic," Erdan told Army Radio. Police, however, stopped short of declaring any motive. The fires are the biggest in the country since 2010, when 44 people were killed in a killed in a massive blaze in the north. Investigators concluded that fire was caused by negligence. ACCUSATIONS Education Minister Naftali Bennett, leader of a far-right party, said on Thursday the fires could not have been started by Jews and on Friday blamed them on "nationalist terrorists", a reference in Israel to Palestinians. "There is no coincidental 'wave of fires'," he wrote on Twitter. "There is a nationalist terrorist wave by fire terrorists meant to murder civilians and cause fright." There has been no official response from Palestinian leaders. But Ayman Odeh, a leading Israeli Arab politician from Haifa, rejected the suggestion Arabs were responsible for arson attacks and accused the Israeli government of taking advantage of the situation to incite against the Arab minority. Nearly a third of the residents of Haifa, a coastal city of around 250,000 people, including a large Arab population, spent the night in shelters and nearby towns and villages after being ordered to leave on Thursday in the face of walls of flame. Smoke billowed over the city on Friday morning as firefighters worked to douse the remaining fires. City officials said the situation was under control but that at least 700 homes had been badly damaged or destroyed. About 80,000 evacuees from Haifa were allowed to return to their homes on Friday as firefighters curbed the flames. Israel's chief of police said on Thursday people may have decided to start fires after seeing the trouble they were causing. "We're in an area where if someone sees on the news there is an opportunity, he can take advantage of the opportunity," said Roni Alsheich. An Israeli army spokeswoman said forces had arrested a Palestinian man caught trying to set a fire near the Israeli settlement of Kochav Yaakov in the occupied West Bank. Footage aired on Israeli television showed three people setting a fire in an open area near the West Bank settlement of Ariel. Police said one man from the Bedouin village of Rahat in southern Israel had been arrested for incitement after he posted a message on his Facebook page calling on others to start fires. Palestinians seek an independent state in territories including the West Bank that Israel took in a 1967 war. The last round of peace talks collapsed in 2014. (Reporting by Maayan Lubell; editing by Luke Baker and Mark Heinrich) (Reuters) - An Israeli security officer shot dead a Palestinian who tried to stab him at a checkpoint in East Jerusalem on Friday, Israeli police said. Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said the Palestinian approached the officer, pulled a knife from under his shirt and lunged at him. The assailant was shot during the struggle, Samri said. At least 229 Palestinians have been killed in violence in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip since October 2015. Israel says at least 155 of them were assailants in a wave of lone attacks often targeting security forces and using rudimentary weapons including kitchen knives. Others died during clashes and protests. The street assaults killed at least 33 Israelis and two visiting Americans over the same period. Palestinians have accused Israeli police and soldiers of using excessive force in many cases, saying many assailants could have been stopped or detained without being killed. In several cases, Israel has opened investigations. Israel says one of the main causes of the violence is incitement by the Palestinian leadership, with young men encouraged to attack Israeli soldiers and civilians. Palestinian leaders say assailants have acted out of desperation, frustrated by the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and annexation of East Jerusalem, territories which the Palestinians want for their own state. Israel captured those lands in the 1967 Middle East war, and maintains tight restrictions on the movement of Palestinians in some areas, especially West Bank checkpoints that border Israel. The last round peace talks between the sides collapsed in 2014. (Reporting by Maayan Lubell; editing by Mark Heinrich)